RolePlayGateway™

Azrael also looks up at Ash's exclamation, glaring back at the other man in the room. "This is good news indeed. You must have been drawn to them as a child, and your parents felt that through a compulsion to take you to the caves. You say they've been moved, and you know where. This is also good. We should go and retrieve them at once." Azrael places the book back in an empty slot on the bookshelf, not really caring if it was the right place. Following Ash up the stairs, he almost runs into her as she stops at the door.

"Yeah...we have company."

Slightly taller than Ash, Azrael looks over her head to see the police officers heading towards the basement just before Ash closes the door. "They could pose a problem. What do you want to do about the officers of the peace clearly coming to arrest us for carrying unconcealed weapons?"

Ash did not want a fight to break out and she definitely did not want to hurt any of the officers. "Fighting them is not an option and I don't want anyone getting killed," she voiced her thoughts to Azrael. It was unwanted attention.

Just as she was about to whisper to Azrael, the door opened and the officers stood there staring at them. At the sight of Ash and Azrael with a sword, one of the officers stepped forward.

"I need the two of you to drop your weapon," he said.

"It's not really a weapon. It's a prop for a play we're both in," Ash repeated her explanation.

"Ma'am, I'm not going to ask you again. Please put your weapon down," this time, three of the other officers took out their guns and aimed it at them. Ash sighed and brought her hand to the side of her belt. Unknown to them, she was calling upon her powers. Her azure eyes darkened and her eyes widened. "Time to test my new found powers," she whispered and held onto Azrael's hand just as everything came to a stop. When she looked up, the four officers were not moving. By keeping constant contact with Azrael, she enabled him to remain unfrozen. Clutching her left hand into a fist, Ash summoned the powers that the Tree of Wisdom had granted her. Hundreds of images flashed before her and Ash scanned through all of them quickly; she found the one she was looking for. Holding onto Azrael's hand, Ash held up her free hand and touched the scene she had identified.

A small black dot formed in front of the officers and it grew bigger with every second. Without warning, their surrounding was sucked into the vortex. Smaller items were drawn into the time hole before the very walls around them was ripped from the ground and sucked in. Ash and Azrael were the only ones who remained unmoving. Pretty soon, the two of them were standing in a black abyss where nothing seemed to exist until slowly, bits and pieces of the location Ash had chosen began to fall into place around them. Closing her eyes, she concentrated and when she opened her eyes, they were now standing on the steps that led up to the library. She had done it, she had travelled back through time!

Still holding onto Azrael's hand, Ash pulled him so that they were now standing behind one of the large statues that lined the stairs. She did it just in time as she saw the figures of two people running up the stairs. It was strange to see herself running up the stairs when she was standing right there. "We can go to Metropolitan museum now," she told Azrael.

As the police burst through the door, Azrael instinctively reached for his sword, resting his hand on the hilt while the officer spoke. A sheepish grin was his best way to add to Ash's story without truly interfering, but, much like the old woman behind the reception desk, it was to no avail. He was about to whisper a suggestion to her when he felt time slow around him, knowing it was Ash, yet still able to move freely. It was then that he noticed her hand holding his, the link keeping her powers from affecting him. I'll have to remember to test this for myself sometime.

Before he could suggest using this moment to slip out of the library, a small black dot appeared in front of them, growing ever larger as it began to consume everything in the room, a vacuum in time sucking in all things that did not belong. He felt himself being drawn to it, his core being pulled along with everything else in the room, until finally it stopped, leaving the pair briefly suspended in a limitless void of nothing, black as pitch and colder than anything he had ever experienced on the physical plain. Had it not been for her hand on his, Azrael would have surely thought she had killed the both of them.

As though from deep within a scrying pool, pieces of scenery and landscape began to form around them, forming into a location they had previously been, no more than an hour before. She had somehow managed to transport them to the outside of the building, completely bypassing the officers down in the basement. She had...It's not possible...That can't be...

Azrael stood mouth agape until Ash pulled him behind one of the guardian lion statues that stood to either side of the top of the staircase. He simply could not comprehend how he had seen what he had just seen. For the first time, Azrael faced Ash truly flustered. "What did you just do? Did you just...?" He didn't know what he wanted to ask first, and the rest came out a jumbled mass of words, nothing forming a coherent thought, but many peeking at the intention.

--NPC for Feiht—

The darkness was quickly advancing within the woods that the Guardian Feiht rode through. The silence was eerie, impenetrable and isolated to the collection of trees, and to those trees alone. Despite her bravery, a shiver would run down Feihts spine as the hooves of her horse would crunch against the decaying leaves that scattered the path, and as the occasional twig would snap beneath the beasts’ weight either the horse or woman astride it would startle in the most subtle of movements.
Nightfall continued to ascend, and yet the one known as Feiht would still find herself amongst the trees, which has only noticeably grown thicker, not thinned as they would towards the release of their non-physical grasp.
From the shadows, two eyes peered, blinking at Feiht as she passed. The yellow whites of those orbs went unnoticed by the Guardian, as they had the woman’s entire journey throughout the woods. The stalker continued to stalk, the woods continued to intrude on the comfort of the guardian, and the trees continued to increase in thickness. The horse the Guardian rode was gradually growing skittish, sensing the evil that lurked close by, and its dancing indicated to the Guardian that something was amiss. Again those yellow-white eyes flashed in the imposing darkness of the shadows, and as horse and rider passed through one of the few pools of light, the horse stumbled upon a protruding root. It would recover within moments with little is any ailment, but those few seconds were all the stalker needed.

Polished steel glinted in the sunlight that Feiht had just passed through, and as the horse recovered from its stumble, it shied away from the blade that whistled through the air towards Feiht. The hand that held the long swords hilt was rough and callused, strong and sure, pitted like the moon would be pitted with natural craters. The head of the man was bald, the scalp shining and patterned with ritual tattoos, and the yellow-whites of his eyes surrounded a dark pupil, tiny bloody veins branching off from them. his teeth gleamed white against a dark face as he grinned cruelly, a killing blow direction at the woman.

- - - - - - - - - - - |-|-|A Special Place In Flinx|-|-| - - - - - - - - - - -

A puff of wind caused a patch of white to rise higher above the lush grass, its white arms standing out straight from the seed on its centre. It continued to hover above the ground, allowing itself to be carried upon the wind to its destination, where it would bury into the ground, only to germinate and grow into the small yellow flower that was one among many types that scattered the valley.
Another puff of wind, which gradually grew into a weak yet steady breeze, that caused the sea of green to rippled beneath its minor authority gently, lowering in a mocking bow. The vast sea of grass was constant, gracing the dirt that created the mounds which those of numerous languages called hills, and the depressions which one might happen to call valleys.
It was in one of these valleys that the white, fluffed seed finally came to rest amongst of group of, ironically, its own kind, amongst a mass of white stones, flecked with grey and engraved with words and pictures. Many of these engravings were so weathered that one could barely read them unless they had been told of what was once written by one of old.
However, it was in front of the newest that the stones that the seedling did come to rest. The engravings were fresh, only, at the most, two weeks old, and they stood out clearly. If one with the ability to read such engravings did so, the following words would spring to their eyes.

Here lies Era Antack Ephah, may she rest in peace beside the Graceful Mother. May she be recognised for her love, care, and affections. May she be remembered always as one of the most influential and honourable of her clans leaders thus far. And furthermore, may she be remembered for her love, trust, care, and the joyous life she brought to her family, friends, and mere acquaintances.

And then, if those eyes were to be one who knew the one that lay below the seedling, they would know that the words did not do the woman justice. For they were mere words, and no phrase, sentence, paragraph or single word could encompass what this woman, Era Antack Ephah, was.

Another breath of wing struck, stronger then those previous, and it caused the seedling to rise. No longer would it rest with its brethren. No – it would start its own Brotherhood, before another of these stones. Before the stone it found its true home, it came to rest before a sorrowful site that it would within many, unearthly short days, it would hide with its brotherhood to aid it. Again words were engraved upon the stone, and if the seedling could read, this is what it would be graced with.

Josen Corntark, a young life destroyed too soon. Loving son of Mariella Contark and Trantarl Contark. Dearly loved brother of Janeth, Linta, Nola and Reeyantshi. A young man who will never be forgotten, for his spirit lives on in all that knew him.

And below this, engraved so faintly that one would have to put their face mere centimetres from the solid substance to read what was written, the following.

Beloved of _____. You will always be remembered in my heart, no matter where the Graceful Mother will turn my life’s path.

- And you shall always be remembered, for my soul lives on. Come find me, love, or let me find you.

The lack of the beloved name could leave many puzzled. And it one who had seen the stone when it was newly engraved stumbled upon it and happened to read it once more, they would note that the last four sentences were not there a single decade ago. The first two had only arrived a mere year after the initial planting of the stone, and the very last two had only arrived a week prier to the seedling finding its place in the world.

Lightning struck in the distance, soon followed by the sound of thunder, rumbling deeply like the Gods chuckle. Only it was not the welcome sound that usually graced the world of Flinx upon a storm – no, it was the sound of The One Who Should Not Be. His anger strived to touch the sacred valley, but it did not prevail as the single boulder that graced the valley seemed to glow weakly in the Spring light. As it did, the few sparse fluffy white clumps of moisture seemed to be sent into peaceful turmoil as they began to approach each other.

By nightfall they will have formed to create a massive cloud that would cast the valley in a dim, yet peaceful light, and shower it and its seedling that would, within a few days, hide its stone.

- - - - - - - - - - - |-|-|Anila & Moira|-|-| - - - - - - - - - - -

The eagle that dove towards them pulled up abruptly, only to settle upon Anila’s welcoming outstretched arm. It peered at her with its intelligent golden eyes, and Anila opened up her mind subconsciously, whilst the eagle did the same. Through this, the connection was made, and the eagle began a rapid explanation to Anila’s unasked questions.

The one who should not be invades our lands. His evil steps foot upon it, his anger contaminates it, his very being destroys it. An army raised and led by one of strength attempts to hold him off from our land, but he will not prevail for long. Shqlytan’s strength is too great for the young man of old to stand tall for much more. Thee must band with the other, joining forces, joining powers, joining strength – he will aid you, and you him. Save us, Guardian, for without your saving we will not survive.

For a moment Anila was flustered by the true intelligence of the life that rested upon her arm, but then the feeling passed and it dawned upon her of what the eagle had said. Within moments she had acquired a scrap of parchment, and after digging into the ground for a few moments, she had acquired enough of a chalk like substance that would not rub, and had scrambled the briefest of notes. Within another batch of time, the eagle was aloft, and Anila was rapidly explaining what she could gather from the eagles words to Moira.

OoC: Shqlytan is the word the birds use for Garthox, though depending on their intelligent the name is often abbreviated. Only birds such as the eagle and a select few others have the intelligence to use the proper name.


- - - - - - - - - - - |-|-|The Canyon Where Jude Currently Is|-|-| - - - - - - - - - - -

The gentle murmur of many men and woman alike created a chorus of chatter louder then they had intended; they spoke with hushed tones for a purpose. Their words echoed off the canyon words, incoherent but constant. Occasionally a louder shout was heard over the top of the constant murmur, only to find itself falling on deaf ears unless the shout was given by someone of authority – only then did the soldiers snap their heads around to where the louder vocal had been emitted from.
Occasionally a gaze would be cast upwards to that precarious tree that so insanely reached out over the gap of the canyon in a hopeless attempt to reach the other side. But it was not the tree the gazes were interested in, it was the man that sat upon it. So young, and yet, in such a cliché manner, so much older then his years. He had proven himself, and continued to do so. Eyes followed him as he dropped from his perch onto the wind, only to travel overhead the army of Flinx and to disappear from site around the turn of the canyon.
A pair of these eyes continued to follow Jude even after he had turned the bend, and their owners trudged after him, weaving between those in his path.

Kane showed little recognition of Jude’s superiority as he approached him. Almost as soon as he had closed within a metre of the young man, he spoke his name and waved a foot soldier away with little care.
“Jude, hear me now. She has arrived.” Before any questions could be made, Kane held up a wrinkled hand. Grey hair clung to the mans scalp, sparse and thin in its growth. His face was worn with lines of weather, age, wisdom, and life, as were his hands from the hardness of working on the land, and wielding a weapon. Peering at Jude with old, forest green eyes, Kane spoke again hurriedly.
“Do not ask how I know, for it is written in the heavens and the stars.” The old man paused, a smile crinkling on his lips. “Or so I would tell you if I did not know any better. It is also written on this, and in the eye of the bird.”
Taking a step back from Jude, Kane held his arm aloft and whistled sharply. Within seconds a magnificent specimen of eagle rested upon his clothed arm, its claws digging into his shirt sleeve and arm softly. Its intelligent golden eye peered at Jude, and it snapped his beak at him once. As it did, Kane reached into his shirt and pulled from it a scrap of parchment, handing it to Jude.
“A note from the Guardian herself. She asks for assistance, Jude – she knows not how dangerous the path is for herself and her fellow guardian without help of one who knows the land. She needs you; you have proven yourself, even if she may not yet know of your exploits – the bird does. The land does.”
The old man, Kane, smiled at Jude forlornly as the eagle launched itself from his arm, to soar high above the mass of people and hover above, directing itself with subtle tilts of its wings. It would wait for Jude, and then lead him to his destiny.

Ash (Earth):
Ash took a moment to take in what she had done as well. This was her first time testing her new found powers and she too was amazed with what she had done. Releasing Azrael's hand, Ash pointed to the two people who were now entering the building. "I just brought us back through time at the point where we entered the library. That's us," Ash explained and moved out from behind the statue. "I can't believe I did it," she whispered to herself.

A thought entered her mind, "But if that's the case, all I've done is buy us an hour or so. That librarian will still call the cops and they will come. Once they've realised we've disappeared, they might come searching for us. We'd better go now." Ash began to walk down the stairs and cast one last glance at the library, trying to come to terms with the fact she had just traveled through time. Once on the pavement, she looked about for a minute before recalling where the Metropolitan Museum was and moving off in that direction.
...................................................................................................................

Alagera (Solas):

The tremors became greater and ignoring her grandmother's warnings, Alagera swam out of the home and upwards so that she could look past the cliff. "No..." she whispered, anguish in her voice. Her beloved Kingdom was being blown to pieces, section by section. Alagera pushed away from the cliff, her aim to get to her family but a hand gripped her leg and she was pulled back. "Let me go! I can safe them! I can get them out! Just let me go!" Alagera attempted to push her grandmother away but she held firm.

Grabbing her granddaughter's chin, Nera looked her in the eye, "Listen to me! There is nothing that you or I can do now to help them! But we must get away as there is a quest. There is one that we must aid so that this madness will end."

"Who must we aid? What..." Alagera allowed her grandmother to pull her back down but another explosion erupted and this time it was closer than the last.

"Not now child. We leave first. Come," shoving the sack at Alagera, Nera pushed the young woman before her in the opposite direction of the kingdom. As they swam further and further away from their Kingdom, Alagera's heart filled with sorrow and despair at the thought of her people, her family all dead. Her hands clutched into fists as anger filled her soul. They swam for a long time, the sounds of the destruction of their Kingdom fading into the background. Everytime Alagera attempted to swim in the direction of a nearby Kingdom, Nera pushed her in another direction. Although Alagera was itching to ask her grandmother where they were going, she kept her mouth shut as the old healer kept swimming as though she was on some important mission.

Once in awhile, Alagera swam up to the surface of the waters to check on any sign of the enemy. But the further they traveled through the Northern Seas, the less worried she became. For the fifteenth time since they begun their swim away from their kingdom, Alagera swam up to the surface. Flipping her fringe away from her face, she took in the calm surface that was now dark as night had come.It was equally quiet up here as it was down there. Except that in the waters, Alagera could still hear the sounds of the creatures of the sea. Certain that there was no enemy within the region, Alagera dived back into the sea and swam for her grandmother who was waiting patiently despite the fact that she did not believe the regular checks were necessary.

But as Alagera neared her grandmother, the healer began to swim away. Looking up, she saw to whom her grandmother was swimming to. It was a merman. However at that point, Alagera did not trust anyone and swam faster to catch up with Nera intent on grabbing the old woman and keeping her mouth shut. "Urail, Urail," she tried to call out to her grandmother without alerting the merman. Irritation filled her voice as Nera continued to ignore. Before Alagera could stop her, Nera swam faster and pushed herself forward so that she was now in front of the merman, blocking him. Alagera cursed under her breath and swam, catching up with her.

"We have come to aid you young one," Nera said kindly to the man she knew was the Guardian.

The observers under the ocean, sitting upon the walls of the Crystal City of Tridentius simply waited. No one better understood the strategems of water combat and the commanders certianly knew of toxins and oils. Of course, they also knew that several of their number could manipulate the subtle currents of the water; thus, the effect of such toxins and oils could be mitigated to the surface, the currents pushing it away from the city. Standing in rows in front of the gate, stood the army of Al-amar, a glorious site to see indeed. Legions upon legions spilled forth from the underwater city, Blade-Warriors, the elite Legion, the Al-Amani Royal Guard, the Beast Handlers of Tridentius all arrayed against this threat. However, for the first time in centuries, a segment of the military was commisioned that had been brought out only a handful of times in history. Standing scattered throughout the force, stood the Sages. Despite the over-abundance of melee troops and front-line fighters, the Sea-Emperor had formed a group of mages who had slight control over the element that covered Solas. It was his final line of defense and was only revieled in times of urgency, like a toxic attack that could annhilate the entire population of Tridentius in one go.

Despite the black cloud looming above them, like a threat of doom and death, not a single merman or mermaid was in the least bit scared. For, at this moment in time, Emperor Tridentius was standing at the fore of his army, willing to enter the fight personally in defense of his kingdom. Despite never seeing such massive objects floating on the water, he understood their uses. Combating them, was a force that was much further advanced than his own people were. However, technology and machines meant little against honor and warrior spirit. The Arva whale in itself could reduce the over-all effect of any toxin. No one had bested Al-amar in war, and they would not do so now; despite this, they waited, wanting to see the strength of their opponent first. The newcomers or the Magi of their rival Kingdom, both legitiment threats, but which one was more so?

The warriors were over-joyed and ready for battle, their General having come home. By this time, the truth of who and what Kairen was had spread through them like a tidal wave. One of their own, one who had trained with them and by them was a Guardian. Standing in their legions and columns, each and every person was filled with a sense of fervor and zealotry. With Kairen on Solas, they could not lose. Such was the state of the Al-amar military, waiting for the fight to begin.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kairen had been swimming through the shifting currents of the Northern Sea for a while; the young Guardian did not know as to exactly how long he had been navigating this region, that was irrelevant. What mattered was retreaving the strength of the Guardian of Solas in order to massacre the armies that imposed upon his borders. It was no longer his grand-father's kingdom, but also his. However, it was not just the Warrior-Realm that was part of his heart, but the entire world of Solas. No matter who it was, they were his people, and he would not see them ravaged by the terrors of war. His powerful legs, now encased in the Kai armor, pushed him further north-east, towards the Ice Wall.

Of course, he quickly realized the duo that were approaching him; he noticed it as soon as the younger of the two had spoken. The Guardian quickly spun as a rather elderly figure swam up to him, offering aid in his cause. Kairen was momentarily baffled, he had not expected any aid, and the young merman was tempted to accept automatically. However, he stopped as soon as his keen eyes realized that they were not of his realm...quite the opposite. They were the subjects of the Magi, the traitor to his own people and to Solas. His blades snapped out, not the ones he had before, but rather, a new kind. With his body being encased in the carapace, he had removed his gaunlets and their weapons. Now, he wielded the most lethal weapon known to Solas. Being a part of the armor, they were formed of the exact same substance,the blade honed to the width of a single molecule. They just seemed to be extensions of the armor actually, two crescents that could slice a fish into sushi in one stroke.

By instinct, he became suspicious, stopping his movement to float amidst the under-sea currents, gazing over this pair that had approached him.

"What would one of your realm have with one of Al-amar? We are enemies, elder. I am the General-Prince of Al-amar, Kairen Al-amar. Why would you wish to aid me? I do not doubt your wisdom, but you cannot fathom my purpose in coming to the Northern Sea."

He was suspicious, he could not afford Garthox to defeat him. If he could not complete his mission in as quick a time as possible, his efforts would be for not and his world would cease to exist. In his mind, he had a right to be questioning. Within the depths, ones only allies were his battle-brothers and sisters; no one else could be trusted at this time and place.

As the depth charges floated down and continued to ravage the once great city two figures sat silently in a cave over a league away, watching the conflict with minor interest. One, a massive specimen of a merman from ages long past, stood at nearly nine feet, thick bundles of muscle stretching across his entire form. A relic of an age of hardship long past this brute of a merman bore hundreds of scars, a testament to his iron will to survive, and his berserker fighting style.

The second individual in the room was quite the opposite of her warrior companion. Standing at just over seven feet she wore nearly as little clothing as he, merely reorganized into a way deemed more appropriate for a woman. If one was to see her the first thing that would strike them was her beauty, for she bore the shape and look of a goddess, and held herself like one. Yet after her beauty any viewed her would see her eyes, for they were a cold blue, like the thickest of ice, and spoke of an age and wisdom far unexpected when compared to her beauty and apparent youth.

This silent pair, so odd and ancient, continued to watch the events unfold until at last turning to one another in unison, an annoyed resolution in each of their eyes; for they knew what had to be done, and after so long with one another, words were pointless. With one last look at the battlefield each rose and began to collect assorted items and apparent trinkets from their strange store of relics. Seemingly to be at last satisfied with their odd assortment of gear each left their small dwelling in turn, leaving it nearly perfectly camouflaged with its coral surroundings, and headed off on their own missions, with missions the same, yet with completely different paths.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The first to reach their goal was the woman, the siren, who deftly slid up the side of one of the massive ships, absentmindedly viewing the scrambling crewman around her. As a pair of guards finally took notice of the strange arrival she snapped at them, her voice laced with magic.

“You, go get whoever’s in power here, you, jump overboard.”

Chuckling lightly as the pair set about their assorted tasks she watched with a bemused expression as the armored soldier slowly drifted downward to his death as his companion rushed off to find the captain of the ship. Her little millennia long hermitage had had it’s perks, but she could never resist a bit of fun from time to time when she got the chance, and these weakminded soldiers would be perfect for what was to come.

Skidding around a corner as if driven by Garthox himself a soldier burst onto the main deck, barely managing to form words.

“S-S-Sir someone came aboard, I-I think you should see this.”

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Less than a mile away, speeding low to the ground towards the mobilizing defenders was the sirens scarred companion, also resolute and sure of his path. Swimming over a last wall of coral he slipped to the edge of the massive formation, sliding in line with the rest of the elite warriors. While many took brief glances in his direction none spoke up, or broke formation. It was not completely unheard of for warriors to seek the solace of the outside world, and the question of whether or not he belonged was easily shoved aside with his military precision and collection of scars.

Letting a small smile pass his hardened features the one called Tyre viewed the forces above. This would be a good day to die, not for him of course, it was never that easy, yet just the same many would die today, leaving the strong to fight in the days to come. If all was well Asenath would soon set things into motion, and if things weren’t it would all work out eventually.

Gripping his staff with anticipation he viewed those around him. Many bore weapons quite different than his own, it was strange really. He’d known these were the “Elite” from the moment he’d seen them, though they didn’t bear the strength he had once seen in those that had called themselves such. The last few millennia had been too easy on these “civilized” cities, it was about time there was a culling of the weak, and this Minion of he should not be would provide such a culling, though even if he didn’t, it would come begin soon enough, less than a month actually, if it all went according to plan.

Alagera (Solas):

Alagera pushed her grandmother behind her and slid her own blades from her belt. She compared her own weapons with that of the man that Nera seemed to call the Guardian. She was at a disadvantage in terms of weapons but Alaera held firm. She was not going to allow him to hurt her Urail. Too many deaths had already occured and she was not going to give up without another fight.

Both of them listened and Alagera's guard went up a notch. He was the General-Prince of Al-amar, a greater reason for them to flee now. His Kingdom should have heard of her own Kindom's treachery, feeding his hatred for her people.

Nera moved from behind Alagera and held a hand up to her heart before bowing, a sign of respect for royalty. "Your mistrust is understandable young Guardian. My name is Nera. I am a healer. I know of your quest young one as I have seen this day come." Nera nudged her granddaughter to give the prince respect and Alaera bowed but did not relinquish her weapons.
"We are here to aid you as our King has sided with he who should not be and our people have paid the price for it. If not for revenge, for justice, Guardian. We vow to aid you in this quest. I must admit I am not sure of your purpose in coming here although I can presume it in search of an item," Nera began to ramble away and Alagera had to grab hold of her grandmother's hand.

"What she means is we are offering to help," Alagera wrapped all that her grandmother had said with that one sentence. If her Urail was right, this man was the only one who could save Solas. All the tales she had heard of as a child; of an ancient evil that threatened to return and conquer the world was true. And this man here, Kairen, was one of the eight who would have to defeat that evil.
................................................................................................................

Hugh (Land of Arilt):

The silver spires shot up and twined around each other, twisting and bending till they formed the eight thrones. Embedded into the head of each throne were crystals, all of different colours. The lake's surface now solidified by the silver, Hugh walked over it to stand in the center of the eight thrones that stood high above the ground. As soon as Hugh reached the middle of the ring of thrones, a small portion of the ground that he stood on rose up solwly so that he was now on level with the eight thrones.

"Kings of the past hear my call," Hugh spoke aloud and as soon as those words escaped his mouth, the crystals on the throne began to shine brightly and from it, different coloured mist began to emere from it and began to take on a form in the thrones.

Two Hours Later...

"S-S-Sir someone came aboard, I-I think you should see this"

The Soldier burst into the bridge, spouting this message in a shaky voice. He form has shaky, and he also seemed to be very scared about something. He was panting.

The captain simply replied, as he had seen everything to have just transpired through the "eyes" of a Scout Knight. He didn't even move, not even bothering to look at the Soldier.

"Tell her... That I would like to talk with her."

The Soldier nervous left the bridge, and told the mysterious woman that just that.

Back On The Bridge...

The Captain, who had been viewing the scene remotely from one of the Scout Knights, reached out into the Aether that connected all these knights. He felt the familiar sensation of lightness that accompanied this. And soon, his mind was that of the Knights, part of a massive hive mind, made of many smaller ones; Every Knight, unless commanded too, acted under it's own "free" will, but they were not truly alive, just automatons that seemed more alive that machines ever could be.

It was a web of pulsating crimson energy, slowly shifting as the Knights moved under their own personalities and control. Now... the captain forced his will upon two combat Knights, and brought them to guard his position.


Roughly Ten Kilometers Outside Tridentius...

The massive 15th Mar-Sani Legion was waiting anxiously outside the city of Tridentius, eager for war and the chance to crush their neighbors the west, whom had always been regarded as Imperialists by the Mar-Sani Kingdom.

This whole split was due to a long and deep hatred, spanning back to an attempt by the kingdom of Al-Amar to impose their rulership over a particularly corrupt King and his Kingdom roughly 40 years ago. Of course, this was taken as a invasion attempts by the peasants, and thanks to the Law of the Defender, the Al-Amar Army was pushed back. The kind was eventually hung by his own people, but the Mar-Sani had never forgiven the Al-Amar for that event to this day. Throughout the ranks, some of the more "Zealous" Commanders were shouting encouragements to the troops alternated with Anti-Al-Amar Propaganda.

Now, they would have their revenge, "freeing" the Al-Amar Kingdom from their Nobility, and making sure the King was dealt with in a proper way. By that, it was inferred that he would be beheaded, and his body left to rot on a spike in front of the Palace.

The legion itself was roughly 1.4 Million Men, organized into 14 100,000 Man Companies, and Deployed at various points around the city of Tridentius. Their banners and shining armor would have been a brilliant sight in the underwater environment, but the ever-present slick that coated the sees block out all light, but for the occasion flash of a depth charge as it impacted with Tridentius. Morale was high in the 15th Legion, even in this darkness. And Finally, the propaganda being delivered by the Commanders added a kind of nationalistic frenzy to all of it; Companies frequently broke out in cheering and shouting battle cries, pounding their Tridents on the ground as the did. The sound of 100,000 pounding their weapons on the ground carried, the shouting and collective boom could be heard from miles off.

Each Company was almost exclusively infantry, with 100 Heavy Crab Frames, along with one Command Crab for the entire army. The Command Crab was a giant Heavy Frame, where the entire Mage complement, and the Magi himself was currently residing. Unlike the other frames, this one was equipped with a water filter because of it's residents, along much heavier and thicker steel armor than it's smaller counterparts had. And it stood a massive 40 meters tall! This creature loomed over the 1st Company, which happened to be the elites and Aquatic Lancer Division. There was no shadow to cast, as the light was already blocked out by the slick overhead.

The Heavy frames were normal giant crabs, hollowed out and replaced with the framework of a Knight. They were unlike anything ever seen by the Merman, Mar-Sani or Al-Amar, multi-legged walking pieces of steel plate and chitin. They loomed over the normal troops, standing like statues, waiting for their commands to wade into melee and brutally crush all who stood before them. They required no driver, and thanks to the Knight frame, could operate independently, displaying an almost human level of rationality in combat, but nothing more than that; They were killing machines, simply put, things that were masters of combat, but unable to reason or think for themselves outside of that. But they did their job with a maximum of gruesome efficiency, and some of the combat frames in use were know to rack up kill counts in the 1000s during battles.

All of those Caluxe inventions in the Mar-Sani army had been thanks to one pivotal thing. Ever since the agreement between the forces of Claudius and the Magi Suran Mar-Sani, the kingdom had been preparing for war. With the help of Claudius, they had equipped themselves with strange and foreign magical Technology, things like the Crab Frames.

Currently, they were holding position, and waiting for commands.

On-Board the NGS Gorthax.[i/]

[i]A constant series of Depth charges were being dropped through the slick that covered the ocean for miles. They landing in the water with a plop, splattering black crude oil over the sides of the ship. This had been going for hours now, and the supply of charges was nowhere from empty; Half of the storage space of the Gorthax was devoted to storing those, and a huge amount of black powder has stored in the hold, for use with the three 10 Ton Casings that had yet to be detonated.

As the charges touched down in the city, they usually sat for a moment, before exploding with a magic force and shockwave that was many times larger than it's equivalent weight of Black Powder, thanks to the enchantments put on the charges.

They took out entire city blocks as they exploded, the underwater environment increasing the power of the charges even more, thanks to waters ability to carry shockwaves with more force than air. Entire cliff faces were sheered off by missed charges, and this slowly took it's toll on the city.

~~~

Ten knights equipped for underwater combat were hurled off the side of the ship, the ones mentioned before, coated in high grade steel armor and razor sharp spikes that would cut through almost anything but solid rock and thick sheets of metal.

They dropped upon the city like bricks, and crashed into buildings, killing the inhabitants and taking the roofs with them. Slowly, but surly, they made their way towards the Imperial Palace, killing anyone and everyone who got in their way with razor sharp slashes of their tentacles. They had breached the inner layer itself, and the guards would soon find that their wieght, combined with their armor and speed, made them almost impossible to get rid of.

Smirking at the return of the trembling guard the Siren slowly followed him to the bridge, the eyes of many a crewman trailing in her wake. As she walked her seemingly lazily gazing eyes registered everything around her, her mind keeping track of blueprints and wall thicknesses as she traveled. The build of this considerably large vessel was...pathetic, all things told. Like much of what she had seen it was made to deal with the masses, when used in mass. Against a small number of strong enemies it was merely a meat shield, ready to be ripped to shreds by the proper opponent.

As she finally reached the bridge at her slow, unhurried pace her eyes flew across the many panels and controls, keeping track of the location of many of them, and guessing the use of many more. This ship was, adequate, for it's purpose, but she was fairly sure she could out swim the pile of junk, not that she'd ever be hurried enough to try. Lazily appraising the weathered captain of the vessel she measured him up quick enough. He wasn't a fool, he would be like a pillar to the underlings around him, kill of him, and those like him, and this surprisingly efficient military would crumble, yet just the same she had not come here for such things, for now it would be more prone for her to offer her services. With a bemused smile she cocked her head to the side slightly.

"I was told you wished to speak with me?"

As she spoke she absentmindedly registered the lone pair of guards, they were strong, yet she did not need to fight with strength, and if the need was called for they could be dispatched quite easily.

The day wore on tirelessly, the sun peaking slowly and holding it as if it never wanted to go back to sleep. Earro was beginning to fall behind Rabe, her large paws padding more easily over the lose sand than his more narrow feet. Noticing his absence at her side she slowly looked back, seeing him struggle to lift each foot out of the sand as he pushed forward. Not slowing her pace she looked out into the distance, searching for some kind of relief from the heat as they continued in the direction the book had indicated.

“Come on pup, it can’t be that much farther, I and even if it is still a ways to go the night is approaching” Earro didn’t have the strength to process her up lifting news, he just kept walking his body shutting out everything else except breathing and walking. The sun finally released its choke hold as center stage, but still creped slowly across the stage as it neared the horizon. Neither had ever walked through a desert, and as such did not predicted how harshly the temperature could turn at night. The wind picked up in a dramatic typhoon, the grains wearing their skin down like sand paper.

At this point Earro was so far behind Rabe had no choice but to stop and wait, resting her paws as she waited. “I don’t think I can go on like this” Rabe lifted her head and eyed him suspiciously, not believing that a Guardian could be so weak. “Your fine, come on if we hurry we can get out of this waste land by noon tomorrow. Picking up her usual pace she moved far head swiftly, figuring that if she showed that she would not pamper him, he would quit his whining and put some fire in his bones. The night wore on speedily, as do all things you cherish. Neither of them speaking, the silence almost, unrealistic considering how many hours had gone by. The sun began to poke its blazing head above the dunes; it rays being rudely greeted by a lone glare of what could be described almost as hatred.

Suddenly her eyes opened wide, her pupils becoming almost circles at the sight of a green mountain with what appeared to be waterfalls. Turning in a hyped fury, she opened her mouth to tell the good news; but instead nearly choked on her dry tongue. Gazing across the barren desert, she couldn’t see or hear Earro. She had heard him panting just minutes before, but now it was as if he simply just disappeared as if a mirage. Dipping her head to the sand she tried to pick up his scent. The sand drift slowly over itself like a pit of snakes, making it impossible to tell where the scent trail was; sometimes it was as if he was behind her while at others he was to the side. Walking back in the direction hoping he had just tripped and hadn’t had time to get up, she made her way back into the desert.

“Mhp” rose up from the sand, a few strands of hair giving indication of where it had come from. Earro lay almost completely buried, his body slowly being consumed by the sand. Rushing over, Rabe pawed away the sand covering his mouth; then pulling him by his arm gently as to not brake it, she pulled him out of the lose sand. She didn’t know what was wrong; he was breathing rapidly, but didn’t seem to be getting any of the air into his lungs. His eye’s where closed, but sometimes flickered open; only the whites showing. Pawing his face softly, she tried to wake him from his erratic sleep; but to no avail. Not sure of what else she could do, she laid down next to him and craning her neck back, she grabbed his waist with her jaws and slung him over her shoulders.

Pushing herself up and the added weight of his dead weight she began running towards the waterfalls she had seen earlier. Making sure she didn’t jostle him too much, his neck muscles not being able to support his head since he was unconscious, she tried to keep a level run and not sway too much. The mountain was lush with wild plants, the area looking much like a jungle, but with slightly less plants. The water falls littered the area even more as they climbed higher on the mountain; disappearing from view as the trees grew thicker. The jungle was still very hot, but now it was compounded with heavy humidity. Searching the landscape for a stream, river, pond; right now she would settle for a puddle. Slowing to a jog, now that they were at least out of the direct sun she padded along growling at animals that got to close.

A large glassy blue surface came into view suddenly, a light fog hovering over it; probably from evaporation. Losing all discretion she galloped to the large pool of water; lying down she rolled Earro off her back and put him face up near the water. Taking a long well deserved drink of water; she kept her face practically submerged in the clear blood for a good minute before tending to Earro. Splashing water on his flushed face, she wet him down, his hair losing its gravity defying abilities from the water.

Stopping after he was finally drenched in water she looked at him, his eye had finally rested; but he was still gasping slightly. Taking another drink of water, she took few sips keeping the water pooled in her tongues. Pushing his head up with her paw, she lit the water spill into his mouth. He stopped breathing for a second, and then started to drink the water, some of it spilling out of his mouth onto the ground. Turning his face slightly, the water began to drip onto his cheek rather than his mouth. Swallowing the rest of the water still in her mouth, she kept his head propped up slightly as it lay on her paw. Laying her head down, she let herself slip into sleep, her body exhausted from the lack of food, water, and shelter.

Kairen once more glanced over the duo of elder and youth, attempting to decide as to what their intentions were and how much to trust them. Of course, his keen mind eventually decided that it would be completely futile and useless to kill them where they stand or deny their help; somewhere in his mind, he knew that he would need their help in the coming days. Floating in the waters of the arctic Northern Sea, Kairen lowered his guard for a pair of total strangers. The Kai Armor, his main defense physically lowered, symbolizing the acceptance and lowering of his mental guard against invasion. For a brief moment, he stood as a normal merman rather than the Guardian with so much weight on his shoulders.

"I see. your help is appreciated"

Once more, the noble of al-amar turned and began his treck northward, towards the looming wall of compressed water that symbolized the edge of the six known realms. Once more, the Kai armor encompased his form, ready to deal with any threat that sought to harm the Solas-born. His senses told him that he was close and soon fate would unfold in whatever way it was destined to. Somehow, he instinctively knew where to go and what to do upon arriving at the Kai-zhen-mirua, as if a compass was guiding him. Kairen did not turn around to talk with or even see if the two newcomers were following him; after all, if they wanted to come along then they would, and if they wanted to chit-chat, then Kairen would do that too. It simply did not matter much.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The vast army of the Kingdom of Al-amar began stirring; A million pairs of feet shifting in time with all of the others, 800,000 blade warriors flicking out their crescent hand-blades, the 50,000 elite members of the Legion stretching for their Blood Dance, the 10,000 members of the Royal Guard, 40,000 beast handlers and their myriad of Arva whales, sharks and dolphins, the 50,000 people deemed worthy of being the current-molders and hydramancers. Along with this array, stood the 49,950 people who stood as the reserve of the Blade-Warriors. Truly a glorious sight, the sound was deafening.

Arrayed in defense of their home, the grand might of al-amar stood proud and defiant of the force that sought to encroach upon their lands. War horns were blowing, working only due to the vibrations travelling through the ocean. Standing in front of the Sea-Emperor's palace, were the 50 strongest warriors that the kingdom could muster, serving as the personal guard of Tridentius. Armed in armor forged from a diamond-like substance found only in the bowels of this domain, they were hailed as unbeatable. They wielded tridents rather than the normal hand-blades of the realm; the triple pointed weapons formed of the exact some substance. Despite the behemoths landing close to them, they did not falter; actually, they might do some damage to the machines before dying and ascending to the Hall of God's.

The Emperor stood in the midst of them, in his own Kai armor. His own trident was grasped in his right hand, waiting to peirce the armor of those that wished to hang his head and spear his body. He knew exactly what their motivation was; however, he also knew that it was a cruel use of propoganda in order to manipulate people to attack their neighbors. War had come, and likely, so had the destruction of his realm. Of course, all of this was known to the Emperor. The annhilation of his city and his people was certianly a possibility, but the Al-amar could embrace such a destiny. The entire mass of bodies and weapons stood, waiting for the invaders to move, it was foolish for them to strike without seeing the strength of their foe.

However, at this time the hyromancers and current-weavers were beginning their work; magic dripping from their fingers as they served their purpose. Currents began forcing the large exploding orbs out of the city's area, hoping to let them explode harmlessly. Underwater rivers pushed the mass that blocked out the sun away, forcing it to scatter. The true battle was about to begin.

Again Azrael merely stands for a moment, it almost seemed as though contemplating the possibility of time travel had broken his mind. He shook himself out of it, however, and jogged after Ash, quickly catching up to her. "I thought that was us back on those steps, but I couldn't believe it until I had confirmation. So you can travel back through time." This could prove difficult. Azrael spoke as he walked beside her, brow furrowed in thought. "So what will these chains do for you? It seems you already have quite a bit of power now that you've regained your lost abilities from the Tree."

The spirit returned, having absorbed as much information as it possibly could. When Kiana woke, it was floating before her. She instantly jumped into it’s mind, searching the images for anything that could help her. Unfortunately, the spirit did not bring her any information about the Guardian who would visit her land, about the one she would have to fight.
Disappointed, she coaxed the spirit back into it’s bottle and threw it across the room in anger. It didn’t shatter, just bounced off the polished ebony, stopping at one of her slave’s feet.
“Pick it up.” Kiana said. The slave reached down, it’s slimy fingers leaving smudges on the glass. Kiana held her hand out, and the slave walked forward, dropping the bottle on her palm.
Swift, and without much reason other then to vent her anger, she clamped one hand around the slave’s neck and lifted him into the air. She dropped the bottle into her pocket, never taking her eyes of that of her victims. She squeezed, but the slave didn’t resist, and died silently without protest. She slung it across the room, the body sliding on the floor and leaving a streak of blood and slime.
Kiana sat back down, and pressed both palms firmly against the side of her head. The headache was back, and more vicious then before. I hate being isolated! She thought. I am the only minion with no purpose! She hissed, her heart throbbing against her chest as the pain increased.
“I am useless!” She screamed, applying more pressure to her head. After a few minutes of blinding pain, she was able to remove her hands and relax. The headache disappeared, but her heart still throbbed in her chest. “They will not forget you, Kiana.” She said to herself. “I still have a job to do.” She smiled at the thought of spilling the Guardian’s blood. The one who seeked her land out would die painfully, most painfully. “He still needs me, for now.”

Ash (Earth):

Her eyes constantly darting about, Ash kept to the sides as thick crowds of people began to fill the streets. It was fast approaching evening and people were leaving work to go home. Cars filled the roads horns could be heard above the loud noises. As they passed by a cart selling food, Ash realised how hungry she was at that moment. A whole day and a half had gone by without her eating and the sight of food was just making her hungry. She turned away, quenching her hunger at the moment as there were more important matters to be settled.

Thankfully, Azrael spoke and allowed Ash to think of something else other than food. "I believe I can," she answered his question on if she could time travel. They reached a traffic light and Ash held up her hand so that Azrael would know they had to stop. After they crossed the road, Ash glanced at his face before walking fast once again. He seemed really deep in thought and it made her wonder what was concerning him. Although all of them were suspicious of him, Ash had to admit was a relief to have someone follow her back to Earth to search for the items and for that, she was grateful to Azrael for accompanying her.

Tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, she carried answering his next question. "They are eight chains, one meant for each of the eight Guardians. If all wear them, I'll be able to not only transport myself through time but the other eight as well. I can use contact as I did with you but with the chains I can do without having to be in constant contact with them." Ash came to a stop as they reached the museum.

"Although sometimes, it is not so great to have the ability to manipulate time," Ash looked up at the magnificent building. Honestly, she was scared. These powers frightened her to no extent as she had to carefully control what she did. Ash sighed at the thought of making a single mistake. Time was not something she really wanted to mess around with. Having visions of the future or sometimes even of the past was okay. Freezing time was perfectly fine with her. But now, the added ability of traveling through time was sort of like a burden. She supposed that's the why her ancestor had chosen to relinquish that part of her powers.

Realising she was keeping quiet and not moving at all, Ash cleared her throat and turned to Azrael. "I think we should stash these somewhere before we even enter the building," Sarah pointed to their swords. The security guards were bound to stop them for carrying the weapons. She removed her sword from her belt and looked to see where they could hide it for now.
................................................................................................................
Alagera (Solas):

Alagera sighed in relief as Kairen lowered his weapon, welcoming their offered help. She tucked her own weapons back into her belt and looked to her grandmother who smiled. But when Alagera turned back to face the Guardian, he had already taken off and Alagera grabbed her grandmother's hand and began to swim.

"Doesn't speak much does he, Urail?"

"I don't think he has much reason to speak, child. All that is on his mind now must be his responsibilities and duties to the World of Solas."

Alagera considered what her grandmother said and swam alongside her without another word. It must be difficult for him to carry the responsibility of the entire world on his back. Everyone expected the Guardian to defend them and it must be taxing on him. As those thoughts ran through her mind, Alagera promised to herself that she would help Kairen as much as she could on his journey till it all came to an end.

Azrael almost stepped into the street to cross when Ash's raised hand stopped him. He looked at her and a bit of relief came through in her features. She was beginning to trust him. That was good, as he was almost ready to give up on this plan entirely. They crossed the street quickly and soon reached the museum. Her answers gave him the answers he had been hoping for for questions still buried deep in his mind.

Stopping outside the museum Ash reveals a small insight into herself, fear replacing the relief Azrael saw earlier. She did not like her powers, nor did she seem to want them. Why then do you use them so much? Do you fear them so much you fear to not use them? He comes out of his thoughts as she speaks once more. "I think we should stash these somewhere before we even enter the building.'

Likewise removing his sword and belt, Azrael stops and thinks for a moment, then raises his sword towards Ash. "This is a family heirloom, it dates back to the 16th century. We could use it as an excuse to remain in the building after they close up. It would also give us a chance to get at the keys to the cases."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Before the assault on Tridentius...

This was a standard tactic of the Mar-Sani army, making their troops into many smaller groups that could break enemy lines and attack from behind them, switching from a blind charge to a circular wall of spears and shields when the time called for it.

They would take the city in tight combat formations, negating the formidable Al-Amar close combat abilities with spike shields and Spear Walls.

They began a charge, half-swimming, half-running through the currents, their spears angled at the Al-Amar legions.

The scene was like a tide of Merman swooping down on the city, from the cliffs above it, to the sandy "Plane" in front of it; From all sides, they were being assaulted...


---------------------------

The Ten Aquatic Knights took their toll on the Royal Guard, forgoing the normal lightening fast slicing attacks, that had been so useful in cutting down Swordsmen; They had found that the armor worn by these guards was much to strong to cut through, and quickly changed their attacks to match.

Their new brute force style worked wonderfully, with the Guards only scratching them with their Tridents, cutting their armor, but much too slowly to be of any use.

The Knights struck back with force, crushing many guards into the ground as they tried to fight the 30 Ton behemoths. Their tactics were not suited to something like this, and best they did was jam a lucky Trident into one of the few exposed joints on a Knight; But that was luck, and something that couldn't be replicated with a moving target anytime soon.

This was all the more evident in the case of one Knight, who when backed into a corner by a group of seven guards, lashed out with all it's force. The tendrils of the Knight crashed into the guards, sending them into the walls with a force that could crack bones. And it did just that, cracking the spines of the Royal Guards as they were slammed into the wall. Their bodies fell limply to the ground, and the Knights moved on.

---------------------------

The Deflection of the oil and the Depth charges was an unfortunate event, an minor annoyance, but something that was ultimately unimportant. These were only tools, small things in a larger offensive.

The currents moved through the city--a swirling torrent of icy water--but the charges were only blown off their course slightly as the current whipped around them. But it was enough, and they missed the city proper, impacting into the outer walls and the sand outside the city, doing much less damage then they would have without the currents.

The oil slick was easily washed away, having nothing to help against the current. It would have longer lasting effects, poising the food chain, and working it's way up to the Mermen themselves... but that would take a long time to happen, and there is no use covering it in our short time on Solas.


---------------------------

Claudius looked over the battle from his position far away, safely removed from the scene of combat. He was at the portal zone, looking out over a model of the battle. It was an incomplete one, based on information and things seen by the Knights and relayed through the Aether to this.

So far, it seemed that his forces were beginning their charge, and doing it magnificently. He cracked a smile as he watched -oh how it was fun to see his enemies die at the hands of his troops- that soon faded as he saw a Merman regiment break in the face of a charging Al-Amar Regiment.

He made a mental note to himself that he would have to, to put it nicely, "Deal with" the offending Captain at a later date. His troops were not expendable, and this man just lost a tiny section of this battle by letting his troops break up; Maybe if he groveled before Claudius, he could keep his head connected to his shoulders... Maybe...

The doors crashed closed behind him with a resounding echo throughout the area. Josh had immediately closed his eyes when he had walked though the gates with fear that there might be too much change for him to handle. Josh felt like that even if some of the small things were changed, that they could signify something big that could happen due to a change of events. It is strange that sometimes the smallest things turn out to affect the biggest of wars. This was definitely one of those cases.

One of the major things that was disturbing was how the guards had treated him at the Gate. Normally you would think that the Guards doing what they did was natural, but at Andarrith, this was a definite change of events. Usually, the gatemen would greet the arrival of any travelers that were arriving from out of the city. The guards and the gatemen would always be conversing about the rumors that were traveling around the city from the local tavern. Often times, Josh would come to the Gate to see a bard from the city telling one of his famous stories to attract visitors.

Now all that had changed. The guards were fierce. They checked the identity of every person who entered and exited Andarrith. The gatemen wouldn’t even acknowledge Josh or that he arrived. They just watched from above with solemn faces and weary looks. It was as if they were sick of doing the job that they had done for all of their lives. It was strange indeed.

What was even more strange was the fact that the Eastern Traders were not coming to Andarrith on time. Josh was extremely surprised at this thought because as far as Josh knew, the Eastern Traders had never been late or early. They always came at the same time of the year. Always, they would come at the end of the season Vrath and before Thorg started because they wanted to get back before the ferocious weather that began at that time of year started.

Also, they were always there so that they could attend the Blue Fire Festival. The Blue Fire Festival is held at different times every year. It is always on the day that the first snow occurs. The Elves always called snow Blue Fire because of its ability to burn when too cold. The Eastern Traders not coming now would ruin half of the fun of the Festival. Part of the festivities were the Eastern Traders putting their annual Fire show on for the City. All the children would crowd around the Traders and the adults would always stand near the back with small smiles as if they too were remembering their childhood.

The delay of the Eastern Traders were another reason to believe that Garthox was beginning to make his mark here. Though Josh was still not completely convinced. He still held out hope that this was just the doing of some natural cause and that Garthox had kept his focus on some other world and left Jagantha alone… at least for right now.

Josh now realized that he still had his eyes closed and was still standing right outside the gate. Wondering how many people would be staring at him looking at him like he was an idiot, Josh opened his eyes slightly. All he saw was darkness. He raised his eyebrow. The entrance to the city was never dark. He then thought that it was probably just a cloud passing by overhead. He smiled. He was just getting a little too paranoid. He opened his eyes again and looked to the sky. Straight above him there was an actual ceiling. He widened his eyes again and looked around.. Instead of being in the open city like it used to be when you entered the city, he was inside a long and narrow passageway. Overhead was a dark ceiling made of the same material that covered the walls. He then noticed several window like gaps in increments across the roof.

What has happened to this place? Why is there so many precautions. It is as if we are actually fearing an attack from someone. But no one would be stupid enough to attack the city of Andarrith. It had the best mages in the entire world and was protected most heavily by enchantments. What is the meaning of all this madness. How could so much be constructed in the short period of time that I was gone. I shouldve only been gone a few weeks. That is definetly not enough time to construct a structure that was as big as this one. Unless I was gone longer than i had thought i was. What are the possibilities.

Josh thought as he gaped at the surroundings. Several of the gatemen were looking down through the "windows". With his enhanced eyesight, Josh saw that they held their staffs at the ready position and were tensed. He raised his elemental crest as a peace offering and they lowered their staffs wondering why the Elemental Elf had decided to show up after such a long time.

Josh looked in front of him to see another gate. This time it didnt look like there were any Guards or gatemen. But there were still several of the "window" like objects. When Josh held up the Elemental Crest again, the men who were looking out those windows stuck out their staffs and multicolored beams flashed out of them heading towards the crest. The crest got slammed with all of the beams and reflected them all to the gate. The gate glowed white and opened. Ahead, there was still another corridor.

What the hell? How long is all of thie crap going to last. If its this much security just to get in. I wonder how it is going to be inside the actual city. Josh thought to himself.

He imagined the city full of guards. Each level of the city towering above the other with watchtowers destroying the beauty of the "Golden City". The city was called this due to the material that all the buildings, pavement, and any sort of structure was made of. It was not technically gold, but a substitute of gold that was instead shinier and more valuable then gold actually was. There were actually 7 levels to the true city of Andarrith. Each level represented the districts. Some were market districts, others were residential, as you got higher, you would see more older or higher class elves. And at the very top, the palace of Queen Etherra stood shining brightly.

There was only one structure that was not made of gold and that was the statue of Teznava. If Elves believed in worshipping gods or idols, then Teznava would be considered their god. Instead, the Elves in the sense only believed in nature. If something bad happened, they believed that something had happened to the nature to make it have to get revenge. Often there would be festivals randomly just to thank the nature for its kindness. And when there was a heavy storm or several people were killed, the Elves would always mourn and give their respects to nature.

Josh continued to walk along the corridor until he saw something flash blue out of the corner of his eye. He really wouldnt notice it if the blue wasnt as bright as it was. It looked like a smidge from where he was standing but as he got closer he realized that it was a large passage of writing. Josh looked more carefully at the material that was causing the bright blue glow. Josh was surprised that he didnt notice it more immediately. Now the blue glow was pulsating so brightly that it even lit up the corridor. Something inside him also was flashing a red alert that something was wrong

He closed his eyes to sense if there was any darkness that could cause some sort of curse onto himself and once he finished the incantation he knew that there was nothing. Yet something was disturbing him and it felt extremely wrong. Josh tried several other spells to test if there was anything "magically" wrong with it. Nothing showed up with any of the tests he did. Then Josh looked closer and finally figured out why it was so disturbing. The reason that the writing was pulsating and was blue was because it wasnt some normal material.

He did feel magic emitting from it because it was infact Elven blood. Elven blood had many magical capabilities. Not only did it have tremendous healing properties, but it in itself described how magical a elf was. The brighter blue an Elves blood was, the more magical capabilities you had. The color of the blood also affected how strong of healing powers the blood had. In most cases, the blood was a ocean blue so they were average. The elves that were a brighter blue were recognized as the Elders and those with the brightest blue were the Ancients. Elves with pure white blood were the Higher Beings. Elves that had a darker blue were the lower workers. And the lowest, those who had "normal" red blood were considered non-magical.

The test to determind the color blood you had was done immediately when you were born. Whenever an elven baby was conceived, the first thing the Healer would do was prick the baby to see the color of its blood. Based on this, the baby would be accepted into certain schools, get training, or be immediately sent to a higher place for better care. Those who were cursed with red blood were sent off to a non-magical city. This was not because the Elves believed that those who were non-magical were tainted, it was because they believed that there might be a virus in the non magical folk. The Ancients didnt want something like that to wipe out the entire population.

The non-magical folk were still given a normal life except it was just farther away from the Magical cities. There was still communication between the two of them. They discussed what measures needed to be taken so that everyone was safe and that there wasnt any prejudice or violent. Always there had been peaceful coordination with eachother since that system had been put in place. Still, several tests for magical capabilites were done throughout the Elves life because it had happened that an Elf who had no Magical Capablities gained them when they grew older and vice versa.

Josh sighed as he looked closer at it. It was pretty bright meaning that it belonged to one of the Elders or Ancients. How could someone get the blood of an Ancient... let alone this much . This much could only be done if the man was killed or injured severely.

He looked up at the overhead windows and motioned for some of the gatemen to come down. Several doors opened from no where as the 3 gatemen and 2 guards shifted the earth to make pathways. They walked over to where the great Elf was standing. As they approached him and the blue haze he was staring at, they gave eachother looks of uneasiness. Ever since that writing had appeared several weeks ago, the Queen had become especially restless. Lately there was lots of unrest in the Eastern Lands with the Slokas being taken out and now the Eastern Traders.

They neared the Elf and Josh turned around sharply. "What is the meaning of this?" He said angrily. "Who put this here? Who's blood is this? Why hasn't it been removed? What is with all of this extra barriers and precautions. Are we in some sort of war? When did all this happen. I have only been gone for a short period of time and this is what I come back to?" Josh added bombarding them with questions. The smaller, weaker gatemen cowered in fear that the strong Elemental Elf would do something to harm them. The guards stood tall at attention. They answered him with a crisp.

"Sir, you have been asked to have a meeting with the Queen. She was notified of your arrival as soon as you passed through the main gates. She will greet you at her palace and serve you a feast in honor of your return. These are all the details I have been allowed to release and shall not be able to say anything else about the matter. The Queen will address all of your inquiries and shall inform you on what you have missed while you were away on your trip" They saluted him and began to walk off. Josh turned to stop them but just said two small words that formed a question that could only be answered in a long period of time. "What happened?" He said weakly

The guard on the left whose name was Damien turned to him and saw the worry that was upon this great mage's face. Damien couldnt imagine the pain that the Elemental Elf was going through. He had left for a short period of time and he comes back to his home and sees it troubled and not in its normal time. "Sir, I may not be able to release any specific details, but I can tell you this. We are in troubled times..." The Guard said weakly with a frown upon his face. He turned back towards the wall and shifted it around his body so he could go back to his station at the top of the building.

Josh's eyes cringed when he turned back to the wall. The writing stuck out like a sore thumb. He looked closer and his frown deepened as he continued to read it. This is what it said.

Watch out all of you Elves... there is a great storm brewing and you all are caught in the middle. By staying in Andarrith, the capital. You have centered youself as one of the Elves that are against us. We have been enlightened and have found the path to the Heavens. Once we rise to power, you will cower in our shadows. We will get revenge for what you have done. The Eastern Slokas got only a small dosage of what we can do to your entire race. The Prophet has shown us the true way and we have realized that it is futile to go against him and his leader. Once the Prophet's leaders give the order, then we shall attack with such a force that none of you shall ever understand what happened. We will join forced with those who you banished with the notion that you may get a disease and take down all of your cities and leaders. The Higher Beings will be the first to go while those with the Elemental Crest will soon cease to exist because they are our first targets. As we rise to power, we will shun you away as you did to us when we requested to join the Federation Of Elves. Just because we had notions of darkness, you declined our offer. Yet the Dark Elves who in themselves are pure darkness are allowed in. Our numbers may be small, but with time we will grow strong and learn how to dismantle your entire system. So this is a warning to all of you now. Unless you decide to pledge your allegiance to the Prophet and the Shadow Elves, then you will soon regret in and will diminish into a lowly group. Whether it be by diplomacy or by brute force, we will TAKE YOU DOWN

Josh finished and threw his staff up in the air and shouted in despair. "What is this madness!" He couldnt believe was happening. In this small amount of time that Josh had been gone, these so called Shadow Elves had developed into a prominant enemy. Josh remembered that it was several months ago when the Shadow Elves had applied for the Federation of Elves, Josh knew nothing of them at all. They were so mysterious and did not fill out anything properly on the forms. Their request to join was soon forgotten when they heard of the practices that the Shadow Elves did. It was disturbing at times. Josh wondered how he may find out more about this small tribe that was causing such a ruckus.

He wondered how could this could be happening. So many emotions were exploding around in his head and he couldnt handle it anymore. His hands began to turn red as well as his eyes. Josh started breathing more heavily and knew what was happening. His back began to sear in pain. Josh knew what he had to do, but wondered if he could concentrate himself enough to do it. He focused himself on a still object, one of the windows, and started taking long deep breaths.

As the breaths continued, his back pain started to subside and the golden tinge returned to his eyes. His hands were still slightly red, but now were starting to go back to normal. Josh sighed as he stopped the concentration and deep breathing. He fell to the ground with exhaustion and closed his eyes. That was too close. He could've taken out the entire city if he had not stopped himself fast enough. His back had another flash of pain and Josh twitched.

Josh knew he would be stationary for several minutes. It took a great deal of concentration to stop a curse like that. This had only happened once before. He couldn't let his emotions get ahead of him any longer. He had to stay more focused then he usually was. Several gatemen had looked through their windows to see the great mage laying on the floor. They moved to help him but Josh stuck up his hand in disapproval. He didnt want sympathy right now. He knew he had to deal with this himself and couldnt avoid it.

The truth was... that Josh had had a giant curse put upon him earlier when he was in a great battle against the "Great" Darnoth. The fight was fierce and this was still when Josh had been considered a child. He had started developing his stronger powers during that fight and was still not as good as he was now. Josh had just started to began the control of the earth's movements when Darnoth had come and challenged Josh. Darnoth had heard a prophecy read by a Seer that said that Josh would rise and defeat all the evil there was.

Josh knew that there was no way to reject a challenge, so he fearingly accepted. As they lined up near the Forest. Josh knew that he could actually beat Darnoth. Though Darnoth may have been more powerful, Josh was more quick and agile and more strategic. That was one of the things that Josh was known for best... that he was a strategist. He never thought about running straight into a fight. Josh planned everything perfect and was about to finish Darnoth off when he was slashed from behind with a very powerful curse. This curse made it so that if Josh's emotions ever got too out of hand, he would in the sense spontaneously combust. He would be fine.. but the surroudnigns would be demolished.

In fact, the Plains were not created due to the battle with Darnoth, it was because Josh did not know of his curse at the time and lost control and exploded. That was the true way that Darnoth was killed. There were several myths as to how he was kille but that was the truth. Many people died there and it was a huge disaster. Josh's true love had been watching the fight nearby and was destroyed along with the rest of them. Josh and Kate had been planning to reveal their relationship that day to Josh's mother... when Darnoth came and disturbed him. Josh could not live with himself for a year after that. He concealed himself and thought over what had happened. He couldnt believe how he took all of those lives that were so innocent. His sleep was full of nightmares of him exploding near his hometown and destroying his mother, the only thing left dear to him.

For at least 12 human months, Josh stayed in a secluded cove that was off the cliffs of the Avistar Ocean. Once he knew that there was nothing he could do to stop it, he came out and seeked the one who had always controlled his emotions and released himself from the earthly state. Master Roku. Master Roku was a great sage who had always chosen truth and peace over violence. In fact, he was the one who instated the diplomacy rule in the entire Kingdom. Josh knew exactly where he would find him. Master Roku was in a Dark Forest that was off near the Eastern coastal region. The two had conversed many times before during Josh's training and he called to Master Roku to teach him the right things again.

There were many times that Josh wanted to give up. But Master Roku pushed on and never let Josh give up. Roku taught Josh how to control his emotions by breathing and how to stop himself from releasing too much energy. Soon after several years of training, Josh had successfully controlled his curse. He never had another episode of the explosion.... until today.

Though Josh had not exploded, it was too close. This was all the more reason for Josh to get to the Palace and talk toe the Queen. He walked out towards the opening that led to the real city and strode out into the light and activity of the city.

Ash (Earth):

"Brilliant. Let's do it," Ash commented on Azrael's plan. Holding her own sword, Ash began to climb the stairs that led to the entrance of the museum. Pushing the doors open, she walked into the air conditioned building that housed a multitude of precious items. The moment she took a step onto the marble flooring, a wave of energy shot through her and she stumbled a little at the shock from feeling it. For a few seconds, Ash could hear her heart pounding very loudly as the everything seemed to go silent. Taking in a deep breath, she straightened her back and attempted to regain control but even then, the silence was still present.

That was when she saw it; a trail made entirely of silver mist. It was hovering in the air and turned right at a hallway that led into another room. The moment she saw it, all the noise resumed and Ash could no longer see the trail. But she now knew or at least could make an intelligent guess of where the chains were.

Turning to Azrael, she spoke, "I know which area the chains are in." She pointed in the direction that she had seen the mist lead to earlier on. But before either one of them could even take a step in that direction, a security guard who had been watching them approached the pair.

"Do you have an appointment?" his gruff voice resonated in the almost empty main hall.