Leannan alerted Hugh to Layna's movement. The Keeper of Arilt quickly mashed the herbs together before carrying it over to Layna. Kneeling down beside her, Hugh quitely commanded her, "Shift your head child." He aided her by using his free hand to hold her head to the left. Using his index finger he picked up some of the mix and applied it onto Layna's neck where the wound was. Rubbing it over the area, Hugh made sure to cover the entire part so as to ensure no blood would escape her body. That done, Hugh placed the bowl of medicine to the side and placed his hand over the part she had been bitten on. Closing his eyes, he chanted the words that he had used during battles for the wounded warriors.

"Dinarath Esonal Carbona," the words tumbled from his mouth and a soft light grew from under his palm. It was a warm feeling and Hugh spread the light across the medicine that was over Layna's wound. Removing his palm, Hugh watched as the light seeped through the medicine to enter the wound. It would ensure the fairy's wound would heal faster.

Satisfied with what he had done for the fairy, Hugh walked over to his herbs and sprinkled some red powder into a bowl of water. Carrying the bowl over, he lay it in front of the golden eagle. "Drink that Leannan," Hugh instructed the tired eagle. He was as equally hurt as Layna and the Eagle needed all the rest he could get. The red powder would ease his pain.

Hugh left his home and with all haste walked towards the arch to Flinx. Right in front of the gateway lay Eleazar who had just gotten away. "Go to her Eleazar and watch her," Hugh asked Eleazar to take care of Layna. It was not good for her to be alone and she might feel better with a fellow Guardian by her side. With that said, Hugh stepped up towards the gate and stepped through, his staff always a step in front of him. He saw the ghastly sight that lay before him and was not surprised it. He had seen Raizel's undead army a countless time. But he was afraid for the Guardians' safety. His staff in hand, Hugh chanted the spell and his staff glowed brightly. Raising it high, Hugh shed the light over a certain distance allowing just enough space for Airowyn and Ashanti to get through the gate without being pulled down by the undead. The creatures stepped back from the light as though the intensity burnt their rotting skin. Stepping back through the portal, Hugh placed his hand over the orb. The moment the two Guardians got through, he would remove the orb.

As Airowyn took to the skies, he spotted Hugh coming through the portal. Good old Hugh..He held his staff high, shouting an incantation, that shot out light in every direction, scattering the undead like flies.

Airowyn swooped down with impeccable speed and agility, and through the portal, and skidding to a stop outside of Hugh's cabin door. He turned his head around to see Hugh yank the orb from the gateway, instantly shutting off the portal to the minions of Garthox. Flinx was lost to the darkness...just as his homeland had...

He walked quietly over to Hugh, speaking in a soft and calm tone, showing his age. "Thank you Hugh. You always have that knack of appearing at just the right time." The Dreign Guardian smiled a hearty to his friend, one he hadn't had the privilege of seeing since, what the Dreign called, the First Confinement of Garthox.

Attend me, my minions--for the end is near. We march upon Arilt.

The Templar is always swiftest to answer his king's beckoning...

He heard the call in the darkest corner of his mind, like a distant gunshot. Even at its faintest, it pierced his thoughts and filled his head. This call, one that would scratch at the mind of any other like nails against stone, was like the soothing whisper of an angel to Hortensius. It filled his black heart with warmth and ecstasy.

"A-aa-ahh... My master..."

The Prophet became aware of his surroundings again. He was in his chamber, and had been sleeping at the foot of the altar. His devil familiars surrounded him on all sides; all turned to face their summoner. He must have spoken aloud just now.

"Sire..."
One of the taller devils addressed Hortensius; its voice expressed a mock concern... Mock because it could not truly feel, only emulate feeling.
"M-master... caaaAAALLS ME..."
The elf began to rise, still slumped over, holding his head. The soulless familiars felt a great, foreboding presence that disturbed even them. The feeling was not foreign to them; it was as if a curtain made of the dark lord's very essence lay over Hortensius's small, trembling body. The Prophet's voice was disturbing enough on its own; it fluctuated between an amorous, almost lustful, songlike tone and a hideous guttural sound that crept up from the depths of his throat.
"I-I... have b-been CHOSEN... to desssSSTROOOY ALL WHO CALL THE LIGht a friend... M-my master... will RULE. A-AAANNND... I will be safe... in his embrace... for all of eternity~"

This was what made everyone--enemy and ally alike--fear Hortensius. He was a horror to the horrifying; the point of no return; the stranglehold of absolute corruption on one who was once pure and innocent. Where others may turn to their loved ones or the light for shelter, Hortensius had turned to the cursed darkness... and it welcomed him with open arms. He did not regret going; he did not regret staying; he flourished as a creature of nightmares. He was truly a servant of chaos, unable to be turned back to the light.

If a man of the cloth may have thought himself unable to feel sorrow for a devil, perhaps what happened next would change his mind... if not break it.

Before the devil familiars could turn and run, Hortensius spun to face them and set upon them with blades made of pure darkness, tearing them limb from limb. The halls echoed with the splatter of blood, the demons' cries cut short, the faint whirr of composite dark mist returning to its summoner... and worst of all, the frenzied, screaming laughter of the dark elf, waving his hands about as if conducting a grand symphony of death while his minions fell all about him in a butchered mess of blood and severed extremities. When he spoke, those still clinging to life shuddered in terror and wished themselves dead; the two versions of his voice were somehow combined in an unholy roar of euphoria.

"HA HA HA HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! RETURN TO ME, MY DARLINGS! RETURN TO ME AND MAKE ME WHOLE! AND WE SHALL SET FORTH TO ARILT--WE SHALL PURGE THE LANDS OF THE VILE BLASPHEMERS WHO DENOUNCE THE DARK! WE ARE HERALDS OF THE NEW AGE! SOLDIERS OF CHAOS! WE, ARE, INVINCIBLE!"

The torrent of screams and splatters bounced back and forth through the halls of the dark castle for what seemed like an eternity--the echoes began to escape to the outside, seemingly stronger with each reflection as they spread across the land. Soon to follow behind them was a pitch-black cloud... At its center, Hortensius, a fire in his eyes and a grin spread wide across his cheeks. He marched from the valley where his castle lay as dark armies spread from him and cast an unholy shadow over the whole of Jagantha.

I'm coming, my lord Garthox, my dearest... I will aid you in destroying the guardians. I will end your long wait to be king of these worlds... and chaos will reign.

The madman now embarked on his campaign to Arilt... to snuff out the light and drown the world in darkness forever.

Airowyn was the only Guardian who had lived through the battles with Garthox due to his race's long live. Despite the fact Hugh had been around longer than him, he had come to treat Airowyn like an old friend despite the fact he didn't seem to age. Where Hugh's hair had grown gray and his face had lines, Airowyn still looked young and virile. Hugh slipped the orb into his pouch before smiling at Airowyn. "I have had to watch your back for quite awhile Guardian if you recall well enough."

"But all's not well. We have to move now. The Guardian of Solas arrived shortly after so we're only waiting for the other three. If you'll leave tonight, you'll will be able to get a head start to the Island." Hugh did not bother explaining about the island for Airowyn knew about it. Placing his hand on the arch, Hugh chanted an incantation that would seal the portal for the moment. It would only last for a few hours and that was all the time the Guardians had to get moving. The spell would wear off and the minions and Raziel's undead army would be able to get through the portal to enter Arilt.

Hugh turned to face Airowyn with a smile of reassurance on his face before his eyes fell on Ashanti. He reached out to her to assure her that all would be fine.
.............................................................................................................................................................

Ashanti had felt Airowyn assist her as the two of them had sped through the portal. She watched as Hugh removed the orb and spoke with Airowyn. She was still leaning on Airowyn for support but when Hugh reached out to her, she took a step back away from the two of them. She had to go. She just needed to...get away for awhile.

Stumbling away from Airowyn and Hugh, Ashanti padded across the grass and made towards the horizon. She knew that just beyond the small hill, lay a lake that was hidden. It was her sanctuary. She remembered the first time she had arrived in Arilt when all those nightmares had taken its toll on her, Ashanti used to come to the lake and close her eyes. It was a peaceful spot and she loved the time there. Her body was slowly recovering as she could feel her feet again but it would take awhile for her to regain her strength. She slowly lowered herself to the grassy ground. She let her fingers graze the surface of the water as she tried to relax her tensed muscles.

This was not the end. This was not even the beginning. The war was nearing and each of them needed to be strong.
............................................................................................................................................................

Hugh sighed as Ashanti walked away. She usually did that when she was troubled. Instead of talking it out, Ashanti preferred to keep it to herself. Looking to Airowyn, Hugh spoke with him, "Have some rest old friend. I need to speak with the Guardian of Solas about a ship we need to get to the island."

With a nod and a quick smile, Hugh headed towards Vic who was standing alone. Reaching the mermaid, Hugh bowed politely. "Young lady, there is something that must be done and you're the only one who can accomplish this task." He looked at Vic and awaited her response.

Airowyn muttered to himself as Hugh walked off to speak with the Guardian of Solas. "Oh, I do recall." Remembering vividly some of the more dangerous moments they had had, but now seemed so amusing. He shook his head, smiling, and walked into the cabin. He saw the fairy lying on the bed, the scar on her neck healing up nicely. Her eyes were closed, but remarkably, he couldn't sense whether she was awake or not. This perturbed him. The Elder Dreign could read every conscious soul, from miles upon miles away...but this one...Layna's conscious gave him some unique interference. That's something to ponder about...

Airowyn knelt gently next to her, putting his hand to her forehead. Her face was paler then when he last saw her, the rapid blood loss now taking a toll. He stretched out his mind to hers, touching lightly on her conscious, sensing some of the despair and pain in her...how horrible...he then wondered to her brain itself, feeling around, checking every connection to see if it was just right. He searched her whole anatomy with his mind, and then spoke aloud to himself. "Her vitals are decent...lost about twenty percent of her blood...lucky it wasn't thirty...hmm...she seems ok..." He then directed his comments to the fairy. "The soul you consumed healed you miraculously, as expected, but it pains you deeply...I can feel it...And I have pains myself..."

The Knower turned away from Layna, looking out of the cabin window, at the beautiful landscape. He hadn't seen Arilt in thousands of years. It was as remarkable now as it was then.

He then looked back at the fairy, speaking softly. "At least I can heal yours." Airowyn smiled to himself, looking back out of the window.

Layna turned, her neck feeling numb, she looked above her and saw Leannan leaning over her, looking worse for wears than she felt.
"Lea..." she mumbled before closing her eyes again, the small girls soul she had consumed was wracking her chest, the guilt making Layna's hand shake and her head swim with dark colours... Raziel hadn't told her what it would do... he had told her of the guilt.. but not of the memories... the little girls memories Layna was living as her own, she yearned for her mother... No, no, she longed for the girls mother, her own mother wasn't dead, she was at home protecting what was left of her family...
oh, how Layna longed for that garden how it was, the tall vines and the petit blue flowers... she had grown up around those flowers, the bloomed near her birthday and always held excitement for her...

NO! not her, her garden had been homey, a working garden with vegetables and fruit trees a small pebbles brrok at the bottom, her birth date was nowhere near the blooming of flowers, her birthday was as the trees turned gold and shed their leaves. and the blackthorn plants white petals curled and the plums ripened... she was NOT the little girl, these memories had ntohing to do with her, they weren't her.. never would be her!

Layna wanted to stamp on those little blue flowers...

Raziel listened to the Dreign that now spoke to him telling him that he would destroy Raziel if he tried to attack and then ran away from him. "Yet another coward that lies to himself then runs away.... This is getting to be very tiring." Raziel said as he watched Airowyn fly off with great speed. He was not about to chase them down again there was no need to anymore he had gotten what he wanted the blood of a Guardian. Not only that he has weakened and hurt two of them in the processes. Grathox would most likely be very pleased with him but that didn't make Raziel feel any different for he didn't care if he pleased his master or not. He looked towards the gate to Arlit as it then disappeared before his eyes. "They are trying to lock us out to buy time, its not going to work." He said to himself he then heard a noise coming form behind him. "Tsk, Tsk, Tsk." He turned to see Khorus standing there as she slowly sunk in to her own shadow the darkness slowly consuming her.

She looked at him as he gazed into her Pariah a golden eye embedded into her left socket her eye had no effect on Raziel for his mind was able to regenerate at incredible speeds. Making her Golden eye useless against him she then spoke again “And they leave once more, only to be whisked away by that man.” her voice laced with disappointment and bitterness. Raziel glared at her but did not speak he just snapped his fingers as the undead that surrounded them turned to black ash and was taken away by the breeze. She then began to sink deeper into her pit of darkness as she gave him and small bow. “The master beckons, With your hunt delayed, will you come to answer his call?” She asked as he continued to stare at her with his cold green eyes wide and full of emptiness. He then spoke "No. Return to him scarred beauty tell him that his angel of death will be at his side soon." He said in a emotionless tone as he watched her disappear into the darkness. "There is still someone I must pay a visit to." He muttered to himself.

Raziel had made his way to a small home hidden away from the world of by tall trees. The house was undamaged and there seemed to be fruits and vegetables growing in the garden in the front of the house. Raziel made his way up to the front gate pushing it open as his bare feet touched the bright green grass. As soon as his foot touched the grass it withered away and died turning a brownish black color. He walked through the garden towards the house as he walked by the fruit trees and vegetables they withered away the fruits rotting and falling from the trees as they died just from his presence. Slowly he pushed open the door to see a old Female fairy sitting in a rocking chair staring at him her eyes wide and full of fear as she looked at the monster that stood before her. Raziel didn't say anything he just pulled up a chair in front of her and sat down. "Are you the mother of the one they call Ghislaine Isabeau?" He asked. The women looked at him when he asked her that question now she knew why he was here "I know why you have come here fallen Dreign. I could smell the death coming off your body before you walked through the door. You are after my baby?" Raziel nodded and said. "It will be quick, you wont feel anything." Raziel then lunged at her pushing his right hand right through her chest ripping her heart from her body in one fluid motion and devouring it and her soul. "Rest now... She will be with you soon."

Raziel then opened a portal to his master and stepped through setting foot on the planet known as earth he stood next to Khorus who seemed to be bowing to there master Grathox. Raziel did not bow he stood there as blood dripped from his lips and said. "What is thy will, My master?"

The trees that surrounded the land were gigantic in size and bore leaves that were in the pink of health. Splatters of blue, red and orange created patterns of fireworks on the trees, evidence of the trees' fertility. The towering giants created a shade that allowed sunlight to filter through. As such, the space was bathed in a soft orange light that created an atmosphere of warmth and safety.

A melodious laughter filled the air and the birds residing in the trees twittered in response. A childish giggle was heard and footsteps soon followed. The crackles of leaves beneath the feet grew louder as did the laughter. And from amongst the trees, an emerald gown appeared. The rustle of skirts showed a young child of no more than 10-years old, entering the small space. The young girl had long brown hair that cascaded down her back to end at her waist. On her head lay a wreath made out of fresh flowers. Her eyes were an odd color of gold with green flecks. Her snow white skin revealed a healthy glow to the girl. The emerald material she was swathed in gave her an ethereal look that made her seem some how untouchable.

A smile formed on the girl's pink lips as she danced amongst the fallen leaves. Her arms swung about gaily as she sang a tune making it seem as though she were in her own world. She soon stopped spinning and very slowly brought her hand to up to where her heart lay. Turning around, she faced the only other person standing there. A sad smile replaced her grin and she whispered ever so softly, "Find me. Take the secret. Release me."
..............................................................................................................................................................

Ashanti took in a deep breath of air as her eyes reopened. That dream...NO...that vision had been so real. It had been a vision. She was sure of it. That girl was the goddess on the island and she was calling for them. Ashanti cast a glance out at the lake that formed a sea towards the end. Other than that, she knew nothing of the child. But she knew someone who would; Hugh.

But for a few minutes, Ashanti did not move, choosing instead to remain seated where she was. Her strength was slowly returning and at least now she could move her arms without feeling too much pain.

Eleazar was near Ashanti's refuge, having been drawn there by the same wealth of plant life that the girl was surrounded with. He among some strong ancient root, and began his work. Obviously this Raziel character was a hard nut to crack. Seems he could do anything. Eleazar decided that he needed to be exceptionally more prepared next time.

His legs were crossed, his back straight, and odd position for the furry little man that was used to traveling on all fours. He had not wasted a single joyous moment on shape bending since he went into Flinx, which, while not long, was a record for him. All of his strength was being channeled into his task, and constantly he reminded himself of what he was doing, just to be certain he wouldn't forget, though it was hardly necessary. In this growth, in this place, his very soul was engaged in his task.

Beneath him, the roots began to raise up to his waste, twisting and bending to conform to his shape, around that, vines grew, and following that a fair spread of moss till he was hardly more than a woodland mound. And the plant life spread from there. Every seedling or combination plant in the immediate area sprouted up in quick motion, reaching up with fragile fingers to the sun that fell in speckled patches between the branches of the trees. Grass grew taller, the trees pushed inches higher, and the undergrowth erupted. Eleazar's fingers went to his lips, vines and roots still twisting about his arms and face. He could taste the life all around him. Shaking with effort, he began to speak to each one, calling out it's nature and what was closest to what. He shifted their forms and the glade began to glow with it's own changing energy. Each thing was twisted into another, very few left alone. Some were spliced with others, some were simply sucked back into the ground.

The soft glow like fireflies that were every where at once, but burning faintly, began to die out. The roots shifted back from the Sprite, allowing him to stand, a cloak of moss and vines still tugging at his form. He stepped from plant to plant and picked it's leaves, fruit, petals, stems, whatever he had need of. He said a quick prayer of thanks to each for their sacrifice, for they too fought a battle for their own place in the world. They too were soldiers.

Once he had an armful of plants collected, he looked around, grunting with mild irritation. There was so much more to be carried! Aha, he thought, forming a large root into a bowl shape that he dumped his armload into, before going about for more. When he was finished, he cause the root to grow so it would follow him along in bowl shape without disconnecting from the tree.

Pleased with himself, El came to Hugh's house and stepped about it, humming as if he belonged there. He set about at the counter, mashing and twisting, touching and changing. Before long, he had several brownish colored piles, and a couple with different hughes. One was a pitch black, another a bright poison green. Still there were unchanged leaves and fruits on the side. This all took a little while, but whether or not the others did, Eleazar the Sprite had no intention of leaving until he was finished.

A laugh escaped him, thinking of the idea of Garthox and the like attacking Pastecew. The trees there were ruthless and violent and rooted to the very core of the earth. The creatures were wily and vicious and while they would turn on each other by the moment in times of peace, in times of war they pretended that they were and always had been best friends, and heaven and hell have mercy should you harm them. It is their own personal privilege to back stab their friends, not yours! He sniggered and looked about him.

"Bottles," he said allowed, "Are there any bottles? Where do you keep your bottles?" he looked about frantically.

"Third cupboard from the left, Guardian of Pastecew." The Elder Dreign pointed the way without looking. He looked down at himself, meditating on how to help the fairy. Sooner than later, the memories and despair of the little one's soul would consume the Guardian, driving her insane. He knew how to help her, of course, but he needed concentration, and a little help from Hugh. Airowyn reached out for Hugh, gently touching the ancient man's conscious Layna will need to be relieved of the tormented soul soon. Come when you can friend.

He Who Know Most Everything then stood up and fished out of the cupboards a teapot, and a few silver colored tea leaves.He slowly poured some of the fresh water from one of the water buckets, and set the pot over the flame, waiting for a slow boil, leaves in hand.

Garthox snorted as the first of his minions arrived; the miasma of energies pouring from his eyes flared and went from crimson to pale lavender. The blind elves ceased their chanting and adjusted themselves, their thin silver chains, fluid in their movements as they flickered and spread across the broken asphalt that surrounds He Who Should Not Be.

"The world of Arilt is open to us, the third gate has fallen, gather your armies for we shall enter the land of the beginning time. Arilt shall no longer be free from my grasp." Garthox hissed as he glared down at his minions, inhaling deeply, a vent of steam exited his nostrils in a swirling jet.

Turning slightly, Garthox extended his power to form a massive pulsating black maw. As the darkness materialized it became translucent, inside a field, overgrown with tall, yellow and white flowers swayed lazily in an unseen breeze. A gnarled hand extended towards the portal, a clawed finger pointed to the image, "Destroy that place, bring unto it fear and despair. For too long have we resided outside of those eight gates, now we shall enter the last bastion of light before heaven!"

The whipping hellish winds roared and billowed around the living nightmare, the eerily glowing eyes of the major domo cast a baneful glare upon the gate and the image beyond, "Masssster….thy will shall be done…."

"Indeed" snarled Garthox as he hefted his great sword, "Bring unto me the world of Arilt, leave no doubt as to whom it's master is…bring me unto the Isle of Fate!" A peel of immense thunder exploded around Garthox, the darkened skies rippled with purple flashes of lighting. Through out the eight worlds the sound could be heard faintly, as a gnawing at the brain, a sound that caused fear and dread in all, causing many to simply stand and gaze about, as if they could see the source of their discomfort.

In Arilt the thunder rocketed across the skies, followed by a sense of morbidity that caused many to huddle close together seeking comfort amongst themselves.

When Vic first arrived to the so promised land of Arilt, it had been a sunny beautiful place from any named childrens' bedtime story. Now the area was clouded in a low gray haze. The atmosphere just that much chillier, a strange darkness that would linger before a deadly storm. A taste that would not go away.

Flop.

Vic's mermaid body wetly hit the ground after what seemed like a slow decent out of the portal. A gasp thru her gills for air and instead just a hot burning from the lack of water. A wet cough echoing out as she first tried to get steady on the ground. Her tail swirling around angrily as she looked pissed. 'Why the hell isn't the portal connected to water?!' She thought in a rage as she tried to concentrate. Her instincts wanting to go into chaos from the lack of life support while her logical mind tried to muse the change spell.

After a few agonizing seconds and hand scratching runes into the loose dirt, she slammed her hand at it as her body slowly glowed. A small lift floating her into the air as her body shifted. Tail splitting and getting two separate appendages. Most of her seal like skin sinking then reforming to a humans. Hair tinting to that of a more appropriate brown, keeping a hugh of aquamarine. Webbing in her fingers and toes. Pointed mermaid ears. Patches of her old skin scattered over her body. Eyes shined in her anger, a blueish green.

She coughed a couple times, spitting the salty water that was still in her lungs and mouth. Her body slowly getting up as she cursed under her breath. Clothing just barely sticking to her form, what little there was, as she recuperated. Mumbling, "Welcome to Ariit," sarcastically.

***

It had been hours after she closed her own gate and was standing alone. She didn't care about the others to even think about small talk, like there would be much of it. 'Oh hi, your world just blew up? Yeah me too!' She laughed sinisterly in her own sarcastic mind. There was no point of talk now. Instead she looked at the surrounding land atop a hill, arms crossed from the chilly wind. Her clothing was not appropriate here, well not appropriate anywhere. And the spell made her feel more warm blooded then she liked, even if she still wasn't.

A couple of glances at the party forming below, a frown when she saw a small bloodied creature carried off by one of the brothers. A guardian as well perhaps? She didn't know. Her mind instead musing over everything. Some old man was angry at the world, so he gets a bunch of psychopaths to go rampaging in others worlds... just so they can sleep soundly at night? It was all do illogical and odd to her.

What only seemed seconds to her wandering thoughts was in reality much longer. She didn't even realize the bigger man approaching, Hugh. One of the brothers of this world. She only gave him a brief look to see him bowing and acting polite. She made an annoyed noise before looking away. "Flattery and chivalry is wasted on me Hugh, you know my name is Vic and don't you dare say my last name again. It reminds me of the one you two choice first from my world."

She was rude, angry, and bitter all in one sentence. Her eyes coldly staring blankly at the landscape. Her face giving off a pissed mood, even to someone who was being polite to her in such a dark time. She glared back as she kept her arms crossed, walking down the hill to the area where he came from. "If you need my help, then you can get me some better clothing and some alcohol. Preferably the second one being vodka. After that I can do your desperately needed task."

She looked to the sky that know was starting to rage like a storm. The calm being no more. Her eyes slit as she could almost feel why it was like this. Like this chaos. "... Or now. What do you need of me?" She acted in a more cooperative mood now.

"I will return as soon as I can," Hugh sent the thoughts to Airowyn. Layna was safe for now and what he was about to get Vic to do took top priority.

Hugh did not flich at the youngling's harsh words. He instead watched her silently listening to what she had to say. He almost smiled when she warned him of using her last name.

"Alcohol, is not something I would suggest in times like this," Hugh advised as he followed Vic's gaze.

As soon as the mermaid agreed to perform the task immediately, Hugh walked with all haste across the grassy planes. He stopped when he came to stop in front of the lake. He raised his hand and turned to Vic. It is in the prophecy that where the battle began is where it shall end. And the key to that location lies beyond these waters. It is a treacherous path that needs to be crossed and to do so, a ship is needed." Smiling, Hugh rested a hand on the Guardian's shoulder. "And that is where you come in."

"There is only one way to cross these waters and that is by a ship and nothing more." Stepping back, Hugh ended by saying two simple words, "The water." He knew Vic would understand him for she had her ancestor's blood in her and would somehow remember the task she was suppoesd to do. Raising his own staff, Hugh glanced at Vic as he waited for her to begin the manipulation of the water. He would help strengthen the ship with his own magic.

Layna jolted awake as thunder crackled - she was unsettled by the sound, so used to it from Flinx, but it seemed so much scarier in the usually calm, always sunny plains of Alrit.
"Elder Dreign?" she called in surprise at seeing the Gaurdian. her throat was dry and she looked at the pot of water slowly bubbling over a fire with a thirsty gleam in her eyes, although in her mind she saw a cool glass of water with ice, frosted over from the cold - water dripping down the sides,
she licked her bottom lip quickly as she struggled to sit up.

Vic's brow furrowed when she saw that almost cocky look from Hugh. No reaction to her threats like they were a little child's useless tangent. Even the reference to alcohol didn't make her happy, even if it was quite true. She would be more likely to get drunk then do anything. Following the hurrying brother of this world. It almost made her smile. He held everything inside him, all his emotions but his body was a poor liar. He was as riled up as her inside. This unnatural storm of darkness, even sent shivers down her cold blooded body.

She listened to his so called prophecies. His faerie tales that were only based on his own mind. Why'd he pick her brother over her then? Was that apart of his fantasy? The giant man rested an arm on her shoulder and she was all too quick to throw it away from her in a snarl. She was about to yell at him before he continued his speech, looking away disgusted. "And that is why a god needs me." She sarcastically shot back.

She watched as he removed a staff that would be obviously for magic, her pulling out her own amplifying agent, the Trident. They needed a boat, a sea vessel for travel. The only problem was she was not making some love yacht here. She had to make a big boat. She stared off at the body of water for a long while before thinking of a solution. Her specialty was the water, his was not. She glared at him before ordering him on the procedure. "Listen carefully, keep the balance of impurities below but do not remove them. Keep them in a nice flat row. And do not dare touch my orb."

Vic clenched the end of her trident as her eyes screwed shut. Concentration was a key thing in this operation, she was not used to the massiveness required for such a spell. The water slowly swirled in the mass, almost like a whirlpool was beginning. But the natural whirlpool was changing quickly with an unnatural twist. The heart of the pool started to form an apex, creeping up above and globing. A thin line of water seeping up to the swirling sphere of water, making its diameter grow. Sweat from her brow sliding down from Vic's face as she handled the large thing stressfully. Teeth clenched and blood pounding thru her veins. The thing was massive in proportions, the water seeming to replenish as fast as she was sapping away from it.

A long agonizing minute was all it took, but finally the super cooling process was ready. Impurities removed from the globe and she hoped the brother had followed her order for the water below. She suddenly thru her hands down that were holding the trident, spikes cutting into the dirt as the giant globe raced to the water below. Sphere almost pushing the water below, as if never making contact with it in till it was half way down. Water bending and manipulating before all of a sudden popping.

The globe tour itself apart, pulsing down and the shattering of ice breaking and forming could be heard. Almost like a divot of the lake was perminantely punched and bent into. The impurities below in the lake causing the ice to suddenly loose its crystal clear like appearance and cloud over in a milky white. Edges forming and spilling out from the lake, thrusting to the sky in a bowl shape that she had made. It was a ship, an ice ship. A bowel swimming on the sea.

Vic made a forced laugh, "That ass couldn't do that." Before her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she collapsed onto the flat of the trident, body crumbling over to fall helplessly to the earth. She was exhausted, body desperately wheezing for air to the burning lungs. The blood boiling in her body when it should of been twenty degrees less.

A couple of coughs as she groaned, body refusing to move and mind in a wild panic. She was completely out of it.

Airowyn stared into the pot, in deep thought. He gently dropped the few silver leaves into the water as it started to bubble, swishing the water and tea to brew the concoction. The water started to turn a deep brown, and then after a few seconds, shifted to hue similar to the juice of an apple. The al to familar darkiness was starting to spread. The Guardian could feel it in his core. One more time...

Layna jolted awake as thunder crackled "Elder Dreign?" she called in surprise at seeing the Guardian.

The Dreign turned to her quickly, and nodded. "Wait just a few more seconds. Almost ready for you." He turned back to the pot and swished the tea, breaking the foam ontop that showed it was finished brewing. He expertly fished two mugs from the cabinet, and poured the brew into both from the pot, taking it off the fire. He picked up both mugs and moved back to the bed, handing one mug to the Guardian of Flinx. "Drink this. Its magical properties heal better than most other substances, and can sate both your desire for a piping hot tea and an ice cold brew. Dont gag when it shifts." Airowyn smiled, hoping she was at least a bit ok.

Raziel watched as his master opened the portal to Arlit but he did not step through yet instead he turned to Garthox and stared at him with his cold and lifeless eyes. He then looked at the large heart shaped box that hung from his waist. The box held Raziel's heart something that Garthox all ways kept close by him keeping the fallen Dreign under his commend for what has been an eternity. Raziel has been stuck inside his own body he was no longer a Dreign he was his own walking purgatory his body a cage a hell made for the souls he consumed. Not able to kill himself and not able to attack the one who held his heart he was but a weapon to be used as his master sees fit. "I will take Arlit for you and I will bring you to the promised land. Then I wish to finally rest I want you to destroy my heart and let me slip into the warm embrace of death." Raziel said with a cold and lifeless tone. No one knew that Raziel was under the control of Garthox many believed that he enjoyed killing but that was untrue as well. Raziel could feel no joy no pain he did as he was told and he was good at it. Why wouldn't he be not many knew how to kill Raziel besides the one who held his heart but Garthox would never get rid of one of his best Assets. There are ways to slow down Raziel cutting off his head was one among other things but that only slowed him down as he would regenerate and rise again.

How could the once great Guardian of Belluvier fall so far from grace. Those that know the truth are long since dead all those he ever loved are gone turned to ash by his own darkness that slowly consumed him. He could not save them those he had killed those he had saved all dead and it was all his fault the grief that filled his heart never passed and slowly destroyed the once proud Dreign. Now this was his punishment that he had brought upon himself no longer able to live with all the sorrow and pain he asked the The one who should not be to remove the thing that caused him all this pain and to repay him he would become his servant.



Raziel blamed no one for what happened to him it was all his own doing or so he felt. Raziel finally turned and walked into the portal that leads into the beautiful Arlit. It has been a very long time since the last time he set foot on Arlit it was funny that he once came here for shelter now he has returned to destroy it. The great grassy knolls and the tall trees that sheltered the singing birds from the bright beating sun. The wild flowers that grew bright and full of life he remembered it all to well. As soon as he laid his foot upon the bright green grass it died turning a sickly looking black. Then the whole area around him started to die a sign of him entering the world a plague upon the face of the once beautiful Arlit. Great trees withered and died there black leafs showering Raziel as if the world was mourning for him. He then spotted a patch of bright red roses he walked over to them and leaned down taking in there fragrance with a deep breath. When he breathed out the roses withered and died the red petals turning a dark black and fell from there steams. "So lucky are they the ones who are now dead for there eyes wont be able to see me as I defile there home oh how I wish I could be with them." Raziel whispered to himself. He then felt the souls of the guardians in the distance but then felt and old familiar soul. "Hugh..." He whispered. "It has been so long old friend maybe this day we will finally end it all." He said to himself as he made his way towards them leaving a trail of death behind him as he walked towards the Guardians sanctuary.

He trembled violently; his breaths came slowly and with great effort. The whorls of darkness that circled about the many minions of Garthox sent a terrifying chill up his spine, but with each passing moment the fear gave way to comfort; he need not fear the dark. The dark would not constrict and destroy him; it would enshroud and embrace him, keeping him safe from harm or persecution. And when his master spoke, his breath held fast and his heart fluttered gently in his chest:

"The world of Arilt is open to us; the third gate has fallen. Gather your armies, for we shall enter the land of the beginning time. Arilt shall no longer be free from my grasp."

Though he longed to gaze upon his master's face as he spoke, Hortensius dared not raise his head; he remained bowed in reverence, almost to the ground. The smaller of his familiars slithered and crept about, cackling gleefully at the mission awaiting them and having little mock battles all around him.

While Hortensius did not raise his head, he felt his master's thoughts begin to mingle with his own; Hortensius's mind was filled with the image Garthox had begun to conjure. The flowers, swaying gently in the breeze... The warm sunlight illuminating the landscape. Arilt: A peaceful world overwhelmed by the light of the heavens. It sickened him. Again, his senses were overcome as his master spoke once more:

"Destroy that place; bring unto it fear and despair. For too long have we resided outside of those eight gates. Now we shall enter the last bastion of light before heaven!"

Hortensius felt a surge of energy; his muscles tensed, and the darkness about him grew tenfold. He spoke gently, but clearly:

"We live to serve, my lord."

He knew not if his lord had paid him mind, but he didn't care; his words would always reach the darkness. And so did Garthox reply:

"Indeed... Bring to me the world of Arilt. Leave no doubt as to whom its master is… Bring to me the Isle of Fate!"

A loud crack of thunder boomed in the prophet's ears. Around the worlds, cries of agony formed a haunting chorus. But Hortensius only sighed longingly, the sound being as soothing as the melody of a harp to his twisted mind. He stood, gave his master another deep bow, then commanded his familiars to march on Arilt. He remained a moment longer, looking out at the other armies of Garthox's servants--and the servants themselves. In spite of his commitment to the darkness and all its wonders, these pitiful things still found a way to disgust him. They appeared as maggots to him, not worthy of standing in the dark lord's presence.

Horrid creatures... I can feel their fear and doubt. It melts the flesh from their bones and reveals the truth of them: They are, the lot of them, cowards. They feed on the darkness, like a mother's milk, but in return they have nothing to give but ignorance. It seems that, besides myself, only beasts, weaklings, and parasites serve my master... But I will not fail him, even if I should face the guardians alone.

As he began to join his marching devils, his eyes glazed over and his sight grew dull, all things around him melting into a grey fog. A vision gripped him out of the blue. When it faded, he found he was still walking, as if nothing had happened.

"Hmhmhm... It is undeniable. Arilt has been condemned. The darkness shall overtake that world... and chaos will reign."

The dark prophet gave a bitter, wicked smile as he began to cross into the land of the light. In his vision, he had seen the flowers burning, a great pillar of smoke rising into the sky as the sun was eclipsed.