Daimion "Th'Drago" Shadowsoul's Story

Power arched between four pillars, each with a representative colour of Nature. Yellow for wind, red for fire, blue for water, and green for earth. Each struck and lashed at a massive crystal in the centre of the pillars, causing it to shudder, and change colour to match the energy. A tall man, accompanied by two shorter humanoids, stood about fifty metres away from the action, occasionally shouting in an unknown, earthly, language at the two near him. Out in the distance, atop a rocky outcropping, was a tent filled with the latest equipment in reading energy disturbances such as this. About a dozen humans were within the tent, each fussing over the equipment present, even gasping and awing over the readings. At times, the gasping would would become almost like screams, as the energy from one, or all, lashed out and struck at the giant of a man. Instead, they gaped in wonder as a humming shield appeared around their benefactor, protecting him and his two associates. When the shield dissipated, however, one of the humanoids had appeared in the centre of the gathering of humans. "Increase power by ten percent," it hissed in an oily English, "The crystal is compatible, and your boss is ready." It vanished into nothing, and appeared next to the giant, who patted the humanoid's head with a large hand. "Ten percent more energy will kill him," voiced a frantic member of the team, but was quickly shushed as the power was increased be ten percent.

The pillars erupted with power, shooting the energy into the sky, piercing through the clouds, and ultimately spreading across the atmosphere. The comment of it being seen from spaced passed into every ear, including the gasps as smoke erupted from one of their machines. What was an actual cause for alarm, however, was the fact that the giant had stepped inside the pillars, and was standing next to the crystal. Shouts rose up from the group when they noticed this, but even louder cries drowned them out, as all were pointing up at the sky. The energy that shot into the atmosphere was returning to earth, heading straight for the crystal, as well as their benefactor.

Daimion Shadowsoul, also know as Th'drago. Age unknown, affiliation unknown, race unknown. Where he came from was a mystery, save for the fact that he appeared in Greece, spoke their language, and was a giant of a man. He enough land to create his own nation, but desired nothing of it, and allowed everyone to go about their business. The land he was conducting his experiments on was his, and, despite the occasional hiccup from the local police, no one bothered him. The idea with the crystal was a way of appeasing his superior. It was a way of acknowledging the rank, and just saying that he will be there when called upon, so long as it does not interfere with his schedule.

After the energy erupted the pillars, he began to make ready with the next phase. Standing next to the crystal, he peered towards the heavens, and stretched his hands towards it. He could feel the energy oozing about the atmosphere, and pulled it back towards him. It was an arduous task, but still doable, and as it began to become pulled towards him, he felt something give way to his magick. The energy above rocketed towards him, hurtling at speeds that a lesser man would cower at, but he was ready. Whispering words that were lost since ancient times, he caught the power, and began to condense it. The world about the pillars began to darken, as a serpent demon's shadow appeared next to him. "Make sure to contain all. If one is loosed, the world will crack." It vanished, then, leaving a hollowed echo within his head. Closing his eyes, and shaking his head, he returned to the task at hand, growling and roaring at the energy beforehand.

The moment the energy was the size of a child's fist, was the correct moment with which to combine it with the crystal. Taking it up with one hand, he slammed it into the crystal, causing it to shriek and scream as it was shaped into a different shape. Energy lashed at him, trying desperately to escape, but each attempt was forced back into the crystal. The humanoids appeared next to him at this point, and sang softly, stilling it's attempts of escape. Light began to burn brightly with the misshapen crystal, as Daimion voiced a small incantation, "<Old as time, in war and strife. I call you now to take this sight. Ancient demons of crying thunder. Tear and rend, take and sunder. Let this be the final fight. Come to me now, to dine on light!>"

A circular void opened before him, as shadowed hands reached for the bright crystal that screamed in rage and terror. It shook as he tossed it towards the hands, and turned his back on it. His own eyes turned on one of the humanoids, who, in turn, nodded and leaped into the void before it closed. "They will make sure it is corrupted to the Lich King's specifics, my lord Th'drago," said the other humanoid, "We know of his magicks, and will give it to him once we have corrupted it enough." It stopped when he pointed at the white tent of humans. "Ah, yes. We will make sure they are adequately paid, and allow them to take samples of the area. I am sure you have no objections?" At his nod, it vanished. 'Another day, another victory for being a Noble,' his mind thought slowly, just as another voice whispered into his mind, 'Indeed.'

He closed his eyes, then, and when he opened them, he was in a forest that he called home. It was centered in a pocket dimension on the Isle of Crete, of which he was proud to own. There, he wrote out, on energy, a missive for Lord Manacia, explaining the nature of his gift to him. It was to amplify his own gifts of control over death to unknown levels, and needed to be tested at his own discretion. The world is changing, he wrote towards the end, I will do what I can in preparations of the change. The missive vanished into a voided area in his dimension, to join the crystal as it is being corrupted.

Papers piled high on an old wooden desk, ink stains spread across the edges, and imps running to and fro from one small portal, into others. Work, work, work, always work, but it was never a dull moment for Daimion. He had a company to run, what it was called would remain a secret, even to this day, the shadows of the company keeps its own secrets, never to share. Although the Noble was at its head, and employed many outside contracts, he still had one goal in mind: To stay firm in his neutrality. A pacifist hates violence as much as he, but it will forever be unavoidable, and so, he makes do with what is at hand. Such as searching for anomalies in the world.

An imp, with skin of blood, and wings of fire, burst into his pocket dimension, causing all activities to cease. "Romania," it cried aloud, "Detection found within Romania. The Ageless One has been sighted!" Chatter abruptly took over the recent noise of hustle and bustle, but all quieted when the giant Noble stood. Reaching for an eye sized opal in the corner of his desk, he swallowed it whole. Opals, as far as anyone was concerned, were enchanted to allow him to understand, and be understood, by all within approximately three metres. Without them, he reverts back to an archaic Greek, which tends to confound most people these days. He had gathered up a black trench coat by the time the chatter stopped, and nodded to a feral looking imp. Who, then, took it upon itself to create a portal back into the world of Humans. "Romania," he whispered, "it has been so long." A portal had opened up before he could reminisce, however, so instead, he just shrugged, and stepped through.

Romania, cold, slightly barren, and made of stone. A breath was taken in deep within, then exhaled whispering, "Home away from home." Dreary was the only word he could describe the country, but some have found it's beauty to be good enough to start populating it. Unfortunately, he had no land here, but had enough to buy out the country at least four times over. "It is too bad you cannot just purchase a country, my Lord Th'drago," said a voice to his left. Turning, the noble saw only a shadow with beady red eyes, and rows upon rows of sharp teeth. "It is an honor to have you within the country once more," it had bowed slightly as it said this. Straightening, it continued, "Will it be for pleasure again, or business this time?"

"Business, I'm afraid, Shadow," energy began to swirl about Daimion, iridescent, but powerful. The energy began to coat his form, molding it into an elder with a stoop and a cane. So that all, but his target would see him only as such, "I will be needing an opening to the exact spot where the Ageless One was last seen." He watched as the Shadow drew back and hissed at the title of the being that nearly killed off it's own people. The Ageless One had made many enemies, some who would enjoy striking the final blow to end his existence.

"DONE!" It cried out, howling winds took up the Noble, hurtling him further into the country, to the front of a building, where much laughter and drinking was to be had. Taking out a small piece of paper, he casually slipped a tiny imp out of his pocket, and asked, "What is the identity of the target of the Ageless One?" The tiny imp leaped from his palm, and melted onto the paper, forming two words. Syeira Eason. "Good," he whispered to himself, and, spying a young boy of about twelve human years, he asked if he would retrieve the person who belonged with the name from the building. He held out to him, one hundred Euros, and promised more if he was to retrieve the person. Watching closely, as he dashed inside, he sat down on a bench, and decided to hum a light, but old, tune as he waited.

Irritation, disappointment, borderline furious, all these emotions circled within the mind of the Warlock, but none escaped to reform his features. He had been waiting with patience and anticipation for what he thought would be a nice edition to his collection, but alas, even he has his limits. Imps had been flying in, reporting the sightings of the Ageless One all over the world. 'You have been a busy little gnat, haven't you?' His thoughts emulated the emotions wrapped around his mind, but he would not give up on the girl. Instead, his body began to vibrate, shimmering, humming with magick. It separated a part of him, causing him to see an illusion of himself, an exact copy that will sit and wait for the late girl. When she was safely away, he would come, and shed a new light to the situation she is in. He bowed slightly to the illusion, which solidified as he did so, it, then, nodded back, and continued to stare at the building in patience.

Light shimmered about his shoulders, fading him from this reality, and into another. Imps of all sorts dashed towards him, eager to report their own findings and sightings of the Ageless One, but he waved them all away, save for a few he beckoned. "<What have you to report?>" His tone spoke more volumes towards his impatience, than any other emotion present. Gone was his relaxing demeanor, instead, was one of strength and irritation. An imp, red of flesh, with coal-like eyes, spoke saying that he had hit a snag when confronting a foreign king, with regards to his daughter. That made an eyebrow rise, but instead of having it elaborate more, he turned to a blue-green imp with wings. It spoke of what he believed to be a Mystic in Italy, but have yet to spy the ancient within the area. A third imp, one filled with more magick than the other two combined, spoke of Suyag, the vampire, and had stated that he was seen going on a rampage in Russia.

Daimion sighed a heavy sigh, and, after rubbing his temples, ordered the imp to take a small contingent of frost imps, along with a wight, to slow the vampire's progress to a crawl. "<I do not need this,>" he grumbled quietly, "<Stall him, for as much as possible, but do not. I repeat, do not attack him unless he attacks you. Once he does, you may do what you will to him.>" He had no illusions that nearly all would die from their encounter, but they did not fear that death. For they had good faith that their Lord and Master Th'drago would remake them into something stronger. With a small wave of his hand, he dismissed them, and began to walk south and west.

The journey to Italy was one of a couple of steps, and a single thought. A lesser man would have become envious of his mode of transportation, but that did not concern him in the least. What did concern him, however, was the fact that after he stepped onto Italy's land, he felt a surge of magick and power from the one person he wanted to avoid, Naja. Curses in the most ancient of languages ensued from his lips, but as soon as he felt the energy of him, it vanished. This caused one of his eyebrows to rise; he was sure the man felt his presence, but even then, he can never be sure. Instead, he reached inside his clothing, and pulled out a disposable cell phone. By holding down on a number on the pad, he held it up to his ear, whispering in a British accent, "Tell Agent Todd that the Mystic Killer has been sighted in Italy," and dropped the phone into a public trash bin. The "Mystic Killer" was something that he had come up with over the last fifty years, to prepare the human world for the inevitable battle. He had to use old bones fused with magick to make his point clear. The fictional "killer" would abduct his victims by tricking them into following him with show-magic,and later kill them in a secluded camp. It had taken him several years, but he finally hooked a human sucker from Interpol. A brash young man who was eager to make his mark on the world, and that young man, was Agent William Todd.

He can feel the residual energy energy left over from Naja's disappearance, and decided to perform a risky move. By gathering up his strength, he masked it as much as he could, and latched onto the fading energy, and pulled himself towards it. In the brief moment that it took to pull himself towards the energy, he had decided to forgo is old man form, and decided to appear as his regal self. Seven feet tall, with a lean build and an iridescent robe hugged his form, but was still loose enough to not show everything. Two people, an older gentleman, and a young girl were within his peripheral vision, of which he took on a heartwarming smile and said with a sing-song voice, "Greetings. My name is Daimion, and I was hoping that one of you would tell me where I might find one named," he looked down at his hand, as a small piece of paper appeared in it, "Scarlet Lagorúthel?" He raised an eyebrow at the girl, his eyes already saying that he knew the name was hers.

"Be careful my dear. Allow me." At the sound of the unfamiliar voice, Scarlet automatically lowered herself into her offensive form, but hesitated when she saw a rather kind looking man, waving his hand rather peculiarly. Hearing the sound of the chains clanging against each other once again, she whipped around and found the bag levitate and arrange itself back to it's original position. H-how-? She turned back to the man to find his attention now fully on her. He explained everything, as to who he was to what she was.

Afterwards she simply stared at him with a blank expression, still trying to process what he just explained to her. Mystics? I thought they were only a legend, and now this man is here telling me I'm one of them? If the man hadn't just blatantly revealed he knew who she was and what she was-not to mention the entire magical levitation of the punching bag-she would've just laughed and told him to get the hell out of her parents' house, but right now she was too overwhelmed by what was just unloaded onto her.

“When you want to talk, read the inscription and I will be there. Be safe Scarlet my dear, and may the power of elven magic protect you.”

Scarlet took the card subconsciously and opened to her mouth to ask at least one of her millions of questions but before she could choke a word out, he disappeared into the thin air.

The sound of solid ice clanking against the sides of a plastic pitcher drew her attention as her father returned with a container filled with lemonade; the same proud, fatherly smile on his face. "I made us a pitcher of lemonade, your Mother went out with Rosa to get groceries." Noticing his daughter's confused expression, he placed a hand on her head and bent his neck slightly to make eye contact with said brunette. "Is something the matter, Scarlet?" His voice laced with concern made the young elven female come out of her reverie.

"Oh, it's nothing..." She lied between her teeth, and she knew just by the glint that flashed across his eyes for a millisecond that he didn't believe her one bit. "Actually... I may have to leave for a little while." She added, a little quieter than usual.

"Leave? What fo-?" The pure elven male cut himself off as he saw a towering yet rather lean, man stride over to them. Scarlet strained her neck to look up at him, she herself barely even up to his chest.

"Greetings. My name is Daimion, and I was hoping that one of you would tell me where I might find one named," He glanced down at a piece of paper in his hand, "Scarlet Lagorúthel?" Any other day she would've found interest in a man with a rather charming voice, but something about his presence made her... Simply uncomfortable. Maybe it was the way he was speaking like he already knew the answer.

"That's me." She answered, crossing her arms casually, but had her guard up no less. There's something about him that just doesn't seem... Normal. Either she was just being paranoid with every strange thing that's happened to her today, or the fact that she's rarely ever seen a man of this man's build in Venice.

"Ah, forgive my intrusion upon your dwelling, good elf," he made a flourish of his hand, and bowed low to the elven man, almost completely ignoring the young girl in front of him. "I wish to speak words with your offspring, seeing as how you both share similar characteristics, and the fact that she and you are radiating the same magicks, one cannot, but think that both of you are related." The giant strode over to the elf, bent his head low, and whispered, "You need not be concerned. My nature forbids me from harming others, unless they strike first. For I am a Daemon, and what I have to say concerns the life of your offspring." A parcel was pushed into the elder's hands, while his tone became serious, "That being said," he straightened up, immediately changing his demeanor to a more friendly tone, retaking his charming stance once more, "That being said, I wish you would accept my house-gift, for allowing me entrance into your dwelling." A long finger, with a curved nail which looked too much like a claw, absently scratched at his chin, "I do believe you have been missing the object in your hands for many years. I suggest opening it in another room before it vanishes on you once more."

With an eyebrow raised in intrigue to the elf's reaction, he turned to Scarlet with an apologetic grin upon his features. "My apologies, my lady, for ignoring you like that. I needed to reassure your father that I am of no threat to either of you, and will repeat to you as to why I am not a threat." His eyes began to sparkle, then; merriment danced within them, "I am a Daemon, or, rather, a half Daemon. I am a part of the Fae, of Nature, and I am wholly neutral in all things, but I am more.

"Unfortunately," the merriment in the eyes took on a saddened expression, then, as he continued, "we cannot discuss this here." A hand held up, and his voice spoke in a harsh tone. The air about them shimmered, taking on different hues and contrasts, until they were in a clearing with trees about them. "<Much better,>" he whispered with a contented sigh. At a single snap of his left hand, four rock elementals appeared carrying a platter of meat, cheeses, vegetables, and a jug of a fruity drink. "Please," he said softly, waving his hand towards her, magicking a cushioned, black leather sofa behind her, he he pulled up a wicker chair and sat in it. "Please take a seat, and enjoy the refreshments I had prepared for us. We have much to discuss, and not a lot of time to do so." His right leg crossed over his left, as he took up a silver chalice filled with the fruit drink, and sipped it slowly. "Ah. Blueberry and pomegranate," he exclaimed happily.

Taking up a small plate of goat cheese, sausages, and pear slices, Daimion settled down comfortably into his chair. "You have questions, that much is evident. So instead of giving excuses, I will get straight to the point. The man known as Naja, or as I call him, the Ageless One, is a killer of children and of my people." He took another small sip of the drink, swirling it around in the chalice as he continued, "I am not speaking of the Fae, for he has killed many of them and has already earned their enmity for it. No, my people are the ones known as the Nobles. We are few, but our reach in the world of Man is long and far. A few of my fellow Nobles would relish in the upcoming war with Naja, but I would rather avoid it as much as possible. Why is he hunting us, you may ask?" A shrug followed the question, "Only he could say, for I do not have the answer."

Power flowed from fingertips, pooling into the area between the two of them. "Behold," his voice took on an echo-like quality, "the fate of the last Mystic armies that the Ageless One created to rise against my companions!" Images appeared beneath them, rises like bubbles from a soap pot. Each contained graphic depictions of a battle between raw magick, and elemental powers. Those flowed away, but in its place, the battle between parent and child, parents being killed by their children, but those flowed away as well, and was replaced by a creature that was like Daimion, but not Daimion. It sat in front of a skeletal being in an ancient Germanic armour. The creature's eyes were open wide, as was it's mouth, and a green, sickly energy erupted from it, snaking towards others in regal garments, enhancing their ferocity and magicks tenfold. That, too, flowed away.

Tears flowed freely down his face when the last of the images vanished, and the magick shimmered into nothing. "I am not proud of my past, which is why I wish to strive for a better future. One without another war, such as this. If there is anything I can do to stop it, without putting anyone in harms way, I would do so. Unfortunately, the only way to stop it, in the mind of Naja, is by all of us Nobles to die so that he may rule in our stead." Red energy erupted around a clenched fist, darkening his eyes, and causing his facial features to contract into a hateful visage, but the moment he realized this was happening, he smoothed his features, and banished the energy. "My apologies," he gave a half seated bow, "I was out of line. Please forgive me." With a soft sigh, he continued, "You have questions, I would assume, and I will answer them to the best of my ability, but there are some questions that I cannot answer, and I will make them aware to you when you have voiced them. After I have answered your questions, I will give you the same choice I will give to the others, if I can get to them in time, and then, after you have given me your answer, I will take you back to your dwelling and family.

"Now," he leaned forward slightly, "what questions do you have for me?"

"Ah, forgive my intrusion upon your dwelling, good elf," Her pale blue orbs followed his every movement with precise cautiousness. Scarlet simply watched as the man, Daimion as he is called, bowed to her father before explaining what he was. She, herself, has started to grow weary of the sudden interruptions of her day and to add it all, they both seem to know what she was and they aren't completely human either. A reflex rattled her body, almost launching herself at the man, when he approached her father and whispered something into his ear. She watched with slight irritation as a package was forced into his hands before Daimion turned back to her with a friendly disposition. He cheerfully said he'd hope we accept his house gift before scratching his chin with what looked awfully like a claw. He added to open the package before it disappears. My father looked the way she felt earlier with Naja, overwhelmed yet guarded. Glancing from Daimon to Scarlet, he gave her a look that screamed, "be careful", before turning away and into the house.

She turned his attention back to the towering figure in front of her. He apologized and explained that he simply wanted to reassure my father that I was safe with him. You didn't do a very good job with that. He further explained that he was half a Daemon and part Fae.

"Unfortunately," She snapped her eyes back up to his face as he uttered the word, "we cannot discuss this here." His voice roughened and sounded rather harsh as he held a hand up. Narrowing her eyes, she felt as though she should protect herself, knowing well enough that anything could happen with a simple wave of a hand, like with Naja earlier. Their surroundings glistened before they were standing in the middle of an empty lot surrounded by what looked like a forest. Looking around slightly, she whipped back to him as he snapped his fingers. Four figures appeared, they seemed to be made of rock and were carrying platters of food and drinks.

"Please," His voice grew soft again, a complete contrast as to how he sounded just a moment earlier. He waved his hand again, this time a couch appeared out of thin air and planted itself behind her as he conjured up a wicker chair for himself. He urged me to enjoy the refreshments while they talked. Scarlet simply watched as he drank and ate, kindly refusing the elementals' offers with a small smile and a shake of her head.

Daimion started to explain everything. He says Naja is a murderer of children and his people. He then explained his people as the Nobles and that Naja himself was hunting them. Scarlet found this a smidgen hard to believe. Naja explained to her that she was a Mystic, could that have been a lie too? Maybe she could ask this man, Naja never told her that she couldn't tell anyone, but she could gather up that he didn't want this publicly announced either. She almost jumped as he summoned his abilities from his fingertips. Several bubbles rose up from underneath them and showed explicit pictures of a bloody battle that he told her were the old Mystics. When those disappeared they were replaced by more images of parents killing children. Then one image particularly disturbed her, of one that looked like the man standing in front of her right now yet wore armor and was raining hell everywhere.

She looked back up to him, surprised to see tears trickling down his face. He explained that he wasn't proud of his past and would like to settle this in a friendly matter, but to his opponent, the only way was to wipe the others completely off of the face of the world. Anger contorted his expression, a sickening red energy seeped from him, though less than a moment later he calmed himself and apologized. He then gestured to Scarlet to ask any questions and right after he would send her back to her family and give me a choice like he did the others. His latest proposal bubbled up a small amount of interest within her. There are others? Of course she knew there were others but the realization that she may not be the only one in this current state of confusion and uncertainty sparked her interest even further.

"Now," Daimion learned forward in his chair slightly, "What questions do you have for me?"

Leaning back against the sofa, intertwining her fingers and crossing her legs. She attempted to give him the impression that she was not in the very least intimidated by him. She's thought about this carefully, and her questions came out one right after the other.

"What's so special about me? Who are these "companions" that you spoke of? What do you want of me if I come with you? Who are the others? Where can I find them?" She only asked the most essential questions, quickly and efficiently though drifted off when she remembered a certain little card she had placed into her pocket when her father returned. She slowly, uncertainly, slipped out the card from her back pocket and presented it to him. "Naja gave me this, he said to say the inscription if I ever wanted to talk to him." Scarlet gauged the man's expression and suddenly felt as though she made a grave mistake.

"Out of all of the millions of questions you could have asked, you have chosen to ask the most simplest of them all," Daimion's voice boomed with laughter, which was completely silenced when she pulled out an item almost dripping with the Ageless One's energy. The clouds above him darkened slowly, as his own face contorted with anger and anguish at the sight. Lightening flashed out of the sky, striking the card and setting it alight in a dark red flame. His own tone was slowly letting go of his hatred, as was his face and clouds above, "You do not realize what you have done. Let me explain slowly, anything that that man had touched, can be used to allow him access into wherever he had left the item. If he had appeared here, the fragile alliances that I had made with members of the Courts would have vanished, and we would all had have to fight out of here. More than likely, Naja would have escaped, leaving us both to fight a terrible fight. Be grateful that I have destroyed his only link to you and of this place, for if he were to have set foot here, my own neutrality would have ended." He then faded from sight, but in the distance, away from the clearing, he stood atop a rising cliff. An unearthly howl erupted from his lips, as flames gushed forth from his lips, rushing towards the heavens and above. A voice within his head boomed a single word, 'Peace,' which caused his body to become still, and the flames to vanish completely.

"My apologies," he whispered as faded back to the chair, "I did not wish to frighten you so." He seemed to have shrunk a little into his seat. "That man had caused more damage to my people than is possible to forgive, but I do hope you will forgive my explosion." A large rock and tree golem appeared at his side, giving him a hot drink that looked much like molten lava, and poured it into a large, rocky container. Taking it slowly, and muttering his thanks with a smile, he gulped it down noisily, sighing with content when he was done. "Thank you Mother. I needed that." The golem rumbled something that sounded like two granite rocks rubbing against drift wood. He chuckled softly, "I do not think the young one could handle your brew. Although," he scratched his chin absently with the same hooked nail, "It would be interesting if she could handle such a drink." Turning his head towards the girl, he asked aloud, "Would you care for a cup of Fire Drake Tea?" The golem then poured the liquid into another rocky container, and placed it next to her, which then rumbled slowly, and left the two alone.

The giant watched fondly, as the golem walked into the trees, a small smile appeared upon his lips, which tightened slightly when he turned back towards the girl. "That was Mother," he explained slowly, "She is not my real mother, but a golem created with motherly instincts, and is quite an interesting show to watch when angered." A hand was waved at the drink near her, "The drink in front of you is called Fire Drake Tea, mostly because only a fire drake can handle the potency of the liquid, but there are a few that can handle such a liquid. If you are going to drink, I suggest doing so as soon as possible. Otherwise, it'll turn into a cake that is not exactly edible."

He waved a hand absently at the cup, "As to your questions, from what my magicks can gauge from those like you, each of you is in tune with an element of Nature itself. Fire, water, air, steel, etc, etc, etc. Fire is usually the strongest, and most annoying if memory serves me right, but it is chaotic, and, thus, hard to control. You have a lot of fire within you, passion, 'spunk', if you would, but the only way to actually tell, is by setting you up within an elemental chamber to find out where to go from there. I am sure he could tell you," a snarl appeared upon his lips, which vanished as he continued, "As to your companions that I never spoke of, but you assumed they were, I will have to track them down by the use of my imps. They are creatures not of this world, but are still loyal to me. They are loyal, because I keep my promises, unlike my fellow Nobles, who believe that they can, and will, break promises if it suits their purposes."

Standing up, Daimion began to pace back and forth behind his chair. "What will I do with you if you decide to come with me? Quite simply my dear, you will be integrated into Nobility, and I will present you to my King in due time. After he has seen you, and passed his own judgement over you, you will be given a rank, and I will make sure you have the means to do with what you will. You, and your family, will be housed in one of my many mansions, given guards, caretakers, etc. All to ensure that you are safe from him. I am quite sure that he would be rather upset if you sided with us, rather that him, but that will be up to you," he shrugged his massive shoulders slowly, and continued, "When the battle begins, and it is a when, not an 'if', you will be called upon to stand with us in defense of everything that we love, or risk having it all be obliterated by a man who wishes for control over us all."

"As two your last two questions," he stopped pacing, and placed his hands on the chair to stair at her closely, "Who the others are, are children around your age, and can be male or female, of any race, or none at all. How can we find them? Either by letting him find them and try to bind them to himself, or with your help, so that we may keep them from him. I have found you, and a girl in Romania, because of my agents have sighted the Ageless One, but I wish to find the others before he has a chance to locate them all and spread his tall tales." He sat down, then, and began to file his nails, looking at them absently, until he was satisfied, "The images that I showed you before, the ones of children killing parents, and parents killing their children was not to frighten you, but to show a truth that cannot be ignored. If you go with that 'man', he will wipe your memories clean. You will never remember your family's faces or names, the good times or the bad, absolutely nothing. If you were to go to him, and a year has past, you would not even recognize your family. If, and when, he gives the order, you will kill them, without any emotions, without any thoughts towards them, and believe that it was justified because Naja said so." A snarl creased his lips, then, which vanished completely, "If you were to side with me, however, you will be able to stay with your family, and I will make damn sure that they are doubly safe if he ever comes to find you. Because, make no mistake, he will try to take you, and will use your family against you. This, I can, and will, promise you."

Daimion waited for several moments to pass, before biting into a large carrot with an audible crunch to bring her back to reality. "That being said," he swallowed another mouthful of carrot, "That being said, what will you do now? Go with a man who will take away everything that you love to go up against beings like me, or stay with your family, with the means and wealth of millions of euros, and only come when needed to defend those that you love on this planet?" Another crunch and swallow of the carrot, "You will need training, of course, with whatever your element is, that much is a given, and I will have to make it known to the others that you are off the market," a shrug, followed by another crunch and swallow of carrot, "after that, you will live your life in luxury that only a few can dream of. So," he stared into her eyes, "what is your answer?"

In this terrifying situation, sitting in front of a man who could possibly break her in two with a snap of his fingers, who was also expecting an answer from her, was overwhelming, to say the least. The way he acted as though possessed by an invisible being before forcing himself into calmness and burnt the card from her hand, gave her a tiny hint that he may not be all in the side of good as he says he is, but what he says about the Naja man could be true, since she knew nothing of the other man. She blankly stared as he waited patiently for her to utter a single word. She suddenly felt as small as an ant being stared down by an eagle. Her throat felt dry and her hands fidgeted for something to do. Seeing the earthy container on the table, she reached out for it and swallowed the contents in a single gulp, embracing the warm dull feeling it sent down her throat as if she just drank a glass of whiskey with a hint of taste of dirt. Grimacing at the strange taste, she faced back to the man before her.

She thought about what he said, the life of riches and safety sounded like something she would want for her family, yet something didn't sit right with her. It almost sounded as if he were bribing her. Yet part of her mind also said that he could be telling the truth. She could piece together enough that she could tell she was too valuable to him to just simply dispose. Balancing her options, she looked back up at him.

"I want to talk to a fellow Mystic before I decide. Take me with you when you locate one of the others. I'll be able to give you an answer after I speak with them. I give you my word." She offered. Scarlet knew she was probably pushing her luck here, but if she were as important to him as she thinks she is, he would approve. "It's either that, or I speak to Naja himself, I remember the words inscripted onto the card you burnt, it won't be hard to do."

Picking up the container from the table, she lifted it up to the rock and tree golem who was still standing by the trees. "May I have another glass, Mother?" She asked with a soft voice. Waiting patiently as the golem slowly made it's way over to her, she watched as the lava-like substance oozed into her cup before gulping it down once again. It may taste like warm melted rock and dirt, but there was something about the taste that grabbed her attention. Or maybe just the interesting fact that it appeared as though she were eating molten lava that amused her. Licking her lips, she smiled up at the Daemon. "I guess you can add Elves to the list of species that can handle this tea," she laughed as she placed the glass onto the table. "Do we have ourselves a deal, Daimion?"

With an eyebrow raised, the giant grinned with many rows of sharp teeth saying, "Done." His hands were raised, then clapped several times, summoning creatures from the forest about them. All were made of fire, from imps to salamanders, and all crawled, or flew, towards them. One of the imps handed him a slightly scorched Ipad, which had an image of a girl on it. "<Thank you my friend,>" he said slowly, before reviewing it in silence. He looked up at Scarlet for a moment, then asked the imp to pass the Ipad over to her. "Alleyson Rosewright," he said slowly, "She is from Canada, and is currently living near a skate park, whatever that is." His massive shoulders shrugged themselves, and as he continued, his form slowly shifted to a younger man with raven black hair and pupils so black, they seemed to be made of absolute shadow. His clothing also changed, hugging his skin tightly, leaving no room for the imagination. However, a loose fitting pair of jeans wrapped around his legs, while an opened leather jacket hugged his shoulders. As his hair cascaded loosely over his shoulders, biker boots appeared onto his feet. He stood only a foot taller than her, but could not have been more than a few years older. "These new age humans would take it amiss if an old man, or one such as my giant self, were to appear out of nowhere, and claim people as being destined for glory."

Lifting up his chair, he launched it over her head, where an audible crunch ensued from its breaking, followed by another when a salamander bit into it. "You will be needing warmer clothing than the outfit you have on. It is getting close to winter, by the way, so here," he tossed her a fire emerald in the shape of a European dragon breathing flame, with a gold chain running from it's neck. "Just put that on, and think about the clothing you wish to wear. There will be a small amount of pain, and I do apologize for it, but it is necessary because the technology needs to conform to your bionic signature, and match your brain's thoughts with its actions. To put it plainly," he chuckled lightly, "That fire emerald is filled with millions of microscopic nanites which can create any form of clothing from cotton to wool. Anything harder than that, and it won't work as well. It is relatively new technology that won't hit the market for another four or five years, at least, but, even if you won't side with me, you are welcome to keep it, as a gift."

His stance took on a businessman-like quality, as other imps flew in with papers for him to sign. This lasted for about another ten minutes, before they ceased, allowing him to continue. "Now then," a small Blackberry phone was pulled out of his jacket, which he quickly texted someone, then smiled. "Good," he whispered softly, "Good," looking up with a triumphant smile, he said, "She's been located, and we have a ride to her apartment." Stowing the Blackberry into his jacket pocket, his eyes began to glow a faint green light, which erupted out of his mouth, causing the world about them to vanish, replaced by a city a few miles north from their position. The moment they appeared, however, a black car flew at them, only screeching to a halt a few milimetres in from of him. With a raised eyebrow, he said, "You are cutting this a bit close, are you not?" A shadowy creature's head appeared out the window, and screeched something at him, but all it got was a shrug. With a snap of his fingers, the pair was instantly inside the vehicle, which was about three times larger on the inside, than it appeared to be.

"This is an alchemical device that I have been using since Henry Ford first created the automobile. The outer appearance has changed a lot, but the inside had remained the same, mostly anyways." Chemical devices were housed behind a glass screen, which, at the top, read DEADLY in about twelve different languages, while everything else was pretty much normal. A small refrigerator was stocked with foods of all sorts, whereas a few others were stalked with all manner of drinks ranging from water to fruit drinks, sodas and alcohol. There were a couple of phones, one was black, and closest to Scarlet, while another was gold plated, but that was under a glass case marked with the word EMERGENCY written on it. The inside was lined with cushioned sofas, and looked much like a bachelor's limousine, than a rich man's vehicle.

He had moved to the front of the vehicle, then, and was conversing in a guttural language that sounded too much like two stones scraping against each other. After a sigh, Daimion said, "We're here," and they were instantly outside, staring up at a fairly large building with many windows and balconies. A look of disgust plastered his features, "How can these humans live like... like...," he searched for a word, then shrugged, and motioned for her to follow him inside, where he banged on the landlord's door. An older, bald looking man poked his head out, about to yell at them to go away, but his eyes nearly popped when he saw five hundred dollars CAD flash underneath his nose. "Tell Alleyson Rosewright that I am searching for her, and you will earn yourself another five hundred dollars, understand?" The man bobbed his head quickly, and several times, before dashing off down the hallway. "And now," he sighed, "we wait."

Manacia watched Daimion through the eyes of a Shadow, a non-corporeal being capable of hiding in the shadows of others. They were beings that he created from darkness, so long as one was near him he could see through the "eyes" of all of them. He so happened to have hundreds that dwelled in his shadow, as he watched Daimion he used the shadow to say to him, "Whatever Mystics you gather, bring to me, you will certainly be rewarded for your initiative..." Manacia enjoyed Daimion, so eager to please and always meeting his expectations. He thought of him like a dog, eager to obey, but also able to surprise him with his 'ability.' He turned his attention to Suyag, a powerful ally, yet so eager to be his OWN King. If anything, Manacia was their Emperor, and them his loyal vassals that perhaps secretly plotted against him. The smallest bit of humor rose in him, deception was key to the trade. Of course they did not know of his great treachery that would even involve them... Only time would tell of their fate at his hands...

The conversation took a turn in a direction Syeira had no inkling it would ever go to. The man started talking about mystics and fighting against evil. Maybe he really did need some water so he could clear out the drunken thoughts from his mind. Wait, water and beer made people drunker so that idea was shot.

Listening to him, she could see that no one else in the tavern was missing. Oh, yeah something was definitely up. She wondered if this was one of her weird dreams again, but everything seemed normal enough. But what had struck a cord was calling her a witch.

You’re different, Sye. Her brother had told her. He had raised her when they had gotten separated from their mother. Every elder gypsy in the caravans they had met all said the same thing. They said she was different from them, but they still embraced her. Though her hair kept her an outcast to most people it was those who held the abilities the people thought sacred that had took the young woman in. They had always told her the last time she met with them while looking for her brother before ending at the tavern, that what she sought was not the same thing as what she would find. She didn’t understand the logic behind it. How could search for a missing brother, the man who raised her, be anything less than a brother, the same man?

Shaking her head from the past, Syeira took the card from the man and stared down at the little letters neatly printed on its facing. She couldn’t understand them, but then she wasn’t the best reader in the world either.

Glancing around the tavern that had returned to its full life, she shook her head trying to see if she hadn’t just imagined the whole encounter. No, in her hand was still the money she had been given. All right, so she wasn’t crazy yet. That still didn’t explain everything unless what he was saying was actually true. If that was the case then what the elders were talking about was the same thing. It made sense. But things making sense had never usually happened to her.

Within a few minutes of being able to force herself back to work a young boy came into the building asking for her. She couldn’t go. She had a rush and she just couldn’t leave the other girls who weren’t so used to dealing with the roughness of certain male tendencies, she was firmly left to her own work. Though she was curious on why someone wanted to speak with her specifically.

Maybe it has something to do with the man from before and the card he left. I really do need to decide what to do. But after my work shift at least. The night for me is almost over. Luckily, Casamir is allowed to walk all of us home. The boss is nice here unlike some of the other places I’ve worked at. Two hours left.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Casamir had watched the exchange between the mysterious newcomer and his sister. He caught the glance his way and his guard instantly raised. Something was up. Something he didn’t like the smell of. Whatever it was, he was going to have to be careful.

Once Naja was gone, the young man went back to his work. Bouncing in the tavern was more or less something to appease the man who had taken him in. He thought that the girls needed protection and having that would raise profits. He was right it did, but that didn’t mean Cas didn’t get bored.

He rubbed his temples lightly before taking another drunken man out of the building and putting him outside. There were exchanges of threats and who could hurt whom the most.

Casamir always won. Shaking his head, he glanced back into the busy room and turned and went behind it. It was his place to just get away when he needed it. The girls knew where to find him if they needed him for anything.

I need to tell her soon. I doubt she will believe me. Why should she? The man she was raised with was only our cousin… Signing, he glanced up to the sky. The stars were shining brightly and he remembered all of the wishes, hopes, and dreams he had poured into them as a boy. He no longer did so, but it never hurt to remember a time of innocence among the chaos everyone seemed to live in.

The warlock had been contemplating his king's last message during their short wait for Alleyson to show up. "Any Mystic you find, bring them to me, and be rewarded." That was what he had heard, but he did not enjoy the thought of what he would do to them. More importantly, he did not know if the girl-elf had wore the necklace he had given her. No matter, he would take them to see his king, whether they agreed to go or not, but how? It came to him suddenly, 'Father,' he thought with a slow smile. Father, like Mother, was golem built with fatherly instincts into it, but unlike Mother, it was created out of ice, steel, and death magicks. It was also on the border of the Lich King's lands, of which, he was sure to take notice if three 'guests' were to appear on his doorstep.

The smile upon his lips grew tight, as Alleyson Rosewright came around the corner. She didn't strike him as anything, but the feel about her was wholly human. 'Odd,' he thought slowly, 'Normally they are half of something else. Should be interesting, nonetheless.' With a small bow in her direction, he said, "My name is Daimion, and this here is Scarlet, and we have something to discuss with you, but, unfortunately, we cannot discuss it here." He held up his hand, and spoke in a harsh language once more. The world about the three became harsher, bleaker, and colder. Around them was the beginnings of a winter wonderland, and before them was a cliff that ascended into the clouds above. "Drats," he muttered, "I was off again. No matter," he spoke aloud, then, "If you two will forgive me, but magick does have its limits sometimes." Carefully, he wrapped an arm about the two by the waist, and lifted them into his arms. There was a sound of leather being torn, as large gossamer wings erupted from his back, changing his entire features into a serene-like look. His hair became silver, dancing in the wind, and his body stretched back into his regal self. "Much better," he laughed aloud, as his wings grew larger, thicker, more corporeal. They appeared to be much like a pair of dragons' wings, but that shifted, suddenly, into an appearance of angel wings.

The wings back to stretch themselves slowly, as he squatted down close to the ground. "Hang on to me tight, ladies, it'll be a short ride, but well worth it, I guarantee you," he said with a sly wink. Once the wings had flapped experimentally a few times, they folded themselves close to his body, just as he leaped high into the air. They unfurled then, and began to pump upwards, gaining height quickly. Soon, they were above the clouds, and his booming laughter echoed across the sky in triumph. He soared about the clouds, subtly calling to Father with his magick, until there came a rumbling answer west of them. Banking west, he glided them towards a now forming cliff, where a giant of ice and steel stood waiting for them, waiving its arm at them. The moment he set the pair down, was the moment he cried out happily, and hugged the giant. This was the only time he would express true emotion for another creature, because Father was his first creation, and it resembled the old Daemon that was his real father. It was built much like a Templar was from the days of old, but out of ice and steel. It even had human-like features etched into its face, as well as an open faced helmet atop its head, but more importantly, it had a tongue and a gift for speech, even if it was slow and simple.

"Father," Daimion said happily, "these two young ladies are Scarlet and Alleyson. They will be needing shelter from the cold, food, drink, and better clothing." The giant beckoned to the to follow, lumbering slowly north. He then pulled Scarlet aside, whispering, "You wanted to speak to another Mystic, so hear is your chance. I will leave you both alone for a time, and will be back by nightfall." A finger pointed past Father, who was still lumbering north, "There is a cottage for you both to relax at, including a hot tub, fine food and drinks, and warmer clothing made of the finest materials on the planet. I suggest you two get going," he said aloud, "A fog is moving in, and I would hate to see you both freeze to death before I had a chance to dine with you." With that, he vanished in a flurry of snow and gravel.

Deep within the mountain, was a small treasure trove of wealth, but when he said "small", he really meant to say that it would make a greedy dragon lust after his trove. He cared little for the gold and jewels that cascaded down to the floor in front of him. Instead, he headed straight for the center of the room, where two giant skeletons stood guard over a small chest between them. As he neared, he noticed that the guards' heads had swiveled to follow his every movement, but did nothing, even when he reached the chest, opened it, and retrieved his beloved daggers, Shin'ran and Terratuul. Shin'ran was crafted from a black dragon's fang and scales, incorporating the madness magick that it had spawned, whereas Terratuul was created from a slain golden dragon's fang and scales. It, too, had magick that was incorporated into the blade, but it was corrupted by its own death. Slowly pulling out Shin'ran, he stared into the skull at the hilt, until it finally woke up and began to cackle with maddening laughter. On the other side was another skull, but that one sobbed uncontrollably. He replaced the dagger back into its respective sheathe, cutting off the madness magick it had created, and withdrew Terratuul. That dagger began to sing a sad tune, as it slowly melted onto his left arm, becoming a shield with a spike in the centre. He replaced that one as well, buckled the pair to his waist, and said, sighing with contempt, "Tell Lord Manacia that there are two Mystics heading for the cottage at the border of his lands. Warn him not to approach until the cover of nightfall, not as his self, but as he once was in all his glory, and as human as possible. I, no, we need this to work, else it'll be another long and arduous war." One of the giants began to lumber towards the back, where it housed a massive gateway that led directly into the courtyard of the Lich King. Turning to the other, he said, "I need you to wake the others, and amass at the king's castle. There will be a war soon, and I plan not to be caught with my pants down again." Once more, he reached inside the chest, but pulled out a tan choker, with a prominent emerald in the centre. By placing it onto his neck, he began to feel more alive, as the drug known only as the Philosopher Stone began to course throughout his body. "Much better," he grinned maniacally, "Now then, off to China I go," and vanished the moment he thought of the place he wanted to go.

Daimion, no, Th'drago appeared over a compound near a forested terrain, and gradually glided down towards them on gossamer wings, which slowly took the form of a green dragon's wings. His own body began to shift, as the Serpent's influence took over his form. Dragon-like claws appeared upon his hands and feet, while a spiked tail erupted from his backside. Horns appeared from the sides of his head, and small green scales flowed over his body. Every time he visited the Asian countries, this had happened, and, most of the time, he would take a back seat and watch the show, but not this time. This time, he needed to call upon favors from his past, one that would benefit his "family", and hurt Naja. Alighting himself atop one of the structures, he found himself being stared at by men, women, and children of all ages. "I seek the lord of these lands," his voice boomed, "Bring him here, so that we may speak words together, and discuss past times, trades, and upcoming battles." That last made many people wary, and some scampered away. Leaping down to the ground, he could not help, but spy a passing maiden that smelled too much like a dragon. "You there," he pointed at the black haired maiden, "What is your name?"

Suyag had lost the scent of the magic which meant that it was either gone completely or it was escaping the area too fast to track. He heard a step in the distance. "You can show yourself now. If not you will all die." He called out to have a group of magical creatures come out, blocking the way. The King knew who they worked for and was a bit irratated. "If you are here to fight or speak I do not care for I have more important things to do. The next time your master wishes to speak to me or fight me tell him that he needs to do it himself." With that he ran off to the airport to meet with his Crusnik who perhaps already took that area.

When he got to the airport he let out a loud roar so that all his guards would come to the area. Once they were all there they got onboard a private jet that had been called a week previous when Suyag had stirred in his sleep, an early sign of him waking up. His royal guard knew this technology well and how to fly the machine but he did not. Once on, as it was beginning to depart, he turned to a guard. "Get a hold of Cerberus now. I want to buy them, as in the company entirely. I do care how much it takes, just tell them that it will be bought in full price and it will be run off of my funding. If Blaidd or whomever runs it wishes to discuss the deal and carry out the negotiations tell them to meet me in my throne room in Jerusalem." The Crusnik got to calling the HQ of the company quickly. Mercenaries have always been an easy way to quickly establish order but he grew tired of having to constantly search for new ones when he awakes from slumber so this would provide a constant military power. He looked down at the ground that was now moving at incredible speed. The jet was a state of the art machine that could go at the speed of some of the faster modern military jets. Suyag would arrive in his city in the matter of a few hours.

YanYu sat under the coolness of the tree in her courtyard. A small pond was next to her feet, and she watched the fish that swam back and forth. How pitiful. To them, their world was that small pond. If someone were to lift the fish above water, then perhaps it would finally see that there was a world outside their pond. However, even though she mocked the fish, she felt like one of them. The difference between them and her was that she felt trapped, whereas they felt free to roam their small universe. Perhaps, it would be better to be one of the fish. That way, she would not have to feel this disappointment. Inside her head she was debating confronting her father again regarding the matter of the mystics. One thing was certain, she was not going to walk away without some sort of punishment. He had already made it clear that they were no longer speak of the matter. Bringing up again could result in something much worse that just being ignored or shunned.

Could it be possible? That she was truly a Mystic? If she could meet that Psychic mystic again... He mentioned training didn't he? What if... he trained her? If he trained her, she would become stronger, would she not? She could return home stronger and prove to her father that she was a daughter he could be proud of. However the risk involved in leaving without his permission would be severe. Also, what if she did not return home triumphant? What if she were to return home a failure?

As her thoughts wandered, she caught the scent of another creature. Could it be the psychic mystic from before? No. The scent was different. Strangely familiar, yet so very very different. Her nose wrinkled at the peculiar scent. It smelled odd, strange, mysterious... Then she heard a commotion come from outside her palace. Curious, but remaining on guard, she approached the gate, only to be greeted rather rudely by some creature. She was the leader's daughter, and was not used to such a disrespectful greeting. Then again, he obviously was not from around here. Taking a better look at the stranger, her eyes narrowed. A dragon? Not a Chinese one. She couldn't tell just what he was. Yet at the same time she felt that he was not someone to take lightly.

"I am YanYu. You... are not Chinese. Who are you to visit the dragon clan?" She asked. "If you have no business here, please depart immediately."

Looking around at the various items around the rather large vehicle, Scarlet soon found herself poking and prodding anything that caught her interest, though carefully avoiding those that were labeled danger. While she tapped the glass encasing a phone inside, she could hear Daimion speaking in a language she couldn't even hope to learn to understand.

She looked down into her hand where the necklace that the half-fae handed her before they teleported here. Hesitant, yet slightly trusting of the man, she slipped the necklace on and thought of her usual winter get-up. With a twinge of pain, and a loud yelp of, "Ow!", Scarlet brought a hand up to the necklace but found it slightly more difficult to move. Looking down at herself, she found a pair of black jeans, a large white vest, over a white and black plaid shirt, twin white gloves, and tall black boots with white laces. Smiling comfortably at the warm outfit, she walked up to the front of the vehicle to show the tall man but hesitated when she heard another more feminine voice speaking with him. Poking her head into the conversation, she found a brunette female in somewhat rather boyish clothing. She flashed the girl a smile as Daimion introduced both of them to the girl who from what she could gather, was a Mystic like herself. Daimion suddenly spoke in the strange tongue once more. Along with his words, their surroundings grew darker and colder, it was at these moments-when Daimion used his rather dark magic-that Scarlet suspected him as something other than what he says he is.

They now stood at the foot of a very long drop, everything around and below the three were blanketed in white ice. Daimion looked rather disappointed as he apologized and grabbed the two by the waist. On a reflex, Scarlet pulled back an arm and clenched her gloved hand into a fist, but hesitated when Daimion sprouted wings. The wings seemed almost medieval like-until they ruffled out and into a form of more angelic figure.

"Hang on to me tight, ladies, it'll be a short ride, but well worth it, I guarantee you," Scarlet couldn't resist but roll her eyes at the rather cocky comment before his wings started picking up speed. Leaping into the air, Scarlet subconsciously held onto the arm wrapped around her, eyeing the ground several feet below her. Daimion-who seemed to enjoy the extreme heights and freezing cold air that bashed against their faces-flew expertly onto a cliff face where a giant golem, which reminded her of Mother-though appeared to be made of different materials. She watched blatantly as Daimion hugged the giant and introduced the two girls before the Daemon instructed it to lead us to a shelter. Daimion pulled Scarlet aside and whispered for her to get her side of the deal done with. Pointing them to a direction past the thundering golem, he informed them that there was a cottage for them to relax at. And ask Alleyson about this whole Mystic situation... Without another word, Daimion disappeared.

Glancing at the other brunette, she offered a small smile before hurriedly trudging through the hard ice when she remembered Daimion's warning about a freezing fog. At the heel of the golem, she carefully watched how he moved before leaping onto its back. The Golem simply turned its head before continuing to walk to their destination.

Before long, the trio arrived at the cottage that appeared more like a house built into a rock wall. Hopping off of her perch on the giants back, Scarlet opened the doors to find that everything was prepared-fire crackling and the lights shining on everything that looked almost as good as new. "Thank you, Father." Scarlet yelled out to the Golem who sat comfortably outside. Closing the doors, she shook off her vest, boots, and gloves before sitting in front of the fire rubbing her hands together. Not a minute later, Scarlet was back to normal body temperature. Her Father always commented on the strange fact that her body temperature seemed a little higher than the normal human-even with elven genes-but he just shrugged it off, saying, "It's just one of the numerous reasons why my little Scarlet is special." Turning back to the brunette, she offered another small smile before heeding Daimion's advice

"So..." She began, a rather awkward silence filling the space between them. "What's your take on all this Mystic business?"

The last time he was in China, Daimion had seduced a dragon maiden to pledge her, and her army's loyalties to him. This had caused an uproar within the clans, marking them as dead to the others, outcasts. In the end, their leader, Chenguang, his "Morning Light", was executed. It had caused him a great sadness to envelope his cold heart, obliterating those that had slain her. In these lands, there was no neutrality towards the people, only muted hostility. For although his strength is mighty, and his magicks powerful, he was still a half human, and thus vulnerable to the wants of the flesh, of the heart. The girl in front of him- YanYu was her name?- looked too much like his own maiden dragon, making him study her with an intense stare. His own eyes glowed a fierce burgundy, which seemed to glow and envelope the world about him. It then peered beyond her, and into her energy, but was instantly repelled, causing him to blink. "<Strange,>" he muttered to himself, and was instantly answered by the great serpent in his mind, 'She is not your Morning Star, Daimion Shadowsoul. Although,' it's voice became a slow hiss then, 'she does look much like her, she is most probably a descendent of her brood.'

Nodding once, he opened his jaws to speak whilst grinning with many rows of sharpened teeth, "Indeed I am not," a small bow to her direction, "I am of Greece, of the Isle of Crete, where people, such as myself," he had placed a hand upon his breast at that point, "can flourish without the rivalries of pure humans and Mystics of all sorts." His green wings had wrapped around his chest, then, allowing him to hide his hands, which had started to twitch towards his weapons. There were guards that had surrounded the pair, and all had trained there weapons on him. The thought of battle with these people would have amused him on any other day, but he was hear for allies, not enemies. Besides, only he would come out of it unscathed, whereas all around him would feel only regret towards enacting his vengeance upon them. With a whispering voice, he said, "I suggest you call off your guard, or, at the very least, put them on standby. If one of them were to loose their weapon upon me, only I will remain." A tight grimace creased his lips, then, before he continued, "I am called Th'drago, the Green Dragon of the South, mate of Chenguag who, by all accounts, should have been the ruler of these lands, and I am still peeved at you, and the other clans, for killing her. Unless you do not wish to see the others fall to their deaths," a low growl, followed by noxious fumes emanating from his mouth, which, once it touched the ground, caused it to bubble and disintegrate right before their eyes, " Call. Them. Off!"

Taking a single step back, he pulled back his wings to reveal sparkling green scales, and a loincloth that covered his front, which fell to his knees. Besides his claws, the only other weapons were a pair of daggers, if one were to call them that. To a regular human, they would be like swords to them, but to one such as the Warlock, they were almost like toothpicks. The blades came half way down his thighs, but that didn't concern him, what did, however, was the power that they contained within them. A violet dagger, with a pair of skulls, on on each side, seemingly oozed with chaos, whereas the other just sang a muted, sorrowful song. He had only touched the hilt of both with a single finger from both hands, when he heard a whistling come from behind him. His entire body vanished into smoke, then reappeared to catch the flying missile with an outstretched hand. It was only a few milimetres from the girl's face, before he caught it, a single arrow. Holding it above his head, he shouted, "Back off. If another fires an arrow at my back, while this girl is in front of me, I may not be here to catch the next one." After he had said this, he snapped the arrow in half, before tossing it away.

"I came here," Daimion spoke slowly, his anger and tone quieting down, "I came here, to speak to the lord of these lands. To enact a treaty, a 'promise', if you will, but instead," a claw pointed straight at the girl in front of himself, "I find the spitting image of Chenguang. This leads me to believe that some of her brood has survived." With arms crossed over his chest, he continued, "She was a blue dragon, as were most of her people. They were of water, but all were annihilated because they did not follow with what the others had decreed. They had wished to remain out of the last battle, but she had wished otherwise, and was killed for it." Tears began to bead down his face, then, and sizzled the earth beneath him, while his own hand was slowly inching it's way towards the black dagger. It had gripped it tightly when he felt the presence of an elder dragon, and, whipping his body around, he charged the palace, before skidding to a halt in front of several dozen spear points. "This is the ultimate betrayal," he rumbled at the old dragon-man at the top of the stairs, "She was mine!"

The rumbling became a half roar when the man waved him away, as though he was not a threat to anyone. "We know you cannot attack us, nor do anything, unless someone attacks you, Daimion Shadowsoul," the man sneered at him, goading him to make a move, "So you might as well just leave us, and bother someone else."

He had begun to turn away, but stopped as maddening laughter erupted from the warlock. "One of your guards had fired an arrow at my back, old one," his grin stretched, as did his form. A large, western dragon made of green mist stood in front of the warriors, but before anyone could move, a claw lashed out, slamming the old man into the wall behind him. Shin'ran appeared in his hands, to the side of the misted claw, and was slowly inching its way towards his neck. The maddening cackle, and hysterical crying, was enough to keep everyone away, as it was increasingly infectious the closer you get to the blade. "I will ask you only once," he whispered slowly, as the old man had succumbed to hysteria, "Is she Chenguang's?" At a nod, he vanished, as did the chaos, and mist dragon, only to appear next to YanYu. "If you wish to know more about yourself, your past, and why your 'people' do not trust you fully, come with me, and I will explain." He held out his hand to her, in the hopes that she would take it. His welcome had run out at this place, and he did not wish to be here any longer.

Naja

The destruction that Daimion caused was something to witness, although he was making Naja’s job that much easier. Who would go with someone who did such damage? Naja shook his head as he watched Daimion’s act of violence. When the warlock slammed the dragon elder into the stone palace wall, Naja glared. The Warlock had gone too far to recruit his mystics. Naja had received the go ahead from the higher ups to attack should he need to. As Daimion appeared beside Chen, and began whispering in her ear, an orb of energy crashed against the warlock’s form, sending the man flying backwards, hitting the ground hard.

“Leave this place Daimion. Leave and never return. Do not try to poison this child’s mind with your lies. Chen, it is best if we leave now!”

Naja snapped his fingers and two large golems appeared, wearing armor and holding devilish axes. Naja turned to looked at Daimion.

“These golems are fierce warriors, and if you do not leave, they will be force to attack. Trust me when I tell you that you don’t want them against you.”

Naja turned his attention to Chen.

“My dear, I hate to be forceful, but we do not have time for this. When I get you and your father to safety, I can explain further.”

Naja began chanting and his voice filled the room with such overwhelming power that most of the guards shook in awe. There was a flashing of light as Chen’s father vanished, followed by the rest of the clan. Then Naja and Chen vanished arriving outside the base just as Syeira and Casamir did.


Alleyson Rosewright & Nicolai

Alleyson didn’t like this guy. He seemed so prideful and it made her frown. More so, when the man lifted his hand and began to speak in an unknown language, it scared her. She wasn’t used to this type of environment. Everything around her changed, but as if that weren’t enough to freak her out, the man grabbed her without asking her. This pissed her off. She would’ve punched him if they weren’t flying in mid-air. Waiting to land somewhere, Alleyson began to plan some type of escape. She was still thinking about the man who had visited her at the skate park. He seemed so genuine, the complete opposite of the man she was with now. Something about this man was dark, devious, and off balance.

Sighing when they landed, she looked and observed. She had no clue; neither did Daimion and Scarlet, that they had been followed by Nicolai. Hiding in the Earth, Nicolai waited and bided his time. When Daimion and the large ice/steel giant left, Alleyson looked at Scarlet. The girl had also looked at her and had begun to speak.

“My take on the mystics? Honestly I thought it was all a bunch of baloney, but now I’m not so sure. Tell me something Scarlet? Right? Doesn’t that man give you strange vibes? As if he’s after something and not telling us the entire truth.

“He’s not,” came a voice from the stone wall that the cottage was built into.

Alleyson jumped and glared as a hole appeared in the wall and Nicolai stepped out.

“Pardon my intrusion ladies, but I was sent to make sure you were alright. I am Nicolai, sworn Mystic and Protector of Tao. The man you are with, his name is Daimion. He’s a warlock, and a conniving one at that. His job is to collect the mystics that Naja has found and keep them from fulfilling their destiny. I know it is hard to believe, but I have a way of breaking through his lies. Did he tell you about the tattoo? Every mystic has a tattoo of angel wings, and the nobility generals have a tattoo of a skeletal snake on their hands. Have you noticed how he tries to cover his hands? Think about it. I know you’ve seen the tattoos. If you come with me, I can assure you everything will become clear. Naja is waiting.”

Alleyson glared at the male. He was cute, and cute was always good. She couldn’t smile, nor smirk. She just looked at him, and then at Scarlet.

“How do we know we can trust you?” Alleyson asked.

“How do you know you can trust Daimion? All I can give you is my word, and this.”

Nicolai lifted his shirt revealing the pair of angel wings on his chest. His abs glistened in the light of the cabin’s fire. After he was sure they had seen it, he dropped his shirt and held out his hand.

“Please. We don’t have much time. Daimion is already trying to get another mystic, I just hope Naja isn’t too late.”


Casamir and Syeira

After the two read the words on the card, they vanished, the world around them disappearing and being replaced by trees and more trees. Behind them was a large house, a very large house. It had white shudders and made of some type of rock. It was beautiful to behold and stood at least four stories high. Naja looked at the two and smiled. They had read the card.

“Marvelous. You have chosen your path and read the card. Excellent, now then, come, all three of you, for there is much I need to tell you.”

Naja beckoned to them to enter into the base.

Willow & Laea

Laea smiled a warming smile as she listened to Willow’s first question.

"Before I go anywhere with you, I'd like to ask you something if I may. What... What am I? You mentioned the name Mystic? Would this mean I am also a Mystic?"

Laea smiled even more, though this smile was soothing.

“You are a mystic, for you possess the mystic magic and symbol. Check your body; it is a pair of wings. We all have it,” Laea stated showing Willow her symbol that was on her left bicep, “You are special, just as the other mystics are special. You are part witch, and the last of a powerful coven. We are guardians, and it is our sworn duty to protect. You may ask what does the world need protection from. That is why I am here. Beings of dark power have returned to lay waste to the Earth. Naja has been trying to recruit the mystics, but as he tries so to do the Nobility. They want to find you, and once they’ve found you, they will KILL you or imprison you. Sure, they’ll make it seem as if they are there to help, but in all actuality, with the mystics out of the way, they’d be able to take over that much quicker. I only ask you this because I fear for the safety of the world. Willow, it is entirely your choice. I cannot force this responsibility onto you, I can only ask.”


Dorián & Kurama

“I’m worried,” Dorián stated as he looked at Kurama.

“As am I,” Kurama replied.

“Then why are we just sitting here?” Dorián questioned glaring at Kurama then back at the card his father had given him.

“I don’t know man, I really don’t know. I want to accept what your dad told me, but I have a life to live,” Kurama stated.

“But that life you want to live may end if we don’t help. I know my dad, and I know he wouldn’t ask so much if it weren’t absolutely necessary,” Dorian said standing to his feet and twirling the card between his fingers. He looked out the dorm room window and sighed.

“I’m reading it!” he said softly as he looked at Kurama who had the same card in his hand.

“At least leave them notes,” Kurama stated as he grabbed a pen and paper. He began to write a note to his girlfriend while Dorián wrote one to his boyfriend. They taped the notes to the outside of their door and looked at the cards.

“You ready?” Dorián asked.

“Let’s just get this over with,” Kurama stated as they both read the card in unison.

The setting around them changed and before they realized it, they were surrounded by trees. The noticed Naja as well as three others walking into the rather large building, and decided that that would be the appropriate place to go. They walked slowly, not sure if the choice they had made was the right one.

Overwhelmed. Scarlet supposed that was one word to describe how she felt. Though it would be an incredible understatement. She sat there, her hands still held out, palms to the fireplace, now staring at the man that claimed Daimion was not who he says he was. The brunette scoffed at first and was about to confront the man, until he explained the tattoos. He lifted his shirt and revealed a pair of painfully familiar angel wings on his chest. Scarlet rubbed her left backbone, where that exact same tattoo sat, she and her parents considered it a birthmark from the start; knowing that elves usually have very strange and sometimes symbolic birthmarks, but now knowing what it means puzzled her. Looking up at the third stranger and second man who claimed that the one before was a faux.

Please. We don't have much time. Daimion is already trying to get another mystic, I just hope Naja isn't too late."

Another mystic... Scarlet pinched the bridge of her nose before sighing. She spared a shrug as she glanced over at Alleyson. "I'll come with you." She choked out. "The tattoo, I have it on my back. And I noticed Daimion's on his hand when he grabbed me to fly us here." She uttered. Scarlet also hasn't mentioned that she's felt rather suspicious of the man every time he used his magic. There was a dark essence that seemed to follow him and the dragon wings he tried to disguise into angel wings didn't help his side of this at all.

She slipped on her boots and gloves before shrugging on her vest then went to stand next to Nicolai. "I've had enough of these games." She added. "But if you aren't what you say you are..." She warned. "I will kill you."

Nicolai, Alleyson, Scarlet & Lord Manacia

Alleyson gasped when Nicolai lifted his shirt and showed both Scarlet and her the angel wings that seemed to flap on his chest. She was more or less stunned by the man's physique than the tattoo that he was showing them. Still, gawking at the man would prove useless if she didn't get to know him first. What he spoke of hit a nerve with Alleyson. First Naja comes and tells them that they are mystics and protectors of the Earth and now this guy, whose name is Nicolai, comes and tells them the exact same thing, and that their lives were in danger. To make matters worse, a deep dark voice filled the room and creeped from the shadows. Nicolai glared, knowing full well whose voice it was.

"Lord Manacia," Nicolai stated as he heard the heavy footstep. He watched as Scarlet took his side, and now he waited on Alleyson.

"I'm coming with you," Alleyson said, "but no funny business."

"Alright, but we need to leave now," Nicolai stated, "do you still have the card?"

"I do," Alleyson stated, "I kept it in my wallet."

Alleyson pulled the card out and gave it to Nicolai. She stood next to Nicolai and glanced over at Scarlet. This was all a bit much, but the voice she heard was far too dark to belong to anyone of good. Then she saw the one responsible for such a horrid voice. Alleyson backed up a bit, but Nicolai stood his ground.

"Lord Manacia, it seems time has been nice to you," Nicolai cockily spoke as he steadily backed away from Manacia, holding his arms out to keep the girls behind him, "but I'm afraid I can't do as you ask."

Nicolai shifted forms, his aura glowing as he continued to keep his arms outstretched so that the girls were protected.


Willow & Laea

"This decision you have made will be one you will not regret. Now, hold on to me, this trip will be quick."

Laea smiled down at Willow and touched her on the shoulder before her eyes glowed brightly and the two of them vanished. They arrived in front of the base in the Amazon, to which Laea was much relieved. She had appeared directly in front of Dorián, and Kurama.

When the group entered into the base, Naja turned around and looked at them.

"Ahh, welcome, welcome, welcome," he said softly, "I trust you have many questions for me so please, all of you wait for me in the main hall."

Naja stepped into his chamber, allowing Laea to lead the mystics into the main hall. Dorián was used to this place, for it was his home.

As they walked, they noticed the beauty of the base. There seemed to be no expense spared to build this place. Walls lined with beautiful satin. Chairs made of the finest material. Laea opened a large door which led to the main hall. The hall was gigantic. A large flat screen TV perched on the wall. Large bay windows on the opposite side, covered with wooden blinds. It was all luxury. The main hall led into a kitchen area that was vast, and by the size of it, could feed an army. Laea smiled as they entered in.

"Please, make yourself at home, Naja will be with us shortly."

Chenguang was the most beautiful woman the warlock had ever met, and he had met plenty during his long life. She was called the "Morning Star" in the western world, a Lucifer in the Roman tongue, but she was his. She had cared for him after a losing battle against the Mystic of Light, shielded him from the bastard that would dare strike out at him, and ultimately drove him back. Daimion was grateful for what she had done for him, and asked her to follow him with promises of glory and treasure. She had yearned for such an opportunity, but the other clans had forbidden such an action, damning all who would try. This did not stop her, however, and she entered the war, standing by the Warlock of Nobility as she did so. He had known his king's feelings about the union between them, but did not care. She was his, and that was all that had mattered.

Devastation, chaos, mayhem, all these things, and more is what they had inspired in their enemies. Although the mystics had employed mythical creatures that could fly, they could not stand against the drakes and dragons' clan. When she went down because of a massive wound to her shoulder, his entire form changed completely. His scales had changed from a pale green, to brilliant sapphire blue, but something more. He became a death dragon, a being of immense power, but only for a short time. The length of such of form would destroy a lesser being, but to one such as him? He could only last for an hour, before succumbing to exhaustion. On the battlefield, however, his blinding rage decimated the plain, causing friend and foe to flee from the devastation. Only the king had the strength to stop his madness, before he could deal even more damage.

Now, however, Naja had appeared, threatening violence with golems, knowing full well that he could do nothing to retaliate. When he stole YanYu away from him, he felt the chains of his neutrality fall away from him, and lashed out, striking with the darkest of magicks into the void the old Mystic had conjured up, striking at him full in the face. "You have started this war once more, Naja" Daimion said slowly as he watched his quarry fade from his sight, "You will not live beyond this one. I guarantee it." As Naja faded away, he held up the living body of the archer that had shot at him. "With this one's blood, I will find them, and I will find Chenguang's offspring and bring her back. I have lived as a Noble since last we met, and have wished for a peaceful end to all of this squabble, but lo, you have taken away that peace yet again. This time, there will be no peace." Power erupted about him, energy of the blackest and brightest erupted about him, striking out at the ground between the golems. They had begun to move in on him as he spoke, but the moment they had crossed the space where he struck, they had begun to disintegrate completely.

He had no cares for the world anymore, and began to call upon his resources by opening one massive portal after another. Creatures and beings as old as the world began to pour out of the portals, converging on the lone Daimion, chattering in their ancient languages. "Begin preparations," he said quietly, causing all around him to quiet and become still. "Beat the drums," his voice rose, "Sound the call," his arms rose above his head, which had drawn back, "For tonight, we go," with a loud cry he howled, "to WAR!"

A peel of lightening fell upon his shoulders, banishing him back to the king's lands, where he found Father in distress over the fact of an intruder within the lands of Death. "Call the others, Father," he said slowly, "Naja has started the war once more." The golem nodded once, then, taking a deep breath, he bellowed to the cold and uncaring world. However, the world rumbled and howled back at him. Ice and Frost Giants appeared seemingly out of nowhere, and converged on the cottage before them. Walking slowly, he shed his draconic form, to take up his regal self, and, upon entering the building, he stopped to stare at the intruder with a coldness that seemed to echo his liege lord's manner. "Nicolai," he said calmly, "The last time I saw you, one of Chenguang's drakes were eating your insides. Too bad for you, your leader has started the war by taking one of my mate's offspring from me." He withdrew Terratuul from it's sheathe, and pointed it at the man's chest. The song it sang was one of peace, and when directed at one person, however, it would instill a sense of Nirvana and Vertigo into the person. He focused the blade's influence at the man, using it's influence to turn him into a vegetable.

"My apologies, ladies, but you will not be going anywhere." His sidelong glance at the pair was one of anguish and despair, "Naja has stolen one of my mate's offspring from me, thus, starting the war once more." His head swiveled towards his king, and said with a low bow, "I am yours, fully, once more, my Lord Manacia. He has started it, so there is no more need to create any illusions for these young mystics. As an apologetic token, I offer up these three to you, in hopes that I may continue to stay in your services." Daimion never cared to kiss ass to his superior, but he was in the wrong for trying to have his lord appear as a human once more. "You do look stunning with skin on, if I may say so myself, and I do," his infectious smile was back, which beamed brightly towards the pair of ladies. "No one will be going anywhere," he repeated, "These lands belong to my Lord Manacia, and, because we are at war once more, my underlings are setting up the barriers necessary to keep everyone that does not use death magicks in, as well as out. In short," his smile became wholly manic then, "you are trapped for the duration of the war."

His smile became a chuckle as he was reminded of something. "Which reminds, the last war lasted almost a thousand years." The chuckle became a booming laughter, just as the barrier was complete, causing darkness to descend over the land.