Harborym Valley

The sound of pattering footsteps following behind the cloaked figure as he ran along the forest's edge was reassuring, no need to turn his head around and confirm that the girl had indeed followed. What was considerably less comforting however was the increasing number of steps that reached his ears as they continued on with that mad dash. There was no doubt about it. They were being pursued.

Dusk was never one for last minute heroics nor making a spectacle out of things, but as time wore on, it seemed like that would soon become his obligation if they were even going to make it through this section of the valley alive, let alone escape the entire thing with their heads still clean on their shoulders. With that inverted blade still within his grasp, he gave a quick turn and a rather acrobatic leap directly above the head of the girl he'd assume still running along the pathway behind, his feet planting firmly into the ground with barely a breadth of space between them, his blade drawn while eyes caught sight of the small troop that have chosen to dare follow the pair. Every thought had to be quick and yet so calculated at the same time, each sharp movement executed with precision to give them all the extra time they'd need to make any progress away from the voracious troops.

Immediately upon touching the ground Dusk gave his blade something of a flick outwards and drove it down deep into gaia's surface, digging in enough to liberate a sizable portion of dirt which would within the next instant tear up from beneath him and find a path through the air directly at those who followed. Only a temporary blinding technique, a mere distraction at best. Whipping around on his heel, he quickly set off again behind the girl and reclaimed his position directly before her and leading the way within a moment, footfalls dashing along the path that became narrower as they moved along. He had never seen the terrain here firsthand, but Sparsian drilled into his head every level, every height and every route to bring him to his destination. Upon the stage of his mind did thoughts play out the trails, his body traversing the map of the entire region that he was recalling from memory. Or at least what he hoped was that map.

The time that passed seem to flow in an everlasting instant, what was in reality a trail that they moved along within mere seconds at a feverish sprint seemed more like a never-ending stretch of grass which would ultimately drain the life from them. But as time wore on and they moved further and further curving around towards the Eastern side of the valley, the rustle of moving Vyken forces became intermingled with the marching Ghalerion troops down below and the small squadron of them still giving the two chase. Every heartbeat felt like it was going to tear right through his chest.

"There's a gap, coming up soon, on our left. If we can curve around this trail, it'll eventually bring us to the opposite side of the valley. We've got no time, we have to make it." He spoke almost breathless to the girl behind him, at least the one he still assumed behind him as it felt like an eternity since he last looked back. But affirmation would come soon enough as they diverted from the forest's edge and instead turned north along another path in the direction of Mount Focalor. The more they twisted and turned and moved, the less confident Dusk became with his navigation skills, the unfamiliarity with the actual scenery of the region itself being cause for worry.

All he could do was trust his senses and hope.

It seemed the entire valley had slipped into chaos. Their entire group had more or less completely split apart, and Ka`zeh's crimson orbs continued to flicker about the environment, searching for a shred of salvation. His horse's hooves grinded into the steep earth of the path descending into the valley. The detective was caught between a rock and a hard place. The Vyken's were using the forest located inside the valley to camoflauge their presence, meaning Ka`zeh and his entourage could easily be killed or captured if they sought the shelter of the trees. Even if he led his group down into the valley and avoided the forest situated within the valley's depths, they would surely be captured by the Ghalerion forces.

"Damnit..." He growled, kicking his horse into a full on gallop. The soldiers that he had barged through began to recover, and soon began to retreat from the forest. Apparently Ka`zeh's bluff that Vykens were in the trees apparently wasn't a bluff at all. He would have to take his chances with the Vyken's situated down in the valley. It was obvious that the Ghalerion army had no intention of stopping its invasion. Ka`zeh realized that a small group of men could not stop a war on their own. Perhaps the Vykens would listen to the man's pleas.

The condition of the Ghalerion camps situated near the forces suffered heavy losses. The screams of panicked horses echoed into the night as they threw their handlers from their backs, dashing away wildly to escape the overwhelming presence of the Vykens. All the horses could sense with their feeble minds was the intimidating gaze of a predator. Perhaps their minds were not so feeble in this instance, and the Ghalerion forces near the forest began to collapse under the barrage of arrows cascading down upon them like rain. Several of the Ghalerion archers returned fire, but their eyes could barely see in the thick blanket of shadow coating the environment.

"FOOLS! IGNITE YOUR ARROWS!" The head commander bellowed, jerking one of the Vyken arrows from his shoulder. A few barrels of oil were clumsily thrown about, and the archers began to dip the tips of the arrows into the oil. A small stream of oil was poured before their ranks and lit, allowing the bowmen to dip the tips into the flames and ignite them. The Ghalerion archers released their arrows blindly into the forest, but the whistling presence of flames began to set fire to the trees, and soon it had become an uncontrollable wild fire.

Ka`zeh ducked low to avoid a few arrows that had gone astray, his hair whistling through the night air as he charged past the Ghalerion forces situated near the forest. They were far too preoccupied with their counter attack to notice the Ghalerion Commander plunging into the depths of the trees. His horse immediately panicked, its senses picking up on the primal rage of the Vykens, and it swiftly reared itself upon its hind legs, hurling Ka`zeh from its back. It then dashed away into the shadows, never to be seen again.

Ka`zeh grunted with pain as he slowly scrambled to his feet, his hands searching blindly for his blade. The sun had nearly passed into the horizon, smothering the forest with a thick coat of darkness. His eyes had yet to get used to the dark, and he cursed under his breath as he heard the screams of men echo into the night sky. A hand bumped into the hilt of his blade, and his digits swiftly wrapped around the base securely. Ka`zeh stood to his feet and began to glance around feverishly. Getting thrown from the horse had dazed him, and now he had no clue where he was.

Thick smoke filtered through the tops of the trees as the environment began to light up with the presence of fire. Ka`zeh covered his mouth, coughing a bit as he dashed further into the woods, hoping to escape the approaching flames. The Ghalerion Archers had obviously set fire to their arrows, hoping to soften the handicap of their inability to detect the Vyken retaliation by mere sight alone. It was a clever move, no doubt, and clearing the forest would mean the Vykens would have less of a chance to hide themselves.

Ka`zeh continued to dash through the woods, his speed something that perhaps even a Vyken could admire. He was always very agile and swift on foot, more than any Ghalerion could boast. A Vyken could kill him on the spot any moment now, but Ka`zeh knew of their extra sensitive hearing. Perhaps if he made his presence known as well as his intentions, they would come at him in a peaceful demeanor.

"Vykens!" He called out, trying to sound as harmless as possible. He also knew that declaring himself as a citizen of Ghalerion would surely increase his chances of death, so he decided to leave that small bit of information out of his plea. "My name is Ka`zeh, and I have traveled from afar to plead that you retreat from Harborym Valley! I understand that it is your home and you wish to defend it with your lives, but you are fighting a losing battle! The Ghalerion forces are numbered at one million strong, and will not stop until they have completely slaughtered every single being of your kind! Think of your offspring and their safety!" Ka`zeh called out, his crimson eyes slowling beginning to adjust to the darkness.

He waited, hoping that at least one of the Vyken scouts would reveal their presence and perhaps lead him to an area of safety to negotiate with him. It's all he could do really. The Arch Generals were determined to destroy any opposition that dared to stand against them, and with such an overwhelming army, the casualties of the Vyken nation would be devastating. The only thing Ka`zeh was concerned about was preventing as many deaths as he possibly could. His group was scattered the moment they exited the jungle, and he blamed himself for that. If he had not panicked, and had stayed with his group and just waited for an opportunity, they would not have gotten split up.

He put himself at the mercy of the Vykens now. They could kill the man at any moment, but he hoped with all his heart that they would sense with their animalistic tendencies that Ka`zeh was earnest in his declaration.

Meanwhile, the small division that Ka`zeh had charged through previously near the borders of the jungle outside the valley began to recover from the commander's insane endeavors.

"It's obvious the Vykens aren't our only enemies here!" One of the officers barked with frustration.

"There are a few stragglers within the forest. See that they are arrested and brought back to our main establishment inside the valley. If they resist...kill them," The head officer barked, splitting his division in half. The division was only comprised of twenty troops, considering that it was only a scouting group. Ten of the troops clicked their heels into their horses' sides, beckoning them into the jungle. The other half began to make their way back to camp.

The ten soldiers that had stayed began to cross over into the jungle, maintaining a tight defensive formation. Their presence was drawing closer to Von, Gent, and Robert, but the sound of their armor, weapons, horses, and the blazing light of their torches would alert the three to the group's presence long before the group of Ghalerion soldiers detected them.

"Keep your eyes peeled. Might be a few Vyken scouts lingering around here too," One of the guards muttered, keeping his torch held low to prevent from setting the jungle on fire.

As Dusk turned and leapt over her, clearing her head by at least a foot, she swivelled round to see him land gracefully in the path of their pursuers. Wasting no more time, she returned to her sprinting pace, taking the lead for a while until Dusk caught up and resumed his place in front of her.

Caitlin couldn't be sure whether she trusted this man's sense of direction as she knew of no one that knew their way around this treacherous valley. Still, following his order was better than wandering around aimlessly just waiting to be pounced upon by one of the creatures that lay in waiting.

Attempting to catch up with him, she grabbed at his forearm. "Do you even know where you are going?" she asked, stumbling over a rock that chose to lay in their path. "If you do, please enlighten me!"

She knew that stopping now would be fatal but she wasn't used to such movement and her muscles were soon aching, her lungs on fire from her quick inhalations.

It seemed that his usual spastic behavior had given away their positioned and ruined the day once more, but he couldn't help his eratic nature. It was just one of those things that he had to just get out otherwise he'd be dealing with it all night long. Now however was the time to be a bit more composed and serious than his usual obnoxious personality permitted him to be. Soldiers were closing the gap between the rogue and forest.

If he wanted to survive this ordeal he'd have to act fast and shut his trap for once, thankfully his blade had been in his hand, otherwise he'd probably entangle himself within the confines of the bushes attempting to remove it from the sheathe on his back. His body quivered with an utmost fear and at the same time exhilaration and excitement coursing through his veins. Adrenal glands begin to open up, replenishing his energy only momentarily for the time would come when he'd have to get out of those bushes and make his escape.

The majority of guards had barely passed him by, leaving him safe for the time being; The opporutinity was upon itself and the only thing he could think about was getting the hell out of there, surrounded by the screams of soldiers bleeding and random ferocious battle cries of the surrounding Vykens in the area. He had to tread cautiously and that's what he did, using his black trenchcoat as a means of blending in with the dark while simultaneously shielding himself from the dangerous inferno that dared to consume the entire forest around them.

After a few minutes he had made it about two hundred feet through the foilage and rough forest before accidentally tripping over Gent who had been entangled in the bushes, "Ow...damn it.." Whispering to himself as he plunged head first into the dirt, scrambling around in the bushes until he recognized the familiar face of the elderly man.. "It's you, eh. What the hell are we supposed to do with all these soldiers running around looking for us, and not to mention whatever the hell those other things are.."

Thunk, thunk, thu-thunk, thunk, THUNK!!

One right after another, Venom was suddenly bombarded by a shower of well-aimed arrows, even though he had done well in his hunting by crushing the very life out of one of the Vykens, if not many more. Through color-blind eyes, the beast could see its very life withering away, and would have lost it all as he crashed into the earthen ground...

"O blessed melody, let this soul rest peacefully and grant him a plague-free slumber! Come, Leishui!!" The sweet ring of a woman's voice and a gust of dazzling sparkles flew out and into the caverns that made up the giant snake's ears, causing Venom to flinch a few times before allowing its head to curl up underneath its massive body and drift off to sleep.

"Aarisa, what are you doi-" Yuudoku turned about furiously to face the advancing summoner, his eyes a-fire with rage until he was cut off by her voice slipping out once more.

"Call them off, Colonel. It seems everyone is running away!" Her hands outstretched as she matched motion to her words, soon pointing off in the direction where Ka`zeh was. As her digits extended, his eyes slowly followed to the mass of Vykens that apparently were fleeing the scene, but for whatever reason, he did not know. He could not smell the desire in their movements, and it was this that puzzled him. After a careful look about him, Yuudoku finally let his head lower in slight anguish before raising his hand to the sky.

"Dismissed."

Hellsheen flickered its tongue out once more before curling around that of its twin, dragging it with him and the countless bodies into the gapping pit that opened up beneath them, and then vanished as soon as it had appeared.

Yuudoku turned back to Aarisa, allowing his plumed hat to grace his head while he forced on a smile. "Where to?"

"I'm worried about Ka`zeh, Colonel. I think we should find him... could you smell him out for us?"

"Heh..." The colonel sweatdropped at the mentioning of his abnormal traits, but he tilted his head to the sky, none-the-less, and allowed the scents in the air to enter his glands. "... There are too many people here. I can't pick out the investigator from this horrid mass of soldiers..."

"... There, there! I see him! Yuudoku, over there!" The two of them swiveled around on their horses until Yuudoku's eyes met the projectory track of Aarisa's eyesight, and with a small smile upon the elder man's lips, the two of them raced into the flaming woods and after their companion.

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

The crunching of his boots were silent as he pushed and pulled his weight through the dense forest, eyes a-gleaming as brightly as the symbol on his armor as the man began to make out the tossled outlines of Gent and Von.

"Well, well, well... if it isn't the low-life vermin and... a mage who seems to emmit something very familiar to me." The cold, yet addicting tone of the youngest Ghalerion general came down upon the tangled forms of the two vagabonds who had strayed from their herd. The ebony in his eyes glittered with a darkened and dulled malice, carefully picking up every detail within his surrounding as he advanced upon them. "Fancy to find you here, but much to your own disproval... I'm placing both of you under arrest."

One. Two. Three. Four.

His heart beat continued to pound fiercely against his chest as it had been for too long. Had it not been for the preparation he and the assassin received through enduring the elements at such a pace to get to this damned valley, he likely would have collapsed quite some time ago. But there was more here pushing his feet and propelling his body to continue moving and running away. There was an inherent desire behind every heartbeat and every step, a desire to stay alive long enough to at least see his country restored to order. The thoughts of escaping the Ghalerion troops were losing importance in his mind, instead supplanted by the worries of what future lay before his land.

Thoughts were however interrupted by a hand on his forearm and the inquiry of the girl, putting him back on edge for a moment or two. Although he chose to take her question with a bit more depth behind it. Where were they going? Where were any of them going but to their inevitable destruction at the hands of either an army led by voracious conquerors or beastly Vykens taking them for intruders determined to cause harm? This really was suicide, no matter which way one looked at it. He should have known better, he really should have known. But in his best hopes of keeping the girl at ease, unaware that his thoughts might be a little more than evident to her already, he reassured.

"We're going to Mount Focalor. It's not much further now, but there are places there where we may be able to take cover," he paused a moment in thought, feet slowing down momentarily while he kicked about on his heel to catch her from stumbling and yank her back into a sprint. "We'll find the caverns in which Orias sought and found his shelter." He assumed the girl knew the tale of the ancient general of Ghale, the only man believed to have ascended Focalor. The greatest general in all of Ghale and still not a single remain of his body or his troops was found those generations ago. Naught but his diary told of the climb and eventual death after discovering what he declared the gate to Hell itself.

And how fittingly that at last they completed rounding the bend and reached the narrow rock bridge directly north which crossed above the valley, a small gap in the middle which one needed cross to reach Mount Focalor's base. He had been attempting to concoct some sort of plot to make way across it during the run there, but it seemed like options were slim and he'd be acting on impulse in the end regardless. How unfortunate however that while they sprinted still to that bridge, whatever meager cover the pair had was lost and once again did their dogged pursuers finally catch sight. A single call reached out to them while Dusk slowed with the girl behind and tread cautiously across that pathway.

"You will not be able to cross! Return, deposit your arms, and yield at once and there's a chance we may yet spare your lives!" It was the drivel of the small squadron leader, and hardly something worth putting value into. They could be as deceptive as the arch generals themselves to achieve their goal and stick to their obligations. Lives were of no importance here. Pandemonium itself was dawning and it was obvious to anybody with open eyes what was befalling the country. Dusk stepped back momentarily before reaching the gap that hung high above the valley. A missed step meant death, but in this situation it seemed everything meant death and the only discernible difference was how many ticks were left before the end.

He rushed forwards and dipped low when passing the girl, an arm extending to force her up and over onto his shoulder while his free hand grasped at her polearm. They were lucky such a thing was in their presence, for it was the sole reason they made it across safely. With her tossed over his shoulder he drove the end into the ground and vaulted across, landing on his heels in a skid that dragged a few feet into the ground before finally he halted and then kicked back into a sprint again. In the meantime, he turned to see traces of the Ghalerion troops retreating back at the sound of a Vyken horn racing along the air and relaxed his pace some.

It was then that the thoughts of his country once again flooded his mind, the future and all it entailed still a mystery none could shed light upon. He cast a solitary glance over the valley and muttered to himself while continuing to run along a curved ridge with the girl in attempts to dash to the base of Focalor.

"My..my country."

He stopped running and at last set the girl down.

"Ghale. My country, my father land. What sorrows are they bringing on you? Have they forced you to this end? To war and terror and bloodshed? If my end should befall me on this ridge, in this valley, on this day or the next, I leave you with my most sincere apologies. You did not deserve this. Nobody did." His hands reached towards the scarf that always hung 'round his head and untied it. He stepped towards the edge of the valley, well aware of the thousands that lay directly below camped, and held his arm outstretched, lips waiting while he searched for the right words. And with the last utterance, he let that torn and ragged piece of cloth take with the winds and drift to the chaos below.

"Ghale. My country, my father land, my..paradise."

Ooc: --o –sighs- Please remember NOT to skim posts. And I’ll show you why.

Gent struggled with the hands that held him, his fox mask on snuggly. Gent looked to the face of the Rabbit and spoke, “Sister, quickly! You must follow that man!” Gent’s arms struggled to point out a rapidly disappearing Dusk. “He is the dawn of our age! Please you must tell him of the shelter of our home!” Gent saw the questioning look she gave him, not understanding. Snarling, Gent grabbed the front of her robe. “Follow him and bring him to Talvyth!” Throwing the Rabbit back, she took off, knowing the command higher then her own had been issued. It would take time before she would even overrun Dusk and the girl that was with him, but if Dusk got the message, then all could be well. Little did Gent know that Dusk was already heading in the right direction to the Temple Estate. Of course that would also assume that Dusk found the right path leading to the Estate. The Temple of Lain was in the shadow of Mt. Focalor and in the dark would be difficult to find… But if Dusk could remember to look up into the night he would find the sure way to the temple. For the souls were already gathering there and in the darkness the starry trail was already underway.

Gent could not watch as he was helped by the other Bellringers. The light was getting worse and it wouldn’t last for much longer. He couldn’t say the same about the sounds of the battle field. He wished those would fade as well. He hardly needed the screams and shouted commands of men to remind him how dangerous the situation was. Gent sighed as his invention of leg bracers were adjusted with some help. But at the slightest rustle of human presence the shadowy Bellringers faded to the back round, choosing not to be seen. Von came galloping through like a foal unsure of his gait. Gent was almost happy to see him. Almost.

"It's you, eh. What the hell are we supposed to do with all these soldiers running around looking for us, and not to mention whatever the hell those other things are.."
“We run Von, we run very, very fast.”

But their luck didn’t hold. This time the figure came from the shadows with men. Too late. Gent heart nearly stopped and his throat went dry. He made sure his fox mask was in place as he pulled at the hood of his robe.


The general before him and Von next to him; neither were pleasant alternatives. Gent’s teeth were clenched in wrath as his eyes darted around. He struggled to rise to his feet, the mage’s mind already racing. Somehow this general knew him, a detail that had to be looked into. Gent couldn't ever remember meeting this person who stood before him. Gent almost didn’t hear that he was being arrested and opened his mouth to speak but was cut off. Four black robed and white masked priests of Lain dropped from their perch and grouped themselves around Gent. They stood ready to defend their own catch.

“You have no authority over this one.” The hallow voice of the White Lion spoke, his great voice grave and serious. The other Bellringers lifted Gent to his feet and held him so that he could stand. Gent was hardly aware of the fact the five of them were backing up to a ledge, almost threatening group suicide if they were not allowed to pass.

“We are the Bellringers of Lain, we serve no General or Lord… Let us pass.”

The Bellringers, trained in some forms of illusion and shadow magic started to weave their spells, trying to exist and not exist at the same time, playing on the gamble that the men who followed this General were simple minded enough to not know the differences between reality and fantasy. Gent stood on his own feet, hands and spell ready, but the spell he had in mind was different.

“Hey Von,” Gent said coyly. “Ten gold says you can’t beat these punks

Ka’zeh’s lowers machinations carried him across the fire lit terra, shallow breath coming in quick successions of one another. Although his efforts to keep below the smoke filtering amongst the forest inside Harborym Valley were indeed valiant, they were quite futile. The thick collection of the branches and limbs prevented the smoke from escaping into the atmosphere, ultimately trapping the Ghalerion commander in a prison of smoke and flames.

He coughed heavily, tears forming at his eyes from the stinging heat and smoke, but he had to press on. The echo of men dying still reverberated throughout his subconscious, but right now all he could hear was the intense crackling of the fire tearing into the forestry surrounding him. Ka`zeh thought about calling for help, but decided the best course of action would be to hold his tongue. Speaking meant using oxygen, and right now his lungs were suffering enough from the torment of smoke assaulting his senses. A few embers from the trees overhead would occasionally trickle down unto his cloak, and the man would pat the flames away quickly with his hand.

Despite his agile movement, it seemed the fire the Ghalerion archers had caused was beating him in this little race. The tendrils of fire tore into the appendages of the trees, and they crumbled to the ground with dull thuds. The birds and animals of the forest were also seen fleeing from the vicious wildfire, but even the swiftest feline eventually succumbed to the stagnate destruction.

Ka`zeh continued to dash through the forest, his mind screaming for it to finally end, but the smoke and fire snuffed out his prayers easily enough.

Suddenly, a massive oak tree came crashing down before the commander, the fire afflicting the length of its structure creating a fiery barricade. It was as if Hell itself had decided the take the forest into its deadly clutches, including every living being within the forest depths.

Ka`zeh, however, did not slow his speed, and instead leapt through the blockade of fire, twirling his frame a bit as he clutched his cloak about his body. The fire licked at his countenance, and he felt the searing heat tear into the material of his cloak. His heels grinded into the soft earth, and the man swiftly tossed the flaming cloak to the side.

The commander would have continued running at that point, but the swift wildfire had encircled him completely. A raging wall of fire and destruction surrounded Ka`zeh on all sides, and it was only drawing closer to his already dehydrated body.

“Damn...” He cursed, gripping the hilt of his blade, as if his weapon could fend off the fires. Not bloody likely. The entire situation seemed completely hopeless.

Ka`zeh slowly sank to his knees, the grip upon his sword loosening, and he began to pound the earth with his fist.

“Damn it! Damn it! DAMN IT!” He continued his succession of curses, the flames continuing their advance upon his helpless soul.

“I traveled…all this way for weeks, to save Ghalerion from its corruption and to save the Vykens from destruction, just to succumb to my untimely death?” Ka`zeh spoke, his words reaching no human ears, and only the fire surrounding him crackled with malice.

“Gaius…save me. Please… There is so much that needs to be done. I must save my country from itself. I want to see the smiles of the citizens again, knowing that they are truly happy. Hear my prayer, please Gaius. Save me so I can save our people,” He continued, deciding that only the deities could save him now. Would they reach into his life and rescue his condemned soul? He certainly hoped so. Or perhaps they would send aid? Would his allies come and rescue him? All of these questions raced through Ka`zeh’s mind, yet he received no answer.

“I DID NOT WANT TO DIE THIS WAY!!!” He roared with anger, slamming both fists into the ground.

Then…there was darkness.

All around him everything had been set ablaze in a dangerous inferno, threatening to engulf every living thing inside Harborym Valley, ripping apart trees and burning the landscape to nothing more than an utter crisp, and if Von wasn't careful he'd be one of the first victims claimed by the maelstrom of heat; inspite of all that he couldn't have felt more alive than he ever had before. Every time he encountered a dangerous situation he almost always got out of it without so much as a scratch on him, but this time was different, for once he felt he was being challenged and if he didn't live through this he'd never forgive himself in the after-life.

An image hidden in the obscurity of the flames began to develop within the crimson pupils, a rather arrogant and cocky stride that pervaded the confines of his mind. One thing he couldn't stand was a man who thought he was invincible, although Von did whatever he wanted and listened to no one, not once did he remember that even he could lose his life. That fight with Robert taught him that no man was invincible and there was always a way around their feindish tactics. Ironic how the one in the group that was to be considered the scum of earth had actually chosen to stand up and take a stand for something he actually believed in. In some ways he was a lot like Dusk, angered and tormented by the fact that he had to endure living in such a corrupt town, that was why he always screamed at everything that irritated him, threatened to murder and kick the ass of whomever decided to cross the line, and this bastard who so blindly walked in would be no exception.

And then..it began.

The flames stung indeed and the smoke kept on invading his lungs nearly clogging them to the point of suffocation, breathing became harder yet some how steady simultaneously. Time seemed to slow down in his mind, everything going into slow motion, if he utlilized that sudden burst of adrenaline properly surely he'd have some way of making it out alive and possibly end up saving Gent too in the process. He began loosening and tightening his grip on the blade, trying to get a firm grasp on its hilt, placing left over right, gathering his strength for he would need it if he were to successfully accomplish his mission without error. A few twitches just to make sure his energy was channeld and then immediately, he forced his blade upwards in a vertical whiplash, chopping a branch clean off and catching it with his left hand, sending a rather annoying burst of pain into his hand, "God, this thing is so fucking hot!"

Despite the pain, he knew that if he didn't go through with his plan all that pain would've been for nothing, arching his arm back for a brief moment, slice off what other little minor branches that protruded from its bark covered surface off and attempted to sharpen it as quickly as it could, it as jagged indeed however he'd have to make use of whatever the environment had to offer. After all that was his specialty, using the environment as a weapon and thus far he hasn't had to use it, that's why it was called his specialty; He excelled in that category of battle which was why he had been able to maneuever throughout the environment with such ease and precision.

Alas his plan had been readied and he only had about thirty more seconds until he would need to send it off into action, "Listen to me old man, we don't have time to argue. I don't know about those uh...whatever the hell..WHO THE HELL ARE YOU - Ack it doesn't matter who they are..just when I say 'now' we both have to make a run for it, I get the feeling these trees lingering above us are going to collapse and fall on us at any minute, we've got to get moving, besides if you want all these people to live then I don't think fighting this guy would be the best route to take."

Now all he could do was hope that Gent would heed his words and listen, because if he didn't even with those, whatever they were at his side, they both could very well be done for.. "This had better work, or I'm going to be one pissed bitch.."

It was almost as if the gates of Hell itself had opened around him to recieve the soldiers he was sending to it. Fires all around were burning the forest to dust, which meant he didn't have much chance of escape now. He smirked to himself as he thought. He began to wonder if Dusk and the girl had made it out alive...He'd might not be so lucky, but he did remember which way they ran and could probably follow their trail. He was no Vykken, but his long life had the gift of experience on his side and he could probably track with even some of the more skilled of them.

Sensha's thoughts went back to the battle as another soldier came at him, but something was different. His movements were much more fine-tuned then the peasent-soldiers he'd been fighting before.Well...looks like I finally found the real soldiers... His excitement started to build again, for he was getting bord with the other men he'd already killed off.

The man came at him with a downward slash of his sword, Sensha also taking not that this guys equipment was much better taken care of then the others. He actually had to block that attack with Tora, and sent Ryu's thirsty blade at his mid-section. The man dodged back, which Sensha had expected. He moved suddenly, and in one quick slash of Tora, had disarmed soldier. His next movement thrust Ryu right through his rib cage, the pleasent sound of the soldiers rib cage shattering and blood spurting from his wounds reaching Sensha's ears. It was only then that Sensha realized it...that he'd been surrounded.

There was atleast ten soldiers there, maybe more. In his focus on the one soldier, he'd made the grave error of not paying attention to his surroundings. They had circled him while he was fighting, Steel tipped spears all pointing at him. Tch...they figured out I could reach any of them with Ryu, and adjusted to use spears so I couldn't get at them. This really is a pretty strong army.

"Disarm now and you may yet live!"one of the soldiers announced, Sensha assumed he was their leader. Perhaps a squad captain, or maybe even a lesser officer. Sensha grinned wickedly and sat down on a corpse he had cut up earlier, watching the leader carefully." You see, I cant do that...If I do, I am left defenseless and I'll be impaled for sure. On the other hand..." He lifted Ryu up and licked the blade, "Now that I know which one of you is the leader, you cant make a move. If your spears aren't perfectly timed...I'll kill every one of you. It looks to me like we're at a stale mate until you come up with something." He grinned at the captain, who was obviously flustered at how Sensha could of computed all that. "I've been around the block, dear friend...More so then probably even your generals."

Gent
Von

Gent’s eyes narrowed, the spell he had on hand was ready finally, while his servants worked the defensive spells he had worked on his offensive element. Watching the Hell break out all around them, the air was beginning to thin and even his servants, the Bellringers were having trouble breathing. Time was running out, he had to help Von or it would be all their lives, but they couldn’t be reckless and Von had to know these Bellringers would fight with them. The night was born. Gent’s power could manifest as the shadow mage that he was. The mage noted the changes with a ready hand to deal with his traveling companion and the fiery mouth of the Devil. Yes this hell could be survived if they worked together, Gent thought mildly to himself.

Gent’s free hand touched Von’s shadow, forcing himself into the very depths of Von’s mind. Perhaps later Von would scream at him for invading a place that was generally considered private, but Gent didn’t care. Von was right, they didn’t have time to argue, so Gent explained, within the confines of Von’s mind.

We’re running out of air, do something to give me ten more seconds!

And without a second to lose, Gent just let Von know that the Bellringers were to grasp his arms and they would indeed quite literally fly into the night. All Gent needed was a few more seconds to make enough air to cause a sudden updraft and be able to breath.


Von couldn't help but quiver in excitement from not only adrenaline coursing through his veins but the sheer circumstances that went into this predicament and the calamities along with dire consequences that would result in possible death if he didn't get his plan moving and into gear, 'I have to aim this thing carefully and hopefully puncture his chest or at least distract him enough so we can get moving' he thought to himself. His grip tightened and loosened around the mid-section of that newly sharpened branch taking precise aim.

"I hope you and your damn mages know what the fuck they're doing...old man"

Shoulder muscles tightened and prepared for the toss, his eyes narrowed on his target taking careful aim of where he wanted to hit the man, for a moment he thought the legs just to slow him down, but there were too many bushes blocking the path, his abdominal region but even that was blocked by the high flames; The only potential death mark that he could think of would inevitably be the heart, neck, and lung regions of his foe - In other words he had to hit him from a downwards angle.. "Get ready...three....two....one..." The weapon had been arched back and then released straight towards the approaching general, kicking dirt right up into the air immediately there afterwards just to add further to the distraction..."NOW, NOW, FUCKING DO IT NOW!"

Gent released the energy that had been balled up in his hand. Von’s jibe at Gent’s age might have saved him that night; the mage having thrashed out extra energy at the joke he hated most. With a blue flash, a great gust lashed out and the first breath of air could be had. Two Bellringers, the Cat and the Hawk, grabbed Von and launched themselves into the air, all the while telling him to be still or die. The billowing cloaks of the priests of Lain were no common garb. Invented for catching drafts, the cloth billowed out much like a balloon… and with Hell on earth scorching the trees, there was more then ample heat to rise and catch. So like night wraiths the three were off into the dark. The two Bellringers flying lower then normal, but not low enough to be snagged by the trees… However the difference in altitude would make them a target for arches should they be able to spot them. Into the black night, the Cat looked to Von as she gripped his arm tightly, daring not to drop him.

“We’ll be coming down on that tree branch, you’ll have to help us jump, not too hard either, or we won’t catch the draft.”

But in the same instant Gent had released the energy, something else had happened. The gust knocked back the Fox mask. In the blue light Gent dared to lock eyes with General Gaidoku. And it all came crashing back to Gent in such a rush, Gent could only give the General a look of pure hate. He had known of this man at a distance, knowing by rumor the strength of this young General… but it wasn’t out of jealously that Gent hated him… It was the Guardian that dared to call itself Grim Reaper.

“Osore…” Gent said in a hollow voice, a tone that Named and acknowledged Gaidoku’s weapon. “I fear it not, Grim reaper.”

The term was offensive in the inner rings of the priests of the Dead. It was given to those who had turned against the teachings and reaped life, not souls. To call another by it was considered a stain against honor an insult of the highest.

By the time the blue light had faded Gent too was gone with the White Lion and Wolf.

Etien and his command had initiated their retreat due to the fire's nearly insatiable capacity to consume all of the weald within the valley, moving at such a pace that, even had the humans been able of calming their beasts, they would have been hard pressed to ride through the thicket of smoke and between fallen boles to hunt them. But the Vykens would not let their home fall prey to a simple fire; the humans did not deserve even a barren expanse of dirt and dust.

Bikram, who had always answered to Etien in the Guard and would now do so during this war, was near the rear of retreating warriors when he heard the voice of a human, imploring them for help. The Vykens had traveled nearly a league in minutes, using the land to cover their passage as they went at an amazing pace. Turning to his companions; a very shaken Lyca, a scarred Vyken known as Kardus and his newly chosen Second, Savis; he gave a slight inclination of his head and began to veer off, moving in a parabola of sorts back to where the voice had come from.

The three followed him, their nostrils flaring as they began to take in the surrounding scents as well as if any signs of spuriousness were in the man's words. The group bounded from bough to bough, giving only the slightest tremor as their forms passed above the forest floor.

A deafening crack of wood splintering was followed by the hollow yet resounding thud of a crashing tower that had once been one of Harborym's Oaks. A pang of regret ran through Bikram's mind as he and his small command came to a halt around the form of a fallen male who had lost consciousness from the smoke that filled the air. In their trek, the Vykens had covered their mouths, or muzzles in a few cases, with linen cloth that acted as a filter of sorts.

"Quickly, we must act before Etien begins the second fire that will cause this one to consume itself and stop it from spreading through out the valley."

Bikram was the ablest of the four, but if they were to encounter any trouble, it would be best to put the man under the charge of their fastest, who was the visibly distraught Lyca. Putting her well-being aside, Bikram lifted the man from the ground with a swipe of his arm and slung him over her shoulder.

"You are a Vyken. You are a member of a proud race and as such, you will perform your duties with the composure we have fought so long for. Now, you are to take this man to Etien at any cost. You are not to stop if we meet some form of disaster. Do you comprehend?"

"Y-Yes, B-B-Bikram..."

"Good. We move, now!"

***

Sinuous muscles visibly contracted beneath Isiwen's weathered skin as he kept the stringent pace Etien made the pack move in. He shook his head, shaking the thoughts that followed him having considered himself part of a pack.

They came to a halt after some minutes of their silent retreat, having covered enough ground to begin the task at hand. Removing from within their quivers slabs of flint, each Vyken began to strike at the stone, sparks flying into the air as they did so. Each of them gently blew onto the stone as their strikes continued, setting kindling ablaze as they did so.

The breadth of the fire mirrored that started by the archers and would begin to burn towards the camp, consuming any source of fuel on its way until the two blazes met and would extinguish one another in roaring glory.

"Where is Bikram...?"

The one who had spoken was Isiwen, not Etien.

Robert watched in near terror as Holy Hell was unleashed. He had followed Ka’zeh out of concern for the detective’s mental state while all the while worrying if Gent could take care of himself even now. It was hard to think of the Mage needing anyone but for carrying him. A task Robert had reserved for himself as time went by. He was sure in the half a dozen cities and villages he and Gent had traveled, Gent would have found someone else to take the burden with ease. Robert lashed out against a solider that had dared to separate him and Ka’zeh. The same bloodlust was rising in his eyes, and the battle hardened knight’s eyes were flashing, drawing some fearful looks among the men. But those looks didn’t last long as a full armored ex-knight swung his mighty sword, kicking the beast he rode into a charge that bards would have told with tear stained eyes.

Through the flames Robert’s wrath was unstoppable, grasping a burning branch and then his sword in the other, the knight was able to break most of the ranks by fear alone. Arrows still showered around and on Robert. The horse under him screamed as an arrow grazed the beast’s rump. But Robert was not done as a low arm slammed the burning branch into an unlucky solider who shrieked with pain as Robert let go of the branch. It was then he sighted Ka’zeh amidst the trees and burning caverns that might have belonged to the deepest pit in Hell. Red, yellow, orange, and black was all Robert would see, and the smell of burnt flesh would not deter him as the manic howls of half crazed men demanded his blood.

Driving his beast of burden, Robert swung around, his armor well dented with the onslaught of arrows and pikes, and bolted over the burning wreckage. The mighty knight ripped his large waterskin from his pack and dismounted with swift grace, taking his things of the horse, letting the fair beast go. The horse had done its duty now Robert would be forced to do his. Ripping the water skin open, a half memory flooded over Robert’s mind.

“You did WHAT to my armor?!” A disgruntled Robert snapped at the broken mage who sat on the Inn bed.

“I etched runes into it. I thought it would be useful since it’s so heavy, it was bound to kill you one way or another.” Gent said completely innocent in his tone. Gent’s long fingers stroked the runes to life. “To use these, someone like you has to put the element directly on the rune. Then it should produce protection against the counter element.”

Robert put his faith to that. Pouring the water onto his armor he lept into the fiery pits of hell. But no longer was their comrade there. Robert looked up in time to see Ka’zeh being carried off to with the Vyken. Another branch of flame fell before him, and Robert drew his sword and hacked away fighting now for just his life. Just as he made it through, Robert stumbled through the brush. His fingers brushed across the one rune he still had. It was Gent’s seal, and finding no response, Robert picked himself up from the ground where he rested and turned for Dame… Perhaps his path was over. Perhaps Gent had finally found the replacement. Robert looked to the night sky.

”What does that Rune do?” Robert asked, pointing to the rune on Gent’s robes.
“It calls the souls to me,” Gent replied softly, “So that I can lead the souls home.”


ooc: sorry, had to double post for this.

“I can’t see a blasted thing with all this smoke aroun- *cough cough* -around. What the hell have they done to this forest?” Yuudoku furiously attempted to drive away the smell that continuously clogged up his senses to the point where it was suffocating, his hands flailing about until his muscles clenched and he was forced to drop his arms back to his smouldering sides. His eyes were squinted in an attempt to pierce the thick smoke with their violet hues, but thus failed as they fluttered open and closed every time another gust blew into the man’s face.

Aarisa could be heard coughing along side the colonel. “I wasn’t paying attention to what was going on, I’m sorry! But none the less… we can’t find Ka`zeh this way.”

“You’re right… at this rate, we’re going to be dead.”

“… What if Ka`zeh’s dead?”

“Oh I’m sure he’s just roasting like a little marshmellow.”

“…” The look Aarisa gave him was one full of pure dumbfoundment, mixed with a bit of shock at the mention of a very unpleasent imagery.

“You’re not supposed to take me seriously.” With a roll of his eyes and another round of struggled coughing, the Ghalerion colonel turned his head from side to side before muttering to the girl aside him, “Listen… you’re a summoner, right?”

“Yeah..”

“Do you think you could summon us up one more of your little friends? If you knew something that could wash away this intense fire, then I think it’d be easier to find everyone, namely Ka`zeh. Think you could do something?” Yuudoku watched Aarisa’s already pale complextion whiten as he talked to her, and it was as he finished his sentence that he noticed just exactly how frail and weak this wildfire was making her. Already exaughsted from the first summoning of Leishui, the Song Spirit, the Tensoku summoness looked about ready to fall over and collapse alongside the burning logs and smouldered grass. Their eyes met, signaling that even though she was at the brink of a deathly state, Aarisa was contemplating her course of action, even if it was to be her very last.

“I… I think so,” she finally mumbled before breaking into another horrible coughing fit and dropping down to her knees from the stress. The colonel dropped down to her side, carefully helping her back up to her feet as she began to grasp around for her summoning stick. “I-I’m fine… thank you, Colonel.”

With a few staggering steps accompanying the sound of her tamborine, Aarisa let her motions flow as best as she could before raising the staff as high as she could. “O fervorent tides….!”

********************************

“Well if it isn’t the Bellhopper-brigade,” sneered the Ghalerion general as he took a few more steps forward, holding his helmet at his side with an extreme cockiness to his actions. His ebony, violet, and forest-colored hair billowed out behind him, dancing amongst the flames that encircled the small group. “The last time I saw a-one of you was when… oh, I’m sorry, I’ve seem to have forgotten. Must have been a very long time ago indeed…”

His hollow eyes flickered to Von’s form in amusement, half expecting the brute to lunge at him without any particular thought at all. “Do you really think that you all can take me on? I can survive walking through this burning hell because of that which guards my soul, but I highly doubt the rest of you can do the same. I can very well stand here and just wait for your oxygen to run out.”

Whether any of the others seriously believed him or not, it was true to the fact that he, unlike the rest, seemed unaffected by the withering oxygen supply along with the stenching heat. Apparently, Gaidoku had more to say, but as he opened his mouth, they could hear a different voice ring out across the valley.

“O fervoret tides, arise from the depths of the ocean and drown all those who defy thee! Come, Undine!”

“WHAT?!” He took a step to look behind him, back down through the blazing trees and deep into the valley’s depths to see a fountain of water begin to bubble within it. “What in the name of Gaius…?!”

The small spiral of water grew into a gushing tidal wave that continued to rise higher and higher within the clearing, drowning out every last flickering flame it could reach before surging around in search of more to devour. Riding atop the forming tsunami sat a galliant mermaid upon her steed of white and black, the orca whale crying out in delight at seeing the fire put to rest. Up and up the tidal rose, until for a moment’s pause, it allowed all who witnessed it to gaze upon its wonder… then came crashing down upon the earth in a fierce watery judgement.

“OSORE!!” Gaidoku glared once more at the group that escaped just in time while seething in silent rage before being swept away by the water that quicky approached them, the flash of his helmet being the last they saw of him and his guardian reaper as it floated daintily by his side.

Sensha sat staring at the soldiers around, knowing that not one would dare make a move without all the others. He also knew if they managed to, there was absolutely no escape. It was something he had experienced only a handful of times, but this time felt different. He didn't know if the fire played a part, but it certainly made it seem something almost out of a child's story. Accept, he was no hero.

Not one, but all their heads(even his), had turned at the instantly the tidal spell was summoned by one of the other few that were not soldiers in this valley. Sensha knew that he would get caught in it, and more then likely would die due to everything else around. I'm sure master Rai would find this most funny if he were around... I know I do... Irony was his favorite kind of humor. All the battles he'd lived through and a splash of pond was going to get him.

Those thoughts changed momments before death came for him, as he was swept miles from where he'd been. He blinked, knowing that he should atleast be soaked at the momment, and why was he moving? Infact, it was a pace that, after a momment, he knew quite well. Only one man, beside himself, could cover ground this fast. He rest in the hands of his Master, whom he was only just thinking of. The wind strider, Rai, was the one person whom he had never thought of seeing again, but he did not dare question him until they finished their movements...Seeing as they were already well out of the valley.

Sensha took one last look before he was completely out of sight, and new that he would be back to help the second he could manage. It was this thought, the most, that went through his mind.

'What in the hell was going?' on he thought to himself in his mind, most definitely not expecting to get to know what it would feel like to take flight in the skies, despite his normally fearless self, flying was definitely one thing that he wasn't prepared to take head on, however as quickly as the shock came the words that had come out of Gent's mouth were easy enough to comprehend despite the obvious shock that he had undergone within the last ten seconds. Peering throughout the vicinity, only one option was left and if he didn't make that branch he'd most likely break it and send them both plummeting into the strong current of water and debris flowing through its dangerous tug.

His feet caught the branch only momentarily, pressing his left foot against the outer-edge and keeping his right steady where the branch was attached tot he tree more securely, using the left as a means of springing himself while the right foot kept him balanced and in control over his body, " I hope this works, you crazy old bastard.." Immediately he jumped off the branch, only to await the fate that Gent would bring to them both.

The coming of the water hadn’t helped the Bellringers any. In fact it made things harder. With hot air rapidly dissipating, the Bellringers were quick to get all the air time they could before they would have to resort to more drastic measures. The night helped to cloak them into the dark and their movements were nearly undetected now with a fog and steam coming in. Perhaps those who were battle worn would know that Lain’s Priests were here, already a few had come to tend to the dead from the battle. Though the squad that had come to fetch Gent had not thought they would be receiving another body, it hindered them little to have someone like Von, strong enough to push in tempo with them.

By air it took a good two hours to cross the valley to the other side due to Von’s inability to travel through the shadow realms, it was good time all the same as the Cat and Hawk landed on a broad branch while Gent, White Lion and Wolf landed on another.

“Von, you have a choice now.” Gent said clearly, pulling his Fox mask back in place. “You can come with me to the Temple Estate, where I have been summoned by the head of my Order- or you can go free now to look for our beloved Ka’zeh or Robert, or any of our missing companions. The latter I encourage, for the Temple Estate is a boring place on my standards… I shudder to think how boring it would be for you.”

Gent looked over his shoulder to the forests, “My fair warning would be this; this land belongs to the Vykens, if we are lucky, Ka’zeh and the others have been taken by them. If they have not, they are to be left for dead. You know the arts of battle, you’ve seen the scores of men out there, and what mercy can we expect from that army?”

Gent held Von’s eyes, “Once again it seems I’m giving you your freedom.”

"Ghale. My country, my father land. What sorrows are they bringing on you? Have they forced you to this end? To war and terror and bloodshed? If my end should befall me on this ridge, in this valley, on this day or the next, I leave you with my most sincere apologies. You did not deserve this. Nobody did.”

His words tore at her heart like a desperate soul clinging to the arms of a lover still alive. Rabbit’s eyes watered as a burst of energy went through her thin frame. She could not let this happen; she could not let this man and his companion die. What was it about those words that tore at her?

"Ghale. My country, my father land, my..paradise."

The priestess that wore the name ‘Rabbit’ was by no means slow. She was the swiftest servant of Lain on two feet. Cloak flying she nearly surpassed Dusk and his female companion in her desperate flight to keep him alive. She saw the cloth fly and for a moment it looked like a bird, it’s white wings soaring. Perhaps it was a sign… Perhaps it was something good to come. But she couldn’t wait!

“Please! Don’t die!” she screamed to him, her voice as desperate as his words had been, maybe he had prayed for death, but the Bellringer held out for life. Her hand out stretched, she caught his wrist just as the cloth below fluttered.

“It’s not over…” she said, half sobbing, his words still tearing at her heart. “It’s not over, nor hope lost till every person that has the will to dream is dead.”

Through her White Rabbit mask she hoped he was looking into her eyes, hoping he would understand something so basic as that. “Please,” she started, letting Dusk’s wrist go, “Please come with me… To the Temple of Lain… my Master has summoned you…” she said with a tilt of the head to Dusk, “and my Master would welcome you as well, milady…”

She looked to them both and then up the mountainside. “There is nothing to see there… Nothing that would bring you good will… Please… the Temple is but in this shadow of a mountain, well hidden, a place for you both.”

Sensha lay in the grasp of his old master, Rai, traveling to who-knows where, and away from a battle that he had been hired to fight in without any down-payment or any reassurance that he would actually get paid. If he hadn't of seen it himself, he wouldn't of believed it.

They began to slow, and as they did so he recognized where they were going...the place where they first met, his home town.

They landed in the ruins of the place where he had grown up, a small village of huts. Sensha was placed on his feet and allowed a chance to get a look at his master. He was just as short as he remembered, with a long silver beard and a bald head. Sensha fell to his knees and bowed his head as he saw that it was truly the man who had taught him everything. "Master...it has been a whi-" he couldn't finish his sentence, as a powerful kick had sent him flying into one of the huts. It wasn't enough to really hurt him, but it felt like a stab to the heart.

"My stupid, ignorant student..."The elderly man began walking tward the rubble, where Sensha now lay staring in shock. This was truly the only man Sensha really respected, and even feared a little. "These past years you have killed many, and only until recently have you decided to do something you know to be right...and in doing so put yourself in a situation where your talent would be worthless!" He stroked his long beard as he watched his student return to the humbled position he was in not momments before he had sent him flying. " Why is that, hhmmm? That the one time you might actually do some good you end up needing my assistance or get killed? Fool, your blood thirsty tendencies have blinded your instincts and slowed your reflexes."

Sensha only listened. In the many years of his training that was all he did, listen. Not once during those times did he talk, because he wanted to take in any and everything the man before him spoke. But he did not understand the pain that caused him to turn the way of the assassin. He'd lost so much in his own time of life. Surely he could understand.

"Sensha, I've been watching you for some time. I know what has happened, but do you believe that what your doing is what she wanted? " Sensha's eye twitched. " No loved one would want you to kill so many without a purpose greater then monitary needs. You've become so slow..."

It all came in a sudden rush, Dusk taken aback by the whirling torrent of air and dust that kicked up 'round his feet signaling the presence of arrivals that could only have been connected to other realms and lands far beyond his exposure. He saw nothing yet, there was no visual nor sound to match the lingering change in his consciousness. Just his own heavy breathing matched with that of the girl by his side, and the consistent pounding of his heart beating with enough vivacity to escape his chest if his will for even an instant gave out and let it do so.

But the moment of silence offered from the release of that scarf from his grip would be short-lived, for directly before auburn eyes there appeared some apparition of sorts, or at least what Dusk would surmise as so. Words cut across the stratum with the fury that only urgency could provide, a soft voice rendered with the most pleading of tones, attempting to offer the fallen lord baron a saving grace from the tumult below.

"Please! Don't die!" Her words for an instant sunk into the man's soul, and likely would've continued their effects on his heart, had she not grabbed his wrist. As was natural with those of his kind, it was the physical contact with the strange one in the mask that prompted Dusk to immediate action, his opposite hand making an immediate motion for one of the blades fastened to his spine. The arc was quick, smooth, and done with that graceful simplicity he had become known for, until within yet another moment's wait its tip was found directly before the base of the strange priestess' neck, Dusk's arm outstretched while it struggled to keep absolutely still so as to reveal no signs of anxiety.

"My own life should be at the very bottom of your priorities list right now. Take not another step, nor make another motion, or I swear by Gaius and all of Eden you shall perish by my blade's tempered edge."

She continued to speak despite the threat, her pleads continuing without a single halt, without the intimidation his threats would usually receive.

"It’s not over…It’s not over, nor hope lost till every person that has the will to dream is dead."

His hand clutched all the more tightly 'round his blade with her last utterances, a single shot of anger traversing his spine and culminating with the tip of that blade pressing ever closer towards her neck, his tone no less threatening than it was before when he spoke.

"Dreams?! You bring up dreaming at a time like this?! My father, he was a dreamer. My mother, an idealist companion to match. They had their own dream for this country, for this land, and for all its people. They began crafting from their dreams a land in which all people could live, regardless of rank or class or status. Their dream was a peaceful Ghale with the heart to stand up and challenge those like these voracious arch generals! And how many Ghaleon citizens do you see raising their blades to the call?! How many have fallen to the temptations of imperialistic rhetoric and the promise of power?! How can anyone sleep under such skies, let alone dare to dream?!" The anger was pulsing in his vocals, his blade tip completely steady now while his arm itself shook slightly overcome with feeling. He paused and breathed deeply before speaking just once more, words softened in barely more than a whisper.

"Speak not of dreams, for those untainted have not the right."

The priestess was unyielding in her pleads, her heart pouring out to the young man with nothing but sincerity, her unwavering will testament to the urgency of it all.

“Please come with me… To the Temple of Lain… my Master has summoned you…”

Dusk continued that struggle to not rend his blade skywards in an absolute wrath. Her words finally touched his soul, finally reached his heart and wrenched it beyond what he thought anyone else could be capable of. Staring through that mask, auburn eyes set unblinking as he searched her for the truth, seeking out the verity that he had so long yearned for anywhere. And still courageous she dared speak again, a hand gently pressing down his blade while she turned, fearless.

“There is nothing to see there… Nothing that would bring you good will… Please… the Temple is but in this shadow of a mountain, well hidden, a place for you both.”

Head tilted downwards, eyes falling closed, he pondered the proposition. Should I trust this..? Can I trust anything at all anymore? Gaius, what would you do? His arm reached up towards the sky, his blade pointed in the same direction with it, as if protracting it as close as he could possibly get to that Great Deity of Eden, attempting to inquire of his wisdom. With a single flick of his wrist, that blade rotated and Dusk slid it gently back into the casing fastened to his back. A sigh escaped and he gave a few quick claps of his hands together to shake off dust, a gesture designed to ease the tension. Glancing back towards his companion, he took her hand, and turning attention back towards the masked stranger, he took her hand as well.

"You have my trust."

Ka`zeh's mind attempted feebly to reconnect with the outside world, but the commander of Ghalerion was lost within the deep catacombs of his mentality. There were no real sensations, save for the intense heat from the fires licking at his skin as the Vyken that was carrying him bounded through the forest at an incredible velocity. However, even that was not enough incentive to rouse the man from his seductive slumber.

How many weeks had he been without sleep? How often had his body come close to succumbing to its own self destructive methods? Ka`zeh had lost count of the nights he spent pouring his soul over the city's well being, the only solace obtained through a pipe and a half empty bottle of cheap whiskey. The sweat, blood, and tears poured from the depths of his soul to give Ghalerion a single ounce of salvation.

Maybe I was destined to fail all this time. Perhaps you just wanted to see how far a man would go for peace...Gaius. I prayed to you every night for a way, and yet you still remained silent. Your hand has not yet extended to touch the lives of these poor citizens. What will you do for your people, Gaius? Will you sacrifice what I have sacrificed? Will you give your life so that they may live in happiness and peace?

The fire's heat seemed to be fading. Were they exiting the forest turned inferno? Ka`zeh could not yet open his eyes. They still stung from the embers and smoke that he had endured for nearly an hour straight. Memories of fighting his way through that forest were still fresh on his mind, but at the forefront of his mentality he could only think of Ghalerion and the religious struggle permeating throughout his subconsciousness.

Have I not been a loyal servant to you, Gaius? What have I done wrong? Have I just not found the right path to bring Ghalerion peace? Please...help me. I am lost without you. I have no one to turn to but you. Help me......Help me........Help me....help.........me

"Help me.." Ka`zeh muttered aloud, his consciousness slowly stirring, and his eyes began to open. He felt the cool night wind whipping through his singed clothes and unto his hot sweaty skin. It felt good. It was definitely a sensation Ka`zeh did not mind being greeted with after awakening from such a horrid experience.

His senses began to take in the environment around him, but he was still fatigued beyond measure, and could only surmise that he was being carried by a Vyken judging by how fast they were moving.

"Thank you.." He said weakly, but knew it was loud enough for the Vyken's acute hearing to pick up.

Was this the salvation he had been searching for? The Vyken could have killed him easily. Perhaps hope wasn't lost after all.

Thank you Gaius..