Gabe Godfrey's Story

CHAPTER 1

The king, queen, and Bella on the queen’s arm were on top of Avory’s castle tower. It was midnight and the wind was blowing. The king started to chant some words then cast bright magical gleam around the tower. The light was so bright; it can be seen from all around the metropolis.

“Oh merciful god of Light, god of love, got that shines the world with hope and happiness. I, the king of Avory, beg for your help” The king said loudly while looking to the night sky.

It was silent for a moment then suddenly the magical gleam disappeared and the wind stopped. It was darkness for a while then a single bright white light appeared above, so bright that the King covered his eyes with his hand. The queen turned her head back while still carrying Bella and covering her from the light. The light dimmed then a regular size woman was seen hovering in mid-air. Her hair was glowing with golden light, white glowing cloth covering her breasts and another made into a long skirt that splits on the left side, revealing a long beautiful leg.

“Why have you summon me, king of Avory?” she smiled at the king

The King looked at the God. He turned to look at the queen and called her to his side. The queen quickly walked to the king with Bella in her arms.

“Our only child is ill” he told the God “We have tried magic and medicine but nothing seems to break her fever. She is getting weaker and weaker by the day and we fear we would lose her” he explained to the God with a sad tone.

The God hovered down, gently placing her feet on the floor of the tower, and turned her head to look at Bella. Beads of sweat filled the child’s forehead and she was breathing heavily.

“Let me hold her” she said to the queen

The queen gave Bella to the God gently and slow

“Please help her” the queen said with a sad tone

The God held Bella in her arm and looked at her. She walked around the tower slowly touching Bella’s face. Her smile turned into a worried face.
“This child… she has been affected by the god of darkness’s energy”

The king and queen were shocked by what the God.

“bu… but how?” stuttered the queen “can she be cured?”

The God walked around the king and queen while carrying and looking at Bella. The god was silent and seemed to be thinking.

“The dark effect has seeped inside her; the price to cure her is high” she turned to the king and queen.

“We would pay any price” the king said, confidently

“The price is mine to pay” The god of Light explains “I will have to lend her part of my powers to cure her”

The God walked around the king and queen for a moment in silent, still looking at the baby. Then She stopped moving and looked at the king and queen.

“It fills me with joy how much you have been helping the people of Daughtris for a long time without expecting any reward. I shall cure your child but I expect you to continue helping the people of Daughtris”

The God walked up to the queen and gave Bella back to her.

“You will grow up to be an important person, Bella” she whispered while looking at Bella.

The king and queen never took their eyes of the God, worrying. The God turned her head to look at both at them.

“Do not worry. I shall cure her and in the same time, give her special powers. Part of me will be with her always” the god smiled

The god touched Bella’s forehead with her finger then the God’s body started to glow softly.

The God then dispersed into tiny lights. Some of the lights disappeared while some hovered to Bella seeped inside her. Bella started to glow a little but the light soon fades.

The queen touched Bella’s forehead with her hand and felt the fever is going away.

“Thank you” the king thanked the God

“Thank you, merciful god” the queen said while crying tears of joy, looking at Bella, hugging her.


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

12 years later

Venash, the king of Pruwas, was sitting on his throne. For a king that had not much emotions, he felt bored.

"summon my children" he said to his higher servants

A few minutes later, all the children huddled in the throneroom to see Venash. Venash was resting his head on his hand and started to speak with a souless tone

"I shall keep this simple" he paused and continued "I shall supply you with a small great army using my own powers... and with that army, you shall try and conquer all of Daughtris... You can use any kind of method you wish... I do not care... When all of Daughtris is conquered and controlled by all of you , I shall give the throne of Pruwas to the person that had conquered the most of Daughtris"

So the war started. The children went on a raid, claiming cities, towns, and villages, one by one, as their own, using force or/and diplomacy.

The king of Avory was planning a strategy with his lieutenants in Avory castle war room to counter the childrens attack when suddenly a single bright light appeared out of nowhere. The light then transformed into a graceful woman, Hikari, the God of Light, in the flesh. Everyone fell silent and froze, stunned. Hikari wasted no time and spoke.

"King Judan" she called the king and paused for a moment before continuing "you cannot win this battle on your own" she walked slowly to the king "find the other Gods" she stopped a few feet in front of the king and continued "Send Bella... Bella will be able to sense the other Gods"

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

some time had passed after the Gods appearance before the king and his men

Bella was in her room, her face looks sad, some dress were on her bed waiting to be packed. She was looking at the morning sun from the large rectangle window where the fresh sun ray shined through, lighting up her face. She stood there for a moment then a knocking sound came from a door a few feet behind Bella.

“Are you ready, princess?” said a voice from outside the door.

Bella turned around and walked to her bed

“Just a little longer, Gabe” she walked to her bed, sat there, and started to pack her stuff slowly, placing them in a small magical satchel.

“The king and queen is waiting for you downstairs, princess” Gabe said from outside the door

Bella hung her satchel on her shoulder and walked to the door and opened it. Gabe was in front of the door, looking at Bella, smiling.

“I’m ready, Gabe” she looked down on her feet.

Gabe slowly reached for Bella’s hand while bending down so that his head is levelled with Bella’s head. As Gabe held her hand, Bella raised her head and looked into Gabe’s eyes

“Do not worry, princess” he said to the princess “everything will be back to how it used to be”

Bella nodded and smiled at Gabe.

Gabe accompanied Bella as she walked to the throne room. The king and king was sitting on the throne, talking a general. The king turned his head and saw Bella walking down the stairs with Gabe behind her.

“You may leave now, general. We will continue this discussion later in the war room”

The king and queen stood up as Bella walked up to them. Bella was looking down on the ground rather than looking the king and queen in the eyes. The queen walked to Bella’s side and placed her hand on her shoulder.

“Are you alright dear?” The queen asked

“I’m worried, mother” she continued “worried for the safety of Avory and worried that I would not be able to convince the other god elements”

The queen hugged Bella, her eyes started to tear up “you will do just fine, dear”

The king walked to the queen and Bella and places his hands on the queen’s and Bella’s shoulder. Bella looked up to see her father looking at her.

“Come” the king said with a clear voice “we shall go to the take-off area and meet the others that will join you on your quest”

The king, queen, Bella, and Gabe, finally reached the take-off area. The take-off area was a large place, beside the sea. Next to the take-off area is the parking area where dozens of Avory's castle's airship and waterships are parked.

From far away, they could see two people waiting. One was Obana Crow, the sole survivor of the cat-people and an apprentice of a well known assassin. The second one was Rixator, a famous, mysterious, hired mercenary.

They walked to the two. When they was near, The king looked around to see if there were anyone else and saw another in the shadows, not very far away. It was Theda Siouxsie, the volunteer. The king waved to Theda, calling her to join them.

"Is everyone ready?" The king asked everyone

Rixator arched a brow under the shrouding hood he wore. Was this really the party for this job? Hell, half of them were practically kids! Damnit, I'm a mercernary, not some royal babysitter!! But...A job is a job... He though to himself, opening his hand as a small funnel of dark pigmented sands swirled. "Bit of a ragtag group here, don't you think, oh captain my captain?" Rixator asked, turning his head toward the king. By all means, he meant no offense, but his people were usually a bit more open with each other; at least, his clan was. "But, who am I to judge? I'm a bit of a ragtag fellow myself. However..." Rixator got up, clenching his hand into a fist as the sand dispersed. "With the children of Venash out there, and the possibility of going to Afukira, we need what we have." He stated plainly. He so deeply desired to make a deal with the king to get access to any information on his tribe that the castle's archives had, but he held his tongue. He didn't know open these royals were to...Deals.

The shadow of a man,walking in the frozen streets of the Morning Avory: this man was dressed,enough to be noticeable to the people around him.
The few that saw him either moved to one of the sides to let the man one pass.His way to move were slow,confident and who had a careful eye can deduct that he already walked over the cobblestone road.
He had a goal: everybody does,but the man's absence of haste suscitated suspicion.
He moved apart who blocked his path with his hand.His face was hidden by an helmet,as he walked toward directed to the Castle of the King of Avory.
He reached the peak,seeing his party: thought he never worked with someone,it was good assembling some élite for the task: Convincing a god is already an impossible task for one mortal,and if he was going to fail he preferred to fall with someone.There was something that man wished: be remembered,as a protector of homes,as an hero and murderer in the same time.

He reached the castle,recognizing his fellow companions: most of them were hooded.He recognized the princess of Avory,thanks to her clothing and her coming out from the castle.
Arkantos slowly reached the group,his body hidden by a dark red cloak. He stopped few inches and kneeled,with all the hood.
During all the procession,there could be heard metal clinking and a voice coming out from the helmet.
"Lord of Avory" Arkantos said rising."I shall respect the deal and as I will respect it you will safeguard the people of Clearwood.Until the people is safe,my blades are yours to command" The man said,and a second later he looked at the group: apart the princess he saw a man,probably her personal guardian,then he passed his eyes over a blue clock and a somewhat fusion between a man and a cat.
"For thus who doesn't know it,am the Crimson phantom.At your services" He said,emotionless.
He had to give a little speech to himself and remind the deal with the Lords of Avory.

The king looked at Rixator "do not let the looks of these people fool you, Rixator. They are experts in what they do" The king said

Bella was a little surprised when Theda greeted Bella.

"oh" Bella startled "the honor is mine"

Bella then pulled Gabe and hid behind him, shy. Gabe looked at Bella behind him and saw her blushing. He then turned to look at Theda.

"I'm Gabe, Bella's personal protector" Gabe said, smiling, as he put his right hand forward for Theda to shake

The king looked at Arkantos "yes I still remember our deal, Arkantos" Some of my stronger men are in Clearwood now, holding off any attacker. If we succeed in finding the Gods and convince them to aid us, peace will be upon Daughtris once again.

"Well it seems that everyone who are supposed to be here, have arrived" He said as he looked around "Shall we go to the airship?"

----------

A long roofless hovering vehicle drove up beside them, picking them up, and dropped them off beside a larger size airship in the parking area next to the take-off area.



----------

The king started brief them about the airship "This is the airship you that is going to carry you on your quest. I assume, if anyone falls off, they would have their own ways to save their own lives. This airship have all the necessary things needed and an A.I for autopilot. Everyone shall have their own bedroom with built in toilet and bathroom" the king looked at everyone saying nothing for a moment then continued "The more time we spend here talking, more of Daughtris is being conquered and maybe destroyed by the battles. Board the ship when you are ready. There is still some people needed to be picked up near Clearwood. It will take a few hours to reach there"

Arkantos looked at Gabe,introducing himself."My pleasure..." Arkantos said,soul less.
Then,as the king announced about a vehicle,a hulking flying fortress shadowed the area below.
Arkantos looked above: his movements were slow,expressing nothing.He was surprised: he never believed that technology could arrive till this point.
They were going to land in the Clearwoods,to grab few allies during the road.
Arkantos said nothing but:"Shall we,gentlemen and Ladies?" Arkantos said,while the winds produced by the engines moved his crimson mantle,showing his body covered in a metal armor.
Arkantos looked at a stair,falling from the skies and arriving down at their feet.
"It's the time...it can be a one way ticket...for my parents and Clearwood my life is nothing" Arkantos never considerated death as an option,if he was going to,he won't be the only one: Coinvincing the gods is the only way to stop the ruthless sons of Venash and save Clearwood and his family.
Arkantos grabbed the stars and climbed on the Colossal flying object.
Duty is duty: aslong as the king safeguards Clearwood,he shall fight for their cause.
Arrived at the top,Arkantos didn't turned to watch below: it could cause some problems: he focused on the interior and started to walk around the ship.
The King mentioned about private cabins with bathrooms.

Rixator paused as he looked to the king and queen, then gazed down as he opened his palm. It was now or never, and he had to ask. "If I may make a request...Once everything is said and done with, I would like access to Avory's archives...I want to know all that I can about my people, and possibly there fate...An entire civilization doesn't just disappear and leave behind empty ruins over a quarter of a country..." The dark Afukiran sighed softly, nodding once to them. He put his hand on top of his hood to keep it from flying off as the massive yet grand airship appeared. It was excellent, and at least he knew they'd be travelling comfortably.

((Sorry about the short post, but I've tried to make a post and been cut off by other posts going up...Three times...I'm tired and I've had a kind of a bad day, so I just said screw it and went with this...))

"If I may make a request...Once everything is said and done with, I would like access to Avory's archives...I want to know all that I can about my people, and possibly there fate...An entire civilization doesn't just disappear and leave behind empty ruins over a quarter of a country..." Rixator asked the king

"Avory's archive? why have you not asked sooner?" The king asked Rixator, curious "but the disappearance of your clan is a mystery even to Avory. You can access and search for information in the archives but I doubt you'll find anything. You best ask the gods when you find them. Maybe they'll know more"

While the king was talking to Rixator, Bella was saying goodbye to the queen. Bella hugged the queen tightly, burying her face in the queens shoulder.

"Please be safe, mother" Bella sobbed and continue "I will find the other gods"

"you be safe too, Bella" The queen said, eyes starting to tear up.

Bella released the queen and wiped her eyes, still sobbing. The queen turned to Gabe and placed her hand on his shoulder

"you are like a son to me, Gabe. Take care of Bella and yourself" She said to Gabe, smiling but the tears in her eyes showed sadness.

"Yes, my queen" Gabe tried to kneel but was stopped by the queen. Instead, Gabe held the queen's hand gently and kissed it. "thank you for your kindness, my queen"

Bella nodded at her mother and walked to the king's side. The king did not notice Bella because he was talking to Rixator.

"father" she called him

the king turned his head to look at Bella.

"I'll miss you, father" Bella said while hugging the king tightly and started to cry again

"there there, my Bella" he continued "you can call me using the phone anytime"

The king nodded at Rixator signaling him it was time to go.

The queen walk beside them as the king held Bella's hand and escorted her to the stairs that would take them up on the airship. She started to climb. Little by little, her hand slipped from the king's. Gabe was beside Bella.

"I love you, father, mother" Bella said to the king and queen

They climbed the stairs to the airship.

Once everyone had got on the ship, the ship started to move and started their journey to Clearwood.

Atop the Highest Pinnacle of the Avalon,a woman was having a talk with a man of a village down.
The Avalon was shading the village with it's immense shadow: outside there were bodies of men that died and demons that failed their masters to conquer the village.
Sylverana took a sit on a wooden chair: she posed a teapot and two glasses.Then,a bodiless spirit brought a plate of sweets.
The fear of the man was visible: he was pale for it and trembling.
"Thanks,Drakthorn" Sylverana said,as the spirit made a little kneel and left the room.
She looked outside,seeing the green plains of Lightwake,with the sky tainted by the white clouds.
"Ah,don't you find the visual beautiful?" Sylverana said at the man.
The last one remained in a silence that annoyed the Maiden of Shadows,till that she decided to serve the tea.
The man stared at the table with the silver service,while Sylverana was drinking her tea peacefully.Often she took some sweets from the tray.
After she finished she asked to the man.
"Not hungry?"
Literally paralyzed by Sylverana's grasp the man could do nothing but shake his head.
Slowly,he drank the tea and took some sweets from it.
Sylverana smiled,as she stood up and turned around.
The man was the tribute that the village sent this morning: they told that he was an outlaw and that death was however already in plan,so promoted Sylverana as executioner.
Sylverana was moving slowly harmoniously: she was dancing and was waiting for the man to join her.
She tended her hand toward the man.Sylverana was having fun: after all if you were going to die you should enjoy your last seconds.
So,the man took her hand (apparently) and they started to spin over all the chamber.
In the end Sylverana looked intensively the man,that changed it back.
The man felt a grip: he could hear his heart beat hundred times faster,his sweat coming down from his back and his mind turning in a flurry.
A blueish essence started to wrap Sylverana's hands and the man turned into a carbonized state,screaming in agony.

Few minutes later,Sylverana called Drakthorn."Deliver him to the Towers" Sylveran said,looking outside: soon she was going to wage war against her brothers to obtain the throne and show that she isn't a coward.



Arkantos saw the clocked woman and all the company get on the ship: he moved aside,observing the scene in a mute state.After the last one,alias the Princess Hemmingway came aboard Arkantos walked,looking over the princess for few seconds to then enter in the bridge: the Airship was moving,exiting from the Grey walls of Avory and entering in the desolated out lands. In that moment,Arkantos was thinking about the victims of this rampage: many...entire towns,cities and even villages were falling under the control of the Children of Venash.
He looked outside the window of the bridge,with his body hidden by the Crimson mantle.His hands were at his back,aswell as his swords: he was thinking how would the situation be: if he knew well the Guardian of Avory,the personal guard of the princess was going to start a control,probably starting by the most factionless assassin and soldier-for-hire of the moment.
Arkantos moved to his cabin: he opened the door and entered:a quick scout of the place and the assassin was already sitting on the bed,awaiting for orders and dangers.

CHAPTER 2

Up on the airship, Gabe accompanied Bella as she leaned againts the railway of the ship, outside. The ship were up in the sky and it flew gracefully.

"are you okey, princess?" Gabe asked Bella

"there is no need to call me princess here, Gabe" Bella said casually to Gabe. "I'm scared, Gabe"

"don't be" Gabe walked beside her while looking to the far away ground "this airship is safe"

"not the airship, Gabe" she explained "the quest" she paused for a moment and continued "finding the gods and convincing them to help us. Not all of the gods are good and kind as Hikari"

"yeah" Gabe said while enjoying the refreshing air blowing in his face "I heard that Ifrit is a badass but we have Hikari. She will persuade Ifrit". Gabe looked up to the sky "after we pick up Garen in Amara near Clearwood, we shall search both the gods of ice and water to help us to access Brunoma's depth to find Ifrit"

"what about Sylph?" Bella questioned "even Hikari don't know where the god of wind is"

"don't worry" Gabe convince Bella "we'll find him" Gabe pushed himself from the railing and turned around "are you ready to talk to the team?"

"yeah... I guess I'm ready"

"I'll summon the team"

Gabe walked to a device on the airship's wall. He pressed the device's screen then a tone played. Gabe pressed another button and announced "Attention, everyone kindly regroup topside. I repeat, kindly regroup topside"

The team arrived on the balcony. Obana was standing silently, looking like he was daydreaming, gazing to the sky. Theda was looking quite nervous or scarred. She had been that way ever since they got up on the ship. They all waited for Gabe or Bella to start saying something.

"you may start, princess" Gabe winked at Bella

Bella looked at Gabe and nodded, starting to get nervous.

"um... hi... I'm Bella" she paused for a moment "as you all know... I am the princess of Avory... reside in me is... some part of the god of light" she gulped, trying not to panic "um... our first destination is a small town... near Clearwake... called Amara... We are going to pick up Garen... a special creature... that has been... appointed by the Hikari herself". Bella wiped sweat that had form on her forehead and continued "I hope we all work together in this quest" she paused, panicking "thank you" she ran behind Gabe.

Gabe continued Bella's speech "After we pick up Garen, we shall head to Lightwake region to search for Sheva, high up in the frozen mountains" He paused to think and continued "That will be all for now. Please make yourselves comfortable in this airship. If there are any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Thank you"

An hour and sixteen minute later, Clearwood region could be seen, They town of Amara was a small dot if looked from the airship.

Gabe was leaning against the rail "we are almost at out destination, Bella" Gabe grinned

Bella ran to the rail and looked "so this is Clearwake" she turned to Gabe and smiled

Suddenly a giant black griffin with purplish black flame covering its body, swooped past, Gabe and Bella. Shocking them both. Bella fell on her bum.

"what was that?!" Bella asked Gabe, surprised

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HV2IZz9gRxo/T ... riffin.jpg

"it was a griffin" he said while helping Bella up, his heart pounded as a terrible premonition gripped him "let us try and reach Amara fast. I feel like something terrible is about to happen"

in the small hospital in Amara, the Black Griffin rammed into the hospital, emergency room's walls, the walls came down, revealing itself to Garen and Mitei. Rocks flew everywhere, injuring nurses, doctors, and patients. It roared while it's purplish flame burned the ground. It eyed Mitei but couldn't get in the small hospital because of it's giant size. People were screaming and panicking. Everyone ran out of the emergency room screaming "Demon Griffin!"

Some of the guardsman quickly ran to griffin and tried to capture or kill it if they have to.

Up on the airship, Bella and Gabe looked down on the town, Amara. They a few hundred meters from the ground.

"There! the Griffin is on a rampage!" Gabe shouted, informing the team

Bella felt something strange inside her. She could feel where Garen is. The spirit of Hikari guided her "Garen is near where the griffin is" she said to Gabe, scared.

Gabe turned to look at the team "Ready for battle, team! We might need to save the town and Garen!"

The ship flew near the hospital and hovered. There were not enough space to land the airship on the ground. The team would have to jump down, quickly.

"I want to help!" Bella told Gabe

"I shall protect you with my life, Bella"

Both Bella and Gabe jumped down at the same time. Bella levitated herself before landing while Gabe focused his Ki on his legs so that he would not get injured. Gabe landed on the ground with a thud. They dashed to the hospital

(anyone post late, I'll auto... DO NOT AUTO THE GRIFFIN, I SHALL ROLE PLAY AS IT... I SHALL ROLL A DICE AND DETERMINE IF ANYONE GETS HIT)

Rixator nodded once to the king before boarding. It wasn't so much he just wanted to find out exactly what happened, but he hoped to use the information to piece together a viable theory since no one seemed to honestly know. He gave a salute before walking onto the ship with the others, keeping his hood down as it took off. The feeling was exhilirating; he'd never been on an airship, only either land vehicles or on foot. So, he was a bit shaky and somewhat nervous, but he got used to it quickly.

--Later...--

Rixator was in a completely empty room. A white, empty, metal room. He stood in the center, his hands and fingers moving in complex yet fluid motions, a plethora of dark, blackened sand following suit as it formed various waves and designs. It was very beautiful to watch when he used his Mana for recreation, but he only did it in a solitary environment. He enjoyed being around the sand, being in and amongst it. It reminded him of home. The home he once had...A people he never knew...With a solemn sigh, he brought his hands together with overlapping fingers in a sort of clapping manner, the sand bursting as it folded down on itself. After a pause to let the silence set in, the sand slowly drifted back to him, into the folds of his clothes and armor.

He stepped out after a moment. Rixator had his moment of his own medidation, just in time to hear the speaker next to the door. It was that Gabe fellow. "Attention, everyone kindly regroup topside. I repeat, kindly regroup topside" The Afukiran paused before giving a shrug, adjusting his weapons and armor to get comfortable before moving up the stairs and to the outdoor area. Time was a luxury when they had it, but it was of the essence either way. Once the speech was done and over with, he went back to the empty room, now training with his Ki. He'd have to be careful to not wreck the room with his power.

--Later...--

Rixator had done the Ki workout for about an hour, and it was slowly getting boring, he got up and headed back up onto deck, deciding to check out the area. So this was Amara of Clearwake. It was so different. The scenery was different from his dark desert home, but he enjoyed being able to travel. And then that beast swooped in. It was some sort of sickly looking griffin, and it rammed itself into a below hospital. Finally, some excitement! He ran forward, leaping off the railing as he summoned up a thick cloud of sand, riding it down to the hospital at a high speed, drawing the unique blade from his hip and turning it over in his right hand. Now, things were getting interesting.

Bella flew by riding on her staff ( not like a horse or pole dancer ) beside Gabe that was running quickly by focusing Ki to his legs and wind magic to move him faster. Bella even raised Gabe's speed by casting a light elemental spell on Gabe. They finally can see the hospital. The griffin was breathing fire in to the hospital through a hole in the wall. Then a blinding flash of light, shoot out of from through the hole in the hospital, enveloping the Griffin.

(Dice roll: 8)

The griffin stood still, red fire covered the griffin's purplish black flame. Suddenly the purplish black flame expanded, the red flame was gone. The demon-griffin was immune to fire. The fire didn't do any damage but some other elements from the blinding ray injured the beast, blood coming out of wounds on its neck and leg. It limped to the sides, crashing into a building, but quickly regained it's balance. It jumped in the air and hovered. It was hard for it to catch Mitei with her inside the hospital rather than outside. A sigil appeared above the griffin as it hovered silently.

"It's casting a great spell!" Bella warned

Gabe grabbed his sword from his back and slashed the air while focusing his Ki on the sword, producing crescent force, straight at the griffin.

(Dice roll: 5)

The crescent hit the griffin, interupted it's casting, but it didn't do much damage. It only made the griffin mad. It turned it's head toward Gabe and Bella and breathe purplish black flame at them.

"let the grace of Jupiter be a shield for our sake!" Bella casted a quick spell and created a force field protecting herself and Gabe.

(Dice roll: 8)

The force field stopped the purple fire.

The griffin flew higher until it feels no attacks would reach it. It wanted to rest but saw Mitei jumped out of the hospital, yelling, trying to get its attention. Everyone attacking it made it forgot his objective which was to capture Mitei. He dived fast, claws forward, trying to grab Mitei. Magical arrows from the guardsman which was homing at it flew past, missing at all.


Bella saw Garen and felt something strange. "There! That dragon is what Hikari recruited!" Bella shouted to Gabe

"what?!" Gabe turned to Bella "A dragon?!"

"let the grace of Jupiter be a heal for your sake!" Bella casted a spell, completely healing Garen.

(Dice roll Rixator: 9... Dammit!)
(Dice roll Mitei: 7)
(Dice roll Garen: 11?? what the?! )

The griffin was diving down, aiming for Mitei but Rixator's spiraling sand drill was flying fast at it. The griffin spinned it's body hoping to dodge the attack but failed. The sand drill hit it's left wing. It fell but caught by Garen which had flewn fast from the ground, ripping the griffin's limbs and released it. The final strike from Mitei killed the Griffin and smashed on the ground. Not moving. It's purple fire slowly fading.

The griffin is dead, limbs torn, and fire gone. Blood pooled under the griffin's carcass.

Bella saw Mitei collapsed and quickly flew to her riding her staff

"The Fragrance of a Flower, a Wind that will Fill My Friends with Vigor, Vitality, and Health! Recovery!" She casted a spell on Mitei

Gabe jogged, following Bella. "Is anyone else injured?"

Gabe looked up at the tall dragon and thought so you are what the God of Light recruited?

Mitei slowly woke up from her collapsing seeing a young blonde girl in front of her, during her getting up she heard

"Is anyone else injured?" from the man whom seemed to look like her travel partner, she was confused by the two and then looked over at the hospital, "Reiko!" she said as she ran over to where her sister is still passed out and kneeled next to her shaking her a bit, "Reiko, wake up." she said quite sternly for being worried, slowly Reiko woke up from her little nap, "Mitei...?" Reiko asked as she looked up in confusion, "Where's the..?" she asked as Mitei looked over to the remains of the griffin, "We had to kill it... It was possessed by someone whom can be a demon..." Mitei responded as Reiko got up with Mitei using her as a support.

Rixator nodded proudly seeing that his attack had crippled it, though that dragon had essentially finished off the damn thing. Either way, the deed was done. The male hopped onto some debris and slid down as if he were going down a sand dune, criss-crossing his legs every now and then and leaping from one part to another when necessary. Soon, he found himself with the rest of the group. He wasn't too exhausted, but the constant use of the sand and Mana had it's drawbacks. "Nothing a little rest wouldn't hurt!" He chuckled, nodding once as he looked around the group.

Bella was about to help Reiko when Garen's head blocked her. Garen blinked his eye and Bella could see her reflection in it “Who are you and why do I hear your inner voice call out to me?” Garen blinked again and then in Bella's reflection, a light could be seen, “So the God of Light has touched your life as well.”

Bella was petrified from fear by the sudden blocking of Garen. She started to tremble. Gabe focused his Ki and instantly moved between Bella and Garen.

"back away, please" Gabe raised a hand to the side, protecting Bella from Garen. Gabe paused for a second then started to explain "The god of light told us that you would join us in our quest. We have come to pick you up"

Bella picked herself up and braved herself to talk "My name is Bella. A part of the God of Light is within me"

Mitei and Reiko walk out of the giant hole in the hospital seeing the party, "Thanks for your help, by the way" She said, 'even though it was late and damn near useless' she thought as she helped Reiko forward and looked at them all, "Its my fault the griffin came and attacked here" she said apologetically, "It was a demon beast..." she looked at the poor creature whom had died through her judgement bolt. Which she knew is she missed, the town might be completely destroyed.

When Arkantos decided to go up,to take some fresh air,a voice spoke from nowhere: "Attention, everyone kindly regroup topside. I repeat, kindly regroup topside"
So Arkantos did: he moved up with his armor to the Balcony.First mission approaches.
The Princess of Avory started a speech:

"Um... hi... I'm Bella,as you all know... I am the princess of Avory... reside in me is... some part of the god of light.Um... our first destination is a small town... near Clearwake... called Amara... We are going to pick up Garen... a special creature... that has been... appointed by the Hikari herself.I hope we all work together in this quest,thank you"

The Princess spoke with a soft voice: Arkantos could also recognize some shy in the speech,but it was fair enough acceptable.
He smiled:"Whenever you want,Princess of Avory" Arkantos said,looking at everybody like searching for a confirm.
At the end of the speech Arkantos moved to one of the angles of the Airship and leaned against it,with his helmet on his hand.
He took few breaths,then a Griphon came and he had to grab the metal bars to don't fall.He saw the Princess fall,while Gabe helping her up
Arkantos ran to help them,trying to demand also what happened.
"A Gryphon" Arkantos was thinking while putting on his helmet,hiding his hairs.
He saw the princess look down.Arkantos did the same and saw the creature rampage over the small town.
"I'm on it,Guardian of the Princess..." Arkantos said while walking down the stairs as fast as he could to the entry.
Then an idea flashed: He was various thousands of feet above the ground.
He took a breath: time for testing devilish machineries.
He opened the door,as the crew remained shocked.Arkantos looked below,noticing that the Ship was decreasing the height.
"Ah,well who cares... Arkantos checked that his equipment was ready.When he attached everything he dropped himself from the ship.
He felt stupid: couldn't he wait the Airship to land!? Anyway,what's done is done: Arkantos was testing a "gift" from Harley,the friend of the Assassin's guild.
To his descriptions,the device when triggered would let him fly like a bird.
When Arkantos triggered the mechanism,a series of wooden skeletons started to move,forming a Deltaplane,slowing the fall and possibly plan strategic lands.
So he did,he aimed at a building not far from the Gryphon and he landed.
A second trigger,and the False wings patched back in his armor. He smiled,as humanity made another step to domination.
He ran over the roofs,reaching the Gryphon.
He looked at the creature: Jumping on the shed and then harassing it with daggers? He found the strategy reasonable,so he did: thanks to a mage and the Gabe and a Dragon?
Arkantos looked at the Creature with a little stunned tone,but then returned to himself.
"Nothing here,but I'd investigate under the debris."Arkantos said,returning to his normal stance.
-=-=-=-=-
Sylverana was sitting on her throne,with her guitar.She was practicing over a new composition of her.
After a few sounds,she smiled and wrote down on a paper.The Demons that were attempting at invading Lightwake's villages were falling like empty bottles,thanks to Avalon's magical turrets,demons-like under Sylverana's control and her feared Legion of the Maiden of Shadows.
Sylverana was reading an Opera of one of the few artists of Lightwake,when Drakthorn,king of Aces entered in the Throne room.
He knelt and Sylverana told him to rise.
"The Forces of Demotia are under attack by the Almighty Eclipse,Maiden of Shadows." Drakthorn said,with an enigmatic voice,that would throw men in an insane fear.
"Ah,thanks for the Information Drakthorn,son of Isildun: You and the Legion will go before,and summon the floating domain Avalon.
Drakthorn knelt once again and left the room,in a spectral silence.
An hour later,a spirit entered in the Throne room.
"Lady of Shadows,the Legion is ready to move" The little imp said,while looking at the white floor.
"Hmmm...so be it" Sylverana closed her book and moved out of the room.
In the Courtyard of Avalon the sixteen elites of Sylverana were standing on a gigantic blue rune. When Sylverana entered,they dropped down to the knees.
With a simple move of her hand the elites rose and stood immobile.
Sylverana started to sing mystical words,while the rune below the Legionaires started to glow bright.A cold gust was filling the air,as slowly the body of the Elites started to disappear in the winds.
Their face were made of stone,expressing nothing but will to obey: they disappeared with the wind
...in the nearby woods of Demotia,a strange gust was running through it's leafs: the animals ran from it,as the wind's touch turned rock in ice and ground in snow.
When the Legion of the Maiden of Shadows landed,the demons looked at them gazed in a known terror: the sixteen moved and slaughtered the demons around the walls of Demotia.
The Brightshadow Swordsmen and the Nightarrow Marksmen were harassing the infantry: eight of them simply razed down the triple of their numbers,while the Pillars of Plague were waging potent poisons and infernal chemists to eliminate troopers.
The Leviathan queen was,in the meanwhile,devouring and restoring the morale of the Legion with screams,war cries and blood.
The Legion worked to clear an entire area: enough space to summon the Flying fortress Avalon.Only one Marksman died and that was going to be replaced as soon as the maiden arrives.
The presence of Eclipse's legion was clear: even if they eliminated the area Eclipse's troopers were overwhelming the islands.
The Legion placed the four Obelisks.These objects seemed to be inactive.Drakthorn muttered something.Again,the Obelisk didn't move.
But in Lightwake,the citizen of the town under Sylverana's protection started to emit weird sounds: a Black shear of winds started to devour the building,as it turned into an hurricane: a giant being of winds,started to move North.
The Legion moved aside,while the Flying castle materialized and crushed the Obelisks.
the Legion was tired: eliminating hordes of demons are an effort: the only quirk of the Legion is that ,except few, can't stay far from Avalon: it's because they are spirits and they require a flux of mana to survive.Sylverana dotated the King of Aces and the footmen with mana batteries,to avoid consumption. The Castle was visible to Demotia in somewhat ten minutes.
Sylverana came down with her black dress and looked at the gates.The Guardsmen attempted to pierce her with arrows,but they failed as the arrows were deviated by forces around her.
"Am here for peace,aid you against the Demons of Eclipse!" Sylverana screamed,hoping that the men would understand.

CHAPTER 3

The sheriff of the town just arrived after word of griffin and dragon reached him a few minute ago.



"what happened here?!" He shouted so that everyone would hear him.

Almost half of the small hospital is destroyed and a torn carcass of a griffin was in the middle of the square.

One of the guardsman quickly inform the sheriff "it was a strange griffin sir. A black griffin with black flames coming out of it's body" he pointed to the group "These group killed it with amazing skills sir"

The sheriff examined the group quickly

"is that the princess of Avory?" his eyes larges. He turned to his men "scout for any injured civilians"

The sheriff walked up to Bella which was healing some injured guardsman "what brings the princess to the small town of Amora in this time of chaos?" he said loudly so that Bella would hear him. The voice made Bella turned around and look at the sheriff. Gabe was beside her.

"we were just passing by to pick up a person" Gabe said to the sheriff

The sheriff turned to look at Gabe and examined him from top to bottom "you are her protector, am I correct?"

"yes" Gabe said confidently

"I was told that you helped kill that beast. I, representing for Amora, thank you for that" the bowed slightly and continued "I heard that there was a dragon. Did it flew away?"

"No it did not. The dragon was an ally. He changed shape and is sitting there, with his legs crossed" Gabe pointed to Garen and noticed that he is talking to a person with a creature as a hand.

"So the threat is no more?" the sheriff asked

Gabe shook his head

The sheriff nodded to Gabe "if there is anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask". He then turned to the princess and bowed "it was great meeting you, princess". The sheriff then joined his men searching for injured civillians.

"let's examine the griffin" Bella said to Gabe

Mitei saw the guard talk and say that the whole party helped kill the thing, 'I was the one mostly fighting it until the end...' she thought as she and Reiko walked over to the griffin, Mitei kneeled and examined its body and putting her hand on it she pulled her hand back feeling the burning of the chaos and evil, "This concludes it..." she said silently as she looked at her hand, "There is a threat out there that caused this once peaceful Griffin to attack the hospital." she said addressing the others, "the man whom caused this is dangerous, he takes creatures, and even humans and controls them through experiments." she said looking Bella straight in the eyes.

Bella and Gabe was examining the group with Rixator, Reiko and Mitei there. Mitei then started to talk.

"This concludes it..." she said silently as she looked at her hand, "There is a threat out there that caused this once peaceful Griffin to attack the hospital." she said addressing the others, "the man whom caused this is dangerous, he takes creatures, and even humans and controls them through experiments." she said looking Bella straight in the eyes.

"Who would have this kind of power?" Bella asked Reiko

Reiko looked down then at Mitei whom spoke for her, "A man named Gen..." she said with almost hate in her voice and eyes. She looked back at the Griffin, 'Experiment 16... I remember fighting with that, but now against it...' she thought as she looked back up, "He's done far worse than have a Griffin attack a small city..." she said as she looked down in anger and regret of what she did and how she knows this. Reiko looked at the Griffin, 'I'm sorry I couldn't help.' she thought as she let go of Mitei to stand on her own.