Ashariel

Site of the Behemoth

The dual trembles had left the men themselves trembling...all except Hagar. He'd been dying to use his weapon. As the others quickly accepted the use of the ship, shouting out to Hagar as the ship lifted via the crystals. "Hagar, get on!" Te'al yelled out.

"With all due respect," Hagar stated with a smile, taking the axe from his back. "No." He held the axe threateningly to the group of Shadowkin, which he saw before the Avian did, and was already bum-rushing them with a war cry. "Shadowed bastard!" The blade cut the one he had attacked directly in half, head to its end, leaving no time to even hiss. He smiled as he jumped, landing atop another Shadowkin, using the momentum to slice downward into its head.

He had been born a Hilart runt, left to die by his biological mother in this very meeting point of borders to die. There, it was Ke'yei took pity upon him and lead a kind woman, unable to bear children of her own, to find him. Today, though, he would pay back the debt to his People's God, as well as prove that he was just as good as any other Hilart in battle. Even if it meant his name going into Mori's records.

Uncaring about the other Shadowkin, who were now being attacked by some kind of miniature creature secreted by the Behemoth, he ran until he found a Shadowkin threatening a Hilart scout. With a heavy, yet nimble jump, he sliced downward. "Die, Shadow Scum!"

Meanwhile, Te'al had turned to the Avatar with them. "Sir, if we may, I would like to ask that we first try to rescue Hagar...then make it to my home city. I must alert my Avatar to the happenings of here." Looking down, the man sighed, but smiled. "Hagar, you damned Hilart at Heart..."

The Temple of Ke'yei

Na'lee only shook her head as the Lich ran off to see the thing for himself. She gave a small laugh. "It'll be the most exercise he'll get in a while..."

Realm of the Circle

Ke'yei was furious. Mortals? Breaking the Circle? Did they wish to bring their own incompetence and doom upon themselves? He gave an angry sigh. "Does Nemea know what her people are doing?"

Moonshield Islands

A small brigade of dragons, five in number, circled what appeared to be a human city. They landed before the gate, the largest one, the apparent leader, boomed out. "We wish to speak to your leader!"

Mask played with a cup of wine. He had to admit that it was rather amusing to watch his minions run around like headless chickens, desperate to hear his guidance, some even becoming mad with the silence they received from their prayers. So this is what happens when a civilization becomes too close to a god, Mask thought, amused, And when the god doesn’t interfere then they lack faith and the god dies away. Interesting how hard to balance humans.

Looking into the small pond in his garden he could see the ships move towards the dead lands of the Heckclown Union. Plague, civil war and invasions had brought the former Criminal Union to its knees, the greed of the criminals overcoming their caution and their self-preservation. Of course, there were the petty gangs who had run away and continued their trade in other nations, though Mask had decided to shun them, what would the point be to contact them? They wouldn’t trust him now that he had let their former lives be burned to the ground.

“There you are, my little diamond,” Mask giggled as he looked into the pond. “You will rebuild the fear that people had for me. You will build a new kingdom atop the ashes of the Heckclown Union.”
At the center of the pond was an image of a man. Frederik Krammer, Bandit King and Pirate. Mask was thrilled that such a man could even rise amongst the ranks of the colonies of the Heckclown Union.

The Heckclown Union had attempted to spread their influence abroad, gaining control of a small half a dozen smaller islands that they populated and used as pirate bases, however this Frederik Krammer had been a local bandit and pirate, knowing both trades he used it to take control of the other islands. Gaining power meant a growing hunger for more treasures and power, something that Mask had fueled.

Now he was here where it had all started and ended, intending to start anew, but not under the weak name of the Heckclown Union, no, Mask had planted twisted plans within the mind of Frederik and his generals. This would be a whole new show. New avatar, new army and new ambitions.
Mask had to place a hand over his masked face to prevent him from laughing loud and hysterically, “It all goes as planned. Jack is gone and Frederik is here, this will be…Interesting.”

As much as Mask loved to be in control of everything, he also enjoyed the sense of anarchy and chaos. There was a plan but with enough flaws and holes for the fate of the new criminal kingdom to fall, or change its fate.

“Gone?...No. No one can destroy the nature of humans, it is…The way of nature!” Mask giggled, whether it was madness, or enjoyment, was only known to Mask.

---

Looking up and down the shores of the beach they had landed on, Frederik could see that this wasn’t yet another island that the accursed Heckclown Union had attempted to populate and enslave. These lands smelled of fresh battles, turmoil and atrocities. Smiling to himself, Frederik was to first to go out of the small roving boat and land on the shore, keeping the smile on his colored face.

Frederik and his men had spend…He had lost of how long it had been since they ahd last seen shores, so finally arriving was both a relief and a bolster for the morale of his bandits. “Set up camp,” Frederik barked, “I want some of ‘em new lads to search the area. Find food and stuf’.”
“Aye, aye captain, uhm…I mean king, erh…Captain-king?” the bandit beside him quickly obeyed too fearful of evoking Frederik’s wrath. Frederik had quite the imagination for how to punish those who questioned his authority and he had worked hard to built himself a feared reputation amongst the pirates of the North. But this is South, Frederik had to remind himself, So no of ‘em mateys know who I am. I’ll teach ‘em all who I am!

Frederick watched as the bandits made camp. They were simple tents, meant to keep out the rain and keep the heath in, so in most cases it had been made of animal hide; there were almost a thousand of these tents, and half a fleet to transport them. Frederik was powerful in the north, where he originated, though he had heard tales of the mighty Heckclown Union and how hordes of bandits, mercenaries and rouge soldiers had lined up to fight for the corrupt lands. He had to admit that he rather admired such governance, personally Frederik would love to be able to call upon such manpower, however for now he would suffice with the men he had brought.

“Your kingliness,” one of the scouts reported as he came near Frederik, “we have discovered that there are many ruins in the area. It appears that the Heckclown Union has finally received the punishment for the crimes it did.”
A quick chill fell down Frederik’s spine, “Whatever it was, it is over now. Their cities are gone and ours for the taking, tonight we rest, tomorrow we shall sack every city for whatever we find!”

The men cheered, excited to finally to do something exciting. None of them knew how much work was at hand, for Frederik hadn’t come to plunder the corpse of a kingdom. He had come to establish his own sovereignty, and then extend his influence. He had never been beaten in battle n the north, nor should he here.




Mortorn was on the road; his hordes of orcs were satisfied with this campaign. Though the kingdom was still standing, its armies had been defeated, cities plungered and its citizens enslaved. Mordheim had, however, been a worthy enemy, and for that Mortor decided that he would spare the kingdom, allow it to return to its strength so it could fight against the orcs once more. It was both a sign of deep respect and mockery, for while the orcs enjoyed a good fight, they also desired the trophies that followed victory.
The Mordheim soldiers had fought fiercely against the orcs, and every time Mortorn had deveised a new cunning plan to bring the humans to their knees, the sheer will and awesome champions of the Mordheim army presented itself an obstacle. Well, that was looking over the many incompetent chieftains that Mortorn had allowed to catch to his attention.

Now the orcs had quenched their thirst for battle, for the time being. They had sacked whole cities and enslaved the humans they had captured; they would serve as food when they returned to Gorgosm.

As they marched Mortorn began to think of what other kingdom he should attack. Not sure which it was that he ought to provoke this time, he decided to do something strange. He would challenge any kingdom who dared to stand up against him, those who wished to fight the orcs would be the next victim for the never ending waves of the orcs.

But not now. Now he returned to Gorgosm and feasted, and afterward he would plan his next move. War was constant, if it wasn’t between man and orc, then it was between orc and orc. There was always a chieftain that thought himself better than Mortorn…Mortor had pile up all the heads of his challengers. Would there be more after this campaign or would he get the luxury of attacking a human kingdom instead?

Urgael himself only knew, but that was alright. Mortorn enjoyed challenges and surprises.

MASTALKI

Mastalki looked at Ulmo, his face a patchwork of emotions. His eyes were bottomless pits of hate and sorrow, his face were a bitter grimace yet the mouth had a slight melancholic smile on it. His fists were clenching and unclenching again and again, showing the state of anger and indecision he was in. A funny thing, when you take in the perspective that he's a divine being and a god.
"I agree, we ought to stop time, and clearify the road of action. You can talk to the avatars. I think I'll have to take imediate action to stop that rat of a dictator who's setting himself in my stead, and sending of people to fight and die for a false cause." Mastalki said with a steely resolve. "I will go to my business now, and when you are ready to summon the avatars, you only have to utter 'Amaias Dyu' that's the ancient phrase that summons Allaseus. Farewell now brother, I'll come see you as soon as I'm done."

Mastalki looked at Ulmo for a second, then vanished.

ALLASEUS

"You talk as you have the wits to Caspian! I'm not out for revenge for my parents, I'm out for a revenge for my people! I lived with a tribe long ago, when the world was so very young. I had friends, family and loved ones there, but as a silent snake sneaks, the storms came. In rapid succesion we lost all, the waves of the ocean claimed most of what we had. Our drinking water was suddenly as poison to us, and worst of all, Ulmo did so because of the courage that was shown. My father stood tall against all the guille and all the violence of the storms, his boat strode through the waves like and arrow. My father was the very best sailor you could ever meet, and because of that, because he could master the tides, he was taken from me!" Allaseus said, staring at Caspian with hard eyes. "Ulmo is a hard god, with no compassion. How could he make himself take away so many people, and still leave ME behind to weep and remember the horror!?"

Allseus stood silent for a moment, feeling a sting of the old sorrow in his breast. As he stood there, he could see the city in front. What could burn was burning, screams of horror, anguish and death came from the city. The high flames in the city, gave the sky a red tinge, dramatically colouring the sky.
"Caspian," Allaseus said, this time more calm. "this world is full of horrors and death. One more or one less won't do any harm. Back down, and we can let the mortal men go to their business. I do not really care as for who wins or lose, as long as I can spit Ulmo in the eye through my action here." Allaseus said.

THE LEGIONAIRES

"Tight formations!" came the brutal roar from the squarii commander after he'd seen a pair of men being picked up and dropped down into their deaths. "Archers! Fire at will!" the next order came, letting the archers, who stood in the middle of the formation, shoot off volleys of arrows, to drive off the demonic flying warriors.
"Iron Fist Squarii! Onwards!" The commander bellowed, as he'd secured his troops. With stead fast steps, the legionaires began moving again. They were slower, but there was less chance of casualties. The major problem of course, was that the citizens had all retreated and regrouped a ways away, and they were visibly backed up by groups of conscripts.
"Give them hell Iron Fists!" came the order, and the massive block of soldiers let out a roar as they went into a jog towards the enemies new perimeter.

THE SENATE

"Duche Larazian, I assure you that I'll make sure the peasents won't revolt when we set up the taxes in the Intrenia Region. Just make sure that you don't let out any information about our little scheme." The Dictator said, a wicked grin on his lips. He was going to turn the entire Moonshield Republic into a device of destruction. A warmachine that could grind even the nomadic hilart tribes into pieces.

"Senate Guard! Stop the intruders!" A voice cried out in a hall. The senate hall grew silent imediatly. The sound of clashing steel and screams of dying men could easily be heard by the senators who were all in the hall. Then a tapping, the tapping of sandals, as a young Senate Guard entered the room.
"Lords, we're under attack by monsters! Large stone statues have begun appearing all around the city centre, and they're all headed this way!" the man said, huffingafter having to spurt through the senatorial palace.
"WHAT!?" the dictator cried out, astounded by what he'd just heard. "We're under attack by monsters!? How do they look?"
"They're like stone, bound together by stardust. They have long spears of blue metal, and they can cut a man and his shield into two by a single swing." The guard said, his eyes getting wilder and wilder.

Just then, the collosal Arcane Golem turned down the long walkway towards the senate hall. Between them walked to twin men, bound in blue ropes with white patterns on them.
"Mastalki has decreed," the first one began. "That your service has not been fulfilling his intentions." the other one ended. "Surrender your weapons and stand down from your throne, or we'll have to use force." they said out in unison, their voices like a single man.

"The dictator was astonished and breathless for a moment, then his wicked grin returned. I see what you mages are doing, you're here to take my place. But I know your tricks. Ten wagonloads of gold for the one who kills them, when they're dead, their golems will die too!" He yelled, his voice the one of a madman.
It didn't take long for a senator o draw his weapon, and make his move towards the mages. He was cut in half by one of the golems, it only had to sweep it's giant halberd down. The senator fell to the ground in a gruesome posture, his innards spilling out on the marble floor, his scarlet red blood staining those who'd sttod too near. A stench of blood quickly filled the air.

"If you are done playing, you'd better come with us. For your own sake..." the twins said.

Karpath
Crow dodged several arrows from below as the enemy began to get into tighter formations.
“Crow!” She heard Jackdaw, one of her warriors, call. “Our allies say that evacuation is the main concern. We must draw back when they do and meet at the Dragon ships.”

She nodded and whistled to her warriors. It was a part of Corvus Code, a secret language spoken by the Corvusians. The speech was a mixture of whistles, clucks, and bird imitations.

She told the small army what she heard and their next plan of attack.

Realm of Dawn
Riso smiled weakly.
“She has created her own realm. The Realm of Dusk. Exactly parallel to this one”

Realm of Dusk
Raven covered her mouth in shock of what Jiraba had told her.
She attempted to compose herself before she spoke.

“Well, Jiraba, I do not have much of a choice. We are bonded by blood and oath.”
She turned and sighed. “I see something vulnerable in you right now, Brother.”
“So I know that this will cause much strife in the world.”

(Sorry it's so short!)

"A Proper Politician Must Network"
Trinity Palace, Nonya

The Near Guard were escorting the assumed leader of the deadmouths through a direct path on the ground level pathways. The way had already been cleared and they moved smoothly to one of the many private lifts beneath the rock. The elaborate number of guards dwindled as they approached their destination, until only two remained, leading Yorina up a torch-lit hallway, to a private lift where they left her. With the turning a cog and the sound of rushing water, the lift began to ascend.

It opened into a sumptuous room. Despite the walls and ceilings being cavernous, rocky, moist, and dark, the floor was level and lined with rich rugs and carpets, and cloth hanged down from the ceiling. Mirrors and torches lit the place up.

At the end opposite the simple wooden door was a young man, the "Avatar" of Nemea, Ayden Spiro, pacing around a table on which a young girl was sleeping. Behind the girl were two men, one was old and had a crooked jaw, with wiry hair and had the look of a pauper despite being richly dressed. The other man was young, younger even than the Avatar, and seemed perfectly handsome and in the prime of his youth, with a look of inconceivable despair polluting his face. He sat on a small throne and clutched his hands together, as though for warmth, and breathed deeply, as though sick, despite almost glowing with health.

The young Avatar got straight to the point.

"You Yorina, are a member of a minority religion within Nonya. It emphasizes aspects of life that the Dendapim abhor, and your people have met considerable resistance amongst the populace, due, as I'm sure you've guessed, to the tireless work of the Propagandist's guild. They have the power to integrate your society into the Dendapim if you follow our instructions."

He paused, he turned to the older, rabid looking man as though seeking approval, and simultaneously destroyed his authoritarian air.

"We have heard rumors that you, amidst your people's death worship, are able to revive the dead? There are rumors you've kept corpses in your apartments, even some rumors that you've dug some up for study... even rumors... that you yourself are returned from death."

"Tell us everything that you know..."


"The Sickness"
Mora Town, Nonya

The Near Guard had returned to their positions, sending a younger boy to fetch a few loaves of festival bread from across town. The best bread was in southern Nonya, a bakery called Llum, which used equal parts butter and flour for their bread, and never let it rest too long or too little. The long trip was intentional, as the Near Guard were not to follow through on their orders until a pigeon with the appropriate message had been sent to them, and they were ready to celebrate.

The messages were already written. One was a declaration that the Mora were to be taken from their homes and taken to the Granary, and the other message was to throw a festival in their honor. The only men to know this were the now disturbed scribes were awaited the signal from Avatar Ayden to release the appropriate pigeons.

Kyohei and Haya - Aero Knights
"When one door closes, you could always open it..."

"Captain, it would be best to let him rest further." Haya voiced out her concerns as her brown eyes gazed at the injured man. He was exerting himself far too much. The injuries he had suffered were truly life threatening and it had not been that long since she had treated it. There is a possibility of reopening some of it and that is more dangerous than receiving it firsthand. Placing her hand behind the man's back, she massaged it with great care. The medic really does not care much about what happened prior of him being taken in by the Captain. All that mattered to her at the moment is he is her patient. With that in mind, she is very much determined to see him get well. This had been Haya's greatest trait and flaw, her sense of compassion.

Looking at the medic, Kyohei understood what she meant. The man still needed rest to fully restore his strength. He is alive but not in a very good condition. This much Kyohei could tell noticing the coughs and the slowly paling complexion. There was no need for him to extract information at the cause of health by another. "You should rest for now, my friend. This day certainly tested your mettle. We will talk again later." With a nod, Kyohei left the tent with a subtle rustle from its flaps. Regardless of that, the Captain is still faced with the decision to return to Aile-Cielo. Their time is almost up however, he could not leave a man like that callously. He is also certain that Haya would not be very agreeable to that. In any case, he should sent one of his men back in advance to report their findings here.

At the Captain's exit, Haya released a grateful sigh. She knows that as a scout it is imperative to gather information as quickly as possible especially them being allowed only to be on the grounds for a limited time. The medic knew that Kyohei is truly a gentle person at heart. Looking at her patient, she had finished most of the bandages. "I haven't heard your name yet. Still, I would want you to drink this. It would alleviate the pain." With that said, she gave the man a small cup containing a brewed medicine unique to the Daimones. Being under the grace of the Holy Goddess, they have the affinity to healing products. "It might not be that good tasting but, it does the job." She said with a gentle smile.

Suhpyt – The Behemoth Crash Site

Another man burst from the foliage and began to attack Suhpyt’s unit. He stopped, enraged.
“How in Jiraba’s name did he see us? I will have the bastard who revealed our location slain!”
Suhpyt ducked out of the chase and into the darkness of the trees. He watched as the newcomer began hacking away his Spectres. A dark grin crossed Suhpyt’s maw. The man began chasing down the five Spectres he had unknowingly left to chase the Scout. As the man jumped, Suhpyt rushed him from the trees in a full on body tackle with a roar like thunder, intercepting him in mid-air.

Jiraba – The Realm of Dusk

Jiraba gave a dry humourless chuckle. “Vulnerable. Yes I guess you could say that.” He stood up straight, taking in a deep breath. “At least I know I am not alone in this realm. One may stand tall alone, but without supports, they can topple.”

He leant back on his staff and turned to one side. He sensed that the Behemoth was becoming agitated; maybe it wasn’t such a good idea to release it after all? Too late now, the decision was made and now it must remain. Fedawaeyas had made it clear many years ago; he wouldn’t cage the monster again. Jiraba wondered if he could do it? He had certainly gained power over the time Fedawaeyas had gone. Besides, how hard could it be to control a Demi-god?

“Is there anything you ask of me while I am here Raven?” He said, turning to face the Goddess.

Trinity Palace

Yorina was silent during her trip, a constant grimace gracing her face. Finally, she entered the room. She was faced with the avatar of Nemea himself! She remembered her days in Nonya with a faint nostalgia. Such an honor! Then, she remembered that she, too, was an avatar. They were equals. Possibly hostile equals. There were three of them, too. One sat upon a throne, but not Aiden Spiro, the one who was the avatar. Only one of them could be the true avatar, it was the law of the gods. So strange. Was the avatar, Aiden, being manipulated? Who was that girl on the table? Why was she ordered here? Too many questions.

At the man's offer of cultural integration, Yorina's gape of amazement turned into a scowl. Though a convert, she was incredibly loyal. The Dendapim-Morian had left her original country for a reason, and she didn't want to see those reasons reflected into her children and grandchildren. Still, she said nothing, waiting for him to finish.

"Tell us everything you know. Yes. She would tell them, alright.

"You do not order me," she responded, the charisma in her statement undermined by the timid whisper she coughed it out in. In this room, with two men and an avatar, she was understandably intimidated. Clearing her throat, the Morian continued in a slightly more assertive and very scornful voice. "I will tell you, however," she began, "That I have come back from the dead, resurrected by my master, the king of the dead, the master of mortality, son of life and brother of blood, Mori, the death god." The number of honorifics was unnecessary, but babbling off various titles for her god gave her time to think of what to do next. Not enough time. Were they going to kill her for her insolence? Were they going to kill her family? She still needed to figure this out. Time to deflect.

"What's with the girl on the table?" she snapped, gesturing towards her.

The Graveyard of Mori

Mori gazed through his undead avatar's eyes. There he was. There was the man that had cheated him. There was the man that he couldn't reach. All three of the men that had helped cheat him. They were within a few feet of his avatar, his right hand. And soon, he would use that right hand to crush them. First, however, he would watch and wait. He needed to find that seed Grumpsh had left in the world. He would find that seed, and bury it back down, down where no mortal could reach it. Where it belonged.

The Western Mountains

The raiders road through the mountains slowly, partially to stay safely behind Walking Carnage but mostly because their horses were not adapted to navigating mountainous terrain. So far, they had discovered human bodies and looted a bit, but Miralld was not satisfied with the pace nor the bounty. "Ugh! Can you not make these beasts move faster?" the rock complained telepathically. A few raiders responded in groans. The man carrying him shot back, "I'd like to see you go faster on your own!"

Big mistake. He was writhing on the ground within seconds.

The hours went by. The avatar of Afzal felt something, and ordered its human followers to go towards it. A dead dragon, its body partially devoured. The horses were spooked, as were the men, but Miralld was stolid. "Why does this damned monster follow the mountains north?!" it complained, "We are meant to conquer the civilizations it destroys, yet it leads us deep into the northern mountains! I want to rule the beautiful cities of the Dendapim, the powerful nations of the east! Not the barren cliffs of the dragons, nor the stinking caves of the shadowkin!"

The goddess Afzal chimed in. "Remember, Miralld, all must bow before us, even the weak and useless. Walking Carnage will go to all lands, in time.

"But these people were not Ulmo. If you kill innocent people just to strike back at someone, then you're no better than what you claim my god to be," Caspian argued, glaring over at his fellow Avatar, "We have the power to stop this, Allaseus. If we don't, then thousands of both our people will die. If you press this attack, I will fight you just as you would if our positions were reversed. If you stop, we can focus on the false king in your lands."

'Amaias Dyu'

Caspian's eyes widened as time around them seemed to slow down and both he and Allaseus began to fade from view into a sort of garden. It was beautiful and yet, everything seemed to be brighter than usual, partially obscured. He looked around, catching sight of a few insects here and there, but otherwise no wildlife besides plants and trees. Then his eyes widened upon catching sight of Ulmo, only this was different. He was in his full divine form, shining a bright ethereal blue with a hum.

"We're in the Divine Realm," he breathed. Ulmo nodded, giving his Avatar a small smile.

"Well, Allaseus here has a problem with me. I felt it was about time we talked," Ulmo said neutrally, signaling with his hand for Caspian not to bow, "Do you like it here? It is Asiysia's realm or, at least, the entry to it."

"I haven't heard your name yet. Still, I would want you to drink this. It would alleviate the pain. It might not be that good tasting but, it does the job." Stole took the cup and drank it. The brew tasted like stewed rat but Stole had forced worse down his throat. He gagged once but but was able to swallow. He gave a few deep breaths as he finished an let the medicine take effect.

"*cough*... sorry I didn't introduce myself earlier... that was a bit rude of me." He felt like chuckling at the moment for some odd reason. That was probably a sign of him being delirious. "Mah name's Stole... *cough* used to be famous in most countries a few years ago." He let out a breath and relaxed as the medicine started to wear away at his pain and leave him feeling a little numb. He turned his head a little to give Haya his full attention again. "If you don't mind me asking... why are you out here anyway? I thought Aile-Cielo sealed itself of from the world for the most part."

"Human, All Too Human"
Trinity Palace

The Ayden turned to the sleeping girl. When the conversation shifted to her the young man sitting on the throne behind her started up, still clutching his hands together and breathing deeply. His skin seemed to glow with its own light, and he stared at Yorina with a look of desperation.

The other man, the hideous older one, let out a wheeze. The avatar walked around the table, putting the girl between himself and Yorina.

"So you have returned from death. You are, the avatar of Mori. You then, of all people, should know of the... advancement, my compatriot here has made..." He gestured to the young man, who looked tremendously uncomfortable.

"He has overcome death in his own way... He has exempted himself from mortality... he has-"

"Dammit Andro, stop it!" The younger man cried.

The avatar turned with a look of disgust, regaining his composure.

"This girl is our first request. Her body is preserved, she even breathes, but there is no mind or spirit in her... Bring her back and your people will no longer be segregated or hated..." The Avatar stepped back to the older man, but the other, the handsome young man stepped forward, revealing what he had held in his hands so dearly, a small flower, delicate and beautiful. It emitted a colorful vapor from its golden and fiery red stigma, and it settled within the silver petals like a ghostly elixir in an organic cup. He poured some of the mist over the girl's forehead, and she continued to breathe and had a glow similar to the man.

The men looked to Yorina with great interest, but the young man wore a face of pure desperation.

Haya, The Medic - Aero Knights
"Things....just happen..."

"Nice to meet you, Sir Stole." Haya noticed his great dislike for the medicine. She could not blame him for that. The effectiveness of the drug is completely parallel to its taste. "It does taste terrible, sorry about that." Picking up the empty cup, she wondered what the Captain would do. From her observation, it is about time for them to return to Aile-Cielo. However, she could not leave Stole here win such condition and knowing the Captain. He could not as well without being ensured that the man would be fine on his own. Hearing the inquiry about them, she tilted her head slightly to the right. "Well, it is true that we don't interact to the lower world that much. However, we do keep an eye on things here from time to time."

Standing from her seat, Haya returned the things she took earlier to their proper location. "We are the Aero Knights. Our duty is to scout the lower world and gather information in a very discrete manner." After doing that, she returned to his side with a thoughtful expression. "Although, our descent here is not a routine. It is an issued order. Perhaps, our higher-ups felt something bad is going happen here." Looking at him with a serious gaze, she could not help but think that something terrible is out there. There is also the feeling of dread that the Captain had felt. Whatever it is, it is imperative to be reported. "Seeing you injured like this, there is indeed something dreadful out there." Giving Stole a smile, "It is good that we did deploy. We got to save a life."

ALLASEUS


Allaseus was astonished at the cruel words. Had Ulmo not acted in anger at a creature who was so weak, yet victorious? Was mortals not meant to learn and adapt?
Allaseus was about to open his mouth and continue his self-justificating rant, when a pair of seldom heard words flew with the wind. "Amaias Dyu.". The soft words sent a shiver down his spine, as they transported him away from the battle and the turmoil, to a place where things were different. A garden unfolded before his eyes, yet in front of him also stood his nemesis, Ulmo.

"Well, Allaseus here has a problem with me. I felt it was about time we talked," Ulmo said neutrally, signaling with his hand for Caspian not to bow, "Do you like it here? It is Asiysia's realm or, at least, the entry to it."

Allaseus stared with cold dead eyes at the god. "All the realm of Asiysia is beautiful. Yet I have some idea that you would rather talk about something else." Allaseus said, his voice sardonic and hard. "I await your words of wisdom, oh god of the waters." Allaseus eyes glinted with a cold humor, as he inspected the god.


THE SENATE

The dictator backed a ways away, pointing at the twin mages who stood in fron of him. "By Mastalki begone imposter disciples!" he yelled, as he pulled a switch. The wall behind him imediatly sunk down, revealing a pathway. "I hope not that we meet again mages! Next time I'll be prepared!" the dictator yelled, then cackled maniacly as he ran into the pathway.
A second later, a roaring wall of fire flew into the tunnel. It'd been issued by one of the twins, and only a short scream could be heart when the wall hit the poor dictator. When the deed was done, the twins turned upon the assembled nobles and senators.

"We are afraid," "That your services are no longer needed." "You are dismissed."

The nobles all looked at eachother, then at the cleaved nobleman on the floor. It only took a second for them to exit the Hall of the Senate. Left behind were the two mage twins. A shrill of cool air passed through the open roof of the room. Above them, the sky seemed gray and non-destinct.
"You could have taken him alive, brother..."
"I know..."
"You did us all a favour by giving him space for that desperate move..."
"I know..."

The twins then stood in total silence for a couple of minutes.

"We ought to clean that guy up." the first one said, a smirk on his face.

Talingue
The Realm of Dawn

Talingue nodded to the responce of his son. A realm opposite to that of Riso's, the thought was all at once intriguing but also unpleasant to the old god. He had created his children to be always together, two essential parts of the same medium. They were the life and color of the sky, they gave it beauty.

"Riso, I go to speak to your sister. You may come if you wish, but perhaps I should go alone." Talingue let his hands fall from Riso's shoulders and he turned away from him. Taking a few steps away he waved his hand in a large circle creating a breach between the realms. Normally it would be somewhat difficult to simply find a new realm, be Talingue knew his daughter and meerly focused on finding a place opposite to the one he was in. The breach widened and took on the appearance of a shimmering liquid which reflected amoungst the ripples the realm of dusk. Just before stepping through Talingue looked back to Riso. "It is good to see you again, my son." And with that he left the Realm of Dawn behind him.

The Realm of Dusk

Talingue stepped through the rift and appeared silently into the darker realm of Raven. It was shadowy and dim, but held an etheral beauty. As Talingue entered the Realm he saw Jiraba, of all gods, leaning upon his staff and conversing with Raven.

“Is there anything you ask of me while I am here Raven?” He asked her, but before she could answer Talingue spoke.

"I would ask somthing if I may? A question really." He came forward, circling Jiraba and coming to stand beside Raven. "What exactly are you trying to pull my daughter into, Dark One?" Talingue's features were hard as he spoke, his eyes the color of storm clouds. He turned to look at Raven and they softened a bit. She had a new form, different than the one he had given her, but it was beautiful and of her own making. "Hello my dear, you have grown so lovely." He glanced back to Jiraba. "But you have also grown reckless it seems, why have you allowed him here?"

Site of the behemoth

The air ship roared as it swept over the ground to the site of the small battle. At they neared the captain shouted for his sailors to man the two ballistas on the ship. when they came in range they began to fire at the shadowy figures fighting the two other men. They were careful not to hit the two men, but none the less it was a difficult task.

"If you keep fireing like that you'll kill them all!" Tameron shouted. The captain shrugged and gave him an exasperated look.

"What would you like me to do then!?" The captain shouted back. Tameron let out a sigh and went to the bow. He steadied himself and focused on the shadowkin.

I am an avatar am I not? I can do this. He thought to himself. He focused on them and summoned up his will. He had been able to control the wind to a small degree through out his life, Avians can do that. This was just a bit more complicated. Scratch that, a lot more.

He reached for his connection to the elements only now it was much more clear, more powerful. He felt the energy in the air and he began to collect it. A series of dark clouds formed over head and thunder rolled. The energy continued to build and then all at once, a bolt of lightening shot from the sky to strike the shadowkin that had engaged their fellows.

Tameron let out a loud, "Whoop!" before regaining his composure and looking around. He was an Avatar after all.

Fedawaeyas – The Void

Fedawaeyas looked down on Qor. A ghostly hand materialised and thoughtfully rubbed the chin of the face Fedawaeyas was so fond of using as a physical form.

“Don’t mind me Grumpsh.” He called out, unsure of the God’s location but sure that he was still here. “I’m just sending down one of those new-fangled avatar-thingies that everyone seems to be using nowadays. Need to keep up with the times you know.” Taking Qor in his ghostly hand, he physically threw the avatar, crashing through the barrier between the Void and into Ashariel’s plane. He turned back to a very large loom with a dangerous smile on his face.

To anyone on Ashariel it would have looked a bit like a shooting star. Qor landed in amongst the western mountains. Instead of a cataclysmic explosion resulting a shower of rocks and ash, there was a soft thud as he touched the ground with feline reflexes. It would have appeared that he had jumped from a two-foot rock rather than being flung across an entire plane of existence. He needed a new form, this one would never do. His body contorted until he was in the vague shape of a gecko and began scurrying off into the east, the warnings of Fedawaeyas’ loom telling him that the west was not a good place to hang around in.

Jiraba – The Realm of Dusk

“Talingue.” Jiraba commented dryly. “It’s been a while hasn’t it?” He breathed a sigh and adjusted his grip on his staff. He was wary of Talingue’s tone, it told Jiraba he wasn’t in for negotiations.

“Really Talingue? You cannot guess why I am allowed into the realm of dusk? Even after you have called me Dark One. I own the gloom. The shadows are my property. Where there is darkness I have free reign.” Jiraba paused, “Relax, Talingue. I have no ill intentions; otherwise they would have already been carried out and the damage done.” He glanced upwards. “There are greater powers than even you and I at work, both on the mortal and ethereal planes. This is insurance, an ally I can trust. In recent years I have built barriers around myself, thinking myself untouchable in darkness. Yet again, my ego has blinded me. I neglected the past and now it has caught up with me. I guess you could say I am looking for…”

He paused, not wishing to show weakness but at the same time requiring weakness to be shown, otherwise it may seem that he wasn’t being truthful.

“Penance. I have done wrong in the past and set myself up as an evil deity for centuries, but in doing so I have left myself a vulnerable target and a thing to be hated by all.”

He looked back down, eyes darting between the two of them. “I have nothing now. Everything I have is property of Fedawaeyas; the darkness cannot hide me from fate so I have two choices. Stand and fight or die trying, and even I cannot fight a God alone. If my ego was a weapon then I would be King of the Gods, but as is, I am a dog in the darkness, waiting the punishment of my master.”

“So you ask why I am here, with your daughter? I am here to get help to banish an ancient God back to his own time. Raven is a logical choice, a Goddess that controls what makes me strong, the Goddess who heralds in the darkness. To have her as an enemy would cripple me, I have no other choice. In her hands lies the path to salvation or ruin. And not just my life, as I would assume you would sell it in an instant for a copper piece. Think about the mortals, the people you so dearly love. If I die, so too does the Behemoth, and right now it’s the only chance you have of stalling Walking Carnage, but I would not count on it as a reliable method of removing Genocide’s warrior, the last time they met Fedawaeyas intervened because the Behemoth was losing, and the Behemoth’s failsafe is to destroy the planet. I can’t let that happen, none of us can, if you and the other deities can’t stop Walking Carnage before the Behemoth goes into overload, it could spell and end of everything. Fedawaeyas stopped the Behemoth once, he said he would never do it again.”

He stopped. He was baring all again, such folly on his part. But it was probably written on Fedawaeyas’ loom millennia ago. He could not pluck the words out of the air and place them back into his mouth, it would be up to Talingue and Raven to make their own decision now. Jiraba had already made his, he would fight regardless, and nothing would stop him, only hinder and hurt him.

Trinity Palace

Yorina's eyes first locked onto the man who was explained to have bested death. A rage filled her. He had cheated her god! Inexcusable! Yet, she inwardly empathized with him. Decades amongst the Mora could not erase the Dendapim culture instilled in her from birth to early adulthood. So why did she feel so angry? She barely paid attention to what they were saying after that, until she saw the flower. Her eyes were glued to the tiny plant. She tried to look away, but couldn't. She couldn't look away. Then she realized that she was actually incapable of moving her eyes.

Without a signal from her brain, her eyes drifted back to the young man. Yes. That was definitely the one. Her eyes shifted back to the flower. That was the seed of Grumpsh. Seed of Grumpsh? She wondered where these thoughts came from. Her arm jerked up to point at the eternally young alchemist, as if tugged by a puppet-master. The avatar opened her mouth, and a voice high but unmistakably masculine was emitted, though her lips did not move. "So... you are the one..."

Her already dead skin paled further, tightening to her bones. The godly voice choked out again. "Nemea has told me of your scam," it warned, "and allow me to tell you that having no god on your side is a dangerous thing." Her white lips twisted into a crooked smirk. "I can read through the list of those who the gods all oppose," it explained, "I have them all here, with me." Suddenly, her skin darkened back to its usual brownish-gray, and Yorina wobbled slightly before regaining her composure.

Kill them, Mori told Yorina telepathically, Kill them all and take the flower. You have my book. Yorina was pious, but also cared greatly about The Mora, all of whom she considered her family. Mori was not often there for her people. Mori was not a kind god, despite their praises to him. No. She cared more about saving her family than following her god. Not the best avatar material after all.

Her evil smile turned into a bright and cheery one, though this somehow appeared more creepy in light of recent events. "Your conditions are most generous!" she exclaimed, attempting to get back on their good side after the horror show, "in return for the fair treatment of my people, I will resurrect this woman."

Mori did not like being disobeyed. Insolent avatar! I will peel the flesh from your skeleton and use your raw bones to murder these treacherous mortals! Do as I say! boomed in Yorina's head. The mental screaming caused her to flinch, but she still refused. Though she could not have known it, Mori was almost bluffing. After the last time he had done that, he feared direct interference would further anger the other gods. He attempted to possess her body slightly, as he did moments ago, but the god found that he could not. She was resisting him. Yet another resisted the god of death! He was not a floor mat to be trampled over! He pressed harder, but Yorina was resilient. Mori began to regret his avatar decision.

"Ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.”
Trinity Palace

The young alchemist's eyes lit up, he turned to the girl, still breathing, still seeming as though ready to wake at any moment. The flower worked powerful magic, beyond the scope of human alchemy. It was a gateway to primordial powers, rooted in something outside of time, why it granted an old alchemist youth, and a corpse a steady breath with no light in its eyes was unclear.

He looked back at the Avatar of Death, and, having such a power in his grasp, could sense something behind the veil of her eyes, and said, with all the humanity he could muster...

"Yorina, please."

The older man and his youthful imitator arched themselves, overcome with curiosity, looking predatory. Two messages waited to be sent.

"The Glow that Illumines..."
Mora Town

Madame Ursa was carrying two baskets, one full of papers and reed brushes, the other full of bright fruits, a cluster of young onions, and tucked amongst them a bottle of rich, dark vanilla. She often shopped for the Mora, as dusk neared and people were less likely to see her travel to the ground levels, delivering food to the isolated colony. Some guessed, she was not really so honorable any more. Still a beauty divine, richly dressed, wise and affluent, but in some level still a traitor. She, however, saw it simply as good manners. The Mora always paid her, and were appropriately dumbstruck with any little gift she left them. She enjoyed hearing the children speak and watch as the elders softened towards her. There were still accusations that she was a whore to death, perhaps part of dark rituals, in someway as wicked as they...

These were rumors, gossip, meaningless, of course, to Dendapim.

"The Glare that Obscures..."
Nemea's Realm

The goddess looked into the hearth fire. She was still without an Avatar, and the propagandists, wise to all manner of lies, were beginning to suspect the imposters in their midst of treachery. She summoned up an image of the Dendapim... oh... this was inspiring.

The Dwarves had made awful slaves, they could not be broken, they would not work at forges or mine as they had, they did not know of fields and had too much will. This man, Dwayin Daqqendor, had lost so much money in the destruction of Galatzella he had no viable option besides slavery, but he would not be Avatar...

No, there, his counterpart, Cirealla Imin. She was the brilliant one. She even said it brilliantly... "If a dwarf will not stay at his forge, if he hungers to escape, then simply break his legs."

And now she held far more than her fiance's estate. She was now the singular source of dwarven weaponry for the Dendapim army, and already had a superior force of her own. She had partially designed the Granary and much of the floating dock-city of Nonya. She would be the Avatar, and lead the Dendapim into the new era, no matter how foolish a man with a flower could be...

With Stole

Stole listened patiently as Haya explained her purpose in the mountains. Her superiors were right to send someone out to investigate the area, but they had no idea how under prepared they were.

"Seeing you injured like this, there is indeed something dreadful out there." Giving Stole a smile, "It is good that we did deploy. We got to save a life."

"Aye, and that's a life I guess I now owe you miss Haya." He grinned back, no small amount of true gratitude in that statement. He exhaled slowly and let a short silence enter the conversation. The medicine work well to dull the pain, but Stole still felt a bit tired. Though he was surprised that was all he was feeling emotion wise. After that encounter he was surprised he wasn't a nervous wreck. Well actually he was more surprised he wasn't a splattered mess on the rocks but still.

As he was thinking he felt a lump on his wrist. He brought his arm up and glanced at the Hilart charm fastened to his wrist. It was still black from when it changed colors for its appearance. Looking at it a stray thought entered his mind. "Say, I think I might have thought of.... *cough*... of a way to repay you. You said you guys were trying to... quietly get local... info on what's been happening on the main land *cough* without anyone noticing right?" Even with the sleepy look in his eyes Stole was able to flash a roguish smile as he started to hatch an idea. "I might *cough* have a more... efficient way of getting it for you."

"Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moon light?"

The Realm of Dusk

Talingue fairly balked at Jiraba's responce. His storm cloud colored eyes widened his mouth fell a gape.

"Walking Carnage is at large once more?" His first inclination was to believe the other was lieing, Jiraba could never be trusted. But then, it was very unlike the dark god to show humility or even regret. Had so much changed in the world of gods and men? "What's more Fedawaeyas has returned, and you have released the Behemoth? This is a terrible thing you have told me Jiraba."

Talingue threw his hands in the air in exaspiration. "Have I not always tried to show the mortals and my fellow gods a higher way?! And yet again we come to the end of an age, perhaps the end of the entire planet. Is this what you are telling me?! Talingue boomed with a voice like rolling thunder and turned to Raven. "Is it true? Has he come seeking an alliance to right the wrongs he helped to create!?" Talingue was furious, something that did not happen often. He continued to fume as he awaited the response of his daughter.

He was certainly brave, Ulmo noted. There weren't many mortals who would have the hubris or the bravery to disrespect a god or goddess in his or her face. It was, he supposed, because he was an Avatar and had been for hundreds of years. Wait. No. His father had been like that too. He had almost forgotten.

"I suspect you have no respect for my wisdom or anything I shall say. Nonetheless, I would speak to you," Ulmo said dryly before pausing for a moment, wondering how he was going to phrase his next statements, "Your father... was a proud man and a skill mariner, skilled enough to challenge me. Twice. The first, he survived, the second, you know the story."

"Twice, but then..." Caspian began.

"Yes. I allowed him to live the first time with the warning to never challenge me again. He repaid my leniency years later, thinking I would not strike him down while he was with his family. I was angered severely and summoned a storm, though, should he have repented, it would have abated. He did not and neither did the storm," the Sea God said and, for the first time, a mournful expression appeared on his face, "I am a proud god, as proud as the Sea I govern. I make no excuses for that. But I am sorry. Even the gods are not infallible, save for perhaps, the Creator."

Haya, The Medic of Aero Knights
"Sometimes, you are the one in need of help..."

---

Asiysia, The Holy Mother - Inner Realm
"The one who do not cause ripples in the pond is at times the water itself..."

Realm of Dusk
Raven looked at her father as he entered her new realm.
"Father?" She asked, her eyes slightly filling with tears.

She watched Jiraba and Talingue banter back and forth.
"Father, calm yourself." She sighed. "It's so nice to see you again, but the circumstances are a tad dark."
She sighed as she brushed a strand of her white hair out of her face. She kept herself calm and collected as she spoke.

"Father, Jiraba was there for me when I was in a very dark place. We made an alliance in blood and substance and I have an obligation to stand by his side."
Then she looked at the Dark One. "And Jiraba, I admit that your actions are foolish and irresponsible, and it is not the wisest choice to have you as an ally, but I stand by my word."

She turned her back to the gods for a moment as a raven landed onto her arm.
"Now, I think that more gods would be sypethetic to your cause, if you agreed to stop causing problems for them." She stroked the birds head and neck.
"And if they were reminded how much a danger the Behemoth is to all of our people. And how dangerous Fedawaeyas is to all of us."

She kissed the bird on the head and let it fly away. "We cannot capture the Behemoth and fear for it's escape. And the same for Walking Carnage."
She smiled slightly. "The answer is very simple."

"They must be exterminated."

Shores of the former Heckclown Union
Avarice, Queen of Greed's Army, was on a mission.
Her god, Dramacio, had given her a mission.
She and her scavengers were to go to the wreckage of the fallen crime empire and reap the rewards to the Unions failure.

She smiled as her scavengers raided a small fort that was abandoned by most of the soliders.
Avarice wiped the blood off of her golden scimitar from the well dressed Masked Man that got in her way.

Avarice wasn't the most murderous of the Queens, but she definatly would kill anyone if that meant getting what she wanted.
She was a beautiful woman, like all the Queens, with milk chocolate skin and golden eyes. She was lavished with the most expensive dress and jewels that could be bought by Sins.
It was made of golden silk, with amber and golden beads sown into it. Around her wrists were countless bracelets and amber necklaces and golden lockets graced Avarices slim neck.
And the grand jewel, Avarices prized possession, was a golden crown, studden with diamonds and kissed with drops of amber.

She turned to Harpy, one of the queen's favorite scavengers, who had brought news from the shores.
Harpy and her posse were horrible sins, whose bodies were twisted and mixed between a humans form and a vultures.

"We flew by the shores and there are sea bandits there." she said in a raspy and cracked voice. "They cheer, as if they were the ones that brought down the Union."
Avarice nodded, taking in the news. "Send some of your posse to go and scare them away. Let them know, this is our land now."

At the beach, Harpy and her posse shriek and screamed as they flew above the pirates.
"This land is now under rule of Queen Avarice of the Sins!" Harpy cackled. "Leave now, or die!"

Western mountains, Just South of Tantalion

A group of dragon guardians few in tight formation, sweeping down to let one of their members open their maws and unleash a great torrent of fire. The ground was left scorched and burning with great pyres of fire that covered a vast areas between the cliffs in flames and chocked the air with smoke. One young scale was unfortunate enough to fly to close to the ground and a huge bunt form leaped out of the flames toward him. The beast crashed into the young dragon and pulled him back, spiraling and roaring, into the fire and smoke. The others circled above listening for the sounds of the brawl below. The victor was determined when the remains of the young guardians severed upper half sailed high into the air. The others grimaced but continued to make passes to scorch the earth. Hopping, nay praying, that somehow the great walls of fire they unleashed would delay, or even effect at all, the horrendous monstrosity that was slowly marching up the cliffs toward their nesting grounds.

They had been late in leaving with the other scales. A late egg laying had delayed their departure, as they could only move the fresh nest a short ways. The roost keepers had decided to move the nest up north and wait until the young ones hatched and were ready for flight before they joined the others. They thought that they would be safe from the ash fall of the volcanoes in this place.

They never expected the monster that now carved a bloody path toward the roost.

"It's nearing the edge of the cliff face!" A hunter watching battle cried out. The roost father looked up and let out a growl. He worked fast to secure the eggs into a more easily carried nest. They wouldn't have long before the monster reached them, and it was obvious they wouldn't be able to drive it away. They would be able to make though so long as it didn't get up the cliff fa-

Kaboom

A great force impacted into the cliff side and sent quakes through the earth. Crack wove through the rock face, and they quickly opened into great fissures as the cliff started to collapse. Some of the eggs the roost keepers had been trying to secure fell away with the crumbling rock. "The eggs! NO!" The roost mother roared with grief and furry as she watched her unborn children fall into the chasm and the waiting hands of the beast below. Over taken by pain and anger, she charged and flew down toward the monster below. "Grila! Wait stop!" The roost fathers words fell on deaf ears as she vanished into the smoke. There were great draconic roars and sounds of a fierce struggle. Then it was drowned out by a reverberating bellow so loud that it cleared the air of smoke for a few seconds.

It was followed by silence.

The roost father bit back a mournful wail. The eggs came first. He could writhe in sorrow over the lost of his mate later. Pushing the last of the remaining eggs into the make shift carrier nest he beat his and began to lift off. Carrying the edges of the nest 'basket' in his talons, he flew off into air and let out a deep roar as a signal to retreat. Glancing down brief he caught sight of the beast for a few moments. It locked gazes with him, even from that distance he could feel the hate rolling of the monster wash across him like a searing heat. He glared back, memorizing the shape and form of the beast that had torn apart so many of his flock. He and the remaining scales fled quickly. They needed to get out of the mountains before it caught up with them again.

And maybe warn the people of Tantalion. For if the beast continued north they would surely be next in it's path.

Outside Nonya. The graveyard

If anyone had been at the grave yard at the time they would have noticed what was about to happen. A dark mist formed over the graveyard, thick and difficult to see through. In the fog came the sound of ripping cloth and tearing meat. A crack formed in the air, like an invisible window being struck. The crack spread and a gnarled and twisted inhuman hand burst through. It was joined by another and slowly the thing behind the crack stretched to opening in space like it was made of cloth. A strange creature unlike anything seen in Ashariel before crawled through the opening. A strange and warped beast with a hunched form, grayed skin, and several clawed hands on multi-jointed arms attached to it's thighs rather then its shoulders.

The creature slithered across the ground as the portal closed behind it and started sniffing and poking at the dirt. It's mistress had sent it here from the their realm to complete a task. A task it was eager to get over with. This realm felt muddy and restraining to it. It found what it was looking for when it came across some vibrations in the dirt. Its hands started to lash out quickly as it clawed away at the dirt. It dug up large amounts of soil quickly until it reached the coffin below. There was a steady thud... thud... thud from inside. A corpse had been reanimated by accident and forgotten. However the creatures mistress had found it when scrying this muddy chained world.

The creature tore the coffin open, revealing the moving sack of rotting flesh below. Before the lich could force it's way up the creatures arms lashed out and pinned the moving corpse back down. The creatures deformed head leaned in close to the lich's face. Then it spoke in an alien tone.

"Yo̴u,̀ ͞sack͜ ̛o͞f rot̷ a̸ņd́ ́d́ȩc̶ay,͘ ͜sh̨al͠l̵ ͢be͡ ̷m̷y ҉ve̷s̢s̀ȩl ́ìn̛ m͢ý q͝ue̷st͠."

Then it slithered into the corpses mouth and down it's throat. There was a brief spasm from the body as the lich tried to reject the foreign entity before it collapsed. For several long minutes nothing moved and there was no sound. Then, the body twitched. Then it stood up.

And then it started to walk away.

Jiraba - The Realm of Dusk

“I have come to ask for help in the wrongs I helped create, Talingue. Would you rather I sit idly by and let it take a natural course? Or that I take responsibility for the misdeeds? I think I already know the answer to that.”

Jiraba listened as Raven spoke. Her plan was simple yes, but sometimes simplicity had it’s own complications.

“To exterminate the Behemoth is to sign the damnation of the world. Like I said, upon its death it would create an explosion that would rend our little world in tiny pieces. Fedawaeyas designed it so that there would be an incentive not to kill it, but imprison it. As for Walking Carnage, I cannot say, but I assume he wont just lay down and die.”

Jiraba shook his head. “But, we have no other choice I suppose. Maybe there is a way to dismantle the Behemoth, effectively exterminating it without setting off the failsafe explosion. I will look into it. I’m afraid I can tell you nothing of how Walking Carnage will be killed though, that will be up to you to find out.”

He stood up straight and inhaled deeply. “Either way, we will have to hurry. The Behemoth has joined the land of the waking.”

The Behemoth – The Behemoth Crash Site

Enough! If they will not let me slumber…

The Behemoth roared, shaking the earth around it. Vibrations scattered in all directions and small minions poured in the thousands from the shadow cage.

A few seconds passed, all was quiet save for the high-pitched hisses of the little ‘Kin.

The sky turned dark and bolts of black lightning rent the skies, followed by deafening thunder and hurricane force winds.

“E OP OVOQI!” Came a voice so deep and gravely that it could have been used as sandpaper. It was so unlike anything a Shadowkin could have emitted from their voice boxes. The cage burst open and within was a small blob of Shadow.

It expanded and expanded and expanded until it blotted out the sky. It stood at four hundred and fifty metres high and over eight hundred metres long from nose to tail. If anyone had any doubts about the Behemoth, they would be gone by now. It would have only one worthy adversary on this world, Walking Carnage. The black fires of Jiraba billowed out of bio-chimneys on its back and the ground around was set ablaze. It let out another roar and began walking west, ignoring those who had woken it. It could sense its rival from a previous age was here, and it was ready for a rematch.

Suhpyt – The Behemoth Crash Site

“ou rued! Jeloxo nladivd yr!” Shouted Suhpyt, forgetting the man he had just tackled and the Scout he was only moments ago chasing. It was time to get out of there.

“Retreat! Spectres retreat! Back to the caves!” He shouted. He turned back to the man who attacked them. “You had better survive this, I want a proper fight. This is not the last we have seen of each other, got it?”

Suhpyt and the Spectres retreated into the Shadows, narrowly escaping the fires that now began raging through the forest.

Trinity Palace

Yorina took a deep breath and withdrew the little black book of death. No! No! NNOO! came the screaming in her head as Mori commanded her. She was adamant. The necromancer flipped to a page in the book, to a spell she had been practicing for a long time. The clicks, clacks, and whistles flowed smoothly from her lips. Mori become strangely silent, and she allowed her guard to drop. A black aura began to glow around her hand, until, BOO! Mori decided to drop in telepathically, and her skin paled as he tried to push his way back in. She stumbled, the words cutting off, and the aura diminished to nothingness. Focusing, the old woman pushed her god out again. She started the spell again, only to be interrupted. Again. And again.

Finally, the voice did more than a simple surprise tactic. If this is how my avatar acts, I won't have an avatar at all! the voice cried, and she felt a powerful essence leave her. Her body began to ever-so-slowly rot as her immortality was taken. Still, she had decades left. Yorina continued with the spell, hoping it would work. She felt the black aura form around her hand once again, though it was a bit more difficult. Her god was not amused, but found that it was even more difficult to affect her now that their bond was severed.

The necromancer laid her glowing hand on the girl's body. Her eyes fluttered open, and her body convulsed as Yorina tried to push life into the corpse. Mori felt a life trying to come back. He pulled back. Like a sphere of iron floating perfectly between two magnets, she was in a strange state of being half dead, and half undead. The girl continued to convulse, until suddenly she ceased moving at all. Her eyes twisted around the room, and she sat up. Despite being preserved, she was still undead without the power of Ke'yei, and though she was undead, only half her mind was there.

No one, NO one defies me, Yorina, a faint voice echoed through her head, It seems damned Dendapim blood has an aversion to my might no matter the circumstances. See how these three like their zombie! Damn you, and all your family. The Exspectata clan is no more to me. The would-be necromancer stared at her creation and wondered if she could perhaps fix this.

She grimaced, then spoke, "Well, she's back." She flipped through her book. Perhaps she could just attempt the spell again?