Lore: Arken - Aerroes - Arrival

[Soran Nightblade]

Thread started by Darkrose on Jan 20, 2005

Darkrose:

Akisu felt the soils of home beneath his feet. He was required to walk about a mile to the castle, since the horses pulling the carriage refused to go any further. He was worried, since Soran and the others were hot on his trail...

But now that he reached the castle, he was home free. A sense of victory overwhelmed him as he stared up at the dark beauty of the castle. Rai still layed in Tora's hands. He delivered what the Queen had wanted...

Soran:

Soran noted the reluctance in Grye's eyes, but was grateful that the wizard decided to descend. He doubted that the Queen would miss something like three people flying down and landing on her castle. He eyed the merchants below as he and Grye descended and landed next to their camp. The three men were ragged even beneath the plain hooded cloaks they wore, broken by a lifetime of sweat and labor. They stood up from their seats around the fire as Soran walked toward them.

"What's your business here?" the shortest merchant, who seemed to be the leader, spoke up warily, taking a protective step toward his carriage of merchandise. Pillaging and bandit activity was high in this area, with little or no crime controlled unless it was of some inconvenience to the Queen.

"I'm interested in your carriage," the rogue said stopping in front of the short merchant and gesturing toward the vehicle. It was led by two demonic black horses, just as the carriage that had taken Rai had been.

"These goods are to be delivered directly to the Queen's castle. Even if you stole that carriage from us, all you'd achieve is our deaths for losing our cargo and yours for interfering with her majesty's goods," the merchant scoffed, stepping up chest to chest with Soran and glaring up at him fearlessly.

"I'm not asking for it for free," Soran said calmly.

"Hah! What use would money be to me when my life would be over before I could spend it!" the merchant scoffed, invoking brusque guffaws from his two colleagues.

"Would you give it up for this?" the rogue said flatly, pulling from his pocket the Border pass he had acquired way back when they were still in Hepian and holding it in front of him between his first two fingers.

"You...where did you get that?" the merchant said distrustfully, though excitement was glowing in his eyes.

"The Ighten national guard will give you no trouble in crossing the border if you show them this."

"And if you're lying?"

"Then you can spend the rest of your life hauling dirt for your Queen," Soran said icily.

The men faced each other and spoke for a moment. Soran hardly seemed trustworthy, but the potential for freedom, even if slight, was too much to resist. They suggested trying to take the pass by force, but Soran and the human who had flown here with him didn't appear easy to overpower. "The carriage is yours. You'll need these as well," the merchant said, handing the rogue their hooded cloaks and a rectangular silver plate etched with an ornate pattern. "That's the imperial seal you'll need to deliver this to the palace."

Soran nodded and exchanged a serious glance with the merchant. He was as much at the man's mercy as the merchant was at his. Imperial messengers often carried two passes, one true one and the other one a blatant forgery. They would have to trust that the merchant hadn't sabotaged them with a false seal.

The rogue handed a robe to Grye and tossed the other to Siren, indicating that they should get into the carriage. Soon, three hooded figures rode through the gates of Arroes and towards the Queen's castle.

Siren:

Siren took up post behind Soran and Gyre, her back to the canvas of the carriage so as to draw the least attention possible to the bulges in the cloak where her wings hid, uncomfortably pressed agaisnt her back. She didn't know of any dark angels that worked for the witch queen, so she doubted she could get away with walking around openly.

Her figeting stopped as they approached the barred gates around the castle, nervous, but hopeing that their enterance would go smoothly.

Mizuki:

The dark mage looked out to try and locate Soran and his group, but unfortuantly they had taken to the tree's and the mage saw no reason to waste his magic on locating them. He smiled at the memory of cursing the elf woman long ago who was now in Igthen. He wished she hadn't gotten away, she was so powerful... so young... so fresh... and shapely.

"Next time she'll be chained to the wall..." he said darkly to himself gazing outwards but only thinking about the elf woman and nothing else. He cared little for this whole unleashing a demon thing, he even considered stealing the child for his own purposes. Such as baiting the elf woman, Kaze, into his hands. Either that or pure spite and to just anger the Queen. He loved it when she was anger, it made him laugh so much more when she took her anger out on bystanders (I'll fix if it's not true). But the Queen was far from his lusting thoughts... 'Kaze...' he thought, a sly smile spreading across his lips as he thought of all the things he would love to do with her back in this palace.

Grye sat in the carrage with Siren and Soran steering it. He frowned under the cloak hood has they made their way. How well would this go? Did they know they were coming and were waiting for them with swords and flamed arrows? Was Rai still alive? HOW THE HECK WAS MIZUKI DOING?! 'Why hasn't Gwendolyn contacted me yet?' he thought then feared that they had been captured. 'No...' he second himself, 'Gwendolyn would contact me if they were in danger...' He tried to tear his thoughts away from what was happening back at the house and he thought of their mission. 'Rai please be alive when we get you, don't give up.' Grye wanted to see if he could use his magic to know what was up ahead of them, but he had used enough magic has it were and anymore would put him out of commission. So he concentrated on "recharging" his powers.

"I cannot wait any longer." the dark warrior said to himself.

"You will wait or the surprise would be gone." the dark mage said, he came back from his look outside. "Don't you want to throw that elf man off gaurd?" The warrior clenched his fists.

"I want to tear his heart out." the warrior said with pure malice. The mage clapped his hands in the joy of his creation's malice.

"Good! Maybe I could use it in my next spell!" he said excited about the awaiting blood and gore they would create. But the dark mage sensed something fast that he hadn't sensed before since the power was so low. This magic was familiar... "Grye?"

"What?" the warrior asked, turning to him curious. The dark mage smiled mischeviously.

"Little brother..."

Emora:

This could have possibly been the worst time to ever come to the castle. For once someone obeyed what she said! Now of all times. Shea was uncommonly weak from
doing something that she was never meant to do. That was heal some one. She was weak, but her strength was slowly returning. What had driven her to heal Praxis she would never know. It was something had never done before and NO ONE would ever find out
that she had gone soft enough for a second to heal some one.

Though Praxis was a man she enjoyed the company of. No one would find that out either. Sure, she was the Witch Queen, the greatest whore ever. She was ruthless and evil, not one to heal those who kept her company. Praxis however was very different.

Shea was surprised that in her weakened state she could still project her image some where else. She was good to hide her weakness. After all she was a great and powerful Sorceress. No one could ever hope to compare power to her.

Shea appeared just behind her loyal servant, Akisu. She looked at him appraisingly for a moment and then spoke, "It's about time." She knew he had made it to her palace in record time, but after all Shea was not a nice person.

"I see the little brat fell a sleep," she commented, walking around her servant in the same strange grace that she had even at her full strength. "No matter, drop her there and Ill have her taken care of..."

She smiled as she faced him and tilted her head. Her image faltered, after all she was still quite weak from the transfusion of energy to Praxis. "Want to know something? Want to know the whole secret?" Whether he did or not, she planned to tell him any way... "I want
you to make one last errand and you may do what you wish with your apprentice, kill her what ever. Seek you revenge. Send this message to Soran Nightblade. Read it and it will tell you a secret to the Gate..."




Soran Nightblade,

I see you still insist on playing the hero in this little affair. Do you wish death to come to you so soon? Ah, it won't matter. I believe there is some one here who has the key to your forgotten past. But, I shall not give such information away.

Tell me Soran, why do you seek to save this wretched child? There is no hope, well...just one. The ritual is to take place as the sun sets... If the sun ever set in Arken. The child is of such pure blood, she sticks out so much in Arken, don't you think? I mean, all this evil.
You have until the 'setting' sun. I will send one more letter before then.
Queen Shea of Arken



Rai began to rouse from her slumber and looked up to find the deathly pale face of Tora. She seemed to be in the same trance and Rai felt so sad for her. She wanted to help, but that would mean hurting Tora and she had hurt enough people for one life.

Rai glanced out of the corner of her eye and spotted the hated beauty, but closed her eyes quickly. She wanted to pretend to be asleep, it was better that way...

Soran:

Soran soon steered the carriage into a line of similar carriages that were slowly trudging under an enormous raised steel gate. A row of guards on either side of the gate were carefully checking the silver seal that each cart carried, and much shouting and ruckus was taking place as the carts were directed to different areas based on their cargoes. Their turn came quickly.

The rogue held the silver plate out inconspicuously for the guard to see. The tall human guard snatched up the pass and looked at it critically. Soran held his breath. "This cart goes straight to the Queen's storage vault. Go straight through the second pair of gates, and make two rights. Any exploring, and we'll roast your organs for breakfast tomorrow," the guard shouted officiously though Soran was just inches away from his face.

He looked ahead with a nod and the sled jostled forward, into the heart of Shea's castle. Past the gates, the hallway slowly descended below ground level and it was clear they were in some sort of cellar. The rogue made two rights as directed and came to a large storage room full of boxes. Amazingly, no one seemed to be guarding the room.

Soran got out of the carriage and looked around the room for an exit route. Near the corner, he found what he was looking for: a janitor's elevator platform, no doubt intended to transport boxes from the basement up to the rest of the palace. The elevator was locked up near the ceiling, assumably so that merchants wouldn't try to wander off into the palace. But they had someone with wings.

"We'll need to move quickly. It won't take them long to notice that we didnt' come back out," Soran said, gesturing toward the elevator. "Can you get that thing down here?" he asked Siren.

Siren:

Siren removed her cloak, finally freeing her wings from the tight, confining material and looked up at the place the lift was stuck at. She flew up to it and gave the lock holding it a critical looking over. The lock wasn't particularly heavy or sturdy looking, and the metal looked rather decrepit.

"Hmm, I'm really not much of a lock picker, but this shouldn't be hard to break off."

She retrieved the dagger from her boot and began unceremonially smashing the pommel against the lock untill it broke free. She caught the rope used to raise and lower it and gently lowered the lift to the ground.

"I hope I didn't cause too much nosie there. We better hurry." She slipped the blade back into her boot and stood on the small lift, beckoning the others to join her.

Soran:

Soran nodded approvingly at Siren as he and Grye boarded the lift. He grasped the rope and began pulling them upwards along the elevator shaft, until they reached the top, where there was a small doorway. He kicked the lock lever back down to keep the cart from falling again and cracked the door open to look outside.

There was a long, dark hallway extending on either side of the opening and he saw no other doorways. The walls and ceiling were of black marble tile and reflected the fire from the sconces. Far down the hall to their right the corridor seemed to turn, but Soran couildn't see what was beyond that point. In the other direction the hallway ended with a pair of ornate double doors.

Seeing no one nearby, Soran stepped out into the hall and indicated to the others that it was safe to come out.

Siren:

Siren looked around uneasily as she stepped out into the open hallway. The ceiling was high, but not high enough to keep her out of harm's way if anyone came at them with a sword or other long weapon. A particularly tall person could surely grab her as well... Her stomach lurched at this line of thought. It wasn't that she was claustrophobic; she just despised small closed spaces.

The ornately decorated doors to the left probably opened out into some sort of cavernous chamber, she figured, so she feigned a sense of comfort and took two steps towards it before halting and looking over her shoulder mischeviously.

"Is it just me, or do these doors scream 'demon ritual sacrifice' to anyone else?" She looked back towards the door. "Or maybe the Queen is just incredibly vain... either way..." She let her sentance trail off.

OOC: There wouldn't happen to be a description up anywhere of the castle that we could use for reference, would there?

Darkrose:

(OOC:I'm going to assume were in the castle now? Oh and sorry it took so long...it was snowing...and...I was outside....^_^)

Akisu layed Rai's tiny body on the lab table next to Tora's. The scientists worked on little experiments around them. Ever since Motoku left to persue her mission, the atmosphere around here has been a little lighter. Only a little.

Some of the scientists, most whom were forced to work here, looked upon Rai with pity. Others just simply ignored the fact that they would be watching/participating tonight in the killing of an innocent child.

But Akisu just frowned. "At sun set? Why would you do this, Witch Queen? Why not just kill the child now? Ah, I see, you are underestimating Nightblade. But then again, you know the stories, the ones when evil underestimate the 'hero.'" Akisu's unfailing wit brought his trademark smirk to his face. "But no matter. It is not my problem anymore. If the Witch Queen succeeds, then she succeeds, if she fails, then everyone in this castle will probably die. Either way it doesnt matter to me. What does matter is you, Kyna."

Akisu has been in the Citadel of Dark Robes for a long time. He even watched Sinead and Shea train there. But this girl, Kyna, is the only one who ever caused him to set foot outside of the citadel...

~~~

"Master, we have found girl. What should we do with her?"

A black robe threw Kyna on the floor. She lifted her little head to look upon a face she would remember and hate for the rest of her breathing days. But for now, Kyna was a little girl who was shaken with fear.

Her brother jerked in the hands of two other dark robes, who bounded the boy with electric hand cuffs. "Let her go she isn't any part of this Akisu!" he yelled, trying to run foward only to be pulled back. He was crying now. "Just please let her go."

Akisu completely ignored his pleads. "This girl has the same dark energy in her blood as the boy, although not that much. Hm, she could be interesting, maybe amusement when she grows older? Ah, what the hell. Take her."

"No I won't let you-!" The boy tugged foward, but Akisu had enough of him. On the raise of his hand. The boy fell asleep.

No magical binds were held to Kyna. Instead a dark robe just simply strapped her over their shoulder. She held her hand out, crying her brother's name.

"Shingi! Shingiii!"

Soon enough, they silenced Kyna, but in her heart Tora screamed for her brother.

Yes, Tora is in Kyna's body. Her body. She has been this entire time. She has come to realize these are her memories, her past before her vampirism. This is when she and her brother Shinji were captured and taken to the Citadel of Dark Robes.

~~~

Tora's body glowed with a blinding white light, until you could see her body no more. The glow grew lengthwise, and then fadded.

Tora's body wasn't there anymore. Next to Rai layed a beautiful young adult, whom resembled nothing of a vampire. Her skin was delicate that highlighted her lashes and her lips. Smooth silky long black hair reached the floors of the filthy lab. The body had to measure around 5'6, and she couldn't weigh anymore then 110. She was beautiful. She was dressed in black cloaks, clearly the uniform of the mages at the citadel of dark robes.

"Yes, Kyna, when you awake, you too shall be killed. I'm releasing you from your memories, you should awake anytime now." Akisu smiled.

But then, as if it was scorching his hand, Akisu rereminded himself of the letter. "Oh, this, how troublesome. Better send it to the elf. Excuse me girls, I will only be a minute. Don't miss me too much now, okay? Cho!" And with that he stepped through his portal.

At that moment, Tora opened her eyes slightly, and whispered her brother's name.

***

"Hello, Nightblade. So nice to see your nice bubbly face again. You didn't come to baby-make with the Queen, I suppose? So sad, at one time she was bent on getting you between the sheets. But no matter." Akisu smirked before Soran. He was both suprised and unsuprised that they have already made it this far. Akisu credited himself for moving fast.

"Your Wickedness has a letter just for you. Lucky, the Queen never wrote to me about my impending doom. Ah, but you letter doesn't have a sticker on it, so were even. Enough of my stalling, here is your letter." Dark energy held a little enevlope infront of Soran. Akisu wasn't stupid. Soran's specialty was close range attacks.

It read:

Soran Nightblade,

I see you still insist on playing the hero in this little affair. Do you wish death to come to you so soon? Ah, it won't matter. I believe there is some one here who has the key to your forgotten past. But, I shall not give such information away.

Tell me Soran, why do you seek to save this wretched child? There is no hope, well...just one. The ritual is to take place as the sun sets... If the sun ever set in Arken. The child is of such pure blood, she sticks out so much in Arken, don't you think? I mean, all this evil.
You have until the 'setting' sun. I will send one more letter before then.


Queen Shea of Arken

Soran:

Soran watched Siren take a few halting steps toward the doorway to their left, and had to admit that seemed like the most appropriate place to start looking. He was about to start after her when he got a bad feeling. He spun around to find the man who had taken Rai standing behind them. He turned toward the man with an icy glare, though secretly had a feeling of satisfaction. He’d been hoping for this; once they were inside, he figured their enemies would come to them. Directly confronting them was risky, but it would save him the hassle of a tedious search that would probably require more time than they had.

"Hello, Nightblade. So nice to see your nice bubbly face again. You didn't come to baby-make with the Queen, I suppose? So sad, at one time she was bent on getting you between the sheets. But no matter."

Soran eyed the man unreadably. He recognized that voice, and especially that attitude. ~’Akisu?’~ he pondered inwardly, ~’If this man is that damned tiger, then Tora really is in league against us.’~ Anger twitched in the back of his consciousness, but none of it came to his face.

"Your Wickedness has a letter just for you. Lucky, the Queen never wrote to me about my impending doom. Ah, but you letter doesn't have a sticker on it, so were even. Enough of my stalling, here is your letter."

Soran reached out and took the letter. ~’He’s not getting close enough for me to attack. Clever,’~ he noted as he unfolded the parchment and his eyes scanned what was written there. A chill ran through his body and his stomach tensed as the written words registered in his mind.

“Where is the kid,” the rogue demanded coldly, folding up the letter and flipping it into his pocket as though it was of no particular importance.

Mizuki:

"Hello, Nightblade. So nice to see your nice bubbly face again. You didn't come to baby-make with the Queen, I suppose? So sad, at one time she was bent on getting you between the sheets. But no matter."
Grye's mind twitched and he mentally gagged. 'Can someone please slit this guy's throat?' he thought but the man wasn't close enough to Soran for it. He watched Soran read the letter.

"Where's the kid?" Soran demanded. Grye had almost forgotten why they came, and he hated the fact that he had lost track of what they came to do. Rescuing the child Mizuki loved as her own daughter. Grye watched the man with cold eyes. 'How could someone take leauge with a woman so evil to kill a child?' he thought wishing he had a knife to slit the man's throat. Anyone who worked for the Whore Queen he wanted dead without exception.

His thoughts strayed back to what he sensed in the elevator but his answers came quick.

"Sending the Queen's messages, eh Akisu?" the dark mage came up from the shadows and Grye recongized him immediantly but couldn't get a word out. The mage's eyes locked with his and Grye's blood ran cold.

"Da-Damien..." Grye whispered and the dark mage smiled.

"Hello little brother." Damien smiled wickedly.

OOC: No battle is coming up with Damien yet so don't go all "ATTACK!" Damien's just's popping up to scare the wits out of Grye. =P

Emora:


Rai opened her eyes and looked around. She saw many strange things. A lot of people were gathered around tables fiddling with bodies. They didn’t look human either. She sat up slightly, gazing around at the mass horror before her eyes. She didn’t like the smell. It smelled very bad. She held her tiny nose with too fingers.

Some of the scientists noticed she had sat up and paused from there work for a moment, but continued. She watched them for a moment, feeling sick by what they were doing. It was very gross to watch them sew and cut open the bodies.

I wonder… Rai thought pulling sitting cross legged for a moment trying to figure out where she could go. What there doing… She sighed and climbed off the table backwards. No one seemed to pay her any mind at all. They continued on with there work as if there were in a trance. Were they like Tora?

Rai weaved her way through the room full of people. She almost got ran over several times but those in a hurry. But, finally she made it to a spot in the room close to a door. She put a hand to the door and pulled with all her might, but it wouldn’t budge.

“I won’t open,” a voice said and Rai turned to see a tall thin woman with barely any shape to her. She was pale with thin hair that held no shine. She smiled at her and knelt down. “It only opens for those who weren’t forced here.”<br>
“Were you?” Rai asked tilting her head. The woman only nodded. So that’s why they didn’t worry about me getting up…

Siren:

Siren cringed at the idea of Soran mating with the witch queen. Her stomach lurched uncomfortably as if she would be sick at the sight of the robed man. Dark energy was all about him very powerfully.

Almost silently and unnoticeably she summoned a set of small clear crystals from her handy charm, clasping them all in her left hand and mouthing a chant silently. Her eyes were closed in focus, but since she hadn't fully turned towards this man it seemed unlikely that he would pick up on what she was dong.

She concluded her spell, "Light of valor, Enshroud!" and tossed two of the three stones at Gyre and Soran, holding the third herself. The crystals shattered and erupted with a bright white light that surrounded each of the three of them. It couldn't completely protect them, especially at such close range, but if it came to the point of violence it would prevent any serious injury from dark magic spells for the time being.

Darkrose:

"Where's the kid? Don't you think that's quite obvious? Inside, of course. Wow, Nightblade, your dense." He smirked that smirk that made you want to vomit. "Oh yes, I am that damn tiger, to answer your question. Tora is inside also. She betrayed you. Don't you want to kill her now? It just goes to show in this world to trust is to be betrayed."

Akisu felt victorious. In fact, he would just walk back to the lab. He turned his back to the group, almost as if he was daring them to attack, and entered the castle.

Before the doors closed, he whispered to them a taunting 'good luck.' The doors closed.

***
She sat up on the cold hard table. Her long hair fell at her waist as her dark brown eyes darted to and fro.

"I, am in some kind of lab?" Tora's, or Kyna's, eyes fell on a little girl near the door. "Rai?"

"Don't get up, you'll hurt yourself, your soul was just transfered into your original body, a technique founded by our lead scientist Motoku," a man in a lab coat said dully. There was no life or soul in his voice.

But Tora just sat up, staring at Rai. "Rai, can you tell me what's going on?" was all Tora said.

Emora:


Rai heard Tora call her name and she wondered through the maze of people working on different bodies. She put her hands on the table and looked up at Tora. “I don’t know what’s going on,” she said meekly and looked around as if she were expecting someone or something to lung at her. “I don’t understand anything.. But Tora… you look very different…” she muttered nodding in amazement.

Rai dragged a chair from the middle of the room up to the metal table and climbed up to sit on the table with Tora. She looked at Tora for a moment, admiring how pretty her new face was. She was pretty before, too, but this face was different. “Tora… Are you scared?” she asked, because if Tora was scared then should she be scared.

Darkrose:

Tora smiled. She knew her appearance was different. This was her real body.

"Tora, are you scared?" Rai asked.

Tora's eyes seemed distant... but she found an answer.

"If I told you I wasn't scared, then I would be lying to you. But in times like this, although we might be afraid, we must be strong. We will brave this together."

The scientist looked undead, which creeped her out a bit. The whole feeling of the place was like a hell. Thats when she realized.

"We're in Shea's castle, aren't we? How did we end up here? The last thing I remember is the snow...the mountain! Akisu! That bastard! -...Rai!" Everything had clicked. Tora's arms embraced the child. The ex-vamp was near crying. "Rai, because of me, your here. I'm so sorry. But I know saying sorry isn't going to save your life...or mine." In a sudden change in attidude, a new confidence was brought to her voice. "We gotta bust out of here. Fast."

Mizuki:

Grye yelped as the white light engulfed them and almost cried out of it to stop.

"Hehehe...." the dark mage chuckled and squinted at the light. "Don't worry little brother, I haven't come to kill you... yet." and Damien dissapeared. Grye stared in disbelief that his brother had just threatened his life and stood right before him.

"How long has it been... since you left home?" Grye whispered to himself. Grye knew his brother had a black heart. He knew his brother left to serve the Whitch Queen and away from the bethroal to Mizuki. Grye was glad that the bethroal passed to him because he didn't want to see Mizuki in the arms of this black hearted maniac, but his brother never really threatened his life before... and why was he in on this?

"Why can't I just go in now and slice off their heads!" the warrior yelled to his creator. Damien reappeared in the room with a smile on his face.

"Don't worry, in this palace they are sure to get lost from one another, then you can kill Soran." Damien said.

"why can't I take all at once?"

"I want to fight my brother and see how he's improved."

"And the Dark Angel?" the warrior asked. The angel was the third unexpected one in the party, but they didn't need to worry.

"The Queen could possibly see tests to the Dark Angel... now watch them and when they break apart go for the elven man."

Soran:

After Damien and Akisu had left, Soran looked down at his glowing arms. The angel was proving quite useful...and loyal. But he had heavier things on his mind. He turned to the door their enemies had used to enter the castle and walked toward it with a coldness in his eyes that was abnormal even for him. He clutched the large brass handle on the door and pressed it down. The door pulled open without any difficulty -- someone was expecting them. The rogue stepped warily forward into the strangest room he had ever seen.

Mirrors, hundreds of them, surrounded him, 360 degrees, above and below, at every angle, in every size. Soran looked around at numerous identical images of himself, but something was different about these mirrors. An image shouldn't have such convincing depth...if he weren't certain of his identity, he would find it dificult to tell which was the true Soran. ~'What a stupid trick,'~ he mentally growled.

Soran looked back at Siren and Grye. This room was probably some form of maze that only palace officials knew the secret to. He reached out and slammed an armblade into one of the mirrors. The glass shattered and scattered around him, revealing still more mirrors beyond it, but a moment later the shards floated upward and returned to their initial positions, magically reforming into their original undistorted surface. This could be troublesome. "We need to pass through," Soran said to the others, his voice sounding empty, "Make sure you don't get separated."

Emora:


Rai hugged Tora when she was embraced by her. It felt good to have someone hold her after all that had happened. She looked around for a moment. “But, the man said that only those who come here freely are aloud in and out…”

She smiled slightly and leaned in to whisper, “Do you think my bathroom trick would work again?” All the people in the room were going at there work as if they were zombies. One of these zombies walked towards them. It was the tall thin man who had spoken to her at the door.

He looked at her for a moment and then tilted his head. He raised a hand to gently place on the top of her head, but she moved slightly, unsure of him. He withdrew, not wanting to frighten her. “Poor innocent child,” he said softly. “So small and innocent. Come, we all leave in a few minutes. If you get in the middle of the pack they won’t notice your out until it’s too late.” He handed Tora a lab coat and smiled softy. “Put this on, it will help you blend in. I need to speak with you about the child.”<br>

Mizuki:

Grye looked into the newly open room and snorted.

"I can't make any promises." he half joked but entered feeling uneasy. The mirrors reflected their images casting each one into another mirror making it seem as though they are in another part of the room. He was afraid Damien might be actually waiting for them to get seperated so he could attack them individualy. But, know one evers know until they find out... "I have an idea." he moved his fingers in a circle motion 5 times creating a sort of, silver ring in the air. The ring enlarged and encircled the group. "This will keep us together."

Damien, feeling mischeivious and causing some damage in some one's life, journeyed through the castle and to the lab where the child Rai was being held. He was interested to see the runt that had the blood that could ressurect a demon. He entered the room and appeared behind Rai and Tora.

"MUNCHKIN!" he cried behind Rai to frighten her. He loved to frighten and scare children, it made him laugh to see them pale as he told them horrifing things to scar them for life.

OOC: Damien wont hurt Rai or Tora... just for a heads up.

Emora:


Rai yelped slightly and spun around, glaring angrily at the man who had startled her. She put her hands on her hips and looked up at him before taking a step forward and kicking him in the shin. “Meany!” she yelled at him and held Tora’s hand. She didn’t know who this man was and she didn’t want to get snatched away from her friend and taken to where ever it was she was supposed to die at.

“Tora we have to sneak out with every one else…” Rai said in a worried voice. She didn’t want this plan to fail. They wouldn’t get out then. But, if Tora stayed behind, she would to. She wouldn’t leave her friend alone… and she didn’t want to be alone.

She glanced back at the man and held Tora’s hand tighter.

Darkrose:

Tora's hand hugged Rai's. She stared curiously at the man who had given her the lab coat. Should she trust him?

"I need to speak with you about the child," the man had said.

Her response, "Who are you? And why should we trust you? What possible gain could you have by helping us? The only thing you risk is death by aiding us."

These thoughts hit Tora as she said them. Why would this man help them, if it only meant the Witch Queen's wrath if he were to be discovered. But still... if he were to betray them, death would surely come upon them.

If they went without his help, wouldn't they die anyway?

She glanced down at Rai, and back up at the man.

"Why do you want to help us?"

Emora:


The man looked at Tora and then Rai and then to the man who had frightened the child so. He didn't want to answer in front of this new man. He looked familiar and he could very well be working for Shea. But, if he was then that meant that he was going to take the child to the place of execution.

"I would like to speak with you and the child when we are not in forgiving company..." he said and his eyes looked to the Damien. He hoped she understood what he meant.

Darkrose:

(OOC: Wow sorry i didn't know Damien was in the same room >_< Sorry for ignoring him lol)

Tora glared at Damien. Why he appeared to them, she didn't know. To tell the truth, she knew nothing about Damien, save the fact he was a dark mage and knew Akisu.

"Ok, whoever you are, you gave the kid a little scare. Good. Happy for you. Now please scram and leave us alone." Tora said. She smiled, but her eyes flooded with anger. It was a freaky smile in which you couldn't tell whether she was happy or she was going to kill you.

Tora turned back to the man who wanted to speak with her. She had no idea who this man was either (strange how men just keep on appearing.)Despite that, for some reason, Tora wanted to hear what he had to say.

"I would like to speak with you, but it seems were going to have trouble being alone, so unless you plan to get us out of the lab or banish that warlock, we'll have to speak here," Tora said, in a diplomatic voice. "And one thing, before we being, no touching the girl. She is to be with me at all times."

Tora put on the labcoat she was given, still suspicious. She held on to Rai's hand securly and waited for the man's response.

Mizuki:

Damien smiled viciously at the two then faded. He was set for the night now... not. There was now the matter of his brother and his group. He chuckled to himself as he went back to the room he and the bloodthristy warrior used to watch the group....

Grye walked with Soran and Siren with tense muscles. He was so sure something would just fly through the mirrors to attack them. What Grye wasn't counting onwas that the mirrors were deflecting his spell. Breaking it down, weaker and weaker until it wasn't there to keep them together anymore. The mirrors deflected the spell into one another so the spell was strechting out into the mirrors and away from it's original casting place. And as it dissapeared, the group slowly, and unware, separated.

OOC: Writer's block, that and people are over. sorry.

Soran:

Soran walked warily along the twisting path, very cautiously. At every turning point he had to use his hands to find which route was real and which would result in him walking into a sheet of glass. Everything looked the same, and he was beginning to suspect they were traveling in some kind of circle. He turned back over his shoulder and looked at Grye.

“Do you have something I can mark the mirrors with?” he asked the man. He made no response, just standing there absently. “This isn’t exactly the appropriate time to hold some form of silent treatment,” the rogue criticized disapprovingly.

He cast a tired glare at the wizard, but then suddenly his gaze darkened with realization. Slowly his hand extended toward Grye, and met with a cool, flat surface. Then Grye’s image moved, and his reflection disappeared from the mirror. Wherever the image was originating from, he had no way of retracing it now. Looking around, he realized Siren was also gone. ~’Damn!’~ he thought. Calling out to them was a risk they couldn’t afford to take. He felt his way onward alone.

Siren:

Siren spun about in confusion, completely dissoriented in this maze of mirrors. She would occasionally see Soran or Gyre walking nearbye, just to get closer and have them vanish as the angle between the mirror they were projected on and herself changed. Even more confusing were the images of her wings in the mirrors. Even though they were a part of her body that she was completely familliar with the proximity away form her body and line of vision was just different enough and her wing actions just automatic enough that it was confusing even for her.

Worse was when she would approach a mirror that she thought was actually one of her companions only to have a wing brush against a mirror, sending shivers down her spine.

"What is this madness?" She reached out to touch yet another mirror projection, wondering if she would ever be out of the room. Then an idea hit her. She lifted off into the air, flying upwards, thinking she had finally found a solution to this maze. As she flew foreward, gaining confidence, she suddenly crashed into another mirror, not recognizing it for what it was, and went tumbling back down to the ground, landing hard on her stomach, but thankfully not damaging her wings or breaking anything.

Mizuki:

Grye felt the mirrors thinking he was seeing his comrades. 'What? But... the spel!' he though in confusion.

"That shouldn't have worn off..." he said suddenly very afraid as he now traveled alone through the glass maze occasionaly hitting a mirror without looking.

Back in the room the warrior smiled and looked to Damien. Damien nodded for him to proceed and the warrior left for the mirror maze. When he entered he became dizzy from all the repeating reflections of himself and the separated group. He looked at his reflection in one mirror. He never really got a chance to see this body the mage created for him since he was in deep training and meditation... and his own thoughts of killing Soran.

In the mirror he gazed at a pale face with deep coal colored eyes and shoulder length jet black hair. One of his vampiric fangs pointed out from his lips as he smirked. He turned from the mirror and found his way through the glass maze towards Soran.

"Come out come out elf..." he called, his taunting voice echoing towards the sharp ears of the elven man Soran.

Soran:

Soran halted as he heard an unfamiliar voice call out "come out come out, elf!" It echoed darkly through the air in the strange room, making the atmosphere even more surreal than it already was. The rogue looked around and saw a tall, dark-haired man walking purposefully toward him in various mirrors, disappearing from one and then reappearing in another in the opposite direction.

Soran saw no benefit in confronting the stranger, so he turned to continue walking. He stopped again, however, as the real thing turned a corner and appeared directly in front of him. He could smell steel on the figure before him: this one was not a reflection.

"Can I help you? You're blocking my path," the rogue addressed the stranger in a low, cold voice, sizing him up critically.

Emora:


“Well, now that the man is gone and we are leaving a suggest you follow. I won’t be able to tell you in here. Come on…” He said grabbing Tora’s wrist and pulling her into the midst of the crowed. Rai held on to Tora and stayed close. All the coats of white and tall people shielded her from behind seen be who ever was standing at the doors allowing them to go out.

Once they were out the man pulled Tora and Rai down a hall… The guards at the door were to busy talking about what whore they had seen the night before. “It won’t belong before your caught again, but I have to tell you this. No evil blood can resurrect the demon. I was the one doing the research and I know this for a fact. Evil blood will stop it. But, it has to hit the alter. And only-”<br>
The poor man was cut off by the fact a short sword had just been plunged into his chest. It sprayed blood onto Tora’s lab coat and Rai’s face. Rai screamed, because it had startled her. The body fell to the side and there was a Queen’s Maiden standing behind him. She had bright yellow eyes and long black hair. Her uniform was tight leather from the neck down.

Mizuki:

The warrior laughed and drew his black blade. "You can help me lots rouge." he said still smiling. "The Dark Mage needs a heart and I need you dead. But, let's make this interesting, draw your blades Soran." the warrior held his balde casually to his side but was ready and alert. He knew not to fool with this guy but he decided to throw a reminder at him. He cast his hand forward and the invisible but yet familiar hammer like pounding flew into Soran's chest threatening to break ribs before the warrior took it back.

Soran:

Soran gasped slightly as a rapid blast of force caught him in the chest and slammed him hard backward into a mirror. His eyes widened in recognition as he felt familiar pain coursing through his chest. ~'This magic...'~ He eyed the man in front of him scrutinously, stepping forward firmly while the mirror reconstructed behind him. There was something slightly unnatural about the person, but his features were undeniably different from Luc's. Was this one of his allies?

He raised his blades up menacingly, not interested in asking questions. This guy wanted to fight, so he'd give him a fight. Frankly, he had a lot of tension built up and was happy to let it out on this unfamiliar brat.

"Let's see what you can do," he said darkly, diving at the man and lashing out at his neck with his blade. The warrior ducked down easily away from the blow, but Soran had intended it as a distraction. As the warrior ducked, the rogue's knee rose and caught him sharply under the chin, throwing him upwards and back.
Logged

Mizuki:

The warrior flew backwards and a small spit of blood trickled down his mouth as he landed into a mirror. The mirror repaired itself as he got back up and smiled. "Good shot Soran. But tell me.... recongize anything?" He picked up his black blade and shot forward swinging across Soran's midrift. He missed his skin but sliced the shirt. As he kept swinging the blade he took the moment to kick Soran's side and throw him off and into the floor.

"Miss me Soran?" he taunted. "Once I rip out your heart I'm off too claim her once again. But, is that your child or the wizard's she carries?" he kept his distance from Soran knowing better than to get close so the elf could take a close swing at him. "If it's yours I cannot believe you knocked her up already!" he half joked and half sneereed as he waited for Soran's response.

Soran:

Soran sat up and stared at the guy in front of him. It was impossible, but...who else could know such things? "Yeah, I missed you like a blade in the gut," he said, getting back on his feet. Whether this was Luc or not made little difference; the rogue intended to kill him. He ignored the personal question about Mizuki, though it added to his anger. He flew at 'Luc' and locked blades with him, staring him down icily inches from his face and waiting for him to show an opening.

Mizuki:

Luc laughed as he locked his blade with Soran's. "Oh, did I flare some anger? heheh, well unfortuantly my revenge isn't done. Whether it's yours or not I'm killing you then taking her back here... maybe I'll even kill the kid." He thrusted his blade forward to Knock Soran off his feet "Soran why are you realy with her.. with them? What do you owe them? All you're letting Mizuki do is lust after you but since you're so distant you'll break her heart. So just let it go now, tell me you don't love her then when I kill you and reclaim her I have something truefull to tell her." Luc smiled menacingly as he circled Soran, blade ready for any attack.

Soran:

Hatred flared in Soran’s eyes as Luc spoke. He was confused by the man’s words, and resented it deeply. He wasn’t sure himself why he was with the others, or why he had decided to come here for Rai. He didn’t understand Luc’s meaning when he said Mizuki was lusting after him or that he would break her heart. Or did he? The blow he threw out at Luc at that moment was powered both by his desire for blood and determination to reject the emotions Luc seemed to want to stir up. He launched in low at the warrior and stabbed him in the thigh with his blade, then in the same motion threw a roundkick into Luc’s back and sent him flying forward.

Mizuki:

Luc winced as the blade ripped his thigh and flew into a mirror at Soran's kick to his back. But he got up on his injured leg like it was nothing. He touched the dripping blood on his leg and looked at it on his palm. He smiled and licked the blood on his fingertips. "Vampire." he pointed out casually and picked up a large shard of glass that had yet to repair itself and threw it at Soran. His aim was purposly off but the shard sliced Soran's arm then came back again to the mirror.

"Now you are just striking in anger." he taunted Soran just for him to strike again. "Me, the only emotions I have are lust and anger where you are a bundle of emotions just waiting to pour out but you keep them locked up and I ask you why? You're not leaving this building alive so what the heck? Let it pour."

Soran:

Soran flinched as the glass shard sliced through his arm, dodging out of the way so that it didn’t strike him again on its return trip. Luc was correct that Soran’s emotions were guiding his actions, and the rogue knew it. He frowned and channeled his focus back into the battle alone. His burning green eyes emptied and returned to their normal empty coldness, though his determination to kill was no less intense. “Lust and anger, eh? I’m sure that’s exactly what Mizuki wants in a man,” the rogue said nonchalantly, now sensing that Luc had his own emotional weak spot. “You sound like a real prince charming.”

After Luc’s last attack, it occurred to him that these mirrors could be of use to him. His fingers felt behind him for the edge of the mirror and pulled. To his approval, it budged, though he could feel it magically attempting to return to its proper place. Soran grabbed the mirror with both hands and lifted it from the wall, then ran sideway and threw it just behind Luc, deliberately missing him. The mirror shattered into countless pieces, and a moment later they all began flying back to the wall they had originally come from. Of course, Luc was in their way…<br>

Mizuki:

"Soran, how would you know what Mizuki wants in a man?" Luc smirked.

Luc had no time to react as the shards rammed into his back one by one. Blood in tiny splatteres painted the floor. he stood with his back arched and arms out slightly staring at the ceiling. It stung... a lot. The shards came out a flew to their original place as a mirror. The back of Luc's cloths was shredded and so was his cape... not that he cared.

"Clever.." he said straightening and regaining himself. "Seems we should leave this room." He thrusted his hand forward again and gripped something invisible, he grip Soran's body with his magic and threw him into the ceiling creating a hole. Soran flew onto roof above that room and Luc soon followed him.

Soran:

Soran had no time to react as a flew upward and crashed through the ceiling headfirst and landed on his side on the roof above. He opened his eyes painfully and saw Luc jump up through the hole he’d created. The rogue pushed himself back to his feet, trying not to reveal how dizzy the trip through the ceiling had left him. Something warm was trickling down the side of his head and into his ear. Soran brought Luc back into focus and held his blades ready.

Darkrose:

It won’t belong before your caught again, but I have to tell you this. No evil blood can resurrect the demon. I was the one doing the research and I know this for a fact. Evil blood will stop it."

It all clicked. If pure blood is needed to resurrect the demon, then evil blood would subdue the demon!

But, it has to hit the alter. And only-” It was so quick. Before Tora could blink she was showered in rain of blood. The man's body fell limp to the floor.

Tora considered attacking the Queen's Maiden, but she thought of a slighty better idea. She had a lab coat on... and her Citadel Uniform under the lab coat was similar-if not exactly- what all the workers in the Witch Queens castle wore... and there were a lot of scientist... no possible way to keep track of them all.

"What did you do that for?" Tora said, calmly and emotionlessly. For such a dangerous situation, she was getting a kick out of acting semi-evil. "That man was the lead of this project. He was vital for the preparations of the ceremony! And now he is dead, it will take us twice as long to prepare this child to be sacraficed!"

She clutched Rai's hand and flung the child in front of her, not letting go. Tora was holding her hand up, and Rai's feet barely touched the floor. I'm sorry for the harsh treatment, Rai. Hopefuly you understand.

Tora continued. "As you can see, the child is not prepared! That man you just slaughtered knew the ointments and essences needed to set the alter and the child, but now that he is dead we have to find his notes and somehow set up this ritual. Because of your murder you'll have to make the Queen wait. She'll probably kill you for this." She took a deep breath, and she wrapped up her long winded speech with; "There is a possiblity that I can finish the preparations before the 'setting' sun, but you can kill no more of my scientist or get in my way. Lets go, kid."

With that she dragged Rai in an almost running pace. Tora didn't know wether the Queen's Maiden bought her little alibi or not, nor did Tora stick around to find out. She brushed by the Queen's Maiden to avoid being hit by her sword if she were to attack.

Walking down the hall, Tora kept her eye on the Maiden and a spell on her lips...

Mizuki:

Luc ready himself again.. he could smell the blood coming from Soran's body and it reminded him how hungry he was getting.

"Come Soran. Attack me." he once again readied his blade

Luc was playing with Soran... injuring him and tiring him out. He enjoied watching Soran run about trying to kill him and failing.

Soran:

Soran didn't need to be asked twice. He flew at Luc with blades raised and landed a shallow gash across his ribs, then swept his leg behind Luc's and knocked his legs out from under him. Soran followed him down to the ground and crouched over him, holding his blade against Luc's neck. At the same time, he knew Luc had his hands free to cast or counterattack in an instant. They were at a standoff, again. "Doesn't this feel familiar," he said darkly.

Mizuki:

Luc snickered but when the blade neared his throat... his confedence falttered. He only thoughts were getting him away from his neck so he quickly cast a spell and aimed it at Soran. When he let it go it hit Soran squarely in the chest and a blue light engulfed him.

"Tell me what's happening in your mind Soran... what are your deepest desires..." Luc said purging his mind for anything he could use against Soran.

Soran:

Soran looked coldly at Luc, not sure what the heck he was talking about. A moment later he felt a bright blue light inside his head, unfamiliar energy trying to open some forbidden door inside his mind. However, a strong blood-red light suddenly flared up and overcame it, growing more and more intense in the rogue's head and flooding into Luc's as well. It was as if some secret security system in his head was reacting to the intrusion, forbidding anyone from entering.

A burst of pain exploded in both men's heads, like a bolt of electricity through their brains. Soran pulled back in shock away from Luc's neck and clutched both sides of his head wide-eyed. A grunt of restrained agony escaped his lips as he retreated backwards away from Luc. Slowly the sting began to subside in his head. He squinted at Luc in stunned silence, wondering what the warrior had just done to him.

Mizuki:

Luc also held his head in pain as he got up. 'What the hell was that?' he thought unsure of what took place. When it subsided he gropped the ground for his sword again becoming thankful that Soran was away from his neck. Quickly he felt his neck for any cuts but none were there and he regained his confedence.

"Seems you know magic as well elf." he said not really sure that Soran knew any but... it came from inside him so, he had to know some yes?

"It wont help you though." and he once again casted the magic spell pounding into Soran's chest.

Soran:

Soran staggered back as he felt another burst of magic fire into his chest. He was confused; Luc didn’t seem to be the one responsible for what had just happened. His head was still stinging from the strange magical reaction. Man, he really hated magic users. He needed to get closer. The rogue ran in toward Luc and faked a punch to his face, then skipped to the side and threw a sidekick into his ribs, pressing in on him with a barrage of swipes with his blades interspersed with blows from his fists and legs and putting the warrior on the defensive.

Emora:


Rai knew that Tora was only doing it to keep them from being thrown back into the lab. She just kept her mouth shut, even though being held in the air by her arm did hurt quite a bit. But, once they were slightly away from the Queen’s Maiden it seemed that they had gotten out of trouble with a good bit of skill from Tora. Or so it thought.

But, waiting just around the corner was four large guards and with them four more Queen’s Maiden’s. Not to mention the two guards and the first Queen’s Maiden they had met coming up behind them.

The child wasn’t to be moved from that room until they were told so. THEY were to escort her to be prepared… and no low life scientist besides the Queen’s elite few knew about her execution.

The guards waited with there arms folded, clad in black armor. The Queen’s Maidens had there weapons drawn, an assortment of whips, short swords, bows, daggers, and any other dangerously sharp object. They were clothed in black leather and a menacing site. They knew not to harm the girl, but at the moment they hadn’t received any special orders about this imposter and would rather kill than take alive…<br>


Darkrose:


(OOC: owooo toughie ^^)

Tora was surrounded by all sides. The only chance of escape was through a warp portal. She decided against this for two reasons; Rai could possibly die in one and Tora herself didn't really know how to use one.

She was lost. How cam you win in this type of situation?

"Evil blood will stop it. But, it has to hit the alter. And only-"

Although she truly did not fully comprehend these words yet, it gave her an idea. With a snap, she realized. Rai, to summon the demon, must be properly sacraficed...

Tora knelt down, held Rai around the stomach, and put a knife against the young girl's neck.

"If one of my muscles even twitch the girl dies here and now. You know well what that means, no demon. And the Queen will be mad at us all," she said in a grave voice. Tora still haven't gave up the role of a scientist. "I was tortured to do the research, I found the procedures of the ceremony! I will bring the child to the alter! If I am deprived of this privilage, the young girl dies here, and I will accept any consequence for my acts."

She held on so tightly to Rai, that if anybody attacked her in anyway, the young girl would die. Tora waited for the Maidens' response.

[Soran Nightblade]

Emora:


Rai didn’t like sharp objects, and she really didn’t like when they were pressed against her throat. She told herself over and over that Tora was only trying to get them out safely… but Tora was holding the knife so close and her so tightly that it didn’t seem like it. She told herself it was only for a short time and that Tora didn’t really mean to kill her if they moved. Did she?

What happened if they moved? What happened if one shifted a foot and Tora took that as a threat? Would Tora actually kill her? Would she actually do it? Was it to save the other people in the world? Or was it for some other reason? All these questions confused Rai. She was breathing quickly because she was so worried and her eyes were actually fearful, not from acting either. She was truly afraid that Tora was going to kill her.

They were contemplating the situation… You could tell that the woman meant business and you could tell that the child was actually afraid of the knife at her throat. That was what clued them into the fact that the woman was not playing. If the child hadn’t have been afraid then they would have moved. But, they didn’t.

A Queen’s Maiden looked at them and nodded. “Very well,” she said and put her sword away. “But, the child must be prepared… Follow us…”

Darkrose:

"Thank you," Tora said. She put the knife away but held onto Rai, just in case they decided to pull anything funny.

She held onto Rai's hand. Tora squeezed it, to silently tell Rai she was sorry.

They followed the Queen's Maidens. Although Tora and Rai were in no better situation, at least now Tora had time to think. How would they escape? And if Shea saw them, her cover would be completely blown.

For some reason, she wanted to confide in Rai, hoping the young girl would have some sort of plan. Tora caught herself thinking this, and realized she was desperate.

She was running out of ideas...

Emora:


Rai looked up at Tora for a moment and then at the dagger. She watched those who were escorting them. They had actually listened to Tora when she threatened to kill her. Even if they escaped Shea would just find them again. Eventually she would get what she wanted….

The Maidens led them to a set of double doors and opened them for the two to enter.

The room had maids poring hot water into a marble tub. Steam filled the medium sized bed room. There was a large bed and a large dresser. A huge mirror was hanging on the wall just opposite the bed. The room was littered in black candles to light it dimly. On the bed was a black dress just Rai’s size. It was made from satin, silk, and cotton. A very modest dress.

“Here, prepare the child,” the Maiden ordered and shoved Rai and Tora into the room. “The maids will assist you if you need it.” They closed the doors.

The maids bowed to Tora and Rai. “You must bathe and dress,” they said to Rai and went to take her hand. Rai took a step back. “I can do it myself.” The maids nodded and left the room.

Mizuki:

Luc tried to block each blow but some got passed him and he had brusies and cuts scarring his body.

"Pesky elf." he said and tried to throw Soran away with magical energy. He came after Soran with swipes from his black blade and punches and kicks. Luc and Soran must've brawled like that for hours.

But back in the maze of mirrors Grye could feel all the magical energy that had been used and tried to follow it franticaly. But he was either going in circles or running into mirrors.

BAM!

"Ow! Damn-it!" he yelled as he hit another mirror. 'Everything is so reall I cannot tell the different!' he thought as he tried to think of a way to the magic. He knew someone, either Siren or Soran, were in danger. He just knew it. But he couldn't find it! He had tried spells through his frantic search but each spell was diminished by the mirrors... well, now he knew how his previous spell failed.

From behind he heard clapping and heavy footsteps. When he turned around he saw Damien. "Nice try little brother." Damien sneered.

"What do you want?" Grye snapped at his older brother.

"Same old temper towards me eh, Grye? Listen, brother, why are you here? Are you saving that little child?"

"If you're going to stand in my way I wont hesitate to kill you." Damien laughed.

"Oh! The little squirt?! Please I couldn't even care less about this whole demon thing.... I'm only interested in how you've progressed in magic." he got in a stance, ready to cast spells. Grye did the same. The battle between brothers then soon began.

Soran:

Soran gritted his teeth as he slammed back hard against the stone wall that led to the upper levels of the palace. He leaned against it for a moment, feeling the minor wounds that Luc had managed to inflict all over him beginning to take their toll on his stamina. The warrior appeared the worse for wear of the two of them, but the gash through Soran’s left arm was limiting his movement. As it grew sorer, he relied more and more heavily on his legs as weapons.

In the west, the clouds were slowly dying themselves crimson as the sun sank lower and lower. Soran glared at his opponent; this battle was taking too long. He had to remember his reason for coming here.

Soran hid his exhaustion and darted back into the fight, focusing his energy away from defense and dedicating it to offense instead. He didn’t have enough energy to be half and half, and if this battle was not ended soon his entire purpose in coming to Arroes would be defeated.

He ran at Luc and struck out with his good arm, then slammed a kick into the warrior’s gut while he was busy blocking. Sensing a counterattack coming, the rogue threw up his weaker arm and once again locked blades with Luc. “Hurry up…and die!” the rogue growled into Luc’s face and thrust his other blade toward the man’s stomach. On the one hand, he was leaving the whole front of his body unguarded, but if he could just land one decent hit...there was no time left.

Siren:

Siren stood with her hands on her hips, exasperated by the mirrors and trying to find a different alternative to wandering around lost. She had seen a small doorway in the reflection of some of the mirrors, but could not find the real thing. Echoes from clasing metal and, more recently, chanting and sounds of energy blasts filled the room, letting her know that one or both of her companions was in serious trouble. Not to mention that if she didn't hurry the child they came for would inevitably die.

Standing there she suddenly felt something she hadn't noticed before. Wind... there was an air current in here now. She didn't know if it was from an opening somewhere or from the explosions, but if there was wind, she could feel her way in flight using the currents as her guide.

She closed her eyes so as to not confuse herself with clashing visual stimuli, then took off in flight again, simply following the currents around the room, hoping to find either an ally or an exit.

Mizuki:

Luc grunted and staggared, but still kept his lock with Soran. Luc's face body and limbs were bleeding, the loss of blood was really weakening him and if he didn't feed soon... but he couldn't. He was locked in this battle and even if he tried to feed off of Soran the rouge could swing at his neck. A risk Luc didn't want to take.

As he quickly pondered on his options on how to kill the elf, his arms gave away and his black blade feel from his hands. He couldn't hold on anymore. quickly before Soran could swing at him, Luc jumped back several feet and crouched on the ground breathing deeply. 'Damn... the curses of being a vampire. What do I do now?' he thought staring at Soran keeping a spell on his lips in case the rouge attacked. Which he would soon....

Grye flew into more mirrors and even right through a wall into another room. Everything hurt now, lying in rubble of a broken brick wall, bleeding from massive cuts, broken bones. He tried to move but he had broken a rib so he couldn't.

"Fates Grye, you're weak against me!" Damien exclaimed. He had his share of bruises and cuts but... only minor to him. Grye tried to say something but only coughed up blood. Damien made a gleefull laugh to that. ''I'm bored now!! So I'm leaving. I've got another magic user I'm more dying to toy with than you. So pull yourself together.. I believe they are about to sacrafic the kid sinceshe's getting ready now." Damien smirked and dissapeared.

'Why would he want to help me?' Grye thought. He was an absolute bloody mess. He tried again to get up, he was successful but sometmes he collapsed back down to his knees. He held a protective arm over his chest and leaned on a wall as he got up. As he looked up he saw Rai enter a room with other people. 'RAI!' he thought. He had to get there.

OOC: He's really injured so I don't think he'll do much saving but. If you don't want this to happen yet email me and I'll get it fixed by asking Soran to help me since he posts my...posts... yeah.. ^-^;;

Soran:

Soran could tell Luc was weakening, and wasn’t about to leave him as some loose end for later. He heard faint sounds below, but couldn’t afford to be distracted. If there were more enemies, he would deal with them afterwards. Kicking the warrior’s sword away across the roof, he attacked Luc with both blades, aiming for the man’s throat.

Mizuki:

Luc saw Soran coming and readied his spell.

"Think you can kill me that fasT?" Luc said, overconfident. He casted the spell, it was supposed to hit Soran in the chest, but all it did was stagger him. 'What?!' Luc thought, perplexed on why this happened. 'No! I'm too weak!' Quickly, or as fast as he could, he just barely doged Soran but in the process fell over the edge. He gripped the edge of the roof with one hand, but he couldn't hold on forever and he knew it.

Luc's mind reeled. 'What now?' He wasn't about to let himself die... but he also wasn't about to let the fight go. Below him, The Dark Mage sighed looking up at his creation that was supposed to kill the elven man and fetch his sorceress, but here he was dangeling on the edge of a roof! Damien looked up at his creation and shook his head. 'If he can't handle a rouge elf then he obviously can't handle my elven sorceress!' he thought. 'Better let the rouge kill him then... I guess I can forget about the heart...' Damien pouted then turned into a crow and flew off towards Igthen.

Eslin:

A dark portal rotated into being, and Valencia stepped lightly out of it and on to the rooftop. She carefully assessed the scene. She sneered at the form of Luc hanging off the roof, such a weakling. Then her emerald eyes locked on Soran Nightblade. He sneer became a malicious grin.

"My dear Soran," she almost purred, "I have a letter here for you from Queen Shea." TEXT

Soran:

Soran frowned as he reached down with his good arm, grabbed Luc by the collar and lifted him up, throwing him disdainfully into the wall. “Do not misunderstand. Had I let you fall, it would have revealed my location to the guards,” he said flatly, turning to inspect the unfamiliar woman who had just appeared before him. The queen had mentioned a second letter, but the whole business was extremely suspicious.

Eslin:

Valencia pulled the letter out and handed it to Soran. It read:

Soran Nightblade,

Running a bit late aren’t we? I figured you would have done made it to my throne room by now… Or even to the top of the castle to where the execution of that little brat will take place. You might want to speak with a woman by the name of Tora… She knows a good deal too much. But, hurry, she won’t live too long if I have anything to do with it. Akisu is no match for me, and I know his mind. I can read his mind. How do I know such things? Well, I am Shea, the Witch Queen, and I know all…

But, most of all I know that if you don’t come rescue the child… Then the fate of Sinead’s kingdom is all in my hands. It amazing how evil can start and stop this from happening. Good is only merely a player…<br>
Tick, tock… You're time is running out….

Shea, Queen of Arken.

Valencia smiled evilly and said, "Tick, tock. You wouldn't want to be late now would you?" A portal opened behind her, and she stepped backwards into it; once she was in, it disappeared into a thick black smoke

Darkrose:

(OOC: I've been a little sick so I won't be able to post often... sorry. T_T)

Tora sat on the seat a couple steps away from the bath. She was amazed at how brave such a small child could be. Rai was preparing for her death, most children would just curl up in fear, but she stood still on her own two feet.

She wanted so much to apologize for earlier, but Tora knew there could be people listening in on them, I'm sorry Rai...I hope you know I would never kill you, even if worse came to worse. But now we have some time to think, right? ...It's no doubt Soran must be somewhere in the castle... they'll help us. I just need to think of a plan. Even if Soran doesn't come, I'll think of a plan, I promise.

Tora rested her delicate face in her hand. What were they to do?

(OOC: Isn't one of Rai's abilities to read minds? )

Emora:


Rai was in the bath tub, covered from the neck down in water. She washed her face off and heard the faint distant voice... I'm sorry Rai...I hope you know I would never kill you, even if worse came to worse. But now we have some time to think, right? ...It's no doubt Soran must be somewhere in the castle... they'll help us. I just need to think of a plan. Even if Soran doesn't come, I'll think of a plan, I promise.

"It's alright," Rai said rather distantly. She had a solemn sad expression on her face. In a way she was looking forward to death. It would mean the end of pain and sadness. She would see her father and mother again. Her eyes were filled with so much pain. "I just don't like sharp objects aimed at me..." she said softly.

"Do you think Soran and Mizuki and them will come?" she said after a long time of silence. By then she was dried off and dressed in the modest black dress meant for her execution. Her hair fell down her back in wet ringlets of sandy blond. Her bright eyes held such emotion for some one so small. "They don't have a reason to. So why would they come."



Soran:

Soran read through Shea’s letter in silence and looked up at the peak of the building. The sheer stone face Luc was slouched against appeared to be the only way up from where he was, at least a 20-foot climb. He could hear commotion up above as the Queen’s soldiers and scientists busily prepared for the ceremony. Luc was staring at him in an apparent state of dazed half-consciousness. The rogue lifted Luc’s sword from the ground and in a flash of steel the weapon raced for Luc’s neck, but instead stabbed rapidly through the collar of his coat and into the wall, scathing his neck slightly and pinning Luc to the stone.

Soran drew back his left armblade and jabbed it into the wall, sending a burst of pain through his aching arm. He then took his right blade and jabbed it a few feet above, pulling himself upwards arm over arm toward where the ceremony was to take place. When he finally reached the top, he jumped up onto his feet and walked through the crowd calmly. Rai was clearly not there yet; such a large number of peons would not be running around during an important ceremony. It seemed these people had not been alerted to his presence, for none seemed to question or recognize him as he walked through the crowd and into a large door where servants were lugging things in and out.

Once inside the castle he began walking down a huge black marble hallway. At the opportune moment, he knocked one of the scientists sideways into a nook in the wall an knocked him out. He quickly took a strip of cloth and cinched it around the wound on his arm. Then he took the scientist’s lab coat, which conveniently hid his wounds. With utmost composure he stepped back into the hall and joined a group of scientists who seemed to be on some important errand.

Mizuki:

GRye limped his way along the wall and over to the room Rai and the Maiden's entered. He hid himself the best he could when the deadly Maiden's came back out. When they were out of sight he bolted to the door and jerked it open the best he could and slipped in. Maybe not the smartest thing to do but he managed not to be seen...

He turned aroung and saw Rai... and some other strange woman. He tried to say Rai's name, but he only gurgled and spit up more blood. If he didn't know any better... he was dying...

Grye collasped on the floor, unable to hold his own weight.

Emora:


Rai's head came up at the sound of the door opening and she saw Grye come in. He opened his mouth to speak, but only blood came out. Rai gasped in shock and when Grye hit the floor she ran to him.

"Grye?" she asked in worry. Such a compassionate child... She hadn't even known him long and she was already worried about him. She knelt down, but she couldn't role him over on her own.

Rai placed her hands on Grye and closed her eyes. "Heal..." she muttered. "Heal..." Nothing happened. "Heal!" Nothing. Rai thought very hard about healing Grye. But, nothing happened. No light flickered, no healing happened. Nothing at all.

Why won't it work? she thought with an overwhelming sadness. She didn't pull her hands free. How do I usually do it? She thought hard, but couldn't find anything she was doing wrong. "Please?" she asked as if the power was sitting in front of her and she was asking to borrow it. "Please? I don't want Grye or anyone else..."

"Wait!" Rai yelled happily. "Grye! Soran's here! He has to be!" Mi was almost jumping for joy when it hit her... As if the power she held chose that moment to do it. She was jerked by the force back towards the body. As Grye healed she took his pain. She took his feelings. His wounds faded and his pain went away.

Rai felt the power subside and she went to stand. She stood, the world tilted, turned upside down and she felt her back hit something hard. Head rush... Just what she needed...

Siren:

Siren clasped the edge of the hole in the room, pulling herself up through the opening that was too small to fly through with wings extended. She looked around her, happy to find no mirros, but seeing disturbing signs of battle and trails of blood splattered agross the room. She followed the path of devastation till she emerged onto a roof that had been similarly battered.

Her eyes locked onto the slumped figure of a man at once. He seemed to have passed out, with blood running down the side of his neck and a sword gabbed at the spot it flowed from. Realizing that if this man was in such a state then Soran, the only other true weapon weilder in her group, must have passed through and defeated him, she paid him no more heed and scanned the area.

Suspicious deep scratches scaled the wall up to another platform with many people bustling about, so Siren propelled herself into the air and flew up towards the area, passing at a relatively safe distance to observe. She looked about for another way in, knowing that her wings would be a dead giveaway that she was an outsider. Flying around the perimiter she located another, abandoned, rooftop with an open arch doorway. She landed, uncoiled her magical whip from around her waist, and entered the castle warily.

OOC: I'm back! sorry, I've been sick with the Flu this week so didn't have much time to post. On the road to recovery now though so lets kick some evil arse =p

Soran:

Soran drew a mental map in his head of the inside of the castle as he followed the other scientists down corridors that became increasingly wide and more ornately designed. The further they went, the greater his sense grew that their current errand was more prestigious than he had assumed.

At length they reached a large pair of double doors protected by several guards. One of the guards looked at Soran with slight suspicion, but the group was allowed through and escorted into a huge and ominous chamber. The other scientists were visibly terrified, their posture growing uncertain and their pace hesitant as they walked to the center of the chamber and stopped.

One of the scientists spoke to the guard. "Please inform her Majesty that the sun is nearly set, the child has been prepared, and we are ready to begin," he said haltingly, his voice full of fear, though only for himself.

The guard cast the scientist a dangerous sneer. "I shall tell her Greatness immediately." The guard turned and left through a passage at the back of the chamber which led directly to Shea's private quarters. Here it was his turn to grow fearful, mustering up his courage and knocking firmly on the Queen's door. He knelt respectfully before the door and awaited the Queen's attention, hoping for the sake of his life that he wasn't interrupting anything.

Back in the large chamber, Soran became suddenly and grimly aware that they were awaiting audience with the Queen. He knew a direct confrontation was inevitable, but the current situation was hardly optimal. He sized up the room, scanning it for exits and any other features that might become useful to him. The guards at the door watched him suspiciously, noticing that he was the only one not shaking in fear. The guard narrowed his eyes with a smirk as if to say "he'll learn his lesson soon enough". Soran sensed that simply leaving the room was no longer an option. He stood at the back of the group and waited expectantly for the Queen to emerge.

Mizuki:

Grye gasped as the sudden air of life flowed back through him. He stood with a new confidence in his body but...

"RAI!" he cried as he saw her slumped figure on the ground. He gently picked her up and shook her slightly. "Rai? Kid you ok? Rai what happened? Rai!" Questions reeled through him. How'd he get healed? Why was Rai collasped on the ground? How do they get out now safely?! And where are the others?

Emora:

Shea grinned and patted his arm as she leaned on his shoulder and led him down the hall. "Well, I didn't mean my question in that since, but thank you for that thorough analysis... I guess it's partly my fault for not making my question more clear. What's your take on murdering children? That better?" She smiled at him one of her dazzling smiles.

"I am going to do everything with in my power to make sure this child that I wish to have comes with ease. I already dread it... I'm going to get fat..." she said and gave and amused grin. "But, most of all it will mean I'll be vulnerable for a little while. For nine months to be exact. Nine months where I won't be able to do anything strenuous. Of course the first few months will be a breeze... but you know what I mean. I've never had to rely on my person guard really, but I will sooner or later.... I'm dead..." she said with a grin. her unborn baby could probably guard her better than her person guard.

She led him to the hall where all the scientists were gathered...

Shea looked at them and smiled coldly. Her eyes darted around the room at all the faces... She could since something... Someone. The smell of fear was high in the air, but there was the smell of something else... It was faint, but a defiant aura was coming from someone in the room... or close by.

"We head to the Tower... Bring the child. Oh, and Soran, you are aloud to walk with us... I don't bite," she said seducingly and looked around the room for him. "I warned you Soran... I know all." She turned, not waiting on him at all. She noticed no one else was moving. "The child, now."




Rai grumbled faintly and shook the dizzy feeling out of her head. She felt tired, but it would pass soon. Grye must have been on the verge of death, or else she wouldn't feel so tired. He must have been really hurt, because she hurt A LOT. "I'm fine."

A knock sounded at the door and the door swung open. There were five guards and two maidens and one scientist. "You, bring the child with you..." a guard said, suspecting Grye and Tora to be one of them. "The Queen is waiting."

Rai's eyes grew wide and she trembled with fear. This was it... This was when she was to die. The guards would insure that Grye would not escape. There were probably more waiting in the hall. Rai looked up at Grye for a moment and swallowed her fear as best she could. She gave a soft tired, gentle nod.

Casania:

[OOC: Hi all!]

Praxis glared at the one Shea refered to as Soran. It bothered him to no end the way she talked to him. Didn't she realize he was the enemy, a weakling who should be crushed no matter the risk he posed, before he has an opprituinity to preset such a risk. Nevertheless he couldn't do anything about it directly. Instead he decided to have one of his vassals standing by in case the rogue should get uppity and catch a lucky break. He whispered into Shea's ear. "Do you mind if I have one of my wings accompay us. I'd be more at ease if he was there... in case the demon decides to turn on us."

Soran:

Soran watched Shea unreadably, remaining where he was while the other scientists rushed from the room in a frenzied panic to fetch Rai. The rogue was left standing in the center of the black marble floor. After a moment of silence, he began walking calmly toward Shea until he stood two yards in front of her and his green eyes burned into hers. There was no avoiding the confrontation now; he would make what use he could of it. “You know why I’m here,” he said flatly.

Meanwhile, the lead scientist rapped loudly on the door of the room being used to prepare Rai for the sacrifice. “Time’s up. The ceremony is about to commence!”<br>

Emora:

Shea looked to Praxis as she still had her arm looped with his. She grinned at him for a moment and gave a soft nod. "Whatever you wish you must do, you may. I have no collar around you," she leaned up towards his ear and purred... "Not yet at least..." She was only joking with him...

Soran approached them and she smiled at him. “You know why I’m here,” he said flatly.

Shea looked at him and began to speak sarcastically. "No, you know I really don't... I just hate it when I don't know anything.... Please, dear Soran, enlighten me... Why are you here?" She grinned evilly. "Don't worry Soran... you'll get to see the brat before I spill every pure and innocent drop of blood she has onto the granite stone of the sacrificial table. You'll get to hear all her please and screams as she dies a slow and painful death. It should prove to be most entertaining... Just like your death will be once I'm through with her."

Soran:

"Pure blood, is it? I'm sure you're aware, then, that the child has already committed murder in cold blood," the rogue said firmly in a low voice.

Emora:

Shea smiled. "Cold blood, you say?" she asked with a grin. "Yes, I'm sure the poor innocent man did nothing to disserve such a fate. I mean, a man like him never disserved such a fate! He only raped the woman you love... Mizuki is it? Yes... the name is familiar... And tried to marry her. I bet she's dying from having his kid right about now and your worried about a silly child who has done what for you? No, the child is innocent, Soran. She hasn't been tainted in any way that would cause her to lose her innocence. She is pure of heart. Why don't you run along home to 'Nightblade's Woman' and hold her hand... The child has only caused you trouble the whole time you've known her. I'll just do you a favor..."

Shea stepped away from Praxis and towards Soran. She made sure his hands and feet could not move, putting a holding spell on him momentarily as she walked around behind him and leaned over his shoulder to whisper in his ear. "It seems she has done everything in her power to get you into her arms... how many times has she been betrothed or almost married? How many times has she been ill and needed your help? How many times have you risked your neck to save her? You continuously do these things, yet you don't know why. Staying around Mizuki will only give her the hope that you will one day love her... When all your going to do is break her heart in the end. Leave her Soran... Arken's army could use a good man like you..." She ran a hand up his arm and grinned maliciously. "A strong man..."

She knew it was very unlikely that he would take her offer. He was to good of heart...

Soran:

Soran frowned inwardly as he saw that the queen had not bought his argument.

“He only raped the woman you love…Mizuki is it? Yes…the name is familiar…And tried to marry her. I bet she’s dying from having his kid right about now and you’re worried about a silly child who has donw what for you?”<br>
Soran stiffened as the Queen spoke, his gaze turning to ice. ~’Dying…she wasn’t dying!’~ And why was everyone so bent on insisting that he had special affections for her? He tensed further as he realized he could no longer move. The next moment, Shea’s lips were beside his ear. Countless inner protests reeled through his head as he listened to her words. Anger was quickly spreading in him like the hood of a cobra. ~’No…it’s a trick…ignore it,’~ his mind ordered him. He couldn’t afford to think about such things now...

Leave her Soran... Arken's army could use a good man like you...A strong man..."

The rogue felt warm, slender fingers brush along his coat sleeve. “If you know me so well, you know I would not consent to such an arrangement without first ensuring the child’s safety,” he said coolly.

Emora:

Shea ran her hand up his arm and placed it on his shoulder, resting her head there for a moment as she contemplated it. "I don't trust you enough to make that deal Nightblade..." she spat and moved around to stand in front of him. She put a hand on his face and grinned. Part of her wanted to turn around and look at Praxis’s face to see if he had any show of emotion. He most likely wouldn't... So she waited to listen to his thoughts.

"Get a man who will possibly betray me or sacrifice a meaningless kid and gain a powerful demon... Wow... that's a tough one..." She leaned in close to Soran's face. "I think I'll take the kid, unless you can offer me something that will tell me you won't betray me... I can offer you so much Soran... More than you have now. Hell, if you wish I'll even have Mizuki brought here to keep you company while you serve under me... I'll have her taken care of, her and Gabriel's demon child. But, it's your choice. I mean, little Rai isn't that important. She hasn't got the bond like you and Mizuki have. Forget about her..." Shea trailed her hand down the side of Soran's face. She looked Soran in the eyes... beginning a spell. "Forget about her, Soran..." Her voice became musical... She was trying to spell his mind into actually forgetting about Rai... "Forget." She held his head with both her own. "Be loyal to me Soran..." Shea looked him in the eyes. "Be loyal and I will give you the world... Forget and be loyal..." She repeated it over and over.

Soran should have felt the words just as well as he could hear them. She pulled his head forward and kissed his fore head, sealing her spell... Maybe it would work... She didn't know how strong Soran's will power was...

Shea stepped away and returned her arm to Praxis's, looping it with his. She looked at Praxis with an evil grin.

Soran:

Soran stared icily straight ahead as Shea rested her head on his shoulder. He wondered if she could smell the blood that covered it beneath the flimsy labcoat he was wearing. Then she came and put her hand against his cheek. For a split moment he thought it was Mizuki and felt sleepy…he had definitely been fighting too long.

He cast her a hard glare as she began casting some sort of brainwashing attempt on him. Grasping fingers of magic seemed to be pulling his mind in every direction except the one it was meant to go in, and he sensed the danger in the Queen’s voice. But if there was one thing he was uncompromisingly certain of, it was his own autonomy. He cast her a hard glare as the potency of the spell dissolved and he stood unaffected.

“Sacrifice my autonomy for that child? You sorely overestimate my kindness,” he said icily, “as well as my gullibility.”

Emora:

Shea looked at him with a clever smile. She had other ways of controlling him, but she wouldn't. Well, it would be so much fun to watch that child's hear break... She would brainwash Soran or at least take possession of him and have him carry the child to the table and hold the dagger high above her chest. She would beg him not to kill her. She would remind him of how much fun they had. And he would only stare at her with unfeeling eyes. He would plunge the dagger in and at that moment Shea would let him have his mind back. She would love to see his face as realization hit him. He would probably stare down at the dying child with horrified eyes. Even more pleasing.... How she would love to see that... How she would love to hear the little girl's sad please as she tried to reason with the possessed rouge. She would love to hear what Soran would say... But, sadly she would just have to do that to some one else. Not much time was left to do that.

But, if he were saying he would join her... "So does that mean you'll forget about the brat and join me? Nothing is worth that child. She was born to die. It is her destiny. The child is not worth loosing everything for. It would be such a waist for you to die to save her and I kill her just after you do. Such a pity. Join us Soran... It's a simple yes and no question. Will you?"

And even if he said yes she would not believe him. She would allow him to kill the child though... There were ways for that to happen with out his approval. Either way, he would strike the fatal blow.

Soran:

Soran looked at the Queen unreadably. "I will never be loyal to you. That much you seem well aware of." There were countless things his pride would allow, but not this. If it came to do or die, it might not be beneath him, but it was still too soon to play Martyr. There was still the possibility that Grye or Siren would make an appearance. He decided to bide his time.

Emora:

Shea smiled at him and leaned her head against Praxis’s shoulder. “To bad…” she said with a rather disappointed tone. “You would have made a fine follower…” She flicked a finger and bands of gold wrapped around his arms. “Shall we go watch her bleed to death?” Shea asked Praxis with a hint of amusement. She smiled brilliantly at him and led Praxis around Soran. “Come along, Soran…”

As they walked the band pulled Soran behind them.

The guards were getting tired of waiting… They didn’t want to make Shea any madder than what she was. One rushed in and grabbed Rai from Grye’s arms and shoved him backwards. “Fool around if you want idiot, I do not wish to have the Queen’s wrath on me!” He rushed out of the room almost in a dead run… The effect Shea had on people…<br>


The other guards waited to see what the two would do. You could hear Rai screaming. She was screaming and kicking and biting like a mad person… As if she had some mental instability. She didn’t want to die. “Tora! Grye! Some one!” She possibly just broke there cover in her desperate please. But, Rai couldn’t help it… She was frightened of death now… Maybe because it was so close…<br>

Soran:

The rogue looked down scornfully at the metallic cuffs that had formed around his arms, stumbling slightly as they began pulling him forward behind Shea and her unfamiliar companion. He tested their strength with his arms as he walked. He could feel them give very slightly as his flexed against them, but even if he could break his right arm free, his left was weakened almost beyond usefulness. He plotted in silence, taking in everything and everyone around them as he followed the Queen up to the tower.

Siren:

Siren slinked through the corridors, holding her breath at every turn. She had been heading in the general direction of the sacrificing platform she had seen from the outside for quite some time it felt like. As she rounded another corner, she spotted a set of guards by an archway. Through it she could see the slter room.

'Finally!' she thought, lifting her bracelet. her timeing would have to be perfect and her aim flawless...

"Zevron, appear," she whispered to the bow-shaped charm. Swirls of magic circled her left hand and flowed into the form of a bow. She pulled the string back to the ancherpoint at the side ofher jaw, an arrow materializing on the string magically. Another glance assured her that only these two guards were left in her way to the room, and she let fly and arrow.

It streaked through the air with a quiet whistle, striking the left guard in the forehead squarely. Another arrow quickly followed, striking the dumbfounded right side guard, who hadn't time to utter even a word.

Siren dismissed the bow for the time being and crept foreward, hiding agaist a pillar just inside the room and peering in, her whip at the ready. It seemed that the child had not been brought in yet. No sign of Soran either... So she waited and tried to formulate a plan.

Mizuki:

Grye fell to the floor then got up quickly as the person ran off with Rai. He looked at an unfamiliar woman to him, she didn't have any sense of Dark magic around her that reeked in this castle. 'Whoever you are, you don't seem evil to me!' he thought as he rushed to her and grabbed her arm. He spoke softly in her ear so not to look suspicous to the guards watching them.

"M'Lady," he whispered. "Are you a friend to Rai?" He had his strength back so he now could cast spells better than before, which generally surprised him. He pointed two fingers at the guards and immmediantly they fell to the floor unconcious. "If so then help me save her." he turned back to her readying another spell in case she was a foe.

Back home Mizuki cried out one last time then fainted from the sheer exhuastion of it all. Small cries filled the room of a tiny 1/2 dark angel, 1/4 elf and 1/4 human. Gwendolyn held it in her arms in a blanket.

"Finally you're in the world." she whispered, awed at this small being with small black wings. Naoki looked worriedly to Mizuki.

"My Lady, is she--?" she asked and Gwendolyn looked at her daughter lying, fainted on the bed she gave birth.

"My daughter lives... by a thread though. Make sure she rests and never moves without help and eats well. I must inform Grye." Quickly she turned with the baby boy in her arms and looked out the window of the room concentrating. 'Grye the baby is born, Mizuki lives..'
'That is good to hear Gwendolyn...' Grye responded. 'Our mission is still yet to be fullfilled though, but I'm confident will get her.'

'Please do...'

Emora:

OOC: Be prepared... Long, long ,long post....

The top of the Tower, where the execution was to take place… It was high, the highest tower on the castle. And open... It led out to a flat top, open all around with only archways hanging over it. The night sky shown with brilliance. The stars sparkled and flashed... Though it was night the bright full moon provided great light. Just beyond the alter was Mount May'em, large and morbid looking. It smoldered at the top and the smoke trailed the sky in small streams, the moon causing the smoke to glow slightly.

The guards opened up the door and Shea led Praxis out by the arm, gently. She looked behind her slightly with a smile on her lips to find Soran trailing reluctantly behind... Or well, he wasn't that reluctant any more. No doubt he had a plan... And if he got the child it would matter nothing to her. It would only be a sign that she was not meant to open that Gate... That the demon would be too powerful for her to control.

Once they were standing on the large surface of the tower Shea swung her hand out, causing the bonds on Soran's arms to jerk him and slam him against the base to one of the archways above. "Comfortable?" she asked with a smile. "Good..."

From the doorway Shea's elite followers, those who were worthy enough to watch her great feat filed through. Of course they weren't all there... She couldn't risk loosing the really important ones. She wasn't that stupid. Shea had taken great precautions... She would make sure that this went well, whether she lost the demon and the child or gained it.

They formed a small arc around the alter, leaving the other side open to view the mountain. Samall stood among the many waiting for the execution of the child. He smiled evilly at Soran and walked towards him as they waited for her to be brought in. "Well, if it isn't Nightblade... I wonder what the Queen will do to you after this is over... She has a thing for men like you... She might just take you to her bed. Of course, she might have more interest in some one far more powerful than you... That is Praxis the Sorrow; I've heard he is a VERY powerful demon... I guess that means you'll be tortured to death instead of becoming the first male concubine in this castle. Well, at least I get the privilege of watching the little kid die!" He walked away from Soran, backing off and glaring at him before turning around and walking back to his place.


The guard came running in with Rai flailing in his arms. He was gritting his teeth and held several bite marks on his hands and arm, telling the child had put up quiet a fight. But, Rai seemed to be losing energy fast from all the struggling. Her eyes caught the glimpse of a familiar person. "Soran!" Rai screamed and balled up her fist, twisted around and hit them man as hard as she could in the nose... He finally couldn't take the "brutal" beating and dropped her. Shea stood by idly watching in amusement. Such a strong willed child…

Rai ran to Soran and hugged his legs. Her eyes were watery. "I knew you'd come!" She looked at his arms and noticed they were held high above his head with glowing things... She tilted her head, but still hugged him. The wind blew her light hair around her face. Rai then understood. He couldn't help her for he had been captured himself. "It's alright, Soran... Thank you for coming any way..." Her eyes beheld fear, but strength. More strength than a child had ever had in there eyes. It was a strength meant for a grown person. But, Rai wasn't grown. Her bright eyes sparkled with love, and strength.

Samall was growing irritable and sick at this display. He grabbed up Rai and carried her towards the alter. Rai struggled the whole way. But, couldn't get free. She watched Soran, finding him standing there made her feel even braver. Samall held Rai's arms down and another guard held Rai's legs down. She breathed evenly, visibly trembling. The wind from behind up so high tossed the clothes and hair of those on the top of the tower around.

Rai stared at the stars, concentrating on not being afraid....

Shea pulled a dagger out of thin air. It was gold, the blade was stained in blood to where the gold looked tinted red. "This is the stone where your ancestor stood to cast the spell to seal the demon in. But, before you die I have two people I want you to meet, little one..." Shea nodded and a man and woman were carried out and dropped on the ground.


Samall let Rai sit up with a smile. He had lied to the child. Rai looked at the two people lying sickly on the ground. They were so thin and pale and horrible looking it made her sick to look at them. And so sad... They used all there strength to look at Rai. "Mommy... Daddy...." Rai's eyes filled with tears as she stared at her parents who were near death. Rai wanted to get free and hug them. Samall gripped her shoulders. "Mommy! Daddy!"

Rai's father tried his best to get up and help her, but he fell back down. He had once been a strong man... Built much like Soran, but from years at working and not with a sword. Her mother was beautiful, even now as she was so thin and sick looking. "Let me go! Let me go! Don't hurt them any more!"

Shea smiled and grabbed each one by the head. "I'd turn away child... Unless you want to see your parents die..." Shea didn't wait. She slit their throats and a shrill scream came from Rai and she began to sob. She glared at the woman, the Queen of Arken and cried mournfully. "Blood for blood..." Shea muttered and walked to Soran.

"No!" Rai screamed afraid she would kill Soran now.

Instead Shea placed the dagger in his hand and began a chant on her lips. She would make Soran her puppet for the moment... Samall held Rai down again. "Soran... Kill the child..." Shea said. She let the bonds go off the wall, but not go of his hands and she used them to pull him towards the alter., to hold the dagger high over the child on the table. She was preparing to force his hands down... to force him to drive the dagger into the heart of the little girl.

“Blood for life. Innocent blood shell fall to break the demon‘s prison walls… Death will make you free… on the condition you will worship me. On this night I stand and darkness comes on my command.”<br>


Rai's eyes beheld an expression that no child should ever have. She actually wanted death now. She looked up at Soran with pleading eyes... but it was not to save her. It was to kill her. Part of her didn't want to die. But, the other half was to horrified and saddened by the death of her parents to even care. She closed her eyes and waited... It felt like forever.


Soran:

Soran looked down protectively at Rai as she hugged his legs. ~’I will not allow you to die.’~ He looked into her eyes; she thought he had given up. He wanted to reassure her, but if she knew the plan he was considering, she might give everything away by protesting. He watched unreadably as the child was led to the large stone altar and Samall, whom Soran was now determined should not live out the night, pinned her down on her back.

Fury had been growing in the rogue for some time now, and it presently grew stronger as Rai’s parents were led out and thrown before the child. So they were alive… The cruelty that followed set Soran’s teeth on edge. He had little time to think about it, however, for he suddenly found himself being pulled toward Rai. He felt the Queen place a dagger in his hands. She wasn’t….yes, she was intending for him to kill the child. Soran’s thoughts raced as he was dragged to Rai’s side, struggling to release his grip on the dagger, but his hands seemed glued around it. The cuffs raised his arms up over Rai, and Rai looked up at him with the most pitiable expression he’d ever seen in his life.

He stared into Rai’s eyes desperately. He saw the child’s smiling face in his mind, giggling at him playfully. If he hadn’t been sure of it before, he was certain of it now – he would not allow her to die. Not even if she wanted to. ~’NO!’~ he screamed out in his mind, sweating with the effort of resisting the shackle’s control. His eyes widened as his arms began descending rapidly toward the child’s chest.

Blood splattered up onto the Rogue’s face. Left without an option, he had thrown his right leg up to stand protectively over Rai on the pedestal, plunging the dagger through his thigh. His face twisted in pain as he looked down to make sure Rai was alright. “Don’t…you ever…make that stupid face again!” he growled, his proud green eyes drilling into hers.


Emora:

Rai looked at Soran shocked for a moment. She had closed her eyes when she saw the dagger descending towards her chest. She felt wet warm blood splatter onto her face, but she hadn’t felt any pain. She opened her eyes to find Soran had stabbed himself. She gasped and looked at him in worry and shock. “Don’t…you ever…make that stupid face again!”

Rai looked at him a moment longer, before nodding to him reassuringly. All she could do was nod. She couldn’t take, the knot in her throat was too big for her to speak.

Samall looked at Soran with angry eyes and then he looked to the alter her was holding the child down on. He wondered if Soran had any evil blood. He didn’t think so, Soran was too good of a man to have evil blood. But, if Soran had taken control of the dagger… He could kill either the guard or himself and the alter would be tainted… Samall contemplated letting her go so he wouldn’t fall victim to Soran’s angry wrath. But, he trusted his Queen… He trusted her magic.

Shea smiled and laughed evilly. “Nicely done, Soran Nightblade… I never thought you would sacrifice yourself in order to save the brat. Tell me…” She moved her hand to the side slightly, the dagger moved to rip into Soran’s leg. “Does this hurt?” She went to stand by Praxis again and she looked to see if he was enjoying the show. She was.

“Now, shall we try again. I dare say you won’t make it out of here if you stab both of your legs. It will be mighty hard to run on them…” She raised her hand and the dagger jerked from Soran’s leg and high into the air. Her other hand moved and Soran’s leg fell to the flooring again. “This time kill the child. Samall, stand there, he doesn’t have the will power to move the dagger and kill you…” Of course she knew that was a lie. But, maybe Soran didn’t think he had the power either. He seemed to be the type to not know his own strength.

Shea was eager to see the blood of the child spill onto the stone and cover Soran’s hands. She was eager to see that expression she had imagined in real life. She was eager for blood to shed. “Now Soran… Kill her.”<br>


Rai looked at Soran with eyes that said she trusted him. She knew he wouldn’t kill her. She believed in him. She knew he could fight it. She obeyed his command and didn’t make that face again. Instead she was cheering him on with a simple expression. Hope and belief… and love. She nodded softly to him again.


DarkRose:

"Soran, I know you won't kill her, I know you have the power in you to resist her..." Even as Tora told herself this, her hope was fading.

'Well then, I must take of this myself!' With that Tora marched up to the alter.

She lost all sense of reason. She had a mission...

The alter craved for the evil in her blood....

While the witch queen was so fixed on covering Soran's hands with Rai's blood, Tora was in the middle of a ceremony of her own...

Soran:

A restrained cry of pain escaped the rogue as the dagger twisted cruelly in his leg, ripping his flesh. Soran breathed through his teeth as the dagger rose again and his leg returned to the ground. His anger turned and found a target in the obnoxious mage who was pinning Rai down to the stone. All he felt at that moment was rage and pain and, channeling it all into determination, the rogue redirected the weapon in his hands away from the child and into Samall’s heart. The shackles around his hands shattered and golden shards clanged across the stone floor. Soran breathed shakily and clasped his leg, glaring around warily as logic began to regain control in his head and he realized that the situation had hardly improved. He could never fight everyone in the room as he was, let alone deal with Shea. He blinked warily as he caught sight of an unfamiliar woman walking fearlessly toward him. He readied his blades: did she intend to fight him?

Darkrose:

"Soran..." she said, but Tora knew he did not recongize her. She held her wrists toward the stone, near Rai. No children will die today.

"No evil blood can resurrect the demon. The poor scientists doing the research found this for a fact, and a brave one told me. Evil blood will stop it. But, it has to hit the alter."

Tora closed her eyes.

"Only the young have pure hearts. In everyone else, there is a little bit of evil... including mine."

She slit her wrists above the alter, before Soran, before anyone could do anything. She hoped to the heavens for the best.

Soran:

Soran recognized the woman's voice. It made no sense, but Tora was standing in front of him. But Tora had betrayed them... His eyes narrowed in confusion as the woman suddenly slit her wrists and her blood poured out onto the stone alter. What she'd said made a small amount of sense...was she planning to sabotage the ritual by dying herself? "What the hell are you doing?" he demanded in shock.

Emora:


Samall gasped in surprise and looked down at his chest. Pain racking his whole body. Rai's eyes were wide, looking at the dagger protruding from the chest. Samall looked down at her with his mouth hanging open... Blood dripped from it as his hand shakily reached towards the dagger. He had sat Rai free. She sat up and looked at him. Then, her eyes wondered to Soran...

"Tora!" Rai said when she caught site of Tora coming towards them. She had a strange look in her eyes. What was she going to do?

Samall gritted his teeth and pulled the dagger free. He glared at Soran and Rai. He lashed out, waving the bloody dagger at Rai on the table, hoping to tear into her flesh and bone with it. Hoping to cause her pain... But, he just flipped backwards in death and laid sprawled out across the floor.

Tora made her way towards the alter on which Rai still sat. She held her wrists over the edge of the blood covered alter. Samall’s blood, Soran’s blood, and now Tora’s blood stained the granite slab. Rai gasped as she watched Tora’s blood drip.

Then, the earth shook… The slab of granite rocked shook violently. Fire rose from the mountain and a large crack could be seen coming from it. But, just ask quickly as it started it stopped. Shea’s voice could be heard. “The blood has been rejected… It is not the child’s.” That was sort of stating the obvious, but some of those wouldn’t understand.

Shea turned towards the four. Grye, Tora, Soran, and Rai… Wasn’t there a fifth among them. She could since it. “So do you plan on running now? It’s going to be mighty hard since you have to get to the very bottom of my palace…” Shea didn’t seem mad at all about losing the demon. In fact, she seemed so amused by it that it frightened her followers. She had just lost and yet she was amused! “You won’t make it out of here alive.”<br>
Rai climbed off the alter and ran to the two dead bodies lying on the stone flooring. She sank to her knees and touched them. “Heal!” she said softly. “Heal!” She yelled. But, it was too late. They were far passed her reach… far to gone. Rai grabbed at the clothing and cried. Her tear filled eyes looked to Shea and she rose up screaming. Running towards the Witch Queen. She began hitting Shea… But, Shea merely grabbed Rai’s swinging hands and lifted her up before throwing her across the ground towards Soran and them.

Rai stood groaned and pushed herself to her knees. She looked up at Tora, whose wrists continued to bleed. If she couldn’t save her parents… She could heal Tora’s wound. She grabbed Tora’s wrists lightly and looked Tora in the eyes. A small light emitted and Rai hissed as she felt the sting of the cut in her own wrists. She let go, and the cuts were gone from her.

Siren:

Siren recoiled her whip as she stepped back into the ceremonial chamber, eyes angry and full of fire. She had been taken by surprise, caught by two of the palace guards who had found the dead bodies from before. That alone had pissed her off, actually having some filthy, evil, human man so close, touching her wings, was unforgivable. So, she had killed them, visciously wrapping her whip around their necks and chocking the one holding her, then snapping the neck of the other.

Now she stormed foreward into the room, taking flight as soon as she hit open air. The sight she was confronted with was enough to startle her out of her anger. Soran was bleeding heavily from his leg, and the child was healing a tall beautiful, yet ultimately unfamiliar woman whos wrists were slit.

Her bizzare entereance had been enought to throw the room into a bit of confusion, so she took the oportunity to land by Soran's side and began inspecting his wound, knowing full well that he would resent the touch. She pulled a feather from her wing, whincing slightly as it jerked free, and held it to the open wound, chanting softly. The feather transformed under her touch into a thin black patch that melded to Soran's wound, acting as a patch to hold in the wound and keep him from loosing too much blood.

Mizuki:


Grye pulled Tora through the halls and up the tower, they will soon be in the room for the sacraficing. Grye just prayed it wouldn't be too late. Out of breath but on every nerve to fight to the death, they reached the alter in time to see Soran stab the dagger in his leg.

"INMobilize!" Grye shouted freezing some of the guards coming their way. Grye ignored the Queen and ran to Soran. "Well at least you guys are still alive. To shed some light in a dark place Mizuki as given birth and lives... but right now..." he swung his fist behinde him to strike a guard down coming after him. "Let's concentrate on saving Rai. Fates Soran! "
Grye watched as the next events took place and Tora slit her wrists (OOC: which I'm cringing at right now). And when Shea talked, amused at it all, Grye became confused. 'Shouldn't she be raving mad?!' he thought.

Soran:

Soran glanced to the side, startled as Siren flew down next to him. He had to admit he was relieved to see her. She pulled a feather from her wing and an unfamiliar material closed his wound. He felt tense watching her hands approach his leg, but after he saw what she had done, he looked up at her and nodded appreciatively. ~’She came,’~ he thought gratefully. The pain was the same, but at least he wouldn’t die of blood loss.

He looked across the tower and saw Grye run up to him. "Well at least you guys are still alive. To shed some light in a dark place Mizuki as given birth and lives... but right now..." the wizard said.

Soran felt a suffocating pressure he hadn’t even noticed was there lift off his chest as he heard of Mizuki’s safety. Everyone was still alive…they just had to get off the tower. “Siren,” he said, calling the angel by her name for the first time, “Take Rai and fly back to Ighten.” His voice was strained with pain, but firm. “Please.” His eyes met hers firmly. Grye could take the rest of them home with his magic, but Soran wanted Rai safely out of the way. "Put her somewhere safe, and come back."

Siren:

“Siren.”
She looked away from the Queen, who she had watched out of the corner of her eye since arrival towards Soran as he adressed her.

“Take Rai and fly back to Ighten... Please.” As their eyes met, Siren couldn't help but feel mixed emotions. She had waited for a command patiently, and was happy to finally be recognized, but she could sense the strain in his voice, and she knew that, although her patch would stop the bleeding externally, the internal damage was still there.

"Put her somewhere safe, and come back," He spoke.

Her eyes cleared of doubt, and she nodded to him, walking over and picking up the child, who seemed in pain, cradled in her arms, then turned back to Soran.

"I will do as you ask." She then turned to Gyre. "Follow as quickly as you can. I think you can sense as well as I that there is strong black magic still at work here."

She glared at the Witch Queen once more, sending a silent warning to stay away from those that were hers, and took a running leap into the air, flying as swiftly as she could away from the castle with the added weight of the child.

"Hold on tight." She instructed Rai.

Mizuki:

Grye understood what Soran wanted to do. Grye put his hand on his shoulder and looked at him. "Will you be up for the ride?" At the same time he turned to Tora and held out his hand to her, beckoning her to take it. He knew well enough from his own senses and the information Tora had given him that she was a friend. One who had recently been traveling with Soran and Mizuki before he had come and she became possesed.
"But what of Shea?" he asked. They couldn't kill her, and he knew it. But now he just didn't know if she would still persue them since she has now lost the demon from Tora's smart yet desparate thinking.

Casania:

OOC: woah didn't anticipate such a Sunday rush anyways I'll try to work myself back into the story.

IC: Praxis stood there motionless the whole time. He already knew beforehand that the demon was not going to be released. The threads of fate may be subtle but the signs were there all along. One of the principals of war is don't fight battles you're destined to lose, and Shea was destined to lose. Yet, what he found odd is that Shea seemed to know the same thing the entire time. Nevertheless, she still persued this pipe dream. It puzzled him as to why. She must have some ulterior purpose for this. He decided to probe this matter futher.

He glances at the escaping party and he glaces over at Shea. "You're letting them get away. You do realize that if word gets out that this party of weaklings sucessfully infiltrated your stronghold, people will beleive that your powers have weakened. That will not be good. I could slaughter them if you desire"

His green eyes looked into hers begging from the opprituinity to create some canarge. Yet they were a clever rouse. They way Shea talked to Soran, it somehow threated him, and Praxis beleives that there is only one responce to a threat, to crush it before it poses a risk.

[Soran Nightblade]

Emora:

OOC: Sorry... for all the posting....

Shea looked to Praxis and smiled at what he said. Yes, she knew that quiet well. She knew people would think her power was weakened. She knew they would come to destroy her. They would send their best warriors in the hopes they could assassinate her. Let them come... They would be seriously underestimating her.

"Do what you wish, love. Kill them or let them go, you have free reign. If you wish to slaughter Soran and his friends, then do it..." she said with a good bit of amusement.

"As for what people think. Yes, I am letting them escape. Yes, there will be people who think me weak after this. But, let them. Let Ighten send her armies because she thinks me weak. I will squash them with an iron fist for such arrogant thoughts. If you would like to have some fun you may. Whether alive or dead, there purpose has been served... Go, love, have your fun." She smiled full of seduction and leaned towards his year. "And then we can get back to our discussion..."


Rai reached for Soran as Siren picked her up. "No, Soran, you have to come with me!" she said desperately, but winced slightly. She let out a tired breath. "Soran..." She looked him in the eyes for a moment... and then nodded with understanding.

Rai help on tightly to Siren. "Did I mention I don't like flying?" Rai whispered softly, closing her eyes and pretending they were walking... and not hundreds of feet in the air. It was rather hard since she already knew in her heart she was in the air and the blowing wind didn't help...

The night sky sparkled brightly as those in Arroes watched Siren and Rai fly through the air.

Mizuki:

Grye held on to both Tora's and Soran's hand and concentrated. He did two things, he concentrated on putting them in flight and putting a sheild around them to stop any attacks. He did these both and they were sonn in the air flying back home with a silver feild of magic around them. After Rai's healing his powers seemed to be wokring and lasted much longer than they used too, but he still had to move fast before he did become exhausted.

He was also looking forward to two things. To see Mizuki's face again and the child, which brought up questions. The baby will need a father right? Mizuki seemed to have a deep bond with Soran but Soran seemed like the distant from people type. Grye and Mizuki were already kind of promised to each other, even if Mizuki didn't like it and Grye didn't like having to force her. But if he couldn't persuade his father to break the pact for Mizuki's sake.... he can be a good, loving father and husband. But that all depended on Mizuki's decision and whatever she choosed he would be ok with. He glanced Soran's way. Yes, there was a bond between the two even if Soran refused to admit it. Grye paled momentarily. What if something happened proving the fact that Soran wouldn't open up to Mizuki? Grye was too afraid to think of how Mizuki's heart could handle that...

Casania:

Praxis glared at the elf his green eyes blazing with purpose, and with a fast motion he swept the hood of his cloak over his head. He noticed the mage reaching for Soran's hand.

He mused to himself. "Ah so you plan on using arcane flight to escape Mr. Nightblade. The queen may no longer have any further business with you, but I still do."

Praxis held out both arms straight out and chanted a phrase in the demonic language. A pair of wings composed of pure fire erupts out of his back.

Soran:

Soran narrowed his eyes and held on as they rose into the air. His head was swimming, but he needed to stay conscious lest he lose his grip and fall from Grye's spell. As they elevated, he noticed the strange male servant at Shea's side staring at him cryptically.

The rogue eyed him watchfully as the spell completed and they sped off toward Ighten. He narrowed his eyes as wings made of fire sprung from the man's back and he took off in pursuit of them. As he'd suspected, it seemed the Queen's unfamiliar servant had some power hidden up his sleeve. Soran exchanged a glance with Grye to decide upon a plan.

Mizuki:

Grye looked back and blanched. He had no idea if his spells could hold off against a demon!

"I've never had to fight demons...." Grye said shakily. Personaly, he'd prefere to just start speeding off but then they'd lead the demon to the women... and the baby. For the first time, Grye felt powerless and his sheild almost falttered. But light englufed them all and they dissapeared from sight and appeared right back in the house. Grye blinked, bewildered and confused at first thinking it was a trick. But he saw his father and knew it wasn't.

"DAD!!?" He cried both glad and stunned beyond words.

OOC: O_O;; don't hurt me... I just wanted everyone home...^_^;; whaaat? -ducks from bricks- heeey come after us later but don't make it too soon!

Soran:

Soran squinted as a bright light engulfed them and teleported them elsewhere. The first thing he was aware of was throbbing in his leg. He gritted his teeth as he landed on his feet, but quickly sank to his knees. As soon as he was composed he opened his eyes and found himself in a place that was familiar, but so unexpected that it took him a moment to realize it was Mizuki's living room. A strange man stood opposite them, and the rogue watched confusedly as Grye seemed to recognize him. "Dad!" the wizard exclaimed.

The rogue pushed unsteadily back to his feet and looked at Grye's father. "You teleported us here?" he asked, wondering why he was asking a question he already knew the answer to. His head didn't seem to be working right; everything seemed detached and blurry.

Emora:

Shea saw the flash of light and she already knew what had happened. They were gone, and along with them was Praxis's source of entertainment. She sighed, and looked to her followers who shuddered with fear. "Go." They left with out another word.

Shea walked towards the alter and ran her hand over the bloody mess. She seemed to be in thought as she turned around and sat on the top of the blood, crossing her elegant legs. She would wait for Praxis's return.


Rai held on tightly to Siren... She managed to look through a crack to watch Soran and Grye and Tora disappear in a blinding flash. "Siren!" Rai said loudly, but it was tainted with weakness. "They're gone. They just disappeared! Where did they go?"

Rai grew worried for her friends. Had the scary man with fire wings killed them? No! Rai had already suffered enough... she didn't need to lose her friends too.


Casania:

Praxis looked upon the great light with intense frustration. He circled around and started looking for the angel and the girl, but given the lead they have it seemed unlikely that he would catch them.

Mizuki:

The man nodded, but seemed to be scowling.

"Aye." was all he said. He was a tall, rough man built strongly from years of hard work with his magic and with heavy weapons. His left eye was lost to desease so he had a black patch over it. "I'll transport your friends." he said in his deep voice and clasped his hands together and in the next instant, a bewildered Dark Angel and frightened child stood in the room.

"Everyone's alive and well!" Naoki exclaimed and went to hug Rai. "Gwendolyn's putting the baby in the room with Mizuki to sleep. Soran! Your leg!" Naoki put Rai back in Siren's arms and ran for bandages.

"So son... you must tell me your journey's another time." Grye's father said. Grye nodded but said solemly.

"I ran into Damien." him and his father fell into silence but then Grye's father smiled and dissmissed it.

"To me he is no longer my son. Now, let us not stay in these horror thoughts. I command everyone to rest and get tended to while you tell me how it all went!"

"Yes, yes father." Grye said and turned to his companions. "This is my father Lorel. Father this is Tora, Rai, Siren, and Soran." Lorel bowed to them and then sat down.
"Soran sit down and let me see your wounds!" Naoki came back in and started chatting happily. "it's great to see you all back and alive and well! Mizuki will be overjoyed when she wakes up! But she is exhuasted now and--" Naoki was interupted by cries from the baby and Gwendolyn walked in with it in her arms.

"He wouldn't stay down to sleep." she said smiling at everyone. Tears threatened to string her eyes and she went to hug everyone. "Oh Fates, you should all be tended too and... oh my!" she couldn't find any words for the happiness she felt. She looked at Rai's clothing and made a disgusted face. "Rai let's get you out of those horrid cloths. Would you like to see Mizuki after you've changed. I bet most of you would. Oh, but maybe you should rest first.... oh! and this is Mizuki's newly arrived into the world son! She has yet to name him because she fainted and went to sleep right after the birth." she showed everyone the little bundle in her arms sleeping. Dark hair covered his little head and small black feathers peaked out from the folds of the blanket he was wraped in.

Siren:

Siren looked over her shoulder as she flew, noticing that Rai was right, the small image of their friends in the distance had dissapeared. She did not stop though, fearful that the spot of firey red just a bit farther in the distance would follow if she did.

"If it was a burst of light it couldn't have been Shea, she can't use light magic. They must have gone ahead." She paused to think. "At any rate, Soran's command to drop you off and come back has been nullified, by my thinking. We'll head directly back to Mizuki's house. Once we're safely across the boarder we can stop and make sure you're alright, little one."

Siren smiled down at Rai reassuringly, happy to see such devotion in one so little.

Suddenly, a bright light surrounded them too and they found themselves inside a house. Siren, still in flight mode, crashed into a couch as she landed, but no real harm was done. By the time she came to her senses, a small form was being held in front of the group.. A small form with dark black wings...

"What in all the hells is going on here?" She asked breathlessly, startled to see that Mizuki's child was not mostly Elven.

Soran:

Soran sat down and reluctantly allowed Naoki to bandage his leg. He said nothing of his arm, deciding he could tend to it himself later in private. When Rai appeared he looked over at her and Siren in exhausted relief. He turned unreadably as Gwendolyn entered the room with the newborn child in her arms. Soran was at a loss as to what to feel towards it...he supposed he should be alarmed or disgusted, but those feelings wouldn't come.

"What in all hell's going on here?" Siren asked. Soran glanced at her. For the first time it occurred to him that Siren might not even be aware of the reason they had killed her former master.

"She hasn't woken since the birth?" he directed the question to Gwendolyn, referring to Mizuki.

Mizuki:

Gwendolyn shook her head. "But she does move rather unrestfully in her sleep. She must be worried about you, all of you." but as she said it she was still looking at Soran. Maybe when you're tended to, would you like to go see her? All of you?"

"What in all the hells is going on here?" Siren exclaimed. Gwendolyn turned to her and saw that she was talking about the baby.

"Uhh... I guess you didn't know. This baby belongs to Gabrial." Gwendolyn said his name in disgust.

Emora:

OOC: I created a new thread at the Border and Casania... we can either keep posting here or we can create another thread if you want. What ever you would like to do.

Casania:

OOC: Sorry for being so MIA. Let's post here for the time being

IC: Dejected at losing his prospects to releive tension. Praxis abrubtly turned around and flew back to the castle. As he flew back he reflected on recent events. There was something he had to do, he didn;t like it one bit but he felt compelled to do it. It was his fate to be alone. The heavens laid out this path for him, and everytime he tried deviating from this path he was punished.

He landed on top of the tower and he quickly looked for the Queen. At the sight of her, he made the effort to empty his head of all thoughts and uttered, "this is goodbye...." He turns to leave and outstretches his firey wings.

Emora:

OOC: It's alright

Shea had been musing over recent events of her own. She was very happy when Praxis returned, because she was still meaning to talk to him about her side of the deal. She tilted her head at him as he landed and she admired his fire wings.

"This is goodbye...."

Shea's face actually took on a surprised look. She glided off the alter and walked over to him as he turned to fly off. She moved to stand in his way, barely missing his massive fiery wings. She placed her hands on her bare hips and looked at him with a questioning gaze. "Does this mean that our deal is off? The contract is to be destroyed? Tell me, dear Praxis, what brought this sudden change..." She turned on her charms with a knee-weakening smile. "Don't tell me the way I acted with Soran has done this to you!" She sounded hurt and it was hard to tell between whether she was and whether she wasn't.

"I never meant a word of it actually," she turned away from him stepping to the edge of the top of the tower. Her toes hung off and she gazed down. The people looked like ants below, all her ants and she was there queen. She bent forward, one slight move could send her tumbling over the edge... and possibly to her death.

Shea clasped her hands behind her back. "Is it good bye forever?" she wondered more to herself. "I rather like you, Praxis..." She leaned further forward, another strong gust of wind could push her off, but Shea loved the thrill of near death. She looked behind her at him with a smile playing on her lips. "If you leave, then I take it our deal is off? I must be a disappointing woman... not to catch your interest."

She stood up straight, no longer leaning over, but still dangerously close to the edge. "This is most definitely a first."

Shea pondered what it was that would cause him to leave. Possibly this girl he was after. But, wasn't it her part of the deal to help find her. All he had to do was give her the signal, say the word, and he would have her. She would give him anything he desired, that is how much she respected him.


Casania:

Praxis knew this was going to be difficult. He knew she wouldn't just let him leave like that. He had explaining to do and it made him very uncomfortable.

"The contract...its stilll very much on. It's impossible for me to destroy it, but as long as one of us does not provide our end of the bargain, the other is not obligated to provide their part. The problem is that I do ....like you.... Its just.... well...people I get close to...." He paused for a long period of time.

A green female face uncontrollably flashes into his mind. There is a look of great pain in her eyes. Praxis violently dismisses this thought but it is then followed by the image of a great city completely engulfed by a large, blindingly white fireball.

"I mean, if I continue to be with you.... if anything should happen to you because of me...."

He realized he was just digging himself deeper.

"Look I'm just not ment for this, its not in my nature. I thought given who you were, that we'd be safe from this, that there wouldn't be any.....emotional attatchment. I was wrong."

After saying this, Praxis was regretted that he opened his mouth.

"Look were not good for each other. Just in us being in the same room....it makes us... vulnerable."

Emora:

Shea listened to Praxis's words as he spoke and when he was finished she turned to him, her heals now hanging off the edge of it. "Vulnerable?" she asked him and tilted her head. "At the moment, the only thing vulnerable about this situation is the fact I'm about to fall over the edge for the fun of it." She smiled dazzling.

"Aren't there demon penalties for bargains that go unfinished? Like those fools who are already damned and they sale there souls. Doesn't the demon that doesn't pull through on his end get in trouble? I wouldn't want that to happen to you..."

The wind blew softly and picked up. She faltered slightly, holding her arms out for balance. Her eyes stared into his, as if she could read his soul. She found it utterly adorable that he liked her and that he cared for her.

"Don't worry, dear Praxis... encase you haven't noticed.... I have a thing for danger and death." She smiled fondly at him and she stepped away from the edge, walking gracefully and casually towards him. "I'm its mistress. I neither fear it nor avoid it. If any danger comes to me I will handle it. If I am harmed, I will heal. But, if you are so frightened you find you must runaway, then do so. Fly off, Praxis, with your tail between your legs. Or, stand and face whatever is causing this weakness."

Shea placed a finger on his lips and she smiled. "It warms me to know you care so much for my life." She laughed lightly. "I have millions of people out there wanting my blood on there weapons, my body on the end of the sword... and you are afraid I will be harmed because of you? What powerful demons are against you, Praxis? That they would seek to destroy me, a mere whore, who has taken you to her bed."

She laughed evilly, but in many ways it was beautiful laughter, sweet to the ears. "Do you doubt my power? Do you doubt my ability to protect myself? Call me arrogant, call me prideful, but I can most certainly handle anything that comes my way. Even if this demon or what ever it is that seeks you out, this fearful thing that frightens you, is stronger than me, I will face it. But, run Praxis! Run away from it. I did think you were stronger than this..."

Shea returned to the edge of the tower, the wind blowing her hair and clothes about her. Her red hair gleamed in the still setting sun like fire. "Or stay..." she smiled. "And teach me to fly."

Casania:

Praxis looked at her. Fear entered his eyes. No way! She's going to hurl herself off!

Emora:

Shea turned from him with a smile on her face as she heard his thoughts. In that one swift move it was as if time slowed. She turned with her foot out and stepped off the edge as if there was an invisible step before her. Her head was held high as she turned in mid air towards him, falling the whole time. Her eyes held no fear in them, but knowingness. Her hair flew up as did her clothes as she laid on the air, falling with her arms out to her sides. She closed her eyes, her heart pounding in excitement. Birds flew around her and her eyes opened to look at the ledge that was rapidly getting farther away. Choose, she sent to him. Will you run? Or will you beat your fear.

Casania:

Praxis froze in horror as Shea hurled herself off the tower. He cursed himself as he realized how limited time was. "Foolish!" he exclaimed has he hurled himself after, her head first, his firery wings folded tight against his body like a falcon diving after its prey.

The ground underneath them rushed towards him, but Praxis caught up to her. Realizing his wings would burn her, he engaged in a elaborate manuver. He spread his wings as wide out as they could. As he did this, he quickly and tightly wrapped his arms around her. He beated his wings furiously, but it would not be enough. Realizing this, he turned over his back facing the rushing ground.

Praxis directed their fall into a relatively soft area. He crashed into the ground holding Shea protectively to his chest as his back slid along the ground. His back was cut and bruised, but otherwise he was not seriously injured.

His hands shook, and he looked Shea in her eyes, "This is what I'm talking about." He sighs. "What would've happened if I didn't leap after you?" The sadness was apparent in his eyes. "There's going to be a time when something will go wrong, and I won't be there to catch you!" He stared off into space, as if a painful memory had just resurfaced.....

Emora:

Shea looked at him, trying her best not to laugh. Her cold heart couldn't see why he would be so sad about the prospect of her death. No one cared for her that much... "If you hadn't of come after me I would have simply opened a portal and reappeared by your side," she said sitting up on her knees and looking down at him lying on his back.

She knew he had been hurt, but he had proven what she had expected and she would reward him for his loyalty. She reached out a hand and placed it on his shoulder, a whimsical smile playing on her lips. The tips of her fingers glowed and she felt all the pain that was being caused by the cuts and soon to form bruises. The cuts faded and the bruises along with it. They reappeared on Shea's own back, but would fade by the end of the day.

That was twice that day she had healed him and twice she would feel the effects of doing a good deed. "I take it you will still leave?" she said and arched an eyebrow. His leaving gave her a strange feeling, but she didn't quite no what it was. "Well, if you so choose, then do so. I did say I'd give you what you desired and if that is what you desire you may have it."

The towns people were off a good distance watching with interest, but fear as to why the loathed queen would be where she was with the man and his fiery wings.

Shea placed her hands on him again and they disappeared only to reappear in her bed room on the floor. It was the last of her energy for a while. "Where do you plan to go? After this Casania?"

Wearily she rose from her kneeling position and left him for the bed, where she took a seat behind the curtains that surrounded it. "And I don't need to be caught." She said that in defense of her power and pride.

Casania:

Praxis pondered his responce for a moment. "I'm going to recover what I lost since coming here. There's something about this place that's just ... intoxicating... makes me forget what I am and how I got this way. I need to remember that beccause if I lose control and stray from the path I have chosen it could very well destory me and all that I have worked for."

His serious face changed into a forced laugh. "I'm mean just think for a second of what were talking about here, you, the Queen of Arken and the King of Sorrows, two inhuman monsters loving eachother and having a family. Do you not see the irony, the incompatabillity of this thought with our natures?"

Emora:

"I'm mean just think for a second of what were talking about here, you, the Queen of Arken and the King of Sorrows, two inhuman monsters loving each other and having a family. Do you not see the irony, the incompatibility of this thought with our natures?"

Shea looked up at him and smiled cruelly. She could tell him just what she thought… or she could show him…. But, she would wait a few moments for that. She was tired, but getting stronger by the minute.

“Actually, I think we have much to make us compatible. I cause sorrow and pain and you’re the king of it. See, we’re perfect for each other. But, if you choose to leave….” She glanced up with her dark eyes and a clever smile was on her lips.

Shea rose from the bed and walked towards him slowly until she was before him, centimeters away from him, and staring up. Is that really why you’re going? she thought as her face was plain… thoughtful , but so beautiful. She was searching his face for answers.

She placed her hand on the side of his face. She walked around to stand behind him. “After saving your life…” Her hands trailed up his back and down until her hands rested on his hips. “And after healing your back…. And I felt your pain… You repay me by leaving me so that I may be alone again?” She kissed his neck, the tone of her voice almost truly upset.

Shea slipped around gracefully to stand in front of him, staring up with him with actually slightly pained eyes. Whether this was an act or for real no one would truly ever be able to tell. Her hands trailed up his firm chest. “If you are leaving, then at least stay with me another night. A reward for both our parts… Please?” She smiled softly, snaking her arms around his neck.

Kyosuke:

A man clad in black armor strode purposely down the hall. He had just come back from his most recent mission, a patrol of the towns in Arken and making sure that the citizens weren't too happy, or plotting against Shea. Frankly, it was more amusing making sure the people weren't happy.

He made a point in every town to grab a person that had even the remotest hint of a smile on their face and slaughtered them. Then proceeded to eat the corpse in front of the townspeople. He had found quite a few delicious people there.

He stopped a servant and ordered him to inform him of Queen Shea's whereabouts. He was told that she was in her chambers and quickly strode over to the said room and had a servant knock on the door to announce him.

Emora:

Shea was sitting on the bed, waiting patiently for Praxis reply. She was getting impatient slowly, however, because he seemed to her to be taking his time. She was about to tell him to answer her when the a knock came to the door.

Shea rose up with a blaring anger at being disturbed yet again that day… and while she was having a conversation with Praxis still. “Yes?!” she called to the door with a great deal of annoyance in her face. The servant behind the door stuttered fearfully…<br>
“My… my lady…. Um… a man… a soldier is here to see you. His name is Dimerion….He would like to see you,” the servant said.

Shea’s face eased and a cold smile came to it. She shifted on her feet, placing a hand on her hip. “Send him in,” she said, her voice surprisingly pleasant. Shea walked back towards Praxis. “If you want to leave me, then do so. I am sorry that I wasn’t as entertaining as I had hoped…. Because you are leaving I guess I’m pretty boring….”<br>
Shea reached her hand up and touched his cheek. She leaned forward and gave him a passionate kiss, sending magic flooding through his body giving him warmth. She stepped away, the bruises and cuts she had taken from him when healing him slowly began to fade, but not all the way. “I will miss your company…”

Kyosuke:

Dimerion entered the room and kneeled down on one knee before the Queen and bowed his head. He ignored the presence of Shea's demonic lover and addressed the queen. "My Queen, I have just returned from my mission patrolling the other towns to insure that the citizens aren't plotting against you... or happy at all," he said with a grand smile on his face. He wished to look up at his beautiful queen and admire her, but kept his head bowed down until asked otherwise.

Emora:

Shea walked forward a few steps gracefully and looked down at Dimerion with a seducing smile. “How kind of you,” she said and reached her hand down and under his chin. She raised his head until his eyes were able to meet hers. “And I trust you found no one plotting against me. If you did, I think you disposed of them for me? Ah, yes… you do look like a smart enough man… I bet you did. Ah, Dimerion! The Man Eater… The people on the streets fear your hunger.”<br>
Shea bent forward, giving a very inappropriate view over her chest, though not much of her was covered any way. She was dressed in hardly anything as usual. Some say it was to distracting to those who worked for her. But, Shea felt that it made them more attentive towards her. She used her magic to cause him to rise to his feet, making him tower over her with his considerably height.

“I believe you are here for a new mission?” Shea asked and grinned evilly. “Or just to visit?”<br>

Kyosuke:

Dimerion enjoyed the view he got very much, and he also wished that he had a cod piece on his armor, because his lower body was starting to hurt. "I came to get another mission my Queen," he said. The supposedly secret love he had for her really wasn't that much of a secret to people. However, he still denied it as a love and called it a simple infactuation and nothing more.

Emora:

Shea smiled up at him and tilted her head to the side. Her long red and black hair cascading. “A mission, aye?” she asked and trailed her finger tips of his armored arm. “Hmmm…. So many to choose from…” Shea began to walk circles around him. She stopped again in front of him, placing her hands on her elegant hips.

“Well, I do need someone to help with the Border… But… Ongoreth is awfully lonely without its Shogun… It might need someone to watch over it while he’s away… Oh, what to do, what to do….” She grinned and looked up at him. She admired him for a moment, looking him up and down. She looked to Praxis. If he was leaving and refused to sleep with her and refused to help her sire a child then she would need someone else who was strong. She would need to consult with her magic soon… So maybe she should keep him around for a while.

Shea had hoped Praxis would agree to sleep with her one last time. She hoped she would conceive with him. She needed an heir… because if she didn’t have one if something were to happen to her there would be no one left in line for her thrown. Even if it were a small baby, like she had been, the child would be queen or king.

But, Shea was always opened to other options. She noted that Dimerion wasn’t so bad looking himself. “Hmmm… do you have any ideas?”<br>

Kyosuke:

Dimerion shook his head. "No my Queen, whatever you command of me I will do however," he said. "No matter how much my life is at risk. Even if you command my life I will give it for you." The dark knight spoke no truer words than that. He was loyal to his beautiful queen.

Emora:

Shea laughed, it was like evil music to ones ears. Beautiful. “I would not ask you to take your own life. What a waste of a perfectly good soldier. And one as fine as you is greatly needed in my army…” She took two slow graceful steps forward until she was mere inches away from him.

“Well, at the moment I am rather indecisive…. I would like to consult my magic first. I need to ask something of it. I will gladly summon you again once I have done so… But, if you would like to stay a while you are most welcome… I do enjoy the company of a soldier such as yourself…” She bit her bottom lip and looked towards Praxis. She wanted him to at least think something so she could know his answer. Why wouldn’t he speak and what was taking him so long? Was it such a big decision to make? Was she that hard to leave?

“I might take you as a personal bodyguard… Since Praxis is so frightened harm will come to me…” She looked at Praxis once more. “Would you mind that? Or would you rather go away on a mission? I’d like your opinion…” Not that she would take it….

Kyosuke:

Dimerion shook his head. "No my queen, I would not mind serving as your personal bodyguard at all," he said. "It would be a pleasure serving you directly instead of going out on missions." The knight would have gotten on his knees and bowed his head again, but the magic was still holding him up and he continued to stand.

Emora:

Shea smiled at him and let her magic go from him. She turned her back to him. The bruises and cuts slowly fading still. She walked towards a chair next to a fire place, which was covered in red and black candles. She sat in the chair and crossed her elegant long legs looking from Praxis the Sorrow to Dimerion. She gave them both a knee weakening smile. “Well, then… my personal bodyguard it is…” She felt like making a perverse comment such as the job would require him to stay in her room, as he couldn’t function as a bodyguard away from her… But, it was just to absurd, even for Shea to say.

“I can see you’ll make a fine one as well. I trust my life will be safe in your hands…” she looked at him, looking him up and down and sizing him up. “Have you eaten anyone interesting recently?”

Kyosuke:

Dimerion thought back on the last couple of weeks as he was patrolling around the country. "I recall eating the leader of a rebellion that was going to rise up against you. He was a rather stringy individual, very tasteless also. However, some of his followers were quite the opposite, especially the young ones who followed his idealism," he replied.

Emora:

Oh, how nice,” Shea said and smiled. “Yes, because of the war, more and more people are beginning to get ideas. And more and more of them will try there utter best to over throw me. But, sadly they will fail, because there are more of me…. Than they are them. I’ll have the patrol announce that if any traitors are found that there children will be thrown in my dungeon for torture and then execution. I don’t care how small they are either. The little brats will grow up to be just like them. And I can’t have there kind growing in population.”<br>
Shea shifted her gaze yet again to Praxis. She was so annoyed with him she was on the verge of having him locked in her dungeon just to keep him around, but out of her hair for the moment. She wanted him to answer and willing to force it from him if she had too.

“It shall get worst I know. Sinead will send people to kill me or to spy on me and they shall all perish like the rest. I will like to go to the Border and view the fighting when it take place. Maybe my sister will even be there and I can show her what power really is. She has barred me from her city, but mine is still open for any challenge she may wish to give.”<br>
“So I am in need of a bodyguard… Unfortunately my Queen’s Maiden’s are not as affective as I hoped. But, a man as strong as you and as ruthless will do nicely. Maybe even Praxis will stay around to protect me,” she smiled to Praxis, but her look returned to Dimerion.

Kyosuke:

Dimerion nodded to his queen. "Yes, it is a very smart decision My Queen. Kill all the traitors and their children," he said. He wasn't sucking up to the Queen or anything, he completely believed that everything Shea did was correct. "I will be overjoyed to follow you anywhere to serve you as well."

Emora:

Shea smiled and stood up. She walked towards him and took his arm in hers looking up at Dimerion with a certain intent in her eyes. “Well, since you will be my personal bodyguard I assume you will be staying in the palace. I would be delighted to show you to your chambers. I’m sure you’ll find them quite nice.

“Praxis, I will return. If you would like to carry on this conversation stay here, but if you want, then leave. I guess I can do nothing to make you stay. It was truly a pleasure seeing you again. Don’t be a stranger… and lets not let it be another few hundred years before you visit.”

Shea took Dimerion by the arm and led him from her bed chambers and into the dark black stoned hall. The gargoyles shifted as the presence of the queen was known again in the halls. The shifted so they could watch her and the man she escorted walk down he hall to another set of double doors. “This room should be efficient I believe.”<br>
Shea waved a hand before they reached it and the doors flew open with ease. She walked with Dimerion into the room to find that it was equally dark compared to her room. A large bed was against the wall. With heavy maroon covers trimmed in gold rope. The floor was black marble like much of the palace. The walls were dark brick. There was a large window with the curtains open and the stars could be seen from even where they were. There was a set of double doors leading to a private bath that the maids could fix for him any time he wished. There was a desk for him to do his planning or such on, it was elaborate and rich looking with a large comfy chair. There was a fire place and a chair beside it. There were empty book shelves for him to place whatever he tended to read, if he read at all. There was also a place for his clothes and armor. There was hardly any light in the room except for the moon and stars shining in through the window.

“I think this will do you nicely, and it is close to mine…” She looked to him and grinned as if implying something.

Kyosuke:

Dimerion smiled in reply. "Wouldn't it be easier for me to serve you if I was in your room watching over you My Queen?" he asked. He was aware that there were double implications to the statement, but he wouldn't have minded serving Shea in either way.

Emora:

Shea looked at him and grinned widely. Well, Praxis is hell bent on leaving me… So sad… I’d truly love to spend at least one more night with him… Oh, well. “Hmm… that would be a pleasant and smart idea. I mean someone could get into my room at night and you wouldn’t even know about it. Then you would protect me,” Shea said smiling cunningly.

Shea knew she could handle herself if a mere mortal tried to take her life. She could utter a spell before he could raise his weapon. But, it was a pleasant idea.

“I might just do that,” she said and turned to stand in front of him. “But, usually when a man comes into my room its not to protect me…” An elegant eyebrow raised to what she was implying. “I’m sure you wouldn’t want anything passed business….” Shea smiled, wondering if he would openly admit it.

Kyosuke:

Dimerion licked his lips, though probably a rude gesture in front of his queen. He bowed his head and said, "I apologize for that display of rudeness My Queen. But... I wouldn't mind if more than business went on at all." He knew it was probably a bold move and if he had done it to the Queen of Ighten he'd have been turned to stone for that comment, but he would be honest to his queen.

Praxis:

Praxis just stood in the room frozen in silent cotemplation. He was in a rock and a hard place. On one hand he wanted to leave this place, to leave civilization. He felt out of place here among the tall towers and the buildings, and long for a place of rubble and ruin. He did not like staying in one place for too long. Settling down wasn't his style....

And then came the interruption... He cursed the servant and the brute that came in after him. He immediately noted the look the man gave Shea, and it brought up a fierce desire to kill the man for that look. So crude... what would she see in this man. Realizing he was feeling jealously, he suppressed everything, becoming an emotionless statue in fear that he would tip his hand. He didn't Shea to know that he was emotionally attatched to her. Why...why am I compeled to stay here. I have the will to defy death, yet I can't leave this woman!

After the couple left. His willpower broke. He went into a panic, images of that crude brute bedding Shea flashed into his head. "That BASTARD!" He spoke a little too loudly to himself. Realizing he was about to tip his hand, a plot formed in his head. He called to the air, "Kantu, if that brute thinks he has the gall to be her personal bodygaurd, then we shall test his abillity." A ball of fire swirled in front of him and he summoned the monk before him. He then summoned a set of all black ninja clothes. "Put these on and fake an attempt on the queen's life, but focus all of your attention on the bodygaurd."

Kantu put on the clothes, concealing his identity, and responded with an emotionless,"Yes, master."

"Oh, you shouldn't have any trouble with him given your style of combat, but if you should be captured, you are to immolate yourself with this...." He tossed a red ruby to him. "its crucial that you leave no evidence of my involvement."

He responded with another emotionless, "Yes Master."

With that Kantu lept out the window in search of the brute.

Emora:

Shea smiled at him and tilted her head. Typical… that is all that can be on a man’s mind… well not all. She turned slightly and walked towards the window. She looked out it and turned towards him. “I wonder if you’d be able to function properly as my bodyguard if it was more than just business?” she asked and her cunning smile turned to one that usually could make a man bow before her in worship. She was a truly beautiful woman… Shapely and not modest in the least bit. She knew she was beautiful and she knew this man wanted her. She used that to her advantage like she always did.

She waved a hand and the candles and torches in the room flamed to life. The fire place roared with black fire for a split second before it returned to normal. “I’ll have to think about it, after all. I can’t have your head clouded when I need you the most. But, if someone was in my room, I would need you wouldn’t I?”<br>
Shea secretly hoped that Praxis was still where she left him and that he would stay with her. But, if he didn’t Dimerion would make a nice way to relieve her tension.

Kyosuke:

Dimerion nodded. "Fear not My Queen. If more than just business occured, I would still be able to function effectively as a bodyguard," he bowed his head. "And yes my Queen, if someone was needed in your room, I would be glad to serve as your bodyguard."

Emora:

Shea smiled and shifted on her feet, a slight arrogant look coming to her, but only seemed to make her more desirable. “Yes, I bet you would.” She walked over to his bed and ran her hand over the soft covers a smile playing on her lips. She moved her hand elegantly and a magical force pulled Dimerion towards her. “So….” she said and turned around just as he reached her. The back of her legs pressed against the bed. She reached her hand up towards his face and pulled him closer to her by placing her hand on the back of his neck. “If I did this…”

Shea took his lips in a kiss that was passionate, but nothing like what she had given Praxis. Though, for Dimerion it should have still be amazing. She pulled away slowly. “And someone was in the room trying to take my life you would be able to still protect me. Even if you were entwined in my legs?” She grinned evilly and removed her hand from the back of his neck. “I think you’d have a slow reaction time in that position, don’t you, soldier?”

Casania:

Kantu clinged to the wall just outside the bedroom. He heard the conversation inside. Of course, thought their telepathic link between master and servant, Praxis heard as well. She's acting like she knows exactly what I'm planning. Yet the sight in his mind of Shea wrapping her legs around that undeserving man infuriated Praxis. He angrily telepathically ordered Kantu Do it!

With that Kantu smashed through the window into the room. Kantu could've taken advantage of the suprise but he choose not to. He threw a punch in the air towards the hulking knight, and turned his knuckles towards the ceiling. He gestured towards himself with his fingers.

Kyosuke:

Dimerion had enjoyed the kiss from Shea very much. For a while now he also had a tingling feeling on the back of his neck, like he was being watched. He wasn't that surprised when a figure dressed all in black burst through the window and threw a punch at him.

The big man brought his forearm up to block the punch and quickly untangled himself from his queen. He wondered what this man was accomplishing by attacking him, but the dark knight would not let him get away with it. "You will be easy prey for me," he stated, his arrogance getting the better of him.

Emora:

Shea ducked slightly when the glass and wind came blowing through the room as the ninja broke through the window. She turned quickly to see just what the hell it was. Her face was of mild surprise but took one of coldness. Who dared to disturb her? But, Dimerion caught the punch and moved away from her. She smiled cunningly. Oh, I get a show…

She backed away and stood leaning against the wall next to the fire place. The glow of the fire hitting her and giving her pale skin some warmth to it. She narrowed her eyes with interest and ran a hand over the stone of the mantle.

Was this ninja here to kill her or him? Which one was it. It seemed he was mostly here for Dimerion. Which made Shea question why.

Casania:

Noting the man's arrogance, Kantu took the first move. He assumed a fighting stance. With a complicated series of foot movements he spun the invisible Ki into a spear around his feet, creating Feet of Iron and then he lept into the air, and Kicked downwards towards the knights shoulders.

Meanwhile Praxis had calmed down somewhat, and was hatching an alternate plan to the one he just executed. He heard the faint but distinct sound of glass crashing, and knew exactly what was happening.

OC: See character description for what each move does

Kyosuke:

Dimerion wasn't quite sure what the point of those seemingly random foot movements was and let the kick connect easily. What happened next surprised him as his armor shattered on him, leaving his upper body exposed. On his right arm was a tattoo of a heart with Shea's name on it, but he ignored the fact that it was now exposed and glared at the ninja.

"That was an impressive move," he said. "But a dumb one." Now that part of his armor was removed, the knight could move even faster and stronger than before, no longer having the heavy armor limiting his movements. He drew his sword and started swinging wildly at the ninja, using the style he would normally use against other knights in heavy armor.

Emora:

Shea saw the tattoo on Dimerion’s arm and she covered her mouth to keep from laughing. How lovely it was he cared for her so much. It was rather adorable. No wonder he wanted to protect her in her room. He wanted to get into her bed from the moment he came to the castle. Expecting a reward no doubt. Shea grinned evilly. How lovely.

Shea watched the interest and wonder at what would happen next. Shea wanted to go and make sure Praxis was still in her room. But, she didn’t need to leave to find that out… She could send her self and stay where she was….

In Shea’s room an image of herself so realistic appeared behind Praxis. But, faded quickly before she could say anything. Shea still hadn’t regained all of her power from healing Praxis a second time. It was good to note he was still there.

Casania:

Kantu easily dodged the slashes. He retreated away from the knight onto the rarely used balcony adjoining the bedroom, hoping the foolhardy knight would follow him out there. He also knew it would please the master if he minimized the damage to Shea's possessions.

Praxis strengthened the telepathic link to Kantu. Look the him in the eye, I need to read his thoughts, his desires, he ordered, hoping to read the knight's mind through Kantu's eyes. Of course, what he didn't tell Kantu was that he was hatching plot in case the monk should fail.

Kyosuke:

Dimerion followed the ninja out to the balcony, not caring if he had anything planned. Without his armor on he was faster than most people. For a while longer, he would maintain his hack and slash style of sword combat, refusing to acknowledge the ninja's strength. The ninja would be in for a great surprise anyway if wounds were dealt to him, he had a plan ready if he ended up getting too hurt.

He then caught the ninja trying to look into his eyes and grinned. He would use his eyes of darkness technique if their eyes ever met, trapping the ninja in his illusions.

Casania:

Kantu jumped onto the roof out of the knights reach. He pauses for a moment and and issues a small Ongorethian chant. He then jumps back into the fray, and dodges a large swipe. As the knight's sword crashes to the ground, Kantu closes in to a foot away from the knight, and he thrust an open palm, the Wonder Palm of Shaolin, towards the knight's bare chest.

Emora:

Shea watched with great interest as the two fought. She felt a hand tap on her shoulder. “My lady, Lord Malicar is here…” the servant said and backed out of the room afraid to be hurt. Shea followed her for a moment. “He wishes to see you, my Queen.”<br>
“Tell him he can wait, I am busy and I shall see him on my own time,” Shea said with a bit of annoyance in her voice. The servant nodded and walked away.

Kyosuke:

Dimerion twisted his body to the side and avoided the palm. After having his armor shattered, he wouldn't let the ninja in front of him connect with another attack. He renewed his attack, still hacking and slashing in the direction of the agile ninja, and starting to get frustrated at the situation. He was still waiting for the instant that their eyes met, for he would use his technique and defeat the man. (OOC: Oh yeah, same with me, if you want to know my character's techniques check out his profile)

Casania:

Kantu was suprised by the knights abillity to dodge that blow. No human could move that fast without training their Ki or without some supernatural assistance. Yet, I cannot not detect any strong aura. This man draws his power from some source I've never expirienced before.

It occured to Kantu, that the knight was purposefully not trying hard to hit him. This didn't unsettle him very much, with Praxis's aid, he could dodge the blows of one of the greatest Ongorethian masters. He concluded that the sword had to be taken out of the fight.

It also occured to Kantu that in this fight he could not momentarily give up his sight to fufil Praxis's order until he immobilized the man.

As he backed away from the knight, he again made complicated gestures with his hand, preparing a Fist of Iron. He then stood immobile, hands at his side, appearing to give the knight the opprituinity to strike, when in fact he was concentrating on the swords aura, anticpating the movements of a skilled swordsman.

Kyosuke:

Dimerion noticed that similar motions that had been made by his foot earlier were now being made by his hands. He paused a second and reassessed his strategy. His opponent was skilled, and he wasn't fighting at his best. He changed his tactics this time and dashed forward, bring his sword up as if he was going to slice down again at the ninja, but instead threw his leg up and kicked at the ninja. He then brought his sword down in the slash he had prepared earlier.

Casania:

From the position of the sword and the skill of his opponent, Kantu anticipated that the knight would execute a blow followed by an overhead slash. He threw up his right leg and arm to absorb the blow of the kick. He was knocked back a foot by the force of the blow, but he remained in the same position balanced on one foot.

As the sword came down, Kantu shifted all his weight back onto his right leg, and transfered all his momentum to the left arm as he threw his fist upwards to meet the blade. The two connected and stopped eachother's motion. Time seemed to freeze as the blade began to vibrate and resonate at a painfully high tone. After what seemed to be an eternity, the blade shattered into a thousand pieces. A small stream of blood trickled down Kantu's Knuckle.

Emora:

My lady he says he will not wait. He says if he has to he will barge in during your bath but he will see you today... He is making an awful lot of noise."

"And you think I care?" Shea growled and looked at the servant you backed away. "Fine, he will pay for such insolence..." Shea turned away from the interesting fight.

Kyosuke:

Dimerion narrowed his eyes as his move was anticipated. He backed up a bit and put his arm into a boxing stance. He knew he was at a disadvantage now, however, he kept his hands below his eyes, so that they were still exposed. He baited his enemy on, hoping that he would look into them. He had the reach advantage with the blade and was more skilled with it than he was at hand to hand, though he was no slacker at that either. The problem was that the ninja in front of him was obviously a hand to hand specialist.


Casania:

The fight was proceeding as Kantu anticipated. All he had to do was incapicitate his foe, gaze into his eyes, and perform the 5-Point Soul Banishing Technique. It perpelexed him as to why the master wanted to read his foe's mind as he would banish his soul soon after, but he wouldn't dare disobey his masters orders. He stood before Dimerion, and extended his arm palm towards the sky and gestured towards himself.

Meanwhile, Praxis was as aware of the fight as Kantu was with the strong telepathic link between the two. He wondered as well where Dimerion got his power from. Where have I seen something like this before. What is your secret knight? He thought to himself.

Emora:

Shea stepped into her throne room where this visitor so patiently had been waiting for her. She saw him upon HER throne with a cold smile on his face. She had met him many times in the Citadel as a growing woman and had been in some of the same classes as he. He hadn’t changed much at all.

Malicar when she last remember was almost seven feet tall. With long black hair that went well passed his shoulders with a white streak down the front. His eyes were blood red filled with demons taint and his skin pasty and pail. He wore black robs and had long finger nails that were thick like an animals. His face was thin and long with a firm jaw and his teeth filed to points.

“And who do you think you are to be sitting in my throne?” Shea asked as she walked towards him and he rose from her seat. He stood on the top of the steps and walked down towards her in an arrogant way and his eyes roamed over her.

“Why… I’m ruler of Arken, lady…” he said smugly standing right in front of her and towering over her. Shea didn’t look afraid of him either, which he didn’t mind. He would make her afraid of him. The fearless woman would learn fear… by his hands!

Shea laughed evilly and looked at him. “Malicar you are as insane as ever, leave this place before I kill you,” she ordered, a dark glare being sent from her eyes.

“Insane? You are hardly one to talk about who’s insane…” Malicar said and reached his hand out towards her. And Shea looked at it. It immediately caught fire. The fire died instantly. “Hmm… guess what your Queeny… I’ve grown in my power.” He grabbed her arm suddenly and Shea looked at him as if he were the biggest idiot in the world. “Wrong move,” she said and slapped her hand on his chest. A black power came from under her hand and began to invade him. Then it went right back at her and sent her flying across the room and landing on her side.

Shea stood up and looked at him with a shocked expression. That had NEVER happened and never should have. She was powerful, not him! “Meet your new ruler, bitch, because I’m taking over.” He floated towards her and knelt down. He snapped his fingers and a chair wrapped around Shea’s neck. She jerked at it WHAT THE HELL WAS GOING ON! How did he get so powerful?! Shea jerked and tried to blow the chain off. It just glowed and mended itself.

“Its been a long time Shea…” He grinned and looked her over as she was partially lying on the cold stone floor. “Don’t worry, I’ll take real good care of your kingdom. I might even make you my bride… You’ll still be queen! But, I’ll be pulling your strings…” He cupped her chin with his hands. “Now where are all your faithful bodyguards when you need them.

“I need no one,” she said and held up her hand. It glowed with black fire and then the fire died.

“You seem weaker than usual? Been doing good deeds?” She just glared.

Kyosuke:

Dimerion refused to retreat. He also refused to lose this fight he was in. He quickly stripped himself of the armor that still remained on his lower body and stood there in a loincloth. With the last of his restraints removed he would be able to move even faster than before, and dodge any attacks that were thrown his way. He wondered exactly who his assailant was but ignored the thought.

Casania:

Praxis's concentration on the battle was disturbed by the tingling feeling of powerful magic being used. From the aura's signature he concluded it to be Shea's and he was about to relax and turn his attention back to the battle, but he sensed that magic being reflected by a more powerful magic, whose aura he didn't recognise.

Now thats odd, I'd figure she gets her way with things. He grew concerned, although he dismissed such thoughts as irrational. Why would she need my help, she can obviously take care of herself. Damn human emotions! He couldn't take it anymore, his emotions dominated his capacity for rational thought, yet he had enough control tgo try and conceal that fact.

He proudly strode off in the direction of the magical conflict, pretending that he was informing her of his depature, but he really wanted to see what was happening to her. He proudly strode up to the door to the throne room, and threw it open with a lack of tact quite unlike him. "Just wanted to..."

Meanwhile, Kantu noted that his opponent was removing his armor. Which was fine with him, it exposed 5 Ki nodes instead of the 3 if he left the greaves on. With a cold monotone voice, Kantu asked "Are you ready?"

Kyosuke:

Dimerion maintained the same stance as before and smirked. "What kind of fighter asks his opponent if he's ready to be attacked?" he asked. He knew that his enemy had prepared for a massive attack, maybe the last one that would strike Dimerion if he couldn't dodge it, so instead of letting the ninja attack first, he attacked.

He dashed at the ninja at speeds that would seem like they would be impossible for the human body, but that the dark knight had achieved. He then threw a flurry of punches at the black clad man and prepared himself to jump away completely if he saw the man starting his own attack.

Emora:

Shea glared up at Malicar as his black hair fail from his shoulders as he leaned over her. “Come on Shea, you’re the biggest whore on Heirot. You can make love to thousands of men, but the idea of being my wife disgusts you?” Her gripped her chin firmly as she fought her way to her knees and looked up at him. “You are an arrogant woman.”<br>
“And you are foolish.,” She spat and held up her hands again. She hit him in the chest with powerful magic that sent him stumbling. He growled and Shea laughed at him as he glared at her. “Foolish to think you, a mere half demon could over come me.”<br>
“I can, because I have something you don’t, Queen Shea,” he moved towards her. “I have no problem with the sun….” He raised his hand and from under the curtains Shea saw the glow of the sun. Her eyes widened and she struggled with her chains. He started laughing at the frantic look on her face. “Shea, you slut, I haven’t got your power to control the sun in Arken. But, I do have the power of illusion. “I do have this though…. The power to take your soul and enslave you. You don’t have to sign a contract. I can take it. Make you mine.”<br>
Shea looked at him and laughed. “Funny… I have a demon of my own who has made me his. You’re a bit late….”<br>
"Just wanted to..." She heard his voice say as the doors flew open and Malicar was pushing her onto her back.

“And there he is now, and as soon as I’m out of these chains, if he doesn’t kill you first. I’ll castrate you for even thinking of indulging your fantasies with me.” Her eyes were evil. She wasn’t afraid of him raping her or taking her thrown. Because, she would prevail anyway.

Casania:

Kantu threw up his hands to block the flurry of blows. The man definetly had power and speed, but Kantu compensated with skill. Every one of the knights movements were telegraphed quick enough by certain tendencies. The tightening of the muscles before the throwing of a punch or kick, the small relfexive clenching of the jaw, all of these signaled the knight's next move even before he started it. Sensing the knights momentum pushing him back, he rolled with it, arching his back with a backflip kick to the groin.

Meanwhile, Praxis was taking in the situation. Shea on her back, this man towering over her, the sun looming in the windows. Clearing if the sun was in view, Shea wasn't tied up for her own pleasure. Praxis looked over at the tall man and angrily demanded, "And just who the hellll are you?"

Kyosuke:

Dimerion decided to just take this next hit, he saw it coming well and when it connected, he grunted in pain but squeezed his legs together to trap the ninja's. Then he drove his fist at the ninja's face with as much force as he could muster. He doubted that he would have any fun with Shea that night, considering the hit he just took. He also reared his other fist back in preparation for his next blow.

Emora:

And just who the hellll are you?"

Malicar’s head came up as his hand caressed Shea’s face and neck lightly. She just stared up at him with a wicked grin. Malicar was alarmed at first, but smiled. “I am Malicar, King of Arken, its new ruler….”

The illusion of the sun burned her skin. Though, now that she knew it was an illusion it didn’t have it’s full effect. Malicar looked up at Praxis with his blood red eyes and then glanced down at Shea. “Is he the one that already owns you?”<br>
Shea smiled. “I didn’t say he owns me. I just said he had me,” she said to him.

Malicar stuck her across the face and stood up. Shea just laughed and rubbed the side of her face as she sat up and continued to pull on the enchanted chains. She pulled them from the stone with a strange strength, but it reattached itself. “Wait there until I get back will you? We’ll finish discussing the prospect of our marriage later.” Shea laughed again as if he was the funniest comedian in the world.

Malicar stepped over her and she turned around on the floor and raised her hand. Malicar waved a hand behind him and the chain shrunk until she was lying on the ground, only two inches of link to the chain. And stone hands came from the floor to hold her hands down. She wouldn’t need them to cast all her spells…<br>
“And if I may quote you, ‘just who the hell are you’?” Malicar asked as a ball of light shot towards him from behind. It just sunk into his clothes.

[Soran Nightblade]

Casania:

Praxis looked sternly at the man standing in front of him. He noticed Shea's spell crashing in to him with no effect. He laughs at the man's words. "I'm sorry, I only bother answering those sort of questions to those who are man enough to ask in person. Quite frankly, its beneath me to answer to an illusion. But I guess I should expect such cowardice from a pathetic half-human."

Meanwhile, punch crashes into Kantu's face, dislocating his jaw. In respoce he curls up into a ball, arms and elbows out front protecting his vulerable areas. Kantu realized the knight squeezed his knees together to trap his foot, and this put the knee in an awkward position. Threatening to dislocate the knight's knee, Kantu throws a vicious kick towards it with his free leg.

Kyosuke:

Dimerion noted his legs awkward positioning and saw the next kick coming. However, he had already started his next punch and his weight was shifted in a way that he wouldn't be able to dodge out easily. So instead, he threw his whole body down, landing on his knees and throwing his next punch with both the strength in his arm and his whole weight into the ninja's face. In return he received a bone jarring kick to the ribs, feeling one crack.

Emora:

A growl could be heard coming from behind Praxis and a glow of magic came from some invisible thing and hit Praxis in the back. Foot steps could be heard and then the figure appeared as the illusion disappeared. “Well, happy? Now, who are you to defy the king?”<br>
Shea looked at the stone hands holding her wrists and they broke apart, shattering. She pulled on the maniacal around her small neck. “Malicar, why don’t you go find yourself another child to molest and stop playing house.” She laughed evilly and pulled hard, the chain came from the floor, more and more links being added on. “You could never be king…. You haven’t got the balls.”<br>
Malicar threw more magic at Praxis as he stormed towards Shea, breaking her chain in to as he jerked her into the air and floated into the air with her. She smiled at him. “We’ll see about that tonight won’t we?” he asked and slung her away. Instead of hitting the wall like he had expected she floated to the ground. He growled and chains appeared around Shea’s wrists. “Stay there and I’ll deal with you…”

He then looked to Praxis. “Who are you?” His blood red eyes darkened. “I order you to leave.” Even Malicar knew that wouldn’t work, but he just loved talking. “I’m not stupid, I know that if you’ve been in her bed your devoted to her. She has that way with men. She can seduce them beyond anything. But, she doesn’t care about you. She just wants you under her control. So why don’t you join someone who will let you have freedom from that whore.”<br>

Casania:

The punch crashed into Kantu's Left Arm, breaking it midway up the lower half. Kantu didn't even whince as he feels no pain. Kantu's ears pick up as he hears the knights rib cracking, a godsend to the martial arts master. As the knights weight is now on both his arms, it leaves his head defenseless. Kantu quickly throws his arms around the knight's head in head lock, and throws his knee into the knight's broken ribs, driving the broken piece into his internal organs.

Meanwhile... "So why don’t you join someone who will let you have freedom from that whore." Praxis just laughs in responce to Malicar's words. "As if you could offer that. What are you going to do, conjour up some petty false image and make me forget about her. Tell me something, BOY, how can you convince me to leave her, when your pathetic parlor tricks can't even convince me to tell you my name?"

Emora:

Shea looked to Praxis and smiled as she stood there, listening. The chains couldn’t stop her from casting spells and this half-demon was no real threat to her was he? But, she had to remember that he did have unusual powers all of the sudden. Maybe he was no long a half demon… but a whole one? Did he sell his soul finally.

"As if you could offer that. What are you going to do, conjure up some petty false image and make me forget about her. Tell me something, BOY, how can you convince me to leave her, when your pathetic parlor tricks can't even convince me to tell you my name?"

Shea looked to Praxis quickly wondering if she had heard him correctly. Did this mean he would stay with her? She smiled cunningly and pulled on the chains. The tightened every time. When she snapped them they attached again. When she made them explode that came back. She was getting truly annoyed by them. She looked up at Malicar. Her eyes glowed purple and power flashed towards him. It hit and his own eyes glowed for a second. He turned his head slowly around and looked at him. His mouth opened and her power shot back at her. She dove to the ground to miss it. Her own power was her weakness she realized. That’s why he wasn’t using his own.

He would do the same to Praxis. Once had a taste of your power he could use any of it against you. He turned back towards Praxis and through some of Shea’s magic towards him in the hopes he would use his magic against Malicar.

Shea looked to her chains. My magic… She looked at them and concentrated. They shattered but only came back. She guessed this was not her magic, but his. Oh, well, it meant she would get to see how good of a fighter Praxis was.


OOC: You can control Malicar if you want to.

Kyosuke:

Dimerion coughed out blood and rolled backwards off the ninja before he could do anything. He fell to one knee and clutched his rib. Taking a few deep breaths, he concentrated on a spell for a moment and stuck his free hand out towards the ninja. He used his Black Fog spell on the ninja, hoping that it would work and confuse the ninja enough for him to attack again.

Emora:

Shea watched as Malicar held his hand high and called lightening from someplace in the darkness of the space above them.

The lightening formed in a ball around his hand and he reared back and through it with a powerful force towards Praxis's chest. There was a blinding flash and Shea could not tell whether it had hit. She wasn't about to wait around to find out and this game of watching Praxis was growing tiresome.

She pulled on the chains. "I am the Witch Queen, Daughter of Darkness, and Mother to Death... and you dare to think you have the power to take my throne from me? You are mistaken you pitiful demon!!"

And the palace quaked with her rage....

Casania:

OOC: Hey sorry for dying again. I'll post really soon, like 2:00 am tonight. I've been out of town and swamped with work.

Casania:

As the lightening ripped through his chest, Praxis felt an intense burst of pain pass through him. Just an illusion, he thought to himself. Suddenly he sensed an immense power surge and felt it coming from the queen. He looked up with imense fascination as the walls of the palace shook.

So you were just faking being weak and helpless all along. I knew there could be no way this mere thrall could possible match you. Although the sight of you in chains is quite entertaining. He smiles to himself.

Malicar walks over to him, towering over him with his hands glowing, but faster then the human eye can see, Praxis's hand shoots up to his face. It glows green and Malicar's eyes roll back into his head. A demonic brand glows a painful bright red on Malicar's head.

Praxis sighs. He looks over to Shea, "you know with one word, I can send this piece of Hell Hound Crap back to his master, but I suppose you want me to put on a show for you. Although I fail to see the reason for it. Not that it matters, I'll barely have to lift a finger."

Meanwhile.....

Kantu suddenly found himself in darkness. He was momentarily stunned, although it impaired his fighting abillity somewhat, he knew what to do. Closing his eyes, he wiggles his ears, listening for the small change in pitch in the noise. While doing this, he slowly turns in a circle with one arm slightly outreached as if it were slowly trying to grab something. Most of all he focuses his attention of the motion of the air against his skin. Like a salmon in a stream, he feels the motion of the air, and uses it to feel a disturbance in the medium.

Emora:

Shea took several steps forward in a quick pace, causing the fabrics of her skirt to flow behind her almost in a magical way. Her hair flew as well, as if a breeze was blowing, but non could be felt. Her eyes were glowing red as the walls still shook, but slowly they stopped and the light in her eyes faded away, the wind that could not be felt stopped as well.

Shea walked around Malicar to be at his side. She reached out with an outstretched hand, a finger pointing towards his arm. She ripped the sleeve of the robe off and his pasty skin could be seen. She laughed. "So puny, Malicar...." She ran her finger nail up and down his arm until she came back to the shoulder where she made a deep cut, stabbing her nail into his arm and causing him to wince. She tore a long peace of flesh off his arm and through it to the ground. He screamed and as he did so the stone block came to life and ate the flesh, returning to its former form with a sadistically happy sound.

"A mere thrall, using illusion in the hopes to get my throne?" she asked more to herself. She took several steps until she was by Praxis's side. "No need to show off Praxis..." she said and leaned over until her lips lightly brushed his ear. "I know how good you are..." She winked at him and looked at his eyes as her hand came up quickly towards Malicar's chest and the skin from his bloody was blown off, leaving nothing but a mere skeleton. He had no time to scream.

Shea laughed musically and the skeleton fell to the floor as the stones in front of them devoured the flesh, muscle and organ of the use to be magician.

"But, if you wish to prove yourself to me... I know exactly how and where you may do so..." Her smile was beautiful, and her eyes sparkled with evil delight.

Kyosuke:

Dimerion coughed out a mouthful of blood. His vision was fading quickly and he noted that the ninja, surrounded in the spell of darkness, was still moving in his direction. The knight didn't have the energy to move, either away or in his enemies direction. Sticking his hand out, palm facing towards his enemy, he prepared his last spell. He couldn't move well enough to rely on his touch of death spell, so he would have to use his damage exchange.

He activated the spell upon his opponent. It wasn't so much of an exchange, as the name said, but it was more of a duplication. Upon the ninja's body, the same cuts and bruises and broken bones and injured organs that Dimerion had appeared. It was a shame that he didn't get a chance to use his Eyes of Darkness spell, but it mattered not.

Casania:

As Kantu slowly walks towards Dimerion. Suddenly a weird sensation of takes over Kantu's body as Dimerion's cuts and bruises are duplicated on them. He crashes to the ground and coughs up blood. Kantu realizes his plan of attack has been thwarted, but he hatches another plan. Feeling no pain, he stretches out his good hand, and manages to drag his broken body a few inches. He then stops, satisfied that he still has a little mobillity left and just enough for his plan. He'll lay there motionless until his sight returns. Once it does, he'll look the knight in the eye satisfying his master, and then he'll slowly crawl towards the immobile knight until the two are close enough together such that the immolation Gem will consume both of them.

Praxis frowns at Shea as he realized just how romantic he's been acting. "Bah, I have nothing to prove. Its not like I need to be here. If we're not of use to eachother, then I'll gladly leave. But speaking of leaving before we we're sooo rudely interupted, I thought of a solution to our little problem...."

Emora:

Shea looked into his eyes with her dark evil filled ones. "Leave?" She turned from him quickly and made a pouting face. "I do wish you'd stop talking of leaving..." Her voice almost sounded truely saddened. "But, if you do I guess Dimerion could always guard me in my sleep... He seems so willing to... And there are more people like Malicar out there, stronger as well. I will need someone to guard me in my sleep..."

She smiled and stared at the last piece of flesh as hey destroyed it.

"Oh... and just how can we fix our little problem?" she asked and smiled. Gracefully and tempting she turned to him, that smile of seduction on her face.

Kyosuke:

Dimerion coughed out another mouthful of blood. His vision was blurring immensely now. He felt his consciousness slipping away from him, he banished the spell of darkness away from his adversary and stared him in the eyes, trapping him in the last spell he would be able to cast. His Eyes of Darkness spell. With it he convinced the ninja that he was elsewhere. It would make him believe so much that the knight was elsewhere.

Of course, that was if he was at full power. A strong would now be able to break free of his spell if they figured out that they were being affected by it. In the meantime, he rolled out of the way of the crawling ninja's path, hoping that the ninja would be unable to break out of his spell but assuming that he would not be tricked into going into a complete different direction. He kept his grunts of pain to himself, not wanting to give any indication that he had moved away.

Casania:

As Kantu's eyes met the knight's, he established a telepathic link to his master. Dimmerion's thoughts were immediately transmitted to Praxis mind. Nevertheless, Kantu in his weakened state, is caught up in the illusion, and he continues slowly crawling towards the illusionary Dimerion.

Meanwhile, Praxis receives Dimmerion's thoughts. Hmmmm, very interesting; he may be of use to me after all. He looks Shea in the eye, and concentrating very hard to keep his head clear of any thoughts, he speaks.

"I have to leave...temporarily. Don't get me wrong, being here is good for business. It's just well...only recently did I start doing long term contracts, like yours, and getting attached to one place like this, it's something I'm going to have to get used to, but right now I must get out of here. I can no longer take being confined like this, it's a Demon thing.

Now I wouldn't do this for just any customer, but you were so insistant on me staying. Why don't you come with me? I can bring my minions back to life here, and after that they can protect us and scout out locations for us to shelter you from the sun."

A broad smile crosses his face.

"Of course, if you want, you can bring your... guard along too. I welcome the competition."

Emora:

Her dark eyes looked as if they could see right through him. She tilted her head and smiled. "It is soo tiresome... And I would like to see what’s happening with my army..."

She trailed her hand up his arm and to his shoulder. "And you are so insistent upon leaving..." She grinned evilly. "I truly have nothing to do but give orders and I can do that from anywhere. I doubt anyone will take my thrown while I'm gone... but, I shall put someone in charge."

Shea stepped closer to him until she was inches away. "Will you get jealous if I bring Dimerion along?" And her evil smile grew into a grin.

Kyosuke:

Dimerion noticed that his nameless opponent was now crawling towards the location of his illusion. He sighed in relief, but coughed out a bit of blood. Struggling to maintain his consciousness, he kept the illusion on the ninja active.

Casania:

The smile on Praxis's face grew broader.

"Me? Jealous of mortal. What reason would I have to be jealous of a mortal and one of your servants at that?

Don't worry about him. I'm even going to the trouble of planning some...entertainment for him so he doesn't get bored as we take care of business. But shouldn't we find out whether your... guard is even feeling up for the trip before we make plans?"

Kantu continues to crawl towards the illusion. He draws out the immollation gem as he moves. He whispers to the illusion, "Die with honor."

OOC: Emorra is it O.K. if I kill off Kantu and ressurrect him later on?

Emora:

Shea leaned upwards, her hand going to his neck. She kissed him passionately, a knee weakening kiss and then smiled up at him.

"But shouldn't we find out whether your... guard is even feeling up for the trip before we make plans?"

Shea's smile faded slightly. "I do declare that if anything will be the death of me it will be healing you too. He's in pain... I've been feeling it for a while and I planned to heal him anyway... You might have to take me to my room for a nap before we leave... It depends on how bad he truly his injured..."

"This makes three times today I've had to heal someone.. twice it was you," she said and her smile returned as her hands trailed down his chest. "Oh... but it was well worth it..." She walked around him and out the still open door, glancing behind her for him to follow her.


OOC: I'm sorry, I was just reminded that it wasn't an NPC by Kyosuke. It's still fine.

Kyosuke:

Dimerion's vision blurred. He clung onto his last thread of consciousness. Through his unclear vision he saw the ninja pull out a gem of some sort, and wasn't quite sure what it was. He just lay there, coughing out more and more blood and struggled to stay with that last thread.

Casania:

OOC: Hmmm. I guess I should clarify the roles they play. I'm guessing they should function like an NPC, but unlike NPC's I'm planning on detailing them like a PC. Each one of them has a back story, detailed characteristics, powers and weaknesses. The main reason I posted Kantu in the character creation forum was so people would know them. For future reference, where should I post the rest of the Wings? Anyways...

IC: Praxis closed his eyes and kissed Shea. It was a good kiss, and Praxis relaxed. But upon hearing Shea's plans to heal Dimmerion, he nonchalantly placed his hand in his robe pocket. He clenched his fist tightly, and followed Shea out of the room. He walked up to her side, and forcing his voice to be calm he asked, "Soo, do you always heal your servants like this?"

Part of his mind was also on the battle between Kantu and Dimmerion. He knew that Kantu was about to kill himself, and he knew it was just for an illusion. Pawns have to be sacrificed for the good of the king, he thought to himself.

Meanwhile....

Kantu crawled up to the illusion. He used his last bit of strength to sit up next to it in a meditative stance. Closing his eyes and turning his palms face up to the sky, he unleashed the spell. A great ball of fire erupted around him, searing his flesh. Nevertheless, Kantu remained perfectly motionless as the fire consumed his body. Finally his spirit left the body, and it slumped over, burning until nothing was left except for ashes. Moments latter, a small breeze picks up and disperses the ashes into the air.

EMora:

OOC: It depends on if he’s an NPC. If he’s an NPC you post the info in your characters bio. If you plan on turning him into a character just make a character sheet for him.

Shea turned her head towards him and looked his face over for a moment. "I do if they disserve it..." she said and turned her head back forwards. "I should reward him. He's fighting to the death, I admire the lack of fear for death. Fear of death is a tasteless weakness."

"Dimerion will be the only servant I have ever healed... Unless you consider yourself my servant?" She smiled at him her seducing smile. The way in which she walked was hauntingly graceful as if she were almost floating. Her hips moved elegantly and entrancing and the way in which she walked had attitude with it and an imposing feel.

The stone arches creaked as the gargoyles followed her.

Pawns have to be sacrificed for the good of the king, she heard from his thoughts. She laughed out loud and looked to him. "I figured as much. Did you feel so threatened by Dimerion that you had him attacked? Jealous that he might find his way into my bed while you ran off?" She stopped and turned in front of him to stop him. "Praxis, Praxis..." Her hand trailed down his face, her finger tips brushing him lightly. "You needn't worry. I don't feel anything with him... it wouldn't mean a thing if I were to sleep with him. But, you on the other hand... Now that’s a different story..."

And she turned to make her way to the room in which Dimerion was. She waved a hand and the doors pulled open by themselves.

She knelt by Dimerion's body and looked him over, a cruel smile on her lips. But, she quickly put her hands to him and the pale light glowed. Her eyes closed tightly and she felt his pain. Her teeth clenched and a gasp escaped her lips as the wounds formed lightly on her, but not serious at all, just impressions, but the same amount of pain was there. His wounds slowly healed and when she was finished she sat there for a seond. She pushed up to stand, but as soon as she did she crashed to the hard stone flooring.


Kyosuke:

His eyes teared as the heat from the immolation gem overtook the ninja, and he sighed in relief, able to let his magic relax. However, his relaxation also caused him to lose his grip on that thread of consciousness. The darkness overtook him. He waited for death to take him in the darkness, he had fought off the intruder, his death was worth it. He was still out when his Queen healed him.

Praxis:

Praxis was getting used to Shea being able to read his thoughts, to the point he was able to control what he was thinking. He glared at a collapsed Dimerion, and then he walked over to a collapsed Shea. Looking down deeply into her eyes, a broad smile crossed his face. He clearly enjoyed seeing her in that position, and could no longer contain it. He telepathically communicated with her so that Dimmerion wouldn't hear.

My...my... Seeing you struggle in chains and then to collapse at my feet, it has been an entertaining day! There's only one blot on that, and thats knowing that it happened by someone so weak, so subsmissive, that I thought he would be completely beneath your interest.

How little of you think of me to think that I would get jealous of him. Bah, jealous of a mortal! It's not jealousy, it's the basic law of supply and demand. The more availible something is, the less valuable it becomes, and I'd really hate it if you depreciated in value in my eyes.

But its really of no consequence, I've found a use for him....

He turns and looks at the unconscious Dimmerion cotemptously.

Emora:

Shea had her eyes closed the whole time she listened to Praxis speak. Her breathing was shallow, harsh, as if she could barely do it at all. Pain bothered her like most people. But, she didn't take it as some people. She would recover quickly with sleep. She was the Witch Queen. She was evil. She was the most powerful woman in the world.

Arrogance is a prideful sin, her voice entered his head with some amusement. But, even the voice in her head was strained.

It was her sin as well. Her long hair was cascading onto the floor. She tiredly tried to push herself to her feet again, but her arms shook violently and she let herself fall to the ground again. “Damn…” she muttered as she felt what Dimerion would have felt. “Well, next time you start crying those tears of blood and passing out from wounds I think I’ll just watch you die.”<br>
She closed her eyes again. She was paler than usual. Blood began to leak from the places where Dimerion had been wounded, the wounds she had taken from him. She put a hand to her nose and pulled it back, looking at it. Blood was on her finger tips. She cursed again. “Praxis, come here.”<br>
Her beautiful body was lying on the cold stone floor. Shea knew she was the most powerful woman in the world. Even if this was a weak moment and she was showing weakness it really didn't bother her. her almost nothing garments were in awkuard positions. Her long bare legs were covered in bruises and bloody marks that would soon disappear with the propper amount of rest. She look simply vulnerable. Though, looks were always decieving.

Kyosuke:

Dimerion remained unconscious even after the healing. He had been hurt quite badly in the battle with the single ninja, only having been saved by his spells on the end. That in itself dealt a powerful blow to his pride, which would likely soon recover, but for now it let him sleep more to recover. He didn't want to admit that he was too weak to defeat an enemy with his normal fighting style.

(OOC: A sin Dimerion shares )

Casania:

Praxis looked upon the scene.

You're not faking it this time are you? Here before me, you the greatest of all prizes, the most valuable of all souls, need me to help you after putting yourself in this most compromising of positions and its wasn't even for my sake?

He glared into her eyes the most piercing of all glares, as if he were trying to peer into her soul. He clenched his jaw, and his fists, and his arms trembled violently as he remained otherwise motionless for a minute. A loud angry demonic curse broke the silence, as he scooped her up. He took her to the bed room, and layed her down on the bed.

He sits down next to her, a pained, angry expression on his face. His left hand tightly grasps his leg as he violently snaps his right hand open revealing a green firery set of claws. He swung his right hand towards his neck, hovering just for an instant over Shea's wounded body. He then clasps his hand leaving only his index finger and thumb extended as if he was pointing at something. His hand trembled, and suddenly, he forceably punctured his jugular with the index claw. He whinced. With the claw still buried in neck, he leaned over Shea, and commanded her, "drink," with a sour expression on his face.

Emora:

Drink? her voice said into his head. Her eyes were half closed as she faded away. She didn't know what he meant, but it must have been something that would help her. She wasn't a vampire, there for he had no reason to give her his blood unless for some purpose of healing. She didn't see how his blood could heal her. “What will it do?”<br>
Her hand shakily glided up his arm, not for an sexual purpose this time either. She held his shoulders and pulled herself up slightly towards his neck, her whole body trembled with the effort.

The great Witch Queen, so feared by so many was weakened so simply by healing her faithful follower. If anyone were to ever find such a thing out it could be quite dangerous for the seductive ruler. She was strong yes, and though the fact she was strong was in question at the moment, she would prove always to be strong.

Her mouth went to his neck and his bitter blood could be tasted on her lips. Her eyes closed and her hands began to slip from his shoulders as she lost her grip on them. She fell back onto the bed after drinking only a small bit. His blood turned her lips red. Her hands fell from his shoulders and landed on her bare belly which was bruised as well. “Let no one in this room… No one must see me like this.”

Kyosuke:

(OOC: Erm, you guys continue without me for a while, there's only so many ways for me to say that I'm out cold.)

Casania:

Praxis felt the blood trickle out of him. He cringed as the sensation made him feel very uncomfortable. As Shea swallowed a small amount, he cauterized the wound with the back of his firery claw.

“What will it do?”<br>
Praxis looked at her, his eyes forming an inviolable shield to his emotions. But he suddenly relented, and his eyes became those of concern.

"My blood has the power to forceably bind souls to the material realm. As long as it remains intact in your stomach, your soul is bound to your body, and therefore cannot leave it even if your heart stops beating...." He pauses for a moment. "It's an incomplete solution. I still will have to get you a healer...."

Emora:

Shea looked at him and smiled her seducing smile, her eyes tired. Her body still trembled as if she were cold. Her hand brushed his face lightly. "I need no healer," she said simply. Her eyes grew half closed and she licked her lips lightly to get the rest of the blood off of them.

"Think of what would happen if any one found out about this," she said closing her eyes with a sigh. "I need no healer." It was almost as if she was stuborn just to defend her honor. "I am not effected by the pain..." She shifted at the uncomfortable position she was in.

She gazed at Praxis and her hand came to rest on his face again. "Tell me," she said and looked into his eyes. "What is this trouble I see in your eyes. Such a powerful eternal battle..."

Casania:

Praxis jumped responding to the warmth of her touch and turned away. He mind raced, searching for an excuse, but it found none. With a low vice, he responded "ummmm..... it's nothing"

Emora:

Shea grinned and caressed his cheek lightly. "Oh really?" she said tiredly. "Nothing?" Her graceful body sat up slightly enough to come closer to his ear and she whispered. "Nothing is always something. And something could always be considered nothing. I feel the tension in your body... You try so hard to hide it. Why don't you just give in to what ever is strongest? Your desire to hurt? Or your desire to love?"

Her lips lightly brushed his ear as she spoke, her words soft and silky. She fell gently back onto the soft pillow and looked up at him. "Make what preparations you need for the trip... and check on my body guard will you? Don't finish him off. I have plans for him. We will leave when all your preparations are finished and you are ready... I must sleep to recover my energy..."

Casania:

Praxis smiled an irritated smile to himself. "Oh rest assured I have no plans to render your PRESCIOUS guard unable to serve you..... There are things I could do to him that are far worse than anything physical, but I prefer to suprise you.... Oh speaking of suprises, someone else will be joining us..." He stopped himself from saying anything further. " I'll let you sleep on that. " With that he slithered out of the room

Emora:

Shea smiled her seducing smile, but wondered what he meant about someone would be joining them on there trip. She guessed she could wait until the trip. She liked surprises anyway.

She rolled over onto her side and closed her eyes, fading quickly into slumber. Her body would recover the energy in her sleep and by morning she would be back to normal. She hoped by morning Praxis would be finished with his preperations and Dimerion would be awake.

Casania:

Praxis quickly walked towards the deepest darkest dungeon. Passing a morbidly obese man in a black mask, he ordered him like he owned the place, "Get me a young peasant girl!" The man ran off towards the cells eagerly keeping his eye out for a young girl.

Emora:

As soon as Shea had fallen a sleep the sun had begun to rise and it was out the whole time she slept. Then, when she began to come out of her REM sleep the sun began to set and as her eyes fluttered and opened. She sat up in her bed, the silk sheet falling from her body. She ran a hand through her blood red hair that was streaked with black.

"Camron!" Shea said as she crawled off her bed, stepping gracefully through the curtains that surounded it.

The door opened and a woman clad in black leather with bright white hair and a lovely face stepped into the room. She bowed to Shea and stood up straight. "Yes, my Queen."

"I would like you to check on my bodyguard Dimerion... See if he's awake. And find out where Praxis the Sorrow is... And send someone to ready a bag of things for me. I am going on a trip," Shea ordered and walked passed the woman. "Oh, and Camron, be quick about it..."

Kyosuke:

Dimerion slowly came out of his sleep. He was glad to note that all of his injuries that he had accumulated the night before had seemed to have healed up. Remembering that his queen had healing powers, his love for her returned as he decided automatically that it was her who had healed him.

A pang of regret shot through him as he remembered that the assassin had managed to destroy his body before the cannibal could have eaten it, but no matter. He was sure that the assassin would have been stringy and unpleasant to eat.

Emora:

Camron entered Dimerion's room he had been given to find him in the same place where he had fallen last night. She looked down at the newly awaken bodyguard. "My queen sent me to find you," she said softly and lowered her eyes. "Are you well?"
* * *


Shea took a hot bath to sooth her aching muscles and when she was finished she dressed in a royal blue outfit much like every other one she owned. She combed her long black and red hair as she stood in front of a full length mirror. When she finished she placed the comb on a near by stand and walked to her window balcony. She looked down over her city as a carriage that belonged to Lady Deadry passed by.

Shea would have expected a more elaborate escort than the four knights a head of her... Shea closed her eyes and sensed bellow. "Looks like I won't be attending a wedding after all..." she smirked coldly and turned from the balcony, walking back into her room and towards the door. A maid was gathering her things into a bag making it ready for the trip they would be taking.

Casania:

The obese man returned with a much apprenhensive 13 year old girl in tow. Praxis looked her straight in the eyes, as if he could asses her fate by gazing into them. He then turned to the fat man.

"Let me guess, this one" he says pointing at the girl, "is slated for a demonic offering."

The obese man merely nods in agreement.

"Well, they're going to have to find another, this one is mine now."

"but the quee..."

"The queen knows she's obligated to perform certain services to me, and if you question me again, you'll suffer the same fate as the girl. Do I make myself clear?"

The man nodded with agreement knowing full well that no one dared to defy the queen in her own castle.

He looked at the girl one more time, and then abrubtly turned away.

"Kill her.... but make it clean and quick, I don't want her body too badly damaged."

Upon learning of her fate, the girl starts sobbing and crying out "daddy! no! daddy!"

Praxis reacted with a look of uttert disgust on his face. He bent down and looked the girl angrily in the eye.

"If its any consolation to you, you'll be with your father real soon. Consider yourself lucky. You were going to be slowly eaten alive by demons. Instead, all you will feel is a quick slice across your neck and then darkness. But stop being weak! You're destined for eternal paradise, you have nothing to cry about."

He then turns to the man. "She's so weak, no wonder hell has no claim on her... Get her out of my sight!"

The man takes her into the next room. A loud scream and a gurgling sound emminates.

Emora:

The room was made of black marble, glossy and perfectly cut. It was an empty room with a a hall that held a dead end to it. The entrance to a hall was a face of a demon, its mouth open with jagged teeth. There were two chairs in the room, facing each other, made with black marble and built into the floor so they could never be removed from the room.

Shea walked into the room and closed the door behind her. A priest stood in the room, standing on one side of the large demon head. "Yes?" Shea asked and walked towards him. "What is it?"

"Our God would like to speak with you..." he said, bowing his head.

"About what?" Shea asked and looked towards the long hall, which was black and quiet.

"I guess just to check up..." the priest said and made a face. He didn't know what his God wished to speak with the Queen about...

"Check up..." Shea said to herself and moved to stand in front of the entrance to the hall. "Alright... Where is he?"

"Here..." The voice was dark, deep, and sinful. Demonic like the sound of a thousand sinful cries in one voice. She turned to find him seated at one of the chairs, not having been there a moment ago. She had expected to see him at the gate way to his world, the dark light of his realm filtering into her world. But, it seemed he had arrived before her. "Leave us priest..."

The priest practically ran from the room. It was dark, and she couldn't make out her grandfather, but knew him well enough to remember what he looked like.

"Yes, father?" Shea asked, bowing her head in respect.

"I take it the demon in Mount May'em was not brought forth? I haven't had the stream of souls I thought would come... I decided to come check on you to make sure your not... loosing your touch..." His voice filled her ears as her head remained bowed.

Her head came up and stared at him, seated comfortably in his human looking form. He was the embodiment of chaos, destruction, and torture. The ruler of all evil and the darkest realm known to all on Heirot. Handsome, though she guessed he would be. He could be anything he wanted to be. But, her mother had been a beautiful woman like herself. It would be no wonder if her grandfather was handsome.

"I'm sorry, Father..." she said, though the apology grated at her nerves and was like swallowing nails to Shea. She refused to apologies, but she must or face his wrath for disrespect.

"You were careless and you let them slip through your fingers by underestimating you opponent. You expect every man to fall for your charms and looks..." The rustle of his clothing signaled he was rising to his feet. "But, not everyman will.... Some men are blinded by love... So was this man... I do hope you will never be blinded by such a foolish act as love... Dear Shea."

"Never Father..." she said, lowering her head once more.

"I've decided you need a man to help you rule..." It was so sudden that at first it didn't register in the dark queen's thoughts. Then she looked up quickly.

Did he know about Praxis? Did he want Praxis to help her rule?!

"One that will not allow you to make such careless mistakes again... I will have him chosen in the month... I will return. I have other business. There will be no fighting about this decision or I'll give you the same punishment as last time. Remember how helpless you were with out your power?"

Shea glared at him and muttered, "Yes." But, a dark plan was forming in her guarded mind.

"Good." And with that he left her. Shea stared down the dark hall he had left through with fire eyes.

She stormed from the room, the gargoyles quivered in fear as they felt the anger radiating from her. The first maid to come even ten feet to her screamed and burned to death in flames as Shea passed.

Casania:

Upon hearing the girl's demise, Praxis entered the room.

"Leave," he ordered

With a confused look on his face the obese man quickly and fearfully left the room.

Praxis looked at the once living body of the girl. Blood flowed freely out of the large slit in her neck, and it pooled copiously on the dank, dark dungeon floor. Her clothes, nothing more than dirty rags, were stained a bright crimson.

Praxis took a deep breath and he knelt before the growing pool of blood. He hesitated for a moment and plunged his hands into the girl's blood. Immediately, a green fire erupted around his body, and a pained expression over took his face. A dark black intricate design appearing almost to be like a stem of a demonic rose started growing from his finger tips, and quickly covered his entire body. His eyes glowed a bright green, obscuring his pupils. The pain in his face grew progressively more distinct until he could no longer contain it within him, and he let out a loud, angry demonic roar.

Emora:

Shea figured it would be good to take out her anger on some prisoners, it would clear the way for more of them any case. How dare he decide who she choose as her king. Her mother hadn't needed to do that! She had chosen that filthy good king for a reason Shea had yet to figure out. Maybe that’s why he was doing it, to make the blood more demonic. But, if she that’s precisely why she had chosen Praxis...

She waved a hand and the door to the dungeon busted apart into splinters, the sounds of mournful wails and pain filled screams came flooding out. She began walking down the steps, the little bit of clothing she had billowed around her, along with her hair which gently flowed in the air. Most of the guards almost dropped there weapons at the site of her beauty and anger.

She walked down the hall, looking through the cells trying to find someone worth torturing or at least someone who wouldn't die in a few minutes. At that moment a demonic roar echoed off the walls, catching Shea's attention. Most of the guards hit the ground in fear, thinking she was about to kill them all... Except it hadn't come from her....

She walked to the door it had come from and flung it open to find Praxis performing some sort of.... well... something on a body. She grinned, closing the doors behind her and leaning on them...

Casania:

Praxis sensed HER presence before she entered the room. As she shut the door behind her, he focused on the dead body and spoke emotionlessly to Shea without looking up. "I'm opening a portal... You shouldn't be here, something could accidentaly come through which could be hazardous to your health..."

He pauses for a moment, and quickly glanced up with a small look of regret on his face. "a...I wouldn't want to lose such a valauble assest."

Emora:

Shea grinned and tilted her head. "How sweet of you to worry about little ole' me..." she said with a seducing grin. "Don't worry, I can handle myself thank you."

She gazed at the dead body and then to him, her eyes showing interest and malice. "Go a head, love..." she whispered to him. "I'm a brave girl...."