Unclassifiable OPEN Genesis Gate

IC: Hugo Klaasen
Location: Genesis Gate, then heading to be evaluated

It seemed Nomuk had the same thoughts as Hugo, let’s get on with it.

And when they were all ushered out a door, it seemed they had stepped into a new world...and Hugo had an inkling that this looked well not as modern as what he was used to. Whatever modern was.

A stone street, people milling around. Hugo probably stuck out like a sore thumb all dressed in black but then again compared to his companions he probably looked the more normal of the lot. The sun felt real enough, feeling warm against his hands and face so wherever he was maybe it had normal weather, sun, maybe clouds and rain? Who knew. But he felt like he was comfortable in a crowd or on his own.

His blue eyes roved around his surroundings though, stone buildings and pillars mostly. Sort of an oldy worldy feel to it. A temple too, so maybe a religious place? Maybe converted into something else? Maybe they would find out.

They would as they headed towards it. And standing in front of the rather gilded and impressive doors (someone had splashed out on the gold which nearly made Hugo snort) was...what were they? They looked skeletal, metallic and those red eyes looked like they could stare straight into a man’s soul. Like they were from a grotesque future maybe, or from some sci fi movie. Well if they had movies in this place.

Quinn talked to one of them and it looked like Mir had definitely had enough and was not continuing on. So they had ferreted out the weakest in the group. Mir had decided to take the cowards way out. Hugo wondered whether Quinn would still select him to fight on, he didn't deserve it though. In Hugo’s eyes if you did not undertake the tests it would be equal to deserting your post in battle. Not worthy of being a soldier or whatever.

Undertaking the tests was a badge of honour. At least if you took them on and failed you had at least tried. But Hugo would make sure he would use whatever he could to at least pass most of them. Depending on what they were of course.

Entering the building it seemed as if the gold which was on the doors had gone into overdrive. Of course it was built to be impressive but Hugo wasn't. He was searching the area looking for threats just in case this was some kind of test and they were about to be attacked at random. He wouldn't put it past Quinn to do something like that. Might give Atticus a surprise since he probably wasn't used to fighting.

So here they were anyway. Seven teams, seven tests. Although doing a headcount he did wonder with Mir now missing how it was going to go with one less and now an odd number of people.

Six men and another robot looking thing, these were probably going to watch them all succeed or fall flat on their faces. And Hugo had an inkling he was no stranger to being tested. His memories frustratingly were still not coming back. It was getting tiresome.

Scanning the area there seemed to be different stations around. Physical tests maybe, one looked like it was built for weapons. Electronic tablets on one so maybe a mental test, that was probably the only modern looking thing he had seen in this place so far.

Hugo stayed silent, probably the best thing to do at the moment, time to study the competition as it were.

Let the games begin….

TAG: @Darth_Elu, @Ktala , @Shadowsun , @spacelady , @Narancia , @Mitth_Fisto , @The Jedi in the Pumas

 

Sacrament of the Wizard
~Midnight Arcanum, Shadow’s Reach~

It was not long into the conversation with the vulpine librarian that Twilight would sense the newcomer heading straight for them. Not long beyond that, Valynor would see them as well coming down the hall. Their robes trailing after them, staff rhymically tapping on the floor as they moved.



They would come to a stop right behind the librarian, where this other woman elegantly raised up a hand to her mouth and politely coughed.

“Do forgive the intrusion, but I have been sent to escort that man, there.” She slowly pointed a deceivingly delicate finger toward Valynor.

The librarian would bow deeply and move off to the side, mumbling about how she had no idea they were so esteemed. Her eyes would remain downcast the whole time this pale woman wielding the staff remained in the area.

This newcomer turned her hand, switching the pointing finger to a more beckoning motion, a slight tilt at the corner of the woman’s lips appeared.

“Come. You have been summoned and I trust you have expected this.”

When he was ready, the woman merely inclined her head slightly toward the Arkanian Grey Jedi before turning and leading the way back out of the Omniversal Library, new elite in tow. As they moved along she idly asked a question.

“You enjoy the knowledge contained here, yes?” She would nod at his reply, “You will do well with Genesis Gate then. I strongly suspect we hold more knowledge than anywhere else in existence. You are right where you need to be, elite disciple.”

From then on, the pale woman went silent and merely led the way back out into the streets of Shadow’s Reach. Motioning solemnly with her staff, she pointed ahead of them. Back in the direction he had just come from, retracing his steps since he had first run into the intriguing Twilight over the Plasma-Stream.

She moved with him, leading just ahead of the elf. Though they encountered a brief block in their way as some kind of minor commotion was occurring before the entrance to the immense Genesis Hall they were passing around. A group of people were crowding the space, making it hard to get through. Valynor’s escort clicked her tongue in annoyance before they got caught up in it.

“The average commoner cannot see beyond their own immediacy as usual, would you not agree?”

With a slight tap of her staff to the ground, a rush of magical energy washed over them and Valynor would find the both of them lifted effortlessly into the air and gliding smoothly over the crowd to land gracefully on their feet just beyond them, the magic fading as they came back to the ground.

“But we certainly have our ways around their ignorance of the greater truths in the Omniverse. Magic is a blessing gifted to the few. This is also true.”

She quieted once more as she continued, taking them to just a little ways in front of the very Plasma-Stream bridge he had met Twilight. But they did not face it, instead it was off to their right a bit as instead they came upon a tower standing majestically and powerfully over the city. It was dark, imposing, and awe-inspiring in its own right.



There was an oddity, at least it would be to some. No handles were in evidence on these doors. And it was clear from just a glance that they wouldn’t just budge for anyone. They would stand before them, taking them in silently. Nothing stirred around them.

It would take Valynor a moment, but he would soon realize that in truth his escort was looking at him expectantly. Waiting. Her staff moved to point toward the double doors leading inside, once his attention was refocused; the whole length of it beginning to glow with dark power.

It whispered of strength, of ambition, of enticing mysteries that lurked beyond every corner, of imminent success…The feelings of it pulled at Valynor now in an invisible tease. It all felt so familiar, that power. Memories of his past life would flash in his mind’s eye.

“I, Murathatra, Seer of the Abyssal Door, Queen of Alteresia, Devotee to the Never-Ending Stair, and humble servant to Genesis Gate and its City Beyond All Realms, pledge myself once more to the way within and bring the newest star amidst the sky, He Who Brims With Latent Promise….”

The doors began to glow, a symbol now beginning to etch itself into appearance. Murathatra spoke out quickly.

“Announce yourself, elite disciple, and in your heart pledge yourself to the power beyond that is rightfully yours! It waits for you and you alone.”

The sigil seemed to glow more intensely now, designs stretching and weaving all across the doors, pulsing and radiating magnificent patterns throughout their length and width. And then a complex series of sounds denoting them being unlocked, hundreds of times within came to sound like a bell.

When finally done, they opened inward with purpose. Murathatra would whisper, almost as if to herself as she once more began to lead the way inward. Their soft footsteps shuffling past the momentous threshold.

“And so it is done. Welcome, our newest disciple….”

She motioned all around them.



“…to the Midnight Arcanum! Only those who devote their whole being to the Way of the Witch or Wizard can enter these halls.”

The doors slowly shut again as she said this, as if to emphasize her point, the myriad locks all re-engaging back into place even though you could not visibly see any, even on this side.

“You are due for a grand tour, I am sure, but you have more important business to attend to before even that. Something of the greatest honor. Training and not just from anyone, but from one upon The Council itself!”

The staff tapping once more upon the floor, she led the way down into the center of the chamber upon the sigil on the ground, nearby apprentices watching silently in wonder. It would seem Murathatra’s very presence was one of great influence. She wielded respect among them with every breath she took. You could see in the way they looked at her, and him by proximity.

“Close your eyes now except for the most important one of all, the one within your mind,” she ordered softly, “Tell me. Not with your voice, but your heart. In one word, what animal is walking out of the uncertain mists of the Future toward you? Answer me this and say no more.”

Murathatra was patient for his internal reply and upon his answer, she placed a finger underneath her chin thoughtfully. Though he would not verbalize a thing, it was almost like she heard it. Sensed it? She was regarding him in a purely analytical way, wondering…

Her eyes hidden underneath her veil seemed to suddenly pierce the elf as her tone and topic changed, “You would do well to afford the Master of this Tower every respect. He now holds your future in his hands. If you wish to realize your dreams, you will follow his teachings and take them with your own power at the culmination of your destiny.”

A potent pause.

“I have foreseen it.”

Tap.

And with that last sound from the woman’s staff on the ground, the sigil glowed midnight blue and the elf was no longer there. As the others whispered quietly amongst themselves, Murathatra would turn pensively for another chamber and languidly swept out of the room, everyone moving out of her way as she went.

As for Valynor….



He was suddenly standing beside a magical well of energy, a glowing orb floating above it. There was no way he would recognize such a thing, but it seemed like something truly significant. It's depths felt immeasurable! Lights and symbols shifted across its surface as it attempted to entrance him with its grandeur. Surely, this was a wonder!

But as he stared, unable to help himself, that was when the voice came to him from behind. Every instinct in his soul, every hair on his head, every fond ghost of his vaguely remembered magic stirred. His trainer, member of The Council, and someone whose very aura practically bathed the area in strength and cunning came to him then. He hadn’t even turned around yet and he could tell.

This might be one of the most powerful people he’d ever meet in his life…

“Ahhh….Valynor Syndoriel…At last, we meet.”

A long pause. “Turn around, my new student, we have much to discuss.”

And so he did and finally bore witness to a member of Genesis Gate’s Council. The one who had become personally invested into his Fate and would lead him to wherever it went.

Spoiler

“Greetings to you, I have been greatly anticipating your arrival since before you even arrived in our city. Murathatra has seen visions of you for quite some time. This moment she related to me in great detail.”

The man closed his eyes and took a breath, as if savoring everything about it. “Can’t you feel the greatness of the path you shall soon tread? If not, you will soon. That, I assure you. Now, let me get a good look at you.”

He approached, eagerness in his every step, as he toured around him in a full circle, a grin on his face and eyes doing what Murathatra had done now long ago. Analyze. Absorb. Take in. And then…..know.

Upon completion of his lone revolution around the elf, he came face to face with him, surprisingly close as he peered almost into his very core. And then he said it. Just a word. A single one.

He said the animal he thought in response to the self-proclaimed Seeress and Queen earlier.

“Yesss,” he whispered almost dangerously, “It’s all over you. The correlation is potent, oh so potent…I look forward to your future. You are every bit as I was told, Valynor Syndoriel.”

Backing up a step and clasping his hands behind his back, the Councillor seemed to calm and compose, “Now where are my manners?”

A dark chuckle emanated from him.

“I am Lord Voldemort and I shall teach you everything I know.”

Spinning to face a door he waved open with a hand, he strolled forward with the very intent of the elf following him being obvious. He wore authority like his robes and he wore it well. Naturally like any born leader.

“Come, you have questions and I would hear them first, but not here. We must let the Eye of Magnus there rest in peace.”



The door quietly clicked closed behind them as they entered what appeared to be the man’s personal chamber in the tower. He pointed toward the open center of the room while he moved off toward the steps on one end, where his desk seemed to be positioned.

“Stand in the centre, if you will. Now tell me what you have on your mind before we proceed, we must have no distractions for what is to come.”

Tag: Valynor Syndoriel @greyjedi125

 

Charjra Myt'tar
~Jardok’s Livery, Central District~

Jardok really took to Charjra's question about the animals.

“SPECIAL?” he asked in a “mumble” to himself, thinking.

“YA. BOTH HAV LEETLE BIT O’ MAJIK. GEEN ONE BE MOAR WOODSY! BLACK ONE MOAR…UH…” he tried to find the right word, failed, tried again, failed again, shrugged.

“IT CAN MAKE PEEPEL SEE TINGS DAT NOT THURR,” he finished finally before moving on to food, “DEY EAT WHAT NORMIE FOXES EAT! LEETEL BITS O’ MEAT AND BERRIES AND TINGS LIEK DAT. THO, BLACK ONE LIEK MEAT BIT MOAR AND GEEN ONE ALSO LIEK LEAF STUFF!”

Well, THAT certainly caught her interest. That could be either interesting or problematic, depending on the beastie. But she loved the idea.

Jardok nodded enthusiastically again. “I GO GET! I BRING DEM!”

Charjra smiled in delight, as she waited to see the animals.

With a grin that may or may not have been unsettling, he squeezed himself in an about-face to the wall and…slid it open. So a door that matched the wall, likely an absolute necessity for Jardok within the store portion of the building. The sounds of his feet marching off into the distance was heard, more thuds than steps, and many different types of animal sounds heard calling out for him. His cheery giant voice replying.

“I NOE! I NOE! I FEED SOON! ME SORRY, U WAIT BIT LONGO! THEN WE CAN PLAY AFTR I CLOSE STORR!”

Charjra chuckled softly as the peacock-cat continued to lounge nearby. Charjra turned to look at the creature. "Do you also help to run the store?" she asked it gently.

Jardok finally would return and with him he brought the two foxes, both on a leash.

“LEESH BE IMPORTUNT AT FIRST, TILL DEY NOE U,” the giant announced matter-of-factly before swinging up a section on the front desk that would allow the foxes through a ways while he still held the leash. He couldn’t fit himself, so remained back while allowing the animals to get as far as they liked within reason.

"I understand," Charjra replied, as she carefully watched the two animals.

The green fox eyed Charjra carefully a moment, sniffing from a distance before slowly shuffling toward her, nose going a mile a minute. Its wood-like tail seemed to wag slowly as it got closer, liking her scent. Vaguely dog-like. To this, Charjra held out her hands, palms up. She did not reach towards either creature but instead let it come to her if it wished. The green fox was cautious, but only just as it definitely enjoyed socializing judging by its behavior. It would keep sniffing her legs and feet, enjoying any attention she would give it. Intelligence seemed to shine in its eyes. Charjra bent down, giving it a smile as she softly talked to it. "My, you seem quite friendly." If she felt it would accept it, she would give it tiny scratch behind its ear, moving very slowly as she did. The fact that they both seemed to walk out on their own, and did not fight with each other or Jardok was helpful.

Then, she turned her attention to the black one. It did not readily approach, not yet, but came to a stop and sat down on its haunches where the countertop had been swung up. Its eyes were trained on her, only flicking occasionally to watch the green fox and once at the peacock-cat. Otherwise, it just stared at her, as if observing her in return.

She slowly knelt down, facing the black one. "And you. You judge by actions first. To see if I am worthy if your attention. Perhaps, judging to see if I determine your worth, just only by your looks, or how readily you come to me." Charjra stared into its eyes, as she slowly sat down on the floor.

"Am I worthy to know you?" she asked it softly as she gestured with her hand, her movements staying slow, and not going towards the animal unless she felt that it would be accepted. /I am a friend./ she spoke in Elven to both of them. She attempted to reach out to both creatures mentally. To try and find a connection. She took out her small stone and attempted to make it glow once more. As she did, she watched and waited to see how it would react, not taking her eyes away from both creatures.

In truth, both creatures held her heart at the moment. The green, for its friendliness and willingness be social. And the black one ... well, she felt as if it was different. It might not be the most social, but it was cautious. Proud maybe? Time would tell.




TAG: Darth_Elu
*****

Normuk

Quinn merely gave Nomuk a little smile in reply to his calling it a game, and then waved them all to follow as he left the doors and had them all return to the hallway beyond the room turned into a temporary cleaning station. Without any further issues, they were marched down the hallway and toward the door at the end, which slid smoothly open for them as they passed through. And from there, out into the city of Shadow’s Reach for the first time.

It was, in a word....interesting. It was rather lovely in itself. It was early afternoon judging by the sun, nice fair weather showcasing itself. But it was not a natural occurrence. He was not sure how he knew this. But he knew that it was constructed? No. Created. But not mechanical in nature. But they seemed to understand the need for such a thing. But to Normuk, it also made him wonder was this entire place a construct? Why would you need to make a sky...unless where you did not really have one?

Nomuk followed as Baron Quinn marched up the steps to meet with a few other individuals of seemingly high importance, before turning to signal them all to stop before the steps near the center of the chamber.

“Welcome to the Evaluation Chamber, ladies and gentlemen. Go ahead and relax just a moment longer, while I discuss a few details with my colleagues here before I depart and leave you in their hands.”

'Their hands'? Hmmm. Nomuk flicked his ears as the Baron looked over them all carefully.

“In just a moment, they will be splitting you all up into seven teams to take part in the seven tests we will be having you undergo, rotating between them.”

With a curt nod, Nomuk began to walk a bit, scanning the area around them.

On a small round table not far from one of the giant pillars to their right would be some electronic tablets for them. Nothing outstanding there. Similarly, by the giant pillar to their left, would be a small red circle drawn on the floor. Two wooden swords, known as bokken, were laid down next to it. Nomuk would assume martial arts testing of a sort. It would make sense.

Past that and not far from the left-most wall were five thin columns that were only about ten feet tall and set in a line. They had clearly been set there and not part of the original architectural plan, so it was a station of some sort.

Opposite of all this, to the right, close to that wall was a series of twelve different weights. Clearly, a strength evaluation was to be held in that area. In the far upper right corner, beyond the giant pillar in that direction, .. was that an archery range?

Nomuk noticed something else. There seemed to be a strange blending. Some settings would make you feel like you were in a very low-tech level planet. And then, from the other settings and beings, like the droids they saw earlier, it seems it was extremely high tech. Something, he knew he was familiar with. Why such an eclectic mix? Was it because of the various beings that seemed to be drawn? And, with the actions of the one called Mir, it seemed that if one did not wish to fight, then would become a part of their citizens. That was a reassuring bit of knowledge.

As Nomuk looked over at the evaluation center, and then the other 'newbies', he chuckled deeply. He would be interesting indeed, to see how Sir Quakles III or Cauliflour would handle these so-called 'tests'.

But it did give Nomuk more to ponder.


Tag: @Jerjerrod-Lennox @Shadowsun @Mitth_Fisto @spacelady @Darth_Elu @Narancia @The Jedi in the Pumas

 

IC: Jo'Sua Dhatra
Entering the City

From the Farm Fields, Jo’Sua also returned to the city proper after his own training under Sniper Wolf. His armor was scuffed and his mind was worn. Silence suited him fine as he progressed over the bridge and back to the city proper. He had opened negotiations on the only thing that truly mattered in life or unlife, and he had been bound - though not nearly as deeply as one might desire yet also not as one would be against. It was a precarious thing and it was a damning altogether. If his sisters could see him now they would laugh deep and long until their forests laughed from sheer reciprocation without understanding.

Still, he had his coin and he had no need to feast today. Watching the living brought the old hate to his mind as he hissed at them and their petty grandeur that eluded him. Walking on he sought out a terminal of the one called HAL, raising a finger he motioned for it to come to him as he himself walked close. The being had many such spots around the city, a diverse mind surely still should appreciate a form of attention grabber even if not so banal as a 'hello'. Not to mention a black robe most find hard to read for intentions in walking beyond the pressure of fear most wraiths oozed into the very air. "If it is not a trouble, I have questions three for thee." good grief that was rather more verbose then he had planned. "When and where are the shapeshifter classes to take part? I would appreciate being an audience to them. Lastly what would you recommend I spend my money on. If anything."

Tag: @Darth_Elu

 

IC: Califlour
~En Route to the Evaluation Chamber~

Everybody had something to say it seemed, although oddly no-one really was talking about getting clean. Luckily his carrier did not drop the soap and so another minute was added on for no major psychological or death causing injury. At this rate they might even make it to double digits! Aw, who was it kidding, we would be lucky to make that kind of record he thought as he briefly eyed the interaction between Atticus and Sir Quakles III.

“Come, follow me so we can get all this over with, hm?” the father figure said, nailed the exhaustion and wanting it over tone oh so well!

Others had to put in their two cents, because lets be honest, what else are newborns going to do when given speech? Off and away they went until they came out into a noisy city. It was certainly an odd thing to be walking in a persons hands through all of this, not that he begrudged the view in the least. It just seemed wrong somehow. Of course the sky with a late sun and an insatiable draw to his inner core, man he just wanted to go up there and dance with that sun now! Wished he could just reach out into it all and be with it all!

They pressed on to where they were going. Not that Califlour really payed attention, after all what was he going to do? Walk back by himself?

More of the metal men were here, and one was set to babysit Mir. How embarrassing! Rest of the kids get to go as a group but he has to be babysat by metal man! Oh, wow, that was just too good.

Moving ahead, they (minus Mir Dragonson) would watch as the two guards officially moved out of their way in sheer, eerie silence after knocking backwards on the gold doors the moment they began walking again.

The doors parted and Quinn strolled through them and into the magnificently giant chamber within. A long raised dais dominated the center, with a gigantic gold statue of some symbolic king, Warhammer in hand. Four similarly massive columns stood at equal points in the chamber, simulating the corners and keeping the structure secure. Ringed around the edges were smaller dais’ that might have once held statues that were, for one reason or another, removed at an earlier date. The ceiling was one flawless fresco depicting the night sky, subtle depictions of dragons could be seen dotted here and there, and there were two outstretched hands reaching for each other on either end of the exquisite artwork. It must have taken a long time to do, with palpable financial backing mixed with clear appreciation of the fine arts.

Baron Quinn marched up the steps to meet with a few other individuals of seemingly high importance, before turning to signal them all to stop before the steps near the center of the chamber.

“Welcome to the Evaluation Chamber, ladies and gentlemen. Go ahead and relax just a moment longer, while I discuss a few details with my colleagues here before I depart and leave you in their hands.”

His gaze swept over them all carefully.

“In just a moment, they will be splitting you all up into seven teams to take part in the seven tests we will be having you undergo, rotating between them.”

Once they were alone, well as alone as a group could be he looked to his carrier. "Hey, do think he was compensating just a bit too hard? I mean really? Gold doors on gold on giant statue? I bet the man was three foot six inches, maybe pushing four foot. It's sad really."

Tag: Hugo, Tiberius, Mir, Atticus, Sir Quakles III, Nomuk, Atmora, Morimoto, & Mr. Ke

@Jerjerrod-Lennox @Shadowsun @Darth_Elu @spacelady @Ktala @Narancia @The Jedi in the Pumas

 

Pieces on a Board
~Audience Chamber, Shadow’s Reach~

Time had separated, whether for a long or short period, Aryan and Amaya, but he had remained within the Elite Dreamers Estate for whatever reason. And wherever he may be within it as the afternoon arrived, even if he was just about to head out at last…

He would be paid a visitor instead. A clearing throat making itself known to get his attention from what currently occupied it. It was none other than one of the male servants from the night previous, though he had escorted someone else at the time.

A giant of a man, but almost awkward in his presence. His name, though not known to him, was Luca Brasi.



“Um…Excuse me, Mr. Graul, sir. You…You have a visitor, if you would…please follow me?”

He would lead him, whether a short trip or not, to the front of the Estate. And there waiting for him was an intriguing, and intimidating, man.



“This is…him,” Luca replied to the figure before turning to Aryan again, “Mr. Graul, this…is Tyann Reshzin.”

“I got it from here, Luca,” the man spoke up suddenly in a brusque tone.

A look of brief irritation crossed the large servant’s face but he nodded and bowed once more to Aryan before heading elsewhere to assist in the estate.

Tyann just peered at the new elite with an unreadable expression, keeping up his mysterious aura.

“So you’re one of the new fancy elites, huh? Now pardon the interruption, but you are summoned immediately. I hear you’re going to be trained or some such.”

He regarded Aryan again before turning for the doors, nodding for him to follow after.

“You’re being given quite the treat. Prestige or some such. Just arriving and already filling up such an important role with direct treatment from someone on The Council?”

Tyann whistled as he led Aryan Graul out the doors and turned left, having them already leave the Common Quarter behind and enter the Central District.

“Must be nice,” mused the man as he walked.

As they moved along, something would very quickly become apparent to Aryan. Whoever this Tyann was and however he currently felt about him, he was a known man. Respected. Feared. Just one glance at literally anyone on the street revealed that much.

People practically squished themselves up against the sides of buildings to give as much of a wide berth to them as they passed by, their eyes on his escort before gazing downwards with respect. Soldiers and guards would straighten and salute, which was returned casually.

Aryan’s escort had him turn left at the first crossroads and followed that street all the way down. He only paused as they approached the bridge spanning over the Plasma-Stream. Tyann was noticing Aryan’s likely looks all about him, absorbing it all. This was probably a good area to allow him to absorb more.

The Plasma-Stream looked like a river except for the fact that it wound the city under something that looked like glass and was itself actually a glowing light that seemed to move like water and pulse different colors as it meandered along. Purple, Blue, Red, and Green. The effect was rather mesmerizing.

As an azure glow bathed them, Tyann smirked at Aryan.

“Sensory overload, I bet. Shadow’s Reach is a place that has a strange mesh of different cultures, technology, magic, and other things;” he looked up toward the afternoon sky, “But it has its beauty too. It’ll grow on you before you know it.”

A pause as he turned his gaze back to the one he was tasked with delivering to his master, “Or if not, the prestige will.”

That smirk again before tipping his hat and motioning for Aryan to follow him again. Soon enough they passed by the Barracks of the Storm with the street turning to the right, stormtroopers milling all over the corner. They would progress forward a ways until they came to some statues of warriors, mages, and other important looking figures. A small garden with fanciful fountain was in evidence as well, being situated between a massive building that seemed to be known as the Genesis Hall and where Tyann was taking them.

Another broad street that funneled toward what was undoubtedly an immense palace of impressive design!



The Apex a sign said nearby as they entered past some exquisitely wrought gates and continued to follow the pathway down. As they went, soldiers of varying types lined all the way down and up to the main doors. There were even some more of those silver skeleton machines from before as well.

And of course, situated right above the doors to enter ‘The Apex’, was large red gem that seemed to glow softly. It spoke just as the elite recognized it.

“Greetings Aryan Graul. You are expected.”

HAL 9000.

Tyann straightened. “May we enter?”

“Of course, Tyann. She awaits in the Audience Chamber.”

Tyann tipped his hat with a slight sense of unease toward the red gem before moving ahead, now with formal permission. The doors would open in momentous fashion, allowing them to enter.

Inside the main hall of this palace, the symbol of Genesis Gate was prominently displayed in beautiful mosaic tile on the floor, four columns interspersed on each side with about a hundred guards lining the walls of just this room alone. Rifles, swords, staves, and more all at the ready to defend The Council should it be necessary.

Dignitaries and others bustling about as they left one side of the room for another or even headed out the entrance also being in evidence. Some wore elaborate robes or dresses, some in finely tailored suits much like himself.

“That. That right there,” pointed Tyann suddenly at the closed double doors directly ahead, two pathways splitting off on either side of them as well, “Is where The Council convenes. Talk about apex.”

Standing in front of the doors as a lone guard was a formidable looking warrior in golden armor, though he had set his shield down for a moment to casually readjust his helmet.



“Achilles,” Tyann whispered by way of explanation, “Damn good fighter. No magic of his own, practically doesn’t need it.”

Dispensing with the exposition and distractions, he finally moved toward the stairs on the right hand side. They would ascend them, pass by more guards and head through the doors straight ahead. More guards and another hallway down and he would finally come to a stop before the next set of doors.

“This is the Audience Chamber,” Tyann explained before he gazed at the woman standing in their way.



“So, they have you acting as an elite guard now too, huh?”



“Just state your business, Tyann.”

“I am presenting Aryan Graul as ordered, ma’am.”

The woman ahead of them closed her eyes and nodded once as an act of dismissal for Tyann who sighed, bowed, and left them.

“Come,” was all she said to Aryan before waving her hand to open the doors. There was a brief glow of light that seemed to emanate from them too before dissipating. Who knew what that was about.

Once beyond it was very much a long audience chamber, with chandeliers and glowing crystals lining all the way to the dais at the end. And there, a row of eleven different thrones of magnificent make. One being constructed of the same glowing crystals.



“My lady, the elite you asked for has arrived. Shall I remain?”

“No. Thank you, Karla. Oh, it is rather too dark in here, especially for this meeting. A change in lighting perhaps?” The voice was feminine, languid, and confident. That was clear right away.

With a hand placed across her breast, the woman bowed and then clapped her hands twice. The crystals went from purple to a soft yellow.

“Perfect. Thank you again.”

“My lady,” Karla intoned before backing out gracefully, the doors shutting upon her exit.

Aryan was now alone with the woman seated casually on the throne in the very middle of the eleven at the end of the chamber.

“Don’t be shy, come to me. It is nice to finally meet you in person, Graul.”

When Aryan approached the thrones, he would notice the woman truly coming into view was startlingly beautiful. With the way she held herself with authority and comfort, she was well aware of the fact.

Spoiler

“My name is Cersei Lannister and as you already know, I am one of the people who rule Genesis Gate.”

Her eyes watched him, observing how he held himself and how he moved.

“You have chosen the path of the manipulator. In reality, you have chosen to be just that. A realist. With me, you shall wield real power and advance Genesis Gate’s plans, moving people and worlds however we need them to. Let the warriors fight, the mages chant their spells, the soldiers fire their guns. We are the ones who are truly seated where it matters most, getting the real work accomplished. It is as simple as that.”

A pause as she considered something.

“Where I come from there is a game called cyvasse, but I get the sense you are more of a chess man. Do you know Chess, Aryan?” a gentle smile, “May I call you Aryan?”

As soon as he replied, she would nod in acceptance and move on with her point.

“You see, the moment you arrived here, you became another piece on the board. Already you have begun to play The Game.The only game that matters. The Game of Thrones,” she patted where she sat to accentuate her words, “But let me ask you this…

“What piece do you think I have in mind for you to be? What would you like to be?”

The way she asked the last question in particular, eyes alight with curiosity and idle finger trailing the arm of the throne, sounded almost…seductive.

Tag: Aryan Graul @HanSolo29

 

IC: Sir Quackles the III and Tiberius Trajan
Waiting

Sir Quackles remained transfixed looking at Attic Longjohn as now knew him. The hardened stare of the duck warrior remaining unflinching as he then finally waddled off with the rest of the group but only after making a bold declaration.

"Let this day be known to all as the slight of Attic Longjohn against the great and noble Sir Benedict Quackles the Third,"

Tiberius Trajan meanwhile was taking in everything with a rather quiet grace. His white hair floping around him as he viewed his fellow daemon for a moment longer before walking down in the direction indicated by Baron Quinn. He regarded his fiery little friend who seemed to be no end of whimsical little quips whenever the moment allowed. A character trait that sparked an odd fondness for the little daemon in Tiberius's eyes.

"Hey, do think he was compensating just a bit too hard? I mean really? Gold doors on gold on giant statue? I bet the man was three foot six inches, maybe pushing four foot. It's sad really."

"It is a little ostentatious," Tiberius spoke with a bemused guile as if only half-interested in the current fanfare of being left to wait yet again as he contemplated what these 'seven tests' were exactly meant to entail. There was clearly a strength component to these evaluations as evidenced by the set of weights, multiple tests measuring physical and perhaps mental capability it seemed. That was the logical conclusion from the surroundings.

TAG: @Darth_Elu @Narancia @Jerjerrod-Lennox @spacelady @Mitth_Fisto @Ktala @The Jedi in the Pumas

 

​

IC: Lady Atmora

Lady Atmora saw the metallic beings that easily crushed her forearm and tried her best to pay them no heed; however, she could not forget the pain they could bring and how helpless she felt before them. But Atmora did the only thing she knew how to do, and that was to hide her emotions.

In truth, this new place brought so much anxiety to her, and Atmora was never good at expressing her emotions...She felt that they were weaknesses that got in the way of rational thinking, of doing what needed to be done. Atmora felt that she was ultimately weaker than she had once been in this place, but why?

She remembered the Baron's explanation about how she was truly living now and that her previous life, whatever it was, never existed. What did that even mean?

Atmora shook her head. This situation was absolutely the worst.

Atmora hated everything about this place, how powerless it made her.

Why?

Why did it have to be like this?

The group eventually stopped, and Atmora finally got a chance to evaluate everything.

An ironic sentiment because Quinn just so happened to announce this as the evaluation room.

Quinn stood with figures that were equally as important-looking as him but just as illusive.

So this is where their journey would truly start.

IC: Morimoto

Morimoto was amazed; he felt so alive at this moment. This place was more fantastical than he ever dreamed, but in the end, Morimoto still didn't care to a certain degree, sure everything was shiny and new. For some reason, Morimoto knew that this was reality, not the binding shackles of the previous reality he lived in his past life.

Or was this merely an extension of the new one?

Then came the revelation that the new room the group now stood in was, in fact, an evaluation room. How delightful!

Morimoto was always up for a good challenge; nothing mattered anyway, so why not have a bit of fun. But Morimoto wondered was there a point to be had of evaluating everyone? As Morimoto figured that most people within the group would pick a civilian life, wouldn't they?

Morimoto wasn't sure.

He just knew that the battlefield felt like home to him.

Guns felt like family.

Why?

Morimoto didn't know, but they did. So Morimoto stood, waiting on the inevitable.

Waiting on the pointless trials.

But still, he couldn't help but be excited.

TAG: @Darth_Elu @Shadowsun @Jerjerrod-Lennox @spacelady @Mitth_Fisto @Ktala @The Jedi in the Pumas

 

Arthur MacDonald
Residence

He wasn't so much hungover as passed out. The dream, the memories he'd experienced had drained whatever energy he had whatever mystical mana that let this place operate. Or maybe he just didn't want to leave the constructed world he came from. The world where he had a clear mission, and his heart behind it. Here, he didn't know what was going on or why he should care. Sure he was hand picked to be a soldier on the front lines of a war but, he was just doing endless tests and training. While it might be important he just didn't feel that drive, that passion for the work. Before it had just been the thing he had to do, he didn't really have a choice in the matter did he? Before he didn't know who he was, what he was, and now that he knew he wasn't sure what to do.

Should he just follow orders, get back into the fight again and put his sword to use once again? Or did he just loaf about? The latter didn't seem like much of an option, the taskmasters here weren't the kind to just let him laze about their very fine abodes. They had plucked him from his story for a reason and they wouldn't waste their energy and receive nothing in return. The only choice left to him was to pick up his blade and march off to war again. Though if what they said was true, he'd never really been a soldier, a swordsman on the front lines of the king's army facing down enemies of all sorts.

He was just a character a figment of someone's imagination, a fabrication. Everything felt real enough, the silk sheets under his frame, the lightly vanilla scented air that he breathed in, the sounds of the city outside his window, it all felt real. Then why did he feel like he wasn't?

It had been hours now and he couldn't bring himself to get up off the bed, he'd just been staring at the ceiling, closing his eyes every now and again to see her face, to see Yuki. Even though she was gone, he couldn't help but want to be with her again. He just wanted to live in a world with her then without her.

Sure it was just a fantasy but, it was something that brought him some solace. His armor was brought cleaned and improved, he hadn't noticed or cared. What time was it? He had some more training didn't he? Ehh, they would send someone for him when they needed him. There was no rush for him to get up and he was content to just lay there looking off into eternity...

TAG: @Darth_Elu

 

Opening Pathways

Valynor found himself gaping in a manner most unbecoming. A dragon. Studying at the Omniversal Library. The red-haired elf blinked his green eyes as he attempted to recover his composure. Twilight stood to the side and chuckled in amusement. The sight was still a wondrous one, no matter how many times he beheld it himself.

“You’re staring….” The Arkanian Force-Weilder intoned politely.

“Uh…a thousand pardons.” Valynor put in quickly, with an apologetic bow to the studious draconic figure, before Twilight placed an arm on the elf’s shoulder and guided him from the scene.

Valynor turned to face the white haired man, his utter disbelief and amazement still etched upon his elven face.

“I know…” Twilight managed to say, a light chuckle did escape him then. The very sight had challenged what was conventionally known about ‘dragons’ in common lore.

“Here, you’ll find yourself being amazed more often than not, I’m afraid.” Twilight confessed, having experienced this before hand.

“I had no idea….” Valynor exclaimed, finally finding his voice.

“Indeed. You’ll find yourself saying or thinking that quite often as well.”

Twilight was well pleased with the young elf’s reaction. It meant his mind was willing to be challenged and accept new knowledge, the kind that would allow him to reach new heights.

As the pair continued to amble, they began to converse on share ideas on the monumental task of creating such a place, the very existence of an Omniversal Library was far more extraordinary than either of them imagined.

“…and I thought the Library at the White Tower was quite extensive!” Valynor remarked.

“I know the feeling.” Twilight put in, but did not elaborate further, not wanting to sidetrack their conversation.

It was then that the two visitors were met by a gracious vulpine librarian, who had offered to assist them. Upon referencing her uncanny ability in finding any book they desired simply by instinct, Twilight did not hesitate to speak.

“Bless you!” He said with no small degree of gratitude and expectation. “I would like to peruse any information you might have related to ‘The Force’.” A small ‘innocent’ smile graced his lips.

Valynor raised an eyebrow and looked at his new friend, offering a quizzical expression.

“The Force of what, exactly?” He wondered aloud, suddenly curious.

Twilight simply regarded the elf and smiled knowingly. No explanation would be forthcoming as the sound of approaching footsteps and a rhythmically tapping staff was heard. Twilight looked towards the figure now closing in, a female arrayed in dark clothing and robes, white hair spilling out from beneath her black veil and hood.

Both Valynor and Twilight bowed to the woman just as the librarian had, seeing how she did seem to be a very important figure. More specifically, she had come for Valynor who apparently had been summoned.

Twilight nodded, understanding the proceedings. The excitement expressed in Valynor’s eyes spoke for itself, he was ready for whatever was next.

“May the Force be with you, Valynor.” Twilight intoned as the woman prepared to escort the elf, even as he offered her a respectful nod before their departure.

“May the Light of the Valar guide you, Twilight.”

Thus, the elf and his escort made their way out of the Omniversal Library, leaving Twilight with the vulpine librarian.

“So, about that book….?”

***********************************
From Twilight to Midnight

Valynor followed after the dark woman, silently surmising as to her post and position. She did carry herself with a certain level of authority, something that he’d come to associate as a sort of social ‘marker’ here on Shadow’s Reach. If nothing else, her reference to ‘the average commoner’ bespoke of her views, though clearly, her most effective and utilitarian use of magic denoted that she was someone who was very well trained in the Arcane Arts.

Impressively so.

Still, he followed silently, expectantly. It would not be long before answers began to fall into place. The two now found themselves before an imposing and awe-inspiring Dark Tower. For just a brief second, Valynor could not help but think that perhaps, this might be the concordant opposite of the White Tower and its Sages. Was that even possible? Had that not been all a Dream? He none too thrilled at not knowing the answer.

Ignorance of any kind was decidedly a curse.

Taking in a breath, Valynor stepped forth and inspected the massive dark doors. No handles meant magic was required- but he possessed none at the moment. Turning his head, he saw the woman looking at him, expecting something. Valynor stepped to one side and did the one thing he was able to do, which was observe.

Elven green eyes did exactly that, as they observe the woman employ her staff, as it began to glow and surge with power.

Yesss….

Valynor did not allow himself to be distracted by wandering thoughts which threatened to overtake him. He listened at the enchantment being spoken. He would learn it, memorize it, until a time he could practice it.

Murathatra. So, that was her name. Well, by the sound of it, she was an extremely important person. But that was not all…

Runic symbols began to glow on upon the door’s surface and Murathatra now bid him to speak a pledge, a binding spell of secure entry, of that he was almost certain.

“I, Valynor Syndoriel, Elite of Shadow’s Reach, Born of the Genesis Gate, do pledge myself to both the Power Beyond and the Power Within and hereby claim what is rightfully mine!”

Valynor made this declaration with all his might and conviction. He was born, destined for the Arts Arcane. In that moment, he could almost feel the magics coursing through the entirety of the doors, opening and unlocking magical pathways. It was wondrous to behold.

Valynor bowed deferentially before entering the tower, then made to follow Murathatra, into a the place that held his destiny.

The Midnight Arcanum.

Valynor stood there, taking it all in, feeling as if a dream had finally become reality. Indeed, his whole being, mind, body and spirit, were devoted to Arts Arcane.

“Thank you Lady Murathatra.” He now intoned with great respect. As for the other apprentices, Valynor hardly noticed them, so enthralled was he with all that transpired.

The elf’s feeling of elation was greatly uplifting at just being able to be admitted to the Midnight Arcanum, however, when he was told that his mentor would be one who sat upon The Council itself, he felt as though he would faint.

“I…I’m honored beyond my ability to express my gratitude.” Valynor whispered, his eyes downcast for a brief moment. Thankfully, he was asked to close his eyes now, so he did so gratefully. The great Lady was giving him further instruction, guiding him in necessary ritual.

“Tell me. Not with your voice, but your heart. In one word, what animal is walking out of the uncertain mists of the Future toward you? Answer me this and say no more.”

This was a simple matter for the elf, for him, it would be the same no matter where he found himself.


The Stag of Cernunnis

He could see the stag before him, standing majestically, plain as day. He had no doubt Lady Murathatra probably could as well, because her tone had changed now that she spoke about his destiny.

Valynor simply nodded in respectful agreement as there was nothing to add to the proclaimed certainties.

Tap

In a flash of midnight blue, Valynor was transported from the chamber he had been and now found himself standing beside a magical well of energy.

Wait! Was that a…..no, that was impossible!. How could…..

But the feeling was undeniable. His very soul trembled from his proximity to such a powerful artifact, this floating Orb of Power. But there was more….

A presence.

One he could hardly describe, but could feel like the heat from a blast furnace. A power that could rival….no, humble the Sages of the White Tower.

A voice called out to him then, one he had never heard before, yet overflowed with Arcane essence. One that instilled both awe and fear in equal measure.

“Ahhh….Valynor Syndoriel…At last, we meet.”

The red haired elf felt as if he were frozen in place.

“Turn around, my new student, we have much to discuss.”

For some inexplicable reason, it took a great deal of effort to turn, but finally Valynor managed it and what he saw left him dumbfounded.

Valynor felt small, powerless, helpless and naked before this being. Not even Galbatorix had made him feel this way. He simply stood still and listened intently, allowing himself to be examined, for what else could he do?

The moment seemed to stretch forever as the being spoke, but Valynor had come too far to ruin his impending greatness. So he flowed with the moment, until an opportunity presented itself, which invariably, it did.

The bing now offered him his name by way of introduction.

“I am Lord Voldemort and I shall teach you everything I know.”

“…and I, Valynor Syndoriel, am your most willing apprentice my Lord.”

As custom would have it, Valynor offered a deferential bow to the great Lord of the Council, the chief of all Mages.

Lord Voldemort bid him follow and so he did, for this was now his new mentor, a wondrous and terrible being indeed. And so he followed dutifully. Lord Voldermont then went on to mention the Eye of Magnus, confirming the elf’s earlier suspicion regarding the Legendary Artifact.

Valynor stared at it for a solid moment as the implications began to form in his mind.

'Limitless…..'

His body continued to move as he followed his new mentor beyond the chamber. Valynor now gazed at his new surroundings, intrigued by all that he beheld. The very air was infused with arcane power. He could smell it, feel it against his skin, tingling the very roots of his hair. The amount of knowledge contained in this place would make him drunk for an entire winter, if not longer.

Lord Voldemort bid him stand inside a circle before they began a discourse.

“…Now tell me what you have on your mind before we proceed, we must have no distractions for what is to come.”

“As you wish Lord Voldemort.” Valynor heard himself say, testing out the resonance of the name.

“When will I be able to wield magic once again?”


Tag: @Darth_Elu