Fantasy CLOSED The Final Game: A Story of Selenia

OOC: A combo between me and @darthbernael thank you for that!

IC Branka and Morrigan
Discussions

The Gods game had taken a pause, the Gods given time to relax, to refresh, to process all that had happened. Most of them had left the Great Hall, wanting space. Even the dwarven god Branka needed a refresher but, for him it was to find one of the few caves that dotted the surface of the Realm, relaxing on a bench that Hephaestus had built for him in such a spot.

A shadow filled the entrance, a taller, female one. A polite cough as the goddess ducked her head and entered the cave. Her eyes sparkled, the raven hair long and straight as she smoothed her skirts and sat on the bench opposite Branka. Morrigan glanced at him, studying him. “You know the champions still fight as we sit here. There seems to be a deeper game even than the one my husband began. Someone is or someones are influencing the game.”

Branka tried to get back on his feet, after all Lady Morrigan outranked him. He frowned slightly at what she was telling him. The Paragon hated these things, but was not really surprised at what he heard. "Well, since the others are away to relax I don't think it would be fair if I kept on playing." he chuckled "But tell me more about this... plot or whatever it is? I was focused too much on Mieli and must have missed it."

She smiled softly, brushing a lock of her long, black hair from her face as she gazed at the dwarven god. "Did it seem odd that every essence of those departed, save Isha's ended up with their champions? Or, that at a critical juncture, my husband's legions departed his service?" she asked calmly.

"I do not know if you noticed, as you said you were focused on Mieli, but when the map prevented me from moving it dual colored lightning lanced my fingers. Any other colors and I'd have brushed it off but these touched a memory. If I am right, Huitzil truly meant or means the destruction of Selenia, just to alleviate his boredom, and he's being opposed, not by this Destructor." She said in a softer tone.

Branka listened carefully. He was not sure he liked what he heard. It seems there had been a lot going on here, behind the proverbial curtains. He stroked his bushy beard and thought for a second "Tell me, what needs to be done." Branka looked Morrigan in the eyes. "I am not that much into cloak and dagger stuff like some of the others, but there must be something that I can help prevent this."

Morrigan smiled softly. "That is true, my friend. There are those, though, that are more suited to it. And, I'm sure, they could use your aid." She glanced out of the cavern for a moment, sensing her husband seeking her. "I do believe Enya spoke of wanting to meet others at Andrissa's Hall."

Branka nodded "Does that include me as well?" he raised an eyebrow. He did not want to come uninvited after all.

Shifting slightly, before standing and ducking slightly as she headed toward the entrance to the cavern, "Yes, why would Enya not desire all those that were willing to assist to join her?" she asked as she paused by the entrance.

TAG: @darthbernael anyone else?

 

IC: Nyubis
Laughter and Pain

“You two ssshould get a room. Ignore the quessst to find Isssha’sss essssencesss and jussst take your relationssship further. But, I do recall I wasss going to let my big sssissster deal with you. Ssshe is waiting, with ssseveral of Isssha’sss essssencesss, approximately a hundred leaguesss into the foressstsss of Qedraerhiel.”

Nyubis actually audible laughed out loud at what the creature first suggested. Aboleth might take mild offense to this, but he was not laughing at what one might immediately expect. It was an odd sound to hear really from the jackal-drow, one so usually utterly stern and serious, a deep, warm laugh not the cold chuckles Anubis was known for. His sky-blue eyes would look in the general direction of the snake.

"Could you phrase your 'temptation in a more ridiculous manner?" Nyubis spoke aloud, still continuing to laugh as the Snake went on.

“I’ll let you both travel, but I’m going to enjoy obssserving you encountering her petsss.”

In time Nyubis' laughter subsided looking back to Aboleth as he muttered something with a small smile.

"What a stupid creature..." His eyes then looking to the map and Aboleth as she spoke.

“Let’s go find these pieces. Rian is counting in us; Isha too.”

"I could not have said it better myself," he replied, looking to Aboleth his eyes looking to her for a moment as he thought to himself. He noted that unlike himself, Xenos, or Malagath, Aboleth was not a being 'predestined' to serve on this quest or to save the world, but for whatever reason she still chose to help them. To save a god she barely knew and a world that had scorned her. This was noted by Nyubis but never vocalized, as he then felt a pain erupt in his arm. His eyes wincing in pain as he looked to Aboleth giving a dismissive hand at any show of concern.

"It would seem Xenos entered some difficulties but nothing to be concerned about... he is not dead... yet...ergh and to think I went through such an effort not to get harmed for his sake... humans..." he said this more mockingly more than anything else, leaning back in the boat as he commanded it to steer once more, off to find the nearest piece of Isha.

TAG: @darthbernael @Sinrebirth

 

Presenting, a fun and adventurous combo with the incomparable @galactic-vagabond422 and our magnificent GM, @darthbernael

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IC: Malagath and Xenos
A Passage Perilous

For the most part, Xenos kept to himself as he had come to accept his solitary fate. It wasn’t that he was indifferent to how he was viewed, not at all. When working around the ship, he returned greetings and gestures of respect where he encountered them, and to those who viewed him with disdain, he simply endured them and did not hold such things against them; for he was the son of Ma’at and Samhain. His father was ‘The Scorned One’, so it stood to reason he would be subjected to the same afflictions, in as much that he would balance these trials with his own experience and the wisdom inherited from his mother.

His frequent meditations had brought him to this conclusion.

As things stood, Xenos owed his life to Captain Malagath twice over, though arguably, he saved the lives of the entire crew- but opinions differed. The fact that Malagath’s crew was divided over his presence was regrettable, but he would not become the cause of any strife beyond being ostracized by half the crew members; For that was the Twilight nature of his current existence, not unlike his sword.

Nevertheless, days passed without incident- thankfully. However, at the dawning of the third day, a sight beyond anything he’d ever seen before greeted them, as the Freedom’s Bow traversed a stretch in the Middle Sea.

With an incredulous expression on his face, Xenos regarded the gigantic chain that seemed to travel all the way from Uthium to the West. It went on to cross the entire breath of sea before them, then continue all the way to Al Qalha to the East.

The massive structure defied all other works of engineering in the known kingdoms and could not have possibly been constructed by mortal hands, at least not in Xenos’ estimation. Especially considering the creatures that could be seen roaming the waters nearby.

The chilled morning breeze buffeted him as if to wake him, but Xenos hardly felt. Mutely he waited for Malagath to make an appearance. There was much for the two to discuss.

Coming stomping out from his cabin the captain marched right to the bow drawing his spyglass. It seemed they were in quite the fix. A massive chain, more monsters and what looked to be the entire Uthiumian Navy patrolling the waters. His eye focused on the buoys those seemed to be holding the whole contraption up. If they could sink those, along with the ships that were anchored near them could open a hole. Though given the size of them, it would be a tall order. But it would be easier than attempting to ram through and risk certain damage to their main mast. As it stood going toe-to-toe with the navy was only likely damage, not a certainty.

Finding Xenos near by Mal gave him a nod.

"Think your fancy sword could cut through those chains?" He asked with a smirk on his face. "I could tie you to the main mast and we can just cut our way right through." He was certain that many of the crew would enjoy seeing the young god strung up. Or just let to go do his own thing. If he had any other choice Mal wouldn't be doing this either but, the world was at stake, desperate times and all.

Xenos turned to look at the Captain, after considering his words and gazing at the challenge ahead. A small smirk tugged at the corner of his lip as he rather did like the idea.

The chains were bindings that needed to be loosened. An obstacle that needed to be breached- an impediment to freedom and to their mission to save Selenia.

"I can certainly give it a shot." Xenos said in agreement to part of the plan. "But I would much rather not place the ship and its crew in undue danger. I owe you too much already."

The dark haired demi-god looked to the massive chains, gauging the distance from their current position. With his enhanced senses and bolstered knowledge, he managed the necessary computation. "How about we work in tandem? You keep the enemy off me as I do some slicing."

Xenos raised his hand and without a word, caused the Twilight Sword to materialize in his hand. It shone brightly as it coruscated with streams of dark and light.

"As you can see, I can call the sword to me...." Xenos began to say, then suddenly threw the sword towards the chains. Th weapon shot through the air then vanished from sight in a flash, just to flash back into existence a moment later, embedded in the chains. At this distance, the weapon could not be perceived with the naked eye, but Xenos could see it clearly.

"...But I can also, go to the sword." He finished.

There was another flash of light as Xenos vanished from Malagath's presence, to then re-appear by the sword'. His own form was already glowing as the young warrior gathered the will and the energy he would need to cleave the titanic bands held together by forces both seen and unseen.

Mal smiled as the other man disappeared, as head strong and reckless as any pirate. "You heard him, let's get to work lads and lasses." The captain barked as the sails opened gathering the wind and carrying the Bow towards their enemies. The cannons were already loaded the only problem was bringing them to bear. Mal took the helm watching as the patrols noted them and started to bustle with activity.

He saw the flash of cannons, but didn't hear the report until later, and even later than that two cannon balls splashed into the water on either side of the vessel. It was a game of nerve for the Bow. Their slim profile from the front made it difficult to hit, but, they couldn't bring their drawven cannons to bear. So they would have to wait for an opportune moment to turn and lay in a broadside.

A few more shots that continue to splash wide of the pirate ship. They close the Uthiumian Navy ships becoming larger and larger on the horizon, the tentacles starting to rise out of the water.

"Hold," Mal called out, "Hold," His crew stood at their positions the thundering of the enemy cannons ringing in their ears. "Hold," Mal held tightly to the helm for a moment then spun it hard to port to bring the guns in line. The thin ship cut through the waves turning nimbly presenting her side to the other ship. "Fire!" With a loud report the dwarven cannons sounded sending their deadly projectiles into the heavier vessel. The iron shot tore through the hull sending splinters and bodies everywhere. A thick cloud hung over the ship as the firing ceased. Mal looked for the winds trying to keep moving and quickly. The Freedom's Bow was not designed to trade broadsides with ships of the line, better suited to hit and run attacks. Looking through his glass he saw the ship he'd fired about listing, and the crew being lethargic.

Was there something in the cloud?

Mal didn't have time to question as he came around again and fired the next broadside.

Likewise, Xenos did not have time to marvel at the breathtaking sights around him, he promised himself to do so after Selenia was saved. In the distance, he could see that Captain Malagath and his crew had already engaged the enemy, essentially creating a distraction and buying him time to complete his mission. Thus, Xenos wasted not another moment as he took a deep breath - even as he held the Twilight Sword in both hands. The demi-god tapped into the dynamic powers of his progenitors, causing the blade to strobe with light and dark, as Order and Chaos surged.

In a heartbeat, Xenos plunged the blade into the chain, causing it to grow incandescent at the point of contact. He would seek to weaken the very material as he cut, destroying impurities, causing entropy and discord between its very molecules, slicing and melting, ever increasing his strength in order to maintain a steady pace. Gravity would invariably assist him in his endeavor as it pulled at the slowly separating chains, the strain incrementally increasing and simultaneously weakening the material.

Within a moment, the cut across the chain would glow white hot as Xenos would redirect all escaping energy back into the cutting process. Bright flashes would illuminate his form as the wound in the chain grew ever larger and more severe. For the moment, he dared not look if he had been discovered, not before he reached the point of no return, when he would need to simply step away and let the forces of nature take care of the rest.

Another ship brought its cannons to bear, the first ship still listing and sluggish from the initial broadside. Mal would take whatever was happening so he could focus on the other ship, spreading out the damage. This wasn't about sinking them or taking them, it was only about giving their demi-god time. Prepared this time the enemy fired their broadside, gun upon gun fired they had twice the cannons the Bow had, but, the Bow had bigger guns to use.

Iron shot crashed into the side, the elven wood holding up bending but not braking, at least to most of the shots coming in. Splinters of sylvan timber showered the crew but, it didn't dissuade them.

"FIRE," Mal called out, the order being relayed below and the dwarven cannons roared again sending heavy shots back across the enemy's bow. More shattering and splintering of wood resounded over the waves. In the distance Mal could see light on the chains, he could only assume that was Xenos doing his light work. "Hard to port, tack the sheets, we're coming around." He checked the wind seeing that it was in their favor allowing them to continue to rake fire across the enemy. Though there was one enemy he'd not quite had to deal with yet. A hulking tenticle slapped down on the deck. "Corydon!" The captain ordered his second in command.

Without words the half elf drew his bow taking arrows from his quiver. Within moments two arrows burrowed into the watery flesh. The wooden shafts glowed with green light an enchantment that Cory had come by due to his elven blood. The appendage recoiled releasing it's hold, for now just as they came around for another broadside.

"Hurry Xenos, hurry..." Mal whispered under his breath.

As the link shattered, it had several effects. One was that it threw off the aim of the Bow's cannons, as the metal gave a bane sidhe shriek and separated, throwing the now loose ends of the massive chain toward the bow pushing the current and the ship backward.

Another effect was that fragments of the shattering of the metal were sent skyward and several of their foes observation balloons were punctured by superheated metal. Which had its own secondary effect of the balloons exploding, sending shockwaves of their own at the Bow and the enemy galleons.

And then there was the effect that was most important to Xenos...As the metal gave way and the link separated, the force of the shattering threw the long section he was standing on into a long, low arc across the water, and directly toward the largest of their foe's galleons.

Xenos almost exclaimed in jubilation once the link shattered beneath him. He had inverted in mid-air and was about to ‘return’ back to the Freedom’s Bow when his eyes bulged in horror.

In an instant he realized it.

It did not matter what effects the unraveling chain had on the enemy and their flotilla, for they well deserved their comeuppance. However, the Bow too was in danger because of his actions!

The wind whipped at the warrior's raven hair as he was in free-fall, yet everything seemed to slow in his perceptions. Xenos determined the length of chain he had to sever and the specific link that needed to be cut in order for the Bow to be narrowly spared damage. And so, he ‘flashed’, throwing his weapon at the specified link and appearing with the strobing sword at the point of contact.

Old knowledge flooded into him, granted by the Aspect of Ma’at, even as he pulsed with power, incandescence flaring from him. Xenos cleaved with the Twilight Sword! A single dismantling stroke was made, in the manner of Hephaestus himself, such that would honor the great smith.

The young warrior's hope was that the length of chain would be 'cut' in the nick of time to ‘miss’ the elven vessel, but he would not leap to safety until he was certain of it. Xenos owed Malagath far too much, twice over even! Nay, he did not consider himself. Besides, they had yet to save the realm. Only after Selenia was saved would he dare to entertain thoughts of rest and safety.

The chain finally snapped and Mal tried to turn towards the strait but the chain and shockwaves from the balloons knocked him off course, though that was the least of his worries. What remained of the chain that wasn't lashing out towards the enemy was swinging towards his already battered ship. There wasn't much he could do his ship was already too close.

"BRACE!" He called out hoping that it wouldn't sink his ship. He held on to the helm watching in slow motion as the deadly iron flew towards his ship. There was a blinding flash and the chain missed. Looking up he noticed Xenos trailing away from it. A smirk appeared on the captain's face, who needs gods.

"Full sheets, we'll break right through them." He brought his ship around fighting against the waves but he knew with the winds at his back he could break through the blockade. And hopefully outrun the beasts in the water trying to wrap their soggy arms around his ship. "Get all guns loaded we'll give them a proud send off." He was running a gauntlet but they didn't have time to waste.

"XENOS!" Mal called out his voice carrying over the waves and sounds of battle. "ON DECK NOW!"

Immense relief filled the warrior as he turned in mid-air, seeing how a great catastrophe had been narrowly averted.

"Thank you, Great Hephaestus..." Xenos whispered as a votive, even as he now heard the captain shouting his name.

'Flashing' between locations was becoming increasingly easier each time, thus, Xenos did so once again, appearing in a crouched position the moment Captain Malagath finished giving his orders.

"Aye, aye, sir!!" Xenos intoned respectfully as he rose to his full height, offering a crisp salute. He fought the urge to apologize for the 'near mishap', but now was not the time for such things. The Bow still had a blockade to run.

"What are your orders, sir!"

Mal offered a smile to the man standing on the deck.

"Grab a rope and keep that sword handy, we might have boarders." The wind picked up carrying the ship through the strait as the rest of the fleet attempted to sink them presenting their sides, cannons ready. "Really wish Sarathai was still awake." He muttered as he prepared to take a hellish amount of punishment.

Xenos paused for a moment before he spoke anew.

"With all due respect, sir. What if I board them instead and take care of their cannons?"

The insinuation was that the Bow would risk less damage with fewer cannons aimed at her.

"That's a lot of guns Xenos, a damn lot of them." He looked at the fleet arrayed against them. "We need you alive if we got a ghost of a chance in the battles to come."

The young warrior regarded Malagath and could feel him brimming with indescribable confidence. The man was a Captain for a reason, all aboard not only depended in him, but shared the same opinion. This was a Leader worthy to be followed into the unkown.

"Aye, Captain." Xenos said, half-apologetically. "Unleash me on your command."

Indeed, Malagath would know when to prioritize such a tactic, far better than he. Malagath had to deal with the ship, the crew, the sea and so many other factors! He had to keep the Bow in tip-top shape, the crew fed and ready, the stocks supplied. On top of all that, he had to outwit the enemy! No wonder so many brave men were loyal to him.

Xenos wasted not another moment as he turned to grab hold of the rope assigned to him. It did not matter that he was a demi-god, or that he had the strength of several men, the ability to regenerate, or a Mystic Sword that defied description. No, Xenos was a crewman aboard the 'Freedom's Bow' and Malagath was his captain - and by all that he held honorable, he would follow this man to the end of their journey.

"To Victory!!"

Mal held his nerve as his ship came into the lane created by the enemy. It was seconds but, it felt like an eternity. He brought his eyes up to Xenos as the other man took up his position. As the Bow was fully between the galleons. Mal gave the order to the cannons.

"FIRE!" The guns open up firing out in every direction slamming into the first two ships. Ripping through the hardened hulls and dispersing that thick mist around both ships sending them listing away. The next pair would be hammering them before the dwarven guns would be ready. "Ready bows!" He called out all available crew took up shortbows, crossbows or longbows. Corydon setup on the port side. A whispered word from the half elf, his missile glowed red. "Loose!" The captain yelled, arrows shot out peppering the open decks killing the crew of the other ships and causing panic. Cory's arrow burst into flames into some dry rope which sparked and caused dark smoke to rise some embers falling on the sails, starting to burn little holes.

"Xenos, GO!" Mal pointed towards the ship to the starboard side as the guns from the Port side ship sounded pounding into the hull of the Bow. "NOW!"

Malagath needn’t command the young warrior demi-god a second time. In a flash, Xenos vanished and reappeared within the closest enemy ship firing at the Freedom’s Bow. Strobes of light and dark flared all through the gunnery deck as Xenos let the Twilight Sword sing of Order and Catastrophe. He’d become a veritable whirlwind of destruction- confined in a tight space. The warrior’s incandescent weapon struck at the cannons with furious precision, irrespective of the enemy crew. Brave but foolish souls sought to engage him, only to be blinded by the strobing effect...only to be hewn like so much tinder.

It was an ugly truth: the struggle to save Selenia had created terrors on both sides of the war.

No flesh, wood or metal could withstand Xenos' uncontainable onslaught, the unleashed fury of a warrior true; for there were monsters in the waters serving the enemy, Xenos was the monster on land in service of the allies.

Thus, the decimation of the gunnery deck was swift and terrible. Those on the top deck could not hope to aid their dying comrades, who were cut down like so much wheat before their very eyes- their fates, would be the same. Within the ruined 'charnel house', ensuing fires would soon light the powder and the enemy ship would no doubt succumb to a staccato of sundering detonations.

That being the sound of allied victory.

There. Another flash - and Xenos moved to the next ship in line. His plan was repeat his previous performance, to eliminate the aligned threats to the Bow from the starboard side, which would give the Captain more room to maneuver and greater license to deal with the enemy to port.

As Xenos did his bloody work Mal winced as he heard the timbers bend, and creak and break under the assault.

"All bows port side." Shouted again, his impromptu archery corps rushed across the deck. It while they had done some training with this it wasn't completely set. The heavy crossbows were in the front shielded by the hardy sides of the ship while they readied their windlasses, popping up they fired at anything trying to get too close. Behind them in a crouched position holding their arrows in their drawing hands the shortbows fired quickly at anything they could see peppering their targets with many arrows. Finally at the back ranks, the longbows making careful, considered shots, picking off officers, and leadership where they could see them. In the chaos of the upper deck the fire began to grow, and grow burning up the sails.

Below decks all the cannons were hastily readied to fire again.

"FIRE!" Mal shouted and with a final retort the dwarven guns bellowed their reply tearing into the other ship and sending bits of wood and splinters flying into the air.

It was quick and brutal, bodies on both ships lay in pools of their own blood, but the Bow came out the victor as she cleared the final ship the winds carried her away with speed, leaving wreckage in her wake. Though herself was also in a state, her mast was intact but her hull was punched through, crews were quickly rushing to plug the holes made and baling out water as fast as they could. They would survive, this day.

"Xenos on deck..." Mal shouted, recalling his divine attack dog...They'd done good work, a lot of it. Now they would have to hope that the rest of the heroes were has useful as the one he'd found.

There was the familiar flash and Xenos reappeared before Malagath, bloodied, burnt and wounded with lacerations. Many arrows protruded from his back. He had surprised the crew members of the first enemy ship, but by the third, they had been expecting him - and greeted him with welcoming violence.

In the end their resistance made no difference. Saving Selenia demanded a victory, despite the cost.

Xenos looked about the Bow, saw brave dead men who had paid the ultimate prize for a goal they all believed in: Freedom.

The young warrior rose shakily, grunting from the effort and the pain that shot through him due to his wounds, not once remembering about his bond with Nyubis. Still, he would survive, he would heal...unlike others.

" Aye, Captain. I did as you commanded..." He said, wincing.

" I did not die..." Xenos stated, as he underscored the statement with a firm nod; the gashes on his face were slowly closing and the blunt trauma receding. "...for Freedom, for Selenia." he managed to add, offering a weak smile.

"Mad Bastard," Mal replied shaking his head, "Clean yourself up, and get some rest. We'll need you at your best in the coming fight." He was uneasy having sent the young man possibly to his death. Seeing the healing did very little to assuage his fears. Sure he could survive this but would his recklessness would get him killed against a monster like the Destroyer. "We'll talk later..."


Tag: @darthbernael, @galactic-vagabond422, * Mentioned @Shadowsun, ( All the other Heroes! )

 

OOC: Combo with @Sinrebirth and @darthbernael

IC: Aboleth & Nyubis
Curled

The woman awoke to the heaviness of another.

She was in his embrace.

Warmed not just by the hearth, but by the heart.

His.

It beat into her back, a steady thrum that had lulled her to sleep.

For a moment, she stilled herself, so that she might enjoy the moment for just a little longer.

The musk of him; the touch of his breath upon her; the drape of his leg; the crook of the arm that enveloped her; her mind absently travelling up and down her form, memorising every point of contact between body and soul and skin and skin...

Nyubis had not been able to sleep, in all honesty, he rarely truly slept at all. He more just entered a trance-like state, meditating away but he did not even do that now. He just watched the fire, his eyes watching it dance a weave like a fickle witch.

He could feel her there, her soft skin, the lightness of her breathing as she had slept. He had not moved, she had looked so comfortable, so peaceful. A tranquility he yearned for. He felt her stir ever so slightly as he spoke softly, barely a whisper on the wind.

"You know I am going to change again, yet that I'm not done..." he paused searching for the word. "evolving. My personality could quite easily shift again, I might end up more like Anubis... or more like Nyruel... or more like myself,"

The possibility unnerved him, but he knew he was not done coming into his own power, into the forging of god and mortal that had created him.

"I know," she said, softly. "But for now, you are you, and I am me. That's enough for me right now."

She turned in his arms, careful not to pin him, or stab him with her elbows - sharp things, no idea why all humanoids wanted them - and Aboleth leaned back to look at him. "I think, after everything we've been through together, it's what I'd love to happen for the rest of time, if I was being honest."

"Nyubis," she said quite softly. "I believe I am in love with you."

Nyubis was quiet for a moment, slightly caught off guard by Aboleth's statement. His eyes focused as he wondered briefly. The expectation of a reply building up, feeling it press into his back like needles as he slowly replied.

"I... I don't know how I feel Aboleth. Just so much clouds my head, my soul feels torn and stretched. And the knowledge that I will change again and in a manner that I have no inkling of how it will manifest..."

He paused searching for words to express how he was feeling. It was not something he was particularly accustomed to.

"... I think I can't even bring myself to... feel. Just the endless march of the mission. Of the end goal... of what needs to be done."

He realized that he was droning on, he felt himself wince slightly with the embarrassment of that fact, as he then began to speak more quickly from the discomfort.

"But what I do know, that this time we have spent together. I have enjoyed it greatly,"

Aboleth did not feel heartbroken, for she was an old entity, and she knew what it was like. She empathised with him, immensely. Placing a hand on his cheek, she met his eyes. "I know what you mean, Nyu. I've enjoyed it too... and with us close to getting the last shard... I just found myself thinking of after, is all."

She made a smile. "Sorry for putting you on the spot like that."

"I...I can understand," he spoke softly, continuing to gaze at the fire. His eyes closed as he could feel the dark magic of Anubis working within him. Changing him. He felt the link to Xenos. The young man was still alive, that much he could tell, on the account that he himself was not... dead.

"And it is alright... expressing one's feelings... it is not something I am particularly good at... and certainly Nyruel and Anubis were not good at it either..."

He smiled ever so softly.

"But after this... after saving Selenia... I reckon I will have to take my place as the new God of Death. Or rather what I become will be what has to take on that mantle. I cannot know what I want, or what to do beyond that point... I can only live... now. In this moment,"

His soft sky blue eyes shone as he said this, the same sad smile echoing on his lips as he allowed himself to rest just a while longer.

“Then let us have this moment, again and again, until we can no longer,” she said softly, and drew him closer to her. “I am yours, in all my ways and names. I am your Lilith,” a kiss. “Your Onrai,” another kiss. “Your Vahl.” Another. “Your Abeloth.”

She kissed him on the mouth deeply and broke for air, smiling fully. “Your Goddess.”

“Whatever name you become; I am fully yours, to the End of Time.” She pressed her form into his, and wished that the moment would never end.”

Nyubis said nothing as he moved into her embrace, moving himself on top of her. His back and chest were already bare and open to the air as he felt her form.

His mind washed aside as he allowed himself, for just now, to forget about the mission. About the responsibility, he had to save the world with his fellow champions.

From beyond the fire’s light, a coughing snort sounded. A low, throaty growl followed. “I get sent here to speak to you and this is what I find? The world is falling into darkness, and you two are…copulating? I should go tell Death that you have other priorities.”

The voice was low, harsh, but not judging, simply humored by the scene it had found when it’s owner arrived. Reflected in the flames, otherwise yet unseen, were two glowing orbs, the owner's eyes, nearly eight feet off the ground.

Nyubis gave a sigh, his head by Aboleth's ear as he slowly got up, not bothering to put any clothes on, and stood tall facing the being.

"A Canim?" He paused for a moment as he contemplated for a brief moment. "Well, you certainly know how to pick your timing..."

He looked towards Aboleth for a moment, before taking a seat, his cold blue eyes looking towards the being.

"Nyruel is gone, if you were not aware of that. Is this about the alliance between Drow and the Canim...?"

A rumbling chuckle, as though from a massive chest, sounded before the being stepped into the firelight.



“Do you honestly believe that Lord Death would send me about something so petty as that alliance?” it asked before it crouched on it’s haunches to bring it’s head more level with the being before it.

“That alliance is so minor a thing compared to what is currently occurring across the face of Selenia.” It’s head tilted to the side, ears twitching, “Tell me, how long has it been since you could feel any other of the champions beside Xenos?”

It’s muzzle swung toward Aboleth, “He approves by the way, but suggests you retrieve the last shard post haste, goddess.”

“I didn’t need his approval,” Aboleth groused, not caring to preserve her modesty; he wasn’t of the same species as her, at the end of the day. “But thanks. So what if we’ve not felt the other Champions? We’re on a mission. We’re nearly done. When we have all the shards whatever mess is happening can be changed to some extent, surely.”

"Well good... because I was quite likely going to snap your neck if you interrupted me for something as so lowly as that alliance," spoke Nyubis. Tilting his head in thought and then waved his hand dismissively

"I would say about six months or so... but if Xenos is alive then I have no worries. No doubt the Destructor is clouding the aura of many beings across Selenia. Such would be its way,"

He rested his chin on his palm as he mused idly to the Canim.

"What has oh wise and powerful Death decreed for us now?"

A barking laugh was the initial response to both the unclothed goddess and the semi sarcastic question from the becoming god. "Isha being returned, at least her soul, that will be a beacon. One I'm not sure you are ready to light, as of yet." He scratched behind one long ear. "She must be preserved but do you truly wish to reveal to your foes exactly where you are and the power that has returned?"

Turning his gaze from Aboleth to Nyubis, "You may have tried, but...ahhh you will see." He tilted his head, side to side for a moment before a lupine smile crossed his face. "You are correct, however, the only reason you sense Xenos is the bond between the two of you. If you could see Selenia from above, there are fading patches of light, most of the world covered in Darkness."

He rocked back on his heels, a small sigh of relaxing before them, "As to what Lord Death wishes...He did say you'd see it as him directing you but said 'Tell that stubborn duo that I will advise but I'm not going to shove a rod up their backsides to get them to do what must be done'." his voice taking on Rian's tone in that moment. "You do need to recover Isha's last shard, but what good is the soul of a goddess going to do you if you do not reunite with the others? Which means finding them"

Aboleth glowered. “So how are we going to do that? You have all the answers, so answer. Isha is the bait, yes, we get that.”

Nyubis tilted his head in quiet thought as he looked to Canim. None of it was particularly new news, the end of the world being what it was. He found it odd that Death still felt that Nyubis somehow still needed convincing about saving Selenia, that ship had sailed a long time ago. Did Death really think so little of him? Did he think Nyubis had not been agonizing over this for the last six months?

"I was simply going to carve into my hand..." spoke Nyubis tilting his head. "If I write out a message for Xenos but cutting into my flesh, and by the very nature his as well then we should have no issues coordinating how to meet," he spoke simply, not showing any particular concern for the pain he or Xenos would endure from their messaging technique.

"Unless all-powerful Death that intervenes but not fully intervenes has better means to communicate?"

"I mean," Aboleth drawled. "He has a point. You can clearly do more than you in-fact do. But here we are, doing all the wet-work... and you judge us for a bit of Old Testament fornication?"

A slight grin across her lips.

A drawn out fit of coughing laughter came from the camin. "I'm the messenger, one of many that the Precursors have at their disposal. And yes, little goddess while I could do even more, I must follow their instructions, if the champions do not wish to fight for your world then why would we?"

His head tilted to one side, his shining eyes regarding Nyubis, "You can feel the paladin, but the bond does more than pass pain back and forth, I will tell you that. Emotions can also pass, so," his tongue lolled out when he grinned, "I'm sure he had some very...interesting moments over the last six months, whenever you both have been so engaged." he said as he waved a paw in their direction. "And, you should know the intensity decreases or increases based on proximity of feeling those emotions. Understand..." One ear twitched as he asked.

Nyubis' eyes watched the Van in, his eyes flashing for a moment in frustration. His eyes became steely.

"You should remember your place Canim and not recite the magic of Anubis to me falsely as if you would understand the magic of Death and Pain."

He cast a glance to Aboleth and then back at the wolf man.

"Now are you finished being imprudent?"

"I doubt he is," Aboleth said, drily. "But sure, let's do your work for you, and we'll reconnect the dots when we're done, and we'll save Selenia for you too while we're at it." She leered. "Now, if you don't mind, we have a final shard to locate. Unless you happen to be able to tell us just what we'll have to face to get it back - because I doubt it's taken us so long to find it without someone interfering - we need to finish up and move on."

The Camin laughed again, a rolling, barking sound. "I like you both, so stiff and stubborn."

He gestured off to the East, "It's about a day's walk or so, at your best pace, thataway."

"And this, this won't be the last time we see each other either, the end of this, win or lose, is fast approaching and if you think Death wouldn't want you informed you are sadly mistaken."

It nodded to them both, a lupine smile on his face, eyes glittering. Gesturing behind him, a portal spun open, a large swirling black opening in space, edges tinged in green. He chuckled, shaking his head again, "Stubborn as a pair of rocks." he muttered before he stepped through, the portal shutting behind him.

Aboleth scoffed.

"Do we pick up where we left off, or get going?" She sounded wistful. "He did sound worried."

"I am not exactly in the mood any more," he muttered in honesty as he looked to Aboleth. His face shifting to a warm, soft smile as he gave a nod. He then felt a tang of pain against his forehead.

"No... no... not now" he winced for a moment before his pain began to fade. "It's beginning... my final 'evolution'..."

TAG: @Sinrebirth @darthbernael Mention for @greyjedi125

 

The adventure continues, with @galactic-vagabond422 & @darthbernael

*********************************
IC: Xenos & Malagath
Aboard the Freedom's Bow

"Aye, Captain! My Captain!"

Xenos progressively spoke these words with greater ease each time he saluted Malagath upon seeing him. The young warrior had become greatly accustomed to being aboard the Freedom's Bow, a place he considered his new home. In the time that followed after their harrowing crossing, Xenos did his best to find his place among the crew in as natural a way as possible, for everything aboard a ship had a place and a purpose, including himself.

During that time, he also sensed Nyubis, which confirmed that his fellow demi-god was not only alive, but quite active in other ways. Xenos would throw himself overboard and remain in the sea during certain times, welcoming the frigid waters and their calming embrace. After a time, he would smoothly scale back up the netting and offer an apology, citing only to the captain that he was still under a 'curse' and the sea helped to sooth him.

To Xenos, there seemed to be less Light in the world, which deeply troubled him and concerned him, for he could no longer get a sense of the other Champions.

There was a small celebration after breaking through the blockade. Though they couldn't celebrate too long. They still had a world ending battle to fight. Xenos was settling in nicely the crew getting used to him though they seemed to have their captain's distrust of gods. Mal's acceptance went a long way and the captain made a point to always show kindness, not favoritism, but treating him no differently than the crew.

When he made mistakes Mal corrected him, when he did well Mal would congratulate not with flowery language or great fawning, just a simple word. It worked well enough and with the Uthium navy patrolling the lanes Mal knew he had to be careful. Consulting the map he could see some of the ships and their supernatural support but he couldn't be sure it was all of them. He'd lost sight of the group of heroes so they were just left with their last heading, the west coast of the continent.

"Xenos..." He called out from the deck. "My cabin." It was time to have that talk.

"Aye, Captain!" The young warrior shouted back, then immediately followed after Malagath. It appeared the captain wished to speak to him in private, which probably meant he had gleaned some news regarding the other Champions, or...Xenos tried not to frown...the Destroyer.

In situations like these, it was always best not to guess or conjecture, but simply allow the captain to deliver what news he had without formulating erroneous pre-conceptions. By now Xenos had learned this simple lesson well.

Mal lead the demi god to the cabin opening it and gesturing him inside. "Now you should know that we are continuing on our course, in the hope that we will find those champions the Old Man of the Sea was talking about." He pointed towards the map. "That magical map keeps us abreast of the patrols and the like but, I can't see the champions anymore. Or if I can they aren't very visible. Given that I have no choice but to continue on our path." He took a seat at the small table. "Now what we have that out of the way. Something I truly need to talk to you about." He poured two cups of rum handing one of them to Xenos. "We're going to be facing the greatest threat of a generation. There is going to be danger, and likely more than a match for yourself. Despite your power I feel you will still be in danger. And we will need our noble god at the end of all this. And there's likely to be challenges before we even arrive...What I'm sailing at here lad. Is you can't be throwing yourself heedless into the fight and hope your power will be enough to survive. Certainly you can slaughter regular men and women by the hundreds, but this destroyer and his lackeys they will be something else. And we can't lose you before facing our true enemy."

Xenos remained quiet as the Captain spoke, taking in all that was being shared. His eyes regarded the map and committed what he saw to memory, even as he knew that positions on the map were likely to change. Still, it was a good to at least have an idea of what was out there.

When the cup of rum was offered, he accepted the beverage with a nod.

The Captain was worried that he was being reckless. Xenos could understand that his actions certainly looked that way. It was likely this perception was enabled by his inheritance from his father, Samhain. But there was a more nuanced mission behind his actions. Ma'at's wisdom required this of him.

"Sir, you are my Captain..." Xenos began to say, after a respectful pause. "...and I am your crewman, just like any other."

"The Freedom Bow, the Dwarves Guns, the men themselves. Everyone is well treated, taken care of and in turn, they serve to the best of their abilities. They trust you and follow your lead, they uphold the creed that binds you together. This is also true for me."

The dark haired warrior took a gulp of the liquid.

"There will be no recklessness when we face our true enemy, I can assure you of that. But for now, they must believe this report. Like you, I keep a few surprises hidden for just the right moment, and like you, I also intend to see a new dawn for Selenia."

A soft smile is offered and a raised cup as well.

While Xenos' explanation was flattering it did little to quell the unease he felt. This was the greatest threat he'd ever under taken. It might have been for the survival of his home, and the freedom of his seas, but he didn't want to fall at the final stretch.

Though he put as much faith in his crew as they put in him. He trusted that they followed his orders, and they trusted him that he wouldn't lead them into their death. Though against a walking god, that would be a more difficult ask.

"For the Seas of Selena." He raised his cup. "So," the Captain continued taking a sip. "You going up to take your place at that forsaken table above...or will you be slumming it with us low folk after this?"

Xenos couldn't help but to chuckle at Captain Malagath's word play. It made him realize how much he missed such camaraderie, this brotherhood of warriors.

"My guess is, that I'll always have a place at 'the table', thanks to my....progenitors." Xenos expression grew pensive and somewhat melancholic, but only for a brief moment.

"But my place is here, on the surface of Selenia. My parents had a great love for the people and they have gifted me with that burning affection. I'm afraid I'll be staying Captain, me and my reckless self."

Xenos allowed himself a bit of chuckle then. It was good to speak of the future, for it meant they would do all in their power to see that outcome become reality.

"For Selenia."

***

The sound of footsteps, not that unusual on a ship, sounded. They drew closer, not slowing, until it seemed they were inside the Captain’s cabin. The sense that the room was more crowded filled the space and then two beings came into view.





The two figures ignored Malagath and Xenos for the moment. The grizzled pirate turned to his companion, “Not sure why the boss decided we needed to come see these two, he could have just taken his ship over here and talked to them.”

The scarred warrior snorted, “He’s the inscrutable one, it’s just our jobs to do as he requires. Speaking of, what was it we were supposed to tell these two?” he asked, one gauntleted hand gesturing at Xenos and Malagath.

Taking his pipe from between his teeth, “We’re supposed to take on the inscrutable thing here and give them mysterious clues to help them, remember…”

Hearing the footsteps at first Mal ignored them, the movement of the crew was common place. Then when the sounds came through the door and into the room he set his hand on his hand crossbow, ready to fight. They were dealing with the things beyond after all.

When they revealed themselves and began their banter a wan and weary smile formed across his lips.

"You're like of that Ancient Mariner I assume? Come to grant us his wisdom?" Mal took another long sip of his cup, somewhat tired of these interruptions. "Unless you are here to grant me canons fit to kill a god I have no use for you."

Xenos had not been alarmed by the two newcomers. He could sense and see their auras and recognized the touch of 'He' who had sent them. As was his custom, he listened first whenever he was not being attacked. These two seemed to be messengers and quite an interesting pair. However, Malagath's words made him wince a bit.

'canons fit to kill a god?'

Xenos resolved not to allow 'human weakness' to steer his thinking, for such was not becoming- but rather remained standing as he had been.

"Welcome to the Freedom's Bow, what news do you bring?" he asked , just to shave off the edge of any possible tension.

The pirate merely smiled, puffing on his pipe, at Malagath's retort, eyes on the man. The warrior snorted again but turned to Xenos, "Well met indeed. The time has come for the heroes to come together once again."

With another draw on the pipe, "Easier said than done, yours can still touch the one he's bound to but the Destructor has been all but making them invisible to each other, in recent months." the pirate responded with a half smile.

Then lurched forward a step as the warrior's broad hand slapped his back in a friendly gesture. "Yes, my old friend, I didn't say it would be easy." Stepping over to the map, one thick finger pointed to the middle of the largest continent, south of the mountains, "Two are there, you know." Another stabbed down on the map, on the next largest continent, "Zinnia is here, but rapidly moving south southwest."

A puff of smoke rose from the pipe, "Yet the others are still somewhat hidden from view." the pirate said softly.

Turning to Malagath, "No, we don't bring miracle weapons but the need for you all to reunite has never been stronger."

Mal looked to the map to the points gestured towards and furrowed his brow.

"I'm well aware of the need to come together. That's what I've been trying to do since this whole mess started." He shook his head. "Is there anyway to get everyone in one place, right on the coast where I can bring them aboard? Any way to get a message to them? Can you grant us that?"

Xenos followed every gesture, utilized every reference from what he knew and was still yet learning.

Zinnia. She was a dragon, the last of her kind- and by default a very powerful ally. Xenos nodded to himself in understanding as he continued to listen, internally feeling relieved at the lack of 'miracle weapons'. In that instant, Ma'at granted him a morsel of understanding. That Taraziel, the Twilight Sword, was in itself a 'miracle weapon', one that he possessed. For that reason alone, he should understand that mortals, even Captain Malagath himself, felt as he had felt at the mention of 'miracle weapons', the kind that could 'kill a god'. Could the Captain be blamed for wishing to level the playing field? Of course not. Therefore, it was Xenos' duty to wield Taraziel with great responsibility- always in favor of the people, never against them- and ideally, only to vanquish supernatural foes, not mortals which he could very well overcome without it.

Xenos felt the depth of his mother's wisdom penetrate his understanding. He had been blind, but no longer.

With that kernel of knowledge now embedded in his conscious mind, the warrior turned to the two messengers, needing to confirm a feeling.

"The two you mentioned..." Xenos pointed to the map, south of the mountains of the largest continent. "Is one of these, Nyubis?"

The warrior nodded, "Nyubis and his companion, not technically a champion, have found all but one of the shards of Isha. They are headed to recover the last one. I believe," he glanced at his companion who nodded, "There is a possibility Zinnia is headed toward them and a lesser possibility that she's sensed Sagitar."

The pirate was looking at the various coastlines, "There are so very few safe places anymore, most of Selenia has fallen under the sway of the Destructor." Pointing near the coast where the destroyed Elven city of E'mathalas lay. "Perhaps they can be told to go there, I do not know if the Destructors forces would expect you all to meet there."

Finally some help that is helpful. Mal could jump for joy but, he wouldn't give the gods the satisfaction. They had a location, someplace to rally the forces of light against the darkness. Sure there was an army between them and their goal but, that could be overcome. If the stories he'd heard once the good rallied there was little that could stand against them.

"I'll take it, it'll be a downside better than sailing blind."

"...E'mathalas." Xenos whispered as he looked to the map, his mind conjuring a vision of the great light and gigantic mushroom cloud he'd witnessed many months past. The irony of it did not escape him.

"Aye, Captain. There is still hope." Xenos says to Malagath, agreeing to a certain eagerness to finally move forward towards the end goal.

"...and thank you both for bringing us this much needed bit of news." The warrior says to the two messengers, offering them a firm nod of gratitude.

The pirate tipped his hat, the pipe barely moving, as the warrior nodded to the pair. "Expect us to be around, in the future, the Progenitors must appear more behind the scenes, for now." The latter said, solemnly. "They will aid you, through us, until such time as it is right for their reappearance."

With one last nod they both turned, a portal opening in the cabin, swirling black, edged in green, before they stepped through, disappearing from sight as the portal shut.

"Well," Mal sat back in his chair putting his feet up on the table. "If I'm hearing that right, seems the people in the clouds might actually start doing something. He finished off his goblet. "Took them long enough. We might just have a chance here."

He rose to his feet heading towards the deck he had orders to give out.

"Anything else Lad?"

Xenos did likewise and downed the rest of mug's content with a measure of satisfaction.

'Ahhh...'

"No, sir. Nothing to add, except, I can't wait to finally meet some of the other Champions."

Particularly the Dragon... The warrior mused in silence.

"Lead on Captain...!" Xenos exclaimed as he followed after Malagath.


Tag: @darthbernael, @galactic-vagabond422 *( @Shadowsun, @Sinrebirth, @Adalia-Durron , @Corellian_Outrider , mentioned )

 

OOC: A combo between me and @darthbernael ! Thank you for your patience!

IC: Mieli

"... So I cut off that goblin's head." Mieli took a swig from his tankard and placed it on the dirty table. He then wiped the foam from his mustache. "Though I could not find my companions anymore." he was telling his story to a rather inebriated dwarf that had the lack of luck of being his listener.

Mieli did not care that the other man was barely conscious from the ale that he was buying him. Some people could not hold their liqueur. "No drukhari left either." he hiccuped "So the fairy folks were more or less avenged." he shrugged "Had to come back home... the mission was over..." he sighed and took the new tankard that he had ordered earlier. "I miss the ale cloud..."

The door to the tavern swung open, far enough away that Mieli couldn’t see the figure that entered. The noises of the tavern remained at full volume so whoever it was was probably not of import, or so it seemed. However, it was only a few moments later that the seat opposite him was pulled out, it’s former occupant deposited elsewhere, and a figure sat, facing him.



The old Ranger eyed the younger Ranger before him. “The mission was over? Funny, That isn’t exactly what Lord Death told me…”

Mieli observed the newcomer, then his eyes widened slightly at the weapon being produced. He remained silent for a few seconds then burst out laughing "And who you might you be, eh?"

Setting the single hand crossbow down, the older ranger chuckled, "Not easy to sit with that on your hip." He shifted, called for a tankard, then eyed Mieli. "You've not met Lord Death, have you? Then perhaps I should mention his wife, Lady Life speaks well of your skill. Or, as you may know her Lady Arienn. As to me...you could consider me a messenger."

"I am pretty sure that I would have remembered." Mieli shrugged. "Though I suppose I would not have been here if I had." he chuckled "Unless he is some fancy pantsy noble who likes to brag." the dwarf grinned. "Ah yes, the lady I remember. How is she?"

"Busy, quite busy." the older ranger replied. "She and he are all over the world, trying to distract the Destructor." Gesturing around, "Selenia has been covered in a darkness and you and the other Champions are separated, which needs to be remedied. Hence me here, sharing a tankard with you." he finished as the tankard he'd ordered was placed before him.

"I can imagine." Mieli grinned and took a swig off his tankard "Who is this Destructor you speak of?" he frowned over the drink. "Also other Champions, you one of the loonies who have breathed in too much lyrium dust?"

The older ranger chuckled, sipped his tankard, then eyeballed Mieli. "Interesting, you must have hit your head in the last battle that Lady Arienn metioned."

He gestured upward, "You may have noticed most of the world has fallen into darkness. You and the others were chosen to stop it, the one behind it is the Destructor, his captains, call them his dark champions, have taken the field and are keeping you and the others from sensing each other."

A broad smile crossed his face, "Or you can sit here, drowning in ale, and never see that dwarven lass again."

Mieli was getting worried, did something happen that had made him lose his memories!? "Well I am sure I would have remembered a Destructor." he grinned and shrugged "As for being chosen, was that why the air turned into ale?" his eyes widened "If yes, sign me in again!"

The older Ranger chuckled, "Yes, the air turned to ale during that time, trust us dwarves to remember that above anything."

He tipped back in the chair slightly as he downed most of the ale in his tankard. "They do need you, although you may need to bring your own ale supply, for a time. You're needed down south. Remember E'Mathalas? The Champions, most of them, have been guided that way, to the ruins of that city. I'd recommend getting there as soon as possible. I won't deny that it will be simple to get there but they should be able to assist you in recovering your memories of that time."

"Well you don't get that every day." he grinned and shrugged. "A memorable event."

Mieli then sighed "If it is for a fight best not to bring any." he gave a bitter chuckle "I fight better when I am cranky." he shook his head "How much time do I got?"

A chuckle came from the other Ranger, "I'd recommend making your way there sooner rather than later. And use the dwarven mountain tunnels, the surface is almost completely overrun with the Destructor's forces. You will have to face them once you reach the forests of the south but avoiding them here will save you time."

"Oh, I wouldn't have traveled above-ground any way." Mieli shrugged "If only I could use one of our people's steam machines." but he could not operate one and he was sure that this invitation did not include him bringing friends.

The older Ranger chuckled. "You're welcome, of course, to travel as quickly as possible. But, beyond the dwarven tunnels, any you take with me are those you'd likely be taking to their deaths."

He finished his tankard, setting on the table. Picking up his axe, he stood, "I won't be far, I shall see you again. But yes, I would be swift, if I were you, to reach the other Champions."

He nodded to Mieli, turning, a portal forming behind him, lined in green. "Until then..." his voice faded as he stepped through, disappearing from sight.

"Yeah, yeah, let me get a drink or two then I will be on my way..." he waved him off and sighed.

He would need to save the world... again!

TAG: @darthbernael

 

OOC: Combo w/Sinre and Bernael

IC: Aboleth & Nyubis
Looking back and forth

Well this was... bad.

Like.

She couldn't do it all herself bad.

Nyubis was still... evolving? Metamorphising? Birthing?

She didn't know enough to say.

But if that was coming their way, Aboleth guessed she had no choice but to go all out.

On some level, she'd always known that she could tap into more of her potential; a maritime understanding that she had greater depths...

... greater pressures crushing upon some terrible part of her.

Monstrous, perhaps.

And so the woman drew on it all, and pain ripped at her face as her arms shredded into tentacles, as her eyes became stabbing wounds upon her, she grinned through the pain, and felt her lips split, drawing blood from her mouth and even her tongue as she drew it upon her now razor-sharp teeth -



It was her time to change, perhaps, too.

Nyubis dropped to his knees as he felt the form of blood shift throughout his soul. He could barely perceive the swirl of power that was Aboleth or that of the others, the twisted beast headed in their direction. His eyes rolled back into his skull as he body continued to contort and shift.

He was helpless and useless in this moment. Dead weight.

If he capable of speaking he would have likely told Aboleth to defend herself and not worry about his corpse. Though if he could speak there would be no need for defending him in the first place. Yes that was right. Corpse.

He was dead.

Or rather his heart had ripped itself in half and begun to grow into two new ones as his body transitioned into a god. Which was more or less the same thing.

Nyubis would soon be dead, and soon be something else.

Anubis?

Nyruel?

Or perhaps something more... patriarchal. Who could really say?

Nyubis if he knew that Aboleth was in the position that she had to defend his shell of a being and herself.... well he would never forgive himself for such a thing.

But it was out of his hands.

The diving creatures screeched out in pleasure as both those coming for the shard twisted and writhed, one reforming and growing, the other lost in the changes occurring within him.



A half dozen harpies surrounded Aboleth, bobbing and weaving in the air as they watched her tentacles writhe. The whips they carried in their claws lashed out, trying to reach the soft flesh beyond the tentacles grasp. Cries of joy erupted every time they made contact with the goddess.

Four others circled over the almost prone form of Nyubis, shrieks drawing riders from one arc of the camp before them.



The wargs let out eerie howls as they charged across the open field leading to the hill, the orcs riding atop them letting out chilling battle cries. It was a distance, but the beasts seemed to be able to charge at speed so they only had a few, long moments before the cavalry would be upon them.

Aboleth felt pain, and then she felt anger.

The tentacles extended and sought to ensnare the creatures, to crush their throats and draw their essences into her -

Her teeth chattered with barely contained rage -

---
Nyubis felt resonance within him. There were voices he could hear... a billion voices. How odd they seemed so familiar, and yet... they felt a part of him. As if they were his very core.

"You have done remarkably well for yourself, Nyubis..." The half-jackal, half-drow turned his eyes narrowing as he took in the figure... the figure was... him identical in every way, but felt older.

"Who are you?"

"The bond needs to be retied Anubis, it has been slipping. If it were to be broken... well the consequences of such an action would anger beings I would rather avoid annoying," spoke the figure, ignoring Nyubis's question altogether.

"The bond?" he spoke confused "What bond?"

"Nyubis what is it that you want, that you truly desire. You are made up of a Drow that wanted to rule the world and a God that wanted to bring Order to it. But what is that you want..." Nyubis was getting frustrated but he felt compelled to answer all the same.

"I want... I do not know what I want..." he thought for a moment. "To save Selenia. To live,"

"You can do better than that... let me see..." Nyubis would feel the figure raise its hand, touching the jackal-drow's forehead.

"Oh, I see. You've fallen in love, but you do not want to admit it," there was a flash of something blue... the figure sounding bemused.

"I can understand oh so well my child, that fear has made you numb. But Nyubis have you forgotten, what was implanted in your mind so long ago, what you wanted to achieve and dream that has now been eroded by your mortal blood..." Nyubis's eyes simply grew wide in shock, he was too stunned to speak, too unsure what to make of this all.

"I wanted to fix the world, I wanted to end suffering..."

The figure chuckled. "Yes, the irony of the god of Death wanting to achieve loving, immortality for all... but you could never bring yourself to do it. To end the Cycle of Death, right there in your palm or so you felt... Death is even beyond you..."

"But how can I overcome Death? It is... he is... so..."

The figure interrupted him.

"Shatter your limits"

Nyubis could feel it, the bond, it was strengthening, and his mind, his being. It was shifting, altering once more.

---

One harpy was ensnared in Aboleth's tentacles, crushed and screaming as she died. Blood poured onto the ground and the other five began to screech, long, loud, high pitched cries. Their whips swung almost wildly, attacking the darting tentacles as well as slashing toward the goddess's body. A squad of the warg riders broke off from the body of the cavalry, rude bows coming up, barbed arrows suddenly in the air, flying between the screeching harpies and falling toward Aboleth. The others began to circle Nyubis, recognizing that the young godling was on the virge of either revelation or death and ready to pounce either way.

Aboleth began to reel as her body became a tattered set of open wounds, but gathering her feet beneath her she launched at the nearest warg rider, intending to sink her teeth into his neck!

---

"Shatter my limits?" responded Nyubis, his eyes blinked. "Why?"

The figure sighed and rested a hand on Nyubis' shoulder.

"Samhain was right, your world is governed by forces, by gods and beings beyond the mortal comprehension. They have no say in this cycle, powerless to stop the whims and desires of those greater than they,"

"Yes... but..."

There was that only flash of blue as the figure interrupted Nyubis. "But even the gods are helmed over by forces greater than themselves. You are stuck, trapped to a single, fixed track dictate and set before you by the one who truly wills the order of your world,"

"You mean Life and Death?"

The figure smiled. "Perhaps, but their meddling has always struck you as paradoxical has it not? But no not they, they are pieces of the system, but you are bound by something higher. Yes higher than even Life and Death itself."

"Samhain is the one that wanted Freedom, Anubis wanted Order, to see the mortals elevate themselves..."

The figure pressed. "And you can do that, you have the capability to end that suffering, to bring that Order, to shatter this world of Fate so ones can live free and prosperous under your watchful eye..."

Nyubis paused his eyes looking down, knowing the truth of what the figure was speaking. His words taking an accord deep within the soul of the young godling. But he still hesitated.

"But Isha? She wouldn't..."

The figure rested an intangible, invisible hand on Nyubis.

"She is gone Nyubis, do what you have always known, do what is needed to be done..."

At last, a visible part of the figure showed itself, the golden mask glinting as two sky blue eyes identical to Nyubis's burned themselves into his soul.
"Perfect this world..."

---

The harpies chased Aboleth as she dove at the wargs. The nearest wasn't fast enough to escape her charge and the orc went flying as she hit the massive wolf. They lashed at her back and the wargs moved to encircle both her and Nyubis. The latter was beginning to stir and, at that, one of the orcs lifted a twisted horn, blowing a long note. From the camp came the sound of footsteps, the ground beginning to shake.



A half dozen of the massive creatures appeared from under large tents and began to rumble toward the battle. They picked up rocks the size of houses, preparing to launch them at Aboleth and Nyubis, ignoring that their allies were busy harassing the two beings.

The eyes of Nyubis swung open in an alert focus as he flew into the sky. The sheer power radiating off him as he breathed in deeply, the very air crackling with excitement at the power that could not contain itself with the being of Nyubis. He brought his hand out in a dramatic reach, a crackle of red energy forming at the center of his palm.


"Your souls belong to me," he felt the very edges of each of the beings souls, feeling their form, their grace... their fragile existence. Yes all those here would die, his mastery completely his eyes shown as he performed his full and utter connection with the blood of Anubis. He shuffled off a connection to each of the beings alive, such as he had done with Xenos, though here the magic, the bond was one-sided, as designed by he: God of Death. He tugged along their souls, drawing them into himself, drawing them into the collection that made up is very being.

He would in turn also be surrounded by a red sphere, blocking any projectiles that were intended for him.

Such was the power of a God.

"About time," Aboleth gasped, pained. She dropped to the floor, sought the protection of the God. She was no Goddess, merely a false one, but Aboleth would happily avail herself of his protection -

For good measure she reached out with her power and crushed the throats of any that he did not drain, methodically working through the enemies' numbers.

A sound reached out from the camp. With the sounds of battle it took several moments for the sound to truly register and then to know what it was...the sound of laughter. It wasn't a pleasant sound, more of a dark, harsh, discordant sound. It hung over the battlefield as Nyubis sucked the souls from the orcs, wargs, and harpies; as Aboleth crushed the throats of the troops.

Which was when the sounds of battle, of death, became muted. Instead, in the ringing silence, the sounds of footsteps came from the camp. A gate opened. And then the most inconguous being walked through the open portal.



The man appeared calm, composed, and still held a glass of what appeared to be red wine in his cupped palm. He lifted the glass to his lips, sipping.

A smile crossed his face as he watched the God and Goddess destroying the troops harassing them before he lifted a hand. One finger flicked and suddenly the sight changed. The souls that Nyubis was sucking into himself turned from the purity of even evil souls to ragged, ragged, sickly green essences.

Another finger twitched and the creatures attacking, dying, began to rise from death. crushed, twisted, but now almost blank gazes turned toward the two gods. "I'm sure whatever it was I put into my troops should be giving you a stomachache about now, little godling." he said in a seemingly cheery tone.

Aboleth actually hesitated.

"Whatever the sin is that."

She was visibly scared.

Writhing with her tentacles and gritting her teeth.

She'd been surprised.

She didn't like to be surprised.

Nyubis severed the connection to the souls that he had drawn in, and just as his magic had been designed their souls would wither and die in the one sided man it was constructed. He also observed the link between himself and Xenos, seeing the thread that now was a great weakness. With a motion of his hands he undid the spell as Anubis had cast it, the bond between the two now gone entirely.

He could feel the fear writhing off of Aboleth, but he did not care for it... fear was an emotion of the weak.



His hair wafted in the air as he looked down upon this being.

"I am godling no longer..." His cold dispassionate eyes regarded the man as he floated in the air.

"You have one chance to surrender before I kill you,"

The man chuckled as he looked up the hill. He sipped from the glass once more, seemingly unconcerned.

The resurrected yet still dead creatures continued their slow march or flight toward the duo.

Ignoring the threat from Nyubis, the man's eyes locked on Aboleth's, "Your companion seems...abrupt, flashy. Has he always been so?"

Finally he looked at the floating god, "Why? Surrender is so gauche. Besides, we have yet to introduce ourselves and where is the chivalry in killing one you do not even know?" The humor in his tone was obvious, as was his total lack of care at the threat that had been uttered.

Abeloth glowered. "I don't speak for him; he speaks for himself. I don't even see the need to engage with you, when you want us to ask 'oh, who are you?'" She made a pantomime with her hands, now humanoid again, as her features receded into a more human-like form. "And I'm quite happy for his actions to speak for me, after that fight.

​

"You stand in command of these forces, that is all I need to know in order to deliver judgment," spoke the emotionless Nyubis. His hands began to weave as venomous, dark magic flared out from him. The blood of his predecessor ran rampant throughout him as he felt the very flux and ebb of reality around him.

"From ashes to ashes..." he paused for a moment, considering something as he saw Aboleth.

"Aboleth move!" he declared as a wave spread out from him, all living, and un-living matter crumpling to dust as was his right, as was his command.​

At the responses from both Aboleth and Nyubis, the man simply smiled, as though he'd known they'd not reply. "I am outraged, outraged I say, the rudeness." His voice belied the words, full of humor. "And here I hoped to have a civilized talk....between three beings not of this reality."

He set down the glass on thin air as the wave of death rolled out from Nyubis. Unconcerned, he then slipped his suitcoat off, hanging it off of what could only be an invisible coathook behind him. Loosening his tie he then rolled up the sleeves of his dress shirt to the elbows.

And then a sickly green flare came from his eyes as well as the sinuous tattoos that ran down his arms to where the cuff of his sleeves had been. In that moment, the wave spread out, stopped cold, a little more than half the distance from the two gods to him. The wave spread out, trees dying and giving evidence of the man's ability as the camp behind him was untouched by the wave.

"Unpleasant little skill you have there. If I didn't know better I'd think that 'Grandfather' had given you a portion of his power."

He smiled once more, picking up the glass in the cup of his hand again, taking a sip, before he flicked his fingers, the wave shattering. "If that's your best then this little world is doomed."

Aboleth was just about following what was happening, and began to rhyme that someone else was behind the belligerence, when Nyubis definitely told her to move.

She leapt, the green flame avoided, and then landed, looking back and forth. Her confusion gave way to a carnivorous smile; conflict, now, that she understood.

Three beings not of this reality.

As Nyubis processed this he had already summoned the Death Scythe, a weapon quite capable of killing gods with a knick.



It hovered in the air by his side as eyes watched the man carefully.

"What do you mean, you are not of this reality?" For whatever reason, that side comment had caught Nyubis's attention. Enough for him to withhold his attack.

An eyebrow arched on the man's face at the sight of the Death Scythe. He snorted, "Yes you heard me, none of us are from this reality. Perhaps you will listen if I explain."

He'd noted how the male had warned the female, information and schemes ticking over in his head. He relaxed again, unconcerned by the weapon Nyubis had summoned. Sipping from the glass, the tattoos on his arms writhing on their own, he looked back up at Nyubis.

"The 'grands' created this reality, among others, including the one my father rules. He wishes to rule both, to free this one from the tyranny of the gods here. Hence all of us having come here. But you two..." His eyes glowed as he studied them, "You don't know the fullest truth yet, do you?"

Nyubis dematerialized the Death Scythe as he began to speak. "Fullest truth? As if truth could ever be full?" Remarked the jackal-drow." He paused for a moment processing the information of this being.

"I may know this truth... my mind has undergone an awakening, one could say my true self is finally in control," He paused as he inspected the silver hair of the being. Could it be?

"I have little interest in this world having the gods removed and supplanted by another deity... oh grey one,"

"I've a good guess," Aboleth said drily. "So where am I from?"

Sipping from the drink once more, a snort escaped the Grey man. "Father knows where you are from. What I know is that both your realities are far from here. That one of you was just dumped here so you didn't interfere elsewhere and the other..." he stroked his chin, "not sure why you were brought here but possibly to get the attention of the grands."

He sighed, sipping his drink, "Either way, neither of you should be here and, honestly, ought to be fighting against the gods and champions and not as one and a half of them."

Nyubis's brow furrowed... he wondered if the man was lying. Though it was a rather odd lie. What did the grey man mean he was placed here to get the attention of the Grands?

He assumed it to be nonsense of a possible agent of the chaos yet again trying foolishly to obfuscate the path forward. As for the second part of what he had to say...

"Yes, no doubt, little grey man..." which would be an ironic statement given the grey hue of Nyubis's skin. "who is this 'Father' you speak of?"

Aboleth eyed the other, waiting, passive, for now. She wanted to know more. Dumped?

One eyebrow arching, the grey man chuckled. Gesturing at the camp, the dead around it, "All this and you don't have an idea who my Father is? Really...?"

Lifting his glass, swirling the liquid inside, "That too tells me you are not of this reality." He shrugged, "It matters little though. Your having been chosen, the other Champions too, due to Father's actions brought the Grands out from hiding."

A toothy smile crossed his face, "I, my siblings, and a few others...Father brought us about for one reason. As you are to attempt to destroy him so too were we created to destroy the Progenitors, as a group. With them gone, many realities will be laid bare to conquest."

"Well, my presumption was that the Destructor was your Father... it would seem that is the case,"

He hovered the Death scythe high above his head. His eyes glinting towards Aboleth.

"Shall we?"

Aboleth regarded the Scythe. "I mean, if you're making assumptions like that, I'm not betting that'll miraculously solve all our issues." She chuckled somewhat. "But of course, my love... by all means, let us Break the Wheel."

Her expression due carnivorous.

Nyubis would rise like a dark cloud, moving with his scythe to strike down at his foe... and then...

The grey man smiled as the scythe fell. His face twisted in unnatural ways, the tattoos racing across the exposed flesh of his arms. His eyes flared as he watched the movement of the blade with an almost hungry look.

There was a soundless pop, the air disturbed. From the epicenter, a wave of silence rang out, overlaying that that the grey man had created. The tip of the scythe stopped, frozen in the air only an inch from the grey man. He appeared disappointed, as though he'd hoped Nyubis's strike had connected.

His head turned, facing the pair, "Of course, of course they're going to keep you safe." he growled before his form wavered and turned to dust. From the center of the camp, from the large tent there, came a disgusted noise. The tent blew free of its stakes and flew out into the air, revealing…



The creature lifted into the air, facing Nyubis and Aboleth before its head swiveled back and forth, “Where are you? You came for them, show yourselves…”

The scythe, with the grey man gone, finished the arc of its swing, tip burying in the soil. On either side of Nyubis and Aboleth flickerings formed. By him was darkness, a black light forming into the shape of a being. By her a being of light formed.

The dark one moved, one flickering arm touching the shaft of the scythe, speaking to Nyubis, ignoring the creature hovering over the camp. “He is not wrong, but he was goading you into swinging your blade.” it said softly, in a male voice that sounded familiar.

Nyubis's brow rose as he viewed the creature, if it was a being begotten of the Destructor then his magic and weapons would be less effective against it. Less effective, but not null and void. But then... that happened.

"Was he now?" spoke Nyubis, his eyes traveling to the source of the voice.

"Impeccable timing as ever, Death, whatever could I do for you now?"

Aboleth remained passive, pacing around the discussion for the moment, and ideally avoiding the big sharp thing.

She had been stabbed enough times to last a life-time.

Or a hundred thousand.

The massive creature grunted, seeming to strain at invisible bonds. "I will kill you both and prove to Father he didn't need the others." the voice growled out from it. A spot of darkness began to grow before its nose, until it reached a certain size, when the sphere began to deform, at though pressing against another barrier. Its growl of frustration rose when it saw that.

The black form released the blade, "He was, yes. He wanted to test the efficacy of the blade against him, to know whether it would even injure his Father. But...that time is not now. And you both have to fully settle in to your power."

The white shape looked at them both then at the hovering shape, sighing, "Zoth-Ommog, you dishonor your past in this. Your Father has lied to you." she said softly, her voice carrying to the shape above.

Turning back, she could see the wariness in Aboleth. "He won't hurt you child. Nyubis may have evolved but his love for you is still strong."

Nyubis frowned heavily as he viewed Light. A hopeless, furious scowl as the one of nature choose to intrude over his personal life with no regard for him whatsoever.

And they wondered why he hated the Light and the Dark so.

"'Fully settle into my power'" repeated Nyubis. "It would be useful to test that power against an opponent dear Death, but so be it, let it not be I to tell you how your Great Work shall come about," he spoke, his hand giving a swipe as he dematerialized the scythe. His head tilted.

"The final shard... it would be useful to have..."

"Oh yes," Aboleth said drily. "Our mission. The shards of Isha."

She shrugged. "Shall we get on with that, or do we need to posture over corpses for a bit longer?" Her hand came up to her nose. "They're starting to smell."

Death sighed, "Nyubis, you will have your opportunity to test yourself against Zoth-Ommog, or one of the other Captains of the Destructor, soon enough. Although you may find it too soon. Today is not that day, however." The dark figure turned back toward the straining creature, "You and your brothers are mistaken, your Father has deceived you, and soon you will see why."

Life nodded at Aboleth, the brilliantly shining arm rose and the battlefield became a field again, the encampment still in place. "Yes, Isha's last shard. Between you both, you have the power to reunited all of them, bring back her power, at the least." As she spoke, the massive Grey Man strained again and let out a roar, a beam of dark energy shooting from it's maw as it did.

Nyubis stood, eyeing the creature and its dark beam.

"Such insolence," he muttered looking up to Death and Life in expectation. A thought did cross Nyubis' mind but he was unsure if he would commit to the idea... it was possible, perhaps... but... it would remain to be seen.

Aboleth leapt aside, separating from Nyubis so to provide two targets.

"What fool!"

She spat at him, and was prepared to move with such speed as to be invisible to the naked eye

The beam flashed toward them. The white and dark forms seemed to simply stand and just watch the two gods as they chose how they'd react to the beam. When it hit them it simply passed through them as though they were not even present which, in a sense, they were not. It cut off from the source only seconds after it did to a frustrated roar from the behemoth behind them. As the beam touched them the Dark form seemed to tilt its head and regard Nyubis, in a silent question of "You wanted to fight, then demonstrate that."

Aboleth was sitting this one out. Literally; she took a small hop back, and settled down to cross her legs, and fold her arms.

Nyubis huffed... as he looked to Death.

"Of course, you only partially 'intervene," he spoke with contempt as he resummoned his god-slayer scythe, akin to that of the daggers that had killed Anubis.

Nyubis vanished, moving at speed impossible to comprehend with a mortal eye, moving behind the eldritch beast as he scythe came down to cleave through the creature.

He thought that as it was not a god, something else similar to one that it was impossible that the being would not die as a result of such a weapon.

Though there was only one way to find out.

The dark and light forms moved, taking up places on either side of Aboleth. The darker one let out what could have been considered a chuckle, "He needs to see, for himself." he said, by way of an explanation as to why they had allowed the attack to proceed.

The scythe dropped but the creature, Zoth-Ommog, moved, almost as swiftly as Nyubis did. A rattling hiss came from it's throat as the tip grazed its 'foot'. A tracery of black, almost snaking lke veins, raced outward from the scratch. Then began to glow with a sickly green light as the creature huffed out a laugh.

"Ahhh, I see." came from its throat. It's tentacles lashed out, almost invisible in their speed, to wrap around the shaft of the scythe and the arm that held it, razor tooth lined suckers on each beginning to dig into Nyubis's flesh. "And how many times have you died, death god?" it asked in a hoarse tone as the green lines began to blaze, fighting the invasion of Nyubis's magics to it's flesh.

Aboleth snorted at Light and Dark. “And what about me? Was I conveniently shuttled here to avoid a Change?”

Nyubis was surprised that given the creature had moved slower with his initial attack that it was now able to move at a speed with no time to react.

Nyubis had not actually unleashed his magic upon the creature.

Not yet.

His blue eyes shone brightly as his jackal teeth bared out clenched as he let go of his scythe and gripped the tentacle with god-like strength.

"What an ugly, foolish creature..." growled Nyubis with dispassion as the same miasma of death from before exploded around him. All life caught within its path would crumble away.

And here this creature had decided to bring the death god closer...

The shining along the creature's back flared and a guttural chuckle came from it's maw. The same voice, a couple octaves lower, as the Grey Man came from it, "I don't think so." The same power that had stopped Nyubis's death wave earlier shimmered between the two of them, forming an almost oily surface between Nyubis's hands and the tentacles. It did nothing, however, to stop the power from enveloping the creature and spreading, the two now locked together. It grinned, a long toothy smile, "You should have listened to the Precursors."

The lighter shape standing by Aboleth turned toward her as the darker one raised an arm, a shimmering barrier surrounding the field and camp, along the treeline. The barrier held in the power of the two beings locked in combat, keeping them from influencing more than the immediate area. It shimmered around Aboleth as well, keeping her safe.

"I believe that is why the being that brought you here did so, to let you be somewhere you could experience a better life while not interfering with their work."​

"Hm," Aboleth said. "A better life, watching testosterone thrown around without a thought for me? Please," she made a noise of pfeh; disdain. "You may as well erase my memory again or send me back." Her gaze grew thoughtful. "I will kill the next person who makes decisions on my behalf otherwise. I will not stop until I or they die."

Nyubis paid little attention to the nonsense of the creature. As he commanded the death scythe to move at the same pace that the creature had not been able to keep up with before coming around to the other side of the creature as it darted to hook below the creature and cleave upwards.

TAG: @darthbernael @Sinrebirth

 

D-Day begins, with @galactic-vagabond422 & @darthbernael

************************************
Malagath & Xenos
Confronting the Destructor's Armada

They had battled, day and night, night and day. The brave men of the Freedom’s Bow were fearless survivors, men who fought seemingly without rest, guided brilliantly by their trusted captain, Malagath.

Xenos came up the side netting once again, after clearing-off a wave of troublesome sirens. Apparently, these sea creatures were existed in great numbers.

Once aboard, he made his way to the Captain’s station, even as he regarded their latest challenge as they came upon the ruins of E’Mathalas. A veritable armada of enemy ships and creatures serving the Destructor waited for them. Fire and Ash were ever-present in the surrounding landscape, giving the area a semblance of Hades itself. The young warrior glanced at the skies with both distaste and a measure of trepidation. He had seen with his own eyes what a single floating abomination could do.

Every enemy ship for as far as they could see, flew the standard of the ‘Destructor’, which meant Uthium was lost. Xenos chose not focus on the greater implications regarding that nation as he eyed the shoreline filled with enemy troops.

“Guess we’ll have to clear some of those…” The warrior stated. There was a distinct edged to his voice as he scrutinized the numerous rows of the enemy's battalions. So many creatures, great and small had allied with the Destructor, the sight of it was simultaneously disheartening and outrageous.

The screeching furies above were now circling and getting closer to the Bow. Xenos also spied archers and ballistas on the shore beginning to attack, all aiming at a single target.

A brief glance of his eyes fell on the Hydra, which had been exceedingly difficult to kill, but thanks to Malagath’s valiant crew, the deed had been achieved. Xeno’s hand squeezed the pummel ‘Echidna’, a weapon of circumstance. This was a particularly well balanced sword he had acquired from an enemy leader who was no longer in need of it, a durable weapon which was now coated in Hydra venom, thanks to the substance now residing inside the weapon’s scabbard. Xenos would use the enemy’s tools against them. The warrior had also collected Kraken Teeth to use as daggers.

Silently, he’d hoped that Malagath’s apothecary and alchemist would heed his advise to use what he could of the Hydra’s venomous blood for himself and for the archers. Such tools of war would be needed on this day.

“Remember, speak or yell what you would at me, I will hear you.”

Xenos eyed the closest ballista and cluster of enemy archers, already planning to 'flash and attack'. Leaning forward into a jumping position, Xenos paused and looked over his shoulder. Despite his own thinking and impulses, he would act upon the Captain’s word. He had sworn an oath and he would do everything in his power to keep it.

Mal was tired, the crew was tired, everyone was tired. The necklace of shark and sahuagin teeth, the bandage around his arm, and strange talisman he now wore showed the adventure the pirate had been through. The newest addition was a glowing trident across his back, a gift from a sahuagin chieftain he killed with the last gasp of his boarding axe. The Bow herself was being held together with wrecks of other ships, some magical regrowth from the ship itself, and a lot of hope and outright determination of her captain.

"Remind me never to save the world again." He whispered to Corydon, the erstwhile first mate. As they made sight of the land another long sigh left his chest. It was the longest voyage he'd ever undertaken. Seemed the enemies knew they were coming and set up to kill them. An outright armada blockaded the bay, aided by monsters of the deep that were now engaging. A harpy was downed by one of the crew the poisoned tips of their arrow quickly killing the monster. They had done everything they could to get every advantage they could get. It all felt like not enough.

"I hope our allies are strong enough to help us here." Shaking his head, "To stations." He called out to his crew as they snapped to their places. "Here we go." He gripped the baluster ahead of him. This was either the end of the world, or another bloody battle before the end of the world.

Xenos’s leap carried him far off of the Bow. He soared and, even as the ballista attempted to track him, he landed among them. The crews abandoned attacking the Bow to turn their weapons on him. Behind them creatures erupted from the rocks, charging toward where he’d landed. Orcs and trolls rumbled towards the battle, screaming their war cries.

Further behind, on the heights above, a clearly heard laugh sounded. A voice called down, drawing Xenos’s attention. “My brother is making his move, impatient one he is. So…godling, perhaps you could take care of these troops so I may see how you battle. They are but cannon fodder as it is.”

Sitting on an outcropping of rock was a young looking man, armored, sword still sheathed, a glowing blue gem hovering over one palm as a glass, filled with a red liquid was cupped in his other hand. He looked bored, as though the thousands of troops that stood between the Champions and their goal, while he had placed them, were of absolutely no import, only the Champions were.

​

On the Bow, the fleet before them looked imposing, artillery beginning to arc through the air toward the elven made ship. Even as it did, the ships tacked to the wind, the balloons overhead likewise shifting, the fleet opening like a waterborne zipper. Through the center of the open area sailed one, massive ship.

Larger even than Rian’s Contemptuous it was dark and eerie. Slowly, almost ponderously, it sailed toward the Bow. Even with its sails catching the wind the ship moved through the water as though on its own power and not the winds.

​

The ship shrugged off the fire of the Bow, ignored the fire raining down from the fleet it had just emerged from. It sailed closer, until the two vessels were alongside one another. When they were, a voice called down from the deck of the larger vessel. “I seemed to have brought more toys to this battle than you, pirate. Seems a little unbalanced of a battle. Perhaps…”

As it spoke, the voice grew louder, the being drawing closer to the railing. “Perhaps I should give you better odds. Defeat my flagship and I’ll let you pass.” The man drawled as he spoke, a calm humor in his tone. It was as though he fully expected to win the upcoming ships duel, if Malagath accepted.

And then he appeared, dressed in an almost parody of a fleet commander’s uniform, his long hair streaming behind him. In one hand he held a glass, red liquid swirling in it as his hand rocked, his eyes almost bored, as he waited for Malagath to respond.

​

The moment he’d landed, the warcry of fury and blood erupted in a terrible chorus of a thousand thousand angry voices. There would be no moment to rest, no place to hide, no one to lend him succor, as Xenos took on the near endless enemy horde. At once, he was task to employ all his strength and speed, to decimate and avoid the creatures intently focused on killing him.

Within the first minutes, he had run-out of Kraken Teeth and only Echidna remained as his offensive weapon. Speed and healing had become his only shields as he his stamina was challenged in order to sustain the whirlwind of carnage he had become.

Tactically speaking, Xenos engaged the larger giant warriors first, opting to take down the bigger threats first, taunting their egos, before they could think of attacking together. Of course, that left him partially vulnerable to archers, but only those who would risk injuring the large opponents he dueled against. ‘Friendly fire’ among the enemy ranks would certainly work to his advantage.

Xenos could not afford to slow down, even when his muscles began to burn as he continued to mow down endless rows of enemies, despite this, his ever increasing number of wounds began to accumulate and challenge his healing. He would be given not a single opportunity to apply what salves and ointments he carried with him.

Still, he fought on. His augmented understanding revealed how the horde of enemies moved. There was no single Master or Chief present, or at least none that he could see, but something unseen was guiding them, that much he had deduced. Moreover, there was something else. A sensation building inside of him, rising, almost coming to a crest. Something was happening with the Champions he could sense. They were also undergoing ‘crucibles’ of their own. Zinnia, Nyubis, behind him Malagath and his crew.

The Destructor was attempting to snuff them all out before they could come together. That had to be it!

In that moment, Xenos perceived a voice, even through the roar of battle, as it reached his heightened senses.

“My brother is making his move, impatient one he is. So…godling, perhaps you could take care of these troops so I may see how you battle. They are but cannon fodder as it is.”

With a mere glance he was able to detect the armored figure sitting languidly atop an outcropping, their aura visible- at least to Xenos. The item it carried, it pulsed with ‘miracle power’. Although the figure did not attack, it was not being attacked either, so it was clearly not being targeted by the enemy horde, therefore, this was not a ‘friend’. Instead, it chose to taunt him, much in the manner that he’d taunted the various giants he had defeated only moments prior.

In that instance, something had happened elsewhere. Xenos had been distracted, if only for a fraction of a moment- but still a moment too long. Fire burned in his chest as an enemy weapon pierced him. Fire burned in his soul as an inexplicable surge suffused him.

“…Nyubis…?” was all he managed to whisper.

A sphere of strobing energy blossomed as incredible power exploded from within the warrior. Black and white lightning incinerated all those around him, consuming these so called ‘cannon fodder’. The sound of thunder crashed and echoed in the distance, before fading away into a whisper. As a result, a crater one-hundred meters in diameter remained, free of any and all adversaries, above, below and all around. At its epicenter, a single figure stood, black and white lightning coruscating throughout his form.

The tipping scales had been re-adjusted.

​

“…and by what name should I call you, ‘brother’?” Xenos answered, as he addressed the one sitting upon the outcropping, his voice sounding as if spoken by three persons. There was new awareness flowing into him with every passing moment. However, he did not turn as he gleaned that there was another such being facing-off against Malagath. For now, he firmly gazed at the being which was before him.

There was still some adjusting to be done, but quickly.

The figure atop the cliff had watched as the hordes were swiftly and mercilessly dealt with by the one he had chosen to observe. For the most part he saw that they were clinically fought, with skill and zeal, by the Champion. The red liquid swirled in his glass between sips from it. The blue gem flared on occasion, when power was used in greater detail, to destroy those the Champion fought.

One eyebrow arched at the outpouring of power. He took another sip from the chalice as he watched the explosion, the lightning flaring, the sheer power consume the remaining dregs of the horde around the figure. A sniff of disdain came from him as the smoke and cover of the battlefield dissipated revealing the evolved Xenos. “Ah, that is better, you are now more prepared.”

He stood, the gem socketing into a spot in the middle of the breastplate of his armor. That hand slid down and he affected a casual and disinterested air. “It is interesting the differences between Champions. Your friend, the drow, did not even wish to ask another ‘brother’s’ name, didn’t care to know it.” A smile touched the corner of his lips, “You may call me Nug, or possibly the Father of Ghouls. And you are, must be, Xenos the Protector.”

Glancing around the battlefield for a moment, “It seems you have done as I suggested and now everything is clear for us to enjoy ourselves.” One canine tooth showed in his smile, “Of course the drow has also drawn our hated foe to his location, which means the Precursors won’t appear here to assist either of you. And means this moment of enjoyment only delays our destruction of them.”

With a graceful leap, Nug flipped in the air, landing lightly just outside the bowl crater that Xenos was the centerpoint of. “Shall we commence the festivities?”

Mal didn't move as the enemy cannons began to roar slinging deadly projectiles at his ship. His ship could take a few hits, it had weathered this storm, and it would weather the next. Gripping the railing near the helm the captain noticed the ships parting for a monster passing between them. With a roll of his eyes he noticed the size of the vessel lumbering it's way toward them, without caring about the wind.

"Someone is compensating." Mal whispered to Corydon. As a commander of sorts, looking like a fleet commander or the parody of came out onto the deck offering a challenge. The pirate couldn't fight the sneer on his face. Not even the drawven cannons put a sliver out of place on that ship. It was a trick though Mal might have a trick for him.

"How magnanimous of them." Cory said the sarcasm thick in his voice.

"Very, now have every deck gun we have loaded with grape shot. Our only hope is to kill the crew." Mal stepped forward that winning smile on his face. "You seem to have me at a loss as to who you are sir?" He asked buy some time for his crew to prepare. "I'll admit the fleet is quite impressive. Very fear inspiring, while you are kind to let us only face the flagship, what do you say to single combat? I feel that would be more fair to myself. As you can see my ship has suffered much to reach here. If it's all the same to you I'd rather have a duel hand to hand than ship to ship. Though if it was left to me we wouldn't be fighting at all. Much simpler for all if we just lay down arms." His gaze never moved from the other man though all around his crew prepared for the fight of their lives.

The man watched as his ship began to fire upon the Freedom’s Bow. An eyebrow rose at the fact that the cannonballs were having less damage than he’d anticipated. Turning his head, ignoring Malagath for a moment, he murmured something to the captain. The firing of the cannons ceased, the cannons rolling back into the ship. When they rolled back out, the muzzles glowed slightly. Half of them began to fire glowing cannonballs that were of higher quality, the others fired small monsters that fit in the barrels, aimed to drop onto the deck of the Bow.

His attention refocused on the pirate. Taking a sip from his chalice, he considered Malagath’s words he chuckled after swallowing, “A pirate that would rather not fight…” His free hand rose, stroking his chin, “I suppose that makes some sense, you do not have unlimited resources, simply your ship and crew. However…” his eyes narrowed, “You carry the stink of the Precursors on you and your ship. Not a surprise as you are one of the Champions but still, something that must be removed for our conquest to proceed.”

He sketched a short bow, the glass not tipping as he did. “As with your companion on the shore you show more tact than the drow. As you wish, I am Yeb, the second of the Twin Blasphemies. My brother is attending to your companion at the moment.”

He turned, gazing at both shores, “Hmmmm, where exactly do you think a one on one duel could take place? On the one shore my brother and your friend are enjoying themselves. Upon the other, our forces line it in depth.”

"Ah a simple matter." Mal replied elated that the man had taken the opportunity for single combat, now it would be more even though the pirate wasn't fool enough to think he had the fight in hand. It would be easier than dealing with a fire onboard his precious ship. Taking a breath he removed his hat handing it to Cory.

"If I die, hit that ship with everything we have and make for the open sea. This is my crusade but I won't see all of you killed with me."

"We've come this far. Isn't the world about to end?"

"Let's hope the others can prevent that."

"A platform hung between our two ships, surely Mr Yeb you have some gangplanks and some wooden boards that can bridge the gap between our ships."

Yeb’s silver eyes peered across the distance between him and Malagath, a sneer upon his face. “A platform, how boorish.” His eyes flared and then he stood casually, upon the deck of his ship. There was a noise, the sensation of motion, and the two ships seemed to be pushed away from each other. Something massive was rising from the waters.

He smiled softly, humming under his breath, as an oceanic beast, vast compared to either ship, rose from the depths. Upon its back was…an island. It appeared as any other island, a haze of magic giving notice as to how it maintained the habitat even as the beast cruised deep in the ocean.

​

Yeb vanished from sight, reappearing on the creature’s back, on the branch of one of the trees, nearer to Malagath, “This is more…artistically appealing, no?” he said with a grin. “Now, shall we proceed?”

Xenos remained still, buying as much time as possible for his awareness to fully synch with this new form.

“Nug, Progenitor of Ghouls, how is it that you call me ‘brother? You are not known to me. ”

Black and white lighting pulsed, engulfing the transformed warrior, power flowed, coruscating between himself and the weapons he carried in each hand. Brightness and Darkness, Order and Chaos, Concordant opposites, with him in the middle.

“Nyubis, my connection to him…is gone?”

There was no alarm in Xeno’s voice as he spoke those words, merely curiosity and a questioning gaze.

The warrior’s eyes were like polished onyx, yet filled with twinkling stars.

“You speak as if the future were not in motion.” He stated to the figure, his gaze now appraising Nug fully.

“Yea, I supposed I am here to protect. Tell, me then, why are you here? Will you speak your purpose?”

A pause was given to allow an answer.

Some distance away, Xenos could feel Malagath, see his aura in his minds eye. He was also facing-off against another one of these so called ‘brothers’.

Nug let a half smile cross his face, his eyes twinkling with mirth. With a deliberate gait, he began to descend into the bowl crater that Xenos stood in the center of. Sipping again from the chalice, he smiled again, “In the grand scheme you could say that we are brothers as well. After all you are one of the Protector Champions of Selenia, chosen by those,” he turned his head, miming spitting on the ground, “damnable Precursors, our grandparents. And I am a Captain Champion of my master, he who comes to remove the burden of faith to those who created them, through flame and destruction.”

The walk turned into a slide, keeping his balance as he did. “At a guess, I’d say the one who put the connection in place between you and the other has removed it.” A sharp tooth was visible in his smile for a moment, ‘That or Zoth-Ommog has eaten him and shattered the bond.”

Shaking his head, he came to a stop a few paces from Xenos. “The future is set, this world will be cleansed.” He swirled the chalice, then his fey eyes met Xenos, “You know stalling is boorish but I’ll humor you a little more, after all I do wish this to be a good fight.” He sipped from the vessel again, then cupped it in his palm, “We are the champions of our Master, he will cleanse the world, the purpose of us Captains is to destroy our grandparents, the Precursors.”

“Now…are you finally prepared or do I get to finish my drink first, while you finish evolving?”

With a shrug of his shoulders Mal took up his trident moving towards the gangplank that was set onto the back of the massive whale. The captain looked to his first mate. There wasn't much to say, he'd gotten what he wanted, a duel between him and the other captain. It would protect his crew, at least for a bit. Give them time to prepare for something, to get closer to shore, or get further away. It was up to them to figure out what to do, right now he had a fight on his hands.

Feeling the power rising in him through the trident he headed into the forest quickly looking for places to hide or signs of his opponent. He knew there would be some shenanigans or tricks involved, nothing had ever been easy for them, he doubted that would change now. Given the size maybe he could come up with something to give himself an advantage. he grabbed some vines looked for small but stiff sticks, then some more flexible limbs that could be tensed. He didn't know how much time he had but he was going to use it to hopefully prepare the battlefield, or give him some surprises to used against his foe...gods willing.

Yeb leaned against the bole of one tree, on a branch, as he watched Malagath move through the trees. He sipped from his wine, a half smile on his face. The pirate was accomplished, strategic. One eye gleamed a bright gray for a moment, sounds beginning to rise around the circumference of the creature that had become the battlefield. He didn’t have to see them to know what was happening. Amphibious creatures were now being drawn towards the pirate, under his sway.

The branch barely swayed, as did the several others, as he leapt from branch to branch, drawing nearer to where the pirate was working. He wanted a better viewpoint on what was about to occur. He could hear his minions drawing nearer. The smile crossed his face again as he was sure to hear that he was ‘cheating’ by bringing them into this duel. But the extent of the use of their abilities had not been discussed so he planned on using the fullest extent of his as long as the battle went on.

Pitching his voice so it sounded as though he was right behind the man, “Interesting…those traps meant for me, or my friends.” he whispered just as the first of the armed amphibians, almost upright looking frog creatures, slipped from around a tree several meters from the pirate.

For his part, his newly armored form remained still, bristling with coruscating energy.

‘Finish evolving….’

That was a curious thing to say, Xenos mused to himself, but only for a moment, as his energies finally coalesced into place.

“We must have different definitions of that term…” Xenos spoke, his ‘trivox’ harmonized for maximum fidelity. The voices of Ma’atand Samhain could be clearly detected, as well as their distinctive tonalities.

“We fight to protect Selenia from calamity.” Xenos declared pointedly. “You will find us resolute in this.”

More than before, he could sense Malagath with much greater clarity, even perceive his struggle. That, and the enemy his fellow Champion faced.

Intriguing.

“Stand down Nug, or you shall reap Destruction.”

That would be the only warning Xenos would issue to his opponent. This was his way of returning the courtesy he’d been offered just a moment ago. Otherwise, he was as ready for battle as he would ever be, not for himself, but for an entire world he called home.


Tag: @darthbernael , @galactic-vagabond422

 

OOC: This is a combo between me and @darthbernael , thank you!

IC: Mieli

If he were not a dwarf he would certainly would have gotten lost. Though the new tunnel network will take years to map out. He wondered if there were new access to the ancient corridors, most of which got overrun or got destroyed. There were rumors of ancient forges and abandoned cities, hopefully they were not lost forever.

He grimaced at the faint smell of beer in the air. That was just cruel. Only the aroma and not the real stuff. Then he was out again. The sudden nausea of the agoraphobia kicked in, but he managed to control himself. The sight of the desolation did not help either. The fairy folk had been hit pretty hard.

It did not take him too long for trouble to find him. He was going to be fighting again, at least there was that! The drow again! They had a score to settle from before, so with a growl he picked up his axe, getting ready to charge.

As Mieli readied himself a sense of an oppressive mind dropped over the clearing. One of the illithids had made their move. Surrender…surrender now and you will merely feed the Spider Goddess. Fail and you will face an eternity of torment.

Many of the fairies and sprites cried out, fighting the compulsion of the mind, struggling forward. The drow themselves seemed unaffected, swarming into the ranks of the fair folk, scimitars flashing as they slashed at the smaller beings. Each seemed to have a rictus smile of pleasure at destroying the little beings, sending their souls to their goddess.

The milky eyes of the second illithid turned toward Mieli, a bolt of mental rage sent directly at the dwarf, as he sped into battle.

Mieli grimaced, he was too sober for this... He had to push the thoughts to the back of his mind. He would have to find that caster and take them out. "Don't worry my little friends, the dwarves are here!" he cried to the fairies, trying to embolden them as he made his charge towards the enemies.

The massive, oppressive presence of the illithid's mind lashed out again, attempting to counter the cry that the dwarf had let out. Even as it did, the fairies that heard his cry began to lift themselves from their lethargy, weapons tips coming up, deflecting drow attacks. The mental attack of the second illithid seemed to splash against an unseen barrier, centimeters from Mieli's mind drawing a gurgling, frustrated cry from the mind flayer. One of the priestesses hissed and lashed out, her barbed whip flashing through the air toward the dwarven ranger.

His own mood improved seeing that the fairies were returning to the fight. It seems his cry had made a difference, albeit a small one, but still. He would have to deal with the illithid first. "Hold on my friends!" he shouted "I will deal with this monstrosity first then will help you!" he added as he ran towards the creature, swinging his axe at any enemy unfortunate enough as to stand in his way.

The barbed whip wrapped around Mieli's hand and axe, the priestess straining backward to attempt to draw him off his feet. Which was when an energy, one even he didn't know he had as it was the protection of his deity doing so, surged up the whip shocking the drow. The power of it threw her from her feet, smoke rising from her garments. At the sight of the priestess's fall, several warriors converged on her to protect her, leaving even more fairies able to assist in the battle.

The second illithid cursed in his burbling tongue, surging toward Mieli. The force of its mental will pressed against that of the dwarf, trying to drive him to his knees and out of the fight.

It was hard to pull of a dwarf off his feet once he has grounded himself. Not that it was easy for him either, Mieli strained a bit fending off the attack. Though he felt a sudden surge of energy, then a sudden attack that drew smoke from the drow's garments. Was he suddenly a dwarf mage!?

Mieli was as surprised as the dark elf at that moment, a mistake that could cost him his life as more enemies converged on his position. "Oh no you don't!" he growled and started swinging, disembowelling the first one, cutting the leg of the second and smashing the chest of the third.

His surge was too fast even for the nimble drows as there seemed to be an assistance from a higher power. He would have to kill the illithids first, they seemed to be leading the attack. Running by the priestess he just swept with his axe cutting her head and just as he approached the creature made a jump with a raised axe slashing at the illithid's head. There was a sudden sickening crack and his weapon got stuck in the creature's skull. Ichor pouring and the creature trashing and screaming.

As the illithid writhed all the stored mental energy began to pour from it, an energy similar to the death curse of a wizard. It was raw, unformed, untamed, and unstable. It didn't attack Mieli directly altough, with his proximity to the creature, he was directly in the path of that energy. The drow priestess was still crumpling to the ground as the dead illithid swayed, pulling the axe in Mieli's hand back and forth with its convulsions.

The second illithid let out a scream as it saw it's companion killed. All of it's mental energy and power shifted from suppressing the fairies and sprites, directed at Mieli himself. A scent, such as that of a frothy beer, reached his senses as the attack flashed toward him and as the smell grew more, the attack slowed, as though the scent or something behind it, was aiding him. Understanding was slow to dawn, that the god he was the champion of was assisting him, to a small degree.

Mieli had never killed such a creature before and it was putting up a fight. He had to shove his foot in its body and tried to pull the axe away. There was a sickening crunching sound followed by blood and ichor pouring. Mieli's concentration was broken by the sudden reappearance of the smell of ale in the air. His eyes widened as he saw the other illithid was readying itself for an attack. He would have to take defensive position. Also the first one might still be alive and he would have to take it into consideration.

As the axe lifted the second Illithid let out a burbling growl. The mental bolt he’d thrown split against the blade, passing harmlessly to either side of Mieli. His watery voice spoke, “Kill him…” he directed to several of the drow. His will pressed against Mieli’s fighting the more massive will that seemed to give him aid. “Lolth…aid my will and I will render his spirit unto you…”

The mental blow being split by the axe was something new for him and that alone had almost distracted him from the fight. There seemed to be some outside interference that he was not aware of. "Oh would you shut up." he growled as he tried to push back.

The illithid was growling even deeper as, even with Lloth's aid, his will couldn't overcome that of the dwarf. He snarled his fury, a pair of drow warriors circling the advancing Ranger, darting in with thier scimitars to hack at his hamstrings. The other priestess close to the still standing illithid closed her eyes as her mouth moved in a seeming prayer. The body of the fallen illithid twitched and shifted, she was trying to raise it as a lich, behind Mieli, to make him split his focus even more.

The focus was being taken more and more off the fairies and sprites as the warriors and sorcerers poured their energy into taking down this juggernaut of a dwarf. The nearest fairy turned to Mieli, "Many thanks, biggun. Gonna get most of our people out of here. Whistle if you need help. Not sure what we can do but we'll try." With that, about 70 percent of the formerly under siege fairies and sprites sped away. The others, including the one that had spoken to him remained at the fringes of the battle, mostly looking on helplessly as the larger beings fought.

The dwarfs had a resistance to magic. Not that they were immune to it, they were just too stubborn to be too affected by it. He grunted and nodded to the fairy. He did not want to say anything that might offend them. The little guys had suffered enough and he was so caught up with the battle to be civil.

Besides it felt nice being called biggun for a change.

He was on a roll as he charged the priestess. He had no chance fighting a lich right now, but if he killed the puppetmaster he might have a chance. So with a roar he charged the she-elf.

TAG: @darthbernael

 

A combo between the mighty GM and myself ....

Location: Al Qahla, west of the mountains: Six Months ago



Nissa took to the air, as the wyrm disappeared, Sagitar’s presence fading as the great beast moved. The dark presence, the fly being, drew nearer. A thought reached her mind, the sense of Arienn in the message. ’Do not let that beast destroy you. Flee little one, find the godkiller bow.’ An image, of a being wielding the weapon, also reached her mind. Deep in the forests of Qedraerhiel…’ was sent her as a last, fleeting, message from the ‘elven priestess’.



The darker presence drew near and the fairy had a choice, fight the massive beast, one lone Champion vs the creature, or escape and follow the goddess’s message…

With an anguished growl, Nissa turned quickly away and flew as fast and as hard as her wings would go. She would listen to Arienn this time. A god-killer bow? Hidden deep in the forests of Qedraerhiel?? She choked back a sob, but she would look for the weapon. She shrank to her smallest form and darted away using the forest below her as cover. As she did the last act of Sagitar pushing her away, kept replaying in her mind.

And so, Nissa left. She circled around for a few moments, trying to see if she could spot any of the others from her party. Finding nothing, she disappeared into the forests.


And there Nissa began her search. She spent several months searching, if felt so long, that she could no longer keep track of things. She was alone. And that creature. Theone called Nyarlathotep. She would remember him. Once she had time to think about what happened, she felt as if they had been split up and set upon on purpose. Her hand touched the medallion that Arienn had given her earlier. And she thought of Mystra. And of Wolf, who had wanted to help. She hoped he made it away safe. And she thought about her task now. Searching for a bow, called a godkiller? She wondered if the name was literal.

The forests of Qedraerhiel were massive, and within them, were places even the elves did not like to tread. Creatures with names she did not know were rumored to live within the deep places. But she would continue her search. Because she did not want to think about what would happen if she failed.

Weary, tired from her search, having crossed and recrossed the massive forests, Nissa had found a clearing to rest and regroup. Her search had proved fruitless to date, none of the remaining fairies or sprites had any clues as to where the bow rested. She was sitting in the middle of the clearing, wondering if Arienn had simply sent her away to protect her when a noise drew her attention.

Nissa sat, tired and slightly dejected. And lonely. As she searched for the bow, she was finding fewer and fewer fairies and others to ask. And even fewer of the normal animals she normally worked with. As she rested, she heard a noise.

A shape emerged from the circle of trees, a male fairy. He slowly approached her, his wings fluttering slowly.



He settled to the grass near her, a small smile on his face, “I could feel you from miles away. The Lady directed my flight to find you. She was concerned that you were losing hope.”

Nissa snorted softly. "Hope is not my problem. I have plenty of hope. I would do better with a way to find the item I seek."

Sitting near her, his eyes met hers, “You search for something that could save us all. I bring you news, it does exist, it can be found.”

Again, Nissa sighed. "I never doubted its existence. But without a way to guide me, I could fly over the thing, and never know." Nissa crossed her arms. "And I DO want to find it! I got a score to settle with a certain monster." Nissa shook her head and reached to pull her waterskin to take a sip of water.

The male fairy nodded at Nissa's response. "I did say it wasn't far. And it isn't." He turned his left palm up, a light gathering in it. The light formed into a map tilted slightly toward her. Two dots formed on it's surface. Pointing to the green dot, "This is where you currently are." Pointing to a second, blue dot, "And this is where the bow is. You're about an hour's flight north of the cave system where it is, I believe about five chambers deep in the system." He smiled again, slightly, "The only difficulty is that our foe's forces are even nearer and between you and your destination."

He sighed, "I am sorry that I cannot be of more aid." The map extinguished, "But the Lady was quite clear, I can, on occasion, give you aid or advice but I may not lead you wherever you need to go or do so for you."

Nissa nearly choked on her sip of water. He had a map?! She perked up, as she watched the map form, and listened to his instructions. Pointing to the green dot, "This is where you currently are." Pointing to a second, blue dot, "And this is where the bow is. You're about an hour's flight north of the cave system where it is, I believe about five chambers deep in the system." He smiled again, slightly, "The only difficulty is that our foe's forces are even nearer and between you and your destination."

Nissa smiled. She didnt care. She finally had a destination and a place to go. Thank the goddesses..." Nissa said with a smile. "That is the best news I have heard in many moons. Even if you cant lead me...a direction is more than enough. "

Nissa's wings fluttered quickly. This lifted her spirits. Even if the enemy was near. Nissa could move very fast if need be. Nissa looked over at the male fairy and nodded. "Did the lady happen to mention what I am to take the bow? Of if any of the others I met earlier still exist?" Nissa was happy to get moving in the right direction. And if she knew where to go, she would not worry about the other obstacles in her path right now. But she would have to move very quickly in order to get there before the others.

He smiled as Nissa's energy had become rekindled. "The others do still live. They are spread out, barely able to feel each other, because of the miasma that the Destructor and his people have spread across Selenia. But they are out there. She did say that she and her husband are attempting to have them gather again so that they can reconnect and not be so separated again." He gestured at the map once again and another dot appeared on its surface, near where the ruins of the elvish city stood. "Recover the bow and make for the ruins of E'mathalas, you should be able to sense the others as you get closer to them," he recommended.

Nissa nodded quickly, happy to hear that bit of news. She stood back up now, feeling that her purpose was renewed. Not only did she have a place, but she knew where she would need to go, once she had retrieved the bow.

She gave a low bow to the male fairy. Then she smiled. "I do not know your name. But I thank you. If what you say is true, then I must be off. I can not afford to tarry anymore. I thank you for your words. They were truly needed."

With that, Nissa's wings began to clutter at a furious beat. She then shrank down to her smallest size, to move quickly. She paused, to see if he had any more to say before she shot off like a dart to the direction he mentioned.


TAG: @darthbernael

 

Another enjoyable combo with our esteemed GM, @darthbernael

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

IC: Xenos Ascended
Clash of Champions

Xenos studied Nug as he gazed on his opponent. The blue gem which had first socketed to his opponents breastplate, now set itself on his sword- and sheathed the blade with power. The blade and gem were an extension of the man, that he understood. He could well deduce Nug possessed a power skill above those he had faced beforehand.

Most intriguing.

There was a small and brief tug upon Xeno’s lips, a faint smile that disappeared as soon as it had blossomed. As a warrior, he always welcomed a good challenge. There was no doubt in his mind that this, would be a truly challenging encounter.

It was also interesting, that Nug proceeded to take a guarding position and invited Xenos to make the first move.

“I already have, or haven’t you noticed?” Xenos would go on to say in ‘trivox’, without offering any explanation. The Warrior-Protector would feel a subtle pulse in the fidelity of his power, his blades would pulse as if synchronized, softly, only once. The presence of his own progenitors - he could feel them at the edge of his consciousness with greater clarity; a subtly he found fortifying.

“As the challenger, it is now your turn.” He finished saying.

Xenos held his ground and was fully prepared to navigate any aggression Nug would visit upon him. His focus was not only in his battle against the ‘Father of Ghouls’, but he was also aware of Captain Malagath’s crucible. If there was ever a good time for the Captain to call upon the favor of Cayden Cailean, this would certainly qualify as such an opportunity.

As for Xenos himself, he already possessed all the favor he would need inside of him.

Nug grinned suddenly, his eyes gleaming. “I see you learned well from your guardian gods, before they perished. From them and,” his grin turned sour, eyes narrowed. “And from those wretched Progenitors.” Shaking his head, the grin returned, “But that will not keep you safe or guarantee a win for you here.”

His head turned fractionally, touching his brother’s mind, to feel how that battle was proceeding. A fractional nod and his attention returned to Xenos. The blue gem in the pommel of his sword flared, filling the space around them in its blue glow. When the glow receded they were no longer on the battlefield or, rather, the battlefield was still there but it seemed flat, the sounds and smells of battle having faded, the landscape almost grey and dead.

Nug smiled, “Ahhh, better, how this world shall be once we succeed.” His shoulders rolled again, the tip of his sword slowly swinging to point at the champion. His eyes flared the same blue as the gem before he sped forward, the blade slashing in a lightning fast strike, flat of it slamming into Echidna, a scream of power and energy as the two blades connected.

His free hand turned it’s palm toward the warrior, before a sun bright flare of light shot from the palm toward Xenos’s chest.

The warping of their surrounding would have been a surprise, had Xenos not expected some kind of ‘trick’ from Nug. Though his perceptions of the 'prime world' seemed muted, he could still sense Malagath, and by default could track his friend’s struggle against Nug's counterpart.

Even so, the 'Warrior-Protector's' focus was not diminishes as he dealt with the ‘Father of Ghouls’.

Xenos had also dashed forward in order to ‘rob’ Nug of his full momentum, their blades clashing with supernatural force as they met. The Champion of Selenia set his jaw as he reacted with incredible reflexes, his own free hand coming up in a blur to parry and deflect Nug’s hand, misaligning the attack - his upper body turning just so, as to avoid the bright blast.

There was the notion that Nug might have 'overlooked' a detail, but that was not likely.

The luminous-half of the Twilight Sword had orbited to Xeno’s left, instantly absorbing his opponent’s bright energy attack. The dark-half turned to orbit away from Xenos, smoothly sailing over his right shoulder, then dipping as it crossed Nug’s left side.

Xenos’ gaze remained focused and determined, as the blades they held strained against each other.

“Abandon this path! Your ambition will be your undoing.” He admonished through clenched teeth.

Nug hadn't expected his initial attack to succeed. So when the energy blast was deflected he simply smiled. The smile turned to a grimace and his eyes narrowed when his foe's blade split, one half, the lighter half, absorbing the energy attack. However, he smiled when the darker half thrust itself toward him and along his side.

He'd expected the wound it caused to fester, which wasn't an issue given what he was but he was surprised, when the blade slashed him. He broke the lock of their blades, pushing Xenos a step back as he stepped back as well. He could feel the godly blade orbiting, in two separate orbits. His eyes met Xenos's, "That tickled." Laughing suddenly, he raised the tip of his blue glowing blade, "But...you are all but on your own right now."

His hand touched his side where Xenos's blade had sliced him, "Your protectors, the gods that I felt when you arrived, they've all but disappeared." With another laugh, he dropped to his haunches, his hand pressed firmly to the ground. With a rumble the ground dropped away or, perhaps it was best to say, five meters of the ground around where they stood rose, the air rushing around them. When it ceased the hellscape was laid out in all it's dark glory, visibly for dozens of kilometers. They were a kilometer in the air, on a slender tower of stone.

"Now...now we can fight." Wings made of blue streaming light erupted from his back as he launched himself at Xenos once more. Just before he attacked his free hand grasped the hilt of his sword. With a minute twist he suddenly held two glowing blue blades, one thrusting toward Xenos's hip, the other once again slashing toward Xenos's blades.

Xenos shook his head, for it appeared that his opponent was so filled with his own delusions, that he could not adhere to established universal truths.

“I’m never alone.” Xenos made the simple truthful statement. Nug didn’t seem to understand the true meaning of ‘transcendence’. Or perhaps it was because he was merely ‘disconnected’ and did not share in true unification, as an heir would.

The Warrior-Protector remained undisturbed by Nug’s banter, unmolested by his tricks, even as he bent his knees just so, to balance himself as the rock-pillar continued to rise. In that moment Xenos held Echidna in both hands as he took a ready stance. From his right side, a semi-solid phantasmal white arm grew out, to which, the Dark-half of the Twilight Sword nestled in its hand. On his left side, an arm of phantasmal darkness emerged, to which the Luminous-half of the blade was held.

Xenos paid no mind to the hellish landscape all around, but set his mind to a course of action. He had not forgotten his duty, nor would he allow his opponent to keep him from where he needed to be.

If Nug thought that ‘wings’ somehow gave him an advantage in battle; he would find out that he was very wrong.

“Last chance.”

It was no surprise that Nug did not listen, as it was clear that they were both committed to the ideologies. Therefore, their clash was inevitable.

In a blink of an eye, the two champions came into conflict upon the rocky platform, one kilometer above ground. Xeno’s black arm-white blade reacted with lightning speed, parrying the thrust to his hip, while the white arm-black blade blocked, black lightning bursting on contact.

Xenos thrust Echidna forward, aiming for Nug’s midsection.

Nug twisted as the two beings came into contact. His wrist rolled and the tip of his blade slid along the length of the Twilight Sword, both blades screaming with the power between them. He grimaced and as Xenos thrust forward, he seemed to shimmer for a moment, the young, handsome warrior vanishing and...something else...seeming to be in his place before he returned to the warrior's form.



The tip of his sword and Echidna both raced toward the flesh of their foes. His eyes gleamed as he met Xenos's, fully prepared to take the Champion with him should they both perish in this moment.

The nightmarish reality suddenly fractured, as though a shockwave hit the carefully crafted mix of illusion and reality. And then a sound, a noise, a single word hit both beings, "No." It seemed to come from a distance but the power of that single word was beyond either Xenos or Nug's own power.

As the vision of the potential future disappeared the tower of stone crumpled and both being were hurled away from each other. Xenos began a rolling fall down the rubble of the stone tower, toward the bay as Nug was flung almost a mile deep into the woods beyond the bay. His wings were shredded in the flight but he began to recover in midair, a scream of anger reaching Xenos as he fell "Damned Precursors!!!"

Slowly, limpingly he flew back toward the site of their battle but when he reached only a couple hundred meters away again he let out a growling yell as a flash of light engulfed the air around him. When it cleared Nug was simply...gone.

Xenos was committed to end his foe as much as his foe was committed in ending him. If that was to be his fate, he was comforted with the knowledge that they would at least cancelled-out each other, not just as 'pieces', but in the greater scheme of things.

Verily, the Warrior-Protector had not been surprised once Nug shimmered, revealing a grotesque form, if even for a moment. Slaying such a creature would be an honor. What did surprise him, was the voice the had interjected, a voice he did not recognize, that of a being brandishing a power well beyond anything he had encountered prior, including that of the gods!

It would seem that their mutual annihilation had been commuted by a greater power, their fates repurposed. Xenos fell backwards from the crumbling pillar, then turned in mid air as he summoned shimmering discs below his feet, a ‘feat’ he’d borrowed from Nyubis. Wings were not the only conveyance through which one could navigate the air.

A willful thought and the Twilight Sword came together once again, the phantasmal arms vanishing in the process. Nug’s screams of defiance gave away his opponent's position, which Xenos was able to track. Absently, he marveled at his opponent's mastery of illusion, for he had been unable to penetrate his disguise, even with the power of his 'mystic gaze'.

No matter.

Xenos dove down with great speed, even as he deftly avoided great sections of rock from the crumbling pillar. He did spy Nug already reaching the ground. Xenos would through the Twilight Sword and it would flash, teleporting him in a blink to the original crater , the place where their conflict had begun.


But Nug would be gone in that instant, leaving Xenos to strobe and shimmer as he called his inherent powers to return himself to his rightful plane. The place where he felt a connection to Malagath, as well as the other Champions. The ascended godling would not suffer himself to be stranded in some 'in-between' place, not when he had the means and the might to affect a desired outcome.


Tag: @darthbernael, @galactic-vagabond422

 

An intriguing combo post concocted by myself, Master @Sinrebirth & our GM @darthbernael

Double post created with GM permission

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

Ma’at’s Hall, Gods Realm

The perfect spot for a reunion, of sorts, was the ‘home’ of either Samhain or Ma’at in the Gods Realm. Hers was closer, by only a short distance but it was closer. Samhain led the bemused Aboleth to the marble building and then inside. The doors that swung open were shaped like an ostrich feather and split along the shaft of the feather, to admit them. Inside the Hall was split into four quarters, each decorated to their theme, like the four seasons of the year. Upon the dais on the far end of the hall stood a set of scales that represented her role as the goddess of Justice.

The air stirred as Samhain and Aboleth walked into what seemed like an empty building, until a form shimmered into being, Ma’at herself joining them. It was an odd experience for her and Samhain both as, with him being present as he was in this form again in this universe he was as she, feeling themselves here as well as tied to the sword that their son was wielding in the duel with the Captain of the Destructor.

A single, old demigod retainer came from a niche by the doors, “I knew you both would return, somehow. I will leave you in peace to do what you must, but please, stop the madness that is now occurring.” he said in a frail voice before he stepped out of the Hall, closing the massive doors behind him, leaving the three gods on their own.

***
IC: Samhain
Pensive

He'd never felt like this.

Worried; anxious. He had killed, and betrayed, moreso than ever.

The scars limning his body with every lie he had told; they were more numerous than ever.

And so, Samhain swallowed.

Often.

Worse, he didn't want to feel like this around Aboleth.

A form shimmered into being. Ma'at.

Samhain ignored what the fourth member of the room said; his cloaked visage was focused entirely upon her.

And how she would react.

***
The experience, this returning, had been highly disorienting, at least initially.

Ma’at closed her eyes and breathed evenly, as her awareness became filled with knowing, acutely so. There was much that had transpired, much transpiring still and yet, she of all beings, needed to be in balance.

A Pantheonic War, a kind of ‘Titanomachy’, the likes to end the existence of an entire world, was in progress.

As a mother, she was aware of the true peril her only son found himself in.

As a wife, she could not allow herself the luxury to indulge in her beloved, for they were not alone.

As a host, circumstances demanded her to rise to the occasion.

After hearing words that were spoken, Ma’at opened her eyes and acknowledged the demigod retainer which had greeted them. She'd offered him a graceful nod and a soft smile. She then watched him depart as his words echoed within her being.

‘…stop the madness….’

In truth, that was the only directive that truly mattered on this most critical hour, if there was to be any hope in saving Selenia.

“Husband….” Ma’at found herself saying, her tone kind and surprisingly neutral.

“Aboleth….” She intoned with the smallest hint of familiarity.

Before moving closer towards the dais, Ma’at gazed all around the chamber, as if for the first time, or perhaps the last.

“Shall we….”

***

Aboleth had the politeness to curtsey, and then bow, allowing the Gods to precede her. Samhain was wry as to that, happy for the sweetness of a memory bloc. He'd done it before, no more than twice now, and he knew it wasn't perfect... but it would do for now.

But for now he returned the tone.

"Wife," he held out his elbow for her to take.

Proprietary was to be observed, after all, in these halls.


As Ma'at led them to the dais, centrally located, the sense of the seasons shifted around them, each quadrant not only mimicked the seasons in coloration but also in temperature and scent. The front half of the Hall was reserved for Spring and Summer so warmth, the smell of growing things, and birth of the earth filled their senses. The dais held one central throne, a slightly smaller one next to it, for Ma'at's husband. The Thrones remained centrally placed even though the Seasons rotated as the seasons did upon the planet below.

The Hall echoed with their footsteps, the walls, although holding the images of the season they referenced also held darker motifs these days, echoing the darkness of Selenia. In and among the creatures of the world, in the images, there were abominations and dark beings that seemed to be driving the natural creatures from their habitats. An underlying scent tickled their senses, rot and decay, eating at the natural scents. Selenia was in a dark hour, indeed.

There were windows set along the walls, tall, narrow windows that were slowly being overcome by what appeared to be a miasma, a film that was beginning to block the entry of light into the Hall. The high ceiling was hidden in darkness from this effect and, in that darkness, there were chittering sounds, as though creatures from Outside were trying to find entry.

Samhain hesitated, regarding the two dichotomies.

Personified in this architecture.

"The four," he uttered. "Always four. Summer, Spring, Autumn, Winter..."

His hands waved to the extremes.

"Apoptosis..." He looked to Ma'at. "'To create, I destroy'."

"No?"

Ma’at gazed at the darkened ceiling for a mere moment, even as her husband spoke.

“Yes, always four.” She echoed as she turned to regard him now, her steps taking her to him.

“In balance they are, in harmony. Different, yet equal in their majesty.” She said of the Seasons.

“Birth. Apoptosis…these are all part of the natural process my love. part of the ‘Grand Design.”

Ma’at looked up lovingly at her husband, as her small hand reached up and disappeared inside his hood, her fingers softly caressing the surface of his scarred cheek, though unseen. She held it there for a moment, before slowly retreating like an ebbing breeze.

“Huitzilopotchtli has violated the natural order and defied the Grand Design.” Ma’at stated, though with a softened edge to her voice; authority and sadness mixed together. Her jeweled hand gestured gracefully, thereby increasing the illumination within the chamber as the lit braziers and torches grew ever brighter in their incandescence.

“Selenia will be destroyed, should the gods that remain fail their solemn duty. If our pantheon is to end, then so be it- but dare we add shame to failure? We must do everything possible to safeguard the people that dwell upon the land, to secure their future.”

Ma’at raised her gaze once again, as she regarded the ceiling. Would the light not drive back the darkness?

“Who else could glean the manner in which the Destroyer schemes, but you my husband?”

“And you, Aboleth….” Ma’at said, turning to the other woman in the room.

“You are without chains and truly free to make a choice.”

Ma’at paused as she now gazed at the dais - and the dire hour it reflected for the mortal realm, nay, for the gods as well.

“We cannot squander this final opportunity…”

Her voice nearly broke at the end of her statement. The final destruction of a pantheon and its world was too heartbreaking a thought to contemplate.

"The gods, their Champions and the people. We could save Selenia, if we can come together, as one."

The flaring light of the braziers and candelabra battled the shadows that filled the Hall. The shadows swarmed the edges of the light as it grew in intensity, pushing the darkness into the corners and edges of the room, the miasma slowly drawing back from the windows. The light itself was assisted in it's efforts by the presence of she whose Hall it was. With her presence, she bouyed the energy that filled the space.

As the shadows drew back from her presence and light, what was most disturbing was not the hollow echoes of cries, screeches, and roars of beings that had not allowed their presence to be seen. It was the other sound that seemed to accompany those sounds, the sound of rapidly fluttering wings, such as that of hummingbirds...

Samhain looked up at the noise, distracted from answering his wife. Well, wife in name only, he suspected. She disapproved of his methodology, or his rhyme and reason, and it had frozen their connection.

He wasn’t wrong though; the people deserved to be ruled by their own destinies… but if the destruction of the Gods now meant that all of Selenia was lost… better alive, with the chance of freedom, than simply dead.

Or was he justifying himself hypocritically now? Did he not have the stomach to kill billions and handwave it as necessary? He was no malevolent Destroyer, no monstrous Balance, no murderous First…

He was just a guy, trying to end the suffering…. But he was not extreme enough to kill someone to do that. Let alone a realm.

Aboleth watched him, eyes narrowed.

Now, she was willing to kill anyone for any goal, imagined or otherwise. In enjoining her in this tale, Samhain had added a factor that wouldn’t serve his new worldview.

So be it.

“My wife; I agree. I was right about the Gods, but wrong in my methodology. The Gods should all agree to leave the mortals alone; I should not enforce my solution. But it means nothing if there is no Selenia to debate over.” He held out his hand. “I am yours in this fight, if you’ll have me.”

Aboleth’s eyes narrowed even more, if at all possible.

“Husband….”

Ma’at stretched for her hand gently, almost dramatically as she took Samhain’s proffered hand.

“I’ve always been at your side, even when we didn’t quite see things eye to eye.”

She squeezed his hand gently then, feeling all too glad to be able to feel him once again.

“Our time will pass Samhain, it will do so naturally, on its own accord. Tampering with the Grand Design only brings calamity, surely you can see that. Some of us will be forgotten, while others will carry on. It is not for us to decide, or enforce an outcome my love, at least not where mortal worship is concerned.”

A soft smile.

“In this critical hour, we must rally all who remain to a singular cause. Can’t you see? Why else would we’ve be given this second chance? Is it truly beyond us to act as one?”

Ma’at moved closer to Samhain and tip-toed as she searched his face, her gaze filled with emotion.

“Do we not love our son enough to help save the world he was born to?”

Gently, she lifted her husband's scarred hand to her lips and kissed it.

She did wonder as to his answer, but knew he would provide it when ready.

“And you, Aboleth…” she said again, turning to the woman as she did before.

“What does your heart tell you in this moment…?”

It was a fair question, essential even, for the challenge that lay before them all.

Oh! They had to come together, or all that they ever knew, would be lost. Forever.

Samhain looked down at the proffered hand, as Aboleth quietly regarded them, seething in frustration at this time consuming heart-to-heart. As he was want to do, Samhain removed his black-glove, revealing the innumerable scars upon his skin caused by all the lies he had told, as she raised it and kissed it.

The God of Truth indeed.

Scarred by all his lies.

"Ma'at, let us come save our son."

He turned his visage to Aboleth, tilted so Ma'at could see his face, as the only person who ever could.

"Come, Aboleth," he removed his second glove and held it out to her. "You should be apart of this family now."

The sea-creature actually hesitated, and felt something that she had never felt before.

Remorse.

"I'm an orphan, Samhain, you know this, you cannot strike me with such a blow, such a teasing thrust of the subtle knife -"

"Then accept," Samhain said softly, and it was entirely on Ma'at to take the extra step and envelope Aboleth with love, or to reject Aboleth outright. It was a lot to ask, to take on a 100,000 year old child, but in the grand scheme of things... it wasn't much time at all.

He turned back slightly to Ma'at. to kiss her upon the cheek, to catch her eye and let his resolve fill her - his desire to save.

Ma’at smiled at Samhain, her beloved, her gaze beamed with gratitude before they shifted once again to Aboleth.

“…it is no accident that you are here, now, with us, dear Aboleth. Our offer, our gift- is sincere. There are no conditions, for we accept you as you are, and ask that you accept us, as we are- united in our purpose to set things right.”

Ma’at graced her with a smile her own.

“The final ingredient to our victory, should it be ours, is trust.” This she delivered with unmistakable honesty.

“If there is something, or someone you would live for, or die for, even if that is yourself, then do so my dear. Join us so that tomorrow, you may still have a choice. ‘Free Will’ and ‘Love unconditional’ are crown jewels without substitute.”

For good measure, Ma’at held out her own hand towards Aboleth, for she truly accepted her as she was.

“Though our start is indeed important, how we finish is what defines us.”

She need not look at her husband. The reference was plain to see.

Indeed, it was time to define the Fate of Selenia.


Tag: @darthbernael , @Sinrebirth