Fantasy CLOSED The Saga of the Ryujin

IC: Anaxagore
Advent Metamorphosis

Two centuries. 200 years. That’s how long he had waited for this moment, for his moment. Certainly, it was the Will of The Three that he ascend, that he attain this final transformation; The Elder Form.

Anaxagore felt...nay, knew, that he was ready. Every single challenge he’d face led to this moment, the Apex of Ryujin existence.

The fact that Lord Elder Zalzabar would do the honors of infusing them worth his Elder’s Will was beyond merit, yet Anaxagore’s gratitude was boundless.

He did not feel pity that he had outlived his mother and both his masters, and nearly all the humans who had assisted him in this journey in some form or another. No, not pity, but incalculable gratitude for their energy and effort. This would be the culmination of their commitment, their investment.

A true Protector of Regnum would rise.

Every lesson on aura control and absorption would come to mind, but not just that: All nuances of joining, integration, merging, transcendence - all that he was, would be brought to the fore.

There was no fear, no trepidation, no hesitation, simply the joy before rapture.

Anaxagore used his mighty wings to fly ever higher in order to truly appreciate the majesty of Lord Zalzabar and the unbridled power of a True Elder.

Anaxagore roared fiercely, indicating his readiness. He would not ‘race’ Kaynus, no such consideration entered his mind. This was too critical a moment, too sacred to be marred by ‘competition’.

That which shall Be Will Be! By The Three!!

Tag: @Shadowsun, @Master Vo'Un'Var

 

The Will of an Elder
​

Zalzabar opened his maw, clearly pleased by the enthusiasm both had for the task at hand. Energy began to build in Zalzabar's maw. He had only done two at once before with Delsanra and Arc, never before had he imposed his Will twice so quickly. It would be easier if he did it simultaneously, he could not believe the thought had not occurred to him sooner.

The Lightning poured from Zalzabar's mouth, blasting both of them with an intensity that rushed over them. It was painful as if each of their cells were being electrocuted all at once the aura so immense, so raw. It was too much, beyond what they could have imagined. A moment stretched across an eternity as their scales bristled under the power but were otherwise unharmed.

And then it would stop, the pain and wonder gone from them both. Zalzabar would droop down, his great head moving backwards as he viewed them both.

"Good... excellent!" They would both feel a Will, another presence nestled with their own Will. Vast and wonderous, there was no mistaking it was the Will of Zalzabar. "Now recall our aura control training with the keening stones, little by little, piece by piece you must absorb my Will within you into your own. It will take time, much time perhaps mon-"

Before Zalzabar could finish he would come to view Anaxagore, who would appear to still be in great pain. In his mind's eyes Anaxagore would see a dark figure surrounded by flame and shadow.

​

"As if you need a Will lesser than my own to absorb... listen to the fool's teachings but you will have no part of this mongrel's Will... only my own... you do wish to surpass the Elder Form after all, don't you?"

Anaxagore would precisely know who the voice was, as a ball of lightning erupted from within his mouth, speeding out of him as he felt the presence of Zalzabar leave him. The ball zipping and blasting away before crashing somewhere in the distance.

Zalzabar would look to Anaxagore with some confusion, to him it just looked like Anaxagore had breathed a ball of Lightning, certainly odd but...

"Anaxagore are you alright?"

TAG: @greyjedi125 @Master Vo'Un'Var

​

 

KAYNUS ALLBRIGHT
The Elder Will

​

Kaynus roared out in great pain as Zalzabar's will hit him, newfound energy coursing through his being. The Heir to the Three had never, in all his life, felt such intense agony, he screamed, both internally and externally, his eyes bulged from their sockets, his teeth glistening as his jaw was stretched all the way open, his Ryujin's howl echoing across the dome.

Each and every fiber of his form felt like it was being blown to pieces, until finally it ceased, as quickly as it had started.

He drew heavy breaths, exhausted from the pain that he had just felt. Then, he understood. No, he felt it. A new center of power. A new tool for Kaynus to use.

His Ryujin eyes, like diamonds, dazzled with a newfound delight.

He had unlocked it. His true, godly form.

And so he would show them. All of them!

He was Kaynus Allbright! Heir to the Three! And now he would take his throne!

He tapped into it, letting all the power at once flow through his veins. He would not wait. Not for this birthright!

His form grew, his scales cracking as new ones burst through underneath. He grew further and further, no longer being the petty adept Ryujin that this world had cursed him with.

He was now gargantuan. He was the God of Regnum.

From his nape, two more heads arose, reaching their way towards Kaynus. No, these too were Kaynus.

He couldn't hold all the energy that he suddenly found himself with. It began to burn him, eat up his core. He needed to let it go!

He let out a great roar, as the three heads spat out a fantastic beam of dazzling light, each beam forming into one immense spectacle of power.



The light was beyond blinding, it burned. Enough for thousands of normal humans to be blinded instantly for life.

The beam shot straight into the skies of the dome, their path of destruction spreading around Kaynus.



The clouds that the dome had created were blasted away, as the great beam of fantastic light scorched the grounds around the three.

For the short time it lasted, the destruction was terrible. Had the beam been directed at the ground, the earth would have been ripped to shreds. The green plains that had earlier surrounded them had now turned into burning ash, a great sea of black and red. The few trees scattered around had been uprooted or burst into flames.

It was not long after this titanic display had been shown, that Kaynus felt it.

A burning sensation more agonizing than what Zalzabar had inflicted upon him. Something that struck at his being like none other. This time, every cell in his body felt like it was being stretched until it would tear apart.

Kaynus felt himself quickly lose momentum, as his grand form slowly crumbled to ash, thundering down to the land below.

He returned to his human form, plummeting through the air towards the scorched earth.

He failed.

This was not possible.

He was a God!

How could a God fail to be in their truest form? In the form that would bring a new age for Regnum!

The skies around him darkened, as Kaynus Allbright fell into a state of deep slumber...



Father...

Father...

---

The young boy screamed, kicking his legs as the guards dragged him away.

"No! Let me stay! Please father! Don't make me leave!" Kaynus shrieked as they dragged him from the hall.

He lifted his head, his tear filled eyes looking back towards his father, seated in a grand chair at the end of the chamber.

A mere smile rested upon the man's face as he looked at his goblet.

"Father!" He roared.

---

Why did I fail?

His slender form, naked, continued to tumble through the air. His clothes had been burnt off, but his body was left unscathed, save for his hair. Which was now white as snow.

Kaynus Allbright, heir to the Three, couldn't control his own Elder form.

Was he truly the one to rule Regnum with divine judgement?

@Shadowsun @greyjedi125

 

IC: Anaxagore
Scathe

Euphoria intermixed with Hope, made the excruciating pain of the encroaching ascension bearable, even welcomed- for the end result would be worth the torturous trial. Zalzabar’s Lightning Will was beyond anything he had imagined, or anything he had faced before, but Anaxagore was resolved, positively resolute to not only survive, but emerge changed.

Anaxagore could hear Lord Elder Zalzabar guiding him through the process of ascension, his voice and presence served as both balm and boon as he set his mind to begin the process.

Then, without warning, a shadow wreathed by flames did appear.

Words were spoken and the ‘spell’ was broken- the moment lost.

Two hundred years of waiting, undone in less than two seconds.

Anaxagore felt himself snap as his dreams and hopes shattered like glass before a sledgehammer.

At this point his mind did not seem to register the excruciating pain he should have been in, even as a surge of despair turned to outrage, then blossomed into rage. The would-be-protector had lost all concentration as well, his focus dissolved, even as his body careened to the ground.

In a moment, Anaxagore crashed bodily to the ground, his form returning back to human. The impact would have killed him had he not been in dragon form- but he was past caring about such details.

“GGRRAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!” He roared.

“You…you DARE do this to me!!!??” He demanded of the figure he alone could see. His left arm hung limp and dislocated from his body, but he made no attempt to cradle it as he gestured angrily. Rage! Agony! Sorrow!! they poured out like geysers from wounds not made of flesh.

“You….you would rob me…of…..it….”

His steel grey eyes narrowed to slits, blurred by hot tears he hardly knew were there.

“That’s why you’ve been so quiet, that’s what you been waiting for…..to betray me...”

A wince of pain, of acknowledgement. Anaxagore used his right hand and set himself for the deed.

“I don’t need you….” he snarled just before he shoved with purposeful foreknowledge and reset his left shoulder with an audible ’snap’.

The sudden pain caused him to yell fiercely, but his words could still be understood.

“GET OUT!!!!!”

So consumed was he by bitter resentment, that he hadn't even noticed Kaynus, or Zalzabar for that matter.


Tag: @Shadowsun, @Master Vo'Un'Var

 

A Choice
​

Zalzabar just looked on in disbelief as he viewed Kaynus's transformation, that of his Elder Form. His power was truly immense, but it was what Zalzabar was warning against and was precisely the same mistake Arc had made as well. Zalzabar became human in an instant, rushing over to the young man as he grasped him.

By the Three... this had gone... so... utterly... wrong.

Kaynus was lucky he was still alive.

"Kaynus you cannot force your power out you have to learn to control it, over time..." Zalzabar insisted, his eyes darting to the Dragon Anaxagore. The draconic slits seemed glazed over and anything Anaxagore had tried to say out loud was silent... hidden within his mind's eye. His body making movements on their own to relocate his arm, but his mind was elsewhere, far elsewhere.

A dark chuckle resided within Anaxagore, the view of Ignis becoming more clear as he appeared before the man, seen and heard only by him.

​

His eyes were calm but filled with malice as he stared deeply at the fuming warrior. His dark hair flowing beside him, his arms folded in some bemusement.

"I robbed you of nothing child... in fact I freed you. Recall I said I would guide you to the Ancient Form? That which transcends even the Elder Form..." Ignis' eyes narrowed, a hand brought up in frustration.

"The world has gotten so weak..." he muttered to himself, his attention refocusing on Anaxagore. "This 'gift' Zalzabar was offering you, you already have it from when you linked with Zikki and brought me into yourself. It would be impossible for me to teach the ancient form if you absorb Zalzabar's Will,"

He paused for a moment longer. Anaxagore as much as he likely despised Ignis in this moment would feel the truth behind these words.

"You can get rid of me if you want... but who should I bond with, perhaps Zalzabar, your teacher, and bend his pitiful, weakened soul to my will? Or stroke the ego of that elitist fool Kaynus?"

He tilted his head for a moment.

"But if you do that you'll be breaking our deal... as I have not betrayed you Anaxagore, despite what you might think... and the bond forged between us in this deal, well it can have dire consequences if broken,"

"So absorb my Will, make it your own... slowly... as Zalzabar has taught you and not only will be... weakened but you will grow far stronger than your peers. After all if you kill Malum there is no chance of Sapientis returning. You can be the hero, the hero of Regnum, of Athas, a hero for all..."

As this was spoken to Anaxagore Zalzabar would focus back on Kaynus. He could feel his aura still flowing gently, so he was miraculously still alive. Thank the Three. But despite the great hiccups both had done it. Both now had the Will of an Elder within them.

"Kaynus... Kaynus can you hear me?"

TAG: @greyjedi125 @Master Vo'Un'Var

 

IC: Anaxagore
The Will of Fire

Anaxagore remained silent for a long moment, considering the words he had heard....not only that, but - he was feeling it now; something did change.

"By The Three...!!"

His steel grey eyes grew wide, even as his form became completely human - and completely healed.

It was true. The process was complete. The poison that beleaguered his body and tainted his blood was completely burned away. His regeneration was now restored to him!! Incredible....!!!

Anaxagore regarded the enigmatic figure as he painlessly rolled his shoulder, feeling no discomfort whatsoever.

"I do not enjoy being played." Anaxagore declared his objection quite plainly as he flexed his fingers, feeling the vitality that coursed through them.

"You misunderstand me. I'm not doing this because I want to be the hero of all, on the contrary."

"There's a difference between defeating Malum and killing him. The Three did not 'destroy' Sapientis, but rather sealed him away. We are just trying to prevent him from returning and destroying all life as we know it."

Anaxagore took a deep centering breath, inwardly pleased at feeling restored after all these years, but not allowing that fact to fool him.

"There is always a cost for power, that is not a mystery."

Indeed, Will was the key. Anaxagore did spy strands of silver intermixed with his flowing raven hair. He would not let 'intoxication' sway him- he had seen the results first hand, th object thirst for power, the look in the eyes of many of his vanquished adversaries. Power corrupts, and absolute power.....

"What do you get out of this?"

Absently, the restored warrior looked over his shoulder, finally noticing both Kaynus and Zalzabar. He could feel them clearly, how their power levels had changed.

He felt the urge to assist, but the need for clarity took priority over impulsiveness. If he was wrong about any of this.....

Tag: @Shadowsun, @Master Vo'Un'Var

 

Kaynus Allbright
Failure

It was an open plane, with nothing but blue skies and clouds as far as Kaynus could see. But it was the one figure that stood in front of him that left him in a state of shock.



It was a young man, about his age, staring straight back at him. No, it was him. But something was wrong.



His hair was as white as snow. Kaynus stared in silence, looking at the reflection of himself.

He looked to the side, hearing a voice somewhere. It sounded strange, like he was underwater and someone above the surface was calling out to him.

Kaynus... Kaynus! Can you hear me?

He looked down at his hands, as they slowly crumbled to dust. Watching the figure ahead of him, he slowly crumbled into the air, being blown away like petals during a cherry blossom.

The white-haired Kaynus watched, hearing the voice. Zalzabar's voice.

He didn't want to leave this place. There was such tranquility here.

Why? Why even wake up from such a pleasant dream?

@Shadowsun @greyjedi125

 

IC: Zalzabar & Ignis
The Dome of Athas

The immense dragon form of Zalzabar had covered Anaxagore in shadow as the great ball of light from Kaynus exploded. But now in his human form, the light would shine brightly, its sheer intensity that of a truly godly proportion. The power of the light plunged deeply into Anxagore's eyes as the force wave from the explosion now blasted into the earth around them, it was too distant to actually break the ground, but both Zalzabar and Anaxagore would feel the wrath of the wind push against them. Anaxagore would not see any of this. Not because he was still in his trance-like state, no it because he was now blind. His eyes were burning from the overexposure to the light, burning deeply into his retina as the voice of Ignis spoke to him.

"You see the power of just an Elder... well I suppose you can not see... but just think Anaxagore you can transcend this power, the power of the Ancients," Any reasonable and normal person would be terrified at the prospect of their eyes being burned to nothing. Anaxagore's only comfort was that his Ryujin healing could now refocus on his body as a whole and that in a short while, perhaps half an hour or so, perhaps longer, he would regain his vision.

"But I ask you this Son of Argentum. Did the Three seal Sapientis because they chose to seal him or because killing Sapientis was an impossible task? Can such a great evil be allowed to exist?"

A dry chuckle escaped Ignis' lips, his voice still inside Anaxagore's head.

"What do I get out of this? You mean other than seeing one of my children, as all humans are, grow to the very peak of their potential?"

There was a pause, as this new reality for Anaxagore set in.

"If Malum gets his way he will use me. You think the man truly wants Sapientis back? Only a moronic fool would want that. No, he wishes only to serve himself, I cannot abide such a vile man. It is in my best interest if you defeat him,"

"Does that satisfy you?"

As the words of Ignis settled in Anaxagore's mind Zalzabar still clutched Kaynus, his face still in horror. The boy looked so tranquil, so at peace. In the few days Zalzabar had known him, Kaynus had never looked well, so happy was one way to put it.

"Kaynus please, please wake up,"

If the boy did he would see the weary Zalzabar, his frayed hair, and weary demeanor. His face was as red as a strawberry, the sheer intensity of light had baked his skin even while he had been in Elder form. It was only because Zalzabar's Ryujin form had been blocking them for that short time frame that they were not harmed further.

"Wake up Kaynus... by the Three, wake up!"

TAG: @greyjedi125 @Master Vo'Un'Var

 

IC: Anaxagore
Circles within Circles

Being hyper-aware was a wondrous state of being and quite terrible all at once. Anaxagore understood the might that Kaynus had unleashed, though not the cause of it, other than he, that is ‘Kaynus’, had attained his Elder Form and unleashed a wave of unbridled power.

This event was so powerful, that it blinded Anaxagore, who was immediately reminded of the time Master Namekian had him live as one who was ‘blind’ for nearly a year, so he could further hone his other senses, as well as his Ki. Anaxagore did not despair for the loss of his sight, as he now trusted his recently regained regenerative abilities, or even that of the top healers in Athas. A combination of both his personal nature and a highly skilled physician was likely to greatly reduce the time of his affliction - after all, there was a war coming and much to be accomplished before then.

On the other hand, while his body was buffeted, Anaxagore’s mind wrestled with the Will of Ignis.

This being represented a different kind of poison, one far more subtle and insidious than the type which had tainted his blood. The first was designed to target the body, Ignis was clearly after his soul. Anaxagore instinctively did not trust this being and his serpentine wiles; for his actions and his words contradicted any suggested ‘altruism’.

As he understood things, if Sapientis needed a vessel to manifest, perhaps the same was true of Ignis, or even ‘The Three’.

Certainly, there was so much knowledge being held back, so many truths that were hidden and manipulated- the very act was both egregious and disingenuous. In that moment, the warrior-protector made up his mind to have a talk with Lord Zalzabar regarding a great many things.

“You seem to be missing the point.” Anaxagore managed a response after a very long moment of contemplative silence and introspection.

“In the end, with Sapientis gone, the denizens of Regnum were able to thrive naturally, to make their own way as intended. The Tyranny of Sapientis was averted, regardless of how it was achieved.”

{Open your ‘Third Eye’ and perceive the world as you never have before}

Master Nin’s old words seemed to echo in the recesses of Anaxagore’s mind and with a surge of Will, once again, he was able to perceive the world as energy instead of matter. The sight of it was breathtaking, as always. The incredible range of forms, the varying intensities and colors.There was just so much wonder in creation, it was simply his duty to oppose entropy and ‘destruction’.

“As long as I breathe, I shall oppose Sapientis and any who seek it, in whatever way fate arranges that to happen.That is my sworn duty as warrior-protector. Furthermore, I don’t believe for a second that you and I wish for the very same thing, because rumor has it, that you are part of Sapientis.”

Anaxagore leveled his steely gaze at the being.

“So, is that true or not?”

His tone made the statement seem more like an accusation than a question.


Tag: @Shadowsun, @Master Vo'Un'Var

 

IC: Ne'tar
Palace Chair - Throne Room

Ne'tar take a few breaths. Let others words do what others want. Ne'tar keep think Ne'tar about to hear answer. Ne'tar no hear answer, just more about question. Ne'tar sigh bored and soon little king walk out after words about elf, Ne'tar growl at that, Ne'tar step up. Ne'tar not understand what king mean, but Ne'tar know king not be nice.

Ne'tar glare at them as they go. All Ne'tar note of is crown Zalzabar want them get and night story horror has it. According to talking eyeball that not squishy. Ne'tar no claim Ne'tar know what go on, but Ne'tar said Ne'tar peace. Ne'tar just wait for answer.

Ne'tar shake head at talky one words of friend-friend to king. "Squishy king." Ne'tar state with snort and dismissal wave.

TAG: @Sinrebirth , @Ktala , @The Jedi in the Pumas , @Shadowsun

 

Delsanra Taenya Helestina
The Palace

Well.

That was finally over with. Delsanra was holding herself very properly, as she finished responding to the questions. The responses she received afterward were diverse and told her much. That he was willing to speak out what she considered sensitive, with royal attendants nearby was a bit strange to her. But in truth, she knew nothing about this man, and his court, so it might not be as reckless as she imagined. But there were definitely things she felt he had no need to know. She was also annoyed that Zalzabar had not spoken with them first, before running to the King.

Then Zalzabar stated something, that nearly made Delsanra whip her head around. But her eyes did grow a bit wider, as he spoke.

"Kenrith..." Zalzabar started, "...if the battle goes south and the day is lost. I will use the Lightning Will to teleport everyone that remains."

Helen spoke up, with a gasp. "Zalzabar... you would die,"

Zalzabar responded. "As opposed to dying by Malum's hand? This is a death I would by far prefer."

Delsanra was silent, but she knew Helen was correct. Zalzabar could barely deal with teleporting himself. But the entire city!! She knew that he would die trying if it came down to it. Another detail he forgot to mention to them.

Kenrith eyes narrowed, his hands waving aside.

"Leave us," he spoke, the guards and Royal attendants leaving so that all who remained were Kenrith, Helen, Arc, Esenma, Delsanra, Ne'tar, and Zalzabar. He stroked his beard, settling further back into his seat.

He leaned back in his seat, stroking his beard before he finally spoke,

"It seems Snow Elves are all so very private."

Delsanra simmply held eye contact. It was not as if he was not telling the truth. He had a sharp eye. So if it was meant it as some sort of insult, it did not bother her in any way. But that could not be said of some of the others.

Helen was quick to speak.. "Father stop it." Then it grew quiet. Delsanra also heard a soft growl nearby, as Ne'tar moved a bit. Then the king finally spoke.

"My business with you Zalzabar has concluded, the details of your party are for you to decide. Now I must attend to various pieces of state business..."

He stood, walking toward a door in the back with Helen following him. A hand coming over Zalzabar's face as sighed.

Arc suddenly spoke up. "Um, do you think it would be best if one of us at least stayed, and didn't upset," he gestured vaguely at the exit, "the King?"

Delsanra pulled her hood back up over her head. She looked over at Arc as she spoke. "We have been.. dismissed. He wants us, im sure he can find us."

Delsanra crossed her arms in front of her body, as she heard Ne'tar mutter.."Squishy King." Delsanta gave a soft chuckle as she looked over at Ne'tar and smiled.


Tag: @Shadowsun, @Sinrebirth, @Mitth_Fisto, @The Jedi in the Pumas

 

Rebecca Dragon
Othos

Rebecca just shrugged her shoulders hearing Dominus's reply to her cutting question. He was committed to his course, he would fight to the last for simple sentimentality. That was an emotion that fell, well outside Rebecca's range. She'd largely left that behind, after losing her father, and her home the life of a mercenary was rather migratory, and solitary, especially for herself. There were larger companies that formed bands of warriors. She'd been approached many times to join one band or another on a permanent basis but, she turned them down. She needed war, she needed conflict. In a larger group there would be times she wouldn't be fighting, when there would be a war that she would not partake in.

That could not be abided.

Deep in her heart there was a small pain, a feeling of loss. A feeling she didn't acknowledge, it was beneath a woman like her to feel attachment.

"Well, let's hope it doesn't come to that...you're one of the few magical people I can stand." Seemed she couldn't hide that slight attachment when they were alone. Dragons to the right of her, magicians to the left, it felt like Dominus was the only one that felt...as out of place as she did. Even if he was still a ryujin, he didn't feel as righteously powerful.

Seeing him throw a leather vest in front of her she put it on without much fuss. She might as well make an attempt to look her best. It was useless to try and tie it up with her chest while not well endowed; it was certainly a consideration.

As they made ready to leave Dominus asked her a question she wasn't expecting from him.

"Not anymore…" She admitted. "Only had my father and he's dead…" She didn't mention how he died, that was for a different time. "I suppose I have a mother somewhere out there but, I never knew her. I move around following the next war or conflict that I don't really have a home to speak of. Though having a home, and family has only made fools of warriors. Fighting when they should run, or running when they should fight. Only fighting for coin simplifies the question, is the fight worth it? Am I getting paid enough to deal with this? Takes the silly emotions out of it."

TAG: @Shadowsun

 

OOC: A Story of Regnum for your reading enjoyment. This scene was initiated by @The Jedi in the Pumas and made possible by @Shadowsun. Please enjoy!

---

Tales of Regnum - The Warlord Meets The Warden - Year 3648​

Ieninsmith, Eastern Shores of Taetus​

Ieninsmith was a once a functional village on the coastline. The villagers were peaceful, largely able to avoid the wars between the warlords that still reigned over Eastern Taetus. Though that time as coming to an end. As Ullena looked upon the smoldering ruins of her village, she remembered when they first heard of the new Overseer of Eastern Taetus. Though King Derius had united Taetus a generation ago, the warlords were able to function on a local level since, taking meticulous care not to attract the attention of the King and his guard. They terrorized the villages, enslaved, raped, and warred against each other, ignoring the innocent lives lost in their meaningless conflicts. Ullena thought that the new overseer would be different and bring peace to Eastern Taetus. In a way, he had so far. The Warlords were being ruthlessly assassinated and their small fiefdoms dismantled.

Unfortunately, the new Overseer was reshaping the East with a cruel and efficient methodology. While innocents weren't being killed directly, the Overseer had burned crops, killed cattle, and essentially destroyed much of East Taetus in his crackdown on the warlord system. The citizens, the regular people, were being forced to relocate and work to build the East in a way that would benefit Taetus as a whole. Some of them did so enthusiastically, but the ones who did not were disappeared or conditioned until they made a change of heart.


Ullena, in her ryujin form, had taken the responsibility in relocating her village. They were lucky to be fortunate enough to have a small window to escape all the territorial violence. The Southern Isles, a much more peaceful land, was their destination. Her people did not want to leave and she could see it on their faces. Most of their goods and possessions were gone and it would be a long trek to the South. She could only hope it would be without incident.

The young protector had heard the many tales of the North from travelers, how war and suffering plagued those lands. For years his mentors had cautioned him, saying that he was not ready to face the grave dangers and challenges of the North. That Taetus was no place for a Ryujin such as he. But today, that was different. Both Master Nin and Master Namekian had given him their blessings, for his training was now complete. No longer did the young warrior need to undergo further Trials of Strength and Body, Trials of Cunning and Intellect, or Trials of Character and Spirit.

Anaxagore was a pupil no more, but a tried and true warrior.

In his heart, the dark haired protector felt compelled to lend any available succor to those ravaged by the warring warlords, despite the potential for political entanglements, for 'The Three' were directing his steps. As it was, there was naught he could do from Zafir, thus, without delay, he found passage North, where adventure and uncertainty awaited him.

The Overseer’s orc guards looked out at the docks as a ship arrived. Unscheduled. The trio made their way down to meet the ship. They all were dressed like well-seasoned sea faring merchants, though armed.

Ullena only allowed herself a momentary glance to the docks.

A ship at this time. Peculiar.

Anaxagore had paid his fare in full well before arriving, so no transaction of coin was necessary once the shipped docked. The hood of his cloak remained up, covering most of his face for now, though it did not prevent him from taking a good look about him. The surroundings looked bleak as far as he could see, partially confirming the rumors, yet he was well aware there was always more to every story. Besides, the very fact that a boat could dock, meant there was still a measure of trade taking place. When the time came, Anaxagore disembarked without issue and without hurry, his gait was steady and confident, this weapons were partially hidden by his traveler's cloak.

"Thank you..." He said with a short bow to his benefactors before walking up the dock. He saw the orc guards approaching, so he simply approached them.

"Hail and good tidings to you." He intoned amiably. "Perchance, do you know where a weary traveler could find an Inn?"

“No inns, here, stranger. You’ve not any luck or sense, do you?” The lead orc said calmly. His hand rested on a waraxe dangling from his belt. He stopped before Anaxagore; an orc of good size and strength.

“Arriving here at this time could spell danger on your life. Very, very aggressive period of transition. What’s your purpose of coming to Taetus?”

Anaxagore stopped and regarded the orc curiously, taking in his words and his aggressive stance. There was a war going on, so he could well understand the orc's position. Had he been standing guard, he would likely had done something similar.

"I've come to help those who cannot help themselves in this conflict." He answered simply and frankly. Clearly, the orc and his companions had no need of his assistance, so the offer was not for them.

"I've no intention to cause any trouble." he added after a beat.

There was a ryujin nearby. Ullena could feel the kinship. She kept her eyes on the dock’s new arrival.

The orc’s look softened as he looked over the remains of the village.

“You should speak to that ryujin over there. She could use your help. Keep your head low or you will attract Warlord Zomo’s more immediate curiosity.”

Anaxagore meant to keep his gaze on the orc speaker, but when guardsman mentioned a 'Ryujin', his eyes flickered over to his kin automatically. The adventuring warrior returned his attention to the orc then.

"Thank you, I shall remember the name. May the Three be with you."

With that, Anaxagore proceeded forth, his pace as before, steady but unhurried. He approached the Ryujin who was already in dragon form, and was like all Ryujin, bless with inherent majesty. Anaxagore did not sense any ill-will emanating from the being, who seemed to be acting as a Sentinel. He himself did nothing to change or alter his presence for such a gesture would be ultimately fruitless, besides, he had not come to deceive, but rather, to lend what assistance he could.

"Hail, Ryujin." Anaxagore spoke in the common tongue of traders, at least for the moment. He offered a respectful bow as he did so.

"I've heard of the troubles that plague the North and have come from far away to lend what assistance I can, to those who may need it."

Ullena felt relaxed by Anaxagore’s words. She could tell they were pure and sensed no deception. She checked on the progress of her villagers down the trail and turned to Anaxagore to regress to her normal form.



“It is interesting that our troubles on the East have made it to foreigners. My name is Ullena and I am tasked with relocating my village to the South. Zomo of the EastLand granted my request, but it is solely my responsibility to lead my people there. We are low on supplies and food and the warriors of our village are all dead. Are you saying you will help us if we pay you, because we have no coin for that.”

She examined him closely but was forthcoming. Ullena was not a battle hardened warrior and did not give off the aura of animosity. The women was younger than Anaxagore and no doubt was put in this position due to her ryujin blood. Stressed, but calm under pressure. So far.

Anaxagore took a better look around as the woman spoke, taking-in what he could, of the landscape and the surrounding villagers, for he did follow the direction of her gaze. The hardships present were plain to see, even as Ullena gave them their proper context. War was as ever, the bringer of misery.



"Please call me, Anaxagore. I follow the tenets of 'The Three' and thus I am here to assist you if you'll have me. Allow me to take the place of your fallen warriors, for I am a warrior - and a Ryujin, much like yourself."

Steel-grey eyes settled on Ullena to study her, for it was important to get a sense of one who was brave enough to lead such an effort.

"I couldn't possibly ask for coin as I am volunteering." Anaxagore went on to say, a wry smile playing on his features, but one that was meant to ease any tension.

"Protecting your people so they can safely resupply and relocate will become my priority, if you will have me."

Anaxagore fell on one knee before Ullena, for she was the noble leader of this village, as destiny would have it. Should she give the word, he would become an agent in her mission to rescue her people from their plight.

“We appreciate your offer and accept your help. We will rest tomorrow morning. My people understand that will cannot prolong our time in the East. Stay close and stay alert, Anaxagore; You will see little here touched by the blessing of the Three. Only the cruel actions of desperate men.”

She turned away from Anaxagore and moved to the head of her group, leading the way in silence.She would remain that way until the night came.

"Thank you, Ullena."

Anaxagore rose to his feet with a growing understanding. War had crushed the spirit of the people and Ullena, for they could not see that 'The Three' afforded them favor, even in their times of trouble - but clarity could still come in due course...or not.

Remaining cloaked as he was, the warrior did as he was bid and followed Ullena, even as he began to survey the area for signs of trouble. Clearly, they were all weary for good reason. Anaxagore knew to be ready, for trouble always came when you least expected.

******
Hours later…In the darkness of night…

They were miles removed from the ruins of their village. Ullena was not enthused by the progress they’d made. She could take small solace in the peace that travelled with them. No scouting parties. No bandits. All had been peaceful.

It was then that on their right, as they cleared a thicket that ran alongside the road, fires illuminated the macabre scene that the darkness and trees had hidden.

Bodies. Dozens of them. Strapped to large emerged roots from the ground were being burned. The sounds of the moans of the unfortunate that were still living as the fire ignited their flesh.

Ullena covered her mouth and raised a hand signal to signal for all behind her to stop and get low.



“The Southern Hunters.”

Tall and slow-moving, the Hunters continued at their work with the absence of emotion. Two stood on the road facing Ullena’s group but did not seem to notice them yet.

“There’s nothing we can do. We must turn back.” She quietly uttered as her eyes lingered on the plumes of fire.

"Can we go around them?" Was all Anaxagore asked, his countenance hardening for what could unfold.

“No. There’s no going around.”

Ullena turned to direct the group backwards. The movement enough to attract the attention of a Hunter. They all in unison turned together, suddenly aware of their new arrivals. Only one moved towards them with its lance in its hand.

All this unfolded in a split second, Anaxagore the only one trained enough to understand how quick a battle landscape could change.

Anaxagore's eyes narrowed further as he observed the sole 'Southern Hunter' approach and took stock of his height, relative weight, length of his weapon as well as other more nuanced details. It seemed that this Warlord Zomo's 'grant' may or may not hold any sway here, but who could say for sure. The would-be-protector stood his ground, making himself a marker, while Ullena directed the group of villagers back - at least to a safe distance while he conducted 'negotiations'.

It galled him that he could not outright help those few who seemed to still be alive, but the situation was quite critical. He was unsure if any of the victims before him were part of Ullena's people, but gauging by her reaction, they were not- or she already considered them lost.

With a breath, the dark haired warrior distributed a touch of Ki-energy through his body, just in case. His posture remained neutral, but the rest of him became hyper-alert. Anaxagore's senses were not impaired by darkness, so he kept his eyes on both Hunters, as he listened-out for signs of any other threat.

The Hunter stood over the group, his height impressive as he grew closer. He ignored Anaxagore and Ullena for a moment and drew in a deep breath from the group. Cold energy and the feeling of despair settled on the group. Whether it was actual or imagined, the duration was too short to know for sure.

The Hunter exhaled and his mask tilted downward to Anaxagore.

“Not who I am searching for. An outsider. A ryujin.” His words were echoed by all of the Hunters still going about their duties. “Follow.”

The Hunter turned and started to trek down the road. Ullena looked at Anaxagore.

“We must obey. Right?”

"He didn't specify." Anaxagore observed. The words 'Outsider' and 'Ryujin' echoed in his mind, for he was both.

"I'll follow close by." the would-be-protector intoned, caution ladened his words.

Ullena seemed to know more about these 'Hunters' than he did, but so far had not revealed much.

"You can follow at a safer distance if you wish."

As to what exactly one would consider 'a safer distance', he could not surmise at this moment.

"As long as you keep going in the direction you originally intended- or do these things also serve as guides?"

With that, Anaxagore moved off, his steps taking him closer to the hunter. Ullena had not made a definite objection to these creatures, so there was clearly more to them than was readily apparent. Still, Anaxagore resolved to keep alert and on guard, increasing his flow of Ki further, for 'danger' was the standard norm this night. Aside from 'following' he also resolved to keep an eye on Ullena. She was not forthcoming with information, the kind a warrior-protector would find helpful - but he could understand why. She couldn't simply trust him implicitly, for he was a foreigner and a stranger. In truth, he would need to prove himself, he would have to earn her trust.

Her reactions however, would serve as clues for him to learn more of that which was not spoken.

'Then so be it.'

Thus far, nothing else had decided to sneak up on them or attack them. That could be considered a good sign...right?

Ullena cautiously moved forward beside Anaxagore to follow the Hunter. She directed the others to get closer, stay on the road, and do nothing to bother the Hunters.

“The Southern Hunters are no guides.” She began in a low voice so only Anaxagore could hear. “They are Ryujin Hunters, descendant from a long line of beast hunters. King Derius uses them to keep the ryujin population in check and accounted for. There were whispers of their appearance in the East but I had not seen them for myself. They must be the reason the warlords and their bands have been decimated so thoroughly.”

The Hunter continued for several minutes without a sound. The scenes of Hunters ripping the limbs off their victims, keeping the fires alive with dead bodies, and systemically executing any who tried to fight back stretched on in the darkness for almost a kilometer. The Hunter came to an abrupt stop as a dark elf appeared in the center of the road out of nothingness.

Ullena’s eyes grew narrow as she bowed her head. “Zomo.” She whispered to Anaxagore.

“I have discovered a foreign-smelling ryujin.” The Hunter stated plainly.

“I see. Well-armed, trained. Where do you hail from, ryujin?” Zomo asked. The dark elf was tall, though not as tall as the Hunters. He was dressed in sea-faring robes with a scimitar on his belt. He was confident and genuinely curious about Anaxagore.

He had listened to Ullena's words, glad that she'd probably figured out some of what he wished to know. Anaxagore could only assume as to her motivations, chiefly to protect her people.

As they proceeded, Anaxagore observed the 'Ryujin Hunters'. The implication from the combination of words did not escape him, nor the fact that they served the one she called King Derius, which was a name he would have to remember.

The group continued to follow the road, though the going only provided a continuous grizzly spectacle of death and pain. The burning pyres were kept going with the bodies of those murdered, for there was no battle taking place here, just wholesale slaughter- the privilege of the wicked and powerful.

Anaxagore felt no pity at learning that warlords had been decimated in the fighting, for their title alone condemned them. Too bad the fighting had not claimed them all. What was left was needless and prolonged suffering.

As he pondered these thoughts, all forward progress came to a halt. From Ullena he heard an audible gasp as she identified the figure he now beheld; a tall dark elf.

Zomo.

Anaxagore did not bow before the figure, but did offer a respectful nod as he took several steps forward.

"Lord Zomo..." He began.

"I am Anaxagore of Zafir. I understand you have granted Ullena and her people passage to the south...is this still true?"

His tone remained neutral, his posture 'relaxed' as he waited for an answer.

“I am no Lord, Anaxagore of Zafir.” His eyes slid to Ullena and her group of tired villagers. A twisted acknowledgement shined on his face.

“Ah Yes, Ullena. The newborn of the East. It is still true. We’ve ripped apart every warlord and bandit so the path ahead Is safe. For them. You, lad, there’s no such deal in place.”

There was a silence. A charged silence as Zomo eyed Anaxagore’s face, looking for a break in the man’s sternness.

“Newborn, you should gather your people and leave now.”

Ullena wanted to look at Anaxagore. Then thought better and directed her people forward, though she remained beside Anaxagore as her people moved passed them. Once the troop had passed them completely, she nodded at Anaxagore.

“Zomo, this man only sought to help. He means no harm.” She stated, defensively.

“Oh, I know that.”

"Go on. I'll follow along shortly...." Anaxagore assured Ullena, as he gave her a small squeeze on her forearm. His steely gaze never left the tall figure before him. If entertaining this 'Zomo' was the requirement for her and her people to continue forward, then so be it. He had come to the right place at the right time, not by accident, but by design.

"Well then, I have part of my answer. You seem to be one who stands behind his word."

Anaxagore stood his ground, though he followed Ullena through his other senses. He wished to make sure she was out of harms way. To that end, he waited before speaking again.

"So then, Zomo. What business will you have with me?"

“Violent business, lad. I’m going to hurt you and I want you to remember that hurt anytime you think of stepping uninvited foot onto Taetian land again.”

Zomo walked to Anaxagore and passed him.

“Follow along, lad. You’re going home.”

"No."

Anaxagore answered simply.

"The Three have guided me here, to see Ullena and her people to safety. I plan to carry out that mission." He stated simply.

"I will be more than pleased to leave your lands then. Helping them does not interfere with your power structure in anyway, unless your intent was to betray them all along, for certainly they pose no threat to you."

Anaxagore shook his head, as things became clear. He had choice words for this creature, but they would be wasted. By his words and his posturing, it was clear that this 'Zomo' responded to one thing alone. Sadly, he and his ilk were destined to taste disappointment in the end.

"My fate is not in your hands."

Zomo stopped and placed his hands on his hips and looked to the sky.

“If “the three” led you here, mate, they aren’t very good guides.”

His scimitar slid from his belt smoothly and quickly, slicing into the night air.

“I will send you back to Zafir, ryujin. Whole… or piece by piece.”

The blade whistled through the air to Anaxagore’s throat.

They were past words now, so any verbal retort would be a wasted gesture. This 'Zomo' was spoiling for combat.

Anaxagore watched Zomo unsheathed his curved sword, the likes he was also familiar with. How interesting. Zomo's attack was swift and accurate, but Anaxagore was already hyper-alert and had suffused himself with a measure of Ki much earlier. Taking a slight step back and leaning back just so, his opponent's blade missed its mark, at least that time.

So, a slice to the throat. Zomo meant to kill him then. That was unfortunate.

"Hmph."

Anaxagore remained just outside the dark elf's striking range, at least for now. His mind took stock of the many layers this battle would take, as he crystalized a plan.

The swing of the scimitar whistled in the opposite direction back to Zomo’s chest. He blew on the sword’s edge.

“Quick reflexes.” He raised the sword towards Anaxagore and began quick stepping to close the distance. He made no slashes or thrusting moves. Content to see in what way Anaxagore would move with a blade coming slowly towards him.

“Most of your kind would harden the skin. Do you respect me, ryujin? Or are you merely trying to avoid damage?”

The Ryujin-Warrior offered no verbal response.

"........"

Anaxagore took a low horse-stance, his inner energy rising, his arms were out before him, palms open, already guarding his gates. He could feel the subtle variance in air pressure as his opponent moved in, the different vibration the blade possessed from that of the elf himself. Everything seemed to slow as his hyper-perception and reaction time flowed into the moment.

"........"

“1… anddd”

The blade went from slowly moving forward to stabbing through the air towards Anaxagore’s hands. Then quickly retracting back.

“2…”

The scimitar blurred as Zomo stepped quickly to the right, to Anaxagore’s left and slashed at his flank.

“Do something.”

In his perceptions, Zomo’s stabbing blade moved as if it were under water; a simple flicking motion and the blade would miss his arm without penetrating Anaxagore’s defense. Then, Zomo blurred, but his movement would be perceived in a normal rate of motion by the steely protector, even as Zomo retracted, then 'blurred' to Anaxagore’s left, the slash to his flank seamlessly coming into play.

Anaxagore spun impossibly low in a clockwise motion, his body poised to pass below Zomo’s attack as he countered, even as his trailing leg swept in a flashing motion of his own, intending to unceremoniously knock down the dark elf to the ground.

Zomo was indeed a fast and capable warrior, but the heightened speed and power of a Ryujin, without the aid of an inhibitor orb, would be greater than his own. Anaxagore's perceptions would allow him to effortlessly dodge the blade while sweeping down to attack Zomo, but Warlord Zomo was of course on stranger to fighting Ryujin there was a skill therein dealing with them. Anaxagore dropping down would send a small telegraph which would give an ever so brief window for Zomo to dodge. He would now likely seeing that Anaxagore was 'playing for real' or perhaps not as he seemingly did not feel the need to transform into his dragon form. Perhaps both men were holding back the grander scale of abilities they both held, testing each other in purely martial combat. Both it seemed would find the other stronger than expected.

A dark aura surged from within Zomo.

The ryujin’s sweeping leg would find a home on Zomo’s ankle, but would feel as if he was hitting a stone. Zomo had braced his leg and solidified its stance on the ground, enough to take the brunt of Anaxagore’s attack.

His scimitar whistled. His missed swing arced over Anaxagore’s dodge and redirected itself to come down with the full weight of Zomo’s body: to split the ryujin in two.

In his mind, he knew the ryujin would counter. At least… he hoped that he would. How disappointed he’d be in Zafir for them to send their weak to Taetus to be slaughtered with only a sword strike.

The leg sweep hit the mark with satisfying impact, but his opponent was solidly grounded and did not falter- and neither did Anaxagore. The Ryujin Protector was far too experienced a combatant, so he simply flowed and rebounded from impasse, swiftly rolling to the side, quite safely from his opponent's linear attack.

In one smooth motion, Anaxagore was back on his feet, his hand wiping the dirt off his cloak, which had revealed his face by now.

His expression said it all: He was unimpressed.

Anaxagore would dodge the attack with ease, but the collision of Anaxagore's leg into Zomo's coupled with the earth magic of the Warlord, of fusing his leg with that of the ground, and making it like that of stone... It would hurt, perhaps more than Anaxagore would realize, being a Ryujin did little to help with dampening pain. His training is what would allow him to overcome that. A normal human (who would never be able to achieve such a powerful or swift kick in the first place) would have had a decent chance of breaking or otherwise splintering their ankle or leg from such a collision. Anaxagore's ryujin body however would suffer no such fate, preventing even that of an ugly bruise developing on his leg.

Zomo pointed at Anaxagore with his blade.

“Now, now… what’s with that face?” He drew a wand from his shirt a tapped it to his forehead, mumbling a few words as he did so. A brown pasty hand emerged from his shirt to take the wand as a 4th hand, followed by a 5th and 6th ripped through the back of his shirt. The hands turned into drill-like tendrils.

Zomo’s dark aura expanded as he once again began to march towards Anaxagore. With every step, the earth underneath him began to turn into mud.

“Again.” He demanded. His wand danced as the tendrils hardened and shot towards Anaxagore. Faster and with deadlier force.

Zomo paused to deliver words that fell on deaf ears. However, his ‘transformation’ did not go unnoticed. How could it?

The Dark elf produced an additional four appendages, that and some sort of ‘magic wand’ from the looks of it. Moreover, an uncanny dark aura now emitted from him as well.

Anaxagore responded by not only increasing his own aura, which now suffused him in a soft blue glow, but he also summoned his silver armor, which enveloped him completely. A Silver Bastard Sword also materialized, one which he now held in a two-handed grip. Anaxagore barely managed a front guarding stance when Zomo initiated his attack.

The now armored protector slashed defensively as he stepped backwards, his sword weaving and slicing with remarkable swiftness, fully intent on cutting off the offending appendages.

The tendrils moved in with a thundering force, the hardened assault coming in, their movements hungry to pierce Anaxagore. The Zafirian's speed was quite capable, able to meet the earth. The issue however would not be Anaxagore's speed but his choice of weapon. A sword would have a difficult time slicing through the magic-infused earth and rock, becoming more akin to a blunt object trying to hammer its way through than the clean-cut one usually desires with a sword.

As such Anaxagore's blows would be slower, becoming snagged, as they traveled through the tendrils, able to slice through the first two tendrils with some difficulty before a third would glance across his armor. Denting it but not causing internal damage to the Ryujin. His speed on his feet was still superior to the movements of the tendrils. The fourth then being successfully sliced with his movements backward as he continued to swing his sword.

Zomo would of course know, and Anaxagore likely suspect, that it would only take a moment, perhaps one or two seconds, before the 'heads' of the tendrils would regrow.

The regrowth of tendrils were accompanied by a thinning of the appendages to increase their speed. Then the attacks would resume, the attacks faster now.

Zomo knelt to the ground and drew a symbol in the mud between his feet. His aura was threatening, though it was his will that expanded quickly to encompass the area around Anaxagore and himself. The Hunters who’d largely ignored the battle made note to give Zomo more room for his attack as they continued with their cleanup.

The ground was now mud underneath Anaxagore. The ryujins pride was his footwork and speed. He could see everything. Zomo would test that. This ryujin moved and spoke as all of them did: as if they were superior to everyone and everything.

His expression grew dark.

Something was bubbling under the surface. A sadist’s will. Zomo’s will. Underneath the growing mud pit, Zomo’s second phase of his attack began to manifest. Anaxagore, with all his precious insight and gifted skills from “the three”, would sense something was coming.

Anaxagore noted the results of his 'test' as well as the changes Zomo was employing. Indeed, this was an interesting opponent, but Anaxagore had not only encountered 'interesting' opponents before, his two former Masters had challenged him time and time again under grueling combat scenarios, where 'force' could not be his only option for success. Anaxagore had learned his lessons well and in doing so he'd gained the respect of his former Masters.

This encounter against Zomo, was not unlike on of those scenarios.

With a mere thought, Anaxagore's bastard sword smoothly split in two and the Ryujin now held two scimitars, one in each hand, which would increase his combat performance by a significant measure. Like himself, they too were suffused by the enhancing blue aura he emitted. Having observed Zomo's strange use of 'mud', Anaxagore extended his own will and greatly increased the intensity and range of the pyres that burned all around them. Zomo would be sure to feel the intensity of the heat, almost as if he were standing next to the bonfires themselves, despite their relative distance. The warrior-protector did this for a very specific reason and for a very specific result.

In an instant, Anaxagore noticed the mud pit forming underneath him and immediately leapt high into the air in a wide arc. His swords would slash with lightning speed at any attack that came his way while he was airborne. Anaxagore would turn and remain facing Zomo, even as he landed atop one of the flaming pyres, light as a feather -without taking any damage from the intensified flames.

Not many could be said to have truly borne witness: The blessing of 'The Three' was indeed a marvelous thing.

The earth shifted underneath the mud pit. There was a bubbling. Then silence. A second later a large geyser of mud shot into the night sky, spewing aura infused mud in the sky and causing it to rain down over the battlefield. Zomo raised his arms. The air was thick with his will as the dome of mud downpour, some droplets as big as a small boulder and others as small as raindrops, began to circle around Zomo and Anaxagore.

“Magi Spell: Mad Mud Domain.”

Zomo inhaled and clinched both fists as sections of the airborne mud massed together and suffocated the flame piles. The mud was under Zomo’s will. Every particle. It would harden, soften, and become sludge at his direction.

The appendages of his body were gone as he shifted focus to the broader, more demanding attack. Small raindrops of mud moved like darts towards Anaxagore, seeking to Pierce his armor. Medium boulder-sized molds of mud would follow, that would attach themselves to The ryujin’s swords and his armor should they make contact.

Zomo acknowledged the speed and precision of the ryujin’s moves. He’d fought fast opponents before. They all slowed as the mud accumulated on their bodies.

How would the oh great powerful ryujin from Zafir respond? Quick feet? Some flames and sword attacks? It almost made Zomo angry. Did the ryujin think him a joke? Well then Anaxagore could laugh to himself as he passed to the afterlife!

Zomo’s attack was many things. Unorthodox, unexpected and mildly impressive, tactically speaking at least. Notably, it would also require a great deal of energy and control, or so Anaxagore surmised.

Admittedly, snuffing out the pyres also meant his enemy was not entirely witless.

*chuckle*

In that moment, the Ryujin Warrior found it prudent to also tap into his own well of power, if just to counter his opponent’s many layered attack.

Master Nin had taught him Lightfoot technique, but Master Namekian had taught him to defy gravity.

Anaxagore leapt into the air, in the opposite direction of the muddy ‘downpour’, which also revealed Zomo’s skill in controlling the mud-darts. Anaxagore would fly further back and higher, well beyond the geyser’s apex, increasing the range and area of effect needed to reach him, just to see how far the dark elf could push his dark power.

He would also summon two identical clones of himself to assist him.

The first armored clone would act as a two fold barrier. First, by radiating a dome of intense heat, like being inside a blast furnace, hopefully disintegrating any mud that enters the zone. The first clone would also intercept any remaining guided darts with his lightning fast sword attacks, as he continued to make himself a bulwark.

Floating inside the heat dome, the Real Anaxagore ( indistinguishable from the other two ) would be charging up a powerful Ki-Attack: The Namekian Cannon!

This technique, though very powerful, required several moments to charge.

On the ground, the third armored clone would fly speedily towards Zomo, emitting his own heat-shield as he zipped through the mud-rain. The third close was well positioned to attack Zomo’s flank while the Dark Elf concentrated on his large area of attack.

With certainty, the warlord and the warrior would continue their face-off.

The battle shifted from the close 'sword play' to two mages dueling for supremacy. As useful as Anaxagore's fire clones were they were not capable of the same magic that the original was, they were a far cry from the clones an enhancement nature could produce, and in truth were technically fire elementals in the form of Anaxagore.

The initial heatwave by the first clone would serve to harden the mud, evaporating any water within it. If Zomo had been controlling the water within it the attack would have completely failed, but he was not. The fire of the clone not intense or having enough time to destroy the dirt. The earth within was now hardened clay and would do the secondary function that Zomo had instructed them to do. The caked clay would begin to bind to the fire clones, beginning to slow their movements and suffocate the fire they required. Additionally, the water within the mud would also weaken the clones and their lifespan of existing outside of Anaxagore.

This would be true for all three clones, who would have succeeded in their ultimate goal of protecting the original Anaxagore, but it would only be a few moments before they became overwhelmed. The third clone was coming in to Zomo, their movements slowed ever so slightly, and not nearly as fast as the original to begin with... but Zomo too was concentrating on a wide area effect he was distracted. A sear of flame would be felt by Zomo as the clone came round having a mere moment to react to it before the flame sword would make contact with his neck.

Zomo’s eyes slid to the attacking blade of the clone. His Reflexes were not fast enough to respond, but he was not depending on his reflexes to defend himself. One appendage emerged from his neck to block the sword, another emerged from the same spot to grab the arm of the clone, while a final one ripped through the back of his muddy shirt to deliver a crushing blow to the clone, driving it to a suffocating death beneath the mud.

The trust he had in his personal security allowed Zomo to not be deterred from using the clay to snuff out the clone that was protecting Anaxagore. Protecting? The ryujin was preparing some kind of attack. From this distance a projectile attack.

Zomo was not going to give him the time.

He knelt, sinking into the ground, and clasped his hands together in the direction of Anaxagore.

“Magi Spell: Mud Coffin.”

The mud inside the domain would speed towards Anaxagore, surrounding him completely and collapsing to crush him with tremendous force. If the armor had been dented by his earlier attacks, the pressure from the collapse was greater, enough to crush Anaxagore.

Anaxagore could hear his opponent speak the spell activation, which prompted him to act. Although his attack was not charged to its fullest, it had been nearly complete. Anaxagore's version of the Namekian Cannon was an enhanced version of his former Master's own Special Ki Attack. The original version was a drill of pure Ki energy capable of drilling through several hardened and armored warriors with ease. Anaxagore's version was powerful enough to perforate a mountain.

Still, he unleashed it, though sooner than he would have liked- yet he did not waver from his target: Zomo.

Anaxagore was confident that his particle attack would be powerful enough to obliterate whatever barrier Zomo summoned around either of them and find its mark, ending the warlord's threat and his magical rampage.

As Anaxagore knew, the particle beam was only a small fraction of the exponential power of the technique handed down to him by his master. Zomo's entire focus and energy would be in the 'Mud Coffin' spell. Sealing spells always required great concentration, it was a high-risk, high reward attack.

As the mud coffin sped to Anaxagore so too would the intense beam of energy leap from Anaxagore's hands to Zomo. Unable to react to the blast it would bore into his chest, knocking him to his feet. He would feel the searing pain of his flesh, his entire chest sizzling with the raw Will of Anaxagore burned into it. As a result, the spell was only partially completed, but as Zomo had no chance to react the same would be true for Anaxagore. The partial coffin coming round his legs and arms digging through his armor and into his flesh, but not having enough force to crush him as originally intended.

******
The smoldering spot on Zomo’s chest sent fumes into the dark air. He sat, breathing erratically, on the ground as he watched the mud coffin wrap around Anaxagore, void of the satisfying *crunch* he believed should’ve accompanied it.

Zomo withdrew his aura within himself with a disappointed look on his face. Not a common ryujin, he thought as he laid backwards to catch his breath and steel himself for a longer battle.

“Oh, hi there.” He groaned, looking up at a large man beast standing above him.



“Zomo. You cause a disturbance.”

A sigh of relief, and irritation, escaped Zomo’s mouth. “My *groan* apologies. We have *heavy breath* a trespasser from Zafir.”

“I am aware. I am to bring the matter to a close.” Zomo rolled his eyes and remained on the ground. The bulky, masked man stepped past Zomo and walked slowly, deliberately toward Anaxagore. He stopped a meter away.

“I will take you to the villagers.” His voice proud, confident and baritone. His aura was subtle, giving off the resemblance of a regular traveler. His body was scarred and hardened from years of war, but tonight he was a symbol of peace on an otherwise morbid and hazardous Taetian night.

“Then you must leave, ryujin.”

Anaxagore was partially caught by the incomplete 'coffin spell'. He was silently surprised that it was able to penetrate his armor and his protective Ki aura- then again, fighting against mage-types had always been his greatest challenge. Traditionally, a match between warrior and caster would favor the caster, but Anaxagore was far from a traditional warrior, though the same could be said of his opponent. Zomo's spell efficiency was noted and mentally filed for later study as the Warrior-Ryujin regarded the new figure who had entered the battlefield.

While the two spoke, Anaxagore generated an intense burst of heat around himself and pulsed with his dragon's strength- a gossamer image of a silver dragon flashed where he stood. The combination was a mighty one and more than enough to break free of the incomplete coffin, especially with Zomo not controlling the effect.

Anaxagore's also noted the his 'Namekian Cannon' had not brought the conflict to the desired end as he had expected. The charge time was still too long and he could not maximize or capitalize on the technique in the manner he wished. Indeed, he would still need to work on perfecting the technique.

As for the newcomer, Anaxagore heard his words as well as understood the interplay. This being had authority over Zomo and likely power as well, despite 'feeling' like a regular traveler; he clearly was anything but what he seemed. Zomo had proven himself to be the haughty-type of individual and would not simply 'bend the knee' to a commoner.

This bulky man seemed a warrior of some kind, by his outer appearance and scars, however, it was also traditional among necromancers to wear the skull of a great beast or creature they had slain as a mark of status. The mystery of it was intriguing, but not deterring. Anaxagore trusted his training and 'The Three', especially if the mission was one they had guided him to undertake- no matter the outcome.

Upon hearing the Bulky Man's offer to take him to the villagers, Anaxagore nodded his head in agreement as he wordlessly dissolved his own armor, but his subtle aura remained. This man had brought the conflict against Zomo to an end with a word, and Anaxagore would not jeopardize the boon of his intervention. As a warrior-protector, Anaxagore had been simply engaging Zomo defensively for the most part, keeping the warlord focused on his person until he was more or less certain that Ullena and her villagers were safely out of harm's way. His 'attacks' were meant to simply reinforce Zomo's focus. The Dark Elf he did not trust. He clearly had no honor. The Bulky Man felt different.

"I shall depart as you bid me."

Anaxagore reassured.

Today, The Three made it possible for him to witness 'first-hand', conditions he had only passing knowledge on, to tread upon a land where 'kindness' was seen as 'weakness'. To live and experience 'intentional strife' for himself. The tenets of 'The Three' were not welcomed in this place - and that in itself was significant. Anaxagore would not allow himself to digest the depths of the 'lesson' until after his departure. He would remain focused, complete his mission, having the inherent understanding of what could come after, but also clinging to an unseen hope.

**********
The Dark Elf Zomo examined his wound as the large man and Anaxagore set off down the trail. The Hunters had not stopped their work and were finished cleansing the area. Behind Anaxagore he would hear echoes into the night as Zomo led the hunters to another site.

The night’s work had only been temporarily interrupted. It would continue for several weeks thereafter.

The march down the path took several silent hours as the Bulky Man’s footsteps would be the only sounds other than the wind and howls in the distant. The land and the masked being in front of him seemed to be in complete harmony, which would beg the question of what kind of man could comfortably live in a land of such despair and disarray. He knew every secret path and shortcut. There were times he would quickly turn into the woods, off the trail, with seemingly no direction only for them to emerge back onto the trail later. It would not be lost on Anaxagore that the trees, the land, and his guide were purposely taking him on such a winding passage to prevent him from committing the journey to memory.

Everything the Taetians had done so far in front of Anaxagore was either openly hostile or subtly guarded.

Eventually the morning’s rays would shine through the tree line and Anaxagore and his guide would see the sea in the distance. A sprawling and lively seaside community made up of dozens of encampments filled his vision.



The man would lead them into the midst of Southern encampments and Immediately the mood of the land changed. Children were running and playing, men were joking and working, and shops were opening. Anaxagore would attract attention and cause mild alarm, but the man he was being led by seemed to command enough respect that no one stared for too long.

Some faces around Anaxagore would seem familiar before he would realize that they were in some kind of refugee area of the town. The villagers were relaxed, well fed and were being integrated into the South. Ullena was nowhere to be found however.

Not the End​

 

IC: Zalzabar & Dominus
Plans

"Well, let's hope it doesn't come to that...you're one of the few magical people I can stand."

Most people would miss it, in fact even those close to Dominus would likely not notice it. But there was the barely perceptible fluttering of his eyelashes. A blink of emotion behind the blank wall of the steely elf. Rebecca would notice it, her few words had moved him. As they continued to take their short walk up to that of the palace he continued to listen to her words. He did not look at her but she would be able to tell he was listening intently, despite his distant expression.

"Not anymore… Only had my father and he's dead…I suppose I have a mother somewhere out there but, I never knew her. I move around following the next war or conflict that I don't really have a home to speak of. Though having a home, and family has only made fools of warriors. Fighting when they should run, or running when they should fight. Only fighting for coin simplifies the question, is the fight worth it? Am I getting paid enough to deal with this? Takes the silly emotions out of it."

Again the slight movement of his eyes lids conveyed most of his emotion as she spoke. His jaw clenched ever so slightly, her words now aggravated him. He released the tension in his face as they drew up to the palace steps, a white-armored guard saluting Dominus as they walked by.

"Emotions never play a factor in why you fight?" he spoke rather simply, suspecting ever so slightly that there was a slight discord between what Rebecca said and how she felt. He was sure what she said was at least partially true but it had not been what he had seen. It was not the Rebecca he had seen pleading with him for help, he alone able to sate her bloodlust without truly dying. But even so, it was only a suspicion, he still had no semblance of her past or her secret promise to her father, he had no way of knowing such a thing. But what he did know was that there was a pain despite the bravado and he could not help but feel a kinship with that. An unspoken understanding that although their pain stemed from wildly different origins they both had great suffering within their souls, shielded from the world. Though both were likely too proud to ever admit it out loud.

Rebecca would only have a moment to respond to his question as they then entered the palace, walking along the central hallway as they were led to the inner throne room, the doors opening to reveal Zalzabar, Arc, Delsanra, Esenma, and Ne'tar were already there, but no sight of the King.

"Well so much for getting these vests," Dominus muttered underneath his breath. They had just entered when Delsanra spoke that they had been dismissed, Zalzabar wheeling round with an exasperated look to the now hooded Snow Elf.

"No, you dismissed the King, though I'm guessing you did not notice, and he is too proud to call it such a thing," the flesh and blood clone of Zalzabar spoke exhaustedly, clearly beleaguered by the whole course of events. He spoke not in an accusing manner stated more as a fact than anything else.

"He's giving us space to discuss, no one else is here other than us and I sincerely doubt anyone is listening in," he continued, addressing Arc's question as well as a possible retort from Delsanra. His eyes drifted to Dominus and Rebecca. Zalzabar spoke summarizing the events that had taken place at the palace. That Zalzabar was compelled to stay by duty, that Delsanra had opened the Eye of Caelum and met with an 'Avatar' and that they were voting and deciding for themselves whether they should stay or leave.

"...Arc, Ne'tar, Esenma have elected to stay, Delsanra I believe you are still undecided," he looked to Delsanra for a moment before looking back to Dominus.

"Will you be sta-"

"You know you do not need to ask that, and it seems the laughing butcher has elected to stay as well," he spoke, crossing his arms as he looked to Delsanra. Processing what Zalzabar had told him about her interaction with the King.

"What were you thinking? Do you not get that Athas is perhaps the only Kingdom in Regnum that is taking the threat of Sapientis seriously? That Kenrith despite his need to be kingly is one of the few re-"

"Dominus, don't... just don't," spoke Zalzabar, grabbing one of the wooden chairs that lined the walls of the throne room and sat on it.

"We have one of the Eyes, but Delsanra I'll say this much. It is not a forgone conclusion that Haugun and Taetus will win. There is a reason that Malum has waited as long as he has to invade Athas and if we can get you four Adept Ryujin to Upper Adept pushing Lower Elder, which I might add is a very achievable goal, we stand a good chance of defeating Haugun. It is a variable I sense in his arrogance and reports from the Crimson Knights we will not account for"

He paused thinking for a moment.

"Not to mention that Athas has the very best anti-Ryujin magic and technology in the world, perfectly geared for a military that relies heavily on its Ryujin. And lastly..."

He paused looking to Delsanra his eyes shining with a determined purpose.

"If we can stop Malum and Derius the threat of Sapientis will be over. They need the dragon god artifacts just as we do, but if we defeat them here and now there will be no need to flee and hunt down the remaining Eyes,"

TAG: @galactic-vagabond422 @Sinrebirth @Mitth_Fisto @Ktala @The Jedi in the Pumas

 

IC: Ne'tar
Big Room, Tiny Chair

Zalzy and others started talking, Dark Knight and Blood Knight return, and Ne'tar get tired of wait. Only thing Ne'tar sure of is nothing decided. Everyone wait Delsanra to speak, to share, to guide.

She had taken role of decider. Removed it from the leaders, and put self in spot of power! Sneaky. Ne'tar approve. Ne'tar no approve talky one, he speak like worm. No true path, feeling any way through. Good bait, bad ally.

Ne'tar walk over, sit in empty center chair. Dig through pouch for jerky and start snack. See others look Ne'tar sigh and hold out bag. "Red meat, good. Some keep for little one." Ne'tar sniff and finger fiber from between Ne'tar teeth, "Ne'tar share you want."

TAG: @Sinrebirth , @Ktala, @The Jedi in the Pumas, @Shadowsun, @galactic-vagabond422

 

Kaynus Allbright
The Crossroads

"Kaynus please, please wake up,"

Why was Zalzabar making all that noise? Kaynus, lying down in the 'dream state' closed his eyes.

Couldn't he just let him get a bit of rest? This whole time everyone had been sneering at him, ridiculing him. No one here took him seriously.

Tsk. Who cared about them anyway? Kaynus was here, and that's all he cared about. A small smile crept onto his face as he took a deep breath, his body relaxing as he enjoyed the quiet.

"Wake up Kaynus... by the Three, wake up!"

Again with the shouting? Zalzabar was always nagging like the others.

What was that he said?

The Three?

Kaynus remembered, the three. The mission. Wasn't he going to become king of the world or something?

Ah, who cared. None of them did. Why should he? For all he knew, they didn't care if he just stayed here. Even though there was nothing but blue skies and clouds surrounding Kaynus, somehow it felt like a warm blanket was wrapped around him.

Why was Zalzabar yelling at him to wake up anyway? What had even happened? The last thing Kaynus remembered was... his Elder Form.

The skies quickly began to darken, and the smile on the white haired Kaynus disappeared.

It all began to flood back to him. The Three, his birthright, his desire to return home, and the party. The stupid party. He could see all their sniveling faces. Anaxagore's smug look of superiority, and Zalzabar's... red face?

In an instant, Kaynus was dragged out of the 'dream state,' being forced back into reality. He coughed, with his eyes remaining closed. He suddenly felt so weak. He couldn't move his body, save for his eyelids, which slowly flickered open giving him a darkened vision of his surroundings.

Zalzabar was crouched over him, and the man looked... burnt. Badly, too.

"Where... am I?" Kaynus whispered, pain coursing through his body.

@Shadowsun @greyjedi125

 

Delsanra Taenya Helestina
What just happened???

Delsanra stood silent, her arms crossed in front of her while she mulled over what Ne'tar had simply stated earlier. Of course, he was right. Just as the king had left Dominus and Rebecca stepped in, after her last comment. Zalzabar wheeling round with an exasperated look towards Delsanra.

"No, you dismissed the King, though I'm guessing you did not notice, and he is too proud to call it such a thing," the flesh and blood clone of Zalzabar spoke exhaustedly. Delsanra did not know the King, so she opted to stay quiet and not give a retort. She had not appreciated being dragged in to see a man she didnt know, before talking together as a group first. Zalzabar as usual continued, "He's giving us space to discuss, no one else is here other than us and I sincerely doubt anyone is listening in."

"...Arc, Ne'tar, Esenma have elected to stay, Delsanra I believe you are still undecided," he looked to Delsanra for a moment before looking back to Dominus.

"Will you be sta-"

Dominus spoke up quickly, speaking for both himself and Rebecca. That was an interesting change. Then Dominus turned to Delsanra, and began to argue. "What were you thinking? Do you not get that Athas is perhaps the only Kingdom in Regnum that is taking the threat of Sapientis seriously? That Kenrith despite his need to be kingly is one of the few re-"

"Dominus, don't... just don't," spoke Zalzabar, grabbing one of the wooden chairs that lined the walls of the throne room and sat on it. Delsanra walked off to the side, as she very softly sighed. But she didnt feel like arguing any point at the moment. Actually, she did, but she did realize that this was not the place to hold that conversation.

Zalzabar as usually gave another speech. But he did have some good points in this one. Dealing with the folks who have the best Anti-Tyujin mafic and technology in the world would be useful. And if Zalzabar was right, they might not even need the devices. That would be fantastic.

And then Arc spoke...

"I'll stick with Delsanra no matter what. These Eyes are important, and if we can stop Sapientis, then I'll give whatever I can." He puffed out his chest. "Oh, but I won't force the Elder Dragon thing." He said sheepishly.

"I mean," he looked at her, wounded voice behind his faceless expression, "if you'll have me, that is."

Delsanra was in shock, even if her face did not betray it. Here is one, she barely knew, willing to follow her. She was not sure how to read that. But then there was Ne'tar. She reached up, and tiredly rubbed her temples. She was silent for a moment more, before she turned to look towards Ne'tar and Arc.

"Thank you Ne'tar and Arc." Delsanra smiled slightly. "I appreciate your words. And I would be happy to have you, Arc. But, Ne'tar speaks true words. We need to learn a much as we can while we are here, and to gather our strength so that hopefully, we will not have to go searching for the eyes. Hopefully, we can end this here and now. So we need to stay together and study everything we can before we do battle. Splitting the party would not be good at this point. There truly is no other option."

At Ne'tars offer of food, Delsanra chuckled softly. "At this point, Ne'tar I need a drink.




Tag: @Shadowsun, @Sinrebirth, @Mitth_Fisto, @The Jedi in the Pumas, @galactic-vagabond422

 

Esenma
-Did Someone Say Drinks?

She'd zoned out. It was obvious to the Skydragon that they were going to stay in Othos. It was enlightening to see the newcomer Arc and Ne'Tar pledge to stand by Delsanra no matter where she went. Young love was a beautiful thing and to see it blossom in such conditions reminded her of her old, long forgotten love affairs. Arc the dark brooding hooded figure attracted to Delsanra the pale white rose.

Ahhhhh.....

Staying in Othos was the only reasonable choice for Delsanra, as Esenma had made no such pledge of allegiance to follow Delsanra wherever the Snow Elf went. Her eyes had glazed over upon Zalzabar mentioning that Othos stood a chance of defeating Malum and Derius' assault. She did not doubt the capabilities of their group. They were full of unique and powerful individuals and Othos did have the best defenses against ryujins. However, from the meeting with Asanna earlier, the interactions with the Crimson Knights, Derius' message to Taella, and the overall history of unease between Athas and Haugun, she did not see the same outcome of handing the Haugun-Taetian Alliance a swift and decisive defeat. Malum did not strike her as a man who would attack unless he knew victory was assured.

The mention of drinks snapped her back to the present.

"Drinks! Yes! Zalzabar and I were at a lovely spot before we arrived her and I believe we are still on his tab! Let the liquor pour tonight and maybe even some budding romance to keep us energized." She shot a look at Delsanra and conspicuously nodded her head towards Arc, for several seconds. She then shot a look at Dominus and Rebecca....Oh how he spoke up for her....

Young Love.

Tag: @Ktala @Mitth_Fisto @Sinrebirth @galactic-vagabond422 @Shadowsun

 

And so it was decided...​

Zalzabar looked meekly at Kaynus, a smile protruding over his face one of joy.

"Thank the Three!" spoke Zalzabar, his kind eyes looking to Kaynus' confused face. "We are still in the Dome, but we ought to make our way to the palace," Zalzabar placed a hand on Kaynus's chest a jolt of lightning firing through the young man as he felt himself rejunvated.

"That should boost your healing, come, come now let's get out of here..." he looked over to Anaxagore who seemed better than he thought, although his eyes, by the Three his eyes!

“So, is that true or not?” Spoke Anaxagore to Ignis within his mind, unheard and unknown to Zalzabar and Kaynus still.

"That I was once a part of Sapientis? Yes, that is true, however, you know only a partial truth of the history. I urge you to consider that the victors write history and secondly... that although I was once a part of Sapientis, I have no desire to be so once again. It was the Three that created Sapientis do not forget that... but it seems we will have to continue this discussion another time Anaxagore, child of Argentum. And while I appreciate your frustrations and anger remember that for you it was for the best, and to have two Elder's Wills within you at the same time... you would have, without question, died with such baggage. I did not have the time to sit you down and neatly explain that for you,"

The eye within Anaxagore's mind began to droop as if going to sleep.

"You have every reason to thank me for what has been done, but I understand we Ryujin have our pride. Until we speak again..."

And then the eye closed, Anaxagore now left in utter darkness as his eyes were still blind. He would hear the voice of Zalzabar in a moment.

"Anaxagore, come grab a hold of my shoulder it is time we get going," There was the unmistakable sound of concern in Zalzabar's voice as the three of them made their way to the palace.

---

Zalzabar smiled at Delsanra's words and nodded at Arc's suggestion. They had good hearts these young ones, their heads were screwed on right. Zalzabar's eyes flashed in momentary anger as Ne'tar sat in Kenrith's throne. Zalzabar loomed large over the half-orc, a towering over him. His face was stern, his eyes vacant and crackling with electricity as he grabbed the nape of Ne'tar's neck like a mother orc did with our youngins and with one bound ripped the half-orc out the throne and back down to where the others were.

"Do not ever do that again Ne'tar," spoke Zalzabar spoke sternly his eyes hovering back "You would never do such a thing against Xoth’ug’wajin, you'll certainly not do it here be thankful that only we saw you do that..." he spoke again in a quick slightly harsh tone, although it seemed to convey a sense that he was more concerned for Ne'tar getting himself into further trouble later than anything else. The Three give me strength... thought Zalzabar exhaustedly in his mind when a seemingly never-ending string of twists and turns continued with the true, actual Zalzabar, Anaxagore, and Kaynus coming through the door. Each of them looked in rather rough shape.

Dominus quickly moved towards the twin Zalzabar's a hand on each of them as they then morphed back into one. Zalzabar held his head for a moment as he processed the parallel set of memories.

"Delsanra, Ne'tar if you could lend these two a hand... please..."

Zalzabar had burns all across his back, while Anaxagore's eyes were clearly damaged and Kaynus looked utterly and completely exhausted. Zalzabar knew both of them had agreed to stay here in Othos till the invasion so he made no mention of it again as it would be pointless but he did explain briefly about Delsanra's discovery and her ability to open the Eye.

"Drinks, yes drinks would be good..." he spoke gesturing to someone outside the open doors, drinks swiftly brought to anyone that requested them.

The last several days had been a long set of twists and turns, them being pushed and pulled from one place to the next, with seemingly endless threats. But their greatest challenge thus far stood before them.

A month's time... and then the invasion of Athas would begin.

TAG: @greyjedi125 @Master Vo'Un'Var @galactic-vagabond422 @Sinrebirth @Mitth_Fisto @Ktala @The Jedi in the Pumas

Note: This will be the final update before the time skip. The time skip and its details shall be communicated on the next update. You are welcome to go back and forth chatting between the characters in this scene before we get to the time skip.

Below is a combo with the ever-talented @The Jedi in the Pumas.

---

​

The Loqui Orb buzzed ever so quietly in Derius' main chamber. It was a gift from Malum sent to the Witchking as a symbol of their alliance, and a means to which the two of their war councils had been communicating in the preparations of war. Although Malum himself had spoken rarely through the orb, just once in the time Derius had it. It was mainly the stern and direct Solis Kayne or polite but duplicitous August Bile that would communicate through the orb.

But now it hummed differently, a dark blue smoke clouding through the orb as the voice of Malum now spoke.

"It has come to my attention Derius... that your Queen has been captured by Athas," Malum was sure Derius would already know this, but his tone feigned a sense that this was new knowledge.

"I wanted to assure that her rescue will be made a top priority during the invasion," He spoke in a tone that sound oh so reasonable but was filled with such a deeper, crueler context. 'You could not even protect your own Queen'.

Derius’ hooded figure slowly crept along a long black wooden table filled with test tubes and cauldrons. He paused at the sound of Malum’s voice but did not turn to face the orb before continuing to measure a Smokey red substance.

“There is no need, Malum. My ex-wife tends to do and go where she pleases. Her capture… unforeseen, but it is of no consequence. I will handle it. We are allies, yes, but how could I allow your help on a matter as personal as a Taetian Queen when…”

Derius reached his off-hand out into a summoned cloud of bubbling smoke before retrieving a preserved severed arm and examined it calmly.

“…Your own daughter was attacked by our enemies and I did nothing.”

The disembodied voice of Malum remained silent for a moment, although from his tone he did not seem disturbed by Derius' retort.

"Of course Derius I understand and yes well, I suppose we have both been disappointed in recent memory..." he spoke, his voice calm, distant for a moment before refocusing. To Malum he would not care if Asanna was Derius ex-wife or otherwise, to him that such a subject had acted in such a manner... well, Malum would have his thoughts and Derius would likely continue to not care.

"It should go without saying, but I would be remised if I did not clarify that we are not to make movements against Haugun until the allotted time we have agreed upon. Any other unexpected movements from your people, whether they are doing it under your orders or not... would serve only against our war plans,"

“Indeed.” Derius carefully placed a severed arm back into the cloud of smoke and poured a tube’s contents into a large pot in the center of the table. The fumes visibly grew in his face. He inhaled.

Then he turned to face the orb.

“We haven’t spoken much about your mentor, Malum. I’d certainly like to know more about the Lich.”

The voice was quiet for several more moments, silent in its own thoughts before replying. "Noxtoten? Yes, he is a rather curious being," there was a slight pause, a feeling washing over Derius that Malum was smiling to himself. "What is you wish to know about the Dark Elf?"

"I want to know his weaknesses. I want to know what he desires most." Derius said without acknowledging Malum's emotion. The way Malum behaved was in accordance with all ryujins. If it wasn't so cliche, it would be comical.

Malum replied at once more. His tone barely suppressing a scoff. "Weaknesses? Whatever weaknesses he may or may not have are inconsequential in a fight between him and you, do not fight him and he will not fight you," There was an almost warning tone in Malum's voice, a certain sternness in his words. "As for his desires? Well I knew them once, but I expect they have shifted once more,"

Interesting.

Derius approached the orb and his hidden face soon bathed itself in the low blue light emanating from the orb.

"Noxtoten is in possession of items that I seek. I desire them, as you desire Athas."

He paused.

"What were your old master's former desires? Surely, you have enough knowledge of the man to speculate his current goals."

"The one thing he wanted more than anything was the return of Sapientis. A burning desire greater than that of my mine..." Malum seemed distracted for a moment. As if he was working on something on the other side of the Orb. "...but that changed towards the end of my tutelage under him... what he wants now, who can say?" There was another pause. "As I told you he has sealed himself from the world, getting to him directly will not be a straightforward endeavour,"

“I will find him.” The words and tone were finite.

“What will you do with King Kenrith and the people of Othos?”

"You do not need to concern yourself with such things Derius... they are beneath your concern," Malum responded swiftly, his tone distant.

"As your brother consumed it? The blood of Ignis?"

“Yes. He has. In a way.”

"In a way?" Malum's tone grew slightly cold at this.

Derius’ eyes narrowed at the orb.

“Yes. In a way. Are the specifics important?”

Malik side stepped the question "What did you do with the blood?"

“I studied it.”

Derius relaxed his posture. “Why is Ignis’ blood triggering increases in strength in your ryujins?”

Malum's tone softened, seemingly now unconcerned.

"I see," The blue smoke began to dim.

"How much did Asanna know of our war plans? The enemy, Zalzabar can read minds, very easily. Anything she knows we should assume the enemy already knows. So what did she know?"

Read minds, Derius thought to himself.

“Then he knows of Ulfric Mordenheim, but not of Solis Kayne or August Bile. He knows of your Crimson Knights and their involvement in the battle. He knows that Schneider will be joining me, which is sure to bring panic to the Skydragon. Beyond that, she knows nothing.”

There was a deafening silence from Malum, the orb growing dim for several seconds before flaring up again.

"How much did Asanna know about Ulfric?"

The Witchking stared deeply into orb.

“She knows of his ability to communicate with the void. Enter the void. His ability for high level infiltration into areas, despite shielding and detection wards.”

There was a sound of movement as Malum then seemed to speak to someone on his end, it was muffled and inaudible to Derius.

"Derius... while I can look past this incident and assume that your people do not make a habit of disobeying you... I have no choice but to deal with Asanna immediately... I sense I was a fool to place my trust in you, assuming that this information would not leak on your end."

“Why?”

"Why?" repeated Malum in some amusement.

"Because Ulfric's connection to the Void must remain a secret. If the nature of Ulfric's capabilities are discovered and he is targeted and slain. All our work will be for naught... Ulfric is the key to bringing back Sapientis. If you truly want Sapientis to return we must eliminate this possibility,"

There was a pause as Malum gave a command.

"It is ironic that Ulfric is the only one that can fix this little problem of ours,"

“And Zalzabar is unable to read Ulfric Mordenheim’s mind? Or Your Daughter’s? Or any of the Crimson Knights you have sent to face himself personally?”

"He does not even know that Ulfric exists, and has never been in the position to a long enough time to shift through the memories of any of my Crimson Knights. I do not allow my subordinates to be captured by the enemy,"

There was a pause. 'The enemy' was chosen carefully to exclude the capture of Elizabeth, and there was a certain unlike you quality to Malum's words as he spoke.

Derius scratched his hand and stared at the Orb.

Malum was silent, the smoke in the orb swirling quietly.

"This is not something I take joy in Derius, but it must be done, to safeguard Sapientis' return. Power, true power is having the strength of purpose to do what must be done. You and I are alike in this way, it is how I suspect you were able to unite Taetus when so many before you failed."

Derius made a hand signal and Schneider emerged from out of the frame to take Derius’ place.

“Speak with Schneider. I have another matter to attend to.”

The figure of Schneider stood above the orb.

"No, our conversation is over,"

Upon this the orb went dark all light within it gone.

TAG: No one

 

Rebecca
Othos

"I may feel rage and anger while I'm fighting but, it's never the reason why I fight…" Though the man she was speaking with likely understood more than most what she meant. It wasn't her emotions that drove her to fight, it was the burning blood in her veins, the fire that was always there driving her to kill and kill again.

Entering the throne room they found the throne unoccupied, causing her escort to mutter about the vests.

"Seems we got all dolled up for nothing…" She rolled her eyes just a little. "Though I don't mind the vest, I think it suits me…" there was a hint of a smile, a slight jest, the leather of the arm holes was slightly digging into her sides, and the tie was only barely done up.

The mercenary stood back letting her employer speak rapidly about the king, and their chance now to talk about what to do next. Unsurprisingly a majority chose to remain, Sparkle Fingers being on the fence. As the gaze fell on her she opened her mouth to speak until the words were taken from her.

With a glare she looked to Dominus. Would he not even give her the chance to protest, to remind them of their larger goal, or at the very least make clear that she is just going with the group?

"Yes Master Dominus…" She said with a glower on her countenance, but a lilt in her voice. "I shall stay putting my life on the line for these noble warriors…" the venom was clear in her voice. What did these people know of her, she was the only non-ryujin in the room at the moment. Did they believe she would just put her body on the line for them because they were so special? She was here for riches and yet her presence was just treated as an of course. Of course the paid mercenary would remain with the meal ticket, of course she would stand on the front against an enemy that would take over the world given the chance.

Slowly she could feel the anger rising in her again, though this time it wasn't the blood demanding it. It was the situation. Once again she was just a piece of meat put in the path of the enemy to allow the others to claim glory. Yes, she had signed on for this, yes she was being compensated but, that didn't mean she took it without contest.

She watched as Zalzabar dealt with Ne'tar like a child that had broken the rules with some mirth, though all she could really summon was a ghost of a grin.

Pretty Boy and His Highness returned looking banged up. Hope they learned something of use in that time but, there was little else for her to remain for. As drinks were offered she passed them by. She had something else to see to…there had to be a fighting pit somewhere, a place she could kill something. A boar, a bear, a lion another sentient being it didn't matter to her, she needed to commit violence, if only to work out her frustrations. Her gaze lingered on Dominus for a moment wondering if she should just kill one of his clones and be done with it. Though she wouldn't want to give him the satisfaction of being both the cause and solution to her problems…

She was sure there would be time over the next month for her to work out her issues with him…

TAG: @greyjedi125 @Master Vo'Un'Var @Shadowsun @Sinrebirth @Mitth_Fisto @Ktala @The Jedi in the Pumas

 

IC: Anaxagore
Tempus Fugit

It was true that he could not see, yet Anaxagore did not despair, not as a normal human would have. Despite his blindness, he could already feel his eyes regenerating inside his skull, as his Ryujin Healing was restored. Indeed, He had Hope, for the condition was temporary.The Blessing of The Three was once again upon him as it was before.

Truth be told, the Ryujin Warrior was unsure if this was due to the approaching crisis, or if he’d finally atoned for his unintended hubris so very long ago. Perhaps it was a combination of factors he was both aware and unaware of, yet in the end, to be restored once again was what truly mattered.

"Anaxagore, come grab a hold of my shoulder it is time we get going,"

Young Anaxagore smiled and nodded before responding, touched by their leader’s concern. It was quite understandable since the miracle had yet to be revealed.

“Yes, Lord Elder.” Anaxagore answered in a serene tone as he did as he was bid. Despite being blind, his enhanced senses compensated just fine, the keening stone exercises refined those skills even further. That’s how he immediately understood that Zalzabar himself had suffered damage to some degree. Lord Elder’s skin felt rough, almost as if the surface had been burned.

***
During the walk to the palace, Anaxagore held his peace for his mind was rather preoccupied with the events which transpired within the dome, more specifically, his exchange with Ignis.

“…although I was once a part of Sapientis, I have no desire to be so once again.”

The revelation played repeatedly inside Anaxagore’s mind, as well as his conflict of conscience. There was so much that was unknown…too many secrets. Anaxagore needed to make a decision if he was going to be of any use in the coming battle.

The Ryujin warrior’s thoughts were intruded upon, not by what he saw ( for he could not see ), but by what he heard just before entering the throne room: It was Lord Elder’s voice, and he sounded most displeased.

“Do not ever do that again Ne'tar. You would never do such a thing against Xoth’ug’wajin, you'll certainly not do it here be thankful that only we saw you do that…”

“A clone.” Anaxagore reasoned after a beat.

Anaxagore could not see it, but he sensed it quite clearly as the two Zalzabar’s fused into one being. One day he hoped to be able to do the same.

It was then that both Delsanra and Ne’tar were asked for their assistance, Anaxagore allowed himself to be placed in their care, though he suspected Kaynus was the one with the greatest need presently.

“Attend to him first…” He said gently as he gestured towards the young Noble.

When the drinks were brought in, Anaxagore would avail himself of one, as it would help with the tension caused by the ever mounting circumstances bearing down on the group and the nation they would vow to help. Quietly, he would also request for a cloth to bandage over his eyes, not wishing for his visage to disturb any who may gaze upon him.

Alas, there was still so much to cover, if their preparations were to be effective against the impending invasion.

Time, as the saying goes, was of the essence.


Tag: @Shadowsun, @galactic-vagabond422, @Ktala, @Mitth_Fisto, @Master Vo'Un'Var , @The Jedi in the Pumas

 

IC: Ne'tar
Throne Room

Ne'tar was neck snatched off dinky throne. Zalzabar never feel that big, did now though. Angry Zalzy spark-spark from eyes carry plop Ne'tar near others. Ne'tar get harsh words. Harsh for skinny human. Still have soft belly in word tones, feel of caring.

Other Zalzabar, Ana-Knight, and Prince Jester come through door. They no look so good. Dom merge Zalzy, blend look rough still. Zalzy ask Ne'tar and Delsanra help. Ne'tar no know Delsanra healer. Ne'tar surprised.

Coming Ne'tar look all over. Merge Zalzabar burnt backside, while Ana-Knight broken eyes, Prince Jester just look sleepy. Zalzy talk, Ana-Knight say treat other. Ne'tar shrug and pull water skin. Grab Zalzy shoulder as he say want drinks.

"Ne'tar take double." Ne'tar not care what drink was here. Ne'tar had patients. Again.

Ne'tar focus on move water coat Zalzy back with a swirl and ebb. Ne'tar start rock and sway as Ne'tar focus. Ne'tar try do all Ne'tar learn today. Ne'tar heal back, Ne'tar heal deep in Zalzy fluids and flesh under what Ne'tar see. Ebb and flow, curl and press. Ne'tar start the mend.

TAG: @greyjedi125 @Master Vo'Un'Var @galactic-vagabond422 @Sinrebirth @Shadowsun @Ktala @The Jedi in the Pumas

 

Esenma
-Throne Room

Esenma downed three of the drinks and moved to Arc.

"Are you interested in mating, Arc? My days of child rearing are long past and, to be quite honest, I'm not too sure I did a good job. You have broad shoulders and smell of great virility. The hood adds a touch of mystery. How many children have you borne?"

Tag: @Sinrebirth