NationStates Jolt Archive

"I haven't looked yet, but at least at present it still seems like a case of berzerkerism." Lorathin replied

Karasu's eyes went wide. She was speechless for a while. "You mean like... Cadey?" She asked.

"Lorathin, if that is what he has, is there a cure for it? How does it proceed. I know little about it." She explained.

Karasu tried her best not to cry. She had tears in her eyes, but wiped them away. That would be about the worst case scenario for Sarik. The emotional pain...

She grabbed Sarik's hand and held it tenderly.

"There are similarities between general berzerkerism and what Cadeyrn had. Cadeyrn's, if he had it to begin with, situation was made much worse by serving as a host to Beau." He replied as he paused to remember what he'd learnt of it.

"If it is berzerkerism, then it doesn't proceed except when it's used. The more it's used, triggered, whatever, the easier and more often it happens into a spiralling loop. There are treatements, and something that could be called a cure, two somethings actually, both of which could be much worse than it is." He explained, "If you want more, I'll need to do some research as what I remember of it I'm drawing from part of a course in unusual conditions and ailments."

ooc: LoL I had something planned with Valerith...can't remember it after I logged off for a bit lol!

"I...accept," Sarik said, hesitantly. "I just want to be rid of this..."

He squeezed Karasu's hand reassuredly, but he was worried about these tests. "What if these tests don't work?"

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

The captain chuckled quietly, before taking off his had and overcoat, swiftly tossing it aside in one motion, before taking an elegant bow. "Captain Ixair Riftdreamer, Sir Minos," came the elf's reply, with a smile.

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

"What am I getting out of all this? I get to rule this world under my master, I get to bask in his glory, as all his followers will..." came Inzikai's reply.

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

"I am a hero, Marlene. I am a hero of Valtrox. My army and our allies cheer when I am seen on the battlefield," Rothargot said with a smile as memories of distant battles filled his mind.

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

The gnome turned around to see new intrusions. "Aren't you guys done yet? Infernal fiends won't let me get to my work!"

"The tests are diagnotics, so it's likely to work, but if it doesn't Shara or Minos I think his name was might have one they could adapt to get results." Lorathin replied, "And now then, you can't eat anything for the next day. Water only to drink."

"Sarik, for now, we can only do what is possible. Perhaps you can also learn some sort of meditation techniques that will prevent you from developing the anger." Karasu told him as she held his hand with both her hands. Tears began to run down her face.

Sarik chuckled at Karasu's suggestion. "That's what my master taught me...and I haven't meditated for a while...that may be why..." he laughed as he smiled broadly at Karasu.

"When I'm done fasting, is that when the tests will begin or will they begin now?"

"After, they're less precise the more foreign substances in the body." He replied

The captain chuckled quietly, before taking off his had and overcoat, swiftly tossing it aside in one motion, before taking an elegant bow. "Captain Ixair Riftdreamer, Sir Minos," came the elf's reply, with a smile.

Minos laughed as well, smiling. "I'm glad that I'm not just senile Ixair, you never know when you get old like myself... of course being an elf its not likely that you'll ever know."

Minos walked to the door of the surprisingly large closet and peaked out. No one was eavesdropping, so he turned back to his acquaintance from the arena.

"How goes the sedition my friend?"

Sarik nodded and wiped a tear from Karasu's face. "Now now, I will make it through. I have before. Nothing like a boring ol' textbook can do," he chuckled as he pulled up a large dusty textbook. "Many thanks, Lorathin. I am overjoyed to be with such friends."

"The history of Valtrox..." Sarik read as he dusted off the title.

ooc: I have an extensive vocab, but have never heard the word "sedition". What does that refer to?

Sarik nodded and wiped a tear from Karasu's face. "Now now, I will make it through. I have before. Nothing like a boring ol' textbook can do," he chuckled as he pulled up a large dusty textbook. "Many thanks, Lorathin. I am overjoyed to be with such friends."

"The history of Valtrox..." Sarik read as he dusted off the title.


"Oh! I am very interested to hear that. Do you mind reading aloud?" Karasu asked Sarik. She knew nothing about Valtrox... except he was not a nice guy.

ooc: Sedition is a term of law to refer to covert conduct such as speech and organization that is deemed by the legal authority as tending toward insurrection against the established order.

"Quite well actually. I never knew you guys were going to be on this ship...I was actually hijacking it. Rimoru produces, and we steal," Ixair laughed. "But do not worry. From what I hear, you guys are trying to intercept Inzikai, right? No problem..."

"We're going to see just how fast this baby can run..."

Minos looked at the elf and smiled, "Well, let's get to it. Shall we?"

Minos walked to the door and once again checked for others outside before stepping out and holding the door for Ixair.

"Of course, Sir Minos," smiled Ixair as he bowed his head in thanks as he walked through the open door. He nearly sprang up the steps to the steering wheel and pulled out a strange looking funnel.

"Mebbiwik, let's get this rolling! Full speed ahead!"

Some rustling could be heard in return before the gnome spoke back. "Ixair you buffoon! Now I don't have a door to work in peace and guys keep gettin in my-"

"Just go, you pest!"

With that, some annoyed grumbling could be heard and within minutes, the ship lurched suddenly, catching a few sailors off guard. Ixair, however, stood with his hands behind his back and a smile on his face.

Soon enough, the ship was cruising along at a decent speed out of the port.

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

Sarik smiled at Karasu. "If you don't mind getting bored," he chuckled as he flipped to a certain section. "If you don't mind, I want to see his previous escapes into the mortal plane..."

"Sarik, will you excuse me for just a few moments? I would like to check something out." Karasu told him.

She just wanted to get her weapons belt and her cape. She walked to her room and picked up those items and walked back. Nothing abnormal that she could see. She also took a little time to cry. She was so worried about Sarik, but she did not want him to see this.

Once she calmed herself, Karasu walked back into Sarik's room.

"So... anything interesting so far?" She asked him.

Lorathin stood and turned to Karasu. "I'm putting you in charge of keeping Sarik's diet intact. Other than that, I'll be seeing you tomorrow, unless we run into each other sooner." He commented as he departed.

"Actually, there is!" Sarik replied brightly, smiling widely until he saw Karasu's face. "Karasu, don't cry for me. I'll be fine. All these tests, will help me greatly." He brought his hand out and guided her onto the spot next to him on the bed.

"Look here, Karasu, Valtrox has used these stuctures to escape in previous occurances," Sarik said as he put a reassuring arm around her, pointing to a drawing on the page of giant stone structures surrounding a large altar, one giant complex symbol writton on each structure and the sign of Valtrox in the middle.

"Well Sarik... looks like I have to stay here and watch you around the clock... make sure you do not sneak any food!" Karasu laughed. "Lorathin's orders." She grinned, but was happy to help.

"I guess we can read dull books together." She smiled.

"Actually, there is!" Sarik replied brightly, smiling widely until he saw Karasu's face. "Karasu, don't cry for me. I'll be fine. All these tests, will help me greatly." He brought his hand out and guided her onto the spot next to him on the bed.

"Look here, Karasu, Valtrox has used these stuctures to escape in previous occurances," Sarik said as he put a reassuring arm around her, pointing to a drawing on the page of giant stone structures surrounding a large altar, one giant complex symbol writton on each structure and the sign of Valtrox in the middle.


"Now THAT is useful information. I wonder if there is a map anywhere in that book showing where those structures are. Jam him into one, and destroy the structures so that he cannot come back!" Karasu smiled.

"By the way, thank you for being so kind to me Sarik. I appreciate it very much. I just worry about you because I care." She gave him an appreciative look.

Suddenly, Harlin dropped down from the ceiling of Sarik's room. "Or we could discuss just what is going on here. For instance, Minos just informed me that none other than Ixair Riftdreamer is the captain. What do you make of that Sarik?"

Lorathin headed up to the prow again where Karasu found him. Propping himself on the figure head, he fell asleep.

"Not one map in here...except for this one," he said as he flipped several pages, coming to an old, but mostly modern map. He pointed to the upper left hand corner. "Now, however, it is mostly volcanos...probably because the god was thwarted then..."

Suddenly, Harlin flipped down from the ceiling. Sarik smiled and laughed. "Harlin, you never cease to surprise me..."

"As for Ixair, he seemed nice enough in the Arena...as long as he doesn't try to persuade us against Rimoru. It was nice for her to lend us this ship..."

Harlin laughed a little, "If you aren't surprised, I haven't done my job right."

Walking over, and leaning against the bulkhead next to Karasu, he replied to Sarik's comment, "It was nice of her, perhaps we could repay her by persuading Ixair not to pilfer it..."

As he napped, his thoughts drifted to Rimoru and he wondered how she was doing.

"What am I getting out of all this? I get to rule this world under my master, I get to bask in his glory, as all his followers will..." came Inzikai's reply.

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

"I am a hero, Marlene. I am a hero of Valtrox. My army and our allies cheer when I am seen on the battlefield," Rothargot said with a smile as memories of distant battles filled his mind.

"As long as I get to keep swinging my sword." He responded smiling as he extended the massive weapon over the railing. "Will there be many battles after Valtrox returns?"

- - - - - - - -

"There is a difference between a hero and a killer Rothy." She said becoming distant and somber. "Have you sacrificed your well being for the innocent? Hace you denied an immoral order from Valtrox?"

"I would imagine so, Cadeyrn. People like Sarik, like Karasu, like Lorathin and the rest of them...they will continuously attempt to thwart our master, lead armies against him. Cadeyrn, imagine all the rewards you would recieve..." Inzikai replied, smiling broadly.

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

Rothargot looked towards Marlene and kept silent for several long minutes. "I have been unable to complete several orders...and I have done something that my master did not want me to..."

"I despise all of them as is, I would kill them regardless." He growled as he recalled their pretentious self righteous 'honor'.

"It didn't take much convincing to get me to change sides."

- - - - - - -

"What would be worth risking that you would disobey an order from Valtrox himself." Marlene asked smiling.

Here Cadeyrn, come admire the demon with more compassion than you.

"As long as they cannot switch you back easily," Inzikai replied with a smile.

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

Rothargot was silent for close to a minute.

"Love and mortality..." came the demon's reply in a tone that almost seemed ashamed.

"I would either die from the disease, or from you if I went back." Cadeyrn said smiling. "Besides, there's no benifit from being 'good'."

- - - - - -

"That is nothing to be ashamed of, only the strongest can spare the energy it takes to be kind and mortal." She said walking over to him and giving him a hug. "If only Cadey could see it."

"Very true," Inzikai chuckled. "Are you anxious to perform your mission for Valtrox when we get to land?"

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

Rothargot slowly put his arms around Marlene. "Cadeyrn..."

"Marlene, we must make sure no one knows of what I told you. Valtrox punishes those who do not devote their full loyalty to him..."

"Anxious? No. Excited? Yes." He said smiling widely. "Battle is always fun, and with the potential for more power is equally as exciting."

"What about you?"
- - - - - - - -

"If you can trust anyone on this ship, it is me." She claimed enjoying the unusual heat from the demon even in this form.

"You cannot trust Cadeyrn. He is going to do whatever it takes to get to the top now."

"Anxious for your mission? I suppose...once that hinderance is gone, then ruling the cult will be much easier..."

"However my mission, to get Valtrox into the mortal plane...that is what I am anticipating..." Inzikai replied as he looked dreamily into the waves. The world will be mine...

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

"He will have several figures to get through...some that I would even have trouble with..." Rothargot said quietly. The demon smiled as he was reminded of the kindness and compassion of mortals from Marlene.

"Can you get anything out of that map, Sarik? Does it say anything regarding where these stone structures are?" Karasu asked him as she handed him some water.

"Here is your dinner." She grinned at him.

"It should be a fairly simple mission, I am particulary effective against Dragons and whole armies." He said grinning. "What are Valtrox's intentions once he gets here? Annihilating everything or bending them to his will?"

- - - - - - - -

"He is achieving, merciless, and decieving. You will think him your closest ally, but when oppurtunity arrises he will strike you down for more power." She lamented mourning over the thought of Cadey becoming a demon.

"Never trust the ambitious."

Sarik chuckled quietly. "Thank you, Karasu."

He took a sip of water and laughed. "Did you make it yourself?"

"As for the map, nothing about any other structures...however, the Patriarch told me about structures in the mountain that were uncovered. That's got to be where the gateway is!"

"I think I will be of some help finding the structures in the mountain." Karasu replied.

"And by the way, no, I had your dinner catered, Sarik." she grinned.

"How are you feeling? Any better?" she asked.

"Bending things to his will of course. He won't linger on the mortal plane..." Inzikai replied as he pointed to the sky. "This is only the beachhead for the true battle. The clash of the gods."

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

"It sounds like Habdebza would enjoy Cadeyrn," Rothargot growled. "Can you calm him down at all?"

"Any help would be great," Sarik smiled. "My compliments to the caterer."

"I am feeling better, I suppose. Karasu, I cannot thank you enough for your care and kindness to me. It should be you recieving all this attention. You are the pregnant one, of course," smiled Sarik.

"Let the sky rain with blood and feathers leaving the littered earth to us, well you more specifically." Cadeyrn said chuckling. "Now I must live long enough to see a war between the gods."

The mercenary pointed his massive blade toward the heavens.

- - - - - - - -

"I heard you and Cadey talking about him earlier, the asshole unless I'm mistaken." She said letting go of the demon.

"There was a time when I could, but now he's so angry and frustrated that there is nothing I can say or do to even slow him down." The young girl almost began to cry. "His hate is so great that I am terrified of him now."

"You know what? I think I am going to make two more of me and go on a 'fishing trip', so to speak." Karasu looked at Sarik.

"Now, John and Bjorn are not the smartest tools in the shed, and that is an understatement, however, they have been in the engine room with that gnome thing all this time. If I go talk to them, maybe I can get some sort of information out of them. They have to at least heard the litte pain in the ass muttering, as well as the fact that they know what is in the engine room." Karasu grinned.

"I will stay here, and the two twins will go and see the dullards." She laughed. "Of course I have to dress appropriately!"

Immediately two more Karasus appeared, these two wearing bikinis that left just about nothing to the imagination. She knew that is what they were looking for and this was the way to get their attention.

Karasu pointed to her clones... "I'm Karasu," one said "I'm Marasu" the other said. Karasu cracked up.

"It is nice to be able to do several things at once and they can act on their own. Do you think they will distract Bjorn and John?" She asked Sarik.

"Aside from that, if they do anything... you know... with those morons, it is not me!" Karasu cracked up. "Still the idea is repulsive," she chuckled.

'Karasu' and 'Marasu' left and went out to go for a swim and just happen to run into John and Bjorn.

The only thing that was a little embarrassing for her, is that no one else on the ship would know that Karasu was not really Karasu. Physically she looked exactly the same, and they were half naked, so it was kind of as if it was her. Whatever... it is for the cause.

Karasu looked at Sarik while the twins could be heard chattering as they went down the hall.

"Believe me, Cadeyrn. You will. I have the feeling that you'll be cherished by Valtrox himself..." Inzikai replied as he continued to watch the sky. "The gods already fear his coming I can feel it...and they will send their champions...but they will all fail..."

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

Rothargot picked up the nearby bed sheet and wiped away Marlene's new tears. "Marlene, I do not want you hurt...Would you want me to take you back home? Valtrox may protect you himself if I ask for it."

Rothargot couldn't help but recieve this new fear. He feared the sweet girl would be hurt and he didn't want that...He certainly felt as though he was becoming like Cadeyrn.

"I think they'll work," Sarik laughed. "Marasu...sounds familiar..."

"Karasu, those have to be quite handy. Being able to do many things at once..."

Sure enough, Bjorn and John noticed the Karasu clones immediately.

"It's true! You do have a twin!" shouted John.

"Most gods are weak and pathetic, unwilling to protect their followers for the sake of remaining 'divine and untouchable'." Cadeyrn growled while watching the sky with Inzikai. "I'd love nothing more than to rip them from their clouds and shove their faces into the dirt."

Power, like Rothargot and Kalzog, no I want more.

The mercenary drew another sinister smile.

- - - - - - - -

"I will stay by his side until the end, even if it means I must suffer greatly. She said while drying her tears. "Besides, you must not seem soft to Valtrox and especially Cadeyrn."

The fake Karasu replied to John. "Would I lie to you?" She purred. 'Karasu' spoke to 'Marasu', "Are they not as handsome as I told you they were?"

Marasu replied seductively "Even more Karasu.", as she slinked up to Bjorn. She made sure she rubbed up to him a bit, and spoke with a voice that a man like Bjorn could not resist. "So what is your name, Handsome? I am Marasu." She then stroked his face lightly waiting for his answer.

'Karasu', her eyes smoldering, spoke to John, also making sure their bodies were touching, "Now I can spend time with you alone." She brushed her lips against his. "We were going to go for a swim, however now that we have run into you two gorgeous men, perhaps we could spend some time with you instead?" 'Karasu' asked.

~~~~~~~~~

Karasu told Sarik what the others were doing and was laughing herself silly. "Now I hope they actually know something!" She chuckled...

"Should we continue with the book... or do you want more dinner?" she handed the glass of water to Sarik and grinned.

"Wouldn't we all..." laughed Inzikai. The sun had begun to set and it looked as though they'd be getting a clear and starry night. "Perhaps you should get some sleep. I'll remain up if I am needed..."

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

Rothargot remained silent after that last comment. "Could you not make some sort of machine that will protect you?"
***********************************************************

Bjorn shivered as Marasu rubbed up against him. "Ohh...cannot go swimming, the ship will leave you behind... I am B-b-b-bjorn."

"I'm..John...and I think Mebbiwik is too busy with his machines to notice two guards gone..."

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

Sarik chuckled quietly as he looked into the book. "This is a real boring book...so I suppose I'll just drink my dinner," Sarik laughed as he sat up, making more room for Karasu.

"Well then," 'Marasu' asked, "is there someplace we can go and sit and enjoy some wine or mead? Perhaps a pub?" 'Karasu' responded, "Yes, that would be lovely, then we could get to know each other better." Slyly looking at him.

"Oh, I do not know if they will let us in a pub in bikinis, will they John?" Marsu asked. "Otherwise we can put on dresses and come back. We have money as well." She winked at him and put her arm around him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Karasu moved over a bit when Sarik made room. "Thank you." Looking at him drink his water, she said to him, "Fasting really sucks does it not?" and chuckled. "Let me know if you want any ice for your water. I will have another Karasu go get some. She grinned.

"So the book is really that boring, huh? Well in that case, is there anything you wish to talk about? I am here for you, you know." She smiled.

"Uh...Karasu and Marasu...I don't think you realize the gravity of the situation...We're floating in the Lustrian Sea...and this isn't completely a passenger or luxory ship," Bjorn said quietly.

"But that's alright, I know of a room we can stay in!" John said to Karasu as they rubbed up against each other.

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

"It's no worries. At times I'm required to fast back home. It's really fun, because after the fast, there's festivities of all sorts..." he trailed off as thoughts of home began to make him homesick.

"Karasu...I'm surprised you never had a husband. Someone as beautiful as you, as kind as you...I'm surprised you did not marry the Patriarch," Sarik sighed as he set down his water.

"I can hardly rest with the idea of a Godly war." Cadeyrn mused before slinging his blade over his shoulder and proceeding below deck.

- - - - - - - -

"Hardly." She frowned. "My machines are mechanical only. To create a self defense doll of somesort I would need the right kind of complicated magic to give it the necessary programming. I also lack the direct resources to make anything capable of fending off undead captains."

She smiled for a moment.

"I'm beginning to think you are more human than he is."

Inzikai smiled as Cadeyrn went below deck. He turned around and noticed Teralynn nearby.

"Tera...would you like to continue where we left off?"

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

"Marlene...then I have another idea. You will become my minion, so to say it. Do not worry, you are not...but you will be under my protection, as well as being able to create machines," Rothargot rumbled.

"I am acting a mortal... because I was given a taste of mortality..."

"I did not marry the Patriarch, as we had some differing ethics and political opinions. They were enough to break us apart." Karasu looked off into the distance.

"As to why I have not married. It is because of what I do. I travel constantly protecting villages, and my lifestyle, which includes that of an assassin, does not appeal to most others. They want to settle down, however I believe it is my duty to protect. My entire clan... we are protector dragons, so to speak." She smiled at Sarik. "I have met some wonderful men and dragons, and had many proposals, but once they realized I would be gone most the time, they were not too fond of the idea.

"Perhaps I will marry some day... someone who is willing to travel and help mortals: humans." She replied.

"So tomorrow you get to pig out! Something to look forward to!" Karasu grinned at Sarik and his water.

"Tell me a bit about yourself, Sarik."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The clones spoke to the guards... "We understand it is not a luxury or passenger ship." Marasu stated. "I hope this room has some wine in it." She added.

'Karasu' asked, "John, would you give us a tour of the ship before we settle down? I am interested to see all of it and how it works," she said seductively, with her arm around him, and her mouth about 1/2 inch from his year, making sure he felt the warm air from her breath.

"But of course!" laughed Bjorn, answering before John.

"Wait a minute...last time we gave you, Karasu, a tour...we ended up being beaten up...what's to say you won't do so to us again?" asked John, putting his hands to his hips and raising an eyebrow.

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

Sarik laughed at Karasu's comment. "I think I still need to fast tomorrow, according to Lorathin...

"Your entire clan is protector dragons? Except you?" Sarik asked slightly puzzled.

"Well...about me...I do not remember my parents, nor any other family member. As far as I can recall, a grizzled old hero took me under his wing, a Sir Mezclan Zevoren. Although I was not allowed to live in his house, he was my mentor, my tutor. He put me in the Order's Academy, where I graduated top of my class...although it may not show at times," smiled Sarik.

"Afterwards, Mezclan taught me other styles of fighting, his own experiences, and showed me how to become the kind of paladin that people adore, that people cheer for in parades...like my childhood, when Mezclan rode in on his beautiful white stallion, his silver armor gleaming into my eyes...proudly holding the Order's banner into the air...He picked me up into his arms and carried me proudly to the only other I have adored as much...the Patriarch."

"Soon, the clan's began to regard one another with suspicion, soon thrust into all out war. I had to fight against the Imperium, and, after making orders when my commander was killed, I was soon promoted, and continued to marvel my superiors with my strategies..."

"Then, I was promoted to High Paladin, just as Mezclan was...Soon, it was me riding those stallions, or even my mount, Andrazlia..."

"Throughout the battles, however...I soon found myself succumbing to these rages...killing friends or foes alike...I was sent to search for something else...a sword which would be able to unite the clans..."

"Although I came back with no sword, word spread of my recent adventure with Ar'mai and Lorathin...soon...now I find myself here," he laughed. "That's all that I can remember, but feel free to ask any question."

"I did not beat you up!" 'Karasu told the guards. "You both hit each other on the head with bottles at the same time and knocked yourselves out!" She laughed. "I have never seen anything like it! You did not know you did that?" She asked incredulously.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Well Sarik," Karasu said, "It sounds as if you were very blessed. Hopefully you will be able to find out what this problem is, and become the man you were." She stroked his cheek reassuringly.

"By the way... I am a protector dragon. I am the Queen of my clan. That is what I was referring to when I was telling you why I never married. I travel from village to village protecting them. The assassinations are only the evil... the ones devistating and burning down the innocent people and their villages. I am the head of the protectors." Karasu laughed.

"By the way Sarik, what is this sword you are talking about... the one you are looking for? Tell me more about it please." Karasu asked.

"A protector...dragon!" Sarik yelped as he nearly jumped off the bed. "Wha-how-whe..." Sarik was dumbfounded as he examined Karasu from head to toe, avoiding staring too long, as much as he wanted to. "Like Relthor..."

"Are you one of the "Ageless Ones"?" Sarik asked unsure what he should do in the dragon's presence...

"As for the sword...It's called the Sszzarvu, a weapon used by a great lizardman hero long ago against the forces of evil. Not much is really known of it...just what I have told you already..."

"We did that?" John asked out loud.

"You know, I think you did...because Karasu kept treating me better!"

"What do you know..."

"Ok, let's continue then...There's not much to see, and we still don't know how most of these technah-lodge stuff works."

"It's called techmalogy..."

"Techmalogy?"

"Aye! I know...I've known the gnome longer than you!"

"What? We arrived at the same time!"

"No, I came a few seconds earlier!"

"Well, I was still kissed by Rimoru...the best kiss ever..." replied Bjorn smugly.

"That's cause she was braindead!"

"Why do you say that?"

"Because you gotta be braindead to kiss someone like you..." replied John with a smirk.

"So Rimmy kisses better than me." 'Karasu' pouted. "Oh well..."

The jutsus could not believe how brain dead these two were. They both wondered if they could get any info from either of them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Oh Sarik! I-I I thought you knew!! I thought you were in the hall when I spoke of it! Please tell no one. I am trying my hardest to remain anonymous. Yes, I am an ageless one." Karasu could have sworn Sarik was in the hall when they were speaking to Cadey about it.

"I am the one known as The Black and Gold Dragon. You know... the behemoth that can shade an entire village." Karasu sighed. "Please swear to tell no one, Sarik."

Bjorn and John looked at each other, before breaking out into an evil grin.

"Well...considering we weren't kissed...mouth to mouth...passionate kiss...we wouldn't know," they said in unison.

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

Sarik just stared, his mouth hanging ajar. "Wow...the Black and Gold dragon? You know, the Patriarch likes to tell people of you...your dragon self I mean..."

"You must be huge!" Sarik laughed as he stared at Karasu like a child would a hero. "Oh...forgive me...you must get that a lot..."

He got all serious and looked into Karasu's eyes. "I promise, in the name of Zavers, that I will keep your promise," he said, adding a small smile to reassure her.

"For two hundred gold..." he laughed, winking at Karasu. "I'm only joking..."

'Karasu' looked at Bjorn and John. These guys are brain dead! "I kissed both of you passionately! You do not remember?" She looked at them incredulous. "You two do not remember that? It must not have been very impressive then." She pouted. "Then you two knocked each other out simultaneously with wine bottles!

"How come you cannot remember our kisses. I kissed you both, quite passionately!" Seductively 'Karasu' purred into Bjorn's ear, "Do you need a reminder?", sly smile on her face.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Sarik, I thought you knew... yes... I am huge." Karasu shook her head. "It presents problems actually, however, I am effective.

"So the Patriarch mentions me?" She chuckled. "Interesting... I suppose he laughes about 'the behemoth'. I always get the 'you have put on some weight jokes'... yeah... tons, and I am so tall that people look almost like ants. When I fly over a village, if I am too low, I blow over structures, people... whatever. And I cannot land in my dragon form. Well I can, but it does shake the ground a bit, so I turn back prior to landing. My roar blows down structures and trees. It's really embarrassing." Karasu laughed. "However, I am a very beautiful dragon, if I say so myself. The gold is similar to real gold... It appears metallic. And despite my size, I am graceful.

"I protect villages in my human form, rarely having to transform. I happen to adore flying and doing aerial stunts, which I do high above the earth, so as not to cause damage." Karasu smiled.

"Oh, I am sorry, I did not mean to go on about myself." She said to Sarik. "Do you need anything Sarik?

"Oh man, those two guards with my jutsu copies are brain dead!" Karasu laughed hard.

"Hmmm...we don't seem to remember a kiss...I think a reminder would be good..." John smiled.

"Aye! And I was never kissed by Marasu either..."

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

Sarik smiled at Karasu. "You truly are amazing...but I do not need anything."

"The question is, do you need anything?" Sarik asked with a smile.

"Those two guards seem kind of...lacking in intelligence...but they are pretty funny," laughed Sarik.

"Sarik, the only thing I need is to not have to listen to the moronathon going on in my head!" Karasu grinned, referring to the jutsu copies and the guards.

"And I am not that amazing. It is you who are the amazing one, Sarik."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Well, we could certainly remind you." 'Karasu' said to Bjorn, then nibbled his ear. She turned to the front of him and pressed up against him while putting one hand behind Bjorn's head, bringing it forward, and the other around him. She kissed him long, slowly, deeply, and passionately, moaning slightly.

"Adequate?" she asked in a very sultry voice.

Marasu did the same with John. She moaned as she kissed him, nearly copying 'Karasu'. "Well John?" She looked at him with smoldering eyes.

"Marlene...then I have another idea. You will become my minion, so to say it. Do not worry, you are not...but you will be under my protection, as well as being able to create machines," Rothargot rumbled.

"I am acting a mortal... because I was given a taste of mortality..."

"That sounds nice, but only if I can stay by Cadey; I feel that it is my turn to save him." She smiled drawing a single tear. "I swear I'll get Inzikai back for doing this to him. He was so close..."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Cadeyrn slipped into an uncomfortably small hammok below deck but fell into a deep sleep regardless.

A young beautiful woman rubbed her stomach gently smiling.

"I'll name you after your father." She said smiling. "[/i]Even if we'll never see him again."[/i]

The world flashed forward to the same home with the woman lieing carved into pieces. A human stood covered in her blood holding a baby human.

"We should just kill the child like we were ordered!"

"Bah he'll never know! Besides, the son of a demi god...he could prove useful."

"Whatever you say boss."

"You're just trying to flatter me," laughed Sarik, blushing again.

"Want me to shoo the guards away?" he asked as he got up and stretched, leaving half his glass of water.

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

"I dunno, Bjorn..." John said, kind of dazed. "Maybe another will give us a final decision..."

"Yeah, too hard to decide now..."

"I am going to give these idiots one more chance to show them around the ship. If it does not work, then showing up will be a good idea. Tell them they are needed somewhere.

"And, I do not flatter you! It is just the truth Sarik." Karasu replied.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The fake twins pouted... "That was not good enough?" Marasu asked. "You did not have to kiss Rimoru twice and you said she was the best."

'Karasu' sulked. "Well it seems we are not up to your standards." She replied, looking sadder and sadder.

The real Karasu was rolling her eyes.

"You could always be with Cadeyrn, Marlene...but when do you plan on...having your revenge on Inzikai?" Rothargot asked. If it was before the rituals could be completed, Rothargot may need to interfere...

"As soon as I can find a way to kill him." She said jamming a small dagger into the table. "Until I do I have to sit back and watch him corrupt my hero."

Marlene caught flashes of Cade's dream as she stumbled back into the chair. She couldn't understand most of it, but at least what she had heard about his "birth" was true.

"You could be, we just need another kiss to make sure," John replied. Bjorn nodded in agreement.

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

"Nonsense...I only do what is aspected...you go out of your way...and save entire villages..." Sarik said as he awaited the order to shoo the two away.

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

"What's wrong? Are you alright?" Rothargot asked as Marlene stumbled into the chair.

"I don't want to see this!" Marlene yelled clutching her head as the images flashed rapidly. "I don't want to see any of this!"

A giant man hovered over the lowly bandits with a titantic blade in his grasp.

"So it is done?"

"Yes boss, the woman and the child are history."

"Then know one will know..."

"What about my pa-"

In a flash the bandit was split in two and shortly after burst in a fire that melted his entire body in under a second.

"Make this stop!" She screamed while throwing the table over and curling onto the floor.

ooc: Blastit, why do you refuse to respond to my TG, or acknowledge it for that matter?!

"Well if you need another kiss, Rimoru must be better." Marasu said, while 'Karasu' nodded.

"Do not worry boys. Since we are not up to your standards, we shall show ourselves around the ship without you." 'Karasu' said.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Not true Sarik, but let us not argue about it. So far I have them walking away from the numbskulls... hopefully that will be enough. I thought either they could scout the area, or they can just turn a corner and disappear. Do not worry about it." Karasu laughed.

"You just rest."

ooc: Sorry, was drawing up my plans for world domination ;)

"What are you seeing?" Rothargot asked as he squeezed through the door opening, walking closer to Marlene. "What's happening?"

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

"Bah, rest is boring," Sarik chuckled. Suddenly, a voice filled the room, and in fact, the whole ship.

"Good evening passangers, this is your captain speaking. We are traveling at top speed and should not take long to get Inzikai. Now, enjoy yourselves, and if you get hungry, please feel free to pick up a delicious meal from the kitchen on the second floor. Fast service and good food," came a familiar voice from the nearby speaker.

"I'll be right back. Stay there...please," Sarik told Karasu, a smile on his face.

The Paladin walked out of his room into the hallway and immediately found the kitchen. He smiled as he picked up a dish of delicious smelling chicken with a side of vegetables, and orange slices.

He immediately brought it to his room and smiled at Karasu. "Here, I don't want you to starve, Karasu."

"Cadeyrn's mother..." She paused gritting her teeth and digging her fingertips into her skull. "His father...why I don't understand any of this!"

The girl lurched tighter on the floor cringing as the swarm of painful memories bombarded her psyche.

She saw the same titan on an unmanned ship heading through the ocean.


"I must end this before it brings the end of me."

"Oh thank you Sarik," She smiled at him. "That was thoughtful, however, I am not going to eat this in front of you when you only have water." Karasu said.

"That would be a bit obnoxious of me, and rude." She added.

"Hey, it seems like the twins are getting away from the dimwits! That is a huge surprise! I figured they would follow! Amazing!" Karasu laughed.

"I am just going to put the food outside the room for now and eat later, perhaps when you are sleeping." She told him and looked at him tenderly.

Please let him be OK. She said to herself.

"End what? Why are you recieving these memories?" Rothargot asked as he gently picked up Marlene, holding her tiny hands away from her skull.

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

Bjorn and John were being scolded by Mebbiwik...badly

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


"Nonsense, Karasu. It does not bother me. Just rest and eat. I do not want you getting scurvy...especially when you're pregnant with a child," Sarik replied with a smile. "Plus...it smells quite good..."

He picked up a fork and speared a piece of food, bringing it up to Karasu's nose. "Mmmm delicious...open wide," he laughed.

The young girl relaxed as the painful memories ended.

"All I know is his father is still alive." She whimpered with moist eyes. "He's trying to finish something, I think he's coming to help Cadey."

The Karasu copies turned the corner and disappeared.

"Well, the other Karasus are gone. No info." Karasu rolled her eyes.

She started laughing when Sarik started feeding her. "Sarik! Now I wonder if a forkfull or two is going to end up in your mouth!" Karasu laughed.

"You really are so kind. You amaze me Sarik... You and The Patriarch are so similar." She smiled.

"If you like, after dinner I could sing for you. I actually sing quite well.

"If you are afraid to chance it, I understand." She laughed as she took a bite of the food on the fork.

"I'm resisting...I'm an expert at that," Sarik chuckled. "We Paladins like to style ourselves off the Patriarch...he is supposed to be the perfect role model, molded by Zavers himself...he denies those claims of course."

"Singing? Oh, I would love to hear. I myself have done some singing, but it tends to come out all raspy," he laughed.

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

"Help Cadeyrn? How so?" Rothargot asked the girl in his arms. Help him? Bring him away from Valtrox? Then we should hurry...

"I couldn't understand it too well, but I haven't had such a sharp vision in a long time. I think seeing his father should do wonders for him." The girl felt safe in Roth's arms as she continued. "He was nearly killed to Beau, he's had to switch sides against his friends, and Opprimus was murdered. It's a wonder he's still sane."

"See? This is why I should not eat in front of you! I will finish my food later and sing for you. If you cringe or cannot tolerate it, tell me so!" Karasu laughed... as a matter of fact... I carry some instruments. Let me go get my lute."

Karasu ran down the hall to her room and changed into her kimono for one thing, but kept her weapons belt on and her cape with extra weapons on her, grabbed her lute and ran back to the room.

She grinned at Sarik, "You better have not touched my food!" she chuckled teasingly.

"OK, now if this is grating, tell me. Do not try to tolerate if it is bad!"

Karasu grabbed her lute and began to play. Then she began to sing.

Shine, bright morning light…
Now in the air the spring is coming.
Sweet, blowing wind…
Singing down the hills and valleys.

Keep your eyes on me…
Now we’re on the edge of hell.
Dear my love, sweet morning light…
Wait for me, you’ve gone much farther…
Too far.

"I guess that was not the most uplifting song, however I adore it. I did not see your ears bleed..." Karasu grinned.

"Do you think his father would serve Valtrox as well?" Rothargot asked quietly. This poor mortal..has been through so much...death of her family, the death of thousands, betrayal from one she loved...

"Considering he is allied with the highest of dragons...I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't try to kill us to get his son back." She said chuckling.

Cadeyrn doesn't even know his father is alive...why would Opprimus tell him he died? Unless he was trying to hide something from the mercenary.

"My ears! They are bleeding!" laughed Sarik.

Sarik clapped his hands and wistled. "Marvelous, Karasu...I have not heard such a great singer before..."

"Are all dragons good singers?" he asked in a really hushed tone.

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

"Even you? I would need to...kill him...if he tried to disrupt our agenda..." Rothargot said quietly.

"I imagine he would be powerful and if I lost you too..." The young girl became quiet and distant as her eyes seemed to be looking somewhere far away. "I would swear vengence on all dragons."

"I am not easily killed," Rothargot rumbled, a small smile on his face. However...dragons have battled against our forces before...

Rothargot carefully set Marlene in the nearby bed. "Just Rest, Marlene. It is dark now, and the ship has gotten quiet. Tomorrow, I will bring mechanical devices for you."

Marlene smiled at the demon as she rolled the covers over her.

"Cadeyrn said the exact same thing before he fought Beau the first time..." The child recalled before flipping over and resting.

The door creaked open after a few seconds of stale silence as Cadeyrn leaned against the hinge. The room was barely big enough to fit him if he hadn't been slouching.

"Regardless of what my father wants...I will be the one to hold his head in my arms." He growled at Rothargot. "I trust you will look after the girl if I fail."

Karasu laughed! "You flatter me Sarik. Great? I doubt that, but I love to sing and play various instruments.

"No, all dragons are not good singers," she laughed thinking of some of the horrid singers she had come across.

"Sarik," she said quietly, "Please be quiet about the dragon thing. I want no one to know. The sad thing is, if I did not want to remain anonymous, we could all be at our destination already. This ship is slow compared to the way I fly." She whispered, and grinned.

"So what do you want to do now?" Karasu asked. "My wish is your command... uuuunless it involves you eating." She grinned.

"You have my word, Karasu. That information is classified," Sarik smiled. "It's still hard to believe you're a dragon...you have mortal weapons, clothes, and feelings..."

"Now that I think about it, you remind me of my fiance," he chuckled. "That's a good thing, by the way!"

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

"As long as your father does not interfere with Valtrox's plan, i will not interfere," Rothargot replied. "And you have my word, should you fail..."

"I can't make that promise." Cadeyrn grinned flexing his diseased hand. "He is a dragoon, he will try punish the followers of Valtrox, my fight with him is inevitable."

"Tell me, who is the one who causes you misery?"

"So Sarik, tell me about your fiance'. You say I remind you of her. Are you saying she is also a dragon with jutsu powers?" Karasu laughed.

"By the way, let me know if you want me to sing any more for you, since you said you liked it." She smirked.

"I have never felt misery," Rothargot replied quietly. "Why do you ask?"

"So Sarik, tell me about your fiance'. You say I remind you of her. Are you saying she is also a dragon with jutsu powers?" Karasu laughed.

"By the way, let me know if you want me to sing any more for you, since you said you liked it." She smirked.



"Oh, please no more singing!" he laughed, adding a wink. "No, I'm kidding. I wasn't joking when I said you sang beautifully."

"My fiance...fiery," he laughed. "She always likes to win. She's a Paladin, but not quite a high paladin. And no, she isn't a dragon and probably thinks Jutsu is a type of fish."

"She is tall, strong, and faithful. She is passionate...beautiful..." Sarik said dreamily. "Completely devoted."

"Liar Rothargot, you have felt pain because you have also felt love." Cadeyrn said grinning even wider revealing his abnormal teeth.

"Don't mind these questions 'Rothy', but I am testing how mortal you really are."

"I am no mortal," Rothargot replied, unsure where this was going. "I am an industructable demi-god from the mighty Valtrox."

"Valtrox has apparently made a flawed creation." Cadeyrn said trying not to laugh. "A demon who has compassion, what a useless thing!"

Father you would come back to me, for what purpose? To show me that you left mother and I to suffer. Maybe I will let you live long enough to see me become your worst nightmare.

"You are nothing more than a doll created to dance for your master and yet you can't even do what you were made for...I wonder why he keeps you around."

"Oh, please no more singing!" he laughed, adding a wink. "No, I'm kidding. I wasn't joking when I said you sang beautifully."

"My fiance...fiery," he laughed. "She always likes to win. She's a Paladin, but not quite a high paladin. And no, she isn't a dragon and probably thinks Jutsu is a type of fish."

"She is tall, strong, and faithful. She is passionate...beautiful..." Sarik said dreamily. "Completely devoted."


Karasu laughed when Sarik mentioned the fish thing. "Well, I have to admit that loyalty is very important to me. This is why what Cadey did disgusts me more than anything. I have to admit, I do not like to lose either." She chuckled.

"Why is she not onn this trip with you, Sarik, if she is a paladin as well?" Karasu asked. His fiance sounded a lot like her. Especially the passion part. When Karasu was into a cause she felt strongly about, nothing could stop her from doing her best at all costs.

Rothargot growled as he scanned Cadeyrn. "And Valtrox won't care if you die now. You have not yet proven yourself...", he rumbled menacingly as the flames around him got slightly brighter.

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

"She has other obligations...she is currently on break, however, she has been overseeing the Goblin invasions of the south. They have suddenly gotten rather dangerous and more numerous. But there have also been signs of ogres, minotaurs, and giants among them...we are unsure what is really happening down there, but it has not yet gotten bad," Sarik replied.

"Do you know I was made 'Rothy'?" Cadeyrn asked with a jovial tone in his voice.

"I am sorry to hear that Sarik." Karasu replied. "It sounds like a mess. Have you two set a wedding date? I certainly hope I am invited!" She nearly added 'if we are all alive', but caught herself.

"I wish I knew more about these regions. I do not as I travel to smaller villages and do not usually get involved in upper level politics. I try not to anyway." Karasu grinned.

"Is there anything I can do for you Sarik? Do you want to just chat? Are you doing OK... feeling OK, all things considered? I do not want to keep you awake if you would like to sleep."

"Made by what?" Rothargot replied. "And don't call me that."

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

"Of course I'll invite you, Karasu. We were planning on getting married during this break...but I was called on this mission...If this is completed...then we will live together in peace...The Patriarch promised it to us," Sarik smiled, keeping his anger in check. He's lied before...

"Nah, I'm fine, Karasu. I cannot thank you enough for all this help."

"Would you prefer me call you puppet?" Cadeyrn said walking away from the room. "I was made to die. Don't you get it puppet? I just realized it when I saw Marlene happier in your arms."

"Wouldn't it be correct if we switched bodies?"

"We are all puppets in this game of gods," Rothargot replied. "And your body is too soft, too vile for my taste..."

Karasu grasped Sarik's hand in both of hers. "Do not worry please, and there is no need for thanking me. I am doing this because I want to.

"Is there anything you would like to do to pass the time?" She looked at him sympathetically thinking how much he must be missing his beloved.

"I think you know..." Karasu said, "That I admire and care for you greatly. I want to help you in any way I can." She smiled at Sarik.

"Perhaps, but at least I'm not a broken puppet. I'm just waiting for someone to cut the strings loose." He growled wondering what Rothargot was thinking. "Soft? Look who's talking Mr.- I have to craddle a wittle human and I miss Rimmy so much."

"You are nothing, Cadeyrn. You are the void between the forms. I do my duty to gain supporters of Valtrox...more than what you think...I am not taken from my master's favored so easily. I am his third in command, and will be his second once Valtrox enters this world. I have armies under my rule...limitless armies..." Rothargot growled.

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

"Thank you, Karasu," Sarik replied as he hugged her. "I don't care, Karasu."

"What do you like to do in your free time? Other than fly around and such."

"I welcome the void, it will prove a kinder world than this. Well Rothargot I'm sure that Inzikai and Hebdebza won't betray you to gain more power after I die. So you keep your delusion that your position is secure because after all, the strings of a puppet wear heavy on one that does not dance to its master's song." Cadeyrn said with a fake playful tone in his voice before walking down onto the deck of the ship.

He trusts Valtrox and those around him so much, so it is necessary I give him a taste oif mistrust.

Karasu savored Sarik's hug. He was just so good.

"Spare time? Hmmm... well, play my instruments and sing," then she grinned, "But my favorite thing in the world is flying at night!

"Let me think. I like to talk with people and get different perspectives, although I usually come to the conclusion that mine is correct." She laughed.

"I like to read, and practice my jutsus and weaponry...

"What do you do in your spare time?" Karasu asked.

Rothargot watched as Cadeyrn walked up to the deck. He followed Cadeyrn to the deck, before getting into a dark corner.

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

Sarik closed his eyes as he remained close to Karasu. I have not felt a woman's touch for so long...

He scooted away slowly as he admired Karasu. "Let's see...I always enjoyed playing hide and go seek with the children at home...Meditating, sword practice, archery, reading books, toughing it out in the wilderness," he laughed. "I enjoy many things, especially with friends or family."

"I like you Rothargot." He said leaning on the railing looking over the sea. "It's because I can trust you."

"I am not knowledgable of mistrust. I was created to be loyal," Rothargot replied.

"Were you created to feel love and compassion, or is that an acquired trait?" Cadeyrn said after a brief pause.

"Well, Sarik, in your condition, we cannot spar with our swords, nor can we play hide and seek!" Karasu laughed.

"I am trying to entertain you somehow, but I believe I am failing.

"Please tell me if you just want to sleep. I will not be offended, Sarik." She smiled at him.

"I want you to be sure to be rested and to heal, as well as be ready for Lorathin's testing." Karasu knew he was worried about what the findings may be.

"Do not worry about what the result may be. I promise to stick with you and help you though whatever it may be, should you need help." She looked kindly into his eyes.

I cannot get over it... there is something so wonderful about Sarik. Karasu mused.

Rothargot thought for a very long time. Perhaps Valtrox made me knowing this could happen...

"I do not know, Cadeyrn. I would say aquired...but what if I was created to get closer to mortals?"

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

Sarik smiled as he looked deeply into Karasu's eyes. "You are not failing, Karasu. I enjoy the company you give me greatly."

Oh no...I'm falling for her... he thought suddenly, his eyes closing suddenly. But she is so kind to me...she reminds me of Ikara...and yet she is different...

"Karasu...again, I cannot thank you enough...I appreciate the kindness you've given me...your willingness to remain with me..."

Sarik felt himself get closer to Karasu, he felt himself want Karasu's arms around him again... Resist...must resist...

"I enjoy your company very much as well Sarik." She smiled. "I would not have volunteerd to watch over you otherwise." Karasu added.

"I guess I am not that kind all the time." She laughed.

"For example, if you had Inzi's personality, I would probably stuff you with food and kick you around." She snickered.

Karasu felt herself getting closer to Sarik emotionally. He has a fiance... forget about it! Truth being, it just is not so easy with emotions.

Karasu smiled at Sarik, unable to hide the deep caring on her face.

"Created or acquired, the answer you will have to find yourself. Regardless, you demonstrate the traits necessary to put my trust in you. Enough to leave Marlene to you when I..." The mercenary ended his sentence smiling.

"I've been analyzing everyone on the ship and I have most of you figured out. Tera is the only one proving to be a challenge. I guess I've never understood women too well."

"Karasu...I...I" Sarik stammered. I love you...

"I think I'm...slightly tired..." Sarik finally said.She carries the child of Relthor, most likely. I should not interfere with their relationship.

Yes...but Relthor had a mate, did he not? And now his child is with Karasu...

Sarik smiled at this realization. Maybe one small kiss. She did this to me before...I don't see why it would hurt anything. Besides, from what I heard, humans don't care much for Skizzarish kisses...something about our tongues... He chuckled as his face inched closer to Karasu's.

He couldn't help himself as his arms wrapped around Karasu's slender waist. He could, barely, resist passionately kissing her. Instead, he gave her a light peck on the cheek. He was burning for her, he couldn't deny that...but he has resisted temptations before.

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

Rothargot nodded his head. "I will protect Marlene to the best of my abilities...however I cannot see you dieing anytime in the future."

"Teralynn is tricky. Clever, ambitious...power...all packed into that shell that many fall for...and die..." Rothargot replied.

"I don't see myself surviving too much longer, and I am fine with that as long as I can die on the battlefield and not some cot." Cadeyrn growled before throwing a dagger into the cabin door.

"You must protect Marlene if I fall to this new threat Rothargot."

Karasu leaned forward as Sarik held her and kissed her on the cheek.

Could he feel my heart pounding? I hope not. I thought for a minute he was going to kiss me on the lips.

As they still held each other, Karasu replied, "I understand. You must be exhausted Sarik. I will just move over to this chair next to you and keep watch." She smiled, however, as she sat up, she feared her eyes showed something more... Desire.

"Thank you, Karasu..." Sarik replied quietly, his eyes closed as he could still feel her soft cheek, her smooth skin...

Sarik silently pulled off the remaining armor covering him and pulled the covers over him as Karasu sat in the nearby chair, watching her with a smile. I can see it...we both want each other...

And why not? Why not give her what she wants? It's the least you can do for her...

Sarik turned away slightly. Then I am unfaithful to my fiance...

The Patriarch was unfaithful to his people...but how can one not love him? All the good he has done. This is only once...no one will know...

Sarik understood. His people saw the Patriarch as the ultimate being...the perfect example of what to live up to. He had someone else in his life...that someone was Karasu. Is it not proper for him to follow suit? Even better to be with Karasu?

Resist, Sarik! Remember, no passion...they don't like the tongues...

But she is no human...she is probably used to it...look at her...she wants you...remember, you owe her something in return for her kindness...


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

"You have my word, Cadeyrn. Marlene will be under my protection for eternity..." Rothargot replied. "Do you fear your father?"

Karasu smiled at Sarik. If he was not engaged... She mused. But he was.

Karasu created another jutsu copy to go wake Lorathin, who she had forgotten about. I hope he has a good tolerance for the sun. She smiled inwardly as the copy left.

She tried to be as quiet as possible so that Sarik could rest. She could not help but gaze at him and smile again.

"He will have all my strengths and none of my weaknesses. He will be stronger, faster, wiser, and more powerful than me by a considerable amount. Beau was child's play compared to my father." Cadeyrn said slouching.

"He will not hold back either; the dragoons and Valtrox's minions are bitter enemies. The way I see things, I stand no chance as is."

He paused for a moment. "Marlene is, under no circumstances, to see this fight."

The copy found a reddened, thought not incandesent just yet, Lorathin still sleeping, oblivious to the fact that he was being slowly lobsterized.

"Lorathin! Wake up!" The created Karasu shook him. "You are burning! If you are going to sleep all day, you should do so in the shade!" She shook her head and *tskd* at him, while smirking.

"Time to get up and... uhh... sleep in the shade?" The replica told him.

Sarik smiled as he noticed Harlin standing silently by the wall. "My, you've been quiet," he chuckled. "Could you go check up on either Kalzog, Shara, or Minos? I don't want Minos to be killing the gnome."

"Or, check on the captain. His voice is so very familiar..."


Then, I will give Karasu her reward for being so kind to me...
***********************************************************

"I shall keep Marlene away from it then. And know that once Valtrox is freed, he shall destroy the dragoons and their masters..." Rothargot replied.

"Ow." Lorathin said as he woke. Looking down, he saw he was sun-burnt. "Alright." He commented as he stood up with a groan and headed to the bowels of the ship.

"It is good to know that everything I could desire shall happen." Cadeyrn said looking into the dark night sky. "Marlene will live happily, I shall die gloriously, and my father will suffer as he should."

There is another outcome that I have yet to predict...

"Have you thought about stratagies against Kalzog?" The merceanry asked.

As soon as Harlin left, closing the door behind him, Sarik smiled at Karasu.

"Hey Karasu, would you mind getting me another glass of water?"

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

Kalzog had been in his room, staying away from any windows as he felt the boat rock back and forth...

But, now he felt his courage come back to him as he walked out the door and smiled, before noticing a very red Lorathin.

"Wow, I didn't know I was dreaming. A lobster dinner coming right to me!" he chuckled.

"It is good to know that everything I could desire shall happen." Cadeyrn said looking into the dark night sky. "Marlene will live happily, I shall die gloriously, and my father will suffer as he should."

There is another outcome that I have yet to predict...

"Have you thought about stratagies against Kalzog?" The merceanry asked.


"Kalzog is a servant of Chaos. His tattoos are my only problem, as they severely weaken my spells against him, while he has several spells I should worry about. He was unable to use these spells due to Rimoru's protection wards in the Library, however, in the battle, anything goes...If I can get close to him, he's as good as dead. As for the orb...I can toss a rock into it," Rothargot replied with a smile.

After Lorathin awoke, the jutsu Karasu copy snapped away and was gone, leaving the burnt mage to find shade to sleep in.

~~~~~~~~~

"Harlin! I did not even know you were still here! You have not said a word! Are you practicing to be a mime?" Karasu teased.

"Oh, you should check on Shara if possible. I hope she is OK. If she is awake, give her my regards and thanks." Karasu told Harlin.

"Well Sarik, Lorathin is burnt to a crisp. I had my copy tell him to move and sleep in the shade." Karasu giggled.

"I thought you were really tired? You should rest and I should probably shut up and stop keeping you awake." Karasu grinned at Sarik. "I hope you get completely well soon." She held onto his hand reassuringly.

"Oh! So you want more dinner, Sarik?" Karasu smirked. "Of course." She left the room to go to the kitchen to get another glass of ice water.

Poor guy. I hope he feels better soon.

She walked back and enetered the room. "Here is the second course!" Karasu grinned.

Sarik took her hand in his and smiled warmly to her, before gently pulling Karasu to him, kissing her gently on the lips. "Karasu...you have been so kind to me...I've seen how much you want me...I am willing to let us be together for this night...the least I can do for you," he whispered as his other hand wrapped around her body, gently tugging her towards the bed.

"I-I- Sarik... you are correct. I do want you." She smiled wanly. "However, not as a 'thank you', or some sort of 'charity'. I would only... if you wanted me, and not as a 'thank you', but because you really wanted me too, not for what I have done for you." Karasu looked at Sarik, knowing he had to understand what she meant.

"But I do want you Karasu...you are beautiful...kind...generous," Sarik replied, his eyes a distant red color, as he kissed Karasu again as he pulled her closer. "No more hesitations...let's just show each other how we truly feel...let the pains on our shoulders lay off for a while..."

Karasu found herself unable to resist Sarik. She kissed him with all the passion he kissed her. They began to kiss deeply and passionately, driving Karasu insane with desire.

Soft moans escaped her lips as she felt his hands carress her. "Oh Sarik..." she gasped between kisses. Her pounding heart and heavy breathing was a dead giveaway as to how much she wanted him... burned for him.

His eyes had brightened to a blood red, as Sarik began to undress Karasu.

Sarik! Resist temptation! came a voice that sounded strangely familiar

Yet Sarik's hands slipped to Karasu's thighs.

You will only break her heart!

His lizard-like tongue wrapped around hers.

She will never be the same.

Sarik couldn't continue. As much as he wanted her, as much as he was recieving bliss...he knew he should not. His eye's died down, leaving only a faint red.

"Karasu...please...wait...wait," he gasped, tears flowing down his face. "Karasu...I love you...but I have lost myself again...my rage was building up...I cannot have you...I have lost control again..."

He put his forehead over her shoulder as he sobbed quietly. "I'm so sorry Karasu...my mind made me think doing this would help repay my debts to you...but it will only hurt you, as we would not be able to remain together..."

She wants you...now you've only succeeded in either making her mad...or making her sad...neither are preferred outcomes...

"Get bent Kalzog." A sleepy and sore Lorathin replied.

"Sarik, you said you love me, then you said it was repayment for debts to me?" Karasu pushed him away and looked at him incredulous. "You said it had nothing to do with that and that you wanted me!

"And you said rage was building up! I cause you rage? Oh... no... " Karasu began to sob. "How could I cause you rage? How can you say you love me, and then say this is supposed to be 'repayment for debts'?!"

Karasu stood up and stared at him, tears running down her face. "How could you!? A payment? And I cause you rage?" Karasu was trembling. This was crazy talk.

"If I cause you rage, I should not be here Sarik." She looked away as a copy appeared. "I will have my copy get someone else to look after you while I wait." Karasu told him. She was in shock and completely stunned.

"I should never be around you if I cause you rage, Sarik." She started crying at the thought that she enraged him. She thought they cared about each other.

"I thought you cared about me! I care about you, but I enrage you? That is the truth? And this was just payment?

"Sarik, it does not sound like you, maybe I had you all wrong."

She faced the wall. She could not look at him any longer after hearing such horrible things come from him.

"I think you did, Karasu...please...leave me," Sarik replied quietly, holding his head.

Now she's going to make a mockery out of you...I told you nothing good will come out of this...look near your bed... Sarik looked towards his feet. His sword.

Get it all over with...she is exposed right now...you can easily dispatch of her...

"Karasu...get out!" Sarik cried. He felt his rage boiling again, his eyes beginning to glow red.

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

"Bent? What's that supposed to mean?" Kalzog laughed as he pat Lorathin on the back.

Lorathin yelped. "Go take a swim." He growled as he moved out of the ogre's reach and further toward his room.

"No!" Karasu yelled.

She created 10 copies all over the ship screaming "Lorathin! It's happening to Sarik now! Come quick! Hurry!"

She looked at Sarik. "This is not you! Something else is talking to you. It is not you and I will not leave! Something has possession of you! I told you I would not abandon you. I will not leave until Lorathin is here!" Karasu said, while creating 20 jutsu copies in the room, all armed with a different weapon. There was no way he could tell which was her.

"Fight it!" They all yelled! "Fight the voice!" The Karasus screamed at Sarik.

"We see it now. This is not you. We are not angry or upset with you. Ignore the evil voice!" They all yelled.

Kill her Sarik...this is you...the real you... Sarik grit his teeth together as tears were flowing from his eyes. "Karasu! You may need to kill me!" he growled as he reached for his sword.

She has alerted the others...you imbecile...where did all your training go?

"Self...control..."he growled as he slowed the pace in which he picked up his sword.

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

Kalzog perked up as he heard Karasu scream for Lorathin. "What's this about Sarik?" he asked as he began to walk in a hurried pace towards the voice.

"I'll explain later, come on. I need you to restrain him." Lorathin replied as he began quickly heading to Sarik's room.

While Sarik slowed down, three Karasus grabbed his sword.

"Sarik, this is your problem. It is not you! You are being possessed by something evil! Do not listen to the voice! I love you Sarik. I know what you did before was not all your doing. I care too much. I will not leave you. I swore I would not and I will not!" All the Karasus said looking at him sternly, yet caringly.

"No one will hurt you. We want to help. I will not leave you." the Karasus repeated.

"Evil Demon, listen to me, we will get rid of you or fight you one way or another, you will never take Sarik! Never! We will not let you! So leave him!"
They yelled at the presence in Sarik.

The cloaked figure stood unflinching atop his scuttle as it cut aprt the thrashing waves of the sea. The massive man stared into the distance towards a peculiar destination.

"Cadeyrn Brahn the Berzerker, age late twenties, no children, carries a large weapon, and is rumored to be missing his right hand." The mysterious figure said chuckling to himself. "Our kind tend to be survivors in the truest sense."

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Beau proved quite a match for him, and I defeat the demi wolf god in a single strike. You have it quite easy." Cadeyrn said chuckling ignoring the fact that he wasn't even witness to Kalzog and Beau's brawl, or even remember Beau's and his battle.

Kalzog dashed around the corner, pushing against the wall so he wouldn't fall down. "Infernal small hallways..." he growled as he followed Lorathin. "Where's his room?"

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

Sarik's eyes were a deep crimson in color...so much like Kalzog's...

"I am doing little, human," Sarik replied as he reached for his daggers. "You understand so little..."

Resist, Sarik! She is your friend! Your ally! You love her! Sarik's eye's dulled for a moment.

"In here." Lorathin replied as he entered the door. Seeing Sarik's condition, he added, "Restrain Sarik, but don't hurt him."

"These are not even your words! Fight Sarik!" the Karasus encouraged Sarik. "I will not leave you my friend!"

Seeing Kalzog, Karasu got rid of the copies.

"Lorathin, he is possessed by something evil! It talks to him and tells him to do things! Then his eyes change. He tries to fight it, but it even talks through him! It is completely obvious it is not even Sarik!" Karasu explained excitedly. She handed Lorathin Sarik's sword.

"Please tell me you can do something. I swear I know there is someone horrid in there with him. A voice he thinks is his own!"

Kalzog nodded as he walked in, noticing Sariks eyes glowing Red. "Excuse me, Karasu's," Kalzog growled as he pushed his way through.

Sarik saw this and tossed a dagger at the ogre, which just bounced off his hard skin. Kalzog picked up Sarik by the neck and pinned him against the wall.

The Paladin put his hands around Kalzog's and smiled. "Well well well...my war machine...haven't seen you in ages..."

Kalzog's eyes grew wider as Sarik's grin grew larger. "Lorathin, hurry up and do something!" he said in a worried tone.

"I told you! Something else is in there with him! It has to come out!" Karasu was panicked. "Please say you can exorcise this thing!" She was completely frantic.

"Fight it Sarik! You are the strong one! Fight the other voice, for it is not yours!"

"Come now, Kalzog...surely you remember the fun you've had..." Sarik chuckled. Fight it Sarik! Resist this voice!

Kalzog slammed Sarik into the wall again. "Sarik! Get him out of there!"

"Too bad this Beau is dead...perhaps Valtrox could have enlisted him as well..." Rothargot replied to Cadeyrn.

"He would have fit well among us, but he would have became a burden in the long run." Cadeyrn said smiling viciously. "So much uncontrollable anger..."

"Curd." Lorathin thought, "If this worries Kal..."

He paused as he options ran throught his mind. "Karasu, leave." He barked as he began muttering while tracing patterns in the air, "Push him away now." He ordered Kalzog as he pointed to Sarik and completed the spell. The spell, if all things worked out, would put Sarik in a bubble that was close to impenatrable.

"Who said anything about a long run?" Rothargot asked, again forming the predatory smile he learned from Rastilia.

Cadeyrn joined in Rothargots wicked recollections.

"What's left of his body is embedded on the sand I glassed outside Rimoru's palace. It's really quite beautiful." He said proud of his brutal memorial.

"I do not want to leave!" Karasu protested. "I swore to Sarik I would stay with him through anything and everything!" She was scared.

"Please let me stay! I will stand out by the door."

"Or, check on the captain. His voice is so very familiar..."

ooc: Wasn't the first thing Harlin said to Sarik that Ixair was piloting the ship?:eek: :confused:

"Then stay, just don't interfere." He replied curtly, not particularly in a good mood at the moment

"I will not interfere." Karasu replied. I want the real Sarik back. I cannot stand this thing in him.

Tears began to fall down her face as she watched the hell she saw in front of her.

Harlin looked at Karasu, slightly disgusted by the veritable sprinkler system she was becoming. "Pull yourself together... he's going to be just fine."

"Shut up Harlin, you asshole! You did not see him transform and witness all of this!" Karasu yelled at him. "Have you even checked on Shara yet?" She glared at him.

Please bring my Sarik back... OUR Sarik...

"What are you smoking? I've been standing here the whole time... I'm not much use against crazy berzerker Sarik, unless it comes to the point of needing to kill him. I'd like to avoid that eventuality, and thus I haven't gotten involved. And you don't need to worry about Shara. She's sleeping, and even if she weren't, she wouldn't need me to watch over her. She can take care of herself." Harlin responded to Karasu's glare with one of his own.

"Why are you being such a jerk, Harlin? She can take care of herself because she doesn't have a fucking demon inside her!" Karasu yelled, referring to Shara.

"This is no berzerker! Some other presence is in there with him and beginning to control him more and more! It is completely evil, and Sarik seems to be losing his fight against it!" Karasu's entire eyes turned completely red.

Harlin frowned, "Oh shite."

"Both of you shut up or get out." Lorathin snapped at the two bickering as they were making it problematic for him to work on finding a solution.

ooc: Didn't remember lol...

"Get ready, Azrael," Kalzog growled as he tossed Sarik into an open area on the bed.

Karasu's eyes went back to normal and she was quiet. She did not want to do anything to disrupt what Azrael was doing.

She watched with intense interest.

As soon as Kalzog and Sarik were seperated, Lorathin finished the final section of the spell, sending it at Sarik. The bubble would be impenenatrable in either direction, thought he'd still be able to breath.

Kalzog watched in silence as Sarik slowly sat down, tears in the lizards eyes.

"And? Do we keep him in here forever, lobster?" Kalzog asked Lorathin as he tapped the ball.

"No, we figure out what's wrong with him and deal with it." Lorathin replied, "Since you know something about it, spill."

Karasu walked up to the ball. Seeing the tears in Sarik's eyes was too much for her.

"Do not despair Sarik. You have done well. Keep fighting. Remember I am always with you no matter what. I know what was you and what was not."

Tears welled up in her eyes as well. She walked up and hugged the ball. "My love and my strength are always with you. Remember it is not you. Do not feel guilt for something you are not controlling Sarik. Please. I hate to see you hurting like this." She stood there hugging the ball, wishing she could do something.

I feel so helpless! I hate it!

Still hugging the ball, she turned to Kalzog. "Kalzog, you seemed to have some insight into this. Please inform me of what you know." She asked the ogre.

"Lorathin, I suppose I must stay outside the ball, even if I go in at my own risk?"

Harlin looked at the ogre. "Karasu's right. I'm wondering why he called you his 'machine of war'. I'm sure that has some signifigance as to the identity of whoever he is channeling."

"I know nothing of it..." Kalzog replied as he turned back towards Lorathin.

"You couldn't go in even if you wished. If you wish to be with him thought, there is a way to do so, but it would be more difficult and you'd have be share a very limited space." He replied before turning to the ogre, "Really, then how come it seemed to know you?"

"You do too, Kalzog! Please, no matter what it is, tell us! I cannot stand not knowing. Do not do this to me!" Karasu begged. "You know! You know what is possessing him!"

"You couldn't go in even if you wished. If you wish to be with him thought, there is a way to do so, but it would be more difficult and you'd have be share a very limited space." He replied

"How would this work? I want to be there with him to support him. This is his polar opposite, and it hurts Sarik so very much. I want to be with him." Karasu replied to Azarel.

"There's no need Karasu, I just remembered that he already told us who his master is... The god of Chaos." Harlin looked at Karasu, and then at Sarik, "But how is it that Sarik is channeling a god?"

"More importantly, how do we get rid of it, or make it so that he can control it?" Karasu asked.

"No, this is not Ogruk. This is my one of my older Mentors...Habdebza...as to how he got into Sarik I have no clue..." Kalzog finally said. "The red eyes is in no part Ogruk...it is Valtrox...the tattoos are the only thing I have from Ogruk...to protect me from the others..."

"You'd be in a ten-foot cube with Sarik, completely cut off, and it all depends what it is." He replied before cursing when he heard Kalzog. "That pissiant little demon is interfering again." He growled

Karasu's eyes bugged out. She had heard of the demon before, and of course Valtrox. "How? Why Sarik? What can we do?" Karasu was stunned.

"Can we get him tattooed also or something similar?" She asked.

This cannot be. I swear I will kill both of them with my bare hands if they continue to hurt Sarik.

"You'd be in a ten-foot cube with Sarik, completely cut off, and it all depends what it is." He replied before cursing when he heard Kalzog. "That pissiant little demon is interfering again." He growled


"I am willing to do it, Azrael. Will I be in danger? I will do it anyway, but I was wondering. Being in a cube with the V-man and that Hab demon... barf." Karasu replied.

"From the spell, no, from Sarik..." He replied

"But neither of them should have been able to even contact Sarik without already having been contacted by him...Perhaps he did something with Rothargot? Yet I remember Rothy fighting me the entire time..."

"As for tattoos...he'd need to forget Zavers and worship Ogruk...and prove himself with rigorous trials and training, which, no offense ,Sarik, I doubt you'd complete in your lifetime..."

"Habdebza is getting annoying, but there should be a way to keep him out of Sarik's mind." Lorathin muttered to himself, "Just what is it."

He was annoyed as the idea was refusing to solidify in his mind.

"Is there anything else that can be done to get these bastards out of him?" Karasu inqured.

"I understand. I would be in danger from Sarik, but not the spell. Would I be able to use my jutsu outside the ball, or inside for that matter? The first would be to contact someone if something went wrong, and the second would be for... self defense." She asked.

"You wouldn't be in the ball, it'd be a different spell. You'd be able to defend yourself, but unless you have a clone outside, you wouldn't be able to interact until the spell was terminated." He replied

"Karasu...please do not come in...I do not want to hurt you like I did..." Sarik replied, unsure if he would be heard. He was rather embarassed at the whole situation, especially now that he was the center of attention in a strange ball. But that did not compete with his feelings of sorrow for Karasu...

Kalzog walked up to Sarik again and began to say something in an elegant language, yet one Sarik had never even heard of...

But he has... long ago...so very long ago.

Barely thinking, Sarik replied with a one syllable word, much to the shock of Kalzog.

Kalzog backed away slowly, a small smile creeping along his face. "Sarik..."

"What is it Kalzog?" Lorathin asked as he noticed the smile on the ogre's face.

"What was that you two were talking about?" Karasu asked Kalzog. "And what did he say?"

"I will go in.. I will be able to touch Sarik, will I not?" She asked?

"Yes." He replied while awaiting Kalzog's reply.

"Not so much what I said that's important...it's that he was able to respond to it...someone close to the gods can only speak in that language...I suppose he would be able to, considering he is a High Paladin..."

"Sarik, I am learning more about you in this small amount of time, then I would weeks of conversation..."

"Kalzog, please do not leave us in the dark!" Karasu begged.

"Or...Habdebza could still be in there," Kalzog added. "Well, I'm going back to my room to comtemplate all this."

"What?" Karasu looked at Kalzog. "Can you not tell us more... please?"

Posessed by that bastard. Poor Sarik...

"Azrael, whatever the circumstances, I want to go in with him, but it would be nice if Kalzog told us more." She pouted.

"Well...he's not quite possessed...One of the factors that makes Habdebza so deadly is that he's a manipulator. He acts as the conscience of targets, slowly and carefully, until he practically decides what to do for the victim," Kalzog replied, as if out of a text book. "Apparently he miscalculated and Sarik thwarted the demon...for the most part..."

"It'd be helpful if Rimoru was here, she's dealt with him trying to mess up her mind before." Lorathin commented, "And alright Karasu, but keep in mind the risk factor, especially with your ..."

"Rimoru!" Karasu yelled. "He did that to Rimoru, remember Azarel?

"He has never touched her since. After the fact, she knew it was not her own conscience.

"How do we get Sarik to fight him off permanently? If he has done well so far. And why did he give up on Rimmy? Why Sarik? This is all mind boggling." She sighed.

"I have no idea on his modus operandi." He replied, "If I did this would be vastly easier."

"I wish I knew, Karasu. But this is something that probably only Habdebza knows...and maybe Valtrox," Kalzog replied, forgetting about going to his room and just wanting to watch the whole situation play out.

"Well, does Kalzog not know?" Karasu looked around the room for the ogre.

"Hey Kalzog... what more do you know? Any info would help.

"Azrael, you need to tell me exactly what my parameters are as far as what I can and cannot do when you transfer me."

Damned demon...

ooc: sorry... out of sequence... :D

k, I'll try to continue story again now from sat. but I'm not positive.

Cyall Sat. Afternoon!

"I won't be transfering you into the bubble, and you'll be able to do anything you can within a ten foot cube." He replied

ooc: Remember to remind me where we are!

"But I can still touch him? That is what you said." Karasu asked.

"Can I get out when I want. In what ways can he hurt me? I mean are we in the same space?"

"Yes, you'll be able to interact with Sarik. The bubble won't be there anymore. Essentially you'll be in a box with no way in nor out until the spell is dismissed, and no you'll not be able to leave, at least not unless you have the magick to do so." Lorathin replied slightly exasperated, "He'll be able to hurt you anyway he normally."

"I cannot keep jutsu copies outside the box to get help if necessary?" Karasu asked. It did not really matter, because she was going in anyway, but she wanted to know all her options.

"Can't see any reason why not." He replied, "And it's transparent anyways."

"OK then. I am ready any time you are Azrael!" Karasu was nervous, but wanted to be there for Sarik.

Harlin stepped between Lorathin and Karasu for a second. He looked Karasu firmly in the eye. "Wait just a second. I want you to consider what you are about to do. You need to consider the fact that it's not only your life that you are risking, but also the life of your unborn child."

Stepping back, he concluded, "I won't try and stop you, but I don't know if you've considered all the risks. There's a lot at stake here, is it really worth it?"

"Well first of all get that copy out, otherwise it'll be stuck there with you." He replied, "And while I know you're determain, he raised a good point."

"Harlin... I just know I will be OK. I do not want Sarik to feel like a pariah. He feels such guilt for something not his fault." Karasu responded to Sarik.

Karasu brought up two more of herself with her Jutsu. "Here we are." They said.

"I will stand apart so that you know which one is the original," Karasu said as she moved over from the others.

Harlin turned and looked at Sarik, and then looked down at the floor. "It's not that he's a pariah," he sighed, the predicament that his friend was in weighed heavily upon his heart, "He's dangerous though, and until we prove otherwise, it's wouldn't be smart to risk it."

"Are you ready now?" He asked, "Then get within five feet of Sarik."

Harlin turned and looked at Sarik, and then looked down at the floor. "It's not that he's a pariah," he sighed, the predicament that his friend was in weighed heavily upon his heart, "He's dangerous though, and until we prove otherwise, it's wouldn't be smart to risk it."

"What predicament and what friend are you referring to, Harlin?" Karasu asked.

"Wait a minute Azrael."

ooc: Karasu reads minds!!! :eek:

Harlin looked up at her and then replied, "I was referring to Sarik, and his internal conflict."

ooc: I have been online for 12 hours straight... I thought that was said outloud. You would think that if there was a problem or an unknown danger to Karasu, Harlin would say something.

"Internal conflict with whom... you mentioned someone else." Karasu stated.

Harlin looked at Karasu, "I would say 'his demons' is a quite appropriate term for them right now. Although they aren't exactly his..." He thought about it a little, "Although you too are about to put yourself in a predicament that worries me. Maybe I'm just being overcautious, but it seems foolish to take this risk."

Cadeyrn stepped to the bow of the ship and climbed to the top spreading his arms as the cold night wrapped around him.

"We're moving much too slow." He growled before bursting into flames; the intense heat jolted the ship forward before the flames began shaping into another form. Spreading his arm a pair of fiery wings extended from his back peeling the flame from the rest of his body.

"Sorry it was getting a little chilly out." He smirked as his flickering wings illuminated the entire ship.

"Harlin, I do not want Sarik to think everyone has abandoned him. I have not. Someone else will be in the room to get me out should something go wrong, is that not right?" Karasu asked.

"I think I will be OK, especially with two of me outside and someone around that the other two can contact should anything go wrong.

"What if too much pressure is put on the inside? For example, I bring up 1000 Karasus. Will the box explode and let us out?" She asked.

Harlin sighed, "Fine...fine." Stepping back, he added, "But if anything goes wrong, I'm not going to hold back the 'I told you so's'."

"Nope, you'll simply crush yourself." He replied, "And I'm probably the only one who can get you out if something goes wrong. Minos or Kalzog might be able to but otherwise..." He replied, "So are you finally ready?"

"And I suspect you may be off sleeping somewhere Azazel?" Karasu smirked.

"I cannot expect you to stay in here, and then, you would never wake up anyway, would you." She grinned.

"I know the risks are high. Let me make 20 Karasus, so if something goes wrong they can find you, Lorathin." Karasu made her jutu copies out in the hallway. Bjorn and John will faint if they see this! She chuckled to herself.

"I look at it like this, if it was me, I would not want everyone to look at me like I am a monster when it is not me, but Heb-whatever. Sarik is so sad... It is a risk I am willing to take. I am sure the baby will not be harmed." She smiled.

"So to get out, I have a Karasu find you Azazel? Where will you be? Or maybe I should have one follow you around. How about I do that?" Karasu asked.

"That's not out of the realm of the probable." He replied to her smirk. "Whatever you think is best. I've explained the risks, it's up to you to take the precautions. Also keep in mind the size of the box after all, it's only a ten foot cube."

He then asked, "So are you ready?"

ooc: remember, Blastit who plays Sarik won't be here until tomorrow night...

"Yes I am ready. I will have two Karasus escort you around and watch you. One will even wait on you, should you want anything from the kitchen. The other is going to stay glued to you should I need help." Karasu replied.

"Sarik! I am coming in!" She told him excitedly. "I know who you are and who is not you. Remember... no guilt for something Habezdabbadoo does! Chin up sweetie!" She smiled at him reassuriongly.

"Fire away Azrael!"

"Alright." He replied with a chuckle when she said she'd be giving him two escorts. He then stepped back, and once Karasu was close by Sarik, he cast the spell. At the ending of the spell, he opened one hand and clenched the other.

As he opened his hand, the bubble around Sarik disappeared, while the clenching of his other hand generated the windowless, thought transparent, cage around the two.

"Hi Sarik." Karasu held his chin up and looked in his sad eyes. She hugged him. "It is all going to be OK. We know who you are. No guilt. I promised I would be here for you always, so here I am."

She patted him soothingly on the back.

The two Karasus stuck to Azarael like glue.

"Let's go to the kitchen." Lorathin commented, "Thought if one of you has a bottle of burn lotion, it would be nice."

"Sorry, we were not given burn lotion." They told him. "You should have said something prior to putting Karasu in the box." They grinned.

"Hey, the kitchen without Kalzog! Eat while you can!" One of them said and laughed. The other made a paste of baking soda and cold water.

"This baking soda and cold water should do well for your burns, however you should be lying down so it does not fall off, which should be no issue, as lying down is your favorite position." she smirked at him.

"I much prefere the original." He commented as he made himself something too ea. "You two have a bit of a scathing wit."

"Thought thanks for the stuff." He added

"We have the same wit Karasu does." One of the copies told Azrael. "She probably has more on her mind and just does not get around to say what she is thinking." They both laughed.

It looked like Azrael was going to be teased to pieces this evening. Plus there were the two Karasus in the room with Karasu and Sarik, as well as 16 wandering the ship.

It really would make John and Bjorn question their sanity if they ran into them.

Of course, as an afterthought, Karasu thought, she should have done a transformation jutsu and transformed into John or Bjorn to get into the engine room. A little late now... perhaps later.

Karasu was hoping all would go well with Sarik, and how did she deal with Hebze-whatever if he showed up? Still, with no weapons, several Karasus against one Sarik should do it. Karasu hoped it would not come to that.

She grieved for Sarik... it hurt her as well.

"Well SHE doesn't tease me like you too seem bent on doing." He replied with a mock scowl.

"So do either of you have a preference in name, as I can't call you both the same thing?"

"Right, we look like clones and are dressed the same, weapons and all. I know!" One of them said. Since they were both wearing their black kimonos with the dragons and kanji, there was a perfect solution. "I will re-wrap my obi with the bow in front. Call me Karasu 2, and the one with her obi wrapped as it currently is, with the bow in back; Karasu 1." Karasu 2 stated.

"And we are at your service, master." They said in unison and bowed, laughing at the same time. "However, Lorathin, we guarantee, we will probably give you lots of shit." Karasu 1 said to him smirking at him.

Karasu 2 added, "And you know there are 16 more of us wandering the ship, if we are not sufficiently teasing you, we can add more of us." She gave him a shit-eating grin.

Number one replied, "I think this will be fun!" and broke out laughing.

"Bleh." He muttered as he listened to thier 'evil' plans, "How about you have some of your fellows go convince Kalzog to take a swim, and about that ointment one of you mentioned...."

"Also what can you, and are willing to do?" He asked as he took a drink.

"Kalzog is NOT going to swim, however one of the others can find him and tell him that you request he go for a swim. As a matter of fact, the captain would not let us swim as he said we would be left behind, so I think swimming is out for now." Karasu 1 replied.

"What can we do?" Number 2 asked. "What do you want? We can do everything Karasu can do... including the things she does not feel like doing. For example, we are gourmet cooks. But do not tell Kalzog." She whispered and laughed. "We do not want to have to fish for a whale to roast!" Number 1 grinned.

"We could give you a massage with the baking soda solution, get you drinks... what is it you request? Keep in mind, if we do not feel like doing it, we will not, however, we are far more likely to than Karasu... Oh. I just found that we are to do what ever you ask." #2 explained. "Except leave your presence."

"So what is your pleasure Master Azrael?" They both bowed as if he was a god or close to it, but not without bursting out laughing, as much as they tried not to.

"It's just a matter of being able to swim fast enough." He replied, "I'm almost certain I could keep up, for a while at least."

"Alright, let me rephrase that, what can Karasu do, and what can you cook in the ways of desert?"

"I'm not sure how well you could give a massage a sun-burnt person, and isn't it only one of you that has to remain at my side, with the other to do as I asked, isn't that what the original said?" He asked

"So you'd stop teasing me if I asked?" He asked with a smile, as if he didn't really expect them to.

"The captain will be angry if anyone jumps off the boat. We can swim fast enough as well, but he wants no chances. Personally, I don't think Kalzog can swim well." Number 1 stated.

"What I meant by a massage I guess is you lay in bed and one of us takes a light soft paint-type brush... like a barbque brush, and brushes the concoction onto your sunburn while you let it soak in." Number 2 explained.

"What desert do you want? The only constraints would be what is in the pantry and what cooking items they have here. Karasu is an excellent desert cook... What would you like?" They both asked.

Number two also stated that not teasing him was out of the question. They both smirked at him.

"One of us can smooth the sunburn solution on you while the other makes the desert of your choice. Karasu loves to cook, and does so when she is defending villages. She can make exotic pastries... amazing desert, thus we can as well. What would you like?" Number 1 asked.

The cloaked massive figure stood atop his scuttle through the hellish storm recalling what the elders had ordered of him.
--
Find and capture the half breed that disgraces this clan by allying with Valtrox. You are also to interrogate the traitor of his parents, discover which of the dragoons produced this abomination. We will understand if lethal force becomes necessary, Lord Xenocrates.

The dragon smirked before pausing.

Know that we'll be watching you...every step of the way.

"Yes, masters."

After suffering a scolding of epic proportions and many threats, John was ordered to bring some food.

He rushed to the kitchen and prepared some food as quickly as possible. Just after he left he thought he heard Karasu's - or Marasu's for that matter -voice, turning to look down the passage he saw both of them entering the kitchen with another man.

Somewhat stung that they had already forgotten about him and regretting he and Bjorn's foolishness earlier. He sighed and began to return to the engine room, not paying much attention to his surroundings.

After a few minutes he thought he cought a glimpse of Karasu walking accross an intersection of passages ahead of him, dismissing it as a trick of his mind he walked down a seperate passage, after another minute he saw Karasu again, this time he was sure he wasn't imagining it. Surprised and curious he began following, temporarily forgetting that he was supposed to be taking food to the engine room.

OOC: - if you RP that 'Karasu' meeting up with a few other Karasus, i can continue with John running off to find Bjorn and make his revelation, the two can then go 'Karasu' hunting. That's one option anyway, it's up to you

Marlene twisted violently around the cot as her nightmare only intensified.

--

If the elders find out about this I'll be executed...please forgive me Lucretia.

The titan paused mourningly as he ordered his underlings to do their task.

A love between a demi-god and a mortal simply cannot be, and a child reered from such a thing is a sin. I won't let this be the end of me. Please forgive me.

"Hi John!" The two copies said enthusiastically. "I hope that gnome guy was not too hard on you and Bjorn." One of them said.

The other continued. "We feel badly because we believe it was kind of our fault. We have been interested in you two since we met, but it seems, that your boss is that crappy gnome, and he does not want you speaking to us." She said sadly.

She continued; "We are sorry for getting you in trouble. Is there anything we can do to make it up to you? My guess is you are forbidden to speak to us." She looked down sadly.

"This is Azrael, who is with our group, and we have been ordered to cook for him and take care of him for a while." The other said, reassuring John that they did not run off with another man.

"It is too bad, because we already miss you two. It would have been fun to hang out. Marasu is a desert chef and will be making a special desert for Azrael on orders from our boss. We could make some extra and bring it to you, if you tell us where you are." 'Karasu' said to John. She kissed him on the cheek to let him know that Karasu and Marasu had not forgotten them and were still interested in them.

ooc: I want to play it that every time they run into other Karasus they play that they are Karasu and Marasu... they only see two at a time, but all over the place. :D So they kind of feel discombobulated.

OOC: He had already walked off, but i'll answer this bit and unless you want to answer again we can skip to after he's left, following a differant Karasu.

"Hey Karasu and Marasu!" John replied, unsure of which was which. "I'm glad to see you, I am so sorry about earlier, you're a much better kisser than Rimoru, well, i think so, Bjorn on the the other hand disagree's." He put emphasis on the last bit, trying to conceal that he was lying in the hopes of keeping both to himself.

"Mebbiwik's threatened to make us the subjects of some of his tests, we arn't quite sure what he meant, he said something about target practice..." John said, clearly trying to ponder what that meant, after a moment he added "It was worth it though, to spend time with such a beautiful and lovely woman."

"Well, he's forbidden us from doing a lot of things, i think breathing was one of them, so no matter what we are already in trouble, if you don't tell him, we won't." John replied.

He bowed to Azrealand said: "You're a lucky man to have two such women tending to your needs."

"We missed you too, we are still stuck 'guarding' the engine room. You would have to sneak the dessert to us, Mebbiwik might kill us if he see's us enjoying ourselves."

As he tried to return Karasu's kiss he bumped the tray he was carrying with ebbiwik's food on against her, suddenly reminded of his 'mission' he began making apologies while turning to leave; "I'm very sorry, i really have to go, if i don't get back to the engine room soon Mebbiwik might use me for spare parts in one of his machine's."

"I think he's just scared." Lorathin commented with a chuckle, "And that sounds like it would work, but how well does the concotion work."

"Who said anything about a pastery, what I was thinking of involves fruit, whipped and iced cream, and chocolate, no pastery." He added with a grin, "Thought I can almost certainly guarantee that the ingredients for my favorite dessert are not available."

He frowned when the Karasus said that they'd continue teasing, but in a way that made it obvious that he wouldn't have it any other way.

"As it is, can you make me a cherry chocolate mousse?"

As he finished asking one of the two guards arrived, "Thank you, but I'm sure they're just setting me up for a prank." He commented to the man before he departed.

He bowed to Azrealand said: "You're a lucky man to have two such women tending to your needs."


ooc: LOL!! Azrealand!! Anywho, good RPing, Kitab! :D

Sarik closed his teary eyes as he hugged Karasu. "Karasu...I'm so sorry...it's horrible..."

He looked pulled away slowly and looked into her eyes. "You shouldn't have come here...if I get mad...you'll be stuck in here with me...an enraged me..."

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

Kalzog was grumbling to himself as he walked back to his claimed room. He noticed one...three...five Karasu's along the way, each one nearly bumping into him. "Why don't you guys watch where you're going!" he growled before he slammed his door shut.

He walked over to his bed and pulled a large tomb from one of his many belt pouches. He quickly flipped through the pages, muttering under his breath as he did so.

He stopped as he came to a certain page, a small smile coming to his face. "Ah...Sarik, you may yet be saved..."

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

Rothargot walked near Cadeyrn, the floor boards creaking under his heavy feet. His eyes drifting to his fiery wings. "Nice wings...are they only for show?"

"Prank?" #1 said when the guard peeked in. "I do not understand."

#2 replied... "Yes Azrael, I can make you a chocolate mousse." She smirked. "Did you bring a moose?" She asked feigning seriousness.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Sarik, you need not worry about me. All precautions have been taken, plus, Rimmy did something for me so you really cannot hurt me." Karasu smiled.

"I knew the cruel words coming from you were not you.

"There are only a few things I was wondering about." Karasu looked at Sarik. "Do not get mad, they are just questions regarding confusion on my part." She rubbed his shoulder to reassure him.

"This is a little awkward, but when you said... you wanted to... make love to me, was it really because you felt it was a repayment of sorts? Or did you want to. You said some conflicting things and I remain confused." Karasu smiled at him reassuringly. "It does not matter what the answer is." She stated. "I just would like the answer."

ooc: Last post for a while! Gotta go do stuff and party lol will be back later methinks.
Sarik blushed deeply at the question. He looked at the floor and smiled sheepishly. "I did...but...I can't. It's not allowed. Karasu, you're a great person and I love you, but I have a fiance that I look forward to marrying..."

"I feel so bad at doing such to you...I do not want to leave you in the dust as some others have...I'm sorry," he said sadly, several tears falling out of his eyes.

"I'm sure you're planning something. You and you are devious and I wouldn't put much past you." He commented with a smile. "I could make you into a moose, but that wouldn't get me the dessert and I don't think you'd quite like that."

"Sarik, I just wanted to know." Karasu smiled. "Of course you remain faithful to your fiance'. If you had said it was payment, I would have said that you do not pay people for their friendship. I care very much about you Sarik, and I would never expect anything like that from you. You have no need to apologize. I have not been left in...the dust." Karasu smiled, but did not sound convincing. She wiped away his tears. "I am always here for you." She gave him a kind, genuine smile this time.

"That does not mean I cannot give you a friendly hug, though." She hugged Sarik and said, "Do not worry, and please no guilt for something that is not even you! I know it hurts and I only want to be here for you. I promised and here I am." Karasu said as she moved away and smiled.

"Nice place here, huh?" She laughed about the cube.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Karasu #1 said to Azrael, "Well, if you turn me into a moose, when Karasu gets out, she can create 100 moose with transformation jutsu... all to stampede on the ingrate who has been waited on hand and foot tonight." She smirked at him.

"Yes I can make a chocolate mousse for you Azrael," #2 stated. This is what you would like? If so, you two can go to your quarters and #1 can put the solution for your sunburn on you while you wait. Does this sound all right?"
She asked.

"I guess that's a good point, but all the moose would have problems trying to stampede me, especially in the confines of the ship. Also, while you've waited on foot, you've yet to wait on hand." He replied with a chuckle and grin.

"That sounds like a good idea, so I take it you prefere cooking and you prefere nursing?" He asked the two clones.