NationStates Jolt Archive

Cadyern felt as if his chest collapsed into itself. His eyes rolled into the back of his head as the disease moved to his heart immediately causing cardiac arrest. He screamed in agony as it felt as if a vice were wrapped around his chest.

Momoki looked over at the two concernced as the warrior she had come to understand yelled in unimaginable pain.
A brief moment after Cadyern's scream echoed throughout the ship, a cloud of fog swirled up around the floorboards and formed into Valerith.

"Oh my. What happened to him?" the vampire asked.

When Cadey had screamed Rothargot had stepped back, unsure of what to do, he was good at killing people, not at helping them. When Valerith appeared a moment later Rothargot raised an eyebrow at the vampire and replied; "Welcome back, Caderyn is on our side now, he joined us shortly after you were 'killed'. He seems to have visited the other ship and came back injured, when i tried to wake him, this happened. Would you be able to do anything for him?"

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(In Armai's time, just after the sun has set)

Ixiar awoke to find himself alone in the now dark room. He leapt from the chair in surprise and glanced around, looking for any trace of Armai. He saw the open door and ran to it, fearing she may have tried to walk and fallen from the railings he darted to them and looked over. He saw nothing but the water for miles around, looking around he couldn't decide which direction to follow, she could be anywhere on the ship.

In the back of his mind he registered something at the edge of his hearing, a voice which he had almost thought was lost. Smiling, he followed its lead and stopped in the shadows near the nest, looking up at Armai he smiled, relieved that she was ok and listening to her singing.

Ar'mai continued to sit perched atop the ship in the crow's nest. The night was quiet and the sun had just slipped beyond the outer rim of the ocean, relinquishing its spot as the king of the sky to the moon...

"Orthannen im vi ól
Coll e dû
Or hiriath naur
Na rovail mae sui 'waew
Man prestant i ardhon?
Cerithar aen illiad dim úthenin?"

"That depends partly on what is wrong with him. I am hardly a skilled healer, but I do know a bit about medicine. Also, if worst comes to worst, I can keep death from claiming him. There are few wounds indeed that affect one of my kind... but if I take that step, it can never be undone."

Valerith's senses were finely tuned to ascertain the health of a human - he could figure out how many people were in a nearby room just from the sound of beating hearts. Now, the vampire began carefully examining Caderyn's wounds, using sight, sound, and even smell to try to figure out the details of the injuries.

The bezerker's breathing and agony stopped as the heart attack ended. The disease had now wrapped around his heart and began to drill its way into his spine. It would only a matter of time before it would kill him.

Cadeyrn shot off his back sitting up. Confused and unaware how he got back onto the ship he seemed panicked and worried.

"What the hell am I doing here?" He growled before seeing Valerith. "Hey you're the guy from Rimoru's Palace..."

Karasu decided to take a look in on Sarik and see if he was still sleeping. When she got to his room, he was still sound asleep.

She looked at him lovingly. He must have used so much energy saving me. Such a good man.

Karasu decided to head on down to the kitchen and see what she could find that the little guy would not decide he did not want after the fact.

Lorathin was almost finished boiling his lobsters, making the buns, and garlic butter as well as setting the seaweed to dry when Karasu showed up. "Hello, what are you up to?"

"Hi Azrael," Karasu smiled extra sweetly when she saw the lobster. "Well, I was coming down to the kitchen to see what I could scrape up to eat." She was staring wide-eyed at Lorathin's meal.

"That sure looks good Azrael." Karasu said, not too subtly. "Uhh... you would not happen to have enough for two, would you?" She asked Azrael hopefully.

"Well I suppose I do." He replied with a roguish grin and a reluctant tone in his voice. He was teasing her somewhat unmercifully as she looked only a little bit away from tounge out drooling over the food he'd prepared.

"So I take it you like lobster?" He asked as he brought the two shellfish over as well as the plate of fresh buns and small pot of garlic butter. He set one down in front of Karasu and took a seat himself. "Dig in."

X's massive head poked into the kitchen with a sly grin on his face.

"I'm sorry but that heavenly scent lured me here. I don't eat, but do you mind if I sit by and enjoy the aroma." The lumbering man said rather sheepishly.

"Sure." Lorathin commented as he broke of one of the claws and began extracting the meat. "You can have some buns if you want Xenocrates."

"Thank you Azrael," Karasu said as she put a lobster on her plate, smiling.

Seeing X walk in the room, she said "I see you could not resist the smell either!" She chuckled.

"Thanks again for sharing Azrael." Karasu smiled at him.

"Just as long as you leave my weed alone, I don't mind sharing." He commented, pointing at the drying and pressed seaweed.

"No problem." Karasu smiled. "Azrael, this is delicious!" she told him after taking a few bites. "You are an excellent cook!

"Thank you again for sharing! What do you think X?" Karasu asked.

"Thank you." He replied with a slight bowing of his head before dipping the best part of the claw in the garlic butter.

ooc: Darn...let's see what I can respond to lol. If I miss something, please tell me in the OOC thread.

Rimoru let her smile fade as she seemed to space out.

"Well, Teralynn seemed to have escaped, along with your friends. The other's followed suit and are probably engaged in combat somewhere in the sea," she replied quietly, as she took a seat next to Maverion, her hands wrapped around her stomach. She still had a dazed look in her eyes as she absent-mindedly smiled at Maverion.

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

Kalzog had been attempting to draw up possible...detours to his future, but grew frustrated as he failed to do so. All night, his candles were melting to the point that all but one had died out. Sweat glistened on his upper body, not helping his mood at all.

He got up and with a low growl, wrapped his meaty hands under his bed and flipped it through the wall, landing with a loud thud in the hall.

As a cool breeze made it's way into the hot room, Kalzog bared his teeth as he made his way through the large hole, before stopping. A familiar voice spoke above. Xenocrates, or a man otherwise known as X had come...

Perhaps the council has come after me... he thought with a smile. He knew they had some dislike for the ogre, due to the death of several dragons at his hands. Or did Relthor somehow get the dragoon to come to help us?

Either way, he figured he'd best show himself to see what the strange man was up to.

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

Rothargot awaited, his eyes ablaze in curiousity as he watched Valerith examine Cadeyrn.

"Try to keep him together...and don't kill him," Rothargot added softly.

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

Ixair had climbed up the crows nest, listening to the elf's beautiful singing voice as he did so.

When he finally reached the top, he waited for her to finish her song, before clapping quietly.

"Ar'mai, you have a wonderful singing voice," he said, not noticing the large newcomer on the ship, as his attention remained on the radiant elf in front of him.

X nodded his head thankfully as his large hand wrapped around the warm bun. The baked treasure vanished into the dragoon's hood never to be seen again.

"Most excellent Azrael, how long have you been cooking?" He said politely.

Ixair had climbed up the crows nest, listening to the elf's beautiful singing voice as he did so.

When he finally reached the top, he waited for her to finish her song, before clapping quietly.

"Ar'mai, you have a wonderful singing voice," he said, not noticing the large newcomer on the ship, as his attention remained on the radiant elf in front of him.

The voice and appearance of the elf was quite startling to Ar'mai. She nearly stumbled over the edge in surprise, but managed to grip the low railing and steady herself. Breathing deeply for several seconds, she caught her breath and turned slowly with her hair blowing majestically in the wind to face the newcomer.

"Oh... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bother you," she commented, thinking that the man must be a crew member on the ship coming up to do his job in the crow's nest. "I will go now."

"No need, Ar'mai," Ixair replied, a look of concern on his face. He felt that she was different somehow...she wouldn't have lost stumbled had she remained her normal self.

He walked closer to her, studying her for any signs of harm. "How are you feeling, Ar'mai?"

Ar'mai felt uneasy as the other elf closed in. He was addressing her too personally - something seemed wrong.

"I... I'm sorry...." she replied as she moved around the basket. "D-do I... know you?"

"A goodly while." He replied as he watched Xenocrates snag one of the buns. "You can have a few more, there's another tray baking."

Ixair furrowed his brow as he stopped where he was, watching Ar'mai intently.

"It's me...Ixair," he said quietly. The elven prince began to fear for the princess. Could she have lost her memory? Is she just playing with me?

"We danced together...a few days ago," he said, hope in his eyes for Ar'mai to just be in a playful mood.

Ar'mai shook her head gently, staring at the man. "I... I'm sorry, but I do not know you."

For the life of her she could not remember this man who claimed to have danced with her only a few days earlier.

Ixair's face saddened as he realized this was no joke. "But...but..." he just let it go. He had to figure out what she remembered.

"Ar'mai, do you remember your rank? Do you remember what you're on?" he asked quietly, sitting on the railing.

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

Inzikai was growling as he listened to his bones cracking back together. Rothargot had broken several bones in his neck area, but that didn't matter. The wood underneath him provided enough life to reheal himself at the cost of turning the floor around him a blackish color and making it much weaker.

"Once I release Valtrox on this forsaken world, I will be rewarded...I will be his second...and then I shall pay Rothargot for his treachery," he growled to himself as he stared into the cold, dark waves. Several bubbles slowly rose up a short distance away.

Inzikai smiled cruelly as he realized that the hero's lives will end very soon...

"Demons, prepare yourself. Try to get us as far away as possible. You, alert Rothargot and the others," he barked as he turned, his long black cloak flourishing in the wind.

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

Kalzog was making his way to the kitchen when he spotted something moving in the ocean. Although he hated to do so, especially on such a poorly made rail, he leaned over the side, his personal alarms buzzing in his head.

Something long and skinny was curving its way towards the ship.

"Just a sea snake," he muttered, yet he had a feeling it wasn't just a "sea snake". And soon, he realized his feelings were right. As the snakelike object grew closer to Ixair's ship, it rose up slightly, revealing a much thicker, longer object.

Each second it seemed to grow larger as it continued to resurface.

Kalzog nearly jumped away from the railing, searching around for someone to alert. "Problem here!" he shouted across deck. Several sailors cocked eyebrows at him, but warily walked to the side of the ogre, who continued to walk backwards.

"I see nothing."

"Stupid ogre."

"That's just one of those big whales or dolphins."

"Go to some cave in which you belong, you filthy-"

Suddenly, the sailor stopped mid-sentence, and looked downwards, as a long thorn-like blade protruded from his chest. The sailor looked up in shock as blood poured from his wound and out his mouth. The other sailors looked back to the sea, noticing a massive tentacle slowly swaying back and forth as it inched it's way out.

"Sound the alarms!"

Suddenly, the boat jolted as something large rubbed against the bottom...

X heard Kalzog's calling and rushed to the deck where he watched the slithering tentacle slither its way towards the boat.

"That son of a bitch led us right through here." The large man growled standing next to Kalzog. "I got to distracted to realize where we were heading..."

Kalzog smirked at Xenocrates as he continued to walk backwards. "Imagine that...the great Xenocrates distracted," he chuckled as several more tentacles rose out of the water. Suddenly, a massive head rose out, rising higher than any of the tentacles. It's head was about the size of half the ship and had a width of atleast ten feet.

The beast opened it's mouth and let out a deep roar. It's teeth glistened as water poured down it's face. Suddenly, another roar could be heard as a second head rose from the ground.

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

Inzikai watched with glee as the beast's attention stayed on the other boat, while his continued it's path to home territory.

"Behold! The Blasphemer of the gods! Orogen!" Inzikai shouted gleefully, his arms spread apart as the demons behind him continued to work.

Suddenly, the ship jolted, nearly making Inzikai trip over the railing and into the water.

"This isn't good," he grumbled as he walked away slowly from the railing. A massive head rose out of the water, it's teeth glistening with water or saliva. No matter what it was, the beast had a look of hunger...

The thought that his group was able to get away came as a relief to Maverion, but that ended soon when he heard that their attackers were on the pursuit. He had to get back to them somehow and help them.

He then turned his attention back to Rimoru. She was acting a bit odd, as if she was not her usual self.

"Is something the matter?" he asked.

***

Teralynn continued watching Rothargot, Valerith, and Cadeyrn when the sudden jerk caused her to gasp and hit the wall next to her.

"What in the world?" she muttered before quickly making her way out the door and up to the deck.

Her eyes went wide as she saw the head of the creature coming up, her mouth a little agape. "Uh...Rothargot..." she called back down into the quarters below deck.

X drew a wide grin before unseathing his massive crystal sword, even the Dragoon Lord coupled with his giant blade was dwarfed by Kalzog's gragantuan size.

"Kalzog the Flayer, it has been quite some time since you resurfaced, I trust it's for something important." He said happy to have finally seen the warrior. "Between the two of us this beast shouldn't be too difficult."

The six remaining chambers formed circling over Xenocrates head, each inscribed with a different rune for a powerful spell. With a sudden tug, the cloak covering the mighty fighter flew into the sea winds revealing him in his full form. Covered head to toe in three inch thick crimson crystaline rune carved armor matching his enormous scarlet blade.

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

Cadeyrn shot out of bed as if nothing were wrong with him. The disease was sporadic in its attacks, one moment he would be on his dieing breath, the next in fighting condition.

"Come on, I can take care of myself. The ship can't however." He growled.

Rimoru smiled at Maverion as she tried to put her elbows on the table in a seductive position which would reveal her cleavage, however the small bulge of her stomach wouldn't let her do so.

Instead, she winced slightly as she leaned back on her chair.

"Nothing at all," she replied with the same wan smile. I hate pregnancy... she thought to herself.

"Well, Mavey...are you still hungry? There's always another course," she said before leaning to her side, closer to Maverion. "Or there's always dessert," she finished seductively.

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

"I don't know what can stand up to me alone, but two of us should make this a quick fight," Kalzog chuckled as he figured he was atleast not on the Dragon's wanted list.

Now, the big ogre wanted to fight. The beast had made it's challenge and Kalzog was willing to answer it. His mind was cleared other than the thoughts of battle. Fear of the water was no longer in his mind.

Yet as the seconds continued to go by, more tentacles sprung up, some reaching for the ship, others swaying by the multiple heads as if deciding what to kill first.

Not only were the tentacles springing up, but heads were also joining the ranks above them.

Kalzog roared back at the beast, before realizing he left his club in his cabin...

I have to make do with what I have at my disposal... he thought to himself as he let his eyes scan the deck.

Several tentacles were reaching towards Xenocrates and Kalzog, ready to strangle their prey...or devour them.

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

Rothargot looked towards Teralynn as she called for him, his mind coming to the conclusion that Inzikai's plans did not go as was planned...

The demi-god climbed up the steps, to the side of Teralynn as he watched tentacles and heads spring out from the water. He could hear a mast cracking as a tentacle was already wrapped around it.

Several demons were clawing at the beast, but the creature seemed to barely feel it. Not to mention it's hide was tough. Several demons got their claws stuck in the beast.

The frail elf Nienna came up after, barely strong enough to hold herself up. Her sword hung limply in her hand.

Rothargot looked at her, not knowing what to say. He could tell her to remain in the room, however that would mean she couldn't see where the beast would strike next...thereby lowering her chances of dodging and staying alive. However she seemed too weak to even walk, much less dodge. Not to mention that perhaps Inzikai would take advantage of the moment...

"Tera, stay with this elf and make sure she is not harmed. Do the same with yourself. You should not be harmed in this," he growled as a giant fiery axe formed in his right hand.

Xen's blade sliced through the air with blinding speed and beautiful form only leaving a faint red trail in its wake.

"I don't know about you Kalzog, but I want to enjoy this as much as possible." He chuckled before being lifted into the air with fiery wings batting away whatever came to reach for him.

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

Cadeyrn flew from under the deck and sliced into the tentacle wrapped around the mast. Even his diamon edged blade couldn't cut straight through it and left him hanging in the air.

"It's been a while since I had a decent fight." He barked before jamming his arm into the opening and blasting it.

Lorathin had come up to see what was up with the jarring of the ship. Seeing Xenocrates and Kalzog preparing to fight the beast, he decided to sit back and watch them.

Kalzog grinned wickedly at Xenacrates as he dashed to the side as a tentacle smashed down on the deck, sending shrapnel flying everywhere, spearing some unfortunate sailors who were running for the cannons.

Those sailors that already were at the cannons began to fire upon the sea monster, yet their bullets seemed to either bounce off or have no affect.

As Xenocrates floated upwards, the beast sent two tentacles towards him on opposite sides in effort to crush him.

All the while, Ixair watched in horror. "Blast! I didn't think the beast existed!" he said quietly, before turning to Ar'mai.

"Ar'mai, even if you don't remember me, please trust me. I want you to get back on deck and be ready to jump and dodge. Tell me you trust me," he said as he began to unravell several robes as well as put on leather gloves he had in a pouch along his belt.

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

Rothargot roared as he took off into the sky. He soared around the beast, before planting his axe into Orogen's tentacle. The axe sunk a good four feet before coming to a stop.

With a roar, the beast pulled off the mast as it brought it's tentacle back into the water. Meanwhile, several more tentacles sprung out, along with several heads.

Rothargot grew worred that it carried Cadeyrn away with it when Orogen brought back it's tentacle.

Despite X's massive size he did a graceful summersault in mid air splitting both tentacles in two before pushing them away with a bright shield of fire.

"My turn!" The warrior growled as one of the orbs above him vanished, so did he. A cloud above began to turn bright red.

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

The berzerker hung onto his blade as it stuck the tentacle to the post which was being hauled through the water at break neck speeds.

The water was ice cold, and it began to swiftly take his toll on him. Suddenly his blade broke free from the tentacle sending the warrior through the cold depths.

ooc: TGs Blastit... sorry...

Ixair's face saddened as he realized this was no joke. "But...but..." he just let it go. He had to figure out what she remembered.

"Ar'mai, do you remember your rank? Do you remember what you're on?" he asked quietly, sitting on the railing.

"I am on a boat of course," she replied, still somewhat nervously not knowing who this strange man was. "But what are you talking about... rank?"

[ooc: lol, even OOCly I don't know what you are talking about.]

[ooc: lol, even OOCly I don't know what you are talking about.]
I think he means Ar'mai being priestess and princess.

All the while, Ixair watched in horror. "Blast! I didn't think the beast existed!" he said quietly, before turning to Ar'mai.

"Ar'mai, even if you don't remember me, please trust me. I want you to get back on deck and be ready to jump and dodge. Tell me you trust me," he said as he began to unravell several robes as well as put on leather gloves he had in a pouch along his belt.

"I... I am too weak," Ar'mai responded as she clung to the railing and fell to her knees in the crow's nest. The energy it had taken just to get up to the top was incredible, and now the thought of going back down, especially with someone she had just met, was unbearable.

I think he means Ar'mai being priestess and princess.

ooc: Righteo!

Ixair looked worriedly at Ar'mai, unsure of what to do next.

Well, not really unsure, but unsure how she would react.

"Ar'mai, I will help you down. This is no safe place," he said as he put his stepped up to her and brought her back to her feet, before putting his arm around her slender waist. And picking her up gently.

Although Ixair was definately not a strong man, Ar'mai was a light elf. Especially since she has not eaten in days.

With his free hand wrapped on the rope, he stepped up to the railing, made sure Ar'mai was securely in his arm, before leaping off and letting his hand loosen on the rope just enough to glide down the rope.

This action brought a small smile on Ixair's face as his feet touched the floor. He looked at Ar'mai and his smile widened. "That wasn't so bad, now was it?" he chuckled.

Meanwhile, the massive Orogen brought it's disected tentacles back underwater as it brought out four instead, each slamming into the ship and tearing off loose items.

Kalzog growled as he had no idea how to work the cannon. Instead, he used it how he knew best...

Planting a hand around each side of a nearby cannon, he pulled hard, finally pulling the hunk of metal from the ground, revealing intricate pipework. Steam billowed out of one of the jutting pipes, not quite dangerous enough to harm the enhanced skin of the ogre, but still uncomfortable no less. With a quick spin of his body, Kalzog unleashed the cannon into one of the many heads of the beast, knocking it back into the water.

The beast roared as the head slowly brought itself back. Yet this time all eyes turned to the lonely ogre...

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

Rothargot shouted for Cadeyrn but could hear no reply. Sure enough, as he began to fight his way towards the heads of Orogen, he noticed Cadeyrn fall into the waves, slowly sinking lower.

The demon dove for the water, smashing right through the surface with a loud splash, many tentacles darting after him.

Where is he? Rothargot thought to himself as he dodged tentacles.

Ah, there it was. Rimoru was being herself again.

And now that Maverion was more cognizant, he decided to alter the course of where Rimoru seemed to be steering things. "I think I'm good for now, thank you," he said as he wiped his mouth with a napkin. "But you appear to be in some sort of pain?"

***

Teralynn frowned slightly from the orders. She did not want to just sit back and do nothing aside from protecting the elf. But on the other hand, she was not sure what, if anything, she could do to that beast that was tossing the boat around like a toy.

She glanced quickly over at the elf, who did not look like she was in much of any position to fight either, before looking back at the monstrosity, scanning for any incoming tentacles. "So, who are you?" she asked the elf while continuing to keep watch of the unfolding events.

snip

"No... no it wasn't," Ar'mai admitted. "...Thank you," she said faintly as she looked at the deck of the ship.

Being an elf, and not a human, her muscles were returning to her faster than what one would consider normal. Though still not secure on her feet or able to accomplish the kind of maneuvers she used to, Ar'mai began walking to the front of the boat under her own power.

"No, no pain at all," Rimoru lied. As she looked somewhat dissapointed from the sudden change in the conversation. "I'm fine."

"Mavey, do you remember your wife?" the Empress asked as she looked into Maverion's eyes.

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

"I am...Nienna..." she replied cautiously, keeping her eyes on Teralynn, only glancing around to make sure no tentacles krept closer.

And indeed, one was making it's way to the two woman as they spoke. Suddenly, as if it had a mind of it's own, it rose up, large thorns, about the width of a grown human's head sliding out of small wrinkles in it's skin.

Each thorn was spread evenly apart, about a three foot gap in between.

"No... no it wasn't," Ar'mai admitted. "...Thank you," she said faintly as she looked at the deck of the ship.

Being an elf, and not a human, her muscles were returning to her faster than what one would consider normal. Though still not secure on her feet or able to accomplish the kind of maneuvers she used to, Ar'mai began walking to the front of the boat under her own power.

Ixair laughed at Ar'mai, before returning to reality. "Ar'mai! Be careful! Don't fall off the edge!" he shouted after her like an over cautious parent.

As he caught up to her, he had a good glimpse of what was going on... His hijacked ship was being torn apart...just his luck.

Now that he had been around Rimoru more, things were not quite as awkward for Maverion as before, and he looked into her eyes. Not only that, but he also listened to inflections in her tone and other body reactions. As a secret police officer, he had to be able to pick up on people lying with his mundane senses, in case his other abilities were somehow hampered. But what with Rimoru being a virtual goddess and all, these things might not have even applied to her.

When asked the question, his eyes looked up toward the ceiling, a habit he had when thinking about something, and a slight but warm smile appeared on his lips and his eyes became mirthful. "Yes," he replied. "Fala was her name." His smile faded away as concern began to grow in him. "I wonder how she's doing..."

***

Normally, Teralynn would have just jumped out of the way and let anyone else in the path of the tentacle fend for themselves. But, as she was told to take care of this elf, she instead pushed Nienna with as much force as she could muster before getting out of the way of the incoming tentacle herself.

The giant limb slammed into the deck of the ship between the two women, cracking some of it and warping those that escaped shattering.

Tera reached for a fan, pulling it out and opening it up in one, fluid motion, and tried to slice the tentacle, but to no avail.

Rimoru nodded, as a bored expression slowly crept onto her face. She disliked talk of other women, but she started the conversation so she would be able to get closer to Maverion.

"Is she a loyal servant of Valtrox, like you?" Rimoru asked as she crossed her smooth legs on her large chair, sitting awkwardly at the table. She may be able to contact her somehow...but was unsure about it. "Was she green like you?"

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

As Nienna fell against the wall hard, she let out a small gasp as she slumped to the floor.

The tentacle meanwhile, turned around, ready to fall upon both women, when it blackened, pieces of flesh falling to the crushed deck. A pained growl was heard as the tentacle returned underwater.

As the tentacle lifted, Inzikai smiled as he saw Teralynn and Nienna on the other side. "Magic seems to be the creatures weakness..." he said as his eyes fell to Nienna, who returned his look with a cold stare.

Ixair laughed at Ar'mai, before returning to reality. "Ar'mai! Be careful! Don't fall off the edge!" he shouted after her like an over cautious parent.

As he caught up to her, he had a good glimpse of what was going on... His hijacked ship was being torn apart...just his luck.

"Yeah... that was my plan," Ar'mai replied sarcastically as she continued to the bow of the boat, "Err... what did you say your name was again?"

"Yes," Maverion said with a nod to the first question. He liked to think about his wife, especially since that helped to stone himself against Rimoru's advances.

Then with a light chuckle, he shook his head and said, "No, she's human. I've heard of no others of my kind."

***

Teralynn scooted away from the blackened flesh, figuring it was not a good idea to touch those disgusting chunks. She watched as the large limb retracted back into the waters, and looked over at Inzikai, then Nienna. The elf seemed fine, so Tera looked around for other tentacles and Rothargot and Cadeyrn.

As no tentacles were coming after her - at least, not yet - she quickly sent her mind out for the two missing people. An eyebrow arched as she sensed the mind of another elf below decks, but chose to ignore that upon realizing that Rothargot and Cadeyrn were still under water.

She had noticed Cadeyrn being dragged by the tentacle overboard earlier, and Rothargot following after him, but she was too busy with other matters to do anything about it. Now that she could focus on it, she wondered why Rothargot had not grabbed Cadeyrn and returned to the surface yet. Was he unable to find the man?

In case that was the problem, Tera sent into Rothargot's mind the direction of Cadeyrn according to her mind probe.

"Ixair," he replied as he watched her. "What is your plan anyways?"

Another tentacle slammed into the side of the ship, threatening to flip it over. Ixair instinctively took hold of a door handle, realizing that he could be in trouble should it open. With his other hand, he wrapped his arm around Ar'mai's waist again.

Orogen seemed to not want to flip the boat quite so early, as the vessel soon bobbed back where it was supposed to.

Ixair blushed as he let go of Ar'mai's waist, giving her a sheepish smile and a quiet "I'm sorry."

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

Rothargot thanked Teralynn as he soon found the sinking man. With a mad dash, he took hold of him and sped out of the water, tentacles following him every way.

He had to dodge several as he dropped Cadeyrn back on the ship, as they attempted to trap the flying demi-god.

Inzikai, meanwhile crept passed Teralynn and smiled at the elven girl.

"My my my...you've been patched up quite nicely...I suppose I should add more permanent wounds...and now there's no one here to save you," he said as he pulled out his falchion.

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

"No other's of your kind? That's...unfortunate," Rimoru said quietly as she began to study his features, her eyes slowly moving so she could take in every inch of his features.

"You know, I talked to Valtrox before," she chuckled as she finished her studying.

Cadeyrn plopped on the deck pale and unconcious. The cold waters drained what little strength he had, but still his fingers were wrapped tightly around his sword.

Momoki smashed a wooden leg into the back of Inzikai's head trying to keep the freak away from her sister.

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

Xenocrates reapeared on the deck as the cloud above returned to normal.

"No sense in wasting a chamber on a squid." The dragoon grinned staring down the beast. The large warrior leapt a great distance into the fray of tentacles with his blade lashing around violently.

"Ixair," he replied as he watched her. "What is your plan anyways?"

Another tentacle slammed into the side of the ship, threatening to flip it over. Ixair instinctively took hold of a door handle, realizing that he could be in trouble should it open. With his other hand, he wrapped his arm around Ar'mai's waist again.

Orogen seemed to not want to flip the boat quite so early, as the vessel soon bobbed back where it was supposed to.

Ixair blushed as he let go of Ar'mai's waist, giving her a sheepish smile and a quiet "I'm sorry."

"Think nothing of it," she replied as she continued her movement to the front of the boat. "My plans? You mean right now? I thought I would sit down and hope for the best," she commented as she found a seat in the bow of the boat. Her seat was a rope that was coiled up, but it was better than nothing at the moment.

As she settled in, she began watching the battle eagerly hoping for victory…

Ixair made a strange lopsided smile, before giving a nervous chuckle and returning his attention to Orogen.

Xenocrates' dive into the tangle of tentacles did not go unnoticed. The beast that the gods banished seemed quite experienced in multitasking, as it not only seemed to be attack two ships at once and going for specific targets, but it seemed to also had plenty more arms and heads to spare...

As Xenocrates dove into the tentacles, there merely batted him away, as if he were a fly.

Several of the heads had noticed Kalzog's constant bombardment of projectiles, and began swaying closer to the ogre.

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

Inzikai snarled as he turned around to face the hinderance.

"You little pest...I will dissolve the flesh from your bones," he growled as he began to walked towards the elf, not noticing the approaching tentacles behind him...

Maverion's attention snapped to Rimoru. "What? You have?" he asked, astonished and intrigued.

***

Teralynn watched as demi-god and man returned to the ship before looking back in the other direction at the incident between Inzikai and the two elves. She let out a sigh, not really wanting to intervene like a mother between children. But since Rothargot only told her to look after Nienna, and Inzikai seemed to be ignoring Nienna for the other elf, Teralynn figured all was fine. After all, she was not charged with the safety of the other elf as well.

But when several tentacles made their way toward the trio's direction, Tera shouted, "Watch out, behind you!"

She then looked around for one of the creature's heads and tried to scan its mind to see if her special talents would work on the monstrosity.

Rimoru smiled as she realized she had gotten Maverion's attention and successfully changed the subject.

"Impatient, brash, and unpredictable. Those are the thoughts I incorporate with him," she giggled. "He tried to bring me into his cult several months ago. I declined and excused myself from his realm of dreams. He was quite frustrated...so he played some...embarrassing moves."

She blushed gently as memories resurfaced in her mind. "He tried to play my kind of game with me...He reformed into an elf...and, I have to say, he was...hot," she giggled again. "Pun intended, but I knew he only wanted my power to be on his side. I left soon after..."

"I don't think Valtrox would enjoy you talking about this to everyone, but as long as your god doesn't know, it wouldn't hurt," she smiled.

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

What Teralynn would find out is pure hatred and anger inside this beast. Any sign of any god would only drive it's hatred farther.

Words from thousands of languages, many unknown or unheard to mortal ears rang through Teralynn's mind...until it all merged into one collective voice in one she understood.

"Listen Mortal, and listen well. I will tear your toys apart and drown your bodies, watching your corpses enter my domain. And when you arrive to your afterlife, tell your god...tell them that they are next!"

Inzikai spun around just in time to curse, before the tentacle smashed the Lord of Zlatlan a deck below, blackish blood lining the wood.

"Are you having fun?" Lorathin called out to Xenocrates and Kalzog as he continued to watched them battle the beast.

Xenocrates began humbling a short prayer before a chamber above his head vanished. The warrior drew a grin before a black vortex swirled in front of him; suddenly seven massive spears fired out towards the beast engulfed in bright flames. As the vortex vanished chains from the spears wrapped around the dragoon lord while they blazed towards their target.

"I'm going to drag you from the depths and rip you apart from the heavens!" X growled still smiling.

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

As Inzikai was slammed below deck Cadeyrn jumped up and plunged his two handed sword into the tentacle.

"Master!" He shouted desperately digging his weapon into the monster.

"Momoki, take her below deck to safety now!" The berzerker added quietly still holding on with all his strength. The elf nodded and grabbed for her sister.

"'Tis alright," Kalzog replied with a grin as he noticed the heads coming closer. "I've had better."

Sarik had gotten above deck, but hearing talk of the inability cut directly through the beast, he felt that his own sword wouldn't 'cut' it.

If only I had the Sszzvaru he thought with a sigh. Instead, he set around to healing things around him.

Orogen had slammed several tentacles into the water, creating an unstoppable barrier as massive waves rose towards Xenocrates and his spears.

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

As Nienna was brought below deck she constantly kept her senses alive. No creature could survive such a deadly blow. But she knew Inzikai was no ordinary creature...

"Sister, be ready for anything..."

"Alright, as long as you're having fun." He called back as he continued to watch the combat.

As the spears met the tidal wave a single word by Xenocrates made the spears explode annihilating the wall of water. In the wake of the falling rain X threw himself at the beast for another attack.

"Blasphmeous creature, may your resting place be oblivion where you belong!"

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

Momoki only nodded at Nienna escorting her quickly to safety.

"What is this thing?"

Harlin and Shara heard the noises and made their way to the deck, it didn't take them long to realise conventional weapons didn't seem to have an effect.

"Shara, get Minos, he might be able to do something." Harlin ordered as he leapt toward the side of the ship, he focused and created a ball of fire, which he flung at the nearest unengaged head of the creature.

Shara nodded and ran off to find Minos.

OOC: Apologies for my absence. I've been somewhat busy building a bridge recently, and one of my other nations is being invaded by a large portion of an alliance. It's daytime right now, correct?

IC:
Boliad was helping the others as best he could, but his blades had little effect on the giant monster. Fortunately, Verton quickly arrived to lend a hand with his spells. Concentrating on the many heads that were attacking the ship, he quickly chanted a few short words.
"Dremil dân verzig, d'zlik berön - tel Vitri dân Grenud ber gônal!"

If the spell worked as it should, the light around each target would be concentrated into blinding beams shining directly into the monster's eyes, leaving the rest of the heads in shadow.

Meanwhile, T'zark loaded a shimmersteel dart into his tiny crossbow and loosed it at the nearest tentacle. The powerful bolt might give a painful jab even to this mighty creature.

As one of the massive tentacles slammed against the deck, Koryl emerged from the shadows and darted towards it. The cat-eared wanderer had his black hilted sword drawn, finally showing the blade. It was mottled gray - nicked, scratched, and very battered. It looked like it had been used to chop granite blocks for several hundred years; it looked as fine as it had the day it was made. Less than imposing though the little sword might appear, Stoneclaw was a powerful magical artifact, and far sharper than it looked. Reaching the tentacle, Koryl chopped dowwn at it with all his strength.

Ar'mai wasn't terribly comfortable sitting on the pillow of rope, but it would have to do for the time being as there weren't any actual pillows to be found on which she could sit and watch the horrible events continue. Of course, she had realized she wouldn't be any help to the warriors battling a massive sea creature and so she had resigned herself to watching and simply hoping for the best.

*Unknowingly [to herself], she was occasionally casting spells to help the warriors who were apparently on her side.

T'zark's shimmersteel dart gave a surprising jolt to the beast, but did not help the situation at all. Instead, it seemed to have doomed the already damaged ship. It wrapped several more tentacles around the ship and began to squeeze, strong wood breaking to pieces in a matter of seconds.

As Koryl sliced at the tentacle, he did make damage, however not truly cutting through the whole limb. Instead, the beast slapped him aside before returning the tentacle to the water.

To Xenocrates, the mammoth Orogen curled two long tentacles around his ankles and began to smash him into whatever was around.

As for the light in it's eyes, it only closed them and swayed in the breeze as it let the others deal with the darkness.

And yet, it noticed a large form of a demi-god, weaving through it's intricate tapestry of tentacles, effectively bring it's attention to Ixair's new ship. It slammed limbs down upon the deck and water, before it finally reared back it's heads and struck...

Missing Rothargot by a few inches...

Yet the blow continued on...straight to Kalzog.

"Blast!" he shouted as he put his hands on the beast's massive teeth, barely slowing it's attack as he was slammed down into the engine room, the hot steam billowing into the monster's and the ogre's faces.

Mebbiwik was shouting insults and curses as his spiders made their way onto the beast and stabbed and probed at it, while the gnome looked to be packing several tools and items.

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

Nienna could only shake her head. She knew the Higher-ups knew, however they probably never expected them to truly venture into whatever it is' domain.

"I don't know...It's certainly very powerful-" she started, when she heard movement behind her.

There stood Inzikai, an aura of darkness surrounding him as his lopsided head slowly straightened with a series of cracks. Bones that were broken and poking through his tough hide began to return to their positions and reform. The wood underneath him and around him was turning a dark color, and some even turned to ash.

"Now that hurt," Inzikai grinned as his eyes flashed red.

Lorathin stood as the creature continued to smash the ship. Casting a spell and pointing to his throat and ears, he called out to the beast. If the being had a spoken language it would understand and he would understand the creature.

"Hey, why are you attacking us and trying to wreck this ship?"

Xenocrates grunted as he collided violently with anything the beast could slam him into. A single swipe of his blade freed him as he skidded across the waves before coming to a stop.

"Is this the beast who threatens to drag the very gods down from the clouds?" He asked himself while standing atop the waves watching the monster carefully.

Suddenly a strike had sent Cadeyrn flying directly at X who calmly snatched the human from the air and held him up.

"Make no mistake, after this battle I will kill you without hesitation, but for now we need each other to defeat this monster. Understand Berzerker?" Xenocrates grolwed as Cadeyrn only nodded subordinately.

"Good, let us go find Kalzog then." The Dragoon Lord said smiling before hurling the human towards the doomed vessel. Following suit he flew close behind, waiting for the monster to grab the human out the air.

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

Momoki glared at Inzikai wanting to run away.

"Mon-monster!" She stuttered moving between him and her sister

Maverion blushed slightly, not at all expecting to hear of such things, and silently asked for forgiveness from his god.

"Uh...um...I would never mention it to anyone," he promised, not quite sure of what else to say.

***

Teralynn took a step backwards and gasped ever so slightly from the initial mental bombardment from the creature. While her ring allowed her to understand at least some of the strange languages, the speed and ferocity in which they were coming at her, all jumbled together, was still overwhelming and incomprehensible until they coalesced into a single, cohesive phrase.

What manner of monstrosity was this? It would challenge even the gods?

"We have to go..." Tera said, at first quietly. Then, in a louder voice, "We have to go!"

She looked around and saw that no one was left on the deck. Where did everyone go?

"Rothargot! Inzikai!" she shouted. She was not sure of how to get away, but maybe the other two had some means of escape once she could switch their mode of thinking from combat to flight. If nothing else, perhaps Rothargot could fly them away fast enough if it were just her and Inzikai riding him. The other three were expendable, she was certain.

"So...have you met your 'all-powerful' god yourself?" Rimoru asked as she positioned herself in such a way that her smooth legs were hanging off the left armrest, her head resting on her right shoulder as her golden hair gently rolled off the chair.

She looked up at Maverion with a sly grin as a wine glass appeared in her open hand. "Want some?"

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

The beast only turned one head towards Lorathin, before flinging debris at the mage.

Meanwhile, several tentacles were ripping their way towards Kalzog, who remained fighting the monster's head, pushing with all his might on the beast's glistening teeth, keeping at the right angle at all times, to prevent any wrong move...which could cost him his life.

The steam kept both figures wet with sweat as the temperatures only rose.

Mebbiwik's spiders were trying to puncture the beasts skin, but had little affect. Some were scuttling towards the beast's eyes, yet even Orogen's eyelids seemed to be well armored.

Kalzog grunted as he felt the metal and wood beneath him begin to buckle...

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

As Cadeyrn fell towards the ship, Rothargot swooped down and cought him.

"Cadeyrn, you seem to be losing against your father," he rumbled as he flew around, avoiding the crisscrossing tentacles. "But I remain, honoring my word. I shall not interfere unless he interferes in Valtrox's matters."

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

Inzikai could hear Teralynn's alarmed voice above deck.

His eyes narrowed as his hand motioned towards his falchion, only to remember it was lost under the debris he had come from.

"Truce? It seems we cannot get anywhere...and destruction of this ship is not....acceptable..." Inzikai growled as the last of his wounds stitched together.

"Come demon, tell me you have not allied yourself with this monster? I suppose your kind wouldn't know any better." Xenocrates growled as Rothargot plucked his human shield from the air.

So another one who knows, but no one will hear the word of a demon, so it it is still between the him and the child.

The Dragoon could barely reach the ship with the wave of tentacles swatting him away. The hulking warrior performed amazing acrobatics before landing like a rock at the back of the boat. A mass of the creature seemed to be driving its way below deck.

Must be Kalzog...

Before any of the tentacles could attack him, the fighter dispersed into flames that traced below deck. He reformed next to the ogre running his blade along under the monster's head.

-----

There was little Cadeyrn could do between the monster, his father, and Rothargot throwing him around.

"Thanks, perhaps we should group with their efforts to kill this thing?" He asked ignoring the ripping pain in his chest.

Shara found Minos just finishing focusing his powers, the two an onto the deck and joined up with Harlin who was throwing fireballs at the monster and seeming to have no effect.

Minos stepped ahead of the other two and began making circular motions with his hand, the water began to move in a circle, gradually picking up speed and beggining to develop into whirlpool, affecting the monster mainly, but both ships would be in the edge of the whirlpool.

"Naughty, naughty." Lorathin commented as he avoided the debris, "So mind explaining why you're doing this or an I going to have to straighten you out?"

Rothargot smiled at Cadeyrn. "No, Cadeyrn. I have other plans with 'this thing'. Try to get the ship out of here," Rothargot replied as he flew back to the ship.

"'This thing' will finish them off once and for all," the demon growled before he took off to the air, attracting several of the heads that remained attacking their ship.

As they followed him, he brought them to the other ship, before he turned directly upwards and dodged a strike from one of the heads, before hacking down, with all his might, chopping the head off, leaving a bloody neck which collapsed on the enemy ship.

The beast only grew angrier. Immediately it called off it's assault on Rothargot's ship and continued it's onslaught with more firepower on Ixair's ship.

Tentacles reached around everything it could grab, tearing it apart before a whirlpool started around it. The monster roared as it began to get sucked downwards, before tearing the ship in half.

Rothargot smiled as he flew back to his ship and set his hands on the underside, pushing with all his might to bring the ship out of the deadly obstacle.

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

"You do know I was going to finish him off myself," Kalzog commented as he wiped sweat from his brow. Suddenly, tentacles tore apart the walls around him, before finally tearing the ship apart, revealing a whirlpool.

"I think I'm going to be sick..." he gasped as he walked back from the rising water.

Mebbiwik was cursing and yelling as he jumped into an empty barrel, along with several of his spiders, while Bjorn and John followed suit in their own barrels...Unfortunately, Bjorn's once held fish, so he had to plug his nose.

"Get upstairs and get into a life boat!" Mebbiwik shouted at Xenocrates and Kalzog.

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

Immediately as the two halves began to drift apart, every remaining sailor ran for life boats.

"Ar'mai! Where are you?" Ixair shouted through the crowd, searching for the elven princess.

Sarik appeared next to Ixair, his eyes slightly different in color than usual.

"Is something wrong, Sarik?" Ixair asked quietly as paladin's eyes returned to normal.

"Nothing...nothing at all," he replied a little discomforted.

"Gather your party, Sarik. We have to get to a life boat!"

Sarik nodded as he ran around, looking for the others. He noticed Lorathin waiting for an answer from the beast and laughed quietly.

"I don't think he's going to answer you, Azrael," Sarik chuckled. "Come on, we have to round up the others to get in the life boats."

Now, he noticed Minos, Harlin, and Shara waiting there, Minos seeming to be casting a spell. He ran over there, careful not to interrupt the spellcaster. "We gotta go. the ship's falling apart!"

Lorathin frowned at the creature, but seeing at the condition of the ship, he headed to the lifeboat like Sarik said. "Alright, lets go, but what makes you think he won't try and sink the lifeboats?"

"Also I think we should make sure Kalzog gets aboard a lifeboat as I think he might be a bit hydrophobic."

Seeing the boat crack in half under the endless onslaught of the monster from the deep, Ar'mai jumped nimbly to her feet - apparently having regained some of her strength - and crossed the deck, through rising water, to a ladder.

She pulled herself up slowly, making sure not to fall like earlier as it could be lethal this time, and in no time reached the upper deck. The lifeboats were being loaded as the present ship was going down fast, so she made her way over and entered one.

Seeing the state the ship was in Minos stopped moving the water, but it should continue under its own momentum for a while, he calmed the water directly around the ship so the life boats wouldn't be sucked away instantly and sagged forward, obviously tired by the effort, Harlin grabbed him and with Shara's help they made for the life boats.

Xenocrates growled as the ship tore between him aqnd Kalzog.

"This monster is lucky I'm saving my power for the intended targets, otherwise this beast would welcome oblivion as its resting place." He snarled before leaping back onto the deck.

Slipping into a life boat he sat patiently for any more crew who might join him.

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

Cadeyrn ran to the steering wheel and fell over as Rothargot's power jolted the ship. The gray skin now covered his entire left arm and half his chest as it slowly worked its way upward. He could feel his skin burn while the disease conquered his body.

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

Marlene sat in her prison crying softly to herself, she could see the events unfolding everytime she closed her eyes. Her hero was being torn between his illness, loyalty to Valtrox, and now his father coming to execute him.

"Why did you have to sign onto Rimoru's contract? Why couldn't you just come home Cadey?" She said before bursting into tears.

Sarik laughed and pointed at the water, where the whirlpool still churned the beast around slowly. "I think Mino's has it distracted."

The lizard paladin noticed Ar'mai walk into a life boat, as well as Harlin and his gang heading towards them, so he walked towards the closest one, with Ar'mai, Ixair following him along the way.

"I think Kalzog will be able to get into a lifeboat...theres plenty over there," Sarik smiled.

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

Kalzog was making his way to the stairs, when he felt his half of the ship rock. Then another, and another. Finally, he found out what it was when two tentacles, one on either side, smashed through the hull, knocking down the huge tanks of boiling water, and wrapping around the ogre.

With a snarl, he tried to get himself out, yet the tenticles only smashed through the bottom, taking the ogre to an icy grave...

So...this is the way it ends... Kalzog thought as he watched the sun grow darker beneath the waves. The whirlpool was churning both Orogen and the trapped ogre with it, sucking them lower into the ocean each second.

Yet it also fueled the ogre's Chaotic nature, and a spell came to mind that will atleast seriously wound, if not kill this beast...

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

Those that watched the whirlpool and the creature would see something glow a bright red...before it just disappeared, resulting in a blood-curdling scream eminating from the thousands of heads of the monster...

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

In Marlene's cell, a voice could be heard only to the girl.

"Do you believe in Valtrox, young girl?" came the warm voice.

"You were saying something about Kalzog being able to reach a lifeboat?" He commented as he pointed to the red glow. "Because unless I miss my guess, that there is Kalzog's work."

Xenocrates grinned as he saw the scarlet whirlpool matched with the monster's screams.

"So this is Kalzog's power, quite impressive, a shame I can't witness more of it." He said to himself as the few crewmen around him huddled around the dragoon in fear.

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

"I believe he has great power, yes." She said softly whiping her tears away.

"That's not good..." Sarik muttered under his breath as the red glow died out. "Ixair, do you think we can scout around the whirlpool when it's gone to check for any survivors, namely, Kalzog?"

"Aye, we can," Ixair replied grimly as he watched it. He knew that Sarik also knew that Kalzog was no longer with them...

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

Suddenly, a tall human with bright red hair walked out of the shadows in Marlene's room.

"Valtrox does help those who need it," he smiled as he knelt next to the weeping girl, wiping a tear that she missed off her cheek.

"And I know he'd be willing to help you, young Marlene."

Lorathin stood and stripped off his shirt. "He didn't exactly seem like someone who could swim." He replied as he dove into the water, thankful that the spell that he'd used to get the lobsters was still in progress.

With powerful strokes he headed downward to look for the presumably sinking Kalzog.

Marlene's face suddenly became serious as he wiped away her last tear.

"Bring me to Cadeyrn..." She whimpered not wishing to owe anything to Valtrox, but anything would be better than never seeing him again.

"Azrael wait! The whirlpool-" started Sarik, but Lorathin had already jumped into the water and was making good speed...whether natural, or with help from the churning waters.

Yet the mage would not find the ogre...the spell had been done, the ogre exterminated...

All Lorathin would find are chunks of destroyed flesh from Orogen.

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

The red haired man frowned sadly. "I'm afraid it isn't so easy, child. The only way that could happen...well there's two ways. One, Valtrox escapes to the mortal world. He would bring you directly to Cadeyrn."

"Or..." The human knelt until he was eye level with Marlene. His red eyes locked onto hers. "You must devote your very being to Valtrox. You will lose your physical body...yet you will be reborn. A body you see fit, you may rebuild this one, or a whole new one. The only thing Valtrox asks for would be your loyalty."

He smiled warmly again, ruffling her hair gently. "Plus, there may be an addition of horns. Yet the Mighty One is debating whether to make tattoos for certain followers instead."

He surfaced next to the boat about twenty minutes with a curse. "Damn that ogre, sea beast, Inzikai, Valtrox and about half the rest of the people I've met since them." He growled as he pulled himself into the boat.

Marlene's mind calculated the problem at hand and only resulted with the same repeating answer. She didn't want to become a demon, but she wanted tto save Cadeyrn at the same time.

I was once angry at him for switching sides, but now I see what he must have felt. They got us trapped Cadey, and I don't think we'll be coming out alive from this one.

A signle tear rolled down her cheek as she recalled the berzerker shedding endless amounts of blood to save her. Going beyond all humanly expectations just to keep her safe.

He sacrificed so much for me...

"I'll do whatever it takes..." She said softly trying to draw a small smile.

The jiltakin had heard noises from inside Marlene, she was speaking softly, they couldn't make out the words, but it was suspicious, nodding to eachother, one approached her door and the other slipped into the shadowfold with the third member of their group.

The first knocked on the door and opened it slowly, and after a second put his head round and saying "Is everything ok?"

In the time between opening the door and speaking, one of the other jiltakin had entered to see if anyone had somehow breached the room, it looked empty though.

Do they not see this servant? Unless he is a part of my imagination, yes, in my desperation I have mentally conjured an escape to see Cadey. The man in red hair will be gone after rationality has struck me again. This isolation is driving me insane...

"Other than the fact you're holding me against my will, yes everything is ok." She rebutted viciously.

My mind is only playing tricks on me, what with nothing to put my focus on. No equations, problems, or even simple mechanics to keep it busy.

"I guess that's no luck," Sarik sighed as he looked at the dieing whirlpool.

"What a shame...the ol' brute wanted to die a warrior's death...I suppose that was fitting," Ixair added sadly, as their lifeboat began to inch closer to the whirlpool.

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

"My apologies, child," the red haired man said as he walked behind the Jiltaken, making silly faces at him, as he did a complete circle around them and walked behind Marlene.

"This is no dream, Marlene. This can be your reality...and I will make it so," he whispered in her ear, before backing away.

"You must pray to Valtrox for a whole night. Then, when the sun dawns...look to the sky."

"A word of caution. Your body will grow limp...your physical body will die...until you return to Zlatlan, where they head to next. Just for assurance...are you sure you wish to do this?"

"I haven't," Maverion said before his eyes began admiring the decorations on the walls again. It would not be proper to check out another woman, after all. Especially having just thought about his own wife moments ago.

With a shake of his head, he said, "No, thank you. I don't think wine would settle very well with my stomach right now."

He paused briefly in contemplation. "Sorry, but...I'm a little concerned about my friends, especially if they're being chased by people who intend to do them harm. I ought to go and do what I can to help my friends out."

***

Before she knew it, the sea monster had left the ship alone to chase after Rothargot and the other ship, and then the demi-god started doing what he could to get the vessel away from the whirlpool.

There was not much Teralynn could do at the moment, so she did not do much. But when Inzikai and the two women were still not to be found, Tera decided to go below deck to see what was going on. Valtrox had told her to make sure Inzikai could finish whatever task he was supposed to do to free the god, but she was not really worried about him. He would have been able to take care of himself against the other two. But she was supposed to make sure that one of the women was safe.

Rimoru frowned as she sipped some of her wine. Her bright blue eyes grew a shade darker before she gulped down her wine in one swig.

Maverion was resisting her charm quite well...dedicated to the core. And Rimoru envied him for it...

Yet she was determined to break him...even it meant taking it to more drastic measures...

"I don't know where your friends would be," Rimoru said as innocently as she could. She actually knew she could easily find out where they were, as Mebbiwik should have the communication crystal. "I don't see nor do I know how you'd meet up with them."

She slowly crawled out of her chair and gently put her hands on Maverion's chest. "Mavey, you've had quite a time yourself. Being ressurected and all...You must be stressed out." The Empress brought her hands to Maverion's cheeks and smiled warmly. "I know the best way to relieve stress."

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

Nienna watched Inzikai, her arms poised to strike at the deadly monster. He should have been dead...no one creature could survive such a blow, except a full grown dragon.

Yet here he stood, grinning as he licked blood off his lips.

They had offered truce earlier, yet he seemed intent on breaking it...especially now since whatever is left of the ship seemed to be moving.

"What an interesting boat ride, wouldn't you agree?" Inzikai asked casually as he moved around the rubble, revealing an elegant falchion. He smiled as he glanced at the elves, his hand reaching for the blade.

Nienna realized she had made a mistake to accept truce. It only gave him time to recover his energy and find his sword. Demi-god...where are you? she thought worriedly as she backed into the wall.

"Sister, I've got a bad feeling about this."

I wouldn't be alive if it weren't for him, I owe him my life. How would I reach Zlatlan with this place being so heavily guarded?

Marlene stared at her deeply tanne hands for a moment before reaching up and brushing her black hair. She might never have them again...

I'll do whatever it takes to see Cadey again.

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

Xenocrates stared with dissapointment at the whirlpool.

"So Kalzog, is that all? A pity, I was hoping to battle you myself one day. Crew, let us get this vessel group with the others." He announced sadly.

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

Cadeyrn slipped below deck like a shadow behind the two elves. Only his eyes and smile were illuminated by the few beams of light that scarced through the hole in the deck.

"Master, what are your new orders now that the enemy is incapacitated?" He asked sliding forward between the two woman and Inzikai.

"Leave that to Valtrox, Marlene. You needen't move from your very spot," the man said with a warm smile.

The man with the fiery red hair stepped in the shadows, his smile turning malevelant. "Do not worry, Marlene. You will be reunited with Cadeyrn, guaranteed."

With that, the only thing visible in the shadows was two glowing red eyes, before they too disappeared.

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

The crew members nodded to Xenocrates before they rowed to the others.

"Hello there," Ixair said with a wan smile. "Did we lose anyone else?"

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

"Continue on to Zlatlan! We should be there soon..." Inzikai smiled as he tested out his sword. "Then, consider victory ours..."

The girl fell back in her bed as her eyes turned to the bland ceiling. A mix of rejoice and sorrow filled her as she signed her soul off to the devil.

In her eyes the fires of eight years ago satill burned brightly. Cadeyrn was the only one standing between her and an army of vengeful soldiers. Hours past before she again opened her eyes with the advent of an ominous silence. Beyond the piles of murdered troops lay her savior, under his resting arm she laid peacefully. The arm was suddenly torn away as beau ripped it with his might claw. She too as pulled away from her champion who was gasping for life impaled upon an iron rod. So mutilated and deformed he has become protecting her.

Any sign of sadness was suddenly lifted off her.

We'll be together soon enough Cadey, and nothing will take us apart ever again.

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

Momoki pulled her sister back since the berzerker came between them and the monster.

"We should leave Nienna." She whispered still pulling on her arm.

Cadeyrn ignored their squabble as he congratulated Inzikai about this victory.

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

"Has anyone seen Lady Karasu?" The large man asked examining every inch of the water's surface.

I hope she is safe.

The red haired man walked into the brightly lit cavern. An enormous throne of gold sat in the middle of the room, along with a large figure, who was quietly humming to himself. Habdebza.

"Comfortable?" the red-haired figure asked as he continued to the throne.

The demon's cloaked head turned slightly as he took in the newcomer. The humming stopped, when he suddenly jumped off the throne.

"I'm deeply sorry, master. I was...lost in thought," Habdebza replied, as he knelt down with his head bowed. Suddenly, sounds of discomfort could be heard from inside his cloak.

"Don't get on my throne again, Habdebza," the human spoke as he smiled wickedly, horns forming on his head, along with wings sprouting from his back. The human's skin peeled off, revealing fiery scales as he grew to enormous proportions. His figure deformed into that of a draconian figure. Valtrox disliked the human form...

The dragon lay atop the throne, his long tail hanging over the arm rest, his fiery eyes watching the demon below him writhing in pain.

After about ten minutes, the pain ended, and Habdebza straightened himself up. "My apologies, my lord," he wheezed as his head remained bowed.

"Habdebza, Inzikai is nearly in Zlatlan. I want you to be ready. The other followers are prepared. You will make your appearance...and give them their orders."

"As planned, my lord," Habdebza replied with a little smirk.

"But you will have another with you. Her name is Marlene," Valtrox added, watching for any reaction from the demon.

"Master...she is not a servant? She cannot get out of that fortress," Habdebza replied, his thoughts swirling as he tried to remember this 'Marlene'. He knew Valtrox has told him about her, yet he did not remember any pictures."

"She is now...a loyal servant," he replied with a smile.

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

Nienna nodded her head to Momoki, while silently thanking the gods and the dragons.

"The sooner, the better," she whispered back, still a bit wobbly from exhaustion.

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

Sarik shook his head sadly. "I was hoping she was with you," he replied as his eyes fell to the water.

Rimoru was much more touchy feely than Maverion was comfortable with, but he dared not offend her by pushing her away or anything.

"Oh?" he asked. "I think I just need a bit of rest. Probably a lot, actually. The food helped a lot, though. Thank you again."

***

"And go where?" a quiet voice asked calmly from just around the corner from the two elves. Teralynn had moved in as discreetly as Cadeyrn did, and heard the two sisters talk about leaving as she was about to round the corner.

"With pleasure," Rimoru smiled as she began to lean on Maverion. "You may sleep in my room if you want...I do feel kind of lonely at night..." she said sadly, her large blue eyes looking pleadingly into Maverion's.

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

Nienna's elven ears had not picked up Teralynn's silent movement. "Somewhere away from that demon," she growled softly, so as Inzikai wouldn't hear, as she glanced at the lord of the cult.

Lorathin stretched and commented, "She's a survivor, she'll be alright."

Sarik nodded hopefully as his eyes continued to scan the water.

Minutes passed before they finally scoured the area, finding only bloody bodies and ruined wood, metal, and other things on the ship.

"Just my luck...I happen to finally get my hands around one of these advanced ships...and it has to be the ship you guys are on. Trouble seems to follow you everywhere," Ixair chuckled as he sheilded the sun from his eyes with one hand.

The only other people they could find was Mebbiwik, John, and Bjorn, all in barrals.

Mebbiwik had his spiders propelling him along, while only one spider propelled John and Bjorn each.

"There goes another pile of gold...literally down the drain," Mebbiwik sighed as he reached them.

Sarik shook his head. "Let's go...I don't want to look at this grim place again. Although, I don't think we have a chance to catch up with them anyways..."

Ixair frowned as he gave the order to paddle towards the other ship, which was only a spec in the distance by now.

The elven prince gave one last look back, squinting his eyes hard as he thought he saw a tentacle searching the surface...Yet after he rubbed his eyes, it was gone...

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

Rothargot got on board the ship and furled his wings. The ship was hard to push and now he believed he knew the feeling of 'tired' well enough. The demon's arms and wings burned.

With a light groan, he sat on the floor as he's seen mortals do, awaiting the next move.

Zlatlan was close. Close enough to see it, albeit barely. But it was still a day away...

Was Rimoru suggesting...? Tempting as it was, and it was tempting, Maverion just could not betray his wife so blantantly. He made a promise to her the day they got married that she would be the only woman for him, and despite the whole death business, he was pretty sure that he and Fala were still married.

"Would that be...appropriate?" Maverion asked. "You are the head of the state, after all. People might start vicious rumors about you, and we can't have that, right?"

Of course, virtually everyone already knew about how loose Rimoru was. But there was always the chance that she could be convinced to become more proper and fitting for someone of her status.

But for now, Mave just hoped that he did not anger her.

***

Teralynn cocked her head slightly to one side. "Then why did you come here in the first place?" she asked, curious. "How did you get here, for that matter, if you cannot leave the same way?"

"Who's to see? It'll be our little secret," Rimoru smiled sweetly as her fingers walked up Maverion's chest. "Besides...you are too tense...Someone needs to loosen you up..."

Rimoru smiled seductively as her lips inched closer to Maverion's.

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

"Wouldn't you like to know?" snapped Nienna as her shoulder brushed Teralynn's. "I don't know how we're going to leave the ship...but getting away from Inzikai is a start."

Nienna had no clue if there was any hope of escaping now. Perhaps the demi-god would help them...maybe not. He was a demon of Valtrox anyways.

And the lifeboats were crushed from Orogen. She was surprised the ship was even floating at all.

She was beginning to lose hope as they continued to sail away.

Xenocrates took off his helmet as he placed it over his chest.

"I suppose I'll never have the chance to hunt you down myself Kalzog, a pity." He said looking mounringly into the depths.

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

Cadeyrn proceeded close behind Momoki and Nienna squeezing by Teralynn just barely brushing her shoulder.

"My apologies master." He said continuing onto the deck and walking over to Rothargot who looked exhausted.

"I didn't know demons could become tired." The berzerker said sitting beside the beast quietly while leaning his sword over his shoulder.

Rothargot looked at Cadeyrn and smiled. "I didn't either," he said quietly. "We're almost there. Soon, you'll be able to prove yourself worthy. Do you still feel up to it?"

Inzikai walked up the stairs and smiled. "A job well done, Rothargot. I can already smell the fetid swamps of Zlatlan...and victory."

"Rothargot. Show the signal...I'm sure Valtrox has told you to, once we reach Zlatlan."

Rothargot nodded slowly as he got himself up and stretched, before slowly futtering up above the highest mast. Suddenly, the demon glowed a bright red, before a bright orange flame shot upwards, high into the sky, before it exploded.

A bright dragon's head with three horns showed brightly through the grey sky...

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

In the hidden Jiltaken fortress, a voice spoke inside Marlene's head.

"A little early...but this could be a good thing. Are you ready?"

Cadeyrn smiled as the flare went into the sky.

So close to achieving my goals and a real battle is coming. My kind of battle.

"Ready or not, I will get the job done as I always do." He said grinning.

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

I am ready, the sooner this is over, the better.

She laid in her bed staring at the indescript ceiling with unusual interest.

There was complete silence in Marlene's room, before Marlene would feel as though she was burning on the inside, much like she were recieving a 'gift' from Valtrox.

Before she would know it, the feeling of death would catch up to her. And as her eyes closed, she would arrive in Valtrox's throne chamber.

As soon as she did, the red haired man smiled at her floating form. She was a ghost, no true form, yet she remained there.

"Young Marlene, I'm glad you have made it safely here. Now we have to do something about your...current form," he said as he walked around her.

"Picture how you want to look, and try to shape yourself into it. It shouldn't be that hard."

Maverion's head pushed back ever so slightly to gain some more distance between his face and Rimoru's. He had to come up with another tactic, and fast. Then another piece of his memory came back to the forefront of his mind.

"Well...does the name 'Minos' mean anything? Teralynn heard very clearly someone in her room call out that name, but when we searched the room, we found no one. I think there may be a spy capable of sneaking around your palace unnoticed."

***

Teralynn arched an eyebrow after the elves walked away. She could be as cold as ice sometimes, and this was one of those times. But even at these moments, she would not forget being slighted.

Everyone thought Inzikai was a creep, yes, but it was becoming evident that these two were not on their side. She wondered why Rothargot asked her to look after the elf in the first place, but if another sea monster attacked, Tera was going to look after herself and not the brat of an elf.

After another moment, she too went back above deck just in time to see Rothargot's signal. A grin appeared on her face, as she knew the time was near.

Rimoru pursed her lips as her eyes furrowed. "Minos...he was with...Sarik and all of them..."

She continued to stare into Maverion's eyes, before she leaned her head on his shoulder, lost in thought.

"No matter, Mavey...Minos is no longer here. But if you want it, I will have guards search every last crevice in the palace in library," she smiled. "Now come, let's go to bed."

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

Rothargot gently let himself touch the ground, feeling incredibly drained. He stared upwards at the fiery image.

Are you abandoning me, Valtrox? he thought out, unsure why he was feeling fatigued. And yet...he was recieving no response...

Marlene did her best not to scream as the pain tore through her. Her fingers dug into the cot before a cold feeling crept throughout her, suddenly everything became dark and still.

As she awakened in what she could only assume was hell itself, the young girl began to panic until she saw her contact from before. Subconciously she immediately imagined death incarnate and a description she had read. Half corpse and half a beautiful maiden. A face split in half between a rotting grimace and a radiant beauty. Legend says that it could shift to a complete beauty to appease the dieing and then revert to a dreadful decaying demon at those who would resist death.

The red haired man arched an eyebrow as Marlene's thoughts became her form.

"Not as I expected...but that's what makes it fun. You never know what someone may become," he chuckled as he made his way to the throne.

"Marlene, in the next realm...the mortal realm, you will need to create a body again. It can be this body, or a new one. But first, you'd need to get there."

The red-haired man waved someone in the shadows over and smiled as he sat on the throne.

"This is Habdebza, he's going to take you to the mortal realm as soon as they open the gateway."

The demon was hidden from head to toe beneath a strange shiney cloak as he looked over the girl. He grumbled something, receiving a glare from the man on the throne.

Then, he spoke in a strangely metallic voice. "Greetings Marlene. I am Habdebza," he stated, unsure if he needed to say anything else.

But the demon knew exactly what to think. Watch yourself, Marlene. I don't work with anyone... he thought to her. In fact, the past several times, each person he's worked with ended with a gruesome death. One a pit of spikes, another a decapitation, another tortured by the very demon himself...before killed in an unimaginable way.

Marlene gazed at her right arm made of pale bone, wilting flesh, and decayed muscles. She then turned her glance at her left arm with perfect tanned skin as smooth as glass.

"This form is worthy for serving Valtrox, that is why I chose it." She claimed in a half warbled half alluring voice.

Turning towards Habdebza she flicked her hair which was now a split mix of ivory white strands and flowing silky black. Marlene smiled grimly as she saw the shadowed figure.

"Greetings Habdebza, you already know me as Marlene." The now woman said subserviantly.

Habdebza continued to watch from beneath his cloak.

"And Valtrox is most certainly proud," the red-haired man replied. "But there is the matter of your mark."

"You may have horns," the man's forhead suddenly grew three long horns on the back of his head. Suddenly they disappeared.

"Or, a tattoo on your arm," he continued as he pulled up the sleeve of his long red robe, revealing an elegant tattoo that covered most of his upper arm. "Very stylish."

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


Inzikai breathed the stale air deeply and smiled. "Finally home," he smiled as he descended a ramp, to his personal guards who waited patiently. The streets were crowded with waiting citizens, cheering for their master.

"The governor is certainly on the ball today," Inzikai laughed as he got on a large black horse with gleaming red eyes.

"Hurry up you guys...I cannot wait until Valtrox rewards me for opening the portal..."

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

The heros have been following as best they could, Mebbiwik's spiders rowing at a speedy pace, while the gnome and his guards remained next to the boats.

Ixair remained alert, trying to find a trade ship of some sort in the waters. The ones he did find were too far away and couldn't hear their shouts for help.

Yet, suddenly, several elegant ships cut through the water with white sails, heading at a close enough distance from the heros.

Sarik got up, his eyes bright as a smile curled on his face. "Finally! Someone who could offer us a ride or atleast some food and water! It even looks like one of the Order's ships!"

"No wait," Ixair suddenly growled in a hushed voice. He pointed to the flag. It was definately the flag of Valtrox.

"Where are they going?" Sarik asked, horror in his eyes.

"Look for yourself," Mebbiwik grumbled as he pointed to where they were heading. Thousands of ships floated near the Zlatlan docks, the flags all sporting the Valtrox insignia.

"Inzikai has an armada of ships...from all over Lustria," Sarik groaned in sudden realization. This whole time he's had spies all over...who knows what he knows now."

"What, did you expect them not to. He's out to take over the world afterall, did you think they'd leave things to chance?" Lorathin asked sardonically.

"That tattoo would be more fitting in my humble opinion." She said strechting her left arm out. "Sorry, but horns just aren't my style, must be a male thing."

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

"Let's hurry up, time is a luxory I don't have exactly." Cadeyrn growled following close behind Inzikai in his dark grey jointed plate armor with a ragged black cloak trailing behind him.

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

"Fine, I'll kill the crew and we take control of one of them. No more wasted time." Xenocrates snarled viciously still upset at losing Kalzog and falling behind his target.

"I guess not..." Sarik replied to Lorathin quietly, shifting slightly in his seat. The little boat was becoming quite uncomfortable, not to mention the loss of his friends.

"No, that will make Inzikai know that something's up. No pirate would attack this many ships clustered together...except perhaps a few of the more notorious ones, and he knows that Orogen is dead. It would let him know that we're still alive," Ixair replied to the nearby Xenocrates.

"With this fleet, I doubt we'd get anywhere within five feet of the Zlatlan docks...I...I just don't know what to do anymore," Sarik sighed.

Ixair frowned as the breeze picked up, before smiling broadly.

"Chief Higsthor leads his own rebellion against those that ally themselves with Inzikai. And they are the dwarves and barbarians! Some of the toughest fighter's I've seen," Ixair said happily, as he set his eyes on Xenocrates. "Minus a few," he added.

"And, I happen to be a good friend of Higsthor. If we can find him, we can share what we know, and perhaps lead an assualt on the madman's fortress itself! All before he can even raise Valtrox!"

Sarik smiled. "We'll, if that's possible, than I'm up for it."

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

Inzikai smiled as he rode along on his demonic horse, towards his decaying castle. "Ah...exactly what I was thinking, Cadeyrn," he smiled to the human beside him, waving at the cheering crowds.

Rothargot slowly made his way behind Inzikai, puzzled at the gathering of mortals, unsure if they were ambushing or jaunting or cheering. Even wondering why they were cheering....

This is no reason to celebrate...Valtrox is not yet in this world, he thought to himself, as he gently pushed the two elves forward, who were chained and shackled to each other.

"Look at it...it makes me sick," Nienna spat as she walked along.

"What are they all crowded in the streets?" Rothargot asked quietly.

"Most likely they believe this to be a victory."

"For finding the book? This is no victory," the demon grumbled as they shuffled along. Despite Inzikai's rushed tone of voice, he still seemed to be taking his sweet time.

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

Habdebza made a hushed throaty laugh. "Excellent. The horns are saved for those who serve Valtrox best," he replied.

The red-haired man frowned at Habdebza. "Quiet, demon. The older demons have the horns, but that is because I have only recently thought of these tattoos."

Habdebza immediately silenced himself as he watched the red-haired man wave his hand towards Marlene. Suddenly, her left arm glowed, thin red lines formed an intricate tattoo of the head of Valtrox, along with several ancient symbols that only one versed in ancient languages would know.

The red-haired man smiled warmly at Marlene. "You make me proud, child. You bravely accepted my offer and suffered it's torturous path. I expect many great things from you, as I do with your caretaker."

The man rose out of his throne and opened his arms, giving Marlene a light hug, much to the disgust of Habdebza. "Tonight, you shall venture forth into the mortal realm again. Tonight, I will fulfill my end of the bargain," he whispered as he gently pulled away.

"Habdebza, prepare Marlene and yourself."

"Of course, master," Habdebza replied as he bowed his head and walked past Marlene. "Follow me, Marleeene," he growled quietly as he passed her.

Xenocrates only grumbled miserably on his crammed lifeboat mumbling something about a war.

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

Cadeyrn's disease slid into his throat as a black ooze proceeded to drip quietly from under his fingertips. He his hand away so as not to discourage the crowd but the pain was most unbearable. As the small gobs of dark pus dripped onto the street it burned into the soil like acid.

Momoki, close behind the human warrior, noticed the pus and stepped backwards into Rothargot before quickly scuttering ahead next to her sister.

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

Marlene wanted to thank him, but couldn't feel the right words to do so. Too many conditionals that might upset her new masters.

As lnog as you keep me by Cadeyrn, I will be loyal. As long as you uphold your bargain. It is pointless, I am no position to bargain anymore. I have to take his word for it on the condition of my services.

She nodded her head quietly before speaking.

"I don't feel I am a child anymore, if it's acceptable, might I be addressed by the name Hel from now on." She said gently while rubbing her new tattoo with her cold boney fingers.

"Yes master Habdebza." She answered very subordinately as she reconized his irritable state.

Rothargot said nothing to Momoki, only watched the strange liquid ooze from Cadeyrn.

With a flap of his wings, he carried himself next to Inzikai.

"No more of this. We must make full haste to the castle," Rothargot rumbled to Inzikai.

"And What is the hurry?" Inzikai asked as he continued to wave.

"What is not the hurry? Valtrox wants out and he grows impatient. You do know he's been looking for new candidates to replace you."

Inzikai stopped waving and turned towards Rothargot, his eyes staring straight into the demon's. "You're lieing..."

Rothargot didn't respond but returned the undead skizzarish's glare.

Inzikai stopped and raised up both his hands, his robe sleeves rolling down his muscular arms that had become a dark red from Valtrox's gift.

"Citizen's of the Cult! Victory is ours as we have brought the book!"

Cheers roared through the crowd as confetti was thrown into the air.

"Soon, our god, the Mighty Valtrox will come and clense this world of unbelievers. Then, we shall prove to them that we are the mightiest!"

Again the crowd let out a mighty roar.

"Let's go," Inzikai snarled to Rothargot as he set his horse to full gallop.

Rothargot looked at Cadeyrn as he put his arm around the waist of the two elves, much to Nienna's surprise, as her eyes went very wide from being touched without someone asking.

"Cadeyrn, you have your choice of riding in my arm, or holding onto my neck," Rothargot said as he lifted the elves.

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

The red haired man contemplated the name and smiled broadly. "Then let your name be Hel. And let your our enemies tremble by it's sound," he replied.

Habdebza opened the doors as he walked through, his cloak flowing behind him, revealing heavily armored legs that resembled the hind legs of a goat or horse.

"Hel...very suitable name," he rasped as he walked through dizzying corridors and long cat walks. After many long minutes of silence, he stopped suddenly and turned around to face her. "I like it," he chuckled before he once again continued his march.

"Tell me, Hel, what made you choose your form?" he asked in a strange raspy voice.

"I think I'll go explore the city." Lorathin commented as he looked out into the harbour with the fleet.

"I wonder how Rimoru and Marlene are doing." He mused as he was a friend of one, and the other was swept up in events beyond her ken.

Cadeyrn smiled weakly at Rothargot whiping the strange burning black goo from the corner of his mouth.

"Thank you, my legs are getting a bit wobly from all this commotion and excitement." He answered with a stutter in his voice.

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

"It represents me quite well; one half beautiful and tame, the other vicious and unforgiving. Besides, I couldn't think of another form that would belong here." She answered sharply at the cloaked demon in her torn voice.

"If I am not to out of line in asking." She began very quietly. "Did you choose your form as well?"

ooc: Remember, the good guys are still a long ways from the harbor, and they can't get to the city yet ;)


"I do too," Sarik wondered. "did anyone manage to get some sort of communication device from Rimoru?"

Mebbiwik looked towards Sarik, but remained quiet. She won't like it that her ship was destroyed... he thought to himself as he sank into his barral.

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


"No other form? I can't tell if that's a good thing...or a bad thing," Habdebza growled as the sound of metal against metal emitted from his cloak.

The veiled demon remained silent for several minutes, before he spoke. "I am unique," he replied simply, his voice revealing irritation at where this conversation was going.

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

"You don't look well at all, Cadeyrn," Rothargot said with concern in his voice as he scooped up the warrior. "I fear for this disease and your mission..."

With a great leap, he took off into the air, towards the decaying palace, where Inzikai was already climbing the front steps.

"Not I." He commented, I don't think she'll have figured out how to use it as such yet. I can't utilize the Tear that is attuned to me to contact her unless she knows gets attuned to hers.

"So why don't we split up, I go investigate the city and you go rally the troops."

"Sounds fine with me. Maybe bring Harlin with you when you're venturing in. Maybe he can find something of use...but first, we have to land," Sarik replied as they continued to row away from the massive armada.

"One other question, can you happen to communicate with Marlene?" Sarik asked with interest. "Perhaps the sight of her with us may turn Cadeyrn back to our side."

"And maybe you can forgive him?" he asked Xenocrates.

"I'd be more effective alone." He replied, "And I can get myself there from here."

"You might direct that question to Harlin as he was the one who abducted her, not I afterall."

"Oh, you can venture off on your own, but I still would like Harlin to go with you. He is a Jiltaken, after all," Sarik replied with a yawn. He also wished to go in, anything but remain on this boring boat...But, a paladin like him would be caught the minute he set foot inside.

"He may be, but two are always more conspicious than one." He commented, "He can come later though if you really want him to investigate as well."

"So be it, but how will you know where to come back to whenever you're done exploring?" Sarik asked.

"Never gve it a thought, any suggestions?" He replied

Sarik thought quietly as he wondered how Lorathin could get back to them.

"Maybe when Harlin is ready to come back, he brings you with him," Sarik finally said.

"Just make sure you have no one following you," Ixair added. "If Higsthor goes out, so do the Morgrathien rebellion."

Ar'mai sat quietly in the boat. These people around her were strange and seemed to be plotting something, but for the life of her she couldn't remember a single thing. She continually attempted to jog her memory, but there was only blackness...

Sarik finally realized he hadn't spoken with Ar'mai since before her wounds.

"Ar'mai, how are you feeling?" he asked softly.

"I have fought through worse than this Rothargot, but your concern is appreciated. I just hope I can find Marlene when this is all done...Harlin had better pray he never see me again." Cadeyrn said before coughing the oily substance into his hand, which was now covered in a flakey dark skin.

A tear of black liquid slid down as his cheek as he recalled his battle against Beau. That wolf's rotten breath and blood stained fangs breathing into his face just before wrenching most of his arm off.

"It was all for Marlene..." He repeated sadly.

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

"This is not about forgiveness, this is about justice." The draggon lord snarled staring at the distant shore where his target continued to gain distance on him.

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

Hel shrank away from the demon as irritation grew in his voice.

"Of course I could have chosen myself to look like every other demon, but I want to at least look unique, if I can't actually be unique." She discreetly complimented while still realizing how thin the ice was getting. "Anyway you said you liked it."

"Once Valtrox returns to the mortal realm, he will make sure to slay every one of that thief's order...and let you head that assault," Rothargot replied He walked through the grand doors, elves in one arm, Cadeyrn in the other.

Inzikai was already in his throne, book in his lap and a greedy glimmer in his eyes.

"Rothargot, deposit them in rooms. Then come back when you're done...apparantly I'm going to require you...and then we'd have to wait for the door to completely open which will take hours," Inzikai said rapidly, his eyes wider.

The demon nodded and proceeded up the stairs, mortals still in his arms.

"When you awaken tomorrow morning, we shall know what we must do. Our quest is near completion," Rothargot spoke softly, a smile gracing his face.

He carefully opened a crumbling door, revealing a large room with three beds. Rothargot began to move into the room, but the floor began to creak loudly and splintering wood was heard.

"Perhaps I should leave you guys here," he said as he gently set down Cadeyrn and the sisters.

"I will wake you tomorrow morning..." the demon said before he made his way back to the throne room.

Inzikai was standing, along with several robed cultists and guards, the book held proudly in his hands.

"Hurry, Rothargot...It is time we commune with Valtrox!" he chuckled as he scurried to the Gate Room...where he had brought Ar'mai the elf once before.

As Rothargot arrived, the book was already on a pedestal, opened to a page full of ancient writing. The cultists were lined against the wall, making hand motions while chanting in deep throaty voices.

"Come now, you must finish the chant," Inzikai said before he walked to the massive wall where runes were inscribed, along with three large rectangular doors. Lord Inzikai placed his hands along the wall and joined in the chanting, the runes beginning to glow a bright red.

Rothargot walked next to Inzikai and did the same, his throaty voice joining the eery chorus.

Within an hour, the chanting stopped, the spell complete. The cultists were hot, sweaty, and tired. Rothargot showed nothing, but he was tired beyond belief. As soon as the other cultists left, the demi-god slunk to the shadows and disappeared for a short time...

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

Habdebza stopped suddenly, snarling loudly as he turned around to face Hel. Although his face was still concealed, light glinted off of something on his face. "I know what I said!"

"Unique is good..." he muttered as he seemed to realize something.

Habdebza had finally come to a massive gate that began to glow. "It will be night when we arrive...but no matter. Do not get in my way, and I shall not get in yours," he growled.

There, he waited patiently for the gate to open completely.

Maverion did not know what else to do to tell Rimoru no without actually saying it. And since he did not want to piss off someone with her powers, he dared not directly say no.

"Alright," he finally acquiesced. He was determined not to get into bed with her, however. He despised cheaters, and he was not going to allow himself to become one. Plus, if he could not be faithful in the comparatively small things, such as to his wife, how could he be faithful in the big things, such as to Valtrox?

***

The smirk reappeared on Teralynn's face when she saw the large crowds gathered for her. Well, moreso for Inzikai and the book, but she was nonetheless an important part of the whole scheme.

When Inzikai got on his horse, she looked around and found an officer of the normal city guards mounted on a horse as well. She went over to him and ordered him off to commandeer his ride. When the man was not particularly eager to give up his horse, Tera made him see her eyes flash with fire. "I am Lieutenant Valdore of the Hrash'nel-ka, and if you do not hand over the mare immediately, then I assure you that you and your entire family-"

She did not have to finish the sentence, as the very mention of the secret police force sent the man scrambling out of his saddle. "Forgive me, Lieutenant," he said meekly. "I didn't know."

Tera stepped past him and smoothly got onto the horse. Without even looking at him, she flicked the reins of the horse to get to moving. "Because I am feeling generous right now, I will forgive you. This time." She then rode off after Inzikai.

Following some distance behind him, she took in her part of the cheers and glory as she sat with her back straight and her chin lifted up slightly for a regal posture.

But then she saw someone she recognized in the crowd, who was trying to get her attention. It was Fala, Maverion's wife. Tera wondered why she was so far away from her home, but then Fala's concerned look reminded her of Mave's absence.

Though the crowd and noise prevented Fala from going up to Teralynn to ask about her husband, Tera knew what was on the other woman's mind. Feeling the pang of Fala's loss, if only slightly, she gave up her regal posture and shook her head sadly.

She did not want to see how Fala would respond to that, and so she immediately looked forward again. Just then, Inzikai's horse galloped off, and she followed suit, thankful she did not have to face Fala any longer.

Making her way up the steps of the palace and into the throne room after Inzikai, Tera was still unable to shake the morose feeling she got, which bothered her. Nothing ever got to her before; not like this. And she did not understand why this was happening now.

With a shake of her head, she tried to push all of those thoughts out of her mind to pay attention to what was happening right then.

She wanted to watch the process, and since Inzikai did not send her away like the others, she figured it was safe to follow along to the other room. Of course, Tera remained at a respectful distance, staying only close enough to just hear and see what was going on without imposing herself whatsoever.

Before much of the chanting got underway, however, she realized how tired she was as her eyelids began getting heavier, and she fell asleep sitting against the wall in the hallway.

"If I don't live to see Marlene again, you think it would be too much to ask if you could look after her for a while. I'm not sure how much further I can go, and with my father...well you understand." He asked very weakly before stumbling violently into the room and collapsing on the bed.

The black dead skin continued to conquer it's way to the right half of Cadeyrn's face all the way below his eye. Although asleep his eyes were slightly open and he kept whispering for Marlene.

Momoki sat beside him resting her hand on his head.

"Poor fool." She said petting him gently.

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

"Of course master Habdebza." She answered bowing her head slightly.

Hold on Cadeyrn...

Rimoru giggled to herself as she got up and gently tugged on Maverion's hand. "Come on, Mavey, while we're still awake!"

There's a catch...He's up to something... she thought to herself as she made sure to watch him closely.

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

Rothargot nodded to Cadeyrn. "It would be an honor, Cadeyrn, but do not worry...you will survive all this," Rothargot answered the warrior before he had went to take care of the gateway.

And now Rothargot couldn't take his mind off of it. What was Marlene doing? How was she doing? Is she still alive?

The Demi-god closed his eyes, too caught up in thought to notice the gateway, and his rival...

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

"The time has come. Go get your Cadeyrn, but wake no one," Habdebza growled as he began to step through the portal.

Behind the darkness around him, he was grinning broadly.Rothargot, I come for you... he thought.

Sarik finally realized he hadn't spoken with Ar'mai since before her wounds.

"Ar'mai, how are you feeling?" he asked softly.

"Oh..! ...Umm, I'm okay... I guess," she said hestitantly as she continued to drift in the boat with her hand just gently touching the water.

Sarik raised an eyebrow. She certainly wasn't acting alright.

"I think she's lost her memory," Ixair whispered in Sarik's ear. The lizardman looked at the the Elven Prince in shock before looking back at Ar'mai.

"Ar'mai, can you tell me anyone's name on this boat?" he asked her.

Hel smiled as she quickly proceeded behind Habdebza through the portal. The decaying rotten half of her was taken over by the more pleasnt half.

"I won't meet my Cadey looking like Hell." She giggled gleefully. The maiden was adorning a long black and red dress matching her dark hair and tanned skin.

I hope he recognizes me.

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

The Dragoon Lord began to tremble as he felt a dark energy enter.

"You all have failed to prevent them from opening the gate, I have to finish my mission and warn the order before it is too late." He grumbled before flying off into the distance.

Sarik raised an eyebrow. She certainly wasn't acting alright.

"I think she's lost her memory," Ixair whispered in Sarik's ear. The lizardman looked at the the Elven Prince in shock before looking back at Ar'mai.

"Ar'mai, can you tell me anyone's name on this boat?" he asked her.

The elf was about to respond that she could tell him Ixair's name, but then caught herself. "Unfortunately, I must admit that I do not know your names or who you are."

"Hello Ar'mai, so you don't remember me?" He asked, slightly pleased she'd forgotten her general dislike of him. "Also I'll be going now unless someone has an objection."

Harlin looked up from where he had been dozing under the hot sun. " I'm going, whether you like it or not."

"Well go on your own then, not with me." He replied, "As I said two are more conspicious than one. I know what I'm doing and don't want someone messing my work up."

Habdebza watched Hel leave for Cadeyrn, before he turned to face the portal.

Four tall creatures walked in, each being atleast nine feet in hieght. Not to mention that they were unbelievibly skinny. But what really stood out about these tall creatures were their four arms.

"Find every denizen of this castle and bring them to the throne room..." Habdebza growled as he made his way around the room. "You know the drill."

With a grunt, the creatures silently hid in the shadows to find their targets...

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

Sarik watched Xenocrates take to the air with a worried expression. " Is Valtrox here?" he asked quietly, before turning his attention to Ar'mai.

"This isn't good...Ar'mai has lost her memory and Valtrox is loose on this world..."

"He never said Valtrox was loose...just 'Failed to prevent the opening of the gate'," Mebbiwik grumbled.

Ixair sat next to Ar'mai and looked deeply into her eyes. "Ar'mai...do you remember how you use a bow?"

"Umm... I don't know," Ar'mai admitted. It would be hard for her to actually know if she 'remembered' how to use the device until she had one in her hands and was attempting to use it. However, her previous bow had been tossed into the watery depths when she was knocked unconscious.

"I'm off." Lorathin commented, "Don't go getting yourselves killed alright."

He then stood and dove into the water, disappearing from view, and from most forms of sensing as he became one with the water and quickly moved toward the harbour.

"Well go on your own then, not with me." He replied, "As I said two are more conspicious than one. I know what I'm doing and don't want someone messing my work up."

Harlin frowned. "You think I don't know that? To everyone though, you'll appear as only one. I will remain in the Shadowfold in case you need assistance."

Slipping into the Shadowfold, Harlin ran off across the water after Azrael.

As he left, Shara whispered, "Good Luck."

Lorathin just gave him a look that said 'Whatever,' before he'd dove into the sea.

Ixair sighed quietly as he looked sadly at Ar'mai. Poor elf...a bad way to live life is to lose one's memories... What kind of life is that? Not remembering your home, your family, your friends...

Sarik rubbed his chin as he looked out into the water, towards the harbor.

"Just rest, Ar'mai..." Ixair replied as he put a reassuring hand on her shoulder and adding a warm smile.

Hel had glided through the castle almost as a ghost. Waking no one as Habdebza ordered her. The beautiful servant of Valtrox rested her head on a door where she suspected her champion to be. She could almost hear his irregular heart pounding furiously trying to keep the thick tar like blood pulsing through his weakened body. Sliding into the room she saw two elves one of whom was singing quietly to Cadeyrn.

For a split second Hel's body showed its repulsive rotten nature before returning to her fairer form. Without saying a word she pushed Momoki away and sat in her place.

"Cadey." She whispered gently drawing a huge smile. "Cadey, wake up." Hel repeated growing worried. "Cadeyrn!" The woman screamed at a vicious pitch.

A mix of blood and what looked like oil pooled from his mouth over the side of the bed collecting on the floor. Lifting his face against hers she began crying rubbing her cheek against his.

"Mo- Momoki?" The warrior whispered weakly after coughing a large chunk of solid tar.

"No you big oaf." Hel answered playfully.

"That voice." He replied softly. "Marlene... what did you...how...no nevermind. When I wake u-"

He went unconcious as Hel held him tightly.

Lorathin travelled through the water in a state impossible to detect by any but arcane skills as he was one with the water itself, having assumed the form of an elemental.

Reaching the shoreline, he began approaching an area that was relatively clear of people.

Habdebza smiled as he made his way to the throne room, making himself comfortable in the massive seat itself. He hummed quietly to himself as his eyes skimmed the room.

A noise was heard near one of the exits, and immediately Habdebza's humming stopped. Suddenly a short scream, before a terrible crunching noise. The humming continued as Habdebza steepled his armored hands.

Suddenly, with movements so quick he was only a blur, the demon flipped behind the throne and slammed something massive against the wall. The sound of sliding metal, before four loud screeching sounds could be heard.

"You've gotten weaker," Habdebza growled behind clenched teeth.

"Perhaps you have something to do with it?" Rothargot answered as he struggled against the swords in his hands and feet. His tail wrapped itself around Habdebza, flinging him away, before trying to wrap around a sword hilt.

Habdebza, however, propelled himself off of the throne, smashing another sword right in Rothargot's tail.

"Now where's your little play toy that you had brought with you when we last met?" Habdebza asked as he played with another sword, admiring the pinned demon along the wall. "And you know you are getting weaker? Strange...perhaps you're little debacle with Rimoru? Or those elves...Or Inzikai...My...you've broken a lot of rules..."

The vile demon laughed wickedly as he walked away, noticing several of his minions bringing whimpering servants and guard.

"Habdebza, this is not what Valtrox ordered you to do."

"Is to, He ordered me to tell you what to do next. I also decided to tell you his displeasure. Everyone here will know...except Marlene's...beast."

Rothargot's sorrowful eyes looked up at Habdebza. "Marlene?"

That's when the demon realized his mistake. Habdebza turned around slowly, chuckling quietly. "What's this? You feel 'attached' to her? You in love with her, as you are every other woman? You feel the need to 'protect' her?" he asked, taking pleasure in every word as he almost skipped back to Rothargot.

"Oh...you will like her new form," Habdebza laughed before he disappeared behind the throne, most likely to enjoy himself there.

Rothargot stopped stuggling as he looked to the floor. What has happened to us? What have I done?

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

Inzikai was sleeping soundly, dreams of his upcoming glory dancing in his head. He rolled on his lavish bed, letting out a short snort, before growing comfortable again.

Suddenly, he felt something hot on his neck, then, the feeling of being airborn.

With a loud thud, he hit the ground, startling him from his slumber.

"What in Valtrox's name is going on he-"

Habdebza's guard had the lord of Zlatlan comfortably in it's grip as it carried down to the throne room where Habdebza sat.

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

Nienna was half asleep when Hel came into the room.

Am I seeing things? she wondered to herself as the once human girl changed her form very quickly before changing back.

And when she pushed aside her sister, Nienna's fingers curled around the hilt of her blade, still at her hip, but didn't move a muscle as the strange woman seemed to be related to Cadeyrn.

Suddenly, the door burst open, the floor boards creaking.

Nienna pulled out her sword, but not quick enough as she was raised off the bed by her neck as a strange skinny, tall, four-armed creature lifted her up like a twig. It's red eyes gleamed as it scanned the rest of the rooms inhabitants.

"Bring Cadeyrn to the throne room. He must witness Valtrox's orders," it said in a warbled voice, before taking off with Nienna. Her sword clattered to the ground as she was taken into a tight bear hug as she was brought down the stairs. She could smell the stench of death...In fact, she could see a corpse near a pillar, it's body contorted in a way no creature should suffer as blood pooled out of every hole in it's body. It was so crunched together, she could not even tell what kind of creature it was...

Ixair sighed quietly as he looked sadly at Ar'mai. Poor elf...a bad way to live life is to lose one's memories... What kind of life is that? Not remembering your home, your family, your friends...

Sarik rubbed his chin as he looked out into the water, towards the harbor.

"Just rest, Ar'mai..." Ixair replied as he put a reassuring hand on her shoulder and adding a warm smile.

His touch and kind words were still foreign and slightly unnerving for Ar'mai, but he seemed nice enough. She closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep...

Hel nodded before scooping Cadeyrn in her arms. The warrior's arms dangled with his massive blade still clenched tightly in his hand. She couldn't help but stare down into his half open eyes still stained with black tears.

"It'll all be better soon Cadey, I promise." She whispered carrying him to the throne room.

Entering she saw Rothargot pinned to wall and became worried. Through his half glazed eyes and the stench of death, the Berzerker's battle instincts kicked in as he rolled out of Hel's arms sword still dragging on the floor. Through unbearable pain he gritted his teeth breath black blood with every exhale. Seeing the demon pinned on the wall and the crumpled body next to him he scanned the room viciously looking for his father or Kalzog.

Hel went to put a hand on his shoulder when the warrior reacted through instinct and skimmed the blade just inches over her head digging deeply into wall. The woman fell backwards hard and scooted away from him. Sword raised over his head ready to smash it into the unfamiliar Hel he had the look of a beast possessed (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v723/Luporum/Cadeyrn/Cade5.jpg).

"Cadey..." She whimpered as it broke the mercenary's focus.

"It can't be." He uttered lowering his sword before becoming driven into anger. "What happened to you? You weren't supposed to get involved in this!"

Falling to his knees, Cadeyrn began to mutter something about worth.

"Aww...don't worry, Cadeyrn...Marlene is quite fortunate. Valtrox has saved her from much more than thieves and assassins. He has brought her back to you, Cadeyrn," Habdebza said as he circled around the two, finally crouching low to the ground behind Hel, his shadowed face level with Hel's and Cadeyrn's.

The short silence was interrupted by the curses and shouts of Inzikai, who was kicking and trying to get out of the minion's grip.

"Ahh...the lord of Zlatlan...Just the man I am looking for," the demon said in a mocking tone.

Suddenly, a wicked looking chain erupted out of Habdebza's cloak, sinking into Inzikai, puncturing all the way through his body and out his back, before it spread itself out like a bladed umbrella.

"I have a bone to pick with you," the cloaked demon laughed as the barbed chain retracted, pulling a screaming Inzikai with it. "It seems...you had a...fun time with an elf."

"I don't know what you're talking about," gasped Inzikai as necromatic energies began to swirl around him.

"A certain 'Ar'mai' comes to mind."

Inzikai's eyes opened wider as Ar'mai was mentioned.

As Habdebza and Inzikai spoke of Ar'mai, Rothargot's tired eyes looked over at Cadeyrn and Marlene.

Marlene didn't look bad at all. He was expecting some sort of warped demon, much like Habdebza. Especially since she came with the cruel monster.

"And I seem to remember, a specific order for Rothargot, to kill this Ar'mai...failed attempt," Habdebza growled as another sword formed underneath his sleeve before he shoved it in Rothargot's chest.

"Maybe that's why you're losing favor, Rothargot," Habdebza said in a hushed tone. "You're only hope of redemption...is the escape of Valtrox."

The maniacle demon turned around and waved his hand, sending the throne crashing into a pillar so he could see the audience.

"Valtrox, that's why I gathered you all here. Well...except for the servants." Suddenly, Habdebza swung his hand with the chain, sending Inzikai flying back into his huddled servants. The spread out end folded up and pulled out of the High Priest's chest, widening the hole before disappearing underneath Habdebza's cloak.

Inzikai, of course, did what keeps himself alive and sucked the life out of his servants, turning them to a foul smelling, blackish goo, healing himself slowly.

"Neat the mountains, there's a gate. One of the few existing ones around. We were quite fortunate to be able to find it buried under all that snow. That gate, will be the one used to free Valtrox from his fiery prison. By the Great One's orders, sixty five percent to seventy percent of Cultist soldiers must be garrisoned there."

"Inzikai, Rothargot, and all the Cultist leaders must arrive to the site at dawn...which gives you a few hours."

Habdebza turned to Cadeyrn and wrapped dark blue hands under Cadeyrn's chin, forcing him to look into the darkness that was covering Habdebza's face. "You will begin your journey as soon as you are rested. Alone."

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

Ixair frowned as he looked off into the water.

"Is there a way to cure her?" he asked quietly. "Perhaps some sort of healing spell?"

"None that I know of, other than reteaching her everything," Sarik replied quietly.

"Well, it is possible to hook her brain up to a steam creation, in which it would be very hard for her to lose-" Mebbiwik began.

"No. No elf deserves to be caged like that," Ixair replied sternly as he looked over the peaceful Ar'mai.

Cadeyrn returned a bloody tar embossed grin at the demon.

"Fine, but until Valtrox gives the order himself, Rothargot and Inzikai are my immediate superiors." He growled pulling his head away from Habdebza. The leather of his hilt began to squeel from the wrenching pressure of his grip.

Hel scampered beside the warrior as she saw Cadeyrn beginning to show disrepect towards Habdebza.

"Of course." She stammered trying to make up for her hero's claim. "But his order supercedes Rothargot's and Inzikai's as he is clearly the more dominant."

"The Marlene I remember didn't suck up to anyone, demi-god or not, she was viciously independent." Cadeyrn shot back staring into Habdebza's shadow covered mantle. "I will show no respect for anything that dishonors my immediate masters."

The beautiful maiden stood tugging on Cadeyrn's arm as to break his defiant stare with the demon.

"Cadey, come on, you need your rest." Hel begged dragging the human warrior away.

"Oh?" Habdebza growled. "Marlene clearly knows much more than you, pathetic beast."

"Stop! Cadeyrn, follow his orders," Rothargot growled.

With that, Habdebza got a little closer to Cadeyrn. "Your immediate masters...look at them. One is losing favor faster than you're losing your life. The other is losing his sanity."

"Not to mention that you have dishonored your own masters, have you not? Rimoru, Relthor, Karasu. All of your previous bosses..."

The four guards stepped behind Cadeyrn and Marlene, the sound of steel sliding out of their hilts bouncing around the room.

A blade slid out of each sleeve on Habdebza. "Some servants need a lesson in manners, I suppose..."

Rothargot let out a terrifying roar as he pushed away from the wall with all his might, the blades clattering to the floor. As Habdebza spun around, Rothargot wrapped his massive hand around the demon's head and brought it through the wall, making a large hole. The guards looked towards Rothargot, but otherwise remained still.

Rothargot suddenly slammed through a pillar by an invisible force, as Habdebza jumped out. Suddenly, a devilish looking blade rose out of his sleeve, the hilt having a skull in the middle, the blade itself glowed blood red.

As Rothargot prepared to attack again, Habdebza raised the blade against his rival's head. "That's the Rothargot I know," he chuckled. "Unfortunately, your death warrant is already made. If you fail to release Valtrox. I have to kill you," The demon laughed joyfully.

Rothargot's face contorted to one that was saddened. He backed awayaway slowly.

"Now, before I was rudely interrupted," he said as he waved his hands towards the gate. Suddenly, several demons, much like the ones Rothargot had summoned earlier, stepped out.

"This gate will be churning out demons every second. A demon army will help defend the gates as well as the borders."

Lorathin arose from the water, returning to his human form as he began walking down the street moving with purpose, while a cloak and hood covered him.

Maverion did the only thing he could at the moment - follow after Rimoru.

***

Teralynn was awakened by the sound of screaming and scuffling. Her first sensation, however, was that of intense pain once again. It felt as if her head was being pulled back, like having one's hair pulled on, except a hundredfold worse. Her entire body both itched and ached with a burning sensation at the same time. When she scratched at one part of her arm, her nails easily dug right through the skin, tearing some of it off. Gritting her teeth at the sudden increase in pain, she looked down at her arm to see blood flowing out of it, and a purple layer of flesh directly underneath the torn skin. She could only hope that this was all part of the transformation process.

Another scream, this time a lot closer, brought her attention back to her surroundings. She was, again, in little shape to be fighting right now, so she hid herself from everyone's senses much as she did back at Rimoru's library. When a four-armed creature appeared at the end of the hallway, dragging someone behind it, Tera quickly jumped back to hide behind a column. She was not sure whether her abilities would hide her from such a creature or not, and she would rather not risk being spotted by it and become its next victim.

She had to figure out what was going on, though. Did these things come here as a result of the portal being opened? But then they ought to be on the same side, and not attack the people in the palace. Were they, then, minions of their enemies, sent here to stop Valtrox's return? Whatever it was, Rothargot would probably know better. Her mind went out in search of the demi-god. Upon finding him, she thought to him, Rothargot, what is happening?

"I have dishonored bosses when they did not meet their end of the contract." He snarled pulling his arm away from Marlene.

Watching Rothargot bow to Habdebza made the berzerker lose his edge slightly. He was stuck between simply walking away and cutting the guards behind him in two. Like a wave the disease pulsed violently through his body cracking half of his ribs as the black ooze filled his lungs.

"Let's just get this over with." He grumbled painfully before vommiting a massive puddle of the acidic substance.

"Cadey..." Hel said helping him to his feet. "Just go along with it until you're better, I didn't go through all this just to watch you die."

He smiled weakly at the woman before lowering his head in defeat.

"Master Habdebza, may I take him back to his room to rest for his mission?" Hel asked very softly.

Rimoru smiled as she walked down the hallway, not with her usual spunk and charm, but still somewhat happy. You're mine, Mavey she thought happily.

As she walked, her skin slowly turned a greenish tint, a little lighter than Maverion's, as she began to shape herself to Maverion's strange species.

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

Rothargot heard bits of a femenine voice go through his head as he looked to the portal. Teralynn...stay hidden, he thought back.

However, Habdebza was also a mind dwelling creature. He turned slightly before he went into the portal. Then, with a quiet chuckle, he turned back, searching for this 'Teralynn'.

Teralynn...so you are Rothargot's current lover? came the insidious reply as Habdebza crept closer to where Teralynn hid. Come out, come out wherever you are...

As he sent messages and searched around, he quickly turned to Hel and Cadeyrn. "Perhaps you should take him to his cage, like the beast he is," Habdebza growled before continuing his search.

Maverion lifted an eyebrow when he saw Rimoru's skin change color slightly. He found it more of a curiosity than anything else as he was pretty certain that she did not normally change colors.

The idea that she was doing it for some kind of physical appeal did not really hit Mave just yet, as this was not exactly something he had dealt with before.

"Umm...you're changing colors..."

***

Teralynn paused momentarily, not quite used to someone she barely knew forcing themselves into her mind like this.

Pft, hardly, Tera responded to Habdebza, quickly recovering. Rothargot and her, lovers? Eww.

She turned a corner and began going down that hall while keeping up her illusory undetectability to try to gain some distance between her and the demon.

Tera was unfamiliar with the palace, having only been there once before, and only briefly, so she really had no clue as to where she was going. And between the pain in her body, especially in her feet, and using her abilities to stay hidden, she could not very easily use her mind to scan the corridors to see where they went.

But if you want to be his lover, I am sure the position is still open, she continued before wincing at her stupidity. That was probably not a smart thing to say.

Lorathin began making his way toward the central square of the city and from there toward the palace where he was certain Inzikai and his associates, as he doubted there was any love lost between the various servants of Valtrox. He wasn't about to storm the palace though, but to seek out an inn where the palace staff went when not working. Very often menials were treated as non-existant which allowed them to pick up a great deal of gossip, all of which they could usually be counted on to share for a few pots of ale or coins.

"Yes, a beast is exactly right demon." Cadeyrn snapped back before Hel began overtly pulling with all her strength on his arm. "What a rotten ally in which your comrads have to hide from you."

Finally Hel's pull suceeded as they both fell into the adjacent hallway.

She helped him up and assisted him back to the room where he immediately fell sat onto the bed.

"I failed you again Marlene." Cadeyrn said teary eyed.

Hel sat beside him and placed her head on his shoulder wrapping her arms around him.

"This was my choice, so it's my fault if anyone's." She replied looking up at him. "All I'm asking you is live long enough so we can get married huh?"

"You're still the same little girl Marlene." He chuckled putting his hand on the top of her head.

Hel leaned her head in closer only to pause seeing that glazed over look in his eyes.

"Asleep...figures." She grunted dissapointed.

Rimoru giggled quietly as she tugged harder before getting to her room.

She performed the usual routine, and the two found themselves in her spacious quarters. However there were three mirrors in an arc near the foot of the bed. Rimoru spun around and leaned on Maverion, her hands gently rubbing down his chest.

"Like it?" she asked as she stepped backward and rubbed her hands down her sides. "Or do you want something...more exotic?" she asked seductively as she began to change to a dark blue, to a pure white, to a dark black, to an olive color, then back to green.

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

Habdebza stopped where he was as he melded with the shadows, unseen and unheard.

With incredible speed, the speed of darkness, he reformed a few paces in front of Teralynn.

"That wasn't a good idea," he growled. "Your mind tricks have no effect on me."

Two long thin blades formed out of his right sleeve. "I tend to show those who act before they think the consiquences of their actions."

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

Rothargot remained alone in a corner, hunched over...dishonored, embarassed...the feeling of failure.

I have failed Valtrox...my people...Marlene, Rimoru, Cadeyrn, Inzikai...

And now I am scheduled to die, should Valtrox failure to reach into this planet. Not to mention my own rival, Habdebza, will be my executioner. He has the weapon that could kill me and he will not hesitate not to use it...

The down-trodden demi-god rethought his words. Marlene. What did she do? What is she? How did she get here? he wondered to himself, before he began to walk to where he saw Marlene take Cadeyrn to.

As soon as he saw her, he stood silently for several minutes. "Marlene...you look different," Rothargot said quietly, unsure of how else to start of this conversation after what both of them have been through.

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

The remaining heroes in the boat had finally reached shore. It was about midnight and the air was frigid.

They had landed near the Exe-Duun mountains, in hopes of finding any of Chief Higsthor's rebels.

Ixair looked at the sleeping Ar'mai, debating whether to wake her or to carry her.

Would she appreciate any of them? he thought to himself. He couldn't help but realize that he had developed feelings for her, but he wouldn't admit it.

He carefully picked up the sleeping elf and stepped with extreme caution.

"It's really cold," Bjorn shivered, who was walking behind Mebbiwik, who sat atop a spider engine as they trudged through the ice and snow.

Never having been teleported into a room like that before, Maverion was momentarily stunned by it. Blinking a few times to shake the effects off, he then tried to stymie Rimoru's advances by once again pretending to be awed by the decorations in the room. At the same time, he started thinking of his comrades, wishing he could intercept the people trying to stop them instead of being here, where he was useless to the mission.

When his eyes fell upon the mirrors, however, he thought he saw something else in his reflection looking back at him, as if it was him but not him at the same time, but it soon disappeared. His hand reached for his sword, only to remember that he did not have it with him. It must still be in the library.

"There's something in the mirrors," he said as he reached out an arm to gently push Rimoru behind him so that he stood between her and whatever it was in the mirror. He took a few steps toward the mirrors, trying to see if he could find whatever was in it again.

***

"Come now," Teralynn said, dropping her illusion, "are you telling me you cannot take a little joke?"

Her body was tensed up, ready for action, but she did not show it with her demeanor.

"I mean, after all, even Lord Valtrox has shown to me that he too could enjoy a good joke. He got me pretty good a little while ago, actually," Tera said as her eyes went to the side to think back on her interaction with Valtrox on the ship.

She offered Habdebza a mischevious smile. "If you would like, I can show you how to play one on the others..."

Minos looked at Bjorn, and the rest of the travellers, and found a lot of them shivering from the cold. Not to mention, he was pretty cold himself. So, he conjured several moving fires to keep the group warm.

Rimoru's brows furrowed as her mouth opened wide. Ignored for his reflection! Talk about someone who's in love with himself! she thought angrily as she swung her arms around her chest, over the slight bulge of her belly.

"Mavey! This is not a time to look at your reflection!" she whined. "There's nothing in there! It's impossible!"

***********************************************************
Habdebza stopped where he was as he thought about what was said. "I don't enjoy jokes," he rasped, yet he stayed where he was. He remembered that Valtrox wanted her to remain alive. He had special plans for her...

The demon snarled as the blades retracted back into his sleeve.

"Although you have sparked my curiousity. Show me this 'trick', and I won't brutally murder you where you stand," he snarled.

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

Sarik smiled as he noticed the small floating fire nearby. He turned to Minos and smiled. "Many thanks, Minos," he said quietly.

Ixair thanked the mage as well as he continued to scan the way with all his senses.

"The problem is, the rebels are constantly on the move. They may set up camp for a few days, but then they leave, along with every necesesity," the elf said quietly.

Bjorn laughed as the fire followed him. He sped up, trying to see if the fire would keep up, and walked backward as well.

"Bjorn! Keep walking!" John shouted, before yelping as the fire skimmed the very top of his head, singeing a few hairs. "You fool!"

Bjorn laughed as he ran around the group, away from the following John.

"Quiet you nincompoops!" Mebbiwik shouted. "Ixair needs all his senses in these forsaken mountains..."

The two guards stopped immediately and mosied back behind Mebbiwik.

"I hear something coming, like horses. Perhaps a scout has found us," Ixair said quietly, trying not to wake Ar'mai.

Hel laid Cadeyrn down onto the bed as the warrior was lost in a deep sleep. His hand was still clenched tightly around his massive sword hanging over the side of the bed. She sank down and began to painstakingly pry every finger off the weapon. After five minutes she finally freed the weapon and tried to pick it up.

"Holy hell!" She grunted trying to lift the weapon, unable to even get it off the floor. Using her shoulder as a fulcrum she managed to lift it enough and began walking to the corner of the room before collapsing under its weight.

"How do you even use this thing?!" She gasped laying under the diamond edged sword. Squeezing out from under it she pulled up a chair and began to examine the berzerker's sword. She turned at the sound of heavy footsteps outside.

Slowly opening the door she saw Rothargot slumping his way towards the room. She stepped out and cocked her head at him with a big smile on her face.

"I couldn't sit back as you and Cadeyrn go off and die Rothy..." She replied before her drawing a smile. "Come on, you can't say you don't like it."

With that added she spun with her arms out showing off her new body.

Rothargot smiled very subtly as she spun around. "With my own eyes, and experience as a mortal, I have to say that you do look beautiful."

The demi-god couldn't help himself, and not to mention, he had no clue, but he walked up to Marlene and embraced her, picking her up in his massive hug. "I was worried about you, Marlene."

"I had thought you dead or tortured," Rothargot said quietly. Then he realized something. "Marlene, Habdebza told me you devoted yourself to Valtrox...yet I don't see any horns. How so?"

The girl bushed as the demon suddenly embraced her.

"Thank you Rothy, I am very fortunate to have met you." She said returning the warm hug. Still smiling she pulled away from Rothargot for a moment and rolled up her left sleeve revealing an exotic tattoo.

"The only reason I agreed to this pact is because of you and Cadey. I owe both of you so much that the cost of my soul is only a fraction of the debt yet to be paid." She said lowering her head choking back any tears.

"Ah..." Rothargot said as he examined her tattoo. There was definately the mark of Valtrox in that symbol.

As she explained her reasoning, Rothargot's face went passive as he thought about what to tell the poor girl.

"Marlene...part of me, my servant of Valtrox side, rejoices for your decision. I want to tell you that serving the mighty one is the greatest gift a mortal could wish for."

"But my other side, a side I developed on the mortal plane...It wants to tell you that the greatest gift in life...is life itself. A life free of servitude."

As Marlene lowered her head, Rothargot put his hand underneath Marlene's chin and pushed upwards gently as he crouched so he was eye level with her.

"You owe me nothing, Marlene. Just enjoying your company is one of the things that have made my stay on the mortal plane more enjoyable. And I'm sure Cadeyrn would say the same."

The demi-god couldn't bring himself to believe she had made the pact with his master. They always had their consequences...

He opened his mouth to say something, but couldn't bear to bring it out. "Marlene, do you still enjoy 'technology'?" he asked, trying to change the subject.

"A life without the people I care for, is a fate worse than servitude under the most brutal master." She said before smiling as Rothargot changed the subject. "Of course I still love technology and science. I was hoping that Valtrox, being so powerful, would supply me with untold amounts of knowlege."

She scratched her head for a moment.

"Do you miss Rimoru?" She asked quietly.

"I'm sure he'd love to get you into a place of learning. And I'm also sure he'd give you vast amounts of knowledge."

Rothargot smiled as his worries were diminished when he realized she was still, very much the old Marlene.

When the subject turned to Rimoru, Rothargot looked to the floor as memories of her soft voice, her beautiful figure, her tempting looks...all of her, swarmed to his head.

Rothargot looked into Marlene's eyes and nodded. "I miss her as much as I missed you," he said quietly.

"You're too kind Rothy, and I believe that you two will see each other again someday." Hel said softly putting a hand under the demon's jaw.

She turned opening the door revealing Cadeyrn snoring loudly in the bed.

"Do you think he can defeat his father?" She asked turning back towards Rothargot.

Rothargot smiled at Marlene, hoping her words to be true. He wanted to be reunited with Rimoru. He loved her and she loved him...

As the girl opened the door to the snoring Cadeyrn, Rothargot was brought to a grim question.

"I do not know, Marlene. His father...I have barely known. It was not my job to know about him, however, if this father does interfere with this process, he will die, no matter the cost."

"But for Cadeyrn..." Rothargot paused for a few seconds. "I do not know."

Lorathin arrived at a likely seeming tavern and entered, to begin gathering information both about any recent goings on in the palace and the layout of the place. His questions were very much like those of a thief planning a robbery, and he was quite free with the potables and occasionally the coin.

While drinking, an almost required action when buying drinks for someone, a proportion of the given beverage found it's way discreetly to the floor rather than down his throat.

"In his condition I don't think he should even be walking unassisted let alone fight someone named the Dragoon Lord. I have had horrible dreams about that man recently." Hel turned her head away sadly.

"I'm not going to tell Cadeyrn what I saw, because if he knew, he'd go after that man relentlessly." She said shaking her head. "I believe his father was involved in his mother's murder. I saw him giving the order to hunt down a woman and a baby and then the act itself."

Marlene turned her head towards Cadeyrn again slowly crying.

"I bet he has asked you not interfere in their fight already hasn't he?" Marlene asked drawing a smile.

OOC: TG Luporum

"Why would he kill his own wife and child?" Rothargot asked as he watched the sleeping and snoring Cadeyrn.

"Yes, he has told me not to interfere. Do you have something in mind?"

"Dragoons are loyal dedicated warriors who devout their entire lives to the dragons. Seeing as how Cadey is mostly human, it would follow that his mother was human as well and from what I remember reading Dragoons couldn't bed outside their own. I don't recall the exact punishment, but I'm sure it is something obsurd." Hel explained putting a single finger under her chin as to help her think.

She again turned to the noisy warrior and sighed.

"I can't do much in the ways of combat, but I may be able to act as a shield for him if appropriate." She said tilting her head to the side. "I was wondering if we played our cards right might we able to pit you, kalzog, and Cade's father all against Habdebza. If all three of you teamed up I don't think he'd stand a chance. I don't like the idea that he is our leader and I know he's only going to make things worse for all of us."

Despite their trek and the noise created by the bumbling John and Bjorn, the sleep that had overcome the priestess was deep and heavy. Worn out by the day's events, even if short for Ar'mai, she had fallen into a much needed slumber.

"There's something in there," Maverion looked back around to the elf to assure her. As he turned his head toward Rimoru, the edge of his vision caught some more movement in the mirror, and his head snapped back to see what it was.

Underlaid beneath the reflection in the mirror was what looked to be something drifting slowly from the sky. It must have been ash - no, snow. Snow covered the mountainous terrain for as far as the eye could see. There was something else in the midst of the snow...people. A group of people walking through the white field.

Mave furrowed his eyebrows, wondering what this was that he was seeing. "There! Do you see that?" he asked the empress, pointing to the mirror.

Little did he know, the image formed in the mirror out of his own driving desire to intercept the enemies trying to stop Inzikai and the others, and the mirror showed it only to mindmages capable of tapping its powers.

***

Teralynn gave a single-shouldered shrug and smiled again. "Sure. Whom would you like it played on? Wait, I know, howabout Rothargot? I think you would enjoy that the most."

Rimoru raised an eyebrow and looked into the mirrors. All she saw was beautiful little her, along with Maverion.

"That death must have done a bit to your head," she said quietly as she pursed her lips and began to massage his head, feeling for bumps or anything.

"Mavey, I'm tired...let's go to bed," she whispered seductively in his ear.

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

Habdebza remained still for a moment as he contemplated this move. "Do so. This had better be good...or I'll let Rothargot tear your apart," he replied with a nod.

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

Rothargot listened carefully at what Marlene had to say.

"How would you act as a shield, Marlene?" the demi-god asked, hoping she didn't plan to get in between the two, should Cadeyrn's father use the killing blow.

"Habdebza...he is not our leader. I didn't even think he was going to come to the mortal plane. He is not even related to Valtrox as my brethren are."

"But his arrival means bad news. Someone is to be killed, someone who has greatly offended Valtrox. Habdebza was created as a creature of death and destruction. He is the perfect assassin, the invincible warrior...even I envy his skill. Yet with Valtrox's blessing, I would be able to crush him. But now, I worry for us all."

The demi-god slumped to the floor. "Plus, I am growing weaker. Valtrox is losing faith in me. I have failed Valtrox so much...If he does not enter this world, I am to be executed..." he whispered quietly. He did not want to die. If Cadeyrn was to die and Valtrox weren't to enter the mortal plane...where would Marlene go? Who would take care of her?

"If I could sacrifce myself just to give him an edge, I would not hesitate to do so." She admitted before turning to see Cadeyrn sitting up with a cold stare on his face.

"No one is to interfere in the slightest way." The warrior growled before standing up and grabbing his blade. He stepped between Rothargot and Hel before quickly lunging in and kissing the woman. Slowly he pulled his head away and whispered something only Hel and him could hear. Turning, he nodded at Rothargot, and headed down the hallway sword slung of his shoulder.

"Valtrox's will be done." He muttered about to leave the palace.

Hel wiped a blackish blood from her lips and began to tear up.

"You won't be executed Rothy, and I'll see to that no matter the consequence. I won't let you leave me too." She said wrapping her arms around the demon quietly weeping.

Ixair waited as the others looked around the area, looking for some sort of shelter from the freezing cold.

The elf smiled as he watched the slumbering princess in his arms. She looked so peaceful...

As he looked into her beautiful face, his keen ears picked up the sound of a horse trudging in the snow...

He looked towards the direction of the sound, finding a rider in plate armor and a cape. On the back of his saddle was a pole with a flag at the top. Valtrox...

The rider shouted an order to his horse and sped away, at a speed no one could catch in this snow...

"Guys, we need to get out of here, and fast!" Ixair whispered loudly. "Cultist spotted us!"

"I wonder what the others are doing, both Sarik and his and Inzikai and his." He thought as he listened to the drunken man ramble about the palace, it's layout, guards and general goings on. He was fortunate to have found such a man, provide he was telling the truth of course.

"Marlene...do not do so. You have so much more to live for..." Rothargot replied at her response.

Rothargot's face saddened as he wrapped his massive arms around the girl. "Do not weep for me, child..."

Just then, a thought sprung to his head. But he did not wish to bring up the grim subject again. If I die...I know Rimoru will care for her... he thought.

"Do not get yourself killed, Marlene, not for me. I will always be back," he said with a small smile.

Cadeyrn looked around for Habdebza one last time so he could be reminded of his task. He could feel as if his father was watching him, just waiting for him to step away from the protection of Valtrox.

It cannot be forgiven...

The warrior stumbled as his heart began to flutter rapidly and suddenly lock up as if it were in a vice. Somehow he managed to keep limping forawrd gritting through the immense pain.

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

"You and Cadey can't die, fate can not be that cruel." She whispered sadly tightening her grip around him.

Rothargot responded by squeezing her a little tighter. "Do not worry, Marlene. None of this is set in stone. Cadeyrn may win against Xenocrates, and Valtrox may end up in the mortal plane."

Rothargot smiled as he pulled her nose playfully. "Then you can marry Cadeyrn and have a wondrous ceremony, under Valtrox, in which the 'Mighty One' himself will be able to bless you both."

"And soon, you two will have children running about your home while you two try to catch them..." Rothargot laughed, as he knew this was a possibility, but was stretching it a bit, perhaps...

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

Habdebza's guards noticed Cadeyrn walking about, and began to follow him at a distance.

The very thought of having a bunch of kids with Cadeyrn made Hel smile and begin chuckling as she imagined the large warrior trying to be a father.

"I would like that a lot." She replied still grinning and holding onto the demon. "When we get married you better be there with a present Rothy."

"Unless of course you're to busy with Rimoru at the time..." She added drawing a mischievous smile.

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

Cadeyrn fell clutching his chest before violently smashing his sword into the wall. He used the weapon to get back to his feet and continued to look for Habdebza.

Every painful grunt left a smear of tar in his wake. The berzerker moved and sounded like a wounded beast.

Rothargot's face turned to one of amusement. "I wouldn't miss your wedding day," he replied.

"Do you like Rimoru, Marlene? Or have you not met her?" he asked the girl in his arms.

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

"Look for Rothargot, mortal, and send me a message through your mind. I will be there to determine your fate," Habdebza told Teralynn, before walking down the hallways where he heard grunts and the sounds of stumbling.

When he finally reached the sounds, he found it was Cadeyrn.

"You truly are a beast, aren't you," Habdebza snarled. "I know you wish to speak to me, so make it quick. I have a prank to witness..."

Lorathin thanked the man, not in words but by providing the bartender ample coin and a request to keep his cup topped full. Departing, he headed toward the palace, now looking for all the world like a gawking countryboy.

"When she was toying with Cadey, I wanted nothing more than to see her innards beeing ferried across the sky by ravenous voulchers. I, however, have since changed my mind. She just needs a good man to stay beside her." Hel answered slowly pulling away from Rothargot.

"Once, I told you not to trust Cadey. I think that was because I wanted him all to myself, so maybe he wouldn't get entangled in these dealings." The woman continued slowly shaking her head.

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

Tar dripping from his mouth he smiled at the word.

"Beast, I like that." He quietly muttered.

"I would like to review and begin my mission, that is all." Cadeyrn grumbled before standing up straight.

Prank, what the bloody ogre axe kind of demon is this?

"But...it happened. I ruined your life," Rothargot said quietly as his face turned stoic, but his fiery eyes dimmed a bit. "This is all my fault then..."

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

Habdebza let out a diabolical cackle as Cadeyrn's thought rang through his mind.

"I am the kind of demon that give people nightmares, Cadeyrn. I'm the assassin, the warrior, the dominator. I bend people to my will, or kill them. You'll find my curiousity not at all like Rothargot. Unlike him, I am experienced through mortal dealings."

The demon began to pace around Cadeyrn as he instructed the warrior on his mission.

"Your mission, was to destroy the dragon in the slums of Zlatlan, right? Kill his followers, as well as the dragon itself."

"The dragon taught the will of Zavers, I believe. Foolish religion, foolish god, foolish followers."

"You get nothing from being nice, Cadeyrn. If you take anything from me, remember that. And remember it well..."

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

Ixair could see a cave nearby as he rushed through the snow, the elven princess in his arms.

Yet a horn was heard behind him.

"By Zavers, theres a full scouting party!" Sarik growled as he pulled his sword out. "Seven horsemen total!"

As the horsemen rode towards the party, their lances extended towards them, atleast ten archers and ten swordsmen ran behind them, weapons armed and prepared.

"Keep going towards the cave!" Sarik shouted as he kept his eyes on the advancing horsemen, while still keeping up with the elves.

"Many roads all lead to our grave, each only as beautiful as we want to see them. If you stare at the grave for which you're heading, you'll miss the gorgeous scenary along the way." Hel said leaning against the wall teary eyed. "I was going to put that in my first book."

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

For a single moment Cadeyrn saw himself in the place of Habdebza. Covered in the gore of thousands wielding a broken blade, only pausing to remove a head for a trophy. When the demon began to speak reality returned and the Berzerker felt sad that it had.

"Forgive me for earlier, when Marlene is around I forget myself." The warrior said kneeling breathing tar and blood.

You are a killer, a murderer, and a slave to masters. That is why you became a mercenary, and that is why you serve Valtrox. Cadeyrn enjoys the slaughter and following feel of victory, not the sappy over dramtic notions of love and children. Dumb rabid dog can't even find his place in the world.

"Whoever said I was good" He commented grinning before standing up. "The dragon, the followers, and anyone around will die."

Slowly he walked away preparing to battle one last time.

"That is beautiful," Rothargot said. "You wish to write books? Of your inventions, or of life?"

Suddenly, the demon began to think of Cadeyrn. The poor man has been through so much, and yet continues to do so. He should be home, living with this girl at home, living their dreams.


"Do you want to help Cadeyrn? On this quest, I mean?" Rothargot asked quietly.

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

Habdebza said a series of ancient words when Cadeyrn asked for forgiveness.

"I forgive no one, Cadeyrn. But I don't kill just anyone...for the most part," he growled as he walked into the nearby shadows.

"I just want you to be warned. The dragon or his servants are persuasive, hence why there are so many followers. If you do turn back, I may have to finish your job."

***********************************************************
Guards near the castle noticed the strange-looking man walking towards the palace.

"Where do you think you're going?" a large one asked angrily.

"On everything: philosophy, engineering, mathematics. All of it." She said getting cheerier by the second. "Knowlege is one of the few things that make me happy in this world."

She turned aside and shook her head gently.

"This is his mission, if I try to interfere I'll only get in the way. Besides, this is what he wants, one last mission." Hel replied mourningly.

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

Cadeyrn continued ignoring Habdebza's last remark.

Let this be the end of things then.

Heading out the door he smiled seeing a familiar face.

He blinked bleary eyes and let loose a burp smelling strongly of alcohol, "I is just go' home." He replied as he swayed a bit, appearing for all practicality, soused off his ass.

Cadeyrn grabbed the drunken derelict and pulled him violently away from the palace. Far enough from the guards he let go and continued walking as if nothing happened.

"You shouldn't have come here, it would be wise to get far far away from this place quickly." The warrior mumbled.

He blinked at the man that had manhandled him, his eyes changing from thier regular black and red to a normal pale grey as well as any his birthmarks and scar fading away. "Who'se you?" He asked in the same bleary voice he'd addressed the guards.

"You don't see that?" Maverion asked, still watching the scene unfolding before him in the mirror. Instead of conceding to Rimoru's suggestion, he reached out with his right hand to touch the mirror. As the fingertips felt the coolness of the smooth glass, Mave saw again the eyes in his own reflection - the eyes that were not his.

He was about to pull away from the mirror, but an energy immediately began flowing through him and enveloped him. Mave cried out and fell to his knees from the sudden shock and pain, but was still unable to remove his hand from the mirror.

Finally, the energy dissipated from around him, and he fell limply to the floor, unconscious.

***

At the same time, an identical scream rang out of the cave that Ixair and the others were running toward.

Another Maverion, naked and cold, appeared in the cave, his left hand reaching out to the icy wall before him, before likewise collapsing into unconsciousness on the ground.

***

Teralynn bowed her head to Habdebza before her mind slowly and softly went out in search of where Rothargot could be now. Upon find him, she started heading in that direction of the palace, wondering what she would do.

It was more than apparent that there was ill will between Habdebza and Rothargot. Perhaps she could use that to her advantage...

The guards grumbled as Cadeyrn walked the drunk away. It was a long night for them and they didn't want to deal with any drunkards...

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

Rimoru yelped in shock and surprise as Maverion fell to the ground, unconscious. Something had to have happened, something in the mirror.

She thought she may have seen something strange...but was it true?

Or was Maverion just too tired to even move now?

"Mavey! Wake up! We were about to-" she began before letting out a frustrated sigh. "How...rude!"

As she fumed, she waved her hands, an invisible force picking up Maverion and setting him on her massive, soft bed.

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

Rothargot noticed how Marlene, or Hel, had enjoyed talking about her books. She was a woman of knowledge, a successful one at that as well.

"You know, if you wish, you could probably make new methods of learning for the cult, along with new weapons and the such. I'm sure Valtrox would enjoy that," Rothargot said quietly as he noticed Teralynn walking down the hall.

"Teralynn! Shouldn't you be asleep...or gone?" he asked with a small smile.

Shara ran full tilt into the cave, and tripped over the body now lying unconscious on the ground. Skidding to a stop on her armor, she turned around and looked at what she had tripped over. Wait, wasn't he at the Library? Wasn't he dead?

Drawing her sword, she stood and walked slowly over to the man, and put the point of her sword against his jugular. Leaning over her shoulder, she shouted out the the others, "We have a situation in here!"

Cadeyrn pushed himself away from the drunk as he proceeded towards the wilderness.

"My eyesight must be failing me, I could have swore that wa- nevermind." He mumbled dragging his blade across the ground. The hike would take a while, but the fresh air might clear his mind.

The area (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v723/Luporum/Cadeyrn/Cade4.jpg) was quite beautiful, the patch of wild outside the bustle of the city.

He could feel his heart flutter violently and doubled over in pain. Just as he did a red blur had whirled across and stuck in the ground twenty meters ahead. The scarlet blade had actually bounced off his back leaving a scrape across his armor.

"You're quicker than I thought, most people can't avoid that...espically humans." A familiar voice growled approaching closer.

Cadeyrn stood and turned slowly seeing the dragoon lord. Suddenly every tree within a twelve meter radius fell evenly at waist height.

Raising his sword in the air Cadeyrn brought it down creating a wall of flames that engulfed the fallen trees swiftly driving its way towards Xenocrates. The titan like figure only extended his bare palm splitting the wake of flames so it would pass harmlessly. By now the two were surrounded by a wall of fire reaching fourteen feet in height.

"This is a good place to die Cadeyrn, you should be thankful." Xenocrates yelled edging closer.

"I'm glad I could dig your grave." The berzerker shot back lowering into a defensive position.

"Renember what you'd allied yourself with the damned for." The 'drunk' and glamoured Lorathin commented in a voice that carried to Cadeyrn's ears alone. "Remember where your true loyalties lie, and what you must do to fufill your obligations to her."

He then ambled and stumbled away, continuing his activities.

The lancers were close enough ro Sarik to see their grinning faces.

The Paladin dived, barely avoiding the lancers as they rode by, continuing towards the others.

But the lancers were now the least of his worries. Swordsmen and archers were closing in, already some arrows landing in the snow next to him.

Ixair was about to enter the cave, when Shara shouted. "We don't need any more situations!" Ixair shouted back. As he walked inside, he noticed the naked man whom Shara had her sword on.

"I'm afraid I wasn't in the Library with you guys," the elf said as he walked to the back of the cave and set Ar'mai down, before drawing his sword and exploring the rest of the cave. It seemed that there were no openings anywhere else but where they entered.

It is starting, Teralynn thought to Habdebza. But do not let anyone see you.

She began to look like she was not doing too well, transitioning to a labored breathing and needing to use the wall to help keep herself standing up. Her cheeks got paler as she slowly moved toward Rothargot and Hel. "Hab...Habdeb...he..." she struggled to say after a moment, which she figured would have been enough time for Habdebza to arrive.

Then the image of Habdebza formed in the minds of those nearby, appearing out of the shadows right behind Teralynn like she had seen him done earlier. The long blades slid out from his sleeves, and he jammed one straight through Tera's heart.

Teralynn's eyes went wide before the lids slowly drooped back down as blood flowed down from her chest and mouth.

The reddened blade slid back out, and Tera's body crumpled to the ground, where a pool of blood soon began staining the polished palace floor. "Your concubine should think before she acts, Rothargot," Tera's Habdebza said with a sneer.

Habdebza slinked in the shadows, disappearing as he always did, when Tera began her 'prank'.

"Tera, why would he-"

Suddenly, the other Habdebza formed behind Teralynn, blades flying through her chest. This brought a smile to the shadowed face of the real Habdebza.

"You infernal fool! Why did you do it?" Rothargot roared at the fake Habdebza.

He is more gullible than I thought, Habdebza thought as he continued to walk past the pillars. The demon fidgeted under his cloak, as a feeling he greatly hated entered him. What now? Should I interfere now?

Teralynn's Habdebza swiftly closed the distance between himself and Rothargot, crossing the blades like an X under Rothargot's chin. The edges pressed uncomfortable against the demi-god's neck despite its rock-like constitution.

"And don't you dare call me that again. I would not suffer fools like her, and I will not suffer fools like you either."

Rothargot snarled at the fake Habdebza, the firey aura giving the demon a fiery glow like none before.

"Habdebza, this is still my mission. Despite your orders, mine are from Valtrox himself. And his exceeds any of yours. If you kill me, you know what you will recieve. I am still the top of the food chain, despite your fancy tricks and swords."

The real demon scowled as he began to scan the area for the true Teralynn. This has to end soon. Rothargot is right, he thought angrily.

Getting a little too hot for you? Teralynn thought back to Habdebza. Very well, then...

Her version of Habdebza released the blades from around Rothargot's neck. With a sickening smile, he said, "Have it your way, Rothargot."

He then stepped away from Rothargot and bent down over the Teralynn corpse. Grasping her by the neck in one hand, he looked into her face, and the pool of blood began receding back into her wound and mouth. Then the wound in her chest closed back up, and he lifted Tera up, back onto her feet, by her neck. Habdebza gave Rothargot another wicked smile, as if silently saying to him, "Bet you didn't know I could do that."

Audibly, however, Habdebza said, "And have your concubine too. But you had better not fail your mission." With that, Habdebza disappeared back into the shadows.

Teralynn fell back against the wall, hands on her throat as she coughed.

Seeing the approaching cavalry, Minos thought quickly, and fired a powerful blast of wind at them, and attempted to unseat them.

Habdebza was going to snort in frustration, but decided against it. He would get the little gnat soon enough.

For your sake, don't let Rothargot away from your side, Teralynn. For that comment, I will give you torture so terrible, you'll wish for the fate your image recieved... Habdebza thought back angrily.

The demi-god walked down the steps, his breath getting heavier as his frustration grew. His guards even gave the enraged demi-god a wide birth before following close behind.

Inzikai had retaken his throne, brooding over the humiliation he had recieved from the demi-god. Only to see the monster approach gave him two choices. Confront the demon or hide cowardly.

One of his older servants was making his way through the palace, cleaning up the dead bodies, yet failing to notice the demon. With a scream he rose into the air and curled into a ball as his bones compressed against each other, breaking apart, poking through his skin and causing massive amounts of bleeding.

Inzikai had come to a decision and scurried behind his throne, hoping the demon hadn't noticed him.

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

Several men on the horses fell off their steeds with the wind, but several were strapped in well.

The results were mixed to those several. Two ended up dieing after their ankles were twisted and were crushed under their mount's hooves. Another merely broke his ankle as he fell off. The remaining four only laughed as they rode closer to Minos and the others.

Sarik meanwhile, was blocking arrows with his shield as he continued to walk towards the cave and the others. Two swordsmen had reached him already and banged onto his sheild with their swords.

The paladin retaliated with a perry and a thrust into the man's neck, before pushing away the other man with his shield. This isn't a good strategy...separating yourself from the others... he thought as he continued to run through the heavy snow towards the others.

Several men on the horses fell off their steeds with the wind, but several were strapped in well.

The results were mixed to those several. Two ended up dieing after their ankles were twisted and were crushed under their mount's hooves. Another merely broke his ankle as he fell off. The remaining four only laughed as they rode closer to Minos and the others.

Sarik meanwhile, was blocking arrows with his shield as he continued to walk towards the cave and the others. Two swordsmen had reached him already and banged onto his sheild with their swords.

The paladin retaliated with a perry and a thrust into the man's neck, before pushing away the other man with his shield. This isn't a good strategy...separating yourself from the others... he thought as he continued to run through the heavy snow towards the others.

Minos smiled as the horsemen laughed. Shouting, he said, "You find that funny, eh?"

Reaching his staff hand up into the air, he brought it down hard into the ground, and a wide crack shot forth opening into a chasm that trapped the remaining horsemen inside along with several of the archers. Several other troops fell as the earth below them opened its gaping mouth, and swallowed them whole.

The chasm was ten feet wide, and was deep enough that its sides diminished into darkness before the bottom could be seen.

Smirking again, Minos said, "I imagine you find that possitively hilarious then."

Habdebza was not the only cranky one. All of Teralynn's skin was peeling off now, which she hid from the others with her illusions, making them see her normal self instead. The intense fire still raged inside of her, and her head felt like a warhammer was continually beating on it. She wondered what Habdebza could possibly do that could be any worse.

But none of that was at the forefront of her mind. Instead, her eyes grew watery as she choked back false tears in front of Rothargot and Hel. "Wh...why is he here?" she asked in a voice that was a mix between frailty and anger.

The men suffered many losses and were on the verge of retreating when a roar was heard in the distance.

A very familiar captain soared past the heros, his dark armor glittering with an unnatural glow. "What do you know...Last time I saw you all, I was stealing your precious little elf. Where did she ever end up anyways?" he asked as his drake belched fire towards Minos, it's scales glowing with the same glow as it's rider.

Habdebza was not the only cranky one. All of Teralynn's skin was peeling off now, which she hid from the others with her illusions, making them see her normal self instead. The intense fire still raged inside of her, and her head felt like a warhammer was continually beating on it. She wondered what Habdebza could possibly do that could be any worse.

But none of that was at the forefront of her mind. Instead, her eyes grew watery as she choked back false tears in front of Rothargot and Hel. "Wh...why is he here?" she asked in a voice that was a mix between frailty and anger.


Rothargot walked over to Teralynn and put his hands lightly on her shoulders. He had learned that many mortals feel reassured by this movement.

"I do not know, Tera. I was never told of this meeting. Are you still hurt?" Rothargot asked as he looked her over.

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

Rimoru lay next to Maverion, brooding over the days events. What had happened in this mirror? I could feel some magic on it, but I had thought it was only minor enchantments...what happened to Maverion?

Rimoru adjusted herself to so she lay on her side, looking at the unconcious Maverion, she groaned as she felt a kick in her stomach.

Suddenly, she burped quietly as she felt herself getting sick again. With as much speed as she could muster, she jumped out of the bed and ran for the nearest bathroom.

She slowly made her way back, out of breath. She got herself in bed, next to Maverion and shook him gently.

"Mavey...are you there?" she whispered.

Teralynn was quiet for a moment before giving an uncertain shake of her head. "I...I will be fine..." she replied as her breathing started returning to normal.

She then looked up Rothargot. "Will he attack Inzikai? Lord Valtrox told me it was important that he finished what he is supposed to do."

***

Maverion was still breathing, albeit lightly. But his body temperature quickly plummeted, and his skin was cold to the touch.

"Valtrox's orders will not be impeded, not even from Habdebza. But nonetheless...perhaps I should make sure. Tera, get some rest. If you are to come with Inzikai and I, then rest is a priority for you," Rothargot replied.

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

"Not again, Mavey," she whispered as she felt his chest, immediately pulling away in shock at how cold he was.

"Don't tell me you're dead," she said half-concerned, half-fearful. She warmed her body up as she gently wrapped her arms around his chest and listened for a heartbeat, just to make sure.

Knowing that there was one, she warmed up even more, trying to keep the man at normal temperature, yet unsure of what else to do.

Teralynn shook her head, thinking back to Habdebza's warning. "I got some sleep earlier. I will be fine for a while."

***

Maverion's heart was beating.

***

The other Maverion, in the cave, was likewise alive, but unconscious and getting very cold.

The men suffered many losses and were on the verge of retreating when a roar was heard in the distance.

A very familiar captain soared past the heros, his dark armor glittering with an unnatural glow. "What do you know...Last time I saw you all, I was stealing your precious little elf. Where did she ever end up anyways?" he asked as his drake belched fire towards Minos, it's scales glowing with the same glow as it's rider.

The flames engulfed Minos, and he fell to the ground, charred and near unconscious. Using his last conscious moments, he created a shield of ice over top of himself. Then, he succumbed to the darkness clawing at the edges of his vision, and fell into oblivion.

Rothargot nodded and brought Teralynn closer, with a small hug. "I'm glad you're alive again, Tera. I had no idea Habdebza would kill you. Perhaps since he thought you were a concubine... "

The demon broke away and began to walk down the stairs. He noticed the path of destruction Habdebza caused, shattering pots, paintings, furniture, even bits of people were scattered throughout the palace. He could only hope that none of those bits were Inzikai.

He did happen to find the lizardman hiding behind his throne, his eyes watching intently.

"What's gotten into him?" he growled quietly as Rothargot knelt next to the Lord of Zlatlan.

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


"Now that...I find hilarious," the Captain laughed as the drake circled overhead to continue it's firey onslaught on the others.

Ixair watched in horror as Minos was burned alive. "Blast! We're losing too many!" he growled as he unstrapped the rifle from his shoulder and loaded one of the few pellets he had left.

He continued to track the officer until he had a sure shot...and fired.

Although the shot was right on, it didn't damage the Captain. The leathery wing of the drake got in the way, and by the time the bullet reached the captain, it pinged uselessly away against his plate armor.

Ixair's jaw dropped for several seconds, before he began to load up his weapon again.

"Shara, have you ever handled one of these before?" the elf asked as he held up the now loaded rifle.

Lorathin decided to enhance the glamour about him, the same that had confused Cadeyrn, to render him difficult to spot. As a glamour distracted the eye of those who witnessed it, the adaptation he was employed a principle to cause the eye to simply skip over the subject.

He would not be invisible, so much as un-noticable, as he headed toward the palace gate.

Shara looked at Ixair, and then back at the man she had at the end of her blade. Torn, her eyes went back and forth between the two for a moment, then she came to a decision. Pulling her sword away and sheathing it she said, "No, I haven't. You're probably a much better shot than I am though, why do you want me to give it a go?"

Although Lorathin bypassed the bored guards, he still had the trouble of getting past the massive palace gate, which held a series of complex detecting, nullifying, and stunning enchantments, including a few lethal traps.

Not to mention the loud creak of the gate doors or the siren, should they be opened by anything other than Inzikai's hands or that of the guard captain, who, like most important officers of Zlatlan, wore garments that protected him from some enchantments, along with his imbued sword. Not to mention he was currently inside the gates, sleeping soundly.

Should anyone who need the keys, they'd have to call for him.

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

Ixair smiled a charming smile at Shara. "Many thanks for the compliments, but you do have a bit of elf in you, so I would expect some elven precision," he chuckled as he pulled out his elvish sword.

"As for me, I am going to try to get Sarik in here in one piece. He seems to be in a lot of trouble. Now what I want you to do is to try to shoot this into the officer's neck. Remember, take your time, steady your shot. Learn his movements," he said reassuredly.

With that, he smiled as he darted out of the cave, into the frigid air, making sure not to step inside the massive crack that Minos has created earlier. Minos...I should see if I can bring him in, lest the enemy finds him... he thought as he ran towards Sarik.

He paused outside the gate, looking at the formidable gates and turned around. They wouldn't be breached easily and to do so would involve more effort than would bring about benefit.

He departed a goodly distance, well out of sight of the building and into a deserted alley, so he could see about doing a little scrying. Even when he could scry properly, it was usually fragmented and disordered.

Finding a source of water, he dipped a shallow bowl in it, to serve as the surface for the scrying work, before heading to the alley to attempt to get the spells to work.

Cadeyrn brought his massive blade down onto the Dragoon whom only opened his palm and caught the diamond edge. Snatching the weapon, Xenocrates put a boot into the human's chest shooting him back into the fiery debris.

"Is this the best you can do?" X grumbled tossing Cadeyrn's blade into the inferno surrounding them. "Come on, surely my son can do better than this."

A faint whisper echoed into the berzerker's ears restoring his broken spirit.

Digging his hands into the ground Cadeyrn lunged through the air landing on X's face immediately jamming his cannon between the jaws of the dragoon's helm. A ferocious explosion shot the two apart landing the berzerker next to his blade. Xenocrates blitzed the warrior clutching his face nearly crushing his skull in the process.

The dragoon held his son at eye level with himself and smiled through his bloody visor.

"It's been a while since anyone ever damaged me." X growled squeezing the human's face even harder taking pleasure in his child's painful groaning. Cadeyrn suddenly began spewing the black tar like substance into the dragoon's face whom fell back desperately trying to get the oily blood off his skin.

Screaming, Xenocrates fled through the fire and disapeared. Cadeyrn smiled softly before continuing through the smoking debris sword in hand. He turned around looking for the voice that he heard but failed to see anyone beyond the charred wild.

This disease might just be a blessing.

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

Hel nodded and smiled politely at Tera before following closely behind Rothargot. A small giggle escaped her when she saw Inzikai cowering behind his throne.

Inzikai's eyes focused on Rothargot, then Teralynn, and then fell upon Hel.

"Who's she?" he asked rather informally. His eyes seemed to lose focus before returning as he kept his strange eyes on Hel.

Rothargot never noticed the red glow emitting from Inzikai's eyes. Infact, his pupils seemed to be shrinking, appearing as little more than slits. The irises were also forming into bright orange circles.

Taking his attention away from the man, he turned to Hel and smiled. "Would you like to tell him?" he asked quietly.

Half of Hel's flesh metled away revealing a sick mesh of decayed bone and tissue. She crept close to Inzikai and smiled.

"Recognize my voice?" She asked in a distorted voice before running her thumb along his neck. "Shame that healed up nicely."

Inzikai crawled away from her, his eyes slightly wider. "Whats going on? I am Valtrox's way to the mortal realm! I cannot be killed!" he gasped as he backed into a wall. Half dead and half alive? he wondered to himself, backup plans forming in his head as he was unsure of this creature was going to kill him.

Rothargot himself was surprised at Marlene. He hadn't seen that before. His wings twitched slightly as he slowly cocked his head to the side. He was about to whisper her name, but decided he would spoil her fun if he did so.

"You kept Cadeyrn relatively safe, and for that I can't hold a grudge against you." She warbled running her rotting hand on his cheek. Boney fingers still dripping with decayed flesh and the stench of of a corpse at rest out in the sun.

Slowly her entire body was entirely youthful and sweet as well as the soft slender hand on the Zlatlan Lord's face.

"By keeping your word to him, I will defend you." She added putting her forehead against his and slowly backing away next to Rothargot.

Inzikai's eyes were still wide as she backed away. He seemed to have been stunned silent.

Rothargot smiled as Marlene came back to him. "I don't think he recognizes you," he whispered.

Behind them, a slow clapping could be heard.

"Very well done, Hel...very well done indeed," Habdebza rasped, the guards behind him with their arms crossed along their chest. "Now, I must...insist that you leave for your mission, Inzikai...and Rothargot. Hel, I suppose you may go with them if you so please. Valtrox has not said anything against it."

Rothargot tensed up as he turned around. "Why are you here, brother?"

"I too have business to settle. And that business is not for you to know. And, unfortunately, I won't be there for the great one's arrival, so any battle you may have...will be without me," Habdebza replied, turning towards Marlene for a brief second. "I hope to see you all again," he said with a mocking tone as he spun around, his black cloak fluttering, metal glinting underneath his cloak, along with his strange goatlike legs.

The demon walked through the gateway chamber, and stopped to let several more demons walk through, before entering, along with his guards.

"Get everything you need. We make this trip immediately," Rothargot said, before growling something to the assembled demons. After a brief exchange of ancient words, the demons walked out, about twenty total, and spread out amongst the castle. The three gateways still continued to release Rothargot's minions onto the world...

Cadeyrn pushed his way through the dense marsh clumsily stumbling over various vines and other entanglements on the swamp floor. Using his broad weapon as a walking stick he managed his balance and catching sight of a small village rittled with poverty.

His thick legs aggressively trudged through the bog water snapping roots and plants along the way. The berzerker made his presence obvious when he pushed a small tree down.

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

Xenocrates collapsed after about a mile of running blindly, his eyes boiled with undescribable pain as the black oil seeped into his skin. Gazing into the water he saw a blurred reflection showing how horrible the burns on his face had become. Growling he pulled out a dagger and viciously carved most of the flesh on his face off.

Staring into the now scarlet water, Xenocrates began stroking his once handsome face, which had now become a bloody grimace of folded flesh and missing skin.

The water itself immediately evaporated as the weeds and plants around the dragoon lord were incinerated and fell to ashes upon him.


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

"Thank you master Habdebza." She said spinning around a bowing very ungracefully nearly falling over.

Turning she watched with amazement as more of Rothargot's soldiers joined their side. She took relief in knowing that they had more backup against the unstable Habdebza.

Lorathin muttered something unkind as the water refused to show anything. Water was the easiest medium to initate a scry, but also the most difficult if you were looking for details or to control it.

Sighing, he began walking around the palace in a wide circle touching a building or other permenant item every few meters as he was setting up a ward that would tell him if it was breached by Inzikai, Rothargot, Cadeyrn specifically or anyone of who had highly developed skills, such that they would rate a mastery designation by thier fellows be they warriors, mages or even cooks and vendors.

Rothargot stiffled a chuckle at Marlene's awkward bow. She still reminded him of the child he remembered.

Inzikai watched Marlene for a minute more, before slowly getting up and breaking into a full sprint to his room to get his clothing together. Pulling out a ceremonial robe and folding it into a bag as thoughts swirled in his mind.

That woman talked about Cadeyrn...How I took care of him...She must have loved him...who? He was thinking ferociously, almost to the point where his frustration overtook him. Suddenly, it clicked, like a dam bursting, memories pouring forth. Marlene? How could it be her? She was a tiny girl last time I saw her! She was stolen!

Now he was certainly getting frustrated. The little girl whom he mocked on the boat ride, the little girl whom he disliked greatly, and was disliked in return. How did she get those powers? How does she know Habdebza? Why was she not tormented by the demon?

Just thinking about her boiled his blood. He screamed as he spun around, pulling his falchion on the sheath, and hacking a hole into his bed in one quick movement. Valtrox! What are you doing!? Why did you make her into...into whatever she is now! While I suffer...suffer from your punishments! he thought angrily.

"I'm going to kill them!" he shouted as he began to cool down. He still wanted to kill something. Kill hundreds actually. Once Valtrox gets to this world, he would become the ruler of the mortal plane. Things will bow to his will...

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

Rothargot's demons patrolled the palace, growling quietly as they did so. Several of the beasts walked outside, to explore the city and its lay out. If they were to patrol while most of the cultist forces were away, then they should know their city.

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

Rothargot turned around and walked towards the door, his feet leaving the burning footprints in the stone floor.

He opened the door wide, revealing the dark grey clouds. The sign of Valtrox still burned brightly in the air, however, casting it's blessings amongst the loyal. Those that were unloyal...would recieve their punishments...

He turned around to Marlene after several minutes and spoke with an almost joyful tone.

"Will you be getting your own ride from the stables or otherwise, or would you like me to give you one?" Rothargot asked the girl.

Hel leaped gracefully back and forth over every molten step with her arms spread out. Her black gown trimmed the fiery footprints singing the artificial dress.

Soon everything will be fine, I just know it.

"Rothy is the only way to fly." She giggled running toward him.

Rothargot smiled as he picked her up in his massive arms. Just being around her made him want to be mortal...to have a mortal life.

He would live with Rimoru, get married, have children, watch them grow up...

"I'm ready," growled Inzikai as he walked down the stairs, a ceremonial robe adorning him. The golden trim was the only color other than black on it. His eyes were narrowed, his lips curled over unnaturally long teeth.

Rothargot looked at the lord of Zlatlan, noticing his stare was straight at the the demi-god himself. No...at the girl in his arms.

"Will you want to ride with me-"

"I ride alone," he growled, finally diverting his eyes. He walked out the door to the stables, grumbling to himself the whole time as he leapt on Blight, his undead drake, and taking off in the air.

Rothargot raised an eyebrow, before smiling as he looked at Marlene. "Here we go," he said as he leapt into the air.

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

The unloyal were going about their business, their area finally cleared of the last giant mosquito of the day when a tree crashed to the floor.

"What was that?" an elf asked quietly, grabbing his sword.

"Don't know," a nearby human said. "Let's go check it out."

Three people went to go check out the disturbance, blades ready.

"So Rothargot's heading out and Inzikai as well." He commented as they passed through the warding, "I'd say Marlene was with them but that shouldn't be possible." He added to himself as he noticed that there were beings best called demons starting to wander the streets.

Shrugging, he began walking in the direction the ward had been breached as he prepared to follow the duo, possibly trio and anyone else that hadn't registered.

Harlin had followed Lorathin, slightly impressed by his skills at misdirection. Now though, he whispered out of the Shadowfold to Lorathin's ear, softly enough that no one else should be able to over hear it. "Azrael, if you leave to follow them, I will not be able to follow. I will try to find the rest of the group in the mountains, but my job would be much easier if you could scry them for me."

Ixair had left Shara in charge of the gun and Ar'mai, as he left to help Sarik.

As the elf prince ran to the first swordsman, he swept the mans feet off the floor and dove his sword through the warrior's neck. As he got up, he spun around, his sword extended to keep the others away from him.

Suddenly, four of the men screamed as something punctured their armor from behind. As they toppled over, Mabbiwik's spiders unlatched themselves from the men and searched out new targets. Ixair nodded his thanks as he helped John and Bjorn fight off more swordsmen.

The Captain continued to circle around, attacking them as he went by. Ixair's remaining sailors were being burned alive, the few left firing their rifles into the air at the captain.

Sarik himself was having trouble. He had finally reached the archers, but as he did so, they too pulled out their swords and ganged up on the paladin. He could easily take out two or three at once, but he had trouble defending against five or six, while the rest aimed their arrows at him, should he kill them.

Sarik muttered a prayer when he suddenly glowed a pure white light, blinding the archers nearby. With that bought time, he swung his broadsword around, beheading one archer and severely wounding two more around him.

"Inzikai will reward me greatly for the death of these insolent bugs," the captain laughed from atop his mount. The Captain himself seemed to be fairing well against the barrage of bullets, his armor seeming to deflect most of the shots.

"No can do." He commented softly as he continued walking in the direction the others had headed. Scry on something precise was something he'd never been able to accomplish, and he didn't even had the proper equipment for it.

"No can do." He commented softly as he continued walking in the direction the others had headed. Scry on something precise was something he'd never been able to accomplish, and he didn't even had the proper equipment for it.

"Well shite, what am I to do? I can't exactly fly, you know." Harlin said to Lorathin even though Lorathin didn't really deserve the anger.

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

Shara hefted the gun, the unfamiliar weight was ungainly in her hands. Loading one of the few pellets that Ixair had left her, she held the butt up to her shoulder as she'd seen Ixair do. Looking down the length of the barrel, she lined up the bead on the end with the notch that was right in front of her eye, and brought it up to aim.

The gun fired before she knew what she'd done, and the small pellet pinged off the armor of the Captain circling above. Shaken, she loaded another pellet, and then aimed again, this time careful to keep her finger away from the trigger. Seeing the target beyond the sights, she made sure to give him a little lead, just like she would with a bow, and then fired again.

The Captain grunted as another pellet hit his armor. "Infernal fools...why can't they just die?" he growled, before another bullet hit him on his armor plated arm, almost at a vulnerable spot. "Blast!"

He swooped down, behind his men, his drake roaring for his men. "Push the charge men! These fools will fall under our onslaught! We have the advantage of numbers!" he shouted over the din of battle.

Suddenly, a low, deep horn blew very close to them, with the barking of canines accompanying it.

"What the?"

Suddenly, atleast a hundred wolves broke out from behind the trees, pouncing at the cultists with an almost rabid ferocity.

Then, roars erupted as thousands of hulking creatures followed behind the dogs. The Morgrathiens had finally arrived.

Sarik smiled as the dogs came barking past, yet that smile soon faded as three more dogs pounced on him.

He batted them away and began to run towards the others. "Ixair! I thought you knew these barbarians!"

Ixair ignored Sarik's comment and waved at the barbarians. "Hey! It's me, Ixair Riftdreamer! We come in peace!" he shouted, but his noise barely passed the sounds of battle, barking, and shouting. He ducked as an axe sailed where his head was, and began running towards the cave.

Mebbiwik spurred his spiders towards the cave as well, knowing that he wouldn't last against all this. Bjorn and John had already ran for the cave, long ago. The remaining sailors, seven total, also followed suit, hoping to outrun their persuers.

The Captain growled as he spurred his own mount upwards, kicking away a dog as he was carried higher into the air. Arrows and axes were being shot at him and he couldn't take much more of this. With one last curse, his mount flapped it's wings and soared towards the nearest Cultist camp.

Below him, a cultist managed to hijack one of the cavalry men, and was retreating at full speed, with the knowledge of the location of the rebel barbarians...

"Use the same method you're using now to get there." He muttered as it was a fairly simple concept in his opinion.

Cadyern slid under the swamp water like a crocadile slowly and stealthily making his way towards the voices. Judging by their apprehensive aggression he figured they were his enemy. Just when he was running out of breath he could make out the faint shadows of legs from the murky waist deep water.

Quickly the warrior and his blade shot from the water aimmed across their waists.

The two guards fell dead into the water.

Yet, four villagers who were trekking through the city happened to notice them fall, silent.

"What's going on? Alert the guards...crocodiles could be entering the town...or cultists," one of them said quietly, before they all began to rush away.

"Use the same method you're using now to get there." He muttered as it was a fairly simple concept in his opinion.

"I'm not sure what you know about the Shadowfold, but we are constrained to the normal dimensions of space. It wouldn't exactly be a little stroll to go and find them, we're talking leagues and leagues of ground I need to cover. I don't know if I'll be able to teleport there either, they said it only worked in times of great need." Harlin whispered in reply.

*****

The barbarians had come out of no where and scared away the captain, and thus Shara had lost her chance to finally kill him. She was running very low on pellets, and these barbarians were supposed to be Ixair's friends, even if they were attacking them. Hopefully it was all just a misunderstanding. Slinging the rifle onto her back, Shara went back to her position guarding the body in the cave.

Cadeyrn slid back under the water creeping towards the town with only his eyes peering above the bog. From above, his black short hair could be mistaken for a swamp rat.

Recon, Probe, Assualt, Retreat.

He slid from the waterline into an ally only making the sound of his weapon clacking against the paved road.

He repeated that phrase he memorized from his first days in combat. Despite his bulky build he moved like a cat through the shadows with the occassional gentle clang of his armor. The city was poorly lit due to the swampy surroundings and the bog stench masked his wretched disease seeping from every pore.

Heart racing he made his way until he could find someone to give him information. However, he was getting careless and began making too much noise. Cadeyrn's mind shifted between the mission and rather pleasant thoughts of Marlene in her new form.

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

Hel's thick black hair danced in the wind as she snuggled around Rothargot's arm. She turned her glance and smiled at him.

Soon everything will be fine.

Bjorn and John scrambled inside the cave, immediately running for the back. Mebbiwik followed, on his mechanical spider, but unlike his cowardly guards, he turned around, his other spiders ready to defend their master.

Ixair soon arrived, ushering the remaining four sailors, who were taking shots at the dogs who were approaching.

Sarik had finally come, kicking away a dog as he walked backwards into the cave.

"This isn't good...but atleast this cave can give us somewhat of an advantage," Sarik said, slightly out of breath as he blocked a thrown axe with his sheild.

A huge figure towered over the lizardman as he said so, eyes glowing a blood red, teeth glistening in whatever light passed through the giant.

The creature placed his giant hands on each side of the passage way and forced his way in, blocking the entrance while not being able to stand to his full height.

The man seemed to be wearing a massive fur cape. A sign of honor for the Morgrathiens.

Was Higsthor replaced? Ixair thought suddenly as his sword was drawn.

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

Several guards began to run down the street, searching for the 'crocodile' that was heard earlier. Yet they heard something else as they did so.

Looking down an alleyway, one of the guards jumped back in surprise. "Someone's here!"

Unsure of whether he was an enemy or just a misplaced villager, he staggered back, towards the rest of the gathered guards.

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

Rothargot smiled back at Marlene as he soared quietly through the sky. Before he had left, he had made sure to grab Teralynn, who was holding onto his neck, laying on his back.

"Do you like flying, Marlene?" he asked her as he glanced ahead, at Inzikai's massive drake as it circled around the stables a few times.

"Dammit!" Cadeyrn grunted after noticing one of the guards had spotted him. He ran several scenarios through his mind: fight the guards and potentially put the entire rebel army on alert, or continue running and just lose them.

The hulking brute cut down the ally at a 90 degree angle straight for the huddled mass of guards. With quick bound in the air he raised his massive weapon overhead to take them all out in one swipe.

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

"Only with you Rothy." Hel replied gazing at the scenary.

"I feel honored," Rothargot chuckled as he followed Inzikai around the castle.

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

Some of the guards yelped in surprise as they raised their own swords against his.

"Halt! In the name of Zlatlan!" one of them shouted in hopes of persuading the attacker that they were loyal to the cult.

Cadeyrn grinned with a twisted malevolence as he smashed his giant weapon into the guard's defenses. Heavy drops of blood splashed onto his face as he tried to determain the effectiveness of the strike and the necessary followup style based on the stance/how many were remaining. Also taking into to account he wanted one alive he'd have to adjust his angles.

Just for a moment the spark of battle returned to him, the berserker was wanting to lay into the slaughter with all his merciless wrath. The beast would have to wait until the game turns from chess to checkers.

"Surrender in the name of Lord Inzikai and our most worthy Valtrox!" The mercenary growled with his blade immediately ready for a second strike. A subtle twitch of a ligment connected to his artificial arm caused the elaborate pulley system to squeel tightening its clumsy grip on the weapon.

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

Hel nuzzled against the demon's arm purring quietly.

Her lips mouthed a few quiet words before she drifted into slumber.

"Well I can't really help you, and I have stuff to do." He replied as he neared the exit of the city and prepared to step up the pace as he followed Inzikai, Rothargut and maybe Marlene.

The remaining guards sprang back as their comrades were split apart before there very eyes.

"Valtroxian slave! Join Zavers...he heals us...protects us...offers us safety and peace!" one of the guards shouted back.

Cadeyrn mumbled before spinning his sword violently only trying to maim the remaing guards. The warrior estimated that half would react poorly and be killed while maybe one or two might be well trained enough to survive.

After the attack he slung his weapon over his shoulder smiling.

"I was always destined to be a slave, but at least my master smiles kindly on me." He grunted to what was left.

Indeed, only two remained as their comrades were sliced down as if they were nothing.

"Get Miracor," one of them shouted to the other, who immediately ran off towards the middle of the city, where a large group of trees stood.

The remaining guard stood in front of Cadeyrn, determined to buy his comrade enough time to get who may be able to stop this man.