NationStates Jolt Archive

For 500 years, the Shadowy State of Snake Eaters has battled to survive in the war-torn galaxy. Recently, it has become a stable empire, and has begun to thrive, creating allies abound galaxy-wide. However, at it's very heart, on Snake Eater Prime, an ancient evil rises once again to destroy all that has been created. The evil is Kaelis Ra.

OOC: Ok guys, the only participants in this are: Kaymiril, Warhaven, Balrogga if he wants, and myself. As this is my world, I will describe the enviroment, which will include cities and arctic wastes. It will also be going at my pace, so it may take longer than normal. Sorry if that inconviences you in anyway. I will wait for you all to post before I begin proper

The words flickered past Cougar's eyes...tinged green, instead of blue...that was how Rhenmet's were distinguished from Renor's.

I will keep my quarrel with him from surfacing until the time when my master gives the order that he dies.

S -- Ah...been a while since I left the atmosphere. I think you'd have had fun as the left hand...Renor. Spywork is ever so much more fun than paperwork.

M -- Child, you wear my patience. Your position was chosen by your master...and personally, I think he chose right.

S'gart winced. Mith was old and powerful...and even among those outcast, her words carried weight.

Cougar glared at S'gart," This is not spywork! This is WAR!"

The dropship popped into existence above Snake Eater Prime. Below, Cougar could see the damage Kaelis Ra had done already.

"Sir, theres only one safe route. Kaelis Ra has ionized the atmosphere, making flgith all but impossible"

"Take it. Get me as close to the city as you can!"

"Roger that"

The dropship screamed through the narrow air-corridor, ionization sparking off it's hull panels. It touched down on the dirt, and lowered the tail ramp quickly,"The city is just beyond that ridge. Good Luck Sir!"

"Good luck yourself!"

Cougar let go of Rhenna's hand, and ran to the crest of the ridge. He looked, and fell to his knees,tears in his eyes. Spreading away before him was not the beautiful city he remembered, but a burning, smoking ruin. Flames engulfed many buildings, some mere shells of their former glory. He gazed, his vision blurred, and cried

A mysterious old woman tottered over to couger and put her hand on his shoulder. She wore a long grey robe. A hood pulled over her eyes, as mysterious smile played on her wrinkled face.
"It will be okay child, all things will be sorted with time, If anyone can stop Kaelis Ra, surely it is you." The woman said. A long Staff was in her other hand, Made of Ivory. No symbols or markins could be seen anywhere on her. No presence or power eminated from her. For all intents and purposes, she was a common old woman.

Rn -- Spywork is what he does...he has had more experiences in space than the rest of us.

*After the landing*

The four mages follow Cougar to the ridge.

Rn -- So many...you can see them...*She puts her hand on his shoulder, knowing that there is no comfort for a loss such as this.*

S -- And from my research on this sort of creature, I thought they'd send forth their challenge, first. Tactics like this...*his lips begin to curl up in a type of grin*

R -- Are unacceptable.

Cougar looked at the old women, and a flicker of recognition passed through his brain. He dismissed it and gripped Rhenna's hand briefly, but then heard S'gart speak. His anger built quickly, fuelled by his grief, and he rounded, his fist connecting squarely with the mage's jaw,"DO NOT PUSH ME! THIS IS MY WORLD, MY PEOPLE! IF I EVER HEAR YOU TALK OF KAELIS RA AS IF YOU ADMIRE HIM AGAIN, IT WILL BE THE LAST WORDS TO ISSUE FROM YOUR MOUTH!", he roared, his face a mask of anger

The blow did not seem to phase the mage, or Cougar's anger do anything to anger him. Instead, he raised his hand, energy crackling between his fingers, and Cougar finds that his breathing is stopped.

"You would make threats, little one?"

R -- Release him. Or die.

*The force choking Cougar lets go.*

R -- I brought you here, and you will do as I say. If I am not clear on this, I am certain I can put you in stasis until the threat passes.

S -- Xas, Jabbuk. *There is a clear undertone of annoyance there. Rhenna's hand, which had been on her whip, releases it.*

OOC: SE, check your TGs.

Cougar glared at S'gart, his hatred for the mage building by the minute. He turned away, to look again at the burning city,"Our first move should be to the Assembly building. If anyone can give us information, it's them. Follow me, and stay close, enemies are going to be everywhere."

The old woman gripped her robe and tore it off, revealing herself to be Lady Warfare.
"You left me, thats alright, I followed you here." Warfare said.
She looked at S'gart.
"You have much to learn." She said


OOC: Gotta go, dinner calls.

The mages filed behind Cougar - Rhenna right behind him, Mith after her, Renor following the Grey Class mage, and S'gart in the back.

"Someone get behind him, I don't trust him" called Cougar, his voice soft. They were already within the city limits, and hadn't seen a soul yet. Still, his solider instinct was kicking in, this is my world. Let them come he thought, as he led the group through the rubble, stopping occasionally to check the surroundings. His rifle followed his eyes, and he didn't fire a shot. He communicated silently, via thought and action. His movements were fluid, as if he had never been away.
After 20 minutes of moving through the rubble, James froze. Up ahead, he could hear babbling, and it wasn't human

Rn -- He's in the place Renor told him to be. I trust Renor to place him best.

*Rhenna comes up to just shy of beside him, her drow ears catching more clearly the sounds coming from ahead.*

"I'll go check it out. Heeth d'lil Ssa."

*Using a form of magick she rarely ever pulled out, Rhenna transformed herself into the one non-humanoid form she could take -- The serpent. Using her small size and soundless slithering to her advantage, she crept forward, until she could see just what it was she was hearing.*

What Rhenna saw was a small group of demons. They were blood red in colour, and were communicating in a series of babbles, clicks and whistles. It was a strange language, but they could understand each other. Behind them, bound and face down, were 5 or 6 humans, with eight pointed stars painted upon their backs, the symbol of Kaelis Ra. These were to be sacrificed to fuel him

A variation on Abbysal...that mark... a flashback returned to her...she had seen the missing page before, but it had been in the book. That mark...oh, xsa.

*Returning to the group, she resumed her normal form.*

"Demons...they have people marked for sacrifice with them."

Cougar nodded at the information,"What I suspected. Ok, Renor, Mith and S'argt, you guys go left. Rhenna, Warfare, you're with me. We attack at the same time. We haven't got a choice in this matter. If I'm right, then the demons will split up into two teams to defend themselves. Eliminate them by any means! And stay hidden!"

With that, he dropped to his belly, and crawled below a low line of rubble, masking him from view. His weapon was in his hands, and he felt good. Scared, but good. He found a pile of rubble to attack from, and waved the others over to him. When they were all in position, Cougar thought Renor, are you guys in position yet?

Yes. Begin. With that, Renor's group launched into attack...surprisingly enough, Mith too. She had an extremely powerful anti-demon spell.

OOC: Hah! Grey class RULES!

Cougar led his group out from the rubble,"Hey! Demons!"
They turned."Recognise me?"
The did. The Black Flame burned, and they screached, an ear peircing screech. They moved towards him, and then evaporated as Mith's spell hit them full blast. Cougar grinned, and ran to the captives, using his combat knife to slcie through their bonds,"Are you guys OK?"

"Yes.... but you need to hurry. Kaelis Ra grows in power by the second, and soon none will be able to stop him"

"OK, get yourselves out of the city"!

As the humans ran away, whistling filled the air. Cougar looked up, and saw artillery shells pouring into the city. He recognized them as Snake Artillery, and understood why they were firing. To contain the enemy, at the cost of military and civilians lives. The thought sickened him.
"Come on, we can't stay here. The building isn't far from here"

After they had been moving another 15 minutes, a number of weapons were heard to click, the ominious sound of rounds being chambered and safeties disengaged. Looking around, they were surrounded...

The mages pulled into a circle. Their hands crackled with energy, and the three Black Class mages put up a defensive screen around the group. They were ready...just waiting.

"DON'T MOVE!" shouted the leader of the human's, a amn with greying hair, with an AK-74 in his shoulder.

"Watt? Walter Finas, is that you?" called Cougar, his voice echoing in the ominous silence

"Cougar? What the hell are you playing at man! We almost fucking killed you!"

"Long story. Get your men to lower their weapons!"

"Not until you get your's to stop glowing"

Cougar tapped the mages on the shoulder,"Calm down guys, I know these people"

The weapons of the humans were lowered, and many slinked away into the ruins. Watt dropped down and moved slowly towards the group until he could see Cougar,"Well, praise Leviathan! You did actually come back then"

"Damn right I did! Who were those people just now?"

"What's left of SHADOW. The entire infrastructure of this nation is fucked, and we're fighting just to hold the city"

Cougar felt his blood run cold.What's left of SHADOW. "How many dead?"

"100,000 all told. Many are hiding in the ruins, some have been taken away. Only ten SHADOW teams left. And it just get's worse"

Cougar felt his heart stop momentrilary in his chest, Only ten teams, less than half of the orginal twenty-six. He pushed his way out of the circle, his manner rough, knocking S'gart off balence briefly"only 60 of us left?"

Watt raised his eyes,"Yep, only 60."

The atmosphere between these two was immense. Everyone around them felt it. A time of immense sadness had just entered James' heart, and he nearly collapsed again,"The Assembly?"

"Holed up. You want an escort?"

"No, we'll be fine. Thanks"

Watt embraced his old-friend,"Go and make a difference man. Above All..."

"Others." finished Cougar. With that, Watt melted back into the urban destruction. Cougar turned to the group, "C'mon. Let's keep moving. I want to reach the Assembly before nightfall"

Warfare rustled her Gunblade loose. She was divine, she could easily out run all the bullets and slice them to pieces if need be, she had to keep couger alive, the promise burned in her soul.

Renor nods and the mages start moving forward again. He knew that Rhenna hurt for his human apprentice...but for the meantime, she kept her mouth shut...the time to mourn would come, later.

OOC:Be back in a bit, I thought I could come back. Warfare is doing nothing divine or special at the moment. Just remeber, she promised Leviathan she would keep james alive, no matter what. Gods never break their promisies.

After a brief spell of fast movement, the group emerged into a large square, surrounded on all sides by the remements of the high-rise structures. At the far end lay the battered Assembly building. It was a grand structure, nearly 100 feet tall. It was titanium-adamantium built, the same as a starship. Cougar looked at it's bruised facade, and smiled,"Still standing old friend, still standing"*turns to group*"The Assembly should be inside somewhere, I'm betting in the bunkers. I have the codes, let's go"

S -- I have no interest in human archetecture...I'll wait --

R -- *interrupting* You will come with us.

Never had the human heard Renor's voice so cold or harsh...the worst Cougar had gotten from him seemed a gentle, even friendly, rebuke in comparison.

S'gart followed. The distaste on his face showed plainly...but he would not openly challenge Renor, yet.

"This isn't architecture, this is the seat of government" said Cougar, whincing in spite of himself at the coldness in Renor's tone.
Cougar clambered up the steps, and stood by the door. He kicked it open, and swept the room. No one was about, so he checked about. All the doors were sealed by blastdoors, and Cougar knew they would not get through those. He instead tapped his foot on every panel, until he found the hollow one. He smiled, and opened a small panel on it, tapping in a 6-digit code faster than the eye could see. The floor slid away, revelaing a passage that sloped steeply away,"Hope everyone likes the dark" he said, leading them into the inky blackness

R -- A characteristic of our race is the ability to see heat as light. A minor adjustment...and we see as well as we did in the daylight...a little better, even.

"Lucky bastards! I'll have to settle for these*pulls some nightvision goggles from his bag, and puts them on*"These things mess with your depth perception, but let me see clearly. Absolute godsend in this sort of place. Looks like the emergency generators are out. This could be tricky. I doubt the artillery hasn't left it's mark either" As he was speaking, they came upon a collapsed roof,"See what I mean?"

"Well, I can pull all of you through the wall if that would help, I have a wide variety of things I can do, just ask." Warfare said.

Rn -- Not unexpected. Let's see...*she runs her hand along the wall briefly* Ah, here. *she casts a spell, and the emergency lights flicker, then go up.*

S -- Xsa dos, dalhar, vel'bol wun l' thal uoi'notan zhah dosst priqual?

Rn -- *bitingly* Ka dos inbal natha priqual, tesso l' zanjur pholor dosst i'dol doeb.

R -- Z'lonzic. Tuth del dos.

That would make things much easier for all of us. It would save alot of time as well

*Hmmm* Thinking to herself.

Warfare suddenly shrinks everybody else to the size of a coin and puts them all in her breast pocket. Couger she holds in her hand and walks into the wall.

OOC: SE, check your TGs.

"Wierd Expierence No. 1 for this trip," said Cougar, but the humour was forced. He turned to the Black mages and just said,"Vrine'winith dosst malarin. Gaer zhah mzild a risk ghil taga dos zhaun!", his accent flawless thanks to the translator chip in his head

R -- Cougar, sevir jala moraden bauth mina ulu uns'aa, izil nindolen ph' harl uns'aa.

She walked on through the wall, endless options availible to her.
She stepped out on the other side and said:
"Now what? Oh, and, while your in my pockets you are effectivly in an anti-magic zone."

*to Renor*JUGARE. 'udtila naut hass'l Usstan saph ol.

*To Warfare* go straight to the end of this passage. Tell me when you get to a door, and stop there

R -- *to Cougar* Usstan kat tesso dos ulu saph ol.

*to Warfare* You do realize that makes us just about useless? Not that miniature Drow do much good anyway.

Seke. Gil'ssrigghinn, udos zhal elendar

You may as well unshrink us. It would be better for all concerned

OOC: Did he die? <.< >.>

OOC: Who, Warhaven? don't know

OOC: I don't like being in a non-magick zone. ;_;

OOC: And I don't like being left out to dry... C'mon man, where are you?

OOC: Yeah...this isn't cool.

Warfare strolled casually along the corridor, her gait belying her speed. In no time flat she reached the door at the end of the hall.
"Now what?" warfare asked.

OOC: Not cool man, not cool

IC: Unshrink me. If you go through that door without proper clearence, the entire area will fill with lethal radiation. You would survive, but we would not. Whilst you are at it, unshrink us all

Warfare unshrinks everybody.

M -- *to the sliver on her shoulder* How'd it feel to be shrunk even smaller?

"Strange." it said.

She nods.

Cougar approached the door, which began speaking in a flat, monotone voice,"please provide retinal identification". Cougar presed his eyes to the scanner."Please insert code" Cougar did so."Please provide vocal identification"

"Col. Cougar, security code Alpha 7"

"Code confirmed, you are clear to enter"

The door swung open with a pneumatic hiss, and opened onto a room of sorts. At the far end was a door of ornate design. Cougar approached, and rapped his knuckles on the door...

"Yes? who is it?"

"Col. Cougar, to see the Assembly"

"Come in"

Cougar opened the door, and led the group into a room. The correct number of places were already set. At the head of the conference table sat Lord Barbarossa, leader of Snake Eaters,"Colonel. So glad you could join us"

"It is my pleasure"

"Please, sit down all of you. Can I offer you a drink?"

"Not for me thanks. You guys want anything?"

Renor shook his head in a "no" that spoke for the entire group of mages.

"Fair enough" Barbarossa looked strained, as though he hadn't slept in days,"Ok Colonel, I am sure you have realised what is happening out there?"

"Kaelis Ra"

"Correct," breathed Barbarossa, leaning on the table,"He is growing in power and numbers, and must be stopped!"

"That means I have to defeat him in combat doesn't it?"

Barbarossa sighed, and looked at his friend,"Yes. I'm afriad it does. I won't lie to you James, the situation is grim indeed. We do however, know where he is hiding"

James' ears pricked up,"Really!? Where?"

"The Arctic Wastes"

Cougar shuddered. The Arctic Wastes. None had ever returned from that land beyond the mountains to the North, at least not in one piece. Inhabited by wild creatures, fierce and powerful, it was not a place humans shouldn't venture,"Are you telling me I've got to go there?"

"Yes, through it!"

"THROUGH IT!" ARE YOU CRAZY!?"

"I can't give you a ship, we're undermanned as it is"

Rn - Relax, will you? The gliders are faster than walking, and do have some few combative features.

You don't understand. The Arctic Wastes are raveged by fierce blizzards all the time! Trying to fly OVER it is hard, going through it is insane. I've only known one guy to try it, and he had a white-out. Never came back... But it may work. It is worth a try, but not until we have gained some intel

S -- Whatever. I'll do it. Won't be the first time.

We are not going yet, is that understood? We need additional information before we can make a move, and Snake Eater troops are readying outside the city*glances at Barbarossa for conformation, who nods in the affirmtive*

S -- I didn't say we, did I? I said I. Big difference. Aside from that, you said you needed intel gathered. That happens to be what I do for a living, got it? I have better than a hundred year's experience, and I can handle whatever your world thinks it can dish out.

"Actually, field intel is coming in all the time, from the nanomachines in every persons bloodstream. Records everything happening to the person, helps build up a picture of what we are facing," said Barbarossa, his tone soft yet authoritive,"feel free to browse through it. What are your plans for tonight?"

"I was planning to spend it in the main complex, and keep watch. This is the last place they'd expect us to hole up. Of course, you guys can stay down here if you'd rather"

R -- Speaking from experience, when you're facing demons, obvious becomes obscure, and the other way around.

"Umm, pardon, but, I do have divine powers Couger, I could exert control over the weather to make it nice. Leviathan did ask me to help you, this would quite definatly help you."Warfare said.

I'll pretend I understand you, but I'm sticking to my guns. We need to have a watch on that square, and I'm doing it, with or without anyone else.

"Umm, pardon, but, I do have divine powers Couger, I could exert control over the weather to make it nice. Leviathan did ask me to help you, this would quite definatly help you."Warfare said.

It would make it easier. We could stop some distance from the base, and tab the rest of the distance, makes us that much harder to detect. You should speak to Religious Secretary Lokic, he's just over there, considering you've met Leviathan and all

I'll pretend I understand you, but I'm sticking to my guns. We need to have a watch on that square, and I'm doing it, with or without anyone else.

Rn -- I'll go. I never sleep as is, so keeping watch isn't any big deal.

"Thanks, we'd better go, it'l be dark soon"*They leave, stopping to pick up some equipment before they hed up the passage*

Barbarossa turned to Renor,"Don't come down hard on him for this one. He's knackered, and grief-stricken. He doesn't mean everything says at the moment"

Rhenna walks with Cougar, letting him grab whatever equipment he needed.

"I know it hurts...more than half of them, all of them close...gone, the next thing you know. I...I'm sorry."

Renor nods. "I have lost those close to me before...I know the feeling. However, if he cannot push that aside until the proper time, he will run into some serious problems. The creatures he will be facing take delight in feeding off of grief and pain."

Cougar looked at her," Don't be sorry. We all knew the risks, the day we signed that dotted line and signed our lives away. But it's just a shock to find out that 96 people are dead, just like that *snaps his fingers* It's like losing a massive chunk of yourself. But I have a job to do, and mourning can wait till later. Come, I know the perfect spot fot this hide...

Barbarossa thought carefully,"If by that, you are also refering to his parent's, he has never really gotten over that, and he won't until he gets his vengence on the Helghast responsible. He'll be ok though, he's tough"

Cougar laid out his equipment on the third floor of the building. Having broken the encryption protocals, he had opened a selection of doors to get to where he was. In his kit was a high-powered nightscope, which he clipped to the top of the rifle he had brought with him, a bolt-action AI L96. He also had some rations, a sleeping bag, and warm clothing. His hand found Rhenna's as they looked out at the city, and he felt happy for the first time that evening. The fires lit up the night sky, causing light to dance in strange and unexpected patterns, and it was rather beautiful. Terrible... but beautiful

OOC: Sorry...baby sister has problems with the language....

IC:

Get some sleep, Cougar. I'll keep watch.

OOC: Don't worry bout it. I know the feeling. I had to babysit earlier... sheer hell

IC: "If I try to sleep, I'll just have nightmares. Talk to me, about anything, just keep me awake." As he was speaking, he lit up a small gas flame, and began to boil water for his rations

OOC: Yeah...little runts can do that sometimes.

IC:
I could cast a spell to suppress the dreams. You're not fully functional, James...that's never a good thing. I've trained myself to only need roughly half an hour of rest every three days.

OOC: You could say that

IC: "I've gone longer than this before. I'm in what we call the 'drone zone'. It's a place where the body transcends minor aches and pains, and becomes impervious to hot or cold. Doesn't mean I like the feeling, but it is the way of a special force to push yourself beyond normal limits," as he spoke, he swallowed mouthfuls of his rations, which perked him up a bit,"but your proberly right. I could do with some rest. Do me a favour though, if I start yelling or anything, wake me up."

She nods, and as he stretches out, she starts stroking his hair, a tiny spell glowing through her fingers. This would suppress the nightmares...Cougar wasn't the first she'd had to coax to rest.

He collapsed into the sleeping bag, falling asleep almost as soon as his head hit the ground. As he slept, he slowly became aware of something following him. He turned to face it, but it moved faster than he ever could. Eventually, he found a doorway, and went through it......
He found himself in a circular room, with the eight pointed star of Kaelis Ra beneath him. He turned slowly on his heels, looking around. As he returned to where he had started, a creature lurched out of the darkness. It was horrific, a floating spectre of death. It smiled at him, then spoke in a language he didn't recognise but could understand, Like what I've done with the place?., Cougar looked round. Hanging from the walls were the limp figures of Renor... Mith.... Rhenna. They were quite obviously dead.
"BASTARD! BASTARD! YOU WILL PAY!" His shouting would scare Rhenna, who was in such close proximity she couldn't really miss it

OOC: this is no normal nightmare, but Kaelis Ra actually entering his mind and manipulating it, so Rhenna's spell would not affect it

Rhenna's first reaction when Cougar started shouting was to put her hand over his mouth to muffle the sound. She then shook him.

"Hey, wake up."

As he came to conciousness...

"Welcome back to reality. I hope it's been a pleasant journey...apparently you need something stronger than what I gave you."

"Kaelis fucking Ra! With that lunatic in my head, how the hell can I fucking sleep!" he cried softly, rubbing his eyes, "How long was I out for?"

Not quite an hour. It was pretty quiet, until you started shouting.

Yeah, sorry about that. It's not as if I can help it*swallows a couple of tablets* that'll keep me going for a while. *few moments silence*Do you believe I can do this?

I believe that somehow you'll find away. But the more pertinent question, James Cougar, is do you believe you can do this? If you don't, then all that I believe, all that anyone believes, is in vain.

OOC: brb...more English.

He smiled,"Thanks. It means alot that you have that faith in me. I know I can do this. No other Black Flame bearer has ever failed, and neither will I"

OOC: Have fun

She nods. "Tell me...what was it you saw that had you so agitated?"

OOC: Wow...I'm the only person in the entire family that can actually use the language.

OOC: Slightly scary when you think about it

IC: Cougar felt in the dark for Rhenna's hand, and gripped it tightly. He had now wish to fall asleep once again, he just wanted to stay here with her, and not have to go to anywhere,"I don't know. It's kind of difficult to describe"

OOC: AWwwww, he's so cute when he's in love!

OOC: Yeah, he is.

IC:

She puts her other hand on top of his, noting how cold they'd gone. A little bit of magick flowed from her hands to his, warming them again. "That bad, huh?"

"Yeah, you could say that. Although I think it may be an understatement somewhat" He smiled as she warmed his hands up, lost for words to a degree

She stands and walks to the edge of the building, and looks down.

"This must have been a magnificent view, at one point."

It was. I can still see the city, as it was before*as he speaks artillery shells hit the city in the distance* Now look at her. Reduced to a mere shell of her former self. I doubt she can ever be fully restored to her beauty.
Private:Of course, there are more beautiful views in the universe

OOC: lol @ his private thought.

IC:
The phoenix lives a life of five hundred years...not a day more, not a day less. Then it dies. Out of the ashes, comes a new bird, though...bright, and proud...a much more magnificent specimen than the one that just died.

OOC: Lol away, I'm just in-character at the moment

IC: Yes, but the phoenix is a creature, not a city. So many have died needlessly already, and this war has not even truly begun yet

War is hell...and the most effective opponents...will strike at the heart of the greatest threat. This destruction of the place you call home...the people you call your own...psychological warfare. It's not pretty...it's not fair...but it happens.

I know that, and I accept it. It's just difficult to see so much death and pain day in,day out, for your entire life. One day, you wake up, and you see the stain on your soul, and realise that you don't notice it anymore. It's normal to you... and it sickens you to acknowledge it

She nods. "My class of mage lives with that. Shan will have made roughly a dozen kills by the time he is fifty...I've lost count of how many I've killed...and I stopped caring a little over a hundred years ago. Renor...will only kill when the circumstances are appropriate...but he will not think twice on it. It is the price you pay."

The wind whips past her, and she shivers for a moment.

"You still have a soul, however...though the stain be great."

It is. I have seen it. It has the blood of many men, men with families, men with futures, who were in the wrong place at the wrong time. And if this keeps up, I may lose my soul by the end of it, and that is something of which the mere idea sends shivers down my spine*notices her shivering*You want to head back inside?

She shakes her head and sits back down, conjuring a blanket and wrapping it around herself.

"You said yourself that a guard needed to be kept here...and I know from experience that guard work on ones own is very lonely."

OOC: Check your TGs.

He smiled, and sat down again, pouring some hot water into a cup,"Here, drink this. It's coffee, it'll help. And guard duty isn't too bad... being in a sniper OP (Observation Post) for a week without contact? Now that is lonely, especially when it is raining, and the wind is whipping at your face, and you're staring down a scope for hours... you get the picture" He hesistated, then put his arm around her shoulders, as a gesture to warm you up he thought, as a back-up excuse.

Rhenna took a sip of the coffee. While bitter, and strong, she'd had worse. A quick analysis of it...wow, that was a lotta caffeine. She scoots closer to him as he put his arm around her, and she lays her head on his shoulder. Backup excuse? Do I need one?

He noticed the grimace on her face as she tasted the coffee,"Yeah sorry about the taste, I did put alot of caffeine into that one" Whilst he didn't say anything, he was secretly very surprised at the reaction his recent maneveur had instigated. Better be a little more subtle James

OOC:Finally, I return, dormitory duties. Sometimes it sucks leading a floor. Thats why I keep disappearing all the time, not because I grow bored, but because I have a floor of 49 other men to take care of.

IC: Warfare decides to walk on over and talk to Lokic.
"So, your a priest. What do your people believe about Leviathan?

We have a beverage very similar. I depended heavily upon it from the time I was seventy-five to the time I was about two-fifty.

OOC: I pity you. I hope I never have a similar expierence, it would put me off being an Army Officer for life

IC: Leviathan? Well, there are many beliefs, but the majority believe he is the god that caused the Twelve to leave Earth, and find this planet for us to inhabit. Why the interest, if I may be so bold Ms.... Oh i'm sorry, I didn't quite catch your name

We have a beverage very similar. I depended heavily upon it from the time I was seventy-five to the time I was about two-fifty.
"Sounds like addiction to me, my dear mage," teased Cougar, rubbing his hand up and down her arm as he did so

Woot it returns :careface:

Woot it returns :careface:

OOC: Gyah!

"Sounds like addiction to me, my dear mage," teased Cougar, rubbing his hand up and down her arm as he did so

Rhenna laughs. "You could call it that."

Woot it returns :careface:

OOC: Who the fuck are you? get the hell out of my thread, cant you read, it says invite ONLY!

"I am Lady Warfare. I ask because I met him not to long ago, Really nice God, Excellent Drink mixer too. I met him in paradise and I wanted to see what his people belived, since he himself was so nice." Lady Warfare said.

OOC: Honesty is her first policy, she has never seen the reason to hide who she is, never mind the controversy it might cause.

Rhenna laughs. "You could call it that."

OOC: 1000th post coming up... hope its a gd one

IC: Cougar, in a snap decision that surprised even himself, leant over Rhenna at this point. There was a twinkle in his eye, one that he thought he saw reciprocated in her. He moved slowly closer, and by this time she had got the idea. After a few seconds debating, he went for it... and for the first time since he had met her, he kissed Rhenna properly. This was the moment that had been begging to be created, but had never had the right oppurtunity. He only hoped it went down well...

"I am Lady Warfare. I ask because I met him not to long ago, Really nice God, Excellent Drink mixer too. I met him in paradise and I wanted to see what his people belived, since he himself was so nice." Lady Warfare said.

OOC: Honesty is her first policy, she has never seen the reason to hide who she is, never mind the controversy it might cause.

Lokic looked stunned,"You've actually met Leviathan... an excellent drinks mixer as well? Well, that is certinaley somehting that we never suspected. Come, whilst you have time, you must tell me more...

Lady Warfare tells him every little detail. By the time she is done, Lokic has heard Leviathan in what was probably a new light. It is also undeniably clear the Warfare was a Goddess herself.

"I'm sorry if my story is not what you expected. Gods usually try to be more proper around their believers. Me, I've always been myself no matter what. We each have our own distinctive personality, no matter what. Now that I've told you everything though, do you have anyquestions?" warfare asks.

OOC: 1000th post coming up... hope its a gd one

IC: Cougar, in a snap decision that surprised even himself, leant over Rhenna at this point. There was a twinkle in his eye, one that he thought he saw reciprocated in her. He moved slowly closer, and by this time she had got the idea. After a few seconds debating, he went for it... and for the first time since he had met her, he kissed Rhenna properly. This was the moment that had been begging to be created, but had never had the right oppurtunity. He only hoped it went down well...

OOC: Happy 1000th post day!

IC: Rhenna kisses Cougar back as he brings his lips to hers. While not her first kiss, this was by far the best kiss she'd ever had.

OOC: And there's fireworks...and an orchestra playing some sort of grand sweeping romantic theme :-P

Lockic was almost lost for words,"But this is incredible! Until now, we had no proof of God's and Goddess's, but they obviously do exist! Also, what you just told me about Leviathan supports some of our most recent findings, ancient scrolls containing the history of Snake Eaters, including the mythical Black Flame

OOC: Only Barbarossa knows about Cougar and the Black Flame

OOC: Happy 1000th post day!

IC: Rhenna kisses Cougar back as he brings his lips to hers. While not her first kiss, this was by far the best kiss she'd ever had.

OOC: And there's fireworks...and an orchestra playing some sort of grand sweeping romantic theme :-P

OOC: stop being delusional. OK, last post for tonight, really should finish up

IC: After a long while, Cougar broke the kiss. He felt...elated that it had worked,"Rhenna, you're......amazing. Just amazing. I've never met anyone else like you. Thank god I came to the White Tower after all. I ws considering not going, but now, I see what a mistake that would have been"

"Well, glad I could help." Warfare said. She put an image in his mind, for a second, just a second, of the incredible beauty of Paradise. Then takes it away.

"That image you saw was Paradise, where the Gods dwell. I left Leviathan there when I went back to here, the Mortal realm to do as I promised Leviathan." Warfare said.

OOC: Don't worry, if you don't want me to, I won't spill the beans.

OOC: Don't, Cougar has enough on his plate, see the other post

OOC: I know, loves first kiss. How cute. *Mumbles something about I wish I got a kiss* *JK*

OOC: Maybe if your very good Leviathan will give you one

OOC: stop being delusional. OK, last post for tonight, really should finish up

IC: After a long while, Cougar broke the kiss. He felt...elated that it had worked,"Rhenna, you're......amazing. Just amazing. I've never met anyone else like you. Thank god I came to the White Tower after all. I was considering not going, but now, I see what a mistake that would have been"
OOC: Not delusional...just silly.

IC:
Rhenna just smiles. "I think it probably would have been one of the worst mistakes you could have possibly made...and not just because that was one hell of a kiss." Her head turns back toward the cityscape. "So," she said, teasingly, "Are you glad I decided to not go back inside?"

OOC: At some point in the future, you will probably hate with a passion for a length of two to ten pages. Me = evil.

OOC: Well, as long as he doen't wait until I revert to Man form in 1000 years.

"Why thank you, we aim to please. And yes, I'm glad you didn't go back inside"

OOC: Break it now, and I will hunt you down and place your head on a pike. My char just became happy for the first time in yonks, and you would take it away from him!

OOC: Well, as long as he doen't wait until I revert to Man form in 1000 years.
OOC: LOL

"Why thank you, we aim to please. And yes, I'm glad you didn't go back inside"

OOC: Break it now, and I will hunt you down and place your head on a pike. My char just became happy for the first time in yonks, and you would take it away from him!
OOC: Not permanently. You're going to be very glad for the versatility of my mages...once you stop hating me.

IC: The stars are so different from on Earth. What constellations do you have, from this point of view?

Lady Warfare Looks off at an unintresting corner of the ceiling, her mind wandering over Snake Eater Prime her mind taking in all the wanton destruction. Couger would definatly need some forces at his beck and call if he was to defeat Kaelis Ra. If nothing else to distract him while Couger snuck up behind him and took care of him. Yes, that was a solution, but would Couger accept? She would find out tomorrow...

OOC: Not permanently. You're going to be very glad for the versatility of my mages...once you stop hating me.

IC: The stars are so different from on Earth. What constellations do you have, from this point of view?

OOC: PIss my char aorund, and I will NEVER stop hating... no im not tht cruel... or am i?

IC:You know, it's not something I ever actually considered. I know we can see parts of Orion, Leo and Scorpius from here, but other than that I'm clueless

OOC:

I just got home from work and found out you already started this Thread. after 120 posts it probably wouldn't be worth joining in.

OOC: Sorry man. Look, join in. I'd like you to, otherwise I wouldn't ask you to. Just introduce Galvenor as if he had just heard, and had decided to help out

OOC: PIss my char aorund, and I will NEVER stop hating... no im not tht cruel... or am i?

IC:You know, it's not something I ever actually considered. I know we can see parts of Orion, Leo and Scorpius from here, but other than that I'm clueless

While Cougar and Rhenmet had been otherwise occupied, S'gart had been filing through what information the SE gov't was collecting. 99% of it he was immediately able to sift out as irrelevent, and the other 1% he filed elsewhere. He worked swiftly...obviously skilled at this type of work.

Kaelis Ra...powerful...bah...these mages don't stand a chance.

Continuing on...Why should I side with them? Like the human said...they hate me.

He teleported out, activated his glider, and sped out toward the Frozen Wastes. For the fun of it, he cast an explosive spell right under a company of SE troops outside the city.

Renor teleports out after him...but S'gart is too long gone.

***On top of the Roof***

Rhenna stands up, the blanket falling, and she goes to the edge of the building, looking around, alert.

"Where did you go, traitor..."

One of the stars seem to begin to move. At first it was gradual but then after a few seconds it was more apparent. After a minute it was clear the star was approaching fast.

A few minutes later it was obvious it wasn't a star. The glittering phantasm flew at the three and began to slow until a small globe of pulsing light hovered before them. The globe flattened into a large circle and the center began to fade into a sworling mass of seething red vapor with crimson lightning jumping from cloud to cloud. A tranparent form materialized within the opening and hovered out of the apature. The hyperspacial gateway closed with a crimson flash.

"I recieved a feeling that my presence was desired here so I came. What is going on?"

R -- Ah, Galvenor, good to see you. Where to start? We have a situation where we'll be facing the hordes of hell and an incarnation of the devil. Alongside that, we've just been betrayed by a collegue of mine.

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

S'gart was meanwhile speeding along...searching for this Kaelis Ra.

"Perhaps if you have something of theirs I can use it to locate them and either try stopping them ir bring them here. It is just a simple Locate and a Teleport enchantment."

"What did they do? Who are they?"

He's switching sides, thats what he's doing. Traitorous dog! Now, his fate is linked to that of Kaelis Ra. When I defeat him, S'gart will fall also

Enter my thread again, and I will drag you to the mods kicking and screaming. Is that understood? Good, glad I made things clearer Oh, oh no! I'M IN YOUR THREAD AGAIN OH NO. OH GOD NO! OH I'M SO SCREWED NOW!
:careface:

Warfare feels something strange... Teleporting through the roof and landing on it she first sees Galvenor and cries out:
"Galvenor! Buddy! its so good to see you again. Glad you can make it."
Warfare pauses for a moment, and then asks:
"Whats going on, Igot this sudden feeling that something had changed, this happened right after S'gart left, what happened?"

OOC: Benifit of being a God, you can actually feel other people use magic, and, know who is doing what at any given time in a close proximity.

R -- He is my responsibility. Leave him to me.

Oh, oh no! I'M IN YOUR THREAD AGAIN OH NO. OH GOD NO! OH I'M SO SCREWED NOW!
:careface:
OOC: This guy's too new to even have the dignity of the title "newbie."

OOC: This guy's too new to even have the dignity of the title "newbie."

OOC: Damn right.
EDIT: Reported his post to the mods

IC: Cougar turned to Rhenna,"C'mon. We'd better get back inside, the situation has changed somewhat

Warfare followed couger.

"Couger, I've been thinking, your people, they've been caught unprepared for Kaelis Ra's return. As a result, your forces are too few to fight him off themselves. I was wondering, if you would let me supplement your troops with Slivers. I know the risk involved, but, perhaps, perhaps they could at least distract him while you sneak up from behind and destroy him, ya'know?" Warfare said thoughtfully in the kindest way she could given the circumstances.

Warfare followed couger.

"Couger, I've been thinking, your people, they've been caught unprepared for Kaelis Ra's return. As a result, your forces are too few to fight him off themselves. I was wondering, if you would let me supplement your troops with Slivers. I know the risk involved, but, perhaps, perhaps they could at least distract him while you sneak up from behind and destroy him, ya'know?" Warfare said thoughtfully in the kindest way she could given the circumstances.
Cougar thought about this for a moment, then looked at Warfare,"You realize the risk you are running? Many will die, that is inevitable. Our troops are already mustering, but you are right, they are spread thinly. In this case, I will accept your offer. as for sneaking up, that will be impossible*shows her a screen*This is the Kaelis Ra temple, and it is here that he has his stronghold. As you can see, the land for 500m radius is flat, featureless, making a stealthy approach extremely difficult. No, we must go in a full frontal assualt. It is the only way

"As I said, I realize the risk I take." Warfare said.
Warfare concentrated, and a small globe appeared in mid-air. She spoke in the divine tounge to it. Cougers chip would be unable to translate such a thing. The globe glows and disappears, in its place, a small bubble appears containg exactly one million Slivers. It crystalizes, and she puts it in her pocket.

"When the time comes, I have the Slivers in my pocket. I have one million willing slivers. I myself will lead them, as the Omni-Sliver. Perhaps though, we should attain Barbarossa's permission to bring them here, after all, I wouldn't want to intrude upon someone elses domain." Warfare said.

"A million? That is a large number. I fear however, that Kaelis Ra has more. Currently, according the the latest intel that we are recieving, nearly 100,000 men are able to fight, and are regrouping at this location*gestures to an area on a map*. We should attempt to rendevous with them there, and then we can begin to move. Lucky for us, these 100,000 are the Mobile Infantry, capable of moving at great speed. And do not worry about Lord Barbarossa, I have control of this operation, therefore my word goes" Cougar's voice was harsh, lacking all traces of the emotionally charged moment he had just shared with Rhenna. He looked at her, his facade melting briefly to allow her to see the twinkle in his eyes, the window to his soul open for a fleeting moment, before becoming cold and soulless once again

EDIT:"Galvenor, glad you could make it. This is going to require all of us"

"Well, I could bring in all 1.773 billion Slivers if you wanted..." warfare said, leaving it hanging.
"In either case, I will bring them out once we regroup with the Mobile infantry, and don't worry, in atmospheric conditions, Slivers can fly at speeds of up to Mach 10, so, I will be able to keep up." Warfare said.

After a few minutes of thought, Warfare pulled out the crystal ball containing the slivers and a pocket sized sliver scale.

"Here, you hold on to them, You will know when to use them far quicker than I, just throw it on the ground when your ready. this scale, will allow your will to be shared among all the slivers, so that you may direct them with a thought, but beware, 15 of them will insist on protecting you personally." warfare said. With that, she faded out, and stood on top of the building and watched, observing everything that happened.

OOC: I did that because I have a tendancy to disappear, this way, you can post for the slivers and not worry about me disappearing at a crucial moment. Just don't let all of them die. I didn't tell you Icly, because I won't, but, that scale also "happens" to be bullet proof, if you catch my drift. I'll still post for warfare though.

Cougar took the scale and the orb, "Thanks Warfare. And don't worry, a million is enough." He watched as she faded out, and then slipped the scale into his breast pocket, in which it fitted comfortably. He returned his equipment to the stores, and then made his way back to the top of the building, where the rest of the group was.

"Ok. S'gart has betrayed us all, and we have to move quickly. We now have enough intel to attack Kaelis Ra directly, but it will take a day to mobilise. I am going back into the city to get the remainder of my unit. You are welcome to come, and then we will regroup back here. The rest of the day is yours, use it as you wish" He turned away, his rifle resting in his hands...

OOC: Kool, I'll keep the Slivers safe

OOC: Thanks, I know to expect some causualtys but... I'm going to disappear now. I haven't been outside in a while and people are starting to think I'm a nerd or a hermit or something.

OOC: Don't worry, I'm as pale as death at the moment, just had a really nasty flu bug. Oh well. I cant react until Kay comes back online, if she does at all

Cougar took the scale and the orb, "Thanks Warfare. And don't worry, a million is enough." He watched as she faded out, and then slipped the scale into his breast pocket, in which it fitted comfortably. He returned his equipment to the stores, and then made his way back to the top of the building, where the rest of the group was.

"Ok. S'gart has betrayed us all, and we have to move quickly. We now have enough intel to attack Kaelis Ra directly, but it will take a day to mobilise. I am going back into the city to get the remainder of my unit. You are welcome to come, and then we will regroup back here. The rest of the day is yours, use it as you wish" He turned away, his rifle resting in his hands...

OOC: Kool, I'll keep the Slivers safe

R -- Rhenmet, go with him. No one travels in groups of less than two. Mith and I will be deciding what fate S'gart deserves.

Rhenna took a metal band off of her arm and flings it down. It transforms into her glider, and she steps on, and just kind of floats along, following Cougar.

OOC: YOU CAN'T GET RID OF HER!!!!!! EVER!!!!!! lol.

"If I stopped projecting this illusion my image would completely disappear and you would have to discover me another way. This could be used in an espionage mission. In theory I could “walk” right up to them. If I kept my mental shields blank, no thoughts would be detectable. As long as I don’t make my presence known by casting a spell or doing something noticeable by any observers, I should be undetectable to his forces.”

Galvenor faded from view and his presence disappeared from their minds. After a few minutes he reappeared in another spot.

“If I can be of use, please let me know.”

R -- Rhenmet, go with him. No one travels in groups of less than two. Mith and I will be deciding what fate S'gart deserves.

Rhenna took a metal band off of her arm and flings it down. It transforms into her glider, and she steps on, and just kind of floats along, following Cougar.

OOC: YOU CAN'T GET RID OF HER!!!!!! EVER!!!!!! lol.
OOC: Do you think he cares?

IC: "I don't quite know where they are, so this could take time. They are elusive, and won't reveal themselves unless it's called for." said Cougar, his voice still serious. Once they were out of earshot he said,"Earlier was great. But we both have a job to do. Let's get it done, and then we can work on it" he kissed her lightly, briefly, then continued walking

OOC: Do you think he cares?

IC: "I don't quite know where they are, so this could take time. They are elusive, and won't reveal themselves unless it's called for." said Cougar, his voice still serious. Once they were out of earshot he said,"Earlier was great. But we both have a job to do. Let's get it done, and then we can work on it" he kissed her lightly, briefly, then continued walking

OOC: Four times?

Rn -- I know we have a job to do...and trust me...that is my first priority. The classes we come from are not so different. Although...no matter where they are, I will always be able to find my students...and my companions. S'gart is a different matter...but I do know that Renor is keeping an eye on him.

OOC: Meeting btwn K.R. and S?

OOC: Four times?

Rn -- I know we have a job to do...and trust me...that is my first priority. The classes we come from are not so different. Although...no matter where they are, I will always be able to find my students...and my companions. S'gart is a different matter...but I do know that Renor is keeping an eye on him.

OOC: Meeting btwn K.R. and S?

OOC: Yes, four times... damn mutli post, my computer is being awkward. K.R and S... later, I'm just finsihing my revision 4 tonite. Will edit later

IC: "You may be able to find YOUR companions, but these are my people. I have a feeling I know where they will be. As for S'gart, the traitor is going to get what he deserves" said Cougar, leading her to the front door, and checking outside before progressing,"Stay quiet, we don't truly know the
enemy locations yet. Follow me..." He led her east, towards an area which they had already been through...

Deep within his temple, on the barren plains of the Wastes, Kaelis Ra watched with mild amusement the goings on in the city,So, the bearer has found love? I will take that from him. And this S'gart... he is bitter. A perfect pawn in my little games. He looked at the nearest demon,Do not attack the mage who is approaching from the south. Let him come to me

OOC: Kaelis Ra is planning to use S'gart. Don't know if you realized that. lol

An invisible defensive barrier surrounds the two of them, and Rhenna tags along behind Cougar...after all, this was his turf, just as Rendelmar was hers. Using her keen elven senses, she kept on alert for any sound or motion out of the ordinary...in a word...everything.

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

S'gart descended at the base of the Temple of Kaelis Ra, and began to walk in. The trip to had been easy...almost too easy. Perhaps this meeting would go better than anticipated.

OOC: I kind of figured. I'm going to TG you about what I had in mind.

Cougar saw the barrier, and was grateful to Rhenna for the added security. He kept his weapon in his shoulder as they advanced along a derelict street. Suddenly, he stopped, as if having seen something up ahead. Just visible on the roof tops, were the muzzles of two sniper rifles. He held up his hand, palm wide open, the symbol for halt. He went down on one knee, and motioned for Rhenna to do the same. Using hand motions, he told her what he had seen. This silence was the result of years of training, he no longer needed words to communicate.
Activating his nano-machines with a thought, he opened a comm-channel,"This is Nightshadow, any SHADOW operatives please respond, over"
There was silence, then a reply,"Eagle-Eye here. Identify yourself"

"This is Nightshadow. I'm on East 10th, heading east, and I can see the Icarus building ahead. Twin snipers, over"

One of the muzzles could be seen to swing round,"Confirmed. Nightshadow, plus one unknown"

"Roger that"

"Come to us, we'll wait for you. Be careful, hostiles are swarming the other side of Icarus Square"

"Roger that" he cut the commlink,"Follow me, I think we've found them"

Arctic Wastelands
Kaelis Ra was seated in his chair when S'gart entered,Arrogant he thought,just what I require

Identify yourself, Drow. His voice was expansive, with a sweet melody to it, one that belied his decietful nature

Rhenmet had also seen...well, rather, sensed the snipers, but had followed Cougar's lead, rather than giving them something else to focus on. The sniper situation resolved, she again followed Cougar.

R -- So, S'gart...there already....


S -- I am S'gart, Former Black Class Mage of Kaymiril. However...my abilities were no longer required, so I am currently seeking a new occupation. Global conquest looked like it would be entertaining...and since I was here, I think you might be able to use a mage to deal with mages.

Kaelis Ra laughed,You are welcome! Allies who have betrayed former friends make for the greatest allies of all. Tell me, what exactly do yo have in mind? I hope it includes the Black Flame in some way that will hurt him!"



Cougar led the way up the fire-escape, until they reached the floor on which they had spotted the snipers. He opened the door carefully, and walked in, his footsteps soft. Suddenly, he felt cold steel aginst his temple,"Freeze!"

"God damn it Eagle-Eye, what the fuck you playing at at?"

The muzzle was withdrawn, and a gruff laugh issued forth from the darkness,"So, welcome back to Snake Eaters, Colonel."

"Good to be back"

"Who's your friend?" said the sniper, gesturing to Rhenna

"Rhenmet, a mage of Kaymiril"

"Mage?! Don't tell me you've fallen for the hokey-pokey shit!"

"Something altered my perspective"

Again, the laugh,"Well, whatever". The man stepped out of the shadows. Major Matthew Konig, SHADOW's top sniper, was 38 years old, and one of the oldest in the unit. He was also a team member of SHADOW Team Alpha, meaning he and James had served together many times. His face was painted black, a Sneaking suit on his body, and a semi-automatic sniper rifle in his hands,"What you doing here?"

"Looking for Watt. You know where he is?"

"Course I do. Follow me"
He led them away from the building, leaving via the back door. He took the point position, and led them to a basement some 6 blocks away,"He's in there, go right in, I've gotta get back."

"Thanks man, I'll see you later"

"Heard that one before, Colonel."

"Very fucking funny, go on you southern nancy boy!"

Konig laughed heartily, melting back into the rubble. Cougar looked at Rhenna, "Listen, these guys might be a bit cold towards you. Don't take any shit, show them what's what. Then, you'll have their respect, and they will always help you out" he grinned, then led her down the steps, rapping his knuckles on the door

S -- The "Black Flame?" The quasi-powerful ability weilded by a human who hasn't even spent two months learning it? Bah, he is no threat. The real threats...there are three.

*Holding up his hand, he cast life-sized illusions of Rhenmet, Renor, and Mith.*

This first female is the weakest of the three, however, she is very dear to both this one *guesturing to Renor* and to the human you seem concerned with. My thought was she could die first. The most effective opponent does not strike at his victim's body or mind, but at his heart, presuming he has one...and these fools do.
This second one...Alberekek, called Renor. I want to be the one to kill him...the little bastard doesn't deserve half of what he has, and cannot weild his powers as they were meant to be.
This last one...Mith...a healer...but if Death itself got in her way, it would face a horrible defeat. The best way to keep her out of this is to keep the injured coming at her so fast that she can't stop healing people to attack.

________________________________________________
Rhenna looked at the human who had seemed shocked at her status as a mage, and at the very notion of the existence of magick. "You do not believe in magick?"

*Holding up her hand, she conjured a small serpent, which writhed and melted into a spider, which spun a web in midair and turned into a mirror. She hands the mirror to the human.* "Real enough for you?"

Konig took the mirror, and marvelled at it,"Well, I must say M'am, I did not until this most gracious gift. Thanks to you"
Cougar smiled at his friends conversion, and looked at the door as a slit opened,"Yeah?"

"I want to see Watt"

"Come in, he's been expecting you"

The door swung open, and showed them a room, low-lit, with a large table in the centre, maps spread across it's surface. Watt looked up as james and Rhenna entered, and a smile spread across his face,"Well, Colonel, you honour us with your prescense. And you too, my mage friend"
Cougar sent a thought to Rhenna,This one is a believer, do not worry

Watt continued,"So, what do you need James?"

"Men. I want SHADOW with us to defeat Kaelis Ra"

Watt's face lit up,"Really?"

"Really"

"I'll gather them up as fast as I can. Could be a few hours"

"Doesn't matter. Meet us at the Assembly building, nightfall"

"Roger that"

**********************************************************
Kaelis Ra studied the images, and listened to S'gart's words,"You are correct about the mages, and your methods are impressive. However" he gestured, lifting S'gart off the floor,"Do not underestimate Cougar. The Black Flame is instinctive. He does not need training. Do you understand me?"

Warfare still stood atop the temple. Her mind wandered over the Artic Wastes until she found Kaelis Ra's Temple. Well, he was probably watching the city in some manner, she would return the favor, and watch his temple. If nothing else, she could at least even the odds. A portion of her mind wandered the three light years of nearby space, looking for asteroids, comets, and meteors. She could Cause orbital Bombardment of his temple, but decided to simply wait, and watch.

OOC: Nothing for Rhenna...she's just kind of there...

IC:
Looking over the logs Albie keeps about his students, the child had no control over his own abilities at first, and it hasn't improved terribly much. However, if you think he's a threat...I could probably have her *guesturing to Rhenna* kill him, if all goes according to plan. I doubt he'd raise a hand against her, either.

Marvellous. And as I said, do not underestimate him. I do like the idea of his lover being the one to kill him


Cougar led Rhenna from the bunker,"You ok? You seemed very quiet in there"

S -- I'll wait until they're on their way, then. And there is something of an irony in him dying by her hands.

R -- I was watching everything, so that I can show it to my master later. Aside from that...*she shrugs and laughs slightly* military meetings aren't really my area of expertise.

OOC: Damn, you are evil. I can't have him kill her...

IC:"No, didn't think they would be. C'mon, we'll take the glider back to the Assembly building, it'll be faster"

OOC: He won't have to. Renor will.

IC:
"D'anthe, standing room for two." The glider expanded, and Rhenna stepped on and held out her hand to help Cougar up.

OOC: Hold on, is Renor gonna kill S'gart AND Rhenna!

IC:"Thanks. Back to the Assembly building then"

**********************************************************
Watch over them, and act when you believe it is appropiate", said kaelis Ra, rising and drifting across the chamber,"Follow me young one"

OOC: Rhenna first. Then S'gart.

IC:
Yep. *Keeping a fairly low altitude, Rhenna blazes across the city back to the assembly hall*




S'gart follows him. Being addressed as "young one" bothered him...but this was an ancient creature, and probaby viewed him much as he viewed Renor's human apprentice...whatever his name was.

OOC: That's just harsh... theres gotta b someway round it

IC: Kaelis Ra led him to the top of the Temple, and showed him the view,"You see this? Pristine whiteness. It will soon be stained with the blood of thousands, but only one really matters to me, and that is the bearer"

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

Cougar jumped off the glider, and took the padd that Barbaross had for him,"I think you'd better take a look at this"

Cougar shot a swift glance at it, and reeled,"DEAD CELL!"

OOC: If there is, it's already built in. If there isn't...there isn't. But ask Orion...I'm willing to kill off chars.

IC:
S -- The snow gives them a disadvantage...they know it, too...and yet they will press on. The compassion my former comrade and his student have for this human is nothing short of sickening.

R -- What is it?

Of course they know it. It is their choice, but the Black Flame would come alone if he had to...

"Dead Cell are involved, on the side of Kaelis Ra. They are the single biggest merceneray group in Snake Eaters, with nearly 500,000 members nationwide, and about 150,000 here. What's their stake in this one?"

"Easy. Power, they've been after a council seat for yonks, and this is what he promised them"

"He won't deliver"

"Of course he won't. But it's worth the hassle, just to get what he wants"

S -- Companionship gives weakness...and the more and dearer the companions, the greater the weakness.

M -- 150,000 mercenaries? Is that all? Bah.

Rn -- She's right...it's rather unfair to them to have three full mages in the city...

Yeh, but them plus a million or more demons? That is dangerous.


Odd. I always heard there was strength in numbers

Mith and Rhenna look at each other, and start snickering.

R -- "By her very magick of expertise, Mith is prohibited from killing...unless it be demons, or undead. Believe me...a million demons will not attack at once...and they will be annihilated in the groups they attack in. Rhenna also has some control/kill demon abilities, due to her dragon blood."


S -- The weak think that they can succeed by banding in numbers. A single man, well trained and strong, is like a rock. Difficult to break. A group, however, especially a close-knit one, is like a house of cards. Take one away, and the whole thing crumbles.

The man is strong, and well-trained. But again, I see the comparision. You are very wise, for such a relitivley young being


"Snicker all you want, I'm taking the view of a common solider, not an all-powerful mage!" he turned on his heel, and walked off, his feelings hurt by the gesture. He went back to the Main Chambers, now unlocked, and sat himself down in one of the chairs there

S -- Believe me...by the time I'm done with his group -- should he manage to survive it...that child will be in no condition to fight.

R -- Humans...

He and Mith take a map of the city and start plotting the places that would be most likely to harbor demons.

Rhenna let Cougar stew for about five minutes, then sought him out. She stood in the door, leaning against the frame.

"Would you rather that we "all powerful mages" hadn't come?"

He looked at her, his fask a mask"It's not that I wish you hadn't come... quite the opposite in fact. But... I'm not like you... I'm only human. And humans.... well, we are an odd species, to say the least. A battle on this scale scares the crap out of me, I don't mind telling you."

Once again, you underestimate the child. Whilst he is young, he has seen many thngs that would have made others go mad, and yet he presses on. He is a warrior, through and through. But he will never have peace. He will contiue to kill until someone kills him. It is the way of things in the Universe

Rn -- I know you're afraid...quite frankly, I am too...as are Renor and Mith. We all know that there's the definite possibility that we're all going to die here, on this planet lightyears from home. They just trust in themselves -- we just trust in ourselves...and in the rest of our group, to do whatever we can - whatever is necessary...to end this the best way possible.
*she goes over and kneels next to him, then takes one of his hands in hers.* We're in this for the duration. We've never failed you before. And we aren't all powerful...we know that.

S -- Too true.

He looked at her, and saw the seriousness in her eyes, but also the compassion he had witnessed the previous night,"Rhenna, promise me you'll keep yourself safe. I've got a bad feeling about this whole buisness, and I don't know what I'd do without you.
As for the business of dying, I know I could die. I could have died so many times, but I've been cheated out of death all the time. It's as if I can't stop... as if it's not under my control. But I promise, although I am still a novice, I will not fail any of you!"



Come, you must wish to talk buisness. I want to hear your complete plan for destroying this group, bit by bit


OOC: *rubs eyes* whered u go?

Rn -- All anyone can do is their best. I'll do mine to not die...do the same for yourself, okay?

*She stands* I'm going to go rejoin my master and Mith. *she reaches out and ruffles his hair* You can come, or you can stay, or you can do anything. This is your home.

*she leaves the room*


S -- Indeed. *putting up another illusion of the three* Mith cannot kill me...and as Alberekek will want to deal with me himself, he will not allow her to harm me, either. That leaves her as no threat to me.
What we'll start out by doing, is separate the young female from the rest of the group. An attack by a single demon or two should suffice...she'll be able to take care of them herself, so her master will think nothing of leaving her behind. That's when I grab her. I then put her under a mind control spell I picked up...in random places...and teleport the both of us to the front of the group. I then hold up a deadly spell, and tell them to go back, on her life. Her master will not allow this to happen, at which point I have her attack the human. Her master might kill her before this happens, but it accomplishes something, nonetheless. Alberekek will then engage me in combat. He is not as powerful as he believes, and I should be able to finish him off easily. We then set up demon/mercenary traps along the way, which ought to finish off the rest of them.

"Yeah, I will..." he stared after her as she left. His gut feeling wasn't good. Last time it had gone like this, people had died. He stood up, debating with himself about his next action, and decided to join the mages. He knew the city better then anyone, and if anyone could point out positions, he could.

"Need some help?"


Kaelis Ra laughed,"Excellent. Have this so-called 'Master' kill his own student, right in front of her lover! I love this plan, it is so fiendish! Are you sure you do not have demonic blood somewhere along the line?" He clapped a ghostly hand onto S'gart's back, burning an image of an eight-pointed star onto him, without him noticing. Now, this fool is bound to me. I will not allow the girl to be killed, no, she is far more valuable alive

R - We have Rhenna under a heavy invisibility spell going around the city and sending back data on the aura. So far, we've located several pockets of demonic activity, larger pockets of scared humans, and a few pockets of resistence *points them out. The map is coloring itself in shades of blue, green, and red.* We're waiting until her return to do something.

S -- Just Drow blood. However...it is said that Drow and demons aren't terribly far apart. *S'gart knew the mark had been put there...he was a magick user after all, and could feel such things as magickal marks. Ah well...better to be the right hand of the devil than in his path.*

"Interesting, the demons only seem to have occupied non-strategic areas. Could be some form of stratergy


Ah, of course. so much knowledge, sometimes it slips my mind

OOC: Check ur TG's

R -- In all likelihood...these are probably areas where it is easy for them to feed...they are always closer to those who are living in fear of them to those who are fighting them, you will notice. They are also able to move more easily than humans in places such as these.

S'gart nods.

Cougr nodded, impressed with the tactical analysis given by Renor, The man would make a good REMF. The thought brought a smile to his lips.
As night fell around the Assembly building, Cougar placed his goggles on his head once again. He saw a number of shapes, slowly crepping forward towards the building, followed by a low whistle, and a signalling light.
He heaved a sigh of relief, and whilstled back, aware of the looks he was getting from the other two.
SHADOW, or what was left of it, emerged from the shadows cast by the mon and the building. Leading them in was Watt,"Permission to enter, Sir!"

"Permission granted. There is to be a briefing at 2300, make sure you are all there"

The elite soliders walked past, many acknowleding Cougar as they walked past, as well as the mages. They had all heard about Konig and Watt, and none doubted anymore. After all, their commander was also a mage, of sorts. They set up their kit, and bunked down. Many stripped their weapons, methodically cleaning them and reassembling them. None carried the energy weapons carried by the rest of the army, preferring bullets to phasers. A few boiled up some rations, and they sat around, chatting and laughing. A real atmosphere. Cougar felt truly at home, although he didn't mind admitting he was warming to the life of a mage, no matter how difficult it was. It did have it's perks after all

OOC: Told you I'd flesh him out. What I just described in tht part is what we are like on exercises, its great

The doors opened about fifteen minutes after the soldiers came in, but nothing came in, and there was no sound to indicate the entrance of anything. About thirty seconds after that, Rhenna appeared next to the mages, looking at the map of the city.

"H'mmm...gaer phuul mzild del mina taga Usstan ssiggrin...drill mzild malar, mziln."

R -- Ke...nindol thalack zhah naut noamuth, jal wun jal.

"Ol neitar zhahus, fridj loril myar," said Cougar, looking up from his notebook, which was filled with indecipherable shorthand

M -- Tesso nindel ulu lil lodias wun nindolen k'laren. *so saying, she guestures toward the blue areas on the map.*

Cougar got up, and looked over the map, his brain working overtime,"dubo ulu xun. Nindyn k'laren zhahen sreenath p'los, nind ph' errgan slums" He switched back to Basic,"Theres a briefing in a few hours, I'd suggest you come. I'll be outlining the plan to these guys, and you might want to make some suggestions, all would be welcome"

R - We will be there.

Good. I'm sure it will be... informative

*a few hours later*

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the Council Chambers, if you please!" called Cougar, from the doors of the the chamber. As the men filed in, he signalled to the mages, indicating a number of chairs next to him. When everyone was seated, he stood,"Alright guys, welcome back. Now, you all know what's happening, but I will allow my mage friends to introduce themselves, treat them with the same respect you would treat me..."

"Yeah, if respect is what you call it" muttered a Captain, who was sat some yards away. Cougar's ears pricked, and he drew and fired in one smooth motion, then halting the round less than a centimetre from the mans face,"Problem, captain?"

"nooo..nnnno.....No Sir!" he stammered, his eyes crossed to look at the round in front of him,Holy Shit

Cougar smiled a crocodile smile,"Good"

Renor nods. "Go on, Cougar. You've been away awhile, and I'm sure you have catching up to do."

***Later***

R -- *at the captain's remark* Children...think they know everything.

OOC: I don't suppose I could persuade you to pick a less... C'tannish name for your demon could I?

OOC: I'll let you get away with posting in an invite only thread just this once...No, I like the Nightbringer, and his Eldar name is brilliant. Jus had to use it, whoes gonna stop me?

IC:"Tell me about it, he's only been in six months, thinks he's seen it all"

"Ok, now, as you may have noticed, we are a little thinner on the ground, but that will not stop us form carrying out our duty. Here's my plan..." he outlined it all, the diversion using the infantry, and the Sliver main attack, with SHADOW support and a small team, namely Cougar, the mages and Shadow Team Alpha, infiltrating the temple. It would perfectly executed... in theory. But, these guiys knew better than most the fog of war, how the best laid plans could fall apart if one thing failed to go right

"Any objections?"

R -- In all likelihood, you will be facing demon hordes, in addition to the occasional attack by human mercenaries. Demons are unlike anything you have ever faced. Shots to the torso will not phase them...if you must use leaden bullets, then aim for the eyes. This is the only effective way that you will be able to take them down...and you don't want to have to face a demon up close.

Watt stood up,"We have been fighting demons for some time now. No offence Renor, but we've learned their weak points. And leaden bullets beat a phaser any day, that's why we use them."

He sat down, and motioned to Cougar to continue,"Look guys, I'll be blunt. There is a good chance we will all die here. But, can you think of a better way to go?"

"I can" called Konig, grinning like a maniac. He loved a fight.

"Yeah, don't want to know Matt. Anyhow, that's basiclly it. Get some shut eye all of you. We move out at dawn"*turns to the others*"I don't know about you guys, but I can't risk sleeping again, so I'm going to the roof"

R -- *as Cougar's going* It's your day to sleep. Get what rest you can.

Rn -- Yes, Master.

*finding a comfortable chair, she sits down, draws her knees up, and closes her eyes. Half an hour later, she wakes up. Hearing nothing, she walks back out onto the roof.*

Rn -- "Still quiet?"

He started,"You and your half-hour power naps!" He settled down, pulling his cloak round him to shelter himself from the wind,"Yeah, all quiet on the Western Front Yard"

Hey, what works, works. *Sits down next to him* You all right?

OOC: Well...I have to make dinner tonight, so I'm going to say good night to you, and go cook.

Lady Warfare faded into view.
"Are we about ready to start? For certain reasons I cannot share, I can only oppose Kaelis Ra indirectly, therby leveling the playing field. Thus it will be a contest of arms between your forces, and his forces.

Rhenna looks up at Warfare. "We leave tomorrow at dawn."

"Good, Your magicks will still work, but, in order for me to indirectly oppose Kaelis Ra, I have to erect a D level only anti-powers field. this means, that both me and Kaelis Ra will have to rely on the Mortals on our side, and our own natural strength. That dosen't mean it will be any easier though, it just means that you won't have to worry about him suddenly causing Ragnarok. Anything out of the ordinary besides the hordes of hell will have come from any Mages on his side. Thus I will now assume my second form, the Omni-Sliver. This way I have a slight advantge, sliver powers aren't Divine, They are mortal, My Sliver powers will be weakened considerably, but I'll still have them." Warfare said.

Rhenna nods. "It would be very bad to be a cleric on this world at this point, then. Not that we have many in Kaymiril, anyway. By the way...what effect will the Omni-Sliver have on Mith?"

"It depends on how close she is to me, if she is within 500 feet of me, she will gain every Sliver ability. If she is beyond that, Then she will not gain any, but that is irrelevant, for a small group of slivers already asked to remain near her to help protect her and the injured. I myself might dwell in wait near her, just to help protect her and the injured, I know a fleet of essence slivers wanted to form a sort of field hospital to help prevent as many deaths as possible." warfare said.

After she was done speaking, she grow Scales in record time, her body became longer, thicker, and more Snake Like. Her hands disappeared and became Blade like talons, her hair and Armor nowhere in sight. Two great sets of wings formed and sprouted out of her back, one blue, one black. With a mighty hiss she began hovering in mid-air.

"Was there anything else you wanted to know?" Warfare asked with a booming Hiss. She was now 50 feet in Diameter, and 500 feet long. Bigger than any Queen sliver could ever be.

No, not really. The Essence Slivers setting up a field hospital is probably a good idea...oh...but how do Slivers do in the cold?

"Slivers can actually regulate their own body heat and temperature. It's their one non-magical ability. They will do fine in the cold, besides, the slivers feel they will be moving far to much to stop and get cold." warfare said.

Ah. I only asked because I know from experience that reptiles and cold don't really mix. I don't stop and fall asleep like most will...I just...slow down.

"Intresting, There are frozen wastes on riptide, to the extreme north and south. Slivers can survive there for 5 hours before needing to leave. It seems they do slow down somewhat, but they are still functional. Since you only slow down, I see then that you do not have Arctic Dragon in you, if they still exist. They thrived in the snow, and were nearly impossible to find. They were well known for being able to create blizzards with some effort." Warfare hissed softer this time.

Oh...we found out after the unpleasantness in Derscon that I'm half Black Dragon...I took my natural form, and a demon caught a face full of acid.

"Well, sucks to be him." Warfare said with some humor.

No...it burned.

Galvenor looks around.

"Where did everyone go?"

"hehehe, humor, I can never get enough." Warfare said.

OOC: LOL that was funny.

Hey, what works, works. *Sits down next to him* You all right?

OOC: Well...I have to make dinner tonight, so I'm going to say good night to you, and go cook.

Yeah, I'm fine... I guess. Just a bit nervous, and a little afraid. But I know we can get through this. I would sleep, but it sucks. Nightmares plague me at every turn, and Kaelis Ra keeps entering them, showing images that could best be described as disturbing*Looks at Warfare*well, thats a turn up for the books. Anything to reduce his power, but he'll still be able to use it against me, I'll be on his ground. I have a plan though, I want you and the mages to cause a diversion, nothing major, just enough to draw his attention away so I can get in. I'll leave you girls*thinks carefully* Yeah.... girl and wierd Sliver-esque thing to it then. Anyone wants me, I'll be downstairs looking after my men." He walked down the stairs, his soft boots making little sound on the marble.
He came to the hall where the operatives were bedding down, and smiled. This was their most comfortable basher ever, and here he was taking them into a war which could kill them all. Watt approached him,"You alright Boss?"

Cougar looked at him,"Yeah, I'm ok. How are they guys and gals"(SHADOW was a SF that used both men and women)

"Morale is high, they seem to be buzzing"

"Good. They are going to need every drop for this"

Wat loked at his friend,"Do you think we can really do this. You know the legends, only the Black Flame can beat this bastard"

Cougar looked away, and sighed,"Watt, I have something to show you something" He held up his palm, and brought the Flame to it,"You see this?"

Watt gasped,"YOU'RE THE FLAME!"

"Yeah, but don't go shouting about it. I don't need looking after, except by the mages. They are the only ones who understand magick, and I trust them. Especially Rhenna..."

"I get you. Discretion is the better part of valour."

"In this case, yes. Go get some sleep, I'll be getting you all up later"

"Alright. Gd'night James"

"Gd'night Watt"


*The next morning, 0500 hours*

"SHADOW, Get up, get ready!" shouted Cougar,"We leave in one hour!". He looked at the mages,"Is there anything you guys need before we go? Last chance now"

"A distration, that could be fun..." Lady Warfare thinks A large list of things goes through her mind, even causing Armageddon, but that would cause more problems than it would solve. She could cast meteor on his temple, but that would be direct interference. What to do, what to do? Then it hit her, An Elemental Storm. Elemental storms were known to develop in area's where an Anti-Magick field of any kind sat. It had to be large area's though, she hoped the area was big enough. An elemental storm would require all the Elements, Magi, Scientific, or otherwise. That was out of the question then. An other idea took hold, she could make it rain very sharp very large objects. That should do the trick.

"Hey I was thinking, for couger's distration, why not make it rain very large, very sharp objects, that should distract just about anybody." Lady Warfare suggested with an eager hiss.

"A distration, that could be fun..." Lady Warfare thinks A large list of things goes through her mind, even causing Armageddon, but that would cause more problems than it would solve. She could cast meteor on his temple, but that would be direct interference. What to do, what to do? Then it hit her, An Elemental Storm. Elemental storms were known to develop in area's where an Anti-Magick field of any kind sat. It had to be large area's though, she hoped the area was big enough. An elemental storm would require all the Elements, Magi, Scientific, or otherwise. That was out of the question then. An other idea took hold, she could make it rain very sharp very large objects. That should do the trick.

"Hey I was thinking, for couger's distration, why not make it rain very large, very sharp objects, that should distract just about anybody." Lady Warfare suggested with an eager hiss.

OOC: Um, wudnt tht like kill our forces as well?

OOC:Not really, it would be done at the start, before our forces ran in. I'm expecting Kay to come up with something better anyway, I'm drawing blanks. Can you get to the "Other" forums? I can't for some reason. I can access the Admin CP but not the regular forums.

OOC:Not really, it would be done at the start, before our forces ran in. I'm expecting Kay to come up with something better anyway, I'm drawing blanks. Can you get to the "Other" forums? I can't for some reason. I can access the Admin CP but not the regular forums.
OOC: I can't access it at all! It says its done, but then the browser freezes. Can't do anything.

OOC: I think I'll have to put on a support ticket and ask whats up. Come to think of it, I'll disappear now and go do just that.

OOC: K, I just hope Kay gets back soon

OOC: I lied...call (for musical cast and crew. Kaymiril = Props mistress) changed from 2:45 (get your ass out of class and to the auditorium) to 4:30 (go home, do whatever, then get your ass to the auditorium), so I'm here for a little bit.

IC:

R - We have taken care of everything we need. Essentially, we are ready as soon as you are.

M - Raining sharp objects? Sounds crude...actually, I was thinking if you could lend me a Reactor Sliver and a Toxin Sliver, I could come up with an anti-demon neurotoxin...a swift and painful death...but only to demons.

EDIT OOC: Whoa, talk about timing, lol.

OOC: Oh great. So dissaprering again? BTW, there is a problem with the Wizards Council

IC: "OK, that is fine. We are ready to move out. The vehicles will be here soon," said Cougar, as a number of Hammerhead transport vehicles rumbled up, each capable of carrying twenty men.

"Load up, fill them all!" called Cougar, and SHADOW burst out onto the square, loading up into the transports. Supported above the ground on anti-gravity projectors, these things could manage a good 100 km/h. Cougar motioned to the mages, and to his team. Konig came running up, late as usual, and together they clambered in. There were a number of fairly comfortable chairs, and Cougar sat down in one near the front, indicating for the others to do likewise. He tapped the driver on the shoulder, and the entire convoy moved out.

"How long till we get there?"

"An hour or so, Sir!"


OOC: The Mobile Infantry are mostly gone btw, S'gart blew them up

OOC: I'm sorry. But S'gart's not. And yes, I'll be going again.

IC:
Rhenna had just been finishing modifications to her whip -- it was now six-headed with bits of razor-sharp adamantine braided into the last foot or so of each head. Ready when the call to leave came, she and the other mages activated their gliders. They could easily keep pace with the SE transports, and also see what was coming.

As they entered the Wastes, Rhenna put a warming spell on herself at the same time Renor and Mith did...she blinked for a moment, then shook off two of them. One was plenty.

OOC: Dammit. Oh well

IC: Cougar looked out a viewport, and saw the mages following them, easily keeping pace with the transports. He grinned at Rhenna, noting the modifications to her whip, and sent a message,Remember what I said last night, keep yourself safe

After nearly an hour, the transports pulled to a halt, and Cougar stepped out, looking at the horrific scene in front him. Where the Mobile Infantry should have been, there was merely a smoking crater in the ground. ONly one person could have done this.... S'gart. Cougar gazed at the scene, aware of the rest of SHADOW behind him, some of them sobbing. He knew for a fact that Jonny Ellis, the demolitionist from Delta Team, had a brother in this regiement, and his division was meant to be here. He turned to them,"This is what Kaelis Ra and S'gart can do. Look at it, and burn that image into your head. WIL WE STAND FOR THIS!"

"NO!" came the universal reply

"THEN LET US MAKE THEM RUE THE DAY THEY EVER FELL UPON SNAKE EATERS! LET THEM DIE AT OUR HANDS! LET THEM FEEL REAL FEAR!"

The green-tinged words flickered across Cougar's field of vision.

I'm not a telepath...quit that...it feels weird. And I promise, I'll do my best to keep myself alive. Beyond that...it would be foolish to say anything.

Renor flies over the damage. "I hadn't expected him to do this...but it does not look as though he has gotten any more powerful over the past century. Cold comfort, I know."

"Sure, Just wait tell couger unleashes them. People often wonder how you get one million slivers inside such a small ball, easy, put the in stasis, and shrink them all small enough to fit. When he breaks the ball, a bright flash will occur, and suddenly one million slivers will cover the battlefield, They have been watching all this time in their sleep, so they know their part. You can use the Slivers that will help protect Mith." Warfare said.

OOC: I have submitted a support ticket for invisionfree to work on the technical problem.

The green-tinged words flickered across Cougar's field of vision.

I'm not a telepath...quit that...it feels weird. And I promise, I'll do my best to keep myself alive. Beyond that...it would be foolish to say anything.

He smiled again, giving her the thumbs up for he understood

OOC: Check the other post

Above them, Warfare kept pace, her wings creating a small breeze, she flew ahead a bit and cleared the storms and calmed the weather. The sun broke out and began to shine, a nice day for a bloody battle.

He smiled again, giving her the thumbs up for he understood

OOC: Check the other post
OOC: I did.

OOC: Fair enough

IC: Cougar looked above, seeing Warfare and the mages high above them. He waved to them, and then directed his troops beack into the vehicles. The Hammerheads set off for the pass, at which the men would have to disembark. The transports were too bulky to fit. Cougar knew it was a bad plan, and the pass would most likely be booby-trapped, but they had to take that chance


They are on the move S'gart. I suggest now would be a good time to intercept them, as they move through the mountain pass. Take a number of Bloodletters with you. They will cause fear to be struck into mens hearts

S -- Line the pass with an ambush or so. Give me one demon to challenge the group directly...fairly strong, but not terribly so. This is where we separate her out.

*Taking some demons, S'gart cloaks himself in invisibility and heads out*

Hmmmmmm said Kaelis Ra, as he thought carefully. His archdemons were thin on the ground, and too powerful to boot (They got killed in Drescon's thread: Legion and tht). Then, he hit on the perfect one,Take this one, he is strong, but not so strong that he will decimate them. And I'll order Dead Cell to line the pass. A blue demon popped into existence next to S'gart, it's skin changing colour as it breathed.Go with this mage. Do as he says! Kaelis Ra told it, and it did.

As they travelled, S'gart showed the demon his target. "Don't kill her, though...the Master has plans for her."

*As they approached, S'gart turned to the demon.* Challenge them now.

As SHADOW and the mages moved through the pass, they came under fire from Dead Cell ambushes. It wasn't much of a threat, SHADOW had enough firepower to take them on.
As they came to a widening of the pass, the blue demon appeared out of no-where, rasping. It attacked Rhenna, all the viciousness of it's creation coming out. Cougar froze, dumb founded at the unprovoked attack...

Warfare felt the new demon pop in to existence. "Now was the time..." She thought. She passed on a telepathic message to the mages and couger:
"All divine powers end here. As I get closer, I can feel more of what Kaelis Ra does. Its now or never for the Anti-Divine magic field. Remeber, your powers will work normally, this will severly hinder Kaelis Ra."

She let out an extreme hiss as a glowing white ball of enrgy shot from her to the exact geological center of the frozen wastes. when it got there, it exploded, a great white ring of energy neutralized all divine power across the frozen wastes. It would last for 24 hours. Warfare gave the mages a wink, signifying it was done.

OOC: Sorry, gotta disappear now.

Rhenna dodged the clumsy attack, and unfurled her whip.

R -- You got this?

Rn -- Yeah. Go on, I'll catch up.

R -- Very well. If you aren't back within fifteen minutes, I'll be back for you.

Rn -- Don't worry about it.

R -- *to C* Let's keep moving...this is nothing.

Meanwhile, Rhenna and the demon began circling...the whip lashing out to tear into demon flesh.

Cougar shot a look backwards, then called,"We keep moving. Echo Team, take point. Charlie Team, take the tail. Watch out for Dead Cell"

Strange. Why did it just go for her?

They pushed on, leaving Rhenna to fight the demon...

The creature ignored the wounds, striking with a mid-level attack. it would not disobey it's Master, Kaelis Ra would destroy it without a second thought...

Kaelis Ra felt the numbing effects of the Anti-Divine Field, and cursed,Damn gods and their trickery. It would be Warfare, meddling little bitch that she is. No matter, I will destroy him nevertheless

OOC: And that's just K R's opninon of Warfare, not mine

Rhenna's battle with the demon wore on...for all of five minutes. After that, she decided she was bored, and cast a spell designed by a former Mith to kill demons...and made sure to give it extra power. She stood on her glider, coiling her whip.

That's when S'gart pounced. He fired two high-level spells at her at once, and as she was countering, teleported behind her to take control of her very mind. She tried to shrug it off, and even fought it as it took control of the very muscles that she struggled to command...even her magickal abilities.

OOC: Well, that's it for me today. Bye guys.

Kaelis Ra watched as the force came out of the pass, nearly a kilometre away. He decided to wait, and bide his time. He watched as S'gart pounced, and took control of the dragon/? hybrid's mind, and smiled as he thought of the irony of having her kill the one who she loved. Little did he know of what was to transpire in these coming hours...

OOC: Set's the scene very nicely I think. I'll leave as well, considering that no-one is still around

OOC: Actually, K R's response made me chuckle. Glad to know that isn't your real opinion though. The "other forums" are working again.

OOC: Fair enough. I checked the 'other threads', and replyed. Sorry, not any idea for you or Balrogga. Have outlined mine though

A silver raven blazed into the group about ten minutes after they'd left Rhenna. Obviously upset, it fluttered in front of Renor, making unintelligible sounds, then perched on Cougar's head and pecked hard, twice.

R -- Something's happened.

Witha mental sigh (as if anything else was possible) Galvenor hovered in contemplation.

"I wish they would have filled me in upon their plans before they ran off. Obviously they do not need my assistance yet. I think I will just pop back home and come back when I am needed."

Galvenor attempted to conjure a gateway. Nothing happened.

"Dammit, the way is blocked. I cannot return until this is over."

He let out another mental sigh and hovered there, running advanced arcane formulae through his mind. When it was time for him to act, he will definately be noticed. Hopefully the damage would be acceptable. A nearby intelligence alerted him he was not alone.

Off in the distance one of the demon scouts watched and waited.

An idea began to form and he weighed the consequences. It just might work...



OOC:

When you need me or have a plan, TG me the details. Otherwise I will take my own path to the final conflict.

A silver raven blazed into the group about ten minutes after they'd left Rhenna. Obviously upset, it fluttered in front of Renor, making unintelligible sounds, then perched on Cougar's head and pecked hard, twice.

R -- Something's happened.

*Rubbing his head*"I gathered that. This bird won't stop pecking me..." he said, waving it away

Witha mental sigh (as if anything else was possible) Galvenor hovered in contemplation.

"I wish they would have filled me in upon their plans before they ran off. Obviously they do not need my assistance yet. I think I will just pop back home and come back when I am needed."

Galvenor attempted to conjure a gateway. Nothing happened.

"Dammit, the way is blocked. I cannot return until this is over."

He let out another mental sigh and hovered there, running advanced arcane formulae through his mind. When it was time for him to act, he will definately be noticed. Hopefully the damage would be acceptable. A nearby intelligence alerted him he was not alone.

Off in the distance one of the demon scouts watched and waited.

An idea began to form and he weighed the consequences. It just might work...



OOC:

When you need me or have a plan, TG me the details. Otherwise I will take my own path to the final conflict.


OOC: Heres my plan: In the final battle it wil be

Renor V S'gart

Cougar V Kaelis Ra

SHADOW + Slivers v Demon hordes

Galvenor v Archdemon (You give him a name, you have control of him)

Warfare v ? (You have to decide on this one Warhaven)


IC: Barbarossa stared at the reports coming in,The entire Mobile Infantry? Gone?. His eyes widened, as he saw that SHADOW and the mages had pushed forward regardless. Fools he thought, They'll be slaughtered! I've gotta do something!. He turned to the console, and punched in a request. Only one man could get there fast enough. General Adama...

OOC: You know what an Avatar is? An Avatar is a copy of a God that is weaker than the actual God. It has a good 60% of the origanal God's powers. You could have Kaelis Ra send an avatar of himself out to rain havoc upon the Slivers and Shadow while they are fighting the demonic Hordes. Any God knows the diffrence between an Avatar and the real thing. Warfare could inform couger of the diffrence and then fall upon the Avatar like the Egyptian Plagues.

OOC: You know what an Avatar is? An Avatar is a copy of a God that is weaker than the actual God. It has a good 60% of the origanal God's powers. You could have Kaelis Ra send an avatar of himself out to rain havoc upon the Slivers and Shadow while they are fighting the demonic Hordes. Any God knows the diffrence between an Avatar and the real thing. Warfare could inform couger of the diffrence and then fall upon the Avatar like the Egyptian Plagues.

OOC: Sounds gd. I'll have him do that. BTW, General Adama is a tank general. Basically, he's gonna turn up towards the end, dunno if he'll have any effect though. If we do the Avatar, you can RP him

OOC: Sounds good. I already have Ideas running through my mind. I have to jump off for a few hours here pretty soon. If you get it to an appropriate part, I'll do it tonight then.

OOC: Pretty hardf without Kay here.


IC: Cougar looked at the bird, trying his hardest to understand, but in vain. He knew something was wrong,"Renor, what's it saying?"

Renor shook his head. "I don't know. Rhenna can understand this gibberish...but no one else. It is always with her...the fact that it is here now, alone..."

OOC: The battle btwn R and S is fixing to happen. Plot devices, people...PLOT DEVICES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OOC: In order of importance, and thus, the order they should happen, I think the battles should happen like so.

Renor VS. S'Gart. Gives Kaelis Ra a reason to send the Demonic Hordes and dead Cell out.

Shadow + Sliver Horde VS. The Demonic Horde + Dead cell. The Main fight. I think since logically Dead cell operatives are easier to kill, and theirs less of them, Shadow and Dead cell would primarily fight each other. Since Slivers and demons are harder to kill by a fair amount, especially in large numbers, the Slivers will primarily fight the Demonic Horde. Numbers are also about equal as well this way. I'm not saying thats how it will happen, it just makes more sense that way.

Warfare VS. Avatar of Kaelis Ra. In an effort to raise his army back up to destroy us, Kaelis ra sends out his Avatar to frighten us as well. Warfare quickly explains the diffrence between an Avatar and a real God, and then proceeds to fall upon the Avatar like the Egyptian Plagues. This really upsets Kaelis Ra, but since everyone is weakened, he sends out the most powerful Demon in hell next to himself. If were going for Biblical accuracy, since you yourself said SE, that Kaelis Ra was another name for Satan, the Devil, Lucifer, Loki, ETC, ETC, That Demon would Be Apollyon, Arch Demon of Hell. Apollyon was at Derscon, but never actually fought. He was going to, but the thread early. So Apollyon is at full power. Which leads us to

Galvenor VS. Apollyon. Being the only strong member left in a condition to fight, besides Couger, Realizes that this is the moment he's needed most, Makes his way out there in a spectacular manner, and proceeds to obliterate Apollyon. With Nothing left, Kaelis Ra invites Couger into his temple for a final showdown, which brings us to the most important, most spectacular fight of all...

Colonel James Couger Versus Kaelis Ra, Ruler of Helll. Couger and Kaelis Ra meet their destiny, who will win?


This would all take place at aproximatly the same time IC, but, in RL, SE is usually on earlier than Balrogga, therefore, The first three tomorrow, Balrogga's while the other three of us sleep, then SE's Final showdown. I couldn't think of anything else today, so I hope this is acceptable.

OOC: Sounds good, Warhaven. And I didn't do this just b/c I didn't want to double-post...but here is the battle btwn S'gart and Renor.

IC:

S -- *Appearing roughly 20 meters in front of the group* Means that you were careless, doesn't it?

Deadly energy crackles around Renor.

S -- I wouldn't do that if I were you, Alberekek...I have a sheild, after all...would you cut off your own left hand?

The cold intensifies around the group as an invisibility spell ripples away...leaving Rhenmet in plain sight. The signs of outside control were easily apparent. S'gart had sunk even lower than Renor had thought he would.

S -- I have found that she makes much better company when she's actually quiet. Leave now, Alberekek...and take your human pet with you...or she dies.

R -- You don't understand, S'gart...you never understood. The left hand is almost as important to the mind as the right...but in circumstances such as these, one would even cut off the right hand.

S -- So very easy to say, little one...but can you do it?

Jerkily, Rhenna draws her whip and begins moving toward Renor. A few steps away, she levitates, and in an amazing exhibit of control, S'gart makes her fly toward Cougar, her hand drawing back. As she realized what she was about to do, a choked off cry of anguish escaped her.

R -- *Holding up a hand crackling with energy* "Thalra dosst haruk xuil elamshinae."

The spell collides with Rhenna, and the cry of anguish turns to one of agony. Her body contorts, and she drops her whip, and falls soon after it, some of the adamantine blades digging into her flesh. She spasms once, and does not move again.

At the same time as the spell hits Rhenmet, S'gart grits his teeth and flinches.
"What the..."

R -- *The mage's tone is cold and emotionless* "You've fallen behind. You should have known that at Derscon we made the discovery that she's half Black dragon."

S -- Ah. That explains that. Impressive, Alberekek...I did not expect you to kill her.

R -- You're next. *He begins walking toward S'gart, and the tension in the air rises with each inch he closes.* I will not fight you as Renor...it would be too easy. *He pulls off his mask and cloak* This is what you've always been after, isn't it, S'gart? Take it...if you are able. *Holding out his right hand, he summoned Fieros...and shaped it into a blade.*

S -- So, you think you've found something to defeat the Oloth Wund. Shall we try it, little one? *Darkness gathers into his hand and solidifies in the shape of a blade...the exact same style that Renor used -- two blades, set a mere inch apart, sharing a hilt.*

Wordlessly, the mages attacked each other. Back and forth they battled, faster than the eye could see, spells crackling off of defensive sheilds as they struggled for victory in this decisive battle.

The conflict went on and on, neither mage giving an inch, until S'gart remembered something...this one always left his left flank open. Stabbing swiftly, he was rewarded when his sword went into the mage. As the pain seared through him, though, Renor remembered something else. S'gart always dropped his defensive shields when he thought he'd grabbed victory. With much of his fast-waning strength, Renor slammed the Fieros blade into S'gart's chest, and caused it to flare. S'gart was incinerated from the inside out, his blade of Darkness fading to nothing.

Mith, knowing the spell Renor had used, left Rhenna alone. There would be time to deal with her, later. At the end of the battle, she teleported to Renor's side. The Black Class Master was barely standing, but was already reaching to pull his mask and cloak back on. Mith bound his wound as he drew in more energy.

R -- "Now that the easy part's over with..."

OOC: Yes, easy, good job though Kay, SE is going to have to do the battle of the two main armies tomorrow. After hes done, that night, I will do Warfare verses the Avatar, That night while we're all offline, Balrogga will do Galvenor VS. Apollyon. Then friday, Glorious friday, SE, will finish it off with Couger VS. Kaelis Ra. Then that night we all gang up and do the aftermath, aka, cleaning up.

OOC: I'll be on until maybe ten GMT tomorrow night...same with Fri...but I'll be back by 3am GMT...which does no good, b/c SE has a martial arts comp Sat and can't be up all night Fri.

Keeping a mental eye on his observer, Galvenor landed and started talking to himself.

“Who do they think they are? They drag me here and then ignore me. I am one of the most powerful beings on this backwards planet and they treat me like this?”

Galvenor lashed out at a tall pillar of stone. Energies struck the rocks, obliterating it and sending fragments everywhere.

“And they have the gall to throw a gateway inhibitor around the planet to keep he here? I should make them pay for this treachery. They did this to me once already. They will not do this to me again!”

He lashed out at another of the worn piles of rock, this time it was almost twice the size of the first. The bolt of energy leapt from Galvenor and struck the stones. They glowed red, then orange, and then white hot before shattering. Molten stone splattered everywhere, igniting the sparse grass and trees.

“I will make them pay for humiliating me. I bet they are laughing at me right now. “Hey, let’s drag Galvenor along for no reason and make him stand around doing nothing.” “Isn’t it funny watching him trying to help?” I even bet they are saying “I think he is just a worthless half ghost.”

Galvenor let off a volley that left a nearby cliff face in ruins.

“If only I had some way to show then once and for all.”

He could feel the uncertainty from the demon watching. It was trying to decide what to do. It knew it had no chance on defeating the mage. It decided.

“Excuse me, may I speak to you, Master?”

Galvenor turned in mock surprise, his hands glowing with Eldritch Power. The demon cowered to the ground, trying to make the smallest target possible.

“No, no, no! Please do not hurt me! I only want to talk with you. I mean you no harm.”

“Speak demon before I decide to flay you alive.”

“I couldn’t help hearing you talk to yourself. You seem to be awfully mad. My Master could give you a chance to give you what you wished. I will go to him and ask him if he would be able to help you.”

“What is in it for you, after all you are not helping me out of the goodness in your heart.”

“My Master rewards us if we can bring in items of power. He will reward me greatly if I bring him an ally as powerful as you are.”

Galvenor waited a couple moments before answering.

“Very well, go to your master and return as soon as you can, before I change my mind. Tell your Master I want something else in return for helping. I don’t come cheap. Tell him to make me an offer. Now, begone!”

The demon quickly vanished into the sky. Galvenor waited, hoping his plan would work.

OOC: Very nice Kay...

IC: Cougar stared at what had just happened, and his eyes flew to the body of Rhenna lying in the snow. He collapsed to his knees, and stared first at her, then at the sky, which was overcast with ominious stormclouds. He said nothing, and simply stared. The he screamed, his scream one filled with anguish and pain. He did not care if the others knew how he felt. His eyes became like a window, and for the first time the window to his soul was laid bare for all to see. He no longer cared whether he lived or died, he would make Kaelis Ra pay for all he had done, oner way or another. Watt and Konig approached, placing their hands on his shoulders. He shrugged them off, and stood and looked at Renor,"We still have a duty to do. Grief must be set aside until a more appropiate time. Isn't that what you always say Master? Then let us fight, if it be our last. I will grieve later." As he spoke, the bitterness could be heard in his voice, but he controlled himself to the point where he became hollow, emotionless.

He turned to SHADOW, and shouted out,"LADS AND LADIES! THIS IS IT! THE FINAL BATTLE IS UPON US! OUT THERE LIES YOUR ENEMY! SMITE HIM DOWN AS IF YOU WERE GOD! LEAVE NONE ALIVE! IMMORTALITY! TAKE IT! IT'S YOUR'S!" His voice echoed in the cavernous mouth of the pass, and a resounding roar came up from his companions. He drew the ball form his pocket, and hurled it to the ground. It smashed, a brilliant white light emanating from it. A million Slivers came into being in front of SHADOW. Cougar slipped the scale onto his chest, onto which it fused, giving him control of the Slivers. A million thoughts entered his heads, but he shut them away. Looking at the Temple, he raised his katana high above his head,"COME! LET US FIGHT!" And with that the advance was sounded. A million troops, all for the same purpose, spread across the plain, visible for miles...


In the Temple, Kaelis Ra looked out over the field, and smiled. So, the time has come. Maybe I should make an appearence?. He waved his hands, chanting. The growing darkness eventually faded, leaving an Avatar of Kaelis Ra to lead his hordes. The real Ra looked pleased with his creation, and sent it to lead his forces to victory... he hoped.
Outside, Dead Cell and the demon hordes were already deploying to the ring of defences. Deep trenches, barbed wire, it was all there. The leader of Dead Cell, Mikhael Vandergrot, walked through his section of the lines, telling his men to concentrate on SHADOW, and leave the aliens to the demons. Now, Dead Cell could destroy those who had plagued them for so long....

Kaelis Ra, pleased with his construct, had just sent him to the field of battle, as a demon came in, babbling excitedly. Ra listened with interest, and the summoned Galvenor with a gesture,"Tell me, what is it you want?"


OOC: Will post the rest tonight, mite be abit long

Warfare looked at the Demonic Hordes, and saw Kaelis Ra leading them. No, wait, that wasn't Kaelis Ra, it was kind of diffrent, it was, an Avatar.
"Couger, That is not Kaelis Ra that you see before you. That is an Avatar, Gods use Avatars when they don't want to get hurt, but the still want to do something. It is weaker than the real thing. Don't worry about it. I'll take care of it." Warfare shouted so that all could hear. With a Roar that any dragon species would be proud to call its own, Lady Warfare Dived for the Avatar of Kaelis Ra...


OOC: I'll finish this up tonight.

Cougar led the forces of good against the forces of evil in an epic battle that would resound in legend for eons, not just among Snake Eaters but Slivers and Kaymirilan alike. Having ordered some Esscense Slivers to remain with Mith, to fix up a field hospital for the wounded, he brought the rest into a spearhead, and together they charged towards the demon horde. Responding in kind, the demons got up and assualted them back. With an almighty roar, they crashed into one another, many falling on both sides in this conflict to end all conflicts. Cougar was directy in the thick of things, the Black Flame burning, destroying demons as he advanced implicitly. All around him, the Slivers were engaged in fierce magickal combat, laying down a world of hurt on the demonic hordes that prevented James from reaching his ultimate goal: Kaelis Ra. The blade burned with a fierce flame, and was moving so quickly that the average human could not see it. It moved in sync with him, its blood dulling due to the ichor on the blade form so much death. Many flesh wounds were now apparent, but he pushed on regardless. His confidance and strength of will carried to the Slivers, who threw themselves into the fight with ever increasing gusto. So many lay dead on both sides already, and for the first time James felt a pang of realisation that they may not be able to win this fight...

Further away, SHADOW was laying down a storm of firepower on the Dead Cell members. HAving brought their own heavy weapons, they fired with the strength of a force nearly five times their size. Konig was on the floor, his rifle bucking as he fired round after round into the trenches at any man foolish enough to poke his head out above the trench. All around him, he heard rounds snapping, some making small puffs of snow to burst up in front of them. Watt was on one knee, firing his customised M249 SAW with one hand from the hip, as he pressed a field dressing into a fallen woman, who had been hit in the stomach,"MEDIC! MEDIC!" he roared, as his fingers slipped and blood gushed from the wound. One arrived, and he went back to firing. His weapon was capable of firing 750 rounds per minute, and he was doing that in record time. SHADOW, the most elite soldiers that Snake Eaters had to offer, were decimating the Dead Cell, who, despite their huge superority of numbers, were so scared of the damage just sixty men and women were doing that multitudes were fleeing. They ran back, towards the Temple, attempting to take up defensive postions. Some even managed it, laying down fire to protect their friends. Heavy weapons such as GPMG's lay silenced, no body left to take over. As SHADOW spilled into the trench, Watt looked around. Already, 15 were missing, a quater of those who had started. He sat, with his back against a wall, and took his helmet off. Running his hand through his hair, the sweat matting it, he gasped. Did we just do that? he thought, as mortar rounds threw up snow and blood into the air, only to have it rain down on the SHADOW troops. They were still there, resiliant as always...

OOC: I'm gonna have to double post for this one, sorry guys

OOC:

It never fails. By the time I am able to do anything you guys have already rushed through the adventure and arefighting the final battle.