NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: I want everyone to put up a brief history of what has happened to their char's in the intervening time, as well as their nations if they want. TAGGING by non-participants is acceptable

IC: It had been seven and a half years since the defeat of Kaelis Ra and the emergence of the White Flame in James Cougar. Now aged thirty-three, he hadn't changed a bit, his extended lifespan meaning he didn't age as fast as a normal human, no where near as fast. In fact, the only thing that had changed was his abilites with the White Flame. His progress, though occasionally stunted both by his struggling with certain concepts and also his own doubt, had been swift by any ones standards... though he still had much to learn, he was now a far more accomplished mage than he should have been at that age
With the curse of Kaelis Ra lifted, Snake Eaters' had gone from strength to strength. Suffering greatly at times, sometimes enjoying prosperity. Currently, it was in the latter rather than the former. Many battles had been fought, alliances had been forged and broken, and people had been born and died. Yet, it was not free from the clutches of evil...


Deep in the equatorial jungles of Snake Eater Prime, a ziggurat of epic proportions rose above the canopy. It's surface reflected no light, instead, it absorbed it. The structure seemed to pulse with sickly energies, a possible explanation as to why the vegetation surrounding it was all mutated and unrecognizable for what it actually was. Square-based, it's four sides were all seperatley adorned with a wide range of symbols. Some five klicks to the South-East, a research camp had been set up by Snake Eater scientists. It's mission was simple: research, and research only...

**************************************************************
"Hurry up, Harry, we haven't got all day here y'know"

"You try lugging this kit around with you all day"

"What was that?"

"Nothing. Sorry"

Doctor Darren Guterman, leader of the latest team to work at RS - 723, sauntered casually through the steamy jungle, along a trail cleared by the advance scouts. He was an expert in jungle biospheres... and Snake Eater Prime had some of the most unique in Snake Eaters'. Some ten feet behind him, his hapless assitant, Harry Thomas, hauled the weight of the testing kit back onto his back, and continued to follow his mentor,"How much further?"

"Not too far, m'boy, not too far now"

How right the good doctor turned out to be, for as he finished speaking, he pushed a mishapen frond aside, walking directly into the small clearing before the Northern-most wall of the zigguarat. Off to his left, the scouts huddled in fear, muttering to each other in Snakese, the only language they knew as jungle dwellers, those who had chosen to remain as they had arrived. They were scared, that much was obvious just by their body posture. Guterman could taste the fear... it was almost palpable. Where he should have been scared also, however, was a wish to see what this magnificent structure was. A brief exchange of words with the jungle natives and he smiled,"Well, Harry, looks like we have a mystery... I always did like a good one. C'mon, let's see what this place is"

He began walking towards the structure. Harry called out after him,"Sir, shouldn't we go back to camp, report this, and then a dedicated team can be sent out"

"Don't be a poof, come on"

Harry muttered under his breath,"Nothing good will come of this"

As they vanished within the temple, the guides looked at each other.

G1 -- "We will not see them again"

G2 -- "I find it highly unlikely... we should inform the camp"

G1 -- "Then we would be suspects... no, much better that we return to our tribe"

They melted back into the jungle...

**************************************************************
Three weeks later
Harry Thomas staggered, almost dragging himself, out of the jungle. He could barely stand, his limbs were bloody masses of flesh, pus weeping from some of them like there was no end to it. He stumbled over an upturned tree root, falling onto his face, further damaging it. He cried out for help as he dragged himself, hand over hand, inch by inch, towards the bright lights of the camp. However, his voice was very weak, very hoarse. If a passing assitant had not seen him, he would have died there. As it was, he was airlifted to Snake City General, and immediatley placed in an isolation ward. Over the next two days, doctors struggled to keep him stable, he went through so much anestazine they had to restock the hospital a full month early. At 0135, SEP Standard, he finally gave into the pain. His heart ceased to beat, and the doctors began to fix for a cremation... his family had already been informed.
The head consultant looked at his notes for Harry Thomas, and made a press release to Snake Eaters', detailing in full what had happened as far as he, in his professional opnion. It was sent all over Snake Eaters', in every major news broadcast and e-paper. And thus, it was over breakfast in Rendelmar, later than normal because class was in the afternoon, that James Cougar's fork dropped from his hand to clatter loudly on his plate. His eyes were wide, his mouth was slightly agape, and he mumbled slightly as he spoke,"What the hell is happening in Snake Eaters?"

Over the past years, Kaymiril had not only started a space program, but had a successful program going. They had a substantial merchant fleet, and a small navy. Then again...with a population of about three billion...Kaymiril was more than ready (numerically) for space.

The Queen, Kaymiril VII, was respected by her people now, having quelled their doubts from the beginning of her reign. Her daughter, Aris, was old enough to walk. Kaymiril had known hardship and prosperity during this time period, and had been doing its best to help Snake Eaters during their times of hardship.

The Gray Class had been busy, finding cures for some human illnesses and struggling with others. When word got to Mith of this death, he shook his head.

"Why do these human doctors not see fit to call us in?"

Life in Rendelmar had been fairly much the same as ever.

Renor was still elusive.

Vedt was still teaching Cougar.

Rhenna hadn't changed either.

Shan had grown...he was now 5'4" and as good natured as ever, although he had matured a great deal since he'd started going out. He was powerful in magick and cunning in sword play.

And Monian, at fourteen years of age, was starting to learn some magick.
**********************************************

On this particular morning, Shan and Tari happened to be eating when Cougar made his exclamation.

S -- "What's wrong?"

Cougar didn't seem to have heard Shan. His eyes were flitting across the page projected in front of him, absorbing all the information avaliable to him on this death, it's circumstances, everything about it. Eventually though, after a few moment's silence, he looked over, and spoke in something that did not resemble his normal voice,"Sorry, Shan, did you say something?"

Shan and Tari looked at each other befroe looking back at the human in front of them.

"I asked what was wrong."

"Something very... strange... has happened back on Snake Eater Prime"

His words came with a sharp intake of breath, as if something had made sense to him suddenly. He rose, and simply uttered,"Tell Vedt I won't be in class today... I have much work to do". With those words, he vanished from sight, the pillar of Flame that took him much more intense now that his power had increased as far as it had. He still couldn't quite deal with Shan, but could still best him in swordplay... barely.

He arrived back in the room within a moment, and moved quickly to pack some of his kit that he thought he would need

The door slid open.

"And where are you going this time?"

He looked up for a moment, then continued to pack,"The Council first, then Snake Eater Prime"

"This about the death of that kid?"

Rhenna had just come from Mithdelmar...and as this might concern Cougar, Mith had informed her.

"Harry Thomas died in very odd circumstances. His last words were,'Temple' and 'jungle'... something very strange is going on... they diagnosed a mutated form of Nurgle's Rot in him... I'm going to find out what is going on"

"And what happens if you get sick, James?"

"A sample of the virus has been sent to Mithdelmar... I'll stop off there as well before I go... I go the Council to find Warfare and Leviathan, and get them to give me a hand"

"Do you need any of us to go with you?"

By 'us', she meant Rendelmar.

He slid his pistol into the thigh holster, and stood straight,"I'm no fool... whatever is in that temple is going to be very powerful... but I don't want to put others in danger needlessly... but some support would be nice indeed"

"I'll speak with Renor and Vedt...see if either of them will come."

He flashed her a smile,"Thanks"

She gives him a kiss and leaves.

About a quarter of an hour later, she finds him again.

"Vedt'll come...Renor can't."

He had his harness packed, and was now loading his Gunblade, choosing to leave the Katana of the Dead he had acquired behind for this one. He checked the action of the pistol part of the weapon, before looking up and smiling,"Perfect. That's what I was hoping for actually... we leave when classes end"

"Sounds about right. My class is done, so you can let me know when and where to meet you."

He glanced at his watch,"Right... we'll leave at 1600 hours, half an hour after Vedt finishes. We'll head to the Council first, I want to take Costh with us, and also I have something I wish to ask of Warfare and Leviathan. Until then... the time is yours"

"All right. But tell me...why are we taking Costh?"

"The reports say this place is adorned with runes, Thomas managed to sketch some of them... no one in Snake Eaters' can decipher them. We need a rune mage... and I know, I know, we could take Ishrem instead, but that doesn't feel right. It's alright, I'll keep him as far from you as possible, I know he irritates you"

"Take him...but we already know that humans are susceptible to this disease."

He tapped his nose,"It's alright, I factored that in as well. As we speak, a sample of this new form of Nurgle's Rot is being delivered via sealed container to Mithdelmar, in the hopes that Mith can develop an innoculation. The Snake scientists say it's not that much different, so it should be a short task. Then, me and Costh get innoculated all over again, plus I'll take some with me so that it can be mass produced"

"Then it sounds like you have everything planned out."

He tapped his temple,"Mind of a solider my dear. At the moment, I'm going about a million miles a minute... I need to calm down"

Warfare sat in his office, inside the Crystal world. The six crystals had grown much stronger over the last few years. Warfare had become a secritive and private person. There were problems he had only Arianna and Gypsy knew that he had. Though some could tell, Warfare, was growing weaker. Something was happening to him.

Arianna finally attained mastery of her domains, and attrackted a small gathering of followers.

Gypsy had as of late, become intrested in Leviathan, more than as a friend.

Generation 2 was built. It was a Space ship, small and light enough to fly in atmospheres, yet powerful enough to be a serious threat in space against much larger ships.

And finally, little Aldur accidentally sealed Uncle Kajeenith and all of Kamigawa in an unpeneratable bubble for an undetermind period of time shortly before the birth of Aris. He was a cute little child though, and commonly refferred to Rahegalhoff as "Uncle Raggy." He also had "Uncle Levy" (Leviathan) and Coor) (Cougar.) The Time and space Archwizards followed little Aldur around everywhere he went keeping an eye on him, to prevent any further Mishaps while he was learning about what little powers he had that he could use.

Warfare had long since subscribed to Snake eaters two most best, most reliable E-papers since he did care about what happened to his friends people. He satin his office in the crystal world reading about the current events. He looked like had hadn't slept in three years.

Costh had been busy in the years. The research and training he'd put in had been exhaustive, yet he'd finally reached the point where both the nagging of his wife-to-be, at that point anyway, and his own level of skill had caused him to accept the burden of his position.

His ascension had wrought a number of changes upon him, the most visible being the fact he now had a full head of hair, a faint golden aura and save for two incredibly intricate runes on the palms of his hands, he was now completely devoid of the runes that had covered him.

While during the honeymoon, he'd managed to get some of the traditional training in, the vast majority of it was occupied with his newfound wife.

Warfare sat in his office, inside the Crystal world. The six crystals had grown much stronger over the last few years. Warfare had become a secretive and private person. There were problems he had only Arianna and Gypsy knew that he had. Though some could tell, Warfare, was growing weaker. Something was happening to him.

Arianna finally attained mastery of her domains, and attrackted a small gathering of followers.

Gypsy had, as of late, become intrested in Leviathan, more than as a friend.

Generation 2 was built. It was a Space ship, small and light enough to fly in atmospheres, yet powerful enough to be a serious threat in space against much larger ships.

And finally, little Aldur accidentally sealed Uncle Kajeenith and all of Kamigawa in an unpeneratable bubble for an undetermind period of time shortly before the birth of Aris. He was a cute little child though, and commonly refferred to Rahegalhoff as "Uncle Raggy." He also had "Uncle Levy" (Leviathan) and Coor) (Cougar.) The Time and space Archwizards followed little Aldur around everywhere he went keeping an eye on him, to prevent any further Mishaps while he was learning about what little powers he had that he could use.

Warfare had long since subscribed to Snake eaters two most best, most reliable E-papers since he did care about what happened to his friends people. He satin his office in the crystal world reading about the current events. He looked like had hadn't slept in three years.

Over the years, Leviathan had grown stronger and wiser, and he was worried about his friend. He hadn't been told anything, but he had serious concerns for his friend's well being. He barely left the office anymore... indeed, Leviathan couldn't easily remember the last time he had. It was worrying, he communicated only through Arianna and Gypsy.

Leviathan looked after his nephew when he could, making sure he didn't get into too much mischief at the time... it was difficult though, given the boy's potential.

Also, he'd noticed something about Gypsy. Every time he came near her, she seemed to smile all the time, trying to be closer to him. He didn't quite know what to make of it

In any case, Leviathan was now reading Snake Eaters' best E-paper, The SEP Herald. He shook his head,"What is going on... wait... could it be... oh no"

He tapped his temple,"Mind of a solider my dear. At the moment, I'm going about a million miles a minute... I need to calm down"
She goes over and gives him a kiss. "Then calm down, James."

He kissed her back, and smiled,"Sorry Rhenna... I've just got a bad feeling about this whole affair"

"Is this the soldier paranoia that I hear so much about?"

He smiled,"Some call it a sixth sense... others call it solider paranoia... take your pick. In either case, this whole situation just feels... I don't know, strange, even by my standards"

"You're heading into a known-to-be cursed temple of a god that's been haunting your nation since we were first married. What's to be nervous about?"

He raised an eyebrow at her, and shook his head,"Sometimes I forget just how old you really are... stuff like this is commonplace to you"

"James...I was being sarcastic."

"I must have missed that part," he said, picking up his rifle and checking the bulk of it quickly, before laying it back down,"Sorry for being abrupt... I'm really not sure what we're getting into here"

"I know...and you tend to tense up just before going on a mission."

"I know... it's a bad habit, but it's also natural to do it"

He kissed her again, and smiled,"This should be a breeze... an in and out job"

She moves behind him and rubs his shoulders gently. "I'm worried about you, too...Mith works miracles...but he himself is willing to admit that there are things he cannot do. If something happens..."

He sighed slightly, a sigh of contentment, relaxing slightly as she rubbed his shoulders,"Then we can only hope that nothing happens. It's always a risk, but we've got the training. I'm bringing Wolf with us... I'd feel better to have a fellow solider at our backs"

Rhenna nods. "Then you'll take a dose for her, as well."

"Of course..."

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

*1600 hours, Kaymirilian Eastern Time*
Cougar was ready to go, and was now waiting in the Great Hall. He was dressed in something Rhenna had never seen him before, combat clothing. He wore his assualt vest across his chest, the load bearing equipment holding the water bottles and other such things in the pockets around the sides. He had the Gunblade strapped to one side of his waist, the Glock in his thigh holster, and the assualt rifle slung across his back. It was something that he had never worn in Rendelmar before

Vedt and Rhenna arrive fifteen minutes later, and look at him.

V -- "Three guns...some knives...a sword that is also a gun...and various elsewise. Is all of it necessary?"

He smiled, and sent back his two pistols, retaining the knife, assualt rifle, and Gunblade on his person,"You fight with magick, I fight with the sword and the gun. It's just being cautious. Anyway..."

He let himself flare slightly, and took all three of them to the Wizard's Council,"First job, find Costh and Leviathan."

V -- "Right..."

Cougar shook his head,"I have no idea where they could be though... we'd best split up. I have an idea where Leviathan might be... but Costh is a different matter. I'll find Leviathan, you two find Costh, please"

Costh was working in the library, a vast and rather incomprehensible chart in front of him. He was copying, scribbling and generally adding to the incomprehensiblity.

Vedt makes a guesture to Rhenna, and they walk off.

V -- "What are we supposed to say to him?"

R -- "Tell him that James wants to talk to him. Sounds reasonable to me."

Costh took a quick pause as he examined the sheet, "No that belongs over ... wait, if I move that there and this here," These and similar ramblings came out of his mouth as he did edit work.

V -- "Costh."

The mage's voice was soft, but cut through the distance. It wasn't spelled...but it was unignorable...a quality it had developed from centuries of teaching.

James moved off on his own, heading for the Arena of the Gods. Leviathan was, as he suspected, in there. As he arrived, he narrowly avoided a blast from Black Flame Ultima,"Christ, what are you trying to do?"

L -- "Letting off some steam"

C -- "You heard then?"

L -- "Yes. I heard"

C -- "Then you know what we have to do"

L -- *Looks at Cougar*"Going to the temple?"

C -- "Yes. And you know what you must do"

Leviathan stopped where he was,"Yes... I do... but he worries me, James. He's not well"

C -- "I know as much. But we can only theroise as to what is wrong with him... this can't be done without him"

L -- "I'll go find him. Good luck, my Chosen"

C -- "Good luck, old friend"

Leviathan turned on his heel, and walked out of the Arena. His destination was plain for all to see, he broadcast it that loudly via his Psi skills.

Warfare... I'm coming for you

V -- "Costh."

The mage's voice was soft, but cut through the distance. It wasn't spelled...but it was unignorable...a quality it had developed from centuries of teaching.
Costh looked up, saw Rhenna and Vedt and waved them over as he finished up a section of the parchment.

V -- "Cougar needs to speak with you about a recent incident on Snake Eater Prime."

Cougar, having finished conversing with his god (although to listen to them, it sounded more like they were Master and Student than friends), made his way back to the starting point, and sat down to wait for the others to return

"Alright." Costh replied as he did the last bit of inking. He then rolled the paper up. "Where is he?" He asked

Rn -- "Probably in the courtyard."

Costh headed down to the courtyard, scratching his head as he went.

Cougar looked up as Costh arrived, raising his eyebrows,"Correct me if I'm wrong, but when you left, you had no hair?"

'Ya, how do you get use to it?" Costh asked

"I never went bald in the first place, so I've never had no hair. Anyway, now that you're here, I need your help in translating some text"

"Alright, so where is this text, and what's the situation?" Costh asked as, with a visible effort he stopped scratching his hair.

"The text is a form of rune that the lexicons on Snake Eater Prime have never seen before... and the situation is easy enough to grasp, just read this"

He 'handed' Costh a copy of the Herald, where the incident was front page news

Costh read throught the paper, "Have the grey mages managed to whip up a vaccine?" Costh asked

ooc: Thanks.

OOC: vaccine

"That's what we're about to go and find out... you guys ready?"

"I'm ready." Costh replied, hand twitching towards his head, but stopped.

V -- "Are we ever not?"

Cougar nodded at this,"Stupid question, I guess. Still, what else is new?"

He transported them all to Mithdelmar,"Costh, you need to come with me. vedt, Rhenna, we're taking the Dauntless back to Snake Eater Prime, so you can either get in or come with us"

"Alright." Costh said as he followed Cougar.

V -- "We'll go, in case this new strain attacks Drow, as well."

Cougar nodded, it was a sensible precaution... he'd come to expect nothing more from Vedt as the years had gone by. He led the way into the temple, looking for Mith

Mith was just finishing a vaccine.

"Cougar, this is the perfect virus. Honestly...I can inoculate you...but if anyone catches it...I won't be able to find an antidote. It attacks Drow, as well...so I'll be inoculating all of you. How many more are you going to need, Cougar?"

"Give me one more for my friend, Wolf, and then another one for mass production and distribution. Many thanks to you Mith"

"I'll already be mass producing it. Snake Eaters ships come and go all the time, so I'll want to take care of the Kaymirilian population. We'll make enough to ship to Snake Eaters, as well. There are many ingredients that cannot be duplicated by your planet."

As he was talking, Mith inoculated the four of them.

"Avoid exposure for twelve hours, or I can't make any promises."

Cougar nodded, slipping the single vaccine into a hypospray and putting it in a pocket on his assualt vest,"Twelve hours... got it"

"That goes for your friend, as well."

Costh rubbed his arm where he'd gotten the needle. "So, James what's the plan while we wait?"

"Simple, we go to Snake Eater Prime, and find out whatever we can"

Cougar was already on his way out the door, the hypospray jiggling in his pocket. As he approached the Dauntless, the door opened for him, and he went inside, placing his equipment in one of the storage lockers, before sitting in the pilots chair. The front cockpit now had four chairs in it, and the consoles had been upgraded over the years.He tapped a few 'key's, and the engines began to make the craft shudder slightly

Rhenna sat in the co-pilot's seat, while Vedt took the one behind her.

"Alright." Costh replied as he took the rear left passenger seat and strapped himself in.

Cougar made sure that everyone was sat down, before increasing the power to the engines, more than enough to get them off the ground. They were almost silent, however, what with the new engines being the latest in fusion drive technology. The Dauntless sheered through the atmosphere, past the Kaymirilian Defence Grid, which Cougar still had serious misgivings about. They passed by without incident, and entered the Warp directly to speed things along,"This shouldn't take long, we'll use my house when we get to the planet until we can go. Wolf will meet us there"

V -- "Ph' dos zhaunus nindol zhah sreen'aur?"

Rn -- "Ol uriu naut elggen udossa quin..."

"Nor is it going to kill you. I've been flying this thing seven years now, and it's never given out on me"

"Does this ship still make good pizza?" Costh asked

Rn -- "You have to take into account just how often Vedt flies, James. And your house sounds like a good idea to start."

Cougar gestured to a replicator,"Go ahead, but don't eat in the cockpit"

Rn -- "You have to take into account just how often Vedt flies, James. And your house sounds like a good idea to start."

"Vedt, you don't need to worry. Seriously, this is as safe as it gets when it comes to personal transport"

"Alright." Costh replied and once in the warp, headed back to get a pizza made, "Does anyone else want something?" He called forward.

"Vedt, you don't need to worry. Seriously, this is as safe as it gets when it comes to personal transport"
Behind his mask, the Velkyn raised an eyebrow. He seriously didn't believe in these things.

Behind his mask, the Velkyn raised an eyebrow. He seriously didn't believe in these things.

Cougar smiled,"Of course, don't take my word for it."

He set the autopilot, and let the craft plunge through the maelstrom,"Remember that yacht we got, Rhenna?"

Rn -- "The Lady of the Lake? How could I forget? We spent over half of our time in it."

He smiled,"That was a wonderful time... Matt and Wolf got it for their honeymoon"

Rhenna smiles. "I can't say I'm surprised...we must make certain to take care of Wolf then...or Matt would kill you."

He smiled,"Yes, I was just thinking that myself. I don't think he'd take it too well if she got hurt... she can take care of herself though. Like you"

"We'll all look out for each other. Safest that way."

Cougar nodded,"Yes, it is. For someone who works alone, you have a good knowledge of team-based tactics"

V -- "We work largely alone. For the truly difficult jobs, she, Renor, and I go together."

The pizza had dinged, and Costh was munching on a slice.

"To my knowledge, that's only happened once since I joined you... finish up that pizza Costh, we're coming up on the Cobrian system. Ten minutes to landing, beginning approach"

Rn -- "Three times, dear. For some reason, we keep running into trouble since we went into space."

"It's not exactly surprising though, is it? Look how many missions I go on, all because we occupy such a large area of space... all trouble spot. Seven minutes to landing, throttling back"

"Alright." Costh replied as he finished off his pizza, got a napkin to wipe off the grease and returned to his seat.

V -- "This is probably why Kaymiril has no interest in conquest. We have enough trouble on our own."

"It's a mixed bad, venturing into space. All credit for actually doing it, it takes guts to go into space for the first time, and then hold your own as well as you have. Five minutes, entering upper atmosphere"

The underbelly of the Dauntless began to glow red-hot, the friction of the air causing it to heat to epic proportions

Rhenna busied herself by helping Cougar keep an eye on the controls for the descent.

He steadied the craft on manual controls, preferring them to the automatic onces. The temperature inside hadn't changed, but now the viewscreens were showing the surface engulfed in flame. He smiled,"It's a beautiful sight"

V -- "If you belong in Chathdelmar."

"I did go for a three month stint, remember?"

The Dauntless streaked across the dark Snake Eater sky, flames dying out as the airbrakes were deployed, reducing it's speed. The nose came down, the wheels came down, and it touched the ground with all the grace of the Cobra fighters. Cougar taxied the craft off the runway, and brought it to a standstill. He then teleported them all to his home, where Wolf stood waiting for them, her long copper coloured hair flying in the high wind,"You're late, James!"

C -- "What else is new, let's get inside"

He opened the door, and led them all inside,"Welcome to my humble abode, the ones who haven't been here before"

V -- *to Rn* "'udtila nindol rivvil zhaun ib'leua dal naut?"

Rn -- "Nau." Rhenna then smiles. "It's been a while, Wolf. My husband just saw fit a few minutes ago to inform me that you and Matt had gotten married. I must say...you look happier than when last I saw you."

Costh followed the others into the house.

Cougar just rolled his eyes at this comment. Drow will never quite understand humans, and the same is true in reverse

Wolf beamed,"He's not here at the moment, off training some militia for an ally. That's why I came... and James, why didn't you tell her sooner?"

C -- *Grins*"Must have slipped my mind"

W -- "Tosser"

C -- "You're a fine one to talk. Drink?"

W -- "Please"

Rhenna and Vedt sat down in the living room, discussing what they knew off hand about Temples of Chaos.

Their general consensus was that this was not going to be easy, if the rumors were true.

"So, what is the plan once the vaccine finishes going throught the twelve hours?" Costh asked

Cougar had innoculated Wolf, invited her to stay the night (an offer she had taken up gladly), and then fortified himself with coffee laced with bourbon. He was reading anything and everything he could find on this latest temple, including some of the surveillance photos.

After a few hours, when the time had gone midnight, he offered everyone a room. Wolf went to one of the guest rooms, and he looked at the others,"Well?"

V -- "I'll stay up and do work. I don't sleep every night. None of us do, really."

Cougar nodded his agreement, and made towards the door, before saying to Rhenna,"I assume you'll be staying up as well?"

"For a bit. Then I'll join you."

He smiled,"Alright, I'll see you later."

He kissed her cheek, and left to go to bed

Rhenna works with Vedt for a few hours, before heading up to bed.

Rn -- "You might want to get some rest too, Vedt."

V -- "I might, nearer on to dawn. Go on, get some rest. You've gotten used to it surprisingly quickly for someone who used to sleep half an hour every three days."

Rn -- "And still had too much work."

She goes up and lays down next to Cougar, falling asleep fairly quickly.

He woke up around six in the morning, smiling as he saw her lying next to him, before rising and leaving behind a heatsource, to let her sleep. He watched for a minute, before getting dressed and going downstairs. Wolf was already up,"Eggs Benedict?"

C -- "Please"

W -- "She sleeping?"

C -- "No, she's gone to Outer Mongolia on Terra for a trip detailing interesting flaura and fungi"

W -- "Touchy, aren't we?"

She served up two plates, and sat down opposite,"What's up?"

C -- "This whole situation stinks"

W -- "The mission?"

C -- "Yeah... I've got that feeling."

W -- "Ouch. When you get those feelings, insurance companies tend to go bankrupt"

Vedt had gotten some rest -- about two hours worth -- and was already up, looking over some legends he'd had Shan send over.

Rhenna moved over into the warm space where Cougar had been, but woke up soon after. She stretched and dressed, making sure she was ready to go.

It's been so long since we've slept here...about seven years now...close to eight.

She went downstairs, not even fifteen minutes after Cougar had left.

Getting down, she gave him a kiss. "Good morning."

He kissed her back,"Good morning to you as well. Sleep well?"

Costh had been up for a good deal of the night working on his chart.

Shortly after six, he wandered downstairs, following his nose.

He kissed her back,"Good morning to you as well. Sleep well?"
"As well as I could with you sleeping so uneasily."

Wolf served Costh some Eggs Bendict, and brought it over to him with a fresh glass of OJ. The cupboards were mysteriously full, and she had a small smile on her face

Cougar smiled sheepishly,"Sorry about that"

"Well...you said you were nervous about the mission. You'll probably feel better as soon as we get out there."

"Good morning," he said to the assembled, "How is everyone today?" He asked, as Wolf brought him food, "Thank you." He said to Wolf.

W -- "How are we getting there?"

C -- "Military chopper *To Rhenna* I guess you're right... thanks"

Vedt came in and poured two glasses of something to drink. He then levitated one over to Rhenna, who took it.

Rn -- "Whol foluss naut quin ussta kyikh, dos mora saph ussta ilharn."

V -- "Chu xuil l' emp'poss."

Cougar chuckled slightly, but shut up just as fast, not wanting to incure Rhenna's wrath... not right now. He finished his breakfast, sending the plate to the sink with a casual movement, as if it was commonplace

W -- "I am never going to get used to you doing that stuff"

C -- "You'll get used to it"

He looked at his watch,"Those innoculations need another hour for Wolf... other than that, we're ready."

V -- "How long is the flight, if you add in the amount of time for us to get to the...whatever you use?"

"From the airbase we're flying from, including time to get there... it's about an hour in the helicopter, fifteen minutes to get there"

V -- "Then let's go."

C -- "Kit?"

W -- "All packed, James"

C -- "Fine. You drive"

Wolf nodded, and went outside. A moment later, there was a gentle humming as she pulled the car up alongside the front door. It was a Land Rover, similar to an SUV but smaller, and with much greater fuel economy due to the hydrogne fuel cell. Cougar climbed in, and there were easily enough seats for everyone.

W -- "Vedt, come up front with me"

V -- "It's a box. With wheels."

"It gets you from A to B a lot less conspiciously than flying on a Thalack. Get in"

Costh took the rear seat and waited for them to get on thier way.

"It gets you from A to B a lot less conspiciously than flying on a Thalack. Get in"
The mage gets in (Rhenna had already joined Cougar), with some misgivings.

"I have an aeagle. Not a Thalack. The Thalacks are strictly military."

"It's all the same thing to me, I'm only human after all"

After checking they were all in, she drove smoothly away towards Murska Airbase, on the outskirts of the city.

C -- "You got the HK53?"

W -- *looks in mirror*"Always do"

C -- "Good"

The trip didn't take long, and they were quickly ushered inside once Cougar had shown his security pass. They were taken to a top of the line military helicopter, which was sitting on the tarmac outside one of the hangers. CWO Wolcott was sitting in the front,"Hey, Cougar, good to see you again... whats with the Drow?"

C -- "My wife, Cliff. The other is her collegue, and my tutor"

CWO -- "Hi to both of you. Hope you enjoy flying, because this is a straight in and out job, we'll be flying low and fast"

Costh boarded the helicopter, but was slightly uncomfortable. Anyone who liked flying these noise things was insane in his opinion.

V -- "Doesn't sound too bad."

Rn -- "I suggest you create a muting field around you, though."

Cougar smiled, and took some earplugs from his assualt vest,"Either take these, or have mute spell ready"

Wolf put her own plugs in, and sat opposite Cougar, next to the doors, their weapons at the ready. The blades started to whirl, and the noise became defening to those not used to it, doubly so to the two Drow. The bird lifted off the ground, an ungainly sight, and set a course for the temple

As the noise started, Rhenna and Vedt both cast a muting field. It dulled the interior noise to tolerable levels.

Costh used a muting spell to eliminate the sound the helicopter.

Cougar watched them do this, and couldn't help smiling, though he knew it was serious. The flight was fairly routine, with Cougar and Wolf commuicating in hand signals when they needed to.

After an hour, the helicopter seemed to lurch slightly. Cougar and wolf appeared unphased, as if they had been expecting it

Vedt tensed slightly as the aircraft lurched.

OOC: Guess who's not v. much into tech.

OOC: I wonder...

IC: Cougar smiled, pointing down at the ground, indicating that they would be landing. Wolcott brought the bird in for as soft a landing as the ground would allow, but it still rolled forward slightly. Cougar and Wolf were off the bird in a few seconds, scanning the surrounding area with their weapons, waiting for the others to get off the helicopter

Vedt was on the ground as soon as he could see where the helicopter was not landing, and Rhenna got off was Cougar did.

Costh was last off, and more than happy to be back on the ground.

As Costh was the last person off, Wolcott waited until he was far enough away before lifting off. He circled the area once, just in case hostiles did appear, and then left them alone, the sounds of his rotors fading into the background.

Looming out of the jungle some hundred metres away was the top of the temple, it's surface absorbing all the light that struck it. Cougar swallowed nervously, and took out his earplugs,"I am so not looking forward to this"

V -- "You have now proven beyond any doubt that you retain some small modicum of sanity."

"So that's were the mystery text is?" Costh asked, gesturing to the temple.

"So that's were the mystery text is?" Costh asked, gesturing to the temple.

"Obviously"

V -- "You have now proven beyond any doubt that you retain some small modicum of sanity."

"Yes... a very small amount. Wolf, take point, I'll take tail end charlie, the rest of you, fill in as you want"

Wolf led them off down a small path that cut through the jungle, it had been carved by the jungle natives, and used a lot of the time by explorers in the area. Her eyes moved across the jungle, the tip of the barrel following them

Rhenna took up the spot behind Wolf, and Vedt took up the spot in front of Cougar, letting Costh be in the center.

Costh took the spot he'd been left as they headed out.

Their progress wasn't overally slow, nor was it overally fast. It was cautious, would most likely be the best way to describe it. Although the reports said that no local tribes had a problem with outsiders passing through, it always paid to be cautious... after all, these people milked the king cobra and tipped their darts with it's venom. And King Cobra venom could take down a bull elephant. So it paid to be cautious

D'anthe, on Rhenna's shoulder, chattered softly. It was a nervous sound...too quiet.

As they closed on the temple, the trees took on a more stunted appearance, as if they were withered and dying. Cougar took a leaf off one of them,"This is not natural"

"This whole area is wrongish." Costh replied

Rn -- "This is commonly called Death's Blight...within a year, should this go on, miles around the temple will have withered into nothingness."

Cougar looked around,"Isn't there anyway to stop the spread?"

Rn -- "Eliminate the blight. I don't know how to treat it, you'd have to get a higher level Brown class in to look at it."

"That can come later, right now, we need to get in there," said Wolf at the front, her voice quieter than normal, for they were drawing near to the temple. Even to her, with no talent for magick, the sheer amount of Chaotic energies was frightening

Rn -- "Easy, Wolf. This may seem like a lot of Chaos, but the raw energy can't harm you unless it's pure. This is far from it."

W -- "I'm not used to this. I'm used to bullets and other such things... nothing like this"

"Where do you think chaos gathers the easiest?"

"On a battlefield, in the midst of the death and whatever else, every solider knows that. We call it the Fog of War... it's where even the best laid plans can go wrong... still... I've never felt it this strong"

C -- "This place has seen much bloodshed... none of it in battle"

"It's stronger than normal, yes...but not unbearably so."

"This place is making me a bit queasy." Costh commented

W -- "To you, at least"

They emerged from the remaining jungle, if it could be called that anymore, to stand in front of the pyramid. In front of them, it rose above the canopy, pulsing with the sickly energies of Chaos when it became focused in a single place. Cougar couldn't help but gulp slightly, and took a swig of water to calm his nerves

V -- "Looks like Order-type spells from here on out."

C -- "Looks like it for you guys... for me, just plain old fashioned White Flame... hopefully though, we won't need it"

He led the way up the steps, clipping a small flashlight to his weapon, and flicking it on. He ducked in through the door with Wolf, scanning the room they had come into. It was pitch black inside this place, and the walls were covered in strange runes. Neither Cougar nor Wolf could decipher them,"Hey, Costh, any ideas what these say?"

OOC: Not yet, Theao. Not yet

Vedt and Rhenna took a look as well, in case the runes coincided with any of the languages they knew.

V -- "Looks similar to demonic...but not close enough to read."

W -- "Closer than we can get... runes are not one of our strong points"

C -- "Amen to that"

They had advanced a little further into the temple, coming to a place where the dank corridors came to a fork. The ground rose off to the right, as well as the left, but neither looked particulary inviting,"Which way, or do we split up"

Costh's faint golden glow becoming more visible in the darkness, he went up and began examining the runes. "They look fairly standard." Costh said, "They're just basic chaos runes, religious ones if I'm correct."

Vedt looked at the pathways.

"If we split up, it'll have to be a human and a mage to each group. Costh can go whichever. However...if we split up, there's no garuntee we'll ever find each other again. Chaos temples tend to...be more challenging than what you would imemdiately think."

Cougar nodded in agreement, having had some expierence in Chaos temple as Neo-Cougar the previous year,"My instinct says go right. I have a feeling both will lead to the same place... but will have different things to get in the way"

Rn -- "Then we'll go right."

"So are we going as a group or spliting up?" Costh asked while thinking "Who ever wrote some of those have very sick senses of humour."

"We're sticking together, and going right," said Cougar, leading the group cautiously down the corridor. It was wide enough for two abreast, still adorned with runes and symbols, and yet there was something else.... the smell of copper. Both Cougar and Wolf knew what that meant. Blood... and lots of it

This time, Vedt took point, and Rhenna took rear. As mages...as mages trained in Chaos and in Order...they were best equipped to handle whatever came.

Wolf was close behind Vedt, whilst Cougar covered Costh's back, going between him and Rhenna. He turned to her as they walked, and whispered,"You nervous?"

Costh again took mid-point. He was serving as a faint lightsource to the whole group.

Wolf was close behind Vedt, whilst Cougar covered Costh's back, going between him and Rhenna. He turned to her as they walked, and whispered,"You nervous?"
"Maybe a touch. Always a cause to be, when in a Chaos temple." She kisses him softly, quickly. "Don't worry about me. I'll be fine."

He kissed her back, and smiled weakly,"Same goes for you too"

"Come on. The sooner we find out what this is all about, the sooner we can get out."

He nodded, and called softly to Wolf,"We need to get as high as possible... that's where the main focal point would be... oh s**t"

As he'd been speaking, they'd emerged into a high chamber, the ceiling almost invisible in the murky darkness that stretched over them. A structure this large shouldn't have existed in a temple this size... but Chaos was renowned for not following the rules. Imbedded in the floor were small trenches, about a foot deep, and a foot wide. The room was circular, the far wall just visible. In the very centre stood a table like structure... with something atop it. The stench of copper was overpowering

V -- "A sacrificial chamber. Make sure to watch your step."

"This place is disgusting." Costh commented about the stench, as well as the aura.

Cougar heeded Vedt's words, but made his way over to the altar. He shuddered, retching as he backed off. Laid on the slab, terribly mutilated, was the corpse of Dr. Guterman, the man who had so foolishly led Harry Thomas to his death. He looked as if he had been bled dry, after being tortured terribly.

Rhenna made her way up as well. "A temple dedicated to Nurgle...but the torture shows more the work of Khorne."

James moved off on his own, heading for the Arena of the Gods. Leviathan was, as he suspected, in there. As he arrived, he narrowly avoided a blast from Black Flame Ultima,"Christ, what are you trying to do?"

L -- "Letting off some steam"

C -- "You heard then?"

L -- "Yes. I heard"

C -- "Then you know what we have to do"

L -- *Looks at Cougar*"Going to the temple?"

C -- "Yes. And you know what you must do"

Leviathan stopped where he was,"Yes... I do... but he worries me, James. He's not well"

C -- "I know as much. But we can only theroise as to what is wrong with him... this can't be done without him"

L -- "I'll go find him. Good luck, my Chosen"

C -- "Good luck, old friend"

Leviathan turned on his heel, and walked out of the Arena. His destination was plain for all to see, he broadcast it that loudly via his Psi skills.

Warfare... I'm coming for you

You know where to find me, The Crystal World.

A large crystal doorway opened for Leviathan fifty paces infront of him.

You know where to find me, The Crystal World.

A large crystal doorway opened for Leviathan fifty paces infront of him.

Leviathan walked straight through the doorway without stopping, for he was intent on getting Warfare to help him

Rhenna made her way up as well. "A temple dedicated to Nurgle...but the torture shows more the work of Khorne."

"I don't think this temple is just Nurgle... I have a nasty feeling we could be dealing with Chaos Undivided"

And that means it's even worse than before

"You'll have to forgive me, but who or what is Nurgle, Khorne, and Chaos Undivided?" Costh asked, puzzled by the terms the others were using.

OOC: Nice touch Theao, considering you already know *knows from WH40K RP's with you*

"I suppose now is as good a time as ever to explain this to you, Costh," said Cougar, furrowing his brow.

"I suppose the best way to tell you starts with the gods themselves. Now, everyone knows the gods where, at one time, almost all on the same side. After the war though, you had what are known as Dark Gods and Light Gods. However, from the start of deities, there has existed the Chaos Pantheon, four gods who are literally formed from Chaos. These gods are called Khorne, Nurgle, Tzeentch, and Slannesh. Now, it's important to realise that, normally, these gods are seperate. They work differently, demand different things from those heretics who worship them. Khorne loves bloodshed, whilst Nurgle is disease personified."

He paused, thinking about the next part,"Now, Chaos Undivided is a state whereby the Chaos gods choose a single mortal, and bestow him with 'gifts' of tremedous power. It's very rare, not happening very often, every few millenia. However, when it happens, it's bad. I belive that we are dealing with Chaos Undivded... the question is, who is the champion? We don't know"

Leviathan was infront of Warfare's desk. (OOC: I'm assuming he'll stop rather than walk into it.) Warfare looked like he had not slept in perhaps three years.

"Yes?" was all he said.

Leviathan was infront of Warfare's desk. (OOC: I'm assuming he'll stop rather than walk into it.) Warfare looked like he had not slept in perhaps three years.

"Yes?" was all he said.

Leviathan's response was curt and to the point,"It has started"

He looks terrible... what is wrong with him?

"Who's the Avatar of Chaos Undivided?" Warfare asked.

Leviathan shook his head,"That I do not know... but it is something we can try and find out. Cougar has already gone to the temple on Snake Eaters Prime... we can go to the Chaos Wastes, see what we can find"

"Alright." Warfare said. He stood, ready to go.

Leviathan nodded, and teleported both of them to the Chaos Wastes. They were plagued with the Death Blight, all of them. Almost nothing grew here, the skies were blood-red, pestilence spread across the land. In the far distance, warp-fire could be seeing tearing skywards.

As the two gods materialised, the nearest group of demons, in this case, Bloodletters of Khorne, saw them. Bred for bloodshed, these demons carried mighty hell-forged blades, wrought of demonic iron. They charged towards the gods, intent on dragging them down

While Law was not Warfare's Domain, he was known as a Law God. He charged his Blade with the orderly energies of Law, and swung for the nearest demonstraight accross the middle.

The first demon fell to his blade, but the second and third blocked the swinging Law blade with their own fell Chaos weapons.

Leviathan had gutted one with a blast from the Black Flame, and stabbed another through the head with his own blade. Still, there were more out there

"Elemental Warrior, master of the elements, come, fight by my side." Warfare called out, summoning the Elemental Warrior.

The Warrior appeared, took one look at the demons, shifted Elements to Holy, and changed his blade to match. He hit them with a Holy spell. It would of course, not harm Warfare or Leviathan.

Warfare whipped his blade back, and plunged it through the head of a nearby Demon.

Eventually, all the demons lay slaughtered around them, and Leviathan wiped the blood of his blades before sheathing them,"A nice warm welcome on the part of Khorne there. Come on, we've got to find out what we came here to find out"

He began leading them eastwards, towards the mountains that ridged the wastes, where one of the largest known Chaos temples existed. It was from here that the warp-fire columns were stretching skyward. As he walked, he began to quiz Warfare,"My friend, what is wrong with you? You never leave the office, you look as if you haven't slept in months, maybe years, a situation that is unadvisable even for an Elder God... and Arianna refuses to comment, as does Gypsy"

" I don't know. Gods, especially Elder Gods, really don't need sleep. But, for the past three years, I've fallen into a dreamlike state, and its always the same. A horrible nightmare about an old man opening a giant iron door and unleashing, something. It all seems familier, as though it has happened already, yet I know it hasn't happened. And, my, my powers are, that is their uh, well, fading. Surely this is only a temporary nothing to worry about." Warfare said.

Warrior kept his silence.

"Have you ever heard of something known as causality loop?"

"No." Warfare said.

"A cauality loop occurs when space-time fractures and causes the same events to be repeated over and over again. Now, normally, because it resets, you loose all memories of what happened, and thus it's nigh impossible to break out of. You say this iron door opening is familiar to you, and yet it hasn't happened? Have you ever considered that possibility?"

Leviathan had, for the moment, decided to press on this issue as opposed to the loss of domains... for a god to loose his domains was something very personal, and very sad.

"Hmm, that is a possibility. but, what started it in the first place?" Warfare asked.

Leviathan shrugged nonchantly,"Beats me. I'm just trying to help you understand it. Locking yourself away from people isn't going to help you understand it"

"I just don't want people to see me, like, this." Warfare said.

"Other people have been in worse states before. Look at Cougar, for example. He's been in s**t state before, yet he keeps coming to the Council, keeps teaching. No one would think any the less of you"

"I know, but, Gods aren't supposed to fall like this." Warfare said.

Warfare was from the old tradition that Gods were supposed to be perfect and unable to simply loose their powers. Yes, Warfare was a proud God, and this was difficult for him to accept.

A wave of Pure Law energy shoots out of Warfare for a split second. Against so much Chaos it doesn't get very far, but it still happens.

"And I wish that would stop to." Warfare says.

Leviathan shook his head,"You need to get your head out of the clouds, and accept what is happening to you. Gods aren't perfect, by any means. You can't just BE... you have to work for these gifts, even if you were created with them from birth, and didn't ascend like I did. Eseentially, you need to bite the bullet, or you'll be no good to anyone"

He dodged the Law energy, as it passed directly in front of his nose,"And that's because you're losing the ability to monitor your high energy levels... which aren't as high as they used to be"

As he spoke, a group of Tzeentch's Screamers emerged from the pestilent mist that covered the field. Leviathan brought his blades up,"These things are magickal specilists... watch yourselves"

snip ;)
"So we may be dealing with one of these Chaos Undivided people or just two of the chaos gods working together?" Costh asked, "Either way, sounds bad." He commented as he began examining the walls, "I'm guessing that this is where I'll find the runes that need translation?" He asked

Cougar shook his head,"I find it doubtful you will find the runes here... this is only a sacrifical chamber... I believe there to be a a chamber close to the top of this temple where we may find them... and it's more likely, we are dealing with one of the Chaos Undivided"

There was a hint of fear in his voice

"Alright, any ideas what kind of gifts are given to the Undivided person?" Costh asked

Cougar shrugged,"ONly what I've read in the libraries. The strength of demons, the power to withstand horrific wounds... shape-shifting, unparralled mastery of Chaos spells *To Vedt and Rhenna* Present company not withstanding *To Costh*... the list just goes on and on... but of course, it's all based upon first-hand accounts, and no one is sure of their accuracy. So, we just don't know"

"Ah." Costh replied, "Once we're done here, we could try and create a list of abilities and the percentage that it's accurate."

"Not quite... I doubt the actual person is here right now, or we'd have felt something, anything... still, we may find something that is useful to my studies"

"Alright," Costh replied, "Hopefully we don't run into the CU person before we figure out what's up."

"No," said Cougar softly,"Let's hope not"

His voice had an odd quality to it, a mixture of fear, adrenaline and quiet optimism. He had to believe that they would strick lucky, and not run into anything too untoward... still, he couldn't shake that feeling he had. Like something bad was going to happen, but he wasn't sure what. He also had the strangest feeling of being watched by someone

W -- "Hey, you alright?"

C -- "Wha? Oh, sorry, yeah, I'm fine"

W -- "Don't go weird on me, James... it's bad enough in here as it is"

C -- "Sorry"

Costh went back to trying to contain his nausea at both the stench of blood, as well as the aura of filth.

The stench of blood was nothing new to Wolf and Cougar, although it was worse for her, her sense of smell being stronger than an average human being. They went off in search of exits from this place, and found a small indentation in the wall.

W -- "Why don't we just press it?"

C -- *Looks at her, eyebrow raised*

W -- *grumpily*"Alright, so it was a stupid idea"

C -- "Vedt or Rhenna, come and take a look at this, please"

Leviathan shook his head,"You need to get your head out of the clouds, and accept what is happening to you. Gods aren't perfect, by any means. You can't just BE... you have to work for these gifts, even if you were created with them from birth, and didn't ascend like I did. Eseentially, you need to bite the bullet, or you'll be no good to anyone"

He dodged the Law energy, as it passed directly in front of his nose,"And that's because you're losing the ability to monitor your high energy levels... which aren't as high as they used to be"

As he spoke, a group of Tzeentch's Screamers emerged from the pestilent mist that covered the field. Leviathan brought his blades up,"These things are magickal specilists... watch yourselves"

Warfare changed,. Law and Chaos, working in perfect Harmony, could be felt within him. His eyes, they glowed, one Black, with eternal twisting Chaos, one white, with eternal Orderly law. It was all apart of how he was changing. Leviathan was close, but not quite on the mark.

Warfare drew a second Blade out of his first Blade.

"There is a Balance to all things, Physical might, to Spiritual might. They might be experts in Magick, but I am an expert in Fighting." Warfare said. Even his voice was diffrent. He attacked two diffrent demons at once.

Warfare changed,. Law and Chaos, working in perfect Harmony, could be felt within him. His eyes, they glowed, one Black, with eternal twisting Chaos, one white, with eternal Orderly law. It was all apart of how he was changing. Leviathan was close, but not quite on the mark.

Warfare drew a second Blade out of his first Blade.

"There is a Balance to all things, Physical might, to Spiritual might. They might be experts in Magick, but I am an expert in Fighting." Warfare said. Even his voice was diffrent. He attacked two diffrent demons at once.

OK... that's just plain weird. And this is me talking

Leviathan didn't dwell on what was happening to his friend, but instead turned to combatting the fierce Screamers, whose screams threatened to shatter his eardrums. He cast a silencing charm on himself, enough to protect him from the noise. Their magickal attacks were powerful, but not enough to truly harm him. His blade sliced through demon flesh quickly, efficiently. He twisted and turned, hacking down demons wherever his blades flashed

Warfare continued to attack the Tzeentch demons until they were all gone. He used Chaos against the demons, twisting their spells into diffrent ones, Hurting into healing, Healing intoHurting and back at the Demons. All of it. He was grinning, enjoying himself.

Leviathan dispatched the last of them, and sheathed his blades,"Looks like something I said really got through to you"

"you know, that's the first time that happened to me. Not someone getting through to me, but, just changing like that." Warfare said. The Law and Chaos faded away, and his old fading domains returned.

"Well, shall we continue?" Warfare asked.

Leviathan nodded,"We're closer than it actually looks... Chaos has a way of distorting space-time, I can't break through it"

And by the looks of you, neither can you

"Perhaps both of us combined can." Warfare suggested.

He shook his head,"It would draw too much attention to us. Look, we can cut through that pass up ahead, it's faster than actually going straight towards the mountains"

Warfare nods and heads through the pass.

"Just one thing I've been tryin to figure out. Is really only a small part of why I've been in my office. I've been trying to restore an entire village to Life. I promised someone, once, to restore their village should my brother ever attack and destroy it. Only, I'm not quite sure how to do it." Warfare said, tryin to pass the time.

"You are a god of War. Destruction is in your nature. Maybe you should seek some help... Arianna would do anything to help you"

"She knows, but says she can't tell me. Rules, and all that Jazz. Gypsy says she knows how its going to happen, but won't tell me for fear of upsetting the course of fate. That is, when she's not all moonie eyed over a certain Snake Eater War God." Warfare said.

"Hey, don't look at me. I haven't made any sort of advances... she's your daughter, for Christ's sake. You're one of my best friends."

"If you can make her happy, go for it. I care about her happiness, and its not as if you two are actually related by Blood or Marriage. Figurativly speaking, were all older than Moses. In reality, you two are close enough in age to be just about right. Really, Arianna was right once when she called me an old man. Your still a young man, all things considered, If you feel like having a GF then I give you full permission, she's old enough to make her own decisions without my input. Besides, I'd rather she date my Best Friend then say Slanneesh." Warfare said. He was expecting another attack any second now. Two had attacked, where was the third? If they were united, then surely another attack should be nearby.

His body movements belied these thoughts, besides they were topmost in his mind, so Leviathan could easily read them.

Leviathan smiled,"I'll admit, I considered it once or twice... but I didn't know how you would react. And it's not exactly the easiest conversation to strike up, is it? At least we've got that out the way, now..."

He listened in on Warfare's thoughts, and shook his head,"Patience, my friend. They will come... and they will come in large numbers"

"I know. I'm just not used to invading another deity's realm, especially the Chaos Pantheon." Warfare said.

"You should try it sometime, it's great training at times"

As Leviathan was speaking, there was an almighty roar, and arrows thudded into the ground in front of them and behind them. Atop the cliffs of the pass were beastmen, Chaos troops, demons... a mighty horde. Backing them up came four of the most powerful beings ever to have existed... the Chaos Pantheon.

K -- "So, the two puny gods managed to get this far? Their blood will stain the ground for many eons"

N -- "Patience, brother. They should die slowly, agonisingly"

S -- "Let me enslave them, turn them into puppets"

T -- "No, we shall destory them by magick alone"

K -- "Enough talk, come, let's fight!"

There was a roar of approval, and arrows rained down upon them, so many that the sky itself turned black. Leviathan had his blades out, and was knocking down arrows as fast as they came,"Looks like an interesting fight"

The Law and Chaos working inperfect harmony returned.

"Four Elder Gods of Chaos, Vs one Standered God of Law and one Elder God of Law, sounds about even to me, right Leviathan?" Warfare said.

He whipped out his two blade combonation and advanced. He looked at the arrows, and they simply stopped. He used the Full might of his War domain to cause them to turn in mid air, and fire back upon the Chaos Pantheon.

T -- "Your powers are weak, old man... even by your standards"

He easily deflected the arrows away from his companions, as the Chaos horde descended upon the two gods of Law. Leviathan plunged into the horde, taking out scores wherever he moved.

"Life happens, even deities change. Perhaps what's happening to me, is something that's supposed to happen. I have been resurected approximatly seven times you know. THat's bound to change any Elder God." Warfare said.

He followed Leviathan, keeping enemies off his back.

K -- "You are a fool, Warfare. Your powers wane, and yet you still fight. You cannot win this battle, you must see that."

"I would rather Die fighting you four, than live and let your terror consume the worlds unstopped." Warfare said.

S -- "Then your wish shall be granted. You will die"

The hordes fell back, bending to the will of their gods. All four of them stood in a circle round Leviathan and Warfare. Leviathan crouched low, a battle stance,"If you want to get out now, I suggest you do it"

"No. I have more Honor that to abandon my friend to four weaklings like these." Warfare said, hinting at his contempt for the Chaos Pantheon.

He adopted a Battle stance he had never taken, never knew in his entire life. Though the older Elder Gods like Beldragos and his brethren, possibly the Chaos Pantheon, would recognise it as having come from his Father, Yore.

"Chaos has grown to strong, I believe its time to weaken it a bit." Warfare said.

The Chaos Gods chuckled amongst themselves,"What is that stance? Those weapons? You expect to defeat us, the greatest force of Chaos the multiverse has ever known, when your own powers wane, and you bring a mere child to us?"

L -- "This child is dedicated to stopping you"

K -- "A touching sentiment, I'm sure"

With that, the battle began. Nurgle and Khorne focused on Leviathan, whilst Tzeentch and Slannesh focused more on Warfare. It was an ugly battle for Leviathan, who was barely fending off the blows from Khorne's axe, whilst avoiding Nurgle's diseases and pestilence

Warfare's stance alowed him to split his conciousness in half, one side concentrating on Tzeentch, the other on Slannesh, and yet his effectivness positivly doubled. The Chaos disappeared from Warfare, Pure unadulterated Law poured from him, directed at the Four Chaos Gods.

"You know, i heard at least one of you were pretty, but you four are the ugliest SOB's I've ever had the misfortune to Lay eyes upon." Warfare said in the most insulting tone he could muster. Both his blades were of Law.