NationStates Jolt Archive

Book One
Darkness Descends

Chapters:
Chaos Takes Control (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13553448&postcount=2)

Chapter One: Chaos Takes Control

The dark melancholy color of the sky blanketed the whole of the Ariseina countryside. The leafs of the trees heaved up and down as the wind seems to taunt the stillness of the air. Water fell from the sky as if the planet itself was morning this doleful day. It was in fact a very depressing day on Tristan, the 3rd planet of the At-rodild system. The center of the Ariseina highland plane was filled with the darkest of gatherers. Dark cloaked figures circled a small seemingly innocent hill. Their cloaks soaked in the mud of the earth, their necks adorned with amulets and charms all bearing the likeness of the statue that sat on top of the hill. Set in stone the figure of a middle age woman straddled the hill. Her dress seemed to flow in the very wind of time, her hair frizzled with a very evil aura; the stone eyes seemed to convey a very sinister expression to all who look upon them. As the rained continued to pour down on the gatherers, they began to chant a small tome, “Planets fall down, moons descend, and all praise the queen of Chaos.” They repeated this over and over as they bowed their heads to the likeness of their queen. Soon, their chants channeled into curses of hate. Two men trotted through the mud towards an alter at the base of the statue. They were clad the same as the others; however between them they drug the unconscious body of another man up the hill. The red silk breeches of the grey haired man slid through the mud as he was carried up the hill. Awaiting him at the top was a man cloaked in a much larger hood than his other counter parts. His robes were decorated with the inscriptions of skeletons and skulls of lifeless bodies. His eyes were hidden by the dark shadow of his hood. Only his evil white grin could be seen through the pouring rain. He beckoned his followers to lay the comatose man on a stone slab at the very base of the statue. This was not unlike 6 other bodies that lay lifeless on similar slabs around the sculpture. Each man seemed to have a surprised look imbedded on their faces. One of horror and one of confusion.

The darkly clad man dismissed the 2 others after they lay the body down on the alter. He turned to face the large crowd of cloaked figures that continued to bow towards the icon of the “Queen of Chaos.” His lips moist with the water of the rain opened slightly. However the voice that blasted from his mouth echoed throughout the green countryside. “My brothers and sisters! Today we bring Chaos to this accursed planet. Our voices will soon be heard! Behold the King of Providence lays on the alter of our Goddess’ Qyeemyexox, The Primal Queen of the Gateway!” His finger pointed towards the mud covered body of the man which was lying in front of the statue. Snickering he continued to address his brotherhood. Lifting up his arms as he seemed to scream towards the heavens. “Today, we, the Cult of Celestial Darkness, will cry out to our mother Qyeemyexox, by sacrificing the King of the Cursed Kingdom of Providence, along with his 6 Knights of the Equestrian Order in the Goddess' Sacrament of Chaos. The blood of these men will splatter on the iconic image of our mother, thus summoning her to punish the vial sins of the people of this world.” With these last words he through back his head, his hood sank back down his back reviling the face of this occult leader. His scalp was scared with self inflicted knife wounds, his scarlet eyes were surrounded by crimson red where white should be found. The mans ever present smile seemed to grace the heavens as he called chants in a strange dialect. From his hands appeared a eloquent knife. He whirled around slitting the throats of each of the 6 Equestrians. Blood splattered all over the top of the hill. The surrounding cult members began to chant louder and louder, “Planets fall down, moons descend, all praise the queen of Chaos. Planets fall down, moons descend, and all praise the queen of Chaos!” An even more disturbing sight than this was the eyes of the statue that began to glow red with every drop of blood. The occult leader walked softly towards his finally victim, the King of Providence himself. Lifting the blood stained blade he chanted 3 finals words. “Thus brings Chaos.” With that he plunge the knife into the heart of the sleeping King of Providence. A soft gurgling sound could be heard as the royal blood flowed down the alter collecting in a small pool at the base of the statue. The smell of carnage filled the air and the blood colored the green grass red. The eyes of the Icon now not only glowed red, but the mouth began to scream out cries to the stars above. The sacrifice was now complete, and the Queen of the gate would soon come to exact vengeance on the land of Providence.

The large Victorian style buildings dotted the vast medieval like city of Eacka, Capital of the Kingdom of Providence. The large stone work was a portal back to the days of former, the beautiful gardens and statues of past symbols and kings, those that only the history books and the minds of the people of Providence can recall. The oaken trees decorated the courtyards of large estates. Tall towers and ramparts surrounded the capital with an ever present shield of safety that the people have come to know and love. There have been many times in the past when the walls of Eacka had protected its inhabitants. Protecting them from marauding barbarians from the Northern Bracken Swamp, Attackers from the former Grand Empire, or the more recent Highland Rebellion. These walls have been the defenders of freedom for the people of Providence, the only nation on Tristan.

Since the unification of the Coral Region under the banner of the King of Providence, the inhabitants of this part of Tristan have seen a swift modernization of technology. New forms of communication such as the Signaling Reception-Transmitter tied together the entire region. The people of Providence have now been able to travel faster with the invention of the Pack-Strider, a small vehicle with 4 metal wheels that can carry up to 6 people on benches in the wagon like carriage. The maximum speed for the Pack Strider is 30 miles per hour, this allows for more transport of goods and people throughout Coral, increasing trade and commerce. Flight which is a much more recent concept is being experimented with by Royal researchers, however it is still only a concept, and no actual flying vehicle has been produced yet. Weapons such as the automatic repeater (a gun like device), have allowed Providence to maintain control over the region, however many soldiers still prefer the Providence Straight blade which is a sword that has a notched blade with a pattern made of zigzags and squares engraved on it. The guard is oval-shaped. These technologies may seem primitive, but compared to the actual age of recorded history on Tristan, it is moving rapidly.

Birds flocked through the dreary blackened skies over the vast cityscape of Eacka. A small drizzle of rain began to fall on the many heads of the children playing in the squares and streets. Little girls played with their traditional dolls, which they make when they turn 2 out of fabric and straw. The faces of the dolls are a tribute to the young creative minds of the daughters of Providence. Young boys run down the brick paths through the market district chasing after small animals, tripping and startling the shoppers as they pick out the first shipment of the Highland crop. Strawberries, Watermelon, Spinach, and Carrots are the hot items on the market, being sold by the pound to the families living in the city. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, a group of children ran wildly down the stone pathway. Their yelling and screaming could be heard all through the market as they chased after one and other in a game of tag. A short young, blonde haired boy weaved in and out of the crowed as he tried to escape his friends that were in pursuit. “We’re gonna get you Charlie!” The 3 boys screamed as they ducked under a passing cart. The boys in pursuit each wore brown jackets, their small leather boots kicked up water from dormant puddles as they continued to dash through the crowded roads and passages. “You’ll never catch me!” The shorter stout boy taunted as he turned a corner. However to his surprise he found himself at a dead end. The high yellow brick wall of a house stood in his way as he was trapped by his other counterparts. The young boy Charlie turned around as he heard the foot steps of his 3 friends come around the corner. The tallest of the 3 boys, a skinny brown haired, fair skinned human named Ares, walked over to Charlie. He stretched forth his hand and with two fingers shoved the younger boy in the shoulder. “Ha! Your it now!” He scoffed. “Oy, you cheated you giant buffoon.” The boy countered. “How do you say that? We got you fair and square!” One of the other boys said. This boy was the middle child of the group. He was 8 years old, with fair black hair. His scarlet eyes always conveyed a look of seriousness on his face. His most predominant feature however, was a tattoo of a raven on his neck. The black bird seemed to be looking forward, always watching the boy’s path. This mark however was not given to the boy by any artist, but he was born with the mark. This had puzzled the boy’s family ever since he was a small child. Was this a curse? Or an Oman of things to come? The boy listened as his companion shot some words back at him. “You backed me into a corner, and ye knew it! That’s how Áedán.” He shot back as he whipped his sweaty brow. “Ah, lame excuse.” The 3rd panting boy said. “You know we caught ya because your soooo..” Sooooooooooshhhhhhh BOOM. A large explosion ripped through the city. A large cloud of dust and flame could be seen rising in the distance. The boys were stupefied by this large mysterious incident. Never before have they seen something of this nature. The mass of dust began to settle back down on the street, many cries could be heard echoing from the center of the city, the area of which the explosion originated. “What do you say that was?” Charlie said as he used his hand above his eyes to shield the sun from his view. The large buildings that surrounded the alleyway in which they were located had blocked their view of what may have caused this. “I don’t know, but I say we check it out.” Ares said in a inquisitive tone. Instantly he bolted from the scene. He ran back through the passageways, down the streets and through the market place, which now was a confused mess of people that had no more of an idea of what had happened they did. His 3 companions were in close pursuit as they neared Numitor Plaza, which was the very center of the capital as well as a famous gathering place. When they arrived they found that their view was still blocked. Not by walls, or high buildings, but the huge crowd of in-numerable people that had surrounded the square, for much the same reason the 4 boys did. In attempts to see just what all the excitement was about. The 4 boys hoped up and down to try and see over the heads of the spectators. “Can you see anything Áedán?” One of the boys asked as they all struggled to muscle to the front of the crowd. “No, I can’t see a thing, just all these heads!” He yelled back. Suddenly a blustering screeching metal sound could be heard. Still having no idea as to what was at the center of this large crowd the boys continued to push and shove there way to a view. The deathening sound still echoed through the plaza. The crowd seemed to be stupefied by the object that had all brought them here. All across town people gathered to try and view what had caused the large explosion, the likes of which have never been seen on Tristan. The metallic sound seemed to add on to the curiosity. Soon the obnoxious noise stopped. The stillness of the air began to retake the people’s ears. The 4 boys were almost 30 feet from the edge of the crowd, and their chance to view this mysterious object. The smallest child, Charlie was able to make his way farther forward than the others. He whispered to himself as he neared the edge. “Just a few more steps and…..” He was cut short by a blaring buzzing noise. Gasps sounded throughout the crowd. A panic soon ensued and a mad rush to get away from the Plaza began. Terrifying screams of adults could be heard as every being tried to escape this unknown terror. Shrilling cries women were blocked out by the sound of carnage. The buzzing sound began to grow near as the 4 curious boys followed the crowd away from the plaza. “What are we running from Charlie? Did you see it?” Áedán called. The only answer that came was the wail of the small boy. To their horror, the 3 friends looked back to see Charlie being carried away by a huge insect like creature. The buzzing sound of its green metallic wings added on to the appearance of the gruesome facial figures of the creature. The eyes seemed to be made up with another 1000 eyes all gleaming with hate and distain. The 6 brown colored spider like legs hung onto the small boy as it began to fly up higher over the roof tops. “Charlie no! Come back!” The 3 boys cried as their friend disappeared over the battlements. By this time the screams of people being ripped apart and mothers crying as their babies were taken away filled the city. The 3 remaining boys decided that their best bet was to try and make it to Áedán’s house, which was just down the street. Without a second thought they ran down the street as fast as their short legs could carry them. Much like in their game of tag they dodge in and out of the crowd. Avoiding panicked adults and screaming babes, however this time it was not a game. It was a run for their life.

A few minutes down the street the boys found themselves at the front door to the house, or at least what was left of the front door. Áedán stepped into his dwelling. The muddy boots left prints on the wooden floor as they searched the house room by room. “Mama! Hannah! Where are you?” He called for his mother and younger sister. No answer came, the stillness of the air began to trouble the young boy. The only thing that he seemed to notice was a very pungent odder coming from his mother’s room. He looked back at his two companions, the very fear in his eyes signaled that he was afraid to look at what was in the next room. However Áedán’s iron resolve compelled him to tread farther. With a deep breath he opened the bed room door, it creaked open to revel a horrific sight. Blood was strewn all over the walls. The foul odder of flesh overwhelmed them as the stepped into the room. He slowly took small steps around the bed. He knew there was only one thing he could possibly find there. Confirming his gut feeling, Áedán found the half eaten body of his mangled mother lying on the floor. Blood seemed to pour out of the many holes that dotted her torso. Her face seemed to be missing half of its skin on the right side, reviling the inside of the mouth and the jaw. Her chest struggled to rise and fall as she took her last failing breaths. What was left of her mouth could be seen moving as if she was trying to convey a message to her son. He knelt next to his mothers head. Unable to bare the horrific sight of his mothers face he closed his eyes as he focused his ears to try and hear what his mother was trying to say. With a bubbling sound coming from her mouth and the faint horse tone she said these few words. “Áedán I love you… They took your sis…t…e….r..” With that she breathed her last struggled breath, her eyes wide open staring at the ceiling with a surprised domineer. Áedán quickly stood up and exited the room. He could not bear to look at her corpse. A single tear rolled down his face, with this tear the dam of his emotions overflowed. All of his Malice, Anger, and Sorrow could be seen on his face. “I…. will.. kill them … all….” He struggled to say through the anger and tears. Ares Stood next to him, he wrapped on of his arms around his sobbing friend. “It will be all right mate. We will find your sister and kill the ugly bugs.” He said in a sympathetic tone. “What can we do, we are just Ki…” CRASH. The front window of the house burst out. The shrilling scream of the god forsaken creatures filled the room. 3 of the insects cornered the boys in the living room of the house. Their shrills and screeches petrified the boys. The boy’s arms and legs seemed to be frozen at their sides. The fear stopped them from moving. Creeping ever closer, the brown disgusting legs of the monsters shot out grabbing the boys. They all struggled in vein trying to escape, however this was in vein. The creatures carried them out the door and then flew up into the sky, their prisoners in hand.

Some miles away in the center of Eacka, stood the tall battlements of the Royal Castle. This castle was home to the royal family, the King, Queen, and Princess of Providence. High in the window of the center tower of the castle a young blonde hair princess named Clíodhna watched as the vial insect like creatures tore through the Capital. Tears fell down her dimpled cheeks. Her make-up smeared from the crying as she watched the helpless citizens being cut down in cold blood on the streets. The Sharpe blood stained fangs of one of creatures ripped into the throat of a middle aged man as he tried to flee from the bloodcurdling tied of evil. Clíodhna cringed as the dark minions continue their killing and reign of terror. Suddenly there was a series of Sharpe thuds on door. “You’re Highness! You must leave; we have to get you to safety.” The voice of an Imperial Guardsman said. Defeated by the sorrow she picked her small slender body up from the window sill and ran over to the door. She opened the door and was quickly whisked away by the guardsmen. They ran down hall after hall of the Tower of Obsidian. All of the lavish furnishings for naught as the planet was consumed by evil. They raced to make it to the underground passages ways in time to get the princess out of the city before it was completely overrun.

Through corridor after corridor the Princess and her guards ran. The large bulky build of the heavily armored guards swayed back and forth as they kept pace with the small slender girl. Clíodhna’s long blonde hair blew behind her as she ran down the marble floor. The tears still poured down her face as she pled to the guards to tell her what was going on. “What has happened? Where is momma? Where is my father?” Her never ending questions poured out of her mouth as they passed through the main chambers. The Stone walls were dotted with portraits of Kings past, Amulius the Brave, Silvanus the Tenacious. All of which lived and died in these sacred halls, the halls which now burn at the hands of these evilest of creatures. The low tech lightings on the ceiling chandelier were all but burnt out, casting a huge shadow throughout the castle. Clíodhna panted as they’re run through the halls seemed to stretch on forever. Her legs could not bare much more stress. Her heart seemed to almost burst out of her chest. Soon she stopped dead in her tracks. Falling to her knees she acted as if she would faint on the scene. The 2 guards turned quickly around to encourage the princess to continue. “You’re highness! We must continue, they could be right behind us!” They said in a hurried tone. The little green eyes of the 8 year old girl looked up at the two guards, the constant crying had turned her eyes a red color that only hell could match. Letting out a few sniffles she addressed her guards. “Where… are… my… parents?” She said as she stared into the eyes of the two men. Her haunting gaze seemed to compel the men to tell her the truth. “You’re father… Is dead… Madam. He was kidnapped on his way to High County by some group of cultists. He was later killed, sacrificed to Qyeemyexox herself!” The girl’s eyes began to tear even more than before, she broke down and began sobbing on the marble floor. A puddle began to grow around her as the tears seemed to flow in like high tide. “Buutt… where’s mommy?” She said through her sorrow. It pained the guards to see the Princess of Providence like this. For all of her 8 years Clíodhna had been the beautiful flower of the Kingdom, her elegant hair and beautiful eyes always brightened the hearts of the people. However now those same eyes were filled with sorrow. Both of her parents, the King and Queen were now dead. Leaving her the soul member of the Royal family. She was now in a race for her life. Without the aid of the 6 Knights of the Equestrian Order, the eternal protectors of Providence. The only hope of maintain the Royal line was to escape with the princess. But time was running out. Far down the corridors of the castle the screeches and screams of the vile insects echoed. They were near, and coming for the princess. The hair on the back of the necks of the guards stood on end. “Malady, we must go now!” He said in urgency as he picked the small girl up. Carrying the sobbing girl on his back he began to run down the halls. The Screeches and howls seemed to grow closer. Only a few more feet to the tunnel, and to saftly. To their horror the entrance to the tunnel was blocked by a group of the alien insects. They were trapped, their last bid of escape was to turn around and run the other way. However they were cut off by more creatures. The evil and disgusting faces of the bugs all mocked the guards as they tried to escape. Their hisses and crackles pierced the guard’s ears. Looking to each other they decided that the last hope for the princess was for them to sacrifice their lives. Setting the terrified girl on the floor. They each stood on either side of their princess. Their eyes full of anger, this was a fight to the death. The sound of the drawing straightbaldes sounded as they drew their decorated blades to counter the alien invaders. Golden hilts and gem stones showed the proud history of Providence. With a swift stroke of their blades, the guards prepared themselves for the on slot. “Come on and bring it you beasts!” They screamed in taunts. Slime and filth from the creature’s mouths began to send a stench through the room. The bloody teeth bore forth from their mouths as they prepared to attack the guards. Sweat began to trickle down the guards faces as they knew that these were the last moments of their lives. Princess Clíodhna continued to sob in these last moments. The air became still, all time seemed to stop from them. However the stillness was broken by the sounds of screeching animals. The ruthless creatures tore into the 2 guards. Relentlessly mutilating their bodies. Blood splattered all over the stone walls of the passage way. Gore ran down the floor into the nearby rooms. Clíodhna watched this horrific bloodfest with a terrifying awe. She knew in her little heart that she was to be next. The screeches stopped, the feast was over. The creatures began to walk towards the Princess herself. The little girl let out an ear piercing screech as they grabbed her with their cold slimy legs. Buzzing of the creatures wings began as they flew off down the hall carrying their prize with them under their wings. The swarm burst out a hall window into the air. Eacka was far below them. Screams of the helpless people on the ground could be heard as the princess was carried away into the sky.