Introducing Bibindoe Two days passed, the endless sand was replaced by of all things, forest, or what was left of a forest. The tree's were bleached and withered, gnarled by sand blasted wind into unruley bends and curved, like deformed skeletons they stuck out of the odd landscape in rows of deformity and stretched for across the land like a see of grass, through this dead land they sojourned, was this Alies forest? Or at least part of it? The tree's here were old perhaps like this for centuries stiff from the dryness of the place, frozen in time. Shari could only hope Aly's home fared better. In the distance a small village came into view, It was not Alies home, no they were still a bit always from that. As they grew closer Sharis mood grew dark, her body small though it was tensed in a subconscious fight or flight response. "Shari, something wrong?" Hiddan asked. no answer, as they drew ever closer Shari raised her hand halting the march, "I am going to go in alone. wait for me here." "Shari?" "Just do as I say!" She snapped, and then she left them, heading towards the village gate by her self. The sight that greeted her had Shari stopping in her tracks. Bodies littered the ground, crimson painting the walls of buildings and pooling over the road until the soil turned into a thick, red mud. The whole scene appeared to have happened during a mass panic- mothers and children lay dead where they had tried to hide. Tattooed warriors lay slain in the open from where they had likely tried to defend the civilians. Some were not even human, but massive beasts that, when Shari approached, slowly faded into human form. A deep-throated roar from further away had the girl looking to her right, where she spied the source of the carnage. Two massive werewolves collided, the heavy thud of their taught, muscled bodies ringing in the air alongside snapping teeth and rending claws. The larger one -roughly nine feet at the shoulder- bore huge lacerations, and blood poured over its snow white fur. A bone mask covered the upper portion of its head, tanzanite fangs buried deep in the other werewolf's shoulder. The smaller one -a black, scrawny creature that stood a mere seven feet at the shoulder- screeched and opened its jaws wide, flashing lower fangs and a bone jaw brace made of the same materials as the other's mask before clamping down on the other werewolf's head and twisting it to one side. The white wolf gargled, then grappled with the other for another second before it fell limp at its feet, a rattling breath escaping before the light faded from its eyes. Then the black werewolf looked up and spied Shari. A crooked, insane smile covered its bloody maw, and it cackled. "Heehee! Thought I'd finished them all off. Wonder why the little girl didn't run? Run run run they always run. It's more fun when they run!" It's eyes blazed an unnatural yellow, and then it dropped to all fours, prowling towards her. But it wasn't in the mood to kill anymore. Now it was clearly wanting to play. And with her. Fear, it permeated her body like a hindering poison, it if had a smell she would reak of it, but along side her fear and even stronger feeling, "I don't know what you are, but Bahamut has sent me to subdue you, now kneel!" The wolf was suddenly struck from above, wind smashed it with the force of a brick wall forcing it to kneel for a moment before another one sent it off it's feet and into one of the homes smashing a hole in the house. "I fear no evil." Shari muttered and tides of eather and light enveloped her, the skies grew dark and she pointed her staff in the direction she sent the beast. "I will give you one chance to submit creature and repent for the sins you have done." The werewolf rose up, shaking rubble out of its fur before turning to glare in her direction with a baleful roar. "I follow no god! Do your-" it seemed to choke on it's own tongue for a moment, and the werewolf's form wavered. Its glowing yellow eyes flickered, and there was a flash of red within them. Kill me. Just end it! a mental voice screamed, but no words passed the beast's lips, for the Fallen was in control. Shaking off what had caused it to stumble, the werewolf's upper lip curled in mockery. Then the grin widened. "Guess I won't be able to play after all. How sad..." it said mournfully, then tilted its head back and howled. The sound pierced the air, long, low, and sorrowful, freezing everyone for three-hundred meters around in their tracks. They could not move, could not speak, could do nothing but listen as the low notes rose higher and higher. And with the notes, those first twinges of pain could be felt. Death Keen, it was called, for the last note in the wolf's song always heralded death in legend, so it did now. Black eather swirled in the sky, lowering in thin tendrils towards the source, snaking around the wolf and enveloping it in darkness. Then a ghostly image took form- a young man, chained and bound to a wall. His face was marred by dirt and bloodstains, but one could not mistake the tears that poured down it. "What, whats going on? who or what are you?" Shari demanded, lightning swirled around her staff growing ever larger, she was confused, was this a man to give mercy to? or a demon to destroy? The howl cut off as it realized that its magic was having no effect on the girl. Eyes widening in wonder, the werewolf took a step forward, sniffing. "You are the God Speaker." it stated, and the mad look came back into its eyes. "God speaker God speaker! Hahahahaha! I'm going to kill the-" it's words cut off with a choke when the ghostly figure behind it suddenly lashed out against its chains, kicking and writhing. The werewolf reared back, clutching at its head. An angry snarl rumbled in its throat, and then a new voice rang out as one of its eyes turned blood-red: "I am Bibindoe of the Lost Souls, son of Arrcafah and brother to Batos of the Fang of the Moon, the one who lies dead behind us. I beg of you, God Speaker, free me before i lose my will to-" the werewolf regained control of itself and snapped its jaws closed just as dark hands clamped around the young man's face, smothering him until his struggles lessened, but did not ceace. "Annoying little brat. Fine, God Speaker, you wish to know what i am? My name is Zebbenon, and I am Fallen!" it roared, then launched itself at the girl, claws and teeth bared as they sought her throat. Shari loosed the pent up lightning, "Then you shall be purged!" ..... Hiddan and the other looked on in growing concern, "You think we should go in?" before they could answer light flashed blinding them temporarily followed by a shattering clap of thunder which shook them to their core, half the village went up in cinder and ash, parts of the settlement thrown by the force of the lightning. "On second though, what ever is going on we should just stay here this is something A god speaker should handle." Hiddan said getting to his feet. .... The wolf took a colossal bolt of lightning directly, Shari couldn't see what became of it through the rampid fires and billowing smoke caused by her over powering attack, sparks of electricity danced leaping like little lightning bolts along a now black and charred path. But it was still alive. Groaning, Bibindoe opened his eyes and blinked several times before realizing that what he felt was his pain, his body moving to hiscommands. For a moment, unspeakable joy filled him, but then the memory of what he -or rather Zebbenon- had done came back and a choked sob escaped. Alive. He was still alive even after that. And the faint sense of boiling anger within him warned that it still wasn't over. Gritting his teeth and pushing himself up, Bibindoe tripped several times before finally gaining his footing and stumbling toward where he remembered last being before the lightning had flung him through three buildings. She was still there, sparks crackling around as if she was some kind of fearsome lightning goddess. Bibindoe feared even revealing himself to her then, but the resemblance between them had his feet moving to get closer. She was from one of the tribes as well -that much comforted him. A fragment of charred wood snapped under his boot, and Bibindoe stood still as the girl turned to face him. He knew what she would see- a skinny boy just on the verge of manhood, scars marring his torso and throat from old injuries. His eyes, red as the dying sun, were dull and held nothing but pain. "Bahamut is too merciful to spare this tainted life." he rasped. Innocent or not, why had he been allowed to live? Was he meant to fulfill some higher purpose? As he watched the girl, something began to take form behind her. A figure, though indistinguishable, that glowed and stared right through him. Join her. it said, then vanished. Bibindoe's eyes flickered as his energy suddenly returned, and he dropped to his knees. "Please . . . use me as you may. Whether i be your sword or shield, i do not care." She took deep breaths still shaking a little, the boy before her was nothing like the monster she had just encountered. She closed her eye's and seemed to wrestle with something with in her soul, then she opened them again and slowly she approached the boy. It was a cautious affair, none of her training really prepared her to deal with such a powerful possession, two fallens. Why were there so many all of a sudden? Divines were supposed to be rare, even more so then God speakers but now it was like they were everywhere. Shari looked up at the sky, her peace gone from her "What is going on up there?" She whispered. She reached the boy and putting on a brave face. What if it was just a fallen trick? you should destroy him! one part of her screamed. Don't get too close, what are you doing? She shook her head free of the tempting thought, she had no hatred for this boy, any desire to purge him was born out of a simple fear, fear of the only beings opposite to Bahamut. "I will have mercy." She said under her breath, she extended her hand, "Take my hand, I won't hurt you." She said this to her self as well as to him. Bibindoe looked at the extended hand for a moment, equally afraid of her as she was to him, but stood up and took it. He was slightly taller then her, but his timid expression eased her discomfort. Just another lost sheep, She managed to crack smile at him, then promptly, to his surprise fell over in a sudden bout of weakness that gripped her body. "Are you okay?" Bibindoe gasped and caught her before her head hit the ground. Her face had gone pale and her eyes glazed. That lightning she'd summoned had to have demanded a huge price. "Come on. I'll get you out of here." he mumbled, picking her up and cradling her against his chest. Looking to one side, Bibindoe let out a rough barking sound and watched as ten shadowy figures appeared. "Bury them. All of them. And each in their own grave." he commanded, and the shadow-figures dispersed as he headed toward the gate, puddles of red splashing where he stepped in them, for there was no clean dirt anywhere to be found. When they emerged, Bibindoe tensed as he noticed the group, then his body quaked and shivered as he shifted into his wolf form. The beast lowered it's head protectively, preparing to either run or curl up into a ball around the God speaker to shield her from any threat. But he did not snarl, and his claws were not bared. He would not fight, only defend, so long as she wished it. "Shari! is she okay? and what the hell is that?" Hiddan said rushing forward, but stopping short of the creature. It didn't seem dangerous, and yet...what had happened in there? Bibindoe sighed in relief when he realized that they knew her. "My name is Bibindoe, and i am the . . . last of the Beast-Tamers Tribe." Pain coated his words, and he refused to look Hiddan in the eye for shame of what he had done. Even if he hadn't been in control, he still felt responsible. "Had it been in better times, we would have greeted travelers with a feast and the best of what our hunters had brought in. But as of now, i beg of you not to enter the walls of the village. I wish i were to be the only one haunted by what had happened in there, but because the God Speaker entered, i fear we both shall never forget today . . . and that it should have been me who died, rather than my people." At that, Bibindoe shifted back into human form, the brace on his lower jaw returning to a simple ring on his finger. "I can show you a safe place to rest not far from here. And can hunt for food. Please, if you need anything, just ask and I will tell you where you may find it." Hiddan checked Shari's pulse, then sighed in relief, she was just sleeping, then he noticed something a little odd, one lone strand of silver in her other wise dark hair, he didn't have time before Narth scooped her up, "Just a place to rest will be nice, I have seen this many time's, an hour nap and she's good as new." Hiddan looked at him darkly, he had seen his kind before. He, was his kind, a knife in the dark. He could do nothing about it now but every fiber in his being told him not to trust the man. True to fashion Shari awoke from her sleep under the shade of a large tree, she looked around for the boy standing off to the side. awkwardly by him self. She smiled, "Welcome to the club, oh my I have been asleep for a while, lets get moving then."
Failed miracle Triastar Forest, Alavina's home. It was hard to believe that the forest had once possessed great beauty. Currently it didn't appear to be much more than dead white wood, blistered by the heat. It stuck out of the landscape, like so many skeletons, stretched far across the land like a see of grass. "This forest has been here for centuries." Aly said sadly. "Stories speak of a time where it was full and beautiful. It was once a home to thousands of fairies and other sorts of Ifrits. Creatures who wished to be safe from humans. But the drought has turned it into this. Only a few hundred of my kind at most live here now. And even that number is dwindling quickly. Some shamans still believe that Bahamut will return it to it's original glory." Aly looked at Shari. "That the God Speaker will come and restore it if they were faithful enough. Maybe they were right." "I hope so." Shari responded, "Nothing is certain, but what I can promise you is that I will do everything in my power to help you." Few sounds were heard as they ventured into it's depth. Aly, though excited, was nervous as well. It was obvious by the way she wrung her hands or the way her wings twitched involuntary. What would her people do when they saw a group of armed strangers walk into their home? Would they attack, flee...or would having the God Speaker in tow be enough to ease their fears? What would Shaman Agris do? Would he believe her...that Shari was a God Speaker. Aly glanced at Shari. The girl had brought water back to Pia. Would she be able to do the same for Triastar? A few hours in, Aly addressed her comrades. "My people are naturally shy and keep to themselves. They aren't used to visitors. So please, be as nonthreatening as you can. To the shaman especially." ---- It was midday by the time they entered the center of the forest. Aly stopped for a minute, her mouth agape in surprise at the health of the foliage. The trees were full and green. Birds, animals and all sorts of life could be heard around them. It was if they had entered a whole new world. "I've never seen the forest this healthy...and green. My people must have found an underground spring or something. This is amazing!" Aly beamed a wide smile at Shari. "Did you do this!?" Shari was at a loss, never in her young life had she been surrounded by such lush green, it was a bit overwhelming. The shock was apperant on her face, "Is, this what a forest looks like? Amazing, I heard stories but." She wagged her head, "I didn't do anything Aly, perhaps this is Bahamuts providence." She wandered over to a lily and pointing to it asked, "What manner of grass is this? and who painted it yellow?" Hiddan flopped down beside a large tree, he stretched and breathed a relaxed and gleeful sigh, "You Ifrit have it nice! I think I may just live here." "It's nice because we don't allow humans to live here." The fairy replied. "C'mon. My village isn't much farther now." It wasn't long before Alavina stopped and pointed in front of her. "There, my home. It's the house with the gold trim." The group stood on a stone cropping, overlooking the center of the forest. From here a small lake could be seen, along with the outlines of homes built into the branches of the trees. If Aly's smile could get any wider, it did. "I can't believe how green it is. And that lake...it wasn't here a few months ago. For the forest to be this green...it must have appeared sometime shortly after I left to find you." Aly's smile faded as sorrowful singing sounded from below them. She knelt down and peered over the edge. It was a funeral procession. Four fairies flew as they carried a stretcher made of branches and vines. Behind them were 50 or so other fairies carrying wooden candles. Upon the stretcher was the outline of a body hidden beneath a green and gold cloth with intricate designs woven into the material. The design was familiar. Anyone who had studied the tattoo that Aly had, would notice it was the same. With swirls and flowers, the design was almost identical. Alavina’s face paled and her wings drooped as she recognized the design. “We’re too late.” "What, are we too late for exactly?"Shari asked hesitantly, though a small part of her knew the answer. "My mother. That burial robe...is hers." Aly sat in shock. "Fairies never wait more than a day to bury..." She muttered, mostly to herself, "Just a day...if we had moved a little faster...maybe..." Shari put a soft hand on Aly's shoulder, in her heart an unreasonable guilt crept in, she had failed someone a friend. Had she not been side tracked, maybe. "I, am sorry."Shari hung her head in shame, tears threatening to flow, but she managed to keep it under control. Aly shrugged away coldly. "I need to join them." She dropped over the edge and landed next to the fairies near the front of the procession. One of them, a female with yellow wings, wrapped Aly in a hug before handing her a lit candle and walking beside her. "A bunch of non fairies will stick out here like a sour thumb, lets wait at the hub for the ceremony to be over, we should probably get some supplies as well." Narth suggested, a few nods and they went about there business.
The sobbing king A guard entered the king's chamber no longer bothering to bow nor give a salute. The guard's face was etched into smug grin as he examined his ruler's darkened scowl. "Sir you have a guest." "Send him away! can't you see I am in pain?" The king scowled. "And tell Iza to hurry up with her council meeting, she shouldn't be away for too long, better body guard then you lot!" "You see King." The guard said shaking his head. "That's just not how its going to be." He mouthed off as the double doors once again opened and all the king's men found themselves rushing in surrounding his throne. Each of their cold eyes drilling into him. The speaking guard looked left to right to make sure all exits but the double doors were sealed off. Then suddenly foot steps began to click closer and closer from the other side. "Treason! you all would commit high treason! You would go against the God speaker!" he yelled. The door's pushed open and the man with the scarred face walked in his lances in hand. The air thickened as his looked up at the king his face like a stone compared to the King sweating twitching features. "Hello." The man said his lances clanging to the floor. "It was treason when you hid water from your people." He pointed out but quickly shrugged his shoulders. "But that's not why I'm here. You remember me?" The king went silent. "Son. I'm amazed Issa recognized you, I didn't till she cried out your name, I see you are still under the influence of that fallen." Ishmael barred his teeth. "He has no influence over me. Me and Samael have an understanding. Unlike me and you." "You almost killed Iza." He stated bluntly. "The attack you nearly hit us with was not meant to stun." "I know how to aim boy, and trust me, that blast would not have killed her, unlike you, Iza was a success! Now I know you probably want to kill me, but, can you do it knowing you would hurt your poor sister? think about it boy I banished you out of mercy, because for all your wickedness you are still my son and you repay my Mercy with death? She will destroy you if you touch me. The God speaker will punish you, your wasting your time." "Do it." Samael's shadow slithered through the floor and shifted upward in front the King. The Fallen's elongated arms stretched around the King's next yanking him forward till he came crashing down at the feet of his own son. The shadow cocked its head curiously at Ishmael. "I'll take the rest from here." Izzy's glare bared down upon his father. "Get up!" He demanded. The king Suddenly became fearful, his words were not working. "Think of what you are doing! Do you not care for your own life? You will die if I come to harm, it is Bahamuts will!" Izzy's hand grabbed the King by the chest of his find robes and hoisted the King up to stare at the damage he'd done to his son's face. BAP! Izzy's slapped him clear across the face. Chills jolting up his arm. BAP! again.... BAP! and again.... Izzy repeated the process three more times until he bloodied his victim's lip and the side of his face was a steaming red. "You got one problem." He said. "I don't play for Bahamut's team." Izzy pushed The King back away from him but left him no time to recover. Izzy's broke out into a full sprint his feet leaving the ground and his heel meeting the King's chin. The king fell on his back, groaning in pain he rolled over, lifting his damaged face to gaze through bloody eye's on his attacker, his child. "Wait son, you wouldn't kill your own father, everything, everything I did I did for you, I swear it!" Suddenly his breathing increased rapidly as he stared at his bloodied father. "You dare talk to me about mercy!" Water began to appear in his eyes he blinked away tears. All the pain he felt over the years began to pour out from his heart. "You bastard!" Izzy lunged smashing his knee into his ribs as the King started to get up. He could feel and hear a few bones break on that one. "You throw attacks at your own children!" Ishmael put his hands into a folded club and performed a messy uppercut to his father's jaw. "You hide water from your own dying people!" He watched as his father coughed and gagged rolling to get to his feet. And as he rose CRUSH! The bones in his nose were shattered as Izzy's fist was in his face sending him back down. "You torture your own son and call him a monster for nearly all of his childhood life!" He shouted his voice making all flinch except Samael. The shadow simply forming an ugly grin as he watched the violence. "Tell me! Am I the monster!?' He asked kneeling down in front of his father. Izzy 's tear had all dried up as he looked at his bloodied pleading father"Look at you. You're camel shit." He chuckled slightly at his own humor. "Camel shit can't rule kingdoms. You're out of commission. You lost the right and you know it. Its my kingdom now." He sighed clasping his hands together. "But don't worry I won't kill you. God how I wanted to though but standing here of you makes me realize something. You aren't worth it." Ishmael stood up and gave his father last words. "Get the hell out of my throne room!" He paused as he started walking past the groveling ex-King. "Though if you like you can have a free pen on your way out the castle doors." All others in the room turned to face Ishmael their faces ranging from nervous to completely terrified. A man with a fallen....ruling them! "I have only one thing to say my loyal subjects." Ishmael said as he sat down upon a seat that was fit for a king. "I know many of you were there the day the previous ruler exiled me and so I say this. Don't piss me off anymore." Despite the kings injuries, he staggered to his feet. "You, you take my throne! You're nothing but a failed exspirament! I'll be back!" And with that the king ran, he ran fast for a such a big man, down the halls knocking over furniture and priceless artifacts, he turned the corner half bolting have staggering towards freedom. "Out of the way!" he said desperately knocking over a screaming servant in his reckless haste. Out of the palace her ran fumbling through the streets, the eye's of his former subjects watching him with such hatred. men woman and children who just last week feared him stared at him in shock, unsympathetically, eventually he found him self in an ally way beaten, hurt and alone. "I am the king, It's my kingdom, not his..." He mumbled this to him self, but then stopped, his pride and arrogance, replaced with hot tears. It diluted the blood on his face and created pools on the ground, like a river they flowed from the once proud king. "My son, my son, my daughter, my daughter, what has become of us?"
The Power Trio A sudden sound surprised the King that run away from his own mistakes, rejecting his son one more time and rejecting all…. The monster who didn’t learn anything. Something impacted the floor making a small but notorious sound. The man lowered his head looking for the small cylindrical object. On a closer inspection the king realized that the small object was a pen. Before the man had any chance to complain about the joke, before he had the possibility to think a complain. Exactly in the instant that the idea of the pen traveled to his brain and made sense…. The Grim Reaper colored in white swing its scythe mercilessly. The King was a man of complete sin, a monster on its own. Many died because of his acts, many suffered due to him, the pain he caused would not be eased by his disappearance. Yet destiny seemed to don’t measure the weight of a person based on its acts… Because the way the man died was exactly the same that the store owner with a great heart died the same day. The head fell with a wet sound exactly over the pen that the grim reaper let fall in some sort of sick joke. Blood gushed like a fountain from the severed neck yet even if it covered the body the white monster it couldn’t really painted it more crimson that it already was. A grin formed in the face of the white reaper. All this small show worked as self-satisfaction for the young who couldn’t force the store owner to curse the person who killed him. ………I need a good shower…. . thought the monster before leaving while carrying the present on its left hand….. and on its left… the golden and silver sword that was now tainted with the blood of a noble sinner. Blood of a monster for the monster…. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Around an hour later the doors of the palace were opened by the person who brought a present to the King. A guard would had stopped such intromission yet all the confusing events of late made for the young an easy task to distract the few guards and enter. The new King rested on its throne when it heard a commotion outside the throne room. It was impossible for the young to distract the security that guarded the King, yet the young pronounced certain words to caught the attention of the man. “Peeen-Booooy, heeey it’s me Kyraa. Got something to you… tell your guards to let me in please!!!” Still getting settled with his recent thirty minutes into being King and he found things were going......well enough. But then he heard an all to familiar voice reach his ears from the other side of the door. Kyra! Here? Izzy had assumed he'd left with the others. "Guards." He motioned for them to open the throne room doors and they did to see..... As soon as the doors opened the figure of the young entered, this time sporting a new wardrobe. The previous clothes that Kyra wore have been completely torn more than once on its whole journey, by the moment the crew arrived Pia, Kyra wore its clothes covered in numerous sewings sporting a poor appearance that matched with Shari. Yet completely reddened would ruin its image, something very important in front of the new King. As thus now it wore a set made completely of white clothes with the sole exception of boots, a belt and a black pad that covered its chest area. In addition all the blood that covered its body was now washed away. It smiled as soon as it eyes met Izzy's, yet he quickly realized that this wasn't the Kyra he knew, not by the color of its hair but due to its grin. It was the white monster carrying a suspicious present wrapped in a black shroud. "Shall I kneel or will you let it pass on me Pen-Boy? due to the condition of friend?" asked White Kyra "Samael. Who is this?" "Not sure. Seems to be Kyra though another version of himself.""What do you mean?" "You haven't noticed?'"Noticed what?"Izzy could feel his fallen grown is frustration. "He has multiple personas.""Wow! those exists." "Is the man with the ancient being in him really up for having a limited imagination? Might as well see what he wants."Ishmael sighed and spoke to this new Kyra or whoever it was. "No I hate that kneeling stuff. I thought you'd left with the others." He stated "I had no motivations to depart with them.... The God Speaker was of no use to me, but that was predictable... Perhaps you already realized it, but I'm not the same Kyra you knew. That Kyra was a fake and won't come back, and as thus that quest Kyra entered it is not of my concern." Replied White Kyra revealing itself like a different person. Then it raised it left hand offering the shrouded object to Izzy. "But that's not the important thing here. I came with the intention to offer a present for you, and hoping for you to accept my services Pen-Boy" Stated the young. "Uh huh." Ishmael nodded. "If you wanted to work here all you had to ask." Izzy said as he leaned back in his chair. Present huh? The look on his face gave the King the chills. "But still though you went to the trouble. What you bring me?" He asked curiously And then Izzy took the present from Kyra's hand and slowly unwrapped the shroud revealing its content. The guards were alerted something was wrong as they heard the sound of small female child screaming is dismay. Five men quickly made there way through the door. "Sir is there som-OH GOD!" The lead guard shouted Ishmael had leaped off his chair once he saw his father's served head and his lady like scream was dying down yet his breathes did not slow one bit. "Wha...wha.....wha....I...." He was shocked. He could still see the injuries he'd inflicted upon the face but only a few moments ago. "Hmmm sorry I had a feeling. I should of given a heads up." The White Monster's grin showed once again "Why so shocked Pen-Boy, you hated this man no?.... I think is an excelent trophy for you." Said White Kyra "You....you...you killed him! I spared him!" Ishmael said pointing his finger up at Kyra. His sister's smiling face flashing before his eyes. Oh God! No...no. Sparing him for her was a big part of why he didn't kill him in the first. What would she think now? Samael's shadow formed beside The White Monster. "You are most different from the others." Samael said. "Though my host has his reasons for being upset." "DAMN RIGHT!' He shouted smashing his palm against his face. "Oh Isa." He muttered "Oh the fallen right? I think this is the first time I've met you" said Kyra. "Your sister?" pointed Kyra as soon as it heard Izzy. This time it made sure to hid the grin that was about to be drawn on its face... "I don't want to be cold... but think on this with logic..." Said not only to Izzy but also Samael. "Sure, the King had been rejected by the people, yet hey... do you think that they will accept with open arms the son of the same monster as their new King? Sure you could always begun a tyranny... yet I think is best if you gain the cooperation of your new Kingdom. Also... how will the people react when they realize you had a fallen with you? Or do you pretend to hid your friend from them... You know?..." said Kyra while patting the shadow that Samael was on the imaginary shoulder, even while not touching anything in real the intention of Kyra was made clear... "I don't like that idea... why should the people ignore your eternal partner. I say reveal its existence and I say, gain their trust. I have a plan that will work nifty for this... Oh and don't worry, your sister won't suffer" "Oh she'll suffer." Samael said. "Not much we can do about that. Her father is dead. It shall cause her human heart pain." Dammit....Ishmael bit his lip to not say anything as he climbed back to his feet and tried to face Kyra with an even more expression. This was bad.... He didn't trust this man as far he could throw him. Yet, his mind wanted to keep open to his suggestions. "Well the guards and palace help already know of Samael." "Its true. I was present when he confronted his father. Yet not all of the city knows of me." Ishmael looked back and forth between the two. "What's your plan Kyra?" Kyra smiled, for a moment it worried it that its... offering would get a bad outcome for its plan, but as far as things were going everything was perfect. "You went to the now empty palace to find your sister and claim your title... And then sent your guards to seek for the King to give him a proper punishment. But the man who found him couldn't control his rage and killed him. A time later the other guards found his body beheaded covered by dirt in an alley.It comes the moment when you present yourself at the new King, people fear you and will complain, but then you confirm the death of the previous King executed by one of your guards... people will be atonished... yet deep inside them they will be happy. The man who condemned them was now dead. JUSTICE HAD TRIUMPHED!!! And was done by the man who proclaimed the title. That and the new supply of water will make people happy.... but it doesn't end here!" Said Kyra in a theatrical way. Kyra then attempted to touch the shadow once again. "Then we use what the other Kyra did, the one with the black hair. Even if unwilling it gave us a nice setting for this. Do you recall its speech?... It claimed that people should not forcefully accept Shari's will yet speak their doubts and learn its way.... Yeah it said that in favor of the God Speaker, but the important thing is that he ignited a feeling of doubt within the people of Pia. We'll use that to let the Fallen be known" Then again it begun its theatrical performance. "People doubting about the God Speaker, still holding grudge against the King and wishing for their punishment find themselves with the notice of the King's death... this will be the sunlight for that bud of doubt again. And then the same person who created the doubt will speak again in behalf of the new King. People are desperate and thirsty for revenge, even a complete unknown like the Kyra of the black hair became a figure as soon as it spoke freely what they wanted to hear. So Kyra speaks again... It forces that bud. The God Speaker is to be praised you say? Sure it gave you back the water. But it let the culprit escape without punishment, and FORCED the people to accept something they didn't want to. It's not different than a tyranny. Is just a girl with pretty words forcing its will in the supposed name of the Bahamut. However the new King offered them their desired justice, the old man was punished and a new bright era was to come, an era brought by the new King and the Fallen who wills for the freedom of the people" said Kyra to Izzy and specially to Samael "Isn't it fair, people will be taking into account the Fallen that together with the new King brought Justice and reject the God Speaker who let their tyranne to be free to commit more tyranny" stated to Samael. Of course all its speech was made with enough care to not let the guards overhear it. It was something only Izzy and Samael were allowed to hear. "And that's my idea... Your sister won't know that for an instant you fought your father and had the intention to kill him, neither that a close friend of you mudereded him from you.. Sure she'll suffer but her pain will be less" "My role here is just to proclaim the speech that'll let the Fallen be known, after that I'll help you in whatever you feel like" "Things have just gotten more interesting. I'm still not sure if we can trust you. Yet, I want to see what happens next anyway. So I accept your proposal but of course my true support relies in Ishmael." Izzy sighed scratching the back of his face. His face reluctant. This was wrong. He could feel it, building lies on top of lies but "Damn." He muttered. "I sure wish I had an angel on my shoulder instead of two amoral possible sociopaths......but I'm in." He said sticking his hand out to Kyra. Kyra showed a more infant like smile as it shaked hands with Izzy. "I'm glad you're on. It may sound cruel, cold and heartless... but after that push people will trust you Pen-Boy!!" And thus a new alliance was created preparing a new different future for the city of Pia.
Leon had been following the group from a distance, awaiting Jeremiah's leave. "Alright, Leon, don't screw this up, Joe's countin' on ya!" He thought, he watched our camp for hours, when Jeremiah finally left camp, Leon followed him from a distance, doing his best not to be seen by him. "If you're up to something, I WILL figure it out!" He thought. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I sighed as we walked through the dead forest and merely shrugged as Shari ran ahead to see what had happened, I began spacing out, thinking about the possible outcomes to all of this, mostly ending in horrible ways, Jeremiah actually being a spy that requested my help to put the only person that could stop an army single-handed, that the king would only get in the way of protecting the kingdom, that in the end, only sorrow will prevail, that in the end, whatever I did in this world would be completely useless, some kingdom will take over VenShara, most likely forcing them to conform to their laws and culture, thinking of us as lowly savages that need their enlightenment. My thoughts had only been interrupted by the sudden appearance of Shari and the large wolf, I merely nodded at the man as he changed from a wolf into a man, then continued on with everyone else, continuing to stay lost in my thoughts, lightly touching the bottle of sleeping potion in my pocket. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Finally, we reached the living forest... My face broke out into a large smile and I ran ahead. "Ah... how long has it been since I've last seen a forest...? Twenty years? More?" I mumbled to myself, it felt so long since I last seen such a green place, I quickly regained my composure and rubbed the back of my head. "Ah, sorry! Got a bit carried away." I said rubbing the back of my head chuckling. I quickly followed behind the group and followed them into the small town, when I figured out what was going on below I looked at Aly. "...I'm so sorry, Aly." I said quietly, I watched as she walked off to join the ceremony below. "...I'm going ahead to town... see you all there, I'm tired and I'd rather not waste my time walking all the way back." I said, I actually needed some time to think. "The circle of life begins and ends. I am an angel and the harbinger of death!" I said, four beams of light spread from my right side, four beams of darkness grew from my left, they looked like a pair of large white and black wings, I crouched down and sprung into the air and flew off toward Pia. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As I flew the beams had begun to slowly die out, slowly shrinking one by one, the final beam of darkness burnt out when I landed in an alley, but there was something in the air. "...Blood." I thought, I would know that smell anywhere, I turned around and faced the headless corpse lying on the ground. "...Ah, your majesty what a pleasure it is to see you again." I said shutting my eyes, I would know that body was the king's by the clothing it was wearing. "So, let me guess, your long lost son finally took vengeance, but then spared you, that's why you are alone, then the grim reaper came and took your head and your soul away, probably while lamenting over your loss of the kingdom, right?" I asked quietly smirking. "Ah~ Not as if you didn't deserve this, after all, your greed caused thousands to suffer, I hope that your death wasn't quick." I said, then walked out of the alley. "I think it's time I go greet the new king... if I'm correct then I'm sure he'll be happy to see me." I thought smiling gently, it was as though I hadn't just seen that grotesque scene, it was as though I was completely used to something like that.
“Alavina.” A quiet voice said. Aly stirred slightly, but her eyes remained closed. “Alavina.” The voice said more urgently. Aly opened her bleary, red eyes. Standing in front of her was Aunt Helina. “Aunt Helina? What’s wrong?” She sat up running a hand over her face. “I’m sorry dear. I wanted to let you sleep but the Chief and Shaman insisted on meeting you immediately regarding the…visitors…you’ve brought.” Helina glanced sternly at Shari who was nearby. Alavina blanched. The moment she had been dreading was here. "Guess we shouldn't keep them waiting." Shari got up at once, together they followed Helina to the chief and Shaman. They arrived to the angry voice of the Shaman, "And what if the humans leave, only to return with an army to take over Triastar! It is not unheard of! This is why we do not allow fairies to bring visitors without some sort of tribute to prove that they are safe." The Shaman had bright blue wings with red trim along the edges. He spoke with the Chief. A fairy who was the largest they had seen thus far. Standing at almost 5 feet, he was one of the few with any sort of discernible muscle in his arms. His wings were a stormy gray. The Chief looked away from the Shaman and towards Aly. "She knows the laws. I'm certain she wouldn't have returned without some sort of tribute. Would you, Alavina Elevin?" "No, my Chief." Aly looked at Shari. "The strangers I've brought are companions of the God Speaker. As I am." The Shaman snorted before Aly could continue, but the Chief raised his hand to silence him. "You know we can not go on your word alone. Have you brought this speaker?" "Yes. This woman, is Shari the God Speaker." Aly gestured to Shari. The fairies who were standing around gasped in surprise and disbelief. "I've seen her power and deeds with my own eyes. She is tribute. Proof that the visitors I've brought are honorable." The Shaman scoffed angerly. Even the Chief looked skeptical. "Everyone knows that the God Speaker will be a great and powerful male. A man of great age and wisdom. The Collection speaks clearly of it. You have been deceived, Alavina Elevin. This child is most assuredly no God Speaker." The Shaman spoke loudly and with great authority. Perhaps even more than the Chief. The fairies that were gathered nodded in agreement with his words. "Which means the people you travel with are dangerous, and will bring ruin upon us if we let them go!" Aly looked at Shari, fear apparent in her eyes. What to do? she had to handle this delicately, she drew on all the years of training to guide her with in dealing with these people. "Believe what you will but I am the God speaker, dear Chief, why have you asked for us? And what do you mean you can not let us go? I'm afraid that is not for you to decide, for the sake of your people, we must leave, and soon." She said it as calmly and respectfully as she could, but also with purpose, and a reasonable pride. "Alavina did not tell you? She must have been confident we would accept this false tribute." The Shaman replied. "I mentioned that my people are shy and don't like visitors. Mainly humans, right?" Aly began as she wrung her hands nervously. "There is a law that any non-fairy who is brought to our home must bring a tribute to prove that they are friendly and mean no harm. Visitor without an adequate tribute are killed for the protection of the tribe. But that law hasn't been enforced in centuries. Do to the drought." She added quickly. "I figured having the God speaker would be more than enough." "Which normally it would..." The Chief interjected, "However, we find it hard to believe that a child such as yourself could be the true God Speaker. And Alavina is right. It's only recently we've begun to reinforce that law do to the new found water. And though I understand our Shaman's desire to abide by that law in order to hide such a secret from the rest of the world, executing people simply because they may turn on us does not sit well with me. Even though they may be human." "But it's obvious they are liars!" The Shaman declared angerly. "At the very least that false god speaker. Look how she has deceived one of our own already." Shari frowned. "That is a shameful law, Bahamut weeps at such a practice, does not your Shaman teach that we are all Gods children? but I did not come here to prove my self to you, nor will I partake in such a terrible tribute, I come only to help, to aid if I can in helping this young fairy." She put a hand on Aly's shoulder, and gave her a wink. "You have a choice chief, let us go, or attempted to kill us. You know in your heart what is right, so choose it." The Shaman's face turned as red as his wings but again the Chief raised his hand before the angry fairy could speak. The grey-winged fairy smiled. "You may not be the God Speaker, but you're a brave young human. And most assuredly honorable." The Chief looked at Aly, "In honor of your mother I accept your tribute. But for their safety and the peace-of-mind for our tribe I ask they that they leave this forest by moon-rise tonight." He grabbed a nearby stick and thumped it on his armrest. Signaling the meeting was over. "Welcome back to Triastar, Alavina. Everything that your parents once owned now belong to you." "I thank you, but... I won't be staying." Alavina said. The Chief raised an eyebrow questioningly. "My companions and I go to rescue my father from the Corrigans." The Chief's face became stern. "That is unwise, Alavina. Not to mention he is most likely no longer alive." "He is! I know it!" "You can not know. No one has seen or heard anything of him in over a year. It is a dangerous venture with no reward to be had." The Chief turned to Shari. "If you care at all for your friend's life, you will talk her out of this. Going against that tribe will only end in your deaths." "I do care, and that's why I'm going, far be it from me to abandon a comrade. Thank you for your wise and merciful verdict." Shari bowed politely. The Chief shook his head sadly. "If you pursue this venture you'll wish I had not been so merciful. Bahamut be with you." As Shari began to head to the exist she suddenly lurched over as if someone had struck her in the chest, she broke out into a cold sweat then looked off towards the horizon, "Somethings wrong?" Narth asked, the wolf boy ran up to her concerned. "The king who I spared, is dead." "How do you know?" Hiddan asked. "We God speakers have our way of knowing these things, does no one have any respect for Bahamuts judgment anymore?" She seemed, angry, more then angry, she glared off in the direction of Pia. "I will deal with that later, come we have no time to waste."
Fathers fate They were expecting the Corrigans to be a powerful and masterful group of people, and indeed they were, were. when the group came upon the small kingdom were Aly's father was they found but rubble, small groups of humans wandered around the broken city still picking up pieces of their lives, homes were smashed towers burned. Above them a charred sign read Corana, city of fortune. Narth took in the sights silently, "Looks like the work of the enemy army, these people were attacked, perhaps not even a month ago." "Amazing, the speed at which they rush through venShara, taking town after town." Hiddan added, "So tell me Narth do you know anything about the enemy army?" He said this with rife suspicion. Shari took pity on the people wandering the city streets lost and confused, the shock still seemed to be with them. "Pardon me, I'm looking for the house of Corrigan." Shari called out to a mumbling guard who was passing by. "You mean whats left of it? those vendezians did a number on that family, the house is no more, but you're in luck the owners still live, they have a large tent north west of here." "Thank you, Corana is no easy place to attack, when did this happen?" "A month ago, they swept through like a storm, those foreign humans have magic like I have never seen!" The guard shook his head, then sat down were he stood exhausted. "They leveled the city, and plundered all they could, as you can see we are still picking up the pieces." "Bahamut be with you, and thank you." Shari bowed, then hurried off towards the massive tents. "I don't think Bahamut is with any one right now." He said sadly. The tents were indeed large, and very grand, the Corrigans family symbol adorned every side of it. many slaves ran about, some human, most ifreet doing things for their masters. together they kept an eye out for Aly's father. "I'm going to talk to the Corrigans, Bibindoe stay close to me okay? we still don't know if that fallen inside you has stabilized." Taking a deep breath, she went inside. .......... The palace was in sight, the last few days had been so trying, so difficult, but at last everything seemed to be calming down. Her father was safe, the drought was over and no had to die, in the end that's all that mattered. She would vsist the king later, first she vsisted her quaters, a modest room for one so wealthy, there she kneeled and gave thanks to God that her father had been sparred. her silent whispered escaped into the air, her heart singing with gratitude. She got up satisfied and then suddenly, dissatisfied. Izzy, the love name for her brother she had seen him a few days ago and try as she might she could not find him again. "Dear Bahamut, thank you for sparring my father, please, help me find my brother as soon as you can. I would be grateful, oh what I wouldn't give to see him again, may your name be exalted. Amen." She got up and with a feeling of peace made her way to the throne room.
Outside, Narth stood beside Hiddan, taking in his baleful looks. He could go on ignoring it for years, but he decided to give friendship a try. "To answer your question, yes, I know a bit about the army. They're mean. And they have dangerous-looking swords." He grinned, but apparently Hiddan didn't find it humorous. Truth be known he liked Hiddan - he had seen him fighting. He had seen him take out Talith. He was concerned that Hiddan would never cease to suspect him, but he didn't let it show; only the weak let their feelings out, and the foolish present their true objectives. Narth's face sombered. "They're led by the son of the Exzalian king, if i'm not mistaken, and a younger adopted boy, i think. You may already know this, of course." "And how do you know that?" "Rumors and witnesses. And i've been to Exzalia before, and the royal family is well known there. Granted, i'm sure this information is rather useless to you all."
Two days Quinn at Pia is willing to talk trade. Apparently the God speaker brought water back to them not two days ago." Two humans conversed as they entered the tent. One was the obvious leader with rings on his fingers, a staff in his hand and even a makeshift crown of silver on his head. The one talking appeared to be his brother, with the same features...only less ornaments. A large guard swung his spear in front of Shari, stopping her in her tracks. A hungry light came into his eyes as he looked her over. "What's a pretty little thing like you doing here? Offering your services to our lord? I dare say your a little young." "My services are for anyone who needs it, as for your lord, I have not come to serve him, but to ask of him a good and right request. If it seem good to you, please let me and my companions pass." Shari answered. The guard nodded and let them pass, quickly they approached the two humans who noticed them approach, Shari gave a polite bow. "Aly what is your father's name?" she whispered going over the pleasantries with the two. "Aleic Elevin. He has wings identical to mine." She whispered back. "My name is Shari, I am looking for an Ifrit by the name of Aleic Elevin." "My name if Varek, why do you seek my slave? it doesn't matter we do not have him." He responded looking annoyed. "What do you mean? what happened to him?" Varek pointed towards Pia, "Captured by the enemy forces he was, he still under the contract, but I figure he's dead by now." Aly grabbed Shari's arm, her eyes filled with desperation. "Shari, please. I can't lose my father too." "What if I fail in saving him as well?" It was the first thought that sprang to her mind, it took her out of reality, making it seem as if she had spaced out for a moment. She could see Aly's disapointed face, her sad desperation. "Shari?" Narth said shaking her out of her brief nightmare. "Where are they now?" "They by now they would have past through crystal dust and are probably only a day or two away from crushing Pia to dust. Amazing, it's not a drought that will end VenShara but an invading force." Varek shook his head. "Two days!" Shari gasped. "Some one has to warn them! how did the vendzians get there so quickly?" Hiddan began making for the door. "They'll attack before Pia even has a chance to think. Shari, why don't you destroy them." "Taking life, is the ultimate crime, I will do no such thing, but I will confront them." She said determined. Shari faced everyone present, "Change of plans, we have to get back to Pia as fast as we can, if we go north we might be able to cut off the army, and save Aly's father." "If he is still alive..." the thought weighed heavily on her, then she went slightly pale at the thought of her own village, was it still standing? "If we hurry we can make it in two days. "Hold on." As they began to leave Verik's voice stopped them. "What will you do when you find my slave?" He voice grew low and suspicious. "We're going to free him." Alavina replied her voice dangerously sharp, a scowl etching her features. "I dare you to try and stop us." Her fingers reached over her shoulder to touch the sword Hessa had given her. That day seemed like so long ago, but she hadn't stopped practicing with it...knowing one day she would need it to save her father. ...... Jeremiah landed on a large rock face, the sky was clear and the enemy army was slowly closing on Pia, he looked at the sky two days left. Joe had better keep his word, the army had grown since first, more vendezians had arrived and now the bulging army seemed poised to sweep over Vensahara like a deadly wave. "Their magic is strong, they cover ground far too quickly, we don't have two days. At least maybe I can slow them down." Jeremiah raised his staff. the earth shook and the skies turned a reddish brown, sand miles of it tossed into the air and thrown at the encroaching army with amazing force, a sand storm of rare power. To Jeremiahs surprise, they still made head way every member of the army braving the storm with spell shields. Were all of them mages? "They must be destroyed, we can't stop them with words or by sparing them." he nodded to him self, "Two days, only two more days." ........ Hiddan seemed to ignore him, peering into the tent to see how the meeting was going. Varek looked un amused, it seems one of them said something to upset him. Shari and Aly turned to leave. "It takes one to know one." Narth looked back, Hiddan was studying him. "Confused? it means me and you are the same thing, we're killers, assasines. We get close to our targets, and then we strike." He got real close to Narth. "I know you kind, you didn't come here out of some religious conviction. I know exactly what your doing, if you so much as look at Shari funny, I'll paint the earth with your blood." "Lets go." Shari strode out of he tent and headed straight towards their waiting Balu, she looked back to see Hiddan and Narth standing awkwardly close. "Something wrong?" "Nothing, let's show that army whats what!" Hiddan said cheerily as if he had said nothing. On the backs of beasts they rode off into the desert as fast as the Balu could managed with out bursting, they could barely make it in two days if they went as fast as possible. "Bahamut, please keep everyone safe." Shari whispered.
A guard made his way into the King's throne room a pale look on his face as he took note of the former king's head. "My Lord." the man said giving a nervous bow. "Your sister approaches." Izzy's sucked in a terrified breath. Terrible timing! His shoulders slumped as a sense of dread fell upon him; Bahamut truly wasn’t on his side. “You may let her pass of course.” Ishmael said waving his hand to send the man away. Please forgive me sister….. “Samael handle my father’s head.” The shadow nodded and without words shifted towards the head. It stretched over was left of the ex- king. A bubbly noise sounded from the mass snapping and cracking. The fallen’s Nox was dissolving what was left the ex-king. Izzy turned his head away from the scene until it was done. All that remained where the head once had been was a black liquid that slowly started to reform into human shape. "All done." "Good." The shadow along with Samael's presence faded from the room as the door opened.
Reunion "Father, I returned with those cakes you wanted." Her happy voice sounded through the door, she came inside wearing a beautiful blue and white dress. She gave Kyra and odd look before facing her father. "...Brother?" a sense of glee over came her, she rushed him and embraced him, "I have been looking everywhere for you! Oh thank you Bahamut." Suddenly she let go, the memories of there last encounter came back to her. This man was her brother, but he also attacked them. A sudden dread gripped her, she went a little pale. "Where's father?" the words weighted with fear, more like a threat then a question. .... Joe's decision The second day, the Vensharan sun slowly climbed above them, Jeremiah had spent the past two moons slowing the army down with all his power, now on this day he planned to finish them. Pia was in sight, a glittering white gem in the middle of the desert, it was now or never. The man stood silently as the men made haste to the defenseless kingdom. "Hmmm" his brow furrowed, suddenly he tapped his cane. a whirl wind whipped up in the distance directly behind him, it drew closer gaining speed until it engulfed him in sand and wind. When the wind died down Jeremiah stood in front of a bewildered Leon who was now face first in the sand. "The lack of faith Joe has in me is disturbing. Did he really think a fool such as your self could spy on me? well I appreciate you looking away when I had to bath the past two days at least." Jeremiah laughed, giving him a forceful nudge with his staff. "Get up. You silly Ifreet. Explain your self." "Soooon oooooof aaaaaa biiiiiiiiiiiiitch!" Leon shouted as he was suddenly swept up by the whirlwind and spun around rapidly. With a dull thud he landed face first in the sand. "LAND!" He shouted, muffled by the sand, he got up and brushed himself off, the note that he had received from Joe jutting out from the sand not far from him. "Who said that I didn't look away?" He asked crossing his arms with an amused smile. "And I don't believe that I have to explain a thing to you." He said. "Oh I believe you do you see them." Jeremiah pointed to the enemy army. "They are a few hours away from killing every soul in Pia, I can stop them, but only if Shari is asleep." Jeremiah gave him a very, very stern look. "So, whatever signal you need to give for the deed to be done you'd better do it,or I will require the blood of Pia from you and Joes head. I can not act until it is done. So either do it, or join me in watching the blood of the innocent run free." Jeremiah looked back at the army with venomous hatred. "Do not deny me my judgment." "...And how do I know that anything that you say is the truth?" Leon asked, his usual carefree and deviant demeanor lost, he crossed his arms. "For all I know you could just be an enemy spy that just wants Shari, you haven't shown an ounce of proof that you are who you say you are, back in the throne room you didn't say a word until Shari had revealed the king for who he truly was. I think that you were waiting for that moment or for Shari to be revealed as a fraud." Leon said, he swung the Eather Cannon in front of him, aiming between Jeremiah's eyes, the chamber glowing a bright burning red. "Then you'd use the trust of the King or Shari to your advantage, the king, he would have been easy to manipulate, you didn't expect Shari to be as stubborn, so you used the member of the group that would be the most useful to you, my brother, the one that has no faith in Bahamut, who was already annoyed with Shari and her unending mercy." He said Leon kept the gun aimed at Jeremiah's head as he continued. "Next I think I can clear up all the inconsistencies of this line of logic, anything that you told us about yourself was a lie, that's simple. The story with Shari was a fabrication, you have this... presence around you, and Shari was also alone for most of her life, so using the correct words and playing on Shari's fantasy, you were able to get her to corroborate your story, you managed to make her own heart and mind trick her. Next, how you knew about Talith and how she killed the last God Speaker before Shari. It's simple, in fact... you were the one that sealed your own coffin, do the words 'Exactly why, are you two always trying to piss off the most powerful beings in all Exzalia? I mean honestly, every single time. It's like you two want to die' ring a bell? Now why in the world would you use these words, we had only known each other for only a matter of hours, did we not? It's simple, because you had been following us, perhaps when we first set out, or when Joe and the others had fought Talith. I have some evidence that might be able to also substantiate this claim, our arrival here, we had made many stops making us waste weeks, but you didn't have to stop for a thing and you were even flying here, you had no obstacles to bar your path, you would have gotten here long before we did, but for some reason, you just happen to arrive the same exact day and hour we do? You were waiting for us!" Leon said. "Might not be as good as my brother but I think I covered all the points... how was it, 'God Speaker' Jeremiah?" He asked tilting his head smiling like a predator that had just cornered his prey, the gun never budging an inch. Jeremiah raised a brow, "do you plan to threaten me with a toy Leon?" and instantly the gun turned to dust, they sky darkened. "I did not follow you, but I have been keeping tabs, my foresight allows me to know many things, Shari has the same ability, but she is too young to know how to use it, she is too young to know how to guide Venshara she is blind." Jeremiah looked back at the army. "I have an answer to everyone of your questions, but not the time for it you, seem to be missing the urgency of our situation. You know Shari will not permit me to destroy this army you have seen her unending mercy, what of the so called lies you claim I told her? what is important is that this army is prevented from reaching Pia! and I would gladly lie in order to stop such a genocide as is about to be committed by these people. SO! Leon, the pressure is not on me to disclose anything, the pressure is on you, the lives of thousands of people, of your father, is riding on this one chance I have to bring judgment down on this army! So choose, it is your choice whether they live or die." Jeremiah face softened a little. "I don't blame you for miss trusting me, but trust my rage, you can trust that I want nothing more then the destruction of this wicked people. Trust that, send the signal, and you will see Pia saved. Or you can not, and watch it burn." "You give me absolutely no evidence, you just took away an object of sentimental value of mine... and you expect me to trust you, just like that, when you could be on their side, that you could just be wanting Shari out of the way so then they can storm Pia, you slowed them down, sure, but, why not have killed them from far away? What could Shari have done from hundreds of miles away in a forest?" Leon asked crossing his arms, his distrust not leaving him. "You shouldn't have pointed it at my face then." Jeremiah spat, "If I could have destroyed them I would have, but Shari also has foresight, she would know I am using my power to kill, whats more she is a GOD SPEAKER! Do you think distance is a hindrance for her? I could be in hell and she still could intervene with my power, she already knows the king is dead as do I,she would certainly know my intention if I used all the power needed to kill this army. And why on earth would I simply want to put Shari to sleep if I were with the enemy army? I would have just killed her by given her poison my self, but that's not my goal. I, just, want judgement. So stop with your false accusations, you have no evidence that I want to harm her at all, and no evidence that I have any loyalty to this invading force. Now...are you and Joe going to let me do my job, or will you argue with me till Pia turns red?" .I hate you." He said, a ball of fire built up in his hand, he suddenly thrust his hand into the air and after it reached high into the air, it exploded, a large dome of fire stayed in the air for a few seconds and then disappeared. Jeremiah, grew an unsettling smile. "Thank you, suppose we should wait a bit for him to do the deed. In the mean time. I'll get ready." He raised his hand, an unbelievable amount of power began to surge within him, he twitched with suspense Leon raised his hand once more and another ball of fire flew from his hand and exploded in the air. "...No questions." He said simply, he turned away. Leon turned to leave, he suddenly felt a massive impact to the back of his head, before he could even figure out what happened, he blacked out, the last thing he saw was a twisted smile, another figure stood beside Jeremiah, his vision faded too fast to get a good look, but it was large, and had wings.
Two Days. Two days before Pia falls. Bibindoe thought as he galloped alongside Shari's Balu while in his were-form. There was no way they could possibly make it in time -even with the speedy progress of the Balu. There had to be a way to get there faster -even with Bibindoe biting the heels of the creatures to stir them into a stampede they still weren't making enough time. I am the last of my clan -i cannot let other people lose their kin like i did! He growled at himself and pushed himself harder, foam gathering at the corners of his mouth and his black fur burning into his back from exertion. Then he glanced at the Balu Shari was riding. He couldn't carry everyone on his back, but the girl was light, and he was faster than any of those silly beasts. He'd even hunted them before to feed his village! "Shari, we can't make it in time at this pace. And you are the only one who has enough power to defeat an army. I think it might be better if you got on my back and i ran ahead so that we both get there to hold them off until the others catch up. The difference will be but just an hour or two, but it will be the difference of life or death!" Bibindoe panted, coming alongside the God Speaker's Balu so she could hear him over the creature's labored grunts and pounding feet.
Ishmael felt tears swell up as her arms were wrapped around him. "Where's father? Then her question smashed into his chest and felt a little winded. "Sister." He muttered turning away from her gaze. "You may want to sit down." He suggested
She sat down, but it didn't make her feel any calmer. "What happened? Is he? did you?" She was glaring at him now.
The Detective's Plan I walked out of the alley, making sure not to step in any of the blood. I walked to the palace in silence weaving through the people, I was stopped by the guards before I could walk inside though. "Hey, lemme in, I want to see the king, I request an audience." I said, I crossed my arms annoyed. "Whatever kid, you're not getting in, just go off and cry to mommy and daddy." The guard said condescendingly. "You're lucky that I can control my anger, if I didn't, then I'd turn you into nothing more than a bloody crater." I said glaring at the guard. "Whatever kid." He said, he waved me off and I sighed exasperatedly and walked off, I walked around the palace and saw a window that led to the throne room. "Got it." I thought smirking, I began calculating the difference in height and distance from me. "...New variable set." I mumbled, the area between the window and myself began to disappear, the window coming toward me, I took a step forward and I landed on my feet on the ground in front of the window with a light thud. "Oh Joestar." Samael said in the mage's mind as Ishmael and his sister talked. "I figured you'd departed with the sheep." I didn't seem surprised. "Hm... probably should have thought this out better." I mumbled, I sat down on the edge of the windowsill. "I did leave, but I came back early to do some testing and ask the new king for a favor, but of course I actually need your help, interesting in listening?" I asked calmly. "I suppose I wouldn't mind." Samael replied "As you can see family is visiting my host. Though if you do help you'll be in debt." "If I help you or if you help me?" I asked tilting my head, he hadn't been too clear on that point. Joe could feel Samael roll his eyes, "If I help you, you help us." "Alright, if you help me I'll help you, a simple trade, first I need to know about your limitations, how far can you travel from Ishmael or how far can you communicate with someone?" I asked. "I can communicate as far as I can please." The Fallen replied. "Just requires some focus and of course I need to know who I'm attempting to contact. As for, travel ten to twenty feet at the most unless of course I detached myself from my host but that may not end so well." "Then I need you to be my eyes and ears, I need you to watch for Jeremiah, Leon, and the army, if he does something to Leon, communicate it to me, if he leads the army to Pia, I need you to communicate it to me, if the army breaches the walls and Jeremiah is unsuccessful, again communicate it to me, I need to be able to wake up Shari as soon as possible." I said. "For this, I owe you a favor which I cannot refuse unless it goes completely against my ethical code or it is something that I cannot do, other than that, the sky's the limits." I said. "You have yourself my eyes mage." Samael said. "But remember I will be collecting on our debt in the future." "You, my dear fallen, have a deal." I said smiling, with that, I departed from the palace. Over the course of the next few days, I had collected ingredients for the potion, but also made my own concoction, testing it out on poor unsuspecting people with Shari's body type, when I finally just assumed that they weren't coming, I decided to meet them on the way to Crystal Dust, after all Shari will want to carry out a rescue mission for her parents, so I used a mixture of my Angel of Death spell and my ability to alter physics for myself, I managed to catch up to them relatively quickly. "Thanks a lot guys." I said simply. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Joe's decision The group was almost at crystal Dust, they simply needed to get through the maze of rocks before them, like jagged spires they rose in the air stretching for miles. The sun was hot and the maze or rock seemed to trap the heat making it even hotter, to there relief a pool of water was found by Bibindoe in the middle of their trek. I had been watching the skies the whole time, staying behind everyone, I touched the vials hidden within my pocket. "Alright... Leon, don't fail me now, otherwise when I find you and if you're still alive... You're losing your favorite appendage..." I thought, that's when I saw it, the dome of fire in the sky, I watched for a while longer and saw the second one. "I see... well... at least I won't be blind and deaf to the situation there." I thought, thinking about all my carefully placed pieces in this little game. I pulled out one of the vials. "Alright, time for a little nap, alright Shari?" I thought quietly, I pulled out my canteen and slipped the potion inside while no one was watching, I walked over to Shari. "Hey Shari, are you thirsty?" I asked, I held out the canteen, I hoped that she wouldn't be suspicious, I may be cynical and have a high opposition to her god, but I hoped she still knew that I viewed her as a kind person, hard headed and stubborn, but still a kind person. She was staring at him, how much her forsight actually told her was hard to know, it was clear from the moment he returned that something about him troubled Shari, but what, and why? It wasn't there before, in fact she had quiet liked him before, he stood up for her infront of the king, she saved his life on Cloud gate mountain. Why should they be enemies now? She took the water, and savored the water, it was indeed hot, the liquid felt nice cooling her dry throat. "Thank you." They continued to travel in an awkward silence. Shari pointed to a large sand doom that peared through the jagged rocks, just over that mountain of sand is my home town, at night the moon makes the sand here look like crystals, hence the name. It's a wonderful little place but isolated, I'm sure there will be much excitement when they see me returning with all these strangers, and a heretic."Shari chuckled at her little tease, a soft yawn escaped her. "Hahaha... I bet that they'll just love having heretics coming into their domain, I expect them to go the whole five miles, I'm talking about stoning, stocks, getting rotten food thrown at me, and then for the grand finale a great big stake to burn me at." I said, I laughed, my expression softened a bit when she yawned, I knew that the potion would start affecting her soon. "...Shari, when you wake up... I really hope you'll forgive me, I promise that the second it's over or if my theory is correct, I'll wake you up, you have my promise on that, but for now this is the best course of action, so, please don't be angry with me, alright?" I asked quietly, the potion I gave her was something of my own creation, something very powerful, but of course I created something else that would wake someone up from it, it was all perfectly harmless, I've used it on my father a bunch of times, and a few people that I didn't like and wanted to mess up their days, I knew how much to use for Shari's body so then it wasn't lethal, I actually accidentally put a Balu into a very deep sleep that it didn't wake up from. In my defense, I didn't know that I needed to account people's and animal's different body mass, but since that day it worked perfectly, I accounted Shari's body mass perfectly and even tested it out on a few people with Shari's same mass, they were perfectly fine after I gave them the second potion, which took effect after about five minutes. "Ha, ha, no no, it will be much worse then that,you will receive the most horrid punishment of all time! Preaching from my mother, oh if you think I'm bad." She laughed, it was a weird sort bubbly laugh, as if it was rusty from lack of use caught unprepared. "But, what ever do you mean when I wake up? It's..mid...day."She slumped to the side, then suddenly fell. I quickly caught her before she hit the ground. "Sorry... but this is for the best, and if not... only five minutes, that's all we'll need." I muttered.
Zafara the terrible, returns! “Why thank you Bibindoe, that does sound like a good idea, but are you sure you can handle my weight? I know I’m not very heavy but it’s an awfully long ride.” She patted him on his head endearingly. Bibindoe was about to reassure her of his strength when Joe came up beside her and the two began to speak friendly to one another. Then suddenly to everyone surprise, Shari collapsed. “What’s wrong with her?” Hiddan said walking up to her? He felt her pulse, it was low but still going, he shook her head. "Damn she must be tired all to hell. All right we will take turns carrying her, Crystal dust ins’t too far away now.” A shadow flashed below them, so quick Hiddan barely noticed. Only a frightened scream from Ally turned his attention, she was pointing above them, he looked up. The beast dive bombed them, smiling greedily, it’s speed so great by the time Hiddan reached his sword it was upon them, so quick that they could barely see it’s face, Hiddan jumped for it, but it ignored him passing over, heading straight for Joe. “Joe look out!” The thought formed, but it didn't escape his mouth before Joe and Shari where launched by a sudden blast of energy. Shari’s small body hit the sand and slid a meter away, but the girl didn’t wake up, not even as the jaws of the large beast closed in around her, it’s eye’s savoring it’s moment of victory. It looked their way a demented smirk spread wide. “Zafara, no, no!” The sphinx scooped up the helpless prophet in her mouth, her fur a brilliant blue, her eye’s shining full of malice and satisfaction, Zafar the terrible, Zafara the ruthless had returned, and the God speaker was now lying helpless in her jaws. With a mighty flap of her wings she began to ascend. Her voice echoed in their heads. Thank you all for retrieving the God speaker for me, especially you Joe, you were, instrumental. I will enjoy slowly crushing this nuisance in my jaws, toying with her like the rat that she is, then I, will, be, worshiped!” She then laughed rising higher into the air, as she began to fade the harsh sun seemed to die, the sky darkened and the clouds gathered as if mourning some loss. Zafara was heading straight for Pia, this was doubly tragic, what horrors did she plan? how long had she been tracking them? How did she know when to attack? Why was she thanking Joe!? "We have to hurry!" Hiddan dashed forward!
"Shari!" Aly yelled as Zafara took into the air with the only hope she had for saving her father. "Narth, take this! Don't lose it." She ordered shoving her sword into Narth's arms. It was small and light to a human. But as a Fairy, the weight would slow her down and cost her precious energy. Alavina took too the air, her green wings beating so quickly they were nearly invisible. She didn't try to catch up. She knew there was no way she could battle such a creature on her own. Her main goal was to follow the Sphinx and make sure she didn't lose sight of Zafara. For how could they save Shari if they couldn't find her.
"SHARI!" Bibindoe howled in alarm, leaping for the sphinx but wasn't fast enough. Roaring in anger, he dug huge claws into the sand and tore up the ground, knowing it was useless. Then he sniffed. Something wasn't right. Something smelled off. Taking in a deep breath, Bibindoe's whole body tensed up when he turned to face Joe. Potion. A sleeping potion. He didn't even consciously free the Fallen within him. Zebbenon held the same rage and wanted to dish out pain. But first, they both wanted to know why. Giggling like a child, Bibindoe rose up onto his hind-legs, one blood-red eye changing to blazing yellow as his muzzle curled in a sadistic grin. "Heeheehee... Better start talking fast, pup, or I'll shred ye! My Host ain't feeling too kind now that you let her end up in the jaws of the sphinx, an' neither am I!" Zebbenon's voice grated out from Bibindoe's throat, and the werewolf towered over Joe, a huge, black monster with dripping fangs and claws.
"I see your sister had arrived..." said White Kyra as a response to the princess's entrance. "It is not of my desire, neither interest to be part of familiar reunion. I'll depart now Izzy, we'll meet later" continued while walking toward Izzy's sister. It lowered its stance and delicately grabbed the girl's hand while kissing it. "A pleasure to meet you lady, I'm one of Izzy's friends at your service..." and then it turned around leaving the throne room. While no one noticed it, not even the guards, a grin formed on its face. Bud of Althea, such a convenient artifact... Unknown to the touch and small enough to not be noticed, now implanted into the princess's hand it will quickly move next to her heart and without the knowledge of its host it will wait 'till I give the order to grow and appropiate of its host's life. And then the White Monster abandoned the palace, it caught the presence of someone else, a familiar presence but for now couldn't identify its identity.
I landed a few meters away, my body slamming into a sharp rock, it dug into my flesh, I could feel something wet running down my back and staining my robe, blood, I got up. "She's not getting away from me." I said, I began running only to be stopped by Bibindoe, I glared up at him, not afraid of the prospect of death, only afraid of Shari dying from my mistake. "Out of my way fool, I'm the only one who can wake her up, Jeremiah enlisted my services, but I didn't trust him with the potion he wanted me to make so I made my own, along with an antidote to wake her up at a moment's notice, Leon's probably in trouble too, now get out of my way or I'll end you before Jeremiah is able to end everyone, I have a plan, but you need to trust me, I would never harm Shari intentionally, I took as many precautions and countermeasures as I possibly could in the likely event that Jeremiah was an evil prick." I said quickly, I quickly darted around the werewolf. "The circle of life begins and ends, I am an angel and the Harbinger of Death!" I shouted, large black and white glowing wings spread out from my back and I quickly sprung into the air, flying quickly after Aly and the sphinx.
Vs the Oracles Zafar looked behind her and smiled. Joe flew towards her, Aly close behind but from the sky three streaks of blue fell. one tackled Joe, the other flew for Aly shooting a large lightning bolt, the third dropped in front of Bibindoe stopping him with a powerful spell shield. The group was stopped in their tracks, three oracles rose up before them, all like the last one, their eye's soulless, wielding glowing blades that pulsed an iridescent blue. They rose in the air and weaved a massive spell shield trapping the group inside with them. "Our master has waited too long for this moment to have you interfere." One said. "this is where she will ascend, she will gain the power of the God speaker." the second added. "And with that power she will rule Venshara." The third ended. Then in unison they unsheathed their blades. "And as thanks for making this possible, she has ordered us to give you all a quick death!" They all weaved, lightning shot between the three of them making a string of deadly lightning, "All hail Zafara!" The lightning shot forth! A trap! Zafara had lead them into the waiting spell of three powerful Oracles, Hiddan leapt out of the way lighting just missing him, the sphinx slowly disappearing. She had planned this well, too well. "No mercy, kill the oracles, we have to do it before we loose her!"
When the others hit the ground, Tsubael tossed aside her sack of supplies and drew her scythe. She tried to hook the deadly sphinx as Zafara swooped down upon them, but missed her by an inch. Within seconds, Zafara had snatched up Shari in her jaws and took to the sky once more, headed for Pia. What is this feeling? Tsubael thought as her hand gripped the scythe’s handle so tightly she felt as if she might crush it. Is this anger? Is this rage? Truth is, she knew damn well what it was and exactly what to do with it: kill Zafara. Kill the damned sphinx. Mutilate her. Slaughter her. Eviscerate, mangle, ravage, and exsanguinate her. She dug deep into her vocabulary databanks to conjure that one up. The blue glow in her eyes turned red as she ran after the flying beast, covering the ground far faster than a 300-pound lump of metal should, but was stopped in her tracks when the three oracles appeared before them and surrounded the group in a shield of eather. Hiddan narrowly dodged the bolt of lightning. Tsubael was right behind him and took the brunt of the attack. She stared in wonder as the sizzling bolts crackled across her metal shell. “Lightning?” Tsubael said, even as her clothing began to smolder and caught fire. “Lightning? This one thinks scoffs at your lightning. This one will build a path to your master, with your corpses as stepping stones, because you have pissed this one off. ” She flipped her scythe around, like a magical staff and sent the bolts of lightning flying back at the oracles, twice as powerful as before.
A large orange shield appeared around me, protecting me from the lightning, I watched as it arced around the shield and then flew off in a random directions. "Fools, we've grown much stronger since our last encount I'll make bloody craters out of your bodies!" I said grinning, the shield disappeared and flew up into the air and fired two Althea and two Nox beams of energy at them as I flew around them, arcing around objects, attempting to connect with at least one of the three oracles.
Bibindoe screamed in rage as a bolt struck him square in the chest, but it did little more than send him sliding back several feet. Looking down at his chest, the werewolf grinned. "Heeheehee! The God Speaker's Lightning stung more than these petty bolts-z-z-z-" suddenly the animal doubled over, and the mask slid into place over his head, the ring having glowed blindingly bright before transforming into the Voice of Lost Souls. His laughter grew more demented, more twisted as power flooded his veins, the Fallen within longing to feel the touch of Nox magic. The song that was Death Keen was to begin. "Hehehe... ehehe... heh....Harooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!"
Tusbeal threw back the lightning, it arched crashing into the first Oracle knocking her into her own spell shield, it knocked the wind out of her. Switching tactics the second oracle, weaved adra and merc and cast a different attack at Tusbeal, this time a wave of frozen energy! The last Oracle cast Prism barrier around all three, Joes’s two nox beams took out the prism, shattering the spell into dust, his althea attacks, struck the third Oracle. By now the first recovered from Tusbeals attack, using her speed she flew right at Joe and slash down ward with her staff, the tip of the staff connected with his chest and a blast of Adra eather sent him crashing to the ground. In the midst of the battle a terrible howl shattered their ears, the three Oracles sensing the power of the attack wasted no time sending three massive lightning bolts at the wolf creature, one hit! Binidoe managed to evade the next, the third skimmed him. It was too late, they found them selfs unable to move from the spells paralyzing effects, quickly the first began to weave cleansing waters, a disenchanting spell that healed such ailments.
