Chaotic Life, story of our generation!! Or...

[Hatred]

Hello all. I've been writting this story for who knows how long. I've procrastinated an incredible amount of time (ask black, he'll tell ya when he first read it. That is if he can remember! ). But anywho, I'll be posting a chapter on wed. and sat. for the board. Read it if you'd like. I hope you enjoy it.

Ch. 1: First Blood

On the world called Gaea, there are several folk tales that circulate. Some to scare their children to be good, others to teach the lessons learned from old times. Despite their cause these stories are handed down from generation to generation in hopes of inspiring as well as entertaining. One of these stories tells the tale of the begining, the end and the birth of their world.

In the begining, there were the three that waged a pretenatural war. Three beings of absolute power personifying the very strengths of life and death. While two existed harmonously the third existed to end existance. It moved from world to world like a plauge and relished the destruction it brought. It sought more playthings just to break them and went by no name save for the screams his prey emmitted. The other two, disgusted by this creatures unrelenting rampage, took it upon themselves to create a bastion of life and goodness. This fortress alone was blasphemy in the eyes of the dark creature and was a powerful beacon to the two. These entities unanimously chose this world to be the battlefield to end their strife.

The two creators, the entity personifying Hope and the entity personifying Love, each chose to appear as differing sexes. Their symbol of unity and defiance upset the dark creature immensely, and he found some consolidation in bringing absolute despair to the world as he descended upon it. His very presence transmuted and destroyed the life upon the world, and in its wake made a significant mark on the races and their evolution. But this alone would not suffice, he wanted not only their lives but also that of those who insulted him.

Not much is known of the fight itself, only that it was Love that was struck down first. The dark creature, mocking Hope, cast aside the body of the sublime female where it laid at the feet of Hope. He in turn showed nothing but remorse and honored his fallen comrade by using her dying force to create ethereal shackles on the dark creature. Shocked and bewildered, the dark creature struck down Hope and thought himself to be victorious. However, it was Hope's intention to be struck down and he used his waning power to fuse the purity of Love and Hope into The Shackles and forever encased the creature into the once pure world. Enfuriated, the creature let out a devastating roar that shook the entire planet. Despite the good will and power that went into his sealing, the power emitted scarred the beautiful world and made a huge gash along its side.

With this conflict swiftly ending, the world was left alone to live as time would allow. The battle leaving long lasting effects that would seperate the life on the world into distinct civilizations. Humans, Elves, Spirits and Demons are seperated into their regions. Most slowly forgetting the battle they were a part of, the battle they had no chance of influencing, the battle that changed them.

Through history they would fight amongst each other, over time they would come to hate each other, but only destiny will show them the error of their ways...

[Hatred]

Ch. 2: In the Eye of the Storm

Humans:

Humans, a lively bunch that isolate themselves from the world. These beings rely on their ingenuity more so than their innate powers. Their civilization has flourished by their willpower and spirit, parading about the world as conquerors and leaders to further their evolution. But as all things there is a need for control, a need for power. The armies of this race are many but there are several that distinguish themselves among the strong. Three humans are brought to the front lines more often than naught, and have made a name for themselves even among the enemy.

Feyor Grid, a charismatic leader who has never failed in battle. He bears the insignia of his family, the griffin and dragon, on his red plate mail that is decorated with black obsidian trims. He is most noted to be the sole wielder of the great sword, the Aether Rift Blade, said to be able to cut through reality itself. Though greatly exaggerated, there is some truth to his skill and his weapons. His speed knows no limits and his cold and confident nature leaves the foe with chills. He acts like the loner of the three, uncaring of whether or not they are around him, but that is only on the surface.

Vic-en Dor, a huge man of great power and fortitude. He dons the Thanatos, a huge axe that would crush even ogres. His huge size is matched by this great weapon, and both stand out on the field with their spiked full mail and outlandish yellow and black stripped full mail. He is the muscle among the three generals, and also the softest. He is truly reliable and unflinching in the eye of his foe.

Geis Wither, a beautiful and slender woman that yields magic to challenge even the strongest of elves. She is the true epitome of woman, strong yet gentle, an ideal leader with a soft side. She wears the traditional warrior mage garments that stand out amongst the grunts that she commands. The white cloth reinforced with metal protection around her upper body, she wields a powerful staff with no name that has the distinguishing mark of a phoenix claw holding a marvelous green gem on the staff's head.

These three, impressive on their own, are sent out as one. Once again together, they converse in the middle of their camp atop a large hill overlooking a huge forest. Their mission: scout out for natural resources at the border of the elven and human regions. The success of this mission would mean ensured resources for the people in the entire country.

Geis walked over to the small table. She looked over the large map with keen interest in the layout and their position. Though deep in thought, she immediately sensed the approach of another in the shadows behind her. Her eyes slowly moved to the corner of her eye and smiled at the figure.

"Dor, you big lug. How long are you going to stand there without giving me a hug?"
"Heh, always the astute one Geis? Good to see you again."

The two friends exchanged pleasantries and slowly separated as they both took notice of the third.

"Don't let me interrupt. I'm just here to fight."

Geis rolled her eyes at the stinging seriousness that was Grid. She smiled warmly and walked back to the table and pointed at the forest with her staff.

"We're in a good position here. We have the position and the resources should there be trouble. Previous attempts to scout the area have led to the loss of said scouts so we can safely assume that-"

Dor walked up to the map and interrupted rather quickly.

"Elves right? Blasted creatures are so damn zealous over small things like forests and such..."
"Dor! How rude! They're just very loving of this land..."
"A bit too loving if you ask me. Willing to take life to protect plants? Really quite ridiculous if you ask me."

Grid chuckled a bit as Geis glared lightly at Dor who stared off emptily at the map.

"I think its time we made preparations for battle. We've been here some time, they must have already gotten quite a bit of recon on our location and resources. An attack is immanent."

The other two nodded and made their plans to gather what they need from the savages...

Elves:

Four eyes, two bodies, one mind. Two camouflaged figures glare from the trees of their beloved forest at the outpost made by the humans. They had taken care of the weak scouts and had done their own reconnaissance on the humans and found them lacking. These two elves were particularly strong, even among their scholars and tacticians. Brother and sister, they were a force to reckon with when they combined their efforts.

Aeon Tir, a cold and calculating man with the cunning to overtake legions alone. His power is focused on the mastering of the Paradox Force, a combination of opposing elements to empower the spells rather than weaken. He molds the mana of his world to command over Fire and Ice.

Aeon Vex, a lean and equally cold woman. She too wields the Paradox Force and uses the combination of Earth and Wind. Unlike her brother though she can be somewhat gentle and comforting when the occasion calls for it. She too disliked the humans for their reckless destruction of mother earth.

As twins are prone to, they had a powerful telepathic bond that allowed for their communication without words.

Sister, do you see them?
Of course I do brother. They seem to be doing relatively nothing these days.
It’s merely a ruse. They are planning to take the forest no doubt. We have taken enough time as is, we must strike soon.
Yes...I'll gather the creatures. You keep an eye out on the postmen and alert me of any movements.

One nod and she started off. The lone male listening and glaring intensely from his haven and the independent woman gathering their friends for the protection of their home prepared to chase off these barbarians…

[Hatred]

Ch. 3: Pandemonium, stage one

Elves:

Aeon Tir kept a watchful gaze on the soon to be frontline. His emerald eyes moving slowly across the forests' edge, he took quick notice of all the advantages the humans would have over them.

Sister, this will be a bit more difficult for these creatures. It's going to be an uphill battle.
Yes, it would appear so. I'll recruit the faster ones to be the forerunners and the larger ones to take out their buildings.
No you misunderstand. It appears we might have to take part in the fight as well.
You really thinkg these humans will pose a threat?
I have no doubt they sent their very best. This is the bordering land between our lands and the humans. But that alone doesn't make it the attractive morsel these humans have come for.
Oh, you speak of the source of this land? I did sense that this forest had its resources connected to that land...
Yes. Eden's End. That horrid wasteland has immeasurable amounts of mana and resources, but the creatures that inhabit it make-
Hello~? Who do you think you're talking to? I know very well that the land is nigh impossible to harvest safely. Let's just protect this forest as commanded by the High Council.
Very well.

The two elves jumped from tree to tree to the forest's edge. They looked at the small army they had gathered ranging from small predators such as tigers, wolves and serpents to larger creatures of great power. They each nodded to each other mentally as they started to focus. Aeon Tir was the first to break the silence.

"For Gaea! Atta~ck!!"

Humans and Elves:

"Sound the alarm! We're under attack!"

Grid, Geis and Dor all rushed out of their small hut to take measure of the situation. Though they had time to prepare, what they saw caught them all off guard.

"Grid, Dor, you seeing this?"

The larger man scoffed at the question.

"Naturally. It seems those zealots have brought with them their pets."

Grid looked on silently as he watched the outer perimeter being attacked by all manner of creatures. He looked to Geis who nodded approvingly. The order was sent out, they would fall back for the moment and solidify their defenses along the sides to funnel the foe into an uphill path. In time they would see that the animals followed according to plan, and despite the calm demeanor of her compatriots Geis felt pity for the mindless creatures.

"I really didn't want to do it now...to them-"
"Yea. It's a shame those cowards couldn't just come out themselves. We're going to have to waste a good defense on these creatures."

Another order was relayed and the boulders were released from the top of the hill. The huge rocks trampled some of the poor creatures and continued to rush down the hill like juggernauts. The three looked on confidently until something caught their eyes and sunk their hopes. Geis only gasped while the two men stepped up with keen interest.

"Holy crap...where'd they find that?!"

Grid shrugged but enjoyed seeing them nonetheless.

"Wyverns are a rarity in forests but they do live in them. We should be grateful for a challenge even if it is only one."

Down by the forest's edge a large monstrosity loomed over the its fallen comrades and crushed the boulders with each step. It wasn't as large as a dragon but it was large enough to be a danger. From above the creature seemed smaller than it was, which encouraged the two men to draw their weapons. They both looked at each other with a fire in their eyes.

"Just like old times eh?"
"Just don't get left behind ok?"
"Heh, fine. I won't hold back. Let's have at it then!"

Off they ran towards the large beast, their powerful strides lifting up clods of dirt and rock as they ran at high speeds. The very sight of their generals raised morale and the entire human force rushed in with great fevor. While the humans attempted to handle the smaller creatures, Grid and Dor would make eye contact with the wyvern and challenge it outright.

Grid was the first to arrive with his smaller build and greater speed. The wyvern let out a tremendous roar and swooped down with his right foot to smash the small man. He easily dodged it and slashed at the wyvern's leg repeatedly, forcing the creature to lash out in pain. The tail of the creature caught Grid off guard and he was knocked back up the hill some ways. The wyvern growled as it lunged with its gaping jaws ready to snatch up the morsel when Dor came up from behind and uppercut it with his giant axe. The hard bone met with steel and found each other a match. Dor recoiled as the wyvern's head bounced away. Furious, it lashed out several times with all its appendages and missed every one of them. Equally agile, it dodged most attacks by the smaller creatures.


Those two are quite powerful...
to take on a wyvern. Even if it is a lesser dragon it still poses a great threat. It should be losing its temper right about-

The elvaan thoughts were interrupted by a huge roar. Grid and Dor both stopped in their tracks as they took notice of the glowing eyes and the smoke coming from the nostrils.

"Dor, careful! It's gonna blow!"
"I see it! Move!"

The creature let out a torrent of flame that scorced the earth into a goo that solidified into a glassy coat. The two men jumped to the side as the flames approached and narrowly avoided being roasted. Seeing this enraged the creature more, and it took another breath to attack once again. Taking no chances the two men charged in from different directions and confused the beast. Seeing their opportunity they struck the beast in the chest, causing it to falter and fall back down the hill after the immense destruction it had caused.

Not good. Shall I take this dear sister?
By all means brother. Go ahead.

The elf walked out of the shadows with his arms crossed on his chest. He smirked lightly as the wyvern tumbled down beside him.

"Not too bad...but we cannot allow you to abuse our Great Mother!"

He began to make several incantations as he let out his arms to point at his foe.

"Father of fire, I beseech thee. Create anew by burning asunder! Magma Overlay!"

Runic symbols appeared at his feet which shot out some distance away from him. Once stopped, they dug deep into the earth and out of those holes shot a river of magma. Once confident, now shocked, the two men darted up the hill back towards the safety of their buildings. Geis on the other had had been rushing towards the middle of the hill to reach her friends. Panic stricken, she brought out her stave and slammed it down on the ground as she made her own incantations.

"Heavenly father...bring out the desire, the path to salvation and protection!"

From the stave shot out a barrier that grew with each passing second. Similarly, the river of magma also ran up the hill with great ferocity, as if possessed with the desire to kill. The two men felt the great heat and were sweating buckets now. Looking at each other, they could feel their feet dig up earth as they ran at full speed up the hill. Eventually the heat was too much and they jumped for safety only to feel the heat reach its apex and a thunderous crash.

Both men looked behind them to see the lava crashing upon a barrier. It felt as if they were at the beach in hell, but they knew they were safe for the moment. Geis, a good distance away, tried to scream her head off at the foolish men who thought the barrier would last. Already showing signs of fatigue, she urged them on with a worried look which they eventually caught. They glanced at each other and once again stood grimacing the continuous run up with the short time they were given.

"One more time eh?"
"Go for broke...*sigh*"

[Hatred]

Ch. 4 Pandemonium, stage two
Humans, Elves, Spirits:

"One more time eh?"
"Go for broke...*sigh*"

The two slowly got to their feet, dusting off any rubble on them. When they turned their sights to the barrier that shielded them they couldnt' help but curse under their breath.

"Oh for the love of-"
"Nice barrier Geis!"

Grid, usually very calm, now sprinted at the drop of a hat. His comrade, Dor, did so with equal fevor and was with him without even so much as a word. Their only thoughts were on gauging the barriers life by the sounds it made with the waves of lava. The thunderous collissions gave way to surges of electricity, a bad sign for them. A short moment had passed when they suddenly heard a loud break accompanied by the rushing fire.

Geis could only look on in horror as her barrier gave way. Quickly, she picked up the stave and laid it on the ground. A series of spells came to mind but she quickly discarded them as fast as they came in. Panick stricken, she used the last spell that she thought she'd have to use.

"Garuda, bring forth the healing wind! Salving grace in the form of trasnparent armor! Wind of the Curaga!"

A strong gust shot down the hill. It covered all her allies in a thick armor of wind that soothed as it protected. For a small degree of safety she used up most of her magic. Geis fell to her knees and started to recover her power as she looked pleadingly at her friends to hasten their retreat. The two men, both sweating profusely despite the cooling magic around them, ran like madmen. Each step being shortened by the fast approaching hands of fire that lashed out at them. Inch by inch the burning stuff approached and made one last lunge for them...

Grid and Dor both leapt at that instant and landed several feet from Geis. The three had their eyes closed and held their breath for a few seconds. In time they slowly opened their eyes to see each other and had a small private laugh. They looked down at the receeding lava, which had already burnt through the majority of their outpost. The two generals were out of breath but the woman had an opinion to voice.

"Goddamn! Those damn elves are crazy! They could've burnt down their forest with that!"

A voice shot out from the waves of ember. A male elvan voice.

"Hardly. My sister had the innocent protected."

A large rock barrier had covered the borders of the forest. From those walls came the two elves. Each with their distinct war paint on their faces, it was clear to even other races that they were twins.

"You humans really don't know no bounds do you? Seeking to kill off this land for its resources...and for what?"

Aeon Vex nodded approvingly as she crossed her arms over her chest. She moved up to give her thoughts a voice.

"Nothing more than brutes! Leave our lands or stay as a part of them, as a grave there is no better place!"

Geis had to walk over to her comrades and hold them back after being so insulted, using her stave to push them back she moved up as their representative.

"Innocents? Bounds? You're the ones to talk! You've destroyed more than your share of innocents in this battle alone! No one has done harm to your lands. We only seek to provide for those that need it, countless families, our future depends on it!"

Aeon Tir scoffed.

"The future of parasites is always bleak."

Geis took insult to this as well.

"Why you-"

Her retort was interrupted by a short earthquake. The humans thought it was the elves' doing, while the elves thought it was a new human weapon. They were soon shocked to find out the true source was right in between the two. In the molten remains of the their buffer zone came a ghostly hand. It rose from the black rock as a large and bulky spirit. An imposing man with a pristine face, human-like torso and arms, claw like hands and legs that faded into an ever present cloud of ethereal smoke (no feet). The man opened his eyes to reveal the two ever changing colors within, an empty and cold set of eyes.

"You idiots dare!?"

The two sides couldn't help but be intruiged by this new sudden emergence.

"You dare fight on these grounds!? So close to the great scar that is Eden's End?!"

Geis was curious as to who the hell this was, but Aeon Tir was the only one who knew. He stepped up and brought up his staff to ready some sort of attack. The spirit in turn snapped his fingers, resulting in more quakes and several squadren's worth of lesser spirits to arise from the ground.

"You dare oppose the King of Spirits? You dare try and force your will upon Kokuo of Pandemonium?!"

Everyone took a step backwards...

[Hatred]

Ch. 5 Chaos and the Swordsman
Humans, Elves and Spirits:

Kokuo floated there for a moment. He looked over the two would be 'forces' and chuckled at their numbers. The humans had lost most of their numbers in the wave of magic the elves had used and the animals the elves were using were butchered by both the humans and their own powers. His numbers were vastly outnumbering them and he couldn't help but enjoy the situation.

"You children should leave. Now."

The three human generals looked down upon the ravaged land where the spirit floated. They each took a deep breath and knew they had come neither to die nor to lose. Grid took the first stand as he walked forward with confidence that seemed to intimidate the lesser spirits.

"We have no intentions of retreating. There is nothing better than to hear my blade cut through my foes, even if they have no corporeal form. Though we may die a mortal death are you really willing to lead these creatures to an immortal one?"

Kokuo' smile gave way to a stern face. This human knew very well how spirits live and die. Already dead, they lived on borrowed time and as such if they should fall again in battle they would cease to exist in any way, shape or form. It was the end of the line for the spirits, who lived not an undead life, but a ghostly one. After a moment the elves took their stand as well.

"This is no place for one such as you spirit!"
"Take your leave from this land. It is closes to our borders and as such falls under our jurisdiction."
"Well said brother. Even if we fight near Eden's End, there's no reason to think the creatures therein will take notice and come out this far out."

Kokuo' aura became more violent. It suddenly picked up in force and made him even more intimidating.

"You idiots don't realize...well too bad! It's my call and you all need to fight or flee! Attack!"

The spirits under his command nodded in unison and charged like an ethereal wave. They moved over boulders and rubble like water and raised their weapons and arms in an almost berserker like motion as they met with the elven and human forces.

While Geis protected her friends, the two warriors took to slicing and smashing whatever got in their way. Though outnumbered, they proved they were worth a thousand when it came to battle and fended off the impending doom that rushed at them. Metal cut through air and met with a viscous material that soon gave way to screams and momentary retreats.

Tir and Vex both used light magic spells to burn and crush the coming spirits. They, unlike the humans, didn't hold back and went for the kill. This caught the attention of Kokuo who was appalled and infuriated at the same time. An hour or so of fighting and he couldn't take it anymore, he called back his troops and sent them back home while they still could.

"Disgusting...if this is how you want it then so be it. You elves pride yourself on the use of magic...but you don't even know the most potent kind!"

What? He must be bluffing...
Agreed. There is no magic hidden from us by The Great Mother. Let's just blast him now.
Wait..d-do you feel that?

While the elven twins spoke through their minds, Geis looked on curiously. She thought she had studied a vast amount of magic in her time alive and a new one only intrigued her more. She would soon regret that decision. Kokuo had already gathered his power to make the spell complete.

"Forgotten lore and immoral spite,
Come through with justly might,
Shine through the darkness with the light of day,
Come to me! Knight of the Lost Blade! Odin!!"

A series of runes appeared around Kokuo, surrounding him in a dome of symbols that began to spiral menacingly. Each symbol carried with it a bit of elemental magic and soon annihilated each other to make a neutral type that focused in the center of the dome. When it reached critical mass it exploded and blinded the area with unearthly light. When they could finally see they found a huge figure, towering enough to match the largest of giants. The knight held an extremely intimidating sword that seemed to cut the air even as it stood still. The knight opened his eyes and revealed immortal wisdom that comes from extended life. He looked about and finally looked down to Kokuo who only pointed to the humans and then teh elves.

"Enjoy yourself Odin."

Geis' eyes widened in shock. This was a force she had never seen before, which meant either the spirits had just learned it or they had been holding back all this time. Grid and Dor both inched forward, anxious to fight such a creature.

"Boy he's a big one eh Grid?"
"All the more to hack away at. Let's go!"

The two generals rushed in while the looming Odin looked down disdainfully at them. Grid arrived first and leaped at the giant as he made a powerful swing with his great sword. Odin met the swing with what appeared to be a playful slap with his with enough force to parry and send Grid flying backwards. He landed carefully enough, but his pride was what hurt the most. Dor made it to the giant next and made a spinning slash at the creature's heel. Odin took notice at the last second and jumped up a good fifty feet to slam down on him. Dor realized his mistake and made a break back to safety only to be launched by the force of his landing.

"Goddamn he's a big one!"

The elven twins looked on a bit shocked.

That's no normal magic.
No normal spell will take care of that! It's far too powerful!
Ok then, its agreed.

The two elfs made their way to the tallest tree and gathered their own magic. The male concentrated on memories of his race, the fire of their pride and coldness of their spirit. The female recalled their land, the beauty of the earth and the caress of the sky.

"Freeze until it burns!"
"Crush until it cuts!"
(both)"Tetra Catastrophe!"

The spell created an immense effect. Wind picked up, the sky grew dark, the earth grew cold. Even Odin took pause to take measure of this new event. Fire shot from the ground and took with it large boulders. Ice manifested in the air as the wind cooled the moisture. The four elements merged into a large plasma ball in the sky that seemed to belittle even Odin, who had brought up his blade into a defensive stance. Nearby, a moderate sized rune portal appeared. All the magic and power about the area accompanied with the death of so many caused it to manifest and it slowly waited for the outcome.

Slowly the ball came down and only Odin held a smile on his face...

[Hatred]

Ch. 6: The Broken Seal

Ultima:
The seal vibrated with a dark aura. It pulsated ill will and began to eat away at the environment. Those around it didn't notice it, they had their attention focused on something much larger. From within the seal came a dark mind, an evil presence, a sealed creature that was intended to lay dormant for eternity.

Scum...insects...an affront to my glory...you must all pay tribute...everything you love must die...your hopes will be mine...your souls will feed me...fight! Die! Feed me your despair~

The seal still was intact, so only its dark desires seeped out and poisoned the land. It would need much more...

Elves, Spirits and Humans:

The giant spell came hurtling down towards the earth. It threatened to swallow them all, but Odin smirked lightly. Even Kokuo was a bit worried that the elves would go so far, but he had confidence in Odin. It felt like an eternity, the spell came slowly as if trudging through the mud. Even Grid became impatient with it all and decided to take action with this small distraction giving him an opportunity. He lunged forward, towards the giant and the ball as his friends stared wide eyed and unable to voice their concerns. Geis could only whisper her worry to herself as she felt a disaster was on its way.

"No...please...don't go."

Her lips quivering lightly, she could only hold onto her stave as tight as she could to try and cheer him on. Dor, the larger of the two men, held his axe with a tight grip as his eyes darted from the giant and the ball. He couldn't help but panic and hesitate at the bleek situation.

All the while the ball neared, Grid leapt and struck at Odin's blind side and made the giant stumble. Grid was as shocked as Odin was, who soon caught his balance and swung his own sword. The blades whistled through the air and clanged as they met. The force of Grid's determination held its own against Odin's might, and the two were held in place as the ball finally reached them.

"Grid no!"
"You idiot!! Geis let's go!"

The two humans ran towards their trapped friend and noticed Kokuo was making his own retreat into the woods. The elves stared on as they saw their impressive and exhausting magic collide with the large creature and the human general. The eye of the storm, the silence and peace before the great torrents of the storm lasted for a brief moment. Friends and colleagues alike knew Grid to be a proud man, to be a strong man, a man who never bled or cried out in pain. Those that knew him would be terrified thsi day, the day that his body was torn asunder. They would quiver at the memory of his cries of absolution, of pain, of death.

The energy mass imploded for a moment, taking in energy from the air and matter around it. It exploded a split second later with immense heat that vaporized ground zero and turned the entire area, forest included, into the burnt remains it is now. It had all happened so quickly, the rush of power and the death of two proud and strong creatures. Dor had barely been able to turn around and cover Geis who in turn protected him with magic. The elves had hid behind their rock wall and were horrified to see the blast, which had exceed their expectations with the addition of Odin, consume the forest. The two generals opened their eyes to see nothing but emptiness in the space that was left. Geis was silent as Dor cursed under his breath.

"Damn fool...maybe he made it out? His body was tougher than anyone's I've ever met...goddamn idiot! Why? Damn proud asshat..."

Soon they all came out of hiding, all to see the destruction such a short battle had caused. Kokuo, very much worried now, looked around at the ravaged land as if searching for something. The Aeon twins came up, enfuriated at the destruction that they felt was on the hands of the humans and spirits. Rage also took hold of Geis and Dor as they felt it was the reckless magic that caused their dear friends death. They all soon forgot it when the land, sky and very air around them died just a little bit more...

Ultima:

Pulsating violently now, the seal's power began to wane. With each passing second the power and vice grew, feeding into the creature therein. The explosion had released a substantial amount of raw energy and it greedily took it in. After a moment of intensity between the three groups the seal cracked. He took it all in, like a sweet wine he drank it to feel its divine euphoria. The seal glew a dark purple and the runes each began to shatter. Now the seal had been broken by the children of The Mother, the followers of The Two had focused all that was neccessary and he didn't waste a moment.

Body...check...soul...yep still here...mind, well duh. All right then children time to die!

The land was sucked of life at that instant. Like a muffled cry from a small child it wept as its power was sapped into the dark creature. The soil grew cold and dry, the vegetation became rotten and limp, the air was stagnant and the water poisonous. This creature's very presence was an omen of death, and with its new life came unlife. As he stood up and took his first breaths, so too did those that had fallen. Most of them dead long ago, their bodies decomposed to their bare bones with few remnants of their past lives in the form of their disgusting flesh. First dozens, then hundreds and onto even greater numbers, the undead rose from the lands nearby as they reached up from the ground that craddled them for so long.

Ultima looked upon the world that he couldn't recognize. His eyes pierced through its soul and knew that it feared him. His wicked smile promised it peace soon enough. He could feel his army growing and knew he needed some lackeys to help command it. He focused his ill will into a single entity, a fragment of his power and malice into this creature but it refused to accept his personality. He spat to the side as he looked upon the creature he was barely able to reanimate. A somewhat slender and still fresh corpse, a female one, that seemed more like a possessed human than an undead minion.

"...I suppose you'll do...Lilith."

Ultima stood, unseen by anyone, with his own general. Legions before him unkillable, desire to bring catastrophes untold, he made them all kneel before him with just a wave of his hand.

"Ye~s. I will tear this world asunder...starting with the living."

His dark gaze turned to what used to be the forest, seeking those that were left alive...

Ch. 7: Exodus

Undead:

Ultima looked around and forced his will upon the undead. His sheer presence made them cower and it seemed only Lilith was unaffected by it. He moved over and looked deep into her eyes and told her mentally what he wanted. She in turn nodded and marched off with the majority of the risen undead towards the burnt remains of the forest. Though still quite new to this world he still felt like he knew it for such a long time.

"Long time no see eh? Don't worry, I haven't forgotten. 'An affront to my glory' you were, remember? That's right...I'll finish it."

Lilith in the mean time walked through the forest and found several remains of creatures that she found had some familiarity. She gathered the bones and started to create runes around them and focused what power she had into re-animating them...

Humans, Elves, and Spirits:

Though separated by their race, it seemed like the genders brought them together. Geis and Aeon Vex stood next to each other and surveyed the situation as cautiously as they could. The female gender showing signs of cooperation in dire situations. The males, namely Dor, Kokuo and Aeon Tir all were ready to tear at each other should the need arise. The women crossed their arms over their chests and shook their heads at the men, who reluctantly relaxed. Geis was the first to speak.

"What happened? It suddenly feels like death around here."

Aeon Vex nodded.

"Even more so than other areas you humans inhabit. This feels terrible. It's like Mother is crying out in fear."

Kokuo peeked over the walls and shook his head gravely.

"This isn't good. We're surrounded."
"Surrounded? By what?!"

Dor made his way to the makeshift wall and found the horrible sight. Corpses as far as the eye could see and they were all shambling towards them. One particular corpse caught his eye, a somewhat still fresh looking woman who wore wicked armor plating all over her body. She seemed so cold and yet so passionate and determined. She obviously had bad intentions. Dor quickly turned to the group.

"We gotta get outta here. Geis let's go!"
"We can't just go. We can't make large distances and we can't fight whatever is heading this way...what is heading this way?"
"An army of undead. So what are you suggesting then?"

Aeon Tir smiled and jokingly made a suggestion.

"Perhaps you can just lay down and die? It'd do all of us alot of good."
"Brother! You know very well they won't do that, and we're in the same boat! Without nature to provide a path or aid we're just as helpless."
"Silence! There's no need to converse alout with them around."

Kokuo growled lightly to get their attention. He didn't like the situation one bit and the resolution was equally appalling.

"I suppose there's one option...to work together for the time being."

Each person in the area looked on wide eyed and somewhat shocked. This creature could've wiped them all right now and yet he wanted to work together now! Something was amiss and it seemed like only he knew what was wrong. The elves and humans contemplated for a moment until their thoughts were distracted by the sounds of rummaging through the dead foliage. The group decided to at least make a momentary retreat in the same direction to ensure their safety. After a while they found themselves in a small clearing where they sat down for a moment. Dor and Geis each sat next to each other and looked on the other equally seperated groups, the twins and the spirit king.

"What do you think Geis?"
"What can I think? We're not in the best place to make any demands or decisions and we're cut off from our own forces. We have to work with them until we can make our escape."
"Quite a gamble there. They could turn on us any second-"

Kokuo floated to the center of the group and shook his head.

"Unlike most humans, we spirits are honor bound. And the elves are tied to their pride. If we each agree to watch each other's back then we can make it."

The twins both stood up and spoke with one voice.

"Quite strange that you should want such a thing. Are you drained old spirit?"
"Quite observant...yes I am. And I'm positive you aren't faring too well either children of the leaf. Though the humans still have their natural strengths it isn't enough to fight or flee."

The group slowly nodded. It was painfully apparent that they would have to ally with enemies to live and fight another day. They all turned quickly at the sound of some hollow rattling, almost like the sound of bones being knocked together...

Undead, Spirits, Humans and Elves:

Lilith finished her rituals and made the small runic portal. A dense black fog rose up and covered the bones which began to rattle uncontrollably. The sound became deafening, but thankfully she had no sense of sound anymore. The shambling troops moved with her as quickly as they could and tracked the smell of living flesh down. The undead general smiled girlishly as the bones became possessed and took in some of the rotting troops to create its own flesh. Soon a large and dark creature rose up and opened its wicked eyes to see its master. Lilith petted the large creature and took measure of it.

"Lovely...I always did admire wyrm types. You can smell them, go and eat my pet."

The undead Wyvern stomped its way towards the targets and trampled over entire trees. It soon was in visible range to the small group and let out a horrendous roar. It seemed to last forever, with each passing moment it brought in bones of other creatures and formed its own minions. Two skeletal versions of the wyvern arose and let out lesser roars, mimicking the master and hungering for its prey.

Dor was the first to be ready to fight. He brought out his large axe and readied himself for a quick and honorable death. He was taken by surprise when he felt the gentle hands of his female friend, who shook her head slowly.

"We gotta use our minds on this one..."

Kokuo moved over to another set of bones.

"Indeed. Fighting would prove to be both useless and fatal. Fleeing is our only hope. I could use my powers to fashion a means of escape but I need power."

Geis and Vex both stepped up and put out their hands.

"You can take mine."
"And mine old one. Funnel the powers into yourself and take us away from here."
"It will take some time. We're going to need a distraction..."

Dor and Tir both looked at each other with disdain. They sighed and went to their positions in between their comrades and the undead.

"Never would've thought I would fight with an elf..."
"To think I'm going to battle with a human..."

Dor brought up his axe as Tir held his stave ready to strike. It was only a brief lapse in time before the first of the wyverns arrived, charging with immense rage. Grid swung his axe and knocked one bone wyvern in the jaw, knocking it aside. Vex powered his stave with his magic and swung the staff lightly, when it hit the bone wyvern it released a small burst of elemental energy that shattered its bones. Tir smiled as his attack had more of an effect, but soon found that the undead wyvern was highly resistant to his attacks.

"Well then 'Ears', looks like I got the ugly one."
"Yes, it appears that way."

As the two men fought the women and the spirit focused heavily on transferring their powers. Already showing signs of fatigue, the two women began sweating profusely and breathing heavily while the spirit visibly became healthier looking. He would soon have enough power to fashion something to take them away.

Dor ran by the temporarily fallen wyverns and leapt towards the larger one. The undead creature roared and lunged at the smaller creature with hungering, snapping jaws. Dor managed to swipe at the creatures attempts to bite him, creating sickening thuds and slurs with each hit. It felt like hitting jelly, old musky and rotten jelly, but still he fought on. Tir had a significantly easier time, with each hit he would knock the bones loose and sent the wyverns stumbling. It would be a short while before he was done with them.

Lilith soon came onto the scene and glared heavily at the living creatures. Her babies were only trying to feed and yet they tried so hard to stop and hurt them. She knelt down some distance behind her creations and started to focus her second gift from Ultima, her passionate flame, into her lungs.

In the meantime, Dor was knocked back by a well timed tail swing. He crashed into a dead tree and was forced right on through it. He stood up courageously and ran up again to the creature. He swung with all his might as the wyvern chomped one last time. The two collided and the wyvern lost, Dor sent it tumbling into the distance. He soon found something that caught his eye, something that looked like a woman with fire coming from her mouth. He didn't have time to react when said woman shot out a torrent of flame towards Dor. The fire was so beautifully streamlined that it left a deep cut in the ground as it approached dor. A blinding flash of light came up and when Dor could see he found that Tir had moved in front and used his magic to block the fire.

"It would be...wise...to move!"
"You don't have to tell me twice!"

Dor retreated and was soon followed by the elf. They found their female friends kneeling down exhausted as the spirit moved over to the remains of a large number of animals and dead plant material.

"Now to use this to fashion a vehicle..."

He used his summoning powers to create a large chariot of bone.

"And something to pull us..."

He used the dead material and wood to create makeshift horses.

"And now...to flee!"

Everyone got in and started off. Even as they spoke the undead was making a mad rush towards them from the forest, some even latched onto the chariot but were promptly kicked away. Lilith moved into the clearing and saw the group depart. She knew this wouldn't bode well with her master.

"...damn. I wonder if I can get a lackey to be the messenger?"

As she spoke those words, each undead troop and wyvern took a step back and shambled away, some even having the galls to whistle nonchalantly...

[Hatred]

Well, might as well speed things up. I'll just go ahead and post the whole damn thing. I keep forgetting to post it in increments so to hell with it! Here it is, and take your time with it. It'll be a LOOOOOOOONG post. Anywho, enjoy!

Chapter 8

Ch. 8: The Pilgrimage Home

Ultima:

The dead shambled back towards their master. Ultima looked on with disgust as he noticed no fresh recruits were added. He looked for his general amongst the masses but found nothing. It was a slight shock to find that Lilith was walking by herself towards him, almost as if she were an individual.

"Report."

Lilith shied away from looking at him directly. She didn't have too much to say because it was too much of a danger to say it. Despite wanting to she hesitated, and he immediately knew the answer.

"Come here..."

The undead general reluctantly did so and met with a powerful grip around her throat. She was lifted several feet into the air by his right hand alone. Lilith could feel the air suddenly stop where he was holding her, begging to be let by but met with the wall that was his crushing power. She tried to sputter out some excuses but couldn't even find the strength to say a word. Ultima on the other hand had no trouble.

"What were they?"

Lilith motioned to her throat and her inability to breath. Ultima responded with a sigh and slowly let go. She dropped to the ground and gasped for air as she gathered her thoughts. She coughed out a reply:

"Two...elves...a spirit...and 2 humans. *cough*"

Her master narrowed his eyes.

"Is that so? Then we might not need to chase them down...gather the troops. We go towards..."

He looked around for a moment. The first thing that caught his eye was a large scar across the world, the dead lands, Eden's End.

"Home."

Elves, humans and spirit:

Kokuo drove the chariot along the dirt roads. He didn't have much to do other than drive, which he was thankful for. The awkward silence among them was nearly maddening and the tension was beginning to grow insufferable. It was Geis who was kind enough to break the silence.

"...what happened? How did we end up like this?"

Dor shrugged and was mocked by the male elf. The female punched her brothers shoulder to try and keep him in order. She turned to the humans and sighed lightly.

"I'm not sure where those things came from, but we can all agree they are the undead. They were abnormally strong and unified too. I don't see them outside of Eden's End and they are usually fighting over scraps. These seemed to be coming at us."

Dor came in with his thoughts.

"Maybe to eat us?"

Kokuo shook his head as he drove.

"No, they had a purpose. They weren't coming for food, they were attacking. You men saw the summons and magic."

Another eerie silence. It wasn't what had occurred to them that made it strange, but the fact that they were so close and not at each others throats. Kokuo continued.

"In any case I think something terrible has happened. Something has arisen to unify those creatures and will probably continue to do so until everything is consumed."

Geis crossed her arms as if to cradle herself. She looked down at the passing road and wondered what to do.

"Where are we going? Are we prisoners now?"

Kokuo shook his head.

"We each owe each other. We must each make sure we get home. It's the very least."

the elves both shifted uneasily. They knew very well what this meant. Aeon Vex gathered her courage and voiced the impossible.

"There is but one way back to your home humans. Unless of course you want to go through those undead?"

The silence told her their answer, and even with Tir's increased shuffling and grunts she continued.

"Through the Elven Caverns is the way to Pandemonium..."

Kokuo nodded reluctantly. He knew where she was going.

"Yes, I see. Through the elf capital into the magic caverns, on towards Pandemonium and up into the plains. That's the way to Bastile Des Enfants."

The group was deathly silent. They would have to reveal the locations to each of their homelands. None of them moved, none of them even breathed, they just stood there as the chariot rode on. Aeon Tir grunted one last time and took the reins.

"You don't know the way..."

Chapter 9: The Hidden City of Persephonie

Elves, Humans, Spirit:

A dead silence pervaded. The horizon was still as unforgiving as before, barren and restless. Behind them lay the waste of some unknown disaster that seemed to be more plague than just happenstance. Even as they rode they could feel the killer intent behind them. It was a massive thing, something that felt unnatural even to those who had command over the supernatural. The only sound that seemed to comfort them was the boney hoofs of their manifested horses and chariot. Even though each of them was considered great heroes and powerful in their own right, they felt weak and drained. Dusk was now approaching and still there was no sign of the city that the elves promised. Dor and Geis both looked around, trying to desperately find some sign of life. The only thing that they received were could shoulders. Aeon Tir and Vex were both staring calmly at the horizon that they were endlessly pursuing. The Spirit King himself looked a bit worried through his worn visage. Still he pushed on in his chariot with his would be allies, a terrible feeling in the back of his mind. It was he who broke the silence.

“What now?”

The twins both looked at each other and sighed. Vex didn’t bother with words, his sister was more than capable of taking care of things. She, who was the kinder of the two, tried to comfort their uneasy thoughts.

“Even if it looks like death surrounds us, Great Mother will guide us. She is present even in the most stagnant of swamps. It’s only a matter of-“

The chariot seemed to slow down. In fact, it felt like it ran into a viscous substance that tried to deny them any entry. At that moment the environment changed completely. The unforgiving desert gave way to a lush and verdant scene. The sound of hollow corpses and their carriage gave way to the crunching sound of the wood. Moss covered the ground as well as the trees around them. Creatures never seen before hid behind the bushes, peering at the new visitors. The wood may have appeared differently, but it sounded all the same. The cruel silence that judged their very being here pervaded. The twins signaled Kokuo to stop the chariot, and the spirit king did so. Now it was just dead silence, even in a haven for life.

“Come, we have much to explain to the others.”

Dor was not one to be intimidated, and spoke unflinchingly.

“What others? All I see are forest dwellers.”
“Naturally. You only see with your eyes when you must perceive with your mind. That’s why our city is hidden from you. That’s why…”

Tir motioned gracefully about her as if to mock Dor’s senses. She smiled politely and turned her head upwards. In the canopy of the forest, in the protection of the leaves where they have the tactical advantage, there was the center of her focus. The tree top villages of Persephone, capital of the elvish race, lay there in wait for their soldiers, the paradox mages. Aeon Tir and Aeon Vex both knew this would not be easily accepted. Without so much as skipping a beat Tir moved on. The rest followed as cautiously as one would in enemy territory. It wasn’t a danger for the elves, but it was almost assumed that the lives of the humans and spirit were in their hands.

“Please refrain from making any sudden movements. I’m sure they have many archers already poised to take your heads.”

Tir giggled lightly, trying to lighten the mood from that unnerving fact. She walked over the soft moss to a large tree. The massive wood loomed over her, but with a simple caress from her opened up to her. A rune appeared on the bark and opened up a doorway in the tree. In this hollow was the means of passage, a small set of glyphs on the ground. Calmly, each one took turns onto the strange writing and was greeted with a bright flash. The sensation of being torn asunder without pain was a strange one, but it was preferred over the sight that they came to. Cold uncaring eyes are bad enough, but scores of them lining the treetops would break even the hardest of soldiers.

“Sir Dor, Lady Geis, Lord Kokuo, please come this way. We have much to explain to our elders.”

Their travels through the canopy were long but it passed in an instant. All the eyes would hasten their steps and the shocked look of an elder elf or two was a sight for sore eyes. The twins both looked to each other and nodded. They waved for some guards to come and motioned towards the foreigners.

“Do not fret. They won’t hurt you so long as you don’t give them a reason to. We shall return shortly.”

Brother and sister walked side by side, past a huge door and into what looked like a coliseum. It was, in fact, the library and the central meeting place for their elders. The situation demanded answers and only those two would answer for it. As punishing as the tension was, the silence was even more so. The only sound that they had heard was the voices of those two siblings ever since their retreat. It came as relief to hear the continuation of activities. Pages being turned and fingers running across old and lost languages, it was truly a grand library. But even the atmosphere of such a place was quashed by the guards that surrounded the three. Geis was the only one to truly look disturbed. While Dor and Kokuo were both putting up strong appearances, Geis had the time to truly consider what had occurred in the past few hours. She couldn’t stop herself from worrying for her friend. The only one that was missing, the only one that she couldn’t keep out of her mind: Grid. The very sight of him in pain was inconceivable to her, but the image of his apparent death was burned into her memory. She was trembling more and more with each passing moment, still hearing his cries. Her eyes turned for a second to the creature that played a part in his demise, to the king of spirits. A glint of malice crept into her once jubilant eyes, but soon faded at the sound of footsteps. The twins had returned. Even their proud faces showed signs of trouble, along with a large and unsightly bruise across each of their cheeks. Their cold eyes were now very much different, more depressed than anything else.

“All is well and prepared. We leave immediately for the grand caverns that may lead to your homelands. We will accompany you to ensure-“

Aeon Tir was quickly cut off by the cunning Kokuo. He knew too well that this was more than it seemed. It was more of a price than a favor.

“Cut the pleasantries. It’s no favor, its insurance.”
“I don’t know what you mean. It’s the least we can-“
“You want insurance for showing us your capital. In exchange for coming here you are going to see my home, Pandemonium, and the capital of these humans, Bastille Des Enfants.”

Vex stepped up this time, a new fire in his eyes.

“Would you expect anything less?”
“No, I was expecting it. What I am unsure of is if and how you ensured our lives afterwards.”
“…”

The twins both turned their cheeks to show the bruises. A small rune appeared in the soft and damaged meat that hung on their skulls.

“We Paradox Mages wield powerful magic in the name of the Great Mother. With this sin of sparring your lives, we give up a great deal.”
“My brother and I have been branded. We have given up most of our magic.”

The room was quiet again. Even the simple Dor had time to think to himself.
So this is the price of honor. This is the path of pride. What other course do we have, eh Geis? Hmmm? Geis, what’s wrong? I’ve never seen you so troubled. But then again a lot has happened today. We’ve lost much, both as people and as officers in the army. What good are we now?

There was little more to be said. The humans didn’t know what to make of their movement while the spirit only thought of how to get through this ordeal in one piece. The group moved down the canopy to the ground and deeper into the forest. Even though they all felt a bit more comfortable, the danger was only getting bigger. Soon they reached the entrance to a deep cavern. The emptiness of it seemed to suck them in, the darkness seemed to stare out, and the winds made it howl at them.

”My sister and I have come this far, we won’t be turned away.”
“Naturally, young elf. Let’s go, the Grand Cavern of the underworld will lead you to what you seek. Just steel yourself against any fear, or it may consume you.”

Dor and Geis both rolled their eyes. This contest of pride was useless at this point. While they may have survived the city of the elves, there was no guarantee that they’d survive the city of spirits. The dark depths were lit up by the very essence of Kokuo. He was like a torch for them, and they stuck to him like a child does to their mother. After many hours of traversing the maze of tunnels they came to a huge cavern. Geis moved up ahead and looked around, trying to find some path.

“This place is empty.”
“Empty as your soul child. Open it up and find the path…”

The dark depths lit up. A ghostly apparition appeared, a will o’ the wisp. It moved around into the dark depths and exploded into a wave of unearthly light. The ghostly substance spread, as if building right before their eyes. In actuality it was making the path visible. Roads, buildings, even people, all became visible though still as transparent as Kokuo himself. All of it emitted an eerie blue light that was offset by the sparks of un-life, a plethora of colors that rivaled the bird of paradise. The spirits all turned to welcome their lord…as well as some visitors.

“Welcome, children, to Pandemonium.”


Chapter 10: The Undead, Unrelenting City

Elves, Humans, Spirits:

Kokuo floated along as he was prone to do. Without limbs like legs, what else would he do? In the presence of such a sight what more could the others do but stare. Kokuo noticed this and grinned to himself. Something like pride swelled up inside him and he felt he had to say it.

“You’re the first to ever see it. Even though we rise from the ground, it’s still hard to believe we live under it. I’m sure you’ll be the first to leave here alive.”

Even as he spoke those reassuring words, the feeling of dread still consumed them. Lights were coming on, like streetlights, along their path. Perhaps it was already night? No, it wasn’t because it was night that these lights came on. Neither were they lights. To their dread it was a legion of spirits that approached them. Even the promise of leaving alive seemed to be forgotten, at least for the moment. At the sight of their lord with strangers all of the lights stopped, all save for one. When it came into full view, the creature was more than shocking to the elves and human. While Kokuo himself bore the image of a demonic spirit, the creature that came to them was closer to that of a cherub. Her long hair still floating behind her, it would have been blond if it were not for her spirit form. She wore a simple outfit, one that a lab assistant would’ve worn. The small angelic child floated her way towards Kokuo and bowed to him energetically.

“Lord Kokuo! Welcome back! Oh how we’ve waited for your triumphant return! We made preparations for the banquet and-“

The girl stopped dead in her speech. Her brilliant eyes, her kind face and childlike innocence, all of it faded away. In place of it was something that looked like a tantrum. Her puffed up cheeks were more than enough proof of her anger.

“LOOK OUT MY LORD! Living things! Don’t worry I’ll smite them with my mighty concoctions!”

She quickly pulled out a vial and held it high over her head. She pulled it behind her and started winding it up with her eyes set on the four that were behind Kokuo. The Spirit King covered his face with his large hand and shook his head. A light sigh came from behind the claws, a sign of embarrassment. Right as the child tried to throw the vial he slapped her hand, altering it’s trajectory. The vial flew way off course and hit the bottom of the chasm. The cavern lit up like it was the fourth, colors they didn’t even know existed flashing up from the dark pit.

“Dammit Kikio how many times do I have to tell you not to play with that stuff? Alchemists these days. *sigh*”

The small alchemist spirit, Kikio, looked dumbfounded at her lord. Tears welling up in her eyes, she bowed down and apologized repeatedly. Once again her child-like innocence returning to her, she looked up to Kokuo and couldn’t help but apologize again.

“I’m sorry my lord, I know I should analyze the situation first…but they’re-“

She stared coldly at the four. If looks could kill she would’ve slaughtered an army then and there.

“…alive.”
“You too were once alive. Regardless of how we are now, we must all strive to work for the greater good. Alive, dead, or undead, we all inhabit this world. Now go on now child, we have much to do.”

Kikio nodded exuberantly and beamed out a smile. She floated away back to the others to tell them what happened. Unlike the city of the elves, this would be a somewhat warm welcome. At the sight of what just occurred, the four travelers stared incredulously at the child.

Tir: Wow…
Vex: She’s…
Geis: …quite…
Dor: A ditz.

The group stared at Dor, who only shrugged at their stares.

“What? What’d I say?”

Kokuo smiled genuinely at the large man. His bold and straightforward personality would be quite a refreshing attribute. The Spirit King himself hadn’t expected such a thing in the enemy, but it sure did break the tension.

“Come along. There’s no need to worry so long as you perceive where you’re going. This goes for you too elves. Just perceiving past an illusion is one thing, but seeing the path of ghosts is another.”

The King floated his way to his people with the group trailing him. As they approached the edge of the rocky path they hesitated. While Kokuo floated carelessly ahead, they were unsure if they could even follow. Even the twins both stopped to take measure of the situation. In the end it was Dor who simply stepped out and followed the guide. He was a bit shocked, as well as the others, to find solid footing. Each step was an awkward one, touching solid ground but seeing it resonate like a gel. It wasn’t long before they all adapted and marched into the Spirit Capital. The spirits were completely different than one would expect. They worshiped their lord, and followed his order unquestioningly. If he brought living things here, they too were welcomed. The atmosphere was more like a victory parade than anything else. The spirits around them, whose appearances ranged from humanoid to demonic apparitions, all cheered joyously towards Kokuo. Indeed, one would easily get a big head from all this attention, but the group assumed he had earned such admiration. They all arrived at a large lodging that seemed to be thicker in the ghostly stuff than the other parts of the city. The walls and items therein were no longer transparent, only smokey in appearance.

“We’ve traveled much for today. I trust you to stay in one place and not make a ruckus?”

The group all nodded. This would be their place for rest, in a place where souls do not rest. The thought was strange to say the least. They all sat down on whatever seats they could find for a rest. It was comfortable enough, but even in such comfort their nerves were unsettled. At the sound of some rustling they all shot up and looked at the source. The sound of vials and bottles clinging together was a strange one in such a environment, but even stranger was the creature that shot out of the depths of the building and stood at the counter.

“Welcome to Kikio’s Potions! What can I do for-…you? YOU?!”

The group all stared dryly at the young spirit who had dropped what she was carrying. The vials all shattered and she suddenly changed from innocent child to fiery spirit once again. Her hand shot out and pointed a shaking finger at them, as if pointing out the criminals in a line up.

“What are you bums doing here?!”

The elves didn’t bother taking the time to answer. Dor, who disliked the child off the bat, sat down as well. Geis nervously smiled at the creature and tried to explain.

“Please don’t say that. Kokuo told us to stay here for the night. We’ll be out of your hair-..umm, way, in the morning.”
“Ah~, Lord Kokuo. Well if he said so then it’s ok, but you better not make a ruckus!”

Geis giggled at the loud sounds of the small creature. She seemed so dedicated to Kokuo.

“He said the same thing, how cute.”

Her fiery anger subsided into sublime realization.

”Wah~? He did? Oh joy! Lord Kokuo~!”

She shook out her girlish tendencies and became cold again.

“Fine then, night fleshy meat bags!”

Surprisingly enough, they all fell asleep rather easily. It seemed like this was the safest place for them compared to the outside world, that is, so long as Kokuo willed it…


Chapter 11: Destination: The Cursed Land

Ultima, Undead:

General Lilith returned to her master, craven and frightened. She had failed, and this was her very first mission. She was given the simple order of killing a few creatures and they got away. Even her troops had the right mind to pity her situation. The sea of corpses parted at her coming, each moaning and groaning their condolences. She tried to put up a brave front as she marched up towards the end of the road. Ultima looked down with eyes that pierced her mortal coil, his arms crossed over his chest. It felt like an eternity, walking up to him and kneeling down to he who created her. She had the dread a child has approaching a father, a punishment well on the way. Ultima placed a hand on her shoulder and patted it slowly. She looked up, hope of forgiveness filling her eyes, and met with the cold and harsh reality. The same hand that encouraged her now firmly handled her neck. Her thoughts no longer on the punishment, she had to worry about breathing. The terrible pressure threatened to cut off her very head.

“M-…Master, *cough* Please…can’t…breathe!”
“You think you deserve it? Does anything really deserve it? Hmmm.”

While he contemplated his own question Lilith continued to have trouble breathing. Even though undead don’t need to, it seemed like she did. This puzzled the undead behind them, but they just accepted the fact that she was special. Lilith opened her eyes to try and look if he looked as furious as he held her only to find a calm and thoughtful creature. He wasn’t even trying to strangle her and she felt like she was going to lose her head.

“I’m…s-…sorry!”
“That you should be, but I suppose it doesn’t really matter. You will make it up to me.”
”T-Then…please, let go!”

The pressure was already forcing blood to come out of her eyes, but despite that it felt like she was crying. The blood was already blurring her vision and still he had that calm demeanor. After a moment he shrugged and let her go. Lilith’s lungs filled with air as she felt the assurance of life return to her. Even so she knew if she upset him it’d be over in a blink of an eye.

“How can I make it up to you?”
“I’m thinking. Is there some place you feel you have to go?”

Lilith hadn’t thought about it before, but now that he mentioned it she had felt a calling. Something inside her was pulling her to go in a certain direction. She turned towards it, along with the entire army, and then pointed towards it.

“Yes, that way.”
“…and that leads?”
“…I’m not sure.”
“Yes you are. Tell me…now.”
“…Eden’s End?”
“Good girl. You go and gather up more troops. I’ll have some fun.”
“More troops sir? But, we have quite a bit and you did create them. Why not create more?”

His cold eyes focused on her again and she immediately felt the need to distract them. She nodded quickly and started marching towards the land that called to her. Even in the shambling army, even hidden among her troops, even in the dead of night she could feel his eyes piercing through her. She didn’t like it one bit, but she had no choice. She was too frightened. Ultima would glare at her for while, but he knew she had a point. He could feel the extent of his power, but it didn’t include manifesting things. That was a mere fluke of his appearance. He had to make sure he wouldn’t be overwhelmed even if it was by ants.

“It’s time to visit the children.”

Ultima changed his focus and started off with a sprint. His direction was obscure, he didn’t know where he was going, but he knew where his destination was. He could feel them all this time, those that he knew the most. It had been so long since he last saw them, and it would be the last time he would see them.

“The first to fall…”

His flight through the night rivaled the very darkness that covered the land. Animals across the globe heard the dreadful whisper in the wind and felt relieved that he did not stop. It was morning by the time he got there. Ultima looked upon the land with disgust. It was bright and lively. The plains all seemed barren but had an aura of good about it. It all seemed to clean for his tastes. He stood on a small hill, just outside a forest, and looked upon his target.

“…are the humans!”

It was then that he heard some rustling behind him. He wasn’t concerned, though being spotted would give them an early warning. This was the fun he wanted: a war. The countless deaths of millions was all going to be for his entertainment. He turned slightly to see who had come…


Chapter 12: Encounter the Beast of Antiquity!

Elves, Spirits and Humans:

Tir and Vex both awoke at the same time. The night was as pleasant as one would expect, even if it was in a city as unnatural as this. The two conversed while they waited for the others to awake.

What now brother?
What else? We need to see the human homeland.
It’s curious how we’ve never been able to see it before today, no?
Well we never really tried. This city was hidden miles below in a maze of caverns, it would’ve been impossible to find this one, but the humans city is probably out in the open.
I wonder if we should be content with just this then?
Nah, we might as well see it all. We’ve risked too much for them not to pay us back with their home.
…brother, isn’t it strange?
I know what you’re thinking. I don’t even feel the need to kill these people anymore. It is strange…

Their conversation was in their minds, but even so it stirred up the others. Dor and Geis both woke up and started their morning stretches to wake themselves up completely. Kokuo soon walked in the door and greeted them.

“Morning, it’s time to go. It will be a short walk compared to yesterdays activities. I’ve prepared the pathways and notified all the guards.”

The group all turned their attention to the word ‘guards’, it was strange that they would require such a defense, regardless they all accepted it. One after another they followed Kokuo back out of the city into a new set of mazes. Geis would’ve been thinking of darker things if it wasn’t for the tearful goodbye Kikio had given to Kokuo. If nothing else it was an enjoyable comedic display, despite it being very heartfelt. After some time the darkness that surrounded them was erased by the morning light. The tunnel had led them to the outside world and a very familiar place. Dor took a deep breath of his homelands’ air and felt the tension in his body melt away. Geis stretched out her body, like a plant finally greeted by the sun, and took the sights in.

“We’re home! What a relief. This forest, yes I recognize it. We can definitely go back home from here.”

Geis’ ploy was not a good one, and it went unsuccessful. The elves were about to speak when Kokuo beat them to it.

“That wasn’t part of the deal, and these children have paid heavily for it. You should at least honor that.”

Geis looked down at the fresh grass, shame filling her. Even though the blades of grass each reached up to try and console her, she still had much to be sad about. It was then that she heard something in the distance. She moved through the trees and bushes to find a figure in the distance.

”Who could that be?”

The group followed her, but there was a scent of death in the air. Geis finally reached the man and stood a few meters away from him. Even from the back she could tell who is was.

“Grid!? Oh thank God! I’ve missed you so-“

Dor placed his hand on her shoulder and held her back. His face contrasted immensely with hers. Geis had a look of joy and hope, while Dor was shocked and depressed. Dor shook his head slowly and pulled her back.

“That’s not Grid.”
“What’re you talking about? Grid, turn around and tell him!”

The figure turned and smiled wickedly.

”Oh my, I do look like him don’t I? Well I guess it can’t be helped. It used to be his body after all.”

Ultima chuckled at Geis’ misunderstanding. He was, however, surprised at the treat he received. A woman’s fury is terrible, but her sorrow is just as grand. Geis couldn’t speak anymore, it was too much. He throat ached, her eyes burned, there was tightness in her chest. She felt an immense weight on her shoulders as she realized what she was seeing. She could only manage to pull up her heavy hand and try to calm her heart by placing her trembling hand over it.

“Now now, don’t fret little one. I’ll be sending you all to the same hell soon enough!”
“Foul beast! No, lesser than a beast, a demon among demons!”

Kokuo had stepped up and readied himself for battle. It was quite sudden, and the group had no idea why he was so emotional in the face of this stranger. The Spirit King had already started to prepare magic to attack the creature who stared with a wicked grin.

“And you are? Oh! Now I remember, I’m surprised you survived! How ya been kiddo?!”
“Silence! You have no right to be alive!”
“Still as fiery as ever and sore about losing your precious gods I assume?”
“You took more than them; you took more than what you should have! A bane on life itself, you need to die!”
“Hehehehe, and who’s gonna carry out that necessity? You?! Hah!”

Ultima’s cackle echoed through the area. The land seemed to quake in fear even as his very being seemed to disappear. He had found his target and made his promise. The group could only stand about awkwardly as Geis wept. Even Dor knew he could not console her; she lost a life long friend. Kokuo walked up to the edge of the forest and stared out into the sight that Ultima had been watching. He sighed heavily and turned to Dor and Geis.

“The Bastile Des Enfants I assume?”

Dor nodded slowly.

“…A dark day this is indeed. Your city is in grave danger.”


Chapter 13: Trinity Reformed

It was a terribly awkward walk to the gates. Even the shocked look of the gate guards didn’t seem to match up to the misery walking in their midst. A short explanation and in the group went. On any other occasion the mere sight of the city would’ve been sufficient, but it seemed like the whole lot wanted to make sure Geis didn’t do anything drastic. It wasn’t long before the King himself allowed an audience with the traveling group. Things that usually take redundant forms and inspection took no time at all. The group, save for Geis, all stood before King Corin. The old monarch looked at the temporary allies with curiosity. The king himself was of a rare breed, being both gallant and sturdy even in old age. He bore a powerful beard and locks of hair that seemed to glow with more silver than ash. Corin wore loose robes of red trimmed with gold, and his family coat of arms on his chest. The only sign of battle was his sword at his side. He stroked his beard as he contemplated a question.

“This is an interesting turn of events to say the least. Tell me, what exactly happened that day?”
“Your majesty, I have really no clue. All I know is that the attacks of these two somehow reacted in a manner to create that event. I’m not sure if it’s even their fault, but by the look of things it’s the only explanation.”
“And what do you say Lord Kokuo?”

The Spirit King floated forward and shrugged.

“All I know is that foul creature has been released and it is not a good thing. If we don’t do anything then I can guarantee that by this time next week your city will be nothing but ash.”

It had been a while since the twins had spoke aloud. Being the male, Vex found it his duty to voice their interests.

“However uninterested we are in the human situation; we can’t overlook the possibility of further danger. What is this creature’s ambition and how do you know him?”

Kokuo stood there for a moment. His eyes wandering from corner of the room for some means of distraction. He nodded reluctantly and figured that their ignorance would be slightly more damaging than their knowing.

“I’m fairly sure all races know the tale of the 3 Entities. Those who battled on this world and scarred it forever were the ones responsible for the world as it is.”

Once again he hesitated, looking to the King to see if he truly wanted to know. Corin approved the continuation of the tale.

“It is very much true. I was at that battle.”

Not a single person in the room had their eyes on anyone but Kokuo. The thought of such a legend being true was hardly credible unless there was some proof. Proof was shocking enough, but the idea that he was still alive and before them was incredible.

“The Beast came down on this world and scorned it with his malice. He cursed us all with afflictions we had not known just to see us squirm. When the two Entities, Hope and Love, tried to battle him off they found that they were lacking. Even if we were ants we could try to help out our benefactors.”

Kokuo used his essence to start drawing in the air. He made out two sides, one labeled with runes that meant Life and the other Death.

“We were united in the battle, but not all of us agreed on what side. That…thing, had split our forces. Some were easily drawn to his side with the false promise of life and protection while others stayed with the two creators. In the end there were two humanoid alliances: The Trinity and The Defectors.”

Kokuo scratched his head, visibly troubled and unsure of how to continue. Though the officers and guards were silent, Corin was more than intruiged enough to speak.

“What races were in what faction?”
“The Trinity was made of those that wished to protect the world and the entities. First were the Supernaturals, consisting of elementals, spirits, and animals, all who fought to defend the right to live. Second were the Preternaturals which consisted of those that could use magic such as Elves. Their love for nature was unrivaled and they rallied together to protect their land at the cost of their lives. Lastly were the naturals…”

All were glued on Kokuo. The same question on their minds, they all inched in closer.

“These were the ones that caused the most trouble. Humans and humanoid creatures like goblins, ogres, and the like all grouped together. But their allegiance was not solid. Many eventually betrayed the cause due to their fear of the Beast.”

Corin stood up, at the brink of brandishing his sword. Such accusations were hard to hear let alone swallow.

“How many is ‘many’?”
“…all.”

Corin slumped back onto his throne, disbelief apparent in his eyes.

“How can we believe such a tale?”
“As the King, you must believe. If you do not recognize this threat then you will fail in preparing for this war.”
“…War?”
“Yes. Unfortunately for us all, The Beast will continue his war on life. He won’t stop until all that is left is a rock with bones for him to wade through.”

Aeon Vex clapped his hands together to get everyone’s attention. He shrugged and dusted himself off, trying to play off this grand threat as nothing.

“If what you say is true, and it is verified, I’m sure that we will not allow such a thing to pass.”
“And you think you can do it alone elf? Your people tried to do so long ago and the result is Eden’s End. We all failed because of our pride. You too will die a miserable death if you do not aid those that need it.”
“How do we know he will come here first, Kokuo?”
“He came to look at the city himself. That much is proof enough.”

Corin slammed his palm onto the arm of his throne. The collision resounded throughout the throne room. The silence that was followed was a short lived one.

“Then we will need to unite. Even if the past Trinity failed miserable, there’s no reason to think the new one will.”

Kokuo’s eyes narrowed. He was hoping for such a thing but it came as a shock to hear it come out of this man’s mouth so easily.

“I, Corin Matheus III, request the aid of the elves and spirits. Let us not underestimate this threat to my people, no, to all people! Let us reform this Trinity and face this ‘Beast’ as one.”

Vex shook his head vehemently.

“Though I would like to, we have no power to say ye or nay. We must relay this information to our Elders.”
“Then please do mages of the leaf.”

The group was dismissed. The thought of uniting was less shocking than the realization that the other day they were enemies. Everything had happened so quickly, and the fear of it ending as quickly consumed them. While they went their separate paths to their quarters, they walked the same path and shared the same fate. The fate of prey haunted them all…


Chapter 14: The Ray of Light at Midnight

Trinity:

Geis sat nearby a stone window. The castle was huge, and the need to be alone can be quickly satisfied. She stared around her trying to find something to spark some emotion but she felt numb. The cold hallways of the castle simply made echoes, an early warning to her. She would quickly turn her head and stare out the window upon hearing someone approach and kept looking for something that she knew wasn’t there. Every shadow in the halls only reminded her that it wasn’t his. Soon her minded wandered and she started daydreaming. Memories of past battles, victories and loses, and of growing up. Even those tender memories failed at moving her. She knew now he was more than dead, Grid was nothing more than a husk now.

A light caught her attention. It blinded her and forced her out of her world. This light wasn’t a normal one; it was more of a refraction of light off of something very polished. She had to focus hard to get past the brightness. She easily recognized the source and tried to hide her face. The man in the brilliant armor, smooth as pearls and brighter than the sun itself approached her. She wanted him to just pass by but he stopped right by her. She could feel his proud eyes looking down upon her and she knew his kind words would attempt to console her. While she was a Major General, this man was the General of the Army. He commanded all ground troops, and despite her power, could easily crush her. She felt intimidated, but also safe around him.

“Geis? Now why is a lovely thing like you doing here just killing herself off little by little?”
“Gen-…General Xien?”

She stood up to salute the man but he grabbed her should and pushed her back onto her seat.

“It’s all well and good to mourn, but do you really need to commit emotional suicide?”
“…”
“Just make sure you don’t die on us. If not for yourself then for the ones you have a debt to.”
“Debt?”
“Your life is not your own. If that were true then you wouldn’t have been born.”

Geis looked up into the man’s eyes. The eerie blue ocean therein nearly hypnotized her. His armor made him look huge, but still he moved about elegantly. Xien moved over to the other side of the winder and leaned against the wall.

“We owe our lives to those that rely on us. To those that died for us. To those that will live beyond us. Our lives belong not to us, so living for ourselves is a selfish waste.”

For the first time in a long time she felt a pang in her heart.

“If for no one else, then live for Grid. He would want you not only to survive this whole disaster, but to make sure others survive too. To prevent the pain you feel, you must get over it. Remember, mourning is all well and good but do not forget your debt.”

Just as quickly as she was blinded by him, she was left in darkness. Xien was terribly busy with preparations, and could only spare a moment for her. Still, it gave her something to think about. Sinking back into her depression, she was given a slight ray of hope for life. She sighed heavily as she stared out the window. Her eye caught the sight of several children playing and she smiled.

Ultima:

Each little scream he heard was a delight. Moving in and about each creature’s dens and scaring the living daylights out of them was more fun than he had anticipated. Regardless of this amusement he made his way back to the one he scared the most. Lilith was already in the land of death, Eden’s End. The scar on the face of the world was immense, but even so he knew her exact whereabouts. He could smell her fear. In less than a day he had departed and returned to her. Ultima looked down at the amassing shambling dead. She had done well to gather so many.

“Lilith!!”

The young general ran through her own men, trampling some. She was out of breath but still had enough to salute her creator.

“Y-yes sir?”
“How many?”
“If you mean how many did I gather then-“

A cold slap to the face nearly toppled her over. The blow itself would’ve broken bone if she had not anticipated. It was a very light reprimanding from Ultima to say the least.

“How many?”
“I-…I gathered up as many as I could. So far we number 800,000. More are coming but for now we can easily consider the army at breaking a million.”

Ultima nodded at Lilith who forced out a nervous smile. The Beast moved to the highest audible point and shouted out to his forces.

“The weak always say that it’s darkest before the dawn. That some ray of hope will shine through. No matter what, Love will always triumph.”

He spat to the side, resulting in a single soldier’s head being lopped off.

“Cowards and weaklings! If they wholeheartedly believe such filth then let us make them lose hope! Abandon Love! Run for their lives and find that there is no place to hide! If it is darkest before the dawn then let us forever block out any sign of the Sun! Let the dead rise and take down the living! Let the screams echo forever in the air! Let the rivers run red with blood!”

Ultima drew his sword and pointed it towards Bastille Des Enfants. A wicked grin grew and grew until his face was more demon than human.

“Let us poison the land to the very core! March!! To victory and to death alike!!”

The sounds of groans and moans filled the air. It was the death cry of an infant world…


Chapter 15: Dawn Without a Sun

Trinity:

Geis had struggled all night with her problems. Her mind was struggling with the events that had passed and the ones that approached. Even though she hesitated she tried to help out with the preparations. A quick council before King Corin and they’d be sent off to battle, or perhaps just outside the gates. When the group came befome the King they all had expected that the King would be the one making announcements. It came as a relief that Aeon Tir had come in with a bird in her hand. She held a note and showed much excitement over it.

“I don’t mean to jump the gun or anything, but I have good news. It turns out that our people will aid you in your dire times. Though we have little to offer, it is at your disposal. It will take some time for the aid to arrive so I do beg your forgiveness for it.”

The experience of finally opening up and being civil with other races was an exciting undertaking to her, even if the sentiment wasn’t shared by her brother. Vex stood behind his sister still looking proud and upset over the whole ordeal. It was a decision beyond their control, having their rank and powers severely diluted. Nevertheless they would be the first elves to enter battle along with the humans. Corin felt a bit reassured by this sudden and uncharacteristic offer of aid, and realized that the threat of this ‘Beast’ was indeed greater than he expected. He raised his hand and commanded the attention of the room once again.

“Bring in the Defender of the Realm.”

The doors opened and in walked Xien. The tall general walked in, with his usual attire of pearl armor, and had his ceremonial katanas with him. As he was prone to do before battle, he had tired his long blond hair and let it flow over his should and rest on his chest. He had already anticipated the orders of his king and prepared himself for battle.

“Yes your Majesty?”
“You are to prepare your men for the coming battle. It will be a long and hard one.”
“The enemy?”

Corin looked to the group for answers. Kokuo narrowed his eyes, remembering the sight of that terrible day.

“Undead.”
“How many?”
“Too many.”

Xien looked curiously at Kokuo. The thought of such a thing as ‘too many’ intruiged him.

“If they are merely undead then they will be slow to move and react. I will only need the minimal amount of 10,000. I will be taking the Royal Guard with me as well.”
“Listen well Human…”

Kokuo felt he had to say something to aid the poorly informed man from making grievous assumptions.

“Do not underestimate their numbers. They surely have gathered more, and on top of that they have a very unique officer with them.”
“Oh?”
“She is not to be taken lightly. Above all others, she has the power and magic to be a threat.”
“She?”

Corin coughed, a gentle reminder of who had the floor. Xien bowed and turned to leave the room.

“Then…in light of this I will take 50,000, including some Warlocks and Archers. I can leave it up to these three to setup the defenses for our return should the need arise.”

The king nodded and allowed Xien to excuse himself. Kokuo couldn’t help himself but speak his thoughts when he had left.

“There goes one brave dead man.”

Ultima:

The undead had marched a long and arduous road. Each step was another towards that enticing smell. Each mile led them closer to a city filled with food. While Lilith commanded them, she was merely a puppet for her master. She walked in front of his roaming throne, a large seat made of the undead that were left in pieces and carried by those that were unable to fight, and hoped to make him happy through her performance. She turned to look up at him on the groaning throne in hopes of seeing him give her an approving nod. Despite her best hopes he was always staring obsessively at the horizon.

“Sir? Umm…we’ll be reaching the halfway point soon. What preparations would you have us make?”

His brooding eyes slowly moved their way towards her. Focus finally shifting on her, she felt belittled by his gaze. He sighed as he rested the side of his head on his fist which lay on the arm of his seat, amusingly an arm itself. She quickly turned around and started barking orders to those under her command.

“You heard him! Ready yourselves for a bloodbath! I want 3 groups, shamblers in one, beast in the second and necromancers in the third! Move it maggots before I cleave your rotting flesh from your bones! Err…unless it’s already gone.”

She scratched her head as she smiled nervously. Quickly regaining her composure, she pulled out her sickle and lit it on fire. Thrusting it high into the air, she cried out and forced the troops into submission.

“Don’t worry Master. I’ll break them for you!”

His gaze still seemed bored. He focused once again on the horizon and began fantasizing of the screams…

Humans and Undead:

Xien rode out on his griffon. It was a rare sight, the griffons, and it seemed so fitting that he would be able to tame one with his charismatic presence. With him marched the legionnaires and the royal guard. The Brigadier Generals watched on as their General and Defender of the Realm lead the troops to battle. Some felt confident that he’d be successful, others were worried about his wellbeing, and some thought it was pointless. Regardless, he rode the griffon to the unknown horizon. Scout reports and sightings were non-exist ant. The only clue to their location was the missing men sent out to find them. It was already dark by the time they heard it, the moans that echoed throughout the still air. A thin and frightened soldier made his way to Xien.

“Sir, there’s something you need to see!”

Xien followed the man past several awe struck men. From his position he could already tell what they were looking at before even reaching the front. Several soldiers were making nervous exclamations before seeing Xien approach.

“What is that sound?”
”Idiot, that’s the enemy! But where are they?”
”Umm…why are the hills moving?”

Xien pulled out an arrow and asked for a light. Upon setting the tip aflame he let it soar into the distance. The small would be flare flew above and beyond, lighting up the scene only a small glimmer. Even so, they all saw the undead horde flail away at the thing that dared to come into their midst and made a ruckus that made them all seem reckless. Xien took quick measure of the situation and scoffed lightly.

“That is a lot of them, but they’re nothing but a mass of chaotic mongrels. It appears that they number a good hundred thousand. Good odds in my eyes. Ready the wards! Archers and mages, up front! Take a good shot while you still can!”

The soldiers did as they were ordered and attacked immediately. Hordes of undead fell before flaming arrows and magics that were beyond them. Xien almost felt pity for the creatures until he heard some rustling to the east.

“Shit, we’re being flanked. To arms! Let not a man be unprepared for battle! Remember the ones you love and fight hard!!”

As expected, undead hordes and beasts rampaged towards them from their side. The initial group being attacked was a mere distraction. Their foes doubling and their morale dropping, Xien rushed into the horde and slew as many as he could. His long graceful weapons slicing bodies of humanoid and beast alike, it sung the song of death for those that denied themselves the reapers’ gift.

“Looks like this will be a more difficult battle. Don’t give in! Our debts have yet to be repaid!”

In the beginning it seemed to favor the humans. Now the two forces were on equal footing. In the heat of battle time seemed to slow down. Each passing moment brought another kill, another wound, and the beginning of another fight. The rear guard was already feeling the pressure of the fight, though they had yet to begin melee combat. One soldier was a nervous wreck, shaking constantly in anticipation of the horde breaking through. He heard some rustling towards the woods behind them and turned to face the enemy.

”Who-…who’s there?!”
“Calm yourself Human. We’ve come to ease your nerves in your time of need.”

Soldiers all around took notice. Their hopes rising, they all moved towards the voice in the woods. A slender woman stepped out, only revealing the lower half of her body. Even in that dim moon light they could tell she was beautiful, her legs half teasing them.

“Wow! Nice legs-..umm…the elves are here! We can push them back now!”

The woman giggled lightly. She hadn’t expected such a reaction. She walked out of the woods and took a glance over the situation. She pulled out a weapon from its holster at her side and let it drop a bit as she readied for battle.

“Why thank you for the compliment human. But now is not the time for that.”

The weapon lit up, flames creating a light bright enough to show her full figure. She smiled kindly as she swung the sickle at her side.

“To ease your nerves, we will rip them out! For my Master, your lives will be thrown away!”

Lilith continued to giggle as the rest of the horde rushed out of the woods. Xien turned his attention to the chaos behind him, seeing more of the mindless beasts emerge.

“…shit. Today is a good day to die.”

The shadows of the dead all gathered around that glimmer of light in the night. Darkness clamored over the pearl armored one. In a matter of moments the shadows overtook that light, and only the groans of the dead remained. It seemed ironic that the night ended at that moment. The sun rose and revealed the atrocity to the world. Still they marched, slowing only for a moment as if hitting a speed bump…

[Hatred]

Chapter 16: The Moving Cemetary

Ultima:

Lilith walked up and saluted her master. She had a certain glow about her, being very proud of her recent victory. She approached his side and looked up into his eyes, a certain charm in her.

“Did I do good Master?”
“What? Do you want a treat every time you do a trick?”

He reached over his shoulder and took a bone from his seat.

“Fine, here’s your bone. Just because you took out a small force doesn’t mean shit to me. Now get out of my sight before I feel like slapping your pretty little head off.”

She quickly pulled away and fell behind the march, a mixture of fear and disappointment in her eyes. The afterthought of him complimenting her looks soon cheered her up and she continued the march.

“What of the prey?”
”What? Can’t do a trick without the command?”

Lilith started to pout but made sure he couldn’t see it. She moved to the front of the horde and made preparations for the siege.

Trinity:

Geis was worrying herself sick. It had been days and no word had come from Xien’s forces. She stood at a lookout post awaiting sighting of some sort. Dor had finished his share of the defenses and came to Geis’ side to try and ease her mind.

“You know him. He’s always trying to make a grand entrance. I’m sure he’s fine. Even if they number a million he’ll return to us.”

Geis nodded slowly.

“How are the wards Geis? Did you make sure to make them stronger around the civilian parts of the city?”
“What kind of amateur do you take me for? Of course I did. How are the catapults?”
”They’re all set and ready. No matter what direction we’ll be able to counter them.”

Tir and Vex both came out from the lower levels of the castle to take a look at the surrounding environment. Even though they wouldn’t admit it, they also felt some need to comfort Geis. Such quick bonds were unlikely, for any race, but regardless of race it still felt right. Tir remained the vocal one of the two.

“How’re the horizons looking?”

A soldier on the tower looked down and responded.

“No sightings yet.”
“I see. Our forces should be arriving soon as well. Be sure to alert us when that happens.”
“Yes Ma’am.”

Dor crossed his arms over his chest and pondered over that thought.

“Even though it doesn’t sound right, that’s good to hear. Now that we’re talking, It’s always bugged me. Why are you called Paradox Mages?”

Geis elbowed Dor square in the sides for that one. His blunt personality was always a source of embarrassment for her. She knew she had to answer this one.

“Typical man, you’re as dense as always. They use opposing elements to strengthen their magic. Such a thing shouldn’t happen, thus the paradox part.”

Dor nodded slowly, as if he understood.

“Well then, I guess it’s only a matter of time before things start to pick up around here. Better get suited up.”
“Be a doll and bring up my armor too Dor.”
“No problem.”

The large man walked back into the depths of the castle. Geis turned back to the horizon and felt a cool breeze caress her face. It had a strange scent to it, something that was on the tip of her tongue. She couldn’t identify it, but it was rather familiar…

Trinity and Undead:

“I see something!!”

The cries of excited soldiers and curious onlookers grew with each passing moment. The soldier himself couldn’t make out what it was, even with a sight enhancing spell he couldn’t tell what it was. But the sparkle of light told him it was from a soldier wearing armor.

“From the looks of it it’s human.”

Excited whispers began.

“I think it’s General Xien!”

Soon the pearly armor came into view.

“Yes! It’s the general! He looks a little worse for wear but-…”

The soldier blinked a few times. He rubbed them, tried blowing out some dust from them, but still he couldn’t believe his eyes. The thing was indeed Xien, but it wasn’t only him. From over a hill he had appeared, and with each step he grew taller. Soon his whole body was visible but it didn’t end there. Each step and even higher he went until there was no mistaking it. The general, battered and wounded, was placed on an immense crucifix. The immense sight was soon repeated and came with the horrendous sounds of the living dead. Geis mentally slapped herself for not recognizing the scent of death in the air.

“Prepare for the siege!!”

Sounds of rushed preparations were made. Cries of panic and fear echoed through the streets. Soldiers readied themselves as families hid in the sanctuary of the city’s depths. After an hour the scene, both inside and outside the city, was hectic. Catapults were ready but one glimpse outside the city and any hope that they were good was lost. Dor, Geis, Tir, Vex, and Kokuo all looked out into the sea of corpses. At the front of the sea were the crosses, thousands of them, acting like a borderline between the city and the dead. Kokuo shook his head upon seeing the proud General upon the largest one.

“Yep, dead man. A shame too.”

Geis couldn’t even speak at the sight. The elves didn’t need to speak. Dor was the only one who continued with his blunt nature.

“A brave man you mean. If things don’t lighten up we’ll be ending up the same way. What of your forces Kokuo?”
“We may appear out of nowhere, but it takes time to gather and ready ourselves. It’s not easy finding a tunnel to a specific part of the world and coming out of the ground you know.”

The group just stared at the sea, depressed a bit. A small abnormal movement caught their eye. A slender woman was bashing her way through the hordes and making a ruckus, a loud one even for undead standards.

“Out of my way maggots! Hey, help me up this thing! Watch what you’re touching!”

She climbed the cross that had Xien on it and rested on the lateral extension. She crossed her legs and sat as calmly as she could, and started to cry out to the city.

“Hello~ humans! Don’t bother running, you’re surrounded. Don’t bother using ranged weaponry, we got enough troops to outlast you. Don’t bother at all! But…”

She pulled out her sickle and held it up to Xien’s neck. Shocking everyone in the city, he groaned and tried to move away from the dirty thing.

“It’d be a shame to let all these men die, wouldn’t it?”

Simultaneously, all the crucifixes were shaken and the sight of seeing their soldiers dangled in front of them enraged many of the city dwellers.

“Come out and play! I promise I’ll be gentle.”

Once again the groans of the dead belittled all else. In front of such a bold challenge, the humans could do nothing but glare…


Chapter 17: Hope Reborn

Trinity and Undead:

“Archers up! Don’t let up! Don’t give up!”

Dor shouted out his orders as he ran down the halls and stairs of the castle. As he made his way to the main gates of the city he was joined by soldiers, both young and old. Dor noticed the civilians also taking up arms and placing themselves around their homes. He didn’t want to see the people lose faith in their men so easily, but it was reality. With the walls of the city already filled with archers and magi, the only thing left was the gate. He met up with the rest of the royal army and stood on a barrel to get their attention.

“Soon we will open these gates. If we can diminish the amount that tries to go over the walls and split their focus then we might be able to hold them off. They outnumber us vastly, but they’re only mindless dogs. If we die then let it be on the battlefield! Away from the eyes of our loved ones, away from those that would pain to see us die! Keep them close to your heart even as you lose sight and feeling! Have faith in our blades and in our minds! Prepare to open the gates!!”

Each moment they steeled themselves against fear was another step for the moving cemetery. By the time they opened the gates the undead were only a few hundred meters away from the walls of the city. The humans all charged out but stopped, even Dor was awe struck. The scene was more drastic on the ground floor, all their eyes were focused on those on the walls who tried to rain down their defeat, but as soon as the soldiers came out every single eye slowly moved down and focused on the ground troops. The feeling of hundreds of thousands of hungry eyes on a person would stop anyone.

Lilith, who was watching the walls with great interest, looked around confused as to why they all stopped.

“Oi, what the hell?! Why did we all stop?”

She noticed the focus of the undead and looked at the opened gates. Her eyes lit up and she nearly squealed out of joy at the sight. She kissed her index and middle fingers and pressed them lightly against Xien.

“Sorry love, I got pressing matters to attend to. Hope you don’t get lonely. Ciao~!”

She jumped off her crucifix and enjoyed the feeling of weightlessness as she fell. She smiled as she saw the look on the undead she was about to land on. Lilith was surprised to see the creature sidestep and avoid her completely. Her landing was loud to say the least, creating a small crater.

“Well at least you’re not as dumb as you look.”

Lilith quickly shifted focus and sneered at Dor.

“You on the other hand…”

She lit her sickle on fire and began swinging it at her side. The weapon left a trail of fire and made it look like she had a ring of fire at her side.

“…are one dense dead man.”
“And you are slow to act!”

Lilith turned her attention to the voice that dared to insult her plans. It was a male elf who spoke, but he had a female at his side. He was on the walls so Lilith didn’t know what gave them such confidence, but she knew she had to kill them. As she was pulling her arm back to launch her weapon at them she felt a strong breeze from her flank. The sickle fell and dug deep into the ground as she turned her attention towards the source of the wind. From the nearby woods came a barrage of arrows that exploded on contact. Though it was but a fraction of their numbers, this assault would not go unnoticed. Lilith’s eyes narrowed as she saw elven warriors and mages step out in the thounsands.

“Hah, filthy elf. Those numbers are deplorable! And our wards will protect us from your pitiful spells!”

Vex’s eyes flashed with anger. He grinned wickedly at the undead general.

“Is that so? Well did you know we are of one mind? We can link with each other so long as there’s a will, and we know of your wards.”

Even as he spoke, the elf mages were kneeling down and casting their magic. Once they finished writing their runes on the ground they slammed their palms into the seals they made. The ground ruptured and shot out towards the army. Lilith was expecting her troops to fall into a crevice of some sort but was shocked to see the ground around the crucifixes break and rise up as huge pillars of stone. They didn’t stop at a few meters; they rose up to challenge the very wall’s height. Lilith glared at Vex and clenched her teeth, withholding any cursing she felt rise up in her throat.

“I wonder if these wards can protect below themselves. I’d wager not…”

Vex took a glance at Geis who was still biting on her nail. She hear his words and pulled out her staff and pointed it at Lilith.

“Bitch, feel my wrath! Gather the force of the skies: Gale wave!”

Light began to gather at the head of the staff and shot out a wicked wind. It passed under the wards and crashed into the ground where it moved out like a wave of water. Lilith crossed her arms in front of her in an ‘X’ and prepared herself for the pain. Undead were tossed away like dolls, but Lilith stood her ground and grunted lightly under the attack. She looked out from the sanction of her arms, which were cut in several places, and hissed at Geis. Her thoughts were interrupted at hearing several undead fall apart upon landing, from what she had to turn to see. At the other side of Lilith’s army stood Kokuo, fists recoiling from his recent attack. From behind him rose the spirits that came to aid him, including a spunky little alchemist who was already tossing explosive vials into the undead numbers.

“Great. Things are starting to look troublesome.”

The four armies crashed together. Deadlocked, all they could do was fight and wait…


Chapter 18: Breaking the Lines

Undead and Humans:

Tightening her grip on the sickle, Lilith took quick measure of the situation. Anger setting in, she spun her sickle around and tossed it at Dor who parried it away. The axe was as imposing as the man himself, but he would undoubtedly be slower than her. She pulled the flaming blade back in and hissed her disgust at him and he responded in kind with a grin.

“What’s wrong, things not looking your way anymore? Don’t worry I’ll be sure to put your master in his place too!”
“You think it’s that easy? Well then if that’s true then I should stand no chance against the likes of you!”

The two engaged in combat while their soldiers took a back seat to the action. It was strange, seeing a horde of undead just watching a fight but they had no choice in the matter. Unbeknownst to the humans, they were ordered to act as one, and one of them was waiting to see which one would fall first. It was a comical situation considering the severity of the whole battle.

Seeing this, Geis took action and leapt from the walls onto a nearby stone pillar and climbed her way up. She had no worry of any projectile hitting her since the undead weren’t known for their lavish tactics, but the ones who were left dumbfounded and carrying the large thing took some effort to avoid. After a while she reached the center of the crucifix and took pity on the man who was pinned therein. She started to check his vitals and was relieved to see some movement. Xien had lacerations all over his body, but still held onto his weapons. It was what he was famous for, his fighting spirit, and the sight of it would inspire others to take up arms. Xien opened his eyes and tightened his grip on his katanas.

“Time to fight again?”

Geis nodded slowly and freed the man. The bones that held him in place were brittle and only took some effort with her staff. He fell down to the floor and spun around, waving his weapons about, and sliced the undead apart. It happened so fast the creatures could only stare and moan lightly as they fell to the ground far below. The large structure fell with them, and crushed many a beast. Geis and Xien knelt down and looked at the battle below them. The scene still hadn’t changed; Lilith and Dor were both still pressing each others’ buttons. With the crucifix crashing down Lilith knew she had to get serious.

“All right then! Let’s dance!”

The undead beauty swung her sickle about her as she spun, resembling a dance more than anything else. The flames trailed behind her weapon creating a ring of fire that singed the ground. She approached Dor with haste and cackled as he stepped back and hesitated. Dor raised his large axe and placed it on his shoulder as he stomped the ground. The power in his stomp cracked the earth as he prepared to swing his mighty weapon. It whistled through the wind and met with the fire, a loud clang resounding through the area. Lilith had stopped dead in her tracks and grinned devilishly. The sickle’s blade had caught itself in between the head and the pole of the axe. Dor tried to pull Lilith in but found himself to be deadlocked with her. Once, twice, both times his tugging ended in without any gain on his part. When he looked her in the eye he was greeted with a knowing grin. She pulled hard and was rewarded with the sound of skidding feet across dirt. Lilith continued pulling him in towards her pets.

“Come on now, don’t worry! It’ll only hurt for the first couple hundred bites!”


Each little tug dragged him in closer. Dor tried prying his axe away from the sickle but it was no use, with each pull he came that much closer to Lilith and the horde behind her. Seeing none of the undead rushing in for the kill, Lilith turned to see the undead army just watching.

“What the F**K are you idiots doing?! This is a war! FIGHT!!”

At hearing her booming voice the creatures behind her started rushing the gates. Those that were facing the Elves lurched their way up the hill towards the forest as did those fighting the spirits. Dor continued to struggle but it seemed that this woman was far stronger than he had ever dreamed. As he prepared to start swinging fists he saw a blur land before him that slashed the chains apart. The sickle’s flame died away and Lilith was left glaring with only a useless chain in her hands. Dor looked to his immediate left to see his superior, beaten and dragged, panting heavily with his weapons embedded deep into the ground.

“C’mon Dor, you can do better. Let’s show these beasts what it means to have skill!”

By now the undead were within biting distance. Xien swung around, leaving flashes of light in his wake, and stopped in the same position he had started. Several undead fell apart, the sight giving the soldiers behind Dor some hope.

“…yea. That’s the way! Even against a million we’ll triumph so long as we fight together as one.”

Several zombies lunged at Dor who merely grinned as he swung his great axe. The blow from the human general sent the wave of undead flying. Time seemed to slow down as he recovered from his attack when Dor noticed a large undead creature made of several zombies lunged at him. Without stopping Dor turned and pulled his axe over his should and down on the large abomination. It sliced cleanly in two as the bloodied weapon split the earth in two. Morale renewed, the armies inside the castle charged out seeking their share of glory.

“Incoming~”

Dor and Xien turned upwards to see Geis flutter down safely. Her use of magic wasn’t limited to offensive techniques, something she proved time and time again. With a wave of her staff she healed Xien as well as she could on short notice and turned to Dor.

“I think it’s time don’t you?”


Dor nodded calmly as his men charged beyond him. The fighting would move away from them now, most of the killing done by the pawns on both sides.

“Oh yea definitely.”

The three generals turned to look straight at Lilith and spoke in unison.

“Time to pay the reaper bitch!”

Lilith staggered backwards. She fell behind her troops but still kept her focus on those three.

“You think you got me? Well that little moment of pride will cost you!”

She motioned with her thumbs the act of cutting her own throat. In unison the zombies about her grunted over and over again as if they were chanting for a sacrifice. Lilith looked up at those carrying the crucifixes and shouted her order.

“Drop em!”

The large beasts carrying their heavy burdens nodded happily and pushed the boney structures off the pillars of stone. Slowly they fell towards the walls of the city. Easily passing the buffer zone of the wall, the soldiers tied to them could only scream to a bloody and painful death. Geis covered her mouth in horror as the two male generals could only curse under their breath. The sky was covered with bones and piles of rotting flesh as the structures shattered on impact. Lilith wiped a bead of sweat off her brow and tossed it away.

“And that ain’t the end of it either. Suffer my wrath!”

She tossed aside her chain and clapped her hands together as if preparing for prayer. She whispered to herself the words of magic she never knew she had and slammed her hands on the ground. Just as the elf magic did, the power ran through the ground and was absorbed into the bones. Familiar roars burst from within the walls and received the full attention of Geis, Dor, Tir, Vex and Kokuo. It was the sound that haunted them that day they retreated together. The three generals ran into the city and took notice of the lumbering beasts within: The Bone Wyverns.

“That should keep you busy. Ciao baby!”

Lilith blew a kiss and retreated further into her troops. The humans didn’t have time to react to Lilith, they could only sound the retreat.

“Back into the city! The enemy is in the city!!”



Chapter 19: Cleaning Duty

Elves, Spirits, and Undead:

Kokuo stood behind the front line. It wasn’t his custom to make any real attacks but he sure did like starting and ending things. With his right hand he held some magic energies for a powerful strike should some enemies break through, and with his left he held the head of a spunky little creature trying to get in on the fighting.

“Lord Kokuo, please! Let me fight~! I can fight~! Just let me show you!”

Kokuo looked sternly at Kikio and scoffed lightly.

“Child, all you have is your vials. Potent as they may be, one good hit and you’re done. Is that what you really want? Do you wan to leave this world without me showing my gratitude?”

He knew very well what his words could do to her and tried to spare her the scolding whenever he could. Even an embarrassing word here and there was worth it over losing one of his people. She stopped struggling upon hearing him and latched onto his waist, hugging him tightly.

“Ok! I won’t leave your side.”
“Oh for the love of-…”

He was about to slap his forehead when he heard the roars inside the city.

“That’s not good. The humans will no longer be able to handle the battle outside the city. Push harder! The burden of defending the gates falls on us and the elves!”

Kokuo looked down at the affectionate little spirit and patted her on the shoulder. She looked up and grinned enthusiastically. Anticipating his request she brought out her chemicals and looked up for the word.

“Start mixing kikio. We’re going to need to hollow out the center to push our way through.”

The Spirit King looked up on the city walls and saw the elf twins. Aeon Vex locked his eyes on the old spirit and nodded knowingly. He tugged at his sister’s gown and moved over to the closest point to their soldiers.

”Let’s go, we have command over this force so we need to be leading them.”
“True, but how are we going to get there?”
“Isn’t it obvious?”

Tir looked at her brother, confused for a moment and then motioning in surprise.

“Really? You won’t mind?”
”It has to be done. Hold on tight.”

Aeon Tir moved over slowly and wrapped her arms around him. It was a rare moment, being so close to her brother who was always very cold, and it was a short one too. He jumped off the wall as he focused his mind on his current task.

“Flames of resurrection arise and take to the skies! Phoenix Flight!”

The duo fell down to the earth as embers started to manifest. As the horde of undead started to appear closer and closer the flames ignited and covered the two in fire. The flames changed shape and became a magnificent fire bird and flew some distance over the battlefield. Before it could reach its destination, however, it died and the two elves were left hanging in the air. They fell down and finally met the horde, but Vex was not one to give up so easily. Landing on a zombie’s head, he pushed himself off and leapt towards safety. He repeated this over and over, lopping off heads one after another until he landed just behind the elf front lines. Just as Tir let go and walked forward, the line broke and several of the rotting creatures lunged for him. Vex turned his head to look at those that would claim him and saw each one take an arrow to the face.

“Nice shooting archers.”

The line was reinforced with by his fellows skilled in melee combat. Vex stretched his neck as he made way towards the safer haven of the forest. They would need some time to make a plan of attack, despite lacking it. A falcon flew back from its scouting route and conversed with its tamer. The soldier who trained the bird came up with his report.

“Sir, several wyverns have appeared in the city. They appear to be scattered throughout the city and just beyond the walls. The humans are pulling back to try and take care of them.”

Vex crossed his arms over his chest. He took a long look at the peaceful sky and sighed heavily.

“So then it’s on us and the spirits to take care of the enemy outside the gates.”
“It appears that way yes.”

Vex received some papers and looked them over. The statistics were not in their favor but they had both skill and magic on their side. He knew it was impossible to break through at the moment, it’d be like running into a wall that wanted to bite you and tear away your limbs.

“We’ll need to hollow them out. Archers are to aim as deep in as they can and mages just before that. Swordsmen are to use any spell and skill they have to hold off the horde while the others do their part.”

The soldier nodded and spread the orders to the rest of the army. Vex jumped up onto a nearby tree branch and overlooked the battlefield. He was joined shortly after by his sister.

“How many will we lose today for this? All for a human city.”
“If not now then they’d have easily taken them down. The numbers alone would trump them. And after them who do you think is next?”
“…”

The whole field was scrambling about. The undead were a random bunch and their lumbering about looked as if a moving skin had been placed on the soil. Even so it looked peaceful compared to the battlefronts. That is, until several small explosions littered the center of the undead.

Kokuo watched the small spirit mix her potions as fast as she could and pass it off to random spirits who lobbed the explosive things into the undead ranks. It appeared like their numbers were thinning, though not quite as fast as they’d hoped. Kokuo soon noticed the elf attacks and felt a bit relieved that they too had come to the same conclusion. Things were looking up now that the undead focus was split. Just at that moment the undead piled on each other against a poor spirit and leapt at Kikio. Kokuo stepped in between and punched the creature away with terrific force and breaking it into pieces.

“Only a matter of time now…”


Chapter 20: Tactical Retreat

Humans and Undead:

Xien called out to his men but he himself had seen their fate. Dor, in the meantime, gave the order to retreat. While fending off several grunts he took glances over at Geis. She seemed all right, but considering her recent emotional pains Dor couldn’t tell anymore. As the order to pull back into the city reached all the human soldiers, Xien made his own pushes forward. Even in his weakened state he was fighting his fair share and was eager to cause as much damage to his foes as he could. His burden weighed heavily on him, Xien’s pain was not of the body but of the heart. With each swing he took another head and made a mental note of another victim’s revenge. He was consumed with it, and nearly took a swing at Geis when she tried to pry him from his fights. Even in the heat of battle she held his shoulder gently and reminded him of his debts.

“Don’t throw your life away. Remember?”
“…aye, I do now.”

Xien pulled back with Geis and most of the human soldiers into the city. They moved from a large battle to smaller and exceedingly more dangerous ones. One couldn’t help but sigh despondently. The frustrated woman turned to her comrade and shouted at him in a blunt and upset tone.

“Hey, tiny! Get your ass in here we got fires to put out!”
“Yes mother~. I just need to make sure most of us get back in.”
“Just don’t die trying, I’d much rather you die doing!”

Dor smiled weakly as he swung one more time. Most of the troops around him were already retreating in the city, leaving him in a rather dire situation. He was only a few feet away from the gates and safety, but making a break for it would allow many foes into the city. He waved to the gatekeepers inside and shouted over his shoulder.

“Close the gates! I’ll jump in at the last second! Everyone in!”

The soldiers reluctantly complied, panting as they passed their brave leader. Dor stood alone now, in front of a wall of slobbering and menacing horde. Without so much as a warning they leapt, attempting to swarm over the single man. Dor took a deep breath and let out a mighty war cry as he made one last swing with his axe. His axe sliced cleanly through the first line, sending them flying into those behind them. Their bodies impacted with enough force to send the next lines tumbling to their feet. Comrades made no difference to the undead, a plain fact seen as they trampled those that got in their way. Slowed only for a moment, they chased after the stumbling man as the sounds of locks were giving way.

“Son of a-“

Dor leapt for his life, with the hands and mouths of undead reaching for him. He skidded across the dirt and winced as pain engulfed his left foot.

“BITCH!”

Dor looked behind him and chuckled to himself. His foot was caught under the grating of the gate along with a few of the undead numbers. They still clawed at him trying to pull him through, or at least part of him. He didn’t hesitate to reach down and unlace his bootstrap when they started to wound his leg.

”Fine keep the bloody thing!”

Dor stood up, missing one boot, and received the congratulatory hug from Geis. She then proceeded to punch him in the chest for his bravado.

“Dumbass, you want to leave me too?!”

Before the awkward situation could begin the roars of their new foe caught their attention. The three made their way to the closest fight where a company of soldiers were fending off one wyvern. The large beast had already taken some of its prey, a soldier in it’s mouth and a small child under it’s feet. One soldier found it his duty to hold the mother back as she tried desperately to get to her child. The three generals felt pity for the poor woman as well as an obligation to do her justice. They didn’t need to say anything, their hearts as one they charged the creature. Xien leapt into the air and dove at the creature. Before it could counter the foolhardy rush it was blinded by a quick fire spell to the face by Geis. Xien’s dive ended in a flash, he was behind the beast with his weapons at his side. He stood up and relaxed in order to enjoy the sight of the creature’s legs being sliced apart. As it fell forward it met with an enraged man who swung his axe upwards to counter it’s falling momentum. Armored skull or not, the blow split the creature’s head in two. Even in pieces it seemed to thrash about, wounding some of the soldiers who let down their guard. Xien went to comfort the woman, but the fact that there were more of these beasts meant there’d be many more victims. Dor conversed with a soldier about their current situation.

“How many of these things are there?”
“Well, there were a lot of crucifixes. Most didn’t make it into the city but they’re still a lot of them.”
“I didn’t ask how many got through.”
“Sorry. Judging by the amount of battle throughout the city I’d say about 200.”
“How many men does it take to take down one?”
“Well…so far you’re the first. But assuming all our men are equal on skill and how things were going, I’d say a squad or two should be sufficient.”
“How many can squads to we have fighting?”
“All of them, but we’re still a bit short. Many of the citizens have volunteered to fight but that would add very little.”
“So we’re short on men. What of the archers and mages?”
“They’re focusing their efforts on the undead outside the walls.”

Dor thought about it for a moment and whispered to Geis his plan. She nodded reluctantly and turned to the soldier.

“Tell the mages to focus on whatever wyvern they can without leaving the walls. The undead will try to climb on top of their own dead soon to get over our defenses. Ready some oil and light them on fire when it looks like they’re nearing the top.”

The soldier nodded and ran to spread the orders. Geis turned to her large friend and leaned on him. She needed a moment of rest, despite having been through less.

“We’re going to lose a lot of people today aren’t we?”
”Yea.”
“And then there’s still that bitch of a corpse.”
“Uh huh.”
“Not to mention we need to hunt down Gri-…I mean that creature.”
“If you got time to talk then you got time to fight. C’mon Geis let’s get down to business.”
“Yea.”

The humans took care of things inside the walls while the spirits and elves took care of outside. Despite being a long day, things were finally looking up.

Meanwhile, Lilith made her way through the undead ranks to the rear of her forces. She had such high expectations for the battle and they were all failing. She took one glance at the battlefield and felt dread at what she would have to report.

“C’mon maggots! They’re hollowing us out. Push! Push damn you or you’ll have me to deal with later!!”

Her nerves were getting the better of her. Thoughts of defeat were already creeping in her mind. Her forces didn’t have the finesse that their foes had, all they had were numbers. Even with great numbers they were being held at bay. At this rate all she could hope for would be wiping out much of her Master’s enemies. Ultima’s last words to her echoed in her mind and she shivered uncontrollably for a second.

“I suppose being abused wouldn’t be too bad. I mean, how horrible can he be? Really?”

The undead around her shuffled nervously and stepped away from her. In such a mind set, she was like radiation to them. Even if they ran towards death, they preferred that end to what awaited her. Lilith summoned up a smaller wyvern, a creature with the rotting flesh of the fallen all over its body, and climbed on. Her small mount was capable of flight, but it wouldn’t stand a barrage from mages or archers. She made sure to fly over her forces only and took measure of the situation.

“Bah! They’re only living things and yet they’re already dwindling our numbers. At this rate…goddammit! I might as well cut my losses and head back.”

She made one last command to her troops as she flew safely over them.

“Fight to the last one. Eat their flesh, drink their blood, and be merry in this fight for today you die!”

Lilith fled the battle. Her forces would make a large dent in the Trinity forces. Her hopes for a warm welcome were dashed and she was left with the dread of meeting Ultima again. Archers, mages and alchemists alike took note of her bearing and then continue the fight. After the constant barrages of spells, arrows and bombs, the center of the undead collapsed. After a few hours the lines broke and victory was claimed outside the walls. By night the roars of the wyverns had dulled down to whimpering in the night. Sleep didn’t come to any that night or the following. Clean up duty was hell, but they weren’t done yet. Weary, the leaders met up and sat down together. They had much to talk about but before they began the loud snoring of Dor, Vex, and Kokuo had stopped any plans they might’ve had. After three days of fighting and cleaning, they wouldn’t dare disturb their short rest…


Chapter 21: Hope’s Sacrifice, Hope’s Triumph

Trinity:

It wasn’t long before the men in the room woke up. They stretched out to jump start their bodies. After a moment of cold stares from the women they sat down and discussed their plans. Geis was always enthusiastic to break the silence.

“So what’re going to do now? How are we going to deal with…him.”

Dor leaned back in his seat as if preparing to go back to sleep.

“Well we at least know where to go. We have many eye witnesses saying that their general was retreating towards the northeast. All scouts sent in that direction have yet to return, and even bird carriers never seem to return. All signs point to Eden’s End.”
“Are we sure that he’s there though? She just might be running to nowhere in general.”

Kokuo slammed his fist into the arm of the chair and nearly tore it off.

“I highly doubt she’d stay away from him for very long. From my experience his followers cower in his shadow and stick to his leg like a babe hiding under their mother’s skirt.”

The group listened intently at Kokuo, expecting more. When he shrugged and laid back in his seat they obviously felt shortchanged. In the absence of her brother’s words, Tir leaned forward and questioned the old soul.

”So tell us what you know of this creature. Our elders found little relevant information on the creature, or perhaps they withheld it from us, so you’re our only source.”

Indeed he was, being one of the few survivors of that archaic battle and possible the only one alive. He stared blankly at the ground as he tried to recall the little details of that horrid time.

“He is a devilish creature. His only pleasure is the pain of others, and their eventual death is his reason for being. Just his presence froze many with dread. It’s that trait that made him fearful, and the fact that the feeling has decreased leads me to believe he is weakened considerably. The thought that my creators’ sacrifice was not in vain comforts me greatly.”
“Creator?”
“Yes, all of us were created at some point. I’m not sure if those two were made by another, but I do know they are our benefactors.”
“Hope and Love?”
”Yes. With a graceful wave he created a world with a hopeful future. With her gentle breath she made life that would care for one another despite race. Those are our benefactors and our saviors.”
“Hmmm. You mentioned sacrifice, which one?”
”It’s said in the folklore. Love gave her life for those she cared about and Hope gave his soul to shackle the beast and seal him away.”

Dor chuckled lightly upon hearing the recounting of an old fairy tale. Even if it was true, it still felt so far fetched. He couldn’t help but question a very simple fact.

“So where are these shackles? Maybe we can use them?”

Kokuo rubbed his cheek, appearing uninterested in the question. He shrugged slowly, a bit annoyed at his own ignorance.

“Damned if I know. Could’ve been dropped where he was sealed for all I know.”
“So where did they fall?”
”Even if they fought for days, they didn’t move from where they started the fight. Love and Hope both wanted to decrease the casualties to the life on the world. It’s a shame their supporters and opponents came to them. The second he landed they started the fight.”
“And he landed where?”
“Where he scarred the world of course, that cursed land.”

Vex joined in on the conversation at last, his curiosity peaked.

“So our foe lies in the same place as our hope? Seems to me like we’re damned if we do and damned if we don’t.”

Vex took a glance at his sister, but when she too looked at him he quickly changed his focus to the floor. His grin showing signs of elf arrogance, he nodded in approval.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Tir rubbed her cheek softly. The flesh was still soft and she felt rather sore, even after a few days of rest. She too nodded in the end and smiled to brighten up the mood.

“That seems to be our fate. I say we do it!”
“You speak too much of fate sister. Let’s just finish it quietly and be done with it.”
“Y-yes, that’d be for the best.”

The groups’ interests suddenly shifted to those two. They hadn’t spoke very much throughout their ordeals. Dor sat up and moved to the edge of his seat, his hands hanging down in front of him. He was very interested in their actions and how they contradicted their word.

“Yea I’ve been wondering about that mark on your cheek. You said you gave up most of your magic but I still see you use some potent stuff.”

Geis gently hit the palm of her hand with the bottom of her fist, realizing the vague meaning of their words.

“That’s right. You certainly have to be skilled in order to lead some forces, and I’ve yet to see any spell or seal that limits a person’s natural talents. What do you mean and what exactly is that mark?”

Vex shot a glare at Tir, as if saying “See what your big mouth has done?” Vex sheepishly looked around to see the look on everyone’s faces. They were all interested and she felt she had no choice but to speak.

“Well…it’s complicated.”

The silence pushed down on her. It was the first time she had been out as an individual rather than part of a pair and she had trouble finding the right words.

“It’s one of our society’s greatest punishments, and despite our actions my words were very accurate. We have given up our magic; it has not been taken away. We can still wield our strongest spells but we can’t really use them.”
“And why is that?”
“Well…that’s because this mark is more like a gauge than anything else. Once it detects us using more power than is necessary, then it triggers a mana arrow spell that will kill the user by piercing their head.”

Geis gasped as she covered her mouth. Even if the group didn’t show their shock they certainly didn’t expect such a punishment from a small thing like that.

“You mean you’ll be killed if you use more magic than is allowed?”
“Yes. The mark brands us on several levels so it is quite feared.”
“Levels? What do you mean?”
“…the first and most obvious is the mark of the coward. Because of the mark’s effect, we fear using our power because we fear death.”

Geis kept her mouth covered as she stared wide eyed at Tir. She looked at Vex, but he was already looking out a nearby window trying to ignore the conversation all together.

”The second is the mark of a weakling. Because of our limited powers we are seen as useless. Wasting talent is a terrible sin for us, so those that aren’t useful are a waste.”

Shock finally dying, Geis recomposed herself and tried to look understanding and sympathetic without being rude.

“The last is the mark of the rogue. Going against our laws to merit such a punishment, we are labeled as untrustworthy. We cannot progress in our society aside from…”

Vex finally showed some reaction to the conversation. He stood up violently and stormed his way to the door.

“Don’t we have some devil to destroy? I’ll start making preparations for our forces to invade Eden’s End.”

Kokuo’s cold eyes looked to Tir. He understood their pride, he understood their fate. Even to Dor, Tir appeared flushed and understandably couldn’t speak anymore. She too made her way back to her place following her brother. The group looked around confused and focused on the knowing face of Kokuo. Geis urged the old spirit to tell them what he knew, and he reluctantly obliged.

”It’s fairly clear. They are proud and are marked. As such they cannot make progress in their homelands aside for one purpose. Here they are, fighting and leading their troops.”

Dor scratched his head, appearing the dense one once again. Kokuo chuckled at the simplicity of the large man.

“To regain some honor, for a home that they are no longer accepted in, they are pushing themselves so they can die in battle. So that’s how they keep order in their society. Instill the fear of losing it all except a death they have to seek, a blow to their pride, character, and mind.”

Kokuo floated his way to the door.

“Let’s start preparing. We’re going to be heading into the Lion’s Den very soon.”

And so the twin’s shame was brought to light, their suicidal efforts known. Who was to say they were any different from those who prepared to invade the cursed
land...


Chapter 22: The Core of the Subject

Ultima:

He sat on a rock in a dark hole. It was dirty, it was cold and it was perfect. Deep in the cursed lands was the crevice. It was a huge scar that stretched for miles and miles and went deeper than any natural formation should have. It was at the darkest depths that Ultima lay in wait. The stagnant air was like a perfume to him, truly this was his greatest work to date. But then again he couldn’t take all the credit, the denizens all helped make this hellhole so lovely. Even as he thought of his little puppet Lilith, the scurrying sounds of the crevice’s inhabitants resounded all around him. He had encountered quite a plethora of variations from bugs to humanoids. Some of the creatures were a nuisance, but most were to his liking. The intelligent creatures in this land were few, undead being only a small fraction of them, but they were more than enough of them to be of use to him. Unlike the surface where only undead lay, the deeper the location the more sinister the creature. It wasn’t until Ultima lay on his boulder that he found those that he truly enjoyed being around.

“How interesting…I never would’ve anticipated your kind being here.”
“Regardless of that, we are.”
“And the balls on you! You got some nerve.”
“Even death from your hands is an honor. Do what you will.”

Ultima’s laugh echoed throughout the chamber. By the time it reached the surface it would only be the sound of the wind. He didn’t bother looking at the creature, it was too dark to see, but he did enjoy speaking to it.

“What news of the girl?”
“She approaches.”
“…good.”

Ultima sat on his little boulder in the darkness. He didn’t know how much time had passed, but he really didn’t care. When he became conscious of his surroundings he knew it was time. The nervous footsteps, light panting, lack of a heartbeat, all signs pointed to one person. She had made her way there through her feelings and other senses. When she ran into Ultima she flinched and instinctively prepared for a blow. When she felt nothing she became curious, had her senses and nerves gotten the best of her? She slowly opened her eyes, which had finally become accustomed to the darkness, to peer deep into the wide and psychotic eyes of her Master. His wide grin told her that he knew it was her. He took a deep breath through his nose and chuckled lightly.

“I smell…failure and fear!”

Lilith stumbled back and fell on her ass. Upon hearing the shallow steps of larger than average cavern dwellers, she looked around and tried to find them. She only saw silhouettes of those watching her and her master. Feeling her pride at stake, she pushed her fears deep inside of her and stood up. She dusted herself off and tried to wipe whatever grime had attached to her before speaking.

“I’m sorry master. I-“
“I know you failed. I expected you to fail. Even at birth I could tell you didn’t have the guts to die without a purpose. You don’t have it in you to throw away your existence for me.”
“I do! It’s just…that things were starting to look very badly. Even now I think I did the right thing. If you’d just give me another chance-“

The cavern was filled with the echo of a whip cracking. In fact, it had been flesh against flesh: Ultima’s hands against Lilith’s face. The much frailer female was sent spinning like a top for a few feet before she recovered. Her eyes were still trying to stop the world from spinning while her hand held her face that still stung.

“Again with your apologizing? Disgusting! You’re my creation and yet you act more like them everyday. You did the job I hoped you’d do and you still cower.”
“I…did?”
“You really are simple. I crave entertainment! Giving them this hope of victory, seeing the direction you fled in, and their alliance. All of it will give them the delusion of hope. It is in that hope that I will find my victory.”

Ultima stormed his way to Lilith and stopped within an inch of her face. She stood her ground, though inside she was saying her prayers.

“You will wait on the surface. When they come, consider it your last day, that is unless you actually win.”
“Y-yes sir. I won’t fail you this ti-“

Once again she was cut off by the back of his hand. He didn’t hold back this time, so the force of the blow sent her hurtling towards the other end of the cavern. He head slammed into a boulder and created a gash on her head. She looked weakly about her, trying to make sense of what exactly hit her only to find darkness. Before succumbing to unconsciousness she noticed a dark and rust covered plate. She pulled herself closer to it and finally made it out: a pair of shackles. Lilith lost consciousness and would awake several days later. Ultima didn’t bother to look at her again.

“Take her to the surface. She’s to have command over the undead.”
“What of us master?”
“You do what you like. It’ll make no difference. If they’re too weak to get to me then they deserve a weakling’s death.”

The creature darted off and took Lilith with it. Ultima glanced towards where Lilith was trying to pull herself to and smiled…


Chapter 23: Memories of a Loved One

Humans:

Night had come again. The past few days had been quite traumatizing for most humans, but Geis felt especially hurt. At night she’d have nightmares about her encounters with what appeared to be Grid. She didn’t know why she kept dreaming of it, he was a dear friend and nothing more. In her mind she was grieving for a friend, but the others knew better. She had come to expect the images to creep into her mind at night, but she was pleasantly surprised this time. The moonlight shined through her window and she gazed longingly at the moon until she fell to the sandman’s spell. Geis was expecting the forest she was in but found herself in an empty area. It wasn’t just without people, but without any solid object at all. It was a clear white open space that had some pink smoke about it. She was the only thing there, and yet it was still a comforting scene.

“Well this is a nice change of pace. A lot warmer than I expect an empty area to be.”

Something caught her attention. It sounded like a person walking by but there was no one. She started to look around her very cautiously trying to find the source. What sounded like rustling leaves resounded around the area and the echo of a voice started to manifest. At first it was a inaudible but then it grew to a whisper.

“Who’s there? What do you want? Wait…what am I saying? This is my dream! I control what goes on here.”
“Mem-…of…-ed one…”
“A what one? Come on out, now!”

She tried to force some willpower into it but was suddenly hit in the face. It felt like a slap but it was far too gentle to be violent. Despite what it was it stung, making Geis start to panic about the dream.

“What the hell is going on? What do you want?”
“Listen…well…to the chant…”

Images rushed into the world, as if the whole environment was made into multiple screens. There were so many that she couldn’t really understand them all. The only thing that she could truly make out was a pair of shimmering bangles linked by a rope. The image rusted away to a dirty pair of shackles, confusing her even more. She tried to reach out for the item but found herself waking up to the morning sun.

“…right. No more eating the cucumbers from the guacamole masks before bed that’s for damn sure.”


Geis dressed quickly in her battle garments and walked through the halls. The people appeared excited and full of life, more so than average. There was a buzz in the air, a hope for a future. Upon exiting the city gates she was greeted by an imposing scene: Three large armies gathered and ready for their march. Her comrades came out from her sides and greeted her. Dor was the first, hugging her roughly as a close friend would. The twin elves both nodded while keeping their respective brands hidden by facing her at a certain angle. Kokuo clapped his hands and urged them to hasten their final preparations. Despite their ranks, only kokuo spoke.

“Despite what you have been taught, what you have seen, or what you have experienced let me assure you the worst has yet to come. It isn’t a fate we wait for, nor is it one that we should expect to fade away with time. It’s a fate we move towards! We, of differing races, know the value of life! Despite our past conflicts, despite the strife that still haunts us, we unite for the sole purpose of protecting those that follow us! We unite!!”

Kokuo raised his right hand which held a fiery blue energy. It pulsated with emotion just as the old spirit did.

“For our land!”

He looked towards the elves.

“For our families!”

Kokuo’s eyes moved over the humans.

“And for our futures!”

He glanced at his own troops. He would have kept his time worn visage facing them if it wasn’t for kikio’s exuberant waves and cheers.

“We march to the end of this. Though it may be short, it will be conclusive! We either finish this threat off at Eden’s End or die knowing our loved ones face a worse fate!”

The armies’ uproar shook the plains themselves. Though they have fought with those that stood next to them, they now march accepting the fact that they are now allies. As the forces started their march, Dor and Geis were given a light shock at the farewell party that came out. Xien, bandaged up and still very much weakened from his battles, walked out slowly and saluted them. Though he wanted very badly to go with them, his injuries denied him that luxury. He was content with preparing additional defenses should the need arise but took time out of his schedule to wish them luck.

”Don’t forget you two.”
“Yea yea, we know.”
“Our debts are unpaid. When we return you’ll know we avenged him.”

Dor placed his hand on Geis’ shoulder and nodded.

”Yea…for Grid.”

Geis nodded energetically and bade Xien farewell. The forces took their leave of the city and made their way for the cursed land. It was several days march, but slow and methodical pacing made it significantly less tiresome. Kokuo had the lead followed closely by the rest of the group. Dor was the tensest, keeping his eyes on Kokuo throughout the whole time. When he noticed Kokuo’s hands tighten into a fist he readied his axe. They came upon one last hill, very much like the past ones save for the dying grass. When they reached the top of the hill they looked down into it.

“We’ve arrived…”

As far as the eye could see was this dead land. It had looked like a wildfire had burned everything in sight and then melted it all down save for a few burnt trees and dead brush. Though the sight was depressing enough, they knew the worst was still ahead.

“Ready yourselves for the end.”


Chapter 24: Clash for the Last Time!

Undead:

Lilith woke up with a searing headache. She felt incredibly dizzy on top of it, and barely made it to her feet. When she became aware of her surroundings she found she was on the surface once again. Her confused look tipped the undead around her and they moaned what little information they had to her. She took in about half it before finally recovering from her daze.

”What? What do you mean ‘they’re here’? When did they cross the borders?”

The scout before her grunted a response. She turned her head to look back at the immense fissure behind her.

“Well what am I supposed to do? I don’t have a weapon and I have very little magic knowledge. I can’t really be expected to-“

Before she could finish her sentence she heard the sound of what she thought was a grunt. An object shot out of the fissure and landed before her. It astounded her that someone would be listening in and be able to respond so quickly. She knelt down and picked up a fresh new sickle, an exact duplicate of her last weapon.

“Umm…ok then. Ready the troops, we got a change of strategy this time. Prepare the defenses! We’re going welcome quite a few uninvited guests today.”

She relayed her orders to those around her. Lilith, excited at her on-the-spot plans, held her weapon firmly in her hands. Looking to the horizon, she hoped for a grand battle, one that could make Ultima proud.

“It’s a nice day to die.”

Trinity and Undead:

Silence. It was all that greeted them. The huge alliance numbered in the hundreds of thousands with the majority of the numbers being humans. The sea of armored soldiers stood out like a sore thumb in the barren land. Even so, nothing came out to so much as take a look at them. For hours they marched calmly, despite the tension in the air. Each soldier kept up a calm and cold front as they hid the shivering child inside. It was assumed that the blunt man would break the silence, and nothing would be said until he did so. Needless to say they were all very worried as to why he kept himself quiet and felt immensely relieved when he spoke.

“This is the first time any human force has gone past the borders of this land.”

Kokuo nodded slowly.

“Yes it is. Even though we spirits can move freely in it, we dare not. There are things in this land that scare even the bravest warriors.”
“Such as?”
“Hell if I know. I’ve never been past the borders. None of my scouts ever make it back so there’s relatively little information about what lies inside The Scar.”
“You mean little as in nothing right?”
“Precisely.”

They traveled for miles without stop. Their forces were already deep in enemy territory so making a stop would be like making your own grave. Hordes of undead were expected, animals found in hell were dreamt of, and yet there was nothing to get in their way. Finally, after an extremely tense trek they made their first sighting of The Scar on the world. The immense fissure spread as far as the horizon, it was the center of the cursed lands called Eden’s End. After a moments search they found what looked like a trail leading deeper into the crevice along with a sight that some found a relief and others a disturbance: A sole woman with a sinister grin.

“Yo~! It’s about damn time you got here. What’s a girl gotta do to get some action here?”

Lilith, brandishing her sickle, greeted the allied forces. She was belittled by their numbers, a sole undead standing before three allied forces. Still, she seemed confident and urged them to come at her. Kokuo moved out in front of their forces and addressed the woman.

“You. Out of the way, we have no desire to deal with flunkies!”
“Desire you lack, but I have plenty of it. Come on big boy, let’s play!”

She swung around her sickle and tossed it at Kokuo. The spirit king simply turned his body and let it land by him. Kokuo shook his head, pitying the deluded woman but found a surprise by his feet. From the rustling beneath him came a hand that grabbed the weapon and tossed it back. Kokuo stepped to the side to take a good look at what came out and noticed several others making the same discovery. Lilith continued her mockery of her enemy as she received the sickle.

“You’re not the only one who can rise from the ground, spirit!”

Kokuo’s fist shook with rage. He quickly slammed it down and crushed the zombie’s head in. The gratifying crunch soon died away though and left him with an unaccomplished feeling. That feeling would spread as he took notice of the increasing numbers that were rising. The few that were scattered in the army were miniscule to the horde that surrounded it. Once again they were pushed into a corner, but this time the allied forces welcomed it.

“Only one thing left to do then.”

Dor nodded and a wide grin spread across his face.

“Push on!”

[Hatred]

Lilith let out a devilish laugh, high pitched but not so much to make her sound insane. She raised her free hand and snapped her fingers causing sparks of flame to shoot out. The loud sound echoed through the area and was greeted in kind by bellows in the fissure. From within that worldly gash came the creatures they were all too familiar with: Bone Wyverns. On top of each wyvern, however, was a mutilation of a corpse. It was a pieced together creature with six arms and three heads. When the wyverns climbed their way to the surface, these abominations jumped off and landed on the battlefield to reveal their true size. Giant grotesque warriors of the undead, the Abominations were twice the height of a regular human with the muscle to back up their slurry battle cries. Lilith commanded the stage once again and kept air of confidence about her.

“Push through? On our turf? Laughable!”

Dor spat to the side.

”Bah, things are never easy are they?”

Kokuo turned to look at his comrade. There wasn’t fear in his eyes, nor hesitation. Kokuo saw eagerness, excitement, and a powerful fighting spirit in the man.

“Life isn’t easy…but we wouldn’t want it any other way now would we Dor?”

Being called by his name he couldn’t help but be shocked. His stunned visage soon changed to a soft smile.

“Yea…let’s do this Kokuo.”
”Hey enough of the testosterone-fest already. I’m here too!”
“As am I. We are not alone in this.”

The girls’ protest of their last second bonding was interrupted by the thunderous sounds of charging. Lilith and her forces clashed for the last time with the allied forces. This time it would be the deciding battle between the undead and the Trinity…

Chapter 25: Deadlocked!

Trinity and Undead:

Surrounded, the Trinity forces had no choice but fend off whatever came at them. From all points around them they came, the undead hordes and creatures better left for nightmares. Race no longer mattered, the only distinguishing feature on the soldiers were whether or not you had a heartbeat. Sword clashed with bone, arrow pierced through wing, and rotten muscle slammed away at solid shields. Each General commanded their troops for specific tasks, and did so very well under the strenuous circumstances. Geis ordered her mage troops to heal the wounded and lob any spell they could spare over the front lines. Dor held the front along with Kokuo, of the two there wasn’t a difference in impact. Aeon Tir and Aeon Vex both commanded their fair share of their forces, Tir ordered the archers and Vex had the melee. Kokuo and Dor were forced back to back and fended off what undead came their way. The two look at each other over their shoulders and smiled. Their attention shifted upon hearing a horrid war cry, more like the gurgling of a drowned berserker. At that moment, Lilith too made her way to the front lines and challenged the Trinity’s champions. Dor chuckled and made an offer to Kokuo.

“Oi, how bout you take tiny over there?”
”And you take legs? Sure, be my guest.”

Dor stormed his way, axe swinging like mad, to Lilith. Lilith in turn gave him a smile and started swinging about her sickle. The undead around her cleared away from her, leaving the two combatants relatively safe from interruptions. Dor caught his breath as he readied for a fight.

”All right legs, I won’t hold back this time!”
“Oh? A big strong cute guy like you was holding back against little ol’ me? How flattering! But I’m afraid you’re going to die regardless!”

Lilith pulled back and then swung her flaming weapon in a wide arc towards Dor. The human general ducked down to avoid the blow, but still felt the hairs on the back of his neck singe at the approach of the sickle. He ran through and swung his axe horizontally at Lilith’s waist. Surprised at the large man’s agility, Lilith leapt over the powerful blow and rolled on the ground past Dor. She pulled the chain back and caused it to whip around Dor. The weapon circled around him, wrapping around his legs as it moved up, and threatened to stab him in the face. Dor managed to raise his axe and blocked the sickle. Lilith, enjoying the sight, got up and giggled.

“Now you’re mine big boy~.”
“Not…quite…yet!”

Dor started to flex his muscles. His body straining heavily against Lilith’s chains, Dor managed to break the links and free himself. Lilith’s disappointment was plain to see and hear.

“Son of a B**CH!”

Dor grinned as he swung away at her. He mixed up his attacks with horizontal and vertical strikes, each one grazing the undead woman. On a vertical strike she caught his wrists and held the axe at bay, just inches from her head. Dor pressed as hard as he could to try and split her head, pushing with all his weight onto his weapon.

“Just give in! Or…you can…run to your…master…you undead dog!”
“You insolent little…”

Lilith’s body tensed as she pushed against the larger man’s weight. After making only a few inches of progress she realized that she wouldn’t be able to force her way out of this.

Shit…he really did hold back the last time. I can’t give in, not now!

Instead of going against her opponent, Lilith went with it. She leaned backwards and kick launched Dor several yards where he landed on his face. The sight would’ve brought her joy if she had seen it. Currently, Lilith scrambled for her broken weapon, no just a sickle. She wouldn’t be able to focus her magic into it for fear of burning herself as well.

“This dance is just getting started big boy. Let’s enjoy it!”

A bloodied Dor regained his footing and acknowledged his foes’ prowess.

“Oh yea, I’m taking you out that’s for sure. It may take a while but your ass is mine!”

The two combatants charged in once again, completely oblivious to their surroundings and the battles therein. Kokuo had engaged his foe, one of several Abominations that had been rampaging their way through the Trinity forces. The one before Kokuo had been particularly nasty, smashing its victims and using their corpses as weapons against their comrades. He charged in, moving slower than most creatures would, and readied his weapons: his fists. Each of his fists had started to glow lightly, raw energy emanating from within them. At its peak, the energy started to create a ghostly smoke that made the spirit’s hands look like they were lit on fire with a holy light. By now the Abomination was crouched down, reveling in the liquid that used to be a soldier. Upon nearing the beast before him Kokuo unleashed his fury. A left hook shot out and struck one of the Abomination’s heads which splattering on impact. Following up with a right overhead strike would’ve taken out the other two if the creature hadn’t noticed. Faster than even Kokuo expected, the Abomination leaned back and avoided most of the blow, having only the jaw of the second head torn asunder. It growled with delight at the pain it felt, it had found something it truly wanted to crush.

“Raaaaagh!”

With its warcry it stood up and tossed its corpse-flails away. The Abomination towered over Kokuo and grinned sadistically. It took a few moments for the bodies of the human and elf soldiers, former weapons, to land back to the earth only to make a sickening crunch on impact. It cracked its knuckles on all six hands merely by flexing and then attacked. Putting its top two hands together, it hammered down on Kokuo who managed to sidestep it. With its right two arms it struck towards the Spirit King who used both of his hands to catch the attack and eventually push it off with some trouble. Not being a stranger to tact, the Abomination followed the flow of the push and used the momentum to swing with his left arms. The two deformed fists slammed into Kokuo’s stomach and face and caused him to stagger backwards. Without blood or bone to show for damage he looked fine, but he was hurting badly. The light about him, a sign of his life force, dulled for a moment before returning to normal.

“Reh-heh-heh.”

Taking it’s time to flaunt its might, the Abomination stepped forward and started flexing. His body was tense to the point of twitching all over. One poor soldier charged at this time and all the Abomination had to do was whip out one of its arms and decapitated the human on the spot. Infuriated, Kokuo made another foolhardy rush and attacked. This time focusing his power into his right fist, Kokuo swung. The Abomination met with his own berserker like charge and swung with all of its might. After all was said and done, Kokuo was standing behind the beast and smiled as he saw two arms fall in front of him. The beast turned, flailing as it did so with two of its right arms missing, and lunged for Kokuo. It managed to get a grip on the old spirit with its lowest two arms. Kokuo felt another arm wrap around his waist as a last one grabbed the top of his head. The immense pressure from the Abomination started to take its toll on him and his light died down further than it has ever gone. Through the pain he managed to take one last swing at his foe’s chest, crushing it on impact. The blow was enough for the top two arms to let go of him, allowing Kokuo to continue with the strikes until he was free. Upon landing on the ground he attacked on instinct, first with his left to take out the knee of the beast. Using its left arms to stop from falling, the Abomination placed itself in a prime position for Kokuo. A solid right hook took out the remaining two heads. Panting, the victor of the quick and dangerous bout made his own war cry and raised the moral of all his allies. He took one glance around him and felt a bit of depression despite his recent kill.

“This isn’t getting us nowhere…we need to make some headway towards The Scar’s entrance!”

Aeon Tir and Aeon Vex were both using light spells to attack what Bone Wyvern would be around. The minute wind and earth distraction gave their archers, who empowered their arrows with similar magic’s, pummeled the beast down after a few volleys. Vex, usually very proud and silent, spoke up.

“He’s right.”

He closed his eyes and touched his cheek.

”What a sad duty we have…”

A smile grew over his face. He started to walk towards the path that leads deeper into Eden’s End. His sister, worry apparent, followed him closely and readied herself as well…


Chapter 26: Sacrifice! Share the Pain of a Loved One

Trinity and Undead:

Vex marched his way, death rampant about him. His sister walked after him, but it seemed she wasn’t quite as enthusiastic to walk the path he was walking. Indeed, she regretted following him, but everything in her demanded it. While he had a grin on his face, she had nothing but worry.

“B-brother, what are you planning?”
“It’s obvious. We need to cut a path to the depths of this disgusting land. I’m going to be the knife.”

All around them there were battles. Countless lives in the balance and none of it seemed to matter. The two elves seemed to be afflicted by tunnel vision, ignoring all else around them save for their path and their destination. All else was but a blur, only a few things were in the way and those things stood out like a sore thumb. Tir slowed to a stop, thinking heavily of what was about to occur. Even as an undead grunt was about to lunge at her she didn’t take notice. It was only by the grace of some god that a stray arrow struck the creature and it fell dead at her feet. She looked down at the fallen foe, the arrow piercing the side of its cheek and through the skull. A feeling of dread pervaded over her.

“There has to be another way brother!”
“There is no other way. Not for us.”

She started to jog her way to her kin in order to catch up. Tir was now on his heels and kept an even pace with him. They had trekked through the battlefield and now came just a few meters away from Dor. The large man was bloodied, but it was merely a flesh wound caused by his unfortunate landing. He had already picked up his axe and was eagerly awaiting for Lilith’s move when he heard the elves approach.

“What’re you two doing? There’s fighting to be done! Leave this one to me!”

Vex shook his head slowly and placed a hand on Dor’s shoulder, gently pushing him aside.

“I’m not after the woman. I’m after the path.”
“Path? What path? It’s just me and her right now.”
“Stay out of the way human, we have much to do.”
“I thought it was you?”
“…you’re right. I have much to do.”

Tir, perplexed, stared at Vex. Memories of their childhood flashed before her eyes; growing up, training, studying, learning, fighting and hurting. Images of their home, their travels and their experiences came to light and faded to black. All things dear to her walked before her and seemed out of reach.

“…you alone?”

Vex looked over his shoulder at his sister. There was no emotion in his eyes as usual, there was no emotion in his face, but as soon as he reached over and patted her shoulder she could feel it. His mind was set and his path was one he had to walk. Vex took out his staff and slammed it down, digging it deep into the ground. Mana flowed out of his arms and into the staff, creating several glyphs that flowed down from the head to the bottom of the staff. He spoke the incantation as the glyphs compounded on each other on the ground.

“Fury to the brink of tears, wash over the hate and blow away impurity! Great Mother, forgive us. Repent as you fall! Geyser Procession!”

The glyphs on the ground sank and forced the ground to split forward well beyond the lines of the undead. Lilith, in the way of the fissure, leapt out of the way to avoid falling into a fatal fall. In the deep chasm below rose magma enough to fill the opening to just a few feet from the surface. At the head of the staff grew a large ball of water. Though the sight was impressive, there was only one thing that caught Tir’s eyes. The seal on Vex’s cheek was starting to glow. She froze, unable to move and unable to speak. All that could go through her mind was her pleads to her brother that went unanswered. Already the pain started to surge throughout Vex’s body, but still he pressed on.

The water ball suddenly shot out an endless spray that targeted the incredibly hot magma below. The liquid fire, empowered by Vex’s magic, would not be quelled by water leaving only the water to fall to the fire’s power. From the crevice rose a torrent of steam that ripped the edges of the earth along with it. It looked more like a wall than anything else until it started to creep out of the gap’s limitations. Lilith took notice of this first and cursed under her breath as she fled even further from the point of origin.

“For f**ks sake why me?!”

All around the long gash the steam rose and incinerated all those in range. It took up with it great numbers and left only their bones, cleaned and moist, to fall to the ground. The spell finished and all that was left was a clear mile wide path towards the deeper and significantly larger fissure. All those around stared in awe at the attack, some intimidated and some just plain scared. Even though the spell had finished, it wasn’t over. The sounds of the undead were belittled by the sound of a loud shot, one that echoed throughout the area and beyond. Tir covered her mouth with both hands as she bore witness to the sight. Time slowed down for them one more time as Vex fell. Remnants of a large burst of energy slowly fading from the side of his face, his eyes rolling to the back of his head, he fell to the ground limp as a rag doll.

“No…”

Tir’s eyes started to well up as she felt her kin ripped away from her.

“Vex!!”

She ran over to him just in time to skid under the body and have it land on her lap. Crying, she tried to shake her twin awake as if he had only been knocked out. There was no response from the corpse. Another wail filled the air that of a sister left alone by her brother. She cradled his body in her arms, weeping heavily. She knew she would have to follow him if she wanted to keep her pride intact.

“Don’t worry…I’m coming.”

She lifted his head and placed her cheek against his. Thoughts of their time on this world, their life and its meaning, and the world itself didn’t matter. His cheek was still warm from the burst that killed him. She only concentrated on sharing his path, but would be forced to take another. Tir felt some movement on her cheek and on her brother’s, something strange was occurring but no one could see. Another shot rang out soon afterwards and rocked her head backwards. She fell limp, away from her brother but not apart. The two lay on the battlefield in front of the still cooling crevice. Dor was the first to arrive followed by Kokuo and Geis. The three looked over the bodies and felt pity. Even though they were the first there, it was an elf soldier that tended to their bodies. Just then the staff that Vex had used uprooted itself and fell on the two.

”What the hell?”

The elf soldier checked the bodies again and came to the same conclusion. He picked up the staff and placed it in the hands of Vex who moved to grasp it. Dor and Geis both stared wide eyed at the pair. Dor’s simplicity, even under the heat of such an important battle, won over.

“They’re alive?!”

The elf looked up and nodded emotionlessly.

“Damned if I know how, but they both seem ok…compared to what should’ve happened.”
“Compared? So how are they then?”
“They’re unconscious. They’ll be up and running in a while but they’ll be very weak.”

Geis shoved her elbow into Dor’s gut.

“Hey! Don’t you think we got bigger fish to fry?!”

Kokuo moved past them and didn’t have any intention of stopping.

“Let’s go. The way is clear. We’ll take what we can and head in deeper, have the highest officers aside from us take command and pass that to these two when they recover. Let’s go, we haven’t the time to spare!”

The two humans nodded and ran after the spirit. Those three were then followed by a mere hundred soldiers of mixed race. Only time would tell who would return…


Chapter 27: From Heaven to Earth and Down into Hell

Undead:

The sky was abnormally serene. Not a cloud in it, only the calm blue and the shining star. On occasion some birds could be seen soaring gracefully through their natural element. Regardless of what happened elsewhere, the skies would always be peaceful. A single vulture eventually came to circle above an area and hungrily waited for its turn. After getting tired it glided down towards the havoc that was below. The terrain was horrid even before the battle, but now with the sea of food all it had to do was wait. It sat on a branch of a burnt out tree and watched a woman stomp around, clearly upset.

Lilith hissed her displeasure. She wanted to stop those that got by not out of loyalty, but out of fear. All she could do was watch them march into the depths of Eden’s End. She reached over and pulled one of her soldiers to within inches of her face, growling into the cowering pawn as she glared.

“How many battalions are down there?”

The undead stared back as it hesitated.

“…wyverns? Abominations?”

He stared back still the same as before.

“…anything?!”

At last he answered with a slow shaking of his rotting head. She tossed him aside and focused on something that might be able to present as a plea for forgiveness. Lilith’s attention shifted to the remaining leaders of the alliance and started stomping her way towards the twin elves. Before she could reach half way she was stopped by several troops of, one of each race. She spat to the side and readied herself for battle.

“Since when did your races cooperate so? Why do you fight against your unavoidable fate?”

The only answer that came was harsh stares and the sounds of battle. All across the land there were raging conflicts that felt like conclusive ends only to have another beginning. Magic infused weapons clashed with unrelenting bone and tore away flesh on both sides. Courage was crushed under the weight of terror which beget dread. Dread gave way to heralds and champions of hope that renewed their comrade’s strength. Even Death himself would be busy today…

Trinity:

Pain still rang throughout Dor’s head from his fight with Lilith. He was smirking not out of the excitement he had felt, nor the fact that it was a short fight, but because he felt robbed.

“Twice now she’s gotten away. What God is looking over her I wonder?”

Even he felt regret for saying such brash things. After a short moment the small portion of the army that got through started to voice their concerns. Voices of soldiers unnamed echoed throughout the caverns. Restless creatures of varying sizes greeted these new visitors with stares of awe and excitement. At first there were only insects, bats, and some rats but as they went in deeper the light died away and larger and larger fauna became apparent. After what felt like hours of traveling they came to a deep stairwell that seemed to go nowhere but a black abyss down below. At the front was Dor, Geis, and Kokuo. The three stared down the rocky formation and wondered if that was their destination. Dor was always comfortable being the first to speak.

“You think he’s down there?”

Geis shrugged, keeping sure to stay quiet so as not to alert any enemies they might encounter. Kokuo shook his head and started his reply.

“It’s not him we’re looking for remember? He may well be waiting for us where those shackles are. He probably doesn’t trust anyone but himself to guard them.”
“So then why not destroy them?”
“I don’t think he knows how, or if they can be. They were strong enough to seal away his body, mind and soul. If I were to encounter such a thing I know I sure as hell would stay away from them.”

Sounds of fluttering wings had been present through their descent, but it wasn’t until they were this far that this fact became strange. The three looked at each other and acknowledged that something was amiss. When they turned all that was there to greet them was the sound of fleeing and the slicing of throats. Cold yellow eyes stared out at them from the darkness as blood flooded the path up to the surface. A sole voice echoed out to them.

“…only you three may pass…all else be damned here and now…you be damned later…”

Kokuo’s eyes narrowed. Dor gritted his teeth. Geis’s breathing became rapid as fear took over. The three were alone now, their numbers ripped to shreds without them even knowing it. These three were the strongest, without a doubt they’d have the greatest chance. With those thoughts they followed their path down the stairs into the depths of Eden’s End into the unknown. Now, the only light around them was that of Kokuo’s presence. The three held their weapons tightly, ready for any little movement or sound. Unnerving as it was, it was even more so to come to a pitch black room with nothing but a pool of stagnant water and what appeared to be a large boulder. Not a sound, not a sign of movement, nothing but emptiness greeted them. As luck would have it, the room was far from empty…


Chapter 28: Damnation has a Name!

Ultimatum (Ultima vs Trinity Generals):

Kokuo looked about trying to find some sign of their target, as did his comrades. For a while they thought they had reached a dead end until Kokuo approached the boulder. From the dim light of his life force came the silhouette. The figure was sitting nonchalantly and in a state of deep thought. Even in that dim light they could make out the features that was their former friend, Grid. Geis flinched upon seeing him, but reminded herself of what that thing truly was. Dor and Kokuo both held tightly onto their weapons as they noticed him. The three were ready to fight but knew their objective was something much smaller. Kokuo scanned the area as quickly as he could but was interrupted when he noticed the stirring of the beast. He opened his eyes and acknowledged their presence with a grin.

“Well it’s about damn time. It’s very rude to keep someone as important as me waiting. I am extremely busy you know; things to kill and corrupt.”

Geis and Dor stuck close to Kokuo, the only source of light in the room. Ultima took quick notice of this and shook his head.

“Scared of the dark are we? Well let daddy remedy that for you.”

Ultima snapped his fingers, creating a spark of fire in his palm, and slammed it onto the ground. It trailed in four directions and lit four separate creatures on fire. Their screams were short-lived, but ear piercing. Even after their death cries faded away, even with the absence of flammable material, their bodies kept burning. The four flames were positioned in the four corners of the cavern and lit up the place nicely. Everything was visible, every feature in the cavern from the stalagmites to the insects. Only the center of the room was dim, being the farthest away from the flames. Ultima snapped his fingers again, as if rushing them to take action. The three glared and reluctantly complied. They surrounded him from three different angles and readied for what very well might be their last fight. Geis had the desire to fight, but lowered her weapon. Dor and Kokuo both looked curiously at Geis. She wanted to speak with this creature.

“Why?”
“Hmmm? What’s that child? I can’t hear you.”
“Why? Why do you do such terrible things? Why did you take Grid? Why are you even alive?!”

Ultima let out a deep laugh, taunting Geis’ questions as if they were something coming from an ignorant child.

“Oh mercy me, those all have very simple answers.”
“Well?”
“Oh fine, seems like you don’t want to die without knowing.”

Ultima stood up and dusted himself off. After a good cleansing he reached down and brought up a large sword and rested it on his shoulders. Dor and Geis both stared, aghast at seeing something so familiar in his hands. Dor, for once, kept very quiet while Geis became the vocal one.

“What are you doing with that?! You have no right to it!!”

Ultima waved off her comments and focused on the questions as he kept his demonic grin in plain sight.

“It’s mine after all. As for your questions…”

He raised his free hand and held up his index finger, signaling that it was his first response.

“I am alive because you broke the seal. The shackles were made of Love and empowered by Hope. In order to break their hold over my soul the powers that bind me had to be broken. While the magics of Hope, even now, still bind me Love can easily be broken. Her powers made the bracelets, so all I needed was a similar power used as the antithesis to hers.”

Ultima pointed with his raised finger at Kokuo.

“What is love other than lust? What does lust lead to? Procreation! The power to bring about life and use it to protect is love’s nature. So what I needed was the powers of creation used to kill!”

Ultima chuckled a bit and let the idea sink in.

“With the elves’ powers, that summoning was plastered all across the region! That was more than enough to break Love’s shackles on me.”

Geis silently raised her staff as she noticed his distraction. She created a small fireball, one that matched the surroundings and prepared to attack the defenseless Ultima. However, before she could launch the spell he turned his head and blew it out with a strong gust of his breath. He shook his finger and scolded the child.

“Naughty naughty~.”

He raised his middle finger and began to answer the second question.

“With my soul free, I needed a body. This was merely the closest one. That’s all.”

Geis bit her lower lip, trying to hold back her anger. She was already welling up in the eyes, but she told herself not to succumb so easily in the face of this atrocity. Ultima raised one last finger and finished answering the questions.

“As for why…”

Ultima lowered his height, leaning heavily on his right leg and readying himself to rush them.

“…because it brings me joy! Your pain, your suffering, your lives and your deaths! Not only yours, but of all things! I do it because it makes me happy!”

Kokuo’s hands flared up with raw energy. He had enough of talk and was ready to fight.

“There’s no reason to speak to this monster!”

Ultima relaxed. He shook his head at the old spirit, disappointed in his words.

“What horrid manners! I do have a name you know. Seeing as I already knew you all via my memories and the memories of this body, Kokuo, Geis, and Dor, I only have to introduce myself.”

He bowed, almost like a gentleman, and spoke with grace no one expected.

“I am the first level of death: the corruption of the soul that guarantees damnation!”

His eyes shook within his head, a scene that was more disturbing to see than to describe. As soon as they stopped they had become bloodshot and dilated. His words, no longer an elaborate display of his grace, became harsh. His voice rose in pitch until it was clearly psychotic.

“I am Ultima, this world’s end!”


Chapter 29: The Hopeless Struggle!

Trinity and Undead:

She held the line all by herself. Her flailing arms and powerful kicks sent several allied force soldiers tumbling across the battlefield. Lilith was panting heavily in the face of her foes who held their weapons ready to strike down the undead woman. They didn’t see her as anything special, just another undead. She also didn’t see them as anything special, nothing worth her effort but something definitely in the way. The sounds of soldiers walking around and surrounding her kept her awake and vigilant, but fatigue was already setting in. She had her sights on bigger fish, so she would need to blast through the pawn quickly in order to get to the downed generals. Even at this range, even in this heavy combat, she could hear their light breathing. She could almost hear each beat their heart of those two elves.

“You little…I have to kill! Get out of my way!!”

Her words were no longer calm, they were to the point of being hysteric. Something was scaring her very much. She charged one more time against the line of men who blocked her. Several of them shot their arrows, which she narrowly avoided by weaving in and out of their paths, while others lunged with their spears. Lilith flipped over them and scanned from above. Her eyes locked onto the two fallen soldiers with single elf trying to resuscitate them.

”You’re mine!”

She crashed back down to earth and collided with the sole brave elf that guarded over Aeon Tir and Aeon Vex. She taclked the man and tumbled along with him on the ground. The collision seemed very brutal, especially with a woman starting it, and the effect was painfully obvious. The trail they left was one of blood, and finally ended with Lilith staring at the downed elf as she readied the final blow.

“You won’t stop me! I can’t lose, not here! Not when he’s-“

She felt a light tap on the back of her head. Heavy breathing and the weakness of the wielder would have pushed her to counter attack the fool, but upon turning her head lightly she knew better than to do so. Aeon Tir held her staff to the back of Lilith’s head and looked immensely tired. Even so, she was ready to blow a good portion of her foe’s head off in an instant. She smiled weakly as she spoke to Lilith.

“That’s far enough…for today. Tie her up, restrain her, chain her up I don’t care. Make sure she can’t make a move without us knowing. We have their general.”

Thoughts of running forward came to her mind. It wouldn’t take any effort at all to try to get away, but she’d be running straight into the enemy. Still, they weren’t very strong so she could still get away. Sounds of another approaching caught her attention. Unlike the shuffling and running the majority of the battlefield had this was a calm stride. Aeon Vex held his staff, but was doing something to it. Using what little power he had left, he manipulated the energies in the staff and transformed the staff into something completely different. He had a blue long sword in his hand. Vex slowly brought it up and put it in front of Lilith’s throat. She was trapped.

“Now…we can chain her up.”
“Brother, it’s good to see you’re…fine.”
“Yes…unfortunately. It’s been a while since we’ve used our weapons instead of our magic but I think we have no choice.”

The soldiers pushed down heavily onto Lilith. When they parted she was chained up and weighed down with any spare heavy metal they had. She wasn’t going anywhere. After looking over the prisoner, Tir too changed her weapon. She now had a blue long bow in her hands. The two Elf Generals were informed of what happened and accepted command.

“Brother…”
“Yes I know. Let’s clear a path and maybe we can follow them.”

With their leaders back and their foe’s without command, morale of the alliance soldiers skyrocketed. There was still much work to be done, and the larger monsters, namely the wyverns and abominations, would take many lives. Things weren’t done yet…


Ultimatum:

No sooner than he had said his name, Ultima had begun his attack. Carrying with him Grid’s sword as if it was as light as a feather, he charged. His movements were swift, making it difficult to track him in the dim light. Even if he was fast, the sounds of his rampaging rush were easily heard. Ultima’s heavy footsteps echoed out throughout the room as he neared his first foe: Dor. The sword was still resting on his shoulder, so he lifted it and slammed it down. Dor, confident in his own abilities, swung his axe upwards to meet his foe’s attack. The metals clashed and let out a horrid clang that echoed in the small chamber. Ultima’s strength was far greater than dor anticipated, resulting in Dor being forced down to one knee just by the collision alone. Ultima jumped up, arching his back as he did so, and let out another ear piercing cry.

“YEAH-HA!!”

Not to be left just watching, Geis and Kokuo had begun their own movements. Geis, witnessing Ultima’s overbearing power, chose to be the defense of the team. Fearing for Dor’s safety, she put up her staff and used a defensive spell as fast as she could. The energies manifested just above Dor and created a translucent glass barrier that barely stopped the crazed attack and shattered on impact. The force of the explosion sent Dor tumbling across the ground. He rolled on his side for several yards until he recovered, placing his hand on the ground and skidding to a stop. Ultima, on the other hand, seemed quite fine despite the smoke rising from his blade and his body. His heavy breathing wasn’t a sign of weariness or damage, but of excitement.

His eyes didn’t focus on anything; they were just stationary in the center of their sockets. The sword he held was facing downwards at an angle and was digging into the ground. Without a warning he swung around, tearing up the rock as he went along, and made a horizontal slash at whoever was closest. Geis gasped as she saw the massive attack coming at her. She closed her eyes, but even in that darkness she saw a light move in front of her. Kokuo clasped his hands together and swung a hammering blow upwards to counter the attack. For a moment, the blade and spirit met and stuck together, but a small shockwave forced the two apart. However, Ultima was not one to be stopped by such a small impact. While he skidded away, he shifted his weight onto his right leg. He moved his left leg out in front as he raised his sword to eye level and held it in his right pointing out. It was a lunging stance.

“DIE!”

He stepped forward with his right leg and shoved the great sword forward, aiming to pierce through Kokuo. Try as he might, Kokuo was too slow to avoid it. At the last second Dor shoulder tackled Ultima. The blade just barely nicked Kokuo’s waist and caused a light stream of white liquid to seep out. It was the first opening they’d had and Kokuo would not waste it. A bright fist shot downwards and smashed Ultima’s head, nearly doubling him over. That split second seemed to last forever with Ultima’s head hanging low and his body twitching. When he lifted his face to look at Kokuo with is crazed eyes blood was trickling from the top of the skull. When he spoke, his voice sounded much deeper than usual and much less crazed.

“You’re going to have to do better than that!”

Madness took over again and his cackle echoed throughout the room as he simply flexed his muscles and pushed the two warriors off him. Ultima spun and gave a roundhouse kick to Dor, hitting him square in the chest and knocking him away. He continued his spin and brought up his sword only to slam it down on Kokuo who tried to parry the strike. Kokuo’s glowing fists couldn’t push aside the blade, but it did collide with it. His hopes of holding off Ultima’s attacks indefinitely like that were crushed as Ultima reached over to the hilt. At the moment he was holding the large sword with one hand, but now he held it with both. Thoughts of him holding it with both hands came to mind only to be dashed as well. Ultima held the sword in place with his right, but pulled away with his left. He appeared to wield two identical swords now and swung repeatedly with both, pushing Kokuo back. Each swing brought with it sparks, cackles, and the fear of death. The three generals stared at the incredible sight only to see Ultima’s second sword vanish. It happened so quickly that they questioned their senses. Ultima grinned devilishly at their dumbfounded faces.

“KYAHAHAA!”

He raised the sword and rested it on his shoulder. His stance relaxed and he seemed almost casual in front of them. He brought up his left hand, palm up, and motioned for them to come at him. When Dor started inching in, Ultima opened his mouth and started to breath in heavily. The area started to shake as strange lights and gas seeped down from above and into the devouring void that was Ultima’s mouth. Though faint, sounds of screams and wails seemed to come from the belly of the beast. His grip on his sword tightened and he spoke once again with that deep booming voice.

“Bow your heads!!”

Kokuo’s eyes widened and he dove for the ground as he warned his comrades.

“Get down!!”

Geis dropped down onto her belly and held her staff at her side, trusting completely the experience of the old spirit. Dor on the other hand waited for the last second before falling backwards to safety. Ultima raised Grid’s sword and swung it completely around him with his right arm. A blue shockwave shot out, narrowly missing Dor, and spread till it hit the walls of the cavern. Upon inspection, the walls were cut very deep by the shockwave. If they hadn’t ducked they would’ve been decapitated. The attack had it’s repercussions however, blood trickled out of Ultima’s eyes as the roof of the cavern started to break apart. Rubble and stalagmites fell and gave the impression of a cave-in, but soon stopped. Dor rose to his feet and didn’t show any signs of fear.

“You’re one crazy son of a b**ch. You’re going to bury us all!”

Ultima continued to laugh hysterically.

“Like that’d matter. While you insects fight with your lives, while you put your very souls into preventing death, while you’re very existence is to create more life, I feed off of death!”

He licked his lips as he relaxed and rested his sword on his shoulder once again.

“Your bodies, your life force and your death all feed me! With all this pointless fighting you have given me sustenance enough to destroy this world several times over!”

The weary spirit, fearless human and apprehensive woman stared on at Ultima. If anyone other than him made claims of being the end bringer, they’d be a delusional fool…

[Hatred]

The finale! Well...almost. Don't worry! Just 2 more chapters and you're done!

Chapter 30: The Chains That Bind Us

Trinity and Undead:

Vex and Tir both took charge in the battle. Taking to opposite sides of the field, they used their telepathic connection to keep tabs on the entire battlefield. While Vex lead the frontlines with his swordplay, Tir aided the rangers with her marksmanship. The two kept constant watch on their sides with the same eyes. Humans and spirits alike would often stare out of wonder at those cold piercing eyes. At times they’d soften and look at the sky and the earth. They’re momentary lapse of focus would quickly shift upon hearing the bellows of the beasts around. Tir took quick count of those within her sights and relayed the information to her brother.

I see three abominations on this side and four wyverns.
All right. There are two abominations and six wyverns on this side.
It seems like abominations are stronger but easier to take down.
Yes, it does seem that way.

Tir appeared sad for a moment. Her empathetic nature caused her great distraction now. She could hear the death cries of both sides, the pain of the wounds from natural and unnatural causes. She felt pity for them and mourned every loss.

Wake up! Don’t disappoint me sister. We need to regain our honor.
…at what cost?

She focused again and took aim. There was a single abomination that had only one head left. Tir took quick aim and let go, she placed her pity and her pain into her weapon and let it go. For her, it seemed to soar through the wind and howled a moan of pain. For others, it struck the abomination in the face and blinded it. The creature let out a gruesome cry and started to swing madly around it. This monster was no longer a dangerous foe, but a reckless beast. It trampled all things around it friend and foe alike.

They’re more useful to us if they’re swinging madly.
All right. We’ll blind them and herd them towards their own troops. That should even things up a bit for us.
All that’s to plan for are the wyverns then…
As you said, they’re tougher to take down. If nothing else then we just pummel them down.

Vex fended off three undead as he communicated with his sister. A high horizontal slash took all their heads and dropped them on the spot, but with so many behind them they were easily replaced. An Elvin soldier came up from behind and tried to pry his leader away from the frontlines.

“Sir, we can’t risk you. You and your sister are very crucial now that we’ve lost the other 3.”


Vex sighed lightly.

“We haven’t lost anything but soldiers today. How are our numbers faring?”
“I can’t tell. By the looks of it seems like we’ve lost half of our troops but I can’t be sure.”
“And the enemy?”
“We’ve taken a good portion of them but we’re still outnumbered. If I had to make an estimate I’d say we’re at a 1.5:1 ratio.”

Vex pulled back only a few yards to shut the man up. He would continue to fight even if it meant alone. His conversation with his sister came back to mind and he relayed new orders.

“The abominations are to be blinded by any means. Herd them towards their own troops and be wary of their range.”

The chaos of the war was just a few yards away. He wanted so badly to go into the center of that fight, but he was being guarded now and any effort to move in would’ve been blocked. He decided to humor his sister and continue their communications.

All this death around us and not a single bit for me…
Why do you want to die so badly? Is your pride that strong? Are you that willing to die for honor?
It is the foundation of our people. It is our way. Why do you question it so easily?
Because I’m happy just being alive! Even if it means being disowned, I just want to live a calm and peaceful life.
I’m sure all things would like that…but that cannot be. You see what’s happening around us. Even if they’re allies now, they’ll be enemies tomorrow.
You really want to die don’t you?
I should be dead already.

Vex and Tir both touched their cheeks lightly. The thoughts of their curse flooded their minds. The same question popped into both their heads.

Why aren’t you dead brother?
Damned if I know. The seals are etched onto our bodies and match up to us and us alone. It shouldn’t affect another person. If I were to die, it should be only me.
They’re etched into us…they become a part of us.
Our shame, our failure, our fate, it is all placed onto his mark. It acknowledges only us by our unique body structure.
But…we’re twins.
…

Vex brought up his sword and used the reflection on it to look at his cheek. His eyes widened as he noticed the change in color and structure of the seal.

They’ve been changed. Someone altered our brands.
Do you think he could have?
It’s not his place. Even if he wanted to he wouldn’t be able to get the changes by the other elders.
Then how do you explain our still living?

Vex cut off the connection with his sister. She was shocked by the abrupt silence, and saddened just a bit more. She continued the fight, but her focus was completely gone now. Vex on the other hand would focus only on the fight. There was still much to do…


Ultimatum:

Heavy breathing resounded all around. The four of them looked weary, though Ultima seemed to be forcing it. He seemed to have everything above them, speed, strength, and intelligence. Sounds all around seemed to tell them their end was near. They weren’t ones to accept such a fate however. Dor pulled his axe over his shoulder and then tossed it at Ultima. His heavy grunting lead to the sounds of slicing winds as the axe flew towards its target. Ultima grinned as he ducked down, almost as if he had omniscience, and ducked under it. It narrowly avoided his head and flew by harmlessly, or so Ultima thought. Kokuo, who was on the other side, moved in and caught the handle of the axe. He ran at Ultima, dragging the axe head on the ground which caused sparks to fly all about. Now a few feet away, Kokuo swung with all his might. Ultima brought up his sword to parry it but only managed a block. He was surprised to be pushed back a few feet.

“Hello there! Where’d this fighting spirit come from? Oh…right. Spirit.”

Sprinting from behind caught his attention. When he turned he saw the large man running at him and he couldn’t help but smirk.

”Better put your all in it tiny!”
“Bet your life on it!”

Dor shoulder tackled Ultima in the back, causing him to move forward the same distance he was pushed back. The blow managed to crack the armor on the still moving corpse of his friend Grid, now Ultima. More blood splattered out, this time from his mouth.

“Son of a-…bloody body has rotted too much. Mortality is a b**ch!”

Kokuo relish pulling back, allowing Dor to shove Ultima down onto the ground. Kokuo raised the axe he had and slammed it down. Ultima, now visibly rattled, shouted at his assailers.

“Raise your spirits…and die!”

Once again the room was filled with the groans of the dead as Ultima consumed them. The axe head stopped centimeters from Ultima’s neck and was finally pushed away. An enormous torrent rush out of Ultima and pushed both Dor and Kokuo up to the roof and Geis against the wall. Dor and Kokuo both grunted as they hit, relieved to have missed a stalagmite that would’ve pierced them easily. Geis, much frailer than the others, was nearly knocked out upon impact. She looked around wearily and tried to focus only to find something strange before her. She shook her head, trying to focus on the object before her. She whispered it to herself low enough for only her ears.

“…Shackles?”

She smiled, hope refilling her eyes and her body completely. She glanced over to her friends and waved to them. The two couldn’t move in their current predicament, being so close to Ultima that the wind kept them up. Geis moved slowly against the winds and hid the shackles in her sleeves. She weakly raised her staff and sent a bolt of lightning to hit Ultima square in the face.

”GAAAH!! You little-“

His attack stopped. The two men dropped down to the ground. While Dor landed heavily on his belly, Kokuo took his opportunity and struck. Blood splattered across the ground. The source: Kokuo’s drop had enough momentum to break through the plating on Ultima’s shoulder and dug deep into him, nearly lopping off his arm. Ultima snarled as he swung about, knocking Kokuo with the same arm that was damaged. His strength was clear, even with a near useless arm he had enough to send the Spirit King flying across the room. He refocused on the object of his annoyance: Geis. She stood up and was shaking a bit upon his approach. Ultima’s glare through his charred face changed to realization and settled on a sadistic grin.

”Joy unrelenting to chase away your fears!”

As the souls he consumed started to scream their way down his throat, Kokuo warned the others as fast as he could.

“Close your eyes!”

All of them did so, but still saw remnants of the attack. From his body came a brilliant mist that was visible even through their eyelids. The mist reformed into a face, though it had no features to them due to their defense. The faces rushed out and covered the area before dissipating. Ultima’s visage softened and then became dull and bored.

“Gotta do things the hard way eh?”

He stormed his way towards Geis and grabbed her by the neck with both his hands. She felt a world’s amount of pressure on her and immediately started to cough up blood. Her vision became blurred with blood as she saw the one she remembered so dearly start to kill her.

“Grid…I…”

Ultima softened his grip, but it was still crippling.

“Oh? What do you got to say to me, baby? Heheheh”

The sounds of metal locking together caught his ears. He looked down to see a pair of shackles on his wrists. Ultima let go of her completely. Geis fell backwards and stared at the creature before her. She smiled as she continued to cough.

“Eat that…you bastard…rot in hell!”

Ultima stumbled back a ways, shock clearly in his face. The other two smiled at the sight and nodded slowly. Dor gave a thumbs up to Geis, which she caught and returned with great fervor. Ultima made it to the center of the room, his hands quivering as his eyes widened. The room started to shake horribly and seemed like it was about to collapse. The three stayed, risking their lives just to make sure the job was done. Kokuo’s light shone brightly despite his physical condition. Dor moved over and lifted Geis up. These three awaited a sight they were very anxious to see.

“You dirty, worthless…”

His words were cut off by his heavy grunts. Sounds of pain grew in his roar as he raised his hands to the ceiling. Then, Ultima pulled his hand apart and tore the chains binding the shackles. The smiles on the three’s faces died to shock. Ultima’s smile beamed out. Despite the blood covering him, he seemed so lively.

“AH-HAHAHA! What? Did you think some rusted pieces of metal can hold me?!”

His cackling echoed throughout the room…


Chapter 31: Submit!

Ultimatum:

Eventually the laughter died down. He was merely chuckling as he enjoyed their scornful stares. Ultima reached over to his injured shoulder and stuck his index and middle finger into the gaping wound. He twitched a bit when he felt splintered bone and pulled the bloodied fingers out. Ultima smeared the blood across his face and licked the fingers clean.

“Heheheh, I’m so sorry to quash your hopes. Did you really think these old pieces of scrap would do anything?”

He wagged a finger at the three as he shook his head.

“Bad children. You’re not leaving so soon!”

Ultima readied his sword. Seeing such a wounded person would normally bring up the pity in another, but the generals knew better. They readied themselves for whatever Ultima would throw at them, but still were surprised. While Ultima himself stayed in one place, there came an image of him holding his sword at his side like samurais do. Then another appeared, just a little closer to them now, still in that same stance. More and more of these illusions came about without disappearing. In a flash the images reached the three and the closest one took a swing at Kokuo.

“You’re an annoying spirit. Die!”

Kokuo quickly tossed up Dor’s axe and grabbed Ultima’s sword by the blade. Spirit blood trickled out, but he stopped the attack nonetheless. Dor caught the axe and smiled as he brought down the blade onto Ultima. The axe head bit into the ground as this Ultima faded away. One after another the images faded and the original Ultima in the back stood by with a smile. He coughed to the side, feigning a lowered guard. The three took charge with Geis bringing up any defenses she could muster up. Ultima quickly readied himself and launched another attack. The last image attacked once again, but hit the bright illuminating shield by Geis, which naturally shattered on impact. Dor and Kokuo both ran passed that Ultima and went for the real one. Kokuo arrived first and sent an empowered fist at the sickly creature. His fist went straight through the illusion. Dor stopped immediately and tried to find the real one only to feel a heavy sting in his back. The Ultima right behind him had swung the sword right into Dor, but it only dug lightly into the large man’s armor.

“Dammit it’s dull already? You humans and your weapons…no real workmanship.”

Dor, enraged now, thought to swing at this Ultima as he turned to it but spun around and clothesline the one behind him. The images all faded save for the Ultima who flipped over and landed on his face. Ultima coughed out some blood as he grinned wickedly.

“Nicely done! Your instincts aren’t so bad I suppose.”

Ultima went from being on his belly to on all fours almost immediately. From that position he jumped up into a shoulder tackle that hit Dor in the gut. Geis gasped as she saw the large man launched across the room from the sickening impact. She brought up her staff and sent bolt spell after bolt spell at Ultima. He dodged many but was hit by a few here and there. He forgot about Kokuo and went again for Geis. After a few paces he was right in front of her. She tried another spell but he grabbed her staff and tossed it aside. Dor tried to help her but was still heavily injured. Ultima kicked him away into Kokuo to stop them both from interfering.

“Now my lovely, let’s play!”

With a simple strike to her ankles she was down. Ultima stared kindly over the fallen Geis before returning to his wicked face. She glared up at him until he stomped on her stomach. She felt a thick ooze rush up her throat and come out. Ultima relished the sight of blood. He chuckled lightly as he kept the pressure on. Nearly unconscious, Geis felt the pain fade away into numbness. The world around her lit up and became hazy. For some reason she recalled the dream she had just the night before. Words unfamiliar and unheard suddenly rushed into her mind as images of her dearly departed friend came to mind. She looked up at Grid, the one whom no one knew except her. She accepted how she truly felt. Tears welled up in her eyes as words came out involuntarily.

“…Memories of a Loved one.”

Ultima cocked his head to the side as he heard her. Immensely confused, he leaned forward to hear her better. She repeated herself once again and he heard her loud and clear. He staggered off of her with wide eyes.

“What did you say?”
“Memories of a loved one…close to my heart…whispers to me-“

Rage filled Ultima as he kicked her in the gut. She skidded across the floor and left a trail of blood behind.

“Shut up!!”

Dor and Kokuo finally recovered and charged at Ultima again. They ran at him unaware of their advantage in their positioning. Ultima was left to block axe with hand and use his dull sword against the spirit who could catch it. So he was left deadlocked with these two as the object of his hate lay just a few feet away.

“Damn insects, get off!”

Dor pushed down with all his weight. The axe head dug deep into Ultima’s palm. Dor took great pleasure in seeing this foe in pain.

“Not on your life you scum of reality! If it takes every breath in my body I’ll slice you in two!”

With his good arm fighting off Kokuo and his bad arm against Dor, Ultima couldn’t move. He looked on as a nearly unconscious Geis still whispered her words.

“Whispers to me…the sacrifice she made.”

Ultima grunted heavily as he started to move towards Geis despite the heavy opposition. Dor and Kokuo both repositioned themselves in front of Ultima, so it became a pushing contest now.

“The duty left to me…the price of peace.”

Ultima grunted again. His push gave him a few inches against the two. They were giving their all but still he pressed on. They didn’t know why he wanted to silence Geis but they knew it angered him. After her last words, runes on the shackles started to come to life. Multi-faceted symbols of unknown meaning started to light up.

“Paying the price for others…is her desire. Paying her back…is mine.”

A white cloud seeped in from the walls of the room. It enveloped Geis and became like a second skin. She felt like she was dying as it gripped her. The smoke lifted her up and placed her on her feet. Geis had trouble breathing but still spoke to Ultima.

“My payment for life is death.”

Ultima’s temper reached its peak. With all he had left in him he pushed and sent the two men rolling away.

“I’ll shut you up once and for all!”

He ran with all his might, but the damage was too much. With all the stress his body was exerting he couldn’t hold himself together. As Ultima ran, his wounded arm fell. He reached over with his good arm while she raised up one in fain. His larger frame gave him the advantage, now his hand wrapped around her wrist and neck. She could barely speak, but it was enough for her to finish what she started.

“Seal…”
“Shut up!”
“of…”
“Die!”
“The Martyr.”
“F**k.”

The white smoke around Geis now spread over Ultima. With its departure came the draining of Geis. Color and life alike left her body as she went limp. Dor looked on helpless and curious at the same time. Kokuo let out a deep sigh, recognizing yet another thing from the old battle. He moved over to Dor and patted the large human consolingly.

“It’s done.”
“What? What do you mean?”
”I know that smoke. It’s what I saw at the last second of the first conflict; the seal that costs a soul and an eternal death.”

Ultima turned to Kokuo and Dor. He was clearly upset.

“Done in by the same spell…how embarrassing. Don’t worry though kiddies there will always be strife. So long as there are idiots like you there will be a chance for me to return.”

The shackles’ runes started to glow and change colors until they all became white. Emanating a powerful light, they started to blind both warriors. Soon the light spread out of the cavern and up the crevice. It broke out of the world scar and into the open skies. Even in broad daylight it was visible. Purest of white, brightest of lights, it caught everyone’s attention. The fighting stopped. Everything halted to take heed of this omen, of this salvation. Within that light only Geis was conscious. Departed of her body, all that was left was the consumption. She finally understood the dream and her purpose. Only she could have made the sacrifice. She looked around and recognized the area. It was just like her dream. She heard something approach.

“Who’s there?”

Geis focused and immediately recognized her friend. Grid, the real Grid, welcomed her in open arms.

“Time to go.”
“…yea. Grid I-“

He shook his head knowingly and silenced her by pressing his index finger against her lips.

“I know.”

He turned and started to walk away. She knew she had to let him go just like she let go of her life and afterlife. The urge was too great. She ran up to him and hugged him from behind. Sounds of death came rushing towards them. Fear ran through her as the end came about. Still she held onto him. Feint sounds and cries filled her. It felt like all things were telling her to let go but she didn’t. Now the light became too bright for even her. She felt herself fading…fading…



The light that shone from Eden’s End cut into the sky. It shone on and on as if challenging the stars themselves. But all things come to an end. The light died away along with the fighting. It was over…