A Darkness Within (Open See Sign-up)

[Harthar]

Harthar had been finishing doing up the strap upon Khavi's horse when Strife moved over to inform him of Khavi's situation. He nodded and accepted it as only he could. All he could do was hope Khavi finished her work soon for if Coffin was correct, then they would fare better with the help of the Mystic Warrior teacher.

Harthar let a stableboy take care of Khavi's horse and upon seeing Strife mount his horse Harthar walked over to the man.

"When we are out of the city I will travel in the way you know me to, but as always I will be close if you experience trouble and I will be there to help. Just out sight."

Strife knew what Harthar was saying, but he would not say it in straight words as the Necromancer did not know of what he was as of yet and Harthar would keep it from the man as long as posible. Harthar would travel in his Wolf form.

He followed Strife and the necromancer through the Academy and through the city of Portsmouth. When they had cleared the city gates, Harthar ran into the forest and when he was out of sight of the rest of the group shifted into his Wolf form. He was skilled in the arts of stealth whilst in this form and not even the Mystic Warriors skills of hind sight, perhaps even some of their magic, could detect him.

He ranged ahead of Strife and the necromancer, scouting and assessing the country side. It had not been long since Harthar had travelled outside the Academy walls and into the Illusion Woods, but each time he found it fasinating.

When the sun began to set he shifted back into his human form and walked from the side of the road and to the group. He walked beside them and thought about his different dreams and wondered why they would still haunt him after so many years, after he had accepted what he was and even taken revenge against those that had done it to him.

Finally he looked up and noted that they were at Seth, Strife seemed to be also surprised about this fact. They had made good time. Harthar glanced up at Strife as he spoke and agreed with the man one hundred percent about keeping our guards up. And Harthar certainly would do that.

"The Elven Lore Inn? I have heard rumours of their wine and women. Definately be on your guard."

He smiled at Strife and followed him to the Inn. He noted that the necromancer had moved off to persue his own interests and was glad. Harthar turned to Strife.

"I do not trust that Necromancer one bit. He is insane. He summoned undead within the walls of the Mystic Academy. I was going to destroy them then and there and then through his corpse into an endless pit, but I thought the better of it. How can we trust one of the dark arts and know full well he will turn upon us when his goals are met? If you ask me, I think we should travel alone. When I was readying my equipment last night I saw the Necromancer perform a Ritual within the very center of Portsmouth. As did many many other Students and Mystic Warriors. I do not like what this will mean for us Strife. We are against his Kind and yet we travel with him and be nice to him when he can not even give us the common curtasy to make it known that he is leaving to persue his own business within the city. His ritual summoned a demon. I do not know what they talked of fore they were even out of my hearing range, but I have a very bad feeling about him and what his plans are."

Harthar finished his little speach as they saw the Elven Lore Inn.

[Dengar Arcus]

Dengar must have traveled all night, he just had the urge to keep on walking towards his goal.

"I have no time for rest now. I have to find out what the hell is going on, and I have to find out why this sort of thing always happens to me. I need to know what's so special about me that all the evils in the world are after me."

"You're exaggerating, not all evils, just a few of them, and the answer will come to you in due time."

"What? You? Where are you? Am I dreaming again?"

"No, I can talk to you out of your dreams as well, it just makes it harder for me. But since you won't allow yourself to rest, what choice do I have?"

"So what is it that you want?"

"You know this road should be a dangerous place at night? Notice how quiet it has been lately? It's almost as if everything has taken a break this night. I can't see everything, and this seems like a big cloud to me, so I don't trust it. Please be careful, you might just walk into its trap. You should really go back to the academy, but I know I can't make you."

"Good, now leave me alone."

"As you wish."

And then the voice went away. This is the first time his so-called guardian left when Dengar asked. He had to be serious so Dengar does need to be on his guard.

[Strife_z_leonhart]

I found myself nodding slightly with agreement as Harther spoke. I understand how you feel, I began as I dismounted my horse, secured him, and then made my way up to the tavern doors with Harther fallowing close behind. I have never been fond of those who practiced the dark arts myself, however, We entered the doors of the tavern and made our way towards a table in the west corner of the tavern. It was adjacent to a burning fire and seemed to be one of the better places to site within the walls. despite what personal feelings we may have towards Tristram, as Mystic Warriors we should not pass judgment on others. I to am uncomfortable about these events and his presence has done nothing to calm me, but we must uphold the code of the Mystic Force.

I could tell that Harther agreed with me on that aspect of the situation, but my words did nothing to relieve him of his doubts of the Necromancer. Hell, it didn't help me out much for the matter but what was I to do?

Tomorrow we shall... my words were suddenly brought to a halt by the creaking sounds of the tavern door and the entrance of an elven man into the tavern. I was a wear that this place was closed off to outsiders after nightfall due to the criminal activities that took place then, however, the owner of the tavern was breaking such a strict rule for this one man?

I felt a strange uneasiness build up inside of me as the newcomer gracefully made his way from the tavern's entrance to a table just opposite the corner Harther and I were sitting. This man was not like any other that I had ever seen. I could feel a strong aura of magic about him...ancient magic. His movements were graceful and fluent. I could hear him talking to the barmaid and even his words seemed to be a form of art to him, and from the sounds of it, he took great pride in his arts.

...would you excuse me for a moment? I said bowing my head lightly towards Harther as I stood from my chair. I do not know why I had such a strong desire to speak with this man. It was more like I did not have a choice in the matter. His eyes called to me as I moved slowly across the tavern floor to his table all the while his eyes watching me with such an eerie stair.

Excuse me, I began you do not know me but my name is...

[Rune A. Almasy]

Strife Leonhart? Yes, I do know of you, the stranger paused momentarily Actually, I know things about you that you have yet to discover about yourself... his expression was unchanging as he spoke and to most he would have come across cold and heartless but Strife paid little attention to that.

..W-what do you mean?

Well, to begin with I know that another city was attacked and more will be as you continue your travels.

A-another city? Which city? By whom?

The man simply ignored Strife questioning and went on. I also know that if you continue your travels many more will die.

What are you talking about!?

These attacks of late are nothing compared to what is coming. All your Mystic training, your powers, not even your friends will be able to protect you! The man's eyes narrowed and his expression and words put a fear in Strife that he had never before felt.

Your life as you know it will be forever changed Strife. When the light of the moon fades Chaos will be brought into our world and you shall enter into the darkness never to awaken. the stranger began to stand and walk away after these words. He was no more then a few feet away when he turned back to look at Strife. It was then that he added before vanishing from site.. ... remember Strife, the closer you get to the light, the larger your shadow becomes ...

Strife sat there for a moment before returning to the table where Harther was waiting.

[Mordraken]

Tristram had been calmly focusing his mind to keep tabs on Strife and the Darkwalker Hathar. He frankly could care less about their objections to his power and the spells he casts, so he broadened his focus over the whole room below. Then, something interesting happened. What the... He "zoomed" his mind in on the new occupant. He was going on about that their mission to Kandary was endangering the lives of many other people. Hmmm. This might be interesting, or it might be just another raving lunatic. He hoped the ambiguous man would make himself more clear, and began to look even deeper into the man's mind for clues to his identity and powers.

[Harthar]

Harthar did agree with Strife's reasoning. That was why Strife was the leader and Harthar was the brawn... well sort of the brawn.

"Yes, you are correct, Strife. Would you like anything to drink?"

Harthar stopped when Strife stood and walked over to the new character that had an air of power about him that even Harthar could sense. And Harthar was about the lowest level of magic a person could get without not being able to use magic.

He shrugged and waved a waitress over.

"Two drinks of Orange juise if you have it. If you don't then water will do nicely."

He returned his attention to that of Strife and the other fellow. He could see Strife was getting tense as the conversation went on until suddenly the powerful elf vanished.

Strife walked over to Harthar and sat down and then told him of all that had transpired with the elf.

"Choas returning? That seems far fetched, but we must not cancel it out. If what Tristram said was true about the creatures being strange things then we may be dealing with Choas at its finest. Choas the enemy of Order. An enemy not to be taken lightly. And this about the closer you get to the light the large your shadow. Are you sure we can trust this elf. I sensed his power myself but perhaps it is not a good power... could it be that this elf is... well an enemy?"

[Mordraken]

Tristram chuckled to himself. Even he found this to be slightly funny. He got up from his bar stool, carrying his wine with him, and walked over to the table where Hathar and Strife sat. "Enemy or not, he is distracting us from the mission at hand." He pulled a chair from an empty table, and sat down. "This, my friends, is a perfect case of not lying, but at the same time not telling the whole truth. I'll be base with you; We can't be sure the story he just spouted isn't a ploy on the part of the Demons to throw us off their trail. It's the kind of thing they do all the time." Tristram sipped his wine. "I'm sure you noticed his aura. I'm sure even the bartender could notice the damn thing. Did either of you think to get in his head? Whatever secrets he's got, I couldn't get to them; there are more magickal barriers in front of his thoughts than I've cast in my lifetime." He took in the rest of wine in a long draught. "The decision to continue is really up to you, young Strife. As a man much wiser tham myself once said, 'I can only show you the door. You have to walk through it.' I say we follow this wizard, and see how he knows so much." He called to the waitress, and said, "Another flagon of red wine."

[Khavi]

"Where are they? How far have they gone?"
"I'm unsure, m'lady Montreau, somewhere to the east,"

Khavira's eyes narrowed at the stableboy's words. She couldn't recall exactly where she had been told to meet them, or where they were going. Easily, she remembered the important things, the attacks in Kandary and that they were being sent by the Archmage to inspect and get what they could from the situation. Her own tasks taken care of, Khavi now had to chase down Harthar and Strife before they got to far.
"You're sure you don't know? You did not overhear any mention of taverns, or small towns, or landmarks of any sort?" she wheedled further, desperate for an answer. The last thing she needed was to waste time on tracking them.
"F-forgive me, M'lady Montreau, but all I heard was mention of a place named Sherth and some Elfie-Lorn Inn..."
Khavi blinked at the boy, trying to decipher his somewhayt broken use of the language, and then it clicked in her head. "Seth! You mean Seath! And the Elven Lore Tavern!" she exclaimed. She smiled, grabbed the boy by teh shoulders, and kissed him on both cheeks. "Lad, you are a genius!" she said happily to the violently blushing stablehand, and then swung up onto her dark horse.
Checking to be sure she had everything before departing, she fastened her cloak, spurred her horse, and left the Academy courtyard.
It wasn't long before she was out of the gates and passing through the very familiar city of Portsmouth. Barely a day behind Strife and Harthar, she rode hard to make up lost time. Stormclouds began to gather ominously in the direction she was heading, dark and forboding. Khavi, never one to worry about the weather, pulled her cowl over her head and kept going, through the Illusion Forest and ever towards her goal. Even as the sky overhead darkened with the evening and the coming rains, she didn't let her mount break stride.
By the time she was within veiw of Seth, rain was slamming down in absolute sheets, and even through her thick cloak Khavi was soaked through. She spurred her horse onward, let her cowl fall away from her head and blinked her eyes to keep out the rain.
When she finally was within city limits, she found her way to the Elven Lore tavern, took her horse around the side to teh stables. However, she was stopped by a whispy lad.
"Sorry, miz, but yeh cain't come in afteh dahk," he said, holding up a hand.
Khavi glowered. "I'm not an outlaw or a criminal or any other suspicious sort, boy, let me pass. I must find my companions.""
"Not moi problehm, miz. Best I ken offah is deh stables its'lf," he said, not budging in his manner.
"...Fine," she growled. At leat it was out of the rain. Time enough in the morning to go in, or maybe later that night to break in. She slid from her mount, lead him into the stables. If nothing else, at least the stalls were somewhat spacious. She chose one next to what looked like Strife's horse, unsaddled and unbridled her own. Then, using her magics to conjure herself a small, warming sheild type of thing to dry herself out and keep her mostly clean on the hay-strewn stable floor, she settled in for a restless, uncomfortable night in the back corner of her stallion's stall.
"Pray gods I wake early... Or that Strife and Harthar don't leave before i can get to them..."

[Mordraken]

Tristram couldn't concentrate on the taste of red wine with the lack of conversation from his two traveling companions. He also couldn't help but notice that even though the other occupants were engaged in other conversation, they were watching him. "Well, when you come to a conclusion, let me know. As excellent as their red wine is, the atmosphere gets to me. I'll be right outside." ...And you better make your minds up fast. He stood up, and glanced over his shoulder at the half-dozen pairs of eyes in the room. They all shifted away at once, as to almost make a noticable Schlunkk sound. He headed out, and leaned against the left side of the building. The rain pounded on his aged clothes and head. It was near ice cold, a temperature that made the wine seem practically volcanic. He didn't care, though. The precipitation reminded him of long nights spent in caves and libraries, searching for yet more knowledge and power. Trist then heard something; it was towards the rear of the building. Voices. Out of natural curiosity, he followed the sound. One female, one young male. Arguing. He then saw a kid come up to him. "Hoy, whut is it with people today, wanderin' the streets? Go back home, sah."
"I don't have to if I don't want to."
"Weal, yes you do."
Trist's eyes narrowed, summoning a tendril of invisible energy from his mind into the young man's. "You don't seem to understand. I will do what I want, and you will forget you ever met me. You will go about your business, and leave good citizens alone."
"Yeah...Leave alone..." The boy walked off, with a dazed look in his eyes. Trist walked towards where he had been arguing, and saw a woman laying down in the bedstraw of the horse's stable. She was tossing and turning. He could believe it; the "bed" looked less comfortable than an iron maiden. Trist crouched next to the woman, studying her.
"May I ask why you're down here in the horse filth? This isn't the kind of place a woman should settle for for sleeping arrangements."

[Strife_z_leonhart]

"Chaos returning? That seems far fetched, but we must not cancel it out. If what Tristram said was true about the creatures being strange things then we may be dealing with Chaos at its finest. Chaos the enemy of Order. An enemy not to be taken lightly. And this about the closer you get to the light the large your shadow. Are you sure we can trust this elf. I sensed his power myself but perhaps it is not a good power... could it be that this elf is... well an enemy?"

I could hear him speaking but I was unable to respond due to the fact that I felt as if I was in a bad dream. I must have been dazed longer than I thought because I almost didn't notice Trist tactlessly excuse himself.

...And you better make your minds up fast? I repeated his words in my mind. Well what the hell was I to do? What does one say when they are told that there actions will bring about death? What does one do when they are told that they will die? All these thoughts and emotions hit me at once as I watched Trist exit. Just what was I going to do? For the first time I did not have an answer!

...I'm going to kill him...

My eyes looked at Harther sharply. Harther! Did we not just have this discussion? You should not say such things!

I was rather surprised when Harther delivered me a look of confusion and informed me that he had not said anything.

....are you......sure? I wanted to ask him. but I knew Harther was not one to lie, especially to me.

Well in response you your earlier question, I began. The odds of him being an enemy are not likely. He does posses great magical skills but I do not "sense" evil within him. I paused as I thought back to my encounter with the stranger. To tell you the truth, I sensed a strange familiarity to him.

...however, we do not have time for such chat. It looks like we will are going to be heading out a little earlier than anticipated. I ended getting up from my chair and making my way out of the tavern and towards the stables.

Harther and I were rather surprised to see Trist there... talking to a haystack no less. ...do not say a word I said raising my right hand. Harther laughed. The last thing I wanted to hear was something along the lines of an " I told you so"

I'm sure that there is a logical reason as to why he is talking to a..... Khavi?

Khavi! What in bloody hell are you doing sleeping in a stable?!

[Strife_z_leonhart]

I shook my head slightly. Actually, we do not have time for this. The main thing is that everyone is here so I suggest we mount up and head out! I ended mounting my house and waiting for the others. Finally, after Khavi had finished picking the hey from her hair, everyone was mounted and ready to go... thus the frantic ride to Kandary began.
We rode at full gallop through the forest, the trees reduced to mere blurs by our speed. I couldn't help but think back to my encounter with the stranger in Seth. The strange familiarity I since in him, his magical aura, and what he spoke of to me. Something was about to happen and it looked as though we were al about to be cought in the middle of it. Strangely, these thought were outweighed by another... Khavi.

I did not realize how worried I had actually been about her until now. I turned to my head to the side and watched her. He hair blew majestically about her as we rode. Just the site of her eased my mind... but that had always been the case. No matter what the situation she was always there with just the right thing to say to make everything better once more. She was one of the most caring people that I had ever met... despite the fact that she was temperamental at times, rash and always seemed to be getting in some kind of trouble in which case I would have to assist her. And so what if she thought of me as a big brother figure! Is that really that bad?

...Yes... I said to myself which caught her attention. Oh sorry, I was just thinking to myself... I saw Khavi smile and then gallop ahead and I could only hope this was not a challenge.

We finally came to the forest's end and there before us laid a wide open stretch of land leading out towards the Kandary and the Tusken Sea. Its waters reflected the light of the morning sun so that the surface shimmered like the evening stars. Such a beautiful place! It was hard to think that such a place would befall an attack.

We slowed our stride as we made it to the city's entrance. A large arched gate standing about 10 to 12 feet high I gathered and along both sides surrounding the city a great wall of stone about 8 feet in height I figured. The entrance looked the same as it had so many times before. No signs of forced entrance or attack of any kind I took note.

From there we entered into the city and made our way through its streets welcomed by the sweet smell of freshly baked bread and a variety of herbs and spices that swirled about in the winds from Kandary's Central Market. In the center of the city stood a great fountain of a mermaid. It was rather elaborate and detailed and rather oversized for a fountain, but that was this city, everything was so elaborate here.

It was another 10 min before we arrived a the gates leading to the Cascade Temple. There we were greeted by one of its priests.

Oh! Greeting Master Leonhart, Master Harther, Lady Khavi, he began pausing after every name to deliver a slight bow. P-please come this way...

I was surprised when he began to escort us away from the temple to a nearby house. Father Atone would like to have words with you on the situation.
What situation?! I wanted to ask him. It didn't look as though anything was out of the norm here. He led us inside and into Father Atone's study.

Ahh, greetings we have eagerly been expecting you.

So I have heard.... I delivered coldly What exactly is his "situation" that has had me summoned here?

Well you see, Master Leonhart, the Cascade Temple was attacked by creatures... we are not sure what they are. Currently they seem to have made the temple's basement their home...so to speak. We've sent seven of our own warriors down there to see what they were plotting but only one of them returned but in no condition to offer much information. His last words to me before he died was "black orb"

I folded my arms and delivered him a stern look. How the hell was I too believe such a story? What aren't you telling me?

W-what are you implying? I have told you everything I know!

...Fine, we will go look for ourselves but when I return I suggest you have the real story for me.... if not a better one.

We then made our way to the Cascade Temple where we found or eager little priest waiting. Ahh, hello again Master Le--

... Just move... I said brushing past him. I wasn't like me to be this cold but I was beginning to think I was wasting my time here.

We entered the temple and like everything else in this town, nothing appeared out of the norm. What a surprise... I thought to myself as I made my way across the marble floors, my boots echoing about its halls. I was just about ready to leave when a sound caught my attention. Do you hear that?

The others looked at me blankly. No.... listen. It sounds like...a low humming sound...from over here. I said slowly making my way to a large statue of a mermaid. I searched about the sculpture as I listened, sure enough there was ended sound coming from behind it...and I could feel air. Harther! I called out Help me move this!

With our combined efforts we made short work of it and there before us were stairs leading downward. Things where just not lining up. Why would they need to have the way to the basement hidden in such away?

We began to make our way down the spiraling stairs into the depths of the Temple. The sound grew louder as we descended into the darkness. Suddenly there was light, a pulsating light coming around the next turn up ahead. I singled to the others to wait there while I went to go look into the matter. When I turned to corner I froze. There in the center of the room was a huge sphere. Its diameter had to have been at least 7 feet and it glowed brightly with a fiery teal light. About its base were bodies, I could only guess that these once belonged to the unfortunate warriors that had been sent down here to investigate. I had to step over the bodies of the fallen and almost tripped over one but caught myself just in time from hitting a nearby rock. I circled about with my hand placed on its warm surface. I looked like glass but had the feel of ice. It was smooth, slippery, but was not cold.

Hey! You all might want to take a look at th-

Huh?

I said to myself as my hand went over a nick in the smooth surface. A crack? I thought as I ran my finger along the rough edge. I then noticed a trail of blood. I thought I might have but my finger along crack but when I looked at the rest of the sphere I noticed that the trail covered its entire circumference. I looked at my hand and noticed the mass amounts of blood flowing from it. This surface had been cutting me the whole time?

What the hell!? I cursed aloud. I looked up at the sphere and there before me was the face that I had seen so many times in my dreams. Those eyes! That eerie smile! Right there in front of me... was I dreaming? Harther! Khavi! I called as the thing before me began to reach out its hand passing through the surface of the sphere towards my body. There was no light in the room even though the sphere shinned just as brightly as it did when I first entered if not brighter now. I could not see the stairs, nor my companions.

Somebody! Help! I fell to the ground and tried to scream but the words held no substance and came out merely as breath. The figure now stood before me ever slowly inching its way towards me.


***Kandary Inn***

I groaned and rolled over. I was going to kill whoever had stuffed my mouth with cotton, glued my eyes shut, and now shone a lantern in my face. Ontop of that someone was sitting on my head.

Slowly, I forced one eye open. Then the other. Then both. Then squeezed them shit again.

I was in a room, lying facedown on a lumpy mattress. Sunlight poured in the window, sending darts of pain shooting through my eyes. My head hurt so badly I feared my skull might explode. By minuscule degrees, I pried myself off the mattress and into a sitting position. When the room stopped spinning, I glanced up to find Harther standing in the door way.

... what the hell happened I asked rubbing my head. I was then informed that I had tripped over one of the bodies in the Temple and had hit my head on a rock. Said I had been out for about a day.

...a day? Is that all that happened while we were down there? Harther nodded. ... I see. Well then I think its time I had a word with Father Atone to see what information I can get out of him. I'm eager to know just what the hell that thing was down there...

[Mordraken]

~~~~During the night, after Strife hit his head...~~~~
Trist couldn't help but feel a desire to help Strife endure the pain he was enduring, but he also needed to make sure that devil Gaer'las was doing his job. He left his post by Strife's bed, and left town limits, as to not draw attention to his activities. Once outside in a secluded area, he started his ritual summoning spell.

Trist stood up, balling his hands into tight fists, letting only his right index finger hang down. He walked around in a slow circle, chanting lowly in an arcane language. " Cah'at Doraeial Challa Mo'dar'kahat. Sho'kallam Fower Ral'ho'coma. Wahl'dahat Dreahmat Armaeil. " He now had compleated his walking circle. A line of light blue faerie fire sprang from the ground along the path he had followed. He sat down in a lotus position inside the circle. He spread his arms wide over the circle in front of him, and resumed chanting. " For'ar'alarum Kades'caht. Cael'chagullum. Xe'ras Meagas Kahllas'kaht. Mor'faer Collum Kah'malleshat! " The faerie fire shifted in color to a vibrant orange, and new lines of the magick light traced on the ground to create a pentacle star within the boundries of the circle. He flipped his hands over, and raised them towards the sky. A vicious, icy wind began to cyclone around the circle. He chanted louder, to be heard over the blowing zephyr. " Zar'vallamam! Cades'maelsarem! Yaelmas! Sha'dur'kwameshall Foyaordoma AEmal'vael'kas! " The wind blew up into a massive column of circulating air, but left the ground outside it's radius untouched. Suddenly, the wind died down, and the energy lines blazed up into red walls three feet high. After a moment, the lines lowered into their regular height of a few inches, and then, a man materialized inside the center of the star. Even in the dim light, Tristram could see the red, scaled skin of the guest's face, his glowing red eyes, and the small points protruding from his forehead below his black hairline. Trist stood up, and spoke in the same language he spoke in chants.

"Well? What have you found out?"
"No, 'How have you been?', Trist? I'm hurt," the devil mocked.
"I don't have the damned patience!,"Tristram thundered. "Tell me about the attackers!"
(OOC: I hope you don't mind, but I'm going to take a little poetic license about the sphere thing.)"Okay, okay, calm down. Details are sketchy at best and flagrant lies at worst, but there is word of a Soul Sphere on the move."
"Uh huh." His calm facade protected an underlying fear of the meaning behind a Soul Sphere. Unholy energy even he wouldn't dare weild, a Soul Sphere is a creature, ofter seen by it's victims in sphere form, that instills madness in it's target, followed by utter mental control of the victim, and eventually, a hideous death followed by unrestful afterlife.
"This thing owes no allegiance to any side, and especially can't be bargined with."
"I don't care if it likes you, how do you destroy it?"
"...You know as well as I do..."
"Indeed. Then be off." Neither of them needed to say that it is impossible to slay the Soul Sphere.
"Merry met, and merry part..."
"...And may we merry meet again." The pentacle and Gaer'las disappeared instantaineously upon the utterance of the last syllable. Trist reentered the town, and brought a chair up beside the entrance to Strife's room. He felt no need to wake the young man; he had already been through so much. Trist slumped down in the chair, and tapped his fingers together as he waited for mourning and the revival of Strife. [/b]

[Khavi]

Khavi, tray balanced on one arm, neatly folded clean clothes draped over the other, slipped easily up the stairs. The years of fighter training she had received gave her incredible balance, so it was no problem getting to the top without dropping anything.
Momentarily balancing the tray on her other arm for a short moment while she opened the door, Khavi entered the room, just as Harthar left. A small nod passed between the two, and, hands full again, tapped the door closed with the toe of her boot.
"Wlecome back to the world of the living!" she said brightly to Strife, who sat upright in the bed. "I took the liberty of getting you food and washing your clothes."
The tray was set upon the bedside table, and the clothes draped over a chair. Strife's eyes wandered to them, widened a bit, then he peeked under the covers. Khavi laughed airily as he flushed brilliantly red, and then took a seat at the bedside.
"I had Harthar get them for me, don't worry," she said. "But after a near death expeiriance, I can only assume that you're hungry?" Khavi proclaimed, motioning to the food she had brought. Strife, however, only cocked an eyebrow, and murmured something about 'near death'.
"Well, there was one point last night where we thought you'd gone on and skivved off. No real reason, either, you were just in real bad form for a while."
What Khavi neglected to mention was that she'd been up half the night, pacing around in front of the window, snarling at the surgeon, and snapping at anyone who came near the fallen man as would a motehr wolf. The other half was spent in the same chair she currently occupied, worrying and chewing her lip. The only signs of her late night were very slight circles under her eyes, and fait marks on her lower lip where she had gnawed at it for a long period of time.
"Either way, you really should eat something." Smiling again, she looked Strife in the eye. He had spoken little, and he just looked so tired as to be near death. "...Or, if you would prefer, you could sleep first."
Khavi pushed herself to her feet, helped Strife to lay back down. "I'll come back later to see how you're doing." she said, then turned to leave the room. She paused in the doorway, looked back over her shoulder. Strife was already dead asleep, snorning a little.
Shakign her head, Khavi left the room and made to go back down to rejoin her companions in the tavern itself.

However, a huge explosion from somewhere else in the town rocked the tavern and sent her pitching down the stairs. As soon as she came to a stop at the base of teh flight, she was on her feet again, and charging towards the door, hell bent on finding the source of the explosion. It very likely had some form of connection to the happenings at the temple. Harthar was close behind.
Her sword drawn, Khavi and Harthar woved towards the source of the noise and rumbling, and eventually stopped at where the foutain had once been in the center of the town. The sight before them just stopped both warriors in their tracks, speechless, and without any idea of what to do.
"What in the name of... Strife?!"

[Anarchy]

The figure stood there looking at where the once magnificent statue had stood. Now it was nothing but ruble and debris scattered about the ground.

Much better.... don't you think? the man finally spoke folding his arms one of the other seeming rather pleased with his work. I mean really, it was a bit much to begin with.... he turned to face them and grinned slightly.

Strife? No, no, Strife is currently out of commission at the moment, he said slowly making his way towards the others. There are some things that are about to happen around here and....well, lets just say I don't think Strife is up to it right now. So here I am! Anarchy at your service. He words and demeanor was smooth and he carried himself in a somewhat arrogant manner. Hehe how fitting, Strife n Anarchy... I just love it.

He watched as the girl and her companion backed away from him. Oh come, now don't be scared. I don't bite... He paused looking at the woman. ...hard...I promise. He grinned.

Well, well, well let me guess, Master Harther and Lady Khavi I take it... he eyes Khavi before sending her a wink fallowed by a low growl. Mmm, down boy he said looking downward. I've heard so much about you two... indirectly of course, Strife wasn't much for talking to me...hmm hell, doesn't even know I'm there. he laughed.

Well, I'm a little tired so I'm going to rest a bit. he began to yawn as he lowered himself down on one knee. Do tell Strife hello for me... With that a crimson light surrounded him. It grew brighter and brighter before slowly fading away reveling Strife hunched over in the possession the other had been before.

[Khavi]

Khavi watched the man, so shockingly like Strife it was disconcerting, slink down from his perch on the foutnain rubble and slink towards them. As he approached, she noticed the subtle differences in his appearance. Darker streaks through his blonde hair, an evil air radiating from him, and the blazing red eyes. This was no Strife she knew...
"..So here I am! Anarchy at your service," he said, quite confirming her thoughts. He came ever closer, and she and Harthar backed away slowly. Just as a precaution, hidden within her fist, she lit a small flame, ready for a full-blown fireball if she should need it.
Her lip curled as his gaze turned towards her, as he spoke. The urge to torch the bastard was great, but his enigmatical words spoken before stopped her from doing anything other than glare and back away.
It frightened her, as well, that something so incredibly evil could radiate such a comforting familiarity. It was all but Strife's body that moved towards her, his voice that spoke those words. And yet, it was not Strife, not it in any feasible way. He was too sinister, his power was dark, and his mind... tormented, almost. Torn.
And suddenly, he knelt, was enveloped in a deer red light. It was so bright she had to turn away, shield her eyes with her sword arm. In her fist, the small flame grew stronger. As soon as she could look back, she had her sword back, her left arm up, and her hand was enveloped in flame.
...But there knelt Strife, looking as though he would collapse at any moment. Anarchy was gone, nowhere to be seen. The fire died, she stuck her sword in its scabbard, and flew forward to kneel in front of Strife.
"By gods, Strife, are you all right? Where did Anarchy go?" she inquired, speaking swiftly. She looked over her shoulder, Harthar stood behind her. "...Maybe we should go back to the tavern, and try to figure out what's happening..."

[Mordraken]

Tristram closed his eyes in somber realization as Hathar and Khavi rushed out to the center of town. "It starts," he said to himself. He stood up to follow the two warriors outside. He stopped a moment at the entrance of the tavern, and looked on, as the madness that had taken Strife spoke through his body. A few moments later, after a relatively flashy display of pyrotechnics, he hunched down to the ground. Khavi foolishly rushed over to "Strife's" inhabited body. Trist walked out to her, saying as for her to hear, "What makes you think that's the real Strife, Khavi? Be careful, lest he shatter you next!" He chanted, "Shoval'kas Arem Dall'mazck!" and pointed to the body grasped by Khavi. A column of translucent purple energy sprang up around the body, forcing the woman off of him. Tristram then noticed a look from the werewolf warrior full of malice, and cast the same spell on himself quickly. "I am thinking for all of our survivals. Be logical. You two saw what inhabits that man's body. Who's to say it won't take him again?" He took a short series of breaths, as the casting of two Containment Pentagrams took a chip out of his stores of inner power. [/i]

[Khavi]

Khavi sat on dirt in shock for a few moments after being pried away from Strife. Why had Trist done that? Why would he pull her away when Strife needed someone close? And then not let her back with some magic feild? She looked over her shoulder, still shocked, as he spoke. Then, her lip curled back, and she pushed herself to her feet.
"I am thinking for all of our survivals. Be logical. You two saw what inhabits that man's body. Who's to say it won't take him again?" he said, so simply as if something trivial had happened. So angry she could hardly keep from lighting a small fire in Tristram's hair, Khavi found it difficult to verbally let him know of her displeasment.
"I suggest, Tristram, you let Strife out of that ring, or let me in," she growled, low and deadly. She glanced over her shoulder, and saw that Strife was hunched over inside. Looking back to Trist, she spoke again.
[color]"You cannot keep me out, Trist. I will get in somehow, because I cannot let Strife lie there alone. He needs help, dammit, lower that circle!"[/color] she said, her voice rising in volume as she went along. He wouldn't go for it, wouldn't let her to him.
Finally, all diplomacy lost on her, Khavi did what came naturaly for one so firey as her. She sprang, catlike, from where she stood. As she had said, she would not hesitate in forcing her hand. However, he had erected the same protetive circle around himself, so Khavi collided hard and bounced off, rolling away in the dirt.
"Coward!" she cried, her temper flaring in typical Khavi fashion. "I swear it, feild or no, I can still force your hand! I do not know what is happening with Strife, but right now he is himself! There is nothing wrong, other than the fact that he has gone through incredible trauma in the past few days, and you will not let us in to help him."
She was silent for a few moments, and then spoke again. "I will not hear more of your own fears that whatever is in him will come back, or that Strife isn't even himself. But you do not, and you cannot, know him as I do! Right now, right at this time, Strife is himself! And I am quite willing to risk that he will change again, because that is what friends do. So I am asking... no, I am telling you to let down this feild! Now!" she snarled, loaded for bear.

Lost on anything else to do, she flew at him again, fist back. She knew well enough that she wouldn't get through, but she was falling back on instinct now.
And, to both her own surprise and especially to Tristram's, her fist connected with his jaw, and he went sprawling. She didn't try to explain it, just went along with what happened. The two of them hurtled back, hit the dirt, and Khavi just held him there, pinned. She poised her fist to strike again, and spoke in a deadly tone.
"I swear it, on my dead family's graves, if you do not let Harthar and I to Strife, I will punch you again. Harder. And I will keep hitting until you do. Are we understood?"

[Dengar Arcus]

Suddenly, a cloaked figure walked up to Strife in the barrier.

"So.... this "Anarchy" person... and Master Leonhart.... Two sides of the same coin...."

The figure removed his hood. He was still looking at Strife, but his words were directed towards Tristram.

"Sir, you know as well as everyone does, that this so-called 'barrier', won't contain this person."

Dengar unsheathed his Soul Katana, and slashed out at the barrier. The point the Katana and the barrier connected, started emitting loads of blinding sparks. After five seconds or so, the barrier disappeared. He kneeled down to Strife.

"Master Leonhart. Are you alright? I'm sorry for my sudden departuere from the academy, I wish I had the time to explain, but you really need to be taken back to the inn."

Dengar did his job well hiding his fatigue, from walking for days with very little sleep. And even though his blade helped out alot, breaking the barrier to prove his point was quite consuming.

[Mordraken]

Tristram was slightly in shock from the woman's ability to peirce his Containment pentagram, but he kept his aching wits. The main problem was the deathgrip she had on his throat. It strained his voice to a bare whisper, still full of spite for Khavi and her foolish actions. "Understand... this..." He silently summoned a Soul Syphon spell, and before she could react, he grabbed her throat, letting the purple flames enshroud the pair of them. She screamed, but he kept up the spell. She couldn't hold his throat any longer. He shoved her off, and stood up, dusting himself off. His left hand still held the charge of purple energy he had summoned to get his strength back to a decent level and readied himself to use it again if the need would come again. He spoke for them all to hear, perhaps a bit too judgementally, but he was all business right now. "Think a moment. This petty fighting amongst ourselves accomplishes nothing. Strife needs our help, but at the same time we must protect ourselves from his apparent alter ego. I have my ways; I could contain the demons inside of him. I could exorcise them entirely. But it will take time, and at best, it would be temporary. At worst, it could kill Strife's personality and Anarchy's would become dominant. I will leave it to you what we do, but time is of the essence." Trist stood on guard, ready for either the student warrior or Hathar to rush him "Well? Make a decision."

[Dengar Arcus]

Dengar sheathed his sword.

"Sorry, mister, you should know better than that. You can't vanquish a person's inner Demons. It would kill him, even if you'd succeed. It's what makes a person do what he does. What makes a person a person. Even I could sense the nature of this outburst, a mere student. Why couldn't you?"

[Strife_z_leonhart]

The pounding in my head was already more then overwhelming, but the sounds of the arguing, the anger, the emotions, it was just to much!

Stop this at once!! my voice emphasized by the rumble of thunder overhead. I am not sure as to what the bloody hell just happened here. All I know is that one minuet I'm laying back in the inn and the next I'm outside with my companions at each others throat. If anyone has any reason to be upset about anything I would think it would be me. I finished as I attempted to lift myself from the ground. Not a simple task. I felt as if every ounce of my strength had been drained and even once I was on my feet I found it hard to maintain the strength it took to keep me there let alone move about.

Now I suggest that we gather ourselves and go speak with Father Atone. I'm now more certain then ever that there is something not being told.

I gathered what strength I could muster and began to make my way towards the house in which Father Atone was staying. There was a time when I felt that I would have simply fallen from exhaustion, however, just at that moment Khavi came to assist me offering her arm to me and helping me along the way.

It took us longer then usual to make the trip to the house near the Temple due to my condition but my current state did not stop me from tearing into Father Atone upon our arrival.

What aren't you telling me!

W-w-what are you talking about Master Leonhart? You know everything there is to kn-

Now is not the time to beat around the bush Father! We went to the temple and found no demons or any creature resembling such. Just human bodies and a strange sphere levitating in the center of an underground room, which was hidden! Why was this room hidden?

Master Leonhart please, it was the demons! They came to the city and attack the Cascade Temple!

Is that so? I began as I crossed my arms one over the other. Well then it all makes sense now. Let me just make sure I have this correct...

A group of demons made there way past the guarded city gates, took a stroll through the city, past the armory, the bakery, the central market, past the fountain, which by the way is no longer there...

Father Atone blinked at that last comment.

... then walked another 10 min or so to the Cascade Temple where they made there way onto sanctified land, which if I remember correctly demons are not able to set foot on, into the temple, found the hidden path to the "basement" as you call it, and then just... vanished?

Seems like a wast of a good trip to me. I heard a voice say. I mean I would have at least gone to the beach...

Atone stood there wide eyed breathing heavily as if trying to think of come clever way to get out of this. W-well you s-s-see...

He is not telling the truth... can't we just kill him now? the voice spoke once more.

I now ask you again. What aren't you telling me!

W-we just did not want to upset his Highness the Archmage.

Heh, you know, at this point I think he is the least of your worries. I spat back coldly. So are you going to tell me what the bloody hell is going on? Or do I need to let Harther here try to get the information from you? And trust me, he wont be as nice about it as I have.

That did it, the man was more then ready to talk to us. I'm sorry Master Leonhart it was never my wish to deceive you. The object you saw in the temple is know as the Aqua Sphere. It is what keeps the waters about our city plentiful with fish. There are seven sphere located throughout the land one in each of the major cities located below each temple.

Every century or so the power of the sphere weakens and thus can be consumed by the powers of darkness. In order to prevent such a tragedy a ceremony is held in order to strengthen the power of the orbs.

I nodded as he spoke Go on... I'm listening.

Well, he began again. Something went wrong at the ceremony. You see, each orb must be given power from its corresponding sigil which is handed down to each leader of the city.

I see, so when did this ceremony take place?

About a month ago?

That's about the time the attacks began. And my dreams started I wanted to add but didn't.

That is correct. We did not report this before because we thought we would be able to conduct the ceremony without the use of the sigil, a foolish attempt on our part.

I found myself nodding in agreement with his words. Yes, from the looks of it it was a rather idiotic thing to attempt.

Due to the loss of the sigil we were unable to control the flow of power to the sphere, and since evil now holds the sigil the response of course was negative. The sphere summoned forth creature, demons that killed those conducting the ceremony. I was the only survivor. We contacted his Highness soon after that.

And you were going to keep me in the dark on these events?

W-we thought it best if you did not know the whole story Master Leonhart..

We? Who are you referring to?

His Highness and myself. Listen, you must make hast to the others cities immediately. There have already been reports of strange goings on in mining city of Nadia. You must keep the reaming sigils safe and get back the Mercury Sigil.

I unfolded my arms and looked at him sternly. Well you were here when this bloody place got attacked. Just tell us who took it and we can be on out way!

The man was quit. His gazed turned to the floor and in a whisper that sent chills running throughout my body he spoke to me.

... you did...


Ohhh, now I was not expecting that. Hehe

[Dengar Arcus]

It was quite a story, but Dengar had no trouble following it. He was quite surprised to hear Master Leonhart was the perpetrator.

"Master Leonhart, is this...."

Dengar gasped.

"Oh no! That must have been this 'Anarchy' person.... But if this means that he is this evil I have been warned about... Than this spirit... Must have been traveling with... HIM! Then it might already have found me!"

He quickly turned around and ran out of the house, and ran for a little while. As he stopped to gasp for air, he collapsed, from being exhausted and from the events that have happened today, and lost consciousness.

[Khavi]

"...You did..."
Khavi's eyes widened, her jaw involuntarily dropped as Father Atone told them quietly that Strife himself had caused the damage to the city, had attacked Kandary. What she had just seen at the fountain, having met Anarchy and known him to look so incredibly like Strife, she did not doubt it.
Were they the same person?
It made sense.
Where Anarchy dissapeared, Strife appeared. With no recollection of what he had just done, or why he was where he was...
While her own mind raced wildly over possibilities, ways it was and was not possible for Strife to be the culprit, how to keep it from happening again, Khavi knew that he was probably even worse off for it all. And so she tried to calm her own mind, and help him deal with his own problems. The blow had to be at least thrice as harsh on him as it had been on her or anyone else in the room.
Strife had sunken back into a chair, so Khavi moved from her position standing next to him and walked around in front of him. As she knelt down, she shot Trist a warning glare, near daring him to cast another circle, and pull what he had at the fountain.
Her expression instantly softened as she knelt before him, hands on his knees. He looked him in the eye, furrowed her brow.
"Are you all right?" she murmured, gently. Just then, Dengar turned on his heel and bolted out the door, but she figured she would let whoever else was still around deal with him. For the moment, there were more important things.
"You were just as surprised by this as we were, weren't you? You didn't know about Anarchy or that he was using your body to do such things?" she said, biting her lip. Much as she wanted to trust that Strife was just fine now, she didn't know what would trigger a reappearance of Anarchy.
"Don't worry about it too much," she added. "I'm sure we can fix it, we can control it... It isn't your fault."
What was causing Anarchy to show, anyway? Strife wasn't possessed, that much she was sure of. It would be much more obvious it was merely a demon residing in his body, or something similar. Even if it had been a demon, it wouldn't have been able to get into the temple. Not with the amounts of blessings and protective spells put on that building. Some rouge dark magic gotten into his system? A long time curse just now showing itself?
...Or Strife himself, the side darker side possessed by all simply manifesting itself physically? If that were the case, then it would be far harder to help him than she had initially thought. To separate the two would render him senseless, mindless, soulless... If not dead to the world entirely.
She closed her eyes, looked down. This was one thing even she would have to admit she may not be able to help him win against.
She looked back up at him.
"Is there anything I can do? You want to go back to the tavern?"

[Strife_z_leonhart]

I sat there momentarily without word. I found myself not able to think straight. All my thoughts, emotions, everything combined into one large mass not allowing me to decipher anything.

...No... I began not looking up at Khavi or the others. ..I...I just want to be left alone for awhile...please.

I stood from the chair and slowly made my way out of the house and into the cities streets. The sun shown down on me but its rays offered little warmth. My body felt cold, everything I knew was now thrown into disorder by this news. Just what the bloody hell was going on? How could such a thing happen to... me?

Yes I know this was a selfish thought to think of, but why could this not have happened to someone else? Everything I stand for, everything I believed in... was a lie to me now. How could I uphold the since of justice, of the Mystic Warrior when I could very well be the cause of the occurrences over the month.

I walked down the streets towards the dock. It was odd, even though this city was one of the most lively cities, its streets seemed so empty now. Or was it just me? I walked out onto the pier and looked out over the vast sea and the many vessels settled in its waters.

...what am I going to do?

You worry to much you know that?

..W-What? Who's there? Who said that? I jumped slightly and began to look around the pier. Sure enough no one was there, with the exception of a small rodent which I surly hope was not the culprit.

Hey! Down here Merlin

I turned by gaze downward and stared into the waters at my reflection...or at least what should have been my reflection. ...bloody hell

Don't look so surprised, I'm trying to be considerate here. I thought we should at least see each other. Hmm I'm not a bad looking guy.

You're not a-? You are inside of me! Remember that!

You sure about that one there? hehe

Now is not the time to play games with me! How dare you show yourself. I-I will destroy you.

Awww feisty little thing aren't we. You know what, perhaps you should just settle down there! Anarchy snapped and I suddenly found myself pulled downward towards the end of the pier towards the water by some unknown force. I struggled to break free from this mystic grasp but every bit of strength I put against it was only matched to keep me at bay.

I think you should strongly reconsider your actions there Strife. I'm only here to help you... really hehe.

What are you talking about? How could something so evil have the audacity to offer me assistance? And for what purpose would I need your help?

Well for starters, I'm the one that knows where the Mercury Sigil is, and secondly, if you want to know what's going on you need to keep me around now don't you?

...plus, if you try to kill me.... you will die as well... hehehe.

You bastard!!

Hehehe I see you are getting a bit edgy, I shall leave you for now but before I go I just want to say nice job with Khavi nice girl she is. I just hope nothing bad happens to her.

You lay a finger on Khavi and I will kill you, I don't care what happens to me. I wanted to say, but before I got any of it out he was gone leaving me there alone at the dock.

[Dengar Arcus]

Dengar doesn't know the hell where he is, but it seems like one of his dreams. Only his dreams are usually bright and white. This dream is total darkness. Dengar can't see a thing.

"It seems you have found me out."

"Huh? Who's there?"

"Oh, please, do you have a 10 second attention span or something? I'm the one you've been looking for these last days. My name is Geroda."

"Well, at least you're telling me your name. The other guy is awfully silent about that. Although the other guy at least shows what his back looks like. I can't see you at all.

"Sorry, I'm just not powerful enought yet to create an image."

"So it's true, you travel around with evil people, feeding on their anger and hatred. You've been traveling with Master Leonhart all this time haven't you."

"Mayhaps. Interesting fellow, by the way. You don't see this kind of people every day, you know. Having two personalities in one body at once. Only your great great great great great great grandfather even came near that."

"Manock? He had multiple personalities?"

"Well.... Kind of... He was a lot more stable than this Strife fellow, but there was this instance when his Devious side finally emerged. He actually turned out to be even more evil than our great father. Our plan was to get all of his anger and rage out, to get him back on our side. Instead, he became his own side, and nearly destroyed everything and everyone. It was a nice sight, but it was the very moment I got killed for good, and it takes alot of strength to take out one of us."

"Us? Does this mean you're THE Geroda? Manock's sister?"

"He was my brother once, until he turned on us. Now I am just a mere memory, just like him."

"Tell me one thing. If you were looking for me and I was under your nose all this time. Why didn't you visit me sooner?"

"Now that's an easy question. You need my help, but I can't help you if you don't want it. And now is that time."

"What the hell? What makes you think I would want any help from you?"

"I've watched you. You don't like your tutors one bit. Yet you help them. Why is that?"

"Because they're still people. And I have sworn an oath that I would help people wherever I could. And Master Leonhart needed my help."

"But what of his other half? 'Anarchy'? What about him?"

"It doesn't matter, he still has a good half. I swore to protect everyone against evil. This includes protecting him from himself."

"But what if... This 'Anarchy' person goes out of control and openly attacks everyone?"

"I...would....do anything....to ensure....the safety....of the people....."

"That's what I thought."

Geroda's voice started laughing, and then the laughing faded away, and everything became a total soundless void again.