Roleplay Overworld RP *COMPLETE*

[Elrandir 783]

- Rabiyu and Aura - Raiden's Villa - Rooftop -

Aura looked at the djinni and sighed, but not a sigh of annoyance. Rabiyu smiled a little at the sight of Rufus and his eccentric behavior, it made her feel both happy and sad. Happy because she liked when the djinni was outside his lamp, a temporal freedom. And sad because of what was going to happen.

"That is correct Rufus. The time as come for me to use the wish that you so generously offered me all all that time ago," Rabiyu said calmly, but with a faint hint of regret, "I know we promised that if nothing else happened we would wish for either your freedom or your memories, but it seems that there is something else I must do. I must also inform you that after our partnership is over, Aurora, who you already know about, will be the new owner of your lamp. "

The Elf thought about the human king for a moment. There was something in her chest that she couldn't explain. It was not pity that drived her to make such a request to Rufus. Maybe, just maybe, it was the sight of the man losing everything he held dear made her rethink her choice.

"I request the immediate safe teleportation of Princess Athena Niles, daughter of the human King, Alderon Niles, to this exact spot, and that any person or fey who she came in contact with ever since the humans arrived at the Overworld forget they ever saw or interacted with her.

It was a long shot, but Rabiyu was willing to make it. If the princess was alive and well she would appear after Rufus worked his magic. If that didn't happened, then she would have to remain silent for the sake of everything that was at stake. She couln't risk the breakdown of the human king, not when they had work to do. Aura also understood this and she hoped that the princess was alive, or else everything would only get worse.


- Sifrei - Raiden's Study -

Sifrei listened to what everyone had to say, he had been to Isopolis once, when he descended to the world below, and while it had been somewhat difficult, the journey into the shrine was not as hard as it seemed. Perhaps these trials where deeper into the mysterious place. Raiden looked renewed, not tired like before.

"If I may, Your Lordship. Would you like me to inform Mariel of our next course of action?" Sifrei said, "Just in case she wants to come with us."

The Archangel felt that the Guardian Angel would prefer to be by Raiden's side, helping with their next objective.

Edited May 25, 2018 by Elrandir

[Saber Lily 1,543]

Jeremy of Hunter: Done with this shiznit

 

After being waved off by hidey cloaky growly scummy, he rolled his eyes. "Fine. Don't stab yer loins off." He made a rude gesture to Nergal's back and sauntered off. Not his problem. He was not bound to the ground.

The sky was the home of his people.

 

Eclaire Oathkeeper: Following the peoples

 

Eclaire only frowned. Nodding back, she stood there for a few minutes, letting her armor fade into light, replaced by her normal attire. She reached for the door and hesitated. She was unsure of her station...

No. Damn such thoughts. She was still a Retainer of the Crown, and she would be respected as such until dismissed.

She pushed the door open and headed in. She was quiet, but set. Seeing them head over, she kicked off and took a short flight over, alighting nearby, before Yevgeni could go through the doors.

"Regent. When you are done with him, I ask for a short time to discuss...my station." She looked away. She might still hold such a title...but she had failed in her duty.

 

Oh how she had failed.

[rikunobodyxiii 700]

{Mariel: Mystras; Among the Refugees}

Mariel smiled faintly at Arthur's attempt to encourage her. She could see the pain he felt, but he continued to reach for something better. Humans were marvelous creatures like that. The words of comfort from Everyth were somewhat unexpected. Perhaps she was trying to convince herself of it too? Still, her question about what Mariel thought she could have could have done to prevent the destruction of the World Below stuck in the Angel's mind. The obvious answer was something different, been someplace else to see and stop the calamity. Yet it was a "what if" kind of answer. Something her training had taught her to avoid. The lack of a concrete answer didn't really help Mariel's feeling of failure, but it was another sign that making it a sole focus was foolish and unproductive.

The Guardian Angel was still considering how to answer Everyth when King Alderon came upon them. His call for Everyth and Arthur to prepare to help restore what was lost caused a tangle of emotions to wash over Mariel. There were feelings of relief, of hope, and of joy, but it was tainted by suspicion. How was this to be done? Surely the kind of power to undo countless deaths and restore an entire world would come at a price. Mariel would gladly give her own life to bring back even just one more human life, but a few run ins with tricksters and bargain makers had taught her that there could be plenty of clauses and ways to give you exactly what you asked for, but in a way worlds removed from what you actually wanted. Where had the King been? Hadn't there been some sort of meeting? She needed to know more about this, but she wasn't sure she could trust the King's explanation. Nor would it due for her current guise as a human hired as a scout for his army to be grilling him for questions. She briefly wondered if he even remembered her or had heard of what she really was, but that hardly mattered. She needed answers and she knew where she could look for them.

"A goal we'll see done." Mariel said, her tone and demeanor regaining some of her old presence and confidence.

She gave Everyth and Arthur a lingering look before bowing to Alderon.

"If you will excuse me, your highness." She said, then turned and left before he answered.

If this plan was legitimate, Raiden would probably know about it. Mariel set out to find her former charge.

[Nero Kunivas 3,046]

- Meksis, the United, Armour of Twilight - Kilkis Seres, Palace Gates, Battle of Two Brothers -

 

The shield throw had failed, as had the Light-Charged Lance, its explosion damage minimal upon his blood brother. It was then that Meksis was completely and utterly astonished, as Maxis employed his more...interesting tactic and subsequent fighting style: Dance. Though briefly confused by the aura of lights from Maxis, Meksis was able to parry every blow from his summoned Bat, yet this wasn't even the beginning. What followed certainly was, as Maxis dismissed the bat suddenly and attacked Meksis with a barrage of punches, all lightning fast and delivering hard blows, Meksis needing to block as many as he could with his elbows. A counter-attack was impossible, for Maxis swept Meksis by the legs onto the ground.

 

From there, it was pure punishment; Maxis performed an aggressive, breakdance-like assault upon the Chaperone, completing with a strong kick into the air that sent Meksis helplessly thudding and rolling a few times onto the ground while his blood brother posed and taunted.

 

"You did forget that, didn't you?"

 

"I'm going about this all wrong if I've forgotten how Maxis fights..."

 

"Then go about it right. You're the professional here, Meksis. Focus!"

 

"You don't need to tell me twice..."

 

Meksis picked himself up from the dirt as his minds debated, picking up his fallen scimitar all the while, shaking himself off and swiping the blade downward next to him, a gesture of determination.

 

"Forgive me, but I did, brother. In all the excitement, well...never mind that. Your joy brings me no comfort, Maxis, nor will I show mercy." Meksis explained, now ready to expect Maxis's shenanigans from here on, charging once more at lightning speed, feinting a right to left slash with his Scimitar, instead flipping the blade around for a down-right up slash toward Maxis's shoulder, then barraging with indiscriminate directional slashes, continuing to press his aggression upon Maxis just as he did with Ren in the War. Meksis then figured Maxis would do something crazy, so in the heat of the moment, he would unleash a surprise.

 

"And by the way...you were wrong...dear brother"

 

Meksis the Defiled's signature red eyes would flash and in a millisecond, he would summon a round shield in left hand, infused with Void-like Shadows and bash a hopefully surprised Maxis in the head with the side of the shield, shield-charge him away and hurl it like a more deadly discus to cause more damage.

 

(Think Sentinel Shield from D2, but more Darkness. lol)

 

 

- Nergal, the Queenslayer, disguised as Kilkis Messenger - Kilkis Seres, Royal Palace -

 

The disguised Nergal held close to the guests, following Yevgeni with them in tow gladly, though Elia's whisper, while illegible, provoked a response from the stern 'Messenger'.

 

"Hold your tongue, if you plan to plot behind our backs. You're guests, not anarchists I'd hope."

 

Nergal's adopted persona spoke, not raising his voice but clearly telling them off as if they were children deserving of scorn. However, when he paid a glance to Henry, he would seem more intrigued than anything else, his mask obscuring the pleased expression he bore.

 

"Please save your words for your discussion with the Regent. Thank you."

 

'The Messenger' continued, adjusting his cloak ever so slightly, just so his free hand had something to do.

 

 

(I've nothing for Soren to say right now in my head, but I'll get to him later.)

[Scrapmaster 1,731]

- Maxis - The Twisted - Battle of two brothers - 

 

It seemed like Maxis's earlier barrage had been of great effect on his brother, at least the breakdancing got through and smacked Meksis around pretty well. Noticing Meksis's being battered and shaky after the attack made Maxis chuckle a bit. As his brother then began to speak to him. About forgetting how he fought and that his joy brought him no focus and all. "Oh trust me, I feel no joy in this." Maxis replied, scoffing, for a second showing a glimpse of seriousness before returning to the general whackiness of Maxis. his Aura still bright pink as Meksis began to charge at him.

 

Maxis saw right through Meksis's feints as the chaperone began the real baggare of scimitar strikes. As the down slash was on its way Maxis's aura changed to Yellow as his bat materialized in a fraction of a second, allowing Maxis to block the blow, moving guard as the attack landed to allow it to slide off to the side, effectively deflectng Meksis's attack, and he would go on to block and the deflect the rest of the barrage, tackling Meksi's offense head on without seemingly having any trouble.

 

Maxis ended the barrage by stucking the scimitar between his bat and his arm, both holding it in place as he looked dead into Meksis's eyes, as his brother then spoke. Maxis felt a sudden surge of energy, one he did not know Meksis had within him.  "Oh!" Maxis said in gleeful surprise as he was quickly shield bashed on the side of the head, the vibrations of the impact disorienting him a bit, but as Meksis began to charge at him with the dark shield Maxis used his bat to block the brunt of the impact, sliding back the distance intended without losing his balance, as Meksis would then throw the shield at him. Maxis, with one hand on the bat's handle, laid it on his shoulder as he shifted himself in a crouching position to deflect the Shield, sending it flying behind him harmlessly, well not exactly harmless. The darkness of the shield, just by touching it did some damage to his armor. As visible burn marks and smoke could be seen coming off Maxis's armor.

 

"So, you fused with the taint inside of you, thats so...precious!" Maxis's voice would shift at the last part of the phrase as he's vanish mid way through the sentence, and in the same moment reapear behind Meksis, overlooking his brother's shoulder, creepily. His aura shifting yet again, but to a different color, "Throw any tricks you want at me, i'l match them every time!" Maxis spoke, now his voice more excited as he'd push Meksis back with a open palm shockwave blast, harmless one. 

 

Meksis would notice Maxis's aura for a split second. Purple, black purple to be exact Maxis's helmet glowing with two white and black sillhouete of eyes. A glimpse of what Maxis was hiding, as he quickly dashed towards his brother, vanishing mid-way and appearing as he was at point blank range, doing a home run-like move as his bat materialized halfway through the move alongside his aura changing back to yellow, this was a ruse, he was intent on making Meksis summon the shield again, and if his brother did, it'd break his guard momentarily due to the force. As he threw the bat to the side as his Aura changed now to Pink, as he did a complicated sequence of leg sweeps to his brother before shifting into breakdancing, whether Meksis was able to dodge or defend himself against this barrage or not was irrelevant as Maxis would use the momentum to throw his entire body into a double legged kick...vanishing and reappearing behind his brother again, if defended, it'd have enough power to throw him back a fair distance.

 

A distance of which he'd close him again via teleporting again, faint traces of madness energy in his wake as his aura changed to blue. As he would beging with a lunging downward fist and then followup with an uppercut to Meksis's rib area, but also continue the attack with a complicated series of punches, elbows, even slaps to disorient and kicks to the lower legs to unbalance. Finishing with a lightning fast spin kick upwards as it brought him above ground level to Meksis as his aura changed to yellow again, as he brought the bat down with crushing force. So much force that if Meksis were to dodge the attack the ground would shatter into a small crater from the sheer power behind the swing. Maxis was getting serious, it was only a question if Meksis could get him to be MORE serious.

 

 

 

- Henry - Diplomacy is tough - Kilkis Seres Foyer - 

 

The girl seemed rather smug as the messenger grumpingly let her and him through, passing by Eclaire and leaving Jeremy outsidea as he entered the palace with Elia. He looked at the marble floor and immediately noticed a difference.

'Not frozen...like last time.'

'Yeah...' 

 

It didn't take long for them to meet Yevgeni himself, in the flesh. The now regen of kilkis seres speaking of a young human king, no doubt Alderon, which piqued Henry's curiosity to a limited extent, however he did not show it. As Yevgeni went on to greet Elia first and then him, calling him by his nickname. They both had met very briefly during his stay in Kilkis Seres under Shiva's rule. But they never spoke. 

 

As Yevgeni extend his hand Henry extended his own, meeting the regent with a dignified handshake. As a dry smile formed on Henry's face. "Indeed, if I may, call me by my name: Henry. the Dreadnought is a nickname i'd rather not be called for." Henry spoke with Yevgeni with surprising honesty in his tone. As he followed the regent as he led them somewhere else to discuss, at that moment Elia hissed at his ear. To which he hissed at her's as well.

"As good as reason as any to speak to a Regent..." Henry spoke to her with a cocky smirk for a second as he looked her straight in the eye, her eyes feeling familiar to him because of Ariana, this was too awkward.

 

His concentration broken by Nergal's remark, prompting Henry to wave his hand. "i don't think so, i'd say you look more the part..." Henry sarcasticaly remarked to the messenger as he walked with Yevgeni.

 

"If you are wondering for why I have sought you out Regent, its a rather...personal matter I have to discuss, and a request, if you are willing to hear me out." Henry spoke to Yevgeni, informing him of why he had come there in the first place.

 

 

- Typhon, Alastor and Alicia - Meeting of the future - Raiden's study -

 

Alastor simply nodded as he looked at the room and its guests, Alicia and Jynn...and the bug. Whom loitered around, before looking at Raiden. "Is it the best idea to lead this big of a group into the temple?" Alastor asked his friend with a rather concerned tone and look. 

 

"Well it is an all or nothing kind of situation." Typhon chimmed in, now standing beside Alastor as he looked at Raiden as well. Folding his arms for a second as he pondered. "Gotta say though, I didn't expect to end up working for someone who took part in my species's murder." Typhon spoke, his tone now dark. As Alastor turned to him to speak, "Mind your tongue Cyph." Alastor spoke with clear disdain for him As Typhon simply faced him back.

 

"Oh shut up sparky, you want me to grab the rubber?" Typhon snarked back at him. "I am only here because of Jynn, and not much else. So bite me." He continued.

 

Alicia on the other hand, felt Jynn placing his hand on her shoulder to comfort her as she indeed looked rather down. As he turned to face him, and placed her hand on his cheek. And smiled. "I know.". She met his gaze with a warm and kind smile. "Thank you, truly." She spoke, letting go of his cheek. This was an obvious move in order to fluster him, but she was indeed grateful for the comfort.

[Mystics Apprentice 2,397]

--Elia Cabret and Yevgeni Malachite-- Kilkis Seres Meeting Room--

 

At Eclaire's request Yevgeni offered her a slight bow of the head.  "Of course, Noble Retainer.  It would be my pleasure."  He was then gone, along with his company.

 

"My mistake, please forgive me for using your nickname.  It is merely what I heard the queen call you, though I meant no ill intent," he said in response to Henry's rebuttal of the name.

 

The fairy shot the Messenger a wounded look, though obeyed and held her tongue.  They traversed past a statue featuring the likeness of the late King Alexander and Queen Kirin, water gently cascading down colorful rocks at the monarchs' feet.  Eventually they were brought to a sitting room, which once, presumably, belonged to the late queen.  Yevgeni gestured around them.  "Please, have a seat and make yourselves comfortable.  I will order us refreshments."

 

Luckily a servant girl was nearby, who scurried off to fetch them tea and cookies.  The blond elf took a seat behind the desk and steepled his gloved fingers, elbows propped on the smooth birch finish.  The room was well lit, with a bay window behind the regent, its drapes fully parted.  Bookcases lined the wall, with chairs scattered throughout, including those which were present before the desk.  Elia meekly slid into one of the chairs, watching as Henry quickly addressed his business.  Yevgeni raised his head.

 

"Hmm, personal, is it?  Shall I request for all additional ears to excuse us, in that case?  Or is it personal in the sense that it involves solely you?"  The regent locked eyes with Henry, emerald orbs glittering with curiosity.  "Whatever the case I would be happy to hear them, though you'll have to forgive me if I must make this meeting short.  I have much to attend to and many people require my attention."

 

It was the elf's way of politely dismissing himself early, whether it be out of sheer disinterest or the real need to attend other matters.  His eyes briefly flickered over to the Messenger, his expression both apologetic and earnest.

 

--Alderon Niles and Everyth Castanova-- Lord Raiden's Villa--

 

The king's gray eyes fell upon the guardian angel.  She seemed familiar, though he could not rightly place from where.  Perhaps it was ages past, or in the most recent days of the war.  Regardless, he addressed her respectfully.  "I thank you, milady, for you assistance in this endeavor.  Should we be successful, billions of others will be grateful to you as well.  We will leave once everyone is ready, which I would assume means soon."

 

He listened to what Arthur had to say and proffered the knight a smile.  He turned to leave, but not before clapping the boy on the shoulder.

 

"Thank you, good knight.  You have proven yourself most loyal.  Once this is over, and should we survive this, I would like to see about promoting you.  I believe that you have earned it.  How does the title of 'general' sound to you?"

 

Everyth, meanwhile, bowed her head slightly.  "I must request your leave as well, your highness.  Preparations must be made for our journey."  It seemed that no one would hardly notice her absence anyway.  The dark-haired maiden strode from the room, hoping to find Henry to share the good news.

[Stardustblade358 806]

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxXuTUmjDeY

 

 

- Helios - Mystras - /w everyone in Raiden's office - Raiden's Meeting -

Helios hurried off from the room to prepare, slipping among the shadows and out of the estate. He reached for the healers and alchemists among the camps, refilling his satchels with glasses of magical incense and enhancers. The glowing blue liquids held in glass containers for any moment's use, easy to open and easy to break. One was never to drink too many of these. They were just as dangerous as they were useful. If one were to drink too many...their bodies could be overwhelmed, before slowly shutting down. But one could never know. When he had refilled with what he needed, he made his way into the familiar forests around Mystras. The creatures of the wilds could feel the disturbance. The missing world below, all of the life snuffed out, the balance rocked off its foundation. He walked up, searching for the tree that he and Aura had gotten fruits from. Once he found it, the flowers still in bloom, he began to pick up some fruits for the journey. Halfway through he slowly came to a pause, his hand moving to press against the wood. His hand slowly formed into a fist, his nails scratching the surface ever so softly. The journey was dangerous...and they might not even come back out alive. It was a gamble, and a risk...that had to be taken. It was kind of funny, to think about it. He had been facing death since day one, and not once had he ever been afraid to lose his life...until recently. "(Aura.)" Was his first thought. He had once again gained something so dear...what if he lost it again? His eyes narrowed, taking a deep breath before looking back at the tree. He pulled his hand back, moving his finger to his mouth. He bit down on his skin, his sharp canines cutting right through until blood began to flow. He moved his finger back, drawing something on the wood with his blood. The runes themselves weren't understandable, a language of old, optional to learn in studies. "A promise." He hummed, lowering his hand as he finished. He smiled, watching his work as the small creatures around him gathered to see as well. Helios looked back, smiling. "Pretty good, huh?" He asked, a smirk on his lips as he sighed. He looked back up at the tree before beginning to make his way back to Raiden's meeting room. "Ready or not...here we come."

 

- Arthur - Mystras - /w Mariel & Everyth - Helping the refugees -

Arthur nodded, bowing towards his king before turning to leave and prepare. However he was stopped once Alderon placed a firm hand on his shoulder, bringing his attention back to him. "Sir?" Arthur asked, looking back. He listened to the king, his heart racing ever faster as his eyes widened slightly. "Sir?!" He asked again, though this time his voice was merely more than a whisper. He stared at his king, before slowly smiling, nodding proudly towards him. "I would be honored, your majesty." He spoke, before bowing again. "Now, if you excuse me, I must get ready as soon as possible!" He spoke, slowly backing away as he ran off to get prepared. He first did something trivial, but essential, as he took a quick bath. He cleaned his wounds and scars, insistent on making himself feel as comfortable before leaving for the journey. Afterwards he dried up, getting dressed in his armor once more. Once he was done with that, he opened up his journal, flipping through the pages. He had written multiple entries, from the moment he first arrived, all the way to his woes of the world below. He spun the quill between his fingers before beginning to write a few more entries.

 

To mom

 

 

Hey mom,

 

How are you feeling? If you get this letter, it means that the mission worked, and our world has returned to normal. But it also means that I did not make it home. I hope that you and sis are alright. I hope that you still remember me. I leave all of these journals and letters to you. Hopefully they will bring you answers and reassurance. It's been a long journey...it certainly was more than what I could have ever dreamed of. Tragic and beautiful alike, I don't regret a single moment being part of it all. To give my life for such a purpose is a once in a lifetime chance. To give my life to such an honor is something I can accept happily. I'll miss you, but I assure you that I won't be far. I'll always be with you. Take care of sis for me. I love you both so much.

 

Until next time, Arthur

 

 

 

 

To Athena

 

 

Athena,

 

If you're reading this, it means I broke my promise to return to you. I didn't mean to. But for the sake of bringing you and home back, some sacrifices had to be made, my life being among them. There's so much I want to tell you. More than I can possibly contain in a single page. You never left my heart nor my mind. Every passing day I looked forward to the next in hopes of seeing you again. Even with the war, even with the fighting and the deaths, this world has never seized to amaze. It is absolutely beautiful, Athena. But by this point, I believe that ours' beauty is such as beautiful, if not more. The saying is as true as it gets. You never realize the beauty and meaning of something until it is truly gone. If you are reading this, maybe you've found the red flowers. They're called Amaranth, the undying flowers. You can stamp it, burn it, leave it in the cold, and cut it, but so long as the roots or the flower bud remain intact,they will always grow back, lasting forever. I've been holding onto these since we first arrived. They're for you. They're a bit crumpled, but give it a few days and they should return to their usual state in no time! My one regret is that I could not return to you as I promised. But to give my life for you, our kingdom, and our world, seemed to be worth enough of a trade. I love you, Athena. Now and forever. Live a life worth remembering. When we meet again, we can share our stories as we hoped to do once before. Until then, my love.

 

With all of my heart, soul, and life, yours for eternity, Arthur

 

 

 

Arthur wiped some tears away, allowing the ink to dry before ripping Athena's letter out of his journal. He folded it neatly before placing it in the envelope containing the flowers and her own letter. He figured that if he died, and could at least get his stuff out of his body, they would find the letter. He closed the journal, putting it away as he took a deep breath. "Now or never." He whispered, standing on his feet before walking off back to Raiden's office.

[Endless Thundaga 533]

Jynn, Dawson, and Bherna-Raiden’s Villa

 

As soon as Alicia thanked Jynn for supporting her, she placed a hand on his cheek. He did blush a tiny bit, nothing noticeable however, as he started to become more comfortable with Alicia’s attempts to fluster him. He did however, let loose a smile, something Alicia would consider herself lucky to witness from him. Very rarely does the prince show his happy side, and for a number of reasons.

 

Returning his attention to the plan, Jynn lets go of Alicia’s shoulders and faces Raiden. “Raiden, we don’t have time to sit around and scheme. We should regroup with Alderon and get on the move. We NEED to use this opportunity NOW, Yevgeni has yet to reach Isopolis, this will give us a huge advantage.” It felt weird to talk to Raiden this way, especially after knowing that he is the prince’s father.

[Elrandir 783]

- Sifrei - Raiden's Study -

"I think that rushing blindingly into danger would be unwise, Your Highness," Sifrei turned around to look at Jynn, "It is true that the faster we move the better, but that would mean being unprepared for such a task."

If the rumors about the Forbidden Shrine, and the quick glimpse Sifrei had when before he descended, were true then they had to have a plan. The shrine was not a place to mess with, even those inside knew about the risks of trying to escape. As an important part of the Overworld that was to be expected, but it was also expected that, if Yevgeni knew about the Source of All Life, he was going to try and get his hands on it.

"We do not know if the Regent of Kilkis Seres knows about the Source, or that it is contained within Isopolis, unless someone from the Royal Family knew about such important detail and passed the secret to him, which I suppose it's probable." Sifrei said calmly, "Information about such thing is scarce at best. I doubt that even the texts guarded by the scribes of the Library of the Cerulean Soul in the city of Aeviternus in the north possess such knowledge. And if they do, it would be sealed so no one would know about such thing."

[Endless Thundaga 533]

Jynn, Dawson, and Bherna-Raiden’s Villa

 

Sifrei tries to convince Jynn to take time to prepare for the trip, but he had concerns. As soon as Sifrei explains that it is unknown if Yevgeni even knows about the Source of All Life. “That’s what I’m afraid of. He served the Royal family since my grandfather, Alexander, the one who raised the barrier between our worlds. It would make sense if Alexander knew about the Source of All Life. If that is the case, there is a chance Yevgeni knows about this as well. And right now, I’m not interested in finding out the hard way.”

 

Jynn takes a moment to think and to calm down. “Sorry. I just don’t trust Yev. In any way, shape, or form. He is unworthy to assume any leading role. I guess my displeasure of him is causing me to be a bit reckless.” He looks back at Raiden. “If we need more time to prepare, then prepare.”

 

Jynn looks back to Soren. “Is there anything else we should know?”

Edited June 2, 2018 by Endless Thundaga

[Vaude 536]

- Lord Raiden, with the remainder of the congregation in his villa's study -

 

Raiden glanced over towards Sifrei before smiling, entirely in agreement with the thought that Mariel should join.  Having her by his side would boost his own morale, and maybe that of others as well, given her experience in both lands and with all manners of individuals.  Unfortunately, it would be at the cost of some great trial, one which he hoped would not detriment her too much.

 

"I would like that very much, Sifrei.  If you please it, Mariel would be among my top picks.

 

And then there was Jynn, brash and ready for action, though quickly catching on that it was better to spend some time preparing for the situation while there was a chance than to not.  Raiden felt the same way as his son did, willing to rush into the situation, but they needed manpower filled with the will to benefit both worlds and understanding of the dangers they faced.

 

"We will not tarry for too long, an hour at the most before we would be ready to march.  Secret to many, I have a craft ready for any who are unable to fly, though I can take ten at the most.  The others who cannot fly need to partner up with someone who can.  This way we can reach the location within several hours rather than a day or two with the normal travel and ferrying across the Sea of Clouds.  This is how my Infiltrator crossed over, though the guards of Isopolis may have sealed shut the hole in their security since that day.  Luckily, we have some incentive for them to listen to us long enough to enter, with or against the tide."

 

With that, Raiden motioned an outstretched hand toward Soren.  The former Sentinel may be very useful in this situation.

 

- Rufus Contralto, with Rabiyu and Aura on the rooftops of Raiden's villa -

 

Rufus nodded understandably, looking over at Aura with a quick scan.  He had to confess that he was surprised that he would fall into the hands of a human after this all was over, something he never thought would be the case after the many, many hands of fey that touched his lamp over the several hundred years or more.  However, Aura seemed level-headed enough to use him wisely, and if she would do something similar to Rabiyu, whether it be making a wish for him or for someone else, he had full trust that she would make good decisions.

 

"All right, let's get this over and done with.  For better or worse, brace yourselves, you two," he voiced, crackling his knuckles as a wind smelling of dust and Yankee Candle candles surged around him.  "Athena Niles of the human realm, I beckon thee, with the old arts and magicks, come forth to this spot before me!"

 

((Sorry for the hold-up, ladies and gents.  I did not realise I was blocking continuation here.))

Edited June 3, 2018 by Vaude

[Elrandir 783]

- Sifrei - Raiden's Villa -

The Archangel turned to look at Raiden and gave him a bow as a sign of understanding, doing the same to the prince on his way out. Where could Mariel be? Sifrei didn't knew about that. He took some time to ask some of the servants that were helping the refugees until one of them recognized the description that Sifrei gave. Apparently someone fitting that description was somewhere around the villa, that meant that Mariel was close, which would make things easier. He blocked all the noise from his mind, focusing on finding the Guardian Angel's arcane aura, which he found after a couple of minutes. While walking down the corridor, Sifrei noticed Alderon talking with two of his subordinates, he also spotted Mariel.

"I finally managed to find you, Mariel," Sifrei said to the Guardian, "A matter of great importance is being discussed while we speak and Lord Raiden has requested your presence in the study."

Edited June 3, 2018 by Elrandir

[rikunobodyxiii 700]

{Mariel: Mystras; Heading for Raiden}

Mariel hadn't made it far before Sifrei came upon her, apparently already looking for her.

"I'm assuming this is about restoring the world beneath." She said, briefly glancing back at Alderon. "In which case, I am eager to get in on that discussion."

The Guardian Angel gestured for the Archangel to lead the way back to Lord Raiden's study.

"What have I missed?" Mariel asked. "The power required for this kind of feat cannot be easy to obtain, nor without price. Do we know what is required?"

[Elrandir 783]

- Sifrei - Raiden's Villa -

 

"Your assumption is correct, Mariel," Sifrei answered Mariel before walking towards Raiden's study, "And you didn't missed much."

 

Sifrei though about what was said in Raiden's study, the revelation of the Source and the means of how to obtain it.

 

"I'm afraid we do not know much about this power. This so called "Source of all Life". Only it's location and what to expect in our attempt to claim it," Sifrei said in a serious tone, "As to the price to use such power, well, that is a good question. One that I doubt anyone has an answer for. But I dare to say that an artifact capable of restoring a destroyed world will possess a great price. Whatever the price to restore the world below the Sea of Clouds is, I am sure everyone involved will be ready to pay it."

 

It didn't took much time for Sifrei to take Mariel back to the study. He turned to look at the Guardian and smiled.

 

"I am sure Lord Raiden will appreciate your presence, Mariel. He needs people he can trust at his side in these dark times."

[Mystics Apprentice 2,397]

Raiden's rooftop -- A Wish Granted

 

Within the swirl of scented winds upon the rooftop appeared the princess, sitting with her legs neatly tucked to one side underneath her.  She glanced around confusedly, searching each face with curiosity and a hint of fear.

 

"W--where am I?"  Athena rose to her feet, auburn hair shifting over her shoulder.  She looked between Rabiyu and Aura, before finally turning her gaze to Rufus.  "What do you want with me?  Are we still at the palace?"

 

--Everyth Castanova-- Raiden's Villa --

 

The sorceress sheathed her sword at her waist, the hilt clanging satisfactorily against metal as it slid into place.  She glanced at herself in the mirror, hardly recognizing the young woman that stood before her.  Though eighteen years of age, her appearance suggested that she were in her forties, one lone single lock of silver cascading down the forefront of her dark hair.  Wrinkles were visible upon her forehead and around her eyes, eyes which had sunken deeper than they had once been previously.  While she was still a beauty, she was not the same, and it had all happen during her adventures within the Overworld.

 

"So much for an undying world," Everyth thought bitterly to herself, turning partially in the mirror to get a side view of herself.  Dressed in fey clothing, she adorned herself in a simple corset made from a soft brown leather, with form-fitted black trousers.  A cape of Mystran blue draped over her shoulders, falling just above her ankles; the perfect length.

 

This was it.  The battle that would determine it all.  It was hard for her to imagine how much was at stake.  Either they succeeded at fully reviving their world and everything within it, or they died trying.  No terms could be more clear cut.  She only wished that Henry were here; she always felt more herself when he was around.  Everyth had practically turned the villa inside out searching for him, to no avail.  No guards had seen him, nor did he seem to be located anywhere in town.  She only hoped that he would turn up before this was all over.  If either of them were to die, after all, there were things that she needed to say.  Things that he needed to know.

 

Before it was too late.

 

--King Alderon -- Raiden's Villa--

 

The young knight's reaction brought a smile to play on the aged king's face.  How he reminded Alderon of his own daughter, with that glint in his eye and life upon his face.  The king returned Arthur's reaction with a smile of his own.  "I am glad to see that you are pleased.  Once we return to our world I will speak with Draksis and have it arranged."

 

Arthur had left shortly thereafter, and with Everyth and Mariel gone he found no need to remain in the room.  He had a final mission to prepare for, and time was of the essence, if others vied for the Source of All Life as the council predicted.

[Scrapmaster 1,731]

- Henry - The Rogue Knight - Kilkis Seres Meeting room -

 

 

"It is alright" Henry replied to Yevgeni's apology for calling him his nickname, "We have never introduced each other name by name after all." He added. as he followed along and took a seat as Yevgeni gestured, seeing the blond rather relaxed on his chair gave Henry the feeling to do the same as well. He analyzed the room, beautiful as he'd expect of a castle, though more elegant than a human castle, which was as he expected. So no surprise there.

 

Henry slowly shook his head as Yevgeni questioned if it'd be better to excuse anyone else for his personal matter, raising a hand in objection. "No need." Henry spoke softly, his tone soft and polite now. Unburying his etiquette from years past. As Yevgeni positioned himself on a chair and Elia did the same, Henry relaxed his arms and let his back lean on the chair as he sat down, as he looked at Yevgeni.

 

A moment of silence followed for a second as Henry thought of what to talk about, finaly deciding to, he let out a sigh beforehand.

 

"You know, ever since I was a kid, around eight years old, I decided that I wanted to protect others, to protect my kingdom and friends and family. My father didn't like that and threatened to kick me out of the house if I dared follow any other path that wasn't farming." Henry spoke softly with a soft and nostalgic chuckle as he spoke about his father. "But I was stubborn and I was kicked out of my own house, but that didn't stop me, through a bit of luck and more stuborness I managed to enlist myself in the army as a soldier when I was 16 years old, low ranking private. I finally had realized my dream! I could finaly protect others!" Henry continued to speak, his voice sounding nostalgic and...melancholic at the same time. 

"It didn't take me long to soon reach the rank of fully fledged soldier and soon afterwards, Knight, I was finaly at the top of my life when I became a royal knight...I looked after everyone I knew, even my family who had disowned me, I had protected them as best I could, but it didn't last. With the arrival of Ariana, Ren and Helios, the three feys, and the capture of Ariana and Helios. Things changed." Henry's tone sounded grim and sad now.

 

"From taking care of our people and kingdom the objective became to seek a way to where they had come from...and our mutual acquaintance 'midnea' had means to infuse us with the powers of the feys we had captured..." Henry spoke, closing his eyes for a second, and moving his right hand to his left arm's armplate, and ripping it off, showing his cracked and ever shifting skin for a moment, as well as opening his eye to show his crimsom right eye and violet purple left eye both glowing, with a faint trail of energy following both as he moved his head. "I was one of the survivors of the first batch of experiments. twenty able bodied men and women, I was the only one who lived. Barely." He said placing his gauntlet back to his his skin. Before taking a deep breath and continuing. "It was blood infusion, to combine Fey and Human blood to make a hybrid. Whose blood was I infused with you may ask?" Henry spoke, glancing at Elia. "Ariana..." Henry spoke, his voice cracking as he did. "Ariana was left weak and dying from Midnea's experiments, she was already in a terminal state. It was as if she wanted to kill her...." Henry explained.

 

"Afterwards I was sent on solo missions as the 'Dreadnought of Sondon' bringing destruction and justice to my enemies...except it wasn't justice, it was warmongering. Even if I had tried to avoid innocents getting hurt, the expanding Sondonians would do that in my stead. Because they were from Helvadora, our opposing kingdom. 

It didn't even take me a month to rebel and break out of Sondon, on my way out though...I couldn't stand to see Ariana in that state so I...so I..." Henry spoke, as he held both his hands open in front of him and closed them. Even if he struggled to say it, it was obvious what he had done. Out of mercy and regret.

 

"After I had escaped, disabling them from using Ariana for anymore experiments, it was then they began to attack me at my weakest link...my family." Henry tone went back to sorrowful and downright tearful. "I tried, but when I had arrived my family was already dead, and my sister was the only one I could save..." Henry spoke, as he looked to the side for a few seconds before continuing. "She died of a disease weeks after, One of the diseases that plagued my world because of the barrier. i had lost everyone I loved in so little time, but I didn't let that strike me down...I pressed on, I promised her i'd take care of the world, i'd protect it with everything I had, i'd save it even." Henry spoke, his voice with more resolve. "I broke Helios out, and that is how I got to the Overworld...And the rest you know." He spoke as he took a deep breath again.

 

"And now here I am, my world gone, without any hope for a future, and an outcast from my people and fey alike." Henry spoke, his voice now a bit more serious, but still melancholic. He looked straight at Yevgeni's eyes, establishing constant visual contact.

 

"I know of the feyslayer Yevgeni, how you hired human mercenaries to acquire it, and how it was used at Queen shiva's death, the assassin did a pitiful job at getting rid of the murder weapon by leaving its broken shards laying on the forest, which i found later...all evidence points to you." Henry spoke with clear determination and seriousness in his voice now. Albeit still soft spoken. "And if I had to wager a guess you also had a part in my world's destruction...for whatever reason..." Henry spoke sounding angry as his aura spike in intensity... "But you know what?" Henry spoke, with an angry tone. 

 

As his Aura died down, "I forgive you." Henry spoke softly, "You had your reasons...I only ask...was it worth it?" He asked directly, the crushing question to Yevgeni, hoping the blonde elf could answer.

Edited June 5, 2018 by Scrapmaster

[Elrandir 783]

- Rabiyu and Aura - Raiden's Villa - Rooftop - With Rufus and Athena -

Relief quickly took over Aura, as she witnessed the sudden appearance of King Alderon's daughter, the princess Athena Niles. Rabiyu felt calm as she saw the young girl with dog-like features as she rose to her feet. Her face had faint hints of curiosity, but that curiosity was quickly overshadowed by that of fear, understandable given the current situation.

" Fear not, Child, we do not mean you any harm. To answer your questions, you currently are in the city of Mystras, south-east from the city of Kilkis Seres, home to the Royal Family," Rabiyu said calmly, as if to not scare the young girl further, "By your confusion I'll take a guess that you were in the palace of the late Queen Shiva de la Alexandria, yes?."

"We do not want to hurt you, Princess, we were trying to, well, to see if you were still alive after...after the Fall," Aura said, "We used the abilities of Rufus here. He is a djinni, one that is capable to grant wished. You know, like those genies inside magical lamps, like in the old tales?"

While Aura was talking with the princess, Rabiyu was slowly watching the princess's features, obviously canine, and more obviously the result of dark magic, magic that she could recognize, as she had felt the source of said magic. To free her from such state would take research for the right spell that was used, and how the spell was constructed, they needed time, time that they didn't had, but Rabiyu knew that the human king's goal was to find a cure for his daughter. Perhaps there was something else Rufus could do before Aura could act as the new master of the lamp.

"My apologize, Princess, that was rude of me. Allow me to introduce myself and my friends. I am Judge Magister Eliltari Ar-feiniel of House Eär, envoy of Caligo to the north, ally to Lord Raiden, ruler of Mystras. This is Aurora Aeternum, a human just like you, probably one of the first humans to arrive to the Overworld, after your father, of course," Rabiyu said as Aura waved her hand, "and this is Rufus. Like Aurora said, he is a djinni, a type of fey found in the overworld."

The Elf looked at the princess for a moment, she wanted to be as polite and calm to not scare the girl any further.

"If I may be so bold princess, but your current predicament is quite noticeable. You could pass for a fey now that you are here, but I dare to guess that your features were not a sight to behold back in your home. I want you to listen and listen well, I used the power of Rufus to bring you here so you could reunite with your father, who thinks that you perished when the world below was destroyed, I will take you to him because I fear his state of mind is not the best at the moment," Rabiyu said to the princess, "but before I do that, I have an offer for you, princess. Here in my hands I have the lamp of Rufus, at this point it is useless to me, as I already made my wish, but my plan was for Aurora to be the new holder of the lamp. Before I take you to your father I want you to make a choice. Take the lamp and wish for your curse to end, or wait for your father's safe return and then search for a cure at a later date. If you decide to take the lamp and make a wish, I only ask that once that is done, you give Aurora the lamp for safekeeping."

"Your curse could end at this very moment, you only need to make a wish," Aura said, "then we could take you to see your father so both of you can finally be together."

"The choice is yours, child," Rabiyu said while offering Athena the lamp.

 

 

 

(We are going to fix the world, one wish at a time!)

[Mystics Apprentice 2,397]

--Yevgeni Malachite and Elia Cabret-- Kilkis Seres meeting room--

 

Both fey remained silent in their seats as the human spoke, retelling the story of his human life in the World Below.  The elf's green eyes remained fixated on Henry, wondering why he was sharing such a tale, until he reached the part that pertained to Ariana.

 

Ariana, the one person who had understood him.  The one woman that he'd ever loved.  He watched Henry with more intensity thereafter, as did the young raven-haired fairy beside the Dreadnaught.  She gripped the arms of her seat and leaned forward, craning her neck as far as she could to glance into Henry's grim face.

 

"You were infused with my sister?!" she cried out, unable to contain her surprise.  "You knew her?  You--?"  Killed her, but she couldn't say it.  It seemed that Yevgeni was thinking the same thing.  His expression betrayed nothing, though his hands shook at the mention of Henry finishing the woman.

 

"So that was how it went," he said softly at last.  "I knew that Ari went down to the World Below with her friends, though Ren Mordecai knew nothing of what became of her when he returned to Kilkis Seres with his tail between his legs.  Now I know.  Thank you, for the closure.  However"--his expression shifted slightly, betraying his fury--"it was foolish to kill her.  We have skilled healers and medics.  Did it not occur to you to devise a way to return her to our world as opposed to killing her?  I'm sure that you thought it was a mercy, but in the long run it was unnecessary.  She could have been saved."

 

Or so he liked to think.  Perhaps Henry had been in the right; maybe she was already too far gone by the time that Midnea was through with her, but he refused to believe it.  What came next was a surprise to the blond, which caused him to quirk a brow in surprise.

 

"So you have been able to conclude that much?" he surmised, bemused.  "With whatever evidence, may I ask?  It is interesting that you would pinpoint my interest in a Feyslayer to the death of our dear monarch.  What you accuse me of is treason, something that I do not take lightly to, dear Henry.  I would request that you please keep such demeaning accusations to yourself if you want to hold me in an audience any longer than you have."

 

He waved a hand to dismiss the servant girl, whom stood in the doorway with her mouth agape as she grew paler by the second.  It was clear that she heard every word that Henry spoke, seeming perhaps more shocked than Yev himself was.  Elia, however, didn't seem taken aback by Henry's information in the slightest.  It didn't surprise her to think that Yevgeni was behind the death of millions of people, nor that he killed the queen.

 

"However, since you have broached the topic," Yevgeni pursued, swirling his glass of wine that the servant girl had brought him.  "Allow me to educate you on the matter.  Feyslayers were manufactured by a group of fey that had descended to the World Below.  It was a symbol of peace, giving the humans proper weapons to equip themselves with that could kill fey.  While we were genetically superior, we were placed on equal footing.  It was with these weapons that the humans brought about great destruction to us, during the Great War.  This was long before you existed, Henry, but I was there.  The right-hand man of King Alexander, sitting in on many war councils, discussing how we could possibly keep ourselves from going extinct.  I'll never forget the death tolls, and the faces of the families whom I informed of their dead children, slaughtered on playgrounds by none other than the humans we embraced and welcomed into our homes.

 

"But anyhow, I am veering off-topic.  What I am trying to explain is that the Feyslayer that I bartered with the human mercenaries to procure isn't the only one in existence.  Therefore, I ask of you: why do you suppose my interest in the weapon had anything to do with the late queen's death?  If anything, her death to a Feyslayer only goes to show how dangerous they are and why I was so desirous to acquire the weapon off of Raiden's person.  I do not trust him with it.  If you must know, the Feyslayer had been taken from me right around the time that we went to war with Mystras."

 

Yev unfolded his hands.  It mattered not whether he succeeded in convincing Henry.  Had they been alone, he might've even admitted the truth.  He glanced over at Ariana's little sister.  The young fairy, he knew, already held him in low esteem.  Hearing what Henry shared would only shaken their relationship further.  He took a sip of wine, considering the Dreadnaught briefly before continuing.  "Of course, I did indeed lend a hand in the World Below's destruction.  That is no secret, but I hope to persuade you in the necessity of my decision.  It was draining our world, and without the barrier it was draining our magic stores dry.  Besides, while both worlds exist there will never be true peace.  There will always be conflict and war, but this way I have tried to save as many that I can."

 

No more facades or lies.  He carefully internalized what Henry said.  The Dreadnaught forgave him?  Despite all of his sins, some most heinous, Henry was willing to put it aside and pardon him?  That partially shocked him; he thought that surely no one would see beyond his actions even if he did try to make amends.  The elf's arms hung limply at his sides, face concealed in a mask of shadows as he bowed his head.

 

Was it worth it?

 

"I ask myself that question every morning, Henry," he said in barely more than a whisper.  "For two millennia I have sought to live up to King Alexander's legacy, to bring forth an era of peace as well as make amends with the loss of my own family.  My beloved sister, Veriti"--one of his hands balled into a fist, which shook violently--"I've been at it so long, that I've lost sight of what it would truly mean to accomplish my mission.  And yet, here I am: on the irreversible path to peace and justice.  I only pray that the malevolence that is remembered with my name will be worth the new peaceful era that I've brought."

 

--Athena Niles -- Raiden's Villa--

 

The princess' cerulean eyes shifted to Rabiyu as she spoke, explaining the situation in the best manner possible.  Athena understood some, though the majority eluded her.

 

"I never met any queen in the palace," she said, bowing her head slightly.  "Just that awful Helvadorian king.  Oh, and an elf named Yev.  He said that he was going to free me and return me to my father."

 

As the words fled her mouth realization began to sink in.  Her ears perked up as she added: "Is this what he meant?  Did he have you wish me here?"

 

The princess remained silent thereafter, listening as Rabiyu introduced Rufus the djinni and recounted their current predicament.  Eventually Athena nodded, offering Rabiyu a curtsy.  "Noble Judge, you have my humble gratitude.  You have freed me from my imprisonment and reunited me with my father and people.  Should there be any way that I can reward you for your kind acts you need only ask."

 

It did, however, surprise her when the lamp was proffered to the young woman to break the curse.  Oh, how she'd longed for her dog days to end for so long!  It seemed wondrous to be in the public eye without shame again, to be treated as the future queen that she was.

 

And yet she faltered, holding the lava lamp gingerly in her hands as she considered it.  She squeezed her eyes shut.  "Breaking this curse is something that I've dreamt of for so long," Athena stated.  "But how can I do something so selfish when there are those that need help, wishes that are greater than my own?"  She turned to Rufus, white gown swaying in the gentle breeze on the rooftop.  "Great Djinni, can you . . . restore my world and its people?  Is that something that you can do?"

 

Her request was indeed great, but she felt a fool to not try to ask.

[Endless Thundaga 533]

Bherna Lao-Mystras, about to show Alderon some valuable information

 

While everyone conversed inside the Villa, Bherna walks outside, thinking about Alderon’s frustrations. She pulls out the book she found from her father’s abode. The poor human. He’s suffered too much, but I can’t help but feel that this is the right thing to do. She looks up and sees Alderon and Arthur chatting away. Unbeknownst to both Bherna and Alderon, Athena was on the rooftop of the Villa. Bherna could hear talking, but did not listen to the conversation. She builds up courage and approaches Alderon, with the book in her arms. “King Alderon, sir. May I have a moment please?” She places the book in front of her, holding it with her two hands. “I’m sorry for the loss of your world, and your daughter. But I feel like there’s some information you would probably like to know. Unfortunately, I wish I had found it sooner........ I hope you can forgive me and my father..........”

[Nero Kunivas 3,046]

- Soren Monroe, Will of Shiva - Mystras, Raiden's Villa/Study -

 

Soren stood quietly for a while as others spoke and prepared, the ones who were entrusted with a wish-granting djinni had departed to the rooftops of Raiden's Villa and the time for their departure grew closer with every minute feeling as if it were its own hour. When Jynn spoke up however, he was quick to snap out of his stupor and respond to him.

 

"Just be ready for anything, your highness. Particularly a fight, for whether we arrive at the Source first or not, someone is bound to challenge us for its usage." Soren warned with a light, fitting gesture of the hand. "And if I may, I knew your level of displeasure firsthand when Yevgeni told me everything he had in mind." He then briefly considered his next words before going on. "At times I regret not fully snapping and killing him right there and then." Soren then sighed deeply, shaking his head slightly and looking to both Raiden and Jynn. "But then, what would that make me? Exactly as people believe Demons to be, I think. Murdering someone just from their words alone?"

 

Soren did not brood, for his stance remained sharp as he prepared to reciprocate Lord Raiden's gesture, rolling his shoulders before speaking a little more positively. "No. Instead, it is now that he deserves the blade. None of us will get anywhere mulling over 'What if?'..." He then allowed himself a brief chuckle. "Not even with an all-powerful djinni at our disposal." He spoke, a little amused at the fact that they even had such a being with them, stepping forward as he did toward Raiden. "Isopolis's Guards may indeed listen to me, regardless of my status, I know them well, despite them not being permitted to venture deeper into the Shrine." Soren spoke calmly, though inside he knew of the possibility that a more nefarious individual seeking the endless power of the Source of All Life wouldn't care about a few measly Guardsmen.

 

 

- Meksis, the United, Armour of Twilight - Palace Gates, Kilkis Seres -

 

Maxis was indeed surprised by the usage of Darkness, but he soon gathered himself after the initial attack. the shield throw being deflected before his next onslaught began, with more vibrant and colourful auras throughout. When his brother began his next, vicious looking attack, Meksis was fooled by the ruse, summoning the Shadow Shield once more to defend himself, but the sheer force of Maxis's strike was enough to completely break his guard and leave him vulnerable, but the impact caused Darkness to pulse from the Shield, which would damage Maxis, despite his ongoing assault.

 

Meksis attempted to recover, taking the first few hits of the breakdancing mania fully as he regained his balance, defending against most of the remaining blows with his Shield, but one more kick got him in the hip and didn't allow him to fully brace for Maxis's double legged kick, forcing him to be thrown a fair distance away, nearly tumbling over himself if he didn't anchor himself to the ground with a hard punch to the ground and gripping it to slow himself down and prepare to fight back. From there, he blocked the downward fist, tanked the uppercut and did all he could to deflect, minimise and ignore the following attacks, all but the spin kick, which surprised him. Maxis was about to strike with crushing force, but Meksis had an idea, spearheaded by the Defiled's own thinking, dodging out of the way, but leaving the Shield of Darkness on the impact zone, which when struck would give the force of the impact right back to Maxis, plus Darkness.

 

"This battle will not be easily won physically, Meksis...we must now attack mentally."

 

"I've just the thing..."

 

Regardless of whether Maxis was stunned or not, Meksis would become very aggressive, grabbing him by the head and shoulder, attempting to force him into a hard faceplant to the ground, then to bring him up again into a knee to the spine, a punching turnaround to face him and would attempt to repel any counter-attacks as best he could, so he could find an opening. Meksis needed to end this soon, so when an opening was found, he would begin the first of many attacks upon Maxis's mind and by extension, the Mad God within: With a hand charged from the energies of both the Chaperone and the Defiled, he would grab the side of Maxis's head and link minds with him again, shouting in a booming, uncharacteristically commanding voice, more so than even before.

 

"On your knees!"

 

Meksis's mind link would subtly suggest to Maxis to do as asked, but regardless, Meksis would not relent and quickly planted the second hand upon his head and flooded Maxis's mind and the Mad God's connection with burning Light, Darkness and sheer power.

 

"You will plague his mind no longer, foul God!!"

 

Both Meksis's knew this would aggravate both Maxis and the Mad God, possibly removing any and all restraint Maxis had put in place to spare his blood brother too much pain, but the Chaperone knew what he had to do. Maxis would be saved...even if Meksis had to die to do it. 

 

 

(Nergal's reply is being postponed, but not for long.)

[Stardustblade358 806]

- Helios & Arthur - In Raiden's Study - /w everyone else who is at Raiden's study -

"We will fight with our lives if we have to, Soren." Arthur spoke, stepping into the room with Helios following behind. The two were ready for departure whenever the rest were ready as well. Arthur's eyes were a tad bit red from crying just a few moments ago, but his tears were long dried up. "The one thing that worries me about it all is that it doesn't seem to just be a source of power...it's just a weapon." Helios added, his icy blue eyes glancing up at Soren. "It seems like the type of weapon that doesn't chooses his wielder. That is the most concerning part. It is a race of whoever gets to it first." Helios paused, smiling a bit. "But we have come this far. To give our lives in the chance of keeping this from falling into the wrong hands and return life to the world below, it is the least we can do, right?" He asked, even though that statement alone made his throat ache. Arthur nodded, looking up at Soren. "We can't back down now. We will find a way through Isopolis...A few lives for the sake of saving so many more is an exchange worth making." Arthur spoke, smiling at Helios. The Fey crossed his arms, frowning at the thought of the regent. "I have heard from Yevgeni before. So many times but it never really clicked. Just another man of a noble family with relations to the royal family and its politics." He hummed. Of course all he heard were from rumors and whatever Ariana managed to tell them. He looked up at Jynn, smiling. "We will see you in your rightful throne, Jynn." He spoke, chuckling a bit. "You look much older, you know." He added. "You've grown taller, as well." He paused, his eyes softening. "You make us proud, my king." Arthur smiled, crossing his arms as he laid back against the wall behind him. He glanced at Soren. "Do you think us humans even stand a chance at Isopolis, Soren? Will we even be allowed?"

[Scrapmaster 1,731]

- Maxis - The Pure Maxis - In their own mind - The battle of brothers

 

 

 

Maxis was starting to have so much fun fighting his brother, Meksis did hit best to avoid his crazed barrage, even set up a trap as a shield of darkness was right at the spot of impact that Maxis was going to smash his bat in.  "Ohh shiiiiii-" Maxis shouted as a big explosion of both darkness and madness resulted in him being flung back, in a total ragdoll as he landed and slid on the ground. Laughing as he did. "Damn, you never cease to put up a sh-" Maxis was stopped as Meksis began to attack him relentlessly, smashing him to the ground, bringing him up  and punching him into submission, Maxis was in awe at Meksis savagery, laughter and snickering coming off Maxis as he was being beaten down as Meksis then grabbed his face...and violated the poor armor.

 

What happened next would surprise both the mad god, Meksis...and Maxis himself. As Meksis connected his mind to Maxis's and bombarded it with hard light, the landscape began to change, flashing into glimpses of both armor's lives before being turned into armors and after. And eventualy stopping in a large flowerfield of white flowers, with a large in the back, its leaves falling down, making a downright beautiful, yet melancholic theme. As Meksis would begin to notice....resistance coming off Maxis.

 

But he'd also notice Maxis's form was flickering...and changing?! From Maxis's current armor, to a...white and gold outline? could it have been his true old form before taking in the mad god? 

 

Maxis's hands would then move to grab Meksis's arms, slowly, but surely, pushing him back as he held both his hands with his own hands. "Just..." Maxis began to speak in a low tone, clearly hurt from the mind bombardment. "What...i've been waiting for!" Maxis spoke as he then headbutted Meksis off, the sheer power sending a shockwave of wind behind Meksis as the armor would be flung back a considerable distance within the flower field.

 

Maxis slumped forward, staggering onto a standing position as slowly rose into a stand, almost like a zombie. his armor literaly falling off...and revealing his true armor.

 

"Hehehhehe" Maxis began to laugh. "Good...good. Been a while since i've taken this form..." Maxis spoke as he held one of his hands open, and then closed. as he did so, a sudden shift in atmosphere could be felt from the sheer power. "Clearly you remember this place?" Maxis asked Meksis, as he looked around. This was the courtyard of their home...or rather, the laboratory they resided in as armors. A peaceful, yet melancholic place. The full moon looming over them.

 

"What better place to fisnish this than here?" Maxis spoke, extending his arms before dropping them. As he then shoved his right hand right...into his own throat..,No madness coming off it, nothing...just...shadow? as he gurgled in pain for a few seconds before pulling out...a knife? No...not just any knife, it was his knife made of pure shadow and illusion, it was Maxis's weapon of choice during the slaughter of beasts and demons alike...also the one he used to kill his own kin when they fell. Holding it in a reverse grip he pointed towards Meksis. 

 

"If you truly want to rid me of the madgod, then you have to kill me Meksis!" Maxis shouted at his brother as the entire landscaped suddenly flickered, as if light had disappeared for a split second, enough time for Maxis to appear behind Meksis and slash at him with his knife, aiming at his sides, if Meksis avoided it, he'd have to deal with the devastating punch Maxis would deliver that could very well crush Meksis's armor and send him flying if hit in full. As well as casting a shadow wall in case Meksis was flung he'd hit it, which would then be followed by a devastating dropkick from Maxis, dealing even more damage. Maxis was at full power now, no madness screwing with his power...as to why...well that's a good question isn't it?

 

"Destroy me! Consume me! Erase me from existence! It is the only way for the mad god to die! KILL ME MEKSIS! SHOW ME THE POWER OF THE CHAPERONE ONCE AND FOR ALL!" Maxis shouted. In his usual tone, but Meksis could also notice a hint of...regret...and sadness?

 

 

 

 

 

The flowerfield

 

 

 

 

(Just Maxis now guys, i'l post for everyone else tomorrow, promise)

Edited June 12, 2018 by Scrapmaster

[Scrapmaster 1,731]

- Henry - The Rogue Link - Chat with Yevgeni -

 

"I am merely piecing things together as they come, whether they are, in fact, true or not will probably not be discovered until someone brings proof of such things, proofs which I don't have in my posession." Henry explained to Yevgeni as the regent noticeable retorted to Henry's comments about his dealings with unsavory characters and the death of the queen. All the while maitaining a straight face and a neutral expression. Before frowning, partialy offended at Yevgeni's remarks about Ariana's fate.

 

"Perhaps so, but there was no long run in the state she was. Trust me." Henry replied, now with a frown and a solemn tone to his voice, what he spoke of was nothing short of the truth. 

 

The more Yevgeni explained the history about the feyslayers and the ancient war between Humans and Feys, the more Henry understood his motives, but Henry still disagreed with all the means the fey went about it. There had to be a different way, but that was in the past, and no use talking about it now. And then asked Henry how would he think Yevgeni was the culprit.

 

After listening to Yevgeni admitting his involvement in the world below's destruction, Henry grimaced for a second before recomposing himself. Sharing Yevgeni's sorrow as he mentioned his long deceased sister. 

 

"It seems we both share familiar losses." Henry commented. "I see your argument, but I cannot agree to your point. I think almost everyone knows that the disaster that befell my world was not natural...a world doesn't explode and crumble on itself out of nowhere, and was done with your assistance, only further enhanced by your new found influence after Shiva's death and you seizing power at that pivotal point in this war." Henry began speaking with a direct, serious, but not hostile tone.

"Raiden himself told me...Shiva was willing to cooperate with us, and put it all behind us, before she was struck down...and they'd oppose the world below's destruction...you know that." Henry added.

 

 

'Ariana, do you know if there were magic imbalances between the worlds when the worlds weren't separated?'

'None that was ever noticed...no. In fact both had a healthy balance from what I heard'

'Would the Overworld suffer after the destruction of the barrier? would the world below suck it dry?'

'No...it would have a very large drain at first, but it wouldn't have led to the overworld's death, it would had balanced itself eventualy.'

'Huh...'

 

 

 

"You say the world below was draining too much of the Overworld's magic, but didn't the Oveworld's magic stores increase with all these generations with the barrier? Didn't it stock up on the much needed energy now that It only had itself to feed?" Henry questioned, curiously. "And besides...didn't the two worlds exist in unison before all of that? i don't think there were any threats of the Overworld dying due to magic drain back then...How can you be so sure this initial 'drain' after the barrier's undoing wouldn't balance itself out eventualy?" Henry questioned Yevgeni with an honest to god question. One that wasn't possibly an easy answer. It would be easily noticed that Henry's knowledge about such a fact wasn't exactly something a common human would know.

 

"Yet, the world below's gone...generations of growth and development, gone. Everything. Gone." Henry looked Yevgeni straight in the eye, as Henry's expression suddenly saddened.

 

"I cannot blame you. However, you did what you thought was right. Like every ruler, but. But the consequences of such a choice has rendered the human race practicaly insignificant in the grander scheme of things. in an unknown world, where we will drain the resources from as we grow,  basicaly living in captivity as there is little space for another few millions of people. Without the means to do anything other than just accept what you give us, that is asking for a civil war." Henry also commented, he had been around the Overworld, without some massive reconstructions, Humans would not able to accomodate within the Overworld smoothly, especially with such a great number.

 

Henry began to speak again, this time in a more friendly tone. "In the end I can only ask you to do right by me, to do right by humanity, and Alexander's legacy, when the time comes to act again. Do the right thing, by everyone." Henry asked Yevgeni.

 

Henry did not want to face Elia right now...he would have to speak to her personaly after this.

[Vaude 536]

- Rufus Contralto, surrounded by women on a rooftop -

 

Rufus glanced around, baffled by the situation of being outnumbered three to one by the opposite gender, but he quickly regained his competence and returned to Athena's question, only mildly distracted by the doglike features of the individual.

 

"That is a difficult one, that's for sure.  I simply cannot do such a restitution on a massive scale, not without extraneous effort on multiple accounts beyond only my own.  Time magic is the only thing that can restore so much, and time is beyond my element.  I can send one back in time, as one of my former masters had asked for, but great danger lies in playing with chronothreads, as he learned.  One has to worry about paradoxes, paradigms, parakeets, PARACHUTES!  Catastrophe can await by ending up in the wrong place at the wrong time, or changing events beyond the one you crave to rectify!"

 

Rufus blinked rapidly, wondering exactly how he became so well-versed with the all-mighty rules of time and space, before entirely foregoing the thought and concentrating on a very large mole on a distant missus.  It was not the fluffy blind creature, but it certainly could be mistaken as one judging by how far the supposed beauty mark jutted out of her face.

 

"Uh-h-h, in short, I'd not recommend trying what I talked about, not yet, anyways.  Keep the wish until you know a time traveller, and then, after going through time, make the wish, if Lady Aura here wills it."

[Elrandir 783]

- Rabiyu and Aura - Raiden's Villa - Rooftop - With Rufus and Athena -

Rabiyu listened to what Athena had to say. The girl looked slightly more calmer than before, which was a good sign. Her ears perked up at the mention of Yevgeni. For him to say that he was going to return the princess with her father was strange, the End had occurred days ago, why not simply free the princess if Yevgeni knew who she was the daughter of? What was going on inside Yevgeni's mind? Rabiyu had no idea.

"There is no need for a reward, your gratitude is more than enough. I'm also afraid that is not the case, princess. Our relationship with the regent of Kilkis Seres is not the best one at the moment, but my intention for using a wish to bring you here was so that your father could have some peace of mind in knowing that his daughter was alive." Rabiyu said, "Ever since the day I met him, he was always proper, had an aura of self control around him, but what happened just moments ago made me realize that the poor man was at the very edge of a breakdown, and so I used a wish to bring you here, in hopes that you were still alive and well."

Both Rabiyu and Aura looked at the princess as she asked how could she be so selfish to ask a wish for her own rather than her world and her people, she then asked Rufus if he could restore the world that was lost. But as it was expected, Rufus told the princess that it would be difficult to restore her world, not without some serious consequences.

"Messing with time is a serious business, child, one that no one should attempt unless there is no other option. The consequences of changing time would be disastrous. But you shouldn't worry about such a thing, we may have found a way to restore your world and, perhaps, its people without the need to use a wish from Rufus," The elf said in a calm tone.

"There is this ancient thing called the Source of All Life that, apparently, can restore our world back," Aura said to the princess, "Your father, along with the Lord of Mystras and the prince of Kilkis Seres were discussing about such object. They know the location, they...we just need time to prepare for the trails that will await for us once we reach the place where the source is. So you shouldn't worry about that. This is your chance to end the curse you were afflicted with, to regain your true self."

"Aurora speaks the truth, child. The Source could bring back your home and its people, but time is running short and you need to make a choice," Rabiyu said to Athena, "Either wish for your curse to end and return to your father as your previous self, or wait until your father's return to search for a cure. I am sure that your father will be thrilled either way, to see his daughter back and alive would bring joy to his heart. And I am sure there are others who would be overjoyed to learn of your safe return too."