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The old heroes may have brought the elements back, but how will the people use them? |
| [Introduction]
(for those who have played the game Golden Sun, you should know about most of the powers. For those of you who don't here you go.) Many years ago, in a town called Vale, the seal over the power of Alchemy was guarded. But a group of intruders broke into the sacred chamber that held the seal and stole the four keys, or stars, that held it in place. The four stars held the power of each of the elements, fire (Mars), water (Mercury), air (Jupiter), and earth (Venus) and could be used to light the four great lighthouses. If all four lighthouses were lit, the power of Alchemy would be unleashed back upon the world. In the end, the lighthouses were lit. Now, as people start to cope with the new powers spreading across the continents, a new evil starts to seep throughout the world, poisoning, mutating, darkening anything it touches. (also the time frame is like Middle Ages like. No guns ;) Talking is the same though) Here's how it should go for your first post Name- Age- Appearence- Personality- Element- Please have fun. Be nice. Keep cursing to a minimum but violence is not an issue. --------------------------------------------------------- Name- Cody Talance Age-19 Appearance- Is about 6' 2". Has shaggy black hair with small white streaks threw it. Eyes are a hazel color when normal but turns a smoldering dark red when angry or upset.Has a very athletic build with well-prenounced arm muscles. Usually wears a dark red tunic with a chainmail shirt over it and a pair of brown leather pants. A large bastard sword is almost always either on his person or near him. Personality- Is usually very quiet when around people unless he knows them. At that point, he is very outgoing and trusting. He prefers to be around his friends and gets a little sulky if he isn't. His temper is usually under tight control, but if someone hurts one of his friends, woe be to them! Element- Fire |
| (Everyone needs to start in Vale, a small town in the mountains where the first heros were from. We don't have to start out friends, but we at least have to know each other. Okay, next turn) |
| Name- Jaina Vance Age- 18 Appearance- Stands about 5' 7". Her long, wavy, brown hair is almost down to her waist and she has dark blue eyes. She isn't very strong, with a relitively slender body, and has only a little practice with her only weapon, a long dagger that she keeps at her belt. Usually wears white, but not always. Personality- She is very shy, and quiet most of the time. She has a compassionate soul, and is willing to help almost anyone in need. Is rarely ever angry, and is hurt easily when others are angry at her without reason. But she will stand up for what she believes without hesitation, and would die for her friends if necessary. Element- Water ***** Jaina sat alone in her home. Upon the rough wooden table before her lay a book. She had been trying to read, but had given up. She just couldn't concentrate today for some reason. Rising from her seat, she walked around the table and looked down at a bowl of water she had sitting there. She put her hands on either side of it, preparing to move it, but her body suddenly froze in place. The water appeared to shimmer, and then got as smooth as glass. Recognizing the signs of some bit of information being given to her, she focused intently on the water. There on its surface appeared the face of a young man. Just by his hair Jaina could identify him. It was Cody Talance, another person she'd noticed here in Vale. 'So that's why I can't concentrate,' she thought. 'Something is happening, or going to happen soon. Cody must have something to do with it.' When the immage in the water faded, she quickly took it outside and poured it on the ground. She didn't want anyone to know that she saw things like this. They just wouldn't understand. |
| Cody walked quickly up the steep hill that led to the old entrance to the Sol Sanctum. Not many people came up this far anymore, mainly because it was a dangerous climb up steep inclines and crumbly soil. He didn't really know why he had decided to come up here, except that he had had a dream the previous night that was something about the Sanctum. He had come to find out what. Cody brushed his shaggy, black hair out of his eyes and stepped out onto the broken tiles that made up the walkway. He gasped as he slipped and fell face-first to the ground. As he picked himself up, he noticed that he had fallen in a pile of black slime that made a trail around a corner towards the doorway. Something in his head screamed wrongness, so he drew his sword and crept around the corner. |
| Jaina made her way up the steep incline. Why on earth was she doing this? She didn't know. Something about Cody's face in the water. Was he in trouble? Was someone else? Jaina sighed. Sometimes it was all so confusing sometimes. What she saw just could never make itself clear. 'No, that would be much too easy,' she thought. She was already halfway there before she realized where she was headed. The Sol San Sanctum. Scowling darkly, she stopped. No one had been up here in a long time, so why would Cody come up here? Something forced her onward though. This was important. She could feel it. When she reached the entrance, she looked down to discover a dark trail of black slime along the old walkway. She cringed. Never before had she seen a trail like this, nor the creature that could leave behind such a mess. She looked up, again hesitant to continue. So she waited, and watched, and listened. |
| (Im gonna let the next person go ahead and put there person on here before I go on with the story.) |
| Name- Lord Jake Blacksmith Age- 16 Appearance- Tall, slender and youthful, about 6'2". Dusty blond hair and hazel eyes. An heir to a kingdom not to far from Vale (his father died suddenly and he is an only child.) and happens to be in the vicinity. Clothing is period era (I'm really not aware of what to say specific as in clothing). He has a steel casted sword in a blunt on his side, and also is a Lancemen for sport. Personality- Kind hearted, spirited and majestic. Strong minded and physical. Element- Primary:Earth Secondary:Various and Unknown* (*see below) [SECONDARY ELEMENT: Lord Jake has been practicing various types of magic, not just the 4 elements, but various kinds that will make him an asset. These magics include various kinds of spell binding, travel of time, and shape-shifting(transfiguration is my fantasy style so I will really be strong here). I'll go ahead and let LonelyWolf continue and see where I can go from here. Thanks everyone] |
| Corr stared dumbfounded at the creature before him. It was vaguely reminiscent of a dragon, with a scaly body, serpetine head, and clawed forelegs. But it was pitch black and black slime dripped off onto the stones. It eyes were a soulless red with the slit pupils of a dragon. Its teeth were like daggers and gleamed in the sunlight. Corr's sword slipped slightly and the point rang on the ground. The dragon-beast's head spun to look at Corr. Corr bit back a curse and raised his sword. His arms became engulfed in flame as he desperately racked his brain for all the magic he knew. His eyes glew a smouldering red and he unleashed a Fume at the beast. The beast roared in pain as the superheated gas struck its nightblack scales, leaving a smoking burn on its flank. But other than that it was completely unharmed. The creature once more and charged towards Corr, its head down like a ram. Corr raised his sword and prepared for the onslaught. |
| Jaina jumped when she heard the horrible roar echo from inside the Sol Sanctum. A shiver of fear ran down her spine. So, somthing was inside... was Cody there too? If so, then he was in bad trouble right about now. 'God give me strength,' Jaina thought, then took a deep breath and dashed on down the pathway. The sight that greeted her made her stop short yet again. Cody stood, sword raised, with a large, black, dragon-like creature charging toward him. Jaina gritted her teeth together as she watched the disgusting creature comming toward Cody. Her hand moved to the dagger at her belt, but she doubted that it would be much use against such a creature. So what was she going to do? There was a chance that Cody would be strong and fast enough to kill the beast alone, but there was no taking chances when other people's lives were at stake. 'Slow it down!' said Jaina's subconcious. So, with her dagger in hand, she leapt forward so that she was standing slightly behind Cody, but far off to the right. "Hey!" she shouted, waving her arms. "Over here!" Her words had the desired effect. The monsterous creature slowed and stopped, then turned and snarled at her. Then it took a step in her direction, obviously undaunted that there were now to humans threatening it. It turned from Cody so that it could fully face Jaina. It's evil red eyes burned into her, and she swallowed hard. Maybe this hadn't been such a good idea, putting her life in someone else's hands... There was no turning back now though. She only hoped that Cody would take the chance to stop the beast. Fear made her unable to move. She trembled as she gazed at her possible doom stalking toward her. |
| That's when she heard someone yell in the distance. "My lady! Look out. EXTREVIOUS!." She heard a heroic voice yell as a blue light went from the darkness behind her. The blue light enveloped the beast and made him immobile. Jaina looked at where the light came from and a Man on a creme stallion approached. "Are you alright?" the man asked. "I'm fine, thank you...ummm..." Jaina sorta stumbled as she felt like she had been hit with amnesia. "The name is Lord Jake. Lord Jake Blacksmith." Jake held out his hand to properly greet the young lady. "Thank you for saving me. Do you think you could take me to the others, their just ahead." Jake smiled and gazed up..."Why of course, get on." He said as he aided the Jania onto his horse. |
| Name: Noel Age: 18 Appearance: 5'1" with layered, blond hair that fell into soft curls around her shoulders and back. Her oval eyes are a vibrant turquoise. Her family is rumored to have elfin blood in them though she has never seen one herself. A thin scar resides across her left eye as testimony to the trials she faced as a child. She wears dark brown leather pants with matching knee- high boots and belt where her weapon hangs; a large chain, dangling from its tip is a five inch spike with ancient symbols etched into its shinny surface. A dark blue leather jacket keeps with a high collar keeps her warm. She also wears leather gloves with small spikes across the knuckles for protection. Personality: As a child she had been fun and outgoing but because of a past that she longs to hide and escape from, she has become shy and secluded. She became a wanderer not long ago and hopes to find her place in the world. Though she dislikes violence, she is skilled in hand to hand combat and has mastered the use of her weapon. Through her training she has learned to sense things... both through the vibrations of the air and ground, and through her dreams. Element: Wind (and the art of healing) ....................................... Noel stood on the outskirts of the small town and looked down upon it as she leaned against a tree. Through the clearing she could see nearly everything. It was as she had seen it within her dreams the night before and she could feel it within the air… even the earth spoke of a dreadful change. She was glad she hadn’t passed the town up through her travels. It seemed she was being pulled there. “I suppose I should hurry. Whatever it is I’m meant to do here, it is clearly important.” She said as she started for the town. “Perhaps…” She wondered out loud. “I will meet those I have seen in my dreams. Maybe they can explain why I know them.” Noel paused when she felt the winds quiver. She looked towards a large building nearly hidden by the mountainous terrain and its tree’s. “It has begun.” She said to herself. Then she looked down towards the middle of the city. “I must hurry. We shall meet there… soon.” |
| Cody's head spun as he saw the girl run out, only a small dagger in hand, screaming at the creature. The dragon-beast turned towards the girl and hissed. Cody snarled under his breath, "You have got to be kidding me." The beast roared again and charged the girl, who was standing stock still, terrified. Cody raised his sword and aimed at the neck. As soon as it passed... "Extrevious!" A voice roared out from doorway and a beam of light shot out of the shadows and enveloped the beast. It roared out in pain and frustration as its muscles refused to respond, and it crashed to the ground. "Now what?" Cody muttered and turned towards the door. A young man, a little younger than him, atop a stallion, stood at the door. A thin trail of steam curled up from his hand where he had cast the immobilization spell. A trail of questions was wanting to burst out of his head. Who was this guy? What kind of Adept was he? What was he doing here? But instead, Cody just thrust his sword into the beast's head, causing black slime to spew out. He wiped the slime from his face and sword and turned to the others. "We need to go to the elders," he told them, "They need to know about this intrusion. Maybe they'll know what this thing is." |
| Jaina stared straight ahead, dazed for a moment by the swiftness of events. Cody spoke, and the man who had called himself Lord Jake Blacksmith turned his horse to follow him as he walked out of the Sol Sanctum. As they stepped back out into sunlight, she blinked several times, and her senses finally came back to her. "Wait, hold up," she said. "I'm fine, I can walk on my own." She slid awkwardly down from behind Jake to prove she could stand on her own two feet. He simply shrugged. "Suit yourself." So Jaina walked between the two back down toward Vale. All of them were silent, but Cody seemed agitated. "Did I make you angry?" Jaina asked shyly. Cody looked at her for a moment, then sighed. "No, I guess I'm not mad at you. But that was a foolish thing to do! Don't you have any better sense that to run out in front of somthing like that?" Jaina lowered her head as she felt herself blush in embarrasment. "I was only trying to help... give you a chance to attack before it reached you." "You nearly succeded in getting yourself killed," Jake commented. Jaina kept her eyes down. "Hey," Cody said. She looked up. "Thanks for the effort anyway. Just don't do it again." Jaina nodded. "So, you really think the elders will know what that creature was?" "Maybe," was the only answer Cody could give. So the three walked on. |
(I'm unsure of what I want to add yet, but I didn't want to hit skip. Continue and I'll add next turn. Thanks ) |
| Noel had trekked down the mountainous terrain for hours and had nearly made it to the edge of the town when she felt her stomach growl. She looked up at the sun and realized she was well past lunch. Though she was eager to arrive at her destination- wherever that may be, knew all too well that she shouldn’t avoid the basics of filling her empty stomach. So, she found a spot against a tree and took some roots and seeds out of her pouch and contemplated her next move as she quietly ate. “Perhaps I should rest a while and see I my dreams tell me anything.” She thought out loud to herself. After a moment of thought she nodded her head and decided. She strapped her pouch back onto her belt and crossed her legs, making sure to relax all her muscles as she began to breath deeply, as though she were beginning her meditation. As her mind slowed down and her eyes became heavy, the sound of the birds, the whisper of the wind through the tree’s, the sound of animals going about their lives, all became more defined and noticeable to her. Slowly, she drifted off into a deep sleep. A building… in the darkness… no, at night. A table surrounded by elders and a group … the ones she’d seen in her dreams, stood at the far end… Noel opened her eyes and quickly memorized the details of the building she’d seen in her dreams. She was about to stand up when she heard a twig snap. Slowly, she turned her head. Not far from her stood a beast that growled and showed its fangs. “Great… now I’m going to be late. |
| Cody thought quietly to himself as he walked down the moutainside, Jaina and Jake at his side. "What was that thing?" he thought, "I have never seen something like that before and the elders have never taught us about such creatures..hm." The sun was soon sinking below the moutainside and Cody realized how late they had been out. They needed to make it back to Vale before the newly built gate was shut. "Come on," he said over his shoulder, "We have to make it back to Vale before nightfall." Jaina opened her mouth to answer-and then shut it as a loud growl interrupted her. Jake and Cody both drew their swords and stepped in front of Jaina. The growl had come from the trees a few yards ahead of the group. Cody crept forward and quietly peered through the trees. A small girl dressed in leathers was being confronted by a woodland beast. Though Cody knew that he had to get back to Vale and warn the elders, he couldn't just leave. He turned to the others, "Come on! She needs our help!" |
| (Before I begin: Thanks so much to Wolf for the list of spells for Jaina ) Along with Coyd and Jake, Jaina came through the trees toward the other young lady. She stood a little shorter than Jaina, and she was facing a creature of the forest. It's powerful shoulders were tensed, ready to spring at the girl, but when it heard the three newcommers approach, it turned to snarl at them. Looking at this beast, Jaina felt no fear like she had facing the dragon-creature. This, she knew she could deal with. Four people with weapons and with powers she knew would be more than a match for this animal. It turned to half face them, standing between them and the other girl. Jaina was prepaired to help the others, but suddenly recognized the gleam in the creature's eyes. It was focused on Jake's horse. 'Of course!' Jaina thought. 'That's more like its natural prey!' So, when it leapt at Jake's mount, Jaina was ready. Though Jake didn't have time to dismount, and Cody wasn't ready for the sudden leap, Jaina had seen it comming. "Ice!" she shouted, throwing up her hand. The few sharp, shards of hard ice that flew toward the beast pierced its shouler and it screached in pain as it fell to the ground. It got to its feed and snarled at her. Then, looking from side to side and seeing itself surrounded, it limped away into the forest. Jaina looked around to find Cody and Jake staring at her in wonder, and the young lady they had just helped looked at her with understanding. "You..." Cody began. Jaina allowed herself to laugh for the first time that day. "You both thought I was helpless, didn't you?" she asked Jake and Cody. "You have the power of Mercury! Why didn't you do that when you faced the dragon-beast?" Cody asked. "Sometimes my powers don't work as well as they could. Sometimes they only come when I absolutely need them. Other times I freeze up and can't use them at all. That was one of those times." She lowered her head, almost ashamed to admit that sometimes her powers just wouldn't work for her. "How do you think I knew to find you at the Sol Sanctum? I had a vision of you in the water." The look of shock on his face made Jaina want to laugh again. "And you, Cody, have the power of Mars, I know that too. Oh, and Jake..." He raised his head. "Consider that a thank you for earlier," Jaina told him, smiling gently. "I always repay my debts." At this moment, the other young woman stepped forward, seeming to have observed them all carefully. Cody stepped forward slightly in front of the others to greet her. Jaina could only immagine what a strange day this had been for him. |
| As the beast crept closer, Noel raised her left hand to her weapon. She knew her skills and she was certain that she could handle the beast but she also sensed that because she was alone, there was a higher chance that she’d be hurt. Suddenly, multiple figures burst from behind the tree’s and stood in front of her, shielding her from danger. She was so shocked that all she could do was stand where she was and look on as the beast pounced towards a stallion. One of the figures raised their hand and shouted, “Ice!” Wounding the beast as multiple ice daggers found their way into the monstrous thing. Quickly the three surrounded it but it was quick to run away. With the excitement over, Noel was able to calm herself and finally see the figures for who they were. It was them… those she had dreamt of for the last three moon cycles. She sighed and felt a wave of relief wash over her as though she’d just walked into the warm comforts of her home. “You…” One of the men replied. He wore a dark red tunic and chain mail but it seemed covered with a dark liquid that had already dried. The girl laughed. "You both thought I was helpless, didn't you?" she asked the two men. She seemed to be around Noel’s age, though they were all much taller than she was. Both men seemed flabbergasted at the thought of the girl having the power of Mercury. Apparently when Noel had felt the winds and Earth shudder earlier that day towards the large structure in the mountains, they themselves had encountered what they referred to as a dragon-beast at the place. The girl explained that she was not yet able to fully control her powers at will. Noel suspected it was due to the girls emotions blocking the flow of power during stressful times when her fear was highest… she had seen it before and felt it herself during the first years of her training. Noel saw in her eyes a touch of shame and embarrassment. “Ah,” she though to herself, “so that building is called the Sol Sanctum.” And the young lady revield that she too had visions though hers could be seen within water. The one she called Cody showed the most shock and the young woman seemed to enjoy the look on his face. Noel also smiled slightly when she told him her thanks was in the debt repaid moments ago. Noel stepped forward. Normally, she would be terrified of strangers but they were more familiar to her than even she fully realized. The one named Cody came closer to Noel. He seemed a little apprehensive of her. “I am Cody Talance of Vale. Who are you?” He asked in a somewhat harsh tone. “Certainly you can be more friendly than that.” The young lady stepped in front of him and smiled cheerfully. “Please don’t pay too much attention to him... It’s been a rather strange day, if you know what I mean. Hello, my name is Jaina Vance. I also live in Vale.” The younger looking man who had been worried for his horse and had been stroking its mane, trying to calming the horse went up to Noel and slightly bowed. “Good evening.” He said as cheerfully as possible. “My name is Lord Jake Blacksmith. Oh, and thank you very much Jaina for saving my dear friend.” The young lady nodded. “I’m glad I could help.” She replied with a hint of pride in her voice. Noel smiled as the three looked upon her. She bowed slightly, her layered hair falling around her shoulders. “Many thanks.” She said as she straightened up. “My name is Noel. Strange, isn’t it? Fate seems to work in mysterious ways. I was certain I would not find you so soon.” “Not to seem harsh, but we need to go. The gates will close soon and we will be stuck sleeping under the stars if we do not hurry.” Cody replied as he looked up at the setting sun. “Besides, I want to find out if the elders can tell us anything about what’s going on.” “I too wish to understand something…” Noel regretted saying it when the others looked upon her with confusion. “My dreams have been filled with your faces and the wind itself pulls me towards your town.” “You have visions as well?” Jaina asked. Noel nodded. “As have I.” Replied Cody. “But it was last night that I dreamt of Sol Sanctum, which is why I came.” “Well then, it seems we should do as you suggest, Cody. Let’s hurry and find out what these ‘elders’ have to say.” Jake commented as he took his horses reigns. They just barely made it to the gates before they were closed for the night. Noel was nervous, it had been a while since she’d been around so many people, even if most of them were in their warm homes. She kept her hand on the hilt of her weapon as they walked through the town. |
| Cody kept his eye on Noel as they headed into town. He wasn't too suspicious by nature, but this day had been...hectic, to say the least. One could never be too careful. She spoke strangly, more...he searched for the right word, cultured, than the rest of them. She was also nervous, very nervous. Like she was rarely around people. Cody inwardly shrugged. Ah well, questions will be asked later, I suppose. The newly built temple, the original having been leveled during the lighting of the Venus Lighthouse, was made of rough-hewn granite slabs pieced together with the precision work only a master Venus Adept could do. Priests and Adepts each wearing differing colors of robes walked about the grounds leisurely. A few in the brown robes of the Venus Adepts were kneeled down in the temple gardens, tending to the fruits and trees that grew there. The group headed down the lane towards the main doorway; many of the templegoers stopping to stare at Cody's bloodstained clothes and Jaina's frost-encrusted sleeves. A monk-guard stood at attention at the doorway that led into the elder's meeting place. The elders were a group of Vale's most powerful Adepts. There was one for each element and they were led by the High Priest, the most powerful Adept currently living in Vale. "Excuse me, sir," Cody said with as much patience as he could muster, "We must speak with the elders." "Do you realize what time it is, boy?" the man said sourly. Cody's eyes blazed. He was REALLY not in the mood for this. He pointed at his blood-crusted clothes. "Do you know what this was from?" he asked, deceptively quiet, "This was from a beast, dragon-like, black scales, blood red eyes, and dagger-like teeth. That thing, nearly gutted this young lady here," he nodded back at Jaina, "And it was in the SOL SANCTUM. Now, I tell you again, I need to speak with the elders!" The guard fumbled with the door handle and pulled open the great doorway as fast as he possibly could. Cody sighed heavily as they walked down the hallway to the open-aired room, his eyes dimming back down to hazel. He turned back to the others who were staring at him with wide eyes and smiled weakly. His temper, like a dragon, could be a dangerous thing when aroused. |
| Jaina followed close to the others as they walked through the town. Usually she didn't have a problem with the darkness that gathered at the end of each day, but this day was different. It frightened her, but at the same time she knew that change was comming one way or another. She wasn't going to let fear of the inevitable stop her. When they reached the temple, it was apparent that the guard didn't want to let them in, and that Cody was extremely unhappy. His voice was deadly quiet as he explained their predicament to the guard. Jaina, along with the others, saw the change in his mood in Cody's eyes. They burned a dark, angry red. Jaina took a step back to watch, as did the others. The gaurd obviously took Cody a bit more seriously now as well, because he hurried to let them in. Jake's stallion had to be left outdoors, then the four of them were led down the hallway. Cody looked back at them and smiled. Jaina realized that she, along with everyone else, had been staring at him in amazement, and she tried to smile back. True, he was powerful, but Jaina felt that they had no reason to fear Cody. The guard left them in a very large room, and Jaina stood in silence, waiting. She had never been here before. The big room made her uncomfortable for some reason. So, they would finally be able to speak with the elders. |
| The elders entered, appearing to be rather confused as to the groups reasons to need to speak to them. Jake and Cody looked at one Elder that was in a finer garment then the rest...he must had to be the head leader of the organization. "My elders, we come to you in assistance. We are noble men and women here to try and assist our world from the depths of Satan in the name of our patron..." Jake was cut midway as the head elder held up his hand. "My lord, we understand your approach on this fine day. Please, please, do come to the main chambers..." Noel and Jania couldn't help but feel an aura of uneasiness in the room, as they went into the more normal sized quarters of the Elders. |
| Noel had managed to calm her nerves as they approached the temple where the elders awaited them. Noel knew right away that they had arrived for the building was exactly as she had dreamt it. She had been surprised with Cody’s sudden outburst with the guard… and felt a little odd when he’d turned and witnessed the shock written all over her face. Noel had wanted to laugh when he’d given such a meek smile but she held it in as they walked down the hall into a large room where the elders soon entered. Jake tried to give a proper introduction and explanation but Noel saw that it wasn’t necessary. The elders brought them into a less intimidating room where a long table resided at the far end. The elders took there seats and offered the four a seat of their own. The others quickly took their seats. They were clearly tired and welcomed the comfort with open arms. Noel remained by the door and leaned up against the wall. “Why don’t you sit down Noel?” Jaina asked. Noel smiled at her as though she looked upon an old friend and shook her head. “I’ve never been fond of sitting down; I become far too restless, you see. No, I shall stand- but thank you none the less, Jaina.” Jaina returned the smiled before turning around to face the elders. “We knew you would come." Said one of the thirteen elders. “We had hoped it would not be so soon but…” The woman that spoke seemed just as tired as Noel felt. She rubbed her temple before continuing. “You seek to learn why it is that, in your own ways, each of you has come together-” Cody nodded. “Yes… why did I dream of the Sol Sanctum last night and go today to find that beast? What was it? Why-” The head elder held up his hand for silence as he had before. "To better understand what is happening, there is something I wish you to see.” He brought the four to the balcony and directed their attention to the sky. “Do you see those two stars- the ones that shine bright beside the moon?” “The ones with purple light?” Jaina wondered. “Yes. They are how we knew you would soon be coming. The masters of the beasts you encountered have begun their plans because of these very stars. In two months time, the stars will be found in the very center of the moons light. If they succeed with their plans and are allowed to use the power of the stars and moon- they will come into rule and be the most powerful beings on the face of the Earth.” He heard the four teens gasp and sighed as he turned to face them. “But what is their plan?” Jake asked. “And more important- what does it have to do with us?” Cody asked with a hint of agitation in his voice. Noel glanced at him and sighed. How he reminded her of her oldest brother… She quickly pushed the disheartening thought back in the depths of her mind and focused on the task at hand. She looked at the head elder with a straight face. “Why have we been chosen to be the ones to stop this?” He remained silent for what seemed like an eternity before he sighed once again. “You surely already know… it is what you were all born to do.” |
| Cody stared dumbfounded at the elder. "What do you mean 'born to do'?" He asked him, "You mean all of us were meant from the moment we were born to stop these soon-to-be-infinitely powerful people from taking over Weyward?" (Thats Earth here, Noel) The elder nodded. "I know this must be difficult to understand..." he began. "Difficult!?" Cody said, incredulous, "You just told us we are the only ones who can save Weyward from doom and that's all you can say about it? Difficult!" The elder raised his hand and Cody fell silent. "You must all be tired," he said, eying Jaina who was swaying on her feet, "How about you get some rest and come back tommorrow and we will try to explain more." Cody sighed, "Yes, sir." And headed back outside, the others trailing behind him. As they got back outside, Cody turned to face them. "Let's all meet back here at noon tommorrow, okay?" he asked. They all nodded. "Jake, Noel, I guess you guys will need a place to stay..." "Noel can stay at my house," Jaina said, a sleepy smile on her face. "I guess you will be staying at my house then, Jake," Cody replied, "Alright, see you all tomorrow. Let's go Jake." |
| Jaina watched as Cody and Jake walked away, and then turned toward the pathway to her own home. "I'll show you the way," she said kindly. "Thank you," Noel said. "I appreciate you letting me stay." Jaina shrugged. "None of us would leave you out in the dark you know." The rest of they way, they walked in silence, giving Jaina time to ponder what she had just heard. 'So, we were born to do this,' she thought, keeping her eyes on the ground. It was an odd idea. Their destiny was already set in stone. All they had to do was move forward toward it. Soon the two of them reached Jaina's home. As they entered, Jaina pulled a mat and a blanket from a shelf. "I can sleep on these," she said. "No," Noel protested. "I don't want to put you to any trouble." "It is no trouble," Jaina assured her. "You're my guest, so you sleep in the bed. I'm sorry that my house is so small, but it's home and I like it here." Noel nodded in thanks. "Are you hungry or thirsty?" Jaina asked politely. "Not hungry, just a bit thirsty from today's travel." Jaina drew Noel a cup of water from the pail of spring water sitting beside the door. After the cup was full, and she started to turn back to Noel, she saw the water in the pail shimmer and then begin to grow glassy... Jaina knew what was comming, and before the image could appear, she kicked the pail over, spilling the water and breaking the vision's power. With a trembling hand she gave Noel her cup of water. "What...?" Noel began. "That is how I see things," Jaina answered. "And... I'm not so sure I want to see what's comming." |
( Sorry guys, no ideas yet...keep going. I'll add next time Thanks wolf) |
| Noel looked at her host with true concern. “I understand all too well what you mean. Whenever I close my eyes to sleep, my rest is often plagued with visions that leave we wondering when I wake up.” Jaina nodded. “You said earlier that you saw us before in your dreams.” She sighed and walked over to a table and chairs and sat down. Noel followed her and did the same. Jaina smirked. “I thought you didn’t like sitting down?” Noel laughed. “True. Yet, there are times to stand and times to sit. I would often sit with my mother and ask for her council…” Noel sighed and shrugged her shoulders as she took a sip of water. “There are worse things one can experience other than visions. I fear we may be embarking on a long journey soon. If it’s anything like today then it will be full of dangers. We may need your visions and mine- though yours are of better use since you don’t need to fall asleep to see something.” She paused and saw Jaina’s face. She was afraid and overwhelmed. Noel was too, but she’d learned to hide such emotions, even from herself. “I’m sorry… Do as you see fit. If the visions scare you, then don’t use them. However… do not let fear devour your gifts. For that is what they are.” Jaina seemed pale and uneasy but she nodded. “I’ll think about it.” She stretched and yawned in her chair. “Well, I’m tired. Good night.” “Good night.” Noel gulped down the rest of her water and went to bed. It had been long since she’d slept on a mattress and her back welcomed it. Though she fell asleep quickly once again she found herself dreaming. Running… fire… fear… help! |
| Cody snored gently as he slept in his bed. Jake had fallen asleep on a large chair almost as soon as they had gotten to Cody's house. Cody's father were already asleep, so he would have to introduce Jake in the morning. Suddenly, a large explosion shook the very walls of the house and threw Cody and Jake to the hard, wooden floor. "What in the name of the gods was that!?" Jake shouted. "I don't know!" Cody responded as he got to his feet. "Cody!" his father called as he ran into the room, "Are you alright?" He stared, puzzled, at Jake, "Who's this?" "His name is Jake Blacksmith," Cody respnded as he strapped on his sword and donned his chainmail, "He's a friend of mine. Now let's go see what happened!" They all ran out of the house, Cody's father stopping only to grab his own sword. Outside, it was hell. Several buildings were ablaze and blackened corpses littered the ground. The carcass of a great scaled beast also lay on the ground, many of its scales cracked and burned and arrows protruded from both its eyes. Cody stared stunned as the only home he knew burned to the ground. A terrified scream echoed through the night and a woman carrying a small child ran around the corner, two men in black plate armor in hot pursuit. Not waiting for the others, Cody ran forward, sword raised. The two armored figures stopped short and stared at Cody. Suddenly, Cody felt very tired and his sword grew heavy. "Wha..." Cody whispered, "What's wrong with me?" A faint voice called out, "Spire!" and two stones pointed like spears flew towards the two assailants. One was able to dodge the lethal missle, but the other wasn't so lucky. The stone struck him in the face, killing him. The weariness gripping Cody lifted and he smiled. The surviving attacker turned towards Cody, eyes widening as he saw Cody's unnerving grin. Cody slowly raised his hand and pointed it at him. The man picked up his sword and charged, screaming a guttural war cry. "Inferno," Cody whispered, and swirling mass of fire flew from his hand and engulfed the charging figure, turning his war cry into a scream of agony. He soon fell to the ground, a charred husk. "Cody!" Jake called out, "There are more of them heading towards the middle of town!" "Jaina and Noel!" Cody shouted back, "Let's go!" |
| Jaina awoke to shouts of fear and pain, and to Noel shaking her shoulder. "Wake up! Jaina, Vale is under attack, get up!" Jaina was on her feet in an instant. She took her dagger from where she'd left it lying on the table. She could sense an unnatural heat nearby, and knew instantly what it was. Fire. She and Noel ran outside, and Jaina despaired to see the town aflame. The burning wood and straw cast an eerie glow into a dark sky quickly filling with smoke. Jaina's first thought was of Cody and Jake. The wind was blowing toward her home, and so the flames must have spread from close to wherever the two young men were staying. Then, Noel drew her attention. "Look there!" she shouted. Jaina looked were Noel pointed to see that several men dressed in strange black armor were running toward them. The two girls drew closer together, defensively. Beside her, Noel drew her weapon, so Jaina also held her dagger tightly in her hand. So many questions ran through Jaina's mind at once. Who were these men? Had they started the fire? What was happening to the other townspeople? What was happening to Jake and Cody... There was little time though to focus on anything other than their own attackers. She raised her free hand, mustering her strength. But when she uttered her spell to kill or at least stop the men, the only thing that happened was that a thin stream of water soaked the smoldering grass at her feet. Jaina felt the color drain from her face, and felt Noel's eyes upon her. 'No, oh dear God, not now!' she begged, but still nothing happened, and still the men advanced. Jaina abandoned the idea of using her powers, and held onto her dagger more firmly. So be it. She would fight with Noel, no matter what. A strong wind whipped around them, and Jaina glanced over at the other woman. Noel's eyes were fixed on their adversaries, and her hair flew wildly about her face. Jaina looked back to the men. They were almost upon them... |
| Noel awoke from her nightmare in a cold sweat. She had hoped that by opening her eyes, she would have escaped the nightmarish heat and screams. But as her mind cleared, she found that the heat remained as did the screams and panic that was going on outside. Quickly she flew out of the bed and woke Jaina. The young woman was just as quick to react- she grabbed her dagger and the two rushed outside to see fire leaping from the rooftops of the village like giant flames of a bonfire. Jaina cringed in pain; her home was being destroyed right in front of her eyes. Noel glanced movement in the corner of her eyes and turned to see armored men gathering- they were not friendly. “Look there!“ She warned her comrade. Noel grabbed the hilt of her chain whip and with a simple jerk of her wrist, snapped the chain out on the ground. As soon as Jaina saw them, she went into defense mode and raised her dagger, ready to use it if necessary. Noel risked a glimpse at Jaina and saw a hint of panic run through her eyes. Yet it did not stop her from raising her hand, intending to attack the massive men who quickly approached. Her attempts were in vain for her powers failed her at the last minute, rendering her spell useless. Noel tensed and began to take everything into her calculations. The men were large- mostly muscle and each held their own weapons. One held a massive axe that Noel doubted she could even lift off the ground. Another held two large swords that curved at the tips- perfect for slicing and dicing. Another held a spear, next to one with a bow as long as his body. The other three were equally equipped for battle and equally blood thirsty. She knew there was no way to handle this without violence and with Jaina’s power on the fritz, it would be all the more dangerous. Noel realized she needed something to take as many of them out in one blow but she couldn’t pick anything too dangerous because she didn’t want to harm Jaina or any of the fleeing villagers. She vaguely felt Jaina’s eyes upon her as the power of the winds began to swirl around her. “Get behind me and stay close!” She yelled. Jaina did as she had asked though reluctantly. “When one is close enough for you to reach out to, attack!” Jaina nodded. Noel waited a moment more. “Gail!” Her voice seemed a more powerful echo than normal as she thrust her free hand towards the warriors. They stumbled back but were too strong to be thrown from their feet. Yet it served its purpose and stunned them just in time for Noel to focus the power of wind into her chain whip. “Scorpions Slash!” She cried out as her chain, with a grace as though it were part of her arm, sliced into the row of enemies. The power of the wind was so strong that they were flung to their backs- six with a wound that would not allow them to rise anytime soon. The largest one with an axe had managed to dodge most of her attack and seemed to have some fight left in him. As the winds disappeared around Noel and she fell to one knee when a dizziness came over her, Jaina jumped out from behind her. Noel closed her eyes for a few moments. When the dizziness left her, Jaina’s adversary had fallen. She turned around and looked at Noel. “Amazing…” She whispered. Noel chuckled and stood up. “Yes, you were.” She said with a smile. |
| Cody, his father, and Jake ran through the burning town at full speed. It was chaos. Most of the buildings were on fire, and many of the townspeople were dead. As they ran through the cente of town, they spottted a large group of villagers and Adepts racing towards the edge of town, black-armored men right behind them. Cody's father adjusted his grip on his sword and turned to Cody and Jake. "I'm going to go help the other villagers," he told them, "Get your friends and get out of here. We'll meet at the town of Vault. Hurry!" Cody and Jake nodded and raced off. Cody blinked back tears at the sight of his home burning to the ground. He had never imagined that something this horrible could ever happen to his people, and even with their powerful psyenergy abilities, they couldn't stop it. A shout rang out from around the next corner and the two picked up the pace. As they rounded the corner, Cody saw Jaina and Noel just finishing a fight with a group of the soldiers. Cody looked around at the crumpled forms of their foes. "Good job," Cody said, a slight mirthless smile on his face. But the others were staring, round-eyed, at something behind him. He slowly turned around, knowing full well what was probably behind him. The same kind of creature from the Sol Sanctum sat a couple of yards from him. "Not again," he muttered, as the creature roared and charged at them. |
| Jaina was weighted down by the shock of killing. She held her bloodied dagger loosely now, wanting to fling it away from her but knowing she would need it soon enough as she stared at the huge black creature that sat behind Cody. When Cody turned, the beast let out a terrible roar and leapt toward him... toward them all. It was very close to Cody and Jake, and Jaina's heart fluttered not only with fear, but also anger. Her powers and her courage had already failed her once, putting Noel in danger. "No, you will not do this!" she shouted. Some instinct within her seemed to be guiding her actions. This time, when she raised her hand, she screamed the command for her spell to come. "Drench!" At the same time her spray of water flew toward the dragon-beast, angling down toward the ground, Noel spoke some word that send a powerful gust of wind. The wind drove the water in a wide arch that coated the ground and blew in the creature's face, making it blink dumbly in mid-step. Jaina's powerful anger and desire to be of use made the water freeze, hard and slick across the ground even though it radiated heat. When the dragon-beast's claws hit the ice, they slipped sideways and sent it crashing to the ground on its side, sliding even as it did so. Cody and Jake had already drawn their swords, prepairing to fight. Jaina knew that what she and Noel had done together was only a momentary diversion, but it pleased her that her spell had worked this time. And after all, the four of them were going to have to learn to work as a team if they were to succede. The two girls had stalled the creature, now it was Jake and Cody's turn to attack. |
| (I really hate doing this, I've got lots of works that I'm trying to work on. Lone, if you could disconnect me from this campfire. I know...I hate to leave...but I've got lots of work here. Thanks for your works, you are still in competition for your TF Story. Keep your eyes peeled. Thanks for everything, you are truly a writer. Yours always in Fantasy: Orion Star) |
| Noel gritted her teeth in frustration. This beast was large and Cody and Jake would need more help if they expected to beat the creature without any damage to themselves. However, after that last spell, Noel felt the dizziness return. This time she ignored it and would not show weakness. She remained in her fighting stance and refused to waver from it. Jake smiled. “I know how to beat it.” He said as he raised his sword and uttered a spell. “Wait!” Noel tried to warn but things were happening too fast. The monstrous creature managed to dodge the attack just as Noel cried out her warning. “What the…” Jake asked, dumbfounded. “It was expecting that.” Noel called to him. “You could see it when his leg muscles tensed a second before you attacked.” It seemed only a second, but Jake glanced over at Cody. “What do we do?” Just then the beast pounced and landed right in front of the men. A giant claw struck at Jake and Cody. Cody was able to dodge it , though a sharp talon ripped at his shoulder, but Jake was flung into the air. He landed hard onto the ground and knocked unconscious. Cody, in defense, struck out a the monster and used a flame spell that seemed unable to penetrate the hard armored scales of the thing in front of them. The dragon-like beast cried out and looked down at Cody, ready to be finished with him. “No!” Jaina yelled and uttered a spell. Razor sharp ice daggers flung from her hand and penetrated deep into its flesh. It’s howl was deafening as it reared up on its hind legs. Noel saw the opportunity and mustered up the remainder of her strength- feeling electricity run through her as she took a deep breath. Cody saw what she was doing. “Blue bolt…” She threw her chain and rapped it around the beasts leg as thunder rolled in the air. Cody cried out a spell of his own and in a split second a large blue light filled the air. Noel let go of her weapon at the last second to avoid the burning shock. When the light disappeared, the scent of burning flesh rose from the collapsed form in front of them. Noel fell to her knee’s and shook her head. Jaina ran to her. “Are you alright?” Cody asked. Noel looked up at him and smiled. “I hate lightning attacks- they leave your head spinning… How’s Jake?" Noel asked. |
| Corr gritted his teeth in frustration as his Fume spell bounced harmlessly off the creature's scales. The creature's head spun and its razor-sharp teeth loomed over him. Cody gripped his sword and prepared to drive it through the mouth, into the brain, as it bit. Jaina screamed out, "No! Diamond Dust!" and a horde of icelike blades flew from her hands and buried themselves into the creature's skin. Cody was thrown backwards a bit as the beast reeled backwards and stood on its hind legs. In the corner of his eye, Cody spot Noel gathering up energy, small arcs of electricity dancing across her skin. She's preparing a spell! Cody realized, and he prepared one as well. As Noel let loose with her Blue Bolt, Cody sent one of his most powerful spells, Inferno, along with it, creating a single, gigantic blast. As the dust cleared, the dragon-beast lay crumpled in a smoking heap of burnt scales. Cody turned to Jaina and Noel and saw that Noel had fallen to her knees and Jaina was kneeling next to her. "Are you alright?" he asked, concerned that the spell had taken too much out of her. She smiled up at him. "I hate lightning attacks-they leave your head spinning...How's Jake?" Cody turned and saw that Jake had been struck by the creature's claws and had been knocked unconscious. A large slash had gone through his leather jerkin and had torn open a hole in his chest. It wasn't too damaging, but he needed healing before he bled out too much. "Anyone know some healing?" he asked as he turned to the girls. |
| Jaina and Noel looked at each other. "I know healing," Noel said, "but I'm weak now. I don't know if I can help him..." "You can," Jaina assured her. "To help him... we can." When Noel gave her a curious look, Jaina explained. "The healing comes as the visions do. Only when it is needed, and never more than that. I have no control over it, but I believe it comes through faith, and will not abandon us now. I think that if you can use your power, I can help sustain your energy until we're done." She stood, and helped steady Noel as she too got to her feet. She had possibly saved them all with that last spell, but it had taken a lot out of her, so Jaina watched after her carefully. Together they walked to Jake and knelt. Cody stood behind them, looking on in concerned silence. Jaina took a deep breath as she looked down on the injured young man. She'd only done something like this a few times before, but she had a feeling that the ability wouldn't fail her now. And besides, Noel was here now. Noel placed her hands over Jake's chest on either side of the painful-looking wound. Jaina lay her hand gently on his forehead and closed her eyes. She heard Noel speak, and was aware that she continued to speak although her mind would not focus on the exact words. Jaina concentrated, and let her own heart and spirit reach out to her friends. She could feel life about her. Noel and Jake... She let her energy flow to Noel to help her, all the while keeping close watch on Jake's condition. Jaina felt the power flowing back into his body, and heard him gasp as he came to. "Shh," Jaina murmured. "It is almost done... be still." Mentally, she reached out to Noel, willing her to hang on until the completion of her task. Then, the energy stopped flowing, and Jaina opened her eyes, at the same time drawing her hand back. The wound on Jake's chest had seemed flawlessly closed again. Noel took a deep breath and took her hands away from Jake as well. Jaina smiled at her. "You did wonderfully," she praised. Jake sat up and ran his fingers over the tear in his jerkin. He looked up at them in amazement. "Th-thank you," he stammered. Noel smiled weakly. "You're welcome," she said. Jaina smiled proudly for her friend. She stood, and then reached down to help Noel up. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Cody pull Jake to his feet. |
| Noel wasn’t sure if she’d be able to complete the healing process on Jake. She mentally kicked herself for using so many attacks but then she looked at her companions and sighed. I’m just glad they’re alright Noel thought to herself. She felt rather childish, needing Jaina’s help to make it over to Jake but she knew she couldn’t walk on her own just yet. She looked at the young woman. She’s just full of surprises… Noel chuckled to herself. As she knelt next to Jake and pressed hard into the side of his open wound, Jaina prepared in helping her. At least it’s not so bad that I have to use that technique. Noel took deep clensing breaths as she gathered the energy around her. Slowly, she collected it. Noel remembered the ancient language she needed. “Cui shinazat uteri Con Pondifero” Noel slowly uttered the words taught to her as a child. Someone who had mastered their skills didn’t need to use words to cast their magic, but words were needed by most to tap into the powers within and around them. “Si amot ca diferios dre venderas.” There was only a split second of pain within her chest before it was done and Jake, to her relief, was healed. Jaina helped Noel up and Cody helped Jake. “Th- thank you.” Jake managed to get out. Noel was happy to find her energy was no less than before. She laughed and patted Jake on the back. Apparently he was still a little wobbly himself because he stumbled forward a bit. Jake’s eyes widened as he caught his balance. For a second everyone had forgotten what had happened and chuckled. Jaina looked to be near tears. “I’m just glad you’re still with us.” Noel teased. “What was that you spoke?” Cody asked. Noel couldn’t read his emotions. “It’s name is lost in the pages of time but it translates to: Ancient spirits of water, earth, sky, and fire- all that is life resides within your presence. I ask that you give a small portion of your energy to heal one of your own… Well that’s basically what it means.” Noel began to feel good enough to stand on her own. Cody looked at her oddly then added, “We need to get to Vault as quickly as possible. My father said to meet him there with the others.” “Shouldn’t we look for survivors?” Jaina asked. “I fear there might not be any.” Jake said in a solemn voice. Noel was a little shaky when she walked over to the charred beast and untangled her chain, coiling it back up and hanging it at her waist. “What do you think Noel?” Jake asked. Noel raised an eyebrow. “I will go where you go.” She said to them all. “It is not my choice, really. My home was not the one just attacked with nearly everyone killed. Wait- I will tell you if there are any survivors.” She said. “But how?” Jaina asked. Noel smiled. “Something I picked up over the years. Everyone be still. I’ll search the Earth for a heartbeat and the air for breathing.” Everyone was silent as Noel closed her eyes and focused. A moment later she opened them and looked at her friends, shaking her head. “All is lost. If they did not make it out before, they will not do so now.” |
| Cody sighed heavily as Noel shook her head. His home...gone. It almost didn't seem possible. The home where he and Jaina had spent there entire childhood, but yet, here was the proof. Nearly all of Vale had burned to the ground, the only thing still standing was the temple, but Cody didn't have a doubt in his mind that their attackers would pull it down in time. "Alright everyone," Cody said as he turned from the devastation, "We had better get started, it's at least a three day walk to Vale, and the others have a headstart." "But how are we going to survive out there?" Jake argued, "We have no supplies and no horses! Those soldiers will intercept us within a day!" "As for the supplies," Cody stated patiently, "We can find food in the forests, I am a farely good hunter. And as for the soldiers..." His eyes burned, "If they find us, so be it." ------------------- Later that night, they all made camp outside the forest that Vale had been made in. Cody had built a small campfire while Jake had raised a small covering of earth and grass to hide the glare of the flames. As Cody tended to the flames, he spotted Jaina sitting by herself, staring out in the direction of Vale. Cody knew what she was going through, losing ones home was a horrible thing to go through. Cody got up and walked over to where she was sitting and kneeled down next to her. "Hey," he said as he put a hand on her shoulder, "Are you alright?" |
| Jaina sat staring off in the direction of Vale. It was impossible for her not to wonder weather she could have changed this all by simply looking at the vision that had almost come in the water. She jumped slightly when Cody put his hand on her shoulder. She'd been lost in thought, and hadn't noticed him come to kneel beside her. "Are you alright?" he asked. Jaina nodded. "Yeah, I'm okay." She lifted her eyes again back toward the direction of Vale. "I'm like you... that was the only home I've ever known. I think though, that it will be easier for me to move on than for you." She looked at him then. "Your family was there. My parents, and brother, are long dead and gone. I think it was my time to leave there anyway." She foldered her arms and stared down at the ground. "There is nothing left for me there. Maybe not for any of us now. I just wish we'd had a chance to talk with the elders again before we had to go." Glancing back at Cody, Jaina could see the pain in him as well. "What about you?" she asked. "Are you going to be okay?" He blinked, then sighed. "I'm going to be okay. We don't have time to grieve for what's lost." "You know, we've gained something as well," Jaina pointed out. "Jake, Noel, you, and I... we have all gained new friendship and new purpose." She looked around at the small camp. Noel was resting now. Jake was sitting by the rise in the ground that he had created. Jaina was silently grateful that Vale had not been their home too. She hoped that such distruction wouldn't visit other villages and towns. Cody seemed to be thinking for a moment. Then he nodded slightly. "I guess you're right in a way. Still..." "Vale was home," Jaina finished for him. "I know." |
| Noel opened her eyes and looked around at her companions. She hadn’t gone to sleep- It had been a difficult day and she hadn’t wanted to be bogged down by trials of the future. Instead she’d just closed her eyes and relaxed as her energy came back. Jaina and Cody spoke to one another for a while before returning to the warmth of the small fire. Jake hadn’t said a word for a long time. He looked up at her and saw her concern. He tried to smile but gave up on it. “It’s not everyday that you almost die.” Noel nodded and sat up straighter. She glanced at Cody and Jaina. They seemed just as lost in thought as Jake. Noel wanted to cheer everyone up but she didn’t know how.. Jake sighed. “Wish there was some music of something.” He looked back up at his friends. “I had a friend once who could play music. He was quite good…” The group fell silent again. Noel smiled broadly. “Well, if it’s music you want…” She said and she reached into the pouch at her waist and took out three small pieces of metal. She was quick at attaching them together, making a small piccolo. “I think with the help of Jakes fire-blocker,” She said pointing to the mound of earth and branches stopping any light from getting out. “and the strong winds- no one but us will be able to hear it.” She said and looked around at the others for their approval. They looked at one another and then nodded. Noel thought for a moment. Something too fast wasn’t appropriate and yet something too slow would make all their hearts even heavier. “Perhaps something from back home?” She said to them. “Do forgive me if I miss a few notes. I’m not used to this sort of audience.” “I’m sure you’ll do fine. Besides, music’s just what the doctor ordered.” Jake said eagerly. Noel nodded and put the small flute up to her lips and played the song. When she finished she set it in her lap and looked at everyone. “It’s amazing what a little music can do.” Cody said in a hushed tone. Jaina nodded. “I agree. Thank you Noel.” Noel nodded and put the small instrument away. She was glad to see them smile. But she found it a bit difficult to return one of her own. The thought of home made her heart sore and she knew a little of what Cody and Jaina were feeling. She leaned back once again and gazed up at the stars and tried to leave the past exactly where it was. |
| Cody was the first one to awake in the morning, so he went hunting. When the others began waking up a few hours later, a couple rabbits and a small deer had already been cleaned and roasted. "Morning everyone," he said cheerfully as he took a small rabbit off a spick. "Mmm, smells good," Jake said as he sat up. Cody handed out the food and they ate in silence. Jaina looked as if she had a rough night. Jake had slept fine, o doubt because of the fight earlier. Cody had fallen asleep fine, but had had a disturbing dream. But every time he tried to think of it, it eluded him. "Hey," Jake said, sniffing the air, "Does anyone else smell smoke? Not like wood smoke...but something else. It's more bitter." Cody and Noel stood up and looked off towards the south. Sure enough, a plume of black, acrid smoke rose out of the woods--in the direction of Vault. A knot twisted itself in Cody's stomach. "Pack up everyone," he ordered as he put out the fire, 'We have to get going. Something's wrong." ---------------------- (One day later.) Cody stared openmouthed in shock at the scene before him. The walls of Vault were scorched and in some places broken. The belltower had been comepletely demolished and several other buildings had been destroyed. But Vault stood. Barely. Several grim-faced soldiers and Adepts stared at them from the walls. Several soldiers had loaded crossbows pointed at them and the Adepts were readying spells. "Who are you?" one of the soldiers shouted, "And what is your business here?" "We are refugees from Vale," Cody answered, "We were told some others from our town had come here." "Some very well-armed refugees," one of the Adepts shouted at them, a spear of stone floating just over his shoulder, pointed at Cody's chest. "We were among those who defended Vale," Cody explained. "Mere children!?" the first guard scoffed, "No wonder Vale fell." Cody's eyes burned and he clenched his fists tight. Jaina laid a hand on his shoulder and shook her head slightly. He forced himself to relax, exploding here would not help their situation. The Adept who spoke eyed them for a minute before speaking again, "You may enter, if you hand over your weapons. They will be given back if you behave yourself when you leave." Cody turned to the others before answering. |
| Jaina did not like the weapons aimed at them. Undoubtably, none of the others did either. When on of the Adepts spoke in almost a mocking tone, Jaina saw Cody's fists tighten. She sensed more than felt the minute change in atmosphere and temperature. She laid her hand lightly upon his shoulder, and when he glanced at her she shook her head. He'd likely only succede in getting himself killed if he showed the power of his anger here. Jaina nervously eyed the stone of spear the Adept had at the ready. Then, the same Adept told them that they must give up their weapons if they were to enter. Cody turned to look at all of them questioningly. "What do you think?" he asked all of them. Jaina thought for a moment. She was so inept with her simple dagger that it probably wouldn't matter to her anyway. "We all have more weapons than meet the eye," she whispered so that only her friends could hear. "To take away all of the weapons we posses, the people of Vault would practically have take our magic and our souls, and they can't do that." Jaina drew her dagger and held it loosely, indicating to the Adept that it could be taken without argument. Noel and Jake were a bit more hesitant. They were more skilled with their choice of weaponry, but their was little choice. They needed entrance to Vault. Lastly, Cody drew his sword as well, and he turned back to the solders and Adepts upon the wall. "We will hand over our weapons," he agreed. The Adept who had been speaking to them nodded, and motioned for the doors to be opened. |
| Noel looked at Cody, Jaina, and Jake. It was strange how one could grow so attached to forged metal. If it had been three days ago when Noel had been on her own, she would have turned away from Vault… but she knew she needed to give up her weapon. Still, her chain whip no longer at her side- even for a day was a horrible thought. Then Jaina spoke. "We all have more weapons than meet the eye," she said in a hushed tone. "To take away all of the weapons we posses, the people of Vault would practically have take our magic and our souls, and they can't do that." Noel felt rather foolish at her previous thoughts. Jaina was right. They didn’t need metal to protect them. They had magic and even more… they had spirit. Noel nodded and took her whip from her waist and set it on the ground with care. Jake followed soon after. And so Cody replied to the Adepts request. "We will hand over our weapons." Once the bridge was let down, soldiers came out and took their weapons. Then they escorted them inside where a few of the Adepts met them moments latter. Noel didn’t like it when she felt prying eyes sizing up both her and her companions. Out of habit she glanced back and watched nervously as the gate was again raised and secured. “Please,” Cody asked with as much patients as he seemed to be able to muster. “Are the refugee’s from Vale here?” One of the Adepts sighed. “There are merely a third of those who first arrived that remain. We ourselves have taken heavy casualties.” “What happened here?” Jake asked. Though by the tone of his voice, he seemed to already know- as did the others. “If you are who you say you are, then you should know.” One of the other Adepts replied as he eyed Cody and Jake. “The same thing that happened to Vale, happened to us.” He was bald and seemed to have a constant scowl on his face- not that Noel blamed him. “can you take us to the other refugee’s? My father…” Cody began. Noel could see his pain. If only a third remained… then his father may have… “Don’t worry Cody.” Noel said with a reassuring smile. “If you’re anything like your father, then he’ll be fine. I’m sure of it.” She hoped she’d cheered him. It was a sad attempt but she hated to see others hurting. “She’s right, Cody.” Jaina agreed. Jake nodded. “We’ll take you later. First, we need to talk.” The bald Adept barked. The other Adept added, “Can’t be too careful you understand.” |
| Cody sighed in frustration as the two Adepts led them through the maze of burnt and damaged houses. They didn't have time for this, they had to find the Vale refugees. Or at least, what was left of them. From the look on Jaina's face, she was probably the same thing. The pair led the group into a large house near the middle of the town, most likely the mayor's house. Two large holes preforated the roof and an arrow was stuck in the crossbeam above the door. Inside the house was no better. What used to be a chair and a couch was reduced to nothing but but kindling, and the shattered remains of several glass lanterns littered the floor. As the group stepped inside, a chubby little man walked downstairs to greet them. He wore a colorful tunic that clashed greatly with the steel chestplate that barely contained his great gut. He also had a cheerful little smile that also clashed with the sword buckled to his calico belt. "Hello Janson, Jaren," the man said as he wiped his profusely sweating brow, "What may I do for you? And who are these young folk?" "These 'young folk,'" Janson answered, stressing the words young folk, "Wished to gain access to the city. Though we usually let in refugees, these people were heavily armed, so we detained for questioning by you, milord." The mayor rolled his eyes slightly at Janson's dramatics and winked good-naturedly at Cody while he wasn't looking, and put on serious face as he turned towards the group. "Well, young people," he said as seriously as he could manage, "Explain yourselves." Cody sighed inwardly, he really didn't wan't to explain this again, but he had no choice. So he explained in the most patient voice he could the incidents at Vale. As he spoke, the mayor's face slowly went from shocked, to outraged, and then filled with pity. At the end of his narrative, Cody sighed heavily and Jaina had lowered her head so her hair hid her face. Cody lifted his face towards Jansen. "That a good enough explanation for you?" he asked, a dire look in his eyes. Jansen just stared at him, his face emotionless. "I'm very sorry about your town, Cody," the mayor said sorrowfully, "We will do our best to help any other refugees that come this way." "Speaking of the refugees," Jaina said suddenly, "How many are here right now?" The mayor thought a moment before answering, "Last check it was over a hundered." Cody spoke up, "Did a tall man, black-haired, armored in chainmail and carrying a large sword with a flame imprinted on come in with them?" The mayor's eyes immeadiatly widened and Jaren sighed in sorrow. Cody looked at their faces, a knot of fear and dread twisting in his stomach. 'Well?" "I'm sorry, son," the mayor said regretfully, "A man matching that description did come in with the refugees, but he was badly injured. We did all we could...but he died less than a hour ago. I'm truly sorry. Did you know him?" |
| Jaina's breath caught in her throat. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Noel flinch, and Jake stepped forward a little. From where she stood behind Cody, she saw his hands clench into fists, and then go limp by his sides. "Kn-know him?" Cody said hoarsely. "H-he's my...father." "I'm so sorry..." the mayor repeated. "Don't you have healers?" Cody demanded harshly, his voice rising. "Didn't they do anything?" Jaina reached forward to put a comforting hand on his arm, but he moved away from her. "We tried son, we did everything we could, but not even the best healers could cure such serious injuries," the mayor explained. Jaina could tell he was genuinely sorry for Cody's loss. Cody was trembling slightly. He turned back to his friends. "I-if we'd only arrived an hour earlier..." he gasped. "Cody," Noel said softly, "even if we had been here, there would have been nothing any of us could do." "But I could have spoken to him... said goodbye..." Cody's voice came in broken fragments. His eyes were fixed on the far wall. Jaina felt so sorry for him. He had expected his father to be here, but now he was gone. That was a terrible blow. The mayor looked on with concern. "Is there anything at all we may do?" Jake, stunned by the news, finally turned his eyes to the mayor as he found his voice. "Is there any place where we may be alone for a time?" The mayor nodded understandingly. "Jaren, take them to an empty building and let them rest. They must have had a long journey here. Someone will come to take you to the refugees soon," he promised. "Thank you," Jake answered. Jaren led the way out of the door. The walk was short and quiet. Jaina, Noel, and Jake walked close to Cody, instinctively protective of their friend in his numbed state of mind. Jaren took them to a building that was still mostly intact, and there he left them. Cody wandered to a corner and sat down on the floor. He still stared blankly out to the opposite wall. Jaina exchanged glances with Noel and Jake. As if by some unspoken agreement, they also sat, creating a half-circle about Cody. They would not leave him unless he asked to be left alone. Jaina sighed. One thing was certain. There would be much to do. They still had to meet with the other refugees. Then there would be a funeral. After that... Jaina's mind could not function to think of what would come next. |
| Noel sat with the others in silence. As she stared at Cody, her eyes began to water. The sadness he clearly felt was so strong that she could sense it in the air and it pained her that she could do nothing for him. She knew what loss was but she couldn't imagine loosing her parents. Her own mother had been so kind and loving, though stern and unbending. Yet she had always been there for Noel to listen whenever she needed someone... and her father... She still thought of him as her daddy and she didn't think that that would ever change. She sighed heavily and her left hand went to the scar that went across her eye and gilt filled her heat. "I am sorry Cody..." She whispered. Cody slowly looked up at her with glazed eyes. "I know there wasn't anything we could do- how were we to know-" She broke off as tears streamed down his face. "But... if I would have slept... perhaps I would have seen it and could have tried-" "They said their best healers couldn't do anything." Jake replied solomnly. Noel nodded her head. She knew he was right. She herself had said it not long ago but she couldn't find herself to believe her own rationalization. Noel flung her arms around Cody and held him. She could feel heat coming from him and felt him shake a little. Jaina did the same and Jake rested his hand on Cody's shoulder. "We're here for you." Jake said. For a long while Cody didn't say anything. He just silently shed his tears for his father. Finally, in a faint voice he said, "Thanks guys." Slowly Noel and Jaina let go and Jake put his hand down. Cody quickly whipped away his tears and stood up. He walked over to the bed that was against the wall and layed down facing the corner. Once again silence fell over the group.Noel went to a corner and sat there. She took out her picilo but didn't play it. Instead she looked down at it and visited an old memory of home and good times. She didn't know how long it was before someone entered the room. "Young man," She said politely. "Is there any way you would like your father to be put to rest? He was a good man and helped many..." "I don't know..." Cody said flatly once he'd gotten out of the bed. Noel thought for a moment. "What about a pyre? Hero's are burned so that the world will know of their passing and of the brightness of their life. It is the greatest honor I know of and his ashes can be scattered in his favorite place." Cody looked at her with little light in his eyes. "It is your choice, my friend. If you'd like I can even play my picilo at his funeral..." Noel fell silent. She didn't know how else she could help. As she waited for his answer she recalled the first funeral flames she'd seen and how her mothers lyre filled the air with a sad bitter melody. |
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