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| Taken; Sequel to "Lost" | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: April 21, 2013, 10:02 pm (4,918 Views) | |
| Ice | January 9, 2014, 11:21 pm Post #421 |
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Leader
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Storm's eyes widened slightly, truly not expecting Crystal to oblige, at least not so easily. But relief flooded over him as she did. He moved over to her, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close, using one hand to tilt her face up so she faced him. "Crystal, thank you." He bent and kissed her lips, his worry of her being in danger lifting easily from his shoulders. Finally, he pulled away, still facing her. "Please, don't feel that you don't have a choice in the matter. Because you do. I am just so happy your choice is to stay back." He pushed a lock of her hair behind her ear and his voice softened from its joyous tone. "But I got your armor for a reason. I know you'll be watching. And I want you to be wearing your armor as you do. I'd say it's for the possibility of us not being able to hold their army back and that the armor is to help protect you as the fighting comes to the village. But that would be a lie. As soon as you see me go down, Crystal, I... do want you to come into the battle...." He seemed forced to say it, not truly meaning it as he wanted her safe but he knew that if he should go down, someone equally strong should take his place. For the village's sake. And for the sake of compromising her wants to fight beside him. "Isn't that an alright agreement, Crystal? And if anything happens that makes you mad at me in this, you can get revenge on me through the wedding. If you just do this for me, Crystal, I will do whatever you want from me in our wedding. I swear it. Please be alright with this." Wanting to kiss her lips but also wanting an answer, he bent to kiss her neck instead, trailing down to her shoulder, using a finger to slightly pull at the top of her shirt. |
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| shadow | January 9, 2014, 11:39 pm Post #422 |
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Choir Boy
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As Crystal listened to his plea of sorts, she felt the emotions welling up. Her eyes watered as she fought the thoughts, but when Storm mentioned the wedding again, she broke. The tears began to stream down her face in silent sorrow. they dropped on Storm's head as he kissed her neck. "I...I...How can I be all right with this? I'm doing it for you but..." The sorrow began to choke her words as they came. "Y-You want me to just watch. What am I supposed to do if you go dow-down? I don't want to lose you Storm. I don't kn-know what I'd do if you died and I just stood here and watched." She clenched her hands into tight fists, fingers digging into her palms as she strained against the sobs. "There might not even be a wedding if you...Please Storm...Sharder...You can't die on me. No matter what, you can't. I'll never forgive you if you do," she managed to say, squeezing her eyes as more tears came. |
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| Ice | January 9, 2014, 11:53 pm Post #423 |
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Leader
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Feeling a single tear, his body went rigid and he straightened, looking at her to find her crying. He listened to her words, not minding her use of his true name, knowing he allowed her to use it. "No, baby, no." He muttered, kissing her forehead as he picked her up and carried her over to the bed. Sitting her on it, he climbed on it as well, crossing his legs and taking bother of her hands in his. "Baby, shhh. That's not what I meant when I said 'go down'. I only mean if it looks like I start getting overwhelmed. If I start losing. If I fall. Then I want you out there fighting by my side. I am not going to die in this war. Not before I get to marry the most amazing woman on this planet. I promise you. And if I break this promise, you can curse my name to hell and I will gladly stay there." He leaned forward, taking her face in his hands, wiping her tears away and kissing her forehead again, lowering and kissing her lips. "I haven't died yet, have I? Why would I now, huh?" He knew he couldn't promise such a thing. Couldn't promise he'd live through this. But his voice was as calm as he could lie to make it be. "Have faith in me." |
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| shadow | January 16, 2014, 11:03 pm Post #424 |
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Choir Boy
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Crystal tried to stop the feeling, but knew it was futile. She threw her arms around Storm and pulled in closer to him, burying her face against his chest as she sobbed more. After a long while, she finally began to calm down, the tears stemming and the racking sobs lessened. She stayed still though, feeling the warmth of his chest against her cheek and taking great comfort in it. "I'm sorry. I...I've just never felt this way about anyone before. Words can't even begin to describe everything." She heaved a long sigh, wishing this moment to go on for all eternity. "I just don't want to lose you. I've lost so many people in wars already, and I couldn't manage to lose you," she said while staring at nothing. Shadow slipped through the halls with leisure as he made his way to the top spire. In the spire, he came out on the top floor, flooded with grand sunshine. he grabbed the rail and hopped on top, then with an acrobats swing, flipped onto the steep incline where Aeroth was perched. He scrambled to the top and crouched on the precarious roofing. Without any bidding Aeroth gave his report. "They will be here by late evening tomorrow, early afternoon if they march through the night. Catapults, great land beasts, certainly some kind of mage units. plenty of archers and soldiers to fight. Maybe not the most organized, but their forces are far beyond what we could muster here. They fly many flags, so it's not just one kingdom either." Shadow nodded as the information came to him. "Sounds dire. Do you think we will make it through this?" "It's likely, but not without great loss on both sides. With our current force, we'd be lucky to have a hand full of us survive. You, Crystal, Storm, Narasu, and myself are the biggest advantages we have right now. That's how we will win," Aeroth speculated with his vast history in mind. "No Crystal. Storm is making her sit this one out, despite our protests," Shadow said staring out along the vast horizon. "Love makes us do interesting things after all," Aeroth said, then with a beat of his black wings, he lifted from the spire and soared off to await the impending doom. Shadow decided to return without going inside. He stood and with one pitched fell from the spire. He whipped out a dagger and dug into the side of the castle, making a pole for a violent vault upwards, propelling him forward along the outside. He did this twice with skill and incredibly speed from gravity. Finally, he landed on a ledge along a set of windows that he followed until finding an open one and hopping into the empty halls. "Everyone must be preparing already then," he said as he started the now short trip to the bed room. |
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| Ice | January 16, 2014, 11:11 pm Post #425 |
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Leader
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He kissed her head, his hand playing idly through her hair. "Crystal. You're not losing me. And I know you're going to protect me. You are my everything, baby. And I refuse to die without you." He lifted her face up, bending and kissing her lips softly, slowly until she kissed him back, wiping away tears as his hands prevented her from backing away from him. |
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| shadow | January 17, 2014, 12:09 am Post #426 |
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Choir Boy
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Though Crystal was reluctant at first, she accepted his affection and kissed back, letting her hand run through Storm's hair the way she knew he loved. She stopped suddenly as Shadow had silently walked in and disrupted their time by making a show of clearing his throat. "Ahem. U'm sorry to disturb you both, but word is in. Their army will be here later evening tomorrow, early after noon if they march through the night. There is more too," he added, waiting to see if they were more interested in listening or if they would rather spend their time together. |
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| Ice | January 17, 2014, 12:16 am Post #427 |
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Leader
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Storm's shoulders dropped as he pulled away with a sigh of disappointment. He turned, getting off of the bed to stand and crossing his arms, trying to switch his mind from its previous occupation to the news at hand. "Alright, Shadow. What else is there?" |
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| shadow | January 18, 2014, 11:32 pm Post #428 |
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Choir Boy
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Shadow, feeling slightly guilty, continued on his report. "They bring swords men, archers, mages, rams, catapults, great land creatures, and absurd numbers as well. More than just one nation with them, so it's more than just one kingdom that wants us gone." Crystal listened as well, worry creeping in as he continued with the report. The estimate from Aeroth was that only a had full would survive if we were lucky. And without Crystal, one of our three biggest anchors, it's going to be ever harder on us," he explained with a gravely serious tone. |
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| Ice | January 18, 2014, 11:56 pm Post #429 |
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Leader
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Storm made no immediate reply, instead turning silently and walking to the window, looking out it at the horizon at which the multiple armies lay in wait. He stayed there, so silent as if he didn't exist, before bowing his head and beginning to laugh. It sounded half-maniacal in tone and his shoulders shook. He finally began to quiet and turned back, walking for Shadow, his eyes at the man's waist where he held Storm's drugs. This was the first time Storm had felt he'd needed them since he'd put on his armor with the infused stone. "You know what I think, Shadow? I think Aeroth's calculation of who would come out on top was wrong. There will be fewer than a handful to survive and not all of us will be in it. Give me some smokes and some heroine, Shadow. And five pills. And, lady Crystal, would you mind my using of the room at the farthest end of the hall? No? Good." He looked expectantly at Shadow, his own thoughts swirling through his mind. "Ah, and you Highness. Might I borrow your seal?" |
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| shadow | January 19, 2014, 2:15 pm Post #430 |
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Choir Boy
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Shadow put an invisible guard up as Storm came towards him, a look in his eyes that portrayed something distant. He eyed Storm and, for obvious reasons, asked, "Why do you need that much? What do you have planned exactly?" Crystal showed more bewilderment than worry at Storm's sudden and extreme change in behavior. |
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| Ice | January 19, 2014, 2:32 pm Post #431 |
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Leader
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"What do I have planned?" The same insane laugh came from him and his eyes began to glow. "What I have planned is probably suicidal and I'm still going to end up losing it all. Now, why don't you hand over everything you have of mine so I can at least be numb for the experience, hm?" His eyes suddenly turned angry. "You both are wasting precious time. We have only hours. Shadow, drugs. Crystal, the seal. Your ring. A piece of paper would be useful, as well. And then Shadow, you should go to the ranks of the army. You'll be marching in one of the groups' centers. Their army will have their soldiers marching in the front lines, as they're the least useful. Mine will be less like that. But putting you in the front lines not only puts you unnecessarily in danger but it also makes our soldiers only behind you. In the center, you have soldiers to take care of their soldiers and by the time you get to the front, you should be up against more powerful beings with soldiers still behind you to support you. Those behind you will be at your command, so establish your authority with them now. Get the soldiers riled up. Get them ready." He held out his hand for the drugs again. "And let them say goodbye to their families." His eyes flew to Crystal. "You'll be fucking fighting in this war. Don't bother with staying in hiding. Get your armor on and go with Shadow. Before you meet him there, go to every single house in this village and prepare the women for the fight. The enemy's soldiers will make it into this village and these villagers need to be ready. Any child older than 14 needs to be prepared to fight. All younger need to be hidden away. Now give what I've asked for and move! Every minute is precious and against us!" Though his eyes showed a mixture of emotions, including bordering madness, they also showed experience. Storm knew what he was doing. He'd been in charge of armies before. Of a kingdom before. He knew he rarely deserved to be in charge but he could only hope that his orders were followed and he was put in charge this time.
Edited by Ice, January 19, 2014, 2:33 pm.
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| shadow | February 15, 2014, 12:35 pm Post #432 |
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Choir Boy
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Shadow was hesitant for a moment, seeing the madness in Storm's movements and eyes, and seeing clearly the effects of withdrawls, But there was a trust that they had built, and Shadow trusted Storm with it. They'd both seen their fair share of battles, and it hadn't quite set in for Shadow until now, seeing the reality again. He unzipped his pouch and dug everything that belonged to Storm from it and set them in his hand without another thought. "You do what you have to, but don't do anything too crazy," Shadow said with a wink, then he hurried from the room and took off through the halls for the barracks to rally the troops. While they spoke, Crystal had already retrieved the seal and a slip of paper for Storm to use, but didn't move for her armor. First, she changed from the dress she'd been wearing. From the dress and into clothes that would be more suitable under the heavy armor. "I apologize to you for being so frivolous. I'll follow your orders exact Storm," she said as she began trying to slip into the metal plating, her eyes gone from the gentle orbs of blue to a hard icy shade. |
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| Ice | February 15, 2014, 2:06 pm Post #433 |
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Leader
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Storm took the drugs handed to him without emotion and he began slipping the heroine and extras into his pockets, downing three pills and keeping a joint out, lighting it without a command and taking a draw before turning to Crystal and taking the paper and seal offered to him as silently as he took his things from Shadow. He slipped the seal into his pocket and laid the paper on the bed as he undid the metal breastplate and helped Crystal into it, knowing it was oddly made. Once she had it on, he removed the joint from between his lips and spoke to her, smoke rolling out from his lungs. "Don't apologize. I don't think you have a single trait I hate, Crystal. But I do have one request. Once you've prepared the women and children and have met up with Shadow, do not o anything without me. I am willing to accept you'll be fighting at my side. So at least walk into this at my side and by no others'. Alright? I'll be there momentarily." Without waiting for a reply and not wanting to offend her by kissing her as he smoked, he replaced the joint to its place at his mouth, took the paper, and left the room. He closed the door of the room he'd entered quietly behind him and moved to the desk by the large window. He knew this room was less than rarely used and he appreciated it. Sitting down, he pulled out a quill and opened a bottle of ink, dipping the quill into it and beginning to write with a very beautiful, very 'feminine' hand writing. Finishing, he folded the letter and placed it into an envelope, melting a golden wax over it and pressing Crystal's seal into it. He then rose, walking to the window, opening it.... "Narasu. You know I dislike your spying on me." "I do so apologize, Sharder." "No you don't or you wouldn't do it. I need you to deliver this letter. I have it labeled but I'm sure, from your constant prying into my mind, you know where it is to go." "You really are desperate, aren't you?" "Even I know when I'm going to lose." "I will be back in time to fight at your side." "I can only hope." He gave the letter to the large black dragon, who took it in his large clawed paw and flew off from the castle. |
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| shadow | February 15, 2014, 2:55 pm Post #434 |
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Choir Boy
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Crystal watched Storm leave, only a touch of sorrow remaining as he retreated to himself for preparations, then she tore herself away from the thought and finished suiting up. Grieves, breastplate, gauntlets, trousers, everything save the helm. It glistened with remarkable beauty, the silver gleam laced with hues of blue to enhance the material and lessen the weight. Crystal stood in front of the long mirror placed in the room to admire herself for a moment, helm tucked under her arm as she tested everything. With the relief brought on by the stones, she felt the surging energy of her power flowing again. Next, she collected several men from the castle and ordered them to spread the word for all women and children older than fourteen to prepare to fight. Along with them, she stormed the streets and spread the word personally, making sure everyone knew what to do and where to go, taking care with them all to make sure things went smoothly. At a certain point, she left to join Shadow at the arena, leaving the rest of the work to everyone else. She arrived halfway through his speech and stood aside and let him have the stage. Shadow arrived in the barracks after a very short trip to the grounds at high speed. He went from room to room and collected everyone together in the arena, making sure that every man was there and not a single one was missing from the meeting. "Men! I'm sure you all know me by now. I am a warrior just as yourselves. The enemy is soon upon us. Their arrival is numbered not my days or weeks, but by hours. We have all prepared as best we can for this arrival, and will all fight for the right to find our place in the halls of the gods!" Shadow called out for all in attendance to hear. The cheers rang out from the arena and through the city. "I will be leading many of you along side your queen, and we will bring honor and glory, as well as victory to this kingdom!" More cheers sounded now and Shadow let them die down before continuing. "However, now is the time to speak with your families. Spend time with them while you can and say your farewells before leaving for the battle field. There will be death. More than you've ever seen before, and there are those of us who won't make it back. Myself included. Now go now and prepare yourselves. For tomorrow, It's war!" Despite the dark revelation by Shadow, the troops cheered with even more fervor, each one more hell bent to return alive than the last. Elsewhere, Zakuro prepared his forces for war. The entire army stood behind him as they marched toward Crystal's kingdom. Allies in need. Zakuro, the harbinger, strode at the front of his troops with determination set into his expressionless features. To his right stood Cisca, his angelic wife brought back by his own hands and with the aid of his daughter, Espira, who stood to his left. Behind them each battalion was lead by one of the six members of the elite force, all brought back into order by Zakuro and his command, HEXOSS. And above them all flew Lazura, her black, purple, and turquoise colors radiating in the sun as they all moved toward battle. |
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| Ice | February 15, 2014, 3:48 pm Post #435 |
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Leader
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Red eyes faded in from the shadows behind Crystal who stood on the sidelines. An arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her close to him. Shadow was correct. Even Storm should use his goodbyes wisely. Even Storm, Shadow, and Crystal were at risk of not returning. He kissed her cheek as she did not wear her helm. He smelled heavily of smoke and his body shook, showing he had taken no small doses of anything. But it was alright. The stone would put his body at top game soon enough. Once he put on his armor, which he did not currently wear. He did not know what to say. He had never thought of death being so near to him as it was now. And he had promised Crystal he would not die in this war. He would not leave her. And he could not tell her anything that would reveal that as a lie. So he simply stood, holding her close to him as Shadow's speech ended and the soldiers dispersed to spend their possible last moments with their families, his bright crimson eyes on Shadow. They were amazingly bright. He knew he was past due on drinking. But this time, it was planned. The blood that would spill in this war. It would be a trigger for him. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The sun was at its highest as Storm, Shadow, and Crystal standing in their positions. Storm had commanded Shadow to lead a group of the four layers of the army they had and Shadow held his position in the front lines. Storm was in the center of the second group, Crystal at his side, both fully clad in their armor. Storm's eyes were clear, his body did not tremble, and any other effects from the drugs on his body had also disappeared as if the drugs had never entered his system. The army stood, not a soldier out of place. Storm's keen eyes saw bodies trembling, nervous eyes looking around, but bravery in every heart. You know. I may be these peoples' captive. And they may have given me the hardest time. But they sure are an elite group of soldiers if I've ever seen them. He slipped his hand into Crystal's, fully aware it could be the last time. "Shadow. You're leading this army today. But don't you dare let me lose you. You're my best friend and if I walk out of this without you...." He let his thoughts transfer to Shadow, letting himself use his telepathy, not wanting to regret not saying anything later. And his eyes watched the horizon. The approaching army. The dragons, the elves, the archers, the warriors. The strength. The variety. And the despair washed over him. Narasu. Please, for the love of everything dear, get that letter to her.... And there it was. The opposing army raising their weapons, the dragons leaping to their air, the unanimous cheer at the hollered order "CHARGE!" And Storm's hand slipped from Crystal's. His body became braced and tense. And he waited with the other soldiers surrounding him for Shadow's order. He knew his group would not go until the first had successfully gotten into the ranks of the other army. And that was precisely why Storm had placed himself in this second group. Because by that time, blood would be spilled. And by that time, Storm's uncontrollable thirst would be released. All Storm had to do was to resist the urge to drink while using the strength that urge gave to him. Edited by Ice, February 15, 2014, 4:44 pm.
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| shadow | February 15, 2014, 7:51 pm Post #436 |
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Choir Boy
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And here I thought I'd never hear you say something like that. Don't worry about me this time. You just do what you have to, and come back to us Shadow smiled from where he stood at the front of the army, the point of the arrow that would strike first. He waited and watched as the enemy began their charge and that's when he let out his power. The space surrounding him grew dark and shrouds began to rise from his body, then the ground, until even from the distance the enemy was at they could see the massive cloud of energy pooling around Shadow. One final release and his whole body was cocooning in the swirling madness of his element before suddenly breaking and revealing his Arcane nature. His hair was streaked with white now and his eyes were white, his piercing gaze watching. He bore the armor of the Arcane now; plated, flawless monochromatic armor able to withstand the strain of elemental powers beyond anything normal. He drew both his daggers, twins of death made for battle, and gave their own orders. "Men! Tonight, win! Charge!" he cried out, his voice resonating among the ranks fueled by power. They took off after Shadow, who remained near the ranks at first. A wave of blackness began to follow him as he charged and soon the enemy was within reach. He broke from the troops and with blinding speeds, slammed into the first wave of the enemy, releasing the charged energy in one blow that carved the first blood in a single instance. From there, he was among the enemy's screaming and flailing ranks; a wraith. Each time a blade or spear came near him, Shadow was no longer there, instead he was else where, slashing out with arcs of black energy that emanated from him. The enemies fell quickly as his blade erupted with power and he carved his way into the heart of battle. Still, for everyone one he cut down, there were a hundred more waiting, and for every hundred he laid waste to, there were thousands more to attack him. In the skies Aeroth waged his own war, fighting off the oncoming aerial attacks with precision Though lacking the power Shadow had, he still wielded the shadows with equal effects and did his best to fend off the dragons and wyverns of the enemy. Still, it was apparent he alone wasn't enough to face off against so many dragons, even at his skill and size. The results of the battle were already becoming apparent as below Shadow cut through with Arcane power along side his comrades and barely made a dent in the millions that followed. Crystal watched it all with steeled determination, resisting the urge to dive in along side Shadow like old times and fight with all her might against the foe. Instead, she stood beside Storm, spear in hand and full armor on her helm settled firmly on her head as well. "Shadow still amazes me with that power. To think it was eradicated for thought of it being evil," she voiced in awe at the terrifying power before her. Even as an Arcane, it always sent chills down her spine to witness Shadow blazing through at full power like that. Even as she spoke, a spiral of shrouds rose on the horizon, soldiers and the remainders of them trapped as Shadow attacked, then it erupted into a wave outward. "Storm. I'm coming out of this alive, and I'm coming back to you, so you'd better still be around for when the time comes," she said matter-of-factly, then looked at bright eyes and said, "I love you." Edited by shadow, February 15, 2014, 7:54 pm.
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| Ice | February 16, 2014, 2:07 am Post #437 |
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Leader
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Storm looked down into her blue eyes and gave her his infamous smirk. "When have I ever broken a promise to you?" He bent, kissing her softly, hearing the battle approaching them fast. "I love you more than you'll ever know, Crystal." And there is came. The soldiers surrounding Storm and Crystal rushed forward, and that wave of blood scent that already hung in the air hit him full on. His eyes flooded with crimson, losing their pupils and his fangs and claws lengthened. His skin became an ashen color and he disappeared, letting his urge rush over him and control him to an extent. The enemy army held all variety of creatures, among those being humans, and they were among the easiest to kill. Unable to see the speedy demon, let alone deflect him, each human that was not his own that got in his way fell just as quickly as they'd come. The hardest part for Storm was preventing himself from stopping and drinking. That and weaving among so many swarming bodies matched with waving weapons and flying arrows. And the fact he wasn't the only demon on the playing field. But strategy was practically useless here, which was a disadvantage to him as it was what he was used to using. There wasn't even a method in which creatures were armed with what or where they were. You had some elven archers and elven warriors, some humans riding dragons, some human wielding nothing but swords. As Storm bobbed and weaved, his confidence began growing. He hadn't even been nicked by an arrow yet. Maybe this war isn't lost to us after all. Maybe that letter won't even need to- He felt his body suddenly become airborne in the split second before his back slammed into the ground. A demon stood, staring down, his body as unscathed as Storm's, with a smile on his lips. He drew his sword, having clothes-lined Storm into his current position, and rose the weapon high above his head before bringing it down without hesitation. But Storm rolled, the sword only catching his side making a good wound and a torn shirt but nothing fatal. Storm immediately swiped the demon's feet out from under him and grabbed the blade of the sword as soon as it was in reach, knowing from experience he'd regret it later if he hadn't. Holding the blade, his hands bleeding from the grip, he jerked the sword from the other demon's hands and he rolled with the demon, each battling to be on top, dirt flying in their wake. But the cunning fire demon easily drew his knife from his boot during the constant battle on the ground and being the only one with a weapon didn't require you to be on top. He let the other demon sit on him and his armed hand darted up as soon as the throat became visible. The knife slid into the demon's throat easily, whether from its sharpness or the strength Storm's adrenaline gave him, it didn't matter. Storm jerked his knife free and shoved the stunned and dying convulsing body off of him. Still struggling with his thirst, he moved to dart off again and continue making headway, slipping the knife into his boot, before he felt two bodies come crashing into him. The three rolled only a couple times before the two pinned Storm on his back on the ground. His crimson eyes flashed open, unable to suppress coughing from the dust and dirt filling his lungs, and shock filled them, but not at the sword he saw coming down for his stomach as if time were slowing down. No, his mind focused on what was going on around him. Almost every single body he saw lifeless on the dirty ground wore his side's uniform. And almost every soldiers still up and moving wore the opposing army's uniform. They weren't winning. They weren't winning in the slightest. And as Storm saw the opposing soldiers charging into the village, he again realized they had never stood a chance. But all of this connecting happened in mere moments, his attention finally returning the sword being brought down on him. The sword that paused only inches away from his stomach. What? Why did he stop? Is he seriously going to toy with me? During a war? His bright crimson eyes found the elf's, who had his pointed to the sky. Storm followed the gaze and his eyes found the object on distraction almost at the same time as the two creatures restraining him were knocked roughly away from him. The large black and scaly tail that had launched the three creatures from Storm now came to wrap gently about the demon and help him to his feet. The tail did not leave him once he got Storm up, though, as the demon seemed currently unable to stand as both shock and relief washed over him, almost enough to drown him as the demon looked about the battle ground fully for the very first time. In the sky were not just the green and blue dragons that had come with the opposing army flying about and causing chaos as no one could oppose them in the air. No, now there were red and black dragons, some much larger than the blue and green ones combined, who were making the war in the air even. Blood poured down to the ground below, roars and screeches could be heard, thunderous thumps shook the ground as dragons began falling to it. And the ground was not just covered with Crystal's kingdom's uniforms and the opposing army's. No, it was now swarming with new-found demons, each new demon wearing a bright piece of red somewhere with their clothing. A bandana tied about their upper arm or around their neck, red glowing necklaces, or perhaps gowned in fully fire-red uniforms. And these demons were fighting fiercely, tooth and claw, knife and sword. Even archer had come, flying on their own dragons and shooting their arrows below as their dragons fought with the other dragons in the air. The enemy lines weren't falling back, but they had certainly stopped their progress into the village. "Narasu... you...." The large black dragon at Storm's side wrapped his neck about his rider in a hug. I would never fail you, Sharder. I do wish I had not been so late though. You have lost great numbers.... "Shadow. Crystal. They're...?" Still fighting fiercely. It is a bad trait of yours, Sharder. Zoning out during a battle. "If I can't strategize, I can't focus elsewhere. Take me to Crystal. I'm not going to be able to fight with my focus worried on her now that I know how badly we really stand." Certainly. Narasu helped Storm onto him and threw himself into the air. But as soon as he made it to a good level, a green-scaled dragon crashed into them, biting down viciously on Narasu's tail. The large black dragon screeched and tried wheeling around to dislocate his attacker, who refused to let go. But every time Narasu got close to being in range of biting back, he lost his balance and was forced to regain that. Storm slowly rose to his feet, trying to balance on the reeling dragon he rode, walking up to the peak of Narasu's spine. "Dive!" He shouted and Narasu dove down, sending a large gust of wind to hit Storm. The demon flew back, back-flipping in the air so he could reach down on the spike within his reach and lower himself back onto green footing. The elf rider immediately rose, balancing much easier than Storm was, having clearly practiced this. The elf lunged, a sword drawn, and Storm fell into his comfort zone: strategy. Just because he can balance doesn't mean he can think. the demon thought, standing his ground as best he could, trying his damnest not to fall off. 5....4....3....2.... the elf was on him, raising the sword high and bringing it down with all his might.... Storm leapt from the green dragon's back, falling from the great height as the green dragon let out a roar of fury as the elf's sword stabbed it. Storm's cocky grin disappeared though as he saw the green dragon flip the elf up into the air and catch him in its mouth, blood going everywhere and an arm falling to the ground, the rest of the elf having been swallowed.... The wind was almost knocked from him as Narasu caught Storm on his back, continuing his course for Crystal, though lower than the war going on in the air. Storm suppressed a shiver. "No, I would not." "Would not what?" "I would not eat you." "I never thought you would." His voice shook slightly. How could you do that to your partner?... That dragon just.... "Storm." "Huh?" "We are in a war. Let's focus on that, alright?" Storm looked down, a soft blush coming to his cheeks. "Uh... right... sorry." He'd seen much worse than that. He knew better than to let something affect him at a time like this. He felt the large black dragon descending and Storm leapt off of him, landing easily on his feet despite his slightly wounded side and his many randomized bruises. Crystal was more than surrounded by enemy forces, who had lost victims to choose from and who the new army had yet to distract. At least 20 were about her. Storm sped for her, but his mind was at a loss. How the hell can I.... "You can wield fire with that stone now, can you not?" The dragon's voice came through his mind as he soar up into the air, rejoining his area of the fight. Storm's eyes widened. I'm a bloody idiot! He cursed himself as his pupilless eyes began to glow brightly. A spark came from him and sputtered out from simple disuse, but the second time he tried, a fire roared in its place, leaping and spreading wildly from Storm to the mess his fiance was dealing with amazingly well. The fire shrank low and unnoticeable, slipping under the soldiers all trying to have a crack at Crystal at once, before encircling her and roaring back up to life, making a barrier about her of pure fire and engulfing all of the soldiers there. Storm gave a fanged smile as he heard their screams and he darted through his own fire, the dancing reds and oranges allowing him safe passage. He skidded to a halt beside his fiance, he himself covered in dirt. "Please don't be offended. I just wanted to feel useful." He uttered, stealing a kiss before letting his fire fall from them, revealing 20 dead and burned soldiers in its place. |
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| shadow | February 16, 2014, 5:12 pm Post #438 |
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Choir Boy
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"Not at all," she with a flash of a devious smile. As the flames fell, more enemies rushed in to meet the duo, and though hindered in movement by the odd armor, Crystal whipped around, encompassed by a vortex of water, and lashed out with her spear. The water licked out from its place and pierced through the enemies armor, then withdrew, leaving twelve more dead by a perfect spray of holes. Another movement and the water froze into shards that she sent flying at the foes on the opposite side, easily ending their charge. "It's always good to have allies during war time. Are those up there ours?" she yelled over the roar of melee, having already seen the changing tides of the air battle, but not even a budge on the ground from her position. "Yes." Storm answered, his voice grave. "They're my army. From my kingdom. Not the entirety of it, but hopefully enough." Crystal Ducked and slid along the ground to impale another soldier on her bloodied spear, then whipped up a wave of ice spikes to kill those that charged her. Storm slashed out with his sword, fire ripping from the blade and cutting down enemies just as easily as Crystal’s water. A miss step caught her a bash to the head that knocked her helm off, but the soldier found himself impaled by ice from the back. With no time to grab the helm, she pressed on. Summoning up a concerto of water and began a full on assault, carving her way into the army with a wave of power and devastation as he water speared, drown, and simply crushed many under its sheer force. She rose higher on her tower of water and prepared for a big finale to the attack when suddenly she was jerked from the air, giant claws latching around her body and knocking the air from her lungs in a painful embrace. She struggled against the green scales and black claws of the dragon that picker her up, only to be crushed harder. She let out a cry of pain that was drown out by a piercing screech from the beast that flung her across the battle field amongst a crowd of elves and humans, all enemies. Crystal rocketed toward the ground and covered her head while summoning up a shield of water to brace. Right into the heart of the troops, Crystal slammed into their troops at high speed before impacting the earth below. With a groan she hauled herself from the ground and wiped blood from her cheek. Pain blossomed from her leg, and she clenched her teeth together as she found a large piece of a broken spear shaft that pierced her armor on impact, then conjured up more water to fight the surrounding enemy with, having lost her spear. Out of breath and burning with pain, Crystal continued to fight among the seas of endless war, drowning more and more as she took blow after blow. The armor protected against most of it, but several cuts to her thighs, the gash on her cheek, and bruises too numerous to count plagued her. Flipping, ducking, diving; whipping, striking, slaying. Over and she moved, only to be greeted with more resistance. She lost her footing and went down, followed by all manner of crude and beautiful weapons after her head. With one final effort, she summoned forth layer after layer of ice, creating a dome of ice more than a meter thick between her and the onslaught. Several were frozen immediately with the barrier, but those on the outside screamed and yelled, bashing at the above average Elemental ice. Crystal crouched inside and examined the spear head. “Shit.” Despite her adrenaline and hard set determination, there was still a lack of Arcane power and Crystal could only hold out for so long as the stone in her chest slowly began to lose its effect and the bracelet began sucking her strength ever so slowly. One hand around the wooden shard, she pulled loose the blood soaked piece and screamed in agony before putting pressure on the wound and catching her breath, all the while the war raged around her. |
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| Ice | February 16, 2014, 5:54 pm Post #439 |
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Leader
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Storm let Crystal stray from his side, knowing it would be impossible to struggle to stick together and win against each opponent at the same time. And, as he parried and sidestepped, slashed and stabbed, he aided in the distance growing between them. Still, he had gained his goal. He had tabs on her and he made sure to keep her in his vision. He ducked as a large sword swung for his throat, knocking the soldier's feet out from under him and stabbing through his back, kicking the man off of his sword and letting him bleed out on the dirty ground. Being currently unsurrounded, Storm tried making more notes on the battlefield. He was glad to see, though no progress had been made on his side, no progress had been made by the enemy, either. His kingdom's soldiers were fighting diligently, as if this enemy had personally attacked them. Which, attacking their king, Storm could understand. And Crystal's army. They were utilizing their own skills along with the skills Shadow and Storm had taught them and a bit of pride swelled in his chest. His eyes found Shadow, fighting as strongly as ever though with a few wounds to himself, not unlike himself and Crystal. Remembering his gash on his side, he touched it lightly, absentmindedly, wondering if it still existed. Of course, it did. And it burned. But one bloody wound was much better than lying dead on the ground or... in the claws of a dragon. Storm's eyes went wide as he saw Crystal being thrown far deeper into the enemy ranks. He immediately disappeared, his knife sheathed, running at speeds he hadn't been capable of until putting on the armor with the stones. "What the hell are you doing?! You're moving too far into their ranks! You're too outnumbered! Pull back!" "No! Crystal's in that mess!" "She's strong! She can hold off long enough for you to at least get some numbers on your side!" "No she can't! She's hurt, Narasu!" "Storm, this is suicidal! Just wait! I can't even get that far yet!" "I'm not waiting! She can't hold off alone long enough! We'll be fine, just hurry up!" "Storm you're-" Storm severed the contact with Narasu. He knew what he was doing. He knew the mistakes he was making. And he knew what he was risking. But he was not losing Crystal because of his inaction. Fire leaped up and surrounded the ice dome, enveloping it. It held no heat within and therefore didn't cause any melting to happen, but the outside was nothing but heat. Those soldiers who had come trying to strike now caught fire, the fire refusing to be put out, refusing to die. Soldiers were screaming, rolling on the ground, running wildly, finding any ounce of water they could but the fires still stayed, Storm's anger, his protectiveness, keeping it alive as he jumped into the fray surrounding his beloved. He drew his knife, easily picking his way through the many soldiers still charging, most of them being humans with the occasionally hot-blooded elf. "Crystal, how are you holding up? Narasu is on his way, he's gonna get us ba-" A large clawed paw wrapped around him tightly, the claws sinking into his sides, the strength of the grip not hesitating as it began breaking bones. The blue dragon jerked back into the air, shooting straight up and passing the air-war, its grip only causing more pain to Storm. He felt the blood soaking his clothes, he felt his ribs closing in on him, his shoulders being forced to bend. The first snap and he couldn't withhold his scream. It ripped from his throat as his ribs ripped into his lungs. He struggled desperately but there was a reason other breeds wondered why creatures ever bothered with dragons. Should they ever betray you... they would always win. His screams continued until his lungs could hold no more air but only blood and one of the five large talons now within his body slipped just an inch farther into his chest.... His eyes went wide, his own blood dripping from his lips, his struggling body going limp as the blue dragon roared and dove for a red dragon darting by, releasing the dead prey it held in its claws. Storm's body fell from the great height, crashing to the ground on its back, the red eyes glazed over, unseeing, as the body lie motionless. A roar erupted from the ranks of the Fire Kingdom. It was filled with such intense pain, such intense sorrow, every fire warrior covered their ears, as did their opponents. The fire soldiers looked about, trying to pinpoint which dragon that roar of despair came from and all eyes went to the large black dragon that zoomed by them. They knew what that roar meant. They looked about, confused. Should they stay and fight? Should they pull out? "CHARGE!" The order was shouted loudly as the opposing army began their attacks once more and the fire kingdom soldiers followed the order given. This war was far from over for them. |
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| shadow | February 16, 2014, 7:10 pm Post #440 |
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Choir Boy
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At the moment Storm's life faded, Crystal felt it as well. It as as if her own fire had been extinguished. The pain that flooded her every pour drained along with the color and her breath, despite the adrenaline that poured through her veins. For a long moment, the sounds outside were gone, and everything slowed; stretched on into infinity as if every moment grew slower and slower. Then all at once, her grief changed and the flame of Storm was replaced by something more powerful that drove her from the safety of the cocoon. The power of the Arcane. The frozen shell of defense melted and water began to rise from nothing, pooling more and more around her as she rose from the ground. Her eyes began to glow with the deepest of blues and the water began to shred and whip around around. Anyone unfortunate enough to find them in it's reach stood no chance of living. The water took cut a path for Storm's dead body and Crystal went full speed into the crowds for where she knew him to be. Devastation lay in her wake, and with her injuries healed, she tore through the crowd just as Shadow did. And then she found him. Dead on the ground. The sight of his lifeless body brought her back to reality and completed the chain of her power, linking her to the Arcane power. The bracelet shattered then, freeing her of the draining effects. "With your passing, I've become a true Arcane Storm. But don't worry. I wont forget you with all this power," she said, tearing coursing down her cheeks as the water all around whipped out and destroyed any that tried to invade. "I'm going to stay here and win this war. And then you'll come back to me and keep your promise. Just come back all right? We still have a wedding to attend you know. I can't forgive you if you're late to your own wedding." Her hands shook as she gently wiped the trail of blood from his mouth, then she leaned in and gently kissed him. She could feel the cold on his lips already, his fire drained and gone from his body as well as the blood that pooled from the gaping hole in his chest. She knew it was too late for him, but couldn't bring herself to think about it. Instead she said, "You're a little cold, so I'll protect you. Just wait for me to return Sharder." Crystal then stood and created a frozen cocoon around his body to keep it safe before turning her rage on the enemy. She released her power and changed. The hand crafted armor with the weakening stone disintegrated and the blue of the oceans and ice took it's place, forming Arcane armor just as Shadow wore. She now held a long spear of great beauty and power. Then, she went at the enemy again, hell bent on winning what they had started. As if to signify her determination of win, another ally arrived. Zakuro lead his army head long into the action. His ashen wings torn from his back, his once alabaster skin the black of obsidian, and his dual colored eyes radiating as they crashed into the enemy and he began his rein of terror. one by one he used his wicked scythe to sever head ans limbs of enemies, living true to his title of harbinger. Cisca, an angelic warrior charged into the ranks as well, casting chaos all around as she used he valkyrie strength and holy powers to fight along side her husband and kingdom. Lazura soared above, leading their own army of dragons and griffons into battle with her purple flames, only growing stronger with every soul she absorbed from Zakuro's harvesting below. HEXOSS lead the other forces in as well, hammering hard from the sides. Though death was obvious on Zakruo's side, the surprise attack was flawless and they easily made a dent on the enemy. Zkauro took the the skies and let his emotions finally play free. A sinister laugh reverberated with power as his wings carried him above to the conquered air space. He lit the ground with a pooling black and white energy and watched as his undead army rose to take the field under his command. With more soldiers at their disposal, the allies turned the tides on the opposing alliance. Zakuro could see from his place where Crystal and Shadow blazed through as well as where Storm's army had cut into the sea of death as well. With all sides covered now, the attackers were surrounded and the addition of the power houses like Zakuro and Cisca only added to their advantage as even the most skilled of the enemies began loosing their footing. The tides had turned in favor of the allies, and though they had suffered a great loss of men, including Storm, they began to slowly push back the enemy. The fight was long from over, but with the combined destructive forces of all three armies, things began to change. The enemy was surrounded and their numbers went from as many as grains of sand on a beach to mere shambles of scattered troops struggling for dear life. Over the course of that day, the allies managed to whittle the enemy down to only the strong groups that banded together. By midnight, the enemy had lost. Those who were not slain in battle fled the field when they had the chance. The blood bath was over and all that was left was for the everyone to pick themselves up and put everything back together. Though the fight was over, the scars of war would remain forever. This day would remain one of the most infamous bloodbaths for years to come. The slaughter field. Even before the end of the battle, Crystal was found at Storm's side, swept up in anger, sorrow and despair. Although without the Arcane power, Crystal still refused to let anyone near his body. Not Shadow, not any of the men that were so loyal to their king, and not even Narasu. She remained by his side late into the night until the last fights had ended and all was still and silent, save for her own sorrow. The moon bathed the bloody field in pale light as if to defy the tragedy that had occurred, broken by the flicker of torch lights that had been lit all around. The stagnant air was filled with the metallic smell of blood all around mixed with the smell of the torches. Shadow had already given up with trying to pry Crystal away, but he hadn't quit thinking. Finally, he approached Narasu, who was clearly weaker that even before. "Narasu. I know it's a grave and sad day for everyone, but tell me. Is there anything we can do? There are so many unknowns in the world. Is there anything we can do for Storm now," he asked, nearly choking on his words as they escaped his throat in a croak. Edited by shadow, May 18, 2014, 11:19 pm.
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