Okage 2 Chapter 3: Old Friends and New Enemies
After getting packed and ready, Ari and Rosalyn made their way to the gate to Rumile plains. Waiting for them there was Kisling.
"I trust that everybody slept well?" Kisling said.
"You should have seen Ari this morning." Rosalyn said. "He was hugging and kissing his pillow."
"Be quiet Rosalyn." Ari said embarassed.
"Oh don't be like that." Rosalyn said. "It was kinda cute in a somewhat pathetic way."
Stan popped out from Ari's shadow.
"GWA HAHAH!!! I have to agree with fatass here for once." Stan said. "I always thought you were pathetic but this takes it to a new low."
"Would you quit saying i'm fat?!" Rosalyn said.
"Then lose some weight tubby." Stan said.
"Good lord. Here they go again." Ari said to Kisling. "Let's get moving shall we?"
"Excellent suggestion Ari." Kisling said. "I must ask you though Ari. How did you manage to survive the two of them arguing the whole way here?"
"You know I find myself asking the same thing?" Ari said.
Ari and company opened the gate and began their trek to Rashelo. There was a bridge over a small creek which separated the grassy area of the plain from a sandy area that would continue until there was an area filled with what appears to be old stone ruins. At that point, Rashelo would be nearby. The circus troupe that Linda and Epros is with would be just outside the entrance to Rashelo. Ari reached the bridge first.
"Well we've reached the first area. Let's keep going."
"You and Kisling should cross first. I have a feeling that fatty's weight would collapse the bridge if we all tried to cross that tiny thing." Stan said.
"At least I have weight you flimsy shadow." Rosalyn said.
Stan became furious. "Why you little..."
Before Stan could finish his sentence, Ari drew his sword.
"Guys! We got company!" He said.
Three ghost came at them from the other side of the bridge. Rosalyn drew her new rapier.
"I could use the anger management right now." Rosalyn said. "I'll take care of them. You guys just watch."
"Don't trip this time thunder thighs." Stan said.
Rosalyn didn't hear that comment. She had her eyes firmly fixed on the ghost.
"Such intense concentration." Kisling said. "I wonder what she has up her sleeve?"
Just then, in the blink of an eye, Rosalyn dashed almost as if she went straight through the ghost. The 3 ghost vanished, defeated by Rosalyn's intense speed. She put her Rapier back in its scabbard.
"I hope you payed attention Stan. When you're free of Ari, you will return my shadow back to it's original form or you will be on the receiving end of that technique." Rosalyn said. "I'll have you know that I developed it just for you."
"GWA HAHAHA!!! Why weren't you able to pull that off when we saved you back in Tenel Forest?" Stan said.
"Ugh. Just forget it." Rosalyn said. "Let's just keep moving."
The odd team started their trek again. Ari felt relief in seeing that Stan and Rosalyn weren'r arguing, unfortunately however...
"...And that theory closely coincides with my squid bubble theory which states that..."
"What did we need Kisling for again?" Ari asked himself as he listened to the new theories that Kisling had come up with during the past 3 years. Rosalyn decided to interrupt him.
"Why are you telling us all of this?"
"After seeing your display of strength, I feel that I should explain some of the theories that helped me in exponentially increasing the strength of my magic." Kisling said.
"All of those theories had a purpose?" Ari said. "It still sounds like nonsense to me."
"Then allow me to demonstrate." Kisling said A ghost is about to appear in front of us anyways."
"How do you know that?" Ari asked.
"That will be explained in my 'Timed apparitions theory'." Kisling said. "I'll explain later."
"Great going slaveboy. Now he's gonna keep on talking until we get to Rashelo." Stan said.
The group stood there, waiting for a ghost to appear. After a moment of stillness, Stan broke the silence.
"Well good going you quack. Your little theory about ghost probably wont even find where your mustache is on your face."
"It's not yet 100% accurate." Kisling said.
Rosalyn felt a chill down her spine. She turned around and saw a ghost.
"Ah, there it is!" she said surpised.
Kisling immediately pulled out his books and started casting his spell. A single bolt of lightning came down and struck the ghost with a loud boom. There was a small explosion and Ari was blown away a couple feet. When the smoke cleared, there was a large patch of black, scorched earth.
"Well, that was quite impressive." Rosalyn said.
"Thank you Rosalyn. It would seem that my theory worked." Kisling said.
"Urgh." was all Ari can say as he was trying to pick himself up. "That had quite a kick."
"DID YOU TRY TO KILL US!!!" Stan Yelled. "YOU SHOULD HAVE WARNED US IF IT WAS THAT POWERFUL!!!"
"I didn't know it would be that powerful." Kisling said. "I've never tested it before."
"Poor Ari." Rosalyn said.
After they let Ari recover, they started the trek to Rashelo again. Kisling was talking about his "Timed Apparition Theory" while Ari, Stan and Rosalyn tried to pay more attention to the scenery rather than Kisling. They finally reached the stone ruins area after crossing the sandy part of Rumile plains.
"A thought just hit me." Ari said. "Why don't we just use the stone circles? We could have just warped over here rather than walked."
"That would have been fine except for one thing..." Rosalyn said. "Wap Wap Island, the hub for the stone circles, sank about a year ago."
"You're kidding me." Ari and Stan said together.
"With the way Kisling is talking, I wish I was." Rosalyn said. Kisling was still going off to himself about new theories.
"That island was thousands of years old. It was bound to sink eventually." Rosalyn said.
"I bet it couldn't handle your weight." Stan said. "It probably collapsed when you stepped on it."
"Oh yeah?! Well then Stan, while you had your body, did you even manage to enslave one village?" Rosalyn asked.
"I took a vacation." Stan said.
"I bet you didn't enslave anybody because you can't you fake evil king." Rosalyn said.
Ari found himself with a strange group yet again. With Kisling's never ending talks about theories and Rosalyn constantly bickering with Stan, he wondered if he should have tried to save Marlene alone.
The team finally made it to the lake town of Rashelo. Ari felt somewhat relieved seeing that he won't have to deal with constant chatter of the team. Something looked wrong though. There was a mysterious fog hanging out over the lake. It covered the Aquatic Ruins where Ari and friends first met the doll Marlene.
"Hmmm... That's odd." Ari said.
"Well it is a town on top of a lake." Rosalyn said. "It's not unusual for there to be fog every now and then."
"Something about that fog feels... ominous." Ari said
"I concur." Kisling said. "It's my hypothesis that a fog of this nature could be hiding something dangerous."
"What? No crazy theory this time crackpot?" Stan asked.
"Well... I suppose that I could relate to my Weather Para-"
"Rosalyn, could you get a room at the inn?" Ari interrupted.
"Yeah. I'll see what's available."
"Kisling. Can you find out everything about that fog? I wanna know if it's normal or if there's something about it that should be a cause for concern."
"Right. What about you and Stan?" Said Kisling.
"We'll be heading for the circus tent." Ari said. "It's not to far from here so we should be fine."
The group split up. With Rosalyn and Kisling away in the town, Ari was able to take a small reprieve from the constant chatter of the group. After crossing a small that crossed over the delta of the stream, Ari spotted the circus tent entrance. They walked through to be greeted by Block.
"Well if it isn't Ari. And what's this? It would seem that a certain someone has made their way back into your shadow." Block said. "You also seem to be missing someone."
Ari felt a small ache in his heart. He grimaced as he looked down on the floor.
"It would seem i've hit a touchy subject." Block said.
"It's alright." Ari said. "I'll explain later. Right now I need to see Epros and Linda."
"I see." Block said. "Follow me then."
They walked over into a back part of the tent. It appeared to be a dressing room. It was there where Ari and Stan saw Linda and Epros.
"Lookie Epros! It's Stan and Ari." Linda said. "They let me have my microphone back. I've been taking lessons so now i'm no longer just Epros's assistant. I advertise for the circus."
"Good for you Linda." Ari said
"About time you got lessons." Stan said.
"My my, what a pleasant surprise. It's been so long I cannot believe my eyes. It's Ari and Stan the evil king. I wonder what news you two bring." Epros said
"It's not good news, i'll tell you that much." Ari said. "You'll never guess who came back."
"Huh? What are you talking about?" Linda asked.
Ari looked down. "Beiloune came back...and he took Marlene away."
Block, Linda and Epros were all shocked as Ari recalled the details that took place just a couple days ago.
"I see. That is quite serious indeed." Block said.
"Aww, poor Ari and poor Stan." Linda said.
"I'm gonna make him pay for draining my powers." Stan said.
"This seems like quite test. Would you like our aid in this Quest?" Epros said.
"That's up to Block to decide." Ari said. "I don't know how long it's going to take us."
"I'm not sure if I can allow that." Block said.
"BLOCK! THAT'S SO MEAN OF YOU!!! Can't you see they need our help?" Linda said wide eyed.
"Fine. I'm only letting you take our stars because you are my friend Ari." Block said. "Just make sure you succeed."
"Bear in mind Block that I don't plan on failing." Ari said. "Not when someone I love is in trouble."
"BAH! To hell with that woman of yours." Stan said. "I just want my powers back."
"Coach!" Linda said. "Be nice to your slave."
"Ari happens to be a friend. Because of this, I'll help him to no end." Epros said.
"Thanks you guys." Ari said. "I greatly appreciate this."
With that,the team has grown by two more members. All that remains is one. Ari, Linda and Epros made their way to Rashelo where Rosalyn and Kisling were waiting. As they entered, Kisling was already awaiting them at the inn.
"Ah! Linda! Epros! So nice to see you again." Kisling said.
"Hey! You're that crazy scientist!" Linda asked.
"Ah Kisling, her words be true. There isn't a scientist crazier than you." Epros said.
"Good to see you too Epros." Kisling said "The pleasantries will have to wait though. Ari! I've been asking about the fog."
"So what did you find out?" Ari asked.
"Well, that fog is not normal indeed. It appeared around the same time you said Beiloune returned. Rashelo has seen fog before but this fog has stays at the Aquatic Ruins except at night." Kisling said.
"I guess that's kinda wierd." Ari said.
"That's not all. Everybody reported something about strange noises coming from the Ruins. The noises sounded like some kind of guitar mixed with someone yelling. They sent in a team from the Hero's club to investigate but..."
"But?" Ari asked
"They never returned." Kisling said. "Before I forget, I have this flyer that was posted the night that the fog came into town. I thought you might want to look at it."
Ari took the flyer from Kisling's hands. It read:
HELP WANTED!!!
Looking to strike it big in the world of rock? Well look no further friend. Get ready to shred with the best. Don't just headbang from the sidelines. This is your chance to gain the fame of a real rock star. That doesn't mean just anybody can join this band. Right now we're holding auditions for these positions:
Drummer
Bassist
Pianist
Backup Guitarist
A hate for authority is a must. You must also have a love for these types of music
Heavy Metal
Death Metal
Clasic Rock
Grunge
Alternative Rock fans need not apply. Come join us today!
Signed,
The Rockstar Evil King
"You're kidding me!" Ari said. "We have to deal with Evil Kings again?"
"WHAT!" Stan yelled. "DIDN'T YOU BRING THE MAP O' EVIL KINGS WITH YOU?"
"I didn't think we'd need it this time." Ari said.
"USELESS SLAVEBOY!!! JAMES! WHERE ARE YOU?!?! BRING ME THE MAP O' EVIL KINGS"
A white light came from beneath the water. James flew out of the water and on to the deck... without any clothes on.
"Thats more of anyone than I need to see." Linda said.
"Oh my! Pardon me master." James said. A black cloud surrounded James. When it cleared, he had his clothes back on.
"My apologies. I was taking a bath when I heard you call so I jumped out without thinking and grabbed the map."
"Just give slaveboy the map." Stan said with a tone of disgust. "What's it say slaveboy?"
Ari took the map and read it aloud.
"Rashelo shall see a concert at the Aquatic Ruins. Be wary of the Symphony of Destruction."
Rosalyn walked out of the inn to see everyone gathered there.
"Well, if it isn't Linda and Epros." Rosalyn said
"It's the Headband Chick." Linda said.
"Ah! If it isn't the lovely Rosalyn." Epros said. "How are you? How have you been?"
"Quite fine, despite having to deal having to deal with Stan." Rosalyn said.
"I'm Sorry. What did you say? I couldn't hear you over your booming thighs." Stan said.
"Before this gets out of hand AGAIN, I'm gonna say that we need to get a boat right away." Ari said. "I assume you know what's going on Rosalyn?"
"There was a flyer in the hotel. We better take care of that before it becomes a problem." Rosalyn said.
"It's settled then. We're going to the Aquatic ruins to investigate." Ari said.
The group made their way to the dock where they spotted the boatmaster. He saw Ari, Rosalyn, and Kisling.
"You three look familiar." said the boatmaster. "Ah! I remember you guys. You were the three that had to go to the ruins to save Princess Marlene."
Ari felt his heart ache again.
"We need a boat." Rosalyn demanded.
"I'm afraid I can't do that." the boatmaster said.
"Why not?!"
"Argh. You've heard of the disappearance of the heroes who investigated the ruins haven't you?" The boatmaster said. "The Mayor of the town has declared the ruins off limits because of that."
"We may not have to go." Ari said. "Look at the fog."
The fog started to creep it's way closer to Rashelo. A strange noise was heard. It became louder as the fog got closer.
"Get ready guys." Ari said as he drew his sword.
The fog got closer and closer. This time they heard voices.
"Smooooke on the water. Fire in the sky."
The sky suddenly blazed orange, seeming as if were on fire.
"What the heck?" Ari said.
Just then the fog started to clear to reveal the silhouette of a man riding what appeared to be a platform with bat wings.
"HELLO RASHELO!!! ARE YOU READY TO ROCK?!"
"We're right here. You don't have to yell." Linda said. "This is why I prefer pop."
"Ah! You must be the group that Beiloune told be about." the man said.
The fog cleared enough for everyone to see the man. He wore black pants with holes teared into them at the knees and an unbuttoned denim jacket that had the sleeves ripped off. Underneath the jacket was a black shirt with a large white skull printed on to it. He had on a purple headband and purple wrist bands on each wrist. He was playing a Flying V Les Paul guitar that had small spikes built into the side of the body of the guitar. His hair was blonde and short. It was spiked out at the sides. At the tip of each spike was a dab of red.
"What do you know about Beiloune?" Ari asked.
"Not much kid. He just told me to play a little number for you guys."
"Who are you anyways?" Rosalyn asked.
"ME? I am..." He started to play a heavy guitar riff. The guitar roared as he started to play his notes faster and higher. The everyone covered the ears. He stayed at the peak notes for a bit before decending the notes as fast as possible.
"I AM THE ROCKSTAR EVIL KING!!!"
Everyone looked up and saw that his strings were smoking. He stopped playing for a bit to let his strings cool off.
"He's got some pretty fast fingers." Rosalyn said.
"Are my ears bleeding?" Linda asked.
As soon as his strings stopped smoking, he started to play again.
"Well I'd love to stay and chat but I gotta go. Before I leave though, let me play a song just for you guys." the Rockstar Evil King said.
He started to play a fast guitar riff. Purple rays of energy came out with each note he played.
"GET OFF THE DECK!!!" Ari yelled.
Everyone jumped into the water as the purple rays pounded the dock. Each ray exploded on impact, pulverizing the dock into pieces.
"We can't have a good concert at this place. Meet me at the ruins if you wanna see the show." the Rockstar Evil King said.
Ari climbed back on to the pier of Rashelo.
"WHY WON'T YOU TELL ME WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT BEILOUNE?!?!?!" Ari yelled.
"Why?" the Evil King said. "CUZ I'M TNT!!!"
An explosion of smoke came from the Rockstar Evil King's guitar. When the smoke cleared, he was gone.
Everybody else climbed out of the water and back on to the pier. Ari stood there, clinching the hilt of the blade untill his knuckles turned white. He was starring at the ruins with eyes that could kill. Rosalyn came up to him.
"Ari. You need to calm down." Rosalyn said, "There's no way you'll be able to fight him properly if you're like this."
"I know Rosalyn. I was just hoping to get some answers from him."
"I don't think he'll tell us anything."
"I know. That's why i'll beat it out of him."
Stan came forth from Ari's shadow. "That's right slaveboy. We're gonna take some of my power back from him too."
"You saw what he did though." Linda said. "Do we have some sort of plan?"
"Yeah." Ari said. "Let's just say that he's gonna be hitting a bad note or two."
Chapter 3: Old Friends and New Enemies
-END-
Editor's note: Looks like Kisling and Rosalyn got better. Stan does bring up a point about that rescue though. Why didn't Rosalyn watch her step the first time? Also poor Ari. I'm being kinda mean to him in what he has to go through with Kisling, Rosalyn and Stan. I'm gonna warn everybody ahead of time: It might get meaner. Linda's singing might have gotten better. We'll see by how much in the next chapter. It would also seem that Ari has noticed something. This chapter was pretty done pretty fast in comparison to the chapter before this. Writing the end of it was really fun too. The Rockstar Evil King is probably going to be my favorite evil king in this fanfic. He was inspired by a boss in the game God Hand. You will see him in this video: .com/watch?v=BMm1zplykEg.Too bad the guy playing kills him first. If you wanna see the insanity of the game that is God Hand, I recomend this video: .com/watch?v=S_ajHICMvh4. The guy playing in that video is enraiharuka. He seems to be doing a hitless run which is quite a feat considering that just going through the game without dying too many times is already an accomplishment. For the Rockstar Evil King's attack style, in case you can't tell, I made it so that cetain lyrics or song titles will affect his attack whenever he sings them while playing his guitar. Here are the songs I used in this chapter:
Symphony of Destruction - Megadeth
Smoke on the Water - Deep Purple
TNT - ACDC
I got this done in a weekend. Just to let you guys know, I'm gonna try to post every Thursday regardless of how early I finish it. Anyways, read, review and enjoy. See you around.
