Forgotten Realms:

Angels and Demons

Part XXVIII

The defenders of Altamar were stubbornly holding their city. Now inside the walls, the Orcs were rampaging and suffering horrible deaths. Whomever had come up with the defense of the city, had prepared for small scale guerilla like warfare once the walls were breached. The Pied Piper looked over the piled of his dead troops, and the multitudes that reinforced them.

He had to give it to the defenders, their casualties were heavy after the initial retreat, but had dropped off. The pendulum had swung back, but not for long. The whole strength of the defense was behind the lines attacking, while other soldiers held the line. If they could break that new defensive line, then the harassing attacks would be significantly less effective. Which he knew was near.

Not only were the defenders on the line bloody and tired, but thanks to his little musical instrument, they were doomed. Strategizing, he wandered if causing insanity or sapping their wills would work out better. Sapping their wills would make them sluggish, wounds would be heavier, and loss of energy would make them drop where they stood.

Insanity though, that could cause more. As shown by the Challenger's goody two shoes paladin, the defenders could be broken. Seeing their fellows as potential enemies would shatter their teamwork; seeing the carnage they wrought on their own lines, would destroy their minds and souls. Delectably wonderful this option was, and this is what the Pied Piper decided on. The only thing missing was a mustache for him to twirl, though the twitching of his bony wings was close enough.

Watching him were the remains of the Challengers, and Bruce Robertson. They had scried for the leader of the Orcish army. When the Pied Piper had shown up, they had their target. The hope was that taking out the leader would take out the Orcs organization. It was a long shot, but the best they had. There was also no guarantee that Wizard Robertson would be able to open another portal back up for them, once the attack was done. They couldn't risk opening a doorway, if it brought the invaders closer to Lord Wallace.

"Do it," Kirann said.

He prepared as wizard spoke the incantation that would bring forth the magical doorway. They'd have to be quickly through, and they'd have to attack quickly. The evil bard had kept space between him and the Orcs, and they'd have a limited time to take him out before they were surrounded. He was the first through as the doorway opened.

Horrid music filled the air, and the soldiers began to scream as the insanity began to overtake them. Sights and sounds began to twist into nightmare beyond imagining, with enemies all around them. The piercing, blood curdling garbles of screams rang out, and the Orcs began to laugh. Before them the armored Humans ripped at their heads, metal helmets thrown to the side and clumps of hair ripped out.

The Pied Piper smiled as he played the pan pipes, certain in his knowledge that none could withstand its effect. Behind him a great wind buffeted him, as the change of fortune swung back to his side. Beyond the screams came a harsh roar came from behind. He disregarded it as a group of Orcs coming up behind him. It did sound oddly familiar, and something made the hairs on his neck stand on end.

Then the world went temporarily black. A large force smacked into his head and he fell forward, landing against the ground with a thud. The horrid pan pipes skittered across the battlefield, with a lithe figure running after them. Meanwhile Lorinda had her staff blade weapon at the ready to end the Pied Piper, once and for all.

Instead all of the heroes were blown back by an invisible force, "Tricky, tricky little mice. Don't worry, I have sent your little wizard friend some presents."

Leilani let loose a fire stream, only for it to be deflected by the same invisible force. Next, she found herself being shoved to the ground. Above her hovered the discarded battering ram from before, and it fell. Strong hands yanked her, and the battering ram slammed just inches away from the top of her head. Eyes wide with fright, she looked for her rescuer. There, looking just as scared as she, was Raven.

Tyrannus, the Boss, called out to the two women, "Very good, you're quick."

Before the devil could cast another spell, a splinter of pure agony ripped through him. He sent out an attack, only for two more splinters of agonizing pain to sweep over him. Turning his gaze, Tryannus looked for the cause and his eyes narrowed in recognition. A bright man, glowing with the light of the celestials stood before him. Wings of pure light erupted from his back and the man was coming right at him.

Lorinda cast a lightning bolt, hoping to give Kirann the edge against the huge devil. The thing stood about twelve feet, and cast off an aura of decay. The deep purple of the devil's skin, with the bone white protrusions scattered along his arms, all of that didn't matter to the Aasimar monk. She knew he was going to fight it with all he was worth and more. She was about to cast another, when a large cracked reverberated against her skull.

"I'll enjoy making you pay for that, Elf," The Pied Piper screamed, blood pouring from the front of his head.

He pulled a rapier off his belt and thrust it at Lorinda. She managed to roll out of the way, but his blade still tore at her leather armor. Beneath it, she felt a slight pain, and her mind went to the possibility of a wound. She couldn't focus on that, as his rapier was back and thrusting at the weak points of her armor. This time she brought up her blade staff, and sent out a kick. The Pied Piper rolled, which gave her some room, but she was still within his strike zone.

Tyrannus swung out his demonic axe blade, meaning to bisect Kirann in half. Instead the flying man slammed a fist into the devil's chin. The blow hurt, but was inconsequential to the huge devil. As if swatting a fly, the devil backhanded Kirann. The monk fell back to the ground, catching himself before he hit. Back up he rocketed and this time landed a savage kick to the devil's temple.

The roar of the devil brought the attention of the Orcs to the battle within their lines. Leilani saw them coming and knew she had to do something. Luckily her comrades weren't close enough to be hurt by what she intended to do. Pulling the magic in her, she cast a fireball. Orcs flew into the air as the concussive force hit them, while a good portion of the oncoming horde disappeared into ash.

One though was safe, and cast magic missile at her. Leilani dodged, but then found herself in the crosshairs of an Orc with a bow. In that moment she felt like the last few moments of her life were about to proceed. There was always a chance the Orc would miss, but she was caught dead to rights.

Instead the archer fell to the ground quickly, blood pooling around it. The Orc shaman was caught off guard as a knife sank into its eye. The shaman didn't have time to worry about a life as a one eye, or the prestige that would bring it. A magical attack destroyed the shaman's head. The newly beheaded body fell to the ground with a wet squelch.

Behind the now dead archer, Val popped up and saluted Leilani. The Drow sorceress returned it, relieved and glad that the Half-Elf had been there. Also noting to thank the heavens she had survived, after they had won this battle. Till then, she had more work to do as more Orcs were incoming. How long she and Val could hold them off was probably down to the minutes.

Kirann rolled as he came crashing down to the ground. His glow still pulsed as he fought, like a beacon in the night. The glowing wings disappeared, but his fists were still hitting with the force to break walls. The devil swung at him, and the monk dodged before counter attacking. Three hits all around the devil's ankle caused Tyrannus to growl in frustration, but didn't bring him down.

Instead the devil kicked out, sending Kirann rolling across the ground. He got back up, bleeding from his nose and mouth. His clothes torn, and dirt caked his normal robes, he wheezed as he tried to pull air back into his lungs. To fight he needed to live, to live he needed to breathe, and to breathe he needed some time to recover. Unfortunately, the devil wasn't going to allow that.

Walton's head lay on the counter of the tavern bar. Numerous glasses of ale sat empty around him. Another glass sat half full in front of him, and because of all the drink, the voices were gone. The ghosts of his kills were silent now, their accusatory words unable to reach him. He could still see them, and they were getting angrier. At least he couldn't hear them. He could close his eyes and they'd be gone.

"Sir Walton?" came a tired, but feminine voice. "Walton, it's Angelique, do you remember me?"

"Go away," he groaned. She was obviously alive, because the dead he couldn't hear.

"This is not state for a knight of Tyr," she said. "Do you want to talk about it?"

This time he roared, "I thought I said to go away!"

"I can't do that," she said softly. "You are needed, more than you know."

Walton shook his head, "They are all better without me. Now leave me!"

"Listen, I don't know what happened, but you can talk to me," Angelique put a soft hand on his shoulder.

He shoved her hard enough to send her two steps back, "I said leave me! I just want to be left alone."

"And why is that, Paladin?" her voice changed, an edge forming on it. "You sit in here like a petulant child, screaming while your friends are out there. They are fighting to save this city. Now tell me, what can I do to help you?!"

He swung his hand to his sword, ready to stop her screeching by slicing her in twain. Anger flared through his pain riddled skull, effects of the hangover soon to come. However, he stopped as he looked at her. She was beautiful to him, but that wasn't what stopped him. Instead it was the conviction on her face, the total lack of fear of him. A fully armored and armed man, and she was defiant in just her cloth robes.

Walton lowered his blade, "It is better if I'm not out there. Not after what happened."

"I know something bad happened, and I know you blame yourself," Angelique said, her voice soft again. "I also wish I could allow you the time to heal, but we are all in trouble."

He fell back onto his stool, "How bad is it?"

"Your friends fight a horde of Orcs, a Fallen Aasimar and a devil," she said. "They need you."

"I..my abilities…they, they would be better without me," he said.

She came over and pulled him up, "They just need you. You can still make a difference. Afterwards you come back, and I'll help you."

Val jumped form Orc to Orc, stabbing and slicing through the horde. She didn't have time to plan or think, she just attacked the nearest on to her and went to the next. Blasts of magic hit all around her, taking out the Orcs that were sneaking up behind Val. Leilani using a combination of her natural magic abilities and several wands.

Val eviscerated another Orc, reached into her belt and found another throwing dagger. Tossing it, she hit an Orc that had flanked Leilani. The Drow sorceress sent a silent thanks, concentrating on trying to survive. All down her visible skin, patches of scales had appeared, and they glowed with a golden light.

The Pied Piper was on the defensive. Lorinda's blade staff turned his rapier, and he had to dodge as the opposite end sliced down towards him. He pulled away, looking to reengage with advantage. Only she called forth entangling roots, and he found himself having to really work to stay alive. Like nature, she was deadly when furious. As if he needed more evidence, she got through his defenses.

The Pied Piper fell to the ground, blood dripped to the ground from an open wound on his chest. It ran from his hip to his left shoulder, with everything between sliced open in a straight line. More blood flowed, and he could feel his energy began to wane. It was a critical wound, one that could easily become mortal. He only had one chance. Reaching to his belt he pulled out a wand and shot it at the druid.

Lorinda flew back, and the Pied Piper fled. As he did, a glass shattered, as the phial he had drunk was thrown to the ground. He wanted space, needed the space to mend. His only relief was seeing the Boss destroy the Aasimar monk. That left him with a pained smile on his face.

Kirann swung his fist, breaking the devil's nose with a loud crack. Like a clap of thunder, the nose broke and the devil snarled. The monk barely moved as a massive blade hit beside him. However, he didn't dodge the blunt side as the devil brought the blade back around. He felt the air being pushed out of him, and he felt the hard stone of a nearby wall. He coughed, blood coming out as he did so.

On instinct he shot out a sun bolt, and it luckily hit the devil square in the eye. Tyrannus howled as he clawed at his ruined eye. Kirann stood, ready to fire again when an Orc got through and slammed straight into him. The Orc raised its axe, ready to end him, while behind it Tyrannus had regained his composure.

Tyrannus squashed the Orc, and pulled Kirann up to face him, "Little Aasimar, this day will see your end. I will take your soul and make you my personal slave for a thousand generations. How does that sound?"

"You..you…you should look behind you!" Kirann managed, speech was painful and something inside felt like it was broken.

Before Tyrannus could ask what he meant, Raven sunk her borrowed cutlass into the heel of the devil. Tyrannus kicked back, opened his mouth to howl in pain and was rewarded with searing pain. A bright sun beam pierced the soft tissue of the devil's throat, causing it grievous damage.

As such, Tyrannus dropped the monk and he crumpled to the ground. Raven quickly went to him, and turned to face the devil over him. She was without her power, she was just a lowly mortal facing down a great evil. Just like Kirann, but he still had his power. He hadn't stood a chance, what chance did she have? Yet, she knew that she couldn't leave him here. So, her choice was made. She would protect him, and probably die with him.

Lorinda saw her friend fall, saw Raven stand over him. The Tiefling's armor was scarred, but she still stood by him. The druid didn't have time to cast a spell, as the Orcs were almost overwhelming her and Val. Even with Leilani, who was moving slower and slower, they were going to be overrun soon. They needed more, what she wasn't sure, just that needed more.

A great roar caused the Orcs around them to pause, and it was enough time for Lorinda to see a great blade come crashing down. The Orc fell to the ground, and another was taken out as the wielder of the blade screamed again. She felt a slight relief as Walton came crashing and slashing through the Horde. How he reached them was easy to see, there were countless Orc bodies littering the path he had taken.

Kirann was in pain, more pain than he could ever remember being in. Beneath it all he heard a voice, it started out small but soon gained in power. He struggled to hear it, vaguely aware that time had slowed around him. He knew Raven was standing over him, and he could see the devil's clawed hand come down at her.

"Your greatest strength is in your heart, it is a pure one," his master had told him. "Your heritage will also give you power, and you can use it. We train so that you can harness your abilities without thinking, fighting on an elevated plane of instinct merged with thought. Body and mind work in tandem with the spirit."

Kirann saw the blade coming for Raven, knew she wasn't going to see it for her attention was on the massive fist coming at her. He needed to move, he needed to save her. His body was battered. The spirit was willing, but he was still unable to move. He had to, but didn't know how.

"When mind, body and spirit are synced, when your two sides are in harmony, there is nothing you can not achieve." Kirann's master said. "You are drawn to avenge Evil, but it is insidious. Your wisdom will help illuminate it. However, your greatest abilities will show when you ascend past your previous limits."

Kirann looked past the devil and Raven. Piercing the layers of smoke and the clouds in the sky was the sun. The life-giving light that bathed the world and allowed life to flourish. The same light that fended off vampires and turned certain monsters to stone. It bathed him and all those fighting in its warmth.

"I have taught you all that I know, my student," Kirann's master continued. "It is time for you to go out into the world and find your place. Go now, test your limits, surpass them and exceed the barriers before you. Ascend, claim your birthright!"

From the center of Kirann, a small flame barely flickered. Into it went the images of his friends in danger, Raven standing over him about to perish. He saw before when he had been out amongst the citizens of Altamar. A little girl playing with her brother. A kitten mewing for its caretakers to pet it, and a dog licking the face of a crying child.

Other images came. The sight of the DuValls comforting each other as he and his team took them from their home. Lorinda hugging Raven, and Val standing free, her accuser being trotted off to jail. He saw grateful farmers offering what little they had, for his party destroying a demon boar.

The flame erupted into a conflagration. From it came light, and that light filled him completely. From crown to foot he was filled, and reformed. Energy returned to him, as if the world around him was feeding him. It erupted out of him in pulsing waves, and Kirann's eyes snapped open.

Raven recognized her mistake, as the devil's sword come at her. Her borrowed sword wouldn't stop that, and it was too late for her to set it up for a parry. In just a few moments, she'd be in two pieces, and her final stand hopefully doing enough to save the town.

She let out a breath and began to sing, "In the arms of the angel.."

Just then light blasted all around her and the devil snarled in pain, clawing at its eyes. A radiant fist smashed into it, leaving a burned imprint of the hand on its cheek. The devil howled again, but this time there was terror withing that howl. Looking at what had hit it, Tyrannus knew fear. A golden figure of pure sunlight stood across, equal to his height at twelve feet. Golden light wings pumped, as the being prepared to rush forward.

"Sum Kirannus Lichtus," Kirann bellowed. "Sum lux et ignis."

Worse, more lights were appearing all around the being, and Tyrannus knew he had to flee. Those were other celestials, and he wasn't prepared to fight off an army of them. Instead he fled, snapping the Pied Piper as he left. The Fallen Aasimar still had his uses, especially after Tyrannus was done "educating" him.

With them gone, the Orcs fell into their usual fighting tactics. This caused the defenders to quickly push them back. Now with their tactics reverted back to more primitive means, the more advanced ones of the Altarans won the day. Soon the Orcs fled back to the hills, but not before more had died and death stained the streets of Altmar and rivers of blood ran down them.

Kirann returned to his normal size and fell to the ground exhausted. Raven was right by his side, worried as he slowly drifted off. Tears fell off her face, as she continued to sing. He felt her magic flow into him, and realized something that she hadn't till now. He knew what her real gift was. She was never meant to be a warlock, but rather had the ability to wield bardic magic. A smile formed on his face as he descended into rest and recuperation.

"Kid!" Al flew down from the host of celestials that had come towards the end of the battle.

"Leave him alone!" Raven snarled, her cutlass quickly pointed towards him.

"Hush child! You both are on the same side," a new voice that commanded respect rang out. "Ah! You clever boy, I was wondering how you were going to do that! Very clever."

"Who are you?" Raven asked, not realizing her cutlass was dropping.

The old woman had a kindly face and appeared to be from Kara-Tur. A land of samurai and monks, they had brought the martial arts Kirann now practiced to Faerun long ago. Her almond shaped eyes were wrinkled, but still full of life. There was great compassion exuding form her, and Raven found herself feeling comfortable around her.

"To him, I am a friend," the old woman said. "To others I am a warm, friendly voice that brings comfort. To the damned I am the small hope of redemption." She then turned to Al, "He will be fine, though he has surpassed his limits."

The woman looked back to Kirann. Gently she touched his forehead with her hand, hummed a tune that sounded familiar and foreign. She whispered something into his ear, and then looked up. Smiling, she embraced Raven, warmth spreading through her body. Tears welled up in her eyes, falling like a waterfall. Whatever or whomever this woman was, she left a cleansing feeling.

"Young one, your heritage means nothing against your choices," the old woman said. "Your heart has been shown today; it is selfless, loving and loyal. He is very lucky to have you in his life. You may call me Kwan Yin."

I felt his change from across the world and became curious about this warrior. More I can not say, but in time you both will find out. I look forward to the next time we meet."

With that the old woman vanished, and even Al was caught off guard by her departure. Instead he went back over to his charge, which is when he felt the change. Kirann was different, yet the same. Something about his power, his inner ki was different. It seemed more blended with the inherited abilities of his Celestial side. What this meant, even he didn't know. One thing was for sure, life was only going to get more interesting for his charge.