they traveled through the forest making their way finally into the capital of Gallia, along the roads and streets it was quiet with only soldiers occupying the outside of town and most laguz keeping to themselves. The tension was high in the air as eyes watched in the shadows at the group but kept away. The group made their way into the castle and to the throne room of Gallia. Skrimir sat on his throne as Caineghis stood by. Skrimir: I have lots of questions but so do you, since you are a "guest" you will go first. Tell me boy, what is it that your name is?
Avel nodded Avel: my name is Avel, I lead a small group called the Twin Serpent mercenaries.
Skrimir growled Skrimir: It is not enough that you kill my former friend, now you desecrate his profession?
Avel shook his head Avel: I dont recall the Greil Mercenaries being the only ones allowed to be mercenaries. Were nothing like them.. as you will all soon know.
Skrimir nodded Skrimir: watch your tone child! you are within my walls and you can easily be snuffed away! Now speak! tell me everything.
Avel began to tell the king everything he knew, from the very beginning to the incidents up until now. Skrimir growled and shook his head Skrimir: to think that what is the underlying cause of my peoples troubles is a beorc! this Thieves Guild has gotten too powerful! those who fight in the dark are cowards of the lowest scum!
Avel nodded Avel: worse than that.. even cowards would fight to the death when cornered.. Lamorak would rather flee and use others as his shields.
Caineghis nodded Caineghis: of corruption, i thought only Ashnard could be so despicable.. but he was only on the strings of Sephiran. Still.. this Lamorak seems like a power mad individual.. and with the times being this way.. he is growing strong enough to live up to his threats.. our kingdom is plagued by his Feral Elixer.. and many are falling to its curse..
Avel looked to him Avel: then do you know where the one selling them are?
Skrimir growled Skrimir: I have sent many to investigate.. including my top man.. but no one has come back from the forest. I should not have made the Coliseum so quickly!
Avel blinked Avel: what is a Coliseum and what does it have to do with the guild?
Ceri spoke up quietly. "A coliseum is an arena of sorts where you battle it out with your opponents for sport and to prove who' s strongest. There's usually rewards for who wins..and scars or worse, for who loses... " She ventured a guess. "I'm guessing the elixers are being used by the ones fighting to make them 'supposedly stronger, but it's having bad effects?"
Skrimir nodded Skrimir: yes! that is it exactly.
Avel blinked Avel: what... how could you? Do you not know what it means to be at peace?
Skrimir growled but Caineghis spoke Caineghis: Laguz of the beast tribe cannot truly thrive in times of peace.. our nature wont allow it to be. To settle this, a Coliseum was made for Laguz to fight and grow strong and release the chaos in times of peace. I do not expect a branded to understand it.
Avel nodded Avel: I... I dont.. and im sorry for that... but this has cause more harm than good.. you must have known that someone would try to corrupt laguz as soon as they learned of this?
Skrimir shook his head Skrimir: none would dare try, we are the beast tribe of Gallia!
Avel closed his eyes Avel: this is my fault..
Ceri looked to him. "Huh?"
Avel growled Avel: if I had killed Lamorak all those years ago, the Thieves Guild would have been destroyed too..
Caineghis shook his head Caineghis: such events are inevitable, even among laguz, there is a strong infighting.
Skrimir shook his head Skrimir: I do not blame you for my peoples actions. As a leader it is my duty to stop this no it is my duty as a Laguz to stop this poison!
Avel nodded Avel: yeah.. i know.. but we need help.. more than that we need to stop these feral ones here. Shut down the Coliseum.
Skrimir growled Skrimir: I have tried, however I will not fight my people..
Avel blinked Avel: you wont fight them? ..I know you have lost many.. but they are turning into feral ones!
Skrimir shook his head Skrimir: their is still hope for them! as long as it lives I shall not harm my people!
Avel blinked Avel: hope? like what? once there feral they cant be saved!
Caineghis shook his head Caineghis: no that is not true, a Heron can bring them back to their senses.
Avel growled Avel: damn it!... them again.. theres no way we can go to them.. no onecan, i cann't even get close! not after what we did to them!
Ceri looked to him in confusion. "What do you mean?"
Avel sighed Avel: theres something ive been hiding away.. our biggest disgrace that cost the trust of the entire kingdom of Phoenicis, Kilvas, and even the Serenes..
Ceri shook her head. "What did you even do?"
Avel closed his eyes and shivered Avel: ...their king... we killed king Lorazieh..
Ceri stared at him in surprise. "Wait ...what?"
Skrimir growled Skrimir: Explain.. now!
Caineghis growled a bit as well gripping his fists.
Avel nodded Avel: Lamorak and I snuck into the forest to search for Lehrans Medallion.. our intention was to get it to find a way to see if we could retrieve the same power Ashnard had.. but.. we were confronted by the ill king, who had at the time was recovering in a part of the forest, close to the shrine where the medallion was.. he wrestled the medallion from Lamorak's hand and as I pulled him away from Lamorak... he thrusted his sword through him.. both with the intent to kill me or frame me for it.. while he escaped with the medallion. The sword was stopped by the body of the king though.. i was able to get free but was chased by nearly every bird tribe member in that forest.. i nearly died but lamorak somehow used the power of the medallion to twist the Hawk kings mind and warp him along with the Crow king as well.. They went on a rampage and we fled.. after that.. me and Lamorak.. we went our separate ways. I didnt discover his plan until my closest friend died trying to tell me..
Skrimir growled Skrimir: you are the cause of it all!
Caineghis shook his head Caineghis: calm yourself Skrimir!
Skrimir growled but nodded Skrimir: the reason the herons and other bird tribes have gone into seclusion.. this is because of you and that man? where is the medallion now?
Avel shook his head Avel: I dont know.. after Lamorak got ahold of it he hid it away somewhere.
Ceri thought for a moment. "You...need to tell them what you told me..about the night you fought Ike, and, about Ranulf. It might be important..especially since you said he mentioned the medallion.."
Avel nodded Avel: yes.. that's right.. Ike mentioned about the medallion too..
Caineghis nodded Caineghis: I see.. then it is as I thought. Now all of it makes sense.
Avel blinked Avel: what are you talking about?
Caineghis closed his eyes Caineghis: Lamorak indeed has the medallion, he also attained Ashnard's spirit.. much like how you obtained the spirit of Zelgius.
Avel blinked Avel: wh-what?!
Skrimir shook his head Skrimir: Uncle, was the medallion not purged when the goddess awoken? how is this possible?
Caineghis nodded Caineghis: the chaotic energy of Yune that lasted for centuries was indeed purged.. it resided in Ike if you recall.. but beyond that energy.. after feeling its power Ashnard's soul crept into the medallion.. as its own separate energy when Ike cut him down.. The medallion also absorbed the dark energies of the Black Knight as well. All who are linked in some way to the medallion, even those who have touched it.. are able to gain that energy.. the medallion was purged.. but never completely stopped.. could it be that Lehran's rage has made the medallion a vessel?
Avel shivered Avel: ...it makes sense.. I did touch the medallion.. and besides that Ike seemed to slowly lose himself too.. when I fought him he was more crazed than sane..
Caineghis nodded Caineghis: the energy of Yune somehow still lays in his body.. it corrupts him mixed with Ashnard's own energies..
Avel looked wide eyed Avel: somehow Ike was possessed then.. by that energy.. and ashnards chaos drove him even more insane.. then at least.. killing him was a mercy..
Caineghis closed his eyes Caineghis: ..that is something else I must say.. Ike is not dead..
Avel gasped wide eyed. Avel: What?!
Skrimir blinked Skrimir: what!?
Caineghis nodded Caineghis: He is trapped in chaos.. his body corrupted by the blue flames has now turned into a reddish fire much like Ashnard when he touched the medallion.. his body heals nearly all wounds.. and when I found him that night after your battle.. he attacked even me. The only way to keep him safe, was to make everyone think you killed him. He is in Begnion.. underneath the Tower of the Goddess.. in the Maze of the Zunanma built long ago!
Avel shivered Avel: all this time he was alive.. I was hunted down for nothing...
Skrimir looked to Caineghis Skrimir: Uncle, we must purge Ike from the energy. We have to stop this before it becomes worse.
Caineghis shook his head Caineghis: it may already be too late.. I went to Crimea recently after the Queen called me to tell me of her spies latest findings.. there is grave news..
Skrimir nodded Skrimir: yes? tell us Uncle.
Caineghis shook his head growling Caineghis: Begnion... the Empress has been dethroned in a power struggle once more.. and a new king has been crowned.. her last whereabouts are unknown.. but this individual is already organizing a military and forming a strong force to send out to all of us..
Avel gasped and nearly fell over wide eyed shaking Avel: B-Begnion... the plan... damn it... Lamorak... its definitely him.. and hes aiming to conquer all of Tellius!
Caineghis growled Caineghis: insurgents in nearly every part of the land have weaken every state, this plan was intricate much like Sephiran's before but much more devastating.. As of now, we are nearly less than half at fighting state.. with Gallia the way it is, there is no way to defend against this coming seige.
Skrimir growled Skrimir: we cant be done in yet! I refuse to allow our land to fall under slavery from them! Just as Great King Soan once did before I will rally to fight this evil!
Avel shook his head Avel: its too late.. Lamorak has been planning this for some time.. theres no way.. we can win..
Ceri shook her head. "No...There's no way we can win alone, but if there were some way to bring more forces together, like how in the war there were alliances, you might stand a chance.."
Caineghis nodded Caineghis: she is right. No matter what happens, together we all can face it.
Avel nodded Avel: yes.. yes.. their might be a way.. for a long time, Lamorak was afraid of the Goddesses.. that also was a reason he would never fight back.. he worshiped them out of fear.. but with them gone.. he can act without worry..
Skrimir growled Skrimir: we never needed the Goddess before to win, and we will win again!
Avel shook his head Avel: it might not be that easy.. but we can gather forces.. spread the word in quiet if we can before he launches his war.. we can also stop his corruption to most of the places just as we did Daein and Crimea.
Skrimir looked to him Skrimir: against my better senses, I trust you Avel. You remind me of one of Ike's friends.. a tactician who saved us many times with his knowledge..
Avel blinked and shook his head Avel: hah.. yeah.. I know who you are talking about King Skrimir.. but dont compare me to... wait.. thats it! we have to find them.. if we do then we can gather plenty of forces.. I know they may not trust me.. but if we can get them on our side.. lots would follow..
Skrimir looked to him Skrimir: Avel! as the King of Gallia, I ask that you help save my land and all of Tellius! Do this and you will have the eternal aid of Gallia for as long as I rule.
Avel blinked Avel:... that.. I will do.. but where to start..
Ceri looked to him. "We need to contact Anna.. " She explained to the three of them what she had overheard that night with her with the hooded man. "I have a feeling she knows more then she's letting on..."
Avel nodded Avel: alright.. as soon as we get back we can contact her.. your highness i am thankful for all of this.. i will not fail.
Caineghis looked to Ceri Caineghis: Ceri.. before you go here. he handed her a tied up item in a cloth. this was what i found at Kraven's old home.
Ceri took it into her hands, opening the cloth to look at what it could be.
inside the cloth a glowing green light glowed from a strange looking dagger. Its blade was soft as air to the touch but seemed sharp enough to cut.
Caineghis blinked Caineghis: ive never seen a weapon like this.. it us not like normal daggers..
Ceri smiled , looking at it. She picked it up in her hand, gripping it by the handle and gave it a twirl in with her fingers to weigh it. "This.. is something else.."
he nodded Caineghis: These materials are unknown to many laguz, there may be a blacksmith that can discover what it is, but that will have to be for later.
Skrimir nodded Skrimir: as much as it pains me to say this, our fate, maybe that of the world is in both of your hands. My men will escort you back to your base. I will also send one of my other warriors to assist you while you are in Gallia.
Avel blinked but nodded Avel: assistance from Gallia?... I guess its what needs to be.. thank you.. we will be on our way.. he headed out of the kings chamber
Ceri gave a quick bow to them both and followed him out of the chamber after.
outside two guards awaited them and soon they were safely escorted from the city. once they went to the forest more laguz came to their side as they headed off towards the base. After some time of traveling they made it to the castle base only to see many dead soldiers in robes scattered around the area. Avel blinked and headed inside in a hurry as the laguz went to investigate around.
Ceri rushed inside to look for the others, when she noticed the soldiers.
inside bodies of more soldiers were found but far in the corner everyone laid tired and exhausted but ready for a fight. The group surrounded a scared Julie. Avel rushed toward them as they blinked and headed to his side. Julie yelled crying as she ran at him and he picked her up holding her close. He looked to the others confused Avel: what happened?!
Flynn nodded Flynn: ha.. hah... they nearly got us... they waited in this territory.. the two headed serpents men.. somehow they got a garrison at least..
Avel blinked Avel: what?! but how.. theres no way they got past the laguz..
Cassie nodded Cassie: th-thats just it boss.. they didnt.. they were here all along...
Clare huffed a bit as she nodded Clare: those vile cretins.. they were waiting for us to come to this spot..
Avel looked around and blinked Avel: wait.. where is Mink and Lethe?
the group looked to him as Junia nodded Junia: a-about that.. those monsters used some new type of elixir on them.. it poured in here like a mist.. and..
Vaiya nodded Vaiya: we have them sealed off in a room.. their going insane..
Avel blinked Avel: what! ..that... thats ...
Mao shook her head Mao: we would have died! they told us.. they willingly went to two different room and told us to seal the doors.
Ceri looked at them in surprise. "Ah...Hawk should have been with them.. too. What happened to him?"
Avel nodded as Cassie shook her head Cassie: u-um.. Hawk is chasing after them.. he went after the stragglers that left hearing you guys coming.
Avel growled Avel: always going in alone.. do we at least know where he is..
Cassie shook her head Cassie: if there are laguz here.. then it has to be somewhere where all of the Twin Serpents men can be without attracting attention.. more than that..it has to be some sort of area they can go under their control or at least in their power.
Avel thought for a moment Avel: they cant leave the forest.. its teeming with beast tribe laguz.. that leaves maybe.. the coliseum?
Ceri nodded. "That would make sense.. especially since their the ones supplying the elixers.."
Avel nodded Avel: then im going..
Flynn nodded Flynn: ill go too boss. Let us all go with you.
Avel shook his head Avel: no, right now if we all go out there, theres a chance they will run and two we need to keep Mink and Lethe safe. If they get loose then i doubt anything can stop them.
Clare nodded Clare: id like some more help with the seals to their room.. the sleep staff im using on them can only do so much.
Cassie nodded Cassie: leave it to me, ive got a bit of knowledge in that.
Avel looked to the group Avel: work with the laguz and secure the area. I will put an end to this.
Mao shook her head Mao: not alone! come on boss!
Avel closed his eyes Avel: it would be good if i had at least one more person.. he looked to Ceri i need your help then.
Ceri nodded. "Alright."
Mao blinked Mao: What? thats not what i meant! you should have chose me!
Avel shook his head Avel: youve got work to do here.. besides dont we have that tome for you to master? I havent seen you try with it once.
She blinked Mao: that scary thing?! I threw that away.
Cassie and Avel blinked Cassie & Avel: WHAT!?
Cassie groaned Cassie: do you know what I had to do to get that... auuuugh!
Avel sighed Avel: I could have sold that.. it was worth a ton!... ugh..
Mao shook her head Mao: using magic that is beyond my level will get me either maimed or killed. Im not stupid ya know.
Avel shook his head Avel: then you should have... forget it.. just help with the barrier.
Mao blinked Mao: how do i do that?
Avel shook his head Avel: bang your head against it.. maybe it will make you more stronger.
*He turned and walked away as Mao sighed * Mao: ..thats not very nice! geez..
Ceri blinked, but followed after him, quietly.
outside a laguz soldier headed toward him Laguz: h-hey.. what happened here.. these guys aren't with you, right?
Avel growled Avel: stop asking stupid questions and listen, the Twin headed snakes are here, they might be at the coliseum. Go get help from the king.
he blinked Laguz: h-huh? what.. I dont..
Avel growled and yelled at him Avel: get moving soldier! Lethe's life depends on it!
he blinked and nodded Laguz: y-y-yes at once! he headed off towards the forest with a few other soldiers.
Avel looked to the remaining laguz Avel: they will probably try to attack this place again! why not set up an ambush to stop them in the forest? I don't care but keep my people safe, it was part of the deal! I also need one of you to lead me to the Coliseum.
a dark haired laguz walked up to them and saluted nodding ?: I will assist you sir Beorc. Right now things are too dangerous to...
a voice called out of a woman whining ?: Leeeethe! wheres my sister?!
she moved through the laguz and headed toward them stopping as the man grabbed her?: ow let me go Kyza! I need to see Lethe!
he shook his head as she pulled trying to break free of his grip Kyza: gah... Lyre!.. calm yourself! ...right now.. dont you sense it? your sister is not in control..
she sniffed then snarled to Avel and Ceri Lyre: th-this is all your faults! damn! how can this happen! hiss! you fix her right away!
Avel shook his head growling Avel: thats what we were planning on...
she roared out swinging at them as Kyza held her back Lyre: if you dont fix her this instant im gonna make you regret...
Avel yelled out to her Avel: SHUT UP YOU HAIRBRAINED IDIOT! WHAT DO YOU THINK IM DOING!?
she yelped as Kyza and Lyre looked to him quietly. He sighed and glared Avel: listen! if I was your sibling, id say stop worrying and do something about it! so why dont you calm down and stop acting like a child and help me or get out of my way!
the two looked quietly on stunned as Avel looked to Ceri Avel: no more talk, we have to go.. Kyza if your going to lead the way nows the time!
he blinked nodding letting Lyre go as she fell down Kyza: ah.. r-right! he headed off towards the forest with Avel following.
Ceri gave a small nod and followed after them both, quickly.
Lyre blinked and followed after them Lyre: ah.. h-hold on! im coming too!
the four traveled through the forest making their way east following Kyza. He carefully led them to rocky cliff area and looked down below seeing an area with ruins around it. In the middle of it two laguz viciously fought against each other with a handful of twin serpent soldiers cheering them on.
Avel looked to the area carefully and shook his head Avel: this is the spot.. but the laguz here.. their doing this willingly...
Kyza shook his head Kyza: what... what is this...no laguz would go so far to sate his need for fighting would they?...
Avel looked to him Avel: im not surprised about that.. ive heard that hawks are even worse though... and ravens most of all.
lyre watched as one of the fighters bit down on the others neck and pulled away a small chunk of flesh Lyre: urgh.. im gonna be sick... to fight another laguz.. it just feels all wrong..
Avel blinked as the laguz dropped dead and was dragged away by two soldiers. The winner roared out as the crowd cheered for him. He moved aside as a figure walked into the middle of the arena. Avel: come on.. slowly.. lets get closer.. he started his way down climbing down the cliff side carefully
Kyza and Lyre did the same as they approached carefully towards the area.
Ceri quietly followed suit, getting closer as she followed the others.
Avel blinked staring on at the figure as they glowed seemingly absorbing the energy of the fallen laguz and transformed into Alahundra. Avel: wh...what?! you.. he growled a bit but kept silent. Soon in front of her she rose her staff as Hawk appeared from a spell circle in the arena. His eyes glowed as he calmly waited.
Alahundra smiled and spoke out to the area Alahundra: I am happy to see so many of you have gathered, as you can see, the laguz know perfectly well what their doing.. but once the elixir hits their bodies.. they are only focused on the battle.. the more they kill the more it sends energy into them.. the loser gives me their life.. and the winner gains more power.. I assure you.. a new king will rise soon.. but now.. our rising star is about ready to shine.. she pointed to Hawk this man here! he is one of the Twin Serpent Mercenaries. The fool thinks he could kill us all alone.. pah..
she waved her wand as Hawk kneeled Alahundra: The Mind Staff, that lord Lamorak took from the ancient ruins of the Zunanma gives me near unlimited power and control over beorc. No one can stop its power at this stage.. and only I can wield it.
Avel looked to Hawk and frowned Avel: Hawk... again they use you like this..
Lyre growled Lyre: we need to cut them all down! Kyza stopped her as she looked to him ...why?
Kyza shook his head Kyza: wait.. theres something not right.. about it all..
Alahundra grinned Alahundra: now then... everyone I will show you the instrument of the king of Gallia's downfall! the new king under our complete control.. she rose her staff as a blue cat eared man was transported in front of them Lyre and Kyza looked wide eyed.
the figure glowed and grinned with a smirk ?: lady Alahundra.. I am.. at your service..
Lyre blinked Lyre: it...it cant be! Ranulf! '
Kyza nodded Kyza: Captain!... what has happened?...
Avel looked to him Avel: the man I met before.. yes.. its Ranulf.. but.. whats going on...
Alahundra smiled as he nodded Alahundra: I suppose the elixir has given you all you need correct? how do you feel new King?
Ranulf grinned Ranulf: i feel... like i can rip a lion apart with only my claws.. its very intoxicating..
She smiled Alahundra: with over seven doses in your body.. you held out long enough for us to get much more data..
Ranulf smirked Ranulf: you flatter me my lady.. I am ready to fight now.
She nodded Alahundra: your opponent is right beside me.. a failure among most test subjects that escaped us long ago.
Hawk stayed kneeling as Ranulf blinked looking to him Ranulf: ...a branded?... hm... no.. something else..
Alahundra nodded Alahundra: the fusion of bloods inside him are that of Raven, Hawk, Cat, and many more.. do not underestimate him.. he can tap into it at the cost of his own life force.
Ranulf blinked looking to her Ranulf: how in the world did you manage something like that?
Alahundra nodded Alahundra: as with you we started testing our elixir prototypes on him.. using the bloods as a base we made many improvements.. his mind is barely stable but was able to be manipulated with ease.. he is no longer Beorc.. but neither is he useful.. he wont but for maybe another five days at most.
Ranulf nodded Ranulf: am i right in thinking... that he was the first one used?.. if so then he may be from the base in Begnion.
Alahundra sighed Alahundra: you are correct.. its pitiful.. he was our masters favorite subject..
Ranulf smirked Ranulf: till I came along right? alright then.. im done with questions.. lets begin shall we? he cracked his knuckles ready to fight as he turned toward Hawk.
Avel growled Avel: Hawk... he won't stand a chance.. that laguz is powerful... even for me..
Ceri frowned. "We can't just sit here and do nothing... if we could break that staff, he might stand a chance at least.."
Hawk readied to fight as Alahundra stepped back. Ranulf transformed and growled. Avel shook his head Avel: Hawk can't use any powers anymore.. in fact he can only fight with his blade.. he's been crippled.. by me.. his choice.. Avel rushed forward out of the hiding spot and towards the arena. I won't let you die like this Hawk!
Kyza blinked Kyza: what... I guess theirs no choice then... lets go Lyre! he transformed into a tiger and rushed forward as troops came at Avel. Kyza pounced down on one and charged at another knocking them out then moved after others.
Ceri rushed into the area, chasing after Avel, as she weaved her own way around the Laguz after him towards Hawk.
troops started to scatter and flee as the group headed toward Alahundra. She smirked unfazed as they faced off with her and Ranulf Alahundra: foolish move, to think you were once a founder of our great work.
Avel readied to fight with his fists up Avel: what i did was nothing compared to what your doing now. Release Hawk now!
Alahundra sighed Alahundra: he is of no concern to me but i have a better idea.. Ranulf! show them your power!
Ranulf walked forward and looked to them calmly Ranulf: hello everyone.. looks like your just in time.
Alahundra growled Alahundra: Ranulf! do as your command! do you want more doses of the elixir?!
He grinned and winked to them then turned around to Alahundra Ranulf: sorry but... that stuff was disgusting.. she gasped as Ranulf transformed and slashed not at her but her staff slicing it in two and ending her control over Hawk.
she fell over a bit as Hawk was released and fell over. Kyza and Lyre moved to his side as he stared to herAlahundra: i-impossible! how!? so much elixir should have you under our control!
Ranulf smiled Ranulf: I bet you didnt think id throw it up each time, did you?
Alahundra blinked Alahundra: w-what!?
Ranulf nodded Ranulf: not only that.. I taught my other friends to do the same.. their really good at faking death as well.
Ceri blinked then laughed a little in relief. "That's.. actually smart.."
soon roars of tigers and lions were heard as soldiers screamed out in terror and claws slashed down them one by one. The laguz that supposedly died in the arena rose up as well and attacked every soldier in sight. Alahundra growled Alahundra: ...this is... ..this is terrible!...
she tried to run but Ranulf hopped over her blocking her way Ranulf: leaving so soon? i'm not done asking questions.
She shivered and growled as Avel moved beside himAvel: you will talk.. or ill break everything in you and make you talk.. that thing you used on my troops.. Lethe and Mink! wheres the antidote?
Alahundra huffed Alahundra: pwahahah.. as if i'd tell you!
Ranulf smirked Ranulf: oh... no need.. its this right? he took a deep breath and opened his mouth. A small vial appeared on his tounge as he clenched it with his teeth carefully ...this riht?
Alahundra gasped Alahundra: w-what?! R-Ranulf! damn you!
he reverted and spat it into his hand placing it into a small pouch on his hip Ranulf: i knew it had to be on you somewhere.. the thing that ive been looking for to save my brothers.
Avel smirked Avel: wow.. I really like you, Ranulf.. good job.
He shook his head Ranulf: ive only done what i can for my people. For the past years ive tracked this group down.. learning everything from inside out.. and now.. theres only a few questions left..
Alahundra turned white and yelped Alahundra: h-help! MASTER! HELP ME!
Avel growled Avel: no ones going to save you.. especially Lamorak!
She gasped looking to them then smiled Alahundra: ..m-master... my master!... hes.. already here..
suddenly a dark tension filled the air as everyone shivered. Soldiers around the group suddenly rose up, even the dead. Their eyes shined with a purple aura. Ranulf blinked Ranulf: ...this power... were.. in trouble..
Ceri pulled out her dagger, as she readied herself to fight.
they looked as behind them a huge shadow army appeared from nowhere and a voice was heard as he passed through it ?: I come to see how my dearest Alahundra is doing.. and find my gift shattered and her mewling like a filthy sub human.
as he stepped out, the others watched him Avel growled Avel: Lamorak!
he smiled and looked to Avel Lamorak: Ah my dearest friend.. it seems youve obtained your brothers armor.. ask for me.. ive been working on something much better...
Avel shook his head Avel: like i care about that! you have lost yourself.. all you care about is being like the mad king!
he smirked Lamorak: isnt that what we decided long ago?
Avel shook his head Avel: I only cared about his way of power. I wanted the power to change the world for the good!
amorak sighed Lamorak: you are still saying that? even though you went through the ritual of binding?
Avel blinked Avel: I... I have no idea what your talking about..
Ranulf looked to him Ranulf: Lamorak was it?... your treading on some very dangerous ground.. do you want to end up like Ike?.. the power of the goddess Yune has engulfed him since he took it from Micaiah. His constant battles finally corrupted it.
Lamorak shook his head Lamorak: thats where your wrong, sub human. Ike had the power of the goddess but it was tainted with Ashnards will. He now exists in the medallion and Ike.. and very soon.. he will exist in me..
Ranulf blinked Ranulf: you.. do you mean to say your going to take the power of the goddess yourself?..
Lamorak shook his head Lamorak: No, I intend to take only the power of chaos that Ashnard himself once wielded.
Ranulf shook his head Ranulf: so then... you intend to kill Ike and take the power.. but even if you do.. it will only overwhelm you.
Lamorak smirked and started to walk a bit beside his troops Lamorak: heh.. youd think so right?... just like Ike's dearest father was overwhelmed by chaos.. he himself is the same. People say that the chaos is the way the medallion glowed with its blue flames and Yune is responsible for the chaos.. but their only half right.
Ranulf blinked Ranulf: once Ashunera was formed again Ike held what was left of the power.. he made a vow to pass it on back to her once she returned from her slumber. Constant fighting however has tainted it once more and the blue flames have become the red flames of corruption.
Lamorak shook his head Lamorak: no.. it was not only that.. Ashnard lives within him.. he held the medallion in his hands during the last fight.. and within him the chaotic powers dove into his very soul.. he controlled it though showing he was worthy of its power being bound to the power of yune completely.
Ranulf shook his head Ranulf: if ashnard is part of the power of Yune, why didnt he resurface durning the war?
Lamorak smiled Lamorak: he did... if you recall. He was soon to be reawakened and take full control of Yune herself if it hadn't been for the Galdr of Rebirth.
Ranulf nodded Ranulf: Yune did say.. if we had awoken her through war.. no one would be left alive..
Lamorak nodded Lamorak: she herself did not know of Ashnards will controlling her.. and it only stopped when Ashera brought the world to a halt.
Ranulf blinked Ranulf: when the world was at peace due to Ashera turning everyone to stone.. Ashnard cannot fight against peace.
Lamorak smirked Lamorak: you understand well. Now then allow me to tell you something else. If war broke out again.. and the power of yune was used for fighting constantly.. who could stop it? could anyone? no goddess can be challenged due to her being one again and is too weak to return right now. A galdr can only be sung to release the power thereby bringing not Yune into the world but Ashnard. As you know the power is in Ike.. along with part of Ashnard himself.
Ranulf gasped Ranulf: the only way to free Ike is to free Ashnard.. and death doesnt get rid of the power.. only pass it to the one that kills him.
Avel blinked Avel: ...you had me go through the ritual of binding... to kill ike and become Ashnard!
Lamorak shook his head Lamorak: I did.. but I had no idea Zelgius's spirit was in the power as well.. you only took away that part of him from ike..
Ranulf growled Ranulf: leaving Ashnard inside the power left..
Lamorak smiled Lamorak: I have to hand it to you Avel.. you went to the ancient tomb of the Zunanma and went through the ritual with so little care.. I thought it didnt work at first.. but then.. seeing you now.. im impressed.
Avel growled Avel: his spirit wasnt the only thing I inherited! he transformed and rushed toward Lamorak. Lamorak waved his hand sending a dark energy at Avel causing him to revert and fall to his knees ...gah...what... what is this..
Lamorak smiled Lamorak: pitiful.. Avel.. I have already obtained a portion of the powers of Yune.. and with it.. ive used my summoner magic to gain a lot of power.. it allows me to weaken anyone who gets close to me.
Lamorak smiled Lamorak: pitiful.. Avel.. I have already obtained a portion of the powers of Yune.. and with it.. ive used my summoner magic to gain a lot of power.. it allows me to weaken anyone who gets close to me.
Avel huffed Avel: ..I cant.. focus... the closer I am.. the less i can grasp my brothers power.. why..
Ranulf blinked Ranulf: wait... wait a moment.. your a summoner?... it all makes sense now.. the body of Ashnard is gone.. where did you take it?
Lamorak grinned Lamorak: you guessed right.. our group took the body.. and it is now hidden away until I can bring him back.
Ranulf shook his head Ranulf: your insane if you think i'll let you bring back the Mad King!
Lamorak smiled Lamorak: then try.. try to fight me right now.. it will do you no good.
Ranulf blinked Ranulf: ...thats what you want me to do.. why?
he rose his hand out showing a complex looking seal on his palm. Avel blinked Avel: ...th-thats the Binding Ritual Seal! but how?! you need more than just a body! A soul is needed too!
Lamorak smiled Lamorak: and whose soul is better to be reborn as the Mad king then the true successor of Ashnard? Me.
Avel blinked Avel: w-what?! then why havent you?
Lamorak nodded looking to them Lamorak: because I need one more piece to finish it. Where is the Mad Kings Armor? the armor given to him by the Black Knight that cannot be destroyed by anything but the power of those blessed.
Ceri blinked, looking away with a small, nervous gulp.
Ranulf smirked Ranulf: hm.. so then.. we cant kill you and you cant find the armor.. until you do, your plans are all on halt aren't they?
Lamorak growled Lamorak: if you think all my plans are done, think again. You are all merely postponing the inevitable. he rose his hand as Alahundra suddenly glowed. She yelled out as she vanished. I will take back my... useless servant for more testing though.. and once im finish.. be prepared.. im sure you already have much to do though.. hahahhahaha. he laughed as he vanished with his troops.
the tension faded as Avel stood up and shook his head Avel: Lamorak... you won't have long to wait.. not because i'll get to you.. but because in binding your soul.. you have sealed your fate..