Chapter 1
The journey begins.
Serge woke up screaming as he realized the whole thing was a dream. He looked around to realize he accidentally woke up Kid, the girl from his dream, Fargo, the man from his dream, and Glenn, a close friend of his.
"Sorry." Serge said quietly.
"Bloody Christ, Serge. That's the third time," Kid said getting up and slowly walking over to Serge. "Ya know I need my beauty sleep!" Fargo whispered something to Glenn and Glenn and Fargo both busted out laughing.
"What's so bloody funny? If you don't tell me I'll kick both your arses so hard they'll kiss the moons!" At that time a skinny man with a Mohawk came into the camp place with a bundle of flowers.
"Here Kid, I gotCHA these." Kid took the flowers and threw them in the fire.
"Korcha, if I toldCHA a hundred times then. DAMN you made me forget what I was saying! DAMN! Know I'm talking likeCHA. DAMN!"
"Looks likeCHA need therapy." Glenn said in a joking matter. Kid gave him a death glare. Glenn stayed quiet, but Fargo kept laughing. Serge couldn't resist a small chuckle, but Kid glared at him.
"So yer all against me, aye? Fine, I don't need ta stay here with ya bozo's anyways." Kid grabbed her dagger and left. Korcha began following Kid, but Kid spun around and pointed her dagger at Korcha's throat.
"Stay away!" Kid said in an evil tone. She went off into the darkness. Korcha sat where she slept and got cozy, then fell asleep. Fargo chuckled a little more before finishing off his cigar by throwing it in the fire. Glenn fell asleep as well, but Serge decided to go find Kid.
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He walked in the forest for a long while when he found her by the beach talking to a mysterious man wearing a black trench coat and dark glasses on his eyes. He had spiked hair and his hands were crossed around his chest. He seemed to be listening to Kid as she talked. Kid quickly drew her dagger and was in a ready position when the man put his left hand forward to calm her down. He slowly brought his arm back when Kid dived in for a strike. He grabbed her hand and spun her around onto the ground lifting up on her shoulder. He released and ripped off his jacket. Kid got back up and began preparing her Red Pins to throw. The man however, quickly tackled her before she prepared. Serge dashed to rescue his long time friend. The instant Serge reached Kid another man dressed in black pants and a short- sleeved white shirt stepped in front of him. Another man appeared out of the shadows. He wore loose fitting pants and a short-sleeved shirt. He wore a long sleeved button up shirt as a sort of overcoat; he had a hat on putting his face in darkness making it hard to discern his face.
"Shawn, Paul, decease. Our mission wasn't to pick a fight with the locals." The man said.
"SHE STARTED IT!" The man next to Kid blared.
"SHUT UP!" The man blared back equaling his tone.
"Diss, we're making a scene, remember what that thing told us?" the other man said cautiously.
"I remember perfectly well what Lynx advised us to do, that doesn't mean we're following any orders Shaun. Now Paul, apologize to the lady."
"Hey, I'm sorry. Forgive me?" Kid looked at the hand he offered and spat in it. "Yum, lunch." Serge remained quiet.
"Who the bloody hell are you people?" Kid asked.
"We are travelers from far away," Diss said. "Let's leave it at that."
"So is Serge, I doubt your any farther than he is." Kid pursued.
"Trust us, we're farther than that." Paul said.
"Farther than a different dimension." Serge quietly said.
"FA- Hey, how did you know we aren't from here?" Paul asked quickly.
"Neither is Serge." Kid chipped in.
"Than we have something in common." Diss said pacing around. "Kid, Serge, another dimension, and an amulet. So far the only thing we're missing is the amulet." He muttered.
"HEY DISS! THAT'S THE AMULET MAN!" Shawn yelled pointing at Kid.
"Yeah, this is my Amulet, what's it to ya, mate?" Kid said picking up the amulet. At that moment Paul tripped Kid, knocked Serge down and grabbed the amulet.
"WE GOT IT, LET'S GO!" Paul yelled quickly beginning to jog away.
"WAIT!" Diss grabbed Paul and the amulet. "Give it back, we'll find our own way home. Besides, these people need it also. I'm not going to steal things."
"But Lynx said."
"To hell with Lynx! Who's the one in charge here? The last time I checked it was me. That means that I give the orders, and YOU listen to me," Diss said tersely. He took the amulet and shoved Paul towards the edge of the clearing. Shaun followed behind him looking back at Diss confusedly. Diss simply watched them go before turning to Serge and Kid.
"Mate, can I 'ave that back yet, or do ya plan on keeping it?" Kid asked.
Diss tossed the amulet to Kid, who she deftly snatched out of the air. Diss stayed there waiting until Shaun and Paul were well out of hearing range. "Listen, I'm sorry if they caused you problems. All I have to say is that we need it to get back to where we came from. If there's another way then I'll look for it. For now I'm going, I'm sure our paths will cross again."
Serge just stared and watched as Diss walked to the jungle where his partners had just entered. As he disappeared in the brush Serge turned to Kid looking expectantly. Kid just muttered she didn't know and tucked her amulet in a pocket.
Together they walked back to camp when unexpectedly Paul jumped out of nowhere.
"I want my wallet back, Kid." Paul asked angrily. Kid smiled evilly.
"What wallet?" Paul quickly grabbed her dagger and got behind her with the dagger at her throat.
"GIVE IT TO ME!" Paul screamed. A fiery dart almost hit Paul and Kid when Dissinger approached.
"Let her go, Paul." Diss said coolly.
"SHE HAS MY WALLET!" He blared back.
"I know, I saw her do it." Diss smirked after his comment. Kid flipped Paul over her head and pointed the dagger at his throat.
"I dare you to grab it." The sound of thunder was heard in the background.
"PAUL, don't do it." Diss warned. It was to late; a strike of lighting hit the ground before Dissinger's eyes and blasted him away. Another strike blew Kid off of Paul. Another blast tossed Serge around like a rag doll. Kid regrouped and jumped Paul, but he was to fast and literally ran up to her fast as lighting and grabbed her by the legs. He snapped her down onto her spine and she screamed feeling the tingling feeling tickle up and down her spine. Diss jumped into the fray and procured a staff in his hands. He twirled it around and attempted to trip Paul who flipped over it. Paul spew lighting from his finger tips that blasted Diss in the chest and made him sprawl to the floor out for the moment. Kid jumped on Paul's back and tried to make him fall to a sleeper hold, but Paul hugged himself and electricity flared all over his body causing Kid to fly into a tree. Serge realized it was futile to fight but he dove into the battle head first, to get stopped by Shawn.
"Let him blow off the steam, he is tired, scared, and lonely. He is reacting the only way he knows how." Serge looked at Paul to see him looking at his handy work. Quickly Paul ran to Diss and helped him up.
"I'm so sorry, man. I'm just tired of this place. I want to go home. I haven't had a hamburger in, in days. I haven't seen Rachel in days. I wanna' go home, Diss. I want to go home." Paul broke down falling on his rear and curling into a little ball with static electricity slowly flowing around him.
"I know. We all want to go home." Diss said checking Kid. Kid slowly came to and grabbed Diss by the arm and threw him down getting up.
"STAY AWAY FROM ME YOU FRE- oh, sorry Diss, thought ya were Paul." Kid slowly looked at Paul. "WHAT THE BLOODY HELL ARE YA?" Kid asked. Paul slowly got up and left. He turned around before walking behind a tree.
"Just be lucky you're not dead." Paul whispered. Serge took another look at Shawn who was beginning to walk away.
"All that for a bloody wallet?" Kid said half-heartedly.
"Yeah, he has no patience when it comes to his belongings." Diss replied. Kid pocketed his wallet. "Are you crazy? Give that back to him!" Diss commanded. Kid shook her head walking in the direction Paul did. At the same spot Paul stopped at, Kid did also and yelled to the party,
"I told him If he wants his bloody wallet back he has to get from me!" and with that Kid left. Serge looked at Dissinger and softly said,
"You can't tell Kid anything. Calming her down is not possible. Like your friend Paul she works her own way. That and she doesn't know when she's been beat. I assume your friend is the same way?" Diss nodded.
"Listen I'm actually going to drag them off for now. We're staying in Termina, so when you guys feel like showing up that's about where we are," Diss said as he turned to go. The staff slowly caught on fire slowly diminishing in size until it was a glowing point in his hand. With a casual flick of his wrist the point was gone leaving him with just his bare hands.
Serge went back to Arni Village and pondered the strange men and their methods.
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Diss sighed as he sat against the nearby tree. Looking down at his hands he thought back to what had happened. It was impossible to keep his thoughts from drifting to Christy his fiancée. Fighting back bitter tears he punched a tree nearby. He didn't know how much time had passed in his own world, but the thought of his child being born without him was almost unbearable. He had nearly sacrificed himself to rid his planet of one infestation, now he was being thrust into another great epic adventure. He was sick of it; he just wanted to be with Christy. Was that too much to ask for?
He felt Shaun's familiar presence walk up. Almost mechanically he waved him off, if he talked now he might not be able to hold himself together. He leaned up against the tree for a while longer before a cold chill went through him. He instinctively brought his staff to bear.
"Alert as always aren't you Patrick?" Came the cold voice that belonged to the presence.
"Especially when you sneak up on me like this," Diss retorted.
"How come you didn't take the amulet? You know that was your only way home." The voice came again.
"Lynx, you recommend I take another life in cold blood and I swear I'll take YOUR life." The feline demi-human stepped out of the shadows. Holding his scythe in hand he stepped nose to nose with Dissinger. Both glared at each other as the tension grew.
"Bold words for a mortal," Lynx breathed.
"Listen pussy-cat, I don't take orders from you. You said you could help us, fine. Don't question my methods and I wont question your help," Diss snapped.
Lynx glared sinisterly at Diss for a second then back off exposing his backed to Diss. Sirens went off in Diss' head as he dodged the attack. Reaching out with his hand he grabbed Lynx by the throat and slammed him against a nearby tree. Lynx snarled as he dropped the scythe.
"Strike one, you don't want to strike out in this game buddy. Now I suggest you think again before you try anything funny," Diss growled.
Lynx looked back at him, "You are more than you seem Patrick. And so am I." Lynx bated under his breath as he walked away. Once again Dissinger hit the tree next to him thinking of Christy. Shawn walked into the area this time determined not to be shrugged off.
"Paul's gone missing again. Out of all of us I think Paul is taking this harder. We all know you miss Christy, but Paul has never felt loved before, and the moment he does get that good feeling it's ripped away like a burning inferno. Gone in a flash. We all know you don't like it here, but you also know how to cope, Paul doesn't know where to begin." Diss nodded muttering his agreement. The two stood off for a moment when Kid walked into the clearing and expressed her feelings.
"That Paul character, he is one messed up guy. Twelve monsters jumped him and without breaking a sweat he leveled them all flat," With a swift motion of her hand she struck the air before her. "That's without any weapon. Then a group of Acacia Dragoons tried to take him on. He used a strange lance or spear and leveled those guys faster than I could 'ave. Actually I found it hilarious." Kid chuckled. Paul entered the scene after Kid's story and he looked miserable.
"How you handlin', Mate?" Kid asked looking at Paul.
"Don't ask." Paul mumbled.
"Hold your tongues. By order of General Viper I am to bring the three of you wanderers to his manor for questioning." Said a tall man wearing a helmet on his head.
"How about I whip your ass right now, trash can!" Paul barked back with no hesitation.
"They said you were strong.Let's see how strong you are. FOR I AM ZOAH! ONE OF THE FOUR DEVAS OF ACACIA!" Paul looked behind Zoah to see a little girl behind him in a pink dress.
"Sorry trashcan, I don't fight in front of children."
"Marcy is hardly a child, she is also one of the four Devas." A man dressed in loose white clothing with a large axe said. "I am Karsh, one of the four Devas." Karsh stood next to Zoah.
"So who's the forth?" Shaun added stupidly. Karsh and Zoah remained quiet.
"He is dead." Zoah said sadly.
"So wouldn't that make you three Devas?" Paul asked ready to fight.
"IT IS FOUR OUT OF RESPECT!" Zoah blared.
"IT'S ZERO OUT OF DOMINATION BY MY HANDS!" Paul answered getting restless. "For I am Paul, the host of the element Thunder." Paul chimed with pride.
"So, like, what's that supposed to mean?" Marcy chipped in unimpressed.
"It means yer sorry arse is goin down." Kid quickly added getting next to Paul dagger drawn.
"Can I, like, kill them yet?" Marcy pleaded. Karsh nodded and the battle began.
Paul ducked a punch by Zoah to get smacked by Marcy. The pain stuck in his lower cheekbone he gave a small frustrated moan. Kid kicked Karsh in the chest and jumped on his back leveling him flat on the ground. Marcy continued to kick Paul on the ground as Zoah picked him up overhead out of Marcy's reach. At this time Diss speared Zoah and Marcy's momentum slammed Shaun. All in all the one's doing the real damage were Kid and Marcy. Marcy sat on Paul's exposed back and pulled back on his head.
"LIKE, SUBMIT!" Paul drove up all his fighting energy and managed to get onto his feet, Marcy shifted to a sleeper hold, but Paul ran his back into a tree. However, before impact Marcy let go to watch Paul hit bare back with bare bark. Marcy laughed gleefully watching Paul yelp in pain. Paul saw Marcy and her happiness fade when she heard the sound of Thunder bellow in the background. Paul charged at Marcy and managed to tackle her. She flailed her arms around and Paul was getting hit badly by her strong granite gloves. Kid kicked Marcy in the head but she continued to attack Paul. Finely Paul gave up the chance of being kind and he struck Marcy with Lightning. She screamed flying off of Paul's chest and crashing onto the ground almost unconscious. Out from Paul's fingertips he shot more electricity as he hit Zoah and blasted him away into a tree, which cracked from impact. Dissinger tackled Paul as Kid knocked Karsh out with a swift roundhouse kick. Diss walked up to Marcy to check on her. He slowly bent down, but Marcy tired to punch Diss in the head. He blocked, but was hit in the groin with a counter attack. Marcy fell to the ground unconscious and violently twitching. The battle ended and Paul stood victorious. He looked around and picked Marcy up gently in his arms and placed her near the fire checking to see if she would pull through. Kid stood behind Paul and watched attentively.
"I really screwed up Diss, didn't I?" Paul whispered looking at Marcy.
"Yeah, you did. And worst of all you got all of whoever they represent pissed at us. Now we gotta run again. Damn, that really hurts." Diss grumbled angrily slowly getting up in pain from Marcy's attack.
"No worries, mate. You can travel with me an' Serge." Kid said trying to lighten the mood.
"No point in endangering everyone. Look, I'm going back to the beach, Diss. I'm going to stay there for a while. You and Shawn stay with Serge and in the morning I'll wake you up with my new plan."
"Paul, when did you ever have a good plan?" Diss asked. "So far you ideas have gotten us in trouble." Diss pursued. Paul glared at Dissinger and left. Kid was about to follow when Diss grabbed her shoulder. "Let him cool down." Kid looked of where Paul wandered to and debated whether to follow.
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As Paul continued down the path he saw a strange looking man leaning against a tree.
"What do you want, Lynx?" Paul mumbled walking by Lynx.
"I know how to get you back. All I need you to do is help me lure Serge to Fort Dragonia. I'll handle the rest. Do that and you'll be on the course for home." Lynx said beginning to walk with Paul.
"Will anyone get hurt?" Paul answered.
"No, I give you my word." Lynx said rather oddly after a brief pause. Paul nodded. He figured Kid would do it if he talked to her.
"So I get Serge there, then what?" Paul asked after walking a few feet.
"You go dragon hunting while I handle the scavenger hunt. After you handle the dragon hunt you'll go to the Dead Sea. From there we'll search for the Frozen Flame. Once we find that you go home. Simple as that."
"Dragon hunting?" Paul replied quizzically.
"You'll need to handle six dragons. I already mapped out the location. Your powers should be more then enough to handle them. But first we need to lure Serge to Fort Dragonia." Lynx answered annoyed. Paul continued walking on, but Lynx stopped.
"Don't get to involved with the girl. She'll bring your death." Lynx hissed.
"The one who kills me deserves to." Paul sharply replied with no hesitation. Lynx gave an unsatisfied snarl and left.
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Paul journeyed down the road a bit farther when he arrived with a fork in the road. Sitting on a rock was Kid tapping her leg impatiently.
"You owe me a rematch. Take me on without magic." Kid smiled evilly. Paul gave a sadistic grin and lunged himself at Kid. She saw it coming and hand springed over his back. Paul did a reverse leg sweep that connected and Kid crashed down. She jackknifed up and punched Paul with her dagger hilt and punched him again with her free hand in the chest. Paul stepped back to regain lost breath and kicked Kid's left leg. He grabbed her by both her legs and brought her up and then smashed her down to the ground in a whiplash motion. He dived looking to crash knee first into her, but found no one home. Kid kicked him in the back of the head and attempted to again, but Paul rolled forward and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. He got up and tackled Kid by her legs and was mounted on top of her ready to punch.
"Give up?" Kid head butted Paul and managed to get on top of Paul ready to slice his throat.
"You surrender?" Paul managed to lift his legs up and grab Kid by the head and snap her down. Kid moaned in pain, but slowly got up with Paul. She elbowed Paul in the ribs and kneed his chest knocking him down. Paul dodged her knee strike and managed to get behind her. He grabbed the back of her head with both hands and jumped forward slamming her face into the ground. She got back up and kicked Paul again in the stomach and tackled him. She slid right on top of Paul and began to punch. Paul managed to role on top of her. Together they got up and were exactly eight feet between each other. They both sprinted at each other and dived crashing on impact and falling to the ground. Kid landed with her head on Paul's chest and Paul landed with his left hand across Kid's waist.
"If I had the energy, I'd kick yer' arse right now so hard you'll kiss the moons." Kid mumbled.
"Let's sleep here tonight." Paul said between breaths. Kid nodded and got comfy on Paul's chest. "That sucks, you get the pillow, and I get the rock." Kid laughed and quickly moaned in pain. After a short while they fell asleep.
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Paul slowly opened his eyes to welcome the world. He saw Kid standing looking off in the distance, becoming aware of Paul's presence.
"Blimey, you'd sleep a whole day if ya' wanted to!" Kid joked. Paul groggily got up onto his feet to be pushed down by Kid.
"Owie." Paul said softly rubbing his chest.
"I win." Kid remarked. Paul decided not to pursue. He got back up with Kid's help and together they agreed on meeting Diss and Serge at Termina.
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Halfway on the trip they found Diss and Serge talking together about battle techniques. Kid jogged up to Serge and the two greeted each other. Diss gave a cold stare to Paul but said nothing.
"We need to get over to Viper Manor and investigate what this Viper guy wants with us." Diss started.
"Good idea, mate," Kid spoke up. "That's just what me an Paul were thinkin'." Diss said nothing more on the matter and they began the long walk to Viper Manor. Diss and Serge continued talking amongst each other while Shawn and Kid got into a debate about philosophy. Paul was walking next to Glenn when he decided to ask a question.
"What did you guys do with the Devas?"
"They went back to Viper Manor." Glenn replied. He carefully moved his left hand to his sheath that carried his sword.
"You still don't trust me?" Paul said coldly. Glenn didn't reply. Kid stopped to check on everything, and then went back to her debate. "Any reason why?" Paul continued.
"You have powers unknown to this world. You are associated with Lynx, what more do I need to understand that I should always be on my guard." Glenn silently answered. Paul looked at the sword some more.
"I once wielded a sword. I had a very nice one at that also. The great Double Helix Sword passed down from one of my mentors. In battle it shattered, so I took the only good piece and used it as the tip of Halberd. Can I see the blade?" Glenn gave a sharp reply.
"No," Kid turned around and gave a nasty glare to Glenn and continued on.
"That's fine." Paul tried to reply not sounding angry or hurt. "Now let me ask you this. Is it just me you don't trust, or all of us?" Glenn gave no reply. "Figures." Paul muttered. The two didn't talk for the remainder of the trip.
The journey begins.
Serge woke up screaming as he realized the whole thing was a dream. He looked around to realize he accidentally woke up Kid, the girl from his dream, Fargo, the man from his dream, and Glenn, a close friend of his.
"Sorry." Serge said quietly.
"Bloody Christ, Serge. That's the third time," Kid said getting up and slowly walking over to Serge. "Ya know I need my beauty sleep!" Fargo whispered something to Glenn and Glenn and Fargo both busted out laughing.
"What's so bloody funny? If you don't tell me I'll kick both your arses so hard they'll kiss the moons!" At that time a skinny man with a Mohawk came into the camp place with a bundle of flowers.
"Here Kid, I gotCHA these." Kid took the flowers and threw them in the fire.
"Korcha, if I toldCHA a hundred times then. DAMN you made me forget what I was saying! DAMN! Know I'm talking likeCHA. DAMN!"
"Looks likeCHA need therapy." Glenn said in a joking matter. Kid gave him a death glare. Glenn stayed quiet, but Fargo kept laughing. Serge couldn't resist a small chuckle, but Kid glared at him.
"So yer all against me, aye? Fine, I don't need ta stay here with ya bozo's anyways." Kid grabbed her dagger and left. Korcha began following Kid, but Kid spun around and pointed her dagger at Korcha's throat.
"Stay away!" Kid said in an evil tone. She went off into the darkness. Korcha sat where she slept and got cozy, then fell asleep. Fargo chuckled a little more before finishing off his cigar by throwing it in the fire. Glenn fell asleep as well, but Serge decided to go find Kid.
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He walked in the forest for a long while when he found her by the beach talking to a mysterious man wearing a black trench coat and dark glasses on his eyes. He had spiked hair and his hands were crossed around his chest. He seemed to be listening to Kid as she talked. Kid quickly drew her dagger and was in a ready position when the man put his left hand forward to calm her down. He slowly brought his arm back when Kid dived in for a strike. He grabbed her hand and spun her around onto the ground lifting up on her shoulder. He released and ripped off his jacket. Kid got back up and began preparing her Red Pins to throw. The man however, quickly tackled her before she prepared. Serge dashed to rescue his long time friend. The instant Serge reached Kid another man dressed in black pants and a short- sleeved white shirt stepped in front of him. Another man appeared out of the shadows. He wore loose fitting pants and a short-sleeved shirt. He wore a long sleeved button up shirt as a sort of overcoat; he had a hat on putting his face in darkness making it hard to discern his face.
"Shawn, Paul, decease. Our mission wasn't to pick a fight with the locals." The man said.
"SHE STARTED IT!" The man next to Kid blared.
"SHUT UP!" The man blared back equaling his tone.
"Diss, we're making a scene, remember what that thing told us?" the other man said cautiously.
"I remember perfectly well what Lynx advised us to do, that doesn't mean we're following any orders Shaun. Now Paul, apologize to the lady."
"Hey, I'm sorry. Forgive me?" Kid looked at the hand he offered and spat in it. "Yum, lunch." Serge remained quiet.
"Who the bloody hell are you people?" Kid asked.
"We are travelers from far away," Diss said. "Let's leave it at that."
"So is Serge, I doubt your any farther than he is." Kid pursued.
"Trust us, we're farther than that." Paul said.
"Farther than a different dimension." Serge quietly said.
"FA- Hey, how did you know we aren't from here?" Paul asked quickly.
"Neither is Serge." Kid chipped in.
"Than we have something in common." Diss said pacing around. "Kid, Serge, another dimension, and an amulet. So far the only thing we're missing is the amulet." He muttered.
"HEY DISS! THAT'S THE AMULET MAN!" Shawn yelled pointing at Kid.
"Yeah, this is my Amulet, what's it to ya, mate?" Kid said picking up the amulet. At that moment Paul tripped Kid, knocked Serge down and grabbed the amulet.
"WE GOT IT, LET'S GO!" Paul yelled quickly beginning to jog away.
"WAIT!" Diss grabbed Paul and the amulet. "Give it back, we'll find our own way home. Besides, these people need it also. I'm not going to steal things."
"But Lynx said."
"To hell with Lynx! Who's the one in charge here? The last time I checked it was me. That means that I give the orders, and YOU listen to me," Diss said tersely. He took the amulet and shoved Paul towards the edge of the clearing. Shaun followed behind him looking back at Diss confusedly. Diss simply watched them go before turning to Serge and Kid.
"Mate, can I 'ave that back yet, or do ya plan on keeping it?" Kid asked.
Diss tossed the amulet to Kid, who she deftly snatched out of the air. Diss stayed there waiting until Shaun and Paul were well out of hearing range. "Listen, I'm sorry if they caused you problems. All I have to say is that we need it to get back to where we came from. If there's another way then I'll look for it. For now I'm going, I'm sure our paths will cross again."
Serge just stared and watched as Diss walked to the jungle where his partners had just entered. As he disappeared in the brush Serge turned to Kid looking expectantly. Kid just muttered she didn't know and tucked her amulet in a pocket.
Together they walked back to camp when unexpectedly Paul jumped out of nowhere.
"I want my wallet back, Kid." Paul asked angrily. Kid smiled evilly.
"What wallet?" Paul quickly grabbed her dagger and got behind her with the dagger at her throat.
"GIVE IT TO ME!" Paul screamed. A fiery dart almost hit Paul and Kid when Dissinger approached.
"Let her go, Paul." Diss said coolly.
"SHE HAS MY WALLET!" He blared back.
"I know, I saw her do it." Diss smirked after his comment. Kid flipped Paul over her head and pointed the dagger at his throat.
"I dare you to grab it." The sound of thunder was heard in the background.
"PAUL, don't do it." Diss warned. It was to late; a strike of lighting hit the ground before Dissinger's eyes and blasted him away. Another strike blew Kid off of Paul. Another blast tossed Serge around like a rag doll. Kid regrouped and jumped Paul, but he was to fast and literally ran up to her fast as lighting and grabbed her by the legs. He snapped her down onto her spine and she screamed feeling the tingling feeling tickle up and down her spine. Diss jumped into the fray and procured a staff in his hands. He twirled it around and attempted to trip Paul who flipped over it. Paul spew lighting from his finger tips that blasted Diss in the chest and made him sprawl to the floor out for the moment. Kid jumped on Paul's back and tried to make him fall to a sleeper hold, but Paul hugged himself and electricity flared all over his body causing Kid to fly into a tree. Serge realized it was futile to fight but he dove into the battle head first, to get stopped by Shawn.
"Let him blow off the steam, he is tired, scared, and lonely. He is reacting the only way he knows how." Serge looked at Paul to see him looking at his handy work. Quickly Paul ran to Diss and helped him up.
"I'm so sorry, man. I'm just tired of this place. I want to go home. I haven't had a hamburger in, in days. I haven't seen Rachel in days. I wanna' go home, Diss. I want to go home." Paul broke down falling on his rear and curling into a little ball with static electricity slowly flowing around him.
"I know. We all want to go home." Diss said checking Kid. Kid slowly came to and grabbed Diss by the arm and threw him down getting up.
"STAY AWAY FROM ME YOU FRE- oh, sorry Diss, thought ya were Paul." Kid slowly looked at Paul. "WHAT THE BLOODY HELL ARE YA?" Kid asked. Paul slowly got up and left. He turned around before walking behind a tree.
"Just be lucky you're not dead." Paul whispered. Serge took another look at Shawn who was beginning to walk away.
"All that for a bloody wallet?" Kid said half-heartedly.
"Yeah, he has no patience when it comes to his belongings." Diss replied. Kid pocketed his wallet. "Are you crazy? Give that back to him!" Diss commanded. Kid shook her head walking in the direction Paul did. At the same spot Paul stopped at, Kid did also and yelled to the party,
"I told him If he wants his bloody wallet back he has to get from me!" and with that Kid left. Serge looked at Dissinger and softly said,
"You can't tell Kid anything. Calming her down is not possible. Like your friend Paul she works her own way. That and she doesn't know when she's been beat. I assume your friend is the same way?" Diss nodded.
"Listen I'm actually going to drag them off for now. We're staying in Termina, so when you guys feel like showing up that's about where we are," Diss said as he turned to go. The staff slowly caught on fire slowly diminishing in size until it was a glowing point in his hand. With a casual flick of his wrist the point was gone leaving him with just his bare hands.
Serge went back to Arni Village and pondered the strange men and their methods.
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Diss sighed as he sat against the nearby tree. Looking down at his hands he thought back to what had happened. It was impossible to keep his thoughts from drifting to Christy his fiancée. Fighting back bitter tears he punched a tree nearby. He didn't know how much time had passed in his own world, but the thought of his child being born without him was almost unbearable. He had nearly sacrificed himself to rid his planet of one infestation, now he was being thrust into another great epic adventure. He was sick of it; he just wanted to be with Christy. Was that too much to ask for?
He felt Shaun's familiar presence walk up. Almost mechanically he waved him off, if he talked now he might not be able to hold himself together. He leaned up against the tree for a while longer before a cold chill went through him. He instinctively brought his staff to bear.
"Alert as always aren't you Patrick?" Came the cold voice that belonged to the presence.
"Especially when you sneak up on me like this," Diss retorted.
"How come you didn't take the amulet? You know that was your only way home." The voice came again.
"Lynx, you recommend I take another life in cold blood and I swear I'll take YOUR life." The feline demi-human stepped out of the shadows. Holding his scythe in hand he stepped nose to nose with Dissinger. Both glared at each other as the tension grew.
"Bold words for a mortal," Lynx breathed.
"Listen pussy-cat, I don't take orders from you. You said you could help us, fine. Don't question my methods and I wont question your help," Diss snapped.
Lynx glared sinisterly at Diss for a second then back off exposing his backed to Diss. Sirens went off in Diss' head as he dodged the attack. Reaching out with his hand he grabbed Lynx by the throat and slammed him against a nearby tree. Lynx snarled as he dropped the scythe.
"Strike one, you don't want to strike out in this game buddy. Now I suggest you think again before you try anything funny," Diss growled.
Lynx looked back at him, "You are more than you seem Patrick. And so am I." Lynx bated under his breath as he walked away. Once again Dissinger hit the tree next to him thinking of Christy. Shawn walked into the area this time determined not to be shrugged off.
"Paul's gone missing again. Out of all of us I think Paul is taking this harder. We all know you miss Christy, but Paul has never felt loved before, and the moment he does get that good feeling it's ripped away like a burning inferno. Gone in a flash. We all know you don't like it here, but you also know how to cope, Paul doesn't know where to begin." Diss nodded muttering his agreement. The two stood off for a moment when Kid walked into the clearing and expressed her feelings.
"That Paul character, he is one messed up guy. Twelve monsters jumped him and without breaking a sweat he leveled them all flat," With a swift motion of her hand she struck the air before her. "That's without any weapon. Then a group of Acacia Dragoons tried to take him on. He used a strange lance or spear and leveled those guys faster than I could 'ave. Actually I found it hilarious." Kid chuckled. Paul entered the scene after Kid's story and he looked miserable.
"How you handlin', Mate?" Kid asked looking at Paul.
"Don't ask." Paul mumbled.
"Hold your tongues. By order of General Viper I am to bring the three of you wanderers to his manor for questioning." Said a tall man wearing a helmet on his head.
"How about I whip your ass right now, trash can!" Paul barked back with no hesitation.
"They said you were strong.Let's see how strong you are. FOR I AM ZOAH! ONE OF THE FOUR DEVAS OF ACACIA!" Paul looked behind Zoah to see a little girl behind him in a pink dress.
"Sorry trashcan, I don't fight in front of children."
"Marcy is hardly a child, she is also one of the four Devas." A man dressed in loose white clothing with a large axe said. "I am Karsh, one of the four Devas." Karsh stood next to Zoah.
"So who's the forth?" Shaun added stupidly. Karsh and Zoah remained quiet.
"He is dead." Zoah said sadly.
"So wouldn't that make you three Devas?" Paul asked ready to fight.
"IT IS FOUR OUT OF RESPECT!" Zoah blared.
"IT'S ZERO OUT OF DOMINATION BY MY HANDS!" Paul answered getting restless. "For I am Paul, the host of the element Thunder." Paul chimed with pride.
"So, like, what's that supposed to mean?" Marcy chipped in unimpressed.
"It means yer sorry arse is goin down." Kid quickly added getting next to Paul dagger drawn.
"Can I, like, kill them yet?" Marcy pleaded. Karsh nodded and the battle began.
Paul ducked a punch by Zoah to get smacked by Marcy. The pain stuck in his lower cheekbone he gave a small frustrated moan. Kid kicked Karsh in the chest and jumped on his back leveling him flat on the ground. Marcy continued to kick Paul on the ground as Zoah picked him up overhead out of Marcy's reach. At this time Diss speared Zoah and Marcy's momentum slammed Shaun. All in all the one's doing the real damage were Kid and Marcy. Marcy sat on Paul's exposed back and pulled back on his head.
"LIKE, SUBMIT!" Paul drove up all his fighting energy and managed to get onto his feet, Marcy shifted to a sleeper hold, but Paul ran his back into a tree. However, before impact Marcy let go to watch Paul hit bare back with bare bark. Marcy laughed gleefully watching Paul yelp in pain. Paul saw Marcy and her happiness fade when she heard the sound of Thunder bellow in the background. Paul charged at Marcy and managed to tackle her. She flailed her arms around and Paul was getting hit badly by her strong granite gloves. Kid kicked Marcy in the head but she continued to attack Paul. Finely Paul gave up the chance of being kind and he struck Marcy with Lightning. She screamed flying off of Paul's chest and crashing onto the ground almost unconscious. Out from Paul's fingertips he shot more electricity as he hit Zoah and blasted him away into a tree, which cracked from impact. Dissinger tackled Paul as Kid knocked Karsh out with a swift roundhouse kick. Diss walked up to Marcy to check on her. He slowly bent down, but Marcy tired to punch Diss in the head. He blocked, but was hit in the groin with a counter attack. Marcy fell to the ground unconscious and violently twitching. The battle ended and Paul stood victorious. He looked around and picked Marcy up gently in his arms and placed her near the fire checking to see if she would pull through. Kid stood behind Paul and watched attentively.
"I really screwed up Diss, didn't I?" Paul whispered looking at Marcy.
"Yeah, you did. And worst of all you got all of whoever they represent pissed at us. Now we gotta run again. Damn, that really hurts." Diss grumbled angrily slowly getting up in pain from Marcy's attack.
"No worries, mate. You can travel with me an' Serge." Kid said trying to lighten the mood.
"No point in endangering everyone. Look, I'm going back to the beach, Diss. I'm going to stay there for a while. You and Shawn stay with Serge and in the morning I'll wake you up with my new plan."
"Paul, when did you ever have a good plan?" Diss asked. "So far you ideas have gotten us in trouble." Diss pursued. Paul glared at Dissinger and left. Kid was about to follow when Diss grabbed her shoulder. "Let him cool down." Kid looked of where Paul wandered to and debated whether to follow.
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As Paul continued down the path he saw a strange looking man leaning against a tree.
"What do you want, Lynx?" Paul mumbled walking by Lynx.
"I know how to get you back. All I need you to do is help me lure Serge to Fort Dragonia. I'll handle the rest. Do that and you'll be on the course for home." Lynx said beginning to walk with Paul.
"Will anyone get hurt?" Paul answered.
"No, I give you my word." Lynx said rather oddly after a brief pause. Paul nodded. He figured Kid would do it if he talked to her.
"So I get Serge there, then what?" Paul asked after walking a few feet.
"You go dragon hunting while I handle the scavenger hunt. After you handle the dragon hunt you'll go to the Dead Sea. From there we'll search for the Frozen Flame. Once we find that you go home. Simple as that."
"Dragon hunting?" Paul replied quizzically.
"You'll need to handle six dragons. I already mapped out the location. Your powers should be more then enough to handle them. But first we need to lure Serge to Fort Dragonia." Lynx answered annoyed. Paul continued walking on, but Lynx stopped.
"Don't get to involved with the girl. She'll bring your death." Lynx hissed.
"The one who kills me deserves to." Paul sharply replied with no hesitation. Lynx gave an unsatisfied snarl and left.
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Paul journeyed down the road a bit farther when he arrived with a fork in the road. Sitting on a rock was Kid tapping her leg impatiently.
"You owe me a rematch. Take me on without magic." Kid smiled evilly. Paul gave a sadistic grin and lunged himself at Kid. She saw it coming and hand springed over his back. Paul did a reverse leg sweep that connected and Kid crashed down. She jackknifed up and punched Paul with her dagger hilt and punched him again with her free hand in the chest. Paul stepped back to regain lost breath and kicked Kid's left leg. He grabbed her by both her legs and brought her up and then smashed her down to the ground in a whiplash motion. He dived looking to crash knee first into her, but found no one home. Kid kicked him in the back of the head and attempted to again, but Paul rolled forward and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. He got up and tackled Kid by her legs and was mounted on top of her ready to punch.
"Give up?" Kid head butted Paul and managed to get on top of Paul ready to slice his throat.
"You surrender?" Paul managed to lift his legs up and grab Kid by the head and snap her down. Kid moaned in pain, but slowly got up with Paul. She elbowed Paul in the ribs and kneed his chest knocking him down. Paul dodged her knee strike and managed to get behind her. He grabbed the back of her head with both hands and jumped forward slamming her face into the ground. She got back up and kicked Paul again in the stomach and tackled him. She slid right on top of Paul and began to punch. Paul managed to role on top of her. Together they got up and were exactly eight feet between each other. They both sprinted at each other and dived crashing on impact and falling to the ground. Kid landed with her head on Paul's chest and Paul landed with his left hand across Kid's waist.
"If I had the energy, I'd kick yer' arse right now so hard you'll kiss the moons." Kid mumbled.
"Let's sleep here tonight." Paul said between breaths. Kid nodded and got comfy on Paul's chest. "That sucks, you get the pillow, and I get the rock." Kid laughed and quickly moaned in pain. After a short while they fell asleep.
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Paul slowly opened his eyes to welcome the world. He saw Kid standing looking off in the distance, becoming aware of Paul's presence.
"Blimey, you'd sleep a whole day if ya' wanted to!" Kid joked. Paul groggily got up onto his feet to be pushed down by Kid.
"Owie." Paul said softly rubbing his chest.
"I win." Kid remarked. Paul decided not to pursue. He got back up with Kid's help and together they agreed on meeting Diss and Serge at Termina.
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Halfway on the trip they found Diss and Serge talking together about battle techniques. Kid jogged up to Serge and the two greeted each other. Diss gave a cold stare to Paul but said nothing.
"We need to get over to Viper Manor and investigate what this Viper guy wants with us." Diss started.
"Good idea, mate," Kid spoke up. "That's just what me an Paul were thinkin'." Diss said nothing more on the matter and they began the long walk to Viper Manor. Diss and Serge continued talking amongst each other while Shawn and Kid got into a debate about philosophy. Paul was walking next to Glenn when he decided to ask a question.
"What did you guys do with the Devas?"
"They went back to Viper Manor." Glenn replied. He carefully moved his left hand to his sheath that carried his sword.
"You still don't trust me?" Paul said coldly. Glenn didn't reply. Kid stopped to check on everything, and then went back to her debate. "Any reason why?" Paul continued.
"You have powers unknown to this world. You are associated with Lynx, what more do I need to understand that I should always be on my guard." Glenn silently answered. Paul looked at the sword some more.
"I once wielded a sword. I had a very nice one at that also. The great Double Helix Sword passed down from one of my mentors. In battle it shattered, so I took the only good piece and used it as the tip of Halberd. Can I see the blade?" Glenn gave a sharp reply.
"No," Kid turned around and gave a nasty glare to Glenn and continued on.
"That's fine." Paul tried to reply not sounding angry or hurt. "Now let me ask you this. Is it just me you don't trust, or all of us?" Glenn gave no reply. "Figures." Paul muttered. The two didn't talk for the remainder of the trip.