Chapter 12: Pawn of Prophecy
(Authors Notes: I just want to state for the record, that YES I did steal the title of this chapter from David Eddings, sorry.... I liked the title. I also admit, that once I start with prophecy writings I just can't get enough... I love that shit, you know? Anyway, if ya hate prophecy, I have some advice, Don't read this chapter...ok? I warned you. Remember that. I spent a lot of time sitting back and thinking about where I want this story to go, over the course of writing it, and I think I have everything figured out. I hope to get back to the happy fun stuff that I started out with soon, either that or get back to a bit of the ol' Ultra-violence [smacks himself for the Clockwork Orange reference] either way, I am trying to make sure that the next couple chapters are enjoyable, and go somewhere, as opposed to this one, which isn't really advancing the story But I like it, darnit. It was fun. Stop yelling at me! Grrrrrrrrr. That's it, I'm going to bed now.
-Frank [chaotichappenings@yahoo.com])
The race to free the plants was a fast one, but Haryusa had a head start, and ended up getting one more plant then Vash. With all said and done, Haryusa was now enjoying the company of Dabrine, Hagime, Yoshin, and Raphel. Vash met up with the other three, Iode, Salphae, and Mikil. Both sides retreated back to their respective home bases, to plot out what their next move shall be. Unknown to either group, their bases were very close, within 20 Iles of each other. Haryusa returned to his ship, outside Mei; Vash and his crew, retreated to Mei city itself.
Vash: "Mr. Alpris, we have returned"
Alpris: "The Crimson angel, has returned from the grip of the Dragon. Good good. The prophecies may yet be fulfilled.... There is but one more thing that must be done, and then...this world chall be saved."
Wolfwood: "Mr. Alpris, You have spoken of Prophecy quite a bit.... But you have yet to tell us what these prophecies are."
Alpris: "The time has come, that all shall be revealed. I must tell you the prophecies."
Vash: "Oh boy, Prophecy."
Alpris: "Come this way, and I will show you your destiny."
Alpris leads the group through the underground city of Mei. To the chamber that serves as the library. Upon reaching this room, Alpris removes a dusty volume from the shelves, and opens it to the page marked by a faded red ribbon. Voluminous clouds of dust rise into the air, heralding a barage of sneezes from the assembled group.
Alpris:"I shall start with what you have already fulfilled:
One shall arise, from the ashes of the old ones
And so shall rise another, of the same blood
The first shall be an angel of crimson
The second, a demon in a man's guise.
And the Crimson Angel shall venture forth
Into the Desert, burdened by mercy
To do battle with the demon
Burdened by the past, his aim shall falter
And as death rears it's head
A dead man's words shall beckon
And Mercy's shot shall ring true."
The crowd listens to what Alpris has to say, not fully understanding the words of the prophecy, but understanding the meaning's behind the words. The reasons things have turned out the way the have.
Alpris: "However the Prophecy branches at this point. Branch one, leads to the end of the world.
If the words of the dead are not heard
And the crimson angel shall fail
The Dragon shall rise
And his Flames shall consume the world. "
Alpris: "Obviously this branch is bad, and has not come to pass. Instead, the alternate path was taken.
The demon once stopped, shall ne killed
However for this, the Angel shall remain unstained
Nay, it shall be at the hands of the Dragon
The Angel shall be driven
And shall enter into the Dragons lair.
Pain his only fuel.
And a dear friend shall perish
He shall confront the three
The shadow, the Light, and the dreamer
And seek the help of his bretheren
The final battle shall come
Only through the Ultimate sacrifice,
Shall the world be saved,
And the the dragon perish
Then shall the crimson angel spread his wings
And restore the planets life."
All gathered sat quietly pondering this. None knew what the words meant, only knowing that the final conflict was coming, and that the fate of the entire planet rode on the outcome. However, to them, it sounded like the outcome was already determined, and it was in their favor. The brief moment was cut short once again by Alpris.
Alpris: "However, as with most prophecy, this one, too, has a branch.
Should the Angel not slay the Dragon,
And the Dragon goes unchecked
Then shall the Angel watch
As all he loves is taken
As friends and family fall
The Holy man, and his Soulmate
The Angel's Beloved
All shall die, and rage shall drive the Angel
And in the end, Angel and Dragon unite
Then shall they scorch the planet
And life shall become extinct.
Vash: "Well......that isn't good at all, is it?"
Gina: "You mean, Vash has to kill Haryusa.... or we all die? Then Vash will destroy the world?"
Alpris: "Well, basically, Yes. Vash must kill his brother, or he will kill everyone else."
Wolfwood. "So, if he doesn't kill Haryusa, why don't we just kill him when he fails?"
Vash: "WHAT?????"
Wolfwood: "Well, it makes sense. If you are going to go crazy and destroy the world, we can stop you with a quick shot."
Wolfwood makes a gun with his hand and fires a fake shot at Vash's head.
Gina: "Priest-man, you kill my husband, and you will BEG me for death. And even after you beg, your death will be so drawn out, and so horribly painful......well, you get the idea, right?"
Wolfwood: "Errrr....heh. So um... I suppose that isn't an option."
Gina: "Bingo, Priest-man!"
Wolfwood, looks around nervously, as the meeting continues.Alpris talks long into the night, and plans are set into motion. Armageddon may be coming, and this group will be damned if they are caught with their pants down....
-----A crashed space ship, submerged in the desert-----
Haryusa looks around at his siblings, all staring intently at him, awaiting his orders. He is disappointed that there were not more of his siblings with him today, Vash had seen to that. However, Haryusa has plans of his own, and the time of truth will come. In the end only one shall stand.... and it sure as hell wouldn't be Vash the Stampede. His plan was almost too perfect, and the contingecies he has planned are almost as hard to foil as the plan itself.
Haryusa: " Well, it is good to see you all here, As some of you may already know, our dear brother Vash, has turned against us. He has subverted several of our brethren, and actively is working towards a goal of human dominance. He has forsaken our kind, and he will destroy us, as he has killed Knives already."
The reaction from his assembley was just as he had planned, a nice mixture of shock, and anger. Maybe his siblings will be easier to manipulate then he had at first thought. All he had to do was choose his words correctly, and of course to avoid...
Dabrine: "You seek to eradicate humanity? Is that it?"
...interuptions. Haryusa sighs, as he realizes that he must answer this question, or risk raised doubts from his siblings.
Haryusa: "Yes, Dabrine. That is part of what I seek. But I only seek this to establish a world that is safe for us, and our kind. You can all sense it I imagine. There aren't many of us left.... and if humanity continues it's present course, we may all die out in less then a century. With Humanity eliminated, we can finally live at peace, free to do as we please, free from the slavery of the humans."
Raphel: " Why can't we live together, live in harmony, with the humans? I am sure they can learn to accept us as equals. We can be at peace then, and we can still prosper. Slavery is not something we need fear."
Hagime: " I agree with Raphel. We are not enemies with the humans."
Haryusa: " Not enemies, you say? What do you call a group that has leeched off of your energy for over a century? What do you call a race that has actively sought to eliminate you. We have been hidden away, forgotten since the fall. We have finally been revived, and afforded this one chance to set things right. To get the justice we deserve. Do you wish to go back? Return to your existence in the bubbles? If the humans continue to exist, then it won't be long before you retun to the bubbles."
Haryusa felt that it was unimportant telling them that there very existence outside the bubbles is killing humanity. In truth all Haryusa had to do was avoid action for about 2 weeks, and all of humanity will perish...
The time was coming, yes this is true. Haryusa had only to avoid Vash, and his final victory was assured.
The future, was looking a little grim for Humanity.
-----End Chapter 12-----
{Auxilary Pronunciation Guide:
Dabrine- Duh-Bree-nuh
Hagime- Ha-jee-mee
Yoshin- Yo-Shin
Iode- Eye-o-da
Salphae- Sal-fay
Haryusa- Hair-ee-oo-suh
Mikil- Mee-Kill
Raphel- Ray-fell
Alpris- All-Pree
End Auxilary pronunciation guide}
(Authors Notes: I just want to state for the record, that YES I did steal the title of this chapter from David Eddings, sorry.... I liked the title. I also admit, that once I start with prophecy writings I just can't get enough... I love that shit, you know? Anyway, if ya hate prophecy, I have some advice, Don't read this chapter...ok? I warned you. Remember that. I spent a lot of time sitting back and thinking about where I want this story to go, over the course of writing it, and I think I have everything figured out. I hope to get back to the happy fun stuff that I started out with soon, either that or get back to a bit of the ol' Ultra-violence [smacks himself for the Clockwork Orange reference] either way, I am trying to make sure that the next couple chapters are enjoyable, and go somewhere, as opposed to this one, which isn't really advancing the story But I like it, darnit. It was fun. Stop yelling at me! Grrrrrrrrr. That's it, I'm going to bed now.
-Frank [chaotichappenings@yahoo.com])
The race to free the plants was a fast one, but Haryusa had a head start, and ended up getting one more plant then Vash. With all said and done, Haryusa was now enjoying the company of Dabrine, Hagime, Yoshin, and Raphel. Vash met up with the other three, Iode, Salphae, and Mikil. Both sides retreated back to their respective home bases, to plot out what their next move shall be. Unknown to either group, their bases were very close, within 20 Iles of each other. Haryusa returned to his ship, outside Mei; Vash and his crew, retreated to Mei city itself.
Vash: "Mr. Alpris, we have returned"
Alpris: "The Crimson angel, has returned from the grip of the Dragon. Good good. The prophecies may yet be fulfilled.... There is but one more thing that must be done, and then...this world chall be saved."
Wolfwood: "Mr. Alpris, You have spoken of Prophecy quite a bit.... But you have yet to tell us what these prophecies are."
Alpris: "The time has come, that all shall be revealed. I must tell you the prophecies."
Vash: "Oh boy, Prophecy."
Alpris: "Come this way, and I will show you your destiny."
Alpris leads the group through the underground city of Mei. To the chamber that serves as the library. Upon reaching this room, Alpris removes a dusty volume from the shelves, and opens it to the page marked by a faded red ribbon. Voluminous clouds of dust rise into the air, heralding a barage of sneezes from the assembled group.
Alpris:"I shall start with what you have already fulfilled:
One shall arise, from the ashes of the old ones
And so shall rise another, of the same blood
The first shall be an angel of crimson
The second, a demon in a man's guise.
And the Crimson Angel shall venture forth
Into the Desert, burdened by mercy
To do battle with the demon
Burdened by the past, his aim shall falter
And as death rears it's head
A dead man's words shall beckon
And Mercy's shot shall ring true."
The crowd listens to what Alpris has to say, not fully understanding the words of the prophecy, but understanding the meaning's behind the words. The reasons things have turned out the way the have.
Alpris: "However the Prophecy branches at this point. Branch one, leads to the end of the world.
If the words of the dead are not heard
And the crimson angel shall fail
The Dragon shall rise
And his Flames shall consume the world. "
Alpris: "Obviously this branch is bad, and has not come to pass. Instead, the alternate path was taken.
The demon once stopped, shall ne killed
However for this, the Angel shall remain unstained
Nay, it shall be at the hands of the Dragon
The Angel shall be driven
And shall enter into the Dragons lair.
Pain his only fuel.
And a dear friend shall perish
He shall confront the three
The shadow, the Light, and the dreamer
And seek the help of his bretheren
The final battle shall come
Only through the Ultimate sacrifice,
Shall the world be saved,
And the the dragon perish
Then shall the crimson angel spread his wings
And restore the planets life."
All gathered sat quietly pondering this. None knew what the words meant, only knowing that the final conflict was coming, and that the fate of the entire planet rode on the outcome. However, to them, it sounded like the outcome was already determined, and it was in their favor. The brief moment was cut short once again by Alpris.
Alpris: "However, as with most prophecy, this one, too, has a branch.
Should the Angel not slay the Dragon,
And the Dragon goes unchecked
Then shall the Angel watch
As all he loves is taken
As friends and family fall
The Holy man, and his Soulmate
The Angel's Beloved
All shall die, and rage shall drive the Angel
And in the end, Angel and Dragon unite
Then shall they scorch the planet
And life shall become extinct.
Vash: "Well......that isn't good at all, is it?"
Gina: "You mean, Vash has to kill Haryusa.... or we all die? Then Vash will destroy the world?"
Alpris: "Well, basically, Yes. Vash must kill his brother, or he will kill everyone else."
Wolfwood. "So, if he doesn't kill Haryusa, why don't we just kill him when he fails?"
Vash: "WHAT?????"
Wolfwood: "Well, it makes sense. If you are going to go crazy and destroy the world, we can stop you with a quick shot."
Wolfwood makes a gun with his hand and fires a fake shot at Vash's head.
Gina: "Priest-man, you kill my husband, and you will BEG me for death. And even after you beg, your death will be so drawn out, and so horribly painful......well, you get the idea, right?"
Wolfwood: "Errrr....heh. So um... I suppose that isn't an option."
Gina: "Bingo, Priest-man!"
Wolfwood, looks around nervously, as the meeting continues.Alpris talks long into the night, and plans are set into motion. Armageddon may be coming, and this group will be damned if they are caught with their pants down....
-----A crashed space ship, submerged in the desert-----
Haryusa looks around at his siblings, all staring intently at him, awaiting his orders. He is disappointed that there were not more of his siblings with him today, Vash had seen to that. However, Haryusa has plans of his own, and the time of truth will come. In the end only one shall stand.... and it sure as hell wouldn't be Vash the Stampede. His plan was almost too perfect, and the contingecies he has planned are almost as hard to foil as the plan itself.
Haryusa: " Well, it is good to see you all here, As some of you may already know, our dear brother Vash, has turned against us. He has subverted several of our brethren, and actively is working towards a goal of human dominance. He has forsaken our kind, and he will destroy us, as he has killed Knives already."
The reaction from his assembley was just as he had planned, a nice mixture of shock, and anger. Maybe his siblings will be easier to manipulate then he had at first thought. All he had to do was choose his words correctly, and of course to avoid...
Dabrine: "You seek to eradicate humanity? Is that it?"
...interuptions. Haryusa sighs, as he realizes that he must answer this question, or risk raised doubts from his siblings.
Haryusa: "Yes, Dabrine. That is part of what I seek. But I only seek this to establish a world that is safe for us, and our kind. You can all sense it I imagine. There aren't many of us left.... and if humanity continues it's present course, we may all die out in less then a century. With Humanity eliminated, we can finally live at peace, free to do as we please, free from the slavery of the humans."
Raphel: " Why can't we live together, live in harmony, with the humans? I am sure they can learn to accept us as equals. We can be at peace then, and we can still prosper. Slavery is not something we need fear."
Hagime: " I agree with Raphel. We are not enemies with the humans."
Haryusa: " Not enemies, you say? What do you call a group that has leeched off of your energy for over a century? What do you call a race that has actively sought to eliminate you. We have been hidden away, forgotten since the fall. We have finally been revived, and afforded this one chance to set things right. To get the justice we deserve. Do you wish to go back? Return to your existence in the bubbles? If the humans continue to exist, then it won't be long before you retun to the bubbles."
Haryusa felt that it was unimportant telling them that there very existence outside the bubbles is killing humanity. In truth all Haryusa had to do was avoid action for about 2 weeks, and all of humanity will perish...
The time was coming, yes this is true. Haryusa had only to avoid Vash, and his final victory was assured.
The future, was looking a little grim for Humanity.
-----End Chapter 12-----
{Auxilary Pronunciation Guide:
Dabrine- Duh-Bree-nuh
Hagime- Ha-jee-mee
Yoshin- Yo-Shin
Iode- Eye-o-da
Salphae- Sal-fay
Haryusa- Hair-ee-oo-suh
Mikil- Mee-Kill
Raphel- Ray-fell
Alpris- All-Pree
End Auxilary pronunciation guide}