Disclaimer: see chapter one.

Proofing and consulting done by Kodra.



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ShaggyDiz presents:


A Violent Teddy Bear Production


Ides


Book One: Opiate
Chapter Two: Hush


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I say
Go fuck yourself
you piece of shit.
Why don't you just go kill yourself?

Just kidding.



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October eleventh



Gabriel slowly woke from his slumber, turning his head slightly to get his eyes out of his pillows. It was rare for him to sleep – most of the Archangels and angels rarely did – but even he felt the need to finally rest after several long battles. The chances of an attack coming from Khaz Thalas was extremely low, though they still had round the clock scouts.

The Archangel made a low groan before pushing himself up into a sitting position on his bed. He stretched out his arms and his neck, not bothering with his two pairs of wings until he was outside. By now, his sight had completely come into focus, and he saw Belphegor sitting in the same spot from the night before.

Any reports? he asked the Fallen Principality.

He shook his head. I managed to get the word 'invasion' through a crack in the shields, but other than that, I got nothing. He turned to look at Gabriel. They're planning something big Gabriel. They went on until the first moon was at its highest point in the sky.

Where is Arthas now?

Belphegor remained silent for a moment, looking through his mind's eye to ascertain the current position of the Death Knight. He's riding back north towards Beliel's palace. Shall I watch him until he leaves my range of sight?

Do so. And when he leaves it, you will fly north to as far as our lines reach. Take eagles with you if you need to. I feel that Arthas is going to tell Beliel whatever plans Sammael has conjured up.

And what of the shields if they bring them up?

Take other Seers with you to crack them. I need to know what they are doing. Gabriel left the tent, grabbing Lightbringer along the way and once again not bothering to look back at the Fallen Principality.

An Archangel possessed I'm sure Michael would be proud of him, Belphegor muttered before resuming his watch on Arthas.

Outside, Gabriel quickly moved through the camp, making his way towards the back hills to where Grom and his flying fleet rested. He found the dwarf's tent towards the rear of the small settlement and entered it without giving warning, finding Grom and several other dwarves sitting around a table, drinking another brew of beer and ale. The slightly confused and drunk Grom looked over to the Archangel, smiling goofily at his visitor.

so nice to see you again so soon Gabriel, he sputtered out, raising his mug up in a toast to the Archangel. The others at the table did likewise, giving off a hoarse and drunk cheer.

Did you do what I asked of you Grom? Gabriel asked, his patience running thin.

I did. I did. What moon is it right now?

The second moon is just beginning its rise.

I see. Grom drank the rest of his mug before reaching out to the barrel to give himself another serving of beer. Let's see I told my eagle riders to return with any news by the setting of the second moon, whether it be good or bad.

Seven hours then very well then. He turned to leave.

Gabriel, wait! Grom called out to the exiting Archangel. Won't you join us for some drinking?

Gabriel looked over his shoulder, not giving any sort of expression. Archangels, or angels in general, do not drink Grom. Only in victory, and even then, we would slightly consider drinking.

But we just had a glorious victory Gabriel! Come and sit!

He turned completely, giving Grom his full attention. This was hardly any victory. We have our toughest battle up ahead in Khaz Thalas. I doubt the majority of our men would survive this battle.

The dwarf's face turned solemn. Well then won't you have a single drink for everyone of us who will be fighting for our lives? It would be only fair. The rest of the table went silent when Grom finished.

Gabriel stood for a moment, considering for a moment the dwarf's offer. Slowly, he walked to the table and reached out his hand. Grom filled a mug and handed it to the Archangel, standing up on two wobbly legs as he did.

To our fallen and to those who will fall. Gabriel raised his mug up over the table, and soon after, Grom tapped his mug against the Archangel's mug. The rest of the dwarves stood up and tapped as well, giving a short Here, here as they did. They all drank, though Gabriel had barely two mouthfuls before he placed the mug on the table.

Gather by my tent when your riders return Grom. I must go now. With that, the Archangel Gabriel made his exit, unfurling his wings and flying off toward the battlefield from yesterday.



* * *


My lord Zeruel is near completion. He shall awake in two days time.

Very good Lilith very good. Sammael was sitting in his throne, sipping his glass of blood wine. It's so very good to know that our victory is close. It's like I can smell it.

I take it that your meeting with Arthas went well?

He nodded, even though his wife couldn't see it. It did it went very well



October tenth in the evening



please enter, Sammael said to the young and battle hardened leader of the Death Knights. He walked forward until he reached the bottom of the stairs that lead to the Angel of Death's throne, taking a knee before him.

My Lord Sammael, I heard your call and I arrived as fast as I could ride. What is it that you require of me?

Sammael smirked. Would you believe me that total victory is at hand?

Arthas looked up, confused. Pardon my treason Sammael, but victory is barely within our hands. We've lost so much ground up north, and here as well from what I saw.

I know, Sammael said softly, nodding. My forces lost again today, and now Khaz Thalas is the only city that stands between Gabriel's army and my palace. He stood from his throne, descending the stairs before stopping at Arthas' side. Would you believe me though if I said that I can give you a piece of the glory?

Sammael, you know that I serve under Beliel. He nearly would not allow me to come down here. I do not know if I can go against him.

I'm not asking you to go against him though. At least, you wouldn't go against him until a much later time. I would hate to see you continually bow at my feet like you do so now.

Arthas immediately stood up, turning to face Sammael. What are planning then?

Sammael smirked. It was clear that greed had taken over the young Death Knight's soul, as such the case when Beliel converted the former human knight into a leader of the undead. There is an artifact known as the Dragon Balls on an Alternate Earth so much like ours, and yet, so unlike ours. The doppelganger that went there told me of their great powers. I intend on going there to take them.

These Dragon Balls apparently give a single wish to whoever collects them. The wish that they asked for was for the removal of a being known as Buu from the beings memories. It turned out that this Buu had killed everyone on this Earth, and had destroyed it too.

Destroyed it? Arthas asked in amazement. Are you saying that these things can bring people back to life?

It would appear so. If that is the case, then it can also end people's lives. Either way, I plan on using them to destroy the purebloods and have full victory over this Earth. He looked straight into Arthas' eyes, easily seeing the greed and power rush flowing through them. It will take time though.

How much time? the Death Knight asked.

It appears that these Dragon Balls need time to recharge. According to the beings there, they won't be available again for another six months.

Six months! That would be April!

March, actually. They were used a little over a month ago. I don't plan on waiting though. He walked towards the middle of the floor, and with his powers, fabricated a map of their Earth. It was a single large landmass covering nearly half of the planet's surface. Surrounding the continent were several massive islands, some of them nearly five hundred miles wide. He pointed to one off of the eastern coastline.

This is the island of Morhan, Arthas, Sammael explained. On it, there is an army being raised nearly half a million strong. I've been raising them for the past month and a half, and it is near completion. He pointed to another spot on the map located in a sea between the main continent and the island. Here, my wife Lilith is producing me a son of massive size and strength. Although he is not immortal, he will be able to destroy anyone and anything in his path.

Why not keep him here and fight against the Archangels? Arthas asked.

He would not be able to kill them, young Arthas. Only immortals can kill immortals, and like I said, Zeruel, my son, is not immortal. The beings on this Alternate Earth are not immortal. Their technology may be greater, but he has a shield and hide no weapon can penetrate. At least, this is what Lilith told me.

And you believe her?

Sammael nodded. She is my wife. I dare not go against what she believes. She has been my guiding voice for many years. With a wave of his hand, the Angel of Death made the map disappear. A second wave of his hand produced a rectangular table in the middle of the room. It was made of the finest woods from the northern forests, though he was sad to see them being wasted in Temozarela's war industry. The chairs that were produced with the tables were also of the same wood, and the clothes used on the seats were of the finest material found in the southern islands of Quel Minis.

Why do you need my help then? Arthas asked, taking a seat at the opposite end of the table.

I require the help of several necromancers. You are in good kinship with Archimonde, correct? Arthas nodded. convince him and a few other necromancers to come down here. Don't tell them of the entirety of the plan, but give them enough to be brought over. I'll tell them of everything that I need of them then.

Will you tell me now?

Not now when the time is right. I have to place a spell over your mind and mouth anyway from Belphegor. I would think that he's trying to listen to this little conversation right now. He'll never learn.

Very well then. When do you want me to return by?

Before the first moon sets on the thirteenth. By then, we should be set to cross the sea, and pick up my son as well. He clapped once, and several seconds later, a pair of orcs came in. Tell the chefs to prepare us dinner. I wish to eat heartily with the leader of the Death Knights tonight.

He smiled inside as the orcs left, knowing tonight that he got another part of the support that he needed to make his mission a success.



October eleventh resuming



What shall you do now my love?

Hmm? Oh I shall sit and wait for Arthas to return. I believe the Lich Wraith King is coming here later though. He will be joining me on this mission as well.

Does he know yet?

Sammael shook his head. He will though. He knew of the missions I sent the doppelgangers on, but not the results of them. I've been keeping him by Khaz Thalas this past week, making sure that doesn't fall. There was a knock on his door just as he finished that statement, and a moment later, it opened, revealing an orc.

My Lord, your guest has just arrived.

Good, good, he said, nodding. Send him in right away.

The orc stepped aside, letting the tall black-cloaked figure known as the Lich Wraith King step in. He walked across the room slowly, letting his heavy metallic boots clang loudly yet evenly on the floor. His body was covered in a wispy black cloak, save for his rotten hands and the lower portion of his face. It was his intent for everyone to see his face to know that he was neither a lich nor a wraith, but a combination of both. The molted flesh hanging onto his jaw terrified any mortal man, and his decayed, crooked smile made the shivers worse. The sword attached to his side was less of a sword and more of a ugly scimitar, as it came out in a wild curse and still came back in a jagged edge to catch anyone on the back swing.

Lilith, I must leave. He has arrived, he spoke a final time to his wife.

I shall speak to you again tonight. Good-bye.

Sammael looked on at the Lich Wraith King, waiting until the being came to the bottom of the throne stairs before greeting him. You came much sooner than I thought, my fiendish friend.

I arrived asth fastht asth I could, my Lord, the being spoke from his bent position on the floor.

It does not matter. We have much to discuss. Now rise Ner'zul, and let us begin.

Yesth, my Lord. Ner'zul stood and joined the Angel of Death at his table, learning of the upcoming mission. By the end of the meeting, his decaying grin grew much, much wider than before.



* * *


Gohan slowly woke up, stretching as much as he could. A quick glance to his right showed a still sleeping Videl resting comfortably on his chest. He smiled, petting her hair lightly.

You are so beautiful I cannot ask for more, he whispered as he stared down at her. He slowly wondered how all of this happened. It was after Buu that this all began.

It was one of the things he learned when they sat down to talk last month about each of their thought processes. The one thing he had learned was the promise she made to him: never to leave her. Videl made him promise it during the sweltering hot July when they – rather she – confessed her true feelings. It was mostly due with her untimely death back in May, when Majin Buu had killed all of them. When she was brought back to life though, she had finally come to realize the full grips of human mortality. It was during that time during the rest of the school semester, and the beginning of the summer break that she realized that she had always needed someone to depend upon.

That person turned out to be Gohan.

Her logic was clear: despite the limited amount of time that she had known him, Videl had come to know, deep within her heart, that she truly loved him. When she finally confessed to him, she told him everything that she had pondered over during the previous two months. Suffice to say, she was slightly confused when he didn't return those feelings at first (he had instead just smiled, laid a hand on her shoulder, and kissed her forehead). Gohan told her a few hours later that he held those same exact feelings that she did, although he had been scared to admit them.

He had left her house that day telling her that they would take things slow. He had promised that, despite their limited lifespan, they had all the time they needed to tell each other that they loved each other.

that went out the window pretty fast, Gohan whispered.

Three nights later, on fifteenth of July, they made love to each other for the first time. In the three months since, they've hardly spent a night without each other, no matter if it were at his house (where they were forbidden to make love due to Goten) or at her house (where they ended up adding soundproofing to prevent the voyeuristic tendencies of the maids and butlers).

And four days from now, it'll be our three month anniversary our physical relationship. That was what they ended up agreeing on for being their anniversary. It was common knowledge to them that actions spoke louder than words. Not that they really kept track of it anyway.

Gohan soon heard a low rumble coming from below him. Thinking it was his stomach; he was ready to move the sleeping girl off of his chest. It wasn't until he heard the rumble again that he realized it wasn't any sort of rumble, but a low, throaty groan coming from Videl. A few moments later, she shifted her head, turning it so that she was able to look up at Gohan.

What time is it? she asked, her voice slurred because of her tired body.

About eight thirty. I was just about to get us breakfast. He had resumed petting her hair.

that would be nice. Go get some then.

He blinked. You're still on top of me. I can't move unless you move.

I'm still tired though, Videl complained.

Well, no breakfast then.

She grumbled. Hang on. Videl turned to her side, reaching out towards her phone. She pressed the breakfast tone, knowing that the cooks would get working on their food right away.

They used that button almost every morning.

You know one of these days, I will get out of this bed and bring back breakfast. At least the butlers and maid would stop trying to sneak peeks at us perverts

You want me to fire them? Videl asked.

The half-Saiyan smirked. it's always fun making them get crazy.

They can't hear us anymore. Did you forget that already?

but you know that they always stand by the door late at night. I can sense them. Their pulses rise, and their blood start rushing throughout their body. He yawned, stretching his free arm back. If only they knew what we did in here.

if only they knew Gohan. Slowly, she sat up, keeping the blanket around her chest. Her face showed some sort of concern, something which puzzled Gohan.

What is it? he asked her.

we've never talked about marriage before, she whispered.

Weird time to bring this up. She nodded. Why now?

I don't know it's been sort of nagging me for a while though

is this about me possibly leaving? She nodded again, this time hesitating. He sat up and pulled her into his body. You know I never would. And I also know that accepting a proposal like this would make it a guarantee.

He leaned in close, getting right next to her ear. After graduation how does that sound?

Videl nodded against him. I would love that. Thank you so much.

Gohan smiled. We'll go out on our anniversary and get you a ring then. Is that good? She nodded against him again. Just then, a butler knocked on the door.

Miss Videl, your breakfast is ready! he shouted through the door, though it was muffled at best.

You stay here I'll go get it, Gohan said, getting up out of bed – not caring for a moment about his nudity – before cracking open the door to let the butler wheel in the tray. He pulled it away from him and closed the door, walking back to the bed with a goofy smirk on his face.

My lady your breakfast, he said, pulling the lid off of the platter and waving it behind his back.

She could only giggle. Why thank you kind sir. She reached out and took a plate. We're so corny, you know.

I know. With that, the two ate contently, not really letting anything else bother them for several more hours.



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What sthhall I do now, my Lord? Ner'zul asked the Angel of Death as they stood on the roof of the palace. They stood at its center along with the dracolich that was with Ner'zul.

Return to Khaz Thalas. Gabriel must not know that anything is out of tune until it is too late, Sammael instructed him while looking out into his courtyard. I have a few final things to take care of before we cross the sea.

He turned without another word, addressing the dracolich in an archaic, demonic tongue. It nodded before stepping back and arching itself outwards. Its body slowly grew in size, keeping its black color, but developing scales all along its back and appendages. A tail shot out of its lower back, winding along down towards the edge of the roof, soon extending over the ledge. Spikes grew along the whip-like form, and also along part of its back. Its neck drew outwards, and its head elongated into a snout, with teeth snapping down, overlapping the bottom jaw line. Horns shot out from above its temples, curving out from the side before pointing forward, narrowing into a fine point several feet in front of its reformed face. Elsewhere along its body, bones snapped, reformed, snapped again, and then reformed themselves again, growing and moving until the dracolich was no longer a biped but a black dragon. Wings flapped out of its back, completing the final transformation.

The whole process took less than ten seconds.

Ner'zul climbed upon the beast, looking over to Sammael one final time. I sthhall return then in two daysth time, Sthammael. I hope that what you sthay to me wasth true. He grinned again before flying off towards the west.

Sammael remained on the roof for a little while longer, waiting until Ner'zul was a good distance away before retiring to his bedroom. The frown on his face turned into a nasty smirk. The pieces are falling into place Lilith. I cannot wait until my time comes. He turned away from the ledge, walking down the stairs and entering his room. Tomorrow would be a boring day.

The thirteenth though the thirteenth would be the beginning of greater things.



* * *


Gabriel stood on the hill that acted as his command post from the battle one day before. He had been there for over two hours, contemplating various strategies and actions that would be required in the days to come. All of them would require an ungodly amount of sacrifices before the city would be taken.

He looked out towards the north, seeing the first moon begin its ascent into the sky. I should be traveling back to my tent now, he muttered.

That won't be necessary Gabriel! a cry came from above. The Archangel looked up, seeing Grom landing on the ground behind him. He descended his gryphon rider before walking up to Gabriel.

Are your ears that good? Gabriel asked.

Sometimes they are, and sometimes they aren't.

might actually be good sometime. Enough of that now: any news from your riders?

Grom nodded. Michael is sending twenty thousand infantry from the northwest. They should be here in two days time. Apparently, he'll be down here by the end of next week. He hopes the battle goes well.

The Archangel smiled. I'll be sure not to disappoint my teacher then. He turned back towards the east, setting his sight on Khaz Thalas. Anything else?

The human princess, Jaina of the Southern Woodlands, is sending fifteen thousand archers, and they should arrive in four days time. There is also a large dispatch of five thousand cavalrymen to be here in four days time as well. They've all been transferred under Captain Terenas' command.

Gabriel nodded. That'll be all for now, I guess. All we have to do is wait.



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People tell me what to think,
What to say,
And what to play.



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