Disclaimer: see chapter one.

Version 1.1 completed with help from Kodra.


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ShaggyDiz presents:


A Violent Teddy Bear Production


Ides


Book One: Opiate
Chapter Three: Part of Me


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You don't judge.
You don't speak.
You don't leave.
You can't hurt me.
You're just here for me to use.



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October thirteenth



He isth late Sthammael. I grow impatient.

The Angel of Death smirked. Ner'zul, you are always impatient. He turned his head to look at the Lich Wraith King. I had anticipated this late arrival. It appears that Belial was being a bit too clingy to his best men. He took a pause, letting his sight scan over the northern roads. His smirk turned into a wide grin.

Isth he finally coming? Ner'zul asked.

He's a few miles off yet, but he's coming. Once again, he turned his eyes back toward the ghost-like creature. He brought me more than just Archimonde though. He's brought me every single necromancer from the north.

Sammael took to the air, slowly gliding down to his front gates and commanding the pair of giant granite golems to open the main gate in a few moments. Ner'zul followed him down on his Black Dragon, landing next to him and watching the massive black shadow – an En Masse Protection from Scrying spell created by the necromancers – slowly encompass the front yard of the palace. In less than two minutes, Arthas had arrived with a short escort of wolf riders, and behind them came Archimonde, the leader of the necromancers. Riding behind him were all fifty of his fellow practitioners.

Archimonde slowly descended off from his horse, his old age limiting his movement. He bowed his long bearded face towards Sammael.

Thank you for coming on such short notice, Archimonde. A quick refreshment before we leave? the Angel of Death asked.

No need, his cracked and tired voice replied. I have only my flask of water to keep me moving. I am in need of a new body, however.

Sammael smiled. Within a year's time, your current body will actually be reborn. You'll feel like you're twenty-seven again.

that would be good to have. Now, I wish to learn about these things that have our young death knight so enamored.

I will explain to you and to all of your followers as soon as we reach the boats. He looked up, seeing that the fog of war still covered his palace and much of the surrounding area. Be sure to keep that up for now as well. I don't want Gabriel to know just yet about where we're off to. He pointed to a few orc servants, directing them towards the aging necromancer and his horse. As soon as he was on, he took to the sky, along with Ner'zul, and flew within the En Masse Protection.

The group eventually made their way to a small harbor protected by a large artificial sea wall. The sea wall was able to withstand any sort of attack from the pureblood magicks, but it was also protected by a massive fortification of artillery running along the coastline. The stonewalls stood one hundred to two hundred feet away from the low tide point, and they ran along the beaches for miles on end. There was never an attempt to attack these fortifications, for it could conceivably take nearly one hundred thousand men to even make a single crack in the walls.

Sammael led a portion of the group onto the largest of the ships within the harbor. The rest of the riders and necromancers sat amongst three smaller sized ships. They all set off at the same time, crossing through the opened sea walls and keeping the fog of war set with them and over the harbor. Along the way, Sammael informed Archimonde of the Dragon Balls, and his proposed plans for them. Archimonde, like everyone else who had heard of them earlier, was easily swayed, and the Angel of Death smiled even more.

The ships eventually came to a point fifteen miles off of the main continent shore, and about three miles from where the continental shelf ended. By now, the second moon had reached the first third of its full rotation to the eyes of man, and from there, it would start its daily eclipse of the sun. Sammael stood at the bow of the ship, looking out ahead in the still waters. He heard murmurs behind him about why they had suddenly stopped.

I am about to show you our greatest war machine, he shouted over his back. Turning back to the seas, he smirked. send him up.

Beneath them, they felt a rumble stir from the bottom of the ocean floor. All of the riders and necromancers stood up, looking over the edges of the boats, seeing what had caused such a roar. It then grew silent, on the boats and in the seas, save for the series of bubbles popping out ahead of the boats. As they looked ahead into the churning sea, the second moon covered the sun completely, blocking out all the light and preventing any of them from seeing the dark shadow slowly rising to the surface.

There was a deafening crash of water as Zeruel came floating out of the water. The seas around the boats went into chaos, nearly knocking everyone off of their feet. After several long moments, everything quieted, and as they got themselves steady, the eclipse ended, and nearly everyone took a sudden step back.

Everyone! I'd like to present to you my son Zeruel! Sammael shouted out, looking over the stunned and awed faces of the necromancers and riders. He turned back to his son, marveling at Lilith's work. The beast floated mere inches from the water, reaching a massive two hundred meters in height. Its torso was massive, covering most of its black and white body. Its face was the most horrific part of the monster, as it resembled a mask of tragedy. It was set between the shoulders, and had three dark holes resembling eyes and a mouth.

Would anyone like a demonstration of his power before we get underway? Sammael asked to his fellow shipmates. Archimonde was ready to stand, but was held down by Arthas.

Keep your strength. Let Ner'zul attack him, the death knight whispered to him. Archimonde only nodded, keeping his eyes ahead on the Lich Wraith King and Zeruel.

Stay on the boat, Ner'zul. I don't want my son knocking you out of the sky.

Fine. How sthrong of an attack sthhould I usthe? Ner'zul asked.

It shouldn't matter, but make it strong enough so that we can see the real magic.

Very well. He brought his hands to his center, muttering a few words in his demonic tongue. A few second later, a dull green ball of dark energy formed between them. Bolts of green shot around his fingers, and used them and his expanding hands to make the ball even larger. Satisfied, he looked up and fired the blast, watching it shoot straight into Zeruel's stomach. It never reached him, for as it drew to within twenty meters, it shattered amongst a field of orange. It filtered off in six directions around him, and soon the hexagonal field disappeared, leaving many of the onlookers even more shocked and awed.

he deflected one of my more powerful blasthtsth, Ner'zul whispered.

Sammael smirked. That's not all, mind you. Zeruel is the ultimate in offensive and defensive weapons. He is a truly remarkable creature. He will help us in our search for these Dragon Balls and we will have our final victory over the purebloods! There was a rousing chorus of cheers from the necromancers and the riders, all of whom were ecstatic to see the coming victory. Arthas kept quiet, though he let a small grin set on his face, and so did Ner'zul.

The Angel of Death turned back to his son, looking over his massive form one last time before grinning madly. Necromancers! Drop the protection spell I want to see the looks on their faces.



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If Belphegor still had eyes, they would have bulged out at the sight of Zeruel. Instead, he took a single step back, and when he did that, he roused the attention of the few people that stood around him, including Gabriel. The Archangel walked up to him, curious at the sudden display of fear.

What is it Belphegor?

Look out into the seas several miles past the coastline. And so Gabriel did.

what is that thing?

Belphegor shook his head. I can not tell. I know it is massive in size, and it has a truly dark soul.

The Archangel placed his hand on his shoulder. Connect my sight with yours. We have to see this thing more clearly.

The two took a moment to let their sights align with each others, letting them come to focus on the creature known as Zeruel. Though they were not shocked again, there was a sudden chill from witnessing the being.

They hid this with their protection spell? Gabriel asked.

Only temporarily. I think it was to conceal their overall movements towards this creature. Belphegor turned his head to the side. Something awful is being planned out there. He suddenly jerked his head back.

What is it?

They're on the move again not towards us though.

Where are they going to? Gabriel asked quietly, though more to himself.

There is an island, about ten miles ahead. It is a fairly large island I believe.

Morhan? Quick! Focus our sights there.

Belphegor did so, and both of them instantly regretted it.

Grom! Terenas! My quarters, now! Gabriel shouted across the camp. He turned back to the Principality. Quickly, tell me the size of the force in Khaz Thalas.

Belphegor took two seconds to scan the city completely. Thirty-three thousand in size, with various sorts of creatures and demons.

Damn it. He walked away, moving towards his tent. Belphegor, I want you to fly as high as you can and as close as you can to Morhan. I must know what is going on there.

He flew away without a response.

Gabriel! You called for us? Grom asked as he came around to the front of Gabriel's tent. Terenas came in behind him a few seconds later.

How far away are those reinforcements?

The infantry are still a half a moon away, and the other reinforcements are another two days out, Grom explained.

Gabriel shook his head. We'll just have to make do. Tell the men to pack up. We leave in two hours. You two come back in ten minutes. We have much to discuss before moving.

The two bowed, and they were off.

Heaven help these men.



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The ships sailed for another seventy minutes or so until they reached the main harbor of Morhan. Sammael lead the group onto shore and through a small copse of trees located just beyond the harbor. The trees broke into a small clearing with a small series of hills, and from there, they walked up it. The hills were covered with a thick patch of grass, which was very uncharacteristic of the demon war machine. Most of the fields affected by the demon armies were browned and blackened, many times by the fighters just being in the general presence of the fields. Sammael made sure to keep at least Morhan that way.

My Lord Sammael, Arthas started from Archimonde's side, how much further do we have to go?

Not much now. Just over this hill is the Morhan city-state, and within its stonewalls you will see the greatest army I have created. He continued on in silence, as did the rest of the group with him. Zeruel lagged in the back in complete silence, not making a single sound since his awakening. It had started to scare some of the wolf riders with how silent he was.

Soon they reached the hilltop, and from there, they saw the walled city of Morhan. The main walls stood nearly one hundred feet in height, and in many places, twenty feet thick. At the top of the walls was a ten-foot wide walkway that held dozens of axe throwers and archers. There were three towers: two that stood on either side of the third, and tallest, middle tower. The hexagonal points at the top of the tower reached some one thousand feet into the sky, cutting effortlessly through the gray clouds that hung low in the sky. There were several other buildings scattered throughout the city that barely came into vision over the walls.

The one thing that startled everyone there was the loud chanting that was coming from beyond those walls.

How large is this army of yours again? Archimonde asked. His tired voice showed no difference in the way he felt.

Sammael smirked over his shoulder. You'll see very shortly. The group descended the hill, and then walked across the short plain towards the main gates. The twenty-foot slabs of iron were drawn back, allowing them to enter. Sammael lead the group down a small hallway before turning towards the left into another hallway towards a series of lifts. He told the necromancers and riders to remain in the hallway while he took Arthas, Ner'zul and Archimonde up to the main war room.

The room itself was covered in black swirling marble, with several tables laid out sporadically. Each of the tables had a map of various places, including those of some of the Alternate Earths that Sammael's doppelgangers had gone. There were a few weapons that hung decoratively on the walls, and off to the right side, away from the room's main entrance, was a smaller version of the bone throne that Sammael had in his palace on the mainland. Adjacent to the main door was a balcony that looked out over the city-state, and that's where he walked off to, with the others in tow.

My friends, he said, knowing now that he could easily use that word with the way he had corrupted them, I present to you my Army of the Darkness.

Sammael stepped off to the side, allowing the three of them to look down into the yard. Arthas' mouth dropped open slightly before casting it into a devious grin, while Archimonde looked on in amazement. Ner'zul only grinned his decaying grin, impressed with the work of the Angel of Death.

The chanting that they had heard earlier was much louder than before, seeing where they now stood. Before them stood an army four hundred thousand in size, with another fifty to sixty thousand off in the buildings scattered in the city-state. A sizable portion of the army was made up of orcs, orge and orge mages, goblins and trolls. Scattered amongst them were minotaurs, gnolls, bugbears, mud and granite golems, and several forms of dragons and wyvern. Off in their own part of the city, but still very much apart of the army were several thousands of satyrs and centaurs. There were also wraiths floating about, as well as spiders and gargoyles and manticores, and towards the back of the city-state slept the most monstrous of the monster army – a single Tarrasque, ready to awakening for its feast. Zeruel had moved to the back of the city after floating over the stonewalls and the troops. In the middle of it all were dozens of air transports, each designed to hold three to five hundred creatures.

Sammael stepped forward, raising his hand towards the army to silence them. In two days time, you will be part of an ever growing invasion force onto an Alternate Earth. We will conquer this land, and we will use their greatest artifact to gain our greatest victory! The army roared with his proclamation, and shortly thereafter, resumed their loud chanting.

The Angel of Death stepped back, turning specifically towards Archimonde. Your necromancers will create for us a massive Sea of Dirac, one that will easily transport fifty thousand men in an instant. I will give you my knowledge of this Alternate Earth so that you can tune your powers towards that Earth.

In two days time, there will be a day called an 'ides', he spoke, turning towards the others standing there. It was on this specific day five months from now that a leader named Julius Caesar was killed. The Romans, as these people on another Alternate Earth were called, had named this day the 'Ides of March'.

We will claim our own ides, the 'Ides of October', and on the identical day five months from now, we will be making our greatest wish, and we will defeat the purebloods! He turned back towards the army, listening intently on their chants and calls. Ah yes soon it will be all over Lilith, and everything will be mine.



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This is insane! We have no force that can stand up to an army that large and a monster that huge! Terenas shouted towards Gabriel after hearing the news.

I know that. I don't believe he'll be attacking us though, Gabriel answered in a calmer voice. He could have just as easily turned that monster towards us and wiped out this army. I sense something bigger though.

So what shall you have us do, Gabriel? Grom asked, sitting off to the side stroking his beard.

You two will lead the army towards Khaz Thalas. With a wave of his hand, a map appeared, showing Khaz Thalas and the surrounding area. Grom stood up and joined the other two at the map. The main city wall stretches nearly a mile in length around the city, running into the thick rock walls that the city supports itself on. There are twelve main buildings, plus many smaller faculties that shouldn't be overlooked. He turned his attention to the largest of the buildings. This one is the main fortress, and it is embedded within the rock wall. You'll find your greatest obstacles in there once you get into the city.

A very tough fight then? Terenas asked, looking around the map for any possible weak points.

Yes. There are over thirty thousand creatures in there, and there is only one way in. There are no back doors and no escape routes.

they'll fight to the death, Grom muttered. What about other armies in the area?

Gabriel closed his eyes and looked past the city. The closest one is ten miles away. It's only ten thousand strong, and they looked to be not doing anything. They might prove a threat though if they came to the city's defense and tried to flank you. Keep a lesser seer around to watch them.

You're not going to be there? the captain asked.

The Archangel shook his head. Belphegor and I will be flying to the island of Morhan. We have to discover and possibly stop Sammael from doing what he plans on doing. Both of them nodded. All right then I'll show you your points of attack. He turned his attention to the center of the city wall. This is your one way in. These gates are fifteen feet tall and made out of reinforced iron. It will be tough breaking into them. He pointed to a spot that was a short distance from the gates.

You will place two catapults here and fire at that door. If that doesn't work, then bring up a ballista and try that. Once those doors are down, you will lead your men through them and into a courtyard. There will be many beasts standing there looking for a fight. I would storm rush that courtyard with as many men as you can fit in there.

Once the courtyard is taken, move through the city, knocking out everything that you come across. The fortress will be your toughest challenge, as I've mentioned. From what I know, there are at least three wraiths within those walls. I would suggest that your best and most fearless fighters go into that fortress.

Terenas nodded. What should we do if we can not break through the gates?

It may be possible to destroy a portion of the wall using the catapults. Gabriel studied the map, looking at the city's walls and trying to remember where there was a weakness. he said, pointing to a portion of the wall to the left of the main gates. The wall here is only seven feet thick, much thinner than it should be. Two catapults placed here should be able to crumble those walls. The remaining catapults can be placed at whatever spots you choose to take out the tower defenses. You're going to be under a lot of fire from those, as well as the archers on the top of the wall.

Anything else we need to know? Grom asked.

The Archangel once again shook his head. That should be everything you need. I must be off now though. Belphegor and I will wait until the setting of the second moon and the sun to move onto Morhan.

You have one hour to make your final preparations with your troops. The infantry reinforcements are still a ways out, but they should close to the city by the time you start the battle. The other reinforcements should be able to help if and when you get into the city. He paused, looking between the young captain and the dwarf. I give you my best wishes for the coming battle. Good luck. Grom and Terenas bowed and exited, leaving Gabriel to himself.

Inside his tent, the Archangel made his final preparations, strapping on his light metal armor and tying his Lightbringer to his side. He marched out of his tent, looking around the camp area before taking off into the sky, giving a silent prayer for everyone there.

Elsewhere, Grom and Terenas were off informing their fellow riders and flyers about the upcoming battle plan. Many nodded in anticipation, while some others were a bit weary, and not completely sure about going off to face a city filled with demonic beasts and creatures. They were the ones who kept their left hand on their swords at all times, simply worried with the fact that they may never have a chance to go back home.

Others had nothing to back to, but they had everything to fight for. They had the nerves of steel and the strong willed looks on their faces. They knew that it would come down to a few of them to help win the battle. Many of them had begun to knee down and pray, pulling out their rosaries and moving along the beads one by one. Many others just stared off into the sky, counting down the minutes until they had to move.

And soon that hour came and went. The cavalry lead the way in a row of seven and marched through the hills to the plains of the battle from days before. The infantry and archers marched behind them in rows of ten, and sometimes twelve. All of them had their bows and swords tied around them, and they also carried several flasks of water as well. Grom remained behind for the time being, opting to keep his riders grounded until the ground troops got to the wide field in front of the city.

And onward they had marched, slowly covering the four miles that stood between the camp and Khaz Thalas. And they marched on in silence, not bothering to openly pray, or sing a sad or jubilant song.

It was hardly a time for any of that.



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Gohan sat up rapidly, wiping his forehead clean of the sweat that had sprung up on it. He looked to his left, seeing the regular alarm clock flash its bright red time. Only eleven thirty, he mumbled. A quick glance to the phone to his right provided the same answer. He looked down, seeing Videl stir slightly before resting comfortably in her sleep again.

He rolled out of bed and walked towards the bathroom, closing the door and turning on the light as he did. He grabbed a towel and went to the sink. He cleaned his face before looking up into the mirror at himself.

What the hell kind of nightmare was that? Gohan asked himself. The images from the dream slowly came back to him.

Creatures that was more ugly than Frieza.

A devil searching for the Dragon Balls.

An angel and a blind man searching for him.

And a wing from my back. That was the one thing he could not understand. The others had made some sort of sense, with the hints that the peace that they've had for the past five months were about to be disrupted. He had a feeling throughout the day too that there was something opening up somewhere.

The wing on his back made no sense at all.

I'll talk with Piccolo and Dende tomorrow, see what they think of this, he finally decided on. Gohan washed his face one final time before walking back to bed. As he settled into it, Videl had rewrapped herself around him, and in her sleep, she mumbled the same three words that he had always liked to hear.

I love you too, he said before getting back to sleep.



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The third moon had nearly vanished in the night sky, ready to be replaced at the stroke of midnight by the first moon. That was the time, chosen by Terenas, in which the attack on Khaz Thalas would begin. It had taken the army the remainder of the day to march to the city and position their catapults and ballista. The army within the city had taken position along their walls, uncharacteristically being patient in waiting for the mortals to attack. They had more than just the wraiths waiting in the fortress. There was something much more powerful there waiting for them, and if it came down to it, the thing would single handedly destroy the Army of the Light. Ner'zul had made sure to cast a shadow spell over the being before he left, making sure that neither Gabriel nor Belphegor were able to see the creature.

Outside of the city, Terenas rode along the front lines of the army. They had spread themselves long, putting the lines nearly half a mile long, with two rows of shield bearers lining the front. Archers stood behind them and had their first arrow already set to fly. Many of the main invasion forces were set in a column directed behind the two main catapults targeted at the gates. They would immediately rush the gates as soon as they were broken and hopefully would be able to take the main courtyard as planned. There was a smaller sized force set behind the catapults positioned near the weakest part of the wall.

Off to the west, the third moon vanished completely. Light the catapults! Terenas commanded, and as one, the men threw torches into the loaders, lighting up the gasoline-strewn boulders. It would be a full three minutes before the first moon began its rise.

Terenas rode to the main catapults, placing himself between the two. He pointed to both of them before addressing them. Upon my command, unleash Hell on these murderous bastards. He moved himself back about five feet, looking off to the north to where he would be able to see the first moon best. He raised his sword up, and the army took their final positions. The beasts on the walls stood ready as well, preparing to unleash their volleys of arrows.

The three minutes came and went, and the tip of the first moon became visible over the northern horizon.

Terenas shouted, swinging his sword down.

The battle had begun.



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You are a part of me.


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