Disclaimer: see chapter one.

VERY HUGE ASS IMPORTANT NOTE! I regret to inform you that this will be my last posting here for quite some time. I'll keep it brief: my life has taken a huge shit. My family is being torn apart limb from limb, and it's slowly driving me to the brink of insanity. Fun, huh? Note: no one died. Don't worry.

Anyway, because of this, I feel that I need time away from everything, and that includes my writing. I originally used the writing to get away, yet now I can't even put a single thought into writing. It's safe to say that writing was once a part of my lifeblood, but now with my mind being the way it is, it'll take some time (and maybe new scenery) to get back into the swing of things.

So for now, no more Ides, no more Parallel and Perpendicular Warm and Fuzzy is pretty much dead in the water as it is, so don't expect anything from that. When I'll be back is decided upon how things go. It could be next week, or it could, unfortunately, be months down the road. Everyone here these past two odd years have been great to me, and I thank you all. More importantly, I got to thank several people for getting me this far: Sage, PsYChO, Psycho Ann, T.G.G., Goku's Daughter, Penchy-chan (yes, you too, even if we've only begun to talk to each other), SSJ Chibi Goten, Kodra (very huge thanks for your help with Ides), and several others that know who you are but I've failed to mention. I can hear Mike yelling at me now for being too sappy, but you guys have really been there for me. I've entered a new phase in my life, and hopefully, all things will come out good in the end.

Now, for your reading pleasure, I give you the first half of chapter four of Ides. It's only the first half because that's the only half I have written. There has been no editing done to this so far, so whenever I do get back to it, I expect several major changes with this.

Once again, I thank all of you. I'm sorry that it's come down to this though. Farewell for now, and I'll see you all down the line somewhere.

~Fred

The one and true EWOAC





ShaggyDiz presents:

A Violent Teddy Bear Production

Ides


Book One: Opiate
Chapter Four: Cold and Ugly



Underneath her skin and jewelry,
Hidden in her words and eyes
Is a wall that's cold and ugly
And she's scared as hell.




October fourteenth

Gabriel and Belphegor stood on the hill facing the Morhan city-state. It was only minutes ago when they arrived that they were forcefully kept out of the city by a massive wall of black energy. They had trouble along the way with a feisty group of hydras that wouldn't die. By the time they had finally gotten through them, Sammael had already learned of their movements, and threw up the wall for protection. Gabriel was unable to crack it with his powers, and neither was Belphegor with his formerly corrupted powers.

Do you think Sammael would come out? the Archangel asked.

No. He's safe within that main tower there, but he is still defenseless. I can't find Dragon Blood near him. He took a quick scan of the island, finding a pit where a new blade was being cast. A wall of black energy also protected the pit.

Can you tell what is happening?

Belphegor nodded his head slightly. The necromancers are creating a massive Sea of Dirac. I can not penetrate it though.

We'll have to wait then. I know once Sammael crosses into the Sea of Dirac, his shields around this city will fail. We'll have to move quickly so that we can cross over before the necromancers close it. Gabriel turned away from the city and started to focus on the battle at Khaz Thalas as best he could.

What makes you believe that he'll cross? the Principality asked him.

All this planning that he's done he's looking for something, and he knows that he has all the time in the world to do it.

You know my former master well then.

Gabriel looked over his shoulder. I know that he is evil. It'll be up to us to stop him for good. He remained silent after that, pointing all of his senses toward the mainland.





There was a trick that Terenas learned several years back from a wizard and swordsman. He was informed that, when the first moon (and the brightest moon) started its rise into the sky, it would be at its brightest during the first few minutes. Turning the blade at a specific angle, a person would be able to reflect the moonlight to any area he deemed fit. It could reflect as little as possible or as much as possible, depending on that person's mana. Terenas had inherited a limited amount of mana from his great-grandfather, and was about to perfect it towards this one trick.

As he swung his sword down and shouted out the opening command, he twisted and turned his blade so that it could take in as much as possible. He then poured his mana supply into the sword itself, and then turned it upward, blinding nearly a half-mile long line of orcs with moonlight. Most of the blinded fired off their arrows erratically, either landing gently in the ground or clanging off the infantry's metal shields harmlessly. The archers on the ground easily took out a large portion of the orcs on the wall.

The catapults did a much better job, as most of their opening volleys slammed into the guard towers, the tops of the walls, or into the walls themselves. The fires that were lit on the boulders filtered off of them on impact, torching a few buildings unlucky enough to be right next to the walls. The thinnest portion of the wall targeted had been blow apart on the first volley, send large concrete slabs backwards onto the panicking beast horde. A dozen or so trickled out of the wall, easily cut down by arrow fire.

The attack on the main gate had slightly misfired, however. The catapults aimed their way had been incorrectly positioned, and both boulders hit high and wide of the target. While those were being reloaded, the ballista aimed at the gate was rolled forward. The troops fired its massive arrow and connected with the upper left portion of the gates, jutting through the reinforced armor but doing little to knock it off of its hinges.

Captain Terenas! a field commander shouted from the left flank.

What is it?

The wall has been breached, and a second volley of catapult fire has been readied and set for launch!

Good! Fire at will, and march the men forward! Terenas turned back to the main objective, seeing that one of the catapults was set for launch. Light it up and fire it! he shouted.

The man at the catapult obliged, pulling the lever and setting off the fire-laden boulder. The projectile stayed true, slamming into the gate and blowing it off of its hinges. The doors crushed any beast that had stood behind it, and the boulder that had impacted continued rolling into the courtyard, taking out several dozen more.

First and second line with me! Third line, fire at will on the main wall! Terenas commanded, raising his sword and driving his infantry and archers forward. The second catapult behind him released its package, destroying another portion of the main wall. By now, the beasts in the courtyard had regrouped, and they started pouring out of the destroyed gate by the tens. Terenas turned his horse sideways and raised his hand to halt his troops movements.

Draw your swords! he shouted, and as one, the main lines slanted their shields to the side and drew their swords, raising it to their fronts. The archers had stopped behind them, all drawing out another arrow. Cut them down! Terenas let out, and the archers complied, releasing a thick volley straight into the heart of the onrushing orcs. They fell by the tens, but they were quickly replaced by ten more, and the volley of arrows couldn't hold them back for long.

Terenas looked over his shoulder quickly, watching the archers continue their attacks on the main wall. Third and fourth lines, charge! The thick line of troops ran forward, all drawing their swords and joining their comrades who were already moving forward to exchange blows with the enemy. The first line slammed headlong into the orcs, and the real battle for the city truly began.

The captain spared a brief glimpse to his left, seeing the same action being taken at the breached wall, though with less resistance. The catapults down there had been repositioned so that they would be sending their fire several dozen yards into the city itself. He turned back and charged forward, cutting down several orcs at a time from his horse. The onrush of beasts out of the main gate continued though, and the drive into the city was stalled momentarily, as the lines has slowly begun to stretch out beyond the main foyer of the gate itself.

By now, a fifth and sixth line of support had rushed forward, backing the slowly thinning ranks of the two front lines. For each beast cut down, it seemed that two or three men would fall as well. Terenas did not like this change that was occurring in the battle. He was becoming separated from his men, and he could not let that happen, for he could have easily been cut down from anything standing next to him. He took out his second weapon, a dagger, and started striking the enemy with that. His third weapon became the shield strapped to his arm, and he single handedly cut through a long line of beasts, reconnecting himself to his lines.

Two minutes of swordplay and death passed before a call rang out from the sky. The orcs briefly looked up, seeing a large mass of eagles flying, each with two men on them. The ones on the wall turned their fire towards them, getting a few but also not causing much damage to the flying group. They all swooped down towards the front wall, and the men they were carrying jumped off, stomping on several beasts on the ground and cutting down more with quick twists and turns of their broad swords and their double sided axes. Grom was in this group as well, carrying a heavy mallet in one hand and a thick axe in his other. The first orc he landed on had its head crushed by the force of the mallet coming down on it. Several more beasts fell, and when their ranks were filled, more fell with the still arriving group of men and dwarves.

Several dozen of the transported men landed on the top of the wall, attacking the orcs gathered up along the catwalk. They were quick to get a foothold between the main wall and some of the former tower structures, easily wiping out the few remaining creatures that had defended the walls. The few that were able to escape fled down stairwells that connected the catwalks to ground level, ready to take their chances against the invading army down there.

Outside of the walls, Terenas was cutting down a swath of beasts when a sudden, errant sword sliced into his horse, knocking him and his steed down to the ground. He quickly rolled away and got up, bringing his shield forward just in time to deflect an attack aimed for his head. He reared his sword back and prepared to strike it forward, but before he could, Grom had come in and knocked off the offending creatures head. He stepped around and cut down three more beasts before turning back to Terenas.

Sorry to keep you waiting, he shouted through the mixed chorus of swords and shouting. He was enjoying the fight immensely.

Terenas shook his head, taking out several more creatures. You always do that, Grom. We needed you sooner so that we could get the better push into the city.

I never got the signal. Besides, we're pushing them now! Grom turned away again, swinging his mallet around wildly and plowing it through three more orcs.

The two leaders moved side by side through the thick mass of beasts, swinging and chopping and otherwise crushing them with everything around them. Several troops followed their lead and soon back them up, cutting their way through until they made their way to the main gate. Just beyond the gate were several ten-foot tall orges, each carrying massive clubs, and each of them fitted with thick dark armor. Two of them pressed forward, taking out a few of the men coming in, but neither Grom nor Terenas, who easily evaded the marginally fast attack. They each took them on and brought them down in quick piercing blows, not really wanting to dance with the massive creatures. Three more charged forward, but by now, more of the invading army had made it through the gate, and several of them took on the orges at once, overwhelming them and bringing them down as fast as they could.

Several dozens of yards to the left, the attack force there had finally made their way through the breached wall, taking their time with the slow advances of the defending army while continuing to widen the wall with the catapults. They were able to put through nearly twenty men at a time, all while still receiving support from the archers accompanying them and the catapults that had been moved forward, lobbing their fiery deposits into the city. Several of the city's buildings had either fallen or been set aflame by now, and the beasts that had become trapped within were slowly rotted to death or quickly crushed to their makers.

Everything stopped however when a maddening screech overtook the whole battlefield. Invaders and defenders alike grabbed their ears, covering them as best as they could from the piercing cry. Grom and Terenas looked up, and from around the corner of a building came the one thing they did not wish to face right at this moment:

A wraith.

The ghostly being calmly walked forward, though its metal books clanged loudly and evenly on the concrete ground, slowly showing its dominance over the battlefield. It reached a gloved hand into its black-cloaked body, and from there it pulled out a long, broad sword, easily reaching over six feet in length. It held it straight up, pointing it towards the sky before screeching once again and walking forward.

Aw hell, Terenas muttered. He sheathed his dagger, opting to use one sword – and both of his hands – for this fight. Much like the manticore from a few days earlier, this was something that he has seen, but had never fought once before in his life.

Now isn't a good time either. He let out a loud yell before rushing forward, readying himself and his blade for the coming duel.





You know, I hate keeping you two out here all alone.

Gabriel turned his head sharply, recognizing the voice instantly. he spit out, as if getting rid of a vile taste stuck in his mouth.

So good to see you again, Gabriel. He paused. And I see you brought my former pet with you as well. Belphegor creased his brows at the comment, but kept his tongue to himself.

Come out here devil! Let's finish this fight.

The unseen Angel of Death shook his head. You're trying to bait me, aren't you? Seeing as how I don't have my sword, I would be next to defenseless against you. No I think I'll bide my time.

Gabriel clenched his fists. His patience – what little he had to begin with on this early morning – was wearing thin from Sammael's mockings. He started reaching for his sword, but was held back by a hand on his shoulder.

It's useless Gabriel. We'd still be out here waiting for him, Belphegor stated to him.

I'd listen to the traitorous lapdog Gabriel. You won't be able to penetrate this shield. And by the time this shield is finally put down, I'll be long gone from this planet. Of course, you two will be stuck here, trying to figure out where I am. Sammael licked his lips after speaking, liking the delicious feeling that he had with having the upper hand.

What is it that you're doing? Gabriel asked, trying a different tactic.

You wish to know, huh? A pause. I think not. I wouldn't want to ruin the fun I'm about to have by telling you two. You'll just have to wait till I come back. He turned away from their direction, walking around in his throne room. I'd advise you to keep your eyes on the battle, Gabriel. You can watch the final moments of your pathetic Army of the Light.

What are you talking about? The Archangel turned away, taking several moments to focus his sights on the city. The battle goes well for my army. They've already breached the city and are beginning to move through the buildings.

Sammael laughed, and for a slight moment, Gabriel felt a slight shudder of fear through him. I see that too, but I should warn you those wraiths that you saw are the least of your problems.

Belphegor said, breaking the slight silence he held, and cutting off Gabriel in the process. Both of our sights allowed us to see everything.

you forget who you're dealing with. I guess being back in the service of those purebloods has tainted your soul in an even worse way than what we did to you.

If you should know, there is hidden, at the bottom of the dungeons, a massive engine of destruction. Even now, he paces back and forth, waiting for the exact moment to rise up and remove your invading mortal army. Ner'zul used a spell of eternal darkness and shadow to cover him and his followers, because I know that if you saw them, you would have never sent your army to take the city.

What is it? Gabriel asked, dreading having to ask it, and its potential answer.

The Angel of Death smirked, letting his white teeth flash out. He spoke the one word loud and clear for the Archangel's ears to hear:



Gabriel immediately turned to leave, nearly setting off to help his army. I wouldn't leave so fast if I were you. You know that I could leave at any possible moment. I hate to not say goodbye. The Angel of Death grinned sadistically in his satisfaction.

Damn you Sammael. It was the only thing Gabriel could say to him at a time like this. He was stuck with staying here and keeping an eye on the Angel of Death's plans, or retreating to Khaz Thalas and taking care of the Pit Lords.

He had no time for either of those tasks.

I'm already damned Gabriel, Sammael said sarcastically. Now, I urge you to pay attention to this battle. For your sanity, I do hope you're praying for your troops.

Gabriel kept his eyes away from the main tower of Morhan. The only thing he could do now was watch and hope that a miracle would happen.

He had already prayed seven times since learning of the Pit Lords' existence within the main dungeon of Khaz Thalas.





Many years ago


Father! Teach me how to use the sword! a young Terenas shouted out. He ran up to a tall bearded man wearing casual fighting clothes. Behind him, the boy had an unusually large sword that dragged and skidded along on the grassy ground.

Terenas, that sword is too big for you! his father said laughing. He bent down and picked up the sword from his son, pulling it from its sheath and inspecting its edges. A mighty fine sword this is, you know. I crafted this one myself.

the child asked excitedly. He reached his hand up to touch it, but his father pulled it away.

This thing is too sharp. You can cut yourself on it Terenas. He flipped the sword around, placing his hand on the handle next to the guard. see if you can lift it up this way.

The young Terenas took the weapon from his father's hands and immediately stumbled back, startled at the weight of the sword. He didn't realize how different it was holding a sword upright from when he had dragged it behind him. It's too heavy, he let out underneath the strain.

What do you think I just warned you about? He reached out, taking the blade from his son's hands and casually putting it back in its sheath. Come on now, he said, turning away and walking to the barn sitting next to their house.

Where are we going? the boy asked.

I'm going to give you a sword to practice with. It isn't as heavy as this one, but it should provide you with some good training. That way, when you finally get a handle on that sword, I can craft a heavier one for you to use.



The father nodded. It's how you get stronger. When you get older, you'll be able to hold even the most temperamental of weapons. Now come.

The two of them walked into the barn and ended up in front of the furnace. Off to the side, hanging on the walls, was a smaller version of the broad sword held currently by Terenas' father. He grabbed that one and handed it to the boy, who had a little bit of difficulty holding it at first. He soon settled back into a loose fighting stance and held the weapon with a proper grip.

What now father? he asked.

Follow me. The pair went back outside and made their way to a short copse of trees that blocked out a good portion of the hot sun. The man turned around, looking down at his son and pulling out his sword. For now, we're going to practice strokes. That helps in getting a good swing while building up your muscle. Watch me now, he said, doing a series of strokes with both hands on the sword. You understand?

The boy nodded. How many should I do?

Well, since this is your first time handling a sword, we'll just do a hundred.

A hundred? Terenas asked, shocked. The sword he was holding was becoming a slight problem as it was. He wouldn't feel his own arms after a hundred of these!

Yes, a hundred. But that's all you're going to do in one day. You have to relax after each session so that, when you come back the next day, you'll be fresh for another hundred strokes. You understand? The boy nodded. Good. Eventually we'll up the count, and we'll add in single handed strokes. The father moved so that he was standing next to his son. He slid in a stance and held the sword out. Mimic me.

All right, Terenas said, moving into his own stance and holding the sword up to a position much like his father's.

The boy nodded.

Stroke.

Stroke.

Stroke.

They kept going like that, swinging the sword down until it was nearly level with their waist, and then pulling it back up over their heads to repeat the process. At around twenty or so strokes, Terenas (who had lost count by thent) had begun feeling a massive sting of pain running up and down his arms. He was ready to drop the sword and walk away, but he didn't. He knew it wouldn't be fair to his father if he gave up.

Terenas had a feeling that this sword was made for him anyway. He put the painful feeling as far to the back of his head as he possibly could, concentrating on the sword itself and the swinging motion he was taught to do. At some point, it felt good to have the weapon sitting in his hands. He could feel the rush of battle that would occur when he held this sword. It was an inner sense that allowed him to ignore everything else, save for the feeling of the fight.

He didn't realize he was at one hundred strokes when he felt his father's hand on his shoulder. Immediately he turned to look, and it was then that he dropped the sword, letting the sharp end impale itself into the ground. All the pain that he felt before had suddenly come rushing back into him, and he nearly fell to the ground.

My arms hurt dad, he whispered. He was trying to rub them to bring back some feeling.

I would imagine. I told you to stop and you still went on with the swinging. He picked up his son's sword and placed it over his shoulder.

How many strokes did I do?

One hundred twenty-five.

Terenas blinked. he muttered. Suddenly, that feeling in his arms went away, replaced with amazement and wonder.

You'll only do a hundred from now on though until you're ready to do more. You'll end up doing more harm than good if you work like you did today. You understand?

Terenas nodded. When can I practice again?

Tomorrow evening, after dinner. That'll be when you'll come out to practice. It give you ample rest time, and you'll have the most energy after eating dinner. He turned around, starting his walk back to the house. Terenas kept pace right behind him.

They went inside to a table full of dinner, and it was there that Terenas told his mother about what he had learned today. She, of course, had her doubts about the sword training, but his father reassured her that he would make a fine, strong man several years down the line. After some thinking, she allowed him to continue with the training.

Terenas smiled widely that day. It would be one of the last times he had done so.

Several weeks later, after he had gotten used to the hundred strokes, he had begun to move on to a larger amount. During the second day of this new training, his father had been called out to quell a small uprising occurring just outside of town. It was supposed to take a few hours, but when night turned into the next day, Terenas and his mother got worried. They were informed at noon, during the quarter point of the second moon, that Terenas' father had been killed in the skirmish.

Terenas immediately ran off, not knowing what to do or what to say. He stumbled about in the woods, lost in his own thoughts about his father. It was there that he decided that he would become stronger, so that he wouldn't face the same, lowly fate that his father received.

He returned home and quickly picked up his sword to train for the day. During dinner, he told his mother of his new resolve. She was once again adamant, but it also once again proved futile. She made him promise however not to go fight until he was sure that he was ready.

One day, several weeks after his father's death, Terenas walked into the barn, ready to choose the next sword for training. As he looked across the row of hanging blades, a small glare of light caught his eye. He turned his head to see a half made sword sitting on the hammer block. He walked over and picked it up, marveling at the weight the weapon already had. He looked down at the handle and saw a small inscription on the knob:

he whispered. It was going to be mine. Terenas studied the weapon for a little while longer before putting it inside of a wooden crate lying off to the side. He ran around the barn, looking for any sort of lock and key. He found a suitable one by were the horses relaxed. Returning to the crate, he locked it up and tied some leather rope around the loop of the key. He placed it in his pocket and kept it there until he was able to get into his room.

Four years had come and gone, and soon Terenas was easily able to do one hundred strokes with just a single hand, and with the best sword within the barn. During the last year of the four years, he had begun learning the blacksmith trade, and was quickly able to make a solid, standard issue battle sword. He had decided then that he would finish the sword his father had begun for him.

He grabbed the key from the hiding spot he had kept it at and ran to the barn, eagerly opening the crate and pulling out the half finished sword. Holding it in his hand had opened up some closed memories, but he held them back, intent on finishing the project. Terenas looked around the barn, grabbing as much metal as he could. He set the furnace on fire, and for nine days, he slaved over the sword, hammering it and re-hammering it to his liking. The handle itself was extended to allow a fuller grip with both hands. The metal guard on the weapon was removed completely and replaced with a larger, thicker one. It allowed him to produce a blade that reached nearly five feet in length and nearly seven inches across.

Terenas took it out on the tenth day and tried to practice with it, but it was much larger than any weapon he had used before. He returned to the original training regimen that he had used when he started training with swords four years ago, and after one hundred strokes, he dropped the weapon and fell to the ground. He looked up to the sky lazily and muttered a single phrase before taking a nap:

My arms hurt father.






Terenas swung the sword from his side, planting his front foot and using as much of his body weight as possible to push the blade forward. His main intent for his major offensive strike was to quickly get rid of the wraith and move forward through the rest of the city. Daring to dance with this thing for more than five strokes was a little more than risky.

He was stopped short as the wraith played its sword perfectly, blocking the incoming strike several feet from its body. It had been pushed back nearly a foot though because of the continued momentum. As it skidded to a stop, Terenas pulled his sword back over his head, and with as much force as he could muster, swung down in a huge arc. He was once again blocked though as the wraith came up with its sword. This time it was forced to drop to one knee as the strike came down.

an infantryman called as he ran into the city. The dwarf turned around briefly, not wanting to keep his eyes off the fight happening before him.

What is it?

The main gate has been taken. We're beginning a systematic run through the city. He glanced quickly at the unmoving duelists. Are you going to help? he asked.

Only if he needs it. Grom turned around, watching the surge of infantry and archers. Raze these buildings to the ground! Nothing is to be left standing! He turned his attention back to the fight, seeing that they had resumed their battle.

The wraith had pushed itself off the ground and begun advancing on Terenas, moving its long sword with ease. It had pushed the young captain backwards, though only a few feet. He pushed the ghostly creature off of him, and then pulled himself back, resetting his stance. He cursed himself, not completely realizing just how powerful the wraith was.

He stepped to the side, letting him some time to breathe and look for some sort of opening on the wraith. The creature mimicked his movements, and soon they were circling each other, waiting for an exact moment to strike.

You think you can defeat me, human? the vile creature said.

I have to. It's the only way to continue. Terenas' face showed no difference in the neutrality it had presented.

The wraith smirked at the comment, even though it lacked a face. There'sss no way that you can. You humansss are no match for usss. Essspecially you, Terenasss.

he muttered.

I can sssee it in your eyesss. Pathetic you let your own father die.

Terenas blinked. How can you know that? His sword started to drop down.

It was a pointlessss fight at leassst, in human ssstandardsss. I would know. The wraith slowly took a step forward, digging it into the ground.

You were there? he asked, and as he did, one hand came off of his sword.

They were ssso easssy to control, and when thossse pessstsss couldn't bring down your father, I came out and persssonally gutted him. Not waiting another moment, the wraith sprang forward, raising its sword up and preparing to strike down the defenseless Terenas.

Behind the captain, there was a shout, and in the split second it took for him to realize it was his name being called, he looked up. There he saw the thick axe carried by Grom holding off the would-be finishing blow of the wraith. The dwarf quickly shifted his weapon and hooked the sword, pulling it away from the creature and leaving it momentarily defenseless.

Terenas! Wake up and finish him! Grom shouted. Terenas refocused himself, seeing the wraith open for attack. He gripped his sword and lunged forward, bringing his blade over his head.

In one smooth motion, he swung his sword down, slicing the wraith in half. The creature barely let out a screech as its body split in two. It quickly faded away into smoke. Terenas' sword continued unabated into the ground, splitting the thick concrete easily. He breathed deeply, trying his best to calm his nerves.

This place we must destroy it quickly, he whispered.

I know. Get a hold of yourself next time though. Grom looked up, seeing a fresh wave of orcs moving towards the infantry. Come on now. We still have plenty of killing to do, he said, again speaking with much excitement in his voice.

Terenas slowly stood to his full height, pulling his sword out of the ground and holding it tall once again. There is still much more to be done here. I must not let anything get to me again. He ran forward to join Grom in the battle, hoping that it would end very soon.

He knew it was a lie though. There were still two wraiths left, and the unknown beasts lurking beneath them.