Disclaimer: I do not own Magic: The Gathering, only the characters used in this fic.
CHAPTER 33-Crudus Custos Reverto
;I'll just Snap it back to his hand;
;You sure you want to do that?;
;If I don't, he'll just use it to power up his other creatures. I know it's a big risk, but I don't have a choice;
"First, I'll return your creature to your hand," he said, snapping his fingers. The elemental vanished for play. "Next I summon Cloud of Faeries (1/1, Flying) and end my turn."
"Now you will see the true power of the forest!" said Halo. An elemental whose body was made of climbing vines appeared on the field. "My Ivy Elemental (6/6) will crush you! Make your move."
;You missed countering his spell again!;
;Look, right now, this is rocket science, OK?;
"Now, Striped Bears, attack!" The twin bears charged at Charles with surprising speed for animals their size.
This time Charles was ready. "Block with Man-o'-War!" he announced as the creatures clashed, exploding into mana.
"End turn."
;Do you think I can manage another Boomerang?;
;You could try, but be sure to counter that elemental of he summons it again;
"I return your elemental to your hand," said Charles as the creature disappeared. "Next, I channel my mana into my Faerie Conclave, making it a 2/1 flying creature." A small group of faeries appeared hovering above the pond's water. With a silent order from Charles, they attacked, flying over to Halo and smashing into his face.
HALO: 17CHARLES: 20
"End turn."
"I see," said Halo "You expect me to summon my elemental again, at which point you'll counter it. However, I have a different plan." His Llanowar Elves suddenly started growing, becoming larger by the second. Soon, they reached the leaves of the trees surrounding them. "My Elves now have their power boosted by eight as well as Trample!"
;Mythic Proportions? I think we're screwed;
;And yet you still didn't counter his spell!;
;I was a bit preoccupied with that giant elf!;
"Now, meet your defeat!" roared Halo as the giant elf took a step forwards and brought a giant fist the size of a car crashing down on Charles. He barely had the time to order his Cloud of Faeries to take the blow before the attack hit, knocking him over.
HALO: 17CHARLES: 12
"End turn."
Charles got up slowly, his entire body hurting. He started in dismay at the giant creature in front of him.
;How am I supposed to stand up to that thing? All my spells used to bounce creatures are unavailable;
;Yes, but you have a way to access them;
;What do you…of course!;
"I cast Intuition!" said Charles. He focused on three cards from his deck. "I choose three spells and you decide which two I cannot use. However, I may use the third immediately. I choose Boomerang, Man-o'-War and Snap."
"Man-o'-War and Snap," said Halo.
"And then I cast Boomerang on your Elves!" said Charles "Now since you're wide open, I cal upon Mishra's Factory!" A small metallic contraption appeared on the field. "I turn my Conclave into a 2/1 and attack!"
HALO: 15CHARLES: 12
"I summon my Llanowar Elves (1/1)," said Halo "Then I'll summon Multani's Acolyte (2/1, Echo). End turn."
;Canon, I've figured it out: He's using drawing spells;
;So? We don't have a hand;
;Yes, but the effect still resolves. Basically, it means his spells recharge faster;
;And this helps me how?;
;Well, at least now we know;
Charles rolled his eyes. "You've forgotten my flier!" he said. "Go, Faerie Conclave!"
"Predictable," said Halo as the Faeries zoomed towards him "Moment's Peace will calm your creature."
"Not so fast!" said Charles "Counterspell!"
As the Faeries ceased their attack, a blue beam shot from Charles' hand and struck Halo. Suddenly, the Faeries resumed their attack.
HALO: 13
CHARLES: 12
;I did it!;
"Well played," said Halo "Since I don't have enough mana to pay the Echo cost, my Acolyte dies." The creature exploded into green mana. "But now watch as I rebuild my defences! First, I'll summon another Llanowar Elves," a second elf appeared beside the first. "Next, my Llanowar Elves will provide me with the mana I need to play Gaea's Blessing. This allows me to retrieve three spells I have cast. I return Striped Bears, Mythic Proportions, and Insist. Finally, I cast Hunting Pack!" An orange tiger appeared on the field. "This spell puts a 4/4 beast into play. As well, I can Storm it!" Two more tigers appeared in play. "End turn."
;I think we're in trouble. Well, might as well summon him;
"I summon Palinchron (4/5, Flying)!" said Charles as the flying creature materialized. "End turn."
"I attack with my three beasts," said Halo. The tigers bounded forwards, teeth bared.
;He's got something up his sleeve;
"Palinchron! Block one of the attacking beasts!" yelled Charles, channelling his mana into Mishra's Factory and Faerie Conclave. "I block your other two attackers with Mishra's Factory and Faerie Conclave."
"I cast Run Wild on the beat being blocked by your Conclave," said Halo "Giving it Trample. Also, I cast Sudden Strength on the beast blocked by your Palinchron, giving it +3+3!"
"In response, I pay four mana to return Palinchron to my hand before it dies" said Charles "And I pay one life to activate Force of Will, countering your Run Wild."
The beasts tore through Charles' Factory and Conclave.
"In my Post-Combat Phase," said Halo "I cast Biorhythm! Each player's life total becomes equal to the number of creatures they control!"
Charles gasped in pain as he felt his lifeforce being drained away. With Mishra's Factory and Faerie Conclave destroyed, he had not creatures in play. He tried desperately to counter the spell, but his mind could focus on nothing else but the pain his body was in.
HALO: 5
CHARLES: 0
"Come on, Eva," whispered Arrathir "Let's just bolt."
"I think it would be better if we stayed with the elves," said Eva.
"What?"
"I don't think they would think twice about killing you if we tried running away. I saw some of them staring at your ears. Trust me, they know you're not human."
"Keh! I can take a few arrows!"
"Still, staying with the elves is our meal ticket."
"I'm not hungry," said Arrathir, only to be contradicted by a loud rumble from his stomach.
Eva raised an amused eyebrow at the half-demon, who grinned sheepishly.
"Fine. Maybe I am a bit peckish," he admitted.
Night had fallen and the woods around them were completely black. Arrathir found he had some degree of night vision, but only enough to see a foot or so ahead of him. As a result, he had to keep close to the elves to avoid the many obstacles in his way. The elves moved through the forest as easily as if they had been in broad daylight. Arrathir wondered at which point would his nigh vision be developed enough to enable him to do the same.
They walked on for what seemed like hours. Arrathir was thirsty, hungry, and increasingly worried about what was going to happen to them. Eva had eventually succumbed to fatigue and was currently sleeping, he head resting on Arrathir's shoulder and her arms around his neck. Arrathir could feel her soft breath on his face. It calmed him somehow.
Ever since his demon side had begun showing up, Arrathir had found himself becoming more moody. Whereas before he had always been very patient, he now found it harder to control his temper. He wagered that this would probably continue as his demonic side awakened.
Suddenly, Arrathir saw lights in the distance. He supposed they were approaching a village.
Good. I can't wait to get some sleep.
As they drew closer, Arrathir got a better look at the village. It was simple, but elegant. Keeping in harmony with nature, the elves had built it to accommodate the forest. Most of the small huts he saw were constructed up in the trees, with long winding staircases leading up from the ground. In between the trees were bridges so the inhabitants could travel throughout the village without setting foot on the ground. It reminded him of the Ewok village in Return of the Jedi.
"Hey, Eva. Wake up," said Arrathir, gently shaking his shoulders to rouse the sleeping girl.
"Hmm?" said Eva, opening one eye.
"We're at a village."
"Good. Wake me up when they serve dinner," mumbled Eva.
The elves led them up a spiral staircase to a large hut. Inside was a group of elves who had been talking animatedly around a large table. They ceased their chatter when Arrathir and Eva entered. Arrathir could hear them whispering and saw several of the elves pointing at his ears.
What would they say if they saw my tail?
The leader of the patrol said a few words to an elf seated at the head of the table. Arrathir supposed he was the village chief. The chief looked at Arrathir, his eyes inspecting him carefully. He said a few words to the elves guarding them. The two elves took them outside and across a bridge to another hut.
The door to the hut was heavily built and the single window had bars on it. It was obviously a holding cell. The inside was very plain, the only furniture being two cots on either side of the hut. The only other thing in the room was a covered hole which, from the faint scent Arrathir could detect, was a latrine. The guards left them, locking the door behind them.
"I call window!" said Eva.
"Whatever," said Arrathir, dumping her on the bed.
There was a click as the door opened and a female elf entered, bearing a tray with two wooden bowls and a pitcher on it. She set the tray down on the ground and immediately left, as if terrified by the two humans. Arrathir approached the tray and examined the bowls. They were filled with some kind of cooked roots and an unidentifiable piece of meat. Sniffing the food, Arrathir declared it safe and began eating with great gusto. Eva rolled her eyes and tucked into her food.
"You know," commented Arrathir as he watched Eva finish her food "They're not treating us too bad for prisoners. I half expected them to throw us in some dark and damp dungeon with only stale bread and water for food."
"Yeah," said Eva, washing down her food with a gulp of water "Ah, can you turn around? I have to use the…you know…"
"Oh, yeah," said Arrathir, turning his back to Eva.
"And don't try peeking," she warned.
It almost seems as if she wants me to.
Arrathir was suddenly overcome by the urge to turn, grab Eva, and ravish her right then and there. The urge faded as quickly as it had come, leaving him feeling confused.
Where did that come from?
You are a demon, Arrathir. At some point of their lives, all demon males seek out a mate. Eva is in heat, so your demonic side wants to maker her his mate.
But that urge was so violent, so primal. I wanted to take her, even against her will. What if I ever lost control and…raped her?
It is a risk you are taking by not making Eva your mate. If you did, it would fulfil your demonic side's needs and it would not take over.
"OK, I'm done," said Eva, interrupting Arrathir's thoughts. "I'm exhausted. Good night." She crashed into bed and fell asleep immediately.
How do I control it, Chikuro?
You mean your demon blood? Well, you have nothing to fear unless you are in mortal danger. When you transform, you will probably not retain control of your body. You will become, in essence, a wild beast who will do anything to survive.
But could you take over if that ever happens?
Arrathir, I cannot say for sure. Your demonic power may be strong enough to keep even me in check. I will tell you this: I pity the fool who has to face you if this ever happens.
Arrathir smirked and lay down on his cot, looking out Eva's window at the village until sleep overtook him.
The creatures on the field vanished as Charles' lifepoints hit zero. He collapsed from the mental and physical strain.
"You are indeed powerful," said Halo "Not many could stand against my Ivy Elemental and survive."
;I can't believe I lost again! Aren't I supposed to be a Keeper of Mana?;
;Charles, you've never mana summoned before. That was stellar for a beginner. Don't blame yourself;
"So, what's gonna happen to us now that Wainscot lost?" asked Erik.
Halo did not answer immediately. He seemed to be deep in thought. "You two," he began "Are not ordinary summoners. There is something about your mana that confuses me. I must take you to my master. He will decide of your fate."
"Is it far?" asked Charles "Only because I'm very tired."
"Wait. Why should we even go with you?" asked Erik.
"Because if you do not," said Halo "Your chances of leaving the forest alive are slim to none."
;Chiburuu?;
;I say we go with him. He seems trustworthy;
"I'll come," said Charles "Morlock?"
"No way!" said Erik "The last time one of these freaks showed up, I ended up with a freaking beak!"
"Look, right now it's our only option."
"Fine! But I'm going to regret this," said Erik.
"Hold on," said Halo.
Charles and Erik suddenly felt as though they were planeswalking again, except this time they remained in the forest. When the feeling of nausea had passed, they found themselves in front of a gigantic tree. Its trunk was at least a dozen metres around and it stretched its limbs high into the starry night.
Hewn into the tree was a opening which seemed to lead into a habitation within the trunk. On one side of the door was a glass globe that contained a dancing blue flame which provided enough light to see for several metres around.
"Master!" called Halo.
After a few seconds, a man appeared in the doorway. He wore a leather breastplate along with a green cloak. A dark red beard occupied the lower half of his face and mixed in with his flamboyant red hair. He had a worn face that had obviously seen many battles and years. His eyes were tired, but still held a spark of life within them.
"Halo," said the man "You have brought me the intruders?"
"Yes, Master," said Halo "I defeated the blue mage, but I sense something about their mana."
"You did well," said the man "You may go."
Halo bowed and turned, walking off into the night.
"Who are you?" asked the man.
"I am Charles Wainscot, and this is Erik Morlock," said Charles "We are very sorry we intruded into your forest, but we were planeswalked here by accident."
"Few Planeswalkers would be capable of that feat," said the man "What was the name of he who planeswalked you?"
"His name was Lu Chao," said Erik, before Charles could stop him.
"Lu Chao?" said the man slowly "Lu Chao…Now there's a name I haven't heard in a long time. Were you the only ones to be planeswalked?"
"There were two others," said Charles "Two more summoners. A woman named Eva and a man, Arrathir Quinn."
"Arrathir?" said the man excitedly "You are friends of Arrathir?"
"For my part, yes," said Charles "Morlock just got dragged into this whole thing. Do you know Arrathir?"
"Know him?" laughed the man "I trained the boy! I am Khell Dracos. Welcome to Yavimaya."
To be continued…
Author's note: YAY! KHELL IS BACK IN ACTION! Welcome back, Khell! Your character is an awesome one and I know everybody is looking forwards to seeing more of him! So, now that Khell is back, everyone has nothing left to look forwards to, well except finding out who's behind stopping The Awakening, seeing if Arrathir ever scores with Eva, and if Charles ever puts Erik back in place.
Oh yeah, I put a really obvious clue as to this being the chapter in which Khell returned. Props to anyone who can find it.
Until next Thursday! Arrathir, signing off. Oh, and in honour of Khell's return, I'm going to try and give you all reviewer awards.
Omega Paladin: You get the award for fastest review. Less than ten minutes after posting, you had already reviewed.
Jazz-band-geek: You mean put in some card from Betrayers?
ROwned: You get the award for being the first reviewer to reference VG Cats.
YM: Award for creepiest reviews. 'Nuff said.
CC: Award for the first "happy birthday."
Vamp: Award for threatening Charles.
Grayangle: Award for reminding me to put in the bit about the elves noticing Arrathir's ears.
ACS: Award for giving me the idea for draw effects.
Demonslayer: Award for double-review.
Khell: Dude, your character showed up, finally. That's enough of an award for you.
Mega: Award for not blowing your top over my rant.
SS: Award for most incomprehensible reviews.
John: Award for not voting for Bush.
And probaly the biggest award goes to Lu Chao who's been the driving force behind most of this story and its prequel.