Disclaimer: I do not own Magic: The Gathering, only my own characters.

CHAPTER 34-Chiguriin

"So, how's the kid doing?" asked Khell, slinging an arm around Charles and leading him towards his home, Erik following behind them.

Charles was in shock. This was Khell. The Khell. The wurm summoner who had trained Arrathir and been present for the Awakening of the Keeper of Black Mana.

"You must be started!" Khell continued "I'm afraid I haven't got much, you've caught me a bit unprepared. I'll see what I can do for you and afterwards you'll probably be ready for a good rest."

They had entered the tree and were walking up a spiral staircase. Every several metres there was a torch, much like the one at the entrance.

Khell was still talking. "I always knew Arrathir would come to Dominaria some day. Can't wait to see him again. Where is he, by the way? Cat got your tongue?" he asked, seeing Charles' stunned look.

"Sorry," said Charles "It's just I'm honoured to meet you, Dracos-sama."

;Crap! Got to remember I'm no longer in Japan. Honorifics don't apply here;

Khell chuckled. "No need to be so formal. 'Khell' will do fine."

"I'll remember that," said Charles "Well, when we were planeswalked into Yavimaya we were attacked by a Tunneller Wurm."

"Quinn and his girlfriend ran one way and we went the other," said Erik, who was tired of being ignored.

Khell stopped. "Arrathir has a girlfriend?" he asked, interested.

"More or less," said Erik "He denies it, but it's obvious he's crazy for the girl. He even went back in time to save her when she died. If that's not love, then I don't know what is."

"So, my apprentice is finally making some headway in life, eh?" said Khell, grinning.

They had reached the top of the staircase, emerging in a large room. More lamps, filled with yellow fire this time, illuminated it. A solid wooden table stood in the middle of the room, surrounded by a half dozen intricately carved wooden chairs.

"You go ahead and have a seat," said Khell "I'll see what I can scrounge up. Would you care for something to drink?"

"Just water for me," said Charles.

"Same here," said Erik.

"Nothing stronger? No? Suit yourselves," said Khell, disappearing through a door. He came back a few minutes later with two wooden bowl filled with food, a pitcher full of water, and two wooden mugs. He set everything down on the table and invited them to sit. As they did, he turned again, tossing his cloak onto a chair and disappearing through the door again.

As he ate, Charles surveyed the room. The craftsmanship was extraordinary. The walls showed no sign of the large amount of chiselling that must have gone into creating the room. The walls were unnaturally smooth, as if they had been sanded and polished with great care.

"Great place you have here," he commented as Khell reappeared with a tankard full of ale.

"Thanks," said Khell "Made it myself, you know."

"Must have taken you a long time to carve out," said Charles.

"Don't be stupid," said Khell "You think the elves would have let me touch this tree with a chisel? No, this was all done by magic. Anyways, since you are friends of Arrathir, I suppose he's told you about the Keepers of Mana?"

"Actually," said Erik "That's about all we've been hearing about ever since he showed up, as well as the reason we're here."

"What Morlock is saying," interrupted Charles "Is that we're well acquainted with the Keepers. In fact…"

"We know them very well," said Chiburuu, appearing in spirit form.

"Khell, this is Chiburuu, Keeper of Blue Mana," said Charles.

Khell choked on his drink as the spirit emerged. Stunned, he stared at the Keeper as the realization swept over him.

"So," he began in a hushed voice "The Awakening has begun."

"Not only has it begun," said Chiburuu "It is doing very well. We only have two Keepers left to awaken."

"Only one now," said Khell "Allow me to introduce Chiguriin, Keeper of Green Mana."

A spectral form appeared beside Khell. As with the other Keepers, he was slightly taller than Khell and his hair was a darker shade of crimson than his host's.

"Chiburuu!" said Chiguriin "Long time no see!"

"Chiguriin," said Chiburuu with a nod.

"Come here, you!" said the spirit, jumping forwards to try and embrace the Keeper of Blue Mana. However, the two spirits passed through each other.

"You know, I can feel that," said Chiburuu as the Keeper got up.

"Sorry," said Chiguriin "It's just we've got so much to catch up on."

"Oh yeah," said Chiburuu, sarcastically "A few thousand years of being dead is a lot to discuss."

"Hey, Khell," whispered Charles "Your Keeper always so…hyper?"

"You have no idea," groaned Khell "When he first awoke, it was like having a five year old in my head at all time. He's mellowed out a bit, but I guess the shock of seeing an old friend sent him back into hyper mode."

"Why is he like that?"

"No idea," shrugged Khell "The shock of being alive, maybe. What about you, Erik? You're a Keeper as well?"

"Well," Charles chuckled "Morlock's been the only one so far to reject his Keeper."

"Not the White Keeper," groaned Khell "From what I've heard, he was a bit of an egoistical bastard."

"That's Morlock to a 'T'," said Charles.

"Listen," said Khell, looking nervously at Chiguriin who was currently chatting away with Chiburuu. "Whatever you do, don't mention this to Rin."

"Rin?"

"Chiguriin doesn't roll off the tongue very well."

"Ah," said Charles, mentally relaying the information to Chiburuu. "Why?"

"From what he's told me, he wasn't exactly friends with the White Keeper. I think he would flip if he found out."

"Fine," said Charles, suppressing a yawn "Well, I think I'm gonna turn in now. Where do we sleep?"

"This way," said Khell, getting up and leading them out another door and down a hallway.

"Thanks for talking about me as if I wasn't there," growled Erik as they walked.

"Well, you didn't go out of your way to speak up much," said Charles "What is up with that? You're usually more outspoken."

"Two reasons, Wainscot," said Erik "One: I'm tired, and two: I've been thinking this whole Awakening ting over. If it's supposed to be some important event that's going to save the world, why is it happening so damn fast? We've met what, three Keepers in the past week? Also, isn't it convenient how these Planeswalker freaks keep showing up and invariably lead us to a Keeper? It's too easy. Someone is pulling strings to speed up the Awakening. This whole thing looks like a trap."

"Well," said Charles "At this point, we haven't got much choice, but if we know we're walking into a trap, we can be better prepared."

"Or," continued Erik "What if the Awakening is just a cover up? What if it is only the surface of something much bigger?"

;Somebody's bee watching too much 'X-Files';

"Here we are," said Khell, opening a door to the left of the hallway. The inside of the room contained two beds, each with their own lantern.

"Well, good night to the both of you," said Khell, leaving them.

;Coming, Chiburuu?;

;Actually, I'd like to stay and chat with Chiguriin a bit more, if that's OK with you;

;Sure. Whatever. See you tomorrow;

;'Night, Cannon;

Eva was awoken the next morning by someone gently shaking her.

"Go 'way, Arrathir," she mumbled "'M tired."

Her request went unfulfilled as the person shook her again. Now pissed, Eva turned, ready to knock Arrathir into next week. She was stunned to see the Keeper of Black Mana still sleeping in his bed. Beside her bed was the female elf from the previous night. She put her hands up in apology and signalled Eva to follow her. Grumpily, Eva got up and followed her outside.

It was once they got out of the hut that she noticed something was amiss. A small crowd of armed elves were standing around the hut. By the door, there was a large pile of what seemed like leaves. As she watched, an elf approached the leaves and leaned over them. Soon, Eva saw a faint plume of smoke rising from the leaves. About a half dozen elves took their places around the smoking pile. They were each holding a large leaf.

(What are they doing?)

The smoke intensified and the elves started fanning the smoke towards the open doorway.

"Arrathir is still inside!" she told the elf beside her. The female looked at her, not comprehending. "My friend is in there!" she repeated, pointing at the hut. Then it hit her: the elves knew Arrathir was still in the hut, but why were they sending in smoke?

"I'm getting him out of there," she muttered, walking towards the hut. The elf woman shouted something and two burly elves barred Eva's passage. "Let me through," she said, trying to push them aside, but she might as well have been trying to move a mountain. The elves didn't budge.

The smoke was now billowing in copious amounts and the hut was full of it.

(He's going to suffocate!)

When Arrathir awoke, he was feeling unnaturally relaxed. Not bothering to open his eyes, he pulled his blanket closer to his body and yawned, tasting the sweet smoke that filled the hut.

Wait a second…smoke?

Arrathir opened one eye and saw the hut was indeed filled with white smoke. He quickly looked over to Eva's bed, but it was empty, the covers all rumpled as if she had just gotten out of bed.

Arrathir tried to get up, but he found himself unable to. His muscles wouldn't respond and he felt a new wave of drowsiness sweep over him.

The Hell is going on, Chikuro? Chikuro?

Arrathir felt a cold wave of panic grip him. The Keeper wasn't answering. He started to panic, but at the same time his brain urged him not to fight, just to give in to sleep.

The smoke! It's some kind of drug. Are they planning to kill me? It's because I'm a hanyo I'll bet.

Arrathir found it harder to keep his train of thought as the drug started acting on his brain. In desperation, he tried calling on his mana, but with no success.

Through the blurry haze, he saw two figures approaching. Arrathir tried to speak up, to ask them what was going on, but all that came out was a strangled croak. He felt himself being pulled out of his bed and dragged out of the hut. As they left the hut, the fresh air hit his face, rousing him a bit.

"Arrathir!"

He was dimly aware of someone calling his name. Looking over, he saw Eva being restrained by two elves. He was relieved to see she was unharmed.

As the elves dragged him down the stairs, Arrathir knew he had to fight the drug. He didn't know what the elves had planned, but they had a reason for having him out of commission and he wasn't sure he was going to like it.

He looked at his left hand, which was dangling in front of his face. He focused what little mental energy he had left and tried to move a finger.

Wiggle your thumb…wiggle your thumb,…

Arrathir though he saw the thumb move, but it was probably just a jostle from his being dragged. He tried again, and this time, there was a notable twitch. However, the effort had left him exhausted, so he closed his eyes and let sleep overtake him.

Khell Dracos stood outside his home, watching as the sun rose over the treeline, marking the beginning of a new day for Yavimaya. As he stood, Chiguriin came out in spirit form.

"Good morning, Rin," he said.

"'Morning," said the Keeper, his tone of voice lacking its usual cheer.

"Hey, what's wrong?"

"Khell, if the Keepers are awakening, does that me he will return?"

Khell sighed. "Chiguriin," he said "You know white is a part of the mana wheel. Like it or not, the Keeper of White Mana will return. Maybe he's changed. Being dead for a few thousand years can do that, you know."

Chiguriin just sighed. "Halo's coming," he announced before reintegrating his Soul Room. Sure enough, in a flash of green light, the summoner appeared.

"Ah, Halo," said Khell "You have news?"

"Yes, Master," said Halo "The elves at Tsarnaac have captured two intruders."

"Were they a human male and female?"

"I believe so," said Halo "The elf from who I hold this told me the penalty would be administered this morning."

"This morning?" yelled Khell "Halo, go upstairs and rouse the two men you brought last night. Take them to the village."

"Yes, Master," said Halo, vanishing in a flash of green light.

"Hang in there, Arrathir," said Khell as his body began its metamorphosis.

Arrathir awoke as pain lanced through his arm. He found himself bound to a tree in the middle of the village. A small crowd had gathered around, watching intently. As Arrathir tried to figure out what the devil was going on, a strong hand grabbed his left wrist in an iron grip and pulled his thumb brutally backwards. Arrathir howled in pain as the bones snapped. He dared to look at his thumb and was horrified to see it bent at an odd angle.

The elf holding his wrist grabbed his index and started to bend it back. Arrathir tried to resist, but he was still weak from the smoke. When his index snapped, Arrathir thought he would pass out. The elf continued breaking all the fingers in his left hand in a slow, methodical process.

Why…are…they…doing…this?

Arrathir suddenly remembered the flavour text of an old Magic card: Llanowar Elves.

One bone broken for each twig snapped under foot. I trespassed and now they're applying the penalty. No, they can't do this! I was planeswalked here by accident! I don't deserve this!

His left hand was now a mangled wreck. The elf administering the sentence stepped back to allow the crowd to see the culprit. Arrathir saw no pity on their faces; not one hint of sympathy. Every face bore the same expression of hatred and disdain.

Why me?

It's because you're a hanyo. They see you as nothing more than a filthy, disgusting half-breed.

Arrathir's rage against the elves was building. Who were they to judge him or treat him this way?

They don't care. You're an abomination; the bastard offspring of a human and a demon. They will kill you without hesitation. You're nothing but a pathetic and weak abomination to their eyes.

As the elf approached to continue, Arrathir saw he was now holding a thick wooden club. Pain exploded in his leg as the elf struck out with his club, shattering Arrathir's kneecap.

That fucking hurt!

It was his last coherent thought.

Eva struggled against the elves holding her back.

"Let me go, you bastards!" she yelled, even though she knew they wouldn't understand. "What the Hell are you doing to him? He didn't do anything!" she said as she heard Arrathir's screams.

She couldn't see Arrathir because of the crowd of elves in front of them. Most of them seemed to be enjoying the spectacle.

Suddenly, the crowd gasped and the two elves released Eva, pushing through the crowd. Eva slipped in after them to see what was going on. A gruesome sight met her eyes.

Arrathir was standing over the body of an elf, blood dripping from his fingers. As Eva looked more closely, she saw Arrathir now had sharp claws instead of fingers. The elf under him had his throat violently ripped open, his blood pooling around the body and soaking the ground.

Arrathir's entire persona seemed to have changed. His upper lip was curled back in a snarl as he gazed contemptuously at the dead elf. As he raised his head, Eva saw his blue eyes had changed to a crimson red. His entire body radiated with hatred and anger.

Several elves approached him, bows drawn. Arrathir charged at them, baring his claws. The elves loosed their shafts at him, but it hardly slowed him down. He reached the nearest elf, disembowelling him with a swipe of his claws. The elf collapsed as Arrathir was already onto the next elf. He went for the neck, tearing out the jugular. The elf fell to the ground, blood spurting all over Arrathir.

By now, the remaining elves had nocked and loosed another volley at Arrathir, but the Keeper jumped nimbly over the deadly shafts, landing among the elves. His tail whipped out from beneath his coat, tripping the elves around him. The onlookers watched, horrified, as Arrathir proceeded to slaughter the rest of the elves, crushing the final one's skull between his hands until the eyeballs popped out of their sockets.

(That can't be Arrathir. It's as if he's possessed.)

By now, the crowd around Eva was panicking as the watched the horror unfold. They began backing away from the monster Arrathir had become.

It suddenly struck out with its tail, impaling an elf in the chest. Whipping back, the tail flung the unfortunate elf aside. This was the signal for the crowd to panic and run. Eva was knocked over in the stampede. As she tried to get up, a strong hand pulled her up and she found herself face-to-face with Arrathir's full demonic form.

The demon grinned viciously as he contemplated Eva.

"Mine," he whispered, running a claw along her cheek.

To be continued…

Author's note: Well, I expect a few people to be surprised at Arrathir going fully demon only a chapter after it was mentioned, but did you really think he was going to let the elves break all his bones without fighting back? Others might question the value of Arrathir slaughtering the elves. Well, so far the enemies they've faced have been fairly dull. Sure, the planeswalkers attacking them was entertaining, but I think it's a lot more interesting if the threat comes from inside the group.

On another note, I'm considering upping this story's rating to 'M' since it is going to be getting much darker as it goes along.

On a brighter note, this story has reached 400 reviews! Four hundred! That's almost half a grand! Words fail me, but all I can say is, thank-you!

So, until next Thursday, hasta luego!

BB: My mana rules are kind of an in-progress work. They'll probably evolve as I write more mana duels.

OP: I think he'd be more worried about saving Eva from Arrathir.

SS: Kudos on being the only one to catch the Latin chapter title.

MTDL: Khell didn't have a beard in MTGvsYGO, but I'm basing this new Khell on a forum avatar the author has.

jazz-band-geek: Ahem, I bought and entire booster box of Unhinged cards and it was worth every penny. I had a great time doing booster drafts with my friends and some of the cards are freaking hillarious. I mean, ass as a creature type? Pure genius.

Technomagus: Unfortunately, no. Given the storyline started somewhere around the release of BoK, only a week or two has passed since the first chapter. Therefore, 9th isn't out in this story and neither is Ravinica.

grayangle: Oh, don't worry. The Keepers will get more demonic traits.

ROwned: I might be a bit rusty with Khell. Haven't used him in a while, but with time, he'll be back to the one you know and love from the prequel.

IJ: Preciousssss...

Armongo: My lips are sealed as to Khell's new deck.

shuriken15: As I said, the mana duel rules are still a work in progress.

ATD: I'll put it on my "Dumb ideas suggested by reviewers, which, as stupid as they may sound, might actually make it into the story" list.

P.S. Who's been camping their in-box all night waiting for an Author Alert?