Alternate Destiny: Sloth's Reign

Author's Notes: The War has begun, what's lost is found. Now the Outland Rebels arereturning to Artesia, but there are harsh times ahead for all of them and dark, deadly challenges! But justwho is the mysterious Blue Wielder who is stirring up the Artesians?And what does this mean for theforebodingfuture?

Read on, read boldly, for the shadowy path ahead is rough now... This is the beginning of the end for them... And please review if you want this series to continue!

Flight wings against the deadliest deceiver,
The blue water space awakens upon the Wielder.
It is time for rights- it is now for the burning light,
The never ending dusk hearkens the turn of sight.
Neopets, humans and faeries are not always marked,
But the dawn is breaking; the War is due to embark.


"Master Sloth, there are reports of several rebellions in our local area. Someone- or something is rousing them up since the last two months. None of our guards can catch it as the blue cloaked figure always disappears when trouble threatens."

"We don't even know whether it is a Neopet or human! It may be neither, as it has never been caught!" stated the Arena Master as she entered, her crimson cape was literally flaming.

"Its aliases are Blue Wielder and Wielder of Unknown. But that's impossible as there are currently only two Wielders in Artesia!"

"The other bad news is that more Neo-humans are joining ranks against your regal power and becoming restless Artesian Rebels!" protested Artemis. Gardenia bowed respectfully to the evil leader.

"Is this all true?" asked Francois as he lay on a sofa, idly fingering a glass cup.

"Yes, sire. All the Neopets are gaining hope, which is a dangerous thing in the Arena." commented Gardenia. Sloth grimaced as he watched the scenario unfold outside.

"This may start a revolution, whatnot with the rumours of Outland rebels' returning." advised Artemis, his dark cloak fluttered as the ugly ruler slammed his cup against the table so hard it shattered with a SMASH and glass flew everywhere.

"Not allowed!" yelled Sloth, "WHY ME? Those Rebels aren't supposed to barge into Artesia with their lousy Neopets. And that other Owner that escaped- she's with them isn't she…"

He turned on his monitor that showed the outside of the gates, but it didn't show anything happening. "Do whatever you can to stop them, my loyal minions!"

"Your wish is my command, Sire Sloth." Artemis as he went away smirked. His eyes blazed with hatred, "We await further orders from you," Gardenia's eyes also glowed with enclosed power.

"I will not let you down. The Arena will stand while I'm gone." She kicked the tethered Xwetwok at her feet harshly and it whimpered with fear.


Jacobin, his nostrils flaring, looked towards the Artesian Rebel leader. The appointed Neo-human was female with long silky ears, a mane of gold around her neck and short fur covering her mostly humanoid body. Her blonde hair was cropped short, showing her bangs. Her name was Elena and she was ready for Max and the Outlanders.

"Hail, Maxine and Outlanders!" she called as Max and the rest of the group came. Kali and Dana were quarrelling as they flew on Isis and Calais swam on Phoebe.

"Hi Elena, do you know a safe way to get into Artesia? Risky business," Max asked.

"Yes I do," Elena muttered; her huge eyes batted often as she spoke, "The Blue Wielder sent me to show you how to get inside without detection. Jacobin- my friend- will help you get inside."

Rex howled joyfully. "How, Elena? Aye, how do you?"

"You dig, of course. We've constructed a secret passage for you. Be on your guard."

"You mean, your Artesian group did it just for us!" sneered Calais in amusement.

"We all did it together. But a few words of warning, Sloth had already been alerted about your return. So it's better if you all split up so that the guards are puzzled."

"Carry weapons with you- even if you think you are safe. Prepare to fight people- even faeries can be foes if they are accepted by Artesia."

"This period is very risky, everyone is versus us." Elena counted down the list with clawed fingers as Max took mental notes.

"I'll tell everyone to split up, take different routes and agree to meet back here. If any of us are missing, raise the alarm and warn me so we can sort it out." planned Max.

"Elena, you and the rest of your Neo-human group stay near the walls." Elena smiled. "What makes you think we'll just sit here and watch it happen? No, we'll join in!"


"Okay, that's fine with me too. Calais, don't go anywhere. Sabrina, go to the Arena to collect your Neopets. Dana, you search for any more info down at the secluded library. Kali, you and Aerie travel to the Neopian ruins to see if there're any traps down there."

"Why I'm always the one to look at the last place anyone wants to visit?" whined Kali.

"Lass, this is not the time." Max hissed, "Any more noise and they will hear us." "We're here," Jacobs snorted as the two Rebel groups were led out of the secret tunnel.

"Thanks a lot," Sabrina nodded to the Moehog Neo-human. But suddenly Elena saw something move in the backdrop… It wasn't human. "He's here! It's the Blue Wielder!"

The Blue Wielder's pale face wasn't actually clear, but the main thing about it was the mesmerizing eyes and the azurite cloak that held authority of power.

"You've come and I welcome you all to Artesia. Power is corrupting the Artesians, but with our Neopet's courage and strength we shall prevail!" There was something familiar about that tone that spooked Dana, but she shook it off.

"It is a true honour to meet you." said Maxine…
"I'll say the same of you."