Chapter 6-A Toad's task…Assault on the ruins
-A Dream?-
I stood gazing at the woods around me…The Lost Wood…the Home of the Farian Capital…I gazed at myself…I was wearing strange armor…it was purple and black and seemed to be made out of both cloth and metal…I was gazing through a simple mask at my surroundings…and as I turned to look to my left I saw a Farian women in Blitz guard armor standing next to me…her hood lowered to reveal bright pink hair a face that caused a warmth in my chest…I reached out to caress her face…in her ear was an ornate ear ring…but before I could study her further I was blinded by a flash of light…
-Albana-
I awoke with a start…sweat pour down me…I heard a whirring to my left and as I turned I saw Norvain playing with an old metal top…an old toy from Valeria.
"It's strange isn't it," Norvain chuckled, "I remember the first time I had a vision…I couldn't eat for a day."
"I'm not a seer," I hissed at him…I didn't want visions or any of the thing that came with them.
"You've the blood of a seer," Norvain told me, "You're mother was one of the most powerful seers in the history of Valeria…so even if your blood is inactive you're bound to have a couple visions."
"Will you put that damn thing away," I sighed hating the top right now.
"Fine," he told me picking it up, "but you won't be able to deny your blood forever…even if you don't become a full blown seer your powers will give you benefits."
"What time is it?" I inquired attempting to change the subject.
"It's nearly noon...the rest of them went down to the eastern gate," Norvain sighed, "Apparently they don't now they need a pass."
"What about Blondie?" I asked with a yawn.
"Her names Kara and she's spun a sob story about how the Magi have kidnapped her sister," Norvain sighed, "I was just going to meet them when I found a bounty poster in the guild…thought you might want to see it."
He handed me an old poster revealing a cruel looking Farian with blond hair and a black eye-patch…his name was Shapur and he had betrayed my people and his own to the Magi when they attacked Valeria…to say I had a personal vendetta against him would be an understatement…I wanted his head about as much as I wanted the midget's head.
"Tell the others I'll meet up with them later," I told Norvain as I jumped out of bed and began getting dressed.
"Yeah but where should we meet up with you?" Norvain asked me.
"There's an oasis in the desert," I told him attaching my Katanas to my hip, "I'll meet them there in about an hour."
Norvain nodded and left my room as I gathered up all of my other equipment and set out into the desert fully intending to claim the bounty on Shapur…even though the way I intended to claim it only earned me half the bounty this was more about vengeance than justice. As I stepped out into the desert heat I really regretted that I was wearing black colored armor…why did I have to pick this color for the armor…I should have gone with gold or something lighter than black…Too late now. I sighed as I exited through the gate checking the wanted poster to learn that his last known location was at an area just to the west near a spire of rock…if my memory was serving me right that was also the location of some important person's grave. As I set out across the desert thoughts about Shapur and what he did kept flashing through my mind…When I find him I should just end him quickly…hmmm…actually I think I'll make him suffer before I snuff out his life…I'll make him pay for all the pain he's caused me…for the homeland he stole from me. As I walked through the desert I saw even the largest of beasts fled at my approach…I walked through the desert with purpose and anyone that would have seen me now would have cowered before me as my steely gaze searched the desert…when I finally arrived I knew I was in the right place because there was a squad of Magi soldiers sitting around a camp…I smiled to myself as I saw the fools not even posting guards…so I simply walked into the camp not even bothering to draw my weapons.
"So can any of you tell me where I can find Shapur?" I inquired snidely as the soldiers rose to their feet drawing their weapons and charging me, "and so the fools like you don't stand a chance against a warrior of my caliber."
There was ten soldiers total…the first had a bow and as he fired an arrow at my face I simply plucked it from the air and impaled another soldier charging me through the neck with it…and as the soldier fell I ripped his spear from his grasp and hurled it at the soldier with the bow impaling him in the gut…a third soldier charged at me with an great ax but as he swung I simply sidestepped the wild blow, grabbed the hilt of the weapon with one hand and clocked the soldier in the side of the head with the other causing him to relinquish his grip on the weapon…as this soldier stumbled backwards another soldier charged me with his cutlass held high but I blocked the blow with the haft of my weapon and then struck him under the chin with the grip causing him to back pedal and allowing me to sweep his feet out from under him…when he hit the ground I brought the axe down with enough force to completely cut through the armor on his chest and bite into his chest…as blood poured from the wound I turned and with a quick flourish I had beheaded the third soldier but then both the fifth and sixth soldiers charged me one using a spear and the other a war hammer…I back pedaled avoiding the thrust from the spearman and putting a decent amount of distance between me and the much slower war hammer wielding soldier…as he approached I hurled the great axe and it struck him in the head killing him near instantly but I still had to deal with the spear soldier who was rushing me…I looked behind him to see the remaining four soldiers all had bows and were preparing to fire on me so I knocked aside the soldiers reckless charge and used him as a meat shield to intercept the incoming arrows launched by the archers…as let go of the spearman now riddled with arrows I unleashed a powerful flame spell incinerating the remaining soldiers in a heartbeat…I heard gasping so I turned around to see the soldier I had impaled through the gut with the spear was still alive…if barely…I approached him and knelt by him gazing into his fearful eyes…whether he knew it or not he was going to die…either slowly from his wounds or quickly by my hand.
"Tell me where Shapur is and I shall ease your passing," I told him with a look that would chill anyone to the bone, "Tell me where he is or you shall suffer a slow passing…unless the beasts of the desert decide you'd make a tasty treat."
"Please…don't let me be eaten," the dying soldier gasped, "Lord Shapur is at the oasis…please don't let me be eaten."
I walked away only to pick up the spear lying by the soldier pierced by arrows and turned back to the soldier only to ram the spear through his skull…killing him instantly. I smiled sadistically at the feeling of knowing that my enemy was so close at hand and the blood lust and adrenaline didn't help me wipe the smile off. I began running towards the oasis hoping to reach it before my allies who would more than likely scare Shapur off…the monsters still fled in fear at my appearance…which I guess would be highly intimidating due to the fact I was drenched in human blood…which should have been attracting them but my presence was enough to chase them off…when I reached the oasis I saw standing at the edge of it was my target…his short blond hair, modified green archduchy armor, and the eye patch he wore…it was Shapur.
"I was wondering how long it would take you to find me," Shapur chuckled turning towards me and revealing the sabre in his hand, "I was starting to wonder if those soldiers had somehow killed you."
"I wouldn't let them kill me Shapur," I stated smiled cruelly, "After all I still have to kill you."
"This isn't like you at all," he taunted his accent really pissing me off for some reason, "What happened to your much vaunted justice?"
"This has nothing to do with either Justice or my people," I snarled drawing my own sabre and raising it so the point was directed at his chest, "This is just about me and you Shapur…and how I'm going to kill you."
"You can try but you won't succeed," Shapur taunted crossing his blade with mine, "and I shall enjoy this fight."
As he finished this sentence I batted aside his blade and swung at his head only for him to block it at the last minute…I whirled away blocking his counter strike and feinted at his head only to switch the blow and target his sternum but again he blocked this attack…How is he doing this…I know Farians have fast reflexes but this is ridiculous damn it…as he countered my attack I side stepped and drove my elbow into his temple stunning him and allowing me attack freely for a few seconds but Shapur had enough of his senses left to attempt to evade the attack so all the damage I delivered was a small cut to his thigh…but this was only a minor wound as he once again lashed out at me and I was not quick enough to block it but I was quick enough to evade most of it and only receive a small cut on my arm which burned fiercely despite it being only a minor wound…I raised my blade to counter only to feel my hand spasm and drop my sword…I was left completely defenseless but before he could strike I heard a humming and saw a Chakram fly at Shapur who barely blocked it but still it returned to its owner who I didn't even have to look to see who it was as I recognized the weapon as Norvain's and I heard the battle cries of the others as they rushed to my aid.
"I see you're not alone," Shapur said grinning as a light surrounded him, "You should be glad to hear that my master wishes you to live…for now…oh and Belcitane sends his greetings."
With that he vanished and I knelt down to pick up my sword and once again sheathed my blade on my back and turned to look at the group approaching me with Ginger at its head.
"What were you doing out here?" Ginger inquired curious as Norvain knelt by the water.
"I was about to ask you the same thing…it hasn't been an hour," I stated turning towards Norvain who had knelt down by the oasis to drink, "I wouldn't drink out of there…what are you doing here anyway."
"We were sent here to deliver a letter to someone at the oasis," Ginger answered simply, "Now what are you doing here?"
"Hunting," I answered cryptically, "and as of the moment it has nothing to do with you."
"Whatever," Ginger sighed realizing it would be easier to get water from rocks than to try and force an answer from me, "Where is this woman we're supposed to deliver the letter to anyway?"
"Who asked you to deliver it?" I inquired pulling Norvain away from the oasis as I knew full well what lived in its depths.
"The Don sent us," Kara answered glaring at me.
"Why won't you let me have a drink damn it," Norvain whined not noticing the water start bubbling, "Do you know how annoying it is to have to put up with all of these things…like the author's incompetence and lack of description."
"I'm sorry who?" I stated confused as the bubbling became greater, "Don't tell me this is one of your seer moments."
"It doesn't mat…why is the water bubbling?" Norvain asked completely dropping the subject as a giant purple frog…or a toad maybe burst from the water, "I'm so glad I didn't drink from that water."
"Is this Revelka?" Yulie inquired curious.
"That would be a yes," I yawned as Ginger held out the letter which she took with her tongue and dove back under water.
"I guess that's it," Ginger commented confused.
"3…2…1," I counted as Revelka burst from under the water when I finished counting…she even had a letter.
"I think she wants you to take it Leonard," Yulie told Ginger as he took it.
I sighed as we began the return trip back to Albana…the monsters still did not approach even though the fire in my eyes had gone out…apparently they were smart enough to realize that they were outclassed.
"Why are you covered in dried mu…wait that's blood!" Yulie shouted in shock, "Why are you covered in blood?"
"My hunting took me into a Magi encampment…It was the most entertaining thing I've done all day," I sighed bored out of my mind already due to lack of conflict. As we approached the gates of Albana my world seemed to take on the quality of water and I stumbled but was caught by Norvain who helped steady me…but as quickly as the occurrence had appeared it disappeared.
"Are you okay?" Norvain inquired grasping my arm but quickly withdrawing his hand when it came into contact with my wound, "You're injured!"
"It's fine Norvain," I told him with a shrug, "I'll have it checked out when we're in Albana."
As we entered Albana I told the others that I would meet them at the eastern gates once I had my arm looked at. I took off into one of the alley ways and soon found myself at a healers who quickly sewed the wound shut for a minimal fee…I quickly left for the eastern gate and only had to wait a few minutes for the others to arrive…and telling from the smile on Ginger's face it must have gone well.
"We can use crafting posts now," Ginger commented, "but we still have to pay for them."
"Forgive me if I don't jump for joy," I yawned as we set out for the ruins.
"Damn it another sandstorm," Ginger complained as Yulie began spitting out sand.
I sighed and set out across the desert feeling strangely tired even though I knew I had had a good night's sleep…I need to focus…but I don't feel too well…damn it you're a warrior focus. We set off across the desert managing to evade the monsters who were now out in force due to the setting sun but as we approached the ruins I saw about a dozen Magi soldiers standing there waiting for us. I drew my sabre as everyone drew their weapons and we charged them…I cut down the first with a little flourish while Norvain cut two in halve horizontally by hurling both his weapons, Eldore cleaved a man in two, while Ginger simply cut down two who had turned to flee, and Yulie pierced three of them through the heads with her arrows while Kara cut down the remaining ones with her rapier…she was showing combat skills she had not shown when we fought her. We approached the ruins to see a group of people standing there…They were Shapur, the midget Belcitane, the princess, and several Magi soldiers…as we approached I saw Belcitane grab Cisna's neck when he saw us approach.
"Stop right there or I'll snap her neck like a twig," Belcitane threatened which brought us to a stop all for different reasons.
My reason was that if she died I didn't get paid…yes I'm that shallow…Norvain was following my league, and Ginger, Eldore, Yulie, and Kara we're actually worried about her safety.
"There's a good boy," Belcitane taunted, "Now be a good boy and place the ark on the ground."
"Let Cisna go first," Ginger barked.
"You're in no position to bargain," Belcitane snarled as I tried to figure who I wanted to kill more Belcitane or Shapur.
Ginger pulled back his lips into a snarl as he did as he was told and set his ark on the ground and backed away.
"Now release Cisna!" Ginger shouted…Naïve fool…
"Now when did we agree to that?" Belcitane laughed reaching for the gauntlet…How did this idiot outsmart me?...but when he touched it there was a flash of light which gave Cisna the chance she needed to escape and Ginger grabbed his ark.
"For someone trying to collect the arks you sure are ill informed," I laughed coldly.
"What happened?" Belcitane shouted confused.
"Only the ark's Pactmaker can touch it." Eldore commented dryly.
"Fine then," Belcitane shouted as three of the Magic soldiers stepped forward, "I'll just remove it from your corpses."
"Adveni!" the soldiers shouted in unison touching the cards to their foreheads and transforming into Gigantes…Gigases…Gigantes…What is a plural Gigas anyway?...
I saw Belcitane heading into the ruins but Shapur stood there his blade once again clutched in his hand and a taunting grin on his face.
"You're all on your own," I snarled drawing my own sabre as I began walking towards Shapur who had placed himself on the edge to my left.
Ginger looked shocked but Norvain grabbed his arm a shook his head and pointed to the Gigantes bearing down on them…but I focused all of my attention on the enemy in front of me.
"Looks like I will be able to collect that bounty today," I snarled raising my sabre as once again we crossed our blades.
"I think it will be interesting to see you fall," Shapur laughed cruelly, "How will your poor kingdom function then."
Shapur struck first but I blocked him and quickly batted aside his strike and answered with a strike of my own which he promptly blocked but it forced him back a couple of steps…he may have been the faster out of the two of us but I was the stronger…or at least I should be…my attacks seemed to be hitting with less and less force…my attacks began to slow down and my breathing became labored…What the hell is going on…why is it getting so difficult to fight…wait…shit… I looked up as I realized what had happened I'd been-
"You're right," Shapur taunted, "but the poison took longer to affect you than I thought."
He simply backhanded me as my body itself seemed to begin to slowly deteriorate as I fell to my knees…my very world darkening around me…
"Eddoe," was all I heard from Norvain as I passed out.
…In…The…Darkness…I…Could…Hear…The…Conflict…
-Third Person View of Battlefield-
Norvain looked over to see Eddoe collapse in a heap…
"Eddoe," He shouted not believing what his eyes saw…Eddoe the greatest warrior he knew had fallen and we had barely felled the three Gigantes…
Yulie shouted something drawing everyone's attention for Belcitane had reappeared on the battlefield with two soldiers dragging a young girl behind them.
"No," Kara yelled as to everyone's shock the three Gigantes rose to their feet.
"I think it's time we end this…for you see one can fuse Gigantes but," Belcitane chuckled pulling out a card and placing it before the young girls head, "They require a human sacrifice…Adveni!"
There was a giant explosion of energy and where the young girl and the Gigantes had been was a giant three head quadruped beast.
"What person does that to another human being," Leonard shouted.
"What a sick man…Eddoe was right…they can't be reasoned with," Norvain sighed, "Leonard it's up to you…you're the only one who can win this battle."
"Right," Leonard shouted as the rest of them fell back and he transformed himself into the White Knight.
Leonard charged the beast but Norvain could already tell that he had no chance against it for no matter how much damage he could deliver he would always leave himself open…in only a matter of seconds the beast had launched Leonard into a ruined statue seemingly knocking him out…but something strange was in the air…Norvain sensed ancient magic and as he turned around he saw Cisna standing there performing a chant and only in a few short seconds Leonard was back on his feet but this time he had a shield for the statue he had slammed into had hidden the White Knights Shield…as Leonard fought the beast he would use the shield to fend of the creatures attacks but even then it was a close thing…Leonard barely managed to defeat the creature and as everyone ran to congratulate him Norvain ran to the unmoving form that was Eddoe…as Norvain knelt next to his friend they all heard a scream and turned to see Shapur and Belcitane with the princess held prisoner and once again boarding their monoship…after they escaped Kara joined us and Leonard wanted to set off immediately but Norvain convinced him not too as he was worried about Eddoe's health and did not think moving him was a good idea so we set up camp in an area of the ruins where there were some collapsed pillars to give us some shelter from the elements…and he prayed that his friend would be all right.
Here Ends Chapter 6…I know the toad part is kind of hard to understand but if you've played the game it makes sense…for those who haven't Leonard and his group attempt to meet with the Don of Albana but his guards (Who are bipedal toads) refuse to let them through so Leonard and company end up wasting a huge amount of time running this note just get to an eastern gate pass when the gate they entered through is (if I remember correctly) closer to the ruins. Well when they receive their audience with the Don they find that he's a giant frog/toad married to one of the little bipedal ones but he's cheating on her with the one from the oasis…the toads use Leonard and company as a scapegoat to get the Don off by stating a false letter that states the toad from the oasis is not in love with the Don and doesn't want to see him anymore which is partially true as the actual letter states that while she loves the Don she can't leave her oasis or she'll dry up and die…the Don rewards Leonard & Co. by giving them access to binding stations…for a small fee. Now back to the after chapter look back…Eddoe was finally defeated but not by a warrior but by a poison and now even after the battle is over he may very well be fighting for his life and even if he survives who knows what negative effects that poison will have on him. Also Kara's weapon in this story will be Rapiers as they seem more her style as she seems only to use one sword most of the time whenever she's NPC controlled. And for those who've played the game I hope you enjoyed the hints I'm throwing in there about what happens in the future of this story…
Also the tournament thing is still open and we have our first character who is not one of mine but the OC of Mr. Buck Buck and his OC is named William Vermillion III. If you want more information on this character check out his story.
In the tournament I will take a total of two more OC's but if I do not receive enough the tournament will still commence but probably not be as interesting as it could be.
Also if you liked this story check out some of my others please…this is the only story I'm writing that's getting any real attention and I don't really think my other stories are that bad but no one seems to comment about them and without feedback whether positive or constructive criticism I cannot grow as an author.
Also if any of you can tell me how you're liking Norvain please tell me…I actually find him quite funny and am wondering if he's doing his job right.
Thanks for your time…remember read and review.
New Characters
Kara
Bio-A woman from Albana that was hire to assassinate Leonard and company but was defeated…she later claims that the Magi had her sister hostage so Leonard agrees go help her…they fail so she joins Leonard on his quest to seek revenge for her sister's death. She is skilled with Rapiers and Sabers.
Race-Human
Gender-Female
Shapur
Bio-A Farian working for the Magi…little is known about him except that Eddoe hates him…Eddoe may know more about him if he recovers.
Race-Farian
Gender-Male
Belcitane
Bio-A short human mage who assassinated Archduke Dalem and is actively hunted by Eddoe…he is a powerful mage and a leader in the Magi but otherwise little is known about him…Eddoe often refers to him as Midget due to his stature.
Race-Human
Gender-Male