I'm aware of well certain things that have happened over the course of a month or so that happened between Channel Awesome and Noah Antwiler(Spoony one). I know the story and if you don't and want more information look it up on other sites please. Far too much drama to be explained perfectly, however I will tell what the basic thing happened. The end to the whole thing is Spoony has left Channel Awesome due to corporate drama and fan-backlash through Noah's twitter and it is unknown if he'll come back or not and I'll leave it as such.
Whatever the case may be for who started the drama, Spoony will always be a talented internet comedian/critic, and I have been and always will be a huge fan of his, and even though he made mistakes I have forgiven him even if he doesn't need my forgiveness. So the use of Spoony's character will still be part of this story along with other TGWTG stories I want/need him in.
That's the last I ever speak of this and now… I shall continue this story with great grace of all the characters in harmony. Please be nice. Updated and longer than the past chapters!
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The next morning was rather sunny, so it was easy for Critic to get up early. While he got up and saddled Casper, he saw Linkara rising on his horse. Linkara's horse was white and majestic, appropriate for a wizard of Linkara's status which was pretty high. Critic took offense to it though, still unconvinced that Linkara was nothing more than a magical arrogant fool. Critic got on casper and trotted over to Linkara who just got onto his horse as well. Linkara was fully aware of Critic's untrusting gaze so despite feeling temptation to tell Critic's behavior off, Linkara gave nothing more than a polite nod and even a friendly smile.
Critic was at first taken aback by Linkara's quiet but respectful attitude, it was almost as if Linkara completely forgot Critic's rude outburst from the previous evening. Critic then felt awkwardness take over him, to relieve the empty pressure, he spoke "So Linkara. You said something of a great enemy shall you tell me now since we are on our way?"
"Quite. Follow me" Linkara replied, trotting away with his horse. Critic obeyed making Casper trot a bit faster so he could catch up. Eventually Critic did and both men stepped forward into the dark parts of the forest land.
It was almost five hours until Critic decided to speak again. He wanted to know why Ma-Ti was so desperate. Why Linkara was with him, what was so bad that magic had to be evolved? All these questions were basically rolled into one when Critic spoke straight to linkara "It's been a while care to tell me now about our journey? You did promise"
Linkara replied to it with a solemn and even outraged change of demeanor "Men like you would forever be mute in mentioning his name but his name is feared for many reasons"
"And what are they precisely?" Critic dared to ask, his voice in a bold but calm manner
"This wizard is a powerful practitioner of black magic. He has caused much pain and suffering for many years. He has murdered, controlled, enslaved, tortured sacrificed many people and innocent lives for the sake of the demonic demon known as the Lonkeote. This demon is the said cult god of destruction and death, this demon would not only dominate the world but make a new and evil demonic race all meant to kill for those who dared to stand up to it. The Lonkeote is this wizard's master but it is the wizard himself who's determined to put destruction and chaos upon this land of Pondawen and even the entire country of Enternam itself"
Linkara's speech was admittedly the first time in many years, Critic felt his boldness demeanor slip and replace with a child-like fear. Critic was now aware this darker wizard's only intent was to destroy and kill all living things and make a new world. It wasn't just Pondawen and just Ma-Ti's forest kingdom, it was about every empire, every kingdom, every forest , every urban tribe and every village that lived in the entire country, Enternam itself. Critic realized Ma-Ti really was rightfully worried, Linkara's prophecy was a warning if this dark magician wasn't stopped…. The Armageddon would erupt.
It took Critic a small period of time to possess that in. Critic made a sigh of stressed revelation then turned to Linkara again and asked, feeling braver than he ever did in his life "What… Is this wizard's name?"
"Since you are going where no human has gone before…. I suppose it is right to tell you" Linkara said with a tone that would be described as sympathetic. Linkara's brown eyes darkened as he said the forbidden word "Malachite"
Critic instantly felt cold, and for that he let out a shiver, the name of the magician was indeed unlike anything Critic ever heard. Critic would've been called a fool but as much as he was determined to still help Ma-Ti, he felt intimidated and even doubtful that he'll ever come back to his hermit life. Casper was apparently just as frightened if not more, for Casper let out a pained neigh and would've rose if not for Critic's stern and steady controlling.
"Now you see… This is anything but a game. The end of the world is implied upon us" Linkara said frowning, now turning away from critic in a almost hurt fashion
Critic almost felt pity and guilt for snapping at Linkara earlier, Linkara was risking his own life as well and trying to get acquainted with the only people he would have contact with on this journey. Critic looked to Linkara in a way that was apologetic and Linkara sat upright to speak again, this time with a fatherly tone "Do not underestimate this as the beginning though. It is more than just the beginning, it is the first battle"
"I will not underestimate anything. However the prevention of the Armageddon must have more than us" Critic said, trying to lighten the mood slightly
Linkara smiled then and replied aware of Critic's intentions "Oh yes. We're going to see an old friend from of mine first, hopefully he'll agree to join us"
"You know quite a lot of people Linkara" Critic said in both a teasing manner and a serious one
"Let's just say, I've traveled a lot in my youth" Linkara said, with a defensive even pained tone
Critic frowned but pushed on no further. He just wanted to find out who the first person they were going to encounter was.
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"Blast it. Time is sometimes the enemy" Linkara replied, giving a annoyed growl. Looking to the sky both he and critic realized it was getting very late and it apparently meant they would have to take a night-time rest in order to find Linkara's friend. Critic didn't mind though, he was getting rather tired.
Linkara hoisted his horse while Critic hoisted Casper then two men made a small camp for themselves. Linkara reached into his side pouch, and offered Critic small dried fruit, Critic accepted with a slight grace then asked "So may I ask who's this friend you have?"
"Of course" Linkara replied swallowing a raisin. Linkara then smirked and said "Ever hear of The Bard?"
Critic nodded. Of course he heard of The Bard, everyone from around Enternam did. You see, the bard was the most famous and deadliest of assassins. He was the villages protector, a killer with a noble purpose, a man who chose his clients and did anything to please the chosen client and if you were his target, he was your worst nightmare. The Bard however was recently gone into hiding. Some say he wanted a break from the heroic life, some say he was done with the whole life entirely and moved on, some say he was killed. No one really heard of him in the past 2 years.
"That is my old friend. He hasn't spoken to me due to personal reasons but hopefully we'll find him so we can catch up and ask for his help" Linkara replied hopefully, it seemed his missed the bard
Critic felt that Linkara was actually a very sensitive and good-hearted soul. He wanted to comfort him but he wasn't sure how to do so. Then he decided since they needed dinner, Critic would get something for them "I shall get some food for us. Would you be so kind to make a fire?"
Linkara was actually stunned but pleased that Critic was warming up to him. He didn't want to push his luck though so Linkara gave a polite smile "It would be my pleasure"
Critic then gave the first smile Linkara has ever seen him give, but it quickly faded as he got his bow, leaving Linkara in the camp by himself.
"Be careful out there. There are more animals at night rather than day" Linkara warned
"I'm practically a animal myself. Do not fear Linkara" Critic said sternly before going on his own
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Critic raised his bow carefully and by his side, he wanted to make sure he spotted a easy to catch prey animal for the supper he intended to get. After all, one adventurer could not go on a empty stomach. Nostalgia Critic took a deep breath, he had to be calm, patient and prepared. Then he spotted something, it was a animal but it was so dark he could barely see. Critic smirked, assuming it was either a rabbit or a deer that lost its way. Critic got his bow and aimed precisely at the animal
"You're mine now" Critic sadistically whispered
Suddenly the animal let out a growl and glowed orange lizard like eyes. Almost immediately Critic raised his bow down and realized it was not a prey animal, but a predator itself. It was called a Teokan, a lizard-like mammal with a huge hunger for anything smaller than itself. If critic wasn't careful, he would not be trying to get dinner, but become it.
Slowly critic backed away, it seemed to be working for the Teokan was not responded and carrying on whatever it was doing. Then Critic tripped on a fallen log and a thump was made. The Teokan turned saw Critic and let out a huge wail that sounded between a lion and a dragon.
Knowing he would not be able to fight the huge beast, Critic saw no alternative than running. It was cowardly but it was the thing that had to be done. Critic leapt on his feet and ran as fast as his body would allow, he felt a bit stupid that he didn't bring Casper with him but he felt a bit confident that things wouldn't turn into the way they were now.
The teokan unsurprisingly ran right after him, chomping as loud as it could with its sharp, large teeth. Critic felt the hot breath of the beast behind him but kept his course. He knew he wouldn't keep like this forever but he knew if he stopped, he would be dead.
Going over to a hole in a huge boulder where it was laid out in the middle of the forest, Critic went into the hole, pulling away from the teokan's large lizard-like paws. Critic now had a feeling that his journey was over before it could even begin. He hoped his mother wouldn't think of him as a fool when he saw her in the afterlife.
Suddenly a loud cry of outrage and anger arose, it was definitely the sound of a human, but it was not Linkara. It sounded more clear, more intense, more passionate. Then sounds of a clashing sword and from Critic's small view a blue robe flew in the air. The teokan roared as if it was in pain then claw vrs sword was heard. Critic saw the monster would not attack him now and popped out of the rock boulder hole. Then he saw his rescuer… It was none other than The Bard himself.
Critic was shocked, not only he was saved ,but the man both he and Linkara were looking for was right here in the forest they both were in. The bard was covered by his blue robe but the man breathed heavily, apparently it was hard to kill the beast, that wasn't surprising but the task was done. Critic jumped slightly when the bard chuckled relieved and proudly
"You are called the bard? One of the most intelligent assassins in Pondawen?" Critic breathed as he saw the dead lizard-like beast, he turned his glance away from the beast to the blue caped man with a thin but long sword shown being pointed downward. It was stupid to ask the question he did, but critic wanted to be sure
"Please... No need for formality. Call me Spoony" The Bard replied, using his hands to take off the hood part of his long flowing blue cape, he showed his true face then. The Bard looked about a couple of years older than Critic and one, his black hair was much longer than critic and linkara's hair combined but was above his shoulders, he had green hazel like eyes, his face showed a light but very noticeable 5:00 shadow and underneath his dark blue cape/hood showed a long-sleeved brown shirt, light brown combat boots and dark brown pants, with a black belt with a golden medallion, where his cover for his sword was held.
"So?" Spoony replied, grinning slyly "Do I not deserve a thank you?"
"Well yes you do... Thank you" Critic replied, with a stern look toward the smiling assassin. He then breathed asking "Dare I ask where 'Spoony' comes from?"
"From my youth my father always told me stories, one of my favorites was about this prince who fell in love with a young maiden. They became foolish lovers promising that they would marry instantly and not let any obstacle stand in their way" Spoony let out a chuckle, as if it was a joke and continued "In anger, the father of the maiden called the prince a "Spoony bard", which meant a man who was foolish and completely entranced in love, and killed him there not knowing of the real murderer" Spoony sighed as if going back to those wonderful memories "I vowed never to be as prideful as that prince and once I was made a assassin by my predecessor, which was of course my father, I demanded to be called The bard in case public eye took hold but also for my friends and family to call me spoony, to remind me of why I took the name of 'The Bard'"
Nostalgia Critic listened intently to the story. Now he was more determined than ever to convince this man to join his small army against The One. Critic smiled and replied "Interesting back-story"
"Indeed. Now what about you marksman? Care to explain who YOU are?" Spoony dared, with a glint of amusement in his eyes
"I am Nostalgia Critic. I am called such because my homeland is named "Nostalgia" and my clan is the "Critics" I simply combined the two to make my name. I hunt for survival and I am on a quest... Something of which I ask you for"
Spoony frowned then, feeling suspicious of Critic's request for him to come along on a quest. Spoony worked alone and did not like quests and certainly did not want some hunter to boss him around "What kind of quest?" He asked harshly
"A quest to save the world from peril. A evil dark wizard with a forbidden name is planning to take over" Critic replied calmly
Spoony was doubtful of that subtle warning and began to laugh. Critic understood and replied "I understand how foolish it sounds but trust me it's more dark than I make it out to be. My accomplice has looked into this far more than you and I"
Spoony stopped laughing and walked closer to Critic, wanting to intimidate him "Who is this accomplice?"
"I think you know him" Critic smirked, feeling the persuasion was going to work "He is one you call Linkara"
Spoony immediately stepped back and gave a look of sorrow and shame. Spoony definitely knew and from the looks of it liked even missed the said person. Spoony sadly spoke again "It's been two years. I haven't made contact with him in a while"
"Well here's your chance to reunite. Come along with me and help us. I'm sure we'll come to a arrangement" Critic reasoned
"The good thing about my profession is that I choose my clients and assignments" Spoony snapped slightly. Making Critic begin to doubt spoony would accept but his confidence rose back when Spoony replied his next statement "Very well. Consider the deed done, I shall accompany this mission"
Critic was about to say thanks but was interrupted "But not for you. For my old friend. Let's go"
With that Spoony and Critic went over to the camp and Linkara reunited with Spoony. The reunion was very heartfelt and touching. Both men hugged and talked of old times and spoony even apologized for not contacting Linkara, to which linkara forgave with a hint of warning of never running off without Linkara ever again. Critic at first was annoyed but then he saw how close the two really were and Critic couldn't help but go soft at the sight.
Then three men went to sleep, they had another huge day tomorrow. More allies were to be found and the quest was going to be made