Completely forgot about this...then dinner...then...hey! HERE IT IS!

Also deviantArt is getting OC Sheet 17 with Midnight 5, another Kanahana and 2 more individuals..

Chapter Thirty Seven

Ilan's Keep

"…hmm…mm…that feels…good…" Opening her eyes slowly, Kay'Shera realized she was lying in bed somewhere and someone was next to her with a hand on her forehead "Thank the gods you're alright…"

Kay'Shera turned, her eyes widening "Zey'Yu…it really was you…"

The other woman smiled "Yeah…I'm so glad to see you again, Kay'Shera…I didn't even think you were still alive."

Kay'Shera sat up "What? I'm the one who thought you were dead!"

Zey'Yu shook her head "What do you mean?"

"Hashten'Kor told me you and the others were sent on a very secret mission…and all of you were killed."

Zey'Yu sighed "It was worse than that…I'll explain later, I've got to go, they still don't trust me in here alone with you."

Kay'Shera couldn't help but smile "I don't trust you in here alone with me." The two laughed in spite of the situation, Zey'Yu kissed the top of her head and whispered "I'll be back soon…"

In the main room The Troop sat with the Elder Sages of Regalshin and Pozem: Freen and Ilan.

The two men bowed with Freen looking at Janie, she smiled at him as he addressed the Troop. "I thank you greatly for watching after her for me…"

As Freen and Ilan sat down the latter sighed "I suppose it's safe though extremely obvious to state that Gungnir is gone…"

"It wasn't her fault." Soren stated quickly to which Janie shook her head and stood up "It's alright Soren…I did lose it. But more important than that-"

"We have to decide what to do now." Freen finished for her. The Elder Sage cleared his throat and continued speaking "Whether or not Gungnir is in place, things have gotten much worse…loosing Gungnir is a blow but it allows us to focus our efforts…I thank you for your continuing bravery and determination, Janie."

The Elder Mage sat down and nodded as Ilan cleared his throat "Freen and I had to search The Catacombs for this…" Ilan gestured towards a black chest like the one that housed Gungnir. "I buried it within the Catacombs knowing no one could reach it…but with the Dune Guard excavating the site I had to retrieve it to make sure they wouldn't stumble across it…within is the Fell Lord's Tome, Goetia the Hellish Scream. A tome of True Elder Magic and unparalleled might…Helswath and Gungnir are gone but it is safe to assume that Balmung and Yewfelle are still in place…we must be certain of that."

Zey'Yu entered the room and cleared her throat "Bad time?"

Soren gestured for her to sit "We have more important things to discuss…just remain there and stay silent."

The Whisper nodded and sat as Freen continued "We must make contact with the other Elder Sages as soon as possible…"

"There is something in that regard we'd like to ask you about. Janie told us the Elder Sage of Anondye, the protector of Helswath was named Shaelin, correct."

Freen and Ilan nodded "We found a man who can use True Elder Magic like you two and Janie, he goes by his profession as 'The Apothecary' but told us to call him Einseek, do you know this man?"

Freen shook his head "No…Shaelin is not the most serious or devout of the five of us but he wouldn't make up another persona like that…the man you met must be someone else…to think another escaped us for so long, we had no idea."

Ilan nodded as Soren sighed "Do you know of Shaelin? We've encountered Helswath several times being wielded by the resurrected Korgan Leader, Murawk. According to Janie again the chests that contain the Fell Lord's weapons can only be opened by two Elder Sages and only in True Elder Magic does there lay an ability to resurrect the dead."

Freen smiled "You have been well educated in your travels. It saddens me to say I know not what has become of Shaelin…seeing as Helswath is already gone I've determined that we must go to Numengate to meet with the Elder Sage, Opstun and protect Balmung…Opstun will be able to tell us about the weapons and the other Elder Sages as he is strongly attached to all of them in his subconscious, perhaps only rivaled by Teyron. We'll learn of Shaelin and Helswath from him."

Mia turned to the chest then faced the Elder Sages again "You two say that the five of you protecting the weapons are the only True Elder Magic users left?"

Freen: Aside from this Einseek…and Janie who is in training…we believe so.

Mia: Then who is bringing the men back from the dead?

Ilan: …that is an excellent question…it seems another has eluded us…which I find even more impossible to believe.

Freen: We swore an oath to only protect Ymarkteg as long as we could from the evil the weapons possess…we remain removed from society for that very reason…but this Einseek and the man who has brought Murawk and Meloi among many others back from the dead has clearly given in to the darkness of True Elder Magic.

A bell sounded and Freen stood before smiling "We've prepared food for all of you…please partake, we'll resume the heavy talk afterwards." The troop thanked him, as he walked away he stopped next to Janie and kneeled before her "I don't want to sound like a broken record but you are truly the best student any teacher could ask for…know that…and hold your head up high."

She smiled as he stood and came to a stop near Zey'Yu "If it's any consolation…I know you no longer intend to harm anyone here."

The whisper merely looked after the man as he walked away followed by Ilan.

In Kror, Orgoth sat next to Eminse as she lay against him, he removed his armor and it sat near him. He looked at Dent and Telm "You two…why are you here? Why did you bring Eminse with you?"

Dent and Telm looked to Rhogam, To'Eltz, Lyle, Versha, Pesh and Ranulf. "We were told by Krayvon to bring her to Soren and Mia and fill you in on…certain events…"

To'Eltz narrowed his eyes "I don't like the sound of that."

Dent scratched his head "We don't want to have to tell the story twice…we promise to fill you in when you reunite with Soren and Mia…please, trust us."

Orgoth smiled "No one ever said they didn't trust you…very well…we'll head for Helm to reunite with Soren and Mia as soon as we can."

Pesh and Versha cast quick glances at each other but remained silent as Ranulf turned away from the group and scratched his chin "Could this be…why I was sent back?"

Iltar'Elm reentered his office unable to comprehend why Re'Zin would kill the Archduke. He had to believe that isn't what happened but he had no idea what really happened. "I have to go…as risky as it is…I have to retrieve Re'Zin. He can't be responsible for this."

He turned to see Ottenz walk into the room "Iltar'Elm. Why is your man in Myillheim?"

"Ottenz…"

"How long has he been there…what do you know of Rey Oshwa? Tell me!" Ottenz screamed as he grabbed Iltar'Elm by the throat and threw him against a wall.

"Ottenz…listen to me…"

The war monk approached Iltar'Elm "I lost what matters most to me in my life…it was taken from me by the very people I allowed across the border…do you have any idea what that makes me feel!"

Iltar'Elm shook his head "Look at this clearly Ottenz! Something is very wrong here! You are being used!"

"No…I have been shown the truth…and you are part of it…will you tell me what part or will I have to take the answer by force!" Ottenz stepped forward and punched Iltar'Elm in the face, throwing him against the wall again.

"I…I sent Re'Zin to Myillheim…to learn what happened over there…"

"What?"

"There were rumors…of an attack at midnight by…an unknown group of assailants…I needed to know if it was the very people we sent through the gate…it was beginning to weigh on me too…I don't know why Re'Zin saw it fit to…kill the Archduke but I can assure you he and I had nothing to do with…whatever happened to Rey Oshwa."

Ottenz shook his head "She is dead…that is all that matters…Governor Jikahn told me the truth after we dealt with the Euto Research Center…I now work with him and Wilt pursuing threats to Anondye's peace…only now, the latest terrorists escaped to Pozem…if you are truly not at fault for anything, you will you join us Iltar'Elm. These terrorists will return, I don't know when or why but when they do we must deal with them."

Iltar'Elm stood "I'm not at fault…but we have no proof…the slaughter at the Research Center, I saw you kill General Krayvon, you are not a puppet Ottenz, you should know deep down you killed innocent people…that is why you are here threatening me…you can't live with yourself."

At that moment Kino pushed past Ottenz "Iltar'Elm…did you just admit that you lied to me about where Re'Zin went?"

"Stay out of this Kino…you were never part of this and I have no intention of speaking with a false commander. You don't belong here! You could never replace Ottenz."

Kino smirked and nodded "I could care less about the position and your opinion of me means nothing. However, I am glad that I can now take you in for questioning, as a person in your position; lying to someone like me…I trust you can see why this must happen? Rey Oshwa is dead…there must be another reason you sent Re'Zin to Myillheim…we'll get the information in whatever way possible."

Snapping his fingers, guards ran in and grabbed Iltar'Elm, dragging him outside.

"Ottenz…Wilt and Jikahn require your services…an incursion is being planned."

Ottenz turned to Kino "Incursion? We can't-"

"The terrorists have been spotted in Pozem…we have no standing troops there capable of killing them…we must move our military forces."

"War will break out between Anondye and Pozem! For the first time in decades…we can't do that!"

Kino smiled "We can…and we will…but don't worry…it will not come to war between our armies."

As the troop ate, Zey'Yu sat alone looking at her locket, she opened it to see a picture of her and Kay'Shera from a few years back.

"I've seen that before." Zey'Yu looked up to see Wayu holding out a plate of food "You must be hungry."

The whisper couldn't help but chuckle "I was trying to kill you guys no less than 48 hours ago."

"But you didn't…and you protected Kay'Shera…and you love her."

Zey'Yu looked away as Wayu sat next to her. The whisper took the food before turning to face Wayu "She told you…about me…"

Wayu nodded "She showed me her locket one night…I was just as surprised when I saw you down in the Catacombs with Kay'Shera when she was injured…I thought it was the person in the locket but I couldn't believe it."

As they ate, Zey'Yu looked at the rest of the troop "They still don't trust me…do they."

Wayu smiled "Some more than others…don't worry, they'll warm up to you…they can't ignore the fact that you saved Kay'Shera."

Zey'Yu looked at Wayu again who raised an eyebrow "What?"

"I'm amazed Kay'Shera was capable of thinking about me with people like you around her all the time."

Wayu blushed and looked away "It's not like that…geez you're worse than Mikel…"

The whisper couldn't help but laugh "Thank you…"

"Wayu." She held out her hand and they shook.

Mia, Mikel and Tyazaer brought food to Kay'Shera and sat with her "Feeling better?"

Pausing to swallow the roc knight nodded "I trust Michalis is getting fed?"

"Always."

Fistivus came by "I haven't eaten so well in such a long time! I think you'll have to leave me here!"

Mikel laughed "We can't do that Fistivus, you're far too valuable."

Lune joined them "Don't give him an ego, it's the last thing this old man needs."

The group laughed and as Mikel spoke with the merchants Mia turned to Kay'Shera. "You can trust her, Mia…she was just as lost…no…much more lost than I was when I thought she was dead."

Tyazaer sighed "I respect you Kay'Shera, but are you certain? We were very close to killing each other less than a day ago."

Kay'Shera nodded "Yes…I'm certain…" the roc knight noticed everyone got quiet and their eyes were on her. She swallowed "I love her."

Sitting in his cell, Re'Zin looked at the darkness all around him. He realized after a while that there were no patrols, leaving him in maddening silence. "Peace? Who the hell do they think they are?"

He walked up to the door and peered as far down the halls through the small, barred opening "Hello?" He yelled, not getting a response back he turned around.

"Looks like you bit off much more than you could chew Re'Zin. Rey Oshwa is beneath the Arch Mansion…she is still alive…whatever the men told Ottenz about her, they lied…he is being used."

The image of Ottenz killing Krayvon was still fresh in Re'Zin's mind, he couldn't get rid of it, manipulated or not he hated Ottenz for it.

"Is someone there…" a voice said lowly and weakly. Re'Zin ran to the door "Yes! My name is Re'Zin second in command to the Sarharan Side Commander of the Treige Border Keep!"

"Treige…" Re'Zin was a little let down that it was a male voice which meant he hadn't found Rey Oshwa but maybe this person could help.

"I know what you're thinking…but I've been here for so long…we just…waste away and…die…like my cellmate…"

"Who are you?"

The man coughed before answering "The former head researcher of Euto's Research Center…my name is Kolkem…"

"So…have you always been in Pozem?" Lyle asked the Laguz walking next to him "No…I've been searching the continent for something…"

"Is it something you can talk about?" the swordmaster asked carefully. Ranulf grinned "I wish…but I'd rather discuss it with Soren and Mia…no offense of course."

Lyle shook his head "I understand. I'm sure they'll be thrilled to see you, we've come across a few of their old allies already."

Ranulf smiled "Oh? Like who?"

In the back, Versha and Pesh glanced over to Dent and Telm walking behind Orgoth and Eminse who had yet to separate. From their understanding, Eminse was the head researcher of the Euto Research Center and Orgoth was one of the higher ranking guards. However Dent and Telm looked to be protecting something more than just a man and a woman.

"So…Pesh…this trip seemed to be worthless where it counted."

The man turned to Versha and shrugged "That remains to be seen…"

Rhogam sighed "I was really hoping to meet that Froghul. Sucks that it was a dead end…"

To'Eltz shook his head "I don't believe in dead ends…every trail leads to another…in our case we found that key and this book."

Rhogam nodded "Though we have no idea what the key is for…"

To'Eltz sighed "Truthfully, we may never know but having it with us will bring us closer to this Ushnae or more likely the mystery man who claimed Ushnae was still alive."

Rhogam turned as Pesh and Versha walked closer to them "Do you two have any idea what the key may be for?"

"Ushnae lived removed from society…he never had a door and never had use for a safe because he had no valuables worth stealing…at least from what we've known of him in our home town." Pesh stated.

Versha nodded "Lyle knew more about him prior but I think the same stands. If that key is his, it probably belonged to the Ushnae before the memory loss and he just held on to it for convenience sake. How he got separated from it, we might never know…"

From there the group engaged in lighter talk as they continued towards Helm, eager to hear what Dent and Telm had to say and why Ranulf was in Pozem.

Sitting in the main room again, Freen and Ilan glanced at the troop with Freen moving his gaze to the chest containing Goetia.

"Soren and I briefly discussed the second line of students yesterday…given everything that has happened I believe all of you should know."

The group remained silent as Freen turned to Ilan who nodded. The Elder Sage from Regalshin cleared his throat.

"The Fell Lord, a pitch black stain on Ymarkteg's history was responsible for the Dark Days of War that embroiled all of ancient Ymarkteg in war for countless years. No one is sure who he was or why he desired endless chaos…but he achieved it through the creation of his Arms, five weapons of pure, weaponized darkness. For another unknown reason he chose to train five students and arm them with each of his weapons. Ancient Anondye's Gashuuka was given Helswath the Blood Cyclone, Ancient Sarhara's Telray was armed with Yewfelle, Ancient Pozem's Drake was given the Hellish Scream, Goetia, Ancient Regalshin's Meltraitis wielded Gungnir, the Piercing Star and finally Ancient Numengate's Seino was master of the Silent Edge, Balmung."

"I remember reading a bit about them back in Sarhara's Western Archive, specifically Gashuuka." Mikel stated to which Leena rolled her eyes "Of course you'd read about the brute."

Freen nodded "Yes, there are some texts about the massive battles and constant changes of territory from that time. If not for The Vanguard, the Dark Days of War would never have ended."

Mia raised an eyebrow "The Vanguard?"

Freen: Yes, the Vanguard is the ancient world's hero. Not much is known about him…in fact there is just as much information about The Vanguard as there is about The Fell Lord, polar opposites in everything they allegedly stood for yet just as truly unknown. The Vanguard was armed with weapons of the night…natural darkness as opposed to the supernatural black that the Fell Lord's weapons came from. Blade, Spear, Tome and Bow in hand, The Vanguard won battles against Drake and Gashuuka, effectively becoming the rallying force for those who were sick of darkness and living in fear. Amassing rebellions all over Ymarkteg the Ancient Nations began to crumble from within; The Fell Lord's students forced themselves to stop fighting amongst each other and try to quell the endless rebellions. This marked the beginning of The Warring Ages…most believe it was more pointless war…but it was really war for freedom…peace…release from the eternal black and infinite nightmare.

Wyre: Safe to assume they won out in the end?

Ilan: Yes…there was much loss and sacrifice but the rebels felled the Ancient Kingdoms and new ones were born…the nations of today that strive towards ultimate peace. The Vanguard vanished from all witness accounts shortly after that…songs and stories were told of him for years afterwards but eventually died out, just as the legends and myths of the Fell Lord and his students.

Freen: Until our appointment…

Janie: Appointment?

Freen nodded "I've kept this from you…since the beginning…from everyone…we didn't become the Elder Sages because we wanted to protect the world…despite the fact that we told you that exact same thing."

"You lied to us?" Despite the tone, Soren knew the answer.

Freen's expression unmoving he nodded slowly. "Yes. We knew we were capable of unique things when we were young but we didn't know what…all five of us were given the task by someone who came into our dreams…this person brought us to Numengate and presented us with the Fell Lord's Weapons. For some reason this person could not destroy them as hard as they tried so they decided to seal them away instead. From there we began living our secluded but…arguably important lives…the person told us only one thing…just as he visited us in our dreams, others visited the dreams of unknown men to arm them with the very weapons we sealed. The Fell Lord's students posthumously trained their successors, the second line of students we only know by the declarations that they represent."

Mia tilted her head "Declarations?"

Freen: The Marauder.

Ilan: Blood Sun.

Freen: Night Shade.

Ilan: Impenetrable Wall.

Freen: and The One Who Seeks Eternally…

Soren stood "What?"

"Kolkem? What the hell are you doing here?"

Re'Zin heard the old man cough "I left the Research Center because I didn't want my greatest project to cause the lives of my students…"

"Greatest project?" Re'Zin whispered as the old man began coughing again.

"Years ago…shortly after meeting Eminse, I stumbled upon something unimaginable…a killing. Can you imagine that? A killing during our golden era…these men were skilled, someone, somewhere was training assassins and keeping it from the public…the man they killed was the governor of Euto…he was later replaced by…by a man named Jikahn…we were told the old governor grew sick…eventually dying…only I knew the truth…I needed to know why…so I trained Eminse as hard as I could and left to investigate…on my own…"

Re'Zin sat down "Kolkem…I'm sorry…"

The old man stood in his cell and got close to the wall "Why? What happened? Tell me!"

"Jikahn is still in power…whatever you were investigating…you were right. Jikahn manipulated the Euto commander Wilt and the Border Keep Anondye Commander Ottenz into leading an army against the Euto Research Center…it was utterly destroyed with the commanders Retuu and Krayvon lying dead in the aftermath."

Kolkem stumbled and fell on his back, his mouth agape and gasping heavily unable to speak. He covered his face with his hands and shook his head fiercely before breaking down and crying.

Re'Zin closed his eyes "I'm sorry…"

"The Apothecary declared himself as…The One Who Seeks Eternally?"

Soren nodded "From what I understood…Einseek means 'The One Who Seeks Eternally' in an ancient language…at least, that would be my best guess.

Freen and Ilan turned to each other to discuss for a few minutes before Freen stood "In light of that…I think it would be in all of our best interests to depart…soon. I imagine you would all agree with me?"

The Troop stood up as Soren answered "Yes. However, if the Midnight truly aims to take the rest of the Fell Lord's Weapons and give them to the 'Second Line' I think it would better serve both of us if we went with you to Numengate."

The troop muttered in agreement as Freen and Ilan looked at each other, the latter coughed "We appreciate the sentiment. However we can take care of ourselves…I'm even more worried about this Einseek all things considered and Shaelin. If we needed help in something immediately it would be learning who Einseek is exactly and where Shaelin has gone off to…we can tell you were his keep is located."

"If that is what we can do to help…are you certain you can hold off the Midnight on your own?" Mia asked to which the Elder Sages nodded with Freen smiling "We may appear old but our mastery of True Elder Magic is no illusion."

As the group began to prepare for departure, Soren signaled Mia and walked past Zey'Yu asking her to follow him. The three entered Kay'Shera's room.

"Zey'Yu…" the whisper held up her hand to cut off Soren "I don't need to hear anything in regards to me…I know you want to ask about The Altar and what they are planning…I owe you this and more for various reasons."

She glanced over at Kay'Shera as Mia smiled "Very well, is there anything you can tell us."

Zey'Yu inhaled before starting "The Altar is comprised of massive leagues of assassins all serving different masters, in theory. There are other leagues by different names however, they are all The Altar."

Soren: …The Altar is posing as multiple assassin rings?

Zey'Yu: Yes. The Altar is the forefront in keeping the peace of Ymarkteg. People all over the continent strive to become rich and some turn to killing, the assassins are found and recruited by various fronts and sent on jobs against other assassins. These missions are kept under wraps, no one knows the real names of the assassins or who they were prior, and when they meet in battle they kill each other. Effectively eliminating multiple threats to Ymarkteg's peace and sustaining its longevity.

Mia: You mean…its fake?

Zey'Yu: If you wish to see it that way…yes…

Soren thought back to To'Eltz story in regards to the trickster's meeting with Jyim'Son and the conspiracy theories that drove Ushnae insane. Could they all have been true? If so, what does this mean in regards to the Midnight?

Soren's eyes widened "Myillheim."

Mia and Zey'Yu looked at him confused as Kay'Shera gasped "Kanahana's speech."

Soren nodded and Mia recalled what the vampire told them.

"Hear me citizens of Myillheim! We are here to stop this country from blinding everyone in the divine radiance of peace. A false image that can be easily broken, like any pane of glass…you've all been lied to…soon, we will show you that there can be no peace, no order and no place for anyone in a world of light…because the brighter your hope is…the longer the shadows of deviance that you cast become…there is no such thing as true peace…we have proved it simply by living…but you have proved it by creating men like Lo'Tem, Qi'No and Dalton who would easily turn on the nations that stopped them from bringing true peace…tonight we act on their example, Archduke Dalton sought out people within Myillheim who would turn on the nation of Numengate and killed them in the streets…actions hushed up by neighboring cities and the royal court to continue this façade called peace…"

"Façade…Kanahana said that King Gra'Tisk of Sarhara committed crimes in his youth much like Archduke Dalton…but they were covered up." Mia stated to which Zey'Yu nodded.

Slowly opening her eyes she turned to Kay'Shera "I'm sorry about Hashten'Kor."

The roc knight nodded and recalled her commander as Zey'Yu continued. "The assassin wars are covered up by high ranking politicians of three of the five nations. They all value peace in twisted ways and use The Altar as a means to an end…our headmaster Peltzm'Jakq realizes this but as long as he isn't threatened he could care less about watching the world burn."

Soren sighed "Politicians from three nations…" the Begnion Senators tore through his memories, he remembered the names Lekain, Hetzel, Numida, Valtome and the crimes they committed all for their twisted faith in a crazed deity.

"We need to find out who they are."

Zey'Yu held a hand up to Soren again "Only Peltzm'Jakq knows, the rest of us know them by their designations: Mistress, Duke and Hierarch."

Soren sighed as Mia walked over to Kay'Shera "We're leaving soon, you ready?" The roc knight stood up with Mia's help, Zey'Yu walked by and gestured, Mia looked at Soren who nodded. The Trueblade allowed Zey'Yu to support Kay'Shera and walked over to Soren's side "This information is immensely useful…and extremely unbelievable…once we reunite with the rest of the troop we'll make our next move."

Soren nodded to Mia's statement and signaled them all to follow him.

Outside of the keep, Freen and Ilan raised their arms forming a land bridge back to the coast. As the troop moved along Zey'Yu screamed, they all turned to her to find her covering her mouth; she whispered "Sorry…I just remembered something…"

She reached into her jacket and pulled out an object, handing it over to Soren. "Orichalcum. You-"

A screech caused the troop to come to their knees as a figure shot towards Soren and Zey'Yu, the Archsage quickly knocked Zey'Yu away with Arcwind as he felt an impact and fell into the water.

Mia looked up as Mikel fired his arrows followed by Wyre's magic "Kanahana!"

The vampire grinned "I knew following you lot into the Catacombs would aid me…give me the Orichalcum!" he screamed and dived towards them, evading the attacks until Janie, Freen and Ilan tore parts of the earth bridge and hurled them into the sky. Several shards struck Kanahana, knocking him off balance and causing him to fall into the water.

Mia quickly helped Soren out as Leena yelled for the group to run for the coast. As they took off, Kanahana sprung out of the ocean screeching in fury. His eyes flared and red beams fired, destroying the land bridge behind the troop as they leapt unto the coastline.

Wayu turned and called for Mikel and Wyre, pointing at Kanahana as he darted across the sky trying to throw off their aim.

Soren joined the pair before the elder magicians returned and began hurling waves of magic at the vampire.

Bringing his fingers to his lips, Kanahana whistled causing two powerful black flashes around the troop. Once the smoke cleared Midnight 6 and Midnight 5 were standing before them.

"We don't have time for this!" Freen called out, he, Ilan and Janie held out their hands, a large square segment of earth lifted off the ground before slamming down again "Get on!" Janie screamed. The troop leapt on just as Freen and Ilan swung their arms again causing the slab of rock to shoot off, sliding across the rocky earth of Pozem.

Midnight 6 and 5 began charging, running extremely fast after them as Kanahana flew towards them, eyes lighting up as two beams tore through the ground before them.

"Make way! Make way!" Lyle's troop moved to the side as a large procession passed by them along the Central Pozem Route headed for Kror.

To'Eltz recognized the guard "These are all Sarharans…the king and queen!"

Sure enough a large carriage passed by, To'Eltz noticed Gra'Tisk inside and no doubt Yi'Pyre next to him. Above them flew several roc knights as great knights and water sages surrounded the caravan.

"Paying a visit to the Pozem King and Queen?" Rhogam asked to which Orgoth shrugged "Doesn't matter…we're almost to Helm, let's keep moving."

"Rexcalibur!" "Rexbolt!" two powerful surges of magic, one struck the ground, freezing it and sending ice shards at the Midnights while the other struck Kanahana. The vampire screamed before the electrical surge exploded and he fell to the ground covered in smoke.

Midnight 6 swung out its left arm shifting into a huge blade and with a mighty leap landed on the earth platform, its blade was met by Leena's. Midnight 5 followed suit, both hands being replaced by axe heads. Leena broke away and stumbled as Midnight 5 crashed into where she was standing.

"Keep going Freen, Ilan, we'll deal with this!" Soren called as Mikel, Wayu and Tyazaer charged the Midnights. Wyre and Janie remained back with Kay'Shera, Zey'Yu, Fistivus and Lune protecting them with their magic.

Kanahana stood, cracking his neck and sighing "Dalton…Asai…why am I the one doing your work? Pathetic."

"Dalton. Asai." The pair stopped in their tracks, glancing all around at the random people walking around them "You are needed…"

Dalton sighed "We are onto something big…we need one more component for our Midnight back at base…pull us out later Norad Jyuugo."

The dread fighter remained invisible within the crowd of people "You're time is better spent where I say so."

Asai groaned and tapped Dalton's shoulder "Let's go."

Mia and Leena's blades clashed with Midnight 6 as Mikel, Wayu and Tyazaer evaded Midnight 5's wild swinging. Soren, Wyre and Janie maintained their focus on the skies as Midnight Wyvern Lords began to warp in above them.

Soren cursed "This is new…" Wyre sighed "Perfect timing." Janie raised an eyebrow "This is the worst possible…oh…right…"

Freen turned "We'll be reaching Helm within five minutes, get rid of the Midnight!"

"Working on it!" Mia screamed as she leapt away from Midnight 6, with its back turned, Leena charged in and stabbed the creature.

Mikel cursed as one of Midnight 5's arms struck him and knocked him to the ground. Wayu covered him with her shield as Tyazaer charged in, her sword striking Midnight 5's left arm before leaping over his axe strike and slashing him down the back.

Brave Bolt and CeliGale began filling the sky, four lightning bolts struck one Wyvern Lord, causing the mount and rider to crash to the ground while two air waves tore through another.

Janie maintained focus with Verrine, black slashes tearing through the sky and ripping through Wyvern wings and rider armor.

Kanahana appeared among the Wyvern Lords, laughing; Mia covered her blade in purple flames and struck Midnight 6, causing the creature to skid away and Leena to pursue. Turning the Trueblade fired purple bolts at Kanahana who sliced through them with his clawed hand "Nice try!"

"Kino." The swordmaster looked up to see Jikahn enter his office "Governor…I must say, I rather enjoyed Corelis. I long to get back there if you don't mind…"

"After the incursion I'll gladly release you. You are the last person I want to keep where he doesn't want to be."

Kino smiled as Jikahn continued "Regardless, I'll have you know Iltar'Elm and Re'Zin will be dealt with shortly as well as that stubborn scientist."

Kino nodded "What of Wilt and Ottenz, duty bound as they may be…"

Jikahn nodded "We'll manage…if anything is to happen I'll call on Hierarch again."

"That trip he made recently to tell you to bring me in was urgent, Ottenz and Wilt are not worthy of his attention. If they become a problem, come get me."

The governor bowed before turning and leaving Kino to his reading.

"Helm…at last…" Eminse stretched as Orgoth turned to Versha and Pesh "Don't say it Orgoth…" the woman stated "We should thank you for coming along, I don't know about Pesh but I sure as hell felt safer."

Orgoth nodded "When we split up again, I wish you the best in the Ushnae hunt but be careful about it."

Versha smiled as Pesh rolled his eyes. Lyle led them up to the inn as Ranulf turned quickly "Something is up…a few miles out…"

Rhogam scratched the back of his head "You can hear something?"

"No…I can sense it…" Ranulf took off and in spite of their exhaustion the rest of the group followed.

"Time to bring this party to a halt!" Kanahana screamed, taking off at an even faster speed he landed in front of the earth slab. Screeching, beams shot out of his eyes, destroying the earth slab causing all members of the Troop and the Midnights to shoot off in random directions.

Kanahana stood with a grin as the Midnights made their way towards him. Overhead, the remaining Wyvern Lords began circling the area. Kanahana's eyes landed on Soren and he began strolling casually towards the fallen Sage as he struggled to stand up.

"Come on boy…let it out!" Soren's eyes began to glow and his teeth grew sharper at the goading of a certain Mad King.

"You hate this being before you more than me! I must say, it makes me feel inadequate!" After some cackling he continued "Go! Kill him!"

Soren stood much to Kanahana's surprise and charged the vampire, Mia got up and saw as Soren brought his arm out, a large black ethereal form of a dragon's arm struck Kanahana and snapped his head back, the vampire shot into the air, slamming through the Wyvern Lords before landing in the distance with enough force to cause a small land eruption.

The rest of the troop began to get up as Midnight 6 and 5 charged Soren. Magic tore out of the rubble and distracted the wyvern lords as Midnight 6's blade arm cut across Soren and he fell to the ground.

Zey'Yu tossed a rock off her before falling to one knee "Kay'Shera, Fistivus, Lune, you alright?" The three nodded and she turned to see Wyre run towards them and take out his staff.

Leena, Mikel and Tyazaer got up slowly as Mia leapt high and screamed.

Encased in a purple aura she sliced through Midnight 6, his armor shattered as her blade cut through him repeatedly. His blade arm was destroyed and he stumbled away. Midnight 5 realized the danger and leapt away as Mia swung her blade with insane force. The area around her began to glow and Midnight 6 began levitating off the ground before his armor cracked and tore off, disintegrating in midair. As the main body began to vanish the Midnight let out an inhuman roar before exploding, the force of the blast tossed Mia aside.

Kanahana stood, his hand going to the side of his face, he laughed and turned to face the troop. Soren's enhanced fist tore the skin off of the left side of the vampire's face. He continued to laugh "You never cease to amaze me sage…unfortunately this looks like the end of the line…"

"For you!" a blue ball smashed into Kanahana's stomach, throwing him away before flipping over and landing on all fours.

Soren looked up briefly to see the blue cat "R…Ranulf?"

Following Ranulf the rest of Lyle's group charged in and engaged the Midnight soldiers as Midnight 5 returned to Kanahana's side again.

The vampire spat as his soldiers continued to fall. Kanahana noticed Pesh and Versha cutting through his forces with extreme ease and cursed. Lyle joined his friends, clearly impressed "You guys work quick."

Orgoth made it over as well "I thought you didn't fight Versha." Versha just smirked "You'd be surprised."

Kanahana cursed "This wasn't supposed to be this way!"

Lyle smiled "Too bad…"

The vampire seemed to be extremely angry at the situation, but out of nowhere he began smiling and laughing much to Lyle's amazement, the vampire screamed "This cannot go any farther! It's too much…"

"What the hell are you talking about?" Lyle called as he aimed his blade at the vampire who screeched "I've already won!"

Before anyone could understand, a blade tore through Lyle, the swordmaster looked at the end of the weapon sticking out of him. As the blade was pulled out of him, he coughed up blood and fell to the floor. Pesh swung the blade, cleaning the blood off of it as Versha revealed a knife in her cloak, swinging around she tossed it towards Eminse, Telm covered her, the knife sinking into his gut before a second caught him in the neck. The knight fell dead onto Eminse, effectively protecting her from any other attacks.

Midnight 7 warped in and raised its arm, a massive gust of wind blew the troop members back as Pesh and Versha walked through it with no problem.

Pesh turned to see Lyle on the ground still looking at him, his face showing immense shock "Pesh…Versha…what the hell are you two…doing…"

Pesh swung his blade out, his and Versha's bodies were covered in black flames, changing their robes.

"My name…is Dalton Pesh."

"And I…am Asai Versha…we are the Midnight commanders of all Pozem operations."

Kanahana smiled "No need to speak Lyle, yes, you have been deceived again by those closest to you."

Lyle lost consciousness as Ranulf joined the still able bodied Orgoth, Rhogam, To'Eltz and Dent.

Against the might of Kanahana, Dalton Pesh, Asai Versha, Midnight 7 and Midnight 5, things were not looking good.

Kanahana inhaled deeply before laughing "I love it when things go my way…I'll give you all a chance though…I know you are traveling with both a Fell Lord Weapon and the Orichalcum in your grasp…give me either one and I'll take my leave."

Ranulf shook his head "I know better than to give anything to the likes of you."

Dalton Pesh aimed his blade at the cat "Then you'll die here outsider…as you should…"

"Try me!"

Asai Versha snapped her fingers and over two dozen soldiers of the Midnight appeared around her.

Soren struggled to stand along with Mia, the rest of his force was still down from Kanahana destroying their ride. The sage fell back down "I can't…damn it…"

"I guess this is it…pitiful." Soren ignored Ashnard and looked to Mia who was on one knee supporting herself with Ein'Tosen. The sage then noticed Freen stand up, the man ignored the ghastly head wound and limped over to Ilan and Janie.

The young woman opened her eyes slowly and saw the two Elder Sages open the chest. She shook her head as Freen took Goetia "You are my finest student…my only one yes…but I would never wish for another."

Janie shook her head as tears filled her eyes.

Freen stood "Midnight!" he screamed

They all looked at him as a black aura surrounded him and Goetia opened, releasing a high pitched and powerful scream.

"You wouldn't dare!" Kanahana screamed.

Freen's eyes turned completely black as he held his hands open towards them. Midnight 7 and 5 stood in front of Dalton Pesh, Asai Versha and Kanahana. The other Midnight soldiers didn't seem to know what to do as black winds whipped around them.

"Begone foul miscreations! Fear the endless black! Goetia!" a whirlwind of dark energy shot out of the tome and surrounded the five, the area around them shattered, earth shooting high into the sky and a black cloud covering the area, blotting out the midday sun.

Kanahana screamed in fury as a black light covered the entire area causing the still able members of the troop to cover their eyes from the ferocity of a loud and huge white flash that knocked everyone to the ground.

"…!" Norad Jyuugo turned in sync with his superior "Was that…" the evil force turned to see Gungnir and Helswath react "Goetia."

"Master…what does this mean?"

"The time draws closer…the time when stillness will be granted. The hour of midnight we seek is within the month…advance all fronts…the pace…has grown immeasurably."

Norad Jyuugo bowed before turning and signaling Tyse Erent, Zijo Oit, Midnight 9 and Midnight 8 to follow him.