Shadow of the Past - Arelarti

She woke up.

Here in the middle of the Swamp, the humidity was so pervasive that she could hardly feel it. The cold didn't bother her either, though the other members of the expedition were of a slightly different opinion. A few started coughing, a some even had symptoms of swamp fever. They traveled for a week. At first they traveled through the outer marshes. This was an area once inhabited by the people of Carurystal, but has now been swallowed up by the cursed Kranor Rill. The process was slow but steady. First, the flora changed. Old well-known plants were being replaced by those found in these a hundred times cursed swamps. They broke down the soil into a muddy substance that bound the salt and water into a toxic substance that nothing else could grow on, nothing that was not native to this awful place. Then came the animals of Kranor Rill. Almost everything that lived here was poisonous or carried some kind of parasite that caused deadly diseases. They led to the extinction of the local fauna and flora, and this often led to the exodus of the former inhabitants. And finally the Riliti came and kill all that was left. That's what the elf Krianese told her, but she didn't trust her. She didn't feel like a representative of this race, the word "elf" wasn't even known on Etheri, only Saihe , and most of them didn't even know their native language. It was different, of course, in her native isles of sorrow, where many ancient traditions were cultivated, but most of them were as foreign, if not more so, to the Elves as to the Saihe . After all, she had renounced her homeland so long ago, choosing the cosmopolitan Mystacor.

But it was also about something completely different. Krianese was a priestess of Elorithu , and she abhorred priests with all her heart, she almost became one herself at end. On Etheri, the inhabitants were not guided by the commands of the gods or darker beings, they shaped their own destiny. "Except fools like me," she laughed, stretching her back. She stood on a causeway made of black stone veined with green, from which almost all the native structures they encountered in the marshes were made. At least in their inner part.

At the beginning, when they traveled through the areas recently abandoned by the inhabitants, they came across the ruins of buildings and villages slowly sinking into the sodden ground. Most of them were in surprisingly good condition. The third night they spent in the mansion, abandoned many years ago but still habitable. The Riliti had not robbed him or vented their fury on him as the soldiers under her command had done. Even the Galactic Horde, with Horde Prime's penchant for keeping infrastructure intact, the damage was much greater. There was even furniture and electronics left, one brass laptop even worked when hooked up to a portable generator, but there were only pictures of horses and flower beds and some family pictures and stuff like that, nothing of value. One of Vanesa's Norington guards took it, hoping that he could later sell it to relatives of the owners of the mansion. Perhaps someone will want to recover family heirlooms. Most of the expedition members were glad to be able to rest indoors, but she felt uneasy, which was fully justified if you were a person of her experience. Both Sir Rakima and Asindesa shared her concerns, Krianese was rather all the same. The elf looked like the one who would make friends with a certain purple-haired girl. The three of them went outside and stood in a garden covered with the strange vegetation of Kranor Rill.

"I do not like it." she told her companions.

"What? This palace, this swamp or this expedition?" asked Sir Rakima . He had dark green scales and a scar on his collarbone.

"You asked a very good question" she thought after listening to the reptile.

"I know how armies that plunder conquered areas work." she said carefully, wondering if she had said too much. "Never have buildings been left so intact. Here, the invaders were not interested in looting or even conquest, only… getting rid of the inhabitants."Asindesa adjusted her beautiful golden hair thoughtfully. It's amazing that even under these conditions she was able to take care of them.

"The swarm does the same. Its components were completely uninterested in looting occupied territories. There were diversionary actions, or to cause terror among the civilian population of the attacked planets, but mainly he tried to flood us with living mass. Sometimes in the hinterland you could find almost undamaged towns. Sometimes there were survivors in them. It was not profitable for the components to pursue individual people. After the resistance was crushed, all the biomass was decomposed by microbes anyway, or devoured by swarms of the consumers. They left behind only a shell of the world from which he could extract minerals and geothermal energy for centuries, but even there, survivors can be found hiding among the rubble of their world. This similarity is puzzling." said the beautiful knight.

She thought for a moment, as she wasn't sure how much she could reveal, but decided that since her informant was so willing to share information, it couldn't be a big secret. And even if they were, Kane Adamson, may be he was the Archduke of Carurystal, but what could any mortal do against Chaos Creeping.

"According to my information, the Riliti are bioroids spawned from a powerful ancient race called Krellans ." These beings created some magitech computers that enslaved them." She shuddered as she always did when she thought about it.

"They're living robots." Vesk said and nodded. "With Iomadae's help, we will defeat them." he said with all seriousness. She had to suppress a snort, for she knew well that the will of higher beings seldom considered the desires of mortals.

The next day they reached the marshes proper, and that was where her lack of field command knowledge came in. The marshes proved impassable to their mechanical horses. They almost had their journey end prematurely. Fortunately , Krianese discovered a causeway that crossed the Kranor Rill. It was made of this strange black green-veined stone. The road was wide and they could pass it easily, but Sir Rakima rightly pointed out that they would be vulnerable to an ambush attack. But they had no other choice, because she had no intention of returning empty-handed. So they set out for the heart of the accursed swamp.

The ride was relatively easy, but quite slow because of the amount of supplies they had to drag behind them. It should also not be forgotten that most of the participants had no idea about the military, or even about traveling further than to camp in the forest, and many with war experience were elderly. Perhaps only the lack of awareness of the seriousness of the situation was the reason for enthusiasm felt by most of the expedition members. In fact, she felt it too. While serving Hordak , she was never emotionally involved in the conflict, for her service was only a means to an end. This time, despite knowing the hopelessness of the whole enterprise, she wanted to be a part of it. The reason for her unusual behavior was very simple, but at the same time she felt like never before. She felt happy and terrified at the same time.

"Call it, old stupid woman." She thought on the seventh day of the expedition and the first day of traveling on the causeway. Despite the cold and all-pervasive moisture, she felt a pleasant warmth spread over her twisted body. Asindesa di Vir stood at the edge of the dike, her golden red hair blowing in the wind. But then she saw the elf Krianese standing beside her , and felt her clawed hands clench in anger. She suppressed her anger, not… jealousy, and approached the women. Asindesa gave her a warm, welcoming smile.

"Our folower of Eloritu has news for you that might interest you."

She raised an eyebrow, skeptical of what great news a scientist priestess might have. Krianese had short dark blue hair and a solemn, focused face. "At least she doesn't smile at everyone like an idiot"

"The flora here is of foreign origin. It is difficult to confirm this without more detailed research, but the study of morphology itself seems to confirm this thesis. A simple genetic scan too, although access to a broader database would be useful to trace the evolutionary processes to which they were subjected." she said in an absolutely matter-of-fact, though devoid of emotion voice. It's true, she was genuinely intrigued. She looked at the Lady of Blades appreciatively, and which bared her teeth in a smile.

"That's interesting... I can help a bit... collect specimens for research. For most of my life I've dealt with plants... I had... I have a wonderful garden". she said thoughtfully, feeling grateful to the Hellknight.

"That's great, in your free time, will you help me collect samples and plant fragments for future research? This could be a great discovery, shedding a whole new light on the natural history of these swamps and the History of Carurystal in general" said the elf with curiosity

"Be careful, digging into the past never ends well for the curious" she thought grimly, but against common sense she said.

"Yes, I'll be happy to help you."

All morning, while the others ate leisurely breakfast, she, Asindesa , and Krianes gathered plants. For a short time, she finally felt happy, despite the endless, cursed swamps of Kranor Rill surrounding her…

The first attack took place on the second day after reaching the swamp. The causeway was intersected at regular intervals by another, running perpendicularly. It formed a crossroads around which rose several buildings made of the same black veined stone as the road. They were unfinished or possibly destroyed. She couldn't tell for sure. When they reached the second intersection, the Riliti appeared. They didn't notice them until it was too late. Suddenly, two huge creatures sprang out of the muddy water, and two others launched strange, spike-like spears . A green Lightning bolt flew towards them from between the buildings . She struck down the first of the monsters with a magical black-colored bolt, saving the life of a young nobleman, but the second creature sliced Vanessa Norington in half until its broad golden sword got stuck in her steed. The aristocrat's guard, the same one who had taken the laptop earlier, tried to take the opportunity that Riliti's sword was trapped and tried to shoot him, but the monster spat its long tongue from its mouth and snatched the gun from him, then lunged at him with its claws. He killed two more members of the expedition before Sir Rakima knocked him down with his hammer. The beasts were huge, even bigger than Vesks and Troxes . They had powerful claws and mouths with a wide sharp plate capable of severing a limb, and it was covered with thick scales capable of stopping a bullet. The creature hiding between the buildings was taller and thinner, wearing a belt with tools of unknown purpose. He had a strange staff of golden metal in his paws that shot green lightning bolts. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw that Asindesa had knocked down one of the monsters and the other had been shot by the expedition members. Two members of the expedition, however, lay dead despite superficial wounds, their lips were blackened, indicating the use of poison. She herself began to weave the spell and summoned shadowy tentacles that tore apart the monster firing from between the buildings. However, he managed to shoot two more guards. They were lying on a stone. and smoke billowed from their twisted bodies. They had lost eight expedition members in total, a fair trade for five Riliti, according to her experience as a Horde commander. The other members of the expedition, however, did not see it that way. Things have clearly deteriorated. "Well, no one said it was going to be a picnic."

Krianese died in a rather ridiculous way. Every morning and evening the three of them, together with Asindesa and the Elven priestess, scoured the area near the causeway and collected plants, Krianes and Asindesa collected plants, and she photographed them with her simple datapad for retirees. She had been so happy then, though she knew how ridiculous it was in her situation. It wasn't anything romantic, they were just picking flowers... Were Adora and Catra picking flowers too? Did they dance at the balls among dozens of happy people? She had no idea, but over the past five years she'd come to realize that she really knew so little. That day she was taking a picture of a small plant and strangely metallic leaves that were so sharp they could cut to the bone. Some of the expedition members looked down on the whole situation, they didn't like the not-so-romance, but she didn't care, she never cared about what other people thought. She was the Shadow Weaver, after all, the most hated person on Etheria. "Maybe after you , Hordak , though at least that annoying girl Entrapta liked you ."

"What are you going to do?" The Lady of Blades asked, looking at her. For a moment her heart beat faster, but the hell knight added." On a mission." said Asindesa, blushing.

It's unsettling, but she wasn't sure what she was going to do. She just wanted to be with Asindesa .

"I want to find Arelarti, a city in the middle of these swamps, and take pictures of it, because apparently even satellites can't see them. I think that if people in our position talk about what's going on here, maybe... Someone will take care of it all." she said, trying to sound credible, although she knew very well that she was lying to the living eyes of a woman she had a deep feeling for. But Asindesa only nodded… Then she heard Krianese calling them.

"Look at these plants. I think there are some eggs here, probably roe or spawn. "The elf exclaimed, pointing to a strange round cluster of plants indeed covered with some kind of eggs, but suddenly a creature resembling Riliti in the same way a monkey resembled a human. emerged from the mud. Before anyone could react, the beast seized the leg of the elven scholar with sharp fangs, although it was not she who killed Krianese, but the fire of their guards, who in fear did not pay attention to the fact that they hit the woman and the monster equally. Asindesa ordered a cease fire, and she hurled a shadow bolt and the creature died. However, it was too late for Krianese . Her body lay half-submerged in mud with multiple gunshot wounds. "So it is end of Romantic flower picking"

The journey now proceeded in gloomy moods. Half of their expedition members turned back. From what she later learned, most of them made it back to their homes unscathed, so she guess it wasn't a bad decision. But among those who remained there was a strange grim determination worthy of the lost. She sensed it in Adora too, that last day when she had done that one good thing…. Though she didn't sense that grim determination in Asindesa and Sir Rakima . Faith in the code of hell knights or the protective grace of the goddess gave them strength. In fact, it was the same with her. Her dark patron gave her strength as well, though in a much more literal way.

"And he will protect me from death, unlike the gods worshiped by mortals, because he has great plans for me," she thought and felt a grip of horror in her heart, because she understood that it was to escape from the imperious grip of Creeping Chaos was that she has wanted. She was looking loophole in their contract. But she would not outsmart the Great Outer God, why she imagine something such absurd. She looked at the Lady of Blades riding beside her and realized with horror that her arrogance had put her to death. She barely managed to control her panic attack. She was a Shadow Weaver after all, the wickedest of the wicked, she had strength and she would have to use it all if she wanted to save the Lady of Blades.

Hell began when they saw the walls of the cursed Arelarti in the distance. They found themselves in the middle of another intersection. In each successive intersection, the buildings were better and better made and more numerous. It was the size of a small village. Some of the buildings looked like warehouses, Others looked like generators, and others were intended for an unknown purpose. She saw a tall watchtower and decided to climb it to take a look around. At the top he saw that a transverse causeway joined another that ran towards the city. She realized that they all formed a spider-like web together. She understood that the whole swamp contained one huge structure, the purpose of which was unknown, and certainly ominous. Only once had she heard such an intricate and complex work. It was the Heart of Etheria, a creation that disgusted even Crawling Chaos. Arelarti was the center…the heart of it all. It was there that the ancient techno evil slumbered. But was it her business? The galaxy turned out to be a place full of inexpressibly terrible secrets that she had no desire to explore. What she experienced would shatter the minds of weaker beings. When she was immersed in these sad thoughts, she heard the scream of the same nobleman whom she had saved a few days ago.

"Riliti! They hide here …" There was a flash of green light, and there was a scream. Well, the rescue turned out to be remarkably temporary. The air quivered as the cloaking field fell, and all three types of Riliti they had encountered were suddenly swarming everywhere. There was a fourth variety, even more muscular and clad in massive black stone armor whose veins pulsed with green energy. They carried long Khopesh -like swords and dartguns of poison-coated steel darts. Their advance was unstoppable, the surprised expedition members unable to put up a coordinated resistance. She threw a ball of black fire that consumed many monsters. Then, using the old levitation spell she liked to use in the Fright Zone, she jumped out of the watchtower and fell down, landing next to Asindesa and Sir Rakim . After a while, only the three of them stayed on their feet.

"It was an honor to fight with you." The priest of Iomadae shouted, smashing the skull of the beast Riliti.

"It will also be an honor to die by your side." added the Lady of Blades

She rolled her eyes.

"The greatest honor will be to remember this adventure by the fireplace. Try to protect me and with a bit of luck I'll be able to take them all down, you just have to cover me before I gather enough power! She screamed and began to absorb the power. Meanwhile, Sir Rakima and Asindesa di Vir struck blow after blow, knocking down more opponents. They were all splattered with the crimson blood of the monsters. She drew more and more power, but it was still too little, too slow. Suddenly , Asindesa was hit by a poisoned dart in the frame. Although the dart flew through, the woman began to stagger on her feet. So she made a desperate decision to save the woman who was so important to her. She took of the obsidian necklace and was flooded with power from Nyarlathotep himself . Even the holographic mask showed her true form now, but that didn't matter now. At one point, all the Riliti suddenly fell to their knees, and a tall figure in hooded robes emerged from among them. She had her hand outstretched upwards, on which she wore a ring with red stone covered with green veins. Then she gathered all her power and from all shadowed places dark shadowy blades slashed at the attackers, but avoided her allies. Sir Rakima looked at her with appreciation and gratitude, but she returned him with an apologetic smile, grabbed the Lady of Blades by the hand and fled with her through the void, leaving the priest to die.

They teleported to Grayskull's main dinner hall . She yelled at the crowded servants, who stared with wide opened eyes like idiots, to run for Dr. Rephan as soon as possible, and then she cast all possible spells that could slow or stop the effects of the poison. Soon the infernal knight was taken to the infirmary. She oversaw the treatment of her dearest friend for the next ten hours, then followed Dr. Rephan to her office.

"You did your best, now no one will be able to accuse us of anything when the Lady of Blades dies, which will probably happen soon" said the doctor-cultist. She looked at him, and there was death itself in her eyes.

"Cannot fall hair from the head of Asindesa di Vir." she said with undisguised threat in her voice. Rephan shook his head sharply.

"I can't agree to that. If the hellknight becomes suspicious, then ..." He didn't finish because she put her hand to his chest and blew up his heart with the rest of her power. "I like to demonstrate my new tricks."