MST:CoE

[Anon Mous]

(Please read the MST: Children of in the Library Blog first)


In the not-too-distant future --
Next Sunday, A.D. --
There were some guys and gals,
Not too different from you or me.
They’d hang out at the mini-shrine motel,
Friends who knew each other really well;
Little did they know of the impending doom,
When Techno got too playful
And he locked them in a room.

“I'll send them Roas’ fanfic,
The one called CoE.
And they’ll have to sit and read it through,
Before I let them free.”
Now keep in mind they can't control
When the fanfic begins or ends,
But they can make sarcastic jokes
To entertain their friends.

Riffer roll-call:
Anon
Skylark
Solana
Zeroooooo!

If you're wondering how they eat and breathe
And other science facts,
Just repeat to yourself "It's just a MST,
I should really just relax
For Mystery Science Theater Children of . . ."


(Zero, Skylark, and Solana are sitting at a table in the lobby of the Mini-Shrine’s theater. Anon stands behind the snack bar in an orange and red uniform complete with paper hat.)

Zero: You know, I can’t believe Techno locked us in here.

Skylark: Really, a guy who’s gone nuts on several occasions? You can’t believe he did it again?

Zero: All right. I can’t believe he did it without something forcing him into it.

Skylark: >raises an eyebrow<

Zero: All right! All right! The guy’s one grape short of a fruit salad.

Solana: At least he should tell us how long we’re going to be in here.

Anon: >lazily from behind the counter< From what I gather you guys better get comfortable.

Everyone: >Groan!<

Zero: Can’t you do something? He’s your Avatar.

Solana: Wait, how do you know how long we’d be here?

(An image of Techno appears before the group)

Techno: Maybe I should answer that.

Skylark: No, maybe you should let us out before we kick your butt from here to next Sunday AD.

Techno: Lark, settle. I’m about to tell you what this is all about. I’m sure you’re all familiar with MST3K.

>all nod<

Solana: Oh no. You wouldn’t.

Zero: Dear god. You aren’t going to subject us to fanfiction.net are you?

Techno: Nothing that bad, no. I’m going to make you riff something a little closer to home. Children of Eternity. But do it well, or I won’t let you out.

(The room begins shaking. Flashing lights and sirens go off. The doors to the theater swing open, revealing another door. That door swings open to reveal a large metal door. That door lowers like a draw bridge, revealing another wooden door. This door explodes, revealing a hatch with locking wheel. The wheel spins and opens, revealing . . .)


Children of Eternity


Prologue: Apocolypse Dawning


The Desert of Despair.

Zeal had only heard about it in legends. The stronghold of Evil in the Universe. A place where even nightmares feared to tread. And it was here she and her companions found themselves.

Black sands swirled from dune to dune on a wind that no one felt. Red clouds blanketed the sky, yet there was still light. Zeal shivered, clutching the hem of her lavender and white dress.

Solana: (as Zeal) Strange weather we’re having.

None of these things compared to what towered above them.

Everyone: (as Japanese) GODZIRRA! GODZIRRA!!

The dreaded Pyramid of Darkness, home to Cruatia, the High Goddess of Evil.

A jewel in the middle of darkness, the golden pyramid was anything but dark to the naked eye. Only one sensitive to the essence of the Universe could see the fathomless darkness surrounding the structure. To stare too long would usher a chance for the black aura to swallow one whole.

Skylark: Kind of like Mel Gibson when he’s drunk.

As one who had believed herself to be a god, Zeal’s mind continually refused to believe true gods existed. Proof, however, loomed over her. Her three companions seemed equally subdued, each one at one time believing themselves akin to ultimate power.

Skylark: Larry, Mo, and Curly?

Solana: Manny, Mo, and Jack?

Zero: The Legislative Branch, the Executive Branch, and the Judicial Branch?

Everyone:>Looks at Zero<

Zero: What?

Sephiroth, black jacket trailing in the sands, seemed at ease. His eyes, though, gave away the fear welling up within.

Delita, consumed by his own inner demons, still tried to convince himself he did not really belong with them. The murder of Cid “The Thunder God” said otherwise.

And then there was Melfice. Once a part of a god himself, the dark knight seemed to be the only one willing to accept what was before them. Zeal could sense the now hornless man was eager for what their mysterious host had promised.

Everyone: Oooohh.

Power to defeat their enemies. Power to match the Atrades man and his companions.

Zeal slowly smiled, her anxiety disipating.

Skylark: Not to mention dissipating.

The former Queen looked up at their guide, the pit fiend lord Arlinax. “Why keep our host waiting?”

“Indeed. We have waited here long enough,” said Melfice cooly.

Arlinax’s canine face showed no emotion. “Very well. The Master awaits.”

Zero (as Torgo): I loOk AftEr the plAcE while the MAster is awAy.

The demon lord pushed open the golden doors before them, leading the way inside.

The halls of the Pyramid were lined with torches, shedding a dim, yellow light across their path. Dark armored knights guarded passage ways leading deeper inside. The power within the halls was enough to nearly bring Zeal to her knees. Not even Lavos’s power running through the Black Omen had been so strong.

At last they arrived at two large golden doors inlaid with hyroglyphics depicting countless people bowing to a single woman surrounded in power.

Skylark: So what do those hieroglyphics say?

Solana: It’s the story of Hillary Clinton.

“Cruatia,” Zeal could not help but whisper.

Arlinax pushed the doors open to escort the foursome within. A pair of female guards clad in white loin cloths and golden breastplates and armed with s haleberds eyed them from just inside the doorway. Hyroglyphs covered the walls of the chamber, telling stories eons upon eons old.

Solana: All right, who’s been writing on the walls again?

Skylark: And in hieroglyphs.

The center of the chamber was dominated by a large pool. Bubbling within its confines was the most foul looking water Zeal had ever seen.

Zero: Woo. Hot tub!

Solana: Down, Zero

“The transmutation pool,” said a deep, raspy voice.

All heads looked past the pool to see their host seated in a golden throne whose back was a pair of open wings beneath a sun. “My mother amuses herself with it quite frequently.”

Zeal swallowed. “You refer to Cruatia.”

Skylark: No, Betty White.

The man chuckled while rising. He gestured to a sarcofigus engraved in the image of a beautiful woman standing next to the throne. “Very good, Zeal. Your knowledge extends farther than I had believed.”

Solana: (as Zeal) Did he just call me dumb?

Skylark: Well you can’t spell sarcophagus.

His all red eyes scanned them as he rounded the pool. “You must forgive her for not greeting you personally. Recent activities have forced her to sleep and regain her strength.”

Zero: Went on a little bender with mommy did you?

Skylark: Why do you think his eyes are so red?

“You have brought us to this hell for what?” asked Sephiroth. “To talk? Where is this power you promised us?”

Skylark: I have 500 batteries out back. They’re yours for $15 a piece.

“Indeed,” added Melfice. “Either come forward with it, or stop wasting our time.”

Zeal shivered at his smile. Her foolish companions had no idea what they were dealing with. Only she was first beginning to realize herself. “Be quiet, you fools. We walk a thin line between life and death, here.”

“You would be wise to listen to her, gentlemen.” The man, hands clasped behind his back, moved directly between them and the pool. His long, black hair swayed in a windless breeze. “Knowing one’s place in the food chain is essential to survival.”

Sephiroth huffed, flipping his chin up. “I was a god, once. I know where I stand on your food chain.”

Solana: At the bottom?

Skylark: (as Sephiroth) Right.

“You were nothing but a mutation that could have been spawned from this pool,” the man replied. “A single sword and the pure life essence of a planet were enough to defeat your schemes.”

Sephiroth was a blur as he drew his katana and charged. It was then that Zeal noticed their host’s left arm. She had assumed its pigmintation was simply an onyx black, but as Sephiroth charged it began to ripple. Half a dozen black tendrils suddenly lashed out to bind Sephiroth in mid strike.

Zero: So he’s a Tentacle monster? Didn’t know it was that kind of fic.

Solana: Zero!

Their host gestured slightly, causing the tendrils to drive Sephiroth into the ground. Zeal watched as her companion’s face began to go through different shades of blue.

Everyone: >whistles the Smurfs theme song<

“Understand your place, Sephiroth, and I promise you the world.” The white haired man nodded vigorously, and the tendrils retracted. “Good. Does anyone else desire to test their limits? If you wish, I could actually use something other than a tool to demonstrate my power.”

Zero: OH MY GOD! IT IS ONE OF THOSE FICS.

Solana: >hits Zero leaving a large bump on his head< Let’s have none of that.

He moved to stand over Delita. “You are unusually quiet, Delita. You are not one to follow so easily. Do you not have anything to say to me?”

Delita met his red eyes unflinchingly. “Power is supreme. I know when it is time to follow, rather than rule.”

The man moved back to stand before all of them. Sephiroth had regained his footing to stand beside Melfice. “Vengeance fuels you all, as it does me in many ways. Twenty years ago, the Legendary Warriors thwarted my attempt to rule this Universe. Having been newly awakened to his Galadinean heritage, Roas Atrades sealed me away in Oblivion, believing me defeated.”

Skylark: You were sealed away in Oblivion. That’s pretty much a defeat any way you slice it.

“I have returned.” He raised his right fist, clenching it tightly. “I shall shatter this Universe and not only bring about the fullfillment of my destiny, but take revenge upon my enemies.”

Solana: But first, a nap.

He opened his fist to point at them. “Those who follow me will

Skylark: get a BRAND NEW CAR!

Solana and Zero: Oooohhhhh! Aaaaahhhhh!

be spared and stand by my side to rule the New Universe I will create. I see a great potential in the four of you. I offer you unlimited power to serve me and obliterate our mutual enemies.”

“All you must do is submit.”

Zero: Submit what?

Skylark: A driver’s license, paycheck stub, and a cash down payment.

One by one, the four dropped to one knee. Zeal was the first to speak. “We pledge our allegience to you, Harbinger of Apocolypse, and accept the gifts you offer.”

“Our enemies will fall before your might,” added Melfice.

“None shall be spared,” said Sephiroth.

Zero: (as Sephiroth) Asshole.

Skylark: (as the Harbinger) What?

Zero: (as Sephiroth) Nothing.

“Your power will stand above all others,” finished Delita.

The Harbinger nodded and a goblet appeared in front of each of them. “Now drink and open yourselves to my blessings.”

There was momentary hestitation by all, but soon each of them drank the saltly liquid to the last drop.

Zero: Eew I told you it was that kind of fic!

Solana: Zero! >hits him on the head again<

Skylark: Maybe it was just Darkspawn blood.

For several tense seconds, Zeal stood motionless. Then the pain struck, racing through her body like lightning. It seared her veins, boiled her blood, and threatened to destroy her very being. It did not take long for her to realize she was screaming from the pain, as were her companions. Beyond the tormented wails, she could hear the Harbinger speaking.

Solana: (as the Harbinger) Ha ha! Gotcha! I can’t believe you all actually drank that.

“Drink of myself and be changed by the power that flows into you.”

Zero: Eew! I was ri-!

Solana: >hits Zero leaving another bump<

Skylark: Zero’s going to be dead by the time we finish this.

Black energy suddenly surrounded each, lifting the four shrieking souls off the ground. Zeal could feel herself changing into something far beyond her comprehension.

“Know now that you are my Four Horsemen, servents of the Harbinger of Apocolypse...”

“Rasha.”

Skylark: Took him long enough to introduce himself.
Zero: My head hurts.

Solana: Be careful what you say and your head won’t hurt as much.

Skylark: Let’s get out of here.

[Anon Mous]

Chapter 1: End to Beginning

Solana: Where did he come up with that title?

A Tournament of Heroes...

That is what it had been called.

Many heroes from worlds across the Universe had either entered or witnessed the event.

Skylark: Oh. Techno was there too.

Solana: Ouch.

Skylark: He kidnapped us.

Solana: Good point.

Heroes they may have been, but nothing was spared in the battles that followed. Combatants fought shedding blood, sweat, and tears in equal portions in order to be recognized as elite among their peers. In the end, a single team had won this right.

It had been his team.

Skylark: The bastard.

Roas Atrades stood in the center of the battlefield that had recently been home to a level of violence that one would not expect

Solana: Until the Black Friday.

from those calling themselves heroes. Of course, those battles had been nothing compared to what had transpired after the champions were crowned.

Zero: Nobody panic, but we have run out of nachos.

Everyone: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

A warm breeze slightly rustled his loose, black pants and sleeveless shirt. His assorted weapons, including the Glaive, sat at his feet with his Glaive Medallion around his neck. Victory of two kinds had been his this day,

Zero: A win for his team and a healthy bowel movement.

Solana: Zero, that’s disgusting.

Zero: At least it wasn’t sexual.

although, to look into his left blue eye and right green one you would not see any form of joy.

The final battle against R’as Tamano had been a brutal one on more than just a physical level. During a final attempt to seize victory, R’as has linked his own life force to Roas. In response, the Galadinean had attacked his opponent’s already disturbed mind.

Skylark: Like his was so much better.

This had forced him to relive almost all the most painful moments in his lifetime.

Faces...

Feelings...

Zero: That romance at summer camp when Roas was 12. His name was . . . Gary.

Skylark: Wow.

Solana: >snickering< Okay, I’ll give you that one.

All of them were a chaotic swirl in his mind.

Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath through his nose. The wind picked up, shifting the layers of his short cut, dark blond hair.

Skylark: Boy, that’s one hell of a breath.

He opened his eyes, looking slightly to his left. “How much longer are you going to stand there?”

“The last are getting ready to leave,” replied Valius Atrades, his older brother and bearer of the Genesis Rune of Soul. “Some of them want to say their good-byes to you.”

Roas chuckled, no mirth discernable in his tone. “What does it matter? Most of their memories will be wiped as soon as they leave. They won’t remember I exist until the next Tournament.”

Zero: Emo alert!

Valius moved to stand beside him. He was just as tall, with similar features. His long, dark blond hair and red gold robes were also moved by the wind. Valius’s blue eyes were filled with concern for his sibling. “Nothing good will come from dwelling on the past like this.

Skylark: He’s Roas Atrades, user of the Time Rune. He can dwell on whoever’s past he pleases.

We have faced much pain, brother, and we can only hope to do our duties by keeping it in the right place.”

Skylark: >smirking< Right, because if your duties are not done in the right place, the whole place gets messy.

Solana: Skylark, not you too.

Roas leveled a flat glare at the mage. “Don’t talk to me like one of your students. How I deal with my pain is my own business.”

Skylark: Unless it partially leads to a huge adventure that involves hundreds if not thousands of others including some of your closest friends, but what are the chances of that?

Valius placed a hand on his left shoulder. “I’m worried about you, Roas. Before your battle with R’as you exuded inner peace and calm. Now, you are surrounded by your own personal demons and making no move to contain them.”

Zero: There goes one now.

Solana: Laharl?

“I said...” Roas cut himself off, lowering his head. “I miss her. I haven’t thought abut her like this in years. Opening up the memories against R’as reminded me how...empty I feel sometimes.”

Valius’s hand tightened. “I see.” His own gaze drifted behind them. “You are not alone, Roas. Your friends and family are all around you. We always have been. There is no guilt in finding solace within that circle.”

Skylark: (as Valius) And if you don’t like the circle, we’ve got a square that will knock your socks off.

Roas’s eyes rose slowly to meet his brother. At first there seemed to be anger behind his gaze, but it soon transformed into weariness. “We were only together once, during the Second Chaos War in the Old World.” He moved away from Valius a few steps. “We were lonely and afraid of the coming battle.”

He looked back. “It was nothing more than release, for both of us.”

Zero: Detail, man. We need details!

Solana: >Smacks Zero over the head<

Zero: Anyone get the license plate?

Valius nodded ever so slightly. “I’d think on those words, brother. Words are only tantamount to sand. Truth lies deeper in the earth.” The mage raised his crystal right arm, extending the index finger. “Emotions can mask themselves in other emotions, for loneliness is a two way road.”

Skylark: (as Valius) Hideous bumbling footsteps creaking along the misty corridors of time. And in those corridors I see figures. Strange figures. Weird figures.

Roas did not turn to watch his brother leave.

_____

“That’s one.”

“Two.”

“And...three.”

Everyone: >singing< Times a lady.

Techno flipped the last switch, powering down the shields he had around the arena to keep out unwanted guests. Grinning to himself, the technomage leaned back in his chair, contentedly gazing at the monitors and switchboards he had constructed to help police the Tournament. “It feels good to be The Man.”

Skylark: What would Techno know about being a “Man?”

Zero and Solana: Oooouch!

“Men are inherently flawed thanks to their genitalia.” The slightly nasal voice nearly sent Techno flying from his chair.

He jumped to his feet, straitening his white shirt. “Geez, Washu! How did you sneak up on me?”

Solana: (as Washu) Like this. >Starts creeping around<

The diminutive, twenty thousand year old red head smiled sweetly at him.

Zero: Redhead? After twenty thousand years I’d be surprised if the curtains still matched the drapes.

Solana: >Clobber’s Zero taking out a whole row of seats<

Skylark: And there goes Zero’s memories of third grade.

“Well, I am the Greatest Scientific Genius in the Universe.” She strolled over and poked him hard in the chest. “And that’s Little Washu.”

Techno rubbed his chest. “Right. Little.” He watched as she began poking around his room.

Solana: (as Washu) Poke.

Skylark: (as Techno) Hey.

Solana: (as Washu) Sorry.

“So...what are you doing down here? I thought you were leaving with all the others?”

Washu had somehow already opened up one of the switchboard panels and was currently fiddling with some wires. “A little primitive, but a good idea.” She leaned back to look at him with her feline green eyes. “I wanted to take a look at your system before I went home.

Zero: (as Techno) Buy me dinner first and we’ll talk.

Solana: You really want to test me again?

Zero: . . . no.

It has a lot of potential that I want to improve on.”

Techno stepped forward, pushing the panel back down. “It’s not primitive, Wa...Little Washu. It only looks that way. The machine half is merely the foundation. All other functions are preformed by magic.”

Washu barked out a laugh. “Magic? Please! What you people seem to call magic is only a manipulation of the elements by ultra-psychic abilities that make it look magical.”

Skylark: Right. Magic

“You have got to be kidding me,” said Techno as he folded his arms. “After everything you have seen here, you actually can stand there and say magic does not exist?”

Washu raised an eyebrow. “Science is fact. Magic is illusion. Prove me wrong.”

Techno smiled. “Light Hawk Wings.”

Zero: (as a banjo) Bada dan dan dan dan dan dan dan.

Washu’s arrogant grin was suddenly replaced by a frown. Techno could almost hear the genius’s mental CPU humming. “Manipulation of matter, not magic.”

Solana: (as a banjo) Bada dan dan dan dan dan dan dan.

Techno raised a finger. “But we have seen items created out of thin air. That denotes creation of matter, which must be magic.”

Zero: (as a banjo) Bada dan dan dan dan dan dan dan.

“Wrong!” Washu thrust her finger in his face. “Matter cannot be created or destroyed. Basic science. Light Hawk Wings merely change matter or convert it from other forms.”

Solana: (as a banjo) Bada dan dan dan dan dan dan dan.

Techno could not help the grin forming on his face. It was going to be fun proving to her magic existed. Not to mention it would be something to brag about to the rest of the Brotherhood. He quickly produced several of his techno-magic inventions from his pockets.

“Okay, Washu. Round Two.”

Zero: (as a banjo) Bum bumbum bumbum bum bum bum.

Solana: (as a banjo) Bumbum bum bum bum bum.

Skylark: Dueling banjos. Nice.

_____

It was the strangest parking lot Skylark had ever seen. Everything from airships to trained monsters were scattered all over the designated area outside the arena.

Skylark: What a time to lose my Valet slip

In front of Skylark’s group was the transformed Ryo-Ohki in all her battleship glory, while behind them sat the Dragonship Destiny. What made the black seraph really swallow hard were the two massive dragons flanking them.

On the right Roas’s three hundred fifty foot plus gold dragon Crom was curled up, presumably sleeping, and on the left was Valius’s goodly black dragon Calidor, who was equally as large.

Solana: Did he just call him fat?

“How much longer are we waiting for her?” Ryoko Hakubi was saying. The space pirate was pulling on Tenchi Masaki’s brown field jacket impatiently. “Look!” She pointed at other ships and creatures disappearing into the sky. “Everyone else is leaving.”

Zero: Right, meaning the roads are going to be jammed. Haven’t you ever been to a sporting event?

Skylark: What roads?

Zero: . . . shut up.

Ryoko was suddenly pushed aside as the Princess Ayeka Jurai moved herself in-between the pirate and Tenchi. “We cannot leave Miss Washu behind. It would not be proper.”

Ryoko shoved her right hand in Ayeka’s face, showing off her Championship Ring. “Proper would not have won me this, Princess.”

Zero: Woo. Cat fight!

Skylark: . . . Aren’t you going to hit him?

Solana: Sadly he’s not wrong.

Ayeka’s hand smacked away Ryoko’s. “Will you stop thrusting your paw in my face! I’ve seen your gaudy piece of jewelry ten times already.”

Zero: See “paw.”

Solana: Don’t push it.

Undaunted, Ryoko waved her hand in Ayeka’s face again. Taunts and teases were now starting to fly between the pair, which lead to everyone else ignoring them. Tenchi just sighed, trying to keep his attention on Skylark. “So, you sure you don’t want to come with us for dinner?” He glanced over at the arguing women. “We’d love the company.”

Skylark and Schala shared hesitant glances. “Uh, sorry Tenchi,” said Schala. “But we’re going to head home.”

Solana: Yeah. That’s the reason.

“That’s right.” All heads turned to see Magus silently stroll over. His cold eyes fell on Schala. “We are going home.”

Skylark: (as Jerry Seinfeld) Hello, Magus.

Zero: (as Neuman) Hello, Skylark.

Skylark groaned, slapping his forehead in the process. “Not this again.”

Schala leaned forward into her brother’s scowling face. “We’ve been over this, Janus. I’m not moving back to that drafty castle of yours. So you can just take that and shove it up your a...”

“Hey, Zero!” interrupted Skylark.

Zero, dirty blond hair disheveled and assorted clothing mussed, walked up with hands in pockets. “Hey, Lark.”

“So where have you been? Haven’t seen you since the second round?”

Zero: Well that’s a bit of a low blow, don’t you think

Magus answered instead. “He reeks of souls.”

Solana: Okay, I’ve been wanting to ask this for a while. What exactly do souls smell like?

Zero: Papaya.

Solana: Oh. I just thought that was your shampoo.

Everyone slowly turned to stare at Zero. “Oh, Zero,” Skylark said slowly with shame.

Eyes wide, Zero raised his hands. “What? I’m a soul stealer! What do you expect? They were just floating around out there. I mean, the bodies were dust. Where were they going to go?”

Skylark: The afterlife springs to mind.

Zero: Hey, do I knock your hobbies?

Heads were shaking with shame until Ryoko broke the silence by wrapping her arms around Tenchi’s neck. “Homeward bound we go!” Tenchi’s outcry was muted as she teleported them up to Ryo-ohki.

“Ryoko!” shouted Ayeka. “Ryo-ohki! Beam me up!”

Skylark: (as Scotty) I’m givin’ ‘er all she’s got, Captain, but if I push her any harder the whole thing will blow.

Ayeka vanished in a flash of red light. Soon the cabbit battleship was soaring up into the sky.

“MEEEEEOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!!!!”

Solana: Oops! I didn’t realize I was on your tail.

Skylark grinned at the disappearing ship. “That really needs to be settled.”

“Hey you guys!”

Zero: What are they bringing back The Electric Company?

Skylark, Schala, Magus, and Zero turned to the Destiny. Luna and Lucia were waving at them from the deck. “Come on, we’re leaving,” Luna called out.

Schala, already moving, stopped and looked back at Skylark. “Aren’t you coming?”

He paused, staring at the arena. “I want to see Roas before we go. He hasn’t seemed right since the battle with R’as.”

Skylark: Since the battle?

He met Schala’s questioning eyes. “I think I should talk to him. I owe him that much.”

Schala waited a moment before finally smiling warmly. “We both owe him that much.” The princess turned back to the Destiny. “We’ll catch another ride home! See you guys later!”

Luna could clearly be seen frowning, but she waved farewell anyway. Soon the Dragonship’s engines came to life. Lucia read an incantation provided by their Galadinean hosts, which opened a portal back to Lunar. When the ship was gone, Skylark was surprised to see three figures standing in its place. “What the...”

Zero and Skylark: We’re the Warner Brothers.

Solana: And the Warner Sister

Hiro, Alex, and Monica Reybrandt casually walked over to them. “I think you missed your ride,” commented Zero.

“Nah,” said Monica, flipping her red ponytail over her shoulder.

“The girls think we’re all below deck,” added Alex.

Skylark: Great. They ditched their girlfriends. That won’t get them in trouble.

Solana: Speaking from experience?

Skylark ...

Hiro was grinning broadly. “Home sounds a little too boring right now. Since we didn’t get to fight in the tournament at all, we’re all feeling a little antsy.” He spread his arms out. “With some of the people still hanging around here adventure is bound to come up sooner or later.”

“Be careful what you wish for,” muttered Magus as he passed them all. “The Black Wind is blowing, and I am not jesting this time.” Saying nothing further, the mage continued towards the nearest arena entrance.

Skylark: Now what did he mean by . . . Aww, he farted.

Everyone: Eeeew!

Magus’s words caused a new, disturbingly anxious feeling in Skylark’s stomach.

Skylark: It wasn’t his words.

“Is he right?” he asked Schala.

Skylark: No. Didn’t you smell that? What did he eat?

Zero: How come you’re not hitting him?

Solana: He’s earned a little leeway.

The princess shrugged. “I...I’m not sure. I don’t feel anything, but then Janus was always much more attuned to the darkness than I.”

Zero, walking between them, followed Magus. “No use standing around here. Hey, elf ears! Wait up.”

The remaining five looked at one another until Skylark finally spoke. “Let’s go see Roas.”

_____

Solana: Hey, look. A stick.

“Are you sure about this?” Kazyr asked nervously.

Zero: (as Ghaleon) Yeah, but it’s my first time, so be gentle.

Solana: ZERO! GET YOUR MIND OUT OF THE GUTTER!

Zero: I can’t help it.

Ghaleon looked down at his fellow mage. “We were invited. I see no reason not to take him up on the offer.”

“He’s right,” agreed Rune. “We are only being polite.”

Kazyr rubbed the sides of his arms. “It’s just, this guy kreeps me out. I think it’s his eyes.”

Skylark: I think it’s that he uses a K instead of a C in the word “creep.”

Rune reached out to pat him on the shoulder. Next she looked back down the hall, still seeing no sign of their other party member. “Well, I see no reason to wait for Sadoul. He’ll show up when he’s ready.”

“Probably up to something we don’t want to know about anyway,” remarked Ghaleon under his breath, but Rune, smiling, managed to pick it up.

Skylark: (as Ghaleon) He’s right behind me isn’t he . . . Hi Sadoul.

Deciding not to wait, she knocked lightly on the door. “Come in,” said a man’s voice from within.

Rune carefully opened the door.

Zero: >girly scream<

Solana: Oops, sorry. Wrong room.

The room beyond was much larger than they had expected. For a viewing box it was quite elaborate. A window covered the entire East wall, giving a full view of the battlefield below. Burgundy colored carpeting covered the floor from wall to wall, and a fifteen foot dining table dominated the center of the room. Two silver inlaid porceline vases were filled with yellow roses, and what Rune believed to be a sylistrium candelabra bearing ten lit candles.

Beyond the table was a set of six fine, black leather chairs positioned in a semi-circle in front of the mirror. Standing between them, gazing down at the battlefield, was the room’s host.

They knew him only as Legus, leader of the Legendary Warriors and bearer of the Genesis Rune of Heaven.

Solana: But by night he was the fearsome masked crime fighter known only as The Silver Streak.

Long, silver hair fell nearly to his waist, over a black and cerulean robe. “Welcome, guests,” he said in an even tone. Legus turned to smile and take the trio in with his completely golden eyes.

Rune bowed her head slightly. “We were honored, if not a little surprised, to receive your invitation for dinner.”

Skylark: (as Legus) Hope you guys like hot dogs, nachos, and burgers. We have over two hundred cases of each to use up before it goes bad.

Legus, still smiling, extended a hand to the table. “Do not be surprised. It is the least I can do for one who has so graciously put up Roas at that Shrine of yours. The man can be quite...irascible.”

Skylark: Preaching to the choir. He’s right behind me, isn’t he?

Rune’s eyebrows raised in surprise as she seated herself at the table. “He’s usually one of our calmer residents when he stays with us. In fact, he usually pays his way by keeping the peace while there.”

Legus seated himself at the head of the table while laughing. “Clearly there must be two Roases running around our Universe, again. I’ve known him since he was a teenager, and the man makes a habit of solving every problem with his swords instead of words.” His laughter became more subdued. “Perhaps age is mellowing him.”

Zero: Or the valium we keep slipping him.

Skylark: Shhhh. We all agreed not to talk about that.

Ghaleon, to Rune’s right, sipped from a goblet of wine. “I must admit, he has been solving problems with sword instead of word, lately.”

Legus nodded, sipping from his own goblet as well. “Then perhaps things are not so different.”

Rune felt a faint breeze of power, and a group of servants entered the room bearing the first course of soup. She thanked the server before continuing the conversation. “I must say that I am slightly awed to meet you, sir. I have witnessed Roas’s power up close for several years now, and I never believed that he followed the orders of another.”

“Please, call me Legus.”

Solana: (as Rune) As opposed to?

Skylark: (as Legus) Andre . . . don’t ask.

He tasted the soup before adding some spice. “And I would not quite say I am Roas’s leader.” Legus placed his spoon on the lip of the bowl before resting his chin on folded hands. “True, at one time he didn’t act without my go ahead, but that was a very long time ago.”

Solana: Two weeks at least.

“But are you not the leader of the Legendary Warriors?” asked Kazyr. Rune could tell the white haired mage was starting to relax.

“Only by circumstance,” replied Legus. “I was simply the one who resurrected the Warriors at the appropriate time. Aside from Ninya, I had the most knowledge of what they were, and at the time I was indeed the most powerful among us.”

Zero: (as Legus) And I’m humble too.

Ghaleon leaned forward. Rune noticed he had not touched his soup. “You are a demi-god, though.”

Legus’s mouth crooked into a half grin. “Indeed, my friend. Hundreds of years of power acquisition has raised me to the level of demi-god, but when one of my own people is the leader of a race of god slayers, where does that put me?”

Zero: New York, New York?

Skylark: (as Legus) No.

Solana: Boston, Massachusetts?

Skylark: (as Legus) No.

Zero: Well, if you’re not in New York or Boston, you must be someplace else. If you are someplace else you can’t be here.

Skylark: (as Legus) Then who is eating this soup?

Ghaleon actually smiled. “Touché.”

Rune slowly ate her soup, very interested in the discussion. The soup’s sweet, fruity flavor rolled down her tongue as her thoughts briefly drifted to Sadoul.

Zero: (as Rune) “I wonder how Sadoul tastes.”

Solana: >hits Zero over the head<

Zero: Ouch! That wasn’t a sex joke. That was a cannibal joke.

Solana: Oh. Sorry.

“I wonder where he is?” she said out loud.

As if he had been waiting for it, Sadoul, cape flapping angrily behind him, burst into the room. Rune was about to admonish him, but the fire mage spoke first.

“Look what I found snooping around.” He tossed a figure held in his right hand down between them.

Skylark: An original Star Wars C3PO still in box!

Rune rose from her chair, shaking her head. “Alis, what are you doing up here?”

Alis, brown locks hanging down in front of her eyes,

Solana: And the keys for those locks hanging out of her pocket.

smiled sheepishly up at her. “I can...explain?”

“This should be good,” huffed Sadoul.

Solana: (as Alis) You see, you put the key in the lock and turn it and then the lock comes off.

Zero: It’s not the only thing that come off.

Solana: ZERO!

“Quiet, Sadoul,” Rune said sharply. She looked back down at the girl. “Well?”

Solana: No. Indoor plumbing actually

Alis slowly got to her feet. Her orange and yellow tunic was smudged with dirt from Sadoul’s rough handling, and her baggy, red pants had a tear at the left knee. “I just wanted to see what was going on!” she said excitedly. Her left hand shot out to point at Legus. “This guy bosses Roas around! That must make him the strongest in the world!”

“No one is stronger than me!” a voice shouted from somewhere.

“Shut up, Hao!” Alis screamed. “Go home!”

Skylark: Is it just me or did that just some out of nowhere.

Zero: I’m not schizophrenic; and neither am I.

Rune, sighing heavily, turned to Legus apologetically. “I am so sorry, Legus. Alis is a new resident at my Shrine. She is young with still much to learn.”

Solana: But she does do one hell of a ventriloquism act.

Legus, however, seemed to be oblivious to them all. His face had gone quite pale. There was no real way to tell, but Rune swore she saw fear in his eyes.

“Something is very wrong,” breathed the demi-god.

_____

Solana: SNAKE! Oh never mind.

Wardon, Legendary Warrior of the Bow of Hope and bearer of the Genesis Rune of Life, stopped in mid stride, slowly wiping a hand over his bald head.

Skylark: So is he old enough to be considered a gray Wardon.

Zero: I dunno, but you’d think the guy with such a connection to life could grow some hair.

Shortly before Roas’s match, he had decided to take a walk outside the arena. The walk had turned into a hike, which out of old habits became a patrol of the entire area around the arena grounds.

Zero: (as Wardon) I t’ink I’m lost.

Solana: How can you tell?

Zero: (as Wardon) Well, I been lost before and t’is is what it looks like.

Thanks to soldiers Roas had brought with him, and that Techno fellow’s perimeter defenses, there was little to worry about. Wardon, however, was an old soldier who had to make sure things were all right with his own eyes.

Zero: Then give himself a medal for doing so.

Skylark: That’s only if he’s an officer.

After a while the area truly looked to be devoid of anything remotely threatening. There were several bursts of power from the direction of the arena, which told him that someone was either dead or damn near death.

Which meant the Rune of Life was going to be needed. “Damn Roas for promising I would resurrect people.”

Skylark: (as Wardon) I’ll kill him, then I’ll res-or maybe not. That will teach him.

He had only walked a few feet before a dark mist rolled over the ground. Wardon had been around long enough to know trouble when it found him.

Zero: Okay, for the record, you don’t have to have been around very long to know that if DARK MIST rolls in something bad is happening.

Slowly, he unclipped his axe from his belt, its crystal phoenix pommel glinting in the earily fading light. He touched the Bow medallion hanging from his neck, which created the Hope Armor on his body.

His eyes darted back and forth frantically as four figures rose up from the mist to surround him. Four sets of glowing eyes bore into him. The Bow of Hope slide from his shoulder into his left hand, but he already knew they were too close to make use of the Weapon.

Skylark: What a smart thing to do. This weapon is of no use, might as well use it.

Things became decidedly worse as each one brandished a weapon, all of which glowed with a power unlike anything Wardon has felt in twenty years. This power was almost like the Bow’s, yet...dark. Wardon raised his axe, preparing for what was coming.

“There is no hope, Wardon,” said a chillingly familiar voice from all around him. “Not even the Rune of Life can save you.”

Wardon swallowed hard, head whipping back and forth searching for the owner of the voice. “This isn’t possible!”

Solana: (as the voice) It’s not? Well damn. Come on guys, let’s go.

Zero and Skylark: Grumble grumble.

The four figures converged on Wardon with their Master’s laughter echoing all around them.

_____

Solana: All right, who cracked the page?

Ninya Beatura, wielder of Galadine and bearer of the Genesis Rune of Chaos,

Zero: Of course she can only wield it during that special time of the m->wham<

Solana: Finish that sentence and die. Remember how many powerful females are here.

Zero: Shit!

watched pensively as Valius tried to talk to Roas. “We could be here a while,” said one of her companions.

Oblik, her replacement as Legendary Warrior of Ultima and now bearer of the Genesis Rune of Strength, stood there with his hands folded behind his head. One would not know to look at the small thief, but this man with raggedy, uncut dark hair, a misshapen goatee, and mismatched brown trousers and bright green tunic with flowery imprints...was in fact half dragon.

Skylark: Almost sounds more like Richard Simmons.

“You know Roas,” added Vathos Ironfist, Legendary Warrior of Man o War and bearer of the Genesis Rune of Death. He was completely clean shaven except for the small, brown topknot at the apex of his skull. “Every few years he gets in a mood.”

Zero: Ninya knows what that’s . . . you know what? I’m going to shut up.

Solana: He can learn.

Ninya glared at the two men. “You two are not helping.”

Vathos grinned boyishly. “You seem awfully concerned, Ninya?”

Skylark: (as Vathos) Ninya’s got a boyfriend, Ninya’s got a boyfriend.

She quickly grabbed the large man by the front of his black vest, pulling him down several inches to her eye level. “Don’t make me hurt you.” She released him with a shove. “Go find your brother and headbutt each other til one of you manages a thought.”

“Hey.” Oblik was pointing out on the field. “Here comes Valius.”

Ninya quickly turned around. The elder Atrades’ face did not herald good news. “So?”

Valius shook his head. “The battle with R’as has brought back a lot of painful memories. He is refusing to talk about it beyond that.”

A shallow pit began forming in Ninya’s stomach. Her relationship with Roas was, if anything, strange. She had watched him grow up from a hotshot swordsman to stand tall as one of this Universe’s greatest heroes. And just as he had changed, so had her feelings for him over those many years. Disdain for his reckless behavior had become trust for a companion. Wariness of his emotional responses to situations had transformed into reliance on his friendship.

And after both had suffered deep, painful tragedies her eons of loneliness had been filled by...

Zero: Heh heh.

Solana: Zero!

Zero: I didn’t say anything.

Solana: You thought it.

Love.

Ninya had tried to deny it for years, but at some point she had fallen in love with Roas. Unfortunately, she knew well how much Roas dwelled on the past, which continually kept him from reopening his heart to anyone.

“Stubborn ass.” Ninya pushed past Valius towards Roas.

Zero: Agreed.

Skylark: Here here!

Solana: You know he’ll be waiting when we’re done.

If the Galadinean saw her coming, he made no move to acknowledge the approach. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

Zero: From what I can tell he’s just standing there.

“Go away, Ninya.”

She moved into his line of sight. “What? So you can stand here and sulk? You just won an important battle. If you had not stopped R’as, who knows what might have happened?”

Skylark: R’as would have won.

Zero: That is usually how these things work.

His different colored eyes looked into her brown ones. What were usually bonfires of life and emotion were blank. “Someone else, probably you, would have finished the job.” His gaze drifted away. “I’m tired, Ninya. All the fighting I do brings nothing but pain and suffering.”

Solana: Not to mention profits to the Shrine whenever we run a tournament.

A brief sheen crossed his eyes. “People lose too much.”

Zero: Mainly those who placed bets on R’as.

Ninya could not believe what she was hearing. Before she knew it her hands had cupped his face, turning it to hers. “It’s all in the past,” she said in the warmest voice she could manage. “The wars, the tortures,” she paused, “...Alias.”

Roas shook his head free, stepping to the left. “Don’t.”

“Don’t what?” Ninya kept moving to stay in front of him. “She’s been dead for twenty years, Roas. I was there, it was not your fault.”

Roas raised his head sharply, a fresh rage now burning in his eyes. “I could have stopped it. I had the power.”

Solana: Ladies and Gentlemen the part of He-Man tonight will be played by Roas Atrades.

Skylark: (as Roas) By castle Greyskull!

Ninya opened her mouth to respond, but her words never had a chance to be spoken.

The far side of the arena suddenly exploded, sending a wave of dust and debris in all directions.

Skylark: And all from her opening her mouth?

Solana: Don’t mess with an angry woman.

Both warriors stood their ground, unmoved by the dust storm or the shockwave of the explosion. They only moved when a misshapen object came flying from beyond the dust wall to land at their feet.

Roas was the first to stand over it, grimacing. “It looks like the remains of a body.”

Ninya peered down, realizing instantly what, no...who it was. “That’s not a body,” she said in a hoarse whisper.

“It’s Wardon.”

Skylark: (as Wardon) I’m not dead.

Zero: He says he’s not dead.

Solana: Who you gonna believe. A Galadinean or him?

Zero: Good point.

Skylark: (as Wardon) I don’t want to go on the cart.

[Anon Mous]

Chapter 2: The Horsemen Cometh


Skylark, wings tight against his back, led the way pushing himself to run as fast as possible down the tunnel. Whatever that explosion had been, its power was immense unlike anything the black seraph had ever felt. He was finally met by Valius, Vathos, and Oblik at the entrance to the arena's battlefield.

"Valius! What's happening?"

Zero: Xbox One’s everywhere are blowing up

The Galadinean mage was looking out to where Roas and Ninya could be seen standing over something. “Bad things.” Valius motioned forward. “Follow.”

Skylark: Vathos. A man of few words.

“Lark!”

Skylark: Vathos!

Zero: Roas!

Solana: Techno!

Zero: Chief!

Skylark: McCloud!

Skylark glanced back as Schala and the others reached him. “Alex, Hiro, and Zero should come with me.”

Monica looked once out at the battlefield then back at him. “What about us? I've been on the sidelines too much lately.”

Solana: Sorry, you’re not important enough.

Skylark: Ouch.

Skylark shook his head. “There's more going on here than we know. I don't want everyone out there incase something bad goes down. I'd feel better with you guys as back up.”

Schala had folded her arms under her breasts, nodding. “Right. Have the girls wait while the boys beat things up.”

Skylark: If you get it, why did you ask?

Solana: Say that again. I dare you.

Her sarcasm quickly dissipated. “Be careful.”

“Aren't I always?” His boyish grin would have made any other woman slap him.

Solana: >SLAP!<

Skylark: Hey.

The three men quickly ran to catch up with the others. They neared the group as Ninya moved to bar Vathos's path. “Vathos...” she was saying.

Skylark: Ninya...

Zero: Valius...

Solana: Magus...

Zero: Chief...

Skylark: McCloud...

The large warrior, confused by Ninya's actions, looked between her and what Skylark could tell had once been a body. Then recognition flooded Vathos's features. “Oh gods! Wardon!”

He lunged for the remains, but Roas quickly grabbed him in a rough hold. “Don't, Vathos.”

It looked strange to see tears rolling down the large warrior's square features. “Let me go! The Rune of Life can save him!”

Solana: Or maybe if we all just start clapping. Come on everyone, start clapping to bring Wardon back to life.

Valius was kneeling down beside what had once been Wardon. “It's gone. So is the Bow of Hope. Whatever killed Wardon must have them.”

“Astute as ever, Valius.”

The voice, deep and raspy, was heard by all as if the speaker stood before them. It took Skylark a moment to realize the vocal projection for what it was.

Zero: (as Skylark) Duuuuh. What was that?

The wall of dust on the other side of the arena dissipated to reveal a group of figures walking towards them.

Everyone: >Coughing<

There were five, one in the center flanked by the others at four corners. The closer they came, the more rigid Skylark's feathers became.

Zero: So if they started backing up would his features become less rigid?

The power he was feeling was foreign, but he could not ignore its strength. The invaders stopped a little over a dozen yards from them.

Roas, who had released Vathos, took several shaking steps forward. “Rasha,” he gasped. “Impossible.”

Zero: (as Inigo Montoya) I do not think that means what you think it means.

The large man's red eyes glowed briefly. “You of all people should know nothing is impossible.” Rasha folded his large arms over his broad chest. “I expected a better reception from you, Atrades.”

Skylark: (as Rasha) You know face planting, a spit take, something. Come on, Roas. You’re slipping.

Roas was completely stunned. Skylark could see his mouth trying to form words, but nothing was coming forth. “I...sent you to Oblivion,” he said at last. “This can't be real.”

Rasha tipped his head back, laughing. “It is all too real. Ask Wardon.”

Zero: Hey Wardon! Is... Ooh, right.

Vathos moved to attack, but Ninya managed to restrain him.

It took a few seconds, but Skylark made eye contact with Alex and Hiro. Both nodded slightly, hands drifting to swords. The black seraph’s right hand was drifting to the Malken Valborg when one of Rasha's attendants spoke.

“Not very wise, Skylark,” said the man at the front right corner.

Then it hit him.

Solana: >SLAP<

Skylark: Stop that!

“Melfice!?” His eyes darted back and forth to the other three. “Sephiroth! Delita!”

“...Zeal!”

Zero: Chief!

Skylark: McCloud!

It was indeed them, but they looked nothing like themselves!

Solana: Then how can you tell it was them? If they looked nothing like themselves.

Melfice was at least half a size larger, his once smooth, handsome features squared and sharply angled. His eyes were completely blue with same colored streaks in his black hair. His torso was encased in blue tinted armor inlaid with thorn designs leaving his muscular arms bared and hands encased in spiked gauntlets. His thighs and shins were protected by same colored leg plates bearing the thorn design as well.

Skylark: And there was this humongous zit on his chin.

Grasped in his hands was a large axe with a three by two foot crescent blade that ran half the length of the black, metallic shaft. What looked liked flame engravings could be seen on the axe blade.

Skylark: Making up for something, Melfice?

Zero: Speaking of overcompensating...

Sephiroth, in a long black coat covering what looked to be a red tinted mesh armor, looked almost like himself. His changes consisted of red streaks in his white hair to match his eyes and the visible veins all over his face and neck. Held parallel to his body was a seven foot spear with a black shaft and red silver jagged spear blades at both ends.

Delita's face was the same except for his all green eyes and same streaked, combed back hair. Green tinted armor covered his whole body with what looked like steam etchings all over it and a black cape billowing from his neck. In his hands was a double edged, black bladed sword edged in green.

Skylark: So, what, they each have a color? Are they going to combine to summon Captain Planet.

Everyone: >Starts singing the Captain Planet theme song<

Finally there was Zeal. Once a normally proportioned woman of great beauty, now she stood over six feet, her limbs long, thin, and tight with muscles. Her face still held a strange, if not waif-like, attraction which was helped by her all purple eyes and hair. A black robe trimmed in purple was draped over her shoulders, revealing a black and purple scale covered dress beneath.

Solana: Her right thumb was three inches too long.

Skylark: She had two eyes, but four eyebrows.

Zero: And she had an ass that just wouldn’t quit.

Sonlana and Skylark: !

Cradled in her arms was a deadly looking scythe. Its curved blade was four feet and attached to an aged pole longer than its wielder.

“Mother!?”

Skylark turned to see Schala, the Mastermune in her hands, and Monica, her Atlamalia Sword drawn, running on to the battlefield. The princesses skidded to a stop behind him. “What have you done to yourself?”

Solana: (as Zeal) I stopped by Hollywood for some plastic surgery. A little nip, a little tuck. You like?

Zeal laughed lightly. “Evolved to something beyond your comprehension, child.” She twirled her scythe expertly, stopping it grasped in both hands. “I am a herald of a new age. An age that shall wipe this accursed existence clean.”

Skylark: Harold? I thought her name was Zeal.

There was a low growl from someplace, and it took Skylark a few moments to realize that it was no beast but Roas. In a blur of motion the Galadinean kicked up the weapons at his feet. As the weapons glided up then down, he tapped the medallion around his neck, forming the silverish Glaive Armor over his body. The Glaive latched itself to his waist,

Zero: (as Roas) Ouch! Damn spikes.

while Roas drew his katanas, Jade and Pearl, out of the air.

In response to his movements, others sprung into action. Ninya easily drew the massive Galadine from her back, leveling God Slayer to a ready position.

Solana: Congratulations! God Slayer gained a level! >hums level up music<

Vathos tapped the whip medallion around his neck, and the Man o War Armor appeared. With the Man o War engraved on the breastplate, it was copperish in color. Vathos nodded his head forward, lowering the faceplate of his single, back jutting, horned helmet. The slick, metallic looking Man o War appeared in his left hand, and a hammer of pure sylistrium with a crystal phoenix pommel was in his right.

Oblik literally transformed. Doubling in size, the once small thief was now a hulking dragonman covered in bluish white scales. The Ultima Armor covered his upper body, leaving his powerful legs and tail free for movement. Being twirled over his head was the spear Ultima, its quad blade shining with power.

No one needed to tell Alex or Hiro to draw their swords. Skylark was so entranced at seeing the Legendary Warriors ready themselves for battle, he almost forgot he, too, was involved. Black coat fanned out, he drew the Malken Valborg and Masamune and spread his black feathered wings.

Zero...just stood there with his hands in his pockets. When Skylark motioned for him to do something the soul stealer, almost with disinterest, drew his favored rusty dagger.

Zero: Then Zero promptly took them all out with nothing more than his rusty dagger. The end.

Feet all around were grinding themselves in the dirt, waiting for the signal to send their owners into battle.

Solana: No actual people, mind you. Just feet.

Rasha, long black hair rustling from the active powers around him retained his confident manner. Skylark watched this strange man carefully, noticing he made no move to draw the sword strapped to his back.

“So glad to see your response is still the same, Atrades,” he taunted Roas.

“Gal shar!” Roas shouted.

Skylark: Bless you.

Skylark's spirits rose as at least a hundred armored Galadinean warriors poured on to the battlefield. Weapons drawn, they were all surrounded in gold or silver wisps of power.

Skylark: And fan girls

Zero and Solana: >squeals<

Skylark: >to Zero< You did that a little too well.

A savage grin spread across Roas's face. “I don't know how you have returned,

Solana: Especially without a receipt. Not to mention you’re way past the 30 days.

and I really don't give a damn. It only took seven of us to stop you last time. I think a hundred should be sufficient.”

Rasha's red eyes never left the Galadinean. “Never let it be said that you were unprepared, Atrades.” He raised his right hand. Skylark could not help but notice the rose colored, tear shaped rune on the underside of his arm.

“I, however, expected nothing less from you.” Rasha snapped his fingers, and black flames erupted across the field behind him.

There were only four of them, but they were possibly the most horrid creatures Skylark had ever seen.

Skylark: Preteen girls on twitter!

Everyone: >Screams<

Each one was at least forty feet from horned head to swishing tail. Their dull, black flesh was probably tougher than appearance belied. Ridged spines trailed down their backs, and long arms ending in five digit claws flexed eagerly. The monsters opened their elongated maws, roaring horribly.

Everyone except Roas, Ninya, and Vathos instinctively backed up a few steps.

Even Zero was taking this seriously now. “What the hell are those things?”

“Tarasque,” answered Valius. “Bread to kill and nearly invincible. Don't let their size fool you. Their claws will tear you to pieces before you even know you are dead.”

“Oh,” Zero said over an audible swallow. “Great.”

Zero: Anyone else thinking about the Sir Robin theme song right now?

Silence descended upon the battlefield. Still pockmarked and scared from the match between Roas and R'as, those sensitive to the elements could feel it whimper at the coming war.

No one moved.

No one dared to take anything louder than a shallow breath.

The tarasque pounded their clawed feet impatiently, sensing the fear of their targeted prey.

Then it happened...

Skylark: Anvils fell out of the sky crushing the trasques.

Solana: Been watching Warner Brothers cartoons again?

Skylark: . . . Maybe.

_____

Zero: Looks like someone forgot to remove this staple

One of the tarasque charged at the Galadineans, who in turn swarmed the beast. After that, all hell broke loose.

For Roas there was very little thought on who he wanted.

Zero: Skylark! Oh wait, I mean . . .

"Rasha!" he shouted, charging head long into his newest warriors.

Solana: Roas!

Zero: Skylark!

Skylark: Sephiroth!

Zero: Chief!

Solana: McCloud! Get it? Sephiroth. McCloud.

Zero and Skylark: >Groans<

Melfice and Delita greeted him weapons first. Roas, however, was not to be stopped. Both men attacked simultaneously with axe and sword. Roas parried both attacks briefly before traveling the wind only two feet behind them.

Zero: At least he didn’t break the wind.

Solana: Really? Fart jokes?

Zero: What?

Short back slices of Jade and Pearl released power arcs that sent both men face first into the dirt. Zeal and Sephiroth were nowhere in sight, having been sucked into the battle.

Rasha stood before him, smirking. "And here we are. Together again after all these years."

Roas was already circling the Harbinger, looking for an opening. "I'll make sure to kill you this time, believe that."

Zero: (as American Naruto) Believe it.

Skylark: Never . . . do that . . . again.

Zero: I make no promises.

Rasha unsheathed his black sword, Kasra, from his back. "You do not see the truth yet, Atrades." He pointed the massive broad sword at Roas. "Allow me to enlighten you!"

_____

A crescent of black, destructive energy exploded from Rasha's sword.

The backlash of power from the attack sent everyone, even Rasha's own warriors, hurtling dozens of feet across the ground.

Zero and Solana: Team Rocket’s blasting off agaaaiiiiin!

Only Roas, who Time Shifted behind the wave, was able to stand his ground.

Rising to a kneeling position, Skylark watched his friend charge. His swords, Jade glowing green and Pearl white, clashed with Rasha's black blade sending sparks in all directions. No matter how fast Roas's attacks came, Rasha managed to wield his own sword with blinding speed to parry.

Skylark forced himself to look away from the duel as his own defensive instincts came to life. Vaulting himself into the air saved him a quick death at the end of Sephiroth's spear. Sephiroth turned his grimacing, red veined face up at the black seraph. Skylark blinked, and Sephiroth was several feet above him executing a combination attack with both ends of his spear.

Skylark: Apparently it can break in half like those custom pool cues.

With Malken Valborg and Masamune already drawn he easily parried, but the strength behind Sephiroth's blows sent Skylark plummeting. Wings swept forward to send Skylark skidding backwards breaths before Sephiroth's spear pierced the ground.

Skylark thrust both his swords forward, releasing electricity from Masamune and fire from Malken Valborg. It seemed both attacks had taken Sephiroth by surprise, but the illusion quickly faded.

Solana: Sephiroth wasn’t really there. Skylark wasn’t really there. It had all been just a bad dream.

A sideways slash from the spear sent what looked like a wall of blood to meet fire and lightning, both of which were absorbed. The wall turned to mist, through which Sephiroth charged.

Skylark: So blood’s not only thicker than water, it’s stronger than lightning and fire?

Zero: Right.

Skylark: Got it.

The following exchange was frantic. Every time Skylark tried to counter or find an opening, the red warrior was attacking again or countering first. The duel became increasingly furious to the point where Skylark missed timed an X parry, allowing one of the spear's jagged blades to stab at his head.

Zero: (as Inigo Montoya) You are using Bonetti's defense against me, uh?

Skylark: (as Man In Black) I thought it fitting, considering the rocky terrain.

Zero: (as Inigo Montoya) Naturally, you must expect me to attack with Capo Ferro.

Skylark: (as Man In Black) Naturally, but I find that Thibault cancels out Capo Ferro, don't you?

Zero: (as Inigo Montoya) Unless the enemy has studied his Agrippa. Which I have!

Reflexes alone saved the black seraph from death. Sephiroth still scored a hit as he retracted his spear, leaving a gash along the left side of the black seraph's face. Skylark uncrossed his swords to create space. Sephiroth obliged by backing away himself. His thin smile made Skylark feel queasy.

No. He really was feeling queasy.

Solana: Sephiroth’s face was just too ugly.

Everything in Skylark's vision began to blur as that queasy feeling quickly lead to his becoming light headed. Sephiroth was still there, but he was a red and black mass moving slowly towards him.

"What...have you done to...me," demanded Skylark as he fell on to his back.

Skylark: Damn Jaeger bombs

"Sanguire, the Blood Spear, has tasted of you, little bird," replied Sephiroth. "As we speak it is feeding on your life-force."

There was movement, but Skylark could no longer discern between light and dark blotches. "I would love to watch you perish slowly, but sadly I don't have the time.

Zero: (as Sephiroth) I have a date.

Good riddence, Lark!"

Death did not come, though.

Instead there was a pair of battle cries followed by close sounds of weapons clashing.

"Try that with us!" That was Hiro's voice. Metal clashed with metal.

Zero: (as Sephiroth) Okay. Good riddance, Hiro. Good riddance, Alex. Now what

"Two swords are better than one, I always say." That was Alex.

Sephiroth laughed.

Everyone: HA HA HA!

"Very well. You two pests will suffer the same fate!"

Whatever the outcome was lost to Skylark, as his head finally decided to stop spinning and simply go unconscious.

_____

Schala saw Lark go down, but her path to him was blocked by none other than her mother. Mastermune raised, she stood her ground. "Move aside, mother. I will not hesitate to attack."

Zeal seemed to glide from side to side. "Ungrateful, child. I have repeatedly offered you the world and you spurn me each time. I stand before you as the pinnacle of human evolution and you still defy me." She pointed a purple claw tipped, boney finger at her. "No longer shall I suffer your insolence, daughter."

Zero: (as Bill Cosby) I brought you into this world, I can take you out.

Solana: I know children rebel against their parents, but this is ridiculous.

Schala had been ready, but the speed of Zeal's attack still surprised her. It was only the interference of a third party that saved her life. A second scythe appeared to parry the deadly blade of her mother's.

"Janus!"

Skylark: Schala!

Solana: Zeal!

Zero: Skylark!

Solana: Chief!

Skylark: McCloud!

Janus favored her with one of his half grins before turning a full scowl to their mother. "Leave her be, witch. Deal with me."

Solana: “Witch” probably wasn’t what he wanted to say.

Zeal's smile accentuated the hollowness of her cheeks. "One traitorous child for another, then."

Skylark: Yeah. She’s lucky she didn’t have any more kids.

"No!" Schala could feel her knees ready to give out, but she moved to flank Zeal anyways. "You deal with both of us."

Thanks to their mental bond, Schala and Janus attacked as one.

Zeal, however, was still more than a match for them. She parried both ends of the Mastermune using the butt of her scythe with enough force to knock Schala off balance, while at the same time its curved blade defended against Janus's Doom Sickle.

Scythe blade hooked with scythe blade.

Skylark: Did they just get their Schwarts twisted?

Zeal pulled Janus's blade to the ground, locking it there. Janus's mouth was moving with the words of a spell, but Zeal merely raised her hand to his face.

Solana: Talk to the hand.

Zero: Now there’s an old line.

Solana: It’s an old story.

Schala cried out uncontrollably when a blast of purple gas spewed from her mother's palm. Janus dropped his scythe to grab his throat. His eyes were bulging out of their sockets, and his face was completely pale. Janus lurched forward before dropping to his knees then his left side while gasping for air.

"Janus!" cried Schala.

Zero: (as Janus) Stay back . . . it’s . . . Con . . . funk.

The princess tried to reach her brother, but the blade of her mother's scythe appeared under her chin. "Watch his life drain away knowing that yours will follow."

Zero: You know I think a spanking would have sufficed. Yeeeaaaah.

Solana: Zero!

Skylark: Careful.

Schala knew there was still a chance with Monica nearby, but her hopes were dashed as her fellow princess tumbled, face first across the earth, in front of them. Schala dared not call out with the scythe blade pressed against her neck. Delita, his eyes and sword glowing green, stepped up to Zeal's right.

"Nicely done, Delita," said Zeal. "One less pest."

"My pleasure." He pointed his blade to the groaning Monica. "I owed Miss Reybrandt a lesson in courtesy."

Then, to everyone's surprise, a white glow enveloped Janus to relieve him of Zeal's poison.

Zero: I’m getting better.

Skylark: You’re not fooling anyone.

Zero: I think I’ll go for a walk.

As Janus struggled to his feet, Jessica De'Alkirk came up behind him with her hands folded and eyes closed. The priestess finished her prayer.

"A lone priestess of a pathetic god?" hissed Zeal. "Is this all you send against us?"

Schala was not sure, but she swore a dragon's claw swatted Delita aside. Taking advantage of Zeal being stunned, Schala took a chance by throwing her head back into her mother's stomach. The wind suddenly knocked from Zeal's lungs gave Schala enough room to duck away from the scythe's blade. One sweep kick and a forward roll later, and the princess was dragging Monica near Janus and Jessica.

"What was that?" she asked.

Jessica smirked confidently. "I found him still downstairs packing up his tournament souvenirs."

Skylark: So while the rest were fighting, he was buying souvenirs. Priorities, man!

It was then Schala noticed Ryu of the Brood standing beside Jessica. Blond locks were just fading back to blue as he drew his sword. "I think I can tip the scales back to even."

Solana: (as Ryu) Speaking of scales, you should see this scale I picked up from the souvenir stand. It’s silver with little inlaid-

Skylark: Okay, that’s enough.

Zeal floated back to her feet, scythe in hand.

Solana: Because, you know, just standing up is too much trouble.

Delita, seemingly unphased by that last attack, stood by her. "A dragon who thinks he is a man," Zeal said haughtily. "I am still not impressed."

Zero: (as Ryu) No! I’m a man who thinks he’s a dragon.

Solana: (as Zeal) Oh! That’s actually a bit more impressive.

The Doom Sickle glided through the air into Janus's right hand. "No one cares for your impressions, mother," he said hoarsely.

Skylark: (as Zeal) Even my Rosie O’Donnell? I thought I was pretty good at that one.

Zeal's face contorted in rage. "Insolence!" She swung her scythe, releasing a wave of black flamed skulls.

"Magus," said Jessica as she raised her hands for a defensive barrier. "Next time...just say thank you and shut the hell up."

Zero: (as Winston) Magus, when someone asks you if you’re a god you say “yes.”

_____

"Wow!" said Alis with a gasp. "Is all that for real?"

Solana: No. It’s fanfiction

Skylark: ixnay on the eakingbray of the ourthfay allway.

Legus frowned. "All too real and bound to get worse." He turned to Rune. "I hate to ask."

Rune nodded. "You don't have to." She looked back at the three mages. "Time to go to work."

Enthusiasm was literally a glow around Sadoul. "Finally. We get to do something instead of play babysitters to a bunch of halfwits."

Everyone: Hey!

Ghaleon's face and demeanor was calm, as always. "What should we do? Attack those beasts or this Rasha?"

Legus was shaking his head. "Unless you three can grant wishes or summon divine wrath, it is best to leave the tarasque to the Galadineans. Hopefully they can send the creatures away with teleportation runes."

"Then that leaves Rasha," Kazyr said.

Solana: Right. Because the guy who summoned and controls the beasts must be easier.

Rune could see Legus ready to shoot that idea down as well when someone came crashing through the window.

Skylark: Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition. Our chief elements are surprise and . . . Oh shoot. I’ll come in again.

Everyone instinctively raised their arms to fend off the storm of glass, ignoring the body that flew past the group into the dining table. Once recovered from the shock Kazyr and Rune immediately went to help whomever it was. They were both surprised to discover a barely conscious Valius groaning in pain.

Once on his feet, he rubbed his eyes with his left hand. Legus walked over to lay hands on his former student's shoulders. "What happened?"

Zero: (as Valius) >whining< Legus. Rasha’s generals hit me.

Valius straightened despite the obvious pain. "Generals of Rasha."

"We already know," said Sadoul from the broken window. "Legus tuned us in for the conversations."

"Not the Horsemen," said Valius. "I sensed two more beings as the battle began. They were trying to mask their presences, but I found them." He winced after a deep breath. "Almost wish I hadn't."

"Who are they?" asked Kazyr.

Zero: Donnie and Marie.

Skylark and Solana: >Gasp<

Valius paused to flex his crystal arm. "One is our old friend Arlinax."

Rune heard Legus curse under his breath. "A pit fiend," the demi-god revealed. "This means Rasha already has a significant army of demons from the Nine Hells at his disposal.

Solana: Actually only the Eight Hells. You need a special pass to get into the Ninth Hell.

What about the other?"

Valius shook his head. "Can't be sure. He looks to be humanoid, but wears a hooded robe that is shrouding his true nature. All I can truly say is that he's powerful."

Skylark: Obi-wan Kenobi?

"So where are these two?" Sadoul was almost dancing in place he was so anxious to join the battle.

Zero: Or he needed to use the little boy’s room.

"Uh? I don't think we'll have to look far," said Alis. Everyone followed her pointing finger to the two figures hovering a few dozen feet outside the window.

Valius slowly walked over to where Sadoul was standing. "I can't win alone as long as there are two of them. Our hooded friend deflects and counters all my spells while Arlinax tries to skewer me."

Rune raised an eyebrow. "Even with the Rune of Soul?"

Brief embarrassment crossed Valius's face. "The Rune of Soul is complicated. It was not my choice to bear it, but circumstances forced me to accept it."

Skylark: You forgot you had it didn’t you.

Zero: (as Valuius) . . . maybe.

There was definitely more to that story, but Rune knew this was not the time to pressure the subject.

Solana: Right. She could post about it later on the Message Board.

Legus raised his right hand. The floor beneath him suddenly exploded as the Shazi flew to its master's grasp. Similar to Roas's Glaive, the Shazi's three curved blades were just as deadly.

"Can you deal with these?" the demi-god asked.

Valius nodded. There was a flash, and a two foot wand appeared in his left hand. "With a little help." He glanced at Ghaleon.

Ghaleon flipped his cape aside to draw his sword. "A pit fiend." His lips peeled back into a confident, smooth smile. "Sounds challenging."

Zero: And delicious.

Skylark: Delicious?

Zero: Sure. Pit fiend, medium-rare with a little Bar-b-que sauce.

Sadoul groaned audibly. "Talk talk talk. That's all we do lately." He muttered a few words, summoning a swirl of flames in his right hand that transformed into a sword. "Can we fight already?"

Legus took them all in. "Good. Handle this. I have to join the fight against Rasha." There was a swirl of light, and he was gone.

Rune watched as the three mages gathered around Valius. Kazyr turned back to smile at her with an almost childlike innocence. "Don't worry." The four of them levitated outside to face their foes.

Solana: Then fell like rocks when the spell wore off.

Zero and Skylark: AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!

"Well, what should we do?" asked Alis.

Solana: (as Rune) How about pizza.

Zero: (as Alis) I meant about the battle.

Solana: (as Rune) Oh.

Rune's smile was wistful at best. She moved closer to the window, allowing her to view the entire battle going on below. "We leave this to the professionals."

[Anon Mous]

Chapter 3: Oblivion's Wake

Skylark: I didn’t even know Oblivion died.


It was not a situation Ghaleon would have thought himself a part of. Coming to this tournament was supposed to have been a vacation of sorts. Instead he had been forced into at least three different dangerous situations. Staring down this Arlinax seemed to be the perfect cherry on his proverbial cake.

Solana: Isn’t it more common to have a proverbial sundae that has a cherry?

The former Magic Emperor would just as soon never raise his sword or cast another spell again.

Sadoul, on the other hand, was ready to jump head first into this war.

Skylark: Or start one.

Ghaleon could sense a spell already half completed and gathering in the fire mage's left hand.

As usual, Kazyr was waiting to see how things played out before choosing his strategy.

Skylark: Wuss.

Of course there was the new addition of Valius to their battle mix. Ghaleon knew what to expect from his long time companions, but the Galadinean mage was a mystery. He'd known Roas from his visits to the Shrine, but it was only recently that he was aware of the Legendary Warrior's brother. A brother who was a mage of all things.

Skylark: Yeah. Who would have thought Atrades would have someone smart in the family.

Zero: Daaaaaamn!

I've got dibs on big, ugly, and purple, Sadoul told Ghaleon and Kazyr over their link.

That works fine, said Valius. All three mages looked at him wide eyed. I have multiple specialties. You three should know it isn't too difficult to tap into mental links.

Well now that you are here, got a plan in mind? Sadoul asked sarcastically.

Kazyr, you will work with me against our mystery friend here. Sadoul and Ghaleon, keep Arlinax busy. He'll come at you with weapons and magic.

Solana: I just want to know whose bright idea it was to send the mages against the guy the powerful mage said was deflecting his spells.

Sounds fine to me, replied Ghaleon. When Arlinax moves against you, we shall intervene.

Valius nodded without turning his head. Power gathered at both ends of his wand. One end released a stream of solar flames while the other fired a stream of liquid ice.

Zero: So . . . water?

Solana: No, liquid ice.

Zero: So . . . cold water.

Solana: Right.

Their hooded foe raised a right arm hidden by the robe's sleeve to deflect both spells.

Arlinax attacked on cue wielding a massive, double bladed battle axe. As promised Ghaleon and Sadoul dual parried the axe blade aimed for Valius's head. With their backs protected, Valius and Kazyr succeeded in pushing their hooded foe far enough away to create two different battles.

Sadoul and Ghaleon disengaged with the mammoth demon. A ball of orange yellow fire appeared in Sadoul's left hand. "Catch!"

He released the flame, which exploded on Arlinax's chest. The pit fiend flipped end over end for several feet before righting himself with his wings. "I was spawned in the Nine Hells, fool. Fire is my life's blood!"

Skylark: Boy, he must get terrible heart burn.

Zero: I bet it burns when he pees too.

Solana: Zero! You want me to start hitting you again?

Ghaleon raised his own left hand at the demon. "Then this should hurt." A pillar of ice in the shape of a sword shot from his hand to stab Arlinax where Sadoul's fireball had struck.

The demon roared in pain as his fiery blood melted the ice sword. A circle of fireballs, each twice the size of Sadoul's, sprang to life over his horned head. Spinning, the balls shot out at the mages, who more than easily dodged. Literally hot on the heels of that attack was Arlinax and his axe.

Ghaleon met him first parrying each mighty slash. As he pushed aside the last one, Sadoul dashed in slicing at the fiend's midsection. Arlinax's tail, however, snapped up to slap the fire mage across the face. Taken by surprise, Sadoul was sent into a tail spin towards the war raging below them.

Skylark: So Sadoul’s pretty much worthless now, right?

Solana: Well, he could . . . or maybe . . . Yeah, pretty much.

"Sadoul!" shouted Ghaleon.

Zero: Ghaleon!

Skylark: Arlinax

Solana: Hooded guy!

Zero: Chief!

Skylark: McCloud!

Sparing a brief glance to track Arlinax, Ghaleon flew after Sadoul. Fortunately he caught up to the other mage, grabbing his right arm to hold him up. "Are you all right?"

Sadoul was shaking the cobwebs away. "Lucky shot. Toss me."

Ghaleon could feel him gathering his strength. Knowing better than to argue with the firemage at this point, he heaved him upwards

Zero: (as Sadol) No, the other way! The other way! At the enemy!

at Arlinax. Sadoul used all the momentum of the throw to take him face to face with the demon. Surprised, Arlinax could do nothing when Sadoul stopped himself right in his face.

Sadoul smiled evilly then looked down. Arlinax looked down as well to see the firemage's left hand pressed against his abdomen. His canine face gave off a look of horror as Sadoul cast his Megablast spell point blank.

Chains of lightning exploded into the demon to send him far across the sky. Sadoul raised his sword in victory.

Solana: Do do do doooo! You got the Master Sword.

"Winner and still champion!"

Skylark: Didn’t he get defeated?

He turned to look down at Ghaleon. "We should have entered the tournament."

Ghaleon's reply turned into a warning cry, but it was too late. A barbed whip lashed out to wrap around Sadoul's neck.

Zero: Whips, huh. Sadoul’s into some kinky stuff.

Skylark: Oh god. Bad mental image.

Sadoul loosed a choked cry and tried to pull the whip free with little success. Ghaleon followed the whip to a singed, but still very much alive Arlinax. The demon pulled back harshly on the whip, eliciting another gargling cry from Sadoul.

Blood was already streaming down from Sadoul's neck. Ghaleon knew one more pull by Arlinax would probably decapitate Sadoul. Thinking quickly, Ghaleon used his sword as a focal point for his magic. A thin beam of fire streamed from the tip of his blade to sever the whip.

Free again, Sadoul quickly dropped down to Ghaleon.

Zero: Free at last, free at last . . .

He was gasping for air while wiping at the wounds on his neck. "I am really starting to dislike this guy," he said hoarsely.

Ghaleon could not help but smirk. "Do you really like anyone?"

Skylark: (as Sadoul) I like . . . you.

Zero: (as Ghaleon) Sadoul I never knew.

Skylark: (as Sadoul) But we can’t. It would be wrong.

Zero: (as Ghaleon) Shut up and kiss me. >leans in<

Solana: Thousands of old school fan girls just exploded.

Sadoul had only enough time to smirk in return before Arlinax was charging them behind a blast of demon's fire.

Solana: And he wasn’t the only one who was flaming.

Zero: Solana!

_____

Valius and Kazyr hurled spell after spell at the hooded man, but nothing got through.

Skylark: Right. The guy who kept blocking spells is now . . . blocking more spells. How is one of these guys a “Legendary” Warrior?

"Time to stop thinking conventionally," said Valius. "Kazyr! Back off!"

Not one to question in the heat of battle, the white haired mage dropped down from Valius's line of sight. Eyes went from blue to all silver followed by a swirl of silver wisps of energy. Valius quickly chanted in Galadinean causing the wisps to break off and take the shape of runes.

The first rune looked something like a V which was then linked to another pair of runes. The three joined runes flared to create a human sized ball of fire.

Zero: I call fourth the Human Torch.

Solana: Human sized not shaped.

Zero: Yeah?

Solana: All right.

The fire went from red to ice blue before hurtling at the hooded man. Predictably the hooded man raised his right arm to deflect the spell, except this time the Ice-Fireball overwhelmed his defenses. The following explosion was fierce enough to force Valius and Kazyr to shield their eyes.

Valius's eyes returned to their natural blue color. He was girding himself to face Arlinax, but the smoke cleared to reveal his current foe still alive. "Not good," he heard Kazyr mumble.

"You have grown strong over the years, Valius Atrades," came a rumbling voice from within the hood's depths.

Skylark: James Earl Jones?

"Have we met?" The Galadinean was sure he would have remembered facing someone this powerful.

Zero: No. Just making small talk.

That hooded head shook almost sadly. "My heart is broken that you would forget me so easily. After all, I was your first and greatest victory."

Zero: Julie?

Solana: Careful, Zero.

Valius paled. "No."

The hooded man nodded. "I never dared to believe I would be given a chance at vengeance, but Lord Rasha has very graciously provided it."

It took a moment for Valius to realize he was shaking his head. "You were trapped in the Abyss. Sealed by the power of Deatlus."

"Valius?" Kazyr had floated up beside him. "Who is this man?"

Skylark: It’s Bob, my old accountant.

"That is no man," he replied in shallow whisper. "That is Scurge, last son of Takhisis."

Silver power erupted around Valius. "I will send you back to the Abyss, Scurge! Calidor!"

Solana: Valius!

Zero: Kazyr!

Skylark: Ghaleon!

Solana: Chief!

Zero: McCloud!

A roar heralding his coming, Valius's goodly black dragon rose up behind the two mages. Following behind him was Crom, Roas's gold dragon.

Skylark: Anyone else think it would have been better if Crom was chrome?

Scurge only laughed. "I see only two, Valius. If I remember, it takes at least four blessed dragons to create the Dragon of Light, Valor."

Valius's Galadinean essence flared brighter. "We won't need Valor this time! I am much more than the apprentice you faced thirty years ago!"

Zero: (as Valius) This time we will fight without Valor! . . . Wait . . .

"Indeed." The air behind Scurge began to shimmer. "I had expected you to summon that infernal Valor, but this will be much more amusing."

Kazyr gasped as fifty dragons of chromatic, metallic, and gem families appeared behind Scurge.

Solana: Someone want to page Valor?

"I, too, have grown stronger thanks to the benevolence of my Master. These shall keep your pets busy while we finish."

The fifty dragons launched themselves as one at the two blessed dragons, ignoring Valius and Kazyr completely. Valius could very well summon his own legion of dragons, but the time required for the spell was not available. It was all he and Kazyr could do to avoid the repeated blasts of fire, lightning, and ice that were spewing from within Scurge's hood.

Valius deflected a column of ice with a crystal barrier. "It's days like this I wish Legus had never found me on Krynn."

Solana: The ironic thing is that Legus often wishes that too.

Zero: Ouch.

_____


"Yes!"

"Never!"

"Yes!"

"No!"

Techno threw his hands up. "Mozzarella goes with everything!"

Skylark: As much as I don’t like the guy for trapping us here, I have to agree.

Washu continually shook her head in disagreement. "Not possible. Sardines!"

"Good if you grill 'em," he answered with a raised finger.

Washu's mouth was open, ready to respond, but she was cut off by a red light blinking on the central console. Techno blew past the scientist, bringing a picture to life on the main view screen.

"WHOA!"

Zero: (as Techno) Would you look at that? I can bring pictures to life. Quick bring me some hentai manga.

Solana: >gives Zero a Gibbs head slap<

Zero: That’s it?

Solana: It was a good one on Techno.

It was World War III out on the battlefield. Roas's Galadinean warriors were throwing themselves at four monstrous creatures. Somewhere in the mix the technomage thought he saw Roas and the others fighting a collection of other warriors, but between power discharges and constant spell castings he could not be sure.

Skylark: So his sensors didn’t pick that up until now!? How useless.

Techno began flipping switches.

Zero: (as Techno) I’ve seen this before. Let’s see what else is on.

He cried out in shock as black bolts of power surged up from the console, shorting out all the technical components. Seconds later the screen went dead. "Dammit!" Switches were flipped, but nothing happened. "The whole thing's shot to hell."

Skylark: Like Techno’s love life.

Loudspeaker: (Techno) You guys do realize I can hear you, and keep you in there for another story if I so choose.

Solana: We do now.

Grabbing his coat, Techno ran for one of the many transport tubes around the room. "I'm going out there. Maybe I can set up a new control panel and restart the arena's defenses."

Washu had already opened the main console. "I'll see what I can do here." Techno caught a glimpse of her grin. "This shouldn't be too hard for a genius such as myself."

Smiling instead of replying, Techno pulled open the hatch and dove in feet first. Thanks to an infusion of Earth magic to propel him instantly through solid rock, Techno popped out of West wall of the battlefield into the thick of the combat...

And right into the path of one of the forty foot monsters.

Solana: Techno’s ex?

Eyes wide, Techno tried to make himself run, but the sudden terror was too much to overcome. Galadinean warriors were trying to sway the beast, but for some reason it was fixed solely on the technomage. Human sized claws were feet from him when someone tackled Techno, sending them both tumbling away from the creature's swipes.

Skylark: >whistle< Off sides. Number 32, defense. Five yard penalty. Repeat first down.

Techno lifted his head in time to see twenty Galadineans slashing, stabbing, and hacking the monster with sword, spear, and axe. Unfortunately, the beast did not slow in the slightest and responded by mauling three warriors with one swipe.

"Techno! Get off me!"

Realizing he was lying on top of his savior,

Solana: I believe you said something about it being one of those fics.

Zero: Oh, shut up.

Techno scrambled to his feet. Zero quickly rose, making sure his own dagger had not pierced him in the tumble.

"Zero." Techno reached out to grasp the other man's shoulder. "Thanks."

The soul stealer shrugged, smirking. "No biggy."

A thunderous roar snapped both their heads around to the embattled Galadineans. Two more were crushed by the monster's tail. Zero raised his dagger, frowning. "I don't wanna to fight this thing. It doesn't even have a soul!"

Skylark: Not to mention I have a tiny dagger.

Zero: Not all of us have to compensate.

Solana: Boys! Do this on your own time.

Techno reached into his jacket pulling out his Thunder Bolas. "Look at it this way. It's big. We're small. The little guys always win."

Zero's eyes crossed. "Whatever you're on, can I have some?"

Skylark: Guess he’s called Techno for a reason.

What bindings the Galadineans had managed to create around the monster did not last long. Gold and silver runes shattered, and the monster charged Zero and Techno again. Techno loosed his Thunder Bolas. The weapon wrapped around one the creature's trunk like legs, but even its powerful lightning did nothing to slow the charge.

Crying out, both Zero and Techno dodged to the sides barely avoiding rending claws. "Where is that big ass gold dragon of Roas's!" shouted Zero. "It's five times as big as this thing!"

A chorus of roars had Techno look up in time to see Calidor and Crom engage fifty other dragons. "He's busy." Techno returned his focus to the creature.

Galadineans renewed their attacks, but the beast kept them at bay. "We need to slow that thing down," said Techno.

Zero: Really? And here I was trying to kill it.

Zero grinned. "Or maybe just distract it for our silver glowing friends." Zero's hair went from dark to light green along with his ears becoming slightly pointed. "When your a Wind sprite, nothing can catch you."

Skylark: And when you’re writing a story you should know how to use your.

Like a gust of wind he charged the monster. Human sized claws gouged up chunks of earth trying to crush Zero. But true to his word, the soul stealer dodged each attack, finally scurrying his way up the creature's right leg. Howling like a cowboy, Zero reached the head and grabbed both horns.

The monster went wild trying to grab at Zero, which gave everyone else open looks.

Solana: Well yeah. Ever had a bug crawling on you? Ick.

Techno quickly chanted the words to a summoning spell while tossing a stone from his pocket to the ground beneath the monster. With his last word a stone golem of equal size rose from the ground to grab the monster's claws. Cracks spread across the golem's body almost immediately as the monster struggled to break free. Techno was ready to reinforce his golem's endurance, but there was no need.

Twenty Galadineans, all connected by gold or silver wisps of power, moved as one. Weapons found their marks, drawing blood all over the beast. Then the wisps of power transformed into runes that in turn attached themselves to the monster. Sensing his work finished, Zero forward flipped off the creature as it vanished in a flash of light.

Skylark: Because just getting off would be too mundane.

One of the Galadineans, his silverish armor stained with blood, walked up to Techno with his right hand extended. The silver glow in his eyes was fading back to his normal green.

Zero: One down. You guys ready for the next one?

"Thank you, friend. The tarasque may have killed many more without your help."

Techno took his hand. "No problem. You can return the favor by watching my back. If I can get the arena's defenses back up, I might be able to expel our unwanted guests."

The Galadinean nodded. "You have us." He removed his helmet, revealing short cut brown hair. "Gal dein!"

Everyone: Bless you.

The remaining Galadineans that had battled the tarasque gathered around them. The lead one turned back to Techno. "I am Daryn Jas."

"Techno, and that's Zero."

Zero, hair back to normal, gave him a thumbs up. "Hey."

Fate decided their brake was over with the arrival of two red dragons from the battle above. The wyrms, each one over two hundred feet, dove at the group.

"Fun never ends," said Zero as his hair became ice blue.

"Dragons are nothing, my friend," said Daryn almost jovially. "Lava dragons from the Old World are twice as big."

Zero: You won’t die from-

Solana: >monotone< fireball.

Zero: Aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Leaving the dirty work to Zero and the Galadineans, Techno ran for the nearest entrance tunnel. "Man," he heard Zero saying. "You Galadineans are nuts! It's not just Roas."

_____

Rasha braced himself as Atrades released a storm of crystal shards from his uncrossed swords. It only took a small exorcise of power to shatter the shards, but the Harbinger was still impressed.

Zero: If that impressed him, wait until he sees Roas exercising to his buns of steel video.

Solana: Thanks. Now I won’t be able to sleep tonight.

He'd known Atrades had grown stronger, but Rasha was very surprised by how much his strength had increased. The Galadinean could indeed stand against him on his own. He was, of course, Orin's son.

Solana: Or was he. Find out on the next Maury.

Atrades followed his last attack with another ferocious series of slashes. This time, it took all of Rasha's skills to match each one. Both katanas stabbed relentlessly at his midsection. Kasra's black blade blocked left to lock up the first katana before reversing it back into its partner.

Skylark: Who’s Kasra? I thought he was fighting Rasha.

Solana: Ah, the mind of an author.

Undefended Atrades was sent sliding across the ground by a telekinetic blast from Rasha's left hand.

Of course there was another fool to take his place instantly.

Zero: Skylark showed up.

Skylark: Hey!

Zero: Sorry.

Ninya Beatura leveled slash after mighty slash at the Harbinger. Kasra cross parried with Galadine.

Skylark: So now Ninya is fighting this mysterious Kasra?

"Ninya Beatura of this Universe, at last we meet. I was thoroughly disappointed when you did not follow the others into the Void."

Skylark: So was that Rasha or Kasra that said that?

Solana: I think Kasra is the name of the blade.

Skylark: . . . Well, it would have been nice to know that!

"Your lucky break," she hissed. "The others went easy on you without me around." She pushed him away, slashing at Rasha's legs.

The living armor on Rasha's left arm lashed out with tendrils to wrap around her arms. The tendrils pulled Beatura to the ground leaving her back exposed.

Zero: Whoa ho . . .

Solana: Not a word.

Zero: Aww.

She would have died had not Vathos Ironfist intervened.

The Man o War snapped out around Rasha's right arm keeping it from driving Kasra into Beatura's back.

Skylark: I hope you’re right about Kasra being a sword, otherwise this is one really strange fight.

Then the dragonman Oblik was soaring at him wielding the Ultima. Rasha responded by releasing several red blasts of energy from his eyes. To his surprise the blasts bounced harmlessly off the dragonman.

The Rune of Strength!

Solana: No, mirrors. That’s all magic is, smoke and mirrors.

Roaring, Oblik thrust Ultima's quad blade at Rasha's undefended chest. The Ultima instead struck the Man o War wrapped around the Harbinger's arm. The power behind Oblik's attack freed Rasha's arm from the whip. Over compensating his strength, Ironfist collapsed backwards with his Weapon no longer attached to the arm.

Zero: Not the only thing he’s overcompensating for.

Before Oblik could attack again stone spikes shot up from the ground through his wings. Those spikes quickly transformed into hooks which pulled the dragonman down.

Rasha turned to face the familiar sound of the Glaive slicing air, while Beatura was also up and charging him from behind. The Glaive was inches away when the Harbinger spun right, deflecting the Weapon into Beatura's attack.

Skylark: Doh!

The impact of the Glaive on Galadine threw Beatura to the ground, but the accursed Glaive rebounded directly back at the Harbinger.

A telekinetic pulse stopped the Glaive a foot from his face. The Weapon continued to spin in the air, pushing against the Harbinger's very will.

Skylark: That’s like when you hold a kid by his head while he tries to punch your body.

A second whirring sound was coming from behind, and Rasha extended his telekinetic barrier to hold off the Shazi as well.

He turned his head, red eyes falling on none other than Legus. "Come to join the fun...Father?"

Zero: (Rasha a la Vader) Join me, and together we can rule the universe as father and son.

Solana: Isn’t that a little backwards

The strain was clear on the demi-god's face, to which Rasha smiled. "End this madness, Rasha," Legus said sternly. "Leviathen is long dead.

Skylark: (as Leviathen) I’m not quite dead.

Zero: (as Legus) Leviathen is mortally wounded

Skylark: (as Leviathen) Actually, I think I may pull through.

None of this needs to happen."

"Is that pleading I hear from you, father?"

Zero: No. That was me. I had beans for lunch.

Solana: Zero!

Rasha could not help but laugh at the irony. "Are you not the one who said only one of us could live in this world?"

Solana: >Whistles the High Noon music< Wah wah waaaah.

"I can settle that for you." Atrades was now beside Legus, his left hand extended in an attempt to strengthen the Glaive. "You die, he lives, and everyone is happy."

Rasha's eyes flashed, and a small wave of power rolled off him to deflect both the Glaive and Shazi back to their wielders. The Harbinger took a slow look around to gauge his situation. Atrades, Legus, Beatura, Ironfist, and Oblik were all circling him now. Atrades had returned the Glaive to his waist to draw his white bladed katana again, Beatura was finally awakening the power of the Rune of Chaos, which left Ironfist and Oblik readying for charges.

Legus, though, did nothing. Rasha sensed no magic or summonings. The Shazi was in his hand, but not raised. He was not even activating the Rune of Heaven. "Things have progressed farther than I had hoped," Rasha said to himself.

War raged around them.

Solana: Famine, Pestilence, and Death knew not to disturb him while he was in one of his moods.

Four Legendary Warriors and the Wielder of Galadine slowly circled the Harbinger of Apocalypse.

Rasha knew his power was greater, but a prolonged battle was not in his favor. No, he would need to shift the balance of power to increase his strength far beyond anything they could combat...

...and Atrades was going to help him do it.

Zero: (as Rasha) Roas, if you come to my side I have pie.

Skylark: (as Roas) Okay.

_____

Roas attacked first, but Rasha was ready.

Jade and Pearl met only air as the Harbinger phased backwards.

Solana: Jade. Pearl. Meet Air. Air, meet Jade and Pearl.

Left hand raised, Rasha spoke a single word.

Zero: Burrito!

"Cesantas!"

Zero: I was close.

Skylark: No, you weren’t.

A beam of pure darkness fired from his hand.

Zero: Was too. The same thing happens only not from your hand.

Solana and Skylark: Eeewwwwww!

Roas raised and crossed his swords to block the impact. The beam pushed the Galadinean back across the ground. Roas had seen the spell before and was completely surprised when the darkness parted to envelope and bind him.

Rasha only smiled.

Ninya attacked next releasing a ball of blue chaotic energy from her left hand before Roas could say anything.

Skylark: It was actually just a balled up Smurf on speed.

"Ninya! Don't!"

Only Roas knew the mistake of trying to use the powers of the Genesis Runes on Rasha. Having been bound to other Runes aside from the Rune of Time, he knew that some powers of a Rune have a permanent effect on a bearer even after separation.

Solana: So the Runes left their mark? Eh? Get it?

Zero: Oh, great. More bad puns.

Other problems existed in the forms of using the Runes. Only himself, Valius, and Legus had perfected the use of their Runes. The others either simply saw themselves as guardians or, in Ninya's case, just did not care unless pushed to use it.

Of course there was the added problem of Rasha now controlling the Rune of Life.

Solana: At least Rasha got a life.

Skylark: Ow. My head hurts.

Roas watched one of the Rune scars on Rasha's arm flare blue. In concert the Rune of Life began glowing, as well as a third scar flaring yellow. "Genesis Effect! Life to Chaos to Heaven!"

Skylark: So either Ninya was far away or her chaos spell was really slow if he was able to get all of that out.

Rose, yellow, and blue wisps of power combined into a barrier to block the chaotic energy ball. The wisps surrounded the ball to block and send it back at Ninya. She struck the ball with Galadine,

Zero: It’s a solid hit into right center. Rasha’s going to make a play for it. He dives . . .

causing a massive explosion that threw her half way across the battlefield.

Zero: And she is out!

Oblik and Vathos first reached Rasha at this point. Oblik lunged with the Ultima, but Rasha side stepped, grabbing the shaft with is left hand.

Zero: Never knew Rasha went that way.

Solana: >clobbers Zero< We can’t go two seconds without something, can we?

The living armor on his left arm flowed out over the Ultima and Oblik's arms. The dragonman tried to break free, but the armor continued to expand over his body.

Vathos lashed out with the Man o War. Rasha blocked the whip with Kasra, allowing the Legendary Weapon to snag the blade. The Man o War was pulled from Vathos's hand when Rasha threw Kasra like a javelin into an arena wall. Before Vathos could react a red and black energy ball impacted on his chest.

Skylark: Damn paint ball players. We told you kids you can’t play here!

Gold and silver power exploded from Roas, evaporating the darkness binding him.

Skylark: So at what temperature does darkness evaporate?

Solana: Gold. It starts bubbling at silver.

Skylark: Touche.

Time sped up around Roas bringing him to Rasha's side in half a breath. The Harbinger, though, created a time bubble around himself. Two different times collided in that brief instant causing an explosion that sent Roas and Oblik skidding across the ground in opposite directions.

Solana: It also really screwed up their watches.

Roas could see the resonance Genesis Effect of Time to Life to Strength.

The traces of Life and Heaven within beckoned at Roas to release them, but he knew that Rasha would only counter with even power. That was when Roas noticed Legus. The demi-god was standing there...doing nothing. Roas could not ponder this long for Ninya was back on her feet again attacking.

Skylark: He wasn’t really there. None of them were. Roas had been drinking too much again.

Points of brilliant light shot from the tip of Galadine to pierce Rasha from all sides. The Harbinger roared with pain, giving a brief moment of hope to Roas. That hope was dashed when Rasha, covered in burn marks that were already healing, appeared in front of Ninya. She tried to ready Galadine, but living armor tendrils pulled it from her hands to toss it away.

Ninya could have summoned the sword back if Rasha had not lifted her up by the throat.

Zero: So that’s her weak point. Go for the throat.

Black energy began cascading over Ninya's body, causing her to scream in pain. A black flash streaked across the battlefield into Rasha's waiting right hand.

Zero: I thought The Flash was white. Green Lantern was black.

Skylark: I think it depends on the version. Ask Darknight.

Kasra raised to strike, the Harbinger turned his head back to smile knowingly at Roas.

Roas froze.

Solana: (as Vaulis) Oops. Rogue ice spell.

Memories of twenty years ago came to the forefront...

Skylark: The embarrassing moment at his prom where his date ditched him.

Solana: Aww. That’s mean.

The Battle of Waterdeep...

Solana: There was no lifeguard on duty.

Rasha holding Alias up the same way...

Skylark: And tickling her.

Kasra piercing her chest...

Skylark: It wasn’t quite as funny as it could have been.

Roas reaching her in time only to hear her dying breaths of love...

Zero: >gasp< You can . . . have my . . . Playstation.

At the time Roas had no control over his then newly discovered Galadinean powers. The grief had manifested itself in the attack that had wiped out most of Rasha's nearby forces.

Skylark: And now Waterdeep is known as Detroit.

Zero: What was that?

Skylark: Am I wrong?

"No!"

Skylark: See?

Eyes went from green and blue to swirling fires of gold and silver. Gold and silver waves transformed to runes that then became streams of golden fire and bolts of silver lightning aimed at Rasha. Ninya forgotten, the Harbinger readied himself for the greater threat of the Galadinean's rage. The first bolts of lightning were deflected by Kasra, and Rasha phased away to avoid the fire. Both the Harbinger and the Galadinean reappeared in front of one another in mid attack.

Skylark: It’s Dragon Ball Z . . . with swords.

Zero: No, we didn’t have a ten page recap of last chapter.

Swords clashed with such power that all those, even the single remaining tarasque, engaged in battle stopped to watch the clash directly in the center of the battlefield.

Skylark: Right. Now wouldn’t be a good time to kill the enemies that are distracted.

Solana: Of course not. That would be rude.

Roas double slashed in combination from both sides with Rasha somehow side stepping each one. Rasha countered by swinging Kasra at Roas's head. The Galadinean ducked into a sit spin that became a back flip over the Harbinger. Roas flipped again in mid air to extend his swords like wings. Crystal Phoenix essence surrounded his blades as Roas dove.

But as Jade and Pearl dual slashed at Rasha, Kasra parried them both with each katana blade centimeters from his face. Their powers collided through their swords blowing the enemies away from each other. Roas landed, crouched, with his katanas extended at his sides. Rasha halted himself in the air, Kasra held level at his side.

Skylark: Uh oh. Kasra leveled.

Solana: Yeah, but it leveled to the side. It didn’t level up.

Skylark: Touche.

"Is that all you can offer me, Atrades?"

Zero: (as Roas) No. Would you like fries with that?

The arrogance on his face accentuated his taunting. "You are the most powerful Galadinean of this era. I expected much more."

Power wisps began transforming into a specific series of runes, which trailed up to the sky. Roas's smile was anything but amused. "Ask and ye shall receive."

The runes linked to together one by one in a circle that blanketed the sky over the arena. Winds began to pick up and stormless thunder shook everything. The space within the circle began to darken.

Skylark: (as Roas) You can’t beat this Super Ultra Mega Ultra Flashy Move.

Zero: (as Rahsa) You said Ultra twice.

Skylark: (as Roas) Shut up.

"Roas! No!" shouted Legus. "It's what he wants!"

Solana: Well, he had to do something. Legus was just standing there.

The demi-god's words fell on deaf ears. Roas created the final rune, which struck the center of the circle...opening the gateway to Oblivion.

Zero: (as Roas) Through this gateway is my secret weapon. A copy of Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. If I can just get Rasha to start playing it he won’t have time to fight us.

_____

Only the Galadineans, who had sensed what their leader was doing, could stand their ground as Oblivion attempted to swallow everything and everyone. The weaker members of the summoned dragons were sucked in, as well as the remaining tarasque. Legus watched as Valius shielded the Three Mages and Blessed Dragons from the vortex. Other Galadineans lent their resistance many of the heroes on the battlefield.

Skylark: Isn’t Roas a great friend? He’s willing to sacrifice everyone to get rid of one guy. What a pal.

It took everything Legus had to keep his immortal soul bound to his body.

Zero: It’s kind of like holding in a fart.

Solana: Zero!

In his condition Soul Sever Runes were not needed. The mere presence of such a powerful vortex of Oblivion could absorb him...

And Rasha knew it.

The demi-god's golden eyes locked the red ones of the Harbinger. Legus suspected Valius knew of his growing weakness, but there was no doubt Rasha could sense it in such a close proximity. And so Legus could do nothing but watch as Roas played into Rasha's plans.

He had sensed it during the battle. A new power even more dreadful than the Harbinger's already overwhelming strength.

Skylark: (a la Street Fighter) Here Comes A New Challenger!!

It was not until Roas began to open the portal that everything became clear. In escaping from Oblivion, Rasha had somehow made it a part of him. Ironically, it was the polar opposite of how the Galadineans' power was drawn from the essence of their Universe.

A look of pure horror came over Legus as Rasha raised his left hand to the vortex. The horror intensified as Oblivion itself streamed down from the vortex into the Harbinger's waiting grasp increasing whatever amount he already possessed. His all red eyes became inky, bottomless pits of black, but his smile remained arrogant.

And why not?

Skylark: Great comeback.

Rasha had become a single being to rival the collective power of the Galadineans. Before this his born powers combined with the Genesis Runes had made him near invincible. Now...

Solana: He was nearer invincibler.

Was there any possible way to stop him?

Zero: No. THE END.

Solana: What a great story. Ending was a little abrupt.

Roas was frozen in awe at what he had just unleashed, so Ninya and Oblik decided to try. Their attacks were seen as futile almost immediately.

Oblik did not even make it half way as a dark energy blade flew through the air into his stomach. The dragonman dropped instantly, still alive but immobile. Ninya brought Galadine, its blade blazing with power, to bear against the Harbinger once more. Kasra snapped up, batting the God Slayer away to leave Ninya's torso unprotected against the pair of black beams shooting from Rasha's eyes.

Zero: (as Roas) Hey! Stop looking at her torso. I’m the only one who can do that.

Solana: I’ll let that one slide since it’s not untrue.

The beams struck Ninya, causing energy waves to course all over her body. She cried out in pain, which pulled Roas back to reality. The Galadinean charged. A glance from Rasha had several black runes appear in the air between them that quickly became energy blasts. Roas dodged the first two, but the remaining five hit him in succession dropping him to the ground.

Legus tried to bring himself to action. Fear of Oblivion and a knowledge that any attempt on his behalf would be useless kept his feet grounded, though.

Skylark: Hail Legus. Most helpful member of the team.

Meanwhile, Rasha had turned back to Ninya. He gestured with is left hand, raising her left arm.

Solana: All who believe in telekinesis raise my hand.

"I believe that belongs to me."

Skylark: Her left arm?

Ninya cried out again as the blue, tear drop shaped Rune of Chaos separated itself from the underside of her left arm. The Rune drifted the space between her and Rasha to attach itself to the underside of the Harbinger's right arm over the blue tear scar. Blue bolts of power raced up and down his arm, to which Rasha shivered at with pleasure.

Zero: Eew he just had an-

Solana: Don’t say it if you want to live.

He gazed upon Ninya with his black orbs once more. "I could kill you." He briefly looked to Roas, who was starting to rise. "But I won't. Enjoy Eternity in Oblivion, Ninya Beatura!"

By his command, the vortex sprouted a pair of tentacles which grabbed Ninya.

Zero: Tentacles?

Solana: >Wham<

Skylark: Zero?

Solana: He’s going to take a little nap now.

"NINYA!" cried Roas in vain.

Solana: ROAS!

Skylark: LEGUS!

Solana: RASHA!

Skylark: CHIEF!

Solana: McCOLUD!

Skylark: Not as easy with two people.

It was all Legus could do to watch one of his oldest friends and companion be pulled into the vortex. When she was gone, the vortex closed itself like an eye as though it had never been. To everyone's surprise, even Rasha's, Oblik had somehow risen to make one last charge.

Solana: Will that be Visa, Mastercard, or Discover. The Shrine doesn’t accept American Express.

The Harbinger spun right, wielding Kasra to catch Ultima under its quad blade. It took only a single reverse swipe to pull the spear from Oblik's weakened grasp. Rasha's left hand quickly grabbed Oblik by the neck, lifting him off the ground.

Rasha drove his sword into the ground to free his right hand.

Skylark: Because it makes much more sense than stabbing your enemy with it.

"Let me show you how to properly use the Rune of Life." A rosy glow surrounded his entire right arm.

The Harbinger's glowing hand came to rest on Oblik's ridged brow. The dragonman could not even cry out as his very life was drained. Before everyone's eyes Oblik, Legendary Warrior of the Ultima, shriveled away until his bones became dust on the wind.

Solana: >Sticking his thumb through his fingers< Gotcher life.

The Ultima and Ultima Armor, which transformed back into a spear medallion, dropped to the ground with resounding clangs. The Rune of Strength floated in the air, glowing a luminescent red. Rasha kept his right arm raised, and the Rune floated over to attach itself over a red scar. As with the Rune of Chaos, red bolts of power raced along his arm to signify the bonding.

Skylark: That’s right ladies. He’s powerful, has eternal life, and now he’s strong too. Not to mention the whole controlling tentacles thing.

Solana: Skylark!

Skylark: Somebody had to do it.

At an unheard summons Arlinax, Scurge, and the Four Horsemen gathered behind their master. Rasha pulled Kasra free from the ground. "I think I have enough for today." He black orbs fell on Roas then Legus. "Time is on my side."

Solana: (as Rasha) Get it? Time? Ha! I kill me. And Oblik.

The Harbinger and his minions vanished in a ripple of magic.

Almost immediately the survivors of the battle began tallying injures and fatalities. Conversations drifted to Legus's ears, but only Roas's words were crystal clear.

"What have I done?"

Skylark: Just doomed the universe and everyone in it, but whatever.

[Anon Mous]

Chapter 4: Collective Breath


Valius touched down silently on the ravaged battlefield. Bodies were already being collected for transport while the wounded were being given what help they could. Everyone had been hurt to some extent whether it was a physical wound or their pride.

Zero: Damn. I got a splinter.

"Well, this was a colossal disaster," said Sadoul from a few feet away.

Skylark: So he just finished Lunar: Dragon Song?

Kazyr looked upon the battlefield with obvious grief. "This is terrible. So much death. Such a dark power."

Ghaleon soberly took in the entire scene.

Zero: (as Ghaleon) Forget sobriety. I need a drink.

"We can morn the losses later. Right now we need to move."

Valius nodded. "Ghaleon's right. We are no longer safe here. Even if Techno can fix the defenses I still don't think they would stop Rasha." His eyes drifted to Roas. "Not now, anyways."

Skylark: While I do agree that Techno is useless . . . Oh, that’s not what you meant.

Sadoul kicked a pile of stones, sending them scattering across the ground. "Then where do we go? I'm not crawling into a hole to hide."

"We won't be hiding," Valius assured him. "We only need time to plan our next step, and the safest place is Galadia."


Zero: (as Sadoul) Where’s that?

Skylark: (as Valius) In a hole.

Zero: (as Sadoul) Damn it!

He began shouting orders to the Galadinean warriors.

Ghaleon began walking away. "I will go collect Rune and Alis."

Solana: For they are rare and cost much on ebay.

"I will go help with the wounded," said Kazyr.

Skylark: Because they are not wounded enough.

Solana: Right.

Sadoul watched his friends go off in separate directions.

Skylark: Sadoul has friends?

He finally let out a small groan before following Kazyr. "Wait up. You'll need help with the heavy lifting."

Valius quickly found Jessica, who was doing her best to heal the wounded. Beads of sweat were rolling down her face, strands of her strawberry blond hair matted to her cheeks. A prayer was flowing from her lips as she tried to heal a nasty gash across a warrior's chest. Valius dropped to one knee and placed his left hand on her shoulder. He did not need to speak any words as a healing spell traveled through Jessica to the warrior.

The gash slowly closed leaving behind a tender patch of pink skin. "He's lost a lot of blood," Valius told gathered Galadineans.

Solana: I’ll check the lost and found.

"Once we are home make sure he gets food, water, and rest."

"Yes, Excellency." Two more warriors carried their compatriot away.

Jessica stood with Valius, smiling gratefully. "Thanks. My heart is willing, but my body is exhausted.

Zero: Rough night with Kyle?

Solana: We’re starting this early I see.

I can barely channel my prayers anymore."

Skylark: Adjust your antenna a bit. It always worked for my TV.

Valius tightened his hand on her shoulder.

Skylark: >Crunching sound<

Solana: (as Jessica) Aaaahhhhhh!

"You've done more than enough, Jessica. When we arrive at Galadia the healers there can finish. You should rest and regain your strength for what will come."

Jessica pushed her hair back with one hand. "I've heard that tone before. It usually means I end up running through some goddess awful place filled with monsters who want to kill me."

Everyone: Right.

Valius could not help but start laughing. "At least you're prepared." Golden circles of light began appearing all around the battlefield. The mage gestured forward with his crystal arm. "Ladies first."

Solana: Yep, goddess awful place filled with monsters who want to kill her. Ladies first. What a gentleman.

Jessica made a small curtsy before moving on to the nearest portal.

Zero: Did she have Mexican for lunch?

Solana: Zero!

_____

Alex watched calmly as Schala and Monica tried to revive Skylark.

Solana: (as Schala) Water isn’t working, get the stun gun.

Skylark: Hey!

Schala was gently tapping his cheeks. "Come on, Lark. Wake up."

"He'll be fine," said Magus, who was standing over the three of them. "Only his life force was being drained.

Skylark: Right, I’ll be . . . My life force?! How will that be fine?!

Sleep should restore him to full strength."

Monica glared up at him. "Don't get all misty eyed over it, Magus. It almost sounds like you care." The mage did not bother to answer.

Alex noticed Hiro returning from checking on their sides' overall status. "Looks like about thirty Galadineans were killed by the tarasque, and another forty were wounded." He looked to Alex. "What now?"

Skylark: We kill the wounded forty and level up like crazy.

Solana: Skylark! No!

It was then that the golden portals began to open. "Looks like we're leaving. Can't say that's a bad idea. We are completely undefended here."

Hiro gently pushed Schala and Monica aside so that he could throw Skylark

Zero: That’s all.

Skylark: Hey. What is this? Pick on Skylark day?

over his shoulder. He huffed a couple of times as black feathers jammed themselves up his nose. With Hiro in the lead the small group walked for the nearest portal.

Solana: I wonder if anyone could be allergic to Black Seraph.

Skylark: Come on!

If Alex had not paused to sigh, he might not have heard the call.

"ALEX!"

Zero: (as Alex) Crap! Luna, I’m sorry I ditched you! Honest! Don’t kill me!

A large shadow passed over him, its owner circling in the air twice before coming to a landing in front of him. There was a swirl of white magic as Nall transformed into his human form. The dragon took one look around and whistled. "What the hell happened here? Looks like a Meribian bar after Kyle's had a few."

Skylark: Actually, that’s just what happened.

Alex, smiling broadly, stepped up and hugged his oldest friend. "It's good to see you, Nall. You have no idea how good."

Zero: (seductively) No idea.

Solana: >smack< This is not Fanfiction.net

Nall gingerly returned the hug. "Oookay, Alex. Luna just sent me to bring you home, but I have a feeling something more interesting is going to keep us from doing that."

Alex stepped back, resting his hands on Nall's shoulders. "It's time to be heroes again, buddy. And this time, more than Lunar is at stake."

Nall's expression was blank for a second. Then he broke into a fangy grin. "So? Who do we get to kill this time?"

Zero: (as Ghaleon) Don’t look at me. I did my time.

_____

Techno was sitting cross legged against the arena wall watching others go through the portals. Zero came swaddling up, hands in pockets. "Whatcha doing?

Skylark: Watching the others.

Zero: Why?

Skylark: To see what’s going on.

Zero: Why?

Skylark: Don’t tell me you took Mindy’s soul.

Zero: Why?

Skylark: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Zero: Okay, I love you, bubye.

I don't know how long those guys are going to keep the portals open."

"Thinking," was Techno's response.

Skylark: A novel concept for him.

"Questioning everything we just witnessed. Deciding whether or not I am in over my head." He looked up at Zero. "I'm not exactly the save the world type. Granted, this is some pretty heavy stuff that effects the entire Universe, but it looks to me like there are plenty of others here who can get the job done."

Zero pulled out his left hand to stick a pinky in his ear for a scratch. "I'm no hero, but I'm still going. If anything, I want to get a look at that transmutation pool of Cruatia's they were talking about. Bound to be a nice bounty of souls in there."

Techno lowered his head, half grinning at Zero. "That's just sick, man."

Solana: Agreed.

Skylark: Well said.

Zero: Hey!

"You two sound like a couple of hens." Washu was standing a few feet away. Her lab uniform was gone,

Zero: Woo hoo!

Solana: >Whap!<

replaced by high shouldered green blouse, red neck ribbon, with kaki pants, and black boots.

Skylark: Shouldn’t that be “khaki”?

Her mane of red hair had also been stuffed into a small, round green hat leaving a few spiky, red bangs over her forehead.

The grin she was giving them was playful, almost challenging. "You will probably never get another chance to see the wonders that are about to occur.

Solana: Until the next story.

Skylark: Wait. Did she mean this is a once in a lifetime thing, or that we are going to die?

Zero: Does it matter?

Skylark: No, just curious.

As a scientist I certainly am not about to pass up a chance like this." She bent down to stare Techno in the face. "I thought you were made of thicker skin, Techno."

Techno stared back. Slowly, a smile formed on his face. "The Brotherhood should be represented. I have the most open mind of the entire group, so why not me?"

Skylark: It’s so open-

Techno: >crackle< Watch it.

Zero extended his hand, which Techno took. Once the technomage was on his feet, the three of them headed for the nearest portal to Galadia.

_____

There was something wet on his forehead. Cool and wet.

Zero: James Earl Jones after a bath?

Skylark: Ooh. Bad mental image.

He found it rather refreshing, actually. A drop of water trickled past his temple causing a twitch.

"Hey, he moved." That sounded like Monica.

Zero: Try dumping the whole bucket on him.

Soon there were a pair of hands cupping his face. "Lark? Are you awake?" That was Schala.

Finally he noticed the pounding headache behind his eyes and groaned. "I wish I wasn't."

The black seraph carefully opened his eyes, allowing them to adjust to the light. Once things came into focus he was surprised to find himself on a bed with fine, green and white linens. His coat was hanging on a walk in closet door, and his weapons were piled on an oval shaped, oak table a few feet in front of the bed.

Schala was smiling down at him. "We were getting a little worried. You've been asleep for over a day."

Solana: (as Loranne) But you’re okay, here in good old 1955.

Skylark: (as Marty) 1955!?

He tried to move and noticed the lack of his wings. "My wings?" he asked hoarsely.

Zero: It was too hard to move you, so we cut them off.

Skylark: AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!

Monica handed Schala a glass of water, which the violet haired princess put to his lips. She spoke as he gently sipped the cool liquid. "I retracted them for you. Took a little doing, but they were getting in the way of tending to your wounds."

Solana: They kept tickling the doctors.

It was then Skylark noticed his clothes and theirs as well. He was wearing a fine, silk aqua and silver tunic with dark gray pants. Schala had on a sleeveless rose colored dress detailed with a white, starry pattern. Monica was dressed an outfit consisting of an orange knee length skirt and short sleeved blouse with sun yellow vest. Her red, braided ponytail was draped over her left shoulder.

Skylark forced himself on to his elbows. "Where are we?"

Solana: Sax 5th Avenue.

"Prian," replied Schala. "The capital city of Galadia."

Solana: Close enough.

"How about only city," added Monica. "Though, as cities go, it's very impressive."

Intrigued, Skylark decided he needed to take a look for himself. Schala tried to dissuade him, but the black seraph eventually stood under his own power. Staying on his feet was another matter. With Schala under his left arm for support, they walked over to and through the open balcony doors. Skylark gasped when they reached the ornate, balcony railing.

Skylark: What an amazing railing. Look at the detail. Wow.

Prian spread out for miles on all directions.

Skylark: Cities often can when you’re in the middle of them.

White, pristine buildings dotted the cityscape, rising stories into the air. Directly ahead was a thriving market square filled with an assortment of colorful merchant tents and booths. To the East organized farmland stretched on for acres upon acres, its intricate irrigation system visible on the surface. The West was dominated by a series of towering spires constructed from a combination of sylistrium and crystal. And encompassing the entire city was a wall that had to be at least a hundred feet high.

"You should see the industrial complexes behind the Palace," Monica said with a broad grin. "The smithies turn out weapons and armor like water from a spring."

Zero: Of course why anyone would want armor and weapons that were like water is beyond me.

Solana: I can see it.

Zero: Of course you can.

"Incredible," breathed Skylark. "How many people live here?"

Zero: Nobody. This is a hotel.

"The entire Galadinean race." Skylark, Schala, and Monica turned around to see Valius standing in the balcony doorway with a proud grin on his face. "Roughly a little over two million at last count and steadily growing."

Skylark: 2 million? And they can see the edge of the city from where they are? Can anyone say overpopulation?

The mage joined them at the railing. "In such a short time?" Schala asked. "Roas has said many times that he himself only discovered your origins twenty years ago."

Zero: I guess Galadineans just really like to get their freak on.

Solana: >whap<

Zero: Okay. I deserved that one.

Valius, gazing out at the city, nodded. "That's true. Twenty years ago Roas and I discovered what we were. After our battle with Rasha ended, we set out on a journey to revive our people. We scoured the Universe, plain by plain, searching for descendants of our forbearers. When our numbers began to grow, we found this planet and made it our own. Since then we have all worked to restore the Galadineans to their rightful place in the Universe "

"As watchdogs," Skylark said.

Everyone: >Barking<

"Blunt, but true again," Valius said with a chuckle. "Long ago, when this new Universe was young, we numbered in the billions. Our purpose, given to us by the Old Gods, was to make sure their children did not destroy this Universe in petty squabbles over power and territory."

Zero: Yeah. We don’t need Gods to do that. We can do it ourselves.

A shadow briefly passed across his features. "Then the First All Saints War began, and we were called back to Old World as a whole. The Old Gods used us as battle fodder against one another until there was virtually nothing left of our race."

Skylark: Boy that sounds like that plot for some crappy tabletop RPG.

Zero: (as Valius) . . . Uh . . . No comment.

"Only a few thousand survived the war and made it back here." He sighed. "Of course by then the New Gods, in the wake of the shifting powers of their parents, had created their own hierarchy and portioned out the New Universe through a bitter war of their own. Without the strength to battle the New Gods, the remaining Galadineans drifted across plains of existence as virtual ghosts."

Skylark: A virtual ghost. Isn’t that what you get when a Virtual Boy finally Dies?

Solana: I think that’s a question for Anon.

"How do you know all this?" asked Monica.

Solana: I have the new Iphone.

Valius waved his left arm, creating an image in the air before them. It was a tall, powerful looking man in shining, white armor. His dark blond hair was cut short to the point of standing up straight. Skylark then realized he looked very similar to the Atrades brothers. "This was Orin Atrades," Valius said warmly. Skylark could hear a hint of regret in his tone.

Zero: (as Valius) He owed me $50.

"Orin was one of the Galadinean elite," Valius continued. "He was on every front line of the All Saints War. He even survived a battle with the Prime Evil God Leviathen."

Skylark raised an eyebrow. "How? From what little Roas told me of the War, Leviathen was only vulnerable to Galadine. He said that you two even died once facing the god."

Skylark: . . . They got better.

Valius pointed with his left index finger, and Orin's image raised his left arm. On its underside was a rose colored, teardrop shaped rune. "Ironically, our father was the first bearer of the Genesis Rune of Life. The Rune was the only thing that allowed his survival."

Skylark: Didn’t seem to help Wardon much.

Zero and Solana: OOOOOHHHHHH!

Skylark: Too soon?

Schala's next question caused Skylark to flinch, as he had already deduced the answer. "What happened to him?"

Solana: Ironically died of old age.

Valius looked down at her. There was a profound sadness in his blue eyes. "Rasha killed him to acquire the Rune of Life."

Schala placed her hand over her mouth after a sharp intake of breath. "Oh, Valius. I'm sorry."

The mage shook his head, a small smile forming. "It's all right. You didn't know. In the brief time Roas and I knew him, Father told us what he could of our heritage. The rest we eventually figured out through instinct."

Skylark: Because nothing says fact like an indescribable feeling.

Orin's image vanished to be replaced by a series of silver runes. "It was easier for Roas to recall the Galadinean battle arts. At first he used anger to tap into the power unconsciously, summoning raw Galadinean power. After the battle with Rasha, he learned how to focus and create standard runes. Unfortunately it took me ten years to unlock the secrets of combining Galadinean Runes with magic."

Skylark: Ten years. Boy you must have really sucked . . . I mean, it must have been hard.

Zero: That’s what she said.

Solana: No. I’ve put up with your other comments, but we are not doing “That’s what she said” jokes. Understand?

Zero: Gotcha.

The silver runes drifted close to one another, linking. There was a sudden flash, and a ball of boiling, orange and red magma hovered in the air. "That looks like a sun," said Monica.

"It is." Valius waved his hand, and the miniature sun turned to dust.

Skylark: AAAAAAHHHHHH! Valius destroyed the sun!

"A simple absorption of solar energy infused with raw elemental magic."

Solana: And a dash of cinnamon for heat.

The Galadinean visibly shook himself back to the moment at hand. " Look at me. I come here to extend you a dinner invitation and end up going on and on about the past."

Zero: I thought you were going on about the sun.

Skylark gave him a half grin. "It's all right. Roas is never specific when he mentions the past. It was nice to actually fill in some of the holes."

Zero: >inhales<

Solana: Don’t even.

Valius bowed his head slightly. "Then I shall see you all at dinner." He turned and left without a sound.

Skylark's stomach growled at the mention of food. "Diner sounds like a good idea right about now. I wonder who else he invited?"

Skylark: Grammar police. We’re here to cite you for illegal use of a question mark.

Monica was already walking towards the door. "Probably the whole merry band of lunatics we call heroes."

Zero: No. That show ended a long time ago.

_____

Rune was slowly walking along the wall of books reading the title of each spine. She had already come across a dozen books with the title *Complete Historical Collection* and at least two dozen starting with *Magical Compendium*.

Zero: And over fifty simply marked with an 18+ symbol.

Solana: . . .

Skylark: Not going to hit him?

Solana: He’s not wrong. I’m surprised he didn’t spend more time in their library.

Skylark and Zero: ?!

The following section was now one book after another detailing different monster families.

Skylark: There were the Addams’, and the Munsters, and the Kardashians . . .

"This is one of the most interesting collections I've ever seen," she said.

Ghaleon, seated in a red leather lounge chair, raised an eyebrow. "What? You expected books with titles like *Death: Every which way but alive*.

Solana: Because those are in the library next door.

This library clearly represents the single mindedness of our hosts."

"Ghaleon is quite right." Legus slowly strolled into the small library, his hands folded inside the sleeves of his plum colored robe. "Roas trains his warriors to know everything about their enemies. History, religion, abilities, and genealogy. The Galadineans are not the most feared race of warriors for nothing."

The demi-god seated himself in the second of four leather chairs across from Ghaleon. Rune moved away from the bookcase wall to stand beside Ghaleon's chair. "What did you wish to discuss with us, Legus?"

Zero: (as Legus) The Cubs’ chances of getting to the World Series. I think this could be our year.

Legus gave her a half smile. "Right to the point. That's good. We have entered a dangerous moment of time. Emotions are running high in some, and one wrong move could give Rasha a permanent advantage."

"I think he already has an advantage," Ghaleon suggested. "No one knows what his plans are outside of killing us all."

Skylark: Actually, that’s it.

No emotion crossed Legus's face. "Very true. Aside from his desire to control all seven Genesis Runes, there is no telling what his overall strategy is." Legus nodded slightly, and the image of a multi-plainal map appeared between them.

Solana: This is Lambert International Airport . . . You know, multi-plainal.

Zero: Yeah, we got it.

The map was a constant shifting of plainscapes crossing, intersecting, or running parallel to each other. Several areas began glowing red. "Rasha has already made his next move.

Zero: (as Legus) He’s been messing with my map settings.

These areas represent plains or worlds where armies we know to be under his control have appeared."

Rune stared at the map, trying to see some pattern. "I can't see any clear path to one point or another. Has he started attacking for the simple desire to wage war, or is there some method to his catalyst points?"

"Your guess is as good as mine,"

Zero: (as Legus) Although strangely enough these are all areas known for their strip clubs.

Solana: >Smack< You would be the one to know.

Legus answered. "When he first attacked our Universe, Rasha was under orders from Leviathen to simply destroy our Universe any way possible to pave the path for the Prime Evil God. Now...who knows what he could be planning."

Rune's next question was lost as the door slammed open. Roas, dressed in all black with the Glaive Medallion hanging around his neck, stormed in with a fully armored Vathos on his heels. "Legus!"

Skylark: Roas!

Zero: Skylark!

Solana: Rune!

Zero: Chief!

Skylark: McCloud!

The demi-god calmly turned his all gold eyes to the Galadinean. "Good afternoon to you, too, Roas."

"What the hell is the matter with you?" Roas demanded. "I was just informed that you have refused to summon your mages from Tiraz-leen! I must have heard wrong."

Skylark: (as Legus) You did.

Zero: (as Roas) Oh . . . Okay. Bye.

Legus shook his head. "No. The message seems to have reached you in its entirety."

Roas, red faced with anger, took several steps forward before spinning back around to face Legus.

"I need their magical support if I am to attack the Pyramid of Darkness."

Zero: Actually, he’s got a Cone of Darkness.

Skylark: (as Roas) Oh, well that’s different.

Rune, her better judgment pushed aside, moved slightly between the two men. "Pyramid of Darkness? The same one home to the High Goddess of Evil?"

Solana: Martha Stuart?

Roas switched his gaze to her. Whatever it was behind his green and blue eyes it was anything but rational. "Rasha is there. His armies are already moving across the Universe, so I want to hit him at home, now!"

"Which is exactly what he wants you to do," Legus said calmly. "Roas, you know

Everyone: (as Admiral Ackbar) It’s a trap!

it's a trap."

Roas's head snapped back to Legus. "I don't care! I will not stand by again and let him get away! Not this time!"

Legus finally stood. "This is not the time."

Roas moved forward until their noses were almost touching.

Skylark: Kiss me you fool!

"What? Are you afraid to air our dirty laundry in front of them?" He gestured angrily at Rune and Ghaleon. "They're already involved in this mess. I think they have a right to know the truth."

"Roas."

The Galadinean stepped away, hands raised in the air. "No! I hesitated once to kill him when he was vulnerable because of you!" His right index finger jabbed at Legus. "You asked me not to kill him, and I listened!"

Solana: Okay. Fair enough. In hindsight, probably not the best decision he ever made.

Roas's right arm cut across the air emphatically. "I listened, and he returned to destroy everything we hold dear."

Legus tried to place his hand on Roas's arm. "I more than anyone know what we've all lost..."

Skylark: Oh, Legus. Don’t you go emo on us too.

Roas smacked the other man's hand away. "He killed my wife! Slaughtered my father! Killed our friends right before our eyes!"

Zero: Is that all?

Skylark: No, that was on Monday. On Tuesday he . . .

His tone suddenly dropped to a near whisper. "Never again. This time I have the power to stop him."

He started for the door. "Will you sacrifice your people for vengeance?" asked Legus. "Or shall their deaths only drive you deeper into rage?"

Zero: He can do both. Those aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive.

Roas stopped, his head turning slightly to look back. "You think you can stop me, old friend?" His laugh was dripping in bitterness. "You can barely stand there, Legus. You're growing steadily weaker by the moment. I should have sensed it long ago, but it was not until you tried to use the Shazi against Rasha that all became clear."

Legus said nothing, which made Roas's statement all the more harsh. "You cannot stop me from marching my forces, Legus. Your help would have been nice, but I can find other things to replace it."

Skylark: Great idea. Ask for help from a guy who by your own admission can barely stand.

"There will be no march."

Solana: Only an April.

Valius stood between his brother and the door. His crystal hand was extended at Roas's face. "Don't send our people to die, Roas. I know you are hurting and ashamed, but this path will only lead us all to a quick death."

Roas straightened to meet his elder brother's eyes. "You're right. An army would only get in the way." He pushed past Valius without another word.

Valius stopped Vathos by placing a hand on his chestplate. "Don't do this, Vathos. We need to act as one, not be divided."

"They murdered my brother, Valius," the warrior said solemnly.

Skylark: Whoa, look at Vathos playing Indigo Montoya.

"Roas may be blinded by anger, but he has the right idea. The longer we wait, the more damage that monster will do. We either stop him now or never."

Solana: Or in like 37 more chapters.

The large warrior brushed the mage aside to follow Roas.

The door closed, leaving behind a stunned silence. "Legus," Rune started to say.

Zero: Hey. That’s not silence.

"I'm sure he didn't mean it."

Legus carefully seated himself back in the chair. "No, he meant it. And the worse part is...it's all true."

_____

Solana: Eew I think the page has worms.

Roas only made a brief stop to retrieve his weapons. Guards snapped to attention as their Lord and Vathos, both in full armor, marched down the halls towards the Palace entrance. The pairs' grimaces kept each guard to salutes only, rather than risk verbal interaction. Neither stopped even when someone dared to call out to Roas.

"Hey, Roas!"

Zero, Techno, and a silent Magus briskly walked to keep up with the two Legendary Warriors. "Rumor has it you're going to war," said Zero.

Skylark: Why do I get the feeling a rendition of “Freedonia’s Going to War” is about to break out?

Solana: Because it’s Zero and Techno?

"What is it, Zero?" Roas grumbled.

Zero: It’s a big event where lots of people fight and kill each other, but that’s not important right now.

"I don't have time for this."

"I wanna come." That caused Roas to stop in his tracks.

Zero: That’s what she said.

Solana: With you, I’m sure Kiyonne did. Too bad she had to be disappointed.

Skylark: ?!

Zero: . . . Note to self. No more that’s what she said jokes.

The Galadinean turned a quizzical face to Zero. "You do know we're going to the Pyramid of Darkness without so much as a scouting force?"

Zero nodded. "Yup. I want to get a look at that transmutation pool everyone told me about. The one that made those tarasque."

Roas could not believe what he was hearing. "The last person that said that ended up with the lower body of a bull gorgon."

Zero: Really? Hmm >smirk<.

Solana: >wham!< Even after my comment you didn’t learn?

Zero shrugged non-chalantly. "So?"

A small grin crept on to Roas's face. "Fine. You're in." He looked to Techno. "What about you two? What's your stupid reasons?"

Skylark: How did Techno become two?

"Not sure," replied Techno. "I honestly don't desire to see this place, but something inside is telling me to go."

Magus never blinked. "My mother must be stopped. No other should be burdoned with this task."

Skylark: So Zero want’s his lower half to be a monster, Techno just wants to do something irrational, and Magus has Mommy issues. Sounds about right

Roas glanced at Vathos, who nodded his approval. "Okay then." The Galadinean resumed his march down the hall. "Let's go to the source of Evil in this Universe."