RPG A New Era, A New Destiny.

[starlight]

[i]Karina cursed at herself and sighed. She pulled her cloak around her side to hide the wound so people wouldnt be sickened by the sight of it (mostly Ari)[/i]

Karina: I had hoped that nobody would notice it... but you guys want an explanation so here goes. Well when I was wandering in that stupid maze of catacombs, I got into a few scraps with the locals, nothing serious just a zombie or two. Well when i was fighting a zombie I picked up this whip.

[i]She uncoiled the whip and cracked it once for them to see it. When she finished her little show-and-tell she coiled it back up and continued.[/i]

Karina: Later on I ran into a hellhound, it seemed to enjoy ramming into me and sending me flying down the tunnel. Well it managed to get me with its claws and hurt me... Its not that bad, honest! I just need to rest thats all.

[Charles]

[I]I think the thing I'll remember most is the taste. It's a full experience. Not only the taste of the fear, no. That's the appetizer. That's what makes you want it all the more.

The thrill of taking someone's life... I can't explain it. It's like trying to explain the thrill of love, pointless emotion as it is. To know that... you have effected someone so powerfully, as to simply destory them. The power trip alone is worth it.

The salty-sweet taste, o' the liquid as it slides down your throat... that's what I relish, personally. It's not even like a real liquid... it slowly coats your throat, going all the way down, so you keep tasting it. That also makes you hungry for more.

The flesh, I've never been too much of a fan of. It's simply meat, sometimes the hair... it's so thick sometimes, it wreaks havoc on your digestive system. So unless I'm really hungry, I just stick with the blood.

Of course, after every party, you have to clean up. I prefer arson, the entire building if possible. It only takes minutes to set up, and at night, the people aren't nearly as watchful anyways. Then all evidence disasppears... if you're lucky. No matter how good you think you are, one tiny mistake can send people after you.

And that's when you have to turn the finely crafted art of murder into the... pedestrian act of genocide.

Axle...

I'm hunting for you tonight. Because we are one and the same. We're night creatures who have lost everything. You with your career, me with my mother. I know it sounds cliche, but I don't think I ever recovered from my mother's death. I know dear father was behind it.

I'm not talking about Satan, no. I've grown up. I wish I were Satan's child. The power... but I digress. My father was Yakuza hitman Michael "Big Satan" Landis, an American who made it big in Japan. Heh... and to think, I've hated Americans so long, now I find out I'm half one...

I don't know what I am anymore. But I have a feeling you do. This is not a request. Don't try to call the police... trust me, father's old contacts work just fine in North America. I will find you. And we will talk.

I feel no need to sign this, you know damned well who I am. And I have a feeling you'll know where to find me. You know those type of people... well, we both know those type of people now. This should be interesting.

I'm going to get something to eat. I'll be sure to save you the leftovers.[/I]

(note stabbed into the side of Axle's car, with a small, basic dagger)

[Raiha]

[cOLOR=royalblue]Axle: .....

Jaudair: Original.

[i]She twisted a tendril of her magic around the handle and jerked it free. The note flew into the air, and landed in his hands. She clenched her hand around the daggar and her eyes slitted.[/i]

Axle: ........I wonder if he's going to get sushi.

Jaudiar: Are we going to wait for him then? I'm useless now.

Axle: Not entirely.

Jaudiar: Close enough.

[i]Her eyes half shut in pain. Lethe began to kick once more, this time, it was a reaction to the anger her mother felt, and the aura her father sent out. Jaudiar touched her stomach with her left hand.....wishing it was already over.[/i][/COLOR]

[Carren Heart]

[I]Rajaah impatiently listened to the story of how Karina got hurt.[/I]

Rajaah: If we don't go you may get hurt again << Looks over at the entire group >> Can we go!

Valen: << Looking at him cross for a moment >> settle down yesh! We're going just a little slower then usual.

Rajaah: << Looks toward the sky and says to himself >> it won't be long.

[I]Ari being the closest to Rajaah at the time over heard his comment.[/I]

Ari: << Quietly to Rajaah >> long tell what?

Rajaah: << Quietly to Ari >> the beginning of the end.

[I]Ari stopped at Rajaah words they oddly enough sounded afraid and whole hearted almost as if he dreaded the words himself.[/I]

Ari: What do you mean? << Talking louder while running back up to him >> what end?

Rajaah: << Stops dead in his tracks, Points all around at the trees, animals, and plants >> all of this Ari; the green land, the sounds of wilderness creatures, and the peace of it all.

[I]Everyone stopped hearing the almost familiar words from Rajaah it echoed in their minds. Rajaah's words struck their souls heavily the intensity behind his voice strengthened them. They felt their hearts beating faster.[/I]

Valen: What do you mean Rajaah?

Rajaah: Just as I said Valen.

Karina: you can't know that.

Rajaah: << Stops and looks back at the group his eyes sincere >> O, I must be mistaken. Then again you'll see soon enough.

Ari: even if it were true we can stop it right!

[I]The others were about to speak up.[/I]

Rajaah: Perhaps, but doubtful.

Valen: How do you know this?

Rajaah: << Looks over at Valen >> I've seen it and lived it, how do you think I know.

[starlight]

[i]Karina stepped towards Rajaah, Ari close behind. Their footsteps making crunching sounds in the fresh snow as they walked. Karina was seriously worried, and it showed.[/i]

Karina: Lemmie give you a bit of our history Rajaah, we are the ones who defeated these 4 demonic like people that were out to destroy the world in our time. So weve all kind of dealt with this before.

[i]She motioned with her hand to the group that surrounded them, Tyron, Visor, and Valen all waved or nodded to show their agreement with that statement.[/i]

Karina: But what is it thats going to hurt this plain Rajaah? You havent made that clear! we seriously need to know! But another question thats been bugging me is: why are we back? I mean it isnt coincidence that we all came back at the same time.

[i]Ari came from behind Karina and stood right beside her.[/i]

Ari: Yeah I've been wondering about that too, it doesnt seem accidental that you guys are all back here at once... could that have been a sign of what Rajaah is talking about now? Whatever it is I'm in!

Karina: ...Whoa! What's gotten into you Ari? *ahem* well I'm in as well, you're gonna need help in the weaponry and attack department.

[Shinobi]

[i]Valen steps up proudly and announces to Karina.[/i]

Valen: No need,Karina, i have delt with that, well not unless you have any specialitys (sp?) you want to teach, or mabey even some advancements?

Karina: Wow, really? i was down there that long?

[i]Valen nods[/i]

Visor: Anyway! I think we should get the hell out of here, if you want to teach, we need a safe place of coarse!

Tyron: Yes we do, and if *growls* Aerow, breaks free soon i might loose it!

[i]As Tyron stops grinding his teeth he turns to face Shin, Visor, Valen and Karina[/i]

Tyron: We must go, now!

[i]He turns to the left ofhim, faceing Rajaah, Vahn and Ari and nods. The groupset on their travels but suddenly Visor drops to the deck with a thunderous thud, his eyes flickering in the back of his head.[/i]


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Qucik flash images of Dymonic and the beasts from long ago, Rajaah flashes into scene with a demonic grin with a booming voice, shrilling behind him "Kill Them!" it screamed. Then, pictures Visor has never seen before, like a slimy man, sinister yet not demonic,he looked fishy, he was squeesing a womans hand, with long purple fingernails.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[i]Quickly he snaps to his feet, in a blur he slurs out what he had just saw.[/i]

Valen: Uh, What?!?

[i]Visor reconfigures himself anf tells again. Everyone is in shock, asking suck questions as "do you think it was the future?" they all turn to Rajaah. He drops his head and sighs[/i]

Rajaah: Ok, I'll tell you......

[Carren Heart]

[I]Rajaah stood quietly for a few moments gathering thoughts and clearing his mind he deeply breathes in then looks over at the group.[/I]

Rajaah: within four years from now the era know as the Chaos War; will plague mankind with suffering, confusion, and malice. Angelic creatures will descend from the heavens to meet their counterparts in immortal battle soon to be known as the Chaos War itself. During this time man will chose a side but because of its greed and lust not all will join the forces known as "good" or the angelic creature from the realm you call haven. The numbers will side with them and the strong will side with the desires presented by the demonic creatures from the realm you call hell or the abyss which ever you'd like to call it.

Visor: << Looking at Rajaah Questioningly >> does everything get destroyed.

Rajaah: No, the battle ends with no real victory named and the angels and demons return to there given realms to continue their epic battles until seven more years pass and the demons return.

Valen: then what?

Rajaah: then begins the Ravaging of our world, demonic kings take the noble rule of man. They rule over the populous with a vile and wicked temperance sacrificing virgin women and young children as a daily holiday to there dark gods.

Valen: << Looking disturbed >> Bastards

Rajaah: Beauty, Kindness, and Justice are high crimes in a world that has all but forgotten these simply things.

Ari: Beauty? A crime?

Rajaah: Yes, upon a woman or man's eighteenth birthday they are defaced and scared until the wounds either kill them or will never truly heal. Kindness is like murder here with the demons all but a memory of the golden time of man.

Valen: how can they just live like that?

Rajaah: we have no choice Valen you live this way or die.

Valen: I'd rather fight and die then allow that!

Rajaah: Why is that Valen! Because of a noble purpose and the hope of eternal happiness within haven HA! If one fights against them they condemn you to a Ritualist sacrifice of which last a full year when upon the completion of the ritual your soul is forever damned to suffer within a true hell!


[I]Rajaah stops looking angered by Valen words as if it hit home somewhere amongst memories.[/I]

[Boo]

"If you knew us better, you wouldnt even opened your mouth that way."

[I]Rajaah turned to tyron who had just said it and they stare in eachothers eyes. Fury dancing around in both their eyes. Rajaah turned away from him, and looked at the others, after a small moment that looked like ages for Tyron and himself. Tyron had a determend (sp?) look on his face and turned his face to the north.[/I]

"How long were you planning to stay here?" he said sounding very serious.

"You're right. We should go." Karina then said while standing a step further towards Tyron.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Run.... Far away.... But I will allways find you... Even after death, I will still hunt you if I must... run..."

[I]Aerow stood in the shadows of the cave. He had closen his eyes. He looked like even a single piece of dust landing on him could get him unleashing all of his power in one time. But then. Suddenly he opened his eyes and turned around, facing the closed hole above him![/I]

"Because I wont have mercy!!!"

[I]He blasted an enormous ray (just full power Poisonous touch) at the place where the hole is supposed to be and it exploded open with a loud explosion. He jumped on the rocks under it and then jumped through the hole, landing in the open air.[/I]

[Valen]

[color=#33ooCC][b][i]Valen sees that Aerow had broken free and turns to Rajaah.[/i]

Valen: I have my reasons to fight, and I stick to a promise I made long ago that I didn't keep...

[i]He looked at Karina as if she knew what that promise was. She did. He then turned to Aerow, ready to either kill or walk away. Either was good to him.[/i]

Visor: Valen, this is not a good place nor time to fight Aerow. We must go.

[i]He sighed as he sheathed his blade, thinking of the events of long ago. "Would this be easier? Would this be the same? What's going to happen if we all win? What if we lose?" He thought to himself as he walked towards the group again. "No... Just stop thinking!"[/i]

Valen: Alright, let's go...

Karina: What's up, Valen?

Valen: Nothing... just thinking...[/b][/color]

[starlight]

[i]Karina placed her hand on his shoulder, all the while thinking:[/i]

"Dammit Valen I hate it when you bring that promise up. You did the best you could to keep it, as far as I'm concerned--"

[i]Karina stopped thinking of what to say to him without making it sound like she had gone absolutely soft. But in truth... Had she become soft? Had she actually lost her edge? She turned away from Valen and faced the rest of the group.[/i]

Karina: Ok you heard the man! Lets move!

[i]The group started heading away from the chaotic catacombs, as soon as they were far enough away Areow finally came fully above ground. With all the dirt, cuts, and blood that covered him from head to toe, he looked as if he was an undead rising from a grave.[/i]

[Valen]

[color=#33ooCC][i]Tyron, Shin and Visor turned around to see Aerow once more. Tyron charged at Aerow as Shin and Visor followed trying to stop Tyron. Karina, Rajaah, Ari, Vahn, and Valen didn't know that the three had run back. They kept running thinking that Aerow was right behind them as he always is. About three minutes later, Karina stops suddenly as everyone almost crashes into her.[/i]

[b]Valen[/b]: Karina! You can tell you're related to Ari... Now, why'd you stop so suddenly?

[b]Karina[/b]: Isn't it a bit... quiet?

[b]Valen[/b]: What do you mean?

[b]Ari[/b]: Yeah, it does seem a little more quiet than usual...

[b]Vahn[/b]: I wonder why?

[b]Rajaah[/b]: ... Maybe because the three weirdos that were following us are no longer there?

[b]Karina[/b]: Ah... wait... WHAT!?

[b]Valen[/b]: I bet they went after Aerow...

[b]Karina[/b]: That is so like them!

[b]Ari[/b]: Yeah, really...

[b]Rajaah[/b]: You're not going to go back for them?

[b]Vahn[/b]: Are you nuts?! It's way too risky!

[b]Valen[/b]: Yeah, and besides, it's not often you'll get this kind of peace and quiet, so --

[b]Karina[/b]: -- Enjoy it while you can.

[i]Valen looked at Karina strangely. She's never finished his sentence before. Maybe she's been around him too long? Maybe. But that has to be left untold, at least for the present.[/i]

[b]Valen[/b]: Karina?

[b]Karina[/b]: Yes?

[b]Valen[/b]: How did you know I was going to say that?

[b]Karina[/b]: Just a guess.

[b]Valen[/b]: Ok, right.

[b]Vahn[/b]: So where are we off to now?

[b]Valen[/b]: Well, if it's alright with you guys and Karina, I've been wondering where my weapon is at...

[b]Karina[/b]: I know where that is!

[b]Valen[/b]: Can you bring me there?

[i]Karina hesitated for a moment, remembering the events of the past.[/i]

[b]Karina[/b]: ... ... Sure...

[b]Valen[/b]: Thank you, Karina... [/color]

[starlight]

[i]Karina was still slightly surprised herself at the fact that she had finished his sentance, but she shook it off quickly.[/i]

Karina: Hey, don't mention it Valen

Ari: So... shall we be moving along?

Karina: Yeah, I'll trailblaze! Just follow the slow-moving undead!

[i]Karina walked to the front of the group, paused, and looked around, as if getting her bearings straight. After a few moments
of doing this she nodded and turned around to face them.[/i]

Karina: Ok I know where I'm going. The old temple was over that-a-way... We just head down that path and we're are almost home free.

[i]She motioned with her hand to their left, at what looked like an old path, it was hard to tell, it was so overgrown and underused it harly looked like a decent pathway anymore. It seemed more shouded in shadows, giving it a dark forbidding look. Ari cringed sightly.[/i]

Ari: ...w-w-we have to go... down there?... Typical!

[i]Vahn smacked Ari upside the head. Ari let out a small startled cry.[/i]

Vahn: Oh quit whineing Ari!

Rajaah: Its not the pathways that are the thing to be worrieing about, it's the things that live around places like this.

Vahn: And in our case, the trailblazer herself!

[i]Karina had moved to the entryway of the path and was now tapping her foot impatiently.[/i]

Karina: Well are we gonna get Valen's Katana back or not? Come on!

[i]They started to make their way down the ancient path. Karina in the lead followed by Valen, then Vahn, then Ari and watching the back of the group, Rajaah. Ari was gripping her staff so tight that her knuckles were white, and she was jumping at every little noise. They all engaged in little conversation at all, they were ether to terrified to speak, intent on getting off of the path, or just weren't at all that talkitive at that point. Suddenly Karina yelled something that cut into all of their thoughts.[/i]

Karina: Yo! Guys we're getting close! I can see the edge of the forest!

Ari: YAY! THIS NIGHTMARE IS NEARLY OVER!!!

Vahn: Geez Ari, cool it will you? It's only a forest!

Ari: But a freaky one at that!

Rajaah: Well hurry it up, if you want out of here so badly.

[i]They emerged from the woods, into a large clearing, that would have been next to impossible to find, no matter what, had they not stuck to the trail, for the forest seemed to almost change shape at times, making it easy to get lost within. The clearing was painted with the colors and long shadows caused by the sunsets last rays of light. That wasn't the most amazeing thing about the place though, the thing that caught everyone's attention right away was in the very middle of the clearing was the still-standing stone ruins of a once proud ancient temple. They all stood staring at it, as if in a daze, for a few moments before Valen made the first move. He started walking towards the temple, as if drawn to it by some unknown power, he stopped a good 20 feet or so away from it. Karina watched him do so, and shook her head sadly. She turned to Vahn and Ari.[/i]

Karina: Ok why dont you two go scout out the area and practice your fighting skills?

Ari:...Ok I can do that

Vahn: :devil: with pleaseure

Karina: Vahn, I dont want you testing your moves out on Ari!

[i]The two teens took off towards the far end of the clearing. Karina turned to Rajaah.[/i]

Karina: Hey Rajaah? Can you do me a favor? Can you go to watch those two please? I think I need to talk with Valen... Alone.

[i]Rajaah paused for a moment then nodded slightly[/i]

Karina: Thanks so much Rajaah.

[Carren Heart]

OOC: It will be a while before i can post again please keep Rajaah in this ...sorry.

[Valen]

[color=#33ooCC]
[i]Night had befallen this half the world as Ari, Vahn, and Rajaah had vanished out of sight. Valen sat down and looked up at the stars.[/i]

Karina: Nice night...

[i]Karina climbs a tree and sits above the ground.[/i]

Valen: Yeah..... peaceful too

Karina: Yup...

[i]Ari suddenly screams[/i]

Karina: so much for peacefull

Valen: Now what?

Karina: Aw she will be fine dont worry, I mean she is my decsndant for goodness sake...

Valen: Ok, then...

[i]Valen lays back glaring at the moon. Karina leans back in the trees limbs and stares upward.[/i]

Valen: Hey, look! A shooting star!

Karina: ([i]Sigh[/i]) You make a wish?

Valen: Yep.... did you?

Karina: Yes...I wished for something

Valen: Hmmmm something is strange about the way the stars are shining

Karina: What do you mean?

Valen: I really don't know... it's just something about them...

Karina: Only you would notice such a thing

Valen: Maybe it's just me

Karina: no tell me please? Its not like I can blab to the others....

Valen: It's just in the way they're shining.....

[i]He paused and looked up at Karina with an uncertain look...[/i]

Valen: Almost as if they're trying to warn us of something

Karina: You think so?

Valen: I hope that's not the case...

Karina: I hope it isnt so ether, I mean I cant stand the thought of going through that again

Karina: You know what it... nevermind

Valen: Yeah...

Karina: Val you know what it was like watching you die like that?

Valen: ... I.... no.....

[i]Karina looks down and stares at him as if seeing him for the first time[/i]

Valen: ... it was a big mistake.... I let my gaurd down....

Karina: It wasnt just that and you know it

[i]She paused for a moment.[/i]

Karina: It was your father that broke you wasnt it?

[i]After a long pause, Valen finally spoke up.[/i]

Valen: ........ Yes........... I could not kill Lacroix in that body..... I knew my father's soul wasn't in the body and that wasn't him, but I......I just couldn't do it....

Karina: I understand... then your katana.... now that was strange

Valen: .... What exactly did it do?

Karina: you would never believe me if I told you

[i]She jumps down from the tree and sits down next to him[/i]

Valen: Well, tell me and we'll see

Karina: Ok I know that mages are said to have weapons that have enhanced powers, but I never knew that someones spirit could be trapped witin one.... do you remeber anything?

Valen: I don't remember anything that happened after a sharp pain in my back....

Karina: Weird... ok its official then I guess the whole death thing made me delerious...

Valen: But with that katana, you never know... So why do you say that?

Karina: Because after you died your I.K did something pretty weird.

Valen: .. You simply never know

Karina: Well shall I tell you what happened?

Valen: yes, please do

Karina: With pleasure. As soon as you.... departed. Your katana took on YOUR voice and said, and I quote, "I will have my revenge one way or another!" Then it went and landed right in fron of us all, I felt drawn to it, so I put mine down and took yours up, and it spoke to me as if it was you...

[i]She sighed as Valen took in what she had just said.[/i]

Valen: weird....

Karina: Theres more, weve only scracthed the surface of weird...

Valen: I've heard of that happening before, but I never thought it was real....

Karina: huh?

Valen: It's said the the mage's weapon goes to the one he/she felt closest to...

[i]She gets up and backs up into the tree.[/i]

Karina: Say what?

Valen: Or has enough strength and will power to use it

Karina: Oh gawd...

[i]She puts her hand to her forehead.[/i]

Karina: well I did grant.... the last request... in a way, then we took it after your burial to the temple and locked it up safe and sound. As far as I know its still there...

Valen: I hope it is still there....

Karina: Hey I took it there i'll help you get it back.

Valen: If not.... the world could be destroyed as we know it.

Karina: Oh boy... here we go again.

Valen: Yeah...

Karina: Why us?

[i]Karina groans at the thought of going through what they had gone through 1,381 years ago.[/i]

Valen: Because we're the cursed ones...

Karina: Or the blessed ones as were known by the people... but it's whatever way you look at it.

Valen: It just so happened to be our descendants who fooled around with what's not theirs...

Karina: Now they are stuck too

[i]They both sighed.[/i]

Karina: lovely! first I get killed then I get stuck with some little kid who cant even use a throwing star!

Valen: I still say we're cursed..... I mean, being dead is one thing, but being brought back in a place you've never seen before? That's a little scary.

Karina: My luck is still holding... I know it's freaky.

Valen: It sure is....

Karina: I woke up and couldnt talk, then I realized I was reduced to a mere pile of bones! Bones dammit!

Valen: That's got to suck

Karina: Yeah tell me about it, I blacked out, and then woke up at Ari's cottage...

Valen: These people now-a-days are strange.

Karina: Isnt it swell? I mean all I remeber up until that point is... 2 thugs beating the living crap out of me

Karina: I know.... whats the deal with their... whatcha-ma-call-its? Oh, right! Television!

Valen: I don't know, see back in our day, you would have a magic battle or sword fight for entertainment.

Karina: Yeah, now kids stay indoors for entertainment... what a waste!

Valen: yeah

Karina: They dont even know how to weild our weaponry, I handed Ari a throwing star and she cut herself!

[i]She looked at Valen who was thinking the same thing.[/i]

Karina: I dont know what to do with her

Valen: ([i]sigh[/i]) We really need to teach them how to weild the weapons... All they know is how to weild a clicker thing.

Karina: Well there is still hope for Ari, she knows how to use the staff of revival, thats how im standing here before you now, I mean she does have a bit of magic in her, its just dormant. I feel as if my kid was a mistake I mean how could my decendant turn out like.... like.... like a wimp?!

Valen: Well, I haven't told Vahn yet, but I think he is a mage...

Karina: Oh really?

Valen: Yep...

Karina: well theres still hope for you and your people then

Valen: Yeah, but Vahn....

Karina: Is a ditz...

Valen: He didn't notice it, but he made trees fall down just by thinking about it...

Karina: what!?

Valen: Yes, he is a ditz, but still...

Karina: I'm going to start Ari's training, I mean I was taught to use magic at a very young age... and shes now a young woman.

[i]Karina shakes her head sadly.[/i]

Valen: I've aready trained her partially. She can now use the staff and magic.

Karina: Oh, well that helps.

Valen: So, how did you learn your magic?

Karina: Simple, I used the staff at first to channel my power and when I got good, I was able to do it without the staff. That's how I learned with that very staff.

Valen: Hmmm..... I gotta try that one day...

Karina: Its very useful

Valen: I just learned it from here and there, picking up a little as I went on...

Karina: Yes, that's how most learned, but my mother was a mage herself and tried to teach me. It didn't work.

Valen: and some just came to me as if someone was walking me through it every step of the way.

Karina: Interesting...

Valen: It's like.... everything would be shut out..... even if there's a battle going on....

Karina: That could have been deadly Val...

Valen: Everything will be shut out, and I hear this weird voice and I just do as it says...

Karina: Strange...

Valen: That's where the Crimson Storm came from...

Karina: Now that, my friend, is truly bizzare.... I've always wondered.... Where did you find that katana of yours?

Valen: Well, when I was really young, I went to this weird place that had a lot of Mages living there, and one of the mages approached me, gave me the katana, and just died right there...

Karina: Now that is very strange.

Valen: I guess he was looking for someone to pass his power on to before he died.

Karina: That might explain the voice that came to you?

Valen: Because it's said that a sorcerer or mage cannot die in peace without passing their power to another.... Hrm, it might.

Karina: then you couldnt have died in peace, there was no mage for you to pass it too. Sure my mother was one but that counts for nothing

Valen: Actually, there was...

Karina: What do you mean?

Valen: Well...

[i]He looked at Karina and smiled...[/i]

Valen: You had a lot of power... you could control that power... If what you say is true about the katana coming to you.... It chose it's new mage

[i]She looked at him in astonishment and disbelief.[/i]

Karina: What? I... I... I'm no mage!

Valen: You must be one....

Karina: I highly doubt I am. Just because I was related to one doesnt make me one right away... or does it?

Valen: Who knows.... maybe your mother passed her powers on to you and you didn't notice.

Karina: I wouldnt know, I come home and a burning pile of rocks and wood that used to be a dojo was all that greeted me. That's where I got my weapon-- My fathers katana, his prized possession

[i]She sighed with a sad look in her eyes.[/i]

Karina: Gawd I miss him...

Valen: Hmmm that is rather strange...

Karina: what? What's so strange about it?

Valen: Maybe you were just born with the power

Karina: It was those demons, I swear it! ... huh? .... How should I know?

[i]She got up and started to pace around.[/i]

Valen: Well, your destiny is supposidly decided before you are born.

Karina: That I know

Valen: If you have a time in your life when you will need it, you will be granted with it at birth... That's just my theory...

Karina: I thought my destiny was over when my own blade went through my neck...

[i]She clapped her hand over her mouth immidiately, she didnt want him to know just yet[/i]

Karina: ....I let that slip didnt i?

Valen: What? Karina?

Karina: ....Nothing Val... absolutely nothing

Valen: Heh... so it is true...

Karina: what is? My aren't we mr know-it-all this evening?

Valen: I was wondering about that little scar.....

Karina:.... What scar?

Valen: The one on your neck...

Karina:... Why, may I ask, were you stareing at my neck?

Valen: Erm... I uh....

Karina: You a vampire or something?

Valen: ... I... I noticed it when you were climbing the tree

Karina: uh...huh

Valen: It's true! It's not that hard to miss...

Karina: Lovely that's the second person to tell me that!

Valen: Sorry...

Karina: Its ok... I'll just have to keep it covered from now on.

[i]She reaches into pocket and brings out a bandana that gets tied around her neck[/i]

Karina: There.

Valen: Hmmm.... Agh... it's happening again...

[i]He falls to his knees holding his head.[/i]

Karina: the most terrible thing is those goons that stabbed me took my katana... Wha? Valen? You ok?

Valen: Everything's shutting out again and flashing a weird place that i've never seen before

Karina: Ok then I'll be here when you snap out of it... not much else I can do...

[i]The visions suddenly stop as Valen sits there staring to the sky.[/i]

Valen: Woah.....that was freaky

Karina: You ok? You look a little shaken up...

Valen: it showed a few mountains with a shadowy figure charging down the mountain towards a forest....

Karina: what? Please dont say it was one of those demons

Valen: I hope it wasn't

Karina: You know that sounds exactly like what happened when the wild beast attacked....

Valen: Hopefully it was just a big rock

Karina: Yeah.... but why would it be in your vision then?

Valen: I don't know........ and I don't want to find out

Karina: Nor do I... ([i]Sigh[/i]) Unfortunately for us trouble seems to follow us wherever we go doesnt it?

Valen: Yeah....

Karina: Lucky us

Valen: I just wish for once, we could have a whole day of peace

Karina: we did.... when we were dead

Valen: Cuz this old body can't take much more of this

Karina: we had 1,381 years worth of it...

Valen: Yeah, true

Karina: Well we arent getting any younger just sitting here, lets go get your weapon back, now shall we?

Valen: Alright...

[i]They both help eachother up and look around for a path of some sort.[/i]
[/color]

[Wolf Maximas13]

the two travelers looked down a path to see were it might lead.

Karina: well, lets try this one.

Valen: o.k I guess that will work.

????: you sure you want to go down there?

the two turned to see a tall figure with a cloak covering himself. they stood ready to defend themselves.

????: you don't want to do that.

Karina: give us one good reason why we shouldn't?

the figure threw back the cloak and reaveled his face. Karina and Valen grew wide eyed then smiled.

Both: Wolf!!!

Wolf: hey you guys, whats been going on?

Karina: not a lot Wolf, how did you get here?

Valen: yeah, you were dead like us.

Wolf: well, it seems my great great great granddaughter did it. she seems to have taken after Lena and Angel. so, here i am in the fur.

Karina: it's good to see you again Wolf. so, why shouldn't we go down there?

Wolf: because that leads to danger and evil. Wait a minute i guess we should go down there.

Wolf laughed and so did the others. the group walked down the path and talked about old times. knowing that any minute they could be attacked.

[starlight]

[i]Karina pointed ahead to the temple.[/i]

Karina: Well guys we've made it this far, lets just go up to the old building and talk there.

Valen: I see no problem with that.

[i]They all reached the temple and sat down near a cluster of trees that shadowed the ancient building.[/i]

Wolf: Tell me, why do you want to go in there? If I do recall correctly, this is where Valen was buried.

Karina: Exactly! Remember what I lay to rest with him?

[i]Valen shifted uncomfortably as he listened to the two of them talk about that subject. Karina noticed and shut up.[/i]

Karina:... I think we need a better topic

Valen: What about Ari, Rajaah, and Vahn?

Karina: ARIADNE, RAJAAH, VAHN!!!!

All: Coming!!

Valen: That's not exactly what I meant but, that works.

[i]Ari and Vahn come tearing out of the woods, Rajaah in tow. As soon as Ari saw Wolf, she screamed, and backed up right into Rajaah. Vahn's eyes got wide as soon as he realized what Ari was looking at, and backed off just a tad as well, though not as much as Ari who was now trying to run back into the woods, and Rajaah restraining the failing kid. [/i]

Ari: WEREWOLF!!!

Vahn: !!

Valen: Yeah no kidding, Ari! Cool it! He's not gonna hurt you!

[i]Ari stopped trying to break free and turned around, shaking in fear. Karina turned to Wolf and Valen[/i]

Karina: Geez youd think that the kid would show a tad more respect for her elders!

Wolf: Come on give the poor girl a break, you know the old legends people tell of werewolves that eat people on nights like this!

Karina: Yeah but the whole fact that we werent running away from you should have been a major hint for her!

[i]Once they had everyone over the shock of meeting a giant talking wolf Ari spoke.[/i]

Ari: where are we going?

Rajaah: Yeah

Karina: to get Val back his Katana. You know Val, 3 years later I was in the same position that you were.

Valen: What do you mean?

[i] Karina did the finger across the throat thing, that signaled that she was killed.[/i]

Valen: Oh... yeah....

Karina: That's what I mean

Valen: You're fareing much better

Karina: I had life! Heck I had a kid... then I died! He was such a sweet little boy....

[i]Karina stopped herself from crying, it hurt her to think of her family. With Valen the message hadnt sunk in, yet.

Valen: Ain't life just a kick in the Er....... or should I say.... oh you know what i mean!

Karina: yes I know... I hate to admit it... but I am missing dumb and dumber right now

[i]The message had finally sunk in, and Valen suddenly got the full force of what Karina had said before.[/i]

Valen: Sorry to hear about your loss of your family....

Karina: It couldnt be helped.... I was outside doing chores and these 2 bozos came and hauled me off... no chance to fight back. I know they went into the house because they had my old travel gear.

[i]Karina clenched her fists at the memory, as Valen put his hand on Karina's shoulder reassuring her that they will never be at peace for what they had done. Karina turned away from everyone.[/i]

Karina: They wanted something... I would not tell them

Valen: What did they want?

Karina: That, Val must remain secret.

Valen: Oh, alright

Karina: but I'll tell you because you are a very close friend

Valen: yay!

Karina: Sorry Wolf but this is kind of private

Wolf: I understand

[i]Karina led Valen out of the groups earshot and started to tell him.[/i]

Karina: Its quite simple.... they wanted us! and your IK... they must have figured that if they had one of us caught they would get us all. But it doesnt work that way.

Valen: The IK? Why would they want that?

Karina: How am I supposed to know? I was the victim remeber? They dont give info to the victim!

Valen: oh.....right....sorry

[i]Valen looked at her with an embarrassed/confused expression (aka sweatdrop)[/i]

Karina: How come they always think the girl is the weakest link?

Valen: Because of wrong teachings and screwed up minds?

Karina: I dunno! I'm serious though! But, for once I couldn't... fight back.

Ari: that idea is still active even today

[i]Karina whipped around to face the eavesdropper, and saw that the whole group had come up behind them and was listening in on their "private" conversation. Vahn came foreward.[/i]

Vahn: Yeah, they're really screwed up.

Wolf: I agree, Vahn.

Valen: What have these people been thinking?!

Ari: I don't know

[i]Karina was fed up with Ari by now and yelled at her[/i]

Karina: Ari shut up!

Valen: I've seen Karina fight better than most "men" i've seen...

[i]Karina fumed for a moment or two before sighing and apologising to Ari for the outburst, she felt her throwing stars bag, it was lighter then usual... too light[/i]

Karina: Oh gawd I'm so low on throwing stars... I'm very nervous now

Valen: Don't worry, I heard from Vahn that you can go buy them now

Karina: Thanks Valen, that was real nice

[i]Ari cut in and piped up.[/i]

Ari: Throwing stars? why them again?

[i]Ari groans at the memory of her experiance with one.[/i]

Valen: If you can control a throwing star, you can control your destiny.

Karina: Thats the most important thing you must learn Ariadne. That's why I use them... Wait... How did you know that?!

Valen: I learned that from watching you

Karina: ... Really?

Valen: Really.

Karina: ...wow

[Shinobi]

[i]Visor snarls as Aerow chuckles into their face[/i]
Aerow: Do you think that you could conceal me in such a small pokey place?! HAHAH!

Tyron: YOU!DIEEEEEEEEE!

[i] Tyron lunges forward, but is smacked to the side! Aerow grunts and gestures with his hand for Shin and Visor to attack.[/i]

Visor: Uh, you think we are that stupid?

Shin: Ha!

Aerow: What do you me....

[i] Tyron had popped up behind him and is choking him with thick branch from a tree. Visor fly kicks him in the stomach and Shin leathers into his face. Aerow's legs frail everywhere and screams aloud, it could shatter glass.[/i]

Shin: * simultaneously with punches* Stupid......Prick.....Never......Diss.......Me.....or......My Friends.....Ever.....Again.

[i]Aerow's face is turning blew when Tyron flips over his head he stands charging up. Aerow hovers in the air as Tyron charges up, he blasts him head on his chest, throwing him about 200 meters away from the group. He smacks the ground with a thud and flinches every few seconds. Visor jumps through the air with his SoJ drawn, he slams it down, driving right through his stomach, as he pulls it out blood erupts like a volcano.[/i]

Visor: Run, we must find the others!

Tyron: Yes!

Shin: Is he dead?

Tyron: Ha! People like him have nine lives! Grrr! He will go back to his "fortress" and get it healed up, and be on search once more!

[i]The Trio run into the woods, but by now it is very dark and they cannot make out a thing.[/i]

Shin: I suggest we run up this path, as far away as we can and camp out.

Visor: Hey! You don't know what the hell live in these forests, but I guess that is the best idea....

[Valen]

[color=#33ooCC]Karina: I think we are getting close to the temple

Valen: I hope so

Ari: You mean that old run down fort thing?

Karina: That, Ari, is a burial temple or something of that sort

Karina:([i]Shaking her head[/i]) Kids today...

Valen: .... ..... .....

Karina: what?

Valen: .... .... .... it better be here.... .... ... ...

Karina: Dont flip Val

Valen: .... it just has to be

Karina: Oh gawd, will you cool it already?

Valen: alright alright....

[i]they come into the clearing and see the old stone building that is ready to collapse at any moment.[/i]

Karina: dear gawd what happened here?

Ari: told ya it was run down

[i]Valen fell to his knees at the sight of the temple's shape.[/i]

Valen: No....

Karina: Dont panic Val, we havent been inside yet.

[i]Valen walks up to the temple.[/i]

Valen: It looks like something happened here....

Karina: What? Well duh!

[i]Valen touched a brick and part of the wall collapsed, leaving a small hole just big enough for someone to squeeze through.[/i]

[i]Karina walks up beside him[/i]

Karina: somethings not right here

Valen: I agree

Karina: I'm going in

Valen: Karina.....

[i]Karina climbs into the small hole in the side of the temple.[/i]

Valen: I'm coming too

Ari: Grandma?! ... Valen?

Valen: Ari, it'll be ok

Ari: I'm surrounded by idiots!

Valen: Keep an eye on Vahn and Ari, Rajaah.

Karina (from inside): shes definately my great whatever grandchild...

Rajaah: Ok...

[i]Valen climbs in the hole following Karina.[/i]

Ari: Be carefull....

Valen: I will...

[i]Valen makes his way down the narrow pathways and sees Karina ahead.[/i]

Karina: I thought you would never make it down here

Karina: Now to find that blade...

Valen: Where could it be....?
[/color]

[starlight]

[i]The two of them made their way down picking a path downward through the dangerous sloped and rocky terrain. Once they made their way down Valen walked away from the entrance and scanned the area. The temple, for the most part was intact, just some of the tunnels had collapsed over time. Without a word Valen chose one of the darkened tunnels and started heading into the darkness. Karina hung back for a second and shuddered.[/i]

Karina: Oh this is just greeeat! Another dark, damp, and freaky place. The things I do?

[i]She turned to look down the tunnel, Valen had disappeared into the darkness by this point. Karina gulped then ran after him.[/i]

Karina: Valen! Wait up! You aren?t gonna find it without me!

[i]Karina kept running down the passage, calling out to Valen as she ran. She saw a dim light ahead. She saw that it was a chamber that had been smashed in over the ages, she saw Valen standing near the entrance and yelled at him again she got no reply, he seemed to be in deep concentration, she came up behind him and stopped, she hung back, she knew where in the temple they were now. She remembered this room.[/i]

Valen: Where could it....

[i]Valen saw the casket and froze in his place. He motioned for Karina to come. As soon as she was next to him she turned away and closed her eyes, she could not bear the sight. She held back tears as the ancient memory of this room surfaced to haunt her.[/i]

Valen: Karina...... is that.....

[i]Karina nodded solemnly. Valen went up to it and saw writing on the lid, Karina cut in before he could read it properly.[/i]

Karina: ...yes Valen... thats your coffin? Welcome to your burial chamber!

[i]Valen read the name on the coffin, it was his, just as Karina said. Karina looked away at something else, and left Valen alone for a few moments to get over the irking thought of actually being IN the thing.[/i]

Valen: Oh yay....

[i]Karina called from the other side of the chamber, trying to lighten the mood, though she didn?t see how she could under these circumstances.[/i]

Karina: quaint isnt it?

Valen: Very....

[i]Karina came back over to Valen and stood next to him staring up at the ?skylight? in the ceiling above them. She put her hand on his shoulder, and wondered how he felt about being here. She didn?t know about him but she was extremely upset and freaked out.[/i]

Karina: Ah yes nothing I love better than jumping down dark damp holes into a burial chamber late at night? How do I get myself into these things?

Valen: Me too....

[i]They both stood there for awhile staring at the coffin in front of them. Karina snapped out of it and looked around at the chamber. She tapped Valen on the shoulder and made him snap out of whatever daydream he was having. He walked away from her and started to investigate the place.[/i]

Karina: well I know it was buried in another chamber

As she spoke Valen stumbled over a few rocks that were scattered about on the floor.

Valen: Damn, i need to clean this place up....

Karina shook her head and rolled her eyes at the ceiling before moving away from the coffin.

Karina: You?re a riot Valen

Valen stopped and turned to Karina.

Valen: Well? I do....

[i]Karina rolled her eyes again, and paused as if trying to recall something.[/i]

Karina: If my memory serves me right its right through.... there!

[i]She took a few steps towards a caved in wall and points at it, Valen went up to the remains of the wall and examined the slabs of rock that had once made up the wall. Valen suddenly backed away from the wall.[/i]

Valen: ...Woah

[i]Karina looked over, noticed what Valen was doing, and quickly made her way over. She stopped next to him and gave him a questioning look.[/i]

Karina: what did you find?

[i]Valen pointed at a carving that was on one of the slabs. Karina crouched down and went in for a closer look. It was still legible, but she didn?t understand what the goofy little drawing meant.[/i]

Valen: who did the carving?

[i]Karina shrugged, but kept staring at it.[/i]

Karina: this was a temple, they did they did tend to have these things carved on the walls.

[i]Valen shruggs then searches through another pile of rocks nearby. Karina turns away from the drawing and starts moving rocks on her own. They went on like this for a while, neither one speaking. Valen suddenly spoke up.[/i]

Valen: ...Looks almost like the death symbol

[i]Karina glared at him, and shook her head.[/i]

Karina: Please don't...

Valen: ...or a symbol to keep the dead at bay in their graves--

Karina: --Ive had enough death to last me thank you!!

Valen: Oh.... yeah... sorry

Karina: it's ok? oh boy

[i]Karina jumped down from the part of the wall she had been working on clearing. She kept staring at the very spot where she had been.[/i]

Valen: What?... Did you find it?

[i]Karina paused for a moment then pointed up at the ledge.[/i]

Karina: ...Go see that for yourself

[i]Valen tried to get around the rocks without falling down, and made it without much trouble. He climbed up past the area where Karina was and found a hole just above it.[/i]

Valen: ah... made it.....

[i]Karina stared up at him, though she couldn't see what he was doing up there.[/i]

Karina: Do you see it?

Valen: ... ... ...

Karina: ...hang on, I'm coming!

[i]Karina climbed up the rubble, and slipped a few times, but eventually succeded. She clung to the ledge, slightly out of breath. [/i]

Valen: it's so... ...

Karina: what... did .... you see?

[i]Valen moved over so Karina could see what he had been looking at, after a fe moments silence she spoke.[/i]

Karina: Whoa? that's [b]not[/b] what I saw!

Valen: ?..beautiful

Karina: But still....

[i]Karina moved away from the hole so Valen could have his spot back.[/i]

Valen: what'd you see?

Karina: Just... some strange inscription? I could read it, I thought you might've wanted to see it, but you climbed right past it. But? this is still good...

[i]Valen nodded and Karina paued again for a moment before continuing.[i/]

Karina: --It was a warning to trespassers

Valen: Hmmm....

Karina: But we aren't tresspassing... aren't we?

Valen: did it mention a curse of some sort?

Karina: Yeah it did... oh crap...

Valen: Um... I don't think its trespassing to come back to your own grave

Karina: but what about me?

[i]Karina looked at Valen her eyes wide, hinting just a bit of fear.[/i]

Valen: If anything bad happens, it's my fault

Karina: no its my fault I always tend to do this kinda crap, and get us in trouble... and we always seem to get out fine! I say we just find your Katana and leave ok?

[i]With that, she climbed through the hole and dropped lightly to the ground on the other side. She stepped away from the wall and waited for Valen to drop through.[/i]

Valen: I agree... the sooner the better

Karina: yeah...

[i]Suddenly the whole place starts to shake, they both drop to the ground, thinking that the whole temple was collapsing. Chunks of the ceiling landed around and on them. Karina closed her eyes and waited for the rest of the place to fall... but it didnt. The rumbling stopped after a few moments. They both got up and relized that the wall that they had been upon had just completly collapsed, making the whole pathway clear again for passage. Karina groaned.[/i]

Karina: Yeah just our luck! We climb [i]through[/i] the wall then [i]after[/i] we get through it decides to finally drop! geez!

[i]They both headed over to a nearby door. Valen tried to open it... strangly enough, it was locked. It was in good condition, because it had been inside and had not had to deal with natural elements that would have destroyed it long ago.[/i]

Valen: Stupid door

Karina: Please Valen, allow me! I want to try!

[i]Valen moved away from the door, and Karina kicked the door as hard as she could, and fell over from the backlash of the kick. the door crashed open.[/i]

Karina: I hate doors!

[i]Valen looked at the symbols on the doorframe.[/i]

Valen: Well, these are signs of cleansing, so maybe its here

Karina: is that a good thing or a bad thing?

Valen: it's a good thing

Karina: Oh yeah!...

Valen: No evil can enter this chamber

Karina: Then we're totally fine then... lets go!

[i]Valen ran his hand along the frame, over the symbols. As if he was examining it further, he didn't make a move to enter the room.[/i]

Valen: I believe this used to be used as a sanctuary at one point...

[i]Karina nodded in agreement.[/i]

Karina: Then it became a burial temple thing...

Valen: yeah...

Karina: I'll go first, I brought it down here, I'm going to make sure that you're in one piece so you can retrieve and reclaim it.

[i]Karina slowly enters the room, she looked around slowly, then motioned for Valen to follow. Valen followed Karina in and noticed something in the far back.[/i]

Valen: wait... what's that?

[i]Valen walked over to get a closer look. Karina followed close behind.[/i]

Karina: Careful! You dunno what it is! It may be a trap!

[i]Valen read the inscription on the stone box. The thing that had been sitting there and caught his attention. He was silent as he read the lid.[i]

Valen: Hmmm interesting

Karina: hang on I want to read this for myself?

[i]Karina walked up beside him and stood there as he read it, once she was sure he was finished she wiped the dust away with her sleeve and read the ancient inscription for herself. Once she had finished reading she turned to Valen with a confused expression on her face.[/i]

Karina: ?what?s that supposed to mean?

Valen: Well, we can't open the box physically.... This may be just a trap... go stand in the doorway....

Karina: hey! I live for danger! Trap or no trap I?m staying with you

[i]She looked defiant for a few moments, but then realizing what Valen was saying and took a small step back.[/i]

Karina: ...How do we know if it?s booby-trapped or not?

Valen: That?s the thing? we don?t.

[i]Valen motions to Karina to move to the door and he grabs the box and follows behind her. Karina runs ahead, Valen close behind, they heard a deafening shriek ring out behind them as they made their getaway. Neither one had to guess at what had made such a sound.[/i]

Karina: Typical! Valen lets move!

[i]The two ran out of the chamber as fast as possible, the sound of their pounding footsteps as they ran off through the darkened tunnels echoed throughout the whole temple. It seriously reminded Karina of when she was in the catacombs.[/i]

Valen: I?m right behind you!

Karina: Just don?t look back!

Valen: Wasn?t planning on it? were you?

[i]They tore through Valen's burial chamber in record time, they could hear the thing coming after them now. They zoomed through the hallway, heading back for the entrance as fast as they could. They heard the thing scream again. Karina looked back at Valen briefly just in time to see him start to slow down because of the box's weight.[/i]

Karina: No! Oh great just great, Valen? Do you think you can open that box with your magic or something? It?s weighing you down!

Valen: I can try, but if I don?t make it Karina, get out of here.

Karina: No! I?m not gonna lose you again Valen!

[Wolf Maximas13]

as the two explorers were looking in the tunnel the others were out side getting to know Wolf.

Ari: so, whats your story? Why are you with this little bunch?

Wolf smiled then answered
Wolf: well, if you must know. they found me under a pile of ruble. I had no memory and just my weapons and clothes on my back. they helped me remember who i was. so in that i'm forever grateful. they also....

Wolf paused, he thought he heard something. he turned to the little entrance and consintrated. then he heard it, what he wasn't sure but it didn't sound friendly.

Wolf: you guys get back now!

the others looked confused then Wolf yelled again, this time with a growl behind it. the three took to the trees and watched as Wolf stared motionless. after awhile his eras purked and he heard it again, and this time he thought he heard Karina.

Wolf: dang, this dosen't sound good.

Wolf got in a defecive stance and threw his cloak over his shoulders. he pulled out a new sword. it had dragon wings as the guard and a dragon head on the pamel. the blade curved slowly to the point. he then pulled out a camma. the shaft was long enough to put two hands around, and the blade curved like a sycth. he prepared himself for what ever was to come.

[Charles]

The small slip of paper glared up at Axle. It smelled faintly of sake and perfume--perhaps cologne. The writing was scrawled eloquently, golden curves and loops punctuated by insanity laden threats. The stench of foreboding disaster permeated the air. Axle released the glittering paper, and allowed it to flutter to the rain-slicked asphalt below.

Jaudiar's dark hair fell in front of her eyes, her black lips remained locked in a frown. Axle slammed his fist through the vehicle's window and rested his head on the rooftop while thick, syrupy plasma swelled around his knuckles and trickled down his fingertips.

Jaudiar wrapped her arm around Axle's shoulders and tried to comfort him, tried to heal his hand.

He only muttered, "We've grown fat and complacent with our power. I'm sick of living as prey. You're the goddess of chaos and I'm the 'baddest' man alive. It's time that we left our mark. It needs to be over when she's born."

Thin, razor blade drops of rain pierced the sky and mist rose from the streets. A small swirl of red spun in the drainage before disappearing.

Jaudiar released a sinister chuckle.

"You're the 'baddest' man alive, and you're wasting your time punching cars?"

"Let's just find out who sent this letter and make them really dead, really fast" he replied.

[Raiha]

[COLOR=royalblue][i]Using her senses....she silently picked up the paper and turned it over......blue blood?

She hissed and ran her tounge along the sides. It felt like spider blood. Jaudiar grimaced with distaste.....then she held it in front of her face once more and closed her eyes. She ran her delicate fingertips along the corners, searching it for what she knew was there.

Axle watched quietly, she was becoming indistinct once more, and she was covered in a slight haze of light.....mirroring herself in the rainwashed ground.[/i]

Jaudiar: .....damnit.

Axle: Find anything?

Jaudiar: ....no. He's a sorcerer. Or something like it.

[i]Her eyes snapped open once more. And she growled through her teeth. The child within her kicked hard and Jaudiar yelped. She doubled over and dropped the paper to the ground. Her breath came hard and fast.....as she struggled to control the pain.[/i]

Axle: She's kicking?

Jaudiar: ....ow...that wasn't nice.

Axle: The blue stuff is blood......

Jaudiar: Spider blood...and only sorcerers would use a spider as a familiar.[/COLOR]

[Valen]

[color=#33ooCC]Valen: Karina... promise me... if I don't make it...

Karina: Valen! We've been through worse... we're going to make it... I hope.

[i]Valen looked at Karina, as if almost sure that he would make sure that Karina got out alive. He looked back at the thing that was following them. It didn't look too happy. He stopped to concentrate his energy into opening the box. It was no good. He began to run again when he noticed the creature blowing fire covered in electricity at them.[/i]

Valen: Why didn't anyone tell me this place had a curse on it?!

Karina: I didn't know!

Valen: Lovely way to find out.

[i]Just then, he noticed something written in an ancient language on the top of the box.[/i]

Valen: ...

Karina: Valen, don't stop now to read. Run while reading!

Valen: Uh... I think you'll want to hear this...

Karina: Can't it wait?! We've got a creature on our butts, and you want to read!?

Valen: Yeah, you're right! Let's get out of here!

[i]Shortly after he finished his sentence, the creature had gotten right behind them. Valen swiftly turned around, nodded to Karina, and they both started to chant while Valen held the box tightly.[/i]

Valen: O Holy Gaurdians! Hear our prayers!

Karina: Darkness Befalls Us Once Again!

Valen: O Holy Gaurdians! Hear Our Prayers!

Karina & Valen: Deliver Us From Darkness Into Light!

[i]As soon as they had finished the chant, the corridor was lit with the brilliant Baby Blue light that shot out of the box and almost destroyed the creature. All three stood there, wondering what would happen next. Wondering if this was the end.

The light suddenly dimmed as their eyes adjusted to the darkness once again. But this time, the creature was gone. It could be heard yelping and crying all the way back to the room where the box was found. "What had scared the creature off?" They wondered for a few moments. Then the answer came to them in a rather odd way.

The light suddely shot out of the box again, but this time it was a Crimson color instead of Baby Blue. The box floated out of Valen's arms and shattered, revealing a blade of some sort. It was long, had a strange hilt, crystal on the hilt... It was the Isis Katana. Thier eyes widened with delight as Valen went to grab the hilt of the floating blade.

Just as his hand was inches from the hilt, it slashed at him. He looked at the blade with fright and astonishment. "This is my blade..." He thought. "Why is it attacking me?" He was scared to try to weild it yet again, but he tried once more. It slashed at him yet again. [/i]

Valen: The hell?

Karina: It don't like you...

Valen: Well I can see that, but... why does it have a mind of it's own?!

Karina: Did you not pay attention to [i]anything[/i] I told you about your blade and what happened after... you know...

Valen: ... One more try...

[i]He tried to weild it once again, but alas, he got the same result. This was getting to be too weird for him. He backed away from it and almost backed into Karina, who was standing by the corner after seeing it attack Valen. Suddenly, there was a strong wave of energy coming from the Isis Katana.[/i]

[b]"WHO DARES DISTURB ME?"[/b]

[i]The Isis Katana spoke in Valen's voice. Karina looked very confused and ready to attack both of them. They both turned to Karina, as if wanting her to decide something. They turned and faced eachother again. It spoke once again.[/i]

[b]"I SAID, WHO DARES DISTURB ME?!"[/b]

Karina: Valen, maybe you should answer it...

[b]"VALEN? WHAT DO YOU KNOW OF THIS VALEN?"[/b]

Valen: I'm Valen Cernunnos...

[b]"LIES! HOW CAN YOU BE VALEN CERNUNNOS?! I AM THE ONLY VALEN CERNUNNOS!"[/b]

Karina: Two Valens?!

Valen: Wait... If you're me... then...

[b]"NONSENSE! HOW CAN I BE YOU? THIS IS AN OUTRAGE! YOU TRESSPASS IN MY TEMPLE AND CALL YOURSELF VALEN CERNUNNOS?! I WILL TEACH YOU NOT TO MESS WITH ME AND MY TEMPLE![/b]

Karina: Woah, wait a minute here! This is his burial temple! He's been burried here for 1,381 years!

Valen: Yeah, and lastly, you're MY blade. I got you when I was only a small child! A mage came to me and handed you to me and then died! He transfered his power to me!

[b]"MORE LIES! NEVER AGAIN SHALL YOU TRESSPASS IN SOMEONE ELSE'S TEMPLE! PREPARE TO DIE!"[/b]

[i]The Isis Katana charged and swiped at Valen and Karina while they dodged. It was magic against blade. Only problem was, Valen's magic was inside the Isis Katana. Valen tried to talk the blade out of attacking.[/i]

Valen: ([i]While dodging slashes[/i]) If I show you proof that I am Valen Cernunnos, will you stop attacking us!?

[b]"YOU CLAIM TO HAVE PROOF THAT YOU ARE [I]THE[/I] VALEN CERNUNNOS, AND I AM NOT?"[/b]

Karina: Wait a second here! I get what happened! The IK still has that crystal we used to capture Tristan in it... Maybe... oh no... Valen... I... LOOK OUT!

[i]The sword had sliced through the air once again, but this time, almost catching Valen in the throat. The Isis Katana suddely stopped and pointed at Karina.[/i]

[b]"YES, YOU HAVE FINALLY FIGURED IT OUT! BUT YOU ARE POWERLESS TO DEFEAT ME, VALEN CERNUNNOS, KARINA WINTER, YOUR LIVES END HERE! I WILL HAVE MY REVENGE!"[/b]

[i]With that said, the blade pointed at the two, who were now only inches apart and charged a Crimson orb swallowed in electrical currents. It aimed at the two, ready to fire at will.[/i]

Valen: Karina... this is it... it's over, we've lost.

Karina: Valen! Snap out of it! You're not going to go all hopeless on me now!

Valen: But look at our situation! There is no way we can win now!

Karina: I have a plan!

Valen: You do? What is it? That's a Crimson Storm it's powering up!

Karina: Just dodge it and you'll see!

Valen: I'll try...

[i]With that said, the sky outside turned a Crimson color as green and blue lightning started shooting from the sky, almost striking Wolf, Ari, Vahn, and Rajaah.[/i]
----------------------
[i]Outside The Temple...[/i]
----------------------

Wolf: Oh great! This is not good!

Ari: What was that?!

Wolf: The Crimson Storm.

Ari: The whazz-a-what?

Wolf: The Crimson Storm, Valen's second most powerful attack.

Ari, Vahn, and Rajaah: Oh great...
-------------------
[i]Back Underground[/i]
-------------------

[i]A huge bolt of Blue lighting crashed down into the temple, right between Karina and Valen. They both jumped just in time to dodge the blast. Had they been any slower, they would have both been toasted. The bright bolts continued to smash through the ceiling and hit random places in the temple. The two were quick on their feet, but with Tristam's spitit controling the Isis Katana, who knows how long he could keep the Crimson Storm going.[/i]

[b]"HAHA! VALEN! I LIKE THIS! SUCH POWER! NOW I SEE WHY YOU HAD NO TROUBLE DESTROYING US, BUT NOW THE TABLES HAVE TURNED! MWUHAHAHAHAHA!!! PLAYTIME IS OVER! PREPARE TO MEET YOUR DOOM! AHAHAHAHA!!!"[/b]

[i]Suddenly everything went quiet... Valen smirked and laughed.[/i]

[b]"WHAT IS GOING ON?! WHY ARE YOU LAUGHING?!"[/b]

Valen: Well, Tristam... since you love the power so much, you must also love the drawback of it... it drains your energy even quicker than a regular battle! Hahahaha! Now who has the last laugh?

[b]"I WILL GET YOU FOR THIS, VALEN CERNUNNOS! YOU HAVE NOT HEARD THE LAST OF ME!"[/b]

Valen: Heh... sure...

Karina: Now's my chance!

[i]Karina reached into her pouch and whipped a couple of throwing stars at the Isis Katana, knocking the crystal out. Both the crystal, and the Isis Katana fell to the ground lifeless. Karina picked up the stone and Valen picked up the Isis Katana.[/i]

Valen: That was smart thinking, Karina.

Karina: Thanks Valen, but it was your idea to chant that got the box open and scared the creature.

[i]By the time they had finished talking, the temple had started to become very unstable from the Crimson Storm. Parts of it were collapsing as they spoke.[/i]

---------------
[i]Outside[/i]
---------------

Vahn: Oh no...

Ari: What's wrong, Vahn?

Vahn: The temple is collapsing...

All: WHAT?!

Ari: Grandma...

Vahn: Valen...

Wolf: Guys...

Rajaah: Please come out alive...

[b]"What do you care, Rajaah? You were supposed to kill them!"[/b]

Rajaah: Not you again...

-------------------
[i]Back Underground[/i]
-------------------

Valen: I suggest we run now...

Karina: Good idea!

[i]Valen sheathed the Isis Katana and they both ran through the corridors leading to the enterance of the temple. The rocks were falling from the ceiling as they ran. Passed corridors were now collapsing under the weight of the tower above. They had just gotten out of the stone doors and passed the alter when the back part of the temple had completely collapsed.

They ran to the hole and crawled out, telling the others to run. They did. Karina and Valen had just gotten out of the temple as it collapsed completely in a big cloud of dust. All was silent. Ari, Rajaah, Vahn, and Wolf had run almost to the clearing. They stopped, noticing that Valen and Karina were missing. They called out to them, but no response.[/i]

Vahn: Do you think they...

Ari: NO! THEY MADE IT! I'm sure of it...

Rajaah: I hope you're right, Ari.

Wolf: Yes, I know whose two pretty well, and I'm sure they made it out alright...[/color]

[starlight]

[i]Karina ran for all she was worth, she lost sight of Valen through all the dust and debris. the sound of the temple collapseing was deafening, as the ground shook beneath her.[/i]

Karina: Oh crap... Valen can you hear me!?

[i]When she recived no reply, she called to him louder then before as she ran blindly through the chokeing dust, still... nothing. She was slightly worried now, but couldn't do anything else but run for her life... which was something she was kinda used to, unfortunatly. without warning she was suddenly in clear air again, and could see and breathe properly now, she had safely broken through the dustcloud.[/i]

Ari: Hey! Karina made it out!

[i]Karina turned and waved to the group briefly, before running to meet up with them. Ari ran up, grabbed Karina and squeezed her around the middle, in a semi-kinda-hug-thing. Karina waited for Ari to let go. When she finally did release her, and let Karina catch her breath Karina pointed back at the dustcloud.[/i]

Karina: Guys Valen made it out of the temple... but hes still in there!

Ari: oh my...

Karina: Yeah exactly... I couldnt find him... I tried but I couldnt... I'm going back in!

Ari: Oh no you're not!

[i]Ari tried to stop Karina from going off but Karina easily dodged, Karina turned to run back in, but wolf grabbed her by the shoulders and stopped her from running back in. He spun her around and looked her in the face.[/i]

Karina: Wolf?! What are you doing?!

Wolf: Keeping you from doing something stupid! Use your head Karina! He could come out while you're still in there, and then we'd be back right where we started!

[i]Karina looked up at the werewolf prince and glared at him. She didn't care. Wolf pinned her arms to her sides so she couldnt reach her weaponry. Karina payed this no mind and still struggled in his grasp but he held her firmly. No matter how hard she tried to break free, Wolf made sure that she wasn't going anywhere. [/i]

Rajaah: Whats wrong with her?

Wolf: Nothing, shes just being a pain.

Ari: Anything I can do to help?

Wolf: Um...

[i]Ari noticed something on the ground nearby her, she picked it up, it was Karina's whip. Ari guessed that she had dropped it.[/i]

Ari: Like with this?

Wolf: Well... yeah! Maybe we can tie her wrists together. It is getting to be slightly painful with her kicking and thrashing.

Karina: I have a better idea! Just let me go!!!!

Vahn: With these guys? No such luck

Karina: Hey you can't blame me for not trying!

[i]Wolf hauled Karina over to a nearby tree and held her while Ari disarmed Karina of her throwing stars, much to Karina's displeasement. After Ari had taken the throwing stars bag, Wolf held Karina against the tree and kept her from moving, while Vahn happily tied bound Karina's wrists together. After they had finished, Karina slumped against the trunk of the tree and deathglared at all of them.[/i]

Karina: Ari?! You of all people!

Ari: It was for your own good!

Wolf: We will untie you when Valen comes out and meets up with us.

Karina: And if he doesnt come out?! Or "meet up" with us?! What then!?

Wolf: We will worry about it when the time comes!

Vahn: Its times like this that I wish I had a camera!

Karina: I swear I'll kill you guys the second you untie me!!

[i]Karina struggled against her bonds, but to no avail, the knots had been well done, it looked like she wasn't going anywhere. She hated being bound like this. It brought about too many painful memories. Memories of being bound like this just before she was killed.[/i]

Karina: Dammit untie me! I swear I wont go back in there!

Ari: How stupid do you think I am?! knowing you you will take off the second youre loose!

Karina: Thast not entirely true... il probably kill you first... then i'll take off ^_^

[Wolf Maximas13]

Wolf: spread and search you guys. there probally knocked out some where. we need to find them before something of the night does.

as the group surched they began to discuse everything that led up to this point.

Wolf: thats one wild story. it's always amazing how things seem to work out.

Vahn: so, what about you Wolf. were is your family?

Wolf stopped and didn't speak.

Rajaah: Vahn!! he probaly dosen't want to talk about that.

Wolf: no, it's o.k. Rajaah. Well, Lena lived longer then me thats what i know for sure. what i've heard from my grandaughter is what happened after that. she said the house was attacked by....

Vahn: by what Wolf?

Wolf: by,....a vampire. she says Lena and the others fought well and did a good bit of damage to him before he.....before he won. thats what i was doing before i found you guys, looking for that thing that did that. once i do i can bring them all back and we can all live one more life together.

Wolf stopped and continued to look for his friends.

Vahn: were is your grandaughter now?

Rajaah: enough, don''t make things worse

Wolf: it's o.k. really, she's went away after she brought me back. i have no idea were she is.

Wolf paused then snaped out of it.

Wolf: alright guys enough chit chat, lets get back to work.

the group went back to looking for the other two members in there group.

Vahn to everyone but Wolf: he realy is alone, thats kinda sad. to bad we can't do anything about it.

the others nodded then went back to looking