RPG Truth: The Beginning

[The Harlequin]

[font=gothic][color=crimson][I]Alastuin absorbed this news in silence, before sitting back. Reaching behind her without looking, she drew up a large cup of what smelled to be strong coffee, and took a long drink. It seemed to settle her.[/I]

Alastuin: The first time Lacroix was required to step in way with his great, great, great, great, great, great, great grandson. Unable to get his new bride pregnant, for some unknown reason, Lacroix impersonated him. Kind of a Julien Mayfair in his own right. Since then, there have been twenty three s'Xalerians, including yourself, fathered by your ancestor in question.

Kattarin: I really, really don't need to know those details.

Alastuin: I find them somewhat...morbidly fascinating.

Kattarin: Perhaps. You don't have to think about how your family tree would look though.

Alastuin: True. Anyway, on to the heart of the matter.

Kattarin: Where his last known whereabouts were?

Alastuin: Not exactly. It would be better to say where he is most likely to be.

[I]Alastuin started to say more, but was interrupted by a loud hissing sound coming from one of the many strange apparatus in the shadowed areas of the room. With a sibilant curse, she rose, and walked into darkness. A few seconds later, there was silence. Then an easily audible, quite resigned, quite calm "Oh ****". At which point, as is the nature of alchemical potions, the unknown concoction had some...unintended results. Kattarin couldn't see anything, but the de reguier bubbling noises were emanating, and the nearly as neccessary flashing lights. After a long minute of such, Alastuin spoke, without returning to the light.[/I]

Alastuin: You know, all I wanted to do was develop something to stop this nasty cough one of the villagers get every year. And this happens. Now what in however many planes of the Abyss you feel like believing in did I do to deserve this kind of thing [I]again[/I]?

Kattarin: Care to elaborate?

Alastuin: Well, I was using several herbs that affect the lungs, and one or two the slow one's circulation. And some sleeping weed, to help the body adjust.

[I]Kattarin absently noticed that Alastuin's voice was steadily getting fainter, and seemed to be whistling.[/I]

Kattarin: And?

Alastuin: Quite simple. My lungs are asleep.

Kattarin: What? You're speaking.

Alastuin: Yes, I'm awake. My lungs however, are sleeping quite peacefully. And my heart seems to be starting to drop off as well. Be a good girl and me find me the blue, heart shaped flask on that shelf behind you?

[I]Her voice was barely a breath now. Kattarin rushed over with the flask, pouring it down Alastuin's throat. She coughed a few times, then stood up.[/I]

Alastuin: Don't ever become an alchemist. The risk pay is abyssmal...[/font][/color]

[Carren Heart]

[I]The night passed quickly as the group planned their move it became clear this would be a fierce battle, but not fierce enough. When the morning rays blaze across the skies Dameon looks over at his comrades.[/I]

Dameon: Wake up! Everyone up! NOW!

[I]The other jump and staggered out of their sleeping places quickly gathering their equipment and standing looking over at Dameon and a floating robed being behind him.[/I]

Dameon: Pyrial has come to destroy the witch that protects the others, he will draw them out then its our turn.

[I]The group stared in awe/horror at the powerful Pyrial the angel of life and death the end bringer of man.[/I]

Dameon: Don't attack right away! I wish to speak to them first.

[Raiha]

[COLOR=royalblue][i]Nepenthe closed her eyes and leaned against the cold stone walls. Kryas was quiet, rather thoughtful of this whole situation. It wasn't any major concern of hers, she would survive. More or less.[/i]

Kryas: Are you worried?

Nepenthe: I'm not...I'm just the spawn of the Deathless dragon. It's not my place to worry.

Kryas: Don't sweat it. I'm not.

[i]She smiled and leaned back again. This would be rather interesting to watch. Not only was Kryas totally unafraid, she knew there was only one thing in the world that could stop her. And it wouldn't come soon. Not from any angel.[/i][/COLOR]

[Heartless Me]

Pyrial: Are we all prepared? Good..... Get to your stations.

Pyrial was the pinnacle of holy symbolism, His body stood a minimum of ten feet and he had four pairs of wings(8total) with perfect blond hair tied into a ponytail and hanging down his back, his eyes were golden with a crimson pupil, A mien of holy power surrounded his body and finally he was garbed in white robes with gold lining. He drew his sword, the blade immediately bursting aflame with the fires of reightousness. With that, the group of villains started to surround the cabin.

---------------------------
((meanwhile in the cabin))

Arikel blinked as suddenly the image of a pheonix crosses his eyes and he stands quickly from the table looking at the rest of them.

Arikel: We're in danger, everyone prepare... There is going to be trouble.....

The "heroes" all stand and run to the doors going outside.

Siren: Figures, we're surrounded.

Nepenthe: This could be bad.

Kyras: I will hold them... prepare while you can.

The witch pulled up a force field of energy, the half dome covering the the cabin and all the good guys. The dome was dark in color with black lightning coursing through it. She looked very involved in keeping it up. As the heroes drew there weapons, gathered their energy and proceded to do other things to prepare Pyrial took to the sky. Once he was in view of the entire dome his eyes narrowed. He pointed down at the dome firing a straight beam of holy energy hitting the dome at the very top, shattering it and chuckling as the pieces shatter. But it didn't stop there, the ray shot straight through the dome and struck the old witch through the chest. She got a look of suprise and shock then a smirk of acknowledgement as she fell dead on the rocky ground.

[Bremma]

Kiria, stood without her staff, but still mainly onher unbroken leg, got in a battle postion, staff at the ready, looking for an opponent. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a guy with a bat tatoo on his arm charging her, she let him get in close, then leapt at him, biting down on the arm he had a weapon in with immense pressure, the bone breaking easily under the pressure.

"Yeeragh!" blight roared, hiting Bremma in the head.

She let go and snapped her teeth at him. "As you can see, my bite is worse than my bark!" She drew out her dagger and slashed at him, cutting his cheek, getting back into an attack position.

[The Vampire: Ed]

Each of the heroes, minus Damien whom was still absent, watched in horror as the old witch, Kyras, was killed by the deadly beam from the angel. The force field was shattered, and the battle begun.

Inside the cabin Damien still slept sitting up against the wall, his slumber had been so peaceful it was hard for him to awaken especially with this only being his second time sleeping in a year. Normally in this state a loud boom could not stir him, but the dead of the witch sent tremors in his soul. He was able to sense someone's demise, and had awoken suddenly. His fangs begin to grow, and his eyes flash a blood reddish color as he leaps off the bed in a flash grabbing his sword as he dashes towards the front door. As he reaches the door he rams it open again with his shoulder coming out to a battle in progress.

Damien watches as one attacks Kiria, but she surprises him with her own power. The attacker known as Blight grows inward, but soon returns a smile to Kiria. Suddenly, his wounded cheek begins to seal itself shut before her eyes, and his broken bone mends itself.

"What the hell?" Kiria exclaims as Blight opens his mouth showing off a pair of fangs. Damien stoops in his tracks watching, and mutters "A vampire..." under his breath. Blight snickers at Kiria's disbelief, and dashes at her once more. She snaps out of his surprised state, and attempts to counter Blight once more. But he seemingly disappears mid-dash as Kiria leapt at him once more, she falls to the ground immediately looking around. Just as Kiria attempts to get up she feels a sharp crushing pain in her injured leg, and looked back seeing Blight stepping on it. She struggled to pull herself free, but the pain was too intense. Kiria then attempted to swipe at him with her dagger again, but he caught her arm and pulled the dagger away from her.

Blight smiles evilly at Kiria, and simply says "Time to die girl." Raising Kiria's dagger above his head Blight prepares to end her life, but it was not to happen. Something had hit Blight at an alarming speed sending him back to the ground rolling several times, as Kiria watches Blight smash through a couple trees her dagger is brought back down in front of her face. She turns seeing Damien looking down at her, and he speaks "I believe this is yours." Kiria accepts the return of her dagger, and slowly gets to her feet.

"Thanks. Damn leg. If it weren't bothering me I would have been able to take him." Kiria says sounding a bit disappointed. Damien stares out into the pile of broken trees, and replies. "Well, it's not over. But I'll take it from here. He is a vampire, and with that leg of yours, you can't match speed nor strength with him. It would be best if I took this one, you should help the others as best you can."

The trees suddenly move apart, and Blight stands up cracking his neck staring a hole through Damien. Kiria uses her staff as a crutch and gets out of their paths to help the others with their foes. Blight shrugs off the dirt, and casually walks back towards Damien. Along the way Blight retrieves his own sword, and stands before Damien smirking at him.

"What the hell are you smiling about?" Damien questions Blight abrasively. Blight snickers, and finally replies "It's just strange seeing you again, Damien. You don't remember me, do you?"

Damien begins looking puzzled, and begins questioning Blight "Remember you? Should I? Who are you?" Blight laughs at the question, and simply replies "The name's Blight. That's all you need to know for now, but let's test you out first."

Blight brings his sword upwards attempting to impale Damien upon his blade, but Damien counter withdrawing his own sword to deflect Blight's attack. From above Dameon watches and speaks to himself "So it begins."

[The Harlequin]

[font=gothic][color=crimson]OOC: I know this is cheap, you know this is cheap, it's been established that is a pretty poor excuse for entering a storyline, but I thought I should get around to it soon. Even if only vaguely.

IC: [I]Alastuin seemed on the verge of speaking again, when her eyes narrowed sharply. She swept around, beckoning Kattarin over to one of the many shelves that cluttered the walls. Puzzled the young woman followed, having no trouble picking her way through the debris.

Alastuin brought down a large bowl, obsidian with traces of silver through it. A scrying bowl.[/I]

Alastuin: One of power has just died, and a nexus of auras is drawn into the maelstrom.

Kattarin: Someone I know?

Alastuin: Unknown to us both. It struck a chord however, throughout several planes.

Kattarin: Which means?

[I]Alastuin looked up, her face grim.[/I]

Alastuin: Without a doubt, your father will hear it.

Kattarin: At last....

[I]Kattarin's voice was a whisper, a satisfied breath. Alastuin shook her head, less enthusiatic.[/I]

Alastuin: It remains to be seen whether he will respond. Given the lack of proximity to Castle Xalerian, it is unlikely he will offer assistance to any beleaguered being involved in this combat, though he would be a great boon to either side.

Kattarin: Lack of proximity? You mean Lacroix protects the Castle?

Alastuin: Oh, not openly. But from denizens of esoteric realms, creatures you are not equiped to deal with, infernal beings in the like, Lacroix is a safeguard. He chased off a white dragon two decades ago, but that is as much as I know. Mymridions, Balors, Dark Lords of various cults have all sought to use the power of your bloodline to their advantage. Lacroix has so far stopped them.

Kattarin: Power of my bloodline?

Alastuin: Oh come now. You don't think one such as Lacroix comes about by accident. I don't know who or what his parents were, but they forged a terrible legacy. Your family have potential for any number of arcane facets. From sacrafice to the Lords of The Abyss, to clerics able to invoke a deity's very avatar. On top of that, you have hidden reservoirs of power that can be tapped with practice. Lacroix is ancient, and well versed in drawing on his latent strength. Perhaps he knows more of it than I.

Kattarin: Then finding him becomes a doubly good idea.

Alastuin: Indeed.

[I]Alastuin concentrated on the scrying bowl, a startled sound coming from her lips.[/I]

Alastuin: Now how the hell did he do that?

[I]Kattarin was about to enquire what she meant when silver light flickered around them. With it came a dark, orchestral fan fare, a requiem, gothic overtones floating over soft vocals delivered by an invisible, demonic choir. When it cleared, and the music faded away, with a hint of desolation left behind, another figure stood inside the small hut. In a deep, but lyrical voice, it spoke in tones of sardonic amusement, coupled with an uncanny confidence. The words sounded as if put in jest, but there was no doubt to the truth of them.[/I]

"Ah Alastuin, so good to see you again. And who might this be, to set eyes upon this vampyre extraordinaire, this master of the esoteric, the founder of the s'Xalerian line, builder of the Castle of the same name, protector of the family to this day, the probably now nefarious Lacroix?"

Kattarin: You give yourself those titles daddy dear?

[I]Everything Alastuin had ever hoped for came true. Lacroix had finally lost his equilibrium. Of course, he only blinked twice, but settling for small victories is a wise decision.[/font][/color][/I]

[Carren Heart]

[I]Dameon stood watching over the battle not yet getting involved.[/I]

Pyrial: << Looking down at him >> don't fail me!

[I]Pyrial finished without another word spoken, Dameon continued to watch over the raging battle smiling knowing that now the witch and Pyrial were gone he was, without a doubt the most powerful creature here.[/I]

Dameon: << Head darting back and froth, side to side watching >> Impressive, for a group of want to be heroes. But this is nothing of what I thought would be a great battle.

[I]He continued to watch to member of both teams fighting almost like he thought the battle was yet worthy of his involvement.[/I]

[Bremma]

Bremma watched who she suposed was the leaded of the attcking group. 'Hrm... he looks like a smug arse to me..' she thought, slipping into the woods silently coming up behind him. She very carefully shifter her weight onto her good leg and swungout with her staff, aiming for the back of his neck. Much to her surspirse, he ducked from the blow and turned towards her. She quickly finsihed the swing, gettign the staff back into a crutch postion.

He started at her with his cold eyes. "You think you could hit me with somethign as simple at that?" he said.

She glared back at him. "Lucky miss." she then quickly grabbed her dagger and leaps at him with her good leg, making a slash at him when suddenly, she stoped mid air. "What? What's going on?" she looked and saw she was floating mid air as he stared at her.

"Telekinesis, silly girl." she stepped close and she lashed at him with the dagger, it slightly knicking his shoulder as he caught her arm, twisting it painfully, but not quite enough to break it. She cried out in pain, releasing the dagger. "Now I'll teach you to mess with me!" He slapped her across the face, then used his tekinesis to throw her to the ground.

"Ahgggh!" she cried out in pain, her broken leg cuasing her the most as it bent over a root, the splint breaking. She gasped in pain, trying to rise as Dameon approached her.

[Raiha]

[COLOR=royalblue][i]Up till now, Nepenthe had been silent, and brooding. Not only was she terribly calm, for all the danger flashing around her, she was also looking like a succubus....for all the energy she was starting to absorb. Her anger quickly spiraled out of control and Siren leapt back. With two hands clenching, unclenching, clawing the air, she threw her whole weight forward. Her hands hit the ground and her back arched.

Her whole body seemed to focus, then unfocus again.[/i]

Nepenthe: Face of Fear....Run to the Valley below.

[i]Thin black shadows appeared around her hands, and spiraled upwards until they formed a rather slender shadow golem. It slithered through her fingers and charged the enemy. Nepenthe's eyes became totaly black, her body contorting with rage.

Rage against the indignities done to her final home, but mostly just Rage against the bastard that had slaughtered her foster mother. If she couldn't get Pyrial now, she would at least destroy his minions...[/i][/COLOR]

[The Harlequin]

[font=gothic][color=crimson][i]He was six feet tall, slightly taller than Kattarin. He was cloaked in black, with what looked to be mithral chain mail underneath. Must be a new addition, Lacroix had never worn anything more than black leather previously. When Lacroix took off the coat, the chainmail turned out to be a mere vest over his signature leather armour. He carried his scimitars, despite the fact that Kattarin had thought them inside the Castle. He moved with an easy grace, but no one mistook the deadliness in his stance. His eyes radiated strength, pure personal strength, not some mere physical prowess. He moved to the scrying bowl, looking on with disinterest.[/I]

Lacroix: You wish me to intervene? Certainly, I could take care of everything you see with little or no effort, but what would that prove? I have other things to do then quell random bands of adventures getting into fights.

Alastuin: Pyrial is there?

Lacroix: What of him. I've banished greater than him to the Abyss, or to the Heavens.

Alastuin: And it's well known. Which means any angel or demon that comes along will seek to thwart you any way they can.

Lacroix: What has that to do with my daughter here?

Kattarin: Simple. I'm about to do the whole run off and see the world thing. Finding little better to do, I'll probbly end up with that lot you see whacking each other there. And if their attracting the attention of beings on either side of the Celestial fence, then I'll be a target.

Lacroix: Then I'll kill whatever bothers you.

Kattarin: You find it so easy to dispose of anything you dislike don't you?

Lacroix: Well, yes.

[I]Kattarin threw her hands into the air in disgust. Unfortunately, Lacroix was everything she expected.[/I]

Kattarin: Alright, let me put it on this basis. If you take care of every problem I have, would I be worthy to continue the s'Xalerian line.

[I]Lacroix narrowed his eyes, then looked to Alastuin.[/I]

Lacroix: You know, I think I could get to like this one. What do you want me to do then?

Kattarin: I want you to explain. Everything.

[I]Lacroix went still, a freezing look stopping Kattarin short. For a long moment, no one breathed. When Lacroix spoke next, his voice was a calm, deadly whisper. Alastuin shivered. Lacroix rarely took that tone, and never had she heard it without bloodshed following.[/I]

Lacroix: As you wish. Be careful however, what you do with the information.[/font][/color]

[The Vampire: Ed]

The battle between Blight, and Damien raged on with intensity, both men trying to up the other one in a show down of vampiric dominance. Their swords clashed against each other sending a flurry of sparks through the air, and sounds of steel ringing loudly. Damien side steps an attack then follows up with his own, however both men seem to know each others every move. Damien couldn't understand it, but he had the distinct feeling that he had meant this vampire, Blight, before. He must have had many of battles with him to know him as well as he does, but at the same time is still in the dark about his identity and acquaintance to himself.

Their swords vibrate violently with each strike, but suddenly they lock up looking each other in the eyes. Blight laughs, and begins to speak to Damien as their swords continued to grind into each other. "Just like old times, eh Damien? Wait, you still don't remember much....so that means you probably don't remember that many of your own abilities." Blight started laughing mockingly. "What the hell are you babbling on about? WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?!" Damien yelled in annoyance as he shoved Blight back and broke the lock up.

Damien charged forward thrusting his sword in Blight's direction, suddenly the sword plunged through Blight but it didn't stop there. Damien's whole hand went through, then followed his body as well. Stumbling over Damien fell onto his hands, and knees confused. "What's going on?" Damien said to himself as he looked back seeing Blight's image fading away. Suddenly, Damien feels a sharp pain running through his back all the way through to his abdomen. Looking between his arms planted firmly in the soil, Damien could see Blight's sword plunged through him penetrating the ground. Letting out a ghastly roar of pain Damien collapsed allowing his body to touch the ground, he could feel the blade slicing deeper with each move he made.

As Damien's blood began to flow profusely, he could hear Blight's cackling laughter hovering over him. Damien's grasp on his own sword loosened enough for Blight to kick it away leaving him totally defenseless. Blight crouched down before Damien slowly twisting his blade deeper into Damien's spine as he began to speak. "Poor Damien. You're even more so lost then I could have imagined, you can't even remember your own capabilities. Seemingly, I guess you have forgotten mine as well. It was probably just your instincts that allowed you to remember my style with a sword, but sadly it failed to remind you about my mirage trick." Blight once again laughed mockingly at Damien as grunts of pain escaped through his gritted teeth. Damien's only reply was a bit stifled, yet clearly understandable. "Go to hell!"

"Aww....that's not a nice thing to say." Blight said sarcastically as he twisted the blade once more, then laughed in Damien's face. Suddenly, Damien's eyes turned a bright red and he somehow shot up pulling away from Blight at the same time hitting him with a right hand knocking him back so hard that he flipped once and landed on his stomach face down in the dirt. Breathing heavily Damien stared at Blight attempting to get up, and just as he did he shown off his face covered in blood and dirt sticking to his face. Four slash marks are now present on Blight's left cheek, both men look surprised but then Blight just smiles and remarks. "It seems you're starting to remember some of the other basics."

Damien looks down toward his right hand seeing that his fingers were now tipped with claws, and his left hand had began to grow it's finger nails out into sharp claws of it's own. Using his hands on the sides of Blight's sword he was able to push the blade back out of his body, and too his surprised his own wound began to heal itself. Holding Blight's sword Damien sneered at him with a rage unseen as of yet in Damien.

"So now you're going to use that sword on me? I have no weapon, how is that fair?" Blight stated sounding falsely troubled. Damien shot a quick look to the sword, then tossed it aside and stretched out his fingers as he got into a battle stance. Blight's eyes seemingly grew wide with surprise, then he spoke again. "Wait...you're not going to? You certainly have changed. Now you're some goody goody chump, huh?"

"Shut up, and fight." Damien snapped fiercely at Blight. Blight simply shrugged his shoulders and replied. "Hand to hand combat? Fine. Time to get down, and dirty."

Their battle would continue.

[The Harlequin]

[font=gothic][color=crimson]OOC: Hey, I'm playing with universes here...fun.

Lacroix: To give you a basic rundown...my parents were poor, my father abused my mother, she poisoned him, framed me, I get thrown into a hole, escaped, became somewhat of a nuisance to anybody in a position of respectable authority. Law and order held no bounds over me, yet I didn't go out of my way to break them. A free spirit you could call me. A complete bastard, you could also have called me. Then I met a ...friend. Anyway, after some extensive escapades involving a long fight, interplanar travel, some crazy faeries, a Fey Queen with some messed up family views, and the Deathless Dragon, to say the least, I ran into a new way of looking at things. I retreated for a while, before running into Gene. Anyway, some things happened, and I ended up a vampyre. We decided to settle down permanently, the three of us. So, using some of my...skills, I had us a rather interesting castle built. It was during the first night we slept there that things got....strange.

Sometime after midnight, the three of us woke up. All at once, and not in the Castle. The reason this is so is because we all hit the floor at the same time. And let me tell you, it was one of the hardest floors I've ever run into. Or fell into perhaps....

Kattarin: Does it matter?

Lacroix: It offends my sense of style. And don't interrupt your elders.

[I]The snort of derision he got in reply to this was promptly ignored.[/I]

Lacroix: Anyways, I don't know whether it was rampant place magic, some kind of demonic cabbal, or all the archangels, or what not, but there was some kind of creature there, an unnatural, ethereal beast. I'd never seen it's like before, and hope never to again. Though this time I'd give the bastard a piece of my mind... I'll digress here a bit, just for information's purposes.

[I]Lacroix held his hands out, cupped, to form a sphere.[/I]

Lacroix: From what I learnt that night, and extensive arcane research, the multiverse, all planes, dimensions, worlds, everything, is my hands. Not inside it, just my hands. Inside is darkness, the pure, quintessential, undiluted evil. I know not whether it has a name, and I would not utter it if it did. It is not alive, not a creature, merely a force. Non-sentient, non intelligent. However, it is a force beyond anything this multiverse could imagine, or ever handle. Now, on the outside of my hands is the opposite, good.

Actually, they aren't good and evil. More accurately, they are order and chaos. Good and evil don't exist. The centre part would be considered evil by most though, for in it is contained the potential for wanton destruction. Completely destruction. Annihilation. However, the outside would be nearly as bad. Everything would be controlled. From governments, down to your heartbeat. For you entire life. We are crushed between these two opposing principles, but sheltered from their greater power by the influence of the other.

[I]Lacroix moved his hands apart, keeping them in shape.[/I]

Lacroix: And this, unfortunately, is what the universe is doing. As we expand more into order, chaos also grows. To keep some primal balance the greatest of minds could not begin to comprehend. Anyways, it's somewhat distressing to think about, but this is what happened.

[I]Lacroix moved his hands apart, until they were no longer touching.[/I]

Lacroix: Entire realms were severed apart. A single, hairline crack down the centre of reality, the divided the multiverse apart. Now, anyone have any idea what happens when an earthquake tear the earth wide open, and sea water pours in?

[I]The shook their heads.[/I]

Lacroix: The whole bloody thing explodes. And it doesn't do it softly either. Now, this, on a primal scale, is what happened when those forces of order and chaos flooded into each other. Which meant...

[I]Lacroix moved his hands as far apart as he could.[/I]

Lacroix: Major propulsion. Now, eventually, the two forces cancelled each other out. This, by the way, was about the exact time I was born, so I've traced it. Which may explain why I was chosen, so to speak.

So, what we have left is a moderate force. A ying-yang, a balance, a duality, call it what you will. But it was there. Now, this force needed to act upon the two halves of the multiverse, to bring them together. To do that though, it needed to get out from inbetween them. Which meant going somewhere else. With the order that was between us and the void gone though, we were floating in that nullified zone, on the verge of annihilation. Now, this balance reasoned that if it kept hold, so to speak, on either side of the multiverse, and moved itself into the multiverse, it would eventually permeate everything, allowing it to act more efficiently than order and chaos ever had. The problem was, the force was distributed evenly throughout everything. And there was still more than half left over. Anyway, back to this creature.

This creature was the manifestation of this force, something neither order or chaos had ever been able to do. It told us of this dilemma, and asked us to offer ourselves as sacrafice. I was feeling a mite noble, and said that I would do everything, for the other two as well.

It looked at me oddly, and simply replied with "as you wish", and moved towards me. It's presence was incredible, immense. It touched me, and everything opened up before me. I must have been there for hours,days, maybe even months. In fact, I'm sure it was at least that. But at the end of it, I was the phylactery, the receptacle, of this primal force. Perhaps because I was already a vampyre at that time, perhaps not, it chose the blood to reside in most part. Perhaps because the blood contacts all of the body, but is of none of it. Actually, I am now certain that is the reason is resides in the blood. Now, Geneveive and I were lovers after all, and we were vampyres. She was transfixed as I was, and became the receptacle of an equal amount of force, without me being diminished. Again, this was all for balance. I don't know if it was such a good idea though, because after all, Gene did get pregnant. Though it was much diluted, the remnants of the power lives on in my family's veins. And although it is only a pale shadow, a weak reflection, this power is still far, far greater than most mortals, and many other beings, could ever dream of gaining. It varies from s'Xalerian to s'Xalerian, but it is present in all of them. You Kattarin are the strongest I've seen since myself and Gene.

[I]Alastuin and Kattarin stared at him in amazement. This was too much to comprehend. The ideas imparted were mind boggling, infinite, primal. Kattarin shivered at the force she now knew was inside her.[/I]

Lacroix: Anyway, the outcome was a Guardian. I act for the balance now, but only on matters that threaten on a eternal scale. The force learnt from its parents, so to speak, and only acts when neccessary now. Like a pendulem, the balance swings back and forth. Should I choose to, I could halt that swing, at any point. Should I choose to, I could destroy the very fabric of creation. But then, should she choose to, Gene could counter my every move, to a deadlock. So, there is balance.

In this petty squabble however, I will not get involved. Why not? Simple. Not only can you handle it, Gene and I are also expecting another baby.

Kattarin: Gods, how many do you have?

Lacroix: Less than a hundred actually. You the only one currently living though.

Alastuin: Yet still you release the potential for wanton destruction upon the world.

Lacroix: You don't seem to understand. I am an absolute. Nothing is beyond me. I am beyond anything else in the fabric of creation save Genevieve. The only thing that could be a threat to me is the void, which can, by its nature, never intrude upon matter.

[I]Kattarin shook her head again, and sat down. This was way too much.[/I]

Kattarin: What about the various s'Xalerian traditions?

Lacroix:What? Oh...That's just the way your minds run. It isn't really a tradition I established. Still, it is definately a positive to your lives, so I wouldn't give it up.

Kattarin: And what now? Now that I know all this...

Lacroix: Do as you will. Live your life. Even though I judge it not to be your bent, running around shouting cosmic theories wouldn't really do anything, and certainly wouldn't worry me.

Alastuin: One last thing...

Lacroix: I don't like that tone.

Alastuin: How much control does this force have over you?

Lacroix: Oh, is that all. None, whatsoever. Save in times of primal crisis. And guess what. We don't get many of them. In fact, we've never run into one. So hey, I guess we're all alright then.

Alastuin: Good.

[I]That said, she slapped him, hard.[/I]

Alastuin: I've been wanting to do that for centuries.

Lacroix: Everyone does. Aye, tis for cert my bane.

Kattarin: Just what I need....an infinite father with a bad highlander accent....[/font][/color]

[Carren Heart]

[I]Dameon approached Bremma wickedly, until he heard the cry of Nepenthe as she created the shadow golem, he smirked and paused in his approach.[/I]

Dameon: << telepathy to Blight >> Get ready to control that golem with your tattoo! I'll hold Damien back!

[I]With is blight stopped his attack on Damien grinning as the Vampire, was thrown into the cabin almost instantly having the cabins walls begin to collapse in on him. Blight stepped back looking over his should turning and pointing at the Shadow Golem. [/I]

Blight: << With his bat tattoo glowing >> Face of Fear, composed of night hears my call. Darkness gather, round thy bat!

[I]The bat tattoo of Blight seems to come to life as it flies into the Golems form, the golem form light red shaped eyes within it the bat from Blight takes it place. [/I]

Blight: << smiles >> Creature of night, obey thee master of night! Destroy that of which gave you life!

[I]The shadow golem turns facing Nepenthe its new purpose screaming out to her as the connection between them fades. Dameon looking back at the woman so foolish to attack him again smiles.[/I]

Dameon: One shall die here today, will it be you!

[I]The girl feeling an intense fear overcoming her freezes in place unable to speak.[/I]

Dameon: Speechless I see!

[I]Arogyth broke what battle he was engaged in seeing Bremma in danger he quickly dashes toward the two.[/I]

Arogyth: Don't you darn!

[I]Arogyth's rage overtook him thinking his friend's end may soon result, Dameon clam as always-smirked sum how find amusement within this epic battle. Gracefully he swiped around conjuring his blade to his hands Arogyth soon felt an ending pain cruise through his body as he drew his last breath. His body fell to the ground with a thud, blood streaming from the wound. With a simple gesture more Dameon unsummoned his blade finishing his turn around back where it started facing Bremma. [/I]

Dameon: well it would appear fate made the decision for you woman!

[I]She didn't say a word, never before did she ever see anyone die so quickly so flawlessly. Being as her tattoo was of the wolf she felt her predatory instincts panic within her but she kept still staring at Arogyth's lifeless body. [/I]

[Heartless Me]

OOC: Good guys involved in the battle get one power here, but I have to approve it and it has to be worked into a detailed post(which would be no problem for Ed..lol).

OOC2: Note to everyone, Carren Harts C Dameon will be the final boss(with exception) of this part of the game. Those who survive will be welcome to the next game.

Arikel: Arogyth!!

Arogyths death had come to such a suprise that he body burst into magical flame shaped like the dragon upon his back, the fox man and Ragaar, who were attacking him currently were thrown back by the force. His body sprang into flight, speeding right at Dameon.

Dameon: (looking at bremma) I will see to you later. (fixing his gaze to Arikel.) So the Dragon finally emerges to to come against the Eternal Flame of the Pheonix..... Come and die.

Arikel yells out and slashes out with a sword of fire that he conjured only at the last moment realizing his crucial mistake as the sword grazed harmlessly off his armor.

Dameon: You fool! You try to take down the legendary pheonix with a katana of "flame"?! I will show you the err of your ways.

With a gesture of his hand the sword was dissipated and another gesture sends Arikel flying back crashing into a tree. A loud crack is heard as he hits the trunk and he yells out in pain hitting the ground. Dameon shakes his head almost as if dissapointed and walks up drawing his Runic blade.

Dameon: Now to end this...

As he had risen the sword to bring it down upon Dameons head there was a flash of something as it crashes into the bearer of the dark pheonix tattoo. Damien had unearthed himself from the rubble and since blight was occupied with nepenthe and controlling the golem through his shadow manipulating tattoo power, he took the opportunity to both save Arikel from certain doom and get a little payback on the man that tried to crush him not more than a moment earlier. Dameon went tumbling back head over heals almost three times before getting up and wiping a drop of blood from his cheek.

Dameon: You will die for that.....

[The Vampire: Ed]

Damien and Arikel stand side by side staring down Dameon with a deep intensity in their eyes. "You all right?" Damien asks Arikel with his eyes still glued on Dameon, Arikel just simply replies with a single word "Yes."

Damien goes to strike first, but with a simple wave of his hand Dameon sends Damien flying. However, Damien flips over in midair and lands on his feet as Arikel summons a small fireball throwing it at Dameon. Dameon quickly dodges it by leaping to the side, but suddenly gets clubbed in the back by Damien taking advantage of his vampiric speed. His sixth sense was thrown off by Arikel's fireball, and the speed of Damien's attack. Stumbling forward Dameon is hit by a fireball from the front and is knocked down onto his back, Damien quickly leaps atop Dameon to try clawing him to death but he is immediately thrown off by Dameon.

Getting to his feet Dameon catches Arikel with a telepathic back hand sending him to the ground, then turns to Damien grabbing the air. Damien suddenly feels a pain in his throat, the feeling was that of a noose being tightened around his neck. Grasping at his own throat Damien choked for air, but before he could try to struggle any further he is whipped against a nearby tree. But it doesn't stop there, Dameon lifts his hand raising Damien high into the air then in one swift motion calls for him to be driven straight into the ground.

Arikel gets back to his feet and leaps at Dameon slamming his staff into his back, he looses his concentration and releases Damien from his telepathic grasp. Dameon turns shoving Arikel back with more of his telekinesis, then speaks. "Fools! The two of you may make it a little harder to sense incoming attacks, and concentrate my other senses. But may no mistake you're only delaying the inevitable."

[Bremma]

While Damien and Arikel were fighting Dameon, Kiria crawled across to Arogyth. She looked at him, a tear falling onto him. She crossed his arms over his chest. "Rest.. in peace.." she said softly, more tears falling.

She wiped her eyes and looked at Dameon, glaring hard. She crept low on the ground, her cloack giving her a bit of camoflauge. She got near dameon, she laid flat on the ground, waitng for his leg to land near. As it did, she lashed out and grabbed his leg, biting hard a few times until her teeth hit the bone. She then clamped down hard, the bone shattering under her jaw pressure.

"AAAAUUHG!" he cried, looking down and seeing her latched to his leg. "You!" He went to slash at her with the rune blade, but was countered by Damien. He growled, forcing Daimen back and went to swipe again, but was hit by a spell of Arikels.

She grinded her teeth in his flesh giving a very paiful distraction to help the others. She dug her nails into this tight, making it hard for him to remove her. 'You'll pay!' Her mind scremed, full of rage.

[The Harlequin]

[font=gothic][color=crimson]OOC: Fine...I don't need your crumby powers anyway....no really, I don't.lol.

IC: [I]There was a moment's silence. That was just the kind of quip Alastuin had been looking for...[/I]

Kattarin: Well... So, do [I]I[/I] run in there and take a shot at clearing things up?

Lacroix: I'd let it blow over. Besides, you and I need to have a long talk.

Kattarin: About what....

[I]Lacroix pointed an accusing finger at his daughter.[/I]

Lacroix: The number of hours you've spent swearing at me over the last year or so...

Kattarin: It seemed like the right thing to do at the time.

Lacroix: Oh...that's okay then.[/font][/color]

[Raiha]

[COLOR=royalblue][i]The shadow golem disapeared, and with it went the brute strength of Nepenthe. Instead, she drew her slingblade, covered in silver lines....and advanced. Blight growled and prepared to attack, but it was too late. She hissed and slid back, before whipping her body around in a tight circle and letting the blade fly. It caught him in the shoulder, and he wrenched the burning blade free. Nepenthe caught it by the hilt, as he hurled it back at her. Once it was resting in her palm, she clicked the blade back into her sheath, then smiled.[/i]

Nepenthe: Remember my name. You'll be screaming it a thousand times before your true death.

[i]With that said, she glanced around the others still fighting, then vaulted away on her staff. There was nothing left she needed to do at the time....couldn't aid the others until later. Blight watched her go, but didn't follow. His master had not ordered it. She bowed out gracefully and kissed the wind one last time. Kryas would come back some day.[/i][/COLOR]

[Carren Heart]

[I]Dameon suddenly stopped allowing the three to attack him as they wished, Arikel and Daimen both leapt toward Dameon. Arikel slammed his fist into Dameon?s face while Daimen claws pierced Dameon angelic fortitude. Bremma continued to bite and dig into him.[/I]

Dameon: Idiotic fools! << quickly rising his hands into the air. >> Black Vice! << Dameon screamed at the top of his lungs >>

[I]The three attackers grabbed themselves as they received the very wounds they caused. Dameon grinned maniacally as his wounds started rapidly mending. With a swift kick to the face Daimen flung into the air with tremendous force only to met Dameon?s hammer fist back to the ground, he winced in pain arcing his back which seemed almost shattered. Following through without a moment wasted Dameon grabbed Bremma by the hair smirking as her face posed an awkward expression of pain, he strenuously met her gut with his knee. Blood sprayed out of her mouth, feeling as if her lungs and heart were about to explored she dropped to the ground not saying a word just gasping for air. Then came Arikel whom was stricken repeatedly with gut shots and then ending with a flunt kick to the chest spending him flying back seven or eight feet against a tree. [/I]

Dameon: << Looking over at the battle that has stopped around him. >> Now, lets play fair! Who wants some! << Calling them over >>