RPG Hunters: Free of the Shadow [PG-VL]

[SilverCyclone]

Humans have become all but extinct. The Shadow Lords rule over the world. The humans that survived the first purging are now food slaves or rebels in hiding. The demon king Thyrale rules over from his citadel, his fiery shadow covering the world. Mankind has come to know nothing but misery and darkness. But a small disruption has occured. A demon has betrayed his master. Now, hunted by his own kind, he must seek the aid of those he once tortured and slaughtered. He must seek the aid of the rebel humans.
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Akai ran through the sharp rocks of the barrens. Ahead, he could see the Deadwood, a burned forest left from the original wars. He could see the ruined mansion at the borders of the trees. The Hellhounds and Tracker Demons were getting closer now. Akai couldnt risk flying, as the trackers were deadly aims with their bows. He sped up, ignoring the jagged rocks around him. An arrow zipped by, followed by an angry bark. Akai fell to his knees as the Hellhound leapt. It tumbled over him, whirling around with a snarl. Flames leaked out of its mouth. Akai couldnt waste time. They were getting closer. The demon raised his wings. The shadows of the rocks helped to conceal his movements. A few moments later, he leapt over the shredded corpse of the hound. He reached the ruins, smashing through the ancient doors. He dodged down a corridor, losing himself in the maze of stone and soot.
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The rebel community is inside Deadwood. Scouts have seen the raiding party enter the ruins, and have alerted you all about the demons. You were sent by Amaru, the leader of the rebels, to go investigate and see if its a threat that could endanger the rebels. Everyone who signed up (short of the demons) is part of the group that was sent.

[Heero Darkangel]

Jin stood watching the beasts swam around Deadwood, he sat high up in a dead tree, watching their every movement, he noticed on the far side shadows weaving in and out of trees, they were humans and they were tracking the beasts as the beast were tracking one of their own kind

'Well....looks like hells going to rise tonight,' Jin whispered into the darkness as the growls and barks from the hellhounds echoed throughout the woods, 'Such a sweet song for a night like this,' he smiled as he watched the humans weave in and out beneath him.

After they had passed he dropped down to the ground and followed them but took a different route

[Akieen Cloud]

Bravie looked al around, she knew that there was a threat but she couldn't gind it yet.
"This is a load of shit!"
One of the more experianced hunters came through adn laughed.
"Temper Bravie will get you no where."
"Shut up! Theres something here and I know it I just can't find it.
"We all know Bravie, stay calm and you'll find it."
Bravir nodded and realesed her whip for saftey.
"Calm, like that'll ever happen..."

[Synister]

[I]Marendithis Apears Right Infront Of Thyrale[/I]

"My lord, I am sorry to bother you.. I feel it is my responsibility to hunt down Akai."

[COLOR=Red]"You can hunt him down if you like, when you find him.. kill him slow, and painfully.."[/COLOR]

'Yes my lord, It will be done."

[I](Thinking) " I must kill Akai, He may have once been my friend, but if your an enemy of Thyrale, your an enemy of mine."[/I]

[I]Marendithis Go's To His Chambers To Get His Greatest Weapon, And His Gauntlets of Extreme Power[/I]

"Ah my great Shadow Edge, With It I Will Take Akai's Soul.. With my Gauntlets, I will crush his body..."

[I]Marendithas Will Await For His Complete Orders Before Leaving[/I]

____________________________________________________________________
If This Is No Good Ill Edit It So Just Let Me Know

[Lord Rannos]

[COLOR=DarkRed][FONT=Century Gothic]Orin knew something was following him. He could hear it moving in the bushes to either side of him. He kept on moving normally as he reached down to grab hs dagger. He heard a noise from the top of a tree behind him. Whirling around, Orin threw his dagger at the tree, smiling in sastifaction as he heard a pained grunt. He drew his sword and dropped into a defensive stance.
"I know you're there, demon. Show yourself," Orin said, his eyes searching the treetops for signs of the demon following him. A strange hissing sound emenated from the trees as the demon dropped to the ground. Orin pulled back his sword and lunged forward and struck the demon, leaving a long, glistening line of flame where he slashed it.
The demon screeched in pain, clawing at Orin.
"Ah, yes, you don't care much for blessed weapons do you?" Orin said, batting off the demon's attack.
"The lower demons are so pathetic. Now die!" Orin said, readying himself to attack. The demon replied in its native tongue, obviously some sort of threat. Orin laughed then lunged again, this time striking the demon through the chest. It erupted in a fountain of flame as Orin stepped back from the blaze.
Smiling confidently, Orin started towards Deadwood again.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[Heero Darkangel]

Jin watched from the shadows, watching the humans, watching and waiting

'Humans...I was once a human...' he whispered into the dark as he looked at his hands and then rubbed the tattoo on his arm as he remembered that day that changed his whole life...the day the demon bit into his are...the day he came half demon, 'Demons must die...'

*CRACK..* a branch creeks over his head, snapping his head up as a sharp high pitched tone echoes from the top of the tree, he noticed two red eyes looking down at him, it's jaws snapping at him and then it lunged, Jin drew his sword as his eyes grew red, jumping back the demon landed on the ground and Jin lunged at it, it's scream echoed as Jin drove his sword into it's chest, the demon brought it's claws around and slashed at Jins chest leaving three deep gashes, Jin withdrew the sword and changed to his demon form, grabbing the attacker by the neck and making his hand and fingers into an arrow like form and ripped his hand through the chest of his attacker, it shrieked in pain as Jin tore out its heart...which was black...as black as the night itself, with his free hand around the demons neck he sqeezed it and crushed it, it's body went limp and Jin dropped it on the ground suddenly it bursted into flames and then turned to ash and so did the heart he held in his hands. Jin then quickly put away his sword and stpped back into the shadows making sure that noone had seen him...he then disappeared into the night

Running from tree to tree Jin watched the humans gain on who they were following...the hellhounds and the tracker demons...Jin was curious as to why the demons were chasing another demon and as to why the humans were after the demons...mind you this was the first time he had seen any life around these parts of the woods for a while....

[So-Seductive]

[center][FONT=Georgia][COLOR=#DF5591]Halanas jade green hues scanned around for any signs of life. She had been traveling for days on end and was exhausted. For the past two days she had this strong feeling she was being followed. Her eyes softened at the sight of the desolated forest. Its beauty had been destroyed years ago by Tylrians army. They burned down every thing within their path, all that stood now was scorched trees and barren land.

?Whoa... Konsetsu? she whispered gently petting the horse like creatures soft main. The beast came to a halt, its nostrils flared taken in a deep breath of the steal air and snorted. Halana griped her Double edge moon blade tightly as she slid of Konsetsus saddle. Her eyes flicker over with anger. The sound of broken sticks crackled a few feet away from them. ?Who the hell are you?, And why have you been following me?? her voice laced heavy with distaste.

She tilted her head to the side slightly, letting her thick bangs fall into view. Her red glossed lips twitched with annoyance. The demon behind her let out a loud chuckle, his red eyes glowed with
amusement. This wench would prove to be more fun then he thought. [/COLOR][/FONT][/center]

[SilverCyclone]

Thyrale stared out of the window. The dead wind blew threw his chambers. He signaled to one of his guards.
"Tell Marendithis that he has free reign in hunting down Akai. I dont care how he does it, and I dont care who gets killed so long as I have Akai's head in front of me!"
The guard bowed, then headed off to tell Marendithis. Thyrale stared out at the Deadwood. A loud chuckle rumbled the black citadel.
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Akai slammed into the wall. He had been running through the damned ruins for at least an hour. Everytime he stopped, he would hear a growl as a hellhound turned the corner, or a curse as a tracker went by. He ran towards another room. A loud gong sounded, loud enough to be heard throughout the mansion. Akai tripped. Glancing down, he saw his foot tangled on a rope. A bell tower. Great. He leapt up, slashing at the rope. He dashed down a flight of stairs as he heard footsteps. He found himself in a stone courtyard. The exit on the other side was blocked. He couldnt risk flying in case archers were waiting. He turned to leave and got a dagger through the shoulder. The raiders had caught up to him. They fanned out. Akai raised his wings.
"I wont return to him! Dead or alive! Thyrale does not deserve to be lord of demons!"
The raiders muttered something to each other, chuckling.
"He doesnt want all of you returned traitor! He just wants your head!"
The trackers charged at him. Akai raised his claws, meeting them head on. The first scream of the trackers was the loudest.

[Heero Darkangel]

Jin watched from a near by tree as they fought, screams from the tracker demons echoed throughout deadwood

'So...your on their death wish list...,' smiled Jin as he dropped down into the courtyard beside the Demon who defended himself

'Who are you!,' exclaimed the demon as he killed another tracker demon

Jin didn't reply as he drew his sword and swung it as a Tracker demon ran at him, Jin drove his sword deep into the tracker demons chest, with drew his sword and cut off the demons head, the head hit the ground with a thud

'You pathetic human!!!,' growled the beasts

Jin began to laugh,

'Look again,' smiled Jin as his eyes glowed red

'Your...a halfling!,' growled the beasts as they ran towards them, 'and since you fight beside the traitor..then you shall die by the traitor!!,'

Jin turned into his demon form again and rushed towards them with the loner demon beside him,

'What is your name?' questioned the loner demon...but Jin didn't reply as they fought with the Demon Beasts

[Dregen]

[color=black][font=Verdana]Ryu sat watching from the shadow s of the Courtyard He had been here a couple of hours dozing off for he knew on one came here. He watched as the demon and Half-breed charged the other demons. Should I let them handle this are should I help? He found himself thinking. What the hell haven't I had a good exercise in a long time. "Hey beast" he yelled from the far corner of the courtyard. One of the demons whirled around to se who dared call him a beast. "I'll gut you, you filthy human." The demon said as he charged toward Ryu. Ryu wasted no time he wanted to see how tough this guy really was. He charged at the demon with no weapon drawn. When the demon was upon him, Ryu dodged the first three slashes of his sharp claws. The beast thought he had him until Ryu jumped up in to the night sky and let his Chakram fly cutting right through the demons heart. He floated to the ground catching his Chakram[/font][/color]

[Synister]

[I]Marendithis Gets His Orders And Takes Off To Hunt Down Akai[/I]

[I]Marendithis Teleports To The Top of A Bell Tower At The Ruins Where He Heard The Bell Chime, He Looks Down To See Akai And A Half-Breed[/I]
"Well, if it isnt the traitor Akai and whos this.. Well who ever this mut is he will die to." [COLOR=DarkRed]"Did you call me a mut! Your asking for death arent you?!"[/COLOR][I]Jin Flys Up To Marendithis To Try A Fatal Slash At The Head.. Marendithis Grabs Jin's Arm Tightly Before The Blow Can Hit[/I] "You dont know who I am do you?!"[I]Marendithis Sqeezes Jin's Arm Tighter Almost Enough To Break It[/I] "I AM MARENDITHIS! AND I AM TWO TIMES MORE POWERFUL, THAN ANY DEMON!" [I]Marendithis Swings Jin Around 3 Times And Throws Him To The Ground.. Before Jin Hits The Ground Marendithis Teleports To Where He Was Gonna Crash And Knees Him In The Back.. Jin Screams Out In Pain[/I] "As for you Akai We Will Meet Again" [I]Marendithas Teleports Back To His Chambers To Tell Thyrale About The Half Breed[/I]

[Akieen Cloud]

Bravie heard the scream of her fellow trackers from her hall and ran in that direction.
"What? What happened here?"
SHe heard ragged breathing from a corner and approached only to bring her whip about as claws raked the air where she had been. It wrapped around Akai's arm and he let out a growl and pulled her to him.
"I do not thin that you work for the demon king...or you would not have that look of fear in your eyes demon."
Akai blinked.
"I though so...what do you plan to do? Run forever?"
She un wrapped her whip from his arm and stood back.
"I'll lead them the other way...run."
He sttod there for a moment and ran.

[SilverCyclone]

Akai smashed through the collapsed entrace with his shoulder.
"Ive become popular..."
The trackers were occupied with the new comers. Akai hesitated as he watched the battle. A growl spurred him on as hellhounds flooded through the bell tower. They ignored his rescuers, fixated on his scent. Akai ran down the hall as the pack closed in. He didnt like leaving his rescuers behind to deal with his problems, but he had no choice. And Marendithis...he had become Akai's new hunter. It was going to get alot harder.
[I]Do you plan to run forever?[/I]
Akai slid to a halt. Turning, he stared at the hellhounds charging down the corridor. His blood boiled.
"I wont be talked that way by one with human blood!"
His roar echoed through the mansion as the hellhounds were thrown through walls and ceilings alike. Akai's eye glowed, his fangs dripped with blood. He rose into the air. Trackers outside saw him, letting loose volleys of arrows. He whipped his wings around, deflecting them back at the attackers. He roared again.
"I am Akai! I will not die under the shadow of a false king! I am one of the Malacha'ai!"
An answering roar sounded from the citadel.
Both the trackers and his rescuers looked up. Akai sped into the ground, leaving a flaming wake, tearing through several trackers. Turning, he glared at the half breeds.
"I do not intend to run forever, nor do I intend to fight forever. You are of the human rebels, and I wish to ally myself to your cause, and free this world of Thyrale's shadow!"
He was burning. Black flames leapt off his body. He walked over, kneeling before Bravie, his wings spread wide.
"Judge me after the war has ended. I cannot atone for what I have done, but I can offer vengeance for the lost souls that I once killed in the name of the Shadow Lords! Do you accept my alliance warriors? Will you allow me to fight Thyrale at your side?"
He stared up at her, eyes still burning.

[Heero Darkangel]

Jin stood up slowly, rubbing his arm, he was mad and his eyes began to glow

'Marendithis....you don't know me....,' Jin smiled twistedly, 'You maybe strong...but so am I, I don't fear noone...especially not you,'

At that moment the sky grew dark as he watched the humans fighting against the Demon trackers,
His arm began to power with a normal lightning and so did the sky, the tracker demon's looked towards him, at that moment lightning struck down from the sky as he ran towards them and ripped through them, their screams echoed throughout deadwood as lightning struck them from his own hands, he grabbed one demon by the head and sent a serge of lightning through the demons eyes and into his body, the demon didn't have time to scream as the lightning filled his body and electricuted it's insides and burn it, one of the demons turned to run, Jin saw it out the corner of his eye

'GET OVER HERE!!!,' roared Jin as the thunder roared with him, he shot a long stream of lightning towards the running demon which pierced through its body and latched onto it, Jin pulled his arm back and the Demon flew back towards him, with his free arm Jin ripped through the demons chest grabbing it's heart and ripping it out, the Demon screamed and watched as Jin lifted the heart up infront of the Demons face and smiled as he slowly crushed it, the demon screamed again before Jin let it's body fall to the ground

Holding the heart Jin looked at it with a smile of hatered, 'Marendithis...we will meet again,' suddenly lightning rushed up his arm and into the heart making it explode

Jin turned to the humans and changed into his human form but his eyes still glowing red, they all looked at him unsuringly as to what he may do...was the halfling going to attack them...or not, suddenly the Demon who Marendithis had been hunting appeared and swore alliance with the humans making them take their attention off Jin, Jin suddenly opened out his wings and flew up onto the wall and watched them from a dark corner silently...

'A demon pledging an alliance with the human rebels....this could be interesting....wonder why they're after you demon?' whispered Jin into the darkness as he watched on curiously

[Dregen]

Ryu looked on as this demon swore to atone for his blood shed. He looked at Akai and then he looked at Bravie. How can we truly be sure that he won't betray us. Who says that this isnt some elaborate schem set up by the Shawdow lords. My family was slain as were most of yours by demos like this one. How could you think of fighting along side of on of them. [b]Ryu put his hand on his sword[/b], I will not be a part of this you... you are a demon just like the rest. I will slay you With that [b]he drew his sword[/b].[b] Bravie walked over to Ryu and SLAP!!!![/b] [color=red]You are not in control Dregen, we barely see you, you can not make this decision on your own.[/color] [b]With that Ryu sheath his sword and begun to walk away.[/b] Yea ok we'll see what the cheif has to say about all of this.

[foxtu78]

"I really hope they'll give up soon" she thought as she ran through the forest. "If only they were in an open area. Then I would show them a thing or two." 12 demons were chasing her but they weren't doing a very good job because she kept loosing them for a few hours at a time. This had been going on since late yesterday.


She emerged from the forest into the courtyard and skidded to a halt. The demons rushed at her, trying to tear her apart but she dodged them and struck them on their necks. As they shriveled and died she sheathed her sword and noticed the people/demons. She walked over to them.

"Hello, my name is Andrea."

[Heero Darkangel]

Jin watched them from his place where he sat high on the wall, they spoke amoungst themselves about the Demon who stood before them

'So tell us your name?' questioned one of the humans

'Akai,' spoke the Demon as he rose from the ground

Jin had heard that name before, he remembered hearing a horde of shadow demons speak his name once when he was on the run, he frowned

'So you've rebelled against the shadow demons?' questioned Jin as he jumped down from the wall and looked at them, Ryu suddenly drew his sword

'Who are you!,' Ryu frowned

Jin's eyes grew dark as he steared wildly at the human, he then pushed Ruy's blade away from his face and walked towards the others who all watched him unsuringly

'Who are you?' questioned the one they call Bravie

'My names Jin....Jin Kazama,' he spoke sternly, 'And if these humans won't join you...then I will, I'll join your Rebellion against the Shadow Demons,'

Akai gave Jin a slight nod but looked at Jin wondering how he became a halfling

'How'd you become a halfling?' questioned Akai

Jin didn't say anything as his wings tore from his back and he flew up to the wall but this time where they could see him, he looked down at them like a hawk watching his food run around in the grass

[Lord Rannos]

[FONT=Century Gothic][COLOR=DarkRed]Orin walked slowly towards the derilect belltower, keeping one hand on the hilt of his blade. As he neared the edge of the forest, he began to hear voices coming from the direction of the belltower. He climbed to the higher branches of a tree to his right, where he could observe the small group of people without alerting them to his presence.

He saw three humans......and a demon. He fought back the urge to attack it, instead watching. It seemed that this demon intended to help the humans.
Leaping down from his tree, Orin walked into the clearing, facing four drawn weapons.
"Well, this is unexpected......" Orin said, holding up his hands in a gesture of peace. The humans glanced at each other uneasily, unsure what to expect.
Orin heard a small whoosh and suddenly felt a blade pressed to the back of his neck.
"Who are you?" Jin growled, holding his blade steady.
"My name is Orin. I was also sent by Amaru to help track down the demons. I mean you no harm." he said, apparently unphased by the sword at his neck.
The humans lowered their weapons, and relaxed momentarily. Jin sheathed his blade and returned to the skies.
"We are glad to have your help," said Bravie, offering her hand to him.
Smiling, Orin shook her hand."Anything I can do to help."[/COLOR][/FONT]

[Dregen]

[font=Century Gothic]Talk about someone we barely see Orin I haven't seen you in a while. Still acting cool I see. wait why'd [color=black]Amaru send you I thought you were his little pet or something. This must be really important for Orin The Slayer to come out. I wander if this is how you operate. Swoop in after all the work is done. You wouldn't be here to take credit would you. If so we might just have a problem[/color][/font][size=2][/size]

[bovine_man3]

Masamune was in the middle of his shift as a gaurd. "Why do I always get stuck with gaurd duty when everyone else gets to to see the demons". He decided to take a little stroll in the direction of the trackers. After five minutes he saw lightning in one general direction and decided to head there so he may finally fight a demon. When he arrived he saw a demon speaking to the trackers and some others. He ran up to the demon and tried to strike him but he blocked the hit and threw him to the wall and looked at him. Masamune was dazed from the impact but he looked up and saw that the demon had become the one he killed years ago for vengance. "Your dead I killed you myself!" he was passed out for ten minutes afterwards.

[SilverCyclone]

Akai stared at the young warrior. The others sighed.
"Damn him...always rushing in before he takes in the scene."
Akai released his wrist. Bravie glanced at him curiously, but said nothing. Akai whirled as he heard footsteps.
"Hello. My name is Andrea."
Akai lowered his wings.
"How the hell did everyone manage to show up at once?"
"You were the one who sounded the bell."
Akai nodded, then bowed to the newcomer.
"It is an honor to meet you. I am Akai. Now can I please go speak to your leader or whoever is in charge?"
He stopped talking as a blade caressed his throat. Ryu was shaking.
"Dont think we plan on trusting you so easily hellspawn!"
Akai raised his claws to the blade, gently pushing it away.
"I dont think you will ever trust me warrior. When the war ends, and if we are victorious, I will allow you to deal with me however you see fit, if that happens to still be your wish."
Ryu lowered the blade, glaring at Akai. Akai folded his wings, then tore off a strip of cloth. Binding it around his eyes, he folded his hands behind his back.
"I assume that since you dont trust me, you obviously wont want me to know where your entrenched. Lead me on, remove the blindfold when you see fit. But I will need someone to lead me..."

[Heero Darkangel]

Jin watched them all leave the clearing, he spreed out his wings and flew down behind him, keeping his distance, His eyes darted around the area watching the shadows for any movement, he looked at the humans and the demon as they led him to their entrance to meet their leader. Jin flew up into the nearest tree to the entrance and watched them as they walked along

'Hey your not coming?' called Orin looking up at him

'I have no business with your leader,' said Jin not looking down at him, his eyes looking around

'I see,' said Orin as they continued inside

Jin looked around, he had never been amoungst people for a very long time and he didn't think he ever would again after what had happened back in his home town, he frowned at what had happened and his eyes grew red with anger, he then supressed those memories and concentrated on looking out for Shadow Demons

[So-Seductive]

[FONT=Georgia][COLOR=#DF5591]
The demon behind her let out a loud chuckle, his red eyes glowed with
amusement. ?I do not answer to humans wench?he scorned as he rotated in broad shoulders back and stretched his neck.?HUMAN!!!...is that what he thought she was...a damn human? Halana fumed as her jade green hues glowed brighter then before. Her grip tightened on her double edge blade as she turned around sharply. The demons smug grin vanished, ?so you?re a half breed? he muttered to him self as his eyes narrowed and his mouth became dry.

?Do I surprise you demon!?Her voice seemed to echo around them. A strong gust of wind brushed past them with a blend of ashes and dirt. ?Ahhh...a half breed even more the fun?replied the demon licking his lips. The demon now out stretched its large black wings and flapped them twice. Halana knew he would soon attack her and she prepared her self mentally to cast the Kaze no Shouten(wind of death).

Halana closed her eyes as a soft breeze began to form around her. Silvery white Strands of hair began to set afloat around her delicate face as a bright green aura glowed around her slender but curvy figure. She slowly lifted her right hand before her, the demon grunted in annoyance. ?What the hell are you doing wench? he spat out in anger. Suddenly he noticed the shift of air, ?the bitch is casting a spell? he murmured , ?ill attack her before she finishes? the demon started at her with impeccable speed. His velocity was so fast that to a human eyes you would have not seen him move at all.

He appeared before her, Halanas eyes shot open as she cried out her attack ?KAZE NO SHOUTEN!!!?. A strong gust of wind blasted form the palm of her hand, and knocked the demon back. The demon braced against the dirt, his sight was blinded by the ashes blown into his eyes. Halana saw the advantage and acted upon it. [/COLOR][/FONT]

[Heero Darkangel]

Jin heard the echo of a distant vioce and the scream of a demon, his wings tore out from his back and he flew threw the bushes, he then landed in a tree looking down on a figure, her eyes glowing brightly as she stood over the corpse of a demon which turned to dust. Her silvery hair blowing in the breeze suddenly went limp as the breeze slowly died down, Jin looked down at her with a raised eyebrow

'So your a halfling?' spoke Jin as he lent back against the tree as he looked up at the sky, the girl jumped back and looked up at him with her eyes still glowing

'Who are you!,' she demanded to know

Jin looked down at her then jumped down, she then readied herself for another attack,

'Come any closer demon and I'll kill you,' she growled

Jin ignored her as he walked over to the ashes of where the demon once lay, 'Bastards,' he whispered

Halana watched himas he drew his wings in and his eyes stopped glowing red

'You're a halfling?' she questioned realising that he was, Jin didn't say anything as he looked at her

'I see you can manage on your own,' he spoke sternly

'I [I]was[/I] taught well,' she growled again as she watched him carefully

'Didn't say you weren't,' he spoke as he raised an eyebrow at her, his wings shot out from his back and he took off into the sky

'YOU NEVER TOLD ME WHO YOU WERE!!,' she called out but the he didn't reply

[SilverCyclone]

When the blindfold was finally removed, Akai couldnt tell where he was. There were low buildings, mostly steel and the color of dirt, all around him. At least seventy warriors stood glaring at him. He stared right back, not willing to let them intimidate him. A particularly large man walked up, gripping a sword.
"I recognize you demon. You lead the first attack on our world. Why have you come here hellspawn?"
Akai kneeled, a tradition demon way of swearing fealty.
"I ask that you aid me in destroying Thyrale and the Shadow Lords forever. In helping me, I myself will help you."
Amaru laughed loudly.
"You expect me to believe that? You are a Malacha'ai! Creatures like you are not worthy of having souls!"
Akai rose slowly.
"If you do not aid me, then I have fled in vain. I am hunted by Thyrale's minions, and a one time friend of mine. If you truly believe that I am dishonest in my plea, then kill me. See how long your little resistance will survive under the burning shadow."
Amaru glared at him.
"What did you have in mind then...demon?"
"You take back what is rightfully yours. You bring Thyrale's citadel down from the sky."
The warriors murmured to themselves.
"We dont have the numbers to do that! Thyrale's hordes will kill us all!"
"No they wont. If you increase your numbers to that of Thyrale's own army, you will succeed."
"And how do we do that demon?"
"I have a name. And as for how...we free the slaves of Breodia the Shattered."
The murmurs went into cries of protest.
"Breodia?! You expect us to go against a Shadow Lord!?"
Akai bowed to Amaru, keeping his eyes on him. The warrior stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"What is it that you had in mind...Akai."
----------------
*the citadel*
Thyrale listened to Marendithis's account of the battle in the ruins. His scythe leaned against his shoulder, dripping with acid. He rose from his throne. He walked to the kneeling demon. Laying a claw on his shoulder, he looked at him.
"You have served me well in the past, and still do Marendithis...Akai was your friend, is that correct?"
"He was, milord, but I serve only you."
The demon king smiled at this. He bade Marendithis rise.
"Then you shall be my favored of my warriors. Take what you need, my resources are at your disposal. Hunt down the traitor, and kill any who oppose you. My grasp on this fragile world is unshakeable, and you shall never walk without my shadow behind you."
Marendithis bowed respectfully before heading out of the room. Thyrale stood there, thinking about what had happened that day.
"...A demon has fled from my grasp...and another has entered more deeply into my palm..."
His evil laughter echoed through the halls of the Black Citadel as another dawn broke upon the shattered barrens.