RPG Shackled Retribution [M-VLS]

[Kamuro]

[FONT=Garamond][SIZE=3][CENTER]Shackled Retribution[/CENTER][/SIZE][/FONT]
[CENTER][IMG]http://tinypic.com/2mcuj8[/IMG][/CENTER]

[CENTER]

Participants Myself - Roland Summers Paertekarka - Kyss Crafter Ahzraei - Ashem Dal Neuvoxraiha - Saturnine Lattinae Sakura - Azalea Oakley Jian - Zhuge Wei Anarchy - Phoenix

[/CENTER]

[B][CENTER]Chapter 1[/CENTER][/B]
Roland sat in his chair pondering thoughts as he stared out the window. He was interrupted by a squeking door. "Everyone has arrived my lord, I've gathered them in the dining room" said Juren. "Good" Roland stood up and left the room. When he reached the dining room he saw three people on each side of the table. Three men and three women sat in their chairs as he walked past. He took his seat at the head of the table and began.

"Hello everyone, and welcome. My name is Roland, but I will be referred to as Leader from here on out. You're all here to accompany me on a crusade to defeat the tyrant Chaos. You all have your own motivations for doing so, as do I, but we will work together to achieve this common goal. I already have a strategy set in place, but before we could even stand a chance against Chaos, each of you must become engraved. I'm sure Juren has told you already, but each of you will become engraved with three Crests of your choice to use on our journey. To do this you must meet with Godo. He is an expert in the field of engraving and will do so to each of you. However, Godo is a very paranoid man and refuses to stay in one place for very long. This bring us to the first step in my plan, each of you must go on a seperate journey to find Godo. You all will be given a map with his location marked. However, each location will be different. Some are longer and less dangerous, while others are shorter and have more obstacles along the way. I assure you each one is of equal difficulty. Godo came up with this game on his own, but I endorsed it, as a test of your abilities before you become engraved. If you fail to complete this task, then you will not accompany me on our journey to destroy Chaos. Use the rest of your day to prepare equipment and ready yourself for tomorrow. I advise you get an early start, it won't be easy." Roland rose from his seat and walked quietly from the room. Once the door was shut he heard chatter begin but thought nothing of it. He returned to his room and retired for the night.

The next morning he woke up and made his way to the dining room where Juren was waiting for him. "Good morning sir, sleep well?" Roland gave a yawn "Yes yes, have they begun?" Juren smiled "Yes sir, they all left early this morning." Roland left the room and returned to his own, he got dressed and returned to Juren. "I expect my weapon to be done by the time I return Juren" "Y-Yes sir, I assure it will be" Juren mumbled. Roland walked out of his home, rose his hand the air and spoke "Shadow." The silouhette of a dragon soon became more realistic as Shadow landed in front of him. Roland hopped on his back and they took flight. Roland leaned forward and spoke "Lets go see just how much progress they've made."

OCC: Each of you is to write your own joruney to find Godo and your journey home. The day before you leave you may use to prepare equipment and interact with each other as you see fit. Have fun!

[Raiha]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkOrchid][i]Saturnine walked down the hall, map in hand. She had watched the others and also her new leader. Roland. She liked him well enough. He looked competent, and she had gotten a sense of power from him.

As she walked, she took the time to review the others that had come to fight.

Kyss Crafter, Ashem Dal, Azalea Oakley, Zhuge Wei, and Phoenix. Everyone seemed motivated by revenge. Maybe she was the only one whose life hadn't been directly ruined by Chaos. The Lattinae sect was well hidden, well protected, all pacifists, all benevolent. Except her. She wanted to fight and rid the world of Chaos simply because he was evil. A scourge to all free men. And those he had conquered she was sure. Her elders knew she was better off fighting instead of staying in the temple and slowly fermenting.

Now she was here, in a hallway leading to her room for the night. In her room for the night, in a house that she had never seen before today.

Her things were already on the bed. Large bed. Too big for her. Much too big. Or maybe she was used to monastary style rooms.[/i]

"Palatial."

[i]Saturnine ran a hand over her belongings. A long blade, blessed by the priests of Lattinae, crystal cut vials, her tunics, chain mail, and gauntlets. All of it white. Linen, white steel, clear tones, nothing dark. The cloak she had around her shoulders she swirled off and hung over a chair. Woven from spidersilk. Also white. She undressed slowly, like she did many other things. There was no point in rushing. A sunset would begin soon.

She sighed and put on cleaner clothes. A white dress, something she didn't wear often, because more often than not she was wearing a tunic and chain mail. The daughter of Lattinae looked young, younger than her age, but she didn't mind. Running a brush through her hair, she walked to the window and looked out. A green below, perfect for sitting, but probably used for fighting practice. She set her things down and began braiding her hair. While she braided, she left her room and walked downstairs again. She was a curious girl. Far too curious to stay in one place all her life. But once she was outside, she wasn't sure what to do with herself. She didn't have to go through her cleansing until after the sunset.

Something caught her eye. Horses. Her training in the temple had given her a slight second sight, but it wasn't very good and never very clear. Across the green she saw the stables and ran. To\o anyone watching, she would've looked lie a nymph. Barefoot, hair streaming behind her, dress following suit. The stables were huge, as she had guessed. The pleasing smells of alfalfa, horse sweat, and drying hay reached her nose. The whickering and stamping of many horses reached her ears about the same time and she walked in, breathing lightly.[/i]

"It's like I died and went to heaven."

[i]Several stable hands eyed her, but backed away when she looked at them. One stall caught her attention. A pink nose, a white forelock, two genitian eyes. A white stallion. Big, long legs, handsome in general. One of the stable hands called outa warning, but she ignored it. She stepped closer, enough to make complete eye contact with his right side. Once there she didn't move. Instead she spoke gently, letting him know she was there, watching his ears prick forward instead of back. She held out one hand and he sniffed it, nostrils widening.[/i]

"Hullo. I'm Saturnine. Who are you?"

[i]He didn't respond, of course, but he did sniff her hand again, as if he was looking for a treat. She laughed and scratched his forehead under the halter. He closed his eyes, letting her see long lashes. When she stopped he nuzzled her hand, asking for more. She opened his stall and he came out, as meek as a lamb. Without the luxury of a saddle, bit, or bridle she took a hold of his mane and climbed onto his back. He shivered, but didn't move. Once she gripped his sides with her knees he walked forward. Then, once he saw the stable doors were open he began cantering. She leaned over his ear and whispered something nobody else could hear. Ten seconds later the pair were out the door and heading out past the town.

Saturnine laughed uproariously, unafraid, not worried in the least where he might take her. And all he wanted to do was run.[/i][/COLOR][/FONT]

[Ahzraei]

Ashem quietly left the conference, his mind still swirling with thoughts and questions. For the first time in years, he had a chance to topple Chaos, with the help of this man Roland. Much as Ashem hated having to follow anyone, he long ago had reluctantly admitted that he didn't have the charisma to be a leader. He had tried, he really had. But these were the first people he had seen in a long time who had any interest in fighting Chaos' tyranny, and it was Roland who had succeeded in recruiting them.

He smiled. Time would tell, of course, how long Roland could keep this motley crew together. Some of them, he was sure, sought not only to remove Chaos but replace him. He thought of Phoenix, the scarred man who had mostly remained silent during the meeting. There was someone to keep an eye on. Maybe it was his similarity to Ashem, or simply his demeanor, but Ashem didn't trust what little he knew of him.

Ashem paused, hearing approaching footsteps. He quietly stole behind a column on one side of the hall. For an instant he stared down at his hands, seeing the twin crests that Phrexi, one of Chaos' lieutenants, had given him during his final promotion before he had abandoned Chaos forever. Engraving was a carefully guarded secret among Chaos' legion, and his had not come without a price.

Angrily, he shut his single eye against the onslaught of distasteful memories. No; he much preferred to keep his engraving, as well as his past, a secret. Resisting the urge to use an illusionary enchantment, he peered back into the hallway.

Ashem silently let out the breath he had been holding in. The light footstep belonged to Saturnine, the representative of Lattinae. Relieved, trying to shake the suspicions bred of years spent running from Chaos' soldiers, he waited until she had passed, then continued in the opposite direction.

At last, Ashem came to the room he had been given for the night. Normally he might have refused such a courtesy, or at least have examined the room for traps and the like. But Ashem doubted that Roland's plan was a deception; it seemed far too elaborate for that. Still, he hated having to second-guess the motives of everyone around him. Maybe once Chaos was dead he could stop ... and the ghosts of his family and friends would leave his dreams. Grimly, he settled in to endure another restless night.

[Sakura]

[color=Navy]As soon as Azalea recieved the map she got up and left for her room. She had to prepare for the trip. She looked around the small room that had been her home and started to gather up her things, putting everything in the bag she had had since she first walked into the town and became re-acquainted with Juren.

She started to think about the others that had been around and their 'leader', Roland, the master of the household.

Azalea picked up her katana looking long sword and strapped it across her back with the hilt peeking over her right shoulder. Then she picked up her dagger and tied it onto her belt on the right hip before tying her pouch of shuriken to her left hip. She looked over herself in the mirror, she was in her usual clothes, which was just a tight black top with regular length sleeves and her black leather pants with her black belt. Azalea always wore the colour black because she continued to mourn not being able to know her parents, which is also why she's after Chaos. Everything she owned was of a dark colour usually black or something extremely close to it like navy blue.

Azalea picked up her bag and the map, she departed from her room with the bag over her shoulder, she said goodbye to Juren sadly and left the house. She started out on the road and opened her map to see where she should be going. Her eyes hardened as she saw that she had to go past the orphanage she used to live in. Azalea sighed and rolled the parchment up, tucking it into her belt and set off, she knew where the orphanage was, she went to stand outside the large iron gates every anniversary of when Juren had freed her.

Azalea was walking along when she saw some horse stables and debated whether she should get one, deciding on taking one she entered and saw several of the stable hands look at her. Azalea took no notice of them and walked along the stalls, looking for a horse she liked. She saw one in particular that caught her eye. Azalea cocked her head to the right slightly as she looked it over.

She entered the stall and ran her hand over the horse, it was a powerful stallion, his coat was a shiny black. Azalea ran her hand down his legs and checked his hoofs. She nodded in decision and called a stable hand over. She told them that she'd take it, but they warned her that he was temperamental.

[b]"Are you judging my decision, sir?" [/b]Azalea questioned, pinning her gaze on him sternly.

[b]"Uh, no ma'am. I'll get you his saddle and bridle right away." [/b]he said, rushing off.

Azalea huffed and put her hands on her hips. The horse whickered too as if he agreed with her. She turned to look at him and smiled.

[b]"I think we'll get along fine." [/b]she said quietly.

The stable hand returned with the stuff and put her hand into another pouch on her belt that held her money, she dropped some gold coins into his hand and took the things from him, re-entering the stall and saddling the horse. Azalea walked to his head and gently blew into his nostrils so he got her scent, he blew back gently, a way of acceptance. Azalea stroked him and grabbed a hold of the reins, leading him out of the stall and out of the stables, out into the open. Azalea flipped the reins over his head and mounted skillfully, her feet rested comfortably in the stirrups.

[b]"I'll name you Kage, as you are my shadow. My name is Azalea." [/b]she said to the horse, fully confident that he understood her.

[b]"Hya!" [/b]she cried, nudging him into a canter at once, she wanted to find this Godo person at once so she could get to Chaos as soon as possible.

Azalea and Kage soon made their way to the large iron gates that belonged to the orphanage, caging the children within the building. Azalea glared at the building and Kage didn't like it either, pawing the ground.

[b]"Shh, I know, I don't like it either. Just let me check the map and we'll be on our way." [/b]Azalea soothed, stroking his mane. Kage calmed down and stood still. She pulled the map from her belt and judged which way, looking further on the map to find a landmark she could use to know where to stop. As soon as she knew, they were off again.

[b][color=Black]OOC: [/color][/b][color=Black]I think that's a pretty ok starting post. Let me know for changes.[/color]
[/color]

[Raiha]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkOrchid][i]The white stallion came to a halt on a grassy knoll. Saturnine looked in all directions, asking him to turn and help her with this excercise. He shook his mane and blew through his nostrils, recovering his wind from their run. She patted his neck and whispered in his ear.[/i]

"I'll name you later. Maybe when we leave tomorrow morning."

[i]He quivered, sending shivers through her whole body. He understood her, that much was apparent. And he liked her. She could tell by the way his ears pitched when she spoke. She nudged him in the direction of what she determined to be a cave. He went at a trot, taking his sweet time. When the reached the entrance, he drew back, despite her urging. Saturnine sighed and dismounted, asking him to stay within earshot. He quickly turned tail and went back to what he deemed a safe distance. Saturnine adjusted her dress and slowly entered the cave. Instantly her senses were assailed by visions of smoke, fire, steam, ash, wings, and light. She stopped to let her eyes adjust to the darkness.

Dragons. Masses of them.

While she could easily communicate with mammals and some birds, dragons were a different story. Some said dragons were the kynn of birds, but she had never had any luck with them. She remembered one elder saying that a charm would calm dragons if they ever began to rampage. But even though she did learn it and test it on birds at one point, she wouldn't push her luck now and risk the sudden end of her life. Instead she let her senses settle down and her vision to clear. In time, she could make out faces and shapes. A huge red figure, hulking, with wings furled around himself. A silver creature, slender, curved, and graceful. a white and blue dragon, with piercing eyes, and folded wings. This figure seemed to look back at her, and she quickly retreated.

She refocused her gaze elsewhere and continued looking, always at a distance, and when she was done she began to back away. Once she was in the sunlight again, she called out, a meaningless sound that carried a simple melody. Soon enough she heard the familiar foot falls of a certain white stallion. He lowered his head to look into her eyes and whinneyed. She grasped his mane and remounted, asking him to take her home. He did, and in record time too. Once they were at the stables, she rubbed him down with a terry cloth, watered him, and put down fresh hay. He nuzzled her ear when she closed his door, making her laugh.[/i]

"We'll go at dawn."

[i]He sneezed and she laughed softly, so softly in fact, that nobody heard. Saturnine re-entered the building and went straight to her room. The sun was setting and it was time to perform her cleansing. She poured a little water from the pitcher into the bowl on her dresser and dipped both hands in. Then she lifted them out and held them up so they reflected the rapidly diminishing sunlight.[/i]

"Bi sie i mo shuil. Le an haisa. Ma ethresa, imhaine. Amun en harlu. Eraeli don bmra."

[i]Her fingers seemed to glow at her words, then returned to normal when she stopped speaking. She dried her hands on a towel, packed her things, and went to bed. The sun had set, and she was tired.

....... .................. .............. .........

Her dreams were slow moving, quiet, calming, just colors and vague images. Through it all, she heard the hoofbeats of her newfound friend. These were eventuall replaced by the sound of wings beating the air, and dragoncall. She didn't understand it, but it wasn't antagonistic, so she slept on.[/i][/COLOR][/FONT]

[Ahzraei]

[I]The stare of the dark eyes of Chaos was boring a hole into his skull. Ashem glared back. His vengeance was about to become reality. The stench of death and the sight of the bloodstained floor drifted out of focus as Ashem focused solely on the object of his hatred.

Slowly, Chaos rose from his throne, casually glancing at the soldiers that Ashem had just slain, their blood still seeping into the ornate carpet. And he laughed, coldly and mirthlessly. Ashem stepped forward; Chaos raised his hands. Suddenly Ashem lost control of his limbs; he could not move or speak. His swords fell to the floor and he felt a red mist inexorably crawl across his vision ...

"You dare to betray me?" Chaos thundered. "No one defies me and lives..."[/I]

Sweating and short of breath, Ashem abruptly awoke. He gritted his teeth. It had been four years. Four years since he had learned of Chaos' deceptions; four years since Ashem had tried and failed to kill Chaos. The tyrant was simply too powerful; he had barely escaped with his life after that. Ever since then he had been on the run ...

Stepping out of bed and donning his clothes, Ashem felt new determination. Next time it would be different. Now, he had an opportunity to gain a third crest; one that he could use to combat Chaos' power.

A few minutes later, Ashem went to the stables, gazing approvingly at the early sunrise. Speaking tersely with a stablehand, he chose a sturdy-looking black-colored stallion. Dubiously examining his map, he set out to find Godo.

[Blayze]

[SIZE=1]Phoenix gathered up his belongings, namely his two swords and his silver pendant, engraved with the mark of Chaos. This was something he had taken from one of Chaos' most feared warriors, a being that he had killed in cold blood.

He took up the map and left the room. He passed the stables as a few people took horses for their journeys, but he didn't need to take one. He had his own, hidden in the woods just a short distance away from the house where they had all gathered.

Twigs on the floor snapped as Phoenix approached his steed. It was a fine, but terrifying beast. It was completely jet-black, with eyes that flashed with fury. It was his, and he had named it Grigori, after a race of beings who protected mankind. He stroked Grigori's mane, and swung himself up onto the saddle. He kicked the horse sharply in the side to get it started, something which he hated doing but that he knew was necessary. It rode faster than any other horse in the land, and he sped across the moors, his cape flapping out behind him as the horse ran...

(OOC: Sorry, it's appalling, but I'm kinda braindead at the moment)[/SIZE]

[Engel]

[color=darkslategray]Zhuge Wei laughed as he got his map, and went back to the room that was his for the time. He ruffled his spiked hair, one eye closed. He didn't want to go just yet. He fell back against his bed and the wall, arms sprawled out in a content manner.

Zhuge had told everyone to just call him Wei, as his name was too long for someone as unpatitent seeming young man. Zhuge Wei sighed from the bed, and got up on his feet. [i]Guess I better go get a horse like everyone else has.[/i] Zhuge Wei laughed again.

Within seconds, people could see Zhuge Wei leaping out the open window, rolling on his shoulder, and getting up, sprinting for the stables. His shirtless body cut a swath through the wind as he slowed to a stop. Zhuge Wei flung open the stable doors, just barely making a noise, however. He shut them quietly.

Zhuge Wei looked around at the horses, until he came upon one that really caught his eyes. It seemed a deep, crimson red. One eye looked at him warily, as if it was judging him. Zhuge Wei smiled, and unlocked the stable door. A saddle was already on it.

[b]"You guys musta been expecting me to pick this guy. Heh. We have to see how he rides..."[/b] Zhuge Wei kicked the horse in the side, sending it galloping out the stable door. The world seemed to rush by as the namless horse carried his body on its back, as if he were a small burden, instead of a rider. Zhuge Wei marveled at how fast it went.

After about a half hour, Zhuge Wei went back to the stables, and locked it back in.

[b]"Could you tell them this is reserved for Zhuge Wei, or just Wei?"[/b] The man nodded.

[b]"Thanks, guy."[/b] Zhuge Wei said simply. As he went back to where the rooms were, he thought of something.

[i]A name...how about Red Hare?[/i] Zhuge Wei laughed, then thought about it. It fit.... Zhuge Wei nodded to himself. He walked by everyone's room, putting a note on their doors. It red as the following:

[b]To the Reader,
Hey, its Wei. I was wondering...up for a little training? If so, meet me at the pasture by the horse stables.

Your fellow compainon,

Zhuge Wei[/b][/color]

[Kamuro]

Roland flew through the crisp air atop Shadow's back "Its a beautiful day out isn't it?" Shadow gave a grunt and flew a bit higher. Roland looked down and saw horses galloping off in all different directions. "I wonder how they'll do? That Godo is quite the character, I'm sure he has something in store for them all." He caught a quick flash as he flew. "Hmm, what could that be?" He flew lower and saw Phoenix riding on a slick black horse "I don't believe thats one of my own, hmm, interesting." He took a quick right and and saw Zhuge Wei riding a firey red horse "Hah, the red one, I figured as much, they'll get along just fine." He continued to check up on each person and then returned to the castle to find Juren standing outside.

"How are they doing sir?" asked Juren as Shadow landed just in front of him. "They're doing just fine, I'll check up on them again later, how is my weapon?" Juren gave a smile "Its finally finished sir, would you like to see it?" Roland nodded and followed Juren to the Blacksmith. They stepped behind the counter and entered the back room. There he saw it, a long scythe lying the table. The long handle made of a tainted black metal leading up to a large blade at the end. Roland picked it up and began swing it. "Its perfect Juren." Juren smiled. "I'm taking this, I need to train while the others are away." "Yes sir, I will attend the house while your away." Juren nodded and left the room, as did Roland.

[URL=http://tinypic.com/4ftw81]Scythe[/URL]

[Skye]

[size=1]Kyss was silent, as usual, and took the map without a word. Her forest-green eyes were serene and emotionless, and her pale, yet full, lips did not smile. She was shorter than everyone else, but what did she care. She went to the stables, and watched as one by one the horses and riders found one another.

Kyss turned and wrapped her arms around the warm, beige nose that had huffed down her back. She began stroking the horses neck, patting the mare and murmuring under her breath. The horse was beige, with a dark red-brown mane and tail of course texture, and huge, brown eyes. There was instant connection between the small woman and the large mare.

?[b]I knew you would come ? oh, I knew, Siofra.[/b]?

[I]Changeling?[/I]

The horse huffed into her hair, and Kyss found a hay bale. She hopped from it onto Siofra?s bare back, and the mare trotted out of the stable. The stable hands were watching the miniature woman with awe, as she had handled the mare with ease. Siofra paused, and Kyss turned to look at the stable hand standing in the door. Then she turned back, and Siofra took off at a full gallop, tearing out across the land.

Kyss leaned into the ride, closing her eyes and lifting her face to the warm sunshine. Her hair whistled about her as the wind ripped through it. Her thoughts wandered, and she opened her eyes. She caught sight of another rider, on a jet-black stallion. She straightened her small stature as Siofra whinnied a greeting, and the rider turned.

OOC: Tag, Anarchy.[/size]

[Raiha]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=darkorchid][i]The next morning, Saturnine dipped her hands in water and spoke the words she had uttered last night. A few minutes later she dried them once more and got dressed. She pulled on a fresh shirt, her pants, and boots. Her hauberk slid over her body smoothly and clung to every curve. The belt held everything in place easily enough, made of near-white leather, made to last.

Once she had done up her hair, she put on her cloak, slid her sword onto her belt, and pushed a few small vials into as well Just incase. Taking only the things she needed, she left behind her dress, a few other pieces of clothing, and her blanket. She closed the door behind her with her foot, completely missing the note tacked to her door. Cracking her neck, she took the package of food a servant handed her with a smile and nod, then headed out the door to the stables. They looked friendly to her, as if they were waiting. As she walked in, she noticed several steeds were missing. She shrugged and stopped in front of her choice. A pink nose pushed over the stall gate, inhaling slowly.

Saturnine laughed and stroked gently, opening the door at the same time. Because she would actually have to steer him this time, she pulled a light bridle over his head, pushing the bit into his mouth gently. She apoligized as she buckled it on under his jaw, sliding both reins across his back. He shivered slightly, but stood very still as she put on one of the lightest sadles she had found. The blanket under the sadle shifted slightly and she slid it back into place. He didn't move as she cinched it up, adjusting each strap to make sure the saddle would stay, and that he was comfortable.

She smiled and kissed his forehead, then put a foot into the sturrips and mounted his back, adjusting her seat until she was comfortable. She referred to the map, then put it in a saddle bag to her right and narrowed her vision. Then she leaned over his neck and spoke into his ear. They pitched back, then forward, and he shot forward like an arrow from a bow. Saturnine gave him free reign, pointing him only in the right direction. Due east.

He went foraward at a steady gallop, muscles rippling under his hide beautifully. For several hours they kept this pace. Eventually they stopped at a stream and she let him drink. She patted his side and sat back in the saddle.[/i]

"I've thought of a name for you."

[i]The white stallion jerked his head upright and looked at her with one eye. She smiled at him.[/i]

"Altair."

[i]He stamped one foot, then put his head back down to drink. She smiled slightly and patted him once more. He apparently approved.[/i][/COLOR][/FONT]

[Blayze]

[SIZE=1]He turned to see the girl who was riding toward him. He saw her riding towards him, her hair flowing out behind her. He groaned, and under the cover of his cloak, he took a firm grip on the end of his sword.

"Hey!" she cried out, "Wait!" He began to draw the weapon, and as she got closer, he took it all the way out of it's sheath and leapt from his horse towards her. He landed on the ground next to her horse, with his blade pressing into the soft flesh of her neck.

"Who are you, girl?" he said in his soft, yet menacing tone.

She started shaking, seeing the blade at her throat, and replied, stammering:

"I'm Kyss. P-please don't hurt m-me." He grimaced, and moved the weapon away, placing it back in it's sheath. He moved his cloak so it hung over his entire body, concealing his weapons.

"I've seen you before. You were in that meeting. You are working for Roland too?" he questioned.

"Yes, I am. That's a beautiful horse. Where did you get it?" she asked, rubbing her neck.

"You don't want to know where I got him from, girl, it would shock you to your core. You couldn't handle it."

"Try me," she said defiantly.

"I had to wade through knee-deep blood, and walk across fire created by Chaos himself to earn the right to ride that horse. He is a fine horse, but he came at a price." He pulled back his hair to reveal that one of his ears was torn and bloodied.

She looked sick, suddenly turning pale, sweating and clamping a hand over her mouth.

"Now leave me, girl," he said forcefully. He walked over to his horse, and swung himself on.

"What's he called?"

He drew in his breath, trying to keep his cool.

"His name is fitting for where he came from. He is Inferno." He turned and rode away from the girl, beginning his search for Godo...[/SIZE]

[Ahzraei]

It was midday. Ashem had left all civilization behind; following the map, he had driven himself from the cobblestone road and into a dimly lit forest. Oddly enough, he felt more relaxed in the woods than in any village. His expert eye still constantly scanned the shadows, however, probing for violations of his solitude.

A partial clearing, divided by a small trickle of a stream proved an ideal place to rest. Ashem dismounted and allowed his horse to drink. He had decided to name the animal Nau'ian. It meant 'Illusive Shadow' in the tongue of Erivehn, the land where he had been trained in Chaos' army.

Ashem examined his map once more. Apparently, Godo was waiting for him several miles to the east. If he knew his geography of the region, the location he was headed towards was in the near foothills of a nearby mountain range. Annoyed, he cursed himself for not learning the territory better when he had come here; but then, he hadn't exactly been overly concerned with safety or escape when he had encountered Juren in that tavern in Brunid.

An impatient neigh from Nau'ian brought him back to the present. Giving to map another cursory study, he remounted and resumed his journey. The stream running through the clearing had a distinct slope downward; Ashem decided to simply travel upstream as far east as it would take him.

[Raiha]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkOrchid][i]Altair took her in the direction she had indicated while she continued to read her map, scratching her head at one point. Two arrows in two different directions. Both appeared to lead to the same place but one was a nearly straight line and the other was a rather squiggly one, leading through what appeared to be a forest, a field, and another forest.

Two hours later they reached the crossroad. A post had two signs. She read them outloud, partially for her benefit, partially just to hear a human voice.[/i]

"Clearwater. 4 miles. Clearwater. 15 miles."

[i]Altair shook himself and breathed through his nostrils. The four mile route looked dark. It was the forest route.....and she wasn't a fan of such. The 15 mile route looked far more inviting, well lit, just a field, but too long for her to see any end. Frustrated and feeling indecisive, Saturnine dismounted and removed Altair's bridle. He put his nose down in a patch of clover while she pulled out a bun and chewed. Mentally she reviewed what she knew about orienteering. The fastest route isn't always the best. The direct route can be misleading. She grimaced.

Lunch break over, she replaced Altair's bridle, remounted, and let him choose. Going with his instinct, they took the 15 route. She didn't know if she would regret it later, but figured if they took it at a moderate pace, they'd reach Clearwater by nightfall. She let Altair take it at a trot, not took concerned, but still mindfull of their direction. Godo was supposed to be in Clearwater.

She flipped over the map and looked for anything else. Saturnine held it up to the light, passed her hand over it with a few choice words, and sprinkled it with water. Nothing. No hidden clues. No magical runes. She sighed and let him keep the pace. Eventually the sun began to set and Saturnine performed her cleansing rite from the saddle. There was no time to stop and take 15 minutes for a ritual, and it could be done anywhere, just with water. Saturnine poured a small ammount of water into her hand and rubbed both together, then spoke again. Altair picked up a little speed, uninterested in a long night run. She gripped the reins and let him continue.

..... ................ ....... ......... .........

Dusk time, and they were halfway there. She shivered, drawing her cloak over her head. Altair wasn't cold, but she was. And there was no cure for it either. Halfway past the halfway point, she couldn't see any lights and any proof that they were approaching Clearwater. Feeling a cold sensation crawling over her back, she drew her blade and look in every direction. Her stallion came to a halt, ears laid nearly flat across his head. She drew out a vial from her belt, opened it, and jerked her hand, letting the contents splash into the air. Instantly the air began to reverberate with screams and howls, unnatural and horribly loud. Altair reared, striking nothing but air with his hoves. Saturnine held on with her left, holding her blade with her right.[/i]

"In the name of God, reveal yourselves!"

[i]The holy water revealed a monster, horribly twisted, circling above them, parts of its flesh terribly blackened by holy water. She gripped Altair with her knees, raised her sword and waited for him to come closer. As soon as he swooped down, his claws raked her back and shoulder, but gave her the chance to catch him with cold steel. She cleaved it in two, speaking a prayer as she did. Smoke began to rise from both her sword and the monster. It shrieked and turned into a puff of sulpher. Needing no further bidding, Altair turned tail and ran in the direction of Clearwater, his mistress clinging to his back like a tick.

She fought the nausea from the scent, gripping her naked blade, nearly faint from the encounter. A few more hours of galloping took them to Clearwater.[/i]

"We're here."

[i]Altair stopped. They were in a very qaint little town, three houses, one church, and four work places. She saw no place where she could spend the night, but a stable by the church appeared to be open. Further inquiry revealed a completely deserted building. She dismounted and led him in. Altair sniffed the stall she led him to, then drank the water she provided. Unbuckling his saddle, she wiped him down, rubbed him all over, and gave him a quick brush with the curry combs she found on the shelf. Her companion cared for, she walked into the church. First things first.

Empty. No candles lit, no lamps, no humans. She lit one of her own candles, holding it over her head. Feeling a slight shiver up her spine, she turned in a circle, whispering a prayer to hold of evil spirits. Saturnine approached the altar, and found a book open on it. She set the candle down in a brass holder and set it down next to the book. Thus illuminated, the daughter of Lattinae began to read out loud.[/i]

"When you are here, you will be alone. When I am there, you will not be...alone."

[i]Confused, she raised an eyebrow, but continued to read.[/i]

"If you want to find me, burn the map, extinguish your light, and be patient. I'll be there shortly."

[i]Without a second thought, she held the map to the flame and reduced it to cinders. Then she blew out the candle, replaced the brass holder, and walked to the nearest pew and sat.[/i][/COLOR][/FONT]

[Sakura]

[color=Navy]Kage gallopped across the grasslands, his hoofs pounded the ground powerfully as Azalea held onto his reins. The next area they were headed was a forest and the sun was starting to sink which made it easier because it wasn't as hot. Azalea spotted a stream and they stopped to take a break. Kage drank from the stream, his flank was covered in sweat.

[b]"You're doing good, boy. Its not too much further now." [/b]Azalea said, consulting the map she held.

Azalea took a quick drink from her bottle before deciding to leave again. She mounted her faithful stead and they started off slowly before speeding up.

Kage was very much like her shadow as his name suggested, she could sense that their personalities were similar.

Azalea saw a sign post up ahead and gently tugged on the reins to slow him to a stop. She read the sign carefully and checked it against her map. The place she was eventually going to end up was Evergreen Marsh, that was beyond two other forests besides the one she was already in front of. Azalea groaned in frustration, forests were dangerous for horses, especially when they didn't have any paths, which none of them did.

Azalea tucked the map away again and dismounted. She walked ahead to check out the inside of the forest and realised she wouldn't be able to ride Kage because they would be too tall. She sighed and headed back to her horse.

[b]"Looks like we both have to walk." [/b]Azalea said, flipping the reins over his head and leading him into the entrance.

Azalea listened to the sounds of the animals as they walked through the forest, taking care not to trip on the undergrowth and protruding roots. Kage snorted in distaste as they walked.

[b]"Shhh, I know, I feel the same way as you. But after this one, we still have two more forests then a marsh to cross." [/b]Azalea informed her companion.

Azalea enjoyed the company of the stallion, even if he didn't talk back, he was a good listener and they were similar. She smiled and stroked his coat to calm him down as he started to get restless. The came across a large log and Azalea carefully climbed over it, leading Kage over gently.

After the log, they saw the light of the entrance and were glad, she let go of Kage's reins and he raced ahead, leaping over any obstacles. Azalea smiled and ran right behind him, they couldn't wait to reach the outside world.

Azalea walked out and Kage was rearing happily, she took a hold of his reins and mounted up again. She consulted her map carefully, deciding to go around the next two forests, it would take slightly longer but it was an easier path to take. Azalea talked to Kage about it and he pawed the ground and whickered in agreement.

[b]"I guess its settled then, we're going around. Hya!" [/b]she said, then nudging him into a canter, before Kage started to gallop strongly.

[b]"We'll stop at the next forest, alright?" [/b]

Kage flipped his head and whinied, Azalea took it as an 'understand' and just held onto his reins, he seemed to know where he was going but she was there to guide him in the right direction if needed.
[/color]

[Kamuro]

Roland flew on Shadow's back through the air, scythe in hand getting use to the balance with his new weapon during flight. Shadow flapped vigorously and it took awhile to be able to control himself as well as his weapon in the air. After this he leaned down "To the Forgotten Caves." Shadow steered off course and sped towards a large cave to the west.

When they reached the cave Roland jumped from Shadow's back and landed at a kneel. "You stay here." Shadowed huffed acknowledging his master's command. Roland began his walk through the cave. It was dark, but Roland had been here several times before, so he knew his way. Roland often trained here, fighting lost souls that had found their way here. Lost souls are unable to reach Heaven or Hell so search for a quiet place to lie dormant away from others of the living world. Souls often take the shape of the surrounding area after a certain amount of dormancy. This cave was dark, so after a certain amount of time souls began form. Dead skin, tattered clothes and no mind of their own. Somewhat like zombies they wandered the cave looking for a fight, but not being able to leave without being harmed by the sun.

Roland walked until he heard a noise. Light footsteps walking towards him, he closed his eyes and tried to focus. He couldn't feel any life force around him, because there was none within this cave, but he focused on the footsteps and where they were coming from. Mere seconds after closing his eyes he swung his scythe around, an attack from behind. He heard his scythe rip through the tattered flesh and the thud of body pieces falling to the floor. The souls near the beginning of the cave were rather easy to kill, it was the ones near the back that caused him trouble. He'd never actually made it to the end, but he oftened tried and failed.

He continued his journey until he reached about mid-way into the cave. He heard something large drop to the ground. A soul had taken the form of a large dragon. This was no ordinary dragon, however, it to was tattered and lusted for souls of the living. Roland jumped quickly to dodge the black flame fired him. He jumped through the air slicing down but missing his target. The dragon's wings began to flap pushing him back, it was quick. It shot 3 more flames from its mouth in an attempt to knock Roland off guard. He dodged the first and sliced through the last two. [I]It has to stop flying or I'll never get it[/I] he thought to himself. He proceeded to throw his scythe, it sliced through the air towards the dragon and cut one of the wings off at its base. It let out a cry of pain as blood squirted from his lost limb. Roland caught the scythe and immediately burst into a run towards the dragon. He held his scythe out and dragged it through the dragon, coming to a stop just behind it. Blood dripped from his hands as the dragon dropped to the floor now in two pieces. He then continued his long walk through the Forgotten Cave.

[Raiha]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkOrchid][i]She didn't have to wait too long....maybe two hours. In the stable, Altair slept as he had always slept, standing up. One hoof cocked up a little, his tail was lowered, his ears pitched far forward, eyes shut, breathing very slow and steady. Saturnine Lattinae waited for the two hours, hands folded, head bowed, as if in prayer. While in a house of the Father, she felt no problems with praying for those two hours. As she did, as often happened, a pale gleam emminated from her face, nothing bright enough to illuminate a room, but enough so that you could see it in a dark place. She brought foraward the names of her bretheren and sistren of Lattinae, her leader, her fellow warriors, and even the demon she had slain this evening.

After awhile, she was about to start once more, this time confessing past sins. Unfortunately, or fortunately for her, the doors were kicked open and a hooded figure pranced in. She heard bells jingling, but couldn't make out anything else. In the stable, Altair woke up, and whinneyed. Saturnine didn't relight her candle but instead stood up straight. The figure danced straight up to her, then threw back the hood. The daughter of Lattinae blinked several times.

He cavorted around her twice, then stopped and reached out a hand to touch the skin of her face. She didn't flinch, even though physical touch wasn't something she was very good with. He leaned in, smelling her scent. Then he spoke.[/i]

"You came to get engraved. I am Godo. I'll engrave your skin."

"Oh."

"Are you ready?"

[i]She didn't say anything but instead bowed her head slightly. Godo grabed her gloved hand and pulled her down the church aisle and out the door and down the street. He kept on capering, forcing her to go at a particular pace. Eventually they stopped at the entrance to one of the workshops. This time, the place was well lit, lanterns hanging on the eaves, and a candle in the window. Godo threw open the door with his free hand and gestured grandly. Saturnine walked in slowly. Silver tools hung from the walls, candles and torches burned in holders and sconces. He pulled her to a hardback chair and instructed her to sit in it backwards. She obeyed, straddling it and re-aranging her robes.

And then he pulled off her cloak, hung it on a rack, then asked her a very pertinent question.[/i]

"We'll do the crest of Light first. Where would you like your first engraving?"

[i]Saturnine turned her head to look at him, biting her lower lip.[/i]

"Shoulder blades."

"Very good, very good. Are you afraid?"

"Yes."

"Good."

[i]Without being asked, she pulled her chain mail off and dropped it on the tray he held out. Then she carefully undid her tunic strings and set that down as well. Instinctively she folded her arms over her breasts and leaned forward slightly. Godo didn't say anything, but instead moved to the wall and took down a tool that looked remarkably like an ice pick. Saturnine closed her eyes, knowing that pain would strengthen.

He placed it over the fire, warming the metal, then gently pressed the point into her back. One hand splayed over her spine, the other held the tool, pressing in at certain points, always moving slowly. She didn't move, even though she wanted to. His hands were warm, gentle, almost maternal.

............... ..........[/i]

"How does it feel?"

"It's....fine.....doens't...hurt....much."

"Then you'll love this part."

[i]After pressing the points in, he dipped a brush into ink and held it over her back, letting it drip onto her back. As each drop hit her skin, it began to sizzle, working its way into her skin, burning her, she felt, to the bone. The urge to cry struck her, but she resisted.[/i][/color][/font]

[Sakura]

[color=Navy]Azalea watched the sky as she and Kage slowly continued. The sun had almost sunk under the horizon and the sky was coloured a beautiful pink, purple and blue. Kage's head was tilted up too, enjoying the sight.

They had slowed to a brisk trot because Kage had gotten tired, his flank was covered in sweat and his breathing was starting to get heavy.

[b]"Its ok...Not too far now." [/b]Azalea soothed, stroking his silky mane.

Kage nodded and continued on in a canter. They climbed a hill and were happy, the forest was just below. Kage reared in enjoyment and they took off down the hill, they couldn't wait to arrive.

When they finally got to the second forest they stopped. Azalea dismounted quickly and freed Kage of his saddle and bridle. Azalea wanted to turn him out to cool down but there were no gates to keep him in. She frowned and talked to the horse.

[b]"Kage, I'll let you run free for a while ok? Whenever you hear this *whistle* then I want you to come back ok? Make sure you stay in a good distance that you can hear me. Do you understand?" [/b]Azalea asked.

Her horse neighed and tossed his head, stamping at the ground. Azalea took it as an 'understand' and let him go, seeing him trot off into the distance. Azalea took her bag and sat beneath a large tree that was among those that created the entrance of the forest. She took a quick swig from her bottle and ate one of the apples she was carrying. She judged the amount of time using the sun and when she felt it was long enough she put two fingers to her mouth and let out a piercing shriek. She waited for a while and saw the black stallion trotting toward her.

Azalea fed him the rest of her apple and got out the brush that the stable hand had given her. She cleaned his coat until it shined again and threw his saddle blanket onto his back so he'd stay warm. She pulled out a black jacket from her bag and shrugged the extra clothing on. Kage whinied and nudged her with his nose. Azalea reached into a pocket of her bag and emerged with three sugar cubes. Kage accepted them gratefully and they both fell asleep.

~*~

The next morning they woke up refreshed and Azalea took another drink from her bottle. She saddled Kage again and mounted, he was re-energised too and they took off quickly, they were both a little on the hungry side but they would live for now.

As they rode they came across another stream where Kage drank and Azalea washed her face to wake her up some more. Kage took in a lot of water, knowing from the experience of the day before that they may not see another stream for a long time.

Kage and Azalea rode around the two other forests and they were just gallopping over large grasslands. Azalea noticed that the vegetation in the area was changing and suspected that they were close to the marsh.

They soon arrived at the boggy marsh. Azalea looked at the mud and the gloop that was everywhere. She made a sound of disgust and folded her pants up until they were at her knees she also took her shoes off, putting them into her bag. Azalea dismounted and told Kage to run around but to stay close so he could hear her whistle. The horse nodded and cantered off to who knows where.

Azalea walked forward, putting her foot into the muddy stuff. She made another face and continued on. The highest the mud came was to the top of her shins. She walked carefully, pulling her feet all the way out of the mud before replacing it because it was thick and could trip her. There were also things that she didn't know lurking in the muddy depths.

Azalea crossed the marsh to a platform that was in the middle of it. She was puzzled but got onto it anyway. There was no sign of anyone else so she sat down and waited. Then she noticed that there was a candle and a flat stone beside it. She looked over to it, it was still day so there was no need for a candle, besides...it was burning, had someone been here before?

Azalea crawled over and looked at the stone, there was writing engraved into it, she read it, it said to burn the map and wait, Godo would arrive.

Azalea shrugged and pulled the map from her belt, touching a corner of it to the flame. As soon as they touched, the flame changed from the orange flame to a bluish purple. Azalea was interested but just let the map burn, the bluish purple flames destroyed the parchment, now all she had to do was wait.
[/color]

[Ahzraei]

The pond was tranquil; as serene as the steadily thinning forest Ashem was leaving behind. Ahead of him lay the hills, many of them unadorned with trees, bare save for a uniform sheet of grass and the occasional stone. Ashem halted, and dismounted. According to his map, the pond was the final landmark. Godo would appear to meet him after he had set fire to his map.

Reluctantly burning his best guide to navigating the wilderness, Ashem waited expectantly. He was not disappointed.

A deepening ripple began to pulsate from the center of the pond. Soon it started to spray water upwards in a circular funnel. At the top, a small man with crossed legs impossibly levitated upwards. This could only be Godo.

Ashem frowned, squinting at the incredible sight. Something was not right. He closed his eye and focused his thoughts, then viewed the man with greater cynicism and concentration. As Ashem expected, he disappeared. An illusion; having used them many times in the past as a soldier, Ashem was skilled at recognizing their like.

"You have been marked, Enforcer Dal." The voice came from behind him. Ashem whirled around; the man who had been floating in the illusion was standing before him. Ashem narrowed his eyes. This was no illusion.

"Godo," He replied curtly, relaxing his grips on his swords. "What is Enforcer Dal to you?"

"He is standing before me," The man said, an enigmatic smile embracing his lips.

"What do you know about me?" Ashem demanded, tensing again. But Godo merely spread his hands. "Knowledge shared is often knowledge lost. Remember this when next you meet Chaos."

"You speak in riddles," [I]How cliche,[/I] Ashem thought. It sounded to him that there was little substance to this man's tricks. But he had known Ashem's title as a soldier ...

"I am here to engrave you so that you may contribute to the downfall of the tyrant Chaos. My services have been requested and I am here; yet you already possess talents. What is it that you need me for?" Godo smiled lopsidedly once more.

Ashem relaxed, letting out a heavy breath. "I desire to be engraved with a third crest."

"And which crest would you like? There are so many, you know. And yet, the ones you may want more often place you at a disadvantage."

"I don't think so," Ashem said confidently. And he spoke the name of the crest that was strictly forbidden among Chaos' army; the symbol whose power was reserved for Chaos himself. "Give me the Crest of Darkness."

A manic glint shone from Godo's eyes. "As you wish, Enforcer ..."

[Blayze]

[SIZE=1]Phoenix rode on through across the plain, the wind whistling past him, flowing through his hair and throwing his cloak out behind him. He rode on for miles until he came to a guarded river crossing. It was a narrow river, but flowing fast enough to wash away anyone who tried to cross. There was a small wooden bridge over the river, guarded by three of Chaos' men. These were massive, hulking brutes, clad in rusted steel armour, covered in spikes. Inside the armour, the beings were barely human, more twisted remains of what could have been humans once before.

Phoenix dismounted and hid Inferno in the bushes to one side of the path. He drew his swords, and crept up on the nearest one. He grabbed the hulking beast, and smelt the rotting flesh inside the armour. He covered its mouth and drew his sword across its throat with the other hand. Black blood squirted out, covering Phoenix's hand and drenching the grass around the beast. He ran silently over to the second guard, and, again covering its mouth with one hand, he ran the thing through with the other sword. His weapon became covered in the sticky black fluid. The final one turned and saw him, as well as the bodies of his two fallen comrades.

It snarled at him, and drew a sword as rusty as its armour, covered in dried blood. Phoenix took both swords, and flipped them over and over in his hands. As the thing charged him, its sword flailing high over its head, Phoenix ducked low, slicing its kneecaps, dropping it to its knees. It howled in pain, and the sticky black blood covered the floor. Phoenix stood, and placed his swords either side of its neck, and drew them both across, decapitating the beast. The blood flew up and splattered across Phoenix's face. He wiped both his swords on the grass, finding a patch that was not stained with blood. He walked over to the bushes and remounted Inferno. He cantered steadily across the bridge, then started running again.[/SIZE]

[Kamuro]

Roland continued his journey through the cave, souls coming more rapidly as time progressed. They seemed to be never ending, but it made no difference. Roland had become quite skilled with his weapon already. This was his favorite place to train because he was able to fight several different kinds of beast without traveling long distances. As he walked, he began to feel strange. A large number of souls was moving fast towards him. They were much more intelligent and before he knew it the scythe was out of his hands into those of the enemy. "Back again?" Roland heard a voice echo throughout the cave. "Of course..." Roland mumbled.

"You know you will die, this new weapon, it is nothing compared to our power, and even if it was, its not even in your control anymore." The souls began to laugh, Roland was quiet, and just smiled. He closed his eyes and burst into a run towards the first soul, he grabbed it's shoulder, ran to the second and and did the same, then jumped back. Each body exploded and fell to the ground. Roland's hand began to glow a dark red as he became more and more furious with the laughing souls. One came to strike him with an old steel sword, he grabbed it and it snapped in the power of his fist. He punched straight through the soul's body and came out the other side. He ripped his hand from the corpse and threw it aside. He smelled the blood that now encased his hand and gave a quick smile.

Two more souls came from behind, he spun and kicked the head from the first and simply touched the head of the second. As it exploded he ran through the smoke towards the final 3 souls, the middle one holding his weapon. Just before he reached them he jumped to the wall, sprung off it and gave a stiff shoulder ripping through the first. The middle soul jumped back and swung the large weapon just barely cutting Roland's chest as he attempted to dodge. He tripped the soul, put his hand over the head and smiled as the head slowly lit afire. The cave became illuminated and the last soul trembled in fear. He backed away slowly "P-Please don't k-kill me, I'll leave, I promise." Roland looked up quickly, grabbed his scythe from the ground and sliced through his final opponent. The lifeless body parts scattered as he stood up. "Hah, fools..." Roland walked away as the bodies of the dead still smoked in his wake.

[Raiha]

[FONT=Times New Roman][COLOR=DarkOrchid][i]Saturnine's senses reeled. The smell of burning flesh struck her nose, but she didn't move. Godo pressed into the small of her back with his left palm, telling her with his touch, to relax her body. She did her best to obey, but every time she felt the drops of liquid strike her, she couldn't help but tense every muscle in her back.

Eventually he stopped dripping fluid onto her lacerated skin. He brought his lips to her ear, pulling the hair back.[/i]

"Are you ready for the real fun?"

"More?"

"Much....more."

[i]Without showing her what he was using, a finely honed knifeblade, he began to carve new lines, into the spare spaces. The outline of the crest was complete, but now it was time to give the engraving new depth. If he stopped now, she wouldn't be able to use any of the strength afforded by such a thing. Being a kind man, he continued. Instead of small pin pricks here and there, to form the wings of the crest of Light, he made a series of slits, each forming another part, the center points becoming eyes. Moving quickly now, he cut her open, here and there, forming twin pupils for the design.

Deep in the recesses of her mind, the daughter of Lattinae felt something stir. She didn't move, or speak a word, but instead focused on breathing. It helped somewhat, but every time he put another line in a new place, he stimulated another nerve. She didn't whimper, but instead dug her nails into her palms.

Godo paused, and dipped yet another brush into another pot. This one gave her a sinking feeling. He brought out the brush, loaded all the way to the tip, with a silver substance. This he began to brush into the recently created open wounds of her back. The sensation of wolfhairs being rubbed against her cuts, amplified by the silver liquid, made her feel slightly faint. His left hand stroked her spine slowly, his right continuing to stroke into her body.[/i]

"How is it for you? Any....euphoric effects?"

[i]Saturnine had to answer with gritted teeth. If she opened her mouth any further, she would've vented the most horrifying screams ever uttered by humans.[/i]

"No euphoric....effects. But....I'm....swell."

"Oh good then."

[i]He continued. Ten minutes later, he had stopped stroking her into oblivion and had started cleaning up. A piece of silk dipped in alcohol was slowly run over the now dry places of her back. He followed with a sealant, this causing little, to non pain at all. Finally he wiped her down and helped her put on her tunic again. The chain mail he left on the tray.[/i]

"The worst is over. You'll feel fine tomorrow. We'll continue with the second crest then."

"Thank you, Godo."

[i]He smiled in a way that made him look slightly psychological.[/i]

"Always a pleasure to work on such a pretty little thing."[/COLOR][/FONT]

[Blayze]

[SIZE=1]Phoenix was crouched on a hilltop, where the map had led him. Night had fallen, and everything was shrouded in darkness. The moon gave off pale light, not bright enough to light up the hilltop. He burnt the map on a small fire he had lit, then he extinguished the flames once the map had gone.

"So you are Phoenix?" said a voice behind him, "Roland has told me much of you." Phoenix stood, whirled round and drew his sword, holding it to the man's throat.

"Godo?" he asked quietly.

"Indeed."

"You have come to engrave me?"

"Yes I have."

Phoenix did not lower the sword. A look of suspicion crossed his face. He felt, deep down in his gut, that this was not Godo.

"Are you a man, or something else, Godo?" he asked.

Godo gave Phoenix a strange look, and replied:

"I'm a man, of course, Phoenix. Why would Roland send a beast to do a man's work?"

"Because Roland didn't send you." Phoenix slashed Godo's arm. The same thick, black blood seeped out of the wound that Phoenix had seen earlier that day, when he killed Chaos' men.

Godo looked down at the wound, and sighed.

"I didn't want you to find out like this. I wanted you to die first!" He changed, his shape unravelling and transforming into something different entirely. It was a huge beast, with four arms and a tail. It's head was like a lizard's, and it snarled with great ferocity.

"A changeling!" gasped Phoenix. He had never seen a changeling before, only read about them. He drew his second sword, and waited for the thing to come to him.

It rushed him, snarling, with blood-flecked slaver spraying from its jaws. One of its arms turned into an organic blade, and slashed at him. He leapt over the arm-weapon, and jumped onto the thing's head. He rammed one of his swords into the beast's eye. It went straight through and came out of the back of his head, with blood spraying everywhere.

As it fell to the floor, it crumbled to dust. It was like ash from a recently-extinguished fire, and it scattered across the hilltop, blowing away in the wind.

Phoenix sat down, and waited for the real Godo to arrive.[/SIZE]

[Kamuro]

As Roland fought he became more and more consumed by the darkness of the cave. As he walked he heard a voice in the back of his head. "They've begun to arrive" Godo spoke. "Good, I expect your best work on this one, don't let me down." Roland was impressed with his companions, they would prove quite useful in his crusade to fight Chaos. "Yes yes of course, however, I'm feeling a great deal of turmoil around you at the moment, Forgotten Cave?" Roland laughed "You were always a good guesser." Godo was silent for a bit and spoke again "This is not a joke Roland, you've gone to far into the cave, your not ready yet." Roland's smile turned to a frown "I am ready, and I'm tired of waiting, I must achieve this power before I fight Chaos, you won't stop me." Godo was quiet once again, Roland blinked and he was back outside the village. He looked around franticly "You will continue when you are ready" Godo spoke.

Roland shouted back but Godo had gone. Rolands mine was left with only thoughts of his own. He was still soaked in blood and his weapon still tarnished from ravaging lost souls. He was furious Godo had sent him back here without his consent, and he was so close. His fist ignited and struck a close tree and watched as it cracked in half and smoked on the ground. He made his way back to his home, hair in front of his face as to protect himself from the glances and stares of the towns people. He swung open the door and closed it the same. Juren came running towards him "Oh master you've ret..." Juren stopped and stared and as Roland approached "Sir your covered in blood, are you alright? Shall I call the doctor?" Roland had only enough courage to mumble "No..." He made his way up the stairs to his room whee he would clean up and contemplate his next move.

[Ahzraei]

Ashem awoke, blinking repeatedly to draw his lethargic mind out of its dark sleep. For once, his nightmares had not haunted him.

His hand flew to his forehead. It was there, in its dark and rigid glory. Vivid memories of the painful procedure swam into focus. But it had not deterred him; he had felt it before, although not nearly as intense.

For the first time in his life, he actually felt that he could control what happened to him. Staring defiantly at the rising sun, he focused the power that was his new crest.

All around him the light lost its foothold. A black veil stifled the early morning, plunging it back into total darkness. Shadow eclipsed all.

And yet, Ashem could see, through a red-tinted vision. He felt stronger, faster, and more powerful than ever before. Smiling confidently, he reversed the effects of the crest with a thought. Once again, sunlight glistened on the pond's surface.

He looked around for Godo. The was no sign; but since he had instructed Ashem to rest and then return to Roland, Ashem did not really expect to see him again. Ashem gathered his belongings, sparing only a vaguely grateful thought for Godo; the man had been slightly unnerving, not the type he would usually allow this close to him. But what was done was done, and Ashem was better for it. Casting about for his horse, he spotted Nau'ian grazing a distance away. Whistling for him to return, Ashem took a final look at the pond; it was just as it had been yesterday.