The Chronicles of Mystria: Times of Sorrow I

[United World Order]

Jeremiah smirked and side stepped sticking one foot out to trip him as he ran..

"Nice try," Ender said as he jumped and kicked him. Then he continued running. He then went into an alley and jumped from wall to wall onto the roofs.

He dodged the kick leaning back sideways as he shealthed his Katana and smirked walking away, "Next time.." He said as he walked

[Lucantis]

"Nice try," Ender said as he jumped and kicked him. Then he continued running. He then went into an alley and jumped from wall to wall onto the roofs.

He dodged the kick leaning back sideways as he shealthed his Katana and smirked walking away, "Next time.." He said as he walked

Thought he'd go after John/Venom/Ender/Riddick. Did I mention he goes by does names, depending on the situation? Venom for robbing, Ender for killing, John for formal things, and Riddick around friends.

Ender smirked. "Weak," he shouted to the guy as he dropped down from the roof and went to the bonfire.

[Yesopalitha]

(Image)

The Hazingafar forest is deep and vast, the overgrown vines look like they are choking the life out of the trees. The trees reach into the heavens with their imposing form leaving much of the wildlife running wild at their gigantic roots. The canopy stretches across the sky, leaving only shafts of moonlight steaming between the branches. No man could tell what lurks in the shadows. Jabrill knew now why the dusk blade resides in these woods. They're protected from the sunlight so all forms of unbidden creatures could roam free without consequence. He thought he heard a movement, but perhaps it was his imagination.

Is anyone there?

Ukrieg, the chief of the first Werewolf Clan, was in his wolf form. There were twenty wolves total in his pack, and they were all under his command.

They had been charged by The Unnamed One to guard the Temple with the Blade of Dusk in it. And, since they were tied to The Unnamed One, they would do his bidding.

A Raven chirped in Ukrieg's ear that there was a Beastling wordlessly making its way toward the Temple.

Ukrieg ripped a merciless howl. Ruki and Tamarwo were the two nearest wolves. He instructed them within the pack's telepathic network to investigate this intrusion into the realm of their master, The Unnamed One...

[Crystal Spires]

He instructed them within the pack's telepathic network to investigate this intrusion into the realm of their master, The Unnamed One...

Jabrill's fox ears twitched as he could hear the howl rip through the night. His eyes widened in shock as he could feel his heart beat furiously in his chest. N-no way. An Alpha wolf. He immediately began to sneak as his primal instincts to defend himself kick in. Fighting the urge to run he focused his whole heart into attack speed and ran up the surface of a tree trunk. He scanned ahead and immediately sailed down through the air with daggers in hand.

I won't give up. I can't give up. I have to get the blade of dusk.

[Yesopalitha]

When Ruki and Tamarwo heard the instructions from their leader, they started to run toward the Beastling.

It seemed, for a moment, that the Beastling would flee. However, it started to run up a tree, and the Wolves could see by the look in his eyes that the Beastling would fight.

They were fine with that. In fact, they loved fighting.

With a huge leap, Ruki and Tamarwo both started heading toward the Beastling.

They let out a howl in mid-air, alerting other Wolves and Vampires of what was going to happen. For even if they fell, other Unbidden would be upon this Beastling soon, and it wouldn't be allowed to take the Blade of Dusk.

[Lucantis]

After an hour, Ender met up with Amanda. "Hold on, Amanda," he said. "Can we do something here?"
"In this alley?" she asked. "Sure." Then they went. Ender got out his dagger and threw it at her. Then got out his other dagger and threw that one at her. Then he stabbed her a few times. Lucky for him, nobody was around. Ender felt her breathing and heart beat. She was dead. Then he left the daggers in the body. He quickly ran to the bonfire.

---

Riddick got to the bonfire and shouted, "Quick everyone! Someone is dead!! Follow me!" He lead them towards Amanda's body. It was all bloody. "I'll take the daggers out and take them to the Mayor/Governor. All of you take care of the rest." Then he left.

[Crystal Spires]

They let out a howl in mid-air, alerting other Wolves and Vampires of what was going to happen. For even if they fell, other Unbidden would be upon this Beastling soon, and it wouldn't be allowed to take the Blade of Dusk.

"Haaaaaah!" he shouted while attacking the wolves, and they lunged at him and knocked him to the ground coming dangerously close to bowling him over but he skidded and backspringed backwards as he twisted his wrist carefully attempting to stab at the wolf as he moved. He wanted to end it carefully in one blow, but because naturally no creature wants to die, the wolf snapped at his hand ferociously and he and to snap back which struck, but didn't kill the wolf.

You want to live too, 'eh? I can understand that. I want to live as well, but naturally in a battle of life and death, someone has to die. For that, I hope you'll forgive me for wanting to live too.

He attacked carefully and the creature dodged the hit and quickly changed their method of approaching. They understood directly attacking would be pointless, but they have what he doesn't. They had numbers. They carefully tried to push him closer into denser woods, and he was too busy trying to avoid being struck himself to notice until he was backed into a blocked boulder path. Damned pack animals, they're working a strategy to back me into a corner so I have no where to go. They're smart, but there's nothing more dangerous than a beast when cornered. I have to end this quickly before their help arrives or I'll be overwhelmed.

He sped up his attacks and began to viciously strike at the wolves.

[Yesopalitha]

Ruki and Tamarwo were starting to worry.

This Beastling was not just a thief. It was a seasoned warrior, and it knew how to fight.

The Wolves started to report to Ukrieg as fast as they possibly could, showing all the movement of the Beastling.

Ukrieg howled once more, sending all the remaining Vampires and Werewolves as fast as they could possibly run.

Ruki and Tamarwo just needed to hold out a bit longer.

As the Beastling continued its ferocious swiping motion with its daggers, Ruki disappeared from sight. She was going to try to climb the nearest tree and attack from above while Tamarwo kept the Beastling at bay...

[Crystal Spires]

As the Beastling continued its ferocious swiping motion with its daggers, Ruki disappeared from sight. He was going to try to climb the nearest tree and attack from above while Tamarwo kept the Beastling at bay...

"I apologize, it's nothing personal, but..."

Then Ruki pounced upon Jabrill from above and Jabrill fell to the ground dropping his dagger in surprise. "Agh!" Ruki lunged at Jabrill's throat but he punched her aside. He felt for his dagger blindly while Tamarwo held onto his arm with all his strength, his teeth sinking into Jabrill's leather armor. "Ugh." At this rate... I'm not going to make it. Even then, I can't give up. I won't roll over and die! He looked at Ruki with furiously determined eyes, and as she lunged for him he did not move and watched her come at him as if time had slowed. At the last moment he threw himself aside and Ruki crashed into Tamarwo and Tamarwo yelped in surprise. Jabrill picked up his dagger and changed his his stance to a more aggressive stance.

"I don't have time for this!" his exhaustion was showing. He kicked dirt from the ground at the wolves and did a diving roll attack.

[Yesopalitha]

ETA of rest of the Wolf pack... ten minutes.

Ruki and Tamarwo were astonished. The last maneuver by the Beastling had caught them completely by surprise.

They urged their pack mates forward to even greater speeds through their telepathic network. However, Tamarwo, being a male wolf, wanted to kill the Beastling himself to show his superiority over the other wolves. Not waiting for Ruki, he lunged at the Beastling.

Ruki flashed a warning as Tamarwo flew mid-air toward the Beastling. The power of the Wolves was within the pack, not individually. Breaking this power was not very wise... and Tamarwo was making a fatal mistake...

[Crystal Spires]

Breaking this power was not very wise... and Tamarwo was making a fatal mistake...

Jabrill's eyes widened as Tamarwo seemed to blitz attack him, his immediate reflex was to strike and strike he did. The wolf was seriously injured and Jabrill did a back handspring away from the wolves.

An opening, now's my chance.

Jabrill sprinted away from the wolves carrying his daggers in hand. Alpha wolves, I can't hold them off for much longer. I'm exhausted, and if I keep up with this I won't be as lucky as I was before. I'm going to retreat. he thought. The pain from his exertion began to weigh on him as he sprinted away from the wolves.

This sure is a strange feeling.

[Yesopalitha]

Ruki ran to Tamarwo's side as Tamarwo lay, bleeding. It had been a horrible mistake, and Tamarwo would be lucky if The Unnamed One didn't punish him severely for letting the Beastling go.

However, the Beastling had been noticeably shaken as well, so the Wolves had done their job - keep the Beastling away from the Blade of Dusk.

Ukrieg kept the guard up, and told them to stay sharp, for the Beastling may be back, and with friends.

Ukrieg himself ran to The Unnamed One, afraid of the report he would have to give.

[Crystal Spires]

Ukrieg himself ran to The Unnamed One, afraid of the report he would have to give.

Jabrill panted heavily and slunk down to his knees letting go of his daggers. "I'm safe then... aren't I?"

Am I really safe now? I have no way of making it to the blade this way. If I don't then everyone will... He clenched his fist and caught the lump in his throat. I can't walk away from this, because if I do many more people will die. I have to get the blade somehow. Captain Arvok may probably be on his way now.

Protecting the lives and well-being of others meant so much to Jabrill, and so he knew that if it meant he would have to die, he would do it. No, he went even further than that. He took this quest because he knew that taking it would mean that he would have to die, so he was merely looking for the right reason, the right time, the right cause. But was this that time? Jabrill took a deep breath and wipes away the sweat from his brow. He couldn't walk away.

[Servoth]

Five hundred miles away on top of the Mountian of Iskar-May
Here at the top of this mountian is a single concrete art deco style skyscaper, at the base of the tower is a series of aircraft hangers. In and out which comes some of Israphel's greatest invention, the only non-magical machines that can fly, the many great airships and planes. At the main door of the is a large brass plack, which is inscribed upon- "Here in this great city of innovation and wonder, lives the great 'god' of invention, his lord- Israphel." Below, inside the mountian, is his city so named New Decor....
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Israphel, looked out the glass window of his office watching the city bustling around all day and night (as down inside the mountian the only light source was a "sun" made of many incandescent lightbulbs) seeing people of all races walk, drive a car, take a bus, or take the above ground subway. Dotted inbetween all the buildings, streets, and track were many factories, building all that Israphel needed to maintain his city and to build his mechanical army.

One of Israphel's human generals came bursting into the room, stopped for a minute to catch his breath; then spoke, "Sir, we've seen something in one of the telescopes, a monster of some kind, it is undescribeable. We've tried to stop it, but nothing works. You must come see!"

In the name of Zaiden, I hope this doesn't have to deal with me bribing the dwarves!, Israphel thought, while rubbing his left ear which had a large bullet hole in it.

[Yesopalitha]

The Eldritch Abomination simply moved through the other Unbidden force, all the while taking in all the machinery, all the technology, and all the people.

It could see that this mechanical army was powerful, and that it would be beneficial to The Unnamed One. So, after taking in everything, and remembering every detail, it was planning to disappear when it noticed a different being approaching.

This being had power. That much was apparent by the way the other people were acting around him. The Eldritch Abomination noted this. Then, it simply ceased to be, traveling back to The Unnamed One as fast as it could.

The Unnamed One would be very interested. To attack the enemy from two sides... The notion was too tempting to pass up.

[Crystal Spires]

In the name of Zaiden, I hope this doesn't have to deal with me bribing the dwarves!, Israphel thought, while rubbing his left ear which had a large bullet hole in it.

There is nothing that could describe the horrifying appearance of the creature that seemed to be before him. It was as if all the grotesque objects in nature all became one entity and still that alone couldn't begin to describe what he saw before him because the disgust and horror seemed to be more overwhelming than the words that he could possibly string together. Many of the people nearby have fainted or are babbling incoherently trying to prevent themselves from being overcome by madness.

They continued to be sucked into its vortex. Unsure of what their fate would be.

[Servoth]

The Eldritch Abomination simply moved through the other Unbidden force, all the while taking in all the machinery, all the technology, and all the people.

It could see that this mechanical army was powerful, and that it would be beneficial to The Unnamed One. So, after taking in everything, and remembering every detail, it was planning to disappear when it noticed a different being approaching.

This being had power. That much was apparent by the way the other people were acting around him. The Eldritch Abomination noted this. Then, it simply ceased to be, traveling back to The Unnamed One as fast as it could.

The Unnamed One would be very interested. To attack the enemy from two sides... The notion was too tempting to pass up.

"Where the hell is it?" Israphel yelled into the large telescope, with his eye practically jammed straight into it. "I don't know sir, it was there just a few minutes ago," replied the general. Hmm, well this could be dangerous if there are spies, thought Israphel, "Ok, try to set up a counter-intelligence ring if we have spies snooping around. This may also mean that we have to expand using our lovely machine army, attack small villages for now and seclude places that may be usefull, mainly for the land and resources." "Yes sir!" obeyed the general.

[Crystal Spires]

in the Forest of Hazingafar Jabrill began to recuperate from his exhaustion. I can't take a whole pack of Alpha wolves by myself, and I know where there's 2 there will be at least 13 others with them. He looked at the tears in his leather armor. The sheer force of the strikes and bites of the wolves clearly penetrated his armor, and these were likely scouters away from the safety of the pack. Once the whole pack is there and it is likely that no matter how great his speed, strength, agility, and acrobatics are, Jabrill would be torn apart. He also knew that if he encountered the pack leader it wouldn't matter that he was wearing armor to begin with. The strikes would tear right through his leather armor leaving himself completely unprotected. The jaws and claws of an alpha wolf pack leader strike with as much force as a swipe from a full grown bear's paw and with claws and fangs sharp as tempered steel. He knew that in this battle he would have to focus on not getting hit at all, because if he did get hit, it is likely that it would be all over for him, he also could not allow himself to be lead into a trap again or he would face certain death.

Why is there an Alpha wolf pack so close to a human temple? he wondered. Alpha wolves hate humans unless they are for eating so they avoid human cities and human locations like the plague. Why are they so close to Suld and not only that, why so close to the temple of the blade of dusk? Are they perhaps aware of its use, or maybe someone else ? Jabrill didn't know, and so his suspicions began to grow. Maybe they're guarding it. This would be another test put in place by the Gods to test his worthiness then perhaps. He didn't care about whatever made him worthy or not, he just knew that if he didn't get the blade, that the battle in Suld would become a massacre. So would this mean that he would have to face the wolf pack alone? That is impossible, no man could do it, and Jabrill was more than most men could normally attain physically in their lifetimes.

"I've made it this far only to become a wolf's chew toy? C'mon this can't be serious..." he said with a defiant smile while his voice trembled and he broke out in cold sweat. "I can't just die here."

[Lucantis]

Meanwhile, Riddick was jumping from building to building until he reached his home. "Hey, Andrew," he shouted as he entered the house. "Hey Andrew!" John searched the house until he found a note on his bed. Here is what it said:

John,

I am not going to be here when you come back. I'll be in the next 3 towns over doing somethings. However, I won't be coming back. Be sure to do whatever you need to there and come straight here.

-Andrew

As John read the note, he heard a knock at the door. He went to the door and opened it. The person at the door was the guy that followed John earlier that day.

[Metanih]

Arvok looked around as the commotion began to subside and realised he could not see Jabrill. He called the beast-man's name and asked bystanders if they had seen where he'd gone. In all the fuss and bother though no had noted Jabrill's exit. Something told Arvok that the beast-man had gone. He swore mentally. If only the fox-eared rascal had waited, he could've aided him in...
The Knight paused and realised that the curse afflicting all those around a seeker of the Flower may be affecting him. He held himself to attention, calming his mind and recited the Litany of Serion quietly. Sighing, he nodded to himself. Perhaps the beast-man had been right in his action. He was nimble and agile and not without wit- whereas Arvok, in his armour and with his demeanour, would never be able to count stealth as his strong suite. All the same...
He looked towards Mari.
"Ma'am. It was Mari-Jor, yes? It seems the beast-man is gone, to the temple no doubt, to try and sneak past the horde that is undoubtedly bearing down on us. It is not safe to leave this town- but he is seeking the Golden Flower of Zaiden, and I feel a duty to assist him. I believe that I can gather some men together and go after him to help him reach the temple before the Unbidden are upon us. Or stay here and help to rally the defences. May I ask for your assistance? I do not know you, but you have shown a willingness to assist and you look to be capable. If you would give me some time, to warn my commanders that an attack may be imminent and to gather a small team of men, would you be willing to meet me here and journey with me towards the temple? I warn you- it looks to be very dangerous, yet my men and I will be more than capable of fighting Unbidden."

(Sorry, was unable to reach a computer yesterday.)
Mari responded nicely, "You sound suicidal, but i have nothing better to do... So, consider me helping you, and valuble help that will be." She said, confidently, even arrogantly.

[Democratic Eurasia]

"Excellant. I shall warn my brother and my commander and we will leave immidiatly with a number of Knights to chase after Jabrill and help him reach the temple safely."

15 minutes later the team was on its way, moving at a swift pace on a path towards the temple- hoping to find the beast-man on their way. The Knights were hardened men and ready for a fight should they meet it. The news had alerted them and they all knew the danger of the task they were now committed too. Behind them the remaining Knights, soldiers and other townsfolk desperately readied themsevles- militias forming up to recieve their weapons and take post on the wall and veterans marshalling their forces. The Order support mages began enchantments to try and strengthen the minds of the people, that they would be able to fight the Unbidden without falling to fear before the battle was joined.
As Arvok and the others reached the edge of the forest they strained their eyes and ears for any hint of a foe, or for Jabrill. They kept their pace as best they could, without tripping over every branch and stone they came across. The men were formed up behind Arvok in case of an ambush and their hands were twitchy for their weapons. Arvok himself committed his mind to the task at hand- almost an active meditation to drive doubt and fear from his thoughts. They pressed on throught the dark and the trees, silent except for the clanking of their armour.

[Metanih]

Mari followed the troop, a bit behind, ready to provide a nice, silent ambush to any ambush the Unbidden may attempt. Mari's shortsword sat in her hand, the wicked sharp edge subtly glinting if you happened to know where to look. It was better to have a weapon out, than to be caught completely off guard. Even if it did diminish stealth.

Of course, stealth was hardly an issue with the clomping knights ahead. Only the most devious of monsters would try and ambush the ambusher, and only the most perceptive would notice her. The typical monster lacked the patience to search for the backup plan a group may have. Mari counted on that.

[Lucantis]

Meanwhile, Riddick was jumping from building to building until he reached his home. "Hey, Andrew," he shouted as he entered the house. "Hey Andrew!" John searched the house until he found a note on his bed. Here is what it said:

John,

I am not going to be here when you come back. I'll be in the next 3 towns over doing somethings. However, I won't be coming back. Be sure to do whatever you need to there and come straight here.

-Andrew

As John read the note, he heard a knock at the door. He went to the door and opened it. The person at the door was the guy that followed John earlier that day.

[Crystal Spires]

Jabrill got to his feet carrying his daggers, and renewed vigor and resolve he began to run towards the temple. He could hear the sound of oncoming movement. He smiled nervously and looked ahead of himself.

Is this the rest of the Alpha Wolf Pack? If it is, I'm done for. he thought, as he threw himself against a tree for cover and stealth. He could see a group of knights approaching being led by Captain Arvok and Mari-jor. In one sense Jabrill was relieved to see him, and in another sense he was furious that he put them in so much danger. Jabrill climbed up the tree ran off the branches and landed a few in front of the advancing group.

"Wait!" he said as he waved his hands to try and halt their movement.

[Democratic Eurasia]

Arvok had his axe swing out in pure instinct. It was fear or panic- he was a soldier, on a dangerous mission, in a dark and dangerous place and something had just jumped out at him. However his self-awareness cogged just in time and he flicked his hand quickly to keep the blade from doing anyone harm.
"Patrol halt! Remain alert!" he called only as loudly as he needed to for his men, "Jabrill Nascent, I do swear to the Lord of Knowledge, that you are suicidal. What were you thinking trying to brave this forest alone, at night, with an Unbidden horde preparing to launch an assault in the area? You should have waited for daylight and then we should have gone together. I don't know if it is the magic that surrounds a true seeker of the Flower, or if I am simply following through on my duties, but when I said I'd help you I meant it. We're here to help. My men and I- and the elf here, Mari-Jor, have come to get you through this grim forest to find the blade. The town is preparing for an attack, but I can't imagine we'll have long. Together we will have a chance. Alone you're a target. Have you had any trouble yet? Come, speak to me as we move. We should keep covering ground toward the temple."