I'm sorry, just imagining things. So, what do you do, Sir Roderick?"
"As you imagine, we're unfamiliar with The Church of the Sleeping Goddess. Who is she?" Questions Zaidel.
"Agreed. Is she part of the Shintao, Buddhist, or Christian faith? or something else? I was never good with religion, even though my Grandfather runs a temple."
Joseph shakes his head once Ashley finishes her question. "Not a thing, again I only knew about you because of this thing." He holds up his ring for her to inspect. "It told me I knew you, when I asked it to bring me to you it dropped us off here." He puts a hand on his chin and rubs it. "It's been, almost a day I think, since I woke up like this. After I awoke I found myself grouped with this motley crew, I stuck with them, thought they'd help me figure out the goings on. After that we got a key to everything from a guy named Kamii that hired some mercenaries to kill us when we didn't give it back. We got them on our side though."
Joseph rubs his chin with his free hand. "Let's see, we sorta killed Kamii? Maybe? Meet with some crazy Lady of the woods who told us we where prisoners that where recently freed from some utopian society that doesn't exist anymore, and then we came here." He smiles at Ashley before ending. "So there it is, a quick summary of my day."
Ashley is quiet as Joseph finishes his story.
"So...you really don't remember me." She says, a statement, not a question. Her pretty face droops a bit in sadness as she thinks.
"We had a relationship for nearly twelve years. You were a fellow recruit in the Sacred Assassins. We were happy until..." Her voice catches in her throat.
"During the siege of Atlantis, when the Wicked Man's forces were overrunning everything, seventy assassins were sent, including you and me, to end his evil forever..."
She swallows at the intensity of the memory.
"We failed obviously, and I thought you had perished..." She said, taking Joseph's hand.
I'm sorry, just imagining things. So, what do you do, Sir Roderick?""As you imagine, we're unfamiliar with The Church of the Sleeping Goddess. Who is she?" Questions Zaidel.
"I am a Demon Slayer, or was, I am currently attached to the Sacred Assassins because of my experience in military matters." Roderick explains.
"As for the Sleeping Goddess she is an ancient Lawful Good overdeity who sees all and knows all and, the prophesies state, one day she will awaken from her peaceful slumber and bring paradise to all, extinguishing evil forever."
"That's very nice." she says of the Sleeping Goddess. "Can you tell us where we are now?"
"About twenty miles south of the city-state of Al'Lamar." Roderick replies.
Joseph is quite for a few moments after Ashley explains his past to him. "I'm sorry I don't remember you, but I'm sure that if we start over It'll all turn out the same." he squeezes her hand and smiles even wider. "After all, if it's really been sixty years then we both have more time then we know what to do with." He pulls her into a hug, hurting himself on the shuriken on her back though he makes nothing of it as to not ruin the moment.
After a few moments of embracing he moves away and adds. "A few questions, why did we get together and why was I an assassin. I mean, look at me." Joseph waves his thin arms around for a moment. "It's not like I'm a force to be reckoned with and I'm not that impressive in looks or personality... I'm sorta lacking in every department." He thinks for one more moment and adds. "And who is the wicked man."
Liriiestil picks up Alyssa's stray thoughts about dreams and drugs. "Why do you still insist this is a dream? I've never had or heard of a dream that had multiple people who all apparently have such deep, interesting lives and personalities. Plus, it's obvious we aren't in any way restricted by you, which wouldn't be the case if this was actually a dream."
Turning to Roderick. "City-state huh? So like our Vatican, right? A massive, usually important city, but also with it's own governing body? If so, that could be exactly what we're looking for."
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Liriiestil picks up Alyssa's stray thoughts about dreams and drugs. "Why do you still insist this is a dream? I've never had or heard of a dream that had multiple people who all apparently have such deep, interesting lives and personalities. Plus, it's obvious we aren't in any way restricted by you, which wouldn't be the case if this was actually a dream."
Alyssa looks shocked for a quick second, as Liriiestil suddenly answers her thoughts. Then her face darkens, and she turns on him.
"How could this be anything but a dream! People- real people- don't just suddenly wake up with superpowers! They don't just magically know how to tranforms into dragons, which aren't real anyways, or how to not get hurt in a fight, how to fight with a sword, or even how to shoot a gun really well!" She points to each in turn.
"And the fact that you all accepted this, like it's nothing, just because someone told you? Some Lady with a different agenda? Told you all some wild Disney tale about Earth being a prison with a magical key to unlock it, which only we have? No problems? No worries, like the fact that you're whole life, you're whole family, everyone you cared about, ever is- was- an illusion? That's real people?!?" she screeches.
"He's already moving on!" she points at Joseph.
"I don't even know why I'm arguing with you. You're clearly a figment of my subconscious, trying to get me to accept this. I mean, how else would you respond to my thoughts?" she says with emphasis.
"Well, for starters, I remember my good portions of my life before earth. I was the king of pretty large elven nation, here on this world. Taureseere it was called, which translates literally to the Forest of Peace. Creatures of all types, and races could be found within our realm, governed by four different rulers, one for each season. I was the Autumn Lord, along with my wife Lady Tinusha, who is very likely dead by now, as this was millennia ago." He chokes up a bit at this, but continues on.
"As we were the only couple to rule over Taureseere, we handled most of the serious disputes that would arise not only within our kingdom, but those of our neighbors, and even far away lands. Should neither party agree to our terms, I would challenge them to archery contest, stating that if I won, they must abide my ruling. Suffice to say, I can count on one hand the number of times I lost." He smiles fondly at that memory.
"Our time on earth wasn't an illusion, not really. Illusions are utterly fake, figments or trickery, that have no substance. I don't know about you, but I lead a full life, despite it being rather boring and mundane. However, if you still doubt me, yourself or our lives on earth, I can tell you this much. I died saving the life of a little girl in my town, from a fire, which was the bravest thing I have ever done. Those feelings of knowing that I gave my life so another could live? They are one hundred percent real."
The Vulture King places a hand on Alyssa's shoulder, saying in a calm tone, "Young one, I know you are confused, perhaps afraid, and you have little reason to listen to one you would consider a figment of your imagination. But I ask you this, even if this is a dream, why would wish to wake up? This world is so rich, so vibrant, so full of, well, everything. You saw the might that Joseph possesses, perhaps you have similar power to him?"
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At her diatribe, Kei will come over and say "Miss Alyssa, let me ask you something. You believe this to be a dream. If this is really a dream, then why aren't you having more fun in your dream? I used to dream of flying all the time when I was younger, and my sister used to tell me it was not a dream. Whether it is a dream or not, it doesn't change the fact that we are here, now, and that we can only deal with what's in front of us, no matter how odd it seems. It's not like you can wake up, right?" Kei finishes his speech by patting her on the shoulder reassuringly.
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Joseph is quite for a few moments after Ashley explains his past to him. "I'm sorry I don't remember you, but I'm sure that if we start over It'll all turn out the same." he squeezes her hand and smiles even wider. "After all, if it's really been sixty years then we both have more time then we know what to do with." He pulls her into a hug, hurting himself on the shuriken on her back though he makes nothing of it as to not ruin the moment.
After a few moments of embracing he moves away and adds. "A few questions, why did we get together and why was I an assassin. I mean, look at me." Joseph waves his thin arms around for a moment. "It's not like I'm a force to be reckoned with and I'm not that impressive in looks or personality... I'm sorta lacking in every department." He thinks for one more moment and adds. "And who is the wicked man."
"We got together because we liked each other...that's the only reason really. As to why you were an assassin, you believe, or believed anyway, in the Sleeping Goddess as much as I do and after all, few were quicker with a dagger than Joseph the Knife!" Ashley declares. "And I still feel love for you all these years later...though I am dating someone currently..."
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I died saving the life of a little girl in my town, from a fire, which was the bravest thing I have ever done. Those feelings of knowing that I gave my life so another could live? They are one hundred percent real."
"And that little girl is either fake, never real at all, or is currently trapped in a prison. How does that make you feel, o Noble King? Do you even care?" she spits.
As V.K. and Kei come over, she softens a bit. "You're right. It doesn't matter." She pauses, her face suddenly turning very sad, a deep frown appearing while her forehead draws a deep line.
This is a nightmare, she thinks.
"I- I think I need to be alone right now," she says slowly, with barely restrained emotion. Turning back to Lirriestil, she says with uncharacteristic savagery "And stay out of my head!"
"And who is the wicked man?"
"Ehessh, that is an unpleasant conversation to have. Essentially you know how the world sucks alot of the time? Well a big part of it is because of that dick. Everything from the corruption of Tharzidun to the shooting of the Good Man in Memphis were his fault. He is just a really bad dude and one noone has been able to put down consistently." Ashley informs Joseph.
Turning to Roderick. "City-state huh? So like our Vatican, right? A massive, usually important city, but also with it's own governing body? If so, that could be exactly what we're looking for."
"Not sure where Vatican is but the rest of your description sounds right." Roderick replies, nodding.
Joseph listens intently to Ashleys speech, only breaking concentration when Alyssa shouts at the group. Hm, I was like that when this first started." Then, Ashley drops the "I'm dating someone bomb." Joseph's silent for a moment, a frown creeping across his face and slowly turning into a snarl. "Oh yeah, I'd love to... meet him." He speaks through his teeth in an aggressive tone, not making eye contact with her.
"If this all your dream, than none of us, myself, VK, Kei, or our new friends, can stay out of your head. If this is really a dream, we're all in your head, till you wake up, and we're gone." He says gently.
"As to that little girl, that is exactly my point. I do care, a lot, because I know my feelings I had saving her were completely real. If it was an illusion, those feelings would have faded, or gone away entirely by now. And should she be trapped in some prison, then perhaps we can rescue her, and all the others we care about."
Attempting to steer the conversation away from the unpleasantness, Zaidel continues his questions to the paladin.
"Um..Sir Roderick, this question may seem very silly, but can you please tell us what planet we are one, and which continent, and what country we are currently in?"
Dreams, huh? Bage wonders. This felt quite life-like if this was a dream, and Bage certainly hadn't had any dreams this exciting before. But she did have a point on their sudden acceptance of the situation. Bage had accepted the fact that he was buff and saiyan easily, but maybe it was because everything was like a wish-filled dream that it was so easy to accept. Like it wasn't even real.
If so...does that mean she is the part of my subconscious that is trying to clue me in to the fact that this is a dream? Possible even a coma?
Not really sure what to think of the very paradoxes that his brain could possibly be portraying to him right now, Bage settles for just caresses his precious hydra egg and listening to the others.
Joseph listens intently to Ashleys speech, only breaking concentration when Alyssa shouts at the group. Hm, I was like that when this first started." Then, Ashley drops the "I'm dating someone bomb." Joseph's silent for a moment, a frown creeping across his face and slowly turning into a snarl. "Oh yeah, I'd love to... meet him." He speaks through his teeth in an aggressive tone, not making eye contact with her.
"Really?" She says, smiling wryly. "Didn't you not know who I was until today?" She leans back on her heels. "And from my point of view, you have been dead for sixty years..."
She seems more amused than upset by Joseph's tone.
Attempting to steer the conversation away from the unpleasantness, Zaidel continues his questions to the paladin.
"Um..Sir Roderick, this question may seem very silly, but can you please tell us what planet we are one, and which continent, and what country we are currently in?"
"The planet is Maia, the world of magic, the continent's name? Depends on the culture you ask I guess. At the moment we are within the territory of Al'Lamar, though the city proper is some way off." Roderick replies. "Now, not to be rude, but we are actually in the middle of something quite important, I wish you safe travels."
Saren looks surprised at first but then seems to remember that he was, indeed, just getting yelled at.
"The planet is Maia, the world of magic, the continent's name? Depends on the culture you ask I guess. At the moment we are within the territory of Al'Lamar, though the city proper is some way off." Roderick replies. "Now, not to be rude, but we are actually in the middle of something quite important, I wish you safe travels."
Zaidel, taken a little back, stammers, "Uh, yeah..sure. Weeeeeee..will just wait in that clearing", as Zaidel points to a nearby opening in the trees, "..until Jose..I mean, Aevitas and Ashley..um, are done getting reaquainted. Come on, guys."
Kei will nod at them and then join Zaidel in the clearing.
Liriiestil joins his other companions, awaiting the return of Aevitas. "As soon as our lovesick friend comes back to us, we should head to Al'Lamar. I believe I can help us find some of what we're looking for, but the more I know, the better the results will be."
While they're standing around waiting, a large blue and white winged wolf comes swooping in. It lands in front of Lir, and proceeds to happily lick his face. "Whoa, easy, settle down!!" The elf says, surprised by the affection. He steps back, and takes a good, hard look at the wolf. "Wait a second, you seem awfully familiar. Are you related to Tyalhaun by any chance?" The wolf responds in the positive by licking his face again, to which Lir can't help but laugh. He gives the big wolf a hug. "I miss her dearly, she was a great friend."
The big warrior is startled by the surprise arrival of the winged wolf. At first, Zaidel thought it was another attack, but Liriiestil was only attacked by licks.
Chuckling, Zaidel asks, "Whoa! That's a big puppy you got there, Big L.! I wonder if this world has types kinds of Pokemon?!" The big warrior grinned.
"I remember my brother watching the Pokémon cartoon."
Zaidel turns to the martial artist. "Wait! You know what pokemon are, but you didn't know what 'leveling' meant?!"
"Pokemon is originally Japanese," Bage points out, glad to be part of a conversation he actually understood. "But if Dragon Ball is actually part of this universe, then Pokemon may very well be as well. That is one rad wolf, though."
"Who doesn't know about Dragonball?" ask Kei, clearly confused.
"Really?" She says, smiling wryly. "Didn't you not know who I was until today?" She leans back on her heels. "And from my point of view, you have been dead for sixty years..."
She seems more amused than upset by Joseph's tone.
Joseph grinds his teeth for a moment before answering. "Forgive the outburst, but having you're head messed with and then suddenly meeting someone dear to you seems too be bringing a lot of emotions to the surface that shouldn't be. It's like my entire being is screaming at me to get you back." Joseph's face becomes more neutral as he regains composure, though their's still a hint of a sour mood on his face.
"Let's get back to the rest, their bound to be getting antsy."
Lir laughs at his friends comments about Pokemon. "He isn't a Pokemon guys!! His great(many times removed) grandmother was an awakened wolf that was blessed by the fae. She was a dear friend, who ruled Taureseere during the summer months." He explains wistfully, clearly missing his old friend.
The Vulture King is genuinely surprised by the winged wolf swooping down by them. He says in a somewhat incredulous tone, "Just when I thought that things could not get stranger. The hydra I suppose I understand, as a beast created purely of this world. But your new friend, Liriiestil, it is certainly a sight to behold. I did not think that this world would change the shape of a common animal, but I should have expected that." Once the decision is made to go to the city, the Vulture King retracts his wings, so he will appear fully human. He then asks the group, [b]"Does anyone have some spare clothes? I believe mine will be a bit...out of place, judging by those we have seen so far."[/b[
"I am sorry, I wasn't carrying any extra clothes when I left for school."
"If you'll let me take some measurements, and do a few quick calculations to take into account your wings, I'll have something whipped up in a few minutes." The fae offers helpfully. "Any particular style or material?"
"I'm looking forward to getting to Al'Lamar. I've got a belt pouch full of gold coins. If Al'Lamar is big enough, they might have several fantasy alcohols, like elven wine or even dwarven ale!" Zaidel spoke expectantly.
Joseph grinds his teeth for a moment before answering. "Forgive the outburst, but having you're head messed with and then suddenly meeting someone dear to you seems too be bringing a lot of emotions to the surface that shouldn't be. It's like my entire being is screaming at me to get you back." Joseph's face becomes more neutral as he regains composure, though their's still a hint of a sour mood on his face.
"Let's get back to the rest, their bound to be getting antsy."
"Interesting, It makes me feel really good to know that you care so much but apparently you forgot what a rogue I am." Ashley says.
Placing her hand on Josephs cheek she says; "Joseph, I'm fooling with you, I'm not seeing anyone...I am actually really alone right now..."
She glances over to where Roderick is whispering into Saren's ear, no doubt still criticizing him if the slowly rolling eyes of Saren are any indication.
"I blame those two, they are a deal breaker for most romantic interests, especially the dumb blonde!"
As the group loiters about waiting for Joseph a strange buzzing fills the air and from over the tall evergreens that circle the clearing a strange mosquito looking creature, a Stirge, flys and looks down on the group. It doesn't attack but just hangs there as if observing.
Spotting the Stirge, Lir attempts to 'converse' with it. "Hi there, do you need some help?"
Zaidel marvels at yet another fantasy creature in the flesh. "Wow. It looks bigger than the ones in the bestiaries."
"That is a giant mosquito!"
"What is it?" Bage asks, curious.
Before the creature arrives, the Vulture King says to Lir, ”Ah, cloth? I have no need of adjustments for my wings. I believe my clothes hall shape themselves with my form.” Seeing the beast buzzing in the air, the Vulture King is slightly surprised, but decides it is not worth it to comment on it. However, his connection to animals allows him to identify it and speak to it easily. He says, in a strange buzzing and clicking, ”Child of air and blood, I greet you as a master of beasts. Tell me, why do you eavesdrop on us so?”
Rummaging around in his belt pockets, Lir pulls out a clothier's tape measure, and begins taking VK's measurements. Once he's done, he casts a spell creating an outfit for the divine bird that blends in more with those of this land.
"What is it?" Bage asks, curious.
"It's a stirge", states Zaidel. "Drinks blood like a mosquito, but bigger and fleshier."
He awoke with a gasp, clutching his belly as phantom pains echoed through his abdomen. Sweat dripped down his forehead and stars sparkled in his vision. A woman’s beautiful face leaned over him, concern evident in her features.
“Are you alright baby?” The delicate Bisojo asked.
“Where am I?” He inquired groggily.
“In Nesha.” She replied, tears dripping down her face. “I didn’t think you would make it, you were in so much pain.” She said, her voice choking with emotion. “My potions saved you just in time.”
“Thank you for that.” Devlin said distractedly as he sat up, brushing aside Bisojo’s helping hands. He was quite woozy, the world tilting at odd angles around him. He looked around.
He was resting upon a steel slab in one of Bisojo’s many workshops in their underground fortress. The room was illuminated by green witchlights, set at equidistant points around the room. To Devlin’s left sat a table covered in magical paraphernalia, books, potions, orbs and a variety of other implements. In a dark corner sat a curly haired young man in black robes, a friendly smile on his face.
“Clumsy.” The boy rebuked, a hint of mockery in his tone.
Devlin’s anger rose, clearing his head, but he couldn’t help but nod his agreement. It was his carelessness that allowed the godling Saren to run him through. He had the ability to increase the strength of his God Shield to the point that a bane as common as blood penetration had no chance whatsoever of piercing it. It had been arrogance that kept him from taking the necessary steps to protect himself. He had learned his lesson however; it was a mistake he wouldn’t make twice.
He turned, hanging his legs off the side of the table. “Damn it!” He shouted, slamming his fist down, denting the steel.
“I taught you better than that, youngling.” The boy added, idly picking at his nails with a strange obsidian dagger.
“Perhaps it’s time I find a new second, one who isn’t so incompetent. Bisojo here for instance, she’s mastered several paths of magic and alchemy besides. She has achieved far more than you, my spoiled prince, even without your natural gifts.”
“Shut it Kamii, I don’t need your s#*& right now!” Devlin snarled, raising a silencing finger.
Kamii paused in his digging and shot Devlin a dangerous glance.
Bisojo backed away from them, not wanting to come between the dangerous duo. She wasn’t stupid.
The Prince flinched under his master’s glare.
“Apologies.” He said after a moment, attempting to reign in the burning hate building in his chest. He stared at the floor, waiting for permission to speak.
“Some good news.” Kamii eventually announced, putting away his dagger and reaching into his robe.
Devlin slowly raised his eyes to find Kamii dangling a diamond pendant before him.
“Master, how?!” Delvin exclaimed, excitement warring with rage over which should be the dominate emotion. “Surely she didn’t…?”
“Princess Kanzen was most accommodating.” Kamii deadpanned.
Devlin shook his head incredulously. “How did you manage to destroy her? She’s supposed to be unstoppable!”
Kamii waved his hand, dismissing the question. “Doesn’t matter, all that matters is that the time has come for us to begin our conquest.”
Devlin’s anger tipped the scale in its favor for a moment. It was just like his infernal master to downplay epic accomplishments as though they were nothing, a calculated ploy to reinforce his superiority over Devlin by showing him how easily he could perform tasks that were far beyond the Princes’s abilities.
“Two Gem Foci remain.” Kamii informed him. “Once we retrieve them, ultimate power will be ours!”
That’s right. Devlin thought, licking his lips. Once that power is mine I’ll get everything I ever wanted!
He felt his lust wash away his anger in a cooling tide of greedy ambition. “I can already taste it!” He declared.
Bisojo moved to Devlin’s side and wrapped her arms around him, no longer wary. She wasn’t a very verbal person and expressed her emotions through physical acts like touching. Currently she was showing him that she was as excited as he was.
“Go now youngling and collect the Hell Guard, Bisojo and I will go to the Alu’aral ruins and summon the dead to fight by our side. By dawn tomorrow we should be ready to march on the Sun Fey to claim the Topaz Foci, the first of the remaining two.”
Devlin nodded and disentangled himself from Bisojo’s embrace, he turned and headed off into the darkened halls of the ancient fortress the trio called home.
Soon, the world will be mine. He thought as he moved through the shadowy stone corridors, imagining all the pleasures that would be at his fingertips. His footsteps echoed throughout his underground lair as he strode into its depths.
The Fortress of Nesha was an ancient citadel built long ago by Angelic forces as a prison for Demonic monsters. Devlin and his companions had come here looking for the Ruby Foci. Hacking their way through patrolling Golems and guardian spirits they had retrieved it from the Shrine of Uriel, but their work had not ended there, Kamii had freed the beastly creatures and formed them into a army under his control. Now the Demons waited in darkness for their master’s summons to pour out into the world once more.
Devlin didn’t know much about the Sun Elves or their mystical forest but he doubted that they could stand against the combined forces of the Hell Guard and the legions of Undead his spellcasting companions would summon.
Retrieving the Foci would be a lengthy process, he was sure, but once the power they unlocked was his nothing would be beyond his means. Then I can finally kill Kamii and be free to live my own way. The thought was too juicy to stand. Hmmm. He thought as a small pain poked him in the belly.
I have to remember to kill that Saren too, I owe him a world of agony.
Before the creature arrives, the Vulture King says to Lir, ”Ah, cloth? I have no need of adjustments for my wings. I believe my clothes hall shape themselves with my form.” Seeing the beast buzzing in the air, the Vulture King is slightly surprised, but decides it is not worth it to comment on it. However, his connection to animals allows him to identify it and speak to it easily. He says, in a strange buzzing and clicking, ”Child of air and blood, I greet you as a master of beasts. Tell me, why do you eavesdrop on us so?”
The Stirge buzzes as it lowers down through the air to float above the Vulture King.
"Great God! I obey! I am a servant of the Demon Kamii, one of his many, many spies. You can't trust anyone you see, even some of the trees spy for him and whisper secrets in his ear!"
"Great God! I obey! I am a servant of the Demon Kamii, one of his many, many spies. You can't trust anyone you see, even some of the trees spy for him and whisper secrets in his ear!"
Confused, Zaidel adds, "Umm. Stirges don't normally talk, though."
Confused, Zaidel adds, "Umm. Stirges don't normally talk, though."
"The great Kamii has awakened in his servants many gifts, the least of which is speech, immortality is the true gift he has given! Slay me and he will reincarnate me, death holds no terror now!" The Stirge comments, his voice sounding like a thousand buzzing flies.
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"Giant, immortal mosquitoes...I think the property value around here just plummeted," Bage comments, amused that the spy gave up so easily. "So...I'm curious. Compared to his other spies, where would you rate yourself on a scale of one to ten?"