Chapter 26 Mot’s assault

Alan had finally finished his classes for the day along with any homework that was given. He quickly ate something before heading to his dorm room. After putting his stuff away he quickly changed clothes and laid down on his bed. He quickly grabbed his Virtual head set and pressed the power button.

He saw a rainbow of colors as his headset created the neural connection. As the colors slowly became a bright white light they vanished revealing the Inn’s room that he had logged out at. The room had two beds, with a table and chairs along with a water basin.

Laying on the bed was Laee surrounded by empty bottles singing a little tone. Sitting at the table reading a book and some papers was Kris.

Laee, “Mead, Mead, the drink of the gods, a bottle for me and you, one glass for friends, a second for gatherings, a third for sweet dreams, a forth with your lover…”

[Enae, “Ah Aaron your back.”]

[Aaron, “I told you I would.”]

Laee shot up off the bed while Kris set down what she was reading to look over at him. As Aaron began to tack a step forward Laee jumped at him tackling him to the floor.

Laee, “My precious Aaron I’ve missed you.”

Aaron sighed, “I was not gone that long Laee.”

She quickly gave him a kiss on his cheek.

Kris, “get off Aaron Laee he’s not yours.”

Laee, “Oh yes he is I won the contest.”

Kris, “No you cheated.”

Laee, “No I just used one of my better spells.”

Kris, “You Used Firestorm! How is that a spell that’s fare for any contest?”

Kris grabbed the back of Laee’s collar trying to drag her off of Aaron. Before Kris could finish-pulling Laee off she hugged him and held the embrace. Aaron began to blush as Laee’s breasts pressed up against him along with her breath on his neck.

[Enae, “get off Aaron Laee!”]

Laee, “Never Aaron is mine!”

Kris, “get off him before you regret it.”

Laee, “Make me.”

Kris summoned a mini Holy Hammer and hit Laee across the back of her head.

Laee, “That’s it Kris you want a taste of my fireball!”

Kris, “Bring it.”

Laee jumped at Kris while summoning a small fireball. Kris turned and tried to dodge but Laee’s fireball brushed her hair causing it to burn some of it.

Laee, “that’s what you get.”

Kris, “oh that’s it Laee!”

She jumped at Laee tackling her to the ground. They began to pull at each other’s hair and scratch at any exposed skin they could reach. Aaron was finally up off the ground wondering why this was happening to him.

Aaron, “Can you two stop this already.”

Laee and Kris, “Not until the other one leaves! Oh I’m not leaving!”

Their fight began to get even worse as tares in their clothes began to appear along with some blood being drawn.

Aaron, “Ok I’m leaving before you bring the building down.”

They did not notice as Aaron slipped out of the room and headed down the hall. He continued down the stairs to the common room where it was just starting to fill with people wanting drinks before dusk.

Inn Keeper, “Would you like anything chosen?”

Aaron, “I’m good for right now, but thanks.”

Inn Keeper, “Well I’m here if you need me.”

Aaron moved out of the inn and walked down the street.

[Enae, “where are you going Aaron?”]

[Aaron, “I though I would take a walk and might even stop at city hall to work on improving the territory.”]

[Enae, “Are you sure that’s a good Idea?”]

[Aaron, “We need more repairs and military forces if we are going to end this war.”]

[Enae, “This war will not end that easily.”]

[Aaron, “what war does?”]

[Enae, “and there is another good point.”]

Aaron noticed a cloaked figure standing at the end of a near by Ally way. He thought he recognized the person from somewhere. The person had the player emblem above their head making Aaron think for a moment. After he passed the person Aaron felt something was wrong about this.

[Enae, “What’s wrong Aaron.”]

[Aaron, “that person looks familiar to me.”]

[Enae, “He looked like one of the undead that we fought at the temple.”]

[Aaron, “Temple, Undead, Player, Rouge… Hercules?!”]

Aaron quickly turned around to see the figure quickly rundown the ally. Aaron quickly moved to the head of the ally but did not see anyone there.

[Aaron, “I must be seeing things.”]

[Enae, “that is not right I saw them to.”]

[Aaron, “Them, Wasn’t there just one?”]

[Enae, “There was three of them that I’ve seen now.”]

Aaron quickly headed down the street keeping an eye out for any more figures.

[Aaron, “This is not good.”]

[Enae, “What do you mean?”]

[Aaron, “they are dangerous player killers.”]

[Enae, “What is a player killer?”]

[Aaron, “people that kill adventures to take their items and gold.”]

[Enae, “Basically thieves or bandits.”]

[Aaron, “not quite. They may seem similar but they are far more dangerous. The last time I faced them was when I fell into your old ruins.”]

[Enae, “I’m grateful that they sent you to me.”]

[Aaron, “You won’t be once you meet them.”]

Aaron turned down another street to quickly get to city hall where there where a number of guards men. As he rounded a corner he noticed some cloaked figures heading towards him down the street. He quickly turned to see if he could head the way he had come from. There where more figures heading towards him. He began to notice that there where not many city foke out right now.

[Aaron, “Laee, Kris right now would be a good time for some help!”]

[Laee, “Aaron’s mine!”]

[Kris, “No he’s mine!”]

[Aaron, “Will you two stop fighting already!”]

Aaron quickly ran for the nearest Ally way. It was clear so he ran down it to reach the next street.

[Laee, “just give me a minute to deal with her.”]

[Kris, “What’s the Matter Aaron?!”]

[Enae, “there are some people after Aaron right now.”]

[Laee, “you have got to be kidding me Aarons right here… oh when did you leave idiot!”]

[Aaron, “after I could not stop you two from fighting.”]

Aaron finally came out at the next street seeing the figures coming out of other ally’s and begin to hop across roof tops.

[Aaron, “how can there have been so many of them. They only had three of them last time.”]

[Laee, “We are on our way!”]

[Enae, “where are the guardsmen?! There should have been patrols out.”]

[Aaron, “these players must have taken out the near by ones.”]

[Kris, “what are players?”]

[Aaron, “I don’t have time to explain right now.”]

He quickly looked back down the ally that he had come through. There where a few more figures running towards him. He quickly turned around again before heading for another open ally on the other side of the street. As he entered the Ally he saw that it was a dead end. Looking back he was now surrounded. Slowly he began to back himself further down the ally.

[Aaron, “just my luck.”]

[Laee, “what happened now and where are you!”]

[Aaron, “well I just hit a dead end of an ally way. Oh and I’m also surrounded now.”]

[Kris, “you moron there is only one blocked off ally in the entire city!”]

[Aaron, “I don’t know much about this city!”]

one of the figures stepped forward pulling down his hood.

Hercules, “Ah what a pleaser it is to find you here Aaron.”

Aaron, “you guys sure like to fallow me around.”

Hercules, “oh we are just lucky enough to be given this chance by our Great Lord.”

Aaron, “Oh great so where’s Crazed this time.”

Mage, “Oh that one fellow, he had some business with another of your fallen somewhere.”

[Enae, “there already ahead of us!”]

[Aaron, “I’ll head for them as soon as I can Enae but we need to find a way out of this first.”]

[Laee, “we are almost there Aaron.”]

[Kris, “No we still have a few minutes until we get there.”]

[Aaron, You two might want to hurry.”]

Hercules, “summon Mot already.”

Mage, “Just give me a second.”

A glowing circle appeared and Mot stepped out of it.

Mot, “Ah what a nice job recruits you even got him while he is alone.”

Chionis, “ah we only saw him leaving the inn sir.”

Mot, “You moron then they are already on their way.”

Hercules, “I can deal with him boss the others can hold them off.”

Mot, “fine but be quick about it.”

Hercules, “with pleasure.”

Hercules stepped forward towards Aaron with Chionis and the mage right behind him. Aaron quickly drew one of his swords and a long knife.

 Hercules, “looks like you’re in the same position as last time partner.”

Aaron, “I highly doubt it.”

Hercules lunged forward throwing a knife at him. Aaron quickly ducked and lunged forward to meet Hercules. Hercules brought up another dagger to strike at him but was blocked with Aarons Long knife.

Hercules quickly jumped to the side as Chionis brought down his great sword. Aaron Side stepped and struck Chionis’s hands with his sword. Chionis quickly stepped back dragging his sword with his good hand and shaking his injured while cussing.

A fireball flew at Aaron from off to his right. He quickly used shadow step to stab into the mage’s chest.  He quickly slashed at the hand holding a spell book nocking it to the ground.

Hercules quickly lunged forward making Aaron jump back from the attack and the mage. He began to shake his dagger at Aaron.

Hercules, “You sure have gained a few nice abilities there.”

Aaron, “That’s not even the half of it.”

Aaron activated Fire Blade.

[Enae, “be careful Aaron the demons still here.”]

[Aaron, “I know.”]

Mage, “great he’s a spell sword!”

Chionis, “ah what’s a spell sword?”

Hercules, “it’s a swordsmen that can cast spells you idiot!”

Chionis, “owe.”

Aaron lunged forward to strike at the distracted Hercules. As he brought down his sword at Hercules the mage cast a lightning spell at him. Aaron quickly used Shadow step again to get behind Chionis. Aaron stabbed his sword into his back between armor plates before slitting his throat with the long knife

Chionis fell to his knees grabbing at his throat while watching his health drop rapidly. A near by figure began to cast a healing spell on him. The mage quickly launched another fireball at him but missed as Aaron rolled to the side.

Hercules, “That was not nice Aaron, Look what you did to Chionis.”

Aaron, “Nice! You guys are player killers so who cares about you.”

Mage, “That’s not correct we are collectors that take things that do not belong to others.”

 “thieves!” Aaron Spat.

[Kris, “we are close by Aaron but there are a lot of them between us.”]

[Aaron, “Do what you can I haven’t lost any health yet.”]

[Laee, “these guys are small fry.”]

[Enae, “be carful Mot’s with them.”]

[Kris, “The Demon of death is here!”]

Hercules threw two daggers at Aaron as he charged him. Aaron quickly dogged the daggers and brought up his sword to block a long knife aiming for his throat. Chionis was enraged now and charged at Aaron. He quickly stepped back tripping Chionis onto Hercules.

Aaron, “that sight brings back memories.”

He quickly began hacking away at Chionis’s joints While Hercules tried to crawl out from under him. Aaron Stabbed into Hercules shoulder before dogging an ice javelin from the mage.

Aaron did not want to use up his Mana to fast so he did not use Shadow step again. Hercules and Chionis got up off of the ground. Aaron brought his sword down at Chionis sword hand but was blocked by Hercules.

Hercules, “that’s not going to happen.”

Hercules suddenly vanished leaving a mist where he had been. Aaron quickly backed up against the wall keeping his eye out for any movement. Chionis charged forward swinging his sword from the side at Aarons chest. He quickly blocked the attack with both of his blades.

Hercules suddenly appeared stabbing his daggers into Aaron’s stomach. Aaron laughed since he was in his male form with his stomach still covered up by armor. As they stepped back Aaron began to glow.

Chionis, “What’s the bright light!”

Hercules, “He probably activated an ability so be careful.”

Aaron soon stopped glowing and was in Enae’s form. They just stared at him confused a moment before they began to laugh.

Hercules, “Ha he tuned into a woman.”

Chionis, “Ha its fun to teas woman.”

Mage, “I’ve never heard of a spell yet that can do this.”

[Aaron, “just great what bad timing.”]

[Enae, “is it.”]

[Aaron, “I’m more exposed to their attacks now.”]

[Kris, “what happened?”]

[Enae, “Aaron has currently changed to my form while in the fight.”]

[Laee, “I’ll get to you my precious!”]

[Kris, “I’ll get there before you do.”]

Aaron lunged forward at the laughing three stooges. As he was about to swing Hercules vanished again while Chionis blocked his attack.

Chionis, “um… where’s your manners woman.”

Mage, “you are to slow Chionis.”

Aaron, “was already sliding around Chionis to find an opening. As he did that the mage through a fireball at him. Jumping back Hercules appeared behind hum stabbing his blade into Aarons exposed side. Aaron quickly grabbed his arm and began stabbing his own blade into Hercules.

Chionis grabbed Aaron’s shoulder and threw him against the ally wall while raising his sword. As he drove his blade towards Aarons throat. Aaron Quickly exposed his knife from his boot and stabbed it into Chionis’s crotch. He dropped his sword and fell to his knees giving an opening to Aaron. Aaron quickly chopped off Chionis’s head before facing the rest of the figures.

[Laee, “I’m sorry Aaron but we are having some trouble here.”]

[Aaron, “what is it.”]

[Kris, “Mot’s come over and has summoned some more demons.”]

[Aaron, “I’m having a hard time over here too.”]

He heard a scream from the end of the ally.

[Kris, “Laee!”]

[Aaron, “what happened!”]

[Enae, “Aaron you don’t have time to stand there and talk.”]

Hercules, “how dare you do that to Chionis!”

Hercules quickly vanished as the mage cast a twin fireball at Aaron. He quickly rolled but was still hit from the resulting explosion sending him rolling across the ground. As he was getting back up Hercules grabbed him from behind while holding a dagger to his throat. The hand holding Aaron was squeezing his breast making him squeal. Aaron slowly began to rotate his long knife in his hand.

[Aaron, “I realy hate this armor in this form Enae!”]

[Enae, “If only I could get my hands on him.”]

Hercules was laughing, “He even sounds like a girl. Lets see what else he can do.”

Aarons knife was finally turned around in his hand as the mage walked up.

Mage, “now this is going to be fun.”

He quickly stabbed his knife into Hercules leg causing him to shift the dagger enough to slide out. Aaron quickly activated whirlwind cutting across Hercules face and opening up the mages chest. They fell back howling while the mage disintegrated. Aaron turned to Hercules to finish him off.

Mot, “I would not do that fallen.”

Aaron stopped and turned to Mot. He was dragging Laee and Kris who where cut up badly and unconscious.

Aaron, “what have you done to them!”

Mot, “nothing yet, though if you move I will kill them.”

Aaron, “you bastard!”

Mot, “Put down your weapons wench.”

[Enae, “Don’t do it Aaron.”]

[Aaron, “I have no other choice.”]

Aaron dropped his long knife while lowering his sword. As he bent over he quickly drew his demonic sword and used shadow step. He was about to strike Mot when he suddenly had a great sword drawn and blocked him.

Mot, “you really should have listened to me.”

Mot gabbed Aarons throat with lightning reflexes lifting him above the ground causing Aaron to drop one of his sword while managing to still hold the demonic sword.

Mot, “I should make you a gift to get the Great Lords favor. Will you surrender fallen.”

Aaron, “I will never surrender to the likes of you!”

Mot began to laugh until he noticed Aaron’s eyes. He was giving a pure look of hatred while bright glowing red. A black mist began to form around Aaron.

[/ERROR Detected]

Mot, “what sort of trickery is this.”

Aaron grabbed Mot’s rist with a crushing grip. Mot quickly dropped Aaron who landed on his feet.

[/ERROR Detected Brain waves to Erratic]

Aaron, “How dare you touch those I care about.”

The mist continued to darken around Aaron.

Mot spat, “you are nothing before the great one!”

Aaron grabbed his fallen sword as he stepped towards Mot. Hercules moved quickly forward to take Aaron from behind. Aaron turned stabbing his sword through his chest and hacking off his head with the Demonic blade.

[/ERROR…]

Mot, “that’s one of the seven blades! Why did Crazed not mention this?!”

Aaron turned back to him as Hercules disintegrated.

Aaron, “Ha sounds like he doesn’t like you.”

Mot, “I will take that blade from your corpse.”

Mot vanished from Aarons site. He felt like he should turn around so he turned to see mot swinging his sword at him. Aaron quickly blocked the Attack with his demonic blade while striking at him with his other sword. Mot stepped back dogging the blade.

[/ERROR…]

Mot, “It’s about time I’ll leave you to my minions.”

As he said that a summoning circle appeared behind him with demons poring out. Aaron began to black out as his body began to move on its own.

[/ERROR Detected Brain Waves to Erratic Activating Temporary Berserk State]

[Laee, “ah what happened.”]

[Enae, “You must stop Aaron before he goes to far!”]

She began to get up off the ground while looking around to get her bearings. Next to her Kris was beginning to ster. Looking around she noticed some small piles of loot on the ground around her. Then she finally saw Aaron who had moved towards the mouth of the Ally. He was covered in blood and cuts with a wicked grin on his face looking even more demonic with his glowing eyes.

[Laee, “whats happened to him.”]

[Enae, “I don’t know it seems like he’s going berserk but there are now signs showing that he is.”]

[Kris, “What’s happening? Is that Aaron!”]

Laee was already walking towards Aaron as he hacked apart another of Hercules’s guild members.

[Enae, “Aaron Listen to me!”]

[Aaron, “I must kill those that harm those close to me.”]

[Kris, “Aaron Stop!”]

[Aaron, “kill, Kill, Kill!”]

Aaron severed a demon’s head from its body as Laee rushed at him from behind. He turned looking like he was going to attack her as she jumped to embrace him. He tensed as she hugged him but dropped his swords as she kissed him on the lips.

[Laee, “Aaron please stop.”]

[Aaron, “what happened… no not again please tell me I didn’t do something again.”]

Aaron broke the kiss by stepping back from her and pushing down her arms.

Kris, “what happened to you Aaron?”

Aaron, “I must get away from you before I do it again.”

[Enae, “do what.”]

Aaron turned to run from the end of the ally but stopped as he saw masses of demons and undead coming out of portals. What was left of Hercules’s guild was mixed in with their masses.

Laee and Kris moved up next to him.

Aaron, “this is not going to be good.”

Chapter 27 Night of darkness

Aaron, “how are we going to defeat these guys?”

[Enae, “I don’t know.”]

Kris, “we should have let Aaron continue to fight through them like that.”

Aaron, “No that is not something that would not be good.”

Laee, “Why?”

Aaron, “lets just say its something that happens to my family when they build up anger, it’s kind of explosive and uncontrollable.”

[Enae, “That sounds like a usual berserker.”]

Aaron, “lets just say that for now since it’s hard to talk about.”

Laee, “Watch out!”

One of the demons ran at Aaron with a battle-axe. Aaron barely paid attention to it as he picked up his weapons while trying to clear his head. Laee began to cast a fire spell while Kris summoned her holy hammer. The demon was about to swing down its axe but was blocked by one of Aaron’s swords. As it pulled back its axe for another strike Kris brought down her hammer crushing it. She lifted her hammer reveling a bit of loot while turning to Aaron.

Kris, “You need to get your act together.”

She turned to another demon that was coming at them.

[Enae, “Don’t worry Aaron we’re here for you.”]

Aaron, “thanks.”

Laee finished casting her spell launching a number of fireballs into the growing number of Demons and undead.  The resulting explosions sent a number of them flying or disintegrating.

Kris, “Is that all you could do Laee.”

Laee, “As if you could do better.”

Kris just laughed and turned to the oncoming enemy and unleashed holy wave destroying a number of undead and a few demons.

Laee, “I need a drink.”

Aaron, “This is not the time for that you two! We need to find a way to close those portals.”

[Enae, “there should be summoning runes on the ground beneath them.”]

Aaron quickly looked back where the first portal had appeared to summon Mot. There was a partially destroyed magic circle from the mage.

Aaron, “Well if we could destroy the magic circles we may still have a chance to turn this situation around. “

Another group of the demons and undead started to head towards them. Aaron quickly used fire blade and charged forward to meet the first one. Laee began casting another spell while Kris fallowed Aaron with her holy hammer.

As Aaron reached the first demon he blocked one of its swords while aiming his other sword at its throat but was blocked. He quickly stepped back as another demon lunged forward with a spear but deflected it over his shoulder. Aaron quickly spun cutting off the demons left arm and into its side.

The first demon lunged forward but stopped as Kris swung her hammer at it forcing it to the ground. It turned to her as Aaron finished off the spear wielder by taking off its head. He quickly turned to the first demon that was facing Kris.

Kris brought her hammer down again forcing the demon to back peddle into Aarons reach. Aaron quickly stabbed through the demons back with one of his blades. As the sword’s tip came out of the demons chest its face contorted before disintegrating.

As he turned to find the next opponent Laee cast a number of fireballs at the undead surrounding the nearest portal. With the explosions opening a path Aaron quickly ran towards the portal to destroy the magic circle fallowed by Kris and Laee.  Another demon stepped out of the portal as Aaron got close drawing its sword.

Aaron, “Kris destroy the circle I’ll take care of this one.”

Laee, “I’ll cover you.”

The demon brought its sword down at an angle but was blocked with one of his swords. Aaron quickly kicked the demon back causing it to stumble halfway into the portal as Kris brought her holy hammer down on the magic circle. The portal vanished taking one of the demons arms with it. The demon fell to its knees howling in agony covering the wound with its good arm.

Demon, “you’ll never win mortal, for the…”

Aaron decapitated the demon before it could finish what it was saying.

After the demon disintegrated two windows popped up as he was turning to the next portal.

Level up!

                        Statues window

Spoiler :

NameAaronPrimary ClassEnae's Chosensub ClassPirate Chief,genderNeutralheight6'4"Health2450Mana3250Level95TitleN/AHealth Regen/Sec19Mana Regen/Sec12Strength56Agility56Wisdom44Intelligence40Stamina48Vitality30Dexterity40luck1Faith2300Fame1400

Skills    Precise shot - Basic level 8, Blade Proficiency - Intermediate level 2, Bow Proficiency - Intermediat level 1, Knife Proficiency - Basic level 8, Amidexstris/dual wielding - Intermediate level 4, Repair - Basic Level 9,Handicraft- Basic level 7, Blacksmith - basic level 6, Carpenter - Basic level 2, Stealth - basic Level 6, Traps - basic level 4, Digging - Basic level 2, Construction - Basic level 2, First Aid - Basic level 5, Identify - basic level 7, Cooking - Basic level 4, Shout - Basic Level 2, Leadership - Basic level 4,    

Weapon FormsFeint, Slash, Stab, Whirlwind, Twin Blade, Enae's Form,

SpellsHoly aura: automatic, Demonic aura: automatic, Fireball, Fireblade, Fire Wall, Holy Hand

LanguageCommon, Ancient,

HeadEnae's Helmet: Durability 20/20 +6

NeckReinforced Scarf: Durability 20/20, Defense +8

Armor/TorsoEnae's Armor: Durability 35/40, Defense +16

ArmsEnae's Gauntlets: Durability 29/30 Defense +8, Pirate Chief Bandana 19/20 Defense +2,

Pants/LegsEnae's Armor: Durability 39/40, Defense +16

FeetEnae's Boots: Durability 20/20, Defense +10

Enae's ArmorDurability186/190 totalDefense66ArmorHeavyClassUltimate RareAbilitiesEnae was once the peace keeper of the gods along with five other goddesses to keep the the balance between the forces of the dark and light. Enae's armor was created from Mitheral and a rare forgotten metal of the gods along with part of Enae's flesh. This Armor was first worn by Enae and has now been passed down to her chosen. This armor Levels and evolves with the wearer. The wearer will also take the form of the goddess in combat and at randomevelutionStage 5Level90Evolutions Affects      Hawk- Do to players use of precision and speed Armor has morphed to accommodate adding +2 speed, Blacksmiths hands-Armor can now combine with certain items, Flame-Due to the heavy use of fire magic by the player fire runes have been added to armor raising fire attacks and allowing user to automatically cast Fire blade and fireball without an incantation, Pirate - due to players time at sea and pirate sub class the armor now has belt pouches and a number of areas to hide concealed weapons, Holy - Armor now has a higher defense against demonic attacks and gives off a soft glow,    

Navy Stat WindowShips237City Ports3Clan's Island Level2Town and Village Ports16Dry Docks4[/tds]

Pirate clan IslandPort6Technology4Dry Dock8Defences12Treasary (gold)78,000Fort16crews250Mines2

Region Stat WindowCulture50Research26Military60Faith65Transportation80Mines43Technology39Sanitation73%

Event Demonic war!

Mot’s Assault: 2/13 portals have been destroyed

Aaron, “just great there are eleven more portals!”

[Enae, “If we hurry we can get the help of the soldiers and Opals Pirates.”]

Laee, “Ah don’t say that wenches name.”

Kris, “There’s the Guard.”

At the end of the street a number of soldiers where charging at the demons and undead. The soldiers where easily taking the undead out but with the demons the guards and soldiers were being pushed back.

Aaron, “we need to get to them.”

Kris, “that’s going to be irritating.”

Aaron quickly headed towards the next portal with Kris and Laee following right behind him. A group of the undead lead by a demon moved to block their way. As they neared Aaron used shadow step to get behind the demon before using twin blades on the back of its legs. As it collapsed to the ground Kris used her holy hammer to crush it while Laee sent two fireballs into the undead.

Aaron quickly stepped over the disintegrating remains taking a few more steps towards the magic circle. He was nearing it when an arrow struck his armor bouncing off but still dropping his HP down a few points. Standing to the side of the street was a archer from Hercules’s guild readying another shot.

Laee quickly shot a lightning bolt from her glowing left arm at the player. The player was hit before he could get out of the way. Throwing him onto his back as Laee shot another two at him dropping his health the rest of the way.

Laee, “No one touches my Aaron!”

Kris, “No he’s mine you drunkard.”

[Enae, “no he’s mine! I meet him first.”]

Aaron, “this is not the time for arguing you guys.”

Aaron quickly used his sword to destroy a section of the magic circle to deactivate the portal. As it deactivated a few demons and undead turned to face them and started to try and surround them.

As Aaron was about to lung at the closest enemy Opal and a few pirates came out of an ally way and attacked them from the side taking out a few of the undead before the rest could notice that they where there.

Aaron took out a demon as Opal came to his side.

Opal, “Looks like you are having some fun my princes.”

Aaron, “No more then the usual.”

Opal, “If this is the usual I wonder what its like for you the rest of the time.”

She turned to cut off an undead’s arm as it was about to strike before kicking into its companions.

Aaron, “Well it didn’t use to be the usual until I meet the Goddesses.”

Opal, “Sounds like their trouble.”

Laee, “your one to talk wench.”

Opal, “Oh that coming from someone who is always drunk.”

Laee, “I’m not always drunk!”

Kris, “you are a drunk Laee but now is not the time.”

Kris crushed another undead with her hammer while Aaron pulled his swords from a disintegrating demon. They where almost to the soldiers when the demons broke away from the mass and ran down a near by ally.  They quickly mopped up the undead with the assistance of the soldiers.

Aaron, “we have ten more portals left.”

Opal, “there are a few down towards the docks that I noticed my men are holding there position there.”

Soldier Captain, “there are a few more towards the city’s main gate and city hall.”

Kris, “we need to make sure they don’t take the gates.”

Aaron, “I’ll head for the gates then City Hall.”

Opal, “what about the docks!?”

Aaron, “take a few soldiers down there and destroy the portals there.”

A pirate stepped up next to Opal.

Pirate, “Why not the docks then work our way to the gates?”

Aaron, “we don’t have the time for going after one at a time. The best we can do before the city can be fully over run is deactivating as many as we can.”

Kris, “That is the right Idea but wouldn’t that spread our forces to thin.”

Aaron turned to Kris with irritation, “We are going to only split our forces into three groups. One will destroy the gates at the docks and hold them. The second will go to the gates destroying any portals along there path and hold it. The third which I’ll be leading will go after the gates between here and city hall.”

Kris, “but…”

Aaron, “yes we are spread thin but we have to hold this city.”

Kris, “Alright.”

Kris turned to the soldiers and told them to head for the gate while opal talked to her pirates along with a few soldiers. The two groups headed for their targets leaving Aaron, Kris, Laee, four soldiers and Opal.

Aaron, “Opal why aren’t you going to the docks to help your men?”

Laee stepped between Aaron and Opal, “Yah we don’t need you wench! Go to your precious ship.”

Opal, “I can’t just leave you alone, besides my men can handle themselves.”

Aaron, “Thanks we could use the help.”

Kris, “ah just great a drunkard and a sea wench.”

Aaron, “We don’t have time for this.”

[Enae, “I don’t like this either but Aaron’s right we don’t have much time right now if we are to hold the city.”]

[Laee, and Kris, “Fine!”]

They quickly ran through the city destroying three portals as they headed towards city hall. Aaron checked the event window and noticed that the other groups had destroyed five others leaving only two more.

Aarons group stopped as they neared the square in front of the city hall. He quickly looked around the corner seeing the two gates surrounded by undead and demons with more still poring out. At the steps up to the building stood Mot and a massive demon like the one he faced a while back. Beside them where the last six members of Herculeses’ guild.

Mot, “This is most irritating, you adventures are useless.”

Massive demon, “Can I eats’ them.”

Mot turned to it before answering, “no we still have a use for them even if they are amateurs.”

Player, “We will do anything you require of us.”

Mot, “You say that even though you have failed at the only task given to you.”

Player, “We did not expect that Aaron and his woman to be so formidable.”

Mot, “They are only pests that need to be exterminated as the great lord commands.”

Aaron quickly turned back to his group trying to think of a way to destroy the portals and defeat Mot.

[Enae, “Laee could you begin casting fire storm on the square.”]

[Laee, “Yes I’ll start right now but you’ll owe me for this.”]

[Aaron, “That’s a good Idea and Kris could you give us some buffs then support us with healing and a few holy waves.”]

[Kris, “That sounds easy is there anything else you want me to do, my precious.”]

[Aaron, “just cover Laee and if things go south could you two make an opening for us to get out?”]

[Kris, “What do you mean when things go south!?”]

[Aaron, “It’s a figure of speech for if we are in a bad situation and we need to get out or some help.”]

[Kirs, “then why did you not just say that then?”]

[Aaron, “what ever.”]

Aaron noticed that Opal was looking at him with a worried expression.

Opal, “you have been quiet what’s the matter?”

Aaron, “I was just strategizing with the Laee, Kris and Enae.”

Opal, “Well what’s the plan?”

Aaron, “We’ll take the lead heading for the closest portal with the soldiers taking the rear while Kris and Laee will be support.”

Opal stared at the ground for a moment, “Well that sounds fine…”

Mot, “I know your out there Aaron so come out and face me.”

Everyone looked at Aaron as he turned pail before stepping around the corner.

Mot, “Ah there you are, I see that you destroyed the rest of the portals.”

Aaron, “It looks like your losing Mot.”

Mot, “oh not at all its only a minor set back and as long as we have one portal we will still win. So give…”

Right then Laee’s firestorm activated with fireballs raining from the sky crashing into the mass of undead and demons. Many where sent flying while the rest ran for cover or jumped back through the portals. Mot stared at the chaos then turned and marched into city hall with the six players following him. The large demon was hit a few times but did not faze it as it stared Aaron down.

The army of undead and demons continued to be pounded for ten minutes with one of the portals magic circles being destroyed leaving only one. As the firestorm slowed Aaron ran out with opal at his side along with the rest of his group right behind him.

They hacked through the undead and demons that where scattered as they headed for the remaining portal. The massive demon moved to cut them off lifting a massive cleaver like sword. Aaron quickly activated fire blade and used shadow step to get behind it while the rest of his group quickly spread out around the demon.

It brought down its sword towards Opal but missed as she stepped to the side. She quickly ran up its arm while Aaron began using twin blade on its back and legs. The demon fell to one knee while trying to swat Opal off him. Soon Aaron noticed that the wounds he was inflicting on the demon where regenerating moments after they are inflicted.

Aaron, “watch out it regenerates!”

Opal jumped off it as Laee launched a fireball at its face. It struck forcing him to fall backwards. Aaron quickly grabbed his demonic blade out and lunged for its neck with opal doing the same thing on the other side of the demon. The four soldiers where busy holding off a few undead that had worked their way towards them.

As the demon began to try and get up Aaron and Opal used twin blades while hacking away at its neck until it was almost severed. As they where close to finishing their gory assault the demon disintegrated leaving loot behind. Aaron quickly grabbed it and ran the rest of the way to the portal and destroyed the magic ring.

Event Demonic War!

Mots Assault: portals destroyed 13/13

Opal, “finally its finished.”

Aaron, “Not yet there is still Mot.”

Kris, “Not to mention what ever remains of the undead and demon forces that are still in the city.”

Laee, “I want a drink.”

Aaron, “later we need to face Mot.”

[Enae, “Be carful Aaron remember what happened last time.”]

[Aaron, “I will and please forget about… never mind.”]

Aaron quickly ran up the steps into city hall and looked around. There was a large wooden desk in front of him while a table was to his left with some chairs.  To the right of the desk was some chairs and a long hallway. He quickly moved forward with his swords ready while Opal, Laee and Kris came in behind him. He checked the desk finding a dead npc as it disintegrated into loot. Opal was looking down the hall as he left the desk to join her.

Aaron, “What’s all back there.”

Kris, “well there are a number of room but Mot most likely headed for either the library or the meeting hall.”

Laee, “well lets get this over with.”

They quickly walked down the hall heading for the library first since it was the closest. They ran into a group of undead but dispatched them with ease. Once at the library they didn’t find anything besides shelves pushed over and books scattered about.

Opal, “looks like a storm has been through here.”

Laee, “or someone that just hates books.”

Kris,  “just great this library was nicely organized this morning.”

Aaron turned around to head out to the hall, “well he’s not here, let’s keep looking.”

They continued to walk through the building not running into anything as they neared the meeting hall. The door was closed so Aaron had his group move to the sides of the door while he opened it. As the door was about a foot open an arrow flew past Aarons head and down the hall. He threw the door the rest of the way open and rolled behind a bench.

Mot, “Ah so you’ve managed to eliminate the rest of my forces outside most impressive for a mortal.”

Aaron looked over the bench’s edge to see Mot sitting in a thrown at the end of the hall with a book in hand. The six players where arranged around the room. Two archers were halfway down the room standing with arrows nocked. A mage and a Knight where near Mot while a rouge and another Knight where hiding behind near by benches.

He quickly put his swords in their sheaths before bringing out his bow and drawing and arrow back.

“There wasn’t much to it Mot, your forces are disorganized.”

Mot laughed, “true but neither where you pest.”

Aaron jumped to his feet and shot an arrow through one of the archer’s eyes before getting back down while setting another arrow. Laee quickly launched a fireball at the rouge and Knight blowing them away with the bench.

Mot, “Oh come now we where having a little chat.”

Aaron, “who would talk to the likes of you.”

Aaron quickly ran to another bench while shooting another arrow into the last archer. Kris and Opal ran into the room and hid behind the bench that Aaron was just at. Mot tossed his book aside and got up as he began to chant a spell while the mage and Knight ran forward. Aaron shot an arrow at Mot but it turned to the side a few feet from its target.

Aaron quickly put away his bow and drew his swords back out as a fireball from Laee hit the mage that was now chanting his own spell. He flew backwards nocking a statue over. Opal ran at the Knight as Aaron passed the disintegrating mage. Mot began to rush his chanting while drawing a sword to face Aaron.

He quickly thrust his sword at Mots stomach but was deflected to the side. Mot brought his sword around at Aaron’s side while Aaron jumped back while blocking with his swords.

Opal was having a hard time with the Knight as Kris went up behind him with her holy hammer and brought it down on his head. He collapsed to the ground as Opal’s blades tore through his flesh until his health bar was empty.

Laee was running across the room to help Aaron as Mot finished his chanting and a portal opened beside him. He quickly turned and stepped through it laughing. Aaron charged forward as it was closing and jumped through.

Laee, “Aaron No!”

The portal closed behind him leaving the guards, Laee, Kris and opal staring at where he vanished.

__ _ __

Aaron landed on hard rock rolling to his feet. He was standing on a rock ridge a few feet away from Mot. The sky was a deep purple filled with dark black clouds. Off in the distance was a dead forest and a volcano.

Mot turned around to face him, “Oh fallen you really are a fool to have followed me here.”

Aaron began to worry, “And why is the Mot.”

Mot laughed, “Let me welcome you to the netherworld fallen.”

[Enae, “You need to get out of there Aaron.”]

[Aaron, “And how can I do that!?”]

[Laee, “Aaron where are you!”]

[Enae, “he’s in the netherworld.”]

[Kris, “you Idiot you should not have followed him.”]

Aaron just stared at Mot as he gazed out over the landscape.

[Aaron, “so how can I get out of here then.”]

[Enae, “that’s going to be hard, since we don’t have the necessary spells we will have to find a nether gate or make a deal with one of the demons here.”]

[Aaron, “do you really expect me to make a deal with one let alone getting away from him.”]

[Enae, “I was only giving you the options I know of.”]

[Kris, “it would take some time but I could try and reopen the portal that you just went through.”]

[Aaron, “that’s better then the other options.”]

[Laee, “There’s a problem with your plan Kris.”]

[Kris, “and what would that be!”]

[Enae, “You don’t have the necessary tools on you, do you.”]

[Kris, “your right that will add even more time before It could be opened.”]

Mot frowned a moment before turning to Aaron, “I really should get rid of you now before crazed shows up.”

Mot stepped forward swinging his sword down at Aaron as he blocked it with his swords. He was sent flying from the force rolling across the hard rock. He quickly got up and ran at Mot while activating shadow step to get to mots side ready to strike. But before he could swing he was punched with Mots open hand sending him flying back once again.

Mot, “Is this all you got fallen how disappointing.”

As Aaron was half way up off the ground Mot kicked him nocking the breath out of him and sending him a few feet away. Aaron was beginning to get back up again but stop, as Mot stood frozen looking the opposite way.

Aaron turned his gaze from Mot and noticed that there where more demons appearing around them. These ones look more human then mot and other’s that he has seen but they still had horn’s, tails, wings and a few with claws. There was even a female demon just on the other side of Mot.

[Enae, “Kraet!”]

[Aaron, “who’s that?”]

[Enae, “she’s one of the chosen that we are looking for.”]

[Kris, “did you just say Kraet!?”]

[Enae, “yes Kraet and some others just showed up.”]

[Kris, “That demon better not touch Aaron.”]

[Laee, “I would love to have a drink with her again.”]

Aaron stopped listening to them while trying to get a better look at Kraet. She had long black purple hair similar to what the Japanese call the hime style hair cut. Her armor was similar to Aaron’s armor but had a Japanese style to it that was a black with red stripes. At her waist were two swords and an empty sheaf. In her hand was a sword that looked like a cross between a scimitar and a katana. Strapped to her fore arms where shuriken.

Kraet, “This is not your clans Territory Mot.”

Mot laughed, “So Crazed still hasn’t made his move yet, Oh well I’ll do it for him.”

Kraet, “what is it now Mot another of your threats. You know our clan is neutral to matters in the world.”

Mot, “Not anymore.”

Mot moved like a long blear streak at Kraet while the rest who tried to react where way to slow. Aaron activated shadow step and placed himself in front of Kraet his swords ready to strike. Mot was on top of him less then a second later stabbing his blade that was meant for Kraet’s heart into his stomach.

Aaron dropped one of his swords to hold onto Mots rist while he drove his other blade towards Mots heart but missed as his vision blurred from his health bar continuing to fall into the red 20% remaining of health. His blade still drove into Mots chest piercing one of his lungs.

Mot yelled in pain then spat up some blood, “You got me this time kid but don’t expect this a second time.”

Mot along with his sword turned into black smoke before vanishing into the wind. Aaron stood there a moment longer his health dropping slower now. He used his shaking hand to try and grab a health potion from his pouch but could not get a good hold as he began to fall backwards.

Kraet grabbed him as he was falling and slowly laid him on the ground. The other demons where moving towards him with their swords still ready. He continued to fumble for the potion until he saw Kraet’s face above him.

Kraet, “Who are you warrior?”

Aaron coughed some blood, “I’m Aaron…”Cough, “Enae’s Chosen.”

Aaron’s voice and only Kraet could hear it. As his vision began to turn black his health bar flashing at him she grabbed his potion and pored it in his mouth raising his health to the yellow but his vision still turned to black.

Kraet, “your safe with me chosen.”

Chapter 28 The Netherworld

Aaron found himself once again floating in an unending darkness.

Aaron, “Ah this is starting to get old.”

He began to look around as the area around him began to light up reveling the garden courtyard of Enae’s Domain.  As he looked around he noticed a few things were different then the last time he was there. He was standing next to a terraced walkway leading to some doors under and overhanging balcony. Aaron continued to turn around noticing more doors and parts of a keep. Soon as he turned halfway tuned around he finally found Enae standing by her flowers near a balcony that extended over a cliff face looking out at a beautiful scene of a valley.

He began to walk towards her and called out, “Enae do you know what’s going on here?”

She did not answer him or even notice as he stopped to stand at her side. Aaron lowered his arm to rest his hand on her shoulder but it just passed through her like he was not even there.

“Enae?!”

Aaron soon heard a sound behind him so he turned around to find the magic circle on the ground glowing as a person began to materialize. Soon the circle stopped glowing reveling Kraet in her ancient armor.

Enae picked one of her flowers sniffing it as she began to stand up and turn to face Kraet who was walking towards her now. She stopped as Enae turned to face her.

Enae, “so did you find what he warned us of?”

Kraet, “It looks like he was speaking the truth about the dark lord preparing for something though I do not believe he would likely target us.”

Enae stared into her flower while thinking about what she had just said.

“Looks like my new hand was telling the truth and of things that no mortal should know about.”

Kraet laughed, “So you are taking him at his word.”

Enae looked back to Kraet, “and why shouldn’t I? He has it in his possession after all.”

Kraet, “Or it could be an imitation.”

Enae, “do you really think I can not tell the difference between my own creations and an imitation?!”

Kraet, “forgive me Enae Its just so hard to believe what he has said.”

Enae, “He does spin a frightening and sad tale but be that as it may we should begin to prepare for the worst case with all haste as soon as possible.”

Kraet, “If we are to stop the dark lord the six of us should be enough. With my demons and the rest of our forces the great lord will be easy pray.”

Enae sighed and walked over to the balconies railing, “no if what he said is the truth we will need much more than the six of us and our realms. We will need the aid of the other gods.”

Kraet, “as if that is possible in the current situation. We are barely keeping the order between the gods as it is now. With all the brewing tensions and secrets I would not be surprised if another great war should fall upon Tellus and even the other realms.”

Enae gave a sigh, “he has also brought a prophecy of this coming war and that if the Dark lord is not stopped we shall see far worse then a struggle between the gods.”

Kraet, “then we must quickly convene with the others if we are to begin gathering support.”

Enae stood straight and turned towards the magic circle, “we shall call the other four before we convene with the other…”

Enae stood there for a moment staring off into the distance as if listening for something.

Kraet, “Enae what is… Oh it seems like we are to late to make the first move.”

Enae, “We may still have a chance but we must hurry.”

They began to head for the circle as it began to glow reveling Kris. Causing the two to pause.

Kraet, “why are you here Kris you should be keeping an eye on him.”

Kris, “I’m sorry I was distracted for a moment by the urgent calls about the Dark Lords forces then… he was just gone but I believe he should still be around somewhere.”

Enae, “just great we have a unknown chosen running about and the dark lords forces pushing into our realms. We don’t have much time we need to gather the others.”

The three of them quickly walked onto the magic circle as the scene vanished from Aaron’s sight.

___ __ ___

Aaron woke a moment later to find himself lying on the ground rapped up in a blanket with his body back to his old self. As he tried to get up sharp flares of the games numbing pain shot through him.

Kraet, “Don’t get up just yet your wounds have only been bandaged.”

Aaron was pushed back down and noticed that his head was resting on Kraet’s lap. His face blushed a deep red as he froze with embarrassment.

[Enae, “Get your head off her right now!”]

[Laee, “what whose got their hands on Aaron this time!”]

[Kris, “It better not be Kraet! If I find out it is, you are not going to like it the next time I see you.”]

Aaron began to get up again, “I can heal myself if you don’t mind.”

Kraet seemed to pout, “If that’s what you want.”

Aaron quickly stood up and used holy hand on himself holding it there seeing his health bar rise out of the orange and back up to green along with a pop up about his injury having healed. As his bar was nearly filled and his mana nearly depleted he stopped.

As he look around again Kraet was looking nervously off to the side where some of her companions were standing. Their hands were on their swords or spears one even had a crossbow almost at the ready.

[Aaron, “that probably was not a good idea to use holy magic near demon’s.”]

[Enae, “you should be fine with Kraet there but you are right about the demons now being weary of you. “]

[Aaron, “I hope your right.”]

Kraet, “As chosen and the next in line for being demon lord I have placed this Aaron under my protection as my guest.”

A demon stepped forward with one of his horns ending in a stump along with a long scar going across his forehead.

Spaazara, “This is against…”

Kraet, “Spaazara I know that you are here to keep an eye on me for father but do you really want to get on the wrong side of two Chosen?!”

Spaazara, “I will not stop you but it is against custom to bring in an outsider without the Demon Lords permission.”

Kraet, “I understand but it is important that no harm comes to Aaron.”

Spaazara, “As you wish chosen.”

Kraet turned back to Aaron while the other demons began to get in some kind of formation around them.

Kraet, “so have you found any of the other chosen Aaron?”

Aaron, “Yes, I’ve found Laee, and Kris.”

Kraet, “If you’ve found them then where are they currently?”

Aaron, “Well I was stupid and jumped through Mot’s portal… and well they are still in the deathly Isles.”

Kraet, “Well its lucky we ran into each other then. But I wonder why mot is attacking the surface right now.”

Aaron, “That’s going to be a long story.”

Kraet, “We currently have plenty of time while we are on our way to the nearby fortress.”

Aaron, “near by fortress?! Um Kraet I know this is the Netherworld but where exactly am I?”

Kraet laughed, “Well you are currently in my Clans territory west of our capital. Oh and for a general idea of where we would be on a map I would say we are under the deathly Isles though we are a separate realm from Tellus.”

Aaron, “so your clan owns a whole section of territory the size of the Deathly Isles?”

Kraet, “almost we have lost some territory in recent years and with the current attacks from Mots forces. Well in a way it would be a bit hard to tell the true size of our territory compared to the deathly isles. The Underworld has many levels let alone the main surface level that we are currently at and since there are no oceans in the netherworld it would still be hard to compare it to Tellus.”

Aaron, “so you still control a vast territory down here?”

Kraet shook her head, “No we are one of the smaller clans here in the netherworld.”

Aaron, “Sounds complicated.”

Kraet, “it is… well could you answer my question from earlier?”

Aaron, “Well for me it started with the tournament in Heavens training grounds…”

Aaron continued to explain what happened to him so far while he pulled up his stats window to see how completing that last battle had affected it along with a few other windows popping up with it.

You have leveled up!

You have leveled up!

You have leveled up!

You have leveled up!

Blade Proficiency leveled up!

Amidesxstis/Dual Wielding leveled up!

Status Window

Spoiler :

NameAaronPrimary ClassEnae's Chosensub ClassPirate Chief,genderNeutralheight6'4"Health2700Mana3500Level100TitleN/AHealth Regen/Sec25Mana Regen/Sec18Strength58Agility58Wisdom46Intelligence44Stamina50Vitality30Dexterity43luck3Faith2300Fame1400

Skills    Precise shot - Basic level 8, Blade Proficiency - Intermediate level 2, Bow Proficiency - Intermediat level 1, Knife Proficiency - Basic level 8, Amidexstris/dual wielding - Intermediate level 4, Repair - Basic Level 9,Handicraft- Basic level 7, Blacksmith - basic level 6, Carpenter - Basic level 2, Stealth - basic Level 6, Traps - basic level 4, Digging - Basic level 2, Construction - Basic level 2, First Aid - Basic level 5, Identify - basic level 7, Cooking - Basic level 4, Shout - Basic Level 2, Leadership - Basic level 4,    

Weapon FormsFeint, Slash, Stab, Whirlwind, Twin Blade, Enae's Form,

SpellsHoly aura: automatic, Demonic aura: automatic, Fireball, Fireblade, Fire Wall, Holy Hand

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

LanguageCommon, Ancient,

HeadEnae's Helmet: Durability 20/20 +6

NeckReinforced Scarf: Durability 20/20, Defense +8

Armor/TorsoEnae's Armor: Durability 35/40, Defense +16

ArmsEnae's Gauntlets: Durability 29/30 Defense +8, Pirate Chief Bandana 19/20 Defense +2,

Pants/LegsEnae's Armor: Durability 39/40, Defense +16

FeetEnae's Boots: Durability 20/20, Defense +10

Enae's ArmorDurability186/190 totalDefense66ArmorHeavyClassUltimate RareAbilitiesEnae was once the peace keeper of the gods along with five other goddesses to keep the the balance between the forces of the dark and light. Enae's armor was created from Mitheral and a rare forgotten metal of the gods along with part of Enae's flesh. This Armor was first worn by Enae and has now been passed down to her chosen. This armor Levels and evolves with the wearer. The wearer will also take the form of the goddess in combat and at randomevelutionStage 5Level90Evolutions Affects      Hawk- Do to players use of precision and speed Armor has morphed to accommodate adding +2 speed, Blacksmiths hands-Armor can now combine with certain items, Flame-Due to the heavy use of fire magic by the player fire runes have been added to armor raising fire attacks and allowing user to automatically cast Fire blade and fireball without an incantation, Pirate - due to players time at sea and pirate sub class the armor now has belt pouches and a number of areas to hide concealed weapons, Holy - Armor now has a higher defense against demonic attacks and gives off a soft glow,    

[td2]Dry Docks

Navy Stat WindowShips237City Ports3Clan's Island Level2Town and Village Ports164[/tds]

Pirate clan IslandPort6Technology4Dry Dock8Defences12Treasary (gold)78,000Fort16crews250Mines2

Region Stat WindowCulture50Research26Military60Faith65Transportation80Mines43Technology39Sanitation73%

Aaron had just finished placing his stats when Kraet stopped. He did not notice until he was a few steps in front of her. He quickly turned to face her.

Aaron, “is there something wrong Kraet?”

Kraet, “Did you just say that the Dark lord is commanding Mot, a Black High dragon, and…”

Aaron, “Yes that’s what I said, is there something wrong?”

Kraet, “My father needs to know about this, what else can you tell me?”

Right as Aaron was about to answer a black cloud of smoke formed in front of the group before forming into another demon. The guards and tensed up going for their weapons until the demon was fully visible before returning to their original stances.

Kraet, “what word do you bring messenger?!”

Messenger, “The fortress is under attack chosen, they are calling for aid.”

Kraet, “we’ll be there shortly, quickly find the other patrols and call them back to the fortress.”

The messenger quickly bowed then vanished in a cloud of smoke.

[Enae, “looks like this is going to be one long day.”]

[Aaron, “Ah and here I though I was going to be able to rest and have nice meal.”]

Chapter 29 A Fortress and the Demon Lord

Kraet, “We must quickly reach the fortress.”

The demons quickly changed positions while stepping up the pace that they where taking.

Aaron quickly caught up to Kraet who was at the head of the formation.

[Aaron, “probably should of asked earlier but should we have made a contract already.”]

[Enae, “I don’t think this is the time for it though it could greatly help us.”]

He quickly looked over to Kraet, “what’s the plan?”

Kraet shook her head, “We don’t know what we are up against s right now we are just going to do a quick scouting and probably take them from the rear.”

Aaron, “Good idea to scout it but are you sure we even have the numbers to take on a force large enough to lay siege to a fortress?”

Kraet, “obviously we don’t have the numbers but its still better then doing nothing and letting the fortress fall.”

He shook his head, “I’m not saying that we should do nothing but we need to think ahead on our main course of action instead of just running in.”

Kraet laughed, “You really are a strange one for a chosen.”

Aaron, “you think I’m strange then what about the drunk Laee?!”

Kraet, “well that may be a good point though I have no memories of them or fully unlocked my abilities yet.”

Aaron, “what do you mean Kraet?”

Kraet lowered her head for a moment before answering, “I have only recently have become chosen. The previous one… my mother died a few years back and following the chosen’s line of succession I became the next chosen.”

Aaron, “I didn’t know there was a chosen succession.”

[Enae, “Oh Kraet… Usually that does not happen unless the goddess was greatly weakened before taking on a Chosen. Chosen usually back in the day where our most trusted servant or believer who became part of us. But with the end of the war we lost our power and were forced to become one with our selected chosen or be sealed away.”]

Kraet looked away from him, “It’s a long story that we do not have time for now.”

Aaron noticed after his question that she looked saddened, “sorry.”

She did not reply for a moment, “we are getting close you better prepare yourself.”

Aaron checked his demonic sword and his only other good sword he had before they slowed coming out of the woods to a ridge crest. The sight revealed before him was beyond belief. There stood a massive fortress, which seemed pyramid like with three levels surrounded by an army of a few thousand. There where demons, undead, wraiths, Death hounds, Corrupted souls, bandits, rouges and a large number of beasts he had never seen before.

Aaron, “how are we going to defeat all those?”

Kraet seemed to be just as shocked, “I’m… I’m not sure but we should have reinforcements from the other regions poring in through the Fortresses portals.”

Aaron, “a lot of good that will do with them boxed in like this.”

Kraet was about to say something back when we heard a sound coming from off to their right. We quickly worked our way down the ridge making as little sound as possible. There they found an encampment for the enemy forces in a valley. At the mouth of the valley was a quickly assembled barrier and wall. A number of the enemy forces were waiting in the clearing behind the wall while more where working here and there through out the camp.

Deeper in there seemed to be a series of pens either filled with the demons riding beasts, horses, and a large number of captured demons. There where many woman and children that looked like they had been beaten and marched a long ways. The few elderly that were there seemed to be in the worst of shape of the group. There where a few men here and there but not as many as the woman or children.

Aaron, “whey is their pen’s of prisoners here?”

Kraet, “they are probably from the towns and villages in the area. The men will probably doing forced labor somewhere or worse. Those that are usually captured are usually used as slaves or…”

She did not finish as Aaron noticed some familiar figures around the pens as guards or moving equipment around. He could barely make out the members of Herculeses’ guild that had attacked him before then he saw them the three stooges beating up one of the elderly captured demons.

This enraged Aaron as he slowly drew out his demonic sword then the other as a black smoke began to form around him. He changed into Enae’s form as He quickly ran down the slope not thinking about anything other then killing those three idiots.

[Enae, “Aaron stop!”]

Kraet, “what are you doing?!”

Kraet tried to stop him but he already had too much of a lead. She thought about shifting to get in front of him but they would most likely be detected if that happened.

___ __ ___

Hercules, “what a pain, we may come back to life now instead of having to wait but we still lose all that experience.”

Mage, “well it is just a game we can easily earn it back.”

Chionis walked over with a small crate in his arms.

“ah boss you said to move the crates to… um where did you say to carry the crates to.”

Hercules slapped his forehead before turning to face Chionis.

“I said to carry them over to the guilds supply cash by our tents.”

Chionis was about to walk away when one of the elder prisoners limped up to them.

Elder, “could you please spare some water, my daughter is pregnant. With her husband missing…”

Hercules backhanded the elder across the face.

“You really should not be asking for anything from us beggar, or should I say slaves should not ask anything of their masters.”

Elder, “but my daughter needs the water or she and the child wont make it.”

Chionis set down the crate, “um boss do you want me to take care of this pest?”

Mage, “I could use a new guinea pig to test some of my spells on.”

Hercules thought a moment before kicking the elder to the dirt.

“Well Chionis you can have some fun with him then leave him so mage can have a test subject.”

Chionis popped his knuckles, “sure thing boss.”

He picked up the elder demon by his collar and punched him in the face before throwing him back to the ground. As the demon struck the dirt Chionis lifted up his boot and brought it down into his stomach repeatedly.

The other demons in the pen watched in horror as the elder continued to be beat. The daughter was weeping and trying to brake out of the hold of a few other women as she tried to get to her father. The elder slowly curled up into a ball while trying to ward off the continues blows.

Mage, “don’t do to much damage I still haven’t had my turn at him.”

The elder demon began to crawl away as Chionis turned to face the mage.

Chionis, “ah come one demons are stronger then the human Npcs.”

As the demon was almost four feet away from the two a boot came down on his back.

Hercules, “and where do you think you are going.”

Elder, “please have mercy.”

Hercules, “mercy now where have I heard that word… oh I know its what people usually say when they are weak and can’t stand up for themselves.”

He took his boot pining the elder to the ground and began kicking the demon laying on the ground.

The demons began turning away from the sight to block out the old man’s suffering for they could do nothing without becoming the next victim. The daughter was hysterical weeping and crying out for her father.

Elder, “please…Ah! Stop, please stop!”

Hercules, “oh did you hear anything Chionis?”

Chionis, “no can’t hear a thing boss.”

Hercules, “as I thought.”

He continued to beat the elder then turned to the daughter that had finally Brocken free of the other woman but was soon blocked by more.

Hercules, “oh it looks like we have another that want’s to join in the fun. Chionis why don’t you bring her over here. Mage you can have what’s left of this one.”

Mage, “its about time.”

He quickly took out his spell book and flipped through the pages.

Mage mumbled to himself, “oh which one should I use this time, life drain to boring, oh what about a light magic…”

Hercules watched as the woman where being shoved out of the way by Chionis to get to their next victim. He then heard a yell and was about to turn but stopped to watch the mage flying through the air past him. As the mage landed Hercules turned to see who had thrown him and found Aaron in Enae’s form standing there.

Hercules, “but… how did you get here you’re suppose to be in the Deathly Isles.”

Aaron, “Who cares what you think, I’m just taking out the trash.”

Hercules, “Trash! Ha you really want me to teach you a lesson.”

Aaron, “old man are you alright.”

The Elder was coughing up blood, “I’ll live and thank you stranger.”

Aaron, “don’t thank me yet we still are surrounded by an army of these guys.”

Hercules, ”Don’t just ignore me! Chionis get over here.”

Chionis, “but boss I just got the girl.”

Chionis walked up dragging the woman while the mage followed.

Hercules, “Oh good a hostage…” he turned to Aaron “are you still going to face us when it means the death of this woman.”

Aaron stood there a moment then smiled at something, “didn’t you forget about something.”

Hercules, “And what’s that?!”

“I never travel alone.”

Aaron vanished for a moment using Shadow step and appeared above Hercules, while Kraet and Spaazara appeared next to Chionis bringing their swords to his throat. Hercules quickly ducked out of the way while Chionis released the woman. She quickly ran to her father as more of Kraet’s patrol appeared around them or near other members of Hercules guild that where rushing over.

Kraet, “I thought you said we needed to plan ahead.”

Aaron, “I couldn’t just watch these three torcher someone.”

Kraet, “well at least I’ve learned something interesting.”

Aaron, “what was that.”

Kraet, “oh never mind, buy you know what you just did was very reckless.”

Aaron, “I wonder who I got that from.”

He remembered Laee and all those times she dragged them into a fight without any form of a plan and just winged it. With it all the time’s he was beaten by Crazed, and Mot… scratch that last one was his own fault.

[Laee, “Is that what you think of me Aaron?!”]

[Enae, “this isn’t the time to be distracted Aaron.”]

Hercules quickly vanished from sight while mage began casting one of his spells. Aaron quickly charged at the mage activating fire blade. Before Aaron was close enough the mage began to form a orb of green flame. He quickly brought his sword down across the mages right shoulder canceling out the Attack. The orb exploded releasing a greenish smoke and ash around them.

Hercules attacked Spaazara from behind but did not pierce the demons armor. With Spaazara distracted by Hercules, Chionis jumped back while nocking away kraet’s sword with his gauntlet.  Aaron looked over to Hercules as he drew out more daggers standing next to the mage who was back on his feet with his staff and book out.

Hercules sneered, “I think its time for a little payback and when I defeat you I will be greatly rewarded.”

Aaron quickly released one of his swords and slipped his free hand into one of his throwing knives pockets and threw it at Hercules foot. The blade slid right through his armor and boot and into the ground pining his foot. 

Aaron quickly grabbed his sword from the ground and charged forward. While Kraet has hacking away from Chionis who could barely block with his great sword he somehow managed to get off his back. Spaazara was slicing his way through Hercules guild members along with a few other men from the patrol. The remaining members of the patrol where directing the freed prisoners to head up through the trees and over the ridge. 

Hercules quickly tried to pull out the dagger while the mage began to chant while swaying back and forth. Aaron quickly charged at Hercules but was forced to stop as the mage finished his chant and began launching lightning bolts from his staff. He quickly dogged the first but was struck by the second sending him to his back tacking almost a third of his health away.

Mage, “Ha got him he should not…”

Aaron quickly used Shadow step to get above him.

Mage, “where did he…”

Aaron brought down his blades on the mage as he finished his short fall piercing through his back.  As the mage vanished as Aaron landed and rolled to his feet to face Hercules who managed to get the dagger out of his foot. 

Hercules used his stealth skill vanishing from sight causing Aaron to pause in a crouch. He quickly grabbed a hand full of dirt and straw from the ground before standing up to look around him. As he began to turn he was rammed from the side by Chionis throwing him to the ground.

Kraet had been pushing Chionis back until Hercules tried to backstab her. She barely managed to doge it as she tried to get around Chionis sword but was still grazed by the dagger. She continued to back up from where Hercules was while Chionis charged off. 

Aaron stared up at Chionis stunned for a moment as he began to lift his great sword. He quickly rolled to the side as the sword was brought down just managing to doge it. Quickly trying to get back up but Aaron was kicked back to the ground. He was once again looking back up at Chionis as he lifted his sword again.

Kraet kept an eye on her surroundings trying to find her invisible attacker. She slowly grabbed a small pouch of powder from her belt turning around to see Aaron on his back with Chionis singing his sword at him. She began to recite a spell while taking a step towards Aaron.  Hercules lunged at her from the side trying to strike at her neck but she jumped back and threw the power in his face blinding him. She quickly finished her spell causing Hercules to freeze where he was cursing from the powder that was covering his face.

Aaron continued to roll dodging a number of Chionis’s swings until he was positioned near one of his legs and kicked it out from under him as he was bringing his sword back up for another swing. Aaron quickly rolled to the side as Chionis fell forward on the ground dropping his sword. Aaron quickly got to his feet bringing his swords up to face Chionis as he was trying to get up with his sword back in his hand.

He quickly struck out with his demonic sword but was blocked as Chionis brought his sword up to block it. He was about to bring his other sword down at Chionis but jumped back as the great sword swung to take out his legs. Chionis quickly jumped to his feet while keeping his sword ready to strike or block.

Kraet quickly used demons flame igniting her sword with blue flame while stepping towards Hercules. 

Hercules, “please don’t!”

Kraet, “now who’s the one that’s begging.”

Hercules, “I’ll do anything just please don’t harm me.”

Kraet, “its far to late for that.”

Kraet stabbed Hercules in the chest lighting his leather armor on fire causing him to yell out. Kraet quickly drew back her sword and slit his throat.

Kraet, “that shut him up.”

Chionis quickly look back at Hercules when he yelled out giving Aaron an opening. Aaron quickly used fire blade and lunged forward and cut into Chonis’s arm with the flames burning into his flesh. Chionis jumped back and cursed as Kraet rushed over to help Aaron while Hercules character disintegrated.

Kraet stopped next to Aaron facing Chionis both their swords covered in flames. Chionis took a few nervous steps back moving his sword side to side trying to keep them at a distance. Aaron lunged forward bringing his swords down at Chionis side but was blocked. Kraet lunged forward as Chionis blocked cutting into his side. 

Chionis quickly stepped back but they continued to hack and slash at him.  After they got past Chionis’s guard a few more times he swung his sword at them trying to push them back to get some room. They quickly dogged it and jumped back in to hacking away at his health. 

Aaron, “we don’t have time for this.”

Spaazara finished another of Herculeses’ guild members and turned to see how Kraet was doing and noticed that they where having a hard time with Chionis. He quickly worked his way towards them.

Aaron cast fireball launching it at Chionis who blocked it with his great sword but sent him staggering a few feet back to within Spaazara’s reach. He quickly stabbed his sword into Chionis back before kicking him off his blade. Chionis fell to the ground dropping his sword while putting a hand over the exit wound from the blade. As he tried to get back up Spaazara quickly chopped off his head.

As Chionis’s body disintegrated his sword was left behind which Spaazara quickly grabbed and threw over his back. Aaron quickly looked around noticing that most of Hercules guild was now dead. He also noticed that the prisoner pens where now empty with the last of the prisoners heading over the ridge into the forest.

Aaron, “we should probably get out of here before we have some more company.”

Kraet, “I think we should do as much damage to this camp as we can before we fall back.”

Spaazara, “We can do that chosen but you should go back with the freed prisoners.”

Kraet, “no I’ll stay up here on the front.”

Spaazara, “Yes chosen but this fool almost got us killed.”

Aaron, “Well sorry I just didn’t want to see someone in need get killed.”

Spaazara, “You are not one of us… you should have been killed when we found you.”

Kraet, “Spaazara you are out of line! And Aaron we need to stop them and currently the best option is to destroy as much of the camp as possible.”

Aaron, “then we had better hurry before their forces regroup or get reinforcements.”

Spaazara quickly ran back to the rest of the patrol and told them to grab a torch and set fire to as many of the tents and fortifications as possible. Aaron quickly grabbed a torch from his inventory and stuck the tip in one of the nearby fires followed by Kraet. They headed towards the center of camp throwing open gates to animal pens and lighting tents on fire as they passed. Soon they began running into more of the dark lords forces that where beginning to organize. Aaron and Kraet quickly finished them off before heading on to the next line of tents.

They continued this process until they got to the center of the camp where the command tent was set up. Aaron quickly struck at the demon and bandit guards followed by Kraet. As they finished the guards they ran around the tent setting it on fire. Aaron quickly cut an opening in the back of the tent and hopped through. There were three generals and their aids running for the entrance while a few where trying to put the fire out before it could burn their notes and maps.

[Enae, “You should grab as much of those notes as possible.”]

[Aaron, “Why… oh to find out what they are planning?”]

[Enae, “Yes and it may help the demons.”]

[Laee, “What are you talking about what notes.”]

[Kris, “where are you!?”]

[Aaron, “I don’t have the time for twenty questions right now.”]

Aaron quickly killed the nearest aid before grabbing a number of papers and maps off the center table and stuffed them into his pack. Kraet had followed him in with another demon and began hacking through the aids and guards while the generals reached the exit. 

[Enae, “Aaron and Kraet are currently in combat with the Dark lords forces.”]

[Laee, “you sure like to get yourself into trouble Aaron.”]

[Kris, “your one to talk Laee getting into trouble around every corner.”]

[Aaron, “Can you all stop already its distracting.”]

They continued to bicker back and forth so he just blocked them out.

Aaron grabbed a few of the books and other items off the table before turning to face a guard that was charging at him. He quickly jumped back and blocked with his demonic blade.

Aaron lunged and stabbed at the guard with his other blade but was blocked while he brought his demonic blade around and chopped off the demons head. He quickly grabbed the loot as it dropped while stepping forward to face the next guard. Aaron swung his sword down at an angle but was blocked. While the blades where locked together Aaron kicked the guards chest pushing him back a step. 

Aaron lunged forward but was once again blocked by the guard. As he was about to swing his demonic blade he heard a sound coming from above him. He looked up while jumping back to see a part of the tents roof falling in. it landed on the guard who barely yelled out before he was struck by the burning cloth forcing him to the ground. Kraet quickly grabbed Aaron’s shoulder making him jump for a moment. 

Kraet, “We need to get out of here before the rest of the tent falls in on us.”

Aaron just nodded noticing that it was getting hard to breath. 

They quickly rushed out the front of the tent to more demons from the patrol fighting the dark lords forces. Aaron lunged at the nearest enemy, as he was about to strike one of the demons from the patrol. He quickly blocked it with his demonic blade and stabbed into his chest with his other sword. 

Kraet followed right at his side attacking the next enemy. They continued to hack their way through while the fires continued to spread through the camp. Soon they reached the valleys mouth leading to the plains around the fortress. The camps defenses right in front of them with a large enemy force heading right for them.

[Enae, “there are way to many of them, you need to get out of there.”]

Aaron, “There’s to many for us to face out there.”

[Kris, “now what is he surrounded again.”]

Kraet, “we need to fall back to the woods.”

[Laee, “ha… what?!”]

 Spaazara, “we’ve drawn enough away from the main battle that the fortress should be able to make a push.”

[Enae, “the main enemy force is currently charging strait at Kraet and Aaron.”]

Aaron, “but wouldn’t it be a better strategy to have the main force stay in the fortress and another attack from behind enemy lines.”

[Kris, “get out of there!”]

Spaazara, “what do you think we are doing?!”

[Aaron, “I’m trying!”]

[Laee, “hiccup…”]

[Kris, “Really Laee now is not a time to drink.”]

Aaron, “we don’t have enough men for a confrontation out here.”

Kraet, “the other patrols have finally made it here so we have more men but your right it still is not enough.”

Spaazara, “we can hold them off here for a time but we need to use hit and run tactics.” 

The defensive barrier began to go up in flames as the army drew closer. 

Spaazara, “men get ready!”

The demon soldiers from the patrols began to fall into formations around the barriers gaps. As the enemy grew closer they began to hear yelling but it was not the sound they expected to hear from a charging enemy but from one that are in a full out retreat. The enemy began to notice the burning fires of the camp. Some stopped and where trampled over by the men behind them. The confusion continued to spread through the ranks and they started to split off into random groups some going off into other directions on the plains or to the ridges and forests around the valley. Still a portion of the enemy headed strait towards the camp.

They came straight on at them towards the burning barriers as the Demons from the patrols drew or readied their weapons. As the enemy force neared they did not slow down they just continued to charge. The enemy rammed the burning defenses toppling sections while others where impaled on stakes. Men here and there where screaming out in pain as fire burned their bodies. The enemy ran into the demons almost forcing them back while barely buckling under the force.

Aaron continued to hack and slash as the enemy continued to climb over the barricade and the dead. He killed a rouge and bandit here a demon and ghoul there. They just continued to poor through the barricade. As he finished off another demon he heard a roar from over the barricade. As he looked at the barricade he began to see the head of a rock troll and soon its shoulders as it continued to draw near. It lifted up its club and brought it down on the barricade crushing it and the people standing around it.

Aaron quickly jumped onto club then to a portion of the still standing barricade. The Troll lifted up its club to swing it down again Aaron jumped back down the barrier while striking a bandit trying to climb over the barricade. 

The Barricade shock from the clubs blow almost sending Aaron over the side. Aaron quickly cut into the trolls arm trying to lift the club back up. It howled in pain and used its other arm to try and grab him. He jumped up onto the trolls arm then to its shoulder as it swung its injured arm at him. Aaron quickly began to hack away at the troll cutting into its shoulders and neck. It continued to try and throw him off but eventually it swung its arm back missing him. He lost his balance from dogging the blow and fell off over its back. 

Aaron quickly used Shadow step to strike at the back of its leg Causing It roared out as it fell forward into the burning barricade. Its roar began to turn into screams as it continued to burn while trying to get back up. Kraet covered in a mix of blood jumped up onto it and slit its throat before jumping down next to Aaron.

They turned to face more of the oncoming enemy who now spaced out as the faster living had already arrived. What remained in front of them where stragglers and the undead portion of their army.

Aaron, “how many more of them are there?!”

Kraet, “I don’t know…”

Aaron quickly whipped his swords on a cloth before sliding his blades back into their scabbards on his belt. He quickly pulled out his bow and aimed at the necromancers mixed into the undead. The first one he shot was beginning to chant one of its undead resurrection spells stopping it in its tracks. He then aimed at the next necromancer as Kraet killed the first of the oncoming undead.

Aaron continued to fire arrows until the mass of undead was to close so he switched back to his swords. He quickly cast his fire blade spell before cutting an undead in half. Another undead staggered forward with its ax raised for a swing. He quickly stepped to the side missing its swing and cut off its arms before kicking it back into the growing mass of undead. He continued to cut into the undead until they where surrounded back to back.

Aaron, “This reminds me of the old ruins.”

Kraet, “What are you talking about at a time like this.”

Aaron, “this reminds me of the time I was surrounded by the undead while becoming Enea’s Chosen though the ruins funneled them into small numbers…”

[Enea, “now’s not the time for this Aaron.”]

[Aaron, “I know…”]

[Kris, “What’s going on now?!”]

[Enea, “Aarons surrounded by undead right now.”]

[Kris, “if only I was there I could use my hammer on them.”]

[Laee, “Ah… jussst usse fire sssttorm on tthem.”]

[Aaron, “I don’t know fire storm!”]

Kraet split open one of the undead’s skulls as it charged at her.

Kraet, “And how did you get out of that one.”

Aaron, “I used a magic circle to teleport to Enae’s domain.”

Kraet cut down another undead, “I’m really growing sick of this.”

Aaron thought for a moment and quickly chanted Firewall blocking the oncoming undead from getting to them without walking through the fire. 

Kraet, “Why didn’t you cast it earlier.”

Aaron, “I was running low on mana… and… well I haven’t used it in a while.”

They continued to hack away at the undead around them until there was no undead on their side of the firewall. Aaron watched as the undead turned away from the firewall towards the Fortress plains. Soon he heard metal striking metal so he climbed to the top of the barricade noticing a number of the demons still stood on the opposite side.

As he turned he spotted more demons dressed like Kraet’s patrol. There was a large mass working its way through the undead while a few other groups chased after the retreating enemy.

Kraet quickly climbed up next to him and looked over the battlefield also spotting the demons forces heading towards them.

Kraet mumbled, “Father…”

Aaron, “What was that?”

Kraet, “My father the demon lord is leading that charge.”

Aaron quickly scanned the demons working their way towards them and spotted a Demon in black armor with red strips along with a blue flower emblem on his shoulders. As they got closer Aaron noticed that the man was about seven feet tall.

Aaron pointed to him and nervously asked, “is that him?"

Kraet nodded, “yes that’s him.”

Aaron groaned inside, [“that’s not going to be good.”]

[Enae, “what do you mean.”]

[Aaron, “oh nothing just a seven foot demon lord I need to make friends with… what more should I say.”]

[Kris, “don’t trust the demons Aaron their evil.”]

[Laee, “Ask them for some of their sake if you will.”]

[Enae, Kris, “Laee!!!”]

Aaron, “is there anything I should know or worry about right now?!”

Kraet, “don’t worry stick with me and you will be fine.”

As the demons finish off the last of the undead Aaron lowered the Firewall and climbed down with Kraet. Then waited at the base of the ruined barricade which still burned in spots. Spaazara lead what remained of the patrols through the barricade and stopped a few feet away from us while the demon lord stepped forward.

Demon Lord, “it is good to see you’re alright daughter.”

Kraet, “Thanks father I would not have made it this far if it wasn’t for Aaron here.”

The Demon Lord turned to face Aaron, “Aaron is such a strange name for a woman.”

Kraet, “Father he is a chosen like myself.”

The Demon Lord frowned when she said he and looked Aaron up and down trying to find something.

Demon Lord, “Look’s like a woman to… Me.”

Aaron turned back to his normal form before the Demon Lord could finish his sentence. As he stared at Aaron his face became stone cold not revealing any emotion he may have.

Chapter 30 Prisoner or Guest

Demon Lord, “I ask that you please laydown your weapons and armor.”

Kraet stepped between he father and Aaron, “What are you doing father!?”

Demon Lord, “Get out of the way Kraet, Spaazara please take his weapon’s.”

Kraet, “No what are you doing He’s my guest! And under…”

The Demon Lord stared Kraet down, “Step aside now.”

Aaron quickly unbuckled his belt holding most his weapons. Kraet turned to face him.

“You don’t have to do this Aaron.”

Aaron, “It would be for the best to fallow his instructions right now.”

Spaazara, “Do not speak to her, you do not have the right to speak to the Demon Lord or his family.”

Aaron turned to him with pure anger but did not say anything. He just dropped his belt with his weapons on the ground. One by one Aaron dropped a few of his obviously hidden knives on top but left a few still hidden.

Spaazara, “The pack to!”

Aaron quickly took his pack off and set it next to his pile of weapons. 

[Aaron, “I feel like I’m being robbed.”]

[Enae, “Kraet will make sure nothing happens to it…”]

[Aaron, “I hope so I’ll be losing a lot of items.”]

[Kris, “I told you not to trust the demons.”]

[Laee, “Ah I want sake.”]

[Aaron, “its either that or… probably something worse.”]

Spaazara, “Now the armor.”

Aaron frowned, “I’m sorry but I am unable to take off my Armor.”

Spaazara put his hand on the hilt of the great sword on his back.

Kraet, “Stop Spaazara!”

Spaazara stopped with the blade partly drawn before looking to the Demon Lord. The Demon Lord stood there starring at Aarons Demonic sword before looking up.

“What do you mean you are unable to take off the armor.”

Aaron, “It is an armor created by the Goddess Enae who is sealed in it… It is unable to come off.”

Spaazara, “do not lie to the Demon Lord Human.”

Aaron turned to look at Spaazara, “I am not lying it is… for a lack of words cursed so that I cannot take it off.”

Demon Lord, “then that shall be enough.” He quickly motioned to one of his guards who stepped forward and removed a pair of shackles.

Kraet, “don’t do this father!”

[Enae, “no Aaron be carful those are dangerous.”]

[Kris, “what’s happening!!!”]

Aaron quickly blocked them out.

Demon Lord, “Stay out of this.”

Kraet, “No he is a fellow chosen.”

Demon Lord, “enough I am taking precautions because he is one.”

Kraet stood there staring at him mouth agape unable to say another word.

Aaron nervously stood there as the demon continued to step forward opening up the shackles and slid them over his rists closing them. A window popped up.

Prisoner!

Warning: Demonic shackles prevent prisoner from using magic or access to items.

Aaron quickly closed the window pop up and watched as his pile of weapons and pack where picked up by a few members of Kraet’s patrol but Spaazara quickly unclipped the demonic sword from the belt and brought it forward to the Demon Lord.

Demon Lord, “what an interesting sword for a human to have.”

He took the sword from Spaazara and looked at the runes along the sheath and handle before trying to pull the blade out. The sword would not leave its sheaf as he tried a few more times before handing it back to Spaazara.

Demon Lord, “Was… Aaron able to wield this sword Spaazara?”

Spaazara lowered his head a bit, “Yes my Lord the human was able to wield the sword.”

The Demon Lord Looked at Aaron for a moment before turning away giving orders to his men. Kraet quickly spook to a few members of the patrol before standing next to Aaron.

“Sorry about that my father has been overly cautious and harsh since the other clans began to attack again.”

Aaron was about to say something back but was shocked by the shackles on his arms.

Kraet, “please don’t talk while those are on they will shock you.”

[Aaron, “Just great I’m hating this already.”]

[Enae, “I warned you about the shackles.”]

[Aaron, “What was I suppose to do! fight them or argue with them…”]

[Enae, “well that would of caused more trouble for you.”]

[Aaron, “Well That’s better then nothing… why isn’t Laee and Kris talking?”]

[Enae, “you won’t be able to hear them while the shackles are on.”]

[Aaron, “Is this a blessing or a curse… well what ever lets see where this takes me.”]

[Enae, “Be careful Aaron.”]

Kraet looked down for a moment, “Follow me.”

Aaron quickly followed Kraet with what remained of her patrol surrounding us. We worked our way through the war torn field heading towards the fortress. The Demon lord was ahead of them heading to where some skeleton horses and lizards tethered with some men keeping watch. He and his entourage continued to talk over matters while mounting their steeds.  

Aaron followed Kraet who walked past the animals heading towards the fortress. Body’s littered the field in patches here and there where demons were sorting through the dead. They laid out their fellow demon bodies in long rows while throwing the enemies bodies into large bonfires after the bodies where stripped of gear. 

The Demon Lord and his entourage soon crossed the field to the fortress at a fast pace. As they neared the fortress Aaron was soon able to make out its features. The walls where made of a dark purple black stone forming a massive square with tall Japanese style towers at its corners. Instead of a keep it had a massive four-step pyramid with another Japanese style building at the top. Soon they were standing at a massive gate with an overhang to attack rams and siege weapons. The roof had a large amount of red clay shingles that had a few shattered by arrows.

As Aaron stepped through the gate there were a number of demons repairing the damage or resting in groups. While passing the first group of demons they all began to stare at him. A human being escorted by Kraet and her patrol covered in blood head to toe. A few stood up and made comments to each other in a language he could not understand.

[Aaron, “I’m wondering if I’m ever going to get out of here.”]

[Enae, “that’s what you get for jumping through Mot’s portal but at least we found Kraet.”]

They continued to cross the massive courtyard heading towards a ring of pillars and guards surrounding a rotating metallic ring. As they neared a guard stepped forward and bowed to Kraet.

Guard, “what is your destination my lady?”

Kraet, “The capital.”

The guard quickly looked over at Aaron, “not the prison my lady?”

Kraet, “Aaron here is my guest he will be treated as one or you will have to deal with me.”

The guard quickly bowed again, “As you wish my lady.”

The guard quickly gestured to a demon in robe’s who activated the gate. A magic circle with demonic letters circling the edge appeared as the ring stopped rotating. Slowly it settled to the ground and in the strange metallic ring showed a city plaza instead of the fortress courtyard on the other side of it.

a few members of the patrol stepped through meeting some of the guards on the other side. They talked back and forth for a moment before the guard waved them through. 

Kraet stepped forward while looking at Aaron, “This is our capital Kish.”

Aaron followed stepping through the gate giving him a slight tingling sensation. As he reached the other side he saw a massive city before him with demons walking back and forth. As he took a few more steps and stopped he noticed a number of things. All the demons around him were humanoid looking very human to people with wings, tails, and a few other features. The City was a mix of organic and rugged looking buildings made up of black and white stone. Most of the roofs where a red or orange color while flags where all over the place.

[Aaron, “This place is amazing.”]

[Enae, “there where once many cities like this around the continent.”]

[Aaron, “I could easily imagine great cities but none like… did you say that there was once many like this one.”]

[Enae, “Yes though I’m not sure how many or left or if there have been any built over the years.]

He looked over to Kraet who was smiling at his shocked face. She motioned for him to follow. They began to head off the plaza towards a massive Citadel that was also considered to be the palace of the Demon Lord. The building had massive towers buildings and rows of walls. The buildings were designed around much of Asia’s ancient architecture ranging from ancient japan and China to the early Babylonians.

[Aaron, “Is this all one culture! There is to much of a variety.”]

[Enae, “I’m not sure, It has changed since I was last here… Kraet should know more.”]

[Aaron, “I wish I could talk right now.”]

As he continued on into the street’s he noticed that many of the demon’s stared at him as he passed. Many of the demons ranged in a wide range of colors from cloths to skin. They lowered their voices as he passed. Some kids even grabbed rocks and threw them at him with one managing to hit him in the head before the patrol members could scare them off.

Kraet made sure he was all right before they continued on their way. They continued on through the city slowly getting closer to the castle that seemed to be still off at a distance. As they went Aaron spotted oddly shaped fruits, odd pets, potions, and many other items that people were selling. 

[Enae, “they still have those… I wish I could eat them once again.”]

[Aaron, “what was that.”]

Aaron looked back at one of the fruits that look like a cross between a grape fruit and a coconut. 

[Enae, “those use to be a rare delicacy in my time.”]

[Aaron, “it doesn’t look like it would be that good.”]

one of the patrol member elbowed Aaron urging him to continue onward.

The closer they got to the citadel the more the building and atmosphere changed. Stores, Taverns and houses began to be replaced by mansions, theaters, and arenas. There where also a military barracks here and there along with large training courtyards.

Once the walls where a few hundred yards away the buildings stopped before a massive moat. In front of them was a long stone bridge leading to a gate and wooden drawbridge at the end. He quickly looked to his right and left seeing bridges off in the distance. 

They continued on across the bridge with a two guards standing across from each other every hundred feet or so. Aaron watched one of them as he passed but they just stared strait ahead as they passed seeming to almost be like statues.

Once at the gate a guard quickly walked out of the guardhouse.

“It is good to see you return my lady.”

Kraet, “Thank you how have things been since I left.”

The guard looked nervous, “there has not been much of a change chosen… I mean my Lady.”

Kraet, “thank you and…”

Aaron noticed that the guards seemed a little easygoing with Kraet but also seemed nervous at times.

Guard, “Do you wish for some of my men to escort your prisoner to the dungeons my lady?”

Kraet, “No He is my guest so he will stay with me.”

The guard looked at Aarons shackles, “As you say my lady.”

Passing through the gate they entered another courtyard with a large stable on one side, the Citadels doors in front of them and a large training area to the other side. Men continued to spar and fight targets while others stood around chatting.

They where about to enter into the massive citadel doors but stopped as Spaazara came galloping in on a large lizard. He quickly came to a stop before dismounting and handing its raens to a stable hand that had hurried over.

Spaazara, “Chosen what do you think you are doing? Your father wished …” he paused for a second looking over at Aaron, “that your guest was to be taken to the underground prison.”

Kraet, “He is my guest so he will stay in my wings guest courters.”

Spaazara, “but Chosen…”

Kraet, “No buts Spaazara he will stay in my wing and that’s final.”

Spaazara, “At least let me post guards so he can not harm you.”

Kraet, “He will not harm me, if anything he’s the one that is most likely to be harmed here in the underworld.”

Spaazara, “I must insist…”

Kraet, “you may post no more then four guards.”

Spaazara, “yes, my lady.”

They entered into a great hall that seemed to stretch over a mile before ending with another massive door. There was a large number of staff ranging from maids to upper class demons going about their business. As they continued they passed doors and little lounge or waiting areas. With each passing section of rooms Aaron notice that there was a line of holes running across the ground from wall to wall. As he looked up he saw large mettle gates raised to the sealing.

About halfway down the hall they entered what seemed to be a servant’s stairwell. They headed up the stairs and continued down another hall. They repeated this process a number of times with another new layout each time making Aaron think of it as one big labyrinth. Most of the patrol started to break off heading in other directions as they came to what seemed to be around the thirtieth floor. All that was left in their group was Kraet, Spaazara and six other patrol members.

As they rounded a corner Aaron found himself facing a long hallway with a number of doors that ended a few hundred feet away. They walked halfway down and stopped in front of a door.

Kraet opened the door, “This will be your room while you stay here Aaron.”

They walked into a small living area with a few chairs, a table and something resembling a couch. On the right side was two doors leading to other rooms while on the left was a single door leading to a large bedroom with its own bathroom and small closet. Aaron easily compared it to an apartment hat his family had once lived at.

Kraet stepped in front of Aaron and quickly grabbed his shackles.  Her hands glowed for a moment before the shackles fell open. She quickly handed them to one of the six patrol members while Aaron tried to rub his rists even though they where covered in armor.

Kraet, “I’m sorry about my father. Ill needs to talk to him and work some things out so it might be a while before I can get a chance to meet with you again.”

Aaron cleared his throat, “It’s fine I wasn’t sure what to expect or…”

[Kris, “Are you guys there?”]

[Aaron, “Yes, I can hear you.”]

[Laee, “I wasss worrieed about you!”]

[Enae, “he’s fine right now, though things could be better.”]

[Kris, “What do you mean.”]

[Aaron, “well I’m Kraet’s guest while also being the Demon Lords prisoner it seems.”]

[Kris, “I told you not…”]

[Aaron, “Enae could you fill them in on what they’ve missed.”]

Aaron quickly blocked them out and noticed Kraet was staring at him.

“Sorry the other chosen were worried about me.”

Kraet, “oh I forgot the chosen have a telepathic link.”

Spaazara reached for his sword, “so you are a spy.”

Aaron, Kraet, “No!!!”

Kraet, “the chosen… goddesses can communicate to each other.”

Aaron, “My friends are just worried about me and what could I really tell them.”

Spaazara, “As you say Chosen.” He turned to Aaron, “I’m keeping an eye on you.” 

He quickly left leading the Patrol members out while giving them orders to guard the door.

Kraet, “I’m sorry again about this.”

Aaron, “don’t worry about it.”

Kraet, “Well I must be going.”

Aaron watched her leave with the door closing behind her before turning to look at the room again. He quickly looked around the rooms before sitting on the bed in the master bedroom. 

[Aaron, “Oh great I forgot to ask her to reform the contract again.”]

[Enae, “It would not have been the best timing for it.”]

Sighing Aaron quickly opened his stat window to look at his stats and see if anything changed.

Level Up!

Level Up!

Level Up!

Level Up!

As Aaron looked at his stats he added more points where he thought they should go.

Spoiler :

NameAaronPrimary ClassEnae's Chosensub ClassPirate Chief,genderNeutralheight6'4"Health2900Mana3700Level104TitleN/AHealth Regen/Sec26Mana Regen/Sec20Strength60Agility60Wisdom47Intelligence45Stamina50Vitality30Dexterity43luck3Faith2300Fame1400

Skills    Precise shot - Basic level 8, Blade Proficiency - Intermediate level 2, Bow Proficiency - Intermediat level 1, Knife Proficiency - Basic level 8, Amidexstris/dual wielding - Intermediate level 4, Repair - Basic Level 9,Handicraft- Basic level 7, Blacksmith - basic level 6, Carpenter - Basic level 2, Stealth - basic Level 6, Traps - basic level 4, Digging - Basic level 2, Construction - Basic level 2, First Aid - Basic level 5, Identify - basic level 7, Cooking - Basic level 4, Shout - Basic Level 2, Leadership - Basic level 4,    

Weapon FormsFeint, Slash, Stab, Whirlwind, Twin Blade, Enae's Form,

SpellsHoly aura: automatic, Demonic aura: automatic, Fireball, Fireblade, Fire Wall, Holy Hand

LanguageCommon, Ancient,

HeadEnae's Helmet: Durability 18/20 +6

NeckReinforced Scarf: Durability 19/20, Defense +8

Armor/TorsoEnae's Armor: Durability 31/40, Defense +16

ArmsEnae's Gauntlets: Durability 25/30 Defense +8, Pirate Chief Bandana 19/20 Defense +2,

Pants/LegsEnae's Armor: Durability 34/40, Defense +16

FeetEnae's Boots: Durability 20/20, Defense +10

Enae's ArmorDurability127/190 totalDefense66ArmorHeavyClassUltimate RareAbilitiesEnae was once the peace keeper of the gods along with five other goddesses to keep the the balance between the forces of the dark and light. Enae's armor was created from Mitheral and a rare forgotten metal of the gods along with part of Enae's flesh. This Armor was first worn by Enae and has now been passed down to her chosen. This armor Levels and evolves with the wearer. The wearer will also take the form of the goddess in combat and at randomevelutionStage 5Level90Evolutions Affects      Hawk- Do to players use of precision and speed Armor has morphed to accommodate adding +2 speed, Blacksmiths hands-Armor can now combine with certain items, Flame-Due to the heavy use of fire magic by the player fire runes have been added to armor raising fire attacks and allowing user to automatically cast Fire blade and fireball without an incantation, Pirate - due to players time at sea and pirate sub class the armor now has belt pouches and a number of areas to hide concealed weapons, Holy - Armor now has a higher defense against demonic attacks and gives off a soft glow,    

[td2]Dry Docks[td2]4[/tds]

Navy Stat WindowShips237City Ports3Clan's Island Level2Town and Village Ports16

Pirate clan IslandPort6Technology4Dry Dock8Defences12Treasary (gold)78,000Fort16crews250Mines2

Region Stat WindowCulture50Research26Military60Faith65Transportation80Mines43Technology39Sanitation73%

Aaron gave it one final look noticing it was time to get up and head out for classes. He quickly closed the window before summoning the log out window.

[Aaron, “Well Enae it looks like its time for me to head out.”]

[Enae, “oh you mean to classes?”]

[Aaron, “yes and its going to be one long day.”]

[Kris, “Please come back soon.”]

[Laee, “Hurry and find a way for us to have another drink together.”]

[Aaron, “see you guys later.”]

He quickly hit the log out button and everything faded away.

__ ___ __

Alan finished all of his classes for the day but had a lot of work to do so he staid at the library late into the night. Noticing the time he quickly packed his books and headed out before the library staff could nag at him to get out.

He quickly turned his phones app on revealing Enae on the screen as he walked out the door.

Enae, “Are your classes done for the day?”

Alan, “yes just had to stay and work on some things for classes.”

Enae, “Oh what time is it there.”

Alan quickly crossed a street before looked at his phones clock, “its just turning eleven pm.” 

Enae, “I didn’t know it was that late.”

Kris walked on from the side of the screen, “you better hurry and find a way to escape those demon’s.”

Alan, “I’m not sure I should but I’ll think of a plan.”

Laee stumbled into Kris, “Ah sorry… Oh Aaron what are those bright lights behind you.”

Alan quickly looked over his shoulder and noticed a truck doing wild loops in one of the schools parking lots.

Alan, “oh just look’s likes some crazy students either drunk driving or doing some stupid stunts.”

Alan quickly turned along the sidewalk heading down the winding road to the dorms. Some tree’s where spaced out to one side.

Kris, “so how long until you get back.”

Alan, “Oh I shouldn’t be that long.”

Laee started to sing her mead song again swinging her mug back and forth. Kris looked over at Laee while placing a palm to her head.

Enae, “Can’t wait till… Aaron Look out!”

__ ___ __

Steven kept his car turning while sipping at his beer, “this is fun.”

Alex laughed, “You said it man.”

Justin, “hey lets go get some more beer.”

Steven downed the last of his can, “sounds good to me.”

Steven straitened out his truck while throwing his empty can out a window at a parked car. They all cheered as they left the parking lot onto the winding road.

Alex, “hay look who does that remind you of.”

Justin, “oh he look’s just like that punk from the game.”

Steven, “He sure does...”

He quickly hit the accelerator and drove towards the student walking along as he remembered the anger from being killed twice in the same day.

___ _ ___

Alan noticed the bright lights as he turned his head. As he looked the truck was going over the curb heading right at him. He froze for a second before jumping towards the open lawn. He thought he was going to make it until his legs were slammed into by the front of the truck making a sickening sound and sending him spinning through the air.

He barely saw the tree as his flailing arm struck it before the rest of his body. Pain seared through his chest as he feel nocking the air out of him. Slowly he rolled his neck while dazed his vision was clouded with white specks.

Enae, “Aaron where are you, Are you alright.”

Alan could barely hear her let alone make out what she was saying.

Kris, “he need’s help!”

Laee, “how are we suppose to help him?!”

Alan moaned out as sharp pain shot through his body.

Enae, “he said there was an emergency number on his… There!”

His phone started to ring while he began to bleed out. He watched as the truck speed further down the road weaving back and forth. He tried to lift his arm but it would not move from its broken angle.

His vision began to fade to black as he heard, “What’s your emergency.” 

----------------------------------------

this is anoying i fixed almost everything then it made me restart then the spacing not right fixing it right now

Fixed what i could now spaced out but the tables outside the spoiler tabs are inside the code but they still show up outside it. will try to fix again some time later...