“Sorry about this” Drakon comments turning his fist into iron and violently striking Aries’ face brining a cracking sound breaking his jaw. Aries falls to the ground in massive pain and looks up a Drakon with shocking anger, “I can’t have you saying something wrong in front of Colossus” Drakon ends with a serious look as he teleports both to the tower.
Seeing Colossus for the first time intimidated Aries but when Drakon gave Colossus the news of their first failing attempt at finishing off the three children Colossus grew a nightmarish look. With lightning sparking across his horns and in his eyes he lifted Drakon from the ground telekinetically into the air and in joint use of another spell began to melt parts of his face and arm skin with an acidic sizzle, screaming in pain Colossus looked to him,
“You didn’t KILL them! I want those children dead not excuses” Colossus yelled in a demonic tone shaking the infrastructure and seeing the terror displayed by Colossus, Aries shifted his sight to the side of the room to have his vision captured by the ravenous beauty Sephinroth, leaning against the wall she turned to his direction hosting to him a winking smile. Snapping up his attention again Colossus raised Aries into the air bringing him towards him, Aries stared deep to the frightful vision of Colossus’s lightning blue eyes as he heard the words Colossus said clear as crystal “Who are you?”
“His jaw is broken” Drakon groans out barely being able to speak through the pain he bared and with a telekinetic thought did Colossus realign Aries’ jaw to speak.
“Aries…I’m Aries” The Drow stuttered out “leading Captain of the under realm led by Matriarch Sophie, who if you permit me can bring you those whom you seek”
“You’re lying,” responds Colossus and he slowly crushes Aries’s windpipe
“I’m not my lord” he gasps and to his eyes Colossus sees Aries fearing him as much as his own Matriarch, releasing both to the ground having both gasping for a breath Drakon speaks up “I didn’t know that he had an army at his disposal I swear” Drakon pleaded out and Colossus snapped to his plea, being struck now by a bolt of lightning through his body Drakon cries out in agonizing pain as the open bleeding wounds dripping to the floor left by the acid cauterize closed.
“Silence you fool” Thundered Colossus as he walked back up to Drakon who was lifted again to match Colossus’s eye height “I spent years looking for virtuous evil partners to aid me in this quest and from all the potential power I picked you, and this list of disappointments is how I get paid in return, under the word of this one I will give you one final chance at redeeming yourself but heed my warning, if you don’t succeed this time you had better wish you die at the hands of the enemy for it will be minor in comparison to what you will suffer coming to me again with yet another failure” and ending his speech does Colossus flick his hand sending Drakon into the wall of the great tower. Shaking his head Drakon looks to the stance of Sephinroth to who he was thrown beside he sees her smiling and an offered hand to let him up “You should have seen him earlier when his Droknor first told him you failed, that was gross…poor Droknor, all he got to say was you failed” she mentioned as Drakon get to his feet on his own accord.
“Now leave my sight and don’t return until those children are on this table” Colossus commanded and with a wave of Colossus’s hand did he teleport the two from his sight. Looking at Sephinroth with annoyance his eyes followed as she strutted to the table to take a seat, Colossus senses pick up a feeling and with his eyes back to normal he guides his purplish pupils to a shadowy corner at the south end “I can smell your vampiric power a realm away; have you brought me what I seek…Logan” emerging from the darkness Logan came to the light of the flickering flames with all swords strapped to there holdings and his grip with the blade piece Colossus wished for.
“I have it” replied Logan who tossed to the air the item. Catching it to his massive palms did Colossus gazed to it’s unique design, Logan held a disgruntled look to his face and as Colossus studied the part to his grip he spoke up “I have been informed that my foothold to the city of Silverspire has been lost…I’m taking a short leave to reclaim it” Colossus snapped his sight again to the vampire “Aries and Drakon are on the task, you will remain to my side unseen for now” and striking with a look of heat Logan lashed out “It’s my city and my ways are set there already, those young fools will only screw it up getting you your idiotic infants, I won’t let that happen”
“There’s more at stake than your hurting pride or the regaining of a minor revenue source, you will stay away from there until they’re done you here me” Colossus said sternly and Logan only glared back at him with serious eyes, spinning fast putting his back to the Minatare did Logan’s cape spray to the air beaming to Colossus sight the Nod symbol he held to it and saying nothing Logan dissipates to a misty exit.
Back on the regular existing plane Drakon and Aries stumble to their feet; with furious eyes Drakon grabs Aries holding flame in his hand so close to Aries’ face it scolded him.
“What the hell are you doing Drakon I just saved our lives” pleaded Aries
“You have a whole ARMY at your disposal! That would have worked better then your camp group we started with” Drakon bolts off at him
“We needed to act quickly I remember you saying, it’s all I had at the time” and thinking for a moment he releases Aries and turns his back to him in disgust.
“Oh and by the way I am evil, not really in the mode for sharing resources,” Aries barks back
“How many men do you have, and DON’T lie to me again” Drakon angrily snaps
“Three” says Aries and turning Drakon throws the fireball nearly hitting Aries; head, “Thousand…Three Thousand men Drakon god your touchy; thought you could figure that one” snaps Aries rising from his fast crouch
“Well forgive me; having half my face burned off hasn’t got me thinking straight right now” Drakon heated out in sarcasm
“Perhaps I can help you two out” says a voice coming from the shadows, and seconds later revealing him.
“Logan Silias” Drakon spouted rudely from his lips “What are you doing following us, aren’t you getting that sword shard for master horny”
“Tension aroused between you and the boss I see, actually I was already done my job so he gave me the night off, but I’m bored and hear that you two are planning an attack, mined if I join in the fun, don’t worry I know it’s a bring your own army party so I’ll bring the vampires” he says smiling a bit
“You know Colossus won’t allow you to be seen as his ally before he wishes you too, he’ll have Droknor’s watching us” implies Drakon waiting for his response.
“Yes I know about the don’t do anything without daddy’s approval rule, never was good with them however, I was good at breaking them without getting caught though” Logan tossed out cockily and walked out into the sunlight not even starting to smoke like a normal vampire, Logan then turns to see the bewilderment that comes over Aries’s face.
“Don’t you guys hate sunlight or more importantly die in it by now?” pondered Aries very puzzled and Drakon crossing his arms surfaces a look knowing what he is.
“He’s deformed or defective; Missing parts or something like that anyway, he can’t die he’s immortal and invulnerable,” says Drakon being snotty about it.
“Colossus really knows how to pick them out,” says Aries impressed
“Yeah a real winner we got,” says Drakon rolling his eyes
“Awe common now Drakon don’t be jealous, I’m envious of you too, after all it takes some skill to screw up as many times as you have and still be alive” Logan smirked with a chuckle
“You going to help us or not Logan” barked Drakon
“Yes my young sibling rivals I will help you out but first I need to take care of the Droknor’s first, I will meet you at Shadowell” looking at Aries who nods “I’ll be there in four days with a head of five hundred vampire warriors” and about to fade away, he turns back to Drakon “Oh I almost forgot you should really get that sunburn of yours looked at Drakon, looks like it could get infected” laughing as he fades away Drakon lashes out, summoning a bone spear to his hand Drakon sends it straight at Logan’s smoking disappearance but passing through it parts the smoking cloud hitting the tree behind where he stood.
“I hate that immortal, immoral pile of shit,” roared Drakon
“But he will increase our chances immensely and that’s all we need from him, now lets go we have a lot of work to do” said Aries and nodding with agreement Drakon and Aries head for the under city of Shadowell.
Having the gate opened, the three excitedly await the horses baring the leading members of the Bloodhawk clan and their hearts. Elanee and Alisianna rush behind them to catch up and are warmed by a family reunion sight. Watching Straud unhorse him self Dawn runs to him calling to him like a toddler, he turns around to face the calling only to be exploded upon by a hug from Dawn that made him reposition his feet to keep balance, watching Dawn get all the attention the brothers then walked up to him and embraced him as well.
The others in the party unhorse and the children bow down in respect to the Arbiter and Judicator, wearing robes hosting a silver hawk head and silver tears running down the face it showed meaning to the clan name Bloodhawk, walking to them Cynn lifts them to eye level
“I’m not your leader today, we have come to seek you out” Cynn says
“Yea speaking of that why are you here, not that I not grateful to see you but aren’t we suppose to meet you in a couple months time?” asked Rain
“As a precaution that we wouldn’t be ready in time for your arrival, the way we traveled takes only two months to reach where we’re going and we needed you out of the way to build up defense for your protection” explained Maylor
“Maylor we can fill them in at a briefing with the King about all that has happened but I see two bright beauties behind us that you have yet to introduce” said Straud, bushing at the cheeks the two girls bow to Straud in respect, “Arise ladies please there is no need for that here” Straud motioned lifting them up
“From what we have seen in resilience shown by these three Lord Straud, there is great need for it” added Alisianna
Introducing themselves Straud kisses their hands and compliments each on the aid they have given to the three.
“What about this need to see us Uncle” comes the concern inquired by Cloud who tells a guard to send for the King to set up an immediate meeting in the courtyard., agreeing with Cloud’s action Straud, Cynn and Maylor follow the rest to go to the courtyard; Rain breaking off heading to the guardhouse is stopped by Cynn asking where he was going
“I can’t participate in the meetings due to my discrepancies I have toward the Ambassador”
“Today those discrepancies will go out the door and if there is any objection; they will be dealing with me in battle,” Straud said sternly, and turning around to see Straud gesturing him to return by his side Rain falls back into the group.
Introductions made as they sit to the meeting with the king honored to have such role models to the young savers in his city, Trailing the King was the Ambassador and getting settled for talk Namor remarks to the dismissal of Rain’s presence.
“I said he could be here” says Straud
“As I have told this council before, I am in charge of bringing more troops to help this city and the decision of how many is determined by their cooperation to onside help and compliance” Namor stated, “So let me get this straight, to find out how many soldiers they get from you is totally determined by how much they….kiss your ass, is that right?” states Straud
“How dare you imply that-
“Because it seems to me” Straud continued interrupting him “That these miracle soldiers you call them with godlike power in their blades were defeated by a handful of drow carrying nothing but simple daggers and rags” and finishing Straud raised his voice to drown out any come back statement Namor might have “Putting your men on the front lines with the upcoming battle with Colossus would be like throwing a newborn pup in a cage with a veteran killing wolf” and overwhelmed by the statement given to him, Namor gets up and leaves the room, Tristan gets up to go but turns around and just tells his men to accompany him out and wishing to hear on from a elder of the blade he sits back in the discussion.
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“What are you doing Straud” Cynn scolded demanding an answer from him
“My apologies My liege but he would not have been able to help in this case anyway, Your highness there is an army on route to your city that will be here in fourteen days, this army is combined of 3000 Drow and vampire warriors, without help you will be defeated and I’m sorry (looking to Tristan) but our over seas friends will not be able to assist in time” Straud explained with Tristan in full agreeance
“So what do we do” inquired the king
“There is an army of high elves that march to this location as we speak, they needed a little bit of influence on our part but we got them to help, and in four days the head of 1500 elven fighters will be at your door to assist with the battle”
“Who leads the Drow army” asks Cloud and they all look up to him in wait of an answer
“Two” Maylor replies “Drakon the Arch-mage, and Aries the high Captain of the Shadowell city, they are his Drow marching here” And hearing his name Alisianna collapsed with terror,
“My brother” she screamed and left the room, Rain went after her and Cloud about to follow was stopped by Straud
“Let Rain help her through this son, I need you to get your army ready for battle training and I will assist with new tactics on how to fight the Drow more effectively” calmly said by Straud
“And I will assist with the army as well, after I get the training first” added Tristan in respect
“Thank you, your assistance will be greatly appreciated” commended Straud
“I get why you are here uncle by why are Cynn and Maylor here” Asked Dawn
“That’s easy, to train you and Rain my dear in the advances of magic you have been going though” answered Maylor
“So wait you are here to train us, whoa wait a minute Arbiter if you will train me and my uncle will train Cloud then who is training my brother?” and standing up behind her Judicator Cynn replies
“I am Dawn”
“I didn’t know that you were a mage” she surprisingly said
“You don’t believe that she got to be our leader simply by talking swiftly” Added Maylor again apologizing quickly after the disrespectful remark of his words Maylor restated “She is one of the most powerful Sorceresses I know of that exists” smiled Straud “So I think Rain will be in good hands” the King dismisses everyone to their stressful tasks and they vacate the courtyard.
Walking in her trail Rain stared to her leaning upon a tree side worried with fear on her face, “Your brother I hear is quiet the fighter” Rain spoke startling her to a swift turn at his sight “Only the best amongst the Drow army…he is so evil Rain, I don’t understand how we’ve strayed to such different paths in life” Rain stood thinking for a moment
“If it helps, your looks are something you have in common…not that I find him attractive or anything, you take my vote on the better looking one” Rain ended sparking a small but sudden smile to her face that left as fast as it came, “I’m scared Rain, I wish so badly to bring him to this side…there’s no hope for him anymore is there” she asked with a watery look coming to her eyes, “Some you can save” Rain says walking toward her slow not wishing to prompt her to a run “But some are to far off for us to reach anymore, I give you my word Alisianna that will not be your fate…I’ll protect you even if it costs me my life” she looks at him with a smile and approaching his face kisses his cheek side, Rain could smell the aroma she gave off towards him and so massively he wished to just turn allowing their lips to connect, but he held his restraint, “Your path is for a higher calling Rain; the words are nice to hear but to your own self do we both know they’re not true” she said back stroking her hand down his face and bowing her head, Rain took his fingers and pulled her sight back to his “I promise I won’t let anything hurt you, ever Alisianna” Rain recoiled back with confidence, She took his hand with a smile and held it within her own, “Thank you, I’ll be alright…I just need some time alone” she ended letting him go and walking off Rain sees her out of sight not moving his feet to pursue her.
For that afternoon Cloud and Straud had skirmish matches in the practice ring and for the whole time the guards are astonished that their Captain can’t take down the visitor, talking amongst themselves that they have never seen the Captain fall to an opponent before, gathered around the ring the crowd of guards from Silverspire and Stormguard parted as the Ambassador came through, and watching for a moment he calls to Straud.
“My good Captain I would like to challenge you on your prideful claim you have judged upon my men” and turning to Namor, Straud looks at him breathing heavy from separating in the sparing match with Cloud
“Then grab a sword and lets have it out” Straud pushed to him
“No my dear Captain I don’t fight I leave that to the heroes of Stormguard, but I would like you to fight three of them at once if you so say we are so pathetically weak” and shaking his head Cloud move to disagree knowing that the Stormguard men are not that much worse then Cloud himself, patting his shoulder Straud asks Cloud out of the ring and looks to Namor
“No!” he replies and smiling Namor turns his back and walks away smiling
“Give me six Namor, after all we got to keep the teams even” Namor turns giving him an insane look of shock, but with a grinning smirk agrees.
The battle ring fills with Stormguard soldiers and looking to them as they entered Cloud advises Straud on how to beat them the best, tapping his shoulder Straud smiles to him “They’ll be down with one move son” Straud boasts as he enters the man filled ring, with his eyes to the weapons Straud sights the magic resonating from their blades, magic’s of fire, cold and lightning were all around him, the battle is started and with only one move along with a word in Drowish Straud throws his sword into the ground and a emanating pulse waves from the sword in a 360 degree pattern knocking down and out all of the men in the ring. Everyone stops talking and just gazes on the demonstrated devastation Straud was left standing in, grabbing a sword from one of the fallen Stromguard units Straud throws the blade toward Namor in a spinning fashion and catching it in an attempt he cuts himself. Namor holds the blade but only for a second finding that it was extremely hot to the touch he drops it and looks terrified to the face of Straud who climbs from the ring.
“The men we will be fighting in two weeks time have powers equal to mine, so I suggest you let us train your men and close your mouth to your registered claims; believe me when I say your fighters are far from ready for the men they face, extra training they’re going to need to if they wish to keep their lives as well as fight for the most important one….yours” Straud ends with a quick glance up and down the ambassador and holding a chuckle walks passed him to the water fountain to cool himself off.
Cloud follows and Straud looks back and him
“Come with me I have something for you” Straud says and following him to Strauds horse, Straud pulls from a saddle bag a cape with their clan crest embedded in it
“There are two more for Dawn and Rain but this one is for you Cloud, it wasn’t finished when you left home, but I see you fight with different passion in your eyes and it has given you much strength since our last matches, and you are now ready to bare this symbol” and taking it from his hands he looks upon it and turning around Cloud saddens
“Uncle I…I have made some terrible mistakes in my time from you, one of which was caused the death of a fellow holy fighter” and going to his side he takes him to a barrel stump and sits him down.
“Cloud you are not a god, nor should you act like one trying to bend other wills to match that of your own, you are going to make mistakes, and I hoped that you would, it is the only way to grow”
“But I killed a man Dawn loved, you should have seen her face” Cloud said lowering his head
“I did see her face; today at the courtyard and it showed nothing to me but pride and strength in her belief of you” Straud continued “Cloud your family name is split up with different symbols representing a different part of the name in each of you; Dawn is a symbol of spirit in the Blackblade name, Rain is the mind, and you Cloud, you’re the heart, shield and protection of it and some tasks are harder and hurt more than others but look where she is now, still after it is all history she is by your side, and that bond will never die”
“Mother told me the day she…..she told me that as long as I believe in my decision that it would always be the right one” and smiling at him Straud is joined by Alisianna coming around the corner
“She was right” making Cloud look up to see who said it “You may have made bad choices but you’ve made good ones too and the balance of that has caused Rain and Dawn to still follow you, and me as well” Alisianna finished and being comforted by both he puts on the cape, holding in place Alisianna went to his front to tie it secure, wanting to show her feelings for him she holds back the thought for the time and stares smiling “You look very heroic” she compliments with pride.
“Doesn’t he” Straud adds smiling and says that he needs to get a bath in from all the training and giving a sword solute that a Captain always did retreats down to the lake.
Elanee who was already down at the lake bathing in private just finishes as Straud comes around the last corner of the path; catching a glimpse of her he spins around closing his eyes and as she did before jumps behind a tree.
“Straud” Elanee questioned catching a blurred fighter Drow
“I’m so sorry, Elanee right?” Straud says back to the air way, Elanee sighs with a deep exhale and closing her eyes she shakes her head in disbelief “Yea; like father like son” she says quietly
“Actually I’m their uncle” Straud replied hearing her as he turned away
“I guess that makes it better” she says with sarcasm
“So Cloud saw you like this I assume” Straud said on
“Not him” Elanee answered putting to her body her clothes
“Rain?” he says back in shock
“Yep” she says while continuing to change behind the tree, taking some moments to finish up she come out “I’m done” she informs and letting him turn around glances to see Straud not wearing his armor or a shirt. Revealing to her a very well built upper torso, she’s captivated for a moment staring to his tight formed abs and nicely carved pectoral plates upon his chest, shaking her head of the sight and momentary bad thoughts she breaks the silence saying she is needed back. She thinks to herself in passing holding a little smile then stops, another thought enters her mind and turning Elanee asks him why Rain hates women, bank bathing with splashes of water to his chest Straud went into detail about how Rain didn’t always used to hate them and in fact had a bond with one for a time, he went on to say it was at a time when Cloud and himself were out on a two month hunting party trip; the girl and Rain grew close, no one even really caught on to them for awhile, but on the day of their return the girl saw Cloud for the first time. Rain had always been the type wishing a girl to notice the inner good in him and didn’t spoil her as other men would’ve; she began to show more interest in Cloud then in Rain and being how Rain was type never put up a fight for her. Rain hoped her to see reason and maturity on what Rain and her already started but it wasn’t the case in the end.
“So it was basically a simple case of jealously and women being disloyal” Elanee pointed out
“In a manner of speaking yes and no, after that Rain harshly thrashed all girls into showing them that they only care about exterior looks first and his first mistake as always is his constant thinking that he knows more that anyone else” concluded Straud.
“Believe me I get that point, he is so hard to work with” Elanee said to him
“I have tried to tell him women can’t read his mind and that they need signs to know a guy likes them, simple things like flowers and pleasant compliments out of the blue sometimes, but he thinks it’s unneeded” Elanee stood quiet while processing what he just told her and then ask to him why Rain held such a different and more radical attitude to his siblings.
“My dear lets take a walk” and going around the lake and into the forest onto the other side he explains to her that Rain unlike Cloud and Dawn was born with a little extra Demon blood in him than the others which cause him to have a more extremist view on the world in general and which is also why he has taken the path of spell casting to a sword, in regards to his mother and there in lies a danger which Straud has heard from talking with Cloud is said that Elanee was helping him with.
“I wouldn’t say lately that I have been helping him on that, I’ve tried to keep in contact with him but he pushes me away with excuses why he can’t do anything at the moment” Elanee explains and thinking about it for a minute he laughs and Elanee inquires as to why
“Rain’s biggest fear” he says
“What’s that” questions Elanee
“Having weakness and letting it be known as an easy picking target for enemies to get to him without engaging Rain himself” Straud says
“Everyone has a weakness even if we don’t know we have one it’s still there” wisely said by Elanee but confused at the same time
“Weaknesses that are like phobia’s Rain can fight off, or for an enemy to exploit them, they need to fight Rain directly, but externally ones such as caring for someone else Rain would feel vulnerable with relying on others help to achieve victory over it” Straud carries on
“Whoah you think Rain cares about me, ha yea right, just days ago he called me a whore and from pushing me away time and time again proves that false” Elanee argued
“Not false just that he’s fighting it by letting someone like the ambassador win you over, he’s trying to fight it off in his mind, now there might not be intimacy there but there is a bond that he doesn’t want to have exploited” Straud added
“Then why doesn’t he just tell me what’s going on in his head?”
“Being part demon to his bloodline Rain feels compelled to do things on his own and has little trust or faith in others to accomplish any task” Straud concludes, shaking her head and moving her eyes she states Rain has caused her to develop a headache from his style, Straud laughs for only a moment which then turns into and deep serious look to the trees.
“Something wrong Straud” Elanee asks looking around herself, suddenly covering her nose is Elanee overwhelmed by a intensely gross smell of sewage and rotting animal corpses “What is that smell?” Elanee gasps trying to take in the uneasy air.
“Ogres” replies Straud drawing his sword and tells her to get close, not seconds later three hulking brutes come through the trees standing almost ten feet in height holding spiked clubs, Straud runs away to a big rock and gets Elanee behind it while he fights the Ogres off, complying with his orders she hides as best as she can but enough so that she can watch the fight. Showing a massive display in sword mastery Straud takes to first two Ogres down in a couple of blocks and counter attacks and the third one disarms Straud and Straud extends the invitation by doing the same to him. Fighting bare handed Straud finally got the brute to his knees and in a strength struggle to choke one another Straud emerges victorious by snapping his neck, letting him plummet to the ground, Elanee immediately comes from behind the stone to hug him for his bravery and checks him for injuries.
The act lasted only a moment when Rain and Cynn teleported in the area where they were standing
“Good Rain that’s telepor….ting” Cynn finishes her sentence slowing down looking to see Elanee and Straud in each others arms, Rain holds only a disturbing glare to both and saying nothing does Rain teleport away “Rain wait this isn’t what it looks like” Elanee says stopping her words as he vanishes out of sight, Elanee again closes her eyes while lowering her head in shame for what he now thinks “Great, so much for trying to prove to him that I’m not a whore” she says concerned
“What are you doing here Cynn?” asks Straud
“Teaching Rain teleporting and he used a image of you as his destination point” Cynn explains and looking to Elanee he tells her that it’ll be ok and he will talk to him about this and more as well as telling Cynn what they were doing.
“Well since I have to get back to him, um need a lift” asks Cynn and agreeing she teleports them to the city castle.
That night Straud goes to Rain’s accommodations and talks with him through the better part of the night about his fears of weakness, and arguing as well as agreeing with each other they gain some ground of an understanding as well as him knowing that Elanee and him are nothing to being a couple they settle the water for the days to follow.
The three start some intense training in their own private areas Cloud learns some technique in fighting blindly and one handed, Dawn learns more advance cures and attempts a raising the dead spell but doesn’t have the energy to complete it, and Rain learns some new spells such as chain lightning for hitting multiple enemies and altering his appearance to look like anyone as well as invisibility.
When Elanee can get away from Namor’s presence she goes to watch their training, Rain’s in particular, Alisianna when she is not consorting with the elders follows at Cloud’s side and Artanis occasionally drops in the shadows to see their progression, following up more on Dawn.