Mystics II: Rise of Deception {IC-Mature}

[spirits breath]

While the windows seemed to carry on a strange darkness, turning into a near blinding light that caused the griffarian to duck his head low and under his front legs. Which even then it still seemed that the light was absorbing into his chitenous plates and into his eyes.

As the light faded, and a shadow loomed over the nearby windows and formed a ominous darkness. A deep voice rising above thoughts that sent a chill down spines and through the many veins in his wings.

However wings were meaningless to prevent the feel of the ground shaking violently as a building crumbled by movements of a large tail. And the top where Zeth resided was the next victim as not hit by the tail directly. But with the glass, sheet rock, and carpet, hewas pushed out of the building and forced to spread his four wings out widely and flutter them to get himself to a more stable position in the air.

The demon was massive! The griffarian could fly between the holes in its wings and not even be noticed. Hardly being able to get halfway around the front, Zeth'tir was buffeted by winds that seemed like he was being hit by the debris again, but also spin as if there were horizontal tornadoes forming with each slight movement of the demons wings.

Had he of been prepared or even trained for the winds, he would have managed. But being rattled and then baffled, he followed the winds trecharous course towards the ocean. While nice as it was for a breeze, fish for food, and to get a nice bath in. He would get his bath for sure.

If it werent for the plates being well developed, and the waves stirring above him. His body may have simply crushed itself. Instead he hit the water as if he struck a tree while flying. Knocking the wind out of him as he sunk. Water flooded his thick openings to cut off a quarter of his would be air intake alone. And his lungs compressed removed another 90 percent to where his body consumed the air left in his drained lungs until it needed to happen.

Breathing in involuntarily and the first quarter second of inhaled water forced a cough out that removed any last bits of air he had before things grew hazy past what must have been blood loss from the cracked plate over his lungs, and not enough oxygen to keep his body moving up to the surface.

The only thing he could do is let the cold water hold him as he blinked slowly thrice more at an approaching figure. And then they closed.

[Wintersend]

~Three hours ago~
Mykael had entered the planet's atmosphere and was shooting towards the Earth at speeds that even surpass that of a modern Jet. His wings folded in to give him maximum velocity, He appeared to be nothing more than a tiny comet or blur in the sky. As he neared his destination he extended his wings all six catching the wind and slowing his descent at a quick pace. Even with the slowing of his descent, he would hit the ground roughly. He folded his wings around his body and braced for the impact. From the distance a cloud of dust could be seen coming from the area where something had just crashed in the outback of Australia. A large crater was now in the Earth where Mykael had land, but he himself was not there. Only the imprint of what seemed to be a large oval-like object was seen. Miles away, a hole appeared in the mountains and Mykael stepped out of the void and into the sunlight. His wings no longer seen, and he appeared nothing more than a normal human. His twin blades in an "X" position on his back.


~Present Time~
That was a rough landing, I'll never be trying that again. Mykael thought to himself as he began to search with his mind for some hint as to who he was supposed to find here on Earth. He was new here and had no Idea where he was. He began walking towards a string of caves that he could see. He would have to rest there until he received another hint as to where he was supposed to be. This sun was beginning to hurt his eyes. Mykael made his way to the caves and once there sat in the dark and relished in the peacefulness and sanctuary from the intensity of the sun.

He began drawing symbols in his language that would let him know if danger was near and he summoned some starlight to lightly brighten the cave, so at the very least he could see his surroundings. He sighed, now all that would be left to do is wait for someone to find him, as his entrance to this planet surely grabbed the attention of people around the area.

[Juni_Bear]

In mid-afternoon the news blared on the Chicago television. It was a nationwide broadcast stating that all flights to Europe had been canceled due to another attack. Leigh sighed and sipped at his coffee, turning the power off as he set the cup down. He didn't need to fly in order to get to Europe. Muttering an incantation he arrived to Europe within minutes. The beast could easily be seen ravaging the landscape with his mere footsteps.

Leigh's form began to change and he transformed into the windwolf, fury covering his every expression. His form was massive, over five feet tall, almost six, and his form was white and deep blue. Leigh flapped his massive wings and took flight, heading straight towards the beast. Leigh unleashed a series of attacks in what appeared to be a simultaneous motion, including a heated blast of wind gusting about sixty mph before pausing in air and creating a rather large tornado.

Leigh slowly drifted towards the ground and focused on creating the massive, swirling vortex of air while drawing the heat to power it.when it reached the sky he unleashed it upon the beast, leaping back into the air as he put force into the attack.

[SikstaSlathalin]

*Drax*

"Sir, we think a Watcher has just crashed down on the edge of our outpost and he's going into the caves that could lead to one of our smaller supply caches. Our Shadowrunners say the chance of threat is low him being a Watcher and all but they also say we should watch him until we know which side he's on. What are your order Wraith?" Shadow Xerxes asks standing before his brooding leader. Drax had been mulling over everything for weeks now keeping mostly to himself talking only with Trixi and Renshi and training the young fire mystic in far out places deep in the outback. Shadow Dragons have been sighted and encountered dotting around the area and he knew them well he couldn't trust some of his own people to not fall to the assassins shape-shifting skills at times so until he could find away to eradicate them he had to tread carefully.
"I'll take care of it Shadow, a Mystic no matter the side he's on can be a threat to us. If Renshi swings by send him to the caves this could be a good bit of training for him." The Shadow saluted and exited as Drax pulled on his armour and strapped on his dual swords before opening a portal to the caves.

He arrived quietly among the dark stones crouching low letting his eyes quickly adjust to the lack of light he crept quickly and silently after the Watcher he was going over his head all he head heard about and new of these strange Otherworldly beings. Even across the Night Sky River a Watcher was present though the only sentient beings were the Fearstalkers and Sun Fighters and they were destiny bound to be violent and hostile to each other and even a Watcher has trouble calming destiny. They were telepaths like Stalkers so Drax was almost assured the Mystic knew he was there but he had to watch the young man and try to gauge which side he was on.

[Wintersend]

Mykael felt a prescence enter the cave he was in, well more sensed than felt. He stood and shifted into his true watcher form, and drew his twin blades. He scanned the area surrounding the cave and murmured something softly. And within a matter of moments the cave was shining with starlight. It went from dimly lit to where it looked like the sun itself was in the cave. His eyes quickly found a darker spot within the light of the cave and he smiled slightly. This person was watching him, obviously gauging his abilities and whether he was a threat or not.

You can come out. I know you are there, I'm not here to harm anyone. I'm only here to find the one who summoned me to this planet. His words were filled with kindness and sincerity, as all Watchers are kind. But, no one on this planet knew of his darker side, that was slowly creeping its way out of him. His wings flicked in anticipation, he knew this could be his chance to find out where he was.Can you tell me where i am? Did you call me here?

[SikstaSlathalin]

((Drax and Mykael co-op))


Drax growled as the light filled the cave stepping into the Watcher's line of sight drawing his own blades letting darkness partially surround him so the Mystic wouldn't be able to blind him by luck. Speaking back into the other's mind catching the hint of darkness in his words keeping his eyes on that of the Watcher's.
"I mean you no harm says the Watcher with two drawn swords and menace on the edge of his words." Drax says back using telepathy.
"You are in Australia, and I don't know who summoned you but since I didn't I'm guessing you were either called by the Genocidal Warlock of the Nobility or the power hungry mad-man that betrayed and broke off from the Mystic Defenders of this planet. Or maybe even the Space Dragon that's running the Mystics now. But I doubt he would call in a Watcher." Drax finishes keeping his hands loosely on the handles of his swords.

Mykael acknowledged Drax's words and placed his swords on his back again, holding his hands up in a gesture of peace. "I can't help what darkness lies within my body. Surely you understand that." His blue eyes stared directly at Drax, as if he were peering into the very soul of the one in front of him. He also dimmed the starlight to where he could see, but it would not harm the one in front of him.

"I am lost, and do not know what to do from here. I was summoned by someone, yet they didn't tell me who they were or where to meet them, only that Earth was in need of all Mystics. If what you say is true, then I have wasted time coming here to this planet. If the Mystics are no longer organized, they have no need of me." Mykael finished matter of factly and sat back down on the cave floor, once again drawing symbols from the Watcher language on the floor. He looked up after he had redrawn a stronger protection rune and said " Why are you truly here Drax? Are you here to kill me?" Mykael has scanned Drax's mind briefly on gaining his name before he was shut out.

Taking the man's sign of peace and guessing he meant no harm he placed his blades back in their holsters on his own back crouching down lifting his tail a few inches into the air the tell-tale of a Stalker meaning no harm if this man was like the Watcher that hung around the Night Sky River he would know what it means.
"I have no intention either of harming you Watcher Mykael. Simply seeing which side you're on, the Mystics are not disbanded their sadistic leader Naja just abandoned them and attacked two of his own charges. They are still trying to save the world but Naja is not the one to go to to do that neither is Haakon. If you want to help seek out Master Marzarex or Master Fria in the Amazon they're the new leaders of the Mystics now." He spoke before getting an idea.
"Or you can join my cause, I along with some like-minded allies are trying to save the normal people of this planet while the Mystics and Nobility claw away at each other. I leave it up to you, the cave you're in leads you no where you'll need to fly far to the west to find the others." He said still crouching down getting his own powers ready in case those rune aren't all they appear to be.

Mykael nodded at the Stalkers sign that meant Drax did not wish to harm him. He listened intently as he explained the situation between the Mystics and Nobility. As Drax spoke of the Amazon Mystic base and who he would need to seek out; a thought came into his mind. And, no sooner had the thought come, did Drax say exactly what he was thinking. "Aye, I will join you for now, and see how this works. I make no promises of staying however. Right now, you seem to be the best option for me. It doesn't seem to be safe alone out here in the human world. I will go with you."

Mykael stood and completely did away with the starlight. With a wave of his hand a bluish glow appeared and a hole on the cave wall appeared. Mykael turned back to Drax and said telepathically "I think this would be the safest way for us to travel. Just step in and think of where you want to go, and a new door will appear at the exact place you think of. Mykael awaited Drax to enter the tear of the veil. He would follow Drax for now.

Drax nodded walking to Mykael's portal looking it over feeling the power behind it, the power of the Watchers were much studied by his people and while they couldn't mimic it it always helps knowing what you may face some day.
"The wisdom of your people is well within you Watcher, but before you follow me be wary not all of my people are as calm as I am. We will accept and welcome any help you give just be wary." Stepping into the portal using his mind he brought them to a mile or so away from his main base just to be safe. "Wait here I need to inform the base of your presence otherwise they might attack you. I will return shortly" He opened another portal that would take him to the first Scout post.

Mykael emerged with Drax in a place unknown to him completely. He listened as Drax said he would be returning shortly. He had to announce the arrival of The Watcher to his people. Understandable considering that Mykael was still an unknown factor in this equation. "Very well, I will await your return friend."

Mykael sat on the ground again and closed his eyes, opening his mind up to his surroundings and searching for any sign of danger. From outer appearances it would appear as if he were meditating, but for those who know his race, they would know it was the Watchers way of searching for danger.

Drax appeared besides a young Senior Creeper who seemed to be dozing behind his veil looking out over the desert from a narrow hill.
"Creeper Stad progress report!" He shouted in the Stalker's mind watching him practically fall down the hill getting to attention.
"More Were's creeping around looking for us but they still can't find our borders with their noses! Nightmare Gragist!" He shouted back not looking at the one that addressed him. Drax chuckled walking in front of the Creeper watching the blood drains from his scales and his mouth go dry upon looking at the Wraith.
"Oh I was demoted without my know it was I?" The Creeper practically fainted shaking his head.
"No of course not Wraith Ripinger, I misspoke please accept my deepest apologies." Drax nodded looking back to where he left the Watcher.
"Good save. now I have recruited another Mystic to our cause. A Watcher named Mykael I don't know how truly loyal he will be when the time comes but any ally we get should be used. I'll be bringing him to the outpost building before bringing him to the main base. Send word up your chain of command understood." He said more than asked the Creeper nodded and saluted as Drax left through another portal.

He reappeared besides the sitting Watcher and cleared his throat sending another telepathic message to the man.
"Ok follow me Watcher Mykael." He said opening a portal to the outpost

Mykael nodded and followed Drax through the portal and to the outpost. He could feel many eyes upon him and the twitch in his wings gave away his nervousness being around so many unknown factors. He hadn't accounted for coming in contact with Drax. He had actually planned on leaving the caves just before Drax had shown up. He looked to Drax and back to the sky, yearning to be on his homeworld with his parents once again. He had never been this far from home, in truth it made him uncomfortable.

" Lord Drax, What exactly do you have planned for me here? What use am I to you?" Mykael was beginning to trust Drax, but he didn't trust the others. He didn't like the feeling he got when their eyes fell upon him. They didn't trust him, and he didn't trust them. This was going to be an uneasy alliance from the start.

He showed Mykael into a private Officer's quarters on the second level of the outpost before responding.
"I simply want to keep the human casualties of this foolish war between the Mystics and the Nobility to a minimum. And I can sense you will help me do that, your people are known for their kindness and diplomacy and that will help us. And don't worry my people are mistrusting by nature and there are Shadow Dragons amongst us, but as long as you keep your wits about you no one will harm you. Until I can arrange rooms for you in the main base this will have to do. I hope you'll be at home here." He nodded to the man placing a key on the sturdy wood table.

Mykael nodded in thanks and stood putting the key in his pocket and walking towards the door. He paused and looked back at Drax and said "I will return later, I need some air. My thoughts are troubling me. I am not used to this world." With that Mykael left the outpost in his Watcher form all six wings aiding him easily into the sky and he flew to a peak high above the outpost and sat there looking into the sky.

He spoke in his normal voice that was filled with raw power as all Watcher's voices contain hidden power, which is why they don't speak with voices. "Pray that I am doing the correct thing. These mortals need my help and I have an obligation to Drax. He helped me after all. I owe him my service at the least. What do I do mother?" He had been speaking to himself now, and then he laid back looking with his minds eye around the perimeters making doubly sure that no enemies were near.

Drax watched the Watcher fly off to get some air leaving the door pulling aside a Senior Nightmare speaking with him.
"Keep an eye on our new friend, I trust he won't betray us right now but we might not be the only ones he runs into. He can sense our presence so just use our normal Scout positions as check-points. and send word to me when he returns." The Nightmare saluted and Drax vanished back to the main base.

[RisingPhoenix]

Seraphine

A loud crash could be heard outside of the Amazonian Base. A figure slowly stood up from the crash and looked around. She was injured and breathing heavily, but she had made it. She could feel the presence of two others within the vicinity of the base, and it made her glad to know that someone was still here, even if they had been lead the wrong way by Naja.

“Hopefully those of this world will listen to reason,” Seraphine stated as she made her way into the base.

When she entered, she could feel Fria and Marzarex within the base. She walked into the kitchen and there she found the space dragon and Valkyrie.

“You two have grown since the last I saw you. I am Seraphine, Mistress of Nosalia, and retired Elder Mystic, or I was a retired Mystic until Naja came looking for me,” Seraphine stated sighing, “but alas I am here to help you. Fria, Mystic of Metal, and Marzarex, Mystic of Sound, I need to inform you of what Naja is up to, but I need ALL of the Mystics here. I fear the very fabric of this world is at risk, and I fear Galez is next. This base is not even safe anymore, for soon the true enemy will come and destroy that which was built so long ago. We must act quickly.”

With that, Seraphine excused herself politely and headed for Naja's old office. She drew a circle of power and sat down before concentrating. She began to weave her magic, calling out to all the Mystics.

"Attention mystics. Though some of you have chosen sides in this futile war, it is within my authority to call your attention to an even greater threat. Naja. You must help me to stop this and bring peace to not only this world, but the universe. Take heed and stop the rampaging threat, but be prepared for anything. Remember, even though you have chosen your side, you always have a choice."

Seraphine opened her eyes, and stood up. She sighed and hoped that the message she sent to all mystics would rally them up and bring them together, at least temporarily to help stop the menace.

Naja

He studied the book in front of him, eager to learn what he needed for this task to be complete. Soon, everything would be under his rule and he’d continue where his father had left off. Smirking, he flipped the pages and studied the book before standing to his feet.

“Thank you Seraphine for your Life Orb, now I must retrieve the Death Orb from Galez and the Resurrection Orb within me will allow me to activate the weapons of power. Then I will be able to unlock that which was locked away so long ago. This planet will be reborn in my image, but first I need to find Dorián. I need to recruit a few wary souls to assist me.”

Naja laughed maniacally and waved his hand as he noticed the beast rampaging through Europe.
“Ahh, it seems Haakon has unwittingly helped me,” Naja stated, “this ought to be fun.”

Naja grabbed the Grimoire before taking off to find Dorián.

Kurama

Finally, he had somewhat mastered the ability to transform into his demon wolf form. He often remembered the moment when his anger triggered the change, but now after countless hours of training as hard as he could, pushing his body to limits he didn't think possible, he found it easy to transform, as well as control himself once changed; however, there was the feral side of things that often got the better of him, but he hoped that with more training, he would eventually master it. It was a great ace card in battle, as the demon wolf he became was quite powerful.

Kurama glanced at the bird which had appeared before him as he trained outside. His kids and fiancé were asleep which meant that he had some time to alone. He approached the bird and picked it up in one hand before touching its forehead. The images the bird relayed troubled Kurama greatly.

“Another attack?” Kurama stated in surprise, “this time in Europe! I can’t believe this. Thank you little friend,” Kurama stated as he released the bird and walked quickly back into the house.

He hated having to leave Halley, his kids and his in-laws alone, but the Huorn would help them and assist them in anything they needed. He had to go help fight off this creature that threatened the lives of the innocent. He walked into the room the sleeping Halley occupied and kissed her forehead, leaving a note for her. He did the same with the kids, making sure to inform the Huorn to take care of his family while he did his other duties. As he moved to grab his phone, he could hear a voice in his head. It was soft and feminine, yet assertive and it had instructions. Kurama listened to the voice and closed his eyes. Someone was attempting to help them, and what the voice had said was troubling to say the least.

As quick as he could, and as silently as he could, he exited the house and left the island for Europe.

[Wintersend]

Nearly a week had passed since Mykael had joined forces with Drax. He was the only person that Mykael knew on this planet, that he felt he could trust. The rest of Drax's forces however was a completely different story. Mykael wouldn't trust them to not kill him in his sleep, so he set up runes of power in his room that would protect him from harm. The only one allowed to enter his room without permission was Drax. Mykael naturally still had his doubts about Drax, but Mykael trusted Drax would not harm him. Drax had run ins with Watchers before and if angered just the right way, they lost their diplomatic touch and became a deadly warrior, who knows only anger and hate. Mykael had found a place he could use his powers freely high above the outpost and train by himself. The only one that knew of this place was himself, but he had allowed his prescence to only be sensed by Drax.

This was Mykaels haven from the outside world. He had built many Watcher artifacts in the arena. That, once activated would summon the Elders of his race, and they would often speak privately of his home and family. Mykael yearned to see his family and people again. He had been gone a long time from his home. It took nearly two years to arrive at Earth via his tears in the veil of space. He had been practicing everyday since he had arrived at this place. He could sense that Drax meant his word to some degree about wanting to save the humans on this planet from annihilation in the destruction of the war between the Nobility, Mystics, and Naja's order. The war was split three ways, with Drax seeming to be the only one who cared for the human casualties.

One evening, Mykael was practicing in the arena when the woman Seraphine's voice had sounded in his head asking all of the mystics to battle the threat in the North. Mykael pondered this a long time before deciding to speak with Drax about what he should do. So, he called to Drax with his mind.

"Drax, come to the arena i have something to discuss with you." While Mykael waited for Drax to arrived, he continued practicing with his blades honing his mystic gifts into the blades causing them to glow an uncanny black flecked with what seemed to be stars in the sky. Mykael had spent a full week perfecting this ability and it would make his swords stronger than normal in a fight, and more deadly.

[Jacogos]

There was a stir in the air as Caine lifted his great furred head from the trail. For a moment, the Lycan Lord had believed he had the scent of a certain Stalker he had so very much despised, but now he lost it. Again. It didn't matter, as something else caught his attention now. The dark magics in him shuddered as a shockwave of demonic energy rocked the the world, an ethereal earthquake that would trigger in many magically attuned beings. Haakon had done something major, it seemed. Straightening to his massive ten foot height, Caine listened to the telecomminicator that was bound to his side.

"... of immense proportions is ravaging its way across cetral Europe. The being matches descriptions of an ancient beast known as Vithgar the Unbound, which has apparently been unbound again. Further news-"

"So... Our Leech Keeng plays that cawrd now?" Caine spoke aloud, the two lesser werewolves not answering their lord. They did not wish to try his patience. Caine reverted to human form and turned to his minions.

"Gather a few members of each the clans. We have some hunting to do."

Within the hour, a handful of each werebeast tribe were gathered around Caine. Tapping into the dark magics of his other form, the Werewolf Lord ripped open a portal to Europe, where he would unleash his horde upon the terrorized citizens. This would easily bolster the numbers of the tribes and help his cause altogether. All they need do is stay away from the demon, so as not to get crushed themselves.

Upon entering Europe, Caine transformed again, immediately attempting to locate any Mystics that were stupid enough to have come to face this titanic terror. What caught his eye was the winged wolf that was pestering Vithgar with wind-based attacks. His bestial side was angered beyond belief by this sight. To his feral side, which was territorial by nature, Caine owned this world and any intelligent beast who did not serve him directly was guilty to trespassing, which was penalized by death. This... travesty of nature could NOT be allowed to live!

However, the human side to Caine saw a Mystic, and all Mystics must be subjugated to serve Haakon before they were exterminated. Thus, the human side won out as Caine launched himself at the wolf-bird, howling his challenge as the meters between them shrunk with every passing second.

[Juni_Bear]

Halley stirred in her sleep when she felt something tugging her conscious, trying to relay a message. "Kurama?" she wondered opening her eyes as the voice grew louder and more stable. It was unfamiliar to her, though it sounded feminine and strong. The voice was saying that a great beast was attacking Eutole, and soon another voice... A male voice this time, was asking for help. She could hear the discomfort, almost fear, in his voice and it saddened her. "Kurama, do you hear that?" she asked, looking around to find him. He wasn't there, but a note was.

She noticed Huorn in the room and glared. She was positively going to kill him for leaving her.

She sat up when she heard crying from the other side of the room. Halley sighed, knowing that she hasn't been able to help anyone in almost a year now due to her pregnancy. Although she was fully healed, it had been so long that she had transformed she doubted her ability to transform into her Ancient Mystic form. Halley relayed a brief message back to the woman. 'My fiancee has gone to help. I must watch our children,' Halley said simply, the crying of her infants penetrating the message as she picked them up.

She began to rock them, biting her lower lip at their sheer size. Even though she had given birth a mere week ago, they were already the size of almost two month olds. She pace back and forth once they were fed and changed and sleeping again, occasionally looking at the Huorn. She wanted nothing more than to train, but she wouldn't dare leave her children inside with Kurama gone.