Aarhus (IC) MATURE RATED R!

[Black]

~Aarhus Peaks~

Lord Grimstone stood atop the keep of broken swords looking out onto the massive army of D'hara assembled below. His hawk-like eyes allowed him to pick up on even details upon a soldiers face from so far away. Grimstone however was focused upon one man, who was staring back at him with the same hawk-like eyes.


~Aarhus Falls~

King Greeny stood looking at Lord Grimstone. He saw the cold calculating intelligence and shivers ran down his spine. It scared him to know that he was going to be battling Lord Grimstone, probably the most ruthless military leader. Other than his beloved wife that is. He had faith that they could win this war... Just not without losing many troops in the process.


~Aarhus Peaks~

Lord Grimstone raised his hand in salute to King Greeny, a sign of respect. He received the same salute from Greeny. Grimstone turned on his heel.

~Fortress of Broken Swords~

Lord Grimstone sat behind his high dark mahogany desk scratching away at a battle-plan with a Quail feather pen. A knock on the door.
"Come in" came his rough voice.

Kyo, Asmodeus, Arachnid, and Isabel glided into the room. Kyo was bowed on both knees, his head to the floor. Asmodeus stood in Grimstone's presence, his head bowed, a sign of enormous respect that a demon was bowing at all. Arachnid, like Kyo was bowed with her head to the floor. Isabel stood at her husband's shoulder, a look of extreme love on her face. Grimstone surveyed his family with pride. His mother would be here, but she was back at the capital running Grimstone. He left his kingdom in her capable hands.

"King Greeny and his War queen are not to be trifled with. The War Queen did not attain her status because she was born into it. Indeed she is but a peasant girl. The D'harans are smart to respect Military prowess and to elevate a peasant girl to the status of War Queen is an achievement to be noted" Grimstone looked down at his battle plans. "She'll be predicting our every move..."

"The D'harans while intelligent in Military matters, are also intelligent in politics, are a stead-fast Loyal peoples, and have a good grasp of Magi. So Propaganda of any type is out. However it is not D'hara that we need to worry about when it comes to Magical intelligence, intrigue, or politics. That is Khun and Greeny we have to worry about. While we also have to worry about their mythical assassins from Al'tur"

"My lord" said Asmodeus's deep demonic voice. "If I may be so bold, but no assassins from Al'tur can match my trained assassins or Arachnids Necromancers" Grimstone smiled. "and no one can match Kyo's Elite Guard, a troop consisting of well over two hundred thousand souls, so D'hara is pretty evenly matched with us" he smiled. "and everyone else in the world knows that the War Queen cannot out think you my Lord, nor can anyone out maneuver queen Isabel, master of Politics and intrigue"

"He has a point, Father" said Kyo looking up into his fathers eyes. Grimstone motioned for both Kyo and Arachnid to rise, both of whom only rose to their knees, so loyal were they. "We need not worry, but neither do we need to get careless. We have many demons in our employ and many strong minded and loyal men. We can hold Grimstone forever if you so wished it"

Grimstone sighed wearily "Yes my son, we can. But that is not my objective. My objective is total control. All must share in the glory of Grimstone. Grimstone is the most advanced, culturally accepting, non bi-est country known. All should share in the glory of my mothers wonderful governing" Grimstone smiled "All should be allowed to prosper like we have. That is my goal, and so blood must be shed. I wish to put an end to all this fighting, and so I must strike a decisive blow"


"Of course my liege, I know your reasons" Kyo smiled "You are a most noble and Kind man. I know that this bloody war will weigh heavily on your mind. But none in all the kingdoms call you a tyrannical ruler, and all know why you fight, but outside governments believe that if allowed to be ruled by a Guardian who can't ever die, that eventually harm would come" Kyo smiled sadly.

"They know you mean well, but believe that they are right, and so will defend themselves. Khun is very hesitant about fighting Grimstone because he knows the truth about our power, while other kingdoms can only guess"

Isabel rested her hands on her husbands shoulders and rubbed them soothingly. "My love, we will win this war. We have all got faith in you. All of us know you will triumph. But why have you called us here my love?"

"Ah yes I got quite sidetracked. Kyo, Asmodeus, prepare your defenders. I suspect an attack quite soon. Asmodeus I wan't you to give your infantry factions to Kyo, and Kyo I wan't you to give your siege, missile, and calvary units over to Asmodeus. Arachnid I need you to spread your Necromancers evenly among both forces. Isabel I need you to send out your spies and gain as much foresight as possible." he looked around the room at the grim faces "I expect a bloody dawn. Dismissed"


~Grimstone camp (Kyo)~

Kyo burst into his tent, saw Gitana sitting on their bed and smiled at her. He walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her and planted a kiss on her forehead. "Good morning my love, how did you sleep?" he asked.


~Grimstone Camp (Arachnid and Asmodeus)~

Arachnid and Asmodeus were stationed in the same camp and as such they walked together back to their tents which were located together. "What do you think Greeny is planning?" asked Asmodeus.

"He is probably going to set up a hex-form with his Red Wizards. We can expect all types of devastating magic. It'll probably be a seven sided pentagram, meaning we can expect lightning forks, fire hails, and protective shields around their troops, what do you plan to do?"

"I have no clue" said Asmodeus "I make it up as I go" He grinned at her, his wickedly sharp teeth gleaming. "chances are i'll use my calvary to swing around in a wide arc then sweep in from the side to catch them unawares while my Siege and Archers draw attention to the Infantry who will have to be bloodied quite a bit for this route to work. Im not sure as of yet, I have to speak to Kyo and Grimstone"

"Indeed"


~Alliance Campgrounds~

Lord Greeny sat in deep though, holding the hand of his beloved War Queen who was discussing battle plans with her advisers and Greeny's advisers. Everyone knew that when Greeny was in such deep thought no one could rouse him, and no one would wan't to because he was usually thinking of a way to preform destructive magic that would win the day.

Appolonia looked at her husband then turned back to the people seated around them "I believe they will try to flank us with calvary while their Necromancers rain hell down on our heads" she said. She loomed over a map of the mountains. "As it is their in a good position to lob rocks down at us and flatten a few thousand soldiers..." she looked up "We're going to have to relocate before the battle otherwise we'll be losing to many soldiers"


"We cannot move" said Greeny, stunning them all into silence. "If we move we lose magical advantage. The earth seeps with magic at this point. So strong that we could preform a ten sided hexagram summoning," he said to the general astonishment of all Mages present.

"Lord, such a spell would sap the strength of every magician we have..." said the nearest mage. Greeny fixed his intense gaze on the man then looked to his wife. "No..." he said simply. That was the end of matters as he wen't back to thinking about what to do.

[Mysteria]

Grimstone Camp

Gitana paced in their tent after having awakened alone. She was waiting on Kyo to return from his meeting with Lord Grimstone and the rest of the leaders. Never before had the lands been in such extreme turmoil as they now were. Uncertainty and unrest had befallen all of realms within Aarhus. Times had changed and it was only here with Kyo that Gitana had once again felt safe.

Gitana reflected on her time away from Grimstone and her travels after losing both parents at once. She hadn't been able to save them, to stop it from happening. She hadn't been strong enough. It wasn't until she had met up with Kyo again, had begun training, learning how to focus better that she had become strong enough to have held off such an attack that had taken her parents. It had come to late but at least it had come. He had come and despite her fears of rejection he had chosen her. Her.

She still couldn't believe it even now sometimes. In some ways it hadn't surprised her. As children they had been closer than most. So much time had passed though and they had went their separate ways. It was by sheer chance that they had ran into each other that day. She'd spent some time with Kyo before finally returning to Grimstone with him. She had fallen in love with him and although she didn't know if he would ever return that love she had taken the chance. She would have followed him to the end of time and would have waited an eternity for him. As it turned out though she hadn't had to wait long to find out his true feelings about her. Despite that he had not shown them right away and had even tried to keep them from her for some time the truth had finally been shown to her.

It was Kyo that had shown her the way.

Gitana made the bed and sat down on the edge of it. What was taking so long? It seemed like he had been gone an eternity although she was certain it had only been a short time. Upon hearing footsteps outside of the tent Gitana looked up. She knew Kyos footsteps, her ears had become accustomed to his footfalls. When he burst into their tent and smiled at her all of her worries disappeared the moment that she felt his arms around her.

"Good morning my love, how did you sleep?" Gitana smiled up at him, her emerald eyes shining with joy as she looked deeply into his eyes "With you by my side my love how could I do anything but sleep well?" Pulling him to her Gitana kissed him slowly and tenderly before finally breaking that kiss with a sigh. Pressing her forehead to his she asked "And how did the meeting go? How is your father Lord Grimstone this day?" Gitana's voice reflected a slight note of worry and true concern. She knew that a meeting would not have been called had things been truly okay.

[Black]

~Grimstone Camp~
Kyo looked into her eyes and his smile dropped away, replaced by a cold mask of fury. "He is worried that we may lose this war and it weighs down upon him heavily. He wishes to spread the good fortune of Grimstone all over Aarhus, but those damned Kings and Queens, those so called 'nobles' are fighting him" Kyo's voice was one of deadly clam. If he was yelling at and insulting someone you had no reason to fear him, for he was not truly mad. It was when his voice dropped to a whisper and when his gaze seemed like it could kill that you had cause to pause and trod carefully.

Kyo's face changed again and he walked to Gitana and wrapped his arms around her again, falling back upon the freshly made bed with her in his arms and allowing his kiss to brush against the hollow of her throat. "But we have nothing to worry about, he was just telling us to be wary of D'hara's power and Military might, and that he expect's battle" Kyo snorted with laughter. "We all expected battle, and know not to under estimate out enemies. But I cannot blame my King for worrying. D'hara is fierce and it's Military is enough to be given pause when trying to fight it" Kyo looked into Gitana's eyes.

"Do you remember how we met my love?" his eyes looked into hers. "That day long ago, on the beach, me with my beloved King and Father, you with your Beloved parents. We watched the sun set together, holding hands as innocent kids are prone to do" his gaze seemed to relay all his love for her. In his gaze others would tremble in fear, others would see hatred, but only a select few ever saw past his intense gaze and into his soul. Gitana was one of the few.


~Fortress of Shattered Swords~


Grimstone stood looking out on his army, noting the neatness of it all. His soldiers had pitched their tents in neat squares of five hundred to six hundred tents per square surrounded by a pitfall and rows of spikes. All along the walls that seperated Grimstone from D'hara men patrolled, while others sat and sharpened swords.


The Wall of Grimstone was itself impressive. It was so large across that ten men could stand shoulder to shoulder and still be able to walk and fight comfortably. Siege equipment was mounted on the Circular towers that dotted the walls every mile or so. And every hundred miles another fortress like the Fortress of Broken Swords was set up. The Army of Grimstone was stretched out along this forty thousand mile long wall, and still had so many troops that they had to camp outside on the fields.

Grimstone turned and looked out upon the afternoon day. His chest swelled with pride. "I will spread good will across this world," he said to himself.

~Grimstone Camp~

Asmodeus walked amongst his soldiers, all of whom worked harder in the presence of the demon, and yes it was known Asmodeus was a free demon, to impress him and earn his respect. Asmodeus respected the fury of these young soldiers and did not wish for many of them to die in battle, but knew he would have to help bury and tend many soldiers who would die upon the battle field. The thought depressed him. During inspection he took it upon himself to look into the eyes of every soldier and shake his hand, offer words of encouragement, praise, and advice.

Asmodeus was well loved by his men.


Arachnid however was a different story. She commanded perfection and awarded those who served her brother Grimstone well. While she loved her students she tolerated no weakness or failure. She was a hard general to serve under, but many did It gladly because it meant they were the Best of the best.

Arachnid watched as Kyo's honor guard moved past with interest. She turned to Asmodeus and her Lieutenant General and said "Kyo raises fine soldiers. I've never seen men in full plate male armor carrying tower shields and broad swords move so fluently," she looked back on the soldiers. Each soldier was garbed in blue-green sea colors, Kyo's favorite color was a mixture of midnight blue and sea green. The overall effect of these soldiers was impressive. Each carried a shield with a Scythe and shield engraved on it, Kyo's sign. The Bringer of Death and Defender of the People.

"Indeed" said Asmodeus.

[Dirzrahel]

Grimstone Camp

It was a day like any other for him. A day that involved a mere two things. Eating and drinking. Though, this day was irregular by just a small case.

"Meeeeow!"

A small white kitten pawed the boot of a soldier, the soldier stopping in his tracks. He looked down with a puzzled face at the kitten, thinking, how in the world did something like this end up here? The soldier bent down and scooped up the kitten in his arms, his index finger scratching behind the kitty's ear. It mewed with satisfaction, tenderly licking the finger with a small, pink tongue. Golden irises looked at the soldier, a deviant mind behind the entire facade.

Hmmm, he seems well enough. Mayhaps I'll get myself some food? And alcohol. This sweet little kitten needs alcohol.

The soldier started walking, the kitten now perched on his shoulder in triumph. With as much cute dexterity as possible, the kitten pawed the soldiers helm, trying to get what was inside it, or so it would appear. The knight chuckled, using a finger to brush the paw aside and rub the top of the kitten's head. The kitten purred wildly, rubbing his head back onto the knight's finger.

Yes, yes! This facade is working! FEAR THE POWER OF THE CUTENESS!

"Laxus! What's with the cat?"

The knight turned attention to his fellow, laughing heartily.

"Ah, Grenavere, I just found it wandering the camp. Seemed to be innocent enough."

The knight started walking toward a circle of knights, then sat down on a makeshift bench, or a log in other words. The kitten had crawled gracefully from the knight's shoulder and was now perched on his head, sitting on its haunches like a king.

"Ahaha! Laxus, it seems to have taken a liking to you. It's dominating you like your wife!"
"Oi Ferryn, don't be making jokes like that."
"Aye, Grenavere, it must not be the best of place.
"Ah, you both shut it. It's a dainty little thing if I've ever seen it."

Cat on head! CAT ON HEAD!

Movement caught the cat's eyes as his head turned abruptly to the right. A tent was there, two inside. He could see the movement, and thought perhaps, he may get a show. The kitten lay down upon the knight's helmet and curled up, presenting as if it were going asleep. It was believed.

The golden irises glowed ever-so-softly, a power so discreet that no one from any world would be able to detect it. He had simply made it so his eyes would be able to see through fabric.

Two people were inside, a hug, a kiss, then talking. The kitten's eyes drooped.

Seriously, the people these days are all show and no business.

The kitten's eyes focused more on the woman, then widened in surprise. Something was odd about the woman. Something allured him to her, wanting her, but not for her body.

The aura she possesses... it's a haven for spirits. That's an endless supply of food for me. I have to get close to this woman and get her alone... she seems to deal with those of lesser values anyway. Her mate has the eyes of a truly murderous gentleman. I like it.

[Atrum Daemon]

GRIMSTONE CAMP

It was not uncommon to find Bahl at the fringes of the camp. He had no love for overly social contact, something that had forged in him from years of wandering the Grimstone Kingdoms and becoming feared and hated by everyone who heard his name. He growled softly under the helm that fully encompassed his head. He was growing hungry. A hungry death mage was something to be careful around.

Bahl huffed a short sigh and pushed himself to his feet, brushing himself off, and turning to face the camp. He headed back into the camp proper, giving short waves to anyone who greeted him. Sure, certain elements of the Grimstone army held no animosity or fear toward Bahl, but that wasn’t about to change anything about him in the long run.

Bahl had never paid attention to the “politics” behind the war because he found it tiresome to think about for too long. He was familiar with Lord Grimstone’s want to bring the prosperity of his country to the rest of the world and, surprisingly, fully supported it. This surprised most of the soldiers when they heard about the fringe area of the country he had grown up in. It was an area prone to attacks by bandits and outlaws and generally too out of the way for any Grimstone military force to bother with. Whenever anyone asked him about it, Bahl simply replied: “I support it because it’s within my interest to do so.”

[Black]

~Grimstone Camp~

Asmodeus walked through the camp talking and joking with his men when he saw the cat on the knights head. Asmodeus tensed and stopped mid-sentence. Then he excused himself from his conversation and walked over to the table with the knights who all scrambled to stand up. Asmodeus just waved them all back down and sat down. "Quite the adorable Cat you've got there Laxus" said Asmodeus watching the cat knowingly. "be sure you don't take off your armor around it" he said calmly getting up and walking past them. "It's a demon and your silver-lined armor would be very uncomfortable for it" Asmodeus sat down next to Laxus and sat staring intently at the cat, ignoring his confused men.


~Grimstone Camp~

Arachnid was suddenly walking beside Bahl, having appeared out of a writhing ring of smoke. "Hullo Bahl," she said brightly. "How are you this fine morning" she asked her eyes focused intently on hers from behind her mask. They were green with purple iris's.

[Dirzrahel]

The cat yawned, shuffling around on the knight's helm and then standing up again on its haunches. In the most human-like way possible, it raised its paw and stifled its next yawn, its golden eye winking at Asmodeus. His tail whipped back and forth, his mouth opening slightly as a tiny 'mew' came out. His head tilted to the side in a confused state.

"Oi young one, I'm just trying to get a meal. Stay out of my affairs, and plus, my allure has already taken these men. We'll talk in the Silent Tongue, since these humans can't hear us. Or have you forgotten it? Matters not, you should still be able to hear me. You already know who I am with that slight presence I let out, and I know you as that son of whoever-his-name-was-I-killed. Meh. Step off. In respect for another's hunting ground, I will not dine on these men. Consider it a favor because I've found someone I'm interested in here."

The kitten shuffled around once more and looked down off the side of the helmet. His hips braced, his legs tightened, and off the dainty cat went as he hit the ground. He licked his front paw for a moment then began moving for the tent he had seen earlier, shaking his butt at Asmodeus.

"Boom-shicka-boom-shicka-boom. You'll see this cute little kitten ass later." With that said, the kitten disappeared from view, as if it never existed at all.

The knights circled around on benches all reared back suddenly, as if they had all come out of a dream. Laxus looked around in bewilderment, wondering how he got to be here, then shrugged. He didn't really think more about it. He was among his fellow knights, so he figured he may have gotten a bit tipsy and wandered about.

The kitten looked through the flap of the tent at two humans, a man and a woman. His head and ears poked by the side of the tent, his golden irises watching the movement. He smiled on the inside. This was her.

"Mewww."

[Mysteria]

Gitana listened as Kyo spoke of potential battle in the kingdoms. She was not afraid. Lord Grimstones armies were strong and she was more than prepared for anything that might come her way. Her powers had increased and with Kyo's help training her she had become strong. No mortal man could hurt her, she would see to it. And if she couldn't Kyo would. Nothing would hurt her as long as Kyo lived and the truth was that if she so much as got a scratch on her by anothers hand Kyo's wrath would be felt by the one responsible for it.

Gitana fell back upon the bed with her love. "Do you remember how we met my love?" Reaching up and brushing the hair from his face her viridian orbs smiled at him. "I remember everything Kyo as if it were only yesterday. I've never forgotten" Gitana moved slightly under his weight wrapping her arms around his neck as she spoke. "I remember how you found me again too my love, and brought me home."

Gitanas aura played around Kyo dancing in vibrant colors only darkening for a few brief seconds at the mention of her parents. Kyo knew that she still blamed herself for allowing it to happen. Her smile wavered slightly but for Kyo's sake she did not wish him to see her sad. Burying her head against his shoulder she rested there for a moment diverting her eyes from his intense gaze before placing a gentle kiss upon his neck. When she again looked back to him her lips brushed his lightly before slipping her tongue into his mouth their tongues dancing against one anothers softly at first and deepening into a more passionate kiss.

Sighing she broke that kiss as she was surprised at the mewing sound of a kitten near the tent door. She looked at Kyo quizzically and with a laugh stated "It sure is an odd place for a kitten to be. Perhaps it's lost its mother. Should we feed it?"

[Black]

~Grimstone Camp Kyo's Tent~

Kyo looked around at the cat and frowned. He sat up and moved his index finger. The cat was levitated into the air and moved in front of Kyo's scrutiny. Then he smiled and lowered his index finger. The cat dropped into a round fluffy ball onto his bed. "You may keep it and do whatever you wish with it. I will be back, Asmodeus and I need to speak" he stood up, placed a kiss on her lips and turned away.

Asmodeus was waiting outside Kyo's tent when Kyo stepped outside. Kyo took a look at Asmodeus's face. Asmodeus was frowning, focusing on the tent. "There's a"

Kyo waved his hand and said "yes yes I know. That cat's a demon. But he can't hurt Gitana. Even if they sign a contract he can't assert his will over her own. She's too strong minded and her aura would strangle even you Asmodeus"

Asmodeus smiled "Yes, but that demon is stronger than I am currently, if only just a little stronger. But you are right. I do not think Gitana will be fooled by a glamor or a lie of any sort. That demon isn't the brightest bulb in the box"

Kyo smiled, then frowned. "Asmodeus, what's a bulb" he asked and Asmodeus shook his head and laughed. "Come my friend we have war to wage" Kyo and Asmodeus turned and stalked off.

[Dirzrahel]

The cat was miffed, certainly. Although he could have cancelled out that levitation, he didn't want to appear rude. Rude kitties don't get treats. His eyes slanted evilly at the comment he heard from that weakling of a demon outside the tent. Not the brightest bulb? If he was an idiot, that bottom feeder outside was a mouse on two legs. A mouse this kitten would hunt and devour if miffed too much. He looked to the woman and mewed cutely, trotting up and rubbing against her thigh lovingly and as cute as he could. He walked away a bit and sat on his haunches, licking his front left paw a bit. Her aura was delicious. He was relishing every moment spent near it, like a sweet seduction of ether caressing his cheek lightly like a mother to a baby. It was intoxicating. He didn't show any signs of this.

With human-like grace, the cat went up on its hind legs and bowed gracefully, one golden orb winking at the human woman. Out of nowhere, a top hat appeared in his paw, which was nobly put upon his head. His ears stuck out to the sides. Another moment passed and a monocle sprang onto his face, the chain going to somewhere within his white, fluffy chest. The cat started falling to the side, a cane appearing suddenly within his paw, holding him up.

"I bid you hello, lass. I am a cute little kitten here to enjoy your company. To get down to straight business, I have a proposition for you..." The kitten said in a completely suave and handsome voice.
"You want this war to stop, don't you? Every soldier is an innocent, simply confounded by their king to kill each other. I know this manipulation. You don't want your loved ones hurt, do you? That would be a shame. That gentleman that rudely picked me up, although he deserves it, may be in vitally despaired health at one point or another. This is where one such as myself comes in." The kitten continued, walking forward with the cane. Out of nowhere, a small black dress vest came around his body.

"I am who they call Andronochuss," He said with another bow, "And you are who they call Gitana." He finished, pointing.

"But pleasantries aside, I'm here because spirits are attracted to you. I'm a spirit myself, you know, just of a different sort."

[Atrum Daemon]

GRIMSTONE CAMP

“No different from any other morning,” Bahl answered, “though I am starting to consider the possibility of consuming a few of the less important troops if we remain in this stalemate much longer.”

He idly flexed the fingers of his right hand as he spoke. He was familiar with Arachnid by her name only. He had a feeling in the back of his head that he would have probably found her attractive if he were still interested in such things. He finally turned his head to meet her gaze, his own eyes remaining in shadow through the collection of holes on either side of the helm that allowed him to see from beneath the piece of armor. He idly fiddled with one of the charms on his belt as he asked: “Is there any not worthy news from the heads? Any inclination as to what moves we will be making?”

[Mysteria]

Grimstone Camp Kyos Tent

Gitana watched in amusement as the kitten was levitated and deposited on the bed beside her. Kissing Kyo goodbye she turned her attentions to the kitten. As the kittens eyes slanted upon hearing voices outside of the tent Gitanas own began to gather a slight silver sheen to them. However they hadn't begun to glow yet so Gitana deduced that whatever it was that she was sensing couldn't be too overly dangerous albeit she still proceeded with caution looking and listening. After all the only thing in the room was a kitten.

Her gaze fell back upon that kitten rubbing against her. Gitana chuckled to herself "affectionate little thing aren't you" she said as she rubbed it's head. The kitten moved away cleaning itself as Gitana looked on and suddenly sat up on its hind legs. Gitanas eyes began glowing brightly. Something was close but... what was this?

The cats eyes were glowing golden. As the kittens transformation began Gitana realized that she was not in the presence of any ordinary cat. This was the source of danger but yet she feared it not. The truth was that only something bred of another source could do what this cat was doing. Immediately her guard went up as the kitten began to speak.

His voice was clear and his tone confident as his wardrobe continued changing. Gitana had to give it to him, he was charming but she wasn't about to lower her guard regarding him. Gitana knew that things were not always as they seemed. Her mother had taught her this well. Leaning on one elbow upon the bed she listened to him intently.

When he had finished Gitana sat up and spoke her own voice calm and rational. "You are correct, I am Gitana but then you would know such things wouldn't you?" Her brow raised as considered Andronochuss watching for his reaction. "Yes, I know who and what you are. Spirit you say?" Gitanas voice changed reflecting her own certitude. "Do not be so fickle to think I do not know when I am in the presence of more than a mere spirit, Demon. State your cause but mind you, I am not fooled easily nor am I to be trifled with." Relaxing her tone slightly she added "Speak now before Kyo returns."

[Dirzrahel]

"Ahhhhh meeeewwww," the kitten responded, rolling his eyes. He pointed with his cane to her eyes and huffed, his expression turning into a depressed kitten face.

"And of course there'd be something about you. You can only see this kitten form I'm in, but you automatically know I'm a demon. Such a sad case I am. Though, I am a mere spirit. You aren't aware of what I've gone through, young one. Though since you say for me to speak before your lovey-dovey lover returns, you are interested in what I'm saying."

The kitten's apparel disappeared as he went back down on all fours. His tail was hooked into a question mark as he approached Gitana, rubbing against her thigh once more in the cutest way possible, then batting his paw at her hand in a feeble manner.

"This aura that surrounds you. It attracts me. Unlike my lesser brethren, I can feel the ebb and flow of ether before it even takes form into magic. Ether is all around you. It's more intoxicating that the hardest liquor, young one. Which is why I'll go back to this proposition. I want to make a contract with you." Andronochuss explained, crawling closer and leaping into her lap. He rolled over onto his back one claw being sucked on between his kitten lips. He extended a paw out, showing five claws.

"And if you will accept my contract, I have five terms to add to the body of the agreement. Which means in turn, you may also have five terms. This is a disadvantage for me as it is for you. However, I will make this clear. I have no interest in your soul or blood. I have interest only in your aura. You and your loved ones will not be in danger, I give this word upon the souls I have collected, upon my name as Adronochuss, the Demon King." The kitten continued, licking the paw it had extended out. His golden irises flashed for a brief moment, a blink. Then he winked. A little fellow filled with mischief.

"AH! And something else. If you are not fooled easily, why was I originally a poor lost kitten with no mother to you?" He pointed out expertly, flashing his little kitten teeth in a bright white smile.

[Black]

Arachnid looked at Bahl. "Our Lord King predicts that an attack will occur at dawn" she stopped and stepped in front of him. "Bahl, im making you my Lieutenant general. There is no other death mage in this camp besides me with your skill and intelligence. So I need you by my side" he looked around. "There's a meeting tonight in the Fortress of Shattered Swords, be there" Arachnid turned and stalked off leaving Bahl staring after her. Soon she was lost in the hubub of the camp.

[Mysteria]

Gitana stroked the kittens stomach as he spoke. Did he think her a fool? Of course there was something different about her for if there had not been then he would have not been drawn to her as he was.

Gitana listened to what he had to say. He was interesting to say the least and the contract that he spoke of to her interested her just as much. She had some knowledge of such things but wanted to hear more. Gitana nodded and bid him to continue however when he stated "If you are not fooled easily, why was I originally a poor lost kitten with no mother to you?" she merely smiled patiently. The kitten was brave, and mischievous. He would provide amusement along with many other things. With no hesitation or faltering of her voice she replied "Ah my furry little friend, we both know that all things are not always as they appear." Gitana let that statement sink into his brain for a moment while she scratched him behind the ear before leaning down and whispering into his ear "Perhaps you heard what I wanted you to hear, or perhaps it was only because I felt the threat was not enough for me to concern myself with. I shall let it up to you to decide."

Just as quickly she removed him from her lap as she stood up and moved away from the bed her aura dancing around her feet as she contemplated his offer.

"Continue then but I warn you, do not speak ill or with amusement of my mate again or this deal will never be sealed. Now speak to me of your conditions." Gitana said the words lightly but effectively enough to let Andronochuss know she meant what she said. Above all else, her loyalty was to Kyo and to those persons and things whom Kyo held dear.

[Dirzrahel]

Andronochuss mewed as Gitana stroked his stomach, his cute kitten face scrunching up in ecstasy. He was let down when she removed him from his lap, though. He sat on his haunches, letting her talk sink into his head, like she wanted him to. Honestly, she thought him quite inferior. It was working well.

"Meow, it must be as you say, Gitana. I would never know if you were lying to me at all, after all, I am but a cute little kitten." He said with a whimsical tone, smiling afterwards.

"The conditions? Easily made. The first is that I will feed off your aura. This will provide no negative effect to you, since it seems this ether is ever-flowing. The second is that I retain my free will to act as I wish, however, combat is still by your order. The third is that I reserve the right to keep my power to myself. This is beneficial to you because if I were to truthfully let go, you would suffer an influx, and implode. Humans bodies are not made to store ether. That explains why it is leaking out of you, I suppose. The fourth is that we both reserve the right to keep our thoughts to ourselves. I'd rather you not know what I'm thinking, and I doubt you'd want me to know what you're thinking. Finally, the fifth." The kitten said, walking forward slowly. Without a sound, he lifted off into the air with a kick and landed on her shoulder, whiskers tickling her ear.

"The fifth is that under no circumstances am I to be in my True form for more than a time of approximately sixty-six minutes. Once the contract is finished and you first call out my name to come into my True form, you will realize why there is a time limit. Many terrible things happen when one such as myself does this. It is not good for the enemy, nor is it good for the allies. Now, tell me, what are your conditions?" The kitten asked, pawing and playing with Gitana's hair.

[GraftRaven]

Aarhus Peaks

Krath looked down on the gathering storm below him, within the next couple of days the gathering force wold degrade into the thundering tumult that was war. Tilea and Atlas would indeed be pleased, so why not join in the fun? Krath spun around, then disappeared into his own cloak leaving behind a small cloud of black vapor.

Greeny's Tent

Krath appeared just outside Greeny's tent, causing a disruption only possible when someone who looks like a demon suddenly appears in a crowd of people. The guards immediately seized him by the arms and pulled his two sword out of their sheathes. "There's really no need, but as long as you're looking, i have two daggers as we---" even as he finished the sentence the weapons were pulled from his belt. "You boys are quick, you know that? Now, if you would kindly let me speak to the General..." The guards looked at each other, then leaned in closer seeming to argue with each other.

(OOC : this is where i leave control of the guards to you, Shatter)

[Black]

~Alliance Camp~

"Enter" came Greeny's voice. "And let him keep his steel. They cannot do anyone in this tent harm. He would be destroyed in seconds by the seventy five magicians in here, and the four hundred surrounding him" and indeed there were a good three hundred seen people focusing on him, their hands glowing slightly all different colors so that it looked like a laser light show. And in the distance a few mages could be seen sitting in pentacles focusing on the man.

"If he wishes to speak with me then he may, I withhold my presence from no man, demon, spirit, or guardian" said Greeny. His voice was deathly quiet but it seemed to carry around the entire camp, such was the mastery of his magic that it seeped into him and activated itself without his need to. Such mages were how Demons were born. When a Mage such as Greeny or Grimstone dies, their magic constricts into an entity, usually an Imp. Even though their magic may only spawn a small demon, the fact that it's strong enough to do so is impressive. Greeny and Grimstone however would spawn Afrits with their magical abilities.

[GraftRaven]

Alliance Camp

"Very wise of you sir." Krath snatched back his weapons and sheathed them all within two seconds. He took a few steps toward Greeny, until he was about five feet away. The multicolored orbs of light held in the hand of each magician slightly annoyed him, but it was understandable. "You plan to siege this fortress of Grimstone, do you not? I have come to offer my help, if you'll have it." Krath watched several of the magicians farther away lower their hands, there would be too many friendly heads in the way for them to matter much anyway. Krath then set out observing the man in front of him, amazed with the attentiveness with which he studied his work. This one would prove to be a great commander.

[Black]

~Alliance Camp~


"Your magic permeates the air with it's foul taste" said Greeny. "You feed off of terror and you destroy villages, your black magic taints Aarhus and everything it touches," came Greeny's voice. Each time he said a word it seemed to crack like a whip so that everyone around Krath took a few nervous steps away. Greeny stood, his cloak was open and revealed a heavily tattooed chest. Each different tattoo was a spell form, binding and limiting the power Greeny could have out at any time. Many strong magicians had these tattoo's so that ordinary people in their presence wouldn't pass out.

However Greeny also had Several black bands going up each arm that limited his power as well, and still it seeped out of him in a brilliant green and blue aura. His eyes seemed to have lightning crackling through one and into the other back and forth. "You've destroyed many villages, and now you come here to sate your need for combat! Am I correct?" his voice shook like thunder, yes he was whispering. He seemed to be ten feet tall.


(Many rulers like Greeny, Grimstone, and other people like Morgan aren't allowed to take part in battles which is why Greeny and Grimstone are so powerful and why Morgan is so RAWR. For effect and visualization. If you plan on using your character to fight, it may not be super strong like Greeny or Grimstone"

[Mysteria]

Grimstone Camp, Kyo's tent.

"Meow, it must be as you say, Gitana. I would never know if you were lying to me at all, after all, I am but a cute little kitten."

Gitana observed his reactions smiling inwardly keeping her smile from presenting itself outwardly. He was being somewhat pretentious but indeed in his current state he was a rather cute little kitten and she enjoyed his presence as such; but this demon was no fool. Then again what demon was? He had walked these realms far longer than she had and she had no desire to have a match of wits against him. She only wished for the same as him, to use each other to their own advantages and for their own reasons.

With care Gitana listened to his conditions. There appeared to be nothing in them that showed he intended to gain anything out of the deal but for himself. She deliberated within her mind as he continued on about what her own conditions would be. Unfortunately she herself was not too quick to be trusting of a demon, even if he appeared not to want too much from her. Her aura was strong enough that she would not suffer any loss from him. She remembered his earlier statement about giving his word on the souls he himself had collected. Again in her mind the same thought went around and round. Could he be trusted to keep that word? Gitana thought on this for a few moments. It would not behoove him to break his word in any way.

The kitten jumped onto her shoulder and placed his final demand. All of his demands appeared to be within reason. She had no desire to see him in his true form for longer than absolutely necessary and she sure as hell did not wish to know his thoughts anymore than she wished him to know hers. As he played with her hair she presented her own conditions as she plucked him from her shoulder and turned him upside down in her arms, stroking his belly as she spoke.

"My conditions are simple ones but they are not negotiable. First, I would ask that you protect those of the Grimstone Faction never harming any of them for any reason. Secondly, I wish you to serve without question taking each command seriously."

Gitana actually enjoyed being able to pet the kitten even though she knew it was not a real kitten. Few animals were to be found in the encampment and it brought her some slight joy to hear a purr and feel the softness of it's fur against her fingertips.

Walking back over to the bed she sat down upon the edge of it continuing as she did so "Thirdly, I would ask of you to offer advice only when asked of you never with intent to cause myself or any of the Grimstone faction malice, harm, or ill will. Fourthly, if in any way you try to trick me or my mate or any member of the Grimstone faction, this contract becomes null and void immediately."

Gitana removed Andronochuss from her lap at that point and set him down on the bed before turning to him, bringing her face close to his and looking into those gleaming golden eyes. "My final condition is this; you will receive and obey the commands of my mate as though I myself had spoken them and they were my very own."

Reaching down and patting him on the head she ended with " It seems to me we both get what works to our advantage without causing harm to one another. Do we have a deal demon, or is this where we part company? "

[GraftRaven]

~Alliance Camp~

"So, you do know. I've not met many that can tell that much from a look." Krath's eyes glowed a slight yellow and black from under his hood, his hands instinctively moving to the hilts of his swords. "I will not mince words then. You say i have done terrible things, and that is true, but you do not know the purpose for which i have done them." At this point the blackness around him started to expand, first by inches, then out to a foot. "And let me ask this: would you rather i fight on the opposite side of this battle? If you truly think that Aarhus could do without my life, then by all means end it now, but if you think i can still be useful, then do with me what you will."

[Black]

Alliance Camp


Suddenly Greeny seemed to be the weak 5"10 man again, sitting in his chair with the weight of the world pressing down on him. "You will leave this tent alive on two conditions, and they will be signed in the essence of your soul" he said. "First, you will never harm an innocent every again, no matter how they have slighted you. If they have tried to murder you they are no longer innocent, Second you follow every order I give you, even if it goes against what you believe. Be warned, the moment you agree your soul will be bound to those words. Break your promise and your soul will be ripped from your body and sealed away, and your body will still follow my orders" he looked at Krath unimpressed by his aura.

[Dirzrahel]

The kitten tilted its head, its face scrunching up suddenly as a very large yawn came out. He smacked his lips, his little pink tongue flapping in the air. He brought a paw up, one claw scratching his chin. He smiled, flashing his white little kitten teeth. His golden irises glowed suddenly, the pupils swirling into a vast vortex of darkness. On the inside, Andronochuss was smiling like a mad-man. The human had laid down terms that conflicted with his own twice. How could he retain free will when he had to receive orders outside of combat? Nulled, term cancelled, there was no term. That left four. Then her last term, listening to her mate and taking orders from him? Only the contractor can give orders. That is why the contractor has the symbol. He laughed to himself inside even more so, though, he did feel a ping of guilt within himself. Her third term he dislikes, but he would deal with it. The trick had occurred before he contract had been written, so naturally, it would not yet be null. He decided he would play along with her terms anyway. He figured, might be entertaining!

"You have yourself a deal." The kitten mouthed.

The air grew still.

The noise outside stopped immediately, a deathly silence filling the void that the humans called a world. The air felt like it was tainted, devoid of anything as sweet as breathable oxygen. Like a miasma of blood and hate. A scorn that could make the sun burn hotter and glow brighter. The kitten was transforming slowly. Where white fur had been, tanned skin was revealed. Slowly, the legs grew, forming into human legs and five-toed feet. His body grew in accordance, the skin revealing itself, the fur falling away like the molting of a fledgling duck, downy drifting slowly down to the floor.

Andronochuss stood at six feet and six inches, looking down at Gitana. His head was flared with a mane of silver white hair that cascaded over his shoulders and led to the middle of his back. Firm muscles wrapped the demon's body, the tan skin rippling under Andronochuss' movements as the demon bowed gracefully. The feeling of taint and blood in the air dissolved quickly, replaced quickly by an aura of regal prose and nobility. His private regions were hidden by a cloud of dark smoke that covered his hip section, to maintain modesty. His eyes were slanted, golden irises peering forth from a chiseled, pointed face. He was a handsome, beautiful man by all aspects. But a demon nonetheless. This was the demeanor, the quake in the air of a Demon King. His eyes were unmoving as he looked to Gitana, the reflection of her in his pupils revealing the ghostly essence around her body.

"With blood sacrificed I conjure the contract that binds us." A deep, booming voice demanded. With a flick of his finger, blood poured out and floated into the air, making words out of the demonic essence. The double pentacle was laid out finally in the air as Andronochuss took hold of a bit of his hair and cut it, the fibers floating and resting inside the middle of the pentacle.

"Now, please prick your finger and sign, young mistress."

[Mysteria]

"You have yourself a deal." The kitten had mouthed the words yet although Gitana had heard no words she had understood him. Something about his reply had unnerved her. He had agreed far too quickly appearing to have given them no consideration at all. There was that word again; appearing. Gitana gave it thought and although she wasn't totally trusting of him yet he had after all agreed to her conditions and by doing so couldn't back out once he would sign the contract.

Normally Gitana would have preferred to have discussed the situation with Kyo but something deep in her gut told her that Kyo would approve. By the way that he had picked the cat up and given it to her and left her alone with it so quickly she figured that his being of such intelligence he had figured things out before he had even left the tent. He had left her with the demon for good reason.

A still silence fell over the encampment or at least over the tent that they were in for she heard nothing. Gitana watched as the kitten transformed from its small form into a form that befitting of what one would think of a God more than of any demon that could be conjured up in ones imagination. Golden skin, flowing white hair and rippling muscles now stood where a tiny kitten had once stood. Indeed he was incredibly handsome. Her eyes followed his form from the top of his head to his very feet. She found it odd that any demon would feel modesty and cloak his private parts from a mere human and even odder that he had bowed to her in a gentlemanly and noble fashion.

In a show of mutual understanding Gitana bowed her head allowing it to dip slightly before looking up and into the demons eyes now towering over her. She felt no fear even knowing full well that at any time he could have done anything to her, even he could have killed her if he had wished. Her parents had taught her to never fear the unknown, not even death. Kyo had also taught her to fear nothing. Even in death there was victory if one died honorably. She did not fear Andronochuss.

"With blood sacrificed I conjure the contract that binds us." His voice rang out loud, strong and commanding. If he had been human she almost would have thought him to be someone who Kyo himself might have possibly respected, even possibly trusted. But he was not. He was a demon. Gitana watched as he produced the document in his hands, wrote it in demonic blood and a lock of hair sealed the deal for him.

"Now, please prick your finger and sign, young mistress." The word mistress seemed an odd thing for her to hear and it brought forth a slight smile. Gitana couldn't help but notice that even now, he still was treating her as though he was some nobleman. Maybe there was some shred of honour within a demon after all, or maybe it was just all show on his behalf to lull her into a false sense of security. Either way Gitana plucked the dagger hidden within her boot and pricking her finger drew her own blood without so much as a flinch upon her fair features.

Using her own magic the blood trickled onto the page as the document was signed and the deal was made. It was done and Gitana felt a sort of relief even though her mind still held some doubts. Her emerald orbs shone brightly as she looked up to the demon a slight smile pursing her lips as she spoke. "By the bonds of this contract I am bound to you as you too are to me." Being uncertain of what would happen next or what she should even do next Gitana did nothing but wipe the blood from the dagger and shove it back into her boot.

[Dirzrahel]

The serious face of Andronochuss nodded, rolling up the document as the contract floated away into an abyss of dark miasma. He bent to one knee and took Gitana's hand, kissing it. As he retracted his head, crimson light started tracing along Gitana's hand, etching out the emblem of the Demon King. Six skulls lined in a circular pattern, the tops facings outwards, eye sockets empty. Inside the circle of skulls was another circle, bolder, but on closer inspection of 'spokes' coming from the circle to touch on the inside; it was the conglomeration of six scythes. The symbol glowed briefly then dimmed, disappearing altogether.

"You are now my contractor. You command Andronochuss, Demon King of Pride, The Madness Hero. Invoke my name and titles in the heat of battle and my power will rend this world of all those you hold in contempt withe the curve of scythe against neck." Andronochuss said, his eyes narrowing as he looked at Gitana. It seemed as though his gaze went beyond her physical appearance, and glared directly at her life essence, her soul. Most people grew uncomfortable with his sight.

"However..." He continued, raising abruptly. The sounds of the camp came back into the tent, the air was drained of the miasma that Andronochuss let out, and the world suddenly then came all back into one piece. The Demon King was floating in the air, a white kitten dropping softly down into Gitana's arms.
"You can call me Andy, young princess!" The kitten said, his eyes no longer the gaze of a Demon King, but the playful look of a young kitten. One of his paws extending toward Gitana, two claws forming a "V".

"And I'll call you 'Tana. Okies? Snuggle snuggle snuggle..." The kitten rubbed itself on Gitana's arms, purring and mewing softly. It liked its new master very much. The kitten stopped, eyes wide.

"And 'Tana, my forms can change as you wish. If you do not want my cute little kitten self, I can gladly change into something more fitting of your interests. Perhaps back into my human form? Though, that may add some controversy, a fairly nude demon in your tent... I think I'll stick to kitten for now meeeeooowww." He explained, snuggling Gitana once again.

[Black]

~Grimstone Camp~

The air shivered around Asmodeus and Kyo as the deal was struck. Asmodeus knew Kyo needed no indication that the deal was struck. As Asmodeus and Kyo had their own deal they felt it when others near them struck deals. Kyo smiled. "That fool demon has agreed to more trouble than he knows. I can hardly handle Gitana, not that I would wan't her un-stubborn. If she wasn't stubborn she wouldn't be Gitana, but he just want's her aura," Kyo said.


"Indeed, it's lucky he hasn't met Grimstone or Greeny. Both of their aura's, when unleashed, spread their essence around for miles before dissipating. Even your own Aura, Kyo, when unleashed is intoxicating" Asmodeus smiled. He and Kyo had signed a contract two days after Asmodeus was freed. The deal was, Asmodeus fed off of Kyo's anger, and his aura, in return he channeled his excess energies and power into Kyo's sword.

Kyo's sword was one of the only things about Kyo to be feared more than Kyo himself. He had years and years of energy pent up inside the sword. On a whim that energy could be released all at once in an explosive burst (The size of which would wipe the entire mountain, and Kyo, off the face of the earth) or he could tap into it's vast energies to replenish his magic or his own stamina.

Asmodeus was also required to protect Gitana with his life. He was instructed, without Gitana knowing, to put her life above that of Kyo and everyone else, even Grimstone. He took this oath very seriously. "That poor demon probably doesn't even know that you're a Half demon" Asmodeus smiled. "Or that you have essence of your own" Asmodeus smiled. "He probably thinks you an abnormally strong infinitesimally weak human compared to him"

"Pity. If the time comes you'll have to devour him for me. He'd give me indigestion"

[Atrum Daemon]

GRIMSTONE CAMP

Bahl blinked a few times and started to ask a few questions before Arachnid stalked away. He was rather suspicious about the sudden promotion to such a high rank. He took a deep breath and shook his head. He had never been to the Fortress of Shattered Swords, but if his presence was commanded, he would be there.

BAHL’S TENT

Bahl pushed aside the flap of his tent and stepped inside, letting the flap close before fastening it shut. He knelt before the small shrine to Tokamak he had set up next to the bed. He did so whenever he needed a moment of clear-mindedness in order to arrange himself again.

[Mysteria]

With a brush of his lips upon her hand the deal was complete. Gitana was surprised at how warm it felt. For some reason she thought it would be cold to the touch. Gitana saw the crimson light engulf her hand and fade away leaving Andronochuss's mark upon it. As quickly as it had appeared it was gone. For the moment anyhow.

"You are now my contractor. You command Andronochuss, Demon King of Pride, The Madness Hero. Invoke my name and titles in the heat of battle and my power will rend this world of all those you hold in contempt withe the curve of scythe against neck."

They were now bound together. His next word momentarily confused her. "However" He was looking at her, almost as though he was studying her. Gitana found herself mesmerized by those golden orbs staring not at her but straight into her. Never before had she felt that sensation other than with Kyo. This was different though and for a split second the word however concerned her and just that quickly the demon was gone and she was once again holding the adorable, lovable kitten.

"You can call me Andy, young princess!" Gitana laughed out loud. He had his way of amusing her and the fact that he had called her a princess made the laugh even more robust. "Andy it is then my furry little friend, but really princess? I am no princess, just a humble servant to my Lord Grimstone. And yes, Tana will be fine." Gitana thought it had a nice ring to it. Gitana rubbed Andy's belly stroking that fur as she held him in her arms.

"And 'Tana, my forms can change as you wish. If you do not want my cute little kitten self, I can gladly change into something more fitting of your interests. Perhaps back into my human form? Though, that may add some controversy, a fairly nude demon in your tent... I think I'll stick to kitten for now meeeeooowww."

While she didn't object to the idea of seeing that golden demon standing in front of her again she had to agree that he was correct. It wouldn't be fitting to have a half naked demon running around in Kyo's tent with her. Rubbing his ears Gitana simply said "You're right Andy, that just probably wouldn't do at all. For now, I am content to have you in this form where I can hold and pet you to have a break from the ho hum doldrums of war when Kyo is gone." Gitana patted him on the head before setting him down on the bed and rising she stepped partially out of the tent door to look around. The camp was buzzing again, the earlier silence that Andy had brought to the tent had been replaced by the usual sounds of the camp moving with life.

Kyo had been gone for some time now and should be returning soon. Seeing no sign of him she stepped back inside looking over to Andy who was still on the bed where she had deposited him. Gitana looked around the tent for something she could use for a collar for Andy. He'd be needing a collar if she were to own and command him. Something in silver might work just fine.

Kyo was never going to believe this. Then again, she probably shouldn't underestimate him. Kyo above all else knew of Gods, Demons, and magic.

Gitana busied herself waiting for Kyo to return.

[Black]

~Grimstone Camp~


Kyo bid Asmodeus farewell and stepped inside his tent. He looked at the cat sitting on his bed and flicked his finger, the bed lurched forward tossing the cat onto the floor. "Demons who make deals with my lover behind my back don't get to sit on the bed" he said, but the smile on his face betrayed the mock anger. He took Gitana in and smiled at her, noticing on the other planes of reality the new addition to her hand. He had such an addition as well, but on his back and one on his forehead that was hidden from all planes except the ninth. The two marks included the King of Wraths sign of two scythes crossed with a skull above it with curling goats horns and writhing fire in it's eyes.

On his back the mark of Lust stood out visible on all planes even the first. It was a rose with a snake wrapped around it.

He kissed Gitana deeply. "So what are the terms of the deal you two have made," he asked quietly, his voice deadly and murder in his eyes as he looked at the cat. "I see you for more than what you appear to be, Andronochuss. Asmodeus has educated me on your titles and powers. Impressive to say the least" he reached up and removed a single arm band. His aura suddenly shot out from under his feet. A crimson and black aura moving dangerously in swirling manners. The pressure from his aura made the magically reinforced metal poles holding his tent sag into the ground and objects around the room began to shake, two wine glasses shattered instantly.

"Just to give you a warning" he said his eyes betraying hatred and a promise of a slow demise to any who harmed his woman. His hand wen't to his sword and unsheathed it a tiny bit. The sword being unsheathed sent a screaming noise audible only on the second plane everywhere. The sword itself was as bright as the sun, and Kyo and Gitana next to it seem dim as stars. "Harm her in any way i'll have your head Demon King of Pride, Andronochuss Kinslayer" then just as quickly Kyo's arm band was back in place and his sword was sheathed, the light and screaming extinguished. Kyo's aura seemed to be non existent.

"So my love, shall we" he asked and took her by the arm leading her outside of the tent. "There is a sparring ring Andronochuss. Asmodeus would like you to meet him there, I've instructed him not to kill you or maim your essence too badly" Kyo left with Gitana after that.

"How are you Gitana, my beloved Wanderer? Been getting yourself into trouble," Kyo asked gently, a smile on his lips.

[Dirzrahel]

"Kinslayer? A wonderful name that is not mine to be had. The one named Asmodeus is fitting of that name. I have no kin to slay. You could say, I am a Faslayer. Though that word might prove testing. A sharp knife you have there, my new friend. I would like to use it since my sword is missing, but I suppose a blade for Asmodeus would be a bit too trying for him. I will be sure to take your warning in heart, but heed these words; the true Kinslayer is more of a worry than I. In regard to that, he lied to you about my powers." The kitten said, trotting out of the tent. The insolence of lower beings these days! His head turned back, his kitten eyes narrowed.

"Because if he had seen my powers, he would not be walking amongst you at this present time. Oh, and by the way, that mark upon your mate's hand is not the real one of mine. Only she may look upon my emblem, and she alone. You're seeing a simple facade. Until we meet once more, Lord Kyo." He finished, trotting his way over to the sparring ring. A trivial manner. A boring day it was going to be. He worried for 'Tana most of all, though. Arrogance begets betrayal. That one named Kyo that thought so highly of himself but was a mere whelp in the line of combat... he worried about that man. He rather liked his new master at the moment.

The kitten trotted cutely across the ground, knight after knight looking at him with an incredibly confused look upon their faces. What was a pure white baby cat doing running around on the camp grounds? They didn't bother him though. Something was holding them back somehow from picking him up. An invisible force that seemed to stretch infinitely, spread from the kitten's golden eyes. It was a demon's allure, the only aura that Andronochuss allowed to come from his body to have an effect on humans. His other auras were things that would not bode well with 'Tana's terms.

"Meeeeow!"

Knights cleared the way for the kitten, who stepped inside a stone ring and plopped his butt on the ground. His tail came up like a fluffy white question mark in the air, his paw coming up to be gingerly licked by a tiny pink tongue. He had hoped the "King of Wrath" would not be so idiotic as to truly challenge him. This would be a mundane effort to the kitten, and would simply make his opponent lose face. It was not a smart move. Let alone, Andronochuss could only defend. By his terms, 'Tana controls whether he goes on the offensive or not. Even if ordered, he would not like to attack anyway. Asmodeus was a young whippersnapper, and fun to watch for entertainment.

The kitten bent forward, his paws dragging on the ground as he stretched out. With grace, he went from stretching to rolling onto his belly. Immediately, a knight came forward and started scratching his underbelly, the kitten purring all the while. The knight stopped as soon as Andronochuss wished it, sitting back up in on his haunches, little golden kitten irises looking forward.

He yawned. "Soooo, Assmo. To what do I hold this invitation for? I was going to have a nice cat nap..."

None of the knights were bewildered by the kitten's language. Andronochuss had made sure of this by sending them all into a deep trance. Basic enchantment was all it is, not a drain nor pain in the world. He didn't want anyone besides 'Tana to know he was a demon, plus a few others that stick their noses in business they don't belong in. He liked uninterrupted nap sessions.

"On second thought, nevermind... I think I'll continue with my plan right here." The kitten said, suddenly curling up into a ball. Tiny snores registered from the kitten's body, along with mews and purs.

"IT'S SO CUTE!" A knight yelled out loud, soon to be hushed by his knightly brother next to him. The armored gentlemen all gathered around, watching the kitten sleep. Some standing, some squatting, others sitting cross-legged around the kitten. It seemed this fluffy white bundle of joy was the cat's meow.

[GraftRaven]

Alliance Camp

Krath too let his aura fade as he thought about the conditions laid before him, the terms of an agreement like this were very important, he could already feel the aether chains being crafted to bind him to his word. "You've proposed two terms, so i shall say my own: you, and only you, will have the right to change, add, or subtract terms from this agreement with my approval, and i will agree to not trick you into using this right in any way." Four chains with locks and four keys appeared aound himself, but the only other who would see them was Greeny. Two chains were Green and blue, the others wereblack and pale yellow, the keys were all green as well, but the locks were black.

"So, do we have a deal?" The chains wrapped around Krath, but did not quite connect at both ends, waiting for the final agreement to be sealed before they were.

(just a note: nobody but Krath and Greeny can see the chains, and they're not actually real chains.)

[Black]

~Alliance Camp~
"Deal" came Lord Greeny's reply. The chains locked themselves around the two and binded them. Once the chains faded away Greeny looked at Krath. "You'll be a Lieutenant in magical squad Hex 4" he said signing a sheet of paper. "Take that to the recruiter and he'll point you in the right direction. Dismissed" he said. He bowed his head respectfully to Krath.

~Grimstone Sparing Grounds~
"You insult me, and I am only following orders" said Asmodeus. "Such is what I expect from a weakling Imp. No honor and no Respect for their Betters, Equals, or even Lowers. And please, call me Wrath" he said. "And you can't beat me here Pride. We're in the middle of a war. My power is multiplied many times over again, and I was not just a speck on the radar to begin with"

He raised his hand and instantly the glamor on the knights was broken. They were all pushed back by an unseen force and all looked utterly confused. Asmodeus raised his hand and a lightning bolt struck the cat, turning his hair form white to black and making it stand on end. "Now fight me" he said and pulled out his sword.

It's handle was made of magically enforced wood, the blade was steel, Silver, and gold with Diamond edges. Strong enough to cut through demon skin, deadly enough to keep them from casting magic for some time. He took a step forward and was suddenly in front of Anny. He swung his sword so fast that his hand and the blade disappeared and cut off Anny's tail at the base with the sword. "Fight me or i'll kill you" he said raising his sword. "I have no conditions with Kyo. And I too get stronger from having a contract. And His essence is much better for demons than the Pure Aura that Gitana leaves out"


Asmodeus raised his sword and put it on his shoulder. "Were in a war mate. The raw anger and hatred dripping off these armies is so" he raised his head and looked into the sky. " Pure, Refreshing, embedding" he looked down at Anny.

[Dirzrahel]

"Oooooh, that felt good. Do it again, Assmo!" The kitten replied, his hair turning into its stark white color again. He did rather enjoy it. Like a massage on the inside, no pain at all. His tail grew back too, Andy smiling the whole time. He rather enjoyed it, in truth.

"Really Assmo, I would certainly fight you, but you aren't worth this kitten's time. You haven't even caused me pain yet, let alone does your sword give me the slightest bit of fear. You don't even know why I chose Gitana, so how could you say I don't become stronger from her aura? Hahah, you really are a poor little imp, scared of those who have descended deeper, and arrogant enough to challenge them. Your strength? It pales in comparison to one of the originals, Abbadon." Andronochuss yawned, still curled up in a ball and pretending to be asleep.

"Might I mention, he happens to be the one who taught me how to fight and how to manipulate the magic of the world..." The kitten continued, a fake snore coming out.

"And your pitiful resolve is nothing more than a fleck compared to when I fought Abbadon and we came at a draw. Learn your rank, you shade. You are but in shallow waters, barely crossing Charon's river. Fighting you would serve no purpose. Being around you fatigues me to no end. Seeing you... hehe, it embarrasses me that demons like you exist." The kitten continued, raking a claw along the ground softly.

"Though, I should be the one to talk. Committing the Taboos and reversing my entire lineage... but that you'd have no clue about that." He finished, feeling the tinge of the silver as he scratched his bottom delicately.

The kitten got up, the knights already back into his allure. He wasn't even letting out his entire aura of allure either, just a small tidbit so the knights would be distracted. Considering the sword Asmodeus had, he paid no mind to it. It didn't have the power to hurt him nor kill him, neither did the whelp holding it.

"And that aura of your master's is for a demon who hasn't tasted what true power is. I'm older than you by five-hundred thousand and sixty-seven years. You'd best listen to your elder." The kitten said, sitting on its haunches and licking his paw. He really couldn't attack anyway. Gitana had to give the permission.

Heh, Humilitas, Humanitas. I have to drift so far as to resume my role here? All that drives these beings is scorn.

Yes, Andronochuss. You have signed the contract under your demon name. You are bound to that woman.

Haaaahhh... fine. If you say so, your holinesses.

[John]

To say that it had been a bad week for Neilana, would be understating things. Ever since she had arrived in Grimstone, things kept going wrong. Her horse had been stolen while she rested at an inn, perhaps karma paying her back for stealing it in the first place. She had only managed to escape form a pursuing guard after trying to lift his coin purse, and received a nasty scar on her head in the process. There was also the problem of game being scarce right now, probably due to the impending war.

This was something which Neilana didn’t really understand. Her people were peaceful and hadn’t known war in a millennia. But Neilana had heard the rumours and talk at the inns and form the travellers she met on the roads. War was coming, and Neilana had decided not to linger long in Grimstone. Still she had met all different type of beings on her travels, and some were violent to say the least. It was the only thing that made her long for the peaceful forests of home.

At the moment, Neilana couldn’t help but wonder if what she was doing now was just a little insane. She had been creeping through the Grimstone camp, keeping to the growing shadows as dusk fell. Normally she would have waited for nightfall and eliminated any chance fo her being seen. But it was easy to see that the troops here were preparing for an attack, and she wanted to be far away form here when that happened. But still, she was taking quite the risk, but her hunger was driving her, not to mention the possibility of being able to nick some transportation.

Neilana’s leg started to ache as she stayed crouched and motionless in the shadow behind the tent. It had been an hour since the guard had showed up and forced Neilana to stay under cover. Her ability made it easy for her to stay concealed, but without the aid of darkness, she would most likely be seen if she moved out of position. Mind you though, getting captured could have it’s merits as well. Hopefully her captors would be good people and would feed her. She could see no reason why they might ant to hurt her. She hadn’t stolen anything…yet. And of course, she could always pretend not to understand them.

It was one of the things Neilana loved most about travelling. Speaking to people and learning the different languages of the different races. Now while there was no doubt in her mind that the people here no doubt would know what elves were. She knew that there would be no way for them to understand her native tongue. They might recognize it as a form of Elvish, but the dialect would be lost on them. She would feign innocence and pretend to be a scared little girl and hopefully, that would be enough. Neilana was about to go to the guard and give herself up, when he moved. Summoned by what must have been his commanding officer. She didn’t know for sure, but it didn’t matter.

Neialna breathed a sigh of relief and stretched her leg, working out the cramp. Immediately, she started to move again, slinking through the shadows created by tents. She continued to move along when it finally dawned on her that she really didn’t know where she was going. Perhaps it would be better to get a look inside one of the tents. Moving to the back edged of one, she lifted it slightly from the ground, and rolled underneath. He hadn’t heard any voices coming form inside, possibly due to her ethereal state. It could have even benn due to the thickness of the fabric which the tent was made of. Whatever it was, it created a large problem as she lay on her back, staring up at the man and woman inside the tent. Neilana’s immediately started to look frightened and brought her hands out in front of her.

“Tila na,” Neilana’s voice sounded frantic as she spoke in her native tongue. “Tila ra lina tillen!” Now what Neilana had said was “please no, please don’t hurt me.” She figured she could have said that their mothers frolicked with goats and it wouldn’t have made much of a difference. Still it was better to be safe than sorry. Neilana just hoped that these weren’t the type of people to shoot first and ask questions later.

[Black]

~Alliance Camp~

Lord Greeny stood from his throne and looked upon his beautiful wife, who stood up too, a puzzled look on her face. Greeny looked around at the standing peoples and the smiling faces. "Begin the battle"

~Grimstone Camp~

The two people looked at the elf, dumbfounded then the man pulled his spear around and pointed at her. "Don' 'Chu move ye' bloody Pointy Ears" he said displaying his lack of intelligence. "Ger' up of the 'loor ye' Pointy Ears" he said motioning with his spear. "Bessie, go ger' the uard!" he shouted and the lady ran and returned a second later with seven guards, all with swords drawn. There came the sounds of more guards surrounding the tent.

"Don't move elf" said the Captain. He sheathed his sword and offered his hand. "Come with me to see the General..."


Asmodeus seemed disappointed. He took a step and was suddenly gone, standing in front of Kyo and Gitana. "My Lady, my Lord, the Demon would not fight me due to the Contract. He needs Lady Gitana's permission for him to fight me, would you be so kind as to give him such permission so that I may beat him into the ground" he asked bowing humbly.

[Mysteria]

Gitana winced slightly as Kyo again moved Andy from where she had put him on the bed. It was quickly forgotten however as she welcomed Kyo's kiss. Any time that his arms were around her and his lips upon her was a welcomed time for her. She was led out of the tent by Kyo and as they walked she began filling him in on the terms of her agreement.

"I didn't discuss it with you Kyo because I knew you would not have left me to deal with a demon had you not had faith in my judgment. My terms are solid and he will abide, his terms were agreeable and I in no way will be harmed from his feeding off of my aura." Tugging on Kyos hand she stopped him and briefly brushed her lips against his hugging him and whispering into her mates ear "Thank you for trusting in me." Just as quickly she moved away and they were walking again.

Heading towards the sparring ring Kyo asked of Gitana "How are you Gitana, my beloved Wanderer? Been getting yourself into trouble," Gitanas laughter lingered upon the breeze for a moment. "Why whatever do you mean my Lord? Me? Get into trouble? Surely you know me better than to think I would ever get into trouble without you by my side."

By then they had reached the sparring ring. Within seconds Asmodeus was bowing in front of them "My Lady, my Lord, the Demon would not fight me due to the Contract. He needs Lady Gitana's permission for him to fight me, would you be so kind as to give him such permission so that I may beat him into the ground" Placing her hand on Asmodeus's shoulder Gitana spoke to him softly "How many times must I tell you Asmodeus that you do not need to call me Lady Gitana? It is I who should bow down to you!"

Gitana looked to Andy with a sigh. Obviously this fight was going to happen whether she felt it to be necessary or not. With a slight roll of her eyes she said the words as she looked to Kyo, Asmodeus, and Andy. "Yes, let the dual begin."

[Dirzrahel]

The kitten yawned, rolling his eyes as he looked to Asmodeus, then left his gaze to rest on Gitana.

"You will feel a pull on your ether, princess. Your aura alone will suffice in beating this fool. Be sure to notice what changes. Only you will be able to see it, since it exists on the opposite realms of demons."

The kitten stood on its hind legs, a top hat appearing on his head along with a monocle. He was slowly pulling on Gitana's aura, so as not to rip it off her abruptly. A cane appeared with his left paw as he tapped the ground twice with it, a black tailcoat appearing on his kitten body. His whiskers twitched, his eyes narrowed. He turned and walked to the middle of the ring casually, the kitten letting out a small 'mew' each time his feet hit the ground. His tail whipped and flurried behind him, his cane hitting the ground like a drumbeat.

He stopped, taking his paw off the cane as the piece of ether-made wood stood straight and still. His paws came together, a small clapping sound made.

"And now I present to you, my grand audience, a performance by Andronochuss!" The kitten announced in a very broad and informative voice.

Out of thin-air, a miniature piano appeared before him, resting on the ground softly from its dimensional trip to sit in front of its owner. The piano did not seem magical in any way other than the way it appeared before the kitten in the first place. Just a simple, black piano. The kitten moved toward it and sat, a bench suddenly appearing beneath his butt. His tail stuck out, wrapping around the bench in no time.

With careful consideration, the kitten decided what to play. He interlaced his claws and cracked his knuckles, adjusting his top hat and tailcoat so he was comfortable.

Clearing his throat, Andronochuss addressed the audience, "I now present with much pride, a piano effort composed by a wonderful musician that no longer walks this land. Crimson Annihilation."

And without further adieu, the kitten began his performance.

((Crimson Annihilation (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQQHRrnU1LA)))


His mind laughed within Gitana's, his kitten form walking around within her mind, mewing and purring.
"This is why I'm such a multi-talented spirit, 'Tana."

As the kitten's performance went on, the air around the sparring circle swirled like a maelstrom. Andronochuss still laughed on the inside, his claws dancing along the keys of the piano, creating a song that could not be played by a mere demon. It was a song taught to him by the Wind Spirit Lord, the entity that governs over the element of wind. The air was coursing with wild, untamed ether. Spirits suddenly appeared next to the piano-playing kitten, violins within their ethereal hands. They played along with the so-called demon, their cues perfect in timing as the claws of the cat ticked and tacked.

Thirty-two seconds elapsed within the kitten's performance. The clouds above parted as he began his concerto, shields made of adamantine falling from the skies above and placing themselves around the kitten and his piano one by one. The perfect defense. Metal so hard and blessed that not even the old Andronochuss, the one that was still purely demon and carnal in bloody combat, could break through. Then outside the shields, swords fell from the sky one by one, planting their blades into the ground. Swords of the same metal, ringing with the wind flowing about them. This was not demon magic.

This was holy magic.

Andronochuss smiled within himself ever more, knowing the effects were sure to take its toll. Upon the hand opposite of where he kissed Gitana was a symbol that no demon could see, no matter how powerful they were, they could never look upon it. The only beings able to were of holy descent.

A wreath of holly wound in a circle, an ankh encrusted with skulls in the center. The emblem of The Madness Hero Andronochuss. It glowed a bright sky blue light only visible to Gitana and Andy himself.

You make us sigh, Andronochuss. You were not suppose to reveal this magic.

Look here, they will never understand divine magic anyway. The facade is so well drawn as wind magic, until that fool of a demon tries to slash at the shields with his sword. That won't go over well for him.

With that, the kitten continued his performance.

[GraftRaven]

The keys turned in their locks, then floated over to Greeny and dissolved into thin air. Krath listened to what Greeny had to say, took the note and then bowed, something he didn't often do. "A respectable position, i will go at once." Krath spun on the spot and, feeling a bit of resistance from magical wards, evaporated into black smoke which quickly dissipated.

He reappeared just outside the recruiter's tent, showing the note with Greeny's signature and seal on it to the guards so that he could enter under his own power. Inside the tent was filled with documents, and chests of documents. At a desk sat a rather nondescript man with a beard and half-moon glasses. "You are the recruiter, yes?"

The man jumped slightly, and Krath smiled under his hood. "Yes, i am the recruiter... and who are you?" Krath took a few steps forward and placed the note in font of the man on the desk. "Names aren't important, are they? Where might i go to find Hex 4?" The recruiter looked up at him, somewhat stunned that what seemed to be a demon had just been adopted into the army. "That would be out the tent, to the left, and just past the second training ground... and i wouldn't recommend teleporting there, they tend to not take it well." The recruiter said all this while writing some notes of his own on a separate sheet of paper, then signing and placing his seal on it.

Krath recieved this man's note, and then Greeny's note before walking out of the tent without another word. He turned left, then began walking through the crowds of people running miscellaneous errands around the camp. Most of the crowd simply avoided him, but one man stopped and quite purposefully stood in his path, his name was Griswold. Krath stopped a few inches from the man's face, Griswold would still only be able to see the slightest twinkle in Krath's eyes because the hood he wore was enchanted not to show a face.

"You destroyed half my village." Griswold's voice was deep, with loathing seeping through it. "Only half? Oh, right, that was the day you hit me in the head with a mining pick... i'll forgive you for that one, but only because i read the map wrong." Griswold took a swing at Krath, only to fave his fist fly through thin air as Krath evaporated again. He reappeared several feet behind the man. "Now, now; don't go flying off the handle. I've been given specific instructions not to harm any innocents until further notice, ta-ta."

And without looking back Krath continued on his way, Griswold left stunned standing right where he was.

[John]

Neilana stood up slowly, keeping her hands up and a frightened look on her face. Truth was, she was trying not to laugh. It was partially to do with the butchering of his own language the soldier did. But it was also because Neilana knew she was pulling one over on him. It was the little things that made her smile, and right now she was finding it a little difficult to contain.

“Gen air el?” Neilana moved towards the tent flap and stared at the guard inquisitively. “Ney isha gen air el?”

Neilana walked out fo the tent and moved in the direction the guard had indicated. At the moment, the thought of trying to escape was very strong in her mind. Perhaps it was due to his surprise, or maybe he was just inept, but the guard had not said anything about Neilana’s weapons.

Keeping her arms stretched out at her sides, Neilana kept walking and could see a rather larger group of people gathered in one area. Music greeted her ears. She found the music to be quite beautiful and thought that it must be a concert of some sort. Once she had arrived at the group, she was able to see where the music was coming from.

Neilana had seen many strange things on her journeys. There were the Night Bloom flowers of Trilessia, which could swallow a man whole. The signing rock of Lastere Bin, which would break into song everyday at midday. There were even the drinking horses of Hygere, who survived by imbibing spirituous liquids. But there was nothing that could have prepared her for the sight of a cat playing piano in the midst of a rainstorm of shields and swords.

[Black]

~Grimstone Camp~

Asmodeus watched all of this with interest. His unsheathed his sword and held it out. He looked at Kyo who nodded and uncrossed his arms. Kyo removed all six bands holding back his aura, but nothing happened. At least not in the human plane of Vision. On the Demon planes a twist nether of Aura was seeping off Kyo in such strong vibrations it made each plane wriggle. On one side of Kyo on the second plane, the right side, a white aura dripped off him and spiraled away into the sky. On the left half a raging and twisting black and red ether spun violently towards Wrath, feeding him. Kyo's body was split in two on the third plane, one side, his right again, was a pure blinding pulsing white, while his left side was a black so dark, so complete that it seemed to suck all hope, life, and light from the world around it. On the fourth plane Kyo's demon form showed.

It was half demon, half Guardian. He had four wings rippling out of his back, two on each side. His right wings were blue-green like the sea, as was his right eye. They both matched beautifully with the blinding whiteness surrounding his right side. On the left the wings were twisted black feathery wings, colored deep dark red. His left eye was crimson with a golden iris. Over all it had this terrible beauty about it.

On the fifth plane nothing from Kyo was visable except his aura, and that stretched out until it hit the ninth plane and was absorbed by the Higher entities so it would not pool up with other ether and tear the world apart.


Wrath meanwhile was holding his sword aloft. He lifted it slightly and Kyo's Aura, Wraths Essence, and a dark pulsating ether began to be pulled into the sword. The sword began to build up a mind of it's own, a dark intelligence beginning to form within it as the three different power streams began to pool into the middle of the blade. Soon the blade had a twisting nexus around it, the power of the nexus was ripping Wraths fake form off and revealing his true form, no matter how much Wrath regenerated the skin it kept being ripped away violently and added to the twisting nexus.

Soon Wrath was standing in full True form unable to regenerate his fake form. Kyo had his sword out, and it too was screaming with it's own nexus of power, but that nexus was sucking up excess power the two power demons let off and protecting everyone from the power that was being displayed here. Even wraths true form was un-harming to the humans gathered because Kyo's sword sucked up so much power.

Wrath took a step forward, lifted his sword high up into the air and a lightning bolt hit the sword, charging Wrath and the Sword.



Then wrath was gone, and only an image was left from how fast he moved. Suddenly he was through the sword's and shields moving with such blinding speed that even demons would have trouble keeping up. All he left behind was a slight vision of lightning as he danced between the shields and swords that would rip him apart if he allowed them to touch him. He knew Andy had this skill, and knows well Andy's titles.

Suddenly Wrath was next to Andy, his sword was a flash as it cut downwards towards Andy. If the sword got too near to Andy's fake body it would rip the fur and skin off and feed off of it.

Behind the sword it cut the worlds in two, leaving a gaping gap between the Demon world and the Human world. Demons from wraths kingdoms began to pour out and were sucked up by his sword, increasing his power even more.

Wrath looked over at Kyo, his eyes smoldering with fire. "More" he said, but his mouth didn't move and his voice echoed across. Kyo squinted and then released more of his aura. Wrath looked at the spiraling white aura and it began to suck down into the twisting Nexus as well and Kyo's eyes widened at the sudden loss of it, then he frowned. "Wrath" his voice echoed.

Wrath ignored him and dodged another shield and sword.


~Fallen Sword Fortress~

Lord Grimstone looked out upon the scene of the two demons and frowned. He could see clearly that Kyo's demon was feeding off all Kyo's aura, and fighting what appeared to be a Guardian, yet a Demon. This was worth a look, as he could see the demon feeding off Gitana's Aura. He took a step forward and burst into smoke, reappearing beside Kyo.

~Lord Greeny's camp~


"Begin the-" he stopped suddenly as he noticed the demonic power building so furiously to a peak. Such displays of power in the enemie camp made his hair stand on end and goose bumps appeared on his flesh. "Begin the siege of Grimstone" he said and suddenly catapults let loose their heavy stones which smashed into the walls.


Magicians all over Greeny's camp raised their voice in a hymn of summoning.

BGM : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNAcpWLBTfU&playnext=0&playnext_from=QL



"Amune Ra, Nani Aveque, Demoninicus Aarhus, Matagani, Vudutu, Amani, Reign, Anrang, Nazrazeem, Andragoon, Esparta, Vizulanizi,

Amune Ra, Nani Aveque, Demoninicus Aarhus, Bartimaeus, Ruth, Farquel, Amon, Abaddon, Abezethibou, Beherit, Empusa, Gader'el,

Amune Ra, Nani Aveque, Demonicus Aarhus, Xaphan, Exenous, Ifinicus, Afriticus, Maricus, Asmodeus, Belial, Forneous, Baal, Andromacillus, Andronochuss"

Winds began to pick up the foul scent of Death and Brimstone, lightning cracked and thunder rolled across the sky.


"Amune Ra, Nani Aveque, Demoninicus Aarhus, Matagani, Vudutu, Amani, Reign, Anrang, Nazrazeem, Andragoon, Esparta, Vizulanizi,

Amune Ra, Nani Aveque, Demoninicus Aarhus, Bartimaeus, Ruth, Farquel, Amon, Abaddon, Abezethibou, Beherit, Empusa, Gader'el,

Amune Ra, Nani Aveque, Demonicus Aarhus, Xaphan, Exenous, Ifinicus, Afriticus, Maricus, Asmodeus, Belial, Forneous, Baal, Andromacillus, Andronochuss"

Aarhus began to shiver and shake, the sky darkened into night time, demon essence began to snake from the earth. Evil laughter filled the air, bloody curling screams were wrenched from the air, the glimmering's of the damned and the yelling of the demons grew louder.

Then all at once it all stopped, Twenty three demons appeared in various Hex circles. "What are your orders, my lords" they all said as one, their voices impressive. Only Asmodeus, Andronochuss, Baal, Forneous, And Andromacaillus, were missing.

Lord Greeny looked at them all. "You are all bound to my will" the locks and chains connected to each demon, all leading into one twisting chain that entered through Greeny's chest. "If I die, you all die with me. Protect me, Protect my Wife, and Destroy the army. You may eat any soul that is not on D'hara's side. You may devour any essence and you may wreak whatever havoc you can think of on my enemies" he shouted.

BGM:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLwOPl5RPj8&playnext_from=TL&videos=ICKuNX3wcTU


"As you command" they all said at once. War cries rent the air, both Human and Demonic. High in the sky, in the cosmos a vile entity watched with evil satisfaction. None not even Wrath or Andy, or even any of the Original Seven could sense this being watching and plotting.

Titan was awake, and he was blood thirsty, and only a universe devoid of all life would sate his hunger.

[Mysteria]

"You will feel a pull on your ether, princess. Your aura alone will suffice in beating this fool. Be sure to notice what changes. Only you will be able to see it, since it exists on the opposite realms of demons."

Gitana could understand every word that Andy was conveying to her. Looking at Andy she merely nodded that she understood and prepared herself for whatever was to come. She'd never experienced someone feeding off of her aura before and wasn't exactly sure what to expect.

Gitana watched with amusement as Andy produced a piano and started playing a lovely piece of music. "This is why I'm such a multi-talented spirit, 'Tana." Gitana smiled to herself. Andy amused her a great deal and she was already beginning to enjoy his presence but having his thoughts melding with hers was something she would have to grow accustomed too.

Swords and shields reigned down from the skies above as Gitana and Kyo watched from their positions nearby. Gitana could feel the pull on her aura beginning. It felt rather strange and had she needed to describe what it felt like to anyone she would have had a hard time doing so. Linking one arm into Kyos to steady herself just as a precaution she looked on as the show progressed and moved her other hand to brush the hair from her face. It was then that she noticed the other mark. This is what Andy had meant about it existing on an opposite realm. It glowed in one of the most beautiful shades of blue that she had ever seen.

Gitana let go of Kyo when he began removing his bands making sure her feet were secure underneath her. It actually felt as though the ground was moving beneath her. She could feel the tug on her aura. She'd never experienced anything like it before and had she needed to describe what exactly it felt like to someone else she was sure she would not have been able to do so. She didn't feel weak, she just felt different.

Asmodeus's transformation into Wrath had begun and with his sword held high he moved at lightning speed. Gitana watched, taking in everything around her as she did so. Kyos face was filled with intensity as he watched. From the corner of Gitana's eye she noticed a woman of strange appearance standing between two guards. She made a note to inquire of Kyo later who she was since interrupting him during this dual would be a rather useless attempt on her behalf.

Kyo himself appeared to be so focused that he did not even notice when Lord Grimstone appeared standing beside him. Gitana immediately turned and took to a knee in front of him. "My Lord Grimstone" Gitana spoke with respect keeping her eyes lowered to the ground.

[Atrum Daemon]

ALLIANCE CAMP

“So just how much are we getting paid for this one, boss?” a slim, dark haired man asked Kell as he stepped up next to him.

“I haven’t gotten a chance to negotiate payment,” Kell admitted. “I’ll deal with that when all this is over with.”

“As usual,” the dark haired man nodded. “You know, the lads are getting a little antsy. And you know what happens when they get antsy…”

“I do,” Kell nodded slowly, “but they know better than to do anything stupid. Just make sure they’re kept happy enough for the time being.”

The dark haired man nodded and walked away, heading deeper into the camp. “What in Hel are they doing?” Kell asked himself when he witnessed the mass summoning.

“Commander!” a pale man jogged up to Kell, “shall I make the lads ready?”

“Get them up and ready, Jurgen,” Kell nodded, “looks like this war has finally started.”

The old mercenary smiled darkly to himself. He knew his men had been itching for a good fight for a long while. Greeny did not disappoint in his promise of a great battle for the ages. Kell could smell it in the air that the battle that was beginning would be sung of in legends for ages to come.

GRIMSTONE CAMP

Something was amiss. Bahl could feel it in his bones. He wrenched open the tent flap and stepped out to witness the summoning from a distance. He grinned under his helmet as the catapult shots crashed into the walls. It was beginning. And there were many, many souls for the taking.

Turning sharply on his heel, Bahl began making his way to the Fortress. He figured he may as well start acting up to his newly given rank.

[Dirzrahel]

Andy only laughed at Assmo's transformation. So inglorified, so uncouth! He knew the little demon was absent in power, pulling out his true form simple to deal with a few divine shields and swords. His claws moved elegantly from piano key to piano key, his mind not bothered at all by the sword about to hit him. In fact, he knew it wouldn't.

The shields surrounding Andy suddenly all converged on one point where the sword was to hit, their divine energy immediately rejecting the demonic energy and reversing the flow, sending the demons coming out to back in, and stopping Asmodeus's sword in its swing. The shields didn't even budge from the impact, because they felt none. After all, they were quite holy.

This will end badly, Andronochuss. You should not be summoning it.

Awww, summon what? I may have shifty eyes, but I don't have the slightest idea what you speak of.

Forty seconds had elapsed, the cat slamming down on the piano as a crescendo sounded openly, breaking and reducing the demonic miasma that floated around the are and purifying it. The cat could only laugh more in his mind as he heard the trumpets of heaven sound out, and the whistling of a plummeting attack.

And here come the Caliburs...

With each slam of the keys, a giant blade rained down from the sky. Nearly ten feet long and four feet wide, the giant Caliburs of divine wrath planted themselves in the ground around Andy and the shields, connecting themselves with chains of white light that echoed with trumpets. In the reflection of the massive blades, one could see angels playing along with Andy's piano performance. Holy light swirled around Andy, growing wider and wider in its range as it soon enveloped Asmodeus. Like fireflies in the mid of night, the holy orbs of light played and dance with the piano's score, glowing brighter and brighter. With each refrain between the slamming of the keys, bright white arrows rained down from the sky and outlined the circle of the arena, like lamp posts with godly guidance.

Do not do it, Andronochuss! We will be very unhappy!

We'll drink on it later.

The finale was creeping closer and closer. The shields that had blocked Asmodeus's sword were acting like vortexes, sucking out the demonic energy constantly and with efficiency, then purifying it and dispersing it across the arena's ring. The arrows outlining the ring grew brighter and brighter with each passing segment of time, each second filled with beautiful music leading to what Andy truly sought for with his song. One minute and twenty seconds, the piano chimed with castrato sounds that opened a rift in the sky, white light shedding like the sun's first glance at high noon. Andy laughed more, his tail wagging back and forth, following the rhythm of the piano.

His paws moved dexterously and sought to wrap up the song as the light hit him. Immediately the watchers would notice a change. Andronochuss's demonic aura had washed away as soon as that light had hit him, the one acting as a dantist, a divine song player. From above where the rift was formed, three winged beings floated downwards, their bodies flooded with bright light. The kitten still continued his performance, greeting the angels as they hovered over him, their warm glares sending caution to him of Asmodeus.

Master Andronochuss, you have called, and we have answered.

Thank you, ladies. If you would please drop off what I asked for, go sit over by my current master. She must be tickled to see beings such as yourself.

The angels blushed with a feverish red, dropping the blade all three carried as the tip buried itself in the top of the piano right at the moment Andy had finished the song. The kitten immediately pushed off his butt, leaping upwards and grabbing the handle of the sword with his tiny paw. For a kitten to be wielding a hand-and-a-half sword with such effectiveness was a sight to see. Although the piano was finished, the song still reverberated within the swords and shields and Caliburs around the arena, and the light emitting from the arrows only got brighter. Andy held the sword high, the light reflecting off the holiest of all blades and showing the language that was transcribed along its metallic flat.

Excalibur.

The angels gathered around Gitana, their wings gently flapping as they all snuggled up next to the woman. One even managed to squeeze in between Kyo and the lass, smiling cutely at both. The one to the right of Gitana poked the woman's cheek to gain her attention, then looked to the battle.

"Our Master Andronochuss hasn't lost a match yet, you know. That's why he gets to wield that blade. You're so lucky to have our cute little kitten serve you!" The angel commented, the other two squealing with delight as they looked on at the kitten. They all hugged themselves, their perfect breasts nearly popping out of their already scantily clad suits of pure white and feathers.



His kitten eyes winked at Asmodeus, the piano music still echoing around the arena. The paw holding Excalibur suddenly turned into a full-grown human's hand, his body following until the tanned, white-haired body of Andronochuss stood before the wretched, weak demonling. His body was different, however. Light blue lines were etched into his skin, symbols professing divinity and sainthood were transcribed upon his firm musculature, and with a flash of light from the arrows, the bottom half of his body was covered by a long, flowing white robe. His upper body was still bare, the blue lines suddenly glowing even brighter. His eyes, once golden, were now the same light blue as the lines upon his body. He brought his arm down, Excalibur's blade pointing at Asmodeus.

"If you do not yield, this blade will slash the demons out of you and rip apart the very ties you have with those in hell. Your power will be purified, and you will be left with nothing but the life of a human for eons until your own taint brings you back. Save yourself the trouble and concede. It's either Excalibur, the arrows purify everything in this circle, or the Calibur's rip apart your very existence. It's also a fact that the more tainted you are, the more powerful I am." Andronochuss said, his eyes narrowing.

[Black]

Asmodeus smiled and pushed his sword harder against the shield. All at once, the power of Kyo's holy aura that flared from his right side pulsated against the shield and ripped it apart, then sucked it into his sword. He was awed at Andy's power. He bowed low. "Indeed, that would rip my essence apart, and I respect you Andy, even if you don't respect me" he smiled, his teeth brilliant white. "But through this demoniacally forged sword, I may channel all types of essence, including Kyo's conflicting essences... And your holy ether. Im glad this blade doesn't touch me with it's steel, it would rip me apart,"

Asmodeus held up his sword. "Let us remember, Andy, that we are not to kill each other" his voice was wary. "I do not wish to be a human," he raised his sword. "But I do wish to fight, for the learning experience" all the while he had been talking Wrath's sword had been sucking up ever more energy. Wrath transfered all the unholy energies into his body secretly. His body tensed and he was gone, this time he was so fast nothing could be seen of him. Asmodeus's sword flashed down towards Andy only to stop as Asmodeus jumped back out of range.

Asmodeus dashed to the left, running around Andy, his sword in his right hand pointed at Andy, Asmodeus increased his speed until he was kicking up a tornado of dark energies conflicting with holy magic from Asmodeus's sword. There seemed to be twenty Asmodeus's running within the whirl wind of conflicting essence. Asmodeus's voice could be heard, his voice sounded different, changed.

"whirling winds of Change, Running water of time, Dancing Fire, and willful earth, and the Ever present Cosmic Energy, Receive the five elements of Aarhus, Shatter the Earth and rip apart the essence of Sanity,"

All time stopped, there was Five wraths standing, each pointing a sword at the other wraths. The swords were shooting beams of different colored light at the other. It formed an upside down star the wraths light providing the circle. The top side of the circle connecting to two points of the star was black, the next one to the left was red, the next after that, was blue, the next after that was green, and the next after that was swirling gray. Each Wrath was pointing his sword at the other wraths hand, and the beam of light was entering each wrath's hand and shooting out a different color at the sword. It all stopped suddenly as each Wrath pointed his sword down the lines of the pentagram and fired their beams of light.

The Five beams met in the middle of the Pentagram, which was were Andy was standing. Then Wrath's voice echoed out from the five wraths. "Siela Pjovėjas! (Soul Reaper)" then a six wrath was hurdling down the middle of the star, above Andy, shooting a beam of multi-colored essence, which consisted of Dark and White Magic. The six beams met in the middle of the Pentagram and imploded, fighting with the other elements causing a flurry of deadly magic.


Wrath was standing ten feet away watching in his true form, knowing Andy would escape this.

[GraftRaven]

Krath stood on a rock above the rest of Hex 4, the Captain stood on the ground next to him. The stink of crudely forged steel filled the air, but it was likely only he could smell it. The five men around him were all trained in magic first and melee combat a close second, but he could probably outdo them all. The catapults fired, Greeny had given the order to start the war. Krath smiled under his hood when he heard so many familiar names at one time. And with each name came the image of a weapon, a chosen few all too familiar to Krath.

As they prepared Krath pulled his two swords, which both had a diagonal section near the hilt that bent them off center, in addition to this one was black and the other was nearly white. Halfway through pulling the white one out Krath nearly dropped both swords, something in the air had changed and he felt something weighing on his mind. "No... it can't be, i haven't felt this since..." Krath was mumbling to himself, something he didn't normally do around others.

The Captain looked up at Krath "You alright there Darky?" Krath shot him a dangerous look. "I'm fine..." -...but others definitely aren't.-He finished the rest in his head, the feeling he got was not good.

[Dirzrahel]

Andronochuss still kept the smile, Excalibur down at his side now as he sighed. He raised his other hand, his finger waving back and forth. His mouth formed the words that were obvious with his finger.

"Uh-uh-uh." He said, the magical attack running all over his body. It did its course, or appeared to, in any effect. He didn't even move to get out of the way. He just let it hit.

The attack subsided, and the energies that seemed to try to hurt him disappeared altogether. Andy laughed uncontrollably, falling down and holding his stomach, his eyes bursting with bright blue light.

"YOU CALL THAT AN ATTACK!? ABBADON HAS MORE ENERGY THAN THAT IN HIS PINKY FINGER!" He yelled while laughing hysterically, finally getting up and wiping a tear from his eye. That had been great entertainment. He pointed Excalibur at the real Asmodeus, his mouth moving and forming a "Tsk, tsk, tsk".

"You know, Assmo. You should consider being a jester. You're much better suited for it than I, since with that power, I doubt you could protect your master. What I'm using right now isn't even my power, no, in fact, I'm not even tapping into my reserves." Andronochuss mentioned, his other hand extending a finger to Gitana.

"She is powering all of this with that pure aura of hers. She only. She's quite the big help, since I was feeling lazy." He added, his eyes narrowing as he locked gazes with Assmo.

All the shields, swords, arrows, and Caliburs started glowing a pure, untainted white. Uncontrolled by anything except the wielder of Excalibur, for it was of such high energy, only a proper medium could control it. The metal of the divine blade ringed as it too was filled with the pure light, the arena slowly being devoured by a snowy blindness.

"Consider this a mercy. Your demonic powers will be cut off for approximately four hours. You will not die. You will live, regrettably. I know you felt that tug a moment ago, someone was trying to summon our brethren in the upper caste. It's best for me to end this quickly. Understand, will you?" Andronochuss finished, Excalibur singing out along with the remnant of the piano song still left.

The entire arena was suddenly enveloped in a blinding, pure white light. Nothing impure could escape it. Nothing tainted could resist it. Nothing touched by a demonic hand could harm it. It was a spell taught to those chosen by the Archangels, and only those who could summon down Excalibur especially could invoke the word. Andy's eyes were the only thing that stood out in the white light, the light blue looking upon Asmodeus in a forlorn state. The light covered Asmodeus's body not the harm him or cause him pain, but to cause him to be purified.

"Levis."

With a surge of wild divine might, the clouds above parted further and down shot a beam that fit perfectly within the arena's circle, covering everything with power so pure that the Angels watching the event glowed in response to their deity. Their wings outstretched, and their eyes glowed with the same pure light emanating from the field before them.

"Quod per is sanctus lux lucis vos es solvo abyssus."

The light subsided immediately, the piano music still faintly heard upon the field. Andronochuss stood, his upper body half covered in a bright silver plate mail, and giant white feathered wings sprouting from his back.

"And I am purified as well."

[Black]

Asmodeus's eyes wen't wide as the blinding white light began to absorb him, then suddenly all at once it stopped. Grimstone stepped in front of Asmodeus, two of his sixteen arm bands were missing. The white light stopped in a full 6 foot radius around Grimstone. "I'd love to let you two keep fighting, but as a war is about to start, I rather Need Asmodeus" he said, each word slicing the air like a whip. He took a step forward, then another then another until he was standing in front of Andy. "Don't presume to steal the powers Asmodeus has earned because you wish to show off in front of Gitana" he said, his voice calm, yet his eyes showed a true inferno of rage.

"Watch yourself Andronochuss. Insult my Son, my son's Demon or anyone I happen to like, and we'll see how the "Madness hero" likes having no power at all, wrapped in Silver chains in the depths of a magical dungeon," Grimstone seemed to be everywhere and no where all at once, his presence was suffocating and his Aura was pressing down so hard on everyone here that some soldiers actually fainted, and Kyo had to re-sheath his sword and put on all his arm bands.

Grimstone's aura worked in a weird way, the stronger you let your aura be, the more oppressive and deadly his was. There was no conceivable way to beat Grimstone by magical mischief. You would have to out-muscle him, which would be hard even then, but possible.

"Prepare for war! To your stations! NOW!" he shouted, his voice carrying so far that everyone in Greeny's camp heard as well.


Asmodeus got up and bowed to Grimstone "Thank you lord" he said. He walked over to Andy and bowed low. "You are a very impressive demon, Andronochuss. I respect you as always, because such is what you deserve. To be respected. Not because You are strong, but because you have lived so long as to become so strong. Say hello to the Wind Lords for me" he smiled then, a brotherly smile. "And let's go say hello to our Kin... I think I smell Krath... He's probably here for both our swords and both our lives..." Asmodeus Laughed.


Grimstone looked at Neilana. "You are an Elf. And there are no elves in the land of Grimstone. Come with me" he ordered. "Gitana, order your demon into combat and follow me. Wrath, Kyo, lead your armies to defend the homeland" he said, and they scampered off to do their masters bidding. He turned and began to walk towards the Keep. "Don't keep me waiting Gitana, nor should you, Elf" he said.


~I'll wait for the next few posts before I post the war details~

[Dirzrahel]

Andy tossed Excalibur into the woods nearby, the blade disappearing in a magical arc of light. He winked at Asmodeus, kissing the demon on the cheek.

"Don't worry, honey-bun. It isn't my blade. I stole it from the Archangel Michael while the boy was sleeping." Andy said, putting his finger to his mouth and giggled. Andronochuss jumped up and within a mere second, his body had reverted to that of his white kitten self again. This time, his eyes were light blue, and his tail had little light blue rings on it. This made him look all the cuter.

The kitten landed on Grimstone's shoulder and licked the man's cheek, the kitten mewing cutely.
"Meeeooow, you taste nice." The kitten mentioned, disappearing in a curt poof of smoke to appear in the lap of Gitana, purring wildly. He nudged her affectionately, the Angels all around Gitana gasping and "aweing" in their own usual way.

"Master! Master! You were so magnificent and now you're so... CUUUTE!" The Angels all said at once, groping themselves vividly and kissing Andy's furry head. The kitten replied in earnest.

"STOP, STOP! Turn into kittens!"

With that command, the three Angels then transformed themselves into kittens, all three the spitting image of pure white baby cats with that same bright blue eyes as Andy now had. They were all a bit smaller than Andy though, so that there would be a recognizable difference. Andy sat up on his haunches, his paw pointing at each in turn.

"Raftas, Linnae, Lumie. Three Angels who happen to be my biggest fans. They'll be staying a while longer." Andy mentioned to Gitana, rolling his eyes as the other kittens mewed and gathered up aside his body, snuggling him. Andy sighed heavily.

There's more than Krath around here. I smell the others. Abbadon too. I wonder what Father Abby is doing around these parts? No matter. Perhaps he and I will share a dance once more...

[Mysteria]

Having paid her proper respects to Lord Grimstone Gitana stood by Kyos side again and watched the sparring play out with some small sense of amusement and a great deal of awe. She was surrounded by angels. Gitana couldn't help but notice their beauty. One had managed to come between her and Kyo as the others took to her opposite side. "Our Master Andronochuss hasn't lost a match yet, you know. That's why he gets to wield that blade. You're so lucky to have our cute little kitten serve you!" said the one angel. Gitana had never heard such a sweet voice before nor did she even have time to reply.

Andy's words fell upon her ears. "She is powering all of this with that pure aura of hers. She only. She's quite the big help, since I was feeling lazy" her eyes widened." Gitana had known her aura to be strong but was not aware that it was so powerful. Perhaps it had been more than just her stubbornness and fortitude that gave her the strength she had always felt lied within her.

As quickly as the dual had started it had been ended by none other than Lord Grimstones own command and none dared not obey him. His voice rang out over the arena area like rolling thunder "Prepare for war! To your stations! NOW!" With that it had ended and Asmodeus had bowed to their Lord Grimstone before turning to speak to Andronochuss, his words having paid homage to the demon king of pride.

She watched in horror as Andy addressed Lord Grimstone, taking his kitten form and jumping on his shoulder. She hoped he could read her thoughts. Andy...Andy, do you dare to be brave enough to play with Lord Grimstone in such a manner? Whether he heard her or not she didn't know but suddenly he jumped into her arms and she was surrounded by three kittens. Gitana plucked Andy up into her hands and looked him in the eye. "This is a dangerous game you play Andy." Gitana tried to prevent her eyes from twinkling but the truth was, he had spunk and she liked that. She rubbed his belly, and scratched him behind his ears in that spot that she had already come to know he loved having scratched so much.

As Lord Grimstone passed by her, he addressed the elvish woman and then addressed Gitana herself.


"Gitana, order your demon into combat and follow me. Wrath, Kyo, lead your armies to defend the homeland"

Gitana lowered her head in reverance replying only "Yes my Lord." Looking at the strange woman Gitana nodded her head to her bidding her to follow Lord Grimstone quickly, her eyes trying to convey the importance of her making haste to follow his command. Before she had time to speak to the woman, Lord Grimstone added "Don't keep me waiting Gitana, nor should you, Elf"

Andy was speaking to Gitana again then "Raftas, Linnae, Lumie. Three Angels who happen to be my biggest fans. They'll be staying a while longer." Gitana laughed at his antics "Perhaps so Andy, but you are needed in combat now." Kissing the kitten on the nose she sat him on the ground gently as she continued. " Thus it has been ordered of me, thus I now order it of you. To combat it is." Of course, a week had not yet passed and she could not force Andy to do anything. She could only hope that for her sake, he would comply.

Gitana turned to Kyo, simply nodding her head at him "We shall speak later, I must first attend to your fathers bidding." Her eyes caught his for just a brief moment expressing her wish that she could give him a proper goodbye, that she could feel his arms around her before he had to leave. She knew it was not the time or place.

Gitana then spoke to the Elvish woman who was in front of her. "My name is Gitana. Make haste, Lord Grimstone will not be pleased if we tarry too long."

[John]

Neilana watched the “show” with amazement The music filled her ears and she found it hard to look away from the spectacle before her. But look away she did. The guard who was watching her was also distracted by the kitty, and Neilana was hoping that maybe she could sneak away. She watched the others in thae area, hoping to find an opportunity to make her escape. But even if she did find that opportunity, there was still the problem of getting out of sight. There were just far too many people around.

Once the spectacle had ended, Neilana continued to watch and listen as the one known as Lord Grimstone approached. She finally understood how the cat was able to play piano. She had suspected that there must be some form of magic at work, but she didn’t think to suspect that it was a demon. And judging by the appearance of Lord Grimstone, not to mention the company he kept, Neilana was starting to wonder if this was not the best place for her to be. Now, for the first time since entering the camp, Neilana was afraid.

Lord Grimstone told her to follow. Fear was starting to take over Neilana and instead, she stood frozen in place. It was only when the woman known as Gitana spoke to her that she felt a little more at ease. Something abut the woman seemed to reflect a kindness that rest inside her. Or at least that’s what Neilana was hoping she could see. The hunger was starting to get to her, and she wanted to sleep and her mind was full of thoughts of a horrible death for her at the hands of Lord Grimstone.

Neilana didn’t speak, figuring it might be the best option for the moment. Instead she looked down at the ground and started to walk. She only hoped that she could now find a way out of this. But there was powerful magic at work in this place, and she doubted she would be able to stand against it.

[Black]

~Grimstone Camp~

Kyo and Wrath had their armies up in a matter of minutes and both armies were fully mobilized. "Wrath" Kyo said "Take four regiments of calvary and swing left, then, take the other twelve and ride hard around this mountain here" he indicated to Mt. Aarhus "and divide there forces in two. Make sure the four regiments of Calvary have struck their left side and thrown off the enemies before striking with the right"

"As you command Prince" he said and bowed walking off, he got on a coal-black horse with red eyes and fiery hooves. "Lord Andronochuss, take the sixth and seventh legions of anti-demon infantry and begin to combat those summons" he looked at Andronochuss. "I assume you know I was requesting it, not ordering" he said.

"Arachnid, Baal, take the Dark Fist corps and hunt down those magicians and keep an eye out for Greeny, if we bring him down then their army begins to crumble"

"As you command, Nephew" said Arachnid withdrawing from the tent "Come Baal, we have work to do and sorcery to conjure" she was smiling behind her mask.

"The rest of you" said Kyo indicating the room full of generals "will take your respective corps and lead them into battle. Place Archers here, here, and here" he said indicating three places on a map. "When you engage the troops there, engage with only half the force, and keep the archers hidden. Then when you enter combat with those troops, make it appear that you are losing, then pull back within range of the archers. When the archers are able to rain hell down on the enemies, engage them then with full infantry force, Get going now!" he shouted, the generals scattered.

~Glades of Aarhus~


Abbadon stood within the glades of Aarhus. He took the form of an old man with long white hair, in a kimono with a Muramasa at his side, wearing a full brim wicker hat. Behind him stood the War Queens 6th and 7th legions. To the right of both those legions stood the 5th and 8th legions. Across from them, Kyo's First Legion of Elites, lead by Kyo himself stood facing them. They were outnumbered three to one. Kyo stood in magnificent green-blue plate-male with Grimstone's crest in the middle of his breast-plate. He held at his side his Katana. He hoped to see Andronochuss here soon with wrath, otherwise Abbadon would rip the entire corps up with glee.


~Fortress of Fallen Swords~

Lord Grimstone led the two girls all the way to his office, where he sat down in his high-backed chair and stared at the elf girl with interest. "You" he said calmly. "What is your name" he asked. "And I know you speak my language girl, so don't fool with me" his eyes gleamed with intelligence. "And Gitana, be so kind as to watch after, and take care of our elf friend. Have her stay with you and Kyo. Feed her, cloth her, and teach her not to steal ever again" he looked at her with his eyes. They were cold, emotionless, empty. Then suddenly they were gleaming with happiness and overflowing with joy. "An elf, im my life time... Im so fortunate..." he smiled. "Sit Gitana, Sit lady Elf. Are you hungry? Either of you? Gitana, I need to talk to you about your demon, Elf, I need to talk to you about you" he smiled.

[Dirzrahel]

Andy purred and mewed at the belly and ear scratching, the three kittens beside him mimicking his effort. He knew it would get old fast, but he didn't mind. Andy sat upon Gitana's shoulder, tilting his head quizzically at Grimstone. Unfortunately, the three smaller kittens on Gitana's other shoulder did the same. Andy was correct, the act was already old.

"Stop mimicking me!" He commanded in a harsh whisper, the Angel trio complying by simply lounging on Gitana's lap now. All three together in spot spot formed a big ball of fluffy white fur, as well as an untold amount of comfortable warmth. His ear twitched quite in the opposite way, uncomfortably.

"There's a visitor here for me, Gitana. I'll be away a short time. Please take care of the idiot sisters." Andy said, the kitten disappearing in a small flash of light.

With the same flash of light, the kitten appeared upon Kyo's shoulder, jumping off curtly to land on the ground with a faint thud. He started walking forward, ignoring the fact that enemies were ahead of him. His eyes were on Abbadon, and Abbadon only. His mind was erased of the fact he had allies, and the only thought left in his mind was one thing, one thing only. The kitten walked up until it was a simple few steps away from Father Abby, the feline sat on his haunches and extended his paw to point.

"Father. Why are you here? You know from last time that we ended in a draw, you wish to rekindle the fight? Then I offer an alternative to matching blade against blade. We will do this as real men, and battle to the death with our fists and palms." Andy remarked quite nobly, his light blue eyes narrowing at the demon who was his sire by ten-thousand years.

Abbadon looked upon his son, his eyes narrows, his hands tightening into fists. With one swift movement, he pointed at Andronochuss, his gaze alarming.

"It's a kitty." He said plainly, despite the prior dramatic prose. He was much like Andy. Or perhaps, Andy was much like Abbadon?

Andronochuss's eyes averted from Abbadon's gaze, his mind now filled with a depressing sadness. He had never been called such by his father, and it of all things, made him feel inept and inadequate. He was but a kitty, nothing more, in the eyes of his once idol persona...

Abbadon's body suddenly started shrinking, clothes and all. His skin turned black and then grew fur, his eyes turning into two orbs of golden light, covered by the shadow of his wicker hat, not with two holes to let out cat ears. A full-grown cat now stood on its hind legs in front of Andronochuss, a miniature katana at his side, a kimono of white against his plush black fur. Abbadon stared at Andronochuss intently.

"This form is quite comfortable, how did you come across this solution, my son?"

"Because cats are flexible, and have a body that is made for pleasure. Every finger that scratches you is a haven and a treat..." Andronochuss said whimsically.

"I see. You wish to settle this skirmish like true men then? I will not lose this fight..."

"Your mind is ill at ease, father, you should be more comfortable with yourself and your surroundings... one slip-up could be your loss."

The kitten and cat moved closer to each other, shuffling, their eyes locked and unmoving. With sudden speed, the two felines dashed toward each other, their fists drawn back, their other paws directed to counter. They stopped in their tracks a mere foot apart as their fists came swinging.

"Rock!"

"Paper!'

"Scissors!"

"SHOOT!"

Both the feline's paws came down upon their other upturned paws, dead silence echoing about the land. Their paws stopped. Both rock.

"FUCK!" They bother yelled in their cat voices, suddenly both shuffling off to the side to continue their match. Abbadon looked back to his soldiers and pointed at the opposition.

"Get them while I finish this boy!"

The Demon Demigod turned his eyes back to Andronochuss, the golden orbs reflecting hidden wisdom and knowledge. He was searching Andy's eyes for a solution. They brought out their paws once more, doing the deed once more. Both scissors. Anger enveloped them both like tides of the inferno, their eyes glaring at each other threatening.

"AGAIN!" Both yelled.

[Black]

~Aarhus Glades~

Kyo stared. This was the demon that would defeat Abbadon? Kyo started to laugh. Hysterically. He began to laugh so hard he doubled over and started to cough. "Hey, Andy! We'll have to keep you if this is how funny you are" he shouted, much to the amusement of his men. His laughing stopped abruptly. The demon Bartimaeus stepped onto the field.

http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/qq189/Diabloco/DemonLord.jpg

"Hullo Kyo" it said evenly. His eyes showed a great sadness. Kyo took a step forward. His men locked shields behind him, spears facing outwards. Kyo and Bartimaeus walked towards each other. Kyo was Right handed, holding his Katana in his right hand, and Bartimaeus preferred his left. They moved towards each other in careful steps until they were a demons lunge away.

"Abbadon, stop playing with your food" Bartimaeus said calmly. He was one of the oldest demons known besides the O7. He was nearly old as Lust and was the Daemon lord of elements. He raised his sword in salute, one Kyo returned. "Lets fight, Kyoshiro Half-Demon"

Kyo released two of his restriction bands and his Aura flared out. It surrounded him for at least 6 feet around, half black and Crimson, half blue-green. His armor bulged as his muscles grew. He tensed and shot forward, propelled by an unseen force. His feet didn't even touch the ground, but his sword did and behind it a shock wave was kicked up. His sword flashed outwards, striking to Bart's right arm.


Bartimaeus released his energies at the moment and Kyo was thrown backwards. Kyo landed on his feet, his eyes narrowed as he released another two bands. His armor was absorbed by his aura pushing outward violently. Now the right side of his aura began to give off white pulsations, while the left side got only more violent. His aura expanded around him in a fifteen foot radius. He raised his sword and shot forward once more, his sword trailing in the dust.

Kyo brought his sword up, slashing it downward towards Bart's head. Bartimaeus brought his sword up and caught Kyo's sword. The resounding shock blew both armies off their feet, and left both clamoring to get back up. Bartimaeus pushed with his sword and sent Kyo flying through the air, crashing into the ground. Kyo got up and dusted off his back as Bartimaeus ordered his army to attack.

"Hang back, form phalanx and wait for the flank" Kyo said to his Lieutenant General who ran back to the lines and gave the orders. The Shields locked together on a bottom row, then soldiers stepped forward and locked shields together on a second row on top of the bottom row, angled upwards. Spears were pushed outward.

The two armies met in a deafening clash of metal on metal. The cries of fallen men rent the air. Several soldiers charged Kyo, only to be ripped apart by the ferocity of his aura, then to be healed by the right side of his aura and spat out on the other side, where his soldiers overcame the soldiers and killed them.

Bartimaeus shook his wings then took flight. Kyo released his final arm bands and his Aura shot outward, it covered all 2 miles of the Glades of Aarhus and licked at the mountains base. His demon form broke through his skin on his left side and his Guardian form on his right side. The two wings extended out of his back and his eyes took on two different colors. His left side was blinding white with pink iris's and his right side was black with a golden iris. The right side of his body was a calm nexus of holy magic, while the left was a twisting inferno of black magic. He took flapped his wings once, twice, then he lifted high into the air, far out of sight of the soldiers and the demons...

Seconds after Kyo's and Bartimaeus's departure the sky shook with a resounding clash, as if thunder had cranked up the volume to full blast. The shock wave from the clash hit the ground and several soldiers who had bad footing fell over and were slain. Another clash sounded, three miles away.

Suddenly the sky was lit up with a swirling beam of black-white energy, shooting to the east, that beam of light was met by a beam comprised of four different colors, Red, Blue, Green, and swirling Gray. The two beams met and exploded, the entire sky was lit up in a multi-colored blast.


~Aarhus Falls~

Not far away another battle shook the earth as Wrath's calvary thundered around Mt. Aarhus and rocketed towards the Glades of Aarhus. The calvary was met by the War Queen's Pole-Axe divisions, backed by four regiments of her Elite Calvary. At the front of the army was the demon Xaphan. Wrath and Xaphan wasted no time, they road towards each other, one half demon-horse himself, the other, wrath, riding a Demon horse. The two armies met in a resounding class, the keening and screaming of horses rent the air.

Wrath and Xaphan swords met, and the ring of the two steels carried well above the din of battle. Xaphan struck with a lightning-fast spear and Wrath parried with a shield, summoned out of thin air and wrapped around his arm. Wrath struck downwards with his sword, shattering the haft of the spear and slamming Xaphan in the face with his shield.

Xaphan reared and kicked Wrath off his horse, then taking his sword beheaded the demon horse. Xaphan charged Wrath, swinging his sword to take off Wraths head and wrath darted to the side, rolled, sprung back up and shot forward with both his hands gripping a Katana that quickly changed into two broad swords, the shield dissipated. Wrath spun in a circle towards Xaphan, and his voice range clear and loud, "blade storm" and indeed, the broad swords shattered, and the blades began to spin around Wrath, even faster then how fast Wrath was spinning. Each time he moved over a fallen soldier, the soldiers weapon shattered and added to the storm, as did his armor and helm and anything metal or wooden on him or around him.

Soon there was a tornado of blades and splinters spinning around, Xaphan was having trouble protecting his enormous body and was soon pinned to the ground by several broad swords sticking through his body and into the ground. The tornado stopped and all the weapons re-assembled themselves, pointing at Xaphan. They all shot downward and skewered Xaphan, several ripping his heart to shreds, and several more made of silver and Iron. With a scream Xaphan was killed as a claymore swung down and cut off his head.


~Lord Greeny's Tent~



"Order Hex four into battle to Combat Kyo and the Demon of Pride" came the War Queen's order. "If we overwhelm them we should be able to take down both Kyo, the Demon of Pride Andronochuss, and Wrath will surely come flying to Kyo's aid, so the Demon of Wrath as well...,"

"I agree" said Greeny. "Send Hex four, as well as Hex six and the demons Ifinicus and Afriticus. If we overwhelm and kill their Champions they will crumble and Grimstone himself will have to fight this battle, then we can engage him directly and over power him"

~Keep of Fallen Swords Command Center~

"Arachnid, Bahl, take your corps and move to reinforce Kyo" commanded Queen Isabel. "Take the fifth and Eight infantry divisions with you. Commander Jack, take Infantry Divisions Two through four as well as Anti-Demon six to destroy their siege engines and protect our walls. Commander Whitaker, take your engineers off trench duty and set them to repairing the wall, then move your calvary units down to split the D'haran Infantry in two"

[Mysteria]

The kittens would have to wait. Shooing them from her shoulder she followed Lord Grimstone along with the elf woman remaining silent as he sat in his chair. Gitana stood with her head bowed sligtly. She would never look directly at her Lord without first having his approval. The silence in the room was strangling until he finally spoke first addressing the elfin woman and then Gitana.

Only when he has spoken her name did she lift her gaze to meet his. Lord Grimstone was a strict man and Gitana had never been at great ease with him. She still wasn't certain that she could ever accept her as Kyo's mate. Kyo deserved the best and Gitana wasn't certain that her Lord felt that she was the right woman for Kyo. Hopefully by proving her loyalty to him he would someday be more accepting of her. Even now his eyes remained empty and Gitana couldn't get a true feel for his thoughts on her.


"And Gitana, be so kind as to watch after, and take care of our elf friend. Have her stay with you and Kyo. Feed her, cloth her, and teach her not to steal ever again"

With a bow of her head she spoke "Yes my Lord. Your wish is my command, I shall see it done." Lifting her head again she saw Lord Grimstones expression go from cold and hard, to soft and laughing with merriment.

Suddenly he smiled. Gitana wasn't sure if she had ever seen him smile before and a smile lit up her own fair features but disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

"An elf, im my life time... Im so fortunate...Sit Gitana, Sit lady Elf. Are you hungry? Either of you? Gitana, I need to talk to you about your demon, Elf, I need to talk to you about you"

Gitana looked to the elfish woman and nodding, took her seat. It would not be proper of Gitana to eat before her own mate had partaken of nourishment that day and felt to do so would only cause her Lord to dislike her perhaps more than he already did.

"You are a gracious host my Lord, but it would be improper for me to eat before my Lord Kyo has done so. What would you wish to know of my demon Lord Grimstone?"

[GraftRaven]

The orders arrived and Hex 4 began to move up to the front lines, but Krath simply teleported there. Upon arrival he took stock of the situation, then reached up and undid a clasp at his neck. As he did so his cloak fell away revealing the head and arms of a lizard creature. His head was that of a snake with black scales and a white underbelly that extended up his neck to the end of his jaw. Krath's light armor plating slid easily over his scales as he drew his twin black and white swords.

Without missing a beat Krath rushed into the combat, taking advantage of the fact that several of the phalanx's shields had minute cracks in them he smashed his way through by dodging past the spears and then shattering five shields in a row by hitting them in the precise center of the fractures. Once inside the first row of shields Krath let his aura, one of faint gold and dark black, seep through the ranks causing the men to choke and cough on the noxious fumes. His blades were quick to stab through the necks of the men around him.

Over several yards Krath's concentrated aura caused the men to collapse from asphyxia. Krath straightened up, then evaporated to where Hex 4 was just arriving, his aura now gone. The captain stuttered a bit. "You- you're-" Krath stuck his blades into the ground and put his hand over a slice in his arm, the wound healed almost instantly, scales flowing back over the area. "Oh save it for later wide-eyes, there's a perfect hole in their formation."

Krath grabbed his swords out of the ground and spun them over once, it was time to get more attention from the one's he wanted to fight.

[John]

Neilana listened intently to everything Grimstone had to say. She stayed standing the whole time. Even when Gitana had nodded to her and then sat down, Neilana stayed on her feet. She still wasn’t sure just how much truble she was really in at this point. She also wasn’t sure just how much Grimstone knew about elves due to apparently never seeing one before.

“My name is Neilana lord,” Neilana smiled. “Your offer of food and clothing is most generous, but until I know more about you, I’m afraid I must decline. And besides, I like what I’m wearing.” Neilana smiled and tilted her head to the side. She was going to try to use a certain amount of charm on Grimstone. She didn’t think it would really work, but it was worth a try. She was running out of options. And even though it appeared he intended her no harm, Neilana still had her doubted about his true intentions. The smile faded from her face and she looked curiously at Grimstone.

“So am I a prisoner here?” Neilana’s voice was calm. “And if I may say so Lord, teaching me not to steal, would be like teaching you not to use magic. But I can give you my word that I will not steal from you, or anyone in your camp.” Of course that was provided she wasn’t a prisoner. If Neilana was a prisoner, she would definitely try to make an escape when the opportunity presented itself. And that would definitely involve the nicking of a few items. Not to mention a horse, that would allow her to get far away from here a hell of a lot quicker

[Atrum Daemon]

ALLIANCE CAMP - GREENY’S TENT

“And what should my men be doing?” Kell asked from the mouth of the tent. To the warlord, it was a very important question. He needed to be able to give his men exact instructions in order to keep as many of them alive as he could. Truth be told, Kell had not needed to replace any of his troops since their arrival, but a war on the scale of the one that was beginning could prove to take a heavy toll on the lives of his men.

FORTRESS COMMAND CENTER

Bahl listened silently, remaining a few steps behind Arachnid the entire time. He could not help but grin under his helm at the order to reinforce Kyo. No, he was not grinning at the chance to gloat over him, that was not something Bahl did. He was grinning at the chance to finally begin consuming souls without being punished for killing any allies. Thankfully, his body did not betray his giddy anticipation.

[Dirzrahel]

"FUCK!"

Nearly eighty-three permutations of the game had gone by, neither one gaining a win or a lose. Some would say this was pure ridiculousness, others would agree, and even some others would say it was merely fate. The two were always meant to tie, neither one besting the other in any sort. They both stood there, their chests heaving with their breathing for some odd reason, as if they'd been through a grand battle.

"Rock!"

"PAYPAAAAA!!"

"Scissors!"

"SHOOT!"


Andronochuss had paper. Abbadon had rock. Suddenly, like an invisible force was pushing him, Abbadon fell to the ground and caught himself with his two front paws. His eyes were wide open, his mouth open and breathing heavily into the ground. His mind pulsed with the fact he just lost. Andronochuss had his paws on his kitty hips, his mouth in a grin as he chortled loudly into the air, his triumph complete. Abbadon managed to raise one paw, his claws forming a "V", then a "W".

"Two... out of... three!" Abbadon managed to get out, shakily getting up from the ground.

Andronochuss looked down upon his father, his grin turning into a sneer, his eyes keen with interest. His paw extended outwards, pointing at Father Abby.

"You're ON old man! This time you'll owe me cake!"

Then once again, the two hastily began their game.

[Black]

~Aarhus Glades (Kyo)~

"Fuck!"

As the two demons yelled that word the sky was lit up again with demon magic colliding with elemental magic. The beams that had hit each other earlier were flashing towards each other at raid paces, Collision after collision after collision shook the sky, the clouds that had been gathering all day were scattered, There was a sound of a sword clash high in the sky, then a curious whistling noise.

Kyo was plummeting down to Aarhus, moving so fast that his wings, which were trying to slow his dissent, cut the air. He smashed back-first into the earth, the force of the impact ripped Aarhus apart, the ground shook. Kyo got to his feet, his two wings torn cleanly off and lying a few feet away. They lifted into the air and reattached themselves to his back.

Bartimaeus had made his dissent and was rocketing towards Kyo, sword held to this left side. As he neared Kyo, Kyo darted to his right, raised his sword and slashed downward, ripping open Bartimaeus from shoulder to hip. Bartimaeus kept walking, turned around and looked at Kyo, his shoulder healing together, Kyo held his sword to the side carelessly.

Bartimaeus launched at Kyo again.


~Aarhus Glades (Arachnid)~

Arachnid ignored the battle with Kyo, instead focusing on Hex 4. "Bahl, go take care of that pesky demon" she said indicating to the demon smith. She focused her attention on the summoning they were about to preform.

~Greeny's Tent~

"Kell, go out and reinforce Hex four. They will need your assistance" commanded Lord Greeny. "Also send Infantry Six and Seven into combat, the left flank of our army is weakening, Calvary sixteen and fourteen withdraw from combat and nurse your wounds. Send the Pole-axe corp to reinforce our right flank" Lord Greeny was poured over maps, issuing commands left and right. The map was magical and could actually zoom in on a battle. At the moment he was watching the heat of the battle, in Aarhus Glades.


~Fortress of Shattered Swords~

Grimstone looked at Gitana. "You don't need to try so hard around me, Gitana my dear. My Kyo loves you, so I love you. End of story" he smiled at her. "As for you Lady Elf, Eat please, and accept our clothing. You are no prisoner here, because I know you do not work for Greeny. But you should not steal from anyone, ever. People need the stuff they need because they Have it. Stealing from Lords is a different thing, but is still not advisable" he started laughing.

"You two, I do not mean to seem rude, but I had questions for both of you, then you must leave contemplating these questions," he looked at them both. "Would you Gitana, do anything, anything at all for Kyo? Anything... Don't answer now, think about it,"

"As for you Lady Elf, would you mind staying here. With Gitana, for a while? Not forever, as that would be against your wondering self. But for a while, I must ask you about your homeland, and you must tell me all about it.. Think about it. You both may go" he smiled.

[Mysteria]

"You don't need to try so hard around me, Gitana my dear. My Kyo loves you, so I love you. End of story"

For just a second Gitana was stunned. She had not expected her Lord to say such a thing. She suddenly felt more at ease as she felt the smile appear on her fair features. With all of the grace that her mother had taught her she bowed her head "Thank you my Lord, that is very kind of you." When she looked back up her smile had broadened. "Perhaps while I wait for our guest to eat I might nibble on a few of these beautiful grapes." Gitana took a seat and waited for the elfish woman to answer Lord Grimstone.

“I will consider it Lord,” Neilana smiled and took an apple. Taking a bite of it, she closed her eyes as the food hit her taste buds. Though it had only been about two days since she had a meal, it felt like weeks and she had to resist the urge to devour the fruit. “Thank you Lord.”


"You two, I do not mean to seem rude, but I had questions for both of you, then you must leave contemplating these questions," he looked at them both. "Would you Gitana, do anything, anything at all for Kyo? Anything... Don't answer now, think about it."

Gitana mulled over his words as she waited for the stranger to finish eating. She didn't need time to think of her answer but Lord Grimstone had told them both not to answer now. "I will wait to tell you my answer until you are ready to hear it my Lord."

As for you Lady Elf, would you mind staying here. With Gitana, for a while? Not forever, as that would be against your wondering self. But for a while, I must ask you about your homeland, and you must tell me all about it.. Think about it. You both may go"

Gitana could feel the very ground under her feet shaking. Gitana's face showed signs of worry. The battles had begun. She did not fear for Kyo but felt she should be at his side. Of course, he'd not hear of such a thing while demons were fighting demons and she doubted highly that Lord Grimstone would allow her to go to be by his side. She could do nothing but wait. Turning to the elfish woman Gitana smiled and said "When you have filled yourself I will take you to the tent of my Lord Kyo and show you where you will be staying. Please, eat now though."

Neilana continued to stand, eating the apple. She was so hungry that she ate the entire thing, core and all. Once it was gone, she reached for a second apple and started to eat it as well. Once she had finished about half of it, she turned to Gitana.

“I am ready when you are Lady Gitana,” Neilana spoke softly and smiled.

Gitana turned back to Lord Grimstone bowing her head as she spoke "We shall take our leave now my Lord. Send for us when you wish to see us again."

Turning to the elfish woman Gitana smiled extending her hand "Please, there is no need for you to address me as Lady Gitana. You may call me Gitana. Please follow me." Gitana began walking in the direction of the tent she shared with her mate. Turning back to the elfish woman she smiled again. "Might I know your name?"

“I am called Neilana,” Neilana looked a little nervous. “And I am sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you. Given what I heard I just assumed that your title would be Lady. And my people address others by their titles first as a show of respect. And….nothing. I’m sorry.”

"Neilana" The word rolled off of Gitana's tongue curiously. She'd never heard such a name before and found it to be quite beautiful. Gitana smiled at the dark haired elf "Your name is beautiful Neilana. And you did not offend me. I am Lord Grimstones son Lord Kyo's mate and that is why people call me Lady Gitana. It is a show of respect among our people too but" Gitana shrugged and laughed softly "I prefer to be called Gitana and you may do so." As an added afterthought she said "Or at least when we are alone. I'm not sure how Kyo would react to you not calling me Lady Gitana. Perhaps until I have had time to speak with him for now you should refer to me as lady, in front of him and the others."

Gitana stopped in front of the tent holding the flap open for Neilana. "We've arrived. Please enter. While you remain among us this will be your home too."

Neilana entered the tent and looked around. It was large and very nice, much nicer than the one she rolled into earlier. And given the items that were inside, she found herself wishing she hadn't given her word to Grimstone that she wouldn't steal. Turning back to Gitana as she enterd, Neilana looked at the ground.

“I feel I must tell you I don’t understand any of this. Why are you being so hospitable?” Neilana kept her eyes on the ground and spoke softly with a hint of fear in her voice.

Gitana could sense that Neilana was having a hard time comprehending any of this. She could hear the fear in her voice. Gitana bid her to sit at the small table in their tent. She placed in front of her some dried meat and motioned to the fruit sitting on the table. "If you are still hungry please eat. And to answer your question, it is the way of my people to share with others who may be less fortunate. It is the way I was taught, to accept others as they are."

Gitana took a seat opposite of her. "As you well know, things are not always as they seem. Take this war for instance. This war is not so that my Lord Grimstone can take from the others in Aarhus. It is so that he may share what we here have."

Gitana arose and moved to the bed that would be Neilana's. "This will be where you will sleep." She looked to the elf not overly concerned "You may keep the weapons you have hidden on your person here. You will not need them as long as you are within the safety of this camp."

“I’m sorry,” Neilana sounded sad. “I don’t understand. My people have not known war in more than a thousand years. We are peaceful and share what we have freely with the other nations that are close to us. We do not feel a need to force on them what they don’t want. Personally, and I don’t mean to offend you, I find this all rather repulsive. You consort freely with demons and you would kill others to impose your own values on them. You…” Neilana trailed off and the fear returned to her eyes. “I’m sorry. It is not my place to speak as such.”

Gitana's patience never waivered as she patted the bed beside her "Come, sit beside me Neilana" When Neilana sat down next to her Gitana took her hands. Neilana appeared scared but Gitana continued anyhow. "I know you are scared and don't understand Neilana but please do not be. I know this world is different than the world you are accustomed to" Gitana smiled her voice remaining soft "This..." Gitanas hand moved in a wide sweeping flourish "This war is not of our making. Our only wish was to help others. They brought this war upon us, we did not take this war to them. But during times such as these, as you will learn, we must protect ourselves."

Gitana shook her head as she continued. "There are demons among us yes. The gods and goddesses of the ages. It is part of our culture. I myself am a mage." Gitana watched Neilana's face for a reaction. Squeezing her hands she continued "But you should know, my magic is not used to harm others for the sake of harming others. My magic is used to protect."

“I understand,” Neilana smiled, comforted by Gitana’s words. “But you have to understand. I was taught that there are certain things magic should never be used for. Even to use it to control evil is considered to be wrong. For using evil, even with the best intentions, in the end, can only beget evil.” Neilana paused for a moment and exhaled.

“I’m not trying to say your values and beliefs are wrong,” Neilana looked down at the bed, squeezing Gitana’s hands. “I just do not share them. I will put my trust in you Gitana. But all of this worries me so. My people have magic. I even have a little of my own. But to see magic used in this way…it‘s just hard for me.”

Gitana nodded "In time, if you allow me I will teach you the wonders of our world and the good that lies within Aarhus and I would ask that you share your world with me too. Together we shall learn. Please consider Lord Grimstone's offer to stay among us, at least until this fighting ends. You are safe here with me."

Dropping Neilana's hands Gitana pointed to the three kittens. With a slight laugh she said "And behold the miracle of the magic within Aarhus Neilana! Remember what I told you. All is not always as it seems." Calling for the kittens to come to her she continued. "My demon as you call him, has left these with me, for the time being." Gitana waited for the kittens to come forward.

{co-op with naz}

[Dirzrahel]

A giant mass of white fur, also known as the three kittens, suddenly twitched into life. The tiny mewings and purrs of their dreams came to a halt as all three sets of ears perked up in unison, all three heads suddenly raising up too. Their eyes, all light blue, sparkled in the darkness.

"Master is not a demon!"
"Master Andy is of Elysium!"
"Master Andronochuss is-"

"SSSSHHH!" The two hissed at the third, clamping her mouth shut with their combined force of four front paws. They were a rambunctious bunch indeed, and venerated their Lord Andronochuss more so than anything else they were acquainted with. As such, they would obviously know the truth of the subject of what was the facade of Andronochuss.

The three kittens leaped up onto their ligaments and trotted forward to Gitana, all three plopping themselves onto the woman's lap, rolling over and playing with each other. Luckily they were in kitten form. If they happened to be in Angel form, there would be a whole new style of playing being had on Gitana's lap.



Meanwhile, Andronochuss sat on his haunches across from his father, Abbadon. The meager, childish game of rock, paper, scissors was now in the past. A glass dish had a chocolate cake sitting upon it right next to Andy, his smirk showing vibrantly upon his kitten lips. Abbadon was furious, hiding his face with the playing cards he had recently just picked up.

"Go fish." Andy said, pointing at the deck of cards in between them.


Abbadon tentatively reached for a card, his guile getting the best of him as he sought to sneak a peak from the reflection of the glass dish to see his son's cards. All he saw was the gaze of his son, looking directly at him. Abbadon froze immediately.

Andronochuss snickered, laying his cards down. He held out his paw as if wanting something.

"You owe me for cheating, old man. Pay up." He said calmly, his claws flexing back and forth.

Abbadon looked upon his son, his gaze uncertain, but certainly furious.

"You'll not be getting anything from me!" He retorted.

Andronochuss immediately stood up on his hind legs, his paw pointing at his father in accusation.

"OLD MAN! PREPARE TO DIIIIIIIIIE!"

Abbadon stood to face him, his cat paws on the katana at his side.

"YOU WILL BE THE ONE TO DIE!"

[John]

Neilana’s eyes went wide as she saw the kittens. The demon had left them? There was no way this could be a good thing. But as Gitana had said, not everything is as it seems and that thought gave her visions of the kittens turning into some hideous creature of the netherworld and devouring her face. There was also the fact that Neilana wasn’t a big fan of cats. It wasn’t that she thought cats were evil, they just frightened her. They always had, even when she was a child. There was no logical reason for the fear, they just gave her the creeps. But she did believe that cats had one use. They did make a nice stew.

“Um…no thank you,” Neilana’s voice wavered as she moved further onto the bed. “I’m sorry, I really don’t like cats. Especially ones left by a demon.”

Gitana laughed and winked at the kittens. "I assure you, these kittens are quite harmless but as you wish." Gitana waved her hand and dismissed the three kittens for the time being. "Perhaps in a bit my little friends, for now though go play amongst yourselves."

Gitana stood and walked over the the tent door looking out over the horizon. There was no sign of Kyo and the others. Turning to Neilana she said "Would you like to rest now? If not, I could show you around the camp now, not that there is much to see here in camp."

Neilana relaxed as the kittens moved away. She felt more at ease now but did feel rather tired. Still, given the events of the day, and her apprehension to the whole situation she found herself in, she doubted that sleep would be possible.

Actually,” Neilana smiled. “I got to see a fair bit of the camp when I arrived. But I would like to repay the kindness you have shown me if I may.” Neilana took off her quiver and removed the arrows, placing them on the bed. She fumbled around in the quiver for a moment and removed a piece of leather with buttons on it. Placing that on the bed, she removed a wineskin from the bottom of the quiver.

“This is Nei Tillew,” Neilana held the wineskin out to Gitana. “Night Wine. It is very rare in my land and I have carried it for a long time waiting for the right person to share it with. It is made from the petals of a flower that only blooms under a full moon. It never goes bad and it is a little piece of my home. If you would allow me, I would like to share it with you. It would be my honour. And it would also make you the first person not of my people to ever drink it. But I should warn you, it does have quite a kick to it.”

Gitana eyed the woman curiously when she mentioned the wine. She didn't want to accuse her of trying to trick her but the truth was that she didn't know her well enough yet. Gitana decided she would accept it as a gift but would wait until Neilana drank first to try it herself. Getting two small cups from the table Gitana returned and handed them to the elf.

"That is very kind of you, but it will not make me sleepy will it? I must be awake..." Gitana's eyes trailed towards the tent door "I must be awake when my mate returns."

Neilana uncapped the wineskin and filled the two cups. Handing one to Gitana, she giggled a little.

“Actually,” Neilana spoke softly. “I have never seen anyone fall asleep from drinking it. For my people, it refreshes and revitalizes. Not to mention that it does make a person quite silly. But honestly, I don’t know what the effects on you will be. But I do hope you will join me. This is most likely a once in a lifetime opportunity for you. And also most likely the last time I will ever be able to drink it again as I do not intend to return home anytime soon, if ever.” Neilana stared at the cup for a moment and remembered the beauty of her homeland. She missed it at times and was very happy to have a small piece of it here with her.

“Dina nara sharu glen te.” Neilana raised the glass towards Gitana. “It means may beauty always find you.” Brining the cup to her lips, she took a drink of the wine.

Only after Neilana had taken a drink did Gitana herself take a drink. She found the wine to be sweet and delightful. Realizing that Neilana hadn't intended to try to trick her or harm her Gitana almost immediately felt a sense of guilt. "I'm sorry if it appeared I didn't trust you but I hope you understand that I had to be sure that it was safe." Gitana took another drink. "Thank you for sharing part of your home with me. May beauty also always find you too." Gitana sat her cup down. "My mate Kyo, he would like this drink very much." Noticing that Neilana seemed sad Gitana asked "What has brought you here? Why would you not wish to return home? I myself am a traveler, my name means traveler yet I could not imagine ever not having returned here some day. Can you not go home?"

“I understand completely,” Neilana smiled. “I don’t expect you to trust me freely, especially considering my chosen profession. But I am loyal and do keep my word when given. I will never try to harm you or betray you in anyway.” Nelana put the cup to her lips and took another sip. The bouquet of the wine filled her senses and she started to appear more awake.

“As for my home,” the smile faded from her face. “I can return if I so choose. But it has been a very long time. I have been travelling now for over one hundred and forty years. And there is still so much to see. Although I do miss my home sometimes, I had to leave. Form the moment I was born my path was laid out for me. And it was a path I did not wish to follow.” Neilana took another sip of the wine before continuing.

“I want to be honest with you,” Neilana looked directly into Gitana’s eyes. “But I need your word that what I am about to tell you does not leave this room…house…uh…tent.” Neilana giggled a little, feeling the effects of the wine.

Gitana was glad to see that the woman was relaxing some. Taking a sip of her own drink Gitana laughed too. "For now, this is home. Someday perhaps you will see Lord Kyo's true home." Then in a more serious tone she added "Neilana, what you tell me is yours to tell and it is not my place to repeat it. I can only offer these words to you, you are welcome among us. Lord Grimstone likes you! If you would trust in us, as you would have me trust in you then you will find that you are safe here. After my parents died it was Kyo that found me again. I had forgotten how to trust. It was he, our people that taught me how to once again feel safe." Gitanas aura danced in a shadowy gray shade as she spoke of her parents. "It was Kyo that brought me home."

“It is good,” Neilana smiled and leaned back on the bed, propping herself up with one arm. “That you have found someone to love. I hope that one day I may be as fortunate.” The smile faded again and Neilana continued to speak, her tone coming almost as a whisper.

“It is because of what I am, that I am most worried,” Neilana began. “I don’t know how much you actually know about elves, but there are many different races. In your tongue, my people are called Dream Elves.” Neilana took another drink from the cup, nearly draining it.

“Now you have to understand,” Neilana cleared her throat. “All elves are magical in some way. For most of us, it is ties to nature that give us our magic. The magic of an elf is not something that can be learned, though it is whispered in legend that there are magical ways to steal an elf’s magic; usually at the cost of the elf’s life.” Neilana drained the cup and refilled it form the wineskin, topping of Gitana’s cup as well, sighing as a small wave of euphoria washed over her.

“The magic that my people possess,” Neialna sat up and leaned close to Gitana. “Allows us to enter the dreams of another. Now we are not supposed to use this ability for personal gain, only to help. And while in the dream, we cannot actually interact with the surroundings, only influence the dreamer. Because of my chosen profession, I can actually become dreamlike if I choose, which can be very handy when wishing to stay unseen. But given the magic that exists here, I am worried. I do not wish for anyone to gain my power. Not so much cause I don’t wish to die, but more because of the damage that could be done with it. Do you understand my fear?”

Gitana pressed her fingers to her lips as Neilana spoke warning her to speak softly. She didn't want anyone to overhear what Neilana was saying and the truth was that there were those who if they wanted to would be able to know what Neilana was even thinking.

Gitana didn't know how to tell Neilana what she was thinking. She simply shook her head and agreed as she spoke "You must be careful here Neilana, of everything you say and everything that you think. Your magic is as strong as some of the magics found in Aarhus." Gitana paused and took a sip of her drink. Quickly trying to change the subject in case any were near enough to overhear Gitana raised her cup "To new friends, those of whom I hope will become a good friend."

“Fey shiri laine,” Neilana smiled and raised her cup. “For good friends.” Nielana drank from the cup and felt fully at ease in the knowledge that she had made a friend this day.

(co op with Mysti)

[Atrum Daemon]

AARHUS GLADES (BAHL)

Bahl nodded to Arachnid and approached the demon smith. He tested the weight of the spiked mace in his left hand while extending his unarmored right arm. The arm became obscured by black-purple smoke and when it cleared, his armed had changed into a wicked-looking axe weapon. The blade extended all the way up what had been his forearm and was jagged in some parts.

Bahl broke into a charge swinging his axe-arm in a horizontal strike as he got within striking distance of the demon smith. He followed up that strike with an overhead attack from the mace.

AARHUS GLADE (KELL)

Kell had taken an advance group ahead of his full force to help out Hex Four. The red armored mercenaries entered the glade in the midst of the heated battle, quickly making a beeline charge to reinforce Hex Four’s fight with the Grimstone phalanx. The twenty soldiers proved to be a terrifying match for Grimstone’s own troops. Kell found himself cut off from his men and surrounded by unfriendly, armed men. Smiling under his helmet, Kell let his ornate sword fall from his grasp.

The sword sank into the ground like it was water. Thunder roared and the sky cracked open once the pommel vanished. A massive weapon broke through the sky and rocketed down toward the glade, slamming into the ground behind Kell and causing the earth to shake. The sword was the size of a small mountain, like something a giant would wield. Terror gripped the Grimstone soldiers as Kell raised his hand, making the giant sword wrench itself from the ground. “Greeny wanted me to reinforce,” Kell muttered to himself, “well, Hex Four, here’s one hell of a reinforcement for you.”

[GraftRaven]

Aarhus Glades

Krath's head snapped to look at Bahl, not one in possession of his weapons. He parried the horizontal blow, then rolled backwards and pushed off into the air to avoid the overhead swing. As he landed Krath sprinted forward and jumped over Bahl, rotating forward in a front flip and swinging both of his blades down at Bahl's back, hopefully at least one would make contact.

(sorry for the crappy short post...)

[Dirzrahel]

Abbadon had resumed his original humanoid form, the brim of his wicker hat shading his eyes as he looked to his son- his real son.

Andronochuss stood in his glory, his skin glistening with specks of gold and his eyes glowing with a bright blue radiance. The ground under both of them moved gently, as if it were a simple pond between them, rocking gently from a small tremor. Andronochuss had on the lower half of a white white hakama, to match his father's equal oriental look. His bare chest was brazened with scratches and scars, finally noticeable since before his body was shielded by divine armor. This time he would wear no armor. Each scar upon his chest had been made when the last time a battle with his father had been had. Abbadon had the same on his chest as well.

They were quite equal.

Abbadon widened his stance, his hand upon the handle of the katana he had at his side. He noticed something though, and pointed it out.

"You have no blade, my son. What has become of Meggido?"

Andy's eyes narrowed, crossing his arms as he replied.

"You broke it. Remember? You said you wanted to take a look at it, I gave it to you, then you broke it over your knee-"

"OH YEAH! That's right!" Abbadon interrupted, his hand going up and rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment. The old men thought it over, scratching his chin as he slowly got out of his battle stance.
"Well, son. I'll give you time to forge a new blade. With so much material in the area, you should be able to, correct?" Abbadon mentioned.

"I should be able to, you're right. I'll do just that, if you'll wait a moment. Then we'll begin our true duel." Andy said his feet spread wide, his hands coming together in front of him and grasping onto an invisible object.
"Oh! And I'll be using your side's soldiers. Contract, y'know?" Andy mentioned.

"Yeah, that's fine. Doesn't really bother me. Was going to eat them later anyway." Abbadon said, shrugging.


Andronochuss nodded, his eyes glowing an even bright blue that before. Air surged around them both, gathering into the invisible space between the demon king's hands. The grass below their feet swayed back and forth violently, finally ripping out of the ground itself and flowing along the air waves that wafted over the battles being had while he and his father had been conversing. The mercenaries in red armor started feeling fatigued. Their swords grew heavy. Their armor proved too weighty. They fell to their knees, their lives being extinguished thereupon by the might of the Grimstone phalanx. As the mercenaries had their lives extinguished, their souls flowed from their body and drifted on the wind back to the space between Andronochuss's hands, the pure life energy swirling violently in an intangible vortex. A small white bead of light appeared in the space, seemingly devoid of nature itself, a dot in the world of reality. The ground broke in between Andronochuss and Abbadon, the earth rupturing and unleashing the energies of gaia into the bead of white, the bead turning into the size of a baseball. The rupture went deeper and deeper, finally a soft, red light emitting from the crack in the ground. Pure flames erupted and drenched the space in between Andronochuss's hands, swirling and finally resting within the ball of white which was now of doubled proportion. Droplets of sweat from the soldiers lifted off gracefully, towed by the wind. The water sailed like a ship to the demon king's location, dousing the heat of the white orb which was now the size of an adult dog. Andy smiled.

"And the last ingredient."

With a swift motion, Andy pricked his arm and let his blood flow lightly into the white mass, the energy of elements absorbing it and conforming it to his desires. The white suddenly turned the darkest of blacks only a few minutes after the demon king had let his blood into it. He reached into the sphere with his right hand, his smile forever upon his face. He knew Gitana was sitting in a room with that elf, speaking to her, and he knew the Angels were there, since he was looking through their eyes. He saw his emblem on both of Gitana's hands. His Demon King emblem glowed dimly on one hand, his Divine emblem glowing brightly on her other. After all, using souls was not something the Divine do. It's something those of tainted heredity do.

"With thou blade and guard wrought with injustice ye verily of the savior I rite thee of twenty souls:" Andy chanted, his hand slowly retracting from the orb.

"Elysium"


A double-edged blade emerged from the darkness of the orb, the sphere absorbed instantly by the blade's face. An edge that glowed white like the high noon sun and blade face of the darkest moon was held quaking within Andy's left hand. Fumes of fresh life seemed to emanate from the blade, as if it were living, and it seemed as though one swing would bring forth night, another day, perpetually representing the rise and fall of each day. The blade was properly named. Although it was very temporary. With only twenty souls, the blade would deteriorate in a matter of hours. In order to make a permanent sword like Meggido was, Andronochuss would need well over fifty-thousand souls. He knew well that with each slash, the blade would be weaker, and become infinitely weaker in structure with each sequential swing.

"We've got some hours to burn, Father. Let's not waste it." Andy said, pointing at Abbadon with Elysium. The blade seemed to make the air quake with power, as if its ether was unstable. It was. With only twenty souls, Andronochuss now held a waiting time bomb in his hands, ready to explode when its physical form was broken. That's why he was smiling the entire time.

He loved playing with death.


Abbadon nodded gruffly, knowing the entire truth of the sword his son just made. In fact, he was proud as a father to witness his son perform a soul-forging in such a expedited time frame. Though that left no truth besides the matter. It would definitely explode soon. The father demon shuffled his feet back as the hilt of his katana popped up, his left hand grabbing it and twisting as the blade sparked into life, slashing across at Andy.

Andronochuss parried the blow, Elysium sending a quake throughout the katana's frame and sending shivers down Abbadon's spine. Something was not right.

Both reared back and charged as soon as the first blows were landed, a flurry of metal slicing through the air. The ground below their might shook like a earthquake with each blow absorbed or parried, each matching each other's movements perfectly. Abbadon jumped from the location, landing on the pommel of the giant sword, his katana stretched in defense. Andy followed.

Like a sonic boom, Andy left the ground and came hurtling at his father, Elysium sending shock-waves of its own through the air. Their blades met, each in a deadlock on the pommel of the giant sword. Air set into a downburst below them, knocking the Grimstone soldiers to the ground that were in the vicinity. This was the battle of Demon Kings.

This was a Frenzy.

The Frenzy was something taught to demonlings that occurs when two of the highest ranking caste of demons seriously begin to fight. It is described through merely observation that both Demon Kings lose perspective of where they are and focus all of their concentration on killing their fellow duelist. The only way to snap out of this Frenzy would be if either of the Demon kings had an existing contract. The contractor could simply order the Demon King to remove himself from battle, stopping the Frenzy. However, in Hell, there were no contractors. Some say the deeper depths of Hell were created from the Frenzies between Demon Kings. From the damages that occur when the Frenzy occurs. Andronochuss had only been in one Frenzy in his entire lifetime.

That was the last time he had a battle with his Father.


The deadlock continued on top of the pommel, raw ether gathering around both the Demon King's bodies. Andy switched up the deadlock by spinning and using his momentum to push back his father, Elysium slashing outward in his backhand and missing the old geezer's nose by a hair's breath. Elysium quaked once more, sending a shock-wave from the pommel of the giant blade and down its blade face, a ringing of metal resounding throughout the air. Abbadon was up in the clouds waiting for his son to follow.

Andy pushed off the pommel, the ground beneath the giant blade and the soldiers depressing itself as air pushed it down. The ether that had gathered around Andy disbursed into the air like crackles of lightning, his skin rippling with anticipation. Their blades met again in the air, clouds dispersing and opening the entire battlefield to the sun.

The two continued trading blows, sparks showering downwards and landing gently upon the battlefield and soldiers below. The bits and pieces were not from Abbadon's katana, but from Elysium. The blade was chipping bit by bit with every parry and every blow.

[Black]

Kyo landed not far from the two dueling demons, his true form was beginning to tear apart Aarhus as more and more ether poured from his demon form as well as his holy form and began to fight each other. Both Bartimaeus and Kyo's swords were a blur of steel and magic as each blade collided with the other magical bursts exploded outwards.

The air didn't feel right to Kyo, he could feel Andy's sword, he could feel it's power from the moment he forged it. This was not good. He risked a glance at Andy and his eyes widened, not because of the sword that cut deep into his side, but because of the sword Andy was using. Kyo's hand reached out and stopped Bartimaeus's sword from ripping through him. He looked at Bartimaeus, who also felt the power.

Both knew they had to end this fight quickly and get back to the contractors of both demons and tell them both to order the fight to stop. Kyo pulled Bartimaeus's sword from his side while stabbing his own sword downward, point first. Bartimaeus caught Kyo's wrist before the sword his his shoulder and plunged into his heart. Bartimaeus kicked Kyo with a clawed foot so hard that Kyo flew backwards underneath both Andy's and Abby's swords before they even connected again. Kyo hit Krath and both spiraled into the ground. Kyo ignored Krath underneath him and pulled his sword up. The sword began to glow.

(I won't post the rest of this post until Andy's sword explodes and everyone has had a chance to explode, Andy if you would be so kind as to cut your post short when your sword explodes I would appreciate it. I have an Idea that would move this RP along to the main plot I had intended. >.>)

[Atrum Daemon]

AARHUS GLADE (KELL)

The massive blade, known only as the God Slayer, arced through the air at Kell’s command and slammed into the ground. The edge of the sword cut deep into the earth as it slew countless Grimstone soldiers with it’s single blow. The newly arrived main force of Kell’s troops stayed back from the main fighting when they saw their Warlord wielding the released state of his weapon. The sword moved up into the air again as Kell raised his hand to the sky. He looked around at the apprehensive soldiers surrounding him, wondering which side to strike at next.

AARHUS GLADE (BAHL)

Bahl made a snarling noise as one of the blades cut into his back, releasing the same ash-like smoke that had formed when his arm changed rather than blood. His black closed as he consumed the souls released from their bodies when the giant sword struck the ground. He turned quickly to face Krath again, swinging his axe around as he turned in an attempt to catch Krath off guard and strike the side of his head.

[Mysteria]

Gitana smiled at Neilana even as she felt the ground under her continuously quaking and became increasingly more worried. The battles seemed to be going on endlessly and she sensed it was not good.

Looking down Gitana realized that the emblems on each respective hand was glowing in a soft blue color. Why now were they glowing. She looked to the kittens searching for some indication, anything that would clue her in to what was going on. She sensed nothing.

Feeling it in the pit of her stomach she knew she had to get to the battle, that the emblems were calling to her to get there with haste.

Gitana stood suddenly, her face serious. Turning to Neilana she said "I have to go Neilana. I am needed. Don't ask me how I know but I have to go. You are welcome to stay here or come along with me but I dare not wait any longer. There has to be an end brought to this madness. I am needed."

Gitana didn't wait for Neilana to reply. Either she followed or she didn't but Gitana wasn't about to wait one second longer. Hurrying out of the tent she made her way to the battle only to see the devastation happening in front of her. Her aura turned a deep gray as she watched and waited for them to notice her presence. She tried to reach out to Andy with her mind but didn't know if he would sense her there or not.

He was busy, as was Kyo. Gitana almost felt helpless and wanted to yell at them all to just stop this madness!

[Dirzrahel]

"Stop this madness!"

Elysium parried and twirled like it were alive within Andy's hand. The blade pulsed with each hit, the air trembled with anticipation of a catastrophic event. The Demon King's eyes were bent on one thing. Gaining the upper hand in the duel and rendering his own father weak to his knees where the old bastard would yield and kiss his feet, kiss his feet and pray to him, pray to HIM for the years they had been friends yet turned foe at the upturn of a question.

"Father, is there a way to ascend from the surface and go higher?"

"You're no son of mine any longer."


Andronochuss's mind yelled and stirred with such emotion that it was displayed in his battle. Each stroke was a felled stroke that would slice a mountain in half if directed elsewhere. His divine appearance was but a simple facade given what transpired inside his own psyche. Abbadon was the same his own conflicted mind driving him to battle.

"Why would you say that!? Why would you ask it!?"


The father had failed to mention that his son had achieved the ascension long ago, when he had climbed to the surface by himself. No other demon had been able to do this. All other demons had a contract that was still sustained or ended on the surface.

His son had climbed up on his own accord.

Abbadon could feel no prouder of his son, of his student, and of his equal now in battle. But the anger still quelled within him. Old memories bite back harshly in the minds of two who share these experiences.

The two demons disappeared and reappeared in moments of light and darkness. A flash of metal on metal in the sky and the simple floating of material bits accompanied each clash, Elysium corroding and corroding with each stroke, each flourish. Eventually the land was starting to be affected by the Frenzy. The grass was slowly turning from green to brittle brown, as if all life was being sucked away and replaced by emptiness. The ground was starting to tremor slowly, building up in speed as the Frenzy continued, cracks rupturing noticeably on the surface. Black miasma started drifting up from these cracks. The "Sins of the Land", as described in text. When two tainted beings release their power, the deeds of evil are attracted to them, and go to them in search of power. Though it appeared this evil was centered on the Frenzy, there was an alternative nearby.


Abbadon countered his succession, slashing Andy while he spun to counter the counter, effectively slashing Abbadon across the chest. Blood poured form the wounds as they continued their fight, dripping to the earth along with the bits of Elysium. The blood stopped dripping.

The tiny specks of crimson suddenly starting flowing, the taint in the blood not wanting to move away from its owners. Clouds of dark red started forming in the sky, the deviled cumulus stretching with each movement of the two, the ghastly blood following its masters and the slashing of blades and the sparks of a metal maelstrom.

Another hit, Elysium has lost its left edge. Andy subsidized this by switching hands and using the right edge for the duel, wielding the blade now like Abbadon wielded the katana. The core of Elysium was showing, a bright white beam of energy that if looked at directly, blinded the eyes.

It would not be long until time was up.

Andy's eyes were a clouded over veil of bright blue, Abbadon's in the same composure, save golden like the harvest moon.

His mind itched him, his conscience nearly reaching him. Gitana was saying something.

[GraftRaven]

Krath was winded for a second, then recovered, astonished to find that the owner of one of his swords was sitting on his stomach. At once he clasped both of his swords and blasted Kyo off of himself with magical force. Krath straightened up, making sure to keep one eye on Bahl as he did so.

"Kyo, fate has brought us together again. I wish I could say that I cared, but I don't. The only part of you that interests me is your sword." His reptilian eyes stared at the blade, just as it was the day it was forged. If there was one thing that could be said it was that Kyo certainly took good care of his weapon. But none of that mattered now, only the blade's destruction could bring Krath one step closer to his goal. In defense Krath raised one sword towards each of the combatants closes to him.

[Dirzrahel]

A lesson learned by the demons that go through Frenzy is the purpose of the opponent. Between Andronochuss and Abbadon, it was no wonder one occurred. Not much is known about Andronochuss's history. He does not know himself how he came to be a demon. Abbadon does. Abbadon has neglected to tell him, because the truth would bring about the end of Andronochuss. However, when two demons of similar background, especially father and son, do battle - memories that were repressed are released into the frenzied mind to create chaos. Abbadon ended the last fight because he regained his consciousness and broke Meggido, snapping his son out of the Frenzy. This time it was different. This time Abbadon could not snap his son out of the Frenzy. The contractor needed to do it.

Andy raised his arms high as he came crashing down in a stroke, Elysium nearly shattering from the blow as its core was exposed on both sides. Abbadon had the same face as Andy. Calm. Collected. As if life did not matter, and only the finish of the duel. This was what it was to be in the Frenzy, where one did not care about the world, only the slaying of the opponent in mind. Andy's thoughts raced inside, however. As Elysium rang its stroke a second time, his brain spun into motion, his pupils widening with each sequential stroke of Elysium against Abbadon's katana. Crimson specks of blood dusted the air as they moved like dancing partners, a dance of death.

"Oh ye of little faith, Lancelot. Our charge has been spoken and we must seek the Grail."

Andy's mind filled with the image of a rich landscape spotted with trees and vibrant greens. A pasture harboring cows and sheep was in the distance, a castle made of grey stone looming over all of the land. A flag was displayed on top of the castle. A griffin with a sword and shield. It seemed familiar to him...

"Arthur! My king, there is an urgent message of the state of the Saxons encroachment..."

Another voice rung in his head, another image forming like an ethereal spirit on the move. The green pastures were ripped asunder like a dust cloud as he saw a man in golden mail with a crown upon his head, sitting at a table of round proportion. Twelve beings in silver armor sat around this golden-adorned man, rambling, talking of war. War was coming. A messenger slid a piece of parchment to the one in gold aptly named Arthur, and went on his way.

"Fight on my Knights of the Round Table! The Saxons are at their heels in fear!"

Destruction was formed into his mind. Spears littered the ground with shafts of arrows aplenty, fires donned buildings of wood and thirteen men on horses charged the fiery town in lead of a sea of silver men. The one in gold charged forth on his steed, a sword raised high in the air that seemed incredibly familiar to Andronochuss's thoughts. All seemed to be won for them.

A dark streak flew through the air and pierced the mail of the golden rider, his sword falling to the ground, the man in lead dragged by the spooked horse as his death came.

Andronochuss swung down with Elysium, his other hand coming to clutch where his heart should be, a searing pain flowing through his body. Blood still flowed from his back, as did it from Abbadon's chest.

"King Arthur has died in battle, Excalibur is to be returned to the Lady of the Lake. I, Sir Bedivere, will take this task my fellow knights. Retreat back to Camelot."

This time he did not see the voice who said such a thing. His mind formed a loop of smoke, a man in gold falling farther and farther down this loop, his plunge into the underdepths a near endless journey. The man had stopped yelling when he had noticed he would be falling for quite some time. He accepted it, and closed his eyes. He hit the ground sure enough, not a thud echoing from his landing, not a bruise upon him. He stood up to gaze upon a plain of battle littered with dead bodies and discarded weapons. The sky was a swirl of purple, blue, and green. Stars ran frantically about as if being chased. The man in gold walked forward, plucking a claymore from the soft ground and holding it for defense.

"Artthere..."

The man in gold looked about frantically, calling for the speaker. A smoky being of ghostly form flowed like wind to be in front of him, a tendril of dark miasma pointing at him, as if dooming his fate to eternity. Andronochuss saw this in his mind, the pain of his heart becoming fiercer and fiercer. Then the spirit looked at him, not the golden man. He could feel those empty sockets pierce his very mind. His finger moved to point at him, himself, his mouth echoing one word.

"Andronnnochussss."

"GAHHH!!!" Andronochuss yelled, Elysium dropping from his hand and bruying itself into the ground leagues below them. His hands clutched his head in agony, his memories flooding back into his mind. He was a human. Once. Never more.

He reeled back in pain, his hair growing as was his body. His knees popped inside-out as his legs grew, and blood showered the ground below as two large hawk-like wings burst from his back in a crimson uproar. Abbadon could only stare.

His yelling - no - screams of pain could be heard all over the battlefield. Many of the Grimstone soldiers stopped and looked up, as did the servants of D'hara.

Andy's skin grew fur, a tail bursting from his behind in the form of a lion's whip, his feet had turned into pair of golden metal bird claws that gripped and retracted with every one of his breaths. His head was shielded by a golden helmet in the shape of a bird's head, a gleaming beak protruding where his mouth was. His body was covered in this glittering, golden armor. Pauldrons bored crucifixes on each tip, his now clawed hands gripping a giant shield in his right. His left claw reached down, Elysium wrenching itself from the ground and coming to meet him. Wind couldn't be any swifter as the armored griffin spun and threw the sword, piercing it straight through the middle of Abbadon. The elderly Demon King could only gawk, blood dribbling from his mouth. The sword was shaking violently within his body, as if the final countdown had come.

The griffin braced itself, bringing the shield in front of his boulder and flying forward at a breakneck speed, effectively shield bashing Abbadon and sending the father and Elysium hurtling toward a mountain of momentous height.

[Mysteria]

Gitana watched in horror as the battle waged on. Kyo was pushed with a magical force off of the one he landed on. Gitana didn't even know who these demons were. This one seemed to know Kyo as he was speaking to him, calling him by name.

The ground beneath her continued to tremble as the skies around her grew dark with clouds of blood that gathered around Andy and Abbadon. One minute there appeared to be an almost calm reverence around them and the next their blades were clashing in what Gitana could only define as a frenzied state. They seemed to be oblivious to everyone and everything around them.

With each strike of Andys sword it had begun disintegrating and Gitana feared for him. Her eyes darted back and forth from Kyo to Andy, watching waiting to see what happened next.

Would there be no end to this insanity. She was helpless to do anything. Her own magic was not strong enough for her to attempt to help and if she tried to interfere she was certain that Kyo would not want her too. His pride would not allow it.

The battlefield in front of her had blood seeping into the ground from the wounded, dead, or about to be dead. Gitana was so focused on what was in front of her that she hadn't even had time to notice that Neilana hadn't followed her. The only thing Gitana could see was Kyo, still engaged in battle and Andy and Abbadon fighting to what seemed would be the death of them both.

Gitanas heart was racing so fast that she was certain it would explode from her chest. Her mind was swirling, her aura dancing around her in gray and black swirls as her mind tried to reach out to Andy.

He wasn't listening to her, he couldn't hear her. She couldn't reach him.

All that she could hear were screams of pain and as she looked towards the sky and saw Andronochuss once again transforming before her very eyes. It was then that she realized the screams were his. Gitanas mind screamed out NO, over and over again. Andy was plummeting towards Abbadon.

Images of death and destruction flashed in Gitana's aura as it circled around her. Gitana felt as though she was growing weak, every nerve in her body on edge as her mind screamed out No! Stop this!

Overbearing sadness rushed through her as she realized if something didn't happen soon they all may end up dead. She blinked back a tear trying to focus her energies. She needed Kyo to see that she was there. She needed Andy to hear her pleas.

Andy, please...hear me.

Raising both hands in front of her and with a mighty push she forced the air in front of her to focus into a solid stream and sent it towards where Kyo was hoping it would be enough to get his attention as the force of the air rushing around her levitated her up off of the ground. She needed to make him aware that she was there.

Her aura swirled furiously around her feet as her mind screamed out trying to force Andy to listen to her, to hear her. Stop this insanity Andy, please...stop.

Gitana wanted to scream the words so loudly that everyone would hear her but knew that she couldn't. All that she could do was hope that Andy would somehow sense her reaching out to him.

[Atrum Daemon]

Bahl blinked when he noticed Krath was nowhere near his strike, but was instead preoccupied with Kyo. He soon became aware of a great shadow growing larger underneath him. The death mage leaped aside just in time to avoid being crushed under the tip of the God Slayer. His eyes locked onto the wielder of the massive blade, the red armored mercenary controlling it through the connection he shared with the weapon.

Bahl avoided a second strike, a great sweep of the blade that killed a slew of Grimstone troops. Bahl gleefully consumed the souls of the dead men as their lives extinguished. He charged Kell as the sword was wrenched from the earth again and rose high into the air.

Kell’s eyes widened under his helm when the death mage rushed him, the monster’s right arm changing from a wicked axe-like blade into a curved sword blade. He allowed the God Slayer to jam itself deep into the earth an angle as he drew the rune-etched battle axe from his back. The curves of the axe head sliced Bahl’s mace into two parts as he attacked. Kell skillfully avoided the strike of the sword arm as Bahl drew one of the blades attached to his belt.

Bahl struck again and again, using both the longsword drawn from his waist and the sword arm. Kell blocked and deflected each strike using the head and metal handle of the battle-axe. Kell struck back with quick yet powerful swings of the deadly weapon. Bahl’s flesh was cut many times, but the mage never bled.

The air began to crackle with the energies being exerted by the two combatants. Kell managed to whack Bahl in the face with the handle of his axe before hacking his right arm clean off. The severed part disintegrating as it hit the ground and Bahl gave an angry roar before resuming his offensive as sparks flew from the two blades meeting.

[Black]

Kyo noticed Gitana, noticed too, that it was too late to recall the powers being released from his blade. He could only direct it one way, and Bartimaeus was not worth the energy used in this sword. Bartimaeus was cautiously approaching Kyo, and for a moment it seemed as if Kyo would unleash the fury of the sword on him. Suddenly Kyo pivoted and swung his sword at Mt. Aarhus. The energies released, the everyone surrounding Kyo was blasted off their feet by the pure shock of the energies simply releasing, the energies themselves shot forward, knocking Kyo back into Bartimaeus. Bartimaeus's sword stabbed through Kyo's heart and both fell to the floor.


The energies enveloped Abbadon, Andronochuss, and the sword, and kept going straight into the mountain. The mountain exploded, all at once a sound so loud it made no sound at all ripped through Aarhus, the planet itself seemed to groan under the power of the sword unleashing. But those who could see onto other planes knew why the Aarhus was groaning. An ancient evil began to stir withing the broken mountain. A being of Shadow and Fire, a being who's terrible laughter erupted from the mountain the moment it exploded. A smoky hand began to claw it's way out of the mountain, gripping at the mountains around it breaking them into dust with its strength.

The Titans laughter grew louder as it's smoky head erupted from the mountain. It's evil voice filled the heads of those all around the world, none no matter how strong or what realm they were in could force the Titans voice from their heads, and it spoke in a strange language, but all knew and understood what it said. . .

Tremble in fear, Mortals, Flee far away from this place, for I have come to claim all Life

The Titan stood full form, sixty feet high. Kyo was on his feet and moving, ignoring the sword through his chest, he dived to Gitana and covered her with his Aura, shielding her from the Titans full form so she would not be blasted away. Soldiers all over the field were obliterated by the sheer might of the Titan.

The earth itself seemed to revolt the appearance of the Titan and all at once Lightning storms began to strike at the Titan, the earth began to wrap around him. Aarhus itself seemed to come alive as vines twenty men thick burst from the surface to wrap the Titan up. The earth also broke apart and surrounded Krath, Kell, Bahl, Bartimaeus, Kyo Gitana, Abbadon and Andronochuss, and Arachnid, shielding them from the Titan's full form as it fought it.


The Titan cursed in it's terrible voice and began to dissolve. "I will be back" an evil whisper sounded in all their minds as the Titan shot out of Aarhus and into the deep reaches of Space. Suddenly Aarhus seemed to go back to normal, the earth around them began to repair itself and go back to normal. Only the mountain remained broken, a blight on the surface of Aarhus.

The earth moved off of Kyo and Gitana, to reveal Kyo in human floor with a sword through his chest bleeding profusely, struggling to breathe, blood gushing from his mouth and chest, his eyes searching, then unseeing. Arachnid saw this and screamed and tore across the now peaceful field, as if a battle had never taken place here, and threw herself down next to Kyo. Wrath came riding around the corner of a mountain on his demon horse, riding at a break neck pace, his eyes frenzied. "What the hell happened" He shouted to no one in particular. Kyo's breathing slowed and finally his eyes became completely unseeing, soulless orbs staring into the night sky.

Out of the thousands of soldiers gathered there, only a poultry few remained. Four of Kyo's soldiers came marching up, and bore Kyo on their shields, removing the sword from his chest and placing his own in his hands. They began the death Hyme of the fallen warrior.
~Fortress of Shattered Swords~

Lord Grimstone fell out of his chair, onto his hands and knees clutching his heart as if it had been torn out of him. "My son. . ." he kept whispering over and over.

Queen Isabel came in and found him like that on the floor, and knew instantly that Kyo had fallen in the conflict, and that Grimstone was broken. For the first time in his long life Lord Grimstone appeared to be an old man. She knew that this image would soon dissipate, and that the Wrath of Grimstone would be felt. Then a war that has not ever even been dreamed of would ensue. No one could know what to expect from this king who had lost his heir.

So deep was the grief that Grimstone barely even felt the Titan being unleashed.


~Lord Greeny's Camp~

Lord Greeny however, felt the blast, felt the ancient magic, and dreaded it all at once. Something had gone terribly wrong, he only wondered what. . . Soon he would know. Lord Greeny would find out in seconds as he walked from his tent, that Mt. Aarhus was missing.

[Dirzrahel]

"Andy, please... stop."

The griffin recognized this voice, but too late. The energy of the explosion of the mountain enveloped him and his father, both of their physical bodies eradicated in the process. Abbadon disappeared in the battle, his essence flowing back into the underworld. Andronochuss fell to the earth from the air, the slash on his chest still bleeding slowly and steadily. A wound from his father was unlike any other wound. It would heal at an incredibly retarded rate. The last image his eyes withheld before the demon king blacked out was a massive being wrenching itself from the mountain and rising high into the air and past the clouds. Andy's eyes closed shortly thereafter.


He woke up a matter of minutes later, the magical power that drove him had been restored, and he could maintain the humanoid form for a bit longer. He stood up precariously, his hand ripping off some of the hakama he wore and wrapping it around his chest diagonally in an attempt to stifle the continuously bleeding wound. It proved nothing in hope, because the cloth was simply a filter now for the blood to reach the open air. He clutched his side, trekking to be by Gitana and the injured Kyo, his leg with a limp. He fell only a short distance from Kyo, his eyes staring at the boy fiercely. Since he was bleeding, Andy could offer his own blood to restore Kyo. He would not, however. That was a different demon's job. To replace the soul of his master and give him life once more was a taboo. The contracted demon should return to the Hell he came from when the contractor dies, but, there is a choice. By sacrificing the word of contract and offering blood, he would be able to bind himself and Kyo to this world forever. There had to be a blessing of an elder demon king. He knew the ritual to perform it. Abbadon had taught him. He would not share it. Of all the taboos he himself had committed, this was one that would never be brought into the view of others. In the process, the demon was consumed and then lived inside the master. To share two minds in one body is an abomination.

Andronochuss's body was burnt badly by the influx of energy that had consumed himself and his father. If he hadn't been contracted, he would have returned to his Hell, and would have felt but a memory of pain. While contracted, he had to live through it, and bear it. Such was the disadvantage. His blood was soon visibly seeping out of the makeshift bandage he had wrapped himself with, and it flowed steadily down his navel to soon being absorbed by the belt of his pants. He lowered hi eyes upon Kyo's body, but felt no sadness toward the boy, felt no anger, nor felt any remorse.

"He died a death worthy of a demon king's title. Let him... rest-" Andy said, his voice weak as he fell face first onto the ground, his body still. He had overexerted himself and his human body in his own fight. The Madness Hero was out cold and blacked out like a shadow of the world. He didn't quite care if he were carried back or left laying there alone. Eventually the wound would seal. That would be when he got up.

In the meantime, he dreamed.

He dreamed of the trio of kittens, the Angels, that had been brought down.

He dreamed of Gitana, crying for Kyo.

He dreamed of his fight with Abbadon.

He dreamed lastly, of his past.

[Mysteria]

Everything had happened so quickly that Gitana didnt have time to realize the sheer magnitude of the events unfolding in front of her. One minute she was pleading for Kyo to see her, for Andy to be able to sense her and the next minute she was being thrown to the ground, shielded by Kyo's very own body.

It was like a dream was happening and she couldn't wake up. She could hear the titans voice but she couldn't see him. Then as quickly as everything happened the land became deathly still and silent. Gitana felt something warm on her and looked up. She must have screamed but she couldn't hear it if she did. Her eyes glazed over as she saw the blood draining from Kyo's body, the sword through his heart.

Her tear streaked eyes caught Kyos for a brief moment before she saw the life draining from his. Gitana could only whisper "my love..no.." A flicker and then he was gone. Screams were released into the air but they weren't hers, they were Arachnid's. Gitana reached out, touching Kyos face briefly before four of his soldiers picked him up and carried him away.

Gitana sat on her knees, hands wrapped around her stomach as she rocked back and forth. She was mortified. This couldn't be happening. She'd just found Kyo again. Gitana's aura turned pitch black and she could hear Lord Grimstones wails from inside. She looked around at the devastation surrounding her. Blood was flowing everywhere and her eyes fell on Andy. "He died a death worthy of a demon king's title. Let him... rest-"

She heard his whispers before he collapsed. Gitana couldn't even move to help him. Rocking back and forth she cried. She'd been helpless. Helpless to prevent her parents from dying. Helpless to prevent Kyo from dying. Now she was helpless to help Andy. There was nothing left for her here anymore. Her sobs overtook her as her body was wracked with grief. Gitana wanted to die, to be taken with Kyo. She knew Kyo would not want that for her.

She knew Kyo would not want her to weep. He would want her to be strong. She needed to get up. There were things to be done. Lord Grimstone was grieving, Aarhus needed her now.

Gitana tried to force herself up but try as she might she couldn't stand. Sinking back to her knees she fell close to where Andy was laying, sobbing into the blood stained dirt, her expression blank as she lay on the ground praying to die.

[Atrum Daemon]

Bahl and Kell stopped their battle when the Titan emerged from the mountain. “Another time,” Bahl said to Kell, leaping backwards off the God Slayer, cushioning his fall with more of the black smoke.

Bahl’s arm reformed as he approached the battlefield funeral for Kyo in the wake of the Titan. He Heard Gitana’s crying and the funeral song, but felt nothing. It did not seem to register with him why this one death deserved more attention than any of the thousand men killed by the release of the God Slayer. He simply stood by near where Gitana was and said a quiet prayer to Tokamak. Not just for Kyo, but for all those they lost in the battle.

***

Kell vaulted the rest of the way off the God Slayer and raised his arm. “Return to me, blade,” he spoke the words as his hand gleamed with red energy.

The giant sword sank into the ground like it were water. The sealed form of the blade rose from the ground, allowing Kell to grasp the hilt and return it to it’s sheath. “Well. What now?” Kell’s lieutenant asked as he rejoined the main force of his soldiers.

“Might as well head back,” Kell said, “we’re done here. Let them mourn and bury whatever dead they wish. I have a feeling that something real big is going to happen.”

Kell got up onto his horse and rode away with his red armored troops back to the Alliance Camp. There was no point in charging and attacking a force as weakened as the Grimstone one they had been faced with was.

[Black]

The funeral lasted an hour. Burial rights were said, Grimstone placed his son on the Pyre himself, carrying him in his arms, and lit the fire by hand with a stone and a flint. He cried openly, his crown was cast away onto the Pyre, his long gray hair was askew, Queen Isabel stood nearby, her eyes brimming with tears. All of the army was crammed in as best as they could manage.

Many words were said of Kyo, of his bravery, of his kindness, of his fierce devotion to the Kingdom. When Grimstone stood he said simple words, "He was my heart and soul, My reason to live a peaceful life. . . I love him. . ." He sat down broken, fresh tears falling from his long crooked nose.

An hour after the funeral Grimstone was seen again. His long hair had been cut close to his head, in a military crop, he had a helmet on made of gleaming silver, a sword at his side. His cloak was cast away and a crooked staff was held in his hands. "To war" was his simple command to his commanders when asked where he was going. And thusly the word spread.

The army was riled up, they were going to defend Kyo, they were going to avenge their fallen prince. The camp was riled up, it was angry, everything seemed to have an organised chaos to it. Orders were issued, armor was re-adorned, weapons sharpened. Then the camp gained an eerie calm. They assembled outside of the walls, over fourteen million soldiers still alive, even the wounded attended.

Grimstone stood on a podium, raised high above them. He looked strong, noble, Angry. . .

"They have taken from not only me, but all of you, something dear, something important. They have stripped us of our future, and so, we will strip them of theirs. They believe us beaten, broken, shattered. We will teach them that Kyo's hand was the one that stayed our fury, Kyo's hand stayed our swords from committing horrible acts.. Now they will see our fury, the passion of it in all it's glory! The world will tremble at the Fury of Grimstone as we cast aside their pathetic armies!" a thundering roar of agreement.


~Lord Greeny's Camp~

Lord Greeny could hear the din of the roar, and knew that vengeance was about to come. They slew Kyo, and now Grimstone would wreak hell upon them all. There would be retribution, and his men would pay the price of their anger.

~Aarhus Glades~

A wisp of smoke erupted from the ground, a tiny sliver of essence, silver mixed with black and began to bubble into something. It began to pull all Kyo's Spilt blood from Aarhus's grounds and began to bubble together. A dark miasma with silver light began to surround the blood that began to take a shape. All of this took many hours to happen.


~Lord Grimstone~

Lord Grimstone stepped off the podium, released his sword from its scabbard, and holding his sword in his left hand, his staff in his right, led the charge into battle once more.


~Battle Field~


Grimstone's Army was met by a wall of flesh and sinew. Greeny had organised his forces into a Phalanx in time to defend against the oncoming onslaught. But it wasn't enough, as Grimstone raised his staff and lightning arced through the air and smashed into the phalanx, shattering it apart. His men cut mercilessly through the army, hacking and cutting, slaying two to three men before any soldier fell himself. It was as if demons had taken hold of this army and whipped them into a frenzied state. Their blood lust was unquenchable. Lightning arced from Grimstone's staff over and over again and again, sometimes firing so fast that it seemed like a strobe light of purple, red, black, and blue energies.

Greeny too, cut deep into the army, his own sword flashing and darting through armor and under swords spears and shields, his own left handed staff spraying fire every way it pointed, purple and green fire.

The two wizards met within the center of the army, and began their duel. Most of the fighting stopped around them as they watched, amazed, as lightning turned to fire and fire to water and water to earth as each wizard dueled, seeking to gain dominance over the other.

[Atrum Daemon]

The warm red liquid coated Bahl’s arms as the battle truly began. To him, it was glorious. The near constant influx of souls from the fighting filled him with renewed vigor as he plunged his bladed arm through armor and flesh again and again. He only paused momentarily when he heard the distinct sound of the sky splitting again.

The falling of the true form of the God Slayer heralded the arrival of the Blood Tribe. The mercenaries, all clad in full, blood red plate armor, crashed into the flank of the Grimstone army just as the God Slayer crashed into the ground among the mass of Grimstone soldiers, the impact killing hundreds on it’s own.

Wielding the rune-etched battle axe in one hand and controlling the God Slayer with the other, Kell led his troops into the fray, only breaking off when Bahl attempted to take his head off. Needing to focus on killing the Death Mage, Kell let the God Slayer fall idle. The massive blade once more jammed into the earth, unintentionally becoming part of the backdrop for the duel between Grimstone and Greeny.

Kell drew a secondary sword from his side and charged Bahl, slamming his spiked shoulder plate into the mage and pushing him off, bringing the sword up in a diagonal strike.

The blade cut along Bahl’s torso, releasing more of the strange black, ash-like smoke. Bahl struck with his sword arm, cleaving through Kell’s secondary sword and scraping along his armored chest. Kell stabbed with the broken sword, sinking it into Bahl’s chest, causing the mage to grunt in discomfort before cleaving into his helm with the axe. He caught a glimpse of a glowing eye before having to duck and duel strike from Bahl’s swords.

[John]

Before Neilana even had a chance to respond, Gitana was gone. The moment she had left, Neilana went to a table which had a wash basin on it. Picking up a cloth, Neilana placed it in the basin and started to strip off her armour. Her body ached, despite the effects of the wine, and her bruises had changed to a much deeper shade of purple. Taking the cloth from the water, she began to wash herself, wiping away the grime and form the last two days.

Once she had finished, Neilana laid her armour on the bed ad started to wash away the dirt. She could understand why Grimstone had wanted to give her clothes. Her armour was dirty and she intended to make it look like new. The whole process took about thirty minutes and once she had finished, the armour looked like new again; except for the tear in her leggings. Once she was dressed, Neilana sat on the bed and sipped slowly at her wine, waiting for Gitana’s return.

After waiting for what seemed like ages, Neilana rose form the bed and exited the tent. She was hoping nothing had gone wrong and was starting to feel a little worried. Although she was worried, she was light on her feet and felt happy; a side effect of the wine. The happiness was quickly replaced by worry as she saw the smoke trailing into the sky

Neilana started to run towards it. When she arrived, she could see the remains of the funeral pyre and Gitana laying on her knees crying. Neilana ran up and slid across the ground, wrapping her arms around her friend. She wasn’t sure what exactly had happened, but given the state that Gitana was in, she had a suspicion. She held Gitana tightly and shed a tear of her own out of sympathy.

[Mysteria]

Gitana didn't know how long she had remained there on the ground, motionless, not able to think and barely even able to feel. She was snapped out of it when she realized Neilana was there comforting her. Gitana sobbed on her new friends shoulder.

Gitana looked out Neilana, only able to say one word. "Kyo" How could she tell Neilana what had happened, how could she tell her the events that had transpired? She was speechless. Gitana struggled to sit up and regain her senses. That was when she saw Andy laying on the ground beside her, blood still seeping from his wound. Gitana had been helpless to stop Kyo from dying but now she had the chance to try to help Andy.

But how does one help a demon? Gitana didn't know if her magic would even be strong enough. She didn't know what to do only that she had to try, somehow, someway. She was bound to him and him to her and in that short time the bond had grown incredibly strong. It was something Gitana couldn't explain but felt in the very pit of her stomach.

But Kyo, he was gone and how could she help another in her time of grief? Gitana looked to Neilana. "Kyo...he's...gone. I don't know....what to do." Then Gitana looked back at Andy. Gitana knew what she had to do. Standing up she braced herself against Neilana. Her eyes pleaded as she spoke to Neilana "I have to help Andy, I don't know how, I just...I must do this. Help me get him to the tent. It won't be hard, I think I can levitate him enough to make him light. We should be able to get him there and tend his wounds."

Gitana focused her thoughts the best that she could but her thoughts were too scattered. She shook herself. There was nothing she could do for the dead now. Her time for grieving would have to wait. She had to help those who needed help. It's who she was, it was what she lived to do. Trying again she finally managed to levitate Andy up off of the ground and with Neilana's help took him back to the tent where she put him down softly upon her bed.

"Neilana, water please to clean the wound." After cleaning the wound Gitana applied some of her medicinal herbs not even knowing for sure if they would work on a demon or not. The best that she could do was try.

After she was done Gitana collapsed at the table, sobbing. "Kyo, my Kyo. What am I to do now?"

[Dirzrahel]

What is transcendence? What is to move? What is to breathe? To live? To fight?

What do I fight for? What are my reasons?

Who do I fight for?

Endlessly, endlessly, eternity swirling around in a maelstrom of miasma-lade thoughts and pondered beliefs. There is not physical grasp of reality. Figurative forms flutter faintly within the frightening landscape of life locked. A prison. The prisoner was free, but he is choosing to stay, and submit. How is a prison walked out of freely when one has had so much to atone for? How could one simply think himself absolved and saunter forth out of the arch that symbolized forgiveness and gave new sanctity?

Adulterer. Traitor. Murderer. Sullen. Heretic. Fraud. Down deeper into the fire where escape turns from a wide path to but a narrow corridor.

An endless purgatory with limited paradise in sight. The surface. I must climb toward it. With each step it gets farther away.

I stay.


Andronochuss's body was lifted by Gitana's levitation, making it easier for her and the elf to carry his body. He did not stir. The wound across his chest still bled, the once white bandage now dyed as crimson as the enemy's armor. His skin, once a golden bronze, now dwindled like a flame going out, like heat being iced over. He was taken to Gitana's tent and laid down, his wound cleaned, and sprinkled with medicinal herbs. This was for naught. The slash still bled, the red river carrying the herbs and making them float down the side of his body and onto the fabric he was on. The only thing that could heal a wound from Abbadon's hand was the demon's own instinct. No remedies helped. Not even the all-healing Elixir, created from highly-refined unicorn and mermaid blood mixed together under a dragon's flame. The same regent forsoothed to grant a mortal the gift of immortality.

Andronochuss did not move at all since being placated. He was not dead. He was in a deep, deep sleep.


It's cold. So cold.

Life is being drained from me while I'm in this place. I want to go back. I want to go home!

"This is your home."

No. No. No. No...

"I do not lie."

NO!


The three Angels in disguise watched upon their master from a pillow, their bodies now all curled around his head. In truth, he had not called them down. They came down because the three all have an innate sense of foresight. Andronochuss was not aware of this, because never once had he asked them of anything. Never once had he spoken bad to them. He had always been polite, courteous, even keeping them warm on a cold night of the Aarhus landscape. They even noticed what he had done when they had gone back, when it was time for them to go back. He had had a tear rolling down his cheek. A lone tear. They knew Andronochuss better than other other person on this terra-cotta world. He was always lonely. As lonely as the tear that had gone down his cheek.

The kittens mewed softly, nudging Andy upon his head, licking his forehead from time to time. They finally settled down, knowing they could do nothing but wait. Their noise stopped as they gathered about his head, covering his scalp and both his ears with their soft, plush, white fur.


What is this place. It has nostalgia.

"One. Two. Three. Four."

What?

"Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine."

What!?

"Your time is up. You should go."


Andronochuss's eyes shot open, his once bright blue irises slowly evolving back to their golden gleam. He sat up, the wound not even registering in his mind. He felt weak. He knew he had lost enough blood to kill a human. This entire thing was a facade. His eyes glanced to Gitana, then to the elf. He knew Gitana had been crying, by the look of the bags under her eyes, and the solemn demeanor she had about her. He got up, the kittens not appearing surprised at all as they watched him exit the tent and walk outside. He didn't say a word to anyone.

As he stepped outside, he brought his hand to his chest, placing it in the center of his wound. The blood stopped flowing. It would take a while, but the slash would seal eventually.

He gazed onward, his eyes going through foliage and leaves, looking upon the battle that was happening, him here, an infirm.

He started walking slowly, heading toward the battle, his labored steps placing him only a few strides from the tent. He till trudged on. There was still fight in him. As long as he had the will to stay in this realm, he would. Not even a god or goddess could stop him. He was much, much too stubborn and on top of that, he was a heretic.

The kitten trio got up as soon as they saw Andy leave the tent, their forms twisting and shaping until the three Angels floated like spirits before Gitana and Neilana. Just like the demon king, without a word, then went out to follow him. They wanted to see what he was going to do. Only once before had they seen Andronochuss in this state. His legs limp. His arms useless. His mind sealed off. His vision hazed.

Dead men do not have anything to lose.

As he walked, the gash across his chest was at work. From both tips, the flesh visibly moved to seal it like a double-sided zipper. It was very, very slow. Eventually, it would simply be back to Andronochuss's regular chest, plus an extra scar among the ones he already had.

[Mysteria]

Gitana was oblivious to everything going on around her. She'd done all that she could for Andy and it was now out of her hands. As she sat weeping at the table she hadn't realized that Andy had arisen from the bed. So deep was her grief that she hadnt even sensed him or the kittens moving past her.

Finally standing to go check on Andy she realized that he was no longer there. He couldn't have gotten past her without her noticing it could he have? Was she so wrapped up in her own grief that she had not sensed him getting up, walking past her and leaving the tent?

Gitana ran from the tent her eyes searching for Andronochuss. He couldn't have gotten far. Tears of grief still streaming down her face she ran as fast as she could. She'd already lost Kyo and other than Neilana she wasn't sure that she had another friend in Aarhus other than Andy. There was Lord Grimstone and the others but already they had gone to war. They were braver than her. She had all but fallen to pieces. Kyo would have been ashamed of her and she wouldn't blame Lord Grimstone if he never spoke to her again.

It was time for her to snap out of it. With a renewed sense of determination she ran as fast as she could until she saw Andy ahead of her. She wouldn't even try to let her thoughts reach his mind now. She'd been quiet, she'd done what was expected of her and stayed out of it when the battle raged around her. It had cost her Kyo, Kyos life, her love.

She'd be weak no more. "Andy Stop, Now. You are in no shape to fight!" Gitana yelled the words. She continued to run as she reached him her eyes sought his. "Andy you will hear me now, I command you to stop!"

[Black]

By the time Andronochuss had awoken the battle had already hit its high point and was now dwindling down to a mere few hundred thousand men were still alive fighting each other. Millions lay slay upon the field of battle, and still Grimstone and Greeny fought. Grimstone had a dark aura about him, and lightning flew from his staff almost too fast for Greeny to keep up. Grimstone seemed to have a demons fury about him. Not far away, Wrath was cutting through demon after demon, his own anger whipping him into a frenzied state.

The soldiers around them hacked at each other half heartedly, barely able to lift their arms to protect themselves. Some were passing out right on the field of battle, and no one bothered to slay them, so tired were they.

Pretty soon the only figures left standing on the field actually fighting were Wrath and a group of Dijini and Afrits that he was currently battling, and the two Kings. The two Kings were finally showing weariness, both of their spells losing spunk until finally Grimstone's lightning came out as a feeble arc of purple light. He watch Greeny, breathing heavily.

Greeny looked calmly at him and said, "Now old man, are you prepared to listen to reason? Or do I need to kill you and take your kingdom myself to battle the Titan. . ."

Grimstone looked shocked at the idea of a Titan let alone the beginning of all evil. "What do you mean? Do you mean that the dark force I felt was in fact, not your demons slaying my son? It was in fact, the Titan being released, and my son just happened to fall on your demons blade" asked Grimstone.

"Yes. . . Actually. The release of his sword blasted him off his feet and into Bartimaeus, one of the summoned demons who was present. . ." said Greeny wearily. "We need to bury our dead, gather whats left of our armies, and team up. A treaty between Grimstone and D'hara is all that there is now. Sure we both have millions more at home willing to fight, but dealing with the Titan is much more important. . ."

Grimstone looked at Greeny. "Meet me and my generals here tomorrow after all the dead have been properly disposed of. Then we can discuss a treaty or an alliance. . . and then we can decide if I give any merit to your claims of this Titan. . ." Grimstone stood up and raised his staff. Power arced from it to each of the soldiers on the floor that was still alive and merely passed out. They rose and began to follow Grimstone who wearily walked off the field towards his camp. Wrath followed. Greeny did much the same. Almost none of his soldiers got up where as one fourth of Grimstone's army were still alive, if wounded.

[Dirzrahel]

Andy walked on, his hand clutching his left leg as he made it walk, despite the fact there wasn't enough blood in the limbs to give it locomotion. His head was bowed, his eyes glazed over as if he had not sight with him. He did not hear anything. He did not hear Gitana. He had lost too much blood for most any of his senses to work. It was pure willpower driving him to the battlefield. After all, war was his calling. His pride would not be diminished by some feeble gash! His pride would not be hurt by some ounce of blood!

When in fact there had been gallons of the crimson liquid, and that gash had started from the left atrium of his heart down to his right hip.

The Angels in tow watched Gitana, one going over to the woman and placing her arms around her in a hug. She shook her head, the other still following their master. She brought a finger to her lips, to symbolize "hush". The other two beckoned Gitana to follow them and the remnant of Andronochuss. The trio knew what was about to happen, and they thought that his new master should at least get to see what was about to transpire. The silence was needed so they could hear what Andy was saying. Oh, he was indeed speaking. Almost lower than a whisper.

"Ne....ed....food...."

He stopped.

Immediately, the three Angels went and formed a barrier around Gitana, allowing her to see, but to not get any closer. They were just out of range.

Andronochuss fell down, his hands hitting the earth with a startling thud. His head was raised up, his eyes swirling in their hazy abyss until color came upon them, his pupils turning into a vertical slit. His whole body suddenly stiffened, his muscles shaking and spasming like he was having a seizure. His mouth opened wide, his regular humanoid canines growing longer, deadlier. His face elongated forward, his nose shifting outward and turning into a dog nose.

White fur fanned up along his bronze skin in a sudden change, swirls of black forming like wisps of smoke within it. His ears shifted from the sides of his face and slowly dragged themselves to the top of his head, turning into triangular dog ears. His legs inverted, legs forming and covering themselves with the same pattern of fur, his hands and feet slowly transforming themselves into paws, claws digging into the ground. Six tails sprouted suddenly, three white, three black. They moved ferociously, like a dangerous wind borne upon this peaceful forest.

This wolf was nearly the size of a small three-room house. Its teeth growled, the pearly white mini-sabers glistening with fresh saliva. Its legs tightened, the earth below its paws slowly depressing itself under the great weight of the demonic canine. The gash that was once upon Andy's human chest was now on the underbelly of the wolf, the crimson mark showing vividly against the white fur.

The Angels all whispered in Gitana's ear in unison.

"This is Master Andronochuss's True Form. He does not bear the same as the others, he chose to develop an animal-like form instead. He views your humanoid form as weak. He's very, very dangerous in this state. Without us here..." The Angels all pointed to the surrounding forest, or what was left of it.

"He does not recognize friend or enemy."

The trees. The grass. It was all decaying rapidly and without mercy. Insects were drained of life almost immediately, small animals suddenly stopped in their tracks, dead. Andy had once before, in the contract, had said that he was to be in True Form for no more than an alotted time limit. This was why. The energy he emanated decayed anything with life. He then absorbed the tainted life, refueling his own power and healing wounds simultaneously. All at the cost of his reason and logic. Animals do not have logic or reason. They simply have the basic instincts. Kill or be killed.

A malevolent aura spread from the paws of the wolf, spreading across the ground, close enough for Gitana to feel it. It was feeling the death of a million in one single thought. His True Form's innate power was nicknamed by those who have gotten to see it as one thing.

Silent Massacre.

[Mysteria]

Either Andy wasn't listening to her or he couldn't hear her. Either way Gitana was determined to stop him at any cost. But the angels had stopped her, one of them hugging her while warning her to be quiet. At first Gitana felt furious then when the other two beckoned her to follow Gitana drew quiet, walking softly behind Andy.

Suddenly Andy stopped and the angels had formed a ring around her, their magic strong enough to draw forth a shield protecting Gitana and allowing her to see what was happening. Andy transformed into a wolf form of gargantuan size. Gitana's mouth dropped. Had she wanted to speak she could not have, she found it even hard to breath.

All at once the angels were speaking to her "This is Master Andronochuss's True Form. He does not bear the same as the others, he chose to develop an animal-like form instead. He views your humanoid form as weak. He's very, very dangerous in this state. Without us here..." The Angels all pointed to the surrounding forest, or what was left of it.

"He does not recognize friend or enemy."

Gitanas mouth moved but no sound came out. She could only see the total devastation surrounding her resulting from Andy's transformation. She was suddenly grateful for the Angels being there, protecting her from herself, and from Andy. Left to her own devices she would have not been content until she'd gotten Andy's attention and suddenly she realized what the consequences of her actions would have resulted in.

Gitana could feel Andy's raw power emanating from upon the very ground she stood. She froze in her tracks, now fearful for her own life and all of the realms of Aarhus.

[Dirzrahel]

Within fast seconds when Andronochuss transformed, an area of the forest had been decimated to mere remnants of life. Grass was no longer green, but gray and brittle. The trees had withered away, the trunks giving and collapsing upon themselves. The leaves fell faster than in Autumn, turning from yellow, to orange, to the same gray as everything else. The ground was barren now, with all life taken away in such a swift stroke. It was indeed frightening, not to mention the animals that deteriorated from skin, to bone, to dust. The range was slowly getting larger and larger as well. Sure enough, the trees around Gitana soon broke down, and the grass disappeared right from under her feet. The trio of Angels could only watch in anticipation.

The wolf's tails swished violently as his head swayed back and forth. He turned around, his maw open, teeth the size of claymores mere inches from the group that was watching him. He could not see them, but he could smell them. In truth, the Angels had spellbinded an enchantment of invisibility so that demons would not be able to locate them. This proved effective to the eyes, but Andronochuss's heightened animal senses could still smell them. The wolf opened its jaws wider, coming closer as his mouth enveloped Gitana and the Angels. Swiftly, his jaws closed upon them.

However, his teeth never reached them. His breath was warm, flowing over Gitana and the Angels. His tongue flicked back and forth in an effect to close his mouth, but it wasn't working. The emblem of the demon king on Gitana's hand glowed a vibrant crimson, a shield forming around her and those who touched her. A live demonstration of how the contract protects the contractor.

A shock of red lightning went forth from the emblem, going straight down Andy's throat. The wolf roared in the faces of Gitana and the Angels, suddenly turning up and falling onto his back, paws in the air. The evil aura had stopped coming out, and slowly, the wolf reverted back to Andy's humanoid form.

The wound was healed and a modest scar was left in its place. Andronochuss seemed fast asleep.


The Angels let down the spell and looked to Gitana, all three winking at her and putting their thumbs up.

"Thank you for protecting us!" They all said, elated in their happiness.

[Atrum Daemon]

Bahl and Kell stopped fighting as the remaining forces parted. Nodding in respect for one another, Kell allowed the Death Mage to follow the Grimstone forces away as he commanded the God Slayer to return to his grasp.

“It seems to me,” Kell said, falling into step beside Greeny as his troops helped along as many Alliance soldiers as they could, “that you and I might need to discuss the continued service of myself and my Blood Tribe. I’m guessing you’ve come to some kind of agreement with the Grimstone king. Since we were only contracted to help you in your battle against Grimstone, anything other than that will maybe require a new contract. Or at least some official additions to the one we already have if you’d rather not pay us right away.”

The unnatural stamina of the Blood Tribe mercenaries meant that all those who remained alive still stood and followed back to the camp. All the while, Kell spoke his piece in a completely business-like manner. After, of course, removing his helm.

***

Bahl’s head hurt. A lot. So did his chest where the broken sword was still stuck. His helmet had been torn open by the mercenary commander’s axe and one of his glowing, pale red eyes showed through the shadows within the piece of armor. He felt true aches of weariness that he had thought forgotten. It seemed that fighting that red armored warlord had managed to take a toll on his unnatural body. Even the rejuvenating effects of the souls he consumed did not restore him fully right away.

He wondered many things about why the fighting had not gone on, but said nothing. It was not his place to speak and he knew it.

[GraftRaven]

Krath walked through the blood-drenched fields, an expression of boredom on his face as he slew the enemies that stumbled into his path, some could have been mistaken for a necromancer's first summonings they were so weary. Suddenly everything seemed to stop and he turned to face the two commanders who had faced off in the middle of the field, now speaking quietly to each other. Krath saw Grimstone withdraw, then Greeny did likewise. Taking this as an order he too sheathed his weapons and walked off the field, retrieving his cloak along the way and shaking it one, at which point all moisture dropped from it before he put it on and raised the hood.

The memories of the Titan rising from the mountain concerned him, the legends must have been true that the enormous mountain must have been created to contain such a creature. Something would need to be done, perhaps a new blade or two would need forging before this adventure was over. Krath spotted Greeny not far away and rushed to his side. "And what is to be done now?" He asked, thinking of one possibility in particular as interesting and most likely correct.

[Mysteria]

Gitana observed Andy coming closer in his demon form. It didn't appear that he could see them but somehow he was sensing them. Fear struck deep within her heart as the giant wolf appeared to find them, his mouth actually closing around them.

She could feel the warmth of Andy's breath enveloping her and the angels but before his teeth crushed them, they stopped. With wide eyed wonder Gitana watched as the emblem on her hand began to glow but it was no longer light blue, it had turned crimson and was emitting a protective shield around her and the angels. She wasn't doing it purposely, the emblem seemed to be automatically protecting them all.

There was so much she had yet to learn bout these emblems, this contract, the angels and Andy himself. Gitana didn't feel fear. She felt safe, protected without even knowing why. Suddenly, without warning a beam of lightning stuck forth from her hand shooting straight down her contractors throat. As Andy moved away from them he fell backwards onto the ground and returned to his human form.

No one would believe this tale. Not Neilana and surely Lord Grimstone himself would not believe these happenings. Or would they?

The angels let down their shield of invisibility as also the shield that had automatically protected them from Gitana's hand faded away. "Thank you for protecting us!" Gitana looked to the angels with a puzzled look on her face. "You're welcome but.."

Gitana's voice faded as she looked over at Andy. His wounds had healed leaving only a scar and he appeared to be sleeping although for a moment Gitana was certain if he was sleeping or possibly even no longer within this world. Moving over to him she lifted his head into her lap, brushing the hair from his face as she felt him breathing in and out deeply. Gitana was still concerned for him. He had survived but was he even still present here, in this time and space?

Her fingers brushed his face as she spoke "Andochunuss... " Gitana's voice was filled with concern as she spoke "Andy, are you okay? Please wake up Andy."

[Dirzrahel]

Once darkness but now light, the sun flowed into sparkled golden irises. Slowly his eyelids came to, his mind following thereafter. His pupils were still slits, but gradually they returned to what they were regularly. He did not appear stunned as his head rested in Gitana's lap. He did not even recognize it as a caring gesture. These emotions had spoiled from his body long, long ago. He simply understood his master was acting like a pillow for his sleepy brain. His eyes glanced over at the Angels who came rushing, turning into their kitten forms and plopping on top of Andronochuss.

"Master Andronochuss!"
"You're finally awake!"
"We've been waiting."

Andy didn't reply at all, didn't even think of speaking. His eyes went back up to Gitana, looking into hers, going past the eyes and gazing deep into her soul. She wasn't hurt, which was given, because of the contract.

"You should not have seen that. It was much too early." He said, sitting up and getting up onto his feet.
"That is what I am. The Demon King of Pride. If it weren't for the contract, you would have been dead. That's correct, I can see and think in that form. All I see is red. All I think is death. My emblem is binded with a spell that reverts me from my True Form to my humanoid form. I made it as such, to limit myself. Enough of that for now. The battle has taken much from me, and even if my power is restored, I need to think over this situation." Andronochuss said, turning around to face Gitana as his form rapidly shrunk and went back to his kitten form. He padded over and leaped up, landing on her shoulder, perching there.

"Something far more damned than myself has woken up. There will be a time when you call upon me to change into my True Form under the Demon King's title. I hope you do not play with my power. You will be the only one who will not be hurt. You may have failed to notice, but their were eight chains binding my True Form, one for every point of the contract. Those will break eventually when I come out. When the eighth chain breaks, you run. Far away." He continued, his kitten mouth sighing.

"But enough of that subject. Scratch my ear, damnit!"

[Black]

~Lord Greeny~

"I wish to hire your services, your men are good for beating back Infantry, but nothing can be said of they're demon slaying skills. . ." said Greeny absentmindedly. "Here's your pay for the last battle" Greeny held out his hand and many gold coins appeared within a bag that also materialized. "Five thousand gold pieces, as agreed upon, ready whats left of your men"

"As for you Krath, You will need to stick close to me. I might need you to repair this" He handed his staff over to Krath. It was cracked from the duel with Grimstone. All it's magical writing had been zapped apart and torn off, and it's magical essence was beginning to flow free. "I don't know what's wrong with me and Grimstone. . . It seems as if our power is beginning to leave us, as if Aarhus is losing the magic it gave us and now draws upon ours to keep itself alive. . . I wonder what effect this will have on you demons. You may have to go back home or else be annihilated and torn apart. . ."

~Grimstone~

Lord Grimstone walked up wearily to Gitana. He drew himself up to his full towering hight, his eyes angry and his face in a frown. Then he seemed to grow old and frail under the strain of his empire, his hair seemingly turning from jet-black to salt-and-pepper gray. He cast aside his useless staff, which shattered once it left his touch from the abuse of magic, and embraced Gitana. "Oh my dearest Gitana, what ever shall we do. . ? We must go see my mother the day after tomorrow. . . She will know what we must do. . ." he sighed and let her go. "Please, You, Andy, and Neilana stay with me at the Fortress tonight and tomorrow. I will not let you from my sight"

Grimstone returned to the castle, using one of his soldiers to lean on. The soldiers numbers had grown so small that they no longer stretched on as far as the eye could see, but infact were camped up in a large square. Soldiers were dropping wherever they stood and curling up as soon as they had their armor off. The wails of lament began to ring out, widows running out to the field followed by children of all ages to help drag their loved ones out of the field.


That night the Funeral pyre lit up the sky, and Wrath was seen stalking off to the field where Kyo died.

[Mysteria]

Andys eyes opened as he awoke looking around slowly. The kittens were so happy thay all gathered on top of him as Gitana still held him on her lap, her fingers still caressing his face lightly as he turned his eyes towards hers. Gitana felt a shiver run through her as his eyes looked past the surface and into her soul. Gitana held her tongue saying nothing just waiting for him to speak as he sat up.

Getting to his feet he said "You should not have seen that. It was much too early." Gitana listened with care as he continued speaking of his demon form, the contract and her breath caught in her throat when he said "I need to think over this situation."

Think it over? What could he possibly mean? Gitana's eyes plead with his as she spoke "I...I don't understand Andy.." Her voice trailed off, her sentence remaining unfinished. Surely he didn't intend to leave her alone. Gitana only had Lord Grimstone and Neilana now. Surely Andy wouldn't forsake her during this time. Perhaps he didnt understand what it felt like to be alone. Her thoughts were pushed to the back of her mind as Andy turned back into his kitten form and jumped to her shoulder.

Andy continued finishing up with "When the eighth chain breaks, you run. Far away."

"Run?" Gitanas voice barely came above a whisper. Run? Away from him. Gitana understood that he meant for her to get as far away as she could but she didn't know, could she do such a thing and leave him behind, leave him to die the way that she had Kyo?....Gitana sighed at the same as Andy then her lips broke into a soft smile as she heard him saying "But enough of that subject. Scratch my ear, damnit!"

Gitana plucked him from her shoulder and turned him upside down in her arms, scratching his belly and rubbing behind his ears. She brought him close to her face and kissed his kitten nose holding him to her tightly, cuddling him to her bosom. For a few brief moments the pain of losing Kyo seemed lessened by her outside appearance but inside she felt so totally lost.

It was then that Lord Grimstone appeared in front of her. He went from appearing to be standing tall, regal and very authoritative back to becoming a father grieving for his lost child. Putting Andy back down she turned to return her Lords embrace.

"Oh my dearest Gitana, what ever shall we do. . ? We must go see my mother the day after tomorrow. . . She will know what we must do. . ." he sighed and let her go. "Please, You, Andy, and Neilana stay with me at the Fortress tonight and tomorrow. I will not let you from my sight"

Gitana felt the tears welling up in her eyes. She would not cry now, in front of Lord Grimstone. She couldn't allow him to see her weeping, she needed to be strong. For his sake and for the sake of Aarhus. Kyo would have wanted it that way. He would not have wanted his woman to be so weak as to shed tears.

"Yes my Lord, I will stay with you at the fortress. I will ask Neilana to come with me." Gitana watched as the soldiers helped Lord Grimstone to walk away. Bending down she scooped Andy up and brought him close to her cheek as she bit back tears "I know I can't force you to come with me Andy, but please, think about it." Gitana blinked, knowing full well the tears were about to start and as she set him down whispering the words "I need you with me."

Gitana turned to find Neilana and take her to Lord Grimstones fortress. Tonight, they would bury their dead. Tomorrow, the new day would arise over a shattered and torn land. All Gitana could do now was wait to see what the new day would bring.

[GraftRaven]

Krath grasped Greeny's staff gingerly, as if holding an ancient artifact. The staff had been forged with a mastery that was rare even among supernatural beings. "Might need repaired? Lord, if you want to use it for any length in a duel like that again..." Krath shuddered to think what kind of energy might be unleashed by such an event, "... well, lets just say you shouldn't." He kept the staff held in his hand, ready to give it back at a moments notice. He listened and thought about what else Greeny had said.

"If Aarhus truly is fading there will be more terrible things than demons being drawn back to the underworld." Krath thought a moment more, pondering what to do to prepare. "If it is no trouble i would request a hammer, anvil, and shovel to be brought to Hex 4's camp. And don't ask what the shovel is for..."

[Black]

~Greeny~

"I shall have them sent, would you also like coal, lightning fluid, bellows, tongs, brine, Iron bars, a runic book, a chisel and sculpting tool, and a smith to help pump the bellows and other such things" asked Greeny. "As well as a wizard to help imbue the runic seals with Red magic"

He didn't wait for an answer and instead just sent a boy off to go organize the collection of these things. He wondered if his staff would hold up more power, or if he would have to have a new one made entirely. "Also demon smith, I require you to forge Demon Arrows, a few Minor demon swords, and start repairing shields, but first attend to the staff. In a few days i'll have you moved out of Hex four, and into the Smithing unit as Master Smith.

[GraftRaven]

Krath thought, Greeny was going to make this easy. "Your smith will likely only be helping run the equipment... i have my own assistants." Krath began to walk towards Hex 4's area, but turned back for a second. "And thank you." He said before turning and walking off to the camp ground.

Once there he found that after a few minutes the requested equipment and people were brought, including the shovel, which he took and used to outline a rectangle about six by three feet in area upon the ground. After hangig his cloak on a nearby tent-pole he began to dig and, about fifteen minutes later, was standing in a grave that was exactly 6 and 2/3 feet deep. Krath climbed out, making sure not to disturb the edges of the hole too much, then took one of his daggers and carved various runes around the edge of the hole. Taking a second to make sure everything was in order he grasped a nearby torch and cast it into the grave and suddenly his work came alive, the runes glowed, and the fire that had been only a torch filled the hole and pilled into the sky. A few seconds later and as quickly as it had begun everything stopped but with one major difference: There were now six small lizard-creatures standing in the bottom of the grave.

With a swift word from Krath these creatures set about preparing the workspace, setting all the tools on a table next to the anvil, which was next to the fire and bellows. Another word and the human smith set about pumping the bellows while the Red Wizard handed over the staff, temporarily sealed as to not leak too much energy. "Almost like home..." Krath said before setting about folding iron to meet the needs of a strong weapon.

[John]

Neilana watched silently as Gitana attended to the demon. Why wouldn’t she just let it die? Surely the world could with one less source of evil in it. She stayed silent in the tent, not sure what to do anymore. She felt in a lot of ways it would be best to just leave all this behind. To get as far away from this place and the madness it held. Still, she wanted to stay with Gitana. She was the one thing in this land that Neilana cared about.

Even though Neilana had only known Gitana a short time, she could see the kindness in her heart. It confused her greatly as to why Gitana would want to stay here now. Especially after losing the one real reason she had for being here. Neilana got up and walked with Gitana at Grimstone’s request. At this moment her only thought was being with Gitana. Even the presence of the felines couldn’t change that.

“Gitana,” Neilana’s voice was hushed. “Are all your people this….cold?”

Gitana looked at her new found friend sensing that she was confused. The truth was that these were confusing times. War had spread over the lands and for someone of Neilanas origins war was not a common factor. What Neilana didn't realize was that things in Aarhus had not always been that way but how could Gitana express that to Neialana? Yes, she could tell her how Aarhus once was but unless one had been there to see it in it's glory, to feel the souls of it's people before war came, just speaking about it would not do it's justice.

Gitana gave Neialana's hand a light squeeze as they walked. "I know this is hard for you Neilana. I'm sure it's very hard for you to comprehend but there's really no way to tell you of our people. My people..not every one is cold and even those that seem cold were not always as such."

Gitana smiled as she thought of a way to show Neilana. Grabbing Neilana's arm with a light laugh but not so loudly that the others would feel her to be disrespectful Gitana said "Watch this Neilana!"

As they walked Gitanas aura spread out around in front of them. As Gitana thought about happier times within the kingdom her aura began to dance around her and Neilana in vibrant colors of gold, green and blue representing the sun, grass and sky. In Gitanas aura could be seen flashes of her parents with Gitana when she was a younger girl, the happiness and peacefulness they shared along with the bonds of family were easily detectable s the images faded in and out until finally being replaced with images of Gitana and Kyo.

The images became stronger and more clearly visible until Kyo and Gitana could be seen as children playing outside, their laughter ringing through the air until finally dissipating and fading into their adult years where they can be seen walking hand in hand, whispering to one another, sitting on a hill top holding one another as the sun set low over the kingdom and even there were images of Kyo tossing Gitana into a lake teasingly.

As painful as those images were for Gitana at that very moment she allowed herself to be happy and feel them once again. She needed it, as much as Neilana needed to see that Aarhus wasn't just about war. It was also about peace and happiness. She needed to see what it could be again.

The images faded and Gitana smiled at Neilana "So you see Neilana, as I have said before, in my homelands, things are not always as they may appear to be."

“You misunderstand me Gitana,” Neilana shook her head. “I have no doubt that there is beauty and love in this land. And while it is unfortunate that I have come at a time when it is especially hard to see, I feel like I am the only one who mourns for your loss.” Neilana stopped walking and took Gitana by the hand.

“I understand that Grimstone must be feeling a truly deep sorrow,” Neilana stared into Gitana’s eyes. “I can only imagine what he must be going through at this moment. While I have no children of my own, it is a firm belief among my people that no parent should ever have to outlive their child. So I do understand his coldness.” Neilana’s eyes narrowed and she glared at Andy.

“But this hek’sha,” Neilana motioned at the cat not caring that it could hear her. “It obviously has no sympathy for you. Why do you lavish attention on it so? Do you believe it cares about you in any way?”

Gitana followed Neilanas eyes to Andy. " hek’sha" Gitana looked back to Neilana. "I've never heard the word before, but there are reasons for the attentions I give to Andy." When it came to Andy it was perhaps something that Neilana might not ever understand. For some strange reason Gitana did feel a source of comfort from having Andy near. Before Neilana had even arrrived Andy had been making Gitana laugh and during the throes of war and the time that she had to be alone while Kyo was off doing his duties, it had been Andy who had brought laughter into Gitanas life on those small occasions when it had actually come to visit.

Gitana reached up absently mindfully scratching Andy's ear in the spot that she knew he liked it. Plucking him from her shoulder Gitana looked the kitten in the eyes with a smile and wink then rubbed him against her cheek before sitting him back onto her shoulder. Gitana had no way of knowing if Andy cared for her for any purpose other than to feed from her aura, and for the fact that they had a contract but regardless he amused her and brought her some comfort all the same.

Turning her head back towards Neilana she smiled "It's obvious that my relationship with Andy confuses you. Perhaps in time I can help you to understand the many things about my world that confuse you but for now I would suggest that any ideas you harbour regarding having Andy or his companions for dinner be quickly dismissed."

Gitana added as an after thought "You think things in my world to be odd but yet, I could find nothing to be more odd than eating kittens! So you see my new friend, between our worlds what one may see as right or wrong the other would see in opposing views. Which only proves the point, that we are different. But that does not mean that we can not coincide together does it? I hope not Neilana for I find your presence and friendship to be rather agreeable.”

“As do I Gitana,” Neilana smiled a little. “And I have no intention of eating any of the cats, though I do admit that when prepared properly, they are something of a delicacy among my people.” Neilana tilted her head to the side.

“But it is not your customs that confuse me,” Neilana’s voice took on a sympathetic tone. “It is the fact that of all the people here. Of all those who claim to be your friend. The only one who seems to mourn your loss is me.” The smile faded from Neilana’s face and she looked down at the ground, letting go of Gitana’s hand.

“I do not mean to offend you,” Neilana sounded remorseful. “My people are taught to respect all cultures and people equally, as if they were our own. And I apologize for referring to that thing in my own tongue. The word I used is an insult and is not something I should have spoken. It is not a term that should be used by a lady. The closest translation in your language would be that which falls from the ass of a goat. And I ask your forgiveness for speaking such. It was rude and out of place.” Neilana looked back into Gitana’s eyes and a tear rolled down her cheek.

“My heart breaks for you Gitana,” Neilana placed a hand on Gitana’s shoulder. “The loss you have endured fills me with sorrow and I want you to know, that if you will have me, I am here for you. I consider you a friend, despite my knowing you only a short time. And if it pleases you, you may call me Nei.” Tears began to stream down Neilana’s face and she quickly brought up a hand to wipe them away.

“I’m sorry for blubbering so,” Neilana blushed, turning her head away. “The loss of a loved one is a time of sorrow for my people and it is felt deeply by all who care. Even though I didn’t know Kyo, I still grieve for your loss.”

Gitana smiled at Neilana but kept on walking. "We all show our grief in different ways. Right now, Lord Grimstone grieves. He is here for me but you must remember Neilana, he is the leader here and I am not the only one who needs him. His people need him." Gitana sighed, yes it was hard for her now but it would not always be that way. Right now the needs of Aarhus had to come before her own needs. It was the way of the warrior and beneath it all Gitanas allegiance was to the warrior. Her warrior. Kyo. And if that meant being put on the back burner for the sake of her lands while things where dealt with, then she would embrace that fully with the grace that she always had.

"Thank you Nei. And you are welcome to stay with me as long as you feel a need. Lord Grimstone has already invited you to stay among our people that we may learn from you, and you in turn from us."

Gitana then fell silent as she walked along. There was still much to be done.

Neilana walked alongside Gitana, still crying. If Gitana couldn’t cry, then she would cry for her. She understood fully everything Gitana had said, but Neilana couldn’t change what she was. This was her way. But she did allow a smile to creep across her lips as she thought of Gitana. Neilana knew she had made a friend for life this day, and given what Gitana’s name meant in her own tongue, Neilana felt a special kind of attachment.

[Black]

Grimstone sat heavily in his office chair, leaning his head back and sighing. His staff lay not far away completely untouched by the duel. Wrath stood outside the door, keeping guard over the Lord. When the two women Gitana and Neilana approached Wrath he opened the door for them and stood to one side, permitting them to enter, then stepped inside the office and closed the door and stood in front of it. Lord Grimstone had his head down on his desk, and he looked up when the two women sat down. He straightened in his chair. He sat in his chair for a long time, the new-born blazing red sun streaming in behind him set him in deep shadows, while lightning up the features of both women, making them both seem even attractive in the blazing red light. Finally he spoke, in a coarse whisper that both had to lean in to hear him.

"Tomorrow we meet with Lord Greeny to discuss peace and how to best combat the Titan in Aarhus glades as well as to rally our armies and send out scouts to the far reaches of Aarhus and warn them of the danger. We need as many nations in on our side as possible, and if we do not stand United, as nations of old did, then Divided we will fall. One by one. The Titan himself cannot stand on our planet, but that will not stop anything. He will send his Champions to corrupt us, and then destroy us. We have to prepare for the coming of these evil entities. And do not think little of them, for they are stronger than all things on this planet. Take Andy,his Father Demon, Wrath, and Bartimaeus, it would take all four of them to even cause the Titan Champions worry. Armies have no use here. We must summons demons, train Champions, build up our Mage corps. . ." Lord Greeny sighed. "Neilana I need you, and Gitana, to go to your home land and recruit the Wandering Elves into our cause. Their peoples would be Excellent scouts and spies"

"Wrath, I must send you, Andy, Abbadon, and Bartimaeus into the deep pits of Hell to recruit as many Daemon lords as possible. And devour the ones who will not come over to our cause. We will need many strong demons in our cause. . . We will have but a year before the first of the champions will begin to show up. In a year, we need many nations on our side to be able to take down the Champions. One by One"

"I am also sending with you, to put Andy's mind at ease about his contractor, Kyo's second in command. . . The new General of the army rather. . . Arachnid and Bahl, both capable of defending you two against many foes"

[Dirzrahel]

Andy sat up on Gitana's shoulder and jumped onto Grimstone's desk, his heading shaking as well as wagging a claw upon his paw.

"Recruiting demon lords is not a good idea. It's counter-productive. While we gain power, it will be short lived, due to their contracts. I suggest a different approach..." Andy said, walking along the rim of the desk as he paced back and forth, his mind mulling over and over with decisions.

"I command legions, as does my father. Asmodeus does not. He was given his title by himself, therefore, he does not have minions to command. I control one-hundred and twenty-three legions of six-thousand six-hundred and sixty-six hellions per legion. My father controls nearly twice that. We have an army of fodder at command that you people have no idea about. Consider this privy information. Back to my prior statement..." Andy said, sitting upon his haunches and licking his paw.

"We should not recruit more demons. They have but one control of power, and that is chaos. The Old Ones would feed on this whole-heartedly. I suggest we ask help of the hidden nations within this land that do not have names in your society. The nation of the dragons. The nation of the elves. The nation of the dwarves. The nation of the beasts. You rely too much on help from other-wordly forces, Grimstone. Try looking into your world. It is vast. It is bountiful. It has power in numbers." Andy continued, getting up and pacing back and forth upon Grimstone's desk once more, turning and leaping up back to Gitana's shoulder.

"I can act as an emissary to the beasts. The bears of legend, the eagles of myth, and the wolves of old. Our new companian, Neilana, would be perfect as an emissary to the elves. You yourself, with your charisma, could lead the humans. That leaves the dragons and the dwarves. These are stubborn folk, I've dealt with them once before. We need someone of hardened will and background in their area. I have met with the king of both these lands, but they bid ill will to me still. Alistair of the Dragons, and Oghren of the Dwarves. You should seek them out before you consider more of my kind. These people will be affected by the Old Ones. My species can still survive by only a tiny shred of our essences, and that is all we need to do to avoid destruction." Andy finished, punctuating the speech with a paw-pump in the air, and a nuzzle to Gitana's cheek.

"This will spread our numbers. It will reduce our defense. But it is also a way to bolster our offense in the long run by a near infinite proportion."

[Black]

"Yes, I had already planned to do this, but do not be fooled. The Dark Titan will not fall just to the might of Aarhus, formidable as it may be. We need the demons, and I have one in particular im going to" he smiled "Morgan, I believe you know of her, my Mother, I will go to her, the Original Demon of Lust, and ask her advice, her council, and her help. She will rally demons to her cause, after all she has Wrath as a lieutenant-general demon of her entire Plane" he smiled at Andy. "I am glad we are on the same Page, it is good to have a demon who isn't just clever, but intelligent too, like Wrath and Morgan" he stood up.

"There is another reason I need you to go back to the hells. Kyo was, as you know, Half demon half Guardian. I believe that both his essences split and wen't to the two different worlds. Kyo has received much worse than a sword to the heart. I do not believe that is what killed him. I believe the Titan being free'd is what destroyed Kyo's mortal body. But his essence is alive, and we need it. There's something about that boy. . . Something my mother would not tell me. . . Now she must, Go! Andy, Go to the Dwarves, Neilana Gitana, go to the elves. I will send Wrath with you andy, and I will summon Bartimaeus and Abbadon personally and send them with you" He looked at Andy

"You won't be on different sides this time Andronochuss" said Grimstone.

[Dirzrahel]

Andy sighed inwardly.

"I'll go to the Dwarves after I've tended to the beasts, agreed? Oghren does not like me. At all. I beat him in a drinking bet and he hasn't forgiven me yet for "stealing" the only two pounds of starmetal they had left. I don't need you to summon Father. He's still very weak at the moment, and he'd be a waste. Let him recover. Call upon him after you receive my message that I'm journeying to the Dwarves." Andronochuss explained, nuzzling Gitana's face a little. His eyes narrowed at the mention of Kyo's essence, gazing at Grimstone.

"And when everyone leaves, you and I will have a private talk about this going back to the hells bit. Only you and I. I will not permit anyone other to hear of it, because some people in here are quite arrogant and hot-headed as well as irrational at this point of time." Andy finished, jumping back down to Grimstone's desk and curling up on the wood to lay down. He would not begin to speak again until everyone in the area and around the area were quite a ways away.

[Black]

"All of you, prepare for departure, Asmodeus dismiss all guards within the castle. Dismiss everyone maids, servants, even tell the Queen she needs to vacate. No questions, just do it. Andy is with me, he is more than capable of defending me, as if I needed it, now go" said Grimstone. His voice allowed for no argument and Wrath grudgingly left. Grimstone waited an hour, just sitting there petting Andy absentmindedly. Once it hit an hour on the dot he raised his left hand and his staff began to glow in the corner, a cone of silence descended on the room and the noise of the camp below was cut off instantly leaving them in a ringing silence. "None shall be able to hear us, Andronochuss, what need have you to speak with me" he asked, still petting the cat.

[Dirzrahel]

Andy got up and away from Grimstone's hand, even though he liked it, he'd rather not be undermined by a simple rub. He paced a bit first, then sat on his haunches in the center of the desk, his golden eyes bearing into Grimstone's, going deep into the man's soul.

"You can bring him back without us traveling back home. There's a risk involved with us going back. We might not be able to get back up here to the surface. That's why there was a ritual made to bring back those who went to the hells immediately..." Andy explained, a claw scraping along the desk's wood absently. His claw drew a circle (http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww314/Tsuki-otome/Type%20Moon/SummoningCircle.jpg), followed by multiple circles within the circle, a neat diagram of what was a ritual never used because it had been made a rule long ago.

"It is a taboo to do it. Any demon who commits a taboo cannot go back to hell and loses its connection to hell. Some thought this connection was permanently lost." Andronochuss continued, gettng up and pacing again.

"I've comitted thirty-seven taboos in my lifetime. There's only sixty-six. I'm not naming them all. They're not for you to know. This one, however, I will share. It is called the Dirge of Living. It's sole purpose is to restore a demon to its full power and bring him straight from the hells to whatever plane the circle is inscribed in. The demon does not have to undergo a contract... However! This circle is inscribed in this plane of existence. It will stay there until broken. This is the demon's connection to the world. If it is broken, the demon goes back. Nothing gets around this. The good news is, only an an actual Demon King can break it, and any above it. That would mean me, Father, and that old hag Morgan." Andy continued, going back and stopping in his original position in the center of the desk, his eyes looking into Grimstone's once more.

"But it needs a Demon King's approval to be made as well. There's only one here who has committed enough taboos to not be affected by it. I'm not explaining how I got around the rules, that is my secret. I'm also the only one of my brethren that has the gall to inscribe this circle. As you can see on your desk, I already have, and already just broke the taboo." The Demon King said, motioning his cat head tot he circle in between his paws that was now slowly growing reddish. His paw's claws scratched five lines over the circle, the magic cancelled and ended.

"I say this because I want something. I bargain when I have a bargaining piece that is worth quite a lot. Calling on Asmodeus won't help. He does not know the ritual. I know this because the one who came up with it was Father, and he only shared it with me. I offer the rebirth of Kyo in exchange for your soul. I will not take it now. But it will eventually be mine to feed off of. If you do not like the terms, you can substitute your soul for something of equal value. Say, fifty-thousand virgins?"

[GraftRaven]

Some hours after Krath had begun work he stopped, letting the second to last rune on the staff cool before consulting with the Red Mage. "Now, Mage, what is the last rune. We may yet finish this before the next hour." The mage consulted his book, fingers scrambling through ancient text for the last rune. He turned one more page and there it was, right in the middle, the final seal. He put the book down on the workbench, his finger resting on the image. "And it shall be done" Was Krath's only reply before dipping his hand into the molten pool of iron in its crucible and then pulling it out again, now holding a small ball of molten iron.

As Krath's hands wove around it the iron seemed to form the rune of its own free will, and then burst into steam as it dropped into the brine. Krath fished it out and shoved it into the flames again until it was white hot, then pulled it out and carefully placed it onto the staff in its rightful place, forming it to the curve with a flat paddle before using the chisel to depress its lines into the metal beneath. "Mage, remove your seals." The mage raised his hands to the staff and instantly auras of every shade of red fell away from the staff. "There is but one thing left to do."

Krath raised the staff out of the hands of his minions and turned it on its head, then traced a figure of his own creation over the butt of the staff, the figure glowed, then faded. This was Krath's own mark, that of a hammer and tongs crossed with two identical swords and a cast iron skull covered in rivets in the middle. "And thus the guarantee is sealed..."


xXx


Krath arrived at Greeny's tent in his full armor, leather with light plates of metal over it and elegant designs traced over it in iron. He still only wore clth pants on his bottom half, he no longer saw any reason to hide that his feet were more comfortable in their large, reverse-jointed, reptilian form. His cloak too was absent, and his scales now shone black with a hint of crimson under them. He was closely followed by the six lizard creatures he had summoned, and accompanied on either side by the Red Mage and the human smith. In his hands, horizontally, he held Greeny's staff, now nearly exactly as it was before.

He entered the tent, and took one knee in front of Greeny. "Your staff, lord. I have done my best."

[Mysteria]

Gitana listened as Lord Grimstone spoke of sending Neilana and her to to to the land of the elves and recruit them. This would be no easy task as she knew these lands to be far off. And how would they get there swiftly? And go, without Andy too? Andy was to have kept her safe, he was to have protected her. Gitana knew that those charged with keeping her and Neilana safe were anything less than capable but yet she could not imagine leaving Aarhus again so soon.

Gitana looked to Neilana. There was also the matter of would Neialana even be willing to take them to the land of elves. There were many questions that Gitana would have wished to ask of Lord Grimstone but that opportunity never came as they were rushed off so that Andy and Lord Grimstone could speak privately.

All that Gitana could really do was hope that Neilana realized that what Lord Grimstone, albeit that it was hard to accept was spoken as truth. The titan would not just destroy Grimstone. It would consume everything, all lands until there was nothing left for it to consume. A mighty evil had been unleashed and all of the lands would need fight together or face an inevitable doom.

Gitana arose bowing her head in respect to Lord Grimstone saying only "I will see it done. When the generals are ready to leave they will find me in my tent. I shall be ready to depart when they are."

With that Gitana left Lord Grimstone and Andy and returned to her tent to begin packing the few things that she would need for traveling. But how where they going to travel such great distance with such little time? Hopefully Lord Grimstone had taken that into account already and had a plan.

[Black]

"You must ask a different price Andy" said Grimstone. He stood up and dropped his robe and opened his shirt. There was a circle in the middle of his chest, a sign of the Old One. "My soul is already bargained," he frowned. "You must ask for a different soul, or even a different gift. I can give you many things, even a Contract myself with no conditions on my part so you can feed off my aura. I can give you my staff of power, which can take any shape you please, and which holds half the power I possess. Name your price, but It cannot be my soul, as it is not mine to give" said Grimstone.

"And as for your fifty thousand virgins, I do not think I can give you that, as I will not enslave fifty thousand of my people so you may have enjoyment. . ." He looked crossly at Andy. "Name a different price. Something I can give"

~Greeny~

Greeny looked up at the reptile smith who was holding his staff. He held up his hand and the staff began to pulsate. The Stone on the top of the staff cracked and shattered into dust. The Staff flew into Greeny's hand as he pulled another stone from his cloak and pressed a new one within to the holder. At once the whole staff vibrated, shook, then shattered. All except for the stone. "Alas. My staff is horribly faulty. Well, smith, as this was so easy for you and it is no fault of any fault smithing that the staff shattered, you must make me an entirely new staff. Go to the recruiter, he'll point you to the Smithing area. In fact, I shall accompany you" he stood up and walked to the tent, holding the flaps for the Reptile, then led the way to the smithing camps.

[John]

Neilana listened quietly to what Grimstone wanted, as well as the exchange between him and the demon. At first she thought Grimstone was asking the impossible. Her land was a long way off and she seriously doubted that she could get there in time. She had been travelling for over a century, and though she couldn’t be sure, Neilana figured the journey would take at least a year on horseback. It was only when Gitana spoke up that she felt more at ease. Obviously Gitana had some sort of magic that would help them reach their destination.

Neilana accompanied Gitana back to the tent. She stayed silent, contemplating what a return to her people would mean. She hadn’t exactly left on the best of terms. She had forsaken her birthright and among her people, it was something not to be taken lightly. Although, she would be happy to see her mother. So returning home did have it’s appeal for Neilana. But the thought of arriving to ask her people to go to war, and in the company of Generals, was not something she wanted to do.

While Gitana packed her things, Neilana got her bow and arrows. She attached the quiver to her back and slung the bow over her shoulder.

“I think it’s best if just you and I go,” Neilana smiled. “It’s going to be hard enough to convince my people as it is. Never mind what they might think if we go in with a bunch of armed men.”

Gitana finished preparing the things she would need which was little. In all of her years of wondering she had learned the importance of traveling light. Even if they were to go by horseback it would still be imperative that they traveled lightly although Gitana wasn't sure how they were to get there as quickly as they needed.

Surely Arachnid would devise a way for them to get there swiftly. Arachnid was the Lord General of the Necromancers and her magic was powerful.

“I think it’s best if just you and I go,” Neilana smiled. “It’s going to be hard enough to convince my people as it is. Never mind what they might think if we go in with a bunch of armed men.”

Gitana shook her head no. To go alone would be far too dangerous for Gitana and the elf. "No Neilana, we must do as Grimstone says. He is wise beyond his years. My magic, your magic is not powerful enough to protect us from the evils that have been unleashed upon Aarhus." Gitanas resolve was unwavering, her voice firm.

"Arachnid and Bahl are wise choices to send with us for our protection. I still feel we would have been safer with Andy along but it is not my place to second guess my Lord Grimstone." Gitana said the words with a smile "Kyo trusted him explicitly Neilana to know what is right, and so do I." Laying her hand upon Neilana's shoulder Gitana continued, her voice soft and filled with understanding as she spoke "As for your people Neilana, I know that any of this will be hard for them to understand, much less accept but desperate times call for desperate measures. We can no longer stand divided. A great and terrible evil power has been unleashed in the Titan. We must stand as one." Gitana looked around the tent that she had shared with her mate. She had still not yet had time to grieve properly for Kyo and a knife of sadness had buried itself within her heart. "If we allow the Titan to win Neilana then Kyo's death will have served no purpose." Gitanas eyes burned bright as her aura danced in red hues around her feet, her resolution could not be swayed. "I can not, I will not allow that to happen."

“Actually,” Neilana smiled. “We would not have been safer with Andy. My people would have been less than pleased if we came with a demon. Shall we say, hostile. So that would have been definitely out of the question.” Neilana paused to make sure her daggers were firmly in place.

“But if you truly feel we must take the others,” Neilana looked concerned. “Then I will abide by your wishes. So how are we getting to my homeland?”

Smiling at Neilana she said "Well in Andy's human form your people would not have known him to be a demon and we would have been safest with him, but we will be safe with the others. And thank you for understanding Neilana."

Gitanas face grew serious "They will know how we are to travel there but yes, we need them. This evil is strong and I would not wish to make such a journey without them. Hopefully the will inform us that they will be leaving soon. All that we can do now is wait."

“I do think it best though,” Neilana tilted her head to the side. “If you are the one to make the request to the High Lord of my people. Your words will carry a lot of weight, given your name.” Neilana smiled, but it quickly failed as she realized that Gitana would have no idea what she was talking about.

“Forgive me, I should explain.” Neilana looked directly inot Gitana’s eyes. “All of the names that are given to my people mean something in our tongue. My name translates to “of the night.” It was given to me because I was born at midnight. Your name however, means something else.” Neilana paused and moved a little closer.

“Your name means “of tree.” Gitana smiled again. “Now I know it may not seem like a big deal. But there has been no one in my land with that name for over two thousand years. It is considered to be a scared name.”

Gitana tilted her head and laughed lightly. "Well if it helps in having your people listen, then I am glad. Here, my name means wandering one. And that is exactly what I did before..." Gitanas voice trailed off as she remembered how Kyo had found her and brought her home again, her eyes trying to fill with tears as she said the words "Before Kyo found me and brought me home again."

Gitana grew silent then and moved to the entrance of the tent looking for signs of the generals. The camp was buzzing with movement but she didn't see either general yet.

Neilana walked next to Gitana and placed a hand on her shoulder. She felt, for now, words were not necessary. Better just to wait for the generals. Neilana hoped they would arrive soon. She was interested in what type of people they were.


(co op wiht Mysti)

[Dirzrahel]

Andy crossed his kitty arms over his kitty chest, sitting back on his haunches with a distraught grunt and a flip of his head into the air with his eyes rolling in wonder. He really didn't know what else he wanted. He didn't really need material things, at least, nothing important. He could reconfigure ether to construct anything he desired, and he really wasn't in league to go about running off with riches he could have with a flick of his kitty claws. Breasts, cunt, beauties... hell, he had angels for that. Eternal virgins, eternally tight. Good stuff.

Digressing from the more carnal subjects, his mind mulled over and over. With a bit of magic involved, he stood abruptly, a very bright light above his head for a very brief moment. He liked symbolizing he had an idea.

"Well, considering it's me, you would not be able to handle a contract. If it were to happen, I'd get your soul anyway. That's trickery. That's a no-no..." The kitten explained, pacing back and forth.

"And considering your soul, you're an idiot. Your soul is your soul and will always be your soul. Nowadays people do not know this. You're in this group. Though, let's not talk of your stupidity. It is a boring subject. Something you can give? Can't have virgins, eh? That's a shame, I could have used them to re-make something I lost a while ago..." He pondered, his pacing growing more rapid as his white kitty tail flicked back and forth.

His claw went up in the air at the same time his body went rigid, his tail flicking itself into a statue-like formation of a question mark.

"Ah-hah!" He exclaimed, his body pivoting so his claw was pointing at Grimstone.

"For the life of your son, the price will be one that will affect you and only you, Grimstone. Your magic. I will take it, rendering you a normal human being. The amount within you should suffice for what I wish to do."

[Black]

"You, Mr. Andronochuss, have a deal. But do not presume to know about my Soul and what I have done with it. It is no longer mine, pesky Demon, Ye who thinks he knows all, but knows naught" Grimstone smiled. "We have a deal. You may have the magic of a weak old man, How shall we go about giving it to you?"

~Arachnid~

Arachnid stood in Bahl's tent, waiting for him to finish getting ready. "Hurry up Bahl, Hurry up. We're needed on a mission of great-ish importance. . ." her voice seemed hollow and emotionless since Kyo's death. She was destroyed inside, her guts twisted and she felt wobbly on her feet.

[Dirzrahel]

Andy looked at him, his eyes sly as he laid down. His body transformed slowly, the fur shedding away as scales were formed in place, his body growing long and sleek. White scales glistened in what light was within the tent, slitted golden eyes peering into the eyes of Grimstone. Andy's long tail slithered across the desk, his tongue flicking back and forth out of his mouth. A white tongue to match the body.

"Sssssit back while I sssshow you-" He said as he suddenly lurched forward and latched his fangs into the neck of Grimstone.

His eyes clouded over in a haze of golden mist as he drained the human of all mana, all ether, all magical substance within his body. He had big plans. The fangs could be felt in Grimstone's neck, brushing against his windpipe, penetrating his jugular. No blood came out though. Nothing escaped the bite.

The snake retracted its fangs out of Grimstone's neck, not even a wound showing. It was a spiritual bite, and as such, left no physical evidence. The being slithered off the desk and onto the floor, coming up as the facade of Grimstone met the real Grimstone. Andy smiled in his transformed body, his true body coming out as his skin echoed a memory of Grimstone's magic so the old man could see it. It sifted through the air and then receded back, hidden forever until Andy thought it was the appropriate time to use it.

He conjured up a chair and sat across from Grimstone, crossing his legs with his hands curled together across his knee. He chuckled, his hair shimmering as his head moved.

"I would kill you now, if I were like my brethren. You're lucky, human. I'm ready to perform the ritual whenever you are. All you need to do is shed some of your blood at the time I tell you, and the rest will unfold. I'll go clear an area." Andy said, standing up tall as he turned and left the tent.

[GraftRaven]

Krath followed Greeny, waving off the Smith and mate while signalling to his demonlings to fetch his own equipment from his own shop, they disappeared into the grave they had come from, leaving only a slight smell of brimstone as they raveled back to the underworld. "If I may make an observation, it seems like it would be prudent to ask you what you would like in a staff." His slit pupils contracted and he remembered forging one other staff for a legendary mage, but this one had also been destroyed long ago. The metal had needed to be from the same source, folded and twisted into the crystalline formations that would make it stronger, but the design was not right for this situation. This one would need to be clean, elegant, but not too extravagant, Greeny seemed like the modest type.

((The shortness! Why have I been cursed with it!))

[Atrum Daemon]

Bahl had tried and failed to return his helm to it’s original state. The helm was still torn open around his right eye. Sighing slightly, Bahl locked the helm back into place on his head and stepped out of the tent to face Arachnid. He still did not fully understand why the death of a single man was affecting moral so adversely. Perhaps he had been apart from the living so long that he no longer remembered what it was like to loose someone as important as Kyo had been. He blinked once and remembered that the broken blade was still in his chest. Ripping it out and tossing it aside he said: “All right, I’m ready.”

***

Kell and his mercenaries remained in Greeny’s camp. Kell had agreed to continue providing his services in a new contract. It was the same basic deal as the original, but only this new one did not command he and his men to fight Grimstone. Kell nodded approvingly at the elevated spirits of his troops as he looked around their section of the encampment.

[Mysteria]

Pacing in her tent for the generals to arrive Gitana looked around the room. She looked to the bed that they had shared. Memories of her and Kyo having spent entwined in each others arms on countless nights filled her memories. Her lip quivered. No damnit, not now. There were things to be done and besides, she didn't want her new found friend to see her tears once again. Enough of tears had been shed.

Gitana needed to get out of there, needed to get away for awhile. Turning to Neilana with resolve in her voice she said firmly "It is time for us to go. We will find the generals. I hope that you will help Neilana, there is much more at stake here now than this encampment. I hope you realize the severity of this situtation" Gitana spoke the words pleadingly, hoping that Neilana would understand, not just about what could happen but also that Gitana herself needed to be away from this place.

Turning to Neilana, Gitana held the tent door open waiting for Neilana to gather her things and saying "There is General Bahl now. Are you ready?"

[John]

“I am ready,” Neilana sighed. She was nervous about going to see her people. It had always been her intention to return home one day, but not like this. She wanted to return with stories to tell of the places she’d been and adventures she had experienced. Not to be a harbinger of war.

“And Gitana,” Neilana looked at her with concern. “I understand completely and I want to help. I will do anything I can, I only wish you to know that this will not be easy. My people can be...stubborn. But I will do everything I can to help. I just hope they will listen.” Neilana smiled slightly. It wasn’t that she felt like smiling, it was more to mask her apprehension of the whole situation.

It wasn’t bad enough that Neilana’s people would loathe the thought of war, but more that fact that they truly wouldn’t be pleased to see her. She had left under less than cordial circumstances and couldn’t be sure how she would be received. Neilana had turned form the path which was laid out for her, instead, choosing one of her own. And given the circumstances fo her birth, she was meant to be a person of great importance.

When Neilana had left, she tried to do it quietly. It just seemed better that way. Unfortunately, things often didn’t’ work out the way she wanted them too. Word somehow managed to spread that she was leaving and she was called a traitor by her people. It would make negotiations with the council a little harder as they most likely would not want to listen to her at all. But despite all that, Neilana still had a last resort, a method to sway her people and make them listen. The only problem was, she didn’t want to do it.