My heart aches. Food has no appeal to me. I can't sleep. The soldiers here leave things lying around. I feel invisible. It does not matter. Nothing matters. How long has it been? I think ten days. No, it has only been seven. What does it matter anyway? The one I love does not love me. I am tired. I think I will rest under this tree. It is quiet and dark here. Maybe they will leave me along. I will just close my eyes for a momment and rest.
I stood over the table in the middle of the command tent studying the holo-maps, trying to figure out our next attack, when I sensed one of the soldiers from the communications unit standing just inside the entrance. "Report soldier, " I said, my eyes not leaving the holo-map. I sensed him salute, "Sir! The base you arrived here from sent a message this morning! They wished to report soldier's moral low and strange noises and activity at night sir!" I looked up at him, "Proceed." "Sir! The general has had several reports of footsteps in the camp at night but when the soldiers investigate there is nothing at the end of the prints they find. Then there are more prints being made as they watch or an object near the prints will move on it's own. The general reports that four men have deserted since the activity started." "When did it start? Did he say?" "Yes sir! It started the day you left that base." "Has he contacted the Clan leader to see if she will look into it?" "He has tried sir but the last time anyone saw her was thirty minutes after you left." "Have there been any other sounds besides footsteps?" "Yes sir. They also have reported the sound of crying. The general said the Clan has been searching for their leader when they have not been fighting." "Hmm... Tell them to continue what they are doing and to report to me who is causeing this terror when they find out. Also thell them that when the find the Clan leader to give her a public flogging for taking leave without approval." "Yes sir! But sir? I... The men and I thought that you and Allacia were together..." I smiled darkly as the soldier figited nervously, "No. She was just a means to an end. I needed an inroad to get to the other immortals. She could provide that . I just needed to make her believe that I loved her. Dismissed." The soldier saluted without a word and left the command tent. With him gone I turned back to my holo-maps but my mind went back to the day I left the camp the Clan was at. "Sir your transport leaves in ten minutes." "Thank you John." "KJ? You never told me we were going anywhere." "That's because you aren't coming with me Allacia." "Oh... You want me to wait here for you to return..." I cut her off irritably, "No. I want you to stay here. Not wait for me." "Okay Hakan. I will stay here." "Don't call me that! Don't ever call me that again! From now on you call me Comander or Lord Nightmare like everyone else. I don't love you. I never did." "You... You don't love me?" "No. Now go away. And never bother me again. Oh... By the way. You have been demoted to a foot soldier." With that I had left. I have no regrets for using her. She had something I needed so I used the fasted way possible to get it.
I heard her voice in a small part of my mind but the Nightmare inside of me didn’t respond. Suddenly she dropped out of the sky onto my back forcing me to the ground then she snarled, “Look at me. I said enough.”
There was a soft sound in front of and slightly above me. I looked up as best I could with the girl kneeling on my back and saw the Greater Named standing in front of us sneering.
The Demon rasped out a taunted,“Nightmare is weak if his woman can control him.”
My Beloved’s weight slowly disappeared from my back then I heard her speak in a voice that was deceptively uncontrolled, “He isn't weak.”
I watched her leap across the space between her and the Greater Named attacking the Demon by sinking her fangs into its throat. The Demon threw her off easily and advanced towards me slowly.
I got up from where I had been forced to the ground my armor growing darker, “Demon...”
Mutt came running up panting,“Sir don't do this... We'll see him again in the end. He isn't the ugly bastard you want remember?”
Out of the corner of my eye I saw Allacia shoot him a dark look as I answered with a voice that was as hard as iron, “But... I... want... Them... ALL!”
Mutt’s voice was of one who was trying to reason with a child throwing a tantrum, “Sir please. Do what your Beloved has asked. It is enough.”
The Demon started laughing, “It's never enough. You want more. I feel it. Come and get me. If you can, Weakling.”
Suddenly I dawned on me who this Demon was. Completely cowed I looked down, “No... You are Temptation... To kill you would let you win. To let you win would mean that I have failed. No.”
I heard Allacia growl her agreement and before I could stop her she jumped up. With a speed that was almost impossible for the eye to follow she pulled out a bow and had nocked an arrow ready to fire. As she released the bowstring she yelled, “Tincya en’russe tuulo’ moriloomir!”
Her arrow split into millions of tiny lightning bolts and struck Temptation, but they did not kill it they only seemed to hurt it.
Temptation backed away and screamed the retreat, “We will see each other again...” Then Temptation walked away.
I fell to my knees as all of the fight left me then removed my helm saying to Mutt with dispair, “This will never end Mutt...” The shadows glimmered over my armor then they dissipated taking my armor with them. “Go Mutt. Give Varren command of the army... Then go and see your family...”
I got up and as I walked over to where my Beloved was standing trembling faintly I shifted back to my human form. I sensed Mutt leave to obey my orders but my words were only for the girl in front of me, “Put it away Luv. It's done... For now...” My arms circled around her in a hug that I wanted to show her just how little I wanted to let go as I whispered in her ear my voice breaking, “Thank you... You've saved me again.”
I shuddered, thinking about how close I had come to giving into temptation, then I let go of her to keep her from thinking that it was her fault I had shuddered. I held onto her hand and spoke with a smile that was faintly touching my lips, “Let’s go and see about your wings.” I smiled for real then and brought her hand up to my lips quickly and kissed it enjoying the look of surprise on her pretty face.
She returned her bow to the quiver on her back with her other hand and at the same time pulled her wings in against her back saying, “My wings are fine. They won't kill me.”
I raised my eyebrow but didn’t say anything. Suddenly she shook her hair out of her face and pulled her hand out of mine. I was startled then she placed her hand against the side of my face startling me more with her action than what she said, “You are strong. You are NOT weak.”
I chuckled smiling broadly, “My little hero… Yes a strong man heeds his… Woman. A weak man ignores her.”
It had felt so natural calling her my woman that my smile had actually gotten even bigger as the words left my mouth.
I guess she heard the smile in my voice because she started to laugh softly. Her laughter was like bells, music that I never wanted to stop listening to. Like a song I could listen to on repeat for days on end without growing tired of hearing it.
Depression came up the hill with the Council and the Clan following closely behind him saying, “Danger, don't you have somewhere you need to go?”
I looked at the girl in my arms with a question on my lips as I felt her flinch.
Her voice was pained, “It can wait.”
Depression smiled evilly, “But your family is waiting for you.”
Allacia tore out of my embrace and whirled around to face her tormenter. Suddenly her hands caught on fire as she snarled, “My family tried to kill me!”
The boy continued in a mocking tone, “But Danger. Your people have been waiting to see you ever since you ran away.”
Allacia, Danger as Depression had called her, looked at him sadly and said with resignation, “I have no people. Half Death Warrior half Night Elf, remember?”
Depression’s smile became even more evil as it became apparent to everyone that he was purposely trying to upset my girl, “Who knows? Maybe they've changed the laws and their minds and will accept you.”
She snarled at him darkly then vanished. Depression looked around, “Great. Not again.”
He turned to me pleadingly, “Look I know I'm a pain in the butt sometimes but could you try to locate her?”
The other Vampire looked at Depression accusingly, “You're the one who brought up her past. Why don't you locate her?”
I looked over at Depression waiting for him to answer that question as well.
Depression looked down and said with a sigh, “You know she won't let me into her mind.”
Ming-Lynn looked at me pleadingly, “Please KJ?”
I closed my eyes preparing myself to reach out for Allacia’s mind. Her voice came from behind me, “Why should he try to locate me when I'm right here?”
I turned to face her smiling then I walked over to her saying, “You’re a Death Warrior... I'm a Nightmare. Odd combo.”
I stopped right in front of her then reached up and stroked her face smiling even broader as she closed her eyes and leaned her face into my hand. I grew serious then, “People tend to forget, it is not the race of a person that defines them but the actions of the person. Maybe we should remind them... Now about you not having a people...”
A faint smile played on my lips, “You do now... And you always will... Now me Engel, if this is not delving too deeply into the past... Tell me of those who ran you out... If you’re comfortable with it, if not that is alright too.”
I felt a slight ripple in her mind and she left her eyes closed as she began to speak slowly, “This is not Allacia’s past but mine.”
“Who are you?”
Her eyes opened slowly as she answered my question, “I am Danger, Allacia’s Midnight Sister. Just as Lord Nightmare lives in you KJ, I live within Allacia.”
I nodded my understanding as she continued, “To save you from the sob story Allacia and I were born of warring Clans. When the leaders found out that there was a child who was both Night Elf and Death Warrior my parents were killed. The leaders could not find us to kill us so they issued an order. We were exiled for life and if we ever showed ourselves in their lands our lives were forfeit.”
I looked at her confused as Danger faded back into the darkness of Allacia’s mind and Allacia came out again, “I am not one with Nightmare. But the way Danger speaks you two are one. How is this possible?”
She looked up at me and smiled sheepishly, “When Danger was born she was born with a second consciousness inside of her. Danger allows me control of our body until she is needed to win a fight or to do something that we cannot do as a human.”
I looked over at Kari as I sensed her move, suddenly she slapped Depression on the back of his head, “Ye‘ave to be nicer ‘hen you remin’ people o’ somethin’ they ‘ave pain bout. Then again…” She held Depression tightly and buried her head in his neck.
Depression wrapped his arms around her pouting for a moment then smiled and said with a mock whine,“That huuuurt.”
John smiled in Kari’s direction then looked at To-huan and wrapped an arm around her, “Looks like she's about to drag him off to get hitched. I'm thinking of doin’ the same thing”
To-huan smiled and leaned against his side.
Immortilis looked at Ming and twined his fingers in with her's causing her to giggle. He smiled and said, “I think we all are.”
I laughed then looked at my girl and hugged her tightly, “Why they would run out someone so... Beautiful is beyond me. Stupidity is... contagious. They're right you know, John and Immortilis... I know, WE have to wait and see, but they already have seen and waited. Not fair. But every moment we wait will make every moment together that much more... Awesome.” A shudder of anticipation ran through my body.
She leaned against me lightly for a moment then slipped out of my arms. I felt her hands on my shoulder from behind then she started to rub them, “Relax.”
Kari purred with contentment then fell asleep murmuring, “Yur so warm.”
I relaxed obediently as my girl massaged my shoulders gently, “Be gentle Depression. She LOVES you.”
Depression’s smile widened then he gently started to stroke Kari's hair.
John moved so he was standing behind To-huan then started to rub her shoulders, “How’s my werewolf doing?”
To-huan smiled and relaxed under the work of his hands.
Immortilis shyly wrapped his arms around Ming and started to hum to her.
I smiled and slowly turned to face Allacia then started to trace her face lightly. My voice was soft and gentle as I tried out a new pet name for her, “You’re sweet on me Chala. I would kiss you right now if I could... I...” I smiled even wider and held her close to me. “Hey To-huan, did you bring your pets?”
To-huan pulled out a whistle and blew into it creating a shrill note in answer to my question, “They had better come when their mistress calls. Ah there they are.”
Stephen and Alexis slowly walked up the hill towards us together.
Stephen’s voice was sarcastic when he reached us, “You called?”
To-huan giggled and leaned back against John with her eyes closed, “I'm good now.”
Stephen looked angry, “If you don't have a reason for calling us then we'll go back to where we were.”
To-huan’s eyes opened and flashed dangerously, “Stay.”
I whispered in my girl’s ear chuckling, “Cintras with Stephen and Cissra with Alexis. That is sweet.” I sighed happily and smiled, “Peace has come for a time. Your hair is a mess again. Can I brush it?”
My heart soared when I heard her laugh softly then say, “My hair is always a mess. Yes, you are permitted to brush it.”
I watched as Ming leans into Immortilis smiling happily, then suddenly I felt Allacia’s head against my chest.
Everything was quiet until Kinow said, “Hey Allacia? The wolves are coming.”
Listening to: The sound of my tears falling Reading: Nothing Watching: Myself die Playing: With nothing Eating: Nothing Drinking: Nothing It has been a couple of months since I have been well enough to share with you more of Danger's story and even now as I sit here writing this I feel the cold sorrow filled emptiness that she must have felt when the man she loved left her never to return. I know in my heart that I must finish what has been started for there to be any hope of this long war having an end. I sense that the more the world knows about Danger, her Clan, KJ, his Council, and all that they did to help the people of not only Earth but of every world and realm that ever existed.
The gates closed behind us all as KJ led the way down a hallway to the last door on the right, holding my hand the entire way. “Welcome to my Wardroom,” he intoned softly as he opened the door. The room on the other side was plain and sparsely furnished with some chairs, a table and a couch. As we walked in I was assailed by a musky scent coming from the furnishings. I immediately identified the smell as KJ’s own. “Hello everyone,” the boy holding my hand said. The people in the room, the rest of his Council I assume, answered with a simple, “Sir.” KJ looked at me as he introduced his people, “Alright. We have here in the black armor, John the Black. In the silver, Immortilis. Blue on silver, Cintra. Silver on blue, Cissra. Fire red, Em.” He paused as Kari and Mutt walked through the door,“Mutt with his grey armor with a joker on his chest and Kari all in black with a red Black Widow’s hour glass on her back. Okay all members but… One are here.” The Council members all remained silent for a moment to honor the one they had lost in battle then KJ walked over to the table bringing me with him. He looked at the map, “Come, gather around. We've made progress. The Others have been stopped and now it’s time to counter.” As he spoke he pointed to were the mountain ranges end and traced a slight half circle from one end to another, “The line is here. The pass is five miles long and two miles wide. The plan is to take 40 k and split them in to two and send them through the mountains themselves. The rest of the forces will move and push the Others back over the boarders, then old blood and guts will take command and strike inland. Clan and Council will be teamed off, if that is okay with you of course, Allacia. Each Council member will be assigned to a company and lead that said company. Advice to the Clan: Respect the men, most of ‘em have faught for 4 days straight, others for a week. Learn their weapons and tactics and be safe. Council remember: magiked armor can only with stand so much, be careful, and remember as well to stay safe. I don't want to lose another member.” He looked around at the somber faces watching him then continued, “Oh basic enemy unit Id: Kuroocks; they look like Uruk-hai smell like Uruk-hai and for all purposes are Uruk-hai. Blood Angels; they look like and fly like those vampire things off of Van Helsing. Cragnors; they look like rhinos but have sharper teeth and claws. Hard to take down; go for the back legs if you can. Oh, and they aren't as blind. Lesser Named: Ah yes. Demons. Not as powerful as Greater Named but they look demon like.” He looked at my Clan, “So Clan, welcome to my hell. Nearly every day is a fight. I think I'm winning. Now which side is the hard part to figure out.” He chuckled darkly, “What happens here will affect mind and soul. Of everyone. I've never asked for help so please don't screw this up. This is a turning point. Once we have beaten them here... We will finally have chance of making an offensive. It's been 4 years since the last.” His body straightened up, “Now everyone, please come back in one piece... We do have a birthday to celebrate.” The Council chuckled as he continued; “Now if you all, including you Clan, please go to the mess and eat your last meal before this all happens.... I need to speak with my Beloved.” Everyone left silently as KJ walked over and sat on the couch, “Now Luv. What’s eating at you? Even if you were here in the beginning things would still have been the same.” He got up then walked over and held me close, “I miss you Engel......How was your trip? It went well I hope.” I looked up at his face with concern as it grew tired, he walked back over and sat on the couch beckoning to me)” Come, sit. I need a break and I'd like to hear you speak. Makes me happy.” I walked over and perched on the couch arm nearest to him, “There is not much to say about my trip. I helped rescue the Humans of the Clan from Ho-lic and Kil-hote. We also gave the two Vampires homes among us.” I leaned against him while remaining on the arm of the couch, “I'm fine. It's you I worried about… This will be hard.” My eyes closed for a moment then reopened them knowing that they would glow slightly. “I guess it's time to let my Midnight Sister, Danger, take over again.” I stood up as I felt my appearance change, my ears lengthened and grew pointed. Black bat-like wings sprouted from my shoulder blades as my teeth grew sharper and my eyes and hair change to black. With the transformation complete I flexed my wings by rolling my shoulders. “I am sorry, didn't mean to startle you.” I reached out to him. Suddenly the door burst open and Ho-lic ran into the room, “The attack has been sounded.” I watched KJ with my hand still held towards him, “Shall we fight?” A shadow glimmered over his form and armor the color of dark blood red and brimstone appear. An unsheathed Great sword appeared in his hand, “This is Nightmare” The helmet’s eyes turned beady red, his breath became metallic smelling, and his voice sounded demonic, “Time to go loved one.....Don't worry too much.” He cackled and his gauntlets sprouted spikes, “Worry about living and whatever you do... Don't get in front of me.” His hands started to shake, “I don't want to see you hurt. We must go before it is finished.” He ran from the Holdt towards the field and instead of waiting for the rest of the fighters on our side he leapt into the Others’ front line hacking and slicing. He fought madly while the sword he carried absorbed all those lost in the fight to his attack. He laughed crazily and sang, “Nightmare likes Danger!” I darted into battle after him as I unsheathed swords, blocking all attacks and killing all of the enemies that were foolish enough to get in my way, “This is as good as any day to die.” Laughing I flipped over his shoulders and killed who he was about to. He growled, “It’s a great day to live... Hmm a Lesser named. He's mine!” He leapt on a charging Cragnor and lodged his sword between its head and shoulders then leapt off. I darted away from the fight for a moment to find a rock to perch on; I howled calling my people. The Clan joined the fight howling as several packs of wolves came out of trees to join as well. A few moments later I had rejoined the fight by jumping onto the back of a Cragnor and stabbing it multiple times. I dropped a poison into the stab wounds killing the beast then winced as I felt one of my wolves die. Depression yelled above the melee, “Kari. Guard my back,” as my brother leapt into group of demons. “It is time for you to die!” Kari laughed rancorously, “Ya got it Babe!” I flew above the battle and snarled when arrows pierce wings as I dove down to attack a group of flying vampires. KJ took a solid strike to the chest then looked at the Other, “Your contribution will be taken now.” He killed it then leapt to the Lesser Named, “You’re mine.” The Demon spoke tauntingly as it launched an attack, “Prove it accursed one.” KJ blocked then struck high to low then left to right. Then he struck from the lower left up to the high right followed by the lower right to the high left. Suddenly he brought his sword down from high to low then nailed the Demon in the throat, “Where is your master!?” The Demon managed to gargle out, “On the ridge...” Before it finally died. KJ looked up at me as I flew above him, “You all right my love?” I nodded and he looked to the ridge spotting the Greater Named. His armor got darker and his eyes redder as his sword glowed with a dark intensity, “If I can destroy that thing they will be routed and I can let Varren take over.” Mutt overheard from his fight nearby, “Don't do anything stupid... Sir.” Was the only thing he said before returning his attention to his attacker. Lord Nightmare stalked towards the ridge taking hits without noticing and giving hits out at the same. A deathly silence seemed to surround him as he moved. I heard his voice whisper in my mind, Beloved, the Nightmare has taken over... Keep the legionaries, our men, away along with the Council and the Clan. The Nightmare is going to start cutting threads and absorbing the fallen. I will try to keep myself from causing… I heard a soft grunt through the connection then, Please keep from his front. I landed on top of a boulder and shouted, “Fall back!” My voice was either lost in the melee or I was simply just ignored. I growled softly then created a silver light that came from my body. Everyone froze and looked at me with fear mixed wonder, “I said fall back. All of you.” I waited until my orders were carried out then jumped into air and flew above my Nightmarish friend, “Nightmare, enough.” He didn’t respond so I dropped onto his back suddenly forcing him to the ground, “Look at me. I said enough.” I looked up at a slight sound to see the Greater Named Demon standing close by sneering. The Demon’s voice was raspy as he taunted, “Nightmare is weak if his woman can control him.” I stood slowly, “He isn't weak.” I leapt across the space between us and attacked the Demon sinking my fangs into his throat. Suddenly the Demon threw me off and advanced towards my boy. Lord Nightmare got up from where I had forced him to the ground and his armor grew darker, “Demon...” Mutt came running up completely disregarding my ordered retreat. “Sir don't do this... We'll see him again in the end. He isn't the ugly bastard you want remember?” Lord Nightmare’s voice was hard, “But... I... want... Them... ALL!” Mutt tried reasoning with him, “Sir please. Do what your Beloved has asked. It is enough.” The Demon shared his opinion laughing with an evil so pure it seemed as though the very air darkened, “It's never enough. You want more. I feel it. Come and get me. If you can, Weakling.” Suddenly Lord Nightmare looked down, “No... You are Temptation... To kill you would let you win. To let you win would mean that I have failed. No.” I growled my agreement and jumped up, pulling out my bow and nocking an arrow. As I fired I yelled, “Tincya en’ russe tuulo’ moriloomir!” My arrow split into millions of tiny lightning bolts and struck the Demon, not enough to kill it but enough to hurt it. The Demon backed away and screamed the retreat, “We will see each other again...” Then the Demon walked away. Lord Nightmare fell to his knees and removed his helm, “This will never end Mutt...” A shadow glimmered over his armor then dissipated taking the armor with it. “Go Mutt. Give Varren command of the army... Then go and see your family...” He got up and walked over to me shifting back into his human form as Mutt moved to obey his orders, “Put it away Luv. It's done... For now...” His arms came around me in a fierce hug and he whispered with a breaking voice, “Thank you... You've saved me again.” The boy shuddered and let me go only to hold my hand smiling; “Let’s go and see about your wings.”Suddenly he brought my hand up to his lips and kissed it. I returned my bow to the quiver slung across my back and pulled my wings in tight against my back, “My wings are fine. They won't kill me.” Shaking my hair out of my face I reclaimed my hand and placed it against the side of his face, “You are strong. You are NOT weak.”
I felt joy sprout in my heart as I walked up to Allacia with Judgement drawn. I smiled faintly when she looked up at me, “Are you expressing your sorrow over what has happened here? I didn’t know about this ‘til a day after ya left. Things are still a little hairy but that’s the cleanup for ya.” I reached down and drew the girl to her feet as much as to hug her as to get her off of the man she had pinned. I hugged her gently then berated myself, “I got you all dirty. Bad KJ. Tell me how your trip was? But not here, we got to get to the holdt first.” I noticed that she still had the man pinned with her feet as Mutt spoke, “Er…What happened?”
I didn’t look away from the girl, My girl I mentally corrected myself, as I answered, “The 4th and 32nd were blocking the pass when they were attacked. Two divisions against 12. They held them off for three days while I brought up 8th army... Ram’s dead Mutt. Killed by a lesser Named, after he struck a killing blow of course. High seat tried to withhold forces from me but it didn't work as he planned. He's been replaced by Hunter. And since Ram was a Council member guess who gets to fill the spot.” Kari was the first to answer, “Ol’ Blood ‘n’ Guts.” I nodded slightly, “You got it. John and Immortilis are... ticked. They know, as everyone else does, that Arvana needs to be placed there but won’t because she’s a lady-elf. Any way we've nearly broken the back of the Others. Great way to spend your birthday, eh Widow?” Kari, aka Widow, smiled, “Wouldnae ‘ant it ana otha way.” I beckoned to them all,“Come my Beloved... My friends. Let’s go see what needs doin’ and do what’s needed.” I chuckled as I started to walk towards the hold,” I should write a book. Oh. And please let the good sergeant up. He's been fighting for most the week without fail.” As I said this last bit I stopped and turned to watch my Beloved. Her voice was utterly calm, “He attacked me.” Then she pulled her swords away from his neck and sheathed them before reaching down and helping him up. She darted up to my side and I took her hand in mine smiling. Depression came up behind Widow, “Hey Kari. How’s it going?” I smiled as Kinow made a face then said, “Great, now him too.” Ming brushed past Kinow as if he wasn’t there, “Where’s Immortilis? Did he get hurt?" Allacia’s hand squeezed mine slightly, “Surprising how quickly she recovers.” There were two new members of my Beloved’s group, both were vampires. One of them looked around hungrily as he spoke, “Elves aren’t worthless. Even the female ones.” He looked at my girl slyly, “I mean Allacia IS half Night Elf…” I looked down at her in surprise, Half Night Elf and half Death Warrior? How? The two races hate each other! Although it does explain her knowledge of the two races. She was watching the boy calmly but when she spke there was and unmistakeable warning in her voice,“Kilhote. Be quite.” She looked up at me, “You don’t want to know.” It was as though she had read my thoughts. Then she turned to Widow, ”Kari… Happy Birthday.” To-huan looked around and spoke absently, “We will be glad to help in any way we can… Now where oh where can John be?” The Werewolf darted off looking for him as Kinow watched with undisguised disgust, “Love sick Werewolf.” I chuckled to myself as I led them to the holdt. “They’re all fine,” I declared as the gates opened,“The rest of the Council is in the Wardroom. Kari, Mutt, go to the armory, your gear is there. The rest of you please, follow me.” I led the way, as the gates closed, down to the far end of the hall to the door of the right,“Welcome to my Wardroom.” I opened the door to reveal a room with a few chairs, a table, and a couch. The musky air reminded me that I had meant to clean this place up. I shook my head slightly then walked into the room, “Hello everyone.”
A week had passed since I had left KJ to return to my home land of Insanity to add two Vampires to the Clan. But it was finally finished and I could return to KJ’s side. Does he miss me as much as I miss him? I wondered as I prepared to teleport back to where I last saw him. As soon as I appeared in the clearing I immediately knew he wasn’t there but I had to try, “KJ?” Mutt and Kari walked out of the woods. It was those two and no one else. Mutt looked at me soberly, “He had to take care of things on Crucible. Something went wrong Miss Head Honcho lady. When he left he took a company of soldiers with him then he bumped that company up to a regiment then that regiment up to a division. What ever happened he didn't want it to get to as he said ‘The most intimate place of my life.’ Messengers say the battle that took place was bloody. They say Head Boss man had to become Nightmare. It’s over now. He's involved in the clean up along with most of the Council and Tribunal. He told me to tell you he was sorry he couldn't be here when you came. If you want to see him right now I can take you to him Miss Head Honcho Lady. But I don't know what state he's in. They Say the Currooks and Cragnors along with Blood Angels were involved. Those three are a nasty combo. They say the line was barely held.” Kari watched me sadly then looked over at Mutt, “We should take ‘er to ‘im Mutt.” “We should Widow. Come with us and if you have questions we'll answer them along the way. I need to check on my wife and kids Miss Head Honcho lady.” They both turned and started walking into the forest. Mutt called over his shoulder, “You comin’?” I followed the two wraith-like and said with a voice barely above a whisper, “Stop calling me that. If you want to call me something then call me by my name. ...He had to call on his Nightmare side? The fight must not have been going well...” I followed them farther but stayed silent. Mutt answered me without looking back, “No ma'am It must not have.” Kari’s voice revealed her impatience when she next spoke, “This is takin’ too long, e must reach em quickly. Open a rift.” “He'd kill me you know.” “No e won't.” Mutt looked back at me to see me walking with my head hung, “This is not your fault. This has gone on for nearly a decade. 6 years he’s fought without takin’ a break. Six years.... He's warred against hisself. No quarter and no surrender. This was goin’ on long before anyone knew and long before you. Don’ take me wrong you’re the best thing that has gotten to him. Ever. No lie. No joke." Kari stopped walking and turned to face me. With a gentle voice that didn’t suit her personality she continued what Mutt had been trying to say, “Don’ think at ye had enathin’ to do wit this. E ‘ave never seen im happier in all ar days in knoin im. Never ‘as he smiled as much as he does now.” I nodded then looked up, “Does he really smile more now?” Kari nodded slightly. Mutt took a staff from the sling on his back and made a slicing motion through the air in front of him like he was trying to cut it. A slit of darkness wide enough to fit through appeared as he drew the staff a way, “That, Allacia, is a rift. Kari lead her through, we don't want KJ’s girl to get lost. I'll keep the rear.” Kari walked over to me and took my hand firmly then pulled me through the rift and into a whole new world, “Welcome to Crucible. See owt ere, ‘tis the CP.” Mutt put away the staff, “Let’s get agoin’. Don't want to be late.” He chuckled then started walking to the tent Kari had pointed out. I stood almost rooted to the spot I had landed, “Thank you Kari, but I would not have gotten lost.” I bowed my head again, “KJ, I'm sorry. I did not know...” I suddenly sensed movement at my side. Moving with lightning speed I drew my swords from my back and blocked the attack coming from my side. “I thought that the fighting was over.” I kicked the legs out from under my attacker and knelt to lay my swords across his neck after he fell. My lips lifted in a snarl, “Clan here. NOW!” The entire clan appeared with their weapons drawn. Someone stepped into my line of vision and KJ’s scent stirred the air. I looked up to see KJ looming over me with his sword drawn.
Ming-Lynn slowly stopped crying, “Thanks KJ for what you said. But do you really think I would be a good catch for anyone?” She smiled as I nodded then looked over at where Kinow was lying still winded from Kari’s blow, “He deserved that.” The girl who held the leashes of the two humans batted her eyes at John and spoke with a voice that was as coy as her smile, “We don't use armor. But we do use unoptainium swords. They go through any armor.” John looked at her and smiled, “Really? I brought some extra material. Let’s see how well the sword can stand up to it. If you can get it through you can hold Soultaker for a while. Deal?” Allacia murmured just loud enough for me to hear, “To-huan, the one talking to John the Black, is a werewolf. She was kicked out of her pack so she made a new pack before she met up with us. The two humans are Alexis and Stephen and they are her ’pets’.” I murmured, “Hence the collars. She seems to like John though.” The small girl nodded as To-huan stepped forward drawing the swords on her hips. Ming-Lynn shifted away from the two of us to look after Immortilis as he walked into the trees, “He seems sad.” Kari watched Depression look her over, “Good ye up. Ye cause any trouble fer me and I'll end ye. Got it?” I smiled and turned to watch To-huan attacking the spare bit of armor with John standing right next to her, “John who’s commin’ next?” John didn’t even look at me, “I think Mutt is.” I sighed as I felt Allacia stiffen in my arms, “Oh dear.” I looked over as Mutt walked out of the forest. “Hey Mutt!” Mutt’s face lit up, “’Ey Head Honcho. How’s it goin’?” “Good man. Have ya see Immortilis?” “Yeah man he looks real confused man. Asked him what’s up and he told me he didn't feel right. I think he crsuin’ on some one man.” He walked over to Kinow, “Looks like you met the Widow eh?” Kari looked at Mutt defensively, “He was bein’ cruel te tha’ nice girl o’er there. So I hit im.”She turned back to look at the boy in front of her then slapped Depression. “I like you. Don't screw it up.” I looked at the girl who still stood comfortably wrapped in my arms, “Oh no. Last time she slapped someone like that…” I shook my head. “He wasn't the same after.” Then I smiled.“This is better than I thought. Everyone seems happy except Immortilis and Ming... Depression if he keeps this up will soon follow.” I glanced over at Ming for a moment, “He’s not sad Ming just confused like Mutt said. He doesn't know what to do at the moment. He doesn't share his feelings well.” Ming looked confused herself for a moment, “Why is he confused?” Her face lit up and she started towards the trees after him, “Maybe I should go talk to him...” The human girl with the collar around her neck, Alexis, stepped in front of Ming, “Leave him Lynn. You don't mess with a guy when he's like that.” Allacia suddenly stiffened, “We have to go. Someone is calling for us.” She looked up at me, her face torn between the need to do her job and the desire to stay here with me.“I’m sorry. I don’t know how long we will be gone.” I leaned down and kissed her forehead, “Take all the time you need.” As I straightened back up Allacia and her Clan vanished into thin air. I looked down at the space in my arms where she stood, “Good luck Allacia. I'll be prayin’.” Then I looked up at the council that was still there and yelled, “Mutt get Immortilis and set perimeter. Kari get up that tree and see who else is out there. John don't worry they'll be back. Go with Mutt and find your Brother.” Mutt, Kari, and John all three yelled, “Sir yes sir!” Then ran to do what I had told them to do. I looked back to where she had stood and spoke hoping she could hear me, “God guide you and keep you.”I reached behind me and pulled out Judgment, “Good hunting and Gottspeed.” Then my voice dropped to a whisper, “Beloved.”
He chuckled softly as if he knew a joke, “Good. Tend to Depression if you will.” They both walked over to my brother’s prone figure with a “Yessir” called over their shoulders. I relaxed against KJ as I watched To-huan and her pet humans join us then I looked up at the boy who still had his arms wrapped around me. He was looking at me then smiled before saying, “They, if you haven't noticed, are totally the same. They’re twins in a way.” His voice dropped to a conspiring whisper, “I think Immoritilis has a thing for Ming. I think someone in the council will like Depression, and keep him from getting too... Hurt. Yes definitely. She's... Let’s say, wiry.” My voice was not quite a s soft as his was because I knew they could hear us anyway, “Too bad for Immortilis, Ming-Lynn is totally in love with Kinow. But they are welcome to fight it out.” Kinow blanched as he looked at Immortillis’ muscular form, “Hey! He can have her.” Ming-Lynn started to sniffle as her face scrunched up then said tearfully, “But, but.” She burst into tears and I looked at Kinow with the “If looks could kill you definitely would be dead” look, “Smooth Kinow,” I stepped away from KJ, he let go almost reluctantly, and turned towards Ming-Lynn opening my arms. She ran into my arms and I hugged the girl as she wept. I murmured, “Hush little one. It's okay. He doesn't know what he just pushed away.” KJ came up behind me and put a comforting hand on her head, “Hey its okay. Kinow is just being an idiot. Don't mind him. You’ll be an awesome catch for someone Ming.” Kinow looked everywhere but at me or at Immortillis abashed. The latter was glaring at him, “I didn't think...” I cut in with a sharp voice, “No, you didn't think.” Then I drew a deep breath to start chewing out Kinow but I felt KJ’s hand rest on my shoulder gently so I slowly released the breath. To-huan had ignored the drama unfolding before her as she stared at John the Black coyishly, “How heavy is their armor? I think I could get to like the company.” Stephen, one of To-huan’s pets, looked at KJ, “We get to meet the whole Council sir?” KJ looked at Stephen’s collar curiously, “Yeah you'll be able to meet the entire Council. They’ll come one at a time.” I chuckled softly, “I don't think that anyone could keep him out of trouble. But she is welcome to try.” He looked at me, “She may not be able to control him but she can definitely hold her own. Her name is Kari, but we sometimes call her ‘Black Widow’,” He pointed to the girl who had been with him when we had first escaped, “Here she comes now. Just don't tick her off... Too late.” Kari walked into the clearing and went straight over to Kinow before striking him in the throat, “That, ye bastard, is fer bein’ cruel to the nice gal over there!” The she walked over to Depression’s still unconscious form, “This im? Course it is Ah reco’nize ‘im from before.” She looked him over, “Good job on puttin’ ‘im down Allacia. Alright boys I’ll take it from ‘ere.” Immortilis stood and looked at To-huan, “Our armor is light. It weighs only 45lbs all together. Since it is made from mithril and dragon skin it is nearly impenetrable.” John the Black smiled at To-huan, “We as well, the Council that is, are the very few who can wield sentient swords.” Immortilis then looked over at Ming-Lynn with sympathy as she continued to cry, “Sir I’ll go make my patrol.” KJ didn’t even look up,“Fine.” Then he leaned down and whispered in my ear, “He’s uncomfortable around Ming. Never been that way before…” I looked over at Kari tending to Depression, “Don't worry about him. He's half demon, half elf. He'll heal quickly. Oh look, he's coming around.” Depression groaned as he opened his eyes, “That's the last time I fall for that one.” “You're lucky you're half demon,” I said then I smiled harshly, “Otherwise you would still be out cold.” Depression looked at me with disdain, “I'd rather be half demon than half Death Warrior like you Allacia.” I went rigid despite having KJ’s strong arms around me. Then my voice went cold and deadly as I poured as much venom into it as I possibly could, “Shut up. I told you never to bring that up.” Depression laughed evilly but said nothing as he turned to look Kari over. Ming-Lynn slowly stopped crying, “Thanks KJ for what you said. But do you really think I would be a good catch for anyone?” She smiled as he nodded then looked over at where Kinow was lying still winded from Kari’s blow, “He deserved that.” To-huan batted her eyes at John the Black and spoke with a voice that was just as coy as her smile, “We don't use armor. But we do use unoptainium swords. They go through any armor.” John the Black looked at To-huan and smiled, “Really? I brought some extra material. Let’s see how well the sword can stand up to it. If you can get it through you can hold Soultaker for a while. Deal?”
Depression’s voice came from behind Allacia, “I think I am going be sick.” I looked up sharply; I had not felt him enter the camp, to see him leaning against a tree. Allacia stood quickly and turned to face him before settling into a fighting stance, “Mayhap taking some of your jealousy out will make you feel better?” Depression straightened from where he had been leaning against a tree, “I’m not jealous.” Her voice had a dark sarcastic tone to it as she said, “Yeah you are. You’re jealous because no one would ever express an interest in you.” My eye brows raised slightly, I had noticed that when he had come to my camp to retrieve Allacia the first time he had sneered at every one of us but Kari. Maybe I should play matchmaker. Kari needs a guy who’ll look after her proper like. He growled softly, “That’s it.” Then he launched himself at her with murder in his eyes. I stepped forward slightly with the intent of protecting her. Allacia darted out of way tauntingly, “You missed.” “You moved”, came the enraged retort. I stepped back sensing that I would just be in the way. Besides,I told myself, You wanted to know how she fought. “What do you expect me to just stand here and let you beat me? Ha! Not on your life. I am nay yer punching bag.” My eye brows went up slightly. So she speaks the northern Crucible tongues as well as the common tongue and the tongue of my enemy. I shook my head slightly as the fight continued. “No? Well you look an awful lot like one right now”, yelled Depression as he tackled Allacia, pinning her arms to the ground with one hand and repeatedly punching her face with the other. A girl screamed, “He's gonna to kill her! Please, stop him!” I turned to look at the new comer. She was small and slim like Allacia but her face looked like a feral cat’s accented by cat’s ears on her head and… I widened my eyes in slight disbelief. And a tail. I moved forward again only to be stopped by Allacia’s growl. “Stay out of this”, she said growling as she brought both legs up and kicked Depression over her head. She stood slowly touching her face as it swelled slightly, “Ow... You are so dead.” She tackled Depression then rammed her elbow into his stomach multiple times before jumping up. Depression stood up, eyes glowing, and growled, “I'm going to kill you!” Allacia’s voice was taunting again, “Don't make a threat you can't keep”, she said as she jumped up in the air then executed a perfect crescent kick to Depression’s head. We both watched as Depression crumpled to the ground unconscious. An elf boy stood next to the cat girl looking at Allacia with amazement in his eyes, “You HAVE to teach me that one.” She looked over at me apologetically making me smile. Chuckling I opened my arms to her, using the movement to beckon her to come to me. With agonizing slowness she approached then allowed me to fold my arms around her. “That was a nice kick”,I murmured into her ear as she slowly relaxed against me. I rested my cheek against her hair as I continued, “He lets his anger control him.” I had kept my voice soft and gentle; I didn’t want to scare her again. But as I spoke I sent healing energy into her body. She shifted slightly as she looked up at me before looking at the elf boy and cat girl; but I could see that the swelling in her face was reducing as her bruises faded. Following her gaze I asked, “Who are they?” “Ming-Lynn and Kinow. Ming-Lynn is a bobcat-lion Anthro and Kinow is part elf and part human.” I nodded my understanding as Immortilis and John the Black walked into our camp. Then I gently tightened my arms around the small girl leaning against me as they stopped in front of me. Immortilis was the first to speak, “Hello again Allacia. Are these two a part of your family?” He looked over at Ming-Lynn and smiled then looked back at me. “Sir.” I smiled at him, “How was the walk?” It was John who answered me, “Fine all is quiet.” Immortilis was looking at Ming-Lynn again as he said a little absently, “The rest will come soon.” I chuckled knowingly, “Good. Tend to Depression if you will.” They both walked over to the boy’s prone figure with a “Yessir” called over their shoulders. I looked at the girl in my arms and smiled before saying, “They, if you haven't noticed, are totally the same. They’re twins in a way.” My voice dropped to a whisper, “I think Immoritilis has a thing for Ming. I think someone in the council will like Depression, and keep him from getting too... hurt. Yes definitely. She's..... let’s say, wiry.”
I am Danger. You want to know more then go to the page about me or to the Clan's page.
Telling Styles
-Normal Present Tense: Told in third person roleplay. -Abnormal Present Tense: Told in first person roleplay from any "character". -Memory: Told in third person as a story. -Abnormal Tense: Told in first person roleplay from Danger only and it can be past, present, or future.