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.”
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.”