 |
     | ||||||||||
| |||||||||||
|
|||||||
 |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
  |
|
(#21)
|
|
|
Commander of the URR
Posts: 2,526
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: URR Team Ship
   |
09-19-2006, 01:17 AM
Quote:
I'll have to go through and read all your stuff. [i was going to accuse you of stealing from the game, but then i saw this post  ] |
|
|
||
 | ||
| |
|
|
(#22)
|
|
Guardian of Light - Jesus Freak
Posts: 384
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Mississippi
|
10-07-2006, 12:27 AM
((Wow. XD I forgot to update this again. X_X And I'm getting rather far in its sequel already... Got some catching up to do here))
Chapter 18: Search for Truth Edward stared down at Danielle, who was tossing and turning on the bed. Beads of sweat trickled down her pale face. Edward knew exactly what was going on. Xel’lotath had tried to take over Danielle when her mental strength had taken a serious blow, and now she was fighting off the Ancient’s control. Edward was worried about her. Danielle was a very strong girl, but this was her first time going through a fight such as this. He noticed a ghost appear to his right, and thinking it was Maximillian, told them to not even bother arguing. That was when he discovered that it was Ellia, the young dancer killed in the Tome’s second chapter and the one who had guarded the Heart of Mantorok. “Ellia? Forgive me. I thought you were Maximillian. He and I haven’t been on good terms lately… What are you doing here?” “It’s time, Edward,” she said softly. “You cannot stay here any longer.” Edward looked down at his granddaughter, who had finally relaxed and was resting peacefully. “How can I leave her now when she needs me the most?” Ellia sighed. “I know, but if the plan is to work, then we must prepare. I’m sorry, Edward, but this is how it must be.” She paused for a beat. “I suppose a few more minutes won’t do any harm. Tell her what you must, but remember that you do not have much time.” Ellia faded away, and Edward suppressed a smile. The young dancer was certainly more understanding and kinder than Maximillian. He strode over to Danielle’s side as she slowly came to. She was clearly exhausted, but she looked better than before. “Grandpa, it was Xel’lotath. I could feel her inside me, trying to take over.” “It’s all right. You’re safe now.” He let out a heavy sigh. “Danielle, I must depart now. I’ve aided you as much as I can, but the rest is up to you. The fight ahead will be difficult, but I know that you can manage if both you and Alex work together.” Danielle was about to say something, and Edward held up his hand to silence her. “I don’t have much time. Let me finish. “You must rest to recover from what you’ve been through. Alex believes you are dead, so you must be careful when you have to rejoin her. Don’t tell her anything about your connection to Xel’lotath. It’s too dangerous for her to know about.” He thought over everything again, sure he had covered all that he needed to tell her. “Danielle, this will be the hardest test of your strength. Be strong, and you can make it through.” Edward felt himself weakening, being drawn back to the other realm. Not now. Please, not yet. “Danielle, even though you may not see me, I will always be at your side.” He took one last look at his granddaughter. She was just a child involved in something so dangerous, yet she shouldn’t have even been caught up in this in the first place. He smiled gently and vanished. ------------------------------------------------------- Alex inserted the penny she had found in the Tome into the basement circuit breaker. After reading the page and encountering a strange ghost for the key to the basement, she realized that the next page was in the dark room upstairs. A quick check of the circuit breaker revealed that one fuse was indeed missing. Using the penny like Peter Jacob did in his chapter, she completed the circuit and returned upstairs. That ghost was no illusion, she thought. Especially since it dropped the key. What happened to her? Confused, Alex walked into the previously darkened room and looked around. It was the guest bathroom, and nothing out of the ordinary was present besides another page from Maximillian Roivas’s journal. “So where could that chapter page be?” she muttered, staring at herself in the medicine cabinet’s mirror. She stopped for a second and then opened the cabinet. Among the remedies, herbs, and medicines was the next page to the Tome. Alex pulled it out, pausing momentarily to glance at all of the medicines that lined the shelves. There were cures for nearly everything, including hypochondria. She never knew Edward had been so concerned about his health. But was all of this medicine really necessary? “It was like he thought he couldn’t afford to ever get sick. Like everything depended on his well-being. But why did he think this…?” ------------------------------------------------------- Dark Servants ------------------------------------------------------- “You are not free to leave this plane until you complete a task for me,” Pious ordered, staring at the Chattur’gha Guardian before him. He had grown tired of the meddling Roivas line, so he decided to take action. “You are to hunt and kill the master of this house. Do this one thing and you will be free, else fear the wrath of Chattur’gha!” The Guardian turned into a sphere of red light and flew off in the direction of the stairwell that led to the Roivas Estate. Rings of red light surrounded Pious, and he appeared before the image of his master. “Everything is complete for your arrival, Master. Now, we must wait for the planets to align, and that is not too many years from now. Another Roivas has crossed our path. This time, we will not be so merciful.” The Ancient peered down at him. “Mercy has no place in this world…” “He will meet such a horrible death that the rest of the line will never set foot in his house again!” His master’s next words were low and menacing. “Pray to me that they don’t…” ------------------------------------------------------- Danielle blinked a few times as the vision passed, still weary from having to hold off Xel’lotath. Did the vision mean the next page was about her grandfather? She didn’t know, but she had a hunch she was about to find out. She laid back down, the exhaustion from before catching up with her. Taking the advice from her grandfather, she allowed sleep to overcome her. All she needed was a little rest. Then, she would be ready. |
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
(#23)
|
|
Guardian of Light - Jesus Freak
Posts: 384
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Mississippi
|
10-10-2006, 06:22 PM
Chapter 19: A Legacy of Darkness
1952 A.D. Roivas Family Estate, Rhode Island Edward Roivas closed the door to the library behind him, examining the shelves of books that surrounded him. The single book he was searching for was on one of the many shelves, but he forgot where he had put it last. “My education in psychiatry did not prepare me. I would love to see how Freud’s view of his mother would change with the knowledge of Chattur’gha. How Skinner would incorporate Xel’lotath into his behaviorist theories. How Jung would accommodate Ulyaoth into his theory of the collective unconscious.” He found the book he was trying to find and pulled it out from the shelf, walking over to the chairs that were near the fireplace. Edward stared up at the painting of the Roivas family tree, the candles that stood on either side of it giving it an eerie appearance. It was said that if one looked closely, the secrets of the Roivas family would be revealed… “Like my ancestor, Maximillian, I too had an interest in my family tree. As a psychiatrist, I believed that science could provide answers into my family’s sordid, bizarre past. It was with great excitement that I began my search.” He sat down in one of the chairs, feeling comforted by the warm heat of the fire. He slowly opened the book, his eyes scanning the rows of text. “The mansion’s history was filled with my colorful predecessors. Everything from convicted and hung witches to committed madmen, each laying their own peculiar mark on its character. I intended to find their secrets…” Edward closed the book after a while, not sure of how much time had passed since he began. The information he had found still left many of his questions unanswered. His only choice now was to search elsewhere for clues. As he stood up, something slipped out from between the pages of the book, landing on the wood floor. He picked it up, recognizing it as the brass minute hand of a clock. “Strange…” Edward mumbled, thinking. Perhaps this was to the grandfather clock in the library? There was only one way to find out. ------------------------------------------------------- Echo of the Past ------------------------------------------------------- Edward walked into the back of the library, hesitation as he neared the grandfather clock. He felt a presence behind him, and he stopped in his tracks. “Edward…” a ghostly voice called out from behind him. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end, and he spun around quickly. A translucent man was standing there, wearing clothes that dated back to colonial times. Edward gasped, slowly backing away from the ghost of someone he knew had to be dead. “You know who I am Edward…. Although you are doing your best not to believe it. I am, or was, Maximillian Roivas, your ancestor. I died in an asylum after trying to warn the world. The pain and anguish I felt in that cell has empowered me to linger after my death. I must complete what I started, Edward. The Darkness must be stopped, or all of humanity may end!” The ghost of Maximillian walked past him to the other side of the room, gazing at the clock. “Set the clock to the thirty-third minute of the third hour…” With that, the ghost vanished. Edward stared at where Maximillian had once stood, wondering if he had been hallucinating. It was impossible that a ghost could have been in this very room, yet he had seen it with his own eyes. What did he mean by finishing what he had started though. Edward stared down at the clock hand in his fist. There was only one way to find out if this was true, and that was to do as Maximillian had instructed and set the clock to 3:33. He set the minute hand on the clock and returned to the foyer of the Roivas Estate, going over places to check in his mind. The mansion wasn’t exactly huge, but it would be hard to find a single clock hand. With a heavy sigh, he began his search. ------------------------------------------------------- The Legacy Unveiled ------------------------------------------------------- He had found the hour hand of the clock in the second floor study. As he set the time on the grandfather clock to 3:33, a bookcase behind him slid over to reveal a hidden passage. Maximillian’s ghost reappeared, leading him through the passageway and into a study of sorts. The desk in the middle was cluttered with miscellaneous junk. A large, leather-bound book was what stood out the most. Maximillian’s ghost gestured to the items as it spoke. “Take them, and use them. They are humanity’s only hope. Destroy the Guardians, Edward, and avenge my wasted death…” As it said these last words, its voice grew weak, and it reached a hand out to Edward. It vanished from sight. Edward examined the notes scattered about the desk. They referred to the book as the Tome of Eternal Darkness. They also explained that an ancient city was underneath the mansion and was filled with creatures known as “Guardians” that served the dark being “Chattur’gha”. As he read on, he felt a knot of fear build in his stomach. All this time, there had been monsters living under the house of his ancestors. “And it is up to me to stop them…” Edward picked up the Tome, heading out the door of the study. But as he entered the library, he witnessed something that would forever haunt him. A reddish creature had appeared next to a frightened maid, and it opened its mouth and sucked out the blood from the maid without even coming in direct contact with her. He could actually see the blood going through the air and into the creature’s mouth. When it was done, it ran off and vanished, knocking over a vase that left the piece of a key in its shards. The maid collapsed to the floor, but it was only a few seconds before she stood up again and looked at Edward with a blank expression on her face. Her skin was deathly pale, like her whole body had been drained of its… “Blood,” Edward whispered. “That thing was a Vampire…” The maid slowly made her way towards Edward, but he ran as fast as he could through the library door and out into the foyer while snatching the key fragment off the floor. He locked the door behind him quickly so that the maid couldn’t follow after him. Edward feverishly thought of a plan. There was a saber on display in the dining room. Even if he wasn’t a fighter, he had to keep something with him to defend himself. Edward ran in, receiving confused looks from his maids and servants, and snatched up the saber. As he was returning to the foyer, a shrill scream came from one of the second floor rooms. He could hear the confused words of the servants in the foyer as he charged upstairs, running into the master bedroom. The Vampire was there, attacking a servant who was busy cleaning the room. A single slash was sufficient to distract the monster, and it went after Edward instead. After another hit, the Vampire became invisible. As it attacked from another side, it came into view once more. Edward instantly understood and came up with a pattern for fighting. He would dodge the slow attacks when it became visible and strike back quickly. After a few hits, it vanished and ran out of the room. The servant was shaking with fear as he handed Edward a key. “Use it to unlock the gun cabinet. You have to kill that… that thing before anyone gets hurt.” Edward nodded as he ran out of the master bedroom and into the study where the gun cabinet was. He unlocked the door and took out the large gun inside, along with a good amount of shells. It was called an elephant gun and was one of the most powerful weapons created so far. “It would be better if you got out of here,” Edward informed the servant in the room. “Help as many of the others escape as you can. Something is here and is attacking the servants.” The man nodded and left the room immediately. Edward hoped that he would tell the others to leave before the Vampire took more lives. He searched around the room, coming up with ammo for the elephant gun, revolver ammo, and shotgun shells. A more thorough search rewarded him with an old revolver. With a deep breath, he headed back downstairs and enchanted the elephant gun with the Ulyaoth alignment. After a while, he heard the scrape of claws on marble floor. The Vampire appeared nearby, reaching out with its claws to swipe at him. He blasted it with two rounds from the elephant gun, and it immediately ran off. Edward reloaded the weapon, picking up half of a key on the floor. He thought for a moment before combining them together with the Enchant Item spell. He unlocked the door and went through, reaching the bottom of the basement steps in time to see the Vampire absorbing power from a stone monolith. All of its injuries healed up as it did so, and Edward understood that this was what was giving the Vampire its power. Edward dodged attacks from the Vampire, repeatedly blasting the stone monolith until it crumbled. He reloaded the elephant gun with shaky fingers, and when the monster reappeared again, Edward blasted it at point-blank range with the elephant gun. The effect was instantaneous. The Vampire collapsed to the ground, a massive hole in its head. Edward reloaded quickly, picking up ammo around the basement and taking a shotgun off the wall. The stone monolith was covering a hole with a ladder leading downwards. He remembered the notes saying that this was the way into Ehn’gha. Swallowing hard, he climbed down the ladder into the darkness. ------------------------------------------------------- Death Comes to us All ------------------------------------------------------- The ground beneath him shook as he ran. Magickal power built up in the surrounding area, and Edward knew he didn’t have much more time before the spell he had inscribed in Ehn’gha’s array was activated. He had fought his way through the hordes of Chattur’gha to inscribe the runes for a Dispel Magick spell. Now, the spell was about to activate and wipe out every living being within Ehn’gha. Guardians had been trying to stop him from escaping, but he had barely managed to get away from them. Now, he was running as fast as he could up the spiraling staircase that led back to the mansion, his legs aching as he stopped at the ledge overlooking the ancient city. Blue light formed on the tips of the nine spires that overlooked Ehn’gha. Suddenly, from the center of the city, a massive wave of blue light shot out, decimating not only the legions of Chattur’gha but causing damage to parts of Ehn’gha. Edward watched with a shocked expression, unable to believe the power, but feeling relieved that he had destroyed the Guardians. But somewhere deep inside, he knew that this fight was far from being over. ------------------------------------------------------- 48 years later… “Why are you telling me this now? Edward looked at his youngest daughter, seeing the confusion in her eyes. He hated lying to her like this, but he had to. It was his only option. And he had to get her to leave soon. If she stayed any longer, the Guardian would kill her too, and that was completely unacceptable. He shook his head in reply to her question. “Because something important is happening that concerns you. That man in your dreams isn’t just a figment of your imagination. I’m afraid I have no time to explain this to you in detail. I still have work to do. Perhaps… Can you return here in two weeks?” Danielle nodded, standing up from her chair. “Yeah, I can. It’s right after the mission trip.” Edward led her to the front door and held it open for her. “Thanks for telling me the truth. Maybe when Mom and Dad get back, I’ll ask them about this. Well, good-bye…” Without another word, she walked out and silently returned home. Edward sighed, his heart heavy with sadness as he closed the door. He knew this day would come, ever since he discovered the chapter page about her. The vision he had seen of the Guardian murdering her, and then Pious indwelling her with Xel’lotath’s power, still haunted him. He shook his head and returned to the library, writing out a note to Alexandra, his oldest granddaughter, that explained Danielle’s relationship to her and how to contact her. The two of them would need each other for what was about to happen. Edward sealed the note in the envelope and addressed it to Alexandra, leaving it on the desk as he stood up. From a bookshelf nearby he pulled out a dusty novel and sat down in his favorite chair in front of the fireplace. He wished he could have done something to help her when she was attacked by the Guardian, but he was unable to. Not to mention he would have aroused her adopted parents’ suspicions. But now that they were dead, he had no other choice but to tell Danielle the truth. She would find out about her parents on her own. That was something that he couldn’t tell her about no matter what. The grandfather clock chimed three, and he felt a presence behind him, along with a low rumbling sound. He looked up, closing his eyes and knowing what was about to come. I was such a terrible grandfather to them both. Now, I’ve left them alone… He opened his eyes, a single tear trickling down his face. “Forgive me, Alex, Danielle…” There was a sudden, stabbing pain in the back and front of his neck, and he saw no more. ------------------------------------------------------- A Vision of Victory ------------------------------------------------------- Pious knelt before the image of his Master before standing up. He had brought Chattur’gha news of Ehn’gha’s destruction by that fool, Edward Roivas. It seemed that he had acquired the Tome of Eternal Darkness and manage to defeat the Vampire Pious had sent. Staring at Chattur’gha’s image, he delivered his message. “Master, I bring thee grave news. A colony of Guardians in the ruins of Ehn’gha has been decimated. Without them, I fear we are lost…” “Your fears are unfounded, servant. This news is irrelevant. I have seen the future that will come to pass. In this vision, I see myself crushing Xel’lotath, as I was destined to do. My many mouths will consume its body from all sides, gnawing at it until nothing remains,” Chattur’gha boasted. “This I have seen. This is what will be…” “You would place all our faith… in a vision?” Pious asked, doubtful of this. “Yes, just as I have placed all my faith… in you…” |
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
(#24)
|
|
Guardian of Light - Jesus Freak
Posts: 384
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Mississippi
|
11-21-2006, 09:12 PM
Chapter 20: The Final Page
Danielle sat up in bed, rubbing her eyes. So a Chattur’gha Guardian was the one responsible for Edward’s murder. Now she finally knew the truth. Pious had ordered the Guardian to take out Edward in order to scare Alex and her away. “And the older sister shall join him, by blood betrayed, and our return shall be at hand.” Her blood ran cold, and she immediately recognized the voices, one firm and one a whisper, as Xel’lotath’s. “Just shut up and leave me alone!” she snarled. “You have no power to make me do anything. Soon, you will be powerless to resist me, and the blood of the Roivas shall stain the Earth once more before darkness covers the land.” Danielle shut out Xel’lotath’s voices, slowly standing up. Something was wrong. The stench of diseased and rotting flesh was thick in the air. Suddenly, hands wrapped around Danielle’s torso, pinning her arms to her side. Hot, fetid breath washed over the back of her neck. She let out a cry of pain as the creature bit into her shoulder, tearing away flesh and devouring it greedily. Danielle thrust her head back, a pounding pain in the back of her head as she hit the creature’s skull and knocked it backwards. She darted to the dressed and pulled out the magnum revolver that had been left in there. She turned to the Mantorok zombie and took aim at its head. Blood flowed freely from the bite on her shoulder, staining her uniform and dripping down her arm, but she did her best to ignore it. That was when she heard a scream of pain from the hallway. “That was… Alex!” Ignoring the zombie, she ran out into the hall just in time to see a Chattur’gha Bonethief corner her older sister. The body of a second one was nearby, along with the corpse of a Trapper. Danielle focused on the living one, aiming with steady hands. Everything her father had taught her about firearms shot through her mind in an instant. She braced herself, aimed carefully, and pulled the trigger. The round hit dead-on. The Bonethief collapsed to the ground with a bleeding hole in the back of its skull and didn’t move. Danielle lowered the revolver and looked at Alex, noticing the relief and confusion on her face. She knew Alex was wondering how Danielle was still alive and walking around. “You okay, Alex?” she asked softly, walking over to her sister and holding out a hand to help her up. She nodded and took Danielle’s hand, standing up and looking a bit shaken. “I am, but… How did you… You were dead earlier.” Danielle shook her head. “I never really was. I can’t exactly leave my big sis alone, now can I?” Alex embraced Danielle tightly, sobbing. “Whoa, whoa… Easy there… I’m still hurting from where that zombie bit me.” Alex pulled away, surprised. “Zombie? So there are more monsters than just the ones I faced in the house. They must have come after I found this old stethoscope.” Alex held it up for Danielle to see, but quickly lowered it. “Danielle, your shoulder… It’s really bad.” Danielle glanced at her shoulder, cringing. It really was, even though it didn’t hurt that badly. But she knew that if she didn’t do something about it soon, she could start feeling the effects of blood loss. Danielle closed her eyes and focused, casting a 5-point Chattur’gha Recover spell. As the red spheres of light flew into her, Danielle felt a hot, searing pain in her body, but she did her best to ignore it. Just another side-effect of this stupid curse that I have, she thought grimly. “I don’t get it, Danielle. What happened? You weren’t breathing when I checked. I really thought you were dead.” Danielle shrugged. “I don’t really know a whole lot, but I do remember waking up in the bed after that last page.” Alex smiled a bit. “I’m glad you’re okay. I thought I lost you.” “I’m not going down that easily. Not when you could use my help.” Danielle stared down at the Bonethieves’ corpses, swallowing hard. They had come so close to killing Alex… “Did you find anything else besides that stethoscope?” Danielle asked, looking away from the bodies. Alex nodded. “Downstairs, there’s a shotgun and some ammo for both it and your revolver. There’s also this old safe there, and I think that it may be where the next page is. We’ve checked everywhere else in the house, so that’s the only place I can think of.” Danielle thought about it. “Let’s hurry up and get to the basement. I’m going to really need to get some more ammo. We have no idea what we’re going to face besides those zombies. Not to mention we need to get the page and get back to the study before more of them come.” Alex stepped over the corpses to the door. “I think we may be too late on getting to the study before they come,” she said as she opened the door. Danielle glanced out of the door, surprised to see three Mantorok zombies climbing up the stairs. “On to plan B,” Alex whispered. “We have a plan B?” Danielle watched as Alex charged the zombies, cutting them down swiftly. “Oh, that’s plan B. How’d you learn to fight like that?” Alex shrugged. “Just comes naturally. How did you learn to shoot so well?” “Dad taught me. I’m joining some sort of special police group after I graduate. Learning a few things early doesn’t really hurt, now does it?” They both walked downstairs to the basement, talking like Pious’s attack had never happened. Danielle explained how she had already been chosen by an organization known as S.T.A.R.S. to join their ranks once she had graduated. She just didn’t know where she would have to go for it. Once in the basement, Alex immediately began working on the safe. Danielle kept quiet so she could try to work on it. She walked around, picking up the spare ammo and taking the shotgun off its plaque on the wall. Nothing came at them, which was a big relief. A couple of minutes of waiting were rewarded with a click from the safe, and Alex pulled open its door. A few items lined the shelves. There was an old-fashioned crank handle, two pieces of paper, and a glass container with the Veil of Ulyaoth inside. Alex tossed the crank to Danielle and picked up the container. Like before, it was stored in the Tome, leaving only the two pieces of paper. Alex took out the first paper, reading over it quickly. As she did, her hand quivered slightly. “He knew this would happen… Grandpa knew all about it…” Danielle had a feeling she knew what Alex meant, but she took the note and read it. It was from their grandfather and was addressed to the both of them. Dear Alexandra and Danielle, If you are reading this, then I am surely dead. Knowing that the police will contact my only living relative that they know about, and that Alex would contact you Danielle, I made sure to leave this message for the both of you. As I write this letter, Pious Augustus is waiting for his chance to strike me down for what I have done to the Guardian City. I believe I have slowed Augustus’ plans, but not stopped them completely. He will still try to bring his Ancient into this world. You must continue what out ancestor Max has started. You must gather the Artifacts and call forth an Ancient to combat what Augustus brings into the world. Of the artifacts, there are four, but one of these is in the clutches of Pious himself. They are: The Black Heart of Mantorok The Claw of Chattur’gha The Sigil of Xel’lotath The Veil of Ulyaoth Your skill in the arcane science will not be as strong as Pious’, who has had nearly two millennia to prepare his gate. You will need all the remaining artifacts to match his power. It all rests with you my dears. I wish you well in this desperate act. I wish I had more guidance for you, but I am at my wit’s end and I feel I am running out of time. Your Loving Grandfather, Edward Danielle felt anger build up inside. “All this time he was helping us prepare to fight Pious.” She gripped the paper tightly. “It’s up to us now. That page must be the last one, and the alignment is in…” She looked at her watch. “…less than an hour. I found notes saying magick becomes stronger at the time of planetary alignment. We have to finish this last page.” Alex looked at her, tears running down her face. “What’s gotten into you, Danielle? We find Grandpa’s very last letter to us, and it sounds like you could care less.” The words hit hard. Danielle stared at Alex, awestruck. She was right, though. She felt like she didn’t really care about the note… What had gotten into her? “Alex, I’m sorry. I’ve just… It’s been hard on me…” “Hard? You don’t know anything about hard! I had to watch them bury the man who was the only family I really ever had. And where were you, huh?” Dang. All of this is starting to get to her. She’s having an emotional breakdown. I have to play it carefully. “I was in Mexico trying to save lives. And in case you’ve forgotten, I just got home when I found out what happened.” “Even if that’s true, you still rarely acted sad over what happened.” Danielle stared down at the floor. “I’ve lost so many people in my life, I’m used to it. Don’t get me wrong about this. I’m not some cold-hearted freak. I’ve just seen death so many times I’m used to it.” Danielle noticed Alex’s rage die away. “What do you mean?” she asked quietly. “My whole family is gone. Just happened over the years until all I have left was Mom, Dad, and Devin. Devin went up to Maine for college and his job, and I haven’t heard from him lately. Mom and Dad went to San Francisco for police work and visiting friends. They were supposed to be back over two weeks ago. But no matter what Leo says, they aren’t coming back. They never will.” Alex gently laid a hand on Danielle’s shoulder. “How could you be so sure?” Danielle’s thoughts returned to that dream she had had those few weeks ago. It had seemed so real… “Because they vanished without a trace in the first week of being there.” Danielle pulled away, walking up the basement steps. “Don’t follow me, Alex. I want to be left alone.” She opened the door, slamming it shut behind her. ------------------------------------------------------- Alex watched Danielle leave, a pang of guilt in her heart. Because of her argument, she had pushed her little sister farther away from Alex. “I’m so stupid! I didn’t even think about what she’s been through! I hope she’s not too mad at me…” Alex sighed and turned back to the safe, staring at the final item on its shelves. The final chapter page from the Tome of Eternal Darkness was right there, waiting to be read. This nightmare was almost over. She grabbed the page, skimming over its title. “Ashes to Ashes, 1991 in the Middle East. This must be it…” Alex took a deep breath and slipped the page into the Tome, returning to the study. ------------------------------------------------------- A Storm Rises ------------------------------------------------------- Pious stood within the Portal Chamber, staring into the darkness that surrounded him while thinking over things in his head. He heard one of his monks approach from behind, but he did not turn around. “A storm approaches, Augustus… A storm of Metal and Fire, and a torrent of souls along with it… Young and vibrant…” Pious nodded slightly. “Yes, I have seen it coming. A worthy sacrifice, I’m sure, and one that will allow the Greater Guardian that resides below to finish its channeling…” Pious invoked a spell, speaking to the portal for Chattur’gha to hear. “With this sacrifice of souls I make unto thee, great one, the gates shall be readied to be open, and your freedom shall be at hand!” |
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
(#25)
|
|
Guardian of Light - Jesus Freak
Posts: 384
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Mississippi
|
11-22-2006, 09:09 AM
((This is sheer evidence of how lazy I was when I wrote this chapter. >>))
Chapter 21: Ashes to Ashes 1991 A.D. Middle East “Wherever disaster and death lurk, there is likely to be an Ancient, just beyond our senses, waiting. They prey on our misfortune, and exploit it towards their own twisted ends. When hundreds of oil fields are set ablaze on the heels of war, the Ancient’s grip tightens, knowing that lives will be forfeit, and resources squandered. But a few people make a difference. People like Michael Edwards, a Canadian industrial firefighter hired to put an end to the insanity at the end of the war. Ironically for him, the insanity was just beginning…” “How’s the temperature in there?” a voice crackled over his radio. Michael Edwards snatched it from his belt, shouting over the roar of the flames. Another oil well had been set ablaze by Sadam’s soldiers, and it was up to his team to put this one out. “It’s hotter than heck here! I’m getting a little nervous about this one! It feels more out of control than the others! More powerful! And I don’t know how else to describe it!” He watched two of his men in protective suits run to the well cap, preparing the explosives. “This is the safest way to blow out these things. You’ve done this enough to know that. It’s by the numbers. It’s all good, so relax…” “The silicon cloth and the water spray are there, so you’re probably right. We’ve got 400 pounds of 80 percent nitro-glycerin grade dynamite all in place. We’re good to go!” “Edwards! You can pull your team back now! Get your team to a safe distance, and we’ll try to kill the fire!” Michael watched his team begin to run back, but one had stayed a bit longer working on the explosives. “Sure thing! Coming back now!” he called back to the helicopter pilot over his radio. But something caught his eyes. Something looked wrong with the explosives. Suddenly, the pilot’s voice came over the radio, frantic now. “We’ve got a pressure increase at the well cap. It’s gonna tear itself apart! Get your team out of—“ Without warning, the explosives went off prematurely, blowing a massive hole through layers of rock in the ground. Michael only had time to register what happened before he was falling down into the darkness. He didn’t know how long he had been out, or if he had ever been knocked unconscious in the first place. But as soon as he stood up, he saw the bodies of his two friends and comrades a few feet away. “What the heck happened? They’re all dead! McCormick… Patterson… All gone…” Michael looked around as he took off his gear, leaving on only a sleeveless muscle shirt and his overalls. There was a giant stone pillar, and on the sides of it, two torches illuminated a nightmare. People had been cemented into place; their faces showed expressions of pain and fear. “Looks like they’ve been buried alive… under tons of concrete…” To his surprise, some sort of ghost appeared in front of him with a strange object floating between its semi-transparent hands. “Take this,” he beckoned. “Guard it well. Many have perished for it. Take it. Take it to the ruins of Ehn’gha.” A vision passed before his eyes of a great city with towering buildings and spires. “At the ruins, a Gathering of Light…” This time, the vision was of a large mansion. The sign in front said Roivas, and Michael somehow knew the exact location of the house. “You want me to take this…” he gestured towards the object, “to some ruins under a house in Rhode Island?” he asked with a hint of disbelief in his voice. The ghost held out the object. “Take it! Save us… all!” As soon as the last word left his mouth, the ghost vanished. ((Too lazy to put the rest of the chapter in <<)) Michael set up the C4 explosives, the spheres of blue light that served as his shield still flying around him. He focused on casting a 7-point Ulyaoth Enchant Item spell on the explosives, and they began to glow with blue light. “This should do it,” he whispered to himself, setting them down in the middle of the bridge that crossed over a large abyss. The timer was set for three minutes. He was sure he could get out of there before the bomb went off. Michael hefted the assault rifle and ran as fast as he could out of the room, heading over the electrified floor and loosing a few spheres that protected him. As he rounded the corner, a massive Horror attempted to prevent his escape. Michael barely even thought about aiming as he snapped up the rifle and emptied the entire clip into the Horror. As soon as it fell to the ground, he was running past it and through the door. Beyond that were three zombies, slowly trying to reach Michael to attack. There’s no time to fight all of these things! I’ll just have to run through them! Michael braced himself and ran through the small group, shoving them out of the way to get to the door. He felt his grip on reality slip, and he saw blood trickling down the walls. Shutting his eyes against the illusion, he pulled open the door and slammed it shut behind him. Taking a deep breath, he cast a 7-point Xel’lotath Magick Pool spell before running through the ruins once more. Monsters filled the corridors he had cleared earlier, determined not to allow his escape. Michael was bringing down this cursed place, and the beasts wanted to make sure he went with it. The floor shook beneath his boots as he ran, dodging past terrors left and right. Rocks trickled from the ceiling, and there were places were tons of debris had fallen in the time it took him to return here from setting the C4. What kind of monstrous force was attempting to keep him here? He barely had time to think about it as he scaled up a ladder nearby. ------------------------------------------------------- “Ahhhhh… Sweet Alex…” Alex gasped, recoiling as the hand of the ghost beside her touched her face. It wasn’t her grandfather at all. She was sure of it. “Many centuries I’ve waited for you… You are mine! Don’t disappoint me now… I’ve waited such a long time, Alex…” Alex knew exactly who this was. Pious Augustus was here again. “Never!” she shouted. “I know what you are… I’ve seen what happened!” She put her head in her hands, and a chill passed over her back and shoulders as he whispered in her ear. “You can try and fight me, but in the end you shall succumb to my desires, just as Danielle will…” Hs voice changed, becoming deeper and stronger. “My foolish child… You don’t even know your own destiny…” He pulled his arm away. Alex clenched her fists, seething. “Get… away from me!” She swung her fist at him, catching a glimpse of Pious’s skeletal form just before he vanished. Alex stared silently at the place he once occupied, thinking. Why did he mention Danielle? Was he planning something that had to do with her? Alex didn’t know, but she wasn’t going to let Pious hurt Danielle again. Her anger slowly dying away, she went back to reading the page. ------------------------------------------------------- The angry hisses and roars of the monsters behind Michael grew louder as he neared the exit. Sweat dripped down his face, and adrenaline pumped through his system. He knew that his time was quickly running out, and he wasn’t entirely sure if there was an exit nearby. Debris had closed off the previous way he entered into this place, not that it really mattered. There was no possible way that he could escape by going back to the room with the pillar. His only hope was to continue through a newly-cleared path. As Michael shoved open the double doors, he felt a surge of relief flow through him. There was a ladder just up ahead with a shaft of light shining down onto the dusty tiles. This was it. He was finally free of this nightmare! Michael scaled up the ladder quickly as the monsters came through the very doors he just walked through. Their claws reached up to slash at his legs, but they missed each time, and he escaped to the surface. Even though he was exhausted by all that happened, adrenaline gave him an extra boost of speed, and he ran as fast as he could into the desert away from the well cap. He had long since lost track of time as he ran, but soon he was shoved to the sand by a massive wave of sound and air. Michael closed his eyes as a cloud of sand rushed past him, but when he opened his eyes once more, he saw the massive plume of smoke and sand that rose up from the well cap. Michael let out a deep breath, falling down into a sitting position in the sand as the dust settled. It was finally over… Not yet. I still have one more thing to do… ------------------------------------------------------- Back to Civilization ------------------------------------------------------- A few years later… Michael shifted the brown package under his arm a bit as he walked, eyes darting towards the shadows. His footsteps echoed into the dark night. He noticed an elderly man standing alone with his back to Michael up ahead. This had to be the guy. As the man turned to face him, Michael spoke up. “Thanks for coming. I didn’t think you’d show,” Michael said quietly, still glancing around. The man, Edward Roivas, looked confused. “Look, I have no idea who you—“ Michael cut him off quickly, his voice urgent. “I think you do. Just as much as I know, you know. Let’s be quick. The Guardians know where I am, and I won’t last the night. But that’s not the point.” He handed the package to Edward, who was obviously not sure what was going on. “What’s this?” “Something you need. Don’t open it here, only in privacy. They can sense it, if it’s not shrouded,” Michael warned. “Is it… one of the artifacts?” Michael shook his head and took a step back. “You must leave. There’s something I need to do before they get to me… I can’t protect you if they find us.” He turned around, starting down the sidewalk once more. “Good luck!” he called over his shoulder as he walked away, aware that this may be the last night of his entire life. |
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
(#26)
|
|
Guardian of Light - Jesus Freak
Posts: 384
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Mississippi
|
11-25-2006, 11:29 AM
Chapter 22: Gateway to Destiny
Danielle grunted slightly with the effort of turning the crank handle in its slot. The beam of light from the telescope array rotated around and hit another of the sphere shaped mirrors. “Reflect the light around until it hits the spot on the globe. Simple to figure out, but why make something like this?” She sighed and pulled out the handle, heading to the next crank. “The alignment is complete. Now it is time for the summoning.” “Shut it, you freak,” Danielle muttered, moving on to the last crank. She was getting tired of having to listen to Xel’lotath’s voice in her head constantly. It was seriously getting on her nerves. Finally, she moved the light beam to where it hit the globe on the floor. A grinding sound came from somewhere down below, most likely in the basement. As the doorbell rang, Danielle ran to answer it, only to have Alex beat her to it. She was holding a hastily wrapped brown parcel in her hands with a confused look. “Someone dropped this off here, but I couldn’t tell who. They just ran off…” “I wonder what’s inside…?” Even as Danielle said this, Alex tore the paper off of the package, opening up the box that it covered. Inside was a Gladius glowing with blue light and a glass container with the third Artifact they needed: the Sigil of Xel’lotath. “The third artifact…” Danielle whispered. “Alex, do you know what this means?” Her sister nodded slightly. “We can stop Pious now. But how will these help?” Danielle gave Alex a sly grin. “We’re going to summon Ulyaoth.” ------------------------------------------------------- Danielle squinted as they stood at the hallway that led to Ehn’gha’s array system. The floor was yellow from the magick that covered it, keeping intruders from proceeding further into the city. But it wasn’t the floor that caught her eye. It was a glint of red near the massive wood door a good few feet ahead of them. There was also an oppressive feeling from that direction; powerful magick in the air made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. “Damage Field ahead,” she said softly, her voice echoing in the still air. Alex shot her a glance filled with confusion. “How are you so sure about that?” Lifting her finger to point to the tiny bit of red she spotted from her position, she quickly explained. “I can see something red over there, like glowing runes. Also, I can feel it in the air… It’s powerful magick. Gotta be a seven point field, too.” Alex squinted herself, then nodded. “Yeah, I see it, too. We’ll have to make it to one of those doorways nearby to cast the Dispel spell. There’s no way it can work from here.” Danielle nodded, glancing at all of the doorways. “None of this was here before… The magickal defenses, I mean. Someone must have done it recently. And I’m betting it was a line of last defense set up by Pious. He expected us to make it this far, I’m sure… But he won’t be expecting Chattur’gha’s nemesis to be summoned.” She noticed that Alex was staring at her with a slightly curious look. “How can you be so sure about all that?” A small smile spread across Danielle’s face. “I dunno. I’m just taking all the clues I’ve noticed and trying to put together a logical conclusion.” A chuckle escaped from her lips. “Maybe that’s why I’m always made the leader of things.” Alex shook her head, grinning. “You’re unbelievable,” she muttered. Casting a 7-point Shield spell, she took a deep breath. “You stay here until that barrier is down, then run through the door, okay?” Danielle nodded, then folded her arms, watching as her older sister ran out onto the floor. As she closed her eyes, she focused her power into casting her own Shield spell. The green orbs of light circled around her quickly, almost like little fireflies in the dark corridor. She watched them zip around in circles before she felt a shiver run through her. Danielle looked up, noticing the blue shockwave that spread out from Alex’s perch near the door. The familiar sound of a Damage Field being nullified rang out in the air, along with Alex’s cue to run for the door. Danielle bent her knees and took off for the door, watching as orbs vanished from her shield one by one. She ran through the door without a moment’s hesitation, followed soon afterwards by Alex. Together, they stared up at the massive array, catching their breaths. Danielle stepped forward to the three pedestals, examining the one in the middle. Its top was missing, and she noticed one of the pieces off to her right. “Hey Alex, check this out,” she said, stepping aside as her sister approached. “It got broken apart… Look around for the other part of the pedestal.” Danielle crouched down and picked up the piece, barely paying attention to Alex walking past her. It didn’t take long for Alex to find the other segment, and she brought it over to Danielle. She handed over the piece she was holding to her older sister, watching as she cast a 3-point Enchant Item spell. The magick surged into the pieces, putting them together. “Go ahead and start putting the Artifacts on the other pedestals. I’ve got this handled,” Danielle said, fitting the pedestal on its broken stand. She stepped aside to allow Alex to place the final artifact, the Sigil of Xel’lotath, on the pedestal. The whole array lit up suddenly, and the air surged with power. Alex walked over to one of the nine switches on the wall and pressed it, looking back at Danielle. “Stay here. I’ll go and inscribe each of the runes.” Danielle opened her mouth to protest, but Alex cut her off before she could even utter a sound. “No, Danielle. You are not coming. I’ve already lost you once. If it’s dangerous, and you get hurt… I’ll never be able to live with myself.” Danielle shook her head. “Yeah, but… What if something happens to you, and I don’t know it?” Alex stared at her silently, a look of sadness on her face, before stepping into the rings of light from the array and vanishing. ------------------------------------------------------- Danielle stared dully at her watch, trying to remember how long it had been since Alex has last passed by. It wasn’t too long, and since this was the last rune that needed to be inscribed, she didn’t have to wait much longer. The array was already active again, with blue rings of light in the middle. But there was no way she was going to step into the array until Alex arrived. The large wooden door slid up on its tracks, and Danielle fought to suppress a grin. “Speak of the devil,” Danielle whispered, standing up from her seat on the steps. Alex came through the door, looking a bit worn out. She stared at the array behind Danielle, appearing thoughtful. Danielle instantly knew what was going through her mind, because she was thinking the exact same thing. They were about to face off against Pious Augustus in a battle that would decide the fate of all humankind. “Are you ready for this?” Alex asked softly, putting a hand on Danielle’s shoulder. Danielle nodded and took a deep breath. “As ready as I’ll ever be… Let’s finish this. I have a little bit of payback to give Pious.” She gripped the shotgun in her hands tightly and stepped forward into the portal. ------------------------------------------------------- Danielle staggered forwards as she was sent to the chamber she had seen so many times in her visions of Pious. It was the same as she had always seen it. But where was Pious? She took a few steps forward when she realized that Alex wasn’t there. Danielle turned around, but was sent sprawling as something hard slammed into her face. She winced and looked up, confusion and pain replaced by fear as she saw who her attacker was. “Looking for me?” |
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
(#27)
|
|
Guardian of Light - Jesus Freak
Posts: 384
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Mississippi
|
11-26-2006, 01:07 PM
Chapter 23: The Darkness Comes
Danielle stared into the face o Pious Augustus as he chuckled heartily. “Perhaps it would be useful to you and your sister if you had knowledge of the array. Its portal must recharge after each use.” He beckoned with his free hand, and a barrier of energy blocked off the section where Danielle had arrived. Almost immediately after, Alex appeared, looking surprised that she was trapped by a barrier while Danielle and Pious were on the other side. “Ahhhhh… Miss Roivas. You’re just in time. Your pathetic sister is finally going to receive the death she has been evading for so long.” As he lifted up his bone staff, Danielle rolled out of the way, Alex’s screaming of her name ringing in her ears. The tip of the staff hit nothing but stone, and Danielle jumped to her feet. She lifted her shotgun and pulled the trigger, getting knocked back slightly by the weapon’s kick. The blast hit an invisible barrier around Pious, and he laughed once more. “Is that all the great Liche of Xel’lotath has to offer?” Danielle gritted her teeth, aware that Alex was staring at her with a confused expression. “Liche of Xel’lotath? Danielle, what’s he talking about?” Pious laughed sharply, amused by this. “First your grandfather, and now your beloved sister? My, my… People sure do love to keep secrets from you. Danielle here has kept the truth from you. All this time, she was a Liche, a betrayer of humanity. She knew about it all along, but she decided to not tell you.” “No way… You’re lying!” Alex shouted. A sneer spread across his face. “Is that so…? Then tell me, why is she so weak to my Master’s magick?” As he said this, he raised his hand, sending a blast of magickal energy at Danielle. She screamed in pain, collapsing to her knees and unable to move. “Danielle! Leave her alone, Pious!” Pious laughed again, turning to face Alex. Danielle could just barely see her sister out of the corner of her eye. “Why? The Liche are your enemy, Alex. Think to yourself: Why did just a weak blast of magick cause so much pain and damage to her? How come she could never use Chattur’gha magick herself?” Alex fell silent, and she looked at Danielle. “Danielle, is it true…?” When she didn’t say a word, a hint of anger crept into her voice. “Danielle! Why didn’t you tell me!?” Danielle felt her heart sink, along with the effects of the Magickal Attack wearing off. Pious laughed once more. “It hurts, doesn’t it? The only person you can trust turns on you as soon as she faces the facts and learns the truth. I wonder how your adoptive parents must have felt when they learned their child was the one who killed them.” “No… I never hurt Mom and Dad!” Danielle shouted, staggering to her feet. Pious walked up to her, but Danielle held her ground. “You don’t remember? Then let me refresh your memory. During the first week they were gone… Do you remember the nightmare you had? The one where you watched them be slaughtered by the Greater Guardian of Xel’lotath. No way! How the heck could he know about that!? Danielle thought, her heart sinking. Pious went on. “It wasn’t a dream. You were there. You summoned the Greater Guardian. I watched you myself as you ordered their deaths.” “No… You’re lying…” Danielle whispered quietly. But deep down inside, she felt that it was the truth. “I’m not lying, and you know it.” Danielle’s eyes were filled with tears as she gripped the shotgun tightly. With a roar of anger, she charged forward and slammed the butt of the shotgun into Pious’s jaw. He was silent as he slowly turned his head to face her. Danielle was about to bring the shotgun around again when Pious shot his hand out and grabbed her around the throat. With ease, he lifted her up, letting her feet dangle in the air. Her shotgun slipped from her grip as she tried to pull his hand away. Danielle heard Alex cry her name, and Pious’s hand tightened. “Last time, your sister came to the rescue. Not this time.” She struggled to think of a plan, and one came to mind instantly. Bringing up her left leg as a brace on Pious’s armor, she landed a solid kick on his chin with her right leg that forced him to release her. She landed awkwardly on the ground, but managed to recover quickly. She snatched up the shotgun and stared Pious in the eye. “No matter what you do, you can’t change the future. You’re destined to serve Xel’lotath and kill your sister. Nothing will change that.” Danielle pumped the shotgun with one hand as nine blue runes appeared on the ground. “No, Pious. You’re wrong. Things can change, and I’m going to prove it.” The spell finished with the last of her words, and a blue shockwave from the Dispel Magick spell knocked out the barrier. A look of rage appeared on Pious’s face as Alex stepped up beside Danielle. She didn’t even glance at Alex as she spoke. “Alex, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t—“ Alex cut her off. “Don’t say anything, Danielle. I understand. Let’s not talk about it until we finish this battle.” Danielle nodded solemnly, and Alex readied the Enchanted Gladius. Together, they were a force to be reckoned with: Alex, the Guardian of Light, and Danielle, the rebellious Liche. They were the last hope for humanity, and they didn’t plan on losing. ------------------------------------------------------- Pious knew things would not be simple. He was counting on Alex to no longer trust Danielle after the truth was revealed. It would weaken her will and maker her easier to fight. As for Danielle, she wasn’t even supposed to have the strength to break free from his grip. His whole entire plan was falling to pieces. The last chance he had was to summon his master. Even if he was to fail his master, Lord Chattur’gha would reign over all. He could imagine his lord making them pay, torturing them until the last minute of their pathetic and worthless lives. “This is the end,” Danielle said calmly. Pious tapped his staff on the ground, replying with a hard edge in his voice. “Yes, the end indeed.” Nine red rune appeared on the ground, and power flowed though Pious into his staff. With a maniacal laugh, a great explosion of energy rocked the chamber, and a pillar of red light shot forth into the air from Pious. ------------------------------------------------------- In the cold depths of space, nine red runes appeared in a circle. An enormous claw was thrust out of it, and a serpent-like creature wriggled out as if climbing through a hole. Its tail came out just before the portal closed, and it gazed down at the sapphire and emerald jewel that was Earth, its new kingdom. Its armor was black in color and covered most of its body. Two large, pincer-like claws were its arms, and their ridges were sharp and lethal. It opened its three-jawed maw and let out a hideous roar. After thousands of years, Chattur’gha had returned. Some distance away from the Ancient, a set of blue runes appeared. A jellyfish-like monster dropped down through the portal. A veil surrounded its pulsating internal organs, and small blue globes of energy surrounded its apex. Ulyaoth, Chattur’gha’s mortal enemy, pulsed with power as it sighted its nemesis. The battle had begun. ------------------------------------------------------- Pious glared at the sisters. This was something he hadn’t even considered in his scenarios. The two sisters would summon Ulyaoth when he, too, wished to control the Earth? Were they willing to sacrifice the whole human race just to defeat him? No… he would not let this stop him! The Claw of Chattur’gha appeared behind him, protecting him with a Shield spell. Taking his staff in both hands, he prepared for the fight. |
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
(#28)
|
|
Guardian of Light - Jesus Freak
Posts: 384
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Mississippi
|
11-28-2006, 05:38 PM
Chapter 24: When Darkness Falls
Danielle snatched the revolver from her belt, firing a shot that merely reflected off his shield. But something curious happened. Red light shot from Pious to a space behind him, making the Claw of Chattur’gha appear. “The Claw is the Essence, the source of Pious’s power from Chattur’gha…” Her eyes widened. “Alex, destroy the Claw! That’s the only way to get rid of this shield!” Alex nodded and ran to strike the Artifact. Danielle ran at Pious, kicking at his face in an attempt to knock him back. He caught her foot with ease, throwing her down to the ground. She grunted as she hit the floor face down, the revolver clattering down a few feet in front of her. Pious planted his own foot on her back, pushing down hard and trying to crush her spine. Danielle gritted her teeth against the pain and reached out her hand towards the revolver, but ended up screaming as Pious plunged his staff right down into her hand. His cruel laughter rose over the sounds of her screams, but it was quickly cut off by a grunt. Pious staggered sideways, pulling the staff out in the process. Alex helped Danielle to her feet, looking at her bloodied hand. Danielle’s body was shaking, and she couldn’t think straight. Her hand just hurt so badly, and she felt like she was going to be sick. She didn’t even notice Alex tearing off a piece of her shirt and winding it tightly around her hand to staunch the flow of blood. “Focus, Danielle! Stay with me!” Danielle looked up at her sister, still trembling. She could also see Pious coming up from behind Alex, ready to swing his staff at her head. “B-behind…” was all she could manage to whisper, but Alex got her warning. She spun around, bringing up her sword and blocking the staff. “Danielle, go!” Alex shouted over her shoulder. Danielle gripped the railing near her with her left hand and made her way to the lower section of the platform, panting with the effort and extremely light-headed. She looked over towards her sister and saw that she was striking at the Claw. I… have to help her… Danielle thought, staring down at her hand. She closed her eyes, trying to focus on the spell she wanted to cast instead of the immense pain in her hand. “Narokath, Santak, Chattur’gha…” As the spheres of light flew into her body, she hissed through clenched teeth, feeling a pain like fire spreading through her whole body. It took her mind off her hand, if only for a second. It still hurt, but nowhere near as bad as before. Danielle staggered over to the shotgun lying on the ground, picking it up with her left hand. She positioned it to where her right hand was supporting the barrel and her left was around the trigger. Lightning flew by her, and the Claw appeared by her side. She quickly looked back towards her sister, but saw in her place the ghost of Ellia. “Danielle!” she shouted as Pious moved towards the lower platform. Danielle narrowed her eyes. “Go. Get the Artifact, Ellia,” she ordered, but her voice sounded weak instead of determined like she meant for it to be. She fired a blast at Pious, knocking him back a bit more. Ellia darted past her without even a sound and struck the Artifact, being replaced by Alex. “The others! They’re helping us, Danielle! They’re helping us to fight against Pious!” Danielle glanced at her out of the corner of her eye and nodded, then focused on Pious once more. “Please, Alex. Be quick… I can’t manage this much longer…” Her breathing was heavy, and her vision kept on losing focus. It wouldn’t be long until she lost the small amount of strength she had gained from the Recovery spell and was at the mercy of her opponent. ------------------------------------------------------- In space, the battle between the Ancients raged on. Chattur’gha opened his right claw, and a red beam shot from it. Ulyaoth brought up two of his tentacles and conjured a blue portal. The beam entered it and reappeared behind Chattur’gha from yet another portal, striking him in the back. ------------------------------------------------------- Danielle sidestepped a staff strike from Pious, but barely. She fired another blast at him to push him backwards, but it didn’t do much good. As she reached for more shells, her injured hand seized up in pain, making her drop most of the shells. She muttered under her breath, inserting one of the shells she managed to keep a grip on. She was dimly aware of Karim landing a blow on the Essence of Chattur’gha. Karim…? But I thought it was Anthony who was just there… Ah, forget it… I can’t recall anything right now… Pious’s face contorted in range as he rushed at her, swinging his staff. She ducked and sidestepped, nearly losing her balance as she fired another shot. Maximillian rushed by her to the Essence, striking it with his ghostly sword. Danielle could tell that the Claw was starting to crack, which meant that it would soon be destroyed. Just a few more strikes would do it… ------------------------------------------------------- Still smoking from the failure of his attack, Chattur’gha brought up his left claw and thrust it at Ulyaoth. The Ancient of Magick swiftly intercepted the claw with a portal. When the claw was halfway through, the portal closed and severed it. Chattur’gha stared at his damaged claw, which was trailing red energy, and let out a roar of pain. Off in the distance, the remnants of the claw appeared and drifted through space. ------------------------------------------------------- Danielle was on her last few shells, still trying to keep Pious at bay. Paul attacked the Essence, which was even more damaged than before by now. With her revolver on the lower section of the platform, she was unable to go after it. Now, the only way she could fight was by using the now empty shotgun as a melee weapon. She grunted with the exertion of swinging the shotgun at Pious, but landed a hard blow on his shield, making the Artifact appear. Danielle sidestepped another blow, but Pious must have predicted her evasive move, for the staff cut across the left side of her face. She put her right hand over the injury, crying out in pain. But at that moment, Roberto hit the Artifact, and it shattered into pieces. ------------------------------------------------------- Chattur’gha roared defiantly at his opponent. Ulyaoth created a portal above him and shot down a beam at Chattur’gha’s right arm. He was knocked down from the force of the attack, and the beam sucked his arm into oblivion. Chattur’gha roared in pain and attempted to crawl away. Blue lighting enveloped Ulyaoth, empowering him. He created a massive beam that sucked up all of Chattur’gha’s body except for his head and severed claw, instantly killing the Ancient. The globes around Ulyaoth’s body spun about, and a final portal vacuumed up the remainder of Chattur’gha. ------------------------------------------------------- Pious roared in agony and anger, attacking Danielle in a blind rage. Somehow, deep inside, she knew the source of his anger. Chattur’gha was dead. She jumped backwards, then gripped the shotgun with two hands despite the massive pain in her right hand. She let out a cry as she thrust the shotgun into Pious’s face so hard that his head was jerked back and he fell to the ground. He didn’t get up again. Danielle let the shotgun drop from her hands as she turned to face Alex, a weary and pained expression on her face. “You did it, Alex!” she managed to shout hoarsely, forcing a grin of triumph. Alex nodded and smiled, about to say something, when she suddenly screamed Danielle’s name. She felt a burst of pain in her stomach, and she could hear Pious’s soft laughter behind her. Danielle felt Pious withdraw his staff, and Danielle staggered around to face him. A grin was on his face as he righted his staff, which was dripping with— Blood… Danielle thought dimly. My blood… I turned my back on him… I did the stupidest thing of all… And I guess this is what I get for it… Guess I really was destined to die… at his hands… Danielle’s eyelids suddenly became heavy, and she couldn’t breathe through the liquid in her throat. She tried talking, but the words were barely understandable. “A-Al-lex… So…rry…” As she closed her eyes, she wasn’t even aware of falling to the ground. She wasn’t really aware of anything other than Alex’s voice crying out her name. That was the last thing she heard before her heart stopped. ------------------------------------------------------- Alex trembled with both rage and sadness. Danielle had fought against all odds to help Alex, even when she was in great pain. And now she was gone. No one could survive a blow like that. The final look on Danielle’s face would forever haunt her. It was filled with fear, pain, sorrow, and regret… Pious’s laughing only served to fuel the fire blazing inside. Never before had she been so angry. For the first time, she felt pure, unwavering hatred for someone. “You killed her… You killed Danielle… YOU MONSTER!!!” Before Pious could react, Alex had charged him and cut deep into his side with the Gladius. Pious screamed from the magick that surged through the sword and dropped his staff, receiving another blow to his side. Alex continued the onslaught until Pious collapsed to the ground. “How the mighty have fallen,” she muttered, picking up his staff and standing over him. |
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
(#29)
|
|
Guardian of Light - Jesus Freak
Posts: 384
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Mississippi
|
11-29-2006, 04:23 PM
Chapter 25: In Darkest Night
Pious screamed in pain, writhing on the ground. Staff of bone in hand, Alex walked over to him. “The Darkness is not so easily destroyed!” he shouted defiantly. She raised up the staff, but Pious interrupted her. “No! My death is just the beginning!” Alex glared at him, remembering the look on Danielle’s face. She thrust the staff deep into Pious’s stomach, piercing through the armor. Alex pulled out the staff, watching as magickal energy, his life force, shot out of him. Pious let out a cry of pain that slowly died away as he slumped to the ground and didn’t move again. Alex tossed away his staff when violent images flooded her mind. She saw the Guardians of Ulyaoth performing arcane rituals on humans. At once, she realized her mistake. “What have I done!?” she cried, falling to her knees. “Ulyaoth is still free! I can’t do anything to stop him!” That was when she heard her grandfather’s voice in her mind. “Quickly, Alex! We must bind this creature! It cannot be allowed to remain in this Universe.” Alex understood what he meant. “Bankorok! Use Bankorok.” Before her eyes, she saw Ulyaoth being pulled into a blue portal and vanishing from this realm. Edward appeared nearby, walking over to Alex as she stood up. “It is finally over, my dear. The Ancients’ plans are finished.” He was about to say something else when a cold, cruel voice cut him off. “It’s far from being over. The battle has just begun.” An icy hand clutched Alex’s heart as she and Edward turned to face the speaker. Danielle was standing there, her head down and eyes closed. Her body shook as she laughed softly. The laughing became louder as she raised her head, opening her eyes to reveal the emerald green color. The wound in her stomach and right hand were no longer bleeding. “It’s been so long, you know. So long since I’ve heard screams of pain like this. It’s very… refreshing, you could say.” Alex let out a startled gasp, understanding what was happening in an instant. This wasn’t her sister anymore. The darkness and hatred that radiated off of her was evidence enough, along with her cruel smile. “What are you talking about… What did you do to my sister!?” Danielle, now Xel’lotath, laughed once more. “Oh, she’s still here,” she said, tapping her head. “And because of that, she feels every little pain in her body. So, you can imagine how she must feel right now. If you thought her hand was bad…” She laughed sharply again. Edward took a step towards Xel’lotath. “How could you do this to a child, Xel’lotath!?” Xel’lotath smirked. “It’s survival of the fittest, as your granddaughter would say,” she replied, her voice sounding strange. There were two separate voices. Xel’lotath’s was the stronger one, and Danielle’s was the weaker. “Her body will do nicely until I open the Veil of Reality to allow my real body to come through. And then…. Well, perhaps I’ll let you witness what I’ll do to her frail mind. You’ll be begging me to put her out of her misery.” “Let my sister go!” Alex shouted, anger flaring up inside. Xel’lotath chuckled. “How about… no. Your sister is too weak to even do anything with her body. Why let a good thing go to waste? Besides, she’s not even human anymore.” Xel’lotath tapped her forehead. “Every single memory is here. How she feels alone, like the whole world abandoned her. And it’s so enjoyable to torment her frail mind with images of what I’ll do to you, along with making her feel such immense pain.” “Shut up! Just shut up!” Edward roared, making Alex jump. “I have tried to help Danielle and failed once. I will not let it happen again.” Xel’lotath used her foot to propel Pious’s staff into the air and caught it in her hand. “You’re powerless to do anything, Edward. Now you get the honor of watching your last granddaughter die.” She threw the staff at Alex, but she was already moving. Alex ducked under the staff and aimed a slash at Xel’lotath’s arm. In one swift move, she kicked the Enchanted Gladius out of Alex’s hand and caught it in her own. “Can you really make yourself fight, Alex, knowing that you’re hurting your sister?” Alex gritted her teeth and took out her spare Gladius. The question struck home. Could she really fight her own sister? I have to… That may be the only way I can save her. “Alex, hold her off the best you can. I have a plan.” She nodded to Edward, getting into a defensive stance as he vanished. Xel’lotath laughed and charged forward, a crazed look in her eyes. “It’s time to die!” ------------------------------------------------------- Pain… That was all Danielle felt anymore in the darkness that surrounded her mind. She felt like she was just floating in the darkness, surrounded on all sides by Xel’lotath and being tormented by the demented Ancient. Her hand hurt, along with her stomach, but no matter what she tried to do, the pain wouldn’t stop. It just kept on hurting, making her cry out into the darkness while hoping for a relief that would never come. She could hear Xel’lotath’s taunts and laughter as the Ancient assaulted her mind with horrifying images of what she had in store for the world. Danielle couldn’t take it anymore. The pain was too great. She just wanted it all to end, but she knew that it wouldn’t. The pain would never stop. Not as long as Xel’lotath was in control. Tears trickled down her face, and her screams echoed in the darkness. Why wouldn’t Xel’lotath just stop…? “Danielle… I am here for you…” a voice said softly. She struggled to look around, trying to see the source of the voice. It was comforting, and it actually drove the pain away. Danielle blinked a few times until she found the source. At first it was just light that she saw, but then as it came into focus, she realized it was a person. The person reached their hand out to Danielle, who slowly raised up her own. She could feel the darkness pulling at her, struggling to keep her from getting anywhere near the figure, but she fought as best as she could against it. As the figure gripped her hand gently, they came into focus completely. It was her grandfather, looking very much alive. “Do not give up, my child. Alex is depending on you. ALL of us are depending on you. We need you to help us stop this once and for all.” Danielle’s own grip became firm. “Okay… I’ll do whatever you need…” Suddenly, the darkness was replaced by the Temple of Eternal Darkness, where the spirits of Chosen who died in the past were waiting. She was still holding her grandfather’s hand, but she saw that her own was the same translucent blue as the others. Danielle looked up into his face. “So this is it, huh…? It’s time to stop Xel’lotath…” She stared down at her ghostly hand, clenching it into a fist. “Yes, it is,” Edward replied. “And you are the only one who can help us against her. It is your body, Danielle. You are the one who must take it back.” A determined look appeared on her face. “That’s what I plan on doing.” She turned to face the ghostly version of the Tome of Eternal Darkness that was in its pedestal and laid her hand on it, returning to the battle between Alexandra and Xel’lotath. Alex was trying her best to hold off the Ancient, but she was losing. Alex sidestepped a swipe, cutting Xel’lotath across the arm. The Ancient cried out in pain, lashing out with a kick to the gut that sent Alex to her knees. Xel’lotath grinned in triumph, pressing the blade tip against Alex’s neck. “Now, Alexandra… You die!” Danielle felt terror build up inside, and both she and Edward shouted her name. Xel’lotath looked up at them, actually surprised to see the two of them. That was when Alex took her chance to thrust her sword into Xel’lotath’s right shoulder. She withdrew the blade and stepped back as the spirits of the Chosen appeared in a circle around the Ancient. Danielle and Edward both walked up on either side of Alex, and Edward looked at Danielle. “It is up to you now. We shall all lend you our strength.” Xel’lotath gritted her teeth, glaring at them with a look of pure hatred. The power of Chattur’gha’s magick from the Gladius Alex had enchanted had stunned her, making her unable to move. Danielle closed her eyes, focusing on the power she felt deep within her soul. It felt strange, actually. The others were giving her their strength, including her sister. At first she thought she wouldn’t be able to do it, but the doubt vanished almost instantly. They were with her. She wasn’t alone anymore. “Bankorok, Pargon, Pargon, Aretak, Pargon, Pargon, Chattur’gha, Pargon, Pargon…” Danielle opened her eyes after saying the spell. The nine red runes appeared around her, but there was no pain from the use of the magick. Red spheres of light began to encircle Xel’lotath, who roared in anger and pain. “No!!! I… will… not be… defeated!!!” A column of green light shot up around her, blocking her from sight. That same green light filled her gaze, and she forced a small smile. “Heh… I did it…” ------------------------------------------------------- Edward watched as Danielle’s spirit faded, along with the column of light. Danielle was now standing in the middle of their circle, looking pale and weak, but smiling. “Heh… I did it…” she whispered before she collapsed to the ground. Alex dropped to her knees beside Danielle. The other spirits had all left, leaving just him and his two granddaughters. “Will she be okay, Grandpa?” He stared at Danielle, who was in a state of unconsciousness. It was a miracle she survived the battle. She had a very strong determination to live. But it would be quite some time before she recovered from her wounds. “Yes, she will,” he said softly. And he was telling truth. |
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
(#30)
|
|
Guardian of Light - Jesus Freak
Posts: 384
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Mississippi
|
11-30-2006, 04:12 PM
Chapter 26: The Darkness Vanquished
One week later… Alex opened the door to her sister’s hospital room, peering inside quietly. Danielle was lying in bed, staring up at something on TV. Alex knocked gently to catch Danielle’s attention. “Alex…? Come on in.” She pushed herself up a bit, struggling because she could only use one hand. She smiled warmly up at her sister. After a week in the hospital, her condition had vastly improved. The few minor cuts everywhere were starting to heal up, but she would still have some major scarring in some places. Other than that, she was doing well. The cut on the right side of her cheek was stitched up, along with the one down her right arm. Thankfully, her hand was bandaged up, hiding the damage done to it. The doctors had repaired it as best as they could, but Danielle’s usage of the hand would be much harder and slower. There was a look in her eyes all the time, like she had suffered indescribable torture while under Xel’lotath’s control. It was the shell-shocked look she had seen on the faces of so many disaster victims. “How’re you feeling?” Alex asked, sitting in a chair beside the bed. Danielle let out a heavy sigh, closing her eyes for a second. “Like crud,” she muttered, opening her eyes once more. “I can’t use my hand, my stomach hurts, it’s hard to talk, and I keep having the worst headaches ever. Other than that, I’m fine.” Alex nodded a bit. “Well, the doctors are going to release you in a few days. Since I’m your only immediate relative, you’ll be under my custody.” She smiled gently. “In other words, I have to baby-sit you now.” Danielle rolled her eyes. “Joy. I’m 18, you know. I’m not a little kid.” “But you’re my little sister. It won’t be that bad.” “You’re kidding me, right?” When Alex shook her head, Danielle let out a groan. “I can’t believe this. And school starts next week.” A small smirk spread across her face. “You’re helping me with my homework, though.” Alex shook her head, grinning. “I don’t really care. I just need to find out how I’ll handle all my college classes. I suppose I could do them online…” She trailed off, noticing the distant look on her little sister’s face. A few seconds passed in silence before Danielle asked the very question that had been on Alex’s mind for the past few days since the incident. “Do you think it’s over? Are the Ancients really gone for good?” Danielle asked gently, her voice nearly as distant as her gaze. Alex stared down at the bag she had brought with her. Inside was the Tome of Eternal Darkness. Leaving it at the estate was too great of a risk. Someone could easily find it, and after all that happened, someone getting a hold of that cursed book was the last thing she needed. “Alex…?” She glanced over at Danielle, who was now focusing on her. The empty look in her eyes made Alex’s heart break. She shouldn’t have had to deal with that. She’s had everything she’s ever known taken away from her… “Who knows?” Alex answered finally. “But if you ask me, I think this nightmare’s finally over.” Danielle nodded a bit as she heard this, returning her gaze to the TV even though she wasn’t really paying attention to it. “Yeah, you’re probably right.” Alex stared down at her bag once more, thinking of the ancient book inside. I sure hope so, Alex thought grimly. ------------------------------------------------------- Danielle stood before the Roivas Estate once more, a book bag slung over her shoulder. The midday sun shone down on her as she stared at the doors, thinking back to the last week’s events. Even now she still had nightmares about it. She would wake up in the middle of the night, sweating heavily, and feeling as if something cold was deep inside her. She supposed it was just a side-effect of having Xel’lotath in control of her body. But what she was feeling was something unexplainable. Footsteps sounded on the pavement behind her, and someone gently laid a hand on her shoulder. She instantly knew who it was, though. Alex and she had developed a very close bond following that nightmarish night. “It’s time to go,” Alex said softly. Danielle looked back at her older sister, then glanced once more at the house. It was as silent and empty as ever, showing no signs of what happened a week ago. But there was a hostile feeling about it, as if the house itself no longer wished for the living to step foot inside of it. All that remained were the ghosts of the past. “Let’s get out of here,” Danielle said, her voice almost a whisper. As the two of them turned away from the house and began to walk off, Danielle looked one more time at the mansion. In the window that opened into the kitchen she saw a familiar blue specter. It was the spirit of Edward Roivas, her guardian. Faint traces of a smile spread across Danielle’s face. Her grandfather would always be there with her, no matter what. Thanks, Grandpa. Thank you for everything you’ve done for Alex and me. Danielle took a deep breath and let it out, looking straight ahead once more. There would be no turning back anymore. |
|
|
|
| |
|
«
Previous Thread
|
Next Thread
»
| Thread Tools | |
| Display Modes | |
Linear Mode
Similar Threads
|
||||
| Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
| FanFic: Eternal Darkness: The Coming Darkness | Stormsworder | Fan Works | 6 | 06-01-2005 10:28 AM |
| Eternal Darkness/ GC Games | Nazo | Off-topic | 6 | 07-23-2004 03:15 PM |
| Eternal Darkness | chantez131313 | Off-topic | 27 | 03-06-2004 11:04 PM |
| Eternal Darkness Sound Track | elfin | Off-topic | 0 | 01-30-2003 09:11 AM |
| Anyone got Eternal Darkness? | Antman | Off-topic | 92 | 07-10-2002 05:06 AM |
|
|
Powered by: vBulletin
Copyright ©2000 - 2013, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©2000 - 2013, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
All PSO and PSU images and official illustrations are (C) SONICTEAM / SEGA, 2000-2011. All logos and trademarks in this site are property of their respective owners. The comments are property of their posters. All the rest © 2000-2012 PSO-World.com.