FanFic: Wars Anguish Chapter: 10 : Ghost (its clean-up time)

[Sagasu]

Its only a prolouge, but it'll give you a feel for a plot and a few other things.
WARNING: You know how I roll, this fic will contain violence, vivid images, complex scenes, language some may not consider nessesary.

Thats the only warning you get http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif Allright, for newcomers, this is the sequel to my previous fic Final Assassination( dunno why but it feels good to say that) It is not completely relevent that you read it but still there will be many scene's and references that will make a world of difference if you do read FA. I decided not to make you guys wait, partly because I dont like waiting much myself, and also because its the holdidays so I'm not sure when I'll be able to update.

So here is the intro, yay







Wars Anguish
Act 2 / Glimmer in the Dark
Prologue
The Rise of War


It was the dawn of the first day in the seventh month since the fateful promise, and finally after this time's length the war truly began. How and why did this happen, these where the thoughts of millions as the retribution annihilated the militia forces in Grand Nafiel, and the people slaughtered.
Shortly after News Years Eve, several military ships where sent out to find and apprehend Blaze. All that was returned to the people was a ship full of heads missing their hosts, the craft itself was programmed to ram into a local police station in Pioneer City. It never made its destination, but the message was still clear. In the proceeding month, the hunter forces set up outposts on Ragol, and proceeded to wipe out the unprepared militia there. For a sum of three months, the battle over control of Ragol raged through a series of fifteen bloody meetings. In the end the hunters won over and the military retreated to lick their wounds. Apparently the government's attempts to soothe the panic of the people were slacking, and for a brief period of time the people rebuked and gathered mobs to portray their messages.
To many Purple hearts for the families of fallen soldiers where handed out, and the pressure of the rise of war finally broke their patience. They wanted a compromise, they wanted for they're to be an alliance so that the slaughter would cease. The two hunter representatives showed up at the peace meeting, unarmed and unassisted. But the militia couldn't let such a chance to kill the top two hunters go to waste. Their assassination attempt failed, Blaze and a man named Alan where the representatives, in return they slayed everyone at the council in a matter of moments.
One week after, the Nafiel Guard Force succeeded in setting up a small encampment on Ragol, the secrecy of this mission was kept to such a high level that only those necessary where told. On the night these soldiers left they where awoken by a sergeant, they where told that they where leaving, and nothing more. The glimmer in the dark had successfully lodged itself into enemy territory, and remained undiscovered for an entire month. They where used to gather information, and sight out future attacks from the hunters. A few days after the months end, they where finally apprehended. Rumor has it that they held for an hour of pure hell, and that the last man alive took the escape ship out of there. That ship was said to be shot down, others say that he made it. Nobody ever knew but they did know that in the last few weeks left the hunters seized control of Grand Nafiel.

Now an era of fear starts for those that the war influences, and Blaze's word held true, he had started a bloody war. Only time will tell what will come.
_______________

SO, thats the story after the story...
Please keep spam to a minimum, we all know its fun but its quite annoying when your thread turns into a trash can full of crap.


Go me http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif






<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Sarunakai on 2004-03-20 10:05 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Sarunakai on 2004-03-20 14:53 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Sarunakai on 2004-03-29 23:17 ]</font>

[Monomate]

whoa. That sounds really good so far. Most excellent. Continue, I must read more, keep up the Sarunakai standard of excellence!

[Sagasu]

And thats just the dinky short prolouge, I have much planned for this story http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[Sagasu]

Hope you guys like long chapters, thank you late night juices for helping me complete this chapter. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

I hope this story wont be as depressing as the last


Wars Anguish
Act 2 / Glimmer in the dark
Chapter: 1
Lost and Found



It was lights out time, and the world around him gave no distractions to avert his nightmare in a different course. The silent darkness seemed to press upon all the soldiers, erasing any sound at all, and any feeling as well. These times seemed to be common for him, since he was being shipped to a military outpost in the middle of space. It had surprised him to find just how little happens out there in the cold glittering expanse, for instance, there was no sound that humans are capable of experiencing in space, even if a star exploded just a half mile away, you wouldn't hear a thing (not even when you are being disintegrated by the supernova's occurrence) As the hour progressed, he awoke drenched in cold sweat, the hellish images running amuck in his mind had finally chased him back into consciousness. This time the nightmare had been especially vivid, and he had a hard time recollecting his thoughts. Shivering now, not only because of the cold, but of the horror that wouldn't let him be. Blood, he had been lying in a puddle of blood, apparently it hadn't been all of his own. Another man had been draped across him, his head missing its other half and his legs left much to be desired. The horrid stench of burned flesh reeked horribly in the room, the acrid smell stung his nose and burned his eyes making them water.

After that he remembered sitting up with a great deal of pain spreading across his back, someone in a militia uniform had glanced back at him and shouted to the others to cover him. Three more military units spread out to cover his flank, and when he reached the wounded soldier he tossed aside the body covering him. The next few moments consisted of the soldier giving him a data crystal and then shouting for him to run. Standing and acknowledging the superior officer's order, he began to stand up and stumble forward to the back wall, the door there would lead him to their only shuttle. He had looked back just in time to hear the commander say something, then a soccer ball sized sphere of purple, blue, and black slammed into his chest. The commander never made a noise as his life quickly ended, his body withered and his appearance aged, and finally he fell as a lifeless pile of dust. Soon after a chain of white lighting flashed through the three remaining soldiers, renewing the all present stench, except this time it was tainted with an odd smell that wrenched his stomach of its meager contents. He remembered that he had barely managed to enter the ship before a small group of men entered, he dropped one with a photon bullet that ripped into the mans throat. His head suddenly rolled to one side, and then his second shot landed squarely into his forehead, spattering its contents onto his companions. Taking this moment of surprise, he activated the emergency lift-off. Another man on the ground raised his rifle, and hit the cover shield of the cockpit, the photon energy managed to render a hole into it but that was all. after he had cleared the atmosphere of Ragol, his vision had flashed white, and an explosion of pain erupted in him.

At that moment he had awoken, now he sat with his right hand gripping the crystal that hung as a pendant around his neck, "God's speed Ookami" the words, even though mumbled, seemed to echo in the silence of the room. Those where the words that man had said, and that was the only name he knew. He did not know where these images came from, they usually appeared in short flashes, certain moments, but this night he had experienced the entire horrifying account. Ookami, the soldiers quickly nicknamed him wolf, because that?s what the word meant and it was easier for them to pronounce it in English than in Japanese. Gradually his breathing slowed, his mind calmed, and the tight silence resumed its era. Wolf slowly let his body drop back to the mattress, the rough surface and the thin blankets covering him did little to ease the cold. Shivering and turning on his side, Ookami let the glowing crystal slide out in front of him. Over the past few months, he had gathered all of the memories of his life. They told him he had suffered serious shock from something, and that his mind had sealed it away from him in order to prevent Wolf from going mad. The earliest memories he had where the ones of the gentile family that had taken care of him, the patriarch of the family told him that he had found him drifting in space. Ookami had barely been able to makeshift attach the helmet to his uniform, the father had said that Wolf had been unconscious and barely alive when he found him drifting in space. Blood had seeped everywhere, floating off in droplets, converging with one another as they met. At first they thought that he was dead, but apparently and luckily it wasn't nearly as bad as it looked.
Ookami could barely call himself lucky, in the few days he was on this desolate ship, he had learned to concentrate his senses on three things. It depended on what he wanted to do, if he was struggling to sleep, he would stare at the soft glow of the crystal and listen to the blood pulsating through his ears. This would provide him with two things that where constantly providing a trait, and he found these simple things comfortable, thus they would draw him into slumber. Another habit he had gathered from his forgotten past was sitting quietly, and alternating his senses. First, it was sound, spot out a constant sound and listen to it for a few moments. Next he would search through himself for a particular feeling, like pressure on his back or a prickling sensation on his arm. Thirdly, Ookami would single out a single scent. Going through this cycle, and searching for a different sensation each time, would help to clear his mind and stimulate his senses.
In a few moments, Ookami fell into a deep, dreamless sleep, completely devoid of thought or emotion, completely at peace.

Wolf was awoken by the gruff call of the squad leader,

"Get up maggots, get some grub and suit up, were almost at Fort Glimmer."

"Give us a break you old flesh bag, us young people need some more sleep"

"Wolf, I'll assign your bitch-ass self up for janitor duty when we get there for that."

Grinning, Ookami sat up in bed and tossed a pillow at the Sergeant,

"Yeah and while I'm at it I'll make sure to say hello to your cousins"

The man puffed up his chest preparing for a bellow but he reconsidered at the last moment. "One day boy, one day." Shaking his head, he left the room almost proud of the defiance in the boy. Reed poked his head out from under the bottom of the set of bunk beds he and Ookami shared,

"You got him worked up this morning, you know what that means" Laughing and falling back on the crude mattress Wolf thought about the consequences that never came, but where always promised. X'zavier, a burly second officer of the group, yawned and shook his head much like the sergeant and set about gathering up his uniform and weapons. Ookami jumped down from his high perch and landed on the ground with cat like grace,

"You guys take that bum to seriously." Reed now too, rose from his own bed (if you could call it one) and opened the side compartment that lay embedded into the bottom frame of the bunks.

"Just like you take nothing seriously?" X'zavier grunted as he hoisted up his custom sniper, Reed piped in, wanting to get back into the conversation.

"Are you kidding me? You should see the way he acts when he's cleaning stalls, barking orders to the mops and cursing at the piss stains like a horde of hunters. Its like a battle field in there." Reed ducked just in time to avoid a swing from Ookami, who snorted resentfully at him.

" Just like you order the platoons of food into your already fat belly you hog." Reed glared at his friend for a moment, but couldn't keep a straight face for long. The two companions burst into laughter and clapped each other on the back, X'zavier sighed and headed out the door, at least it didn't get dull with those two around.

In a short while, Reed and Wolf entered the mess room of the ship, they where still throwing insults at each other and poking fun at the obvious as they made their way to their seats. The sergeant grumbled to himself, and the others exchanged amused glances. There where seven people in their squad, Sergeant Ramias Deizn, Second in command Lieutenant X'zavier Thorns, the talented ( and in most people?s opinion beautiful) medics Vivian and Deirdre Goodwill, and the soldiers Reed Fahr, Catherine Wright, and of course Ookami Kazuma. Wolf himself favored Vivian, he liked to think it was a secret but it was painfully obvious.

Shortly after he had recovered, Ookami had returned to the military's service. His dog tag indicated that some time or another he had been a special ops soldier, something that he bragged about often, and most where tired of hearing about. The squad had already been formed when Ookami had been assigned to it, and most of them where pretty rough on him. Save for Vivian and Reed, Reed had become his friend only after a short time, and Vivian was merely kind to him when the others where cold.

Wolf and Reed where the youngest of the group, Reed only being eighteen, Wolf (by his looks) seemed to be around Reed's age, but no-one really knew for sure. The odd thing was that no records of Ookami's previous life could be found, his birthplace, his official name, parents, nothing. For this many pitied him, which only drove him into silence for he hated others feeling sorry for him. Many would doubt his abilities at his apparent age, and it was true that none of the squad had ever seen him in a battle, or even a squeamish. So nobody ever quite took him seriously, and nobody really listened to him when he suggested anything. Only one individual really knew the potential buried within him, Reed could almost feel a battle hardened warrior inside his friend, especially when he went silent and wouldn't speak to anybody. After a few minutes passed, Wolf stood and excused himself,

"Well it has been wonderful feeding off of the slop the cook gives us with such a group as yourselves, but I will take my leave"

The others just rolled their eyes, another reason they didn't take him seriously, he always was making a joke out of something and sometimes he didn't know when to shut up. But there was an intense concentration around his face that told the others something was up, and his voice carried a slight edge to it.

Vivian stepped cautiously up to the "boy's" room around twenty beats after Ookami had excused himself. He was there as she expected, he had removed his uniformly coat and was only wearing an undershirt to cover his upper torso (the uniforms are hard to wash, and have to be done by hand, so usually one would avoid soiling them). Sweat streaked through the cloth as the wearer hoisted himself into the air on a bar that ran horizontally across the room. It surprised her at how absorbed he was in this task, completely oblivious to the outside world. In fact Wolf's thoughts where far from what else was in the room, sinew cords strained at their task as he lifted himself up, as to the point where his head was facing the floor and his feet scraped the ceiling. Ookami wanted to prove his worth, he had an ambitious dream as did most, but he tried all the harder. Finally unable to bear his own weight anymore, his muscles relaxed in order to regain strength and feed off of the oxygen being fed to them. Sighing to himself, Wolf sat heavily at the edge of the bunks. Even though he didn't have a past, he would prove to them that he was capable, as any of them, in combat.

The space docks of Fort Glimmer where huge, big enough for the construction of ships such as the Pioneer 1 and its predecessors. The setup was actually fairly simple. There where twenty airlocks, and each one led to five docking bays, your ship would go to whichever (depending on its size and class) Zooming around the ship "Dark Wing" where little repair ships, fueling conveys, and passenger transports. One of such glided smoothly up to our vessel as it reached the solid metal of the dock. All standard military ships where made so that the passenger ships could attach to the main port on the starboard side of the craft. When the one sent to retrieve us was firmly attached, and the pressure sealed door opened, they where dismayed to find out how small it actually was. Reed and Ookami did most of the whining, each trying to outdo the other,

"You couldn't fit a toddler in here without filling up half the space" Reed retorted, Ookami had his own comment ready.

"Look at poor excuse of a transport, gum stuck everywhere, writing on the walls, almost as bad as Reed's quarters back at Midnights Requiem (Their previously assigned base, much smaller, and neater one they might add)" Reed, wasn't altogether thrilled by this,

"Yeah right, this dump is almost as ugly as you, eh Wolf?" Ookami took it in his stride, taking one exaggerated step inside of it.
"This tin can is about as stable as your wits, not to mention its stench" X'zavier rolled his eyes and Deirdre hid her smile, sergeant Ramias was none to pleased.

"Enough you foolish simpletons, quit complaining and get in" Each of the members thought of this as a great time to pull one off on him, so by the time he was done speaking they where all in the shuttle waiting for him. Catherine chimed in,

"No clue about what you're talking about, get in already" Grumbling to himself, Ramias stepped inside the transport. As they where roughly detached from their ship, the lights flickered and some dust dislodged itself sprinkling the party. They where called here, as several others that had been defending minor outposts, without being given a reason. But as any of them could guess, they had something perilous in mind, and they wanted expendable personal to take care of it for them. Even as the doubt trickled through him, Ookami just saw it as an opportunity to prove his worth.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Sarunakai on 2004-01-05 08:03 ]</font>

[Sagasu]

Looks like I'm talking to myself again http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_lol.gif

I used the last of my break to go ahead and write chapter two. Its not really as long as it looks, the dialouge makes it pretty widely spaced.

This is going to be the start of a plot within a plot, (its me, what do you expect http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime1.gif) and it introduces a new character, or two.

But never the less, I hope you guys that are actually reading enjoy.


Wars Anguish
Act 2 / Glimmer in the dark
Chapter: 2
OS - AI / X109


Bzzzzzt, Click, Whrrrrr

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System check... Temperature: 13 degrees F, Humidity: dry, Mobility: contained - legs - arms - torso restrained. Stability: Unconfirmed, Visibility: activating... operational. Activating OS - AI / X190 GUARDIAN, activation confirmed. OS - AI / X109 SENTRY, STATUS UNCOMFIRMED, READINGS UNCOMFIRMED, System-Error: 441.

Alan's eyes narrowed, this couldn't be good. The man stood swiftly from his position at the monitor, Blaze had to be informed of this, this could very well jeopardize their plan.

***

It was dark, and the room temperature according to his readouts was below freezing. Stumbling three steps forward, the large form fell to its knees, it had never walked before. Echoes of metal hitting metal vibrated through the room, a low lying mist swirled around the gigantic hands that clutched the ground. A message flashed in his visor : Re-Initializing Stability check : In a moment, the metal mass was able to move again, this time without tripping.

"What, where am I?" Walking forward blindly, he collided with a column, causing him to fall back on is hands.

"You twit, you really are useless without some basic programming aren't you?" The metal man stood cautiously, fruitlessly staring into the void of nothingness for the source of the voice.

"Who are you" His voice, low and nervous, came without an effort, no moving was necessary at all. If his face had been capable of it, it would be a picture of uncertainty.

"I?m your back up system you fool, just in case you screw up and you end up like you are now" This voice didn't really have a tone, it just was there in his head.
"Your inside me?"
"Part of you, doofus." He paused for a moment, struggling for something else to say,

"And exactly who am I?" The voice chuckled, if you could call a soundless feeling inside of your encasement a chuckle.

"I thought you where never going to ask, and I have limited amounts of information to tell you. All I know is that we are called X109 SENTRY, a specialized RAcast built by two men, this information was not disclosed to me in my programming, being that they can read my simple OS programming like a book."

Right, sentry paused for another short time, "So what is your name?" something like an exasperated sigh appeared, but only lasted for a few moments.

"I?m a back up system, I don?t have a name" Sentry deliberated this for a few seconds, " Well I have to call you something don?t I?"

"No, you don?t"

"But I just cant call you back up system, that?s to long"

"Speak for yourself Mr. X109 SENTRY"

"I know! I'll call you Bus, for short." Sentry sat down, just because somehow it felt more comfortable to him. "Great, I'm a form of transportation, go me." Sentry?s mental form split into a smile at the aspect of sarcasm, " From being alone to having a friend in two minutes, sounds good to me."

" Oh yes, you personality is developing just fine"

"Why thank you Bus."

"You know, you don?t have to actually speak to me, you can think it just as well."

"But it's more fun this way, I have someone to talk to."

"Fine, whatever, just shut up while I see what data I can re-route back into your thick metal head. Maybe if we're lucky we will find some common sense."

***

X109 GUARDIAN -- Your Counter-part X109 SENTRY has gone missing, find him in the storage complex and get out of there before the rest of the military units are shipped off. If you can manage you find out his whereabouts and get him secured in his containment cell, then return to your own and continue with the original plan. According to their schedule, you should have about thirty minutes, but they may be late, idiots as they are.

Guardian switched off the emergency message and accessed his infrared lens, if it was true that Sentry had been activated, then surely he would produce noticeable enough heat in this frozen den for him to find the renegade RAcast. In one moment, Guardian (being plugged into the cells programming) released himself from his bongs and opened the thick glass covering with his pre-equipped hacking services. Laughing silently to himself, he made a quick scan in a full 360 sweep of the room. For a moment he was confused, but then a shrieking sound of protesting metal and shattering glass could be easily heard. Now, in addition to the obvious location of where the sound originated from, the bulky RAcast was producing heat like a hot coal in the middle of a freezer (which was what he basically considered himself to be in at the moment.)

"This guy has to be an idiot" Guardian mused at the sinister voice he had been provided with, then set off towards the raging heat source. He was stopped none to soon by the baffling maze of containment cells. "Humans have to be the most unorganized creatures every to roam the damn universe" With his night vision activated, he saw that they had built cells, one atop of the other, up to twenty feet high. His eye light's blazed red, this was going to cause some difficulty. Running his hand down the smooth surface of the makeshift wall, he identified no suitable hand or foot holds. Guardian cursed and sharply slammed his right foot into the thick glass, creating himself something on which he could prop himself up on. After a few more forced holes, and some more curses, Guardian checked the position of the target, he was still in the same place. Glancing upwards again, a mental grimace passed, this was going to take some time.

***

Ookami and the others sat in the large auditorium, as did hundreds of others, in the seats behind, and front, and above them. They where all seated before a well lit stage, in the middle of which was an over decorated podium and a rather official looking man. Behind him was a rather small amount of guards, the others where seated in the audience. None, save for the special few, had the smallest hell blown clue as to why they where there. Most just hoped for the best.

"This place is a damn steam bath, doesn?t the air conditioning work in here?" X'zavier gave him a dark look, which simply meant, there was no use complaining. The sergeant however, took a moment to berate him.

"There are hundreds of people stuffed into a room to small, and each one of those people are generating heat, and more heat. There's not much they can do about it, do you think we are anymore comfortable than you? So stop complaining and shut yer yap before you get to replace the janitor permanently. Do I make myself clear?" Most all in the immediate area had their attention drawn to them by Ramias' yelling, some cheered Wolf on, others nodded silently in agreement with Ramias. Ookami wiped spit off his face,

"Say it don?t spray it you old geezer" He quickly regretted his words when a gloved fist slammed into his face, Wolf didn't let himself be moved from his standing position, and took the full impact of the blow. This consequently leading to a bloody lip and a very sore jaw, the sergeant repeated himself.

"Do I make myself clear, Ookami?" Wolf glared at him, and spit the blood from his mouth into Ramias' face.
"Crystal, sir"

"Go get yourself cleaned up soldier, and stand clear of me for the rest of the day." Ookami lingered a moment to long,
"Go on, or next time you wont just have a bloody mouth." Wolf waved his hand behind him as he stepped out of the rows and into the packed aisles leading out of the auditorium.

"We'll see Ramias, One day we'll see."

***

Sentry jumped up and down a few times experimentally, he was planning on exploring this rather unpleasant and cold place he was in. ( Ever since Bus has restored his night vision he became curious as to his surroundings as a small child might) What surprised him most was that the walls where composed of segments, and these segments contained objects none to different from himself. Just behind him, stood a cell like the others, but the it was empty, and it looked like something or another had smashed itself out of it.

"Hey Bus." Bus spoke with annoyance,
"What is it? I?m busy saving our butts" Sentry pointed to the smashed containment cell, "How come that one's empty and doesn't have something in it like the others."

"That?s what you where in you big lummox" Puzzled, he kicked at the broken glass on the floor. "Why was I there anyways?"

"That?s what I?m trying to figure out" Bus retorted. A sudden sharp crash could be distinctly heard in the cold air, it was soon followed by two more, each as loud as the previous. The sounds alternated between rending metal, and breaking glass, it usually went in this order, metal, glass, glass, metal, glass, glass.

"What on coral is going on?"

"We you seem to be in a warehouse of some sort, I suppose it might be thieves or something like that." Sentry spurted out a question as soon as Bus had finished.

"What?s a Thieves?"

"A thief is someone or something that takes what does not rightfully belong to them, usually to their own profit or greedy purposes." Sentry paused for another moment.

"Am I a thieves, thief, whatever."

"No sentry, currently, you are just an idiot."

"That?s good, right."

"The sooner I find more of your pre-programmed knowledge the better." The crashes stopped momentarily, and then he heard metal thudding against metal. This sound wasn't nearly as loud or as annoying, but it drew nearer. Sentry looked around, and finally up. Then he sighted the a figure, which identified to him as a HUcast. (Bus was beginning that the case might not be as hopeless as it seemed)

The figure jumped, landing on his chest, knocking to the floor. Its sinister voice menaced him,

"You have been very bad, X109 SENTRY"
_____________________________

So there you have it...

speak to me!
Your silence explains it all http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Sarunakai on 2004-01-23 15:25 ]</font>

[Skett]

I'm here to post. Your fic is looking very good but there seems to be a bit more question marks where they shouldn't be (aka " are ?). Not everywhere though.

I'm surprised to see your sequel(?) up so soon. I mean, I'm still waiting for Davion's sequel and here you are with several chapters done already. Awesome work. Just what I expect.

[Sagasu]

Ah shit, let that one slip. I printed it off of Word PRocessing instead of word pad >_<

Thanks for the support Skett; Yes, I actually started forming the idea in my head around half-way through Final Assassination, and by the time I finished, it had quite a while to develop. And without any further planning, and a bit of inspiration from some new cd?s :lol" I was able to start much earlier than planned.

Im just waiting for the others to realize that the sequel is already up http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif. So, I'm glad you liked it, and hopefully the next chapter should be done (or well on its way) by wednesday.

[Sagasu]

Ok, I thought you guys might like to know something I find quite surreal. The name of act 2, Glimmer in the Dark was named after a dream I had.

This was the most vivid nightmare I have experienced in all my life, and no I'm not making this all up. I was scared to tears when I woke up, be cause everything seemed so real.


***

My vision is clouding, and my hopes are drowning. In this firey pit, I wonder if I'll ever see the lgiht again. I never thought how much I would miss the cool breeze and and sweet scenery of the middle plain. How much the thoughts of the majestic moutains and the rivers that snake through tgreen lands.

But here I am, sitting in this infernal darkness. The screams and pleas of sinners scrape against my ears, the foul smell of burning flesh and charred corpses assail my senses. Yet I cannot stand it anymore, I was assured that in only a few more moments I would be driven mad. I struggled to my feet, and attempted to reach my arms up towards the distant light. But firey chains appeared, holding me back from my freedom. I fell, my bonds now held me tight, and I didn't stop falling. Eventually I couldn't see at all, my vision swam, and my heart raced. I felt the heat below me, and I knew what was to come.

Even immersed in a pool of tortured souls that began to demolish my being, my hands where still groping. I had to try to catch the glimmer in the dark.

****

This did really happen, and it goes to show; dont play Diablo 2 in act 4 (hell) before you go to sleep. This dream also surprised me because I'm athiest, I never thought the images of hell compared to something like heaven could appear in so clear images.

Im wierd http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_lol.gif



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Sarunakai on 2004-01-11 15:06 ]</font>

[Sord]

I would read this...but i've fallen out of reading several really long chapters at once. Blame BBRBBB, i spent like 70 mins or something reading the entire thing...way to much time on my hands.

[Skett]

You got that from a dream? Jeesh. And I dont even remember any of my dreams. I wish I had interesting dreams. It would make it so much easier to think of stuff for my story. All I get a boring dreams.

Diablo, huh. I wish I could get that game. Too bad my computer sucks. Maybe I will get it when I have money...in ten years. Too many games.

Sorry for being off-topic: So when do we get the next chapter?

[Sagasu]

You can always get a $129 graphic accelerator dar like me http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

And you get the next chapter right now, lucky you.

Wars Anguish
Act 2 / Glimmer in the Dark
Chapter: 3
Just Life


Ookami gazed into the wall hung mirror, and the effects of troubled sleep stared back at him. He had calmed down now, the walk back to his quarters gave him time to think while he nursed his bleeding lip. Wolf spit out the last of the water he had been using to rinse out the taste of hydrogen peroxide, the liquid was tinged ever so slightly pink by the blood that had almost stopped flowing. The smooth, hard linoleum of the sink was cool, and felt good against his arms as he hung his head over the sink. Images of Ramias flickered through his head and he gritted his teeth, he was going to show him something. Thoughts of grandeur fluttered rapidly in his head, but the dimly lit room and the gloomy decorations brought something back into reality, he wasn't even an official soldier yet. Softly yet swiftly Ookami took leave of his room, the chill of the hall was vividly apparent. His boots scuffed the already dented and scratched surface of the floor, the shabby coat of paint that covered the walls was dirty and worn; this all reminding him of the poor quarter space he had been given, even the civilians had better than this. He didn't quite feel like going back and facing the others, especially Reed's nagging, so he averted his path so that he was headed towards the warehouse district. Soon enough, as he passed through an intersection, the painted walls where replaced by the shining metal known as zemurian, the rough stone floors gave away to ones of concrete, and the dim lights had brightened to a glaring intensity.

A slight musty smell enveloped him as he stepped into an extremely large hallway, here the ceiling stretched up to thirty feet high, large jointed metal doors lined the east side of the walls, each spaced what Ookami expected to be at least fifty feet apart. This area of the base was cold, cold enough to see your breath steam up in front of you. A small shiver ran through his spine as he continued down the corridor, running a hand along a large yellow insignia on the dull gray metal of the door in front of him, he could tell that the temperature would only drop even more as you progressed. Temperatures such as these kept (for the most part) living creatures from hiding in the warehouses. The chill also made sure un-pespirable foods stocked in a certain warehouse didn’t spoil. Wolf patted his hand against his trouser leg to remove the collection of frost that he had scraped off the door.

"What the hell could they put in all these things?" His statement only greeted by white puffs of condensation, and the dead quiet that consumed the hall. Ookami started at the sound of a crash, even though it was dulled and muffled by the heavy doors, he could recognize the sound of metal smashing against metal. Being that he wasn't an official soldier, the officials wouldn't allow him to carry a weapon onboard the base, a decision that he cursed them for at that moment. Several more crashes followed as well as the sound of two voices, distorted as they where you couldn't help but be startled. Maybe two workers got into a fight? He didn't know exactly, but his emotions mingled, and finally his courage won over apprehension and forced him to stay instead of informing another. The crashes where getting closer, his heart beat increased as they did so, and he mentally prepared himself for anything he could.

***

Sentry threw himself sideways as he saw the metal arm thrust itself at his head again.
"Where did this guy come from, and why is he attacking me?" Sentry’s voice called out to what appeared to be a void of empty darkness.

"If I knew I would tell you, but even though I haven’t the faintest idea why, I would suggest fighting back instead of just running away."

"Right, fight back, good plan if you ask me"

The HUcast shook its head, apparently X109 SENTRY had its circuits more badly shaken then he had thought at first, or maybe there was a flaw in his programming in the first place. He brushed that thought away quickly, they where made to perfection, and errors where not acceptable in their mission. But something was going wrong despite the precautions, terribly wrong.

Sentry dodged another punch, and this time instead of stepping back, he moved forward into his opponents direction; stepping up next to him unexpectedly, giving him the few precious seconds nessesary. He grabbed the HUcats head with one colossal arm, and delivered a powerful blow to its abdomen with his other. Sentry tossed its light frame like a rag doll into a row of recharge chambers, it hit the glass of one and crashed right through it into the HUcaseal in stasis mode.

"Howzzat Bus?" The lumbering metal giant's personality was split into a wide grin, and a warm feeling of satisfaction coursed through him.
"I've been thinking about that HUcast"

"That’s good, keep thinking so I don’t have to ." Sentry laughed and walked towards the holding cell.

"Very funny, but take this seriously. Just chew on this, it knows your name, and it hasn’t been aiming for any of your vital points." A dark cloud loomed over Sentry's thoughts, he took another look the hole that had been created by his efforts to rid himself of his attacker.

"That’s right, those rusty gears of yours are starting to turn again. What if that thing was sent here to get capture and retrieve you, since half of your mission programming is gone, it might have been called out to get back a dysfunctional piece of hardware." The HUcast was rising now, a flash of light surged forth from him, leaving Sentry blinded by the night vision enhancing the light even more; He stumbled backwards into a wall that apparently had ridges in it. The HUcast charged forwards, leaping into the air and slamming into him with amazing force. Force enough to knock him clear through the wall behind him, which turned out to be only about six inches of zemurian.

***

As the figures plowed through the door like it was naught but paper, Ookami jumped back raising his comm. unit.” Get the hell down here! I’m in the warehouse section of the base, sub-level C, we've got a situation on our hands."

Wolf drew in a sharp painful breath of freezing air as he watched the two figures, shrouded by the mist. One appeared to be pummeling the other relentlessly, while the other struggle to get free from its crevice smashed into the wall opposite of the door in out of which they had entered. In a moments time, the mist cleared and the shapes of a HUcast and a RAcast where unmistakable. The HUcast jumped back suddenly, its attention averted to Ookami. It raced after him, but the RAcast leapt forward and brought its bulk down upon the HUcast, smashing it into the concrete. The grinning and apparent victor of the scuffle lifted an arm and hailed Wolf,

"Yo, I dont think this fella's going anywhere anytime soon"

Ookami stifled his nervous laughter, deeply wishing for the reassuring feel of a good rifle in his hands. The HUcast came back into action with alarming strength, and renewed its attempts at the battle by throwing the huge RAcast off his back and clear into the air. The heavy thick feeling of raw power coursed through the room, the HUcats looking like a demon straight from hell gave off an equally demonic round of laughter. The RAcast fell to the ground with a loud crash, amazingly, this seemed to do little more than partially stun him. Wolf stepped back even once again, the HUcast was walking steadily towards him; he glanced past the approaching figure and to the RAcast reaching forwards on the ground, its hand outstretched, palm forward. A radiant patch of reddish orange glimmered in the center of the gigantic metal hand, shining violently against the white and light gray paint of the hands possessor. A red eye flashed in Ookami's mind, the smell of charred flesh assailed his nostrils again, comrades lay slain and a figure stood with one leg back holding out its hand; and eerie eye of fire glowed brightly through the smoke, the remembrance of the moment sent a lash of pain through his head, like a hammer striking the metal upon the blacksmiths anvil.

A wave of heave surged forth, consuming all in its path, the HUcast acted like a shield to the fragile human that knelt before it, shivering despite the insane temperature. The HUcast knocked Wolf against the wall to get him out of the way, the force only adequate enough to render him unconcious. Then he jumped out of the heat beam's path and kicked Sentry in the head sending him sprawling backwards. The lights in Sentry's eyes flickered, and he was losing control of his body quickly; the sound of the HUcast's surprisingly light footsteps dimmed, and finally he last of his senses faded into darkness.

"Screwed up huh?"
"Guess I did, didn't I?"

***

A hush fell over the anxious crowd, the balding man straightened his tie and pushed his thick lenses glasses back up to the bridge of his nose, his face was starting to sweat, he could feel every eye on him. Ramias sat back in his chair, arms crossed, his usually serene face creased with a frown. He had heard one to many of Dogwoods speeches.

"First of all, I would like to address the very pressing matter at hand. As you know, the hunters have pressed us back, back into two cities positioned around Ragol. The loss of many soldiers lives was the cost of our feeble defense; the way we are battling now, we have no hope to win." The silence remained resolute, a tense atmosphere ran though the audience, causing more and more pressure to build in the people's minds.

"So, I must press the importance of our new strategy. Human lives are by no means expendable, the cost for the troops is unbelievable, the amount of complaints we receive from grieving families about why couldn't we protect our soldiers; It's something that we cannot afford to continue to do. So the council has agreed to our terms and has sent us an experimental batch of androids, in the forms of those like the Hunters. But these models have one key difference, they are completely obedient, they are basically like programmable dolls." A murmur of confusion ran through the crowd, Ramias stood up, addressing the high militia council member, Dogwood, with a salute.

"With all due respect sir, I do not think these androids would meet the necessary battle criteria. If they are of the Hunter's design, then the hunters themselves would know their weaknesses, and how to fight them. For example, simple E.M.P. wave could fry an entire platoon of such devices." Dogwood nodded, as if he expected Ramias to speak as he did.

"Not necessarily Sergeant Ramias, these model's are resistant to such basic tactics; and their battle programming is swift and efficient, and by all means deadly." Dogwood smiled offsettingly, waiting to see how his long time rival and once close friend would respond.

"I do not mean to ridicule the councils toys, but saying that they have the latest in our available defenses is like telling us that they are installed with the latest version of AOL, there's no guarantee that the system will work. May I remind you of their technical genius, they wiped out the automated sensor and defense grid in two seconds flat using a device inserted into a comm. booth. They completely fried every computer, and we where battling in the dark against those demons. You cant fight fire against fire in the situation we are in, we have to outsmart them; and that wont be done with a heap of machines." A chorus of agreement spurred Ramias' hopes, but Dogwood didn't seem flustered at all.

" Your words are untrue, and even you know this. These machines have been tested in the most severe conditions, I assure all of you that they are a fail proof addition to our forces. They don’t eat, they don't tire, all they need is ammo and a cheap recharge. The hunters don’t have the materials required to build a force such as ours. So no lives will be lost on our side, and the victory will be swift."

" You know that’s a load of horse shit Dogwood, you know the importance of beings that can think for themselves. A horde of machines will walk straight into a trap, not humans; A bundle of dolls will follow blindly into a fire, not us. These battles will become meaningless, without the reminder of loss, many pointless and futile conflicts will be fought. The hunters will find a weakness, they have there insane power to tinker with, they have young men and women that will fight ten times harder and more furiously than the average soldier, just because they have to; Just because they believe that they can achieve freedom. We cannot fight a war and win, in order to destroy this threat we need to strike their core. Riyu must fall, and Blaze must be killed." All conversation stopped at the speaking of the two most feared names among the soldiers. There where rumors about Blaze's Unearthly power, and how he had created a stronghold which no army could penetrate. Those two where feared more than hell itself. Experienced soldiers shuddered at their memories, and the new recruits shifted nervously in their seats. Ramias stood firm in his position, like a pillar radiating determination. Dogwood quickly acknowledge that he was losing ground,

"Ramias, you seem to have a lot of knowledge of the hunters tactics, and by resenting the councils appeal, you are at a risk of being labeled a second traitor." Dogwood smiled wickedly, "Seeing that you where once a hunter yourself, I would be more careful if I were you. If we ever find out that you are still in league with them, or even in contact with the hunters other than by combat, you will be executed for treason."

Ramias opened his mouth to continue, but his comm. unit cut him off, ."Get the hell down here! I’m in the warehouse section of the base, sub-level C, we've got a situation on our hands." The members of the squad jumped to their feet at the sound of Ookami's voice, Ramias sighed and turned away from Dogwood vowing silently to himself that they would finish this someday, one way or another. The man standing at the podium frowned, as he watched Ramias and the others exit the auditorium; He whispered some orders to the guard next to him, the guard nodded and bowed, then left out of the back entrance of the auditorium. Turning back to the crowd the man continued, the enthusiasm from his voice gone, and his tone bleak.

"Each squad will be receiving one of the new android models, these will be tested in actual battle. Your leaders will receive briefings in three to four days. Take this time to rest up, and prepare for the rough times ahead. Any new recruits must report here tomorrow at 10:00 hours to go through a training course. Your scores will determine what rank you will be placed at, and what section of the infantry you shall pursue. Lights out begins at 20:00 hours, and ends at 5:00 hours, I suggest you all get at least a few good nights sleep. You are all dismissed."

__________________

P.S.: Dreamless sleep is actually better (usually) so you dont have the chance of getting a nightmare http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_frown.gif

Any feed back is welcome http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_lol.gif

[Skett]

"I do not mean to ridicule the councils toys, but saying that they have the latest in our available defenses is like telling us that they are installed with the latest version of AOL, there's no guarantee that the system will work.

AOL jokes are always welcome in my book.

Anyways, another good (and long) chapter. Except, around the middle, your " became ?. Dont you bloody hate that?

So when do we (maybe its only I. Respond people) get to read the next chapter?

[Sagasu]

I'll have to fix that. Thanks (again) Skett. Im going to put up the next chapter up now, and its much shorter than the others. But it gives away the most info (except maybe for the prolouge)

Wars Anguish
Act 2 / Glimmer in the Dark
Chapter: 4
Something Against


"Sir, we have a wounded one here, a soldier that has apparently come into contact with the androids."

"What?s his condition?"

"he's a mess, doubt he'll last mush longer. Missing a few limbs, his right arm and leg, flesh is singed in a lot of places. If you ask me it looks like he got glanced by X109-SENTRY's heat cannon. He wont bleed to death though, his injuries where fused shut; he would die of suffocation before that anyways"

"Take him, get your medic out there pronto to keep him alive."

"Sir? Did I just hear you right?!"

"Montague is in need of a few test subjects."

"Understood."


***


Ramias sat in front of the ones who would ask him to give the specifics of the incident, he didn't want to be asked questions, he already knew that this would haunt him for the rest of his life. The man sat in the chair across of him, nothing separated them, but energy cuffs kept him bound the chair he was sitting in. The man leaned forward, so he could get a good look at Ramias' eyes.

"I would like you to tell me exactly what happened in the ware house district on fort glimmer. I will be asking you questions about the details as I go along, so exercise some of your patience during your interrogation." Ramias stared straight into the mans eyes, his own reflected the harsh color of flint, and the coldness of a mid-winter night.

"As you now, Ookami called us in the middle of the council members speech. He has had a record of, fooling around, and he had left the auditorium after a fight between him and I. So I was thinking it might have been a trick, to get back at me sort of speak. But he had called and issued an emergency, so me and my squad where inclined to investigate the matter. God knows now I would've ran my ass off if I hadn't had that doubt in my mind" Ramias paused to take a deep shuttering breath, the interrogator sat patiently waiting for him to continue.

"We stopped for a moment only to gather our weapons, the others in the squad seemed to share my feelings on the matter, except for Reed. Ookami and Reed where pretty close friends, and he was taking the matter seriously. He asked if he could continue on ahead to scout out the situation, and I of course let him go. After about half a minute of running towards the warehouses we heard a loud crash, followed by more. This caused us to speed up, and I began to curse myself for my doubt." The interrogator motioned for him to stop, he picked up a small lap top computer in which he made a few key strokes. Then he faced the sergeant again.

"How long have you known, err, the man." Ramias shifted uncomfortably,

"We picked him up back in Midnights Requiem a few months ago as a new recruit. In our orders we where told to gather more candidates for our squad, and he was the only one who proved himself capable."

"I have here a not of a most disturbing matter. It says that he doesn't remember most of his past, up to the point of about four months prior." Ramias frowned and glared hard at the man across from him as if he had insulted his son.

"Even though he didn't remember his past, the boy has extraordinary talent. He mastered the physical tests, and damned near proved himself a tactical genius. His one problem was his ego; When they found him drifting in space in a military ship full of holes he had been half dead. But the guy had somehow slowed his heart beat to the point where he could live off his meager air supply; even so they found him half dead. But we do think that he had some militia experience, mainly because of the special ops dog tag he and a military issue data crystal."

"What was the information on the crystal?"

"It was heavily encrypted, no one could figure out the code."

"Why wasn't this sent in to head quarters?"

"He claimed it as a personal possession, we couldn't just take it from him." The interrogator frowned and paused for a moment,

"Where does he keep this crystal?"

"He wears it around his neck suspended by chain from his dog tag." The man halted again, struggling for something more to say.

"Please, continue"

"Before we could get to the rendezvous point where Ookami had called from the base was rocked by a sudden explosion. We hurried onward, and we noticed the sudden drop in temperature to late. When we rounded that corner, we saw the gaping hole sucking out the air from the hallway. There where two androids, one was loading the other up onto a ramp that led to a ship that had made the hole while two Hunters loaded Ookami up onto a stretcher and hauled him into the vessel."

"Do you have any idea why they would take him?"

"I haven?t the faintest idea, but they seemed to be doing their best to keep him alive."

"Keep him alive, just what do you mean by that?" Ramias grimaced at the recollection, and the interrogator half decided that he didn't want to know. As Ramias began he raised his hand.

"Spare me the details. What happened to Reed?"

"Reed was took through the shoulder, but he was still shooting at them; even though he couldn't hit the broad side of a RAcast in his condition. I had Deirdre evac him and get him to the medical wing. The hunters finished their work as we where struggling for breath, and they had left before we could call in for re-enforcements." The interrogator shook his head, and continued at his task of recording the moment.

"Make you wonder really, it makes you wonder about how the hell could the hunters get here so quickly without our knowing it. This damn place could have been blown to space dust if those guys had left behind them a bomb." They both fell silent for a time, Ramias broke the atmosphere violently.

"Just what chance do we have, what hope do we have against these bastards?!" The interrogator stood, several questions still buzzing in his head. But common sense warned him against them.

"Same time tomorrow, Ramias"

Ramias did not reply, instead he stared off into space, searching for a glimmer in the dark..

***


Ookami opened his eyes, only to close them quickly to shut out the liquid that rushed into them when he did. He blinked a few times to get used to the fluid, but he found himself unable to turn his head. Bubbles rose from a breather strapped around his mouth, they traveled up above his head and out of sight in a glistening stream. Wolf attempted to move his right hand, no response. A thin line of fear trickled through him; He repeated the effort with his left hand and found that he indeed was able to move it and his entire left arm, but not without a considerable amount of pain. Ookami reached for his right arm, only touching the smooth surface of the container he was in. His hand carefully crept up his side through the green tinted liquid, and with a dull realization it examined the stump of where his right arm used to be. Closing his eyes in horror he slowly traced his ribcage down to where his hip cut off suddenly into nothing. He pulled his hand back, not able to continue. He choked down the bile that burned his throat, at least he still had a stomach of some kind.

Coldness enveloped him, if he could he would've shivered. He raised his arm to his face, sections of the skin where gone, and you could see the muscle pull at the joints at his wrist. What seemed to be hundreds of tubes where attached to him in various places, filled with blood no doubt. Ookami forced himself not to think about his present, he mentally retreated into his last standing sanctuary in the corner of his mind. But even here he was assailed with bitter thoughts and emotion. His ears caught the sound of a beep, and soon he became drowsy; he smiled grimly to himself, they must have figured out he had woken up.

***


Montague stood next to the computers monitor, surveying the readouts mechanically. Alan hammered in the last few lines of the program and then paused, leaning back he let Montague marvel at what the two of them where going to do. The FOnewm smiled, then laughed joyfully.

"Have Elenor request the part necessary for the operation. And do say for her to make haste, our friend here wont last forever." Alan nodded and left the force to himself, Montague skimmed over the diagram once more and then walked briskly over the tube which held the figure of half a man. He studied his patient anxiously, the readouts he had gathered from this man where extraordinary. Apparently a good deal of his memories had been sealed away, this was something he would reverse in the operation. Plus, he had come with a crystal; within this was the answers to how and why the outpost on Ragol had been established by the military.

"You have been hiding from your past my friend, but I think you will have no need to do so anymore."

Montague exited the room, with high hopes for his experiment. On the monitor was the image of an android, and at the to it was labeled

Experiment #1, AI OPERATIVE OOKAMI

_________

Im seaking this in, im grounded so dont expect to see me around for a few weeks http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_frown.gif

I'll see when I can sneak through.




<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Sarunakai on 2004-01-27 22:13 ]</font>

[Skett]

Good chapter.

Too bad to hear about you situation. Dont worry, though. I will get ya out. *Runs of with dynomite*

[Sagasu]

I guess its only you Skett ^_^ Its going even worse than my previous fic, maybe because Mr. Rubbish is nowhere to be found?

Well, I've been sneaking out late at night to get my daily dose psow. The next chapter is coming along well, and should be up tommorow or the day after.

[Skett]

Keep writing though. I'm sure you will get more posts. I actually hate it when someone will create a great fic but because of lack of posts will just stop it. Never mind the people that actually enjoy it and read it. Dont you do that now.

And good luck sneaking around your home at night.

[Sagasu]

I was caught and confined, it tripped in the hallway and slammed against the wall ^_^

But Im back! yay. I think the main reason that people aren't responding is that if you haven't read Final Assassination you'll get lost at points. Also I think the long chapters tend to intimidate.


Wars Anguish
Act 2 / Glimmer in the Dark
Chapter 5:
Step Beyond


Is but a drop
In a wide ocean
Is but a thought
In a wide ocean


Something was different, the air, the smell, the feel, it was all different. The darkness lifted slightly, revealing a dimly lit room; the only light source being a single lamp in the far corner of the room. An unfamiliar ceiling loomed overhead, and blankets that he never recalled being placed under shifted with his movement. He lifted a hand, a hand that did not belong to him. For one, it was much larger than his own, and another thing, his hand wasn't black. It took him a moment to realize that he was actually holding it up in front of his face, because the color blended in with most of his sorroundings.

Ookami sat up slowly, using the hand he had examined to prop himself up in the bed. The mattress underneath him sank much more than what he was accustomed to, and the way the covers slipped off of his frame felt odd against his chest. He reached up to rub his eyes, but lowered his hand silently as he glanced at the edges of his vision.

AI OPERATIVE OOKAMI

SYSTEMS FUNCTIONING...
AI RE-BOOT IN 10...
9...
8...
7...

Wolf rubbed his hard face thoughtfully, something was wrong, but he couldn't just think of what at the moment.
2...
1.
AI RE-BOOT INITIALIZED

"What the fucking HELL?!?"

***


"I take it that he's not coping well?"

"You have been a human all your life, and you wake up one day after nearly dying, an android. Did you expect him to just shrug and laugh it off?"

"Not really, but he hasn't stopped beating at the cell wall ever since we forced him in there" Montague laughed and slapped his assistant on the back, he tool a few steps forward to the large glass panel. Beyond this panel was a room, in which he examined his craftsmanship like an adoring father.

"Look at him, beautiful isn't he?"

"If you say so."

The assistant surveyed the figure as it berated the walls of the chamber, once you looked at it for a few moments you couldn't help but be amazed by the brilliant hue of black that covered its deadly frame. Its head was angular, and gave off a fierce impression. It was emblazoned by the two blue sapphire eyes that shone iridescently, its mouth was one of fangs poised in a somber position. At first glance the thought 'Deaths Advocate' flashes through your mind, but after a moment, you can see a particular sadness that lay hidden by its opposing figure.

"Like an archangel from heaven, he no longer has any connections to the outside world, and an unsure future. He is truly a masterpiece." The man at Montague's side frowned, and then turned away from Ookami.

"Just what do you plan to do with him? He has total control over himself, as if he simply just switched bodies with another life form." Montague sighed heavily and rubbed his sore neck, it had taken him weeks to perform the operation.

"Blaze has asked me to replicate the way the body of an android effects a living being, such as Ookami here. So in return, we can see what we can do about the reverse." The man frowned questioningly,

"You mean that eventually we are going to attempt to create a sentient form of life, outside of a metal shell?" Montague smiled,

"Flesh and bones, with an advanced brain that we our self create. Just think about what we can do with this, we can create new life forms that can maintain themselves, and be self efficient. This, my friend, this is what it is like to be god. Just imagine, we could have started off the same way you know. Some advanced life form might of created us, for whatever purpose. A thousand years is a blink of an eye in the universe, so image what all we can accomplish. And amusingly enough," Montague paused and finally walked away from his work to face his assistant.

"We could have been created simply as a means of entertainment" The man fell silent, and his eyes rested on the tile floor.

"There's something you are not telling me, another purpose?"

Montague laughed again and exited the room, leaving the man's question unanswered.

***


His fist slammed into the wall again, and again, relentlessly without stopping. He had to get out of here, he had to find out what had happened. But most importantly, he had to kill the one responsible. Finally, he stopped when he became tired. Ookami was surprised he could feel tired, just as he could feel the texture of the wall as he dropped to the floor dragging his hand down along it. The four sides of blinding light caused him to try to close his eyes, which only resulted in everything blacking out. When he squinted, it was like he was wearing sunglasses during a sunny day. Another thing that bothered him, was that he did not have the need to breathe. This reflex became useless, for there was no respitory system in this new body of his. Wolf noticed that he took unnatural pleasure in the bright light: He assumed that they where supposed to replicate the suns heat because he could feel himself draw in energy from it.

But he was adapting, already what had drove him mad for the first day of his containment no longer seemed to bug him that much. Ookami sighed, the first time he heard his calm low voice it startled him, and now that some time had passed it was not irksome. It was unusual, he felt like he was wearing clothes instead of black plating, and his senses remained the same. He could smell the metallic scent of his hand, and could feel the ground underneath his feet. Even though his hearing and sight was intensified, he was missing one aspect that sometimes was the most enjoyable. His mouth was something new, it wouldn't open, so he assumed that they hadn't bothered to grant him the sense of taste.

"So, how do you like your new body?" Ookami glanced around the room, it seemed to be just four solid, white walls.

"What have you done to me?"

"Personally, I think you look much better now than when you where missing three lings and a good deal of skin.” Wolf was glad for a moment that he didn't have a stomach, for it surely would have churned at the remembrance of the moment of being suspended in the green liquid.

"You haven't saved me, you've cursed me." The mans voice bubbled with joyous laughter, causing Wolf to jump up.

"Think about what you are saying my dear child."

"Don’t say that! I have parents... I, have" Ookami stopped dead in mid speech, he shut off his vision to try to block out the images that had never been there before. Wolf sank to his knees, he could remember, he could remember his parents smile, his mothers embrace, his fathers eyes. It was all there, filling in the gaps that had for so long remained vacant. The memories flooded back, like it was happening over again; Each day seemed to be returning, each breath relived. He clutched at his head helplessly, silently willing for it all to leave him alone.

"You can remember it all now, cant you?" The figure encased in the blinding white walls sank gripped at the floor violently, scarring the odd material it was composed of.

"I could image quite a bit of discomfort, but really, is your behavior necessary?" Ookami staggered to his feet, which did not seem to belong to him anymore.

"SHUT UP!"

"Get a grip of yourself good fellow, your going to blow some power levels if you are not careful."

"I SAID SHUT UP!"

Heat was welling up inside him, and enormous pressure he couldn't keep under control; Like a child trying to stop a speeding car. The air in the room became heavy, shining blue streaked through his dark armor, quickly covering him in an odd design. Ookami's body was lifted off the ground, streams of energy flowed off of him, dissipating shortly after leaving contact with him. Two spaces between his shoulder blades elevated, and magnificent wind burst forth like a wild animal released from its trap. These heavenly bodies stretched outwards to the point where they where impeded by the walls of the room. Instead of feathers there where intricately woven strands of glimmering power, creating large wing like structures. Then suddenly it at stopped, the light was gone, wings and the patterns on the dark metal of his body. He fell abruptly with a crash, Wolf expected to black out, and almost hoped that he would. But his body did not give him the freedom to retreat to the corner of his mind. They had stripped him of his last standing sanctum.

***


Blaze sat directly across from the FOnewm, the man wavered uncomfortably under his icy stare. The FOmar's silvery white hair was no longer kept as short as it used to be, it spilled over the top of his bandanna. His eyes scanned the nervous figure before him, the purple in them flashed a darker blue when light shone more directly. His black robes spilled down the chair he was settled in, ending in shimmering waves at the ankles.

"What’s the progress?" The killer addressed the scientist with a grim tone, no one would realize the softened core of the last assassin. Blaze did not wish to be liked, as long as he was respected. The hardened black leather segments of his outfit made no noise as its wearer leaned forward, and then stood.

"He is adapting faster than even I had hoped to expect. He has already touched on the complex power you have graciously bestowed upon him." Montague's voice found its confidence as he spoke, and he was able to speak steadily again. Blaze laid a hand again the thick layer of glass that separated the room from Ookami. He let his senses drift outwards, easily picking up the traces of his own energy that resided in the android that lay sprawled on the ground. But something was different, something he himself didn't understand.

"This man has done something to my power, it is infringed with his own essence." Blaze turned and his robes swirled after him, "These two energies to not sleep together peacefully." Montague nodded silently, as if a thought had been confirmed.

"Even though it was originally yours, it is diffusing with his own." Blaze's eyes narrowed, he stood for a moment before he spoke again.

"Every life form is composed of energy, but he is an android, tell me how this is possible." Montague laughed and joined Blaze at the one way panel

"True, how true. Even I don’t fully understand it all yet, after all, he is the first of the experiments."

"You haven’t answered my question yet. Could it be that you are afraid of my reaction?"

"Not at all, as you put it yourself, he has retained his essence. In the core of Ookami is a strand of DNA, which contains his essence, and one that I have fabricated myself. It is kept alive by the system, and it is growing. What'll come of it is yet to be discovered." Blaze turned away from the scientist so that he could hide a flash of disgust that flashed across his face.

"So this creature will grow inside of that shell of his, but that encasing, is it only meant to keep him alive? And how big do you expect this thing to get?"

"That casing is in a humanoid form, so we are hoping that its new grown body will adapt to its, frame sort of speak. And the life form itself? Rest assured that it will survive without its casing. Imagine the creature from the texts of long ago, the caterpillar forms a hard shell over itself to protect it while it is vulnerable, and while its changing." Blaze thought for a moment, and then spoke, choosing his words carefully.

"You are speaking of the next stage of human evolution?"

"Exactly, he has already demonstrated part of what he will become. A few days ago he managed to unleash some of the energy that I suppose became a bit to much for him to bear. The energy feathered out into a mind blowing figure, even as a mere shadow the awesome power he wielded was amazing." Montague paused, noticing that he had become a bit excited, while Blaze merely gazed into the room at the dark crumpled figure on the floor.

"We could only achieve this by fusing him with your power, of course. But soon I think that we will evolve on our own, after all. Newman’s are only half a step ahead of humans. I believe that all hunters will evolve eventually, our unique energies will shape us. The possibilities are simple staggering."

"And we are using this to prepare ourselves, a glimpse at the future?"

"Precisely, he will feed off of your energy untill it is all gone, and then he will emerge from his shell."

"How long will that take?"

"Actually, the shadow was a leak. As I told you he is progressing rapidly, almost too rapidly."

"Weeks? Months? All that you have told me that it is sometime soon."

"It should occur within the next month, after that he'll be unstable for at least another month. But once he is back in control of himself, we'll have to let him go."

"Why is that?"

"Simply because we would not be able to contain him. If our estimates are correct, then he might even be able to beat you."

"Dont talk nonsense. So what if we let him go, he would somehow make his wake back to the militia. That would be like showing a soldier the self destruct device on a base and encourage him to push it."

"Not nessessarily, even if he comes back looking for revenge then we will have our X series of androids demolish him"

"We only have a hundred of those toys, Montague."

"So far, anyways." Blaze raised his head to the ceiling in a grimace, and brought it back down again when he remembered a question that had been pressing at the back of his mind.

"Have you determined what the symbols on my children mean?" Montague sighed and faced Blaze, this time all traces of apprehension had vanished from his eyes.

"That, I am unsure of. Your and Yuri's energies are quite strange, they seem to be power roots of some sort. Don’t worry about it though, I think they actually add to your both your daughters' looks." Blaze looked at the scientist questioningly, and he in returned sighed.

"Alright, alright. Yes, I haven't told you something."

"Being what?" Montague's face twisted uneasily, taking a deep breath and then letting it out slowly, he spoke.

"They resembled the ones that where shaped on Ookami's body when the shadow of the future escaped. Thus meaning." Blaze could already guess what he was going to say, but listened patiently anyways.

"The brink of evolution is already upon us."
_________

Yeah, long chapters http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_lol.gif

[Skett]

Great chapter. I was wondering when Blaze would make an appearence. And it is good that my plan to get you out of groundence worked.

Anyways, I think I see why your fic isn't doing well. Well, the fanfics haven't had a great demand like the past. Other greats fics on the site have had limited success. Fanart seems to be the more popular choice of something to see.

Just keep writing...

[Sagasu]

Will do. And I also have noticed the fan art crave that has seemed to spread over this forum like a plague http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime1.gif

[mr_rubbish]

Ok, Mr.Rubbish in the house!

First off, its the high quality story goodness we've come to expect from you Sarunakai.

A couple of points, I think Word's autocorrect is changing some of the words.
where=were
mush=much
etc, be careful.
Also in chapter 3 I think you use the word 'hell' just a bit too much (it maybe just me though).

But don't worry, if you build it they will come!

[Sagasu]

Every ten chapters I'll go through and revise, Im not sure how many there will be after the 20 mark.

As I have said before, I have great plans for this story. Resulting in even longer chapters, we are talking in 8-10 pages soon enough. Final Assassination was something like 45 pages long, 20 chapters, while this one is in its fith chapter and has around 25 pages. My head is exploding with all that is going to happen, even after this story is completed. So hopefully the intervals in which you are recieving my work will be a considerably less amount of time than in FA.

For those of you who have been reading (2 is all I know of currently.) Stick around, for this is bound to be a long trip ^_^'

[Sagasu]

Ok, this is going to be the last short chapter, for a while anyways. One reason why it is so short is because, there's a poem in the beggining that reflects upon the whole story as a whole, fi you really think about it. Got a new cd so inspiration is flowing back http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif The poem is about accepting death, there's also a few other things in it you should think about but its up to you guys.

So, without further procrastination, here ya go -_^


Wars Anguish
Act 2 / Glimmer in the Dark
Chapter: 6
Requiem



Grasp

The light fades as the coldness envelopes
The sadness opening the path for
The torment to develop
The last seal on the forsaken door,
broken
The last hope shaken from its moor, it has
awoken
I tried as hard as my mortal soul
I cried to ward from the unreachable goal
As the life slips through
I realize there's no way to

No longer could I stand the
pain
No longer could I stand on the
plain
Essence blown away with
The passing of borrowed time
Last words wasted, breathing
Trying to repent for the crime
The darkness consumes my whole
So sorry that our humanity must pay the ultimate toll

The last rays dissipate
The judge says that condemned
Fueling the burning hate
A way for mankind's will, must bend
The last days spent attempting to rend,
Free
Of all the chains that have come to be

No escape, love and sorrow
lashed as our dreams suddenly dashed
Come to bring it all
To it's inevitable fall
Must there be no struggle for this is our last
The final moment we must grasp.




Lights slowly flickered to life, giving those underneath time enough to shield their eyes as the brightness gently pressed them. A dark figure refused to take shape, a mass of black against sparkling white. Numb eyes stared dully to where the figure knew to be the exit of the prison. It traced a hand along the floor, the smooth, flawless floor. With little emotion he traced his finger along the scratch that had given the illusion away. The only way to distinguish where one wall started and the other ended was by literally running into them. His finger ran the length of the scratch until it dipped into the gouge that he had caused himself. The length of his fingertip was engulfed by the dazzling white, the image of the room was a cleverly crafted hologram. Ookami stood, hand against the wall, at the door to the cell. It felt smooth, just like a wall, but he could feel the hum of energy that covered the gap in the wall where the door was set in.

There was a presence, it had been there ever since he had woken up, but he was slowly consuming it. Something was growing inside him, or was he growing inside this shell? His hand withdrew to the length of his chest clenched in a fist, the dark spike that braced his elbow hinge jutted out as his arm bent back. His fist, a mere blur, slammed into the protective shield. There was a flicker, his hopes bolstered as he saw the flash of color. Gripping whatever lay behind the photon shield, Ookami pulled back forcefully. The sound of metal rendering and bending screeched against his ears (sensors); Whether it was his arm or the door he didn't know, or really care. Straining now, the metal shrieked as it was finally ripped free of its place. The large door that had taken all of the doorframe with it, heavy cables sparked like fuses as Wolf viewed what his newfound strength had made possible. The metal had been pulled inside, it looked like it stretched a good deal outwards before giving in, creating thin layers that bent backwards like the wall had been punctured. The hologram was still in play, so the peaks of metal seemed to jump out at him from nowhere.

"Planning to escape?" The same voice as before called out to him, oddly enough it didn't carry the slightest trace of fear or apprehension. Ookami didn't want to waste time with him,

"Anybody who tries to stop me will die."

"Oh we can't have that, there are to many innocents in the surrounding areas. Wait where you are, I want to show you around." Wolf stopped in his tracks, what was that guy planning. He took a few moments to reply,

"Hurry up."

"Will do"

***


Montague met Ookami just outside the containment cell, he whistled as he saw the damaged inflicted upon the wall.

"I take it you don't like being stuck in a white prison, I'll make a note of that."

"Why?" Ookami couldn't keep the stress from his voice.

"So that next time I have need for it the person might not mind the color so much." The scientist laughed and turned away from him, walking back the way he came. Wolf quickly stepped into pace with the man, noticing with a bit of surprise that he went unarmed. Montague acknowledged that he had observed his defenselessness,

"I doubt that there is a real reason why you would attack me now, and everyone else is trustworthy around here." Ookami looked away, feeling slightly ashamed even though he did not know why. The man continued.

"I?m going to take you to someone that wants to meet you in person, I think you know him by name and by rumor." Montague inclined his head in Wolf's direction.

"But I doubt you militia folks know the other side of Blaze."

"Oth- Other side? Blaze is a ruthless killer, a maniac." Montague chuckled and turned a corner, where there was both a flight of steps and a lift. He accesses the lift and waited patiently.

"Yes, he really is a man killer, or was. I doubt he'll be able to keep that up as he has for much longer."

"And why is that?" A soft bell motioned that the lift had arrived, the steel doors slid open revealing a wide space elaborately decorated with specked marble floors: Gold railing stretched along the inside frame, and mirror like crystal reflected their images on the walls and ceiling. They both entered, scientist first. Montague pressed two of the many gleaming silver buttons, and settled himself on the back railing.

"Well, lets just say that there are complications in his life right now. The only thing that keeps him on his bloody path is a promise, a promise that he plans to keep."

"Just what is this, promise?"

"That, I do not know"

***

The lift door opened again, the surroundings caught him entirely off guard, leaving him speechless. As he stepped forward his clawed foot dug into the soft green grass, the brilliant blue sky was filled with puffy white clouds that billowed across heading to the distant horizon. The silence was comforting, for it was the silence of a forest. The gurgle of a stream could be distinctly heard, the hum of insects created a lush feeling unlike that of anything he had ever experienced. This was real, the silky grass underfoot was real, the towering trees creating shade from a real star. He never expected, or dare dreamed of a place so peaceful. All of his life had been unforgiving metal and the harsh unforgiving cold of space. But now he basked under the comforting rays of light given off from the star ever so close.

Ookami knelt down, he touched the petal of a flower, the beauty contained in the solitary object alone was overpowering. Looking behind him he saw that he had left out of a large tower, the huge structure was made out of some strange stone he could not identify. Around him was what could only be the surface of Ragol, a mental shudder passed through him. He stared at the flower in his palm, they had landed in secrecy, and had set up a camouflaged base built halfway underground. It had been dark, and in order for them to stay in secrecy no one was allowed to wander. Back then, he never had known the jewel the planet proved to be. Ookami merely observed it as a hazard infested with danger. It saddened him to think of why he had been sent to this place back then, he and his squad helped arrange many successful man-slaughter. It was hard to tell who's hand where stained with more blood, theirs or the hunters. Wolf gently stroked the flower, it was in full bloom. But it was dead now, cut off from the rich soil, it would die. Shaking his head he dropped the doomed life and proceeded to gaze amongst the flourishing planet.

"I suppose when one becomes strong they forget how easily life is broken." Ookami shifted uncomfortable, the FOmar had been able to walk up right behin his back without him noticing it. The man with semi long silvery white hair stooped over and picked up the flower,

"And then we over look what we have damaged, for sometimes it does not seem significant that something that is so fragile and useless." The flower that he held up between his index finger and thumb burnt into flames, quickly wilting and burning down to ash that sifted onto Blaze's gloved hand. The FOmar made no indication that he had been bothered by the flame that he had been holding.

"But then" Blaze's tone was remorseful, and almost bitter, "Dwelling on what we have done gets us nowhere, and eventually it will tear oneself apart. Lets walk a bit through the forest, I have few thing I would like to discuss with you." Ookami was not impressed, he snorted contempt fully and turned away from the force.

"Why would I want to speak with a murderer, you act as if you weren't a living terror at large. But you are, and I will never forgive you for what you have done to us all." Blaze smiled sadly,

"One mustn?t dwell, yes, I have spilled more blood than most who actually thirst for it. And sadly I must continue to do so until I have completed my goal." The FOmar started to head into the forest, leaving Ookami little choice but to follow. They traveled in silence, Wolf silently questioned himself, this man confused him greatly. He was being overly polite to an enemy, and he couldn't see a trace of the deadly assassin described to him so many times. Blaze stopped at the stream he had heard earlier, he sat quietly letting his robes settle freely over the smooth grass. He spoke evenly in a calm and even tone,

"I want you to know what I have been struggling to obtain. Your not quite so blind as your fellow soldiers, so I don?t see the harm in trying to explain this once more."

"Once more? You mean that-" Blaze interrupted him mid sentence,

"Yes, and there was an attempt on my life before I could get a chance to speak my peace." A cool breeze sifted through his hair and his dark robes, Ookami looked away from the assassins eyes. They where cold as ice, the lingering effects of sorrow had stained them with a darker darkness that he doubted could be lifted. Blaze started again,

"I do not wish to kill you all, but I will if necessary. This planet was not won over by the militia, it was not the soldiers blood spilled over this land, it was the hunters who suffered and righted the wrong that those of Pioneer 1 created. I do not see why we should give this place up for you to destroy." He paused, and Ookami sat in uncomfortable silence.

"Once we were not needed, and out use diminished, where did your respect go? They where scared, and they are even more so now. They feared that we would turn out to powerful, for them to control." Ookami spoke up angrily,

"Not like there was much of a choice! There was no way we would be able to clear up the mess Pioneer 1 created, don?t you people realize that we where helpless, and it was only by your choice did you sacrifice so much to obtain peace for this planet. You hunters think you are so holy that you don't even realize what you have done! Nafiel, the people were butchered and sent to their families doorsteps, you have no right to judge humanity's flaws." Blaze reached out touching the cool crystal clear water, from it he pulled forth a few droplets.

"Every one has the ability, we just have developed it to the point where we have become so aware of the energy that composes, everything."

Ookami looked down, uncertain what to say. Blaze smiled again, the sad, haunting smile of one who is suffering.




<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Sarunakai on 2004-02-11 17:59 ]</font>

[Skett]

Wow. It was a short chapter for you but longer then many of other fics out now. I am eating this fic up, I must tell you. Great job and keep doing it.

[Sagasu]

Dont forget to leave some for others http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

Thanks for the feedback skett!

[mr_rubbish]

Wow, quite poiniant... and now Blaze is going all zen on us. there might be redemption for him yet.
Dude don't forget to PM me when new chapters come out or I might miss 'em!

A couple o' points.

1. Mind your were/where. There's a few other minor typos but its small things mainly. I suspect you were typing in a hurry.


It was hard to tell who's hand where stained with more blood, theirs or the hunters. Wolf gently stroked the flower,


2. The speech formating sometimes may require more whitespace/carrige returns. The following quote looks like Ookami says it when it is actually Blaze!


"Once we were not needed, and out use diminished, where did your respect go? They where scared, and they are even more so now. They feared that we would turn out to powerful, for them to control." Ookami spoke up angrily,



In closing... Keep up the good work!

[Sagasu]

Sorry, I'll PM' you next time. Speaking of next time, the next chapter is coming up soon so keep your eyes peeled.

For those of you who have difficulty finding the first fic in this series it is now logged in the fan-fiction archives ( Yay http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif )

[Sagasu]

Things aren't going to well for me right now, I just switched between divorced parents and things are quite crazy around here.

SO, thats my excuse http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif Hopefully I'll get the next chapter up in the next few days.

[blazeking240]

weres nick http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_rant.gif alec get him in there

[Sagasu]

Meh... He's getting there, you have to be patient.

[Sagasu]

YES! Finally I've cleverly assassinated all distractions and have come up with the time for another chapter!



*bow*



But after this your head might swim, so have some asprin ready.

look out for ?
___________________

War's Anguish
Act 2 / Glimmer in the Dark
Chapter: 7
The Messenger

"You may wonder that a man like myself, famed and dangerous, would seem so carefree. Let me tell you one thing, through all the death and destruction, even I have to hold on to some of my humanity." Ookami sat idly, but he was absorbing every word as if struck in with a hammer.

"One would think that it would be a hindrance in battle, things humans want and need tend to cause weakness." Blaze shook his head at what the other had said, he too was sitting, gazing at a patch of blue flowers, identical to the one Ookami had been holding earlier.

"Motivation, we all have something to fight for, and that is what drives us the extra mile. What we need, what we want, these are usually the shreds of oneself that we clutch onto. Purpose, its all a game of purpose. What is the purpose of this, what is my purpose, and am I right in what I am doing." Silence, Blaze continued. "You spend your lives, trying to affirm what you've done, trying to prove yourselves, and make sure you have some sort of certification behind you that holds your purpose above the others. But you are all still so blind." Ookami decided to go ahead and speak up,

"Get your head out of the skies you dipshit, are you trying to say that a few people act one way and piss you off, so logically were all a bunch of morons with are heads up our asses." Blaze sighed, there was a fine line between stupidity and pride. "Do not forget that while you are here, you are at my mercy. So I insist that you stop your rampage and calm down. The human race has always fought one another, trying to scrabble to the top, trying to go farther. This has helped us evolve quickly, and survive. But the humans are at the end of the line. After thousands of years, we can harness the very living energy around us, the fabric of the universe itself. But as we touch this power, it changes us, to adapt to it, to flow with it. Thus, the next stage of evolution is upon us. One that we sought out with our knowledge and power, instead of natural changes, we have accelerated beyond expectations." Blaze fell silent, guessing the obvious thoughts swimming through Ookami's mind.

"But not all of us are, tuned in to the energy, as you put it." Ookami had spoken quietly, realization dawning on him. Blaze nodded, "Yes, this is true. I do not wish to eliminate those who do not wish to evolve, or who are frightened to. But I will destroy every last one of you who turn that fear into hatred, those who try to stop us, will die. There is nothing wrong with being scared, there is nothing wrong with not wanting to cross the gap. But it is intolerable when these cowards declare us vile, and say that we are following the path that will destroy all of man kind." Ookami stood up now, he shouldn't be here, he didn't belong in this place, with this man, with these people. A sudden wrong feeling had sprung up with Blaze's words, but there was truth as well.

"But the innocents, you've killed even those who wanted peace-" Ookami was interrupted by Blaze raising a hand, "You are not innocent if you hand your lives over to the government, they where not innocent for accepting the trap even when we gave warning. We told them, I told them dammit! Do you realize that we are mortal as well? Do you think of us merely as monsters with uncontrollable power that must be stopped?" Ookami stepped back, the anger in the force's voice was horrible, his face was a mask of hatred, for a moment you could see the hate, the pain, the loss, you could feel the overwhelming despair that this man must have been through.

"DO YOU THINK WE WANT TO KILL YOU ALL?!" Blaze shouted, somehow his strong voice remained unbroken and distinct. Ookami might have expected him to be out of breath after such a voicing, but the assassin breathed quietly, completely undisturbed. Before anything else could occur, the sudden silence was broken by happy voices. Two young girls came running out of the forest, their faces were a mix of fear and amusement.

"DADDY! Daddy! Mommy is chasing us!" Ookami could not believe the sight before him, the cold stern expression of the FOmar had melted away completely, revealing a laughing father. He been tackled down to the ground, the toddlers where giggling and pulling at his hands.

"She is? Well we can't have that now can we?" The twins shook their head, in a flurry of silvery white and black hair. Blaze hoisted himself up and jumped into an adjacent tree, then he put a finger to his lips, motioning for silence. Just after a FOmarl wearing shorts and a sleeveless-T ran into the clearing, a blend of annoyance and amusement traced her face.

"There you are! Don't run off on me like that again, you hear?" The girls nodded vigorously, they couldn't hold in their laughter for much longer and broke down into a fit of giggles. "Where's your father? I thought I heard his voice from over here." She spoke with a kind soft voice, he could imagine her to be a good singer. As if that statement triggered an alarm, a dark shape came flying from the overhead foliage and snatched the FOmarl right off the ground. Blaze came to a skidding halt, Yuri was flustered and he took advantage of her silence,

"Chasing my children around are you? Why I ought to let their mother take care of you!" She had recovered quickly, and with a quick sweep of her leg she pinned Blaze to the ground, her face inches from his. "I'd think she'd better deal with this here rouge first." They laughed together, and after a short embrace they rose in unison. Suddenly he felt someone tugging at hand, she was young, her long hair was the color of raven black, her crystal clear eyes a magnificent hue of purple.

"Hey mister, what's your name?" The android couldn't help but remember his own family, which he had left behind when he was drafted into the military. "Ookami." She laughed,

'That's a funny name." Ookami finally let his eyes wander the marking on her skin, they seemed to form some sort of pattern, merely an odd symbol on her forehead and both cheeks. They where purple, just like her eyes.

"Terra!" The toddler turned at her mother call, "Were going to the caves now! Daddy's just going to finish speaking with Ookami and then he'll join us." Terra shouted with joy, she ran over to her sister and her mother, and Blaze knelt and gave each one a hug. Then he spoke to them with mock severity,

"Terra, Isannah, I want you to make sure that your mother stays out of trouble, okay?" They straightened out and nodded, also donning playful sternness, "We'll make sure!" As usual, they spoke together, Blaze nodded,

"Right then, off you go. I'll be done in a moment and then I'll follow after, bringing up the rear." Yuri laughed, Blaze was always joking around with them. "I'll deal with you tonight, sir." Blaze saluted smartly,
"Depends on your behavior my lady, you be good now!" Yuri shook her head, it saddened her to think of how many people viewed him as a monstrosity; Yet at the same time she couldn't blame them for their actions either.

***


Blaze led Ookami back towards, explaining what he should do. "I want you to give them my message for me. I've spoken to these fools countless times and quite frankly, I'm tired of it; we all are." The force paused, as if thinking over what he was about to say.

"This is their last warning, and if they do not meet the requirements they will be destroyed. We are claiming Ragol as our own; We have fought for it, died for it, while the military has sat back and slept. They are to stop attacking, as shall we. And within the space of the time left till the years end, they shall be out of here. It would only take at most one month to gather the transportation necessary to take them back to Coral and Earth, and another to get themselves out of there. But we will allow them extra time, and one way or another this war will end by the end of the last day. This is not an option, this is nor even really a warning, this is a threat." Ookami walked in silence for a moment before speaking,

"All seems rather blunt if you ask me." Blaze nodded, it was the truth. "Harsh as it may be, that?s the message, if you wish you may add anything that would persuade them. But you may not change the overall meaning. Also, tell them there will be a, demonstration. They are to look at the city of Nafiel at the end of this month. That gives you three weeks to deliver the message." Ookami stopped suddenly, this all seemed strange,

"You can't possibly expect for me to do this!" He did not know exactly what hit him, but he guessed Blaze had done something. His metal frame was sent flying through the foliage, snapping tree's and bursting through branches as if they where made of paper. Ookami came to a violent stop as he slammed into a giant formation, that turned out to be an ancient oak of some sort. Then his frame was thrown into the air, but he did not fall. Instead an immense presence dragged him back to the ground next to the FOmar, his body formed a small crater as it crashed into the ground with awesome power. Blaze grabbed him and held him up, straight off of the ground with one hand.

"Don't toy with me Ookami, have you heard my rumors? Well, they are all true so I suggest you shape before you find yourself in the scrap heap." Blaze tossed him back down to the earth as if he was a rag doll. "And if you don't tell them, the blood of every innocent that dies will be on both our heads, not just mine." Ookami knew he was beaten, Blaze had presented him his fate, and there was no avoiding it. He was to be the messenger.

"There's one more thing," Blaze stared intently at the figure that was struggling to stand, "In about one weeks time, you will change, I advise you speak to whoever is necessary before then."
"Why, what?s going to happen?" Ookami questioned, "Lets just say, you wont be quite the same."
"Yeah, like I've been an android all my life." Ookami retorted, Blaze didn't respond, instead he pointed to the towering black spire that stood as a regal land mark; There was something about it, it seemed to be made of stone yet, it was just a flawless prism, no marks where stone had been laid.
"Montague will be waiting for you at the level B-15, he will explain further." Ookami still wanted to speak, this man was a walking legend, there where so many questions he wanted to ask, but he found himself unable to speak. As Blaze turned to leave , undoubtedly to join his family, he managed one remark out,

"They won't listen, you know that don't you?" Blaze did not falter at his remark, and set off at a swift stride. "As I have said if they don't listen, they will die." Ookami stood, knowing he meant every word of it.

***


Nick opened his eyes cautiously, everything was just like he left it. The ship he was currently taking to Riyu glided through space noiselessly, the seat next to him remained empty. As he would expect it, him being the only one on the vessel. The auto pilot bleeped softly, telling him that his destination was approximately seventy beats away. "Good," he thought aloud, "Lets see what Blaze has made of himself, eh Sato?" His mag beeped and whizzed to its place by its masters shoulders. For a moment you would think that it was a cat with gray and black fur, but only for a moment. Brushing aside a long strand of dark hair he glanced out the window, the serene stillness that enveloped the pilots cockpit disturbed him. Nick felt like the ship was disturbing the quiet piece of space.

"Oh well," He was again, speaking to his mag, "Might as well stir things up even more while we're at it. Nick selected a few options from the onboard computer and inserted a data crystal into the reader. At first the music was soft,
"Dammit! Where's the volume?" After some searching he located what appeared to be the volume control. Without as much as a second thought he turned the knob to full, the rock/heavy-metal syndrome blasting through the ship with amazing magnitude. Nick grinned to himself,

"Now that?s more like it!"
He sat back in the captains chair, musing over about how he had stolen this A-class transport right from under the Militia's nose. Then it hit him, he hadn't even warned his old friend that he would be paying a visit. He thought a moment, and then typed busily into the portable BEE system that every hunter carried.

**I'm gonna be dropping by your pad, Riyu, or whatever you named it. You might want to notify the guards and whatnot that an A-class civilian speed cruiser will be in the area about 70 beats from now. I heard that you need some capable hunters for a job, and I guess I'm lacking in the money dep. right now so deal me in ok?

I'd use the old assassin farewell but I guess those days are all over now, aren't they. So till we meet, stay alive buddy.**

Nick nodded to himself and pressed the send icon on the display screen, it will have to do, until he could see him in person.

***


Ookami's attention turned from the mirror like crystal of the lift to the single door as a bell informed him he had reached the appropriate floor. The doors retracted in a perfect motion, like a shining ripple in the water; Seen but not heard. The hallway he stepped into was well lit, but not glaringly so. The floor was of a dull concrete mix of sorts, the walls the black sheet of rock everything in the rest of the damn tower seemed to be composed of. He let his hand drift to the impeccable smoothness. A thought crossed his mind, but that was unreal. But it was so true, the realization hit him like a thundering train, this building gave him the same vibe Blaze was soaked in. he heard laughter behind him, short high notes, it was Montague.

"So you've finally noticed, eh? Most of this entire building," The FOnewm motioned around him, "Was created by Blaze." Ookami shook his head, this was unthinkable,

"How in the name of Coral is that possible?" Montague laughed again, he seemed to be taking pleasure in his confusion. "Simple, in a way. Blaze has achieved amazing control of the living energy around him. In the air, in space, he is able to manipulate, and even better, control it." Montague stepped forward, looking at the dark surface thoughtfully, then he continued.

"We call this life rock, for a few specific reasons. You see, all our future buildings are going to be made of this material. That way we won't have to quarry it ourselves. This rock is made up of the energy of the dead, combined with Blaze's own pure energy." Ookami shifted uncomfortably, it sounded kinda creepy to him.

"What's his pure energy deal?" Montague suddenly became grave, his face a somber mask. Ookami realized he must have struck upon something big, so he kept waiting for an answer. Montague spoke slowly, taking constant stops in-between words. This subject obviously made him nervous.

"Its almost like religion, but it different as well." Ookami frowned, that didn't help at all. "Like in a religion, your actions score your points in the afterlife. But its not about whether you use your powers for good or bad." Montague stopped, it seemed like it was hard for him to translate it into simpler terms, Ookami was rather annoyed by this.

"Stop stopping and spit it out already! I'd be damned if I spoke this way to someone." Montague looked shone, but recovered himself quickly.

"Fine. To be blunt, it depends on how much you kill. Hunters have been taught to absorb the energy off of living creatures they kill, that way they can boost their already phenomenal power. Now there are two forms of pure energy, lets classify them for light and dark for simplicities sake. Dark energy masses when you destroy other life sources. Your energy adapts to your life style, and if you are trained to be an effective killer then your energy is going to be so as well. Thus dark energy. But its not pure, unless you succumb to its ways. Energy in itself is the ultimate form of power, it is unlimited, and cannot be taken away by conventional means. When you accept one side, you will be able to use it with getting many times the original result. But once you enter a state of pure energy, in order to maintain it you have to keep within the boundaries. For example, Blaze cannot use his energy to patch that of others e.g. healing." Ookami perked up with a question almost as soon as the force stopped talking.

"Why? And what do you have to do to achieve light purity?" Montague smiled, he started walking down the hall, a sign for him to follow.

"Light purity is almost an unreachable point. For it is self sacrificial. To amass this light energy you would need to habit your own power to the patchwork of others. Were talking about healing again. Healing is an extremely strenuous process, normal wounds are easy though. All it takes is the reuniting of the energy bonds in the living tissue. Simple really, but death, death is another matter altogether. In order to really revive someone, you have to fracture your own life energy and implant it in the dead organism. There you start the painful process of spreading life back into the dead tissue. But if you have achieve true light purity, I have no doubt that you could revive someone from their very bones." Ookami shook his head, it was incredible, simply amazing what could be done. Montague laughed and spoke up again,

"But of course nobody really wants to give up their lives for someone else, so were trying another method. Its actually quite simple, but due to the restrictions the government has played into the area I don't blame the scientists for giving up."

"What do you mean?"
"Nano-Technoledgy, its the answer to humanities ills."

"How so?" Ookami questioned, "Nano-machines are made of protein, so they can be reproduced by the body itself. They would work like hormones, going through the body repairing weakened cells, and even strengthening then to the point of enhancement. Its virtually the key to stop aging, it wouldn't be just prolonged life, it would be virtually thwarting death by the means of age." Montague continued, like he didn't need air or something.

"Nano-machines could strengthen muscles and fix genetic flaws. Why hell, it could alter the DNA itself and change our appearance over time. It would strengthen immunities and be the benefit of mankind." Ookami sighed, he also knew why the government stopped the research completely, and he brought this to Montague's attention.

"Yeah but it can be used as a kick ass weapon. Think about it, nano-machines with the goal to deteriorate living cells. And with how easily they could be spread, new and more deadly versions would develop, causing millions of deaths." Montague shook his head,

"So what, there is more than one way you can us a fork! To eat with it or stab somebody?s eye's out. Every die has more than one side, but the hunters have the advantage in this gamble. Despite the danger it could press we still have the ability the obliterate unwanted substances before they get within ten feet of us!" Ookami was puzzled,

"How so?"

"Our control over the energy around us! Have you even listened to a word I have said? We create an aura around us, the energies of this aura can destroy unwanted materials. Why do you think I haven't been sick a day of my life? it even goes so far as to where we can pour our developing energy into this aura to destroy more tangible substances that come within distances. A force of Blaze's magnitude could destroy everything within a twenty mile radius of his person."

Ookami mentally shivered, such power, did they have a chance at all? But even more likely, was he still on the militia's side? Once he had seen the battle field from the other side, his image of the overall goal had shifted dramatically. You were not taught this in training, and its even worse on the battle field. All the senseless killing, and you where in the middle of it.

As they walked in silence, their footsteps echoing, their minds wandering. Had they lived their life to the best? And what was going to come next?
_____________________

I swear I won't lecture on energy and Nano-machines ever again http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_lol.gif

Miss the action from FA that was more or less substanstial, just wait and see what I have planned. Details are over, time for some of the heartfelt agony we all adore!

Coming up in chapter 8 http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[mr_rubbish]

If I was the military I would withdraw from Ragol then bomb Blaze from orbit! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[Skett]

Wow, deep stuff. All this nano-tech stuff is interesting really. And we get to see Yuri again. Cant wait for the next chapter.

Bombing, Mr. Rubbish? Really? I wish I had that idea.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Skett on 2004-03-07 19:09 ]</font>

[Sagasu]

On 2004-03-06 03:20, mr_rubbish wrote:
If I was the military I would withdraw from Ragol then bomb Blaze from orbit! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif


You'll jsut have to see ^_^

Thanks for the support guys!.

[blazeking240]

hey alec me and derek are both in ult ruins lol

[Sagasu]

On 2004-03-08 16:59, blazeking240 wrote:
hey alec me and derek are both in ult ruins lol



Keep spam to a minimum, Nick. This is fan-fic, not your living room. Take it to the PM's bud.

[blazeking240]

get on the next chapter nick just got in lol http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_mad.gif

[Skett]

I have to agree with Nick. Your fic is the only one I care for reading here anymore. The weight is on your shoulders. Kidding but when can we expect the next chapter?

[Sagasu]

On 2004-03-09 17:55, Skett wrote:
I have to agree with Nick. Your fic is the only one I care for reading here anymore. The weight is on your shoulders. Kidding but when can we expect the next chapter?



I guess, that was a compliment http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime2.gif

Soon, I've just reached the top of the hill. And so it will be easier to get more in, faster. Hell, friday or I'm a dead man.

[blazeking240]

make it thurs day or http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_ak.gif http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/twak.gif

[blazeking240]

On 2004-03-09 19:13, Sarunakai wrote:


On 2004-03-09 17:55, Skett wrote:
I have to agree with Nick. Your fic is the only one I care for reading here anymore. The weight is on your shoulders. Kidding but when can we expect the next chapter?



I guess, that was a compliment http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime2.gif

Soon, I've just reached the top of the hill. And so it will be easier to get more in, faster. Hell, friday or I'm a dead man.

if u die can i have all ur money http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_nerd.gif

[Sagasu]

three words

Spam and Ban

[blazeking240]

in the words of the great alec peleran shadap

[Skett]

On 2004-03-11 17:16, blazeking240 wrote:
in the words of the great alec peleran shadap



Hey buddy, Stop spamming please. It figures. Of all the fics out there...

Anyways, cant wait for the next chapter.

Edit:
Me no like trashy threads. Chapter up tommorow.

if not you have permission to shoot me!

*Loads shotgun with bullets*




<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Skett on 2004-03-11 19:07 ]</font>

[Sagasu]

Me no like trashy threads. Chapter up tommorow.

if not you have permission to shoot me! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[blazeking240]

u said friday or ur dead

[Skett]

On 2004-03-12 13:08, blazeking240 wrote:
u said friday or ur dead



Friday isn't over yet. I actually anticipate the next chapter around eight or nine tonight. Can we expect it that time or perhaps sooner?

[Sagasu]

Nope, srry guys but its late night or evening chapter update for you.

[Sagasu]

Suffer, another chapter http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

Wars Anguish
Act 2 / Glimmer in the Dark
Chapter: 8
Transformation & Insanity


Nick muttered darkly to himself, he had been waiting for at least 120 beats. Blaze had mentioned something about important business. When he had arrived, he was greeted by an android, which had taken him into a spacious waiting room. On the way he observed to twisting spires that led the way into darkness, this place was so huge you couldn't see the damn ceiling. They passed a group of hunters practicing with each other, honing their skills for the inevitable. He would have liked to stop and join them, but his HUcast escort beckoned him forward. The black shining tile gave away into a huge chamber, they had exited the main hall into this, place.

As they proceeded through this room he marveled at the million reflections of himself and the android, in some he could see that their being had fused together in an illusion. Though it looked pretty, what was this rooms tactical purpose? Then it hit him, he couldn't see an exit, and it seemed like they where walking in mid air reflections surrounded them in a sphere. Up and down didn't matter anymore, everything looked the same. Not until the HUcast dragged him into the next hallway could he clear his mind. If you got distracted from the one in front of you in that chamber, you could get lost forever. He laughed coldly to himself, storming Riyu in a rush of arms would prove difficult for any militia force. This hall they where in now was wide, but the ceiling was only a mere eight feet high. Preventing to use of grenades or other weapons you would throw.

This hall continued for a good two hundred meters. Riyu had to be miles long, Blaze had gone all out with its construction, he had known how many soldiers where against their few thousand, millions. A grim smile lit his face, Nick knew just what his old friend was capable of. He shifted his position, iron cords of muscle strained as he attempted to stretch his shoulders. the android had come back, but with three others, each armed with large scythes, this must be Blaze's personal guard. Their red eyes glowed as they affirmed his identity, the guards very presence caused the others in the waiting room to fall silent.

"Stand down, I'll escort Nick myself."
The HUmar laughed as Blaze pressed through the screen of weapons, he went unarmed, as he usually did. Both them took the other in, they hadn't seen or heard from the other in over a four years. Blaze extended his hand in greeting,

"The AEG told me that you where dead." His voice was warm and friendly, even though their experiences together where drenched in the blood of innocents and hunters alike. Nick spoke in return,
"They tried to kill me, and they managed to do so for a while. But I an old hermit found me and revived me. It resurrection caused him to practically kill himself, the AEG left me as a massacred corpse. He was getting on in years, and he said he was glad to repay a favor that some hunter had done him a long time ago." Blaze nodded, the Assassins Elite Guild had said he was ambushed by rouge hunters while on a mission.

"Come with me, I have something for you." The two assassins continued past the armed guard, and the unbreakable defense of the architecture itself. Oblivious to the desperation that lurked everywhere.


***

"So your saying that, you need me to take it to Nafiel?" Blaze nodded, " Yes, but there's more to than that. You're to stay within twenty miles of Nafiel, acting as the weapons guard. It will go off on schedule, I don't want to have to use it any earlier than that."

Nick sighed, "Why me? Any hunter could do this!" Blaze shook his head, "No, after the day, you will pose as a new recruit, and work your way into their system. And on new years eve, you will help the second weapon get to its destination." Nick sighed, business, always business.
"Give me the specifics."

"On new years eve, we'll be destroying their largest hold in this region of space, Fort Glimmer." Nick looked at his briefing dully, does this man realize what he's going to do? There where at least a hundred or so military outposts within the reach of his weapon. Nick glanced up at his friend, absolute determination shone in his eyes. The only time he could remember that look was when he had vowed before him to destroy Kesset, the android that murdered his family. Something was bugging him, and he realized was it was at once.

"But what if they listen, what if they are willing to leave?" Blaze's face returned back to its patient look. "They wont."

"Then why the messenger?" Nick shouted, this wasn't making any sense. Blaze laughed, the HUmar was sure insanity had taken him. Still chuckling, the force spoke, "To draw them out, once they hear our threat they will stockpile their forces, and send an assault to this place, Riyu. Here I will meet our messenger, and see our future."

"Our future?' Nick puzzled, "the next stage of evolution, you where talking about that earlier."
"Exactly, in a weeks time, he should evolve from his shell." Nick sighed, and leaned back in his chair. This was going to be a long year. He looked at what Blaze had given him, his eyes traced the weapons deadly frame. He hoisted it up, it weighed a ton!

"So this is the Dark Flow? Never thought I'd see it, now I own it." Blaze smiled, "Funny how life works out sometimes, eh? Want to test it?" it was Nicks turn to smile,

:"Naturally"


***


Sweat poured down his face, goddamn this was heavy! The yellow photon energy in the blade of the weapon glowed ominously. He twisted around just in time to stop the two photon claws from carving him in two. Nick raised the Dark Flow horizontally, and then shifted downward driving Blaze back.

"I'm a hunter for a reason!" Blaze laughed, and tossed the gauntlet with the weak photon blades aside. "But you have yet to see my weapon!" He brought his arms up in an X, and then brought them down. As he did this, he formed the picture of the weapons in his mind, smiling menacingly. The huge blades appeared, one for each arm. Five feet of pure dark energy forced into the forms of scythes faded into reality. The blades themselves dripped with raw power. And the loss of such an amount of power didn't even phase the assassin. The force didn't even move, with a swipe of one scythe he blew Nick off his feet and sent him flying.

"And I'm a force for a reason!" Before Nick could fall, he jumped after him. To aid the hunters descent, he added a swift blow to the chest. Nick gasped for air, colliding with the ground wasn't pretty. As he struggled to stand, Blaze spoke.

"You've only touched the tip of the iceberg, use your own energy to probe deep within the confines of your weapon. You'll find what you need." Nick looked at the Dark Flow, that’s right, this weapon was famed for its hidden power. Blaze sensed his friend dig deep within the power that was held captive within the sword. 'That’s it, take all you can. Now, release it, command it to do your will."

"Yaaaarrgh!!" Muscles strained uncontrollably as the hunter swung with all his might, smashing the tip of the famous weapon into the ground. A huge cascade of holy energy flowed free, like beasts on a rampage, rendering the floor and tearing at the fabric of reality as the wave of energy sought its prey, the mass of its opposite, just standing there. A tidal wave of purified grants was unleashed, even Blaze had trouble maintaining his shield while such force tried to rip into his being. Once the power subsided, Nick pulled the Dark Flow free. He was smiling too,

"Thanks for the new toy." Blaze took a moment observe his friend. His longish black hair was tousled because of their fight, sweaty, breathing hard, mag bouncing energetically, yes, it had been a good fight.


***

Ookami touched the black metal of his arm feverishly. He could feel this unbearable heat, building and building inside him like flash fire. Then all at once, it stopped, this had been happening repeatedly over the last few days. He had been in this accursed ship for a little over a week. What was this, presence inside him? And what was the change they had spoken of? The blue of his yes flashed as did the ships warning signal. He was now entering the militia's radar range. It would only be thirty beats before they swarmed this ship like fly's to a heap of trash. A flash of white, and then the heat returned, ten fold stronger this time. Red hot needles of pain stabbed at his being. He remembered his father and mother, murdered when they refused to give him up to the militia. The night of blood, the hunters storming their base on Ragol, his little sister, curled up into a ball, shivering and bleeding to death. There was a good reason why his memory had been wiped, twice.

He became unaware of his surroundings, trying to find the sanctity of his mind. Then it was black, eternal darkness never ending. His body slumped to the floor in system shutdown.

***


Ramias jumped up from his chair with speed of a bullet. His face a mask of disbelief,

"He said what? Are you serious?!"
"Yes sir! He said his name was Ookami Kazuma, and that he wouldn't speak to anybody but his squad leader." The mans face was flushed, and he was sweating badly, apparently he had ran from the other side of the base to retrieve him. Ramias shook his head, Reed saluted him,

"Permission to return to the medical ward" His squad leader thought a moment before replying. "Granted, but first notify the rest of the team, and get their asses down there as well." He smiled, "Your not the only one who grieved his death."

Reed saluted again and after catching his breath took off from his office, and quickly disappeared from sight. Ramias looked around the hallway, no one in sight; Then he himself set of a breakneck pace towards the medical wing. Ookami was back, but this time, he was told he was an android. "Just what is going on?" He thought aloud, there is no way in hell that this could be true. So then, what was the truth, behind this android. A joke, not likely, the materials that made this being where unknown, and his design itself was an amazing piece of work, art even. No couldn't be a prank, to elaborate for times of war. Hunter treachery? More than possible, his mixed feelings battled as he turned the final corner and stopped in from of the medical wards door.

Ookami was in a tube of an ooze that would slow the strongest of men’s movement. The containment cell itself was six inches of dura-glass bound with zemurian. Ramias' breath caught in his throat, the figure before him was clearly taking in his frame. The his blue eyes flared, and he tilted his head. The scientist taking observing his reading looked up abruptly, Ookami made the sign of open doors with his hands, he wanted to be let go. In the circular blinding white room, Ramias shook his head.

"You know I can't do that, Wolf." Ookami raised his hand and extended his middle finger while curling all the others besides his thumb into a fist. The lieutenant laughed, something told him this was the right guy. His smile flipped upside-down as the android reached for the glass, obviously unhampered by the green gelatin that consumed his surroundings. His fingers outspread, palm outward, his hand touched the glass. Ookami looked menacing, the curved blades on his black figure seemed larger than before, but that wasn't possible. He was a literal shadow with emblazoned eyes, the scientist he had noticed before leaped up in panic.

"What did you do, you fool?! There's a mass energy build up in his body, and its trying to get out!" Ramias observed the android calmly, despite the scientists ravings. Joints where outlined with a soft white light, that grew to a glaring intensity. Ookami lifted his head, letting out a howl of anguish, completely unheard. He curled up, his body shuddering violently, Ramias stepped forward, placing his hands against the glass. "What is happening to you?" Someone tried to pull him back, but he knocked her back with a swift blow. Vivian bit her lip as she fell backwards, she had tried to pull her squad leader back, but he was unwilling to do so.

Stepping back towards the wall, Vivian observed with a mix of horror and fascination. Ookami was no longer visible, shielded by a bright cover of pure energy. Then came the explosion of light that vaporized the containment cell and threw Ramias into an adjacent wall. The explosion spread outwards, like billowing smoke, and it soon enveloped them. Instead of searing pain, there was a cool feeling, like a midsummer breeze. Instead of blinding white, it had a hazy look to it, like running through a cloud. Within the space of an eye-blink, it was all gone, retracted into a man sized sphere. It shrunk down even more, to the form of a man, except for the huge wing like structures that spread out to the very binding limits of the room. Slowly, the white turned to colors, and the wings where the color of shimmering blue. they where made of energy, they where the gathering of the total amount of energy of several large stars put into one. These faded quickly as Ookami stepped forward, Vivian held her breath. Before her was the nude figure of a man, or what she presumed to be one. His long blue hair reached his shoulders, dark figures, also blue, traced his muscular body forming elliptical patterns. On his forehead was the sky blue form of the symbol for resurrection. His eyes opened, they where black, black as a ravens plume.

Ookami stared at himself in disbelief, he could feel new energy coursing through his body, his original body had been transformed. His eyes fell along the flawless skin of his hands, his skin was smooth, but not incredibly soft, in fact, if a knife was dragged across the length of his arm, absolutely nothing would happen, unless he was wearing clothes. With a blush he realized he was stark naked.

***


He had borrowed Blazes idea, solidifying his energy into something real, in this case, clothes. All he really had to do was imagine his uniform and work the threads of energy to create matter. He had learned a few helpful skills during the time in Blaze's company. It felt odd, now wrong, just odd. He was unusually perceptive to what was going on around him, the way someone was leaning, how they might move, or how they where feeling. And the interrogator in front of him was apprehensive.

"All that... What you've said is very hard to believe. Many would just think its a fabrication of your mind." Ookami sighed, he was tired of questions. "You're getting me really pissed off you know? For the last time I'm telling the truth, Blaze gave me a message to give, and I've got to make sure that it is delivered."

"You cant just-"

"Don’t tempt me, I can splatter your brains all over that wall over there before you could get out another lame ass question." The man fumbled with the papers in front of him, oh why did I ever take this job? I could be laughing and having a good time with my soldier buddies right now, but here I am. Ookami stood, he was leaving, and he was going to find Ramias.

"Now see here, you can't just." Ookami silenced him with one look, "Try stop me." The man, of course, did no such thing. Instead he called security, "You won't make it far, you know."

"Perhaps." He was already at the door, he had to tell these people something important, and all they where doing was pestering him! In a moment, a group of armed guards confronted him, they where running up the hall he planned to go down. Yet again, he replicated another something he had learned from Blaze. Ookami held out his hand and urged a slash of energy to press them back. Then he quickly jogged down the hall, no doubt in his mind that more guards where coming.

***


Vivian replaced a bandage around Ramias' head, the glass had cut him in some places when Ookami had blown the containment cell. Some worse than others, Ramias shifted feverishly in the ward bed, and she wiped his brow clear of sweat before leaving the rest to the other nurses. In a way, she was glad Ookami was back, but she was also concerned about him in general. Had he really seen the famous assassin Blaze? And just what happened to him?

She was going to get a chance to ask him, he came running down the hall, but he stopped when he saw her. For a moment, their eyes met, but only for a moment. "Vivian, do you know where Ramias is?" She nodded, trying to will herself to speak.

"He's in the ward, just back there. But he is still unconscious."

"Oh." Again silence, Ookami cursed himself, why couldn't he just say something? Vivian was the one the speak first, "How about you? Are you ok?" Ookami nodded,

"I'm fine, regarding what’s happened over the last week or so," She smiled, god it was good to see a smile after a week of shouts and frowns. "I'd like to, I mean if you want, you could talk about it, with me if you want." She stumbled several times, he smiled, it was good to know that she was at least as nervous as he was, or even more so.

"Sure."
_________________________

Yep yep, thats chapter 8 http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_lol.gif

Wasn't that long, gave you guys a break.

PS:At the end of chapter 8, the total pages this fic covers is 38, *happy dance*

[Skett]

Nice chapter. This is getting even more interesting. I am loving this story. It makes me wonder why more people do read it (and if they do, respond).

[Sagasu]

Glad you think so ^_^

Hmmm, i guess, nobody likes the anguish of wars http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[mr_rubbish]

Given Ookami's transformation and abilities, I'd think that firstly the army more be more likely to believe what he said and secondly that they'd try and lock him down as a potential threat rather than leave him unescorted.
Hmmm...

[Sagasu]

Well, first and fore most, they're scared of him. But given his background as a loyal soldier, they loosened things up a little. But since he broke out of the interrogation chamber, Vivian won't get much of a chance to distract talk to him http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[blazeking240]

hurray chapter good

[Sagasu]

I'll try to make chapetr updates more regular, friday for the next one.

I never miss my mark, except in my last fic, http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_frown.gif

[blazeking240]

whens next chapter?

[Sagasu]

Sometime late today.

[Skett]

Ok, later today. Thats good.

By the way, nice sign.

[Sagasu]

I'm gonna improve it http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime2.gif

Its going well, but I'm not sure if I'll post it at around 2:00 am, or just wait till morn http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[Sagasu]

Goddamn computer!!!!!

Grr... Due to technical difficulties, the chapter will be postponed to a leter date. Still today! But just later on, noon or so. Sorry guys! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_cry.gif


By the way, I think this chapter came out quite well. Has something for everybody in it! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime2.gif
And an old, ahem*, character returns to the surface http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Sarunakai on 2004-03-19 23:37 ]</font>

[Sagasu]

FInally!!! OK, I'm very sorry about the delays guys. But I hope it was worth the wait http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime2.gif


Wars Anguish
Act II / Glimmer in the Dark
Chapter: 9
Betrayal


Can you trust the words of another?
Can you trust the surface of what you see?
No, never.


Ookami leaned against the metal wall, the heat from his body began to gradually warm the cold surface, words ringing in his head, he spoke slowly and clearly to Vivian. "You see, the second time I woke up, I was in a containment cell of some sort. The walls where a blinding white, it was hard to tell up from down inside that place. But I didn't really care."

"Why?" she questioned, "It seems like that would be something to be concerned with." Vivian was confused, was he bragging? Ookami continued, "When I woke up, there was something different, I could feel a difference in the very room. But I couldn't figure what it was until I lifted my hand. For a moment, I thought I was dreaming, because you see, I went from a human who was missing a decent number of limbs, to the odd android you saw in the medical ward." Vivian laughed, "I guess that would do it, wouldn't it? And now your like this huh?" Ookami joined in her laughter, forcing his mind not to stray down a certain path. There was no way she would, no, no chance what so ever. Yet as he glanced upon her bright face, sensing the joy within her, he couldn't but think of a road un-traveled. He felt light, for once his troubles where giving him a break.

They continued to talk, and as they did so they started to drift down the hall. After a while, Ookami stopped and stared at the ground, something... "What?s wrong?" Vivian's voice was concerned, and his senses tingled at her inner feelings. "Everything, sadly." She looked at him, confused. Then it came back, the feeling of wrong, she was hiding something, just what to be exact? The trained nurse waited patiently.

"Its just that, what Blaze told me, the message he gave to me... Its not the easiest thing to say, really. I'm not sure if I should be telling yo-"

"Please?" Ookami nearly choked on his breath as she came nearer, taking his hands in her own. She looked straight into his eyes, pure innocence, but flecked, somehow? "I don't mind, I mean, I'm going to need to know in the long run anyway, right?" He couldn't help but shiver, not out of fear or cold, but from delight. Silently she had slipped up close, and brought his arms around her. "I-" For the briefest moment, their lips touched, her scent seemed to consume him, everything perfect. Then they met for a longer time, a full embrace, one of her legs rid up his as she continued to wrap her arms around him.

"Get as much information out of him as you can, understand?"

"Yes sir."

The meeting was cut short, by Ookami pushing her away and then jumping back himself. "Wha-" Vivian didn't bother to finish what she had meant to say, one glance wrote the story. Fists clenched, muscles vibrating under the tension. His eyes bore into hers, hatred wreathed in every reflection, crystal pools of malevolence, concentrating on the one. "Do you realize, what you've done?" Vivian swallowed hard, his tone was low, and menacing.

"DO YOU REALIZE THAT YOUR ALL GOING TO DIE!?" She flinched, how, how could he have known? Ookami was breathing hard, for a short span, he had fallen into her, not physically, but mentally, his emotions working with his senses to see if everything was just. And he found a streak, no, a gaping hole in the illusion. For that moment, that one short moment, he believed that all was heavenly bliss. Then the next instant it all shattered, the mirage a billion fragments in his mind, clawing and ripping away at his meager amount of sanity. The ground started to vibrate gently, and the sounds of shouting guards and the dull thuds of boots confirmed his thoughts. Guards where coming, a lot of guards where coming. Let them, he was beyond the point of caring right now. Adrenaline fueling him, his massive wells of energy reserved fueling him, rage ready to unleash it at anything, or anyone.

As the first man rounded the corner, wrathful as he was, Ookami held nothing back. He imagined the guard, and just what he wanted to do, then energy rushed from him to do his bidding. An eerie blue light shot out and entered the mans body through the mouth, as he closed his fist, the soldier's flesh sizzled and caught fire, then he opened his outstretched hand, the man literally blew up, in a rain of blood, which quickly was vaporized by the intense heat. A menacing blue sphere hovered a few feet off the ground, sifting through the pink haze, facing the platoon of guards sent to bring him in. He had heard of Blaze doing something similar, and somehow this grim knowledge did him merit, they where both murderers of men, that couldn't be avoided. Ookami sent this flying into the halted mob, and he did them no penance. Skin, muscle, bone, all was destroyed with a cascade of fluid and power. The hall was stained vermilion, the blood had burned into the walls, or the spherical crater that used to be one anyway. The man who caused this laughed, he had made a decision, and no where in it was a point for staying in this desecrated hell house. He shot Vivian a glance, and she took a paralyzed step backwards, tears in her eyes, good. Ookami held out his arm, as if offering it,

"Just, suffer." With a scream, she flew backwards, but he stopped her from becoming a bloody paste on the wall. She had fainted, like the weak coward she was. He let her body float down, and then dropped her none to gently. He thought a moment, and then looked at her with a sudden realization. "Ah, I have a message to deliver, don't I?" He smiled wickedly as the scarlet symbols sliced their way through the skin of her forehead, "Don't forget it now." He sighed, what to do now? Ookami paced for a moment, then hearing the sound of more footsteps, came to a conclusion. He needed a nice quiet place to think, and there was only one place for that. Now, he had to concentrate on just how he was going to accomplish this.

"Flying, hmm..." He thought to himself, simple enough. Ookami gathered quite a good deal of energy, and then released it underneath him. The effects him being shot like a rocket straight up, haphazardly, crashing through several layers of ceiling. In a moment, he was in space, far away form Fort Glimmer, far, far away. But that was good, just as he wanted it. He smiled ruefully to himself. Damn there was so many things he could do now! Ideas came flooding to him, in endless quantity. But first things first, he had to clear his mind, from what had happened, from what he had just done, from everything. Slowly, one by one, with his eyes closed, alternated his senses, locating a distinct feeling, sound, and smell. One would think this would be hard to do in space, but for one as perceptive as him it wasn't a challenge.

A lone figure sits in alone, he doesn't care about his previous life, that was done. Everything he ever needed, he could make for himself. No one to bother him, and him to bother no one. For the moment, ignorance truly was bliss, or was it?


***


For the second time that day, Ramias found himself shouting at a messenger, "HE DID WHAT!?" He was sitting up in the ward bed, and anxious nurse tried to push him back down, but he hit her hand aside out of rage. "Damnit Wolf, why couldn't you have waited, of course this was bound to happen." The lieutenant shot a grimace at all around him, "Fools, you are all fools. Following a foolish leader with foolish hopes and obeying foolish orders. Don't you see? If the message is right your lives are about the value of chicken shit!" Ramias leaped out of the bed, also the second time, cursing the white sheets that caused him to trip. He caught himself with one hand, and with the other removed the entangled mess from around his legs. He grabbed the poor soldier to whom he had already yelled at previously, "Where is Vivian, to stupid girl, where in this infernal place is she located!"

"Med.. Medical wa- ward-B s-sir." He tossed the stuttering youngster, he made a note to apologize for his behavior later, but right now he had to see the truth. Goddamn you Ookami! You stupid piscutting son of a slut! You didn't have to go this far, and you could have saved the poor girl a lifetime of shame! Don't you realize how badly she had been manipulated. God I'd have tried the same thing if my families lives where on the line. While all the angry thoughts wound him into a deeper wrath, Ramias led himself to medical ward-B, a quick trip around the corner.

Vivian shivered, she was conscious again, but held a high fever. The people around her made her feel like she was some sort of diseased ridden peasant. When Ramias burst into the roof, relief flooded back into her, despite his anger, he would listen. As he saw her, propped up on one arm, hair disheveled, tears rimming her eyes, he couldn't help but feel sorry for the girl. Ramias took a seat next to her on the bedside, and she quickly held him, and tears quickly followed. He felt his temper ebb away with each sob, her quavering form, so small in his arms. What did these people say to her? Didn't they know hunters could feel a lie, and one of Ookami's power could read your very thoughts, no matter how well concealed. Ah, the simplicity of youth, he hadn't looked farther, behind the betrayal. He wished he knew what happened, but he had to start from the beginning.

"Everything?s going to be okay, Wolf is just confused right now, he doesn't know how they made you, all he knows is that-" Vivian sighed and leaned back, her face oddly serene, eyes only slightly red from crying.

"He had a message, but we interrupted him, I stopped him from telling them, making them listen." Ramias ran a hand through his gray hair, streaked with white, long years as a soldier did that to you. "I don't understand." He tried, and he honestly did not. Vivian took his hand, and then placed it over the scarlet colored symbol chain that started at the tip of the break in her hair, to an inch from the bridge of her nose. Ramias gasped, suddenly, words appeared in his mind, clawing like a mad beast in his ears, raking its claws across his eyes.

"Blood shed will be your only.." The haunting words drifted in his mind, anchored, like a permanent shadow. Vivian sighed, it was all implied. Bloodshed was the only way to win, bloodshed was the only way to loose, there was no draw. Ramias sat, obviously impressed, their eyes met, but he couldn't tell anything from her amber eyes, she laughed, how could she laugh?

"You know we have to find him, we have to try." She smiled, a sad gesture, "Otherwise there is no hope for us, and bloodshed will be our only." Ramias sighed, what he didn't like was, that the more you thought about it, the more it made sense.

"Vivian, how do you know, so much about him?" She smiled coldly, "You think I kissed him for nothing?"


***


Blaze sat, practically alone. Yuri had fallen asleep long ago, and he needed some time to himself, not to think, but to avoid it. He shuddered, he felt drained, preparing the weapons was no easy task, and he would need to continue at this pace to ready the plan by its due date. Meaning he would have to pour more effort into it, who knows, maybe the making of it would kill him before he got a chance to do otherwise. "So, futile..." He stared out into space, he was in one of the uppermost sections of Riyu, a tower, with windows that overlooked the buildings that stretched for several miles. Yes this plan , was proving more difficult then he could have imagined. With the help of Yuri, he had built this city, now he alone had to build the chaos, build the weapon that would claim an unspeakable amount of energy for his own, then, he would travel back, back to their home-worlds, and finish the job. A grim smile crossed his face, "At least I have them-"

"Have who father?" Blaze sighed, Terra tugged at his robes, she must have followed him out. He laughed and picked her up, so light, you would think she was fragile, when she was the opposite. "Have who father?" She repeated pulling at his headband, "You, your sister, and your mother, its all I have left." She giggled,

"Silly daddy, you have all those!" He looked at her questioningly, then she pointed her index finger at the city/fortress. "All those people, mommy says that they are on our side."

"And who?s side are you on Terra?" She laughed, placing a blue flower that she had delicately hung onto from the vase in her room into his headband. "My own of course." Blaze smiled, then laughed as well, "You may live be older than I am!"

"How old are you daddy?" She was smiling, enjoying the charade very much. He glanced at the symbols that resonated in her face, forehead, and on both cheek bones. Chest, on her back behind her shoulder blades, and a long ones tracing her thighs. This is where they had been, and where they still where.

"Ancient." He answered at last.

Father and daughter stand together, and yet they are separated at the same time. Viewing the toil of a lifetime, they stand, omens of the near future. Deaths deciples.


***


Nick yawned, and stretched, it was time to get this done and over with. A long week long shuttle ride to Nafiel, but the company helped him pass the time. With him where four others, A RAcast, HUcast, HUnewearl, and last but not least a FOnewm. He only bothered to learn the HUnewearls name, but the FOnewm what just to talkative to ignore, so in the long run he came across his name as well. The droids, well he just called them their hunter class. Serenity was the name of the HUnewearl, she cute, and was well endowed no doubt. But she wasn't to open to people, and usually didn't start or carry out conversations, but ended plenty. He and the FOnewm, Jeff, kept score of when they had made her smile or laugh. So far Nick was winning, he could obviously tell she must be going through some pretty rough times. So he had been kind, pressing a joke here and there, none to suggestively. Jeff on the other hand, was all offensive, declaring his love for her with poems and ballads. He would do anything for a smile, dance, humiliate himself, you name it.

When they landed in Nafiel, they where greeted by one HUcast. Nick helped unload the cargo, a black box the size of a refrigerator, well, more than helped. He insisted on carrying it by himself,

"No really, I would much rather carry this feather around and enjoy the shadow then to catch fire in this heat." Serenity moved under the shadow as well, "Mind if I freeload off your work for a while?" Nick blushed, nearly dropping the container trying to conceal himself. She laughed, he and Jeff exchanged glances, and then the FOnewm laughed. "Then I might as well join yo-"

"No, I doubt that there is enough room, how about we take turns?" Jeff scowled, that defeated the point, and she knew it. Nick chimed in, "Or even better yet, why don't you carry it instead and I keep our grim metal friends company?" He eyed the massive bulk warily, and then shook his head, knowing that he couldn't even dare such a feat.

"No, if I carried that black case box thingy there wouldn't be shadow but for anyone but me!" He smiled at his comeback, "I'm too short to share in this case."

"Yes you are." Serenity added jokingly, Jeff was crushed, "Fine, I'll go where I'm appreciated!" he stomped off, joining the three androids in silence, well, grumbling to himself. Serenity sighed, "Good, now that he's gone, I need to ask you something." Nick felt himself flush, but was glad his voice didn't waver as he replied, "What is it?" She moved closer, and he caught his breath. She gestured to the city around them,

"Look at this place, there?s nobody here! And the state of the buildings, looks like a hurricane came through here!" He sighed, not quite what he had hoped for. But he too was curious. "I helped clear this place, is wasn't a battle, it was a massacre. But I thought Blaze set up an out post here?" Serenity nodded,

"They must have evacuated because of this." She touched the black case, and then withdrew her hand quickly as if bitten. "Woah, that?s, unreal. Hey Nick, do you know what?s inside it?" the HUmar sighed, and shifted his shoulders. He was carrying this thing at an angle, like a ramp, so that a good deal of it passed over his head. "Trust me Serenity, its best that you don't know."

"But w-" Nick shook his head, "You don't want to know, and that?s all I'm telling you."

Six figures, three close, three not. All but one oblivious, to the horror that awaits them. This solitary form, alone, will bear the weight of a hideous plan. One that he would help complete, to the very end.


***

Set is the stage...
But ready for the strike..
The falcon is not...
Turn the next page..
And see what has been forgot.


A man, a mere skeleton of what he used to be. His gaunt eyes sunk into his ragged, gray skin. His bony frame was covered with the rags of a once grand robe. How was this possible? What was he? This wasn't what he remembered, what he remembered before death that is. "How can this be?" His voice croaked, broken and flawed. Only when he heard footsteps did he come to realize where he was. It was raining, outside, he could hear it patter against the roof. Before him stood men, shivering, to horrified to speak. He was sitting up, from a bed that had previously been retracted into the wall. An odd blue light emanated from within him, and slowly covered his frame, this must have been what restored me. The gift, ah yes, things where coming back now. He stood from his very own grave, and stepped down from it on legs seemingly of naught but bone. There where other graves, as well, several had been defiled as his had been.

"Come to rob me of my sleep?!" His voiced rasped angrily, if had any blood would have come out with his breath. One man finally managed to speak, stuttering horribly. "I-no w-we where merely f-following orders. The skeleton man wasn't listening, amazed at the aspect of not having teeth. He surveyed the men before him, and an unnatural urge came over him. To urge to kill, the lust to feed. What have I become? By their bags of stolen loot, he judged they where lying. So it was safe to kill them, and for once, he would see what it is like to feed on another's flesh.

Their screams silent, the man killed both of them, glowing with the same blue aura. As he ate from their flesh, their muscle, meat hanging from his mouth, blood dribbling through the crevices in-between his ribs. he felt a bump inside of him, followed by more, a pulse, his heart was beating again. His withered tongue now became more whole, suddenly able to taste the sweet freshness of the kill, the blood, the life that he was now absorbing. Soon, he had devoured them whole, leaving bones picked clean behind. A smile forced it way up his withered face, he still felt old, weak, and helpless. But now he was more whole, these men had a pitiable amount of life within them, he would need, something, someone stronger. He would need more food, more slaughter. He gathered his tattered cape about him, hunger making him ravenous. he ran from the room, leaving little evidence of his departure behind. The same faint aura that covered him, was always apparent.

And so, the last piece completes the puzzle. Death not forgotten, killer not forgotten, a vow not forgotten. As always, a slave to the promise, he had been brought back, by the gift, and now he is going to complete what he had started. Alas, now we are ready, ready for the war!





<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Sarunakai on 2004-03-20 15:03 ]</font>

[Skett]

Great chapter. Thats all I can say. Everything else has already been said, except Yosh. So there, Yosh!

[Sagasu]

On 2004-03-21 16:52, Skett wrote:
Great chapter. Thats all I can say. Everything else has already been said, except Yosh. So there, Yosh!



Heh, I'll give you two guesses who came out of that grave http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[Skett]

Either Chaos or Blaze's sister.

Tell you the truth, I can't remember exactly what happened during the first story. It was somewhat long ago and I have read so many other stories. Your brain can remember only so much, y'know?

Well, I am going to give your first story a read. I will probably edit my answer after that.

Yosh...

[Sagasu]

Heh... You'll find out soon enough ^_^

[mr_rubbish]

It sounds like chaos because I don't remeber his sister manifesting the power.

Here's a thought... Blaze vs Chaos and Ookami....

[Sagasu]

On 2004-03-22 04:03, mr_rubbish wrote:
It sounds like chaos because I don't remeber his sister manifesting the power.

Here's a thought... Blaze vs Chaos and Ookami....



Grand finally any one? http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[blazeking240]

blaze and nick fool dont leave out power

[Sagasu]

Short chapter to get you to the action faster. This is chapter 10, so I'll be goign bakc an doing some heavy revision. So don't expect chapter 11 anytime soon.

________

Wars Anguish
Part II / Glimmer in the Dark
Chapter: 10
Ghost


Blaze was looking at the stars, again, but this time, Yuri kept him company. She was leaning against his shoulder, and he had on arm around her. They stood in blissful silence for a time, but they had come out there to talk, the conversation was inevitable. He smiled sadly, thinking of what was in store for everyone the next day.

'Tomorrows is the demonstration." Yuri looked up at her lover, and nodded slowly. He seemed tired, more tired than he has ever been. She nuzzled closer to him, it hurt her to see him so drained, to know what he was preparing for, knowing that these may be the last few months she would see him alive. Yuri waited for him to continue, " But, you do know that the other one is going off earlier than planned, right?" She nodded,

"So you can follow after, and destroy Earth and Coral, with one final blow that will kill you." He sighed, "There's nothing that I can hide from you, is there?" She laughed, more of a sad sound than a happy one, an accepting laugh, that only the strongest can master. "There are no secrets between lovers." He looked at her sadly,

"No, not one." They where quite content for some time, in each others arms, trying to forget not their past, but their future. Yuri broke the silence, the conversation wasn't over yet, "Tell me that you will say good-bye, since you can't keep your other one." He sighed, brushing away one her tears with a gentle movement, "I can't lie to you, you know I can't do that, or else I would never leave."

"I'll tell Isannah and Terra just what happened, I want them to know that their father created the peace for us." For a moment, neither could speak, to absorbed in the present to worry about the future.

***


He smiled wickedly, blood stained his figure, now fresh, and alive. The man flexed his fingers experimentally, and chewed on a morsel of flesh thoughtfully. He looked at the quivering child, she was horrified, she had seen her parents die, and be eaten. And yet she hadn't fainted, nor crying, and quickly composed herself enough to look away from his prying eyes. The man smiled, "Ah, so good to be whole again," He placed a gloved hand on her head, " Fortunately for you, I'm not hungry now, and I have business to attend to."

The girl hit his hand away contemptfully, "Just kill me and get this over with." Chaos looked her over, bruises, cuts, inflicted wounds he hadn't caused. She had been beaten, abused, by the people he had just eaten. He laughed at his sudden realization, she was maybe, fourteen? Yet she had a strong will, yes, he brushed a strand of hair out of her face.

"Yes, you where the people I was going to protect." She stared through him, not caring now if her life was forfeit. The FOmar marveled at her bravery, yes, these where the people worth saving. He spoke, with a gentle voice, "Would you, like to see your fate?" She looked up at him oddly, and nodded. Chaos laughed at this and motioned him to follow her. He was on Kendas, a large out post positioned twenty miles off of Nafiels borders. She followed the hand of the older man, now that she thought about it, he seemed sad, what did he mean by going to protect? The force frowned, and motioned to the eastern skies.

"Tell me child, do you know where Nafiel is in these skies?" She nodded, and showed him the direction from which the once great city was. He patted her head, "Good, you may have just saved your life. Now, where can I get a decent shuttle around this place, one built for speed?" She motioned to the west quadrant of the out post,

"There are some shops down there-" She smiled, "But if your looking for something fast, your going to want to steal a militia ship." Chaos laughed, yes, that would make sense. As he started to move away, he felt a pull at his hand. He traced its origins, and sighed, "What do you want?"

"To come with you." The FOmar nearly tripped over himself in surprise, "Are you mad?" The teen crossed her arms indignantly, "Possibly, I might question your sanity though, eating people can't hardly called a good habit." Chaos smiled at this, but shook his head anyway.

"Not this time, dear child. But if you survive, I'll be coming back here." He paused, "And then, just maybe, I'll consider taking you to the front row seats of the coming hell waves." She nodded, he looked at the roof top of the house they had exited,

"You might want to go up there."

"Why?" She asked immediately, Chaos smirked, "I've heard there's 'to be quite the fireworks display tonight."

***


Blaze looked westward, so, it had come down to this. The two moons pale lights cascaded down upon him, and the city he had created. Eerie shadows crept out from under buildings, a perfect example of beauty in action. The air, that he was able to breath, the sights, he was able to see, glimmered in his eyes. All of age, all of time, lost in twilight's shade, kept, in the bottomless reflective pools that mimicked his life. The silence, the motionless environment, a dead city, no, a city to be born. The dark structures did not loomed into the night time sky, instead, stuck close to the ground from where they were raised from. The sandy ground that borders the city, gives away to lush wild life in the distance of a foot step. An assassin smiles, sadly, this wasn't home, he didn't have a have one, and never would.

Not with Yuri, not with the hunters, he didn't have a place amongst the living. he let his senses drift, expanding, covering everywhere, if your where attune to the environment, you would believe someone was watching you. Indeed, he could feel their warmth, feel their fear, feel their love, he could touch their very life. From there he had a choice, take it away, or leave it alone. He shivered, his soul hungered for souls, divine sources of power, rich fruit ready for the picking. If he had wanted to, he could destroy them all, right now, take everything they where, and then truly, this would be a dead city. The FOmar, yes, he was going to save these people, his people. No, he was going to open the locked door, it was up to them to step through it. He continued his gaze, and the stars continued theirs.

"Yes brother, I will kill them all, but first." He sighed, and closed his eyes, "First I must destroy you." He made his way, quickly down, into the depths of the asteroid/planet. Blaze continued, until he was stopped by a door. He could feel it, pulsating, thriving, willing to unleash its fury. The assassin opened the door, and stepped into a plain room, except for the center piece. It was a simple container, a cylindrical design. But inside this, was him, his energy, set on a deadly rampage. And then, there was his binding will, that kept it all inside. He reached out, placing a hand over its smooth surface. If you had stood there, you could feel his energy being transferred, sucked into the chamber. This continued for only a moment, when he wrenched his hand away, he was breathing hard, furious that he could only give so little at the present time. But no, he had given more, but had given it up willingly, a mistake.

Blaze doubled over, panting, sweat streaked his face, and his robes stuck to his back while his being screamed. His appearance, aged another twenty years, but only for a moment. He began to recover, and stood wearily. Yes, soon, this too will be complete, then he could save his strength, and gather it for his assault. He smirked, normal attitude coming back to him in a flood,

"Yeah, just try to stop me."

***


A dark expanse lay strewn with glittering specks, the purest of black striking off the stars shimmering light. Cold, deep everlasting bitterness had settled in this far region of unlimited space. Horizon so full, yet empty at the same time. Still, there was a presence that was there, and always had been. And forever will be, unless, something or someone comes to destroy the perfect harmony of the great void.

Here it was, wrapped up in layers of the life it drained from the bountiful fruit of space. Energy flowed freely, without any prohibitions, passing in waves, seen so brightly, yet only for an instant we cannot comprehend. In the middle of this meadow of silence, is one that has only known a life of war, misery piled upon misery creating a wall of impending solitude. The occasion chisel of joy has not nearly the force enough to break away the gates that surround his mind. He drifted in space, and drifted in his mind, clawing through what he knew to be illusion, trying to find something real.

The being would find something, but then disregard the thought because of the sheer improbability of its truth. Yet he came to the same conclusion, that he tried to force away. The creature knew it to be true. All of his life, a lie encased by another lie to cover horrible truths. He tasted nothing but acid in his throat as his stomach churned. What he had done to others, what he had been brainwashed to do, and what he had committed by his free will alone. Lives, many, many innocent lives rested on his soul, he could feel their life energies ebb away as their corpses chilled. Death, too much death had he seen, too much death he had caused.


Ookami opened his eyes, around him, stars littered his vision, and blanketing his sight and soothing the pandemonium running rampant within himself. He wasn't done changing, even now he could feel the building strength inside of him. Soon enough, he would pass into another state, this time he doubted he would be of a vague humanoid figure. A sparkle caught his attention, and he glanced at the cause dully. Droplets of something hovered a few hand widths away. These he gathered into his hands, he let his senses spread out to them, enveloping more than their physical attributes. He closed his hands, concentrating on them with everything, glad to be distracted of his anguish. They felt familiar, and it took him a moment to realize the obvious. They used to be part of him, but now had left. Ookami brushed away the frost on his cheeks, confirming what he thought. He opened his hands and let the shining droplets free, wishing he could do just the same himself. He half smiled to himself, and watched their departure.

"Those are my tears..."

***


Nick glanced to his right, Serenity lay asleep in the co-pilots chair, with a blanket wrapped around her frame. He sighed, everyone but him was asleep, they didn't know as much as him and that in the long run the probability of them living was pretty slim. The HUmar yawned and stretched out in his position, there wasn't much of a use for a pilot at the moment, but if the need arose he would be there. Nick closed his eyes, hoping that a sudden drowsiness would take him unexpected. It was deathly quiet, he was used to the loud crowded streets and hazy bars, but now he found himself in a silent place, with people he hardly knew.

The only sound that filtered through his mind was Serenity's light breathing, he smiled to himself. Yes, if he lived through this he would be very well set off. A high rank of honor, Blaze's support, and hopefully someone to come home to as well. He allowed his mind to wander over the many paths that he would take, and those he could have taken. Nafiel was going to go down with a bang, no side effects, no heat winds, just a bright orb that would complete Blaze's will.

As he finally settled deeper into his chair, and began to drift off to sleep, red lights flashed, and a loud buzz brought everyone’s attention to a speeding vessel. He rubbed his eyes tiredly, three days without it, was a wink of shut eye too much to ask for? Serenity awoke calmly, it awed him with the grace she used to stand and check the readouts. She frowned,

"Something’s in a hurry to get to Nafiel." Nick, now more deeply interested, stood up and joined the HUnewearl by her side. She pointed to a red dot moving toward its destination, he examined the speed of the craft registering minor surprise.

"Going that fast I'd think they'd have a pretty good chance of landing on Nafiel before Blaze sets the damned contraption of his off." Serenity nodded,

"True, but the blast itself will destroy them." They continued to gaze at the screen, the ships speed had increased a good deal over the past beat. Serenity sighed and turned away, "So after this thing goes off, we pick up X-109 SENTRY from the wreckage, and then hightail our way to this outpost here, "She pointed to the small militia station which they where positioned 3 miles off of its borders. "And then get ourselves recruited so we can make our way into fort glimmer and await further orders?" She waited for a reply, getting none she turned to where Nick had been previously. He had moved over to the pilots chair and sat down, and eyed the vast expanse of space before them.

"Its amazing what he's done." Serenity moved over towards him, confused by what he said. He continued, "The X-109 series can absorb energy, and then use it to their purposes right?" She nodded, and glanced at the tired man. He was handsome, though through the wear of the last week his eyes had aged some. Long black hair fell past his jaw line, and then was tied back behind him with a series of loops with an elastic twine of sorts. Icy blue eyes searched the view before him gently, his reflection showed a well muscled man, with tanned skin, but inside his memories where even darker than the black space.

"Yes, he's done many extraordinary things in his life." The man laughed, and leaned back in the chair, staring into her green eyes meaningfully. "Though I believe his bringing us together has to be the most spectacular." Serenity blushed and lowered her gaze, but she was smiling. Honest, at least he was honest.

***


Chaos stared at Nafiel, the once great city, now a dead shell of one, stood posing no threats before him. Yet on the surface, he could sense his brothers energy, waiting to be unleashed and hungry to commit itself to its task. The man smiled, and poured his own touch to the craft. His blue, ominous aura spread outwards engulfing the ship, increasing its speed, getting it ready for its final charge. The FOmar laughed, it was so easily within his reach, a sizable amount of pure energy which he could claim as his own.

"I have to say brother, this is a nice little reunion gift."

______

Yeah X-109 SENTRY is back, don't think I spent all that time planning him out for nothing did you?

[mr_rubbish]

A lot has changed in the years since Final Assassination...
I'm now hoping that Chaos will kill Blaze before it's too late.
Hmmmm, but which side will Ookami take?

[Sagasu]

...

You'll have to wait and see ^_^

[blazeking240]

i want nick to kill everyone on the ship with him i didnt create him for him to go soft in ur story