Round robin. WAR OF LORE!

momsrascal93 · **Posted:** April 18th, 2009, 11:50 pm

Lawrence ripped himself free and let himself fall before putting his hand over his wound. Coughing up a little black blood, He could only get to his knees saying "That ********..." before slumping to the ground like a pathetic pile of flesh. He swore and cursed silently as Darkrascal sneaked over to him and cleaned his wound out with a cloth soaked in zamorakian wine. They knew they probably lost so they decided to watch this battle unfold.

Adbot · **Posted:** April 18th, 2009, 11:50 pm

Alex 43 · **Posted:** April 20th, 2009, 6:44 am

He was a total mess. Half-covered in dried, solidified demon blood, Gia just kept on fighting. Regretting every moment of it. DIdn't he promise himself that he would stop? That he was already a retired warrior? Ah, but good warriors never stop fighting, and he was one of them. Although, now that he thought about it, his lord did create them primarily for battling against Zaros and his enemies to bring the world back into peace in order. Yeah, it's his duty to be fighting, despite his hatred towards it. He can hate it as much as he wanted, but at the moment, the world wasn't in peace and order, and so he had to fix it.

Now that he had single-handedly slain one of the enemies top military forces singlehandedly and was covered in the proof, a lot more attention was given to him. Enough so that he was forced to pull himself back away from the fray just so he could get a breather. He felt like he had a hundred arrows sticking out of his back, and didn't doubt for a second he did, but he still kept at it.

HIs kill count climbed into the triple-digits, and he simply had to wonder. Exactly what did the enemy even want from Lumbridge that it was willing to sacrifice such a large force?

Gia's body finally told him he had enough for now, and upon bringing an enemy's lance upon its own master, he leapt back and dashed to the wall, allowing what remained of their troops to clean up the rest. The gate already had a large hole in it, and there was even a bit of a fight in the courtyard, so GIa instead took refuge at the unoccupied and ignored fountain. It would be his luck to encounter a host of water-fiends there which would explain why it was left alone, but upon closer examination, it seemed normal enough for him.

Either the water was lukewarm, or he simply was numb, Gia didn't feel the water splash over him. The dried lava would come off easily enough, but the burn marks were there to stay for a while. Gia had pondered making himself a more proper suit of armor just to avoid getting these annoying black patches all over him, but despite taking a good gob of scabarite blood, he still cherished his vest. Aside from the sword, it was the only thing he brought with him through his time stasis, and he just couldn't drive himself to substitute it for something else. Sure, he went ahead and trimmed it a bit with some added extras, but it was ultimately still that same vest.

His eyes casually gazed over to the mark on his forearm. The symbol appeared and apparently shot out some power that saved him from a fatal crushing blow. What was incredibly odd, though, was that it was a symbol he did not recognize whatsoever. It wasn't a spell symbol he know, nor an enchantment, nor even a curse spell. Neither was it a symbol of a clan or a God. Heck, it wasn't even something he had seen from the past. This symbol was completely new to him. Why did it appear then, now of all places? Perhaps he had gotten cursed from his fight and the barrier was merely a side-effect.

A large rock pummeled the ground nearby him, taking his attention back to the war. Catapults. As though he needed such a device. Planting his sword in the ground, he hefted the rock up with one arm, twisted around, and hurled it back over the wall in annoyance. The water wasn't really refreshing, but it did revive his strength a little. In war, that made all the difference.

Redrawing his sword, he thought about Alex and that granite dragon. If he was here, the battle would probably have been done by now. He wouldn't have wasted so much time and energy on the Grand, and his backside would've been more properly covered. But, he was on a mission with it now, so if that was where he was needed, Gia would just have to cope.

Speaking of, he knelt down and began praying. He would have to try every so often to reach Saradomin to see if they were successful. The return of the lord would bring their troops newfound strength. Ah, but Venos did mention something about an impostor when it tried to reach Him. How could he ensure it was really him?

"Lord Saradomin, are you there? Have you returned to us yet?" Gia prayed, gripping his sword in front with eyes closed. He hear another rock slam into the wall in front of him.

"Hello, Gia."

A voice! "Saradomin?"

"Of course! Who do you think I am?"

Gia knew he had to be direct, "An impostor. I'm sorry, my lord, but in a time like this, I can't be too careful."

"I understand," was the reply, "How may I prove I am who I claim to be?"

Gia knew exactly what to say.

"You remember, don't you?" GIa asked, "That glorious day where we, as a race, made our final stand in our great fortress? The final forces of both sides clashing together in our attempts for survival, knowing that it was the battle purely to maintain each other's existence."

There was a pause, and then the reply.

"No, I do not remember."

Gia smiled. That was the right answer. Saradomin never did remember the White Dragons and what they stood for, but they always figured it was an attack by Zaros in order to stem Saradomin's ray of hope so Zaros could re-breed the last straggling remnants of dragonkin he had left, only to be wiped out by the other lesser creatures who were inspired by the White Dragons.

He definitely knew that this was therefore Saradomin. Any impostor would've said "yes".

"Thank you, my lord, your return has brought great hope for me."

"It is good to be back," replied Saradomin, "I apologize for my absence. I will do what I can to restore the faith amongst our side."

"As will I." Gia replied. He paused, almost for a dismissal statement, but Saradomin was already gone. No matter. This was fantastic! Not only was his Lord back, but Alex had completed his mission and was now most likely on his way back as well!

He whipped his sword around and charged back into the fray with renewed strength that no fountain could bestow on him. He shouted "Our Lord has returned!" to the towers, who carried on the message down the line.

Now it was time for the REAL battle to begin!

___________________________________________________________

"No."

Dex's mood changed entirely from incredibly serious to paranoiacally quizzical. Another emotion Alex had never seen Dex pull off until now. He wasn't used to this one.

"What?" he asked, "You just said-"

"I know what I said." Alex said, shaking his head mostly in shame rather then denial, "It's just that I can't. Not now, anyways. I'm in enough trouble as it is with my brethren. Just by contacting K, whom they think is an enemy to Sartranomin, they believe I may have betrayed them."

There was a long pause. Dex just stood there, staring at him. Alex was almost flinching that Dex would want to punish him somehow. But he didn't.

"... oh. I see ..." he said, breaking eye and wrist contact along with the majiya barrier. He slowly walked over to the balcony and looked out towards the infinite number of stars and beams cast before them. His telescope sat there, unattended and unnoticed.

"Besides, even if I did join, what could I possibly do?" Alex asked, "You are both great supernatural beings. I'm just a spirit with a spear and a couple of acrobatic tricks."

"Every little bit helps ..." Dex half-droned, not taking his eyes off the stars.

Alex hesitated, but then approached his disappointed friend. He desperately wanted to join their cause, but what would he tell his brethren? That he's now joined a God that, earlier, attacked them and obviously hasn't gotten very well on their good side? That he's trying to help rekindle a rebellion that once already cast the universe into a greater turmoil then before? His allegiance was to Saradomin and his master, and if they were on the Unknown's side, then he, unfortunately, was too. He simply couldn't join K.

... not yet, anyways. He leaned over the balcony in a similar way Dex did. For a long time, they both just looked out at the universe itself. Dex had told him that with the Unknown, the place had been cast into a perpetual darkness. He could only try to imagine what the view was like without such a restriction. He wanted to witness it as much as Dex did.

"Look," Alex attempted to help his name, "At the moment, I'm in a state where I'm unable to make a move by myself. If I was acting on my own, I would've joined you without hesitation."

Dex turned slightly towards him, taking momentary interest. Alex gripped his wrist.

"I will try to convince my brethren and Sartranomin to take K's side when I can." Alex said, "But until I can do that, I'm afraid I just cannot endanger them anymore then they are now."

Dex fully turned his head towards him. There was something he wasn't saying?

"I know who the Unknown is already because ... I've met him physically." Alex said, "We're already on bad terms with him, and only by luck and chance were we able to buy ourselves some time from him. We fought against him, trying to save the world from his ... recall, as I'm told. I would imagine we're on deep probation now."

Dex slowly nodded. It was understandable.

"But, I promise you, I will do everything I can to change my answer. Just not now, that's all."

Alex let go of his wrist. He held it up in the air for a moment before softly relaxing it. Alex turned towards the stars, and a duo of bright lights took his immediate interest. They were increasing in size at a dramatic rate, shooting towards them. Venos and Macan were returning.

"Your brethren?" Dex asked, apparently interested.

"Yes." Alex said, "Would you please-"

"Gotcha." Dex replied, and after a quick grab to the wrist, "Stay in touch, would you?"

Alex nodded. Dex fell backwards with his telescope into a pool of swirling purple light that appeared behind him, and both were gone in an instant. Alex forgot Dex and forced innocence into his mind and casually gazed out at the stars, trying to take interest in a select few interesting shapes, hoping the both of them didn't see he was just with somebody.

There was a quick deceleration and a loud, hard landing from the both of them. Alex jumped back in surprise. Did they know?

"Hard locomotive contact results in temporarily traumatic leg-functions." Macan quietly complained, shaking off his legs.

"I imagine it's because it's been a while since you were here." Alex guessed, shrugging.

Venos only shook her head, smiling. She was in much better shape then Macan. Now that Alex actually saw the pair from a side-by-side observer's perspective, he couldn't help but notice just how much more significantly smaller Macan was compared to her. Perhaps just the fact that he sat upright a lot made him seem the same size. Anyways, Alex internally relieved himself, since none of them were even slightly hinting a sign of discipline towards him. They apparently didn't see Dex as they travelled towards them.

"You find Sartranomin?" Alex asked.

"Almost." Venos replied, "His agent was there to greet us."

Alex perked up. They physically met Saradomin? Nice! Unfortunately, neither of them seemed happy with whatever news his Lord gave them in place of theirs.

"Our Lord Sartranomin is enduring detrimental indisposition." Macan said sorrowfully, making Venos temporarily shrug off her own emotion to give him a nasty look.

"Sartranomin has taken ill?" Alex was unable to keep it a thought, "How can Gods get sick?"

"Same way mortals can." Venos replied, "Bad luck, usually."

"Sartranomin is presently in a critical state." Macan explained, "Unable to directly converse. Orders derived from the agent from the Lord, who is attempting to supervise a recovery, but remains unsuccessful-"

"We need to help." Venos said, rudely cutting in, "If we do nothing, our Lord will perish in a short amount of time. Well, short in this realm's standards, anyways."

Must be one heck of an illness to affect a God, Alex thought.

"How can we possibly help him?" he asked.

"Formulaic mixture." Macan replied.

"Saradomin has given us a list of ingredients obtained from the planet itself used to make a cure-all potion, one with enough potency to, hopefully, save him." Venos said, "... unfortunately, he gave them in ... Macan's language. I have no idea what to get or where to get it."

"Instructions perfectly understood." Macan said, tilting his head at Venos, "Unable to understand confusion befalling Sister Venos."

"Very well, then," Venos sneered, "Where do we get these ingredients?"

Macan thought for a moment, then slowly lowered his head in defeat. Alex and Venos both rolled their eyes. Intelligent as he is, he cannot pinpoint the exact places to find something if he had been stuck underwater for the majority of his life.

"Lay it on me, I'll figure it out." Alex said, "No doubt I know the world a lot better then you both."

Venos gave him an identical look, but had to agree with Alex. All eyes were on Macan.

"First ingredient:" Macan stated, "Purified lexaticus draconian mantle."

Alex thought hard. Mantle meant coating, and the terminology he used to describe that depicted that of an animal. Some sort of animal hide. Purified, of course, meaning that all impurities were eliminated. Either that, or simply blessed or enchanted. But the name itself ... lexaticus draconian. Where had he heard it before?

Lexaticus ... that was something in ancient draconyte, meaning "corrupt". Either that or "changed". Yes, that's right. Draconyte being the language of the ancient dragonkin, was therefore related to that. Changed ... corrupted ... corrupted dragonkin?

Of course! Dragonkin changed into a more purified form, seen as a sort of corruption to their ways! White dragons! And the covering ... ah, but of course!

White dragon scale! It had to be that!

But Alex didn't immediately say it. That was too easy, and indeed time was of the essence, but he still didn't want to make Venos seem like an idiot. Especially since he wanted to get back on her good side. He mumbled randomly to himself, trying to add in random, technological words that confused Macan ("Illogical terminology ...") but intrigued Venos ("I am SO glad you speak both languages ...").

After an intentional but unnecessary two extra minutes, Alex finally decided he couldn't wait any longer, and simply said "White Dragon Scale" to Venos.

"Now isn't THAT easier to say?" Venos sneered at Macan.

"Inconceivable aptitude." Macan simply said. Alex laughed.

"So, all we have to do is find a white dragon. The brethren of my masters. My "former" ones, anyways." Venos said.

Alex's laugh was cut short. The only remaining white dragon he knew of ... Gia ...

"Gia's fighting with the humans in the war!" Alex said with sudden surprise, "If he is killed-"

"Then so is our Lord." Venos said, an equally shocked expression on her face.

"Increasing bodily function capability." Macan replied, "Time limit critical. Recommend augmentation of momentum during traversal."

"Agreed, we must hurry." Alex said directly to Venos.

She wasted no time. Her orb was quickly pressed against the door and Alex, without hesitation, jumped in. Fortunately for him, she didn't pull it away at the last second. But he didn't doubt she would've wanted to if the situation wasn't as dire ...

Jasonmrc · **Posted:** May 1st, 2009, 4:00 pm

"My Master warned me about you." The Creature said with a snarl as he cast more spells - eight this time, at Skyrate. They were again deflected by Skyrate's katannas, however this time they hit some of the retreating enemies.

"All good I hope." Skyrate replied sarcastically, stepping forward over Tenshi.

"Not to be trusted, the one with the dark cape and hood, he said." The Creature said and then lunged at Skyrate with a newly drawn sword which resembled both Jason's sword and Momsrascal's swords. Skyrate blocked with one katanna, stabbed the Creature's crystal chestplate with the other, and then flipped it over Tenshi with both. The crystal cracked all around as if it was tempered glass, but didn't break.

The Creature stumbled a bit as it stood up again. Skyrate spun around and kicked it in the chest, as it turned to him, knocking it down again and taking the fight away from Tenshi.

"Your Master is weak and you are untrained. I should kill you now but then I would not get a message to your Master." Skyrate said as he sliced across the Creature's chest. His sword appeared to bounce harmlessly off, but it was obvious that some ill effect had been achieved.

The Creature got up on one knee and looked at Skyrate,

"Tell him I am coming for him and the next time I see you will be the last." Skyrate said and then stabbed through the Creature's chestplate again, this time going all the way through. Skyrate kicked the Creature back and it disappeared.

momsrascal93 · **Posted:** May 4th, 2009, 7:25 pm

"We need to get away from here." He said and with that, Kate teleported them and herself back to the fortress.

Meanwhile Momsrascal realised she was out in the open, getting glances and stares. She was hoping she wasn't distracting anything major. "What? You've never seen a spirit before?" She asked a guard who's staring was paticularly bothersome.

Jasonmrc · **Posted:** May 14th, 2009, 6:04 pm

With the Creature gone, and Lawrence and Darkrascal too, the only enemies that remained were the remains of the Black Knight and Demon army which, though still well over a thousand remained, was retreating.

Skyrate went over to Tenshi and helped him sit up. Up until now the enemies had been retreating around Skyrate, the Creature, and Tenshi and Lawrence. Now the end of the retreating army passed them, and with it the Heroes and Star Knights who had been valiantly fighting the army back.

Timrak stopped as he came to Skyrate and said a few quick words and then disappeared and started off after the army again. Skyrate motioned to Two of the Star Knights who were about to pass him and they came over.

"Get this man back to the castle. He has a Class 6 chest wound." Skyrate said.

"Yes sir!" "Right away!" the two Knights replied as they started to tend to his wound as well as they could on the field. In a minute they were on their way to Lumbridge castle.

Skyrate watched the retreating army and the Heroes and Knights driving them further back - beyond Port Sarim. He could easily get back in the fray, but there was something about the area where he stood that needed further investigation.

When he had first appeared and attacked the Creature he noticed some shiny on the ground near where Darkrascal was. Apparently it wasn't anything special or useful to her for she left with Lawrence without noticing it.

He walked over to the ground where it lay and knelt down to pick it up. It was a locket, with intricate designs on the facepiece. He then disappeared to rejoin his comrades in the chase.

Alex 43 · **Posted:** June 3rd, 2009, 9:53 pm

Yeah, I'm still here ...

"Coordinates to destination?" asked Macan.

"Tower of the Star." Alex replied, "We'll start our search there."

Back on the mountain, both large sets of lightning wings reappeared, glowing an intense, beautiful color in the night. Alex had to now choose one to ride. While Macan liked him and they were getting together well, he dispised just how smooth and slippery Macan's hide was. Another three-day trip at higher speeds on his back would be an absolute nightmare. Venos, however, consisted of a rough, rocky segmented hide, which was much easier and better for staying on. So, eager to hopefully get back on her good side after so long, Alex attempted to jump aboard Venos, and was surprised she held no objection to this decision.

"Destination unknown. Clarification required." was Macan's reply.

"Uh ... just follow Venos." Alex said.

"Yeah, I'll lead." Venos said with pride in her voice.

Then she whispered to Alex, "Exactly "where" am I going?"

"Return to my chapel and I'll point you from there." Alex replied.

"Got it." Venos acknowledged, and took off with Macan giving chase.

Back in the air again, heading towards home with new resolve to directly help his Lord. He knew now, in truth, that Saradomin was fine, and was now going to help Saradomin's boss out.

White dragon scale ... Alex wondered just what the special property was in the scale that gave it such a flexible capability. Hyper-agility potions, curing potions, focus potions, and even a special kind of energy brew he experimented with one time (Poor Gia couldn't sit down without falling over for weeks). He had once tried mashing the scale up and consuming it directly as a powder to directly see what the solo effect was, but it did nothing but incapacitate him for the rest of the day.

Alex pondered. He never had any spare white dragon scale at his place since Gia was the walking source with him all the time. He never thought it would be the case he had to directly go out and get it. He had so many other ingredients growing directly on the island itself, ranging from several type of herbs, to trees and bark, to even a few habitats within them containing a few special insects. Since it was in the middle of the ocean, the air remained quite humid, literally turning their once-barren island into a small rainforest of many different varieties. If a sanctuary wasn't enough, Alex could also offer their guests an adventure. One of these days, he mused, I'll hollow the land out and build some kind of underground temple just for the kicks and to throw off any future historians into thinking some random religion and culture originated there.

Yes, that's how it would go. Alex stretched out on Venos' back. Some aztec temple made entirely of gold or silver with random patterns and encryptions signifying nothing. Perhaps even a full underground city. Ah, there was no limit to what he and Gia could do. He imagined himself with his good friend down there, melting gold, sculpting it, carving it, and letting it shine ... he could see it now ...

"Stay your hand, and listen!"

K? No, I shouldn't be talking to-

"Who are you?!? What are you doing here?!?"

Wait! That voice!

"This is more important than you think. I need to borrow your watcher. It won't be for long."

"Why do you need- ... -Allezyamos!"

"Hey! What's happening here?"

His own voice now ...

"Allezyamos. The time is now."

"K----------r? Why are you on top of- ... my Lord! Are you all right?"

"What time? What are you talking about?"

"Explain it to him. He'll be a hinderance regardless."

"Forgive me, Sartranomin. I can't let this pass anymore. I- ... -must be done."

"You- ... he ... -I don't understand!"

"Just let him go. We're both already- ... -devoted to the cause. Allezyamos, we must go! Now!"

"NO!"

"Do NOT stand in our way! You have no idea- ... -about to take place!"

"He will NOT be involved with this! NONE of us will- ..."

"Yes ... he will. ... coming ..."

"I'm sorry, my Lord ... please ... it's the only way ..."

"What are you- ... -NO! ALLEZYAMOS, STOP- ... -AAAAAAARRRGH!"

Woah!

A jerk aroused him, and Alex suddenly realized he had drifted off for hours. Venos was apparently chasing Macan down for some unknown reason (fun, most likely), and if it wasn't for her shoulder-blade squeezing down on his leg, Alex figured he would've definitely fallen off. For all he knew, he already did, and this was a precaution Venos took to keep him on as he slept. Regardless of the dream, the rest itself was very good, even at extreme speeds through the air. In fact, Alex couldn't recall ever having a more enjoyable nap.

Venos felt his movement and responded.

"Ah, sleepy-suit woke up?" she asked with a laugh.

"That has better not be my nickname for the next three months." Alex threatened. "Sleepy-suit". He'd been called that once before by Gia for sleeping in a day too many. Taught both of them a good lesson, at least.

"My former origin lies nearby." Macan called, veering offset for a moment, "A minute's flight in demonstrated direction."

"Good to know." Alex said. He would indeed liked to have seen Koyl again, but the mission came first. He also hoped that it got Skee back all right. He didn't doubt it, though. Since the two of them took on a great underwater beast, whatever else was down there definitely wouldn't have compared. Even dagannoth had nothing over that creature. Not in his opinion, anyways.

What had just happened? He heard the godly voice he recognized from the previous envisionments, as well as his own and K's. Now that he had time to add things up, he had no doubt that the mysterious voice could be none other then Lord Sartranomin's. Despite sounding similar, it seemed just too unlike Him to be Saradomin's. But the way he heard it, it sounded like K had attacked him, and he stood by to watch it happen. Such a horrid scream. Did he betray Sartranomin with K? Did K ... KILL him? Argh, another mystery! Just when everything was beginning to make sense ...

"Experience an envisionment of the future?" Macan asked, swooping over and around. He noticed that Alex was clutching his head.

"No." Alex half-lied, "Just a bad dream."

"Ah. Would have been beneficial to learn of upcoming events and trials." Macan said in disappoint.

But that was the question. Was this really of the past or the future? Since he heard the story as it was from Venos and Macan already, he was now convinced that the majority of the events he saw couldn't have had happened in the past. This meant that he was once again, as usual, looking into the future.

His envisionments always came true. He was going to team up with K and betray Sartranomin ... maybe, after all this, K is an enemy after all ... and he even used Dex to help get him on K's good terms. For all he knew, since Dex was robed up so much, he didn't doubt the possibility that it could've been an impostor all along.

Unless Sartranomin is really the traitor and an agent to the Unknown. That being the case, why did Sartranomin call on Allezyamos to protect him from K even though he was already exposed as a traitor? Surely he'd have called on Venos and Macan. Unless they were away? But why? Why would the ever-cautious Venos and Macan leave Alex alone with their lord?

What was going on?

Alex forced his mind elsewhere to break the horrid strain. The fact that the Oocon city was nearby now told Alex that it wouldn't be long now until they reached the SWC. They could rest there, Alex could treat Macan to a molten bath ("Very excellent." Venos was saying), and then they'd reunite with Gia again. He couldn't wait for that. He needed somebody he could just talk to normally, and he needed him now.

Gia, Alex prayed, don't die on me now ...

_______________________

Gia watched the enemy race off into the distance and over the horizon. Sure they were beaten, but next time, they will be fueled by vengeance and greater resolve. Battles will never get easier the more you fight them, whether you win or lose. But, no doubt about it, they sure were satisfying when they were over.

For a moment, he envied Alex. No doubt he was having the time of his life, doing what he loved most: exploring. Find out new truths and realizations alongside such a mythical, ancient creature who most likely had knowledge dating back before even his time.

The lucky stiff, Gia thought. He didn't have to fight an abomination of nature several times bigger than himself in a contained environment and rely on some mysterious unknown power to save his hide in mid-fight like I did ...

Gia looked at his wrist again. The mark still bore there. Was he hit by some curse as he fought and didn't realize it? He will have to get it checked out later, since at the moment it didn't cause him any pain, discomfort, or inconvenience. In fact, now that he looked at it, that mark was probably the cleanest part of his body at that moment. All the rest of his scales were gritted with dried demon blood, mud, ash, burn marks, and whatever else a war served the customer. Only his sword was ready and willing to continue taking lives, but its master knew that now was the time for rest.

Gia gave one last look over the horizon before turning and marching back to regroup with the forces within the castle keep.

Adbot · **Posted:** June 3rd, 2009, 9:53 pm

Jasonmrc · **Posted:** June 13th, 2009, 5:48 pm

The army was now entirely dispersed. All that remained were 53 Black Knights, 7 Greater Demons, 3 Black Demons, and 2 Lesser Demons. The Demons were banished by one of the Star Knights, a Divineye, and the Black Knights were disarmed, tied, and then led back to the Lumbridge castle.

All the land from the Lumbridge castle, to the swamp, to the bridge of the Wizard's tower, to Draynor and beyond, all the way to the Asgarnian dungeon was destroyed and littered with the bodies of humans (primarily Black Knights) and the ashes of demons. The Battle had cost the lives of 29 Elduvian Knights and 3 Star Knights, as well as the 41 unidentifiable bodies of innocent citizens from Lumbridge, Draynor, and Port Sarim who did not make it to the castle in time. It was estimated that some people had been burned or eaten by the demons also. 4 Elduvian Knights were initially considered missing, thought to be eaten or burned, but were a day later found to be on the mend in the Wizard's tower.

The defenders returned with their captives to the Lumbridge castle while Skyrate, Timrak, and Karl 67 continued to scower the field (as they could do it faster than anyone else there) for remain enemies and to get a death toll. They returned to the castle an hour later with the aforementioned count.

After their captives had been securely fastened inside a make-shift stockade (Elise had recovered a little and Michael used this to test her a little, so she made an earthen stockade) the Heroes sat down to eat and talk.

"I suggest we check out that Asgarnian cave," Commander Conter, who had faired the best of the Star Knights, said, "it's mainly used as a smuggler's hideout and blurite mine, but I think there is more there. Either a Black Knight base or a portal to one."

"That would be good for you," Jason, who had stayed at the castle because of his wounds, said, "but the rest of us were planning on going East, to the Eastern Continent again."

They started making plans for the seemingly inevitable trip to the Eastern continent.

momsrascal93 · **Posted:** June 26th, 2009, 8:05 am

"Perhaps you can correct me, but I don't see what going east will accomplish." Momsrascal said out loud while coming out into their view. She couldn't tell if they had previously noticed her or not. She noticed two star knights bringing Tenshi to the castle, making note of the injuries on his chest before turning her attention back to Jason.

Alex 43 · **Posted:** July 4th, 2009, 11:53 pm

"East?!?"

Gia's loud, broad voice silenced the others. He had finally got most of the burn marks washed out of his scales and was about to take a well-eared rest when he was called into the meeting room with the other heroes. Being a soldier of war, he felt it was his duty to listen without question, but he found he couldn't help himself after hearing that strange, shocking bit of news.

"Why are we going there? I thought we made peace with them already with that Psychosis fiasco out of the way."

"Two reasons." Jason said, "Although it is true we've earned a ceasefire with them, I still do not trust them."

He stood up.

"Zamorak is pulling all these troops out of nowhere. Seemingly, another world. Through the immense levels of necromancy and summoning the modern world has known, there should be no possible way for such a mass to have simply been brought from another known plane. The only other acceptable reason is if they were transferred from a world entirely unknown to us."

"But why us, and why here? It would have to be because somebody already knows of our existence, and us of theirs."

Gia tilted his head.

"Are you suggesting that Psychosis might have influenced the Easterners to receive the ability to open portals to this ... demonic world in which it originated?"

"I'm not denying the possibility." Jason replied, pacing in thought, "But it would make sense. They are left with the capability to transport between two worlds. Zamorak approaches them and makes a deal to call forth the demons and give them the edge. Enough to break the ceasefire and attack us with a strength then even Psychosis could muster."

"And Dex isn't here to help thwart the attack." Gia agreed, "They know that without him, they'd not have to worry about such a devastating resistance."

"If we should go there and discover this is the case," Jason continued, "Then we'll be able to effectively perform a counter-attack with the knowledge of those lands we have gained during the ceasefire to our advantage."

He looked Gia square in the eyes.

"That's my first reason." he replied.

Gia wordlessly gave him a look prompting for the second.

"The second reason ..." Jason said, "We are up against a force we are hardly able to handle on our own. We've just barely succeeded in defending Lumbridge, and have taken several casualties in the process. If Zamorak can summon these creatures at will, he will have next to unlimited troops to beat us with.

Therefore, if it's the case that the Easterners aren't behind any of it, we can try and negotiate for an alliance with them."

The group murmured to themselves, but Gia shook his head. He highly doubted it. After faithfully following such a terrifying creature who lead to their near-destruction, he doubted they'd want to follow anybody else again. Perhaps they were even still in Psychosis' league and wanted to fulfill his ambition without him. Even if this was not the case, they were still battle-worn and in the process of reconstructing their society, even if it had been several years since.

Ah, but they wouldn't know until they try it.

"Where shall I go, then?" asked Gia.

"Return to the Tower of the Star on standby." Jason ordered, "Though it probably will be dangerous, we still have to expect another attack somewhere while we travel there. If we send everyone to the east, we'd leave our lands vulnerable."

"Will do." replied Gia, and he fell silent. Jason continued to brief the others, but he didn't listen to their orders. There was already too much on his mind.

And the whereabouts of Alex were the least of it.

___________________________________________________

He was halfway done telling Macan about the types of foods he experimented with ("Sounds delectable.") when Venos called "Star Ho!". He immediately cut himself off and scrambled to as close to the front of her as possible. There, in the distance, was his beloved home. A sanctuary that would not recognize him anymore. But something was different then he expected. Rather then an empty, deserted building, he saw smoke towering up around the star into the air. Did Gia perhaps return?

"That's where you resided all these years?" Macan asked in disbelief.

Alex nodded, proud of himself for some reason.

"You appear to have company." Venos motioned towards the left coastline.

Alex looked and sighed. Despite their normal stereotypical black-and-white designs, there were a number of more noble pirates with somewhat fancier flags than others, usually to depict culture and origin. Like team capes, such flags were necessary to identify themselves among the opposition during their own civil battles on the open seas. This one, for example, bore a series of six thigh-bones drilling down from both sides on a gold bar with a light orange backdrop, signifying that they like to mark and hold their treasure by whatever it takes. Somewhat unnerving to look at, but the message was definitely there.

So were the pirates. Despite having locked the place up, Alex shook his head at the sight of the door ram. The windows were broken and several of the crops were burning (hence the smoke trail), but they still haven't broken through.the primary structure. Alex could only assume that, with considerably minimal damage, they had only just arrived. Good luck on his part.

"Identify those ... humans." Macan said.

"Enemies." Alex simply replied. That was all they needed to know. They had a galley, and he had a couple of ancient dragons. Good fun.

______________________________________

Alex examined the destruction. While he would have to go great lengths to regain those lost crops, and Gia would once again have to redo the stained glass windows, there was ultimately minimal damage to the place in his absence. Usually when they left it, be it for the Eastern Project or the Seven Worlds War, he would always return to find his property vandalized and desecrated no matter how well they locked it up. This time, however, he was lucky to only encounter a single day's requirement of repairs.

The encounter with the pirates was interesting. They didn't take too casually when Venos slammed down with unnecessary force on the land, making them retreat in fear. Alex told them this was his private property, and they were to leave at once. Despite having these three spiritual beings confront them like this, they immediately regrouped and rejuvenated their confidence in strength by numbers. Macan attempted a peaceful dismissal while Venos teased them, and being ones to never be insulted in the form that they were right now, they decided it would be a great idea to shoot the galley cannons at the sudden intruders, bulls-eying Venos' head with the first one.

Venos took it head-on (first time Alex saw a cannonball crumble like that) and it was officially on. No more mercy, lots more manslaughter. She dashed and jumped around like a wild bull, trying to keep as many of them in the air at the same time as possible. Nothing a rainstorm won't clean, Alex mumbled. Not to be outdone by his sister's performance, Macan decided to show off his own trophy-making skills by encasing the entire ship in a great, ice-like structure summoned straight out of the water. It was then that Alex figured that, rather then having telekinesis, Macan simply had an affinity to crystals and, therefore, the ability to directly control matter itself through their formations. It wasn't exactly ice, since it was considerably warm, but it bore similar properties.

Alex's first stop was his herblaw workshop. He unlocked the door by inserting the Saradomin symbol on his chest into the nearby slot and raced inside. Despite being filled with cannonballs and debris, the damage was still considerably minimal. Even his workshop, with its window busted in, only really took some broken vials and window glass with a nice big lead orb imbedded in the back wall. His backpack was set down and the ingredients cupboard was thrown open, but Alex could already guess that he never did keep any spare White Dragon scale due to the fact he already had a walking source before coming to the conclusion he was right. They definitely had to go find GIa.

He peered outside the broken window and saw Venos using her mouth to toss in unused logs into the molten bath furnace while Macan sat and watched curiously. In about half an hour, the metal will have been heated to its liquid state and then it was simply a matter of deciding who went in first. With Venos in there alone, there was hardly any room for himself, let alone Macan as well, so they would have to take turns. Macan, however, looked hesitant.

"Time is an important factor." Macan said, "We cannot distract ourselves with self-benefiting luxuries."

"Aw, we have time." Venos replied, "Besides, we'll need this to help speed ourselves up."

"If I knew the destination, I'd seek our objective alone." Macan muttered hesitantly.

Alex almost laughed to himself. Was Macan too scared to try this? He'd been living in the cold dark ocean for a long time, so jumping into some molten metal would definitely be a sensation.

To let that required half-hour pass, Alex tidied the room up. Since he was going to be making a Sartranomin-Cure potion anyways, he had best do it in a familiar, convenient environment where he could concentrate, since he had no doubt this incredible potion would require that. Once he heard Venos say "OK, jump in!", Alex peered back out the window.

"Hard work desires first servings." Macan said, "You first."

"Oh, no no no. You are going in first." Venos replied, slowly approaching.

"I insist. I really do not require this method of rejuvenation." Macan said, slowly backing away.

"Then just enjoy the sensation. Get in there!" Venos shot back, beginning to bear down on him.

Alex smiled. Time for a little fun. He quickly leapt out the window and landed quietly outside, where he began sneaking around towards the bath as Macan backed towards the chapel entrance. The clever dragon would easily be able to maneuver to the deeper insides away from his larger sister if he made it.

"Perhaps Allezyamos desires first taking. It would be polite to ask." Macan was panicking, "He is hosting us, after all."

"Guests first, isn't it?" Venos sneered.

Alex stood near the bath and drew his staff forward, focusing his mind on remembering the exact words of Dex's lessons. Liquid was several times harder to manipulate then solids, so he settled for utilizing the lost art on the bowl itself. That rest all day really helped his focus.

"Where is the chivalry in this world anymore? Shant the males allow the females to go first?"

"I am. I'm choosing first who goes in first, and I choose YOU!"

He moved the bath around to the front of the chapel, walking along it. Venos was bearing down on Macan so much that his focus was completely distracted from his maneuver. Venos, apparently getting an idea of what Alex was planning, shifted her own maneuvering to better get Macan to move back at the right angle.

"Truly, I have more patience. If I was to go first, you would probably rush me."

"I am losing my patience with you right now! You go first!"

It was in position. Venos saw it, and made her move.

"You WILL get IN NOW!" she shouted, leaping at Macan, who spun around and leaped at the chapel ... and right into the waiting bowl.

*SPLOOOOOSH*

If that didn't get her onto good terms with Alex now, he doubted anything ever would. With pure will, he forced the bowl back over to the furnace with Macan trapped inside and shifted his focus to holding the crystal dragon under the liquid. It scrambled around inside, splashing about and shouting "It burns! It burns! Undesired!". Venos was literally rolling on the ground, laughing.

A thought crossed Alex's mind.

"Er, Macan's not made out of ice, is he?" Alex asked Venos.

Venos immediately stopped.

"Oh. ... I never did take that into consideration, did I? ..." she said.

Alex went numb.

"I'M JUST KIDDING!" Venos shouted, resuming her "ROFL" with increased intensity. Yeah, he had it coming to him. But at least they were no longer enemies.

Alex collapsed from the strain and Venos had at Macan while he forced himself not to pass out. He was still only a level 2 controller, and each maneuver caused himself to weaken greatly. For a while, he endured jealousy against Dex, and considered whether or not his choice was a good one. Acting alone, he definitely would've joined them. But there was still something wrong with this whole ordeal.

Somebody wasn't telling him something he should know.

It took Venos a good 10 minutes of holding Macan down for him to finally realize that he could actually enjoy it without "permanent damage to his motor functions". By this time, Alex had already gone back to his lab and re-prepared himself for the quick trip to the Tower of the Star to locate Gia. He packed up a smaller pack of quick potion shots and making-kit; certainly less bulky then his major bag. He didn't bother to clean up the place, since it was something he and Gia could do once this conflict was all over with. Funny, how every time they fought in battle, they would usually have to return to a messed-up chapel and clean it up despite its playing absolutely no role in the major fight whatsoever. Perhaps it's simply a bad omen, or just nature's way of telling them that it takes lots of responsibility to maintain their own private island home.

True to his assumption, once Macan finally began to accept the luxury and relax, Venos yanked him out so she could have at it herself. Alex could've sworn he was this tempted to freeze the molten metal with Venos inside, but he restrained himself, and instead broke the metallic shell of adamantite off of himself with a pulse of energy. It was interesting, having the two dragons outside doing their own thing while Alex watched from inside. Almost like watching wild animals from within a jungle outpost, or owning pets of various sorts and letting them out every so often so they can experience a moment of freedom. Indeed, it has been a while since the both of them left their individual caves, and now that they were able to exercise this freedom, they were doing so to their full advantages.

Despite the hurry they were in and the urgency Macan kept on stressing, they stayed at the chapel for nearly 2 hours. Despite Alex preparing the three of them a feast meant to fill a full house, there was still disappointment from his two guests that there wasn't enough to appease them. Apparently that's what happens when you eat proper food for the first time in a few hundred thousand years. Nevertheless, preparations were made ("Sister Venos, remove that access layer of foreign metal ..."), natural curiosity was fulfilled ("What exactly was in that stew?"), and once that second hour hit its mark, they were once again up in the air, following Alex's directions towards the tower.

Despite the excitement of seeing everyone again and being able to apologize for not taking part in the war, Alex felt nervous. If he was to appear to everyone with a couple of highly-powerful, ancient dragons, there was no doubt they'd want their help. But what could they say? Alex knew for a fact he could not tell anybody about their real mission. He couldn't tell even Gia about Sartranomin, nor the things he's figured out and learned from Venos, Macan, and more importantly, Dex. He had to even keep the knowledge and confrontation of K a secret. But with all this classification, he really didn't have any legitimate reason to not join in the war. So, was he supposed to lie?

Venos seemed to understand what he was thinking. Perhaps it was the unease Alex was holding onto her with.

"Allezyamos, if it will get you to stop prying my shoulders apart, I'll do all the talking." she said, "And yes, I'll lie if I must."

"Honesty is a gesture of trust," Macan replied, "First impressions must maintain that discipline or we will potentially be seen as opposition."

"Then what do I say to the mortals?" Venos sneered with a mocking voice that made her sound female enough, "Oh, hello everybody. Everything you all believe in is a lie, and we're trying to fix it all behind the scenes."

Macan hesitated, "Then again, it is not as though we are recruiting them."

Alex said nothing. He just prayed they were still there so that they "could" lie to them.

Jasonmrc · **Posted:** July 11th, 2009, 6:43 pm

Jason walked over to Gia after giving orders to the Knights and talking with the others for a bit.

"Michael, Elise, Karmadin, Timrak, and Momsrascal are going to go east. Skyrate is going to check something in the North. You, Karl 67, and I are to stay at the Tower of the Star in case any more reports come in. If you or he want you can go with them to the East, but it didn't sound like you did so we haven't planned for it. We're all going to go back to the Tower for a week to rest and get ready. We're going to bring our new ally Tenshi with us since he's been injured." Jason explained.

"We're teleporting the injured back to the tower. Once back at the tower we'll send some men to guard Lumbridge and two ships with resources to help rebuild. Skyrate has already left and the rest of us will teleport soon. Are you ready to leave?"

momsrascal93 · **Posted:** July 11th, 2009, 7:59 pm

"Heading east, are ya?" the voice of her grandfather inquired. "Then you'll need a physical body." Her grandfather said. Her body, which used to go through things, was becoming more solid until she was a solid being once more.

"Wait where are my swords?" Momsrascal pondered before summoning them. Only one appeared, though. "Where's the other one?" She asked.

"It seems one of your swords is not in a holy plane." Her grandfather said.

"Not in a holy plane? What's that supposed to mean?" She asked.

"That means it's in an area to evil for the sword to be summoned from." her grandfather clarified.

"Great... I need to find a new weapon." she said annoyed.

"Maybe you'll find one at the tower. They've got a wide selection." Elise suggested.

Alex 43 · **Posted:** July 12th, 2009, 8:54 am

Short and sweet today.

The two guards stood casually in the front of the great doors. Ever since that white dragon collapsed at their feet, things had gotten pretty boring. Sure, the tower was an important landmark for the resistance, and it did need security, but because of its vague obsoleteness, they almost felt that their duty was somewhat unnecessary. Sure they were standing there, making sure nobody bad entered, but there wasn't anybody bad for miles to restrict access to in the first place! Same with everything good. Everything and everyone was in Lumbridge, fighting a vicious battle. If anything, they should be joining the fight!

... ah, but then again, so long as they stood guard there, they were pulling off their military duty while staying alive. They couldn't ask for more.

"Yo, Jayke." said Marr, "I fergot my lunch 'gain. Suppose I owe ye' an extra hour in exchange for somethin'?"

Jayke sighed. His companion was so utterly careless. He already owed him a couple days guard duty for what he did sacrifice.

"No can do, buddy," Jayke replied, deciding he might as well be out with it, "Besides, you're lookin' a little chubby 'round the sides. Skippin' lunch for a day might even be good for you."

Marr retorted, "Bud, I gotta stay alert, y'know! I need energy! All the time! We're guards, fer the Lord's sake! It's the greatest insult to whom we're guardin' if we fall asleep on t'job. Y'want me to lose me job?"

"Oh, come on!" Jayke shot back, "You've fallen asleep so much that I once had ta' deal with an assassin clan by m'self! Four guys with daggers! FOUR! Soundin' the alarm while protectin' yer sorry hide the whole time. Oh, and did I mention you had yourself a feast that day? No can do, man. Can't even afford a proper lunch meself. Don' know how you do it ..."

Marr didn't reply. He just moaned unnecessarily loudly.

"It's for your own good, man." Jayke assured, "Don't think I'm not lookin' out for ya."

"Yeah. To heck you are ..." Marr mumbled.

"I am!" he blurted, "If I wasn't, I'd just be another guy either spoilin' yer sorry hide with my own lunch each day or just some random guard who won't even make eye contact. But I'm not. I give it some days, not some others. Heck, you haven't even paid me back fer all them other times, and I don' even care! Heck, let the SKY fall down on me if I had ever once NOT been taking care of your d-"

BOOOOOOM!

Both guards jumped back into the door by instinct, hitting it hard and collapsing off their feet from too hard a force. It was locked shut, so it did not open; not even after both grown, armored men bashed themselves back into it. If they weren't arguing with each other, they would've seen the glowing, star-like objects arc over from the horizon, aim right for them, and smash down naught but a few yards away from where they stood. The impact shattered the trail, as expected from something of that velocity. There was a loud "boom" as the first one hit, but the second slowed itself down before landing ever so delicately within the generated smoke cloud.

"Hmph, they don't make paths like they used to." the larger of the creatures mumbled through the dust and scattered concrete particles. The guards back up against the door, spears out at the ready, shaking and unable to speak properly. The fact that whatever hit them was not only big and heavy, but alive, told them that there'd be no way on Earth that they'd survive should they be hostile.

"Unnecessary force applied," the smaller one scolded, sitting upright to appear taller, "Greater care and caution advised in future landings."

The larger creature pulled its four feet out of the ground, and it was then the guards saw, through the dissipating smoke cloud, three sets of glowing eyes. Two large creatures, but three sets of eyes. The third set moved on its own atop the larger creature, and was looking right at them now.

"Stay back!" the cowardly Marr feebly shouted, holding the spear in front. Jakye, however, found the strength to stand and get in front of Marr, protecting him from harm with his body should the need arise.

The third set of eyes suddenly shot up in the air, accompanied by its own, human-shaped body. After a few flips, it landed in between the guards and the creatures, and walked out of the now settled cloud.

"Sorry for the entrance." Alex 43 apologized, shooting a quick look at the large stone dragon he was riding, "Is Gia still in?"

Jayke sighed in relief. Marr simply fainted.

Jasonmrc · **Posted:** July 17th, 2009, 1:00 pm

"I've never liked Marr. When he wakes up tell him he's been demoted to Dock Guard." A stern and strong voice said.

Looking to his left Alex saw a man cloaked in black. The figure, combined with the voice, could only be one person, Skyrate.

"Yes, sir!" Jayke stood up straight and saluted him."

"You're relieved of duties today." Skyrate said.

"Thank you, Sir!" Jayke said and motioned to two of the guards who had just come out of the Tower due to the commotion. Jayke and them then picked up Marr and walked out of the Tower Courtyard.

"It's good to see you again." Skyrate said turning to Alex, "The others have wondered where you were, Gia specifically."

"Always glad to be wanted." Alex replied, "Where's Gia?"

"Still in Lumbridge with the others, should be back soon. When they come Jason can tell you and your friends about all the recent events." Turning to Venos and Macan he said, "It's been a long time since I've met any of your kind, I don't remember what pleasantries you like. Feel free to look around. If you like heat you may find our underground volcano nice, it's what powers our smithies. You'll have to enter through the southern cove on this island and go by the underground smithies to get to the hottest parts. If anyone stops you tell them Skyrate gave you permission."

10 Elduvian Knights teleported into the courtyard carrying 4 others and 1 Star Knight. They hustled to the Medical chambers promptly, barely noticing the visitors.

Alex and Skyrate went into the Star room to wait for the others, leaving the two dragons to either stay in the courtyard and scare people(as Venos wanted to do) or explore the islands(as Macan chose to do).

Skyrate and Alex talked about the dark happenings in the Deep Wilderness, the possible arising problem in the East, and the Unknown.

Another group of Elduvian Knights teleported into the Tower's courtyard and darted off to the Medical chambers just like the last group.

The rest of the heroes teleported into the courtyard not too long after and Karmadin and Timrak brought Tenshi into the Medical Chambers along with Gia who helped two minorly injured knights. Afterwards everyone met in the Star Room.

Alex 43 · **Posted:** August 1st, 2009, 11:32 am

Alex tried to limit the knowledge he knew about the Unknown that he told Skyrate. He described the battle in the sky, the power of the Unknown, and the concept behind it. Word for word, he painfully recalled its speech and dialogue with Venosyvan.

However, he didn't mention anything on his journey of enlightenment. He didn't reveal anything about the Tower, nor the Realm. He completely eradicated the fact that the Unknown was the universal leader of all the Gods to this present day. He didn't even give a hint that Saradomin, whom had returned now, wasn't the true God of the planet.

He also left out every last detail about K. So much stuff was happening around him that he still didn't have the time or ability to make sense of everything. There were still several things hidden from him. So many unsolved mysteries. The world as he knew it was all wrong.

It was better ... definitely better, if he didn't tell anybody about this. The world was much better off left in this state of unknowing.

The Unknown. It wanted it like this. It was almost all too coincidental.

"Is Gia back now?" Alex finally dropped the subject.

"He should be down by the pavilion." replied the secretary.

And so he was. Upon entering and making eye contact, Alex heaved a sigh of relief. There was Gia. Battered and beaten, but otherwise alive. Upon seeing him, Gia's personality suddenly resembled a small dog seeing its human owner for the first time in a week. That was Gia, all right.

Unfortunately, what was also Gia was that it wasn't just the personality, but the body movements too.

"Oi, Gia! Too ... heavy!" Alex struggled to get the White Dragon off him.

"You're back! You're back! I missed you too much!" Gia exclaimed, almost in tears.

"I was only gone a week." Alex laughed, managing to get himself back up.

"In a war," Gia said, "Time slows down a hundred times. Especially when you're short a good soldier."

Alex chuckled, "Then thank goodness you're still here."

The trip to the Star Meeting room was the most talkative Alex ever had. They both exchanged stories between occurrences while in each others absence. Again, Alex limited the information he gave to simplicities that Venos and Macan told him on the trip, completely leaving out additional information about the Unknown and K. In fact, Gia was completely interested in the one called Macan, so Alex had no problem supplying him with filler material.

Gia, however, spared no detail, and told him absolutely everything that happened. The fight against the Grand Demon, the battle, the plan, and the barrier.

"I don't suppose Venos mentioned anything like this?" Gia asked, showing Alex his forearm, "I've tried scrubbing it out, but it wouldn't even mark the cloth."

Alex looked at it with concern. That symbol ... something in the back of his mind felt like it wanted to burst free and tell him what it was. But it wouldn't. It couldn't. He simply didn't recognize that symbol whatsoever.

"... no, I don't know." he shrugged, "Show it to Macan. He'd probably know."

There stood the doors that Alex thought he'd never walk through again. Same with Gia. These doors separated him and the rest of the heroes Runescape relied on, all piled together.

"Well, any final thought?" asked Gia.

"Yeah. One." Alex replied.

Gia tilted his head. Alex hesitated.

"Venos is a 'she'."

The doors were pulled opened with Gia hysterically saying "WHA-AAT?" Everyone jumped. Whether by Gia's exclamation or Alex's presence, it really didn't matter.

__________________________________________

"Before we begin this briefing," Alex called, "I would just like to make an announcement."

Everyone was immediately silent. He liked doing that.

"It's good to see everyone here again," Alex said, "And while I sit here in my designated place, it also pains me. I have bore witness to circumstances that befall anything that any amount of human ability cannot suppress, nor alter, and I continue to do so at even this moment as I speak.

I am on a journey of enlightenment. I am learning things left secret to even story and myth. Consequences for events that have not yet been provoked. Hauntings from a past that even the dead cannot relate to. And despite my current status of being in the group and unity that is the Tower of the Star, I remain on this journey, and will continue it once all decisions made are final.

Therefore, I must say that whatever decisions are made on behalf of all parties here,"

He took a breath. This next part was the hardest to say.

"I'm afraid I must not be included in them."

Gia's jaw dropped.

"My presence is only temporary." Alex continued, "The only reason I am here is because of an errand I must do. Once it's done, I will once again be off, and out of contact by anyone here. Including, with deepest regrets, my close friend Gia."

Gia bowed his head with his eyes closed. If only he wasn't bred to be a soldier ...

Unable to say any more, Alex concluded, "That is all."

And said nothing more.

1600th post. How about that?

momsrascal93 · **Posted:** August 4th, 2009, 4:27 pm

Momsrascal looked a little shocked at Alex's announcement then nodded in understanding. She then waited for the briefing to begin.

Meanwhile at black knight's fortress...

"Quite a humiliating defeat..." Kate said, using her voodoo to mess with the captain. "I didn't expect anything more of my parents though..." She said.

"Like you can do any better, ya little brat!" Darkrascal snapped.

"Kate, please stop messing with the captain." Lawrence said and she put the voodoo doll of the captain away.