Dawn was filled with screams. The sky forged with the heat of battle as unspeakable creatures terrorized Biester. The lush green was set ablaze. Tempered steel and spirit blasts set the kingdom's stage. Crimson pools dirtied the earth, and corpses, both man, beast and monstrosities lay on the ground. Not every civilian was lucky to flee; some retreated to the castle, some safely fled, and some became casualties.
As the people ran about, flying, horned abominations terrorized the losing humans, clawing and kicking as the humans failed to defend themselves. Brute force did little, and magic left the monsters unfazed. There was no chance of riposte. It was only minutes until the castle itself becomes under siege.
"Fall back!" the retreat sounded with a horn.
"To the castle!"
"Hurry! The barrier....!"
The soldiers had their backs against the wall. Every artificer in the castle set up a barrier,and even the king himself helped in it's fortification, but with enemy numbers, it would crumble at any moment; and with only a handful of troops left, the kingdom was doomed to fall.
*bang* *bang* *bang*
Large, knocking sounds pressed the barrier. Every pulse shook the walls and the hearts inside with fear. The castle was surrounded.
Balbaroy, the current king of Biester, could not believe his eyes. He replaced his father after the war with Eingefroren, and crawled to restore the kingdom, raising it to its prime. He perished the thought of survival.
"Brave soldiers of Biester!!" Balbaroy roared. "I beseech your aid in our greatest time of need! I know I am asking much, however!" he paused, gasping for air due to exhaustion.
There was silence. All eyes were at him. Only the sound of dying hope at their doorstep echoed as the barrier slips away. Balbaroy removed himself from enforcing the barrier, leaving the work to the artificers. He took out his artifact: a large, old shovel with unknown glyphs engraved across its body.
"This is Cahelum's Fugue!" Balbaroy exclaimed.
Green spheres appeared before every able personnel, excluding the artificers. A cluster of spirit energy, it glowed warm as if embracing life itself.
"Do not touch that if you wish to flee... However!" Balbaroy paused, taking a deep breath.
"Those of you who wish to protect. Those who wish to die for this kingdom. Those with the will to fight...!" Balbaroy said, like a roaring lion to his pride.
His troops wet their eyes. They have accepted their fate. Each one agreed to lend their power to their sovereign. They touched the spheres. Their bodies were surged with the power of nature spirits. The room became verdant green, pulsating as if alive, living with every soft glow. Each sphere then beamed a link to Cahelum's Fugue. Each one that touched the spheres then lay on the floor, cold as if petrified.
"I would also like to ask another favor." Balbaroy looked pained as he looked at the artificers.
Green spheres floated over the heads of the deceased throughout the kingdom. They touched their foreheads and surrounded them with energy. Vines then sprouted from the ground, covering them as if squeezing the victims of war.
"I have never thought of the dead being burdened. However..."
Balbaroy closed his eyes. He plants the shovel artifact to the ground begins to concentrate. He knelt and reached out both his hands to the ground. The earth rumbled for a moment, and two large vines, almost tentacles, pierced his own two hands. He does not flinch, but his blood does for him as it spread like poison to the floor.
"I will carry this sin alone."
The artificers watched in horror as their king was punished. Weakened of both mind and heart, they let out a large burst of their power. The surge fortified the barrier to full in seconds. They only had bought a minute to rest.
"Get every civilian out of here." the king ordered.
"My last request as the king... Tell the other kings of what happened. Escape." Balbaroy huffed. His breathing almost muzzled.
The artificers chanted undecipherable phrases as they used their artifacts powered by their own spirits, and some succumbing to death by exhaustion. Bright glyphs and magical runes appeared under everyone that wishes to flee. Verily fatigued, the artificers warped the civilians, and eventually themselves. Fragments of residual spirit energy were the only remains of their jump. As they left, the kingdom's sovereign took his time to clear his mind, and prepared himself for his last moment as a king, as the defender, and as a proud lion.
A cracking sound started. Large gashes eventually formed. The cracking became boulders crumbling, and then a large explosion of energy. The entire kingdom was covered in smoke.
The crumbling castle's roof gave no vanguard for the dying ruler as it was immediately torn-off by the creatures. The only sight was Balbaroy, covered in vines, lying on the floor and his shovel artifact stabbed to his back
"*cough* if man can see the future..."
"I bet he'd act the same as he did now."
Balbaroy breathed his last. The ground shook as did his passing. Immense plant tendrils immediately escaped from his body, and from the ground, and from every human corpse. The tendrils took no second to settle, and bent facing the sky. It spun like an arm, and fired every spike to the sky, raining arrows that blocked the doomed city's sky.
Sensing the immediate danger, the demons tried to flee, like rats with a harrowing experience. Their efforts were wasted; the innumerable thorns outmatched their powerful wings, giving no egress.The spears rained down and struck every abomination within the kingdom's limits, turning them to skewered gargoyles, crumbling as they plummeted to the ground. All life were petrified with a single prick; the lifeless bodies, the even the tendrils and gnarled vines were not spared. There was no longer any trace of human activity. Balbaroy's efforts gave fruit.
A large dust cloud yet again covered the Biester kingdom. As the dust settled, only the untouched fauna was left. The kingdom of Nature's bounty was no more.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Nicolette
I think I've been here for seven hours now. Patricia's house was a bit run-down, but it was warm and had that sense of home that I've never had.
Nicolette was just bursting with more energy after our afternoon snack. We've been through every single part of the house, each with a bit of a playful story.
I've finally got my bit of rest and I've cleared my mind off whatever the king said. My only concern right now is how I'd be able distract Nicolette enough so that Patricia and Ben could make something special for her birthday tomorrow.
"Come here, Elicit!" She grabbed my right hand. "Come on!"
Nicolette kept pointing at the ladder to their roof.
"Be careful, now! I haven't fixed the roof yet!" Ben shouted from below.
We carefully tread the ladder. After reaching the wooden roof-lid, Nicolette blissfully showed her favorite spot on the roof. From there, one could see the entire slums, some of the common's row-houses and inns, and only the castle's front gate and towers were visible from the distance.
"Look!" Nicolette pointed up in the sky. "Patricia said my parents became stars when they left me."
I gave a sympathetic smile. Nicolette didn't seem to notice.
"What was the last memory you had of them?"
The violin that Nicolette almost never leaves, the one strapped behind her back somewhat called my attention. It seemed like it was trying to talk.
"I don't know. I was only two years-old. But I'm sure my instrument is from them." she said,
"....I'm sorry. I didn't know" I lied, hoping I'd get a bit more information.
She "It's like when I play, it feels like I'm hugging them, and they hug back."
"I never knew mine." I lied again. It was somewhat a habit for me to lie, having been trained to.
"Wow. I... didn't know that Elicit." she tried to console me. "But then, you're a good guy, right?"
I couldn't face the innocent child, so I looked away. I gazed above instead, hoping she'd take a glance at it too.
"If everyone who died becomes stars... Then..." Nicolette made a puzzled face.
For a second there, I remembered a few people that I've 'turned to stars'.
"Wouldn't the night sky eventually be bright like... in the morning...?"
I shook my head. "You're too young for that."
A running man from below took my attention. His attire says he's with the city guards, but doesn't look like the ones that I "turned to heavenly bodies", or so I thought.
The man gave a wave to Nicolette, still catching his breath. He tries to reach his pocket, and grabbing paper out of it.
"Howdy do, Lettie! A've you seen this man?" He shows Nicolette a wanted poster. The photo wasn't so clear, but I could see a young man with dull, red hair. He looked decent, but probably a wolf in sheep's clothing.
"it doesn't look like anyone I know."
"I think I saw him earlier this morning! Hours before I met Elicit! He bought one from me, too!"
"You there" he pointed at me.
"....?"
"What 'bout you, kiddo?"
I've got no idea why he called me a kid, but it was kinda refreshing to hear it.
"A've you seen this person?"
I shook my head
"Take care of Lettie then, y'hear?!" he immediately placed the poster, slightly creasing it with his haste to pocket it. We watched him as He runs off to the next few houses past Patricia's.
"He's one heck of a guard" Nicolette smiled. "Patt'e said he's been one for ten years now. And he was just the town mi....mili....mitia before." She said, trying hard to remember.
"That's impressive"
"yeah! He likes my music too!" Nicolette giggled. "Like that man on the poster!"
"you talked to the guy?"
"he wasn't a bad guy...I think."
"You said he bought one from you, right?"
"yeah! And he listened to me play too! Like you did!" she smiled again.
"could you play right now?"
"okay!" her eyes glistened with excitement.
"do you know what his name was?" I asked her nicely.
"I asked him." she frowned. "he didn't say what, but he told me that if I ever meet a Ne...on...awge?" Nicolette said with much effort.
"Neunauge."
"Right! How'd you know, Elcit?"
I could not tell her how much I did. How many of their own paid to kill, and how much I've avoided contact to any of them. They are a dangerous bunch, especially the ones with the flower crest. I quickly shook my head and smiled in response instead.
"Anyways...." She paused. "He told me to play a melody for them, too. He said they love music as much as I do."
Nicolette was just bursting with more energy after our afternoon snack. We've been through every single part of the house, each with a bit of a playful story.
I've finally got my bit of rest and I've cleared my mind off whatever the king said. My only concern right now is how I'd be able distract Nicolette enough so that Patricia and Ben could make something special for her birthday tomorrow.
"Come here, Elicit!" She grabbed my right hand. "Come on!"
Nicolette kept pointing at the ladder to their roof.
"Be careful, now! I haven't fixed the roof yet!" Ben shouted from below.
We carefully tread the ladder. After reaching the wooden roof-lid, Nicolette blissfully showed her favorite spot on the roof. From there, one could see the entire slums, some of the common's row-houses and inns, and only the castle's front gate and towers were visible from the distance.
"Look!" Nicolette pointed up in the sky. "Patricia said my parents became stars when they left me."
I gave a sympathetic smile. Nicolette didn't seem to notice.
"What was the last memory you had of them?"
The violin that Nicolette almost never leaves, the one strapped behind her back somewhat called my attention. It seemed like it was trying to talk.
"I don't know. I was only two years-old. But I'm sure my instrument is from them." she said,
"....I'm sorry. I didn't know" I lied, hoping I'd get a bit more information.
She "It's like when I play, it feels like I'm hugging them, and they hug back."
"I never knew mine." I lied again. It was somewhat a habit for me to lie, having been trained to.
"Wow. I... didn't know that Elicit." she tried to console me. "But then, you're a good guy, right?"
I couldn't face the innocent child, so I looked away. I gazed above instead, hoping she'd take a glance at it too.
"If everyone who died becomes stars... Then..." Nicolette made a puzzled face.
For a second there, I remembered a few people that I've 'turned to stars'.
"Wouldn't the night sky eventually be bright like... in the morning...?"
I shook my head. "You're too young for that."
A running man from below took my attention. His attire says he's with the city guards, but doesn't look like the ones that I "turned to heavenly bodies", or so I thought.
The man gave a wave to Nicolette, still catching his breath. He tries to reach his pocket, and grabbing paper out of it.
"Howdy do, Lettie! A've you seen this man?" He shows Nicolette a wanted poster. The photo wasn't so clear, but I could see a young man with dull, red hair. He looked decent, but probably a wolf in sheep's clothing.
"it doesn't look like anyone I know."
"I think I saw him earlier this morning! Hours before I met Elicit! He bought one from me, too!"
"You there" he pointed at me.
"....?"
"What 'bout you, kiddo?"
I've got no idea why he called me a kid, but it was kinda refreshing to hear it.
"A've you seen this person?"
I shook my head
"Take care of Lettie then, y'hear?!" he immediately placed the poster, slightly creasing it with his haste to pocket it. We watched him as He runs off to the next few houses past Patricia's.
"He's one heck of a guard" Nicolette smiled. "Patt'e said he's been one for ten years now. And he was just the town mi....mili....mitia before." She said, trying hard to remember.
"That's impressive"
"yeah! He likes my music too!" Nicolette giggled. "Like that man on the poster!"
"you talked to the guy?"
"he wasn't a bad guy...I think."
"You said he bought one from you, right?"
"yeah! And he listened to me play too! Like you did!" she smiled again.
"could you play right now?"
"okay!" her eyes glistened with excitement.
"do you know what his name was?" I asked her nicely.
"I asked him." she frowned. "he didn't say what, but he told me that if I ever meet a Ne...on...awge?" Nicolette said with much effort.
"Neunauge."
"Right! How'd you know, Elcit?"
I could not tell her how much I did. How many of their own paid to kill, and how much I've avoided contact to any of them. They are a dangerous bunch, especially the ones with the flower crest. I quickly shook my head and smiled in response instead.
"Anyways...." She paused. "He told me to play a melody for them, too. He said they love music as much as I do."
Friday, December 7, 2012
Mecia
The 30-year war twisted not only the lands of Eingefroren and Biester, but also that of the other kingdom's lands. The war ravaged the land and sea in their conquest. One of these lands was Mecia, the city that borders the great desert and the Steel Kingdom, Feuersthal. As the artificers mitigated in use of the relics, Mecia slowly turned into "the city of endless tears", a place where the sun never rose, forever doused with rain. Even after five years, the scars of spirit abuse never faded.
The royal excavation team casually marched towards Mecia the morning after Calvin was given the order to return.. Aided by the Artifact Glyfaginning's murmur, the group was shielded from the city's conditions. The surrounding area was damp, but stable to walk on. The water from Mecia is drained onto the desert's boundary, producing a lush forest and a Marsh on the other. The team looked more like a group of traveling nomads; livestock and cargo as baggages. Their clothes did no better, being suited for the desert hell and even the harshest sandstorm.
"Set up camp here. Do not try to build a fire." Calvin stressed. "If you're cold, use spirits inside your tents."
"Sir!" the whole team followed.
The team worked like ants. Every baggage was accounted.Their small numbers, with their even smaller number of Livestock were grouped and pitched separate tents, and the members changed to their rainwear. Calvin walked to the camp's center; took his artifact out and browsed the ancient text, about half his size. He then raised his left arm and mumbled a passage from it.
The barrier slowly melted around the camp, eventually shrinking to protect only the artificer. Mist immediately invaded, and water started to gently ticker every surface. The artifice seemed out of breath after his spell.
"I'd like to check on something. Do not enter the city until I come back." Calvin ordered, upon reaching the gates.
"Sir, you don't look so good." a member raised his concern. The others agreed as well.
"Priscilla Alour, Monde Cormantio and Rawe Neunauge." Calvin called out.
Two young, scrawny members stood up, bearing the insignia of the Feuerstahl academia, went to answer the call. Monde and Rawe are new recruits personally selected by Calvin himself.
"Sir!" The two trainees anxiously greeted, backs straightened and glistening eyes.
One teenager smaller than the recruits stood up upon hearing her name. Clad in armor and a crest of the Alour family; an Edelweiss.
"Sir." Priscilla greeted casually.
"You three" Calvin paused. He took one last look at the camp. "With me."
The four proceeded to the city's gates. The city was mostly made of stone, and there was no lights. Not the commons, not the higher classes. Rain and thunder were the only sound.
Calvin personally led his team; he extended his barrier to them as they approached the inner walls. The rain poured more violently as they proceeded to the city's commons, although there was no wind whatsoever.
"Priscilla, you've noticed it, haven't you?" Calvin said, giving out a sigh. "You two." Calvin turned his head to a building on his right. "Look at this." he pointed at the windows.
A brilliant stroke of lightning illuminated the building, lasting a few seconds. Monde immediately took the chance to look inside from where he was standing, though the window was large enough to see a large portion of the living room, he could only view a portion of it because of the distance.
"Sir, I don't see anyth-" Monde was cut short.
*bleargh*
Monde's heart faltered and made him waste his breakfast. Knees weakened at the sight inside: corpses removed of their skins, left to rot. A large serving of what seemed to be innards, half eaten by some creature, and limbs torn, some hung in the most careless way, displayed. a shadowy figure was at the center, bathed in lush, crimson liquid.
Rawe was late to act to Calvin's instructions. After seeing the weakened Monde made him think twice, curiosity or no. He approached to get a glimpse, and stepped up closer than Monde did.
The only thing he saw was a creature. It turned its head; Rawe got its attention. It shuddered as it turned. It breathed heavily, only releasing a scream as it leapt and dashed, maw opened, saw-teeth ready to kill, and screeching as it approached the voyeur. Emerging death made Rawe fall down to his butt, paler than Monde in comparison.
"Wha-?!" Rawe squealed. "Run!!" He shouted, squirming to get away from the creature.
"You're cruel, Calvin..." Priscilla sighed. "...Sir." She delayed, remembering her place.
She approached the victims of Calvin's cruelty, rubbed Monde's back to ascertain if he was still able to go, and helped Rawe to his feet. Stricken with fear, the two breathed heavily.
The figure that horrified Rawe made its way out, shattering the window from where it was seen, broke the walls and gazed with indiscernible bloodlust. Tr creature remained unscathed an in a maddened frenzy. Upon noticing the threat, Priscilla gathered her spiritual power, and swiftly threw a bolt of white spiritual energy directly at the monster's head. The monster staggered, screeching in pain as it slowly melted its flesh. The monster's head melted before the party's eyes, eventually reaching its neck. Losing its energy to fight, it knelt down, and fell to its side. The monster slowly faded from reality. No melted flesh at the floor. No blood splattered. No Corpse to prove the kill.
"what....?" Monde was puzzled.
Calvin knelt on one knee. Fatigue has gotten to him. The two recruits immediately came to his aid and Priscilla surveyed the area instead. The two lifted him slowly with his shoulders but could not fully stand due to stress, and instead stood back arched, both hands to his knees, supporting him.
"What you're seeing is a manifestation of someone -or something's memory." Said Priscilla. "You see, -we- are REALLY welcome here."
There was no trace of the monster's exit. The window was fixed, and there was no broken wall.
"Ha...ahhahaha....ahahahahaha!" Calvin bursted in maniacal laughter, one hand to his forehead. He managed to divert the three's attention to him. He still looked pale, but rejuvenated.
"S...Sir Calvin?!" Rowe panicked. The two recruits ran to Priscilla.
The air changed. The barrier surrounding them immediately dissipated as Calvin cackled, soaking the other three. Instead of a barrier, a veil of steam enveloped him; incoming droplets vaporized as it came down near Calvin. Both his hands softly glowed in white light, and within seconds, energized and sparking. The Grimore did so as well, softly humming as if activating on its will.
Priscilla grasped the situation. She pulled out her weapon, a dagger connected to a very thin, long chain link, resembling a whip. The dagger dangled as she went into stance. The chains made no sound as it rattled.
"Rowe, Monde, stay back." She readied herself for a confrontation.
Calvin threw a large, condensed ball of energy from his hands directly aimed at his allies. The three were quick to respond, as they dodged to the sides, Priscilla to the left, and the others right. As the ball travelled, its trail left residual energy shaped like tiny balls of fire floating in mid-air, never doused by the rain. The ball itself hit several buildings inside the city, but unlike Priscilla's, Calvin's assault did not allow regeneration.
"Why is Sir Calvin attacking us?! Monde shouted
"Is he insane?!" Rowe followed.
The smoke from the rubble took time to settle. Priscilla quickly stood up to her feet, only to feel another surge of spiritual energy emerging from the impact. The dust was only about to settle when another ball was flung at Priscilla's direction, but this time, yellow. She dodged again, reuniting herself with the other two.
"I am NOT target practice!" Priscilla shouted in annoyance.
The bolt curved, and aimed itself at Calvin. Calvin deflected the bolt using his hands filled with spiraling spirit energy, to one side.
"I know that power." Calvin grinned viciously. "You think I wouldn't notice?"
The royal excavation team casually marched towards Mecia the morning after Calvin was given the order to return.. Aided by the Artifact Glyfaginning's murmur, the group was shielded from the city's conditions. The surrounding area was damp, but stable to walk on. The water from Mecia is drained onto the desert's boundary, producing a lush forest and a Marsh on the other. The team looked more like a group of traveling nomads; livestock and cargo as baggages. Their clothes did no better, being suited for the desert hell and even the harshest sandstorm.
"Set up camp here. Do not try to build a fire." Calvin stressed. "If you're cold, use spirits inside your tents."
"Sir!" the whole team followed.
The team worked like ants. Every baggage was accounted.Their small numbers, with their even smaller number of Livestock were grouped and pitched separate tents, and the members changed to their rainwear. Calvin walked to the camp's center; took his artifact out and browsed the ancient text, about half his size. He then raised his left arm and mumbled a passage from it.
The barrier slowly melted around the camp, eventually shrinking to protect only the artificer. Mist immediately invaded, and water started to gently ticker every surface. The artifice seemed out of breath after his spell.
"I'd like to check on something. Do not enter the city until I come back." Calvin ordered, upon reaching the gates.
"Sir, you don't look so good." a member raised his concern. The others agreed as well.
"Priscilla Alour, Monde Cormantio and Rawe Neunauge." Calvin called out.
Two young, scrawny members stood up, bearing the insignia of the Feuerstahl academia, went to answer the call. Monde and Rawe are new recruits personally selected by Calvin himself.
"Sir!" The two trainees anxiously greeted, backs straightened and glistening eyes.
One teenager smaller than the recruits stood up upon hearing her name. Clad in armor and a crest of the Alour family; an Edelweiss.
"Sir." Priscilla greeted casually.
"You three" Calvin paused. He took one last look at the camp. "With me."
The four proceeded to the city's gates. The city was mostly made of stone, and there was no lights. Not the commons, not the higher classes. Rain and thunder were the only sound.
Calvin personally led his team; he extended his barrier to them as they approached the inner walls. The rain poured more violently as they proceeded to the city's commons, although there was no wind whatsoever.
"Priscilla, you've noticed it, haven't you?" Calvin said, giving out a sigh. "You two." Calvin turned his head to a building on his right. "Look at this." he pointed at the windows.
A brilliant stroke of lightning illuminated the building, lasting a few seconds. Monde immediately took the chance to look inside from where he was standing, though the window was large enough to see a large portion of the living room, he could only view a portion of it because of the distance.
"Sir, I don't see anyth-" Monde was cut short.
*bleargh*
Monde's heart faltered and made him waste his breakfast. Knees weakened at the sight inside: corpses removed of their skins, left to rot. A large serving of what seemed to be innards, half eaten by some creature, and limbs torn, some hung in the most careless way, displayed. a shadowy figure was at the center, bathed in lush, crimson liquid.
Rawe was late to act to Calvin's instructions. After seeing the weakened Monde made him think twice, curiosity or no. He approached to get a glimpse, and stepped up closer than Monde did.
The only thing he saw was a creature. It turned its head; Rawe got its attention. It shuddered as it turned. It breathed heavily, only releasing a scream as it leapt and dashed, maw opened, saw-teeth ready to kill, and screeching as it approached the voyeur. Emerging death made Rawe fall down to his butt, paler than Monde in comparison.
"Wha-?!" Rawe squealed. "Run!!" He shouted, squirming to get away from the creature.
"You're cruel, Calvin..." Priscilla sighed. "...Sir." She delayed, remembering her place.
She approached the victims of Calvin's cruelty, rubbed Monde's back to ascertain if he was still able to go, and helped Rawe to his feet. Stricken with fear, the two breathed heavily.
The figure that horrified Rawe made its way out, shattering the window from where it was seen, broke the walls and gazed with indiscernible bloodlust. Tr creature remained unscathed an in a maddened frenzy. Upon noticing the threat, Priscilla gathered her spiritual power, and swiftly threw a bolt of white spiritual energy directly at the monster's head. The monster staggered, screeching in pain as it slowly melted its flesh. The monster's head melted before the party's eyes, eventually reaching its neck. Losing its energy to fight, it knelt down, and fell to its side. The monster slowly faded from reality. No melted flesh at the floor. No blood splattered. No Corpse to prove the kill.
"what....?" Monde was puzzled.
Calvin knelt on one knee. Fatigue has gotten to him. The two recruits immediately came to his aid and Priscilla surveyed the area instead. The two lifted him slowly with his shoulders but could not fully stand due to stress, and instead stood back arched, both hands to his knees, supporting him.
"What you're seeing is a manifestation of someone -or something's memory." Said Priscilla. "You see, -we- are REALLY welcome here."
There was no trace of the monster's exit. The window was fixed, and there was no broken wall.
"Ha...ahhahaha....ahahahahaha!" Calvin bursted in maniacal laughter, one hand to his forehead. He managed to divert the three's attention to him. He still looked pale, but rejuvenated.
"S...Sir Calvin?!" Rowe panicked. The two recruits ran to Priscilla.
The air changed. The barrier surrounding them immediately dissipated as Calvin cackled, soaking the other three. Instead of a barrier, a veil of steam enveloped him; incoming droplets vaporized as it came down near Calvin. Both his hands softly glowed in white light, and within seconds, energized and sparking. The Grimore did so as well, softly humming as if activating on its will.
Priscilla grasped the situation. She pulled out her weapon, a dagger connected to a very thin, long chain link, resembling a whip. The dagger dangled as she went into stance. The chains made no sound as it rattled.
"Rowe, Monde, stay back." She readied herself for a confrontation.
Calvin threw a large, condensed ball of energy from his hands directly aimed at his allies. The three were quick to respond, as they dodged to the sides, Priscilla to the left, and the others right. As the ball travelled, its trail left residual energy shaped like tiny balls of fire floating in mid-air, never doused by the rain. The ball itself hit several buildings inside the city, but unlike Priscilla's, Calvin's assault did not allow regeneration.
"Why is Sir Calvin attacking us?! Monde shouted
"Is he insane?!" Rowe followed.
The smoke from the rubble took time to settle. Priscilla quickly stood up to her feet, only to feel another surge of spiritual energy emerging from the impact. The dust was only about to settle when another ball was flung at Priscilla's direction, but this time, yellow. She dodged again, reuniting herself with the other two.
"I am NOT target practice!" Priscilla shouted in annoyance.
The bolt curved, and aimed itself at Calvin. Calvin deflected the bolt using his hands filled with spiraling spirit energy, to one side.
"I know that power." Calvin grinned viciously. "You think I wouldn't notice?"
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Calvin
Meanwhile, back in the castle...
From the doors of the throne room, he marched to his seat. To his left was a sheathed blade, the one that thirsts to kill Elicit. Before him were several of the royal 'birds' and 'shadows'. He assembled them shortly after talking to Elicit.
"milord" one of the kings's shadows said. "is it really okay to let that man go?"
"it's fine." the king replied
"milord, he is an assassin by trade! He might-"
"You." he pointed at one of the shadows. "Summon my generals. Entropy is on the move" the king ordered . "Now!"
"as you command!" the shadow said, gesturing respect and his leave , then vanishing quickly into the silent halls.
"where is Calvin?" the king asked.
"the Heir is still at the Excavation site, milord." one of the birds said.
"Order a forced regroup." the king ordered. "We need him and the stahlritter"
"as you wish, milord" the bird disappeared, melting into the castle floors.
"The rest of you, contact all the castle's forces." the king said, then rose from his throne. He unsheathed the blade beside him and held it with his left.
"the entire Castle must hold until Calvin returns."
---
The excavation site was not open to the public or other diggers. The harsh climate repelled most intruders, and the harsher royal guards blocked everything else.
It resembled an abandoned city, with most in ruin. The once prosperous civilization that thrived was said to have instantly disappeared, leaving most artifacts lying in-wait for new masters.
The ruin walls were surrounded by barricades and roving guards. Near the rubble's main gates was Calvin's study; a small house filled with musty tomes, stained archives and several artifacts with unknown use. A simple misstep might mean damaging the articles due to the orderly disarray.
The king's messenger, A bird, knocked upon the heir's doors. The eccentric structure was out of place in the middle of the deathly desert.
Calvin wore his usual excavation threads. His rather average and pale physique resembled that of an average explorer, but his title as 'the runic fencer' says otherwise.
"what?" The king wants us to return?" Calvin said.
"Yes, milord" the bird said. "he says it is an urgent matter"
"We're almost done here anyways. Gather the knights." Calvin ordered, pointing at one of his trusted aides. He removed his hard hat, revealing his silver hair, then donned his helm. he then walked to a drawer, took out a pair of gloves, and wore them. "He must've gotten too close to another one."
"to what, milord, if I may ask?" the bird said. "the king mentioned something about an enemy called 'Entropy' "
"this is serious business." Calvin said. "Do you know how important these ruins are?" he asked.
the bird shook his head. "I do know they are part of history, milord"
"the world was made in seven days" Calvin said. "that's what the ruins said."
"With all due respect, milord. I believe that is basic information."
"And yet so few of them remain. Why do you think that is?"
The bird did not answer
"the world was destroyed in seven instances."
"Milord!" the bird was surprised. "then why are we still here?"
Calvin went around and picked up several scrolls.
"Man knew no rest. He was forever bound to his desire to learn." Calvin pointed on the floor mural. It looks unscathed even after being recently excavated. It showed several men at arms, and a war that was being waged against an unknown being.
"Man had built walls to remove threats of beasts. Little by little, even from his kin." Calvin activated a small device that projected moving images. It showed how the ancient cities started to fall.
"Man was never contented, he wished to be free from the sky, and eventually turned to the creatures of the waters." Calvin said, pointing to an old portrait hung on the wall. It showed machines that flies with birds and devices that allowed travel underwater. The sky was rather red, though it was clearly morning, and the water's surface did not reflect anything, not was it clear.
"He pursued the heavens, and the bodies in them. It remains his greatest frontier." Calvin looked up the study's ceiling. There were several circular objects assembled, arranged and hanged. One peculiar piece was a large metallic object that continuously revolved around every hanged object.
Calvin took something out from his pocket. It seemed like a low-class artifact. He pressed what would seem to activate it. It showed the earth and it's lands shifting, slowly turning from green to brown, and the eventually a rusted color. "The lands could not satisfy his thirst. Drained, it could no longer bear the abuse and eventually left man."
"Man had thirsted knowledge, and led his greed. No patch of light nor dark corner was out of his reach" Calvin counted. Calvin opened one scroll that depicted what he said. He placed it on his study table. It was slightly torn, and evidently recently restored. It showed a beast that devoured both the heavens and men in a desperate battle.
Calvin placed his empty palm in front of the Bird before him. He gathered several spirits in his palm. The unnatural gift he was blessed was his last demonstration.
"Man's hubris was innumerable. No longer was there night or day. It was void. Mankind's desire was put to an end."
Calvin fashioned every spirit into deadly spikes. He laughed maniacally for a second after he finished his display.
The bird was eagerly listening to every word he had said. Calvin's display would rouse much curiosity that even sages would be dumbfounded by the discovery.
"Milord, is this... what you've been gathering from the ruins...?" the bird asked.
"Yes" Calvin nodded, spirits still set on kill. "But you already know this, do you not?"
"Milord? I don't understand." the bird denied.
"You are no royal bird" Calvin smiled. "I do not kill messengers. Or are you here as an assassin instead?"
"That is preposterous, milord!"
"No one but the king, his generals, and my personal birds know that I'm the heir. And there is no one that knows that I am royal. I am but the king's archeological team." Calvin reasoned.
"Rumors fly around, good sir."
"You mock me, servant of Entropy?"
"wh...what? Madness, Milord! I would never....!"
Calvin's spikes came closer to the bird with deathly speed and accuracy. It had stopped nearly a few millimeters before a regular man's vital points.
"Move" Calvin ordered. "This whole room is Glyfaginning's murmur. One false move and I -might- damage the articles."
The fake bird cackled. "I will relay the message, your highness."
The fake bird slowly faded and turned to small fragments of silver light. Calvin only gave it gave a murderous, paralyzingly stare.
"Mankind ill needs a savior such as you...!" Calvin shouted, as he calls off his summoned spirits.
From the doors of the throne room, he marched to his seat. To his left was a sheathed blade, the one that thirsts to kill Elicit. Before him were several of the royal 'birds' and 'shadows'. He assembled them shortly after talking to Elicit.
"milord" one of the kings's shadows said. "is it really okay to let that man go?"
"it's fine." the king replied
"milord, he is an assassin by trade! He might-"
"You." he pointed at one of the shadows. "Summon my generals. Entropy is on the move" the king ordered . "Now!"
"as you command!" the shadow said, gesturing respect and his leave , then vanishing quickly into the silent halls.
"where is Calvin?" the king asked.
"the Heir is still at the Excavation site, milord." one of the birds said.
"Order a forced regroup." the king ordered. "We need him and the stahlritter"
"as you wish, milord" the bird disappeared, melting into the castle floors.
"The rest of you, contact all the castle's forces." the king said, then rose from his throne. He unsheathed the blade beside him and held it with his left.
"the entire Castle must hold until Calvin returns."
---
The excavation site was not open to the public or other diggers. The harsh climate repelled most intruders, and the harsher royal guards blocked everything else.
It resembled an abandoned city, with most in ruin. The once prosperous civilization that thrived was said to have instantly disappeared, leaving most artifacts lying in-wait for new masters.
The ruin walls were surrounded by barricades and roving guards. Near the rubble's main gates was Calvin's study; a small house filled with musty tomes, stained archives and several artifacts with unknown use. A simple misstep might mean damaging the articles due to the orderly disarray.
The king's messenger, A bird, knocked upon the heir's doors. The eccentric structure was out of place in the middle of the deathly desert.
Calvin wore his usual excavation threads. His rather average and pale physique resembled that of an average explorer, but his title as 'the runic fencer' says otherwise.
"what?" The king wants us to return?" Calvin said.
"Yes, milord" the bird said. "he says it is an urgent matter"
"We're almost done here anyways. Gather the knights." Calvin ordered, pointing at one of his trusted aides. He removed his hard hat, revealing his silver hair, then donned his helm. he then walked to a drawer, took out a pair of gloves, and wore them. "He must've gotten too close to another one."
"to what, milord, if I may ask?" the bird said. "the king mentioned something about an enemy called 'Entropy' "
"this is serious business." Calvin said. "Do you know how important these ruins are?" he asked.
the bird shook his head. "I do know they are part of history, milord"
"the world was made in seven days" Calvin said. "that's what the ruins said."
"With all due respect, milord. I believe that is basic information."
"And yet so few of them remain. Why do you think that is?"
The bird did not answer
"the world was destroyed in seven instances."
"Milord!" the bird was surprised. "then why are we still here?"
Calvin went around and picked up several scrolls.
"Man knew no rest. He was forever bound to his desire to learn." Calvin pointed on the floor mural. It looks unscathed even after being recently excavated. It showed several men at arms, and a war that was being waged against an unknown being.
"Man had built walls to remove threats of beasts. Little by little, even from his kin." Calvin activated a small device that projected moving images. It showed how the ancient cities started to fall.
"Man was never contented, he wished to be free from the sky, and eventually turned to the creatures of the waters." Calvin said, pointing to an old portrait hung on the wall. It showed machines that flies with birds and devices that allowed travel underwater. The sky was rather red, though it was clearly morning, and the water's surface did not reflect anything, not was it clear.
"He pursued the heavens, and the bodies in them. It remains his greatest frontier." Calvin looked up the study's ceiling. There were several circular objects assembled, arranged and hanged. One peculiar piece was a large metallic object that continuously revolved around every hanged object.
Calvin took something out from his pocket. It seemed like a low-class artifact. He pressed what would seem to activate it. It showed the earth and it's lands shifting, slowly turning from green to brown, and the eventually a rusted color. "The lands could not satisfy his thirst. Drained, it could no longer bear the abuse and eventually left man."
"Man had thirsted knowledge, and led his greed. No patch of light nor dark corner was out of his reach" Calvin counted. Calvin opened one scroll that depicted what he said. He placed it on his study table. It was slightly torn, and evidently recently restored. It showed a beast that devoured both the heavens and men in a desperate battle.
Calvin placed his empty palm in front of the Bird before him. He gathered several spirits in his palm. The unnatural gift he was blessed was his last demonstration.
"Man's hubris was innumerable. No longer was there night or day. It was void. Mankind's desire was put to an end."
Calvin fashioned every spirit into deadly spikes. He laughed maniacally for a second after he finished his display.
The bird was eagerly listening to every word he had said. Calvin's display would rouse much curiosity that even sages would be dumbfounded by the discovery.
"Milord, is this... what you've been gathering from the ruins...?" the bird asked.
"Yes" Calvin nodded, spirits still set on kill. "But you already know this, do you not?"
"Milord? I don't understand." the bird denied.
"You are no royal bird" Calvin smiled. "I do not kill messengers. Or are you here as an assassin instead?"
"That is preposterous, milord!"
"No one but the king, his generals, and my personal birds know that I'm the heir. And there is no one that knows that I am royal. I am but the king's archeological team." Calvin reasoned.
"Rumors fly around, good sir."
"You mock me, servant of Entropy?"
"wh...what? Madness, Milord! I would never....!"
Calvin's spikes came closer to the bird with deathly speed and accuracy. It had stopped nearly a few millimeters before a regular man's vital points.
"Move" Calvin ordered. "This whole room is Glyfaginning's murmur. One false move and I -might- damage the articles."
The fake bird cackled. "I will relay the message, your highness."
The fake bird slowly faded and turned to small fragments of silver light. Calvin only gave it gave a murderous, paralyzingly stare.
"Mankind ill needs a savior such as you...!" Calvin shouted, as he calls off his summoned spirits.
Elicit 2
"You're not who you think you are, boy." the king said.
I couldn't understand what he was saying. I am who I am. My hands are stained. I'm nothing more than a hired hand from the guild.
"What do you mean?"
The king stabbed his sword on the castle floor. "do you see this blade? Trembling, this sword. It wishes to kill you. Don't you remember anything about this fine artifact?"
I stared at it for a few seconds. A murderous aura shudders my spine; the first time that I felt such malice from an artifact.
"don't worry about the guards you killed on your way. They're not dead. Merely clones of silk and metal. Too real, I presume?"
It was too... Alive. I could've sworn those were real. They even had spirits with them.
"I can't go back."
"that's fine. Stay at the castle or go to town. I'll make sure that the guild doesn't kill you." the king reassured. "you're an important piece."
Before I left, his servants gladly gave me some decent clothes. I immediately put them on, finally discarding the ones that the guild provided. I kept my blades and provisions with me, just in case.
---
I made my way out of the castle and arrived at the castle's outer grounds. It seemed like everything was a lie. Do I believe the king? There was no heir, either. Just exactly what is right?
I was still in a daze while walking out the grounds and snapped out of it only when i heard a nagging call that kept saying "mister".
"Mister?"
"Misteeeerrrr!"
"mister?" a little girl tugged my pants."would you buy a flower from me?"
She was small and vulnerable. A thin child with a bird's nest; like-chestnut on her head.
What attracted my attention was not the little girl, not her basket of marguerites, but the instrument strapped on her back. This five year-old child already knows an instrument?
"That instrument..."
"Oh!" she delightedly said. "would you like me to play a song instead?"
I nodded and smiled. She set her basket aside. She unveiled a beautiful crimson viola.
"I hope you like this song, tee~hee" she giggled.
She started playing a wondrous tune. It was do calming and forgiving, almost sad. Such skill from a young age.
"that song was called 'the seven G's'" she proudly announced.
"It felt so warm. You're pretty good, y'know"
"I'm glad you liked it, mister!" she smiled. " I want to become a very good musician someday!"
I smiled at her dreams
"I want to be so good that I'd travel the whole world! Then I'll find someone to be with! Oh! It'll be so romantic!" she said, eyes shimmering.
Dreams, eh? I've never had any. I was trained since I was seven. It was rigorous, and not many survived. I barely remember the kids that died mid-way.
"that's amazing! I bet you'll be very successful someday."
"thanks mist--"
Her stomach grumbled. Her small, white cheeks were red like apples in her embarrassment.
"I'm Elicit" I reached my hand. "I haven't had any decent meals, too."
"You're okay, mister, so I'll give you my name! It's Nicolette! Nice meeting you, Mr. Elicit!" She energetically said. "Hey, why don't you come with me, mister? I know a good place for cheap food!" she grabbed my hand and pulled my arm.
"okay, okay"
I let her tug me all the way to an area near the boundary of the town outskirts.I played along as she happily skipped down the road. We passed by the panzerschwal aristocrat areas, city square, and eventually to the commons. It was a fun, short walk. As I went along, she treated me like a best friend. We went past several houses and hidden paths that we at the guild use. She even had much energy to tell the things we've passed by, and had funny names attached by her.
"we're here!" she said, still filled with energy. We stopped at a run-down bakery. The house was mostly wood and straw, but the oven was stone. There was an enormous wood and stone furnace for cooking and baking outside the house.
A woman came out of the house. She wore traditional baker's rags, and her hands were still covered white. Her head was a bit soaked with sweat, and her thin, white physique was pinkish with work.
She gave me a pleasant smile, and ran towards Nicolette playfully.
"Oh! Lettie!"
"Patt'e!" Nicolette giggled, running towards the woman.
"who's tha man with you?" she asked.
"Patricia, this is a new friend of mine! He's Elicit! He likes my music too!" Nicolette introduced.
I went closer to Patricia and endorsed a friendly shake.
"Elicit, ma'am. We met near the castle gates."
"I see..." Patricia said, half-suspicious.
"Is the bread ready? Oohhh, ooooh! Can he have one too?!" Nicolette said, tugging patricia's apron.
"You have to wait for it for a bit, sweetie. Why don't you go inside and fix the tables for your friend?" she sweetly told Nicolette.
The child nods, and runs toward the wooden house. She was filled with excitement.
"And you..." Patricia changed to a serious tone. "You're not from here, are you?"
I nod
"Well, she treats you more than a guest, so I guess you're okay. She's quite a handful, but she's a good judge of character. Even better than anyone else I know. And I know a lot around the commons."
"What happened to her parents?" I curiously asked.
"That's a question too early to ask, isn't it?"
"she's too good of a musician for her age. So I was wondering about..."
"...the instrument?" she cut me off.
I gave another nod
"That violin was her mother's memento. It looks so old, but it plays like it's new. I think it might be an artifact."
I was impressed. A child like Nicolette can use an artifact? It takes a large amount of spirit control to make one tick. She does it with practically no sweat, even with a smile.
"Benny and I took her in when she was only two. She's never let go of it ever since."
Nicolette suddenly burst out the house. She waved energetically from the distance. The meal was already ready.
"You know...I've never seen her so excited like this." Patricia said "It's like she thinks of you as a relative already! Hahaha!" she passes off the joke.
I couldn't understand what he was saying. I am who I am. My hands are stained. I'm nothing more than a hired hand from the guild.
"What do you mean?"
The king stabbed his sword on the castle floor. "do you see this blade? Trembling, this sword. It wishes to kill you. Don't you remember anything about this fine artifact?"
I stared at it for a few seconds. A murderous aura shudders my spine; the first time that I felt such malice from an artifact.
"don't worry about the guards you killed on your way. They're not dead. Merely clones of silk and metal. Too real, I presume?"
It was too... Alive. I could've sworn those were real. They even had spirits with them.
"I can't go back."
"that's fine. Stay at the castle or go to town. I'll make sure that the guild doesn't kill you." the king reassured. "you're an important piece."
Before I left, his servants gladly gave me some decent clothes. I immediately put them on, finally discarding the ones that the guild provided. I kept my blades and provisions with me, just in case.
---
I made my way out of the castle and arrived at the castle's outer grounds. It seemed like everything was a lie. Do I believe the king? There was no heir, either. Just exactly what is right?
I was still in a daze while walking out the grounds and snapped out of it only when i heard a nagging call that kept saying "mister".
"Mister?"
"Misteeeerrrr!"
"mister?" a little girl tugged my pants."would you buy a flower from me?"
She was small and vulnerable. A thin child with a bird's nest; like-chestnut on her head.
What attracted my attention was not the little girl, not her basket of marguerites, but the instrument strapped on her back. This five year-old child already knows an instrument?
"That instrument..."
"Oh!" she delightedly said. "would you like me to play a song instead?"
I nodded and smiled. She set her basket aside. She unveiled a beautiful crimson viola.
"I hope you like this song, tee~hee" she giggled.
She started playing a wondrous tune. It was do calming and forgiving, almost sad. Such skill from a young age.
"that song was called 'the seven G's'" she proudly announced.
"It felt so warm. You're pretty good, y'know"
"I'm glad you liked it, mister!" she smiled. " I want to become a very good musician someday!"
I smiled at her dreams
"I want to be so good that I'd travel the whole world! Then I'll find someone to be with! Oh! It'll be so romantic!" she said, eyes shimmering.
Dreams, eh? I've never had any. I was trained since I was seven. It was rigorous, and not many survived. I barely remember the kids that died mid-way.
"that's amazing! I bet you'll be very successful someday."
"thanks mist--"
Her stomach grumbled. Her small, white cheeks were red like apples in her embarrassment.
"I'm Elicit" I reached my hand. "I haven't had any decent meals, too."
"You're okay, mister, so I'll give you my name! It's Nicolette! Nice meeting you, Mr. Elicit!" She energetically said. "Hey, why don't you come with me, mister? I know a good place for cheap food!" she grabbed my hand and pulled my arm.
"okay, okay"
I let her tug me all the way to an area near the boundary of the town outskirts.I played along as she happily skipped down the road. We passed by the panzerschwal aristocrat areas, city square, and eventually to the commons. It was a fun, short walk. As I went along, she treated me like a best friend. We went past several houses and hidden paths that we at the guild use. She even had much energy to tell the things we've passed by, and had funny names attached by her.
"we're here!" she said, still filled with energy. We stopped at a run-down bakery. The house was mostly wood and straw, but the oven was stone. There was an enormous wood and stone furnace for cooking and baking outside the house.
A woman came out of the house. She wore traditional baker's rags, and her hands were still covered white. Her head was a bit soaked with sweat, and her thin, white physique was pinkish with work.
She gave me a pleasant smile, and ran towards Nicolette playfully.
"Oh! Lettie!"
"Patt'e!" Nicolette giggled, running towards the woman.
"who's tha man with you?" she asked.
"Patricia, this is a new friend of mine! He's Elicit! He likes my music too!" Nicolette introduced.
I went closer to Patricia and endorsed a friendly shake.
"Elicit, ma'am. We met near the castle gates."
"I see..." Patricia said, half-suspicious.
"Is the bread ready? Oohhh, ooooh! Can he have one too?!" Nicolette said, tugging patricia's apron.
"You have to wait for it for a bit, sweetie. Why don't you go inside and fix the tables for your friend?" she sweetly told Nicolette.
The child nods, and runs toward the wooden house. She was filled with excitement.
"And you..." Patricia changed to a serious tone. "You're not from here, are you?"
I nod
"Well, she treats you more than a guest, so I guess you're okay. She's quite a handful, but she's a good judge of character. Even better than anyone else I know. And I know a lot around the commons."
"What happened to her parents?" I curiously asked.
"That's a question too early to ask, isn't it?"
"she's too good of a musician for her age. So I was wondering about..."
"...the instrument?" she cut me off.
I gave another nod
"That violin was her mother's memento. It looks so old, but it plays like it's new. I think it might be an artifact."
I was impressed. A child like Nicolette can use an artifact? It takes a large amount of spirit control to make one tick. She does it with practically no sweat, even with a smile.
"Benny and I took her in when she was only two. She's never let go of it ever since."
Nicolette suddenly burst out the house. She waved energetically from the distance. The meal was already ready.
"You know...I've never seen her so excited like this." Patricia said "It's like she thinks of you as a relative already! Hahaha!" she passes off the joke.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Elicit
The target
The method
The place
These are only three things important for a man in my occupation, or should I say, the work of an assassin. It sounds easier than it looks, once you get used to it.
"do you think you can handle this, Number 247, Elicit?"
"Yes." I accepted without hesitation
"No holds barred. The target is in the palace. Eliminate the other guards outside and if necessary, the townspeople."
"yes" I nodded.
It is all too simple. A life ends when one is stripped of their spirit control. To do this, the slayer must first control his spirit to match the light and hide his spiritual presence, and eventually disappear from all senses. A quick, painless blow then shatters the victim, a heart-stopping motion.
The palace. Known for its tight security, the guards themselves can easily outrank and outflank an assassin if they play their numbers.
"A...Assa..." the palace gate guards huffed with their last breaths.
"Tsk, I've wasted too much time" I said, dashing through the hallways
I, Elicit, dislike this job. I keep to myself how sketchy the job was. Royals hiring an assassin was commonplace, but the reverse was not. My contract binds me. If I return now, my contractor, and the assassin's guild, Tooth and Nail, would definitely take my head.
"It's no use hiding assassin" his majesty said.
"I shall protect my wife and child to the end!" he shouted, raising his sword arm .
I felt immense fear. This man, the king of Feuerstahl, the steel emperor himself, can feel my presence. I was practically quivering in his mere presence. It was said that he earned his title merely with his dominating aura.
"I am here, your majesty" I uncloaked myself, leaning on an ivory pillar.
"Who is it that you wish to kill?" The king asked, keeping his guard up.
"Not you"
The king slowly walked towards me. His massive physique, battle scarred.
"My wife...?!" his deep voice threatened.
"No"
"Calvin...!" he raised his voice
The mere mention of my prey made me flinch. His majesty did not have any children. There were no reports of an heir. It was only then that it came to me.
"There's a rat" I grunted.
I raised my hands in the air, like a white flag. I closed my eyes. I knelt down without hesitation. I clenched my teeth, preparing for what is to come.
"Stand, child. I know how the guild works." his majesty smiled. "There are boundaries"
I was surprised. To think that the man that stopped the war had spared me, a hitman. In the past, no person who killed for coin was ever forgiven.
"I...see." I slowly stood up. "Your majesty, forgive my actions. I-"
I dashed to his neck. I shaped my hand like a knife, aiming for his vitals. It was merely a half-second. A relentless stroke that meant death to the first thing it touches.
But then, as my hand approached his vulnerable throat, he did not wink. He did not move, and he did not falter. It was as if he was expecting my sudden treachery. There was no sweat from both he and I. The sudden rush slightly fluttered his royal cape, and brushed my own brown hair. The adrenaline rush blew the room, and died. I stopped my assault mid-way, just before my fingers touched his jugular.
"Do you know why I am called the steel emperor?" He asked, staring at me.
I slowly shook my head and smiled.
"Fancy title, isn't it?" he laughed the question off.
The method
The place
These are only three things important for a man in my occupation, or should I say, the work of an assassin. It sounds easier than it looks, once you get used to it.
"do you think you can handle this, Number 247, Elicit?"
"Yes." I accepted without hesitation
"No holds barred. The target is in the palace. Eliminate the other guards outside and if necessary, the townspeople."
"yes" I nodded.
It is all too simple. A life ends when one is stripped of their spirit control. To do this, the slayer must first control his spirit to match the light and hide his spiritual presence, and eventually disappear from all senses. A quick, painless blow then shatters the victim, a heart-stopping motion.
The palace. Known for its tight security, the guards themselves can easily outrank and outflank an assassin if they play their numbers.
"A...Assa..." the palace gate guards huffed with their last breaths.
"Tsk, I've wasted too much time" I said, dashing through the hallways
I, Elicit, dislike this job. I keep to myself how sketchy the job was. Royals hiring an assassin was commonplace, but the reverse was not. My contract binds me. If I return now, my contractor, and the assassin's guild, Tooth and Nail, would definitely take my head.
"It's no use hiding assassin" his majesty said.
"I shall protect my wife and child to the end!" he shouted, raising his sword arm .
I felt immense fear. This man, the king of Feuerstahl, the steel emperor himself, can feel my presence. I was practically quivering in his mere presence. It was said that he earned his title merely with his dominating aura.
"I am here, your majesty" I uncloaked myself, leaning on an ivory pillar.
"Who is it that you wish to kill?" The king asked, keeping his guard up.
"Not you"
The king slowly walked towards me. His massive physique, battle scarred.
"My wife...?!" his deep voice threatened.
"No"
"Calvin...!" he raised his voice
The mere mention of my prey made me flinch. His majesty did not have any children. There were no reports of an heir. It was only then that it came to me.
"There's a rat" I grunted.
I raised my hands in the air, like a white flag. I closed my eyes. I knelt down without hesitation. I clenched my teeth, preparing for what is to come.
"Stand, child. I know how the guild works." his majesty smiled. "There are boundaries"
I was surprised. To think that the man that stopped the war had spared me, a hitman. In the past, no person who killed for coin was ever forgiven.
"I...see." I slowly stood up. "Your majesty, forgive my actions. I-"
I dashed to his neck. I shaped my hand like a knife, aiming for his vitals. It was merely a half-second. A relentless stroke that meant death to the first thing it touches.
But then, as my hand approached his vulnerable throat, he did not wink. He did not move, and he did not falter. It was as if he was expecting my sudden treachery. There was no sweat from both he and I. The sudden rush slightly fluttered his royal cape, and brushed my own brown hair. The adrenaline rush blew the room, and died. I stopped my assault mid-way, just before my fingers touched his jugular.
"Do you know why I am called the steel emperor?" He asked, staring at me.
I slowly shook my head and smiled.
"Fancy title, isn't it?" he laughed the question off.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Prologue - Erde
The world and spirits
The world is covered in nature's energy. Life force, also called "Spirits" is present in all living creatures. Mere rocks, flowing water, molten rock, a gentle breeze, and even the sound of an agonizing cry contains Spirits. It is scentless, formless, and tasteless. A spirit absorbs its shape from its current container or from a user's will. Once an anima is exhausted, it returns to nature, and cycles once again. What came from Spirit, must return to Spirit. The dominant creatures, man, have a natural sense for Spirits, and has lived with it for more than a millennia.
The first civilization of man fought for control over each other, eventually tearing each other down, with their technology with them. These "artifacts" were known to control certain Spirits, harnessing a large quintessence over mere seconds, without traces of strain nor wear on the item. These relics are now lost along with the knowledge to make them, however, the skill to use them is not.
Over the past 500 years, man crafted another form of these artifacts, known as "devices". These items are, unlike artifacts, shatter upon repeated use. Though the devices have improved life, man is a prideful, lustful and thirsty creature, never satisfied with what it has on its own.
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The 30 year war.
Upon the creation of devices, man was not content with its own kingdoms. The land is divided into 6 major kingdoms, each with its own sovereigns. The first kingdom to have discovered the devices was the frozen wasteland, the south most land, Eingefroren, with majority of the devices using flame-type spirits. The kingdom's lack of resources led to a desperate assault on its neighbor, the middle kingdom, Biester, whose lands were rich and abundant, however, overrun by large creatures.
The war tore sides. Those who sided with Biester were promised riches from its land, and those on Eingefroren we're promised devices. Five years into the war, neither side has won. It as, however, obvious that man's sin had led to each kingdom's invisible losses. Several Devices and resources were sold on both sides underhandedly.
What had stopped the war was when the four kingdoms started peace talks, and subdued the two warring kingdoms, who waged on for 30 years. The lord of Feuerstahl, easternmost kingdom, had finally declared peace, and ended the feud, earning its title "the steel-heart kingdom" with it's army and diplomacy.
The war ended on 1300
---
The war's spoils
The war led to several discoveries. The frequent use of spirits was a must, and so, artifacts were excavated for use in the war. These events unearthed several ruins and ancient cities, with hidden treasures and artifacts waiting to be used, if the seeker bears its trials. It is also said that a quarter of the war's casualties are deaths from artifact excavation.
There are also excavators who sell these artifacts for a large sum.
---
The different spirits
The spirits are combined with the user's will. These spirits materialize, and create elements such as fire or lightning. Overuse or misuse of spirits can cause serious, even lethal, damage to the user. Those that use artifacts are called artifice, and are either excavators, or well-versed scholars. Even with devices and artifacts, if misused, spirits harm its users immediately. Use of spirits come in many forms. It is also said that spirits in metal items, which are rare, resist other spirits, and vice-versa, meaning if one wishes to manipulate spirits, one must stay away from metal-form spirits.
The world is covered in nature's energy. Life force, also called "Spirits" is present in all living creatures. Mere rocks, flowing water, molten rock, a gentle breeze, and even the sound of an agonizing cry contains Spirits. It is scentless, formless, and tasteless. A spirit absorbs its shape from its current container or from a user's will. Once an anima is exhausted, it returns to nature, and cycles once again. What came from Spirit, must return to Spirit. The dominant creatures, man, have a natural sense for Spirits, and has lived with it for more than a millennia.
The first civilization of man fought for control over each other, eventually tearing each other down, with their technology with them. These "artifacts" were known to control certain Spirits, harnessing a large quintessence over mere seconds, without traces of strain nor wear on the item. These relics are now lost along with the knowledge to make them, however, the skill to use them is not.
Over the past 500 years, man crafted another form of these artifacts, known as "devices". These items are, unlike artifacts, shatter upon repeated use. Though the devices have improved life, man is a prideful, lustful and thirsty creature, never satisfied with what it has on its own.
---
The 30 year war.
Upon the creation of devices, man was not content with its own kingdoms. The land is divided into 6 major kingdoms, each with its own sovereigns. The first kingdom to have discovered the devices was the frozen wasteland, the south most land, Eingefroren, with majority of the devices using flame-type spirits. The kingdom's lack of resources led to a desperate assault on its neighbor, the middle kingdom, Biester, whose lands were rich and abundant, however, overrun by large creatures.
The war tore sides. Those who sided with Biester were promised riches from its land, and those on Eingefroren we're promised devices. Five years into the war, neither side has won. It as, however, obvious that man's sin had led to each kingdom's invisible losses. Several Devices and resources were sold on both sides underhandedly.
What had stopped the war was when the four kingdoms started peace talks, and subdued the two warring kingdoms, who waged on for 30 years. The lord of Feuerstahl, easternmost kingdom, had finally declared peace, and ended the feud, earning its title "the steel-heart kingdom" with it's army and diplomacy.
The war ended on 1300
---
The war's spoils
The war led to several discoveries. The frequent use of spirits was a must, and so, artifacts were excavated for use in the war. These events unearthed several ruins and ancient cities, with hidden treasures and artifacts waiting to be used, if the seeker bears its trials. It is also said that a quarter of the war's casualties are deaths from artifact excavation.
There are also excavators who sell these artifacts for a large sum.
---
The different spirits
The spirits are combined with the user's will. These spirits materialize, and create elements such as fire or lightning. Overuse or misuse of spirits can cause serious, even lethal, damage to the user. Those that use artifacts are called artifice, and are either excavators, or well-versed scholars. Even with devices and artifacts, if misused, spirits harm its users immediately. Use of spirits come in many forms. It is also said that spirits in metal items, which are rare, resist other spirits, and vice-versa, meaning if one wishes to manipulate spirits, one must stay away from metal-form spirits.
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