CHAPTER 7: Darakon's Promise
[Deep In Terragotzusii Forest]


(Manuel & Antuonne have been fully rejuvinated from the Calypso herbs Khadahfi gathered...)

Those herbs are amazing...the effect was almost instantaneous....and I feel even better than before.....how did you know about these Manuel?? ::Antuonne

I've only heard of them and that they could be found in this forest....but I never could have imagined their effect would be so immense....tell me you've brought more for our journey...we're gonna need em'
::Rev. Manuel

I must say I am surprised at how quickly your wounds healed with the calypso nectar...but no need to worry....I made sure to pack 4 side-sacks full of em'.....I figured this stuff would come in handy in the future, so I packed one for each of us!
::Khadahfi

Good thinking! We'll probably need em' just to escape this forest alive......
::Rev. Manuel

Hey as long as we get out! I just hope that dragon forgets about us.....I'm not looking forward to a second encounter with that beast!
::Antuonne

(the 3 warriors more cautious & more aware, begin their journey to the outskirts of the Terragotzusii....None looking forward to the dangers that await them!!........With each step they are reminded of Earle's words..."Beware of the hydra, a 3-headed dragon, and pseudo-dragons who transform when provoked")

Tread carefully everyone...if we are to vanquish Dolf...we must first surpass the evil of this forest!
::Khadahfi

Easier said than done but nevertheless you are right...there is no other way than through this forsaken forest... ::Rev.Manuel

(Antuonne traveling in the back hears a sound behind the travelers...but is unsure of it, so he fails to mention it to anyone else...)

(thinking out loud) Hmm! What was that sound!? Probably just the wind I am leading myself to paranoia... ::Antuonne

What was that Twan? Were you saying something? ::Khadahfi

Oh! Nothing, it was nothing.....just thinking aloud! No worries here!
::Antuonne

Just remember we have to communicate, if either of you notice something, anything, alert the rest of us! I will do the same! Let's get a move on....I dont plan on lingering around this forest for longer than we might have to...
::Khadahfi

(The warriors venture farther along and another sound is heard like a rustling in the bushes....only this time everyone hears it at once)

Now what the hell was that!?
::Khadahfi

So you heard it too?! It sounds as if it were behind us!
::Rev. Manuel

(Khadahfi & Manuel turn around and....to their surprise are seeing double, or perhaps not.....)

WHAT THE HELLL?!!?!?
::Khadahfi & Manuel

What the hell is goin on Twan!?!?!
::Khadahfi

What?! What are you guys staring at?!
::Antuonne & echo

Wait! Why the hell am I hearing an echo of my voice.........(begins turning to the side)....?
::Antuonne & echo

(At that moment Antuonne had turned to his side staring his very self in the eye.....lost in confusion the 2 warriors Khadahfi & Manuel watch in awe as the 2 Antuonnes begin to quarrel)

Hey what hell is going on here....?!? Who are you?! Stop that?! Stop saying everything I say?! Curse you!!!(drawing swords) DAMMIT!!!
::Antuonne & echo

SHHHHNK (the 2 Antuonnes clash swords continuously)..........SHHHHHHHHHHNK...............SHNNNNNNNNNK......God damn you!!........SHHHHNNKKK!!!
::Antuonne & echo

What do we do?! Do we just stand here an watch this madness?! Surely we can find a way to help the real Antuonne...
::Rev. Manuel

I am truly at a loss for words....I dont think we could help, at least not before finding out which is the true Twan!! I am simply amazed to be witnessing this!!
::Khadahfi

You can't be me...........!!!!!! (continues slashing sword at each other)There's only one real me an I'm it!!! Help me you two, kill the impostor!!
::Antuonne & echo

......A lotta good that does us!! They're both speaking the same things at the same time......! Antuonne! We can't strike unless we know which is the real you!! ::Rev. Manuel

......Wait! TWAN!!! (to self) Lets see if its a complete copy....(aloud) Strip your armor!!
::Khadahfi

Are you mad!! I'm in the middle of being attacked!! .....and you want me to strip!!
::Antuonne & echo

Twan do as I say!! He is merely copying your every move!! We must kill him! Otherwise he'll just counter your moves forever!! I haven't the time for this...NOW STRIP TO YOUR BARE CHEST FOOL!! ::Khadahfi

(Antuonne begins to strip the armor from his chest, as to be expected the clone appears to be copying him!!)

What does this accomplish! (removing last piece of chest armor) Here! What now!?!!
::Antuonne & echo

Is that!!?.............What is that?!?.........
::Rev. Manuel

That is the deciding factor in this battle.......NOW DIE IMPOSTOR!!!..... (Khadahfi slashes clone in half)...........SHHHHHHNNNKK!!! There can be only one.............BEEFY!!!! Nahahahaha!!
::Khadahfi

(A disgusting little winged creature lies dead on the ground split in two...where the clone had been killed)

Nasty little thing.....perhaps that is a pseudo-dragon that Earle had warned us about...
::Antuonne

....(confused) Does someone want to explain to me how you knew that wasn't the real Antuonne....how did you know about the mark on his chest!?
::Rev. Manuel

Hahaha!! You see, when me an Antuonne first encountered each other in our very own little battle....I left the mark of a "B" carved in his chest! I was pretty sure that it was a mere copycat clone.....but to what extent I wasn't sure! I figured there'd be a slim chance, but not many people knew of that mark on his chest!! HAHA! Guess I was right!!
::Khadahfi

Well I'll say!! I never thought that damned mark would come into any good use........I've had enough of this place...I say we pick up the pace before we run into anymore of those pseudo-dragons!!
::Antuonne

Im agreed on that point! Lets get the hell outta here!!....I'm in a different body remember...I was revived....and I dont wanna sit here and fight my clone! Not even I would know of any distinguishing marks on this body.....lets not stick around & grant these creatures a second chance!!
::Rev. Manuel

(The 3 warriors begin speeding up their pace....they grow nearer and nearer to the end of the forest....all fully aware & guarding each others backs...)


[Terragotzusii Forest "Forest Mystic's Cavern"]

(Deep in the Terragotzusii one of our heroes, Earle St Joye, can be found recieving training from the Mystic of the forest to unleash his hidden potential....Earle has passed his first trial, the trial of "Tolerance"....the Mystic has chosen to enhance Earle's skills of magick, and help him surpass his limits...)

Welcome to the "Cavern of the Mystic" in this cavern, the deeper you go the harsher the dangers you will face....for this very realm lies in the core of the Terragotzusii...
::Forest Mystic

I am ready! (bowing) We will meet again when I surpass this trial.....(Earle prepares himself...mind, body, and spirit....for the dangers that await in this core of evil)......
::Earle

Before you go I must warn you! You are not the first mortal to attempt this trial...but if you succeed, you will be the first to endure it! I mention this not to lower your spirits, but to bring caution to your mind!
::Forest Mystic

There is no doubt in my mind....I must endure this! The gods will be with me!!
::Earle

(warning) Once you walk through this corridor, not even the gods would stand beside you! You chose this path, and so your gods will wait here for your return!!
::Forest Mystic

(The Mystic directs Earle into the final corridor...Earle begins his journey through the realm of evil, alone.....the Mystic stops and watches as Earle walks into the darkness...)


[Elsewhere in Sojah, "Village of Coram"]

(Dolf's Dark Army has combed the land for a single man, Khadahfi, all who have crossed the army have been slaughtered in their mission.....next in their path is the village of Coram....the people of Coram have heard of the destruction of other villages such as: Vlamar, Utena, & Surcaskas...! They have prepared themselves with weapons and have planned to fight to the death for their families & possessions.....they stand in fear but realize as feeble as the attempt might be there is nothing else they can do...they merely await the arrival of the Dark Army...)

Pick up your weapon child....(thinking) I never dreamt the day I would command a child to bare arms for his life! (aloud to self) What hell is this?! What kind of nightmare!? ::Village Chief

Sir...we must remain calm in the face of despair....despite the dangers that near us, we must protect our home and our families! I will fight with all I have when the time comes!
::Villager#1

Your right!.... Emile....I am truly sorry for that display....but to command such small hands to bare the burden of a man! It harms me to say the words!
::Village Chief

Tis alright! There's no need to apologize chief... I share that feeling as well, as my wife and I plan for a future bright for our child....that is why we must fight!
::Emile (Villager#1)

How frail I have let my mind become....how selfish & petty I have allowed myself to be.....(strong & loud as if giving an order) We must fight! This is our very existence on the line! The very future of our children, and children's children! We fight for their lives to go on!!
::Village Chief

Thats the spirit sir!! The safety of my family must be upheld at all costs! Thats how every man in this village should think!! I will protect my wife and my unborn child! That alone gives me the spirit to go on!!
::Emile

Don't go getting carried away....you may want to protect us but I dont want anything to happen to you! You must promise me that you'll live!!
::Salina (Emile's wife)

My love! I will return but you should go into shelter with the rest...I do not wish for you to be caught among us while the battle takes place! Now take yourself to the shelter! (to chief & villagers) We still have time to prepare before they arrive! According to our runner, they were last seen leaving the village of Demascus! That gives us several hours before they arrive here!
::Emile

You heard him! Everyone begin preparing weapons for battle! Make haste!! All women and any child too young to bare arms....take shelter!!
::Village Chief


[In Dolf's Castle]

(Avoiding any confrontation with anyone in the castle especially Dolf, Jon waits for evening to set off and find Khadahfi and his companions in an attempt to join them in order to avenge his parents.......)

(thinking)
I will have my vengence! All I can do is find this Khadahfi before Dolf does...perhaps we were once enemies, but the truth remains that we both seek the same justice!! Soon after the light from the sun leaves the surface of this land.....soon....I will take my leave! ::Jon

(meanwhile a few soldiers lie in hiding within the castle....these soldiers are part of a small faction of conspirators, among them is "Jarrett" a former soldier of Dolf leading the conspiracy against his former master in order to obtain the throne for his own selfish greed...due to their early departure during the incident in the Main Hall they were saved from becoming part of Dolf's mindless hoarde...yet they themselves are still unaware of the creation of the Dark Army, or that they are the last 12 soldiers left in the castle aside from the 10,000 mindless troops caught in the sorceror's spell)

Sir...why do we wait beneath the castle like worms!? Why not strike whilst he is preoccupied!? Dolf's mind is wrapped around the very thought of capturing this Khadahfi! Surely now would be the best time.... ::Conspirator#1

You speak out place! Very soon we will serve this very man you speak to....mind your tongue!!
::Conspirator#2

Tis alright! We are to trust each other.....there should be no quarrels among us! We are not worms! We are merely waiting for the right moment to strike....if we wait among the masses I'm afraid we would not be permitted to speak as freely as now!
::Jarrett

Sir are you sure there's enough of us to get this job done...?! There are but 12 of us......
::Conspirator#3

Yea that has been a concern of mine as well.......there are thousands of troops that are not part of this theory.....
::Conspirator#4

Theory!?! (agitated by the comment) You say...theory?!?! I did not do this on a hunch! I'm taking Dolf's throne.....my word is absolute!!
::Jarrett

.................forgive us.......................sir.....................!??!?!!
::Conspirator#3 & 4

(voice returns to calm tone) You should have no worry of our current number...there is strong reason to believe others will join us at the precise time we need them most...
::Jarrett

Forgive me for asking sir....but how do you know we will be joined by others....??
::Conspirator#5

Hahaha!!Are you joking? Were you not listening in the Main Hall? When there was a mention of his wound becoming fatal...and the very thought of protecting Dolf came to question....all the soldiers began to speak out with traitorous words!! Haha...all will go as planned!
::Jarrett

Haha! (to everyone) You see, he is truly fit to be the ruler of this land!! Hail Jarrett!!
::Conspirator#2

HAIL JARRETT!!!.......ALL HAIL JARRETT!!!.....RULER OF SOJAH!!!
::All Conspirators

(....elsewhere in the castle, Dolf and his sorceror enjoy the hyms & follies of the court jester, Dionysius! Once again this strange and rudely entertaining jester is summoned for Dolf's poor taste of humor...this time the jester acts somewhat abnormal from his usual state...apparently he has just learned of the events that have been taking place within the walls of the castle...)

What nonsense do you have for us today fool!! ::Dolf

(in a bellowing tone) Beware of the ides!! Danger turn unto thee who befowls the table we feast!!
::Dionysius

........err............uh.......sir.....whats this all about.....?!?!
::Dolf's Sorceror

I'm not sure myself...Fool!! Get on with it....you are not your usual self......(interrupted)...
::Dolf

All the plastic clowns have taken me to the moon that wasn't grey! Time is tidy in the twist of fate....!!
::Dionysius

(the sorceror remains lost in the words of the jesters madness...Dolf only becomes more infuriated as the jester interrupts him with sonnets of madness....)

Whats the meaning of this?!................You dare............(interrupted)...........
::Dolf

No ones left but me, and I'm not here.....Beware the three! Beware the bearded shepard! Beware!!!
::Dionysius

Pure madness! My Lord.....I'd be lying if I didnt say your jester frightens me a bit........his lyrics are of no sense at all!!
::Dolf's Sorceror

(Dolf slowly losing all of his patience, continues to be pressured by this unexplained portrayal of rebellion from the jester)

DAMN YOU FOOL!! YOU STOP TH.............(interrupted)............
::Dolf

Stand firm the belief of death! (pointing at Dolf as he nears him) To you death scrapes the bucket and reaps the seeds!! Dont get me?! Let me...I'm a hazard to yourself...
::Dionysius

(Dionysius continues his lyrics of unexplanable madness....each verse leading to sound more insane than the last...As the jester nears Dolf pointing but a single finger at him.....Dolf begins to fear his own jester...he attempts to yield him several times but fails on & on....)

Please....what has happened.....what called for..............(interrupted)...........
::Dolf

I can see your madness rip your brain...I can see the bodies on the wall...all the nightmare dreams I can't recall......come...I can see the future boiling up around I'm so afraid......I can feel the fire, crawlin on you like you're a god...but I would pay to watch you burn.....
::Dionysius

(Dolf in fear of his own jester calls for guards to remove him, and kill him immediately........The sorceror sits and stares in awe as Dionysius causes Dolf to suffer a near nervous break down...)

GUARDS!!! Kill him!! Take him away!! Make haste..............Make............(interrupted)..........
::Dolf

(Guards are rushing in and at the jester at this very moment.....Dionysius preaches one last phrase as he departs by way of the window!!)

.............Its not over...(like a madman dives out the highest window in the castle to moat below).....BUT....ITS.....OVER....NOW....!!!
::Dionysius

(his last phrase could be heard by Dolf and his sorceror as he flew out the window and into the moat......Dolf's paranoia is at its very peak after witnessing the madness of his jester)

I DONT CARE WHAT ORDERS I'VE GIVEN......YOU JUST TAKE WHAT YOU NEED AND MAKE SURE HE'S DEAD!!! NEXT WORDS OUT OF ANYBODY'S MOUTH SHOULD BE, "HE DIDN'T SURVIVE THE FALL"!!!
::Dolf

(Dolf's guards go to make sure the jester is truly dead....Dolf goes to chambers to rest as he becomes more paranoid around his own men)


[In Terragotzusii..."the sun begins to set "]

(Our heroes have been lucky, as they haven't encountered any demons for the time being...still, they keep their guard up until they know the forest is behind them....Antuonne, Khadahfi, & Manuel are nearly through with their journey through the forest...it is then when they feel the most secure & at ease that they all hear a sound in the distance...)

What in hell was that!? I don't like surprises!! Someone please tell me that god forsaken noise was just my imagination!!
::Rev. Manuel

I'd love for it to be that simple...but....you see.....I heard it too!
::Antuonne

As well as I......and if I'm not mistaken it came from a distance in that direction (pointing to their left) so perhaps we can keep heading straight in this direction (pointing in direction they've been heading) and we'll escape this forest before finding out what it is!!
::Khadahfi

(looking at Manuel then Khadahfi) Hey I think I speak for us all when I say I'm all for that idea! Im all for being cautious....but lets step up our pace!!
::Antuonne

(The 3 warriors begin moving along quicker than before....heading in the same direction while trying to avoid whatever creature had made that noise....although their plan has proven useless as they begin hearing the noise once again...only now it can be heard several times....and closing in on them)

Let's move!! Whatever it is, it seems to have friends!!
::Khadahfi

Dammit they're gaining on us!! (speeding up)...
::Antuonne

Run dammit.....run..........caution just flew out the window...........run with all your might!!!
::Rev. Manuel

(All begin running as fast as humanly possible, one following the other...)

Its gaining! Curse this forest.....!! Curse this damned forest!!
::Rev. Manuel

eeeeeh.....huuuuu...(out of breathe).........I.....can't.....I.....can't make.......it!! (falling to ground) go!!
::Antuonne

(Manuel & Khadahfi turn around not realizing Antuonne had fallen and see they have left him a distance behind them....they begin calling for him...)

Antuonne!!!! MOVE!! I CAN HEAR THEM ON OUR TAIL!!
::Rev. Manuel

TWAN!!! RUN!!! KEEP WITH OUR SPEED!!! TWAA..............(stops in awe)
::Khadahfi

(Antuonne can be seen by the 2 warriors in the distance......and they see 2 creatures run out from the forest and surround Antuonne....the 2 warriors begin running to their ally's aid...)

TWAN!!!! PREPARE YOURSELF!!! HYYYYDRAAAAS!!!! ::Khadahfi

MOVE YOURSELF!! WE ARE ON THE WAY!! DRAW YOUR SWORD!!!! HURRY......(pauses)
::Rev.Manuel

(At that moment a third Hydra leaps between the 2 warriors and Antuonne...putting an end to any attempt at rescuing their companion)

GRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAA..........................!!!!
::Hydra#3

Sweet grace of god!! (staring up at the huge beast) Such a beast....Khadahfi I will handle this!!
::Rev. Manuel

What!! Are you mad......surely you don't plan on fighting this beast alone!!
::Khadahfi

As my name is Manuel former general of the armies of Sojah!! I will take at least one of these beasts down!! Grab Antuonne and escape from here!!
::Rev. Manuel

Damn you! I hope your skills are as dead set as your pride!!....Live on, we have much to do! We must endure this!! (yelling) Twan! Stay alive a bit longer I am on the way!!
::Khadahfi

(Khadahfi makes his run toward Antuonne....the hydra attempts to stop Khadahfi from aiding his ally, but its attention is caught by a fed up Manuel....)

Where do you think your going!?! (stabs sword into one of the hydra's eyes) I am your battle! Don't turn your back to me!!
::Rev. Manuel

(Antuonne is up and dodging the attacks of the 2 hydras....Khadahfi leaps from atop a stone, diving between the hydras & Antuonne......in mid-air Khadahfi manages to slice one of their heads off with his blade...)

Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!! (rolling & recovering to feet) I am here Twan!! Now let's grant these vermon a lesson in pain!!!
::Khadahfi

Hah! Now your talking!! Lets see how they enjoy this!!
::Antuonne

(3 warriors, 3 hydras.....the soldiers battle spirit begins to soar as it appears evenly matched.....)

Damned creature thought you could make me your meal!! Hah! Try this!! (full swing of his sword, directed toward the legs of a hydra)...haha....now!!
::Antuonne

RAAAAAAA!!! (as Antuonne kneels from his last attack, Khadahfi leaps kicking off of Antuonnes back.....) DIEEEEE!!! (slashes creatures body in half with a single huge swing)...........SHHHHHNNNNK!!!
::Khadahfi

Hah! (barely dodging one head while slicing two of the beasts heads off from the neck with a single swing)....SHNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNK!!.......HAHAHA!! One head and one eye, you left but a scratch on my arm....you dare take your chances and attack me again?!
::Rev. Manuel

(Khadahfi & Antuonne struggle with the second hydra, the hydra has but 2 heads left as Khadahfi has already removed one.....but the beast still puts up a fight & and proves to be more troublesome than they had thought)

Damn this one is a smart one! (throws sword in defense position) YAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!! (the hydra bites down on the sword pushing Antuonne to the ground) Curse this creature!! Dammit I'm in need of your assistance Khadahfi!!
::Antuonne

I'm trying Twan! Hold him off!! (slammed against tree by the other head) Im fighting the very same battle over here!! This beast is gnawing at my blade! I'm using all my strength just to hold him back!!
::Khadahfi

MANUEL!! We are in need of aid!! Help us!!
::Antuonne

(Manuel dodges the monster's only remaining head, but its tail swings around and whips Manuel's sword from his hands before he gets a chance to counter.....now unarmed the warrior tries to survive against the great beast...)

NOOOOOO!! DAMMIT!!! (running & dodging) Sorry.....I am trying to keep myself alive!! I'm not gonna be of much help......right now....!!
::Rev. Manuel

(As Manuel is being chased and attacked he is led farther into the forest by the hydra. Soon he is even out of the sights of Antuonne & Khadahfi who are still trying to survive themselves, as they are both still pinned down by the heads of the hydra....)

Dammit!! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh!! (with 2 hands on his sword one on the hilt the other on the very blade trying to hold back the head as it continues to snap at his face) Curse these creatures!! RRRAAAAAAAAAA!!!!
::Antuonne

(In the very same situation...) AAAAAAH!! Dammit!! .......Wait!! (reaching to his side, while holding the hydra back with one hand) YESSS!! (stabbing into dragons eye with dagger) HAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!
::Khadahfi

(The head attacking Khadahfi flys back in pain.....Antuonnes is still with his back to the floor holding back the hydra...and quickly losing his temper...)

TWAAANN!! Use this!! (throws dagger into ground by Antuonne) I hope you have enjoyed the fang of my wolf dagger Nahahahaha!! (swings sword with great might) SHNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNK!!!
::Khadahfi

(Khadahfi slashed his blade with such force he managed to slice the hydras head clean in half......the last head still attacks Antuonne....and as the hydra stops all attempts of Antuonne reaching for the dagger the warrior's anger soars beyong limits!!!)

(reaching for dagger) AAAAAAAAAHHH!! (arm is scraped by teeth of hydra) AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH! (attempts again and result is the same).....RRAAAAAAAAHHH!!
::Antuonne

(Over and over the warrior is bitten.....Khadahfi begins running across to his aid, leaping over all debris from their battle.....but Khadahfi stops....as what happens next could have never been expected...)

I'm coming.....Twan!! ......YAAAAAAAAHH!!.......(stops in mid-run)...What....the...?!?!
::Khadahfi

GRAAAAAAH!! (enraged beyond expectations, he dodges the hydras next attack, the hydras head misses and bites the ground) RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!! DIIEEEEEE!!!! (Antuonne with bare hands grabs the head just around the neck full force) GRRRRRRRRRR!!!!! (the hydra tries to escape but can't free itself from Antuonne's raging grip) DAMNED CREATURE!!!! RRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!! (the creature tries to pull away with its entire body, but in this state, the warriors rage is unstoppable) GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!! (begins dragging hydra)
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! (snapping neck of hydra) KKKRRRRRRRRRRRKKK!!!!! ::Antuonne

(Antuonne stands straight up breathing heavily.....he doesn't even look at Khadahfi....he is more focused on calming himself down....Khadahfi on the other hand is extremely shocked, but is concerned of the whereabouts of Manuel....)

.....uhh...........Twan........hmm............nevermind you just concentrate on calming down.......... ::Khadahfi

(Khadahfi begins to run in the direction they had last seen Manuel......but he then stops as he notices a blood drenched Manuel walking back toward them.....)

.....uhh......could someone explain.....hmm.....Manuel are you alright!! Your covered in blood that does not seem to be your own.......I would venture a guess that....well....I'm pretty sure you killed the hydra!!
::Khadahfi

(breathing heavily) uuuuhhh .......haaaaaaaaaaa.....uuhh.....haaa.....(blood continues to drip from warriors hands).............
::Rev. Manuel

You know what?!...I think I'd prefer not knowing what happened......so not to interrupt you guys......but we should hurry out of this forest........
::Khadahfi

(Khadahfi remains shocked and baffled as to what he had witnessed from the other 2 warriors but decides that perhaps it is safer to not talk about it........set on leaving this forest our warriors continue forward to the end of the forest.......light can be seen ahead of them....they have reached it, finally, they have survived the evils of the Terragotzusii...)

Finally we can leave that god forsaken forest behind.....You two, are you alright!?
::Khadahfi

Yea....well I guess so......I mean........I dont know how to explain it.......in that battle......its like....
::Antuonne

(continuing Antuonne's explanation)....We were there watching the battle through our eyes.....watching everything we were doing.....but...I couldn't control my body.....all I felt was pure rage...
::Rev. Manuel

Thats precisely what had happened to me....I just don't understand it.....my rage took control of my body & its actions!!
::Antuonne

Thats truly bizarre....I have no ideas...nevertheless had that not happened I believe we would still be battling those horrid creatures right now!!
::Khadahfi

I suppose your right but....................
::Antuonne

What is it Twan.....speak up..........why do you stop.......?!?!
::Khadahfi

(an immense shadow is cast on the ground......something can be seen soaring above the warriors....all 3 warriors then look to the sky almost simultaneously...)

.....
DARAKON!!! ::Khadahfi, Antuonne & Rev. Manuel

(descending from air) Mortals!! Haha...it seems you have served to become more interesting as you have escaped from my forest.
::Darakon (shadow dragon)

What quarrel have you with us, dragon!?! ::Khadahfi

Such foolishness! Did I not say I would return if you had survived long enough to exit my forest. I gave my word I would return, and unlike you pesky humans, we dragons do not break our word.
::Darakon

So if not a quarrel?! What is it that you want with us, dragon!? ::Antuonne

You humans are quite the rude ones! You know my name and yet you still insult me with your use of the word, "dragon"?! I am here as promised, and as for my reason, if you wish to hear........as I have mentioned I rule this forest, and all creatures that call it home! You mortals have made it through my forest and its terrors alive, and still in one piece....I have watched as you battled a pseudo-dragon, and was most impressed with your battle against the 3 hydras! I must say I wise choice taking that herb with you...but judging by your surprise and confusion you have not learned of its true use yet, Haha!
::Darakon

So....have you come to discuss our knowledge of herbs! You have still not answered our question, Darakon!
::Manuel

Ah yes, mortals! Always quick and to the point.....You see! You serve to be quite an entertaining bunch of mortals...so I have come to grant you with a reward for surpassing the dangers of my forest!! ::Darakon

What!! What kind of reward.....?!
::Antuonne

Yea! Forgive us for being cautious.....but your words lack substance!
::Rev. Manuel

What he means to say is...we are still unsure of your true intent! So until we hear motive enough for us to grant you some trust we will remain cautious!!
::Khadahfi

Fair enough humans! I must say your the only mortals that continue to test my patience! I have witnessed your abilities throughout your journey in my forest and have overheard your cause....and perhaps I can say I share your cause.....as I too am a creature of this land! This castle you seek, this Dolf you mentioned are but a mere thorn in my side.....you see, they are but a small problem, but if someone offers to pull the thorn, do u refuse?!
::Darakon

I think I follow your motive Darakon......perhaps not reason enough for us to place full trust in you, but I for one will lay it on faith, and believe your words.....so what is it you wish for us to do....
::Khadahfi

Nothing other than what you have already intended on.....only I will grant your new armor, and your colleagues new weapons.....as I am no ordinary dragon, I will grant you armor with fire resistance magick....the "Armor of Drago"....tis lighter than you may think but it is tougher than any armor made by you humans! As for the weapons, I have seen your skills and granted you weapons I see more suitable than your petty swords.....
::Darakon

Well then....if not swords.....what do you intend us to fight with?!
::Antuonne

As for you Antuonne I witnessed the brute strength of 100 mortals...as so I have chosen to grant you the "Hammer of Xanza" a warhammer of pure strength and dexterity, I believe you will truly be able to exuberate the power of this weapon......and as for Manuel.....although the other may not have seen your battle, I lay witness to all events that happen in my forest...
::Darakon

What do you have in mind for me.....what skills do I possess......
::Rev. Manuel

To you I witnessed the bloodlust of a berserker, and the speed of a serpent.....to you I grant the "Claws of Juutah" and the "Serpents Dagger" two weapons worthy of your speed and destruction which I believe your skills can truly harness the power of.......
::Darakon

Amazing! What about Khadahfi!? What weapon of power shall he possess?!
::Antuonne

For you I have nothing more powerful than what you currently carry.....(warriors look confused)....For you I grant only a warning! The power of your blade could seal or unleash all the evil of this world, as I've said in our first encounter "take care that blade".......it is far more important than you all could have imagined....I fear you will continue to overlook its power and let it fall into the wrong hands...
::Darakon

What do you mean?! Please Darakon, explain to me the power of the blade I carry! What is its importance!
::Khadahfi

I have but few things I know about it.....but have heard enough to warn you of its power......the very sword you carry can decide the fate of this land and the world it controls life & death, good & evil all in one....you carry the "Blade of Apocalypse"! All I dare say is, choose wisely what you do with this blade...if you stray toward darkness as will the blade...it listens to the one who wields it....that is all I can tell you of the sword....take it as a warning!
::Darakon

I truly thank you for that warning...although I know not what to do with it......I think I speak for us all when I say "we thank you for all you have given us!" we will complete our mission... (to self) the "Blade of Apocalypse" a name of such intensity, bring but a shiver to my very spine!
::Khadahfi

(The three heroes begin to walk off toward Dolf's castle to complete their mission......they are stopped by Darakon...)

Where do you think your off to mortals....
::Darakon

What do you mean we thanked you for the armor & weapons...now we are off to defeat Dolf
::Antuonne

You misunderstand humans! I have rewarded you with this armor & these weapons, this is true.....but you have excepted the help of a dragon...surely you must know our deal....
::Darakon

Deal?! What do you mean "deal"?!......Dammit I knew there was a catch!! He's gonna eat us or something!!
::Rev. Manuel

Calm down you two, especially you Manuel....I'm sure he has good reason....let's hear it Darakon...
::Khadahfi

Actually he is more right than you might think....I have granted you these tools...that is you have been granted them with the intent of defeating Dolf.....if you are to fail in your mission after accepting my help....I will make you my feast! That is our deal or you must forfeit the armor & weapons now.....and perhaps I will let you leave here with at least one of your arms!
::Darakon

Not much of a choice your leaving us with!..........We will accept your help, I am confident we will defeat Dolf!! We will take our leave from here....Farewell!!
::Khadahfi

Good luck humans! Defeat him or be my meal! (takes to the sky) I shall be watching you!!
::Darakon

(Warriors watch as Darakon flys off into the sky.....Confident they will fulfill their promise to the dragon, they set off with new armor & weapons in the direction of Dolf's Castle)

 


Prologue

Chapter.01
Chapter.02
Chapter.03
Chapter.04
Chapter.05
Chapter.06
Chapter.07
Chapter.08
Chapter.09
Chapter.10
Chapter.11
Chapter.12
Chapter.13




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