|
Post by Lillith on Nov 24, 2011 3:34:17 GMT -5
She's missing? I don't think Oliver had anything to do with that. They were still here in the sixth world last I heard, and when I spoke to him, he didn't sound like he had any intentions of going after her again just yet. Not after what happened last time. But you know good and well Oliver is far from the only enemy that woman has.
::She sighed, hoping she was right about that::
As for me, I'm going to be staying here for awhile. If Figaro is crippled, it's going to affect Tzen sooner or later. The Empire will smell the blood and they'll come. And they'll bring their dog with them. I'm not letting him get away this time Vincent.
|
|
|
Post by Vincent on Nov 24, 2011 3:42:38 GMT -5
"Domino effect, be interesting to see how our friend the Count will be addressing this attack. He seems to be spear heading the resistance against the Empire. Frankly, not sure who is worse. Can't say I have any love for the Empire, but Sigismund is the devil in disguise - if I may be so frank about it. What's your take, Lillith, just between two friends-" He glanced to Tresk and Miguel. "Leave the bridge."
"Uh... sir?" Tresk curiously asked. "You're revealed, ensign." Awkwardly, Miguel and Tresk left without another word. Once the hatch shut behind them, Vincent resumed his line of discussion.
"Not that I don't trust them, but Miguel has a tendency to speak out when less then sober. So, Lillith, where do you stand? With Gwen and Iole? The Empire?" He had to contain a chuckle with that, "Sigismund, or is there another side you're working I should be aware of?"
|
|
|
Post by Lillith on Nov 24, 2011 3:48:44 GMT -5
::Lillith shook her head::
I'm really not all that concerned. I'm still struggling to see what all the fuss over Doma is about. I've always hated the Empire, but his attempts to kill us certainly didn't endear me to the Count. I still trust Gwen about as far as I can throw her... Actually less since I'm banking that I could throw her pretty damn far the next time she pissed me off. But whatever she's planning, it can only go as far as Iole lets it. And.... well I don't know, it's Iole! Can she really rule a country?
|
|
|
Post by Vincent on Nov 24, 2011 4:00:18 GMT -5
Vincent chuckles, "Probably about as well as Miguel could. Iole isn't a ruler, that should be left to the stone cold politicians and stuffy aristocrats, not a bright eyed girl like Iole. But interesting you mentioned Doma. I was going to avoid mentioning this, afraid you'd snap on it but, well here."
Vincent tapped the keys of his console, this time bringing up distress radio transmissions from Doma - highlighting a demon attack. The report is erratic and quickly cuts off with a jarring screech.
"We received this day before the report out of Figaro came in, sounds like the same situation. But what I found strange is how quickly the attacks come and go. It's not like the Empire, they don't retreat when they have the upper hand. August is up to something, dunno what, but Doma is the key. Empire wants it, August wants it; hell, bet Gwen even wants it. Something there is the key to this whole mess and this conflict won't end until one of them gets ahold of whatever it is. Maybe we should start focusing on what the prize is and not on the players after it?"
|
|
|
Post by Lillith on Nov 24, 2011 4:12:11 GMT -5
::Lillith rested her fingers beneath her chin thoughtfully::
You may be onto something. But what could the three of them be after that would be worth all of this? And if that's the case, it's possible this Lord Leon is also after it. If we're going to do any digging, we'll have to tread carefully. We may be standing between the lions and a lamb.
|
|
|
Post by Vincent on Nov 24, 2011 4:30:39 GMT -5
"Please Lillith, you think that bothers me any. I'm already invested despite my best efforts to avoid this particular scuffle - amazing how that never works out. Just once - anyway, I've battled the Angels, gone toe to toe with some of the worst this plane had to offer; dragons and empire don't bother me none. They'll never sink me or my ship, am I right Miguel -" Glances over to the chart station, "Oh right, had em leave. Believe this port is beginning to get me. So, where do we begin? Can't rightly believe just waltzing back to the Count demanding an answer would be prudent. Know anywhere that might tell us what makes Doma so damn important?"
|
|
|
Post by Lillith on Nov 24, 2011 15:06:26 GMT -5
There is one place we could try. But it's complicated... For two reasons. One, it's in a place in the eighth world where I'm technically a wanted woman. Second, it's something neither of us can touch.
::Seeing that she had him intrigued she went on::
Think about it. Who did we know that knew more than even August about magic, the dark arts, and anything else that was supposed to remain hidden.
|
|
|
Post by Vincent on Nov 24, 2011 16:08:13 GMT -5
Vincent was indeed intrigued, but unsure where she was going with this line of thought. There were a few people he could name.
"My first guess would of been Adrian... but, well." He trailed off that line of thought. "Who is it you are thinking of? Wait, you're not suggesting... no, how?"
|
|
|
Post by Lillith on Nov 24, 2011 17:07:10 GMT -5
(OOC: No it's not Loci. Lillith never met him)
::She tried not to flinch when he mentioned Adrian::
Alright, stay with me. She's dead, but what she knew isn't. When you were with her, did you ever happen to see the book she always carried on her.
|
|
Gideon Lightfeather
Experienced Novice
No matter what world I am on, one thing is always the same; What is good, and what is evil.
Posts: 97
|
Post by Gideon Lightfeather on Nov 27, 2011 2:04:31 GMT -5
::Gideon scowled, but in spite of his disdain he couldn't help but feel a sense of pity for the misguided youths:: Well now that you've made it clear who you serve, you should know what comes next. So what stops me now from killing you here? Nag: Because you need us Immortal. Fay: Have you forgotten so soon? www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJgBiUCmK9Y::The three snapped their fingers. It was an eerie gesture, all performing it simultaneously. But what was worse was the swirling of shadows that gathered in the center. Floating just above the floor, as though she were floating on her back in the water was the white haired sorceress Nyx. Her hair hung freely and floated around her head like a halo, but her face remained cold and unmoving, her eyes closed. The wound in her side was frightening to say the least. It had stopped bleeding, but it was far from healed:: Nicole! ::Gideon rushed to her side and took her hand in his; it was ice cold. Thoth circled him with a lecturing finger pointed in the air:: Thoth: We have her stable on a sort of life support right now. It's all we can manage. With the resources we have we cannot hope to counter the powerful dark magic that's keeping her under this spell. To put it quite simply, we don't have enough energy. But if we were to take the energy we need from someone else, namely you... Fay: The one who loves her it would be enough. Because you can give us the energy of your heart and soul if it is for her. ::Nag drew its lips very close to Fay's ear:: Nag: Fay you're such a romantic. It's darling. ::Nag placed its tongue lightly on her cheek and ran it up the side of her face, something she didn't seem to mind, but didn't seemed fond of either, like how sister would grudgingly accept a kiss from her brother. Thoth cleared his throat:: Thoth: Yes more or less. Fay I wish you had allowed me to explain it scientifically. Fay: That is why you will never truly understand magic. It is a matter of the heart, not a subject to be studied by the brain. Much like poetry. Thoth: Magic, my dear is simply science we do not yet understand. With the proper time and resources for research and experiment, anything can be explained. Fay: Something I take it you care to prove with this next experiment. Thoth: A wager then. So how about it Immortal? Going to prove my hypothesis? What's to lose? Nag: This is the woman you love after all. You know what it's going to take. Fay: A contract with us. Thoth: There's no time to lose. ::Gideon's jaw clenched as he let her hand fall. He got to his feet and stormed from the chamber, leaving Nahla alone with the three fiends and the suspended Nyx:: Nahla: ... Yeah I think I'll just... ::Even Nahla seemed to have a certain uneasiness when it came to these three, evidenced by her rather speedy exit::
|
|
|
Post by Book of the Twilight on Nov 28, 2011 2:13:25 GMT -5
Thoth: We're taking an awfully great risk Fay. The Immortal has the power to end all three of us before we can blink.
Fay: There is no risk. He'll take our offer. I could see it in his eyes; he loves this woman.
Nag: There's the L word again. Why, why, why Fay? That stupid word complicates everything.
Fay: Deny it all you wish Nag, but it is the greatest magic. It is the most powerful driving force in any mortal. It will make them do almost anything.
Thoth: But will its hold work on an Immortal.
Fay: Care to make a wager out of it?
::Thoth considered carefully::
Thoth: Very well. If you win and his love does outweigh his conviction to his gods I'll allow Nag to act out one its fantasies on me. Whips, chains, gags, the whole nine-yards.
Nag: Ooooh yay!!!
Thoth: Now what if I win?
::Fay thought about it::
Fay: On the off chance we can escape the Immortal if he decides to kill us, you can give me a nice set of claws and ears to go with this tail.
::She flicked the black furred tail out from beneath her skirt::
Fay: You'll see. He won't let her die.
|
|
Gideon Lightfeather
Experienced Novice
No matter what world I am on, one thing is always the same; What is good, and what is evil.
Posts: 97
|
Post by Gideon Lightfeather on Nov 28, 2011 18:28:25 GMT -5
::Nahla tore through another corridor looking for Gideon. After leaving the room he'd simply vanished:: Nahla: Gideon! GIDEON! Get your @ss out here! This is no time to ghost out and hide! ::She found him at last on the floor below the tower on a balcony staring out at the night sky:: I had no intention of "ghosting out to hide". I just needed some time to think was all. Nahla: What's to think about? You get in there and save her. You're the only chance she's got. I mean, none of us like her! Call it woman's intuition or whatever, but I saw the way you looked at her. That's the woman you love up there. You don't know what you are asking me. To help her now would be to break a sacred oath. Nahla: How does that stack up to true love? I've known Nicole for a few years. And I've been living under that oath for four centuries. Tell me now how that stacks up. ::The challenge of taking that statement seriously aside (he still looked no more than eighteen to her, and for him to sound so serious was almost comical to her) Nahla knew that being blunt wasn't going to make any headway. She could see she would need to try another method. One that would help him to think this through. She was a hardened veteran of piracy and heroics, but at heart she was still a woman, and she could not stand by and let what Gideon felt for Nyx die. The fact that anyone could care for someone like Nyx at all was something of a miracle to her:: Nahla: Alright, I get it. It's a big decision. So... what's the story between you and her anyway? I mean... she doesn't really seem like the type to... you know. She's not. I'll always be number two in her book. Right after Iole. ::He lowered his gaze from the sky, leaning on the railing of the balcony:: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYh3y1J2E9Q&feature=relatedNo, Natalia. It will always be Natalia first, then Iole, then me. Nahla: But you love her. ::He didn't say anything, but he didn't have to. She already knew:: Nahla: How did you two meet? ::It took him awhile to speak again:: It was right after Iole first came to Freya. Nicole followed her through.
|
|
|
Post by Book of the Twilight on Nov 28, 2011 18:52:00 GMT -5
We're wasting time! Send me through! I found the information I needed! Natalia crossed to that other world in the Fall! Who knows what she's done by now! You can't just keep me here!
Gideon, we are aware of her movement. Please try to remain calm.
::It was the goddess of the moon who spoke, calm and serene as the stars in the night sky::
For centuries I have been your faithful servant! Why now do you deny me my divine mission! The one you appointed to me! If we don't move quickly the taint of the darkness will spread to that world too!
::Speaking Jezebel's name allowed in the presence of the gods was taboo::
We are not doubting your loyalty my son. Nor your faithful service. Our decision has nothing to do with that.
::To hear the voice of the Sun God was usually warm and comforting like the glow of a fire's hearth as it was now. But Gideon new well that the fires of the sun could burn as well if he tested the Almighty's patience::
Then why?!
Be silent, be still, be patient, and we will tell you.
::Spoke the Mountain God sternly::
Your cause is just Gideon, and your actions are right.
::It was the twin god and goddess of nature. They spoke as one in child-like voices, but they were every bit as wise as their elder brothers and sister::
But your heart is unbalanced. You have carried on the fight against the darkness for so long. But there is a balance in that fight. And though it is a noble cause you have taken up of which we are most proud, that which drives your heart all this time has been revenge born of the very darkness you fight against. And if it continues thus,
That balance will tip towards the darkness and you will fall into it.
Please, I am begging you. There are worlds where she has already won. If I don't go now this might be another that falls.
The decision of the Gods of Light is final.
Gideon, you are to remain here on Freya until such a time that you have learned to temper your passions. We do this because we love you my child. Take this opportunity to learn and to grow. Your growth is just as important to us as that of our other children you strive to protect.
|
|
Gideon Lightfeather
Experienced Novice
No matter what world I am on, one thing is always the same; What is good, and what is evil.
Posts: 97
|
Post by Gideon Lightfeather on Nov 29, 2011 4:56:13 GMT -5
::It wasn't for a number of years that they summoned him again. In that time he took to the wastelands where the demons roamed, slaying any that came across his path. With no family or friends to speak of alive anymore, the fight was all he had. He took only the minimum amount of time needed to eat and sleep::
Gideon... Gideon.
::He awoke at once::
Gideon, we are in great need of your service.
::All that time he had still felt their presence, but it had been so long since he had heard their voice. He snapped to attention for the Moon Goddess::
Someone from the world that Natalia crossed to has come here. Someone that she fostered in childhood. She has brought another with her who uses the shadows. Our command is for you to find them and kill them at once before they have a chance to influence Freya.
::He rose and strapped his faithful blade to his back::
It shall be done.
::Just a day later, somewhere in the border of the Deadwood, Gideon found himself locked in battle with an opponent shrouded in a black cloak whose face he could not see. His swordsmanship was masterful after four hundred years, but his enemy had two advantages; the ability to move as a shadow, disappearing into the darkness then reappearing unexpectedly, and the ability to change their weapon to another to suit the situation, coming at him with a new fighting style each time. His opponent disappeared again into a shadow on his left. He turned and looked all about him but could not find them. He held his sword before him and closed his eyes::
Gods of Light, creators of sea, sky, and land, makers of our body and soul, deliver me from this darkness.
::All at once the gleaming silver of his blade burned bright white, illuminating the area with blinding light. He heard the assassin fall from their hiding place, forced out of the shadow they'd hidden in. He struck them in the ribs with the flat of his blade. Then he used its tip to push back their hood. He was surprised to find his foe had been a woman with long white hair tied in a black ribbon. She glared up at him with strange alien black eyes. Her ears were not pointed like an elf's but rounded. He'd seen humans before in his planar travels, but there was something different about this girl::
??: Nyx? Nyx! Where'd you go?
::Nyx, a fairy of myth that could leap through shadows and played in the night sky. It was a fitting name for her. He turned to see the owner of the other voice. He'd been surprised when he'd seen Nyx for the first time. He was astonished at who he saw now. A little girl no older than twelve with bright blue eyes and night black hair. Her ears were pointed and stuck out from her thin face, much like a Wood Elf. But he could sense she was not one of his kind. What she was however eluded him. But one thing was certain. Her scent was all over both of them::
It can't be. You're the one Natalia found?
Iole: You know my Auntie?
::In the brief moment his gaze had left her, Nyx had rolled over. With a kunai in hand she slammed its point into his foot. It went right between the bone all the way through his foot and pinned it to the ground. She leaped to her feet and struck him in several points on his body with her knuckles. He fell to the ground limp and immobile::
Nyx: We need to go Miss.
::And with that she swirled her cloak around herself and the girl and vanished. It took some time to regain his mobility, and even longer to find them again; a month later deep in the wood elves' territory in Skywood. And the white haired girl got the drop on him that time as well. He'd barely set foot into their territory when he found his back pinned against a tree and a dagger at his throat, speaking in her cold detached tone.::
Nyx: If you're here to kill the Miss again, I'll slit your throat here.
::Gideon was startled when the dark haired girl he'd seen before burst from the trees::
Iole: No Nyx I told you, no killing allowed!
Nyx: Miss, he's here to kill you.
No that is not my intention this time I assure you. I didn't even have my sword drawn when I entered. I just wanted to talk. It doesn't make sense for them to send me to kill a child.
Iole: They? Who's they?
That's none of your concern.
Iole: It was just a question. You can't just come in here and ask us questions without answering ours.
... They are my commanders and that's all you need to know. Satisfied?
Iole: I guess.
Good. Now answer my question. How do you know Natalia?
Iole: ::Beaming:: That's my Auntie.
Your... Auntie.
::He looked to Nyx::
And you?
Nyx: She was my Lady.
Was?
Iole: ::sadly:: Yeah... Was. It's kind of a long story. How about we take a walk. Um... Nyx... Do you mind?
::Grudgingly the Sorceress allowed her knife to vanish, releasing her hold on him. The three walked through the woods together as Iole and Nyx (mostly Iole) related their story of how they'd come to know the woman known as Natalia. The revelation that she was dead didn't seem to affect him as much as he'd believed it would. What Iole revealed astonished him. Perhaps there was still a part of him that would not believe it. Once, a long long time ago he had known a woman similar to the one the girl described, but he had believed that woman long gone; replaced by a cruel Demon Witch. Then they told him of something in their world called the Second Sorceress War, a conflict Natalia had apparently caused. What astonished him the most was that both of them had known full well that Natalia had been a demon, and even after she appeared to have turned back to her dark ways, they had remained loyal to her::
You mean you knew she was a demon, and even after she began a war against your other friends, not to mention the rest of the world, you still followed her?!
Iole: Well yeah, I mean she had her reasons. Besides, she was still my Auntie.
Your Auntie committed hideous crimes against mortality, sold herself to the darkest being in the universe, turned herself into a monster, and that's all you can say?!
::The girl glared at him and opened her mouth as if to say something hot-headed, but it was Nyx who spoke, calm and level::
Nyx: Mortality commits crimes against themselves on a daily basis. Their views of what is right and wrong do not concern me. All I know for certain is The Lady was a master that I chose because I believed she was worth following. And she never gave me any reason to doubt that. We would not be human if we disregarded those that we love so easily.
::Those words stopped Gideon cold. Pieces suddenly began coming together for him. They walked a short distance more together, talking about other things. Things of no immediate importance about each other. Iole asked why he was so pale, he asked Nyx about her eyes, and where she was from, and where she had learned her skills, what her real name was, and a great deal more about her before they parted ways for the day. As they left Iole waved good-bye before whispering to Nyx when she thought he couldn't hear::
Iole: He's got a thing for you.
Nyx: A thing? What kind of thing? And why didn't he give it to me when we were walking?
Iole: Oh... right... you're still learning. Well you see, when a man and a woman love each other very much...
::He began visiting them more frequently. Eventually Iole got wise to the fact that he wasn't really there to talk to her and would find something to do, leaving him alone with Nicole. The day she had said what she'd said to him had made him realize why the Gods had sent him to find her, and what they had tried to teach him those years ago. He had become so consumed in the fight against the darkness he had lost sight of what he was fighting for. And thanks to her, after so long, he had something to fight for again::
|
|
|
Post by Book of the Twilight on Dec 3, 2011 2:57:54 GMT -5
Nahla: Okay let me see if I've got this straight. Your... "commanders" that you refuse to give me any details of sent you to kill Iole and Nyx when really they wanted you to fall in love?
Gideon: More or less.
Nahla: Alright, putting aside that I find that more than just a little creepy, these are the same guys that have forbidden you from having any dealings with people like those three weird sisters back there.
Gideon: That's correct.
Nahla: So why don't you just tell them it's a special case?
Gideon: ::sigh:: You make it sound so simple.
Nahla: Probably because it is.
Gideon: Nahla you don't--
Nahla: Look here pretty boy!
::She took the front of his tunic in her hand and nearly lifted the elf off the ground::
Nahla: You've found something bigger than whatever it is that's got you so conflicted right now! It's something most of us search our whole lives for, not everyone gets it in the end! I don't want to hear all that bull about duty or destiny again! This is even bigger than that. I think your commanders understand that too, or they wouldn't have sent you to her!
::She loosened her grip::
Nahla: Sorry. I didn't mean to unload on you like that.
Gideon: No you had every right to speak your mind. You're a good listener Nahla, but you give even greater advice.
Nahla: Yeah tell that to the Captain... So... what are you going to do?
Gideon: I'm still undecided. Perhaps it would help if I prayed about it.
Nahla: Hehe, the Captain's right. You are funny.
::She gave a hardy slap to his back before noticing the look in his eye::
Nahla: Oh... Alright then. I'm heading back to the ship. I'll just leave you to... pray... I guess.
::She made her leave, but he still caught her whisper under her breath::
Nahla: Freak.
|
|
Gideon Lightfeather
Experienced Novice
No matter what world I am on, one thing is always the same; What is good, and what is evil.
Posts: 97
|
Post by Gideon Lightfeather on Dec 3, 2011 3:21:51 GMT -5
::Gideon sighed. He didn't expect Nahla to take his convictions seriously. So few mortals did anymore. With her gone, he dropped to one knee, leaning on his sword for support. His eyes remained close so he felt more than saw the pillar of light that gradually descended upon him::
We have heard your prayer Gideon. We are listening.
The witches with the shadow's taint on them that reside in this fortress. What are my commands regarding them.
You are forbidden to take any action against them. They are not part of your mission.
They are in the clutches of our fallen sister it is true. But their actions were influenced by a mortal of this world, not yours. If this world of Gaia chooses to allow her to take root it is not for us to interfere. To do so would upset the balance and violate the eternal truth that the Gods made with their children at the dawn of time; to allow them to grow and act for themselves.
And if it continues to spread?
That too is in the hands of your brothers and sisters here on Gaia. Have faith in them my son.
But that is not the true reason you called us. You wanted inquire about accepting their help to save your beloved.
... I don't know what I'm supposed to do.
This is a choice that was laid before you and one that only you can make. All we may do is reveal the truth of the consequences of each choice.
Just as it was when we sent you to find her.
::Gideon thought long and hard. There were consequences no matter what he chose, good or ill. This was not a decision to be made lightly. He had to know::
What if I use the Old Magic?
Your half of the of the Old Magic is the purifying flame that carries with it a portion of our divine power. It has the power to heal, but she is a being that is strongly tied to the shadows. To do so to her, even with the intention of healing would destroy her.
And if I refuse their help?
The curse of the one who harmed her will take her. There is not a healer powerful enough, or with enough knowledge of the dark arts to undo the damage within leagues of where you are.
...And if I accept?
You would enter a contract with them, and we would be forced to withdraw our support. A contract with our sister always demands a price. Gideon, if you choose to go down this path, be absolutely certain you are willing to pay that price.
This is all we can offer my son. The rest is up to you.
::And with that, he felt their presence depart. He was alone now and he still had a choice to make::
|
|
|
Post by Book of the Twilight on Dec 3, 2011 17:39:00 GMT -5
::Back in the darkened room of the tower, Thoth grinned at his associate::
Thoth: It's been nearly an hour since he left. Fay I hope you're ready for your new ensemble.
::But he spoke to soon, because the moment he had said it, the doors to the chamber burst open::
Gideon: I've agreed to accept your offer.
Thoth: Well this is bitter sweet.
Nag: Funny you said that Thoth, because I had an ensemble picked out for you. We're in for a wild night.
Fay: You know, Immortal that our aid will come at a cost.
Gideon: I've considered it. Whatever the payment demands I will satisfy it.
Nag: Payments. S-s-s plural.
::Gideon glowered at the furry thing smiling at him::
Nag: What? It won't work without all three of us, so I believe a payment for each of us is fair. Wouldn't you agree?
::The creature circled Gideon like a cat inspecting a cornered mouse::
Nag: I'll go first. I suppose the first thing we'd want is our lives; your binding and unbreakable word that you will not come after us. For that I'd require a little insurance. Like say...
::Nag looped an arm over Gideon's shoulder and whispered right into his ear::
Nag: A lock of your hair.
::The witch jumped back suddenly feeling the cool silvered steel of the dagger Gideon kept in his sleeve. He held it in front of him until Nag rejoined the other two at a safe distance. Then he took a lock of his bone white hair in his hand and sliced it off before tossing it to Nag. The creature held it to his face, sniffing it sensually::
Gideon: Satisfied?
Thoth: Not quite. For my price, I require a sample for study. Freyan silver is the most precious of otherworldly metals. One that I simply cannot pass up. Your sword shall do just fine.
::With less hesitation this time, Gideon unstrapped the sword from his back and held it in front of him::
Gideon: Good-bye old friend.
::Then he tossed it to the witch in glasses::
Gideon: Next?
Nag: Come on Fay. What do you want? His heart? His clothes? Something else?
::The last witch stared at him with those glowing eyes before giving her answer::
Fay: A memory.
Thoth: Oh Fay every time. Such a waste.
Fay: That is my price. A memory of love. If she lives you'll have a chance to make plenty more. Just agree to give me an old one and our services are yours.
::Gideon stared back at her. It wasn't surprising to him that this witch craved love. Any who had been consumed by the darkness as she had were forced to exist without it, and there were those who still felt that void. He'd seen many like her over his years of hunting their kind::
Gideon: I agree.
Fay: Then we'll begin.
|
|
Gideon Lightfeather
Experienced Novice
No matter what world I am on, one thing is always the same; What is good, and what is evil.
Posts: 97
|
Post by Gideon Lightfeather on Dec 4, 2011 3:26:47 GMT -5
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJgBiUCmK9Y::A few more lines on the ground and Thoth completed the array required for their ritual. Gideon knelt beside Nyx who remained suspended in her nightmarish sleep and took her hand, bracing himself for what was to come. The three witches formed a circle around them and joined hands:: Nag: Just so you know, this is really going to hurt. ::It began as a small tingling, making him feel almost lightheaded, like his soul was leaving his body. Then he felt it crash back into him and begin slamming violently back and forth into its cage of flesh and bone. The blood boiled and froze, the bones quivered, the flesh burned and was just as suddenly taken by the bitterest of cold. He howled in pain just once, clinging all the tighter to her hand, that hand that he had seen hurl shurikens and wield blades with the skill of masters that now felt so frail and small in his. He focused on the point of light in his mind; the reason he was doing this:: After Natalia fell, there was nothing for me but the fight. That darkness. I hated her... so much... it was eating away at my soul. I thought every demon and witch that I slew would bring me closer to peace. I was wrong...::Outside his mind, Nag, Thoth, and Fay smiled at their handiwork as his energy; bright white flowed out of him and merged with hers, dark black. The wound in her side began to close gradually. Her face with its strange black eyes and white hair and her smooth high cheek-boned features was all he could see. He held that image there with all the power he possessed. No one, not even Iole could see what those eyes truly held; pain and sadness, but also hope and determination. Stolen moments with her were all he allowed himself to think of:: You brought me peace. You reminded me why I should fight. Not for revenge, but for the people I love. I haven't felt that in four hundred years. Don't leave me now! Don't give up! I'm here! Take my energy! My body, my heart, my soul, it's yours! Take it!::The pain began to recede slowly. So very slowly. Like the creeping steps of a thief in the night. And then at last it left him with just the aching bones and raw flesh. And there was still her hand in his. All at once he felt it clasp his tighter and she awoke with a gasp:: Nyx: August! Where is he?! ::He placed his arms over her shoulders as if to pull him into her:: Nicole, it's alright. You're safe. He's not here. You're alright now. ::But she was still fighting him. She shrugged his embrace off and pushed him away from her, those black eyes studying him carefully. She was calm now, but why was she acting this way?:: Nyx: ... Who are you? ::Gideon felt the pain return, but not the same as the kind that had taken him before. Fear gripped his chest as every thought in his head denied what he had already guessed. His eyes darted back to the witches who stood over the pair. And Fay, despite Nag's earlier declaration that she never smiled had the faintest ghost of a smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth:: Fay: I didn't say the memory had to be yours. Nag: Fay, you're so cruel. Thoth: We all have our pursuits Immortal. Nag craves life, I thirst for knowledge, but Fay seeks only her own amusement. Fay: And what could be more entertaining than a broken heart. ::With that, Gideon's world broke apart with a thunderous crash and the laughter of the witches was all he could hear::
|
|