Home
beginning chapters of the Time Traveling Chocobo Saga
This is from my seccond messageboard RPG. the first, the Search for teh Time Traveling Chocobo, lasted a long while and i'm still compiling the chapters, so I'm getting an early start on this one. Chapter 1 I stand still petrified that I may fall like my comrades in battle I see destruction around me engulfing the world, yet I am powerless to do anything but stare at the chaos approaching me. The destruction is approaching taking the lives of those I care about, those whom I love. I am engulfed in pain but it is so horrible that I can't even scream. I close my eyes awaiting death. I open my eyes seeing the wall of my room. Knowing that it is a nightmare I rest uncomfortably. Knowing that it is the same nightmare which I have been having for the past week makes me unsure whether it is pure fiction or a harsh oncoming reality. I get out of bed and head for my balcony over looking my kingdom knowing what destruction awaits it I make haste down to the shrine to see my advisor on the magics Talon the Red Mage. Talon: Young Prince, what are you doing here so early? Lone Wolf: I have had that dream again of the impending doom which faces this world Talon: hmmm..... this is not good, definitely not good Lone Wolf: I know that its not good Talon: Well as you seem dreadfully worried about this I suggest journey to the forest shrine there should be someone there more qualified than me that knows what to do. Lone Wolf: The forest shrine but its like half a world away!! Talon: Well then I suggest you go at once, the forest shrine won't come to you Lone Wolf: I guess you are right, tell my father where I am won't you Talon? Talon: Of course With that Lone Wolf starts his journey to the Forest Shrine. Wondering what other dangers could possibly await him besides the end of the word and how to exactly get to the Forest shrine? Lone Wolf ------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 2 **Warteen has been having nightmares of his own, not knowing that somewhere else not too far away the same thing is happening. He sees a giant, arrow-like shape that is fired by a creature... A creature which he does not recognize, but who looks pleased in anticipation of destruction... He looks up, and he sees it's about to hit and destroy the Earth...** Warteen: NO!!! *wakes up with a start* SI/\/: *awakened* What is it? What's wrong? Warteen: Nothing... SI/\/: Umm... okay. You sure you're alright? Warteen: Yeah, I'm okay. SI/\/: Alright, man. If you feel troubled though, maybe you should go to the forest shrine. I heard that's where people go to seek guidance. Warteen: That's not a bad idea. Maybe I'll do that. **Warteen immediately departs from his home, not really knowing what's happening, but knowing that he must do something to stop this evil force, whatever it may be. Hours later, he arrives at the forest shrine...** Warteen: *notices Lone Wolf* Hi. Lone Wolf: Hey. *long pause as they wait for the shrine doors to open* Warteen: So... what brings you to the forest shrine? Lone Wolf: ... Huh? Sorry, I'm kind of thinking about something. Warteen: Oh yeah? What? Lone Wolf: These dreams I've been having... **The doors open. Warteen and Lone Wolf step inside.** TO BE CONTINUED... Warteen -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 3 Ivy Lanna Lee opened up the doors to the forest shrine that she had worked at for the past ten years. She was rather surprised to find that two handsome young men were waiting on the steps. Ever since the people had stopped believing, there had been less and less traffic to the shrine. People had a want to do things their own way, and forget the old traditions. Ivy: Welcome. I am the apprentice to the Shrine Master, Keeper of the Heart. I am Ivy Lanna Lee. What brings you to the shrine this day? Older Gentleman: I'm Lone Wolf, Prince of Kingdom Threadaria. It's an honor to meet you. Ivy: Ahh, Prince! Forgive me, but I have not been out of these shrine walls for a long time. I pay homage to you. *bows to Lone Wolf* Warteen: Uh, I'm Warteen. Nice to meet ya. Ivy: Likewise, Warteen. It is nice to meet you. *bows to Warteen* Warteen: Um, yeah. Lone Wolf: Apprentice, I- Ivy: Please, call me Ivy. Lone Wolf: Ivy, I have been having dreams of impending doom on not only my own kingdom, but the world. The same dream every night, for the last week! Ivy: Ah, I see. Dreams are important, espicially recurring ones. It is important that you meet with the Keeper. He will know what to tell you. I have not had enough experience with dreams. Warteen, wny have you traveled to such a little used shrine? What guidence do you seek from the Keeper? Warteen: Well, I've been having dreams of destruction, too. They're so real, I can't ignore them. The same one, every night. Ahhh! Ivy: Then you must meet with the Keeper as well. We shall go to him, now. Ivy leads Lone Wolf and Warteen to where the Keeper of the Heart waits, in meditation. Ivy opens the door, allowing them entry.* Ivy: Keeper, these two men have need to speak with you of recurring nightmares that I believe may have meaning. Will you see them now? *The Keeper studies the two men.* Keeper: Yes, I will see them. Ivy: Thank you, Master. Keeper: Apprentice, do not leave yet. You will hear this, it will learn you in the ways of determining the validity of dreams. *The two men and the young woman wlak into the center of the shrine. Ivy stands by the Keeper's right hand.* Keeper: I am the Master of this shrine, the Keeper of the Heart, and my true name is... TO BE CONTINUED... Æ Ivy -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 4 Keeper:My true name is ... Voice: Wait! Wait for me! *Everyone looks at the door* Voice: Okay you can start again now. Keeper:*sigh* I've told you over and over again Jeff, DO NOT INTERUPT ME WHEN I A SPEAKING! Jeff: Sorry Keeper. Okay, where am I supposed to stand again. *Ivy drops head down* Ivy: Over there, by Keeper's left hand. Jeff: Okay. *Jeff walks over and stands by the Keeper of the Heart's left hand* Keeper: Now that everything is ready, I may start again. I am the Master of this shrine, the Keeper of the Heart, and my true name is... TO BE CONTINUED . . . Jeff -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 5 Keeper: "Now that everything is ready, I may start again. I am the Master of this shrine, the Keeper of the Heart, and my true name is..." Just then, the Keeper gives a quick moan and slumps to the floor. Three shurikens are revealed lodged in his back. A dark figure jumps to the ground. Warteen brandishes his rapier and charges at the figure, who stands motionless. The figure then unsheathes his katana and just blocks Warteen's downward slash. Then the figure spins around and tries a strike to Warteen's midsection, which Warteen easily blocks. Then the figure sweeps Warteen, and kicks his sword out of his hand. The figure stares at Warteen with katana pointed straight at him. Figure: "That man was not what he appeared to be." Ivy: "What?" Figure: "He was using you." Jeff: "Huh?" Lone Wolf: "Who are you?" Figure: "... I am called Shadow... The 'Keeper' was a much greater evil than what I may appear to be." Warteen: "What are you talking about?!" Shadow -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 6 Suddenly, the keeper stood up. Shadow: what the?! I killed you! The keeper's skin starts to be torn off, revealing a metallic shell underneath with eight legs and a giant head. Warteen: It's a robotic octopus!! Octopus: That is correct, sir! Shadow: I don't get it. Octopus: Your punishment, assassin, will be this: eternal torment forever for 10 years. Shadow: such a thing is impossible. Suddenly, Shadow starts to dance, singing: This is the song that never ends, yes it goes on and on my friends, some people started singing it, not knowing what it was, and they'll continue singing it forever, just because this is the song that never ends, yes it goes on and on... Octopus: Ha ha ha ha! Have fun. the mechanical octopus breaks through the wall and makes his getaway and an electric golf cart. Warteen: Well, this is just about the most annoying thing I've ever heard in my life. Lone Wolf: Yes it is. Ivy: We have to help him somehow! Voice: Well, I suppose this is the best I can expect from a 5th class apprentice. Another man wearing black enters the room, this one seeming a bit older and wiser than shadow, but still fairly young. Lone Wolf: Who are you? Man: My name is Raistlin, and I am one of the leaders of the organization that Shaodow is a part of. He's not too good now, but he shows much promise. The octopus was just a drone of Evil People Inc. They are currently the world leaders of doing evil things in general. Warteen: Is there any way to get him to stop singing that awful song? Raistlin: Yes, it's easy enough. He should be able to do it himself... Raistlin concentrates for a moment and Shadow's singing stops. Shadow: Thank you, my lord Raistlin -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 7 Lone Wolf: So who are these Evil People inc.? could they be resposible for the destuction of the world? Raistlin: The destuction of the world sound like there style, as for who they are, the seem to like to keep themselves secret. Warteen: Maby we should try to find out more, they could be the one resposible for our dreems. Ivy: And they could be the one's who are holding my master hostage. Shadow: They are, I came here to warn eveyone. Raistlin: In my wiseness, I know the HQ of Evil People inc. to be in a mountain range just outside Lone Wolfs kingdom. Lone Wolf: But thats on the other side of the world! Raistlin: And it only took a few chapters to get here, it carn't be that far. Jeff: *looking into the shadows* Hey who are you? Uforious: *Steps out of the shadows waring a black cape and holding a sword with runes on* I am Uforious F. Octous. I am often known as Uforious, or UFO. Please chose which you would prefer. Lone Wolf: Friend of fow Uforious: Depens wether you aggree with my terms. Ivy: What are your terms. Uforious: I want the forest heart. Ivy: Unaceptabe Uforious: Then fow *draws Sword**Chants into it. **Everyone is paralized.**Takes heart**leaves* Ivy: Nooo! Master, I have faild you. Warteen: You haven't faild the keeper yet. But whats inportant is that you don't break down now so what are you going to do, go after the heart, or rescue the keeper. Ivy: I'll... TO BE CONTINUED UFO (Uforious) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 8 Ivy: I'll... Jeff: I know! Ivy:*turns to Jeff* What now? Jeff:We should rescue the Keeper first because we don't know where UFO took the heart. Warteen: Good point. I think we should save the keeper first too. Ivy: Okay then, let's go to the HQ of evil people inc. and rescue the Keeper! *They all start going north when they come upon a group of people* Guard: Halt! Who are you people? Lone Wolf: I know these people. They are from my kingdom. *Lone Wolf steps toward the guards* Lone Wolf: It is I, Lone Wolf. You may let us past. *The guards look at each other* Guard: Liar! Lone Wolf has been dead for years. We don't like people who lie. You must be thieves! Prepare to die! TO BE CONTINUED . . . Jeff -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 9 Guard: Prepare to die!!!! *guards step foreward and start attacking the group of travelers* Lone wolf: What! I've been away for a couple of months, no more. and I'm not dead. *guard take a swipe at Lone wolf, cutting off his protests* Guard: Ha! theives! I'll not let you take anything from the princess. And only a very stupid person would try and impersonate the late prince. Halt! *guards turn and look at a woman who is comming forth from the interior of the tent* Woman: who are you folks? Ivy: Princess! *bows* I am Ivy Lanna Lee, apprentice at the forrest shrine. *motions at Warteen* This is warteen, A dreamer who has come to me for guidance. *nods at Shadow and Raistlin* These are our companions, who are fighting EvilPeople.inc. My master was kidnapped by those people. Jeff: *rushes up to the Woman, and shakes her hand emphattically* HI! I'm Jeff, I was senior apprentice at the Shrine. and this is Prince Lone wolf. Princess: Prince Lone Wolf...... *goes into memory land* ....... He was so strong.... and kind to my animals... I was just as child... Nine years old.... and then he left us and it all fell apart. Lone Wolf: What! I left home a month and a half ago, not like a lifetime or anything. My father knew where i was going, and so did Talon. How was it that i went missing? Princess: *looking at lone wolf* YOu do look like him, but that is not conclusive evidence. *stands up striaghter* If you are Lone Wolf, then why did you leave us all? Lone Wolf: i left because i had reoccuring lifelike nightmares of war and pillage. I had to go the the shrine to find out what these dreams meant. i left only a short time ago. Princess: You and your companions will come home with us, and i will deposit you at Lone Wolf's castle, and have his father deal with you. Ivy, you can come with me, and ride upon my mount. *addressing the guards* place the others in the treasure vaulted wagon. Ivy: *bowing* thank you Ma'am, but, if I may ask, what is your name? Princess: my name.... *looks speculatively at Lone Wolf* is Luna. that is all you need to know. We'll get you to the father of Lone Wolf, and he may be able to explain how you are here, if you did indeed come from six years in the past. TO BE CONTINUED.... A.E. Luna -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 10 On the way to Lone Wolf's castle... Warteen: (to Lone Wolf) You're really a prince, huh? What's this business about being from the past? Lone Wolf: I really have no idea. I just left my castle, probably at about the same time as you left your home, and now people are saying that I'm not me! Luna: Perhaps I can explain. Six years ago, a message of mourning went throughout the royal world. Most people outside of the castles didn't hear about it, which explains why Warteen and Ivy haven't heard. Lone Wolf: *nods thoughtfully* So, what was this message? Luna: It was a message of a prince's death. YOUR death, if you're really Prince Lone Wolf... Lone Wolf: This is impossible! Absolutely... ridiculous... Warteen: I believe you, if that means anything. Ivy: Me too. Lone Wolf: Thanks, guys. But this is insane. How could a message of my death gone out six years ago? Shadow: Well, we're at the castle. I guess we'll find out. Jeff: Remember, Lone Wolf, be prepared for whatever happens here. I sense that something very strange is going on... Warteen -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 11 As the group enters the castle, Shadow feels a chill Shadow: Wait!! Raistlin: What is it my pupil Shadow (whispering): Can't you feel it, I feel a force dreadfully familiar lurking with in the shadows of this castle Ivy (whispering): I sense it too it's dreadfully cold Raistlin (whispering): Could it be the Assassins of the half circle Jeff: Ninjas of the half circle? What are they? Shadow (whispering): Quiet! Deadly assassins mine and Raistlins allies Ivy (whispering): But this can't be the presence I am sensing is dark and sinister Raistlin (whispering): This can't be but just in case keep on your guard Lone Wolf (whispering): What are they doing in my castle Raistlin (whispering): We don't know, but these assassins tend to be ruthless killers. Just be prepared for them to strike after all they must be here for a reason and most likely its for Evil Inc.'s benefit of wiping us out before we reach the Keeper Luna (whispering): How can you be allies with such traitors? Raistlin (whispering): Well you're the one that led us here maybe you're with them Luna (whispering): What how could you. They're your allies you might be a traitor yourself Warteen (whispering): stop it, now is not the time to doubt amongst ourselves we have a room full of assassins to worry about Just then a shurnken is thrown through the room nearly hitting Ivy Warteen: I guess its time to strike back Lone Wolf -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 12 **The group continues into the castle without anymore conflicts, but something isn't right...** Jeff: I sense that something isn't right. **I just said that.** Jeff: Oh. Sorry. Raistlin: You're right. Where are all the people? Lone Wolf: I can't take this anymore... (yelling) Father! Talon! Where are you?! Raistlin: *clamps his hands over Lone Wolf's mouth* Shut up, you idiot! Are you trying to get us killed?! **Then, almost on cue, another shuriken flies from the throne room. It hits Shadow square in the chest and buries itself deep.** Shadow: AAARGH!!! Luna: NO! Ivy: Quick! Pull it out! Shadow: H... help... *collapses* Warteen: *checks Shadow's pulse* He's dead. Raistlin: This is terrible... Jeff: Can't you use a fenix down on him, or something?! Raistlin: Of course not. Those things are only mythical. In real life, once someone's dead... they're dead for good. I'm sorry. Lone Wolf: I... I'm sorry, Shadow... *runs off toward where the ninja star came from in a sudden rage* Ivy: NO! Come back!!! *starts up after him* Warteen: *grabs Ivy* Get down! There's nothing we can do for him now, except pray that he pulls through. He may yet find out what's going on here... Ivy: Shadow... Raistlin: We have to do something. I'm sorry. All we can offer him now is a decent burial. Jeff: This is bad. I didn't think anyone would get really KILLED. Warteen: None of us did. But something very evil is going on, and it just got a lot more serious. Ivy: ..... Warteen -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 13 *A cry comes from the throne room, and sounds of a furious fight ring out into the antechamber. The rest of the group, having dragged Shadow behind several large vases and taken cover there, cannot see what is going on* Lone Wolf: (yells) Traitor! What have you done with my father? *Crash! bang! Clang! More fight sounds* ???:(hollers over the confusion)your return is... unexpected to say the least *a black clad man stumbles backwards out of the throne room clutching his chest. Through his fingers seeps a fair ammount of blood. Raistlin turns from the fallen Shadow to observe. The man falls, dead* Raistlin: There, on the back of his shirt. A large half circle... But it's, red? Not the usual white... A splinter group perhaps... Lone Wolf: (shouts through the doorway) Some help, you guys! They're too busy for more shurikens! Warteen: We should go help him, then. Ivy, you and Jeff haven't had much warrior training, I assume. Stay here with Shadow. Raistlin, Luna, let's go. *The three steal quickly from the vases toward the entrance of the throne room. Peering inside they see Lone Wolf locked in combat with five of the same black clad figures. Three more lie dead. Lone Wolf is bleeding in several places, and fighting desperately with his sword in his left hand, his other hanging at it's side. In the throne at the far end of the room sits an older man in a long red robe. A glowing hot fireball rests in his hand as he watches the fight* Raistlin: (in admiration) that prince's war-schooling must have been first-rate! That's a lot of skilled swordsmen to face! Luna: Let's go *Luna grabs the other two and they all rush into the throne room, unsheathing their swords* Lone Wolf: (panting) It's about time *bolstered by the new warriors, the fight is soon over. They give a yell as Lone Wolf strikes the last killing blow. All have sustained minor injuries, but the battle was won. A shout comes from the direction of the throne* ???: (red-faced) Those assasins were nothing. I have only watched because I enjoy the bloodshed. Now you will find a match *all whirl to face the speaker, who is now standing* Lone Wolf: Talon, you fiend! other three: gasp! Lone Wolf: No, you can't be Talon... He was a good man, my mentor and advisor. ???: In that you are right. I have only aspired to be Talon for, oh, six and a half years or so. (*he smiles wickedly and stares pointedly at Luna* [interpret this how you like]) Magic can make many an enemy appear to be a friend. *Raistlin glares at Luna, who glares back* Lone Wolf: Who? How? Was it you that sent me to the forest shrine? ???: (sighs mockingly) I can see I won't escape a bit of exposition. Yes, shortly before your dreams began, I replaced Talon. I caused the dreams becasue I knew you'd come to me for an explanation. Then I sent you off to the forest shrine, half hoping the journey itself would do you in. But, not willing to leave it to chance, I also cast a spell as you rode away. Complicated temporal dynamics aside, suffice to say what to you was six months, to this kingdom was six years. (*shrugs and begins half-muttering*) I'm not terribly sure how it worked, acutally. I just did like the book said, mixed the bat wings with the skink... oh, never mind. Time is so infuriatinly complicated to meddle with. *Warteen yawns and sits down* Warteen: Is this story gonna be much longer? My legs are getting tired. ???: Silence! But.... The whelp does have a point. I have spoken too much already. Time to die. *the fireball in his hand begins to grow* Warteen: Wait wait wait! I've changed my mind! I liked your story. We all did, right? *Warteen gestures to the group to follow his lead. The other three nod emphatically* ???: No, I'm afraid it really is time. You'll have to die with only a partial explanation. *from somewhere in the rafters a tin wind-up monkey, the kind with the little cymbals, falls into the lap of the fake Talon* Monkey: ook ook ook *clang clang clang* ???: IEEEEEEEEEE! *The imposter proceeds to vanish in a large puff of smoke. The monkey falls to the floor. The four look to where it fell from and see a rather odd sight. Hanging from the rafters by his feet and bound in a cocoon-like fashion is a lanky man with spiked hair, though that is all that can be seen of him, because of the rope* !?!: Would you mind cutting me down? I did just save your life. Lone Wolf: Are you friend or foe? !?!: Merely a travler who happened to knock on the wrong castle door at the utmostly wrong time. I really am starting to get a crick in my neck. And there's not much time to waste, besides... *Warteen retrieves a shuriken from one of the dead assasins and flings it at the rope that holds the newcomer in the rafters* Warteen: Raistlin, catch! *The rope snaps and the bound man plummets to the floor, intercepted partially by Raistlin. I say partially because, though his head is caught his feet slam into the floor with considerable force* !?!: Ow ow ow ow ow ow! Thanks I think Monkey: ook ook ook *clang clang clang* Warteen: That thing is annoying me (*crunch*) !?!: Hey! It saved your life too. No matter I guess, I have another. *Luna proceeds to wipe off her battle-stained sword and cut him free, no small task, considering the ammount of rope he was bound with. Underneath the rope he wears a fairly nondescript brown tunic and pants, and a green hooded cloak. Standard peasant, woodsman, and traveler wear* Luna: Who are you stranger? !?!: My name is Jon, tho a few others have insisted on calling me Spike, (*gesturing to his head*) for obvious reasons. I answer to either... But we really must be going now, as soon as Talon (I think that's what he said his name was) regains his composure, he'll be back, and that'll be trouble. Lone Wolf: (snarls) He's not Talon. And we can't leave, I've gotta find out what he's done with my father, and my kingom. Raistlin: If he's powerful enough to be messing with time, then we shouldn't face him without some serious help. It would be suicide! Jon: outside, a good distance from the castle will be safe, tho. I overheard him discussing his plans, and for his magic to work he must stay within it. *the others agree, and, after retrieving Ivy, Jeff, and Shadow's body, head for the outside* Jon: Lone Wolf, this is your castle? Lone Wolf: yes Jon: then could you direct me briefly to the dungeon storage area? False-talon took some things of mine... Lone Wolf: (to others) We'll meet you outside. Follow me, Jon *Outside, a distance from the castle* Ivy: Where are Lone Wolf and the new guy? [I haven't been introduced to those that were in the antechamber yet] Raistlin: Coming soon, I hope *Just then, two figures appear over the drawbridge, running like two mad ants. Small explosions erupt behind them.* Jeff: we should be at a safe distance. Let's wait here for them *a fireball crashes into the ground a few yards behind them* Jeff: maybe we should keep moving *the group dashes off, until they reach the cover of a nearby forest* Lone Wolf: Which way did the rest of them go? Jon: I think they headed off toward those trees *A fireball or two impacts near the two and they dash off towards the forest. A couple minutes later they arive. Panting, they slump against a tree. Jon now has with him a short sword on his belt, sheathed in leather and blue metal, a walking stick, and a traveling-sack slung over his shoulder. A small cross on a chain dangles around his neck* Lone Wolf: (*regaining his breath*) Before anything else, we should bury our friend (*indicating Shadow*) *once the deed is taken care of, a gravemarker erected, and tears shed, attention turns to the tall newcomer, who, until this point has been observing, head bowed, arms hanging limp with hands clasped* Jeff: Who are you, sir? Ivy: Yes, tell us about yourself Jon: My name is Jon, dear lady (*bows deeply to Ivy*), sirs (*bows less deeply to the men of the party*), and lady (*bows deeply again, to Luna*). Though, as I have said to these four, I am also called Spike (*again gesturing to his head*). I am a travler, chemist, minstrel, occasional preacher (*indicating the cross on his chest*), and whatever else strikes my fancy. One thing I am not, though, is an warrior (*hangs head*). I've never been properly trained in such matters. The sword is my fathers. I inherited it when he... (*looks away briefly, clouds on his face. He then turns back, expression normal*) So, tell me about yourselves. Who are you and what is your quest? Spike (aka Jon Keim) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 14- *Meanwhile,in some castle...* Sootdust-Hmmm....it does appear our little fake Talon plan worked.... Slayer-The Kingdom is in our clutches with the prince manipulated into believing that his freind is an enemy. Scalene-Uhhh...how's it work? Slayer-It is to do with the brain-something you do not appear to have.Now shut up! Tom Cosmo-Ummm...can you guys deactivate the anti-magic sheilds for a moment,I need to call home..... Sootdust-We are experienced spies,Cosmo,we know what you're up to.... only Scalene is stupid enough to deactivate our anti-magic sheild with the greatest wizard in the world nearby.Your advice to the Kingdom is non-existent as long as we have you trapped,Cosmo. Slayer-But then again,he is just a child.... Sootdust-Guess you'll just have to stay longer,Cosmo. Tom-Maybe so,you'll have to down it someday.You're a Black Mage from what I've heard. Sootdust-Ahhhhhh....but far greater in battle than you. I DON'T happen to need a certain Tri-Edged sword to fight,Cosmo. Tom-Well,you'll soon die. Slayer-Why do you say that,Cosmo? Tom-Merely because the real Talon will find out and...alert...the...damn...... Slayer-We have our Kingdom.And we'll force YOU to betray YOURS,Cosmo. Tom Cosmo -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 15 **After much long explanation, the group consisting of Warteen, Raistlin, Ivy, Luna, Lone Wolf, Jeff, and now Jon, set off for some answers.** Jeff: Just where are we going? Jon: We can go to the Wind Shrine. Perhaps they'll have some information on the thief who took the Heart of the Forest. You say he paralyzed you with his sword? Warteen: Right. He also said that his name was Uforious. Ivy: Keep in mind that he didn't kill us, though. I sense that he's not completely evil... Raistlin: Of course. But he obviously had some motivation for what he did. Lone Wolf: Not necessarily. He could just be a thief who thought he could make some quick money. Warteen: But where did he get that sword...? Jon: Well, let's be off, then. None of you... never mind... Luna: What? Jon: Well, umm... this is rather embarassing, but, none of you would happen to know just where the Wind Shrine is, would you? Luna: WHAT?!!?!?! **Upon some quick questioning, they realize that no one really knows where this place is.** Luna: Well, this is just great... *hits Jon on the head* Idiot!!! You got our hopes up for nothing! Jon: Ow! Give me a break... Ivy: Wait. I have an idea. Jeff: What is it, Ivy? Ivy: We can go to the Castle Lokin. I've heard that have ties with the Wind Shrine. I'm sure they'll help us. Warteen: Great idea, Ivy. Lone Wolf: ... I don't know, guys. Warteen: What's wrong? Lone Wolf: It's just that our luck with castles hasn't been too good so far... Ivy: It's okay. The King of Lokin is a good man. Lone Wolf: If you say so... I just hope we can get some help quickly. Six years... **And so, they set off for the castle Lokin. Meanwhile, not too far away...** Slayer: (running to the throne room) Master! Master! Sootdust: What is it?! Slayer: I've just received a report that our plan has failed! The castle that we took over was visiting by a group of youngsters, one of whom was Prince Lone Wolf himself!!! Sootdust: What?!?!?!?!?! This is bad... Slayer: It gets worse, my liege. They met up with someone in the castle who knows our weakness. Sootdust: You mean... Slayer: Yes. The TIN MONKEY!!! Sootdust: Oh, no. Slayer: And on top of all that, the castle was nearly leveled as our inside wizard tried to kill them. He failed. Sootdust: Our leader will not be pleased. Well... as sworn followers of Evil People, Inc., it is our duty to rub out these pesky youths. Slayer: Yes, master! Scalene: What's going on...? Slayer: Something bad, you fool. Very bad for us. Warteen -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHAPTER16 Outside Castle Lokin, gar (with his Marril) and þlacebø are trying to break through the door, which is locked. The anti-magic field also protects the door from magic attacks. The team is looking beat. gar: Okay…*puff*…right. You…are SERIOUSLY annoying me now! I swear that if you don’t open this door right now, I am gonna SERIOUSLY tear this place down! YA HEAR ME?! A guard comes to a window. Guard: Who goes there? gar: Shut up and let me in! Guard: I’m afraid I can’t do that without seeing your authorisation. gar: My authorisation? Okay, you asked for it: THIS is my authorisation!!! gar charges up an Ultima spell and hurls it at the guard. The anti-magic field vanquishes the spell however. þlacebø: What tha’ hell were that?! You losin’ you touch, bro’. gar: I AM NOT!!! There must be an anti-magic field in there…hey! The guard has disappeared. þlacebø: ‘ey, looks like he go an’ tell him head honcho ‘bout us. gar: Yeah, well I’m not scared. He’s just missed his chance to comply with my orders… Marril: Marril, marril! Inside the castle: Guard: Sire!!! Sootdust: What’s happened? Guard: There’s a group of vigilantes at the gate! Sootdust: Those kids? Slayer: And Prince Lone Wolf? They can’t have got here that quickly! Guard: No, these guys aren’t kids. One appears to have extreme magic skills. Another one has some really weird hair and a funny accent… and there’s a strange, blue, over-sized mouse with them. Slayer: This had better not be a hallucination, or we’re sacking you for the third false alarm this week. Guard: I’m serious! Come and have a look if you don’t believe me! Slayer: Alright then, I wi… Sootdust: Hold it. We need to focus our attention on those youths. Just ignore these so-called ‘vigilantes’ for now and keep an eye out for our real targets. Guard: …yes, sir. (walks off) Slayer: I think we should dock his pay. Sootdust: Quiet, you. Outside, gar and þlacebø are fiddling with an odd-looking device. gar: Yes! It’s ready! þlacebø: Now we see what them stupid anti-majik field gotta say ‘bout this! gar: þlacebø, go plant the bomb. þlacebø: Why has I an’ I gotta do it? gar: You drew the short straw. þlacebø: (under his breath) Dam straws. ( þlacebø takes the bomb, and sneaks into the castle through one of the windows while gar and Marril wait) gar: Once it goes off, it’s meltdown time for castle wuss-a-lot! Heh heh, energy bombs are amazing things! Marril: Marr…(pricks his ears up and hears something) marril marril marril!!!! gar: What th’…jeez, you’re right! gar sees Lone Wolf and the group coming towards the castle. gar: Oh no, can’t let them see what we’re doing to the castle… can’t do with all that head hunting business again…c’mon Marril, we gotta warn þlacebø! Marril: Marril! *gar and Marril go through the window þlacebø used, just as the group reaches the gates.* TO BE CONTINUED Marril -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 17 Sootdust:I sense sometihng.... Slayer:WhaT? Sootdust*whispering*:The Anti-,maigc feild...it's been drained. Tom:Maigcal...energy.... Sootdust:We've got to turn it on quickly.Slayer,find those three idiots who were round our castle,and hold them for questioning,Scalene... go with him.Cid!Cid!Cid Guy! *a blonde-haired man in a blue jacket runs up to Sootdust* Cid Guy:Y...yeeeesss...ssssiiiir? Sootdust:*whispers*Cid Guy,my loyal captured Engineer, fix the Anti-magic feild. Cid Guy:Y....yyy...yeeesss,m...master.*runs off* Tom:Scan!*scans Cid Guy,then implants the message:escape* Tom:Telport! Sootdust:Dispel!*he is too late* *Tom lands outside Castle Lokin.He looks up to it* Tom:I tohught I was great,Lokin,but I am just a coward in the presence of Sootdust.If only Merlin was here now...or Delta Lady...*sighs* .But I'm just a teenage wizard with a Triple-edged sword...*walks off* Meanwhile.... Lone Wolf:I see Lokin! Ivy:Yay!Wahoo!Yay!But what has HAPPENED to it? Warteen:I dunno,it's as if...well...it's been taken over. Jon:I have heard rumours...that it was taken over by an unknown Black Wizard...and the skilled people in Lokin captured and made to work for no wages and mere food,in fear... Jeff:Hey wait...isn't tihs the palce the 'greatest wizard in the known world' lives? Jon:Wait...I remeber hearing that osmehwere too...Tom Cosmo. TO Be CONTINUEd Tom Cosmo -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHAPTER 18 Inside the castle catacombs, þlacebø sets up the energy bomb. þlacebø: Heh heh! That took care o’ that dam anti-majik field. Now fo’ th’ bomb. Ten minutes should be enough… gar: (shouting) Wait! þlacebø: Wha…? þlacebø sets the bomb and starts the countdown. gar: …I was gonna say don’t set the bomb… þlacebø: Eh, too late bro’. gar: We had to hide in the castle, there’s a group of adventurers outside. þlacebø: An’ you think if they find out what we be doin’, we gonna have th’ CIA on our ass again? gar: Yeah, but we need to get outta here…hmm… Slayer and Scalene appear. Slayer: Stop right there! gar: Huh? þlacebø: ‘ey, move you batty, mon! We ain’t havin’ time mess wit’ you bhuttus! Scalene: What…did he say? Slayer: Sounds like a West Indian chinese speaker to me… Scalene: In any case, we’re not here to discuss your languages. gar: Good, because we don’t have time. Marril: Marril! Slayer: A blue mouse…I don’t believe it, that guard was right! Scalene: Ignore the mouse! Slayer: Oh yeah…(collecting himself)…we need you to come with us for some interrogation. You can either come quietly, or we’ll have to use force on you. You decide… Scalene: We’re more than a match for you. gar and þlacebø turn away for a second. þlacebø: I an’ I feel sorry fo’ them. gar: They don’t realise how powerful we are…we could seriously muck up the Time/Space continuum if we use the wrong magic… þlacebø: Well, has the modern E-Skill been invented yet? gar: No… þlacebø: Good… They turn back to Slayer and Scalene. gar: We don’t like your attitude!!! Scalene: Get them! Slayer: Fire 3! Slayer unleashes a large fire spell at gar and þlacebø. gar: Kaleidoscope! Slayer and Scalene: ????? gar creates a huge multicoloured shield. When the fire spell hits the shield, the fire’s power decreases and becomes a thousand times less powerful than before, effecting gar in no ways whatsoever. Slayer: (taken aback)I’ve never seen a spell like that before… gar: I’m a bit too powerful now. þlacebø, take care of them while I Omni-Dispel my double-edged shield. þlacebø: ‘kay, mon! Scalene: Double edged shield? How does that work? gar: Any attack aimed at me has it’s power reduced to 1000th of what it was before, and any attack I do is 1000 times more powerful. Slayer: Un…believeable… Scalene: We haven’t got a chance… þlacebø: Ice5! Scalene: NO WAY!!! There’s no such thing! The most powerful Ice attack is Ice3! You guys are lying! þlacebø charges up an absolutely HUGE amount of ice in front of him, even more than Ice3. Slayer: He’s…not lying. þlacebø hurls out countless shards of ice the size of oak trees at Slayer and Scalene. The extremely low temperature of the ice freezes most of the catacombs. The ice shards drive right through Slayer and Scalene, ignoring their defence and killing them instantly. Then all the ice shatters into shrapnel which is sent flying upwards. The shrapnel tears Slayer and Scalene to pieces. Then all the ice dissapears. gar: Prehaps that was a bit OTT… þlacebø: Yeh, maybe… There is five minutes left on the bomb timer. þlacebø: Let’s go! gar: No! I have an idea. Marril, cut the detonation time in half! þlacebø: WHAT!!! gar: It’ll mean that if any other guards come, they won’t have nearly enough time to disarm it, let alone find out what it is! þlacebø: …good thinkin’, bro’. Marril: Marr…marr…marril! Marril sets the controls and the timer on the bomb says 2:25 (because it said 5:00 ten seconds ago…logical huh?). Marril: Marril! gar: Well done! Alright þlacebø, let’s go! þlacebø teleports the three of them out. They reappear in front of Tom who was walking off. Tom: What the…? gar: What the…? Tom: Hey, I just said that! þlacebø: What the…? gar: Why did you say that? þlacebø: I an’ I just wanted t’ be popular. Tom: So who are you guys? gar: It doesn’t matter. I suggest you get well away from the castle kid. Tom: Why? gar: Oh, no reason. Look, one question before we leave. Tom: (still surprised) Er, fire away. gar: Are you good or evil? Tom: Well I’m not a bad guy… gar: That’s great kid, we won’t attack you. Tom: Oh…um. That’s good. gar: (acting in a friendly way, so as to conceal any guilt signs that might make Tom suspicious) Haha, I like your attitude! Tom: I don’t want any more fights. I just escaped from the castle, and I just wanna get away. I was just lucky that the anti-magic field somehow dissapeared so that I could teleport out of there. þlacebø: You c’n do magic? Tom: Yeah, I’m really good with magic spells and such! gar: Hey, you share my thinking there pal! What sort of spells can you do? Tom: Wait, are you guys good or evil? gar: We ain’t out to cause problems. We’ve just escaped from a sticky situation ourselves. Don’t worry, you can trust us! Tom: Okay then, I’ll tell you a little about my magic… Tom walks away from the castle, chatting with the two strangers he just met. Meanwhile, at the castle, the bomb counter reaches 1:00. TO BE CONTINUED Marril ------------------------------------------------------------------ Chapter 19 *In some trees just out side loking.* Lone Wolf: Were nealy there. Ivy: I'm worryed abot the keeper. Wern't we suposed to be rescuing him? Jeff: Yes, but were going to the wind shrine now to look for information on the heart. Raistlin: We should be trying to keep focused, whats our main objective? Lone Wolf and Warteen: To find an answer to the dreems. Ivy and Jeff: Rescue the keeper and the heart of the forest. Jon: I'm not to sure, but I'll help as best I can. Luna: I want to know what has been happening with our castels. Raistlin: And I, along with all the remaining, honarabal nijas of the harf circle, want to stop Evil People inc.. Lone Wolf: Well our interests may be divided but we should press on. Uforious: Hummm? I'm a little disapointed, not one of those resons was "Stop Uforious". Jon: What the! Ivy: You! Jeff: Give the heart back! Lone Wolf: *Draws sorwd.* Or we'll take it from your dead body. Raistlin: Are you working for Evil People inc. *Drars Shurken/nija star/thingy.* Uforious: Jeff, no. Prince Lone Wolf, I'd like to see you try, Raistlin, no I am not. Luna: I'm warning you, Lone Wolf is a formidabal oponent. Jon: Yes we've seen him. Uforious: Do you want a confruntion. Lone Wolf: I don't see why not. Just answer this, are you planning on destoying the world. Uforious: No, I am planing to recrate it, how it should have been. Lone Wolf: Lets just get this over with. Uforious: *Draws Sorwd, the runs are glowing red.* *Swings the sowrd at thin air.* *Flames come out and enguth the area.* *Dissapears* Jon: Arrrrrr, wow, hot hot. Yarrr. Ivy: Hey wait a second. These burns arn't bad. Raistlin: There bad enouth. Ivy: Mabe I was right when I said that person wasn't entirely evil. Maby he could be reached. *The castil explodes* Jon: I think your are corect my lady, that could have been us. TO BE CONTINUED UFO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 20 *back at the castle a mysterious figure appears by the bodies of Slayer and Scalene* Mysterious Figure: Life! *Slayer and Scalene get off the ground* Slayer: Ohhhhhh..... boss! Boss: Yes it's me you fools. It doesn't look like you are good enough to handle this. Scalene: B-Boss give us another chance. We'll show them this time! *Boss walks over to bomb and disables it* Boss: Did they think a stupid little bomb would work? Fools. I want you to kill the ones named gar and þlacebø. . . Now! Scalene and Slayer: Y-y-yes sir! We won't fail you this time. Boss: Here take this. *Boss throws Slayer and Scalene something* Scalene: What's this? Boss: It's a magic absorber. If you use it it will absorb the magic that is casted and give you energy. You should be able to stop those two now. If you fail me this time you will go to that place . . . Slayer: Not t-t-t-that p-p-p-place! Boss: Yes, the place of perpetual torture. . . pokémon land! Now get going! Slayer and Scalene: Yes Boss! TO BE CONTINUED . . . Jeff --------------------------------------------------------------------------------