The Aura Wake Series

Shuriken: *he hugs Aero tight and kisses her back*

Savanos: Congratulations on another victory, Aura Wake.

Ai: Arch Mage!

Savanos: *he walks over to Morpheus* Are you alright, Morpheus?

Morpheus: *he sits up, his body burned* A few burns, but I'll live, Arch Mage.

Savanos: Good. Go to Tolfteir and have him heal you at once. And then, get some rest. You more than earned it, Morpheus.

Morpheus: *he nods* Thank you, Arch Mage. *he stands up and walks past Shuriken and Noah* ....you two make a good team. Keep up the good work, all of you. The magic world needs more mages like you, Aura Wake's new generation.

Noah: Thanks for your help, Morpheus. We couldn't have beaten Salem without you.

Morpheus: *he smiles and nods. He then walks down the stairs. As he does, he passes Ashcroft and Styx.*

Ashcroft: So what will you do now, Styx?

Styx: If I am what you call a "Wake Soul", then I will make myself useful to the Arch Mage however he may see fit.

Savanos: *he looks over at Styx.* For now, just work as a member of Aura Wake. Your future will be decided later.

Styx: What of Cassiopeia and Orion?

Savanos: They are to be arrested and turned in to the magic council for attempted murder and terroristic acts through the use of magic. I doubt that they will be seeing the light of day for a very long time.

Styx: And me?

Savanos: Your magic was not used to threaten the College. All you did was guard a door. You will not be arrested or charged.

Styx: *he bows* Thank you, Arch Mage.

Savanos: Now, enjoy that well-earned freedom of yours, Mr. Ora.

Styx: *he nods and walks away*

Savanos: *he turns and looks down at his son.* Salem....

Salem: *his eyes stir and he looks up at Savanos* Father...

Savanos: You really caused a lot of trouble this time....

Salem: Father, I-

Savanos: *he takes his mask off and smiles lovingly at his son. He then kneels and places a hand on Salem's shoulder* I forgive you. Even though what you did was wrong, you are still my only son. And I love you more than anything in this world.

Salem: Am I to be put away?

Savanos: Since your magic was not used in the Trigger or Trap runes and the mirror was not matched to your energy, we cannot prove that you did anything.

Salem: .....Father...

Savanos: Now that you have learned your lesson, maybe there is hope for you yet. *he stands, puts his mask back on, and turns to Shuriken* And what of you, Mr. Romana? Will you join Aura Wake? After all, you aren't just a Wake Soul, you are a powerful and loyal ally.

Shuriken: *he ponders for a while.* My place....is here with my friends. You have yourself a new mage, Arch Mage.

Savanos: *he smiles proudly* Then welcome to Aura Wake, Shuriken Romana!

Mercer: *he smiles, but scoffs and turns away*

Shuriken: Mercer...

Mercer: *he walks over to Shuriken and raises his fist. However, instead of punching him all-out in the face like last time, he just nudges Shuriken's cheek playfully* Welcome to the team, Lambshank.

~Five days later~

Savanos: *he is sitting at his desk, talking to somebody on his communications crystal* I see. Well then, Tangkath, congratulations on being appointed to the next king of Erinn's guard!

Tangkath: *his image in the crystal shows him with his hair combed back. He is in a white royal guard's uniform with multiple medals pinned on his chest.* Thank you, Arch Mage. At any rate, we on Erinn have recieved word from the United Federation of Planets that they wish to endorse our crown. As a sign of good will, they are sending the greatest chef in Avalon to cook at the corronation banquet. However, as you know since space travel is impossible between the Mobius System and Erinn, he will be arriving by Celestial Gate. However, this means he will need an escort from the Celestial Gate in Dunbarton to Tara. Our guard is too occupied keeping the next king safe. We request that you send a team to escort the chef to Tara. We have recieved word that the Demonic University will be sending their X-Rank to assist, but I would prefer having people I can trust. What I'm saying is, I request Aura Wake.

Savanos: To simply protect a chef? That seems like a strech.....

Tangkath: There is more. I recall you telling Pointsettia about the snake that Aura Wake encountered in Triet Ruins when they went to rescue Master Crimson. You said it was something called a Primordial Beast?

Savanos: Yes.

Tangkath: Well, I believe there may be one on Erinn...

Savanos: A Primordial Beast on Erinn?! Are you sure?!

Tangkath: As you know, there is an island to the south of Belvast. A vast island, guarded by earthquakes and tidal waves with the epicenter being the island itself. I was sailing past it and heard something...a loud, monsterous roar, like a giant boar storming about the island.

Savanos: ....a giant boar....This is very interesting. Very well. I will allow it.

Tangkath: Thank you, Arch Mage. *the communication ends. Savanos sits back and ponders. Morpheus, Sparkai, and Ashcroft are all in his office.*

Savanos: Morpheus, I want you to contact the Demonic University and Neonorium. Its time that the Wormlord, Grand Warlock, and myself have a moot. Ashcroft, you are to go to Titanus and meet with the X-rank of the Neonorium. If we can get him to agree to what I have planned, then one of our biggest problems might be solved. Sparkai, I want you to go get Aura Wake and tell them about their new mission.

Morpheus: If I may ask, Arch Mage, why would you wish to call a moot?

Savanos: You will find out at the moot, Morpheus. You are all dismissed. *he sits back and takes out a newspaper. On the headline are the words "Celestial Faith builds forces on Icecrown! Tensions run high as High King Delques fades! War Imminent!"*


Noah: *he and Mercer are having an arm wrestling match in the Aura Wake dorms. Ai is sitting down on one of the comfy chairs, reading a book titled "Ward Manipulation and You!". Shuriken and Aero are practicing their fire magic with Adriee while Stiletto is coloring a coloring book and Styx polishes his armor.* C'mon, Mercer! I'm gonna beat you!

Mercer: *he is barely even trying* Yeah, keep trying, tidbit. *he yawns and checks his watch while Noah keeps pushing his hardest.* Aaaaaaaand time to end it. I BELIVE I CAN FLYYYYYYY! *he slams Noah's hand into the table in an instant*

Noah: Aw man!

Mercer: HA! Pay up, morsel! *he holds his hand out*

Noah: *he places $$5 into Mercer's hand*

Adriee: *she looks over in time to see Noah's humiliation and giggles*
Sparkai: *she flings open the door to the dorm and marches in. She seems a bit uneasy.* Alright munchkins. Listen up. We are going back to Erinn.
Areo: *she looks over from her practices and raises an eyebrow* Back to erinn? what for? is Tarnag Back?
Sparkai: Oh, god no! You are escorting an important person from Dunbarton to Tara.
Adriee: ....Thats all?
Sparkai: No. that isnt all. After that is over, you are to investigate a small island, south of belvast.
Adriee: *she jumps up, letting out a giddy squeal, earning herself many strange looks* Belvast?! I must let my Uncle Bassanio know we're coming!
Sparkai: *facepalms*

Stiletto: Your uncle? *she holds onto Adriee's alch robes and looks up* Does that make him my uncle too, big sis?

*then, Ashcroft walks in, a concerned look on his face. He begins packing his things.*

Noah: Whats up, Ashcroft?

Ashcroft: Urgent business on Titanus.

Noah: Can you tell us any more about our mission on Erinn?

Ashcroft: You're escorting a very famous chef to Tara. He's from Avalon, so you probably heard of him. He's called "The Gourmet". Very flamboyant and very flashy. And he's worth a large amount of coin. So, bandits might want him. He'll meet you kids in Dunbarton.

Noah: The Gourmet?! I heard of him! I've even tried one of his dishes when my father would take me to the palace! His cooking is supposed to be the best in the galaxy!

Mercer: Do we get any food from him?! *he walks over to Ashcroft and grabs him by the shoulders and starts shaking him* TALK, MAN! DO WE GET ANY FOOD FROM THIS GUY?!

Ashcroft: Yes. After all, you are all invited to the coronation since you guys were the ones who dethroned Tarnag.

Ai: Sounds like fun!

Ashcroft: It might not be as fun as you think. You'll be working with someone from another school. An X-Rank, like me.

Styx: Another X-Rank?

Ashcroft: Yes. The one from the Demonic University. As you know, there is the Neonorium on Rapture and the College here at Avalon. However, on the former Combine Homeworld of Zul, there is a school for extremely powerful Warlocks, Witches, Witch doctors, and other forms of Dark Magic users. The Demonic University, or Devil U as they're called. Not much is known about them, but their teams are very strong. Their version of Aura Wake is a group called the Diablo Quintet. They're five of the strongest dark magic users out there. And the X-Rank from there is the only Celestio-Sapian Warlock in the entire galaxy. He's called Nike, the Demonic God of Victory.

Shuriken: Have you ever met him?

Ashcroft: No, but I've heard of his magic. They say he's untouchable. He mastered Fel Armor to a degree thought unimaginable. They say his defense....is strong enough to rival that of the infamous God of Defense, Vein.

Mercer: A warlock that mastered Fel Armor....He has to have a weak point. His back maybe?

Ashcroft: I'm confident they don't say he's got Absolute Defense just for show.

Mercer: Hmmmm....How could one do that? I'm interested.

Noah: Mercer, if you're a Warlock, did you ever consider studying at Devil U?

Mercer: No. I'm a member of the Law family. We hated the Combine. And the fact that it is on Zul, the former Combine homeworld, makes it no man's land for me.

Noah: I see. What about the island we're going to investigate?

Ashcroft: Nike will explain it to you, I'm sure. The Arch Mage had a little chit chat with the Grand Warlock before letting me go. They're in on this mission.

Noah: By the way, why didn't the Devil U team compete in the Mage's Games?

Ashcroft: Because....Devil U's students refuse to compete. Last time they did....They destroyed the entire stadium. That was more than 10 years ago, from what the Arch Mage told me.

Noah: No way...they're that strong?

Ashcroft: All of their students are. Anyway, I have to go. I'm meeting with the X-Rank from the Neonorium. He and I have to have a little chit chat....

Styx: Good luck, Ashcroft.

Ashcroft: *he nods and walks out.*

Noah: Okay, guys! Lets head over to the Celestial Gate and head to Erinn!

Mercer: Lets roll, tidbits!

Ai: Back to Erinn we go!~

Shuriken: I hope we get a warm welcome...

Styx: Even though I was involved in the destruction of an entire city there, I will do my best to help.

Stiletto: I hope its nice there. I like sunny places a lot more than rainy places!~

Sparkai: ok lolipop guild, lets go!

*she leads them through the celestial gates, but this time, they end up on the outskirts of Tir Chonaill. Large black wolves are attacking the small herd of sheep that is kept there, but a green haired, red eyed elf girl is picking them off with a glowing masterpiece bow. Soon the wolves are gone. The girl gets on a horse and faces the group. Her eyes narrow and her horse paws the ground.*

Adriee: Oh dear Morrighan... Not her....
Aero: Who's that?
Adriee: She's an old enemy of mine... HIT THE GROUND!!!

*the horse runs at the group and jumps, barely missing Shruiken's head with its rear hooves. The girl and horse soon disappear*

Adriee: Is everyone alright?

Shuriken: He...hehe....So much for a warm welcome....

Mercer: *he turns in the direction the horse ran off and yells* OI! WATCH WHERE YOU'RE RIDING, YA KNIFE-EARED MANIAC!

Ai: Who was that exactly?

Adriee: Her name is Riona. She is a very mean elf, and for some reason, had set her sights set on me. In all honestly, do not pick a fight with her. That spirit weapon of hers rival's the memory mage's dragon fang, despite Riona's being a bow.
Aero: Anyone else want your head on a stick?
Adriee: I'll know them when I see them.

Noah: Well, no use worrying about it now.

Shuriken: Agreed. We should get to Dunbarton as quickly as possible and find the Gourmet. *the group enters Tir Chonaill. As they walk, they hear a deep voice from on top of one of the roofs.*

???: "What a piece of work is a man, how noble in reason, how infinite in faculties, in form and moving how express and admirable, in action how like an angel, in apprehension how like a god! the beauty of the world, the paragon of animals—and yet, to me, what is this quintessence of dust? Man delights not me—nor woman neither, though by your smiling you seem to say so.".....ah. The work of the Tragic Bard truly is a masterpiece in its own right. *sitting on top of the roof is a large Celestio-Sapian. His mask is blank white with red circles around the eye holes. He is wearing a tight dark blue shirt with suspenders around his shoulders from his pants. His muscles are rippling. His arms must have been at least as thick as elm trees. His hair is down and spiked out at the bottom, giving him the look of having wings. He is leaned back, a copy of "Shakespeare's Hamlet" in his hands. He stops reading and looks down at Aura Wake. He then stands up and leaps down off the roof, landing in front of them. He's at least 7'9".* You must be Aura Wake.

Noah: *he's speechless. The sheer size of this guy was amazing.*

Mercer: That energy...you're a warlock!

Ai: He's huge!

Styx: He feels powerful. Very powerful.

Stiletto: *she looks up at the man and cocks her head to the side* How does he fit inside doors?

???: By ducking very low. My name is Nike. I'm the X-Rank from the Demonic University.

Adriee: *she has to look straight up to see his face* damn youre tall.
Aero: Youre telling us... Anyway, I'm Aero. This is noah, styx, mercer, shruiken, Adriee, and stiletto. Nice to meet you.

Nike: *he bows to them respectfully.* A pleasure to meet all of you.

Noah: You're...a lot more polite than we thought you'd be.

Nike: What? Did you expect me to be some cocky, brash, boar of a man?

Mercer: Kinda.

Nike: A fellow Warlock, I see. Tell me, what form of Warlock Arts did you master?

Mercer: Bound Weapons and Demonic Synch.

Nike: Demonic Synch? That's only possible with a Lord-Rank demon. I take it you must be Mercer, the Warlock that I've heard so much about.

Mercer: You heard of me?

Nike: Yes. The Grand Warlock was interested in taking you on as an apprentice. However, you joined the College before we could track you down.

Mercer: Thank the gods for that...

Nike: *he shrugs off Mercer's comment and turns his attention to the others. First, Noah.* Hmmm...You're an Atronach Mage.

Noah: How'd you know?

Nike: I can feel the residual energy from an Atronach off you. *to Ai* Hmmmm...Support mage?

Ai: Y-yes! I also use Wards!

Nike: Can you turn yours into spearheads?

Ai: Yes!

Nike: Then I am in good company. I can do the same with my Fel Armor. *he turns his attention to Stiletto. * My my! Aren't you adorable?

Stiletto: *she looks up and smiles* You're really nice, Mister!

Nike: *he turns his attention to Shuriken* I smell blood on you. You're a Maleficarum. I didn't think the College took on Blood Mages.

Shuriken: They don't. I'm just an exception.

Nike: Then well met. *he turns to Styx.* Not every day you see a Fortesian Mage. I thought your kind detested magic.

Styx: Believe it or not, Fortesian history was steeped in magic thanks to our first king, Midas. I use his form of magic.

Nike: Then I look forward to fighting beside you. *he then turns his attention to Adriee.* Oh my. You must be Adriee, daughter of the Memory Mage and one of the Royal Alchemists of Erinn. Word of your beauty has traveled far in the short time you were in the College, and I heard that it was near unparalleled, but I can seen now that those rumors hardly do you justice. *he then turns to Aero* And the famous battle mage Aero LaManto. I heard you defeated Fenrir during the last Mage's games. Wrath, the Werewolf that he used as a Ghoul, was a friend of mine. Thank you for bringing his soul peace.

Adriee: *her face turns red* Well... I guess~
Aero: *she nods and bows politely*

Noah: So then, are we headed to Dunbarton?

Nike: Indeed. The Gourmet is waiting for us. I must say, I heard he's rather.....different.

Mercer: Different shmifferent, as long as he cooks good food, he's okay in my book!

*the group begins walking towards Dunbarton*

Styx: So Nike, what do you know about the other X-Ranks?

Nike: I know Ashcroft is a very powerful mage. His Burst Magic is the all-piercing spear to my impenetrable shield. If the two of us fought, it would be a standoff the likes of which would impress even the Three Saint Wizards.

Stiletto: *she is sitting on Nike's shoulders as he carries her.* Three Saint Wizards?

Nike: The Arch Mage, the Wormlord, and the Grand Warlock. They are the three strongest magic users in the entire galaxy.

Noah: The Arch Mage is our teacher, and we've seen the Wormlord, but what is the Grand Warlock like?

Nike: He is the most powerful dark arts user in the galaxy. His name is Tyranus, and he is actually from Erinn. He's a Formor, a Lizardman.

Shuriken: He must be very strong...

Nike: He could crush me and the other X-Ranks like bugs. All of the Saint Wizards can.

Ai: What about the X-Rank from the Neonorium?

Nike: He's....different. He's a very powerful Necromancer. However, he is the least social of the three of us. Very dark, very brooding. They say he is descended from the infamous Wormlord from during the Geneforce Era, Grom Reaver...

~Titanus~

Ashcroft: *he walks over to the large statue of the god Deshdae in the center of Titanus' capital city, Deshdaegard. He looks around and finally spots the man he was sent to meet. Sitting on top of the statue of Nemesis, God of Vengeance, is a Necral in a long black kilt. His black jacket only comes up to the top of his rib cage, revealing his near-perfectly toned abs. His skin is a misty, dead blue color and he has black bone tattoos all over his body, each bone in the exact place it would be if his skeleton was exposed. On his head is a tall undertaker's top hat and on his eye is a sliver-lined monocle. He is wearing black, fingerless gloves and his nails are bone white and sharpened into talon-like points. His feat are in black footwraps while his toes, also bone white and sharpened, are exposed. He is holding a large black coffin on his back by the gauntlet-like handle on the back of it. The coffin is lined with silver trim with death green Necromantic runes all over it. The necral adjusts his monocle as Ashcroft approaches.* Valtor Reaver. Son of Godfrey Reaver, last Wormlord before the rise of Manimeus Bonemark, and X-Rank of the Neonorium.

Valtor: *he regards Ashcroft with a slight hint of disdain.* Ashcroft. X-Rank of Aura Wake. What brings you here to look for me? Manimeus too busy trying to groom that hound of his, Heinrich, to come looking for me himself?

Ashcroft: Actually, I'm here on business from all three schools. Arch Mage Savanos Narn plans to call a Moot. The X-Ranks are required to be there as well as the teams that each side chooses.

Valtor: Teams? Don't tell me I have to sit there with that motley crew, the Blackwald Five?

Ashcroft: Yes, you do. Valtor, I know we never got along, but listen to me here. The schools need us.

Valtor: ....alright. I'll go. On one condition, Ashcroft.

Ashcroft: And what is that?

Valtor: *he leaps down from the statue and grips the coffin like a fist* You last at least 10 minutes against me.

Ashcroft: *he bites back a curse* Do you have any idea how much I owe the governments in property damage as is? If we fight, I'll have more added onto my fine.

Valtor: Too bad. They can fix the damage. I've been inactive for far too long. After all, the Neonorium relies more on the Blackwald Five than me. I need to let loose. Manimeus fails to remember....*his aura builds up so much that the dead below him begin to rise from the earth and begin to tear themselves apart from the pain of being resurrected so suddenly* I could crush Heinrich and his ilk like grubs with my thumb alone!

*As the group walks, they here a faint rumble which grows louder and louder each second. Before they knew it, several humans, elves, and giants riding elephants and horse pulled wagons loaded down with goods, runs past*
Aero: THE HELL IS THAT?!
Adriee: relax. They're just commercing. Instead of relying on the major transports in Uladh, the milletian take it upon themselves to help transfer goods all over, including belvast, and they get paid in fomorian currency; Ducats. Ducats can be used to but certain upgrade items, things to help your demigod, if you have it, and weapons.

Noah: Looks like fun!

Ai: Agreed! I would love to do that some day!

Nike: I actually plan on doing that when I retire. That way, I won't go soft with my magic but I won't be in as much hot water with missions.

Noah: Hot water?

Shuriken: You mean the threat of bandits, don't you?

Nike: Yes. And there happens to be one particular bandit that has been making himself known here on Erinn. He's the only one of his kind, half-giant, half-elf. They call him Rush. He's supposed to be the fastest man on Erinn. And the only thing he loves more than ambushing merchants is food. He's the reason why we're gathered like this en mass to protect the Gourmet. Rush will most likely be all over the Gourmet like white on rice.

Styx: How does this Rush fight?

Nike: Apparently he's a Fighter-class. His technique, Nail Drill, is something to be worried about. It specializes in piercing armor by hitting the armor in one spot multiple consecutive times in an instant, creating a gaping crack or blasting the person inside the armor apart.

Stiletto: So, like a nail and hammer?

Nike: Yes. However, I wonder if he can pierce my Fel Armor? I'm excited to find out!

*finally, the group arrives to Dunbarton*

Noah: Wow, Dunbarton's really recovered well since Tarnag was beaten.


~Titanus~

Ashcroft: Fine. I guess there's no avoiding it. *he cracks his knuckles and then his neck* All out, or simple sparring?

Valtor: Now now, Ashcroft, you know that answer already...

Ashcroft: All-out it is then. *his aura builds up and then he points at Valtor* TOWER BURST!

Valtor: *he takes the coffin off his fist and jumps, putting it under him. The explosions ring out under the coffin and Valtor rises up, using the coffin to ride the explosive forces.* My turn...*he opens the coffin* Valtori Necromance.....*a giant skeletal hand comes up out of the coffing. Then, out comes a skull. Then another. Then another. Then another skeletal arm and hand. Then a full spine. From the spine, large skeletal wings expand. Green undead flames lick out around the bones. The three skulls sit atop a single neck. Floating there in front of Ashcroft is a large, three-headed skeleton with no legs, giant wings, and giant arms. The thing dwarfed Ashcroft by standing a good 9 stories tall. Valtor lands on the skeleton beast's head and plants the coffin in the center skull. The coffin glows and Valtor rests his foot on the coffin.* Tragedy of Grom Reaver. *the beast roars and a large bone scythe forms in its hands.* Now then, Ashcroft, are you ready to begin?

Ashcroft: T-t-there is no way that I am paying for the destruction that thing causes!

Aero: Yea. It looks like none of this ever even happened.
Adriee: Lets keep it that way... I'd rather not remember that day...
Aero: ....right. But it also seems that magic is back! *she sees a mage dueling a fighter over in the square* Speaking of mages, I thought we would have run into Pointsettia by now.

*sitting up on top of the dunbarton bank is Pointsettia, but she looks a bit different. One of her eyes are red while the other remains purple. Her green wizard hat no longer has a steel star on it, but a black fomorian symbol. She's still in the green outfit, and is twirling her metal ice wand around in her hands. Next to her is a sad looking, droopy eared elf. He too is holding an ice wand.*
Point: They are the ones who brought magic back to erinn.
???: Really?! They must be really good!
Point: You have no idea. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't be here.
???: Master Pointsettia, will I be able to meet them?
Point: Relax Xute. At the coronation banquet later on. *she whistles and an ice dragon lands on the ground in front of the bank. Be ready before then. I'll come by Filia to get you.

Nike: Now, the Gourmet should be somewhere around here...

???: Helloooooo, Mages! *standing there is a Celestio-Sapian with a mask that has long, black whiskers coming from under the nose. He is wearing a tall chef's hat and a blue shirt with a white apron and brown pants along with black tap dancing shoes. He claps his hands over his head twice and then proceeds to do a flamingo-style dance while stomping his feet on the ground. Finally, he stomps once and out from behind him comes a flash of fireworks.* I have been waiting for you! I am the greatest chef in the entire galaxy! A man who's meals could melt the heart of even the Bandersnatch King of Vales! I am....*he claps his hands, creating another flash of fireworks behind him* The Gourmet!

Noah: o_o;

Ai: o_o;

Mercer: -_-;

Shuriken: ....eh?

Styx: *he crosses his arms and shakes his head*

Stiletto: ...*she tugs Adriee's shirt* He's weird....


Valtor: Act I.....Tears of the Val'kier's Sorrow! *the bone giant swipes its scythe and out flies thousands of tear drop shaped energy blasts*

Ashcroft: Yikes! *he dashes out of the way* Erinn Art...Transform! *his wings explode out from his back* Ancient Black Crow! *he takes off into the sky*

Valtor: Act II....Fury of a Blonde War Goddess and Snake's Dismay! *The bone giant slices the ground, sending out thousands of skeleton soldiers with bone gun lances to fly into the air.*

Ashcroft: HOLY-*the skeletons all fire thousands of buckshot-style attacks at Ashcroft, who narrowly dodges them* NOT COOL! USING THOUSANDS OF SHOTGUN-STYLE GUN LANCE WIELDING SOLDIERS IS NOT COOL!

Valtor: I'm sorry. I don't care. *the soldiers all fly at Ashcroft, poised to strike*

Ashcroft: *he makes an upside-down cross with his arms* HOLDOUT BURST! *the blast engulfs the soldiers, stopping them from reaching him.*

Valtor: Act III....Conquest For the Kronos Stone! *the bone giant creates a giant green energy blast on the scythe blade*

Ashcroft: OH COME ON! THAT IS DEFINITE OVERKILL!

Adriee: *she chuckles and shakes her head.*
Aero: You. You're the Gourmet? Pretty flashy. *she notices the weird stares from the Milletians and the Tuatha de.*

Gourmet: Ha! Pay those onlookers no mind! They cannot tell what real culinary art truly is nor can they tell a true artist when they see one!

Nike: I see....art...

Noah: *he whispers to Mercer* This guy is off his rocker...

Shuriken: We will do our best to guard you.

Gourmet: *he struts, stops, clicks his heels on the ground, then claps his hands twice above his head* Very well! To the coronation! There, you shall see art in its purest culinary form! *he walks off*

Styx: *he glances at Adriee* This is going to be a long journey. *he feels Stiletto tugging at his sash-like robe* Hmmm?

Stiletto: Can you carry me, Mr. Styx?

Styx: Very well. *he reaches down and picks Stiletto up, placing her on his shoulder and holding his hand out so she can rest her feet on his hand*

Stiletto: *she smiles and holds on to Styx's armored head*


Valtor: *the skeleton monster swipes down at Ashcroft, the blast flying right at him*

Ashcroft: *he points his hands up at the blast* DUAL TOWER BURST! *two explosion towers thrust up at the blast, blocking it completely.*

Valtor: *he reaches into his jacket pocket and checks the time using the small silver pocket watch he keeps in his jacket* Hmmm. Right. *the coffin on his arm opens and the skeletal monster is sucked back in* Time's up. That was a good fight, Ashcroft. Really let me stretch out.

Ashcroft: Ummm....just like that?

Valtor: Yes. Now then, I'll be returning to Rapture. *he walks off to the spaceport*

Ashcroft: *he sighs* that was tough! *walking towards him is a Celestio-Sapian in a constable's outfit*

Officer: Ashcroft! There you are!

Ashcroft: Yes, Officer?

Officer: The damages have been added to your fines.

Ashcroft: WHAT?! BUT VALTOR DID THIS!

Officer: Oh? And where is he?

Ashcroft: *he looks around, but Valtor is nowhere to be seen* He...he....THAT SNEAKY CORPSE DID THIS ON PURPOSE!

Aero: Well then. Lets get going~ We wouldn't want to be late, now would we?
Adriee: For a coronation? hell no.

*and so the group begins the long walk to Tara! they first arrive at the mountain pass*

Noah: I've actually tried your food before. Its very good.

Gourmet: Ah! A true lover of art, yes?

Noah: It was only once. At the Avalon Palace.

Gourmet: Now I remember you! You're Duke Wolfenritter's son!

Mercer: Your father is a Duke?

Noah: Well, yeah. And yes, I am.

Gourmet: A pleasure to see you again, my boy! Come the night of the coronation, you shall feast like a king! All of you shall! For I, *he claps his hands again* The Gourmet, shall prepare a feast that will make your taste buds believe you have died and gone to heaven!

Mercer: *his mouth begins to water* I hope you can cook a lot. I eat....A LOT!

Gourmet: A lover of food! I am in good company! Or, at least, very slobber company!

*suddenly, an explosion rings out on the cliff face above them*

Nike: Its an ambush!

*the rocks from the cliff face fall and form a wall in front of the group*

Gourmet: *he leaps up in fright and lands in Shuriken's arms* OH GODS SAVE MEEEE!

Shuriken: Get a hold of yourself, man!

*a figure lands on top of the rocks. Its a boy, about 17 or 18, with bronze hair with black highlights. He's wearing a dark brown assassin-style outfit. On his hands are leather gloves with strange, glowing knuckles on them. The boy leaps off the rocks and lands. He's standing at around Styx's height, making him shorter than a Giant but taller than a human or elf.*

???: *the boy laughs and then crosses his arms, a cocky smile on his face* Finally! I've been waiting for you guys all day! Do you have any idea how boring it is waiting for that prissy chef to finally decide to get moving!

Nike: I take it you're the infamous bandit, Rush?

Rush: Damn right I am! *he cracks his knuckles, then whistles out. Down from the rocks propel a group of bandits of all races, all wearing lesser versions of Rush's armor. Rush then bows* The Moon Road Bandits, at your humble service. Hahahaha! Now then, we'll be taking the Gourmet!

Gourmet: *he's still clinging to Shuriken for dear life. He looks over at the mages* WELL DON'T JUST STAND THERE! SAVE ME!

Adiree: *she loads a green crystal into her cylinder and fires a yellow beam at a bandit, absorbing its energy*
Aero: *she whips out her ice wand and rapid fires icebolts*

Noah: *he spins his staff, letting out a jet of flames to blast back two imp mage bandits.*

Mercer: *he uses his Bound Longsword and Shortsword to block a giant bandit's lance and then slices, flinging the bandit back*

Ai: *she puts up a ward wall that blocks a bunch of arrows from the bandit archers*

Stiletto: *she smiles and then the shadows around her reach out and grab the bandit archers, pinning them to the ground*

Shuriken: *he tosses the Gourmet into the air and lets out a torrent of blood flames at a bandit ogre that tries to get too close. After the ogre is burned to a crisp, he catches the Gourmet again*

Styx: *he crosses his arms and thrusts downward* Midas....Ion Cannon! *an Ion blast rains down at the bandits still on the cliffs*

Rush: *he smiles pridefully and then gets low* Nail...*he puts his fists into a boxer's stance and then begins charging while dashing from side to side at Nike* Driver! *he tries to drive his fist into Nike, but his fist hits a wall of green energy around Nike, and the sound of the bones in his fist breaking and splintering echoes throughout the trail* GAAAAAH!

Nike: And here I thought you had a technique that could beat my defense...too bad. *He brings his fist up* I will at least grant you a swift death. *however, before he can let his fist loose, a strange, claw-like leg appears to tear out from Rush's chest. Under Rush is a strange being who's arms are bound by a black, Gothic straight jacket. Its legs are covered in black metal with a long, needle-tipped tail. Its face is hidden by a muzzle and its hair, which looks like it should be long and free, is bound back in a ponytail. Its eyes are black, the mark of somebody brought back by Necromancy.* What the hell?

*suddenly, the remaining bandits are cut apart by a blood red wind. And then, two girl laughs echo throughout the trail*

Mercer: I know that voice....

Shuriken: And I know the other one all too well...

Stiletto: *she grabs Adriee's shirt and gets close, showing that she is scared almost out of her mind.*

Styx: Whoever they are, they killed every single one of the bandits....

Noah: That isn't a good thing, Styx. The people that I think those laughs belong to, they're far worse than bandits...

Gourmet: Mages! What the hell is going on?! I demand an explanation!

*out from behind a sharp turn on the trail walk two very familiar figures*

Nonali: Good work, Assassin.

Assassin: *the creature looks back at Nonali, nods, then jumps back to her, its body kept low to the ground*

Mercer: I thought that energy was familiar. That thing is a Noble Phantom. Well, what hero did you defile this time?

Nonali: A hero from the Daedric War. His name was Zeke Spiritson. However, the history books have barely anything on his existence.

Ai: Of all the people we had to run into on Erinn, why did it have to be you?!

Nonali: Oh, but Assassin and I aren't alone this time....*she gestures with her head to the figure next to her.*

*the second figure cracks her neck and glares at Shuriken*

Kunai: Good to see you again....brother.

Adriee: Uh.... Who are the cream puffs?
Aero: Nonali, a little bitch that never seemes to understand the meaning of defeat and likes ressurecting dead heroes to fight us instead of doing her own work, and that is Kunai, Shuriken's sister and someone who I believe wants my head on a platter. of was it on a stick.....
Sparkai: Not this again.....
Aero: Sparkai, why bring out one of your weak golems~
Sparkai: *she begins to tremble* Did..... did you j-just.... DID YOU JUST INSULT MY GOLEMS?!?! *she summons a castle golem, jumps onto its shoulder, and stares down Kunai and Nonali, fire raging in her eyes* I'LL SHOW YOU HOW "WEAK" MY GOLEMS ARE!!!!
Adriee: Aero.... You did it now...
Aero: o-o... I may have overdid it? heheh....
Adriee: Sparkai is who I learned everythinng i know about golems from. She takes her "art" very VERY seriously...

Nonali: *she looks extremely annoyed* CREAM PUFF?! I'LL SHOW YOU CREAM PUFF! *she holds her hands out and another Ballad of the Noble Phantoms seal forms* I CALL UPON YE FROM THE LAND OF THE DEAD! UNLEASH THINE FURY ON THOSE WHO WOULD HARM THE CASTER OF THIS SPELL! COME, HE WHO RIDES TO JUSTICE AND TEARS EVIL ASUNDER! DIVINE BLADES, RIP! COME FORTH, RIDER! *out from the seal leaps a large, wolf-dear crossbreed made of crystal. It roars, letting out a bell-like chime with its roar. However, that wasn't Rider. That was his mount. Rider's upper body was literally attached to the beast's back. It was tall, with a black robe top. On its head was a witch's hat, much like Mercer's. Its arms were two large silver claws with crosses on the backs of the hands. Rider looked forward at Aura Wake, its eyes gleaming*

Mercer: No...I'd know those claws anywhere....That's.....Alex Tiberius Law.

Noah: Isn't he one of your family's ancestors?!

Mercer: *he nods, his eyes wide with emotional pain at what became of his ancestor.*

Rider: *he brings his claws to ready and the crystal beast that is his lower half rears up and roars* What is thine bidding, my master?

Nonali: That Golem, the girl who summoned it, and the girl that called me "Cream puff". Kill them. Kill them all. And leave nothing left!

Rider: Yes, my master....

Nonali: Assassin, you and I will deal with our friends from Aura Wake.

Assassin: *he nods.*

Kunai: Shuriken....Lets settle this.

Shuriken: Very well. *his blood flames burst forth around his body*

Kunai: That's the spirit! *her blood wind lifts her off the ground and she flies at Shuriken*

Shuriken: *he hands the Gourmet off to Styx* Guard him.

Styx: Got it.

Shuriken: *his flames burst out again and he flies at Kunai, the two colliding in a force of wind and fire.*

Noah: Mercer, Ai, Aero. We can handle Nonali and Assassin! Adriee. You, Stiletto, and Sparkai should be able to take Rider!

Adriee: Right! *she loads a dark blue crystal with a thunderbolt in it into her cylinder.* Thunder! *massive botls of lightning rain down at Rider*
Sparkai: *her golem begins to climb the rocky wall, boulders rolling down*

Aero: *she faces Nonali and pulls out her bladed lightning wand*