The Aura Wake Series

Shuriken: *he gets up painfully* Thanks for the save, Point.

Noah: Master Pointsettia! You came just in the nick of time.

Styx: thank you for the help. *he puts his fist in his palm and bows* I have a feeling that Blood Mage had more tricks up his sleeve than just extreme regeneration and the ability to control the blood in people's bodies. Had he more blood in his body, he could have given me trouble.

Ai: *she runs out with Adriee and Nike* Master Point! *she runs over to Point* Where did the Blood Mage go?

Styx: He fled. Apparently, he can only manipulate his own blood or the blood of others while it is still in their bodies. A dangerous ability indeed...

Mercer: *he and Sparkai ride in* Looks like we missed the party!

Styx: No worries. *he gestures his head at Point* She came and saved us.

Mercer: Point! Good to see ya, Memory Tidbit!

Styx: Memory...She's the Memory Mage?

Mercer: Yeah, why?

Styx: *he bows his head solemnly and kneels in front of Point, like a man at the chopping block* I owe you a blood debt...It was my former team, the Spell Hawks, and myself that were responsible for the destruction of the city Taillteann during Tarnag's revolt and the war against the Alchemists...


~The College, Savanos's study~
*Savanos is sitting at his desk, going through scrolls while dealing with paperwork involving the Adept mages' latest prank, which was turning all of the Crystal Water in the Alchemy Labs into pink lemonade, when a large silver clock appears in front of him. The hands hit the twelve mark, and the clock turns into a portal. Out steps a Celestio-Sapian pureblood with chrome metallic skin and no mask. His hair is covered completely by the hood of his cloak, which was deep blue with gold trim. His eyes were stern, yet very wise. In his hand is a large staff with a set of three cogs on the top that turn around each other in a ball. Savanos looks up and smiles, as if the man's appearance was a pleasant surprise.*

Savanos: Why, hello there, Kavar. How are you this fine day? Its not every day that the universe's greatest Atronach Mage makes an appearance in my study.

Kavar: *his voice is commanding with a slight English tone to it* It is good to see you as well, Savanos. I come because I am looking for the Atronach Mage that you were bragging about to me a few days ago.

Savanos: Noah? He's out on a mission. Why? Is he in some sort of trouble with your order?

Kavar: No. Quite the opposite actually. WE are the ones who are in trouble...The Celestial Faith plans to launch an all-out genocidal attack on Icecrown. All those that do not comply and convert to the Faith will be killed.

Savanos: *his eyes widen and he stands up* How do you know this?!

Kavar: *he passes his hand in the air* Because my Atronach, Century, told me. *behind Kavar is a liquid silver being sitting on a large black ball with a Clockwork-style ring floating around it. on the ball is the image of a clock that constantly appears no matter where you look at the ball or at what angle.* He showed me. After all, he is the Atronach of Time.

Savanos:...something tells me that isn't the main reason you need Noah.

Kavar: We also need the Atronach Mages from the Neonorium and Demonic University. The Ten Commandments will be leading The Faith's attack.

Savanos: But the Icecrownians would never forsake their own beliefs just because they're being threatened! The Faith would end up in an all-out war! Millions of innocent lives would be lost!

Kavar: That's not all...we found HIM. The one you asked us to track down for you.

Savanos: *his eyes go blank with what looks like sadness and dismay* You did...?

Kavar: ....He currently leads the Ten Commandments. Just like the genocide against Mages that he started all those years ago.

Savanos: No....*he turns around and looks up at a painting behind him. In it is Savanos, Salem, Morpheus, Rex, and another boy. They were all about 10 in that painting. The boy had black hair that was down and sideswept, yet stuck out like straw. His eyes were clear crystal blue. Savanos had his hand on the boy's shoulder. Savanos then stood up, walked over to the painting, and touched it gingerly* Oh why.....why would he do this?...

Kavar: Savanos...that boy is evil. I told you this time and again. You can't change everybody...not all Wake Souls are good. Tarnag was a shining example of that case...

Savanos: *he looks at Kavar, a hint of anger at what he said in his eyes* Don't you ever lump my former student in with that monster!

Kavar: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to imply that. But Savanos, you must tell Noah to come to the abandoned room on the fourth floor when he gets back. I will meet him there. The Spellweave Order has need of him. *after saying that, Kavar is engulfed by two large clock hands and disappears completely.*

Point: *she holds out a hand to Help Styx up off the ground* relax, you are forgiven. *she looks around the group* I didn't fire a single icebolt. Xute here was the one who saved you. I'm just his escort to the Ceremony.
Xute: *he puts his wand away and looks down, his face as red as the mandolin on his back.* H-h-hello...... *he bows slightly and hides behind the Memory Mage*
Point: This is Xute, a wandering Bard That I've taken under my wing for the time being.
Aero: Nice to meet you! I'm Aero!
Sparkai: *she stares off into the sky, lost in thought* Xute.... Where Have I heard that name before.......

Noah: Nice to meet you, Xute. I'm Noah.

Mercer: Mercer. Ya don't need to hide there, morsel. I'm harmless....mostly.

Ai: I'm Ai, nice to meet you!

Shuriken: I'm Shuriken. Thanks for the save.

Styx: Styx, at your service.

Xute: *he doesn't speak anymore*
Point: Well, We still have a ways to go if you want to get to Tara. I suggest you finish getting your sleep and set out early in the morning. I'll accompany you, as to make sure that nothing else happens.
Aero: That would be great!
Sparkai: Your company would make our trip much safer.

Noah: Thank you so much, Master Point!

Mercer: Alright then. Now, I need to rest. That blood-moving tidbit did a real number on me...

Ai: *she walks over to Mercer and hugs his arm* Then lets head back in.

Mercer: *he blushes wildly and hides his eyes behind his hat as the group goes to walk back into the inn*

Nike: *he studies Xute carefully* This boy...could he be...*he simply ponders and keeps walking.*

*in the doorway of the inn, Stiletto is in a pair of white pajamas. She is standing there, yawning. she then opens her eyes lazily and looks up at Adriee.*

Stiletto: Big Sis? What happened?


~A large island off the coast of Belvast~

Vincent: *a blue flash echoes out and Vincent appears on the island* Master Otar....I could not defeat them.

Otar: *he is sitting on a rock, his robes flowing as red winds flow out from the openings. He merely shrugs* It is of no consequence, Vincent.

Kunai: *she is standing below the rock* But Master! If he failed, then that means he should be punished like I was!

Otar: Hold your tongue, Kunai. Or I'll hold it for you. I admit, I sent Vincent in there on the grounds that he would lose. I wanted to test Aura Wake's strength since they were the ones that brought down Volsung. And that plan worked out beautifully. I also wanted to test Vincent's abilities in a real fight. If it hadn't been for that Fortesian breaking up the battle, Vincent would have killed Aura Wake. Everything is going exactly according to plan. *he stands up. Behind him, a pair of insane red eyes open up and a low growl emanates from them* Not even Aura Wake will be able to stand up to us as long as I have you...Primordial Behemoth Armagog.

Armagog: *there is a loud, thunderous roar that sounds like a deep, menacing boar's squeal. Armagog then rears up and hits the ground with its front limbs. The ground shakes so violently, most likely people in even Dunbarton could feel the tremors.*

~The next morning~

Noah: *he wakes up, rejuvenated thanks to Point and Ai's healing spells the night before when they all got back into the inn. He went down to the sitting area and sat down, a glass of orange juice in his hand as he read an issue of Erinn Weekly, the local newspaper for the planet Erinn.* Hmmm...interesting.

Erinn Weekly: Tremors rack Uladh's east coast! As the Royal Alchemists and Royal Guard continue their investigations on the weird seismic activity, they are baffled by the fact that the source of the activity is somewhere in an uncharted region near Belvast. When asked, the Royal Guard and Royal Alchemists had no comments. In other news, the Benefactor's newest supply shop has added new potions and types of dyes!

Noah: These tremors....I bet Nike might know something about them. Maybe they have something to do with the investigation mission we were sent here to do as well?

Mercer: *he walks down and yawns, his eyes a tad bloodshot*

Noah: Rough night?

Mercer: Yeah. That blood tidbit really did a number on me. I hate to admit it, but we got our asses kicked. If it wasn't for Point, Xute, and Styx, we would have died.

Noah: Yeah...That Vincent guy's power over blood...it was terrifying at best.

Shuriken: *he walks down. He had already heard a good amount of Mercer and Noah's talk* It was the most monstrous use of Blood Magic I have ever seen....

Noah: When the others wake up, we should head directly to Tara. We can't afford running into that Blood Mage again...

Shuriken: Guys...there is something you should know. When I first met him, he mentioned one of the Blood Priests...Otar, of the Bloody Tempest.

Noah: Otar?! Isn't he the Wind Blood Priest that we met on Iciaura back when we were still enemies? He seemed strong enough that even Morpheus was on edge against him...

Shuriken: Otar is stronger than Volsung. And more devious. Most likely, if Vincent was working for Otar, it was because Otar had some type of motive to it other than wanting to kill us. I think he was testing us, seeing who we have on our side and how much power he would need to kill us.

Mercer: Do you thing the Windy Tidbit would have something to do with the investigation mission we're gonna do after the coronation?

Shuriken: Otar can't use Bloody Earth. That power belongs to Krosis of the Bloody Tremor. Plus, Stiletto and I would have sensed any blood in the tremors if it had been blood magic. No...if Otar is behind this, it involves something different from Blood Magic.

Noah: We'll worry about that later. For now, lets just wait for the others to wake up.

Point: *She thuds down the stairs, her hair looking like.... a complete wreck. With a yawn, she shakes her head and her hair comically goes back to normal. She turns back to the stairs* XUTE! ADRIEE! STILETTO! SPARKAI! GET YOUR ASSES DOWN HERE BEFORE I DRAG THEN DOWN!!!!!
*Xute is the first one down, yawning loudly. Sparkai and Aero come down next, followed by Adriee carrying Stiletto*
Adriee: Jeez mom... a little fomorian showing there?

Stiletto: *she yawns sleepily and snuggles into Adriee while muttering something in her sleep* Mmmm....ponies...

Styx: *he walks into the inn from the enterance. He had spent the entire night keeping watch for Vincent or any other Blood Mages*

Ai: *she walks downstairs with Aero*

Nike: *he walks downstairs as well, his copy of Hamlet open in his hands as he reads while he walks* To make a man drink his own poison trap...such a way to go...

Noah: Okay, now where is the Gourmet?

Gourmet: *the kitchen of the inn explodes with fireworks and the Gourmet tangos out, his heels clicking on the ground as he dances* I AM HERE! *he claps his hands* Now, off to Tara!

Adriee: *she giggles at Stiletto's mumbling* Somebody is dreaming happy~
Aero: Good morning everyone!
Point: Everyone ready to go? I want to get you all to Tara safely.

Noah: Looks like we all are. To Tara we go!

*The group heads out. As they walk past the fountain in Emain Macha's center plaza, a crowd has formed to look at the destruction from the previous night's fight. As Shuriken walks past the crowd, a tall male Celestio-Sapian pureblood in a toga-like robe over a black and green tunic with black pants and black shoes bumps into him. The man has a large rope with orb-like gourds strung around them. On the man's noseless face is a large scar across where his nose would be and his cheeks. The man smiles*

???: Its been a long time, Shuriken. I hope you aren't slacking off on your training...

Shuriken: *when he hears the voice, he freezes. He looks back, but the guy is gone. The look on Shuriken's face was as if he saw the ghost of someone very close to him appear and disappear in front of his eyes* No way...was that?....

Aero: *she turns to Shuriken* You alright? You look like you've seen a ghost!
*As the group walks, Xute casually pulls out his Mandolin and begins to play as he walks.*
Point: Your bard skills never cease to amuse me, Xute!
Xute: eheheheh.... T-Thank you....

Shuriken: Yeah...i'm fine. I just thought I heard...no. No it couldn't be him...*he smiles at Aero and the group keeps on moving*

Noah: You're really good with that mandolin, Xute! Are you performing at the Coronation Banquet?

Xute: *he nod's nervously.* Y-yeah I am... I really hope I d-dont mess up....
Point: *she places a hand on his shoulder and smiles.* You will do just fine! Just relax, close your eyes, and play.

Noah: Master Point is right! I bet you'll be amazing!

Ai: *she nods* You're music is beautiful, Xute-kun!

Mercer: Yep. Great eating music, tidbit!

*as the group continues onward, they run into no more troubles. Finally, they see it, the walls of Erinn's capital, Tara.*

Noah: Wow! Its beautiful now that I look at it without Tarnag's darkness!

Styx: Such a gem of a city...I can barely describe it.

Stiletto: *she is wide awake and sitting on Nike's shoulders* Pretty!

Nike: Lets head inside. I'm sure Sir Tangkath will be expecting us at the palace.

Noah: I can't wait to see everyone from Erinn again!

Shuriken: Yeah, its gonna be great!

Gourmet: *he claps his hands* Yes! And my culinary art shall soon dazzle the great city of Tara!

*As they walk through the city, the streets soon become crowded with people. They seem to be setting up a festival of some sort*
Adriee: HOW COULD I FORGET?!?!? The tara festival is soon as well!
Aero: The wut now?
Adriee: Its a huges festival full of games and music and food and different types of contests! It's an incredible amount of fun and you can win some very exclusive stuff!
Aero: That sounds like fun!
Adriee: Oh you have no idea!

Noah: This looks like a fun celebration!

Ai: We should check it out after the missions are done!

*finally, the group arrives to the palace gates. Standing there, waiting for them, is Tangkath. His signature greatsword is strapped to his back while he wears the trappings of the Captain of the Royal Guard*

Tangkath: Welcome everyone! *he sees Xute and drops to one knee* Welcome back to the palace, Prince Xute.

Everyone: PRINCE?!

Nike: I knew it.

Tangkath: The preparations for you coronation have been made, my lord. We are ready to begin when you are.

Gourmet: Then I shall head to the kitchen at once! *he clicks his heels against the ground, claps his hands above his head, and sprints off to the palace's kitchens.*

Xute: *he turns to the group and scratckes the back of his head* Y-yeah.... Sorry f-f-for not telling you guys....
Point: I did say i was his Escort...

Noah: Wow, Xute! I can't believe you're going to be king of Erinn! This is amazing! Thank you so much for inviting us to your coronation party!

Ai: Y-yes! Its great!

Mercer: Good luck on that throne there, morsel.

Shuriken: I bet you'll do great.

Styx: Remember, a good king rules for the integrity of his people, not for himself.

Stiletto: *she smiles at Xute*

Nike: Now then, lets head to the palace. I really want to try the Gourmet's cooking. He may be strange, but his food is supposed to be the best.

*and so the group walks into the palace. After a few hours, the party is about to begin.*

Noah: *he is dressed in a suit similar to what his father wears, only the tie is replaced with a blue ascot.* I love these kinds of events! I mean, I hate the dressing up, but its fun to see all the interesting people!

Mercer: *he is in a tieless tux that he refused to tuck in* Yeah, real interesting, tidbit...

Shuriken: *he is in a full red suit with the tie loosely around his neck.* Relax, Mercer, its a party. Have fun.

Styx: *his armor is polished and he remains leaning against a wall with his arms crossed* Formalities...they aren't exactly well known on Icecrown, but I will try my best to be polite.

Nike: *he is dressed in classy-looking Warlock's robes, since a suit could not be made to match his great size* This will still be a good experience. Royal gatherings are very rare in these times.

Ai: *she is in a fashionable dress kimono. She looks over at Aero and the other girls* Hey, Aero-chan, do you think Xute-kun is okay for the coronation? He seems nervous...

Stiletto: *she is in a black princess-like dress and is bothering one of the guards* Hey mister, is that spear real?

Giant Guard: It is. Now leave me alone.

Stiletto: Hey mister, have you ever had to use it?

Giant Guard: Yes. Now leave me alone.

Stiletto: Hey mister, have you ever had to throw someone in jail?

Giant Guard: YES! I HAVE! NOW LEAVE ME ALONE!

Stiletto: ....hey mister?

Giant Guard: WHAT?!

Stiletto: You mad?

Giant Guard: *he starts slamming his head against a wall from sheer annoyance.*

Adriee: *shes wearing an all lavender Juliet style dress with her hair tied back in a tight pony tail* Stiletto, leave the nice guardsman alone. *sh epick up the girl and salutes the guard*

Aero: *she is wearing an ice blue all gown with white and black accents. She gives a spin of approval*

Pointsettia: *She has a sour look on her face. Probably because Sparkai (who was dressed in a dusty rose colored dress), Aero, and Adriee all forced her to wear a straples, light geen princess gown that had a large purple bow on the back* Way to take me out of my comfort zone, guys...

Ai: Don't worry! You look really pretty, Master Point!

Shuriken: *he looks over at a window to a balcony. Sitting there on the balcony's railing is the Celestio-Sapian he bumped into earlier. Shuriken's eyes widen and he looks over at Aero, a nervous smile on his face* Excuse me...*he walks out to the balcony and stands next to the Celestio-sapian.*

???: *he has a pipe as long as a staff in his mouth, small rings of smoke billowing out from the side of his mouth. He then opens his eyes and looks over at Shuriken, a pleasant smile on his face* Hey there, kiddo.

Shuriken: What are you doing here?

???: Is it so wrong to want to see how someone important to me is doing?

Shuriken: Important to you? I left the Master's army. I thought you had abandoned me like the others did.

???: How could I abandon you? You are one of the most dear people to me. I always look at you as my own son, Shuriken.

Shuriken: ....are you working with Otar?

???: No. Otar is here to secure a Primordial Beast. I am here on my own reasons.

Shuriken: Do you know about "him"?

???: You mean Vincent? Yes....The Master has big plans for him. However, I do not like the way his power is being used....I also feel very bad for the poor boy. The Master took away his emotions and feelings so he could be molded into a killing machine.

Shuriken: So are you still one of them?

???: Yes. Even though I want peace more than anything, I am still a Blood Priest. I have no choice. Shuriken....if this is the last we see of each other, I hope we can leave on good terms. Like I said, you are like a son to me. And it pains me to have to call you my enemy.

Shuriken: I know...and I wish we didn't have to call each other enemies.

???: So, *he points with his thumb into the ballroom* Is that her? The girl that Kunai keeps complaining about?

Shuriken: Yes. That is Aero.

???: And does she make you happy?

Shuriken: She does. I love her more than anything.

???: *he smiles* That's good. I'm happy for you, Shuriken. I knew you had this compassion in you from the beginning. I wanted to nurture it, show you a path of good. But, The Master had other plans....I'm sorry for all those years you were ruthless...

Shuriken: I don't blame you at all. It let me meet Aero.

???: *he smiles and stands up* I would like to meet the young lady, if that is alright.

Shuriken: You aren't going to try and kill her?

???: Why would I kill the thing that makes my greatest student so happy?

Shuriken: ....very well. Also...Its good to see you again....Master Vokun.

Vokun: *he smiles at Shuriken and then taps the pipe on the rail, clearing it of the thing he was smoking. He then holds it like a staff with the mouth end on the ground*

Shuriken: Do you know how unsanitary that is?

Vokun: *he chuckles* you know I always heat the metal before putting it in my mouth so there are no germs. *he and Shuriken walk into the ballroom*

Guard: *he stops them* who is the man with you, Sir Shuriken?

Shuriken: A guest of mine.

Guard: Alright then. *he lets them through.*

Shuriken: *he and Vokun walk over to Aero and the girls.* Aero, there is someone who would like to meet you. *he gestures to Vokun, who bows respectfully*

Vokun: A pleasure.

Stiletto: *she sees Vokun and her eyes widen. She runs over to him and looks up* Is it really you?!

Vokun: *he smiles sweetly at Stiletto* Hello, Stiletto! It is good to see you again, little one.

Stiletto: *she smiles at Vokun and hugs his leg* Its good to see you too, Uncle!

Aero: *she turns and looks up at the Man and curtsys* Pleasure to meet you as well.

Adriee: *she is over talking to a female guard, asking how all the defenses were.*

Point: *she is off, on a balcony, staring up into the sky. Probably wanting to get out of this dress*

*Horns begin to sound*

Noah: *he and the others look around, the horns getting the attention of everyone in the ballroom.*

Vokun: allow me to introduce myself. I am Shuriken's former teacher. I must say, he chose a good path if what he said about you and the others is true.

Aero: Its really great to hear someone say that instead of trying to kill us... *she turns her attention to the horns.*

Guard: Get up there and read this. *hands adriee a small notecard* There isnt much there.
Adriee: W-what? ME?!
Guard: GO.
Adriee: *she walks up and stands infront of the throne and opens the scroll with shaking hands* Good evening everyone. We are all here to witness the crowning of a new King!

*she quickly leaves the center of attention, as Two people enter from each side. One is carrying a white pillow with a hand crafted and intricately designed crown, while the other carries a brass scepter with a bright blue gem on the top. The horns sound again, signaling for everyone to move to the sides. As soon as they do, four guards walk down the new isle, Xute and Point following, and them being flanked by four more guards.*

Xute: *he whispers unnoticably to Point* Master... I can't do this! I'm not ready!
Point: *she whispers back.* You are. We both know it.
Xute: *he is silent for a bit* ...Point?
Point: hm?
Xute: I'm glad that you are the one putting that crown on my head.

Noah: *he smiles at Xute and gives him a thumbs up*

Ai: *She smiles happily at Xute*

Styx: *he places one fist over his chest and bows to Xute.*

Stiletto: *she hops up and down and claps for Xute*

Shuriken: *he nods to Xute with a smile on his face*

Mercer: *he gives Xute a toothy grin and crosses his arms.*

Nike: *he keeps his hands behind his back and bows slightly*

Vokun: *he smiles at the scene and then turns to Aero* It was good to finally meet you, Aero. Keep making Shuriken happy. However...this may be the only time that we talk on friendly terms. I am a Blood Priest, Vokun of the Bloody Eruption. The next time we meet, we may be enemies. If this should happen, I want you to know that I take no joy in fighting you, your friends, or Shuriken. However, I hope you kids have the strength to do what must be done. Until then, I wish you only happiness. *he turns and walks outside. When he stands on the balcony again, he looks back at Aero, smiles, and the bites the inside of his mouth. When he does, he blows the blood out of his mouth and a torrent of red flames gush out and swirl around him. When the blood flames clear, he is gone.*

*The guards separate so it is only Pointsettia and Xute walking up. The two stop in front of the throne and turn to face each other. Point smiles gently*

Pointsettia: As of this moment, you are no longer a student, but a Master. You have been through a lot in your life, and to take on this responsibility is no easy feat. Xute, you have been with me for an incredibly long time and you have been one of my greatest students. Take what you have learned, not only in your travels as a Bard, but as my student and use it to the best of your ability. *she picks up the crown and holds it up to everyone.*
Xute: *he kneels down and looks up at his now former teacher.*
Point: *She places the crown on his head and helps him stand before facing everyone.* Long live King Xute!
Everyone: LONG LIVE THE KING!!!
Xute: *He hugs Point, takes the staff, and sits down on the throne.*

*in the crowd*
Aero: YEAH!!! *she cheers and claps*
Sparkai: *she simply nods in approval.*
Adriee: I'm chief of the Royal Alchemists... and my boss is a kid. Logic? What's that?