Miles away from the forest, a newborn cocoon forms. It opens but for a moment and slowly dissolves into dust. A new life has just started for an Aqrabuamelu. These fearsome creatures are born for a specific purpose but…what will Delver's be?
In life, there is balance: good and bad. Each pair chooses their path and find their purpose. It is the way of the forest and the rule of these lands. The revelation is that life begets life. A new threat or a new friend?
"Something just happened beyond these woods." The treant senses this new presence. It takes a turn and surveys the area. "Be it friend or foe, we will embrace it or expel it. Before you stands a champion for these times. One that is absolute with power and amorously flawed. However, we shall not know its true purpose without its ability to filter. Though I have meld the body, I cannot meld the mind. We must take our leave and observe its progression."
The Treant often spoke in riddles and this was like any other time. The forest dwellers wanted to know more but bowed their heads instead. So, with a mighty gust, the treant and its inhabitants disappear. The forest is once again as it was. The unnamed champion…slow to rise. A toddler of sorts, small limbs and a developing brain are its primary assets. Both will need to grow stronger. On its torso are three odd shaped crests. Each with a unique glow. They seem to be much different from the ones seen before. These had odd symbols that appears more hieroglyphic. The first flickers and moves about. The other has a strange curve that bends like the moons above. The third constantly arcs and changes form.
The child-like being seems to be at peace. Oblivious to the reality of its demise. Not a sound as it lies on the forest floor. Its eyes closed to his surroundings. The soft, marshy grasslands seem to comfort its hollow existence somehow. The fallen rays of cosmic energy illuminate the plains as the creature reaches to the heavens as comets streak to and fro. As if it "knows" it exist and is trying to understand "why" it does.
The sound of hushed footsteps can be heard as they quickly approach the being. A sudden urgency to escape fills the landscape as other footsteps of various sounds approach as well. Cries are heard amongst the chaos as the forest is alive with anger and hostility. The small being is immersed in a deadly war. Amongst the dying are two small factions: the Ch'gul and the J'ai Di. The Ch'gul are a murderous group of marauders that enjoy imposing fear. The J'ai Di are a young group of warriors set out to gain experience by risking their lives to become elite guards for their respective kingdoms. This experiment is to test new armaments and battle strategies to overcome political adversaries and to gain military might.
"Now. Left! Right! Behind you! Forward!"
"Arhghhhh!"
"Quickly! Pick up the pace! We got 'em on the run!"
"Battle armor! Target hostiles!"
"Describe hostiles."
"Cheap piece of crap! The hostiles are nearby! New command. Disable hostiles!"
"Describe disable."
"Are you SERIOUS?!"
"New command! Protect bearers!!"
"Protection. Understood. Threat level?"
"ALPHA! ALPHA!!"
"Input received. Alpha protocol initiated."
The battlefield rumbles for a moment.
"Analyzing DNA. Battle formations. Strategical defenses. Optimizing several defenses. Possible outcomes. Battle variations. Tactics engaged."
The small group are pulled towards a central location.
"Protocol. Engaging tactical maneuvers. Rank needed."
"War General, Tar-gat. Fallen soldier 30477."
"Touch center, please."
Tar-gat touches the elongated mechanism.
"This?!"
"Thank you for your cooperation!"
The battle armor emanates pulsating energy waves that disrupts the attackers' advancements.
"DNA analysis. Complete. Tactical strategy ALPHA. Initiated. Brace for impact."
The battle armor slowly rises before the rookie soldiers.
"Get DOWN!' The General shouts.
A large plume of smoke rises from the mechanism. Following is a beam of energy that widens upon impact. The soldiers cower from the noises the device expels.
Dweeeeeeeeemhhhhhhh!
DWEEEEEEEEEEEEMHHHHHH!
"Arghhhgh!" The beams strike and expands to vaporize all enemies approaching the vanguard.
"We have to get to the Western Front! The reinforcements are there!"
"Battle armor?! What is the analysis for safe passage through these woods?!"
The battle armor proceeds to annihilate several more marauders as if to ignore the request.
"Battle armor! Respond?!"
The armor, again, ignores the command.
Stunned and upset, the General halts his advance.
Dismounted, the General places the armor on the ground and inspects it.
Upon inspection, he realizes there's nothing that seems to be distorted.
"Piece of JUNK?! Do as you're commanded to!! I asked for an analysis, dammit! NOW!!"
The armor ends its campaign and is still.
Enraged, he goes to kick it.
"Threat level detected! Threat level minimal. Disengaging threat. Shock pulse level 1. Approved."
A small shockwave knocks the General off of his feet.
"Why you son-of-"
"General! Movement just north of us. At least a thousand creatures of various species are headed this way!! Sir!! Your orders?!"
His heart rate increases with each rumble of his lieutenant's words. They are surrounded. He clasps his blades as he rises from his knees.
With bloodlust in his eyes, his voice rings true to his nickname: General "The Bludgeoning Maurader".
"PAVE A WAY FOR YOUR LIVES! SPARE NO LIVING THING!! TILL THEIR DEATHS OR OURS!!"
Approaching the mayhem with the 12 blades of Reivin, the General begins the slaughter. The army, in awe, cheer and engage.
Each blade hovers about as enemies fall one by one. Its cold, dark steel emanates a dark purple hue that engulfs the three foot long blades. Emboldened with the chaos energy of carnage, the battlefield is littered with blood and weapons of war. That's to be, however, there's something different about this one. The forest beyond the war-torn path becomes alive. As if it too has taken up arms, the hidden figure moves quickly towards the conflict.
While battling, a scout yells out several times. Anxiously trying to get the General's attention, he flails about to alert him. A strange presence approaches and it's moving fast.
"General! General! Stop! Something's coming!!"
Upon turning, the blades churn in anticipation as a large being descends from the height of its leap.
"Wh-" swish-Chinnnnnnggg! A large jagged blade appears but for a moment to deliver the General's head to the forest floor. A small bounce precludes the inevitable…something IS different about THIS forest. As the others stop fighting and watch in horror. A large shadow is upon them.
"Quick! Fall back! Fall BACK!!!"
SwiiiChinnnnnnnggggg! The sound echos as it traverses the air.
It gazes upon them and leans in to attack again. Its body is pure energy. As pure as the air and beings that receive it. Its eyes are like smoldering coals. Burning with magmatic energy. Something seems to "feed" it as a strange siphoning sound resonates with each defeated soldier. Is it absorbing them?The Generals' body lies still but slowly dissolves into the ground. His head disappears as the blades illuminous aura fades. With a soft thud, they embrace the grassy mound and move no more. The being seems intrigued and attempts to wield them. The others scatter and run like the victims before them.
Did the J'ai Di know of this beings' presence?
The leader amongst them holds up a glowing stick. The group darts into different directions and waits for further orders by the trees. He looks on as the being is trying to pickup the enchanted blades.
His group watches as well. Armed with magic, they begin chanting defensive spells.
The leader crouches and urges them to do the same. A strange chill disrupts them for a bit but they continue.
The blades are cold to the touch but cannot be moved by this being. It looks on in angst. It sits for a moment as if it were enjoying the weather. A soft voice emits soothing rhythmic music. "Hmmmm hmmm"
It lies down not far from the "newborn" and continues humming. It reaches up slowly as if to embrace the sky above. "Hmmmmm hmmm". It rolls ever slowly towards the new being and stops just short of it. The creature stops humming and begins to embrace the new form. When the being turns towards it, it disappears.
The group stop their magical chants and cautiously walks toward the strange baby.
The leaders' elder appears before them.
"STOP! That is no baby!"
He raises his crescent sun cane and begins to chant. The others stop and step back. An odd magical field dimly lights around the creature. It grows and stretches just before their feet.
"There, in the brush…a symbol appears."
A gold and purplish hue erodes the land around it.
"A soul mending spell?!" The elder shakes his cane and an arcane magic shoots from it.
"Elder??! I thought you said spells of that nature are…"
"From the heavens, yes." He interjects.
"But such a grotesque figure surely you cannot mean…"
The elder turns to address his inquirer.
"As leader, what would you have me do?"
The elder draws his cloak and strokes his chin.
"Shall I leave it and let the beasts devour it?"
Without hesitation, the group replies "YES!"
"And what if this being was placed here for us to tend to? Shall we ignore the wishes of the heavens, K'inji?"
K'inji, the young leader, looks around the fields. Surely something would help him make a better decision. Perhaps some sort of dark or evil spirit to woo his elder.
"No, I guess that wouldn't be wise, O'meiru."
O'meiru, the elder, nods.
"L'orinden, C'tholo…here."
The elder uses this opportunity to teach his young warriors.
"What do you see?"
L'orinden is a male member of the tribe. About 14 Earth years and shy.
"I-I don't know."
His voice is barely a whisper.
"Ah and you, C'tholo?"
C'tholo is a female.
Short in stature and about 9 Earth years old.
"A dead baby!" She points and giggles.
The elder shakes his head and shoos them away.
M'rinde looks on and can sense a strong presence but keeps silent while the elder speaks.
J'era nudges him to pay attention to the elder.
J'era is 12 Earth years old and loves to fight.
A bit of a temperamental warrior with great battle instincts but poor execution slows her progress.
"Whatcha lookin' at?!" She whispers gritting her teeth.
He seems distracted so she leans in front of him and clucks his arm.
"Heyyyyyy!" She angrily yells under her breath.
"Quiet. Too quiet for this area. Something's not right."
"Well whattaya know?! Tell me already!!"
The elder disappears and reemerge in front of them.
"Ahem!" He looks at them with anger in his eyes.
"Perhaps YOU TWO would like to add something to this conversation?"
"Sure would, elder but M'rinde says he knows so I'll let 'em tell ya."
J'era tilts her head and devilishly grins as M'rinde gulps.
"M'rinde? That true?"
"Well. Yes, sir."
"Excellent. Go on, lad!"
The elder raises his cane and moves back to the barrier near the infant.
Everyone seemed to be relieved so that they wouldn't have to answer.
Gesturing with his cane, M'rinde steps towards the barrier.
"Well, something like this never happens to us right? So, this has to be a cosmic event. You know, like the ones the elders before of us spoke about! In fact, I bet they sent this being…not for us to be afraid but perhaps to learn from it. Maybe we can raise it amongst us and teach it our ways."
"Is that your summation, M'rinde? That this thing live amongst us?"
Now, a little unsure, he tries to clarify his statements.
"Well?! After all, others look up to you to lead them. Your words have great power amongst them. Is this YOUR stance?!"
Sweat begins to trickle down his face as he takes another gulp.
"Y-yes, sir! That is my stance."
"Do you stake it on the divine fathers and accept ALL responsibility for your decision?"
Hesitant. He steps towards the elder now appearing on his right side.
"I do."
He bows his head and tugs his left shoulder, then his right. Then, bows again.
"So be it! The council of elders recognizes M'rinde as leader of the Hailden faction and shall shelter this being. If any would oppose…"
"I!" A mysterious voice rings out of the chants of onlookers.
A large woman stands before the council. Her arms are layered in thick-plated armor that glistens like the stars above. A hard clinking noise escorts her every step. Above her head is the Crown of Daidus, she is the Queen of the Barren Realm. Behind her is an army of soldiers armed with various armaments.
"Who shall I address my opposition to?" She inquires. A small smirk forms just long enough to gain the elders' attention.
"Why me, of course, your Heiress." He smirks back.
"Well, my understanding is that beyond that barrier is something that belongs to my kingdom."
Her soldiers laugh a bit.
"Hmmm, and yet it's here in MY domain, o' great one." He retorts.
"Thus the quagmire. I also understand that messengers cannot challenge the word of the elders, but nobles can."
The army behind her stands at the ready.
"They can try to challenge, yes."
The elder takes a step back towards the barrier.
"Do you what it is that dwells within, Queen?"
"I know enough to know it shouldn't be in THIS realm. Before you could be the beginning of a long dynasty for me and my people. That creature is what I need. Now, stand aside."
The Queen straightens her crown and taps her left arm with her now-drawn sword.
"I see. So, you have the Sword of Mages. Is that why you've returned?"
"How bad do you want to know, old man?" She smirks again. This time pointing the enchanted sword towards him.
"Careful now. Wouldn't want to lose an eye to silence your mouth, now would we?"
"You've underestimated me before. Just like your sisters did."
The elders' eyes glow a crimson red.