Monica's Vendetta

[Oakbark]

Yay! Cannot wait for the map!

Hmm....i know Monica has been trusting and optimistic about people in the past, but i think she's compromising this trait recently after the "OMG Ray is evil" thing, proven by her vigil at Tekaru's side when he first arrived and her untrusting attitude to Erika. Perhaps she was the "There's good in everyone" type of person before, but the Ray thing has really shatered her confidence and i think she's untrusting of her own judgement at the moment. Or maybe i'm reading into things too much....

[Chris 2.1]

Guess its time for a new chapter.

Chapter 10 is being written and the map of Evayard is coming along nicely.

EDIT: Will edit chapter in tonight.

[Chris 2.1]

New post ^^

Monica’s Vendetta
Five
Deeper, Deeper

“I just don’t understand this,” Mortimer sighed to himself. In a large, spacious prison cell beneath Lady Teresa’s castle, Mortimer, Afee and Boko stood and sat around in deep thought. There were three beds, a toilet (separated with two other walls, making it more of a cubicle), and they had a lot of space. Within the walls of the cell were, however, forms of adeptry-restricting barriers and seals, preventing Mortimer or the others from attempting an escape.

“We’ve been framed,” Afee declared, deep in thought, sitting on his bed. “Somebody either wanted to shift the blame for their own treason, or simply needed us three out of their way.”

“But who?” Mortimer asked. “I can’t think of anybody who would want us out of their way.”

“Maybe we don’t know them, but they know us,” Afee suggested. “A new enemy.”

“If that is the case,” Boko began. “We have to alert somebody.”

“Our pathian ability doesn’t work in these walls,” Afee groaned. “We have no chance!”

“There is always a way,” Mortimer told the two wisely. “We just have to make sure we can get past the seal around these cells long enough to contact other members of the AU.”

“With all due respect, that would be hard to do,” Afee mentioned. The three sat in deep thought, wondering how they would manage this incredible feat.

As this was going on, on a higher floor of the magnificently luxurious Farrimond Castle, Lady Teresa was writing a variety of letters to friends and relatives in her bedroom. Roger had sent his sons off, and had decided to head to a room near the top of the castle.

“So,” he said absently, delving into his pocket. He withdrew a small, golden AU badge and admired it. Holding it up to the light, he analyzed it carefully. “Who made you? What secrets do you hold?”

For a few more minutes, he stared at it with longing. The light caused the badge to heat up soon, but still Roger tore his gaze through it, hoping to decipher its deep messages that it contained within.

“We can do so much now we have an AU badge…” he said quietly. “I shall have to thank the…donator.”

As he turned, however, a blue shape started to morph in front of him. It was somebody using a pathian to communicate with him. The shape started to form…messy black hair atop a tanned head…the form of Seryun Kutsoru sharpened.

“Greetings Roger,” he said firmly.

“What is it?” Roger snapped.

“It’s Splinter,” Seryun began. “He’s dead.”

“Dead?” Roger asked, raising an eyebrow. “How awful.”

“Don’t feign concern!” Seryun snapped. “I know very well you had a part in all of this.”

“Prove it,” Roger hissed.

“How about because a large looming fire demon incinerated him?” Seryun retaliated. “Your son killed him, then and there, all because of a stupid little feud?”

“He was a no good liar,” Roger said thickly. “And showed me NO respect.”

“For god’s sake, you’re not king just yet!” Seryun cried in exasperation. “You know what, Roger? I quit. I’m not doing this without my partner in crime.”

“Oh yes you are!” Roger said manically. “Don’t you DARE try to weasel out of this! My sons can pay you a visit if you’re not careful…”

“Fine,” Seryun snapped, having been screwing his face up with displeasure. “I’ll do it. But I’m quitting after this!”

“Of course,” Roger said mockingly. “Remember; there are only four of them. Keep your wits about you, and don’t forget the consequences of a failure…”

As the pathian faded away, Roger smirked. He took the badge again and continued to stare at it longingly.

*

The clock was ticking – roughly 8 minutes left. As Monica, Tekaru and Al struggled within their imprisonment, Nat lay unconscious on the floor. The hands were slowly getting towards the top, and when they did…

“Try your outburst again!” Monica said desperately.

“I can’t do it well enough!” Al snapped, clenching his fists and trying to roar out loud. No use. While his roar sounded strained and oddly constipated, the green energy he produced did not expel him from his paralysis.

“Nat will get killed if we can’t stop this!” Monica wept. Tears began streaming down her face as she stood motionless. “NAT! WAKE UP!”

It didn’t work. Sweat began to trickle down Monica’s forehead as she worried for her friend’s safety. Al and Tekaru also struggled as the stickers slapped on their foreheads limited their movement.

“The clock’s ticking!” Monica announced. Al watched her. Surely there was something they could do? Limiting their movement didn’t necessarily limit their adeptry. They could still use attacks that did not require movement.

“The clock is at 5 minutes, 31 seconds,” Tekaru noted. “Monica! Al! I know what to do!”

“What?” Al asked.

“I have an attack called refresh. It calms spirits and soothes the soul…but it may work to soothe our muscles. If it does, they’ll relax and we will be undone by this imprison attack.”

“Ok, go for it!” Monica said enthusiastically. “But hurry!”

Tekaru, hands by his side, closed his eyes and began to envision perfect serenity. As he pictured a calm, cool forest clearing, a white glow took over both of his hands. His face screwed up as he concentrated harder, and the white energy slowly began to spread around his body.

As Tekaru let the energy envelop him completely, it was issued out in a long, horizontal wave of white light. Monica felt it pass over her, and instant relief washed through her body, cleansing her soul and slowly relieving her of the paralysis. The sticker faded from her forehead, and she was free.

Unfortunately, that refresh attack had taken some time. Now Al, Tekaru and Monica were free, the clock looked at around 3 minutes to go before the bombs were released. Dashing over to where Nat lay, the three began picking her up and carrying her away.

“Hold on,” Al said. “Pyrites told us the bombs would fall from the sky…I bet they’re locked onto Nat!”

“What? You think so?” Monica asked weakly.

“It would be so easy to move Nat a few inches to get out the range of the bombs,” Al explained. “So yes.”

“What can we do then?” Monica said, seeing the hands on the clock tick ever closer to the top. There must be less than 2 and a half minutes now.

“Erect a shield around her,” Al said, holding his hands out and charging up his energy. As he dragged his hand up over his head, the green dome of energy began to form. Then, ivy crept up the side, covering it in an extra layer of protection and enclosing Nat, Al, Monica and Tekaru. “We should be ok now.”

“Now all we need to do is…wait,” Monica replied.

“Once we wipe out this Pyrites person,” Tekaru began. “Can we head to Evayard? I hate to sound so rude, but it is essential we go there.”

“Of course,” Monica said kindly. “We’ll head there and assess the situation. If it’s worse than we thought, we’ll bring in the whole AU to Evayard.”

Soon, the timer wound down, and the ground shook lightly. Monica looked up at the sky to see a flurry of round, tight cluster bombs soaring at them. The shield was almost like a one-way mirror; one was able to see out, although it was hard to see in. Monica crouched down by Nat, watching as the bombs began to explode over them.

“They’re releasing bombs inside them,” Al noted, seeing a bomb explode and send three spiraling out of control. More and more bombs exploded and rained down on the shield. Al powered up a Karma Air in his hand, feeling the cool, yet oddly warm orb of his energy pulsate in his hand. He plunged the orb into the shield and reinforced it. Tekaru bit his lip nervously as the onslaught continued.

“We have to end Pyrites,” Monica said with determination, running her hand over Nat’s face. “Oh…I hope Nat wakes up soon…”

And then, as each of the adepts winced in fear, waiting for the next set of bombs to cascade manically from the sky…it never came. Looking upwards, Al saw no bombs falling down to earth and his face broke into a smile.

“The bombs have stopped…” he said slowly. “They’ve stopped!”

Cheering, the group wandered out of the shield and let it slowly fade away upon Al’s command. Nat was gotten into a sitting position, and Monica continued to attempt waking her up.

“I wonder; should we look for Pyrites again?” Tekaru asked Al.

“He’s going to come back for Nat,” Al replied, gritting his teeth. “He can find us, and when he does, we’ll be ready for him. I say we head to Evayard anyway.”

“What do you think, Monica?” Tekaru asked sincerely. Monica looked up.

“I think Al has a point,” she said. “I know we originally wanted to…avenge Alan’s death, but it seems that his death was as much of a shock to Pyrites as it was to us, considering Pyrites is avenging Alan’s death by hunting down Nat.”

“Fair point,” Al murmured.

“Furthermore, we have a mission to carry out,” Monica reminded them. “Roger may be up to a number of horrible things. Tekaru, we’re going to have a light meal, sleep and then set out to Evayard tomorrow. Is that ok?”

“Yes!” He cried. “Thank you, Monica, thank you.”

He knelt down and kissed her hand. Monica began blushing, and Al began turning green with envy. Monica smiled lightly as the sun disappeared over the horizon and another day was done.

*

Meanwhile, Lee was on his way through Evayard towards the mountain range Mahanui. Here, he was hoping to find the Mask of Babylon, and had spent the last few days walking across the main grassland of Evayard. He had been through a small forest, which was refreshing as there had been a small brook for him to wash up.

At the moment, he was in a grassy mountain route, high above the ground but nowhere near the large mountain range ahead. The sun was beating down frightful rays of powerful sunlight, and he was beginning to tire.

Lee sat down on a large, ugly rock and sighed. Wiping sweat off his forehead, or the half of his forehead he could wipe sweat from, Lee was relieved this whole ordeal with his mask was soon over. He had to admit, the mysterious aura the mask gave him was certainly interesting for a while, but he felt too lifeless and depressed with it on. When the two halves of the mask fused together, Lee would be healed; until then, his health would deter more and more.

In the distance, the young boy could hear a noise. It sounded like a person, grunting and roaring as they executed an attack. Lee got back up again, noticing the path took a sharp wind to the left as a small tree grew over the Cliffside. He decided to go and see what was going on.

As he wandered along the elevating path which wound up and around a large jutting piece of mountain, Lee heard the boy, or perhaps man, making swift lunges at something. Eager to see what this commotion was all about, he turned to see a figure standing with his back to Lee, holding an impressive and presumably expensive sword in both hands. It was very long and thick.

With long, light brown hair to his hips, tied back at the base of his neck, the man turned suddenly and looked like he may be quite an arrogant man. He wore a bitter look on his face, and his clothes, being long and billowing like a men’s kimono, was an olive green with decorative patterns in earthy brown and crème colours. The man’s nose was short and slightly pointed, while his eyebrows were thin and his eyes a chalky brown. He was not too tall, although he looked around 25-30 years of age. His build suggested he was very athletic.

“Oh,” Lee said suddenly. “Sorry.”

“What is it?” the man asked. His voice was not as irritable as Lee expected; in actuality, while being sharp and to-the-point, the youthful tone told him he was not as bossy as he appeared.

“I…I just heard you training,” Lee said, stepping back. The man scanned Lee.

“Nice mask,” he noted. “What’s it for?”

“It’s…it’s neutralizing a poisonous seed in my skin,” Lee explained, feeling glad only one side of his face was blushing a deep red. “I’m searching for the other half to cure me.”

“Dear lord and I thought I had problems,” the man said absently. “What is your name?”

“Lee,” replied the boy.

“My name is Gauld,” the man replied. “I am a Metal Edgemaster, and have a strong reputation with my sword.”

“Wow,” Lee murmured. “You sound really strong.”

“Physical strength comes from inner strength,” Gauld scoffed. “And inner strength can only be obtained by inner peace!”

“Most people who talk about ‘inner peace’ tend not to wield such big swords,” Lee pointed out. “Do you get inner peace by slaughtering people?”

“I do no such thing!” Gauld cried. “I fight in tournaments at the Evayard Coliseum, but…I am far too clever for those thick, dimwitted idiots. I set out on a quest to help my sister, who has trouble with her adeptry, but we got separated along the way. I am now training to become the best fighter I can be, but search for my sister along the way.”

“I can’t believe this,” Lee said, shaking his head. “Any decent person would abandon their quest for ‘becoming the best fighter’ to find their own sister! You’re a gigantic airhead, that’s what you are.”

“How dare you?” Gauld roared, turning fully and drawing his sword. It was tall and thick, looking hard to pick up, with an elegant silver jewel encrusted in the center of the hilt. Gauld watched Lee with fierce malice.

“A duel?” Lee said mockingly. “Very well.”

He spread his legs and got into a fighting stance. As the warm, pleasant wind blew Lee’s way, he began to concentrate on summoning up his nun chucks. The thick, sleek, black weapon formed in his right hand. Lee looked ready.

“Jitsu charge!” He cried, sweeping through the air at incredible speed. Gauld watched keenly as Lee leapt up, swinging his nun chucks and aiming for Gauld’s face. Unfortunately, Gauld evaded at the last second. He leapt high up into the air and did a flip, landing where Lee was previously.

“Sol Shine!” Gauld roared, slashing his sword downwards. A strip of energy hurtled across the rocky area, building into a rolling wheel of golden energy. It felt hot as it rolled towards Lee. Sensing no way of stopping the attack, Lee bit his lip and felt the ground shake as his foe’s attack swept towards him…

He gave a long bellow as the attack smashed into him, driving him back and into the rocky Cliffside. Lee cried out as he fell to the ground. Gauld paced towards him. It was so hot, the air was fluttering slightly. Sighing, Lee squinted to see his foe walk closer and closer, magnificent sword ready.

“Say it,” Gauld snapped, pointing the sword to Lee’s throat. “Go on. Say I’m not an airhead.”

“You are,” Lee snapped, struggling to breathe. “You ARE an airhead!”

Gauld narrowed his eyes maliciously. He turned away from Lee and walked off. Lee massaged his throat gently, not believing how close he had come to death. Gauld was incredible, leaving Lee in pain after one attack. The attack itself was impressive. As Gauld looked to be walking off, he turned suddenly, slashing his sword and sending a horizontal, golden attack similar to a sonique flying through the air. Sitting down, and having been caught off-guard, Lee took the attack to the stomach and gave a long moan.

“Never underestimate me,” Gauld said darkly. “Got that?”

Lee gave a strained nod and watched this fantastic specimen of adeptry wander away from his life.

He’s so strong, Lee thought to himself. Maybe he can help me become strong, too.

Slowly getting up, Lee began to come to his senses. He dusted himself off, gave a groan as his rib began to ache, and followed Gauld, even though he was heading away from Mahanui.

“I can spend some time with Gauld,” Lee persuaded himself. “He’ll make me stronger.”

Even as he said this, Lee knew time was running out to find the Mask of Babylon.

*

“Are we ready?”

The group was on the outskirts of Saffron City. Monica, Al, Nat and Tekaru had all eaten a hearty meal and showered before they left, knowing it might be a while before they came back. Monica wasn’t sure how serious this was. She thought to herself for a minute. When she went to Altonia, she was chased out of Lavender with Lee after it was under attack. She had leapt into the vortex taking her to Perlei after realizing it was about to close up. Now, though, she was choosing to go to Evayard. The group was prepared. Hopefully.

Tekaru led them through to a red light district. Of course, in the daytime, it wasn’t quite so…dirty, so the group didn’t feel bad. They went to a large strip club. Monica was shocked – could the entrance to Evayard really be here?

Of course not. Tekaru signaled to the alleyway to the left, and feeling stupid, Monica went after the prince into the darkness. Even in the morning, darkness crept around the alleyway and shrouded the place in mystery.

As they neared the end of the alleyway, Tekaru sighed in relief. A large manhole cover was all that was there.

“Tekaru…” Monica said slowly. “PLEASE tell me that isn’t the way to Evayard.”

Tekaru just smiled at Monica’s tiresome expression as he summoned his hammer. The golden energy surrounding the majestic hammer lit up the alleyway, and as Tekaru recaed forward, he slammed the hammer down and smashed the manhole into pieces. The pieces all fell down the long shaft that was the way to Evayard.

“Tekaru…remind me never to get on your bad side,” Al murmured. “You’re amazing!”

“Thank you,” Tekaru said softly.

“I have to ask you, though,” Al began nervously. “What did Scott mean when he said you ‘always had potential’?”

“Well,” began Tekaru, “When I was first introduced to the brothers, they were thrilled to learn that I was a Storm Tamer. With me, they had coverage of all 5 of the mainstream adeptry groups. For a while, I trained under them, and became something utterly fantastic. Although when I started not to trust them, I left their circle of ‘friendship’ and took what they taught me with me.”

“So what level are you?”

“Level eleven,” Tekaru said.

“Really?” Monica gasped.

“Really,” Tekaru said modestly. “I’m nothing compared to the V4 –

“Who?” Nat asked.

“The V4 – that’s what Karadon and the others call themselves. They represent Violence and, although Evayard does not believe in violence, the V4 carry out their tasks in as many violent ways as possible.”

“So, the V4,” Monica said to herself. “And what level are they?”

Tekaru cleared his throat, looking disgusted as he spoke.

“Each is level twenty,” he explained.

“Good god,” Monica gasped.

“That’s astronomical!” Al sighed.

“Mortimer is Level 22, is he not?” Nat recalled. “Afee and Boko are Level 14…and I always thought them to be incredible.”

“Wow,” Monica said slowly. “Level Twenty…”

“Roger trained them very hard,” Tekaru said sorrowfully. Monica’s lip trembled as she tried sending the next words out, despite almost not wanting to hear the answer.

“…and what level is Roger?”

Tekaru closed his eyes briefly.

“I don’t know,” he replied. He turned to the open manhole. “Come on. We should make our way down the manhole.”

Agreeing, the other three watched as Tekaru gripped the first rung of the long journey down the sewer. Tekaru’s head slowly disappeared beneath ground level as he was swallowed up by the darkness.

“COME ON DOWN!” he called. “It’s surprisingly light!”

Obliging, Monica went down next. As she clambered down, Nat and Al’s worried faces got smaller and smaller. She then saw Al signal for Nat to go down next, and then her view was mainly obscured. The smell was getting unbearable – a foul stench of rotting flesh accompanied flies that buzzed around her head.

Soon after hearing Tekaru thud onto the ground, Monica approached the end of the ladder. She leapt off and landed on a slimy floor, looking around and taking in her new surroundings.

It was a long, wide, dark corridor. A constant dripping of water was heard behind them, and the stone floor was slimy and somewhat sticky. The smell, while being foul and decadent, added to the eerie surroundings. The roof was dome-like, and the corridor overall was high up and semicircular. The sound of roaring water crashing down could be heard in the distance.

Nat leapt off the ladder.

“Nice,” she said sarcastically.

“We have to head down that way,” Tekaru said, pointing forwards. Al leapt from the ladder and commented on the stench. Already, Monica wished to go back home. They wandered towards the sound of crashing water, noticing how strong the smell was getting.

As they reached the end of the long corridor, an amazing sight revealed itself. Beneath them was a ladder going down quite far to a round platform. There were thin walkways going to the left and right, meeting back up on the opposite side of this long shaft that was the central sewer area. All around them, water was gushing from various openings, out and down, down the long shaft towards a darkened bottom, where a deep sloshing could be heard. The group watched this with keenness.

“Wow,” Monica gasped.

“This is the main hub of the sewage system for Kanto,” Tekaru announced. “Anyway if we keep following it we’ll soon arrive in Evayard.”

Taking the left walkway around the shaft of water pouring from above, Tekaru took Monica, Al and Nat through the sewage system. They arrived at the other end, and wandered through a dimly lit tunnel. Despite there being a lot of water, there were torch brackets set high up in the walls. The tunnel was smaller and tighter. Monica felt slightly more nervous.

“Can you…hear something?” Tekaru asked suspiciously.

“Just a dripping noise,” Nat said softly.

“No…it’s worse,” Tekaru began. He looked behind them, as they were now nearing the end of this long corridor, and were approaching a perpendicular turn to the left. He looked ahead, and saw it. A huge body of water was speeding through the tunnel towards them.

“RUN!” he screamed, tearing off through the sewers. Monica, Al and Nat followed. Monica’s heart was racing – this huge wave of sloshing water was not dirty, like the sewage water. Instantly the young girl believed Karadon and the rest of the V4 were behind this, and were probably in the sewers preventing them from reaching Evayard.

Al stopped, building up a vertical shield to hopefully subdue the water. The green solidified light was swathed with vines and the young man quickly dashed off after his friends. They headed downwards as the labyrinth made a steep incline.

They came out in a large room with pipes of sewage being swept left, right and center. Wondering where to go, Tekaru remembered that they needed to head to the top of this room. As they spied a ladder to their right, Tekaru hurriedly climbed it as the group heard the water flowing towards them, despite Al’s shield.

“Quick, quick!” Monica cried, helping Nat follow Tekaru up the ladder and guiding Al up next. She made sure she went up last – for a leader, she really put herself first too often. As Tekaru swept up the ladder, Nat quickly followed, and Al took after her. Monica watched as a roaring filled her ears. The water was nearing them…

She gripped as high up as she could on the metal rungs of the ladder and yanked herself up, watching as, seconds later, water sloshed over the edge of the platform in a cascading waterfall.

“Oh my god…” Monica sighed, gently clambering upwards as she saw Tekaru disappear onto the top level.

“Karadon had to have set that up,” Nat said bitterly.

“He may be here,” Tekaru warned them. “That water was a booby trap, activated after we got so far into the sewer.”

“Look, let’s just try and get out of here alive,” Monica sighed. Once the group had all congregated atop the ladder, they found themselves on a narrow platform leading across this room (still the many piped room) to a staircase at the other side of the room.

Soon, after navigating the beam and arriving by the staircase, the group looked up. The staircase was very long, leading to a splendid archway, white marble, decorated with carvings of…well; one could not see them from here.

“This is the end!” Tekaru cried happily. “Once we go through the archway, we’ll arrive back outside.”

And together, the group happily ran up the staircase and headed towards freedom. Monica couldn’t help but smile as she leapt up step by step. Al and Nat were by her side, and although Nat did look determined with her sword readied, Monica saw no reason to get ready to fight.

Although, then it seemed to happen in mere seconds.

A roar filled the chamber, and a creature leapt up to attack the group. Being first, Tekaru was slashed across the stomach and thrown back down the stairs. Monica fell down and landed painfully on her behind, while Nat and Al looked up in surprise.

A large creature resembling a Sphinx watched them, standing by the gates.

From afar, at the foot of the staircase, a figure slipped one of his bloodied silk gloves on and dashed off.



In Chapter Six...

-An unexpected comeback for The Tank
-Of all the power in the world...faith is the strongest
-Karadon puts a plan into action
-And what is in Roger's chamber?

[Oakbark]

Hmmm....how can i put this Chris, that wasn't your best chapter to date.

The chapter overall seemed rushed, and more in-depth description of scenes were left out. For example, after all the commotion with Pyrites, he seemed to disappear very quickly, and then a quick shield was enough to stop his cluster bombs. Considering he was going to destroythe place, i assumed a shield wouldn't hold off that onslaught.
Also, when Tekaru kisses Monica, you mentioned Al "turning green with envy". This description really doesn't give us any info on Al's feelings, rather that you use a cliché to justify his reaction. A more suitable alternative might be "Al watched the chivalrous Tekaru carefully, gritting his teeth and muttering something under his breath". I know that isn't a great example, but i hope you get what i mean. Don't tell us how Al felt, show us. Show his reaction through his posture, body language, etc. Can you see how it brings Al's character to life?

Lee's encounter in the mountains was so short, I was hoping to learn more about his opponent's abilities and strength. I know he was meant to only attack once to show the readers his power, but a longer battle would have been better. And Lee simply follows him without thought - it would have been nice to see him walk away, then wrestle with his conflicting desire for health and strength, and then turn back. We were never let inside Lee's mind.

The sewers were confusing, for me at any rate. The Sphinx seems interesting, and if Karadon set up that booby trap, then he's obviously the smarter one of the group. Was that Pyrites in the background at the end?

Ooooh, such a quotable quote in the preview of the next chapter "Of all the power in the world...faith is the strongest". You're good at those.

Damien.

[Chris 2.1]

Oakbark: I'm displeased you didn't like the chapter as much as you usually do. Pyrites dissapeared quickly, and he was easy to overcome. He was easy to overcome because he didn't finish everyone off himself: you saw how strong he was, and he could have killed everybody else on the spot. What made him delegate his priorities? Why did he abandon something so important?

As for the Tekaru/Monica/Al thing, that sentence shows Al fancies Monica. Uhh he doesn't. Basically the focus isn't on Al; Monica and Tekaru were the sole focus of that part. It grows over time and I didn't want to portray things incorrectly. Imagine if I had typed "Monica blushed, fluttering her eyelashes and feeling Tekaru's lips push against her hands." Sometimes, overdescripting can really ruin things. Also, while I know about bringing Al to life, I'm trying to achieve the opposite -_-;,. I don't want to build on whatever he might be feeling now, because if I did it would be severe overreacting. Tekaru might just be being polite, not necessarily showing his affections. And is Monica blushing because she likes Tekaru, or because she's worried what Al thinks? I want the readers to come up with those conclusions themselves.


Plus, Lee's was added in sort of last minute (a larger version, the full scene, was in another chapter but removed) to Chapter 5 as I need to make sure everyone is at a certain point by each chapter, so when they do meet, it all fits. It was short, yes, and it does not really give much information on Lee's new foe. Regarding the conflict in his decision, he had none. He didn't need to make a decision because he knew this person was strong. Has Lee always been this power hungry? If not, when did he change? Why did he change? It's evident he is power hungry now, and there was no need to consider things. His greed overcame what he needed to do.

Also, yea that was Pyrites. Where is Karadon? Has he hired Pyrites? Whose does the Sphinx belong to?

[Ultra_Poke2000]

CHAPTER 5 IS ON THE PREVIOUS PAGE! TURN BACK AND DO NOT LOOK! SPOILERS!












I told you not to look!






You heard me!






Shoo!












Hey Chris! ah, a new chapter. let us see what we have here...

Mortimer and the rest are all locked up, but we still don't know why. Rodger, apparently, is trying to find the secrets behind the AU badges by...... staring... at.. it. yaaah... I'm sure that'll get some answers. *snrk* ha ha.. way to go, Rodger.... Yah, way to many "..."s, but still....

ah, but we learn that Seryun has a job, however it's very obvious what it is. could this mean, however, that he has something to do with the water, the Sphinx, and/or Pyrites? hmmm....

Monica and co's escape from Pyrites's little trap seemed a tad too easy, and leaves a question: Why? As you said, Pyrites had them all pinned down and could have easily killed them all. Two possibilities come to mind: 1) Pyrites is WAY to confident in his traps or 2) It was all a show/test for some greater purpose which happens to escape me at the moment. you never know what plans may be unfolding beneath our collective nose.....

Lee's encounter with that Gauld guy was odd, especially the way Lee just hauled off and called him an airhead. Sure, he's got his priorities mixed up a bit, but still. It just seemed way to out of character for Lee. And then he just follows him because he's strong... yah, really out of character. But maybe Lee has changed without us knowing. Or perhaps the mask is changing him. Surely something like the mask has to have some kind of curse or catch. Interesting thought, isn't it?

The journey through the sewers was a bit ironic, seeing as it's supposed to lead to Evayard and all..... but what's with the traps? I'm pretty sure that the Sphinx is connected to Pyrites, but what about the water? was is Pyrites who was behind it, or did Seryun do it? or, as I mentioned before, is Pyrites in Seryun's employ? And if so, why did he mess with Alan? Or was that just one of the things he does? (you know, brainwash people and... stuff.)

No news on either Phoenix or Alan's mother. I'm pretty sure we'll hear about them in the next chapter. Or we might not. You know, anything could happen. maybe....

[Oakbark]

Sorry Chris, i didn't mean to sound that bad, i do realise the massive input and responsibility there is in writing a fic, and i just say what i feel afterwards. I really do hope anything i say is taken as constructive criticism, and not some kind of dig at your writing.

Regarding Al, i'm sorry my sample alternative portrayed him as liking Monica, my real point there was that the phrase "turning green with envy" is really quite a redundant phrase, and that phrases like that don't work in writing. I mean, what does turning green with envy really tell me as a reader? That he literally turned green? It's a spoken phrase, but not one to be used in writing as a description.

I never thought of Karadon hiring Pyrites. . . perhaps. And as Ultra said, where's Al's mother? So many people just waiting to kill the AU members, lol. I guess it isn't funny for them.

Damien.

[Chris 2.1]

Ultra: Hmm Roger has an AU badge, but from WHO? Mortimer? Perhaps. Did Seryun keep Damien's when he robbed him in Revolution? Or has he killed somebody and taken it? Did he make his own?

I admit Pyrites was easy to overcome, but it is for a reason!

As I sort of mentioned to Oakbark, Lee is a little too set on his decision. Will it reap success or worse things to come? You'd be surprised...

Hmm it is odd how the passageway to the most beautiful place known is via a sewer :-P. Kanto seems to be a gateway to a number of places. Remember the Lighthouse between Saffron and Lavender? That led Monica and Lee to Altonia back in Army. Hmm...the commercialist, non-adept community is a hub for every adeptry land known to man.

And yes, the unfortunate thing is we have the following side stories:
-Monica's group
-Mortimer's group
-Roger/The V4
-Martha
-Pyrites
-Phoenix
-Lee

AND there are many more, as you'll learn. It's hard to juggle, but when some situations come together it helps . On avarage, every 2/3 Chapters you'll hear from everybody.


Oakbark: Yea, I understand. I was a bit snappy last night anyway. What would be nice is if you'd balance negative and posetive points together

[Powarun]

Ultra_Poke2000, I have to disagree with you, Lee following Gauld does fit his character, remember how he ditched Monica to become more powerful? Lee would do something like that, but i do say he must learn to keep his manners around people stronger than he is. Honestly if it weren't for the fact that real conversations are boring to really hard to write and read I would say that it made no sense for Lee to call Gauld an airhead, but I think Chris was getting to the point.

For Nat's escape, although it seemed easy, I would probably would have done maybe soemthing different, like go underground.

An AU badge in Roger's possesion somewhat elimates an idea of Mortimer's group radioing Monica without interference through the badges. Hope they get out alive. Pyrites reminds me of someone, Scabb, maybe they are brothers.

[Chris 2.1]

Time for a new Chapter guys

Monica’s Vendetta
Six
Old Friends; New Hope

Far away, in the remote continent of Perlei, a group of four Adepts sat around a fire. It was a strange thing, for the group of people, varying in age, could not be more different in appearance, personality and habits. Even their adeptry contrasted magnificently.

They were at the famous Serenity Lake. This wonderful place housed the six emblems of life; six stones containing power from fire, water, earth, lightening, spirits and shadows, these were locked down to the temple, where they transmitted and released their energy into the ground, giving life to the continent.

Master Jackson, a small, stout, irritable old man was the sensei at this temple. He trained up water and ice adeptry with his students, mainly by fighting on the surface of the beautiful, calming lake itself.

It was here that the AU first formed, as it were. When enemies united to realize they had a similar cause, they made a pact to fight for justice and destroy any negative relations between the members. Somewhere, from a place or persons still unknown, golden badges formed for each member and showed their true dedication.

Now that a lot of the AU had gone their separate ways, the four who actually resided in Perlei – Zuuki, Salo, Damien and Chrome, were sitting with Master Jackson after reuniting. They had received news of imminent threats, and grouped together to discuss their options.

“So…who exactly authenticated this…threat?” Chrome asked. Big and broad, while also being covered in a layer of steel, Chrome’s real name was Shadow, and he was Afee’s brother. He was a well-spoken man who, in order to hide his purist identity, used an ironize attack to coat himself in steel.

“These are friends of mine,” Master Jackson said, indicating a man and woman standing beside him. Both looked rather ill. The man, with sunken eyes and pale skin was standing just taller than the woman. Both were dressed in ragged purple clothes suggesting they came from a Ghost settlement in Perlei called Sieta. “This is Kyuvan, and his fiancée Yin-Sa.”

Yin-Sa stepped forward. As her name suggested, she was oriental and had slightly more tanned skin than Kyuvan. Her short black hair was scraggly and looked unkempt, but she approached the four Perlei members of the AU with pride.

“As you know, Ghost Adepts can foresee things,” she began. “Myself and Kyuvan, as well as many of the more experienced Ghost Adepts in Sieta have had visions and soundscapes foreseeing great tragedy to come for the Four United Ones.”

“And just who are the Four – oh…”

It was young Salo that had embarrassed herself like that. Only 13 years old, Salo was the youngest member of the AU. She was unusual, as she did not have the bright, aquamarine hair that water adepts had. She was a Water Cleric, being level 8, and instead of bright blue hair she had a modest, dark chestnut colour hair. Her lilac coloured eyes also indicated something else about her. She wore a strict, moody blue one-piece-dress, which was wide enough at the bottom to allow for fast movement. She had a bright blue bangle on each wrist, and had a silver chain around her neck with a sapphire pendant on the end.

The young, bashful girl had realised that the ‘United Ones’ referred to herself, Damien, Zuuki and Chrome. The four members of the AU in Perlei…

“So, what type of Tragedy are we looking at here?” Zuuki asked. She was a very…precise girl; Zuuki Dragonfree always got to the point and never hung around. Her flaming red hair reached the end of her shoulder blades. It used to go to her hips, but Zuuki had fancied something of a change. Her eyes were, as usual, concealed behind stylish, silver shades. Zuuki had a pretty smooth, lightly tanned face and was nice and slender. She wore a red jacket zipped up to her chin, as well as dark, maroon coloured trousers. Her sword, the Flame Sword, rested in the scabbard down her left leg. Zuuki was 17 years of age, and although she was only referred to it by her mother, her full name was Zuukiyasha. While helping Monica salvage the Aqua Emblem from her home town, Zuuki faced expulsion from the community she grew up in, and after Dimitri had been defeated, began traveling the continent of Perlei. She was now level 11, having trained against many other Adepts for their badges, and visiting Gyms.

“We do not know the tragedy it refers to,” Yin-Sa said sorrowfully. “But we know all we need to. It is important to see that, from the visions, it is you four who are targeted by…someone.”

“We have an upper hand,” Kyuvan pointed out. “You can leave the continent now, before their plan can be put into action.”

The group of four showed expressions of fear, particularly in Salo’s case, while fear among Damien and even Chrome grew, though Zuuki seemed to show an intrigue into the whole thing.

“I think that is best,” Master Jackson said softly, stroking his long moustache.

“We could go and visit Monica in Kanto, maybe?” Zuuki suggested keenly.

“My brother Afee and his comrades in Evayard would seem a better idea,” Chrome said thickly.

“If you want my advice,” Master Jackson began. However, before any of his advice could be given out, there was a resounding crash as a thunderbolt seared through the air. It struck Yin-Sa through the chest and she let out a scream, dropping to her knees.

“Good god!” Master Jackson exclaimed. “IT CAME FROM THE ROOF OF THE TEMPLE! EVERYONE READY THEMSELVES!”

In a flash, the four AU members sparked in brilliant light as their weapons were summoned. Zuuki drew her Flame Sword, the long sword whose blade resembled that of still, dark ruby flames. Damien brought out his jeweled sword, a family heirloom he cherished above all, Chrome got out his weapon, the Nucleus. It was an orb of feverish energy Chrome could manipulate into various weapons. Salo, meanwhile, summoned her Frost Wand – a staff of an icy blue colour, with a large pearl on the top.

“Keep a good watch,” Zuuki ordered. A figure leapt high from the top of the temple, whipping out a katana and slashing electrical surges of energy down upon them. Retaliating with slashes of fire, water and ice, Zuuki, Damien and Salo counteracted. Chrome, meanwhile, charged his Nucleus into a lance and flew up into the air, having the power of flight.

Chrome swept forward, lance ready as he prepared to joust at the intruder. As the figure swept down through the air, Chrome gasped. The messy black hair, the blue kimono…the sandals…

“Seryun?” he asked weakly.

“Yes, this is he,” Seryun replied sharply, speeding forward and tackling Chrome in mid-air. Chrome’s lance disappeared as he flew back slightly, watching Seryun continue to fall to the ground.

He landed, pointing his Katana at the group. It was a surprise; actually, for the group all recognized Seryun from the Colina Tournament. All four of them had been there. Zuuki and Salo had also fought each other, but it was in the past. Despite this rivalry with the cocky young man, Damien was the angriest at the Storm Tamer’s appearance. Seryun and his partner in crime, Splinter, had stolen nearly all of Damien’s badges in a hold-up style robbery many months ago. He had, luckily, recovered them.

Damien watched Seryun with anger. He held his sword ready.

“Hello people,” Seryun announced.

“What do you want? A duel?” Zuuki asked sharply.

“No, I kill for fun,” Seryun said sarcastically. Damien spoke up.

“Where’s Splinter?” he demanded. “Killing other innocent people?”

Seryun’s face twitched.

“No,” he said firmly. “Splinter…was murdered by somebody.”

“Oh,” Damien said suddenly. “Well…I bet he had it coming to him!”

“Did he hell!” Seryun snapped. He raced through the air at tremendous speed, unleashing a bolt of lightening from his body as he went. It sped down towards Zuuki, who charged up a large fireball. She hurled it at the thunderbolt, but the attack from Seryun pierced the flames and smashed into the ground, sending the dirt and soil flying up as the group split.

“I’m stronger than I was BEFORE!” Seryun spat. “I’M HERE TO KILL YOU!”

“Dear me,” Master Jackson said, subdued by the events. “This must be what Yin-Sa and Kyuvan talked about…”

Kyuvan was standing before Master Jackson, stopping harm from coming to him. Yin-Sa was already covered in dried blood and splatters of mud. Zuuki charged up her sword and let real flames take form. She sped through the air at Seryun, angry and determined, while Damien, Salo and Chrome prepared a counter-attack.

True to their prediction, when Zuuki slashed forward, Seryun evaded. He pounced up and over her head, rolling as he hit the ground and getting up. Unfortunately, as he did, Chrome was standing there, and he slammed his fist into Seryun’s face.

As Seryun lay in the ground, Damien threw his arm forward and released an eagle composed of icy cold water. It soared down and splashed over him, losing its solidarity upon contact. Salo then held her Frost Wand out and sent a flurry of biting snow and ice to shower over Seryun.

“I’M NOT DEFEATED!” Seryun roared, smashing the ice and throwing a spark at Salo. It shocked her briefly and then began to paralyze her, keeping her locked in place as she shook slightly.

“TIGER!” Seryun screamed, leaping up into the air as electricity swept from his body. The yellow glow took the form of a large, yellow tiger, rearing its head as Seryun landed there. It was quite big, about five feet high. It was well detailed, with different yellows making up for shadows and tones. It was amazing that this was comprised of pure electricity.

“How did he do that?” Damien asked weakly.

“I can remember when he fought Ray Gordon, his elementa went in the form of a normal-sized Tiger,” Chrome recalled. “But this is huge! How he got access to this power is beyond me.”

“Should we stay and fight him?” Zuuki asked, for once being at a loss to make a decision. The large tiger turned, however, and a bolt of electricity, shimmering a golden orange as it left Seryun’s hands, smashed into the spot where Kyuvan and Master Jackson stood.

“NO!!” Salo screamed.

“MASTER JACKSON!” Damien cried out. “NO!”

“He couldn’t survive that,” Chrome thought, seeing the two lying in a small crater in the ground. They were both quite clearly dead, judging by their limp, pale figures.

He turned to face the rest of the group.

“We have to leave,” he announced. “Killing Master Jackson…that would ensure we fight out of anger. Never fight out of anger, it clouds the senses. Seryun is anticipating we fight for our Sensei, and he can manipulate our decision.”

“We SHOULD fight!” Salo cried. “Master Jackson was Damien and I’s mentor…our teacher…”

“You have to think carefully,” Zuuki snapped. “Seryun has been sent to kill us, and he will if we hang around.”

Salo sniffed a tear away, now starting to loosen from her paralysis. Damien put his arms around her and began rocking the young girl.

“Look at what he is capable of!” Zuuki emphasized, just as Seryun turned on his tiger. Another large, seemingly boosted bolt of electricity gave a searing roar as it pierced the air. It swept at Salo and Damien. Chrome, thinking fast, hurled his Nucleus forward at the bolt. The bolt was absorbed by the nucleus, which soon expanded and turned golden, before exploding and sending a shower of sparks into the atmosphere.

“RUN!” Chrome roared.

“NEVER!” Salo screamed. “Oracle of Water!”

A shadowy form appeared. A woman slowly materialized out of the water coming out Salo’s hands. Salo nodded at the woman, who gracefully swept through the air as she drew a long staff. She smashed into the large tiger but did very little.

“Tiger! Athlete Joust!” Seryun roared, pointing forward. As Salo watched a large, golden bolt of electricity pierce the atmosphere and speed towards her, she put her arms around her body and screwed her eyes shut…

But as she opened them soon after, she saw a metallic dragon shoot from Chrome’s body. It smashed into the tiger and destroyed it in a flurry of sparks, throwing Seryun to the ground. He looked up.

“Damn you,” he growled. Bringing his Katana out, he charged. “I’LL KILL YOU!”

“Salo, Damien,” Chrome said quietly. “Go home and say your goodbyes if you wish. Meet me and Zuuki in Colina.”

“Understood,” Salo said hurriedly, as she and Damien ran through the forest clearing. Goodbye, Master Jackson, she thought softly.

Zuuki sent a stream of flames through the air, which Seryun leapt up and evaded. As he did this, Chrome fired his dragon Elementa through the air and smashed it into the boy. As his Elementa was formed from a liquid metal which solidified as it reacted with the oxygen in the air, to Seryun it was like being smashed in the body by a metal girder. He fell to the ground.

“Leave us be,” Chrome snapped. And with that, both he and Zuuki ran off.

*

Meanwhile, things looked grim on the way to Evayard. Monica and Tekaru were further down the staircase that the Sphinx seemed to be guarding. Both Al and Nat watched in surprise.

“ATTACK!” Tekaru roared, leaping back up and summoning up his Hammer of Tartarus. He swept up the staircase with speed and grace as he swung accurately at the white lioness. She was a few feet tall, with a golden pharaoh’s crown set around her beautiful women’s head. Her paws were cat-like and concealed sharp claws, while her tail, thin and ending in a clump of soft fur looked deadly. The Sphinx leapt back as Tekaru smashed his hammer into the ground.

The Sphinx then leapt over Tekaru and tackled Nat to the ground. She screamed in protest just as Monica got up and fired a jagged bolt of ghostly energy at her foe. The night shade attack hit the Sphinx and she leapt back defensively.

“She is very lithe,” Tekaru noted, charging again but missing by a mere inch. Al then slashed upwards and stunned the pretty creature momentarily, giving him chance to perform a Leaf Blade to its face. As he delivered the attack, the Sphinx slashed forward and Al received a deep gash across his cheek.

“Is this Karadon’s work?” Nat asked, slashing a sonique through the air and hitting the mythical creature in the face.

“I don’t think the V4 are behind this,” Tekaru commented in response to Nat’s question. “No, I don’t think they’re responsible at all.”

The Sphinx gave a long purr as angelic wings burst from its shoulder blades. It flapped up to the roof of the chamber, momentarily, before darting forward with its claws out. The four watched, Tekaru running forward as it neared and delivering a sharp smash with his hammer. The creature spurted violet coloured blood as it flew back, hissing with discontent.

“It’s injured!” Monica cried. “ELEMENTA!”

From each hand, a plate of energy formed and aided in blasting a beam of sizzling purple light through the air. It struck the Sphinx, who gave a long screech of discomfort as both Nat and Al readied their swords.

“Ok guys,” Monica said slowly. “ATTACK!”

As her Elementa wore down, Al and Nat ran past either side of Monica and delivered a strong slash at their worn out foe. As they struck it, Tekaru withdrew something from his pocket. It was a golden cross, about the size of his hand. He held it forward and held his other hand out beside it.

“Karma Air!” he cried. His free hand soon began to fill with charged up yellow energy. “ENTER THE CRUCIFIX!”

The energy was pushed into the cross, which vibrated heavily and took an eerie yellow glow. Tekaru looked oddly majestic as he brandished the cross forward at his foe.

“Sacrificial Light! Awaken!” Tekaru cried, sending a brilliant beam of white light, in the shape of the cross, projecting out his cross and shooting at the Sphinx. The Sphinx gave off an almost human scream as the light burned right through its velvety white fur and skin.

“Good god!” Monica cried. “Tekaru!”

“Of all the power in the world,” he said darkly, turning to face them. “Faith is the strongest.”

Monica knew both Al and Nat were surprised by Tekaru’s strong religion. Monica was actually, as well as being surprised, somewhat impressed by Tekaru’s faith. They followed the boy up the steps, now dribbling and trickling with the violet blood left behind by the Sphinx. It lay halfway up the stairs.

And as they got to the top, facing the white archway, none of them had any regrets as they passed through it and left Kanto completely. A warm sensation flooded through them and transported them away from what they knew. The next time Monica was to feel this was when she would return, fresh from victory…

*

Meanwhile…

“Gosh, I just cannot find any of them!” Martha cried. “…Monica or any of her friends. They’ve gone!”

Nobody was with her. Martha was getting rather upset her vengeance was not able to be carried out successfully. She sat down on a bench and sniffed quietly, feeling her rigid, sausage-like black curls in her hair. Her face showed age, but her spirit was as fiery as ever.

Suddenly, Martha heard something that piqued out interest.

“Alan? ALAN? Where are you?”

It was the voice of a young male. Martha saw a man wandering down the street, looking, if she may say so, rather handsome. He was young, but he had light blue hair tied back in a small ponytail. His firm face showed logic, control and domination, while his well toned body and arms seemed to suggest he was also extremely strong.

“Excuse me,” Martha called. “Who are you looking for?”

The man turned to face her.

“Oh, my friend, my best friend in the world!” he said weakly. “His name is Alan; Alan Michael.”

Martha gasped.

“My goodness! I…I am Alan’s mother! I have come looking for him.” She said. “But…I may have bad news for you, Mr…”

“Karadon,” he said softly. “Please, call me Karadon.”

“Karadon,” Martha said. “The name is so lovely. I am Mrs Michael, Karadon, but I fear that he has, in fact, died.”

“Oh my,” Karadon said dramatically. “Dead? Y-You’re sure Alan’s dead?”

“I had a psychic come and locate him,” Martha explained. “But…she sensed that his life signal was low, yet his presence was still…well, present.”

“Oh, Mrs Michael,” Karadon said softly. “Please, tell me who did such a horrible deed!”

“I do have a shrewd suspicion it was Alan’s old ‘friend’ Monica Ward,” Martha said crisply. Karadon recoiled somewhat.

“Why, I know Monica!” he said. “And I’ll tell you something, Mrs Michael –

“Please, call me Martha.”

“I’ll tell you this, Martha – Monica has just fled Saffron City.”

“She has? I knew it!” Martha cried angrily.

“Calm yourself; make your mind easy again,” Karadon continued. “She has gone to Evayard, and I know the quickest way there.”

“Can you take me?” Martha asked innocently.

“Of course,” Karadon said silkily. “Follow me.”

Good-hearted people are so easy to manipulate, Karadon thought to himself. And now we need not worry about Monica…

*

As Monica walked out the archway, she found herself in a lush, verdant meadow. Staring up, the sky was a vibrant, pastel blue, and any cloud floating in the sky was not a wispy, gaseous cloud. Each was fat, bloated, and ready to burst with sparkling rain. The grass was bright and smelled so strong Monica felt blissfully unaware of their mission. Everything seemed so…perfect here. It was easy to see why this was the Nirvana on Earth.

“How beautiful,” Al said, smiling as he walked through the grass, which reached his kneecaps. Even Nat found it hard not to comment.

“It’s so peaceful, and serene,” she said. “Why would anybody want to harm this serenity?”

The meadow overlooked the entire continent. As Monica, Al and even Nat raced to the brown picket fence at the end of the cliff, they gasped in awe as a magnificent cityscape fell beneath them.

Skyscrapers no longer tried vainly to climb to heaven and beyond. Not a single skyscraper in sight. There seemed to be a few small towns and villages on the outskirts of the continent – presumably these would rely on the water to get fish. The sea was a brilliant, carefree tone of blue that made Monica wish she was a Water Adept. Being able to endlessly swim in this tranquility would be pure bliss.

“What is that big city in the middle of the continent?” Al asked, pointing to a magnificent castle set on the landscape.

“That is my home city, Crufia,” Tekaru said mildly. “Although we cannot go there yet.”

“What? Why not?” Monica asked suddenly, jerking out of her daydream.

“W-Well we need to go to, to the other cities first,” Tekaru mumbled. “The first one on our journey is Agrotatio Town – that one just off the lands edge. It’s a colony of Ghost Adeptry and we can start training up there.”

“But what ab –

“A-And then,” Tekaru interrupted nervously. “I…I suppose we’ll go to Crufia and see Roger.”

“Damn Right!” Nat snapped. “Take him on.”

“I wonder if we’ll see Mortimer.” Monica said aloud. “Boko, Afee and Mortimer are in Evayard.”

“And Lee,” Al reminded her.

“Oh…oh yea, yea Lee too,” Monica mumbled.

“We can ask my Mother if she knows where they are,” Tekaru said. “She is very wise. I just hope she will forgive me…”

“…for lying?” Nat asked. “I’m sure she will, even if you know you are speaking the truth.”

“Come on,” Monica said. “Let’s take the path down here and get going to Agrotatio town.”

“Yea, let’s worry later,” Nat said, smiling at Monica. Tekaru bolted in front of the other three.

“Monica…I will lead the way,” he announced. “That way I can make sure nothing harms you on the way.”

“How thoughtful!” Monica said sweetly. “Thank you.”

“I am in your debt, Mistress Monica, for helping me when I needed it most,” Tekaru said bravely. Al looked stunned, but Nat seemed to be smiling uncontrollably.

“Cute couple, don’t you think?” Nat smirked at Al, watching Tekaru lead the way down the mountain. Monica followed keenly behind, and as Al saw the two together, found it hard to deny.

*

Although, further away in Evayard, in Crufia, to be exact, new plans were already underway, in more ways than one.

“Roger,” Teresa said softly. Her hair was the same colour as Tekaru’s – an auburn shade. It was soft, sleek and shiny, flowing to her shoulders and looking lighter than air. Her face was naturally smooth and well-defined. Her eyes, a twinkling blue. She was only in her mid thirties. She wore an elegant blue dress to match her eyes.

“Yes, sweetheart?” Roger asked busily, stepping out of his private chamber and into the corridor. This was the room he had spent a lot of time in – the room he and the V4 congregated to discuss their plans, as well as the place that the AU badge was kept. He explained to Teresa he needed personal space, and asked if she left him be when he was in there.

“I…I was thinking about what you said,” Teresa said softly, watching Roger’s eyes with her own.

“What I said? What did I say?” Roger asked.

“You asked me when we should set a date for our wedding,” Teresa laughed, her lips bursting into a smile. “Silly!”

“And?” Roger asked, injecting suspense into his answer.

“…How does next week sound?” Teresa asked.

“Next wee- oh honey!” Roger said exuberantly, embracing his fiancée and kissing her tenderly. The two shared a closed hug and enjoyed the warmth coming from each others bodies.

In the chamber, Therebus had his hand to the door.

“A marriage,” he said. “Next week.”

“Next week?” Scott barked. “That’s soon, isn’t it?”

“Obviously Father is in love with Teresa,” Luke pointed out.

“Yea, but…” Scott began, trailing off.

“All that this means is that everything happens a bit quicker,” Therebus hissed.

“But what is ‘everything’?” Luke asked.

“We won’t know…yet,” Therebus countered acidly. “Father will not divulge it.”

“I wonder when Karadon will return.” Luke asked, missing his older brother, feeling closer to him than Scott or Therebus.

“Soon, probably,” Scott muttered. An awkward silence fell over the three as they had not a single thing left to talk about. However, despite their silence, a noise was still detectable in the room. A rapt breathing, taking long intakes and heavy, snort-like outtakes.

“Is that you?” Scott snapped.

“No,” Luke counteracted. “I thought it was…”

“It was none of us!” Therebus cried. “I could sense another presence over there.”

He pointed at a tapestry hanging from the wall, from ceiling to floor. It was old and very big, a dusty maroon colour with a pattern in mustard yellow. As the three brothers fell silent, across the room a heavy breathing was detectable.

“Who do you think it is?” Luke whispered.

“I do not know,” Therebus said. “But we cannot see the outline of anybody.”

“Perhaps they’re cloaked, and just by the tapestry,” Luke said quietly. “Or…maybe there’s something behind the tapestry!”

“I think so,” Therebus replied. As the three crept towards the tapestry, Therebus and Scott stopped to let Luke advance and draw a corner back. Gently, his fingers gripped the lower corner of the thick, rug-like tapestry. He felt the dust in-between the fibers and knew it must be old. Slowly peeling it back, Luke prepared to see who was behind there...

“LUKE!”

Luke dropped it instantly. Roger was in the doorway.

“Father!”

“Never fool around in here,” Roger snapped. “NEVER! Do you hear me?”

“Yes, but we heard someone behind there,” Luke explained.

“Balderdash,” Roger snapped. “How can someone else be there? No, all three of you, go. Scott, contact Seryun and ask for an update. As for you two, go to the Library again.”

“We’ve been,” Luke sighed. “We’ve looked!”

“THEN LOOK AGAIN!” Roger screamed, grabbing a book and hurling it. It hit Luke sharply on the forehead. Groaning, Luke wandered off with Therebus as a red mark appeared on his face. Scott walked off to another room. Roger sighed.

He wandered to the tapestry and peeled a corner apart. He slipped beneath it and found himself deep within a stone passageway, a narrow one at that. He wandered down, feeling around the walls.

“You nearly got busted,” he said warningly.

“Make sure…” the voice said sluggishly. Roger hung onto every word. “…it never happens again.”




.:. Next Chapter .:.
-Phoenix faces his newest foe at Gritzwald Graveyard...
-Tekaru learns a lot about status after a visit to Agrotatio Town
-Monica and Tekaru are blessed
-Martha seeks her revenge, but it seems she should have stayed at home
-Damien visits home...with incredible results


Thanks!

[Oakbark]

Yeah! New chappie! I was getting worried when i hadn't seen a new chapter, but now it's here!

I gotta make this quick, so sorry:

**Chrome and co. at Serenity Lake was nice, the AU is slowly re-forming. Master Jackson! *sniff* Its a very good sign when my thoughts mirror the actual reactions of the AU, well done on that!

**What is Karadon up to, bringing Alan's Mother to Evayard? Surely she cannot be strong enough to keep Monica at bay, can she? I like Karadon, he's a crafty ol' chap lol.

**The other V4 almost found that secret passage thingamajig, i wonder will their curiosity bring them back to find out the secret? Especially Luke, who can't betoo pleased by getting hit with a book, and chances are he'll tell his big bro Karadon about the incident, as he seems to be closest to him.

**The Sphinx is dead! But if Karadon didn't put it there, who did?

**Lots of kewl Elementa's and Seryun's strong! How are Roger and his troupé getting this strong???

Yeah, keep it short i said, so bye!

Damien

[Powarun]

“Obviously Father is in love with Teresa,”

What a lie, heh, or at least it seems like a lie. I think that if the V4 find out what or who is behind that wall they may reconsider about fighting the AU, which would be an interesting meeting. The fight wtih Seryun was a bit unexpected, and it is pretty good that the rest of the AU other than Mortimer's group are somehow against the Evayard gang. I still can't wait until Phoenix's fight, think that will be one of the best fights to date.

[Chris 2.1]

Oakbark: Kool, bullet points! Easy to answer

-Yea, Master Jackson is dead! And the AU in Perlei return. But Seryun is working for Roger? And Splinter is dead? Why did Roger kill Splinter? It was a good part of the fic, but I wonder how Chrome will react when he learns his brother is in jail...

-Perhaps Karadon is simply delegating his task to Martha. Either way, he is a strong foe, both in strength and logic.

-It does seem as if Luke has stopped trusting his Father, especially after the reaction he displayed. Yea, Luke does seem close to Karadon, but Karadon is close to Roger...

-Hmm, the Sphinx, as you'll learn, actually belongs to somebody....

-Oh, you'll sort of learn how Roger's V4 and Seryun are this strong. Not just yet, but you will learn at some point.



Powarun: Hmm...are you sure Roger is lying? Maybe he is doing what he is doing out of love for Teresa. Hmm I'm sure you will learn everything when you need to.

Indeed Phoenix's duel is well-anticipated. I have it written already, and if it does not promise to deliver what you want, don't worry. Phoenix has a lot planned

[Oakbark]

**Hmm, i don't think Roger is not in love with Teresa, i mean there has to be a spark in there somewhere, otherwise Teresa would be a little suspicious. I mean, she seems to trust Roger as much as (maybe more) than Tekaru. Either Roger's in love with her or he's a really good actor. . .

**Yes, Karadon seems to be the carbon copy of Roger in terms of evil, and is the most likely to be heir to Roger's throne in terms of family leadership. Plus he has that motherly Elementa. . .

**Luke is a biblical name, one of the apostles. Coincedence or a reference to his religious side??

**Perhaps the Sphinx is Pyrites' , or possibly belongs to someone not featured yet in MV. Hmmm. . .

**Tekaru seems to have taken on a leader-ish role in Monica's group, will she be happy about that? Well i guess he knows Evayard best, but is he taking over slightly?

**Lovely dig from Nat to Al about the Tekaru/Monica thing - it's the first time some humour has emerged in her, perhaps she's becoming a little happier?

**Yeah, Phoenix is in the next chapter!! Where has Lee gone to?

Oh my, i think i've reviewed the chapter again, lol. Oh and one more thing (the reason i replied in the first place) - i don't think i've ever told you that reading your chapters give me the motivation and inspiration to write - something i'm sure a writer will find quite a compliment. I can't wait for the summer, when my exams are over i'm gonna unleash my ideas onto paper, or MS word, or somethng, lol.

And wasn't there a competition sometime? I can't wait to see the winning entry, my lacklustre piece of scrap probably wasn't a pach on the others' entries. . .

I'm gonna stop now before my reply surpasses your chapter. Later!

Damien.

[Chris 2.1]

Oakbark: More bullet points! Huzzah.

**You're right. There has to be a certain degree of love between Teresa and Roger.

**Therebus has the Spirit of Mother. Karadon has Behemoth ^^.

**I think Luke's name is a marvellous name. Luke. I think it sounds sort of brave, and gallant. Karadon is an imperial, mighty name, but Lukes has a sort of compassion in it. It sort of reflects his personality. One element of the fic is how these four monsters soon develop into real people, with real feelings and real opinions.

**Hmm a new character? I wonder...

**I think Tekaru has made sure Monica is safe. He's definitely protecting Monica, and now they have a guide with them (like Ouranous, I suppose) Monica has become less in control. She doesn't seem to mind, though, but does Al?

**You know, Nat DOES seem happy. Is she finally remembering what she said to Dimitri in the fortress?

"You cannot choose your family, but I had to. I chose my family to be the friends that love me for who I am."

Perhaps its dawned to her that she should act on what she said. Especially after, in Revolution, Monica put herself first for execution....

**Lee is, at the moment, persuing his new idol, Gauld. Phoenix does indeed appear next Chapter....and his battle with Thorrus begins!

**Oh, wow! I'm very, VERY flattered I've inspired you. I just hope you all like my work, and like how I do things. Sure, I make mistakes, and I ain't perfect, but I'm just a guy with an idea. A story. A story about Monica and her Vendetta...but who or what is the Vendetta against?

[Powarun]

You can lie about love, besides what is love if you are using your partner for something? Look at Nat and Lee, there seemed something between them and Lee ditches Nat to become more powerful. And didn't MOrtimer's group go to Evayard to become stronger right? So almost logically Monica's group should become stronger, or did it have to do what Mortimer's group do when in Evayard the first place.

Monica and Therebus would be a pretty good couple, but then again Therebus may be a bit too protective of her existance...He is going to lead her to her demise. As an act to prove himself to Roger

[Dragonfree]

*is late again* x_X

Oh well, I just read chapters five and six. I'm really liking how the plot is developing; I'm still eager to see more of Pyrites and the person-in-secret-passage-behind-tapestry seems interesting. I wonder what Roger is up to exactly...

Heh, I like Tekaru's thing for Monica. Could make for some interesting twist, but poor Al...

I liked his religious battle against the Sphinx, too.

Fwee, Zuuki's back. ^^

[Oakbark]

Yes Zuuki seems to be more focused and stronger this time around, doesn't she?

And as for Roger keeping secrets from his sons...bad move don't you think?

[Chris 2.1]

Powarun: Is Roger using Teresa, though? Well we don't know yet, and we might not for a while. What are his motives? Surely he has a reason to destroy the AU...

Mortimer's Group went to Evayard for a number of reasons, and one was to become stronger. Another was to make a fresh start in life, as the group consisted of a lot of loners (Reef, who fled Kralakorn after killing the Mayor, Afee, who was banished from Gilliard after wanting to be more than a foot soldier, and Lee, who left his friends to get stronger.....). Together they were no longer loners.

I mean the group should get stronger, as I have planned a few Gyms.

Monica and Therebus? Because they're Ghost Adepts? Hmm I think they're very different. Therebus is reclusive and shy, but Monica can be boisterous. If any of the AU were to date Therebus I'd think it would be someone like Nat. I can't see it happening though.

Although....


Dragonfree: You're VERY late young lady! hehe jk.

Hmmm more on Pyrites soon I believe. Ever wondered how he met Alan? You'll find out. The person behind the tapestry is also explored into more as the fic progresses.

Lol yea Tekaru and Monica? Poor Al. Monica....as a princess? Could you see that ending to the fic? Hehehe you never know what I have planned.

Tekaru's pursuit of religion is interesting, an I will definitely build on it during the fic. I have a good point to go into more depth, roughly halfway into the fic I believe. So it is quite a while away.

And Zuuki is back! She's a lot stronger, too: Level 11! Didn't I mention that? She has travelled Perlei for a bit (she was banished from Bayne, remember? Hmm maybe she should join Mortimer XD) and has grown.


Oakbark: I agree. Zuuki was always a fiercely determined girl, but she is even moreso now. Her role in the AU and her rank seems to have risen. She is an incredibly valuable asset.

Roger will undoubtedly learn the wrongs of keeping secrets...

"You depend on our protection, yet you feed us lies from the tablecloth."

[Ultra_Poke2000]

Hello Chris! It's been a while, hasn't it. Finals week is coming up in school, so I havn't had too much time to read your chapter and reply. anyway, enough about that. On with the Chapter!

With the four at Serenity Lake, Seryun's attack was rather unanticipated. I had almost forgotten about them, and I had assumed that Seryun was going to take care of Monica and co. Master Jackson's death seemed kind of a shock, like it happened too fast or something. However, they only assumed he was dead, and didn't actually go check. Might he still be alive, clinging to life by a thread? Surely his student's have some expertise in healing, don't they? Or at least enough to keep him alive until help arives? then again, he could just be dead. *sniff*. I guess we'll have to see.

Monica and the gang's fight with the sphinx was pretty good. Tekaru's sacrificial light attack was powerful! pretty neat. His devotion to religion seems pretty intense, much more so than most that we've seen so far in this fic. I wonder how this will figure in later... Nat's jibe to Al about Monica and Tekaru seems kind of revealing. could Tekaru be developing feelings for Monica? and what will she think of this? will it eventually lead to a bad rivalry between Al and Tekaru? Only time will tell.

Karadon's plan seems simple enough: get Alan's mom after Monica. We still have no idea how strong Martha is, so I have no idea how "effective" she'll be at stoppign Monica. Also, will she ever find out that Monica had simply made an honest mistake? Maybe eventually she'll join Monica's side. maybe that's just wishful thinking, but hey, it's been stated several times that Martha is a good person at heart. maybe she'll learn the truth...

It appears that Roger has some strong feelings for Teresa, but since we still don't know Roger's plans, we can't tell if this is a good thing or a bad thing. The brothers said somthing about this just making things go faster, but what does that mean, really? Even the boys don't know. now THAT'S revealing. Roger doesn't even trust his own sons with what he's going to do. As Powarun said, maybe if they knew they wouldn't be on his side anymore. this could be very interesting, as I'm sure that the boys' curiosity will get the better of them soon. Luke especially might want to find out about it since his dad hit him in the head with a book. Anyway, judging from the way that Roger reacted when thing-behind-curtain-number-one was talking, even HE might not be in charge. If Roger is searching for a way to give/restore power to thing-behind-curtain-number-one, I have a feeling it might go something like this (note: Roger is the wizard on the left):



lol. anyway, in the next chapter it seems that we will see Phoenix in all of his glory! and then we have some happenings for Monica and co. however, it appears that Martha won't be having to good of a time. and then Damien; what could happen?

*sigh* I suppose that's enought for me to write. I'll cya guys later then. in the mean time, may the force be with you.

[Chris 2.1]

Ultra_Poke: Hey, I have "finals" in a week or so, too!

-Hmm Master Jackson could still be alive...but Water Adepts cannot uae healing powers. Generally it is a new form of adeptry all together, which you'll see later in the fic, but also some adepts can learn it (Like Therebus and his Crystal Pendant).

-Tekaru is Level 11, so he does have a lot of inner strength. Much of this spawns from his religion, and this will be built upon later on. However, when did this religious side awaken? What brought it on?

-Also, do you think Monica and Tekaru will go out? Al wouldn't like that. I wonder....

-Hmm Karadon seems to be delegating important tasks to Martha. Perhaps he needs to pool his energy into something else?

-Interesting, and very difeent theory on Roger. It is evident he is implementing a heirarchy system between him and his sons by keeping away crucial information. However, if Roger is to be the future king, I don't think there could be anyone he's working for...

-Luke definitely seems to be the most curious. Can he lead his brothers to unmasking what is behind the curtain? Or will Karadon's imperiosity over his brothers mean that he decides what happens?

-Roger not in charge? I wonder. Restore power? Interesting assumption indeed, but why would he bother? Is it perhaps his "dead" wife behind there? Is that why he doesn't want his sons to learn the truth?

-Hmm well I personally think you wanted to just use that sprite

-Next Chapter is fantastic, IMHO ^^;, I hope you enjoy it! Ch12 underway.

[Ultra_Poke2000]

*sigh* Alright, you caught me with just wanting to use the sprite, but it was funny, wasn't it?

Anyway, there's an idea I didn't think of. Roger's "dead" wife? Now that is an interesting idea. If that is the case then... yes...... it all makes sense now.......... uh, well, I'll just keep that to myself. heh. Don't want to give anyone any ideas. lol. I'll cya later!

[Powarun]

Oh snap, I didn't mean to say Therebus and Monica no, Tekaru and Monica would be a good couple. The long T names got me confused.

[Chris 2.1]

Just a preview for Chapter 7 guys. Instead of quotes from it, I'm going to do sort of a review of the Chapter.

"It's Chapter 7, and things start to heat up as Phoenix challanges Thorrus to a duel in Gritzwald Graveyard. But is Phoenix ready to take on this mighty Adept? Meanwhile, as the group arrive in Agrotatio Town, Monica tests her abilities as a Ghost Adept, and both her and Tekaru reap their rewards. However, it seems every high has a low, which both Tekaru and Monica learn one night. Martha Michael makes a return, and Karadon's scheme starts to come into play...but it is interrupted by something the V4 couldn't even prevent. And in Perlei, Damien says goodbye to his arrogant Father, Margus, who is outraged at his sons departure. Margus leaves his son with an ultimatum, but what will Damien do?"





Ok, I'll post it soon!

[Chris 2.1]

Time for a new chappie.

Monica’s Vendetta
Seven
Deceit and its Many Forms

Meanwhile, in Altonia, Phoenix approached the gates of the large Graveyard. He grabbed the bars and rattled them angrily, shouting out to the Adept within.

“I AM COMING TO CHALLENGE YOU, THORRUS!” He yelled. “OPEN YOUR GATES!”

It was no use. Phoenix sighed to himself as the wind picked up, spreading a chill through the atmosphere. It was midday, but the graveyard was darkening already. Phoenix attempted to slam his fist into the gate, but achieved nothing short of a sore fist.

Suddenly, as Phoenix nursed his knuckles, he saw a strange, purple form floating towards him. It was on the other sides of the gates, with an eerie set of red eyes. It looked like a little creature comprised of energy.

It gave a slow cry, and slowly the doors opened up. The creature waggled its long, sinewy tail and sped off through the ever increasing darkness. Phoenix watched the gates, waiting until they opened to their fullest before darting inside.

There was a stronger wind here. Wandering past old, battered gravestones was slightly unnerving. They were worn and greening slightly, their words and inscriptions becoming distorted. From behind a thin, whispish layer of cloud, a pearly white moon began to appear.

As Phoenix walked, the steady incline in the hill became notably more obvious. He wandered past larger, fancier gravestones, looking behind him to see the gates closing already. The shattered, destroyed city of Gritzwald was completely different to the one Phoenix had visited once before. When he had last visited, Mortimer kidnapped him and, knowing he hailed from Cloudina, pressured him into revealing the whereabouts of a sacred Armlet. Phoenix was saved by Ouranos, Monica’s guide, and Lee. Back then, Gritzwald was a bustling metropolis set in the pages of history. Back then, Phoenix might have been able to find out about his father…

It was useless denying the tear that fell from Phoenix’s cheek. He stroked it away with his finger and kept walking until he reached the crest of the hill. As he looked, he saw that a bowl-like formation formed. All the hills in the graveyard went down into an area in the middle. Thorrus must be there. Phoenix looked, and saw many of these purple spirits floating around the graves, clustering around the biggest ones. The young man came to the conclusion these spirits were comprised of ghost adeptry.

Looking down the hill towards the center of the Graveyard, an eerie light was causing each gravestone to glow a brilliant white. Wondering what this was about. Phoenix decided to investigate. He rubbed his hands together, building up a static charge, and held both hands high above his head.

“THUNDER OF THOR!” he roared, commanding the clouds to darken and drop bolts of lightening from the sky. All around the graveyard claps of thunder shook and bolts pierced the ground. Phoenix watched around for any movement.

“My name is Phoenix,” he shouted, standing high up and searching the area. “I come to challenge Thorrus to a duel!”

It was quiet, save for the crackles of thunder. Phoenix watched darkly. There was a spark of light down by the glowing gravestones.

“THIS IS THORRUS!” a voice boomed. “PHOENIX, YOU MAY DUEL ME DOWN HERE.”

Sensing a trick, Phoenix threw his arms down by his side and let his large, soft, white eagle-like wings come out of his back. He also gripped the long, thin staff that emerged and flapped up into the air. He could not see Thorrus from here. He headed down towards his foe.

As he got closer, he could see a figure sitting on the ground. The grass had been cut out in an enigmatic circle which Thorrus sat in the center of. It was large, with a round border inside. Lines zigzagged up and down the border and geometric shapes seemed to be placed randomly inside the circle. Phoenix flapped down slowly and stood there, facing Thorrus.

The first thing Phoenix saw was that his face had been obscured almost by his brown hair. As he looked up, the hair cleared and his piercing brown eyes seemed full of inner fury and conflict. His face was well-defined and he looked like he may once have been a handsome man in his youth. He must have been forty years of age, around about there. He wore a short-sleeved, thin black kimono and had a few small scars on his face.

“You’re my challenger?” Thorrus asked.

“Yes,” Phoenix said firmly. “You destroyed this opulent city. You have ruined it and it can never be the same. I came here for a reason, and now I will never learn what I need to.”

“What did you need to learn?” Thorrus asked.

“That is none of your business,” Phoenix replied curtly. “Now let me destroy you and bring peace to Gritzwald again.”

Thorrus gave a smirk.

“You can’t beat me,” he declared. “Not when I have the power of every element in my grasp! Spirits arise!”

As Thorrus said this, the whole place began to glow and shake. From the soft grass, white beads of energy formed into small, two-foot high creatures that glowed green as they charged through the air. These ones had sharp, cat-like ears, with round bellies and sharp claws. Phoenix swiped his staff to send a wave of silver energy slashing apart the creatures.

“When there is grass, I can summon spirits from nature itself,” Thorrus said softly. “And the spirit that let you in is comprised from the ghostly energy of every corpse in the graveyard!”

As he said this, a plethora of creatures swept forward and tried attacking Phoenix. He flapped upwards and threw a ball of electrical energy at them, which exploded and obliterated each one. Thorrus seemed impressed.

“Your attacks have passion,” he declared. “You obviously feel strongly about this. But I have caused every adept and non-adept who challenged me to perish by my feet. I will not lose to another one!”

He summoned a sword straight away. Holding his other hand out, he charged up white energy.

“KARMA AIR!” Thorrus roared. “Spirits of the Graveyard!”

The orb of energy suddenly turned a dull purple colour. Thorrus plunged the orb of energy directly in his stomach and became shrouded by a muggy purple aura. His clothes faded into a grey, his hair folded back slightly and no longer hung around his face, and eerie, bat-like wings formed from his shoulder blades.

“Karma Air?” Phoenix asked. “Interesting.”

“I’m taking my strength from the spiritual energy in our environment,” Thorrus boomed. He swept through the air, flapping his wings to propel himself forward. He held his sword ready and headed towards Phoenix.

“Justice Punch!” Phoenix roared, holding his hand out and letting silver energy take it over. Clenching it into a fist, he drove it forward and ran as Thorrus got closer. Phoenix smashed his fist into Thorrus, sending him flying back. He stopped in mid-air, flapping his wings and watching.

“SHADOW BALL!” he roared back, charging up a round ball of ghostly energy in his hands, slipping his sword in a sheath. Phoenix held his palm forward and sent a thin bolt of electricity surging through the air. As Thorrus threw the shadow ball, the two attacks merged and caused a small explosion.

“Night shade!” Thorrus roared, holding his hands out and blasting two jagged bolts of purple energy. Phoenix, wings still out, swept to the left in an air-evasion, crouching behind a gravestone which was, soon after, reduced to rubble.

His attacks are stronger than Monica or Lee’s, Phoenix thought to himself. Thorrus must be a high level.

Phoenix leapt up high, activating his wings and flapping up higher. Thorrus saw this as a challenge and swept up to meet him. Phoenix knew this would be hard. Both competitors raced towards each other from up high; Thorrus got out his sword, while Phoenix released his large staff and raced at his foe.

“Soul Reap!” Thorrus roared, holding his sword steady with two hands. It glowed with brilliant violet light as he neared.

Phoenix, sensing he could not pull a retaliatory attack out in time, was shocked when the sword slashed at him. Oddly enough, it did not hurt…in fact; Phoenix did not even feel it. It sliced through his stomach and came out the other end a brilliant white.

“Oh!” Phoenix gasped, surprised at a strange feeling in his stomach.

“That’s right,” Thorrus said. “I attacked your soul.”

Phoenix fell from the sky limply, eyes eventually shutting. He smashed against the worn, rubble on the floor. He knew no more as Thorrus hovered in mid-air above him, watching as his sword pulsated with new energy and hope.

A new voice rang out from the darkness.

“Go, my student!”

There was a sharp cry and a figure leapt into the air. Thorrus gasped as he was smashed in the side by a long, red Zanbatou. Roughly the height of an average door, the Zanbatou was a staff with a deadly blade on the end. Thorrus fell to the ground and gave a roar of pain.

“What the?” he asked weakly. The figure landed opposite him. She flicked her neat blonde hair and watched him. Her sweet, sugary blue eyes were now focused and ready.

“That’s it, Serena,” said a woman behind her. “Finish him off.”

*

Meanwhile, in Evayard, the AU members Monica, Al, Nat and Tekaru were making their way across the continent. It was, in a word, picturesque; Monica felt revived from the dingy, grungy Saffron City. The air was crisp and delightful when inhaled.

“Agrotatio town is just ahead,” Tekaru pointed out, leading the group through a delightful plain.

Within another half an hour, the four made their entrance into Agrotatio town. It was a quiet, peaceful village. As they entered, a man was playing a lonesome, emotional tune on a small wooden recorder. Al gave him some change.

It seemed to be a village which liked being tucked away out of all the kafuffle the big cities often had. There were no shops; instead, the main street had various markets selling crafts, weapons, herbs, fruit and meats. The village was pretty much in the shape of a crossroad, with markets lining the dirt paths. It seemed to rely heavily on its agriculture.

“Prince Tekaru!” A lady cried, throwing herself at the young man’s feet. “How good of you to heed our calls!”

“What’s she talking about?” Monica hissed to Nat. The girl shook her head in confusion.

“I have been praying for so many weeks,” the lady said, blinking heavily to stem the tears running down her wrinkled face. “Praying that you’d come to see us.”

“Whatever is the problem?” Tekaru asked politely.

“EVERYONE! Gather round!” the woman cried. She was dressed in brown raggedy clothes. “PRINCE TEKARU IS HERE!”

A small crowd was accumulating.

“It’s my grandson,” the woman said loudly. “He’s been having these terrible visions…we were wondering if you’d help us out.”

“W-Where is he?” Tekaru asked, unsure of how to solve this.

“Come with me,” the lady said. “I’ll show you our house.”

As the lady parted the crowd and led the AU to her house, Monica noticed how many people were interested in her in particular. While Al and Nat received no stares or were not talked about, Monica felt as if she was being discussed. Whispers followed her, and she began thinking it was because of her adeptry class.

In a small, dusty house, one storey high and only with a few rooms, a boy lay on a bed, groaning and weeping into his pillow. A young woman, presumably the boy’s mother, sat on a chair watching him.

“Greta!” the woman cried. “You came back!”

She got out of her chair.

“Your boy has been crying,” the woman told Greta, and it was then that it transpired the woman must be a nurse of some description. “Please, I cannot bear it anymore!”

“Berah, Berah,” Greta whispered softly. “Berah, this is Prince Tekaru, from the big city.”

“Hello…Berah,” Tekaru said, not sure how to address the situation.

“Can you help him?” Greta asked.

“I might be able to help him,” Monica said softly, approaching the foot of the bed. “Berah, my name is Monica.”

“Nnnghh…” Berah groaned, clenching his teeth. Greta saw Monica and raised her graying eyebrows. Apparently Tekaru was the savior, not Monica.

“Can I ask you a few questions?” Monica continued softly.

“Yeah…” Berah said.

“How long have you been having visions?”

“He has had them for a week or so,” Greta said calmly, albeit quickly.

“Can you think back to a week ago? What happened a week ago that could have triggered this?” Monica went on, ignoring Greta. Her approach seemed rather ignorant.

“I…We went to the next town over,” Berah whispered.

“It is Samyura Town,” Greta went on. “A martial arts community with a master Sensei. Our Berah went to the Gym there to try and get a martial arts Gym badge, to take him to level 2. He was successful.”

“I think that could be the problem,” Monica said. “When I was first level 2, I had horrible visions. That was before my town was attacked by terrorists.”

She approached Berah.

“Let me share your pain.”

Holding Berah’s head in both her hands, Monica closed her eyes and hoped she could participate in Berah’s visions. Nothing was happening, so the girl blocked out all sound and concentrated as hard as she could. Then, it happened…

A sudden rush of adrenaline surged through her brains as Monica felt white-hot pain sealing her eyes shut. She was sweeping low over a destroyed city, watching as crumbled buildings were shrouded in silky flames. The sky was a Turkish pink, and a horrible creature rose from the ground and flew through the air…

Despite trying to pull away, Monica was almost clamped to Berah’s head. Her forehead felt sweaty and she knew she was getting extremely hot. The scene soon switched, and Monica was somewhere else. A long, stone corridor. Walking forward, she heard her footsteps echoing along with a pair next to her, belonging to Berah. The two advanced down the corridor as a slow, stirring noise began hissing and gradually climaxing ahead. As they turned a corner, a piercing noise filled Monica’s ears, a white flash illuminated the corridor, and her grip fell from Berah’s head.

She fell back onto the ground and thudded against the stone floor. Gasping for breath, she noticed Nat, Tekaru and Al watched her with intrigue and concern. Berah was also panting; face shining with sweat as he stared into space.

“Grandma,” he said softly. “Grandma! I am not seeing horror anymore!”

“You…aren’t?” Greta asked. “Oh, thank the heavens! Prince Tekaru sent this blessing.”

Greta knelt and kissed Monica’s hand.

“How did you know that?” Al asked, bewildered.

“I’m not sure,” Monica said slowly. “I just thought it might work…and it did…”

“Are you ok?” Nat asked from afar.

“I feel dizzy,” Monica replied. “But I’m sure it will be ok soon.”

“What did you see?” Nat continued.

“I…it…it’s not clear anymore,” Monica said slowly, massaging her temples. “But it was horrible.”

“Come on,” Tekaru said. “Let us find a place to stay for the night.”

“Prince Tekaru…” Greta said slowly. “I am so grateful for your help. I am a talented Ghost Adept myself. I am the third class, Ghost Prophet, and know a lot of techniques you may find useful.”

“What like?” Tekaru asked keenly.

“The Pathian Ability,” Greta spoke softly. “I’m sure you have heard of it.”

“Yea, yea!” Monica cried. “Please, Greta, teach us it!”

“It is a very strong attack,” Greta told them. “Do you all want to learn it?”

“…I won’t,” Al declared. “I’m not as good as anybody else.”

“I think Monica and Tekaru should learn it,” Nat explained. “Monica is our group leader, and Tekaru is at high enough a level to handle it with few problems. I won’t, though.”

“Why not?” Monica asked sincerely.

“I just…well, maybe I’ll learn it later.” Nat said. “Greta, can we learn it off each other?”

“As long as someone has it mastered, then yes,” Greta replied calmly.

“Then I’ll learn off you another time,” Nat said, oddly happy. “Come on, Al, should we go and find a place to stay?”

“Yea,” Al replied, confused somewhat. “Yea, we’ll see you guys’ later, ok?”

And that was that. Monica and Tekaru were led to a quiet place with Greta as Al and Nat headed to the town to find an Inn for the night. Meanwhile, down a tight alleyway, a woman watched Monica from afar. Sweeping her long hair from her face, she slipped a pair of shades on and kept her hand around something in her pocket.

“There she is,” hissed the woman. “Monica Ward. Perhaps if she masters the Pathian ability well, she is a good candidate.”

The young woman’s thoughts were interrupted when she glanced across the street to see Martha Michael watching Monica, from a discreet alleyway.

“Who is that?” the woman snapped irritably. “Hmm. If she proves a liability I shall take care of her.”

*

Later that evening, Monica and Tekaru were still practicing their Pathian technique. Greta observed how they did it, making sharp, decisive criticisms and never failing to point out their flaws.

“CONCENTRATE!” Greta cried. “Open your mind and see the person you are communicating with!”

Monica was envisioning Nat, presumably at an Inn. She saw Nat, staring ahead with determination. Monica let her mind open and slowly muttered Nat’s name…

…but then everything fizzled out. Monica collapsed on her knees, exhausted and having failed to work the Pathian ability.

“Monica, your technique is poor,” Greta snapped. Her long, beaky nose was rather uninviting as the gnarled woman stared down it at Monica. Her sharp eyes seemed full of disgust. “Tekaru, you are doing much better.”

Tekaru, who was trying to communicate with Al, let the attack fade and sighed happily.

“I nearly nailed it!” he said triumphantly.

“It is late,” Greta said, staring around her. “Meet me here tomorrow at midday. We will continue your training then.”

As the moon cast a pearly glow over the little town of Agrotatio, Monica and Tekaru turned and headed through town towards the Inn. There was only one in the town, so they knew where to go.

“This place,” Monica began. “Evayard, I mean. It’s fantastic.”

“Yea, I know,” Tekaru sighed. “I’m so happy living here…or…I will be, once Roger is out of the way.”

“Did you say we’re going to Crufia straight from here?” Monica asked. “It looks an awful long way.”

“I did think, at first, we should simply train up,” Tekaru began. “But this cannot wait. Roger must be stopped.”

As they wandered through the town, Monica peered down an alleyway to her left. A firey red glow was spreading. Intrigued, Monica took a step forward…

…Martha Michael leapt out and smashed her fist into the young girl’s face. Falling onto her knees, Monica gave a surprised cry as Tekaru summoned his hammer. Leaping up, Tekaru sped through the air and swiped his hammer. Martha, not being incredibly agile, was hit in the side and thrown to the ground.

“Monica! MONICA!” Tekaru cried, kneeling down. “Are you ok?”

She seemed to be unconscious.

“You bitch,” Tekaru growled. “I am the Prince of Evayard! I could have you killed for this.”

“Shut up, you ignorant little boy!” Martha snapped, producing a fireball in her palm. “That stupid little girl KILLED my dear Alan!”

“What?” Tekaru gaped. “Monica didn’t kill him!”

“Don’t protect your girlfriend,” Martha spat, throwing the fireball at Tekaru. He leapt up and avoided it. Landing, the boy held his hand forward and sent a jagged bolt of lightening at Martha. However, Martha managed to take a quick 3-step to the left and evade it. She clicked her fingers, summoning her weapon – a long kitchen knife. She took careful aim…

“Monica!” Tekaru cried again. “FRENZY BOLT!”

Three golden bolts of lightening pierced the air as they rocketed from the boy’s hands. Striking Martha, the woman gave a shriek and dropped her knife. It clattered against the dusty earth.

“Leave here,” Tekaru growled. “Your son died at the hands of a group called the V4, led by a man named Karadon.”

“NO!” Martha screamed. “Karadon is a savior.”

“Y-You’ve met him?” Tekaru asked.

“He helped me come to Evayard,” Martha said darkly. “AND he told me the truth about my beloved Alan.”

Tekaru sighed.

“Martha, please, our group was targeted by Karadon and his brothers. They tried killing us all, but Alan got in the way of their attack and sacrificed himself for us –

“LIAR!” the irritated woman screamed. She picked up her knife. Her curly hair was ragged and unkempt, while her eyes were filling with a fierce malice. With the unconscious Monica between Tekaru and Martha, it looked as if Martha was ready to strike.

“I came here to settle the score,” Martha snapped. “AND I WILL!”

Holding her knife above her head, Martha’s eyes widened by the second as the seconds whittled by.

“Give Alan my regards, Monica,” Martha growled.

Suddenly, there were rapid shots from the left. Martha turned and was stuck in the chest three times, before groaning and falling to her knees. Tekaru gave a gasp as he stared down the alleyway to the left. A figure wandered out slowly.

“Get out of here,” she snapped. “NOW!”

Her face was smooth and almost in the shape of a heart. She had well-defined cheekbones and looked both glamorous and youthful. Her hair was long and silver; she wore a dazzling black sequined skirt/top combo. The woman was holding a gun comprised of a blue crystal material.

“Didn’t you hear me?” the woman repeated. “Go, or you’re next.”

“Why did you shoot her?” Tekaru asked, feeling weak.

“She isn’t dead,” the woman replied. “This gun fires bullets of concentrated adeptry. It doesn’t have the ability to kill. Not unless I fire it ten times into your skull.”

“Who are you?” Tekaru said emptily. He saw the woman pick Monica up and drag her. “What are you doing?”

“Taking her away,” the woman replied.

“Leave her alone!” Tekaru replied, charging golden energy into his hammer. “Lightening joust!”

As he ran through the air, the woman pulled her gun out and fired three shots. Tekaru was stunned in the chest and fell onto the harsh earth. Feeling his shirt rip, he watched as the woman dragged Monica back into the alleyway she had emerged from.

So sore…, he groaned. He needed to get up, but Tekaru’s chest was very uncomfortable after the woman had attacked him. Finally giving in, Tekaru slumped into the ground as he heard a car rev up. The woman then tore from the alleyway in a midnight blue Ferrari and sped off out of Agrotatio and into the distance.

“MONICA!” Tekaru shouted. “I failed her…”

And with that, strength exhausted, Tekaru blacked out. Monica, still unconscious, was being driven away by this clearly dangerous woman. Al and Nat were probably settling in to their surroundings, unaware of the tragic turn of events. In the Crufia Prison, Mortimer, Boko and Afee had to wait for the right time to try and stage an escape long enough to contact other AU members. Lee, putting aside his health, continued following Gauld from afar as he led himself farther and farther from the Mask of Babylon. Serena still fought Thorrus in Gritzwald Graveyard, and the V4 worked on separate projects for their father as he discussed wedding plans with Lady Teresa. In Perlei, Chrome and Zuuki made their way towards Colina, and Damien and Salo made a quick visit home before setting off with the other two. With Master Jackson’s death fresh in their minds, the four wanted to work as hard as they could to overcome any threats.

Damien and Salo arrived in Guellion, their home city on the sea. Salo went to visit her grandparents, whom she lived with, while Damien visited home to see his Father, Margus. An irritable man, Margus had a lot of leverage over his son. When on the way to Asterid Fortress to fight Dimitri, Damien gave in to all the things his father had said and ran from the AU. He never had a part in Dimitri’s death. After the overcome of Dimitri and the destruction of Asterid Fortress, Dimitri continued to train under Master Jackson. Unfortunately, many people (like Chrome, for example) never fully accepted Damien again.

“So,” Margus growled, as Damien wandered back into his small living room. The fire was burning steadily, casting an orange glow over the room. Margus had been reading the newspaper. He was disabled, confined to a wheelchair after he tried using a strength enhancer, and always left a key under the doormat so that Damien could get in. “You’re back.”

“Actually,” Damien said, looking away from his steely glare of his father. “I’m not staying.”

“Where are you going?” Margus asked impatiently.

“To Evayard,” Damien replied. “The AU members in Perlei have been targeted by an evil group. We have to flee.”

“You’re staying right here boy,” Margus snapped. His wiry grey beard was somewhat intimidating.

“N-No! I’m not, I’m going,” Damien mumbled. “Father, it is my duty to go! I wear this badge like I wear my pride; if I disown it, I throw my pride away!”

“Are you questioning me?” Margus asked.

“Yes.” Damien replied, after a while. “I used to be scared of you, Father; you were always so overpowering. But I can stand tall now, and make my own decisions. I’m through with being afraid of you!”

“If you leave here,” Margus said angrily. “You will NEVER be welcomed back.”

Damien’s brow furrowed.

“You think you can boss me around?” he asked. “You think you can set rules and expect me to obey them? Father, I’m nearly 17 years old. I will NEVER surrender my life! I will not live for you any more!”

Damien grabbed his sword and ripped it from its sheath.

“Damien?” Margus asked, his voice weakening.

“I won’t feel bad for betraying you,” Damien muttered. Holding his sword ready, his breathing was deep and slow. “YOU ARE NO FATHER OF MINE ANY MORE!”

*

As Damien left his house that night, he tried telling himself it was not his house any longer. With his sword cleaned of all its sins, Damien slotted it back into his sheath and dashed from the cul-de-sac he lived in. A few meters away, Margus’ corpse had been thrown into the large fire, which had eaten up the flesh and taken away the last of Damien’s family.

And yet, so soon after the dreadful deed, Damien was already questioning his motives as he ran off to meet Salo. If he was feeling bad now; feeling remorse for his actions, then how would he feel in a week? A month?

Much worse, a voice told him. Damien gave a heavy sigh, longing more than ever for the stinging guilt in his mind to disappear.





I'll do a preview for Chapter 8 in a week or so.

[Oakbark]

I'll start at the end, with Damien and Margus - was it really necessary for him to kill his father? I mean, Margus wouldn't have been able to stop him physically or with adeptry, so why not just walk out on him? Surely there would be a lot less guilt felt that way.

Thorrus is strange, and his Reaper attack is weird. Phoenix!!!!!! Thank God Serena turned up (yay Serena's back!), but what did that attack do to Phoenix? Will he be okay?? And just who is that woman that is mentoring Serena?

Tekaru seems to have quite the celebrity status in Agrotatio Town, almost like a God. (the religion seems to be strong too "i prayed for you to come").

Monica's stolen vision seemed weird, i'm not even going to try and interpret it. . .

I'm wary about this new 'modern' adept that uses solidified adeptry and a car (surely there are no proper roads for one??). I feel like she's breaching the medieval style feel to Evayard, but she's an interesting concept none the less. Why is she helping Monica?

Martha and her kitchen knife - classic. She's so motherly i guess it seemed fitting she used a kitchen utensil for a weapon!

The Pathian ability will be useful for communication with the other members of the AU. I guess Nat didn't want to learn it because of it's association with Dimitri (and to a far lesser extent Melanie from Asterid Fortress).

I wonder will this alone-time help Nat and Tekaru to bond? They seem to be getting along okay so far.

Gotta go, major exams in less than two weeks time and i'm here disecting your new chapter lol. Bye!

Damien.

[Powarun]

I'll start at the end, with Damien and Margus - was it really necessary for him to kill his father? I mean, Margus wouldn't have been able to stop him physically or with adeptry, so why not just walk out on him? Surely there would be a lot less guilt felt that way.

Oakbark, I think that Damien killed his father because his father was what kept him back and stopped him from helping out those that would help him out. HIs father brought him fear, and he stood against his fear and well did what he wanted.

I like how MOnica and Tek, were kidnapped, hopefully they will become more stronger. Magic bullets, those would be cool, just for fun though.

[Chris 2.1]

Oakbark: Damien walked away from Margus before, in Perlei, and he still caved in to his father's constant pressure. In that scene, I was establishing how emotionally fragile Damien is. His anger rose as his confidence did, and soon he was so angry at his father's dominance he went beserk. Of course, now he has already begun to feel remorse. How will he cope?

A lot of questions with the Phoenix/Serena scene. Thorrus seems strong, but if Phoenix fell to him, will Serena be able to stand up to this foe? Hmmmm....

Monica's vision was very weird and hard to decipher. It is relevant and could perhaps be a taster of things to come.

Hmm yea I know the woman's car is a little odd for Evayard. But it is a concept I've been saving for a long time, something no other character has. It demonstrates just how important this woman is. The pistol, while being more modern, doesn't kill, but simply fired adeptry in a bullet form (think of it like a bullet seed attack, almost). This character is important, and has a very big part to play.

Lol yea Martha's weapon, the knife. Pity she never got to use it.

Also, I think you might be right with the whole Pathian thing. Perhaps since Nat is quiet anyway, communicating with everyone isn't really something she would like to do.

Wait, what do you mean? Al and Nat are at the Inn. Tekaru is lying in the street, and Monica has been kidnapped. Well, I suppose Tekaru could get to know Nat and Al a bit better.


Powarun: Yea I think so too.

Only Monica was kidnapped


Chapter 8 Preview soon.

[Oakbark]

Lol must be the brain-draining studying or something, dunno why i said that about Tekaru and Nat, i mean i knew it was Al and Nat at the Inn . . .oh well, mistakes happen i guess.

Yes, Martha can use her Slice and Dice attack! Lol.

Hmm, Damien has so much to cope with, losing partial respect of the AU, guilt over disobeying his father, guilt over killing his father, etc. But he has that AU badge for a reason, i hope he can put his fears and guilt to one side.

Yes, Nat has lead quite the solitary life, both in her home forest and through MR in Dimitri's prison. Maybe she'll find the special someone that she can open up and confide in, although after the Lee incident she might have trouble trusting. . .

[Ultra_Poke2000]

Garsp! stuff happened, so let's see what's up.

Ah, the great Phoenix challenges the odd Thorrus. Thorrus seems to be quite strong, and he commands more than one adeptry. Kind of like Sid, but possibly to a greater extent (i.e., Sid only had command of three, maybe four types of adeptry (fire, water, electricity, and some psychic stuff at the very end), while this Thorrus has so far displayed the following adeptry: fire, plant, ghost, dark(?), etc...). Who knows what else he can do? This brings up a question: Just what kind of adept is Thorrus? He's obviously not an elemental knight (they've only got the main three). Perhaps he's some kind of Absorbing Adept or something like that. He did say that he was getting his spirit energy from graveyard. We'll just have to see....

Oh yah, Serena just appeared. From nowhere. And with a mentor of some type. Obviously she just saved Phoenix, but will she be able to take on Thorrus? Phoenix has always been one of the "big guns" of the group, while Serena was more of a mid-level adept, along the ranks of Nat, Monica, and Lee. Then again, she did go to Cloudina to train and join that group (sorry; I forgot what it was called ). Maybe (most likely, actually) she's gained some levels and experience. But is she on par with Phoenix? Perhaps she has even surpassed him. That would be impressive. And who is that mentor of hers? will she hold some answers to certain mysteries? You know, stuff like that? And is she even really a on the good side? All questions we'll learn the answers to, I'm sure.

As the group arives in Agritatio town, that woman greets them with cries of “How good of you to heed our calls" and, “I have been praying for so many weeks.” When they first emerged from the sewer into Evayard Tekaru seemed rather anxious to get to this town. Maybe their praying is what urged him there and he just made up the excuse of "leveling up" to get them to follow him. Intriguing....

Anyway, Monica's shared vision with Berah was creepy, and obviously forboding. That creature... could it be that it was actually Thorrus? or...

HUGE MAYBE SPOILER! : It could have been the thing behind the curtain!

We're not sure which city it was that was burning, or where that corridor was... but we've only heard of one true city since where they are now is only a town. But Berah was with her.... could that mean that they'll be teaming up with him. We don't know his age (he was only referred to as a boy), but for some reason I got the impression that he was very young, like around the ages of 10-11. I could be wrong, though. Another thing, though; if Greta herself was a ghost adept of an aparently high level, why couldn't she do anything? Maybe there's something special about Monica that we don't know of yet.

Monica and Tekaru are learning the Pathian technique, which could prove useful in the future. Oakbark, your hypothesis about why Nat might not want to learn the technique was very insightful. I know I wouldn't have thought of that. Kudos to you, Oakbark.

With Martha's attack on Monica, the kitchen knife weapon was priceless. I think it was just the right amount of humor for the moment. When that mysterious woman shot Martha my stomach dropped for a second. I was kindof shocked that you would kill her off all the sudden and so quickly, but it turns out you didn't, so I'm good. That "modern" adept concept is actually kind of cool. plus she has a ferrari; that was awesome, if slightly out of place. Now that I think about it, she was kind of mentioned in the shadows earlier, and said something about Monica being a "good candidate". But for what? and who? Is she working for Rodger, or is she part of a third group with it's own agenda? We can only guess...

Now for the really shocking part: Damien killed his own friggin' father! I did not expect that to happen. What reprecussions could this have later on? He's already having severe guilt pains, which we know will affect him in battle and in decision making. But what about the local law enforcement? I'm sure that's not going to go down too well with the police/whatever they have around there. That will probably cause problems too. *sigh* So many problems... but, what can you do?

I suppose that's all I have to write about for now. I'll see you guys later, and take care! Until we meet again.....

[Chris 2.1]

Oakbark: Heh I know, studying is hard for me atm too. If there are any glaring plot holes around Ch13, tell me

As for Damien; you're right. He has a lot on his plate, and needs to gain redemption from the AU, particularly Mortimer's party and Chrome. How will Damien get through this uphill struggle?

Nat finding love? Hmm I did promise some romance in this part of the Saga, and I won't lie to you: Some characters will get together. But as the characters learn, love isn't easy...


Ultra: Hola! When Phoenix talked to Harley in Gritzwald (Ch4), Harley recalled Thorrus announcing himself as a Shamanic Adept. But what can this mean? Is it a fancy name, concealing some hidden type Phoenix has never faced? Only time will tell...

Hmm...Serena...I wonder if she IS stronger? She was still a Storm Sage (ie: Below Level 10) in Revolution, and we do know Phoenix is the 3rd and highest class - Storm Angel. I don't think, given the time scale, Serena could be stronger, but pure strength never decides the outcome of a match.

I think Tekaru asked the group to head to Agrotatio Town because it was the nearest town

Hmm Monica's vision...well, we'll see.

Martha is by no means dead, but the introduction of the mysterious woman can only be bad. I wonder who she works for. Maybe herself? You're right, she could be working for Roger....is she....(Spoiler:) Rogers wife, the V4's mother? Well you might find out soon enough when Ch8 comes out.


Ps: I'm not saying that theory is true. I'm also not denying it!


Hmm well Damien lives in a secluded part of the city. How long before Margus is found?


Attention! The Evayard map has been completed, but creatures and a few more locations are being added still.


Well here is the Preview for Chapter 8:


After the horrific kidnapping of Monica Ward, Tekaru, Nat and Al are left shocked and deeply confused by the girl's dissapearence. Meanwhile, in Crufia, Luke decides to take action against his father, and attempts to put the pieces together. Unfortunately, Luke finds out things he does not want to hear, and is struck with inner conflict. Lee's pursuit of Gauld continues, but how long before his health deteriorates beyond repair? Meanwhile Roger discovers some shocking truths - have his brutish ways cost him? And Pyrites has a new customer to meet, and greet...and kill.


Don't miss Chapter 8 - Current Events. Coming soon.

[Oakbark]

Never even thought of that theory lol.

Yes, i think Ultra's right, that stone corridor sounds like the "behind the curtain" area. What is that hissing? Makes me remember the Chamber Of Secrets in HP.

Neways, without Monica, who'll take on the leadership role? I mean, Al will feel responsible, but Tekaru has acted as temporary leader so far as he knows the area better. Problems in store?

Lee better not die, and neither should (slightly off track) Mortimer (remember the Don't Kill Mortimer Club? Lol.).

Map! Yeah!

[Chris 2.1]

We lost Ch8, which was up previously IIRC. I'll post Chapter 9 tomorrow I think.

Monica’s Vendetta
Eight
Current Events

Luckily for Tekaru, his Pathian technique had worked. He contacted Al and Nat straight away and urged them to come and get him. Still lying on the floor, defeated from before, Tekaru had not the strength to be able to fight back against the woman who kidnapped Monica.

Tekaru reeled off the events that happened, going from the arrival of Martha Michael, and her attempt on Monica’s life, which had been halted by the appearance of the woman. The woman stopped Martha (she was sent to the nearest hospital right away; her wounds looked serious) and then fought Tekaru off, before taking Monica off in her blue car.

“Don’t blame yourself!” Nat cried. “Tekaru…”

“I’m the PRINCE of this continent,” Tekaru moped. “And I couldn’t save Monica!”

“What can we do?” Al asked slowly. “I mean…we have no idea where she went.”

“She headed north,” Tekaru said. “But I don’t know anything other than that.”

“Maybe she has a connection to Martha,” Nat suggested. “When Martha wakes up, we can ask her some questions.”

“I don’t know…” Al muttered. “She’ll be furious to you, too, for lying to her about Alan.”

“I think Karadon sided with her only so she would take care of Monica for him,” Tekaru concluded.

“Lying to a woman who recently lost her son!” Nat shouted. “And the son was killed at his hands!”

“He does play rough,” Al noted. “The V4 will be hard to beat.”

“We’ll manage,” Nat said bracingly. “But we need to find out who took Monica, why they took her, and where they took her to.”

*

Meanwhile, in the Crufia Prison, Mortimer, Afee and Boko sat in silence. Wandering down the stairs was Luke of the V4; ever since discovering the tapestry in Roger’s private room, he had become very curious as to what lay beneath it, and was sure it related to Mortimer’s imprisonment. While he hadn’t actually had a role in the false jail sentence, Luke’s brothers Karadon and Scott had actually set everything up.

After seeing the fury on Roger’s face, Luke knew something was up. Karadon was too loyal to his father to believe he would hide something from them, and it was because of his older brothers’ say in the matter that the Flame Champion Scott agreed with the Water Deity. As for Therebus, the Ghost Whisperer, he just avoided any fights with his father, knowing fully the extent of his anger.

Luke arrived facing the cells. Boko rose instantly in defense.

“Mortimer,” Luke said softly.

“Yes? Who are you?” Mortimer asked.

“Luke,” he replied. “Luke Megallo. I’m one of Roger’s sons.”

“I see,” Mortimer muttered. “What do you want, Luke?”

“I wanted to ask you…” Luke began. “…If you know why you were kidnapped.”

“Well, Luke, we don’t exactly know,” Mortimer said plainly. “Sorry.”

“Oh,” Luke said sadly.

“Why do you ask?” Mortimer asked.

“I…no, it isn’t important,” Luke muttered, turning to leave.

“What? It must be, Luke, if you came all the way down here to ask us a couple of questions.” Mortimer replied. This got a response from Luke. He turned and looked at Mortimer. His worried eyes showed inner conflict. It was hard for him to admit it, but he wanted to talk to Mortimer.

“It’s…it’s just that…” Luke mumbled. “Father is hiding something from us all. Yesterday, at his private chamber, my brothers and I discovered an old tapestry hanging from the wall. It goes from the roof to the floor and is very large. I lifted the corner only long enough to feel a cold draught. There is something behind there, but when I tried investigating, Father caught me and severely punished me.”

Mortimer saw Luke feel a bump on his head.

“And you thought it may relate to our kidnap?” Mortimer asked.

“Yes.” Luke said, firmly.

“I see,” Mortimer said lightly. “Luke, I admire you. You have gone a long way to talk to us, and I believe you are a very honest and good person.”

“Thank you,” Luke replied. Suddenly, Afee’s hands glowed a bright blue. Luke stepped back suddenly as the form of a human head formed in between Afee’s hands. Bathed in blue light, Chrome appeared.

“Afee!” he cried.

“Shadow!” Afee cried back. “What is the matter?”

“Master Jackson was killed,” Chrome said. “Zuuki Dragonfree, Damien Oak, Salo Kirke and I were ambushed at Serenity Lake by Seryun Kutsoru.”

“Oh my goodness,” Mortimer gasped. “Seryun…”

“…he was a thief, remember?” Afee said. “He ambushed Monica and Lee with a friend, Splinter, did he not? And Damien Oak lost his badges to the pair.”

“Indeed,” Mortimer said. “Shadow, continue.”

“That Splinter you mentioned…Seryun said he had been murdered. Damien and Salo have headed home quickly – they are saying their goodbyes. Myself and Zuuki are in Colina; keeping a low profile until we reunite with the other two. We were to take a teleporter to Evayard and meet you.”

“You must come to Evayard as quick as you can,” Afee said urgently. “Mortimer, Boko and I have been falsely imprisoned for treason.”

“How odd,” Chrome muttered.

“We can’t use adeptry, so we cannot communicate with you,” Afee explained. “Please contact us frequently.”

“I will,” Chrome replied. “But for now, I will leave you. I shall be on my way to Evayard as soon as I can. I will not fail you, brother, especially after your friends helped with the six emblems.”

“Goodbye,” Afee said sadly, as his brother faded away. He sighed.

“Luke,” Mortimer said to the boy, who was still there, having heard the entire conversation. “Do you know why Master Jackson was killed?”

“You’re getting help,” Luke uttered. “Your friends are on their way to try and defeat us.”

And with that, the young boy ran up the staircase.

“I have to tell father.”

*

Monica opened her eyes. Mouth taped shut, and hands cuffed behind her back, the young girl was very confused about her surroundings. She was in a dimly-lit room; only two small torch brackets on the adjacent wall provided any light. The faint orange glow did not reach far, but in this small room, that was not a problem.

A door opened, and a woman walked in. She wore a sparkling black outfit and had a very desirable figure. Looking young, she had flowing silver hair to her hips which was glossy and very well looked after. As she walked into the room, the light cast a glow across her well-defined face.

“You’re awake,” the woman said.

“Mph! Mmmphh!” Monica mumbled.

“I’ll cut to the chase,” replied the woman. “My name is Silva, and you’re staying here for a little while. You won’t actually learn much with regards to what I’m doing, but we are quite far away from Agrotatio Town, I can say that much. Your friends probably won’t find us until we’re gone from here completely.”

Silva clapped her hands. Torch brackets all around the room sparked to life and Monica could see in the previously dark region of the room was a large rock with two chains coming from it. Silva grabbed Monica and hoisted her up; she was uncuffed and led towards the rock.

Monica saw the chains from the large rock had hand-brackets on the ends. Without having a chance to protest, they were clamped around Monica’s wrists, so that her back was to the large rock and she was face-to-face with Silva.

“I’m going to need a somewhat stronger Monica,” Silva explained. “I’ll come back tomorrow.”

And as Silva suddenly walked off, Monica was left wondering what the mysterious woman meant. All of a sudden, there was a spark of light behind her. Monica felt a somewhat mild electric shock course through her body and cause her extreme pain. As she clenched her fists, screwed her eyes shut and furrowed her brow, a violet glow swarmed over her body. Feeling herself sweat heavily, the Ghost Mage was in horrible pain, her screams being muffled by the black tape over her mouth.

Suddenly, the shock got stronger. Body jiggling and shaking to vibrations caused by the shocks, Monica felt herself weep and cry as the pain got too much for her. Swaying on the spot, Monica began to know no more as the pain caused her to faint and black out from exhaustion. As she stood limply, still restrained, the shocks still swept into her body. Silva watched this from another room, deeply immersed in the girl.

*

Meanwhile, Lee trekked along the path, weary and tired as he followed the incredible adept, Gauld. Putting the Mask of Babylon out of his mind, he focused on keeping a steady pace so he would not fall too far behind.

It was night. Lee had followed Gauld all night, but the Metal Edgemaster did not know, for he was quite far ahead. The young boy’s rib was aching after an attack from Gauld, but his enthusiasm was not deterred whatsoever.

“I must go on,” he convinced himself. As he wandered, staggering sometimes as his eyes sagged with fatigue, he saw a light up ahead telling him someone had lit a campfire. Quickly darting into the darkness to avoid being seen, Lee wanted to make sure he followed Gauld discretely, although they were traveling along a long plain stretching between towns, cities or any civilizations nearby.

“You can stop hiding,” Gauld’s voice boomed. Lee shook in fear as he stood, tired and weary in the darkness. “I know you’re there, Lee.”

Slowly, the young boy emerged from the shadows into the large radius of opulent orange light emitted by the camp fire. He looked nervous as he paced towards Gauld, who was sitting down cross-legged by the fire.

“What are you doing?” Gauld asked, his voice deep and accusatory.

“I…I wanted to follow you, to see if you’d train me,” Lee mumbled.

“I made it clear I do not like your attitude, Lee,” Gauld told the boy. “Our views were very different on life, were they not?”

“Yes,” Lee muttered.

“Then why do you seek my help?” Gauld asked.

“Your skills as a swordsman are the best I have ever seen,” Lee admitted. “And I’ve seen a few people in my time. I trained not with blades, but with nunchucks. They’re very different, and while I stick to my traditional fighting style, I wanted to learn the ways of an Edgemaster. Who else is a better tutor than you?”

“I agree I would be a good tutor,” Gauld said, eyes shut as he began to brag. “But I do not want to teach you, Lee.”

“Please,” Lee sniffed, dropping to his knees and shuffling forward. “Please, Gauld, I want to learn the ways! It is my only chance of true love.”

“What do you mean?” Gauld snapped. Lee got up slowly, turned, and stared into the fire.

“There’s a girl,” he said emptily. “I’ve known her a long time. For ages I have known we are right for each other, but I worry she doesn’t feel the same way about me. I know that, by learning the ways of an Edgemaster I can start to be more to this girl. I can protect her. I left her a long time ago, in order to train with a Ghost Prophet. He has helped me a lot, but I need you to help me, too. My search for knowledge, and my search for strength is all for her.”

Gauld looked at Lee. There was a deep understanding in his eyes.

“You speak very passionately; I can see it in your eyes,” he said softly. “Your love for this…girl in your life is intriguing, and if it is true that your love is the source of your strength…I will help you.”

“It is true,” Lee stated.

“Then tomorrow morning I will come with you to Mahanui,” Gauld began. “I will help train you up on the way, and when you are cured we shall find my sister.”

Gauld lifted a sash from under his kimono. It was covered in all of his badges. He took a grey one off and tucked his sash back under his clothes.

“This is my old sword, before I used Faust,” he explained. “It is the Spirit Sword. You can use it while we train.”

Lee pinned it to his chest and shouted ‘ACTIVATE!’ activating the sword and meaning he could only use his nun chucks for backup. When an adept has two weapons, they only gain one level. One weapon is activated and the other deactivated so that they cannot ever use more than one weapon in a duel. Lee summoned the sword, and felt it form in his hands. The sword was thinner than average but longer. It was sleek and shiny with a bronze hilt. There was an inscription on the inside.

‘To my best student, Gauld:
Let your sword take you to new heights’

As Lee grasped the sword in his hand, he felt thoroughly prepared. A new sense of purpose rose in his chest, and a new chapter opened in his life. Standing in the semi-dark, Gauld by his side, Lee felt indestructible and was ready to take on his destiny.

As his eyes traveled to Gauld, he wondered why Gauld had changed his mind so suddenly. The man in question had a relaxed, happy smile on his warm face as he watched the flames. Lee raised his eyebrows in question, but then recalled why he was doing this in the first place.


Continued in next post

[Chris 2.1]

Continued from last post


In Crufia, Roger was in his private chamber. He wandered out of the tapestry, having been down there for personal reasons. As he was back in his room, the door opened and Karadon entered gravely.

“Father, I have some bad news.”

“What is it?” Roger asked.

“Seryun just contacted me. He says he failed to assassinate any of the AU members he was assigned to.”

“WHAT?” Roger bellowed. “Give me an explanation!”

“H-He says,” Karadon began lightly. “…that Splinter’s absence had a large impact on the situation. He attacked them, but says due to the numbers 4:1, he lost.”

“This is foolish,” Roger snapped. “He was given similar training to all of you!”

“Father, perhaps killing Splinter was a mistake?” Karadon asked quietly. Roger turned in an instant.

“Are you questioning my decision?” He barked.

“Sorry father,” Karadon replied shakily. After minutes in silence, Karadon began to talk again. “What are you going to do?”

“I have plans for Seryun,” Roger spat. “But…about the AU…we need to sort them out quickly. If Seryun failed they’ll get here much quicker -

The conversation was interrupted as Luke burst through the doors.

“Father!” He cried. “The Perleian AU…they are on their way to Evayard!”

“What?” Roger snapped. “How do you know this?”

“Chrome used a pathian to contact Afee,” Luke said. “And they explained each others situations. Now Mortimer’s group knows about Seryun and Chrome’s group know Mortimer is in prison.”

“That’s all very well,” Roger began. “But what were you doing down there?”

“I was going to check on them,” Luke muttered.

“LIAR!” Roger screamed loudly. “Luke, your information came at a price. The means you went to in order to find that out will cost you. Now both of you go.”

As Luke and Karadon went out into the long corridor, they began walking to the large Library on the left tower of the castle.

“Why did you really go down there?” Karadon asked.

“I think something’s going on,” Luke said spitefully. “The tapestry in Father’s chamber, the false kidnapping…”

“And coupled with the attack in Perlei,” Karadon continued. “It looks like the AU is being slowly wiped out group by group.”

“Father must have hoped to get the Perlian AU members killed before they could get to Evayard,” Luke said, as comprehension dawned on his face.

“So he wants the AU out of the way, then.” Karadon concluded.

“But why?” Luke asked. “They’re good people. Could Father possibly be doing something which he cannot have the AU ruining for him?”

“You cannot think like that!” Karadon argued. “Father is a wonderful man. However sour or displeasing he may be, he gave life to us, and he also helped train us up to be who we are today.”

“I know you have a lot of respect for him,” Luke admitted. “But neither Scott nor Therebus will agree with me until you do. We all respect you the most, Karadon, so please tell Scott and Therebus what is going on!”

“We don’t know anything IS going on,” Karadon spat. “Luke, I know something is up, but it is none of our business.”

“No, you’re right,” Luke replied. “We’re just the ones who take orders and do the dirty deeds. Why should we be given ANY idea of what our actions are for?”

And as Luke turned to head off to his bedroom, it suddenly arose to Karadon that his younger brother was right. They were being used, manipulated, even; to try and carry out what Roger wanted them to do. Worse of all, they didn’t know any of the full picture.

Karadon thought to himself.

Now was the time to act.

“LUKE!” he roared. His brother, halfway down the corridor, turned and looked. “You’re right.”

“So you’ll convince Scott and Therebus?” Luke asked.

“Better,” he replied. “Together, we’re going to ask Roger for all the answers.”

*

Meanwhile, at the gateway to Evayard that Monica, Tekaru, Al and Nat had emerged from, Pyrites sat in the grass quietly. His slain Sphinx was laid out across the grass in front of him.

“I have made the biggest mistake of all,” he sighed to himself. “Underestimating my opponents.”

Staring out across the large area of Evayard, Pyrites slowly got up and wandered to the edge of the cliff. He let out a long, heavy sigh as he stared out.

“Alan was no good on this planet,” he began, contempt rising in his voice. “As were all of my other…acquaintances.”

He slammed his fist on the fence.

“But there are still many more people out there who just don’t understand the concepts of life. People exist, with no purpose, or any motivation whatsoever. Alan lived without even being the person he was supposed to. I can offer my services to people…and help them see this darkness in their hearts, and I won’t stop until the world is cleared of these foolish people.”

He sighed again.

“I need to be stronger,” he groaned. “One adept cannot make such a radical difference at all.”

As Pyrites thought back to how far his journey had taken him, he remembered when he met Alan for the first time.

“Seeing that pathetic imp wandering the streets at night on his skateboard,” Pyrites recalled. “His adeptry was pulsating through his body…I could sense it so much. What adept never braces their heritage? Fadepts. There he was, hanging out in the town and eating fast food. That’s when I knew I had to sort him out.”

F L A S H B A C K

Pyrites stood in the alleyway, watching as Alan was wheeling past on his skateboard. Whipping out his small wand-like instrument, Pyrites pointed it at the boys wheels and sent a silent wisp of energy to hit it. Alan was sent tumbling as the wheel flew off his board.

“Are you ok?”

Pyrites feigned concern and ran towards Alan. Helping the boy up, Pyrites saw, from close up, the boy’s messy black hair and dusty spectacles and was able to control his hatred.

“I just fell off my skateboard,” Alan grumbled. “Leave me alone.”

Surprised, Pyrites found that he had to provoke a conversation out of the arrogant boy.

“No wonder you have so much inner conflict,” he said sharply. Alan span around instantly.

“What do you mean?” he snapped. “Inner conflict?”

“My dear boy,” Pyrites began. “I am a special Adept. I can sense the darkness in your heart.”

“This is stupid,” Alan said, turning away.

“You are plagued by your impure spirit,” Pyrites said maliciously. “Your greatest weakness is hindering you from living a passionate life.”

“You don’t even know me,” Alan stated rudely.

“I know this much,” Pyrites began. “You’re worried that you’ll never be accepted in life.”

Alan looked at him, frozen on the spot.

“No I’m not,” he said unconvincingly.

“Oh yes you are!” Pyrites cried happily. “Even when you were little your parents isolated you from other children. You got no support when you fought in the Colina Tournament, and were branded a loser by all your sorry little friends. Even when you lived with Monica, you were never treated well. And look where you are now?”

Alan was speechless. Often his lips parted, and he tried forcing words out…it seemed hopeless, though. Finally, he spoke up, after much difficulty.

“H-How do you know this?” Alan asked.

“I am gifted,” Pyrites replied. “Alan, you are deeply plagued and tainted. With my help, we can begin to unmask your true problems and stop them.”

“…Well, you must be good, if you know all that,” Alan admitted. His hand moved forward. “Very well.”

And with that, they shook hands.

E N D – F L A S H B A C K

Pyrites smirked.

“There is much more darkness to try and clear…” he said, putting his left middle finger to his temple and slowly moving it in a circle. “And I can sense a strong surge of darkness in Agrotatio Town Hospital…”

Meanwhile, in Agrotatio Town Hospital, Martha Michael lay in bed. Little did she realize, her life was now in danger.






I'll do Ch9 tommorrow actually.

[Chris 2.1]

Finally, Ch9!

Monica’s Vendetta
Nine
The Destiny Amulet

A powerful, feverish pulsation awoke Monica the next day. She looked around. She was on the ground, having passed out the night before. Looking up, Monica still saw the shockwaves of energy flowing into her body, but they did not hurt. Until she looked at them, she was unaware she was still being shocked. She wondered if, overnight, she had become immune to them.

Her wrists were sore, as the wristlets on her had cut into her and left her feeling very sore. She also felt very…odd. Looking at her hands, Monica could see they were brimming with a full, powerful purple light.

The door opened, and Silva appeared. Wearing the same as the night before, she gave Monica a swift look and sighed.

“Very good,” she spoke, walking over to her captive. “You’ve grown two levels.”

Monica’s eyes widened as she heard this. As she looked on her chest, where her badges were pinned, two more had actually formed there. One was a purple and yellow yin yang, while the other was a silver skull.

“The yin yang one is the Equilibrium Badge,” Silva explained. “It helps your focus in battles, and will greatly improve both your resistance against attacks and the strength of attacks. This other one, the Badge of Bones, is one that will increase your weapons strength.”

Monica gave a nod.

“This stone contains pure energy. When you were chained to it, it pulsated, recognizing your adeptry type, and sent pure energy into your body so that your Adaptral Capacity increased. As a result, you grew two levels. You are now level 11.”

Monica gave a gasp.

“I knew you were a strong Adept,” Silva said lightly, turning. “But I also knew you would need to be somewhat stronger to take on what is coming.”

After hearing this, Monica became concerned that she was about to face something worse. Silva grabbed Monica and, using a key, unlocked each wristlet that chained her to the large stone. Finally feeling glad she was not experiencing any pain, Monica found how…focused her adeptry energy seemed to be.

“Come,” Silva said imperiously. “Follow me.”

And with that, Monica got up, tape still over her mouth, and followed Silva. They left the small room and appeared at a staircase. It looked, in actuality, very shabby and Monica was not impressed. As they reached the top of the staircase, Silva pulled open the door and led Monica through it.

It was a complete contrast. They were at one end of a magnificently long hall. A red carpet lined it, and crystal chandeliers were giving opulent light all around. The walls were a refined cream colour, and there were frequent paintings lining the corridor.

“As you can see, I have good taste,” Silva explained, leading Monica down the hall. “These portraits are of every generation that came before me. My family is a large one, and all my ancestors were incredible adepts.”

Silva stopped. She turned so that her eyes met Monica’s, and for the first time, Monica saw a look of sorrow, desperation and fear in Silva’s pretty eyes. No longer was this woman malicious and dangerous. Now she looked weak.

“But the women have it harder,” she went on. “The women in our family have a defective gene which causes us to be born unable to use adeptry. Thus, we have to strive to learn and adapt to being able to control out own adeptry. Our ancestors were clever people, and placed various amulets around Evayard and beyond. When touched by somebody with the defective gene, the amulet restores their adeptry and can revolutionize them into who they were born to be.”

She ripped off Monica’s tape.

“Ouch!” Monica protested.

“You’re probably thinking ‘why does she need me, then?’. Well, Monica, I cannot use any of my adeptry. Except my Devil Pistol, but that tires me after successive use. I need an adept like you to help me fight towards the Amulet.”

“Where is it?” Monica asked.

“…I don’t know,” Silva replied. “Yet. There is a door at the other end of the corridor, and I cannot access it. Only a Ghost Adept with the cloak ability can pass through the door and receive the instructions to tell me where to go.”

Monica looked at her.

“You want me to go through a door?” She asked ridiculously. “I’ve hardly ever used my cloak before.”

“You won’t be going through,” Silva began, smirking. “Now you are stronger, it is an advanced version which can allow one to pass through solid surfaces. Now go!”
She led Monica to the end of the corridor. There were a lot of exquisite doors leading off from this corridor, but the one at the end was the biggest and most luxurious of all. It was large, oak; it seemed, with a glossy finish over it. It was obviously locked.

“Can’t you just break it down?” Monica asked.

“No,” Silva replied. “This is the home of my ancestors. I do not just…tear it up ruthlessly.”

Silva then pulled something out. They were a pair of cuffs, rounded and not joined together like handcuffs usually are. They were smooth and had four rubies dotted around them prettily. Silva clipped one around her wrist, where it hung like a bangle. She grabbed the other and clipped it onto Monica.

“These are bond bracelets,” she said sneakily. “I invented them myself. When two people have them on, a bond forms between them, allowing them to use each other’s adeptry. Now, with this on, I can use your ghost abilities to go through the door and get the instructions.”

“Why did you pick me?” Monica whined. “Agrotatio is full of Ghost Adepts!”

“But they are useless, poverty-stricken and weak,” Silva contradicted. “You were healthy, young, strong and a brilliant person to use. I could…sense something in you.”

Monica sighed.

“Now wait her while I sneak through the door, find the instructions and bring them back,” Silva snapped. “NOW!”

Monica stood by the door, watching as Silva held a hand to her heart.

“Cloak!” She boomed. A grey layer of energy slowly folded around Silva and she began dissolving into the air. Monica watched keenly as the woman was completely invisible. Suddenly, her bond bracelet glowed white and Monica was suddenly drained of energy.

“Did I not tell you?” Silva’s voice said, from nowhere. “Since I’m using YOUR adeptry, YOU get tired from it.”

Having to sit down, Monica clutched her head. Silva had obviously passed through the door now. She heard her footsteps echoing in what was obviously the stone floor of the next room.

She was all alone.

“Now’s my chance,” she said to herself. “I can run off. She won’t know until it’s too late…”

Slowly, Monica rose from the ground and looked at the door. Silva’s footsteps were frantic, and it sounded like she could not find the instructions very easily. The room must be large. And then Monica heard the sound of feet going up stone steps. The room must be huge!

“It’s now or never,” she whispered. Slowly pacing forward, shooting her head back every time, Monica then slowly started jogging down the corridor. Within mere seconds Monica was running; running as fast as she could go, checking doors for possible exits.

On the third door on the right, Monica wrenched it open to find a long set of stairs leading down. They were more elegant than the shabby ones she was led up before, causing her to believe they led to the front doors of this house.

On and on she ran, fear cascading down her forehead in the form of sweat. This corridor was much the same as the one she had been in previously, except there were no portraits of ancestors. It was filled with portraits of landscapes. There were no windows.

“Have…to get out…” Monica gasped, coming to the end of the corridor and arriving at a staircase. It was long, sweeping round in a curve and leading downstairs to what appeared to be a lobby.

Meanwhile, in the old abandoned room Silva was in, she was still searching for the instructions which might lead her to the Destiny Amulet. The room was two floors – a staircase connected the two, and the second floor seemed more of a balcony overlooking the first, only it was the width of the room and about half the length. Tables were covered in white sheets, as were sofas and every other piece of furniture. It was painted a dim white.

“Come on…where is it?” Silva asked frantically. She searched everywhere…or so she thought. Stepping back in frustration, she fell over a medium-sized trunk half-tucked under a clothed table. Nursing the aching pain on her hip, the woman looked to see the trunk was very exquisite and dusty. She smeared the dust off with her hand and saw it had a golden lock on it.

“Hmm,” pondered Silva. “I’d need a key, but…well; I can just ‘cheat…”

She held her hand out. Screwing her eyes in concentration, she focused on the energy from her bond bracelet. Slowly, she began to cloak, dissolving into nothing as she stood there. Hand reaching forward, Silva felt a roll of worn, dusty parchment through the sleek mahogany of the trunk. She whisked her hand back, clutching the parchment with glee.

“Let’s see,” she said quietly, unraveling it. “Is this it?”

It was labeled ‘THE DESTINY AMULET’. Screaming in success, Silva tucked it away and decided to head back to Monica quickly. Still cloaked, Silva hurried down the staircase, passed through the doors in a soft whoosh and became solid again.

“Right! I’ve got it,” She told Monica triumphantly. But Monica wasn’t there. “MONICA? GET BACK HERE!”

She scanned the area.

“Little bitch ran for it!” she cried, summoning her gun and holding it by her side as she dashed down the corridor. Knowing where Monica would have gone, she headed to the third door on the right and grabbed it, opening it sharply and giving chase.

Meanwhile, Monica was fleeing down the staircase, slowly seeing more and more of the magnificent lobby ahead. It was tiled, with a magnificent pattern spreading all across the floor. As she leapt off the last step, Monica forgot about taking in her surroundings and made her way to the other end of the hall as fast as she could.

Suddenly, her bond bracelet throbbed white and Monica felt another lapse of strength. Silva must be draining her strength by using up her adeptry. Monica decided to stop for a second and catch her breath.

No sooner had she stopped than Silva appeared at the top of the stairs.

“YOU!” she screamed. “Get back here!”

“No!” Monica wept, tearing off, despite a stitch in her side. It cut deep, slicing in-between her ribs and causing incredible fatigue.

“Then I shall have to impale you on your own sword,” Silva concluded, charging up…a shadow ball. As it got bigger, Monica felt even more tired, falling to her knees in desperation. Gasping for energy, she turned to see Silva, standing at the top of the staircase, holding a very large shadow ball above her head.

“Look what you can do now!” She cried. “This Shadow Ball is…huge! And to think I’m going to have to use it on you…”

“Please!” Monica cried. “Please just…let me go! Get someone else to fight for you!”

“You are the chosen one,” Silva said raptly, watching Monica with a glare that suggested utter seriousness. “I chose you. I am sticking with you until the very end.”

“Please…” Monica continued, tears streaming down her face. “P-P…Please…”

“Even when you escaped, I knew you would not get far,” Silva said. “You are still not adapted to your adeptral capacity, Monica. Your body is not used to this much adeptry flowing freely inside you. And whenever I use adeptry, I get it from you. As long as I have this bond bracelet on, and you do too, I can effortlessly use very strong Ghost Adeptry. Now, will you come with me, or do I have to hurt you?”

Lying there, Monica looked at Silva, who was ready to hurl. Knowing that attack would knock her out, Monica felt the safe option would be to give in. But by giving in, she would be condemned to pain and suffering for god knows how long. Where was the guarantee she would be spared once this was over? There was none. Seeing Silva’s hands full gave Monica an idea.

Holding her hand forward, she muttered something.

“What?” Silva snapped. “What did you say?”

“I said summon,” Monica said proudly, as a golden aura wrapped around Silva’s pistol and, within a second, it sped through the air into Monica’s grip.

“Put that down!” Silva shouted. Monica wearily got to her feet. “I’ll throw this!”

“I’ll attack you,” Monica replied. Silva watched her.

“Very well,” she said. Still holding the shadow ball in both hands, Silva threw it…up. It smashed into the ceiling and caused rubble to fall, but Silva leapt forward. In each hand the then charged up a shadow ball and hurled them at Monica, who ducked and swerved to avoid them. Holding the pistol steady, she fired two shots, but Silva had hurled another shadow ball to take the bullets. The shadow ball exploded and showered the area with a wave of ghostly energy. As her energy was sapped, Monica felt considerably weaker…

“Cloak!” she gasped, clicking her fingers and slowly dissolving into the atmosphere. Silva gasped. Creeping low to the floor, Monica dashed forward and aimed as many shots as she could. They missed Silva and hit the wall behind her. Seeing the level they were at, Silva knew Monica was close to the ground. But by the time Silva aimed a kick; Monica was standing tall and smashed the woman in the face.

“ELEMENTA!” Silva screamed, her hands behind a plate of purple energy. As she fired off the beam, she spun on the spot, sending it in all directions. Despite trying evasion, Monica was just too tired; the elementa was energy consuming. She was hit, and her cloaked masquerade lifted as she hit the floor. Silva’s pistol flew across the smooth floor.

“Got you,” Silva smirked, clicking her fingers as the pistol zoomed back into her hand. Monica lay there, utterly exhausted to the optimum point. Standing over her dominantly, Silva kept her pistol pointed at her captive.

“Don’t try that again,” she warned a semi-conscious Monica. “You’re right; I CAN find another adept to help me, so you’d better hope I don’t get the urge, or the motivation to use a real gun on you.”

*

Meanwhile, in a Hospital of Agrotatio Town, Martha Michael lay in her bed. Still sore from the attack recently, she was to stay resting for a few more days. Shocked by the events, Martha had felt a loss of hatred towards Monica. Now, her main concern was the woman that attacked her, and who she was.

Sitting alone for the last couple of days had given her a lot to think about. She was so confused…why had this mysterious woman wanted her out of the way?

Idling into the room was Pyrites. As he entered, he entered softly, despite Martha being fully away of his presence. She watched, wondering who he was, staying quiet. The mysterious young man stood by her bedside. He settled down a smart briefcase.

“Martha Michael?” he asked.

“Who are you?” She asked shyly.

“My name is Pyrites, madam,” Pyrites informed Martha. “I have felt your presence for miles and miles. Traveling here has been strenuous and hard work, but…I found you.”

“My presence?” Martha asked. “Is this about my son?”

Pyrites was alarmed, gasping quietly.

“No, no, I know not of your son,” Pyrites said. “It is you that drew my attention. Martha, I am a renowned Soul Adept. My talents are known across the world. I have saved lives, purified souls and untainted existences. My abilities let me see the unseeable.”

He paused dramatically.

“I can see the Darkness in Your Heart.”

“Darkness?” Martha asked ridiculously. “What darkness?”

“Martha, we are in 2005,” Pyrites explained. “There is Darkness in everybody’s hearts.”

“Go on then,” Martha said incredulously. “What’s the darkness in MY heart?”

Pyrites detested her modern-day approach on his ability. He muttered something under his breath.

“I can sense something already,” Pyrites began, giving a groan and taking one of Martha’s hands in both his own, silk gloved ones. “Yes…it’s coming to me…”

Slowly moving away from Martha, Pyrites blinked prettily. He was a very handsome man, and as the moonlight cast strips of opulent light through the shutters of the Hospital window, his face was illuminated.

“Martha Michael,” he said raptly. “The Darkness in Your Heart is that you know you can never bring your son back. Ever.”

“HOW DARE YOU!” Martha screamed, exploding in tears. “You know nothing about my life, NOTHING!”

“And yet I’m right,” Pyrites idly whispered. “Admit it, Martha. Denial is another type of darkness, and you don’t want that, too…”

Sniffing, the distressed woman mopped her face on a flannel.

“H-How do you know?” she wept, tears still streaming down her eyes. Comprehension dawned on her face. “Y-You’re wrong! You’re just guessing.”

“You are in denial, Mrs Michael!” Pyrites snapped. “ADMIT IT! ADMIT I WAS RIGHT ABOUT YOU!”

“OK!” Martha wept, shriveled up in her blankets. “OK! I admit I will never see Alan again!”

Pyrites looked at her, disgusted with this specimen.

“Admitting it won’t cleanse you,” he explained.

“What will?” Martha cried.

“Think about what you are doing to cause the darkness,” Pyrites whispered, stealthily moving around the room. “How can you disregard your darkness?”

“…I could visit Alan’s grave,” she muttered emptily. “Say goodbye…”

“If you think it will work, then I would try it.” Pyrites said. A smile broke across his face. He threw his hand into his pocket and withdrew something. Martha looked at it.

“What is that?” she asked.

“The real cleanser of your darkness,” Pyrites said darkly. He opened his palm to reveal a cloth. He thrust it into Martha’s mouth. She began to gag, so Pyrites took the chance to withdraw rope from his suitcase. He tied both Martha’s hands to the side of the bed, all the while Martha thrashing about. Pyrites had already locked the door upon his arrival…yet Martha never remembered seeing him do so.

“You need to learn that your type is the cancer of this planet,” Pyrites snapped. Opening his briefcase, Pyrites produced a syringe filled with a light yellow liquid. “My goal in life is to eliminate you from our world.”

He jabbed the syringe into Martha’s arm, injecting the solution until it was speeding into her bloodstream. Martha, still thrashing about, slowly started to weaken, losing her passion to thrash until she eventually tired out, halting and becoming still. Her eyelids slowly weighed themselves shut, and she jerked perhaps once or twice before finally stopping.

“One down,” Pyrites murmured. “But a large number still to go.”

He took the gag out, untied the ropes and generally cleaned his mess up, sorting them back into his briefcase. Unlocking the door, Pyrites wandered back into the hospital. He found a doctor and requested a word.

“Mom’s just drifted to sleep again,” Pyrites said softly.

“Ok, Alan,” the Doctor said happily. “We won’t wake her.”

Discover her, more like, He thought to himself, wandering out the hospital.




Continued in next post

[Chris 2.1]

THE BEGINNING OF CHAPTER 9 IS ON THE PREVIOUS PAGE






Continued from last post


Nat, Al and Tekaru were still nowhere in their search for Monica. They asked everybody in Agrotatio Town and had been unsuccessful. Despite hints she was held captive in Samyura, the next city over, the group then learned that a thuggish group of youngsters had simply lied to them. Nat sorted them out, slicing the hand off the ring leader and threatening to do the same to their heads.

“She must be so scared,” Al said, as the three sat in Agrotatio Town.

“We’ll find her,” Tekaru told the other two. “We will.”

He saw Nat, head in her hands, crying softly.

“Nat? What’s wrong?” Tekaru asked.

“She’s gone!” Nat wept. “I’ve been so horrible to Monica. I mean, she came and rescued me from Dimitri…and when I ran to Obola to duel Keisha, Monica followed me, too. She tried sacrificing herself to let me go…even more recently, when Pyrites attacked, she helped me. And I never told her…how much that meant to me. I act so tough, so…distant from everybody else, and she thinks I’m not grateful for the things that she did! But I am! Every day I remember that I’m here because of Monica…and I want her to know that…”

“I’m sure she will know, deep in her heart,” Al said soothingly, embracing Nat. “But we’ll find her, Nat, don’t worry.”

The three sat in silence, wondering what they could do to help Monica. They had to rescue her, but it was finding the right lead that they needed.

Suddenly, they saw Pyrites ahead, walking briskly through the town. Nat leapt up and dried her eyes.

“It’s him!” she cried. “Come on, we have to attack him.”

“What?” Tekaru asked.

“He wants me dead! He’s come to hunt me down!” Nat shouted. She summoned her blade. “We must take him out.”

“Fine then,” Al concluded, drawing his Assassin Blade. “Tekaru, me and you will attack first. We’ll go for an elemental assault on him, and then let Nat follow up, okay?”

“Got it,” Tekaru said firmly, grasping his golden hammer in both hands. They both raced through the air, Tekaru charging thunder into his hammer while Al sent a white glow all over his blade. Both leapt up as Pyrites saw them. Al slashed downwards, releasing a flurry of multicolored leaves from his blade, which swept towards Pyrites and cut him up. Tekaru then smashed his hammer into the ground, causing a bolt to scream from the sky and shock the whimsical adept.

“NAT! GO!” Al Shouted. Pyrites got to his feet, watching as Nat raced through the air, sword held ready and preparing to deal justice. As Nat got near she swiped her sword, slicing right through Pyrites and leaving a long gash across his stomach. Leaping and landing, Nat watched.

“You shouldn’t have messed with us,” she boasted, watching blood spill from the man’s wound.

“Any last words?” Tekaru asked, watching with fury. Pyrites did not speak. He collapsed on the floor, limp and bloodied.

“That was…quick,” Al noted. The three stood there, motionless, for a few seconds until the figure simply burst into red, silver and gold sparks before them. Nat stepped back but noticed the sparks were harmless.

“He…exploded?” Tekaru asked.

“That wasn’t him,” Nat growled. “It was a substitute.”

“An enemy who can create substitutes of themselves,” Al began. “Pyrites is like nobody we’ve ever faced.”

And the real Pyrites, standing atop a building a few blocks away, heard these words and gave a brief, casual nod to them.

*

Meanwhile, far away in the Gritzwald Graveyard…

“Who are you?” Thorrus barked.

“My name is Serena,” the girl replied smugly.

“I can beat you – I made short work of Angel Boy over there,” Thorrus went on. He drew his sword.

“Oh yea?” Serena retaliated, keeping a firm grip on her Zanbatou. She leapt up into the air as Thorrus flapped his skeletal, bony wings. Swinging her Zanbatou around above her head, Serena proceeded to slam it down on her foe’s head. Thorrus got back up and charged a shadow ball. As it neared, Serena swept forward and split it with the blade of her weapon.

Panting as she landed, the young girl watched her foe. Using his wings, Thorrus swept through the air, blade charged with purple energy. Serena leapt backwards and threw her hand forward, releasing a flurry of ever-enlarging golden stars. They grew to the size of grapefruits and attacked Thorrus, stopping him from attacking.

“CELSIUS!” Serena cried, engulfing Thorrus in a pulsating red glow. He stopped for a few seconds, panting to himself as Serena increased his body temperature. She smirked as this happened. Slowly, Thorrus was drenched in sweat and stood there weakly.

“I can smell fear,” Serena said slowly. Her weapon still pointed at Thorrus, she was enjoying the power she had over her foe. “Now leave Gritzwald.”

Thorrus got back up, sighing to himself.

“I know when I am beaten,” he said grimly. He turned to leave. “I shall get my carriage and leave Gritzwald immediately. I had no idea it was so well protected.”

“Yes, leave,” Serena snapped, watching Thorrus beadily.

*

Once the carriage began to make its way out of the Graveyard, over the hill and to the large gates, Serena turned to see Phoenix.

“Is he ok, Mistress Madeline?” Serena asked. The woman, probably around fifty years of age, had round, dark glasses covering her eyes. Her straw-coloured hair was just above her shoulders and concealed within a silver bandanna. Wearing a loose white robe with electric yellow stitching, she showed signs of aging, yet looked wise, knowledgeable and calm.

“He will be fine,” Madeline replied calmly, easing Serena. “You’re definitely getting stronger, Serena.”

“Thank you Mistress,” Serena replied, bowing.

Madeline watched Phoenix. He stirred and eventually came around. Clearing his hair from his eyes, he got into a sitting position and looked around. Once he made eye contact with Madeline, his eyes widened.

“Mother?” he asked disbelievingly.

[Chris 2.1]

Just a reviving post x_x

I'm writing Chapter 18 - Tekaru's Worst Nightmare. I won't say anything except that the title implies a LOT, and a BIG spoiler.

Elsewhere, we're probably at the half way mark, with a LOT gone on between Chapters 9 and 18. Dragonfree: Your dream (that occured in MR) is now turning into a subplot for a minor character - it's not a direct copy and paste but more discreet and coming up in the next few chapters.

There's a lot of interesting character development, and I can safely say the fic is heading in a slightly ominous direction.

[Ultra_Poke2000]

Hey Chris! It's been a while since I last checked to see if the site was back up, not only because it was taking so long, but also because I was on vacation all last week! My family and my Aunt's went on a road trip (total of 8 people in one car (got squished the whole time)) to go see many of the natural wonders of the southwest USA, the first of which was the Grand Canyon. I've got to say, that thing can only be described by one word: BIG! You have got to go see it. And let me tell you, pictures do NOT convey the hugeness of it. We also saw (let me make a list here): The Petrified Forest, The Painted Desert, The Royal Gorge, Bryce Canyon, parts of the Rocky Mountains, a few thousand mile of road (we went all over the place), the Four Corners (the only spot where four states touch eachother and you can be in four states at once), and a few other places I can't remember atm. It was pretty fun, but tiring. Anyway, now I'm back and there's a new chapter. Let's take a look.


So we find out about Monica and her captor now. It's pretty cool that Monica gained two levels overnight (literally), but as soon as Silva told her she could use almost no adeptry except for the gun, I thought she would just take that and escape. I guess she was so stunned by all the happenings that she allowed herself to be ensnared by the Bond Bracelet. Anyway, with her energy being sapped by the bracelet and used against her, it's no surprise that she was defeated, even with her level 11 powers.

So Pyrites has gotten to Martha. When he tells her about the "Darkness in her Heart", I thought it was a bit rediculous. Ok, so she was sad that her son was dead. Wouldn't anyone be? And because of that, he just poisoned her. What the floozney? Why doesn't he just go around killing everyone he sees? Is everyone supposed to be happy-happy-joy-joy all the time or something? I guess Pyrites really is crazy... I just hope that Martha hasn't died yet...

Now we find that Pyrites has the ability to copy himself. Shnoozy. But what are Al, Nat, and Tekaru going to do now? They've got no leads, and Pyrites is just toying with them at the moment. Maybe they'll be able to meet up with Shadow and help break out Mortimer and co. Who knows?

Thorrus was defeated by Serena in a total of 3 attacks, 1 block, and 1 dodge. She's got to be pretty dang strong to do that. But then we get a surprise: her Mentor is Phoenix's mom!!! GARSP~!!!1

It sounds like you've got some crazy stuff planned for the future, and I hope you keep up the hard work. Most people probably aren't back because the site was down for so long that they havn't checked it in a while. They'll probably be back soon, or at least, they should...

Anyway, you've done a great job, and I'll see you later. Bye!

[Chris 2.1]

GO ONTO T HE LAST PAGE FOR CHAPTER TEN! MAJOR SPOILERS!




















Ultra: A READER? *GASP*

Ok yea the chapter was pretty....frantic, I'd say. Pyrites killed Martha, but he had a reason. He doesn't kill any or everyone he meets, and as you'll learn, he has a motive and a reason. And while Al, Nat and Tekaru search for Monica, there is a lot else going on...

Phoenix is saved by Serena. Yes, she has got stronger, but this is an attack used in MR and even MA. Celsius. Let me explain. Serena has gotten stronger, but it was not her strength which defeated Thorrus. It was the attack, which caused Thorrus' body temperature to increase rapidly. It wasn't an uuber hyper beam, it was a tactical move. But that aside, she has gotten a lot stronger.


A LOT is going on. Ch19 is underway now, Ch18 having been utterly explosive. A lot is going to go on, and there are major plotlines for many characters - Seryun, Damien, Tekaru, The V4, Roger, Pyrites, Lee, Gauld, Silva....to name but a lot! Of course there is character development for most of the characters as the fic rolls into its halfway point.

[Powarun]

So this fic is halfway done? Wow, the plot thickens. It is kinda of nice seeing Monica on her own although not treated right and no fighting, it still develops her character. Level 11, that is pretty high, she is now stronger than the current Lee, right?

Pyrites killed Martha, thats good, Martha was mislead, so its not a bad thing she was killed. Its just the poison that Pyrites injects into her makes me wonder if she will become a zombie or not. And let the fight between everyone vs. Pyrites commence.

Don't know what else to say, a lot has happened, may it all work out to a beautiful ending.