M-E-W: Defiance (It begins!)

[Kuro Espeon]

Crystal:
~~~~~
As the tingling sensation in my body faded, I looked down and saw the human body that I had taken during my last battle with Racalexand. But...I hadn't changed on my own! Was Racalexand able to control what form we took?
He then proceeded to summon up a strange assortment of weapons on the ground, all of them similar to old-sytle human-powered weapons such as swords and katanas, crossbows, scythes, and many different forms of blades. I eyed them suspicously and spoke to Arctic in a low mutter.
"Careful Arctic...He knows we're not as strong in our human forms and that we're not experianced with human weapons. And he's talking about fighting fair? Ha! Fair for HIM is more like it!"
<<"Don't worry, Crystal. There's two of us and only one of him. I'm sure we'll think of something.">>
"Hm! That's true...he seems tad over confident, doesn't he?" I grinned.
<<"Indeed. I think our best bet is to play off of that arrogance of his. It's definetly one of his more prominent weak points.">>
I nodded and once again began to scan the vast array of weapons. None of them particularly interested me, seeing as I wasn't used to, or fond of, human weapons. But suddenly my eyes rested on a set of twin kodachi that had a sort of shimmering crystallic-like substance for the blades and jewel-encrusted hilts. For some reason, I could not take my eyes of them. It was if...it was if...they were calling to me. Why, I had no idea, but it was almost as if they wanted me to pick them up. I moved foreward and took them up, turning them over and over in my hands, inspecting them. A warm pulse seemed to be emiting from them as if my touch had activated something inside of it. From that moment on I felt as If I could never let them go and I didn't want to.
"I'll take these," I said determinedly, smirking at Racalexand and smiling sideways at Arctic.

I'd post for Farlander, but I was the last one to post for that particular group so it's some elses turn. I'll leave it up to Tornado, Arnen or Eclipse.

[Arctic A]

Arctic
---------------------------------------------
Racalexand looked at Crystal with a strange glint in his eyes.
"Interesting choice. Of course, since it's a pair, we may have to...compensate.....but i'm sure that can be dealt with later. Now, Arctic my man, what will you choose? You know, most of these are ancient atrifacts that i've 'Aquired' over my travels. Some of them are quite equisite. I do beleive that some of them originally came from Mew Castle itself..."
I looked at Racalexand while he ranted on, then Crystal, and finally Byakko in the central sphere. She was looking at us with pleading eyes. I gave her what I thought was a reassuring smile, then turned to the assortment of weapons. There were many things there, but what really caught my eye was a sleek looking double - bladed sword. The two ends looked incredibly sharp, and resembled a scorpian's tail. It seemed to pulse with a blue energy that drew me too it. I leant down, and placed both of my hands on the handle in the center. I instantly felt something coursing through my body, something warm and refreshing, yet powerful. I raised the weapon up, and spun it around five times in quickly.
"Not quite Darth Maul, Arctic. But you seem to grasp the double bladed weapon quite well." Racalexand placed his hand on his chin as he thought. "I wonder what I should choose?" He pondered, looking down at us. "What do you think?"
<<< The walking stick over there. Looks like your style.>>> I said, motioning over to a wooden stick in amongst the pile. Racalexand laughed gently, and jumped down off the central sphere onto the ground in front of us. The burned ground around him erupted into a dark red fire, surrounding him in a circle.
"Maybe that's too dramatic.." he mused, then swung his arm over the flame. It dimmed down to a lighter fire. He then stuck out his arm, and the walking stick flung out from the pile. It flew right towards me, striking me in the groin at incredible speed.
<<< ARGH! >>> I fell to the ground.
"Human disadvantage number one: Incredibly sensitive areas." Racalexand barked. He raised his hand again, and the stick flew from the ground next to me, up into the air, and then into his hands. I grunted as I raised myself up. It felt very strange and painful, but I ignored it, instead clutching the blade s hard that my hands turned white. Meanwhile, Racalexand was examining his walking stick.
"Very nice, isn't it? Have you seen the patterns? Masterful carving!" He stroked it with his gloved finger. "However, it could use a small improvement..."
He held the staff out in front of him. The wood started to crack in lines, and suddenly the staff blew itself apart. In Racalexand's hand now was a luminous red staff, crackling with energy that was painful to look at.
"Isn't that better?" He laughed, twirling it around a few times. "So, are you going to make the first move? Come on you two, you know you want to." He taunted us.

[Kuro Espeon]

Hey there, I'm just bumping this up for now so that no one forgets about it! If no one else posts before tomorrow (or whenever I get on next...) I'll post. Gomen Nasai!! *bows*

[Kuro Espeon]

Werg....I'm horrible at fight scenes...but I'll try to make a short one. And I might do one for Farlander if can think of anything to post (We're waiting on Eclispe and Arnen again...*sigh*)

Crystal:
~~~~~
I stared at Racalexand's weapon choice with a skeptical eye. I knew that there was more to this stick than what met the eye...we would have to be careful. I wanred Arctic telepathically.
"Careful, Arctic...he probably has some tricks up his sleeve..."
<<"I know...">>
"So, are you going to make the first move? Come on you two, you know you want to." said Racalexand, tauntingly. I felt my fists tighten around the hilts on my kodachi. It wasn't very often that I felt the beginings of rage flowing through my veins...but I could feel it now, surging through me. And I wanted so much just rush over and pulervise him. But I knew we should make any rash actions or attack without thinking. Not against an enemy like this.
I watched Arctic out of the corner of my eye. He knew alot more about fighting than I did, espeically in human form. I figured it would be best to follow his lead.

Sorry to leave you hanging there, Arc! But I'm kind ofat a loss here....^^()

[Arctic A]

Sorry for the delay.
You'll have to think of most of this post as Matrix-like 'Bullet Time'...

Arctic
-------------------------------------------------------------
I kept the sword held out in front of me with one hand, keeping a keen eye on Racalexand. It did truely look like he was waiting for us to make the first move.
Crystal - Move in on the other side. I told her telepathicly. She responded with a quick nod, and slowly started walking around to Racalexand's left. She had her duel weapons crossed in a defensive position. I slowly walked over to Racalexand's right. He looked at us with what might have been a hint on concern. His fingers were cleched around his staff.
"I see...." He mused to himself. By now, Crystal and I were on opposite sides of him.
What now?She asked.
On three...lunge and slash at him.
I saw Crystal's face set in a determined but nervous manner. I breathed deeply as I started to count.
1...
"Come on. It's not nice to keep a man waiting." Racalexand sneered.
2...
Racalexand swung his staff around quickly.
3!

I flung myself towards Racalexand, as did Crystal. Racalexand, however, leapt up with blinding speed into the air. Both of us missed him, as he was now about 3 meters above us. I managed to look up just in time to see him falling down towards me, thrusting his staff at me. I was about to yell, but Crystal managed to execute a fantastic backwards leap, thrusting out one of her kodachi to block the thrust of the staff. There was a loud clanging noise as Racalexand was thrown of course by the impact, spawling onto the ground nearby but keeping firm hold of his weapon. Crystal hit the ground with a hefty *thump*, but was uninjured. Racalexand swung his legs around and righted himself. I held my weapon with one hand as I jumped forwards on the attack. Racalexand stuck out his staff to block my double sword, but my other hand was free to punch him in the face. He staggered backwards, swinging his staff in a defensive way. I placed two firm hands onto my sword, and made an upwards thrust with it. It came into contact with Racalexand's staff, drawing it's spinning to a stop. He darted sideways, unlocking the weapons. He dropped down and held himself upright with one hand, swinging his body around and kicking me in the knees. I cried out as i felt something crunch - his boots had many small but razor-sharp spikes on thme. As I went backwards, I swung my weapon. I managed to gnash him across the back and his was throwing himself back up. He snarled, and twirled around into a battle pose.

Crystal ran towards him, keeping one kodachi back as a defender while she struck out with the second. Racalexand blocked it with his staff, and performed a lightning roundhouse kick, which hit Crystal in the stomach. he cried out, but didn't seem too hurt. I was now ready to get back in there - my leg felt incredibly painful, but I managed to ignore it. Crystal drew both her weapons out to her sides, attempting a scissors cut. I knew I had to do something quickly to stop Racalexand from blocking it - so I dived at his feet, using my sword to hit his lower leg. It worked, as he dropped his guard against Crystal to stretch out backwards and use his staff to hit me in the face. I staggered backwards, but laughed lightly as Crystal's attack struck Him in the stomach. Two thick red lines were now engraved on his strange robe - but they didn't bleed or anything of the sort. Raclalexand did, however, curse loudly. Both Crystal and I jumped backwards several paces to assess the situation. Racalexand gave us both a cold look.
"Well...well...well....Good work. But I suppose i'm being too generous...."
I stared in horror as the two huge gnashs on his torso 'folded up' into his body and completely healed themselves.
"Game on!" Racalexand yelled, as he lunged at Crystal....

[Kuro Espeon]

ARGH!!!! *dies in shame*
Like I said I'm not good at battles but I'm gonna give it a try....dont laugh at me...


Crystal:
~~~~~
Racalexand lunged straight at me, his staff pulled back in preparation for a full swing. His speed was almost blinding and I barely had enough time to pull up my kodachi to block the blow. I tried to hide my look of shock as I looked back at his smirking face.
"What's the matter Mew?" he chuckled, "Not so confident anymore?"
"On...the contrary..." I replied, strruggling to hold off his strength, "After all...this battle...is just...beginning!" With that I summon up my newly found human strength and pushed him off. Surprisingly he flew quite a distance, still managing to land on his feet, and skidded a couple of feet before regaining his balance. He didn't waste time with any small talk and charged me once again. But this time I was ready for him. He swung his staff and I paried. What followed was a series of successive strikes and blocks, from me and from him. We moved back and forth along the clearing, our feet shuffling on the dirt floor. His staff emitted the same red sparks with every blow and the air around us was becoming heated.
Occasionally I caught a glimpse off to the side at the small bubble where Byakko was being held captive. I could not help but fel the twinge of parental concern inside of me when I looked at her scared and desperate expression. Even though I was technically not her mother...yet anyway...I still had a soft spot for her in my heart and I would do anything to protect her. After all, she had done so much for us, and I wanted to repay her. I also knew that I couldn't die here...for if I did, Byakko would cease to exist...
"You are distracted, Crystal..." I heard Racalexand whisper in my ear after one of my paries. "You'd better stop paying attention to that whelp and start focusing on this fight. If you don't, you'll never save her."
I glared at him and swung my second kodachi in an upward slash. He jumped out of range and stood back in a defensive stance. I caught a glimpse of Arctic standing a ways behind him, trying to find an oppourtunity to jump in. Instead of coming in for another attack, Racalexand simply stood there, grinning.
"Tell me something Crystal...." he said slowly, "How could a child with that magnitude of power and potential come from such lousy parents?"
"What was that?!" I cried, tightening my grip on my kodachi.
"Or maybe it's just you!" he continued, "I really don't understand what Arctic sees in you! He must have horrible taste! Or maybe the only reason he's with you is so he can have an heir!"
"Shut up!!!" I cried. I lunged foreward and attempteda double slash with he blocked and pushed me away. I heard Arctic call out from over Racalexand's shoulder.
<<"Don't listen to him Crystal! He's just trying to get you drop your gaurd!">>
Racalexand chuckled lightly and looked out of the corner of his eyes at the bubbled Byakko.
"Hmmm...and that daughter of yours...she's from the future isn't she? I wonder...is she legit or is she as big of a bastard child as she looks..."
That did it. My whole body now shaking with anger I lunged once again at Racalexand, but this time my strike was blinded by rage and I wasn't paying full attention. Racalexand appeared to be expecting my attack and managed to, not only block my attack, but knock it completely away. The kodachi flew through the air and landed several yards away, out of my reach. And before I knew what was happening I felt myself being lifted into the air by the front of my shirt, my feet dangling helplessly above the ground. I let out a choked gasp as Racalexand's staff slammed into my stomach. The sparks that were being emitted from his staff now surrounded me completely and I let out horrific cry as a searing pain shot through me.
I couldn't move...my body was paralyzed...the world before me began to blur....the pain was unbearable....
"Ar....ARCTIC!!" was all I could choke out between screams.

[Arctic A]

Meanwhile, back in the Hoenn mountains.....



Tornado
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The four of us walked in a silent, straight line. Eclipse headed us at the front, with Arnen hovering close behind her. The two were chatting quite audibly, but I wasn't paying attention. I was more concerned about Farlander, walking behind me. Through the occasional glance I could make out a tired look on his dirt-covered face. He caught me taking another look.
"What?" He growled, shaking his head around to get rid of some of the dirt. He thrashed his huge wings at a piece of foilage that was getting in his way. It seemed like he was hiding something, some sort of hidden intention.
"Nothing." I replied, turning back to the trial ahead. He grunted something along the lines of 'bloody dragon' but didn't pursue it further. He seemed tired, so I thought it best to leave him be.
"How much further?" I called out to Eclipse, breaking her out of her conversation with Arnen.
"Not far. You see up there?" She raised a paw and pointed to a large rock formation, covered in a thick bramble. "Just there. I reckon those caves behind the bramble will lead us down into the base."
"Good, good...So, has anyone formulated much of a plan?" Arnen asked, turning around mid-flight to look down at me and Farlander. Farlander snorted, but spoke:
"Well, I figure Eclipse would be our best shot at this. If she can really stay invisible, she'd have the best chance of getting to the MCT and deactivating these damn things."
"MCT?" Eclipse asked, looked confused.
"Master Control Terminal. They'll be one that regulates the killswitches." Farlander said. "But if she fails..."
"I told you that i'm only invisible...I could still be detected by sound or smell. This Xiaso is no fool....he'd surely have the humans set up some sophisticated defenses." Eclipse stated. I raised my hand and scratched my chin. This was going to be difficult. Then I had a thought.
"What we need....is a human."
"What use would a common human be?" Arnen asked, rasing an eyebrow.
"I mean one who works inside the facility. I'm sure we can.....convince....one of them to help us. I figure that the main defense systems will all be installed in the lower levels where the delicate equipment is. This entrance here will probably only take us into the top levels...if we can 'recruit' someone from there...." I mused, stretching out my wings out to full length. I turned to look at Farlander, who was in turn looking at me. I saw something what may have looked like appreciation in his face for a second, but it soon dissapeared.
"It's our best option." He said simply.
"We've no time to loose..." I replied, striding off towards the rock entrance.

[Arctic A]

Arctic
---------------------------------------------------------------
I gasped in horror as Crystal was struck by Racalexand.
"Ar...ARCTIC!" She screamed, falling to her knees. I gritted my teeth, and leapt across the arena with great force towards Racalexand. He anticipated this, as he swung his staff around to meet my face as I landed near him. The blow sent me staggering backwards, and eventually onto the floor. Blood was covering my face now, and clouding my vision. I jumped to my feet again, twirling the double blade in front of me. Racalexand slowly advanced towards me, making several false jabs that made me go onto the defensive. He jumped up and did a forward flip, taking him behind me. I turned to greet his threat, and managed to block a forceful swing. I noticed that Crystal was rising up from the floor now, and had summonded her Kodachi to her.
"DOWN, B*TCH!" Racalexand yelled, taking a hand off his staff. He used his newly freed hand to cast a dark bolt of lightning onto Crystal. She yelled as it covered her, crawling over her body like a web and compelely paralysing her.
<<< You f*cking..>>> I didn't finish, because i had to block another swipe from his staff.
"Comeone, Arc! Hit me!" He taunted, swinging his staff and ducking down to try and deliver a low blow. I jumped up doing a split, and he missed. Before i was back on the ground, i brung my weapon around and struck Racalexand in the back with a great force. It would have broken a normal Human's spine, but Racalexand simply laughed. He executed a butterfly roll, bringing him up beside me. I raised my weapon to strike, but he quickly dropped down onto the ground, supporting himself with one hand, and kicked me in the shins. It made me collaspe instantly. I saw Byakko cringe from the corner of my eye.
"Oops!" He laughed, as he swungu up and brung his staff around with lightning speed to strike me in the stomach. I didn't even have time to move - it struck me hard. I started coughing blood, and I cried out as my grip on my weapon loosend. Racalexand smiled grimly as he raised his staff once more. I braced myself.
Racalexand, however, turned his back to me and walked back over to Crystal.
<<< NO...Leave her..ALONE>>>
Racalexand turned his head over his shoulder to look at me.
"Make me." He challenged. I snarled, and tried to bring myself up off the floor, but the life was seeping out of me. I was unable to move. My mind screamed at me to get up, to protect Crystal, but my body was unable to muster anything. I felt a tear trickle down my blood-soaked face as Racalexand headed back over to crystal. I could see she was struggling against the paralyis acting upon her - but she wouldn't be able to throw it off in time.
<<< No....>>>
My vision was fading to red now. I could see Racalexand picking Crystal up by the neck, thrusting her in front of him. She was squirming, trying to loosen herself, but she was too weak and Racalexand was too strong.
<<< No...>>>
Racalexand's other hand withdrew a weapon from his robes - a short, but incredibly sharp dagger. I could hear him laughing.
"..ahaha! I'm afraid i've won. There always has to be a loser, i'm afraid, and you and Arctic are so, Crystal my dear. Now I will end your pathetic lives....but first, perhaps i'll have some fun."
He threw Crystal to the ground, and slowly moved down to lie on top of her.
<<< No..he can't...>>
He grabbed a fistful of her hair, and pulled it back making her head jerk in the same direction.
"I know you havn't been human for long, but i'm about to show you what one of the most fascinating human senses feels like.." He placed his hand in between Crystal's breasts, and started moving it downwards....The realisation of what he was about to do struck me now, like another blow to the head.

It was now that everything suddenly fizzled away to whiteness - I found myself face down on a pure white floor, still in Human form. My wounds and fatigue were all gone. I gaped in amazment for a moment - then I remembered about Racalexand and Crystal.
"NO! I have to GO BACK! LET ME OUT!"
My voice echoed around the whiteness. I clambered to my feet, scanning the area for signs of anything. But there was nothing. It appeared that I was alone....but i didn't feel alone...
"Kor mal ishta - kel ora. Kre'they mor ishata....ela Shi - Cathor morofrey?"
The strange language burst into my ears with a searing pain. I clamped my hands over my ears, but it didn't help.
[i]"Kre Arctic, Ja med krey mew..."
<<< What? Who are you? What do you want? Please, let me go back! >>> I cried out. Ahead of me, I saw something shimmer into vision. Against the white backdrop, I couldn't make out much. It seemed dragonlike in appearance, but long and snakey at the same time.
"Arctic.......I give you the gift. The gift." It spoke slowly, as if I had trouble understanding. It then burst out into some sort of manical laughter.
"Shi - Kras! The Gift! Shi - Kras! The gift!"
The white was fading away slowly all of a sudden. I could feel all of the pain returning...but it felt different. I felt in control of it. But more importantly, I felt a burning rage boiling inside me. it was more horrific than anything i'd ever felt towards anyone - even Kalidor or Missingno. My thoughts all focused onto one thing.

Racalexand.

I was now back in the arena, sprawled on the floor. I could feel Racalexand, Crystal, Byakko and Jewel within the arena. Through my burning rage, my senses seemed to clear up. I felt a strange inner power rising up...everything seemed to go red. The immense rising feel came into full effect as I leviated myself off the burnt arena floor and a few feet into the air.

My human hands were quite literally on fire, as was the rest of my body. My senses were all hightend...I could feel everyone in the area as if they were extensions of myself. I looked down at Racalexand, who was now looking up at me with an expression on his face. One of suprise...and more importantly, fear.
"What? This is impossible?"
<<< Kre-fa morrda KREY! >>> I shouted out. The words echoed throughout the domed arena. I didn't know what i'd just said, but it seemed to make a strange sense inside me. I swept my burning hand out in front of me, and a huge crimson whip of energy burst out of my hand, striking Racalexand and throwing him across the whole arena. He landed with a hefty thump.
<<< Kor-may Je'FAY kracriss ka! MOTA KOR FALLLIA KOR-FELLA >>> Once again, these words made sense to me. I was speaking the language of the creature i had seen in my vision. I moved quickly through the air, leaving a burning trail behind me, as I moved over towards Racalexand.
<<< Kor Fallia. Ishta Racalexand. >>>
Every bit of anger I had ever felt, every bit of pain I had ever endured, every bad thought I had ever embraced formed around me into a bright crimson ball of energy. I could feel it all now, and control it.
<<< KOR FALLIA! ISHTA RACALEXAND! >>>
It was all so simple. I hated Racalexand more than anything, ever in my life. He'd tried to rape Crystal. He'd attacked and defeated me. He'd imprisoned my daughter and he'd tortured countless creatures. He deserved worse than death.
<<< Misha tel-norka, Racalexand. >>>
See you in hell, Racalexand.

A bright beam appeared between me and him, covering us both in a burning white energy. I couldn't feel it, as i was already burning up. He, however, started screaming. He tried to move, but my mind forced him to stay in place. The heat was going up...steam was rising from both of us. Racalexand's barrier failed, breaking Byakko's prison and allowing Xiaro and the others access to the area. But no-one was moving. They were all watching me and Racalexand. Even Jewel stared at the scene.
"NO! THIS....CANNOT...BE! XIASO! YOU PROMISED ME! AIIIEAAAAAAAA~"
Racalexand exploded in a bright flash of red and white. The burning all seemed to suddenly dissapear, and i once again found all my strength leaving me. I was able to glimpse pieces of Racalexand flying in the air before I lost all of my power, and plummeted down to the ground. I struck it with a hefty crash, but didn't feel much. The pain had returned, and now i couldn't handle it. I opened my eyes slowly, still trying to fight. I saw Crystal running towards me with Byakko hovering by her side. I saw Xiaro flying in. I saw two more shapes moving...then my vision failed me once more. Everything was fading to black.



[EDIT: Added alot more. I'd advise you to read it again.]
[EDIT #2: That's if anyone damn well posts again. Ek.]

[Kuro Espeon]

ARGH!!!!!!!!! >.<
Baka time consuming school work!
Jeez...I feel so bad that I haven't posted here in a while. I'm such a hypocrite for getting on everyone else about it.
I'm not postijg right now (I have no time) but I promise the next time I'm on I'll post something real.
This is just a bump up I guess, so everyone can see that it's still here! I'm pleading with everyone (with the exception of Arctic): PLEASE POST!! Arc and I can't keep this thing alive by ourselves! If you were a member of the RPG please try to make some posts soon! Particularly Arnen and Eclipse are needed because Tornado and Farlander are interacting with them and we need their imput to continue!
Keep this going guys! I'm working on a cool sequel, but we need to finish THIS one first!

[Arctic A]

-- Interlude --
Location: Mt.Silver, Malos-12 Research Establishment 2
Time: 0700 Hours



The sound of gunfire echoed down the long, eerie halls of the base. Yells of pain and anger flowed throughout the area. Dr. Daerren cursed as he continued his frenzied rush towards the NanoTech storage. A single Arcanine ran beside him, panting heavily. A large gnash on it's back leg slowed it considerably. Daerren brushed his long black hair out of his face. He was sweating heavily...but it didn't matter to him. He had to reach the Nanites first. He had to stop the intruders and their strange Pokemon from getting them.

He skidded around a corner, and was greeted by a long, battle scarred corridor. Two of his staff lay dead along it, as did several Pokemon which were scarred beyond recognition. Daerren cursed loudly.
"Come on Arch...We have to hurry!" He yelled. The Arcanine howled in agreement, and together they sped off down the corridor. The sound of gunfire was drawing closer now...a few muffled explosions....the crys....the screams....Daerren tried to block them out, but it was too much. He tried to run faster, ignoring the stream of tears that has started to crawl down his face. At 17, he was Malos-12's youngest employee. He was 'gifted', but he really didn't feel it at the moment. His thoughts were set on his dead comrades...and the Nanites.

They were, of course, the only reason why the people had attacked. In the wrong hands, Nanotechnology could be used for evil and devious things....Daerren couldn't let that happen. He allowed himself a grim smile, and glanced at his Arcanine. It was holding up well - but it was starting to bleed considerably from the leg. He snarled, and yanked one of his Pokeballs from under his white coat.
"Arch, return!" The red beam shot across at the startled Pokemon, who dissapeared into the red beam that fizzed back into the ball.
"Maybe you'll survive this way..." Daerren gulped as he placed the ball back in place. Ahead of him, he could see the T - junction and the big sign reading 'NANOTECH STORAGE'. He yelped as a blast of flame burst across the junction - and he heard a scream of pain. It continued, as a large man turned the corner and ran towards him. He was on fire. Daerren yelled as he stopped running, and stood shock still. The man continued screaming towards him, burning fiercely. Daerren backed up slightly, as the man fell to the floor. The smell of burning flesh reached Daerren's nostrils, and he grimaced. Trying to ignore the foul smell, he ran onwards. As he passed the man, he knew that it wasn't one of his research staff - He knew them all very well. None of them had that large build and height. It was one of the intruders...

Daerren ran to the T- Junction, looking both ways. He gasped as he saw a woman lying to the right, clutching a stolen flamethrower against her chest in her bloodied hands. Her white coats was covered in scorch marks, and was covered in blood in places.
"ANNRI!"
"Daerren?" She whispered. "God...they...they got the nanites, Daerren. They got them..." She spoke slowly, as if not believing her own words. Her long red hair dangled in her face, and she made a vain effort to shift it away. Besider her, A Bagon stood, pushing her with it's head. Daerren knelt down beside her.
"It's ok, Annri..."
"You're no good at lying." She laughed quietly. She dropped the stolen flamethrower to her side, revealing a large slash across her torso. Daerren cringed at the sight of it, but tore of his white coat and tried to bandage it. Annri moaned as he did.
"Sorry...this'll hurt..."
"Now you tell me.....argh...."
Daerren frowned, and quickly withdrew his other two Pokeballs from his belt. Annri's Bagon tilted it's head sideways and looked ay Daerren as he spoke:
"Umbreon...Bulbasaur. We need to get Annri out of here..."
Before he could open the balls, a large explosion screamed into exsistance behind him. He quickly jumped forward to shield Annri from the blast - but nothing happens. Bagon growled a warning - Daerren turned to see a tall, slim man with a black beard glaring down at him. He was in a green military uniform, and he held an AK-47 in his gritty hands.

"Daerren Korman? Right? And Annri Resmyan? Yeah. These are the two." He said, and Daerren realised he was speaking into the radio attached to his shoulder pad. He smiled menacingly.
"Guess what. You're the last ones left. And i'm afraid Colonel Xiaso briefed me quite clearly - terminate all the research staff after retrieiving the nanites. Pity." He leveled his gun at Daerren. Bagon was about to leap, but Annri grabbed it's short tail with her free hand.
"No...Bagon.." She spoke slowly, her voice faint. Bagon snarled, but didn't do anything. Daerren looked for options - but there was nothing he could do except wait for the shot. He closed his eyes. But nothing happened.
"D...d...daerren!"
He opened his eyes, and saw the man slumped on the floor. Above him floated a large bird Pokemon, emanating bright swirling lights. It would seemed to be too big to actually fit in the corridor...but the area was bending around it like looking through a fishbowl. The creature lowered it's shining head to Daerren's level.

"I am Flashwing. And you are not supposed to die here."




-- End Interlude --

[Kuro Espeon]

Wow! I'm finally posting! *unified gasp from the crowd*

Nice interlude BTW Arc. Interesting plot twist....keekeekee....
(Whisper: I'm guessing these "Nanites" are pokemon? And if they are, I'm also guessing that Disaran is one of them?)


Byakko:
~~~~~
I watched with a mixture of surprise and horror as Racalexand literally exploded in brilliant flashes of red and white light. When I looked back at my father....I realized that the person I was looking at now was not my father at all. He looked the same...but there was something about him that was different than before. Even though this strange new power he used had defeated Racalexand, it somehow frightened me. His bright red eyes, the strange, foreign language he had suddenly begun to spout...it was as if something had possessed him. And had a gut feeling that it wasn't anything good....
As the last remains of Racalexand blew away in the wind, the bubble prison that surrounded me immedietly faded away, as did the barrier that had held back Xiaro and the others. At first, nobody made a move, but as soon as an eerie silence fell that was punctured only by the sound of Father collapsing to the ground, Mother immedietly stood up and started to run to him. I quickly flew to her side and followed her. Even from the smallest glimpse of her face I could tell that just standing up was painful for her, but her love and concern for Father seemed to keep her going. Xiaro joined us just as we reached father's unconcious body.
Just looking at him I felt my eyes swelling with tears, but I managed to fight them back. Crying now wouldn't do anything....I had to be strong like Father.
"Arc? ARC?! Arctic, please SAY something!" mother shouted, propping up the unconcious Arctic in her arms, also trying to hold back tears.
**"Please...please wake up, father...** I thought desperately. I watched as both mother and father slowly morphed back into their normal Mew forms. Now that Racalexand was gone, the spell he had cast over them was gone and they were automatically shifted out of their human forms.
Mother was now hunched over father and holding him protectivly. The sight was heart-wrenching so I looked away. I averted my gaze by looking up at Xiaro, who was now hovering to the ground. Then I finally asked the question that I knew everyone ws thinking.
**"Xiaro...what was that all about? What happened to Fath---Arctic, just now?"**
"A fine question, young Mew, and one that definetly deserves an answer. But unfortunetly you won't be to get one from me. Your guess is as good as mine."
I sighed and looked down at the ground. There were too many questions that we didn't have the answers to already. Now we had another one.
"I suppose the best thing to do for now is to wait for Arctic to awaken. Then we can ask him..."
Somehow I doubted that father would know the answer either. But there was nothing else to do. Just then...a thought passed through my mind and my head jerked up. I quickly spun around, turning my head left and right.
"What's wrong, Byakko?" Mother asked, a concern look on her face.
**"Jewel! What about Aunt Jewel?! Didn't Repturroc say that she would be released from whatever was possesing her if we defeated Racalexand?!"**

[Bulbasaur4]

*runz*

Jewel

i hold my breath and count to ten...

Jewel clutched the red, glowing-feather like gem in her tiny paws as she had watched the battle. There was red... and she loved the red. She laughed happily suddenly after the evil man died, and she suddenly shouted..
" I've got them! I've got the Nanoni-" then suddenly her voice was caught off guard, as she screamed, "NO! Flashw-" Then suddenly it sounded as if her voice was cut short, as suddenly her body began to glow a strange color. The barrier which kept her from entering the battle had disappeared and her body began to sink to the ground as Crystal and Byakko cowered around Arctic's body, with Far staring not too far off. Byakko and Crystal turned their heads and with a very bewildered look, shock covered their faces as Jewel's body suddenly glowed red. Jewel let loose a scream... - but it did not seem to be her own.

i've been waiting for a chance to let you in...

Suddenly a brilliant flash of red screamed across the air, blinding everyone temporarily for a short moment... and when everything returned to normal, Jewel's small, white body with light blue tips at the edge of her paws, and ears and tail came to visible. No longer did her body seemed a faded gray... instead it actually seemed to be with light. Her eyes were no longer red- as if some evil presense had captured her body- but they were back to being their dull, dead-looking gray. She limply lifted her head, and gave a cry of pain... and then fell to the floor.
"Jewel!" Crystal called, as she flew to her sister and gazed at her sister.
Jewel's body lay cold... and unmoving, as Crystal gazed from Jewel to Arctic, and she began to shutter.
**What happened mother?!** Byakko's panicked voice rose, and a single tear fell from Crystal and landed upon Jewel. Crystal reached for her charm which mother said would awaken jewel... or help her..
"Jewel! Jewel... look... god, please-"
The charm gleamed in the dim light around them, and it seemed as if nothing happened. Sadness grew and seemed to suffocate the air as Far spoke..
They're both gon-
But suddenly the wind blew, and the air changed as the charm which she clutched so desperately began to glow a very light blue, until it seemed to slice the air better than any light of the sun could manage. The light grew until it rested upon Jewel's lifeless body, and suddenly the light surrounded Jewel tightly, and it seemed as if the breath was placed back into her...

if i just breathe..

As quickly as the charm came to life, a whisper from the wind seemed to rest upon everyone's ears as suddenly the light faded from the charm and Jewel's body began to heave and sigh with breath. Suddenly her tail flickered, followed by her eyes opening as they fuzzied, and then suddenly settled upon Crystal.
Her eyes were a brilliant, sea-sparkling liquid blue, and seemed rimmed with overflowing life.
"C-c...crystal? Sisster?"
let it fill the space inbetween...



(I'm gonna post more for Jewel, Seiko and Far and probably Repturroc to put some missing pieces together but I thought Kuro should put her own part with Crystal in first. I have a way to bring Arctic 'back' too if you guys would let me. ^^)

[Arctic A]

That's fine B4, revive him how you want. I'm gonna do a Tornado post pretty soon unless Arnen or Eclipse show up....

[Kuro Espeon]

Yay! Bulbie posted! *snuggles Bulbie*And Jewel's back! Yipees!!!


Crystal:
~~~~~
"C-c...crystal? Sister?"
Never did two words sound so sweet....

At first I couldn't think of anything to say. All words escaped me as my mind, body and heart were overwhlemed with emotion. Not even bothering to keep back the tears that were freely flowing down my cheeks, I quickly reached down and pulled my sister into a tight embrace. It was the first time in over a year that I had been able to hold her.
"Jewel...oh, Jewel!" I sobbed, squeezing her tighter. "You...You've finally come back!"
"C-cry-crystal...You're...hurting...me..." I heard Jewel sputter.
"Oh!" I gasped and quickly released her. I moved back slightly, enough to look her in the face. There were so many things I wanted to say to her. Things I had been keeping inside for the longest time, unable to bring them out before. So many things she needed to know...needed to hear...I wanted to tell her how sorry I was for everything that had happened to her, everything that she went through. I wanted to tell her that it was all my fault. I wanted to say how much I had missed her and how much I loved her. But for some reason the words wouldn't come. The only thing that came out of my mouth was:
"Jewel...I'm so sorry..."
I cried even harder as I sat staring at my long lost little sister.

[Arctic A]

--- Interlude 2 ---
Location: Unknown
Time: 0730 Hours



An immense flash of light dashed into Daerren's eyes, blinding him. He cursed loudly.
"We leave here now. " The creature in front of him boomed. Daerren was about to say something in reply, but what felt like a strong wind yanked him off his feet. He expected to feel the cold wall hit him, but instead he found himself falling...and falling. He opened his eyes quickly, and saw himself falling, with Annri and her Bagon beside him. He saw flashes of color in front of him - and he saw moving images of the recent events falling beside him. He could hear shouting and screaming...and an increasingly loud sound that seemed like a jet engine plummeting to the ground. He closed his eyes once more.
Oh god...
Then it all came to an abrupt halt - the color, the sound and the sensation. Daerren was reluctant to open his eyes, but he did.
Above him was the familiar sight of the blue sky. He saw birds shooting across it, high up in the air. He realised that he was lying on his back, so he slowly pulled himself up. Daerren glanced around, examining his surroundings. He was in a large courtyard, something that gave him the idea that he was in a castle of some sort. In the center of the courtyard was a huge rainbow statue, detailing two large bird Pokemon - one which looked very much like the one who had just saved them.
"Come inside, Daerren."
Daerren swirled around to see where the voice had came from. There was a large door, and it was slowly swinging open.

Sorry it's short and. I'm not getting on well with the english language at the moment...heh..anyway, I'm waiting on B4 to revive Arctic really.

[Kuro Espeon]

Well....you know...I WOULD post...but I'm still kinda waiting for B4's reply....^^()

[Bulbasaur4]

Repturroc
*

[ So, it has begun]
Suddenly a blackened figure appeared, gazing and reguarding the figures below with a look of grim and yet acceptance.
"What the-who are you?" A voice rose, that of Far. The figure new the voice well.
Repturroc watched as Crystal's sobs settled, and then both Jewel and Crystal both gazed upwards to see a blackened figure slowly lower itself to teh ground, although still floating slightly above it.
Repturroc. Always, seemingly to be there when the time called for guidance.
[ You have finally awaken Jewel... and surely this is a time of rejoice, although you must hurry. It has begun.]
*What has begun?* Jewel inquired, her beautiful icy blue eyes reguarding the blackened figure with dragon-like ewings and red slashes upon it's back, with fear. Jewel remembered this figure... it was the same voice who had stayed with Jewel while she had been in the blackened void. Jewel remembered... the voice stayed with her, until finally the voice had to leave, thus leaving Jewel to go to her abnormal state of 'nothingness'.
[ You will soon find out, for much peril has now been unleashed. But the only way to defeat this evil, is to gain your allies and measure your enemies. You have defeated one, but the other is now rising. Time is shortening, for it whispers it to me.]
With that, Repturroc looked to Jewel.
[ You have been given a gift that you have not harnessed yet. It comes with a price, will you pay it?]
Jewel nodded...

When Jewel was in the void, there was nothing. Nothing but a voice... an evil voice, which talked her into losing her soul. But in the struggle, there was another voice... a voice, which in her sacrifice (which no one will find out perhaps until her days of leaving), she was given a gift. A powerful yet deadly gift, which would not only have a toll upon her body... but it flipped a coin. A coin which would either create life in time, or bring about death. Each time she would use her gift, the coin would be tossed...
Let us hope, never death would occur.

* I will do what you know of me, Repturroc.* Jewel said softly... as she pulled away from Crystal and gently floated over to Arctic. A bit of resentment came to Jewel... for some thing deep inside of her, perhaps rememberance of the darkness still lingered there, and she knew at that moment she would never fully be able to forgive. But she would still remain their friend and their 'family' in a way... she would still be hopeful that one day, she could perhaps forgive. She doubted herself upon t hat fact however.
[ Yes, use it Jewel. Bring Arctic back. ]
This doesn't make sense... Arctic is not de-
[ The power he demanded of himself is enough to throw his soul out of time's pattern, if his soul is lost he will be dead to all that know him, whether it be dead in body or not.]
Far grew slightly aggitated..
Why do you always speak in riddles? Why do you always talk about the d*mn time?! We don't even know who you really are! Why should anyone ever trust you?!
Repturroc's eyes grew very grave at this comment, and for a split second her eyes seemed to light on fire and th earea around everyone seemed to darken. Narrowing her eyes, she spoke in a voice far more disturbing than ever heard before...
[ The question to be answered is not if you could trust me, but can they trust you?]
At this remark, Far silenced and his eyes flashed with hatred towards the strange creature.
[Continue Jewel.]

With that, Jewel placed her small paws upon Arctic's rather cold body, and she then closed her eyes. Softly she began to chant...

Amin Are'lea Repturroc Reganai...

As she spoke, the area around the two began to darken and her body suddenly erupted in a silverish flame which seem to create a rift around the two of them. Slowly the flame spread to Arctic's body, but as it touched him it grew warm... and seemed to turn a dark, deep rich blue filled with warmth and life.

Areiya Merlimoi Weikla Terimoi Revestana!
With that, suddenly a brilliant white flash screened across the landscape, and for a split second time seemed to stand still.

The coin of Jewel's life was toss.
Life... Death...
Efil... Htead...
Evil... Live...
... and then the coin landed.

The white flash suddenly turned into a brilliant light blue color, and after the blinding flash was finished, Jewel had a small, blue ball in front of her and to the side of Arctic. Arctic's body seemed warmer, and his chest rose and fell... Jewel's eyes glowed an eerie silver, and when she finally blink the light blue ball before her was gone. Arctic's eyes then opened...
"Arctic!"
Crystal gave a cry, and she went to Arctic, who sooned slowly sat up, and Jewel hovered near them. Her eyes suddenly seemed to frown with sadness... and Far's eyes widened.
You did it... though you did not want to.
His voice rose with question, inside of only her mind.
*I wished to do it... for Crystal, for my sister.*
But Why?
*I do... I do not know. I feel that in the future, she will aid some life that will be of great importance to me, when I am not there.*
You sense your death?
*I sense a forshadowing of ill intent, what it will bring, I do not know.*

A chill ran through Far's veigns, for suddenly he realized that Jewel was indeed enhanced. She knew more than she should... she knew a great deal more than what Arctic or Crystal or anyone except perhaps Repturroc realized. Some thing had happend to Jewel because of either the void she had entered... or..
Was it because of that red gem that she had clinged to for so long? Where is it now?!
Far gazed about, but saw none. Perhaps... did that some how infect JEwel...

[ Now I must leave. ] Repturroc flew to Byakko suddenly, and her face grew into a smile. Gently she leaned into Byakko, who seemed shocked from fear...
[
Little one from time in the future... I give you words of wisdom which you shall need.
Seiko has not come to, you must awaken him. He is from your time.
He is a seer... you need him in order to put the evils in their place.
Crystal and Arctic's time of healing and peace to the world has ended for now.
It will be time for you two to take their place in aiding the world with your awakening powers.

When this will happen... I cannot tell you, but it will come.
Be Ready.]

With that, Repturroc gazed to the others.
[ You wish to know what I am? I will tell you. But not today. If you truely want to know... you must finish your task. Then you will know. ]

WIth that... she simply, disappeared.

[Bulbasaur4]

Oh, I drew a picture of Retpurroc, looking young and sad.

^^ It's an image you'll understand later! heh. It's just a sketch... but doesn't she look cute? lol, but really sad... ;_; makes me sad for her too. If you only knew... MWHAAA!


[attachment deleted by admin]

[Arnen]

OoC: *beats self on head with frying pan* BAKA! BAKABAKABAKA!!! Eheh... Umm... Sorry for not posting, been busy w/ school and stuff...

~*~*Arnen*~*~

"Wait a sec... Hang on," I called after the others, suddenly remembering something. Concentrating for a moment, I changed to my human form. "Will this work?" I asked uncertainly. "I could steal a worker's uniform or something..." I trailed off, looping my fingers behind my back. "<I hope they decide soon; this form's kidna uncomfortable...>"

OoC: Sorry again for the shortness...

[Kuro Espeon]

Welcome back Nabooru! I was wondering where you were! Don't worry about it, we all get swamped at times (I know I do...)
Thanks for posting!
[EDIT]And nice piccy B4! She's so cute! I have pictures that I've drawn for M-E-W...but I don't have a scanner....;.;


Farlander:
~~~~~~~
I looked Arnen, in her human form, up and down. Several things went through my head at that moment, (one of which was 'why do so many Pokemon have human forms these days?') but I could only get out one word.
"Moron...."
"Huh?!" Arnen squeaked, her eyes widening with confusion.
"Farlander!" Tornado hissed.
"Oh be quiet and think about it for a moment, Tornado!" I said giving him a forceful glance. "You really think that just because she looks like a human, and may be wearing their uniform, that they'd actually fall for it? She doesn't know anything about this place. And that doesn't seem to help our problem either. Besides....how long can you hold that form, Arnen?" I said, looking at her out the corner of my eye and smirking.
"Oh...yeah...well..." She said, grinning guiltily.
"Exactly my point. Nice try, but I don't think that plan will work. You might as well change back....you look very uncomfortable."
Without hesitation Arnen morphed back into her Mew form, which I greatly prefered. The last thing I needed was another human hanging around.
"Actually I'm kinda relieved..." Arnen sighed, "You're right! It was uncomfortable..."
I sighed and shook my head. 'Kids...' I thought as we made our way into the base. We soon found ourselves in a long white hallway that was completely deserted.
"Man...security in this place sucks..." said Eclipse (*sweatdrop*).
Just then, as if on cue, the sound of light footsteps echoed down the hallway. I snapped my head in the direction from which is was coming. As I listened closer, I could tell that there was only one human approaching. Perfect! This was our oppurtunety! I quickly turned to the otehrs and spoke to them psychicly.
"Quickly! Get back into that dark side hall! And don't make a sound! I think I have a plan!"
Everyone surprisingly followed my direction without any delay and hid in the shadows (it took a little longer for Tornado to hide himself, but he eventually succeeded...). No sooner had the last paw been pulled back then a lone, female human wearing a uniform came striding around the corner at the end of the long hallway, burdened down with what seemed to be a mountain of paperwork.
"So Farlander...what's this plan of yours?" Tornado said skeptically into my mind. I shot back my reply caustically:
"If you'd just wait and watch you'll see, Dragonite! What I'm about to do requires alot of energy and I don't do it very often. But I think in this situation desperate times call for desperate measures."
Just as the human was about to pass our hallway, I quickly telelported directly in front of her, blocking her path. With a gasp, she dropped her paperwork started to cry out.
"In...INTRU--"
Before she could finish I quickly sent forth a wave of psychic energy and paralyzed her, inhibiting her movement and cutting off her voice. Then, my body surrounded by a blue aura and my eyes glowing a light blue, I sent another, stronger surge of psychic energy from my eyes and directly into hers. Her body relaxed and went slightly limp and her eyes glazed over into a dull gray.
"Whoa!" said Tornado as he and the others came slowly out from the hiding place. "Whaddya do?"
"I'm using a highly advanced mind-control tenchnique." I replied, still concentrating on maintaining the connection. "It's a skill only really high level psychics can learn and use. I, myself, did not learn it until after I became a Creator. And even then it is not a technique to be used lightly. It takes alot of effort and control. Also, it has a tendancy to drain energy alot faster than normal, so we can't dilly-dally with our actions here."
"But...what are we gonna do?" Arnen asked, tilting her head to one side.
"This human is graciously going to show us the way to the MCT." I said with a smirk. "But like I said, we shouldn't waste any more time here. I can't keep control forever. Let's go."

wow...my first Farlander post in a while and it's a decent size! I guess I'm in a creative mood today. (or because I'm supposed to by doing my Biology homework...^^() )

[Arctic A]

Yay! Seems we’re rolling again.
I’d like to say that I’m really glad we have you here B4. The quality of your posts and stories still amazes me. Hell, I’m glad we have everyone. You guys are great, seriously. Nice picture there as well B4, It’ll be interesting to see how it fits in…hehe…man, that reminds me. I still haven’t scanned all the pictures I’ve done for M-E-W…they’re all sitting abandoned in my sketchbook. I’ll try and get them up as soon as I can. I’ve got a few essays to write for school though, might take a while. Anyway, back on the road:

Arctic
-------------------------------------------------

Mesha kor re'maian...
The deep voice echoed in my head. As it did, I felt myself growing warmer and stronger..
Mesha kor re'maian...
Something was wrong. The voice now sounded as if it wanted to pull me back into the darkness...but it was fading quickly as I felt my strength return to me. It was a curious sensation, but an extremely welcome one. I saw images forming before my opening eyes – the familiar shape of a Mew…A Latias…another Mew…
I felt Crystal’s familiar touch as she helped me raise myself. My vision had cleared for the most part, and I could make out the arena that I had just been fighting in. The smell of death still lingered in the air, but I could feel it dissipating. I could hear Repturroc’s words echoing around the desolate area. There was so much I wanted to say now. So much I wanted to know. But I didn’t feel the strength to open my mouth.
{Arctic.}
Xiaro’s voice.
<<< Xiaro…what is happening? What happened to me? >>> I spoke telepathically.
{Jewel…she revived you. She pulled you away from the darkness before it took you. That much is certain.}
The memories of the battle’s final moments started to surface in my head.
<<< Xiaro…before I changed into…whatever I was…I had a vision. I saw a creature before me. It spoke in the same language I used…it was laughing. And I heard it again when I was being healed. >>>
I looked over at Xiaro now, and saw a look of grave concern on his face.
{Tell me…was it a long, snake like dragon?}
<<< How did you know? >>>
{That does not matter. All that matters is that the creature in question is no longer walking this earth. His spirit remains however…but it is a mere shadow of what it once was. It has no way to come back to form, at least not that I am aware of. What you must know, Arctic, is that you must never speak that language again. You must never tempt the darkness. Doing so will bring death and evil more powerful than you can possibly imagine.}
<<< I…I see. He spoke of a..'gift' of some sort. >>>
{ The 'gift' was no doubt your sudden burst of dark energy that allowed you to defeat Racalexand...}
<<< Ah...>>>
{Come now, Arctic. Stand up. There is much that we must all discuss now.}

[Kuro Espeon]

Werg....

Sorry guys, I almost completely forgot. I promise to post here shortly. I can't do it right now because I'm currently wrapped up with trying to write my college application essays ("trying" being the key word here...) and at the same time juggling a term paper (amoung other things) for my English class. Once I'm finished with all my application stuff (hopefully before the end of next week) I'll be a little more free. Until then feel free to go ahead and post. (hint hint).
Gomen Gomen Minna-san!! *bows repeatedly*

[Arctic A]

--- Interlude 3 ---
Location: Unknown
Time: 0800 Hours

Attaching communication leech drone...stand by.
-------//----------
Fusing with network node 58K-C
--------//--------//--------
Scattering trace unit.
--------//-------//---------//-------
Process complete - initiate.

Intercept -

"Your primary unit did not peform...as well as you expected, Doctor."
"Y...y...yes, I know. I'm s-s-sory, mighty one...I..I..won't fail again."
"I am not sure if I trust you to supervise the nano - enfusion."
"But, but everything is going...as planned. We retrieved the Nano units from the Malos -12 facility..."
"Indeed. Perhaps I will allow you to continue to lead this project."
"T-t-t-thank you, X-"
"Quiet. Tell me...are you finished constructing the Enfusion Chamber?"
"Yes. It is ready for you. We c-can begin the process once my men have reprogramed the nanites, and the Lugia has been prepared."
"Excellent."
"Well, there is also the matter of the others who we implante-
LINK DETECTED
TRACE PROGRAM DETECTED - BYPASS 1972://23A
TERMINATE -----------------//

[Arctic A]

*insert dead topic joke here*


Tornado
-----------------------------------------------------------
We all kept quiet as the human woman Farlander was dominating slowly turned around in a zombie-like fasion, and started taking lurching steps down the corridor. A picture of concentration covered Farlander's face as he walked down the corridor behind her. We all slowly followed, taking delicate steps so not to make any noise. Well, except Arnen, who was able to hover silenty.
This is....interesting, to say the least. Farlander's voice whispered in my mind. It appears this woman is one of the leading scientists at this establishment...I am reading..fragments of information from her mind....
"What have you found?" I whispered out loud. There was silence for a few seconds, then Farlander spoke normally to the whole group:
"Xiaso has been hiring human mercenaries to gather certain pieces of technology for him...I believe the killswitches are among them. Most of the people here believe that 'Colonel' Xiaso is a human...they believe that they are helping to construct a special chamber that will allow them to infuse microscopic machines directly into other humans to create augmented soldiers...yet they are wrong. If I am reading this right, Xiaso is having them construct an enfusion chamber for him.... Coupled with his immense power that would be granted to him if he won the Shi - Cathor, he could turn himself into a being with almost unstoppable powers..."
There was a series of gasps from Arnen, Eclipse and myself.
"D..Disaren is..being used as part of the process....he plans to...ensnare the psychic power of a Lugia as part of his enfusion..." Farlanders eyes suddenly burst open. "She is going to die unless we move quickly. Xiaso has most of the resources he needs."
I glanced over at the human woman. Farlander's control over her was weakening - I could see her beginning to regain some sort of sense of person.
"Farlander! The MCT! Remember?" I growled softly. Farlander blinked quickly, and closed his eyes again. I could feel him reasserting his control over the human.
"It is located 5 floors below. Come...we must move quickly."

[Kuro Espeon]

Wow! I thought we had LOST this RPG! good job on bringing it back Arctic!
Keekeekee...time for a nice long post! I'll get around to another Farlander post soon.

Crystal:
~~~~~
I hovered next to Arctic as he sat on the ground looking up at Xiaro and the others who had formed a small circle around him, watching him with serious expressions. My own was more of worry. Just by looking at Arctic's eyes I could tell he was still recovering from his near-death experiance and was in pain, emotionally and physically. And just one glance at Jewel told me that she was exhausted as well. This had been very draining on everyone...
{"Come now, Arctic. Stand up. There is much that we must all discuss now."} Came the voice Xiaro as he floated down until he was face-to-face with Arctic. A sudden wave of emotion swept over me and a strange irritation rose to the surface, causing me to speak out more forcefully than I ever had before.
"I really don't think that's necessary, Xiaro!" Everyone, including Arctic, seemed to freeze and look at me in surprise, all their wide eyes now fixed on me.
{"I beg your pardon?"}
"I said, I don't think a discussion is necessary right now!" I my eyes narrowed slightly, indicating my level of seriousness. "Don't you see how tired Arctic is? This whole thing has been overwhelming for him! For ALL of us! Can't you see that he's still in pain!? What he doesn't need right now is you causing him more worry and stress with long discussions about the problems ahead of us! He needs to rest and regain his strength first!"
<<"Crystal...It's ok! Really! I'm fine!">> Said Arctic in an assuring tone. But at this I turned and fixed my piercing gaze on him, my eye flashing dangerously. <<"Err...Well...now that you mention it..I AM a little tired... Eh-heh heh...^^()">>
I turned back and addressed the group again.
"Let's ALL take some time to recover our energy and deal with everything that's happen today. THEN we can worry about tomorrow and everything after it!" I ended my speech by looking directly at Xiaro, fixing my eyes on him intently. Xiaro was silent for a moment and finally sighed.
{"Very well, young Crystal. We shall put off our discussions for the night. I don't think Xiaso poses any immediete danger for he seems to be keeping himself occupied. I haven't seen him for a while and I expect he's gone off somewhere planing his method for the Shi-Cathor."} his voice dropped suddenly as he mummble to himself. {"And I fear it isn't a respectable one..."} He spoke up again, this time in direction. {"We should all head back to the castle, for dusk is close upon us and we should seek the sanctuary of the Mew Castle walls."} Everyone nodded and we began to make our way back. I helped Arctic up off the ground and spoke to him in a now softened tone.
"Can you fly, Arc?"
<<"Yeah, I think so.">> He slowly lifted himself off the ground and hovered in the air. As he went higher he staggered slightly but quickly regained his balance. He beamed at me. <<"See? I'm alright! Stop worrying about me so much!">>
"And YOU need to stop saying that! Don't you it's my job to worry about you? I also need to watch you to make sure you don't do anything stupid."
<<"Crystal...^^() ">>
Just then Xiaro came back over and addressed Arctic. {"Arctic, will you please go on ahead into the castle? I must speak with Crystal alone."}
Arctic looked at Xiaro with a slightly confused expression and then at me. I had to admit that the way he looked was the way I felt. Why in the world did Xiaro need to talk to me? I gave Arctic a reassuring smile.
"Go ahead, Arc. I'll catch up in a minute." Arctic nodded and turned away, flying slowly after the others. Xiaro watched him go and as soon as he was out of voice range he turned back to me.
{"Crystal...do you know what I am about to tell you?"}
"Well...not really. But I have a feeling it's about Arctic's....strange new power....isn't it?"
{"Indeed."} Xiaro paused and turned away. He seemed to be avoiding my eyes. {"I'm sure you are aware by now that this new force inside Arctic is a dangerous one. Not only to those around him but to himself as well. It is a dark and mysterious power....and I do not know how it came to be bestowed upon him, but that doesn't change the fact that it's there."} He paused and looked up at the darkening sky. I remained silent and waited for him to continue. {"I have warned Arctic about never using that language again....but I fear that another occurance is inevitable. The dark power will return, and when it does...Arctic will not be able to control it and it will consume him. If he let's it take hold of him again, even if he's fighting our enemy, it may very well kill him."}
I felt my body stiffen slightly at the word "kill." Now it was I who averted my gaze and refused to look at the powerful bird.
"Why....are you telling me this?" I said, the cracking of my voice giving away my distress.
{"Because, Crystal..."} Xiaro answered, finally turning back to me, {"Even though the day that Arctic's dark gift resurfaces is inevitable...we still may be able to fight it."}
"How?"
{"Crystal...you are Arctic's driving force. You and he are of the same mind and soul. You...are what he lives for. I feel that that undying loyalty and love he has for you is stronger than any type of mystic power or sorcery. That means that you, Crystal, are the only one who can keep him from losing himself to darkness. Once Arctic loses control...you are the only one who can bring him back."}
"M-me? But...but I..."
{"This task is now your responsibility, Crystal of Mew Castle; Yours, and yours alone. Arctic's life, at least the life of the Arctic we know, is in your hands."}
With that sentence echoing in my mind, I watched as Xiaro turned and flew away, leaving me there with my own thoughts and newfound worries.

dear lord...I didn't expect it to be THAT long....I guess this makes up for all my short posts before now. Eh-heh..^^()

[Arctic A]

Arctic
------------------------------------------------------------------
- A few minutes later -


The wind brushed gently against my face as I stood atop the castle. From here, I had a clear view of the large decimated circle of ground where I had defeated Racalexand mere minutes ago. Dark smoke could still be seen rising, and to be honest I felt sick to look at it.
But there are things I have to face, I thought. Still weak from my ordeal, I slowly glided up onto the highest spire of the building and sat down. I looked up further into the sky, and was greeted by an amazing sunset that was untinted by the darkness I felt below. I looked down at the brickwork below me.
How can I look at something as pure and beautiful as that? How, when I've done so many dark things, and seen so many dark things, can I still.... My own thoughts trailed off in my mind. I punched down at the ground. There was so much running around in my head...if only I could make sense of it all.
Mesha kor re'maian... Those words kept surfacing from all the others. Xiaro was pretty clear when he told me never to say them again..
I looked up at the sky once more.
There always has to be some good, somewhere. I allowed myself a faint smile. Perhaps there was some feeling of peace behind it.
<<< Heh....life is sure full of suprises..>>> I said aloud to noone in particular, letting my tail rise and hover with the wind. It was then that I sensed someone approaching me - I leaned over the edge of the spire and looked down.
<<< Crystal...>>>
"Arctic..." Her voice curled up towards me and filled me with a sudden sense of relief and happiness. I clambered to my feet and jumped down to her.
<<< I..>>>
Crystal jumped forward and flung her arms around me, and I quickly did the same.

We stayed like that for a while...I didn't really count the minutes. All that mattered to me at that time was that Crystal was here with me, safe and sound. The wind seemed to die down and slow for us, only faintly brushing against us...there was no cold, only a deep warmth.
<<< I love you, Crys.>>> I whispered, not moving from the embrace. <<< I love you and I never want to put you in danger like that, ever...>>> My voice trailed off as I found tears swelling in my eyes.

[Samchu]

Okay...I know it's gonna seem pretty weird for ME to post here but the thing is I'm a HUGE fan of this rpg and I originally singed up for it but kinda got lost...Anyways...I've read through the entire thread (took a while) and I would REALLY like to be apart of this rpg. So, if no one minds I'd like to submit and evil character to participate.

[Arctic A]

I don't think that introducing an evil character would work out well at this point, as we're certainly nearing the end of the story...it's good that you want to join in though. Share your character idea and we'll see what we can work out...

[Kuro Espeon]

I agree...another bad guy at this point may not be such a good idea. However, I'm already planning ahead for then next Saga after this one and I'm looking for some bad guy ideas.

However if you still want to rejoin here then i don't mind but I really don't think a bad guy would fly. But like Arctic said go ahead and share your idea. (You should probably PM it Arctic or me though so we don't clutter up the thread in here.) We'll see what we can work out.

[Samchu]

Hope this'll be okay for you guys...

Race: Human
Name: Zandar
Gender: Male
Appearance: He is 6 feet tall with a crop of short, messy blonde hair. He has red eyes that strangely have tints of black and a long black cloak that he wears over his all-black suit and uses to hide his choice weapon which hangs at his belt. He appears to wear trousers made of black leather but they are quite loose and baggy and are held up by a belt surrounded by small but sharp spikes. Beneath his cloak is slightly loose long-sleeved top that has a slight shimmer and he also wears thin black gloves. This ensemble makes it easy for him to hide amongst the shadows and survey physically instead of psychically.
Personallity: He is very dark. His motives are unknown but may also be found confusing to those should he try to explain it as his methods can be seen as somewhat unorthodox. He has been able to tap into both the powers of psychic and dark through countless hours of training in solitude. From there he has been psychically monitoring events, planning when to strike. He has also learnt to surpress his powers so now one can either tell or predict how strong he really is, which gives him an edge of surprise over his opponents.
History: No one knows about his past for sure as he tends to keep anythign personal to him very quiet. One thing is for sure though and that is that he wasn't always evil but there was something that happened that caused him to change, something that still haunts him.
Other: none


Zandar
~~~~~
"What a load of mushy c***," I muttered quietly. I had managed to conceal myself in the shadow of a large tree and begun to investigate events as they occurred now that the fight with Alex was over. I smirked, and what an exellent battle it had been. Shame he got in so far ovwer his head though, he was quite promising.
I watched Arctic and Crystal - more with my psychic mind that my real ones - and listened in on them. I sighed, I didn't want to do this but it was what I'd been assigned to do, find out what was going on with the mews and their...friends .
If it was up to me, I wouldn't be the one sitting here, I'd be the one at the top of the ladder, not just this close. I shook my head, I couldn't forget my mission. I had to observe the mews and try and find as many weaknesses as possible.
I swung down to the ground and darted quickly to another tree. Watch yourself Arctic, things are being put into motion that even YOU won't be able to stop.

[Arctic A]

yeah, that's a good start. weeee! another interlude...



--- Interlude 4 ---
Location: Unknown (Suspected: Keras Mun-rai, Castle of the Timekeeper)
Time: 0845 Hours


"Interesting. Most Interesting." Flashwing mused, as he listned to the recording that the communication leech had created.
"Is that all you bloody well have to say?" Daerren growled, as he started taking off all the infiltration gear that he'd been wearing for his little 'expedition' to the Hoenn mountain ranges. He pulled off his IV goggles, and brushed his sweaty hair back out of his face. "I was almost caught. Now i've done what you asked. Do your part."
Flashwing turned to look at him, and laughed softly, but just enough for it to echo throughout the grand chamber. "You may be resourceful, but you still don't seem to understand quite what is going on here, young human."
"I don't care what's going on. You said you'd heal Annri if i did this."
"Don't worry...I have attented to her wounds. She will make a full recovery."
Daerren blinked, and said a very quiet thanks.
"Humans still confuse me from time to time. Your emotions and feelings are so muddled up that i'm suprised you can make any sense of them." Flashwing said, half to himself, as he turned around and strode to the opposite end of the hall, towards a wall that bore a large mural. "Anyway... I believe that you two can be of further assisstance."
"If we refuse?"
"Then you'll have to live with the consequences. A world draped in shadow and evil...a world without freedoms and joys..." Flashwing trailed off. Daerren rasied an eyebrow. This crazy creature...he makes so little sense he thought to himself.
"Crazy? No, no, dear boy. I am simply beyond the human mind's comprehension. This way it must be...I am the Timekeeper."
Daerren was shocked that his mind had been read like that, but he kept it well hidden, simply brushing another strand of black hair out of his face. "So are you the good or the bad guy?"
"I am neither black nor white...I am a shade of grey." Flashwing raised his head and looked at Daerren. "I have done things you would consider evil; even to the point of attempting to exterminate all life on this planet in an attempt to restart it. But my logic on that matter was flawed...nothing is perfect. But I, I am a force beyond all knowledge. But still with restrictions."
"Are you calling yourself a god?" Daerren felt slightly stupid asking it, but Flashwing paused for a second.
"A god? Is there really such a thing? I suppose, in a way of seeing things, you could call me a God. It was I, with a circle of others, who created life and nourished it."
"Why are you telling me all this?"
"Because, Daerren, you are now involved in this matter. And that cannot be changed...it is your destiny, I suppose."
"What if i think that's bullsh*t, and just walk out the door?"
"Do what you will. But in the end, you will come back."
Daerren didn't move towards the door, but instead walked into the center of the chamber. Flashwing sighed, and pointed with a wing towards one of the side doors.
"Annri is through there. Be quiet, for she sleeps now."
Flashwing turned away and once again looked at the wall. Daerren turned and ran towards the door, leaving Flashwing alone in the grand chamber.
"A god? Are we gods?" He spoke to the mural on the wall - it showed 5 balls of light around a central circle - as if it would respond to him. "But Gods cannot die..Ramses, Cizora."
A voice in the back of his mind seemed to speak out - But we are not truely gone.
"Maybe you are not. But why can we not intervene with the Shi - Cathor? Why are we powerless against the new being who will ascend to become one of us? Why.....?" Flashwing lowered his head once more. Why........

[Arctic A]

--- Interlude 4, continued. ---


Daerren fiercely threw open the door that Flashwing had pointed out to him - the only thing running through his mind at the moment was that last glimpse of Annri that he'd had back at the science outpost. She'd better be ok...
It came as a relief to Daerren when he saw that he'd entered a large library of sorts, and Annri was sitting on the end of a long table aroundabouts the center of the room. She was wearing a set of strange robes that seemed to match the architexture of the castle, and her dark red hair was draped down to her chest as opposed to the usual ponytail. Daerren smiled, and ran towards her. His loud footsteps alerted her to his prescence, and her warm, smiling face looked up to greet him.
"Daerren!" She jumped out of her chair and grabbed him by the arms. She then flung hers around him, hugging him tightly. "I'm sorry I couldn't see you sooner...but Flashwing was quite adamant.." She whispered in his ear. A few tears began to fall from her misty eyes. Daerren held her closely, stroking her hair softly.
"It's ok..we're both ok now..." He whispered. The two stood there for a few minutes, neither speaking. Eventually, Annri pulled out of the embrace.
"Daerren...there's so much here that I need to tell you about..." She smiled, pointing at the open book on the long stone table. "This place...it's master..."
"Flashwing and I have already met." Daerren growled. "He made me go on some crazy mission to bug some lab in the mountain ranges before he'd let me see you..."
"I know..." Annri trailed off, returning to her seat. "Sit down." She commanded. Daerren grinned, and walked over to the nearest seat. "So what's up with the robes?"
Annri looked up from the book, and then looked down at herself. "It's all I could find...all the humans here left long ago."
"Humans lived here? where the hell is 'here' anyway?" Daerren asked.
" 'Keras Mun-rai', meaning 'Castle of the Timekeeper', or something to that effect."
"Timekeeper?"
"That'd be Flashwing, I suspect. Look here-" She pointed at a map on the page she was studying.

"From what I can tell, there are four major castles or monuments on the planet that are all linked somehow. Keras Mun - Rai, that's here..the Castle of the Timekeeper. Keras Arun - Myuu, Castle of the Mew. Arathai Shi - Cathor, I translated that as, 'The Protector's Arena', and then there's this last one here....Kerathor Erebai, which i think means something like ' Holding of the Underworld'."
Annri pulled a few strands of hair out of her face as Daerren listned carefully.
"Daerren...this is amazing...the things here..." She trailed off.
"But what does it all mean Annri?"
"Well...from what I can tell, something is going to happen soon. Flashwing tells me that the Arathai Shi - Cathor will soon become active...which means that soon two powerful creatures will be dueling for control of Keras Arun - Myuu...the winner will inherit the mystical force of the 'Protector'...guardian of the 'Myuu', or Mew, of the castle. But something has gone wrong...one of the contestants..Xiaso, I think...he's faltered. He's turned evil...he's the one who stole the Nanotechnology at the Malos base...furthermore, he's supposedly captured a Lugia and is experimenting with it...."
"How do you know all this?"
"Flashwing sensed that a Lugia had been taken against it's will...he also tells me that a rescue is underway by some of the Keras Arun - Myuu inhabitants."
"Well...that's good I guess..." Daerren couldn't really think of anything to say.
"But the bottom line is this, I think: Xiaso has poweful nanotechnology, and the psychic power of a Lugia. If he could join all this together...Daerren, if he inherits the Protector powers alongside all of this, he'd be unstoppable."
"I guess we don't want that." Daerren raised his eyebrow.
"There's something else as well...come with me." Annri spoke quietly, getting up and moving quickly towards a set of stairs that led down into a torchlit corridor. Daerren jumped up and followed behind her. They walked silently into another chamber that was lit by two swirling blue torchlights on the far wall. Bewteen them was a large picture painted on the wall.

It showed a row of Mew creatures, each with pendants of sorts glowing above their heads. Underneath, names were carved into the wall. Above the set of Mews, a Mewtwo figure stood as if guarding over them.
"'Arctic'? Crystal? Jewel? Far? What the hell is all this?" Daerren asked as he read out the names. There were more as well, but he stopped reading and turned to look at Annri.
"All of these are the Myuu of Arun - Myuu...these are a special race of Mew. They all have the ability to morph into perfect humans, and are more powerful than your usual Mew breed. This is what Flashwing tells me anyway, and the books seem to agree with him."
"I still don't get it. What does this have to do with us?"
"Daerren..look at this end." Annri said quietly. Daerren walked over, and gasped when he saw it.

Two Mews stood side by side, both with pendants glowing above them. The names read 'Annri' and 'Daerren'.
"What the hell does this mean?" Daerren growled, not quite sure how he was supposed to react now.
"Daerren...this may sound incredibly stupid...but...have we always been human?" It wasn't really a question, more of an open pondering. "I...I...I feel something within me. And within you...I don't know what this all means. But we need to go to Keras Arun - Myuu... Mew Castle ...to find out."

[Kuro Espeon]

Oi vey! I haven't posted here in a while! I think I probably should! BTW, I really likew the direction you're taking Arc! Interesting indeed, it is....


Crystal:
~~~~~
I didn't want that moment to end...but unfortunetly it, like all good things must, did end. After several minutes, I finally pulled away from Arctic. I tried to discreetly wipe away the tears in my eyes before looking at him directly. After I composed myself, I addressed him in a serious manner.
"Arctic? How...did all of this begin?" I asked.
<<"What? Begin? What do you mean, Crystal?">> he replied, confused by my suddenly straight-up manner.
"I meant exactly what I said, Arc...I want you to tell me. How did this all start? How did things get to be so complicated? So confusing? What caused everything to change from what it was before? You remember how things used to be Arctic! Don't you? How happy we all used to be! Life here was perfect! You....me....Jewel....Far....and Ramses. I...we were happy together! Just the 5 of us! We didn't have a care in the world! And we never did anything wrong...we didn't do anything to deserve a life filled with agony, pain and death! And friends coming and going like the tides...many of them dying before we could even get to know them! Why us? What did we do? What happened to alter our destinies so? You have to tell me....because no matter how hard I try...I can't understand it. I guess that's always been my biggest fault...I never understood anything and I couldn't bring myself to accept it. But I don't think I can change that. That's just the way I am. That's why i need you Arctic! I need you to tell me! Give me a reason! A reason why....why we are forced to suffer like this. Please Arctic....help me understand..."
Throughout my entire speech I had remained clam and composed, but my voice still implored a sense of desperation and forcefulness. I had poured out my entire mind into Arctic's ear, the thoughts that had been running through my head for ages, driving my insane. And I knew...that if anyone could put my heart at ease, give me some for of resolution - at least for a little while - it was Arctic. I needed to know if he felt the same way....and if my feelings were justified.
All I needed....was an answer...

[Arctic A]

Arctic
-----------------------------------
Crystal's outburst didn't really suprise me...I guess that some of those thoughts had been running through my head as well. I sighed, and looked down at my feet.
<<< I...I don't know...I suppose somebody has to do all this....I mean, fight all these evils and such...but why us? I can't answer that. I don't know. But what I do know is that is someone dosn't do it, a whole load of evil would have been unleashed long ago... and nobody would be able to live like we once did. I guess we've had our time of peace - now we have to fight to preserve what good remains here...>>> I spoke quietly, feeling the wind blowing against my fur gently. I looked up at Crystal, and then up at the sky.
<<< I'm sorry Crys...I know I don't make much sense ...>>> I sighed.




Tornado
----------------------------------------
We all silenty moved as fast as we could through the maze of corridors that was Xiaso's base. Farlander was doing a good job of controlling the human, not allowing his concentration to falter. It was clear to see that his desire to save Disaren was fueling him, and that was clearly a good thing. I'd never really seen Farlander in this way before; I suppose in a way I was gaining a new respect for him. I really did feel sorry for Eclipse and Arnen - two innocent bystanders we'd really dragged into our buisness. But their help was proving relatively useful, which I was thankful for. My train of thought was stopped when Farlander raised his wing in a 'cease movement' sort of gesture.
"What?" I whispered.
"We are above the terminal."
"Oh?"
"And I am tired of all this sneaking while Disaren is in danger." Farlander growled. "Let me put this simply: I am going to forcefully remove the five floors that stand bewteen us and the MCT. This will require considerable energy...this is quite a hard material used to construct them. I am quite sure however that my calculations will punch down exactally five floors...Tornado. I will require you and our other companions to quickly apprehend all of the humans in the room. Understood?"
"This seems a little-"
"Disaren will be DEAD within MINUTES if we do not act NOW. Xiaso is on the way to the enfusion chamber as we speak...I have sensed it." Farlander growled savagely. I responded with an acknowledging nod, and quickly informed Eclipse and Arnen of Farlander's new plan.
Tornado...It is also apparent to me that before we escape this base, there is a high probability that we will confront Xiaso. Farlander spoke telepathically to me. I suggest that you begin to prepare yourself for it - I intend to make Eclipse and Arnen escape with Disaren while we engage him.

[Arctic A]

Note: I'm gonna be away for a week...but at the rate we're moving, that shouldn't be a problem...

--- Interlude 5 ---
Location: Unknown (En route to Keras Arun - Myuu)

The forests were teeming with life and energy. As far as Daerren could remember, he'd spent most of his life indoors and underground - It was rare that he would ever walk outside like this. He felt very strange, perhaps even a bit spooked.Ahead of him, Annri was quickening her pace. She kept quickly glancing from side to side. From what Daerren could tell, she seemed worried about something; so he ran up alongside her and grabbed her shoulder.
"What's wrong?" He asked, a concerned expression covering his face.
"C..can't you feel it? It's closing in..." She whispered, suddenly stopping. Daerren raised an eyebrow. It was true that he felt something...but he assumed that was merely the feeling of wandering through a dark forest for the first time in years.
"What is it?" Daerren said.
"I...I don't know. But it's familiar...deathly familiar..." She spoke so quietly that he could barely hear her. "I...It's coming closer, Daerren...we can't outrun it."
"What the hell is 'it'?" Daerren barked angrily, to try and cover up the rising sense of fear that was inside him. The wind was picking up around them, blowing in circles around them, trapping them in a whirlwind of leaves and dirt. It was growing darker...and colder...Daerren could no longer see five meters in front of his face. He grabbed Annri and pulled her down to the ground, trying to sheild her from whatever was coming.

Above them, a large snakelike figure started to shimmer into existance, whirling around them like part of the whirlwind of forest debris. It created a powerful sound that caused Daerren and Annri to look up from their protective embrace.
"What the hell-" Daerren started, but the noise became so powerful that Annri couldn't hear what came after. What could easily be heard, however, was the booming voice that followed. Both humans lowered their heads again to try and reduce the pain that it caused their ears.

KOR MERA FYAAR! T'has been faaar to long...kree.....

Daerren and Annri both looked up again, to see a dragonlike face staring down upon them. It was green, sharply featured and reeked of darkness in their minds...but most of all, they both somehow found it to be familiar. Annri gasped.

Kreeee......yes. Look up, and face your ancient enemy once more...

[Kuro Espeon]

Just to let you guys know, I am planning a post and I intend to get it up before Wednesday (because on Wed. I'm leaving for Toronto and won't be back till Sunday). The post is already in my mind and I know what I'm going to do so just sit tight and It'll be here soon!
Also, just so know, this RPG is pretty much the only thing keeping me at TPM right now. The other RPGs I was involved in died (or will very soon) because of Master Rudy and Asilynne leaving (Dragonball FS is pretty much finished without them so I've given it up...*sigh*) So please don't let this die because I want to finish it. (and hopefully get the sequel I had planned going).
Arctic, since you're probably the only one who's going to see this could you do me a favor and PM B4 and ask her if she plans on continuing here? I would do it but I really have no time. PM the otehrs may not be a bad idea either. Thanks!
-Kuro-

[Kuro Espeon]

Alright...I know I promised a post so i'm gonig to. BUt I'm afraid it's going to be very short and very rushed because I'm walking out the door in less than 15 minutes...sorry again.
This'll probably be a 2-Part post...


Byakko:
~~~~~
Everything was quiet...at least for now. We had decided to rest up for the night so that Arctic and Crystal could get some rest from their battle before we had to focus on what was looming ahead of us, coming closer and closer every minute. My mind was filled with anxiety and worry. Even though my sense of foresight was only strong in my random uncontrollable visions, I still had a cold, heavy feeling in my stomach and my heart that told me that something was coming...something bad.
I floated casually down the corridors of the castle. I wasn't particularly tired and because of my uneasyness I probably wouldn't have slept anyway. I decided to take this oppourtunity to explore parts of the castle. Even though I had been here for over a year I still had never really seen everything there was to see.
I made my way farther and farther downward until I came to what I assumed was the very bottom floor, deep underground. All that was down here was a long, narrow corridor and at the end of it was large wooden door with a brassy frame. It peaked my interest and I flew in closer.

To be continued....

(Sorry again! I'll finish it as soon as I come back! Promise.)

[Arctic A]

Arctic
----------------------------------------------------
"It's okay, Arc...I just...we all just need time," Crystal spoke quietly, more at the floor than at me. I simply nodded slowly, turning around to look out at the castle grounds.
<<< But time is one thing we have been denied...the time of the Shi - Cathor draws ever closer...>>>
Crystal didn't respond...she didn't need to. I cast my mind back to my battle with Racalexand, and shuddered as I recalled the details of his grusome fate.
<<< I'm scared, Crys. When I was granted that dark power...and...well, made Racalexand explode like that...all I can remember is feeding a gaping hole of hate in my heart. I couldn't control myself...and I realise that I had no control over what I was given....>>> I was going to continue, but I stopped when I sensed someone else approaching. Casting a look over at the stairwell, I saw the form of Xiaro emerging from the shadows. He slowly glided over to us both with a grave look across his face...
<<< I'm not so very optimistic at the moment...>>> I said, turning away after looking at him. He grunted, and then spoke.
{"Arctic, Crystal....I am sorry to disturb you both. I know that you need time to recover and attempt to fully understand what you have both been through..."} Xiaro went quiet. I didn't say anything in return...I already knew that he had bad news.
{" The Shi - Cathor will commence in the morning."}

That took me quite by suprise.

<<< But I thought we still had a few days left! >>>
{"So did I...but It seems we were both mistaken. Can you not feel it, Arctic? Deep down in the castle dungeons lies a great chamber...sometimes referred to as the 'Chamber of Cathor'"}
"And how did we not know about all this?"Crystal asked.
{" Normally, the chamber would simply appear to be a normal sort of dungeon...but I went down to it mere moments ago. The special energies of the Protectors are already flowing around freely...the arena itself has began to form. It will complete it's process in 8 hours..."}
Xiaro looked very confused, just as we did.
{" I do not fully understand how this is...but we cannot change anything. Once the arena is formed, Xiaso and I will have to enter it within an hour of it's completion...otherwise...well, I hate to think what would happen...think of the Protector's power as a gigantic explosion...without someone to embrace it, it would surely spell doom for the castle...or something like that..."}
<<< You don't sound very sure of yourself...>>>
{" I am not. Even without Xiaso's inevitable cheating, I do not know if I can defeat him...."}

[Kuro Espeon]

I apologize for the long delay. I've been really pushed hard these last few weeks in preparation for my IB exams. I've already taken one and have 3 to go. I really shouldn't be on here now either because I should be studying English...but I need to get this posted.

And just so you know, the door that Byakko is at isn't the Shi-Cathor arena, it's something else.


As I drew closer to the door, I felt a strange force that seemed to be pulsating from the door. It was warm and somewhat soothing, and I felt myself being drawn to it, as if it were calling to me...
The front of the door had no handle or knob of any kind, nor any indication that it opened at all. I found this very odd. I also noticed that there was something written on the cold stone above the door. The letters were faded and unfamiliar...a strange foreign language of some kind. I got as close as I could to the writing and squinted. It was obvious from it's condition that it was old, ancient, probably all but lost. I stretched out my arm and slowly ran my paw over the faded letters on the cracked stone. Suddenly, as if my touch had triggered some sort of reaction, the letters began to glow, an eerie green-blue light eminating from them. The words were clear now, as if they had just been carved, and I read them aloud:
**"Inculpatus animi solasis liseta engradium..."** I said, surprisingly monotonous. No sooner had I spoken them than something in my mind seemed to awaken, and the words suddenly made sense to me, as if I had known them all along. A voice seemed to speaking directly into my head and I spoke the words aloud. **"The Pure at Heart Alone May Enter".**
I blinked a couple of times. How did I suddenly know what it said? What was going on? And what did it mean? I shook my a head as all of this began to overload my mind and make it swim. I was in for an even bigger shock as I looked down at the door...and found that it was no longer there. It had disappeared! And now a pathway had taken it's place. It was if it had opened up just for me. More overwhelmed with curiousity than ever before, I quickly entered.
After travelling through a short, bare hallway, I found myself in a large room that looked to be some form of sanctuary or official hall. The whole place had a very holy aura about it and it made me feel at peace, as if this were a sacred place. It was all but empty except at the end of the room where there was a small flight of marble stairs (they were cracked and faded as well...) that led up to what looked like an alter . Behind it on the wall was a long mural that was, just like everything else, old and unkept, cracks running through it and the pictures barely visible or discernable. I got closer and studied the mural, and after a short time I was able to make out some of the pictures. On the left side there was an old castle or fortress and next to it, running along the bottom of the mural, were Mews. Mews of all different sizes and colors. There were a few other species of Pokemon scattered around, but the vast majority were Mews. Above all of them were five large pokemon: A Celebi, Two Mewtwo's, A Ho-oh, and a Lugia. They seemed to be looked down on the castle and the Mews as if they were unseen spirits, guarding and protecting the castles inhabitants. (The pictures of Celebi and the Mewtwos seemed to be slightly more faded than the other two) They all looked so familiar....
I glanced down at the below the mural and saw a rusty golden plate with another faded inscription in the same strange language. I brushed away the dust that covered it, and once again the words came directly into my mind.
Verus Ae Keras Arun - Myuu....'The true inhabitants of Mew Castle'
What? I blinked several times and read it over and over. I looked back up at the pictures on the mural and it became instantly clear to me why they all looked so familiar. The Five at the top were none other than Cizora, Ramses and his brother Kalidor, Flashwing and Farlander! The Five Creators! My suspicions were confirmed as I looked closer and saw names etched in under each of them: Cizora...Ramses....Kalidor... But then..that must mean...! I looked back to the pictures of the Mews and went along the line until I found the one I was searching for: A pure white Mew with pink-tipped ears, paws and tail and crystal blue blue eyes...those pure blue eyes...The name below it read in the ancient script:
Crystal
Mother! and right next to her was a blue Mew with silvery eyes....Arctic! Father! I studied all the other pictures and sure enough there they all were: Jewel...Far....Cleo ( I didn't know who that was, but I had heard mother mention her name before)....Crystal...Arctic...and.....
I paused as I got to the end of the row and came across the pictures of two mews that I didn't recognize at all. One of them had pure black fur and very dark blue eyes (almost as dark as their fur). The other was cream-colored with deep green eyes and an innocent face. They had names below them but they had been marked through, as if someone had tried to scratch them out manually. But with my strange new understanding of this cryptic language, I was able to make out the names:
Daerren ....and Annri....
Daerren? Annri? Who were they? I had never seen or heard of them before. No one, not even Flashwing, had mentioned anything about a pair of Mews by those names. but nevertheless, there they were, recorded on the mural as if it were perfectly natural for them to be there. My head began to spin again as I slowly backed away from the mural.
**"What...is going on here?!"**


There will be a Farlander post coming soon. I promise!

[Arctic A]

--- Interlude 6 ---
Location: Unknown (En route to Keras Arun - Myuu)


Daerren's next moments were a blur of light and sound. The creature seemed to dive down at him and Annri, and he threw himself to the ground. Annri screamed something, but the ferocious tornado surrounding them drowned it out. All Daerren could hear was a constant chattering of the strange language in his head. Annri grabbed hold of him arm, which made Daerren wonder why they wern't both dead yet..Opening his eyes and looking up, he saw the creature writhing in agony as several large bolts flew through the air, unaffected by the tornado, and pierced it's skin. What the hell? Everything still seemed blurry, but a loud voice rang out clearly:
"Stay down! Movement will feed energy to it's distorting power!"
The voice was unfamiliar, but seemed friendly. Daerren grabbed Annri and kept them both deathly still. He could see the creature above him dashing up into the air, fleeing into an opening portal of purple glowing energy. Everything started to return to normal...Daerren gasped out for air. He suddenly felt a hand grab his shoulder. He turned to see a man holding a Crossbow in one hand, while his other warm hand rested on Daerren.

The man was very tall, with a long black cloak that covered his body. Hard, black leather bracers and shoulder pads gave him a threatening look, but his face seemed to beam light - bright green eyes burnt with a fierce but soothing power. His long pure white hair fell upon his cloak, seeming to illuminate it. The crossbow in his hands was of a strange design that Daerren had never seen.
"I am Ordos. I guessed you two would show up eventually..."
"Y-y-you're ...you're one of the Arun-Aazon, arn't you?" Annri asked quietly. Daerren raised an eyebrow.
"A what?!?" He exclaimed, scratching his head in confusion. How the hell did she know all these words?
Ordos slung the crossbow across his back, and nodded. "Aye...but it's an interestin' story.." He laughed. "You see...I was never supposed to be. A while ago, Arctic and Tornado empowered me with a psychic power so I could help them in battle. That unlocked the dormant power within me...after I left them, I stumbled across the grove of Aazon in the forests. Not by luck, i'd say."
"Who is Aazon?" Daerren asked.
"Aazon...Aazon was the founder of the Arun-Aazon, believe it or not. He was a human mystic of sorts, who was a friend of Ramses. Years ago when Keras Arun-Myuu was founded, all of the Mew inside were young and unable to defend themselves. Ramses knew he couldn't protect them all until they grew up on his own. He and Aazon agreed to create this elite fighting force to protect Keras Arun-Myuu. Unfortunately, it didn't go as expected...somewhere along the line, Aazon became corrupted. As humans easily do... he and his followers abandoned their duties and ran far away...I do not know what happened really. However, before his corruption, Aazon built a shrine of sorts in the forest. I read an inscription on it...'Only the ones who have been given the power by the Arun - Myuu may embrace this task', or somethin' like that...I stepped up onto the circle platform...I don't recall much after. But I became this..." Ordos indicated at himself. "A human...I can still shapeshift into my original Scyther form. But it dosn't feel right anymore. I suddenly knew all this...about Keras Arun-Myuu, about you, about the entire history of it all..."
"So why havn't you revealed yourself to all the others?" Annri asked.
"I have wandered alone for some time now. Trying to come to terms with what has happened...when I sensed the Rayquazza, It was instinct to come and fight it off. This Rayquazza presents quite a problem...we must all travel to Mew castle and tell them of this. I will reveal myself to them then, no?" Ordos smiled, allowing his flowing white hair to cover his face. "Come...."

Ordos removed his hand from Daerren's shoulder, and started to walk. Daerren looked at Annri, who was still safely in his own hands. He gasped when he saw that she was very hot and feverish. Her grip on Daerren tightened, and she buried her head in his chest.
"Daerren...I'm sorry...I...I don't know what's happening to me...to us...i'm sorry..." She croaked.
"HEY! You!" Daerren shouted angrily at Ordos. "She's in trouble here!" He didn't mean to be angry towards their savior...but Annri in pain was one thing he couldn't stand. Ordos turned around, and frowned.
"Oh, bollocks...Come on. Carry her...We will find help at the castle." He turned and walked away. Daerren stood up with Annri in his arms, and walked after Ordos.

"You'll be OK, Annri...I promise."