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[JRPomazon]

OoC: The end of the battle (part 1): A MUST READ

Everything happened too fast. Crowe was blasted by Jordan's conjured gust. His side began to ache, most likely a result from one of Steel kamikaze attempts. In that brief moment of pain, a sensation of greater hurt was felt in his very chest. Ken had impaled him with his large sword, it seemed as though the weapon began far more powerful than ever before. It was too much for one being to take.

"You know, I think I pity you. You don't know what it is like to live. All you can do hate and reach for power. All you can do is consume like some mindless beast. And to that end, I have no intention of letting a monster like you upon the world!"

Crowe chuckled.

"Save your pity, or better yet, get rid of it entirely. Foolish ideas are not needed for one of battle."

Crowe fell to the ground, his ghostly body breaking apart into small fragments like leaves in the wind until nothing was left. A bright light shot from the remains of the wraith, slowly finding its way around the sanctuary. It came to Steel, who laid against the stone seat where he was left. The light entered his body, his wounds beginning to heal up faster. It was the piece of his soul that remained bound to Crowe by their pact, released before Crowe could take the hardened warrior with him.

As it seemed the battle had finally been won. However, Jordan remained on alert.

"This isn't over. The souls Crowe had should be released. They haven't showed up, but why. . . "

A large, scythe like hand rose from the ground and grabbed Jordan.

"Ugh. . . the hell?!" Jordan screamed as he felt the force of the large hand squeeze his body.

"Jordan. . . I may not be able to live for much longer, BUT I'LL TAKE YOU TO HELL WITH ME! THIS WILL BE MY REVENGE AGAINST PHAROS!" Crowe screamed from an unknown direction.

The large hand pulled Jordan into the darkness, everyone else unable to save him.

-----------------------------------

Jordan had blacked out. When he came to, he was standing on an platform of dead earth floating in a dark void.

The platform grew out, becoming large enough to hold a congregation of people. Crowe fell slowly from the ground, appearing in his human from once again. The large line tattoo that covered over his eye and face changed from black to white as his body glowed.

"Welcome to Limbo Jordan, the dimension separating the living world from the afterlife." Crowe said.

"Limbo, huh? I suppose this means I'm dead again?" Jordan asked as he looked around.

"No, you are still living. This place is where I intend to remain until I am forced down to the pits of Hell. But what can I say, misery loves company."

A familiar, disgusting smile appeared on Crowe's face. It was enough to make anyone sick. At least in his wraith form he couldn't smile, or at least show his smile.

"That may be true, but I don't intend to stick around with you." Jordan replied.

"I'm leaving here and I'll be taking the souls you've collected with me."

Jordan readied his spears for battle.

"Sounds like the babble of one of the warriors from the Hall of Heroes." Crowe responded.

"Let's see what you can do."

Jordan thrust his spear into the air, the air currents carried a shock wave that impaled Crowe as though his spear had pierced his gut. There was no drawn blood, merely the feeling of pain. Crowe clenched his gut in pain, but used a free hand to use his magic. His hand glowed violet, conjuring several lighting bolts from the abyss around them. The attacks struck Jordan, feeling the shock of the unnatural phenomenom. Jordan launched his spears into midair as he endured the pain. They fell in different directions. one above, the other below. Crowe dashed at Jordan, creating yet another weapon from his magics.

He intended to strike Jordan down once again with a mace created from the lighting magic used before. He swung his massive weapon at his target, only to see that his target had vanished. A moment later, he felt something clench his body. Jordan had sidestepped the attack with accelerated speed and grabbed Crowe.

"Fool, what will this accomplish?" He muttered as his body began to glow an intense white.

The light created a strange heat, burning Jordan as he held on. However, he didn't let go. He merely ignored everything and lifted both of them into the air. He saw his spears line up with each other, one above the other below. Jordan let go of Crowe and pushed himself off, his body smoking from the heat. The spears began spinning like windmill blades, a powerful gust was expelled from each of them. In mere moments, a great cyclone was created, pushing and pulling Crowe on the inside while spinning him like a toy pinwheel.

"Master Technique: Maelstrom of the Sky and Earth." He said as he flew back from the massive storm.

Jordan landed on the dusty ground, standing up slowly as he witnessed what he had created. Jordan maintained the onslaught, making sure it didn't die out too soon. On the inside, Crowe's body was being torn to tatters by the fierce blades of the wind itself while his limbs were being pulled and crushed. Jordan called back his spears, which ceased spinning once they were summoned. The maelstrom continued for a few seconds and began to fade out.

Jordan grabbed his spears and placed on of them back in its sling. Crowe's body fell from the sky and landed on the dusty ground. His limbs flailed about as they jerked up after he crashed, his gray robes covered in dark crimson blood and ragged cuts. Crowe stared into the dark void above him, his eyes lifeless and his smile gone as well. Jordan walked up to him.

"So. . . this is how it will all end. Fantastic." Crowe muttered aloud.

"It's like I said, I don't lose." Jordan said.

Crowe coughed up some blood, his face becoming more bloodstained than before.

"So it seems. To lose to you, to die like this, it's really all too much for me. I'll be sure to kill you when we meet again."

The weak earth underneath Crowe began to crumple, the cracks begetting more cracks. Seconds later, the dusty earth gave way and crumpled, sending Crowe into the dark abyss. His body began to fade into the depths, a smile peaking from his beaten face.

"See you in your nightmares." He said, his words echoing throughout the void.

OoC:

End part 1. Part 2 to be posted later.

Edited by JRPomazon, 24 December 2007 - 02:22 AM.

[JRPomazon]

OoC: Part 2

IC:

Crowe was dead. Nothing was left of the fiend, his body consumed by the dark abyss. Would he be left to remain in Hell or perhaps Limbo? That was uncertain. Jordan stood over the newly formed ledge, contemplating the aftermath of the final battle.

"It doesn't matter if you haunt my dreams, you are nothing more than a figment now." Jordan said.

He looked up to void, small lights descended from the black sky and floated down to Jordan. At a closer glance, they appeared to be like small flames. They were the lost souls that Crowe had taken. Jordan reached his hand out, a soul landing in his palm. Suddenly, a vast and powerful light burst from the small soul, encompassing all of Limbo. As the light faded, Jordan and the souls had vanished along with it. Before Jordan realized it, he was in the sanctuary where he was before Crowe grabbed him into the darkness.

However, things seemed much different. The walls and ceilings were intact, not signs of overgrowth and vegetation, the windows intact as they let splended vibrant colors through the stained glass and an alter where Crowe's stone throne sat. Was this the same room? Before he realized what was going on, Jordan was surrounded by hundreds of people. Warriors, royalty, villagers and peasants, they filled the sanctuary with smiles on their faces. A man stepped forward, wearing brown robes, a staff in his hand and a hood over his face. He flipped his hood down, revealing a face that looked not too different than Jordan's. His hair was a darker brown and his eyes a golden amber color.

"I believe thanks are in order." He said, smiling.

"Now, these souls have the freedom to finally pass on. It seems your spear is one that cuts the bonds of destiny, at least that's what your master told me."

Jordan raised his brow in question.

"My master? Wait, if you weren't a trapped soul then who are you?" Jordan asked.

The man passed a red gemstone pendant to Jordan.

"It seems you are a hero after all, just like people said I was."

"Pharos?"

The man nodded.

"My time is almost up, I'm sorry that my troubles in life became your own."

Pharos began to vanish, returning back into the afterlife.

"One last thing Jordan: that simple man wants to also thank you for all that you did for him."

He was of course, referring to himself. Jordan smiled as he bid his ancestor goodbye.

There was a tap at Jordan's shoulder, noticeable yet subtle. He turned around to find a young woman slightly shorter than Jordan with well kept golden brown hair and blue eyes.

"Let's go home Jordan." She said.

Jordan's eyes widened.

"Gwen. . . " he said.

Another flash of light, much briefer than the first. The souls that surrounded him had left, going on to the afterlife with Pharos as their guide. Jordan found himself back in the more recent form of the saunctuary, holding the red gemstone pendant and an oddly shaped stone with an "X" on it. He looked around to find Ken, Shadow and even Steel in the room. Jordan placed the trinkets in his pouch.

"Hey, I won." He said with a smile on his face.

Edited by JRPomazon, 25 December 2007 - 01:59 PM.

[Steel Samurai]

Steel slowly got to his feet, using the pillar next to him for support. He fumbled in his pouch for a moment and pulled out a small, crystal vial with red liquid in it. The cork came out with a pop and he tilted his head back and let the thick, burning fluid slide down his throat. He grunted as the potion hit his stomach, a pain similar to that of an open wound soaked in saltwater hitting the numerous cuts and scratches along his body. The redness of the large burn on his chest began to fade as the potion began to do its work. This particular potion was very effective, leaving no trace of the wound within around a half an hour, but the pain was excruciating. Steel closed his eyes for a moment. So. There was something there. He opened them again and slowly walked to a nearby stairwell, leaving Jordan to be congratulated by Ken and Shadow Link. He made his was to the crypt beneath the sanctuary. In the center of the room a large pool filled with a purple liquid stood. The surface flickered with has beens, almost-images of other times and places. When one looked straight at the liquid it seemed as though there were only normal ripples marking its surface, however, out of the corner of one's eye one could almost make out visions of other worlds. A Lotterria pool. A relic of days gone by. Steel had read of such, created by those of the dorms which had come before; the Labyrinth of Doom, the Hall of Heroes, the Chamber of Sages. They enabled a skilled user to travel wherever he wished, even into the heart of another pool. Allegedly they had been created by a mysterious Preacher known as Veteran, who was famed for his book of religious writing and his abuse of children. Crowe must have discovered a way to make portable the power of the pool. By the looks of it, however, most of the magic had been depleted from this pool. In the old times they were replenished by an important ritual known as the LottoThunderball, however the secrets of these rituals had been lost for eons, or so Steel had heard. If he could discover how to use the pool he could quickly return to Van'Duras, collect Ransom and Kitsune, and get back to the Fortress with the princess and deliver his news to Dark Juno. But first, he had something to do.

Steel returned to the first level, the princess, still unconscious, over his shoulder. The potion was doing its work and he could now walk fairly easily, though there was still a slight limp from the self inflicted wound on his leg. He walked up to the group and spoke.
"I must go now, but there are still things which need to be discussed. I assume you will be returning to the Blacksmith's cottage. I'll meet you there in a few days. Jordan," he looked at the warrior, "For you I have a proposition. And for you," His gaze moved to Ken, "I may have answers." With that, he turned and went back down to the crypt. There should be instructions somewhere around here. There. An inscription at the base of the pool, covered in cobwebs and dust. Steel brushed away the leaves and dirt, revealing an inscription engraved in the Runes of Veteran, a language invented by the Preacher himself. Steel had a basic knowledge of the language, and was able to translate enough that he knew what he must do. In his mind he held a vision of Van'Duras, the exact spot he had left. He shifted the Princess to his back, tying her hands in front of his body. He stepped four paces from the pool, then turned and ran towards it. His foot met the stone edge of the pool and he leapt, holding the image of Van'Duras tightly in his mind. Steel's foot met the liquid, and he felt his body sliding deeper and deeper into it. He held his breath when he felt his chin slip under, closing his eyes. When he opened them, he was sprawled on the ground in Van'Duras, Labyrinth soldiers scurrying about getting last minute loot. Well. Time to finish this. Off in the distance he heard the sharp cry of the Gryphons. He whirled, and issued a cry of his own. Time to finish things here.

[Ken the Wandering Soul]

Ken smiled - it was over.

He felt himself start to falter after Steel spoke.

"Answers?" he strained.

He began to wonder if Steel knew something about him, but then his vision started to fade. After so long, Ken's spirit could no longer cycle between his body and sword. He had pulled himself too far, and now his battered soul had to rest for awhile.

Ken's knees shook and collapsed. The blade clattered to the ground, the light which had enveloped it died away like an old fire. Ken fell to his side.

[JRPomazon]

"A week huh? Fine, I'll hear what you have to say. . ." Jordan thought as Steel walked into the lower floors of the sanctuaries.

Ken collapsed, perhaps his energy had left him. After all, he did fight a dragon.

"Ken!"

Jordan ran over to Ken, followed shortly by Shadow. A sharp pain shot from Jordan's cheek, a cut appearing below his eye. The over useage wind manipulation was beginning to take it's toll on Jordan's body. More cuts and other wounds were bound to appear on his body, that was a certainty. Ignoring the small pain, he tended to Ken's condition.

-------------------------------------
In another part of Crowe's former domain, a man in blue winged armor arrived in in a three walled room with an alter in the middle. A large scroll laid upon in, a age old parchment with unknown knowledge inscribed into it. He walked closer to the scroll. He smiled, knowing that he would easily be able to do what he came for.

OoC: Shadow Link, Here. Use this as you will.

[SL the Pyro]

Koran picked up the scroll, giving a quick skim. He smiled. "Well... it appears that Crowe's passing wasn't fruitless for us after all..."

In a flash of blue light, he vanished, taking the scroll with him.

(Sorry guys, not very imaginative tonight.)

[JRPomazon]

After checking up on Ken, Jordan found out that his companion was only exhausted from battled. Jordan gave a sigh of relief and sat down on the stone floor. Two more cuts appeared on his body, blood seeped through his clothing. Shadow seemed to be OK, but his hands were shaking subtly. It seemed that the battle took its toll on everyone and their conditions were going to become increasingly worse if action wasn't taken. Jordan looked at the strange keystone with the X on it once more. Although appearing somewhat dull, Jordan knew how important it truly was. Jordan got to his feet, more cuts opening as he moved. The pain was becoming more noticeable. Jordan looked up at the ceiling, noticing that 1/3 of the ceiling was missing. This gave Jordan a very grave idea.

Jordan threw Ken in Shadow's arms.

"Shadow, hold on to Ken."

Jordan called a spear forth from its sling, another cut appeared on his hand. Jordan slammed the spear into the ground, the sound of the impact resonated throughout the entire room. There was a brief silence, followed by a large burst of wind that carried the three warriors off the ground and into the air. In seconds, the three of them where in midair. Jordan released the spear from his grip and began controlling it with Wind Manipulation. He swung the spear behind the party, creating a gust that propelled them away from the former headquarters of the Hall of Heroes, the lost sanctuary. Jordan kept swinging away, traveling at a speed near the speed of sound and making sure that Ken and Shadow where still being carried with him. Managing the wind currents to carry his companions as well as traveling took a heavy toll on Jordan's body, the wounds appearing on his body quicker than before. Time was running out.

Before anyone had realized it, Jordan was past the forest they traveled in yesterday and the day before and where above an open field. He was close the Gwen's house. Jordan lowered his altitude and dropped off Ken and Shadow as he remained in the air.

"I'm sorry you two, but please walk from here." Jordan said. "I can't carry anyone right now. It's a short walk to Gwen's house from here, a half a mile at most. I'll see you at her home."

Jordan's face was now covered in bloody cuts, a veil of red over his face. His appearance was horrifying, to say the least. Jordan blasted off towards Gwen's home. His energy was waning from the blood loss, but he had something he wanted to do before anything else. He had toe wake Gwen up. Before long, Jordan arrived at Gwen's home. He kicked the door open, knowing full well he had locked it before leaving and too busy to get the key. He walked slowly inside, blood splashing on the floor as he walked. Most of his body was bleeding now. He walked into Gwen's room where she lay sleeping. Jordan went for his pouch, his movements slow and clumsy. He grabbed the Keystone and placed the X mark over on the X mark on Gwen's head.

"Rise and Shine sleepin' beauty." He said as a faint light flashed from the stone.

The keystone crumbled and the X mark was gone from Gwen's head. Jordan wished he could witness Gwen waking up, but all of his energy was gone. Jordan slowly dropped to the floor, his vision failing him once again.

[SL the Pyro]

Shadow winced at the pain in his leg throughout the whole ordeal, from when Jordan lifted off to when he had to carry Ken to Gwen's house. The light energy in his leg was no longer being numbed, which made the whole walk like a trip through hell. Whether or not Jordan knew of his aversion to light, let alone the wound he had, was unknown to him. Though he couldn't very well complain to Jordan, as he didn't seem to be in the best of health either. One thing still confused Shadow, though. Though agonizing, the pain wasn't as intense as Steel had mention. It felt weird, very weird. It felt as if something was bubbling up in his leg.

Although he had to put it in the back of his mind for the trip to the house. After laying the unconscious Ken down on the couch, Shadow searched for Jordan. He eventually found him in Gwen's room, laying in a mess of blood that was comparitively worse than before. Gwen was tending to him, meaning that she had been saved. "Whoa... that's what his wind manipulation does to him?" Shadow said with a dropped jaw. Gwen looked up at the visitor and nodded. "Sheesh... he's got guts to do that all the time... it's a surprise he hasn't died from it way back when. Will he be okay?" he asked.

Gwen nodded. "Jordan's been through worse than this... and I'm helping him. He'll be fine."

Shadow nodded and left the room, remembering the bubbling sensation in his leg. He hadn't been able to ignore it the whole time; it was such an odd feeling. Heading into the washroom, he crouched down and pulled his torn pant leg up.

"What... the... hell?" Shadow muttered under his breath. What he saw shocked and scared him.

The numerous cuts on his leg were bleeding a shade of both light blue and black. Glowing of the same colour could be seen as well. The blue and black colours appeared to be pushing each other back, which would explain the burning sensation. He mused the black to be dark magic and the blue to be light magic; he knew that blue was the colour of supreme light power. What confused Shadow was that the darkness wasn't being extinguished, rather the light was simply trying to move around it. He'd be fascinated if it didn't hurt so damn much. As he lightly touched the wound with his finger, he felt the bubbling sensation fill his whole body. He gasped in shock as it intensified, then suddenly stopped. His wound was still glowing the same colours, but the pain had ceased.

Shadow felt a wave of power wash over him, filling the room with an aura and light he'd never felt nor seen before. It was a purple aura, but this wasn't darkness. What confused him is that it wasn't light, either. It felt like a mix of both... the most powerful light magic is blue, and the most power dark magic is red; the combination of those colours is purple, so it made sense...

But how was this possible? Light and darkness are complete opposites; they've been known to combust when their magical forms came into contact with each other. Shadow had seen this himself.

He was worried. This wasn't even close to the condition that Steel had predicted; it appeared that something else entirely was happening to him. He'd better keep this to himself and not tell the others about this.

A footstep caught his attention. On instinct and with a speed that seemed inhuman, Shadow drew his sword, whirled around and held the sword at the intruder's neck. His pant leg slid down in the process to partially conceal his wounds due to the tears. His eyes saw something that resembled a humanoid shape, but he didn't see a human; he something rainbowish in colour flowing through the shape. Shadow blinked, to see that the intruder was Gwen. Her breath was shaky and her eyes were narrow with fear. The aura faded, and Shadow felt a wave of exhaustion fall over him. The sword lowered and he panted hard.

"Wha... what are you!?" the girl inquired, scared out of her mind. "You can't be human..."

Shadow blinked again; this situation made he himself question his humanity. He looked up at Gwen. "How much did you see...?"

"I... I came in when I saw the glowing..." Gwen explained. What!? She saw the aura? For one without magical powers, that should be impossible... was it really that strong?

"What did it look like?" Shadow inquired.

"It looked purple... with grey and black squiggles around it... and your eyes were glowing bright blue with no black in them..." Well, at least Gwen had a better view of it than he did. But this only made more question for Shadow, what 'What happened to me!?' was at the top of his list.

On the bright side, though, he felt no more pain from the wound. Having just noticed this now, he pulled up his pant leg to see the same cuts, but no longer glowing. They were red and bleeding red blood, like a normal cut would. All evidence of what had just happened to that wound was gone from what he could tell. Shadow turned his attention back to Gwen and locked a piercing gaze into her eyes. "Jordan and Ken are not to know about this, I don't want them to worry. Understand, Gwen?" Gwen slowly and hesitantly nodded. Shadow smiled and patted her on the shoulder. "Sorry about the 'sword to your neck' thing, I can't stand eavesdroppers."

With that, Shadow got to his feet and went to the living room, the exhaustion setting in. He found a comfortable chair to sit in and fell asleep almost immediately, hoping that Gwen would keep her mouth shut.

He didn't want Jordan and Ken to become concerned in a matter that not even Shadow knew the scope of.

[JRPomazon]

OoC: Ah, I was wondering when you try to post here The Avatar. This story is just about finished, all villains defeated and all loose ends tied up and what not. There may not be much for you to do.

IC:
Jordan' s vision, as it always seemed to, returned to him in a blurry fashion as he drifted back into consciousness. He body was covered in at least two layers of bandages, covering a good deal of his body. Looking like a mummy was still better than having your covered in several dozen cuts he supposed. Jordan was laying on the bed Gwen stayed on, a little bit of irony to chuckle at seeing as what went on a few days ago. Wait. . . days? How long was Jordan out for?

He shifted his body off the bed, feeling only a little sore. If he only felt sore, then it was at least a day or to since he woke up. He moved around and left the room and entered the living room. Gwen was there by herself.

"Oh, so you finally grace us with your presence." She said as heard Jordan walk in.

Jordan could only look at Gwen, no witty remarks and comebacks could be clasped at the moment. The 'X' mark on her forehead was gone, her soul unsealed. This was what Jordan fought so hard for in the end.

"Yeah, it's just me." Jordan said to break the silence. He walked over to a wall and leaned against it.

"How long has it been since I took a nap?" He asked.

"About few days, 4 or 5 I suppose." She replied.

"Really, you remind me of my father with some of the crazy stuff you do."

Jordan smiled. He felt somewhat honored to be associated with his master, even though he wouldn't let anyone know that.

"I don't know HOW I remind you of the old man, but whatever. Not a big deal."

He looked at Gwen.

"Are you feeling alright Gwen?" he asked.

"Well, I feel fine." She said.

"I remember seeing a man in a gray cloak and then a big flash of light, but that's just about it."

"I see." Jordan said, feeling a little disappointed in the response.

"But I do remember a dream of sorts." She continued.

"A man who fought just like you and my father was battling a gray-black monster in an old building and then in a black room. The spearman won and was surrounded by many people in the old room again. It was kinda weird, but really familiar."

"Crazy dream." Jordan said as he smiled to himself.

"whats going on and can i be of any assistance".

A voice echoed from the kitchen. Jordan and Gwen walked over to see who it was. Some was in the room.

"Who are you?" Jordan asked?

[SL the Pyro]

Shadow had seen many strange things, but this certainly took the cake. Although, he couldn't really see anything; his vision was blurred to such an extent that he could hardly keep his eyes open. He was in an area filled with grey, purple and black light as far as he could tell... with no floor. He was simply floating in mid-air. "Hello? Anyone here? Where am I, anyway?" he asked, not getting any verbal response.

Instead, the blurring ceased and all the light dissipated, leaving him in total darkness. The darkness was then illuminated by a white light in front of him, followed by several more around him. Spinning around in the air, he counted eight lights. The spheres of light began to spin, until a cone of energy shot from them into the "sky". They pierced the non-existent ceiling, causing a hole with a crimson-smoke border and bright red lightning to quickly expand from the point of impact. Inside the hole were similar colours, but darker. The red gases flowed out of the hole and into the empty black space that Shadow was flaoting in, colouring it blood red.

The contents of the inside of the hole were obscured by black, with two red eyes with yellow, snake-like pupils in the middle of the hole now. Shadow backed off in surprise and tried to draw his sword, only to find that he didn't have one to use. He searched his clothes, finding none of his gear. The black entity slowly began to seep out of the hole, seeming more like a liquid than a physical form. Seeing no actual place to run, Shadow prepared his fists. Then all of the sudden, a bright light began to materialize in his left hand, pushing his fingers apart. It shined shades of purple and gray, very bright shades; Shadow had to shield his eyes. When it died down, Shadow saw that the light had molded into the form of a simple-looking sword. He tried to grab it, but failed at first; the aura the sword of light was releasing was so strong that it pushed him back.

Seeing the black creature drawing ever closer to him, and seeing more sets of similar eyes on it opening up, Shadow didn't have much of a choice but to try and grab the weapon. And try he did, tirelessly, as if his very life depended on it. He didn't care that the repelling aura was burning his hand. The sword shone brighter and brighter as he pressed on...

----------

Shadow's eyes opened, his body in a cold sweat among the remaining grassy plains around Gwen's house. He got up and kicked up dirt; this was the 5th night in a row he'd had this dream, and it was driving him nuts. "What does it all mean!?" he said to no one in particular. He'd been pondering the meaning of this dream for each of the days he was here, but still didn't know what any of it meant. Shadow looked to the sky, seeing the sun was well into the sky. He didn't know how he'd slept in with such a bright sun in the sky...

But that wasn't what irked him. The sky, instead of its usual cloudless blue, had a slight shade of red. Barely noticable, but it was there. Remembering the dream, Shadow looked all over the sky in a panic. He didn't see the red hole that produced that monster and let otu a relieved sigh. But he was still unnerved, not knowing what it all meant.

Shadow only had one lead on it; the weird aura of energy that his body had produced five nights ago. He didn't have these dreams until that incident. Granted, his leg wasn't giving him and more grief, but he was still getting quite scared now; something was happening to him, something big, and he knew it. But what? WHAT was happening to him? He had to find out before something bad happened, because he had an inexplicable gut instinct that something bad would definately happen soon.

Shadow walked up to the house for a moment and looked into the window, trying to stay out of sight; Jordan was awake. Wrapped in bandages, but awake. Shadow was glad that he'd be alright. He saw Gwen as well; he hoped the girl would keep her mouth shut about what she saw five nights ago. And Ken... was nowhere to be seen. He'd been up the previous days, so Shadow knew he was fine. Probably just waking up. He saw someone he didn't quite recognize, wrapped in traditional clothes and with a couple of swords at his waist. Shadow couldn't tell anything else, but if he were a major threat, Shadow would sense his power even at this distance from the house. He was probably friendly, and if not, Jordan and Ken could take care of themselves.

So that was it. It looked like things were coming to a close here, Shadow was no longer needed. He turned in the direction of the nearby village and began walking, stopping for a moment to take out the Key of Fire. The spherical, inscription-laden jewel still glowed bright red in his hands. He pocketed it and took one last look at Gwen's house.

Shadow's destination was Ur'Almen, that much he knew for sure. Being gone for so long, his help might be needed in the war. He also needed to find out the meaning of his dreams, the keys, and Z's plans which revolved around the keys. He didn't know much, but he intended to find out. All he knew for sure was that Z had to be stopped. "Looks like your journey has come to a close, Jordan... but it looks like mine is just beginning. Jordan, Ken... see you around." he thought aloud, continuing his walk to the village.

He wasn't good with face-to-face goodbyes anyway.

(OOC: If anyone wants to give chase or w/e, feel free. Otherwise, this is where Shadow leaves the story. Doesn't matter to me. )

[JRPomazon]

Jordan paused for a second as the man stood before Gwen and himself. It was a strange breeze, blowing against the flow of the wind. Something was amiss.

"Gwen, I'll be right back. Find Ken if you need anything."

"Wait Jordan, where are you. . ."

Jordan was gone before she could finish. A few loose bandages fell to the floor where he was standing. Using wind manipulation to move fast wasn't what he should be doing with his body as it was. Some of the cuts even began to reopen. It didn't matter to Jordan though, he knew something was wrong and he hated to see nothing get done about it. Moving as fast as the wind would carry him, he wandered to the village near Gwen's home.

"Looks like your journey has come to a close, Jordan... but it looks like mine is just beginning. Jordan, Ken... see you around."

"Goodbye only work when you actually say them to the people they are directed at. Didn't you know that Shadow?"

Jordan stood behind the Shadow, panting softly as he smiled.

[SL the Pyro]

Shadow chuckled. "All you people have a nasty habit of eavesdropping, you know that?" he said with a half-amused, half-irritated tone of voice. "Besides, I thought I'd let the wind carry my words."

After a brief moment of silence, Shadow asked, "So what will you and Ken do now?"

[JRPomazon]

Jordan placed his hands in his pocket.

"Crowe's previous pact-partner Steel had something he wanted to say, to me and Ken. I thought I'd hear him out."

Jordan's smile faded from his face.

"Shadow, I'm concerned about the Z and his people. A monster like Crowe dies you better bet that Z had his hand in some grave robbing if you know what I mean. Not to mention the fact that you and me a targets to him now. If things get as bad as I think they will with him, I'll lend you my spear. For helping Gwen and me, it's the least I could do."

Jordan took his hand out of his pockets and gave a lazy smile.

"Until that day comes, I guess I'll see you later."

Jordan walked off, saying his goodbyes to his comrade in arms. Although a reunion would herald another crisis, at least it had it's good points.

But in another part of the world, the knowledge of Crowe had fallen into the hands of a young renegade, someone who had the potential to turn the world on its head. Crowe would have wanted it to be this way.

[SL the Pyro]

"If things get as bad as I think they will with him, I'll lend you my spear. For helping Gwen and me, it's the least I could do."

Shadow nodded. "You don't have to thank me, I wanted to help." "Not to mention that I'm trying to make up for my own mistakes..." "And I'm glad to know that I have such strong-willed people on my side..."

"Until that day comes, I guess I'll see you later."

Shadow smiled. "Until then... give Ken my regards."

And then he and Jordan went their separate ways. Shadow didn't personally think that was TOO bad of a good-bye.

Edited by Shadow_Link, 11 January 2008 - 11:22 PM.

[Ken the Wandering Soul]

Ken shook his head sleepily as he woke up. He had managed to get up a few days before, but he felt himself to be in a constant state of grogginess. Just the same however, he managed a grip on his heavy sword, dragging it around with him when walked, muttering sleepy apologies.

Ken had been wandering about the house when he took a look outside. Shadow was leaving? To know an ally for only so long--aye, such was the way of the world.

"Indeed, life moves on after the crisis." he mumbled to himself, his mind trying to remember some old saying he once heard.

The grogginess became greater, and Ken could not help but slump against wall. It was not that uncomfortable... A nice spot for a nap...

[JRPomazon]

Jordan took his time walking back to Gwen's home. For once, it seemed he didn't need to rush. After all, his life was no longer in any form of immediate danger. Not to mention the fact that he had used wind manipulation with his body in the weak state it was in. His body would most likely now take more time to properly heal than before. It didn't bother him too much, seeing as he wasn't going anywhere for a bit.

In front of Jordan was that familiar green field, long grass moving softly in the breeze coming from the cracks of the grand mountains in the distance. Upon a hill, the entry to this small paradise Jordan would call his home, he just looked on at that endless field. Time didn't seem to matter anymore, hours went by like nothing. By the time Jordan finally decided to head off, the sun began to set, ushering in the twilight before night. The sun was almost out of sight, the land covered by a deep golden light. It took a few minutes, 10 at most, to trek all the way through the field and end up at Gwen's residence. He walked through the door, which had been left open for him.

The next thing Jordan knew, a very large sensation of pain began to throb from his head. He turned around and noticed Gwen was behind him with a rolling pin.

"Guaaaaahhh. . . " Jordan moaned as he rubbed his head.

"What the hell woman!?"

"And where did you go and run off to?" She asked him, as though this were some sort of interrogation.

"Oh, I was just saying goodbye to Shadow, he had to take off on his own business."

"That fellow in black?"

"That fellow in black."

"Hmm. . . I see."

Gwen hit Jordan again.

"OW! What is with with you today!? Don't tell me it's that time of the-"

Another blow on the head was given, this time with more force.

"Owowowow! OK, OK, stop already! That hurts!" Jordan said, placing his hands on top of his head.

"Look you, I can understand that you want to say goodbye but look at what kind of condition you are in. Even some of your cuts have opened up again! And who is going to be treating you and taking care of those wounds? Hmm? Me, of course!"

"Ugh, I get it." Jordan said.

"I'll try to make less work for you."

"You'd better, you idiot." She said with a nice smile.

Jordan, rubbing his head walked into the living room from the kitchen. Ken was napping in a chair, his sword by his side. The armor that once belonged to his master was back on the wall, between the two windows of the room and right above a nice little couch. Jordan threw himself onto the couch, laying face down on the sitting cushions. If Jordan was correct about what day it was, Steel would be making his appearance in a day or two.

[Steel Samurai]

The two Gryphons carrying Steel and the princess landed, their soft paws gently touching down on the grassy area in front of the Smithy. It had been several days since their departure from Van'Duras, several days of hard flying, stopping only to eat. Steel dismounted and gave his gryphon a stroke behind the ears, then walked over to the other Gryphon and offered his hand to her. She slapped it away and dismounted on the other side. The time had only brought to the princess a grudging acceptance of her fate, not anything close to an improvement in her anger at Steel; for his virtual kidnapping of her, for the deal he had struck with her brother, but, most of all, for the death of her lover.
Steel sighed.
"Don't wander far Princess. We'll be leaving, I anticipate, in a day or two, so you may as well come in and make yourself comfortable." That woman was such a bother.
He turned and walked through the open door of the house before him.
A young woman stood at the kitchen sink, her brown hair swishing about as she hummed a simple tune. Pretty, from what Steel could see of her face. So this was what Jordan had fought so hard for. A worthwhile prize indeed. He leaned casually against the doorframe and pulled down his mask, revealing his smooth, expressive mouth.
"Pray tell me, young lady, what might your name be?"
Startled, she turned. Steel smiled, a smile designed to inspire trust and confidence. That smile had gotten him out of more trouble and into more the confidences of a noble lady more times than he could count on his fingers and toes.
"Please, inform Master Jordan that I've arrived."

The Princess briefly considered running off into the forest surrounding the cottage, but rejected the idea as soon as it came to her mind. As horrible as that man might be, he at least kept her fed and relatively safe. The forest would mean a slow death with her lack of survival skills. She had tried to escape with her Gryphon the first night, but the beast had refused to disobey the wishes of Steel. Apparently he was owed a great debt by that tribe or something of the like. A strong beating of wings behind her caused her to turn around and catch a glimpse of the Gryphons as they soared towards the setting sun. Within a few seconds, they had disappeared over the horizon. She sank to her knees and tears began streaming down her face, sobs silently wracking her body, as the adrenalin which had coursed through her body for the past several days, watching, waiting for a chance to escape, slowly began to drain away. She wept for her brother, for herself, but mostly for her love, slain so cruelly in the prime of his life. Hina, Princess of Van'diel, was alone.

[JRPomazon]

"Please, inform Master Jordan that I've arrived."

Gwen stepped back out of surprise. She regained her composure and nodded.

"Alright, take a seat. I'll go fetch him." She said as she dropped what she was doing to find Jordan.

She left the kitchen and headed into the living room, looking for Jordan. The living room was dimly lit and Jordan wasn't in sight. He wasn't napping? Was he even in the house at all? She walked out of the dark room and noticed that Steel had taken a seat.

"Jordan is probably out at the moment, please feel free to wait here until he comes back."

She wasn't nerved by Steel or considered him a possible threat. If he was hostile, she knew Ken would be nearby and help her out. Outside in the large green field by Gwen's home, Jordan stood facing the sky. His eyes were closed, his mind focusing on the gentle touch of the wind as he meditated on something. The winds were changing. A ominous breeze brushed by him briskly, the wind carried a message of a particular arrival. He opened his eyes and looked over at the small cottage in the distance.

"Well, it's about time he showed up." Jordan said to himself as he waded through the tall grass.

A few minutes later, Jordan came out of the grass and walked inside the cottage. There, Steel was waiting for him.

"You wanted to talk?"

[Steel Samurai]

"Yes . . . but business can wait. Have you any tea? I haven't had a good cup of tea in weeks."
Gwen got up and put the kettle on.
"Where is Shadow Link? Gone off already, has he?"
Steel visibly relaxed. No need to make anyone tense.
"Tell me, Jordan, how did you obtain your rather impressive abilities?"

The last rays of the sun had slipped below the horizon when Princess Hina's body was finally still, curled up on her side on the ground. Her stomach growled. She slowly got to her feet and attempted to smooth her dress. She rubbed her eyes one last time and sighed, then walked up to the house. She paused for a moment in front of the door, and then slowly knocked.

[Ken the Wandering Soul]

Ken was still spending most of his time resting, and in fact had found a rather comfortable looking rug. The room was a nice spot. Maybe it was becuase the smithing room was next to this one, maybe it was how much moisture or dust was in the air. Why it felt so comfortable did not matter to Ken though, it was just a good spot to nap.

Ken has completely missed Steel's entry due to the snoozing, but the conversation going on elsewhere in the house had started to wake him. He walked out into the hallway, wondering what the talking was about when he heard a knocking at the door. He looked around and did not see Gwen, so he figured he might as well open the door.

Her eyes... Had she been crying?

"Hello... You want to come in?" Ken ventured.

[JRPomazon]

"Tell me, Jordan, how did you obtain your rather impressive abilities?"

Jordan and Gwen both froze for a moment. Jordan looked over to Gwen, her expression carrying a sense of worry. It was best to tread lightly when discussing these kinds of things, especially since many aspects of wind manipulation are well kept secrets. As for Steel's true nature, it was all but cloudy to Jordan, seeing as he was the pact-partner to a very despicable wraith. Gwen nodded, giving Jordan the OK to go further.

"I learned wind manipulation by my master, Argus of the Whirlwind Spear. His training regiment is what helped me obtain these abilities. However, students need more than a training program in order to completely obtain the power of wind manipulation. It requires one to have a strong enough will, to claim the strength and it's karmatic burden."

Jordan took a seat across from Steel.

"Does that answer your question?" Jordan asked.

"If that will suffice as an answer, then please tell me what else you wish to discuss."

[Steel Samurai]

Damn. The question had increased the tension, rather than lessening it. Best to get straight to it then.

"I watched you fight Jordan. Like a man who knew his own powers, was completely confident in his abilities. Like a man who had a goal. The Forsaken Fortress needs men like you. We need those who know their own strengths and weaknesses, who are willing to die to protect their shipmates, and make a bit of profit while they're at it." He paused, and looked straight at Jordan, his black eyes looking into Jordan's, as though he was trying to search out the depths of the warrior's soul. "Join us, the greatest band of brothers ever to sail the waters or walk the land, the Pirates of the Forsaken Fortress."




Hina looked at the young man in front of her and smiled. It was not a particularly convincing smile, the quivering of the corners of her mouth threatened to betray her inward struggle to not burst into tears again and fall into his arms, but it was a start.
"Yes . . . can you please take me to Steel?"

[JRPomazon]

Jordan raised his eyebrow, questioning whether or not he heard Steel right. Gwen had stopped cleaning the kitchen counter, captured by the conversation. An eerie silence came over everyone for a moment. Jordan snorted softly and started laughing.

"Is that what you came here to ask me? You want to recruit me to your group?"

Jordan's laugher was halted by his hand, slamming against the table top. He got out of his chair, his temper ignited.

"I've heard a lot of shit before but this one really takes the cake!" he shouted.

"I'm not for sale! The only thing pirates would use me for is plundering and common thievery, and don't say I'm wrong! You yourself made a pact with that damn wraith for his services to bring your beloved fortress power and wealth! What does that say about you Steel? You'd sell your comrades out to the highest bidder if the price was right, how can I ever trust a man like you!? I don't need the conflicts of the dorms affecting my life anymore; I'm done being the hero! I'm done saving. . ."

Jordan stopped himself. He slowly looked over to Gwen, who was still facing the counter. He couldn't see her face. If he could, he would have noticed the tears running down her face. He turned back to Steel, calmed and settled. He folded his hands and placed them on the table.

"I'm done serving under someone's thumb, fighting for causes that don't really exist." He said.

"That's why I fight for myself."

[Steel Samurai]

Steel rose, his eyes flashing. He grabbed Jordan's shirt and pulled him close to his face.

"If it wasn't for me you could be dead now. I destroyed Crowe's physical body while you were lying dead on the ground. Imagine if you had had to fight him when he had full possession of his wraith powers AND a human body. I didn't sell my comrades out, I risked my life to ensure Crowe was defeated and Ken survived the battle. Refuse my offer if you will, but never, NEVER accuse me of betrayal."

He released Jordan's shirt.

"You speak of not being under anyone's thumb, of fighting for causes that don't exist, but I don't think you've ever truly fought for a cause worthy of risking your life, ever understood the truth which now stares you in the face. True power is not found in fighting for yourself, in seeking only to defend your own life. Those which are strongest are those who fight for someone else, for a cause greater than themselves. Why do you think you failed to defeat Crowe so many times? What was it that gave you the strength to succeed at last? Had you trained harder than he, obtained more experience on the field of battle? No. For the first time you had something valuable to protect, something other than yourself to fight for. It was that which gave you strength."

[JRPomazon]

Jordan fell back into his chair.

"I had nothing to protect, I was merely trying to reclaim the past." He said softly.

Jordan folded his hands once again. His eyes stared off into space, his thoughts were elsewhere. The Hall of Heroes had served it's final purpose, now that Crowe was dead. Jordan was now free to resume his life of nomadic wanderings throughout the world, able to enjoy fight after fight and defend the title he carried. It seemed that Crowe took that away from him, he could no longer resume his life of random battle. He was a big mark on the map now, many more warriors and dorm enlistment scouts would come after him and his new found enemies would bother Gwen in search of him. His hands clenched, the very thought of seeing Gwen in danger angered him. But the worst part of all was, he no longer ignore his mortality completely.

He looked back at Steel. Everything he said about his assistance was true, Jordan was out of line to say these things.

"I'm sorry." He muttered to Steel.

Jordan got from his seat and headed into the field. Gwen followed him with haste.

"Jordan, wait up." She called.

Jordan remained silent.

"Jordan! Come on!"

Silence still

"Jordan please!" She shouted.

He stopped. They were in the middle of the field. The sun was setting. Gwen stopped a few moments after Jordan, his back facing her.

"Talk to me." She said.

He turned around.

"The reason I fought Crowe was so I could get back to my life and take care of my ancestor's baggage, not to get drafted into a dorm. I've had just about enough of being the damn slave of everyone's wants."

There was silence.

"I never thought you could be so selfish." Gwen said as her tears began to swell.

"Gwen-"

"You shut up Jordan." She snapped, her rage overruled her sadness.

"All you want is what would be easier for you! You just want one big fling after another! You never care about people's real needs, only yours! Did you really want to help Ken find his memories or Shadow with the Sins? Tell me Jordan, was I only a burden on you went and saved me? Because of me did your life get harder? Well I'm soooo sorry Jordan! Next time I'll just die like a good victim!"

"You don't understand!"

"I understand plenty! You can't stand responsibility! You can't stand helping other people without any benefit for yourself! I thought you wanted to save me because you cared, but now I see I was wrong! Tell me, was saving me just part of beating Crowe!?"

"I saved you because I couldn't go on if I didn't!"

There was a pause. The sun set under the horizon, the mountains became darker as the twilight covered the land.

"I couldn't do anything for you back then! All I could do was try to make things right, to make things the way they were supposed to be! I might have ended up a hero when all was said and done, but I was too weak to protect you from the start. I can't take responsibility because I know I'll botch it up. If I didn't save you, I don't know what. . ."

He trailed off, Gwen had thrown her arms around him, her tears seeping into his shirt.

"I can't lose you again." He said. "I know I'm selfish and irresponsible at times, but I just can't deal with that again."

"Just shut up and be quiet." she said softly.

They stood in the field for some time, cut off from the rest of the known world. The twilight slowly dissolved into night and the moon began to rise in the sky. Jordan and Gwen walked back to the house right as the last of the sun's rays faded from vision. She had a small smile on her face, knowing for certain that Jordan really could give a damn about other people without a benefit for himself. Jordan knew now that there was more to life than battle. Well, he had always known this but just ignored the truth. He decided that it was time to throw away the past he had so desperately wanted to keep, and had wanted to use against him. Only the present remained, along with the promises to Ken and Shadow. However, he would still continue to enjoy a good fight, seeing as he still had his fighting spirit. They walked into the house, Steel still sitting in his seat.

"Well you fiendish sea rat, I hear you want me to join your merry ranks. I'd like the chance to re-discuss that with you, preferably in a diplomatic manner." Jordan asked with a smile on his face.

Edited by JRPomazon, 06 February 2008 - 12:03 AM.

[Ken the Wandering Soul]

"Steel?"

Ken then heard a conversation going in one of the rooms that was just barely audible.

'He must have come when I was asleep...' he thought to himself.

"Uh, sure. Follow me then," Ken spoke.

He offered a hand to her. She seemed so sad, but why?

Edited by Ken the Wandering Soul, 05 February 2008 - 09:36 PM.

[Steel Samurai]

Steel laughed, an expression of pure mirth, untainted by sarcasm or disdain. A laugh such as he had not had in a while.

"My offer is simple, Jordan. Come with me to the Forsaken Fortress and join the Brotherhood. They're be adventure aplenty, booty for the taking, and as many wenches as you may or," he glanced at Gwen, "may not want. But, most importantly, you'll be joining a family. We may be ruthless pirates, but we take care of our own, under the watchful eye of Admiral Juno, whose leadership has gotten us out of many a tricky situation. You'll have to go through the initiation rites like any other recruits but, while I can't make any promises, I don't think you'll remain a novice long . . . No, I have another plan for you entirely, should you come aboard."

[JRPomazon]

Another plan? What exactly did he have in mind? Whatever it was, it sounded interesting. Very interesting.

"I'll go with you Steel and see what you have in mind. However, I have no intention of willingly give my allegiance to your admiral, a man I've never met."

There was a brief pause in the room.

"Please understand that I have a bit of an issue with being bound to duty, it's just the way I am. However, I still want to take you up on your offer. Are my terms alright with you?"

[Steel Samurai]

Steel nodded slowly.
"You may find your doubts put to rest when you meet him."



Hina hesitantly took Ken's hand and smiled at him.
"Thank you."
He led her into the room where Jordan and Steel sat.
"Ah, princess. Are you hungry?"
She nodded, her eyes pointed towards her feet.
"Would it be possible to get some hot food for Princess Hina? She's not eaten since yesterday."
Gwen nodded and set about heating some stew on the fire.
"There you are Ken. However did you get this far away from the army?" Steel looked at the young warrior, watching to see his reaction. If, as he suspected, Ken had lost his memory, perhaps the best way to restore it would be to simply tell him of his past.