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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 12, 2017 22:44:19 GMT -5
The wind howled against the bricks of the building from the blizzard that raged outside. Flakes of snow beat against the stone piling up quickly as the storm rolled in. It was the middle of winter, the storms would only become stronger. The world was in a time of peace, no wars to speak of, not even small civil disputes. Sure the creatures from the outlands were troublesome, but those were monsters that could not be reasoned with. Within the walls of Talbot City those within were safe, under protection by the Crimson Guard and the city’s Baron Sir Julien Praxis.
The city was very well rounded, though it did have a few down turns. The slums, was the enduring term used for the part of the city that the most unfortunate resided. The homes were floating a top of toxic waters and broken down wooden bridges linked the houses together. Most of the orphans lived here, grew up here, and few made it out of the slums in their adult life. Though, food was given by the government, and the housing was looked after…for the most part. The floor wouldn’t fall out and crumble beneath a resident whilst they slept at least. It was a living in the least.
The next step up from the slums you would find the middle level housing district. The shopping and thrift district separated the slums from the middle level housing. These were the worker bees, those with a job that didn’t include garbage clean up, or sewer scrubbing. The teachers, the Crimson Guard, medics, shop keeps. The homes were well sized and clean. Cookie cutter housing comes to mind when looking at the homes in this part of the city. As the homes were different colors, but each home held nearly the same design. Same window here, same stairs there.
The central city park was next up, it was a huge circle in the middle of the city that held beautiful green trees and lovely walking paths. A gorgeous lake with a water fountain was even held in the middle. It was a great retreat for those that wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Outside of the park were the homes of the nobles, the upper class. Those that turned their noses up at the idea of middle income homes, and nearly passed out at the mentioning of the slums. The individuals who reside here are well off, they didn’t need much of anything to survive as their family was in fortune for years. Everything was given to them so to speak.
The last portion of the city that is of high importance is that of the Baron’s palace. A huge palace that towered over the other buildings, putting the slums into its casted shadow. The towers jutted up into the sky like a blade stabbing into a foe. Within these walls the story begins…
Beneath the city in the labyrinth of hallways the Baron had his own lab for cures of diseases, for the creation of the weapons that ended the last war. But more importantly, his experiments. Beneath the noses of his people the Baron had been stealing children for decades. Running experiments here and there. Most did not survive the experiments. Most did not fulfil what the Baron expected of them. Thus, if the experiments did not kill them, he released them outside of the walls to die….alone…
The most recent experiment the Baron had taken 5 from the slums. This world survived off a source called Eco. There were several different types of eco. Green eco caused plants to thrive and wildlife to flourish. Blue Eco was that of electricity, it caused lights to work, machines to run. Without it the entire city of Talbot would go dark. Red Eco is that of strength and power. Yellow eco causes heat, it warmed the homes in the harsh winters, and was used in most guns as ammunition. There was also a light Eco, a very rare substance, that only lore spoke of, not many had gotten a chance to see it in person. The sages, the protectors of the main sources of Eco, they had all gotten to see the light Eco, back when the precursors were still around.
Though there was one form of Eco that was uncontrolled. A form of Eco that was the source of most of the wars within the world. Dark Eco. It was a source of corruption. It ruined things, it killed off villages. Everything linked to it was destroyed. Yet, the Baron was convinced he could harness its power. He’d taken in 5 from the slums, kidnapped them right off of the streets one night nearly 2 years ago. Two died upon their first injection. A third died about 6 months in and the forth just behind that. Now 2 years later only one specimen remained alive.
Strapped down to a table a woman lay unconscious. Medical equipment was hooked up to her, lines coming from her arms on both sides. Her breaths were even and deep. Though her pulse was quick and erratic.
“Tell me more about her.” Baron Praxis stood his eyes looking through the glass into the room. “How is it that she has survived, Doctor Huge?”
The man dressed in a white coat stood, he pushed his glasses up on his nose and brushed his greying beard. “Baron, I’m not sure, I’ve run tests.” He flipped through pages in his notebook. “It is astonishing the amount of Dark Eco that we have injected into her body….she should have been dead a year ago.”
“When can we test her?” The Baron asked, his eyes looked over to the doctor. He had a very well groomed black beard upon his face, his eyes were a dark green. He stood with intricate armor that covered his body and a red cape that draped down from his shoulders. “We need to get somewhere in this project, otherwise this has been entirely a waste of my time and money, Doctor.” His voice lowered slightly.
Dr. Huge took in a quick breath, “Right, I understand, I…I really don’t think she’s ready to be um…tested…she’s been asleep…for..um…for….”
“How long?” The Baron stepped forward and gripped the doctor’s shirt, lifting him from the ground slightly. “You were to tell me of any changes!” His voice filled with anger.
“She…she hasn’t woken in almost a month sir….Baron sir you were busy with election…” The Doctor writhed in his arms. “Her vitals are stable, not like the others…I was ordered to tell you of any dangerous changes…” He choked out.
“When was the last injection?” The Baron asked and set the doctor down.
“Two days ago.”
“Any response?” He questioned, he watched as the doctor shook his head. “Give her double the dose. See what that does.” The Baron grabbed him by the back of the neck and pushed him toward the room. “Do it.” He ordered.
Dr. Huge took in a breath. “Of course Baron.” He nodded and stepped into the room. He walked up to the console that was hooked up to the woman and looked to her. She had tasseled long brown hair, and through her hair tipped ears pushed through. He took in a breath as he clicked a few things on the computer. “I wish, I knew your name.” The doctor spoke softly. “I’m sorry for all of this…” He muttered as he pressed the button. The lines began to fill with a dark purple fluid that made its way up the lines and to her arms. A device came down from above her and electricity began to shock the woman’s body. Dr. Huge stepped back and from the room as the process began. He stood at the glass and watched as her body began to tremor from the voltage racing through her muscles.
The woman’s eyes opened as her back arched and a scream came over her lips, her eyes were pitch black, like an endless black pit. Purple lightening shock waves came from her body as she let out cries. A huge pulse of energy came from her and suddenly the entire lab went black. A red light flashed in the darkness as the alarm began to sound in the underground compound. The Baron pulled his pistol from his hip as he stared into the darkness he clicked on the flashlight to his gun and edged forward.
“Sir…I wouldn’t…” The doctor spoke, he was hiding behind a desk, trembling. “I wouldn’t advise you to go in there.”
The lights began to flicker once again and soon idled out and stayed on. Baron Praxis stood in the exam room, his pistol at the ready he spun around in the room. Blood was on the floor near the bed, droplets led from the room. “Where is she, Dr. Huge?!” He snapped. “Guards!” He yelled.
Two men came running from the edge of the room clad in crimson armor, helmets over their faces. “Sir, yes sir!” They both saluted.
“Find the subject. Get her back in here now!” The baron snarled.
**
And so she ran. She slipped through the hallways, her body taking on a cloaking that blended her in with her environment for short bouts of time. The woman slipped passed the guards, only once did she had an encounter and suddenly it was like the power took over her body. She rushed forward and as she slammed her fist into the side of his skull lightning came from her hand and he flew to the side unconscious. The woman slipped into an armory within the palace walls. She pulled on a set of crimson guard armor, her breaths shook. Her skin had taken on a slight purple appearance, her nails lengthened like a monster. “What…what is going on?” She questioned as she looked to herself in the mirror. Her fangs were lengthened as she breathed heavily and looked into her black eyes. She shuddered as the effects began to melt away and her body began to slip back into its normal appearance. She stared into beautiful ocean blue eyes and a clear ivory complexion, that was just sun kissed enough.
She couldn’t remember what happened to her. She looked around the environment. She moved to a locker and slipped from her hospital gown. She pulled on a black slip and then she pressed a button on the armory locker and pieces flew from the locker and clicked into place on her body. She slipped the face shield down and grabbed an auto rifle before she ran from the armory. “Thalis will know….” She whispered to herself. Speaking of the green sage that had helped to raise her from her childhood.
She ran zipping through other soldiers and out into the streets of the city eventually where she moved to the back alleys. She looked around. Things looked…different. There were new buildings, new signs…so many things were different. How long was I in there? She questioned as she looked up to the snowy sky. It was the summer when she’d been abducted. She ran through the back alleys and found her way to the slums where a few of the residents moved from her way in fear. The crimson guard was highly feared, especially in the slums. The guard would beat the people here for fun. Make bets on how long they would be able to defend against the brutal attacks from the guard. It was sickening. But, it was life. Outside the walls wasn’t any better. Or was it?
She slipped into a home and looked around, it was the middle of the night. “Thalis....?” Her voice was soft. “Thalis?” She rounded a corner to find a pistol pointed at her face. “Wait…wait…” She raised her hands and pressed the button on the side of her helmet. “I’m…I’m not one of them…”
“Rhys?” The voice was full of shock. “Is that you?” A hand reached forward and pulled the helmet from her head. “By the precursors!” She was suddenly swept into a tight embrace. “We thought you were dead.” His voice broke slightly. “We all thought you were dead…” He pulled back slightly. “Thalis has gone to the north, in search of the other Sages. Baron Praxis has run all the sages from the city. They are no longer welcomed here.”
“Navik….” Rhys breathed as she looked to him in the dimly lit home as he stared down to her. He had the same pointy ears. “Baron Praxis did this?” She asked softly. She looked down to her gloved hands and thought of the claws that were there just moments ago, and of her black eyes.
“Rhys, you…you disappeared over two years ago…where have you been?” Navik stared to her. “We tried to locate you…we just couldn’t find you…”
Rhys took in a slow breath as she tried to remember. “I can’t…remember…” She whispered softly. “I…I just woke up…and the Baron was there, I was in his palace…but…in a lab…” She shook her head.
A heavy knocking came from the front door. “Navik Rhodes, this is the Crimson Guard, you have 5 seconds to open this door, we have a search warrant for the arrest of Rhys Livian.”
Navik looked to Rhys, “You know the emergency exit.” He gave a nod. “Take the key, get out, I’ll follow. Head to the north, go to Rock Forge. Thalis has gone all the way to the Yellow Sage’s home of Strasbourg…I’ll catch up, just go.” He shoved the key into her hand and shoved her down into a hatch before he pushed a piece of furniture on top of it.
Rhys tumbled slightly down the stairs and lay there for a moment as she listened to the guards bust into Navik’s home. He argued with them claimed he hadn’t seen her in 2 years as they tossed everything in his home. She wiped a few tears from her eyes as she pushed herself up and ran down the dark hallway. She unlocked the lock at the end and then sprinted down another flight of stairs that led through a long tunnel that was under the city. It was the Sage’s escape. Thalis had always had an escape that the Baron didn’t know about, and never would. She ran until she made it to the other side of the wall. She came up on the other side of a hill and glanced back at the city. Talbot was so massive, so bright. She stood there for a moment, her rifle in her hands before she turned and sprinted off into the night. She ran for what felt like hours through the thick heavy snow. She ran into a few of the creatures of the wasteland. She aimed in with her rifle and took a few shots, killing the over grown rats easily. She kicked one that still trembled and let off another round into its head before she continued. She’d been training to become a Ranger. It wasn’t the Crimson Guard. But it was a guard that protected all those of the world of Novalis. She knew it would be a long journey to get to where Navik said Thalis had gone, but she didn’t know anyone else who could help her understand what the Baron had done to her…and maybe to put an end to this….if he’d done this to her, were the other disappearances due to the Baron as well?
She trudged on through the cold, her body was starting to weaken from the icy air. She needed to find shelter quick. She glanced around only to find that she was surrounded in darkness. “Just…keep going…” She whispered to herself and pushed on through the night. It wasn’t until the sun began to peek up over the treetops that she ran out of energy, where was the next city? Had Navik made it out? She stumbled forward, her vision was beginning to tunnel. When was the last time she’d had something to eat? Nutrition? She felt so incredibly weak. She stumbled and leaned against an icy tree, her breaths heavy and shaken.
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Post by Raven on Oct 12, 2017 23:33:49 GMT -5
“Your shipment is here!” A voice called through a thick wooden door – just as knuckles tapped against it. The door swung open and a large man stood in the doorway. He was a bit overweight, with a gristly untidy beard, balding head, and a stained apron on.
“Aha – it is the first Friday of the month… always on time.” He grinned, flashing a set of unkept teeth. “Wheel it in” he waved his arm. A woman stood at his door step…. She turned and pushed a wheel barrel into the shop. Inside was a dead deer, 3 over grown rats and a stack of rabbits that threatened to fall over the edge of the wheel barrel. “Park it there” he pointed and then stepped over to the spoils. “This is excellent..” he smiled and then turned to the woman.
“Asuna… you never fail the poor people of the slums… what can I offer you?” he questioned.
“Just a few pelts would suffice… This is but a minor chore, I do not need much” she smiled and then removed her hood from her face. She had long dark hair, which had a slight purple tint to it. It fell in waves and curls, which was hidden by her cloak. She sat down on his stool, as he unloaded the goods. He was the slums butcher. Once a month Asuna would make her long haul, bringing him all sorts of meats along the way. She would venture into town and deliver this and trade with others. She was a valuable source of food, and she boosted the economy…
She left shortly after with a handful of pelts. She made her way across the slums… people waved to her and smiled. This ritual had been the same for several years. She entered the leatherworker’s shop and laid the pelts down.
“Ahh… Asuna” an elderly woman stepped forward and thumbed through the stack of pelts. She smiled “This will provide for many children this cold winter..” she smiled and set down a small coin sack. “I will get working on it right away…” she spoke and slowly picked up the bundle.
Asuna grabbed the coins and made her way back out. Soon she stepped into the blacksmiths. “Asuna! Right on time! I just finished your batch” a gentlemen stepped forward. She sat down a bundle of arrows which were tied up with twine. Asuna smiled and set down her large hunting knife. He nabbed the knife and took it to his sharpening wheel – where he gave it a new edge. “The usual, my dear” he spoke and set the blade down. “Always a pleasure, Gerald” she pushed forward 10 coins.
She made her way to the bakery last, before leaving to head home. Once a month – she’d swing in like this, her ritual, she’d spend every last coin she earned, and leave with a heap of supplies. She lived easily 10 miles out from the city. In a small log home – her grandfather had built long ago. When he passed she took on his role – the unofficial Scout of the forests. Thinning the crowd of monsters and creatures, ensuring the safety of the city. She pulled her sack over her shoulders… her cloak tightened down. She stepped into the blustery snow… each step a crunch.
It was a quieter evening than most – creatures were hidden away during this storm. She pulled her cloak tighter. It was a full leather cloak with a fuzzy inside, incredibly warm. Under it she wore full leather garb, of which she crafted herself. A hard leather chest piece with arm guards alike. Tall leather riding boots that were heavily cured – hard like a steel toed boot. Over her chest was a strap – holding her quiver in place, resting in one hand was her bow…
Her eyes were always observant.. one never knew what might leap from the side… Her ears caught on every sound, her eyes looking for any track. Though, in this heavy snow – she didn’t expect much. It was a surprise when she faintly saw something. She squeezed her eyebrows shut and rushed forward.. whatever it was – hadn’t passed through her very long ago. She could see the steps had dragged. Two feet now, as they became more visible. She docked an arrow and crouched slightly – off to the side was a giant rat, killed easily. She stepped over to it and observed it – a crush wound, killed from 1 single mortal blow. No gashes, no external blood. She kicked a bit of snow over the rat and then moved forward, following the tracks.
She saw something in the distance – collapsing into the thick snow. She ran forward then, putting her bow away… she kneeled down – the snow coming up to her mid thigh. Asuna rolled the person over. A woman. She grit her teeth and then looked around… she wasn’t far from home. Asuna reached up and touched her necklace. A glowing red stone rest above her chest piece. She felt a sudden burst of power – her body becoming swarmed by a red glow. She easily lifted the woman and carried her – with the aid of her red eco.
Asuna then began to run – easily and fast, she trekked 3 more miles in less than 30 minutes. She came to the door of her log cabin and opened it swiftly. She stepped inside and placed the woman on her couch. “You’re freezing” she whispered and touched her crystal again. The red disappeared, the static red charge flowing back into the crystal… She stepped over to her wood oven and tossed a few logs in. The coals lit up and it caught flame easily.
Asuna then boiled some water and dropped a cloth inside of the pot. Meanwhile she pulled her cloak off and shook a bit of snow from it, she laid it over the woman and tucked it around her. This cloak was like no other – it provided warmth like laying up close to a fire. It was a gift, from a long lost friend… She then unbuckled her hard leather chest piece and set it down, revealing a loose tunic which revealed a good bit of skin, it was very womanly – for what many perceived her as being masculine. She enjoy things that was girly…
Her house was clean, well decorated. A cinnamon broomstick sit in the corner, along with a few winter like decorations… She took pride in the small things like this. She opened her fridge, powered by blue eco battery, that she had someone come once a year and recharge… She pulled out some veggies, some chopped up chicken, and began to make a hot soup. Perfect for this freezing weather…
She listened to the wind howling against the wooden roof, it was getting stronger by the minute. She glanced out the window – but only saw a layer of frost and snow. She didn’t imagine leaving any time soon…. Asuna made her way to this woman who lay on her couch. A woman who killed a giant rat with no weapon. She had to have punched it or something… There were not many who could harness Eco like so, and not many women who would ever dare of such a life style. Asuna was already one of very very few female warriors in the world, that she knew of.
Asuna pulled the hot cloth from the steaming pot and rung it out, tossing it a little to cool it off. She walked over to the woman and placed it on her neck, warming her up from near hypothermia. “What were you doing from the city, I wonder?” she whispered and brushed the woman’s hair slightly. “I just hope you are trustworthy… only few people leave the city, and never for good cause….” She whispered and then sat down on her rocking chair. She leaned back and shut her eyes slightly, listening to the cruel winds against her rickety home. She knew she would have to some minor repairs to the roof shingles in the morning….
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 13, 2017 0:04:36 GMT -5
Rhys felt the arms wrap around her as her eyes fluttered shut and she fell limp in Asuna’s arms, allowing her to take her to safety.
Rhys walked down the back alley toward her home, a bag of groceries in her arms. She had a smile on her lips. She’d worked hard for this food and was bringing it home to surprise Thalis and Navik. She rounded a corner to feel the harsh blow of a rifle against her side. Rhys stumbled, the groceries fell from her arms. She groaned as she looked up to the guards.
“This one will do quite well huh?” One of the guards chuckled.
Rhys rushed forward and tackled the guard to the ground. She slammed her fist into his chin harshly before she was lifted off him by another guard. “Oh I think this one will be perfect.” The other guard snickered. “She’s got the most fight of the 5.”
The first guard stood, he rubbed his jaw and then looked to the bag of groceries, he kicked it, sending the contents flying across the ground. “You’ll pay for that.” He spoke as he pulled a taser gun from his hip. She jabbed it against her side and pulled the trigger.
Rhys jolted as she fought against the guard that held her, she groaned and gasped as she fell to the ground, her body twitching from the electricity. She slowly got to her hands and knees, refusing to give in. “Leave me alone.” She spoke. “My family didn’t do anything…to you…” She pushed up to her feet, her hands were in fists again.
“Your family has nothing to do with this.” The guard chuckled and looked over his shoulder, he had four others in shackles, their mouths gagged, fear in their eyes. “Wrong place, wrong time.” He smirked before he rushed forward.
Rhys dodged him and tripped him to the ground. She then put up a fight against the other guard before she was ultimately slammed against the wall and shackled. She writhed against their grip fighting against them all the way to the palace until she was knocked unconscious by a harsh blow to her head.
Rhys took in a quick breath of air and sat up she glanced around the home, her eyes had turned black from the rush of adrenaline. She looked to the crackling fire, she could smell to home cooked meal. Her breathing slowed and her eyes slowly melted back into the normal blue color. She felt her stomach growl angrily and held her hand to it. She looked and her eyes feel on the woman who sat in the chair. She remembered the voice, the questions that the woman had asked to the air while Rhys was unconscious. She sat back and shivered slightly, her body still trying to regulate its temperature. She looked to the armor pieces that she wore, she’d have to get rid of those, besides that was part of the reason she’d nearly frozen. The armor wasn’t meant for the snowy nights.
Rhys looked to Asuna again, her eyes studied her for a moment, “Thank you.” She spoke softly. She looked around the home. She wasn’t sure what else to say, her mind replayed her memory of her abduction again and she winced slightly, her fists clenched. Her breathing even quickened. She knew she’d slowly begin to piece everything together. But, what if she couldn’t piece together what the Baron had done to her? She was nothing more than a lab rat…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 13, 2017 11:07:38 GMT -5
Asuna came from the kitchen, which was just behind the couch she rest on. She stood over the woman for a moment and then tilted her head. "So what is a Crimson Guard doing so far from the city? I found you face down in the snow... what happened?" she questioned as she grasped her cape. "Lets get you in some dry clothes.." she spoke and walked over to the door that lead to her bedroom.
She pulled a pair of leather pants, a standard shirt and a jacket from her wardrobe. Asuna set it down on the coffee table and she stepped back. "You're a little taller than me I think.." she then let out a sigh. She stepped into the kitchen and poured two bowls of soup.
"I do a lot of good for the community, but I do not often bring strangers into my home. I will offer you food, those clothes you can have. I only request to know who you are, why're you're out there... and then when you are well enough - that you continue your journey" she spoke and then set the bowl of soup down. "But first... the bathroom is just in that hallway... feel free to get washed up.." she spoke. Just as the woman stood up.. Asuna grasped her bow and leaned it against the rocking chair, and then she took a seat - crossing her legs as she spooned at the hot soup.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 13, 2017 11:47:00 GMT -5
Rhys watched Asuna quietly and took the pile of clothing that she was offered. She was quiet as she listened to Asuna speak and she looked down to the armor that she wore when the woman asked what a Crimson Guard was doing out so far.
“I will tell you, what I know.” Rhys spoke and shivered slightly. “Thank you for the clothing.” She stood slowly, her body was weak, she wondered if it was from the injection that the doctor had given her. She briefly remembered ripping the tubing from her arms. “I will change and then I will answer your questions. Thank you.” She bowed her head slightly and stepped from the room. Rhys stepped into the bathroom and drew herself a steaming hot bath. She pressed the release button on the armor and it fell from the black suit that she wore beneath it. She let out a sigh of relief as the weight came from her body. She slipped into the hot bath and winced slightly, her toes and fingertips were still quite cold.
It wasn’t long that she returned to the living room, she wore the clothing that Asuna had offered her. She sat down and took the bowl of soup into her hands and scarfed it down as if she hadn’t eaten in days. She then bit her lip slightly, she’d never eaten so quickly. “S-sorry…it…um…that was very good soup.” She set the bowl down and adjusted her seating position, she could feel the heat of the flames against her back and it was amazing. She felt like an ice cube melting slowly away. “I’m not a Crimson Guard.” She began she looked to the heap of armor she’d carried back from the bathroom with her. “I am not much of anything at all, actually…I am the adopted daughter of Thalis…the Green Sage.” Rhys took in a breath, “I disappeared over two years ago, or at least that is what Navik told me as I was fleeing from the city tonight.” She paused a moment and seemed to be in deep thought, she was trying to remember exactly what had been done to her. “My name is Rhys Livian…I was an orphan in the slums of Talbot….Thalis saw something in me at a young age.” She gave a half smile as she thought of the fond memory. “I was training to become a Ranger….” She then shook her head. “I was on my way home…” Her voice shook slightly as the memory replayed. Her fist curled shut. “I just bought groceries for us…I wanted it to be a surprise…I worked hard for the food, but it was worth it to give back to Thalis and Navik for raising me all of those years.” She took in a quick breath as she remembered the feeling of the taser pulsating through her body. Her eyes faded to black and her breathing quickened. “I…I don’t know…what..they did…” She said through grit teeth, lightening crawled up her arms from her fists. “They did something to me….the Baron…did this…” She shut her eyes tightly and gripped her head, her breathing raced, her pulse bounded within her chest as the purple electricity flickered about her body.
It took a few moments but she calmed herself and leaned back against the wall, she looked to Asuna, her eyes held fear as her chest heaved. “I don’t know…what they’ve done to me…I was an experiment…the Baron has labs beneath his palace…they were injecting something into me…” She shook her head, trying to remember. Her memory was a haze. “I don’t know…”
**
“Subject 535. Female. 22. Average height, muscular. She is well trained in combat, and focused.” Dr. Hugh spoke into his recorder as he stood before the glass, looking into the room where Rhys was held. She paced back and forth. “The first injection will tell me if she will endure or not, at least for a while. The last subjects succumbed to the Dark Eco after 6 months of injections, if they survived the first round. I have made tweaks to this injection, in hopes to keep her and the other 4 subjects alive for Project Eco.”
“I have already injected subjects 530-534. All seem to be stable thus far.” The doctor looked to the guard. “You’re going to have to help me get her onto the table.” He spoke as he stepped into the room.
“Let me go!” Rhys snapped, both of her hands were shackled together. She pulled at the metal cuffs. “I didn’t break any laws! I demand to be released!”
Dr. Hugh took in a breath. “Young dear, it isn’t about any laws or rules.” He looked her over for a moment. “Go on and have a seat up on the exam table, would you? I don’t want to have to do this the hard way with you, the other cooperated very well.”
Rhys looked to him a moment, “What is this? If this has nothing to do with law or rules?” She furrowed her brows. “You can’t keep me here.”
Dr. Hugh shook his head. “Oh but we can do whatever we want.” He nodded, “I am acting under the direct order of Baron Praxis. Get on the exam table now.”
Rhys took a step back. “No.” She refused and stood her ground. The doctor nodded to the guard whom stepped forward. Rhys lifted her arms up and easily slipped her shackled wrists over the head of the brute. She pulled back harshly and slipped around behind him, choking off his airway. “Release me.” She ordered. “You have no right to hold me here.”
“You are assaulting a Crimson Guard. If I didn’t have a right before, I have plenty now.” The doctor spoke.
Rhys pulled the choke hold tighter, the guard writhed within her grip. She kicked the back of his knee causing him to fall forward to his knees before her. “If it’s going to be that way, then.” She released the guard and he fell to his side gasping.
“Guards!” The doctor ordered and within seconds the room had three more Crimson Guards in it. Rhys rushed forward and easily captured another guard with her shackles. It was then that she felt the sharp pinch of the taser in her side. Her muscles contracted and she shut her eyes tightly. She let out a cry as she fell to her side. She felt a stab in her arm and looked to see the doctor injecting a fluid into her arm. “Just relax 535. You won’t remember most of this if you survive anyway.” He gave a smirk as she was shackled down to the bed and the tubes were placed in her arms. The doctor pulled a container that was labeled with several warning signs, it looked to be a toxic waste container of some sort.
Rhys tried to fight against the bonds but the doctor had given her a sedative, her entire body felt heavy. “What…is…that….?” She question weakly.
The doctor smirked as he came forward with the dark purple fluid in the syringe. “Dark Eco, my dear.” He spoke as he slipped the needle into her neck. “The first injection is the most painful, from my experience with the others.” He spoke before he pulled the trigger on the syringe gun.
Rhys screamed in pain, her eyes rolled back in her head and her body convulsed. Blood trickled from her nose as her body stayed tense. This lasted for nearly two hours before her body finally released. Dr. Huge stood next to her the entire time, monitoring her vitals, taking notes. He looked to her with a curious expression on his face. Her reaction was entirely different from the others. It perplexed him. Most fell into excruciating pain and fell unconscious within moments. But not Rhys, she’d been awake the two hours that it took to knock her unconscious, even with a sedative…something about her was entirely different.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 13, 2017 13:30:39 GMT -5
Asuna squeezed her eyebrows together as she spoke. "An orphan from the slums, adopted by the old man sage..." she crossed her arms and then shook her head. "And the baron has stolen you to become a lab rat.. and you escaped..." she stood up and took both bowls to the kitchen. "Then they will surely be looking for you.." she glanced over then. She watched closely as the purple lightening flickered about. "I've never seen that eco before.." she stepped over and observed it closely.
"I've only heard stories." she whispered. She grit her teeth then and then sat back in her seat. "My father was once on the council..." she spoke softly. "He knew the Baron when he was just in his teens. He had a god complex, and always fought with his older brother - jealous of his role of power he was to grow into. Just when Baron Marloc died - suddenly the older brother was murdered. My father was framed for his death. And our lovely Baron took his throne.." she stood up and crossed her arms.
"I had a choice to live with my outcasted grandfather, or the slums. And so I live here. Though, I could never turn to the city with citizenship." she shook her head. "I'm not sure what your story is, what your goal is... but you seem yet another victim in the baron's tale. Do you have any plans to stop his madness? Because if revenge is the question... I will help you answer it." she spoke, nearly through her teeth now. If there was anyone she hated - it was Baron Praxis. He was the man who ruined her family, and sent her to exile.
"I am Asuna Vale, the hunter of the forest..." she spoke. Just then there was a loud pounding on the door.
"Asuna you sly rat, open this damn door!" A crowd of Crimson Guard stood at her door - the furious flurries of snow crashing down upon their armored bodies. "I know you've seen her... now open this door, or we'll break it down"
Asuna looked to Rhys and quickly helped her up. "We've gotta go" she spoke and she gripped her bow, her quiver of arrows, and a few quick things - before heading to the kitchen window. She opened it, breaking the ice that tried to seal it, and slid it upwards. "Throw on that jacket, we have to get moving" she spoke in a hushed tone.
Asuna quickly leaped through the window, landing in a foot of snow. She reached her hand out and helped Rhys. Just as she turned - 5 men stood before her, their guns in hand. Just as they fired - Asuna held her hand up. A shield of red flickering power appeared before them - the bullets bounced right off. Then she threw the shield, bashing into the group, knocking them over. "Quickly!" she shouted. She leaped over the men who groaned, trying to get back up.....
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 13, 2017 18:34:37 GMT -5
Rhys looked up to Asuna as she spoke of her father and of the Baron as a child. She remembered when the Baron’s brother died, she was young when it happened. She remembered the outrage of the people in the slums, they all didn’t believe that the councilmen that was charged with the murder was capable of it. No one agreed with the charges except the nobles. Those that didn’t have to work for anything. “My goal…” Rhys spoke softly, “My goal is to find out what he has done to me and to end it. I know that he took others the night he took me and I know as a child there were always strange disappearances in the slums, and never anywhere else in the city. Children, teens, you name it. Gone, without a trace. Always orphans that had no family to track them down…”
Rhys’ heart nearly leaped through her throat when the pounding came from the door once more. Just like at Navik’s home. Everywhere she would go, trouble would follow. She pulled on the jacket just before Asuna helped her through the window. She landed and looked up to the Crimson Guard that stood before her and before she had a moment to react Asuna protected her with a shield of red eco. Soon they were racing through the storm sprinting along, the flakes felt like tiny razors against her skin as they sprinted along. They zig and zagged deep into the forest that she’d always known to be a forbidden place, though the creatures were hidden tonight from the atrocious storm.
Rhys glanced over her shoulder a few times as they ran, worried that the Crimson Guard would catch up. If they caught her, what would happen to her? Would she just be shoved back into the lab and have more injections and more tests? Or would she be murdered for escaping? The Baron no doubt didn’t want word of his experiments getting out to the public. That could and would ruin him. The slums already hated him enough. If the voice of the people in the slums mattered, he would have been gone years ago when his brother was murdered.
After several hours of being out in the cold the lights of a city could be seen. Rock Forge. It was a small town, but as far as Rhys knew it would be safe. Navik should be there. She hoped he was there. As they came to the small gates to the city a soldier stepped forward. Rhys was shuddering from the cold. The leathers kept her warmer than the armor, but against this harsh environment it was still rather dangerous to be out, no matter what clothing you were clad in. The soldier looked to Asuna and gave a nod, “Always a welcomed face.” He smiled to her and then looked back to Rhys. “A friend of yours?” He asked.
“Navik.” Rhys spoke. “Has Navik come yet?”
The soldier furrowed his brows slightly, “Yes…he arrived not long ago…come.” He led them into the small city. The homes were small wooden homes made of the trees of the nearby forest chopped down and assembled carefully into homes and businesses. Along the street were vendors, fish, pelts, clothing, ect. “This way.” He spoke as he slipped into a home and down a set of stairs. “Navik.” He spoke and knocked on the door. “I have guests for you.”
The door opened, Navik’s beard was still thawing from the icy cold. A grin split his lips. “Rhys.” He wrapped his arms around her and winced slightly. His shoulder was cut from the soldiers. He had a black eye and a cut along his jaw. He’d fought for his life to escape. He brought his eyes to Asuna and rose a brow. “You’re the woman who brings goods once a month, aren’t you?” He asked and a soft smile. “Come, the elder just made a hot pot of tea.” He stepped aside and gave a nod to the soldier who left.
“What happened to you, Navik?” Rhys asked softly as she took the cup of tea and sat down in a round chair that she seemed to sink into.
“They didn’t believe me.” He spoke, “They tried to take me to the palace for further questioning…” He then smirked slightly. “But, I couldn’t let that happen. I made it out with a few cuts and bruises but I’m alright, Rhys.” He then looked to Asuna, “You assisted her?” He asked, “Thank you.” He gave a nod. “She’s not my blood, but she might as well be, she’s been my little sister since I was about 4 years old.” He chuckled and took a sip of his tea.
Rhys’ eyes were heavy as she leaned back against the chair. She hugged the tea to her sternum, the warmth felt amazing. She could hear the crackle of the nearby fire pit, it soothed her. Reminded her of the winters in the slums in their home.
“She needs recovery, but I’m not sure we have the time. I’m not sure what it is that the Baron was doing to her, she couldn’t remember…” He shook his head. “I’m sure the things he did to her she wouldn’t want to remember, being locked away for over two years? Closer to three even.” Navik took a sip of his tea. “I’m just glad she’s alive…we searched for her upwards of a year, but eventually, we ran out of resources, we couldn’t find anything on her, no matter how hard we looked, no matter how many rocks we overturned…she just vanished.” He looked Asuna for a moment and then reached over swiftly as the empty tea cup made to tumble from Rhys’ hands as she had fallen asleep. He chuckled and set the cup on the table before he stood. “She has a good heart, Thalis saw that in her, he sees something more in her than what anyone else does. Sages are interesting in that way, they’ll latch on to someone, and through history that someone has always had something different about them.” He carefully scooped Rhys up and winced against the strain on his shoulder. He placed her in the bottom bunk of a bed in the corner and tucked the blankets around her.
Navik looked to Asuna for a moment. “Are you coming with us? To stop the Baron?” He asked, curious. “It is a dangerous task, but your help is more than welcomed.”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 13, 2017 19:12:21 GMT -5
Asuna followed right behind Rhys as they trekked through the heavy snow. They ran by two large trees – which she knew very well. She quickly shoved her hand into the snow and pulled up a rope. In a quick swift motion she tied the rope on a small latch that was knocked into the tree. It was a trap, that she normally set for larger deer, but it would grab a human or two…
She then dashed forward and caught up with Rhys. They quickly came to the small town of Levalus. This was another small town she delivered too as well. There was an artist here that made the most beautiful paints, often she would trade her last few coins for a few tubs of paint, a new canvas… something to pass the time. Asuna saluted to the guard and then paused. “We might bring friends… up the post. I will return to aid you once I receive my welcome. Ready the alarms if necessary.” She spoke. The Guard looked to her and then nodded.
Asuna then made her way into the small home, welcomed by her friend. “Navik, correct? I remember you. Always smiling, I never forget a friendly face” she smiled. Of course she didn’t. Secluded to her small home, no one to talk to. “I think the precursers have weaved my fate with hers… it must be. Had I not arrived the second I did, Rhys may not be here to tell the tale.” She spoke and then slung her bow over her shoulder. She accepted the cup of tea and sipped it quietly – listening to the man speak of his friend.
“I intend to help…yes. My father, Carver Vale – was framed and murdered. I seek justice for his name, and revenge for my suffering” she spoke and then stood up. She handed the tea cup back to him and nodded. “This journey will be grave… but all I have to say for myself is the wandering outcast, who delivers bountiful barrels of food from city to city. My life has been void of meaning for too long… Simply I was just waiting then, for this opportune moment..” she grasped her bow and nodded.
“I will guard her, and fight with her, until my last breath. But for now… she should rest. I will man the tower and watch for the guard. I will not let our trail bring peril to this town, or any of the next.” She nodded and then stepped from the small home. Asuna climbed her way to the top of the guard tower and docked an arrow on her bow. Her eyes scanned the forests, searching for the bright red amongst the flurries of white. Darkness was coming – likely the guards would retreat.
“If you were a Crimson Guard, after a good bit of treasure – what would your tactic be, just after an immediate loss of this treasure?” She questioned, looking to the Captain who stood with his arms crossed.
“If I was the Baron – I would underestimate my enemy. We have been at peace for too long, the art of war and capture is long gone. These men would easily give up for the night, thinking you would do the same. But would relentlessly follow. The Baron would likely not release more men until his returned, thinking his current crew could handle such a situation. Ignorance is bliss in moments like this…” the Captain spoke. He was an elderly man.
“Thalus, you are so wise” she grinned and looked to him.
“I wouldn’t waste my time mentoring you, if I had nothing to share” he placed his hand on her shoulder. He was easily almost half a foot taller than her. Huge and broad… a white long beard and thinning hair atop his scalp. He wore a captains uniform of mixed metals and leather, a very standard uniform however. He cared not to the fancy decorative and unique designs. His purpose was to guard this city. His days of glory and sacrifice was but a memory in his past.
“I will brew some of that energy tea you like… it should be a long night, hm?” he stoked the fire in the center of the tower. Snow had gathered on the ledges, and the high winds swept through the open walls.
Asuna glanced to him, and then back out. It would be quiet, but she wouldn’t dare attempt to sleep. For fear The Captain came back and handed her a cup. “I will have two of my finest women scouts lead a path around the city, we will divert the guard around, but I don’t think I will be able to spend the resources to slow them down…” he spoke and sipped on his tea, his hand on the ledge – looking out to the white skies…
“Any effort is appreciated… I won’t be so lucky in the future..” she smiled and sipped on her coffee. Her red glowing crystal about her neck glowed happily, as if responding to the tea as well….
They continued the night talking quietly, about the journey ahead – about tactics and ideas. She could only dream of grasping his thoughts. He could hear and see things, plan things, guess things – it all make clear sense. His company was enjoyable as always, and when morning came - she knew it was time to go.
“Asuna Vale” he spoke and then placed a hand on her shoulder. “The Baron must pay for his sins. Rewrite your story, and make peace with your past. But do not murder this man in the name of revenge. You know this is not the way.” He spoke and then moved his hand away.
“Of course Thalus. I will try to clear my mind, I can only hope I can be as leveled as you.”
“No one is going to be angry, and you need not ask forgiveness for your deeds. But it is you who will live with that dwelling over your soul. Find a way… and before you ask how – when the moment comes, you will know exactly what to do.” He spoke and then handed her his sword. “It has been an honor to be your mentor” he spoke and then kissed the top of her forehead.
“I will return this, when I’m done” she winked and then put the sheath on her hip.
“May the Precursers guide you” Thalus spoke as she turned for the exit.
“And you” she nodded and then climbed down the tower.
She stepped into the warm home, approaching Navik. “The sun is rising, the storm has dulled. Thalus, the captain of the guard, will divert the men – but we should get moving as soon as we are ready…” she nodded
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 13, 2017 19:51:28 GMT -5
Navik woke in the early hours to the sound of Rhys breathing quickly. “Rhys?” He asked and stood from his recliner across the room. He came to her side and placed his hand gently on her shoulder. “Rhys, you’re dreaming, you’re safe.” He spoke.
Her eyes shot open the darkness within her showed, her canine teeth pointed and threatening. She let out a whimper when she saw him and shut her eyes tightly. Her fingers held the sharp claws. She grit her teeth as lightening jumped about her body.
“Rhys?” Navik asked as he stood back from her, he looked over her. “You’re okay.” He spoke softly. “You’re okay.”
It took several minutes for Rhys to gain control of herself. She’d been dreaming of the lab, of the experiments. The injections. “Dark Eco.” She spoke after a long moments of silence. “That’s what they were injecting me with, Navik. Dark Eco…the forbidden substance that no one, not even the precursors could control.” She shook her head. “I…I need to get some fresh air.” She stepped from the home and into the city streets where the merchants were beginning to open. She had a small pouch of money from the set of armor she’d stolen. She walked up to one of the merchants that had clothing hung up. “I need clothing that fits me properly.” She spoke, “This is all I have, but I must make it to the north to meet with the green sage Thalis.”
The shop keep looked to her and gave a gentle smile. “I can work well with this, this is a good sum of money you have here dear.” She spoke and began measuring her, she let out a soft chuckle. “You’re a bit tall for this gear, huh?” She spoke as she continued on.
Rhys took a seat next to the flames as she watched the woman work, she curved out a breast plate for her as well as two shoulder plates and gauntlets. The leather held it all together. Soon Rhys stood with a beautiful white chest piece, the shoulder pieces were to match. The fur of a wolf lay beneath the armored gear, a grey wolf. Her legs had plates along the thighs as well as long her shins. The woman crafted her boots that fit perfectly, like a glove she’d said. Rhys looked to herself and gave a smile. “Thank you.” She spoke.
“Wait one more thing.” The woman reached into the back and pulled a beautifully marked dagger from behind the counter, it had inscriptions upon it that were from the time of the precursors. She held it forward.
Rhys placed her hand on the grip and the sword lit with a beautiful white blue light. She looked to the inscriptions that crawled along the blade, her jaw loose.
“I knew you were special.” She spoke with a slight chuckle. “Not many have come to the fond side of Thalis, he’s a picky one.” She smiled and placed coins back into the pouch and held them forward.
“I…I can’t take those back…” Rhys shook her head. “This is more than I paid for I…”
The woman shoved the pouch against her chest. “You will need this as well as the armor for your journey.” She spoke before she returned to working on another piece of leather.
Rhys took in a slow breath and gave a nod, “I will repay you.” She spoke as she stepped away. She walked back into the home and smiled to Navik. “Much better huh?” She asked.
“Wow…” Navik exclaimed, “that set is amazing.” He was just fastening on his last gauntlet. He wore old tattered gear, blood stained the cloth on his shoulder from the attack. He looked to the door as it opened and gave a nod. “We are ready, that is very kind of the captain.” He nodded.
Rhys looked to Asuna and then nodded, “It’s going to be a long journey…thank you for offering to help.” She gave a gentle smile and stepped from the home. So they headed north through the blizzard. Soon the snow stopped falling as they began to descend in altitude, the snow turned to rain, which then turned to nothing. It was a cool mountain day, the world around them was lush and green, they were surrounded by a thick fog. Rhys looked around as they continued onward, she’d never been outside of Talbot’s walls. Navik had with Thalis several times, but Thalis wouldn’t ever allow her to go. He was afraid of keeping her safe. Yet, she’d gotten abducted from right beneath his nose.
Navik looked to Asuna, Rhys was a bit ahead, lost in her own thoughts. “She remembered what they were doing to her.” He spoke, his voice soft. “They were injecting her with Dark Eco…her eyes turn black like bottomless pits…she was having a nightmare last night and I woke to her whimpering. She didn’t look the same…the eco changed her…somehow…our only hope is that Thalis knows how to harness this power, or that she can harness it…or possibly Thalis could reverse it.”
“I can hear you.” Rhys spoke, her voice soft. “I’m not an animal Navik. I know when it’s happened…I’m not sure how to control it, yes, but I’m not going to hurt you.” She looked to him for a moment. “I…don’t think Thalis can reverse this, no one has been able to harness the power of Dark Eco…” She shook her head and fell silent as she thought of the idea. “That’s exactly what the Baron was trying to do, harness its power, he was using me and others as lab experiments, to ensure his safety. I guarantee it.”
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Post by Raven on Oct 14, 2017 11:30:54 GMT -5
Asuna turned as Rhys entered the building – dressed in her new attire. Asuna bowed her head slightly and smiled “You look fit to be a hunter, possibly even a ranger” she winked and then followed the two out of the building. The captain stood on the dirt road, looking to Asuna as she traveled along. Asuna turned her head back slightly – looking to him, where he waved to her and then crossed his arms. She smiled and then followed along.
They traveled for a long while – traversing through new biomes swiftly. It had been a long time since she had traveled far. She always lingered in the forests – that she knew so well. She did the tasks that no one else could, or had the opportunity to do. It was always quiet, peaceful. She played a part of nature’s cycle. Had she not – the forests would be overrun by corrupted beasts. Her unofficial job was to thin the horrors of the forest, otherwise other towns would be jeopardized…
It was then that Navik trailed close to Asuna – he began talking to her. “I’ve only seen dark eco once. Such a toxic substance – it burns through the skin immediately, almost a death sentence upon contact. Back in the days of war… dark eco bombs were the key to the war. The threat was so huge – that this is why we have lived in such peace. We have such insane weapons of mass destruction – that we are too scared to fight with another…” she shook her head and then glanced to Rhys. “How she could survive something like this…” she glanced to Navik. She dared not say the next line – but surely she knew he thought it too.
Who ever Rhys is. She must either be a descendant of a Precursor, or one herself. She just doesn’t know it…
“If Thalis cannot reverse it, then we must make sure it doesn’t kill you. The only way, I imagine, is to learn how to use it” Asuna spoke and then suddenly she stopped.
“Stop – just a second” she slowly moved her hands to her bow. She heard something in the far distance – a faint roar. Had they been closer – it would be extremely loud.
“Brevaik, the Forest Giant” she spoke and glanced to them. He was an ancient giant that roamed this particular area. “Legends say he is bound to this area – protecting something, precursors would know, but… he knows all that steps into his land. We better move quickly…” she gripped her bow and docked an arrow.
She then rushed forward, leading the crew through the fog and trees. As they went – rumbling grew louder, the stomping of giant feet onto the ground. Trees falling over, peeled away by this giant. Suddenly it stopped – and there was a loud roar in the thick fog. Asuna pulled her arrow back and grit her teeth. The tip of the arrow began to glow a red static charge, she powered it up.
Then there was one loud thud. Easily 50 feet tall… a giant figure knelt into the ground, his head lowering. “What the…” she spoke, still holding the arrow back – ready to fire.
She could see the head of the giant – it was entirely made of bark and tree. Sprouting from him were small plants, vines covered each inch of his body. Though otherwise – he looked like a huge human, a lumberjack sort of build…
“Brevaik – what is it you seek?” Asuna called out.
“The Dark One” he pointed his giant finger at Rhys.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 14, 2017 17:13:13 GMT -5
Rhys furrowed her brows slightly as she heard the booming of the giant’s footsteps.
“Brevaik?” Navik spoke, his eyes wide. He nodded his head to Asuna as she stated they needed to move. He had heard horror stories of the giant, what he did to those that trespassed onto his land.
Rhys skidded to a stop just behind Asuna as they stood toe to toe with the beast. Her breathing was quick. The adrenaline running through her body caused the change to set in, her eyes slipped to black, her nails lengthened, her canines sharpened. Bolts of purple electricity ran along her body. She took in a quick breath as the giant spoke and pointed to her. “Me?” She questioned, her breathing still quick.
Brevaik reached forward and in a swift motion he took Rhys into his hand, he was gentle though, he did not harm her. “Yes, you.” His voice was deep and resonated within his chest. He looked to the others for a moment before he looked back to her. “I have been waiting for you, Dark One.” He looked her over and winced slightly as a bolt of the electricity from her body shocked him. He then chuckled deeply. “You’re very much as they described you to be.” He reached down with his other hand and lifted Asuna and set her on his shoulder, he then reached forward to Navik whom froze and let out a yelp as he grabbed him. Bravaik held Navik in front of him for a moment and chuckled before he tossed him onto his shoulder next to Asuna.
Rhys was lifted up onto his other shoulder where she held onto a small tree that grew out to form what looked like a piece of armor. She looked over the giant’s body, boulders, trees, plants. He was a moving piece of earth. It was incredible. Her claws slowly receded and the lightening from her body faded away. Though her eyes stayed pitch black for a long while as Bravaik carried them across the land. She glanced over to Navik whom held on and glanced down with wide eyes, he’d never been one to be a fan of heights. Eventually Bravaik had carried them into the thick fog deep into the forest, much further than any being could even dream of making it into the forest, he even walked easily across deep gorges in the forests floor that fell into endless pits it seemed. As they marched along off in the distance something seemed to glisten.
Rhys focused in on it, her brows tucked together. Coming from the ground she could see bronze walls that were curved and formed beautifully. “How did this…get here?” She asked her jaw loose as they became closer to the beautiful architecture.
Brevaik chuckled as he took Navik and set him down on the ground as well as Asuna. He then took Rhys into the palm of his hand and held her in front of him, she could feel his warm breath against her as he studied her. “The question is not how, dark one. The answer to how is entirely too easy.” He knelt down again. “The question is when and why.” He set her down on the ground next to Asuna and Navik. “This is the temple of the dark one. It was built many years ago, back when precursors thrived, before the precursors were run off.”
“This is the temple of the dark one….but you keep calling me that…” Rhys furrowed her brows and then shook her head. “Wait…run off, what do you mean the precursors were run off?”
Brevaik let out a long breath, “Humans do not know the true story, as the true story is hidden behind a wall of lies. The stories that the Sages tell, they do not know the truth. Years ago, long before even the eldest sage’s time, the wars began. The precursors were the beings attacked, the humans attacked the precursors wanting their powers, their immortality…the humans captured a few of the precursors, determined to drain them of their powers, to wield the powers for themselves….Many of the precursors were killed off during this time, most vanished into thin air.”
“How…how could they do this?” Rhys asked, her expression shocked. “The precursors are our gods, you cannot kill them…you cannot take their powers…that is…” She shook her head, she couldn’t believe it. “How is this hidden? How does not one person know the truth?”
Brevaik watched her, intrigued by her shock and frustration. “How does a lie begin? If everyone that knew the ultimate truth of the beginning of all of this has passed on and the lie has been spread so heavily, how could anyone know the truth?” He spoke. “Dark One, you must travel within the temple and get the gift that was left for you years ago, when the war first broke out. The horrible end to the precursors as we knew it years ago was foretold by the prophet of our time. The precursors prepared and went into hiding when the first precursors were murdered.”
Rhys shook her head, “I’m not this ‘dark one’ that you keep calling me.” She looked up to Brevaik. “I’m a lab experiment, I’m not who you think I am.” Fear lit up on her face.
Brevaik leaned down a bit closer, “Oh but you are exactly who I know that you are. It is not that I think you are, I know it.” He looked to the other two. “It was foretold.” He looked back to Rhys, “The dark one will arrive with two other warriors.”
Rhys took in a quick breath and took a step back, “No this isn’t what you think it is…I’m not who you think I am!” She was in a state of panic. This was a lot to put on her. Her eyes melted into the deep black once again, the purple bolts began to race along her body. “This is all a lab experiment…I…was abducted…and they injected me with dark eco.”
“Rhys…” Navik stepped forward and placed his hand on her shoulder. “Who could survive that? Did any of the others that were abducted with you survive?”
Rhys stared to Navik, she was silent for a long moment before she slowly shook her head. “No…they all died…”
Navik looked to the giant and gave a slight nod, “Respect him.” He looked back to Rhys, “Trust in his judgement and guidance.”
Rhys’ mind raced and she shook her head. “Okay…” She whispered, her features morphed back to normal again.
Brevarik grinned and let out a hearty chuckle. “You are tasked with keeping her safe, she is of vital importance.” He spoke and looked to Asuna and then to Navik. “I will await your return.”
“Come on.” Navik nodded to Asuna and then looked to Rhys.
Rhys looked to the giant for a long moment before she turned to the temple. On either side of the entrance two statues stood with beautiful armor, they held a sword out toward each other, the swords crossed over the door creating an x. Rhys turned and stepped toward Navik whom headed toward the door. Navik stopped and looked up at the huge doors, he stood on a plate that seemed to be made of clear glass. “How do we get in?” Rhys asked as she looked for a switch or button. She stepped forward and pushed against the huge heavy doors.
Navik stepped off the platform, “Rhys, stand here.” He spoke and pointed to the platform.
Rhys looked to the glass and took in a breath. She stepped onto the platform and the glass beneath her began to glow a deep purple almost the same color as her lightning. Then suddenly she changed into her other form and lightening came from her body and shocked the doors. A rumbling came from the temple then and after a few seconds the doors slid out of place. Dust fell, the doors had been sealed for many years, centuries even. Rhys fell to her knees once the platform lost its light, her body automatically changed back. She took in quick breaths.
Navik stepped forward and helped Rhys to her feet. “Wow…” He spoke as he looked inside the temple. Beyond the door was a long hallway, on either side of the hallway dark eco ran through the walls, flowing like water.
Rhys blinked a few times, she felt light headed after the use of her powers like that, it was as if the platform forced all her energy from her body. She took a shaky step forward and led the group into the temple. The hallway was long, their steps upon the metal beneath them clinked and clanked echoing down the silent hallway. They reached another door with another glass platform. Rhys took in a breath and stepped onto the platform. The same actions took place, it lit up and then with a blast of lightening the temple rumbled and the doors slid from their place allowing their passage into the temple.
Rhys leaned against Navik as he helped her up. She stumbled forward into a large circular room that held spiraling stairs that led deep down into the depths of the temple. The dark eco that was within the walls fell like waterfalls down into the temple. Rhys looked around the room, along the walls more of the statues stood. They were beautiful, like nothing she’d ever seen. She felt like she was in a dream. Rhys looked to the bridge that led to the center of the room, that took them to the spiral staircase. At the end of the bridge was a huge statue that was knelt with its hands cupped together as if it held something. Rhys walked up to it as they crossed the bridge, she looked up to the beautiful workmanship of the statue and then looked inside of the cupped hands. Within the hands lay a bow that had beautiful inscriptions upon it.
“That’s precursor language.” Navik spoke as his eyes looked over the bow.
“What does it mean?” Rhys looked to him curious.
Navik ran his finger along the inscriptions, trying to make it out. “I…I’m not sure, this isn’t like any precursor language I’ve ever seen….it is truly ancient…Thalis may know the answer. Of all people, I would trust him to know.”
Rhys reached forward and lifted the bow into her hands she looked at the inscriptions as they lit up in the purple of dark eco. She looked to Asuna then, “You should have this, Asuna, I’m not a very good archer, I’m better with a sword or a gun.” She spoke and placed the bow into her hands. The inscriptions changed from the purple to the glowing red, causing the crystal that hung from Asuna’s neck to pulsate. Rhys furrowed her brows and a smile curved up her lips. “See?” She turned and looked to the spiraling staircase. “Okay…” She gave a nod. “Do…do you think that the giant was right? Am I not just some experiment? Was…this?” She looked to her hands, “What happened to me, was it always there?” She looked to Navik and then to Asuna.
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Post by Raven on Oct 14, 2017 20:26:13 GMT -5
Asuna slowly lowered her bow – when the giant seemed friendly. She had heard of legends of this beast – ripping people apart limb by limb. Something by his current appearance told her otherwise. Perhaps he was gentle unless disturbed… She gasped then when he picked up Rhys, but then he soon picked her up next. Asuna landed on his shoulder with a thud – her hands grasping to the trees as she fought for stability.
“Where are you taking us?” she spoke aloud as his giant legs towered over the trees – stepping over each obstacle like it was a toy in the bedroom. She listened to his words – and by the time his sentence had come to a pause – they stood before a beautiful ancient temple. Asuna’s jaw dropped. “This is what you protect?” she spoke and glanced to the giant statues guarding the door way.
Asuna looked to Rhys – who struggled to accept her fate. Asuna stepped up to her and then smiled weakly. “We cannot control where fate leads us, but it is up to us to grasp the reigns, and be ready for the next turn” she spoke and held her hand out on Rhys’ shoulder. “You made it this far… what is the worst that could happen?” she winked and then stepped onto the glossy stone that lead into the temple.
“These sort of things happened so long ago – they are forgotten. Precursors were such a thing of the past – they almost seemed mythical to me. This… this is amazing” she spoke out into the decorated halls. Her voice rang for a moment, and then was absorbed by the building. She looked to the glass plate – to which Rhys stepped on.
The room rumbled – the doors scraped slightly on the floor, but opened… They traveled in further, until eventually coming to one of the larger rooms they had been in so far. She stopped at the columns – admiring the art work. Scripture was etched in the stone, it glistened to the gentle fire light by the braziers hanging in the room.
Asuna turned and caught up with the two while they crossed the bridge – headed to the statue in the center of the room. Asuna’s jaw dropped slightly to the bow. She looked to Rhys – who was now holding the bow out to her. Asuna slowly reached forward and accepted the bow. There was a small burst of power – a rush of air pushed against Asuna. She held the bow up and down and observed it. It was gorgeous. It was a grey wood with the glowing scriptures, at marker points there was beautiful feathers attached and laced in by some unknown string she had never seen…She reached forward and touched the bowstring and then suddenly a glowing red arrow appeared in her finger, notched and ready. She gasped slightly – her eyes looking over the arrow. It was a bright furious red and had equally red static charge to it.
Asuna stepped to the statue and lowered her plain brown bow into the hands of the statue… She turned and looked to Rhys – her questioning still ringing in the air. “I have the ability to manipulate red eco, but I cannot create it. Perhaps this was your ability too? Without my crystal – I am powerless, perhaps the injections act in the same manner?” she questioned and then let out a gentle sigh. “Or perhaps you are the change this entire world has been praying for. They ask for a savior… and maybe you’re just the one. I don’t know..” she then spoke and then glanced up at the spiral staircase.
“Lets keep moving..” she spoke and lead them around the statue, and to the beginning of the stair case. The staircase winded for a long while – before leading to the next room… She stepped forward into a tall room. There were several status standing side by side on each side of the room. “The Precursors” she whispered. Each a statue of what once was.
She looked to the center of the room… there was a circle in the middle of the room and 3 plates around it. As they approached – she paused and glanced to it. “Exactly three…” she whispered. One glowing plate was a dark purple, another red and the last green. “This is too real” she muttered. “This was built thousands of years ago – how could it know? A prophecy? How corny” she muttered and then stepped on the red plate. Rhys on the purple. Hesitantly Navik approached the last.
As they all stepped on their plate – something in the ground moved. The large circle before them began to spin upwards, emerging from the ground in a spiral motion was another statue. The features were very detailed, and the man glowed a slightly purple essence. The Dark Precursor…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 14, 2017 22:14:03 GMT -5
Rhys grinned when she saw the bow light up red, she watched as Asuna pulled the bow string back and an arrow appeared, docked and ready to go. She then gave a nod, “Maybe, maybe the injections did unlock something.” She looked to her arms, she had scars on her arms, track marks, from all of the injections over the past few years. She shuddered slightly as she thought of her time in the labs, it was still hazy, and still only bits and pieces but not one memory was pleasant. All of it included pain.
As they came down the spiral Rhys looked to the room that they were descending into, it was larger than the last. She could see the slight glow of the three platforms below. When Asuna spoke of the prophesy Navik chuckled, “That old giant did say it was the prophets that foretold this moment.” He smirked and looked to his platform he carefully stepped on and looked to the statue that rose from the ground.
Rhys stared up to the statue, the deeply etched details, his eyes were black like pits, just like hers changed. Her jaw was loose, she took in a deep breath and looked back to the man. He had very short hair etched into the statue, his ears were long and pointed, much like hers. She’d always felt different. Her ears stuck out further than that of other humans. She’d been made fun of as a child. Even Thalis didn’t have as pointy of ears as she did. An orb lit within the statues hands, it was purple and looked to have dark eco spinning around within it. Rhys watched and then let out a cry as a beam shot forward, she was surrounded in the essence and lifted from the ground.
“Rhys!” Navik exclaimed, his eyes huge. Though she was lifted up into the air and toward the statue. She floated fifteen feet or so off of the ground. Her body arched back as lightening seemed to seep into her chest, she let out another cry. The room rumbled slightly.
“The dark one.” A deep voice boomed. “It has been centuries that the precursors lie in wait for the return of the dark one.” The voice spoke, it was wise and old. Rhys’ body was still arched, her muscles stiff as the power pulsated. “Daughter of Mar. My job here is done, now it is up to you to release us.”
The light from the orb faded and Rhys lowered to the ground. Her body was a limp heap much like a rag doll that had been set down quickly by a child. Navik rushed forward and looked up to the statue that had gone completely dark, the essence was gone. “Rhys?” He rolled her to her back. “Rhys?” He felt for a pulse, “Rhys!” He shook her, “Come on.” He shook her again and placed his head to her chest. He couldn’t hear her heart…she didn’t appear to be breathing. Navik sat back and looked to her for a moment before he looked up to Asuna, “What was that? What do we do?” He asked, his brows pulled together. He placed his hands on her once more, a focused look on his face, slowly a green aura came from his hands. His eyes widened, green eco. He’d tried to tap into his powers for years, but had been unsuccessful. Thalis had always been perplexed by his lack of ability. The green aura slowly crawled over Rhys’ body and stayed for a few minutes until it drifted back into his hands. Navik sat back, his eyes watching her hopefully.
Rhys’ eyes fluttered and opened slowly. She blinked a few times and sat up, Navik steadied her with a hand on her back. “What…happened?” She asked before she pushed herself to her feet. She glanced around the room. “Did…that really happen?” She looked to the now dormant statue.
“Yes…” Navik spoke. “Are you alright? Should you be standing? I thought you were dead, Rhys…”
“I feel great…” She brushed his hand from her shoulder and stepped forward. She looked to the orb that was dark now and placed her hand on it.
“Are you sure you should be messing with that thing?! It almost killed you.” Navik exclaimed taking a few steps forward before a blast of power pushed him back.
Rhys stood staring into the orb, she felt the world around them rumble. The platform that they stood upon began lowering down deeper into the temple. She glanced to Asuna for a moment before she looked back to her hand, lightening easily came from her palm as she kept in contact with the object. She glanced around to the beautiful fires that were lit in the room that they were lowered into. “Woah…” She spoke as she looked about the room. More statues. The art was absolutely incredible. As the platform settled she stepped off and stepped toward a statue that had its hands out in an offering. Within its hands was a staff. “Navik.” Rhys spoke. “I believe this belongs to you.” She lifted the staff and tossed it toward him.
Navik clumsily caught the staff and it lit with the vibrant green glow along the inscriptions. “Oh…how…did…?”
Rhys shook her head. “I don’t know…” She turned and found herself staring down a long skinny hallway that was lit with flaming torches. “How have these stayed lit over all of these years?” She questioned as she stepped toward the hallway. Rhys glanced back to the two for a moment before she pushed forward.
Navik stared up to the dark ceiling of the room. “How are we supposed to get back….?” He questioned before he ran to catch up with the two.
Rhys stepped into a large colosseum like room. She looked around for a moment and then continued onward to a statue that stood in the middle. It held yet another offering. Rhys looked over the object, it was a gorgeous sword. The blade had a hit of purple to it. The hilt was bronze wrapped in a beautiful white cloth. Inscriptions ran down the blade. She reached forward and lifted the blade into her hands the inscriptions began to glow and pulsate. She looked up to the statue and took a few steps back as it rumbled. The statue then began to lower into the ground. The doorway that they came through began to close.
“That’s the only way out!” Navik took off in a sprint. “Come on!”
Rhys ran behind him though all of the flames in the room blew out, at once. Leaving the three in complete darkness.
“It is in due time that you must be tested of your worth dark one, daughter of Mar. Your trio must surpass this challenge to prove its worth to the gods.” The voice was deep, just like the previous voice.
The flames suddenly lit, though in a blue light. They were back in the middle again somehow. By the magic of the temple. Rhys gripped the hilt of her new sword. She glanced around the walls began to crawl with shadows. Eyes could be seen glowing from the darkness. “Navik!” She cried as she slashed down on a metal armored creature. As she sliced the head off of the beast it dissipated into the shadows. “Watch yourself.” She spoke and looked to him for a moment.
Navik gave nod. “Thanks.” He spoke as he spun around.
Suddenly several more came from the shadows. Rhys rushed forward, lightning came from her sword as she slammed it down onto one, the lightening joined in and jumped across to at least 10 other beasts, dropping them to the ground easily.
Navik swung his staff skillfully, he slammed it into one, and then kicked another in the ribs. He’d taught Rhys from the beginning how to fight, before she entered any of her training for the Rangers. He was her base.
As they defeated these beasts more and more kept coming. It felt like the flood of monsters would never end. Until suddenly the room fell silent. The statue that was in the center rose up again, the eyes a burning ember. It held a flaming sword in its hands. The statue was easily three times the size of them. Rhys rolled forward and sliced at the leg of the statue, her sword bounced back and she tumbled to the side. The statue turned toward her and slammed its sword down. Rhys rolled to the side just in time and scrambled to her feet. She threw her sword onto her back and rushed forward again, she leaped into the air and slammed her fist into the chest of the huge statue. A flash of purple light came from Rhys and the statue and a thud followed. Rhys fell back onto her back, her breaths heavy. The statue staggered back to its feet, a gaping hole in its chest armor, a bright white light came from within the statue. Rhys staggered to her feet, her breathing heavy, “Kill it, Asuna…”
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Post by Raven on Oct 14, 2017 22:52:13 GMT -5
Asuna gasped when Rhys was lifted into the air, she grit her teeth as she watched her suffer. When Rhys landed – she dashed over and held her head up. “I can try to sho-“ she looked up and saw Navik’s hands glowing green. Asuna smiled and then lowered her head slowly, just as her eyes fluttered back to life.
“Scared us there” she spoke and then stood up. She crossed her arms as they exchanged words. “I don’t think she died – reborn, perhaps” she spoke and then shifted suddenly when the floor began to move. Before she knew it they were in an arena. She gripped her bow and then gasped when the lights went out.
“Its show time.. Time to test out our new toys” she gripped the string and a glowing arrow appeared. It was the only light in the darkness… Then suddenly the flames lit and she stepped back into a offensive stance.
The room began to flood with beasts of all kinds. She drew her arrows back and shot them down with ease. At first they were all corrupted animals – wolves with two heads, small raptors and other creatures alike. She fired away with ease, the bow was quick and powerful. The longer the she held the arrow back – the brighter it glowed, the more intense it became… charging up into a stronger shot.
She turned then – hearing Rhys cry for aid. She pulled her arrow back and released it. Just as she did she held her hand out and the arrow burst with red light – splitting into 10 arrows and firing forward, homing in on the target. When they slammed into the statue they exploded with a powerful blitz. The statue crumbled into bits, a pile of stone on the ground.
Asuna stepped over and looked about the empty arena. “I don’t think we are done yet…” she spoke and stood in the center. “Group up…” she spoke and held her bow up, holding an arrow back – charging it up. There was a loud roar and a glowing black panther leaped from the ceiling, landing on the ground in a prowling motion. It walked slowly to the side and then growled.
“Rhys you go first – Navik flank, I will cover fire.” She spoke and then released her arrow. The panther easily leaped to the side, her arrow sticking into the ground – and then disappearing with a slight bang. She pulled another and released it. The Panther seemed to know exactly when and where it would land – easily dodging the arrows. Though she kept them coming – she was just the distraction…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 14, 2017 23:25:50 GMT -5
Rhys watched as the statue burst into pieces she grinned and looked to Asuna as she warned that there was more to come. “Of course.” Rhys spoke as she backed up to the center with the two.
Navik held his stance, he watched as the huge panther came down from the ceiling. “Got it.” He took off to the left sprinting. His staff glowed green.
Rhys gave a nod and took off toward the right. The panther snarled and leaped toward her after dodging an arrow. Rhys leaped forward and pulled her sword from her back, she slammed it on the ground and a jolt of lightning ripped across the ground toward the panther. It leaped upward and toward her. Its huge paw landed on her chest and slammed her to her back, sending her sword clattering across the arena. It leaned down in her face, growling, droll dripped from its fangs. Rhys gripped onto his paw and shut her eyes, her claws dug into his fur, piercing into his flesh and lightening began to burst from her hands, searing the creature. The panther snarled and jumped back.
Rhys staggered to her feet, her chest plate was crushed and cracked. She pulled at it and gasped, her breathing was being constricted. She managed to pulled the clips from place and it clattered to the ground just as the creature rushed her again. Rhys dodged to the side and rolled.
Navik rushed forward and threw his staff with force, it flew forward in a spinning motion and slammed against the beast causing it to stagger. His staff then returned to him, much like a boom-a-rang.
Rhys leaped up and scaled up the side of the panther. It snarled and thrashed against her as she climbed, though her beast like claws held her in place. She pulled her dagger from her waist and gouged it into the creature’s chest and pulled downward as she fell from the beast. Blood poured out onto the floor. The panther whined and bat at Rhys which knocked her over as she wasn’t expecting it. Rhys picked herself up and wiped a bit of blood from her jaw before she found her way to her sword and chest plate. She gathered her items and came back to the panther that was groaning as the bled out slowly. Rhys reached her hand forward and in a jolt of electricity the beast stopped moving.
Rhys looked to Navik whom rushed over to her and looked her over carefully. “I’m okay.” She gave a slight smile. She then looked to Asuna, “Are you alright?” She asked and glanced her over for wounds. Rhys looked around the arena, “Is that it?” She asked, curious. “Who is Mar?” She questioned and looked to Navik.
“He was one of the most powerful Precursors…” Navik spoke, his brows pulled together. “That statue above said you were the daughter of Mar…and then here it said the same…”
“Dark one.” The rumbling voice spoke again. “You fought with valor. You put yourself before the others in battle, without a second thought.” In the middle of the room a light emerged. “Step onto the plate and you shall be rewarded.”
“Are we so sure we want to do that?” Navik asked, “I mean, the last plate we stepped on landed us in here…”
Rhys looked to Navik and let out a laugh. “What’s the worst that could happen huh? You said I already died.” She chuckled and stepped forward toward the light. As the three stepped into the bright light it was as if they were transported elsewhere. Rhys held her arm up, trying to shield herself from the blinding aura. Eventually her vision came back to and they were in a room with huge glass windows, the top of the temple that overlooked the rest of the forest.
“You will need protection to make it to your elders, dark one.” The voice spoke again. A piece of the wall moved and rotated outward. Three sets of armor hung on the wall. Each different. Rhys stepped to hers which was held in a purple glow. She reached her hand out to it and suddenly the armor that was already on her fell away she lifted into the air slightly, surrounded by the aura and the pieces flew into place upon her body. The pieces were bronze in color. Around her torso it clicked into place like ribs around her abdomen and a smooth piece rest over her chest cavity. It was light as a feather. She felt as though she didn’t have armor on at all. The shoulder pieces stuck out slightly, but curved with her shoulder, the gauntlets were smooth and had a purple orb on the outside that was about the size of a half dollar. She looked down as the thigh guards clipped into place and finally the shin guards with a defined knee guard. She was lowered to the ground slowly, her sword attached into a sheath that came with the armor and rest upon her back. Her dagger even had its own place. “This is…amazing…” She gasped.
Navik stepped forward to his own armor. He took in a breath and reached out and suddenly he was lifted into the air and his armor swirled around him. Shoulder pads that were silver clipped into place, then a chest plate that was also silver in color and an inscription of a lion rest on his chest, a family crest. His family crest. He looked to the gauntlets which held green orbs, that seemed to match the orbs on Rhys’ armor. His leg plates clipped into place and he was set back onto the ground. “It’s so light…”
“You must travel to the north, the sages have already gathered. They will tell you what to do.” The voice spoke just before a flash of light filled the room. A strong breeze pushed against Rhys’ face and when she was able to see again they stood outside the temple before the giant, whom was sleeping happily. Rhys took in a deep breath, “This is unreal.” She spoke softly.
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