Chapter Two: The Southward Winds

[~Hidan~]

After hearing what Malice had said to him through the wind Nichi Felt a horrid pain in his side. He knew that if he did go after Malice he’d not be there to start the war, but if he left him there he might also not have one of his friends the next day. It was time to pull the Ace that Gracia held.

“Malice isn’t going to be able to help you with this spell but perhaps I can, and you can help me with something as well.” Nichi said looking Titania hard in the eyes.

Belial had left several minutes before to go see his demon kin. Only Magus and Titania were here to help him. Nichi felt very much so in need of the support of others. He had lost too much today to go without it.

Titania nodded. “I’ll do what I can. What exactly are we doing?”

Nichi motioned for Magus and Titania to follow. He led them to the base of the largest pillar in the Gracian castle. Nichi said a chant and a door opened in the side of it. A staircase went under the city. “This is going to be a long walk.” Nichi warned. Only four hours till sunrise. They had to hurry. “You know what this mite hurt but we are going down the fast way.” He froze the staircase and sat on the ice and began to slide down the two miles of stairs that was in front of them.

Magus and Titania followed, they both seemed worried about were it was that they were going. It was so very dark that one could not even see their own hands. Slowly it became brighter and brighter. A giant alter appeared in front of them. In front of the alter stood a set of Black Armor and a Giant Sword Sheath.

“What is this place?” Titania said looking around at familiar runes and statues.

Magus looked and noticed it too; this was a familiar looking room.

“This is the sanctum of Gracia’s most prized treasure. The Black Armor of Gracia, you saw the other side of it the White Armor worn by Ishia during the last fight.” Nichi said as he undressed to just his underclothes, Placing his own sword in the sheath that seemed to change the swords shape as it entered.

Magus came over and helped Nichi as he started to put on the Black Armor. Nichi removed his training weights and his power restraints at this time as well. Magus tied down the last part of the great armor.

“This is where I need your help Titania. Please pick up the book from the alter and follow the instruction to bind the armor to my soul.” Nichi said pointing at a book that was roughly two times the size of Titania’s entire being.

She looked at the book with disbelief and then at Nichi. “How exactly am I supposed to pick it up?”

Nichi smiled. “Just touch it.”

Titania touched the great book and with a feint glow it shrank to being perfect size and weight for her to carry. Titania looked puzzled by this but began to read to herself the instructions that were there. It noted the vile of water that sat on the alter and that she had to spread it over the warrior wearing the armor, she did so. She then read a strange language that for some reason was very easy to read at the time for her. She then laid her hand on the shoulder of the armor and said the last line. “Bind!”

Nichi’s eyes were Yellow, and then turned the same black color that the armor was. His muscles grew to fit the armor and made him look like a great God of a Warrior. He drew what was once his great Black Steel Sword and now it was a longer wider cleaver like sword with a handle at one end and another handle center blade. Nichi’s Eyes turned back to normal. “Thank you Titania; this should give us just a little more bend in our favor.”

“What exactly is that armor?” Magus said looking at it closely, reading some of the runes on it but unable to make out what they said.

“This is the only reason the demons are trying to take over Gracia I believe, this is the first demon kings armor, before Aikia was ruler. There was a great demon known as Kharn, ask Belial about him sometime and you’ll see his eyes light up. Kharn was the original, the first demon ever. And he was the most powerful being ever known, He was given the position of ruler of the afterlife, or heaven because he was also the most compassionate of beings, he basically was the creator of this world and the one who raised humankind here to the level that we are at.”

Magus looked a little confused. “So a demon is to credit for taking care of this world before the gods?”

Nichi nodded. “Now about that spell, read as much of that book from chapter 5-30 as you can, inside you will find all the knowledge of the magic world known to this world.”

Titania held her new book close with joy. “I may finally become a great Mage with this help thank you Nichi; will I need to return the book?”

Nichi shook his head. ‘Nope, a new one will replace it in a thousand years.”

Magus looked around the room some more in hopes of finding some clue as to where he might find his sister.

“Magus I have something for you as well.” Nichi pulled out a small crystal ball. “I know your looking for someone, just think of that person and you will be able to see them from now on through this.”

Magus looked at the item in delight. “Thank you Nichi.” He put the ball in his jacket pocket.

Three more hours till the Battle started. The three of them ran as fast as they could up the stairs. ‘Mother please protect me!’ Nichi thought as he came into the light of the city. The raid of the demon camps was only an hour and a half off by the time they got to the top of the stairs they all sat down out of breath.

Titania looking in her book and found a spell, and for the first time she could remember her spell went off without effort. “Regen!” She cast on the three of them, their fatigue left and they all felt like they had just woken up.

Nichi and Magus gave thumbs up in approval. The three of them ran off to the rest of the army who was preparing for the advancement. Aikia stood in the White Armor that Ishia had worn last battle and carried the same sword. She looked at Nichi and was bewildered by the site of him wearing such a powerful set of Armor.

“Looks like all the Aces are drawn, let’s play a little poker.” Nichi said Moving in front of his now massive army of almost a million and a half. Aikia stood next to him.

“Today we bring the fight back to the demons my brothers. Today we seek the grand vengeance that will once and for all prove that the mortal race is not willing to give up so easy.” With that Nichi signaled for the advancement of the army. With a great Hazzah, the forces moved in unison towards the battlefield.

 

[FFnut]

*****************************
Palis, The Year 0 Aikia, The Battlefield

It began.

Demon and human clashed in battle and slaughtered each other.

Nichi stood tall, commander of the Gracians. On one side stood Aikia, the new queen of Gracia. Together they formed a figure of pure inspiration to continue the fighting.

Magus fingered the crystal Nichi had given to him. He almost took it out before having another thought. No... not Schala. I don't even know if Schala is still alive or what the hell is happening anymore. Maybe... maybe those Lavos Spawn got her. I don't know anymore. There's someone else who needs saving first.

He pulled the ball out of his pocket, thought, and gazed in...

******************************
Palis, The Year 0 Aikia, Valmarus's Base

Malice suddenly felt apprehensive. He could feel someone attempting to watch him, although he was bound to a pillar. He also heard Valmarus shouting orders to his commanders, but he couldn't quite make out what they were saying.

Did Nichi get the message? What's happening now? Are we winning? Losing? He struggled with his chains, trying to move around the pillar and get free.

*****************************
Palis, The Year 0 Aikia, The Battlefield

The vision was cut off when a demon knocked the crystal out of Magus's hand. With a great bellow, the monster raised its axe, ready to bring down Magus in a single blow.

Magus looked up at the demon's face. "Oh hells no. You did not just do that." A few quick swipes later, Magus's scythe was bloodied and the demon was lying in several pieces. "That was for the crystal ball." He looked and saw several more demons marching towards him. "And these are going to be for working for the guy who has Malice. Dark Matter!"

Pure dark energy flew from Magus's fingertips, causing the demons to swell with power. In a few seconds he was pinned to the ground. Okay, I didn't totally think that one through.

Suddenly the demons were burned to ash. Magus looked up to see the giant shapeshifter demon he had fought in the previous battle. The demon cackled. "WelL JaNus... weeemeeeeetaaggaaAAAIINN!!!!"

Magus and the monster traded blows. "FooLiSh moRTal... yOu try To sAvE yoUR siSTeR noT kNOwiNG heR FAte! SHe liEs deaD noW!"

Hatred boiled through Magus's blood. Schala's dead. This thing brags about it. It knows that I am Janus... only one other thing has ever stood between me and Schala reuniting... and the last one was destroyed on Earth. This thing is going to have to go the same way.

The same feeling of anger that Magus had once felt in the dream that he had first seen Zera Shaal in came back. Darkness and hatred fused together inside of Magus. Unconciously, he lifted up his hand.

"You... disgusting creature... you killed her... you... demon... you... murderer..."

The creature laughed in delight. "DeMOn? HarDLy. I am bORn Of thAT yOU cAllED 'LaVoS!'"

"Lavos... you're... Lavos Spawn... a shapeshifter... despicable... disgusting... only Lavos... ever before... me and Schala... you... things..." His rage boiled over. "DARK FLARE!"

The monster shrieked in agony as the area around Magus was suddenly blasted with powerful dark energy. Human and demon alike nearby were destroyed. The Lavos Spawn shifted wings and flew away as it had before.

The hole in the battle caused by the magic was quickly filled by more fighters. Magus noticed Titania staring in shock at him. He stared back, never more fearful in his life. He bolted back to the castle. Nichi quickly commanded soldiers to cover the area that Magus had left open. He glanced at the castle, wondering what had made Magus kill so many both ally and enemy.

Inside, Magus flew to his room and curled up in the corner. Then, for the first time since he was separated from Schala so many years before, he began to cry.

***************************
Palis, The Year 0 Aikia, Kain's Castle

Contrary to the Lavos Spawn's words, however, Schala was still alive. Gamma bent over her, taking the pendant off her neck. "Sleeping well, little princess? I see you've broken pieces off your necklace. A shame. It would have been easier if you'd kept it in one piece." One of Gamma's arms transformed into a threatening claw. "Now we'll have to rip your magic from you the hard way."

 

[Mong00se]

It seemed each demon was it's own shaman. Though Malice had descecrated the shamans, he had left the portals intact. Before the morning shed its gaze upon the world, the shamans had assembled around each portal, and the ritual continued. Malice noticed that the lesser demons they had fought for the last few days no longer made up the front line. They were being saved, Malice thought, saved to become shaman. Malice sent another prayer to the wind goddess that day as he hoped for Gracia.

The juggernaut army had left at the slightest hint of dawn. They had moved out quickly, as volitile as ever. Malice had never seen such a bloodlusted entity. They cared for nothing except destruction. The demons rose 8 feet off the ground in their prime, but the majority Malice had encountered had been a dwarfed 7. They resembled elephants, their sheer body weight and truck like snout only adding to the visage. They hunched over, and carried weapons ranging from chains to clubs and swords. The demons streamed one after another continuously out of the portal.
The real thing that disturbed Malice about the juggernauts was their behavior. They weren't like the other demons, listening to orders and thinking at least a little before they leapt into the fray. No, the juggernauts were more dangerous because they ceased to think. They were blinded by rage and weathered by battle. The lust for blood drove them further into the battle. They would kill either side to achieve the goals layed out for them by their commander. They were the perfect tanks to end the war.

Because the entire lesser demon force had not been sent, the stragglers lay bored in their camp. One approached Malice.

"Ahh tis the mage Hige was talkin bout," said the demon, ushering over his posse. "Gen'ral Hige is gon give yea quite thuh lickin eh boys." Around him his followers snickered, elbowing eachother at their friends routine. "But us'ns dun likeh Hige, so we's gon givit t'yea usselves. Ain't we?"

The first demon grunt kicked Malice, but summoning a powerful gust of wind, his foot was reversed backwards. The demon fell backwards as his companions laughed.

"Ehh ye think yee're tuff, usin' yur trick'ry? Git'm boys."

Malice could only do so much with his hands bound. His danced on the wind, avoiding blows, but the demons quickly overpowered him. With one demon dead, impaled by nature's fury on a treebranch, and two more laying dazed, the demons finally subdued Malice.

"THAT IS ENOUGH!" came a call from behind. With a swift strike, the demons rose into smoke. It was the human that had saved Malice before.

"Thank you," Malice tried to say, but was cut off by a low growl.

"Do don't test my patience," said Hige. "You WILL learn your place." Hige turned and slowly walked away.

Malice pulled his trump card. "I know you don't like siding with these demons. I see it in your eyes. I see your compassion for your kin. You hate sending orders that slaughter us. I ask that you join our cause; help us rid the world of the spreading crystal plague. You owe it not only to yourself, but to the people of Palis to be true to this world."

Hige dropped his head, and stopped walking. "You know I can't," he said, and he continued walking.

 

[Zerlina]

((Had to cut this one in half))

Titania did not immediately follow the others into the rage of battle. Instead, she made her way to the infirmary to check on the injured that might have awaken. Though she hadn’t said anything, the few days of war had given her experience and she had begun to understand her art more.

”White magic is unlike any other kind of fascination” the high-priest used to say, though Titania had never understood him until now “Each time you cast a spell you have to be able to call upon all the compassion and comfort that lives within you.
When one heals, they are giving away piece of themselves- all their pleasantries, all their hopes and all their dreams, all that they live for, all that they remember and cherish…you cannot alleviate pain and injury with nothing. It all must come from within you, and it all must be given freely with compassion and sympathy.
For a brief moment, you will be giving your very life to someone else. Remember that, but never say it. As healers we know that few can understand us- though we give comfort, we must never expect others to appreciate how for one moment they lived and breathed through our own spirits.”

Titania let the ancient instruction repeat in her mind as she continued down the musty hallway.

“I finally understand you.” She said aloud, for a moment forgetting that the high-priest was only a memory, washed away in an ominous storm.

As she stood in the same hallway she had come through before, the echo of her voice slowly dissipated and fell to a dry silence; its solemnity only interrupted by a passing wind.

The breeze that blew outside the hallway windows was different than the one she’d heard before. This one was harsher, more unruly, and seemed altogether hollow. Repeating her previous actions, Titania rose onto the balls of her feet- this time to see the outside.

Malice…where are you? she thought, not understanding why the group hadn’t decided to rescue him.

She stared out the window, her eyes melancholy with confusion. Was he sick? Injured? Had they tortured him? Was he dead?
Wherever he was, she was certain he was not in good hands. The thought made her sick to her stomach, and she began to feel anger toward the others- why wouldn’t they try to save him? Could she go herself? No… that wasn’t too good an idea.
Her palms ached with the fear that comes from imagination, and in such a state, she shed a duet of tears, not understanding that the others had made their decision on the grounds of the greater victory and not on the benefit of their comrade. With little hope, the girl conjured up a healing spell and set it gently outside the window, praying to Phoenix that the wind would take it to its master.

After a time, she resumed her journey to the infirmary, this time minding the oil lamp. In the short time that it took her to travel down the hallway, her anger had taken dominance, and she began to consider her situation.

Was it such a callous group that they would leave their comrade to the death with the enemy? Why did they do nothing? Suddenly, she was overcome with a feeling of uselessness- she knew there was little she could do unless the others changed their minds.

Stopping at the end of the hall, the girl shook her head I’m tired of this. she thought I won’t let myself be helpless anymore. This isn’t Madain Sari and I’m not going home any time soon. I have to stop acting like I am and start growing up…

Titania reached into her pocket and found the spell book Nichi had given to her. Getting an idea, she changed directions. She arrived at her destination- a rarely visited room. Knowing what lay inside, she placed her delicate hands on a heavy, monstrous door and pushed to try and open it; she was met with no success. She tried once more, this time pressing her feet hard into the floor and forcing all her weight against the entryway. After some time, the object finally gave way, letting Titania fall painfully on the stone floor.

“Ow.” She said, out loud, rubbing her arms where her skin had smacked against the ground.

The shelf-lined room was dark, dusty, and full of cobwebs. It had no windows, and so Titania had to take a torch which hung outside the door.

She had found this room a few days before when she was wandering, and returned now to find what had so easily caught her attention the last time she had come.

Coughing a bit from the dust, she shone her torch on the supply-laden shelves until she found an old box with a broken hatch. The black, wooden case was etched with ancient designs: winding rivers and sturdy magnolias. Blowing dust off the lid, Titania opened it and retrieved from the inside two old fans, each framed with metal. The objects were much like those that she had used when she was younger for ceremonies at the eidolon wall.

An event that had started as a prayer for a mild winter, the people of her village used to light candles at midnight during the last days of autumn, and perform rituals for the eidolon Shiva. One of these was a dance performed by the young girls, who would each bring with them two fans for maneuvering.

Placing the torch in a wall-holder, Titania set the two objects down on the stone floor before she removed the ancient spell book from her pocket. With a practiced thumb, she flipped through the pages until she found an enchantment similar to the one that had been given to her flute by her mother. Uttering unintelligible phrases, the girl placed her hand over the two fans, for no longer than a ten seconds. It was not long before they shimmered in the darkness, suddenly infused with a holy magic so unlike the shadows they had been stored in. Timidly, Titania reached out and took the items, putting them in her apron-like pocket for later use. At the touch of her hand the objects ceased to glow.

As she returned the box to its proper place and prepared to return to the battle, she double-checked her reasoning to make sure it was sound.

When she’d first arrived in Palis, there had been a demon in the town, which was destroyed by only the touch of a holy flute. Therefore these creatures did not need to be slain with weapons- even the mere effect of enchantment could turn an ordinary object into a demon’s death-sentence. She had practiced dancing with these fans, so why shouldn’t she be able to wield them in battle? In all likelihood it was easier (more dangerous, but easier).

That seemed to make sense, and now all that remained was her ability to kill.These things lived and breathed, and, were she to be successful, she would be taking the gift that had been bestowed upon them. But then again, she had seen in the infirmary how these demons had caused so much merciless carnage- how they had killed over a hundred men. Did these things deserve to live? Well she reminded herself That’s not for me to decide.

Silently, she exited the room, pulling the door closed (with good effort), before placing the torch back in its proper place.

It’s never alright to kill. She thought, finally coming to a resolution But we are at war. And the enemy will show us no mercy- a demon that is left alive may be the cause of a Gracian's death.

 

[Zerlina]

BANG! Outside, demons battered at the Gracian gates. Their small bodies were little match for the ominous entryway, which still towered sturdily above its invaders. From the ramparts, soldiers fired arrows down toward the offending beasts with little fatigue.

At about sunset the demons began to back up and stopped their persistence at the gate.

“They’ve given up!” cried an inexperienced Gracian soldier.

“No.” Nichi said, shaking his head “If they’d given up they would have left. They’re staying put, which can only mean…”

As if on cue, juggernauts –elephant like demons- made their way slowly to the Gracian gates. The creatures were pelted with arrows, but did not cease their mission. In less than five minutes and with only one of the demons slain, the gates gave way and enemy began spilling into the city.

“You!” Nichi cried, pointing to a group of soldiers “Stay up here and shoot them down before they can get inside.” He turned to another group “Come with me!”

Below, Magus had already begun battle with the creatures. A demon came from behind, raised its sword and made for the man’s neck. Seeing the beast from the corner of his eye, Magus quickly turned and parried the blow, kicking the demon in the knee before digging his heavy scythe into its chest.

“You ok?” Nichi asked as he ran down the steps of the rampart, slicing down a dozen demons in the process.

“Yeah…” Magus replied, surprised that the warrior was talking to him.

“Dammit…where’s Belial?” Nichi cried as he cut the head off of one of the invaders.

“Behind you. It’s a small world after all.” Belial muttered, his legs still weak from Osiris.

The stream of demons seemed endless, and the only thing that kept them from completely overwhelming the Gracian soldiers was the width of the gate.

A disturbing grin on its hideous face, a demon whose skin seemed to be festering with unimaginable things arrived within the city walls. Wielding a terrifying blade, the creature hacked through soldiers with little heed, before setting his eye on Nichi. A fiendish expression on his face, the demon swung his blade, nailing his victim in the back of the shoulder. There was a clang, but nothing more. His armour holding strong, Nichi turned to stare at his aggressor. His face was the last sight that the creature ever saw.

Belial stared in sarcastic wonder “New outfit?”

“Yeah.” Nichi laughed, turning quickly to dig his blade into another enemy that was coming for him.

The three of them fought bravely, Belial’s fists meeting the broken ribs of several demons and Magus’ blade finding many monstrous sheaths.

Suddenly, the battle came to a lull as the ground thundered beneath the warriors. Casting a dark shadow, a monstrous juggernaut came toward the group, crushing demon and human alike with its flat feet.

“What the hell?” a soldier exclaimed, firing an arrow at the beast only to find that it was useless.

More accustomed to giant enemies than the rest, Magus did not hesitate to attack. The others soon followed suit, but the creature held strong.

“What is that thing?” Nichi cried, taking a swipe at its legs.

“It’s called a Juggernaut.” Belial said, driving his fists into the monster.

“I don’t even want to know why you know that.”

The battle raged on and the ominous creature gave little leeway. It was not until a soldier dug his sword into its foot that beast could be more easily taken down, for you see, the blade held the monster to the ground, preventing an attack. In less than a minute, there was a harrowing cry as a Gracian sword cut through demon flesh, which soon turned to darkened ash.

A smile appeared on Nichi’s face as he saw the creature disappear, but it quickly faded- he raised his head to see that at least six more juggernauts wandered the city.

Suddenly, there came a familiar cry from a few meters away.

Before they could turn to look, Titania stood in a pile of ash, having been surprised by an attacking juggernaut. The fear and anger she’d already been feeling triggered in her a burst of holy magic; magic which was emitted from two objects that were hard to see beneath her lengthy sleeves.

The girl stared at the darkened ground for less than a moment before a demon came up behind her. Shocked and still full of magic, she hit the creature in the chest with the edge of her fan. As she had suspected, the object cut through the monster’s flesh and brought it to its knees. Utterly disgusted, she kneed it in the face and closed her fan, bringing it down into the creature’s skull. The thing gave out a terrible noise and then disappeared into smoke and ash.

“Sorry I’m la-” Titania began to speak to the others but was interrupted by another demon. Adrenaline flowing through her veins, she produced white magic once more, turning her attacker into the hellish dust he'd come from.

"...late."

 

[Drazniich]

Belial smiled and wiped a fleck of blood from the corner of his mouth. So far, so fun...

He tried to fully grasp what was going on, which for anyone but a demon would be nearly impossible. However, since almost all battles decend into anarchy [or loosesly structured chaos] he could easily pick out the important events going on.

The one that bothered him was the hole in the back of the demonic lines. The darkness that blocked it was killing the others nearby, as if their essence was needed to fuel the event...

And then Belial fell to his knees. He realized exactly what was going on. There was no command to save them now. There could be no retreat, no escape, and no victory.

Slowly, from the fading cloud of nothing, a gigantic throne of skeletons and flesh emerged. Fifty feet tall at the back, there sat a seven foot heavily armoured figure, with great wings of shadow covering him like a cloak.

"The Fourth..." Belial whispered in terror.

...

Meanwhile, inside the castle, Osirus stopped banging his head against the wall suddenly. He shuddered, and dove out the window towards the battle.

Landing beside Belial and Nichi, his jaw dropped. "Is that-"

"Nidogg..." Belial said, not bothering to get up. "The Lord of the Dead."

Osirus nodded. "Thought so. I was wondering what the Fourth had been up to lately."

Nichi shifted his grip on his sword. "How powerful?"

Belial half caringly waved his hand, shooting a wide beam at Nidogg. The demon took the bolt to the chest, and stood. Nothing had been unmade.

"That powerful." Belial sighed. "He was originally a normal demon, just simply the fourth one created. But he grew fast, and grew hungry. Now, the lord of the dead is one with the entropy, a living force of undoing."

As if to prove Belial's point, Nidogg decended from his throne. As he passed, he touched the occasional demon or soldier, and they turned to ash. He was carving a line straight for Belial, Osirus and Nichi.

"What can we do?" Nichi asked, still staring with murderous intent.

Belial looked up at him. "Die like heroes." he said sadly.

Osirus shook his head. "You rely way too heavily on unmaking when fighting others, Belial." Osirus nodded. "Nichi, we'll hold him off for a bit. Watch him CAREFULLY." he winked.

Belial rose slowly, wincing. "I'll re-break them later." Osirus said, touching Belial's shoulder. "For now, I need you in one piece."

Nidogg's face was a cold, emotionless gaze. He brushed a Juggernaut as he passed, and it disapeared.

Belial looked down, and spread his arms. An orb of nothingness appeared infront of him. Osirus did the same. "Hopefully, this will keep him from trying to undo us."

Nidogg was almost there. Belial then motioned at the sky. His opponent looked up.

A torrent of black fire decended down right onto Nidogg. Just before it his, his hand raised above his head, and it was sucked inside.

"Thought so." Belial smiled. "Osirus, we have to clip his left arm off."

Osirus nodded. "I knew that one of us had the Left Hand of Kharn." he smiled back. "That'd explain why Nidogg has become so unstoppable.

Nichi was watching, his eyes yellowed and flickering. If it was the Left Hand of Kharn that was allowing Nidogg to unweave reality...

Then perhaps some trick lay in Kharn's armor...

Nidogg kept walking, trying to get close enough to touch Belial. Belial kept the orb in between him and Nidogg, so Nidogg would stall, unable to absorb that much nothingness at once. Osirus continually blasted Nidogg's feet with dark ice, but the demon simply reached down and brushed it away.

"You know something, Lord Nidogg?" Belial said as he drew his cane.

Nidogg mouthed the word what.

Belial took a fighting stance.

Nidogg stepped forward.

Osirus filled Nidogg's back with steel pages.

"You're a lousy warrior." Osirus spat. Nidogg slowly rolled his shoulders, the pages falling to the ground.

Arms raised, he turned to Osirus.

And a blur went past his upper body on the left side. Slowly, his left arm, from half way past the elbow, slid off from a 45 degree angle.

Nichi landed, cracking his neck as he sheathed his sword.

Nidogg stared dumbly at the severed limb. He mouthed the word impossible.

Nichi turned, crossing his arms. The arm floated over to him, disapearing into the armor for the time being. Nidogg screamed silently, and a wave of dark lightning sent all three of them flying back away from him.

"Great! So now, instead of being a walking ender of existance, he's a really pissed off lightning slinging demon lord. Way to think things through, Belial!" Osirus shouted as he landed.

Belial shrugged. "Improvise, smart ass."

 

[Mong00se]

((Thanks a-holes for saving me. I think I'll save myself then...))

 

[FFnut]

((Thanks a-holes for saving me. I think I'll save myself then...))

((Someone's a little testy...))

 

[Zerlina]

((Thanks a-holes for saving me. I think I'll save myself then...))

((H’okay…story’s going nowhere so here goes…))

Titania watched as the giant demon descended upon Gracia and commenced battled with Nichi, Belial, and another who she could not quite distinguish.

Taking advantage of the distraction, the mage quickly ran through the city gates. The grounds were littered with soldiers and demons – all locked in arduous battles, and yet Titania did not stop. The thick mud pulling at her feet with persistence, she continued her expedition, a moment of insanity (or at least lack of sense) having come over her.

She had gone surprisingly far, when at last a demon came before her. Baring its hideous teeth, the creature raised its jagged sword and prepared to sheath it in her chest. Not a moment after it brought up its arms did it drop its weapon; its stomach meeting the ancient fan.

Absolutely thrilled with herself (though slightly disturbed by the sight of death) the girl continued on through the mud. Had she been more aware, perhaps she would have been able to avoid the next attack put upon her, but as was not the case she hit the ground, having been tripped by a demon soldier.

She turned to look up at it, only to have the monster press its metal-clad foot upon her- its toe resting upon the base of her ribs so she could not stand up. Reacting quickly, Titania closed her fan and drove it into the demon’s shin twice. Letting out a hallow cry, the monster fell to the ground, nearly landing on its opponent, who was luckily swift enough to roll out of the way. Shocked but still determined, the girl crawled away before standing and running once more.

The thrill of battle had finally hit her, and though she feared for the preservation of her life, she could not help but feel a sense of overwhelming excitement. She became much too confident and so did not prepare herself for what came next.

Another fowl creature came before her, she took hold of her fan but was interrupted. She cried out loud as a demon, who had caught onto her inexperience, drove his fist into the back of her shoulder, from behind. Quickly, the same demon wrapped his arm around her neck and another around her waist so she could not run without choking herself and could not fall to escape him. The fear finally becoming real, Titania struggled with all her might but was met with no success.
Then, after a few moments, a companion of her attacker stood before her with his sword drawn. She tried to look to the side for any sign of the others, but found that the castle was far and she was very much alone. Flashing its yellow teeth, the demon brought its sword baring hand forward; Titania closed her eyes so that she would not see.

CLANG! There was a clash of metal and then nothing. Unharmed, save for her shoulder, the shaken mage opened her eyes to see that another demon of a higher ranking had arrived and had stopped what would have been her death.

“Bring this one back…” was all he said “Might be useful.”

Titania heard and understood this for some reason she could not explain.

Oh thank the eidolons… she thought and then made sure that she did not struggle hard enough to actually escape. Now, for once, things were working in her favour.

When at last they arrived at the demon camp, she took in her surroundings, searching for any sign of her captured companion. Not ten metres away, chained to a post did she see a slumped figure, facing away from her. She strained her eyes to see who it was and was affirmed by what she could make out: that the figure’s hands were clad in dark, studded gauntlets. She concealed a smile, and then –not having any idea what to do after, but doing it anyways- she cast a spiteful cure upon her demon captors and watched as two hit the ground while another turned to ash.

Drawing her fans from apron pocket again, she ran toward the post, the opposition having had no time to react yet.

“Look! I got better.” She said, cheekily as she kneeled beside Malice.

With one quick motion, she severed the demon chains with her fans, and then fell silent. Blocking out the sounds of the oncoming demons and all the confusion that lay around her, she closed her eyes, and did as she had done so many times in the days before.

In a second, Malice felt a distance from the chaos- he was no longer sitting in the muddy ground of the camp- he was far, far away.

At first his vision was clouded with a light haze, but soon he could see clearly and so found himself sitting on the heated rocks of a cliff. The fingers of the sun extended down the ground and warmed him to his soul, while the breeze played a gentle tune along nearby waves.

Surreally, the water rose to meet the top of the cliff and spilt over the edge so that it ran along Malice’s worn palms. Surprised, by the unusual texture of the water, the warrior raised his hands to find that the wear from the demonic chains had disappeared.

Mechanically, he opened his mouth as if to speak, and found that the wind coursed through his mouth and flowed through his body, bringing with it a comforting and tender feeling. When at last the breeze exited, he found that he was strong once more.

Not knowing what else to do, Malice rose, and as soon as he did so, he realized that in the distance he could hear faint voices echoing off invisible sea rocks. The voices spoke in what seemed like nonsense, and yet they brought with them a tenderness that raised the warrior’s spirit.

“…with…”
“…and then they’ll …”
“…blessed it….”
“Tania, I think…”
"...but she'll never..."


And so came to him remnants of conversations that had long ago been washed away by time. They were incomplete and had no significance to him, and yet at the same moment, they seemed like all the world.

No sooner did these voices appear, did they leave, replaced by a thousand images, each playing in Malice’s mind at the same time. He saw calm waters, the shadows of children running in fields, boxes hidden in stone walls, bright, joyous flames, and games etched into sand.

Then, slowly, the white haze came over him again and when it withdrew he found himself sitting in the cold mud of the demon camp. All that he had seen had happened in an instant and it seemed to him like only a dream. Though at first he strained, he could only recall faint moments of the experience and even then, they slipped away from recognition like so many other reveries.

Mud still on her joyful cheeks, Titania smiled, and Malice found himself aglow with a white enchantment, which soon turned to a pulsating red.

“Aura.” She said plainly, explaining to him what was going on, while still holding an uncontrollable smile on her face.

The last solid suggestion of the healing spell faded from Malice's psyche, and yet somehow, he was still aware of an ingraspable memory, hidden somewhere, far beneath what he could find.

 

[~Hidan~]

Nidogg looked down at Nichi as Nichi prepared to attack again. Nichi’s blade sliced through Nidogg’s Armor like a warm knife through butter. Time seemed to stop for Belial and Osirus as Nichi unleashed a stolen move. Nichi’s speed an movement went to such blinding speeds that Belial and Osirus only had time to blink before Nichi landed behind them sword sheathed. Belial and Osirus looked at the monstrous creature that was once Nidogg. Limbs and body parts slowly started to fall from Nidogg’s body.

Osirus looked at Nichi and a cold shiver went down his spine in sudden reality that this mortal was much stronger then he had ever thought. “What exactly did you just do?”

Nichi just smiled and continued to kill off the demons that were in the area. Belial and Osirus joined in and within a short time had cleared the inner part of the city.

Nichi sat down and pulled out a bottle of water from the back of his Armor. “I’m waiting here for more of them to reach here, Titania is already trying to help Malice, and she seems to be doing the job.” He said as he put away a spy crystal.

Belial sat down next to Nichi and lit up a cigarette. “So what exactly is that blade? Nothing normal could have cut through Nidogg like that.”

Osirus looked in the never-ending book that he loved to read so much. His eyes opened wide as he read part of it.

Belial looked annoyed at Osirus for not sharing his little bit of info with them. “What’s got you freaked out all the sudden?”

“And it was said that Kharn carried a great blade of unmaking, a pure and unchallengeable power that could cut mountains.” Osirus read. “That boy is carrying Kharn’s equipments right? Then that means that he is carrying that blade of unmaking.”

Nichi smiled and took another sip of water. “Anyone know were Magus is?”

 

[FFnut]

*****************************
Palis, The Year 0 Aikia, The Battlefield

Magus parried another blow and cut down his sixteenth demon. He was aware that the demons had suddenly grown fearful, because their commander had been cut down.

A few demons later, he leaned against the wall, relaxing. Another demon came up behind him, catching him unaware. He was knocked to the ground, and the demon raised its weapon high...

The monster's torso fell to the ground, the legs following it soon after. Magus gripped the gloved hand that was extended to him and got pulled up. "Lower thy guard and thou'rt allowing thy enemy in."

Magus blinked. "Frog? That you?"

The green-haired man cracked a smile. "'Tis me, Glenn. How hast thou come to this place?"

"Looking for Schala - she was teleported here according to Gaspar. What about you?"

"I hath served Guardia in human form for a year. I'd gone to the mountain to meditate whence I saw a portal." He shifted uncomfortably. "I had the notion 'twas a Gate, but whence I saw 'twas impossible to return, and I hath seen a battle with unholy wretches..."

"You just had to help. Well, it's good to have you here, Froggy boy. You can meet my friends, they'll like you here. Battle's not over yet... c'mon, let's kick some demon ass."

Glenn jumped at his opponent, sword extended for a leaping slash. The demon was split straight down the middle.

Magus whistled. "Still got it, I'll admit that. How are Masa and Mune anyway?"

Glenn chuckled. "They refuse to speak, for they art not required to. Now, Magus, willst thou offer thy assistance?"

Magus twirled his scythe. "Let's do it, Croaker."

"GRRIBBIT!" shouted Glenn in agreement. Magus turned his head slightly. Glenn blushed. "'Tis a habit I've not yet broken."

Magus laughed. "Well, let's head over to where that giant demon corpse is while we take 'em down. You ready?"

"As thou wouldst say, 'Let's kick some demon ass.'"

************************************
Palis, The Year 0 Aikia, Center Of The Battlefield

Belial nodded. "Here comes Magus now. Looks like he's got a friend, too."

Magus and Glenn chopped through several demons to reach the two demons and Nichi. Magus took a deep breath. "Guys, this is my friend Glenn. He's... he came from Earth, just like me. He might talk a little funny, and sometimes croak like a frog, but he's pretty damn strong."

Nichi looked over the newcomer. "I'm Nichi. Glad to meet someone who might make Magus open up to us."

Belial smiled. "I may be a demon, but that doesn't mean I'm against you guys. Nam'e Belial. And this one over here is Osirus - don't think you've met him either, Magus."

Glenn bowed. "'Tis a pleasure to become acquainted with each of thee."

Magus looked around. "What happened to Titania? Last I saw her, she was taking out demons like nobody's business."

"She got herself captured so she could save Malice. So... Glenn, is it? What won't Magus here tell us? Why is he always so wrapped up in himself?"

Magus shook his head. "Later. I swear on Ishia's grave that I will tell you guys later tonight. Let's finish this battle and save our friends, eh?"

Nichi smiled. "I'll hold you to that word, Magus, but you're right. The war comes before storytime."

 

[Drazniich]

Osirus walked over to the various parts of Nidogg that scattered the ground. He ripped off the armor, taking a small amulet that was underneath.

Belial stood solemly as Osirus ground it to dust, and scattered it over his head. "And thus, another betrayer dies." Belial sighed.

Osirus turned to Belial. "When will you grind my symbol, Belial? For my crimes against the council?"

Belial shrugged. He paced over to the group. "This war needs to be taken somewhere else." He suggested.

Nichi nodded. "Go attack their camp?"

"No." Belial shook his head. "The entire battle. Our collateral damage is high here. We must find some way to draw them off the castle."

"Well, we know they hate you all." Osirus pointed into the distance. "Perhaps they know taking us down will shatter the army's moral."

Both demons sat down cross legged at the same time. Malice's eyes caught it, if only momentairily, that they'd fallen into an old pattern.

 

[Zerlina]

Far from the deliberating demons, far from the walls of Gracia, far from the endless lines of enemy soldiers, and far from the remnants of the fallen Nidogg, the wind warrior still sat, slumped against a tree, his mind still consumed in a hazy confusion.

“It will make you stronger.” Titania explained, though she was sure that he already knew.

Shifting his head to try and regain his focus, Malice stood, shakily, having been sitting for so long that he was momentarily unused to his legs. Seeing this, Titania’s cheekiness evaporated, and she tenderly tried to assist her friend.

“We’re not going to get out of here without a fight.” Malice said, once he was steadied.

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear you were happy about that.” Titania muttered, only to receive a grin in reply.

By now, the commotion had caused a reaction that had spread through the camp like ripples in a pond. Coming to the aid of their fallen comrades, nearly the whole battalion of demon soldiers surrounded the two former captives and prepared for what they thought would be an easy battle.

Drawing his daggers, Malice looked to Titania, his figure still glowing with the magic aura.

“Alright, ready?” he asked, and she nodded.

A mischievous grin on his face, Malice looked at the surrounding army and began to count down to the attack “3… 2…”

*​

“…so what are we going to do…?” Nichi asked the two demons, though he wasn’t too pleased with having to do so.

“Shhh!” Belial snapped at him before resuming his council.

Taking advantage of the uncharacteristic lapse in the battle, Nichi turned to Magus “I guess we’d better start by getting that gate repaired and fortified so no more of those things can bust in.”

“What the hell were they, anyways?” Magus asked.

“…I think that they were summoned, which means that calling so few of them was only an experiment.”

“A successful experiment.” Magus added, eyeing the areas that the juggernauts had broken through.

“…what we need is to buy some time and then figure out a way to block their portals.” Nichi mused out loud.

As if he had heard nothing that his comrade had said, Magus cleaned his scythe with the purple fabric of his cape, and then slowly began to walk away, the mud pulling at his large strides.

“Wait- where are you going?!” Nichi exclaimed.

“Keep thinking! I’ve got some things I have to do!” Magus shouted back.

Nichi watched as the tall man disappeared up the ramparts, and then he turned his gaze to look at the two demons on the ground.

“Uh…you two done?”

There was no answer.

Sighing, Nichi moved toward the wreckage left by the fallen Nidogg. Carefully picking through the armoured debris, the warrior searched for anything that might have held interest.

“Alright.” Belial said, standing and adjusting his black chapeau “We’ve come to a resolution.”

“And what’s that?” Nichi asked, his voice dripping with annoyance.

“We need is to buy some time and then figure out a way to block their portals.”

“Why does that sound familiar?”

Belial disregarded the inquiry “Legend has it that there’s a stone that can be used to temporarily block demon portals.”

“What do you mean by ‘temporarily’”

“Who knows? Maybe ten minutes. Maybe ten years. The point is that it’s some kind of a hope.”

“…where can we find this stone?”

Belial grinned; his smile made Nichi shiver.

“In a forest locked by mountains and ocean. I’ve passed by there before, and I’ve seen a cavern in the southern part of the ridges. If I’m right, then that should lead to the internal forest…”

*​

Meanwhile, atop the ramparts, Magus wandered aimlessly, his safety somewhat ensured by the retreating action of the current line of demons.

Finding a spot to himself, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the glass ball that Nichi had given him. For a while he stared at the object, as if expecting something miraculous to happen. When the ball lay still and produced no image, he sighed and returned it to his pocket.

The news of his sister’s death still hanging over his head like a noose, Magus wandered hopelessly back to the group.

 

[FFnut]

***************************
Palis, The Year 0 Aikia, Gracia Walls

Magus stood atop the walls. He held up the little glass ball and swore loudly.

Glenn eyed him. "'Tis something wrong? You hath not been so downhearted since..."

Magus tossed the glass ball in the air. Quickly drawing his scythe, he prepared to cleave it in two, only to have Glenn's hand grip the blade.

The ball fell quietly into Glenn's other hand. "Whom didst thou search for with this artifact?"

Magus grunted. "Schala. She's not showing up. She's not even there anymore."

Glenn raised an eyebrow. "What wouldst thou mean?"

"Lavos Spawn."

Glenn gasped audibly. "Art thee certain?"

"Yes. This giant shapeshifting Lavos Spawn told me that she was dead while I was fighting it. It hurt me pretty badly, too. I killed a lot of people fighting that thing, ally and enemy."

Glenn nodded sadly. "Thou art certain that there is none other that thou wishes to scry?"

Magus took the little ball back. "Hm... maybe..."

He set the ball on the ground and sat cross-legged in front of it. He looked deep inside. "Malice," he whispered.

*********************************
Palis, The Year 0 Aikia, Through The Crystal

Malice sliced through a few demons. He summoned wind around his two blades, allowing for extra damage.

("What is that?" asked Glenn.

Magus laughed. "He's casting magic on his weapons to try and deal extra damage. You should try it one day when you're fighting.")

Malice called across the battlefield, "Titania, you handling them okay?"

A few more demons turned to ash as Titania slapped them with her fans. "I'm fine, we have to get out of here soon, though, before they summon more."

("And that is?" asked Glenn.

"Titania. She's an off-worlder like us." Magus whispered.

"Like us? She, too, is an Earthim?"

"Well, she's not from Earth, I don't think, but as to exactly where...")

***************************
Palis, The Year 0 Aikia, Gracia Walls

The image faded. Glenn stood up and brushed off the Masamune. He held the greatsword into the sky, then looked at Magus. "Now, Sir Magus? Where to?"

Magus kept gazing at the ball. "I wonder... maybe... Kain!"

The ball refused to activate.

Magus stood up. "Dammit. I don't even get to see the face of the demon that killed her." He looked out over the walls and saw the other guys preparing to leave. He leaped over the wall, Glenn behind him.

**********************************
Palis, The Year 0 Aikia, Outside Gracia Gates

They landed softly behind Nichi and the demons. "Going somewhere?"

Nichi turned. "Oh, Magus. We're off to find some stone that can seal up the portals. Are you coming?"

Magus shook his head. "No thanks. Me and Glenn here can take care of Gracia while you guys are gone." He paused, thinking. "Did Aikia say okay to it?"

Nich groaned. "Aikia. Crap. I knew I forgot to get approval."

Glenn chuckled. "Thou may not receive thy wish, the war doth continue."

Nichi nodded. "Yeah. Crud. Look, we'll talk to Aikia. It may take a while, but we should be able to go if we convince her that you guys are good enough to hold down the fort."

Magus nodded. "Alright then."

Then Glenn heard two little voices whispering in his head.

Oooh! Glenn's in charge of another army now! giggled one.

Funfunfunfunfun! We get to fight a lot more now, brother! said the other one too happily.

Quiet! Glenn's voice cut through their little conversation. Masa! Mune! Get out of my head and back in your sword! Now!

Fine. You don't have to be so mean about it, Glenn, said Masa. The two voices faded from Glenn's head.

Belial cast an eye over Nichi. The demon grinned. "You're whipped."

"There's a difference between being whipped because she's a woman and being whipped because she's a demon that possessed my body at one time," Nichi shot back. "You've got no idea how strong she is."

Belial nodded. "You're right, actually. Better to delay our trip than have her mad at us for leaving. She'll make us all into little scorch marks."

Osirus snorted, "Nobody can be that powerful."

Magus just looked at him. "You'd be surprised."

 

[~Hidan~]

Nichi looked for Aikia finally finding her. They explained what they needed to do and were given permission to do so. Nichi was pale and weakened by the battle. He had no idea if he could last long enough to even retrieve a small stone. His joints screamed at him with every step he took. ‘The armor is going to kill me before this war is even over.’ Nichi knew the consequences of putting on the armor but he didn’t expect them to come in form so fast.

Belial and Osirus were talking outside of the room were Aikia was currently. They talked on as they followed Nichi down the hall towards their destination. Nichi looked up at the sky as his vision went dark, then blank. He could feel the life leave him as he turned to stone right there in the middle of the road. ‘I’m sorry guys; it seems I won’t be here to help save everyone.’ A vision of all his friends flashed, then of Ishia. “Goodbye everyone.” He managed to whisper out.

Belial looked at Nichi as though he was an idiot. “What do you mean goodbye? Get the hell out of the way and keep moving.”

Osirus looked Nichi in the eyes. “He isn’t going to move, he’s dead.”

Belial looked him over. “This isn’t good.”

Magus and Glenn came over and stared at the statue remains of Nichi. “This is really bad.” Magus said gripping tightly.

The wind blew and Malice could also hear the departure of Nichi’s life. He gasped in horror.

Titania looked at Malice in wonder of what may have just happened. “What is it?”

Malice managed to say “Nichi, he’s dead.” With no chance to morn Malice kept on fighting, as did Titania.

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

Meanwhile far away from any battles, Brain just woke up.

“It’s time for School Son!” Brains mom yelled up the stairs.

Brain got up and put on his school uniform. He hated school except for his martial arts classes. He took five of them now for the past 8 years. He was the best on the school’s team. He picked up his books and his CD player and headed for the door to get on the way to school. His parents said their good mornings as he grabbed lunch and took off. He lived on a military base in Japan and had gone to school in Japan most his life. He was trained well for special operations as well as just normal class stuff.

He took his bike to school and things were going just normal and fine until he fell into blackness.

An hour later he woke up on the edge of the city of Gracia.

Brain stood up and looked around. It was obvious that he wasn’t in Japan anymore. Listening to the surroundings he could tell he wasn’t in friendly territory. He quickly changed out of his School uniform and into his Fighting Gi. He removed everything he didn’t need from his backpack and started towards the commotion. A zombie came out of the corner of his sight; he beat the tar out of it with his fists.

Brain began to smile; this is going to prove to be fun. He kept on beating the creatures that came at him until he reached the center of the town, there stood a great coliseum. He went in and started to look around. Not too many people around he thought.

 

[Zerlina]

Titania stopped fighting as the words rang out in her head. For a moment, the air fell, and beneath them, the world seemed to grow still, as if the very planet was mourning. The news felt unreal, like an ungraspable truth that lay far away somewhere…in some kind of imagination that was beyond anyone’s reach. Nichi couldn’t be dead. He’d be there when they came back. He’d be there waiting for them with an expression on his face that told all of what he was thinking.

In an instant the world resumed and Titania was removed from the momentary stillness. Dazed, she looked at Malice for some kind of re-assurance but was met with none. Of course…who could say anything at such a time? Internally, she scolded herself for having sought comfort- that was what the weaker her would do. She was different now- or at least she was trying to be.

With tight fists she clenched her fan closed and, with all the anger and embarrassment she felt toward herself, she drove it hard into her attacker’s grimy flesh. Then, her hands still beating with rage, she turned and released her weapon, sending it into another’s face. Without remorse, she pulled out the object and drove it in once more, before withdrawing it and planting it into another assaulter’s belly.

She continued to fight this way and eventually the struggle persuaded her into a nearby glade. Shadowy figures continued to battle, their silhouettes sometimes lost in the darkness of the place. There were cries from both sides, but when at last the fighting stopped, the mud bled ash and it was clear who had won.

*​

“Nichi…he’s dead.” Malice said, almost mechanically, though he did not know how he knew.

The persistence of the assault did not give him time to mourn, and so he was forced to continue, despite all the sadness and rage that coursed through his body.

This is the way it will always be….

His dagger shot through a demon’s open mouth.

…there is no pity in war…

He removed his weapon and brought it to its sheath.

…a hundred years from now it won’t matter who was lost…

With all his strength, he thrust his arm forward and blocked a blow.

…people will only know our names…

He brought his dagger into his attacker’s stomach.

…if they know our names.

He turned and swung his fist hard into a gruesome face.

They won’t know what we lost…

His dagger cut through pulsating flesh.

…they won’t care how much we’ve died inside…

Voices screamed in pain around him.

…they won’t know.

Anger and sadness in his heart, he fought on.

This is the way it will always be.

 

[Zerlina]

*​

Titania sat upon a large rock in the glade, her breath heavy from exhaustion. Her arms hanging weakly from her sides, she dropped her fans, and stared at the ground. Around her were corpses of what had once been living, breathing beings with souls and pasts. Some of them wore charms; one of them wore a scarf around its lifeless arm; another had a patch on its gauntlet. These had all come from somewhere. They had all had reasons behind them.

Gradually, it began to rain, and Titania watched as the mud began to swallow the bodies. Drawing her knees to her chest, she wrapped her arms around herself and lowered her head.

Quiet tear-drops fell and snaked their way down the occupied rock, slithering through the cracks and eventually melting into the earth. They lamented so much blood, both ashen and crimson. They lamented so much.

A bird rested on a nearby branch to seek shelter from the storm. With curiousity, it watched as Titania raised her head back up, her pale cheeks dry as stone. The tears which continued to slide down the rock were not hers- they were the sky’s. Palis was mourning. It was crying for its bloodthirsty children who were so quickly and so ruthlessly murdering each other.

When at last the final demon sunk beneath the mud forever, the rain fell upon it and tenderly washed the blood from its hands.

*​

As the rain began to fall, Malice felt his energy beginning to fail. He heaved his dagger into his last opponent, and collapsed from exhaustion. He lay there for less than a minute when he heard a voice behind him.

“You’re stronger than I thought.”

Exhausted, Malice rose to his feet and drew his daggers.

“I’m not unfair.” Said the speaker “You can rest. I have all day”

His lips parted and his mouth bloody from the previous battle, Malice shook his head. Every breath felt like knives inside of him.

“You don’t want to wait?”

Malice shook his head once more, and tried to bring himself to stand up straight.

“Alright then…let’s go.”

The ominous general removed his diamond sword from its unworthy sheath and swung it a few times so that his hands adjusted. The air parted and cried as it was cut.

The two were still for a moment, until the famous General Hige moved forward, thrusting his weapon toward the exhausted Malice. In ill condition, the Theiran dodged the blow but fell to the ground; his upper body weight rested on his elbows as he tried to back away. Confidently, Hige brought his sword down, barely missing his opponent. In an uncalculated setback, the wet mud pulled at the General’s sword, stalling him as he tried to remove it. Malice rose and punched Hige in the face, making him lose his grip on his weapon.

Mockingly, The General rubbed his cheek and dodged another attempt at an attack.

Malice hit the ground, but was now more ready for an attack. He brought his knee up, as if he were about to sprint and drew his daggers. He smirked, returning Hige’s cockiness.

Finding it almost amusing, The General pulled his sword from the mud and charged toward his opponent, who did the same. There was a clang as the blades met each other, and both warriors looked each other in the eye; Hige’s weapon was wedged between Malice’s daggers. For a while the two struggled to overpower each other, until finally Hige simply withdrew his sword and attempted to send it through his opponent’s stomach. He missed, and Malice scathed his hand with his daggerblade; Hige’s blood ran crimson.

“For someone so sure of himself, you sure have trouble hitting a target.” The Theiran mocked and attempted to bring his dagger to Hige’s chest.

Trusting his sword to only one hand, The General grabbed Malice’s wrist and twisted it, making him scream and drop his dagger.

“Don’t make me want to kill you.” Hige said, bitterly, through clenched teeth. He continued to turn Malice’s wrist, and made him scream in pain.

The General forced Malice forward, pushing him into the mud. Arrogantly, he looked down at his fallen opponent; the wind began to play with his snowy cape.

“I like to think that enjoying murder is something I’m past. I’d prefer if you didn’t try to change th-”

He screamed as he received a blow from something invisible. He turned, trying to see where the attack had come from, but saw no one. Again he let out a cry as he received a heavy blow to the head, once more from something that he could not see. It was not until he looked down at Malice and saw the insignia upon his vest that he became aware.

“Don’t make me have to finish this!” Hige warned, drawing and raising his diamond sword; a light reflected from it despite the darkness of the sky.

“Why don’t you just do it?” Malice asked, challengingly, his mouth still covered in blood.

His shoulders pulsating from shallow breaths, Hige looked down at his fallen opponent. His hands shook and he seemed almost frozen.

“Stop!” came an effeminate voice.

Hige faltered.

Running as fast as she could, Titania emerged from the nearby glade and immediately kneeled by Malice. Wiping some of the blood from his mouth, she looked at him with concern, and then turned to face Hige.

The General tightened his grip once more, expecting some kind of an attack.

“Please…” she said.

Hige was silent.

“He needs to go back to Gracia. You don’t understand. Please, you have to let him go.” She pleaded continually with the silent man, persisting because she was met with no response “There are people who need him- not just soldiers… I don’t care about pride- I’m begging you! Please… ”

He said nothing.

“…please… let him go…”

She stared at Hige and her eyes said to him a thousand things which he knew but could not understand. He lowered his sword.

“What’s your name?” he asked.

“P-pardon?” she stuttered, turning quickly to stop the injured Malice from crawling away; his father’s dagger rested just out of reach.

“What’s your name? And his.”

“Titania.” She said, then looked at Malice for permission to say his name; his expression was unreadable “…And Caritas”

“Then go.” He said “There’s a reason why things have worked out like they have. There’s a reason for him to live. Who am I to interfere with fate?”

He sheathed his sword and watched as Titania retrieved the Theiran dagger. She helped the exhausted and bloody warrior to his feet, deciding to get him away from the battlefield before healing him. As they struggled to leave, Malice looked at The General, and until he had to turn away, he never broke eye contact.

Hige knew there was a reason for everything, and he knew that his opponent would have to live. There was something about him that seemed to make the planet scream for his safety. It was not a scream that could not be ignored.

When at last they vanished from sight, there remained only a single silhouette before the sunset backdrop of the emptied camp. The wind having grown still, The General stared down at his hand; his wound had disappeared.

 

[FFnut]

*****************************
Palis, The Year 0 Aikia, Gracia Streets

Osirus examined the stone corpse. "Wow. This stuff got him bad."

Magus, still gripping his scythe with white knuckles, started laughing. "Not like this. Nichi, you can't go out on me like this. C'mon, man. Stop faking. Wake up. This can't happen." He started laughing hysterically. Glenn reached out a hand and put it on Magus's shoulder.

In a flash Magus whirled around, ready to decapitate whoever just touched him. But Glenn was just as fast. Glenn deflected the blow, knocking it out of the other man's hands. The scythe whistled through the air, end over end, finally embedding itself in a nearby wall. Glenn's blade was held at Magus's throat. He finally lowered and sheathed his sword. "Grribbit..." he murmured.

Magus turned around, pounding on the statue. "DAMMIT!" he screamed. "Not now! Not again! Not...!" He slumped to the ground, defeated. "...not again... just like..."

Glenn bent down. "Art thou alright, Magus?"

Magus started muttering to himself. "All my fault... I put it on him... My fault..."

Belial nudged Magus with his toe. "Well, he's useless. Now what?"

Magus solemnly stood up. He put his hands on the stone figure and pushed as much magic as he could possibly muster out. Nothing happened. He slammed hard on the giant rock. "Dammit. He's not there. It's like he was never living in the first place." Hysterics over, the mage turned around. His red eyes flared as bright as they had when the Lavos Spawn told him that Schala had been killed. He calmly walked over and grabbed his scythe. "Now we wait," he said. "We wait for Malice and Titania. Malice'll want to see this for himself - and Titania might be able to heal him. If it's possible to heal him. Either way..." Magus looked to the sky. In a very low voice, so nobody else could hear, he whispered to himself, "I did this. I put the armor on him. And now just like her he's gone." A loud swear erupted from Magus's mouth, carrying throughout the larger part of Gracia.

 

[Mong00se]

((oh god my writer's block needs to go away, this is getting ridiculous))

 

[~Hidan~]

Brain engaged demons and one after another he turned them into squishy piles of blood and guts. The thugs in Japan gave him more of a challenge. The demons would keep coming and he’d just use normal punches and they fell like dummies. He looked at the setting of his suit, ‘well that would explain it; he turned it down from level 10 to 1.’ Now actually fighting them he just started the dance, bouncing from one foot to the other as he ran past the daemons grabbing their spare ribs and pulling them out and back into their livers, grabbing the collar bones of some and ripping them out, others dislodging their sternum causing their own ribs to puncture their hearts and lungs.

Then he noticed that flood of humans running form the down dropping their weapons as they ran. They all seemed to be crying and uttering ‘Nichi’s dead, he’s actually dead.’

Malice and Titania made it back to Gracia and stood starting at the statue of Nichi standing, and eerie feeling came from looking at him. Something else felt out of place, the demons had stopped their attack, or so it had seemed. That was until the corpse of a juggernaut hit the side for the great coliseum and went through its walls. The more followed in suit.

“What in the hell was that1?” Malice said looking to make sure everyone else was there still.

Belial and Osirus looked at each other and thought what could make a juggernaut fly. “Err, I have no idea but we may want to look.” Belial said as he walked over to the gate.

Everyone followed after him, seeing a young man in the middle of all the demons fighting them off with great speed and power, not the same kind of speed they had seen in Nichi but rather he would attack and doge as though he knew every move the demons would make and when he connected well they went flying.

Noticing his fans he quickly pulled a good set of kicks sending the remaining demons flying across the dirt eventually turning into nothing more then bloody corpses.

He quickly ran to the group of five that stood at the city. “And here I was thinking I had to kick the crap out of everything that lives here. Nice to finally see there are normal people here.” He took a bow and introduced himself. “I am Brain Park, I don’t think you know or care where I’m from because it’s not from here so well what the hell is going on here and why are there so many damn monsters?”