VG Rumble

Karana

The three creations marched mechanically towards us from across the road, creaking and shuddering from age and rust build up.

This should be easy enough... I thought, forming a fireball in both of my palms. "Warren? Are you ready?"

"Uh..." he stammered. That made my heart flutter. Was he even able to use magic due to his drunkenness? "I can't...I can't use magic!"

I growled. Damn! This is perfect! I'll have to do this myself. I would have to keep the husks away from the others; they would be helpless against the foes. Annoyed at our situation, I feinted an attack and threw the both fireballs at the least expected target, the force of the combined attack knocking it away from me temporarily.

When the smoke from my spell disappated, blackened, molten indentions lay in the surface of the ancient metal where my fire had struck.

"This will take too long! If only Warren wasn't drunk!" I scoffed under my breath, preparing a stronger attack.

Lightening, not fire, dear...

Karana heard the feint crackle of electricity just before a bolt of lightning struck one of the husks in the arm. The arm sparked uncontrollably before blowing up and flying off the creature's body.

Karana looked around to find the source of the attack. She and Warren were the only two who could use lightning magic.

She saw a cloaked man standing off to the side of the road. His hand was outstretched and sparked with the afterglow that magic usually had.

Warren pointed to the man. "That's the guy from the tavern. See? I was telling the truth!"

Luke called out to them. "Introductions later. Right now, we have some business to attend to!"

**Oops...sorry...Brain-fart, lol.**

Karana

I nodded to the man. Thanks to his unverbal tip to use lightning, I now knew how to handle the robots. Together, he and I cast bolts of lightning at the husks, blowing up the creations piece by piece until one was left standing, partially destroyed.

"Would you like the honors? Or shall I?" I turned to him, watching the "dying" machine turn its head back and forth, "looking" at the remnants of his comrads and us.

"Be my guest," the man answered me.

I smirked, focusing a considerable amount of energy in my hands. This last shot should finish it...I clapped loudly, sending a strong bolt of electricity at the husk, exploding it after its electricution.

"Done."

Raven

"Now do you believe me?" Warren asked happily as the last of the husks was destroyed.

"I'm sorry, Warren, but you did sound rather drunk," I smiled across at him and then turned to face our new acquaintance. "And you must be Luke, the ex royal guard." The man inclined his head and then strode forwards, lifting the head of each robot to inspect the circuit.

"They're all dead but we should leave this place. I presume you had a destination in mind?" Luke did not wait for our answer as he headed down the path and we had to hurry to catch up, Warren now much more sober and able to walk without our support.

"We have rooms at an inn," Ilum Ro told him.

"In this town? Show me the way. You can collect your things and then come with me," Luke decided.

"Come with you where?" Karana asked. "I mean we're grateful for you help but we've only just met you."

"Somewhere safe," Luke answered, "this is a dangerous place and you'd do well to leave in the morning. It is not safe for children." This last statement was said while his eyes lingered on Karana but it seemed to include Ilum, Warren and myself as well, despite the fact that he could be no more than four years my senior.

Karana gained Level 2 Lightning!
Luke gained Level 2 Lightning!

Current Abilities:

Ilum:
Level 2 Ice

Karana:
Level 1 Fire
Level 2 Lightning

Raven:
Level 2 Healing

Warren:
Level 1 Wind
Level 1 Lightning

Luke:
Level 2 Lightning

Karana stopped. "Children?" she asked. "We are not children. We were sent her by the king to investigate the disappearances. I'm not going to turn around and go back just because some guy in a cloak tells me to!"

Luke looked at Karana and the others for a moment. Warren, Ilum and Raven all looked just as determined as Karana. "Your minds have been made up, haven't they?"

"That's right," Karana said. "We're not leaving this place until we stop whatever is behind these disappearances."

Luke sighed and shook his head. "The creature that has been kidnapping the children is in a cave just south of this village. It is a fearful beast that has the strength of a dragon and skin as tough as adamantite." He kicked one of the fallen husks. "It is a husk that controlled these lesser husks. There will surely be more within the cave."

"Do you know why the husks are kidnapping people?" Raven asked.

"We humans need food to fuel our bodies. So do the husks."

"You mean, they're eating the children?" Ilum asked in horror.

"Not their bodies," Luke said, "their souls."

Raven

"Well we have to stope them," I declared, repressing a shudder.

"That is not possible," Luke replied.

"Why not? And how do you know all of this?" Ilum demanded.

"Go in and collect your belongings," Luke replied with a very pointed glance at the door to the inn. I nodded and followed the others inside. Fortunately we didn't meet any resistance on our way to the rooms where we collected our bellonging and then headed downstairs, placing a few coins upon the counter to pay for our short stay there.

"This way," Luke commanded, leading us down a long, dark alley. "We can discuss everything in the Sanctuary."

"The Sanctuary?" Karana queried.

"Yes. It is the only safe place that remains."

Warren wouldnt stop nagging them about how Luke was really real the entire way.

"Just shut up you drunken fool!" yelled Karana, almost lashing out in anger.

"Be quiet, they could here you!" said Luke ergently.

"Who's they?" inquired Raven.

"Ehh, you'll find out soon enough." came the reply.

As they followed along, they all started to feel a little uneasy.

"Something doesnt feel right." said Ilum.


*Sorry, i know ive been gone a while, and this is EXTREAMLY SKECHY! But ive had lots of crap to do, new Nephew! Named Ridge. Cutest baby ever... but its been hectic.*

Karana

We entered the Sanctuary, warily looking over our shoulders. I, for one, felt a stronger presence of magic.

"So, Luke," Raven began as I looked around the empty building. Dust covered every inch of the wooden benches and the white candles placed on shelves around the walls. A single metal staircase spiraled up to the upper levels, where I was sure more of the pues were settled. Two doors on the back wall seemed to be locked from the inside.

"How do you know so much about the situation?" Ilum finished Raven's sentence.

"And why are you still here when you know this place is dangerous?" I added.


**Sorry, but things have been hectic lately. I barely have time to get on!**

Luke stopped and turned to face the group. "I've been here for three weeks trying to find out the cause of the disappearances. I've only recently found the cave where the creatures hide. Even with my magic, alone I don't stand a chance against the husks. But now that you all are here, you might be able to help me."

Luke scanned the four warriors suspiciously. "You say you're here on a mission for the king. He wouldn't send magic users unless the situation was dire or he had ulterior motives for sending you. Why are you all here?"

"The king thinks the Dark Knight is behind all this. If we get to the source of the disappearances, we may be able to find a clue on his exact whereabouts."

"I doubt you'll find anything about the Dark Knight just from defeating a few husks, but it's better than doing nothing I suppose. Get some rest, we'll deal with the rest of the husks in the morning."

"Why can't we fight them now?" Karana complained.

"Because we need to be at our full strength when we face them. Also, husks are slightly weaker during the day. We need any advantage we can get."

Raven

I nodded. The suggestion seemed sensible enough and Luke led us to a room that was full of sleeping bags, covers and mattresses.

"Guests don't stay here often so I'm afraid you'll have to make do with a spot on the floor," Luke explained before wishing us a 'good night' and then leaving the room. Ilum began to drag a mattress towards the door.

"Why bother?" Warren mumbled, reaching out and pulling the pile of mattresses over and then scattering blankets amidst the mess. Ilum shrugged and placed his mattress beside the now closed door before laying down on it.

"This way, anyone entering will surely wake me," Ilum explained.

"Good idea," I replied sleepily as I curled up in a pile of blankets and rested my head upon a pleasantly soft pillow.

"Very good idea," Karana agreed.

It was well into the night and everyone was asleep but Ilum. He continued to look at the door from which Luke had left. He quietly got up and made his way across the floor. When he reached the door he slowly opened it and peered inside Luke was sitting by a fire having a smoke.

"Can't sleep?"

"No."

"Take a seat."

Ilum closed the door behind him and took a seat next to the fire, "Answer me something?"

"What is it?"

"Warren said you used to be a guard of the kings. Was he just drunk, or was he telling the truth?"

Luke took another puff of his pipe and stared into the fire. A few uncomfortable moments passed before he said, "He was telling the truth."

Ilum took a seat in a nearby chair. "So, why aren't you one now?"

Luke closed his eyes and sighed. "Five years ago a horde of monsters attacked the city. The battle was so chaotic it was difficult to tell friend from foe. I ended up shooting one of the generals in the head with my arrow. I was stripped of my weapons and armour and thrown out of the city."

"I'm... sorry to hear that," Ilum said.

"I don't need your sympathy." Luke took another puff of his pipe. "You don't have to worry about anyone getting into your room. That room has only one entrance, and nothing is going to get passed me. Go back to bed."

Ilum nodded and got up. "Don't you have to go to sleep, too?"

"I don't sleep."

Ilum gave a respectful huff, "I lost someone because I was weak, or maybe because I was stupid. Thoughts eat away at my dreams as they probably do yours. If you live in the past, how can you live in the future." Without even looking back he slipped out and went to bed.