VG Rumble II

Enya scoffed. "Alcohol? Alcohol?" She wasn't too impressed by that; any man that turned to alcohol was either desperately run-down, asking for trouble, or just plain wild. At least, that was her perception; she was a bit naive...

Kai sighed and stood; he wasn't too comfortable leaving Enya behind, with Adam of all people, but Father was there. He would protect her. He knew he would.

"I'll go," he said. Maybe, with all their strengths combined - him, Adrian, Balaes, and whoever else came along - they could close that Godforsaken gate.

(I wanted to wait for piepiemann to post before moving on, but he hasn't logged in since the 6th. If he doesn't post tonight, I'll choose which team his character will be on.)

(Sorry guys, I can't post tonight. Too tired. I'll try tomorrow.)

(Here we go.)

Reon stepped toward the others and said, "I'll stay here and help hold the line. I'm not good at running head-first into battle, my skills would be put to more use if I stayed here."

Ivellios went to stand beside Adrian. "Then I'll go into the gate with Adrian."

"All right, then," Adrian said. "Adam, Enya, Edgar and Reon are staying behind to hold the barricade while Balaes, Ivellios, Kai, and I try to find a way to close the gate."

"Be careful, all of you," Enya said.

Kai gave his sister a reassuring look. "Don't worry, Enya. We'll be back."

The four of them approached the Oblivion Gate. As they walked, Adrian bent down to pick up a leather shield from one of the many fallen soldiers. It wasn't the best quality, but at least he could use it to defend himself. The stopped in front of the gate, took a moment to collect themselves, then jumped in...

(Since no one seems to be posting at the moment, I'll go ahead and describe the scenery in the realm of Oblivion.)

The demon world of Oblivion was a dark place with charred ground and rivers of molten magma. From what Adrian could tell, they were on an island within the immeasurable ocean of lava. The sky itself looked like the Gods had taken hammers and left giant red cracks in the sky. Despite the land's inhabitable appearance, there were small traces of vegetation. Nearby there was bushel of black meter long grass with blood-like patterns on the sides. Another strange plant looked like yellow roses growing from long, spiky vines. They stood almost straight up from the ground. Adrian didn't want to come near the plan t, because he saw what looked like yellow gas seeping out of the petals. Among all the rocks scattered across the land like a giant earthquake had just hit, there were giant black and red spikes sticking out of the ground. They were colorized in a way that gave them the image of daggers covered in blood.

In the dead center of the island was a giant tower, the likes of which no one had ever seen before. The width of the tower was relatively average at the base, but got progressively wider the higher up the tower went. The tower itself seemed lopsided, just by looking at it it felt as though it may topple over if given enough force. The top of the tower was flat with spikes sticking up around the edge, making it look like a crown. Two smaller towers of the same design stood near it, one of which was connected by means of a small bridge. Unlike the smaller towers, the main one had a large window at the top, where yellow-orange light glowed brightly from within. There were two paths that led toward the tower. The first was across a large bridge over a lake of lava, but the massive gate beyond was shut tight. The second option was a rundown path that seemed to go around the island. Since there was no switch in sight that may open the gate it seemed the latter choice was their best.

Adam

With a deep sigh, Adam swivelled his eyes to the left so that he could at least see the others who had been left behind but it was Sir Ro who caught his eye. The man was an impressive sight, more so now that he was standing guard than during the fight. He had a solid presence about him that could really make a person feel safe but he looked grim and almost unhappy too. Odd that. A man who had two children and whose wife was quite probably still alive, a man who was rich and well known, who had the world at his feet and the means to stay alive was... unhappy? Couldn't be.

"How are you holding up?" Sir Ro asked Enya with a fatherly smile and whatever fleeting thought had brought his unhappiness was certainly gone. Perhaps he mourned the loss of good friends and loyal men.

"Good," Enya said sweetly with a smile that dimpled her little face. She was cute which reminded Adam that she was also too young. Just his luck. The last great adventure resulted in the pairing up of most of the companions but this time that was one reward that wasn't going to be available, not to any of them. Still, he supposed that wasn't why he was here anyway. No. He wasn't about to tell the others but really, this might be his chance to make a life for himself and to stop dwelling on the fact that his mother didn't care about him and that his father was a good for nothing drunken thief. His good for nothing drunken thief true but nevertheless, a man he couldn't respect.

"What are you thinking?" Adam had closed his eyes for a moment but now he opened them again and looked to Sir Ro. It was good of a man like him to show an interest.

"Just contemplating how my good for nothing father probably thinks I'm dead by now and is celebrating his good fortune with a tankard of beer while hiding in the local tavern," Adam said. That wasn't entirely fair. His dad had taught him well and looked after him good. And yet... people he'd only known a few hours were showing more concern for Adam than his dad ever had. Like Sir Ro. "You've got a good dad, Enya. Take care of him." Adam didn't feel like talking anymore. He was drained. For the moment, he didn't even feel like Adam. He felt like Tyson and he wanted his Mother. Adam closed his eyes and searched for sleep.

Balaes

He grunted in surprise as they stepped through the portal, his eyes widening. He felt invigorated, any semblance of injury or side-effect of forced healing disappearing immediately. He felt stronger – far stronger than he had been against the Atronach.

It was almost as though passing through the gate, breathing the air of Oblivion, had given him more power. The proximity of the source of his power, which was entwined into this world more than nearly any other, had unlocked doors in his mind, given him access to more of his father’s brutal teachings.

Adrian looked back at him, “You alright?”

“Fine.” Balaes replied, “It’s this place…it’s given me more power.”

But he would keep a tight lid on his magic while he was in this world, he would only use it if it was absolutely necessary. Because he knew that this was how people like him were corrupted, they were exposed to the darkest levels of dark magic, and forged covenants with demon lords for more power. He would not fall into that trap.

Balaes understood the trade off as well, knew that if he tapped into the power here, not only would the desire, the temptation of more grow, but the effects on his body would be multiplied. The dark magic was unrestrained here, and relying too much on it could easily kill him.

Adrian had started down the twisting path, and Balaes moved close behind him, “Careful.” He muttered, “They’ll have guards on this path. They probably already know that we’re here.” He glanced up at sulphuric yellow light burning in the tower’s window, “The gatekeeper himself might already be on his way.”

As they walked down, Kai stopped when he noticed strange looking vines hanging from a small over-crop of rocks among the hill's edge. It had a rusty red color to it, with thorns sticking out of it here and there. He was about to dismiss it as just another plant when one of the vines twitched. He cautiously approached it to get a better look at it, inching toward it until he was only a few feet away.

The vines whipped at Kai's body. He managed to jump back quick enough to avoid most of the strike, but his cheek and shoulder were still scratched by the thorns. He held his hand to his bleeding cheek as he watched the vines settle back into their original place. "What the hell is that thing!?"

The others were suddenly at his side. "Kai, what's wrong?" Adrian asked.

Kai pointed at the plant. "That thing tried to attack me when I got close to it."

"Those vines?" Adrian asked.

"Yeah."

Adrian picked up a small rock and threw it toward the plant. The vines tried to reach out and hit the stone when it landed nearby. The planet made hissing noises when it moved, kind of like a snake.

"Everyone, if you see anymore vines like those try to keep your distance," Adrian told the others. "We're in another realm, there's no telling what else might try to hurt us, breathing or no. Just to be on the safe side, try not to approach anymore vegetation if you can."

The sound of grinding metal could be heard back at the bridge near the portal. "What is that?" Ivellios asked.

"It sounds like that gate at the bridge is being opened," Reon pointed out.

They all headed back the way they came, hiding behind a nearby boulder when the bridge came into view. The gate had indeed opened, and demons were marching through. It looked like another wave was marching across the bridge toward the Oblivion Gate. Unlike the previous wave this one seemed smaller, about four demons in total. The giant metal gate closed as soon as the creatures were on the other side, which meant Adrian and his team still couldn't use it to get to the main tower.

"Oh no, they're sending another attack. We have to stop them before they get through the portal!" Kai started to get up, but Adrian's hand was suddenly on his shoulder. "Let me go, Adrian!"

"I know you want to help the others, Kai, but we can't fight those creatures," Adrian told him. "If we fight them, we'll just be wasting time and energy. Edgar and the others can handle themselves. Defending the barricade against those demons is their job, just like it's our job to find a way to close that portal. The sooner we close it, the sooner the attacks will stop."

Kai knew Adrian was right, but he couldn't help but worry about his sister. Enya wasn't the type who could fight in battle. All Kai could do was stand there and watch the demons enter the portal.

Adrian gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry, they'll be fine. Your father is there to protect everyone. They're trying their best to defend the encampment from those demons. Let's not let their efforts go to waste." Kai nodded as he got to his feet and followed the others as they made their way down the winding path once again.

A few minutes later they heard the unmistakable sounds of battle. Everyone grabbed their weapons and rushed in the direction the sounds were coming from. Further ahead they could see three Skamps attacking something. As they got closer they could distinguish what that something was. It was another human, and from the look of his armor it was one of Salvian's men.

"He needs our help!" Balaes shouted.

--Incoming Battle!!--

Group A

Fighters:
- Edgar
- Adam
- Enya
- Reon
- Ilum (Guest)
- Captain Matius (Guest)

Enemies:
- Deadroth x1
- Skamp x2
- Flame Atronach x1


Group B

Fighters:
- Adrian
- Kai
- Balaes
- Ivellios
- Raynold (Guest)

Enemies:
- Skamp x3

(Here's your chance to bring in your new character, kitty.)

***Sorry I've been gone. I was at a state Beta Club Convention competing in art - which I won for the second year in a row - but am now so tired I can't think of what to write. I'll post tomorrow, I promise.***

Congrats Ayumi!!!!

Cathy

The group had wisely left their weakened fighters behind so the strong could advance. That was good style and they'd abandoned an extra warrior or two for protection. It wouldn't be enough, merely a token; a moral boost. Cathy watched curiously. She was crouched behind a thicket of trees where the woods started, had been since mid afternoon. They'd fought bravely but with less expertise than she'd come to expect from City guards. That almost suggested they were ordinary people, people who had no business being here. Like her.

The second wave was on its way. She could hear it. They'd shown no sign yet of being aware. Not any of them. They were six: the shapeshifter, the mage, the guard, the girl, the injured man and the one who was both a mage and a guard, the one who even she knew by name: Ilum Ro.

"Company's on the way," the guard said at last in a gruff, resigned sort of way. "Wake him up." The mage nodded and bent by the injured man. His tones were quick and blunt but Cathy couldn't make out the words. He helped the man to his feet with a lot of groaning and some amount of objection from the girl but she was waved away. Cathy watched intently. Let the games begin.

(I'll post something and put the rest of Cathy's information up on the sight later, when I've finished most of my homework for tonight. I assume you still want the skills you asked for earlier, kitty?)

Four monsters emerged from the fiery portal; two Skamps, one Flame Atronach, and a Deadroth. Edgar already knew which one he would fight, even before Captain Matius shouted battle commands. Edgar was the only one who was strong enough to take on the Deadroth on his own.

"Edgar, attack the Deadroth!" the Captain commanded. He turned to Reon next. "Kid, your magic is the only thing that can bring down that fiery beast. The Flame Atronach will be your opponent. Ilum and I will take care of the Skamps."

"What about me?" Enya asked.

"You stay here and protect your friend. He's in no condition to fight." Salvian pointed his sword at the oncoming wave and yelled, "Attack!"

Edgar had already shifted into his werewolf form. He sped past everyone else and lunged at the Deadroth's body. The large creature and Edgar started wrestling, claws and all.

(Things sure have started to slow down haven't they? I don't know what happened to piepiemann, I checked his profile and it says he hasn't been on since the 7th. Let's try to keep things moving anyway, I'm sure you all want to see your characters get stronger. This is the only storybook where you can actually see how strong you characters are, let's not let something this unique die!)

***Sorry! I've been really busy with the play, with classes, with prom this week, and now it's dog show season again! I practically have a job at the moment: training other people's dogs for dog shows and then showing these dogs at the dog shows! GAH! OVERLOAD!! Plus, I think I broke my nose... A dog headbutted me at "dog show class" earlier... ***



Enya stammered. Protect? But that meant fight. Fight? She hating fighting. She loathed the thought of ever picking up a weapon in her life!

But the sight of the skamps rushing at her and her wounded companion...something stirred within her, some unexplainable power. She held her hands out before her, squealing as the skamps leaped, claws open and ready to sear flesh... "No! Stay away!"

Then something unexpected happened. A bluish, transluscent shield of moving air appeared between her and the skamps. The devilish creatures bounced off the creation, snapping and shaking their heads in what appeared to be shock.

**********

The group was still looking about their new enviornment when they heard rustling about them. Movement to their flanks drew their attention and set them on edge. Kai and several others reached for their swords.

Three skamps burst forth, snarling and snapping before taking a leap at someone. Kai parried a little beast's attack, trying to keep up with the speed of its little clawed hands. One swipe would tear him open, just like it did Adrian.

I just hope the others back home are safe.