A new threat (Semi-serious freestyle RP)

[BloodStar]

Meanwhile, Herzad was busy trying to figure out exactly how the old man had spoken to him. "Ye... I... how?" Confused once again, Herzad decided to simply put it out of his mind and continue down the path, remaining vigilant for any further threats.

[Dragon Sage007]

~I have psychic powers, remember? Never underestimate the bald old man, indeed. And no, you are not going crazy, I just want to ask you something. Make sure you don't let Sorune go off on his own or anything. He's starting to mistrust us.~
Why? I mean, we only want to help.
~He has reasons. Just give him a reason to trust you, and the rest of us, if you can.~

[bunnygirle78]

" Sorune ?" Serie called from the tree she was in. "Come up!" She said with a large smile. "Its wonderful, Its beautiful. Come on?"

She laughed and jumped from the branch she was standing on to one that was a foot away. Wills draw drooped and he shouted up at her.

"Are you trying to age me beyond my years!" Serie smiled down at him.

"Don't worry," she said siting down and looking out at the scenery. "I climbed trees in the garden all the time. And I never fell. Come on up!" Serie called again.

Will frowned and crossed his arms and shook his head.

"Get down hear or we'll never get to the city."

Serie kicked her legs back and forth and sighed. She could see small blue butterflies fluttering around the trees. She held out her hand and a large orange one landed on her finger.

[BloodStar]

As if savin' 'im from that golem weren't enough! Well, don't ye worry. Ah'll keep an eye on him, an' Serie too. Somethin' strange is going on... ah can feel it in me bones. Me gut says ah should follow 'im, an ah never go against me gut.

It occured to Herzad that having a discussion entirely in his head was far from normal, but it seemed that unusual things were becoming more and more common as of late.
Sigh... workin' steel is so much simpler...

Noticing Serie leaping from branch to branch, Herzad called out, "Get yerself down from there before ye fall an' crack yer head on th' ground!" Although genuinely worried for the girl, Herzad kept a blustery front. He had an image to maintain, after all, and it wouldn't do to have everyone thinking he was soft.

[bunnygirle78]

"Ok," Serie said sadly. "But you really should come up and see this."

She climbed down, and to to the surprise of Will, the butterflies followed her down the tree. She put her hands behind her back and smiled at them.

"You shouldn't be climbing trees." Will said sternly. "Your not in the garden anymore, you could have fallen."

The butterflies hovered around Serie who sighed again.

"I'm sorry to scare you William," she said. "But I was just playing. I promise I won't climb that tree again."

"Not any tree." Will said flatly and with a slight annoyance.

Serie frowned and walked on, grumbling to herself.

The butterflies flew to Sournes and began to dance around him. Serie turned and sighed.

"Sorry we have to go." She said to them. The bright orange one flew towards her. "Well we have to go to the city. Maybe we can play another day."

The butterflies flew away, Serie watched them sadly and walked on.

"Uh . . .errr.. ." Will stared at the butterflies and then at Serie. "Right." He said and turned to Sournes. "What was that?"

[Dragon Sage007]

"A discussion with butterflies. They aren't as complex as other animals, so they use signals as well as words to get a meaning across. Oh, and Serie is apperently finely attuned to nature, so she can understand them. Anyway, town should be just beyond this hill." Sorune replied to Will. As he ascended the hill, he could see the celebration going on in town. It seemed to just be a celebration for fun and games, but Sorune was going to rest, instead of play.
"I must stay here." Grandpa moon said. "It's not that I'm antisocial, it's just that too many people literally give me a headache. But don't worry, I'll still be able to talk with you and see the sights of town." He sat down and closed his eyes, and the moon around his head suddenly stopped orbiting, and flew to each of them in turn. "I'll just be a little moon instead of old grandpa."

[bunnygirle78]

Series face fell slightly.

"Oh," she said with disapoint ment. "I'll miss you. But how about I bring you back something good to eat. Me and Sher' an bring you food."

She said with a warm smile.

[BloodStar]

"Ah'm fer findin' the smithy!" And with that, Herzad marched off down the path. "If ye'r needin' ta talk ta me, ah'll be there," he called back.

Time for a little of me own brand o' recreation... workin' steel! Now, where's that smithy...

Herzad begins to scour the city for a blacksmith's shop to work in.

[bunnygirle78]

The moment Will stepped into the city, he had to reach out and grab Serie to hold her back from running ahead of them. It was almost comical as he held on to the back of her robes as she tried to pull free.

"Wow!" She said as they walked. "WOW!" She said loudly as they passed by large colorful performers and small shops.

"Serie," Will said with slight embarrassment. "Please calm down."

"Lets go and have some fun." She said.

"Serie aren't you tried?" Will asked.

"No, please Will?"

Will frowned and shook his head.

"Well I am tired and I know that all of us need rest. espishaly you."

Serie frowned. "And you can't go off by yourself. I promise to take you into the carnival once your rested up."

Serie smiled at that and looked at Sourne who seemed very tired, his eyes looked to be half open.

"Ok Will," she said with a sweet smile.

Sher' Khan, who was standing behind her laughed causing Will to stare at him.

"Is he saying something?" Will asked. Serie shook her head.

Will frowned at the lion and walked on.

"I think we should rest some," Serie said to Sher' Khan. "But who can sleep when there is something like this going on. Maybe you and I can go exploring latter. I'm sure I'll be fine with you."

Serie followed Will and Sourne.

[BloodStar]

(I'll be on vacation for a few days... I'm guessing Herzad will find a smithy and that can keep him occupied and out of the action until I'm back... however, feel free to use him as you see fit DS, if it comes to that. 'Bye for now.)

[bunnygirle78]

(have fun.)

[Dragon Sage007]

Sorune showed Herzad the runes he needed, nearly stumbled to the nearest inn, paid for a room, and collapsed on the bed, snoring soundly.
***
"You want to WHAT??" Sher'khan exclaimed loudly.
"It's not that big a deal. I just want to ride you in this race!" She held up the flier that said, 'big race today! Bring your own steed! Anything with four legs and fur is allowed! Prize for winner is five hundred gil and a years supply of food for your steed!' "See? I get money to help us out, and you get as much food as you want!" Sher could swear he heard that moon snickering.
"No. For three reasons. One, you are without your pendant, so you could get hurt. Two, I need to look for your other brothers, to see if they are here to kidnap you. And three, It's just plain ridiculous! I refuse to take part in a race as a common steed!" Yep, that moon was laughing.
"Please?" Serie made the cute eyesTM. "I just know you'll be the best racer ever!"
"I just can't win can I? I can't."
"You expected to?" The moon inquired, recovered from his laughing fit. "I'll try to keep her from putting the bow in your hair as she planned." That started a new laughing fit while Sher fumed.

[bunnygirle78]

Serie hugged Sher' Khan around his neck and laughed.

"I promise you that we will do our best." She reached into her robes and pulled out her crystal. She smiled and laid it next to Will who was fast asleep, his head down on the table.

She knew that Will would flat out say no. But they could use the money.

"I know you don't want to,"Serie said as they left. Moon bobbed around them as she walked. "But we could really use the money. And as for the ribbon thing, well I thought you'd be even more handsome."

Sher' Khan sighed and walked on his head hanging low. Serie smiled at him and Moon.

"Just think of the things we can get with the money, we can help Sourne, and everyone else. Besides," she said. "It will be fun."

They soon came to the Arena and Serie was surprised to see that Sher' Khan wasn't the only large cat there. There were a few tigers.

Sher' Khan was surprised to see that many of the large cat riders were children Series age. She turned to Sher' Khan and Moon and laughed.

"WOW!" She shouted. "Look there are people my age hear. Lets go and sign up and meet them."

Serie took off running towards the sign in booth.

"Wait!" Sher' Khan roared and ran after her. "For having such small legs she can sure move fast."

Moon laughed and floated after her.

______________________________

Wills eyes slowly opened. He rubbed them and stretched.

"Well if your up Serie, we can go to the festival now."

Will jumped to his feet and stared at the small bed that his sister had been sleeping in. She was gone, and so was the Lion, and Moon.

Will grabbed his cloak and pulled it over his head, he was about to leave when something glinted in the sunlight.

"Gods?" He said and grabbed the Crystal before running out to find Sourne, not seeing the small note that had fallen to the floor.

"Went to a race with Grandpa moon and Sher Khan, be back soon. Love Serie."

[BloodStar]

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The echoes of a hammer pounding steadily on metal sounded through the door of the smithy. Inside, a lone figure toiled by the light of a roaring forge, hammer in hand with the blade of a sword set on an anvil in front of him.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The red hot sword hissed with an inner fury as it was doused in a nearby bucket of water. Steam poured through the air like a vaporous cloud, and as it cleared, the smith admired his work. A finely crafted, perfectly balanced blade rested in his hand. A series of slightly glowing runes climbed the sides of the weapon, and a grin tugged at the corners of the smith's mouth.

Herzad set Sourne's runeblade aside, and, taking up the wagon axle he had acquired, returned to work without delay, the intense red fires of the forge coloring the stern concentration on his face as sweat dripped down his beard to land sizzling on the hot anvil. Finding a shape in the metal to work, he raised his hammer once again.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

[bunnygirle78]

Serie laughed as she walked past some other riders. Each were staring at her with an odd looks.

Sher' Khan walked behind her grumbling about the race.

"Wow!" Serie said as they entered the arena. A large crowd surrounded them cheering. She smiled and walked up to the line. She took her place, next to a boy her age. He was standing with his arms crossed and behind him was a large white tiger.

"Make sure that bag of fur is ready!" The boy snapped at a man who was standing by the tiger. "I don't want to lose this time."

Serie frowned and stared at the Tiger who lowered his head. Her eyes softened and she turned to Sher' Khan.

"He hurt his feelings." She said sadly. "Why would he do something like that?"

Sher' Khan seemed to shrug and laid down on the ground. Serie sat down next to him and sighed.

"So your racing?" The boy said walking up to her. "My name is Gate. You see that Tiger? Hes mine. And he will win. If your lucky maybe I'll let you pet him. Hes pretty wild though. . .and I tamed him."


Serie crossed her arms and turned her head. She didn't want anything to do with the mean boy.

Sher' Khan growled at the boy and laid his head down as Moon hovered next to him.

"Ahh looks like he likes her."

Serie glared at Moon.

"Wana see him?"

"I can see him just fine." Serie said. "And you shouldn't be mean to him. And one more thing you won't win. My friend Sher' Khan will."

"Oh so your not racing?"

"I'm not the one who's running. He is." Serie said and pointed to Sher' Khan. The boy laughed and walked over to his Trigger.

"What's so funny, your the one doing all the work. I can't take credit for that."
__________________________________________

Will looked in to See Sourne sleeping. He closed the door and ran off. He had to find Serie, how could she go off without letting him know.

Will ran down the street passing small shops and a blacksmith. He wasn't going to waste any more time he was going to find her.

[Dragon Sage007]

Sorune got up shortly after William left.
~Good to have elf lineage sometimes.~ He quickly scribbled something on a notepad and left a small blue jewel on it. Then rushed out of the room to the smithy, as quickly as he could.
***
Sher' was having a bit of trouble. He didn't like that little snot-nosed brat, especially after he was so mean to a fellow feline. He really didn't want to lose to one who was so cruel without reason, but he also knew that if he won, the other tiger would be punished.
~Wait a second...~ Sher thought as he took a closer look at the other tiger. ~I was right!~ Sher walked right up to the other lion, and quite clearly roared to him,
"How you doing brother?"

[bunnygirle78]

Serie's eyes widened and she stared at Sher' Khan. She had heard him say that the tiger was his brother. She wasn't about to interrupt their conversation. . .but she was going to do something. She walked over to the boy and cleared her thought.

"I have something to ask you." She said. The boy smiled and took a step towards her. He smiled and laughed.

"Let me guess. . .you want to see my Tiger? Don't blame you. . .hes going to win. . well he better."

"Why are you so cruel to him!" Serie shouted.

"Hes just some stupid cat."

"Well then," Serie said threw clenched fists. "How about we make this race even more interesting."

"What do you mean?" The boy asked slyly.

"If I win I get your tiger." She said shorty. "And if you win . ."

"You give me your cat?"

"No hes not mine to give." Serie said. "Hes his own. Just like yours should be. I will give you my crystal."

"Deal," the boy said and walked off.

Serie looked over at Sher' Khan and sighed. She knew that the crystal was important. . .but to save another from a fate that she once had. . .that was more important than any crystal.

She sat down and looked up at Moon.

"Your to kind," he said slowly. "TO kind perhaps for your own good."

She leaned on her hands and smiled.

"Thanks, but I have a secret that no one knows. But you will now. The crystal . . " she said and then closed her eyes.

~Its not going to be lost. We will win.~

Moon landed on her shoulder and sighed.

"Don't tell Sher' Khan about it." She said. "Cause I know he'll win." She stood up and started to walk towards the other large cats. She began to speak to each of them, hoping that they would help her.

Unfortunately. . .most would not.

______________________

Will turned anothe corner and stared up at the sky and punched the wall. And to his surprise he heard a loud clang and looked up.

To his surpsise he had stoped infront of the very place Hezad was working.

[BloodStar]

Herzad wiped his brow and sighed, holding the finished cudgel in his hand.

A bit small fer meself, but ah s'pose it'll be jes right fer Will.

Herzad looked to the table to his right, where the newly completed runesword for Sourne sat next to a pair of odd-looking metal claws for Sher' Khan. Then his eyes drifted to the side, where the small rod for Serie laid incomplete.

Durn it! I need that gem ta finish the rod! Well, ah can finish it without a forge, so now all ah have ta do is find the lass an' put in the stone... but that can wait 'till tomorrow.

With that, Herzad collected the newly forged weapons, took a last look at the smithy's shop before walking towards the exit. He lost all track of time as he worked, and, tired, hot, and sweaty, he only wanted to find the nearest river to cool off in before stumbling into the inn and falling into a dead sleep.

Edited by: [url=http://pub30.ezboard.com/brpgww60462.showLocalUserPublicProfile?login=bloodstar>BloodStar</A]&nbsp; at: 8/17/02 4:16:54 am

[bunnygirle78]

"Brother," the tiger said blankly. "Once long ago I was called that. . .I don't know anymore though. Who. . .who am I for that matter. And who are you. . .and where is the place I long for." He said slowly. .his voice distant.

Serie was standing behind Sher Khan and stepped forward.

"Whats wrong with him?" She asked.

Sher' Khan lowered his head. "It must be a spell." He said.

Serie stepped forward and placed her small hand on the Tiger's forehead.

"Be free from the bindings that hold you." She said and closed her eyes. A soft white glow shrouded her and the tiger. Suddenly the Tigers eyes widened and he stood up. He stared at Sher' Khan and then at Serie who wobbled on her feet and stumbled backwards.

"I . . I remember." The Tiger said and stared at Serie. "Brother Sher' Khan." The Tiger said happily. "This child," he said standing. "Something surrounds her. . .something I can feel but not see."

Serie stood up and smiled. She was about to say something when someone shoved her from behind.

"Get away from my Tiger!" the boy shouted and grabbed the reins around the white tiger and led him off.

Series eyes narrowed and she stood up.

"We have a race to win." She said. "And Once we do you and your brother will have more than enuff time to spend with each other."

[Dragon Sage007]

Instead, he bumped into Sorune.
"Herzad, I need the blade now. I have to go fight Daethe now or perish. She uttered a challenge to me, and I need to go alone." Sorune took the blade from Herzad quickly, and ran off with more speed than seemed possible.
~I have to do this alone. I just hope I left enough power in that stone to absorb my power if I die. Then William or Serie can carry on my work. Or even Herzad, if need be. But I must fight her alone.~ He quickly ran out of town, and entered another grove of trees a mile off. He made sure to leave no trail, and very little scent.
***
"Serie, I'm telling you, I have a bad feeling about this." Sher said. "It's not like that brat to just give it up, pride or no pride."
"I can't delve into his mind right now, I can just read projected thoughts. And he intends to win, by hook or crook."
"How can you say that Sher, when it's your brother?"
"Pride brother. Big difference." Sher'Khan interrupted.
"How so?" Serie asked.
"We are not blood brothers, but spirit brothers. The bond runs so deep that if one of us feels great pain, then the other will feel pain as well. If one of us is full of elation, then the other will be happy. In other words, we are like one tiger, just split into two bodies."
"Well, I'm not going to let him torture your pride brother when you'll get hurt too."
"Just give it up Sher. She's already got a woman's talent for winning arguments." Moon explained.
"I still don't think everything is on the up and up here. I'm going to rest before the race. Find out what you can, okay?"

[bunnygirle78]

The time came, They were ready for the Race. Serie held firm to Sher' Khan and smiled to herself. She knew a way to win.

They bolted off, the white Tiger slowed. Sher' Khan ran but was passed early on by a few others.

"Get ready" Serie shouted and closed her eyes. Suddenly Sher' Felt something warm surouned him. Series eyes opened and she smiled again.

"Just run," she said. Sher' suddenly felt his feet moving faster than he knew they could, they soon passed all the others and crossed the finish line.

Serie fell off of Sher' Khan, exhausted. She pushed herself up and forced herself to stand as a bag filled with gil was handed to her.

The boy gave up the Tiger and stormed off crying.

Serie smiled and fell forward.

"I'm tired." She said slowly. "Very very tired."

[BloodStar]

Herzad looked after Sourne for a moment, puzzled. Suddenly, he realized what was happening. Sourne was leaving for a fight without him! Not to be gotten rid of so easily, Herzad began to race after Sourne into the trees. By a stroke of luck, Herzad spotted Will nearby.

"Here, boy! Take these," Herzad said hurriedly, dumping the armful of weapons into Will's arms. Ignoring his suprised expression, Herzad continued, "Get Sher' Kahn, and the old man if ye can find 'im, and send 'em after me into the forest! Sourne's fer fightin' alone, an' he's not leavin' me out! An' make sure Serie's safe; don't let her come!"

Without another word, Herzad bolted as fast as he could run into the forest after Sourne. However, the trail was impossible to find. With no other option available, Herzad simply bagan smashing trees out of the way with his warhammer, driving a straight line through the grove and hoping that he would catch up with Sourne before it was too late. However, at this pace, he might never find Sourne. Even if he was heading the right way, which he had no way of knowing, what would he find at the end of the path?

Durned fool, gone off on 'is own! Ah'm not fer lettin' him die so quick! Not without me he won't! I jes hope Will sends the others in time, and keeps Serie safe...

[bunnygirle78]

Sher' Khan quickly took Serie back to the in where he put her to bed. She slept with a small smile on her face. Happy perhaps to have helped. Sher' Left to find Sourne, his pride brother following him.

Series eyes snapped open. Music. . .someone was playing a song, a flute. She got out of bed and walked to the window. Below her, standing on the street a jester stood, dressed in deep color. He played on.

Serie opened the window and leaned out to listen. Suddenly, something began to pull at her mind. Her eyes glazed over and she felt herself falling threw the window and into the arms of someone below.

Threw the haze she felt she could here voices.

"Fools," it was coming threw the music. "They fell for it Vash." Said a voice she did not know.

"Keep PLAYING!" Vash shouted. The flute began again. "Hiral, you are a fool. Keep the spell going until we can get her to Deathin." Vash smiled evily down at Serie and laughed. "And remember not to hurt our dear little sister, she wants her in one piece. With no harm done."

In her mind Serie felt as if she were being held within a box. She stood in a dream field, filled with black flowers. She looked up to see a dark figure with long flowing hair walking towards her, and a long thin hand reaching out to her.

"Sourne . . ." Serie said slowly. "Help."

"Come to me Seire." The voice said softly. Seire put her hands over her hears and screamed as something wild began to rage inside of her.

"Sourne!" She screamed and fell to the ground.

_____________________________________

Will ran after Hezard, if the time was now then he knew he had to help. He soon caught up to the rampaging dwarf.

"Time for my brand of magic." He said and raised his hands. "Heavens part," he said slowly as a blue glow surround him. "Show us the path, rain poor down. . .make the true way known!"

Suddenly the clouds burst with rain, and Will smiled as the dark clouds formed a line.

"Follow the rain to Sourne!" Will shouted and bolted off, Hoping that Serie was ok.

[Dragon Sage007]

Sorune stopped short. He had been expecting a grand metal palace or even a cube instead of this. Apparently Daethe was very confident in herself, as she had made certain every aspect of nature was in a wide stadium. There is a pool full of clear water, a great redwood tree, and even a small hill, covered in the tallest grass Sorune had ever seen. Life was so plentiful, in fact, that Sorune felt as strong as an ox. He almost overlooked the throne in the middle of the arena itself, flanked by four men. The one siitting in the throne itself was a beautiful woman, even...
“Surprised? I knew you would be.” She stood up, making all four men bow. “After all, who can attack their own darling wife?” She laughed as cruelly as death itself, and then stepped up to Sorune. “You don’t have to trap poor, little, old me in that sword, you know. You could stand with me. You could be lord of death, my right hand man. None could stand in our way, not even those meddlesome gods you claim to have the power of! And we would start right here.” She purred, not even waiting for his approval.
Then it started to rain.

[bunnygirle78]

Serie felt nothing, something was surrounding her. A deep darkness.

She could see the figure hovering over her, and a pair of cold dead eyes staring down.

"He will not save you child." The voice said cruelly. Suddenly a hand grabbed her and pulled her forward. "Now open your eyes and do my biding."

Serie sat up, her eyes half open and distant. All around her darkness. She hugged her knees to her chest and cried.

___________________________________________

Will ran on the rain falling down around him. He did not know what to expect, but something told him that he would soon find answers. Answers to questions that he had since he was reunited with Serie.

Will stopped short as he came to a clearing.

He stared blankly forward. An elf woman stood staring at Sourne her eyes narrowed at him. Will felt his heart beat faster as Vash stepped from behind her and smiled.

"Welcome brother." Vash said and then pushed someone small forward. "Your in time to see my gift to Deathin."'

Will felt his heart drop as he staed at Serie. Gone was her carefree smile, she seemed so dark. He ran forward only to be knocked to the ground by some unseen force.

"Take the crystal!" He shouted and threw it at Deathins feet. "Let her go!"

Deathin smiled and stared at the crystal, she kicked it back at will and returned her gaze to Sourne.

[Dragon Sage007]

“Where is my son?” Sorune finally managed.
“Somewhere safe. I wouldn’t want him getting hurt.” She replied sweetly.
“What about his fate? Has it changed?” Sorune asked.
“Not a bit.” She cooed into his ear.
"So he will still die. Now I at least know the reason."
"yes, but he will be reborn as a god. You know that."
"I'm not sure this is right."
~Can this really be my wife? Could it be a trick? Oh, gods, if there was ever a time for you to answer, let it be now!~ But the gods remained silent. Then he saw William.
"Stand back. I'll handle this." Sorune said calmly.
~And what about Y'tuin? I can't simply abandon it! I need to help everyone! If she wins, then life will be non-existant! And Serie...~
***
~I should've known better than to leave my body so far away! Now I'll have to go twice as quickly, which is bad for my back. Oh well, if I don't, I won't have a back to worry about.~ The little moon was going furiously back to the small hill outside of town, and more than one person thought they were hallucinating. Finally, he got back and a bright white flash encompassed both man and moon. He started running towards that grove as quickly as Sorune had.
***
~Why did that dwarf go off alone? I am NOT looking forward to finding him in this rain. But I better go after him, he's liable to hurt himself in a forest.~
"Brother, go watch Serie. Make sure she doesn't get hurt or anything"
"Right." He turned back to the room at the inn. The wild tiger running through the streets made many more people certain they were hallucinating. But Sher followed his scent (Which was rank with B.O.) and followed it to a path through a forest. When he finally got to Herzad, he roared at him loudly.
"eh? Oh, Sher'Khan, thank goodness. Can ye find Sorune? He went off to trap Daethe alone, the bloody idiot!" Sher was more than a bit shocked. And he couldn't communicate with this dwarf either, but he could at least understand him. He looked at the trail of dark clouds. They looked suspicious.
"Ye mean he's got a trail of clouds behind him? That seems too obvious!" Sorune flicked his tail. He hadn't thought of that. But it seemed more likely than anything else. He started off in the general direction of the clouds, motioning for Herzad to follow.

[bunnygirle78]

Will leapt to his feet and watched in horror as Serie stepped between Sourne and Deathin. She raised her small arms as if to become a shield. Series face was still blank.

"Serie!" Will shouted. "Get out of the way!" He screamed.

"She can't hear you where she is." Vash said stepping towards Will. "Her soul, has been locked safely away for now."

"You will . . .pay!" Will said as a large mass of storm clouds began to surrounded him.

Vash laughed and smiled.

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

Serie wiped her eyes and looked up into the darkness. Something bright, and very warm was coming towards her.

"Serie," called a soft warm voice. "You need to fight her."

Serie reached out only to be plunged further into darkness.

[Dragon Sage007]

"No, Will! Stop! It'll get Serie too!"
~It is a ruse. My wife would never torture a child like this. I must help her.~ Sorune reached out, touched the child's forehead, and suddenly dissapeared. He was now in the darkness, with Serie.
***
Grandpa Moon knew something was up from the rain. It was too sudden and normally didn't leave a trail of darker clouds around. He decided to follow them, especially since they were all starting to convert on one place.
~Just don't let any of them be hurt.~ He prayed silently.

[bunnygirle78]

Serie struggled as a woman stepped from the darkness. Her hair and eyes were black as she walked up to Serie. She knelt down and smiled.

"You are going to do as I say now," She said. "Or I will kill every one you love. Every one who cares about you will die. It will be your falt Serie."

Serie recoiled and backed away from the woman. Something cold was starting to surrounded them.

"You are very special Serie, do you know why?"

Serie shook her head.

"You can cast any spell," she said and stood up. Serie turned as the woman laughed. There standing behind them was Sourne.

Serie turned to run to him, only to be grabbed by the woman.

"Well, we have company."

"Sourne!" Serie shouted and tried to get away. The woman picked her up and put her hand on Series head.

"Let me help you by showing you what you can do child!" Serie felt something raging inside of her. She watched helplessly as the woman began to glow.

"Sumon forth the power that sleeps within you. Awaken Sorsurus!

[Dragon Sage007]

Sorune was speechless.
~Sorsurus? I've never heard of one of those. No matter.~
"Serie, you must back away from her now! She is evil! she is pain and suffering embodied! You must fight Serie! Fight!"
***
Grandpa Moon suddenly saw the entire ordeal. He saw what Sorune had just done, absorbing his essence into Serie to help her fight, William trying to attack his brothers, and Daethe thought the whole thing was a game.
"William! You must beat them quickly!" He cried as he delved into the multitude of minds. He quickly found what he needed, and ran to Vash, axe ready. What Vash didn't see was the tiny moon go straight into his eye, until it was too late.

[BloodStar]

Suddenly, from the side, Herzad busrt into the clearing, followed closely by Sher' Khan. He roared, "Where are they! Lemme at 'em!" Spotting Will and the old man to the side, facing down a group of cruel-looking people, Herzad didn't hesitate. With a war cry of primeval fury, he charged straight into the group from the side, raising his warhammer for a crushing blow...

Gonna get ye!

[bunnygirle78]

"I can't." Serie called and struggled as Deathin held her even tighter. "LET ME GO!"

Deathin held Serie out and smiled at SOurne.

"Now now my littel Sorceress," Deathin said. "Don't worry it won't hurt much. I'm just going to show you your power, a little example of what you are!"

Deathin raised her hand, and though she struggled, Serie found that her small hand rose up as well, and was pointed strait at Sourne.

"Summon. . ." Serie said with a painful look on her face. "No. . .I don't want to!" Serie said her eyes closed tightly.

______________________________________

Will felt his head pounding. He had no time to wait.

"Water against fire." Will said staring at Vash who looked at the other four men.

"Stand guard." He said and raised his hand. A small ball of fire was forming. "This won't take to long."

Will raised his hands as Herzard watched on.

"Your about to have fun, I need time to cast this spell Herzard. I need you to fight them."

[Dragon Sage007]

~Can't let this happen. Can't let this happen. Can't let this happen. WAIT!~ "SERIE! This is your mind! You CAN be stronger than Daethe! Just believe in yourself! Doubt Daethe! Don't just let her do this!" Sorune was almost frantic, partly with the fact Serie could kill him, and partly the fact that Daethe was trying to make her to.
~I need to trap her somehow! But I can't trap her now, not here. She's still out. I'm in. But how is she spreading her influence?~

[BloodStar]

Herzad snarled in rage as he raised his hammer high above his head.

Eenie, meenie, meini, mo... aw heck. Ah'll just get em all!

With that, Herzad lowered his hammer to his side, swinging as hard as he could while he charged in so that the hammer would sweep right through as many people as he could hit.

[bunnygirle78]

Serie stared at Sourne. In her mind? But everything was so real, and the pain she was feeling. Everything was raging inside her.

"Do IT!" Deathin shouted. Series eyes snapped close and her face twisted as if in Pain.

"Summon. . ." She had to Fight. ."Summon. . ." Serie said and then lifted her head and shouted.

"SUMMON SHER' KHAN!" Suddenly Series eyes opened and a strange bright light shot from them. Deathin glared down at Serie as Sher' Khan appeared before them. Only he was much larger and on his paws were large metal claws.

"What the?" Sher Khan said looking around. He looked at Sourne.

Deathin nearly dropped Serie when she saw the lion. Serie smiled weekly, she felt tired.

Deathin frowned and stood up. Seting Serie down.

"Cute." She said and then turned to Serie. "You are killing them." She said angrily. "Every time you oppose me your killing your friends. I told you that already."

She stared into Series eyes.

"I suppose you want them to die?"

"I. . ." Seire said shakidly feeling very week. "I. . .don't."

"Then do as I say!" Deathin said and grabed Seire around her writs. Serie winced as Deathins nails dug into her skin.

"Sourne!" Seire shouted. "Sher' Khan I don't want them to die!"

"It will be your falt. . .do you hear me. Remmber! Your father, it was your falt your no longer with him. Because you oposed me!

[Dragon Sage007]

Fortunately, the distraction offered enough time for Sorune to Slice Daethe, grab Serie, and quickly mutter a spell to get him out, and make Serie 'alive' again. And Daethe looked a bit unpleased with what Sorune had done.
"Your reign of terror stops before it begins, goddess." Sorune quietly said as he pushed Serie to the side of him. "I know now that you are indeed the evil being. Bearing the face of my wife will do you no good, no good at all." Sorune looked terrifying, but the same terror that comes from guilt instead of sheer terror. "No, in fact it only makes me stronger, knowing that I have an extra reason to seal you. Trying to get me to betray my duty." Sorune took a step forward. "My family." He took another step. "My friends." Yet another step. "And on top of it all, you tried to make a child kill me. No, you are worse than evil. You are fate. But your time is not now. No, not in my lifetime, or Serie's. Instead, I shall imprison you for a thousand years, and see if the generation then is ready for you. If not, another thousand. And so on, until the Universe is ready to crumble. I place this curse upon you." Sorune suddenly impaled Daethe on the blade, but instead of bleeding, she glowed. Instead of dying, she seemed stronger. But she screamed with fury all the same. After about five seconds, she simply vanished.
"This curse is upon your head." Sorune silently murmured.
***
~Oh for the love of pete. That dwarf must have no resistance to mind altering spells.~ Grandpa Moon made no mistake in his battling, and soon overtook the whippersnapper he was fighting. He then altered Herzad's mind and made him want to attack the brothers only.
"Easy as pie." He chuckled to himself under the roar of battle.

[bunnygirle78]

The darkness melted away into a lush green flat field. Serie gasped as the sky broke free with stars and a bright shining moon.

Sher Khan shrunk down to his normal size and stood next to Sroune. Serie fell to her knees and looked up at Sourne.

"I. . don't. . feel good." She said weekly. "Who. . whose that?" She asked and pointed to a tall slender woman who was dancing under the light of the moon.

Her arms rose and fell as she stopped. She walked past Sourne her long amber hair flowing as if picked up by some wind. She knelt down and lifted Serie to her. She hugged her close and then looked at Sourne and smiled.

"My name is Miri," she said sadly. "Thank you for saving my dear daughter. I was granted this brief moment to thank you. You will going back soon. But Serie is to week." Her image began to fade.

"Thank you Sourne," she said and faded away.

_____________________________

Will threw his hands out at Vash, a large thunderbolt struck him sending him falling backwards, but not before unleashing a large fireball.

The two of them stood quickly and ran at each other.

[Dragon Sage007]

Both William and Vash were halted for a moment. Vines jumping up from the ground has that effect.
"I need to talk to this woman. So does Serie. Madam, I have but two questions. First, why is Serie a sorceress? And can I get home in any way, without breaking the seal?" Sorune had calmed down, almost seeming timid.
"The first question you must find on your own. The second question, I'm afraid, I cannot respond positively to. No, you are banned from your world forever, in a manner of speaking. You cannot return, but you still serve it. It has the gods favor, even the ones not on Y'tuin. You have served them well, and you are allowed to keep your powers. And to call on them from time to time. But you must still follow your duty. Understand?"
"Yes. Quite. But first, can I take Serie to her Father? I just feel I need to."
"You may. The power of her fate and yours seem to be intertwined for at least a short while longer. But her brother shall be with her to the end of her days. William, Vash, what do you have to add?" The angel put in sweetly, the vines merely keeping them from killing each other.
***
"Herzad, you need to calm down. Let the woman talk. I know better than to interrupt angelic beings, especially when I can't read their minds." Grandpa Moon held on to Herzad with more strength than seemed possible for a frail old man his age. "And stop struggling! You're going to break my hip!"

[bunnygirle78]

Will stared blankly at her. It had been so long since he had seen her.

"I . . I know you." He said slowly. Vash suddenly screamed and cut free from the vies.

"Do not think I shall every let her escape me!" He screamed. "I will kill her just as I killed you."

The angel smiled as Vash disappeared. She looked at will and smiled.

"I would never. . .leave her." He said.

She turned to Sourne.

"My time grows so short." She said as tears filled her eyes. "I held her as an infant. And was torn from her. I was warned that her birth, that her very existence would bring me death. But I only wanted her to live. Live with peace." She lowered her head and then lifted it.

"Shes week now." Miri said slowly extending her hand to Serie. "She is to young to control the raging power within her. Will. ." She said stepping back. "You must explain now. .I must go. They won't let me stay any longer."

She faded away as Will stared on. He looked at Sourne and then at Serie, who seemed to be sleeping peacefully.

"Father took her to a garden." He said blankly. "A garden sealed by the elders of our guild." He said slowly. "At first, I thought it was to hide her from Vash. And I did not know why she was what she is. The elders wanted to seal her in a deep sleep, untill she was old enuf to understand. But fatjer beged the elders to let him take her a a palce where none would find her, a plae sealed from the outside world. Where only he could go. They agreed, and created a garden for her. And that was where she stayed, the only one who saw her was father."

Will closed his eyes.

"And one of them stands hear now." He said bitterly. "Though he does not remmbver." Will rasied his hand and pointed at the small floating moon.

[BloodStar]

Herzad looked around, confused, once again. He ceased his struggles, and stepped a few paces back. Head swinging from one side to the other, trying to take everything in, he kept his hammer at the ready, just in case.

Ah'm not fer trustin' any o' them, but ah'll let em talk. An' if anyone tries anythin' funny, they'll be talkin' all right... talkin' to me hammer!