For
this ACT, Ari shall be played by Dawnrider31, tigersblood33
shall play as Tygar, Trillean will be playing as Trillean,
lilmisswonders01 shall play as Ryanna, and Kaede83 shall play as
Kaede. Other Characters will be play by whomever.
ACT VIII,
SCENE 1 -
Tigera
Castle - Desperation - 5 p.m.
**Hope. It can burn as brightly as the sun, or as dull and fragile
as a
single flame on a candlestick. It takes energy to fuel the light, if
no one believes, no hope can be obtained. Castle Tigera fell to the
dark forces, but a hope laid buried in the rubble. The Group that
sided with the light was not about to give up hope, not when they had
come so far.**
~Enter Ryanna, Ari, Trillean, Kaede,
Lord Malicross, and Elder Tassidus.~
***
Elder Tassidus: *he looks away from the crumbling ruins as a tear falls down his cheek* Tygar...
Ari:
*she runs to the rubble, trying to pick through the burning
rocks in a massive state of panic* Tygar!! Tygar!!!
Ryanna: *she bursts into tears and curses at the dark sky* Why dammit! Why?!
Trillean : *She rushes towards them* We must help him! There may be hope!
Malicross: Tygar...my only son...
Ari:
Tygar, speak to me!! Say anything! *she desperately searches through the
rubble*
Kaede: *he rushes in to help Trillean and Ari search for Tygar beneath the great destruction that was once TIgera Castle* Keep digging!
Ari:
*she staggers back seeing Ryanna through tears*
Ryanna: *she enchants words into her necklace, its beginning to glow with a faint light of it's power, lifting parts of the rubble off of the ground...*
Trillean : *She nods and ventures over to the rubble searching through it, she glances up in awe at the amulet before Ari*
Trillean : *She turns to see the glow of Kaede's red eyes, she rushes up to him, and taps him on the shoulder* Kaede calm down! This is not the time nor the place!!
Tassidus:
*more rubbles falls*
Ari:
*she spots a faint gash of tiger fur and cries out* Tygar! *she grabs his
unconscious form lifting him slightly from a pile of wreckage* Help me someone!
Ryanna: *her pendant's light fades as part of the rubble falls upon
Kaede*
Trillean : *She rushes over to Ari*
Trillean : *She picks up Tygar's other side* Come on, let's get him out of here...
Kaede: *eyeing the falling debris, he screams in rage, releasing a great harness in power...the falling debris is lifted off of him in an instant*
Kaede: AARRGGHH!!! HURRY!!!
Ari:
*she pulls with all her strength*
Trillean : His strength won't hold out much longer...
Kaede: *his eyes flash even brighter, as the talons reappear along his nails...*
Trillean : *She pulls along with Ari, rushing through the rubble*
Malicross:
I wish I didn't have to suffer this wraith...but
it is time...*the lord's breaths grow weaker and become more wheezy*
Tassidus: *the elder enters, aiding Ari with Tygar* Let us go...
Malicross:
*he looks into the eyes of Ari and the others* Please...do
what you can to save him...he is...my only son...
Ryanna: *she looks at the tiger lord as her eyes widen* ...What...what are you saying sir?
Ari: *her tears increase knowing full well what is about to come for Malicross*
Malicross:
Please...Tygar is the next...in
line....for the throne....
Ari:
*nods again, shushing him* Breathe easy, we'll take
care of him.
Trillean : *She nods solemnly and begins pulling Tygar's limp figure.*
Kaede: *he looks down at the fallen king* Fear not sir, I will have my Uncle lead them to safety...they shall dine in the halls of the elves by the morrow's nightfall, your people shall be honored, for you have made the greatest sacrifice of all...
Malicross:
*he coughs* Good...bye...my children...you...are the worlds...final hope...
Ryanna: *she cries* No! You can't...
**A faint pink glow surrounds the
Lord as a ball of light escapes from
his throat signaling his final breath. His limp body falls to the
ground and the air around him stagnates*
Kaede: *he sheds tears, screaming in rage as the sight of Malicross's falling reminds him of the event of the Elves so long ago...*
Trillean : *She turns around hesitantly back at Kaede and looks at Tassidus* Tassidus, do you think that you could get Tygar and Ari out by yourself?
Tassidus: Indeed, but what is it that you plan to do changeling?
Trillean : I think Kaede needs some help...I shall help him...
Tassidus: *he nods* ...I shall carry Ari and Tygar...we will wait for you and Kaede a few miles from here...
Trillean : *She runs up to Kaede, a faint yellow hue of light surrounding her, as she begins a change, a great metamorphous*
Kaede: *he grunts*...Trillean...what...are you doing?
Trillean : *Fangs appeared and talons replace her finger nails* Just trust me... I know what I am doing...
Tassidus: *he struggles to pick up Tygar, holding Ari by the shoulder, as he hobbles out of the building*
Ari: *she pushes Tassidus aside and becomes furious* Get off me old man! I don't need you to carry me!
Tassidus: *he laughs* Then RUN!
Ryanna:
*her eyes soften as she send a message to Tassidus's mind* My lord....please...protect them....I must do something...and I do not
know...if I shall survive it....I just want to say...you have been a
father to me....Thank you Father....
Ari:
*she holds onto Tygar's other side and helps Tassidus to
carry him*
Trillean : *She takes a deep breath and braces herself*
Ryanna:
*she closes her eyes as she whistles out for her horse, Raine,
quickly the horse arrives, she gets on and flees for the south*
Tassidus: I don't know what you are planning child, but
do ride safe and don't be too hasty...best of luck to you in your endeavors...
***
Trillean : *New strength surges through her veins at she turns into her true wolf form, with her white fur she doesn't look human any more*
Kaede: *eyeing the new force he smiles* So...this is the famous wolf I've been waiting to see for a long time...I am quite impressed...
Trillean: *she grins with her silver teeth and releases a blast that removes the remaining rubble from the area*
Kaede: *he eyes the inferno from the town as it reeks of high temperatures* Now, we must save what's left of this town, we must preserve what we can... *he takes out his pouch and sets it in the town square letting it catch fire to match that of the fire burning around it*
Trillean : *Her voice is barely a growl, but one of her paws picks up the pouch and throws it to the floor holding the roof with one hand*
Kaede: When it ignites, it will turn into ice...ice out of fire...when that happens, we get the hell out of here!
Trillean
: *she nods*
Kaede: *he watches as the red flames start turning into a hue of
blue, slowly but surely the blue flames begin to crystallize and he
looks towards Trillean the wolf* It is time...get out of here...as
fast as you can...
Trillean : What about you?
Kaede: *he grins as he begins to follow* I'm right behind you...
**Trillean
goes down on all fours as she begins to lope of out the fallen
colossal city. Not far behind is Kaede, his feet begin to kick
up dust as he races alongside the changeling, matching her speed.
From the flames, blue crystals sprout from the pouch engulfing the remnants
of the castle town. A crystalline city begins to emerge.**
Trillean
: *she increases her speed looking desperately for an
exit*
Kaede: *his rage begins to breakthrough again as he roars in anger, breaking through a wooden door clearing a way for himself and Trillean*
Trillean
: *She picks her way through the wood and rushes out into the evening
light, immediately the air is filled with the haunting melody of a
howling wolf*
**The two cannot resist the temptation to look back at Tigera,
now frozen in crystalline icicles. A monument petrified in the
sub-zero temperatures, ice too cold for even fire to melt**
Kaede: *he starts to make soft grunts as he follows Trillean
to a nearby sahara bush, suddenly he cries out in a sudden growl...*
AARRGGHH!!!
Trillean
: *She stands upon her hind legs looking at Kaede in a deep
voice she growls* Be calm!
Kaede: *he falls to his knees, breathing harshly...*
Trillean : *she falls down on all fours again and nips the side of his face*
Kaede: *the fangs recede again, as do the talons on his fingertips...*
Kaede: *he smiles recovering from his enraged state* You were...quite something back there...
Trillean
: *She shudders and crumples onto the ground returning to her
normal form* But of course, that is what wolves are for.
Kaede: *he goes into a slump, breathing heavily while looking into her
eyes* You okay?
Trillean
: *She looks back and smiles* Yes I am, I'd consider asking the same
for you after what I just witnessed again...
Kaede: *he nods* It is relieving to hear you are doing okay, as
for me, I just am not sure anymore with these new powers...they are
like a curse more than a gift...
Kaede:
*he smiles* Rest Trillean...you've earned it...
Trillean: *she looks at him slightly dazed* Maybe just a small
nap...
~Exit All.~
***
ACT VIII,
SCENE 2 -
Tigera
Plains - Life's Uproar - 6 p.m.
***
~Enter Ari, Tygar, and Elder Tassidus.~
**In a separate area upon the pasture of the Tigera Plains,
Ari and Elder Tassidus get Tygar out of the
city, looking back as the entire metropolis turns into crystalline
ice, a monument to stand for eternity. Ari instructs Tassidus
to lay Tygar down, as she assists in the process**
Ari:
*to Tassidus* I'm sorry I snapped at you... I...I
apologize.
Tassidus: *he shakes his head* Worry not Ari...
Tassidus: We all lose ourselves sometimes... *he smiles* You did rather well in there...now if only my failure of a nephew will follow with the changeling...
Ari:
*she shakes her head* Will you not realize what he really
is?
Tassidus: *he shakes his head* Ari... Ari...if you only knew the torment of true pain when your homeland is destroyed...watching Tigera burn was as horrifying as the tragic elf crisis of the past...how would you feel if, everyday following that event, you had to look into Ryanna's sad, tormented eyes, while you raised her...it wasn't easy...
Ari:
Still, you insult him all the time... He is a hero and a brave man,
but because you have your prejudices, because of the past, you won't
see what he is today.
Tassidus: I have my 'prejudice's' for a reason my dear...
Tassidus: You didn't cause the downfall of this city, the murder of a million innocents...
Ari:
No, but I was a bastard child, and in my father's eyes, that
was enough to cause his hatred toward me. There is always something.
Tassidus: *he furrowed his eyebrows* I am...sorry...I didn't understand why you...felt like him...
Ari:
Well... now you do. *she turns back to Tygar, notices he is
breathing shallowly*
Ari: *she touches his battered face gently* I thought I'd lost you there
for a minute... *she sits next to him and takes a deep breath*
***
**Far from the madness, Ryanna and Raine approach the
Ocean of Stillwater, just south of Tigera where the tranquil waves have yet to
experience the devastation brought to the rest of the world. One
after another, the waves roll in and out like the flow of time, ever-present,
ever-calming.**
~Enter Ryanna's steed, Raine as a separate character, along with Ryanna.~
Raine: *the stallion's gallop begins to slow to a trot as she approaches the endless ocean*
Ryanna: *she breathes heavily as she looks at the soft soundings of ocean waves ahead of her*
Ryanna: *she descends from her steed and walks slowly towards the boundless ocean, its waters reaching her boot, her ears twitch as she hears the soft approach of Raine, she lets out a deep sigh* Raine...my friend...I cannot ask you to come any further...
Ryanna:
So...please friend...ride away....
Raine: *the horse lets out a snort and buries her nose in her master's hands*
Ryanna:
*a steam of tears falls down her face* Please...don't make this any
more difficult than it already is...please...go...
Raine: *the horses eyes become that of sadness itself, it begins to back up slowly, then without a sound, it rides away back from whence it came...*
Ryanna:
*she watches Raine ride off into the distance *....Ride swiftly.....
Ryanna:
*turns to a seaside ruin and stares at it with awe*...The
Passage of Ages.....
***
**Off in a seduced location on the outskirts of Tigera Castle,
the familiar cloak of the Assassin is seen, along with a hand
resting on his own shoulder. His soul struggles to remain intact
after the blast from the feline prince, he lets out a loud curse that
echoes into the darkness. Hearing what appears to be the sound of
footsteps, he turns around and notices an approaching dark soldier,
the irony of it all is that this minion too has a hostile injury plagued
on his shoulder too.**
~Enter The Assassin, now known as Vandel, and
the Imposter Arshes now known as Gyder.~
Vandel, the Assassin: So...they think they can prevent harm by shielding a fortress with ice, how foolish... *he turns his face towards "Arshes"* ...How fare you? Did you get the information that we require?
Arshes
: *the second soldier begins scaling a prairie tree before reaching the
branch* That was a close one wasn't it?
Gyder : *Shakes head* ...And no I did not...and you probably wouldn't have done much better if you'd been assigned instead...*he chuckles* You already couldn't defeat a simple prince....so what makes you think...
Vandel: Silence! He bares more power than when I fought him previously back in at the Dwarf Caverns....it wasn't a fair fight...
Gyder:
Who says anything is fair...that's why we exist...*he laughs*
Vandel: *he laughs alongside him* So...How did it feel playing that girl? *he snickers*
Gyder
: *Grins* I felt very pretty...heh, what do you think?
Vandel:
*he chuckles* Well, it's probably just as well
you didn't stay...
Gyder
: I came this close to getting it... and than everything
fell apart.
Vandel: So...I hear Kaede is in a love/hate relationship with
the wench...
Gyder
: Yes, and a damn good looking wench at that.
Vandel:
I wouldn't know...I've never actually seen her, but master says it's absolutely
necessary to capture her...how can that girl mean so much importance
anyways...*he spits in disgust*
Gyder: Don't question the sire, else you may suffer the same
fate as those that have already crossed him...
Vandel: Yes...I know....Well then, I suppose
you had better follow them, maybe something will turn up, meanwhile
I... *he sees a rather large figure incoming at blazing speeds*
Gyder: You'll what...*he looks back and his eyes go
wide*
Vandel: *the dragon that decimated the assassin's shadow with
his flames of inferno, approaches along at blazing speeds, and before
Vandel can even twitch, he finds himself in the dragon's maw...being
eaten alive...*
Gyder: Unholy Shit!!! *he ducks low as the dragon flies overhead*
Gyder:
*he notices the dragon coming around for a second pass* I'll not have
the same thing happen to me! *he disappears in a puff of smoke*
I
must informed the master... *he scrambles away in an invincible
mist*
~Exit Gyder.~
***
**Ari and Tassidus still lay on the outskirts of Tigera on the east side where Tygar has yet to regain consciousness.**
Ari:
*she glances at Tassidus* Are you all right? You don't
look so good.
Tassidus: *he shakes his head* Ari...I...feel something...
Ari:
What?
Tassidus: I am not sure...but I think we will find out soon
enough...
**The
feline cat wheezes weakly...as his breath once again leaves his
body....soon, no sound comes from his mouth, he lays there, his fur
looking pale*
Ari:
*she turns to Tygar, alarmed* No, don't die on me now! Tassidus,
help me
Tassidus: *he turns to Tygar in an instant* Take heart young one, it is not over yet, we'll get them back..
Tassidus: *he hears a cry in the distance* Ah...my dragon comes...
Ari:
*she leans over Tygar and pinches his nose in order to give
him mouth to mouth resuscitation*
Ari:
Come on, breathe!
***
**A light shower begins to fall, as Trillean and Kaede
are laying under a safari tree. The wolf-ling herself is heaving with
short incomplete breathes, recovering from the energy of the
transformation. Kaede stands aside her standing watch**
~Enter Trillean and Kaede.~
Kaede: *he smiles* Rest now...I shall stand watch...
**It's at that moment that a familiar figure would run upon his sister while looking towards Kaede angrily. His eyes fueled with rage beyond his own personal grief**
~Enter Cain.~
Cain:
What have you done to her?!
Kaede: *he looks back startled* I haven't done a thing! She's
just sleeping!
Trillean : *She lifts her head up and stares at her brother, her eyes blinking rapidly* Cain?! What are you doing here?
Cain:
*he smirks at his sister* Have you forgotten already dear sister? I
said I'd follow soon enough...why must you have your head always in
the clouds? *he chuckles*
Trillean: *she puts her hands on her hips and growls* Why must
you be so mean to me? If I wasn't so tired...I'd give you something
to speak off...
Cain: *he chuckles again* That's my sister...but seriously, how do you fare?
Trillean:
*she smiles back at him, seeing that he's finally become more
respectful* Don't
worry, I am fine, but I am not sure about the others, last I heard
they escaped from Tygar's castle, but Tygar was...unconscious...
Cain: *he smirks*
Well then, what the hell are we waiting around here for, let's find
them! They can't be far off right?
Trillean: I suppose, it's just...I'm so tired...
Kaede: *he nods* She had to become a wolf to escape the chaos that ensued Tigera Castle...
Cain: *he looks at her in slight awe* Well then, big brother here will just have to carry you...
Trillean: *her eyes become heavy as she is too weak to even reject the offer...*
Kaede:
Come...I think they are this way...*he points to the northwest and
the group follows with Trillean sleeping lightly*
***
**The footsteps of the elf princess flow across the waters, it would appear
she is walking on solid ground, yet she walks across the ocean, the
developing storm at her back. Every step she takes, a radius of
ripples flood outward from the center point**
Ryanna: *her thoughts become condensed as she concentrates her powers, searching for something...*
Ryanna: Where is it...I know it's around here somewhere...
Ryanna: *her hands reaches out towards a faint pink light coming from a squared location*
Ryanna: This...this is it...
Ryanna: *she emits a glowing white light from her soul, the necklace enchanting alongside her, she calls out in her native tongue* Mirror of the Ocean, show me what motions, what time has in store for me...the true face of destiny....
**As if her words have summoned a hell of it's own, a giant bolt of lightning clashes down from the sky onto the waters of the ocean, making it turn a faint light blue, slowly the waters before a holographic image of what is to come...*
Ryanna: *she looks into the mirrored water, seeing the events play out from his hands...the hands of Nelo...*
Ryanna: *she holds back her emotions while watching the timeline unfold before her*
Ryanna:
*suddenly she sees a figure of herself, enraged as her friends fall
before Nelo in cold blood....*
The vision...
~Enter a future vision of Nelo Angelo, Ryanna and a
group of Other Warriors.~
Nelo Angelo: Poor, poor saviors of the light...the last line of hope, destroyed not by the darkness, but by the one who wields the pendant of consumption...as it was meant to be...*he laughs looking at Ryanna*
Ryanna: NO!!! *she screams as she covers her mind*
Nelo Angelo: Don't you see?! The darkness that is within that necklace of yours...it is what shall now consume you...eating away at your life soul for so long, it finally has reached the point it was meant to undertake...that is...to have you kill your friends...
Ryanna: *she cries out in agony as the pendant depleted her life-giving air*
Ryanna: *she desperately tries to fight it, but her soul has been in the dark for far too long, and she collapses next to her friends...dead...*
Nelo Angelo: *his demonic laughs fill the world with the void...darkness consuming all within the world...not a trace of light is left...a barren wasteland is all that remains...the dreaded Dark Age*
Ryanna:
*the mirror shattered ending the sequence of events and the time is
returned to the present, back
to ocean waters*
End of Vision...
Ryanna: *she falls on her knees and cries out her pain...her
course having been set...*
~Exit Ryanna.~
Tygar:
*the breath goes through his soul, yet, it doesn't respond back*
Ari:
*tries again* Tassidus? What do I do, he's not
breathing
Tassidus: *he looks down, now just realizing Tygar's unconsciousness again and becomes startled* Umm...ok, ok! Let's try this...*his hands begin to glow with mystic energy*
Ari:
*she breaths one more time*
Tassidus: *he brings his hands to Tygar's chest, his hands glowing blue* You aren't going to like this Tygar...
Ari:
*she panics seeing the energy waves near Tygar's chest and holds up
her hand and shouts* Wait!
Tassidus: *he looks up* What?
Tygar:
*he takes a huge gasp in, taking the air of life*
Ari:
*sighs with relief*
Tygar:
*the prince's heart begins to beat again, yet it is very weak...but still a
sign of
life...the most precious thing of all...*
Tassidus:
*he looks down and grins* You just robbed me
of good fun Tygar...
Kaede: *he approaches his uncle alongside with Cain and
Trillean* Uncle...why did you not follow...*he looks down at Tygar*
How does Tygar fare?
Ari: *she rises from her crouched position* He is alright now...I hope...he's exhausted...but he's breathing...
Cain: *the warrior's brows furrow as he lays down his sister and sits down by her in the tall grass, relieved to see Tygar breathing* So tell me...what happened here? I heard a rumble and than I ran here...
Trillean : *She shakes her head* Long story, I'll explain it later.
Tassidus: *he stands up and sighs*
Kaede: *he turns to Cain and looks down at Trillean* She's sleeping like a pup...
Cain
: *he laughs* That is a first... usually it's the
other way around.
Cain
: *he leans into Kaede's ear* Don't tell her I told you
this, but, keep a close eye on her.
Kaede: She's been quite an asset to us...and a staunch ally, so either way I shall look out for her...
Cain
: *he nods* That is my sister for you, all stubbornness and no compromise.
Kaede:
*he laughs* I see...
Cain: *his ears perk up at the sound of a soft, but steady
neigh* He turns around and points at the small figure atop a large
hill* Isn't that...?
Kaede:
*he puts a hand to his forehead and narrows his eyes at the target*
Gods...it is! It's Raine!
Raine: *the horse appears in full view soon thereafter having
galloped towards the comrades, it brushes it's mane against Kaede in
affection*
Kaede:
*the man strokes the horses' mane* There there now...where is
Ryanna?!
Tassidus: *he steps towards the horse, reading it's thoughts
and translating* It appears Ryanna needed to be alone for the task at
hand...the task I can not figure out...just...an ocean...
Cain: An Ocean...could it be? The Passage of Ages? That's too dangerous! Not many can harness it's powers!
Kaede: *he edges towards Cain, Raine laying down from tiredness* Perhaps Ryanna can...I guess we won't know until she returns...whenever that times comes...
Tassidus: The child is not stupid, there are many things we don't know about her...we can only wait for her...
Tygar:
*he moans a little feeling pain surge in his body*
Ari:
*she pulls what dried fruits she has from her pouch and holds
them in front of Tygar's nose* These will make you feel less
pain...eat up...*
Tygar:
*his nose begins to sniff as he reacts by opening his mouth a
little*
Ari:
*she drops in one of the smaller pieces* Now chew, while I
dress those.
**A shrill cry echoes across the evening skies, appearing from within a dark cloud comes a dragon who's maul appears to be stained in blood, slowly it's wings flapping, it lands near the group**
Tassidus: *he nods, walking to his dragon* Ah...you have return to me...good...
Trillean : *She looks at the dragon* AAHHHH!!!! Where did that over grown lizard come from?!!
Tassidus:
*he raises his hands* WORRY NOT! HE
IS MINE!
Tassidus: *he turns, raising his eyebrows towards his dragon*
...And you brought me a present too it seems...
Tassidus: *the dragon opens its mouth, letting the dead corpse of a dark soldier fall to the grassy floor of the plains...*
Trillean : *She lets out a sigh of relief* Whew thank the gods I thought I was going to get eaten.
Cain : *the changeling's brother leans down and looks at his sister* Something about you has changed...
Trillean : *Her face drops* Oh, you mean my hair...long story don't ask.
Kaede: *he leans back against a tree, breathing steadily, as his eyes begin to droop...*
Tygar:
*he begins to chew slowly, his fangs biting into the fruit
breaking it down little by little*
Ari:
*she takes out her other tunic, ripping pieces from it to
make bandages, wrapping the worst of the wounds*
Tassidus:
*he examines the dead figure's body* Ah...it's our friend from before...the one that attacked
Ryanna....
Ari:
*she turns back towards Tygar admiring her skillful art of healing* There... that should hold you together for a while.
*she gives
him another piece of fruit*
Tygar:
*his eyes open halfway as he spots a familiar women overlooking him, he forces a weak smile and whispers*
You...did....it....Ari....
Ari:
*she smiles* I didn't do anything, it was all you and your stubbornness. You wanted to be around another day to bother me. *smiles again*
Ari:
Do you think you can sit up?
Tassidus: *he turns, and looks at Tygar, relieved to see he is showing further signs of life* I think he should mount my dragon for now...smoother ride...
Tygar:
*moans* I'm so weak...but I think I can do it...since you're
around...
Tygar:
*he breathes hard as he attempts to stand*
Ari:
*she extends her hand outward in urgency* Not too fast!
Tygar:
*he chuckles lightly* You...know me too well...
Tassidus: *he shakes his head* Persistent feline! Even the stronger warrior can be brought down by the tiniest wound, now all that should be on your mind is a swift recovery, so...rest now!
Tassidus:
*he smiles* My dragon will not even
feel your weight, and it would be hard on us if we were to carry you
again! ...Now mount him, please...
Tygar: *he extends his right hand towards her*
Ari:
*she takes his hand and helps him to the dragon*
Tygar:
*he smiles* Thank you...very much...
Tassidus: *he turns, summoning his mount, and tells
him to wait for Tygar, before leaning against a tree and closing his
eyes for a bit...*
Tygar:
So...this is a dragon....*he sees the dragon for the first time in
full view*
Trillean : *She gets up and wanders over to the dragon putting out her hand warily trying to pet it* Will it eat me?
Tassidus: *he laughs* Do not worry, he will not harm you...
Cain
: *the male changeling wanders up to the beast and strokes his muzzle* When do we
leave this place?
Tygar: *he moans a bit* Will I be healed in time for the next battle...?
Ari:
*shakes her head* That is the least of your worries
right now, just relax.
Tassidus: *he turns to them, announcing* I have been marshalling my elven kin to our keep to the North...we can travel there...the journey will be hard and long, we will need more allies if we are to survive...
Cain
: *he approaches Tassidus and bows deeply taking out his axe* You have my allegiance on this journey.
Tassidus: *he nods* I thank you...
Ari:
*she looks at Tassidus* You could try to contact my father... But make no mention of me...
Trillean
: As our father as well... though don't expect much warmth
from the old man. He is made of ice, as you already saw for
yourself...
Ari:
Ice? You have no idea...
Trillean
: You think the dwarves were rude... try spending the night
in the ice cavern as I like to call it...
***
**Atop his throne of minions, Nelo Angelo takes a silent
look at the fortress of ice that crosses his eyes. He alerts his crew
to make for a river near a marshland west of the castle. Quickly the
horde comes upon the swamp where they rest regenerating their
energies. Nelo Angelo grins wickedly as he places his palms
together**
Nelo Angelo: *walking westward from the Tigera Plains, he and his
band of minions rest near a river and a marshland-like area* All is
going according to plan...soon, the world will be nothing more than a
memory...
Gyder: *he suddenly appears in front of Nelo* Sire! Tigera Castle
has been successfully destroyed....
Nelo: Good, good...that feline will think twice now about
crossing a decision to join the dark side...how went your little
affair with that accursed Kaede....did are little decoy work?
Gyder: Well sir...it was going good for a while...and then...
Nelo
Angelo: *the heat of flames begin to emit from his eyes* And then... what?!
Demetri: *from besides him* Master, you must control your
temper...you cannot let the light get the best of you...
Gyder:
They caught on and attacked me...I couldn't defeat them...Kaede and
the Changeling still live...then, when me and Vandel tried to escape,
we were ambushed by the elder's dragon....Vandel...was killed...
Nelo Angelo: *he shouts loudly into the air, fire erupting from his
body* Curse them!!!
Gyder: Sire...please....don't exhort yourself to such measures...
Nelo Angelo: *he grabs Gyder's neck and smiles evilly* You failed...and for this...you shall receive your punishment...I shall take you to a place of no return...
Gyder: *gasping* Sire....please....have mercy.....*his voice dwindles to a mere wheeze as a loud crack is heard*
Nelo
Angelo:
*he smiles* Ah...much better....silence is so bittersweet...
Demetri: Master...you know you can't just keep getting rid of
good men...
Nelo:
*he snarls* All who fail within my reign shall perish, if they can't
do something right the first time, they mean nothing to me
...Besides, they
weren't really men, they were undead souls...I could easily replace their
lives with that of others...*he cackles*
Demetri: *he closes his eyes for a moment and smiles*
Master...they are retreating back to the keep...you were right about
leaving a force of five thousand to await them...they will soon be
dead...
Nelo:
*he smiles again as his eyes burn with red fire* They are walking right
into our hands, and what a greeting they shall get...hahahahah!!!
~Exit All.~
***
ACT VIII,
SCENE 3 -
Tigera
Plains - Memories Revamped - 8 p.m.
***
**The posse are silent as a thunderous clash roars from above,
another storm begins. Not once has the sun shined since that fearful
day that evil bellowed against the heavens. Beneath the storm, an
almost deaf sound of footsteps brush against the plains. Kaede
turns, expecting the worst, but instead...**
~Enter Ari, Kaede, Trillean, Tygar, Cain, and Elder Tassidus.~
**Kaede looks towards the shadow that emerges from the tall brush of field grass, the ears plain in sight, the cloak all moist and sticky with field plants hanging on. The sudden gallop of her steed advances towards her, a relief expression on it's face, he smile as well. He takes a second look at her, then truly realizing it is indeed the girl, he rushes over, grabs her hand, and feels it's smooth skin, he smiles again, relieved to see her presence, along with no injuries of any kind**
Kaede:
I was wondering when you'd arrive...
~Enter Ryanna.~
Ryanna:
*the elf glances at her
friends, she greets them all in a tone of tiredness* Greetings...
all...
Ryanna:
*she looks down at the prairie grass and frowns*...I am sorry once
again for my absence....
Tassidus: Ryanna...did you find out something?
Ryanna:
*she looks at Tassidus*....My lord....I saw it....the Eye of
Evil....the source of our enemy....
Tassidus: *his eyes widen* Curses...how far until we face it?
Kaede: *he rises to his feet, grunting as his muscles twinge in retaliation...*
Ryanna:
*her eyes narrow, fighting through tears* I have... no idea, but, it said something to me about my role in the
future....*she gulps* Tassidus...do you know of this role?
Tassidus: *he nods* I have an inkling...but let's not speak of it here...these plains have ears...
Ryanna:
This role....does it have something to do with
these....gifts?
Kaede: *he nods in response* I am sure it does...
Tassidus: *he remains silent...*
Ryanna: *her hands begin to tremble as she looks at them with concerned eyes, she clutches them together and cries*
Trillean : *she makes a small yawn, and then walks over to them* Everything has to do with everything else, doesn't it?
Ryanna: I have been to the Passages of Ages...the Stillwater Ocean...
Ryanna: Our evil is expecting us...no matter where we go...they will find us...there is no where left to go...
Kaede: *he pats Ryanna on the shoulder* Don't worry, we are all here....and as long as you don't run off...we will continue to be...
Tassidus: *he glances at Tygar* Tell me friend, how many of your people are left?
Ryanna: *she walks away a distance, becoming quiet*
Tygar:
*he replies weakly* I do not know...all the villagers that Ari
rescued should be
safe now somewhere...I'm sure they took refuge, about a fifth of them
are strong warriors like me...
Tassidus: *he nods, then notices Ryanna walking off, he turns and speaks* Hold Ryanna...please...
Ryanna: *she holds but doesn't look back*
Kaede: *he continues* Please Ryanna...we need you...we really do...
Tassidus: *he nods agreeing with his nephew* Aye, that is true...
Ryanna:
*she looks back as another tear falls*...Kaede ...Tassidus... I am a
threat to everyone... with these new gifts... I... I can't control
them....
Ryanna:
I hear the voices of the Dead speak and scream in my mind...*begins
to tremble again*
Ryanna: They control me... they control my mind, my
actions...
Kaede: *he closes the distance between him and Ryanna and
looks at her with serious eyes* Listen
to me...
Kaede: For better or worse, Fate chose us to wield these
powers...gift or curse...
Trillean
: *she too walks up to Kaede, Ari, Ryanna, and Tassidus* Hey that rhymes, why didn't I think of
that...
Ryanna:
Then what is this? ...I know not what to call it... I try
Kaede so hard... to understand this... for so long I have tried to
control them but still...they puzzle me...since the day they
started....
Kaede: *continues to speak with Ryanna* ...As bad as you think this is...it'll be worse if we separate...
Kaede: Listen to me...I am new to these visions as well...but I need your help...because only you know what it's like to live with them...
Ryanna: *she sighs and lets hand fall, speaking with her back to Kaede* I am sorry... I know we should... but still... I can't risk me losing control...
Tassidus: *he gazes back to Tygar* Tell your people... that they have a place among the elven keeps, we shall head Northwest, they may meet up with us if they like...
Tygar: *he nods and begins to gather tidbits of energy into his voice as he roars out a signal to his people, the air grows silent for a while, but then...as if the sky was speaking, the roar is returned with one that is somewhat identical, the feline prince smiles* Good...very good...
Tassidus:
Please translate Tygar, I do not know your language quite yet,
although I'd be interested to learn someday after this apocalypse is
over...
Tygar: *he gives a weak chuckle* Good news, the solders have
taken the civilians to a place north of here...they should be safe
for the time being...they will move soon to the keeps, but not on my
command...
Tassidus: *he nods* Good...I shall leave
tracks for them to follow...
Tassidus: *he smiles* But you are their king now...you should have...
Tygar: ...Complete rule over my subjects? That may be true...but I'd rather not act so royal all the time... *he grins*
Tassidus: *he returns the grin* I understand, it is rare to find a ruler so modest in his ruling...well done Tygar...
Ari: *she turns to Tygar* Well, you may be their king now, but I still believe you need a bath. You have blood caked in your fur!
Tygar: Oh no....please not a bath!
Ari:
*she smiles* You know you like them.
Tygar:
*blushes* Only when you are with me...
Ari:
*she laughs* Well fine then, I'll help you.
***
**Trailing off from the others, Kaede leads Ryanna to a small water
hole, there they sit together, he rests a palm on her shoulder,
comforting her
with his emotions**
Ryanna:
Kaede....there's more than one reason why the Elven Capital
burned to the ground that day......
Kaede: *he blinks at her words* Tell me, what do you think happened that day?
Ryanna:
I don't think....*she opens her eyes as they water* I know....what
happened....
Ryanna: *she looks at her pale hands* These powers...they caused the destruction of my people...I am the reason that our populace was wiped from the face of this world...
Ryanna:
My powers went out of control, evil seized me...
Kaede:
*he shakes his head* Do you remember the lady in the blood
red dress?
Ryanna: A red dress...why yes I do...why do you ask?
Kaede: That... was Arshes...
Ryanna: *she looks up at him, confused* What... did you say?
Kaede:
*he nods* It fooled me too, you see...who killed your
parents? it was...well...it was both Arshes and I, together...we...we
slaughtered them...
**Cain leans against a tree signaling for
Trillean to join him, she slowly strolls over to his side
curious as to what his intentions are up to, pure or evil. The male
takes out a small bottle of mead and tosses it over to her, she grins
surprised at his offering and takes a large gulp from the flask, hiccupping
shortly afterwards. The pair laugh together, like a true brother and
sister couple.**
***
**Ryanna cannot believe the words that her companion Kaede
has just revealed to her. Her emotions become increasing confusing to
this turn of events. Her eyes once again begin to harness teardrops,
slowing bursting from them, she falls to the ground sniveling tears**
Kaede: *he shakes his head* I didn't know until now how the city caught fire as well...
Kaede: But now you see why my Uncle hates me so...why he doesn't trust me...
Ryanna:
*a bit of anger works it's way into her tone of voice* Please....just answer me this
Kaede.....why?
Kaede: I came to my senses just short of killing your father, the king of the city...but not Arshes...she...
Kaede: *he turns away, his words becoming tangled* I... couldn't stop her...because all I could see... was her face...and nothing else...I was a fool...I realize that now...
Kaede: It's no excuse...
Ryanna: *she looks at Kaede with eyes of emotions, yet she can not display them in words*
Kaede:
No... excuse...
Ryanna: What...drove you to do that Kaede? What?!
Kaede:
*he gulps* I do not truly know...
Kaede: I thought Arshes was destroyed...but now...with her
revival, it sheds a whole new light on the mystery...
Ryanna: I...see... well, I don't believe you knew what you were doing, you were a pawn of evil...just like me...
Kaede: *he turns* Perhaps, but maybe this time will be different, we can redeem ourselves...because we have the cards...we don't have the numbers...but we hold the keys...
Ryanna: I realize now that it is in the past...please...don't blame yourself anymore, like I am blaming myself... *she coughs realizing the irony of her own words*
Kaede:
*he shrugs* We are responsible for ourselves and others
Ryanna...remember that...*he walks away from her and heads back
towards the others*
***
**Tygar watches from the distance as Kaede and Ryanna
rise from the watering hole, heading back towards him and the others.
He frowns sadly, realizing the true pain Ryanna feels.**
Tygar: That girl, she's felt so much pain...
*he looks back towards
Ari* What about you? Has pain manage to drive you to the extreme...
Ari:
*she laughs softly at his inquire* You couldn't even begin to imagine.
Tygar:
*he looks to the clouds* Are we going to make it? What does the
future hold...
Tassidus: *he eyes Ryanna* Please, let's work through this together Ryanna...we can't do this without you...come with us, and perhaps more light will be shed on the mystery of what happened so long ago, that cost the lives of so many....
Kaede:
*he turns to Trillean who has now returns with her brother*
Please...you tell her...I
can't...say any more...
Trillean: *she replies in a drunken voice* Eh, whatcha say
thar Kaede...
Kaede: *he forces a laugh to escape his lips* Even in the face
of pure danger, you still mange to cheer me up with your
drunkenness...
Cain: *he chortles at Kaede* Care for a drink old friend?
Kaede: *he passes down on the offer* Heavens no...not yet anyways...
Ryanna: *she sighs* I really don't have much of a choice...if I run, they will hunt for me and most likely kill me...alongside you all, I feel like I have a chance to redeem the lives of so many...and learn more in the process...
Ryanna:
Believe me when I say this...I will put an end to this...I will set right the wrongs and
allow their souls to finally rest in peace....even...if its the ultimate cost....
Ryanna:
I am staying...till the end...
~Exit All.~
~Enter Ari, Tygar, Ryanna, Kaede, Trillean,
Cain, and Elder Tassidus.~
***
Cain: Well, now, if we are to travel, we need someone to scout
ahead...of course, it couldn't be anyone else but me... *he grins
pleased with himself*
Trillean: Oh you idiot! Sometimes I can believe that I am related
to you...but oh, what are I to stop you...
Kaede: Go ahead...that will take some weight off our shoulders.
Cain:
*he races ahead to scout for danger leaving behind the others*
~Exit Cain.~
Trillean: Hope my brother doesn't let anything like a
groundhog injure him...*she sighs*
Ryanna: *the elf princess sighs deeply as she is walking behind the elder Tassidus, her mind is full of questions, but not a lot of answers...she closes her eyes and speaks*.
Ryanna:
...I must confess Tassidus...I have seen...my future in the visions....
Tassidus: *he shakes his head, patting her shoulder once more before walking to the dragon, petting its flanks* Then we are blessed....
Trillean : *She shrugs takes another swig, holding up the bottle and waving it around she says* Anyone want any?
Trillean
: *she looks towards Kaede again* C'mon Kaede, this'll perk ya
right up! *She grins and tosses the bottle of mead over to him* From the north, guaranteed to put fire in your veins.
Kaede: *he gives in as he takes a deep swig of the drink, and nearly coughs in
surprise* You weren't kidding Trillean....it's good
though...
Tassidus:
*he frowns* One thing you must
realize Ryanna...
Ryanna:
I know...I am insecure...young...inexperienced...
Tassidus: It's not that...these visions...they tell you what they believe WILL be the future ...but, by seeing these visions...you can also change them...
Tassidus:
You turn your fallibilities into assets
by joining with others...like pieces of a puzzle...
Tassidus: *he brushes hair strands from her eyes*
Ryanna: *she looks at Tassidus* Still, I'm not fully certain yet...
Tassidus:
In time, it will come...
Ari: *she sighs as she leans against a tree. Can we please get going...it is getting dark...I need some...*she yawns* ...Sleep...*she begins to nap away against a tree*
Tassidus: *he nods* Let us travel my dear...we have a long journey ahead of us...and we can discuss these visions on the trip...
Ryanna:
*she looks at Raine* Speaking of sleep, she should rest....
Tassidus: *he nods* Let her go unburdened Ryanna, a bit of a walk would do us good anyway...
Ryanna:
*she nods* Yes it would....
Trillean : *She grins* Well if we are to be going I suggest we do it soon...
Kaede: *nods* It pays not to linger...we should move...
Ryanna: *she begins to walk northwestern towards the hills slowly*
Kaede: *the dragon, carrying Tygar, begins to follow Ryanna...*
Kaede: *he calls out to the feline prince* Your people Tygar, they shall meet up with us, correct?
Tygar: Indeed they shall if the course is set...
Trillean
: Are we taking horses or going by foot?
Tassidus: *he turns to Trillean* Let our rides rest a bit, we walk...
Ryanna:
I am going by foot....Raine needs her rest
Tassidus: it should allow Tygar's people to catch up...
Trillean : *She nods and leads her horse by the reigns, as her brother follows*
Ari:
*wakes with a start* Who... what?
Ryanna:
*walks in front, cloak swaying behind her*
Tygar:
*looks to the elder...* Our destination?
Tassidus: *he replies in a bitter tone* The Ruins of the Elven
Capital...
Ryanna: *her hands shake before the elders words*
Tassidus: *he nods* Aye...our keeps to the North are not far from it...
Kaede: *he sighs* Ah...it shall bring back memories...good and bad...
Kaede: *he looks towards Ari and grins* Maybe you should ride on the dragon as well, you look beat...
Tassidus: *he laughs* Indeed she should...my mount could handle it with ease...
Ari:
Oh, I'm fine... *she stumbles a little*
Tygar: *he roars out the destination to his people, and receives a roar in acknowledgement in return*
Kaede: *he turns to Tygar* Your people would be a great boon to us Tygar...I beg their friendship and companionship...
Ari:
*she walks a little more confidently*
Tygar:
It is done...I trust in their voyage, they will make it
safely...
Kaede: I thank you...
Tassidus: *he nods as well, and begins to lead the way* May the footsteps of your people be true and effortless Tygar...they will need their strength for what is to come...
Ari:
*she alks along side the dragon, stumbling now and then*
I'm sure they'll be fine.
Ryanna: *she looks at Kaede* But we shall face them...right? *smiles*
Tassidus: *he becomes silent, turning away from Kaede...*
Kaede: *he smiles back* That we shall Ryanna...
Ryanna:
*she nods and continues walking*
Tygar:
We must hurry, it shall not be long before the darkness
strike again...
Ryanna:
*she walks up to Tassidus*....Why so quiet all of a sudden....
Tassidus: *he shakes his head to Ryanna, embracing her in a hug with one arm as he walks* Nay child...just thinking...
Ryanna:
*she smiles and pats his shoulder* If you say so....
Kaede: *he turns to Trillean* As I seem to recall, you knew a unicorn?
Trillean : *She nods* Yes, and what of it?
Tassidus: *he whistles, summoning several birds to him...*
Trillean : *She stumbles a bit and laughs* Didn't realize it would get that quickly to me.
Kaede: *shrugs* I'd never seen one before, then, not up close...
Ryanna: *she sighs and starts walking a little faster*
Trillean : Well, you have your dragons, we have our unicorns.
Kaede: *he speaks to each of the birds in the elvish tongue, before they fly away...*
Kaede: *nods* Indeed, and magnificent creatures they are...
Trillean
: Yes, that they are... I still think everyone would be in a
much better mood if they were all drunk.
Ryanna: *she looks at the birds and smiles, as she starts to sing a elven song
gently*
Ryanna:
*in elvish* Come my child, the night is young, we go to
listen while the birds sing along....
Ryanna: *she smiles back at him*
Tygar:
*he extends a grip out towards Ari* There is room for
two...please...sit with me?
Ari:
*she reluctantly excepts* Oh... alright. *she mounts in front of Tygar and
falls asleep quickly*
Tygar: *he smiles, while stroking
her hair* I thank you...angel....rest now....for a long day awaits us
tomorrow...
Tassidus: *he continues* I have sent the harbingers to your people...Ari, Trillean...I also sent one to the dwarves, though I dislike my chances there...we need all the allies we can get...
Trillean : *She nods* What you need are humans...
Trillean : They are here by the thousands, and they are dumb enough to fight.
Kaede: *he laughs* Song and drink solve everything eh Trillean?
Trillean : *She throws her head back and laughs* Yes, of course, what else are they here for?
Kaede: *he laughs* They would not take kindly to my Uncle...I should try my hand with them...
Trillean : Most races don't take too kindly to high elves. I know my father spits on them.
Ari:
*she smiles fitfully in her sleep*
Ryanna:
*she continues her song* The stars radiant over the skies so bright, that our way may
be blessed with that of the light
Kaede: *he summons forth an orb of blue light...letting it land upon the grass...*
Kaede: I don't suppose I ever told you what her father was?
Tassidus: *he curses* Aye...but with good reason too nephew...
Tygar:
*he calls to everyone from above atop of the dragon* Everyone...please listen to me...for a
moment...
Ryanna:
*she pauses and looks at Tygar*
Tassidus:
*he turns to Tygar...*
Trillean: *she turns to the tiger*
Kaede: *he turns towards Tygar and nods* Speak Tygar...
Tygar: *he clears his throat* Much blood was spilt today....perhaps more will follow....but, with our combined forces, we can face our destiny with pride and strength. Everyone of us is a member of this team....we must fight on...we must hold our heads high when even the brightest of light cannot be seen. I trust my entire life towards everyone, so, please, do your best in this upcoming struggle between good and evil, and I will die a happy tiger...*he smiles and bows*
Ari:
*she wakes up with a soft yawn* Mmm...bravo...
Ryanna:
*she nods and takes out sword, raises it in the sky*
Tygar:
Hold back the tears...for the light will shine again...
Ari:
*she returns to her sleep*
Trillean : *She nods her head vigorously* And drink on of course!
Tygar:
*he holds up his claws*
Tygar:
*he holds up Ari's hand to the sky*
Kaede: I have sent an emissary to the human mages...they shall gather the humans to our cause...
Tassidus: *he raises his eyebrows at Kaede* What did you do to deserve the loyalty of the human mages of the Hightower?
Kaede: *he looks at his uncle* The mages have an aversion to the Atlanteans, they appreciate our plight...they mourned too when the Elven Capital fell to the Atlantean Arshes...
Tassidus: *he nods* Just so...
Ryanna: You have my word and my sword and bow Lord Tygar, I will never stop fighting until evil is truly vanquished...
Ryanna:
*she sheaths her sword and continues walking*
Tygar:
I thank you all....
Ryanna: *she looks at the sky*
Kaede: *he tips his hat to Tygar* I offer you my sword...my bow...and my undying friendship...
Kaede: *he grins at Trillean*
Trillean : *She smiles back taking another swig of ale* And you may drink my mead whenever you like!
Tygar:
*he smiles at Trillean* I would...but...I'm starting a new
habit...thanks to her... *he points at Ari*
Kaede: *he grins at Tygar* Good idea...
Trillean : *She frowns* Did she turn you into a fruit eater?
Tygar: *he puts a finger to his lips and hushes Trillean* Shhh...she sleeps...
Tygar:
...As should all of us being doing soon....
Trillean : *She shakes her head*
Kaede:
*he grins* Come friends, we should ride far tonight, for we
have much work to do...
**At that moment, the one deemed Scouter returns hacking for
breathe, he forces a light smile towards the band**
Cain:
So we take up horseback now?
Kaede: *he nods to his comrades, and begins to stride ahead* ...I'll try my new found skills...you go ahead...
Tygar:
*he looks down* Where is my horse White Wind....
Tassidus: *he nods, mounting Kaede's horse...*
Cain
: *he shakes his head* No, no, Cain only rides in
style.
Tygar: *thinks to self* I am sure she made it along with my people safely *he commands the dragon to fly forwards with Ari still asleep on it*
Tassidus: Come...we have much land to cover...
Trillean
: *He whistles sharply and out the sky comes a screeching
griffin, it's broad wings beating rapidly, it's golden form takes to
the sky*
Tygar:
*he speaks to the sleeping Ari* Angel...you have watched me
countless times and sought to see me through, tonight, I shall be the
one to watch over you...for always...
~Exit All.~
***
End of ACT VIII
*****
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