Aether Key -Sam 25th(open)

Draydis Quinn D`Anorre · Thu Dec 29, 2005 6:04 pm

Gavin's attack gave him the opening he needed. The arrow was released from the bow as soon as Gavin made his strike. "NOW!" The shot was aimed directly at the center of Gavin's back as he crossed between Draydis and the demon. The momentum of Gavin would hopefully carry him past the path of the arrow...

As soon as the shot was made, Draydis began his charge towards the demon. He knew that he'd have to tumble past the deadly blade of the demon lord in order to reach the other side where he'd leave his bow and arrows for Syra.

Ashtallion Urdil · Post by **Ashtallion Urdil** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 9:00 pm

The Demon Lord and General countered the move with ease, Soulcrusher answered the move eagerly, blocking it and sending a shower of sparks as the two swords collided and scraped. The faint runes running up the demonic blade begun to glow brightly, a vibrant red to match the General's eyes. " Mortal... you are weak, as are all your kind. ", he shoved Gavin backwards with a single movement. " Now, fce your dea-- ", he was cut off by the arrow that zipped through the air to land in his shoulder. Normally, it would have bounced off, but whatever blessing was bestowed upon the arrow head caused it to penetrate the Great Demon's rock hard and armour like skin.

He roared in fury, unaccustomed to the pain that now lanced down his shoulder, left arm and chest, " Bastard adhiel! You will pay for that. ", but Dray was already charging, as was Abeo. Energy crackled up the sword, and he swung it in a wide arc to keep them back. It was too close to unleash a wave of deadly demon magic, he needed space and time to focus Soulcrusher.

*

Ashtallion's fingers flexed as lightning tore from them, arcs of the firey magic burning the very air with their intensity. J'Kara countered with his own dark faith, clerical spells and prayers to ancient and evil deities, calling upon their might to aid their dutiful servant. And those prayers were answered. The mage had never been up against such potent dark arts of divine power.

As thier mystical battle raged, magic the likes of which could level half an army bled from the Priest and the Wizard. Fire thawed walls of ice, demonic apparations clawed at Ashtallion, tearing the radiant robes of white and silver and gold. He stood defiant though, proud and tall, a terrible beauty in his wrath. The priest, dark and old, dug up reserves built over centuries of wielding such power.... and eventually, his power began to best the mage. Lances of Unholy might struck the battle mage, his screams of agony, of anger, pierced the air, ecohing through both the Chamber and the Hall.

He was not ready to fall though, not yet, and luckily he distracted the priest enough for Syrawenn to secret the Key away into her tunic. Above all else, that had to leave the Tower and be returned to the Keep....somehow.

Post by **Syrawenn** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 11:03 pm

Something was wrong.

While Syrawenn was uncannily lucky with her grab for the key, Ashtallion did not seem to do half the damage she expected him to unleash on the demon priest.

Very wrong.

She frowned from the fighting mages to the begging door. It would be very easy to join the fighting outside, but that was when she had been under the impression the mage could handle the priest...and clearly he could not.

Spells and counterspells flew through the air. Apparitions fit for the worst nightmares -gosh golly, I thought this WAS a nightmare- duelled over lances of anger. They were so caught up in all this energetic wrath stuff that they might not notice a small girl grab a good hold of one of the lances still lying around.
They might not notice her closing in, especially if she came in from the priests blind side.
They might even not notice her intention.

What most energyfighters forgot, was the risk of bodily harm coming their way. She'd seen it before and with a bit of luck she'd see it again!

The girl set her jaw. She was not going to have Ashtallion beaten by this good-for-nothing mumbojumbodummy. With careful steps she closed in and moved to plunge that lance all the way into the priest! Of course there was a risk, but by coming from the side instead of behind she tried to minimize it. Either she hit or she missed. It would certainly distract the priest and maybe it meant a killing chance for Ashtallion!

Step.
Step.
GO!

Gavin Tylvan · Post by **Gavin Tylvan** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 8:35 am

It was a strange battle indeed. Their foe was powerful beyond reckoning and somehow that made it even better. Gavin knew his blow would have no effect. But, that was not his intent. As their blades connected the Dortman allowed his own sword to slide along it moving his own body to the left. Now, Dray. And as if the adhiel has read his mind there was a shout and the arrow raced past his shoulder. Whoa, that was close. But, he did not finish that thought as he was pushed back. The words his enemy uttered barely registered on Gavin's mind, but the roar that followed did. And then his sword was on the ground again, scraping against the stone once more.

His foe was too tall and to strong for the overhead slashes to have much effect. But, that height was a hindrance when it came to lower slashes. Slashes moving upwards and horizontal slashes directed to the legs. And the big man laughed, the elation of the fight and the adrenalin in his blood filling him with strange mirth. Sure, it was dangerous. And, he could die. But, somehow he felt this was his purpose in life. Fighting a battle like this. Ever since his old mentor took him to the hunt for the first time, Gavin was fascinated with wolves. He saw a pack bring down a large buck and this felt like that sort of a battle. They were the pack. And that lumbering monstrosity before them was their prey. And that enormous sword in his arm represented the antlers. Neither of them could bring their prey down by himself. And not with a single strike. But, together they stood a chance. Dart in when he is occupied and make a quick slash. Fall back. Someone else attacks. Wait your turn. Slash. Make the foe angry. Let him grow tired. And keep the pressure up. And as the big man circled the demon he let out a long howl. He did not know where it came from, but it felt good.

Draydis Quinn D`Anorre · Fri Dec 30, 2005 4:10 pm

Draydis smiled as the arrow hit the demon's shoulder. He hoped that the general would be so arrogant and confident that he would not dodge the shot. There would not be another chance to surprise him so.

With such a large weapon as the demon lord had, Dray knew that they had to surround him. Albyon was on the front left...Gavin on the right side...that left the back all for Dray. He just needed to get past the enemy now.

While still out of sword range, the adhiel stopped momentarily. He drew out two arrows and readied them on the bow. With careful aim, he targeted the demon's left leg...just beside the crotch where his armor was not covering. Dray had successfully shot two arrows at once before, when facing multiple opponents. In this situation though, he needed to make sure one of the arrows hit, so it was done merely to make it much harder for the demon to dodge the shots....and if the demon did indeed dodge, Draydis hoped it was enough of a distraction to allow him to tumble by and get to the backside of the general.

The shot was released right at the point where either Gavin or Albyon attacked again. Timing was critical, as the three warriors were definitely up against a strong enemy.

As soon as the shot was in flight, Draydis ran. He would cross behind Gavin and tumble past the demon lord. No more attacks would be made until he was behind the demon and out of blade range. All of his concentration now was on dodging that massive sword...

Albyon · Post by **Albyon** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 4:15 pm

Abeo's axe slashed towards the demon. Lets see if his weapon can be at two places that the same time he thought.

A howling sound he heared and without thought he answered the howling. It did ring a bell, more blood members ??

Moving his feet as fast as he could he tried to get at the opposide of the monster. Lets see if the big guy could stop that.

"Hey dude." he shouted towards the demon.."your forgetting me I hope !!"

laughter followed while Abeo hoped that his distraction would be good enough for Gavin.

His axe slashed out towards the monster, all his force and anger focussed on the cut.

"Eat honoust steal"he grinned.

Draydis Quinn D`Anorre · Fri Dec 30, 2005 4:46 pm

As Dray passed behind Gavin, he noticed Albyon charging towards the demon as well. He did not want to collide with the large man and give the demon two easy targets to hit as a result. So, Dray simply circled wide around the demon...staying well outside of sword range. His plan to attack the ankle tendons would have to wait until he had given his bow to Syra...

Ashtallion Urdil · Post by **Ashtallion Urdil** » Sat Dec 31, 2005 3:25 pm

Her steps were heard, at the very last moment.

Turning sharply, J'Kara felt the lace pierce his side. He screamed, but not in pain, he was beyond feeling any now, no, it was a roar of outrage at being interupted by the little girl. Once again, a mere child had managed to injure him, when even the power of a battlemage were no match for him. " Insolent whore! ", with a gesture, Syrawenn found herself once more whipping through the air, the pain of black lightning ripping into her very soul yet again.

He did not know she held the Key on her person, and luckily he had not used anything more powerful least he could have unbalance the artifact. Ashtallion had been driven to his knees by this point, and his cry of triumph was cut off by the sight of Syrawenn being racked by the priest's power.

Something snapped.

It had happened only once before, in another time, another place, another dream.

The Wizard stood, and the priest turned to regard him. " Found the strength to stand again, little mageling? I would have thought you would be on your knees still, begging for a easy death. ", he sneered, one hand over the wound, the other extended, ready to counter or unleash another wave of devasting Unholy power. Ashtallion did not reply, he merely gazed at the priest. There was no expression on his face. No malice, hate, pain or anger. Marble gave off more warmth than his face at that moment.

A flicker.

A light of sorts running over the hem of his torn white robes.

The priest started, wondering what the mage was doing.

A small flame sparked infront of Asht. Then another, and another, and another. All around him.

He screamed, but it was not just his own mortal cry, a clear, crisp and piercing sound ecohed throughout the Chamber, the Hall... the Tower.... the very Netherworld.

The hunting cry of a bird of prey, a falcon or perhaps an eagle. Majestic and like a clap of thunder.

Ashtallion burst into flames, a fire or such heat and fury it melted the floor at his feet, it scorched the wall near him, black and running like molten rock. Swirling, the fire rose to a colum, reaching the before unfamothable height of the Chamber and spread out, it was the uncanny resemblence of a bird, and at the center, burning with a seething beauty, the brilliant blue at the heart of a flame, was Asht, wild and unfettered.

" You are mine. "

Was all the mage whispered through the fire, the call of the falcon rining in every syllable.

At first, terrified of the power the mage, wondering where the adhiel had been able to pull such might from, he then controlled himself and stood tall. " Never, wizard. ", there was no sneer, no glibe remark. Here at last he recognised someone to match him.

The mage would have to be quick, such power never last long.

The Firebird dived, as did the mage at its heart. The priest dug up every last prayer, every scrap of power, falling short of taking his own life force, and hurled it at the flaming conjuration that now consumed him. The two battled fiercely....fiercly, but only for several heartbeats.

Both then fell. But only one still breathed.

Scorched and shaking, almost naked aside from his modesty being covered, Ashtallion lay, smoke rose from his very skin, black smudges marred him all over. " Syra.... "

*

Abeo's charged was a success. He landed a heavy blow on the demon and it split his side. Blessed weapons indeed to pierce the skin of such a creation of darkness. " Damned bitch! ", of course referring to the Mother. " You and your pawns here will not defeat me. I have lived too long, countless centuries, to be brought low by a few snivelling mortals and a hag like you! ", he seemed to be talking to himself, backing off, clutching his side now instead of his shoulder from which he had ripped the arrow.

Then he felt the fire, the power washing from the mage, and he knew the priest was dead.

" Bastards, all of you! ", they were not supposed to have got this far, not supposed to have defeated them. They were but mortals!

The demon lunged at Gavin, the demon sword swinging in a wide arc to hack at the warrior.

Post by **Syrawenn** » Sat Dec 31, 2005 4:01 pm

It felt surprisingly good to pierce that priest's side. It was so easy. That demonspit had absolutely no idea of the things mortals were capable of! Syrawenn rejoiced, but it was only for a short period of time, because once again -much as expected- she flew through the air, the dark strands not just creeping into her flesh, but much, much deeper.

She screamed in pain, writhing in the air. When she touched the ground she was silent for a few, the breath knocked out of her, but then it started hurting again, agonizing phantom pains which could have no cause other than some mind trick.

I am the BAIT! She kept telling herself. I am the BAIT this is PERFECT! And through the pain the girl noticed that it was.

In front of her Ashtallion gathered his last strength and somehow created a firebird out of nowhere. In awe the youngster stared while the last of the black lightning did it's damage through her pained body. her knees cramped up to her torso Syrawenn watched as the firebird almost consumed the priest!

Immediately the agonizing pains stopped, leaving her exhausted, but only having to deal with the aftershock. Whereas she was quite lousy at dealing with the actual thing, Syrawenn ruled at dealing with aftershocks. There was such beauty to ignoring things, such simplicity in denying it ever happened. Crawling up again she took a few good, deep breaths and pretended to be quite alright.

The mage, however, did no such thing, lying there with the smoke still billowing from his body. Denial swiflty being replaced by worry the girl hastened to his side, grabbing her waterflask to do something.

"I knew I was inspiring, but don't you think this is overdoing it a bit?" She grinned half-heartedly, spilling water on her hand to gently apply it to the man on the floor. "Yer not gonna die on me now, are ya? Cause that would be a very good reason to whack you senseless. And don't gimme that crap about ghosts being intangible, cause you know I'll find a way!"

Don't die, Asht...please don't die. Then I'll have to come and look for you and I don't know where or how! Don't do this, not now. You're the only one who knows what to do with the blasted key!

The object of their fight felt cold against her skin, still safely lodged in her clothes while around the corner some demon still didn't understand the meaning of the word 'defeated'.

Somehow Syrawenn was sure the other guys would show him soon enough.

Ashtallion Urdil · Post by **Ashtallion Urdil** » Sat Dec 31, 2005 6:10 pm

He coughed.

" Well I like to show off from time to time. ", he tried to smile, but his whole body ached. " No, I'm not going to die... not yet anyway. Feels like I already am though... ", he moaned when he tried to move and sit up, managing to only move his head to see out the Chamber and into the Hall.

The others were still alive, and from the looks of things, doing quite nicely against the Great Demon.

" I'll be fine once I've had a moment to res-- ", he stopped, " Do you still have the Key? "

Draydis Quinn D`Anorre · Sat Dec 31, 2005 6:23 pm

As Albyon's axe dug into the demon's side, Draydis made his move. He had already set down his bow and arrows, and drew out the mighty long sword of the Mother. Using the scream of the demon to mask the sound of his movement, he went for the back of the demon. Instead of aiming for the back though, he cut at the tendons at the back of the ankles. From fighting a giant before, Draydis knew that eliminating its ability to stand would allow the three fighters to easily destroy their enemy.

As he reached the demon, he held the blade out horizontally so it would be at the height of the ankles, and then spun his body in a fast circle so the blade would have additional speed as it struck. Once the blade was brought across both ankles, he turned the blade in his hands so it was pointing downward, and he jumped up so he could bury it into the back of the demon. "NOW GAVIN!" With all his strength, he plunged it into the center of the general's back and held on, knowing he needed to use the weight of his own body to keep driving the green blade into the heart of the demon...

"FOR THE MOTHER!"

Post by **Syrawenn** » Sat Dec 31, 2005 6:47 pm

When he coughed and sat up the girl was ready to HUG the silly mage!

What the heck.

Syrawenn moved her arms around him and hugged Ashtallion with some care. "You did GREAT, you brag!" She laughed, sheer relief flooding her system and pushing her to such a height that all her exhaustion and pains were forgotten for the moment.

"Yer gonna sit right here til that overbearing boar of a demon is quite dead. Then we'll discuss getting out of here." She ordered the poor mage around. At his sudden question about the key she looked back with big, innocent eyes.

"What would I need a Key for..." It was so tempting...soooo very tempting to shock the man. But that would be poor form right now. "Yeah, got it." She grinned. "Priest never knew what hit him. Hey, you need anything? Got some reserves in my bag, ya know. Never know what it's good for and stuff. Bit of bread? Might be stale, but still. Water? Ummm...need bandages? Nah, yer not bleeding. But still. Shees, wow, this went rather well, don't you say?"

Hyper.
Completely hyper.
Undoubtedly her body would protest vehemently about being treated so negligantly after the double blast of the dark priest, but right now, she did not CARE!

"We got the key, we got the key." She danced, peeking around the corner again. "Maybe I should...nah, let's not push my luck. No demonslaying for me right now. Gotta make sure you survive and don't get swallowed up or something!"

Albyon · Post by **Albyon** » Sat Dec 31, 2005 9:56 pm

Abeo almost lost his balance when the axe split the skin of the demon. But the feeling of satisfaction was there, laughter left his lips followed by his loud challenge "The Blood is here !!". He knew that the creature would retaliate, not that that was something that he minded because the distraction was there. Now should Gavin and Draydis have a window of opportunity.

He felt the force from the hit still in his muscles but he tried to turn the axe anyway, a new hit would be a bonus, death an insult.

"Come on Gavin, you lazy bum !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Ashtallion Urdil · Post by **Ashtallion Urdil** » Sun Jan 01, 2006 12:39 pm

" Water... and a blanket if you happen to have one... ", the mage was now shivering despite the smoke that rose from him, the fire he created having been pulled from his own inner heat. There was a huge amount of relief in Ashtallion's face, but also concern. Yes they have the Key, the priest was dead, and the Great Demon soon would be.... but the mage wondered about the other demons and fell creatures within the Tower, perhaps they had fled, knowing their Masters were to meet their doom.

" Once they have finished off the demon, you can use the Key to take us bck to the aether, Syrawenn. ", a small smile played on the wizard's blue tinged lips. " I doubt we will have to wait much longer... ", his gaze wandered to the other three.

*

Dray's hits were spot on, pain ripped through the demon, the likes of which he had never before had to experience. Buckled by his ankle tendons being sliced, and the blade that pinned him.... he knew his own demise was not going to be long in coming. He knew were his 'soul' would go, to join the priest in the ranks of Darkness amidst the dark patheon, his position there was long ago agreed and so he held no fear of dying, only outrage at being bested by a rag bag group of Mortals!

Soulcrusher.

The Demon Sword knew its master was failing, showing weakness, but he wuld give one last moment of greatness before passing into the realms of death and undeath. The Great Demon plunged the sword into the stone floor and waited for its Master to die....

Gavin Tylvan · Post by **Gavin Tylvan** » Sun Jan 01, 2006 1:36 pm

Gavin almost saw his own death. And somehow he was not scared. He was not even disappointed. But, there was a little pang of regret as Syrawenn's image flashed through his head. Oh, he was not going to give up. But, he truly doubted he would be able to turn the sword aside. I've go to try. And so he did. Placing his own sword at an angle to absorb as little of an impact as he could, the big man lifted his own right foot of the ground. The plan was to let the demon blade strike his own sword and slide along it, while the big man let the momentum of the blow rotate him and push him to the ground. He just hoped his own steel would not shatter.

And then it happened. Luckily he learned not to close the eyes by reflex when the blow came. And so he saw the move Draydis made. And as the demon buckled that runic blade veered upwards and Gavin shifted his own parry. Sharp pain bit through his arms as steel rang upon steel. And he pivoted once more, reversing the grip on the sword so that the blade pointed down. His head came around sharply so he could aim his next blow. [i]He is dead. He gave up. Farewell.[i]

He could not miss. Not now. Dortman simply placed his own blade so that its tip pointed towards his foes head and let the momentum carry him around. And just before it impacted his right foot came down and his torso continued the rotation. He was aiming for the eye, but could not be sure if the strike will be true.

Post by **Syrawenn** » Sun Jan 01, 2006 10:29 pm

"Water...check." The waterskin passed to Ashtallion's hands, although Syrawenn made sure he was able to hold it before she let go.

"Blanket, check!" With a grin she unrolled her faithful woolen blanket and covered the tired mage. She squatted down next to the man and had another look around. "So, once they are done over there...you want ME to use the key?"

A smug grin spread over her face. "Are you suuuure you want me to use that thing?"

To have the power to return to Aether might mean having the power to change dreams, to make everyone live their fantasy, to have them all take off their shoes and dance in front of a pink dragon -no wait, that's too silly- to have a huge party with great quantities of beer, to put Dominicus at work shovelling the shit he created, to have some time to figure out what Gavin thought, perhaps even...

Nah.

A whistful sigh while the grin stayed. "Yeah, sure, I'll bring us back to aether. You just tell me how, okay? I ain't the magicky type. I'm more of the talkity type. And talking about which...gotta see what's taking them so long!"

Up she veered into the direction of the last fight -or so she hoped.

Ashtallion Urdil · Post by **Ashtallion Urdil** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 4:28 pm

" Oh, you don't have to be... magicky.... that is. "

Asht sat up more straight, with some effort by the expression on his face. " Its a long guarded secret. The Key can be used by anyone, the Rites and incantations the priest was reciting were made up so that only a select few would try and use the Key for pervere purposes.... and even then they wouldn't have been successful. Simply hold it in both hands, and 'will' a portal to open into the aether. "

" But keep a clear picture in your mind as to where you wish to go. ", even as he spoke, his gaze wandered to the Demon and his other friends, " Good... they are almost finsihed.... "

And Gavin' sword slid into the demon like a hot knife through butter, the blessed energies of the mother assisting the steel to pierce the enemy that had so profoundly blasphemed against the Goddess.

With that, the immediate threat was over. None of the other demons would attempt an attack just now... fearful of the great warriors that had readily dispatched two of their powerful Lords.

The Demons might not have wanted to attack, but there was one object which still raged at the thought of Mortals defeating its Master.

Soulcrusher.....

The Demon Sword suddenly blazed with a red and garish light, the runes burning brightly. The floor shook once, then a second time, becoming more and more frequent... from within the Chamber, Ashtallions' shrill voice cried out. " That Sword! Its bringing down the entire Tower.

Chunks of stone now fell from the cieling, statues toppled over and shattered, Soulcrusher would bring down the very Tower upon the mortals, crush them and bury them with the remains of its Master.

" Syra.... i think it might be a good time to use the Key.... "

Draydis Quinn D`Anorre · Mon Jan 02, 2006 4:39 pm

As he pulled his blade from the back of the demon general, Draydis felt the tower begin to shake and tear itself apart. Draydis looked at the two fighters with him. "Get out of here! There is one last thing to do." With careful steps the adhiel approached the demon's sword.

He focused the last of the green waves of energy around him as if attempting to build a shield, and held the Mother's long sword high above his head. Draydis closed his eyes for a few flickers, visualizing what he was about to do...the sword must be destroyed.

Post by **Syrawenn** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 4:45 pm

"A clear picture? Of the Aether? Are you nuts!" Syrawenn exclaimed, knowing fully well what kind of dreams she usually encountered. "How about you feeding me some crock about cute frogs hopping around in a summery foresty thingie, eh? Much better than anything I can keep in my mind! Sheesh man, this is ME you're talking to! You should know better!"

Syrawenn took a deep breath.

"Okay, rant done. Thank you for your cooperation. Annnnnyways..." The girl turned to the fight...where there was no fight.

A rumble disturbed her thinking -or whatever might be defined as such. Ashtallion's cry did not fall on deaf ears: "No SHIT, mageman! Do we need to be close to each other? Otherwise I'm just gonna think up something right NOW!"

Think something up..it's a portal, they will have to go through it by themselves...better make sure Asht goes through first. Poor guy. Then check the others. They better be able to walk...walk...where to go...portal. PORTAL NOW!"

With unusual concentration the girl visualized the forest she had dreamed of earlier, the forest where she'd first met Gavin. It was the one thing that kept popping up in her mind. A blast of inspiration and she actually thought up the portal on ground level. It just wouldn't do to fall to death after surviving this lot.

She grabbed the key through her tunic and just let the idea go, as if imprinting it on the key through her grasp.

Gavin Tylvan · Post by **Gavin Tylvan** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 7:19 pm

Gavin was surprised by the ease with which his sword sunk in. Maybe the Gods do know what they are doing. Draydis is a lucky man. May the Mother watch him in the future. I will manage on my own. And the he jerked the sword and twisted the blade in the wound before another jerk brought it out. Warm blood spurted out spraying his back as the big man took a few steps away from his foe.

But, when he turned the first tremor shook the tower. Slightly crouched Gavin managed to keep his balance keeping his hands outstretched. He barely steadied himself when the second one came. This time he allowed himself to fall upon his knees and wiped the sword on his own cloak before sheathing it. Mage's voice came and he was up. Taking a few steps the big warrior stopped when he heard the adhiel. "Abeo, go and take care of those two. I'll be right after you with Draydis. Make sure the mage and the girl come to no harm. Go." Then he strode to the adhiel, barely keeping his balance as each new tremor shook the tower. "Hurry up. Do what you plan and then we are out of here. I'll make sure you are not disturbed." The Dortman placed himself between the adhiel and the entrance and waited for the attack to come or for the time to run.

Draydis Quinn D`Anorre · Mon Jan 02, 2006 7:26 pm

Dray opened his eyes when Gavin spoke to him. "I know not what my strike will do, but this blade must be destroyed. If I should not make it, I just ask that you tell the tale in a way that all will know that the Mother gave us the power to win the day. Run now my friend!" It was clearly apparent that the faith of the adhiel was incapable of wavering, and he was committed to seeing the end of the evil weapon.

The Emerald Guard commander gave Gavin one last look, all his teeth showing in a big grin. Draydis lived for moments such as this. He then nodded towards the room where the others were. "Run! Save the others!"

Waiting only a flicker or two more, he brought the Mother's blade down hard; attempting to slice through Soulcrusher. A loud scream was let out as his blade gained speed...releasing all the energy he had stored. Every ounce of strength in his arms, legs, and back was put into the blow. One of the blades would certainly break. Only his faith served as a shield from the explosion of energy that he knew would certainly follow...

Post by **Syrawenn** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 7:32 pm

If there was any sign of the damn portal opening to whatever forest she had just thought up, the girl yelled: "ONE WAY TICKET OUT OF HERE! GET IT WHILE IT's HOT!" And she shoved Ashtallion through without waiting for any protests to be voiced.

Now to make sure the others would follow suit... Of course the vision of Draydis standing over the damn sword did NOT lighten her mood.

"Ah, shit...another hero." She mumbled. "DRAY! GET yer butt over here!"

And the next thing she knew everything erupted in chaos once again.

Ashtallion Urdil · Post by **Ashtallion Urdil** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 8:01 pm

The portal opened as the young girl willed.

Never had one so young used the Key, one of the most powerful artifacts ever to have existed and ever to exist in the centuries to come.

The portal swirled with the same green energy that made up the Key, and Ashtallion marvelled at it, not dread and terrifying as had been the demon portal into the Netherworld, this was beautiful and full of such majesty. He had little time to ponder over the power washing from the portal, being promptly shoved into it by Syrwenn. " Damnit! ", was his last word before vanishing in a vortex of and sparkling light.

Soulcrusher sensed the escape of the enemy and doubled its efforts. Red energy, vile and corrupt, poured from it, funneling into the very stone of the Tower, cracking and shattering in earnest to try and kill at least one of them in vengence.

Dray's sword connected with Soulcrusher, and like he predicted....

White light, searing and blinding flash, no sound, no movement, no fire or explosion, pure light beamed, no one would be able to see, hear or move... until eventually it receeded.

The cieling was gone and only the crumbling remains of several walls still stood. Luckily, there was a floor, the Tower had no yet collapsed.

Soulcrusher was no more, having spent all its energy, the blade snapped and the Demon Sword was no more, save for small spraks running up the broken blade. For some bizarre reason, the mortals were unharmed, sight restored, earing no longer impaired.... all that was left was to enter the portal and leave...

And they had best hurry, for at that point, the Tower tipped to the right, it was falling, top first!

Draydis Quinn D`Anorre · Mon Jan 02, 2006 8:16 pm

OOC: I'm getting ready to head out to the airport, and won't have internet for at least a day. I know I'm going out of order here, but wanted to post so nobody would have to wait on me.

IC:

As the bright light cleared, and everybody could see again, the room was greatly changed...or destroyed rather. The demon blade had been broken, and Draydis now kneeled where he had once stood. He slowly turned to look at the Dortman. "Save my father's bow..." He extended his arm to point towards the bow and quiver laying on the ground by the entrance to the room where Syra had opened the portal.

He struggled to get to his feet...first one, then almost the other. A great deal of energy had been expended though, and the adhiel collapsed to the floor. He was breathing hard, as every muscle had been used to bring an end to Soulcrusher and the demon lord.

Another attempt was made to get to his feet, but only resulted in crawling a few feet towards the portal leading to their safety. Pleading eyes were directed towards Gavin, as the adhiel collapsed into unconsciousness. The look he gave Gavin said everything that he was then unable to vocalize. The will to survive was there, but the energy was not. His body crumpled to the floor once again...his hand still clutching the blessed green blade.

Gavin Tylvan · Post by **Gavin Tylvan** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 12:01 pm

Gavin had no intention of leaving Draydis no matter what the adhiel said. And he just turned back to yell the same thing to him when the two swords connected. And all went white and silent. All right. That was dumb. Lets try not to that again. Now, Dray was this way. The big man turned in the direction where the adhiel was according to his sense of direction. Five paces away. Keep them even and normal. One, two, three. And then his sight started coming back and he saw that he missed the adhiel by a slight angle.

"Are you coming?" The big man looked at the adhiel and for a flicker waited to see if he would get up and then saw that look. With a smile he pondered what Syra will have to say for heroics and scooped him up and slung him over the shoulder. "Next time don't destroy demonic artifacts. I might not be around to carry you away." And then he was at a run, pausing only to pick up the bow. The pain lanced through is wounds and sweat beaded his forehead, but he did not slow down. "COMING THROUGH!" As he sped past the girl he grinned and jumped through the portal wondering at the last moment. Huh, wonder where it leads? And who opened it? SYRA? And at that last moment he knew panic and laughed as he disappeared through.