As the sunlight arched over the horizon through the clouds changing the world of Lodoss from dark to twilight darkness awoke. Cray stood in the center of the fallen palace with Ralathan and Neon by either side. Now he was equipped in full armor with the sword Black Cross hanging from his belt. The general took a deep breath and focused his energy. All around Roid the undead had been dispatched and now scattered all about the Holy City were suits upon suits of strange purple armor. "Rise." With Cray's command in a single moment five thousand sets of armor stood up and formed into 5000 soldiers. All were soulless and fed by the Chaos Gates within the city as well as those within Cray. "The Phantom Soldiers are ready Ralathan... They are crafted from Orihalcon the strongest ore found in falling stars. They are not invincible but will withstand to most assaults. Now... you know what to do..." Cray motioned to Neon and they both mounted upon dark war horses equipped with black armor as well. The red eyed steeds scratched at the ground and waved their horned heads in the air. The Phantom Soldiers turned on their heels and faced the Mirror Forest. "March..." Ralathan nodded and then looked at the phantom soldiers. "Move out!" He then moved in the front of them and then when he was just outside of Roid he summoned a short fat worm that began to bore into the ground and tunnel into the mirror forest. Ralathan and the phantom soldiers followed its tunnel onward. * * * Sakura had drifted off to sleep by a small brook. She opened her eyes and yawned, but for some reason she felt something was wrong. Running to the edge of the forest, she saw an army that seemed to be coming from Roid. Realizing what was happening, she ran off to warn the villagers. After she warned the villagers she searched for the small assembly of "heroes" and found Gale and Blaze sparring. "(Pant, pant)You guys...Roid...Soldiers...Attack...Now!" She was so worried she stuttered her sentence. She managed to catch her breath and went to find the others. She saw the groups sparring also and relayed a similar message. She didn't wait for an answer because she sped off to find the refugees. Sakura found them assembled with some of the younger elves. "Don't worry you guys. I won't let anything happen to you." Moryssa had managed better against Zira and Sevrina than she thought she would, although she had been disarmed 14 times, not that she'd been counting. She was about to pick up her dagger when Sakura came running to them. After Sakura relayed her cryptic message and ran off Moryssa looked to the others. "Okay, do we have a game plan here or are we going to lead with our faces?" Gale could see the near blinding magical aura. The army emitted a thick red and black chaotic aura that completely overwhelmed the barrier tainting everything outside of it to the furthest horizon. The Phantom Soldiers marched on. Within an hour, they had moved across the water and towards the forest. The war begun... Sevrina sheathed her sword and dagger. "We never had much time to make a plan, we had no idea what was coming," she said and looked out at the horizon. "I'm sure the elven rangers have warned everyone elsewhere in the forest, the elves are likely already preparing for battle," Zira added. She left the two women and went over to Blaze. "Since you put yourself in control of this party, do you have a plan?" Seri and Deedlit heard Sakura from where they had been watching the fight. Zira and Sevrina had both gone to Gale and Blaze, Seri followed. As she walked, she heard a whispering in her mind. She stopped and looked around, it was coming from the trees. Closing her eyes, she listened closer, the trees were speaking of something moving beneath the earth, they could feel it with their roots. After a moment, Seri got an idea of what it was. "Blaze! there's something tunneling under the Forest!" she looked over at Moryssa, she already knew she was good with the earth spirits. "Moryssa, use your magic to help, I have other things to attend to." Seri then ran off into the forest, she had to get the elven forces ready, prepare a plan. She could sense the approaching evil from the east and the concern fueled her. Moryssa nodded and wasted no more time. A few seconds passed and she had her spell ready. "Spirits of the earth, heed my call. Let those that come to disturb this forest be encased forever in the nutrients of your domain. Encase them in the very earth they tunnel through, so that the lives of this forest may be spared" Underground, the earth began to encase Ralathan and his battalion of warriors. As it closed in around them, it started to harden. The worm, which was already deep within, was crushed by the force. Moryssa looked to the others. "That should buy us some time. But a strong magic user is the only being that could do this, so I doubt we've gotten rid of him." * * * Naclia smiled and said nothing, just leaned back against him. They fell asleep together in the strong branches of the tree. At dawn, a young, red-haired, half-elf girl woke Naclia. "Hey! Come on the battle's starting!" she said, the quickly hurried down to Ariakan. Naclia looked back to Talen and kissed him gently before climbing down the tree. "I hope you're done," she said to Ariakan. The half-elf stood by the tree looking ver anxious. "Katela, go get ready. And be careful!" Kat made a small 'hmph' before leaving. "As if I haven't heard that today!" Ariakan stood up and handed her the bow. "Use it wisely, as any missed shot will set wood alight." He then drew his bow as he looked around. In front of them a hole burst as Ralathan leading five thousand mobile suits of armor poured out of it. * * * Mia stood and walked to Fou-Lu and Parn who had since ended their duel. Lucied trailed behind her like a shadow. She was nervous, her hands were shaking slightly, but she tried to calm herself. "Fou, are you ready for this?" she asked, more to assure herself than anything. Mia watched distantly as Deedlit approached Parn. "Seri's gone to rally the elves," she told the knight. Kiran watched Moryssa, then approached her after she finished her spell. "Can you tell where they are?" he asked her, looking down at the ground uncertainly. Blaze looked at the gathered friends and looked at the glowing red barrier with a grin, "Hmmm...they've underestimated the barriers true purpose. They are INSIDE the barrier. Now the fun begins. INE STRATOUISA RETENICAIA EXPERECYTUA!" The barrier itself seemed to lanced out a spear the stronger signals on chaotic influence. It was killing in effect the chaotic officers of the shambling hoard. "Well....I'll handle the actual battle strategy from here on. They will be expecting a large frontal attack," Gale said. "But the enemy, as I can see has split into THREE groups. They at to our North, South East and Southwest. I'm betting there is a single member of the three evil one with each group. THEY are the prime target and must be killed at all costs. Everyone will need to act as an independent General and lead a unit to deter the enemy forces. Rangers are last resort, they stay primarily to protect the villages. I want all magic user gathered by the tree to charge the same spell together. If like Blaze did, that works with all spells then we can hammer a revival sphere and destroy the undead before they can strike heavily." Blaze was impressed at Gale's instructions. "Let me see if I can." Moryssa closed her eyes and relaxed her mind. Within moments she was communing with the spirits of the earth. She heard the earth's voice almost as loudly as she'd heard Kiran's. As she followed it's direction she saw a sudden flash of light and opened her eyes. "Something's keeping me from it. Let me try it again." Again she tried and again just as she'd pinpointed the enemy she was steered away. Frustrated, she sighed. The powers of Chaos are strong. If I could just find a way... "I've got it! Kiran, you use spirits of darkness right? Do you think they could help me find them? I mean, since they're dark and remotely linked to Chaos, then they should find it easily. The problem is, I've never used them before and I don't know what to expect." She looked at Kiran eagerly. The idea of gaining another shamanistic skill was enticing. Kiran smiled slightly. "I think they could help." He closed his eyes and focused, staring down at the ground. "Spirits of darkness, come to me and do my bidding," he started and closed his eyes. "Come to me and show the way to my enemies." In his mind, he heard the whispers of the spirits he summoned, they searched through the earth and found their way to the tunnel. He was pushed away as well. "I think that other dark elf is there, I got a glimpse of him, but he maybe blocking us." "Kiran, the tree!" Moryssa turned and dashed toward the tree. She was only a few meters when phantom warriors wearing armor approached. Jumping back she called the others. "Spirits of the earth, let these menaces of Order feel it's tremblings." She pushed her hands forward and the nearest warriors shudder and then shattered as they felt their own personal earthquake. Ralathan looked at Moryssa approaching as he looked mysteriously at her. "Spirits of darkness send chains of darkness to bind this interloper!" Chains of black energy went forth from his hands and wrapped around Moryssa sending her to the ground. He then drew his blade and looked to Naclia, Talen and Ariakan and ordered the soldiers under his command to attack the others while he started to attack the tree. Just as he approached the tree Ariakan sent a stream of thick black acid from his mouth at the nearest phantom soldier almost destroying it's body as if the acid were as strong as a black dragons. He then pulled out his bow and started to fire arrows of holy magic at them, trying to defend the ancient tree. Naclia and Talen both watched in shock, but soon snapped out of it. Naclia lifted her bow and started firing arrows of fire, she wasn't sure if they would have much effect, but it was all she could do. Talen meanwhile, attacked with his sword. He swung at the suits of armor with all his strength, but it didn't even dent them, at least he did push them back however. He dodged their swords, afraid to get even a scratch from one of them. Kiran ran to Moryssa's side and broke the enchantment. "We need to at least get them out of this place. Can you open the earth and close it to trap them?" The army headed straight for the barrier and quickly surrounded it on all sides pounding away with as much power as they could muster. From the skies beast from the Chaos Gates taking form of winged serpents assaulted the barrier with fiery breath. Cray and Neon remained on their horses commanding the troops as needed through mental thought. Within the barrier the Phantom Soldiers fell to the lances of light but they stood up again. The Orihalcon armor had been dented and scratched and blew apart the sets of armor creating the golems but like machines they stood again assaulting elven rangers heading for the Ancient Tree. "Of course. But what to say... Oh! I've got it! Ancient tree of the forest lend me your power, Open the very earth, our enemies devour. Once removed, lay them eternally to rest, Seal them now with your sacred crest." The very ground on which Ralathan and his troups were standing opened into a large gaping mouth. Countless soldiers were sucked in, then the hole closed and a stranges symbol appeared, sealing those trapped beneath for all eternity. The symbol glowed for a short while and then disappeared. "Sorry for the dramatics you guys. It was a poem my mother use to tell me. Now I understand it's use." Although her spell had worked they still had several dozen Phantom Soldiers and Ralathan to deal with. She stood up, and smiled again. The Ancient tree had supplied most of the power for her spell so she had plenty of energy to fight. Sakura had heard the screams of the battle. She and a handful of others managed to dispatch a small fleet of soldiers but soon found themselves overwhelmed. Sakura fought valiantly but was struck unconcious in the back of the head. The soldier that struck her opened it's armor and placed her inside. Likewise, the other soldiers did the same to the refugees. Then they turned and started marching towards the ancient tree, openly showing their hostages. Blaze watched in horror. The enemy had more tricks than he had anticipated. But, they wouldn't be able to destroy that ancient barrier. Not without killing him first. Blaze ran to the ancient tree and then his body suddenly dropped to the ground limply as a green aura extended from the tree and shot into the sky. A small gathering of clouds where the green aura shot up became larger. They crackled with red pulsing energy. The clouds opened a black void let a magnificently huge golden brown dragon through. The Kaiser had been awakened by using Blaze's spirit as a medium. The dragon spread it six wings wide and roared a shockwave of power that forced the chaotic power to retreat back. Blaze and the dragon spoke in unison, "The cycle is corrupted, my children call out for me to intervene and I have come. Darkness be GONE!" Another shockwave make the first wave of phantom armors and undead to just drop and melt away into dust. Gale jumped at Ralathan from behind. this move would work to Gale's advantage. Gale growled at Ralathan, "HEATHEN LEAVE THIS BLESSED FOREST!" A fierce 40 quick thrusts would force Ralathan to back up or be pierced by the Holy Spear. "We meet again. This time all holds are gone. I won't hold back." Gale threw off his helmet and shifted to his were-wolf form. He hoped this would put him on the even level with Ralathan. His Mythril armor would handle the spells. He just needed to fight melee and win. He also stepped in to put distance between Blaze and the enemy. He yelled to Sevrina and Zira. "ZIRA!!! GET BLAZE TO SAFETY!!! SEVRINA, PUSH THE ENEMY BACK!!!!" Seri had returned, leading groups of elves through the woods. Since, the groups had split off, lead by Sevrina, Zira, Parn and Deedlit, Fou-Lu and Mia and Seri. Zira left her detachment and ran to Blaze's side, putting his arm over her shoulders and lifted him to his feet the best she could. Why do I always ended up carrying you? Seri couldn't hold back her concern any longer, she had to get him away from the tree. She disappeared from the lead of her small force and appeared beside Gale. "Get everyone away from this sacred place were-wolf!" she insisted anxiously. Ralathan stepped back and then sent chains of darkness to bind Gale next. Ariakan stepped in between them after the spell was released and faced Ariakan. "You will fight me, I do not wish to see any others get involved in our fight..." Ralathan looked to Ariakan and laughed. "Let us duel then, caster verses caster." The two then squared off and looked into each others eyes with an intense hatred for each other. Gale growled low watching Ralathan, "If Ariakan is defeated I am next. You'd be a fool to underestimate my strengths." He turned and ran towards the enemy heading to the tree, they were weaker inside the barrier and that was helping them immensely. "YOU'RE NOT GETTING THE TREE!!!" He jumped straight up and brought his spear down onto a phantom armor, shattering the armor. Gale's eyes glowed yellow as he continued to hard press the enemy back. As soon as a handful of the Phantom Soldiers fell the others quickly took its place and somehow managed to withstand the blow from Gale. Quickly a dozen swarmed him, his spear broke through the armor but they did not shatter like before. Then he saw it. The blinding red and black swirling aura. Like a dark cloud it filled the barrier from within. Behind the line of Phantom Soldiers was the source of it all. He fed the soldiers with more and more strength as well as sapped at and ate away at the power of Order. Cray was within the barrier. His aura was nothing compared to the one he emitted in the previous battle. The black armor and sword he wore shined lightly as he pressed through the mass of soldiers and Gale. The Chaos Soldier made his way to the Ancient Tree. Several rangers attempted to thwart him. At the first Cray struck out with a kick throwing him into the air and smashed his spine with a back hand that sent him flying into a tree, he was dead before he fell. A second, a female followed suit. Her fate was to have Cray's armored hand tear through her chest and her body cast aside like filth. With a trail of blood Cray reached the Ancient Tree and Blaze... The Kaiser Dragon dropped through the barrier and stood between Cray and Blaze. "Heaven be gone. This world must be balanced do you wish to destroy the world?" "BLAZE!!!!!! NO! YOU COWARD!!! FACE ME BEFOR YOU ATTACK MY BEST FRIEND!!!!" Gale cried. Gale's aura burst around him throwing the swarmed armors into the sky, hitting the barriers and being destroyed. Gale rushed at Cray and tanked him from behind. They both toppled to the ground. Gale flipped to his feet with his armor on. "You....take you're lousy army and leave. I will not hesitate to rip your cold heart from that chest of yours... I've lost too much, I’ll not lose my best friend." The Dragon spoke to Gale, "Dragoon Knight, calm yourself. You will never win with such anger as your driving force. My kin will be fine, I have foreseen it." Gale's stance relaxed, he closed his eyes slowly and took a deep breath, calming himself. "Very well, I'll fight him by myself. IF he's man enough to keep outside factors away from us. NO ONE interferes. You'll pay for killing those rangers..." How unfortunate for Cray and Ralathan, the gathering chaotic energies weren't strong enough to gather too much before the barrier dome absorbed it and converted it. Kaiser spoke again, "You're powers can not compare to the power of good souls gathered in desparation and a good cause. The dark energies are overwhelmed by my power. I allowed my kin to use my powers only until order is restored. I will make sure you are undisturbed. Do both of you wish to have your powers neutralized, not permanatey, so that you may fight with just your skills?" Kaiser turned quickly and unleashed a devastating blast of fire that damaged nothing but the chaotic creature. Trees and the sorts, even ragers that were in the fire were unscathed. "I'll agree if he will." Gale spoke. "Watch out!!!" Moryssa try to warn Seri as she saw Cray getting closer. "Fists of the earth, strike at our foe to protect those that dwell in this forest." Five gigantic fists each attacked Cray in turn. * * * Ariakan and Ralathan each drew blades and initiated the combat. Spells flew from each of them, and their blades clashed. After several minutes they both stepped apart and looked at each other. "Now you will pay, spirits of darkness, come to my hand, burn the flesh from my foe!" A ball of black energy blazed at Ariakan as he launched a stream of acid at Ralathan's face, both attacks striking simultaneously. They both fell to the ground as their faces were seared, they were both unconscious, as the battle continued to rage around them. * * * After the fire washed over the area a high pitched howled laughter tore through the battlefield over the crashing of metal. Cray stood unscathed within the flames and locked his one exposed eye onto Gale. The dark aura around him were replenished just as quickly as they were absorbed. "This is a war... not a game..." Cray stretched out his arm and opening his palm towards Gale. "You, be gone. You do not understand war. There is no cowardice or bravery in war. There is only death and life." A blast of energy whirled around his arm and screamed towards Gale, catching him in the chest and tore him off his feet. The flow hurdled Gale into a tree and continued pressing against him until the pressure splintered the tree and slamming him into yet another. After watching Gale disappear into the forest with satisfaction Cray began his trek towards the tree. :Stop.: A voice begged Cray as the vegetation on the ground wrapped around his ankles, the branches curved and formed walls in his path. :Do not do this!: Black fire burst in front of Cray burning through the vegetation and branches. His hands tore through branches that still remained in his path. "Lodoss will fall... you are the first stepping stone..." Ralathan saw Cray approaching the tree and looked to Ariakan. "I have no time to deal with you, now you will fall..." He then gathered up dark spirits and sent them as a blast of black energy at Ariakan, at the same time Ariakan sent a spray of acid at Ralathan's face, the two attacks struck at the same time. Ariakan fell to the ground, still, but alive and Ralathan remained standing reopening his one good eye and looking about smiling wickedly upon seeing Ariakan down. Ralathan saw Cray walking towards the tree and staggered towards it was well, his blade drawn. "The nerve of him, he will suffer eternal agony for this... Cray, let us both destroy this thrice damned tree, so that they have nothing left to defend..." Ralathan's face was a mess of burnt flesh and rapidly forming scars, the look in his eyes was one of a forming madness that drove him on, lending him strength. Naclia gasped when her companion fell, "Ariakan!" she lifted her bow and drew back, an arrow of fire formed and let loose at Ralathan. She ran to Ariakan's side and fell to her knees next to him and realized the damage done. "Gods..." Seri immediately called upon the spirits of the wind and focused them on Ralathan, sending the dark elf flying back through the forest, slamming into trees. "Get him out of here now!" she ordered Naclia who had already lifted Ariakan. Talen came to Naclia's side quickly and lifted the elf, carrying him off the battle field, into the forest. Ralathan took the blow and then stood up, whatever was driving him now gave him what he needed to continue, he saw them leaving and snickered. "Your home is lost..." He then moved back towards the tree to help Cray. Whatever Ariakan had done to Ralathan had made him a more dangerous opponent. "Not today, Cray!" Moryssa summoned a spell that caused thorned vines to spring from the ground, trapping Cray and pulling him to the ground. Then the earth he stood on softened as it started to claim him. "Let's go people! Hit him with everything you've got!" Ralathan looked to Moryssa and then started to cast a spell. "Spirits of darkness, come to my heed, burn them with your glorious flame!" A large wave of black fire pushed out from in front of him that headed towards Moryssa and as it passed through trees they became dead, skeletal shadows of what they once were. Instinctually, Kiran pushed Moryssa to the ground and shielded her with his body. "Sylph, spirit of the wind, protect me and the one I love," he chanted and the attack was diverted from them at the last moment. Seri turned to the dark elf. "Spirits of the Light, come to me and bind the powers of this dark being." A glowing white orb surrounded Ralathan. As long as he had that orb around him, the dark and light forces would neutralize each other. The only magic he could use now was the elements. Ralathan growled in frustration as he gathered enough dark energy within him to destroy the barrier of light energy. Both energies cancelled each other out as Ralathan grinned. "Do you not think that my foes have attempted this before, now I shall enjoy watching you all die..." Ralathan fell to on knee after speaking as if he was in a lot of pain, it took his a few minutes but he eventually stood up and looked at them. "You all will fail here..." "...out of our way..." Cray took a powerful step forward breaking through he thorned vines and raised his hand. A crimson shockwave erupted from Cray tearing trees from their roots and people from their feet throwing debris around like toys. However nature still continued to fight back. Fallen trees continued to writhe and reach for Cray. Begging him. :STOP!: :..never!...: Cray waved his hand again throwing a controlled shock wave forward tearing through trees and rangers throwing them aside to make a clear path to the Ancient Tree... and Blaze. Ralathan followed Cray, his sword blade surging with dark energy, he looked at the ancient tree and smiled evilly as he stepped around to an undefended side and started to use his sword like an axe, slicing deep gouges into it. As he cut deeper and deeper into the tree he heard it's screams, this called to a part deep inside him that he pushed back with his hate for all that was good. The tree's cries got so annoying that he cast a silence spell on the tree so that he would not have to hear it. "Kaiser.... foolish dragon...." Cray stood before the grand Kaiser dragon. The dark aura spun around him and overpowered that of the Kaiser, smothering him with the chaotic energy. Slowly Cray drew Black Cross. The gem embedded in the center of his black armor gave off a soft crimson glow. The aura around Cray became thicker as the other Chaos Gates were opened within him. The ground shook with power and the air vibrated in fear. "Out of my way Kaiser." Seri just grinned, "You think that's all I have dark elf?" she replied. She was already prepared for his next attack when she was thrown back by Cray's shockwave. The destruction....for what? Seri stood and followed them. She saw Ralathan hacking at the tree. "Spirits of the light! Protect the sanctuary from this tool of chaos, strike him down!" A bolt of lightening shot down, though truly it was a strike of order and light. She then called to the spirits of the forest and earth, pulling him back every way they could. "Kiran..." Moryssa barely had time to thank him before she was cast aside by Cray's blast. A little sore, she stood up preparing for another attack but Ralathan's assault on the tree caused it to scream that pierced her in her soul. "Aaah! Stop it! Stop it now!" The screams continued. Using all of her strength she called out the jeweled golem. "I summon the golem of treasures, I lend you my power so you may fight the enemies of nature, Order, and life!!!" The forest shook and jewels of all caliber and size started to combine, creating a 20 foot golem. Moryssa, now surrounded by a green glow, stood up. The golem, in mock, did the same. Moryssa punched in Cray’s direction, and the golem did the same. Turning her head towards Ralathan, she swatted and the golem did the same to him, sending him flying through the forest. Seeing the blue lights in the sky caused a massive wave of power drain from the chaos around the forest. Even Cray and Ralathan looked to be drained of a good portion of their power. A great wave of relief swept over the battle field. Blaze looked at Ralathan. "You're going to lose this war. You're now trapped within the barrier of Order. Now stronger than your chaotic influence...effectively cutting off near all the rest of your powers. You can run now but this battle will end shortly and we will emerge victorious. Blaze was grinning, victory at this battle was immanent. But this sure attitude left his guard down and Ralathan's careful eye saw the opportunity, his arm lanced forward, bringing his blade deep into Blaze's side. The blade withdrew quickly. Blaze's eyes were wide with shock, he was surprised he left himself so open to that attack. Blaze coughed, "Shit... can't believe...I left myself...so open!" He staggered back. If Cray and Ralathan were going to escape with their lives they'd better take their chance now. Gale glanced back with shock but only momentarily, he wouldn't fall victim to such a careless error. "Dammit..." He muttered quietly. Blaze laughed morbidly to himself. "Heh... How careless... Zira would scold me..." "You're not gonna die on me are you?" "Not sure... it's deep..." Blaze coughed. Ralathan returned his attentions to the tree, starting to hack at it with more force. He was now over three quarters into it as he called upon his last vestiges of power and cut through what remained of it. The tree started to topple just as Ralathan fell to the ground. "You are wrong, chaos wins..." A low growls escaped from Cray's lips. The child was getting to be a thorn. But nothing more than an annoyance. Cray resheathed his sword and simply walked up to the Ancient tree and touched its bark. Cray slammed his fist into the tree's skin and began infusing it with his power. The chaotic energy flowed from his fist into the heart of the tree. The ancient being seemed to twist and writhe as the twisted energy flowed into its every being giving it a dark crimson glow. "Good bye..." Cray gave the energy within the tree a simple command. All of the energy trapped inside of the tree exploded outward from the top. The energy forced its way out of the trees skin, splintering and breaking though the tough bark. Within a moment the entire tree had disappeared in an explosion of red and black along with the barrier.