Sevrina managed a small smile for Nipa. He had a way of brightening her mood. "Thank you," she said. "Now hurry downstairs." Sevrina bent to pat him on the back to hurry him along.

She watched as Ariakan and Akaria pass by her, now the only person left was Moryssa. Sevrina had seen her be carried upstairs. Wait...there had been a young woman with them as well. Well, maybe she went down, but got lost in the crowd. Sevrina abandoned her post by the cellar door and headed over to the table where the priests of Myrii were sitting.

"Excuse me, but is there a proficient healer amongst you?" Sevrina asked.

Adali and Erelind looked up at her. "Erelind is probably the best," Adali commented and smiled to her friend.

Erelind blushed. "Oh...I'm no Marfa priestess," she waved her hand dismissively, then looked back up at Sevrina. "What is you need?" she asked.

"Come with me to the kitchen," Sevrina said and straightened. Erelind rose from her seat and followed Sevrina.

As they entered the kitchen, Sevrina lead Erelind to a corner out of hearing range of the common room. "I've been ill recently and I need someone to heal me before it compensates my ability in battle," Sevrina explained in a low voice.

"Oh, of course. What sort of ill are you feeling? Nausea? Headaches?" Erelind replied eagerly.

"Nausea, vomiting, dizziness."

"Well, let's see what I can do," Erelind said and bent to place her hands on Sevrina's stomach. "Myrii, great god of War, heal this warrior's illness so she may fight." A white light glowed around Erelind's hands and Sevrina felt the discomfort in her belly disappear, as comforting warmth replaced it. Suddenly, Erelind jerked up right and pulled her hands back.

Sevrina looked at the priestess in confusion. "What is it?" she asked with a touch of anxiety to her voice.

"Lady Sevrina, did you know you're pregnant?" Erelind asked.

Sevrina's face drained of color and her hands lifted to rest on her stomach. "P..pregnant?" she stuttered. She never stuttered. Oh Falis...."Are you sure?"

"Of course," Erelind nodded. "Did you not know?"

Sevrina shook her head, almost in a daze. She couldn't afford to be pregnant at time like this. There were battles to fight! She couldn't risk a child's life! She didn't even want a child! What sort of mother would an assassin such as herself be? And who in the name of Falis could be the father? "How...far?" she managed to get out.

"Oh, you couldn't be more than two months pregnant. It's not even obvious...though, with a body like yours," Erelind said as she looked over Sevrina's long torso, "You might not even show for the first few months. How long have you been sick?"

Sevrina took a seat on a nearby stool, her hands were shaking. "Since....yesterday."

"Well, then, you're not very far along. But are you sure you want to fight? We know there must be a battle coming."

"Yes."

Erelind sighed. "You should think of your child before you rush into battle."

Sevrina's eyes flashed at the priestess as she suddenly regained her composure. "I will do as I see fit," she said.

Erelind shrugged and adverted her eyes. "Well, the healing should keep you feeling well until tomorrow morning. I'm sure the priestesses of Marfa can offer you something long-term to take care of the illness. I...I'll take my leave now, if you wish."

Sevrina nodded and Erelind curtsied to her, then backed out of the kitchen. She had to be wrong! Sevrina couldn't be a mother. Sevrina started to realize it was her time. It had been ten years since her last estrus. Now what to do? Who was the father? It could have been Gale. She had been with him recently. Or Cray...back in the ruins of Roid she spent a night with him before Gale came. At least the list was short. Any other time she may have had about five individuals to choose from.

Sevrina sighed and stood from the stool, straightening her clothes. She would worry about it later, she was needed now.

* * *

Sevrina entered the common room and glanced toward the window. The sun was likely just falling behind the horizon, but with the clouds and looming Chaos Gate, it couldn't be seen.

Sevrina strode across the room, glancing at the gathered warriors. Zira, Blaze and several of "Draven's" "Mercenaries" were gathered at the bar. Mephistoph sat at a table alone. Ten priests and priestesses of Myrii were sitting at a table near the front of the common room. Blade, Azoth, Altaris, Jinn, Kiran, Toan, Orion, Edwin, Granite, Dralock, Sivak, Ardyn, Luda and Taringail were scattered through the common room. Sevrina checked all her weapons. Her whip, sword and new claws were on her belt. Assassin's daggers and throwing knives were tucked in her boot tops. Even more darts were hidden in her clothing.

Sevrina didn't sit, she was anticipating whatever was coming.

Orion looked at Sevrina and smiled slightly. He couldn't help but be at least a little glad she was their leader. Checking to make sure his bow was secure, he laid it across his knees, for easy access. He noticed a few people he knew, including Kiran, but wasn't too pleased to see Mephistoph sitting over at a table by himself. Well he didn't need to worry about him at the moment for it seemed there were bigger things brewing. He sat still, his senses heightened, trying to pick up any signs of what was coming.

* * *

Meanwhile.... just four streets away in, The Golden Flagon Inn and Ale House Deedlit and Cecil spoke in whispers, trying not to wake the others, in the small room. "Spark seems to grow more and more unresponsive, even with our protection spells placed on him." Deedlit said.

"Yes, and he grows thinner and thinner, despite all Neese and Magda's lovingly efforts at spoon feeding him every meal. I believe that it has come time for us to travel onto Blade and confront the evil that still lurks there. Spark may soon not be fit to travel. Yet the that evil blackness still hangs above this city!" Replied Cecil.

"Fear not, there are many here to battle the evil darkness. And if it will make you feel better about leaving, Parn and I can stay behind to help. The rest of you should go on in the morning and we will follow when this business is settled here!" Deedlit reassured him.

* * *

Parn shifted and turned. Not a wink of sleep had came to him that night. The evil in the sky was not the only wrong with him. The condition of Spark also plagued his mind. He would have to ask Cecil, Slayn, and Deed maybe. He didn't know a thing about magic other then his sword. It took extreme concentration to
control it. Sitting up, he got his shirt and breeches back on, then boots. He wasn't going to sleep tossing and turning all night. Scratching some of his hair he went down stairs. He wasn't surprised to see Deed and Cecil awake, talking about something. The only thing he caught was 'will stay here.' He approached them and sat down. "You guys are still up, eh? Mind if I join in this conversation?"

Deedlit smiled as Parn approached, yet her face held a look of concern. "Not able to sleep?"

"Yes, do join us Parn my friend." Cecil interjected and nodded towards an empty chair. "I was just telling Deedlit, that I must take Spark and the others on to Blade. I see him getting worse, everyday that we delay. Deedlit says that she is willing to stay behind here with you, till that evil thing over Raiden's sky is dealt with successfully... or not! So what do you think? Are you willing to stay behind for awhile, as I lead the rest of our little group on to Blade?" Cecil finished.

"Nope, not one bit. I don't have the ability to feel faeries and elementals, but I sure can feel something like Kardis seemingly sleeping a few hundred feet above my head." Parn yawned, stretching lightly as he heard Cecil's proposal. It made more sense then keeping Spark here. "Well, he reacted when we came into port, so I don't think its a good idea for him to stick around here. It makes the most sense. I don't mind sticking it out here with Deed."

Parn gave a slight chuckle. "But Cecil, don't jinx it for us. It will be dealt with. When will you guys be leaving Raiden?"

"We will be leaving first thing in the morning or rather as soon as I can herd them out in the morning. But I must caution you Parn, it won't be me that will put a jinx on things here. That dark elven woman Sevrina, who was barking orders to the others at the Dabagon Inn, seems... to put it politely... a bit unhinged. If ever there was a walking, talking jinx, it is she! Take my advice, you and Deedlit should steer clear of her. Well, I must go up and try to get some sleep before tomorrow dawns. Excuse me friends, and goodnight to you." Cecil stands and heads up the stairs.

After Cecil leaves, Deedlit turns to Parn and says. "Cecil is much changed from the rash young mage we once knew. I think his time on Marmo, has made him a bit too grim, he sees shadows everywhere now."

"Maybe..." Parn had to trust Cecil on Sevrina. That woman was insane, and he could honestly say that he wouldn't be a bit surprised if the woman said 'the voices told me to save Raiden'. "Deed, you remember Sevrina. She was not all there when she was composed, what will happen if she's a bit unraveled?" He couldn't dwell on that. It was likely they would have to work with them. He hoped someone else would take over that operation. "Cecil is fine. Just a little tired after doing so much."

Deedlit nodded her head but said nothing. Instead she stood up and walked over behind Parn. She began to massage his neck and shoulders with her delicate looking, but surprisingly strong fingers. After a short time she slid her arms around his neck. She slowly moved her head down the side of Parn's face till her lips were level with his right ear. Then she whispered into it. "I know a way to relax you enough that you can sleep. But first you have to stop sounding as gloomy as Cecil!"

Deedlit then began nibbling on Parn's ear. Till suddenly her hands reached down and playfully tickled him in the sides at the same time she bit down a little harder on his earlobe, not enough to hurt him but enough that he should feel it smart. "And second you have to catch me!" She said as she jumped back and dashed upstairs laughing.

Parn had closed his eyes and enjoyed Deedlit's massage. That was, until she nibbled his ears, then tickled him. His eyes went open and he gave a slight yelp in surprise. Then turned around when she ran up the stairs. She wanted to play catch, eh? Well, he was game. He ran upstairs right after her, following her every step of the way. He probably would be sleeping well tonight.

Deedlit laughed and ran into the nearest vacant room and slammed the door shut after Parn ran in. She knew she would have to pay the innkeeper for the addition room in the morning. But It was well worth it, to throw Parn off his somber mood. She stood there, holding the door closed and looked at Parn. Laughing again, she asked. "I thought you were supposed to catch me?"

Parn gave her a wry grin as he approached her with his hands behind her back. "I suppose you are right. But they say the hunter waits for his mark to approach him." He raised a brow despite this, it was mock serious now. "In any case, what will you do with me now that you've caught me, Deed?"

As Parn raised his eyebrow and changed his mood to mock serious, Deedlit's mood shifted instantly as well. She braced herself with her back against the door, crossed her arms in front of her, and tilted her nose upward. In a slightly wounded, but more miffed tone she said. "Humph!! Men!! It looks like I'm really going to put you to sleep!"

Parn had a look of mock hurt on his face. This was helping his mood a great deal. And he had to admit, he needed it. He was getting to morbid for his own good. He had to at least try to remember that bright eyed, adventure seeking boy he used to be. "Hmm, perhaps I should make you catch me? Well, I give up, you can have me," He drew the rest of the way to Deed, quickly wrapping his arms around her, and drawing her into a quick kiss. "My heart."

Deedlit relaxed into Parn's kiss. When their lips parted, she nestled her blond head under his neck. Her right hand lifted and her fingers traced down the side of his face and moved across is cheek, to briefly rest on his lips. From there, her hand fell onto his chest, till she could hear his heart beating under his shirt. A single tear left a light green eye and slid down her cheek. "My heart." She whispered.

* * *

As soon as night blanketed over the city an odd silence took over. Since the creation of the Chaos Gate the night was dead. No longer were humans or creatures out, they began to fear the chaotic night.

Blade and Jinn waited by the front door or the inn. They had spent the remainder of their evening boarding up each window and door save this one. Jinn was more than eager to help Blade, he got the sense that something was.... wrong.

For two hours they stood by the door armed, no sound, no being penetrated. The forced silence over the room was unsettling as each warrior stood ready for that time. Then it came. Tapping.

From above, on the second floor, tapping. Metal tapping against wood. The succession of taps were quick and moved all about the roof. Suddenly there was an unearthly howl, filled with pain, anger and confusion. Then the tapping moved rapidly towards the front of the building, then down. The quick tapping moved to the front wall, the boarded windows rattled as the tapping ran across them.

"It's coming." Jinn drew White Fang and stood ready. "Whatever it is."

Orion stood up, his ears pricked as the tapping seemed to reverberate in his ears. He nocked an arrow to his bow and stood perfectly still ready to hit.... hit what? He didn't know what he was even fighting. Well it didn't matter because what ever it was it wasn't good. Aiming toward the tapping he waited for the thing to appear.

Zira's neck was beginning to ache from the tension of waiting. The night was deathly silent. All she had heard for the last few hours was the creaking of a chair as someone shifted their weight, the creaking of leather as someone eased their weapon in it's sheath. Even their breath seemed reverberate in the room.

Then the tapping started. Zira tensed, her hand clenched on the hilt of her rapier. As the sound reached the front of the inn, she slowly drew her sword, hardly making a sound.

Sevrina had stood for nearly all of those two hours, waiting patiently. The tapping had only caused her to cock her head toward it's direction and listen. As it came nearer to the door, she casually removed her whip from her belt and ran it through her hands.

Orion was the first on his feet, with an arrow ready. Sevrina noticed a white whip hanging from his waist and thought two whips would be handy. Right now, he had an arrow nocked and drawn, waiting for the enemy to enter. Sevrina didn't know if arrows would harm it or not, she would have to see whatever it was first. A whip would be more effective to start with, that way, she could quickly strike out and bring it down. Hopefully the others could do critical damage to it while was down.

The priests of Myrii tensed as they heard the tapping, then slipped out of their seats as they heard the howl. When the tapping continued to the front of the inn, they readied their weapons. Estius and Turan both had large bows, made for force and distance. Their arrows were steel-headed and made to penetrate armor. Cadila had a halberd, about five-foot in length. It was a large and strange weapon to see a woman carry, but she could wield it as well as any man. Axes were the favored weapon it seemed, the short and stout Haelin carried one, of course, Glosin the dwarf did, as well as the Flaim warrior, Khazzuz. Adali and Erelind both had matching double ended spears. Dantcobs had a bastard sword, and Talahm had a broadsword.

* * *

Bad. Bad smells. Bad feel. Little food. Threats.

The vixen padded through the alley, her body hugging the wall and her tail dipping in and out of the shadows. The fur on her body had been bristling since the night fell. Darting out across the street, she silently stooped over a small puddle and drank. Her tongue lapped against the water making small ripples dance out from her snout. Nothing here was comfortable. Scraps and rubbish were all she could find to eat. Even the vermin was hiding. By chance, a star or two would glimmer out from behind the black veil but the night was almost black.

There had been an awful tapping for some time. She'd been ignoring it, pretending it wasn't there. That was her rational mind working. The feral mind knew better. There are good tapping sounds, the kind of sounds that lead you to tasty mice and such things. These were not good tappings. She whined and yelped in anxiousness. The haunting cries drifted down the otherwise silent streets.

* * *

The tapping finally reached the front door then suddenly stopped. There was a long silence. There was a feint sound of something being pressed against the wood. Not being one to wait Jinn charged. The swords man cocked his arms back with the point aimed at the door. With the momentum of the charge behind him he pierced his sword through the door until it stopped after hitting metal.

As Jinn began retracting the metal the door exploded into splinters. The aeromancer was thrown back onto his back as chips of wood flew about the room. Nothing remained of the door except the metal hinges which swayed slowly. And beyond the door was nothing.

"Tch." Jinn flipped himself onto his feet. "They're playing with us."

"No..." Blade spoke quietly. "Hunting."

A second explosion erupted. The boarded window next to the door shattered. Two black clawed arms reached into the inn. Ten golden claws reached around Mephistoph, who had gotten from his seat to inspect the door from the tapping and was not quick enough to back away. The claws circled around his head and jerked the body of the half-dark-elf forward and out of the window.

Mephistoph's chains rattled as he began his fight out side of view. With a loud snap the struggle ended. And what followed was the sound of metal tearing through flesh and bone. The sound continued without stop for a few moments then the elf's body was dropped from the top of the door. Hitting the earth and
spreading at odd angles. There were bite marks all along his shoulder and neck with his right shoulder and half of his neck missing...

Thorn had been a little late getting to his feet. Despite the tapping noise, he didn't think the thing, whatever it was, was going to break down the the wall to get at them. He silently motioned for two of the knights, Borlin and Zigurat to the cellar door. If this things goal was to get there, it would probably try to ignore the
fighters and go straight there. If it did get in, it would be harder to fight it. His thoughts of it not being able to rip the wall down ended when he saw Mephistoph's body. He sneered, knowing very much that the body itself was a lovely little trap. Get close to it, and you'd be the next meal. Well, whatever it was, it wouldn't use that as bait. "Spirits of wind..." He whispered it, and the body, what was left of it, began dragging away from the door. "Slimy bastard! Its toying with us!"

The priests waited, and then the tapping stopped. The priests stood ready, but everything went so fast, no one in the room had time to react until Mephistoph had fallen. Adali put a hand to her mouth, she had admired the half-dark elf, but didn't have the chance to really meet him. She quickly recovered though and prepared to fight.

"It's armored," Glosin said to his fellow priests.

"I can break through armor," Dantcobs said, holding his bastard sword ready with two hands.

"I think it may be more than just armored," Turan said. "It must be a demon." He drew back his arrow a little further and waited for the demon to make another appearance. Turan faced the shattered door frame and Estius stood at his back, facing the window Mephistoph had been pulled through.

Granite froze in fear after she watched Mephistoph's grisly death. She was a dwarf, and dwarves were supposed to be resilient, but Granite was simply terrified. Maybe she should have gone downstairs...

Dralock positioned himself in front of her with his axe. Granite didn't object this time.

So many priests and priestesses of Myrii were here, and Ardyn noticed Luda hadn't spoken to a single one of them. She certainly didn't seek companionship in their ranks. Whatever the case was, Myrii was certainly going to be with them in this battle. The question for him was, what was the battle going to be against? The entire room seemed to hush as there was a howl. So, the dark elf woman was right after all. He drew his sword and stood ready for battle as the others were.

Luda had been expecting to fight a group of men, or monsters, whichever was their enemy. Her eyes opened wide as the sounds approached the common room. She began to wonder, would they be fighting a single entity, and what breed of creature would dare intrude on such a nest full of powerful warriors?

Luda didn't flinch at the gruesome body of Mephistoph, but Ardyn tensed up and grit his teeth, steeping in position to protect Luda from harm, with his own body if needed. "That stick of yours won't do anything against it," he said in a hushed but firm voice.

"And your stick will?" Luda responded with more of a sarcastic bite in her words than he ever expected to hear from her. "Swords and staffs will bounce off of that abomination all the same... I see what you are doing, Ardyn." This was no time to argue and they both let it go at that, but Ardyn did not move from his position in front of her.

Sivak glanced at the fallen body, blood still flowing freely from the multitude of wounds it had received. He had not seen anything like this before and he grimaced at what creature must have done this. His blade unsheathed, Sivak clasped it in his palms as the inscriptions on the blade started to glow and he felt the flow of energy pulsating from within him. To everyone, yet no one he uttered, "Someone needs to draw this thing into the open...in here we are like fish waiting to be hooked from a pond."

His eyes behind his mask flared brightly and a swirling mist surrounded him as his mumblings formed his prayers. The swirling mist faded to black and continued to seep into him though none of it could be felt. "Spirits of invisibility and darkness, lend to me your cloak of shadows, dispel the light of my eyes...hide the light of my soul...let your eyes be mine and bind your shadows to us..."

The dark swirling cloud around Sivak engulfed him completely and for a second his eyes showed fear but then were gone...along with the rest of him as he disappeared completely with the help of the shadow and invisibility spirits. With his sword in his right hand and a stabbing dagger in his other, he darted out into the streets and plunged into the darkness of Raiden.

Zira seemed unaffected by the carnage, she had seen enough of it in her life. She didn't even know the half-elf. But all she could do was stand there and wait. Another dark elf had the idea of hunting the beast down, but Zira felt it was better to stay inside. Away from windows. The dark elf summoned spirits of invisibility and faded, but Zira could sense him and the spirits as he left the building.

Edwin was shocked slightly by the tapping and then was shocked how quickly everything happened and Mephistoph laid on the ground dead, pulling his bow up facing toward the window where the half dark elf was he scanned keeping to the middle of the room. "That was too fast. We better keep away from anything that creature can break through."

He hated this feeling of being hunted as he listen for any noises and keeping his eyes moving this creature would kill them one by one if it had a chance, "I am not sure what this thing could be but it might be best if we formed small groups that can fight off this thing when it appears again...."

* * *

She heard the sharp crack of breaking wood, the dull snap of breaking bodies and the shouts of anger, shock and distress. Her fur shot out like a bottle brush and it was like electricity shooting through her body. Away. Run. Flee. Something dreadful in the shadows moved and she bolted.

She was ten blocks away before the rational part, the clinging human part of her mind nudged her back. There was still something important back there. Something she shouldn't, she couldn't allow to be left behind. Vague memories of a collar drifted through her mind and made her shudder from nose to tail. Images of other things, clothes and a purse... and of people. She mewled almost cat-like, sidled over to the corner of a building and defecated. Nervousness wracking her body, she circumnavigated an imaginary perimeter and cautiously spiraled through the alleys and streets back towards the dreaded inn.

* * *

The claws continued their tapping. The metal tips digging into the wood and carrying the creature around the inn as he tested each potion of the building, tuning into and seeking the magic that was within. There was no way to gain access to it directly. From the blurred memory of the main room he remembered the blocked door next to the stairs leading up. That had to be it.

The creature made full circle around the building again towards a window on the right side of the building. He arched his black tail and dug its pointed tip into the wood for support to free his hands. Both were wrapped into fists and placed against the the shut window. Again the muscles in his arms spasmed an created a powerful shockwave that was transferred directly to the wood and forced it into an explosion. Without wasting time he swung himself by the tail and spiraled in, landing on fours...

Jinn followed the tapping along the walls until it stopped again. This time he waited. Again the window exploded in chunks of wood and splinters. This time the creature came in. It was humanoid save a blurred tail. Once it stopped it landed on fours then stood slowly onto two feet like a man. The creature was completely protected by metal. Black metal around each portion of his body broken at its joints for movement. All was black except for the golden claws he had seen earlier which were on each finger and toe. Gold was also found on his head, splitting from the center of his face to form two horns. Two circular crimson eyes stared back at the aeromancer. There was something odd about the armor. There were purple lines spiraling around his limbs. Veins.

The silver metal that seemed to form the mouth guard of the creature's helm split horizontally, the split forming jagged fangs. A thick purple tongue lashed over them as it watched the warriors.

Jinn tightened his fists around his sword and smirked. "This won't end well..."

Estius and Turan let their arrows fly the instant they saw the beast. Turan, half-elf, was much faster than Estius and managed four shots before he realized that they all glanced off the armor plating.

Edwin let his arrows fly at the beast to only have them bounce off as he growled, tossing his bow to the side and pulling his long sword.

Orion let his arrow fly and was dismayed when it reflected off the gleaming amour of the beast. Looking to his side, he noticed the whip and slung the bow onto his back, useless. Grabbing the white whip he let the end uncurl and waited for a chance to grab the beast with it. Looking at Sevrina he saw for the first time that she had a whip as well. Well, at least there were two of them.

Thorn unsheathed his sword and looked at the creature. It looked strangely insectoid. At least, as insectoid as a human could get. Well, nothing to do now. He highly doubted he could reason with it. Not that he would. It had taken life, so now its life would end. "Bloody insect... I say we squash it!"

He held his sword up and charged at it. He knew it now, and he wasn't going to let it gain the advantage. Several knights followed him, all yelling out a battle cry. At the last few feet Thorn jumped up, blade high, intending very much to split the thing in two with one strike.

"By the gods!" Alera declared. Alera ran up the steps and ended up behind Orion. "Spirits of Lodoss! I summon thee to my command!" she yelled into the air. Magic began to swirl around the room. "Contain the beast of which threatens our cause! Hold the enemy, so that we shall continue ourselves to benefit the world!" Alera called into the air again. A form began to take shape around the creature. Shackles strapped the beast down. They were translucent, but visible. The shackles would not move no matter the physical struggle. Only magic would break them. The shackles conformed to the body part they touched and putting a death grip on it, so that no slip was even possible. The chains pulled taunt, fading away in the air instead of having a source.

Alera had to concentrate to hold the spell. She continued muttering different phrasings of the spell to hold it strong. The chains held around his neck, two parts of
his back, and his limbs. Every chain went off in a different direction, as if trying to pull him apart.

* * *

"Idiot...." Cray kept himself in his meditation, fingers folded neatly between themselves. So Xion... you have completed an act of a god...

* * *

Kaiza's movements stopped. Each fist stopped in its arc as he moved to strike at the swarm of humans. The binding only lasted briefly as Kaiza jerked his body forward and the magic was shattered. The now annoyed creature swung his arms again at the knights.

The first contact was to the first knight, his closed fist striking his chest and instantly his muscles jerking, the shockwave that followed removed the center of the young man's chest in a mist of blood and flesh. The second came from the right, Kaiza made a solid connection to the right side of his face, his knuckles tore through his bone and removed the head from the body.

The creature was fast, strong and well protected. The two fallen knights had landed solid blows that would have killed a man.

Kaiza caught sight of the knight that came from above. The dragon shaped sword gleamed toward Kaiza's head, he opened his metal jaw and caught the blade between his fangs, stopping the sword and swordsman in mid air. With a jerk of his neck he threw the two aside.

The knights were of no concern. Kaiza had found what he had come for, the scent of magic.

The dark creature continued his march, now aimed for the stairs leading to the cellar. Three more knights fell in a flurry of blows, two from his fists and a last being impaled by his long and spear-headed tail.

Kaiza opened his mouth and licked his blood stained fangs with his purple tongue as he locked his gaze to Alera. "Ma.... gic..."

Pain and shock. Thats all Thorn felt as he was flung like a child. As he hit the opposite wall he crumpled like a piece of paper on the ground, his eyes downcast. It took several moments to get out of the daze he was in to see what had happened. Several of his knights were dead, or dying, only one, the oldest one, still remained alive, but only because it looked like he hadn't attacked the creature, and he had been flung away. His fault. He had made the first mistake any tactician learned, never underestimate the enemy. Fortunately, he survived, and he knew that the creature was immune to magic. Thats the only way it had broken through the bonds. It wasn't intelligent enough to cast any sort of magic.

Blaze broke his long silence. His head was swimming with something. Something new...but he felt whatever it was wasn't going to manifest for a while and shrugged it off. He pushed towards the front to get towards the battle. He took a deep breath and calmed himself. "EVERYONE GO!!!! I'LL HOLD THE BEAST OFF! It's time to pit beast against beast." Everyone knew what that meant. Blaze was going to shift forms and it was about to become extremely cramped if they didn't move. He pulled off his long cloak and grinned at the angrily shackled beast. "You'll face me...when they're all gone." He glanced back at the others. "DON'T MAKE ME REPEAT MYSELF!!! GO!!!"

Orion looked back at Alera in surprise, but it soon faded and he looked at the man now telling them to go. He wasn't sure why and looked at the creature hesitantly.

Sivak watched from his position from above in a small hole in the roof. Still protected by his dark spirits, Sivak had previously exited the tavern only to find that the beast had gone in through the side and cursed his own luck. From his position on the roof he watched as the knights were flung aside like rag dolls and searched desperately for a weakness in the creature. It was completely surrounded by its armored form...pausing only at the joints. Yet it moved and fought with the speed of an elf warrior. By the dark gods, where was this creature from?

The knights were no more than cooling corpses on the floor and suddenly words from the creature erupted from its foul looking face. It was staring at the one behind one of the warriors that had cast the spells that had slowed it down only for mere seconds.

Run you fools, Sivak thought when he saw that both stayed rooted to the ground staring down at the beast. If those two did not move, it would be only a matter of seconds before they joined the other corpses on the ground...he had to distract the creature before it attacked them. Then he saw his chance as the beast's armored tail began to curl up and instantly Sivak knew what to do. Breaking the roof with his leg, Sivak plunged downwards behind the beast. His sword glowing blue as it took in the magic from the surrounding people. With a furious cry even before he landed, Sivak brought his sword down on one of the many unprotected joints on the tail hoping to strike between the armor and deal some injury to the beast while providing a distraction.

Orion himself out of shock. Grabbing Alera lightly by the wrist, he turned and looked at her. "We have to move," he said urgently, knowing Sivak's distraction would not last long. He looked her square in the eyes and then started to dash away from the beast, dragging her along.

Seeing the monster focus its attention on Alera, Edwin moved in front of Orion and Alera holding his blade and standing in a defensive stance. "You need to get out of here this thing looks like it wants you now."

When she saw Alera, Sevrina crossed the room so fast, she didn't know how she did it. She was in front of the sorceress and backhanded her across the face hard enough to send her stumbling across the room. "GET OUT OF HERE!" she screamed. Cray wanted the magic users downstairs for a reason. And now Sevrina knew why. Alera's shackles dissipated without binding the demon. It was immune to magic.

Sevrina pushed Alera toward Kiran and Toan standing at the back of the room so they could take the sorceress back down to the cellar.

Kiran saw the sorceress pushed toward him and caught her as she staggered away from Sevrina's forceful slap. He saw how useless her magic had been against the demon, what ever it was, and he had to get her to safety, Kiran put his arm around her waist and lifted her with one arm while he swung around toward the cellar door. He opened the door, then pushed her back in and shut the door again. Pressing his body against the door, he took it upon himself to guard the cellar door instead of jumping into the fight.

With Alera taken care of, Sevrina turned to Blaze. "GET THAT THING OUT OF THE BUILDING DRAGON!!" she ordered. They were not about to get their home base destroyed and give the demon easier access to the mages in the cellar. If this room was ripped to shreds by a transforming dragon, they would only make it easier to get the mages.

Arrows and blades glanced off his metal skin. Kaiza was approaching Alera quickly while dealing fatal blows to the knights. His tail whipped around him acting as a third weapon. Even Sivak's well-aimed blow to a joint went unnoticed as he continued moving.

Sevrina decided to take matters into her own hands to get it outside. "Orion! Whip!" She ordered and dashed around the room to the other side, then cracked her whip, just as a similar crack came from the other side of the room. Sevrina's whip wrapped around the demon's lower leg and Orion's white whip wrapped around it's neck.

Both elves jumped toward the door while pulling the demon back. It's feet were ripped out from under it, but it's head and upper body were pulled back. Sevrina and Orion had only a split second to do this in, before Kaiza regained his bearings.

Pushing himself up off the ground was agony, but Thorn wasn't dead yet, and he wasn't about to let the creature get away with what it had done. He approached the living knights, those who were holding deep cuts and screaming, or had passed out. He could tell the dead. Dismembered, or the blank stare. "Hey bug... I didn't say I was finished with you..."

He would have to let his comrades wait until one of the priests or priestesses held them. There was nothing he could do. It was his fault. One error and he had gotten his team hurt. Then he began to wander back to the immunity to magic, maybe it was immune to direct magic, but what about indirect. He needed time, and Sivak coming down on the things tail would provide him just that. He began to focus, a boulder would work. Anything... and there it was. A boulder, it was a few blocks away, and maybe big enough. Focus. Boulder roll... do it... his eyes came back open when it began. Coming to him. It maybe armored, but when the boulder got here, it would only be a squashed bug.

Kaiza howled as his word spun. While in mid arm he flailed his claws hands, breaking the ship around his throat and kicking out of the ones binding his legs. When he had gotten free he was in mid-air spinning. With a whip of his tail he threw himself about, skidding onto fours outside of the inn. "Magic..." Kaiza sniffed at the air. "Dragon meat..."

"You... won't escape..." Thorn rasped, heading outside as quickly as he could. This thing was much to dangerous, and it could care less what happened around it. They had to be wary of damage to the buildings, it limited them. The boulder was still a block away, rolling at high speeds, it was almost there, it could even be heard as a small rumble. "Yeah, you like magic, vile beast? Just wait a few moments, and you'll get your fill. Know this... when I put you under the sword, I will cut your heart out for what you have already done."

He didn't know if he could follow through on his threat. The pain was getting to him, he had to concentrate on the boulder, otherwise it would simply roll into a building and not into the desired target.

Adali watched the battle unfold around her. With a look, she and Erelind decided they would focus more on healing than battle. Most of the mercenaries were already beyond their help, but their leader, Dravin, was hurt. Adali hurried to his side and knelt beside him. With a quick prayer, her hands glowed, his wounds closed and fatigue was lifted from his body.

* * *

Nipa could hear the commotion upstairs and it was not a comforting sound. He could hear yells and screams and other sounds that were not helping his mental imagine of the fighting going on above him. "Damnit, I wish I knew of something to do." He knew if what ever it was that was making that noise was as big as he thought then he would be no match for it, but he would not go down without a fight. Setting himself on the stairs going up he made ready just in case.

"Cha Za be merciful tonight, grant us your good fortune and favor so that we may overcome our enemies. Grant us your good luck." He prayed hoping that things were not going as bad as he imagined them.

Deasa and the other priests had found a seat with Akaria and Ariakan. They knew Akaria, she had stayed at their temple for awhile while waiting for Ariakan to come to Raiden. Though, she was very anxious to see him, so she went onto Shuva. Deasa was happy to see she found her beloved Ariakan.

Akaria cradled Moryssa's head in her lap. The dark elf had hardly stirred since Kiran brought her down. The other priests were concerned for her health, but Akaria explained what happened when she tried to heal her. Their conversation was cut short as they heard the battle upstairs.

They watched as Alera slipped out, then as she was thrown back in. Akaria and the other priestesses were anxious. Worried about the people above, worried about the people down here. What were they fighting that the magic users couldn't help with? Akaria stroked Moryssa's ivory hair, then covered her with her white cloak for blanket.

Tall and willowy Thalia stood and walked over to Alera. "What's going on up there? Are you all right?"

Aiyanna tried to stop Alera from running out and help them but stopped when Alera was thrown back in. A priestess went over to Alera. "Alera!" Aiyanna whispered loudly as she ran over and and with a flick of a finger a medium sized bottle with some liquid in it also flew to her hand through air. "Alera, are you alright? Are you hurt any where?" Aiyanna said as she knelt down. "We are so useless, we can't even fight with our strongest weapon, magic." Aiyanna muttered, "Well Cray was right..." somehow that thought disappointed her.

"That, unfortunately, is where you are wrong Aiyanna. I'm fine. Sevrina had no clue what I was doing. Neither did I. But now I do. I made a point in that fight. Now it is time to make another. It may be a demon, but its easy to tell how human like it really is. Trust me Aiyanna. I am a warrior mage. I can fight as well as cast. Why do you think I have a blade on my staff?" She asked, as if the girl was stupid. "Forgive me, friend, but you will not hold me back," Alera muttered at the door for the man outside it to hear. She began to speak ancient words. She suddenly pressed her hand against the door. It shoved open with tremendous force. If the man was against it, he was now on the floor. She walked out the door and slammed it shut again.

* * *

Kiran hit the floor as the door was blown open.The force had knocked the wind out of him and he laid on the floor for a moment, recovering. Thank the gods that demon was outside. "Fine," Kiran wheezed to himself. "Get yourself killed woman. If that's your *wheeze* bloody prerogative."

She had shut the door again, and Moryssa was safe inside, that was all that mattered. Kiran pulled himself to his feet with the help of a nearby chair. "Toan, let's make sure that thing doesn't get to the cellar!" Kiran said to the other dark elf as his lungs recovered.

Watching as Kaiza skidded outside of the inn Edwin blinked. How are we suppose to fight this thing? He looked around as he thinks about the armor of the creature. Grabbing a second blade from a fallen knight Edwin held both blades up and before as he waited to see what Kaiza was going to do, a little shocked hearing the door to the cellar opened.

Alera ran outside into the street and fell to one knee. She grasped her staff firmly and threw off her mage cloak. Under it was a warrior's outfit. Although Alera was not strong, she was very swift. Her blade was sharp, her mind clear, and no magic was used. She flickered a few signs in front of her, a few words spoken, and let them fade away. All magic from her body dispelled temporarily. It disappeared to an unknown source. She was a warrior, just like the others now. She had an idea, but she had no clue how well or how worthless it would be. She needed to know how that creature broke a spell that only magic could dispel. The spell was cast and it did affect him. He broke it. Did immunity repel it? If so, her plan would work. If there was more to this demon than meets the eye, then her plan would possibly fail. But everyone had their own plan. She would let theirs go first. Instead of joining the others in combat. If one was close to dying, magic cast not on the enemy but on the dyee would save him or her. And if he was drawn to her, she would dispel all her magic, and fight him with the others. Or just distract him with acrobatics...A sound plan, right?

* * *

It was too furious a fight for Ardyn to do anything, and Luda was right. His sword wouldn't penetrate the armor. He would only get shot by an arrow or blasted by someone else trying to hurt the monster. But he had to protect those in the cellar. If all else failed, if he died it would give the others time.

Luda followed the battle trying to decide on what to do. Weapons and magic seems to be no good. Her first reaction was to hold it still, but it broke so easily through Alera's spell, that it would most likely be just a waste of energy. Her best option was to cast spells of protection. "The door," Luda said, and she and
Ardyn bolted for Kiran's position.

"Kiran," Luda said. She hardly knew the man's name but it didn't matter at the moment. "This shield should give you some help." Luda closed her eyes and held her arms out in front of her, as if holding an invisible orb.

"It might not," Ardyn said but Luda continued praying.

"Myrii, protector of the valiant, give strength to your warriors, and let no evil pass." Light formed and grew in brilliance between her hands.

"How long an you keep that shield up, Luda?" Ardyn asked. She did not respond. She was in deep meditation. He asked no more and stood ready to face the demon, if he approached the door again.

Kiran studied the door for a moment and prayed that it would hold. Luda had gone into meditation to hold it up, so Kiran and Ardyn would be defending both now. At least Sevrina and Orion had gotten the demon back outside and Blaze was facing it.

* * *

Aiyanna sighed, there was no stopping Alera. She wasn't like Alera, she couldn't fight without the aid of magic. Maybe she should ask Alera to teach her some if they got through this. Aiyanna came back and sat down across from Nipa, "Well I hope Falis guards them, what ever is up there sure loves to gobble up magic users."

"A Y'roy Tribesman..." Cray slowly opened her eyes. "The sorceress should be careful..." Cray slowly stood, the chains rattling around him as he moved. His right hand lifted the mask by his side and placed it back over his face. "The creature is immune to spells. The final product of thousands of years of engineering." Cray tilted his head to the right until the bones in his neck popped. "With his creation Xion believes he is a god as well..."

Aiyanna slightly backed away from Cray, still fear gripped a lot of people, this man felled the holy capital Roid. How he did it was a mystery but he still did it and not forgetting the Mirror Forest which was just a scorched field now. "Well...ummm, let's try stay positive in this dreary situation, I don't like the sound of that, but are other generals...human? By what you said just now, tells me that they aren't human at all..."

* * *

Altaris rushed past Blaze. He was roaring in a fire that none ever saw this Knight wielding. The sound of what had to be elecfirying clashes rang out. Altaris' blessed sword was reacting with each hit and block. "BACK TO HELL WITH YOU, SPAWN OF KARDIS!!!!" Altaris brought his sword in a arching swing and struck at the beast, but left his left paladron exposed and knew it. His eyes grew wide and he was hit, flung aside like a rag-doll. Altaris struggled on the floor by the others and groaned with agitation and pain. "Fuck...It's too strong..."

The thing was moving forward. Blaze simply took one step to the left in defiance, blocking it's path. He could feel it's eyes burned down on him. Blaze smiled gently. What seemed like a cloak to many unfolded around his body. His wings spread wide, catching the demon's full attention. His armor seemed to be fusing, as if phasing to something. Blaze's eyes burned bright. Deep in his throat came a guttural growl. His body began to phase like the armor. "SEVRINA...you're next after this demon! You betrayed us and I'll bet you killed Gale!" Blaze knew Gale was missing, having gone to find her. He wasn't here, he only thought the worst now. Blaze was starting to change. The armor was gone, he was rapidly increasing in size. He rushed forward and grappled the demon.

Sevrina growled to herself. Bloody Dragon. What in the name of Falis was he talking about anyway? Did he find out about Roid? Moryssa and Kiran could have told him the truth. He'd never get his hands on her though.

Blaze's body was now fully changed. He was again the might Kaiser Dragon. He let out a roar that shook the ground, parted clouds, and sent a shudder the fear up all spines with a chill realization that the normally reserved man was really something this tremendously powerful. Blaze took a look around the battle field and at the demon below.

He growled and spared a glance at Sevrina, who was glancing right back. He could read her face. "Think that you can run from me Sevrina? Oh no...I'm sorry...not this time. You'll pay for killing Gale. He would have given all for you...and apparently did."

He stretched his enormous wings high and brandished his talons. A low threatening hiss escaped his gaping maul as he swung at the Demon. He wasn't going to give it any quarter. His tail whipped out at it. His wings beat down, sending torrents of wind to rush in defiance to the demon. Then the last part of the initial attack. A beam of light so bright it would cause a momentary blindness to any that saw it fired from his mouth at the demon. Blaze had made the first attack in a 'no holds barred' with a demon, there was no going back now and Sevrina was staring at the awesome power she once knew as an ally, was going to turn on her when he was finished. Blaze believed Gale was dead by her hand or he'd have been here. To her, she'd have believed him with them. But he was nowhere to be found apparently.

Blaze's voice came to the ears of the temporarily blind. "Tell me Sevrina...was it fun to murder the one that loved you unconditionally?" Blaze's meek and reserved attitude were gone for now. He was raging with battle and the belief of the loss of a dear friend. If only he'd have known how wrong he was about this... It would be painful to look back on this moment in the future, but right now, he believed he was right and anything Sevrina would say would be a lie to him.

The whole thing seemed like a blur after he heard Sevrina shout. Orion just reacted and the next thing he knew they were outside. When his whip was shaken off he stepped back a pace or two, watching, trying to think of what he could to now without killing himself.

So that was all, he believed she killed Gale. Her lip curled back in a sneer. "You idiot! I couldn't kill Gale!" Sevrina cried to the sky. She honestly never could have. He was the one person she could always rely on. He was home to her. But the fool had ran off and left her. "He went ahead of me to Raiden! Ask Blade, he'll tell you! When we got to Raiden, Gale was nowhere to be found! Now this is neither the time, nor place to argue about this! Kill that god damned demon!"

Now I might need him more than ever...at least I will. Falis, I can't let either him nor Cray know! She thought fervently.

Sivak spat on the ground, his attack had done nothing to the beast but he was sure there was some weakness that he could exploit as he ran through the massive hole the quick exit of the beast had made. Brandishing his blade, which now glowed brightly he turned to look for the beast.

With claws dug firmly into the ground Kaiza took the fury of the dragon. His tail had arced around and dug into the ground as an anchor, his arms folded over his face as a shield. Once the barrage had run its course he lowered his arms, the final attack leaving the metal steaming.

The jaw opened slightly as the creature exhaled slowly, breaking each leg free from the ground. A slow growl escaped him as he charged. Kaiza became a black blur against the ground as he out sped the dragon, galloping around Blaze's legs and heading back towards the inn.

Thorn watched as the beast went at the inn. His eyes were perfectly clear now, and no pain muddled his mind. And his attack was finally ready, he would avenge his comrades. "Spirits of earth entreat me!"

He screamed this out, and the boulder, which had finally made it to where he could fully use it, was in sight. Not a large boulder, and just barely in that category. But with his power, he could use it just as well. The boulder rolled, and around a hundred feet away a pillar of earth came up from under the boulder to send it into the air, which caught it, then sent it like a meteor crashing down to earth down at Kaiza.

* * *

Seri dismounted Ilavirin in a clearing outside the city, her eyes focused on the black disk, or maybe hole, hovering over the City of Anarchy, blocking the dark, clouded sky. It reeked of Chaos to Seri's advanced senses. This was not good. It reminded her of the aura she sensed around Cray, only thousands of times more powerful. She shuddered.

The group had ridden here at high speeds, thanks to the spirit running spell the centaurs taught them. It was night, and a dark, quiet night. There was no bustle of activity in Raiden as Mia said there always was, the city seemed dead. Seri sensed that there was still plenty of life there though. Just hiding in their homes. Occasionally, she heard the eerie sounds of screams and metal scraping metal. She was even certain she heard the high-pitched howl of a fox or small dog. It seemed as if there were a battle inside.

She sensed a familiar life-force, that of the ancient dragon Kaiser's decedent, Blaze. Just to prove it, she saw the dragon rise above the city, he seemed small at this distance though. At least some of the warriors she had united with at the Mirror Forest were here.

Some of Sera's rangers had been dispatched into the city to scout it out, and likely bring reports of the fight. Seri didn't think her exhausted companions would be ready to jump in. She was expecting some of the head-strong warriors to trying entering the city, so she opened herself to the spirits, which were always willing to help her. "Spirits of the Forest and Earth, let no one pass from the area of this camp 'til morn."

In a fifty foot perimeter around the camp, there was a glow of spirits that flashed, then faded. If anyone tried to enter or leave, vines would ensnare them until Seri released them. She would inform Sera and Cassandra about this as well, and let them know how to break the enchantment, if needed.

Some of the elves and mercenaries who had brought tents were setting them up around one of three campfires scattered around the camp. Those without tents unrolled their bedrolls close around the fire. The mercenaries of the Glassy Woods had their own fire, as did Mathwin and his mercenaries, and Seri's companions. Firewood had been gathered since their arrival and piled in the now-empty cart the centaurs had pulled.

Sera simply watched what she knew very well was a battle. There was nothing she could do, if she entered, something would die, and very likely would be here. Maybe a fire spell before she passed out from exhaustion. Her eyes spotted some movement, the first rangers she had sent in, running back at full sprint. They stopped just outside the perimeter, looking at it curiously. "Sera! We bring back the report!"

About time. She had sent them ahead for a reason. She hoped it was good. "And it is...?"

"Most of the people here are cowards. They hide in their homes, or have left, or pray to their patron god. That horrible thing in the sky seems to scare them." They paused, pointing to the battle. "Thats where the action was, though. We casted some illusion spirits on us, well, we and the rangers that came in late. There are humans, elves... dark elves... and two dragons! But whatever they are fighting is immune to magic. One of the dragons shot white light at it, and it just melted off. The other dragon caused an earthquake, nearly fell off my hiding spot. We left after that, but several others stayed to continue to watch."

"What are they fighting? 'Thing' is hardly descriptive enough." She tapped her fingers on her rangers garb, a bit annoyed. "Well?"

"Its... a man-insect creature. It has a tail, and armor as black as night. It killed several of the humans, one of the elves, and has wounded several others. It is low in intelligence, at least, it acted like its sole purpose was to get into the inn. What should we do, fight it?"

"No. Watch it. Then come back at dawn and tell how the battle went. Do not engage it. We'll deal with it if it still lives in the morning." They nodded and headed back Raiden, meanwhile, Sera turned to Seri. "Well, you know what the insect creature is? Or that thing in the sky?"

Seri stood close to Sera as her rangers reported, just outside the ward Seri put up. She scanned her mind for any knowledge of the creature they described, and found nothing. Then, she tried reaching out into the city, to sense what it was. She could sense nothing but the life-forces of humans, elves, dwarves, animals and a dragon or two. Everything else was blocked out by the Chaos Gate. "I haven't a clue. It could be a sort of demon, or minion for the Chaos Generals." Seri replied. Her mind was still open to Raiden, searching. Blaze's presence was definitely holding her attention.

We are here. We will meet you in the morning. Seri relayed the message to Blaze through her mind, hopefully his dragonic abilities would allow him to sense it. The other dragon had to be Ariakan, but she was curious as to why only Blaze was transformed. Perhaps Ariakan hadn't the strength...

"The black hole..." Seri continued, her emerald eyes drifted toward it. "Must be a Chaos Gate," she returned her gaze to Sera. "You can sense it, the chaos is almost overwhelming my own senses."

* * *

Erias eyed the strange dark thing floating in the sky of Raiden. He kept looking back, remembering the strange plea for help. But he didn't say anything, the run to Raiden from Honto was exhausting enough, what ever was going on in there most likely to be beyond his level. Erias helped with the dinner and the fire and watched over other things, since well he was hired and will do as promised.

Fasz was standing close to the fire, staring at the city, feeling curious about what Raiden would look like in the place where the battle was taking place. He would wait until the morning, he stayed quiet waiting for the moment when he could enter the city, watching the surrounding areas.

"No, noo..... this isn't right at all!" Luria moaned to herself as they stood around, setting up camp. Raiden was one of her favorite places in all of Lodoss. "Cha Za, Marfa, Falis," she listed the gods to herself while staring apprehensively into the sky. She was not nearly as attuned to the spirits as many were around her, but it was certain something dark and horrible was staring them in the face. There was also something tingling in the back of her mind. Something was near, and it wasn't the thing in the sky, it was was something not too far off. "What in Falis name is going on?" she cried softly, knowing no one would care to hear her whine, and hung her head.

Erias heard the report from the scouts who have been in the city. "Arghh this is hellish nightmare that became real." Erias said as he cleaned his sword, it got dirty when he had to use for gathering branches for the fire. It's metal threw back silvery light, it's luminous blue gem and silver wings looking bright in the fire light. "I hope things will be well..."

* * *

Fenix had stuck close to Sakura the entire time, on a horse. Despite barely being able to ride, that wagon would have made him vomit the first day. He dismounted slowly, looking at Raiden. It seemed forever since he had been here. And it had begun here. With Zatch and Toan. Since then Toan had left, Zatch had nearly killed him, and he lost his powers. Maybe not. He could still feel it, but when he reached for it, it just slipped through his hands. But he was still himself, he couldn't get rid of that. "Home sweet home..."

He felt for his sword. Still the same thing he had taken all this time. Whatever he looked like now, he still had this. And he still had knowledge enough to invoke the power of Kardis, he just couldn't grasp it. Giving a shrug at nothing he approached the barrier and squinted his eyes. That didn't seem like Raiden. Sure, there were bar fights, but nothing like this. The streets were empty, and Raiden seemed void of life. "This is bad. Whatever help I could have gotten hear seems to be gone."

Sakura held onto Fenix's hands for comfort. She was frightened. That hole in the sky terrified her. She couldn't let the fear of it harm the others. Sakura stepped back from Fenix, then started singing a song in the most beautiful, clear voice that filled the camp. Voices hushed as they listened, and a sense of peace washed over them. Sakura blushed as she saw smiles bloom on the faces of those nearby.

Fenix was a bit startled when Sakura began to sing. Hadn't been expecting it. Well, even if he had, he probably would have been startled. That thing in the sky kept catching his attention. He had to focus on something else. Thats what he told himself anyway. Looking at Sakura, he gave her a slight smile. He had heard someone say something about couples and a stream. Maybe he could get Sakura to go with him. Though he had a little dread going anywhere near water after the incident at Honto.

Cara and Dina after dropping the card moved forward to look with the others. "By the gods..." Cara mumbled.

"What is that thing?" Dina asked though he doubted anyone could answer him. On their backs still sat Rain and Leaf.

Leaf leaned forward with her elbows on Dina's shoulders. "I don't know..." she said. "It scares me though." Then she heard a beautiful song in the camp from an even more beautiful voice. The hole didn't seem so scary for the moment.

Dina just nodded his head as she spoke. "Something tells me that this is not going to be anything like what we expected."

"And something tells me that tomorrow is going to hold a lot of surprises," Cara added as he turned away from the sight and towards Leaf. "Well, how did you enjoy the trip? Hopefully he's not made you to scared of us."

Leaf giggled and hugged Dina around his chest. "Nah, it was fun," she said, then slipped off his back.

Cassandra felt relieved by the song as well, but that hole was foreboding. She could trying to cast a vision tonight, but the stars were hidden. Those cursed clouds were so oppressing. And it was even worse to a centaur. "Well, I heard there was another bath tonight. I think I may join. Rain, Leaf? What do you say?"

Leaf nodded excitedly. "Yeah, I don't want to meet all those heroes dirty if I don't have to. I wonder if Deedlit and Parn are there? I haven't seen them in so long. I bet Spark and Neese are on Marmo though," she mused and followed Cassandra toward the stream. "C'mon Rain!" she called as the walked away.

* * *

Mia had seen, of course, the Chaos Gate. She had seen Blaze the Dragon Kaiser's form over the city. Damn Dragon better not be knocking down more trees, Not that were many trees in Raiden TO knock down. She was too angry to gawk though. In the morning, they would enter and hopefully, mercifully, the battle would began so she could forget all about her mistakes in the last two days.

Mia had a tent wrapped on her saddle that she had set up and now she was arranging her bed inside with Fou-Lu. Their horses had been left to graze just outside. She desperately needed another bath, Fou needed one even worse. Mia felt caked in grime. She knew Seri cast a spell on the camp to keep people from leaving or entering, so she would need to have a talk with the high elf.

* * *

Naclia stretched her back, causing a few joints to pop, which felt quite good. Like all the others, she had seen and sensed what was in Raiden, but didn't let it touch her too deeply. She wanted another bath and rest in Talen's arms.

She and Talen set to setting up their tent near Fou-Lu and Mia and unsaddled their horse, Seinna (whom they had just named). When all that was finished, Naclia threw her arms around Talen and pulled him down on their bed of unrolled blankets. "So, how 'bout we find ourselves a little secluded swimming hole, hmm?" Naclia said with a coy smile.

* * *

"Actually, it sickens my stomach. But there is nothing I can do about that. It is far beyond my power." Sera crossed her arms under her breasts and looked up at the chaos gate. "Until morning, there is nothing we can do about that. We are tired from riding, even with that centaur spell. That battle we will have to leave up to the fighters already there."

"It is unfortunate that we cannot remove that feeling, but unfortunately, it stays."

Seri nodded solemnly. "Well, I think one thing that may help is another bath," she said, then looked at her hands. Normally porcelain pale, they were now gray with dust. Her white blouse was soiled as well. "Let's gather up the women, there should be a stream somewhere nearby. This time, the men can find their own place. Falis forbid your brother plays another trick," Seri almost growled. She didn't bother to even say his name.

"Another bath? I saw a stream a short ways back. However, anywhere near this area will be a brine. Hardly worth bathing, it will just cover you with salt unless you purify it." Sera sighed at her brother being mentioned. That fool idiot. But now that she thought of it, she hadn't seen him since they left Honto. No sexual remarks, no lewd language, she hadn't seen him at all. "Hmm, I do believe that my dear brother may have left. Or taken another route here. A dangerous gambit, but I suppose he can take care of himself. Unless you want to go look for him."

Seri nodded. "It shouldn't be too hard, I can easily ask Undine to help," she said as Sera paused. When she spoke again, the thought of Azala staying behind in Honto suddenly stung her with fear and concern, then she reminded herself that she wasn't supposed to feel for him like that. He was a grown--...well, not quite,--capable man, he could take care of himself. "No Sera, if he wants to come back, he can do it on his own. Now come on, you can't tell me you like the feeling of dust coating you."

* * *

Erias wished sometimes he was a sorcerer like his younger sister but right now he was glad to be just a mercenary. Instead he got and stirred the soup in the pot and looked after the small amount of meat roasting over a stick on the fire. At least they should eat to have enough strength. "Well, it's dinner time..." Erias announced as he took out some bread. He didn't have bowls for everyone though.

Joline had removed a few pieces of her clothing, but enough to still be considered lady like. Her clothing was so dusty, she couldn't stand to wear it. The tent she and Luria shared in Moss before was set up away from where the men would be sleeping, in the shadow of the merchant's cart. Joline left her cloak, gloves, boots and bodice of her dress folded inside. Now, she wore her white silk tunic with the bronze linen skirt of her dress.

She heard Erias call for dinner and came to the fire. Immediately, the mercenaries went out of their way for her comfort. A coat was laid in the grass near the fire so she wouldn't stain her clothes. One of the men forfeit his bowl and utensils for her, and they allowed her to be served first. Luria would get the same treatment, since she was another pretty girl. Kazh'e, the men had basically given up on trying to please. They seemed to ignore her unless it was absolutely necessary.

Joline graciously accepted all these gifts and sat down crosslegged on the coat, eating her stew and meat delicately as if it were the finest meal prepared at a king's court. With a kind smile, she looked at Erias. "Thank you for dinner, Master Starwind," she said with utmost sincerity.

Erias bowed his head, "No problem, but just Erias Starwind will do, Lady Joline. I am just a mercenary." But he knew better then that, he always served in court festivals from age of seven, in his training to be a knight began with doing manual tasks. Thanks to his mother he was able to get some education before the unfortunate event occurred. Erias smiled lightly at his past memory and shook it away again, no use languishing in the past.

Luria felt wonderful once her hair was properly washed and combed. The men seemed very preoccupied with Joline and herself. She waved at their smiles and thanked them happily for their help. It was lots of fun, and she almost forgot about the menace in the sky. It was like they weren't in Raiden at all. Camping in the midst of a city normally full of welcome inns was very strange. She hardly needed to seek out foreign lands for excitement when this sort of thing occurred in Lodoss so often.

* * *

Your an idiot. Good idea, go into a forest of dark elves you have never been in and ask for their help. Yep, they won't shoot you full of arrows before you take three steps in there. Well, better then staying with Seri and Sera. Those two are to much alike. Azala thought as he slowly stepped into Raiden forest. It wasn't the same as going to Glassy Woods, this was made into an elf forest, not seemingly pre-determined. No use in thinking about that. He had to forcibly remove his hand from his sword. Not a bright idea. "Hello, anyone there? I only want to talk..."

He took another few steps. He had broken off from the group shortly before they had arrived at Raiden. He should have dragged Mia along. He had only heard about the forest from her. Hopefully Raiden values of freedom, and tolerance sunk in rather then the whole anarchy enough to kill if you want to. "I know you know the condition of Raiden, and probably of the rangers approaching. I'm one of them, could you please entreat me to at least talk?"

Liora and Karia had been sitting at the table in Liora's home, speaking of the dark times and wondering how Zira was faring in them. Karia had no idea her daughter was just a few miles away. The two women heard a voice in the street of their little village and left to meet it.

They met a handsome light elf in the street, blonde as usual with green eyes, identified as a ranger. Liora was the decided leader of the village as the eldest at over 800 years of age. Like all elves, she had the eternally youthful face, but mature eyes. Her skin was dark as mahogany and her hair was flaxen blonde, her eyes were bright blue. Karia bore a slight resemblance to Zira, but unless someone knew them well, the resemblance wouldn't be noticed. Zira took more after the women on her father's side. Karia was of average height and delicate features, the few she obviously shared with Zira was the honey-gold skin, red eyes and golden blonde hair.

Liora met Azala and eyed him over a little suspiciously. "What do you have to tell us, Light elf?" Liora said. Despite her words, her voice was free of aggression, but instead was merely curious.

Azala calmed down seeing the leaders. Both pretty, though mature. They would both be nice to cuddle with, if not for the fact that each was probably several hundred years older then him. He scratched his cheek a bit, looking around before answering. "Probably nothing you don't know. I mean, I can feel the blight above Raiden even a few miles away, leaves a lovely taint in my belly. The group of rangers heading there is going to take care of that thing. Or at least, try to. So, I decided to come here and ask for your help as well. Surely you wish to save this land to?"

Liora listened and shared a glance with Karia. The number of fighters in this village were small, it was mostly made up of dark elven and half-elven families. As if on cue, a human woman stepped out of a door from one of the nearby houses with two half-dark elf children clinging to her skirts and a baby in swaddling in her arms.

Liora turned back to Azala. "Most of the men are already in Raiden, or planning to go," she said.

"We have to protect our own here," Karia said, glancing at the family. There were five others like that here, about ten children all together, with two pregnant women. For Karia and Eril, Zira had been enough for them. "We're doing all we can."

Azala clicked his tongue against his teeth. Not a large settlement. But they said some were already in Raiden. That could cause problems if the rangers decided to go in, saw dark elves, and immediately thought 'enemy'. "Hmm, well, maybe you should keep the rest here then."

There was nothing else to it. It was possible the chaos general could easily attack this place. It seemed they attacked places with life. He leaned in close to the two women, and whispered his next phrase in elf tongue. Be careful, cousins. The enemy that we fight is an enemy of life. If they come here, run to any safe place you know. I don't say this to scare you, but these are the same people who attacked Mirror forest. It seems they do it just because they want to. They like killing.

Liora and Karia shared a glance. They could only pray their small settlement was overlooked if it came down to it. right now though, they were hoping Raiden could be saved and husbands, sons and daughters would return home safe.

Liora nodded to the ranger, "We will hold our own, friend," she said.

Azala nodded, giving a slight bow. Human stuff, but it still worked the same. Hopefully. He didn't know dark elf customs to well. He had a good relationship with them, which tended to mean he avoided them, and they avoided him to the most part. "Very well. I'll be heading to Raiden myself now."

What he was thinking as he turned was to stop rangers from attacking dark elves. Well, hopefully Mia could hold the rangers. Maybe...wishful thinking. He would have to check back here after Raiden was over. Now was the fun part. He got to face Sera and Seri on his leave on absence.

* * *

Ardyn looked out the rather large opening in the wall. Kaiza was now speeding back to the inn. "What in the hell is that dragon doing?!" Ardyn yelled angrily, watching Blaze chase down Sevrina. Even if she was an enemy, now was not the time for that. Blaze was really the only one who could hope matching this demon. He called out to the the others who were standing about "Priests, shamans, whatever you are, you've got to slow that thing down, even if it holds just for a few seconds!" He would have killed for some kind of magical ability at that moment, but he was only a swordsman.

Zira cursed as she watched the demon take Blaze's attack and come running back toward the inn. Hopefully, that half-elf's spell with the boulder had done sufficient damage, if not squashed the cursed thing. "Guard the cellar!" Zira ordered to the people inside the common room. Kiran, Luda and Ardyn already had that idea. Zira dashed to Kiran's side and waited to see just what the boulder had done.

Sevrina crouched to the ground as Thorn's boulder came crashing down on the demon on the street outside. The ground trembled and the building creaked. Sevrina tensed, fully expecting the demon to crawl out from under the rock.

Zira ordered the other warriors to protect the door of the cellar. Sevrina glanced toward Orion. "Stay with me, hopefully our speed will slow him down," she said. She still was planning to rely on her whip. Hopefully she could be fast enough to keep pulling it back, but eventually, it would start anticipating that attack. Swords and arrows didn't seem to do much good...

Orion nodded quickly and came to stand closer to Sevrina. If speed was all they had against the demon then so be it. Nothing else had seemed to faze it and he silently hoped the demon had been crushed flat by the boulder but was doubtful none the less. He looked at Sevrina briefly then his eyes focused on the boulder hoping the demon had been destroyed but almost knowing it couldn't have been.

She looked around the room and saw Dralock and Granite waiting for their chance. Enough force behind an axe blow might make a difference. "Dralock! Keep that axe handy! I want you to strike it if it comes out!"

Dralock nodded and pushed Granite toward the cellar. Sevrina glanced around the room, watching other warriors. One of the priests had an axe as well. "You," she said and pointed across the room to Khazzuz, "Use your axe and all your strength," she ordered. He probably didn't have the strength a dwarf did though.

Alera took a stance in front of the inn. She was directly in the path of the Kaiza if it made it to the Inn. She began speaking words of magic. A flash of light came to her body and faded away. The magic she had discarded was now summoned back. Perhaps he would be interested in a master mage for lunch. She took a stance and waited to see if he would make it through the boulder attack. If he did get close, she would start using magic. He may be immune, but he also wants to kill magic users, and she was the most talented magic user there to her knowledge. She was the biggest prize. And she was nimble. And a haste spell would keep Kaiza off her. Kaiza didn't look smart, but she got the feeling he would get so real fast. She figured getting clever would be the best way to hold him off. Another plan she already had covered.

The boulder struck its mark. Kaiza fell under the boulder, only his hands showing from either side. Jinn kept his guard up and kept watch from the front of the inn. "Is it done?"

The question answered itself when the boulder began to rattle and lifted off the ground. Kaiza had his claws dug into the stone and lifted the boulder above his head. With an angry cry his arms let loose a shock, shattering the stone into dust.

"Now it's angry." Blade commented calmly, now with both his white and black sword drawn. Kaiza howled again and restarted his charge towards the inn. "Very angry."

* * *

Thoughts wrestled, leaving the vixen whining pitifully. Run. Flee. Fear. Wait. Collar. Coins. Clothes. People.

Horrible things had been happening. Loud explosions. Shrieks. Cries. Bad things are near. Bigger predators than she. Her tail twitched. A pair of large, monstrous shapes clashed in front of the inn. It was too loud. The roars made her lithe body buckle and collapse into the dust. Than she would gingerly raise herself up and take another step before another terrible sound would make her shake and fall again. Than a great force shook the air and ground and all was still. Her ears swiveled, trying to catch a sound. It was quiet but it was a cautious quiet. She could see the inn from where she was crouching. She could smell her markings. It was definitely the inn. But she didn't know what to do. Going inside didn't seem right but staying outside was madness. Perplexed by the conflicting desires, she stood still in the shadows. Than a curious sound turned her head. A shockwave shattered the night as it had shattered the stone, sending the fox back to the ground and blinking through a wafting cloud of dust. She howled dejectedly at the black and empty sky.

* * *

"Let it be angry. It is not getting back in." Thorn growled, his eyes giving off a faint glow. Have to control anger, can't let it overwhelm. Let it overwhelm, and he was as good as dead. "I may not have all the powers of my forefathers, but I do have a good many of them."

The ground began to shake, it seemed focused in that area, Thorn had taken a crouching stance, as if waiting for something. "Try this fissure, demon!"

He lifted his foot up, then brought it down on the road, after only a few seconds suddenly a crack appeared and headed toward Kaiza, its width only widening as it approached the berserking beast.

"By the spirits of Lodoss!" Alera declared in shock. Such natural ability was rare to none. It was then when she realized that he was opening a huge hole. "Everyone! Get away! Now!" she yelled. "To the inn walls! Quickly!"

Sevrina inhaled sharply as she watched Thorn's fissure open towards the demon. The boulder had done little, and only blind luck may save them now. Sevrina's grip on handle of her whip grew white-knuckled as she waited for what felt like an eternity.

* * *

Aiyanna forgot about her question, she held her breath and tried to breath easy after hearing sounds that could have torn apart Raiden. Clinging on to the wooden beam, she held and held. She couldn't die yet...not yet. It was going to hell of a long night. She prayed everyone up there was still okay, even Sevrina. Right now nothing mattered, forget about personal issues with others but pray for survival of them. Though not too long ago she heard complete silence then chaos again. Aiyanna sighed and curled up in to a ball rocking gently forward and back, chewing her lips in in nervousness.

* * *

Kaiza's foot stomped into the ground one after another. However once the magic had taken its full effect his right foot cut through air. Reacting quickly his tail arced around and anchored itself into the moving ground, hanging him in the fissure. Kaiza quickly dug his claws at the walls scrambling up to the surface again. Still on all fours he began moving towards the inn again, galloping quickly his aim locked onto the door behind its defenders.

"Demon!" Alera called out. Alera began to invoke magic. A flash of light swirled around her, then faded away after some quick words. The woman's hands glowed with magical energy. Alera began to take a path away from the inn. A fire spell was cast at Kaiza by Alera. She continued to run in an arcing motion away from the inn. She had the most talent in magic. She thought she would be his first target.

Thorn thought he had won once the creature stepped into the fissure. Then it came right back out. He had taken much of his concentration, his mind was becoming weary. He had to make one last attempt, either way he was dead if it got to them. "Spirits of earth...entreat me one more time... Raise... do not let it pass!" He whispered and held out his hand.

In front of Kaiza spikes of earth and rock raised out at an angle into Kaiva. Only a few, but large and hard to get around. That was Thorn's limit. It was exhausting mentally, but he still had his physical attributes, which he used on Alera. He gripped her tight around her wrist. "Enough, fool woman! Have you not seen what it has DONE! It is faster, stronger, and has more acute reflexes then you!" He used her wrist as leverage to pull her inn and wrap his other hand around her arm. It would take magic from her to get away, and he wasn't about to let the woman out into the open where she would be killed.

The image of Alera disappeared. It was a doppleganger spell. Alera called from the roof. "You idiot! You ruined it!" How stupid were these people! They knew nothing! She had an elaborate plan! And these fools did nothing but ruin them. Perhaps for once in their lives they could learn they aren't the only ones with actual talent enough to take a handle on a situation!

Seeing that Kaiza was not being stopped by what had been done Edwin shook his head, trying to figure out a way to stall the demon long enough for the others to do something. Nodding to himself he ran up to the roof of the inn, ignoring Alera and waiting until the the creature was close enough. With that, Edwin jumped down with his two blade pointed down hoping the force from the fall will help the blades cut through the armor over the neck of Kaiza and cause enough pain to give the others a chance to act.

Sevrina hissed as she listened to Alera. Daft fool sorceress, Falis, if the demon goes after her, I pray it kills her and puts her out of our misery! Sevrina thought. "Dralock, Khazzuz! Strike!" she ordered. She cared not for Alera, the woman had pressed a few too many buttons.

Dralock leapt forward from behind her and climbed his way from behind the pillars raised by Thorn as the priest Khazzuz did the same on the other side. Both axe-wielding men struck Kaiza at once, from either side, avoiding Edwin on it's back.

Kaiza snarled and continued his charge, weaving through the stone spikes. One managed to catch him in the ribs, there was a pained grunt but he continued none the less. The three warriors came raining down upon him. The first was no concern, he came from above aiming for his neck. A swat of his tail nudged him off course and the blades running across his shoulder. The others would not be so fortunate.

The axes struck true, and aimed correctly, the blades pressing against the not so heavily armored portion on either side of his neck. However their movements stopped completely. Kaiza cocked both arms back and struck at them with his claws, thrusting them in past their clothing and into flesh. He caught Dralock in the gut, missing vital organs however the second was caught in the upper-chest, a claw drove its way into his heart before throwing them both back.

Things were looking bleak from the other end of the looking glass. Jinn gritted his teeth. All attacks against the beast failed with fatal results. He closed his eyes and opened them slowly, making his decision.

"I need five minutes." He informed Blade calmly as he raised his sword to the sky. "Thunder.... Lightning..." Lines of electricity began from his toes and worked their way up his body to the sword, from there using all of his power as an aeromancer he began calling for a lightning storm.

"Five minutes." Blade raised his sword and stood in the way of Kaiza, the armored beast. "Even in exchange for this life, you will have your five minutes."

* * *

Seri headed back through the camp, toward the stream, sending the message along as she met people. The men were welcome to follow, as long as they stayed out of sight, and no peeking toms! Of course, the couples could find their own little section. To Barbas with the couples, Seri thought, then realized that she was a high elf, and romance didn't matter to a high elf in her position.

Sera followed, watching Seri's expressions with great amusement. Anyone with half a brain could see she was fretting every time couples were mentioned, not to mention when she had mentioned her brother. The woman cared about Azala, and as much as she tried to hide it, it only made it more clear when it crossed her mind again. "The dust is a mild irritant, I suppose. But I'll take a bath where I can."

Fenix was a bit startled when Sakura began to sing. Hadn't been expecting it. Well, even if he had, he probably would have been startled. That thing in the sky kept catching his attention. He had to locos on something else. Thats what he told himself anyway. Looking at Sakura, he gave her a slight smile. He had heard someone say something about couples and a stream. Maybe he could get Sakura to go with him. Though he had a little dread going anywhere near water after the incident at Honto.

* * *

Leaf giggled and hugged Dina around his chest. "Nah, it was fun," she said, then slipped off his back.

Cassandra felt relieved by the song as well, but that hole was foreboding. She could trying to cast a vision tonight, but the stars were hidden. Those cursed clouds were so oppressing. And it was even worse to a centaur. "Well, I heard there was another bath tonight. I think I may join. Rain, Leaf? What do you say?"

Leaf nodded excitedly. "Yeah, I don't want to meet all those heroes dirty if I don't have to. I wonder if Deedlit and Parn are there? I haven't seen them in so long. I bet Spark and Neese are on Marmo though," she mused and followed Cassandra toward the stream. "C'mon Rain!" she called as the walked away.

* * *

Fou reached over and put his hands on Mia's shoulders, then pulled her closer. He remembered how he acted the night before when he was drunk. He wasn't asking for her permission to do anything, he just did it. And she liked it. It felt a little strange to him to try and keep that attitude up, but if she liked him that way, he would have to try. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her dirty forehead.

He heard a scratching on the tent flap that made him pull away from her. It was too high to be Lucied. He peeked through the opening and saw a ranger. "Seri says we're going to bathe, there's a creek we can go too," the ranger said. He saw Mia in the tent and added with a smile. "You two can find your own private spot if you'd like. That's what me and my Lai'Isa are going to do." He added with a wink.

Fou turned back to Mia and smiled. "Sound good?"

Mia gave him a little smile. "As long as we're alone," she replied. Of course, she just wanted to be away from all the others. With or without him, it didn't matter. Mia crawled out of the tent and followed the others through camp to the creek.

* * *

Ise purred while Joline rubbed his chin. Once she got up he followed her, glancing only once back at Kazh'e who had overheard the message about the stream. The elf followed a ways behind Joline to the stream only to wash her face. Ise crouched down to get a drink of water then backed away, disliking the idea of getting wet. Kazh'e whistled shortly through her teeth for Ise to come and accompany her back to the camp. The wildcat answered quickly and almost like lightning scrambled to Kazh'e's side as the elf was just about to turn towards the woods.

Erias cheerfully cleaned up afterwards. After looking after himself for several years, such duties did not faze him at all, nor did he see it as a bother. He managed find some distance away from the bathers, downstream and cleaned the meager utensils they used. Then he took back some water for the horses as well. He patted his horse and groomed him with a new brush he purchased in Honto. Then looked back up the sky, any good fighter can feel the unease even after the enchanting song by priestess. That ugly gaping hole in the sky was truly giving off bad feelings, even to those who weren't magically gifted.

Fasz, after eating while hearing a woman singing in the camp, decided to do something for his hygiene, he went with his horse to a lonelier place, he removed his breastplate, as he didn't mind getting wet, so he washed himself and let his horse drink some water. When finished, he took his armor back and put it on, Fasz waited there while his horse, Dryw, drank water. He stood next to his horse, the water dripped from his wet clothing.

* * *

Talen smirked. He doubted she really much care if they found one or not by that smile. He would play along though. He briefly kissed her, more of brushing his lips past hers, then helped her up. "By all means. I could us some 'swimming' to get out some of the kinks in my muscles." The smile he gave her was just as coy, and he held her hand while following the elves who had decided to 'find a swimming whole for their own' to.

Naclia laughed lightly and followed Talen out. She was looking forward to more of what she got from him two nights ago. As they walked out into the cool night air, Naclia linked her arm with his.

They followed the others out of camp, then split away and headed downstream. With a glowing will-o-wisp beside her, Naclia led the way and picked out a spot where the water looked about waist deep. It wasn't too clean, but Naclia didn't seem to mind. Of course, she didn't need to. Naclia summoned Undine and the sound of the currents grew louder. From the light of the spirit, Talen could see that silt and dirt and brine were being filtered out of the water and dumped onto the sand bar. There was now a clear pool in the stream. Naclia preformed her third summon tonight, that of salamander. The separate pool was heated.

Naclia smiled and sat down on a near by rock to pull off her boots, gloves and other equipment. Barefoot, she walked down the bank, working out her braids. Her soft hair fell out easily, fall in waves down to almost the backs of her knees. She glanced back at Talen, her face illuminated by the will-o-wisp that still hovered nearby, and gave him another coy smile as she started unclasping the top of her dress. Suddenly, their light winked out. Distant fire light from the camp still managed to catch on her curves though.

* * *

Joline went with the other women to bath, and was surprised by all the High elf had done. She happily went into the warm water and started cleaning herself. Secretly, she was also practicing her ability to manipulate the currents. She didn't know if the elves would sense it, but reaching out to touch the water was sometimes hard to resist. Not to touch physically, but with her mind, perhaps her spirit. Whatever that magical force within her was. The currents around her body began swirling more forcefully, not enough to hurt her, but to scrub the dirt off her body. She smiled to herself as she exhibited such talented control over the element. She dunked her head under once and tried it, managing to still do control the water to wash her hair. When she was clean to satisfaction, she left. She had been tempted to wash her clothes, then dry them by leeching the water out, but decided against it. She wanted to keep this ability secret.

Ryna followed the 'herd' of women to the stream and watched in shocked amazement as Seri created a beautiful cove out of a dirty creek. She'd seen shamanism at work, but Leaf and not even Deedlit were capable of this sort of work. But then, all the shamanism she had witnessed was done in battle or to save someone.

Ryna stripped down and then took her clothes with her into the water, which was wonderfully warm! Ryna giggled and swam a little ways before finding a rock to sit on underwater. With her head and shoulders poking out, she washed her clothes, and then herself.

* * *

Kiran held his ground, guarding the door of the cellar. The two archer priests of Myrii had joined him. Their bows were useless, and they had short swords for close range battle. Kiran's mind was racing as he prayed to all the gods he knew. If that beast made it downstairs and hurt Moryssa, Kiran would hunt that beast down and fight it to the death alone if he had to, but he trusted Toan would be with him.

Kiran's eyes were drawn to Jinn as he began summoning a storm. Falis, Myrii, Marfa and Cha Za, let it work* Kiran prayed again.

Sevrina hissed as she watched Kaiza so easily take care of his attackers. Hearing Jinn's voice, she looked in his direction and listened. Just distract if for five minutes, Sevrina repeated to herself. "All right! Hit it with all you have!" Sevrina ordered. As long as they kept it distracted. And outside. "Orion! Get on the other side of it," Sevrina jumped up on the table she had been crouched behind and cracked her whip again. The leather wrapped around Kaiza's neck and Sevrina jumped back instantly, with enough force to yank Kaiza off his feet.

Adali and Erelind jumped at the chance for Kaiza to be caught off guard. The two priestesses, wielding matching double-ended spears were upon Kaiza, slashing and stabbing for what they hoped were soft spots, between the joints of his limbs, between plates of armor.

Orion did as he heard and jumped to Kaiza's other side. He wasn't sure what they were doing but it had to be stalled apparently. Orion's whip wrapped around Kaiza's leg and he helped Sevrina pull Kaiza outside agian. Well it worked but it wouldn't last forever. Worry about that when it happens he told himself, concentrate on now not then.

"Alright, let's keep it busy then," Ardyn said. Luda would be the last measure against this creature, and her reinforcement would probably hold only a short time, the way that monster broke through magic. Five minutes was an extremely long time to contend with such a deadly creature. "Myrii, if you shine on Luda, then shine on my blade as well," he prayed and ran into the fray. Sevrina did a good job of holding the beast while the others hit it, so he struck with all his might to slow the beast down. Even if he was simply cast aside, that was a few more seconds that Kaiza would stay away from Luda.

"Very well," Alera muttered. Alera slid off the roof and prepared her staff, blade end out. Alera looked around, and followed after the other two that moved in. She didn't go as far. Her choice of moves depended on what the other two did. Or how well they did, She cast a spell again, letting the words ring out and holing the last word until she wanted the spell finished. She just hoped trance would not be the spell she had to use to hold his beast off with. It was never tested.

Being hit by Kaiza's tail hurt but Edwin growled and kept his head focused on fighting as his blades ran down the shoulders of the demon. Landing on the ground and rolling to the side Edwin got up and watched as others yet again attacked the demon. Breathing heavily Edwin winced, There must be away to slow this thing down.

Tightening the grip on the hilts of the two blades Edwin ran at Kaiza's side as the Sevrina and Orion used their whips. Slashing out Edwin knew his attacks would not do much he had to make them count as he slashed at the joints of the legs and aiming for between the armor plates.

As a counter Kaiza dug the claws on his feet into the ground and anchored his tail yet again, only jerking slightly at Sevrina and Orion's grapple. After the first half dozen strikes he had finally gotten annoyed at the spears, he grabbed them both just under the blades and pulled them close. Kaiza drew Erelind close and snapped his neck forward, fangs beared. The metal fangs dug into the priestess's throat and jerked her body in front of him as a shield to Alera's staff. The other priestess was mostly forgotten and thrown aside and out of the way.

"Very well Demon. Now it is my turn to fight you!" Alera hurried back and began to cast a spell. Magic swirled around her body in a torrent of flaring light. This spell was an original of hers. The spell, was called trance. Everyone else was dropping like flies, and if the spell worked as intended, it wouldn't be so easy to drop her. The last word the screamed of the spell, and the magic around her erupted in a fury of light being directly put into her body. The light faded, and Alera stood there, exactly as she had before. She lifted up her head, and opened her eyes. There was no color to them. They almost glowed. Her body was somewhat bigger. She was so much tougher. She was in a trance.

Without a word, she tightened the grip on her staff and charged faster than most people could ever run. Her accuracy over doubled she tried again for that eye with much more speed, agility, and strength. She was at him to attack in seconds.

"FOOL OF A WOMAN!!!" Thorn screamed out at Alera. It was because of her pride that another had been wounded, if not dead. The creature was weak against his type of magic, but far from weak from sorcery and shamanism. "If its time that you need, I shall get some for you. As long as you kill that... creature, I do not care if you bring a house down on it!"

With that he approached the creature, holding his sword in front of him. He didn't want to engage it, no, he was just going to hold it off. He knew already he could not kill it by blindly slashing, but maybe some defense would work. "Come at me, and fall, vile thing."

* * *

Ariakan looked to Cray long and hard after he spoke, finally leaving Akaria's side he approached the former chaos general. "After that battle in Blade, would that have prompted Xion to release such an abomination? It was that battle the earth itself froze at my power, perhaps that was what made him decide to finish this project..." He then looked to the door and continuing battle. "Would dragon breath hurt this thing? If I cannot use my spells then perhaps it could be harmed by my other form, but then it could also kill me..." He returned to sitting by Akaria and the priests, his mind wandering to the battle upstairs as he cast a small spell.

"Great creator of all, master who sees all and knows all. Send me the sight from your great hall, allow me to see this battle to see what has come. So that one day the battle against this abomination can be won." After speaking a spectral eye appeared in his right palm and he looked at it, sending it up into where the battle took place it kept a safe distance from this demon and observed the fight. Back in the cellar Ariakan looked to Moryssa then Akaria as he pulled the holy magic bow from it's storage. "She'll be ok, if this thing gets in here then will that bow which you made work? I still carry it, perhaps since it is of holy magic it could harm that beast."Aiyanna looked at the stranger who seemed to be a dragon kin by the sound of his words.

"Well, if he is going to cast a vision then I am going to as well. I swear it sounded like earth was moving not long ago...and a dragon cry that could have torn apart Raiden...I am so helpless, I can't even fight like Alera without aid of magic," Aiyanna muttered, as she spread and opened a circle then with a few murmurs the air before her rippled and formed into a ghost like glowing oval. Sound was not heard but she saw earth pillars everywhere, some warriors wounded fatally, or dead. They were the priests of Myrii. Sevrina with the white haired elf was doing their best to stop it from running back into the inn. A black dragon was facing the creature with a humanoid body with a reptile like tail and metal skin and very sharp looking large claws. "Falis, what kind of engineering is that! It violates nature to foulest degree!"

Ariakan heard Aiyanna's words as he replied. "Xion is behind this, I don't care what anybody says that fiend created this monster. He is going to pay for his actions, and for his destruction..." He then observed more through his spiritual eye which watched the battle. "This beast is truly an abomination, Akaria do you think we should do about it? I'm unable to harm it, and it goes after magic users... I can't fight this thing, I hope Blaze can damage it." He observed the battle as he sighed a little, all of his battles he could fight but now he was helpless against this new foe.

* * *

Thunder screamed across the heavens following the thick trails of lightning. Kaiza's head jerked up and he clenched his jaws shut. A faint trace of panic showed as he broke free from his bonds and bolted, faster than most blades into the inn. Blade leapt between the door and Kaiza, raising his twin swords to strike. The tips of each blade sparked across the creature's side leaving a long scar across the metal. Kaiza charged still, blowing past the guards, avoiding them rather than engaging. His claws dug into the wood of the ceiling as he ran across it above the heroes.

Kaiza ran as fast as he heavy limbs would allow him to gallop, even using his tail to propel him faster. Finally he threw himself off the ceiling at the door to the cellar, curling himself into a metal ball and breaking through the thick wood. His five limbs spread out instantly as he fell into a low crouch on the ground, his eyes searching through the dark air for his target, the woman.

Without a moment of hesitation he leapt at Aiyanna, claws, teeth and tail all ready to tear at her. In his panic and hurry there was something Kaiza did not see. A large black metal orb came swinging at him from his right side. The runed orb slammed the creature directly across his twisted face, forcing Kaiza to be hit back to the ground rather than towards his target.

Now confusion kicked in as Kaiza scrambled back up and bared his teeth to his unseen attacker, then he froze....

Blood trickled down Cray's wrist where the metal band linked to the metal ball dug into his skin. He stood fully his eye blazing with anger down on the creature. Cray took two slow steps, Kaiza took two quick steps back. The runes on the orbs began to glow brilliantly as he raised his right hand in a gesture to summon his fire.

"C..... Cra..... Cray!!!" Kaiza howled in panic, he spun trying to flee the scene, but not fast enough, the metal orb crashed into the center of the creature's back sending him back up the cellar stairs. Cray followed, dragging the orbs up the stairs. The creature howled his name repeatedly, attempting to turn and run at each opportunity but only being forced into another direction each time.

"It is over..." Cray announced calmly, stopping a foot away from the staggering beast. He had looked behind the creature where Jinn stood with a smile, sweat flowing down his cheek.

"Five minutes." Jinn stated plainly. The sky above was furious with anger as lightning crackled fiercely. Upon command a thick bolt of lightning arced down from the heavens and struck Jinn's sword directly, the electricity began coursing through the sword then through the aeromancer's body.

"Sky Wolf... God-Break." Jinn took the first step, his foot digging firmly into the ground, propelling him forward. His sword was cocked back as he charge, soon, when Kaiza was in range he swung and swung hard. White Fang crashed into Kaiza's side and all of the electrical energy gathered from the lightning storm entered into Kaiza. Jinn held the sword against him as all of the energy flowed through him rapidly.

It all ended in a few second, steaming Jinn fell to a knee, thrusting his sword into the ground as support. Kaiza had never stopped howling in pain since the sword made contact, an unearthly scream coursed through the heavens. With a powerful kick Kaiza leapt into the air, sailing over the heroes and landing on a roof to a different building, his eyes locked onto Cray and Jinn the entire time. He crouched and stared briefly before leaping again, disappearing into the night...