My Book Afuhlsiia.

[Sumomo & Kotoko]

Hey all,here is a storie I'ev been workin on for a long-time.So I hope you like it,and have fun reading it(all thoe I'm not done yet). Its called Afuhlsiia.

The Last Piece

My eyes opened and a sense of confusion set in. I asked myself, am I dead? am I in a dream? No, none of these questions accurately described what was going on. I was laying face down in what seemed to be moist clumpy dirt. My whole body ached as I tried to get a look at my surroundings. I started to focus in on the walls at first to try and get a sense of my whereabouts. I then examined the rest of the area. I apparently was in a cave, why was I in a cave I thought to myself. I laid there for a while and my memory came back slowly like broken and confusing movies playing before me. Short scenes started playing back in my mind. Every memory struck me like someone or something was jamming information into my head. I then looked up and saw that I had a sword in my hand. My knuckles were white and my hand sent waves of pain up my arm when I tried to release it from my rigid grip. When I saw the sword more events leading up to my current state came back to me and I felt a sense of relief when I remembered what I had accomplished. The battle I had with the Keeper and his underlings was all being revealed to me. The monstrous proportions of the Keeper had given me chills. He was a gigantic lizard like being with moist scaly flesh and huge piercing teeth. He stood at what seemed to be at least nine feet tall and weighed as much as 5 men, at least. Ah yes, the battle, I was starting to regain my senses.

I rose up onto my knees trying to overcome the ensuing exhaustion. I remembered fighting the underlings in a fierce almost never ending battle. I then looked to my right and saw an arm lying in a pool of dark blood. I wore a smirk as I remembered how the Keeper was yet another adversary that could not match my wit. After I had narrowly defeated the Keepers underlings; he then came at me with a sword I had only heard about in legends, and just so happened to be the prize I was pursuing. I remembered that it could slice through anything, knowing that I avoided trying to deflect attacks with one of my swords for fear that he would shatter them. I kept dodging the attacks from the beast trying to keep my swords and myself from being struck with his mighty weapon. I remembered the Keeper swinging the sword through the wall and amongst all the debris I lunged toward his huge mass and had cut off his arm that wielded the Parcel blade. He then clawed me in the side and I flew into the caverns opposing wall. That must?ve been why I was currently in such pain. The Keeper then charged at me, so as I stood up I threw my shukoon blades as hard as I could into his upper chest. He screamed with pain and fell on his back. I then went over to where his arm was lying and pulled the Parcel blade out of its grasp. I walked over to the monster with the sword firmly in grasp and raised it above my head blade down and with both hands jammed it into the beast?s upper torso as hard as I could. I looked to the ceiling and saw where the blood had sprayed from that blow, and noticed that It was still fairly wet. I must have only been out for an hour or so.

After I finished reminiscing, I stood up onto my feet and walked over to the corpse, and raised the parcel blade once more over my head and decapitated the beast. I then pulled my shukoon blades from the body and slung all the blood off of them as I put them in their slings located on my back. I then pulled out my grinding tool and ground out a small indentation into the handle of the parcel blade. I put my last family gem into the small indention and sealed it with a clear solvent. The ancients call this mixture a type of ?Super Glue.? Quite amazing things have come from the lands before the apocalypse. After I sealed the stone into the handle the stone started to glow. It shined brighter and brighter as I stared into it. I then was engulfed in a bluish light. Everything around me was saturated with the blue light. I felt as if I had fallen into the stone as I had a rush of energy flowing into my veins. An almost blinding flash and a loud crashing sound brought the experience to a halting end. The light withered away and I came out of the seeming trance I was in. I shook my head rapidly and put the parcel blade into the custom made sheath on my back. The Falacians gave me this sheath when I was a young child, for they knew that I would one day wield this sword and I would need something specially made to carry it.

I kissed my marble stone that I wore around my neck which acted as my good luck charm of sorts. I?m not really a superstitious man, but there are some things that I hold dear and precious, and this is definitely one of them. I then walked over to the treasures that were in the far side of the room. I grabbed a bag and filled it up with everything I could. I then made my way out of the cavern and out onto the mountain side. The blizzard had ended thank god. I struck my fulen horn with a few times, and razorbane, my trusty horse, ran up the path as expected. He looked at me with disappointed eyes because I had not let him in on the battle. I simply said to him, ?maybe next time old friend.?

I climbed up on razor, attached the bag to the saddle, and rode down the Viala Mountains. I looked off into the distance as we rode down and saw land for miles and miles. The snow was slowly deteriorating into water and the road behaved much like a mud slushee. As I stared into the distance overlooking the lands of Afuhlsiia I found it quite amazing that I had finally journeyed across this land of Afuhlsiia and completed my kruden. The feeling of peace and happiness filled my mind, for my next journey was to go home and rest far away from battles, demons, and vile creatures. Even a warmongering horse like razor will surely enjoy the much deserved rest. He had the heart of a warrior, and no other animal I had ever come into contact with could match his intellect or his courage. He did have quite an ironclad personality for a horse. We had been through the deepest darkest regions of **** all the way back to beautiful rolling plains together. He is my closest companion, and will always be.

We had made it down the mountain and entered the city of Viala. It was approximately noon so I decided to go to the trading depot and get rid of some of the loot I bagged from the cave and hopefully buy some equipment. I bought some potions and other gear. I was able to sell almost all of the loot at a very good price. I also sold the head of the beast to the owner of the trade shop. He said to me, ?the legionnaire over these parts will love this as a trophy! I?m sure that this will ensure that I will be on his favored list.?

I gave him smile and a nod as if to say, ?yeah? that?s nice.? I then sold it to him for 2500 giles. Maybe I had turned into some sort of a prick over the years, but truthfully I could cared less about other peoples business. I wanted to go home, not listen to endless babble about how my blood and sweat has helped them get in good with top officials of these parts. I walked out to razor and we rode off into the plains trying to reach the river before sundown. It was refreshing riding through the country side with the fresh lukewarm air blowing through my wounded body. We reached the river and razor had a drink of water while I lit up a rolled leaf and grabbed some food. I walked over to razor and began to speak. I said, ?well brother, we are rich men. We have finally completed our journeys and the treasures in that cavern blessed us with many giles and hopefully a vacation.?

Razor then nudged me as to imply that we better not be retiring.
I stroked razors mane and patted him on the neck saying, ?I don?t think life will ever allow us to retire my old friend. There?s always a battle somewhere for us.?
Razor then let out a huff in response meaning, ?good.?
I bid razor a good nights rest and laid down to catch some rest. Razor came up and nudged me for a while until I finally decided to give him attention. One of these days I might try and tell him to pet me for a change. There again people might start questioning my relationship with my horse. He?s my boy, I raised him from birth and he?s always been by my side. He?s a strong friend and companion, nothing more, definitely nothing less. I laid there stroking razors black face while I stared at the sky. I said in a soft tone, ?I never thought this day would come. Oh, how I long for the day where I could solve my battles with more than a blade.? I stopped petting razor and started to drift off into space.

I dreamt of colors and stars. I felt as if I was traveling at the speed of light with no destination. I heard voices like prayers that spoke with such desperation. I then heard a voice that spoke with a demonstrative ambient voice which said, ?Kelsian, for this is only just the beginning of what is to come. You must trust yourself and be strong. For the times ahead will test you like you?ve never been tested before.?

I responded, ?why me? Haven?t I been through enough? Why must I receive all this power and responsibility? I never asked for this; I was chosen. I have been tested and tried over and over again. Why must this continue??

?You were chosen because you are strong and intelligent. You have the will to not let others decide your path. You will not conform to anything you do not believe in. People depend on you and your skills Kelsian. You are destined for greatness. You must believe me and trust me, for if you trust me, always know that everything happens for a reason.?

?If it is your will then I will do as you wish. You haven?t lead me astray so far. I?m still alive and I have completed my kruden. Still, I?m sick of being left in the dust as everyone else gets to live their happy lives. I?m stuck here fighting and warring with everything and everyone around me. I will still follow your words in hope that you will guide me to the life I desire,? I said.

?Now ride off through the whispering hollows tomorrow. For in this path is the way for you to get home with speed. This journey will also allow you to see that something has changed in you. Your tint is unlike any other. Enough rest, go now.?

As the voice said that I woke up. I looked around me and noticed it was just before sunrise. I rose up and called for razor. He came over to me and I packed my things onto his back. I told him, ?we are heading to the whispering hollows. You must be strong for me. The trails in that wilderness are haunted with uneasy souls that wish to possess those who enter so they can escape. This is the one place that I fear more than anything old friend. Be strong for me.? Razor huffed a few times and stomped his feet like he was ready for it.

We rode to the east instead of to the south. I kept questioning the voice trying to figure out the logic of heading east into the heart of the most feared forest in all these lands, and how this would help me get home faster. A cold chill ran up my spine as I wondered, which home the voice wished me to go to. Did the voice mean Holm?s Point, or the spiritual realm. I suppose I will find out soon enough.

We rode through the hills and plains. We rode to a river and I allowed razor to grab one last drink. I filled my canister with water as I felt that this was possibly the last time I would fill it. I mounted razor and we rode until we reached the top of one of the hills. I could see the dark forest ahead. I had a sense of disbelief that I was actually going in there. It was a fool?s journey, not one of courage. It?s a journey that ignorant conceited men took to show their prowess. None of them had ever returned.

We finally reached the edge of the forest. I could hear loud evil laughs, spirits screaming, and other dreadful sounds. I heard something say, ?COME! JOIN US!? which was followed with a sadistic laugh. I started to tremble to the point that my hands were almost useless due to their constant shaking. I asked razor if he was ready. He huffed and we entered the forest.

It was a gloomy dark evil place. You would never be able to tell there was a sun if you lived in this sanctuary of evil. As razor continued at a steady pace forward the voices stayed. I kept my composure although I was terrified. Voices kept whispering in my ear. Saying things like ?you are fresh, mmmm,? others saying, ?welcome, make yourself at home,? all ending in evil laughs. I started seeing images of pale humanlike beings that would flash here and there. They never stayed longer than a second. All had an evil grimace on their face. I then felt a hand graze the back of my neck. I instantly pulled my sword and swung in the direction, but I hit nothing. Loud laughs grew closer. The whispers became more intense. They were now screaming ?FREE ME? and other obscenities. In my peripheral vision I saw something moving and tracking me. It was there but it wasn?t. ?Why, do you come?? it asked. I continued riding silently. Suddenly it appeared in front of razor and razor reared up and yelled at the being. The being had the most evil eyes and stature I have ever seen. He yelled to me, ?YOUR SOUL BE FRESH YOUR BODY WARM, FOR IN THIS DWELLING YOUR SPIRIT BE TORN.?

Its eyes were on fire and its body walked but floated above the ground. Then many more of these beings came in at all sides all walking slowly, rambling endless rhymes, and kept laughing in that dreaded tone. I made out some of the rhymes to be, ?WILL YOU BE LEAVING OH SO SOON, OR WILL YOU STAY AND BUILD A TOMB?? and ?COME AND GO JUST FOR SHOW, FORGET YOUR BODY I WANT YOUR SOUL!?

I was beyond terrified, I was completely frozen. I couldn?t move; my knuckles were white as I grasped my sword yet I can?t wield it. I couldn?t speak, I couldn?t tell razor to run. I kept feeling hands graze the back of my neck. Cold, ice cold hands grazed my neck over and over. Razor started turning around and stomping his feet. This didn?t faze them. They all kept closing in. I couldn?t panic, I couldn?t do anything, and I was in a trance of utter fear. I lost my balance on the saddle and just slid helplessly off razor. I fell down with my face in the mud. I felt as if everything in me was being drained. I looked up at hands reaching down to me. Closer and closer they became, until they were almost on top of me.

I looked at razor, still stomping his feet trying to fight them off, kicking and spinning and trying to do all he could. All of this just to protect me and of course himself as well. Something then sparked in my mind. If razor could fight to the death so could I. Then like a grip was then broken off of me I clenched the dirt with my hands and mustered up all the power I had inside of me. The trembling of fear I once felt was now a trembling of pure emotion. I felt as if a bolt of lightning had hit my body as I let out a blood curdling scream that shook everything around me. The volume of the scream kept rising and rising and I felt myself become more empowered than anything around me. I screamed for what must have been five minutes constantly getting louder. The ground was shaking, the trees and vines wailed back and forth. Until finally I had ran out of breath. I then stood up and saw that razor had stopped stomping and was just shaking his head and twitching his ears. I then noticed the beings were gone. I kept breathing heavily as I tried to refill my lungs with the air I just exerted.

 

[Sumomo & Kotoko]

Sorry for the dubble post,but here is more.

I stood there looking around for any sign of the souls that were right on top of me a few minutes ago. I saw nothing. The voices in the woods still kept up the screaming and whispering, but that didn?t bother me anymore. It was as if their whispering had the power to render one completely defenseless. Whatever they did I broke it and scared them off. I got back on razor and whispered to him, ?thank you for being strong razorbane. I?m in your debt.?

We rode forward cautiously. The scenery didn?t ever change from the dark swamp like forest with vines and other things growing on trunks of deformed trees. We continued to ride and I saw what looked like a clear path off to my right. So I turned towards it. We approached it very cautiously and alert expecting some sort of trap. After weighing the pro?s and con?s I decided to continue on this path. It led us to a very strange looking clearing in the forest. It was a small clearing, no more than twenty feet by twenty feet. In the middle of this clearing were three large orange crystals extruding from the ground. In the middle of these crystals there was a small stone pillar two miniature crystals leaning towards each other on top of it. I got off razor and led him up to this middle stone. I analyzed the crystals for a couple minutes. I then decided to grab the crystals on top of the stone and see what happened. Curiosity killed the cat didn?t it; well I suppose it?s a good thing I?m not a cat wouldn?t you say?

As my hands got close to the crystals they started to glow. I then grasped them and the three large orange crystals lit up. I could see balls of energy building up inside of them. The surroundings began to change around me. I had let go of the crystals and the area around us kept flashing in and out. All of the sudden an orange beam of light pierced me and razor and at that instance I felt a strong push on my body. When I opened my eyes we were in the middle of a different forest. The crystals were gone and these trees had a sense of familiarity to them.

I got on razor and rode south. We came out of the trees to a flowing river with a gigantic waterfall flowing over some cliffs to my left. I knew this place. This was the waterfall not fifty miles from my Holm?s Point. Those crystals must have been some sort of a teleportation device. The voice was right, going into the whispering hollows cut 200 miles or more off my journey. Once again the voice had not led me astray. Although, after all that had happened I did feel a sense that I was being forced towards a destiny that I had no way of altering, this gave me no pleasure whatsoever. Being out of control of anything pertaining to ones life is not very comforting.

I jumped in the river and cleaned off a little bit. I then asked razor if he wants to call it a night or head for Holm?s point. He definitely wanted to run. So I got on him and we headed east. It looked like it was morning. I must have spent all night in the hollows. We rode through all the greenery and kept going at a quick pace. These areas brought back some of my memories of being at home. I forgot how beautiful these lands were. Up ahead I saw some people riding. I rode towards them wanting to confirm where I was. I would?ve hated to be wrong about my location. I rode up to the men and said, ?Greetings.?

?Greetings young traveler how can we help you?? they asked.
?I just want to know if Holm?s Point is just East from here,? I responded.
?Yes, Holm?s point is just over those hills. You look like you?ve seen some action son. May I ask why you are going there??
?Certainly, I?m Kelsian Nebbek son of Willis Nebbek, I?ve recently completed my kruden and I?m heading home for long overdue rest.?
The man overcame with joy and said, ?KELSIAN! Oh my god son it?s been forever! You remember your father?s old friend don?t ya??
?Mr. Bolder? Holy **** it is you. We?ll have to catch up later, I want to get home,? I said.
?I understand son, I?ll see you in town later on.?
I turned razor east and we rode as fast as the wind. We came up on top of the ridges near Holm?s Point and I could see the city. We took off like we were shot out of a cannon. I then heard horns filling the city alerting the peoples that there was an unidentified person approaching. I was greeted at the gate by my cousin who was the main gatekeeper.

?Ahoy traveler, business in Holm?s Point?? he asked.
I laughed and said, ?Cut the bullshit Brigas, you?re telling me you don?t recognize your own cousin??

He looked puzzled at first and then it finally clicked in his head who I was. He never was a very quick guy. He put his hands to his mouth and yelled into town, ?KELSIAN NEBBEK HAS RETURNED!? I could hear it echoing as people passed the word through town.

Brigas said, ?Forgive me Kel, you look a lot different than you did. Well? Go on get out of here stop holding up the line.?

I put a smirk on my face and responded with, ?Line? What line? I see no line; stop trying to make yourself sound important.? I followed that with a laugh and patted him on the shoulder. ?Good to see you Brigas, you were always good for a laugh,? I said.

He gave me a ?laugh it up? kind of smile. That made me laugh even harder as I led razor into town.

I took in the scenery in and around the center courtyards as I walked towards my parent?s house up the hill. And just as I made it into the middle of the courtyard people started coming out of their houses. Before I knew what happened I was surrounded by old familiar faces all asking me different questions at once. Sounded like a whole lot of rambling. Half of the town must have been next to the old fountain. Yelling and rejoice was amongst the mob. I made my way over to the fountain and stood up onto its ledge. I had the gargantuan water fountain to my back and motioned for the crowd to settle down.

The crowed settled to a low mumble and I announced, ?Greetings family and friends, I have finally returned. I completed my journey and my kruden. I?ve seen things that I wish and hope none of you ever have to see or experience. Nonetheless this is a joyous occasion, so lets have some fun! I?m happy to be back home. There is no place like Holm?s Point!?

The crowed rejoiced and I finished by saying, ?By the way, I expect to have all the ale I want free of charge!? The mob laughed and clapped as I got down off the fountains ledge.

I mounted razor and the crowd made way for me to ride forward. As we rode forward, hands extended from the crowd giving me praise and support. Reminded me of when I left, except this was a more enthusiastic crowd. I rode up to my parent?s house as they were just starting to join the mob to greet me. I smiled as they had a look of sheer enthusiasm. I noticed my brother wasn?t around, but he might have been off doing something I didn?t know about. I got off razor and with the help of my father unpacked my things and took them inside. My mother hugged and kissed me as soon as I put down my belongings. I then gave my father a good strong hug. I went back to razor and took my saddle off of him and told him to do as he wished. He ran off into the pastures and fields of which he had grown up in. Me and my parents started walking back to town together. On the way my mother was asking so many questions. So like I did with the crowd I calmed her down and simply said, ?Yeah, after four some odd years I?ve finally done it, I completed my kruden and I?m back for a little R and R.?

My father said, ?It?s great to see you son, you?ve been well missed.?

I then handed him a bag containing 3000 giles and said, ?Consider this a gift; I have plenty more where that came from.?

He put on a smile and said, ?Wow, look honey, our sons a merchant.? She smiled as we continued to walk down to the main courtyard. As we reached our destination I was greeted by the Falacians and the head council of our city. I shook all of their hands and they congratulated me on my deed. They all gave me a warm welcome home.

One of the council men said, ?Kelsian Nebbek, we honor you with this,? and handed me a pure silver broche with a large emerald in the middle of it. It is a great honor to be given one of these. They knew I never liked gold so they made the silver one for me. Good group of guys I say. The broche has many engravings signifying greatness and such. I?m not one to lavish myself in my own glory, but after four years of ****, I?ll accept a gift signifying that I?ve completed the task given to me. I replaced the old broche that held my weapons harness together with this one. I looked pretty **** sharp if I do say so myself.

Another councilman said, ?Tomorrow we will celebrate your returning with a huge festival and feast! I hope that is to your pleasing.?

As he said that the crowd yelled in excitement behind me. I then gave my nod of approval and returned to the crowd to be acknowledged and praised. I might as well give the people what they want. So for the next few hours I told stories, reminisced with people, drank some wine, and had a good time.

The sun started going down so me and my father headed back to the house where my mother was preparing a welcome home feast for me. I bid the crowd farewell and walked with my father back to the house. The ale had definitely kicked in. We had large grins on our faces as we talked about what had gone on in the city since I had been gone and talked about some of the goofs down at the courtyard. I was finally home; that feeling made the journeys and rigorous deeds all worth it. We reached the doorway and entered their home. Mother called out that the food was almost ready so my father and I got ready to eat.






Obligations of Brothers

I took off my armors and weapons and set them by the door. My father and I sat at the table while my mother retrieved the food she had just cooked. This table brought back many memories that were long forgotten. The hard wood table that had many engravings and scratches from decades of use, the lamp posts illuminating the room, and my chair that wasn?t quite even and would rock from side to side. The smell of the feast brought back even more memories of being at home. After four years of wondering through mountains, caves, forests and deserts; eating strange plants, bugs, and strange beasts; you start to forget what a homemade meal smells or even tastes like. The essence of roast pig and vegetables fill the air, along with the smell of burning wood from the furnace. These are the small yet comforting things about being back at home.

She set the meal down on the table and took her seat, and my father started his usual prayer before eating. At this time as I was scanning the room until I came across the empty seat to my right and became puzzled. I thought it was unusual that my brother was not there to greet me as I came into town, and now as we began to feast he wasn?t even at the table, obviously something wasn?t right. My father finished his prayer and they loaded up their plates with the delicious food. I was not so quick to grab the food, as tempting as the long forgotten homemade dinner was. I must know what had happened to my brother, before I indulged myself in selfish goods.

I looked at my father with inquisitive partially worried eyes and asked him, ?Where?s Nolan? He wasn?t there to greet me into town and now he isn?t at the table? What?s wrong? Where is he??
My father replied, ?Kelsian, your brothers grown up in your absence. He left for the Tasha Plains about six months ago. We haven?t heard from him since.?

I felt a sense of defeat in my Father?s voice, as if Nolan?s parting wasn?t under pleasant circumstances.

?Nolan wanted to go off and see what else there was in the world. He didn?t think you would come back from your journey to complete your kruden. He figured that he didn?t have a brother anymore, and that our traditions and ways sent you to the grave. After four years and no word that you were alive, he lost hope and blamed our way of life for it. He didn?t want to be apart of something that influenced his older brother to die for, what he called, a meaningless quest,? my father added.

I could see that my father and mother were both disturbed over this, even though they tried hard to hide it. Both of them looked grim like they had just left a funeral and were trying to put on a strong face in front of their guests. Quite a different look than when I rode into town just a few hours ago. It?s amazing how a few hours can turn such a wonderful day into a day of question and loss. This seems to be the story of my life, every time something good happens it seems something else goes wrong. Much like a house of cards, you build something great and the wind knocks down some of it. Just a never ending battle I suppose.

I began to eat. The food tasted good, good; hah, who am I kidding, I felt like I was eating a piece of heaven. Even so, I couldn?t help but think about where my brother was and what kind of mess he had put himself in. This must?ve been something like what Nolan felt everyday for those long years. I knew he had found some trouble by now. With his drinking habits and his antagonistic personality, I?m sure he?s started a fight with a few Tahgrens by now. Tahgrens are some big boys, hairy, BIG; **** I think the average Tahgren had to weigh about 290 to 450lbs at least. Humanlike fellahs, the bones behind their eyebrows would stick about out an inch or so, and their hands have but four fingers, four big fingers. They have a profuse amount of hair covering their gigantic bodies. Their height varied anywhere from 5?10 to 7?4. You would be surprised how many seven foot Tahgs there are. Their mouths are curved downwards much like an ape, which when opened shows teeth that can be quite intimidating. Their tooth structure also resembled that of a large ape, and two of their bottom teeth were always exposed over their lips. Their skin had a pale hue of grey in it, and looked like they had huge scales placed on top of their skin. Still, they resemble humans in mannerisms such as walking and other types of movement.

After dinner I helped my mother gather the dishes and clean them. I felt the need to talk to her about Nolan so I asked, ?So, Nolan left because he thought I was dead? ****, if I would?ve known he was that sensitive I would?ve written a few letters or something.? I forced a little chuckle trying to cheer her up a little.

She smiled and responded, in the soft kind voice she always seemed to carry, ?Kel, your brother looked up to you almost as much as he did your father. He was the brother of the pre-destined tinted warrior. You?re his hero, and the celebrity of the town. He always wanted to be first in line to see you, that?s why he trained with you everyday for 13 years or more. He couldn?t handle thought of his only brother not fulfilling his dream and or dying so young. He felt that it was a complete waste.?
I said, ?I always knew he held me in high regard. He is of course my blood and therefore has always come before anyone else,? I paused for a moment; ?Well, I guess I?ll be late for the festival tomorrow.?
She smiled and asked, ?and why is that?? in her usual tone that showed me she already knew what I was about to say.
?bloods thicker than wine mother, I leave in the morning and I will not return without Nolan. I refuse to celebrate without him. I know him mother, he has gotten himself in some **** and I?m going to have to go bail him out.?
?well, I?m glad to hear it. You?ve always been such a protective son and brother; just remember you can?t be everyone?s guardian angel. You can?t protect everyone all the time,? she said as she smiled. I could see some relief fall upon her with the news that both of her boys would be home soon. I just hoped Nolan?s still alive.
?Sure as **** doesn?t stop me from trying,? I replied.

I finished the dishes and went to the living room to have a smoke with my Father and get as much information about Nolan?s whereabouts as possible. Searching for one person or object over the span of an entire realm is a rigorous act, I did it for to many years, its not an easy task, believe me.

I walked over to the door and picked up my armors and weapons and brought them over to where my father was sitting. I put them down next to him and sat in the chair opposite of his. I lit up a rolled leaf and said, ?I know it?s just killing you to checkout all that I?ve found. You may also have your sword back if you wish.?

My father was a Telden warrior back in his day. Telden warriors retrieved the Zeegan family stones and gems. Although it sounds like a simple task, they faced many dangers trying to retrieve said stones, such as; demons, creatures, and other beings trying to retrieve the treasures. My father has a scar in front of his left ear that stretches from his sideburn down to his jaw, prime example to how treacherous those journeys were. Now he is a builder and blacksmith. He also trains other Zeegan warriors in the arts of Kodek, the Zeegan art of warfare and combative skills.

He had quite a grin on his face as he picked up my weapon harness. He said, ?I?m a proud man Kel, you completed your kruden just like you said you would. What an exquisite set of tools these are.? He examined the shukoon blades with a look of awe and astonishment. These are two of the swords that I carry on my back. Their glistening black and silver handles are always right behind my shoulder blades. The shukoon blades have curved black 32 inch blades that have a serrated edge on the back of the blade. The serrated edges are deep into the blade and make the swords look like they have spikes coming out of them. The handles are silver and black with ancient engravings here and there. In the middle of the handle I have placed my family stone in a hole I ground out of it. These swords can be attached to each other in two ways. You can put them side to side and have a smaller two bladed sword, or you can put their stocks together and have a dual blade. I use the dual blade to throw it through a large group of beings or to cause the most damage to one big target. Very tricky to throw, I always have the small risk of cutting my arm off.

My father then pulled out my parcel blade. This was the last piece that I found. The sword was a two-handed sword about four feet long and five inches wide. It?s as light as a feather. There are to small spikes that go up the sword for only seven inches. They are very close to the blade yet don?t touch it. This is where the sword gets its vibration. The parcel blade can cut through pretty much anything, stones, trees, houses, you name it. The secret is that the blade always vibrates at such a high frequency that when it hits something it immediately just saws right through it at a high rate of speed. The belief is that the sword has harnessed a secret sound and the sound is trapped between the spikes and the blade. The four foot blade has dual edges and venting holes going down the middle of it. Beside these venting holes there are different black engravings. I wished to find out what they meant some day. The handle was made of silver as well, with a diamond inlay. Every engraving and inlay in this sword has a very flowing nature to it, they all seemed to coincide with each other. They looked kind of like what you would think a sound wave would look like, but in much more detail. Like the shukoon blades I put my family jewel in the middle of the handle.

 

[IT?]

I like it it was a great story, I am suprised no one has replied! It was great

 

[Sumomo & Kotoko]

As my father was looking at the rest of my weaponry, throwing knives, bow, daggers, my spiked gloves, and others; I figured this was the best time to tell him I was going to retrieve Nolan so I said, ?I leave at first light to find Nolan and bring him home.?
?Have you told your mother?? he asked.
?Yeah, I told her while we cleaned dishes. She told me I can?t be everyone?s guardian angel. But Nolan?s my brother and nothings going to stop me from getting him back? If he?s still alive.?
?Oh I?m sure he is, even though he gets himself in some deep **** he?s always been quite the talker. He can handle himself physically and psychologically,? He replied.
?So do you know what city or town he might have gone off to?? I asked.
?No, but I would guess somewhere along the southern outskirts of the Tasha Plains. There are only a couple of towns around there. If I know your brother as well as I think I do, he probably hit Rodul got drunk and got into it with some bad mouthed Tahgrens.?
?That?s all I need, I head out at first light. With the weather on my side I?ll reach the town by the evening and find him by nightfall,? I said.

?Sounds good boy, I?ll ask your mother to pack you some leftovers. You?re going to need your strength; I doubt they?re going to give him up without a fight. Oh yes, my sword. Keep it for now; I?m sure Nolan will need a weapon.? My father was a very wise man. I definitely didn?t take those words lightly. Little did I know how much of a fight it would be. Somehow I failed to remember that I haven?t been in a life threatening situation since I obtained the last piece of my kruden. My soul is now tinted, and strange things will most likely happen in the hours to come.

I had put my feet up on the padded stool in front of me to relax and light up another rolled leaf. I slowly slipped into a subconscious state and dreamt of such unusual things. I was in the middle of a battlefield surrounded by hordes of dead beings. All of my equipment was gone and I had a feeling of such loss and defeat. The smell of a battle was in the air. The stench of dried blood and smoldering bodies coupled with the smell of decay and death. Smoke was rising in all directions and I could smell the burnt ashes from a distance. Something catastrophic happened here. The sky was red and the clouds were absorbed with a purple hue and looked as if they were saturated with the blood of dead men. They looked as if they were taunting me to try and cut them open to unleash a downpour of bloody rain. The ground was drenched in blood and gore to the point that it resembled the marshes that I had treaded through a long time ago. I looked around and saw so many gutted bodies, bodies missing various body parts, and those pieces of flesh that had once been one with their owner were strewn about in an artistic yet sadistic way. The bodies were to blurry for me to see what race or species they were, so I gave up trying to focus on them. I scanned the landscape to see if it was familiar. Beyond the lands that were scattered with bodies were mountains to my west, and hills to the north and east.
I then looked up to the sky again. The sun looked as if it was going down and coming up at the same time. Just like it was mocking me, taunting me to try and control its path. Everything was mocking me, everything from the birds in the sky to the wind blowing through my aching body. The bird?s spoke of loss and the wind howled of destinies.

As I was trying to distinguish all the different sounds, a blinding light came from the sky and hit me like a wave of pure energy. I felt uneasy and nervous. I was in a state of borderline panic. I?ve faced monsters, yetis, dragons, beasts that people have not even imagined, and I was worried of a light? Then the light completely engulfed my body and I felt warmth on my face and throughout my entire body.

I then opened my eyes and slowly returned back to a conscious state. I remembered that I was in my parent?s home, and that it must have been a dream. It was so real so vivid, just like anything I?ve ever done. Some say dreams can tell the future, others say they are signs of things to come. Others say they are worthless drabble and not to pay attention to them. Some even say your dreams manifest your darkest fears or your deepest desires, I just hoped my darkest fear wasn?t a blinding light. I might just die if someone shined a bright enough light upon me. I chuckled at the thought. I think to ignore experiences such as dreams would be a foolish deed. Everything happens for a reason, and to think that dreams mean nothing would be indeed foolish.

I stood up and looked out the window. I saw the signs of first light approaching so I started to prepare my gear. My mother had packed me a bag of food; that was quite thoughtful. Obviously I won?t be going hungry today. I kind of liked being back at home, at least my stomach enjoyed it. I also saw on the sack a note. It read,
?Kelsian,
I apologize for forgetting to tell you the exciting news. Rhamath heard of your return and will be arriving in our town sometime in the next week. You must be excited to see him again. Don?t get in to much trouble rescuing your brother.
With Love,
Mother?

Wow, my old friend Rhamath Santurean coming to town to greet me. I can hardly wait. Its been far to long since I?ve seen my brother in arms. I then smiled at the thought of seeing him again while putting on my armors and weapons. I then went outside to my horse razorbane. He already knew what was going on, far too intelligent of a creature. Almost seemed like he knew when we were going to be heading off into hostile territories. Maybe he just anticipated it every morning. He must?ve enjoyed the conflicts we?ve been in.

I lit a rolled leaf and deeply inhaled and exhaled while I took a look at the clouds and judged the wind. There was a scarce sighting of clouds. The wind was cool and heading from the southeast. It was a perfect day to head to Rodul. With the wind at my back and no rain in sight, I mounted razor and we set off to the north.

We rode over the hills and through the grassy knolls away from Holm?s Point. It was only yesterday that I had just come back here and now I have to leave again; never a moments rest. At least it was a beautiful day to ride, with the cool air at my back, the beautiful bright blue sky, the scattered misshaped clouds and perfect green grass. If only it was a ride of pleasure and not of retrieval. I put out of my mind the battle to come and rode without a care.

It was about noon, we were now in the Tasha Plains and a Tahgren patrol was up ahead. I knew I was going to be stopped and questioned. As I always do almost every moment of every day, I ran scenarios through my head. Thoughts like what to say, what to do if they are hostile, how will I handle such events. Better to be ready and prepared rather than be surprised.

We reached the patrol and they asked the usual ?what?s your name and purpose??
I swear, that phrase sounds the same no matter what language it is spoken in. It is the clich? phrase used in every culture. I reply with, ?Kelsian Nebbek, I?m heading to Rodul for personal business.?
They said, ?These are dangerous routes, for 20 giles and we can assure you a safe passage.?

****ing thievish pimps, there?s no honor in taking innocent travelers money for safe passage. These are the safest parts of these lands, only thing I?m in danger of is falling off my horse and being attacked by grass. I pulled out a stone, about the size of ones hand, from my satchel and handed it to him. I said, ?This stone was given to me by Stoognug himself. As you can tell by the carvings it guarantees me safe passage through these lands,? I paused and gave them a smirk and said in a fairly cocky tone; ?I would hate to have to bother him with pity patrols trying to steal from travelers.? Stoognug is the ruler of all Tahgrens. I did business with him a while back and he showed favor with me. Obviously the stone was one of the things he gave me.

They looked at the stone and simply said, ?that?s fine, move along.?
I wouldn?t have minded slaughtering that patrol, razor felt the same, but one must pick and choose his battles. This battle was one best left untouched.

I took back my stone and rode on north east. It was about 3pm when we reached the stream and small forest that marked that we were eight miles from Rodul. We made excellent time. I dismounted and led razor to the stream for a drink. I relaxed under a tree and ate some food. This food, bah, there should?ve been a name for a food that tasted this good. ****, I could call it the? well it seems there aren?t any good names for it to be called. I suppose that?s why it hasn?t been called by any different nouns, just described with obscure and creative adjectives.

I finished my food and hopped onto razor. We took off through the stream and towards Rodul. I arrived at Rodul at sundown. I got off razor and let him roam for a while. Razor didn?t get along with many people; therefore I don?t take him into many towns.

I walked into the town and the first thing that caught my eye was the fairly large castle. **** it might have been a fortress, but I didn?t see why they?d have a fortress in Rodul. This castle was new to me. I didn?t ever recall Rodul having a castle. There again, a lot can change in over the course of a few years.

The town was busy as the sun went down. The crystals started to light up and lit the streets as always. The ground was a little moist, but was nice and solid due to the textures of these plains. These lands can take a lot of abuse before they start to give way and muddy. I went into the first bar I saw and sat in the corner. I lit up a rolled leaf and ordered a drink. I then contemplated how I was going to go about getting Nolan back with the least amount of trouble. This new castle worries me, where there?s a castle there?s plenty of armed soldiers. First I?d have to find out whether he?s been jailed or if he?s still alive.

I finished my drink and put out my leaf. I then walked up to the bartender and asked him about Nolan. A human amongst a Tahgren crowd should obviously stand out.

The bartender said, ?oh yeah, I remember that?n. He came in here a few months back, had a little drinking competition with a couple of the regulars here. He was a funny little man, held his booze pretty well. Unfortunately for him he started mocking a few soldiers and got into it with em. He put up a **** of a fight considering he was outnumbered. Haahahha ****, that little man is outnumbered against one of those guys, let alone seven of em.?
?go on.?
?Well after they beat the **** out of em they took em to the castle. Said something about assault on the soldiers, and him not being able to pay for his crime with money so he?ll pay it with dungeon time.?
?at least they didn?t kill him. When did they build that castle?? I inquired.
?Oh they finished that **** around a year ago. Their reasons had something to do fortifying our southern border.?
?I see, well here?s 20 giles for the drink and the info.? I said.
?Oh no problem, that little man was the most excitement we?ve had in here for a while.?

I gave him his money and went outside. Lit up a leaf and walked towards the castle. It was an uphill stroll in complete darkness; the castle was about a quarter mile behind the town. The sky was black with a few stars shining, the moon was in the shape of a crescent. If my astrology serves me correctly, that means I?m about to be knee high in trouble. The weather was moderate, the wind had shifted to the east, still; it was a cool gentle breeze. As I walked up to the gate I could hear the drunks and chatter amongst the town behind me. Along with carts and wagons being put away for the night.

I walked up to the guard at the gate and said, ?I?m Kelsian Nebbek, brother of Nolan Nebbek. I was told he was taken here for an assault on your soldiers. I?m here to pay his fine and take him off your hands.?
The guard responded, ?Follow me.?

I followed him and noticed the gates to the stronghold were eight feet thick of an unusual wood granite blend. This castle is definitely a staging point for soldiers. As I walked through the courtyard and entered the main corridor I realized this is not just a castle, this place is an all out fortress. I didn?t realize how huge this place was. I couldn?t help but think why Rodul was such an important city all the sudden, at least important enough to build a fortress of this magnitude. Oh well, it wasn?t my concern at the time.

This castle was nothing special. It was your typical military stronghold. Tall strong walls surrounded the complex with pathways on top for archers and patrols. There were also small stations to where lookouts could see for miles. The corridor we entered was fairly wide with stone floors and crystals on burnt brass lamp posts along the walls. Planning for a haste escape I had been analyzing the castle as I was following the guard. I had a small schematic imprinted in my mind. Most of the Tahgren castles and fortresses I had been in were just about the same. So I figured there was not going to be anything new with inside this one. The main corridor was a good 15 to 20 feet wide. This will definitely give me space for me to move if it comes down to a fighting exit.

I followed the guard through the doors that led to the main ego room. Yes, the ego room; the reason I call these places ego rooms is simply because the men with the largest egos always reside here. I followed the guard down the red egotistical carpet to the steps which led to the self indulging overly lavished ornate throne. The chair at first appeared to be some sort of a stone, but instead was framed out of an orange colored marble. Engraved with different signs displaying power, prowess, and so called status. I started to wonder if I?d ever visit a realm to where the top powers were not so self indulged. Maybe I?m just a simple man that grew up in a simple town, but I have grown to hate those that lavish themselves with these things to improve their own selfish idiom. These politicians don?t earn their status, they just black male and scheme there way to the top. Rhamath, among others deserved his throne room and his kingdom. He proves his honor daily and fights for what is rightfully his. I have traveled far and wide, and yet it seems only the small clans amongst Afuhlsiia are the ones that believe in proving ones self for power with honor or excellence.

The guard told me to wait here, as he walked off. I began to analyze the room and noticed there were doors to my left and right, along with the door behind me which I entered through. The usual banners hang on the walls, one red, most of them green and orange. Every realm has its certain infatuation with a colorful blend of banners and flags. The Tahgrens poison is the orange and green color scheme.

I noticed the lamps to my left and right along the walls. I then bring my attention back to the throne. There are three chairs at the top of the stairs in front of me. There was one on each side of the throne. Both were moderately decorated, the middle chair is the ornate orange marble overly decorated declaration of self indulging power to satisfy his egotistical idiom. The chandelier that hangs overhead is quite nice. It of course sports rare gems and such that display an interesting colorful pattern along the ceiling, walls, and floor. As I looked back at the chairs I notice there?s a table behind them. But before I could start to criticize the placement of their overly decorated pointless table, the man that had my brother locked in his basement walked in with a few guards and sat on his pretty chair.

This Tahgren was apparently the sake over this city. He had the look of an out of shape weakling who liked to hide behind his soldiers. He had on a green cloak that had golden hems. The typical large overly lavished coat that was worn by those who chose to cover up their glutton and self indulgence. I hated this man already; he represented all that I could not stand in a person. I found it hard to restrain myself from running up those steps and relieve his body with the enormous weight of that conceited head. He is just sitting there with his hand on his chin acting like he?s analyzing me. I suppose this is to showoff his intelligence or superiority or something. I?m not impressed and I grow impatient as time passes. I decided to stay calm and try hard to act like I?m being respectful. He removed his hand from his chin and began to speak.

?You come for the human?? he asks.
?Yes, I?ve come to pay the 350gile fee that my brother owes you?
He looks at me with eyes that show a false sense of security and that show that he has me in the palm of his hand. He?s sadly mistaken.
?I wish to see my brother? Now.? I said in a solid tone.
?What is your name?? he asks.
I pause for a few seconds then respond, ?I am Kelsian Nebbek.?
He then smiled with that **** eating grin I?ve seen oh to many times and said, ?oooo I?ve heard of this man, you?re a Zeegan are you not??

?That I am. Now are we going to tell each other cute little stories all night or are you going to get my brother?? I asked in a sarcastic demeaning tone. I knew exactly what he?s going to do and I wanted my brother near me when he made his move.

He then looked at me with the eyes of pity and responded, ?Yes, he?s coming,? he pauses for a moment and said with intrigue, ?Your sword, I?ve seen that handle before. The sword in the middle, ah yes I have seen it. That?s a parcel blade. Not many of those, no, not many at all. In fact that could possibly be the only one in existence,? he finished with a grin that started to make my blood boil.

As I figured, he?s going to try and make me give up my sword for my brother. I was starting to feel a strange presence in my body but I was starting to become to pissed off to notice it. I didn?t travel for years to give away the final piece of my kruden to a

 

[Sumomo & Kotoko]

Tahg. I thought I should find out his name before I killed his men. I asked, ?So what name shall I call you by??

?I am Rawgeer, the sake of Rodul,? he said.

After he revealed his name my brother came in, chained and shackled with two guards by his sides. He was a mess, bloody face, apparent broken nose, scratches and bruises on his arms and legs. He looked like he had just had a little taste of ****.

?Here is your money,? I informed.
Rawgeer just stared at me with this empty cocky stare and softly demanded, ?Let me see your sword,?

My brother was unshackled and was brought to me. He looked at me like he?d seen a ghost. He looked like a ghost himself, pale, and busted up. I whispered in his ear, ?I?m here, now you must listen to me, we are going to have to get out of here in a hurry do you understand me? You stay by my side, stay close and when I make my move take the sword that?s hanging upside down on my back. Alright?? Nolan nodded with a slight grin on his face.

Rawgeer grew impatient and he was steamed that I did not give his words much thought. He exclaimed, ?LET ME SEE, YOUR SWORD!?
I raised my attention to him and my heart begins to pound harder and harder. I tried to remain as calm as possible and responded with a non submissive tone in my voice, ?I?m sorry for it is sacred in my culture never to let outsiders touch a piece of ones kruden.?
?Well then, it appears you have been misinformed about the ransom for your brother,? Rawgeer continued; ?the price for your brother is 350giles and that sword.?

****, I didn?t expect that at all. Who would?ve guessed after all this time he just wanted me to hand over my sword. If I laid down the sarcasm any thicker you could cut it with a knife.
?Give me that sword now or both of you will suffer a long torturous death in a black hole, WAGUUUULT!!!? Rawgeer exclaimed as he stood up out of his chair.

Within the blink of an eye guards flew in from every direction. I was surrounded by 30 mean looking Tahgrens. Their armor and weapons were clanging loudly as they moved swiftly to surround us. This is going to be a **** of a fight. My heart starts to pounding even more so, my breaths quicken. My heart kept increasing speed. Faster, faster and faster, I had never felt like this before, my heart was beating too fast, this is very unusual. My arms and legs start to shutter, all the sudden my body is uncontrollable and I feel a spasm race through my body. Then like I was hit with a lightning a wave of energy flowed through my veins and caused me to freeze for a few seconds.
Rawgeer seemed a little puzzled. It looked as if I was having a seizure. He then had enough and demanded, ?I?m sick of their games, RACK MAGUUUUUUULT!!!?

Just as he said that I felt so strange, I felt as if everything was slowed down ? of regular speed. The Tahgrens moved in to attack me and Nolan. I instantly pulled my Shukoon blades from my back and spun around and sliced the first two attackers in half. Nolan takes my fathers blade from my sling and starts to fend off all that he can.

All of them started coming with swords and spears drawn. They jabbed and swung high and low high and low and I couldn?t keep up. Then just as I was about to start stepping back I start blocking everything. My blades were moving faster than I had ever slashed them before. Faster and faster I slung my blades. You could hear the squealing of the air as my blades sliced through swords, shields, spears, and anything that got in their path. Faster and harder faster and harder, I had never been able to do this in times past. I was breaking spears shattering swords slicing flesh like it wasn?t there. I spun around and sliced three more in half. Their blood sprayed like it was a fountain of gore. I then swooped low and high. Blood splashed and five heads went flying through the air. I kept killing and killing, showering myself in body parts, blood, and shattered weapons. This was phenomenal I had no limits to my speed or reaction time. I was being drenched in blood as the blades keep slicing through everything in their path. As I kept fighting my body felt like that of a feather. I threw Nolan towards the steps behind me and jumped, what must have been twelve feet high, and landed in a large group of Tahgrens. I ducked low and slashed with fury and cut through all of their legs. Then finished them off with deadly cuts that sent a bombardment of gore onto everyone, as they fell. I could no longer hear my blades moving through the air. My movements were precise and quicker than that of any warrior. There was only a distorted trail that followed my blades everywhere I swung them. I was able to move through the crowd like they weren?t there, between the blades on my boots slashing open everyone I kicked, the arrowheads on the back of my wrist braces ripping flesh like paper, and my swords dismembering anyone I swung toward; I was an unstoppable machine.

I wheeled my blades sternly as I cleared a path to Nolan and got back to back with him. He was fighting like a true Zeegan. Although his leg has a gash in it and is bleeding a bit he fights on. We killed numerous Tahgs and they just kept coming and coming and coming. Blood was spraying uncontrollably around us, body parts and blood went flying every time my blade connected with someone or something. We were stuck in the middle of all this gore. Even so, I felt no fatigue at all. I continued to try to slash a path through the Tahgs but there were so many of them. I continued this high rate of slicing and cutting. Blood and debris continued to shower down on us. Then as I was beheading these two Tahgs to my side I heard a sound, the sound of a chain, then the sound of parting wind as I turned and leaned back towards where I heard the sound. I had made contact this spiked ball with my blade just inches from my face. I then continued to send my body weight backwards, while spinning around, and cut the attacker into eighths. We fought up the stairs and had our backs to the ornate chair.

I saw that I was next to the thrones. So I turned around cut them up so quickly it was like I never stopped fighting. I then jumped, once again, in the middle of all the Tahgrens and swung my blades as fierce as possible. I had no limits, I didn?t understand it but I didn?t really care. I needed this now more than ever. I cleared a small space around me for a split second I then attached my shukoon blades into the double throwing blade. I slung it towards Nolan with such a velocity that it cut through everything in its path. A huge explosion of blood and debris sprayed as it cut through Tahgs and their armors. Me and Nolan had practiced this maneuver with other weapons in the past, so he was able to catch it, but dislocated his shoulder in doing so. As he caught the dual blade I was using my wrist braces and my bladed boots to rip flesh off of any being that opposed me. He threw it back but it only made it through two men and got stuck in one of the Tahgs. As the Tahg fell to the ground I jumped up and did a spinning kick, slitting throats with the razors on my boots, while I reached behind myself to rip the swords out of the victim. I felt so limitless and lightweight then after I pulled my swords apart I quickly lunge to my left and as I cut through the bodies I felt a burning sensation in my back. I instantly spun around and disemboweled the attacker. I then pulled the sword out of my back and continued to fight. I couldn?t tell if I was bleeding badly because I was already soaked in blood. It was as if I was swimming in a river of blood.

By this time we had killed countless Tahgs but they kept coming and coming. So I told Nolan to hop on my back, and as he did, I could see that the wound to his hamstring was getting worse. As he jumped on my back I started to slash my blades faster and harder as I ran through the horde to reach the main corridor. I started to run in a straight line while trying to swing my blades as fast as possible in front of me. I felt like I was running through a sea of blood and debris. There was just so much blood and gore that I felt like I was drowning in it. As I ran through the corridor I noticed that I was running almost as fast as my horse. All the bodies in the way didn?t break my stride at all. As soon as a foe was in proximity of my shukoon blades they were already cut to pieces. I sliced through the corridors doors and ran into the courtyard; then headed to the gate. As I ran out of the corridor; a trail of blood and body parts trailed me for 10 feet into the courtyard. Finally I was through the mess of Tahgs. I reached the gate but of course it was now closed and I remembered that it was an eight foot thick hybrid door. The walls were to high to even dream of jumping over. Even with these new strange abilities I?ve discovered. We had Tahgs running full speed towards us and I couldn?t fight them forever. I got Nolan off my back and pulled my parcel blade. As I unsheathed it I heard the high pitched ringing sound that the vibrations made. It made the type of ringing that your ears create when you put your fingers in them. I then focused everything I had into putting force behind my sword. My muscles tensed as I let out a war cry. I continued to scream as I hacked the gate with all that I had in me. I went through it like it was a straw shack, and within a few seconds I had blasted a hole through the gate. Just as this happened the Tahgs were right upon us. So I threw Nolan through the gate and started blasting through their shields and bodies with my parcel blade. The parcel blade hit them so hard the bodies would almost explode causing a waterfall of pure blood being sprayed upon me. I started to just hurl my sword around myself causing a shield of pure unforgiving steel. By this time they didn?t stand a chance, swords, spears, shields, anything my blade touched shattered. As I made one last cut I dove through the gate, put my sword away as I landed on the other side. I grabbed Nolan?s collar, and ran with all that I had left, and within a few minutes we were well outside of Rodul.

I finally stopped running and let go of Nolan?s collar, and we both fell to our knees. I then put my head in the grass and felt myself returning to normal. The feeling of pure exhaustion totally engulfed my body as I fell over and laid there in the grass. I started to come out of what seemed like a murderous trance. At this time I felt a tugging in my skin where I was wounded. This was the only thing that was keeping me from passing out. I could hear nothing but a loud ringing in my ears. I felt as if I was a deaf cripple as I laid there for what seemed was a lifetime. The tugging on my skin became more intense and more intense until it put my body into almost a full state of shock. Just as I was about to yell in pain it stopped. I laid there gasping for air and complete nothingness surrounded me. Finally I was at peace, drenched in the blood of Tahgs and my own; ****, some of Nolan?s blood was probably in there somewhere as well. Somehow as I laid there I was able to get my fulen horn to call razor. I struck it with my hand and it made the harmonic buzzing sound that faded in and out with each hit. Sure enough razor in all his splendor and glory came up over the northern hills and stood next to me. I told him to rest, as I laid my head back down onto the grass. So then Nolan and I fancied ourselves to some rest.

After lying there fore a while and just watching the sky I sat up and felt my back. I searched for a few minutes for a wound but there was none. This night has been strange enough; I guess one more strange incident isn?t any surprise to me. I crawled over to Nolan and took his arm. I gripped it firmly and shoved it back in the socket, then bandaged his leg with some potions and a cloth that I wrapped around his leg. Nolan looked at me once again like he had seen a ghost. Then he smiled and passed out. There was no time to talk now, I helped Nolan up onto the horse and we rode South towards Holm?s Point.

We stopped at the river and rested once again. We both got in the water to wash off some of our bloody clothes. I?m sure if it was daylight the stream would have been a stream of red after our little bath. We ate some of the food my mother packed and exchanged words; for the first time in over four years.

As Nolan scarfed down his food he looked over to me and said, ?I?m shocked you came and got me, **** I?m pleasantly surprised your still alive,?

I finished my food and laid back against a tree and responded, ?Well, I?ve cheated death many times in the last few years. I?ve been to the deepest trenches of **** and back,? I looked to the sky and continued, ?That Tahg incident back there wasn?t anything new to me ya know? After a while it all becomes the same whether they are humans, demons, or psychotic pigmies.?

Nolan laughed as he finished off his food; he then looked at me and said with a voice full of astonishment, ?No ****, I see you?ve obtained some new moves man. Good god I?ve never seen someone move that fast, how?d you do it??

I lit a rolled leaf and replied, ?That?s what kind of unnerves me actually, I don?t know. My back healed itself, I was slinging my swords around faster than I?ve ever done before. Obviously it?s the effects of finishing my kruden.?

Nolan then rolled onto his side and gave me big grin as he had a voice of joy and kudos when he said, ?You finished your kruden? Oh my god Kel your serious! There hasn?t been a tinted warrior in ages! That would definitely explain the insanity back in Rodul. I was barely conscious but I still remember parts of it. I take it as this was your first fight since you became this way.?

I waited a moment and thought about the feelings I had before the battle began. I told Nolan, ?Yeah, it was so strange, my whole body cramped and then all the sudden it was like a full burst of pure energy exploded inside of me. I was able to jump higher and slice through the Tahgs like they weren?t even there.?
?Not to mention you cut through that gate like it was made of glass,? Nolan pointed out.
?Forgot about that, I just have a lot of different things running through my head man. I was able to run almost as fast as razor as well; maybe faster,? I explained.
Nolan laughed as he rubbed his neck and said, ?no ****, you dragged me along most of the way; by the collar at that.?
?yeah, sorry about that bro.?
Nolan chuckled and continued, ?So why?d you come and get me? I never thought you would come back, let alone come back and save my ***.?
?Well, I just got back yesterday. There was supposed to be a festival and celebration since I just came home and had finished my kruden,? I said.
?Oh my god, well I guess I haven?t missed much eh??
?Other than worrying your parents and getting yourself put into a dungeon, AND putting my life in danger trying to get you out of there. No, you haven?t missed much.?
?You missed your celebration man, you could?ve just come and saved me tomorrow,? Nolan presented as he gave out another chuckle.
?Naa, remember a long time ago what our father told us, ?Whether they be your friend or your kin, being there for them is being there, not being there at your earliest convenience,? you remember that?? I said.
?yeah, pops a quick cat I?ll give him that,? Nolan replied.
?Well, when we get back I suggest that you start with the, ?I?m so sorry? speeches. Mom and pop were pretty worried. Just remember; never say more than you need to. ****, maybe they will apologize to you,? I ended in a laugh.
Nolan looked over to me and started defending himself by saying, ?Well I thought you were dead, what do you expect me to do. Just go on and live like nothing ever happened? **** no, I?m not going to stand by and watch their traditions brainwash my brother to his grave. Kel you,?

 

[Sumomo & Kotoko]

I turned to him and interrupted saying, ?Nolan you have to understand, I?m not an idiot, nor a mindless drone. You like me are very intelligent, we use our wits along with our weapons. Father taught us that. When I went on that journey it was on my own accord. I wanted to see if I could do it, if it was real, if it was obtainable. That drive and motivation kept me going for all these years. Its been a long time since I?ve seen a familiar face Nolan. Your hopes start to die, but you keep going and going. Now I?ve completed my kruden and I guess I?ve obtained the tinted soul. Was it worth it? To me, yeah, because I proved to myself and others that it does exist. Our whole sect is based around the tinted warriors and such. That?s a big weight to be thrown onto someone?s shoulders. Now I know that there was a reason I was chosen, and I?ve fulfilled that part of my journey.?

Nolan absorbed my words and nodded in recognition. Then a large grin appeared on his face as he said, ?I?m glad your back Kel, now we can get smashed at the festival eh??

I laughed and nodded as Nolan laughed harder in a somewhat evil tone. I then suggested that we get some rest and head back in a couple hours. Nolan agreed and we retired for the evening.

I woke up the next day to the sound of razor stomping his feet on the firm grass. Before I could really take in the morning I noticed that razor saw someone coming up over the hill. It was a Tahgren scout, but he hadn?t seen us yet. I pulled out my zip bow and took aim. I adjusted a little for wind and angle. It?s a 150 yard shot on a moving target. As I focus in I get the meanest case of tunnel vision I?ve ever had. All the sudden it looks as if he?s 20 feet in front of me. I have to hit him or else they will know where we are. I release the arrow, and like a bat out of **** it screams toward my target. I can hear a crack from when the arrow crushed the man?s face. I then got on razor and rode out to retrieve my arrow. Waste not want not.

I retrieved my arrow and cleaned it off. I then took in the sights to see this morning. The air was warm and the sky captured the blood that was spilled the night before with the oranges and reds that beam across the sky. I?ve grown to know these mornings all to well. Oh how I welcome the day I can wake up to a blue sky without bloodstained weapons and tarnished armors around me. I then kneeled down and uprooted a handful of grass. I held it and smelled the essence that binds the world together as I have so many times before. For this smell is the smell of life at its fullest. The one true ground to which the dead fall and become one with. This almost seems like it is the most true life force that is found amongst all the hatred and fighting on top of it. Underneath all the war and hostility, that we know, is the earth. Just complete peace and solitude. What happens when you die? Your body dissolves into the ground and you rest in peace. This is the only known fact of the circle of life. Everything people teach about souls and afterlives are all speculation. They could all be true and could all be false. I suppose that?s when they hold onto their faith to guide them to some sort of hope beyond this world of chaos. The cleansing of the earth washed away the old sins and brought upon itself new afflictions. Are there greater consequences for new sins than the old? Do all these powers make us any better than the civilizations before us? Probably not; we are most likely destined for our way of life to be destroyed; along with our legends and prophecies we put so much faith and hope into.

I tossed the clump of grass onto Nolan head and woke him up. He was never a morning person, neither am I, but I?m not going to allow my schedule to be obscured by a minute bodily desire like sleep. I?ll sleep when I die, or retire.

I helped Nolan onto razor and we took off towards Holm?s Point. Razor ran with such force and speed, he definitely had been waiting to run like **** for a while. I felt a certain peace about today. Maybe it?s the fact that for the time I knew my family was safe in my presence. Maybe it?s that I felt safer since I saw what I?m capable of. Such a pity that so many have to lose their lives for a sense of security, wouldn?t you agree? As we rode I took in the scenery. It hadn?t changed much since I left. I could almost see the ocean from the highest hilltops like when I was younger. Endless green plains and hills stretched for miles and miles, as far as the eye could see. In the long distance you could see the mountains, the mountains in which I had traveled, the mountains in which I had battled, and the place where I retrieved my last article of my kruden.

I felt as if I?ve fought something everywhere I?ve ever gone. I suppose life is but a battle in itself. I look at everything as a battle, a simple discussion or debate, a puzzle or riddle, and definitions such as; the meaning of life. I?ve simply found that the meaning of life is just whatever you wake up for, the reason you don?t put a blade through your stomach, the reason you live is the meaning of life. So simple yet no-one ever seems to understand this. I have found that when you travel over the course of four years you start to think a lot, and you come up with some really interesting things. You have to find something to entertain yourself and to distract yourself from all the bloodshed. If you don?t, you might go mad being all alone in a place where safety is but a delusion.

The horns sounded in the distance. We were home, finally. The village?s horns filled the air and I could see the villagers racing out of their homes. Surely Nolan isn?t this popular; the crowd must be for me. Even in my years lost away from civilization, I still have a wicked since of humor. Nolan started to wake up and realized that we were almost home. He leaned back and yelled profanity to the sky in rejoice. He is one unusual man, but he?s my brother.

We rode up into town and people helped Nolan off the horse. I took razor up to the house and unpacked my things. I went inside, splashed some water on my face, and drop off most of my equipment. The townspeople took Nolan to treat his wounds. I was greeted by excited villagers. It was definitely good to be back home. I best enjoy this time while it lasts. For some strange reason I felt that it would be short lived.

 

[?H?ϧ]

Good Story! I think it is great! I like it!

BOO-YAH!

 

[Sumomo & Kotoko]

Thankzy.Did you read ALL of it already?

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Go Dustox and Venomoth!

 

[?H?ϧ]

Yeah! I'm a pretty quick reader! I read it and I saw a lot of bad words in it.

BOO-YAH!

 

[Sumomo & Kotoko]

WOW!How fast did you read it?And it Beeps(****) out the bad words.

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Go Blaziken and Typhlosion!

 

[?H?ϧ]

But did YOU type that whole story? But I doesn't look like you did. How can you type a huge post in 1 minute?


BOO-YAH!

 

[Sumomo & Kotoko]

I already had typed it on Microsoft Word,I just coppied(sp?) and pasted it here. Like I said befor,it toke me a long-time to make it.=))

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Go Relicanth and Qwilfish!

 

[?H?ϧ]

O.K! Now I understand!

BOO-YAH!