--Also I've just updated my version of the story. The additional chapter involving the adventures of Gebohq and Avenger! You can find the link to it in my signiture below. Wow. look how many posts of done in such a short time. Talk about making up for lost time--

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With magic comes powerful responsiblity. One can limit oneself in love for others, or one can revel in power and do acts of great evil. I know I have seen evil and its power. I have felt it in my hands and mind. But in the end choose to love others, not power. The choice is yours. Choose wisely.

~The Wizard Merlin~

You can find the tale of the "Saga of the Thrid War" at my library.

Orca-Wait a second Merlin.
Merlin-What is it?
Orca-Can I see the spell book I, shall we say, borrowed from you?
Merlin-*sighs* I guess...
Orca-Thank you very much.
*Merlin brings Orca the spell book and Orca chants off another spell. A blue portal appears. Merlin recognizes it as the kind that Orca stepped into this world through.*
Orca-Don't worry, I will be right back.
*Orca steps through, and a minute later returns with two other creatures, each cloaked in a white and black robe*
Orca-These are Whalei Gaurds, I figured we could use a little protection as we travelled through the forest.
Merlin-Well, I guess so, but close that portal, and fast!
Orca-Oh, all right.
*Orca rechants the spell, closing the portal*
Orca-Well, heres another thing. *waves a blaster in the air* Anyone who knows how to use one of these things can come and get one, they won't be of much use against mystical creatures, but I think they might be good for defending us against the fierce creatures of the Physical Realm that live in the jungle.
Merlin-Orca, if I may ask, how in hecks name did you find out so much about magic if you didn't even believe in it?
Orca-Oh, I have my ways.
Bug-I'm just REALLY confident in that then.
Orca-Oh, be quiet, you overblown arachnid!
Bug-Shup up yourself!
Merlin-Its worse than I feared, the forest is already getting to us.
Bug and Orca-Sorry, Merlin.


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-Space Orca
Space Orca's best qoutes:
"The Force is strong in you. The force of my lightsaber coming down!"
"A planet of pokemon? Don't bomb it from orbit. A few might survive. Get the Death Star in here!"
"Hmmmm... It looks like my Lightsaber needs a little repair work. Know of any lightsaber repair shops in town?"
"Luke Skywalker drew his lightsaber... and turned it in to the art teacher"
"Pokemon is spelled S-T-U-P-I-D!"
If you have any more funny quotes, just send them to me.

The company and their new arrivals walked on through the dead woods north of Merlin's Citadel. The air was thick. Any word that anyone dared to utter fell from his lips and went no further. Visibility was also limited to a quarter of a mile in each direction.

"This wood is cursed." Merlin stated.

"Thank you Captian Obvious." Bug said sarcastically.

"We should have seen some landmarks by now... " Merlin mused aloud.

Ji'tory came forward. "This is obviously a trick like the ones we elves use to keep people away from the castle. But the atmosphere is so think it's almost noisy."

The party stopped and looked for a long time at their surroundings. Lina moved a little closer to Shawn.

A cracking sound rang in their ears (those that have ears anyway). Immeadiately their hero instincts kicked in and they all scanned the murk in front of them.

"Bug? Was that you playing around?" Gebhoq asked nervously.

"I'm not playing around now." Bug replied.

"That tree wasn't there before." Ping_Me said. They all looked.

"It's just your imagination." Orca said.

There was a rustling sound in the woods.

"This forest is alive..." Dragonfly said warningly. As if on command all the trees began moving.

"NO FAKE! You really think so Dragonfly!?" Bug said.

The trees crept closer, hemming them in, forming a thick wall encircling them. In a flash of movement a branch lashed out and hit Reyuan. After that the trees began to attack in rapid sucession. Everyone had their hands full enough just blocking the attacks.

"Well? Anyone got any bright ideas?" Dwin said cleaving a branch with his axe.

------------------------------------------
""I'm a lumberjack, and I'm okay! I sleep all night and I work all day!""

(side notes: first off, I thought the party would be going through the moutains before the forest, but I guess its the other way around. And I just read the part with me and Avenger, and its funny! Though I do hope you don't just make our characters comic reiefs throughout the story(I saw a bit of "bug" in me in the story). Now for MY part...)

*Merlin's party was valiently defending themselves from the onslaughts of the living forest, but it seemed as if the trees had the upper hand. The party was surrounded with no way to escape and with few resources and limited space to move, it did not seem as if Merlin and his friends would make it out alive.*

Bug: (to scout)"You think the guy we met earlier meant ALL of us when he said one of us would die?"

Scout: "I sure hope not. But I wonder how his prophecy will come true if we all die?"

Gebohq: "I think I know how. One of us will sacrifice our lives for the rest to escape.(looks down) And that person is me."

Avenger: "What are you guys talking about?"

*Before he recieves a response though, Gebohq charges at the biggest tree, hoping to distract it. Perhaps he thought, the other trees will join too and tear his body from limb to limb. Gebohq stands in front of the tree, waiting to die.*

Scout: "NOO!!! You don't have to do this."

Merlin: "Perhaps he has to, for all of us."

*Gebohq is lifted off the ground by the tree's arm-like branches when the group of trees made a cracking sound that pierced their ears, but it was not a sound of a battle cry. It was a cry of pain. Fire was burning at the roots of one of hte trees. The wildfire spread to the other trees, and the tree holding Gebohq released him. The trees then dispersed in panic. In the smoke left by the fire, a stranger stood. The man appeared to be in his early twenties, had brown eyes and dark brown hair in a Ceaser cut, and was attractive to look at. He walked up to the party.*

Stranger: "What are people like you doing in such a dangerous place like this?"

Ping_me: "We were going to ask the same."

Stranger: "I live here. I suppose you could call me a hermit, but all of you may refer to me as Apathis. I've grown accustomed to those trees that were about to defeat you. They just need to know who's boss."

Shawn: "How can we trust your story? How do we know you aren't working for Bazaal? Merlin, you said you could determine the "heart" of a person. Do you trust this person?"

Merlin: "It is hard to determine. The forest is surrounded with an evil presense. I can not even tell you Shawn how you feel, or the rest of our party for that matter."

Ji'tory: "We need all the help we can get, and Apathis here may be able to guide us."

Apathis: "Hey, I don't have all day here. Do you want my help?"

Ping_Me: "Ji'tory is right. I vote that he comes."

*All the others follow Ping's call. Merlin sighs heavily.*

Merlin: "So it shall be. If you could be so kind as to take us to the Dark Towers."

Apathis: (with a smile on his face)"It would be my pleasure."

*Apathis then quickly went foreward, the party picking up the pace.*

(And could someone tell me how to make letters in my replies in bold and italics?)

[This message has been edited by Gebohq (edited November 15, 1999).]

*As the party continued through the woods, Merlin walked up to be side-to-side with Apathis.*

Merlin: "I wanted to know how you brought the fire onto those living trees."

Apathis: (with a sarcastic tone)"Its called "rubbing two sticks together". I believe it was what seperated man from animal."

Merlin: (looks at Apathis with disbelief, then continues)"I wonder sometimes though if man was ready for the power of fire, for it is destructive by nature."

Apathis: "What kind of answer was that? Of course man was ready, otherwise he would of learned it later."

Merlin: "I don't like your attitude."

Apathis: "Well I don't like yours either, but I'm not complaining like you. And neither are the others in your party. I wonder if its because you instill in them a sense of...control."

*Merlin wanted to tell Apathis that he wasn't, but no matter what answer he thought of, he knew that Apathis would win this fight because of the way he manipulated the situation. So instead Merlin gave him a stare, as if to warn him, and walked back to the camp. Apathis grinned with contempt and pride.*
-------------------------------------------
Meanwhile, Gebohq is pondering over past events, and of the prophecy.

Gebohq: //I was certain that I'd die back at the battle with the living forest, it just seemed too fitting for the prophecy NOT to be fufilled. I know it refered to myself sacrificing my life, its the only way I can serve for the better. What am I missing? Why do I feel so empty?//

(If you've ever read Macbeth, my character is going throught he same thing Macbeth did. He's trying to make a self-fullfilling prophecy out of something that could mean nothing. Just so you knew.)

[This message has been edited by Gebohq (edited November 17, 1999).]

--no offense, but i think that i should have mentioned this earlier but my char is usually the quiet type who hardly ever speaks. sorry about this, I just neglected to put that in my short story. don't worry about changeing your post. sorry about that Merlin, but why does it always happen to us. I fixed it with out changing alot to the story.--

*As the party moved deeper into the forest, Shawn felt an uneasiness. He couldn't quiet place the feeling, but he knew that it wasn't anything that he wanted to face right now. Shawn felt Lina get closer to Shawn and couldn't help but wonder if this was the right thing to do. He wasn't sure if he should have brought Lina on this dangerous mission. Shawn looked at Lina who looked up at him and smiled, then she held his arm tighter and got closer. Shawn walked up to Merlin and Lina was close behind. As Shawn got up to Merlin, his head started to hurt. He could hear a disticnt ear piricing whisle that no one else seemed to hear. Shawn stopped in his tracks and held his head. Lina started to talk to Shawn but Shawn heard nothing but the whilsing noise. Shawn fell to his knees and past out. Lina stopped the rest of the party as she held Shawn, hopeing for him to wake up.*

---------------------------------------------
*Shawn wakes up in a feild of grass again. Still, not knowing what is happening.*

Shawn - What's happening? Where am I?

Strange voice - Welcome, Shawn Templar.

Shawn - You again! How did I end up here. The last thing I remember is walking up to Merlin with Lina next to me.

Strange voice - Well, lets just say that your still there, but your not.

Shawn - Enough of your babbling! What do you want from me?

Strange voice - Shawn, i thought that you would know that by now. I want you to join me. This time, I will force you to join me, or everyone in your party will die in one swift blow.

Shawn - Don't you dare touch any of them. They are my friends and I won't let any harm come to them. (especally Lina).

Strange voice - Very well then, if you won't join me. Then you won't join anyone else ever again!

*The strange figure draws a sword and Shawn does the same. the strange figure lunges at Shawn with such speed that he barly has enough time to react. Shawn blocks the attack but is unable to block the knee in his stomach. Shawn stumbbles back a bit holding his stomach.*

*meanwhile back with Merlin and the rest of the party. They all stand around Lina and Shawn. Lina is on the verge of crying when she feels Merlin's hand. She turns to face him and is sothe by his words. They all see Shawn's expressions and the jerking movements that he is makeing in his some what sleeping state.*

*Shawn runs at the figure and at the last possible moment flips over the figure, bringing his sword down in the figures back. Shawn jumps back waiting for an attack and notices that the figure didn't even flench or cry out in pain from the blow delt to it.*

Shawn - What are you. Are you a shadow or a ghost?

Figure - Neither Shawn. You can't hurt me while I'm in this state. *the figure turns around and Shawn can see 2 red eyes from under the darkness of the hood over its head* But I can hurt you.

*The figure lashes at Shawn and cuts his hand. Shawn stummbles backwards abit and then has a strange sensation. The entire world seems to fade away. As it fades away, He hears the figure scream out that he would never leave Shawn alone, ever.*

Lina - He's coming through!

Merlin - I'm glad that I was able to bring him back before something attacked us.

Shawn - uhhhh, look....out.

Bug - Whats up with him?

*Shawn staggers to his feet and draws his sword. As he draws his sword, he notices a cut on his hand that wasn't there before. He pushes Lina behind and senses something in the mist ahead of them.*

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"I can become enraged like Vegeta, if i smile, run...................very fast."

"Semper Fi"



[This message has been edited by Shawn Templar (edited November 15, 1999).]

--Actually, the mountians do come first, but since the story has already gone this way, I'll just work from the assumption the forest comes first. Then the mountians. It will take (story time) 2 days to get through the forest and 3 days to get through the mountians. (Time being measured by when ever the party makes camp at night.) I'm glad you liked it Gebohq. No it won't all be comic releif, that is just my style, I mix emotional times with an ocasional burst of humor to balance it out. (BTW in the following I will make a refernce to something in my version of the tale concerning that part where Ji'tory gets taken over by Bazaal. In my version she is nearly raped by Bazaal (so you get the refence). I also implicated it with what Bazaal said to Ji'tory back at the monestary, but in the version he it wasn't explicit. Just trying to be clear). Also I wish to say that there will come a point in the tale when Merlin and Ji'tory will be force to face Bazaal alone. I will write that in myself. In the next to the last plot post (the one part way through the battle with Bazaal) I will announce that the next post will close the story (that'll be the signal for everyone to wrap up their battles and I will not finish the Bazaal battle for another day after I make the next to the last post signal. So everyone will have time to do what they wish. In esence everything will build up to that moment. And in the end Merlin and Ji'tory will be trapped alone with Bazaal, they will have to face him alone.) After that there will come an epilouge section (where I will end the story, but then I EVERYONE to tell of what happened to their characters (like such and such returned to their world, or stayed in this one, ect.) I'll do my own epilouge section first as an example (it will include Ji'tory and Reyaun) I just wanted to tell everyone so some one didn't try to jump in and save the day (no matter HOW much they may want to) cause it is vital I bring it to a close the way I do or else the other things that happened won't come to completeion (like the secret of the Elven Prophecy). After this tale is done the next one I've been thinking of will begin. Thank you. Back to the tale.--

Merlin and his party continued throught the forest. The trees looked as if they had been seared by fire, their barks blackened, lacking all leaves. They were as dark spires in the mist. The party marched on.

Now Ji'tory was walking next to Merlin. Merlin's staff (the one he brought with him from the citadel) taps softly against the ground. Suddenly they hear a voice cry out from the mist.

Voice: Help me. Please. Is there anyone there?

Merlin: We are here.

From the mist emerged a man. He walked slowly toward them.

Man: Where are you?

Lina reflexively took a step backwards upon seeing him. Merlin and Ji'tory rushed foward to help him. The reason why he couldn't find them was not because the mist obscured his vision, but that he lacked eyes. He bled a little from his eye sockets.

Merlin (giving the man his hand): How did you get all the way out here?

Man: My name is Jason. I am . . . or was a scout for the King. I found Bazaal's castle. Or rather I was taken there. Bazaal did THIS to me! (he pointed to his face speaking bitterly).

Ji'tory: Here Merlin. Let me help him. She took him by the hand and began to lead him toward the rest of the party.

Jason: Your a girl. A woman shouldn't see have to see such a wound.

Ji'tory: I'm a warrior. And I've seen worse.

Merlin taking a part of his sleve he tears off a peice of cloth.

Merlin: I'm sure the air must hurt your wound. Here, take this.

Merlin hands the cloth to Jason.

Jason: It does hurt. Thank you.

Jason takes it and covers his wound and ties it around the back of his head.

Apathis: Are we an army or a hospital?! Leave him here.

Merlin: One of the defining things about good is it's compassion for others. If we left him, we would be no better than Bazaal.

Reyaun: He speaks the truth Apathis. We can not leave him here. Let us take him with us. Besides he may have knowledge about this area we don't.

Jason: Where are you marching to?

Merlin (softly): To Bazaal's castle.

Jason: Back to the lion's den. Tell me do you see any particular land marks around here?

Ji'tory: Yes. There is a large stone ahead of us, the path branches there.

Jason: Go to it's right. If you follow the path to the left it leads to a gorge. But the right path leads eventually to the mountians.

Apathis: I know this area! Take the path on the left! It is the short cut! If you listen to this bind SCOUT you'll take the long way around.

Merlin: Not to sound ungratefull for your aid. But somehow I trust Jason.

Apathis: Grrrrr. FINE! Take the long way around!

The party took the right hand path and continued there journey. The mist soon darkened as night fell about them. They decided to make camp by the road. They pitched their tents and started a fire. Most of them sat around the fire and listened to Jason tell tales of his journeys. They all had to admit, he was a good story teller. Most of them bid the others good night and went to their tents. Merlin bid Ji'tory, Reyaun, and Jason good night. Merlin went to his tent and went into an uneasy sleep leaving the other three alone by the fire. Apathis was somewhere near the road standing in the mist a ways away from the camp.

Reyaun: Ji'tory I'm going to check on Apathis. I don't fully trust the man.

Ji'tory: Alright.

Reyaun got up and headed out into the mist toward Apathis. This left Jason and Ji'tory alone.

Jason: You're an Elf. Aren't you?

Ji'tory (with suprise): How could you know that since your. . . (she trailed off).

Jason (softly): blind. I could tell by the sound of your voice. Some of the refernces you've made while we spoke. Just because I can't see doesn't mean I am helpless or unaware of my soroundings.

Ji'tory: I'm sorry.

Jason: No offense taken. I know I am blind and I have to deal with that. I'm not afraid.

Ji'tory: I can see you are a very brave man.

Jason: Thank you.

Meanwhile Reyaun had reached Apathis out of earshot from the camp. As he approached Apathis from behind Apathis spoke to him.

Apathis: Ah, that Ji'tory is something isn't she?

Reyaun: You could put it that way. She is a wonderful caring person.

Apathis: No. I meant she is a whore.

Reyaun (with an edge to his voice): Excuse me.

Apathis (calmly): I said she is a whore.

Reyaun begins to get angry, but Apathis continues.

Apathis: Didn't she tell you how she liked what Bazaal almost did with her.

Reyaun: Be silent now!

Apathis: Why, she warming up to that blind man back at the fire!

Reyaun becomes enraged and punches Apathis between the eyes. (Reyaun is wearing a metal gauntlet!). Aptahis stares foward as if nothing had happened. Then Apathis just smiles. An expression of shock and disgust comes over Reyaun as he returns to camp hoping Apathis would be gone in the morning.

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With magic comes powerful responsiblity. One can limit oneself in love for others, or one can revel in power and do acts of great evil. I know I have seen evil and its power. I have felt it in my hands and mind. But in the end choose to love others, not power. The choice is yours. Choose wisely.

~The Wizard Merlin~

You can find the tale of the "Saga of the Thrid War" at my library.

--It happened again. Shawn posted while I was still typing mine up. So I wrote mine before I saw his. Fourtuneately it worked out kinda well. Except for the uh,. . .seeing the eyes in the mist (when the next person to show up has no eyes.) What am I going to do with it now? Unless Shawn you add a little more to the end of your story to wrap it up before my part. I'm not sure how I could edit mine (with out having to redo it all over again). Drat I hate when this happenes.

Meanwhile bug is lying in his tent trying to get to sleep. Rubbing his head painfully he tries to ignore the throbbing pain that is going through his body.

"Damn Merlin and his stupid spells!"

It had started about mid day. The swelling had come back in his arm, but it died off after about an hour only to be replaced by a mild headache. Not thinking much of it at the time bug ignored it. Unfortunately the headache continued through the day, getting worse after every hour. By nightfall it had spread throughout his whole body.

Clutching his head bug could hear little voices, like a crowd of people, each one of them screeching out their own little commands, they drowned out his mind filled his thoughts.

(annoying voices)
"Kill them bug. You want to make them all suffer"

"They all want to kill you bug. You must kill them first. Quick, before they awake. When they wake up in the morning they will all kill you. Now is your chance, they are all asleep and can't stop you."

"They laugh at you bug. When you are asleep they all laugh at you. They talk about how they are going to kill you and they all laugh.

"Now is your chance bug. Take your rail detonater. Kill them all. You will make them pay for laughing at you."

"Um, yeah, you do that. Kill them a whole bunch"

"Kill them bog. Bog? what kind of name is that? Oh wait, it looks like the ink smeared. I think it's supposed to read bug. Hmmm... bug? Still a strange name. Oh well, Kill them bug. Make them all pay"

Bug: "GET OUT OF MY HEAD!!!"

Bug runs screaming out of the tent off into the darkness, leaving his his rail detonater and all his other possessions behind.

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Good pitching can always stop good hitting and vice versa.
- Yogi Berra?

---I'm REALLY sorry about the mix up guys. I knew we were climbing mountains but I didn't know that we were climbing BARREN mountains. You see in my mind there's ALWAYS somkind of forest around. I live IN the Appalacian (big sp) Mountains which are completely forested.

So, sorry about the mixup. Nice writing guys!---

Another thing: Merlin, could we all have an updated list of all the Dark Wizards? I think the origional was lost when the origional page 6 was lost. Thanks.

[This message has been edited by Ping_Me (edited November 16, 1999).]

--Sure I'll do a recap of the dark wizards. Thanks Shawn a for editing the end of yours. I see your point Ping_me. But I had always envisioned them as bare cloaked in mist.

Bazaal (head Dark Wizard) - Most powerful of all. Loving nothing but power. Lustful toward Ji'tory. (in my version of the tale he nearly rapes her. He makes such references elsewhere, and the other dark wizards play on it as well).

Jezeba - (Bazaal's wife) - A temptress (makes people want her, then she kills them)

Cathar - (One of Merlin's former school profeesors, corrupted to evil by Bazaal) - He is cold and calculating. Loves to prove himself the intellectual superior of others. Can't resist a intellectal duel. Loves to lay cunning and dangerous traps.

Kricha - Master of illusion. He lives by illusion. (His powers of powerfully enhanced inside Bazaal's castle)

? - A woman. Very muscular. Introduced as Kricha's lover? Given power over the undead by Bazaal. (I didn't have any part in her introduction so unlike the others, who are various natural things in their personalities are taken to an evil extreme, I don't know what she stood for?)

? - One that would be introduced by Gebohq. Maybe he has introduced it, maybe he hasn't.

That is all six. Finally there is:

Yimir - Bazaal's son. Really doesn't have any training in magic. Realatively harmless. Though not when he has Titanus around. Check my newest chapter for details on his character (in my story - link at in my signature). Kinda a brat. May someday follow in his fathers foot steps. (Nobody kill him. He will be important in a future tale.)

Also I just wanted to say, once we enter the Dark Towers (Bazaal's castle) things are going to get much worse. At some points the group will get seperated. Merlin will have to go up against most of the Dark Wizards (certianly Krichna and Cathar and of course Bazaal, though he isn't tempted by Jezaba some of the other party memebers might be). I already have a vision of some kind of intellectual duel between Merlin and Cathar. And I've kind of mapped out the details of Kricha battle with Merlin. And outside of Bazaal I leave the rest of the duels up to you guys. But we have a while yet before we need to worry about that.

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With magic comes powerful responsiblity. One can limit oneself in love for others, or one can revel in power and do acts of great evil. I know I have seen evil and its power. I have felt it in my hands and mind. But in the end choose to love others, not power. The choice is yours. Choose wisely.

~The Wizard Merlin~

You can find the tale of the "Saga of the Thrid War" at my library.

--Merlin: that woman wizard, Kricha's love, stood for pure strength, dumb strength, be it if you will. She is no longer in this story, for she( i forgot her name, she was introduced on the deleted page 6) and Scout got in a duel outside of the human castle in the great battle there, and when she was about to kill Scout, DRagonfly jumped in, blocked the shot and killed the woman wizard, she might show up later as an illusion made by Kricha......./that is kinda why Merlin, I wanted DRagonfly, and Turneh(yeah, he ain't dead) to fight him as Kricha has a thing(revenge) for those two and wants to see them dead. IS that ok?--

DRagonfly layed in his tent under the stars. He remembered looking at the stars, but how differently they looked, as if afraid of something, the day he first cam upon this world and was flying to the Beuto capital upon which he was attacked by the Ice Phoenix and was nursed back to health by Turneh.How he missed his father........He wanted a family so bad.........

When he was finally able to go to sleep, the dreams he had were beautiful, totally unlike that which one would expect, they were peaceful thoughts and his family playing, and him and his father speakingt together, he slept well that night, but still feared for Turneh, and deep inside, knew that Turneh was still alive...........somewhere

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-Dragonfly
Webmaster of JKBTGExtras
"I want chicken, I want liver, Meow Mix, Meow Mix please deliver!"

---Cool. Thanks Merlin. I was considering calling dibs on one of the dark wizards. But since you already called then all. I guess I'll create a lesser undead warlock.---


Sakana Stood on the dais on which the flag was mounted. The minutes dragged by in the silence. The ocean breeze whipped the flag around on the pole. He fingered his bow nervously. Then they heard it.

The doors of the courtyard shuddered under the some force that was trying to break it's way in. Sakana saw his men snap to attention. "Don't make a move! Wait for them to come to us." There was a short silence followed by another loud boom. It sounded like the enemy was using a battering ram. The door began to splinter under the force of more hits. Bows began to stretch and soldiers gipped their swords tightly. Sakana solemnly drew the arrow from the quiver on his back. (Anybody who has seen Army of Darkness knows what's coming) It had large black fletching on one end and a wide razor head at the other. The most prominent feature of the arrow was the small bag strapped near the arrowhead. A small peirce of specially treated thread stuck out of the end of the bag.

Ka'rita stood by holding a torch while Sakana nocked the arrow in his bow. He drew it back to his ear, "EVERYONE GET READY!" He ordered. He looked to (name) and nodded at the arrow. She looked at him uncertainly and carefully lit the small fuse. It sparkled to life and started to crawl up to the bag.

The doors bust open violently. Skeleton warriors dropped the beam of wood they held and drew their swords. Sakana let the arrow loose just as they began to pile in through the entrance. It flew over the heads o fhis troops and sailed into the ranks of the enemy. A brilliant fireball ripped through the skeletons, incinerating those unfortunate enough to be in it's way, nearly decimating their number. As planned they fell into confusion. "GO!!!!!!" Sakana yelled at the top of his lungs. The small troop, lead by Randon, Sa'teyan, Lerycan, Jarcanan, Herudo and Ka'rita , charged. At first they slowed their rate of speed as their general battle pattern demanded. Herudo broke through from behind, his gigantic axe caught the light of the moon and made it's intricate carvings on the blade glint meanaceingly. As he ran the deck shuddedered under his thunderous footsteps. As he approached he lept high into the air and landed into the midst of the enemy, actually crushing one of them under his boots. They all turned to face him as he recovered from his landing. Winding up, he spun around using his massive strength and weight of the axe to pick up inertia. He spun his axe in a wide circle, taking out six of seven zombies in one swipe.

Then the rest of Sakana's troop fell on them. Jarcanan charge weilding his wicked sword with both hands as it's weight required. He fought unsheilded, unlike the others. Randon caught a sword on his buckler, shoved it aside and use the follow-through to slice through the zombie's neck with his sword. Simultaniously, Sa'teyan aimed a kick at the skeleton she was sparring with. The blow shattered the fragile bone of the skull.

The twenty or so elves fought valliantly but soon found themselves being pushed back due to the sheer force of numbers. Sakana still stood on the platform surveying the battle. A small group pushed past his elves and started to charge the dais. He quickly reached into a satchel and picked up a cloth bag containing a fine powder. It also has a small fuse on it. He stuck the small fuse into a nearby fire. The fuse burned bightly as he hurled it with all his strength toward the oncoming undead. The bag landed in front of them. Just as the ran across it, a fairball enveloped them. As the fire cleared, nothing remained.

Sakana smiled in satisfaction. That quickly faded when he heard a sword drawn behind him. On instinct he drew his own sword and turned to face his new enemy. A skeletal horse bearing a skeletal rider. This one was much different than the other warriors. He wore armor, as did his horse. It was however rusted, as was characteristic of the rest of the enemy. He was probably some long dead warrior who kicked the bucket on some sea voyage, still wearing his armor. his climbed down from his wraith-like mount and faced Sakana. He felt intimidated by it. Here he was a lowly captain, while this guy was some long dead general. It pointed a single long bony finger at him and slowly crooked it.

Sakana fell to his knees still holding his sword in front of him. He felt the world grow menacingly before him. The moon darkened and the skeletal warrior grew like a tower. He felt very afraid. He shook his head. It's an enchantment, he thought, It's making me weaker... got to shake it off. He got to his feet and the world fell back to reality. But the warrior looked bigger than ever. Almost towering over him. It raised his sword over Sakana and brought it down. Sakana caught it with his own blade, pushed it away, and made a strike of his own. Matching blow for blow they danced a slow dance. At least it seemed slow to Sakana, the effect of the enchantment slowed his perceptions, making him almost unpleasantly drunk. He concentrated all his will into his actions. Still the undead stood over bim. It brought it's sword down from over it's head. Sakana caught the blow from over his own head. But the impact forced him to his knees. He was beginning to become sleepy in a way. Maybe a side effect of the spell. He tried renewing his strength with determination. He thrust the sword back and stood eye to eye with the general. He stared hard into the blank sockets, knowing somhow that this being still saw through those vacancies. Time seemed to stop as thier strength locked them into position, one sword on another, both trying to force the other to the ground. In his mind the evil that controled this warrior was transported to his own mind. There they floated in the backdrop of his mind. They stared hard at each other. The skeletal laughed evily. Sakana faltered. The beast glowed darkly, a shining darkness. Sakana knew that if he did nothing now, he would be finished. The figure continued to cackle in his rasping voice.

Sakana somehow, in some ancient way of will, reached down inside himself. There he found something unimaginable and reached out for it. A pain/pleasure enveloped him and he growled low, becoming louder the more he embraced it.

-----------------

The fighting stopped all around the city as a yell of a man echoed across the distance. Randon ceasced fighing the zombie he faced, it stopped all of it's movements too and grasped it's decomposed head in pain. Randon looked over to his captain, his eyes beacame wide in wonder. Sakana floated above the ground. He roared like nothing he ever heard before. Instantly he was wreathed in a blue flame. The light revealed an cowering figure before him. It was like a humbled warrior, his armor rusted, his sword broken in two. It had a look of fear, if skeletons could show fear on thier unchanging faces. Sakana yelled louder. It that were elvenly possible. Like a rocket the glow around him shot to the heavens. An ethereal wind began to blow, incereacing in intensity. Randon's cloak flapped violently. The undead screamed in pain and horror as the looked up to the sky.

Sakana seemed to be in somekind of unconcious state. He ceased yelling and lowered a powerful gaze upon the courtyard. "NOW RETURN TO HELL!!!!!" He commanded. Randon looked around. The undead seemed to particleize; dissolve. Dark clouds seemed to fall from the sky. They swirled and undulated. A tornado touched down where Sakana floated. The clouds of the undead were caught up in the tempest. "We shall all be blown away!" Herudo yelled agianst the sound of the wailing wind. Below Sakana the Skeletal seemed to freeze in place. A dark form exited the skull of it. It's only feature was a pair of frozen white eyes. Remaining unaffected by the raging tempest. It stared at Sakana, who stared back, as if in a battle. The spirit shot to the sky and rocketed northward.

Randon stood in wide eyed wonder at his captain. The wild wind subsided and the tornado retuned to the sky. Sakana glided back to the ground. Randon, Sa'teyan and Ja'rita ran up to him. "Captain!" Ja'rita said. Sakana simply looked down upon the stone figure of the Skeletal. It kneeled on the deck of the city, it's mouth dropped open in a perpetual look of fear. Randon stooped sown to look into Sakana's eyes, trying to gain his attention. He drew back in surprise to find them glowing a bright, pure, crystal blue. Randon also noticed that his brown hair had taken on a light blue tinge.

Randon heard footsteps running. Lots of footsteps, and the clank of armor. Elven soldiers rushed into the courtyard. They stopped short when the saw Sakana. The courtyard began quickly filling with men some with awed faces. The sound of wings filled the air. The Rocs decended to the deck of the city. Randon watched as his king jumped down from the back his personal bird and ran to where Sakana stared at the Skeletal. "What happened!?" He asked to Sakana. Sakana seemed not to hear. He closed his eyes and crouched in front of the Skeletal. He solemnly placed his hand on the empty eye sockets. A minute and the stone figure fell to dust and was blown away. Sakana stood and gazed into the distance. All who witnessed saw his eyes fade from blue back to green. He then seemed to become aware of the world. He realised that the enitre army was present and staring at him. The king especially.

Sakana scratched his head and looked around him. Soldiers filled the courtyard, bt his best soldiers crowded around him. Herudo, Ja'rita, Lerycan, Sa'teyan, Randon and Jarcanan. "Umm.... Hi!... I guess?"

--------------------------
"I look beyond the empty cross, forgetting what my life has cost,
I wipe away the crimson stains, and dull the nails that still remain,
More and more I need you now, I owe you more each passing hour,

Battle between grace and pride, I gave up not so long ago,
so, steal my heart and take the pain, and wash the feet and cleanse my pride,
take the selfish, take the weight, and all the things I cannot hide,

take the beauty take my tears, sinned soaked heart and make it yours.
Take my worlds apart, take it now, take it now,
don't serve the ones that I despise, speak the words I can't deny,

I watch the world I used to know, FALL TO DUST AND BLOWN AWAY.
I look beyond the empty cross frogetting what my life has cost,
I wipe away the crimson stains, dull the nails that still remain

steal my heart and take the pain, take the selfish, take the weight.,
and all the things I cannot hide, take the beauty, take my tears,
Take my worlds apart. Take my worlds apart.

And I'll pray. Take my worlds apart.....

....worlds apart.....

---------------------------Jars of Clay: Worlds Apart

--hopefully me and Merlin aren't posting at the same time again. I was hopeing to use bug for this part of the story but, I'll just have to improvise.--

*Everyone got out of their tents after hearing someone screaming. When everyone was out, they noticed that bug wasn't with them or in his tent. Scout came out and told everyone that bug had left his things in his tent, even his rail detanator. Everyone was worried about what had, and will happen to bug.*

Lina - Shouldn't we go looking for him?

Merlin - We'll wait here for a little while and wait to see if he returns.

*Everyone packed up, incase he did return, they would be ready to leave and continue to Bazaal's castle. Shawn walked up to Merlin and sat down next to him, Lina wasn't far behind.*

Merlin - Yes Shawn?

Shawn - Merlin, you don't know how good it was to see all of you alive back at the Citadel.

Merlin - Why is that?

Shawn - Well, I was waiting for you to return and fell asleep in one of the rooms in the Citadel. Well, I woke up I a feild of grass in the forest and heard a strange voice. It talked about how evil I was and how I had killed all of you for him. When I drew my sword, I saw blood on my sword and on my hands. The strange voice then showed me an image of me killing all of you. When it was over I thought that it was just a dream, but I never woke up and realized that everything he said had happened.

Merlin - Hmmm, one of the dark wizards must want something from you.

Shawn - The second time I had this "dream", it said that it wanted me to join him. That I would be a great addition to his army. I heard Lina scream in my dream and just before I woke up, it said that it wouldn't leave me alone for as long as I live. Just earlier I was dreaming and it said that if I didn't join it, I wouldn't join anyone else. We began to fight. It was more powerful than anything that I had imagined. When I got a good blow in, it didn't phase it and then it cut my hand and I woke up, when I woke up, the cut was on my hand somehow.

Merlin - Shawn, becareful, I fear that if he kills you in one of these dreams, you will die in reality as well.

Shawn - I just thought that you would know something on how to stop these dreams or how to kill this person. Thank you for your time Merlin.

*Shawn gets up and Lina follows, Shawn stops in his tracks and notices a strange sound. He draws his sword and pushes Lina behind him. Out of the mist, Skeletal worriors appear. Everyone readies there weapons for the up comming fight. Shawn dashes in and hacks away at the front row of skeletons and jumps back in time to dodge the second line. Dragonfly walks up next to Shawn.*

Dragonfly - Need a hand.
*Shawn turns toward Dragonfly and gives him an angry stare.*

Shawn - I can handle this.

*Dragonfly blocks the oncomming attacks not hearing Shawn. Shawn cuts down the skeletons and pushes Dragonfly out of the way. The skeleton's advance some and then back off a bit. Shawn stares at Dragonfly, with his back to the skeleton's. Without warning, Shawn exploded with energy. Everyone could see a change in Shawn. The pupils in his eyes turned to a firy red and he was surrounded by a black aura. Shawn smirked at Dragonfly and charged him. Dragonfly barely had enough time to block the oncomming attack from his comrad and jumped back. Shawn began to attack again when Dragonfly took to the sky. Dragonfly was 20 ft off of the ground and Shawn started to fire blast of energy from his hands at Dragonfly. Dragonfly swayed to and fro dodgeing the energy blast shot at him and lost sight of Shawn. He then felt a sharp pain in his back and then the pain of hitting the ground. He looked up and saw that Shawn was floating above him and had kneed him in the back. Shawn floated down a few feet infront of Dragonfly. Dragonfly got up and stared Shawn in the eyes, he could no longer see the person that he once was, all he saw was a person full of rage.*

Dragonfly - Shawn, whats wrong? I don't want to fight you man, snap out of it.

Shawn - hehehe, fool.

*Shawn smirked and fired another energy blast a Dragonfly. Dragonfly jumped out of the way and the blast zoomed by him. Shawn then stopped his smirk as he had just realized what he had done.*

Shawn - Noooooooooo, Linaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

* Shawn ran as fast as he could to save Lina from being hit from the blast that was meant for Dragonfly. Lina was frozen with fear, fear of what was about to happen. Then she saw Shawn infront of her as the blast was about to hit her. Shawn put up what seemed to be a small feild infront of him and the blast hit it, the area was engulfed in a briliant blue light, when the light died down, they saw Shawn breatheing heavily. Lina looked up at Shawn and he turned his head and smiled at her. Then his eyes closed and he fell to the ground. Lina went up to Shawn and held him in her arms.*

Lina - Shawn, Shawn. Wake up, come on wake up.

*Everyone gathered around Shawn and Lina. Merlin went to Dragonfly and healed him. Merlin then proceeded to Shawn and Lina. Lina looked up at Merlin as he walked up to them.*

Lina - Is he going to be alright?

Merlin - I'm not sure, the powers that he has is like nothing that I've seen. I don't know what kind of effect that it will have on him. We'll have to wait and see if he takes a turn for the better, *he looked down and sighed*...or for the worse.

*Lina looked down at Shawn and held him closer and tighter. She started crying, not knowing if he would live or die in her arms.*

---------------------------------------------
Merlin I just went under the impression that you didn't know much about Shawn's powers.

------------------
"I can become enraged like Vegeta, if i smile, run...................very fast."

"Semper Fi"



[This message has been edited by Shawn Templar (edited November 16, 1999).]

Ok. Lots of stuff to say. One, I like what you did with the (I take it to be) primitive gun powder and Sakana bit (though could you tell be by e-mail what the meaning (if there is a particular symbolic meaning) to the stuff that happened after that). I liked the poem. Who wrote it? Shawn your right Merlin doesn't know anything about your powers. (I can use that spell I used earlier on the party after that incident involving Ji'tory, to block Bazaal out of your mind). Concerning the Dark Wizards. Ping_me you said you wanted dibs on one of them, I was just pointing out I am not doing anything with Jezeba (I need you to write about it), also concerning the final battle with Kricha, the only part I had particularlly planned out was a large illusion that he creates to hid himself at one point. We (our party) has to break through the illusion before we can fight him. The fight itself, I'll leave up to you guys/girls. Also I have a question about what happened to Sakana. What did happen to him there? Was it something from with in himself or outside of himself? Is is something that affects him permenantly? Or was it just a one time thing? Tell me in e-mail, please. I want to know cause it may affect how I write concerning him later.--

Merlin: I'm going to do something I should have done earlier.

Merlin stands up and stretching out his hand again whispers those words that he had spoken shortly after the incident with Ji'tory and Bazaal.

Merlin: Now Bazaal will not be able to attack our minds directly. Though this won't block out illusions though. But he can't take control of any of us.

Merlin now looks at Shawn who Lina is holding close to her.

Lina: Does this mean he won't go into that state again?

Merlin: No, i'm afraid. Lina I feel that what happened a moment ago wasn't all Bazaal's doing. I think it was partly something within Shawn.

Lina (with an expression of shock): You . . . Can't mean he is evil! He isn't!

Merlin: No, my dear child. I don't mean he is evil. I mean he is threatened by power.

Lina: I don't understand.

Merlin: When a person has power, there is constantly the risk that they will be seduced by that power. And when they love that power and love only it, then they become evil. . . .that is what happened to Bazaal.

Merlin pauses.

Merlin: Lina, wizards constantly carry that risk with them. We have at our disposal great power. We are constantly at risk of giving into the thrill of power and anger against our enemies. So Shawn now carries that risk now. He will carry it as long as he has power.

Lina now holds the still Shawn even closer to her. She looks at his face and tears trickle down her checks.

Lina: Does this mean there is no hope for him? Have I lost him to that power?

Merlin: No . . .no my dear child. He blocked that fire. He protected you. Something did call him back from that brink which Bazaal fell from. He loved you. He loved you more than his power. That was what saved him. But only time will tell if he remains the same or falls from that brink.

Together they moved him near where the fire was burning earlier. There Lina tended to Shawn's injuries.

At this point Reyaun took Merlin aside.

Reyaun: Merlin, I want you to tell Apathis to leave.

Merlin: I had an uneasy feeling about him. What have you seen that should set your mind this way.

Reyaun: I was speaking with him outside of the camp last night. He started talking about something from before I joined your group. He started insults Ji'tory's honor!

Merlin: What did you do?

Reyaun: In anger I lost control and punched him in the face.

Merlin: . . .What happened then?

Reyaun: That was the strangest part of all Merlin. (his voice shifts as if he had just tasted something revoltingly bitter) He just smiled. As if nothing had happened. I tell you, we should tell him to leave now.

Merlin: hmmmmmmmmm. . .If I am right, that would only spark a very dangerous duel, one we can't risk just yet, not while we are en route to the castle. I can't afford for any of us to become badly wounded. We will have to hid our suspicions, but watch our backs.

Reyaun: Very well.

Reyaun pauses. He checks to make sure no one else is in hearing range. Esspecially Ji'tory.

Reyaun: I worry about Ji'tory. She seems unsettled about our journey. More than the rest of us, I mean.

Merlin: I'm not suprised. Considering what happened to her earlier.

Reyaun: Perhaps I should not seek to know, but what really did happen before I joined your party?

Merlin sighed.

Merlin: At one point, Bazaal took over Ji'tory's mind. And judging from some remarks I heard later from Bazaal, I think he nearly raped her.

Reyaun openly shows his revulsion.

Reyaun: That bastard! How could he do that!

Merlin: You forget he isn't playing by any rules Reyaun. Not by honor or nobility. It is total war. Bazaal plays only by what lets him win. He doesn't care about anyone but himself and his greed for power. I am quite sure he doesn't care if the other Dark Wizards die. And I know many of them would like to challenge him. But he is to powerfull for them to do that. And he keeps them around to do his bidding.

As the party waited for bug to return, Scout sat at the edge of the group, leaning against a tree and watching the others. She couldn't help but think just how insane life had become. She had been a normal girl, living an ordinary life, now she was a invulnerable snow-skinned warrior out to save a world not her own from the most powerful evil imaginable. When one had time to think about it, it was almost too much to bear. As she sat, thinking, however, her eyes slowly drifted closed, and Scout found herself in a different place.

"Hello there, Scout," came a dark, ominous voice. The source was readily apparent: a tall, dark man who could only be Bazaal. Scout, remembering what the pervert tried to do to Ji'tory, drew back. Bazaal just smiled evilly. "Don't worry, I'm not interested in a freak like you."

Scout stared at the dark wizard. "Whaat?"

Bazaal moved closer a step. "That's right, it's just as you imagine. Do you know how revolting and disturbing it is to even look at you? My word, how could anyone be attracted to you, you little white-skinned monstrosity, you look like a corpse overdue to be buried."

Scout pointed an accusing finger at the wizard. "I know your game, Bazaal, and I'm not playing it. You might as well leave me alone right now. We're coming to get you, and you're going down!"

"Oh really?" Bazaal grinned. "You can try to hide your feelings from your friends, but you cannot hide them from me. I'll make you a deal, though. Abandon your quest, and I'll grant your deepest wish."

Glancing down at herself, Scout saw that her skin had returned to it's natural flesh tone. She held her hands up in amazement.

"There is a catch, however," Bazaal said wickedly, drawing a blade and swiping it against her shoulder, making a shallow gash. Scout gasped and grabbed her arm in pain. "I can lift the stasis spell, but you loose ALL aspects of it."

Scout could only stare at the man in shock and horror.

Bazaal took her chin in his hand and lifted her face to his. "Think about it, little one..."

Scout jerked awake, her breaths coming hard and deep. None of the others so much as glanced in her direction. She sat forward, putting her face in her hands as she tried to calm down.

After her breathing returned to normal, Scout looked again at the party, still waiting for bug. Bazaal had been right, damn him, but his was an offer she couldn't afford to take. She wasn't the best fighter, or the quickest to act, but she was tougher than most anything the dark wizards could throw at her, and heaven help her, if living as the inhuman monster Strage had made her meant her new friends would live to the end of this battle, then that was a sacrifce she'd just have to make.

Note: Just trying to expand my character a bit. Scout looks just as human as anyone (anyone human that is), but because of the snow-white skin, invulnerability, and near immortality the stasis spell gave her, she believes she's somehow less than human.

[This message has been edited by Scout (edited November 17, 1999).]

-I mentioned bringing in two Whalei Gaurds, so I want to introduce them to you:
Norran: Old and wise, a voice of wisdom, and yet a quick shot with a blaster none the less. Norran is Orca's best friend from his universe.
Havok: Norran's young, upshot apprentice. Norran took him on to try to train Havok, but its proving very hard. Havok is young, brash, and has a lust for power.
I have this idea that when the party reaches Bazaal's tower there will be another little side show when Bazaal offers Havok true power in return for his services. Havok accepts, and we have a fight between my two gaurds on our hands. Just a thought, could be an intruiging side battle-

------------------
-Space Orca
Space Orca's best qoutes:
"The Force is strong in you. The force of my lightsaber coming down!"
"A planet of pokemon? Don't bomb it from orbit. A few might survive. Get the Death Star in here!"
"Hmmmm... It looks like my Lightsaber needs a little repair work. Know of any lightsaber repair shops in town?"
"Luke Skywalker drew his lightsaber... and turned it in to the art teacher"
"Pokemon is spelled S-T-U-P-I-D!"
If you have any more funny quotes, just send them to me.

Daylight played happily on the sparkling sea. White waves crashed into the pilings that held the city above the sea. Informed that their city had been saved, the villagers turned around on thier path toward the castle. By midday the first were beginning to return to their homes. The rebuilding process had begun. Which wouldn't take too much time. There was surpisingly little damage to the city.

The soldiers had little time to celebrate. Surprising orders had come that they were to return to the castle with haste. No one could figure out why, but they didn't question it. Maybe it had somthing to do with the strange events of the previous night. Most everyone had seen what happened, they still couldn't believe it. All across the city the fighting had stopped. Soldiers watched as the enemy dissolved and blew away in the strange wind that appeared. Most had seen a soldier floating above the ground. His hair had turned blueish. The diconcerting change of his eyes from blue back to the native elven green. Rumor had it the guy was the captain that was gaurding the flagpole. Rumor had it that he turned into a wizard during the night. Maybe he was a wizard in diguise. As the soldiers packed up thier tents, they all glanced every so often toward a large tent on a hill not far away. It was the kings tent. The new strange mage had been taken there as well as his troop.

Sakana sat on a carpeted floor, a blanket draped around his shoulders. He held a hot cup of soup in his hands. He didn't pay too much attention to it though. He simply stared into space. Randon, Sa'teyan, Lerycan, Ja'rita, Herudo and Jarcanan all sat around inside the tent in a sort of circle. The king had dissmissed his gaurds and now sat with Sakana. He looked long at him. They had been waiting a long time for an answer from Sakana. It seemed as if he was trying to sort things out too. He blinked slowly, took a sip of the soup and drew a deep breath.

"I did what I felt was right and good." He said slowly. "I faced him. He invaded my mind. If I didnt do anything, I would be dead or worse."

He paused.

"I found something there. I 'reached' for it. It entered my being. It hurt, but I knew it was good."

Another pause.

"The Skeletal's influence was broken. But it's power was not. It was then that someone appeared. He wore armor that was identical to the undead's. I could only guess that it was the warriors spirit. He 'walked' to me and stepped in for me. We were one in the same. Kind of like my father used to do when he taught me to use the bow. He moved my hands back, as I drew the string to its proper spot near the ear. In the same way he directed the power. He turned the Skeletal into stone. Then I saw all the undead across the city. I think they saw me too, because they froze in place. He gave a command and they all vanished."

"After that he spoke to me. 'I am this warrior' he said to me. He walked over to the Skeletal. I was left holding the power for myself. 'It has been many eons since I have seen this world. I lost my body and my soul to such a being as this. I was not strong enough to battle him. You were. You have freed my soul from the enchantment. I wish to sleep. I can now. Close my eyes and I will sleep'

"With that he was gone, but the stone skeletal remained. It was if I knew what to do. I walked over to it and covered it's eyes. In response it vanished. Then the world changed from blue into the courtyard and I saw all of you." Sakana finished. He shook his head as if the whole thing sounded absurd. As he did his new blueish tinted hair sparkled as if it provided it's own light. He noticed and looked up at it. He sighed.

"You act as if you don't want this." Jindhyme said.

"It's all very sudden, your majesty. I don't even know if I could do it again. And if I did what then?"

"Gaurd." Jindhyme said. Quickly two gaurds entered the tent. "Go and summon the wise man." They saluted and left. "Maybe if we can understand it better, you would feel more comfortable with it." Minutues passed

A man dressed in long robes entered the tent. "Is this the one?" the wise man asked.

"His name is Sakana." Jindhyme said. "Can you tell us anything about what occurred last night according to history."

The wise man thought. "Elven history is shrouded in legend and myth. At one time, long before Merlin ever came to this world, there were wizards. Most of them were human. It was rare when an elf displayed talent for magic. I guess it was a sort of trade off. We had longer lives but lesser magical tendencies. Whenever an elf was born magical he was powerful. The human feared those powers because they were greater than thier own. For some reason thier power vanished from the world. Maybe it was because they died out with no one to replace them."

"Maybe the one you saw was from that ancient time." Jindhyme said.

"It would make sense. What did you do, Sakana?"

"When I was locked in a battle of wills with the Skeletal, I found a power in myself and took hold of it."

The wise man produced a quill pen from his robe. "Focus on this." he said as he held it in front of Sakana. Sakana looked long and hard at it. After a minute an invisible wind blew his hair around and his eyes turned blue again. His body glowed blue in flame, but nothing in particular happened to the pen. Sakana's glow faded and his eyes returned to normal.

"So what happened?" the wise man asked.

"It was like the world turned blue, like last night. I didn't see anything though. Not the pen or anybody else here."

"Okay. In legend there different types of mages. The blue mages excelled in battle magic, but really couldn't do anything else with it. The opposite were orange mages. They could do only practical things with magic, and couldn't do anything in battle. Anyway, you will need to take some time to understand this power a little better."

"Indeed," said the king. He rose from his place. "We are returning to the castle." Everyone looked at him. "I won't really tell anyone else of this but... Merlin is going to assualt the Dark Wizards. He has requested our assistance."

He looked at Sakana. "In light of new events I would like it if Sakana lead the archers requested." Sakana looked at the floor and nodded in acceptance. "Good! Perhaps this newfound power will be of help to Merlin and his company." Sakana didn't look too enthusiastic. "You should all go to your tents and prepare to move out."

One by one they got up and saluted. Sakana walked back to his tent alone. As he passed the rows of soldiers packing up thier things he realised that when he passed, they would stop in their tracks and follow him with thier eyes. Sakana hunched his shoulders and continued walking, his blue/brown hair waving as he walked. Soon he could feel all thier eyes on his back. Silence followed him, the only sound he made was the rustle of his boots on the grass.

(note: look at my last post way up, I added to it like I said I would. Um....and think bug will show up again to write, or Avenger for that matter? And Merlin, what's the next part of your story going to be? Me and avenger inside the halls? or break off into someone else, and who? I can't wait until the climax of hte story, but I won't rush it. And everyone: if your character was in an RPG, what would its magical focus be on? For example, I'm sure any of Orca's magic, however small, would relate to water. I'd have to say for me a combination of earth and shadow(more for disguise, not dark).

stupid double posts

[This message has been edited by Gebohq (edited November 17, 1999).]

As most of the party sat about the place where the fire, which had now burned out, had been, near Lina as she nursed Shawns wounds, Scout rejoined them. Ji'tory looked up into the Scout's eyes.

Ji'tory: Scout, what's wrong?

Scout: Nothing.

Ji'tory was about to say something in reply but Apathis appeared from the mist with bug at his side.

Several members of the party: Bug!

Scout: Are you all right?

Bug (in an even pensive monotone voice): I'm fine.

Ji'tory: Are you sure?

She stared hard at Bug.

Apathis (harshly with an edge): He's fine.

Bug (his voice more like his usual): I'm alright, hope nobody was messing with my stuff while I was gone.

Merlin: Of course not. We were just worried about you.

Bug: Fine. I just need some sleep. It'll be morning soon.

Merlin: He's right, we better get what sleep we can.

They all head back to their tents and sleep.
Then next morning as the sun rose between the trees everyone got up and set out and continued their march. If Merlin's prediction was right, they should reach the mountians by sunset.

They continued to march on through the barren woods.


[This message has been edited by Merlin (edited November 18, 1999).]

--i don't want to sound dumb,,,,,but WHO is Krincha? isn't there a dark wizard named "Kricha?" What is the difference? I am just trying to understand who just showed up with bug....

*Merlin's party trekked through the woods, all of them quite annoyed at Apathis' almost joyful strolling through the barren woods. In a serious time like this, Apathis stuck out like a sore thumb, acting as if nothing could damper his private contempt. Then a loud pitch cry could be heard: the living trees.

Bug: "Not these things again. I thought we got rid of them."

Scout: "Apathis probably attracted them to us. I'm wondering if he's really worth his weight."

*The party was preparing to defend themselves once again from the living trees when Apathis stepped in front, appearing to be challanging the trees. One of the larger trees swung its mighty branches at him, but Apathis quickly evaded it, much too quickly. Then Apathis appeared as if he was going to throw something at him, and he did, but it was not in his hands a moment ago. A searing fireball flew right for the tree that attacked him, and it started yelling in pain. Apathis burned two other trees also before the enemy retreated. The party stared at Apathis with a dumbfounded look. A few of the party members looked at Apathis with newly-founded awe. Merlin walked up to Apathis.*

Merlin: "I knew it. Reyuan told me things that suspected me of you and now I am sertian of it. Your a wizard!"

Bug: "Yet another obvious statement from genius over here."

Merlin: "Don't you get it? He's working for Bazaal."

*The party gasps at the thought that Apathis was in fact an agent of Bazaal. It was known that he wasn't immaculate, but he also saved their lives, twice.*

Apathis: "It is true, I do know magic. But I do not serve Bazaal. Let me explain. Bazaal saw in me the potential to use magic, and taught me what he knew of it. I was keeping up with his expectations, not arguing with any of the things he taught, even if I questioned them. *Some of the party was now captivated in his tale, Apathis continued* But as a final test, he ordered me to destroy a village using my magic. I refused to kill those innocent lives and dropped out of his schooling. Since then I have kept low, trying to keep away form him."

Merlin: "Yet when it came to stop those living trees, you didn't hesitate to kill them, even if it brought them suffering."

Apathis: "They are our enemy. Would you rather me try a diplomatic attempt?"

*The party looked at Merlin as if he was wrong to accuse Apathis of serving for Bazaal. Merlin saw that Apathis had again made his point the only one and decided not to push it further. Of course, there were the members who had their suspisions like Merlin. But they were always suspisious.*

[This message has been edited by Gebohq (edited November 20, 1999).]

Kricha is one of the dark wizards I think. Don't ask me though, because I'M NOT THERE!!! I don't know what merlin wrote, but I'm still running through the woods.

------------------
Good pitching can always stop good hitting and vice versa.
- Yogi Berra?

--I made a mistake there. I meant to put Apathis. I accidentally put Kricha (I misspelled it Krichna). Sorry about the confusion, I corrected it. Also, note they way bug was momentarilly out of character. As if something deeper had happened. Also I meant that bug is back and not an illusion by Kricha (I meant Apathis earlier, really!) But I don't know bug said he is still off.--

Merlin knew he could shatter Apathis's pretensions if he had revealed what he had said to Reyuan. But he could do that for it would make Ji'tory feel horrible. But he was quite certian that Apathis must be the sixth dark wizard. Merlin knew if he challenged him directly he would put up a defense as though Merlin would be attacking him. Merlin knew he could confront him that way. He would just have to let it play itself out until Apathis revealed himself.

They continued their march in the sun through the barren woods. Merlin set his mind back to the woman he had loved so long ago. He was young then. But Bazaal had taken that all from him. The woman he loved. His people. His world. He was determined not to let that happen here. But he knew this was not a vendetta. Wanting vengance was not the way to defeat evil. But it was no good thinking of her. She was gone. Merlin looked to Ji'tory. He loved her as his own daughter. He would not let her or this world die becuase of Bazaal's lust for power.

Merlin (whispered to himself): God help us.

Bug walked with Apathis. Merlin knew this was odd. Bug didn't seem himself. It was almost as if someone was affecting him.

Well, it appears I AM back weather(sp?, wrong kind of weather I think) I want to be or not.

------------------
Good pitching can always stop good hitting and vice versa.
- Yogi Berra?

--Well, bug. We could assume that it is an illusion created by Kricha. And only the appearence of the real bug will prove wether or not it is the real bug or an illusion (so it is at your discretion bug.)--

--Ok, I think its time I made my grand reappearance here again. This ought to be good.--

The party walked along glad to see that Bug had returned. Lina was carrying Shawn with Dragonfly's help. The mist was almost gone but some of it remained around them, taunting them almost. Many still had their suscipions about Apathis but hid it. Merlin had suddenly stopped, halting the rest of the party.

Bug - What's wrong Merlin??

Merlin - Listen, do you hear that?

The party fell silent but couldn't hear nothing.

Merlin - Hmm, I could have sworn that I heard something. O well, lets push on.

The party kept going, waiting, preparing for the final battle with Bazaal. They were all ready to end the evil threat that Bazaal held and wanted to get it over with, some more than others. Lina had stopped and Dragonfly looked up, puzzled. The rest of the party stopped.

Dragonfly - What's wrong Lina?

Lina - I'm not sure, I just have a bad feeling. Something just doesn't feel right.

The party was about to push on when they heard what sounded like armor rusling(sp?). Lina and Dragonfly put Shawn down and everyone drew their weapons. They all waited, wondering what was out there. Then out of the surounding mist, skeletons emerged. They charged at the party as they made a circle around Lina and Shawn.

Merlin - They were waiting for us.

The skeletons had them trapped in the middle of them. The fighting had started, everyone defending their own lives as well as Shawn's and Lina's. Lina sat their at Shawn's side, hoping that he would wake up and help out. She leaned up against the boulder that she had put Shawn up against and held on to him, and watched the fight. Ji'tory, fighting with one of the unholy meance, was knocked down as it barged through. She jumped up and was about to go for the skeleton when others started to come after her. The entire party had their hands full as the skeleton approached Lina and Shawn. The skeleton stopped at them and looked down. It saw Lina standing in front of it, standing between it and Shawn. Then it grabed her by the throat and lifted her off of the ground. Lina tried to yell out but couldn't find the air to even breath. The skeleton then threw her up against the rock and Lina screamed out in pain and then fell to the ground. Shawn heard her cry out and opened his eyes. He looked around and saw Lina's lifeless body on the ground.

Shawn - Lina. LINA. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

The fighting had stopped, they saw what the unholy creature had done. Shawn, with new found strength got up and looked at the skeleton infront of him, he drew his sword and the skeleton attacked him. Shawn blocked his attack and countered, the skeleton's sword broke and it's head went flying into the crowd around them. Shawn walked to Lina and held her. Tear's began to run down the side of his face. Merlin and the others began to walk to Shawn, but keeping their weapons drawn and eyes on the enemy. Shawn looked up. Merlin and the others saw the same thing that had happened earlier with the fight with Dragonfly, Shawn's eyes turned to a firy red and he was surrounded by a black aura. Merlin, expecting something bad about to happened led a way through the now destracted skeleton's. Shawn stood up and looked around, he looked at Lina. He yelled out and there was an explosion of energy and a feild around him and Lina, the feild expanded (-similar to sub zero's attack in Mortal Kombat, the movie-)and as it came to the skeletons, it destroyed them. Merlin seeing this, raised his hands and chanted out. Soon, the rest of the party was surrounded in a magical feild. The explosion branched out and then reached the barrier created by Merlin, it hit and the sky was lit up with a brilliant blue light. As the light died, they saw Shawn hovering above a crater that had once been the ground that they were fighting on, the skeleton's were no longer there. Shawn floated to the ground and layed Lina on the ground.

Shawn - This is the last time. (Shawn looks to the direction that the party had been marching)YOU HEAR ME BAZAAL, THIS IS THE LAST TIME THAT YOU WILL HURT AN INOCCENT LIFE.

Merlin - Shawn calm down. Don't do anything foolish.

Shawn looks at Merlin, Merlin could see the rage in Shawn's eyes. Shawn then took off in the direction to where Bazaal is. The party walked up to Lina and looked down. They all felt bad about what had happened.

Ji'tory - If I would have went after that skeleton, she would still be with us.

Merlin - It's not your fault. You had your hands full, we all did.

Merlin looks down at Lina and sees her hand twitch. He goes to her and picks her up, Lina slowly opens her eyes.

Ji'tory - Your alright. We thought that you were dead.

Lina - I'm.....alright. The......skeleton had knocked.......me unconceious.(She looks around) Where's Shawn??

Merlin - I'm afraid, it maybe too late to save Shawn. ( he puts Lina down) He headed off to fight Bazaal himself.

They all hear a scream, they all knew that it was from Shawn.

Lina - Noooooooooooo. SHAWN!!

Lina fell to the ground, see started to cry. Lina looked up to say something and past out.

Merlin - She'll be alright physically, she was just tired. I'm afraid that she won't be so good mentally.

Dragonfly - umm, excuse me Merlin. What excalty happened back there?

Merlin - I'm not excatly sure, all I know is that Shawn has a great power within himself. It appears the he used it for the purpose of killing the skeleton's, and if we didn't get out in time. . .(he looked down at Lina) I'm sure it wouldn't have mattered to him if the rest of us died along with the skeletons.

Everyone looked at Merlin. Shocked of what they just heard. They all couldn't help but wonder, what if Merlin didn't act as quickly as he did.

---------------------------------------------
Don't worry, I'm not finished off. Just don't expect to see me post for awhile.

------------------
"I can become enraged like Vegeta, if i smile, run...................very fast."

"Semper Fi"

As the sun slowly began to set the party could now see the entrance to the barren Misty Mountians. The peaks towered around them like angry stone sentinels cloaked in robes of mist and darkness in the fading red light that tinted the mists crimson. As if the mountians were robed in blood colored robes. They decided to make camp just outside of the mountains. They would begin their trek through them in the morning. Apathis as always stood away from the rest of the party alone. As if he couldn't stand the sense of community there. Merlin sat alone before the fire with Lina laying on the otherside of the fire. Merlin looked at her as she lay in a peaceful deep sleep.

Merlin: Sleep. Perhaps the only fleeting moment and the only place to hide from the coming darkness. A place that for a little while we might forget our troubles.

Merlin sighed.

Merlin: But if Bazaal wins the peoples won't die. No. They will live on with out the rest of sleep, without the taste of food, with out peace of mind. Forever suffering in Bazaal's hands.

Reyuan emerged from his tent which was next to Ji'tory's tent. He walked over to Merlin.

Reyuan: How is Lina?

Merlin: More at peace than we are.

Reyuan: Merlin, you never told me the whole story of your past, how you knew Bazaal before.

Merlin: Do you really wish to know?

Reyuan: Please tell me.

Merlin: I once lived on a world not unlike this one. Though humanity was the only intellegent race that lived there. After I left my family I lived in a village by myself for a while as I was in the higher levels of education. Cathar was one of my strictest instructors. Not a bad man. But a man obsessed with knowledge. Even forbidden knowledge. For certain knowledge was forbidden by our people. Knowledge for instance on how to raise the undead. Cathar had a student named Bazaal. Bazaal and I never really met. He and I were just a couple of the many students at the Academy. But Bazaal became Cathar prize pupil and secretly Cathar and Bazaal studied the forbidden arts. Cathar may have taught Bazaal at one point, but Cathar was no where near as well endowed with ability to weild magic as Bazaal. Bazaal surpassed his teacher. Then using his teacher's obsession for knowledge he corrupted him to evil. But I know Cathar was already bordering it to begin with. During this time I fell in love with a woman. Her name was Anna. We were very much in love and were going to marry. Meanwhile Bazaal too had fallen in love, with his own power. His natural desires twisted. He became lustful. He sought out the most physically attractive woman at the Academy, Jezeba. She came under his influence and pushed her to become obsessed with her own power. Specifically he made her feel that she would have power if she could secceduce men. Still others gathered about him. Eventually, while I and Anna where falling in love, he was building a power center of 5 other people. The Dark Wizards. Then he set his plans in motion. That day I had gone out into the forest to gather some materials. Then his shadow of darkness fell across the land. It devestated the forest sorrounding the Academy. . . then it reached our village. I had just returned to the village and I saw Anna come out to meet me. Then we both saw the shadow start to fall. Neither of needed to speak, we could both feel something was terribly wrong. It started coming toward us and she started to run toward me and I toward her. . . .

Merlin pauses. He breathes deeply as if to calm himself.

Merlin: The shadow caught up to her.

Merlin stopped speaking again and swallows visibly. Then he just stared into the fire.

Merlin: The shadow fell over her. I saw her . . . suffer. Her skin cracked. . . she . . . she just screamed out my named in agony. . . my God, Reyuan, you have no idea what it is to see the woman you love suffer so horribly. It had only taken a second. She fell to the ground writhing in pain. I rush toward her headless of the shadow. To my suprise it only felt cold and evil to me, but it didn't harm me. As if someone was protecting me. Maybe it was God. But at the time I could only think of her. I reached and held her in my arms. Her skin cracked and bleeding. Tears fells from her eyes. She. . . she begged me to kill her. To end the pain. So I kissed her. Told her I loved her. Then I stepped away from her. . . raised my hands. And I let loose fire upon her. She stopped moving and her body just . . . just burned there in front of me. I fell to my knees and wept. . .

Merlin paused again.

Merlin: After this I got up and fled into the woods. Using a spell I had learned I opened a gateway to this world, then sealed it. I had lost my world, my people, . . . .Anna. I was alone in this world for a while. I created my citadel and prayed this day would never come. Now it has. Since I left Bazaal has grown only stronger, now I feel he doesn't even need the other five.

Reyuan: I'm sorry Merlin.

Merlin: No. Nothing to be sorry about. It was time I told my tale. But . . . I want you to take care of Ji'tory. I mean,-- If something should happen to me.

Reyuan: You really do love her as a father. Don't you?

Merlin: Like the daugher we . . .I mean, I never had.

Reyuan: You mean like you and Anna never had.

Merlin: Yes. Reyuan, I've lost everyone in my family. After I left my parents, Anna was my life. Once I lost her I was alone. You and the others are my friends. But I have no family. And I can never fall in love again like I did with Anna. I promised to marry her, and love no other woman. Even if death seperates us. I will keep that promise. Bazaal knows Ji'tory is to me the closest thing I have to family, however distant, that is why he attacked her. To get at me. And to also fufill his lust. I know she loves you. Take care of her Reyuan. For me.

Reyuan: I will.

[This message has been edited by Merlin (edited November 19, 1999).]

*The night fell on the camp Merlin and the party set up. They were resting from their hard day, preparing for even harder trials in the Misty Mountains. Apathis was not with them however. He had walked to a distance where they could not hear him. When he considered himself far enough away, he sat in a medatative position and closed his eyes. Inside his mind, he made a connection between him and Bazaal to report what he heared and accomplished as was ordered by Bazaal. The two dark wizards stood in the realm of the subconcious.*

Bazaal: "Have you carried out your plans as ordered?"

Apathis: "Yes Bazaal. I have gained the trust of Merlin's party, even when I used magic."

Bazaal: "FOOL! I told you not to use your powers! *Bazaal struck Apathis on the face* They are not to be underestimated, understand?"

Apathis: *coldly staring at Bazaal, but with a face of a child* "You don't understand at all. You CARE too much. About your power, about the destruction of Merlin at your hands. If you weren't so blind, you'd see that they'd destroy themselves."

Bazaal: *knowing he has the upper hand* "But you know that's a lie. You know as well as I that Merlin and his pathetic band could be trouble for us. But you can help me stop them.*with a stern voice* Remember the plan. And know what shall happen if you fail..."

*Apathis nods his head and his surroundings dissolve around him, revealing the barren woods and the Misty Mountains. In all of the confusion of his anger, Apathis seemed to be at a loss. He felt that Bazaal was perfectly right, but yet something didn't fit. He decided that he didn't need to care what happened, even if he was right and Bazaal would fall, Apathis knew that he could just walk away from it. Meanwhile, he thought he'd amuse himself by entering the subconcious of Merlin's cohorts again...*
-------------------------------------------
*Gebohq turned about in his sleep, dreaming about the prophecy. The being that came out of the eye. It kept telling him one would die. That Gebohq would die. Gebohq then snapped awake, with Scout looking at him.*

Scout: "You looked like you weren't getting a very good rest."

Gebohq: "What are you doing awake?"

Scout: "I can't sleep. I keep thinking about that prophecy-"

Gebohq: "I was dreaming about that too. I know it has to do with me."

Scout: "Why do you say that?"

Gebohq: "Because I just can't see any way around it. I don't know how else I could do the right thing."

*Merlin walks in, wondering what all the commotion is about.*

Merlin: "Gebohq, what is the problem?"

Gebohq: "It's about the prophecy. I'm sure it was meant for me."

Merlin: "Let me tell you a story about prophecies. There was once a great noble who was very content with his life. While coming from a battle with his friend, he came along these witches who told told him that he would become king and that his friend's sons would be kings. Most of us would dismiss this as lunacy, but the noble had always dreamt about being king, and felt that the witches had told him the truth. But since the king would have to be dead before a sucessor could come, the noble saw his only choice being to kill the king and take over the throne, not considering that he could dismiss the witches' prophecy. After making himself king, his friends' son overthrew him and took over. So you see, by listening to the prophecy, he brought about his own downfall."

Gebohq: "Your right. I don't know what came over me.*a thought entered Gebohq's head* But I feel as if I'm dead weight, that I'm not of any use. I can't compare to any of the others in your party."

Merlin: "Its not about what you can do physically Gebohq. Its about your intentions. As long as you serve for good, you will always be a hero."

*Gebohq then had a flashback, triggered by Merlin's words. He remembered his training with his mentor, how to wield and use weapons, how to defend himself, how to use the power of his enemy against him, and at the same time giving Gebohq words of wisdom. He remembered one time when he had failed a particular training excersise, he became angry at himself. His mentor put down his staff and told him about how his power was from the inside and how good would win over evil because evil could never be strong with the power within. Gebohq then came out of his flashback, looked at Merlin, who reminded him so much of his mentor, and smiled.*

Gebohq: "Thanks Merlin."

*And with that, Gebohq fell fast asleep, dreaming of his training days.*

[This message has been edited by Gebohq (edited November 20, 1999).]

Ping sat up away from the fire in a perpetual watch. He watched over the company. He wasn't alone though. Every once in a while another member of the party would wake up and keep watch with him. Being a computer, he didn't need sleep. But he wasn't by far perfect. He couldn't watch everything at once. Tonight Dragonfly was up with him. Here at the base of the mountains the night was dark. Well night is usually dark, yes, but there was an obvious gloom tonight. Maybe it was an atmosphereic effect due to the mineral content of the reddish mountains and the lack of wind due to the mountains and the forest acting as barriers to other conditions. OR, it could just be evil.

Ping amused himself by floating a few feet off the ground and playing with the flames in the fire. So far the various members of the party had been assaulted by various visions and illusions. Except for himself.

As if on cue the world melted away before Ping and he found that there was only darkness. What he monitored was a dimentional shift. He was alone. He still sat in his crosslegged position and still exerted the energy needed to float. Trying not to show anykind of alarm he searched his surroundings. It was an empty void. In the distance a bright light appeared and drew closer. But it was a cold light. There was no warmth in it. It took very little guessing what was behind it. Ping watched in boredom and the light did various special effects. Finally the figure of a woman stepped out of the light. The only way that you could tell she was a woman was: one: she had long hair, but that wasn't much, Ping had long hair too. And secondly her facial structure was soft like a woman's. Other than that she wore very modest long robes that covered her entire body save for her head. She was nothing but white. She was beautiful.

Ping faked a yawn and rested his head in his hands. "It's about time one of you guys tried this stuff on me." he said sheepishly.

She simply laughed. The sound of falling water was her laugh, beautiful, but not pure.

Ping was taken aback, but quickly regained his composure. "You know I thought all the Dark Wizards were accounted for. There were six but one was killed."

"You don't think that Bazaal would replenish his number?" She said. She walked around off Ping's side. Ping didn't move an inch but still followed her with his eyes. "Bazaal's been watching you, you know. Ever since you left those mountains and met that little girl. Really I don't know what Bazaal sees in her." Ping was sort of frozen in place by her comments. "Ever felt as if there were eyes on your back?" Ping suddenly felt the same sensation he felt so long ago when he entered the elven forest. The feeling that someone was watching him. He hunched his shoulders a little. She laughed at him.

Even though he couldn't see her, he could feel her reaching out to him. He waited in smugness for the energy discharge to shock her. That was the way if he didn't make that part of his body tangible. The recipient would touch his true body and would be burnt by the electricity. To his extreme surprise she touched his shoulder without event. "Bazaal knows that you are different from the rest. You are not physical. Not flesh." She said into his ear. Ping listened on in interest. She continued walking around him. "He's been watching and studying you. He has only recently come to know how you are created. But to know you completely he had to create an imitation of you." Ping started to feel a sinking feeling inside himself. She continued to walk around him. She finally stood before him. "He had the others using up most of their spare time creating the objects needed to make such a thing. But he made it. A small accomplishment for such a great wizard. It runs on magical energy. Not what makes you run. But now he knows you inside and out." She whipped aroung and got right in Ping's face. "He even knows your weakness." She said near a whisper. "And has created me to exploit that weakness."

"So you're like me. In some way. Only created by magic." Ping_Me said.

"Yes." she said standing up. "Bazaal didn't know how to fight you so he created an immitation of you."

"So now I suppose that you're going to destroy me?"

"NO! No, no, no, no!" she laughed as if he was being foolish. "I don't have much free will, but I like you. Bazaal ordered me to remove you in some way or another from this whole situation. Come with me. We can leave all of this behind. I know that you have no capacity for love but I can change that."

This really got Ping's attention. "huh!?"

She sat next to Ping and elevated up to where he was. "You were created without the capacity for passionate love. But I can change that."

"You can't change that! I can't change that! Only my creator can. but she's dead!"

She touched Ping's face. "Nothing is beyond the power of magic... So what do you say?"

Ping looked away from her. He wrestled with himself. He could be happy with love. And also to love someone who is like himself. But this world was threatened by the same evil that wanted to give him this happiness. The evil that had plaged Merlin, ruined his life and happiness. How could he expect happiness out of her who was created by such evil...

He stood in the void and looked down at her. "Never..."

She looked depressed and stood too. "I was ordered to destroy you when I met you. But I like you too much. I was cretaed like you so Bazaal could understand you, but I think I understand you better. I will let you think on the matter. I will return to the castle. Bazaal will punish me when I return." she winced slightly. She walked away into the light and Ping found himself back at the camp. Everyone was up and about in confusion.

Merlin was the first to notice his reappearance and spoke. "Ping_Me what happened? Dragonfly said you dissapeared and we've been looking for you!"

Ping said nothing and stared at the fire.

They pressed him for an answer. "What happened?"

"I was having a good look at myself."

(non-story reply)

I've edited my last 2 posts to fix some MAJOR grammer errors along with adding dialog to make them more understandable. Great addition Ping, I have to wonder about this creation that was made in the likeness of you, her intentions, and if she in fact exists...got to be parinoid and suspisious with everything. And has anyone else gotten a newfound feeling of good out of this story. In yourselves I mean. This story really made me think, I was just wondering if I'm alone or not.

Ping sat back and watched the fire blaze. He suddenly came to the realization that he didn't even get her name...

(author was stupid enough to froget to include it. and too lazy to go back and change it.)

---

[This message has been edited by bug (edited November 20, 1999).]

Q. how much wood would a wood chuck chuck if a wood chuck could chuck wood?

A. A wood chuck would chuck lots of wood if a wood chuck could chuck wood.

[This message has been edited by bug (edited November 20, 1999).]

I'm going to blame IE. I normally use netscape, and nothing like this ever happens to me. Netscape has been crashing on me for the last few days and for that I'm going to blame Microsoft. (they should be called Macrosoft)

[This message has been edited by bug (edited November 20, 1999).]

smile test -

[This message has been edited by bug (edited November 20, 1999).]

while everyone rests bug sneaks off into the forest. Getting out of the light of the camp fire he dissapears into the night. After walking for about a kilometer he stops and pulls 7 black pebbles out of his pocket. Breaking a small branch off a nearby tree he draws a circle in the ground, and places the pebbles around the outside. Stepping back he waits. A few seconds later a small light appears in the middle of the circle. I grows, then streching vertically, it folds itself over and stables itself into the shape of a doorway. The dark figure of Carnid walks through the doorway and looks at bug.

Carnid: "So, you have come back. Good"

Bug: "Please, just let me go back. (bowing down) Please! I love Bazaal. He is my master. I will do anything he says"

Carnid kicks bug and stares at him with contempt.

Carnid: "Get up! Bazaal will decide what to do with you, not me. Now you will follow me, or I will report this behavior to Bazaal.

Bug shudders and follows Carnid back through the portal. The portal closes, and Bug and Carnid are in the Bazaal's dark fortress. Walking through the lower levels, they pass group after group of Bazaal's undead workers. Slaving away, they dig continuesly under the watchful eye of Bazaal's propraganda. Along the walls, posters of Bazaal stare at you from every direction. "Big Brother is watching you" they read. Climbing out of the sublower areas of Bazaal's fortress they come up to the dungeons. Bug already knows where they are going. Walking to the far end of the dungeon Carnid opens the thick vault door. The bare room inside looks like a tomb. Bug stops at the doorway.

Bug: "I'm not going in there."

Carnid: "Bazaal feels you're not loyal enough. Now GET IN"

Giving bug a shove into the room he slams the door behind him, sealing bug inside. Bug whimpers and craws into a corner of the room. Time starts to pass. Fighting off sleep bug struggles to stay awake. However, it is of little use. Like being sedated he soon drifts off into a deep sleep.

He is still in the tomb. Both his body and his mind are in the tomb, but they are not in the same one. His body is in the real one, and his mind is in one of Bazaal's imagination. It exists like a dream, invented by Bazaal long it resides in the real tomb. Not being real, it can't be escaped. You can't be killed in it either, but there are things far worse than death. Bazaal's voice suddenly comes into bug's head.

Bazaal: "Hello bug, it's nice to see you back here again."

Bug: "What do you want. I've done everything you asked."

Bazaal: "Yes bug. I know. Not a very difficult task, as all I did was ask you to keep an eye on merlin. I was just testing to see if your loyality would falter when you were around them."

Bug: "I am loyal. I will do anything you ask"

Bazaal: "Would you kill merlin?"

Bug: "Yes"

Bazaal: "How about the rest of the party. Would you kill them all, slowly, making them all suffer at your hands."

Bug: "Yes, anything, just please don't make me go through those dreams again."

Bazaal: "I am very glad bug. You know what I do to those who aren't loyal to me. However, I still have doubts. I don't want to make you go through this again bug, but it is for your own good. I am going to leave you alone now bug. Remember, I will give you a chance to prove your loyality soon, and if you are loyal you will never have to go through this again."

Bazaal's mind exits bugs head and the world around bug begins to shift.

------------------
Good pitching can always stop good hitting and vice versa.
- Yogi Berra?

--That was great Ping_me! I would have never though of creating a charcter like that.--

Ji'tory dreamed. She finds herself in a dark place. She is sitting there calmly. She knows she is in her own mind. She feels safe there, somewhat. From the darkness she sees Bazaal emerge. He begins to walk toward her. She backs away from him in terror.

Ji'tory: No. Stay away from me!

Bazaal suddenly stops. Then he raps his knuckle on what looks like empty air and growls angrily. Ji'tory realized Merlin's barrier was still there. Bazaal couldn't touch her.

Bazaal: That's right, I can't touch you. So you know I can't have you as I almost did that night. But Avenger walked in! . . . . . . . But while I can't take your mind. . . you are in fact with your every step coming closer to me physically as you walk to my castle. Oh, I'll make sure you aren't hurt along the way. I want you nice and pretty when you reach me.

He smiles wickedly.

Bazaal: Once you and Merlin arrive I will enjoy it greatly. If it works out well I may make him watch us when I take you. Then maybe i'll kill him. Or maybe just blind him like Jason, so that it will be the last thing he sees. Then once Merlin is broken or dead. Or both. Then. . . then sweet Ji'tory, i'll find away to break this barrier. Then i'll have not only you body, but your mind as well!

Ji'tory recoils in fear. She shuts her eyes and covers her ears. But it doesn't block out Bazaal's voice.

Bazaal: Once I have your mind, then you won't struggle every time I have you. Then you'll worship me! Then when ever I want it, you'll be my slave. . . maybe I won't kill Merlin. If I can break this barrier first. . . how it will break Merlin's spirits to see the girl he love as his daughter willing make love to me! I knew from the moment I saw you in that forest I would have my desire.

Ji'tory (a half crying whimper): No. . .

Bazaal: YES! And remeber my little slave, every step you take brings you closer to me. Soon it will all be over.

Bazaal's laughter echoed and Ji'tory woke up screaming. Reyuan enters her tent followed by Merlin. Reyuan goes to Ji'tory's side. She starts to cry.

Reyuan: What's wrong?

Ji'tory puts her arms around him and cries even more.

Merlin (softly but with an edge of anger): Bazaal.

Reyaun: You don't mean he. . .

Merlin: No. He couldn't have gotten through the barrier I put up. At least not while I live.

Ji'tory: He told me *sob* what he was going to *sob* do to me!

Ji'tory begins to cry again on Reyuan's sholder. Reyuan just holds her. Merlin sadly, knowing there was nothing he could do to comfort her that was not being done by Reyuan already, he withdrew from the tent quietly.

*pulls plugs out of ears to keep the swelling of his head down*

Thanks guys! Though I feel it's a little vain making a copy of my character....