Sensei kakashi
04-08-2007, 10:44 PM
Book One: A Rift in The Vortex
The Beginning…
The blame of this disaster must fall on that of the rift itself, the false savior, promising freedom and peace and delivering only conflict and agony. It appeared in the midst of a struggle on our home world, Earth. The rift was a powerful anomaly. For a while it lay hidden, watching the sufferings around it. It so happens that the instigator was not the rift itself, but the First himself. He stumbled upon the rift, releasing its powers. He tumbled through it and found himself here. The new world was solemn. The air clean, the beasts living in peace, the soil ripe and fertile. The First decided to call this new world the Vortex. He declared it a peaceful refuge from the hardships Earth had brought. And he built it into a thriving society existing in peace and solitude.
The rift itself had expanded, and its powers flooded through the world. Many people died and were consumed by the anomaly. It grew larger and stronger, day after day. Many people did survive though. They were sent to the Vortex. There they met the first and he welcomed them in. the more people that were sent through, the larger the Firsts society grew. He soon found himself the leader of a powerful nation.
Fearing that this nation would crumble into the strife that ended their home world, the First took drastic actions. He stripped each person of his or her name, and instead let them choose a new title. He then split his nation into five clans. At the head of each clan he put his most trusted members. Each clan broke away from the township and moved into a more suitable location. They coexisted for many moons.
The Lorehold, a powerful society that dwelled on the cliffs overlooking the plains. They were lead by the mighty Luthervamplord, blessed with the vamperic touch. Their members grew stronger as their ranks filled. Luther, disobeying the First, began to infect his members. Their lust and hunger fuelled their powers. They would scour the vortex looking for the new members the rift deposited. Soon the whole clan was connected through the mind of their leader. They did however respect the other clans. They traded regularly the materials they gathered with their brother clans and lived in relative peace with all.
South of the plains resided the DeckMechs. They lived in the black swamp under their leader, Neuromancer. They began to experiment with their surroundings. They tested out many theories and passed their findings on to the other clans. Through their work, the life of the people on the Vortex began to grow easier and more plentiful.
In the Snowy Mountains far off to the distance, the Order thrived. They took their own knowledge and began to make mechanical monstrosities. Lead by the demon Yawgmoth, the clan grew and grew. Many members fused themselves with their creations. They became strong, fast, and even resistant to the blinding cold they lived in. They mined raw material and shipped all over the vortex. They used their creations to harvest lumber, grow food, and catch wild game. The other clans soon became dependent on the Order for many things.
The League of Defilement made its way east, to the Great Quarry. They mined stones, gems, and metals which they traded to the other clans for what they needed to survive. They were lead by The_Defiler, blessed with the powers of the demon Rakdos himself. Other than to get the means of survival, the league stayed away from all others. They built craven images and held ritualistic dances and ceremonies. They believed in sacrifice, strength, and power. The other clans soon began to refer to the League as savages and would keep their distance. Everyday new members would flock to the Defiler to gain entry into his clan.
The final clan was known as the Wizards. It was compiled of the most powerful members the rift had brought. Lead by Stolin, a wise and charismatic individual, they were the unofficial police force on the Vortex. They lived on the plains and made sure the clans worked in peace. The First adopted the name Streetz and stayed with the Wizards to watch over his world.
Over the years the clans became violent towards one another. The Lorehold became power hungry and sought to control the others. The DeckMechs became more secluded and started hording their experiment and technologies. The League became more violent and started attacking any who came near. But what started the war came from the Order. Their leader fell ill. His powers would weaken day after day. Soon the machines that fueled much of the daily life on the Vortex shut down. The mountains were soon littered with heaps of rusted, frozen metal. Their bodies buried beneath snow and frost. The order began to retreat further into the mountains just to survive. War seemed to be inevitable.
While the Wizards battled the other clans everyday, trying to hold them off and keep the peace, Streetz made a desperate attempt at survival. He created a special society. He inducted members and gave them special powers. He called them the moderators; their job was to keep the peace and order in the Vortex. He then put himself and most of the Wizards into a deep sleep beneath the ground.
The moderators lived true to their word and settled the clans down. The fear of what they could do was more than enough to grant them true power. Their very presence seemed to keep the peace, at least for a while.
Just when war seemed adverted, the unthinkable happens. A member of the Order leaves the mountains and heads to the dark forest. He begins to create a society around him. Members old and new flocked to him. He preached about freedom, power, and strength. Over just a few days he had created a cult following. He proclaimed himself the leader of a new clan, which he named the brotherhood. They lived in secret, shouting their names to the sky and then vanishing into the forest. They began their own rituals, their own ceremonies. Using his knowledge of the Order, their leader was able to make his clan powerful quickly. To signify his leadership over the clan he began to refer to himself as the father. Abandoning the name given to him by Streetz himself, he made himself into the picture of perfection. DeathbyBirdy had betrayed his brothers, and became the leader of the most violent, insane, and powerful clan in the entire Vortex. He clung to his earth name and it soon became the chant of his followers.
With Streetz and the Wizards sleeping, Rail had begun the war that still echoes through the Vortex today. The blood his clan spilt came fast and without warning. The beginning of the Clan Wars…
Chapter One
The morning sky was gloomy and dull, the dark clouds hiding a pale grey sky. Sk looked up in search of the sun. He couldn’t find it. Wiping his brow he trudges along through the foot high snow. He travels past the mounds of metal, rust, and ice, past rocky outcrops, and into a dark cave. He emerges from the tunnel into a more or less hidden valley. The Order’s main settlement stood before him. While covered with endless snow and fighting freezing temperatures it was at least protected from the un-relentless winds the mountains seemed so fond of. He stumbled into the camp and dropped his pack in front of the supply tent. The cold showed in his cheeks as he took a seat by the fire.
“Is this all you found?” PerfectCell grunted after looking through the sack. “Your slacking scrapmeat.”
“There’s nothing out there,” Sk stuttered through chatting teeth, “what the snow doesn’t hide the buzzards pick clean. The frost seems to be lasting longer than last-“
“I don’t care how hard it is to find!” PC yelled while throwing the sack to the ground. A few green plants and some frozen scraps fell out into the snow. “It’s your job to find food. If you keep failing we might as well just eat you.”
“PefectCell! Settle down. Stop taking your anger out on the clan.” YWN emerged from a tent. The mechanical implants on his face gleaming with frost and snow. PC took a deep breath and picked up the sack.
“I’m sorry; I just wish the frost would recede already.”
“We all do. This year seems to have brought in a long winter. Just give it some time I’m sure it will clear up. Until then we will just send the foragers down further to scout.” PC took the few supplies into the tent to store. YWN sighed and took a seat next to Sk.
“I did look. A lot of what I found was to dead to use.” Sk rubbed his hands together to warm them up. CJS took a seat across from him and handed the two newcomers a drink.
“Today’s not looking too bright eh? It’s a real bugger too, I was looking forward to the sun.” he said as he took a seat.
“Don’t get to comfy you two.” YWN said taking a sip from the drink. “There have been reports of unusual activity in the rock quarry. I want you two to go check things out. Having the League go on another one of its rampages is the last thing we need.”
“Why should we care what they do?” Sk asked.
“Right now we can’t even support ourselves. I don’t want the league coming up here and causing trouble. Just go find out what they are up to and report back.”
“Don’t you think you should send someone a bit higher up then us?” CJS said. Sk nodded in agreement and YWN chuckled.
“Don’t get cold feet. If I am going to send someone on a suicide mission I don’t send those I need. But don’t worry it should be easy. Ill make sure someone else comes to keep an eye on you. But you better get moving before the winds pick up.” YWN set down the empty cup and walked back to his tent. CJS and Sk looked at each other and sighed.
“And I thought today couldn’t get any worse.” Sk said. “I’m way too tired for this.”
“You could always get some new parts. Perhaps a mechanical arm? Or some cranium implants? I bet that would be an improvement.” CJS ducked the mug Sk threw and started toward the tunnel entrance. “We better get moving.” Sk picked himself up and followed. At the entrance to the cave they met up with Mad Mat.
“Well let’s get moving we have a long way to go.”
“You’re coming with us?” Sk asked. “I thought you didn’t go off the mountain anymore.”
“Less questions. Don’t waste your energy talking. And try not to attract any attention.”
The trio set off down the slopes of the mountain, their footing constantly challenged by the icy paths and blinding wind. Eventually they made it to the base of the mountain in one piece. Their journey set them along the base of the mountain to the top of the quarry. It was well after midnight when they reached their goal.
“They sure have a lot of bon fires going.” Sk said as he looked out at their ceremony.
“I think it’s their festival. Look there!” Mad mat pointed to a bon fire bigger than the rest. Around it was twenty odd cultists, dancing and chanting. Littering the ground were scraps of dark cloth, bones, and blood.
“Those are the robes of the brotherhood.” Sk looked closer. “It looks like they had three of four of them.”
“Their all dead now. Tucked away in the bellies of these monsters.” Mad Mat said with a scowl. He quickly motioned for the others to be quiet and backed deeper into the shadows. From off to the parties left three figures broke from the shadows. They traveled quickly down the side of the mountain and right into the Leagues festival. They moved with such speed the cultists had no time to react. With wild screams the figures threw them selves at the biggest fires. When they touched the flames their bodies blew up in a blast of fire and light. The cultists around the blast sites flew in all directions, some being torn apart, others smashing head first into the ground or another body. The destruction seemed to leave the league’s members in a wild bloodlust. They screamed and chanted louder than before. The trio quickly ran as far away from the scene as possible.
“What the ‘ell was that?” Panted CJS when they were far enough away.
“I think it was the brotherhood.” Sk gasped.
“Are you sure?” Mad mat asked. Sk nodded. “Then we may have just seen the beginnings of a clan war. What do you think they used?”
“It was a complex assortment of blasting powder, iron, and some new liquid from the Mech Facility.” The trio spun around to come face to face with a dozen odd cultists. Each one had streaks of blood red paint all down their body. They smiled and grunted at the party. Saint Jimmy stood at the front of the group. “It seems the brotherhood wants to start trouble.”
“I can’t blame them. You did just devour some of their members.” Mad Mat stated. “I’d want to blow you monsters up too after seeing that destruction.”
“You will be quiet or I’ll stop holding these ‘monsters’ as you call them from doing the exact same thing to you.” SJ said with a scowl. The cultists behind him moaned with anticipation.
“Now, now, no need to be unfriendly here right Jimmy.” Sk said while pulling Mad Mat back.
“Ah Sk. It’s been a while.”
“Not long enough. Where would the brotherhood get explosives like that?” Sk asked.
“Oh… it seems they sent a scouting party in to steal them from us. A few got away but I think you saw what happened to the rest. I believe they still have quite a bit somewhere. I have no idea what they could be using it for but The league won’t wait to find out. The Brotherhood and anyone who stands in our way will pay with blood and flesh.”
“You’re not going to start a war-“Sk started.
“You better leave.” SJ interrupted. “Since it’s you Ill let you go, this once. But don’t come back. Or ill kill you myself.” SJ and the band of onlookers retreated back to the quarry.
“What was that?” Mad Mat said. The trio looked at each other, shrugged, then turned off into the night. The darkness seemed to swallow them up. Their departure masked with the sounds of howling and yells from behind.
Chapter Two
High above in the cliffs surrounding the quarry, a shadowy figure watches the events unfold. He sifts his foot and dust is swept along the wind.
What do you see?
“The Brotherhood has begun its assault my master. It seems the order has somehow become involved.”
Do they pose a threat to us?
“The league and the Brotherhood will fight just as we planned. They pose no threat to us. However the order has stuck their noses where it doesn’t belong. They shouldn’t be a problem but I will watch them.”
Good. Soon the League and the Brotherhood will be in full war. We will swoop down and destroy them in one move. Soon we will rule with more power then even Streetz could hope to wield.
“Yes my master. This is a glorious day for the Lorehold.” The figure said out loud. The cliffs around him bare and empty.
I do not want interruptions. If they cause any problems destroy them.
“Yes my master.” Michael_Zeora Watched the trio as they were swallowed up by the darkness. He glanced at the destruction caused by the Brotherhood. He grinned at the thought of the war to come, and of the power he will soon hold. It would not be long until every clan was under the power of his master. With a wave of his cloak he was gone, no evidence he had ever been there left behind. Far below the quarry stirred with excitement. An evil aura erupted from the ground and the wind echoed with hideous laughter.
Chapter Three
The creatures that dwelled in the swamp were always restless. The fear of being hunted was with every being that traveled through the murky waters. Even the slightest ripple on the surface was enough to send any creature into panic. As the early morning sun swept through the reeds a group of people watched an event unfold. Yezzandrix set a box down on a tree stump and began to calculate figures on a pad.
“How are the weather conditions today?” Wugga asked from his position at a portable console.
“Things seem to be in order. I believe the conditions are more than adequate for this experiment.” Yezz replied not taking his eyes off the pad. “We have just one more factor before we can begin.” As if on cue a hidden door in the base of a large tree opened. Out stepped a figure in a gleaming white and silver coat. He wore a look of utter excitement as he stepped into the light.
“How goes the preparations?” Neuromancer asked.
“We are ready to begin sir.” Yezz replied. With a nod from the newcomer he input a series of numbers on the box’s lid. It slowly opened with a hiss. Out flew a dozen swamp mosquitoes. The newly released bugs flew around in a daze. Each one has on it a glowing band so the onlookers could keep track of it. Of the twelve released only one survived long enough to land on a group of fungi growing wild in the swamp. The bug injected the mushroom with something and then flew off. It didn’t make it far before it was caught in a spider’s web. The group paid it no attention, they keep their eyes on the infected vegetation. Within seconds it began to grow in size. It took on a more lovely appearance and even managed to move a little. Unfortunately it reached the peak of its growth at about three feet. Within minutes of its mutation it began to revert back to its original state. Its cells could not take it and began to break up. It was soon lost to the bottom of the waters.
“Well that could have gone better.” Wugga said from his seat at the console. He had recorded every aspect of the experiment and was reviewing the data.
“Nonsense. It went just as planned. It seems we will need to up the dosage a little.” Neuromancer said to the group.
“Yes sir. The only hard part will be not killing the bugs in the process. I am confident we will soon correct this problem.” Yezz stated as he picked up the box. The group flocked to the door and within seconds the swamp was deadly still. The only sound was the moans of the trapped bug and of the spider enjoying breakfast.
Deep underground, the Mech Facility was a bustle of energy. Everywhere you look people were performing some research. The group that had just returned made it’s was to a back lab. Along the way Tekkactus joined them and began a whispered conversation with Neuromancer.
“Sir there has been a problem.” He said through clenched teeth. Neuromancer looked at him for a second and then turned to the group.
“I will be with you shortly.” As the group left, he and Tekk made their way to a high office overlooking the facility. As the door closed Neuromancer sat down at his deck and looked at Tekk. “What happened”
“It’s about the shipment of Goliath Serum. It never made its way to the Third Lab. It seems it was intercepted by the Brotherhood.” Tekk said in a hushed tone.
Neuromancer stood up and looked out at the facility. “How did this happen? Will was supervising the shipment.”
“It seems he was killed in the raid. My scouting party found what was left after the Brotherhood had attacked. It wasn’t a pretty site.”
“Blast that Vampire.” Neuromancer said with a scowl.
“Sir?”
“Nothing. Get working on making a new batch. We will still need to get some out to the Lab. I will also want any unusual reports in the next few days. If the Brotherhood stole it then they may use it. If so I don’t want to be connected in any way.”
“Yes sir, I will get right on it.” Tekk left the room with a bow and Neuromancer was left alone. He clenched his fists and stared out the window.
“This had better not be your doing Luther, or you can consider our deal finished.” Neuromancer whispered to himself. From the back of his mind he could have sworn he heard laughing.
Chapter Four
The small party fled through the night in silence. Mad Mat was an experienced fighter. The order had taught him well. However, even he found himself having trouble keeping up with the other two. While not thought of much in the clan, out in the field his companions’ true potential shown brightly. Each moved with the grace of a well trained scout, never leaving a trail, never missing a beat. He would be sure to mention their skills to Yawgmoth when they got back.
After a while they entered a small clearing and Mad Mat stopped. The other two quickly stopped behind him with bewildered looks on their face.
“What is it mate?” CJS asked.
“Shhh” Mad Mat said to him and placed his finger on his ear.
”An attack on our frontal stronghold…. Overpowered the sentries… ordered to meet up in sector two…” Mal’s voice flooded through the receiver in Mad Mat’s head. He turned to look at the other two.
“It looks like there’s also been an attack on the Order’s front. The brotherhood is starting a full war with all the clans.” He said.
“What?” Shouted Sk. “No… they can’t be that stupid. How could they pull two attacks off at the same time?”
“They must have greater numbers then we thought. The show at the quarry was one thing, but attacking us has to take a lot of planning. What could that idiot Rail be thinking.” Mad Mat replied.
“What are we going to do?” Sk said.
“We’ve been told to report to the base in sector two incase they continue along.” The trio made off into the night. Their minds flooded with what happened. Fear of what the future held weighed heavy on their minds.
It didn’t take long to reach the abandoned outpost at the base of the mountains. The Order made sure to set facilities, bases, and outposts all over the mountain. They were even rumored to have secluded safe houses for times of emergency. When they came across the site they gasped. The building lie smoldering. Half-burt and the other half gone, blow apart with some blast. The mechanical sentries lie broken and in pieces all around the site. Two half-consumed bodies were all that remained to prove the Brotherhood had even been there.
“Those are the robes of the Brotherhood.” Mad Mat said inspecting the bodies.
“Impeccable fashion sense eh?” CJS said while he surveyed the surrounding area. “Found some tracks. There leading off north.”
“Towards the base. Let’s go. They might need us.” Mad Mat walked through the wreckage and tore open a cupboard. He pulled out two deadly looking guns and a sword. He pulled out some small containers and started charging up the guns. “We might as well go armed.” He threw one of the guns to CJS and the sword to Sk. “I hope you know how to use those.”
“What do you want me to do butter them toast?” Sk said while strapping the sword to his back.
“Don’t be jealous mate. I’ll make sure to leave you some.” CJS said with a smile as he cocked the gun.
“eh… laugh now. We’ll see who’s laughing when we get there.” Sk replied with a grin.
“Girls, are we finished here? Can we go, or are you two going to chat some more?” Mad mat said as he threw the gun over his shoulder. The trio ran off along the trail with their newly acquired armaments. Their only fear is that they would arrive too late.
A figure stood high above them on a snowy bluff. Bright green eyes shown from under her hood. They followed the trio as they made their way up the path.
“Company?” Said a figure behind her.
“Looks like some stragglers returning from a tea party.” Rail walked forward and looked out to the night.
“Let them come then. Tonight the order loses one demon. They might as well be here to see it.” He laughed and then walked back into the darkness. The Arquimancer Priest looked back at the trio. The snow began to slowly fall from the darkness.
“They could be fun.” The snow kept falling slowly. It made the perfect cover for the shadowy figures that advanced on the Order’s facility. The solitude of the mountain would not last for long. The Brotherhood would make sure of that.
Chapter Five
The sun peaked out from behind a cloud as the trio came within site of the small hut. From what they could see it was still in one piece. However the quiet made them nervous. They continued on silently ever vigilant. They were within feet of the door without incident.
“Don’t move!” Mad Mat found a gun aimed at his head and two mechanical Sentries behind him.
“Hey there PC. Glad to see your still here.” Mad Mat managed to say. PerfectCell lowered his weapon and motioned to the guards to move back.
“Took you long enough. What did you do, Stop to pick flowers?”
“Yeah we thought you’d like some mate.” CJS said as he pushed his way inside. Inside the hut five others had gathered. YWN and Mal talked quietly next to a control panel while Reapandplant assembled a weapon like the one Mad Mat was carrying. Dreager Ex stood nearby keeping watch. He glanced up and nodded at the newcomers. In the corner a cloaked figure crouched. The trio looked around and breathed a sigh of relief. They had made it in time. No sooner had they sat down then a clicking came from a panel.
“Their coming.” Said Dreager. The others looked at each other and sprung into action. They all went outside and took positions in the snow banks around the base. Dreager stayed inside to monitor the sentries and operate the defenses.
From the south a wave of black washed over the white mountain. A score of hooded figures walked quietly towards the base. They stopped a good distance from where the Order had set up its defenses. Rail lowered his hood and wiped the snow off of a rusting Phyrexian Walker.
“Your Order has not done a very good job keeping its toys online.” He called out to the hut. His voice echoed around the mountains. “I hope you have something better in there otherwise this will be too easy.”
The cloaked figure walked calmly into the light. The others gasped as he walked right out into the open. The cloak fluttered in the wind as an eerie voice echoed from under the hood.
“You will see what power we still have today fool. Your arrogance will not spare you the death you have earned.” The figure removed the cloak and stretched his neck. The entire mountain seemed to shake at the arrival of the demon himself. The Order’s leader stood fully erect in the sunlight. Fear loomed in the eyes of each brotherhood member. All except for one.
“Hello again demon.” Rail said through an evil smirk. “I’m glad you could join us.”
“I pity those that smile at their own death human. You have betrayed and attacked us. The time for talking is over.” Yawgmoth spread his arms and bellowed out a roar. Rail seemed unshaken.
“But I brought you such a nice present. Don’t you want to see it?” Two members scurried out carrying a large crate. They set it down and ran off back into the group. Rail walked up to it and kicked one side off. “These were found in the Temple of Okina in the forest. In a dark tomb overgrown with weeds. I thought of you when I first saw them.” Rail removed the rest of the crate to show three stones. The sight of them seemed to send a chill down Yawgmoth’s spine. “You recognize them then?”
“Those are stones from the first circle.” Yawgmoth whispered.
“Yes. The first circle of protection. It was black I believe. Very powerful magic. Although I seem to remember most of the wizards who used the circles ended up killing themselves. No worries though, I wont be the one to step in this one.” The stones began to issue forth a bright light. A slight humming came from them as the light increased. “As soon as you’re out of the picture your precious Order will fall.” With these words the mob of the brotherhood began to charge. As Yawgmoth moved forward to intercept them he was surrounded by a circle of light. The circle closed around him and he stood motionless.
“Master!” Yelled Mal as he and the others ran into the fray. The demon was fully enclosed in the circle, unable to help his comrades in the battle. The few Order members fought against the swarm of brotherhood peons. Their few remaining mechanical creations blasted, crushed, and grinded away at their enemies. But the numbers were on the side of the robed figures. Rail walked up to the trapped demon and looked him right in the face.
“I have one more present for you.” He put his hand on Yawgmoth’s chest and smiled. Instantly the demon screamed in pain. A black seal appeared on his chest and began to grow over his body. “A gift from house Dimir.” Rail backed away from the demon as his screams grew louder. The Order members heard their master’s cries and came running. Unfortunately the demon was now under the effect of a seal of doom. His body began to disinigrate right in front of the onlookers. In a flash Mal was at his side. His robotic arm wrapped around his master as he fought off the brotherhood.
“Mal. You must destroy the Brotherhood. Make them pay.” Yawgmoth yelled.
“No… That’s your job.” Mal smiled as Yawgmoth’s eyes began to fog. With one move Mal forced himself into the circle. With one push he forced Yawgmoth out. The demon flew three yards before crashing in the snow. His body half gone already from the seal, and his strength draining. Mal was now fully consumed in the circle and had taken the seal on himself. With eyes glaring at the leader of the Brotherhood Mal yelled a bloodcurdling roar and his body was engulfed in flames. The resulting explosion extended in all directions. Many of the Brotherhood were killed instantly. Most were scattered. The fighting had stopped for a short period as all contenders lay on the ground after the blast. YWN quickly picked himself up and ran to the fallen demon. He picked Yawgmoth up and made his way away from the fighting. A few of the surviving members of the Order followed him.
CJS had long since snuck off. He was currently making his way down the mountain. The blast wave shook the snow around him and made his ears ring. He looked up at the sky with a sigh. “I think its time for a drink.” He swaggered along towards the sea with a dumb look on his face.
The blast had also sent Sk flying. He slammed into a rock and was knocked into a daze. His body slid on the snow until it fell over a cliff. He tumbled down the slope for a ways until he was lodged under a mound of snow. His mind went black as the ringing in his ears grew ever louder.
Up at the Order base chaos soon brought rain to order. The Remaining brotherhood members scavenged the remains. The building had been dismantled during the shock. Dreager lie dead on the floor, a metal pole impaling his side. Most of the equipment in the building was broken and useless, damaged from the explosion.
The Brotherhood quickly rounded up the only surviving Order member. After the blast most of them ran off into the surrounding wilderness. Mad Mat however was trapped under some large pieces of the buildings roof. His right arm was broken and he had a huge gash on his head. He was brought before Rail and set on the round breathing heavy.
“It seems your comrades have abandoned you. Tell me where they took the demon.” He said to the prisoner. Mad mat tried to say something but the words wouldn’t come. During the attack one of his ribs pierced his lung. He fell to the ground coughing up blood. “What a pity. He’s of no use to me, have your fun.” Rail waved to the Priest and walked toward the building. The bright green eyes flooded over Mad Mat’s body. She knelt down and whispered in his ear.
“Do you like pain? I think of it as a gateway to death. A person can only take so much before he is crying for the dark gates to close on his soul. Let’s see how long it takes before your begging for deaths cold grip shall we.”
The mountain lie dormant after the explosion. The birds would have been startled and the mountains would have rang with the sounds of tortured screaming and painful wailing if the sound was able to come. Instead it lie silent. Unaware of the pain being inflicted within its boundaries.
Chapter Six
[Password Required]
[……. Initiating…..]
[Accepted…………]
_____Records_____
[14.25.267]
[14.25.266]
[14.25.265]
[……. Security Logs…. 14.25.266…. Connection… In Progress…]
The rocky surface glinted from the morning sun’s light. A few birds chirped in the distance, their happy sounds masking the oncoming destruction. Shadows moved along the ground toward a stone wall. To the normal eye it was a mere mountain, but to these shadows it was the final goal to their plan. They crept along slowly, no need to alert their prey to their presence yet.
Inside the mountain was another story. The inhabitants of Third Lab went along their business as usual. Artificers moved along carrying jars, power cores, paper, and all manner of things. Scientists stared at screens of rolling text. Sounds, lights, and all manner of activity resonated from every end. Vincent-Miers sat behind his desk looking at print outs and data tables. A device on his desk began to flash green.
“Yes.” He said while clicking down a button.
“Sir, security clearance just came in from the front entrance. A small force is requesting-“
“Good the shipment is here then. Let them in and send Willl to see me.” He said cutting the other voice off.
“Yes sir.” The green light stopped flashing and a clanking sound resonated throughout the lab.
“The new serum is finally here. With it we may be able to complete that device.” Vincent said to himself. The clanking noise finally stopped and a wave of cold air rushed around him. His instincts told him something was not right. A shiver ran up his spine and his eyes began to dart around the room. “What is going on?” Just then an alarm echoed around his office. Screams came from the rest of the lab. A few explosions sounded followed by breaking glass and loud thumps then the lab went deadly quiet. Vincent stood up and started toward the door. About halfway there he stopped. A shadow appeared on the window. His heart began to beat harder as the doorknob began to turn. His eyes widened and he began to scream. A flash of light comes form the doorway and he falls down. In walks a lone figure and he points something at the camera. A light flashes and the screen goes blank.
[End of Log…]
Gorrila Warrior shut down the small computer on Vincent’s desk. He grinned as he stared at the body lying at his feet. DarkRequiem stood just inside the doorway staring at him.
“You done yet? We have a lot of work to do still.” Gorrila chuckled and stood up.
“Relax DR, we have nothing to worry about. Just think, we got the easy job. Right now our brothers are off destroying our two biggest threats and we get to sit here in this nice cozy lab and watch it all. By this time tomorrow we will have our bomb and the Order and the League will both be ashes.” Gorrila sat down on the edge of the desk and started fingering a security badge in his hands. DR turned to two cloaked figures behind him.
“Take the box over there and begin the work. I want results to send to Rail in a few hours. No mistakes.” The figures bowed and ran off. DR looked at Gorrila and frowned. “I don’t like the quiet. And I don’t like this place. What if they check it out?”
“Who? Neuromancer and his lackeys? They don’t even know we hijacked their stuff. For all they know this labs still running at peak efficiency and nothing is wrong. So sit down and relax. We have nothing to worry about.” Gorrila went over to a side bar and poured himself a glass of blue liquid. DR turned back to the lab. Members of the Brotherhood ran to and fro piling dead bodies and rummaging through supplies. In the back a group of members were working feverishly on a small compact device. In a secluded corner of the lab a small metal camera flashed red. On the other side, miles away, Yezzandrix paged an emergency message to Neuromancer.
Chapter Seven
The dark forest shuddered as a cool wind blew through the tree tops. In a small clearing a group of cloaked figures chanted around a fire. Off to the side Rail and a few of his close advisers watched.
“My brothers! Tonight we celebrate our victory of blood and glory. The Order has fallen And in a few moments I expect §CÏøÑ to bring word of the Leagues destruction.” The members around his burst into cheer. The fire shoot upward and the shadows danced along the trees. Behind them a lone figure crouched. He waited for an opening. In a flash he shoot out of the trees toward Rail. With a gleam of light a small blade was drawn and in seconds the figure had the blade pressed against Rails neck. Without flinching Rail stared into the eyes of his attacker. He let out a low chuckle that gradually turned into a laugh. The members of the brotherhood had the two surrounded in seconds. Sk was trapped in a circle of black staring into rail’s eyes.
“You never should have attacked us.” Sk said, his hand gripping tighter around the blade’s handle. Rail smiled even wider and chuckled again.
“I know you from somewhere. You’re a pawn of the Order aren’t you? Im surprised to see you alive. Unfortunitly that wont be for long now will it.”
“Shut up. I don’t care if I die, at least you’ll die with me.” Sk hesitated. He froze from the look in Rail’s eyes. Suddenly a hand wrapped around his neck and another grabbed his arm. They held him in place, unable to move the fraction of an inch it takes to finish off his opponent. Rail took a step backward and Sk is thrown to the ground.
He woke up a few hours later tied to a post. In the distance he could see §CÏøÑ talking to Rail.
“I’m glad you came when you did but I was hoping for some better news.”
“I’m sorry. The League seemed to know we were coming. Their defenses were… adequate.”
“Look. I don’t care what it takes. But you destroy them. No…. Obliterate them. Do you hear me?”
“Yes sir.” §CÏøÑ bowed. Rail turned toward Sk and smiled. He walked toward him and §CÏøÑ followed.
“Your going to die slowly.” A figure said. Sk was unable to see underneath the hood of the speaker but it was clearly just an average member.
“Now now. Lets play nice with our new friend. Sk is it? Why don’t you join up with us now that your clan is dead? Why not be with the winning side for once?”
“You get to the point pretty fast don’t you?” Sk said. He hung his head down and closed his eyes. “Just kill me so I can join my brothers.”
“Don’t be so ready to waste your life. Lets chat for a while shall we?” Sk raised his head. He stared right at Rail.
“Quite frankly. I find just talking to you a waste of my life.” He said. Rails eyes widened in surprise. His grin faded and a shadow was cast over his face.
“You’ll regret that boy.” He said. He walked off without another word. §CÏøÑ Followed along with two others that were watching. One figure remained by Sk. She leaned in and whispered in his ear.
“Lets see if we can wake the dead tonight.” Sk’s eyes shook as he stared into the night. The forest didn’t get a moments peace from the screaming until dawn. As the sun rose into the sky it was greeted not by birds, but by a slow steady wail coming from the clearing.
Chapter Eight
Smoke from the Quarry filled the morning air. A light rain fell trying desperately to put out the fires all around. A few members of the League scurried around clearing the place of bodies, blood, and ash. Saint Jimmy stood outside the cave that his master had opened up earlier, two fresh graves at his feet.
“Jimmy…”
“Master your to weak to move. Please stay put-“ Jimmy was cut off by a roar. Out from the cave came The_Defiler! His movements slow but forceful. Blood ran down his leg from a gash in his leg.
“We must move. The fools dared attack us. We will crush them!” The few cultists left cheered wildly as their leader spoke. Jimmy looked down at the graves. Both Ichorid_Nightmare and Thelon_of_Havenwood had fallen during the nights battle. Along with them over half of the clan lie dead. Jimmy looked over the casualties from their attackers and saw no familiar faces.
“They leave the brunt of their attacks to the fodder while the leaders dine on wine and mutton miles away.” He spits on the ground in disgust. To his right a small scout party advanced toward the cave. Niv-Mizzet_Rulez! along with Necromaster and Demonicorpse, both newly promoted after the attack, dragged a single prisoner with them. They dropped the prisoner forcefully to the ground and Niv stepped forward.
“We found this guy watching us form up there.” He points toward the edge of the forest. “I don’t think he was with the attackers.”
Saint Jimmy looked him over. “What’s your name and who are you with?”
Friend Mairsil looked up through a swollen eye. He spit out blood on the ground and looked at his captors. “Not going to talk huh? Fine… that’s just fine…” Jimmy kicked the prisoner to the ground and walked backwards.
“He is not with them… I smell the vampire on him…” Saint Jimmy looked up at his master and frowned.
“Why would a member of Lorehold be spying on us?”
“It doesn’t matter.” Defiler started moving toward the quarry’s exit. The remaining cultists followed him. “Kill the prisoners. We attack now.” The row of wounded Brotherhood survivors scream in terror as the cultists pounce on them. They are torn apart without mercy. Saint Jimmy stares at the lone member of the Lorehold lying before him.
“Your master is more foolish then I thought, and you more stupid then I thought possible.” Mairsil didn’t even have time to scream before his throat was torn open. In a matter of moments the entire quarry was deserted as the cultists made their way to the forest. The rain continued to fall slowly. A stream of blood and water ran through the rocks carrying a single crushed flower along.
Chapter Nine
High above the plains, on the cliffs overlooking all of the Vortex stood a castle. Michael paced in the dark hallways. His mind still echoed with Mairsil’s death. Pain flooded throughout his mind as a door opened to his right. In the dark a figure moved slightly.
I am not pleased with this
“Master. This was not my fault. The Brotherhood failed in their attempt and-“
Do not speak
Michael fell to the floor in pain. All around the castle members of the Lorehold fell in the same way. Each one’s mind connected. Each one in pain.
I will correct your mistake myself. The Brotherhood will still succeed in their attacks against the clans. The plan will still unfold.
The pain in Michael’s head stopped. He gasped and sat up. Luther walked out of the room. His cloak swishing behind him. He looked at the pathetic hump on the ground with dark eyes.
Do not think you are irreplaceable. Even thought this is a minor setback I will not forget it. If you fail me again you die.
The vampire walked out into the night. Michael stayed on the group for a few seconds. He knew just how close he had come to dying and he knew the price of failing again.
“I will not fail you master.” He stood up and walked into the dinning hall. The Loreholds top members sat waiting. This time… there would be no mistakes.
Chapter Ten
The small facility in the center of the plains was quiet. Its empty halls echoed with the sounds of footsteps. A lone figure walked the halls into a main chamber. Inside a group of shadowy people stood waiting.
“It is as you feared.”
“The clans are rebelling?”
“Even worse. They are fighting each other.”
“Should we wake them?”
“No… We will solve this ourselves. It’s our jobs. Yusuke I want you to head to the forest. Take whatever action you need to end this now.”
A figure bowed and disappeared in a flash. The others stood still. Below them in a deep holding cell lie the members of Wizards. Unaware of the dangers they faced. Unaware of the war raging above them.
Epilogue
High in the mountains, outside one of the Order’s safehouses a figure was running. Out of breath he stopped just outside the door. With a few quick moves he was inside out of the cold. He stood just inside the doorway for a while. Something was wrong. A fire blazed in the fireplace, the room warm and bright. Food cooking on the stove. The radio buzzed static. Reapandplant’s eyes darted around the room. It landed on a lone figure in a chair staring at the fire. His voice caught in his throat when he saw him.
“Sk! Your alive.” Sk turned his head toward reap.
“I should say the same to you.” He stood up and walked to the stove.
“I can’t believe it. I was afraid no one else survived.” Reap moved to a closet and began to fumble through clothes. “I’ve been wondering around for days looking for survivors. I was about to give up. Good thing I picked this house eh?”
“What about Yawg? Did he survive?” Sk asked his eyes darting around.
“Yeah he is hold up with the others resting. I can’t believe those bastards. They will pay for this.” Sk’s eyes came to rest on the fire poker.
“Where are they?” He said while moving to the fireplace.
“They are in the northern most house. Their trying to reactivate the machine. I think it will be a few days, but after that we’ll be able to fight back. They wont see it coming.” Reap began to put on a shirt from the closet. Sk came up behind him.
“Your hurt.” He said pointing to a gash in Reap’s shoulder.
“Yeah. A man was following me earlier and got a cheap shot off on me. Never saw him but I think I got him. I think he was using one of our guns too. Must have picked it up in the attac-“ Reap fell to the ground dead. The poker lodged 6” in his brain.
“We both missed earlier.” Sk walked to the table and picked up his gun. One round was missing from the cartridge. He threw on a coat and picked up his bag. Without even looking at Reap’s body, Sk walked out into the cold night.
It was a long walk to the North house. Sk bundled up against the cold wind and began his march. After a few hundred feet the house behind his exploded in flames. The gas had finally reached the fire. The light from the fire reached out and touched Sk’s back. Through the layers of clothing a small outline could be seen etched onto Sk’s neck. As he moved out of range of the light the †ßh tattoo faded into the darkness. Sk’s eyes glowed red as he continued off deeper into the mountains. The winds continued to blow. The light from the burning building continued to fight the darkness until morning. A soon as the first rays of the sun peaked over the mountains, the remains of the house was nothing but smoke and ash…
The Beginning…
The blame of this disaster must fall on that of the rift itself, the false savior, promising freedom and peace and delivering only conflict and agony. It appeared in the midst of a struggle on our home world, Earth. The rift was a powerful anomaly. For a while it lay hidden, watching the sufferings around it. It so happens that the instigator was not the rift itself, but the First himself. He stumbled upon the rift, releasing its powers. He tumbled through it and found himself here. The new world was solemn. The air clean, the beasts living in peace, the soil ripe and fertile. The First decided to call this new world the Vortex. He declared it a peaceful refuge from the hardships Earth had brought. And he built it into a thriving society existing in peace and solitude.
The rift itself had expanded, and its powers flooded through the world. Many people died and were consumed by the anomaly. It grew larger and stronger, day after day. Many people did survive though. They were sent to the Vortex. There they met the first and he welcomed them in. the more people that were sent through, the larger the Firsts society grew. He soon found himself the leader of a powerful nation.
Fearing that this nation would crumble into the strife that ended their home world, the First took drastic actions. He stripped each person of his or her name, and instead let them choose a new title. He then split his nation into five clans. At the head of each clan he put his most trusted members. Each clan broke away from the township and moved into a more suitable location. They coexisted for many moons.
The Lorehold, a powerful society that dwelled on the cliffs overlooking the plains. They were lead by the mighty Luthervamplord, blessed with the vamperic touch. Their members grew stronger as their ranks filled. Luther, disobeying the First, began to infect his members. Their lust and hunger fuelled their powers. They would scour the vortex looking for the new members the rift deposited. Soon the whole clan was connected through the mind of their leader. They did however respect the other clans. They traded regularly the materials they gathered with their brother clans and lived in relative peace with all.
South of the plains resided the DeckMechs. They lived in the black swamp under their leader, Neuromancer. They began to experiment with their surroundings. They tested out many theories and passed their findings on to the other clans. Through their work, the life of the people on the Vortex began to grow easier and more plentiful.
In the Snowy Mountains far off to the distance, the Order thrived. They took their own knowledge and began to make mechanical monstrosities. Lead by the demon Yawgmoth, the clan grew and grew. Many members fused themselves with their creations. They became strong, fast, and even resistant to the blinding cold they lived in. They mined raw material and shipped all over the vortex. They used their creations to harvest lumber, grow food, and catch wild game. The other clans soon became dependent on the Order for many things.
The League of Defilement made its way east, to the Great Quarry. They mined stones, gems, and metals which they traded to the other clans for what they needed to survive. They were lead by The_Defiler, blessed with the powers of the demon Rakdos himself. Other than to get the means of survival, the league stayed away from all others. They built craven images and held ritualistic dances and ceremonies. They believed in sacrifice, strength, and power. The other clans soon began to refer to the League as savages and would keep their distance. Everyday new members would flock to the Defiler to gain entry into his clan.
The final clan was known as the Wizards. It was compiled of the most powerful members the rift had brought. Lead by Stolin, a wise and charismatic individual, they were the unofficial police force on the Vortex. They lived on the plains and made sure the clans worked in peace. The First adopted the name Streetz and stayed with the Wizards to watch over his world.
Over the years the clans became violent towards one another. The Lorehold became power hungry and sought to control the others. The DeckMechs became more secluded and started hording their experiment and technologies. The League became more violent and started attacking any who came near. But what started the war came from the Order. Their leader fell ill. His powers would weaken day after day. Soon the machines that fueled much of the daily life on the Vortex shut down. The mountains were soon littered with heaps of rusted, frozen metal. Their bodies buried beneath snow and frost. The order began to retreat further into the mountains just to survive. War seemed to be inevitable.
While the Wizards battled the other clans everyday, trying to hold them off and keep the peace, Streetz made a desperate attempt at survival. He created a special society. He inducted members and gave them special powers. He called them the moderators; their job was to keep the peace and order in the Vortex. He then put himself and most of the Wizards into a deep sleep beneath the ground.
The moderators lived true to their word and settled the clans down. The fear of what they could do was more than enough to grant them true power. Their very presence seemed to keep the peace, at least for a while.
Just when war seemed adverted, the unthinkable happens. A member of the Order leaves the mountains and heads to the dark forest. He begins to create a society around him. Members old and new flocked to him. He preached about freedom, power, and strength. Over just a few days he had created a cult following. He proclaimed himself the leader of a new clan, which he named the brotherhood. They lived in secret, shouting their names to the sky and then vanishing into the forest. They began their own rituals, their own ceremonies. Using his knowledge of the Order, their leader was able to make his clan powerful quickly. To signify his leadership over the clan he began to refer to himself as the father. Abandoning the name given to him by Streetz himself, he made himself into the picture of perfection. DeathbyBirdy had betrayed his brothers, and became the leader of the most violent, insane, and powerful clan in the entire Vortex. He clung to his earth name and it soon became the chant of his followers.
With Streetz and the Wizards sleeping, Rail had begun the war that still echoes through the Vortex today. The blood his clan spilt came fast and without warning. The beginning of the Clan Wars…
Chapter One
The morning sky was gloomy and dull, the dark clouds hiding a pale grey sky. Sk looked up in search of the sun. He couldn’t find it. Wiping his brow he trudges along through the foot high snow. He travels past the mounds of metal, rust, and ice, past rocky outcrops, and into a dark cave. He emerges from the tunnel into a more or less hidden valley. The Order’s main settlement stood before him. While covered with endless snow and fighting freezing temperatures it was at least protected from the un-relentless winds the mountains seemed so fond of. He stumbled into the camp and dropped his pack in front of the supply tent. The cold showed in his cheeks as he took a seat by the fire.
“Is this all you found?” PerfectCell grunted after looking through the sack. “Your slacking scrapmeat.”
“There’s nothing out there,” Sk stuttered through chatting teeth, “what the snow doesn’t hide the buzzards pick clean. The frost seems to be lasting longer than last-“
“I don’t care how hard it is to find!” PC yelled while throwing the sack to the ground. A few green plants and some frozen scraps fell out into the snow. “It’s your job to find food. If you keep failing we might as well just eat you.”
“PefectCell! Settle down. Stop taking your anger out on the clan.” YWN emerged from a tent. The mechanical implants on his face gleaming with frost and snow. PC took a deep breath and picked up the sack.
“I’m sorry; I just wish the frost would recede already.”
“We all do. This year seems to have brought in a long winter. Just give it some time I’m sure it will clear up. Until then we will just send the foragers down further to scout.” PC took the few supplies into the tent to store. YWN sighed and took a seat next to Sk.
“I did look. A lot of what I found was to dead to use.” Sk rubbed his hands together to warm them up. CJS took a seat across from him and handed the two newcomers a drink.
“Today’s not looking too bright eh? It’s a real bugger too, I was looking forward to the sun.” he said as he took a seat.
“Don’t get to comfy you two.” YWN said taking a sip from the drink. “There have been reports of unusual activity in the rock quarry. I want you two to go check things out. Having the League go on another one of its rampages is the last thing we need.”
“Why should we care what they do?” Sk asked.
“Right now we can’t even support ourselves. I don’t want the league coming up here and causing trouble. Just go find out what they are up to and report back.”
“Don’t you think you should send someone a bit higher up then us?” CJS said. Sk nodded in agreement and YWN chuckled.
“Don’t get cold feet. If I am going to send someone on a suicide mission I don’t send those I need. But don’t worry it should be easy. Ill make sure someone else comes to keep an eye on you. But you better get moving before the winds pick up.” YWN set down the empty cup and walked back to his tent. CJS and Sk looked at each other and sighed.
“And I thought today couldn’t get any worse.” Sk said. “I’m way too tired for this.”
“You could always get some new parts. Perhaps a mechanical arm? Or some cranium implants? I bet that would be an improvement.” CJS ducked the mug Sk threw and started toward the tunnel entrance. “We better get moving.” Sk picked himself up and followed. At the entrance to the cave they met up with Mad Mat.
“Well let’s get moving we have a long way to go.”
“You’re coming with us?” Sk asked. “I thought you didn’t go off the mountain anymore.”
“Less questions. Don’t waste your energy talking. And try not to attract any attention.”
The trio set off down the slopes of the mountain, their footing constantly challenged by the icy paths and blinding wind. Eventually they made it to the base of the mountain in one piece. Their journey set them along the base of the mountain to the top of the quarry. It was well after midnight when they reached their goal.
“They sure have a lot of bon fires going.” Sk said as he looked out at their ceremony.
“I think it’s their festival. Look there!” Mad mat pointed to a bon fire bigger than the rest. Around it was twenty odd cultists, dancing and chanting. Littering the ground were scraps of dark cloth, bones, and blood.
“Those are the robes of the brotherhood.” Sk looked closer. “It looks like they had three of four of them.”
“Their all dead now. Tucked away in the bellies of these monsters.” Mad Mat said with a scowl. He quickly motioned for the others to be quiet and backed deeper into the shadows. From off to the parties left three figures broke from the shadows. They traveled quickly down the side of the mountain and right into the Leagues festival. They moved with such speed the cultists had no time to react. With wild screams the figures threw them selves at the biggest fires. When they touched the flames their bodies blew up in a blast of fire and light. The cultists around the blast sites flew in all directions, some being torn apart, others smashing head first into the ground or another body. The destruction seemed to leave the league’s members in a wild bloodlust. They screamed and chanted louder than before. The trio quickly ran as far away from the scene as possible.
“What the ‘ell was that?” Panted CJS when they were far enough away.
“I think it was the brotherhood.” Sk gasped.
“Are you sure?” Mad mat asked. Sk nodded. “Then we may have just seen the beginnings of a clan war. What do you think they used?”
“It was a complex assortment of blasting powder, iron, and some new liquid from the Mech Facility.” The trio spun around to come face to face with a dozen odd cultists. Each one had streaks of blood red paint all down their body. They smiled and grunted at the party. Saint Jimmy stood at the front of the group. “It seems the brotherhood wants to start trouble.”
“I can’t blame them. You did just devour some of their members.” Mad Mat stated. “I’d want to blow you monsters up too after seeing that destruction.”
“You will be quiet or I’ll stop holding these ‘monsters’ as you call them from doing the exact same thing to you.” SJ said with a scowl. The cultists behind him moaned with anticipation.
“Now, now, no need to be unfriendly here right Jimmy.” Sk said while pulling Mad Mat back.
“Ah Sk. It’s been a while.”
“Not long enough. Where would the brotherhood get explosives like that?” Sk asked.
“Oh… it seems they sent a scouting party in to steal them from us. A few got away but I think you saw what happened to the rest. I believe they still have quite a bit somewhere. I have no idea what they could be using it for but The league won’t wait to find out. The Brotherhood and anyone who stands in our way will pay with blood and flesh.”
“You’re not going to start a war-“Sk started.
“You better leave.” SJ interrupted. “Since it’s you Ill let you go, this once. But don’t come back. Or ill kill you myself.” SJ and the band of onlookers retreated back to the quarry.
“What was that?” Mad Mat said. The trio looked at each other, shrugged, then turned off into the night. The darkness seemed to swallow them up. Their departure masked with the sounds of howling and yells from behind.
Chapter Two
High above in the cliffs surrounding the quarry, a shadowy figure watches the events unfold. He sifts his foot and dust is swept along the wind.
What do you see?
“The Brotherhood has begun its assault my master. It seems the order has somehow become involved.”
Do they pose a threat to us?
“The league and the Brotherhood will fight just as we planned. They pose no threat to us. However the order has stuck their noses where it doesn’t belong. They shouldn’t be a problem but I will watch them.”
Good. Soon the League and the Brotherhood will be in full war. We will swoop down and destroy them in one move. Soon we will rule with more power then even Streetz could hope to wield.
“Yes my master. This is a glorious day for the Lorehold.” The figure said out loud. The cliffs around him bare and empty.
I do not want interruptions. If they cause any problems destroy them.
“Yes my master.” Michael_Zeora Watched the trio as they were swallowed up by the darkness. He glanced at the destruction caused by the Brotherhood. He grinned at the thought of the war to come, and of the power he will soon hold. It would not be long until every clan was under the power of his master. With a wave of his cloak he was gone, no evidence he had ever been there left behind. Far below the quarry stirred with excitement. An evil aura erupted from the ground and the wind echoed with hideous laughter.
Chapter Three
The creatures that dwelled in the swamp were always restless. The fear of being hunted was with every being that traveled through the murky waters. Even the slightest ripple on the surface was enough to send any creature into panic. As the early morning sun swept through the reeds a group of people watched an event unfold. Yezzandrix set a box down on a tree stump and began to calculate figures on a pad.
“How are the weather conditions today?” Wugga asked from his position at a portable console.
“Things seem to be in order. I believe the conditions are more than adequate for this experiment.” Yezz replied not taking his eyes off the pad. “We have just one more factor before we can begin.” As if on cue a hidden door in the base of a large tree opened. Out stepped a figure in a gleaming white and silver coat. He wore a look of utter excitement as he stepped into the light.
“How goes the preparations?” Neuromancer asked.
“We are ready to begin sir.” Yezz replied. With a nod from the newcomer he input a series of numbers on the box’s lid. It slowly opened with a hiss. Out flew a dozen swamp mosquitoes. The newly released bugs flew around in a daze. Each one has on it a glowing band so the onlookers could keep track of it. Of the twelve released only one survived long enough to land on a group of fungi growing wild in the swamp. The bug injected the mushroom with something and then flew off. It didn’t make it far before it was caught in a spider’s web. The group paid it no attention, they keep their eyes on the infected vegetation. Within seconds it began to grow in size. It took on a more lovely appearance and even managed to move a little. Unfortunately it reached the peak of its growth at about three feet. Within minutes of its mutation it began to revert back to its original state. Its cells could not take it and began to break up. It was soon lost to the bottom of the waters.
“Well that could have gone better.” Wugga said from his seat at the console. He had recorded every aspect of the experiment and was reviewing the data.
“Nonsense. It went just as planned. It seems we will need to up the dosage a little.” Neuromancer said to the group.
“Yes sir. The only hard part will be not killing the bugs in the process. I am confident we will soon correct this problem.” Yezz stated as he picked up the box. The group flocked to the door and within seconds the swamp was deadly still. The only sound was the moans of the trapped bug and of the spider enjoying breakfast.
Deep underground, the Mech Facility was a bustle of energy. Everywhere you look people were performing some research. The group that had just returned made it’s was to a back lab. Along the way Tekkactus joined them and began a whispered conversation with Neuromancer.
“Sir there has been a problem.” He said through clenched teeth. Neuromancer looked at him for a second and then turned to the group.
“I will be with you shortly.” As the group left, he and Tekk made their way to a high office overlooking the facility. As the door closed Neuromancer sat down at his deck and looked at Tekk. “What happened”
“It’s about the shipment of Goliath Serum. It never made its way to the Third Lab. It seems it was intercepted by the Brotherhood.” Tekk said in a hushed tone.
Neuromancer stood up and looked out at the facility. “How did this happen? Will was supervising the shipment.”
“It seems he was killed in the raid. My scouting party found what was left after the Brotherhood had attacked. It wasn’t a pretty site.”
“Blast that Vampire.” Neuromancer said with a scowl.
“Sir?”
“Nothing. Get working on making a new batch. We will still need to get some out to the Lab. I will also want any unusual reports in the next few days. If the Brotherhood stole it then they may use it. If so I don’t want to be connected in any way.”
“Yes sir, I will get right on it.” Tekk left the room with a bow and Neuromancer was left alone. He clenched his fists and stared out the window.
“This had better not be your doing Luther, or you can consider our deal finished.” Neuromancer whispered to himself. From the back of his mind he could have sworn he heard laughing.
Chapter Four
The small party fled through the night in silence. Mad Mat was an experienced fighter. The order had taught him well. However, even he found himself having trouble keeping up with the other two. While not thought of much in the clan, out in the field his companions’ true potential shown brightly. Each moved with the grace of a well trained scout, never leaving a trail, never missing a beat. He would be sure to mention their skills to Yawgmoth when they got back.
After a while they entered a small clearing and Mad Mat stopped. The other two quickly stopped behind him with bewildered looks on their face.
“What is it mate?” CJS asked.
“Shhh” Mad Mat said to him and placed his finger on his ear.
”An attack on our frontal stronghold…. Overpowered the sentries… ordered to meet up in sector two…” Mal’s voice flooded through the receiver in Mad Mat’s head. He turned to look at the other two.
“It looks like there’s also been an attack on the Order’s front. The brotherhood is starting a full war with all the clans.” He said.
“What?” Shouted Sk. “No… they can’t be that stupid. How could they pull two attacks off at the same time?”
“They must have greater numbers then we thought. The show at the quarry was one thing, but attacking us has to take a lot of planning. What could that idiot Rail be thinking.” Mad Mat replied.
“What are we going to do?” Sk said.
“We’ve been told to report to the base in sector two incase they continue along.” The trio made off into the night. Their minds flooded with what happened. Fear of what the future held weighed heavy on their minds.
It didn’t take long to reach the abandoned outpost at the base of the mountains. The Order made sure to set facilities, bases, and outposts all over the mountain. They were even rumored to have secluded safe houses for times of emergency. When they came across the site they gasped. The building lie smoldering. Half-burt and the other half gone, blow apart with some blast. The mechanical sentries lie broken and in pieces all around the site. Two half-consumed bodies were all that remained to prove the Brotherhood had even been there.
“Those are the robes of the Brotherhood.” Mad Mat said inspecting the bodies.
“Impeccable fashion sense eh?” CJS said while he surveyed the surrounding area. “Found some tracks. There leading off north.”
“Towards the base. Let’s go. They might need us.” Mad Mat walked through the wreckage and tore open a cupboard. He pulled out two deadly looking guns and a sword. He pulled out some small containers and started charging up the guns. “We might as well go armed.” He threw one of the guns to CJS and the sword to Sk. “I hope you know how to use those.”
“What do you want me to do butter them toast?” Sk said while strapping the sword to his back.
“Don’t be jealous mate. I’ll make sure to leave you some.” CJS said with a smile as he cocked the gun.
“eh… laugh now. We’ll see who’s laughing when we get there.” Sk replied with a grin.
“Girls, are we finished here? Can we go, or are you two going to chat some more?” Mad mat said as he threw the gun over his shoulder. The trio ran off along the trail with their newly acquired armaments. Their only fear is that they would arrive too late.
A figure stood high above them on a snowy bluff. Bright green eyes shown from under her hood. They followed the trio as they made their way up the path.
“Company?” Said a figure behind her.
“Looks like some stragglers returning from a tea party.” Rail walked forward and looked out to the night.
“Let them come then. Tonight the order loses one demon. They might as well be here to see it.” He laughed and then walked back into the darkness. The Arquimancer Priest looked back at the trio. The snow began to slowly fall from the darkness.
“They could be fun.” The snow kept falling slowly. It made the perfect cover for the shadowy figures that advanced on the Order’s facility. The solitude of the mountain would not last for long. The Brotherhood would make sure of that.
Chapter Five
The sun peaked out from behind a cloud as the trio came within site of the small hut. From what they could see it was still in one piece. However the quiet made them nervous. They continued on silently ever vigilant. They were within feet of the door without incident.
“Don’t move!” Mad Mat found a gun aimed at his head and two mechanical Sentries behind him.
“Hey there PC. Glad to see your still here.” Mad Mat managed to say. PerfectCell lowered his weapon and motioned to the guards to move back.
“Took you long enough. What did you do, Stop to pick flowers?”
“Yeah we thought you’d like some mate.” CJS said as he pushed his way inside. Inside the hut five others had gathered. YWN and Mal talked quietly next to a control panel while Reapandplant assembled a weapon like the one Mad Mat was carrying. Dreager Ex stood nearby keeping watch. He glanced up and nodded at the newcomers. In the corner a cloaked figure crouched. The trio looked around and breathed a sigh of relief. They had made it in time. No sooner had they sat down then a clicking came from a panel.
“Their coming.” Said Dreager. The others looked at each other and sprung into action. They all went outside and took positions in the snow banks around the base. Dreager stayed inside to monitor the sentries and operate the defenses.
From the south a wave of black washed over the white mountain. A score of hooded figures walked quietly towards the base. They stopped a good distance from where the Order had set up its defenses. Rail lowered his hood and wiped the snow off of a rusting Phyrexian Walker.
“Your Order has not done a very good job keeping its toys online.” He called out to the hut. His voice echoed around the mountains. “I hope you have something better in there otherwise this will be too easy.”
The cloaked figure walked calmly into the light. The others gasped as he walked right out into the open. The cloak fluttered in the wind as an eerie voice echoed from under the hood.
“You will see what power we still have today fool. Your arrogance will not spare you the death you have earned.” The figure removed the cloak and stretched his neck. The entire mountain seemed to shake at the arrival of the demon himself. The Order’s leader stood fully erect in the sunlight. Fear loomed in the eyes of each brotherhood member. All except for one.
“Hello again demon.” Rail said through an evil smirk. “I’m glad you could join us.”
“I pity those that smile at their own death human. You have betrayed and attacked us. The time for talking is over.” Yawgmoth spread his arms and bellowed out a roar. Rail seemed unshaken.
“But I brought you such a nice present. Don’t you want to see it?” Two members scurried out carrying a large crate. They set it down and ran off back into the group. Rail walked up to it and kicked one side off. “These were found in the Temple of Okina in the forest. In a dark tomb overgrown with weeds. I thought of you when I first saw them.” Rail removed the rest of the crate to show three stones. The sight of them seemed to send a chill down Yawgmoth’s spine. “You recognize them then?”
“Those are stones from the first circle.” Yawgmoth whispered.
“Yes. The first circle of protection. It was black I believe. Very powerful magic. Although I seem to remember most of the wizards who used the circles ended up killing themselves. No worries though, I wont be the one to step in this one.” The stones began to issue forth a bright light. A slight humming came from them as the light increased. “As soon as you’re out of the picture your precious Order will fall.” With these words the mob of the brotherhood began to charge. As Yawgmoth moved forward to intercept them he was surrounded by a circle of light. The circle closed around him and he stood motionless.
“Master!” Yelled Mal as he and the others ran into the fray. The demon was fully enclosed in the circle, unable to help his comrades in the battle. The few Order members fought against the swarm of brotherhood peons. Their few remaining mechanical creations blasted, crushed, and grinded away at their enemies. But the numbers were on the side of the robed figures. Rail walked up to the trapped demon and looked him right in the face.
“I have one more present for you.” He put his hand on Yawgmoth’s chest and smiled. Instantly the demon screamed in pain. A black seal appeared on his chest and began to grow over his body. “A gift from house Dimir.” Rail backed away from the demon as his screams grew louder. The Order members heard their master’s cries and came running. Unfortunately the demon was now under the effect of a seal of doom. His body began to disinigrate right in front of the onlookers. In a flash Mal was at his side. His robotic arm wrapped around his master as he fought off the brotherhood.
“Mal. You must destroy the Brotherhood. Make them pay.” Yawgmoth yelled.
“No… That’s your job.” Mal smiled as Yawgmoth’s eyes began to fog. With one move Mal forced himself into the circle. With one push he forced Yawgmoth out. The demon flew three yards before crashing in the snow. His body half gone already from the seal, and his strength draining. Mal was now fully consumed in the circle and had taken the seal on himself. With eyes glaring at the leader of the Brotherhood Mal yelled a bloodcurdling roar and his body was engulfed in flames. The resulting explosion extended in all directions. Many of the Brotherhood were killed instantly. Most were scattered. The fighting had stopped for a short period as all contenders lay on the ground after the blast. YWN quickly picked himself up and ran to the fallen demon. He picked Yawgmoth up and made his way away from the fighting. A few of the surviving members of the Order followed him.
CJS had long since snuck off. He was currently making his way down the mountain. The blast wave shook the snow around him and made his ears ring. He looked up at the sky with a sigh. “I think its time for a drink.” He swaggered along towards the sea with a dumb look on his face.
The blast had also sent Sk flying. He slammed into a rock and was knocked into a daze. His body slid on the snow until it fell over a cliff. He tumbled down the slope for a ways until he was lodged under a mound of snow. His mind went black as the ringing in his ears grew ever louder.
Up at the Order base chaos soon brought rain to order. The Remaining brotherhood members scavenged the remains. The building had been dismantled during the shock. Dreager lie dead on the floor, a metal pole impaling his side. Most of the equipment in the building was broken and useless, damaged from the explosion.
The Brotherhood quickly rounded up the only surviving Order member. After the blast most of them ran off into the surrounding wilderness. Mad Mat however was trapped under some large pieces of the buildings roof. His right arm was broken and he had a huge gash on his head. He was brought before Rail and set on the round breathing heavy.
“It seems your comrades have abandoned you. Tell me where they took the demon.” He said to the prisoner. Mad mat tried to say something but the words wouldn’t come. During the attack one of his ribs pierced his lung. He fell to the ground coughing up blood. “What a pity. He’s of no use to me, have your fun.” Rail waved to the Priest and walked toward the building. The bright green eyes flooded over Mad Mat’s body. She knelt down and whispered in his ear.
“Do you like pain? I think of it as a gateway to death. A person can only take so much before he is crying for the dark gates to close on his soul. Let’s see how long it takes before your begging for deaths cold grip shall we.”
The mountain lie dormant after the explosion. The birds would have been startled and the mountains would have rang with the sounds of tortured screaming and painful wailing if the sound was able to come. Instead it lie silent. Unaware of the pain being inflicted within its boundaries.
Chapter Six
[Password Required]
[……. Initiating…..]
[Accepted…………]
_____Records_____
[14.25.267]
[14.25.266]
[14.25.265]
[……. Security Logs…. 14.25.266…. Connection… In Progress…]
The rocky surface glinted from the morning sun’s light. A few birds chirped in the distance, their happy sounds masking the oncoming destruction. Shadows moved along the ground toward a stone wall. To the normal eye it was a mere mountain, but to these shadows it was the final goal to their plan. They crept along slowly, no need to alert their prey to their presence yet.
Inside the mountain was another story. The inhabitants of Third Lab went along their business as usual. Artificers moved along carrying jars, power cores, paper, and all manner of things. Scientists stared at screens of rolling text. Sounds, lights, and all manner of activity resonated from every end. Vincent-Miers sat behind his desk looking at print outs and data tables. A device on his desk began to flash green.
“Yes.” He said while clicking down a button.
“Sir, security clearance just came in from the front entrance. A small force is requesting-“
“Good the shipment is here then. Let them in and send Willl to see me.” He said cutting the other voice off.
“Yes sir.” The green light stopped flashing and a clanking sound resonated throughout the lab.
“The new serum is finally here. With it we may be able to complete that device.” Vincent said to himself. The clanking noise finally stopped and a wave of cold air rushed around him. His instincts told him something was not right. A shiver ran up his spine and his eyes began to dart around the room. “What is going on?” Just then an alarm echoed around his office. Screams came from the rest of the lab. A few explosions sounded followed by breaking glass and loud thumps then the lab went deadly quiet. Vincent stood up and started toward the door. About halfway there he stopped. A shadow appeared on the window. His heart began to beat harder as the doorknob began to turn. His eyes widened and he began to scream. A flash of light comes form the doorway and he falls down. In walks a lone figure and he points something at the camera. A light flashes and the screen goes blank.
[End of Log…]
Gorrila Warrior shut down the small computer on Vincent’s desk. He grinned as he stared at the body lying at his feet. DarkRequiem stood just inside the doorway staring at him.
“You done yet? We have a lot of work to do still.” Gorrila chuckled and stood up.
“Relax DR, we have nothing to worry about. Just think, we got the easy job. Right now our brothers are off destroying our two biggest threats and we get to sit here in this nice cozy lab and watch it all. By this time tomorrow we will have our bomb and the Order and the League will both be ashes.” Gorrila sat down on the edge of the desk and started fingering a security badge in his hands. DR turned to two cloaked figures behind him.
“Take the box over there and begin the work. I want results to send to Rail in a few hours. No mistakes.” The figures bowed and ran off. DR looked at Gorrila and frowned. “I don’t like the quiet. And I don’t like this place. What if they check it out?”
“Who? Neuromancer and his lackeys? They don’t even know we hijacked their stuff. For all they know this labs still running at peak efficiency and nothing is wrong. So sit down and relax. We have nothing to worry about.” Gorrila went over to a side bar and poured himself a glass of blue liquid. DR turned back to the lab. Members of the Brotherhood ran to and fro piling dead bodies and rummaging through supplies. In the back a group of members were working feverishly on a small compact device. In a secluded corner of the lab a small metal camera flashed red. On the other side, miles away, Yezzandrix paged an emergency message to Neuromancer.
Chapter Seven
The dark forest shuddered as a cool wind blew through the tree tops. In a small clearing a group of cloaked figures chanted around a fire. Off to the side Rail and a few of his close advisers watched.
“My brothers! Tonight we celebrate our victory of blood and glory. The Order has fallen And in a few moments I expect §CÏøÑ to bring word of the Leagues destruction.” The members around his burst into cheer. The fire shoot upward and the shadows danced along the trees. Behind them a lone figure crouched. He waited for an opening. In a flash he shoot out of the trees toward Rail. With a gleam of light a small blade was drawn and in seconds the figure had the blade pressed against Rails neck. Without flinching Rail stared into the eyes of his attacker. He let out a low chuckle that gradually turned into a laugh. The members of the brotherhood had the two surrounded in seconds. Sk was trapped in a circle of black staring into rail’s eyes.
“You never should have attacked us.” Sk said, his hand gripping tighter around the blade’s handle. Rail smiled even wider and chuckled again.
“I know you from somewhere. You’re a pawn of the Order aren’t you? Im surprised to see you alive. Unfortunitly that wont be for long now will it.”
“Shut up. I don’t care if I die, at least you’ll die with me.” Sk hesitated. He froze from the look in Rail’s eyes. Suddenly a hand wrapped around his neck and another grabbed his arm. They held him in place, unable to move the fraction of an inch it takes to finish off his opponent. Rail took a step backward and Sk is thrown to the ground.
He woke up a few hours later tied to a post. In the distance he could see §CÏøÑ talking to Rail.
“I’m glad you came when you did but I was hoping for some better news.”
“I’m sorry. The League seemed to know we were coming. Their defenses were… adequate.”
“Look. I don’t care what it takes. But you destroy them. No…. Obliterate them. Do you hear me?”
“Yes sir.” §CÏøÑ bowed. Rail turned toward Sk and smiled. He walked toward him and §CÏøÑ followed.
“Your going to die slowly.” A figure said. Sk was unable to see underneath the hood of the speaker but it was clearly just an average member.
“Now now. Lets play nice with our new friend. Sk is it? Why don’t you join up with us now that your clan is dead? Why not be with the winning side for once?”
“You get to the point pretty fast don’t you?” Sk said. He hung his head down and closed his eyes. “Just kill me so I can join my brothers.”
“Don’t be so ready to waste your life. Lets chat for a while shall we?” Sk raised his head. He stared right at Rail.
“Quite frankly. I find just talking to you a waste of my life.” He said. Rails eyes widened in surprise. His grin faded and a shadow was cast over his face.
“You’ll regret that boy.” He said. He walked off without another word. §CÏøÑ Followed along with two others that were watching. One figure remained by Sk. She leaned in and whispered in his ear.
“Lets see if we can wake the dead tonight.” Sk’s eyes shook as he stared into the night. The forest didn’t get a moments peace from the screaming until dawn. As the sun rose into the sky it was greeted not by birds, but by a slow steady wail coming from the clearing.
Chapter Eight
Smoke from the Quarry filled the morning air. A light rain fell trying desperately to put out the fires all around. A few members of the League scurried around clearing the place of bodies, blood, and ash. Saint Jimmy stood outside the cave that his master had opened up earlier, two fresh graves at his feet.
“Jimmy…”
“Master your to weak to move. Please stay put-“ Jimmy was cut off by a roar. Out from the cave came The_Defiler! His movements slow but forceful. Blood ran down his leg from a gash in his leg.
“We must move. The fools dared attack us. We will crush them!” The few cultists left cheered wildly as their leader spoke. Jimmy looked down at the graves. Both Ichorid_Nightmare and Thelon_of_Havenwood had fallen during the nights battle. Along with them over half of the clan lie dead. Jimmy looked over the casualties from their attackers and saw no familiar faces.
“They leave the brunt of their attacks to the fodder while the leaders dine on wine and mutton miles away.” He spits on the ground in disgust. To his right a small scout party advanced toward the cave. Niv-Mizzet_Rulez! along with Necromaster and Demonicorpse, both newly promoted after the attack, dragged a single prisoner with them. They dropped the prisoner forcefully to the ground and Niv stepped forward.
“We found this guy watching us form up there.” He points toward the edge of the forest. “I don’t think he was with the attackers.”
Saint Jimmy looked him over. “What’s your name and who are you with?”
Friend Mairsil looked up through a swollen eye. He spit out blood on the ground and looked at his captors. “Not going to talk huh? Fine… that’s just fine…” Jimmy kicked the prisoner to the ground and walked backwards.
“He is not with them… I smell the vampire on him…” Saint Jimmy looked up at his master and frowned.
“Why would a member of Lorehold be spying on us?”
“It doesn’t matter.” Defiler started moving toward the quarry’s exit. The remaining cultists followed him. “Kill the prisoners. We attack now.” The row of wounded Brotherhood survivors scream in terror as the cultists pounce on them. They are torn apart without mercy. Saint Jimmy stares at the lone member of the Lorehold lying before him.
“Your master is more foolish then I thought, and you more stupid then I thought possible.” Mairsil didn’t even have time to scream before his throat was torn open. In a matter of moments the entire quarry was deserted as the cultists made their way to the forest. The rain continued to fall slowly. A stream of blood and water ran through the rocks carrying a single crushed flower along.
Chapter Nine
High above the plains, on the cliffs overlooking all of the Vortex stood a castle. Michael paced in the dark hallways. His mind still echoed with Mairsil’s death. Pain flooded throughout his mind as a door opened to his right. In the dark a figure moved slightly.
I am not pleased with this
“Master. This was not my fault. The Brotherhood failed in their attempt and-“
Do not speak
Michael fell to the floor in pain. All around the castle members of the Lorehold fell in the same way. Each one’s mind connected. Each one in pain.
I will correct your mistake myself. The Brotherhood will still succeed in their attacks against the clans. The plan will still unfold.
The pain in Michael’s head stopped. He gasped and sat up. Luther walked out of the room. His cloak swishing behind him. He looked at the pathetic hump on the ground with dark eyes.
Do not think you are irreplaceable. Even thought this is a minor setback I will not forget it. If you fail me again you die.
The vampire walked out into the night. Michael stayed on the group for a few seconds. He knew just how close he had come to dying and he knew the price of failing again.
“I will not fail you master.” He stood up and walked into the dinning hall. The Loreholds top members sat waiting. This time… there would be no mistakes.
Chapter Ten
The small facility in the center of the plains was quiet. Its empty halls echoed with the sounds of footsteps. A lone figure walked the halls into a main chamber. Inside a group of shadowy people stood waiting.
“It is as you feared.”
“The clans are rebelling?”
“Even worse. They are fighting each other.”
“Should we wake them?”
“No… We will solve this ourselves. It’s our jobs. Yusuke I want you to head to the forest. Take whatever action you need to end this now.”
A figure bowed and disappeared in a flash. The others stood still. Below them in a deep holding cell lie the members of Wizards. Unaware of the dangers they faced. Unaware of the war raging above them.
Epilogue
High in the mountains, outside one of the Order’s safehouses a figure was running. Out of breath he stopped just outside the door. With a few quick moves he was inside out of the cold. He stood just inside the doorway for a while. Something was wrong. A fire blazed in the fireplace, the room warm and bright. Food cooking on the stove. The radio buzzed static. Reapandplant’s eyes darted around the room. It landed on a lone figure in a chair staring at the fire. His voice caught in his throat when he saw him.
“Sk! Your alive.” Sk turned his head toward reap.
“I should say the same to you.” He stood up and walked to the stove.
“I can’t believe it. I was afraid no one else survived.” Reap moved to a closet and began to fumble through clothes. “I’ve been wondering around for days looking for survivors. I was about to give up. Good thing I picked this house eh?”
“What about Yawg? Did he survive?” Sk asked his eyes darting around.
“Yeah he is hold up with the others resting. I can’t believe those bastards. They will pay for this.” Sk’s eyes came to rest on the fire poker.
“Where are they?” He said while moving to the fireplace.
“They are in the northern most house. Their trying to reactivate the machine. I think it will be a few days, but after that we’ll be able to fight back. They wont see it coming.” Reap began to put on a shirt from the closet. Sk came up behind him.
“Your hurt.” He said pointing to a gash in Reap’s shoulder.
“Yeah. A man was following me earlier and got a cheap shot off on me. Never saw him but I think I got him. I think he was using one of our guns too. Must have picked it up in the attac-“ Reap fell to the ground dead. The poker lodged 6” in his brain.
“We both missed earlier.” Sk walked to the table and picked up his gun. One round was missing from the cartridge. He threw on a coat and picked up his bag. Without even looking at Reap’s body, Sk walked out into the cold night.
It was a long walk to the North house. Sk bundled up against the cold wind and began his march. After a few hundred feet the house behind his exploded in flames. The gas had finally reached the fire. The light from the fire reached out and touched Sk’s back. Through the layers of clothing a small outline could be seen etched onto Sk’s neck. As he moved out of range of the light the †ßh tattoo faded into the darkness. Sk’s eyes glowed red as he continued off deeper into the mountains. The winds continued to blow. The light from the burning building continued to fight the darkness until morning. A soon as the first rays of the sun peaked over the mountains, the remains of the house was nothing but smoke and ash…