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Aeryn - Tournament of Champions 3 - Saga Category
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THE END (for Aeryn)
Aeryn woke up with a headache. She was sounding a lot and had had a strange dream. Slowly she positioned herself on the end of the bed.
"Nyrea, what happened yesterday?", Aeryn opened her eyes wider and saw a woman in a red dress holding her sword in an armchair next to the bed.
"You practically set me free"
Aeryn was startled and little by little she remembered everything that happened. The head throbbed a lot.
''You need to rest. The side effect of sharing consciousness is high the first time. Today, if I'm not mistaken, it's that girl's fight ... I think Nilani and that handsome ooze, '' Nyrea looked up in a vaguely passionate tone.
"You are weirder than I remembered, '" replied Aeryn. "I'm feeling better. Let's train."
Even with a headache and reeling, Aeryn went towards Nyrea.
"You are weak, you need to rest ... ''
At that moment Aeryn cut with a "No", and when reaching for the sword Nyrea's astral form disappeared and the sword fell to the ground. Aeryn tried to lift the sword that was reluctant to let it wield it. Aeryn forced herself to fall back onto the bed tired.
"That wasn't cool," said Nyrea.
"What did you do?", Aeryn was tired and her eyes were closed.
'' I cannot prevent the carrier chosen by me from touching the sword, so I disappeared, but, as always, I can use the power of the runes to prevent anyone from wielding it. '' Nyrea appeared again raising the sword. Aeryn felt the strength to try again.
Aeryn staggered to her feet and raises her hand for the sword. When he got close enough, Nyrea's astral form disappeared and the sword fell to the ground almost hitting Aeryn's foot. She fell back on the bed tired.
''Watch out. We need to train this transition, but I have something cool to show, '' Nyrea sat in the armchair and before she disappeared asked Aeryn to wield it again.
Aeryn needed to sleep more and had no strength. She sat in the armchair with the sword in her lap. With her eyes closed she said '' Now what, Nyrea? What do you want to show me?''
A higher-pitched voice came close to Aeryn's ear.
"This is the surprise!", A fairy identifies Nyrea appeared small in front of her. '' Whenever you have the sword, I will have that form ... a form of conscience to facilitate our conversation and strategy. I always show up for the carrier, but I don't need to show up for anyone who touches it. ''
Aeryn snorted almost asleep.
'' So you have three forms? The sword, the astral form and a spiritual conscience? ''
'' More or less. I have ... Aeryn? Are you awake? Well, I'm going to rest too.
Aeryn slept that day and night.
___
At the School of the Knights
In the main hall, there were many curious people around the pillar of the Nyrea sword. Hendriksen quickly made his way among the curious until he reached the scene. The pillar was broken with some old lifeless runes. Something had happened.
'' Aeryn, what did you do? I hope everything is fine with you. '' Hendriksen spoke quietly to himself.
___
Nyrea took advantage of the moment to rediscover the astral consciousness of the sword. After the decoration work, Nyrea had a serious and sad expression. She sat in an armchair next to the cauldron.
The lights slowly started to get darker and the runes in purple and blue tones. The light took over the whole place, mixing with the remains at the end of the corridor. The strange creatures in the background felt the darkness and tried to leave. A shadow that looked like a deformed rat tried to get out and had its paw cut by the darkness made by Nyrea. It was not an abysmal darkness, but a darkness of emotions.
In the darkness her hair straightened and went black. The dress withered and turned black and purple. Nyrea put her hands on her face and started to cry.
___
Mia Lockhart made a tasty honey and chocolate cake. She saw the dawn in front of the school, but she didn't care.
The day was beautiful and she managed to pick fresh flowers and fruit.
A tap on the door.
She did not answer absently with the cake.
Three taps on the door.
Again she did not answer.
The door was broken open.
Mia got scared and went to the entrance. When she saw the man who broke into her house, she was paralyzed.
"Ryan ?!"
1. Hexproof for colors that don't show Aeryn's personality. I chose hexproof instead of protection, as it can still be reached (Nyrea)
2. A different card than usual, but illustrative of her story.
3. Detach at any time. It would be the opposite of Equip.
4. Blessed referring to a Nyrea card from the past (already shown)
5. It does not replace the old card. It would be a new form of the sword for battle (explored a bit in recent stories). As in Magic, to make progress in the story, a new card is made.
A new course for the Tournament and for the people of Vosanova
Aeryn sat down eating a piece of pancake and read the letter.
'' What do you mean the tournament was canceled at the moment? We have to meet with the rest. ''
Aeryn, Marian and Maycon were walking towards a clandestine pier in the poor part of the city. Renain was shaking, following them farther and accelerating his steps at any crooked glance of the people. Nyrea glowed and chatted with Aeryn in the form of a fairy. Maycon and Marian already knew that Aeryn spoke to herself with the sword because of the bond of the runes, but they did not know about the new shape of the sword.
'' So it's decided, Aeryn? Are we going back to the kingdom? '' Asked Maycon.
''I think so. It wouldn't be interesting to stay in a land of war. ''
'' I disagree, Aeryn. We should stay and help as much as possible. This would also help the image of the School, and most of all we swear to protect it, '' replied Marian, when everyone stopped by the pier.
A rough sailor came up to them already waving his arms.
'' We are not taking trips. We are closed. If you want to leave the city you have to go by earth... and good luck on the borders. ''
Aeryn couldn't even reply that the sailor turned and left.
They continued the conversation and decided what to do.
"And why is that robot following us?" Marian pointed out between some barrels. Aeryn recognized the robot. It was Cranket.
The little robot left, going uneasily towards Aeryn.
'' Sorry, but I heard the tournament was canceled. Now you can give me back the star. ''
'' She was handed over to the authorities. This was dangerous. It was a reactor and you knew it, '' Aeryn said and Maycon was embarrassed remembering he threw it into the sea. Cranket went crazy and started to shake and grind the gears, not believing.
'' Small calm. You are very agitated ''
Cranket began to shine until he saw a light shining near the pier, floating in the sea.
'' And what is that over there? Did you throw the star away? '' Cranket shone more and the star followed the intensity. Everyone turned to where Cranket was pointing and saw the star.
Explosion.
A lot of woods flew and some boats and ships were hurled aside. The explosion was not so big, but enough to hurt some sailors and sink two boats and destroy part of a ship. The knights were pushed back slightly with the dust that had formed. Cranket was still glowing and shouting 'no'. The reactor exploded, but the ritual performed at the temple consumed some of its power.
Cranket continued to glow and in a strange way his internal reactor reacted by making strong magnetic pulses pulling the nearby metals towards him. In the small moments of transition, the reactor appeared to have black goo stuck in it. The metals in the magnetic pulses began to create a new Cranket.
"We can't wait, we need to stop this thing," said Maycon, who ran to the robot and was thrown when Cranket had finished creating his new shape.
"You're dead, Aeryn," cried Cranket with a macabre look.
Approximately 150 years ago.
Mikhail was returning to a grand war camp south of the kingdom. The fronts were losing space and many warriors were shot down. Mikhail knew how important it was to sheathe Nyrea. That unusual day, Mikhail was stressed out by the losses.
Mikhail's tent was very simple and contained many war items, but the only thing he asked for was a gold-adorned bed and a place for a good shower. Upon entering, he gently placed Nyrea on the bed and removed his helmet, going straight for a good shower. His face was cold and calculating.
After relaxing, he put on comfortable clothes and left the makeshift bathroom opening the simple curtains. In bed, waiting for her beloved Mikhail, Nyrea was hunched over the blankets in her astral form.
Kiserova - the face of war (part 1/2)
The first days were pure chaos. Many deaths, fights, innocents being kicked and punched and noble and rich being killed in the public square. In those days Aeryn had not yet shown Nyrea's power. She tried to break up the fights and help innocent people willing to help them get out of the city.
Aeryn had made a temporary camp in a crevice in a ravine near the temple, where Stygas performed a flawed ritual. The upper part of the place was blocked by rubble and the chaos in the city would hardly find it there. The most injured were being allocated there with help from Marian, who had a basic knowledge of medicine.
Aeryn did not choose a side in this conflict and it was making her life difficult for everyone.
On one of those days, from a distance, Aeryn spotted Lady Miljivan still escorting and turning around as she could, trying to help the less fortunate.
Aeryn found a pamphlet on the floor and put it away.
Evacuate Kiserova, run to the east. Escape to Ovan Nova or Helmova. Medirna's wrath will soon come to Kiserova.
Two days later the city was worse than ever.
Aeryn made a decision and went to Kiserova's main square and showed Nyrea's power to everyone. Marian and Maycon were surprised, but the speech, without Aeryn's practice, did not have much effect. Nyrea's strength knocking out some disaffected people only stoked those who wanted war.
Lady Miljivan watched from a distance and decided to follow Aeryn that day with two guards to avoid a crowd. Nyrea felt and warned Aeryn, who decided to let her go.
The place was surrounded by trees and difficult to access. Miljivan came to the entrance.
"So you're following me, correct?", Aeryn emerged from the trees to approach her. Nyrea in turn came from the other side, placing the sword close to the throat of the two guards at once with a smile. "Is that your message?", Aeryn took out the pamphlet.
'' Yes, Aeryn. I need your help to evacuate Kiserova and ... I need to show you something that can help against these creatures ... and who corrupted you in the tournament, '' Aeryn's eyes widened. How did she know what happened?
"We will talk alone, but I notice that the situation is more difficult than you think", Aeryn wielded Nyrea and entered with Miljivan in the camp.
The place was smelling of sulfur and blood. Many injured men, women and children who were unable to get out of Kiserova so easily. They arrived at a private place to talk.
''This is horrible''
'' Yes, but if you still have any power we need a strengthened caravan to send everyone out of Kiserova. Tomorrow night would be ideal. The longer we wait, the worse the situation will be''
Lady Miljivan nodded in agreement. They continued to talk about the whole situation until they reached the abyssal force. Miljivan drew a sword. Nyrea shivered a little, but did not change.
"That sword belonged to Irene," he said sadly. '' It contains a pure flame that can fight abyssal forces, but it only activates its power with much training and ... with a spirit at peace with its actions and past, not necessarily pure, but if you have many conflicts it can corrupt you. I don't trust you completely, but enough to deliver to you. ''
Nyrea flashed warning Aeryn that she didn't like the idea.
'' I understand Miljivan. I would not be able to wield it with Nyrea, but I will study it and do my best. If what you say is true, it will be a great help against this force ... But first we must find out where this abyssal force comes from and even more help the people to leave Kiserova. ''
They said their goodbyes and Nyrea appeared to Aeryn.
'' You cannot wield that sword. I, I, I need to show you something. '' Nyrea seemed to want to cry and touched Aeryn's forehead to enter shared consciousness.
In the corridor, the abyssal leftover in the back had walked a little more.
'' Since you released me, some memories have come back like a punch to the stomach. I am remembering my losses and I cannot control my emotions and this is allowing the abyssal force to progress. ''
The place went dark and Nyrea took on a more depressed form with black hair and dress.
'' You should have talked before. I will help you. If you are afraid because of the white flame, it can help you to be at peace with yourself and end this filthy infiltrator. ''
''Thank you''
Nyrea and Aeryn went back to the real world and rested.
Aeryn, in hiding, went to a quiet spot to study the sword delivered by Miljivan. She was light, but she couldn't light the flames. Aeryn, with her power to create rustic runes, tried to extract some of her power. In the end she got a rune that she kept in her pocket, but still without activating any power from it.
------------------------
Ryan, after meeting with Mia, did not know what to say. He was a corrupted spirit and just took Aeryn's location. Ryan was a living dead man in black armor. He started running non-stop towards Kiserova.
Days later, without expressing tiredness by its undead form, it arrived at the border that crossed part of a forest. Some guards were making rounds and were surprised by the knight.
Ryan didn't get excited and killed everyone. He felt he was close to the goal and just sat down to meditate and wait for Aeryn.
(to be continued)
Storyline cards.
Kiserova - the face of war (part 2/2)
On the night of the following day, Lady Miljivan's remaining soldiers met with makeshift carts near the bottom of the temple. Leaving the forest, several people came to the soldiers' caravan. All helping the wounded and with less strength to walk. Aeryn, Marian and Maycon were at the front to guide the route. The hardest part would be to go through the city to the border of Ovan Nova forest.
Unable to escape, the caravan passed through some streets in the city of Kiserova. The few people who were still struggling for their life in the city didn't care about the sick passing by. Some got together and others ignored it when they saw Aeryn with Lady Miljivan. The intention was to leave the city until dawn.
-
The caravan was protected by Marian in the back, Maycon in the middle and Aeryn in the front with Miljivan. Some were already badly injured and could not resist on the way. Miljivan's soldiers helped dig pits in the forest to put an end to those innocent lives, but the real terror would emerge that night.
Screams in the distance resounded throughout the caravan. Aeryn was concerned and asked everyone to stop. The caravan is in a place with low trees with lots of cracks illuminated by the moon. Again a shout from afar heavy footsteps of armor in the foliage began to sound closer.
Suddenly the screams came from the end of the caravan. Everyone despaired.
''Keep calm. I will go there,'' said Aeryn, riding quickly to the opposite side.
Upon arriving, she was faced with something she did not imagine finding. Some dead bodies on the ground and Marian wounded in the foliage with a heavy breath of tiredness. Sitting in meditation, was Ryan, Aeryn's father. Extinctively Aeryn took Nyrea to speak to her.
"Nyrea, didn't you kill my father on Morgradin's mission?'', Aeryn shivered.
''Not exactly. He ran-away. Its power goes beyond what leviathan can offer. This force is more evil. I didn't mean to say that, but I'm afraid I will end it,''
Aeryn ground her teeth, wanting to express a sad tone.
Ryan got up seeing Aeryn's delay and called out to her.
''Come my daughter. It will be an honor to fight you, and to be able to kill you.''
At the end of the sentence Maycon came out screaming with a sword in hand.
''You will not hurt these people and my friend Marian and leave unharmed''
Maycon came close to Ryan attacking horizontally with his sword. The black knight dodged easily and brandished his swords. Maycon was smart and let go to cut a branch on top that hit Ryan's helmet, but he was an undead and, which was something to feel a pain in, he just used it as an impulse to grab Maycon's neck.
"Come on or this busybody dies."
Aeryn excited by holding the sword, but already out of the horse's cell. Ryan broke his neck. Marian cried out in fury.
"Aeryn," said Nyrea. ''It's time. You can put the rune of the white flame on me. I can take it.'' In the end Nyrea showed her astral form by holding the sword close to Aeryn.
Taking a deep breath and with confidence and anger at her friend's death, she drew the rune and placed it in the center of the sword. Nyrea felt the strength and shivered until it disappeared.
"Nyrea! Come back. Talk to me.'' Aeryn was desperate. She was unable to wield the sword. Nyrea's strength was very strong and again she left no one to wield it. ''Come back Nyrea.''
Ryan ran to distracted Aeryn.
Within the consciousness of the Nyrea sword, the astral form was devastated. The runes were with achromatic lights and alternating between them. In the background, the small cluster of abyssal shadows was crazy and struggling with something in the background.
The abyssal shadow and its creatures began to scream. A light began to appear until it devoured all that source of energy. The light looked very much like Nyrea with white hair and intense light. The light, seeing Nyrea crying on the floor, drew a sword of light to fight it.
-
Ryan attacked Aeryn without mercy. She dodged and tried to use her runes and perform rustic runes to avoid blows and counterattack. On the floor, Nyrea emitted intermittent light and was gray and white. Aeryn was starting to think it was a bad idea to try to tame the white light.
Lady Miljivan had finally reached the end of the caravan and was faced with the situation of struggle and loss. She saw Aeryn running away and fighting with her runes and the sword on the ground in bright lights. Soon she understood what was going on and went to Nyrea to help the sword.
-
Nyrea did not react to the blows of the light spectrum. The blows hurt, but it regenerated very quickly, but the runes became less and less bright and the corridor began to take on a darkness of Nyrea's emotions.
''React!'' Spoke the light shrillly, giving Nyrea another blow.
''I don't have to fight anymore'', many memories and losses went through her head in a whirlwind.
The light struck again and struck.
Suddenly, on the ceiling, a more charitable light appeared. It looked like a hand touching the sword. Miljivan.
"React primordial specter!"
More memories sank into her mind as, down the hall, a mist opened up showing Aeryn's fight against her father. ''This battle is hers. It's about your life and accepting death, but she needs you to get over it. ''
The light tried to strike another blow, but this time Nyrea held the sword in one hand.
-
Miljivan tried to raise his sword, but he knew he couldn't. Next to her, Aeryn was hit and fell to the floor. Ryan placed the sword close to her throat. Aeryn took a deep breath trying to mentally concentrate a plea for Nyrea.
Ryan raises his sword for the last blow when a great light has taken the night in the forest.
Next to it was Nyrea with blond hair holding the sword with a light white flame. Aeryn expressed peace. Ryan looked blankly and tried to hit Aeryn.
Nyrea quickly ran and parried the blow genuinely and in the sequence she made two strokes to break the knight's sword. Aeryn felt refreshed and knew what to do.
In fractions of a second, as the pieces flew, Aeryn got up and went behind Nyrea covering her vision behind Nyrea's flowing skirt to finally hold the sword and make the transition. Nyrea's astral form soon returned to the sword that in Aeryn's hands flew into the chest of the knight and father.
"Free yourself and now I am here to help you," said Nyrea.
She closed her eyes, leaving a small tear in the corner of her right eye and cried out in pain and peace. The white flame emerged from the sword that consumed all of Ryan's armor. When she opened her eyes, she quickly saw a specter of light seeping out of Ryan's benevolent face. She only heard a buzz, but she saw in the expression a "thank you" from her beloved father.
Aeryn fell to the floor on her knees without crying and with inner peace. Nyrea stopped blazing and emitted the same aura of peace.
(I will try to put more brief stories before the semifinal. I hope to do it.)
Approximately 1200 years ago.
At the top of the hottest mountain, a forge in a cave was used to model powerful weapons. The crash of hammering and working gears echoed across the arid desert.
This primordial force that began to forge a sword with mystical runes, pulled an iron tube that extended through a large part of the cave to another hall with molds in silver, gold and diamond. There the tube fitted into the mold of a hammer.
While a hot liquid was poured into the mold of the sword, the same liquid seeped through the tube to the other mold in the other room.
It was not possible to store all the power of the runes in a single sword, so two weapons were created.
The forging hammer cracked the hot metal, echoing even more in the desert.
(This will be one of the loose ends that will not be explored, but for the knowledge of lore only.)
"Not even friendships can stand against the pendulum of fate."
"How could this have happened?"
"Fate does not care, war does not care, death does not care, the abyss does not care.
"You were my friend!"
"I am your friend. So walk away."
The tournament is over but fate still keeps a hand in the game.
"You have been blinded. You have lost who you are but you cannot see it. "
"You don't understand. If you oppose me, you are a threat to the balance.
"Would you avenge Belisjian? Would you put Niran to rest before it is too late?"
"Seek him, Seek Pontiff. Kill him, make him suffer for what he did.
Match of Fate 1
Match of Fate 2
It is by fate that you must draw you blade. It is by fate that you must fight.
The fires of war is spreading, the smoke of destruction is blinding, the smell of death is paralyzing, the corruption of the abyss is rising, the madness is growing, the act of man will soon be happening. You can choose to run or you can face your fate.
None of you have chosen to support Vosanova. None of you have chosen to support Medirna.
It does not matter for you will all be trapped in the clash of war.
After the events in the forest, the caravan continued on to Ovan Nova. All saddened by the losses, Aeryn chose not to carry out Maycon's burial in the forest and would try something worthy in Ovan Nova. Returning to their kingdom would be impossible in the middle of a war. Marian, who was one of the few who had medical knowledge, was debilitated in one of the resting carts.
During the route, Miljivan explained what he knew about the white flame to Aeryn. As much as Aeryn and Nyrea were at peace, there were still many conflicts, anger and pain from recent events. The flame for both was still weak and unstable, but with great power.
The path still had many armies, and some fights were fought.
More than half the caravan had perished.
A few days later they finally arrived at the final border of Ovan Nova.
Looking from a distance, Aeryn and Miljivan recognized the Renain tournament guide. He was dejected and thinner. He looked in surprise when he saw the caravan bringing in refugees. He ran over to them.
"How nice to see you ... Milady," said Renain, bowing gently to Miljivan. "Welcome to Ovan Nova."
(Just to finish the last part. The caravan arrived in Ovan Nova)
...
A few days later they finally arrived at the final border of Ovan Nova.
Looking from a distance, Aeryn and Miljivan recognized the Renain tournament guide. He was dejected and thinner. He looked in surprise when he saw the caravan bringing in refugees. He ran over to them.
"How nice to see you ... Milady," said Renain, bowing gently to Miljivan. "Welcome to Ovan Nova."
(Just to finish the last part. The caravan arrived in Ovan Nova)...
Ovan Nova - A Place of Uncertainties
Traçar uma vida entre sonhos líricos
Para marcar meu doce amor no destino
Sobre as garras e tramas vívidas
É difícil tentar escapar
Sob a luz do luar o sonho vive
Tentando tirar você do meu olhar
Eu já tentei fugir dos ritmos
Mas é com você que eu quero estar
Cavalos livres me guiam nos meus sonhos
Mostrando tudo que quero ouvir você falar
Sem medo e tristeza cristalizadas
Deixam os teus beijos mais doces para amar
Sob a luz do luar o sonho vive
Tentando tirar você do meu olhar
Eu já tentei fugir dos ritmos
Mas é com você que eu quero estar
Não sei se o destino tem o amor
Ou se é o amor um ritmo amargo
Quando tentei sonhar sem você
Vieste a mim com a certeza do amar
Sob a luz do luar o sonho vive
Tentando tirar você do meu olhar
Eu já tentei fugir dos ritmos
Mas é com você que eu quero estar
(to be continued)
Ovan Nova - A Place of Uncertainties - Shadows
Nyrea tried to speak to Aeryn, but the sound was muffled and she didn't understand anything.
Nyrea, for her part, saw nothing different about Aeryn, but a frightened look and irregular breathing. She knew the carrier's condition and the abyssal strength that caught her at that moment. Nyrea was not human and the white flame had already purified her to some extent, but not Aeryn, who was a human, a human with flaws.
Through gestures they decided to separate to find Miljivan and find a way to break the influence of the abyssal force on Aeryn. Nyrea decided not to stay away to observe the carrier's footsteps. Aeryn pulled out a rune knuckle. As much as she didn't have a good hand-to-hand fight, she had to protect herself.
The maze seemed to change by moonlight. Sounds of marble stirring made the place enigmatic. Aeryn took a deep breath and tried to remember that much of it was an illusion.
Miljivan ran through the corridors, drawing Aeryn's attention. She followed. Her voice started to penetrate the marble.
Tentando tirar você do meu olhar
Eu já tentei fugir dos ritmos
Mas é com você que eu quero estar
"Calm down, Aeryn!" He said to himself, putting his hand over his mouth. Blood. Something very wrong was going on. She continued to follow Miljivan's voice.
Mostrando tudo que quero ouvir você falar
Sem medo e tristeza cristalizadas
Deixam os teus beijos mais doces para amar
Steps later, Aeryn was startled by pale Nyrea. Again took a deep breath.
Miljivan passed behind them laughing. They turned and Miljivan passed the other side. Without thinking they ran in that direction until finally Miljivan stopped at the end of one of the corridors. The stones finally stopped moving.
Ou se é o amor um ritmo amargo
Quando tentei sonhar sem você
Vieste a mim com a certeza do amar
Nyrea tried to intervene, but could not touch Aeryn and it seemed that she did not understand her words. Nyrea tried to shine brighter, but Aeryn only saw a red and gray spectrum. She came close to Miljivan.
One of Miljivan's heads was smiling and the other looked scared, but both were crying. Aeryn closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She called to Nyrea, who disbanded and turned the sword for Aeryn to wield. The sword was between Miljivan's necks.
Aeryn felt the white light emanating from the sword, but it didn't seem to be of much help due to the absurd amount of abyssal force present there. One more deep breath.
Until Nyrea's light, which was gray in Aeryn's eyes, seemed to torment one of Miljivan's weeping heads.
"Don't kill me, Aeryn," said the heads in unison.
Aeryn closed her eye and just stuck the sword in the smiling head.
A shout.
A dry, dark cry.
Aeryn had hit the force that corrupted that little place.
The moon turned silver and the marble cleared.
The flames of the sword were white when looking at Aeryn again.
Crying Miljivan hugged Aeryn in thanks. Both knee, even Nyrea's most relieved astral form.
'' Aeryn. I don't know what happened, but I don't think there's any escape from that force ... especially with the war coming and surrounding all of Vosanova.''
Aeryn stood up, her face streaked with tears, and raised her hand to help Miljivan.
'' I won't give up that easy now. I was supposed to get out of here when the tournament was stopped, but here I am. We will not give up now.''
(The mechanics are not strong. Just to demonstrate it.)
Edit:No forced fight
The moon shone brightly over the yellowish green grass. In the distance the horses grazed. The sound of the streams was shallow and long to hear for the peace of that place. The wind was cold at the thought of midnight. Leaves surrounded the three stops outside the marble exit.
The moon shone brightly over the yellowish green grass. In the distance the horses grazed. The sound of the streams was shallow and long to hear for the peace of that place. The wind was cold at the thought of midnight. Leaves surrounded the three stops outside the marble exit.
The next two days of what happened in the granite maze were a whirlwind of thoughts and doubts for Aeryn. That same night she asked Renain for help in finding a messenger. She took ink and a quill to start writing. Miljivan helped to write too. Aeryn had written the same message and would like to send it to different places. Miljivan asked whom, but she refused to answer. Aeryn had a serious expression.
The next day she asked for help for the recovered Marian, Nyrea and Renain to set up a tent outside the city in the open fields. No one understood anything. Aeryn just said that she would stay during the day to wait for the letters to return.
'' You didn't learn that at the Knight School, '' said Marian. Aeryn just gave an unassuming smile.
Later that afternoon, Renain arranged for a messenger friend to make some pigeons and hawks available to send the messages.
Having resolved what Aeryn wanted, she spent the next few days sitting in front of the makeshift tent in the afternoon waiting. Nyrea didn't get a mental connection with her to find out what was going on, and Aeryn always got away from it.
On the second day Miljivan came to talk to her.
'' What's going on, Aeryn? You can trust me. Something wrong is happening ''
" It's going to happen," Aeryn said dryly without getting up and looking at Nyrea stroking a horse. '' Everything got out of hand ... Maycon died and I wasn't supposed to get into a civil war or whatever you call it. This thing ... this abyssal force is in everything that is Vosanova's corner. It will explode soon. There is no escape. I helped you escape from Kiserova, but I don't see security here, other than being surrounded. ''
Miljivan just bowed her head.
'' I won't give up, but I can't protect everyone. This war is for the army ... I will try to stop the advance of the abyssal force now. ''
Aeryn spent the next three days taking turns at the camp and in the city to help people, no matter how much she knew of an inevitable war destination. Everyone was surrounded, surrounded by abyssal power and civil war.
On one of these days, while Nyrea in her astral form was meditating, Aeryn observed a strong and fast light coming towards them in the skies. The closer you got, you could see wings flapping. The sun was at its peak and Aeryn placing her hands on her forehead still had difficulty understanding. She smiled.
It didn't take long for that apparition to land with extreme brutality, but in an objective and imposing way in front of Aeryn. Nyrea got scared and got up from meditation.
"Brynn ?!", the sword was surprised. Brynn took off her helmet and greeted Aeryn and did not understand who that other woman was who called her name.
'' Glad you came, Brynn. '', He held out her hand to the angel who quickly reciprocated, but still looking at the other woman with blond hair.
''I got your message. I was able to find out some information about ... who is she anyway? '' Brynn pointed out without any minors to Nyrea.
Aeryn smiled again, raising her hand to Nyrea. The astral form soon disappeared making the sword stop right in Aeryn's hands. She did a little stunt and ambanged the sword.
''Long story, but you already knew I had a ''magic '' sword so to speak. ''
"Fair," Brynn returned to her reasoning. "Yes, I found a way to defeat the shadows, but the way you described it looks like we have a lot of problems."
Nyrea quickly appeared again, startling Brynn slightly.
''So the letter you sent was for her? And the others?''
''The others? Well, I don't think it will be easy for others to respond quickly, in addition to being surrounded. I figured only Brynn could make it. ''
Brynn intervened.
'' It wasn't that easy. The skies of Vosanova are full of dragons, but I won't lie ... it would be an interesting fight ... In my favor, of course. ''
Aeryn took on a more serious tone after the brief conversation. Brynn spoke again.
"As I said, I discovered something that can help against the shadows," at that moment Brynn pulled out a sword and slowly a white flame appeared in it. '' After much study, I was able to discover this magical form that manages to repel the abyssal shadows a little. it took me some time, in addition to some of my best swords. It's not just any metal that supports this strength, but I won't lie, my angel essence helped to manipulate faster. ''
Aeryn was surprised that she, too, had discovered and controlled the flame. It was time for her to show that she, too, had found the same solution. Aeryn asked Nyrea again that the white flame slowly filled her.
"I think we managed to follow different paths with similar results, but it was not only to fight that I specifically called you"
Aeryn closed her eyes taking a deep breath. He took part of the jamb a little in pain, but because of the weight of the armor. She had her shoulder bandaged and took off part of it showing a matte black mark. ''
''Well, I was touched twice by this abyssal force and as much as Nyrea helped me with the white flame, it seems that it is not being enough to prevent it from corroding my body physically. I am at peace with my decisions, but I feel that something is still inside me. ''
Brynn studied the mark and moved her lips as if she were talking to herself thinking of the lessons she had learned about abyssal strength.
Aeryn quickly closed the banner and spoke again.
"Nyrea, I must, in case I don't survive, I want you to grant the manipulation to Brynn."
Nyrea and Brynn were surprised, but Nyrea with a friendly expression replied.
''I know Brynn wielded me in the fight, but it was under different circumstances. Brynn is an angel, and my ancestral power does not work with pure powers by essence, regardless of the direction these beings take'', Nyrea looked sideways at Brynn. '' My power is for humans. Unfortunately she will be able to sheathe me if I allow it, but without using the powers.''
Aeryn sat up abruptly in the chair.
"So we have to find a quick cure for it ... and ultimately a worthy carrier."
With @SpellPiper2213 permission to use the character.
A large blood-red crow covered in smoke of red and black. No eyes nor ears it had. It twisted its head to every breath Aeryn took and every small move she made.
The crow moved its head towards Lady Miljivan as she mumbled in her sleep. Eyeless it stared at her, earless it listened to her.
Miljivan made sounds of discomfort as she fell into nightmares. She mumbled in stress, wailed in pain and cried in fear.
The crow turned its head to the upper parts of the city for a few seconds, then back at Miljivan. The sounds from the few townsfolk that defied the night did not draw the crow's attention nearly at all. It turned its head towards Aeryn's sword, then at Aeryn and back at Miljivan. Aeryn had felt the cold essence of the abyss sip into her mind, and hate burning like hot smoke.
"You don't have to come to us, I'll come to you." Aeryn said.
The crow turned its head towards Aeryn again. It looked at her for second that felt like minutes. Then it turned its head towards the field and forest to the south for only a moment before it looked at Aeryn and Miljivan before it flew off into the night sky.
"I will come for you." She said as she walked and took up Nyrea. "You will only enter Ovan Nova over my-... over my dead body." She paused as she thought about those that had already been killed by Niran. Would she be one of them soon as well?
Lady Miljivan's nightmares stopped, and she continued to rest undisturbed.
"Miljivan wants Niran dead, as revenge for Belisjian and Irene or to prevent further death. Why would Niran want Miljivan?"
Aeryn put on her equipment and armor. "She has fallen to the corruption. She has fallen to the hate. She will no longer stop for anything or anyone." Nyrea's voice echoed in Aeryn's mind. "Can she be saved?" Aeryn tightened the straps of her armor.
"I don't think so, not from anything else but death. It would be the only right thing to do, liberate her by my blade and your flame."
Aeryn walked to the door where she stopped and looked back at Miljivan.
"You are both right. It will be through mercy but Niran has to die."
She opened the door and walked out of the room.
--------------------------------------------
Brynn sat at the top of a temple roof watching the almost full moon and the dragons that approached just above the horizon. A fragment of abyssal essence, for a short moment, stroke her mind. She looked around. She stood up to see better. Except for the many lights in the open windows and the torches carried by whole regiments of soldiers she could not see anything. Maybe it came from the halls beneath the temples. Small waves of abyssal energy had been pulsating from there almost everyday so it could have just been a large and short one of those.
She sat down again while she looked around the city now and then to see if anything changed. It did not take long until something did happen, a red dim light as if covered by smoke, rose into the air from further down the city. Brynn looked at the light as it flew across the city before for a while it finally flew south out of the city. Brynn was too far away to make out what it actually was. It felt not much different from any regular corrupted bird and those had become almost common in the sky above and around Ovan Nova, though what was strange was its red color. No corruption she had ever seen before had been glowing red. She decided to do nothing about it. She instead sat down and rested while the light from the moon embraced her face. It felt relaxing and purifying.
Time went by while the townsfolk that were still awake continued their ordinary activities, the soldiers continued their endless marches and the dogs kept barking in the streets. Brynn kept basking in the moonlight as a cold wind blew over her, almost shivering cold. Brynn looked around. Most of the dogs seized their barking. The lights from city began to dim. A feeling of fear began to gnaw inside Brynn but she could not tell from what. Something was moving in the air, like music.
The world grew colder and darker. The townsfolk ran to their homes or the homes of others to seek shelter. Military captains called for their men. The inhabitants barricaded their doors and windows. They knew what was coming.
The powerful essence of the abyss almost overwhelmed Brynn. She froze as she saw how the forest south of the city began to wither and die. Black smoke escaped between the tree tops leaving dead trees behind. A small white flame burned just in front of the forest. "Aeryn!?" Brynn yelled as she took to the sky, flying as fast as she could.
Aeryn followed the crow in haste, mounted on a horse that she had borrowed from Miljivan. She rode down the main street down towards the city gates while she kept her eyes on the crow. People jumped out of the way as she rode past. "Look out fool!" they shouted, not knowing that Aeryn planned to save their lives. At least that was what she hopped she was doing.
The city gate was filled with construction workers and soldiers that were preparing the fortifications. Workers, carrying equipment and stones, where knocked to the side as Aeryn rode through the site. "Stop there!" A soldier yelled. "Stop, troublemaker!"
Aeryn did not stop, she could not afford to stop. She did not know if Niran would wait for her or if she was already on her way towards the city. She rode through the open gate and out onto the Nova field. She had left the warmth and light of fire behind, not waited only smoke and biter cold.
The moon's silver light was illuminating the huge field. A large shadow moved over the ground towards her. As by instinct, Aeryn drew her sword. The shadow mover over her when she realized that it was just a normal shadow cast from one of many Medirnian dragons in the distance. It was almost calming seeing them fly in the night sky, bathing in the silver light. She then remember why they where there, to rage war against Ovan. In the chaos even the beasts of war were considered peaceful.
She had followed he crow for a long time when she came in close distance to the edge of the forest. The leaves had fallen of the grey and dry trees. A cold breeze pierced into Aeryn's skin as the sound of music reached her ears. A song from Niran's violin. The crow descended towards the forest towards someone standing in a cloud of red and black smoke. The music stopped as Niran reached out her hand upon which the crow landed. The smoke from the crow mixed with Niran's, like blood in black oil. Niran turned her eyes towards Aeryn who dismounted her horse.
Aeryn did almost not recognize her at all. Everything that had made her human, except her form, had as burned up in smoke. Niran's eyes were blood red and her skin grey as ash. Cracks covered her entire body where blood was sipping out and turning to smoke.
Flares, like burning blood, flew out from the cracks leaving them blackened. Aeryn's ears heard the cold broken sound that seemingly was Niran's voice, but her soul heard her voice as clear and warm.
"Where is Lady Miljivan? Where is Pontiff Cralmarov?"
Aeryn lost focus for a moment as she saw the old Niran when she was still human. She quickly came to her senses and once again saw the monster which Niran had become.
She drew out her sword and held it firmly towards Niran.
"You are not Niran anymore. You are a monster born from her poor body. I have come here to give Niran's body rest. To provide mercy for Her, by killing you!"
Aeryn's blade began to burn in a white flame.
Niran took out something from inside her clothes. She threw it to Aeryn. Aeryn caught it and looked at it. It was a seed pouch, an empty seed pouch.
"̴̧̼̪̬̻̩̰̗̬͕̻̼̔̎́̎̍͒̀͋ͅI̴̢̢̟̟̫̙̩̜̣̣̟̩̅̀̓̆̏̓̒̇̎̾̕ͅ ̵̢̗̱̦̲̰̰̳̤̬͌̓̽͗̓ḁ̶̡͙̹̖̻̯͚̬̜̖̹̤̮̓̀̌͑̊͑͛̐͆̉́̅̀̀̈́̕̕̚͝ṃ̸̢̨̫͇͕̯̣̖̳̝̖̭̠͙͉̿͜ͅͅ ̵̛̰̯̣͔̀͐̊̌̍́̉̎̕̚̕Ǹ̴͚̙͔̞̹̳̃͆̌̚i̵̡̧̡̘͍̙̭̼͉̻͉͍̜͎̯̫͎̳̾̉̓͋̾̀̑̄̿̾̿̎̆̒̾͐̈̕ͅŗ̴̧̨̝͚͓͖̳̞̞̥̻̲̩̦̭̺̺̄͝ͅa̶̧̡̝̲̗̥̦̟̭̰͗̀̆̎ņ̸̲͓͈̝̭̟͇̏̆̃͂̏̿̇̂̏̊͌̈́̍͌̚.̴̲̙̐͂̅̄̿̍̅̽̉̌́͘͝"̵̨̧̡̰̥̫̣͈̯̗͚͇̻̔̒̕̚͜
The crow flew away and Niran took up her violin. She began to play a song that sent freezing shiver into Aeryn's skin and soul, repelled only slightly by the flame. The red smoke of Niran began to shiver and vibrate around the violin,The horse began jump in fear as Aeryn tried to calm him. The world turned darker as every shadow untouched by the moonlight, turned completely black. The leaves fell from the trees all around them. The red smoke of Niran began to vanish and the cracks in her skin shut close. The trees around Niran began to wither, and die. Soon, parts of them turned to ash that fell to the ground. Niran's horse became almost as paralyzed.
Aeryn heard a child cry silently. A girl within her mind that cried of fear, a terrible fear. "Sir Wardnan, please save me." she cried.
A large cloud of black smoke began to sip out of the forest, turning it dark even from the moonlight. Trees cracking and falling deep within could be heard. Something huge was moving inside the darkness, growling as it broke down tree after tree. Aeryn grew her flame ever brighter.
"Aeryn, we should run." Nyrea said within Aeryn's mind. "This monster is beyond us. We cannot fight it."
The smoke poured out from the forest and above the treetops. Aeryn felt how eyes stared at her, piercing her very soul. Large claws breaking stone boulders as they moved a large body with scales, thicker than any knight's armor. Aeryn mounted her horse who was almost knocked out of fear alone. A bell in Ovan Nova began to ring, then another and another after that. The bells echoed violently and far through the night. Torches and other lights were ignited i the city.
The ground shook beneath the horse's hooves. The growling grew louder. When Aeryn had mounted the horse and was ready to ride off, she looked back. Niran disappeared into the forest. In the blackness she saw the reflection of moonlight in two black eyes. She saw the armored face that they belonged.
A Terror Arkanai.
"Run, Aeryn, RUN!"
(Work in progress)
Aeryn almost pushed the horse's head and forced him back to reality. The horse galloped back towards the city. The Arkanai set off after her. Aeryn rode as fast as she possibly could but the Arkanai was fast enough to keep up, an maybe even gain upon her. "Faster! Faster!" Aeryn shouted. The around and before her turned grey and withered as the Arkanai came closer. They tried to ride between large stone boulders and old trees but the Arkanai just broke through the trees and pushed aside the boulder. The distance they had, shrunk for every second. They could not get away.
Aeryn prepared herself. She held Nyrea in both hands while she channeled the flame and the runes. Then she forced the horse to a complete halt and rearing. As the Arkanai came up on them, Aeryn struck with all strength she had towards the monster's head. With tremendous force, Aeryn flew out of the saddle and landed on her side. The horse screamed as it was forced down into the ground. It then made a last sound as its body was crushed beneath the monster's claws.
Aeryn swiftly stood up on her feet and took up Nyrea from the ground. She could not see the entire monster, the Terror Arkanai. It was large, larger than any normal beast or animal. It was as tall and wide as an elephant and at least twice as long. It had a form similar to that of a lizard. It had strong legs that were close to the ground and its claws were long and sharp, like daggers. It had a tail almost as long as the rest of the body. Its entire body was covered in black thick scales-like plates. It had a smaller spike-like horns in its skull, and its eyes were completely black.
Aeryn had cut off a spike, a thorn, from the monster's face and left a small glowing scar in the plate. The beast bit into the horse and pulled so blood, bones and guts flew everywhere. With its face covered in blood, it turned towards Aeryn. She channeled the flame once again. A flash of light appear and disappeared in less than a second. A clinging sound burst as a burning while javelin pierced into the back of the Arkanai. The monster roared and the moment after, an angel came down from the sky. She descended and attacked the hind legs of the beast with her burning sword. The arkanai swept its tail so it almost hit the angel.
"Brynn!" Aeryn yelled.
"Keep running, Aeryn!" Brynn yelled as the arkanai began chasing her.
Aeryn proceeded to run towards Ovan Nova. Clouds had begun to gather in the sky and a wind blow in over the land. A storm is coming. She kept running. The dragons in the sky had come much closer now, so close that Aeryn could even see their colors. Grey and cooper. She kept running. She looked back at Brynn who kept avoiding the Arkanai which still had the javelin stuck in its back. She kept running. Then she saw torches leaving the gates of Ovan Nova, many torches. Aeryn slowed down, just for a moment to see what it was. Horsemen, many horsemen. They were riding straight towards the Arkanai.
Armed with lance, bow and torch, about fifty Ovan riders headed towards the monster. Aeryn thought about staying but without a horse, she would have been an easy target. So she kept running. She looked up at the dragons that were now almost over the city. They had clearly seen the Arkanai. They flew around in circles while the riders seemed to argue with each other as they waved their arms.
The Ovan horsemen and the few rahandi closed in on the Arkanai. Spears, javelins and arrows were thrown and shot at the beast. The monster turned with great speed and tried to strike one of the riders, but the riders were fast so they avoided the beast. A few horsemen attacked the beast once again from behind. It turned but too slow. Once again a rider with a spear rode up on the beast. It swept it tail so the horse fell with its rider. The Arkanai enclosed the rider and the horse in its mouth, biting through them as easy as a sword through butter. The Arkanai grabbed the bloody remains of the horse, and hurled in into the air towards Brynn.
Aeryn tried to shout for her to look out but it happened too fast. Brynn was hit by the horse carcass, and she fell. Aeryn ran back towards Brynn who fell towards the ground. Aeryn saw that Brynn tried to gain control as she waved her wings, but it was too late.
With great impact, Brynn crashed into the ground.
"BRYNN!!" Aeryn yelled as the horsemen kept fighting a losing battle against the Arkanai.
The sky grew darker from the black clouds. The sound of dying men and horses reached Aeryn as she ran towards Brynn. Her chest was in pain from the constant running. Her legs were burning, but she could not stop, she could not abandon Brynn. It was all just chaos. She should have killed Niran when she had the chance, if she ever even had the chance.
Aeryn came over a small elevation and drew a sigh of relief. Brynn leaned on her right arm, clearly in pain and bloodied but she was alive. Aeryn went down to her. "Brynn! You're alive. We must stop the bleeding."
"Its not my blood. It's from the horse. AHH! She tried to use her wings to help herself up but failed and withdrew her wings. One of the wings had been broken with visible bones. The sounds of a swarm of wing flaps reached them from the field where the Arkanai was fighting.
"I must get you out of here." Aeryn said.
"Aghh!" Brynn moaned in pain as Aeryn tried to raise her over her shoulder. "No, leave me here. I... I just need to rest." Brynn look at the ground, ashamed that she could not do anything.
Aeryn sat down on her knees beside Brynn. She looked at her and then at the Arkanai who now was also attacked by a swarm of corrupted crows. Almost half of the horsemen had been killed, and now lied as red piles spread out in the field. The Arkanai, even though filled with spears and arrows, did not show any sign of weakening.
"Stay down and remain quiet." Aeryn said as she headed up to the battle.
She felt that Brynn wanted to stop her but decided not to.
Aeryn walked up the small hill and approached the Arkanai that gave out a horrifying roar. The crows seemed to lose their power as the smoke vanished from them just before they fell lifeless to the ground. Aeryn drew her sword and channeled the white flame as she closed in on the battle. She stopped when she was almost within range from the Arkanai. She held the sword straight up before her as she focused on the movement of the monster, learning its motions. When she felt ready, she dashed forward while the monster looked the other way. She aimed for the left hind leg but the Arkanai turned, swinging its tail towards Aeryn. She ducked beneath the tail. Then she swung her blade towards the tail, cutting it off at the middle.
The monster roared and turned swiftly. Aeryn had already started her next swing towards the Arkanai's approaching head and claws. The Arkanai swung its left claw towards Aeryn but her blade struck the claw first, cutting off two fingers. The Arkanai drew back its claw as it tried to bite Aeryn instead. Then a javelin flew past Aeryn and struck the monster's right eye. The monster roared in pain. Aeryn nodded as thanks to the Rahandi that had thrown the javelin.
The Arkanai growled and red smoke appeared inside the black smoke. Then it plunged forward towards Aeryn and the Rahandi. It bit into the Rahandi horse and shook it back and forth. Aeryn tried to duck but one of the horse's hooves hit her head so blood splattered and she flew backwards. The Rahandi horseman, who managed to fall of his horse before the bite, drew his sword. He shouted something as he ran towards the monster. Suddenly, red flames erupted over the Arkanai, forcing the Rahandi to stop. Aeryn, lying down with her hand over her bleeding head, looked up. In the night sky she saw the grey dragon turning around. She looked across the sky and saw that the cooper dragon was flying back to their camp.
The grey dragon came in once again, drenching the monster in flame. The Rahandi ran into the flames. A few moments later, blood was splattered and parts of the Rahandi flew out from the flames. His helm flew and then rolled almost all the way to Aeryn. She took the helm in her bloody right hand. She looked up. The sky was almost ready to burst into storm, casting lightning over the world. The dragon came in once again, now even lower. It breathed flame and then scratched the Arkanai with its claws so that spears and javelin fell off. One of them was the silver javelin which Brynn had thrown.
Aeryn waited for another opportunity to attack, but it was difficult with the flames. Unlike the Rahandi, she did not want to waste her life, or maybe he did not waste it. The dragon came in once again about to spew flames. It was clear that the flames had grown weaker. The dragon spewed its flames and then attacked the Arkanai's head with its claws. The Arkanai bit one of the dragon's claws. It tried to fly up but the Arkanai was far stronger. The Arkanai slammed the dragon to the ground. The rider's helm fell off and flew towards Aeryn. The dragon tried to crawl away but the Arkanai was already over it, biting and slashing into its breast. The dragon cried as it died.
Aeryn saw her chance. She ran forward, not towards the Arkanai but the silver javelin. She was dizzy and her head hurt but she was determined. She ran through the small flames that still remained, and grabbed the javelin. The Arkanai turned towards her as it growled. Aeryn felt the silver in her hand, she focused on the silver and the flame. Causing a flame in a javelin was different than causing it in a sword since it had to hold, but she had no time to fail. A white flame, contaminated with color, appeared on the javelin's edge. She channeled more, she needed more. The Arkanai moved towards her with speed. Aeryn did not have enough time. The javelin did not burn enough.
The Arkanai dashed towards her. She drew back the javelin. She focused her aim, she focused her steadiness. Then she threw the javelin. The Arkanai roared as it was hit, but it did not stop. Aeryn was too exhausted and broken to move away in time. She drew Nyrea and held it before her. The Arkanai swung its claw towards Aeryn.
Brynn watched as Aeryn, covered in blood, was thrown far away. She crashed into the ground further away. Brynn did not dare to shout, in case the Arkanai would hear. She looked back at the monster. The silver javelin was stuck in its eye, making it completely blind. The Arkanai must have felt something, life force, so it set off towards Ovan Nova. The clouds in the sky had begun to shiver with waves of light but still no lightning.
Brynn limped towards Aeryn.
"Aeryn, please don't be dead."
Doh!
The Arkanai slammed into the city gate so that the cracked. People screamed and cried.
Doh!
It slammed it again. The people living closest to the wall began to ran further up the city.
Doh!
The wall began to break and the gate bent inwards.
Doh-rrrkghh!
The gate broke. The Arkanai entered Ovan Nova.
Brynn saw the Arkanai as it moved up the street, slashing down anything in its way. Then, a bright blinding light so bright it defied all darkness, all shadows, everything turned white. Then it was gone as suddenly as it had appeared, leaving only a burned image of where the lighting had struck down. The world as exploded in a terrifying sound of breaking mountains and collapsing building. Brynn looked towards the city again. Where the Arkanai had been was now only a large white fire. The Arkanai was burning in white flame. It screeched as the flames burned through the plates, the horns, its flesh and bones, turning it all to ash. Before long, the Arkanai was nothing more than ash in the middle of collapsed buildings.
Brynn continued towards Aeryn. She found her, lying on the ground in a pool of blood. Her broken body lied completely still. "Please, don't be dead. You don't deserve to die."
In the dead forest, Niran watched the massacre which the Arkanai had caused, she had caused.
A new day would soon arrive, maybe one without bloodshed.
Congratulations!
Niran summoned a Terror Arkanai. Thus she won the second mach of fate.
Niran may now prepare herself for the final match.
Aeryn was long meant to win this fight. I even planned the final for it. I even let this match play out pretty much how it would have played out if she would have won.
So why did she not win?
You have the most quantity of all contenders, you have put the most work seemingly into your character. You have done a phenomenal work.
But when I looked back and compared Aeryn and Niran's stories, there was one thing that stood out for me. How the text is written. It was easier and more interesting to follow Niran's story even though there was more story for Aeryn.
This is also why I choice to go with the original intent for this fight. Otherwise I would
have had Aeryn fight a Dread Arkanai and lose, which would not have had the same stakes at all since the dread arkanai is practically a slightly bigger and flying Fear Arkanai.
Since you did put so much work into this, there is no logical decision other than that you receive the 3rd place.
It is your decision what happens to Aeryn. Did she survive or did she not?
I hope that you want to stay to continue participate in the game, even if so only to read. The more the merrier.
Thank you once again, CassZero, for participating in the third tournament of champions!
- Again being useless, isn't it Nyrea?
Nyrea just smiled.
- If it weren't for me, how do you think you could control the white flame? You didn't need my astral form this time... But changing the subject... are you at peace now?
Miljivan tried to raise his sword, but he knew he couldn't. Next to her, Aeryn was hit and fell to the floor. Ryan placed the sword close to her throat. Aeryn took a deep breath trying to mentally concentrate a plea for Nyrea.
Ryan raises his sword for the last blow when a great light has taken the night in the forest.
Next to it was Nyrea with blond hair holding the sword with a light white flame. Aeryn expressed peace. Ryan looked blankly and tried to hit Aeryn.
Nyrea quickly ran and parried the blow genuinely and in the sequence she made two strokes to break the knight's sword. Aeryn felt refreshed and knew what to do.
In fractions of a second, as the pieces flew, Aeryn got up and went behind Nyrea covering her vision behind Nyrea's flowing skirt to finally hold the sword and make the transition. Nyrea's astral form soon returned to the sword that in Aeryn's hands flew into the chest of the knight and father.
"Free yourself and now I am here to help you," said Nyrea.
She closed her eyes, leaving a small tear in the corner of her right eye and cried out in pain and peace. The white flame emerged from the sword that consumed all of Ryan's armor. When she opened her eyes, she quickly saw a specter of light seeping out of Ryan's benevolent face. She only heard a buzz, but she saw in the expression a "thank you" from her beloved father.
Aeryn fell to the floor on her knees without crying and with inner peace. Nyrea stopped blazing and emitted the same aura of peace.
- I can't say - Aeryn took the tea -, I don't think it went as I expected. I came to this tournament was just a diplomatic action to promote the kingdom. You chose me as a carrier and it has reverberated in many kingdoms. I couldn't refuse, but I didn't want to be a leader or anything like that of a war. That abyssal strength came as a surprise to me.
Nyrea returned in her most depressed form with black hair, but this time without the place turning black. Aeryn stopped for a moment.
Nyrea took advantage of the moment to rediscover the astral consciousness of the sword. After the decoration work, Nyrea had a serious and sad expression. She sat in an armchair next to the cauldron.
The lights slowly started to get darker and the runes in purple and blue tones. The light took over the whole place, mixing with the remains at the end of the corridor. The strange creatures in the background felt the darkness and tried to leave. A shadow that looked like a deformed rat tried to get out and had its paw cut by the darkness made by Nyrea. It was not an abysmal darkness, but a darkness of emotions.
In the darkness her hair straightened and went black. The dress withered and turned black and purple. Nyrea put her hands on her face and started to cry.
- Yes. Just wait a little longer. Let's talk a little more.
They continued.
- So it's the end? - Aeryn said.
- I told you to wait a little longer. Let's see some memories.
They got up and started to dive into some memories. With each dive Aeryn grew weaker.
- Even if you lived my thousand years, you could get to know me. Aeryn, do you know how Mikhail died? - she replied immediately - Of old age and it hurt me more. We will continue in the memories.
- We couldn't explore everything, could we? - Aeryn said seated with tiredness.
- A lot was missing ... Twenty-four years and very young.
Nyrea closed her eyes and sighed and spoke, moving her black hair.
- Your father and Casimir were dominated by the same shadow. I have great suspicions that it is my brother or sister.
Memories: The primordial forge
Approximately 1200 years ago.
At the top of the hottest mountain, a forge in a cave was used to model powerful weapons. The crash of hammering and working gears echoed across the arid desert.
This primordial force that began to forge a sword with mystical runes, pulled an iron tube that extended through a large part of the cave to another hall with molds in silver, gold and diamond. There the tube fitted into the mold of a hammer.
While a hot liquid was poured into the mold of the sword, the same liquid seeped through the tube to the other mold in the other room.
It was not possible to store all the power of the runes in a single sword, so two weapons were created.
The forging hammer cracked the hot metal, echoing even more in the desert.
Nyrea clapped her hands hard to keep Aeryn from sleeping.
- Well, the time has come. Let me show you one last memory. A memory of yours. Our conscience came together at some point and some secrets you were unable to hide from me. It made me do some research ... The time has come.
They dove into memory.
...
"Look what I found, Aeryn," Casimir sat next to her. ''Do you know that word? ''Planinauta''. Here he reports that this type of entity has not been seen for centuries at that time and many seek rituals to forge and invoke that entity. But they always failed. They used artifacts as receptacles to contain the apparition, which they were unable to see. ''
"That's weird, but I don't think it fits here," snapped Aeryn.
"Don't worry, I'll leave that information stuck in my mind.", Smiled confidently Casimir.
...
- Just feel.
Nyrea touched weak Aeryn's forehead and the entire hall lit up.
Hi, I never played RPG so I'm not very good at developing characters. I'm going to edit this post until the deadline, but I'm already going to advance the character (I've even separated the arts to evolve it XD)
Marian heard screams outside the library and left without talking to her informant, but she would be back soon. As she left, the streets were in chaos. From afar it was possible to see dragons and volleys of arrows looking for a common opponent. She ran to the city entrance. I hoped Aeryn hadn't gone to a losing fight.
She ran through the city and felt a pain in her ribs. Marian hoped the stitches hadn't opened up.
Suddenly a crash indicated an invasion. She picked up her pace. Seconds later a strong light appeared in the skies and an agonized roar ceased. Marian ran without caring about the pain in her ribs.
Coming close to one of the main streets, amid rubble and a small shower of ash, Brynn came to Aeryn's stillness.
- What happened here? - shouted Marian from a distance. Brynn turned but paid little attention.
Marian came closer where, unexpectedly, Aeryn started to shine forcing Brynn to distance herself. The light grew stronger and Aeryn's white whips started to hit the street. Marian stepped back and Brynn was thrown into a barrel in the street.
Marian ran to Brynn with the broken wing.
- Are you alright?
- Yes - said Brynn -, who are you?"
- I'm Aeryn's friend and supportive knight - Marian said -, but the question I ask is what happened here?
Brynn showed to be strong and it was not possible to see if she was crying or if it was the mixture of the pain of the wing with the ashes of the monster faced by Aeryn.
- I dont know. This kingdom was corrupted by this strange force. I need to recover to fight again - Brynn staggered.
- Calm down - Marian said -, you are hurt. I remember your fight with Aeryn. Come with me. I had gathered some people to get away from here before something bad happened. It was Aeryn's wish, but I ended up convincing her to stay. The fault is mine.
Marian gritted her teeth in anger. Brynn put a good hand on Marian's shoulder for support.
- Let's get out of here. Guilt is far from here and it is not a person we can face now.
Moments later Marian and Brynn arrived at the library. It was empty and dimly lit. At the end of the corridor they met the others mentioned. Renain was with his wife and child. Lady Miljivan was apprehensive about the last of her guard knights. And finally a woman with brown hair.
- I don't think we have any more time. I saw from the pages of my book that Aeryn was defeated. Let's just get out of here. It's over - said Marian's brown-haired informant.
Nyrea was sitting on an old chair in its original form with red hair. The feet touched the creaked wooden clubs. She was in her own home near the knights' school. Mia, her mother, entered the room and when she saw Aeryn she started to cry and ran to hug her daughter.
- You did not imagine how I asked the gods for you to be well and alive - she kissed the daughter's forehead, which did not react immediately, but soon returned the hug. - Your friend ... I mean, sword, told me everything. And about your father too. He was here - Mia lowered her head sadly.
- We'll talk later, mom. I'm glad you're fine ... that I'm fine - She kissed Mia's forehead and left the room. She felt renewed and unmarked by the struggle with that strange creature in Ovan Nova. Something was different, but I still didn't know what - Come on Nyrea, we need to speak to the Knight School board.
At every step on the sunny streets of the kingdom, some people recognized Aeryn. Rumors quickly surfaced in the realm that she would be trapped in a war and would not be back anytime soon. Soon the mix of people's admiration was confusion and even joy at seeing Aeryn well. No one dared to stop her, even for the serious expression that emanated. The most innocent children smiled and wanted to know about her adventures. Aeryn just kindly walked away saying she would tell them later.
Upon arriving at school, in the main hall, she noticed the broken sword pillar.
- What happened here? - Aeryn said to Nyrea.
- When I broke free the pillar was no longer needed. I was my ancestral strength that broke.
They quickly arrived at the staircase and began their journey to the highest tower to go to the main dome of the school.
Some students were stagnant when they saw Aeryn. Hendriksen caught a glimpse of his apprentice from a distance and didn't know what to think other than strangeness. He started to follow Aeryn, feeling a different aura about her.
Aeryn arrived at the very well adorned gold door of the school dome and without much delicacy opened it firmly to attract attention. Nyrea just followed with a lot of curiosity and a sense of fun. The few members were seated at an oval wooden table, with gold and silver accents. Everyone was surprised by Aeryn, reaching the front of the table.
- You owe me a lot of explanations - Aeryn spoke firmly to whoever was there. Hendriksen came in standing in the corner of the room without interrupting her - It was supposed to be a friendly tournament to promote the kingdom. I know Nyrea is a symbol, but you knew about the war that could happen. Why didn't anyone come to help? Why did they send the worst knights just to give me that ring?
Aeryn hit the table, took off the promotion ring and threw it in the center of the table, falling to the floor through the opening of the oval table. Hendriksen made a gesture that was going to intervene, but one of the members of the summit started to speak.
- Yes, we knew about the political intrigues that could lead to a war, but we didn't know that it would break out soon in the tournament. The lath was made to prevent this from happening - An old man without much hair and a very well-shaved beard, with an overcoat with a high collar began to speak to Aeryn without being intimidated - We would never send our knights to a political war in another kingdom mostly distant like Vosanova. We have our own problems and we haven't forgotten about you, but we had nothing to do.
Aeryn tapped the table again without intimidating that man.
- That's fallacy. Did you really think about letting one of you die in a distant land? This happened to Maycon - Aeryn hit the table, this time pulling Nyrea's astral form for a sword and nailing the table. Now everyone was scared. Aeryn felt the confusion - Did they forget that Nyrea is a magic sword? However strong it is, you would lose a very powerful tool for nothing.
- I see - replied the lord - but that does not change the facts. We had nothing to do.
- But now we have Marian trapped in that realm. We need to help urgently. You have it and you owe it to me. It is one of ours and saving it would be a sign that the kingdom does not abandon its countrymen.
- Sorry, Aeryn. We appreciate your help and kindness for the kingdom, but we have nothing to do. It is impracticable to send troops and could be suicidal. Even a rescue team would be in trouble. Sorry, but it is impossible.
Aeryn had an angry expression at everything that had happened. She pulled Nyrea and left the room with a brusque tone. Hendriksen bowed to the members of the dome, went out and closed the door.
- Wait Aeryn - Hendriksen ran to accompany the apprentice - What was all that about? I can't imagine what you went through and I apologize for not helping, but think about what you are going to do now. Let's talk. It's great to see you here.
- It's good to see you too, but I need to help Marian. It is my last mission in that realm ... to save her and my friends.
- Don't forget what happened on your fourth mission before the final promotion. Don't let that happen again.
Aeryn sighed.
- Forget the fourth mission. I don't want to remember it.
- I understand. Think about what you are going to do now. They will demote you to third in the kingdom's cavalry.
- Third? It's not that bad.
Aeryn smiled and went down the stairs thinking about what to do to save Marian. She wouldn't fight, but if anyone got in the way, she would taste Nyrea's blade.
...
With each yell Niran stomped again and again, causing the sword to shake under her feet. “You all branded me as a monster…
...
Niran grabbed Aeryn by the collar, an unnatural strength fueling her, then yelled straight into the knight’s unresponsive face. “A̶̻̻̽Ṉ̵̋͐S̴̳̈́W̵̼̃E̴̠̿͝Ṙ̸̻͐ ̷̛͓̱̀M̷̥͉͝Ę̷͍́!̸̢́̉!̷̹̝̆͋!̵̥͠!̸̖̅̇”
A small spark, a single sliver of light to pierce a memory, passed through Niran's eyes without realizing it. When she falls asleep she will receive this message. A message that would be erased from her memory, just know if she would like or endure the words.
The place was dark. Niran at one end of the darkness lit by a spotlight and in front of him Aeryn lit by another spotlight. Neither moved, just looked at each other. Niran tried to speak without success.
- Only I will speak now - said Aeryn - Do not worry, it is the effect of the light awakening in me ... you were unlucky to be close.
Nyrea appeared in another spotlight, but well away from the two fighters.
- Nice words I must say. I mean, words thrown in the wind - Aeryn looked without much concern - You think like a spoiled child. Expelled from an orphanage? Calling for a hero without being answered? I don't think that can justify their actions. Who waits for a hero and someone who is not ready to walk on their own legs. I can't say what it's like to be forced to grow up without someone around, but that can never justify your actions.
Niran tried to speak.
- Only I speak this time and you receive this message when you sleep - replied Aeryn seeing Niran's jaw move - I don't know you and you don't know me. I only know your actions that are worthy of imprisonment and even death, why not?
Aeryn moved her arm to fix her hair. Niran failed.
- Hero? Having Nyrea gave me that title for osmosis, but I don't consider myself one. But do you think heroes don't suffer? My father disappeared and was considered dead when I was little. My best friend, Casimir, was killed by my hands for being controlled by a shadow similar to the abyss. One of my missions, I discovered that my father was alive and possessed by monsters and I had my back burnt and even today I have big scars on it. All my missions saw friends being killed. When I came to Vosanova, things were no better.
Aeryn paused for a moment looking back and watching Nyrea get a little closer.
- Do you remember Cranket? The robot that didn't pass at the beginning of the tournament? He was corrupted by the abyss and guess who had to kill him? If he thought Aeryn was right. Nothing that comes from the abyss can be good, no matter what they say. When Kiserova was in shambles, we had to flee without knowing if we had a chance to survive ... My friend Maycon was killed by my father, who guesses again, wanted to kill me. Easy hero life, isn't it? ... Well, I had to kill him in the end. I think it was the worst feeling I had in the midst of my spiritual liberation. We all have losses in our lives and difficult decisions to make, so I don't choose to do evil to people like you, naive girl.
Nyrea came closer. The sword also wanted a voice, but it waited a little longer.
- You wanted help, you want help and without it not from me, but from anyone, but acting in that way you just keep people away who don't understand your being. I didn't join you in the tournament because you were never close, just isolating yourself - Aeryn took a step forward - Do you want help? First reflect on yourself and what your actions have brought so far, then hopefully someone will help you. I'm not in Ovan Nova anymore and I don't know if I would help you ... but I wish you the best. You are not a monster like you said, but you are considering yourself one, which is worse than others thinking you are one.
Aeryn took a little breath.
- I imagine you still want to know the feeling of being defeated by someone like you, correct? It feels like pure adrenaline to get up and try again. If I'm a hero I don't know, but I know that heroes don't give up after the first fall. I could do this all day, but not today and not against you.
Nyrea felt it was her turn and ran to Niran who did not move with trembling eyes. The sword stared at the girl with a friendly but macabre smile. She walked the girl and ran her hands between the girl's shoulders. Niran could smell the mint breath and smell the flowers on the spectrum. Nyrea rests her head on Niran's shoulder.
- You are no better than anyone. I'm not even better than anyone. But I, like Aeryn, strive to be better versions of ourselves. Learn that life is hard and different for each one. I am over a thousand years old and have seen more deaths than you can count in the abyss. Breathe and think about your next decisions.
Nyrea dropped the girl and went right in front of her. She stopped smiling and her red hair swayed as she stretched the skirt of her voluminous dress a little.
- And one last thing. The next time we meet, that kick will be real.
Nyrea with elegance and strength kicked Niran in the face. The lights went out.
Niran, never kick my sword again.
Nothing better than confronting captains than the main tavern on the pier. The mix of fish and spices from all corners of the world was both sickening and exciting. The movement on the docks was frantic, with many laughs of jokes that only sailors understood. Where Aeryn passed, they looked on in awe and even revulsion at those who did not believe in the position of the knights before a magic sword.
She entered the tavern without much fanfare, but enough for everyone to look in her direction. Aeryn went down the central hall to the counter for a cold, non-alcoholic drink. The bartender was unresponsive and said he had nothing without alcohol, just water. She then asked for a strong drink to open her mind before she started to speak. The first sip of the drink stung, but she soon got used to it. Nyrea felt the strength of the drink in her runes and connection with Aeryn.
She started to speak without turning around. Everyone was still looking at her.
- Well, everyone knows where I've been in the past few weeks, but it's not over yet. At the end of the quarterfinals the regular tournament ended, so the title would not be of such importance to the kingdom anymore, since Vosanova went to war. But one of our countrymen is stuck in that land and I need the help of one of you to navigate as close as possible there. I manage to rescue my friends.
- No way - said a half drunk - One will not be missed as much as he understands the patriot side.
Aeryn turned with an angry look. Nyrea shone, but this time in gold.
- We need to show that our kingdom looks after anyone. The mission to elevate the kingdom failed with this war, but we can show the world our strength. I know that I am being selfish to rescue just one life, but in your vocabulary, I will pay well.
A mysterious man emerged from the back.
- It will not be necessary, Aeryn - said the man coming out of the shadows and lifting a letter
- I received your letter just this week, it would be impossible to have helped you with so little time, but in this kingdom I got a ship and it will be yours for this mission.
Aeryn smiled when she saw the man.
- So, where are we going sailor?
Aeryn then said...
Old Lukaes
https://mtgcardsmith.com/view/lukaes-lost-in-fantasy-2
- What is that Miljivan? - Marian ran speaking loudly in his direction - We cannot take many people, we are surrounded and a new caravan is suicide. We have to get out of this war area. Ended. We lost and there is no way to defend all the innocent with as little strength as we have.
- I understand - Miljivan wanted to cry - It's my fault for bringing everyone here. I thought we would be safe, but I was wrong.
- I took too long to answer, but there is no safe place in a war. Dispense them.
- No - Miljivan shouted - I know you feel guilty for Aeryn, but what we can do to honor your memories I will do.
- Don't be silly, woman - Marian didn't know whether to cry or laugh - Aeryn wanted to be gone before the war started. I convinced her, you convinced her, now there's no turning back. If you want to be responsible for them, great, but I won't protect anyone.
- The show is over girls - Annita spoke in a quiet voice and holding a book - We need to go now. I managed to elaborate a route and if we follow the river we will go far if we are disturbed. But the worst will be going through the field where the dragons are using it for rest. When we reach the border, we will use the underground passages of the chain to reach the port.
Before anyone asked anything, Brynn spoke up.
- I will stay - the angel said holding a letter in her hand - I have matters to resolve here, and there is no one who can help me.
- Are you sure about that Brynn? - Marian said changing the focus - You are hurt. Don't think about fighting a lost war.
- I do not intend, but I think I have unfinished business to resolve. If all goes well, I will meet you at the agreed point.
At that moment Renain intervened.
- But exactly where are we going?
Annita then said...
- For Kiserova.
The Primordial Force of the Sea - (Part 1/X)
Lukaes mastered the ship by teleporting from side to side giving instructions to his sailors. Aeryn and Nyrea just enjoyed the view and the calm sea breeze. Lukaes, after the last instructions, appeared near them.
- So sailor, what happened in Vosanova?
- Long history and many lives lost. I want to at least end my story and save the few friends I have left. How did you discover my kingdom?
- Well, he was a longtime friend and I wanted some quiet for my family, and easy and good drink, of course.
They smiled briefly.
- But this route you passed me does not lead directly to Kiserova.
- I know. We need help to get there faster. We don't have time to waste and I know a strength that can take us quickly to Kiserova - Aeryn said looking at Nyrea, who knew what she was talking about.
With the calm sea, navigation became easy. Small waves broke in the hull where the ship passed, without taking the attention of the sailors who worked for the ship to work.
The moon divided the end of the day with the sun setting on the horizon, making the waning moon more imposing. With the night established, the silence now followed the darkness. The sailors continued their work until new orders were given.
In the first hours the tiredness was overcome and a comforting sleep restored Aeryn's energies, but when she woke up the hours were still far from dawn. Sleep was no longer coming, the waves breaking on the port and starboard sides did not help and the night, which made everything quieter, seemed to delay time. When Aeryn could not wait any longer, and the night taking on a lighter color, she decided to clear the deck.
Aeryn was surprised by a strong wind from the south. The gusts tumbled from side to side letting the waves crash into the deck. When the wind seemed to have subsided, the gusts came back with a high-pitched, muffled scream. Everyone couldn't stand it and immediately put their hands over their ears. At the end of the torment, the ship had already moved to the middle of the black clouds, being possible to hear the lightning resounding inside them
Water lines rose from the whirlwind intertwining each other. The fine threads began to form a kind of giant snake of translucent water, but the dark clouds gave a dark blue tone to the giant hand, smashing the fingers upwards, growing more and more until reaching the precise size of the ship.
Unexpectedly the snake intertwined with speed in Aeryn, taking the head of the snake that emerged from the sea.
- How dare you come to my home. I remember you and your sword. See what they did to my eye - One of the serpent's eyes was raw. She was blinded by the fire that Nyrea had poured out on one of Aeryn's missions - I have nothing to talk to you about, other than twisting your bones to certain death.
Aeryn fiercely struck the snake in the face with the sword. She was thrown into the open sea and began to sink with pain in the head from the impact. The runes were irregular and did not work. While submerging, she kept her eyes open at all times. The water was dark blue by the reflections of the clouds, but everything was clear in her mind. What stood out the most were two giant red dots, which sometimes disappeared in the water and reappeared similar to angry red eyes. At that same moment, the silhouette of the male serpent appeared with the water, making it clear that those angry red eyes were part of him. The leviathan crashed into Aeryn, throwing her deeper into the sea near a ruined castle.
. Second mission - Leviathan of Magic Depths - thirteenth page (part 1 and 2)
I will make a new card for Leviathan after the end of this part of the story. Aeryn's story is almost over.
With a jump, Aeryn woke up coughing up the water she had swallowed.
The mind was heavy and the legs and arms were sore. She sat with difficulties trying to catch her breath and understand where she was. Several times she tried to speak, but her heavy breathing prevented the sound from coming out and, looking at her slightly damp hands, she noticed something strange. Except for the soggy face and the neck running with water, which had been in the lungs before, the armor was dry, without holding a drop of water. That's when he realized where he was.
Columns and walls of shiny marble with details in gold threads formed drawings of sea creatures and the silhouette of an old man with red eyes, but the eyes in the design were green studded stones. The hall exhibited several cracks and a large hole in the wall, with greater details in gold. But what was impressive was behind the cracks and the hole in the wall. A blue and transparent sea struggled to try to invade the hall, but something strange prevented its passage, seeming to be stopped by an invisible force that passed inside the walls of the hall.
A muffled roar from the sea echoed through the room, echoing louder and louder, louder, louder, until it fell silent as the divine sword ran through Aeryn's damp fingers. No noise. Impatient hands taking turns with the sword were the sound that accompanied attentive ears. Seconds later, one of the red eyes appeared between the hole in the wall. The leviathan frowned, showing his anger at seeing Aeryn, a new muffled roar coming, coming back with even more force
Time? Two steps back and a giant tail formed by water entered the hole. The tail crackled and gushed water all over the room, but the sea kept fighting in vain to try to get through the cracks. The tail hit the walls and hit the ground unsuccessfully, sometimes it hit the blade of the sword making the leviathan angrier, hitting her harder and harder blindly. Unable to see what was going on inside the hall, it was easy to dodge the blows, however when the giant tail hit the blade, Aeryn felt her weight, a superhuman strength. With a single hit of success she would be finished.
Even losing the speed the blows were successive, successive blows that hit the blade of the sword managing to demarcate Aeryn's steps. With the rhythm dictated by the creature it would be difficult to hold on longer. I had to do something, and quickly.
In a moment, the tail opened until it hit the ceiling, arcing the top towards Aeryn. Tired, the forces fled her to avoid the great impact, which was rapidly descending on my encounter. On instinct, Nyrea appeared to contain the blow with the blade of the sword, which penetrated the water that formed the tail. The sword was slowly swallowed by the water, pressing Nyrea more and more on the marble floor, which broke weakly. The water around the blade darkened and the leviathan grunted, seeming to be in pain. Nyrea's feet couldn't take it anymore. She needed to get out as soon as possible before it was crushed. Then she tore the entire length of the tail in the form of water with the blade.
The leviathan roared furiously, especially in pain. Where the blade had passed, the water darkened and poured into the hall. At that moment the tail fell to the ground. Aeryn was satisfied with the result ... for a single moment. All the dark water began to return through the extension of the snake, flowing into the sea, being replaced by clean water, renewing the wounds. How would you defeat a creature whose mind, body and strength is all the water in the ocean?
The creature was not the only one to be made of water, the excessive sound on Aeryn's face made this feel. The constant blows, however, with less agility, still continued to strike with the sword, weighing in the hands. One blow, one more blow, and the creature was out of patience. The giant tail came sideways towards Aeryn's shoulder, at the same time that she sank the divine blade in the middle, previously injured. The water darkened with more speed, even imperceptible, where there was now a scar. The roar of pain echoed through the room and the tail moved backward, out of the pressure of the blade, causing Aeryn to almost tilt forward, and with all her strength she turned toward her. It rolled to the side and the tail hit the wall, forming new cracks in the ceiling and wall.
Standing, Aeryn and Nyrea watched the dark waters being replaced, renewing the tail that began to bubble with fervor, contracting it with a painful roar from the creature. Throughout the spray, the apparent scales of water stopped bubbling frantically, the extension came together to form a mouth, and, ice, teeth, the dark water constituted a horrifying tongue and angry red spots that penetrated Aeryn's incisors. Where it was once a tail, it was now a fierce water snake.
The creature was no longer blind and the blows were icy boats that resonated on the blade of the sword with its tongue without fear of tasting its metal. The ice teeth served as combatant swords against Aeryn's, showing inefficiency, because when the icy teeth failed, the mouth gave boats that scraped on the armor. So the snake threw Aeryn farther and farther away until she was trapped against the wall. Unexpectedly the snake was no longer long to continue and with useless attempts the tongue stretched to reach, but reaching the maximum the blade of the sword, no longer tasty and with a taste of failure.
When he thought of attacking, another snake appeared breaking the wall a few inches from Aeryn's side that shielded his face from the flying pieces of marble and the dust he lifted from the old building. The two snakes now looked at me angrily with flailing tongues.
The first attack were given. Even tired, Nyrea gave strength and agility to defend the attacks and the sharp ice teeth for Aeryn. In a moment one of the snakes lifted the venoms, spouting water that surely hit the rider's chest. Nothing happened. The snakes looked at each other, hissing at each other, realizing what had happened.
The snakes were not tired and she had to change the strategy. Defending would not help anymore.
Soon Aeryn hit the ice tooth of one of the snakes, breaking into shrapnel that cut the creature's tongue, so she started towards the head of the other, climbing the scales of water, slippery and disgusting. Aeryn immediately nailed Nyrea in the middle of the two nostrils, holding the serpent's hissing hissing head down, spouting dark water that stained all her clear teeth with ice. To no avail, the serpent stopped and crawled towards the wall, rising angrily to the ceiling, with its head raised to press the rider against the marble. Noticing the creature's purpose, it tore the right nostril and jumped before the snake hit its head hard on the ceiling.
In the meantime of the fall the other snake opened its giant mouth in a scary attack in her direction, but the speed of the fall was higher making the snake go straight and hit the wall. When Aeryn's feet touched the ground, rolling to cushion the fall, it was possible to hear the creature's dying hisses, with lots of black water dripping around the rider.
The serpent that had hit its head on the ceiling had made a sharp strike that sank its sharp icy teeth into the other, hissing in agony as the dark water dripped from its mouth. Moments later, the teeth of both creatures were stained and their tongues lost their dark color until the two snakes fell to the ground, struggling in something greater than pain. The snakes were now trying to return to the ocean to recover.
It was Aeryn's best opportunity.She climbed on the back of one of the snakes and struck successively until the water had no time to renew. Roars of pain were lifted by the leviathan, and he was forced to retreat with extreme voracity. Aeryn tried to follow, but it was too late. The snake and its silhouette had disappeared into the water. When she turned towards the other snake, she found a surprise attack throwing the knight into one of the fragile marble walls that broke.
Aeryn waited for the infinite ocean behind the wall, but on the other side there were limited circular walls that descended a brownish-colored marble spiral staircase, and no cracks or holes in sight. She was inside a tower and soon realized that it was part of the structure of a palace, temple or any other belonging to an ancient civilization. She grabbed Nyrea and sat down to catch breath, while the leviathan pressed the other side of the tower.
A loud crash echoed down from the top of the tower. Aeryn got up, listening closer and closer to the menacing sound of water, until a current came down the spiral staircases. There was no time to think just to stumble down and touch the damp brown marble on the walls. Looking back, she had seen several skeletons formed by the water rising up, bumping into each other, screams muffled by the shoves, with swords in their hands and helmets without visors, showing the empty and blue orbits, or the thirst for death and madness.
A broken wooden door appeared at the bottom of the stairs that made the color of a new hall white, brightening the tower and restoring Aeryn's spirits. Seconds after entering the hall the skeletons appeared with the end of the current barred at the door, surrounding it until they started to throw themselves without fear with strange swords in hand. The divine sword was not afraid and struck in the middle of the skeletons' ribs and throat until they became water again. The current barred at the door gave shape to new skeletons, being fought by the fury of Nyrea, which did not show its fury on fire, when at last the skeletons gave up, giving Aeryn time to notice the new hall.
The features were the same as in the old hall, but at the front, a structure similar to a large bridge that connected the hall to a clear palace. The bridge was covered with blue glass forming domes with the entire structure perfectly decorated in gold and marble, making none of the colors stand out in the blue of the glass and the ocean.
Aeryn dazzled the bridge, where the huge palace had the tip of the towers glowing in the moonlight on the distant surface, even worn out over time with thousands of cracks. In the middle of the structure she looked back, managing to see through the glass windows another palace, of identical features, but more worn out with several broken towers, cracks and blanks that took away the beauty of the building and with the little brightness received from the moonlight, covered by some corals that surrounded the palace, the great differences could be noticed.
When Aeryn looked ahead again, several water skeletons waited with open jaws where the air condensed their breath, with heavily puffed breasts and helms and blades added the moment they looked at her. The apparent leader raised his sword and shouted making all the skeletons run awkwardly in an attempt to strike their swords in Aeryn's armor, head, legs, arms and where they could immobilize the enemy or even kill. There was no fear in the looks of the creatures.
The divine sword fought the horde of skeletons that easily fell in simple blows to the false bones formed by water, but several times with their eyes penetrated outside the bridge, where the leviathan smiled when he saw Aeryn. She was vulnerable in that stained glass structure away from the two palaces and the leviathan knew it with conviction. When the last skeleton fell before the divine blade and the others broke down into the ocean through the stained glass cracks, preventing the water from entering, the leviathan brought his red eyes close to the structure, ceasing to smile when he saw Aeryn's serious expression.
Staring at Aeryn, the snake wound itself around the bridge's entrances, violently splitting the stained glass. The scales squeezed the structure, wanting to remove them from the connection between those in the palaces, but the gold that supported both entrances was unchanged, making the creature gritting its teeth in anger when it looked at Aeryn. Enraged, the leviathan raised his head and hit the structure on the stained glass windows near Aeryn, leaving only the water that formed part of the leviathan to enter the bridge. Soon the snake managed to remove half of the bridge, which slowly floated towards the surface and slowly let the water pass as it distanced itself from what was left of the structure. But the creature did not care and squirmed more on the structure and hit the bridge's stained-glass roof with its head, hurling the structure into the depths of the ocean.
The water started to come in more quickly from both sides as the stained glass smashed against the corals. The deeper it sank, the narrower the coral walls became, but by surprise the bridge stopped stuck between two marble walls that were part of the castle at the bottom of the sea. The water was now entering weakly, but it had already been used up to the height of the chest. Aeryn swam to the wall that gave access to the moonlit palace and hit Nyrea with the marble that broke easily causing all the water to be swallowed by the new hall, dimly lit with a single light coming from the top of a staircase.
There didn't seem to be an end to the staircase, and when she finally made it to a bright hall, Aeryn passed out from tiredness. When she woke up, she watched through the cracks noting the little movement of the moon and the little time that had passed. In the short time unconscious she remembered and wondered about Lukaes and the others. Lying on the damp floor, she couldn't find answers to get out of there. Touching Nyrea's sword, strength returned to her tired muscles, continuing to walk around the palace in search of a solution to at least one of the problems that surrounded her.
There was no time to relax. Unexpectedly the leviathan broke the castle walls and did, what the magic of the waters was, start to invade the castle fiercely. The leviathan snarled through the rubble and bit the air trying to find Aeryn.
- Only death is near.
- We'll see.
Aeryn jumped with some runes and started to hit Leviathan's head, who seeing the danger summoned more water skeletons that started pulling Aeryn away from her, while the ocean water invaded the castle. A mental bond with Nyrea was formed and time passed slowly.
- Now is the time. The leviathan is weak and we need to force it to emerge. I left it to me, just hold on to the sword.
Time returned to a frantic pace and Nyrea's astral form detached itself from Aeryn and ran to the leviathan, driving the sword into the serpent's nostrils. Aeryn started to summon some rustic runes to get rid of the skeletons and ran towards Nyrea who reached out a hand to get the sword holder. Aeryn succeeded and Nyrea nailed the sword further. Golden light began to emerge and the leviathan's only good eye grew wide with the power that began to emanate within his body. The light increased, filling the entire castle and much of that depth of the ocean.
---
The ancient humanoid form of the leviathan began to run and look at every corner in a dark, narrow place. Footsteps echoed and fear ran through the body of that primordial monster. Suddenly purple and blue lights came on and several panels and stones appeared beside the corridor. The leviathan froze when he saw Nyrea at the other end.
- Where am I?
- Where beyond my conscience.
At that moment Aeryn appeared opening a door in the back, where in the anatomy of the sword, was her cable.
- What are you going to do with me.
- For decades at the beginning of my life, I discovered and improved the power of taming primordial beings for a clear period of time. Unfortunately, I never had the strength and opportunity to do that, but it was finally time to test that power. It will be interesting to share the conscience with you.
A golden light began to emanate from the open door, calling for the leviathan that succumbed to Nyrea's power.
---
On the surface, Lukaes gave orders to the sailors. The storm had already subsided and the sun was beginning to shine on the horizon. He didn't want to believe that Aeryn was dead for good and he wanted to wait a little longer, but no human would be able to last that long at the bottom of the ocean, regardless of what happened ... or not?
- Let's go, sailors, I think we witnessed a defeat this time.
As a cliché, it was at that moment that the leviathan rose to the surface, roaring a lot. Lukaes's eyes were wide and trembling with what could be his end. The snake continued to squirm, but this time it seemed to struggle with something invisible. In the head of the leviathan, Lukaes finds Aeryn smiling without making many movements to control the snake that even went towards the ship. The snake lowered its head and Aeryn jumped onto the ship.
- Thank you for waiting.
- What happened? - Lukaes spoke without understanding.
Aeryn showed and looked at the sword hilt, which where there were three rune-free spaces, now had a lapis lazuli with a snake design.
- Nyrea got control of the leviathan.
Nyrea appeared in her astral form very satisfied with the result.
- Everyone hold on to your cabins - Nyrea signaled to the leviathan who answered in disgust. The snake curled itself gently on the side of the ship, breaking a few timbers - Kiserova is now not so far away. We have the best ship sail ever, the speed of a leviathan.
Lukaes didn't have time to reason and just gave orders for everyone to hold on. Aeryn smiled and did the same, letting Nyrea's astral form take care of the route and the grumpy, submissive leviathan.
Storyline cards
(The next one will be Aeryn's last story in the Tournament of Champions 3)
- Thank you, I needed to rest - the astral form disappeared and Aeryn wielded the sword studded in the sword hilt with the leviathan rune in lapis lazuli and a rune with a sword design in amber.
Days before
As the Leviathan curled on the ship travels furiously across the calm ocean, Aeryn and Nyrea talked in private. The place was small with only wooden crates. It was necessary to pass the time. Aeryn gently placed the sword against one of the crates until Nyrea appeared in astral form.
- We have a connection, so I imagine you already know what I want to talk about. - Aeryn said without looking at Nyrea and scratching her hands
- Unfortunately I know and I don't like the idea.
- I understand, but that is not my mission. I do not understand this power, but the little we have already talked about I do not like the idea of living longer than those I love - Nyrea was going to speak when Aeryn continued to know the rhetoric - And I know about your longevity and strength, but it is different. You know it’s different.
Nyrea reached out and rubbed her face, wondering what to say.
- You can't give up that strength. We can make a difference.
- And let's go, but everyone needs to move on. Think about it, it will be my gift to you. Your freedom. If you channel this strength only in you, when I go, you will be able to choose without prophecies, pillars that immobilize the next bearer. Think about it, it's my gift and you can't refuse gifts.
Nyrea and Aeryn laughed remembering happy times and the dances that Aeryn attended at school. The connection was so strong between them that Aeryn knew how to trick Nyrea at times and take attention away from serious matters. At the time, the sword shone relentlessly to keep Aeryn from getting into trouble.
- Are you really willing to give up power?
- Yes, but as long as I can wield you, I will still have the strength of that strange power, but it is your freedom and future. If your sister or brother is behind the deaths and moments in your history, as much as I have crossed your path, I am at peace with everything that happened and knowing that we have a chance in the future and having new allies is gratifying for me.
- You don't have to pour out nice words for me, Aeryn. I know what you want. After I fell in love with Mikhail and lost him over time, it is cruel and painful, but I understand my destiny. Today I also understand that my creation goes beyond what I can understand from human feelings, and it was he who gave me the best of feelings, no matter how much I suffered in the end. - said Nyrea.
- So more than anyone you should accept this gift and let my life end with the one I love and like, and you will be there until the end and that is enough. - Aeryn added.
- Well, then we can't waste any time. I don't have much experience with this power, but I think it will be easier to extract from within consciousness.
Soon Aeryn meditated and her mind flew to the sword's consciousness. Nyrea waited for her friend to open the door, where in the anatomy of the sword, it was the hilt of the sword. A strong light consumed the entire environment.
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