Story time with Lumi_

Lumi_ - Archosaur

Easy navigation: Click the chapter to be taken to the post. b:cute

This post shall be updated as new chapters are released.
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4 ~ Part 1
Chapter 4 ~ Part 2
Chapter 5
Chapter 6 ~ Fragile Dreams of the Moon
Chapter 7 ~ Part 1
Chapter 7 ~ Part 2
Chapter 7 ~ Part 3
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13 ~ Downpour
Chapter 14 ~ Farewell to a Legend (Finale)


The discussion thread for this story can be found here.

Lumi_ - Archosaur

Well, I've gotten into the habit of writing stories about Perfect World and so I figured I'd post them here for all of you to read as well. I'm on the Archosaur server so the guild name may or may not be recognized by some of you; if these stories are liked, I'll continue to post more. Anyway, enjoy this PWI story with my own special twist to them



Taxidermi and some other Rogue members watched as two suspicious men walked down the path in South Archosaur. They wore long black coats with hoods that hid their faces and they pointed at different things as they spoke quietly. One of them stopped in the middle of the cross section, the other stopping a few steps away and shrugging response.
Curiosity finally got the better of Taxi and he approached them. "You two aren't from around here, are you?"
They turned and looked at each other, then back at Taxi. "You could say that." one answered carefully.
"Well, where are you from, if I may ask?"
The two looked at each other again. "Around the south."
"Around Etherblade." the other answered.
They paused. "Er, south of Etherblade."
"Very far south, past Plume."
Taxi made a face, not entirely sure how to respond. The other Rogue members had edged closer, listening in to the conversation.
"What ever happened to Ascend?" one of the hooded men asked.
"Uh, they disbanded a long time ago." answered SnowyRai. He frowned, "How long have you guys been away exactly?"
There was another awkward pause as the two men looked at one another in uncertainty. At that moment, a veno ran over, switching out of fox form half way there.
"Hey what's goin' on?" AbyMoon asked, her ears twitching curiously.
"To be honest, I'm not really sure." TechTonic replied, "And to be even more honest, I really don't care." And with that said, he walked away.
The men nodded at each other, "Well, we hate to be rude and all, but we should really be going." one said.
"Wait a minute," Aby frowned, "I know that voice."
She quickly lifted her hand and knocked back the man's hood. There was a little gasp from some of the Rogue members and the other hooded man froze. The unhooded man just stood there, his golden eyes staring at Aby in shock.
"How the hell...?" Aby breathed, "You died 26 years ago."
Shimizau frowned, "Yeah that's a long complicated story that I'd rather not go into." He turned to the other hooded man, "You may as well put your hood down. Keeping a low profile is rather pointless now."
"Oh this is really going to **** things up." He answered, pushing his hood back and causing the entire group of Rogue to gasp.
"And you died 42 years ago preventing the gate to Morai from opening too early." Aby looked as though she were about to faint.
"Yeah well, that's another even more complicated story that would most likely bore you terribly." replied Dex awkwardly.
Aby frowned, "No, I want to know where you're from, how you're still alive, and how you've kept yourselves hidden for so long." She narrowed her eyes, "And I want to know now."
"Yes, I'd like to know too," said BioHazard as he strolled over, his hands in his pockets, "unless I'm just seeing things again."
Shimi turned to Dex, "Would you like to start or shall I?"
Dex sighed, "I'll start. I'm the one that died first anyway." He took a seat on the stone steps of the building behind them. "Well, may as well start from the beginning; when I first died. Best explanation is my body was completely destroyed, but my spirit was still there. It got drawn into Morai and, in a way, was given a new body. We've been in a hidden part of Morai all this time so that's how we've kept hidden for so long. I'm pretty sure that answers everything."
"No, not everything." Cereliia crossed her arms and looked directly at Dex, ignoring Shimi completely. "What exactly are you?"
"Well why not ask Shimi? I just answered everything else. Let him have a chance to answer some questions."
"Because," She began smugly, "I'm still trying to deny that he's alive."
Dex hissed, the tone of her voice pissing him off almost instantly. "Well then how about I just show you what we are?"
Shimi put his arm out and stopped Dex when he stood quickly. "Don't even bother. She's not worth the effort, especially for you." He looked at everyone else, "We're a secret race from Morai, born from the people that die with incredibly strong spirits."
"What kind of race?" asked Taxi.
Shimi hesitated and then sighed, "The Undead. More specifically, Vampires and Necromancers. We've had to keep hidden because we're much more powerful then the people of Perfect World."
"You sure don't look like much." said Danathor, obviously in a challenging manor.
"Was that an invite to show you first hand?" Dex's smile was full of excitement.
"I'm not responsible for any injuries you receive." Shimi responded, putting his hands up.
One of Dana's eyebrows rose. "He receives or I receive?"
Shimi frowned. "You receive."
"Call it." Dex said.
"Four seconds." sighed Shimi.
"I'll let you have the first move." Dex said politely. "Go."
Dana teleported behind Dex and went to use headhunt as Dex started to count down from four.
"Four... Three..." Dex dodged the headhunt as two chakrams appeared in his hands and used one to trip up Dana. "Two... One..." He grabbed Dana by his ankle and, with an incredible amount of strength, pulled him up over his head and wailed him into the ground with so much force, it sent a small tremor through the ground. "Done. Good fight."
Dana didn't move or respond.
"You broke him." Shimi frowned.
"No, he's just unconscious." Dex shrugged, "He'll come to in an hour or so."
Aby leaned over and whispered something in Taxi's ear. "That's against our policy." Taxi answered.
Aby whispered something else and Taxi rolled his eyes. "Well I'm not asking." he said gruffly.
Aby scowled, "Fine. Then I will." She turned to Dex and Shimi, who'd leaned Dana up against a wall rather then leaving him in the middle of the path. "How'd you both llike to join Rogue?"
"Sounds exciting." Dex replied, his eyes flashing eagerly.
"We shouldn't get involved in the events of Perfect World." said Shimi, crossing his arms.
"Aw c'mon! Don't ruin the fun. We haven't been in a guild for ages!"
"For good reason too."
Dex shook his head and turned back to Aby. "Yeah, sounds fun. He may not say it, but I know Shimi secretly would love to join."
"Awesome. We'll have you badges made up in a little bit then."
Shimi threw up his hands in defeat and turned away. It was then that he saw her. Dark red hair, bright blue eyes, and a tiny petite figure. He immediately thought of his deceased wife and felt a sharp pang in his chest. She walked by with a little pep in her step, the sphere she carried bobbing up and down every now and then.
Dex nudged Shimi, breaking the fascinated stare he'd developed. "She looks quite a bit like Radient, yeah?"
"Yeah..." Shimi nodded slowly, "Who was that?"
"Dunno, but did you see what I saw?" Dex grinned, "She was wearing an orange badge. That's the badge color for Rogue. Betcha you'll find out real soon who she is. C'mon, Aby says we have Nation War soon, whatever the hell that is."
Shimi looked in the direction the girl had been walking, but she was already gone. "Yeah... I suppose."

Lumi_ - Archosaur

Okay I already have chapters 1-14 finished, but I don't want to cause catastrophic chaos to the forums by posting them all at once, so I'll post a little at a time. Also, if you enjoy these stories, or have any questions, leave a comment at the bottom ((I apologize for any typos I may have missed @.@))


“Here ya go guys.” Bio said as he handed both Shimi and Dex little ear pieces.
“Communicators. Oh wow, I seriously hope I remember how to use these.” said Dex as he put the communicator in his ear.
“Can you hear me?” Bio’s voice came through the communicator, cutting out all the other noise.
Dex tapped his communicator, “Sure can.”
“Good. That’s a private channel. It’s about the same for the other channels too.”
Alicia came over and gave Shimi and Dex their badges. “They look good on you.” She winked at them, then laughed, “Better go meet Aby in North Arch. She’s there waiting for you.”
They nodded and left the guild base, putting their hoods up as they neared the massive crowd at North. The crowd had surrounded a buffed armoured man with a big red flag behind him as he passed out small golden bracelets.
“Those look like PK bracelets.” Dex commented quietly.
“Technically they are, but they’re used just for the Nation Wars.” Aby replied as she approached. “Go get one quickly, then come back over so I can explain.”
The nodded and went over to the man, whose name was Overseer Abardeen and received their bracelets. Aby pulled them back over and began explaining quickly.
“Those bracelets are not just your passes in NW, they also are how you get around to each skirmish. All you have to do is listen to your squad and they’ll tell you the coordinates of each battle they’re going into.” said Aby quickly, “It’s basically a four-way TW. Four nations – Flame, Frost, Light, and Dark – all fighting against each other and you win each battle by capturing the flag twice. If you tap your communicator twice, you’ll be able to see the map of all the nations, which nation owns what piece of land, and what lands are under attack. You can only go into battles that you nation is attacking or defending, so keep that in mind.”
Shimi seemed just slightly overwhelmed and Dex just went into guild chat.
“Hey, who wants me in their squad for NW?” He asked.
He got about sixteen replies and nearly twice as many squad pings. It was about the same for Shimi.
“Alright, I’m just gunna pick a squad at random then.” Shimi said and he accepted one of the pings.
There were eight cheers that erupted in chat and on chuckle.
“Oh damn, I’m stuck with Arix. Automatic nation loss.” Shimi chuckled.
“Pfft, no we’ll lose ‘cause Aby’s in squad. She’s such a fail veno.” joked Arixson.
“Yeah and she’s ugly too.” Dana added.
Aby scowled, “I’m also not the one that got myself one shot.”
“Hey, don’t pick on my Aby.” Growled Taxi.
“Oh you’re in for it now!” Shimi laughed.
Another nine cheers sounded in guild chat as Dex accepted a random squad.
“DEXXXXXX!!!!” Bio exclaimed.
“BIOOOOOO!!!!” exclaimed Dex back.
“No, get the *** out my squad dude.” Bio replied in a mock-angry voice.
Dex responded in the same tone, “Oh hell no. YOU get the *** out….oh and pass me lead before you go.”
“Okay.” Bio said, passing lead and leaving squad.
Dex laughed, “You moron, get your *** back in here.”
Bio answered, “You just told me to get out. Make up your damn mind!” He laughed, but accepted the squad invite anyway.
“Good luck in NW everyone.” Venielle said.
Dex closed his eyes as he was ported into NW. He opened them and saw the fiery red base with lava in the center and red rocks scattered around.
Shimi’s voice came through guild chat. “What nation you in Dex?” he asked.
“Flame. And you?”
“Light.”
“Well isn’t that ironic.”
Bio’s voice came through squad chat calling out the coordinates of the first battle. “F2 guys.”
Dex fumbled with his bracelet. “What the hell. Take me to F2 you piece of-“
He was cut off as he was ported to F2. A tiny screen came up for a moment showing 13v6.
“Uh do we have the 13 people or…?”
“No they have 13 people and they’re all grouped here in the center.” Nimbus answered.
Dex’s eyes flashed excitedly. “On my way.” He ran ahead, right into the massive horde of people, “Oh fun.”
He was immediately swarmed, a blademaster stunning him and three archers hitting him with metal attacks. There was a bunch of other attacks from random classes; a seeker, a veno, two clerics, a barbarian, and two psychics.
“Oh that’s cute damage.” mused Dex in guild chat. “Someone go grab the flag while I wipe these guys out.”
“Already got the flag.” Ravage said.
“Good.” Dex wrapped his arms around himself for a good three seconds, gaining power. “Black Devastation!” He exclaimed as he thrust his arms out, his bright red and white chakrams appearing as a huge wave of black fire spread out from around him, leaving a circle of scorch marks on the ground.
“And that, people, is how you level the land.” He chuckled as the bodies disappeared from around him.
Bio whistled, “Jesus Christ, now THAT was some power.”
“Just make sure you leave your hood up Dex.” said Shimi.
“I never took it off in the first place.” He frowned as he felt something poke him and turned to see the rank 9 cleric in the air. “Damn mosquito. Get cho *** down here!” He threw his chakram and watched as the cleric fell to the ground, unmoving. “Woops. Didn’t mean to one shot it.”
“Contain your power?” CurseD suggested.
Dex thought for a moment. “Nah.”
Pinelo cut in, “Um, we’re being ganked over here.”
“I’m comin.” He ran over and started flailing his blazing chakrams around, dropping at least two people at a time. “See, I got ya.”
“Run Nimbus, you noob!” exclaimed Jarken, running ahead and sniping out a wizard.
“I’m going, I’m going! Calm your **** dude!” yelled Nimbus as he ran with the flag into the capture point. “There, ya happy now?”
“No, go faster next time!” Jark yelled back.
Bio switched back to squad chat to give the next set of coordinates, “G7. Go, go go!”

~~~((this means a break in time or a change of narration by the way))~~~

“Cards!” exclaimed Shimi and a tornado of cards burst up from the ground and wiped out about four people. He turned and put out his hand, sending another stream of cards to take out two more.
“This 20v20 isn’t going so well.” frowned Arix, “Told you its cause Aby’s here.”
“It’s not my fault we have so many TT people.” Aby countered, “Maybe if you didn’t run face first into a swarm of mages…”
Shimi shook his head, “Chill out. Just go get the flag and I’ll handle the others.”
Arix frowned, “Are you sure?”
“Am I really one to be questioned about that?”
Arix paused, “Good point.”
“I’ve got the flag now, but there’s a lot of people up my *** cause of it.” Bubbabill commented.
“Okay, I’m coming. Tank it till I get there, then leg it to the capture spot.”
Shimi ran over and flung a card a bit above Bubba’s head. He held out his hand, making it spin faster and faster till it spun so fast it started to create some kind of portal. “Black Hole.” He said as the black portal grew bigger and bigger. Bubba ran out of the way with the flag, heading in the direction of the capture point. The skill Shimi used caused an extreme amount of gravity on the enemies, causing all the people flying to drop down and crouch on the ground, their body’s heavy. “Gravity Pulsar!” He cried, suddenly clenching his hand into a fist as the Black Hole skill exploded, sending ripples of devastating space energy along the ground and dropping every person there.
“Damn.” Was all HalfPint could say.
A second later, Bubba captured the flag, causing the flag to reset.
“I GOT THISSSS!!!!” Snowy yelled, grabbing the flag and running to the capture point. Three assassins popped on him and a third cast rank 9 wizard dropped a nuke on him just as a veno ran over and purged him of all his buffs. “Never mind…” he sputtered, lying on the ground as the flag reset again.
Shimi face palmed. “Please do not commit suicide. I can only be in one place at a time.” He said, and was suddenly thrown up in the air by a cleric using Great Cyclone. “What the hell?”
More people appeared, keeping him air juggled quite well. The assassins took turns using Tackling Slash to freeze him in the air and the clerics kept using Great Cyclone while a couple people used Whirlwind.
“Shimi…?” PeachyKisses asked, “Everything okay? The status bars next to your name keep flying all over the place.
“Yes, I’m fine. They decided they wanted to teach me to fly.” sighed Shimi in a rather bored tone.
“Oh, and you tell ME not to play with my food.” laughed Dex from guild chat. “You gunna kill them anytime soon or are you having too much fun?”
“No I’m just waiting for an archer to attack me.” He replied calmly. He then saw an archer approaching and smiled just a little, “Ah, there’s one now. Please do use Barrage of Arrows.”
The archer pointed his bow up in the air and thousands of blue arrows rained down on Shimi. “Oh, bad move buddy.” Shimi suddenly disappeared and reappeared in the same spot over and over, reflecting each arrow back at the people around him. “Warp Snipe.”
Everyone panicked and tried to get out of the way, but each arrow was reflected so accurately, no one was able to run in time. Even the assassins didn’t have enough time to stealth. “Don’t ever try to air juggle me.” Shimi said calmly and walked away from the bodies covering the ground.
“Okay guys, we’re done here. Let’s get to C1.” Half said through squad chat.

~~~~~~

“Whoa….” Bio said from his spot next to Dex. They’d been land locked away from the rest of their squad and they were the only two people here against 20 enemies. “That’s a lot of people.”
“You think you can capture the flag if I distract everyone else?” asked Dex.
“Sure if you can distract them very well.”
Cantabrum’s voice came through guild chat just then. “Hey Dex and Shimi. Have you heard world chat? If not, go listen. It’s pretty damn funny.”
Dex shrugged and changed the chat. What he heard next was utter chaos.
“WHO IS THIS GUY?! HE JUST WIPED OUT THE ENTIRE MAP!!”
“Jesus Christ, I’m not even making him flinch!! What the hell IS he?!”
“GOD! Everyone get to C1!! He’s in here slaughtering us! WE NEED BACK UP!”
“No, he’s here in H4!!! He’s standing next to the Rogue director and they’re the only two people here!!”
“YOU MEAN THERE’S TWO OF THEM!!!?”
“WHAT THE *** ARE THESE GUYS?! GODS?!”
Dex turned off world chat and just started laughing. He heard Shimi laughing just as hard in guild chat. “Oh my god, you hear these people?! TOO FUNNY!”
“Yes! All fear the all mighty and powerful GODS!” Shimi sounded like he was about to break a rib, he was laughing so hard.
“Oh Jesus! Haha Bio go get the – hahaha – flag while I – HAHA– make these guys tremble at the ‘all powerful god’ ahahaha!” Dex said between fits of giggles.
Bio chuckled and took off, the people in the center actually avoiding him and going straight for Dex. “Oh yes, my minions. Come to your deaths. Save me the trip of coming to you.” Dex chuckled and shook his head.
“First flag captured.” announced Bio. “Going for the next one now.”
“Okay, take your time. I want to show these people the meaning of fear.” Dex smirked.
He ran straight into the middle of them as they used the most powerful skills they knew to take him down. “How about something new? Been using Black Devastation and Frenzy of Flames too much.” He reached up and put both his hands in the air, staying like that for nearly five minutes, absorbing the damage being dealt to him. Then suddenly, he dropped them down, causing the ground to shake and flaming chunks of earth to strike at the ground. A dark crimson sun hung in the sky, the sky itself growing black as the wind picked up, forcing the people flying to land. The land shook so hard it split, jet black flames bursting up from them and some people fell down inside the gaps. “Apocalypse!!” Dex cried and then slammed his chakrams onto the ground, making the spikes on them extend as explosions erupted around him, “FINAL JUDGEMENT!!!”
Dex was the last person standing after that and actually dropped to his knees. “Eheh… got em.”
“Dex, are you ok?” Shimi sounded worried, “Those are your most powerful moves. You know they take nearly all your energy to cast.”
“Yeah… I’m fine. Can’t pass out now. Gotta hear the reaction of that in world chat.” He chuckled rather weakly, tapping his communicator.
“Oh….god…”
“W-what was that?”
“That power… He’s not human. He’s not from Perfect World.”
“You don’t think….that’s Jin’ra?”
“No… No, he’s much more powerful. I’d even go as far as comparing his power with Pan Gu’s.”
“We can’t kill him. We can’t. If you see either of them on the battle field, especially the one with the white and red weapons, run. Just get out of that battle and go to another. They will slaughter you and there’s no stopping it.”
Dex chuckled, turning off world chat. “And that is how you truly make people know the meaning of terror.” He breathed and passed out as Bio captured the second flag.


~~~~~~

Shimi frowned, “Dex?” No response, just static. “Dex?! …..Damn he passed out. Let’s finish up NW quickly.”
He then went on a rampage, killing anyone that got in the way of the flag carrier. Not many people challenged him at this point. Only a few brave souls actually attempted to attack him. He felt a frigid poke on his back and turned to wipe the person off the face of the map, but he froze.
Her big blue eyes were wide in pure terror and she just stood there trembling. Shimi stared at her for a while, just taking in the sight of her. She really was very pretty. He couldn’t bring himself to even think of attacking and he just backed away, running after the flag carrier that had gotten ahead of him. A ping alerted him of a private channel message and he switched over.
“I’m sorry. I… I didn’t mean to attack you… I was after someone else…”
The voice was soft, with a slight undertone of fear. Shimi slowed his pace to a walk, then stopped altogether. It was her voice. The girl he saw in South earlier and the same one that had attacked him just then.
“It’s….alright.” Shimi replied quietly. His attention of the battle slipped as he listened intently to her voice. He could imagine her trembling from fear just by the tone of her voice.
“I’m…very sorry. I didn’t…mean to upset-“
Shimi turned and saw her crouched behind a bush, trying to stay as small and hidden as she could. Her eyes widened when she saw him looking at her and her eyes actually brimmed with tears. She knew he could hurt her very, very badly and it terrified her.
“Please…don’t. Please.” Her voice was just a whisper.
Shimi’s heart melted, “You don’t have to be afraid, I won’t hurt you.” She didn’t relax or stop staring at him with those big blue eyes full of fear. “I promise.” He added in a soft voice.
He saw her nod, just slightly. “Thank you…”
“What’s your name?” Shimi asked as the second flag was captured.
Her reply came just as everyone was ported out of NW.
“Lumi.”

Lumi_ - Archosaur

More comments=more posts. I'll try to post 2 chapters a day. Once chapters 1-14 are up however, they're going to start being posted much more slower due to the fact that I'm still in the process of writing them :O




Bio practically dragged Dex back into the guild base until Shimi rushed over and basically picked him up and carried him over to the spot prepared for him on the floor.
“Well that’s a little insulting.” Bio frowned, “He’s very heavy you know.”
Shimi glanced back, “I realize this, but you seem to keep forgetting that I’m not from around here.”
“Is he okay?” Peachy asked, leaning over Dex. She looked rather concerned. “I could heal whatever is hurt most.”
“You can try if you’d like. I’m not sure how well it’ll work; we don’t have clerics where we come from.”
Peachy nodded and knelt down next to Dex, tenderly unzipping his coat and tending to the little cuts here and there. Shimi took a seat right where he was standing, floating there absent minded.
“Shimi?”
“Yes?”
Venielle looked at him curiously. “Are all the people of Morai as powerful as you?”
Shimi leaned back casually. “Actually, no. Dex, myself, and one other are the three strongest of the Undead. To be completely honest. The three of us are not even whole.”
“Whole? What do you mean?”
“Well,” explained Shimi, “when we were first ‘born’, we have no souls. We still don’t have any souls. To put it simply, we’re only half a person.”
Jark frowned from his spot against the middle pillar. “Well…what happened to your souls then? You said your spirits went to Morai when you died.”
“Don’t misunderstand. You ARE correct, but this is the part that gets confusing. Actually, even I don’t understand it fully. Think of it like this: our spirit was split in two before we came back. One part was our souls and the other was our actual minds. Our emotions, beliefs, and thoughts. Our minds materialized into what we are now, but our souls materialized into our other halves.”
Dex stirred from his spot on the floor and opened his eyes. He jumped when he saw Peachy crouched next to him. “Well hello.”
Peachy’s face turned red. “Hi.”
They stayed like that in awkward silence until Dex slowly closed his jacket and zipped it back up. He stood just as slowly and nodded a sort of startled thank you to Peachy.
“Mm nice to have you back.” Shimi said in a rather irritated voice.
Dex dusted himself off. “Sorry. Bit of overkill, I know, but I haven’t done something like that in a long time.”
“Yeah well now you can contribute to the discussion.”
“Discussion?” Dex sat down like Shimi, but rolled over onto his stomach, his legs in the air and propping his head up with his hands.
“Our other halves.”
Dex blinked, “Ah, I see. Have you gotten to what they are or names?” He shrugged when Shimi shook his head, “Well, our other halves aren’t part of the Undead race. There’s only three of them, but they’re all the same thing: Daemons. Syph, Shimi’s advisor. Rapture, my advisor. And Misletien, Sy-”
Shimi slapped his hand over Dex’s mouth, “We’re not saying his name.” He finished Dex’s sentence for him, “Misletien is the other’s advisor.”
“I have two questions now.” Peachy said, “Advisors for what and if you’re only half a person, how does that not cut your powers?”
“The three of us are the leaders of Shroud, Luminence, and Corona-”
Jark shook his head. “What? No way, we’ve already met all three leaders.” He interrupted.
Dex chuckled, “No, those aren’t the real leaders. Remember, we had to stay hidden, so we used those three to deliver messages and orders.”
Shimi nodded. “Correct. As for your second question, our power isn’t cut because the three of us are the Celestials.”
“But,” frowned Venielle, “A lot of us are celestial too.”
“No, no. Not celestial sage or demon.” Dex explained, “I, myself, am the Lunar Celestial and the leader of Shroud.”
“I’m the leader of Luminence and the Stellar Celestial.” said Shimi, “And the leader of Corona is the Solar Celestial.” He paused, “And speaking of which, I should really check on Luminence. Dex, would you mind staying here? I’ll check on Shroud for you as well.”
Dex looked at Shimi oddly. “Sure?”
Shimi just shook his head worriedly. “I just have a bad feeling so I’d much rather you stay here while I’m gone.”
“Well alright.” Dex shrugged, “Take your time; I’m sure we’ll be fine here.”
Shimi sighed and stood, “I’ll only be gone for a little less than a day. I’m sure Rapture is more than overwhelmed with work.”
“Most likely.”
Tossing a card at the wall, Shimi opened a portal. “I’ll be back soon.” He said, then disappeared.
Seconds later, a rather distraught voice came through the communicator. “Shimi?”
Dex tapped his communicator quickly. “He just left.”
“Well then can you come to Orchid Temple? Like NOW.” It was Serah’s voice and she sounded very urgent.
“Sure. I’m on my way now.”

~~~~~~

He arrived to the sound of chaos, but figured it was just some PK and walked out the gate calmly. Ducking as something black flew over his head; he glanced back, shrugged, then went over the Serah and Bio.
“What’s the problem?”
Serah pointed behind him. “That.”
Dex turned and immediately tensed. There was a black moving shape, coming close and closer. It had bright red eyes and mainly just looked like a silhouette.
“Stay away from it. It’s a shadow; they go after people with high spirit energy and eat it.” warned Dex, his chakrams appearing as he ran after it.
He slashed at it, but missed by just a hair’s width, then flinched when one of its tentacles impaled him in his chest.
“You’re a dumb ***. I don’t HAVE a soul for you to steal.” hissed Dex as he sliced the tentacle from its body.
It screeched in pain and disappeared into the shadowed ground. Dex looked around, his chakrams dangling from his fingers, ready for when it reappeared. It may have been severely weakened, but it wouldn’t have left, not that easily.
He heard Serah scream and turned. The shadow had reappeared behind them and went to grab at her with slender tentacles that looked like long, spindly fingers. She ran out of the way before they could wrap around her, leaving Bio to stand there, looking up at it. He didn’t move when it turned on him, keeping its eyes locked with his.
“Damn it, stop looking into its eyes! Move Bio! Get the hell out of there!” yelled Dex, trying to run over to him. He looked down and saw the tentacle coming out of the ground, wrapped around his ankle. “Oh you sneaky little *****! Bio!! You have to move! PLEASE! GOD DAMN!!”
He threw his chakram and it hit the shadow directly in the chest, making it screech in defeat. As a last resort, it stabbed its tentacle into Bio’s chest and pulled something glowing from his body before it burst into a cloud of darkness, losing it grasp on the orb.
“No. No, no, no, no, no!!” raged Dex as he stopped next to Bio’s limp body. “Come on! Return to his body! Please! Oh GOD don’t let this happen again!”
The glowing orb shook once, then burst into a little puff of light. Serah and Dex both just stood there in silence, gazing at the empty shell of Bio. His eyes had turned grey and glazed over. He didn’t move or respond to anything.
Serah jumped as Dex let out a sudden scream of frustration. “Again! It happened AGAIN!! God DAMN!!!”
“What do you mean ‘again’?”
Dex paced back and forth in pure white fury, pulling on his black hair. “This is EXACTLY how Shimi died!! EXACTLY!! All because I couldn’t get there in time!”
“Well…there must be SOMETHING we can do-”
“His SOUL was ripped out of his body!” spat Dex, “And with no vessel to keep it whole, it burst!! He is DEAD!”
Serah flinched away and the fury faded away from his eyes as defeat sinked in. he bent down and picked Bio up, “Let’s go back to the base.” He said quietly.
Nodding, Serah picked up his soulsphere and followed behind Dex just as quietly.

~~~~~~

Taxi was the last to enter the base and immediately grabbed Dex by his collar and lifted him up. “What happened to my director?” He growled menacingly.
“I’m sorry.” Dex mumbled, not even attempting to resist Taxi’s grip. “I’m so sorry. I couldn’t get to him in time; it’s all my fault. Do to me as you wish, I deserve it.”
Taxi frowned and put Dex back down. “Serah told me everything. I know you tried your best.”
Cereliia huffed, “Apparently, trying isn’t-”
“Shut up.” Taxi snapped.
“I’m gone for nearly a day and chaos breaks loose.” said Shimi as he stepped out of the portal with two other men.
One wore no shirt, tattoos of dark green vines winding around his chest, back, and arms. His black pants where slightly tattered and had black straps hanging off them. His eyes were pale green with paper thin pupils and dark shadows surrounding the outside of his eyes. He had rust colored hair that came down around his face with dark green vines entwined throughout it.
The other man looked a little younger and slightly thinner than the other. A grey jacket that came down to his knees, a red shirt, and a pair of black skinnies was what he wore along with a grey ski hat that went partially over his jet black hair. He eyes were cool grey, with pupils and shadows just like the other man’s. they both stood out mostly because of the small black bat wings on their backs that came out just slightly past their shoulders and the thin black tails with arrow head shaped tips that swished behind them.
“You really have terrible luck with shadows, don’t you Dex?” Shimi suddenly snapped his fingers, “But I’m getting ahead of myself. This is Syph,” he gestured at the man with the vine tattoos, “this is Rapture,” he gestured to the guy in the grey jacket, “and this is BioHazard.” He plopped down a young man in a black jacket much like Shimi’s and Dex’s against the wall.
No one said anything as Bio looked around with bright golden eyes. When he saw his own dead body, his eyes widened and he opened his mouth to say something, but no sound came out. Slowly, he gingerly reached out and picked up his soulsphere, looking it over with slight curiosity and confusion, then looked back around the room at everyone else.
“He had such a powerful spirit that he materialized rapidly.” explained Shimi, “Because of this, it’s going to take him some time to fully finish developing. I’d say at least a full week. And until then,” he frowned, “we need to talk.”

Lumi_ - Archosaur

And here's the second post for the day. Enjoy!



Dex frowned. “Okay. What about?”
“What do you? The shadows. They shouldn’t be here; we need to find the source.” Shimi crossed his arms, “We have to have a meeting with the other leader.”
“Who’s going to stay here? With the return of the shadows, it’s not safe to just up and leave them by themselves.”
Shimi gestured at Rapture and Syph, “That’s why I brought these two.”
“And who’s leading Shroud now?”
“I left Tsyren in charge.”
Dex froze and looked at Shimi closely. “I’m sorry, say that again. I think I heard you wrong.”
Shaking his head, Shimi replied, “No, you heard correctly. I said Tsyren.”
Dex’s eye twitched as he stared at Shimi. Irrelephant pushed past him, stopping in front of Shimi. “Tsy’s alive?!”
“Oh yes, he’s just brimming with life.” Shimi glanced at Dex, “You’d get further talking to Dex about him. He’s part of Shroud.”
Irrelephant turned to Dex expectantly, causing him to scratch the back of his head awkwardly. “Yeah, he’s got….uh, quite a colourful personality.”
“Can I see him?”
“I’d like to see him again too.” Nimbus added, “The guy was my best friend.”
Dex started shaking his head before Nimbus even finished speaking. “Bad idea. Very, very bad idea. He’s not the same as you remember.”
Irrel frowned. “Aw please?”
“If I’m thinking correctly, Shimi said there was TW today.” Syph began, “Both Rapture and I combined only make up one of you. A little back up wouldn’t hurt. Especially if we have to keep the shadows at bay.”
Dex still shook his head. “I’m not sending Tsy. Absolutely not. He’ll cause more trouble than it’s worth. I’ll send someone else, but not Tsy.”
Shimi thought for a moment, “We can send Misletien.”
“Yeah sure, if Sy-”
Dex slapped his hand over Rapture’s mouth. “We’re not saying his name; we don’t want chaos breaking lose before we’re ready to deal with it.” He frowned, “We’ll try to convince him to send her.”
Raptured sighed, “Alright, but she scares me. She’s EVIL!”
“She’s really not that bad.” Commented Shimi. He handed his badge and communicator to Syph, “This actually may take a couple days. Just try to keep track of everyone, especially the psychics. They tend to have unusually high spirit energy. Oh and take care of Bio. He’ll need donors so I’ll let you deal with that awkward question. Naturally, just make sure he doesn’t make anyone pass out.”
“You want us to babysit?” Syph frowned.
“Yes,” said Dex, handing his badge and communicator to Rapture, “because we won’t have time to take care of him. We’re going to be busy with several different meetings.”
Shimi turned to Taxi. “Basically, view Syph as myself and Rapture as Dex. We’ll try to come back as soon as possible.”
And that said, they nodded at one another, opened a portal, and disappeared. They stood there, taking a second to let all of that sink in. bio broke the silence by tapping his boots together. He looked rather bored.
“When was the last time you ate?” Syph asked. Bio shrugged. “Well, are you hungry?” Bio grinned and shrugged again.
Raptured sighed. “Figured this was gunna be difficult.”
Syph looked down at Bio with a hard stare. “Open.”
Bio frowned, but reluctantly opened his mouth. An entire set of little sharp teeth and two long canines’ accompanied them. Some of the Rogue members turned away and other just stared. Only Canta was the one to lean forward and say cool.
“About an hour, hour and a half ago.” guessed Rapture. He turned to Syph, “He’s new; you know what that means. I’ll let you deal with that.”
“I’m sorry I’m late!” Laikah said as she entered the base. She saw Bio’s dead body and tears formed in her eyes. “How? I… I just saw him less than two hours ago…”
“Whoa, wait. Don’t start the tsunami of tears when you’re only looking at his empty shell.” said Rapture quickly. “Look over here. See, he’s okay.”
She looked further and saw Bio leaning against the wall. “Oh thank god. I don’t know how, but it doesn’t matter. You’re alive and that’s all I care about.”
Bio didn’t say anything, but he certainly seemed much happier. He nuzzled her neck, opened his mouth and…
“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Syph pulled Lai back quickly, causing Bio to flinch when his teeth snapped together. “We don’t show affection by biting.”
Rapture frowned, “Bio…isn’t quite the same as you remember. He died and his soul went to Morai. I’m sure you know what that means.”
“It means he’s hungry.” Syph said quietly, “And we don’t have a donor.”
“Does is hurt?”
“His teeth are probably aching.” answered Rapture. “Or did you mean what I think you meant?” Lai nodded. “Then no, it doesn’t. It comes to him naturally, so he knows what he’s doing.”
Lai gazed at Bio, who looked quite uncomfortable. “Then I’ll be his donor.”
“Are you sure?” Syph asked. When she nodded, he turned to Rapture. “Take them to another room and just make sure he doesn’t take too much. He’s either going to be very awake when he’s finished or very tired.”
Rapture sighed. “Yeah, yeah. I know the drill. Went through this tons with Dex.” He said, helping Bio into another room with Lai following closely behind.
Syph stood against the wall quietly. Taxi approached him then and asked, “Is there anything that can be done to keep my members safe? I don’t want to lose anymore to these damn shadows.”
“Have everyone keep a stash of teleport stones on them so they can immediately port out is they see one. It’s also better for no one to go out alone.” Syph thought for a moment. “Because the shadows are so drawn to them, it’s probably better for the psychics not to go out unless accompanied by Rapture or myself. We can hold off the shadows long enough for them to port out of there. Oh, and absolutely NO going to Morai. That’s where the shadows come from.”
Taxi nodded. “Alright. I’ll set the new rules in place right away.”
Most of the people had left the base, all except Dana, Aby, Lezzie, Ryonz, and Canta. Canta said something to Aby quietly and Aby nodded in response.
“Hey Syph.”
“Mhm?”
She walked over to him and flipped her hair back in a sexy way. “I’m curious who the leader of Corona is.” She put her hands on her knees and looked up at him sweetly, “Would you tell me? Pleeease?”
One of Syph’s eyebrows rose in response. “I’m not allowed to say.” He replied, completely unaffected by her attempt to be seductive.
“Oh. Okay.” She frowned and went back over to the group. “No way did that not work. I bet he’s ***.”
“No, you’re just ugly.” Snickered Dana.
Ryonz snickered too and Aby smacked both of them as Lezzie shook his head. “He’s not ***, believe me.” No one argued this with him, considering he was also ***.
“Let me try.” Canta said. She went over to Syph and leaned against him, “Sooo you won’t tell Aby, but,” She looked at him with innocent violet eyes accompanied by a flirtatious smile, “maybe you’ll tell me? It could be our little secret.”
Syph shifted his weight uncomfortably and looked back at Canta with an expression that said, ‘are you serious?’. “I already told Aby the same thing I’m going to tell you. No.”
“Ohh rejection!” Dana snickered again. He turned to Ryonz expectantly.
“Oh hell no! I’m not getting smacked again!”
Canta just frowned. “He’s obviously ***.” She said as Aby smacked Dana again.
“Honestly, he’s not ***. Really.” Lezzie said again.
There was a light giggle that floated down from the ceiling and a young girl as well moments later. She had pure white hair that went all the way down to her waist and incredibly pale skin. Her eyes were light purple, with the typical details of a daemon. The short dress she wore was quite loose in the sleeves and around her waist, it flaring out just slightly around her thighs and was embroidered with detailed black and purple swirls and small dark purple dots. A pair of short black shorts were concealed under her dress and a black hair clip in the shape of a sun was pinned on the side of her head.
She floated down and stopped in front of Syph. “Hey there Syphy. It’s been awhile since we last got to talk hm?” She cooed, leaning in till her nose practically touched his.
Syph’s face turned an amazing deep shade of red and his pupils dilated nervously. “H-hey Misletien. I’m glad you could come.”
“Oh, I’m sure you’re QUITE happy I could come, right Syphy?” Misletien giggled again and turned over in the air. She nuzzled her nose against his, “We’ll have to talk lots later, now won’t we?”
“Of…course…” stammered Syph in response, his face turning even redder.
“Told you he wasn’t ***.” Said Lezzie in an ‘I told you so’ tone.
Dana just crossed his arms, “No, he’s just a paedophile. She looks like she’s ten.” He said, commenting on her short, petite figure.
Misletien turned quickly and flew straight for Dana. “EXCUSE YOU?” She hissed, glaring at him. “I’m not ten. I’m most likely older then you, that’s for sure!”
“Then exactly how old ARE you?”
Misletien’s face turned red with rage, which was actually quite startling considering how pale she was. Suddenly, she lunged forward and implanted a syringe into Dana’s chest, making his eyes widen. A moment later, he fainted. She held the syringe and shook it at Dana.
“That’s what you get for asking a woman her age. A nice dose of paralyse and sleep for a couple hours.” She giggled in an evil way, her eyes gleaming.
Syph frowned, “Mistie, that wasn’t really necessary.”
Rapture walked out of the side room and stopped dead in his tracks, his eye widening in fear. Misletien saw him and didn’t even hesitate to throw the syringe at him, which stuck in his stomach and causing him to fall to the floor, unconscious.
“Mistie…” mumbled Syph. He didn’t really have to heart to get upset with her, especially when she turned to him and giggled in that cute, but ridiculously evil way. “Please…try not to poison everyone you meet.”
Misletien floated over to Syph and looked at him in the eyes. “Well alright. I suppose I can try to behave for you.” She giggled, “Although, I’m certainly looking forward to the TW. Lots of test subjects for new medicinal combinations!”

Lumi_ - Archosaur

Sorry this is so late. I'll post three today to make up for it.


“Misletien, where are your wings and tail?” asked Ryonz nervously. He didn’t want to end up like Dana.
Misletien turned on him and he flinched. “I keep them hidden.” She said simply. “That’s why I float everywhere. So no one steps on it.” Floating over, she looked at him closely. “You’re afraid of me, aren’t you?”
“Mhm.”
“Don’t be.” She rolled over on her back and giggled, “I’m sweet as sugar as long as you don’t upset me.”
Canta looked at Rapture. “All he did was walk in the room.”
“Yeah, but,” Misletien closed her eyes and frowned, “I don’t like him.” She looked down at Dana. “I don’t like him either. I don’t like people that ask me stupid questions. You’re not so bad though. You’re pretty, like me.”
Aby came back in the room and nearly tripped over Dana. “The heck happened?!”
“He asked me my age.”
“Ah. Well good, it’s about time someone knocked his *** out again.”
“Who knocked him out the first time?”
“Dex.”
Misletien’s eyes sparkled. “Ohh. I think Dex is the cutest of the three leaders. I’m not allowed to talk to him though.”
Curiously, Lezzie asked, “Why?”
Misletien frowned. “My leader hates him more than anything in the world. He’s not allowed to fight with though, cause it upsets the balance. Fortunately, if they do fight, Shimi comes and stops it.” She cocked her head to the side, “Shimi’s such a nice man. He lets me see Syphy anytime I want. Dex doesn’t trust me in the Shroud area and my leader doesn’t want me having any contact with the other orders anyway, so me and Syphy always have to meet in secret.”
“Will you tell us the name of your leader?”
Misletien shut one of her eyes and stuck out her tongue. “Nope. But that was a good try though.”
“Well, I suppose we’ll just have to wait I guess.” Sighed Aby. She handed Misletien a badge and communicator, “We have TW soon, so you’ll need these.”
“Ohh!” She took the badge and communicator and put them on. “Thanks!”
“Are they going to be awake in time for TW?” asked Ryonz, looking at Dana and Rapture.
Misletien thought for a moment, “How much longer till TW?”
“Little less than an hour.”
She made a face. “No. that poison lasts for, like, four hours.”
“FOUR HOURS?!” exclaimed Ryonz, taking a step back in shock.
“Calm down. I have the cure.” Putting her hands on her hips, she frowned. “I suppose I won’t be able to pick on Dana anymore though. I’m not supposed to pick on the huuuuuumans.” She said, drawing out the word sarcastically.
Syph sighed and put his hand on his forehead. “Can you please give them the cure Mistie? We have to meet up for TW.”
“Alright, I suppose.” Misletien bent down with a syringe full of pale blue liquid. “Pokey, pokey.” She giggled.

~~~~~~

Dana held the top of his left arm painfully. He looked around and saw Misletien floating circles above her squad members. “Crazy girl.” He said under his breath.
Misletien stopped and looked straight at him. Dana’s eyes widened. ‘No way did she hear me.’ He thought.
She gave him a look of pure hatred, then turned away and giggled at something her squad member said.
“Who’s our opponent?” asked Rapture.
“Teletubies.” Jark said. “Should be rather fun.”
“Sure, if they actually show up this time.” Arix commented dryly.
Taxi nodded, “Just get in there, build our towers, and those who I chose, grab a cata.”
They ported in and went down B lane first, Taxi in the lead in true form, pulling a cata behind him. Another group of people met them about half way there; attacking them immediately.
“They’re definitely here.” Pint confirmed. “My squad focus on the clerics.”
“I’ll get the psychics. Rapture, you get the archers. Mistie, you…uh...” Syph fumbled for the right words, but Misletien was already busy.
She giggled and implanted a syringe into Fatality’s back, causing him to have a mini seizure and fall to the ground. “Oopsie!” She said, a long double ended purple spear appearing in her delicate hands. She rammed it through Heroofshadow and frowned when he instantly fell to the ground. “You people get knocked out too easily.” She pouted.
Chocfudge pointed his bow at Rapture, who’s just taken out another archer. He blinked in confusion when Rapture suddenly disappeared.
“Hey, I’m over here.” Rapture said, tapping Choc on the back. He pivoted on his heels as Choc turned around and tapped him on the back again. “What’re you lookin over there for bro? I said I’m back here.” He did the same thing again, causing Choc to become quite frustrated. “Man, you sure are slow. Could you at least look at me when I’m talkin to you?” Choc turned for the last time and got a face full of chains. “That’s probably going to leave more than a mark. Possibly a concussion.”
As for Syph, he fired five or more arrows out of his bow at a time. He kept feeling a rather dull pain in his back and turned to see DaiViper sending streams of magic at him.
“Okay, THAT is annoying.” Syph said and threw something at the ground next to Dai. “Back off, okay?”
Suddenly a mass amount of vines burst from the ground, and not only wrapped around Dai, but several others as well. The vines lifted them into the air, then abruptly slammed them into the ground several times. The vines continued to pick people up, even after knocking out the people they had held before.
Slowly, the group neared the entrance to the Tubbies base. Rapture lifted his hand and chains burst out of the ground, demolishing one of the towers. Misletien did the same, silken threads spiralling out of the ground and slicing through the other tower with ease.as they entered the base and pushed the enemies back to their resurrection point, a call came through the communicator.
“They’ve broken into our base. We need back up.”
Syph turned to Rapture, “Go back to the base and help. I think we’ve got everything covered here.”
Rapture nodded and ran back to the base. “Entrapment!” He exclaimed and lifted his hands, causing a giant bear trap to lift out of the ground below the attacking enemy guild. When he brought his hands together in front of him, the trap snapped shut on the entire group, knocking them all out and destroying their catas.
“Hey, here comes the horde on your end Syph.”
Misletien danced in excitement. “Can I take care of it Syphy?” Syph nodded and she clapped her hands together in glee. She put her hands up and, with a look of pure joy accompanied by a crazy little smile, brought them down and out in a swooping motion. “Miasma.”
A toxic black cloud rushed down and rapidly spread outward as it hit the ground, engulfing every Tubbies member that had advanced off the platform. The cloud of malicious poison took a while to clear and by that time, most of the Tubbies members could be seen there on the ground, suffering from seizures and spastic coughing.
There was a clinking sound as a crack appeared in the crystal, then another and another, until the entire crystal shattered into tiny shining fragments. A horn blew and they were ported back to Dreamweaver moments later. In good sportsmanship, many of the Rogue members went to world chat to say good fight, but many of the members’ faces turned to displeased frowns from what they heard in response.
“You three should hear what they’re saying.” Jark said, his tone giving away his pissed off mood.
They switched channels and immediately heard Choc’s voice.
“I wouldn’t exactly call that a fair fight.” He said dryly.
“I thought that was a very fair fight.” Ravage responded. “You were attacked by just one guild and you were able to have a full 80 members in there. I don’t see how that was unfair.”
“We weren’t prepared for those two random members and their ten year old kid.” Spat Dai. “If we’d been prepared for them, we could’ve planned differently and won.”
Misletien’s hair bristled at the comment made about her and Syph frowned. “I’m sure that even if you’d expected us, you still would’ve had a difficult time with that TW.” He said politely.
“I’m sure that if we’d known about you, you would’ve been rather easy to take down.” Fatality’s voice was calm.
Leaning against a wall casually, Syph said just as calmly, “If you’d like to prove that we’re such push-overs as you claim, we’d be more than happy to accept a 3v3. If not, I’m going to have to ask you nicely to stop trash talking us when you’re not even willing to prove you’re better.”
There was a pause. “A 3v3 would be great.” Choc’s voice finally answered. “If you’d meet us outside west gate, we can have it there.”
“Alright then. We’ll be there in a minute or two. Syph said, already heading for the teleporter. “I don’t want either of you dropping any nukes, you hear?” He added in guild chat.
“I’m going to rip them apart.” Misletien growled. “I’m going to make their insides rot and kill them. SLOWLY.”
Syph walked down the path of West Arch, nimbly avoiding the catshops set up. “Yes well do it with your bare hands. No using Miasma or Devil’s Hand. And for god’s sake, this place is a ****** mine field!” He exclaimed, tripping over a catshop’s tail.
“You know, since all of that was said in world chat. There’s probably going to be a bunch of people showing up to watch.” Rapture commented for the first time since leaving TW.
“There already are a lot of people here.” Jark confirmed. He wandered around the group of Rogue members that had gathered. “About half of Tubbies is here. Gotta lot of Rogue here, that’s for sure. Heh, even Nemesis is here and a few Junkies as well.”
“There’s a few randoms wandering around too.” Daedrics added. He frowned. “Ya know, if you guys lose, you’re gunna look like complete idiots.”
“We’re not going to lose.” Chuckled Rapture. “We don’t need to use nukes to take these guys out.”
Misletien floated up and over the wall and threw a syringe at Dreyani, a veno from Tubbies, causing her to faint even before Misletien took her place next to Syph. “THAT’S for calling me ten!” She spat.
“Hey, that’s not fair!” exclaimed Xugia.
“She was in PK, wasn’t she?” Misletien asked in a sugary sweet voice.
“Yes, but-”
“THEN I DON’T CARE!!!” She screeched furiously, making most of the people there jump in shock.
Xugia mutter to the person next to him, “She’s crazy.”
Misletien hissed and threw another syringe, making Xugia faint as well. Half of the Tubbies members took a step back from her in fear. “Anyone else want to insult me?” No one even dared looking at her at this point.
“I don’t like the smug look on their faces.” Syph said. He smirked, “For once, I’m going to be a ****. Don’t kill them right away. Toy with them; make them think that we’re too afraid to attack them.”
A couple of snickers could be heard in guild chat as Syph and the other two took a step forward.
“Well?” Rapture narrowed his eyes, “You call us out here and no one steps forward to accept the challenge?”
Choc stepped out from the crowd of Tubbies as well as Fatality and Teddy. “I’m sorry, we were getting our bearings.” He replied sarcastically.
“You mean you were growing a pair so you could actually step out of the crowd.” Ryonz snickered from next to Snowy, who had to bite his lip to keep himself from laughing.
Fatal opened his mouth to reply, but Syph cut him off. “Are you going to attack us or is this going to be a verbal battle instead?” He crossed his arms, “Cause I can assure you that I have better things to be doing and you’re clearly wasting my time.”
“Fine then. Go.” Teddy growled and ran straight for Syph.
“Wait, what?” I didn’t hear what-” Rapture was cut off as Fatal stun teleported behind him. “Ohh he said go, didn’t he? Okay, just gimme one sec.” he bent down to tie his shoe, ignoring the attacks made on him by Fatal. “Okay NOW I’m ready.” He said and suddenly disappeared.
Fatal frowned. “Don’t use stealth.” He said.
Rapture stood behind him looking rather confused. “I didn’t?” He looked genuinely perplexed, but his eyes glinted in amusement. “Stealth? What’s that?”
Some of the Rogue members burst out laughing at this as Fatal rushed at Rapture with a flurry of attacks. Further away, Syph continuously sidestepped Teddy’s attacks, seemingly growing bored. Finally, Teddy was able to stun him and swung his poleaxe at his head. Syph ducked at the last second, pivoted on his heels and back flipped out of the way.
“That was rather close.” Sighed Syph. “Too bad I was only testing my reflexes. Honestly, I could’ve moved at any time I’d liked.”
Choc fired several arrows at Misletien, constantly missing as she lazily drifted around and above them. One of them she even plucked out of the air and twirled it around. She yawned and looked at the arrow.
“Your aim is, like, terrible.” She looked at him with half closed eyes. “This is boring.”
“Come down and actually fight me then.” Choc said frustrated. “Or are you going to stay up there and hide like a ****?”
Misletien stopped in mid-flight. “WHAT DID YOU CALL ME?” She growled as her face grew dark.
“I think you heard me.” He replied rather smugly.
Misletien’s hair bristled and she curved her fingers into claws. She screeched as she dove for him, tackling him to the ground and raking at his chest with her nails and occasionally leaning down and biting him hard enough to break through his skin. Choc’s eyes were wide in terror and he screamed in pain as Misletien ripped him apart.
Rapture turned first and frowned. “Oh man, it’s gone a bit too far now.” He turned and punched Fatal in the face, making him fall over. He tried to get up, but Rapture just kicked him in the head. “Stay down boy! Unless you want Choc to die?”
Syph looked up at the screeching frenzy of what was Misletien and shook his head. “Nope, this is done.” He went to go stop Misletien, but was hit in the back by Teddy. “You idiot. Get the hell off!” Kicking Teddy in the stomach, he waited until he dropped then round house kicked him in the head. “For Christ’s sake man, you must really want your marshal dead!”
Misletien’s eyes had turned bright red as she continued to claw at Choc, who’d gone silent. She heard Syph calling to her and stopped, blinking her eyes over and over, slowly coming out of the frenzy. She saw Syph running over and frowned when she saw a Tubbies archer pull back an arrow and launched it at Syph.
“Syphon! Move!” exclaimed Misletien, darting to stand in front of him. She turned and opened her hands to put up a mini shield, but the arrow soared too fast and stuck into her chest, making her gasp upon impact.
“Mistie?!” Syph caught her in his arms and looked at her with wide, worried eyes. “Mistie?! Answer me! Misletien!!”
Her eyes were closed and her face and hands were covered in blood from when she was ripping into Choc. A new dark patch grew bigger around the arrow as the blood soaked into her dress. Her silken white hair had spots of crimson red in it and her tail and wings had appeared, making Syph even more worried. The only way those would appear is if she was unconscious or…
Syph gently laid her down, his eyes turning bright red. “Who shot that arrow?” He growled. The growl was low and savage sounding and made everyone reluctant to say a word. His hair bristled, “I said who shot that arrow?” No one answered as Syph turned to look at the Tubbies members. “No one’s going to answer me? Fine. Then I’ll kill every single one of you to make sure I’ve killed the right one!”
He hissed furiously and slammed his hand into the ground, causing several vines to burst from the ground, only they were sharp and pointed and skewered several of the Tubbies that were scrambling to get out of the way. When he lifted his hand, the vines sunk back into the ground, letting him advance on the other remaining Tubbies. Xugia finally came to and got up groggily only to have his heart literally ripped out of his chest by Syph. A long black sword appeared in his hand and he used it to impale several Tubbies that were trying to flee. He turned and saw an archer, trembling and trying to edge away.
“It was you, wasn’t it?” growled Syph, walking closer. “You shot that arrow. YOU shot Misletien. And now YOU are going to die. Very…very…SLOWLY.”
Rapture looked back and forth between the frenzied Syph and Misletien. “If she wakes up, Syph should stop.” He said. “I need some clerics over here. We have to get her healed up quickly.”
The archer screamed in terror and pain as Syph held him in the air with strong magic and continuously stabbed him with a sharp vine. “Don’t EVER touch her!” Syph hissed. When the archer stopped moving, he used ‘Seed of Life’ to bring him back to life, then continued to torture him with powerful spells and his deadly vines. “I’m going to kill you over and over again until you beg me to stop and then I’m going to torture you some more until you wish you’d never even shown up here. I’m going to break your very soul, you ****** ****!”
“Syph! Stop! Enough already!” Rapture rushed forward and pulled Syph back, holding his arms behind him. “It’s gone far enough! You’ve proved your point! You should be more worried about Misletien then about killing all of them!”
Syph hissed and screeched, his deadly sharp teeth bared and his eyes blazing red. He struggled to break free of Rapture’s grip; struggling to get back to that archer and tear him limb from limb. He was strong, extremely strong. Rapture had to dig his heels into the ground just to keep him from dashing at the archer, but was still being pulled forward a little by little. Taxi rushed forward and held onto Syph, his eyes widening at the strength of both Rapture and Syph, but mostly Syph as he struggled to break free as if it were his life’s goal.
“ALRIGHT! THAT’S ENOUGH!”
A portal opened behind Rapture and Taxi and a hooded man stepped out of it. He pushed his hood back and shook his head of longish black hair out of his face. “Enough! I can’t even go to a meeting without getting interrupted!” Dex’s eyes were blazing with fury. “The mass amount of energy you all gave off was so powerful, I’m sure just about everyone felt it at home! Look at this mess!”
Rapture looked rather guilty as he still struggled to keep Syph back. “I’m sorry. I didn’t-”
Dex nodded at both of them. “Let him go.”
“But-”
“Let him go!”
Rapture and Taxi let go of Syph as instructed and watched him fly at the archer, who squeaked in horror. Dex put out his hand and trapped Syph in a clear sphere seconds before he reached his target; the archer fainting from stress.
“Now,” frowned Dex, “what the hell happened here?” He shook his head. “No. I don’t want to know. I’m already stressed and now I have to deal with this. No, I’m actually not going to deal with it. SHIMI! Come look what your ****** daemon did!”
Another portal opened and Shimi stepped out of it. “Scream a little louder next time. You may actually rupture my ear drum, yeah?” He looked around. “For fcks sake, what the hell happened?”
“You’re daemon ripped these people to shreds. THAT’S what happened!” Dex said, his eyes narrowed. “And now, of course, we have to clean up the mess.”
“You, mister, are in a **** load of trouble.” Shimi hissed at Syph, who only hissed back. “Calm your *** down or I’m going to put my boot up it.” He turned to Dex, “What triggered this?”
Dex shrugged, “Your guess is as good as mine.”
Rapture pushed his hands together nervously. “Well, we were challenged to a 3v3 and…well it was going fine until Misletien went into a frenzy mode and started ripping Choc apart. Of course she stopped once Syph called to her, but then an arrow was shot at Syph and Misletien took the hit instead and it drove him into a frenzy fit.” He looked down at his feet, “I didn’t know what to do. My reaction was too slow and all of this happened because of it. I’m sorry.”
Dex’s eyebrow twitched as he closed his eyes. Rapture seemed to shrink in fear, knowing how Dex could be when he got this angry. Dex shook his head after a moment. “I’m not upset with you. Out of all three of you, I never expected Syph to be as irresponsible as he was. However, I can understand his frenzy. I’m not upset about that, I’m upset about the 3v3 took place to begin with.”
By now, all of the surrounding people had their eyes glued to Shimi and Dex in complete disbelief. They all knew how they’d both died and how long ago they’d died. The one that was most shocked was Kattania, the leader of Nemesis. Shimi had been her husband before he died and Dex had been one of her marshals. But yet, even with them both standing there in front of her, all she could do was just stare.
“You have to use Hands of Time, Shimi.” Dex said, shaking his head. “This mess and our identities being revealed… None of this should have happened.”
“I know, but…” Shimi frowned, “I can’t use that magic. Even if I want to, which I do, I can’t use it. No one here is dead. I can only use it if someone had died.”
Dex pointed at Choc, but Shimi shook his head. “He’s alive. Barely, but alive nevertheless.”
“And him?” Dex asked, pointing at Xugia, whose heart lay next to him.
Shimi frowned, “Well….”
“Let me guess, because it was a PK kill, he’s still got a bit of life in him?”
Nodding, Shimi crossed his arms. “The best I can do is reverse their injuries. I don’t think a cleric is gunna do much for a heart being ripped from someone’s chest.”
Dex sighed, “Fine.” He turned to the remaining Tubbies members, “I’m very sorry about this. If I’d had known this was happening, I would’ve stepping in sooner.”
“Let me out!” Syph begged from inside his bubble. “I have to see Misletien! Please!”
Dex frowned. “Are you done having your ***** fit?”
Syph’s eyes had gone back to their usual light green. “Yes. I’m sorry. Please…let me see her. I need to make sure she’s okay.”
“Alright. But you’re still in a heap of trouble.” Said Dex as he waved his hand.
Syph dashed straight for Misletien and scooped her up in his arms. “Misletien… Please say something.”
Slowly, slender white fingers moved up Syph’s chest. “You’re such a mess Syphy.” Misletien giggled very softly. “You’ve been a bad boy again, haven’t you? And all over little me? How touching.”
Syph looked down at her. “Of course. You’re my best friend after all. I worry about you.” He said softly. He bent down and kissed her forehead. “Don’t worry me like that. I was so afraid that…”
“You were afraid? That’s something I’ve never heard before.” Misletien smiled, “I guess I’m more important to you than I thought.”
Shimi frowned. “We need to get this cleaned up quickly. Dex and I still have one more meeting to attend, so let’s get this finished so we can leave.”

Lumi_ - Archosaur

Here's the next:


The group of Rogue entered the base, Syph carrying Misletien and Rapture right behind, Shimi and Dex behind them.
“What were you thinking?” Shimi said to Syph the instant he put Misletien down. “You could have KILLED someone!”
Syph looked down at the floor. “I’m sorry.”
“I would have thought YOU to be the most responsible out of the three of you!” snapped Shimi.
“I’m sorry.” Murmured Syph, even quieter.
“Don’t be so hard on him Shimi.” Dex said.
Shimi’s eyebrows rose. “Unlike you Dex, I don’t let my daemon get away with anything he wants.”
Dex shrugged. “I don’t think there’s a need to discipline them into the floor. They’re not children after all and deserve to have some fun too. If I recall correctly,” he crossed his arms and chuckled, “you were constantly picking fights with me after you showed up. You couldn’t bear the thought that I was stronger than you.”
He didn’t say anything, just frowned. Dex stepped forward and pat Syph on the shoulder. “Listen. Just don’t do anything like that again. Ignore the trash talking; I went through it tons when I was here. It’s not even worth your time.”
Syph nodded and Shimi just sighed. “We’re nearly finished with the meetings. Just give us one more day.”
“By the way, how’s Bio?”
“Well…he’s…” Veni pointed toward the ceiling.
Bio bumped against the ceiling and then floated back down just slightly.
Shimi chuckled. “He’s just lost his hold on gravity. He’ll drift back down in a day or two.”
“Shimi, we gotta go.” Said Dex.
“Hey wait.” Alicia walked up to Dex and frowned. “Could you please tell us who the other leader is?”
“Can’t yet.” Dex smiled and tapped her on the nose with his finger. “You’ll find out soon though, promise.”
A moment later, they left and Misletien was back up and floating around the ceiling with Bio. Mostly everyone else had left; just a few staying behind. Alicia touched her nose lightly and walked back over to the few remaining in the base.
Lezzie nudged her. “I bet he likes you.”
Her face turned red. “What makes you say that?”
“Well,” Lezzie shrugged, “I haven’t seen him smile at anyone else like that.”
Alicia frowned. “I’m sure he’s just being nice. Besides, he has no reason to like me.”
Daelish crossed her arms. “You don’t really need a reason to like someone. Plus you’re pretty, so that’s always so another thing guys tend to notice.”
“Um.” Misletien drifted down from the ceiling, dragging Bio along with her. “Dex has been known to be an excellent charmer. I’m not saying he sleeps around, but he can charm nearly any woman very easily. He’s just got this…I’m not sure, this sort of luring characteristic. I heard he was even able to charm a seductress and they’re NEVER able to be charmed by any man.”
“Well he can charm me any day.” Lezzie said chuckling.
“He…did have an awfully nice body.” Peachy looked down at her shoes and blushed. “Did you see how built he is?”
“Hey, I’m pretty built too.” Snowy said.
Serah poked him. “Sure, but you’re a dork.”
Snowy frowned. “Pfft, you’re all just a bunch of fan girls. C’mon Jark, let’s leave them to their girl talk.”
“Gladly.”
Alicia touched her nose again. “I suppose he is rather cute.”
“What are we talking about ladies? Some cute guy, I gather.”
All five girls blushed. “W-what’re you doing back so soon? It’s only been an hour.” Daelish stammered.
Dex floated there casually. “One hour here is equivalent to four hours in our world. Meeting finished early and I really wasn’t in the mood to be part of a convincing debate. I’ve had my fill of the Corona leader to last three centuries.”
Bio flailed his arms, still tethered down by Misletien.
“Someone’s hungry.” Said Dex. He turned to Serah and floated in just slight closer, his pupils dilating and retracting. “Would you be willing to donate?”
Serah blushed and nodded. At Dex’s request, Syph took them both to the other room.
“You used compulsion.” Misletien crossed her arms.
“Yes I did. Getting someone to willingly donate is a pain in the ***.” Replied Dex simply. “So, who’s this cute guy I’m hearing about?”
Alicia gazed Dex straight in the eyes. “I’ll tell you if you tell me the name of the Corona leader.”
Dex rolled over one his stomach and floated in very close. His pupils stayed the same,. But he still held her gaze. “Alright. You first.”
“Well, uh…” Her face turned deep red. She could see the exact color of his eyes: bright gold with incredibly tiny speckles of silver and a very faint grey crescent moon in his pupils. “Um…”
“Don’t you ever feed?” asked Lezzie, saving Alicia.
“Yeah, I just don’t have to feed as often as Bio. I usually feed twice a day. Honestly though, I haven’t fed in three days.” He chuckled. “I’ve been too busy. Should’ve fed before I left Morai, but I couldn’t really be bothered. I’ll go back later…unless one of you is willing to help me out now?”
Dael’s face turned an incredibly dark shade of red and she fainted. Misletien had to turn away and Peachy looked down at her shoes. Only Alicia frowned and crossed her arms.
“What are you trying to accomplish?” She asked boldly. “You come in here and start acting like this total flirt all cause Shimi isn’t around. Why? Is there someone here you actually like or are you just trying to take advantage of us?”
Amazingly, Dex’s face flushed pale pink as he blushed. “Well I...um.”
“Walk out of the base.” A private message from Misletien said. “If he doesn’t follow, then he’s just charming you. He never chases after a woman unless he actually wants her.”
Alicia huffed and walked out of the base. She started walking slowly, just in case he did come after her. Doubt started to sink in as she passed the cube of fate entrance and by the time she made it to where Ms. Zoologist was, she was certain he wasn’t coming.
‘It’s not like I liked him like that anyway.’ She thought, shrugging it off. Still, there was a slight twang of disappointment.
Suddenly, there was a rush of footsteps and then something grabbed her hand. She didn’t turn right away, noticing how cool and gentle this other hand was.
“I’m… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you. I’m not really sure why I act like that sometimes.”
Alicia turned to face him, but didn’t say anything. He refused to look her in the eyes, his face still blushing pale pink. Something seemed different about him. The confidence was gone and he looked rather nervous.
“I’m really sorry Alicia.” Dex said quietly. “Don’t… Don’t go.”
“Liccy.”
“Hm?” Dex finally looked up at her.
“You can call me Liccy.” She raised an eyebrow. “And don’t look so much like a deer in the headlights.”
He chuckled nervously as he blushed a bit more, nodding his head.

~~~~~~

Syph frowned. “It’s been about two days now. Shimi’s really late.”
“He was trying to convince you-know-who to come help with the shadow problem.” Said Dex over the communicator. “That could take days.”
“Yeah, I suppose.”
He was literally the only Morai member left in the base other than Bio, who’d floated down a bit, but wasn’t able to stay on the ground just yet. Misletien was out with Peachy and Serah while they farmed for herbs. Rapture had gone with Jark, Canta, and Nimbus while they PK’d and Dex was with Alicia and Aby while they did their dailies.
“Dex, you have like six mobs attacking you.” Liccy laughed, “Pay attention!”
“Nah, I’m tanking them for you. Wouldn’t want them breaking your delicate figure.”
“Oh please.” She replied sarcastically.
There was a sudden shrill scream over the communicator and everyone flinched. Snowy flung his off and held his ear, waiting for the ringing to stop.
“For fcks sake, what was that?!” He said.
“WHO was that?!” added Jark. “My ear is KILLING me!”
“That sounded like Lumi.” Daelish sounded worried.
Syph asked quickly, “Where is she?”
“I don’t know. Last I saw her, she was talking to the Morai teleporter. But that was all she was doing. JUST talking…”
“****!” He cussed and opened a portal, dashing through it.
Once in Morai, he could easily pinpoint her location, heading straight for Derjan’s Rest. He hoped it was just one of the bossed there attacking her, but somehow he knew it wasn’t. When he arrived, he saw what was attacking her, but he didn’t see her until he noticed a slight movement under an overhanging rock. Lumi had backed up in there as far as she could, trembling in fear as the huge shadow reached its long tendril-like fingers in after her. They brushed against her legs and she flinched, pressing up against the back of the small rocky hole.
“Damn it!” cussed Syph again, pulling back an arrow in his bow. There was no way he was going to make it in time.
Everything after that happened very slowly. The shadow actually blocked the arrow and lunged its fingers after Lumi. She screamed in terror again and at that moment, Shimi rushed in and severed the shadow’s arm from its body. The shadow hissed in fury and lunged at Lumi with its other arm, but Shimi slashed at it and the arm disintegrated as it hit the ground. It recoiled back when Shimi slashed at its face, causing it the growl and disappear.
“Where did it go?” Lumi asked nervously as Shimi pulled her out of her hiding spot.
“It left. The bigger shadows are smarter than the little ones. It’d rather give up its prey hen b killed.” Shimi frowned. “Why did you come here? You know it’s dangerous.”
Lumi just looked at him, obviously refusing to tell him. “I’m sorry.” Was all she said.
Shimi sighed and pulled her against him. “It’s alright. You’re safe now. Let’s go back to the guild base.”

~~~~~~

He carried Lumi into the base. Her legs were still rather weak from where the shadow had brushed against them. Many people had shown up to greet them; Liccy, Peachy, and Irrel rushing over to make sure she was alright.
Bio floated over slowly. “Is she going to end up like me?” he’d started talking a few hours ago, but he was still rather dazed.
“No, she’ll be alright. If I’d been any later though…” He shook his head. “Well, I’m back for good now. Finished all my meetings and now you can finally meet the Corona leader.”
Dex fornwed. “The reaction to this is going to be priceless.”
The hooded man in the back of the room stepped forward and pushed his hood back. There was complete silence in the room as everyone just stared in disbelief and unease. Ryonz walked into the base at that moment and stopped dead in his tracks. He reacted nearly instantly, pulling back and arrow in his bow and launching it at the newcomer.
He caught he arrow and frowned. “Did you really think you would’ve been able to hit me?” asked Sympathi.
“Everyone just relax.” Shimi said slowly. “I know his last moments weren’t the best and I know he’s viewed as a traitor, but he’s an ally now. If you won’t trust him, at least trust me about it.”
“He tried to kill Kattania and then nearly opened the gate to Morai years before it should’ve been.” Pinelo said nervously. “He’s the entire reason Dex died.”
Sympathi sighed. “I can leave if I’m not wanted here.”
“No, no. they just need convincing.” Said Shimi, shaking his head. “Guys, you have to trust me. Please, he’ll be more helpful then you think. Just give him a chance.”
He didn’t say anything, but Taxi nodded slowly in agreement. Shimi relaxed and nodded as well.
“Thank you.” He said. He looked at both Sympathi and Dex, than back at the group of Rogue. “Now, about the shadows.”

Lumi_ - Archosaur

And finally, the last:


“A shadow is the manifestation of a dying wraith’s hatred.” Explained Sympathi. “They target anyone with a spirit, especially strong spirits.”
“What happens if they actually take someone’s spirit?” Irrel frowned.
Sympathi’s calm and unemotional expression didn’t change. “They eat it. The more spirits they consume, the stronger they become. Once a spirit is eaten, the person dies; there’s no spirit to travel to Morai.”
The group of Rogue looked rather nervous at this information and Dex glared at Sympathi for his bluntness. “They’re very dangerous, yes, but it’s not like they appear everywhere and all the time. As long as you follow the rules suggested by Syph, you should be okay.” He crossed his arms. “Also, shadows hate large crowds. They’ll never attack anyone in Arch, so if you do ever do go out, try to stay in large groups of people. They also can’t stand bright light, so stay out of shadowy, dim places.”
“There’s one more thing that could really help the psychics.” Shimi added. He walked over to LovelyKiss and put his hand above her chest. “May I?”
Lovely’s face turned red and she crossed her arms over her chest. “No, you may certainly not!”
Shimi closed his eyes for a moment and frowned. “I didn’t mean to take your shirt off. I won’t even touch you.”
“Well…alright.”
“This may hurt a little, but it won’t last long.” He spread his fingers and hovered his hand above her chest.
Lovely’s eyes widened in pain and she whimpered a little, but after a moment, the pain faded and she was able to breathe again. “What did you do?”
“Of course.” Said Dex, nodding. “He forced you to channel your spirit energy through your entire body instead of it being just one big mass radiating from your chest. Once forced, you should be able to do it all on your own, like you are now. By doing this, you can control your aura and the shadows won’t target you very first.”
“Why didn’t you do that before then?” asked Pinelo.
Dex frowned. “We didn’t know the shadows had returned until after Bio was attacked and immediately after that, Shimi and I had to leave for Morai. Rapture, Syph, and Misletien aren’t capable of forcing someone to channel their spirit energy. Until now, we just haven’t had the chance.”
“Until the source is found, everyone needs to be on their guard.” Sympathi said rather bluntly. “We don’t need any more bumbling, bubble-headed Undead turning up.” He looked at Bio when he said this, then frowned and left the base.
“I’m not a bubble head.” Bio said defensively.
“What a ****.” Aby spat, her tail puffed out furiously. “He didn’t even wait to get his badge or communicator.”
Shimi sighed. “It’s going to be a long month.”
He turned and left as well with Lumi, everyone else leaving to go back to their daily activities. Dex turned to leave, but swayed on his feet and had to steady himself with the wall.
“Are you okay?” Liccy asked.
Dex stood straight after a moment and nodded. “I see five days is my limit. I’d better go to Morai now.” He put out his hand to open a portal, but nothing happened. He frowned. “That weak, huh? This is embarrassing; I’m gunna have to talk to a Morai teleporter.”
He went to leave the base, but Liccy grabbed his sleeve. “Hurt me and I kick your ***.” Was all she said.
Dex furrowed his brow in confusion. “Hurt you how?” Liccy tapped at her throat and he gave her a hard stare in response. “You just got finished yelling at me about that.”
“Because you were trying to use us as livestock. This time,” she brushed some dust off his coat and blushed slightly, “I’m offering.”
Dex’s eyes wandered down to her throat. “I really shouldn’t. Aren’t you scared? Or at least nervous?”
“Well of course! But…I trust you.”
“Why?”
“Because you haven’t given me a reason NOT to.”
Chuckling, Dex shrugged. “I suppose I haven’t. I’m only taking a little though.” He frowned, “If I took my fill, I’d kill you.”
Liccy trembled a little. “It won’t hurt, right? I mean…at all.”
“Hey.” Dex smiled and tapped her on the nose just as he did before. “I’d never hurt you. Promise.”

~~~~~~

Rapture watched Dex and Liccy walk down the path of South Arch. Every now and then, Dex would throw up his arms as if demonstrating something big and that would make Liccy laugh as they walked along, talking casually.
“They sure do spend a lot of time together.”
Rapture turned and saw Shimi watching Dex and Liccy as they walked by. “I guess Dex found a new girlfriend, huh?”
Shimi shook his head and chuckled. “No, just a very close friend. Believe me, I know Dex better than anyone; he’s like my brother. He’s a bachelor to the extreme and enjoys being one, but,” He smiled, “she intrigues him. She’s the second woman that he’s been unable to charm. It’s quite clear that he likes her, but he’s hesitating because of last time. I suppose we’ll just have to see how it turns out.”
“Hmm yeah. Speaking of girlfriend, how’re you and Lumi?”
“That’s not any of your business.” Shimi said dryly, his tone changing instantly.
Rapture frowned as Shimi walked off. “…Okay. Sorry.”

~~~~~~

Bio picked Lai up and spun her around. “Back to normal!” He said smiling. He tapped his chin and thought for a moment. “Well, mostly.”
It had been nearly three weeks since Bio had arrived and he was now quite active. His golden eyes danced with life and he seemed very eager to leave the base for the first time since being dragged in by Shimi.
“That means you’re ready for you first fight.” Shimi said.
Bio stopped. “My what?”
“You have to fight against one of us to find out what powers you’ve acquired.” Explained Dex. “It will determine what order you’ll be part of.”
“Can’t you just tell me?”
“We know as much as you do.” Shimi shrugged. “There’s no way of predicting a newling’s powers until they’ve actually shown them.”
Bio frowned. “Well that sucks. You’re gonna plough me into the floor.”
Sympathi sighed. “We know how to nerf our powers. What do you think we are, murderers?”
“I’m not even touching that one.” Halnor said dryly.
“I’m going to Misfortune. I’ll wait for you there.” Sympathi growled, obviously displeased by that comment.
“Well, let’s go. The sooner we do this, the sooner we can complete your rebirth stages.” Dex nodded. “Anyone that wants to watch is welcome to join us.”
Bio trudged after Dex and Shimi through the portal, grumbling in protest. Sympathi was already there when they arrived, tapping his foot impatiently and scowling, as usual. A bunch of Rogue appeared by the teleporter, taking seats on the edge of the stone platform. Dana made idle conversation with Arix and Pint nudged Hal as a joke and then fell flat on his back when Hal nudged him back; Jark and Lumi hanging their legs over the side of the platform, Lumi giggling as Jark strained to squish a random bug without getting up.
“You can choose which one of us you want as your opponent.” Said Shimi.
Bio thought for a moment. “I think I’d rather fight Dex. He’s probably the least, uh, difficult?”
Dex’s eyebrows rose. “Are you calling me weak?”
“No, no! I just figured you’d go easy on me.”
Dex crossed his arms. “Hmm… well, alright. Shall we start?”
“Um…I don’t know what to do.”
Shimi took his spot next to Sympathi. “Defend yourself. Dex is going to attack you and you need to block his attacks or dodge them. You can’t exactly attack without any powers.”
“Not effectively anyway.” Sympathi added bluntly.
“Are you ready?” asked Dex, his chakrams appearing in his hands.
Bio frowned and nodded reluctantly. Dex rushed at him and Bio ducked, tripping and falling on the ground. He scrambled out of the way as Dex went after him again, stumbling over to a spot further away. He was rather clumsy on his feet considering he hadn’t found in a while. He put his hands on his knees, out of breath already, but stood when Aby called out to him to watch behind him. He turned and let out a little cry that sounded like a squeak as Dex raised his chakram to bring down on Bio’s head. Bio put his hands up instinctively in defence and closed his eyes, waiting for impact.
There was a loud clang and Shimi nodded. “There we go. Everything should work for him very smoothly now.”
In Bio’s hands was a long staff, half black and half red. On the red end was a black swirling ball of darkness and on the other, a swirling ball of flames. Black feathers were entwined in his hair and instead of the dark red, it was now a blazing red.
He pushed Dex back and looked uncertain for just a moment, but then put out his hand and blasted him with a large stream of fire. Dex dodged it, then used his chakrams to block the ball of dark magic. He went after Bio again, but Bio dodged it by breaking apart in a flurry of black feathers and reappearing behind him as the feathers reconnected. He swiped the dark end of the staff at Dex, who dodged it by just seconds, throwing one of his chakrams at him. Bio blocked it with his staff and then sent the ball of dark from the staff into the air and then the ball of flame. There was a loud shriek moments later and a blazing red phoenix landed down behind Bio, its golden eyes dancing like a single flame in the wind.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Said Dex, blinking in surprise.
Shimi even looked rather shocked. “A shape shifter and a summoner. Impressive. This will prove to be a tricky battle for Dex, that’s for sure.”
Dex backed up as Bio looked up at his summon. “We’ll do this together Nemphys.” He said to the phoenix, which looked at him and nodded.
Nemphys flapped his wings, gaining altitude and then lunged at Dex, spreading his talons in an attempt to grab him or rake him to shreds. Dex frowned and rolled out of the way, making sure to avoid the magic cast at him by Bio. He swerved away from the second attack of Nemphys and focused on Bio, but was cut off when Nemphys landed down in front of Bio and spread his wings, screeching loud enough to make the ground shake.
“This isn’t fair! What the *** man, you gotta double team me?!” exclaimed Dex, now only able to continuously dodge every attack by both Nemphys and Bio.
“Nemphys! Hold!” Bio commanded and Nemphys stopped, hovering there for his next instruction.
Dex stopped for just a moment in confusion and then realized he really probably shouldn’t have. Bio stabbed the dark end of his staff into the ground and waves of darkness cascaded down over Dex, bashing him around in a sort of cage that he couldn’t escape from. “Nightmare.” Said Bio as the darkness then pulsated through the ground. He then spun his staff around and stabbed the fiery end of it into the ground. “Apocalypse: Hell’s gates.”
Shimi’s eyebrows rose in shock and even Sympathi looked rather stunned. From next to them, Viktorian frowned. “Isn’t that one of Dex’s ultimate moves?”
“Yes. Yes it is. Even more shocking is that it’s the upgraded version. Of course, this skill is much weaker coming from Bio rather than Dex, but it’s still going to do a considerable amount of damage.” Replied Shimi.
“So you’re saying that Dex is gunna get his *** beat into the floor?” Vik asked bluntly.
“In a more polite manner, yes that’s exactly what I’m saying.”
Dex looked at Bio and his pupils’ dialated when he heard the skill about to be cast. Knowing this skill, there was absolutely NO dodging it and he knew it was going to hurt as bad as being bashed over the head with Taxi’s poleaxe. Probably more. “****.” Was all he managed to spit out before the spell hit him dead in the face.
The ground shook and fireballs the size of a barb rained down from the sky, slamming down amazing around Dex, but not touching him. Then the ground split and jets of flame burst from the ground and then the added edition hit, a massive blast of flame from straight above Dex. The jet of fire underneath him sent him flying upward, only to be blasted straight into the stream of fire blasting out of the sky, keeping him locked between the two in a white hot inferno trap.
As the fire faded, Dex fell out of the sky and landed with a sickening thud on the ground. And that was it. He didn’t move. Nemphys landed and ruffled his feathers in pride over this victory and Bio just blinked.
“That was it?”
“You actually managed to knock him out.” Shimi’s eyebrows rose once again, obviously getting a work out from all the little surprises Bio brought out. “I doubt it’s over though. Dex isn’t one to just throw in the towel, even if he IS unconscious. That and the fact that if you beat Dex, you have to kill him.”
Bio took a step back in shock. “What?! Why?!”
“It’s the rule. If the current leader is beaten by a newling, the newling must kill the leader and take his place. You’d absorb Dex’s celestial powers and become the new leader of Shroud and the Lunar Celestial. It’s customary for the leader of each order to be the strongest one there; the rule can’t be changed.” Shimi frowned and looked at Dex. “You shouldn’t worry though. He’s definitely not done and I’d suggest you pay attention now, because things are going to happen very quickly.”
Bio turned back to Dex and watched as he stood up slowly. The look in his eyes made Bio feel rather uneasy, not really sure what to expect next. Dex stood there for a moment, then closed his eyes and threw both his chakrams into the air, both of them disappearing as the sky grew dark. A breeze swept past and as Dex’s hair ruffled in the wind, it began turning silvery-white. The bottom of his jacket shredded and became rather tattered and as his weapon fell to the ground, Bio realized what had happened.
“He’s…” Bio frowned. A chill ran down his back. “That’s…his celestial form isn’t it?”
“I told you he wasn’t finished. Dex is definitely one leader that refuses to give up his powers, much less his life.”
Dex pulled the long white scythe out of the ground and opened his eyes. His pupils had turned into the shape of crescent moons. “Shall we finish?” He said calmly and then swiped his scythe through the air, the clouds clearing from the sky to reveal a large, pale full moon that cast a silvery white light onto the battle field.
“Nemphys-” Bio began, but Dex shook his head.
“No, not this time.” He said, bringing his fingers to his mouth and whistling.
A roar replied in return, making the ground shake and some of the Rogue members to flinch.
What happened next practically made everyone hold their breath. A giant black dragon landed down next to Dex, its crescent moon shaped pupils focusing on Nemphys. Its jet black scales were tipped with pure silver and at the tip of its tail was a golden crescent moon shaped hook. It roared again, flaring its wings out to show the white crescent moon pattern against the golden underside of its wings, its golden eyes bright and eager for battle.
“Strax,” Dex began, “Take care of Nemphys.”
Strax growled and then roared, soaring after Nemphys, who took off into the air as Strax chased after him. Dex turned to Bio and pointed his scythe up to the sky. “Tears of the Moon.” He said, with the same eerily calm tone.
Pure white beams of light fell from the sky, raining down in random spots and nearly even hitting Dana, who jumped back in fear of being disintegrated. Bio dodged each beam, sometimes only by seconds and actually managed to fire back a mixed spell of fire and darkness. Dex raised his scythe again and this time swiped it in front of him, sending forth a blade of silvery light that cancelled out Bio’s spell.
“How am I supposed to hit him?!” Bio exclaimed, looking at Shimi.
Shimi’s facial expression didn’t change from his previous look: the look that made one feel as though there was no hope. “You don’t.” He replied simply. “You dodge every one of his attacks because if you don’t…he will one shot you.”
Bio just stared at him in disbelief. “What the hell are you saying then? I CAN’T beat him?!”
“You can, but it won’t be easy and I doubt you’ll be able to do it.” Shimi looked up at the moon in the sky. “You’re fighting against a god. That is what the three of us are. Gods; each one controlling an essential part of the world: the sun, the moon, and the stars. Nearly immortal, but yet…” He turned back to Bio. “Keep moving or this is going to be a very, very short battle. Try to find his weak points.”
Bio nodded and took off, dodging every attack Dex threw at him.
“Why get his hopes up?” Sympathi asked quietly. “He can’t beat Dex. The only one’s capable of beating a celestial are the other two celestials; everyone else is just too weak. And Dex… Dex is incredibly fast in his true form. Bio won’t be able to land even a single hit on him.”
Shimi nodded. “I know, but we can’t shatter his confidence. If he thinks he can do it, he’ll give it his all and that’s what we’re here to see.”
Dex pointed his scythe at the ground this time. “Lunar Horizon.” He said, a pure white line slowly advancing toward Bio from where Dex stood. Bio frowned and actually managed to jump over it just as Dex said, “Eclipse.” The line sent a burst of white light straight up, even managing to singe some of Nemphys’s feathers as he flew by.
“It seems that Dex can’t hit Bio either.” Vik said, crossing his arms. “What then? A super long battle?”
Sympathi shook his head. “Dex doesn’t really enjoy dawdling when it comes to his celestial powers. They take a lot of energy out of him. He’s encountered opponents that he can’t hit with his usual attacks; he has a move that he uses just for those special individuals.”
Frowning, Dex watched Bio carefully, waiting for him to stop and stay in one spot just for a moment. He then pointed his scythe straight at the moon and said, “Ruins of the Moon.” He quickly brought the scythe down through the air, an image of the moon coming down with it and falling straight down on Bio.
Bio stood there, waiting, but nothing happened. Then, the ground shook and Bio suddenly had a very bad feeling about this moon on the ground. He went to run out of it, but a piece of the ground fell away into darkness, then another and another, until the only piece was the one in the middle; the one that Bio stood on.
“This is it.” Shimi said. “This is the end of the battle.”
Dex now pointed his scythe straight at Bio and just held it there for a moment. He gazed at Bio, a look of despair in his eyes. “Lunar Tragedy.” He whispered and out of the end of the scythe came flowing, silken white bands of light that sped up as they neared Bio. They sliced through him, turning and slicing through him again and again until it seemed as though they had gone through him nearly a hundred times. As they shot up in the sky, Dex uttered one last skill: the finishing move. “Fragile Dreams.”
The streams of light flew up at the moon and shattered it, sharp blades of it soaring down at Bio and tearing him to shreds and slicing through Nemphys as well. The sky returned to normal, a bright blue and the ground around Bio returned to its natural state. The scythe disappeared from Dex’s hand and his appearance returned to normal, causing him to sway slightly before regaining his balance. As for Bio, he collapsed, bloody and exhausted; no fight left in him. And that was the end of it.
VioVix’s eyes were wide. “That move…was terrifying.”
“His celestial form causes him a lot of emotional anguish.” Shimi murmered. “Because it’s based on all his memories of her. It kills him to remember and it tortures him when he forgets. He can’t escape from it; he can’t escape from his fate.”
“Her who?” Vio looked rather confused. “Liccy?”
Shimi shook his head. “No. I can’t tell you either. You’d have to ask Dex and I’m sure that for him to even utter her name, he’d have to be dying first.”

Lumi_ - Archosaur

Okay two more chapters for you today, like promised


Everyone rushed over to Bio as he stood up slowly, coughing and sputtering. His injuries were healing quickly, obviously proving he was fine. Liccy frowned and noticed no one had bothered to see if Dex was alright considering he was just standing there, staring at the ground. A light rain started to fall and nearly everyone left except for Shimi, Liccy, and Dex.
“Are you okay?” asked Liccy quietly.
Dex didn’t say anything; just looked at her with very sorrowful eyes. She couldn’t tell if the water rolling down his face was just rain or tears. She went over and hugged him.
“I don’t know what’s wrong, but it’ll be okay. Promise.”
He hesitated, but then just stood there and held her. Liccy felt the small tremors that ran through his body and frowned. She wanted to know what caused him so much emotional agony, but she didn’t want to ask again; she didn’t want to upset him more.
Shimi came over and said something to Dex that Liccy didn’t understand and after a moment, Dex replied in the same language with a voice that was barely more than a whisper. Shimi nodded and opened a portal.
“Thank you.” Dex said quietly to Liccy. He smiled, but there was still that subtle look of depression in his eyes.
He pushed her back a little and walked after Shimi into the portal, still holding Liccy’s hand. She didn’t pull it away, understanding that he needed that connection.
They entered the base and saw everyone still making a fuss over Bio. Dex frowned and basically melted into the shadows in a corner.
“I’m fine!! Good god, he didn’t attack to kill. I’m actually glad he won.” Bio frowned. “I didn’t want to have to kill one of my best friends.”
“Well you didn’t.” said Sympathi from where he stood, leaning against the wall leading to a side hall. “Don’t be down on yourself though. Only Shimi and I can actually take Dex down when he’s in celestial form.”
“Yeah. Where is Dex?” He looked around and saw him standing in the corner next to Liccy. “Hey, don’t look so down man. You won the fight; what’s there to be upset about?”
Dex took a deep breath and looked up. “I’m alright.” He said, smiling and in fact, all the sadness had disappeared. “Considering what powers you have, you’re now a part of the Order of Shroud and you rebirth stages are complete. Congrats.” He flicked his hand and a red card appeared between his fingers which Bio took. “Keep that card with you so you can easily get in touch with anyone else in the order.”
Bio nodded and put the card in his pocket. Most people left the base then, on their way to bed. Liccy, Ryonz, Vio, Vik, and Zheii, as well as Dex, Shimi, Sympathi, and Misletien all remained in the base. Sympathi suddenly had a cold chill run down his back and he frowned, walking away from the side hall entrance. Everyone turned when they heard a loud thud and saw Sympathi lying on the floor.
One of Shimi’s eyebrows rose. “Walk much?” He chuckled. “That was real smooth.”
“It felt like something grabbed my leg.” Frowned Sympathi, pushing himself back up. He hadn’t even taken a step before he fell again, but this time he slid back slightly and then a little more. “W-what?”
“The hell?” Shimi went over and bent down to help Symp up, but felt the resistance from whatever was pulling him down the hall. He grabbed both his arms and pulled. “What is this? Dex, I need some help!”
Dex frowned and ran over, wrapping his arms around Shimi’s waist and pulling. Even then, whatever it was was still pulling all three of them down the hall. Shimi nodded and at the count of three they used a burst of strength to pull Symp out of the dim lighting. It didn’t break him loose, but it did reveal what was after him. Shimi gasped and Dex actually let go in shock, making Shimi and Symp slide a bit more back into the hall.
“DEX!!” Shimi yelled and dug his heels into the ground.
“Sorry!”
“Pull again! I mean really pull!!”
They managed to pull him further into the main room, revealing to everyone what was attacking him.
“WHAT THE *** IS THAT?!?!” Symp yelled. His eyes were filled with an emotion that he hadn’t felt in years: pure fear.
It was a child, probably ten or so, that held onto Symp’s ankle with both hands. The scary part…was that the child was most certainly dead. It was missing an eye, a bloody gaping hole in its place. Its clothes were ripped and stained with blood and there was blood spattered all over its face, arms, and legs. It was ghostly white and had blonde hair with crimson spots of blood. It was like something pulled straight from a nightmare.
“Shiiiiiiit!!! Man it’s pulling us ALL in!!!” Dex exclaimed. “I am NOTbeing pulled in by a crazy, giggling, demon child from hell!!”
“Don’t you dare let go!” hissed Symp, glaring at Dex.
Dex didn’t respond, but continued to pull anyway. There was a yelp from the main room then. Zheii was being pulled upward against the wall by a little boy with brown hair and pale blue skin, as though he died suffocating. He had both his eyes, but they were glazed over and looked like fish eyes. He held onto her collar and puller her up into the air.
“Can’t…breathe…” She gasped.
Shimi looked back and forth between Symp and Zheii. “Would you be mad if I let go?” He asked Symp.
Symp just let out a low growl, obviously stating that he’d be infuriated. Ryonz grabbed Zheii’s legs and pulled her back down.
“No don’t!” Misletien exclaimed, flying over. She grabbed her arms and pulled up and away from the wall. “You’ll break her neck if you pull down. Push up on my feet and don’t you dare look up my dress!”
Ryonz did as Misletien said. Vio and Liccy ran over and helped Shimi and Dex pull Symp out of the hall and Vik pushed up and Zheii’s feet. The little girl stopped giggling and frowned as they actually managed to pull Symp further into the main room. She let go of his ankle and sent them all tumbling backwards and when he saw the girl disappear, the little boy also disappeared and let Zheii fall to the floor. They all scuttled back to the center of the main room.
“We have to get out of here.” Shimi said, looking around nervously.
Vik ran over to the base door and pulled. He frowned and pulled again. Still nothing. “It… It won’t open.”
Symp put out his hand to open a portal, but nothing happened. “You’re kidding. Our powers aren’t working. What the *** are we supposed to do now? Blow up a wall?”
“Yeah, gimme a sec. I think I may have some explosives in my room. Saved them just for this occasion.” Ryonz commented sarcastically.
“Shut up a sec, will you?” Dex hissed and took out his card out of his pocket. This one was silver and had a golden crescent moon on it. He pulled on two diagonal corners and stretched it out, making it turn an extremely pale red. An image of a dim room appeared with books scattered all over the place. “Tsyren!”
Tsy sat up from his spot on the floor and blinked. “Huh?! I..um, wasn’t doing anything wrong. I swear! I was just reading a book!”
“Yes, one of my forbidden books I assume. That doesn’t matter right now. You remember where the guild bases are in Arch, right?”
“Well of course.” His pupils narrowed. “I didn’t die that long ago you know.”
“Do you remember where the 16th guild base is located?”
Tsy thought for a moment. “The Rogue base, right? Hmm I’m pretty sure I do. Why do you ask?”
Dex frowned. “I want you to tell me exactly when it was built and what was there before the base was built.”
“Gimme a sec.” There was the sound of books being thrown about and glass vials clinking and then Tsy reappeared with a rather large, red hard covered book. He read for a second and then his one eye twitched, something that tended to happen when he found out really bad news. “Well this is rich. All the bases were built during the time that Arch itself was being built. Also it just so happens that both guild base #16-19 were built on the same type of ground.” He looked up at Dex with a sort of dreadful expression. “They were built on a wraith experiment ground.”
Dex’s facial expression didn’t change. “A what?”
“A wraith experiment ground. It was the place that wraiths would take people they captured and do things to them. Like cut them up and take them apart, use their body parts as sort of experiment vessels. Dissect them, probably even put them back together in ways that they shouldn’t have.” Tsy looked rather interested in this. “Lucky them. I wouldn’t mind having a human to experiment on and dissect.”
The Rogue members just looked at him like he was crazy and Dex frowned. “This is not the time for that Tsy. I need you to tell me what would cause a… I dunno, a curse of some sorts.”
“A curse? What for?”
“Oh I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me.” Dex said as he turned the screen around to show Tsy a lady that walked past one of the hallways, blood running down her face and her dress torn to shreds and both her hands severed from her arms. “I mean that certainly couldn’t be the work of a curse. Whatever was I thinking?”
Tsy’s eyes narrowed and he crouched down out of sight, the sound of more books being scattered. Finally he came back up with a smaller, green book that looked very, very old. “Hmm, well it says here that the experiment base was torn down about six years before the construction of Arch began. Before that, there had been countless people taken there and experimented on…in some very gruesome ways I can assume. Oh, this may help. The last person known to be taken there before a party of warriors went in and destroyed the base, was a young woman by the name of Esmeiria. Rather pretty I suppose. Long brown hair, very pale skin, blue eyes and dressed in a pale green dress. Uh says here that she was taken there and was killed, but in a way that did barely any damage. Interesting.”
“Can you get to the point please?”
“Well… Oh that’s creepy.” Tsy’s eye twitched again. “They made her into a doll. Literally, they dissected her organs and put stuff into her to preserve her body and then used previous parts from other people to perfect her.”
“Why would someone do that?” Liccy shivered.
Tsy shrugged. “They’re wraiths. They don’t really need a reason to do atrocious things like that.” He thought for a moment. “If you ask me, the curse could have been made by her. Maybe you have to appease her; find all her original body parts and give them back. It says they took her eyes, her organs of course, and her hands and feet. Don’t ask me where they are; I haven’t a clue.”
Dex frowned. “What about the other things running around here?”
“Naturally they’re the other people that had been brought to the experiment base and killed. If you can appease them as well, it may make your job a hell of a lot easier. Oh and one other thing.” Tsy looked really nervous now. “Don’t use you celestial powers. You’ll draw their attention immediately and you really don’t want that. Seriously, you don’t. They’re already dead, why would you attempt to kill them again?”
“Is there any way we can get out of here without going through a massive misadventure?” Vio looked at the woman milling about at the entrance to the hall. “Any way at all?”
“Well, I would strongly suggest using some type of purification spell on the door. That actually should release the black magic binding it closed.” The screen went fuzzy for a moment and then cleared and Tsy frowned. “That’s…not good. The energy readings from your location are even reaching here.” He shook his head, his eyes wide. “Dex, you have to get out of there now. I’m serious, break down the door. Nuke it. Throw as many spells at it as you have to. Justget out of there.”
Shimi stared at the screen and then at the surrounding room. It had gotten very cold.
The screen when fuzzy again. “Listen to me! The energy readings are incredibly intense and they’re coming directly from just your base! I don’t know what….happen if you stay there! You have…..out…now! Dex…hear me!? ….out as….possible!”
Tsy broke in and out and then the screen went out completely. Liccy trembled and edged closer to Dex and that’s when the ground started to shake. They all edged closer together and looked around, not sure what to be prepared for.
“An earthquake?! Now?!” exclaimed Zheii.
“It’s definitely not an earthquake. Stay close!” Shimi called and then…the ground broke apart.
Liccy screamed and fell, Dex grabbing her hand and holding onto the edge of the floor. Shimi grabbed Zheii and Vio grabbed Zheii’s leg, still screaming after her fall was stopped short. Vik held onto a metal pipe and Misletien struggled to keep Ryonz in the air. The ground shook again and someone cussed as it sent them all plummeting down into darkness.

Lumi_ - Archosaur

more to come tomorrow by the way, if you have any questions, just leave a message at the bottom ^^



“Ugh…” groaned Symp groggily. He opened his eyes and came face to face with a corpse. “Gahh!!”
Springing to his feet, he saw that only he and Zheii were here…where ever HERE was. The room was dim and made of wood. On a table sat some glass vials, some of them broken and some filled with who knows what, and next to them sat some gruesome looking sharp tools with dried blood caked on them. A flickering light hung from the ceiling casting untrustworthy shadows over the room.
He went over to Zheii and nudged her with his foot. “You’re not dead, are you?”
“Way to be blunt. Don’t you have any sympathy at all?” Zheii said, getting up slowly and rubbing her head.
“No, I don’t. Ironic, isn’t it?” He replied dryly.
Zheii frowned, but didn’t answer that. Instead she asked, “Where are we?”
“No idea.” Sympathi tapped his communicator and frowned. “C’mon, these are out too?” He kept tapping the device and finally got it to respond. “There we go. Anyone still alive?”
There was moan on the other side in response. “That…was unpleasant.” Said Vik.
“Let me rephrase that. Anyone else still alive that isn’t a burden?”
Shimi sighed. “Now isn’t the time to be insulting each other. We have to work together if we’re going to make it out of here alive. Now, any ideas where we are?”
“I think,” Misletien’s voice shook, “we’re in the wraith experiment base.”
“But Tsy said it was destroyed.” That was Vio’s voice.
“No, I believe it.” Symp replied. “Look at all the corpses lying around. I, for one, am in a room full of glass vials and sharp tools used for things I’d rather not think about.”
“Is everyone with at least one person?” asked Shimi. “I’m here with Vik.”
“I’ve got Vio and Misletien with me.” Ryonz answered. “And a very lovely dead lady hanging from the ceiling by a rope.”
Symp sighed and ran his hand through his flame red hair. “I have Zheii.”
“I’m…all by myself.” Liccy said in a small voice. She sounded very scared.
“Where are you hun?” Dex’s voice was laced with pain.
Her voice trembled. “In a long hallway. The floor is made of green tiles and there’s a row of lights going down the hall. A couple of them are flickering. There’s not much else to describe.”
There was silence for a moment. “Alright, I can see the hall. I’m on my way now.” Dex said, the fast pace of his stride in the background.
“I… I think I see you now.”
Dex frowned. “I’m at least a few meters away from the entrance to the hall. There’s no way you could see me.” His pace increased to a jog at this point. “That’s not me Liccy. Don’t go near it.”
“It’s coming down the hall. Oh god…it’s carrying a chef knife.” She whimpered. “Dex…”
“Run down the hall away from it. I’m right at the entrance now. C’mon, hurry!”
Liccy stood and ran away from it, her heart racing. She saw Dex running toward her.
“Don’t look back at it. Seriously, don’t. Just run.”
The look on Dex’s face made her nervous. On impulse, she looked back and saw the thing chasing her down the hall. Its face was distorted, deep red gouges slashed through it and a giant chunk missing from the top. It was missing an arm and also had a huge gash in its side that leaked crimson spots onto the floor with every step it took. Liccy screamed and ran faster, nearly tackling Dex to the floor. He wrapped her in his arms and quickly turned, flinching when the knife sunk into his back. The man pulled the knife out and stabbed it into his back again, a look of crazy madness in its eyes. Even through the pain, Dex held Liccy tightly.
“Stop!!” Liccy screamed. “Stop hurting him!!”
The man growled, but let go of the knife and disappeared. Dex gasped and forced himself to stay on his feet, his eyesight blurring.
“That…actually really hurt.” He said, gritting his teeth. He let go of Liccy and sunk to his knees. “Liccy…you gotta pull that knife out.”
She frowned. “But I don’t want to hurt you.”
“It’s hurting me more with it sitting in my back.”
Her hands trembled as she wrapped her fingers around the handle. “I’m sorry.” She said and pulled it out as quickly as she could.
Dex gasped and crouched down, putting his forehead on the floor. “Vicious…little fckers. Can’t trust them even for a second. Damn backstabbers.” He laughed, his breathing heavy. “No pun intended.”
“Dex…are you alright?” Shimi asked.
“I’ll live. It takes more than a cooking utensil to kill me.” Replied Dex, standing and taking his long black coat off. “Well, this is completely ruined. Dammit, he just had to shred my favourite jacket.”
Liccy frowned and looked at the blackish patch on his arm. “What’s that?”
Dex hissed and flinched away when she touched it. “Don’t...touch that. It’s nothing, really.” He tore a strip of his coat off and wrapped it around his arm. “It’s really nothing. Just a spot is all.”
“Well…if you say so.” Liccy decided not to push the subject. “Honestly, I think the vest suits you better than the coat.” She said, commenting on the heavy back vest he wore with the silver edges.
“Yeah, but it doesn’t make me look like a badass.” Dex smirked and tapped his communicator. “Well, I was just stabbed several times in the back. What’s our plan of escape?” He asked casually.
“Um, stay alive?” Ryonz wandered down the hall, keeping his back to the wall. “I’m a stealthy spy agent thing. I won’t be found.” He turned the corner and nearly walked into a child with messy black hair and crossed eyes. “OH SHIIT!”
The child looked up at him with tears in his eyes. “Mister, have you seen my mommy? I really miss her.”
Misletien and Vio came up from behind Ryonz and frowned. “Aww that’s so sad.” Vio said and knelt down next to the child. “How about we held you find your mommy? Would you like that?”
“Oh, yes please Miss. If you help me find my mommy, I’ll even tell you where they put their treasure.”
“Treasure? They?”
“The monsters that took me and my mommy here. They had this special room where they put something they didn’t want to be found.” One of the little boy’s eyes rolled back in his head as he smiled and rubbed his nose. “I found it all on my own, but then…they caught me. I don’t remember what happened after that. All I want is my mommy.”
Ryonz edged away. “This kid is DEAD. What makes you guys think we can trust him?” He whispered.
“Because,” Misletien turned on him, “he’s an innocent victim of the wraiths and wants nothing more than to find his mother. He’s just a little boy; does that sound evil to you?!”
“N-no, not at all.” Ryonz put his hands up in defence.
Misletien turned back to the little boy. “Do you know where your mommy might be?”
“Well,” The little boy frowned, “she might be in the cells in the next hallway. They locked up a lot of the adults there. I think that’s where they took my mommy too.” His eyes watered. “I really miss her.”
Vio smiled. “Don’t worry. We’ll find her together.”
The little boy smiled. “Thank you so much Miss. I can show you where the hallway is.” He held his hand out to Vio and she hesitantly took it. It was cold, but that was all. Not wet or damp or even decaying. “My name is Sorren. I hope you don’t think I’m one of those other mean people. They’re scary and mean so I run away from them.”
Ryonz followed slowly behind them. “You mean the other people here?”
“Yeah. Those are the other people that were brought here with me and my mommy. They chase people around and hurt them.” Sorren frowned. “I wish they wouldn’t be so mean. All they want is to ‘rest in peace’. I’m not sure what that means, but I think it’s something good. Everyone here wants that.”
They neared a long hallway with a black tiled floor and dingy white walls. Cells with iron bars lined the walls, some with broken locks and others with corpses lying on the floors. The hairs on the back of Ryonz neck stood up as they passed each cell. There was a soft sound coming from one of the cells near the middle of the hall; it sounded like crying.
“Where did they take you? Oh, please be alright.”
Sorren let go of Vio’s hand and ran to the cell. “Mommy!”
A woman with stringy brown hair and pale skin turned. She had a red stab wound on her chest and her clothes were drenched in blood. “Sorren! Oh, my baby boy! I’ve been so worried.” She wrapped her arms around Sorren when he fell against her.
“Mommy! Mommy! I missed you!!” Sorren turned to Vio. “Thanks so much Miss. Here, you kept your promise so I’ll keep mine. Here’s the key to their treasure room. It’s not too far away from here.”
“Thank you for bringing me my son.” The woman looked at them with pure joy. “I don’t know what I would have done without him. He’s my pride and joy.”
“You’re very welcome.” Misletien smiled and took the key from Sorren.
Sorren giggled when his mother nuzzled his nose and then they both faded from sight.
“Did…we just appease one of the ghosts here?” Ryonz scratched his head. “Huh I suppose Tsy was right about that.”
“Hmph and you said that was a bad idea.” Misletien glared at Ryonz and then turned to Vio. “Did you see how happy they were? I’m so glad we helped them.”
“So am I.” Vio smiled and tapped her communicator. “Guys, we just appeased a little boy and his mother and they gave us a key to a ‘treasure room’ that’s not far from the adult cells. We’re heading there now.”
“Nice. Tell us what you find. Vik and I are gonna keep searching for any clues about Esmeiria.” Shimi answered. “C’mon Vik. Keep up or the bogeyman is gonna get you.”
“Pfft, the bogeyman ain’t real.” Said Vik coolly. He got a cold chill down his and picked up his pace so he was right behind Shimi.
Shimi chuckled and continued down the hall. He stopped short and Vik slammed into him.
“Ouch. Why’d you stop?”
Shimi looked closely into the room on his right. “Look at that. That’s a room full of files. There might be some information about Esmeiria in there.”
“I don’t like the look of that room.” Vik said. “I just have a really bad feeling.”
“It’ll be fine. Just stand at the door and keep watch for me.” Assured Shimi as he walked into the room like he owned the place. He started digging through the files. “Awesome. They’re in alphabetical order.”
Vik eyed the hall nervously. “Shimi, we should go.”
“Calm down. I’m still looking for her files.”
He saw movement down the hall and frowned. “Shimi, there’s something in the hall. We should really leave.”
“Don’t be such a wuss. It’s probably just you imagination.”
“Shimi…”
Shimi grabbed a folder triumphantly. “Got it!”
“Shimi, we need to-” Vik turned and his eyes widened to the size of dimes.
Behind him, stood a man at least eight feet tall all dressing in black ripped clothes. His arms seemed to have been pulled from their sockets and his face had blood all over it. Or anyway what SHOULD have been his face. He didn’t have one; missing everything except his mouth and even that had been cut and stitched in a way that gave him a horrifying permanent smile.
“HOLY ****!! IT’S ****** SLENDER MAN!!!” Vik screeched and bolted from the room, back down the hall.
Shimi turned and his face went pale. “H-hey I was just…uh looking for…” Hey eyed the door. “You know, it really doesn’t matter. I’ll just be leaving…”
The man lunged at him then. Shimi pivoted on his heels, dodging it, then legged it out of the room and down the hall. He didn’t stop until Vik grabbed him arm and pulled him to the side. They crouched there, trying to catch their breath.
“Did you see-”
“Mhm.”
“Even his-”
“Yeah, I did.”
“And the-”
“Uh huh.”
Vik shivered. “ Worst. Visual. Ever.”
“You guys alright or shall I send in a psychologist?” Symp’s voice came in through the communicator.
Shimi frowned. “Other than the fact that we were just scarred for life, yes, we’re fine. We got some files on Esmeiria. It may lead us to where she’s being kept.”
“Good. We may have also found where they put her hands and feet. If we find them, we’ll wait until you figure out where her body is.” He replied. “Zheii, don’t fall behind or I’ll let you be eaten by that dog we saw earlier.”
Zheii frowned. “Don’t be such a **** or I’ll kick you in yours.”
Symp chuckled. “Try not to hurt yourself.”
“Hmph.” Zheii looked around and saw a small hole in the wall that looked rather suspicious. “Look at that.” She said and went to reach in.
Symp dashed forward and pulled her back as a sharp blade shot down. “Stupid girl. Don’t you ever THINK before reaching into dark places?” He hissed. “I should have let you get your arm cut off as a lesson in precaution.”
“There’s something in there.” She insisted, pulling out of his grasp. “It could be important.”
“Then let ME get it. God forbid your arm gets chopped off. Shimi would have my head.” Replied Symp bluntly. He rubbed his hands together and took a deep breath. Suddenly he shot his hand in and pulled out a bloody bag all in about the space of a second. “Got it and not a single drop of blood…well except from this sack. What the hell is in this?”
Zheii looked rather excited. “This is it. It’s where they put her hands and feet. I’m sure of it.”
Symp held it out at arm’s length. “Then YOU take it.” He turned and frowned. “Looks like they aren’t really willing to give up their doggy bag. Shall we go or shall I let you become dog food?”
“Then MOVE! Don’t stand there trying to act so cool you ******!” Zheii snapped, pushing Symp out of the way and running down the hall. “If we can manage to get up somewhere high, we should be safe.” She pointed up to the hallway over head of the one they were in. “Looks like a type of balcony. We should be able to make it.”
“Yes, but it seems that they’re not going to let us get away that easily.” Symp said, running next to her. He smirked. “Would you be mad if I tripped you?”
Zheii shot him an angry glare. “Yes, I’d be pissed.”
“Good.” He chuckled and pivoted on his heels, tripping her up before running and leaping onto the balcony.
Zheii tripped and fell on her face. “SYMPATHI YOU ****!!!” she screeched, turning as the dogs leaped for her. She put her hands up in defence and then heard the sound of the dogs yelping in pain.
They were covered in flames, turning to ash slowly as their already partially decayed bodies incinerated. Symp stood on the balcony, his hand out and a sword the size of two seeker blades put into one in the other. His eyes narrowed and the dogs burst into huge fireballs, now completely burnt to crisps.
Zheii ran and jumped, grabbing his hand as he pulled her up onto the balcony. The first thing she did was immediately slap him as hard as she could. The next thing actually made him blink in surprise.
“Thank you.” Zheii said quietly and gave him a peck on the cheek. “I was sure I was going to die.”
Symp’s usual unemotional expression changed to a look of embarrassment. “I couldn’t exactly let you be eaten. I only did it because I didn’t want to have to deal with being yelled at.” He frowned, but his face was still turning red. “Don’t take it personally. It wasn’t an optional thing to do.” He coughed and turned away.
“Nevertheless, you still saved my life…even if you did trip me.”
He laughed. “Yes, I did that to scare the **** out of you. The look on your face was priceless. I wish I’d had a camera.” He snickered and walked away.
“God, you’re such a ****** **** all the time!” Zheii snapped as she followed after him.
“You guys got the stuff?” Dex asked. “…Don’t even say a joke referring to drugs.”
Zheii laughed. “Yes, we got ‘the stuff’, don’t you worry about that.”
“Awesome. I’m thinking her eyes may be in the laboratory. We’re going there now and then we’re heading to this so called ‘treasure room’ to meet up with Vio, Ryonz, and Misletien.”
Liccy kept close as they went down the dark hall. “I can’t see a thing.”
“Here, lemme try this.” Dex snapped his fingers and a flame appeared in his hands. “Is that better?”
“Yes. Much better.” She smiled and relaxed a little bit. “Thanks.”
Dex smiled as well and tapped her on the nose. “Told you. I’ll keep you safe and sound. I promised, right?”
Liccy nodded. “Yeah.” Her eyes softened. “Thank you…so much. I’d really hate to be alone here.”
“Hey,” Dex stopped walking and turned to face her. “I won’t leave you all by yourself, alright? If you need me, I’ll be there right away. I won’t let you get hurt, okay? You’re gonna be alright, I promise.” His eyes were fierce, but also gentle and reassuring.
Liccy nodded. “Alright. I believe you.”
“Still no reason not to trust me huh?” Dex laughed and gave her a genuine smile that showed the sharp tips of his teeth. “Yeah, well don’t worry. I’m a little distracted with corpses and ghosts to even think of feeding. I think I can last another four days.”
“Oh no!” Liccy frowned. “You’re not going another five days without feeding. Once we’re out of here, you’re going to feed again, even if I have to tie you down and force feed you.”
Dex’s eyebrows rose. “Yes ma’am.”
They continued down the hallway and finally came to a room with glass windows and test tubes.
“Lab. Awesome. Time to look for eyeballs.” Dex strolled into the room and started looking around. “Eyeballs? Where are yoooou? Ohhh there ya are. Come here ya little fckers.” He picked up a glass jar with liquid and bright blue eyes floating around.
Liccy frowned. “That’s disgusting.”
“Isn’t it though?” Dex shuddered. “Could you imagine your eyes being pried out and put in a jar? I’d be pissed. I mean, my eyes are too sexy to be used as replacements.”
“Oh, but of course.” She giggled. Her laugh was cut off by a shrill scream that came from back down the hall.
“VIOOOOOOO!!!” They heard Ryonz yell.
Dex and Liccy sprinted back down the hall and saw Ryonz legging it to the left of them and Misletien zooming right behind. They followed them quickly and saw Vio being dragged away by the same two children that attacked them in the base.
“What the hell happened?!” Dex exclaimed, sprinting ahead.
“We turned for just a minute and the next thing we knew, Vio was being dragged away!” explained Ryonz, out of breath.
Dex turned the corner only to witness the most terrible sight of his life. Even when he had witnessed his friends being eaten alive on the tide born islands when he was still part of Perfect World could not compare to this. There sound of something being squished in a sickening way sounded through the hall and he caught Liccy as she rounded the corner, holding her close to block her vision. Ryonz looked and the next minute he turned to the wall and vomited, his knees shaking. Misletien gasped and put her hands over her eyes, whimpering.
“Don’t look.” Was all Dex could manage to whisper. “Please, just don’t look.” Even he was shaking.
“What…what is it?” Liccy’s voice shook.
“You don’t want to know love. All I can tell you…is that Vio is dead. She’s…very, very dead.”
Liccy pushed away from Dex, even though he tried to hold her back and looked behind him. There, splattered against the wall, was Vio. To anyone that hadn’t witnessed it, they wouldn’t have had a clue as to who this had been. Her insides were in a pile on the floor and blood was spattered everywhere. The massive pile of bloody goo was everywhere; the walls, the floor, even on the ceiling. Describing this horrifying image would have been impossible. Liccy dropped to her knees, tears flooding her eyes.
“Why? Why did this happen?” She cried. “Why Vio? She was such a sweet and caring person. It’s not fair!”
Dex picked Liccy up and held her. “I’m sorry. I should’ve gotten here in time and I didn’t. I’m…so sorry.” He stroked her hair, gritting his teeth in frustration.
“It wasn’t your fault.” She mumbled into his chest. “It wasn’t anyone’s fault. I want to get out of here. I don’t want anyone else to die, especially not like that.”
“Alright.” Dex glanced back at the mess sadly. “She didn’t deserve that. Not even in the slightest. I promise, if I see those kids again, I’m going to give them a reason to cherish they’re death.”

Lumi_ - Archosaur

Ok I think I've gotten it all figured out how to keep the chapters all in one thread o.e anyway I hope I've got it. If not...I'm sorry for looking like a complete derp Dx


“What happened?” Shimi’s voice sounded anxious.
Dex didn’t respond at first. “…Vio is dead.” He said quietly.
There was a long pause. “What? You’re…you’re kidding.”
“No, I’m not.” Dex swallowed the lump in his throat. “We need to arrange a rendezvous point and finish get out of this hell hole. What are we still missing?”
“We have her hands and feet and you guys have her eyes.” Zheii’s voice was merely a whisper. “Just need her heart…and then her actual body.”
“We found her body’s location.” Vik said. “It’s not too hard to find. Right at the back of the facility, between two hall entrances. Both have black tiled floors and black walls.”
Ryonz turned away from the wall and mumbled, “We have her heart. We found it in the locked room. We’ll meet you at the rendezvous point.”
Everyone agreed quietly and started to make their way there. Dex’s group made it past the locked room, only to run into the man that had stabbed Dex in the back. He hissed while everyone else edged away.
“You know what? I’ve had ENOUGH of you ****** ******n ****!” He spat. He took his chakrams and slammed them into the man’s face, ploughing it into the floor. “THAT is for my ****** back!”
“Dex, don’t even do what I think you’re gonna do.” Shimi warned. “You heard what Tsy said-”
“I don’t give a flying *** what Tsy said anymore. I’m going to re-kill everything! Every single god forsaken corpse here!” raged Dex, his hair turning silver. He picked the scythe up and swung it. “Alright! Come on you maggot infested fckers! I’m going to re-kill you as savagely as I possibly can!” The two children dropped down from the ceiling and grabbed onto Liccy. “Don’t you ****** touch her!” He hissed and sliced the two of them literally in half.
Liccy trembled. “Dex…there’s a lot of them.” She said quietly, watching the moving shadows lurking in every corner and hall.
Dex’s eyes narrowed. “Good. Keep close, but stay out of my swinging range. I’m literally going to cut our way through to the rendezvous.” The tall man in black practically came out of the floor, standing up to his full height. “Suck my **** slender man!” He spat and put the blade of his scythe between the man’s legs, then pulled upward, slicing him in half and making his insides spew onto the floor.
They ran through the next hall and got ambushed, four corpses latching onto Dex. “Get…OFF!” He hissed, struggling to break free.
“Need some assistance?” asked Symp, swinging his massive blade and decapitating all four at once. “Don’t steal all the kills. I’d like to have some myself.”
“Sorry, I don’t like to share.” Answered Dex, digging the end of the handle of the scythe into another corpse’s face. “And that…that was for Vio. For the manslaughter you *******s did to her!”
Symp glanced at Liccy. “I’m sorry for what happened.”
Liccy didn’t respond, just kept gazing at the floor. Ryonz frowned and Misletien just floated there in silence.
Dex looked at Liccy with fierce silver eyes; those silver eyes with the crescent moon pupils. “I’m going to avenge her. I swear it; I’ll kill every corpse here if that’s what I have to do.” Shimi’s voice came over the communicator in that same language that no one but the Maori people understood. “I don’t CARE! That shouldn’t have happened at all! It doesn’t matter if she gets a second chance; her life with never be the same again!!” He spat in response and took off down the hall again on his killing spree.
“I’ve never seen Dex so angry…” said Liccy. She frowned. “I…didn’t think he was like that.”
“He’s not. It’s very rare that Dex gets as infuriated as this.” Symp explained as they continued down the hall. “He…has a problem with death. If he’s around it, he feels as though he’s responsible for it. It doesn’t matter what happened, he always blames himself.”
“But it wasn’t his fault!” Ryonz argued. He clenched his hands into fists. “It wasn’t anyone’s fault. It was those damn kids.”
Symp nodded. “I know, but that’s not how Dex sees it. Look at it this way.” He frowned. “Dex watched his brother, his mother and father, and even his two best friends be slaughtered right in front of his eyes…and he couldn’t do anything to stop it. Now that he has the strength to do something about it, it kills him inside when he doesn’t. He’s the most hard headed, perseverant person I’ve ever met. He thinks he has to defend every person he meets.”
Liccy looked at him closely. “But isn’t that the point of being a good leader? Protect everyone you can and even if you can’t, try to protect as many as possible.”
He didn’t answer right away, just kind of looked out into space. “Yes, I suppose it is, but there are times even the toughest and strongest person in the world can’t protect someone. All you can do is forget about it and move on.”
No one answered that as they neared the door to the rendezvous point. Dex was already there, killing every corpse that came near, the floor and walls pretty much having a brand new red paint job. Shimi and Vik came running over from the other hallway and nearly got sliced in half by Dex.
“Hey! Watch it!” shouted Shimi, ducking as Dex’s scythe flew over his head. “Chill out! I think they’re scared ****less to even approach you now. Good god!”
Dex just pffted and reverted back to his normal form, the scythe disappearing. “Yeah, well I would have enjoyed killing more. I don’t think 120 was enough for what they did.”
“…Let’s just get out of here.” Shimi answered in a hushed voice. He pulled a key from the folder he carried and put it into the keyhole next to the door, a clu-clunk sound echoing back.
They pushed open the door to find a completely empty room. Lights hung from the ceiling and the room itself was oddly spotless, not a single sign of dirt or grime. It stood out like a sore thumb from the rest of the facility.
“An empty room.” Ryonz threw his hands up in defeat. “And after all that, there’s not a single thing here.”
“No, no.” Shimi shook his head and pointed further back in the room. “Look there. That’s Esmeiria.”
In the back of the room, stood a woman with wide bright green eyes and brown hair that went down past her waist. Her pale green dress flared out when she turned, her hands and feet looking so delicate, you would have thought they came from a doll. Her voice was delicate when she spoke, almost hypnotizing.
“Who are you? How did you get into my room?” She asked, walking forward into the light.
“We’ve come to ask for your help.” Misletien said. “We got sucked in here by your curse and…we just want to go home.”
Esmeiria blinked. “And what makes you think I’d help you? I was taken here and hurt, just as you have been. Is it not fair for everyone here to suffer the same fate?”
Liccy shook her head. “No, it’s not. We know you’re still suffering, even in death. We want to help you so you can finally rest.”
“I didn’t ask for help though.” Esmeiria said quietly. The room grew slightly darker and things appeared on the floor against the walls. Corpses, some decaying and some looking rather fresh. The disturbing part was that they were all male. “When I was able to escape this retched place and make it back to my village, everyone there believed I was cursed. Not even my fiance. I’d be able to have as many admirers as I wanted. But…they didn’t tell me that for this to happen, I’d have to die.”
“Didn’t you think they’d kill you? How could you have been tricked so easily? The wraiths are evil creatures.” Vik argued.
“I know, but,” She spun around slowly, her dress flaring out as her delicate feet turned in place, “I’m not alone anymore. Ever since the facility was destroyed, many people have turned up here unwillingly. They keep me company so I don’t have to be alone.”
Misletien frowned. “You mean the men that turn up.” She commented, glancing at the dead bodies against the walls.
“They are lovely, aren’t they?” Esmeiria smiled, her eyes falling on each of the men that stood in front of her. “I have many suitors, but none of them seem right. None of them are anything like Aeirik. So I keep looking; I may find one very soon.” She twirled around and started to sing. “My knight, my strong and handsome knight, will someday come to find me. He’ll take me away and treat me as his princess, never leaving my side; never straying away. My knight, oh my loyal and loving knight…”
Ryonz blinked and held his head, swaying on his feet. Slowly, he started to walk toward her, dazed and unresponsive to Misletien and Liccy’s protests. Esmeiria smiled as he approached and gently kissed him on the forehead, making him collapse in front of her. Misletien held onto Vik as he went to go after her next, pulling him back as best she could.
“Nooo! Don’t…you…go…over…there!” Misletien struggled to hold him back, her fingers slipping as he broke loose and went toward Esmei. “She’s luring them all in like…like a seductress! The wraiths made a seductress! She’ll lure them in and then turn them against us.”
Liccy frowned when she saw Symp start wandering over to her next. “Oh no… This…is really bad. We can’t win against him!”
Misletien latched onto him and pulled, being dragged along despite her invain attempts to keep him at bay. “C’mon Symp! You gotta listen to me! Don’t…give in that easily! I’m gonna eat all your tiery muffins when we get home if you don’t stop!” Symp ignored her and shoved her off. “Nooo!! Oh man…”
Shimi lay on the floor, his hands over his ears. “Gah…someone…please knock my *** out. I don’t want to be her puppet.”
Liccy looked around and picked up a metal pipe. She frowned and looked down at him. “I’m so sorry. Really I am.”
Shimi nodded. “It’s fine…just do it fast.”
She closed her eyes and brought the pipe down, feeling it hit something. “Ohh I feel so bad now.” Mumbled Liccy as she looked at Shimi’s unconscious body.
The only man that didn’t move was Dex. He stood there with one of his hands in his pockets, gazing at Esmeiria intently.
“Why aren’t you listening to my singing?” She frowned when she noticed Dex standing there.
“Me? Of course I’m listening. Please, don’t stop on my behalf, your singing is quite beautiful.” Dex answered. His eyes were bright with actual genuine enjoyment and he smiled. “Carry on. I want to hear you sing.”
Esmeiria’s eyes narrowed, something that actually made her look quite sinister. “Then why aren’t you under my spell like they are?”
Dex chuckled. “Oh right. I probably should have explained this before, my apologies. You see, my mother was a seductress, so your lovely hypnotizing singing has no effect on me. And also,” He stepped forward and grabbed her hand, twirling her around before stopping very close to her face with a charming smile, “women don’t seduce me. I seduce THEM.”
Her face flushed with color. “H-how…? You’re just like him…” Her eyes widened and she smiled, putting her hand on the side of his face. “You’re just like Aeirik. He always…used to make me feel so warm like this.”
Liccy’s face turned red with rage. “Hey! He’s not yours to touch like that!” She spat and then put her hands over her mouth. ‘Where did that come from? Am…I really jealous?’
“No, I suppose he isn’t mine.” Esmei frowned. “After all, he isn’t dead like I am. Well, not yet anyway. But after the rest of you are killed, I’m sure he wouldn’t have a problem with joining me.”
Dex’s smile suddenly turned to a very sarcastic, sadistic one. “I’m sorry dear, but I’m not really into necrophilia.” He replied and shoved his hand through her chest. “Allow me to return your heart though. I’m sure you missed it greatly.”
“How DARE you!” Esmei screeched, clawing a Dex. “How dare you ignore my beauty!”
“I’m sorry, it just wasn’t going to work out.” Dex frowned and shoved her eyes back in her head. “You’re just a little too self-centred. You would’ve gotten bored of me within a few years anyway.”
Esmei screamed in rage. “I’ll kill you!! I’ll kill you just like they killed that woman!!”
This time, Dex’s face grew dark. “Insulting doesn’t match your pretty figure dear. I’ll fix it so your appearance matches your personality.” He hissed, skewering her hands and feet to the spots where he tore off the replacements. “There, now you look as hideous as the way you act. Oh and also,” He gave her a displeased look of disgust, “I’m already interested in someone else and it’d take some kind of goddess to get me to forget about her.” He finished and then looped a locket around her neck.
Esmei stopped screaming and looked down at the locket. “Where…where did you find this?”
“It was right next to you heart.” Dex replied quietly. He looked at her sadly. “You can’t replace true love with a decoy Esmei. Aeirik was the one you loved, not these other men who were seduced by your spell. Aeirik’s love was REAL; these men just loved you because you told them to.”
“Aeirik…” mumbled Esmei, her eyes filling with tears. “Oh I miss you Aeirik. Why did you leave me? Why?”
“I didn’t.” said a voice from behind her. A young man with blonde hair and brown eyes walked out of the shadows and looked at her sadly. “I came to find you. I led the team of warriors here. I refused to give you up and so…I stayed here, even when they destroyed the facility around us.”
Esmei stood and walked over to him, then fell into his outstretched arms. “You kept your promise! You came like you said you would!”
Aeirik smiled. “Of course I did. I always keep my promises, don’t I?” He turned to Dex. “Thank you. You helped me get through to her at last. Now we can finally be together and allow the other spirits here to rest as well. And I’m sure…you’ll find your princess as well.” He smiled and then they both faded.
“Well, that was my good deed of the day.” Dex stated, wiping his hands and Symp’s jacket. “Remind me to have him wash that.”
The room shook then. The ceiling started to break apart and Liccy jumped out of the way of a falling piece of piping. Dex grabbed a hold of her and she grabbed Misletien, who grabbed Zheii. And a few minutes later, they could see nothing but darkness once again.

~~~~~~

Shimi stood slowly and rubbed the back of his head. “Damn she’s got one hell of an arm.” He winced. He looked around and smiled. “We’re back!”
Vik ran in circles. “WE MADE IT! OH *** YEAH MAN!”
“Damn. The lady makes me hate women even more than I did before.” Growled Symp, brushing off his coat. Zheii smacked the back of his head making him give her a guilty smile.
Misletien pulled Ryonz up and Liccy took Dex’s hand as he pulled her to her feet. Further away, there was a complaining grumble and Vio stood up groggily.
“Ohhh I feel sick.” She mumbled, holding head.
“VIOOOOO!!!” Everyone exclaimed; Liccy, Zheii, and Ryonz all tackling her to the floor as Misletien flew in circles above them.
Zheii hugged Vio tight. “You’re alive! Oh, we were so upset when-”
Vio frowned. “I died? I don’t remember that. I remember being dragged for a while and then,” She paused, putting her hand on the side of her head as she thought, “and then I’m not sure what happened. But I’m sure I didn’t die. I didn’t feel any kind of pain or anything.”
“Uh…well at least you’re here now.” Shimi said and helped her up. “Actually, I’m quite relieved that everyone is here in one piece.”
Ryonz made a mad dash for the door and flung it open. “AIR!!! SWEET FRESH AIR!! AHHHHHHH!!!” He exclaimed and flung himself into the grass lawn next to the base.
“Oh I missed you so much Arch.” Vik half cried, half laughed into the grass next to Ryonz.
Misletien just face palmed and sighed. “Typical air heads.”
Symp left the base and went to walk away, but Zheii pulled on his jacket. “Why don’t you go wash this.” She smirked.
“Why? What did you do to it?” asked Symp, his eyes narrowing.
“Oh nothing…” She said innocently and Symp just frowned in response.
Dex stood next to Liccy and looked up at the bright blue sky. “Never been so happy to see the clouds in my life.”
“Me either.”
He nudged her. “That was some case of jealously back there, huh?” He chuckled.
“I was NOT jealous.” Snapped Liccy, her face turning red from embarrassment.
“Oh of course, I’m sorry. I just, ya know, assumed that you didn’t like another woman being so touchy-touchy with me.” Dex smirked. “So if I let say Serah or Pinelo touch me like that, you would be okay with it?”
Liccy made a mad face at him and kicked him in the shin. “You take that back right now!”
Dex held his shin and hobbled around. “Ow, ow, ow! Okay, okay! You win! I’m sorry!”
“Good. Well, I’m going to go take a shower and get something to eat. Would you like to come with me?” Her eyes glistened while she waited for his reply.
This time it was Dex’s turn to blush. “Erm, I’m not answering that. I know how those questions work. I say no and you think I’m brushing you off. I say yes and you think I’m a pervert. I’m not falling for a trick question like that.”
“Well, actually I was being completely honest when I asked. It wasn’t a trick question, but if you don’t want to come share the day with me, I’ll just go by myself.”
“N-no I didn’t say that, I just-”
Liccy frowned. “Oh just shut up.” She giggled, grabbing his vest and dragging him along. “You can stay downstairs while I take my shower and then we can switch. No peeking either!”
‘Every day they spend together, they seem to get a little bit closer.’ Shimi thought as he walked down the path. ‘I wonder if I’ll even have a chance with her…’ His mind switching to the petite red-headed young woman he’d come to admire. ‘Maybe…’

Lumi_ - Archosaur

And here's the last for today 2 more for ya tomorrow so close to the end o3o the suspense is building!!!


“Much better. I can only go so long without a shower, especially when running around with corpses everywhere.” Liccy said as she came down the stairs.
“Mhm.” Answered Dex, leaning back in his chair. He hadn’t actually sat shirtless in a woman’s house for years. “Hair’s still wet.” He said and pulled on a lock of his damp hair.
Liccy laughed and walked over to the fridge. “I can lend you my hair dryer if you’d like.”
“No, I’ll pass.” Dex’s eyebrows rose and he leaned forward in his chair when he saw the sheer bliss outfit she wore. “Very nice ***. Are you going to show me more or get dressed fully?”
Liccy stuck her tongue out. “I always wear this in the morning after taking a shower. You can ogle all you want, just no touching.”
“I can’t make any promises with a view like that right in front of my face.” Dex replied, raising an eyebrow with a devious smile on his face.
Blushing, Liccy waved a spoon at him. “Don’t make me use this mister. Behave yourself or I’ll tell Serah and Canta and you don’t want to upset them, believe me.”
Dex couldn’t help laughing at that. “Oh no! Please don’t send the blondes after me! They may make my IQ drop by leaps and bounds in merely seconds!” Liccy rolled her eyes and he shook his head. “I’m kidding. They’re not stupid. Ditzy, but not stupid.”
“Here, try this.” Said Liccy, placing a plate in front of him.
“What the hell is it?” Dex looked at it from an angle and frowned.
“It’s a blueberry pancake. What did you think it was?”
He looked at it distastefully. “Certainly not that.”
“Just try it. I’ve been told I’m a good cook so it’s not like it poisoned or anything.”
Dex reluctantly took a bite…and nearly spat it back out. “Oh god. No, I can’t. I’ve been off this kind of food for so long; it just makes me sick now.” He choked, forcing himself to swallow the bite he’d taken. “You know, I used to love things like this. My wife used to make some pretty amazing tiery muffins.”
“Your…wife?” Liccy frowned and took a bite of her own pancake. “I didn’t know you were married.”
“I was before I died. Even had a child with her.”
“What happened to them?”
Dex’s eyes dulled as he stared down at his plate. “I don’t want to talk about it.” He mumbled.
“I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean…” Liccy frowned when he just shook his head. “Well if you don’t eat this stuff, then what DO you eat?” He just gave her a look and she rolled her eyes. “I meant OTHER than the obvious.”
He leaned back in his chair and put his arms behind his head. “Personally, I have a terrible sweet tooth, but I have no idea about everyone else. Well, except for Symp.” He shuddered. “He still eats tiery muffins.”
Liccy thought for a moment. “Well, what about brownies? Would you eat those?”
“Are they sweet?”
“Very.”
“Then I’m willing to try them.”

~~~~~~

Misletien flew up and over the wall of the City of Lost carrying a small basket. Most of the Rogue members had taken to hanging around out there, enjoying both PK and keeping out of the base for a while. At this time, Ryonz, Vik, Jark, Dex, Liccy, Shimi, and Lumi stood out there. Jark shot an arrow at the guard at the gate and ran when the guard came after him. Vik and Ryonz pushed each other around and Shimi laughed when Lumi poked his side, then going after him when she saw how ticklish he was. Dex and Liccy sat in his favourite tree; the spot he’s always come to think in peace before he died.
“Where’d Symp go?” Misletien asked.
“He went back in the city. I’m not sure what for, but that’s where he is.” Shimi replied through fits of giggles. “C’mon stop! That really tickles!”
Misletien frowned. “I’d better go get him.” She said and put the basket down next to Ryonz. “What that until I get back.”
“Wonder what’s in it.” Ryonz said. He knelt down next to the basket. “You know I’m gonna end up opening this.”
Vik frowned. “Dude, if you mess with that, Misletien’s gonna knock your *** out for the next six years.”
“Yeah, but I gotta know. I’m too curious not to find out.” Answered Ryonz, opening the lid. His eyes lit up. “Oh hell yeah! She’s got muffins!” He picked one out and let the basket lid fall shut. “Tiery muffins! Man I love these!”
He was half way through the muffin when he heard the sound of Symp and Misletien’s voices.
Vik glanced at Ryonz. “Dude, you are so screwed. See you in six years!”
Misletien saw Ryonz with the muffin and her hair bristled. “I told you to WATCH the basket, not go through it. I didn’t make those for you!”
“I only had one, I swear!”
Symp walked up and looked down in the basket, then at Ryonz. “You ate my muffins.” He growled.
Ryonz gulped. “I’m sorry?” He squeaked in response.
“See that cliff? Go to the top of it and jump off. No wings either.” Hissed Symp, his pupils dilating and retracting.
Not responding, Ryonz dropped the rest of the muffin, blinked once, and then started walking up the hill side of the cliff. Symp watched from below, his arms crossed and eyes narrowed. Vik frowned and Misletien looked rather worried.
“Isn’t this a little over kill of a punishment?” She asked as Ryonz neared the top. “I can always make you more muffins…”
“Not at all. I think this death suits him well.”
“What…is Ryonz doing?” Liccy asked, pointing up at the cliff.
“I’m not sure, but I don’t like the way he’s walking.” Dex frowned; standing. He gazed at Symp and approached him quickly. “Stop him.” He snapped.
“Stop who?” He looked genuinely perplexed. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Dex pointed at Ryonz, who stood on the edge of the cliff. “Don’t you DARE make him jump.”
Symp sighed. “I think it’s a little late at this point.” He replied and gestured at Ryonz stepping off the edge.
“****! Shimi, catch Ryonz!”
Shimi jumped and looked around. “Wait, what? Where?” He turned when he heard the sickening thud behind him and frowned. “Oh…there. Well damn.”
“What the hell was that for?!” snapped Dex.
“He ate my muffins.” Symp answered simply.
Dex stood there for a moment, just staring at him in disbelief. “YOU KILLED HIM FOR EATING A MUFFIN?!?!”
“Yes, I did. He didn’t ask and Misletien made them for me, not him. If you don’t like it, too bad. Go cry about it.”
Dex looked infuriated and was about to say something when Shimi got a message coming through on his order card. “Uh, yes?”
Metalogue glanced at the screed, then turned and shouted something to another person in the background. “Dude, we’ve got this new guy here that is the most energetic rebirth I’ve ever seen. I swear, he refuses to sit still…and put on his damn pants.” He stopped and shouted something again. “I don’t know if you know the guy or not, but you may as well come and get him. He materialized in OUR spawner so he is kinda our responsibility.”
“Alright, I’m on my way. Try to get his pants on at least, even if you have to use brute force. I don’t want to walk into a naked guy running around all over the place. Very unpleasant visual for myself.” Shimi sighed and ended the call. “I’m going to bet 100mil that that’s Ryonz giving Meta a hard time. I’ll be back in a minute or two, I’m sure.”
Dex turned on Symp once Shimi left. “Are you happy now? You complain about new bubble heads arriving in Morai and then you go and cause one to spawn. What the *** were you thinking?”
“Well, honestly I was hoping he’d stay dead. He didn’t exactly have a very strong mind, so I figured his spirit was rather weak as well. Lucky him that it wasn’t. Guess I’ll just have to try harder, won’t I?” Symp crossed his arms and looked rather bored.
“You’ve got to be kidding me. You just KILLED a person from Perfect World and changed their life forever and it was all over a god damn MUFFIN?!” Dex threw his hands up. “What the hell is WRONG with you?! You don’t even deserve to be called a leader!”
Shimi arrived at that moment with Ryonz attached to a rope, keeping him from floating away. “Alright, what’s going on?”
Symp frowned. “He just clearly insulted me. It wasn’t even a subtle insult either; it was clear and obvious.”
Dex hissed. “I’m sure you would have insulted me just as much if Shimi hadn’t shown back up.”
“Oh shut up! I swear, everyone would have been better off if you’d just stayed dead. I always hated you so much. Hated how everyone liked you; hated how quickly you advanced in officer positions; especially hated how you got exactly what you wanted and unfortunately never got what you deserved.”
Dex just stood there, his eyes glistening with fury. Shimi intervened at that moment. “That’s rather shallow of you Sympathi. Dex trusted you and you tried to kill him, yet,” He frowned, “he still doesn’t hate you. He still has respect for you, even if you caused his death.”
“That’s not true either. He acts so decent and everyone thinks he’s such a good guy.” Symp spat in disgust. “When actually, he does hate. I know he does. All because I ripped that stupid pendant from Incendia’s neck and made her go into premature labour. He hates me because I killed his wife and child! Admit it; admit you hate me for that!”
Everyone gasped and Dex’s pupils narrowed to paper thin lines at that comment, his hair bristling in pure white rage and a low growl coming out of his chest. Suddenly though, that anger just vanished and was replaced by a look of utter emotional agony. He just looked at Symp with an incredible amount of sadness and pain and then turned and walked further down the path, away from the city.
Shimi turned on Symp. “THAT was completely unnecessary and you know it! You KNOW how hurt he gets from that or is that exactly what you were trying to do? Hurt him just because he shouted at you for killing Ryonz?”
Liccy pushed Shimi out of the way then and shoved her face into Symp’s. “THAT WAS MEAN! I knew you were an ******* before, but that was the most evil thing I’ve ever heard in my life!! Maybe everyone would have been better off if YOU’D just stayed dead!!” She yelled, then ran after Dex.
Misletien floated down to Symp. “I understand you’re angry, but…you just really hurt him Symp. Like, really, really hurt him.” She said quietly and then floated away back into the City, Jark, Lumi, and Vik following after her.
“I think you need to take some time to yourself and think about what just happened.” Shimi said disgustedly. “Think about how you would feel if something that close were taken from you…” He finished and then left through a portal, towing Ryonz along with him and leaving Symp by himself.
Liccy chased after Dex as he walked away. “Dex!! Dex wait!!” She ran into the back of him when he finally stopped. “Hey, don’t go. Talk to me, I’m here to listen.” Dex didn’t say anything or even turn to look at her so she gently held onto his arm. “You promised you wouldn’t go, right?”
“…Yes.” Dex slowly turned to face her, his face unemotional. “But my life…my previous life shouldn’t make you worry.”
“You know it does.” Said Liccy quietly. “You’re my friend; of course I’m going to worry about you. And because you’re my friend, I’m here to listen to your troubles.”
Dex gave her the slightest smile he could manage with how he was feeling. “How about we go somewhere else then to talk. I have a special place that I haven’t been to in ages.”
Liccy nodded. “Alright. Lead the way then.”
He opened a portal and walked through with her, emerging on the other side to see a field full of nothing but pink, blue, yellow, and purple flowers. They were everywhere, filling the area with the sweet aroma of lavender and lilac. Liccy walked a little way in and stepped back when a bunch of butterflies took off in flight, he footsteps startling them. Hundreds of butterflies and hummingbirds flitted around the field of flowers, getting their fill of the sweet nectar provided by the delicate display of flowers.
“It’s…beautiful.” Liccy said, turning circles to get a full view of the entire field. It seemed to go on forever. “This place…is it real? It seems too wonderful to not be some kind of illusion.”
“I thought you’d like it.” Dex smiled. “It’s a miniature world hidden within Perfect World by one tiny cove that everyone disregards. No one but myself…and Incendia know about this place. I used to bring her here all the time…” He sat down in the flowers and picked one, gently tracing the petals with his fingers. “This was where I proposed to her and also where we decided on a name for our baby.”
Liccy sat down next to him. “I’ve only heard about Incendia. I…never actually met her. I heard she was very pretty and one of the sweetest people around. I did hear that she had had a husband, but I didn’t really know much about it. To be honest, I didn’t know much about anything at all when it came to her.”
Dex nodded slowly. “She…was beautiful. I loved her eyes. Bright blue with speckles of gold…just like lapis lazuli. She was so kind and wonderful to me. When I had first joined Nemesis, she actually bought me my rank 9. Even her pets loved me, especially her phoenix.”
“She was a veno?”
“Yeah…” He gave a half-hearted laugh. “I remember how her tail used to fluff up so big when she’d get mad and just the very tip of it would twitch. That was always how I knew when to shut up and do whatever I had to do to make her happy again.” His eyes watered. “I…was so completely in love with her. She could have dragged me along on a leash if she wanted, as long as she never left my side. When I went after Sympathi, I went after him not because I had a vendetta or even because he’d betrayed everyone. I went after him to prevent anything from happening to Perfect World, because I knew if something was to happen to it, Incendia and our baby would be in danger and I couldn’t bear the thought of something terrible happening to them. All I wanted to do was protect them.”
Liccy frowned. “I’m sorry. I can imagine how you felt when you found out what happened.”
“Actually, I never found out until Shimi died.” Admitted Dex quietly. “I couldn’t go back to Perfect World once I was reborn in Morai. I had no idea what had happened. It was only when Shimi arrived and I was able to ask him how she was doing…”
“That you found out she had died.” Liccy looked down at the flowers brushing against her feet. “What…happened Dex?”
Dex was silent for a few minutes while he tried to gather himself back together. “When Sympathi grabbed the pendant I had given to Incendia and ripped it off her neck, he’d also pushed her down while trying to run out of the base door. Both Shimi and I went after him, and so did Roxas if I’m remembering correctly. I suppose it doesn’t matter.” He took a deep breath. “When Sympathi pushed her, Incendia fell on her side against the floor. She was already six months pregnant at that point, so she was rather far along, but…her fall and the sudden amount of stress from the situation caused her to go into premature labour. While she was giving birth to our baby, there was…a lot of blood. That’s what Shimi said. He told me she died from blood loss and…the baby had died from being strangled by it umbilical cord. I wasn’t even there when she died. I would have at least wanted to be there with her; to hold her and tell her it would’ve been okay, just so she didn’t have to die alone and scared.”
Liccy frowned, her eyes saddened when Dex finally lost it, tears running down his face. She scooted in closer to him and held him tightly and held her as well. After a few minutes, he was able to pull himself together and just laid back in the flowers. Liccy lay back with him and they just kind of looked at each other.
“You know…” Liccy started to say. “You…seem different lately Dex. A better kind of different. I’m not sure what it is, but…I like it. I like how easy you are to talk to.”
Dex gazed up at the blue sky. “I suppose there are times that I withdraw into myself without realizing. I haven’t done that lately though. It’s rare I do it when I’m around…” He stopped and turned to her. “You know what? You’re the second woman that I’ve never been able to charm. Incendia was the first. And you know what’s even more interesting? Both times I tried to charm the two of you, you both got upset and walked away from me…and both times I chased after you.” He chuckled. “I suppose history really does repeat itself. The only difference is that shortly after, Incendia fell for me all on her own, just like I fell for her. With you, you seem to be…much more distant, I suppose you could say. I can only see little glimpses of how you feel. It was so easy to read the signs that Incendia gave, but you I can’t read, no matter how hard I try. I suppose I’m not quite as good-”
Liccy cut him off by rolling over and kissing him softly. Dex’s eyes widened and his face flushed with color, but after a moment, he closed his eyes and kissed her back. He ran his fingers through her hair and gently caressed her cheek. It was only when they broke apart that he spoke again in a hushed voice.
“I suppose…I just haven’t been reading the signs that were the most obvious.” He whispered and looked into her eyes. “You have the brightest green eyes I’ve ever seen and you know, if you look real close, you can see very smile flecks of gold in them. They’re beautiful, you know?”
He leaned in to look at her eyes closely, but only ended up kissing her again. Liccy shivered when he put his arm around her. “You’re not gonna fight with Sympathi, are you? I don’t want you getting hurt and…I know you’ll both end up hurting each other.”
Dex shook his head. “I can’t fight with him even if I wanted to. See, if one of us is weakened, the other becomes much stronger. So if I’m weakened, the sun will shine brilliantly bright, but in a harmful way. And if Symp is weakened, the sky will turn dark and only the moon will shine, making life nearly impossible. The only one that can stop us from fighting is Shimi. The Stellar Celestial balances the power between the Solar Celestial and the Lunar Celestial. That’s how it works.” He put his forehead against hers and smiled. “And even then, I won’t fight with him. No matter how much he insults me and tries to push me around, I know it’s because he’s still angry with what I did to stop him. He doesn’t see the huge sacrifice that I myself made. I can’t fight with someone that I still respect. I promised myself that I’d never attack him first, even if he did everything he could to upset me.”
“Well at least he was right about one thing. You are a very decent man Dex, but you act like it unintentionally, which is the best kind of way to act.”
“Well, I’m glad you think so.” Murmered Dex. “I suppose we better go back to the base before they start to worry…” He sighed, starting to get up.
Liccy pulled him back down. “Then let them worry. I just want…to stay here a little longer. Alright?” And when Dex nodded, she curled up closer to him and kissed him again.

~~~~~~

Over the next few weeks, the wraith attacks in Perfect World dwindled down to barely any, but in Morai, there were at least three attacks every week.
“The shadows nearly broke into our laboratory.” Metalogue informed Shimi. He frowned. “They’ve been very adamant about getting in there and we’ve yet to figure out why. Something very odd is brewing, I can feel it. I’ll keep you updated if anything changes.”
Shaking his head, SuperHeals frowned. “Get this. The shadows keep trying to break into you forbidden library.” He told Dex. “We even caught one trying to steal one of the books from the shelf labelled conjuration. Weird ain’t it? I suppose nothing else out of the ordinary has happened, except Tsy blew up a corner of the lab during one of his experiments, but that’s nothing new. I’ll let you know right away if something comes up.”
“Symp, it’s getting too dangerous to keep him here anymore.” Shrimp said, his eyes narrowed. “We’re doing all we can to keep everyone else safe; I’m not saying he’s a burden, but I know you don’t want him in danger. You have to come get him and take him somewhere safer than here. It’s the only way I can think of to keep him safe from the shadows.”
Symp nodded slowly. “Alright, I’ll come get him now. Have him get a few things that he wants to bring.” He answered and then opened a portal while ending the call.
Everyone had taken to avoiding Symp the last few weeks after what he said, even though Dex had forgiven him shortly after the incident. At this point, the people in the base watched his conversation with Shrimp closely, their interest growing when he suddenly left. Shimi frowned, but didn’t say anything when Symp glanced at him before leaving. He knew there was no other way and was actually quite glad to see Symp taking responsibility again. A few hours later, Symp reappeared in the base and the people there watched him curiously as he approached Aby.
“I know I’m not really one to be asking favours, but,” He looked at her with a slight desperation in his eyes, “I have nowhere else to take him. All I want is to keep him safe; I’ll do whatever it takes so he can stay here.”
Aby frowned. “Who exactly are you talking about?” She asked, her tone rather tart.
A little boy that looked to be about 6 or 7 stepped out from behind Symp’s legs. He had flame red hair like Symp, but the brightest blue eyes anyone had ever saw. They were incredibly blue and seemed like they were looking right through you; looking into your thoughts rather than your expression. He wore a long pale grey t-shirt and a pair of brown shorts and carried a big blue blankie that was at least twice as big as he was.
He tugged on the bottom of Symp’s coat lightly and looked up at him. “Daddy, are we safe now? I don’t like to see you so sad or worried.” He said quietly.
“Please. He’s my only son.” Symp murmered to Aby. “I’d be devastated if I lost him. Please let him stay here…at least until we can get the shadow problem back under control.”
“…He can stay here as long as he needs to.” Aby replied, her heart melting. “I can’t say no when it comes to keeping a child safe. Of course he can stay here.”
Symp looked rather relieved. “Thank you so much.” He knelt down to the little boy and ruffled his hair. “Alright, this place is going to be your temporary home until I can fix our old home okay? These people are very, very nice, so don’t act like your father and be a meaner to them, okay? I know you like to do everything I do, but sometimes…I make mistakes and I don’t want you to make the same ones I did.” He smiled as the little boy nodded. “Good. Now you be a good boy for them, promise?”
“I promise!”
Klasy knelt down and looked at the little boy. “What’s your name hun?”
The little boy shrunk away behind Symp and peeked out just slightly. “Reno. My name’s Reno.” He mumbled.
“Reno’s a nice name.” Klasy smiled kindly. “How old are you Reno?”
Reno inched a little bit out from Symp, warming up to the people in the base. “I’m six and a half years old!” He said, his eyes bright with pride.
Serah smiled. “He’s adorable. I think you’re going to like it here Reno, alright? We can play all sorts of games if you’d like.”
Reno nodded enthusiastically. “Oh, yes please!” He giggled and Symp couldn’t help but laugh at his reponse.

Lumi_ - Archosaur

Here's first story for today. I'll post three since I didn't post any yesterday.


“Five days.” Dex shook his head. “It took you just five days to finish development.”
“Ryonz was never one to sit still for long.” Jark chuckled. “”I’m surprised he wasn’t fully developed in three days.”
“Well, this means we have to go through the whole process again.” Sighed Shimi. “We can’t go back to Misfortune. The energy level there is still too high from the last fight. It has to be somewhere else out of the way.”
Ryonz thought for a moment. “Camp of the Intrepid?”
Dex nodded. “No one ever goes there. Seems like a rather good place.”
They opened a portal and stepped through. Some Rogue followed and once there, they took a seat on the wall…then jumped back out of the way.
“Oi I forgot about Harpy Wraith.” Dex said. He scratched the back of his head. “I’ll go take care of her.” A few minutes later, he came back carrying a blue-green scale. “Interesting color. Here, you can have it.” He handed it to Liccy.
Shimi began. “As before, you can pick-”
“Sympathi.” Ryonz cut him off.
There was silence as both Ryonz and Symp glared at each other. The tension between the two was rather high and it was making everyone else there rather uneasy. Finally, Symp smiled a sort of sly smile.
“Very well. I accept.” He replied, his gigantic sword appearing in his hand.
“Don’t…kill him Symp. I’m serious. Kill him and I knock your lights out.” Shimi warned.
Symp didn’t respond, just walked over to stand opposite Ryonz. “Take your time with your powers. It may actually take some time for you. Allow me to begin.”
Ryonz frowned. “No, I think I’ll start.” He said and immediately put his hand on the ground, covering it in ice.
Shimi crossed his arms. “I’m beginning to think that he knew everything the moment he was reborn.” He turned when Lumi came to start next to him. “Yes?”
“Nothing. I just figured there was a better view over here.”
“Ah well then, I’ll move over so you can take a seat.”
Symp huffed in mild irritation and swung his sword down into the ground, causing pillars of fire to burst from the ground, heading for Ryonz. Ryonz dodged it and snapped his fingers, his weapons finally appearing.
“Those are interesting.” Lumi said.
They were blue. They were round. And they looked extremely sharp. Simply, they were saw blades made of ice. Ryonz sent them after Symp, distracting him while he disappeared and then reappeared behind him, putting his hand on his back and letting lose a pulse of electricity. Symp staggered and then turned to counter his attack, but Ryonz disappeared again, reappearing further down the field. Symp went after him, barely dodging the pillars of ice that shot out of the ground. The saws darted around, slicing through the icy ground, trying to trip Symp up. The faster they spun, the more blue sparks that crackled off them. Ryonz snapped his fingers again and the saws flew behind him, spinning faster and faster, creating a blue cloud of frost with bright electric bolts flashing through it.
“Shockwave Pulsar.” Said Ryonz and the cloud exploded, frost shards and bolts of electricity slamming into Symp, making him tumble backward.
Symp stood back up, slightly shaky now. Ryonz took this chance to summon two giant snowflakes that fell down into the ground where Symp stood. Those snowflakes burst into two ice spikes that entrapped Symp within them. Ryonz grabbed the saw blades, making them spin in his upturned palms, then channelled pure magic into them, making them spin nearly out of control before flinging them at the ice spikes and making them shatter.
“Shatter Heart!” Ryonz exclaimed as the spikes shattered outward through Symp, then turned and smashed back together in him, creating a spiked ball of ice that went through his chest. When it burst, he teetered on his feet and then fell to him knees.
“Alright,” Symp began, using his sword to push himself back up, “I’ve had enough of play fighting. Time to wrap things up I think.” He said as the sun above turned blindingly bright.
Orange streaks appeared in his flame red hair and his eyes turned orange, his pupils the shape of sun bursts. The edges of his coat turned red and he spun his sword around, making it change into a sword with a handle in the middle. The handle was in the middle of the sword, the long rhombus shaped blade surrounding it.
Immediately he cast his first spell, wasting no time and clearly eager to finish this fight while inflicting serious damage on Ryonz. “Solar Flare!” He exclaimed and thrust his hand out, making a beam of solar energy shoot down from the sky directly onto Ryonz.
Dex flinched. “Yeah, this is going to be a short one alright. The first skill he used was his fastest channelling spell and it was a direct hit. He’s staggered now; there’s no avoiding the other attacks.”
“Oooh Symp won’t kill him will he?” Liccy asked from her spot on Dex’s lap, covering her eyes and peeking through her fingers.
“Nah, he won’t kill him. He’ll come as close as he possibly can, but he won’t kill him.”
Ryonz stumbled forward, only to stumble straight into the next spell. Symp raised his sword and surprisingly, Misletien appeared next to him as they used a combo on him. “God’s hand!” exclaimed Symp.
“Devil’s Hand!” Misletien giggled.
A beam of pure white light shot down from the sky and from below, an explosion of dark red and black erupted, both spells colliding with each other and making a red ball of pure heat form around Ryonz. “Super Nova!” Symp cried and the ball of heat imploded, then exploded with a wave of white searing heat, disintegrating any mobs within a five mile radius of them. “Time’s up kid. Solar Destruction!”
Symp grabbed the handle of his sword and pulled it apart, giving him two swords capable of rapid attacks, which is exactly what he did next. The edges of his sword turned bright red and he flew at Ryonz, wielding his swords precisely as he sliced through him at a blinding speed, blurs of red appearing with every swing he took. He finished with a downward X of his swords, then simply snapped the two halves back together and reverted to his normal form.
“Alright. You…win…” Ryonz managed to breath before falling flat on his face.
Symp huffed and turned, leaving through a portal immediately.
Dex frowned. “Like I said, he’d come as close as he possibly could to killing him. Figured he’d probably leave right after as well. Pretty amazing how much damage Ryonz was able to deal to Symp though; enough to make him decide to use his celestial form.”
“Well, let’s get him back to the base. He can recover there.” Shimi said, picking up Ryonz and walking through a portal; Dex, Lumi, and Liccy following behind him.

~~~~~~

They were about to enter the base when they heard a cry of fear over their communicators.
Shimi frowned. “Serah? Are you alright?”
“Noooo!!! Help!!” She whimpered.
“This better not be another spider in your shower again.” Symp growled. “We’re not your personal exterminators.”
“It’s not! I promise!”
“Where are you? What’s wrong?” asked Dex, stopping in front of the base door.
Serah exclaimed back, “There’s like fifteen billion shadows here!”
Dex’s eyes narrowed. “What?! Where are you?! Port out NOW!”
“I can’t! I’m stuck on the edge of a cliff near the Deserted Sea!” She squeaked.
“What the hell are you doing there?!” Dex shook his head and turned to Shimi.
“Go! Quickly! You’re the one that can get to her fastest!” replied Shimi, ushering him along.
Dex nodded and pulled out his chakrams and a curious short black metal bar as well. The metal bar came down out of the air and the moment it was between the two chakrams, he slammed them together, making a sort of large glaive. He threw the newly created hover board down, jumped on it and zoomed away. He flew past other flyers, even the ones that were the fastest in Perfect World and managed to make it to Serah’s location in about 2 minutes. Serah stepped back away from the shadows as they advanced on her. She slipped on the edge and managed to keep her balance, her eyes wide as one of the shadows jumped at her. Screaming, she stepped back unintentionally and fell, Dex catching her in mere seconds.
“Hold on tightly or you’re going to fall off for sure.” Dex said, moving forward slightly to give Serah some space for her feet on the hover board panels. “Shimi, you’re probably going to need to prepare yourself for some very determined shadows.” He said as he zoomed away, ten or so of the shadows shifting into a flight form and chasing after them.
“They won’t follow you into the city.”
“Oh hell yes they will. Serah’s radiating off a **** ton of spirit energy. It’s like three ****** psychics combined. I have no idea why she’s got that much spirit energy all of a sudden, but it’s actually giving me a headache.”
Shimi frowned. “Then get her back here fast. They’re going to chase you both down like you’re the last spirit on the planet.”
Dex ducked under an arch at Wolf Totem Valley. “Un-******-believable. They’re right up my *** and I’m going as fast as I possibly can with someone else on the board! Serah…”
“Don’t drop me!” She squeaked in terror.
“I’m not going to drop you, but I need you to hang on extremely tight. I’m going to try something, but it could cause me to fall off. If I do, you have to be ready to fly this thing yourself and go as fast as you can back to Arch.”
Serah’s eyes widened. “You want me to WHAT?! I can’t fly this thing!” She tightened her grip on his waist. “Don’t fall! Pleeease don’t fall!!”
“Yeah, I’ll try not to.” Dex mumbled, then flew the board straight up at a 90 degree angle, then back down as fast as he possibly could, pulling up just before hitting the ground.
It threw the shadows off for a few minutes, giving them time to put more distance between them.
“I’m right near Arch. You ready for the flood?”
Shimi sighed. “Yeah. Bio, Rapture, and I are all standing outside the base. Get her here and then get her into the base. We’ll take care of the rest.”
Dex flew through the crowds of Arch, forcing the shadows to take a different route and also pissing people off in the process. He came to a sudden stop rocks throw away from the base, nearly throwing Serah off in the process. “Sorry.” He mumbled, then literally picked her up, threw her over his shoulder, and sprinted to the base door. The shadows blasted through the area, chasing them down. Serah screamed when she saw them, covering her eyes immediately.
“Alright, get inside and stay there till we finish them off.” Shimi said before Dex blasted his way into the base.
“You’re alright now. You can relax.” Dex breathed, slumping against a wall. “Holy ****, your spirit energy is giving me a migraine. What the hell is making it so strong?”
Shimi and the rest of them entered the base then. “Alright, what’s going on? Even I felt that spirit energy and that was before you were even past Broken Bow Bluff.”
Symp walked over and ripped the necklace off her neck. “THIS is what was making her spirit energy sky rocket.”
Shimi’s eyes widened and he gently took the pendant. “Where,” He looked at Serah, “Where did you get this?” He whispered.
“I…I found it. When I was in Morai earlier. I know I shouldn’t have been there, but I only went to talk to a friend and came right back.”
Shimi didn’t seem to care about that. He turned the pendant over and looked at it with both longing and sadness. Suddenly, he turned and walked out of the base slowly, not looking back or telling anyone where he was going.
Dex went to go after him, but Symp held him back. “No, he needs some time. You saw what necklace that was; he’s just gone to think some things over. He’ll be back.”
“I know, but…”
Lumi frowned and edged her way out of the base without anyone noticing. She saw Shimi walking down the path heading for North Arch and followed him as quietly as she could. They made it to where all the class trainers gathered before Shimi suddenly stopped.
“You can come out now, you know. I know you’ve been following me for the past ten minutes.” He said, a slight tone of humour in his voice.
“I was just coming to see if you were alright.” Lumi replied, her face red as she inched her way out from behind a pillar.
“I know.” Was all that Shimi said. He gestured for her to follow, which she did without hesitation.
“I’m going to tell you something. It’s something I haven’t talking about for a very long time.” Shimi began. “Did you know that I was married shortly after I was reborn in Morai?”
Lumi blinked. “No. I never heard from anyone in the base so I assumed…”
“That I was single? Well, I am. My wife…” Frowning, he looked up at the blue sky, “My wife is dead. She was killed by a shadow three years after we were married. In a way, the shadow not only took her soul, but it also took my heart with it. She was…my everything. I would have gladly given up myself if it meant she’d still be alive today.”
She frowned. “Why are you telling me this?”
“Because you look just like her.”
“What? That can’t be right. I mean, it can’t be…can it?”
Shimi turned to her. “You have the same color hair as her and her eyes were incredibly blue, just like yours. The only difference is that she was taller; less doll like, you know?”
Lumi looked down, her eyes a bit hurt. “You don’t like that?”
“No, I think you’re beautiful if that’s what you’re asking.”
She blinked. “Really? I didn’t think that… Well I suppose…” She looked up at him with those big blue eyes. “I didn’t think you liked me.”
“What gave you that idea?” Shimi looked rather surprised. “I’m not one to give direct signs of attraction. I’ve never been like that; I’m sorry if I confused you.”
Lumi laughed. “You’re odd sometimes, you know? You apologize for the weirdest things.”
Shimi chuckled. “I suppose so. I can’t always help it.” He smiled and put one of his fingers under her chin. “I do like you. I like you a lot, not because you look like Radient, but because of you quirky personality. It’s…cute. I guess you could say that you have a very shining personality.”
“Oh, well um…” Lumi blushed, then giggled and stood up on her tip toes and kissed him…only it backfired.
Shimi took a step back when they connected, the brilliant colours that appeared in front of his eyes startling. “Did…you feel that two?”
“Yeah.” Lumi blinked, feeling rather dazed. “What was THAT?”
Shimi thought for a moment. “I think I’ve head of this somewhere. I suppose, if you believe it, it’s what happens when you find your TRUE soul mate. Someone that you’re not just extremely compatible with, but someone you’re connected with, like a heart line.”
Lumi frowned again. “Oh I don’t care about the logical explanation, I just…want to feel that again cause that was…”
“Incredible?”
“Yes.” She answered, grabbed his collar and pulled him down for another kiss that sent colours of pale pink and purple in front of their eyes, the colours of a beginning of something that could turn into more than just a friendship.

Lumi_ - Archosaur

Number two.


“Hey, you guys wanna come on a full warsong run?” Lena asked.
“Yeah sure.” Vik answered. “Gotta find a cleric and a tank.”
“I’ll go.” Pinelo said. “I need more badges.”
Dex turned to Shimi. “Shall we go as well?”
“Sure, why not?” Shimi shrugged. “I haven’t done a warsong run in ages.”
“I wanna go!” exclaimed Liccy. “I need my cape mold…and some badges.”
Dana pfft-ed. “No, I need to go more than you. I need badges to reroll my weapon.”
“Too bad! I’m going!”
Shimi sighed. “Look, I won’t go so you can both go.”
“Well actually, I forgot that I have some other stuff to do.” Liccy said. “I wanted to go shopping in West today.”
“Fashion *****.” Dana taunted.
Liccy frowned. “May I wasn’t going clothes shopping! Don’t be such a ****!”
“LBB send me an invite.”
Lena laughed. “Actually I already filled the last spot with AKB.”
“WHAAAAT?! Aw come on!”
“Ha! Serves you right!” taunted Liccy. “Karma’s a *****, ain’t it?!”
“Oh whatever! I’ll just make my own squad then!”
Shimi and Dex walked over to the Illusion Stone and touched it, thinking of where they wanted to go. A second later, they were walking up the bridge to where the rest of the squad stood.
“Ready?” Lena asked and when everyone nodded, she handed 12 mirages to Ginring.
“The portal is open.” He said. “Be ready to defend your pavilions.”
The group ran to the portal master and he sent them to each of their pavilions. First the heads spawned and everyone dragged them away from Clearstream’s incarnation. Slowly, the mobs came down the paths, each a different kind from the other pavilions.
“Oh man, I forgot how long this part takes.” Dex complained. “These mobs are SO slow!”
Pinelo frowned. “Unfortunately it can’t be helped. Those stupid gorilla things block off the point where the other mobs spawn.”
“*** that ****!” Dex frowned and ran down the path, pulling every mobs and path blocker in his way. “There’s like 25 mobs at the spawn point. Shimi, this could go SO much faster.”
“I’m already at my pavilion’s spawn point. I got tired of waiting.” He replied, using Black Hole to destroy all the mobs except the path blockers and the head. “Water’s done. Going to fire.” He stepped back, then sprinted and jumped the wall, landing on the pavilion next to his.
“On my way to metal.” Added Dex, jumping the wall as Shimi had.
AKB’s eyebrows rose as Dex pulled all his away down the path. “Um…thanks?”
Dex used Frenzy of Flames, then went on to wood just as Shimi finished fire. Once all the mobs were killed, they were ported to the Heart of the City, the pavilions once again filled with each element’s mobs.
“You go fire, I’ll get metal.” Dex said and Shimi nodded, running off down the fire pavilion. “Just don’t kill the boss.”
“I won’t. Watch for the seal on you pavilion by the way.” Shimi replied.
“Yep I know.” Dex knelt down. “The rest of you follow me.” He said, then bolted down the path, pulling the mobs with him.
He stopped a little ways from the boss and used Black Devastation wiping the mobs out once he was unsealed. Then, he ran up to the boss and used Frenzy of Flames again, unleashing a flurry of flame attacks and taking down the boss in less than a minute.
“Summon the next one please.” Dex told Lena and she summoned it quickly. He immediately grabbed aggro of it and managed to kill it in about a minute. “Pick the molds you want and let’s get to the next pavilion.”
“I’m at the boss for fire. Go clear earth and I’ll kill this boss real quick for them.” Shimi said.
They continued to alternate each path and boss, shortly making it to the Incarcerate, which they killed in a minute and it’s respawn got killed in three minutes, everyone else focusing on his add-ons.
“That was…a 15 minutes warsong run.” Pinelo blinked. “Warsong usually takes about 40 minutes to an hour.”
Lena nodded. “That was definitely the fastest warsong run I’ve ever been on.”
“You think you could sell speed runs?” wondered Vik. “Of course, I’d get the runs free.”
“Hey, that’s not fair!” Pinelo said and nudged Vik.
Vik stumbled backward and fell over the wall of the path. “Oh shiiiit!!”
Dex sighed. “Dumb ***.”
“That wasn’t very nice Pinelo.” Vik said through the communicator. “Now I have a headache…and my back hurts.”
“Oops.” Pinelo shrugged, then ported out.
Everyone else ported out as well, going their separate ways. Shimi walked down the path of South Arch, toward the TT forges. He stopped when he saw Lumi talking to General Summer. The General shook his head when she tried to give him a small purple box. Sadly, she walked away, her shoulders slumped and eyes on the ground.
“Oh, hi.” She said when she bumped into him. “I was just going home to make some lunch. See ya later.” She gave him a fake smile and walked away.
Shimi watched her leave, then turned back to General Summer. ‘Rank 9, huh?’ He thought. ‘Now how would you manage to make money for something like that?’
A few days later, Shimi set a small white box tied with a bright red ribbon down on Lumi’s doorstep. He knocked twice, then left before she opened her door. A few seconds later she opened her door and looked around, picking the box up when she saw it sitting there. She read the note first, then opened the box and her eyes widened. She immediately looked around again, but when she found no one, she went back inside, then ran out a few minutes later, heading for the TT forges. Shimi just stood there for a moment smiling, then walked away to find a place to relax.

~~~~~~

The next few days went by rather smoothly. Dana, as usual, was beat up by Aby and Symp got the same treatment from Zheii. A report came in from SuperHeals again telling Dex that the shadows had somehow managed to steal a book from his forbidden library and that one of Tsy’s experiments caused StewieGriffen a massive amount of hair loss and comatose for a few days and when he woke up, he pushed Tsy down a flight of stairs. Lumi and Shimi started more and more time together and it became quite obvious to everyone that Dex and Liccy were a “thing” now, which majorly upset the random fan club that’d formed without him even knowing. Some Nemesis people had finally approached Shimi and Dex, trying to convince them to re-join their guild. Shimi kindly denied, but Dex just hissed and spat something at them in that unknown language that basically told them to *** off. He was obviously still pissed about the TW last weekend when nearly all 80 of them had targeted just him. Still though, Rogue had managed to tie the amount of land they had with Nemesis, meaning that if they could get at least one more piece of land, they’d win the territory holder award for that year.
It was about mid-afternoon, a rather slow day. Symp watched as Serah and Zheii played with some blocks with Reno. Shimi had his order card out and was pointing at the unique places he’d usually go to for Lumi to see. Bio, Ryonz, Rapture, Misletien, and Syph all spoke of the secret areas in Morai; of the little places few of them knew about. Dex and Liccy sat in a lone corner of the base, both of them looking rather drowsy.
There was a knock at the base door and heads turned to watch as it was opened and Kattanyia walked in like trespassing was the last thing on her mind. Taxi growled and stepped in her path, blocking her off before she came any further inside.
“You must be very lost.” He growled menacingly, his eyes narrowed. “What do you think you’re doing in MY base?”
Katt looked up at him with very calm, unintimidated eyes. “I’m here to speak to you…newest members.” Her line of vision drifted over to Dex and Shimi.
“You could have spoken to them in world chat.”
“It’s not something that can be spoken of in front of a ton of people.”
“Taxi,” began Shimi, “it’s alright. As soon as she’s finished, I’ll personally see her out.”
Taxi frowned, but nodded anyway, his trust in Shimi unwavering. He stepped out of her way, but refused to leave the room.
As Katt approached Shimi, Dex opened his eyes and yawned, trying not to wake the sleeping Liccy on his lap. The moment he saw Katt, a low growl erupted from his chest, his eyes following her every move. She stopped when she heard the growl and looked around for its source, her gaze coming to rest on Dex.
“I hope you’re not here to try and recruit us.” Shimi frowned. “We’ve already told some of your members our answer; it hasn’t changed nor will it.”
Katt went to reply, but Dex cut her off as rudely as he possibly could. “Ouin kielt ec cred yht echd ajah fundr dra tend uvv so puudc!” He hissed.
She looked at Shimi quizzically and he frowned. “He’s using the ancient Morai tongue. Translated, he said that your guild is **** and isn’t even worth the dirt off his boots.”
“Dex, I never gave them the order to focus 80% of their attacks on you. We knew you were the only Black Coat there, but it wasn’t like that. I swear.” She said, using the name everyone had given to the Morai people.
“E tuhd keja y vloehk vilg ypuid ouin untanc; oui cdell vulicat ouin yddylgc uh sa nydran dryh uh dra lydyc dryd fana dra NAYL drnayd!!” He spat back in response. “Ouin dnycr kielt cruilt pa febat uvv dra syb!!!”
“He said he doesn’t give a flying *** about your orders; you still focused you attacks on him rather than on the catas that were the REAL threat.” Shimi reluctantly translated. “And that your trash guild should be wiped off the map.”
Katt glared at Dex. “This coming from an ex-marshal of Nemesis. If we’re such trash, then I suppose that makes you just as much trash as us.”
Dex’s hair bristled and his pupils narrowed to paper thin lines. His growling got louder and he nearly threw Liccy off his lap when he went to leap at Katt, hissing adding to the growling. Liccy jumped in surprise and held onto Dex, eventually managing to calm him down.
“It’s alright. Let her talk for now.” Giggled Liccy as she ran her fingers through his hair a few times. “We’ll let you hate target her all you want during the next TW.” She said and Dex chuckled.
Katt turned to Taxi, expecting him to say something to Liccy, but he only shook his head and chuckled. She glared at Liccy and mumbled something that only Shimi and Dex managed to pick up on. Shimi tensed and Dex IMMEDIATELY went after Katt. He picked Liccy up and put her down next to him before flying across the room in a blur.
“WHAT did you call her?” He growled, baring his extremely sharp teeth.
“Nothing.” She replied very quietly.
Symp stepped forward and put his hand on Dex’s shoulder. “Now, now Dex. We wouldn’t want to scare the Nemesis leader before she has the chance to speak her mind.” He smiled deviously, saying her position in a condescending tone.
Katt backed away from Symp, her eyes filled with actual fear. “I…I just wanted to ask if anyone has gone missing from your guild.”
“Not that I know of.” Shimi frowned. “Why do you ask?”
“Well, two have gone missing from Nemesis and there are three that are missing from Exhalted, plus another two from Junkies. It’s all women that have gone missing too.”
“Well we’re not missing anyone here.” Spat Dex. “I’m sure you should be out looking for a rapist rather than bothering us here. Now leave before I personally throw you out, *****.”
Katt frowned and turned to Shimi. “I’d like to talk to you later, if that’s alright. You’re welcome in our base.” She said quietly before leaving.
Shimi thought for a moment. “I suppose these disappearances are rather odd. We should keep an eye out just to be on the safe side.”
Dex hissed and went back over to Liccy. “We better be attacking Nem this weekend.”
“Naturally. I’m going to go bid on a piece of their land as soon as the bidding opens.” Taxi answered, crossing his arms. “Although, we’re tied for land so we’d have to win our territory that they attack AND the territory that we attack of theirs.”
“Good. That gives me two chances to tear them apart.” Smiled Dex as he nuzzled his nose against Liccy’s.
“What did she call me Dex?” Liccy frowned.
Dex’s eyes narrowed. “Certainly nothing that was true.”
“I still want to know.”
Sighing, Dex reluctantly told her. “She called you a ‘****** *****’ and lucky for her that Symp stepped in or I would’ve torn her throat out.”
“I would have gladly joined you, but I think the look of pure terror on her face was good enough for me.” Symp chuckled.
“Leave some for me too Dex.” Liccy said sweetly. “I want my share of killing that ***** in TW too.”
Taxi laughed. “Dex, you’ve rubbed some of that hidden corrupt personality of yours onto our angelic Liccy.”
Dex raised an eyebrow. “I don’t remember her being angelic when I first met her. I smiled at her and she screamed in my face for it.” He gave her a sheepish grin when she gave him a look. “Okay, maybe it wasn’t quite like that, but close enough.” He chuckled and Liccy giggled as well.

Lumi_ - Archosaur

And finally number three. Only three more chapters left till the finale!


Shimi gazed at the #5 base door as if it were going to just and attack him. He was rather uneasy entering a guild’s base that he wasn’t a part of, but at the same time, he couldn’t resist his curiosity. Slowly, he pushed the door open and entered cautiously. There was no one inside, but he heard the sound of laughter further in. He walked through the hall, looking at the different trophies and pictures, remembering his time in Nemesis. He did miss it, but it was the memories that he missed more rather than the guild itself. In all honestly, Nem had changed and not for the better either.
Heads turned when he entered the main room, some of them having familiar faces and others were faces he’d never seen in his life – both of them for that matter.
“Shimi… What’re you doing here?” asked Skaidred slowly.
“Well-” He frowned, clearly hearing the murmurs around him. “My hearing is quite acute; I can hear you and I’d really rather you not call me a Black Coat.”
One of the people whispering stopped, their face turning red. “Sorry, but it’s all we have to go by. All of you…new people, you wear black coats. We don’t know where you come from or what you are.”
“Other than gods.” Someone else mumbled.
“We’re not gods.”
“Then what are you?” Katt walked out from her side room. She smiled as she approached him. “I’m glad you came.”
Shimi just nodded politely. “Like I said, we’re not gods. We’re just another race, only we come from Morai.” He continued to explain everything he’d already explained to Rogue.
“So you’re saying if we die, we’ll come back as super powerful Undead?” asked SexyAsSin, a sort of sly grin on her face.
“No. That’s NOT what I said.” Shimi said as clearly as he possibly could. “I said that if you die you have a SMALL CHANCE of being reborn in Morai. There’s only about a 10% chance of that happening. The percentage increases the higher your spirit energy is.”
“Well, is my spirit energy high enough?”
Shimi’s eyes narrowed. “I’m not going to tell you or anyone else. Do you even realize the sacrifice you make for becoming what we are?” Many of them shook their heads no. “You give up your humanity. You’ll no longer crave the usual food you eat now. You’ll crave blood, the blood of someone not of the Undead race. Nothing else will satisfy you.”
PuLsEoFHeLL shuddered. “THAT’S what you eat?”
“We’re vampires.” Shimi snapped. “What did you expect us to eat? Cupcakes?”
There was silence. “So you went from being our director to being a leader of something three times bigger than a guild.” Gundum nodded. “Pretty impressive. Who are the other two leaders?”
“The leader of Corona is Sympathi,” Shimi continued quickly before anyone had a chance to react to that, “and the leader of Shroud is Dex.”
“Dex? You’re kidding.” YellowLight chuckled. “He never seemed that strong of a fighter. In fact, he was rather a push over.”
Shimi frowned and crossed his arms. “Don’t underestimate him. His power is devastating in both normal and celestial form.”
“Yes well whether he’s powerful or not, I don’t appreciate the way he acted.” Said Katt, crossing her arms.
“You called his girlfriend a *****.” Shimi mumbled bluntly.
Katt didn’t reply to that; instead she said, “Why don’t you come back to Nem? We miss you here.” She edged closer and held onto his arm gently. “I miss you a lot too.”
Shimi shifted away uncomfortably, half regretting his prior marriage to Katt before he died. “Nem isn’t the same as it used to be. I like it in Rogue as well.” He said, looking at her unemotionally. “That and…I’ve found someone that’s very important to me. I…I don’t have feelings for you anymore Katt.” He frowned and turned for the door. “I think it’s time for you to move on. I know I have.”
He sighed once he was out of the base; feeling like he’d been trapped in a place with little air for hours. That was a very awkward discussion and he really did not enjoy it. He wandered back to the Rogue base; no one was there, but he was actually kind of glad. He just wanted some time to think. Slumping down against the wall, he closed his eyes and relaxed.
‘I wasn’t wrong for saying what I did. It’s true that I’m not attracted to her anymore and it’s not like I was harsh about it.’ Thought Shimi. ‘I did nothing wrong, right?’
Lumi walked into the base quietly. It was late and everyone had gone to bed, getting in enough sleep before TW. She was on her way to bed too, but she’d forgotten her jacket and didn’t want it to go ‘mysteriously missing’. She saw Shimi sitting against the wall; the rise and fall of his chest slow and steady. He was obviously asleep.
Slowly, Lumi went over and poked him gently. “Shimi?”
He mumbled something and opened his eyes. “Hm?” He yawned.
“You were asleep.”
“Eheh, I must have fallen asleep while I was thinking.” Shimi got up slowly, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. “I suppose I should find somewhere better to sleep than here. I’ll probably go bunk with Symp again.”
Lumi frowned. “He went to bed a long time ago. Reno was really sleepy.” She thought for a moment. “You can come stay at my place. I have a couch available.”
“If you wouldn’t mind.” He chuckled. “It’s better than here on the floor.”
They walked to Lumi’s house talking quietly. The sky was brightly lit by the full moon and twinkling stars.
“Dex is in a very good mood it seems.” Shimi observed, gazing up at the moon.
“How do you know?”
“Well look at the moon. It’s unusually bright and welcoming.” He nodded. “He’s with Liccy so I can see why.”
Lumi looked at him with wide eyes. “You don’t think they’re…?”
“They’re…?” Shimi shook his head quickly when he got it. “No, no, no. not after last time. Dex may be rambunctious, but he’s not THAT reckless.” He chuckled. “The last time he did that, he got a girl pregnant. They’re probably just sleeping together, that’s all.”
Lumi unlocked her door and they walked inside. “Well you can sleep here. It’s actually pretty comfy; I’ve taken some naps on it myself.” She giggled.
“Thank you.” Shimi smiled and kissed her on the forehead. “Good night hun.”
Blushing, Lumi turned for the stairs. “Good night.” She said quietly.

~~~~~~

“We have TW tomorrow.” Liccy said from her side of the bed.
“We sure do.” Dex chuckled. “I should actually feed before TW so I’m at full power.”
Liccy turned to face him. “What…does it taste like?”
“Mine or yours?”
She frowned. “Well mine of course. Is there actually a difference?”
Dex nodded. “Actually, yes. To me, your blood is rich and heady; it’s like Black Magic Wine. To you, it’s disgusting, right?” Liccy nodded and he put his arm around her. “It’s the same for us. Our blood tastes absolutely horrid, but to you its sweet like…I dunno, juice?”
“Juice?” Liccy laughed. “Nice comparison.”
Dex laughed as well. “Well I didn’t know what else to use okay?”
“Has anyone actually tasted your before?”
“Mine, no. Shimi’s, yes. His wife, Radient, wasn’t part of the Undead race, but in order for them to stay connected, they had to share blood.”
“Why didn’t she just live with him?”
“Unless you’re part of the Undead race, you can’t enter the cities we live in.”
“That’s not fair.”
Dex shook his head. “It’s not a rule; it’s a physical impossibility. There’s a barrier that prevents anyone else from entering. A blood tie keeps a person here and someone from Morai connected though. Think of it as telepathy between the two people.”
“Oh.” Liccy’s voice sounded upset.
“What’s wrong?”
Liccy frowned. “Eventually, you’ll have to leave, won’t you?” She looked away when he didn’t answer. “I thought so.”
“You know I’ll come back to see you every now and then.” He hesitated for a moment, not sure whether to suggest it or not. “And…there’s always the blood tie.”
She looked unsure at this. “What does it do other than connect us?”
Dex put his face closer to her and held her tightly. “It’ll heighten your senses; you’ll be faster, stronger, be able to hear and see better. You’ll be able to hear my voice in your head and talk to me as well without saying a word. It’ll make you, in a way, half a Morai person, but you’ll still keep your humanity. You won’t rave the blood like I do.”
“Is it safe?” whispered Liccy.
Dex gazed at her with gentle eyes. “I’d never even suggest something that would put you in danger. Even if something did happen to you, I’d come rescue you. Promise.”
Liccy smiled. “Then how is this blood tie done. I’d like to get some sleep for a few hours at least.”
“We have to share blood.” Dex chuckled quietly. “And you’ll get plenty of sleep afterward. This’ll make you very sleepy.”

~~~~~~

“THREE TW’s? You’re kidding, right?” Jark snapped.
“That ***** ganked us.” Ryonz hissed. His put his hands over his mouth; he still wasn’t used to doing that.
Shimi shook his head. “I don’t know why you guys are so surprised. This is what Katt does all the time. She pays for a gank when she doesn’t think she’ll win a fair fight.”
“There’s no way we can split ourselves three ways.” Taxi frowned. “We have enough people here for two TWs max, but not three.”
“Send Rapture and I into the Nem TW.” Dex said from his spot against the wall.
“Pardon?”
Dex pushed himself away from the wall he’d been leaning against and gestured to the many Rogue members milling around Dreamweaver. “Split everyone between the PandorBX and Exhaulted TW, but send Rapture and I to the Nem TW. We’ll be able to hold them off long enough for you to finish the other TWs; then come to Nem’s.”
“That would probably work.” Taxi nodded. “Yeah, we’ll try that. Can you handle an entire guild yourself?”
“Not by myself, but I can with Rapture.”
“Alright, then I’ll start forming squads.”
A few minutes before TW, Liccy stood by the teleporter, tapping her foot impatiently. ‘This is taking forever.’ She thought.
‘It could be worse. Time could be going backward.’ Dex’s voice chimed in her head.
She jumped in surprise and looked around, seeing Dex further away near the banker. He waved and she waved back slowly. ‘You can hear my thoughts?’
‘Not all of them. Usually only when you’re thinking of me.’ His voice had a humorous tone to it. ‘Which seems to be a lot. I suppose I’m just as guilty though. Oh, by the way, your TW started. Go roll them quickly so you can join me in ripping Katt to shreds.’
Liccy giggled and ported into her TW. A minute later, Dex and Rapture ported in the Nem TW. Rapture immediately turned invisible as he went to skirt the edge of the wall and Dex calmly stood in front of the crystal. Seconds later, a huge group of Nem came running through the gate, expecting no one to be there. They paused for a second when they saw Dex, but charged in anyway, their numbers giving them confidence. A wind swept by and Dex’s hair turned silver; the black handled, silver bladed scythe falling and sticking up from the ground. He picked it up and swung it in front of him, making sure to miss Katt with the blade of light that took out at least half of the group. Rapture popped out of hiding and slammed his hand onto the ground, making sharp steel spikes blast out and tear two catas apart as well as their pullers and anyone around them. He then lifted his hand palm up and the spikes were replaced by chains that whipped around, taking out everyone else; all except Katt.
“THIS is what happens when you make an enemy of me Kattanyia.” Dex said gravely in world chat as he pointed his scythe at her. “I’m going to make mincemeat of you pathetic guild members and turn them into a bloody mess on the ground.” He then recoiled back slightly as streams of white ribbons shot out from the scythe and tore her apart.
There was no response, but world chat grew very silent. ‘She DID hear you.’ Liccy said to him.
‘I know she did.’ Dex replied as the ground of Nem came rushing through the gate once again. “Round two.” He said, twirling the scythe in a circle as many of them went after Rapture.
A thick beam of light shot out, Dex starting on the right and slowly moving it left, obliterating everything that it came into contact with. He then slashed an X through the air that sent two blades of light directly through Katt and before she was able to hit the ground, he used a gust of wind to pick her up in the air and then slam her back down as hard as he possibly could.
“There’s no way.” PuLsE said from in their crystal base. “That power is unbelievable. Shimi was right; it was a mistake to underestimate his strength.”
Katt shook her head. “He’s in celestial form. Remember, Shimi said that celestial makes them hit incredibly hard, but once hit, they’re easier to take down than when they’re in normal form.” She thought for a moment. “Choc and Rubber can go in first and stun him; then the rest of us will rush in and focus our attacks on him.”
Dex’s eyes narrowed. They’re taking an awfully long time.” He noticed movement above the wall then. “There they are.”
He went to attack, but Choc stunned him first and continued to attack him. Rubber kept him stun locked as the rest of the group of Nem rushed in and off loaded a flurry of attacks on him. He flinched, actually taking a step back as he was completely overwhelmed.
Rapture rushed in between the mob that was Nem and Dex and lifted his hands high above his head. “Darkness of the Unknown!” He exclaimed, pure darkness opening up under the group and forming a dome around them. “Abyssal Impact!” The dome imploded, showing the group lying on the ground once it disappeared.
Choc and Rubber looked at the destruction and immediately turned to retreat. “Oh no.” Dex growled, putting his hand out. “Soul Crush.” He suddenly closed his hand and both Choc and Rubber dropped dead.
Just then, Taxi and the rest of the Exhaulted TW group showed up. Taxi immediately grabbed a cata along with Lezzie and started calling out orders. Lumi buffed Lezzie with her psy buffs and then ran off after the rest of her squad, Lezzie thanking her in guild chat. Pinelo stayed at the base and buffed those who passed through, giving them that extra boost. Symp approached Dex, already in his celestial form.
“Let’s finish this quickly.” He said, a smug smile on his face.
‘Katt is all yours love.’ Dex told Liccy as he ran down the path with Symp.
‘Oh good. I’ve been waiting a long while to hear that.’
They broke into the base and went after the crystal, ignoring the attacks dealt by the towers. Liccy immediately searched out Katt and stun teleported to her, stabbing her in the back and then slicing her throat. “That’s for calling me a *****, ****** *****.”
Rapture and Misletien launched their combo first, aiming for the group attacking from the rear.
“Chains of Fate!”
“Fated Plague!”
The chains burst from the ground and spun around, spreading the toxic green cloud of sickness over the ground, killing all of them. The massive group at the spawn point suddenly rushed the attacking Rogue members and managed to take out a few of their clerics. Symp and Dex both pointed their weapons at the sky; the clouds parting to reveal both the moon and sun.
“Total Eclipse.” They said together, moving the sun and moon together. As they slid together, wisps of pure light and darkness flew out from it, making their way down to the Nem members. “All Existence Denied!” They both shouted as the moon and sun slid completely together and the black and white wisps erupted out of them, decimating everything that stood in their way.
When it finished and the light faded, the Nem members laid on the ground along with the broken pile of their crystal. The TW was over and they’d managed to defend all three of their territories.
“Congrats on your failed attempt of a paid gank Kattanyia.” Said Dex in world chat. “See you on Monday.”
Everyone went back to the base to celebrate; their victory of territory champion now certain. Everyone was overjoyed…until Serah burst into the base, her eyes filled with distress.
“Has anyone seen Venielle?!” She exclaimed.
“No.” Syph frowned. “Why? What’s wrong?”
“Because,” Serah looked like she was about to faint, “she’s missing.”

Lumi_ - Archosaur

Alright, since there's only 3 amazing chapters left, I'm going to post all three of them today since I'd like to start writing for my newest guild I hope you all enjoyed this story line and if not, well that's ok too! I do this to prepare myself for when I publish my novel; I know I'm going to have critics and I'd like to be ready for someone complaining about my writing or putting it down. So thank you for helping out, even though you had no idea that you were!



Bio sighed. “She’s probably just sleeping. Calm down and go take a shower.”
“NO!” yelled Serah. She looked ready to punch him. “I knocked on her door for nearly three minutes. So I…I went in and her communicator was on the table, but she wasn’t there.”
Aby looked worried. “Veni never goes anywhere without her communicator. Are you absolutely SURE she’s not there?”
Serah nodded quickly. “I’m sure. Her door was unlocked; it’s never unlocked unless she’s home.”
“That’s eight women missing now.” Shimi frowned; turned to Dex. “Shall we go take a look? We might find something.”
Nodding, Dex went to reply, but got interrupted by the violent shaking of the entire base. Ryonz clung to wall in terror, thinking it was the base sending them to their death again. The shaking stopped and a loud roar came from outside.
“What the hell was that?!” Dex looked at Shimi wildly; then bolted out the door. When he got out there and turned, he took a step back in horror. “What the ***?! THAT’S A ****** huge SHADOW!!”
The shadow was in the shape of a dragon, huge black wings on its back and between those were long tentacles that searched out targets. It took up the entire are of West, but amazingly it wasn’t eating anyone’s souls. It was picking up women and just holding them hostage. Shimi, Ryonz, Bio, Taxi, and Liccy all followed him out of the base, their eyes wide when they saw the shadow.
“NO!! Alicia move!!” Dex leaped at her as one of the tentacles went to grab her; tackling her to the ground moments before it reached them. He laid there on top of her panting. “You have to stay inside. Please, it’s not safe for you out here.”
Liccy blushed and nodded, but neither of them moved. “This…probably isn’t the best time for this.”
“No, it most likely isn’t.” his face turned red and he got up, pulling her to her feet. “Alright go. Quick! Keep all the women in the base.”
Liccy nodded. “Be careful.” She said, kissing him; then running into the base.
“We need to lockdown the city!” Symp shouted over the shadow’s roars and screams that echoed from West. “Have all the males get the women inside a secure place the shadows can’t enter!” He opened his order card and spoke quickly when Shrimp answered. “Bring two other people and come to Arch NOW. Don’t bring any females with you.”
Shrimp looked perplexed, but nodded anyway and ended the call. Both Shimi and Dex did the same, then running off to West to help with the lockdown.
“Every guy in Arch needs to get any and every woman inside and secure place immediately!” Dex said in world chat. “Do NOT engage in combat with the shadows! The top priority is getting all the women inside!”
World chat was mostly filled with chaos, but a few male voices broke through in response to the command and soon every guy in Arch was escorting some female to a secure building. Dex attacked the shadow’s tentacles, making them drop the captured women and Rapture catching them below. Shimi and Syph chased after little shadows that were spreading out over the rest of the city and Symp worked to defend the evacuation people as best he could. But even with everyone working together, they were still seriously outnumbered.
A mystic ran down the path of North, escorted by Dana, her little girl right next to her. The little girl tripped and fell, starting to cry when a shadow rose out of the ground behind her.
“No! My baby!!” The woman screamed, trying to break free of Dana’s grip and rescue her daughter. “Zalera!!!”
“Mommy!!” Zalera cried, reaching out to her mother.
The shadow reached for the girl and then screeched and disappeared as the sound of gunfire echoed through North.
Metalogue lowered the barrel of his black rifle and nodded at the little girl. “Go on sweetheart. Go to your mommy and get to a safe place.”
Zalera got up quickly. “Thank you!” She squeaked as she and her mother ran into the nearest building.
“Met…” Dana went to say more, but Met shook his head.
“We can talk later. Still have a lot of ladies running around without escorts.” He said. “Alright boys! Let’s get these shadows out of here!”
He ran off and two more Undead landed down in his place. One of them, Roxas, nodded at Dana in greeting and chased after Met. The other turned to Dana.
“I’ve got this area covered. Go keep escorting the women to safety.” Said Proski.
Dana just blinked in bewilderment, but ran off a moment later. In the eastern part of Arch, near the Elder, Symp was being rather overwhelmed with shadows as women were escorted into the bases. One of the shadows broke through the defence and went after Mesi. Something shiny flew through the air and straight through the shadow; then stuck into the ground on the other side. It was a scalpel. The shadow hissed and ran off, leaving Mesi to retreat into the base unharmed.
The scalpel’s owner stood atop a building, his blonde hair ruffled by the wind. Unlike all the other Undead, he had piercing blue eyes and wore a black coat that only came down to his knees.
He slid the rest of the blood red scalpels back into his hand and nodded at Symp. “Boss.”
“Shrimp.”
Shrimp blinked then waved his hand casually through the air. “Kill every shadow you come across. Don’t let them get away.” He commanded.
The two other men next to him, Jester and AngelsPoet, jumped down and ran after the shadows with no hesitation. In West Arch, Dex, Rapture, Ryonz, and Bio all worked to drive off the giant shadow; though only managing to **** it off. West had been cleared out of every person there; only the demolished shops remained.
“This thing is way too big!” Bio shook his head. “All we’re doing is poking it!”
There was a ball of light that dropped down onto the shadow’s back and exploded with an INCREDIBLY huge amount of power; even making the shadow stagger. The sorcerer that cast the devastating Nova spell stood on top of the wall that circled Arch. One of his hands stayed in his pocket, the other still crackling with magic.
“Stupid channelling.” Tsy frowned. “I meant to do that sooner. My bad.” He waved his hand and looked down. “Go kill the big thing.”
“Yeah, yeah. We know.” Sighed SuperHeals and Griever just rolled his eyes. “Alright big guy. Time to go home to your mom.” He said, leaping onto its back, flailing his arms to keep his balance; then stabbed the metal rod he held into its back and sent out a wave of electricity.
Tsy dropped another nuke onto it, Omega; staggering the shadow and making Super fall off onto the ground. “Whoops. Sorry.”
“You absolute ****.” Super growled, narrowing his eyes.
Griever used his whip to swing next to one of the tentacles; then switched the whip to a sword and scored a deep gash into its side. The sound of more gunfire came from down below; Met aimed his gun again and shot out a light covered bullet that left a disintegrating hole in the shadow, making it start to retreat. Roxas swung by using his grappling hook and scored three deep cuts into the side of it. Finally, the shadow growled and flapped its massive wings, taking to the sky and flying away.
The Undead all gathered onto of the building that surrounded the tailor and seamstress in West as everyone slowly came slinking back out of their hiding spots. They stood next to one another, lined up so everyone could see them, figuring that the time had come for them to finally explain who they were, where they came from, and the threat that the shadows posed.
“It’s alright to come out now. There’s a lot of explaining we need to do, so please, let us speak before you ask any questions.” Said Shimi in world chat. “What just attacked you were monsters known as shadows. They are extremely dangerous; they suck out of the soul of an individual and eat it, killing the person instantly. If anyone comes across one of these monsters, run from it immediately.”
There were some worried murmurs from the surrounding people and then a voice broke through. “Why are they attacking us? They’re not hurting us; they’re just kidnapping our friends.” Havoc said.
Symp crossed his arms. “We haven’t determined why they’re kidnapping people; just women specifically, but what we do know is that they are definitely not doing this themselves. Shadows aren’t intelligent enough to carry out a well put together plan such as this; they are obviously working for someone.”
Katt stood among the crowd and let out half a gasp when she saw Bio and Ryonz. ‘So they’ve become part of the Undead too? Why? How long have they been dead for?’
“What are you people?” Hollywud asked uncertainly. “Everyone knows that Dex, Shimi, and Symp have been dead for ages. Are you even real or are you just…ghosts? And…why are Bio and Ryonz there with you? What is going on?”
Ryonz shifted uncomfortably under everyone’s gaze. “We shouldn’t be up here.” He mumbled to Bio.
“We’re part of the Undead now. This is our place.” Bio replied calmly, although he also seemed slightly uneasy.
Dex answered as carefully as he could manage. “We’re part of the hidden sixth race of Perfect World known as the Undead. We originate from Morai and are much powerful than the other five races.” He paused when he heard someone mutter ‘ain’t that the truth’ and frowned. “But we are NOT gods, no matter how powerful you may think we are.” He then went on to the giant explanation of their race and how one becomes part of the Undead race.
“The end point of this entire announcement is to warn you of the impending threat that the shadows bring with them. Please, for your safety, be sure to at least stay in pairs of two. Stay around a lot of people even. This way, there is a less chance of the shadows attacking or even kidnapping anyone else.” Shimi concluded. As people began to edge away, he turned to Met. “Take Roxas and Proski back to Luminence. Keep watch after the city; I don’t want anyone else going missing.”
Met nodded and left with Proski and Roxas, Jester and Angels returning to Corona; Tsy and his party returning to Shroud. The rest of the group returned to the guild base, this time accompanied by Shrimp. Dex entered first and was immediately knocked down by Liccy, who practically flung herself at him.
“Get out of the- Oh, it’s you.” She gave him an awkward smile, “I thought it was a shadow trying to break in.”
Dex stared at her with wide eyes. “I may be a dark, shadowy person, but I’m certainly no shadow. I promise you that much.”
Shrimp entered behind the rest of the group and looked around the base curiously. His eyes glimmered when they landed on Misletien and he approached her slowly, his hands clasped behind his back. “Misletien, my dear. Lovely as ever I see.” He gave her a charming smile, but it had a sadistic touch to it that made Aby, Serah, and Pinelo very uneasy.
Misletien turned and her pupils dilated to the point that only a thin line of violet was visible around them. She instantly shrunk away from him and kept her eyes on the ground, making her way to float around him and get away. He cut off her path and frowned.
“I said hello. Aren’t you going to greet me back?” He asked, a stinging undertone to his voice. “You seem to have lost a massive amount of the respect quality from you personality.” Misletien just mumbled something in return, still avoiding his eyes, which made Shrimp hiss. “Let you go? You always say that. Would it kill you to actually have a conversation with me or do you think you’re just too good for that?” He spat and went to grab her.
“Hey!” Serah said as she, Aby, and Pinelo all rushed to stand in front of Misletien, who shrunk away behind them. “Leave her alone! She obviously doesn’t want to see you right now!”
Shrimp quickly regained his posture and flashed all three ladies a charming smile. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry anyone. You see, Misletien and I have a rather…unique relationship. We’re working to resolve the issues between us however.”
“Is this true Misty?” Aby asked, turning to look at Misletien with worried eyes. “You can tell us the truth hun. We’re here for you.”
“N-no… It’s not true. I don’t want to be anywhere near him.” She whispered, still trembling under his fierce gaze.
“I suppose the quality of truthfulness has also been lost from you, Misletien. I’m sure it shouldn’t be too difficult to help you remember though.” Shrimp hissed, his eyes flashing bright red as he went to advance again and making Misletien whimper in fear.
“Hey! I said BACK OFF bub!” Serah spat back, standing directly between him and Misletien. Her blue eyes were blazing with anger.
Shrimp’s pupils narrowed and he scowled. “Get out of my way, stupid cleric!” He practically snarled and pushed her out of the way, barely noticing when she slammed into the wall and stopped moving, a shallow puddle of red pooling under where her head laid.
“Serah!” All three girls cried, immediately rushing over to help.
“And where do you think YOU’RE going?” Shrimp hissed, grabbing Misletien’s arm.
Misletien hissed back at him. “Let me go! I mean it! Let me go!! You hurt Serah, you ****** *******!” She screamed, struggling to break free of his grasp.
Heads turned at the screech that came from the back of the main room, but the first to respond wasn’t who everyone expected.
“Let go of her Shrimp.” Syph said from his place not far off from them. “Let her go. She doesn’t want anything to do with you.” His voice was calm, but his stance was tense; ready to intervene should he decide to become violent.
“And what would you know daemon?!” He spat, then turned back to Misletien, who now had tears pooling in her eyes. “Why won’t you accept me?!”
“Shrimp stop. Please, you’re hurting me! Let go!”
“Why do you have to play so ****** hard to get?!”
“BECAUSE SHE DOESN’T LOVE YOU!!” Syph finally roared with anger. “She doesn’t love YOU! She loves ME! And I love her just as much!!” At this, he turned to Symp. “And you can do whatever you want to me for this, but I promise that I won’t stop loving her and I won’t stop trying to see her, no matter how hard you make it on us.”
Shrimp was silent and Symp’s eyes burned with intense rage. “You knew, didn’t you?!” He snapped, turning on Shimi. “You knew about the two of them. You never, EVER even breathed a word about it! Why?!”
“Because,” Shimi began calmly, “who am I to deny two people of the one they love? They’re happy together Symp; can you not see this?”
Symp turned to Dex for a slight amount of support, but Dex didn’t say a word. In fact, he was trying very hard to stay out of the entire predicament. “Happy?! The orders are forbidden to entwine like this and you KNOW it! It doesn’t matter if they’re HAPPY or not; it’s strictly against the rules!!” He paused for a moment and just held his head with one of his hands, then used the other to open a portal. “I can’t do this right now. Honestly, I was having all I could to keep up with the problem of the shadows and now THIS falls on my shoulders.” He growled, then turned and left.
“Do you see what you’ve done!?” Shrimp hissed at Misletien. He started to pull her toward the portal, but Syph stood between the two, cutting off their path. “Get out of my way daemon!”
“My name is Syph and I’m not letting you take Misletien.” Syph said in a very, very calm tone. He lifted his hand and closed the portal. “She’s not going anywhere with you; not while you’re in this state of mind. I’m not letting you take her away and hurt her.”
Shrimp’s eyes turned bright red and he let go of Misletien. “Get out of my way.” He growled, but when Syph didn’t move, his hair bristled and he stood very rigidly. “Fine.”
It took a moment, but something hit Syph, and hit him hard enough to drop him to his knees. His eyesight blurred and he held his stomach, realizing the pain was radiating out from inside him, rather than from the outside and into him. Collapsing, he rolled over onto his back, the pain growing much more intense. Further away, Shimi swayed on his feet and held his head. The attack was incredibly intense, but he wasn’t feeling much of it, meaning that Syph was keeping most of the pain to himself. Still, there was enough to trickle through that made him feel extremely dizzy and slump against the wall, the room spinning.
“What’s…what’s wrong with him?!” Zheii asked quickly, her eyes wide.
Dex let go of Liccy and immediately rushed to Shimi’s aid. “Syph and Shimi are connected; like we said, both of them combined make one person. When Shimi is injured, Syph doesn’t feel it, but when Syph is injured, the effects are channelled onto Shimi as well. It’s a one way street…and this also counts for if Syph were to die.” He looked at Shrimp, who was intently focused on Syph with his blazing red, unwavering eyes. “Shrimp stop! You’re going to kill Syph!!”
Shrimp didn’t respond, just intensified the harmful magic being used on Syph and making him scream in agony. Misletien knelt down next to Syph and held him, “Shrimp please!! Please stop! I’ll…I’ll do what you want!”
He didn’t stop; Syph’s breathing coming in short, shallow gasps and every now and then mini seizures passing through him. Shimi lay on the floor as well, grasping at nothing in particular; his face laced with pure anguish. Pinelo worked to heal the cut on Serah’s head and Peachy tried her best to help Shimi, but the intensity of Shrimp’s magic was incredibly strong making any feeble attempt to counter it meaningless.
Tears rolled down Misletien’s cheeks as she gazed at Syph. “Please…I’ll do anything. Just please stop hurting him. I’ll go where you want me to go and do what you want, I promise.”
The red glow faded from Shrimp’s eyes as he looked at Misletien intently. “You promise?”
“Yes… I promise.” She murmured in reply, not taking her eyes off Syph. She winced when Shrimp pulled her to her feet, clutching at Syph’s hand. “Wait! Let me heal him first!”
“No, I think it’s way past time that we be leaving.” Shrimp said calmly, opening a portal and dragging Misletien along with him, ignoring her protests to help Syph.
It was deathly quiet in the base after they left. Pinelo healed the wound on Serah’s head and then told her what happened; everyone else too much in shock to say a word. Peachy helped Syph to recover, but he wasn’t quite the same afterward. He was very silent and even when talked to, he didn’t respond; barely even seemed to notice he was being spoken to at all.

~~~~~~

The next few weeks went by very slowly. Everyone was still very uneasy and Misletien’s closest friends were very sullen and kept close to each other, almost as if they were afraid another of them would be taken. Shimi kept a close eye on Syph, trying to up his mood as often as he could, but it never seemed to work. Syph was in a complete state of depression. His usual rust colored hair seemed…dull, as did his usual bright green eyes. He didn’t move around much and refused to speak to anyone; he usually just sat there staring off into space. Around Thursday, noon-ish, a portal opened and none other than Misletien came flying out. She seemed extremely terrified, her eyes wide and darting around as she searched for a place to hide.
“Misletien!” Aby exclaimed. She frowned when she saw the bewildered look on her face. “What is it? What’s wrong hun?”
“Please! I need to hide! Don’t tell him I’m here! Oh god PLEASE don’t tell him!!” She begged, tears rolling down her face and onto the floor.
Aby nodded. “Of course we won’t! Here, stay in here and we’ll tell you when he’s gone.” She said, ushering her into a side room.
A couple seconds later, Shrimp came through another portal looking rather cross. “Did Misletien come through here?” No one replied, so he asked again in a slightly more aggressive tone. “I said, did Misletien-”
“No she didn’t.” Symp replied and everyone had to resist the response of surprise this brought about in them. “Is she missing?”
“Yes. She slipped away from me for just a moment and the next thing I knew, she was gone. Completely vanished.”
Symp frowned. “Well, if I happen to see her, I’ll send her back right away. I’m still rather upset about her…engagement with the other order.”
Shrimp nodded and reluctantly left. Aby gently retrieved Misletien from the side room and everyone had to stifle a gasp when they saw the way she looked. She was a complete mess. There were dark circles under her eyes and her hair was dull, almost a very pale shade of grey. Her usually vibrant violet eyes were now dim, nearly lifeless. She was so tired, she couldn’t even float any more, just wandered out of the room on unsure, tired feet. She was obviously exhausted, not even bothering to hide her wings and tail, which were surprisingly nothing like Syph’s and Rapture’s. Hers were light pink, her tail slender and delicate and her wings covered with fine pale pink feathers. Chibi angels wings is what some would call them.
“Please don’t send me back…” Misletien breathed when she saw Symp watching her.
He didn’t reply. “What did he do to you?” He asked quietly.
“He… He…” Her eyes watered as she turned away from him and tenderly lifted the right side of her dress. A large bruise was clearly visible on her waist and another smaller one was visible on her back. She let her dress fall back down and looked at Symp with pitiful, tear filled eyes. “Let me stay Symp. Please… don’t send me back to him.”
Syph entered the base then, his eyes on the floor as usual. At the sound of her voice however, he looked up and ran, holding her tightly against him. “You’re back. Are you alright? Please be alright.” He held her tighter when she trembled at his touch against her bruises. “I know. I’m sorry… I’m so sorry he hurt you. I won’t let him take you again, I promise.”
Symp frowned and watched them both. “You don’t have to go back.” He answered her finally. “I had some time to think it over and…I see you two are obviously happy together. I… also remembered how I was never meant to be with my wife.” He gave a guilty smile. “You know, my wife was a wraith. Not the usual hideous kind, but the kind that still looks human. She was beautiful and I was completely in love with her, so I didn’t care about the ‘rules’. I honestly didn’t give a damn…so I can see now that it wouldn’t be fair for me to deny the two of you to be together. When Shrimp comes back, like I know he will, I will personally tell him that he’ll be returning to Corona empty handed.”

Lumi_ - Archosaur

Dex gasped and sat bolt upright in bed. It was about two in the morning; still dark outside. Next to him, Liccy laid soundly asleep, her breathing slow and steady. He got up carefully and went over to the window and ran his hand through his hair.
‘Another one.’ He frowned and watched the rain his against the glass of the window. ‘That’s the third one this week. That was certainly the strongest one too.’ Sighing quietly, he went back to bed; wrapping his arm around Liccy when she mumbled and curled up next to him. ‘It won’t happen. I’ve seen what will happen and I know I can prevent it. That’s exactly what I’ll do.’

~~~~~~

Dex laid his head on the table and stared at the wall as Liccy moved about the kitchen. He started to dose, but jerked himself out of it, groaning as he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes.
“You haven’t been sleeping very well.” Said Liccy.
“How did you guess?” came Dex’s sarcastic reply.
“Well other than the obvious,” She leaned against the counter, “you’ve been tossing and turning in your sleep like crazy. Are you okay? You seem very stressed lately.”
Dex sat up, yawned, then forced a smile. “Yeah, I’m fine.” He lied. “I’m always stressed; I’ve just gotten good at hiding it. I have a lot to worry about you know.”
Liccy frowned. “Maybe you should try to limit your worries then. You have both Tsy and Super watching over Shroud; there haven’t been any disappearances in nearly two entire weeks; Misletien is back and Symp has been very pleasant lately. Even Aby and Dana are getting along, which seems like some sort of holy miracle.”
“That’s not what I’m worried about…”
Sighing, Liccy walked over behind him and draped her arms over his shoulders. “Don’t worry about me. I’m fine, okay? Nothing’s going to happen.” Dex didn’t reply so she smiled and kissed his cheek. “Listen, I’m going shopping. Why don’t you take a nap and catch up on sleep.”
“I’ll come with you. I’m not that tired.”
Liccy shook her head. “No, you’re going to stay here and take a nap. Even a leader has their limits. Taxi takes days off to relax from stress; I think you need a break too.”
“But I…” Dex mumbled.
“Babe, you’re absolutely exhausted.” She giggled. “Don’t worry so much. I won’t be gone long and I’m taking Misletien with me. Can you believe she’s never been clothes shopping before?”
Despite his arguments, he reluctantly watched as she waved goodbye and left. He stroked the little white tiger when it jumped up onto his lap, purring and rubbing its head against his chest. The house was silent apart from the light pitter-patter of rain against the windows.
“It’s been raining for ages, huh Poppin.” Poppin meowed in response and purred louder as Dex scratched behind his ears. He frowned. “I can’t sleep when I know she’s out and about. Especially after all those premonitions.”
Poppin meowed, licked Dex’s hand, then jumped down and wandered off. He sighed and stood; putting his hood up as he walked out the door. He wouldn’t be able to sleep no matter how hard he tried; he may as well go see how everyone else was holding up. He avoided the several puddles scattered along the path and stumbled into the base tiredly.
He walked into Zheii and steadied her while she steadied him. “Sorry. Wasn’t paying attention.”
“Damn you look exhausted.” Zheii frowned. “Go get some sleep; you look like you’re about to pass out.”
“Can’t sleep. Insomnia.” Dex sighed. “I just need to feed, I guess.”
“Here, catch.” Symp threw him a black bottle. “That should be enough for you. Been getting into the habit of bottling it. I’m so tired of trying to find donors.”
Dex caught it and nodded his thanks, even the first couple sips giving him a considerable boost of energy. Shimi and Lumi walked in then, quickly shutting the door behind them.
“It’s cold out there. Getting pretty windy too.” Commented Shimi as he shook off a cold chill.
Jark crossed his arms. “Storm’s comin. Gonna be a big one too. The tension of it has been building for nearly a week.” He said in a rather grim tone.
Shimi gazed at Dex. “You seem very tired and anxious. It’s because of what I think it is, isn’t it?”
Dex nodded and then they were both silent. It was clear that there was to be no explanation this time.
‘Dex?’
‘Liccy? Where are you? The weather is terrible.’
‘Well…I went to our special place I thought you’d come meet me here?’
Dex’s stomach dropped. That place. His premonitions. ‘I… Yeah, I’ll be right there.’ He gazed down at his boots and mumbled something to Shimi before walking through the open portal. “Liccy? Where are you?”
The weather here wasn’t much better. The sky had turned dark grey and although the wind wasn’t whipping things around, it was still rather strong. The tension here was incredibly high and it set Dex on edge immediately.
“Over here Dex!” Liccy called and waved to him.
Relief flooded over him as she made her way over. “We should get home love. Now.” He nearly pleaded when she was closer to him.
Liccy frowned, but nodded in agreement. “Yeah, I suppose you’re rigHHHTT!!” She screamed as black tendrils came out of the ground and wrapped around her, lifting her up into the air.
“Liccy!!” Dex took a step forward to free her, but was cut off by a man he’d seen before; a man whose motives would lead Perfect World down a path of destruction. “Jin Ra.”
“Leaving so soon?” Jin asked, the corners of his mouth curving up into a cruel smile. “It’s been quite a while Lunar; won’t you stay to visit?”
“Let her go Jin.” Growled Dex, his eyes narrowed.
“Why so eager to leave Dex? You haven’t even introduced me to your little pearl. She certainly is as beautiful as one.” He cocked his head to the side and frowned. “You wouldn’t want to be rude and leave before we’ve even gotten to talk, now would you? Unless…there’s something here you fear?”
“I’m not afraid of you.”
Jin clasped his hands behind his back. “No, I’m sure you aren’t, but you do fear. You fear the exact thing you’ve dreamt of for weeks.”
“No…” Dex looked down at the ground, avoiding his eyes.
Jin circled Dex now, taunting him; slowly breaking him. “You fear even the thought of it…”
“Enough…”
“Knowing you’re unable to stop it…”
“Shut up…”
“The fear of losing her and never finding her ever again-”
“SHUT UP!!!” Dex glared at him with eyes full of pure terror. He trembled when he spoke, “Let her go now or I swear, I’ll kill you where you stand.”
Jin didn’t respond, but raised his hand and closed it slightly when Dex lunged at him, making Liccy whimper as the tendrils constricted around her. “That would be a bad move on your part. Any attempt to attack me would result in your lovely Liccy being suffocated.”
Despair filled Dex’s eyes. “Please, just let her go. I’ll do…ANYTHING, just please don’t take her.”
“Anything hm?” Jin smiled. Finally, he’d backed a Celestial into a corner he couldn’t escape from. “Your powers. Give me your powers and I’ll let her go free.”
Dex just gazed at Liccy and she shook her head no. “I’m sorry, but I made a promise. I’ll do everything I can to keep it.” He turned away from Jin, a pained expression on his face. “Take them.”
Jin’s eyes narrowed and he stepped forward, placing his hand over Dex’s chest. Slowly he pulled away, a glowing orb with a golden moon inside following it. Dex shook from the sudden loss of strength as the sphere left his body, the changes to his appearance occurring rapidly. His hair turned ashen grey and his once dazzling golden eyes turned to a dull, cool grey.
Dex sunk to his knees, the strength he once had completely diminished. “Now…give her back.” He breathed.
“I’m afraid to tell you that I’ve never been a man of my word Dex.” Replied Jin as he absorbed the powers into himself. He snapped his fingers and smiled. “Put her with the others. She’ll make number ten.”
“God no!! NO!!!” Dex cried, scrambling to go after her. “ALICIA!!!”
Jin pushed him back on the ground and gazed at him with moon shaped pupils as the shadow disappeared into the dark portal with Liccy; who screamed for Dex the entire way. “I’m going to enjoy this very, VERY much.”
The next and final moments of Dex’s life were the most painful he’d ever endured? It hurt his pride and his physical being. Mostly, was the intense pain it caused him emotionally. She was gone. The entire scene was like a movie played out with him as one of the unwilling actors. There had been not a single thing he could have done to prevent it, no matter what he’d kept telling himself.
Finally, Jin stood over him with his double bladed sword. “Don’t worry so much Dex. I’ll be sure to make your lovely pearl’s death just as beautiful as she is.”
And as he brought his sword down, a bolt a green lightening pierced the sky and the storm finally broke loose…and somewhere far away, someone of great power awoke from their long slumber.

~~~~~~

Shimi paced back and forth in the base anxiously. Dex’s words kept echoing in his head: “IF I’M NOT BACK IN 20 MINUTES, COME TO THE SACRED GROUNDS.” He looked at the clock on the wall. It had been nearly 40 minutes.
“I have to go somewhere. Stay here and watch over everyone.” He murmured to Symp.
“Be careful.”
He stepped out of the portal and into the giant field of flowers, putting his hood up against the pouring rain. Something was wrong. The flowers weren’t glowing as they usually did, even during a storm. They even seemed to have closed up their petals, as if there was something here, or had been, that scared them. But the most concerning thing was the scent of blood. It was so strong that it masked the sweet aroma of the flowers completely.
Shimi looked down at the flowers carefully. ‘Dex started here. The crushed flower trail is where he walked.’ He flinched as the scene slowly started to play out in his head like a movie. ‘He stopped here and…was stopped by someone or something. That’s the other set of crushed flowers. It circled Dex, then approached him.’ He started moving fast as the scene unravelled. ‘There was a struggle…it continued on over here and then…’ He paused.
Where had the trail gone?
‘There. Someone was thrown.’ He thought when he saw another patch of crushed flowers. ‘The struggle continued this way. They were dragged it seems.’ The smell of blood was nearly nauseating now. ‘And then…they were killed. Right…over…there.’
Shimi hesitated. He prayed it wasn’t true, but he already knew; knew who lay in the patch of crushed, bloodied flowers. Slowly he approached, then picked up speed until he was sprinting to the patch. What he saw horrified him.
“God… Oh god, oh god, oh god!!” Shimi picked up the bloody, limp body tenderly and quickly ran through the portal into the base. “Tsyren!! God PLEASE hear me! TSYREN!!!”
Everyone turned to look in horror at the bloody, torn mess that was Dex. His throat was slit and so were his wrists; he had deep gashes all over his body that were still dripping blood even now. His left arm hung at an odd angle and his eyes were closed; no rise and fall of his chest at all. There were no signs of life left in him.
“What- Oh no. Here, put him over here.” Misletien flew over as Shimi gently placed Dex on the floor just as Tsy appeared.
“Who was screamin-” Tsy stopped, his eyes widening. “W-what…happened to Dex?” He shook his head and disappeared into a portal, then reappeared moments later with several bottles and vials of various potions.
“I don’t know! I found him like this, but I didn’t see the cause!” Shimi was on the verge of panic.
Tsy carefully poured the liquid out of a vial and onto the cut on Dex’s throat. “I don’t…I don’t know if I can save him.” His voice shook and he worked faster. “He doesn’t have a pulse and…I can’t bring people back to life.”
“There’s so much damage. Five broken ribs; major internal bleeding; a broken arm.” Misletien looked ready to cry. She’d gone through several syringes and still had more sitting next to her. “He’s lost so much blood…”
They worked for hours, but there was no response of life from Dex. Finally, Misletien was pulled away by Syph and Tsy gave up reluctantly. Not a word was said, but outside, hidden behind the clouds, the moon glowed as brightly as ever; a very slight greenish glow to it. Slowly, the rest of Dex’s cuts began to heal themselves without anyone noticing. And moments later, Dex gasped and sat up, breathing in gulps of air. He stood up weakly and was nearly knocked over by several people in the base. Finally, when they backed off, he spoke.
“Jin Ra.” Said Dex before Shimi could even ask. “He took Liccy…and my powers.” His grey eyes were dull with grief. “I couldn’t stop him. I couldn’t do anything! Why…why did he take her?! I can’t…can’t bear to lose her! I LOVE her…so much…”
“He’s going to perform some sort of sacrificial summoning.” Symp said after a moment of though. “That explains why it’s only women being kidnapped.”
“Very clever, Solar. I’m quite impressed.” A black and dark blue portal opened and Jin Ra himself stepped out of it. “I don’t really want to waste time. You see, I already have ten maidens. A thirteen virgin sacrifice and I’m only missing three more lovely ladies.” His eyes fell on Serah as he said this. “Three more beauties whose blossoms have yet to bloom.”
“You’re sick!” Serah spat in fear.
Jin smiled. “Probably, but it won’t matter to you soon. Things don’t tend to matter much to people once they’re dead.” His smiled widened when Dex stepped in front of her. “I see you amazingly survived. You’re much more strong willed than I’d imagined.”
“You’re not taking any more of them Jin.”
Jin laughed. “And you’re going to protect THEM? I see, but I wonder…if you’re protecting them, who’s going to protect YOU?” His pupils turned to the shapes of moons once again. “I have your powers. Let’s face reality for just a moment, shall we? You’re weak. You have NOTHING. You can’t even protect yourself, much less someone else. But yet, you’re still going to stand in my way?”
“I may not be as powerful as I was, but that doesn’t mean I’m powerless.” Dex said boldly, not moving an inch from in front of Serah. “And I’m going to do everything I can to protect them.”
Frowning, Jin tensed. “I see. Unfortunately I can’t see you being able to do much.” He then lunged forward, nimbly slipping around Dex; grabbed Serah and ran out the door.
“Serah!!” Dex, Symp, and Shimi all bolted out the door after them.
Symp darted forward and cut Jin off; Jin yelped as Serah bit him and ran away, behind Dex. Jin growled in rage, then grabbed Symp’s arm and literally threw him into the next building across the path. He turned to go after Dex, but Shimi stood in his way, sending a spell of time and space at him. Jin blocked it and sent back a mixed spell of both Dex’s and his own magic in retaliation, sending Shimi flying backwards. Jin then whistled and Strax landed down behind him.
“I want you to roast him Strax. Be careful of Serah however. I still have use for her.”
Dex didn’t move from in front of Serah, but he turned away as Strax spread his wings came closer. He flinched and put one of his hands up in defence when Strax reared up…and then lightly pressed his snout against Dex’s hand.
Jin bristled with fury as Strax turned on him. “I should have guessed that you’d still be loyal to him.” He snapped his fingers and the shadow dragon appeared behind him, smaller than before, but still bigger than Strax. “I figured it’d be more insulting to kill you with your own summon, but I see I’ll have to use my own.”
He snapped his fingers again and the dragon attacked Strax. A white dragon and red dragon swooped in and went after the shadow dragon along with Strax. The white dragon, Netiri, had patterns of stars and the red dragon, Argon, had the patterns of suns.
“Just keep Serah safe. We’ll take care of Jin.” Symp said as he ran past Dex along with Shimi.
The fight lasted nearly an hour. Both Shimi and Symp fought in completely unison, but even then, they were still overpowered. Jin had the combined strength of both his own powers and Dex’s celestial powers. He took out Symp first, blasting him with an incredibly intense spell that sent him smashing through the wall of the building next to the Elder’s usual meeting place. Then he dropped two nuking spells onto Shimi and threw him down the path, knocking him out in just a few seconds. Up above, the dragons were still locked in their fight; too focused to see the outcome below them.
“Now,” growled Jin, approaching Serah and Dex quickly, “I’ll be taking her. She can stay to watch the last moments of your pathetic life.”
A MAN WITH LONG BLACK HAIR AND PIERCING GREEN EYES WALKED DOWN THE PATH OF WEST ARCHOSAUR. HE LOOKED TO BE IN HIS MID-THIRTIES AND WORE A TATTERED BLACK JACKET THAT FLARED OUT BEHIND HIM WITH EVERY STEP HE TOOK.
A shadow rose out of the ground behind Serah and pulled her away from Dex. Jin turned Dex to face him and then punched him the face as hard as he could.
THE MAN TURNED THE CORNER AND WALKED DOWN THE PATH, PAST THE CROSSROADS IN SOUTH. EVERYONE THAT SAW HIM SHRUNK AWAY. THERE WAS NO MISTAKING HIS CRUEL FACE. IN ONE HAND HE CARRIED A LONG PURPLE BLADE AND ON HIS OTHER, HIS NAILS HAD GROWN LONG AND SHARP, LIKE THE TALONS OF A BIRD.
Dex flinched as Jin kicked him in the stomach continuously. He stopped and picked Dex up by his collar, throwing him against a wall; picking him up and slamming him against the ground. Finally, Jin pulled out his double bladed sword and held it above Dex’s head.
“This look’s familiar, now doesn’t it?” Jin sneered, “Anything you’d like to say to maybe change my mind before history inevitably repeats itself?”
Dex didn’t say anything. He just laid there in excruciating pain, his eyesight blurring. All he thought of was Liccy; nothing else. Everything they’d done together. All the warm nights they’d laid there in bed, just laughing quietly and talking what you would call ‘cute talk’. The moments when she’d come up to him and stand on her tip toes, her lips slightly pursed, refusing to move until he kissed her. Those were the only things going through him mind and every single one of them broke his heart just a little more. His eyesight faded slightly and he heard Serah scream, then the sound of clashing metal and looked up. A man stood in front of him, blocking the fatal attack by Jin. His eyesight blurred again as the man looked down at him; he couldn’t see well enough to know who it was. Again, his vision blurred and then went dark.
Overheard, harpies flew around in circles, as if circling prey. Jin backed off and glared at this new opponent. He looked evil; sinister. However, appearances had never frightened Jin and they weren’t going to start now.
“Excuse me, but you seem to be in my way.” Said Jin rather coldly.
“No one will ever harm a hair on that boy’s head.” The man said in a deep voice. Another bolt of green lightening flashed overhead. “And if they do, Jin Ra, then I will personally hunt down and kill them myself.” He waved his hand and three harpies flew down to gingerly pick up Dex’s limp body, then flew off with him.
“And who might you be to tell me this?” Jin growled. “Do you have any idea who I am?”
“Do YOU know who I am, is the better question.” The man growled back and stood up to his full height: a near full seven feet.
Jin frowned. “No, I suppose I don’t. You know though,” The shadow disappeared with Serah as he attacked the man, “I don’t care who you are. If you stand in the way of my target, then you shall die along with him!”
The man blocked Jin’s attack as easily as swatting away a fly. Whoever he was, his strength was nearly double that of a Celestial’s. It was startling and as for Jin, he actually began to second guess his actions.
He leaned in and locked his gaze with Jin’s. “Do you remember now, Jin Ra?” He asked quietly.
Jin gazed back into those vivid green eyes, his own widening in terror. “X-Xavier! I’m sorry, my Lord! Please, I-”
“I’m afraid it’s too late for pleading Jin Ra. I know what you did and for that I’m going to give you a punishment far beyond death itself.”
“My Lord! Please, I beseech you! I had no idea, I swear!” Jin begged as he backed away from the man known as Xavier.
“Tell me, Jin Ra. Tell me what it is that you fear…”
Jin’s breathing was heavy from the purest sense of horror. “I…I fear nothing! Nothing, but you my Lord!!”
“Oh come now. There’s no need to lie.” Xavier paced around Jin; his hands clasped behind his back. “I know what it is that you fear, for you see…” He stopped in front of Jin and his lips curled up into an utterly evil smile, “…I AM fear.” A green glow rose up from the ground around him and his pupils narrowed to paper thin lines. “Pain.”
Suddenly, Jin held his chest and fell to his knees as the pure anguish wracked through his body. His breath shortened to quick, painful gasps and his body felt as though it were on fire.
Xavier continued to pace back and forth in front of him. “You fear torment and agony. This is why you inflict it upon others. You also fear the loss of control; you take the abilities and powers of others and keep them for yourself. And most of all…”
“My Lord, please!!!”
“You fear death. You fear it so much that you kill others before they have the chance to kill you. You’ve even gone as far as murdering your own brother.”
Jin began to go into convulsions. “Please! Spare me Xavier!! I’ll do anything, I swear to you!!”
Xavier frowned and picked Jin up by his hair. “I think you’ve done quite enough Jin Ra.” Suddenly, he thrust his hand with the long nails into Jin’s chest making him scream in pain. Slowly, as agonizingly as he possibly could, he pulled out Jin’s very soul and let his limp body fall to the ground. A shadow rose from behind Xavier and snapped at the soul. “Ah, ah, ah. I would like this first.” He said, pulling something out of the soul and placing is in his pocket. He then allowed the shadow to rip into the soul; devouring is hungrily. “Good boy. Make sure not to leave any scraps behind.”
The harpies flew back down and gently place Dex in Xavier’s arms. They gazed at Dex fondly, then flew back off. Xavier walked up to the base door and entered just as Shimi and Symp woke. They frowned at the sight of a dark figure entering the base and ran after it. Inside was dead silent. Terrified eyes followed Xavier’s every move as he gently placed Dex against the wall. From his pocket, he pulled the orb with the golden moon inside and let it slowly sink back into Dex’s chest, the color returning to his hair. Xavier leaned down and whispered something, then stood and turned to the rest of the group in the base. No one spoke. No one moved. Xavier just frowned; his eyes narrowed, and disappeared.
“Xavier… The Wraith Lord has returned!” Symp breathed, his eyes wide.
Shimi stared at Dex with equally wide eyes. “But…what does it mean?”

Lumi_ - Archosaur

And so the story finally comes to a close. Again I hope you all enjoyed And if you're on the archosaur server, send me a pm sometime!


Dex groaned and held his head. It was spinning and he felt sick. He tugged on a strand of his black hair: his powers were back.
“You guys got my powers back?” He seemed rather confused as he gazed at Shimi and Symp.
“Not…exactly.” Replied Symp very carefully. He went to say more, but there was a sudden scream down the hall and he immediately ran to its source. “No! NO!! NOOO!!! God DAMN it!!”
There was a crash, some more shrieks of terror and then silence. A moment later, Reno came running down the hall crying. Symp followed after him much more slowly, looking very defeated.
Reno ran to Aby and held onto her leg. “They took Serah and now Zheii is gone too. I’m scared Sis! Those big black things keep taking all my friends! Are they gonna take you away too?”
Aby frowned and picked him up. “Of course not honey. I’m no gonna go anywhere; I’ll stay here with you, I promise. We’ll get Sis Serah and Zheii back too, okay?”
“Jin Ra’s body is gone!” Ryonz exclaimed as he burst through the door. “One minute it’s there and then, poof!”
Shimi frowned. “Did you see what took it?” His frown deepened as Ryonz shook his head. “I’ll go take a look then.” He returned nearly 15 minutes later looking frustrated. “Nothing. Not a single thing. Whatever happened to it; the area has been completely coated in magic so I can’t pick up a thing.”
“Three more kidnappings in the last eight hours. Whatever’s going to happen is gonna take place either today or tomorrow.” Murmured Symp. It was the first time he’d spoken since Zheii was taken.
“There’s only gonna be one more kidnapping and then that’s that. Obviously someone is still going to perform the sacrifice.” Shimi frowned at the worried look on everyone’s faces. “What?”
“While you were gone…Lumi was taken.” Vik explained, his tone sullen.
Shimi didn’t say anything, just gazed at the floor. “He’s doing this on purpose. He specifically targeted them to try and break us.”
“He did…an awfully god job.” Symp’s voice shook.
Dex was silent as he stood and walked around the room. Slowly he began to gingerly touch things, occasionally pausing to keep himself from breaking down in misery. He started at the first place he’d spoken to Liccy, then moved to the spot they’d fell asleep in the corner. He stopped, took a deep breath, then pushed on through the emotional pain. He’d find her. He’d find her and get her home; he didn’t care if she was the only one that he could save.
“What is he doing?” Dana asked quietly.
“Scrying. Dex tends to get premonitions whether he’s searching for them or gets one without warning.” Symp answered. He looked hopeful. “Right now, Dex is the only chance we have of finding them.”
He tried the spot where he fed from her, but got nothing. The place where she’d comforted him after the fight against Bio…nothing. His hands trembled; he was running out of places to search and hope. The next three were still duds. One spot remained: the place where he gave her his ring; the ring he’d worn for years. It’d been too big for her, so she’d put it on a necklace and refused to take it off. She was probably still wearing it even now. If he didn’t get any vision here than there was no hope of finding them…no hope at all. He knelt down and brushed his fingers over the floor, then on the wall. He pressed his hand against them desperately, but got nothing. At least, he just stood there. The hope faded from everyone’s eyes.
“Hey Dex…” Lezzie handed him a folded up piece of paper. “This is addressed to you. It might be important.”
Dex took the note and unfolded it carefully. It looked to have been written not too long ago:

“Dex, my love, if you’re reading this than I’m obviously missing. I know you must be worried. I’m sorry for that. I was worried too; worried about Veni and the others. So I had to know…I had to find them. I lied to you and told you I’d be with Misletien, but I went out on my own instead. I wanted to help find them Dex. Veni is my friend; I really care about her. I have a clue as to where the next kidnapping will happen and I know I’m next. I don’t know how I know, but I just do. I called you to meet me just so you could see who the one behind everything was; I didn’t expect you to save me. Some things happen for a reason…they have to happen for the chain reaction to progress. I know you’ll be able to stop whatever evil is doing this, but I don’t expect you to find me. As long as everyone else is safe, I’ll be happy. I just want you to know that I love you…more than anything in this world and I’ll never forget you. I promise.” –Love, Alicia

The bottom of the paper was warped where her tears had fallen. She’d started crying as she neared the end and Dex hadn’t known a thing about it. He stared at the paper; a lump forming in his throat. Why? Why hadn’t she told him? It was too much; he couldn’t take anymore misery, he just couldn’t. Suddenly, a splitting pain shot through his head making him cringe. Images shot past his eyes:
THE TWO OF THEM SITTING IN THE KITCHEN THAT MORNING – LICCY PLACING A NOTE ON THE DESK IN THE SIDE ROOM OF THE BASE – LICCY WALKING DOWN THE PATH OF NORTH; HEADING FOR THE TELEPORTER – LICCY SLIPPING BETWEEN THE LARGE CRACK IN THE ROCK WALL NEAR TELLUS AND ENTERING THE SACRED GROUNDS – HIMSELF APPEARING THERE TO FIND HER.
His knees shook and he fell, clutching his head as the images came faster. He was seeing through someone else’s eyes:
COMING UP BEHIND LICCY AND PULLING HER AWAY – JIN RA TAKING DEX’S POWERS – PULLING LICCY INTO THE DARK PORTAL – A DARK OPEN AREA WITH A PALE BLUE LIGHT – TYING LICCY TO ONE OF THE PILLARS – JIN RA’S EVIL; PLEASED SMILE…
The visions stopped and left Dex gasping on the floor. He’d been seeing everything through the shadow’s eyes. It had been following her all day and he hadn’t even known. He trembled and stood slowly, his body still in shock.
“Dex…?” said Aby quietly.
“Endless Universe. He took them to the Endless Universe.”
Shimi frowned. “I have to admit, that’s very clever of him. His entire plan was based on the three of us.”
“We can’t go in there.” Symp added. “That place sucks the strength out of us like a leech; we’ll be killed.”
“Well I’m going.” Dex declared. His eyes had hardened with determination. “I’m going to get her back. I don’t care what I have to go through; I’m going to bring her back home. I made her a promise that if she ever got into trouble, I’d come rescue her. I’m not gonna break that promise now.”
“I’m coming with you.” Said Aby.
Lezzie nodded. “Me too.”
Shimi looked worried. “There’s bound to be shadows crawling all over there. It’s best if you stay here.”
Lezzie began to protest, but Aby shook her head. “Fine. We’ll stay here, but you better bring them home safely.”

~~~~~~

“We have to get them out of here quickly. This place is already starting to sap my strength.” Shimi cringed.
Dex looked over the edge of the crater. “Down there.” He slid down the side of the slope, toward the circle of the pillars that went around the edge. The hairs on the back of his neck rose as he saw each of the missing women tied to the pillars. “I don’t like this. Let’s get them out of here quickly.”
Symp untied Serah and Veni first; they woke shortly after being untied from the cursed pillars.
Serah held her head and teetered on her feet. “Where…are we?”
“We’ll tell you later. Get through the portal and out of here. I can’t hold it open for long.” Symp said, already looking rather tired.
Loxira, GoddessofWAR, and Tebi were the next to leave, followed shortly after by Lunardeavor and Mesimarja. Dex freed starlitepixie, Limedew, and Alexioma; then went straight for Liccy.
“Let’s get you home love.” He said quietly. He made to untie her, but recoiled back when he received a powerful shock in return. “What? No, no, no! Let me get her down!”
Shimi went at the pillar holding Lumi at different angles. “I can’t get to her. Magic isn’t working!” His eyes looked desperate.
Symp kicked the pillar and glared at Zheii. “Somehow, this is your fault. I don’t know how, but…but somehow…” His voice broke and his eyes dulled. “Why didn’t…you call me? Why didn’t you call for my help? Stupid…so STUPID.” He breathed. “i was stupid to leave you by yourself.”
“…I’m sorry.” Shimi whispered. “This is my fault. I’m a terrible…” He stopped; he couldn’t bring himself to finish.
Dex kept going at the pillar. “I’m not giving you up. I refuse. I won’t do it. I’ll fry my hands off if I have to; I’m gonna get you down.” His hands felt as though they were on fire.
“Give it up boys.” Came a voice behind them. “I’ve finally won. I may not have all thirteen, but I still have the three with the most powerful spirit energy.”
The three turned and saw Jin Ra’s body lying in the center of the crate and above it, his soul.
“How? Your soul was eaten!” Shimi’s eyes were wide.
“No, just transported. Do you really think my shadows would turn on me so easily?” His spirit laughed and then returned to his body. “And now your three maidens will resurrect me and give me even greater power than I had before.”
A ring of white light appeared around the top of each of the three pillars. As they slowly slid down the pillars, Dex struggled to get to Liccy, only to be repeatedly pushed back by some sort of force field. All he could do was watch helplessly as the ring slid down the pillar; over her body, turning her hair white as her spirit left her body and floated over to Jin Ra’s body. The three girls fell lifelessly from the pillars as the white glow faded.
“No!! Lumi!” Shimi held her tightly, as if trying to force some tiny amount of life back into her.
Symp slumped against the pillar and gazed at Zheii miserably. “Zheii… Please wake up. You have to. Whose…whose gonna beat on me and insult me all the time now?” He trembled. “I lied okay? I…I DO care about you. You win alright so…so just wake up and tell me that you told me so…please…”
Dex was the only one to stay silent. He gently cradled Liccy in his arms, his heart breaking with every breath he took. “I can’t lose another…I can’t. I have nothing else to live for. You saved me from my torment, but I couldn’t even save you at all. I’m so sorry. I’m so…so in love with you.” He pressed his forehead against her; his body shaking as he cried. “I love you Alicia. I love you so much. I never told you and now I won’t ever get the chance.” His tears dried and he suddenly tensed; his pupils narrowed to such thin lines that they seemed to disappear. He gently laid her on the ground and turned to Jin Ra, keeping his head turned downward.
Jin Ra stood and brushed the dust off his coat. “You. You’re the reason I was killed. This is YOUR fault!” He glared at Dex with furious red eyes.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” He still refused to look at Jin.
“Xavier!” Jin spat. “That’s what I’m talking about! But now he’s not here to save you and you’re too weak to even defend yourselves. The Undead are powerless here and you fell right into my trap, just as I knew you would. And as for you,” His eyes narrowed and he smiled at Dex smugly, “I’m going to kill you first. I’m going to make you death agonizing and once you’re all dead, I’ll take your powers and kill Xavier myself in revenge.”
“You killed her.”
Jin laughed. “Do you honestly think I CARE?!”
Dex didn’t answer, just kept repeating “you killed her” over and over. He took a step toward Jin, then another and another. The air grew thick; the tension increased with every step he took. He stopped in front of Jin and just stood there for a moment.
The pressure closed in on Jin painfully as Dex slowly began to look up from the ground. His hair bristled and the ground shook; the air around Dex seemed to be manipulated, making it seem like his hair was actually tensing up with him and rigidly swishing around. Jin felt something wet under his nose and reached up. When had his nose started bleeding? He took a nervous step back and Dex followed. Finally, his eyes locked with Jin’s…and flashed bright green.
“I’m going to kill you.”
“I-impossible. The prophesies; you were supposed to be killed. They said you were killed!” Jin backed away in horror.
“I’m going to KILL you.”
The breath caught in Jin’s chest when he finally realized who he’d enraged. “How could I have missed it? The signs…all this time you were right in front of me.” He could FEEL the incredibly strong darkness that clouded Dex’s heart. It was far stronger than every dark being he’d ever encountered combined; even Xavier’s. “All I ask…is to finish it quickly.”
“I don’t owe you that mercy.” Dex growled. His voice was unusually deep and grim, increasing the feeling of death that surrounded him. “I’m going to kill you, but first, I’m going to EAT you.”
Jin screeched in agony as Dex shoved his hand into his chest. There was a squelching sound as Dex squeezed his hand around his heart, making his scream louder. A flow of darkness crept through Dex’s arm and into Jin, consuming his body in a cloud of black and then, as Shimi and Symp watched in horror, Dex pulled Jin’s soul orb from his body…and ate it. The darkness ate away at Jin’s body, leaving not a single part behind.
“He’s a shadow…” Symp barely managed to get the words out. “How? How is that even possible?”
Shimi shook his head. He was as concerned and horrified as Symp, but there were more pressing matters at hand. “It doesn’t matter right now. We need to get out of here before we’re crushed.” He urged, the ground starting to shake uncontrollably.
Dex held his hand. “What? What did I-” He frowned and leapt out of the way as a rock fell from the ceiling. He opened a portal and quickly picked Liccy up. “C’mon let’s go!”

~~~~~~

There was mostly only crying when they returned to the base. Three of the guild’s friends had been taken from them and there was no getting them back. Dex sat against the wall feeling rather dazed.
“Shimi…what did I do?”
Shimi frowned. “You don’t remember? You killed Jin Ra. You…went into a blood rage and killed him.” He wasn’t lying completely, but Dex couldn’t know. Not yet. Not now.
Dex gazed at Liccy miserably. “We have to try it. Even if it doesn’t work, we have to try.”
“I agree. Are you…feeling up to it?”
Dex nodded. “I’m fine. Really.” He stood and walked over to Symp, who nodded in response.
The three leaders took their places around the three women and stood silently, gazing down at the floor. Moments later, particles of light rose from the floor around them, floating upward gently.
“What are they doing?” mumbled Vik. Even he was depressed about their deaths, even after he’d teased them so much.
Misletien floated over. “They’re going to try and create new souls for them.”
“That’s great-”
“It may not work.” She murmured.
Ryonz frowned. “How are they going to do it?”
“Well there are ten elements in total, but only one can be tapped into by the three leaders. No one else can use this element.” Syph explained. “Fire, water, earth, wind, ice, electricity, dark, time, and space are the first nine elements, right?”
“Sure, but,” Ryonz frowned, “what’s the last one?”
“Holy.”
A swirling black orb with glowing stars, as if scooped straight from space, formed in front of Shimi and floated to the center of the triangle they’d formed. Next, a small dancing orb of flame formed in front of Symp and floated in to merge with the spatial orb. Lastly was the orb of darkness that formed in front of Dex to merge with the other two. The channelling began to take its toll on them, but they kept pushing on, causing the white orb to slowly rise in the air. Moments later it began to shake a little, then vigorously and finally burst apart into three smaller orbs. They floated down to sink into the three girls’ chests and the leader relaxed a little as the color returned to their hair.
Zheii woke first, sitting up slowly. “I feel a little sick.” She smiled when she saw Symp standing there and her eyes narrowed contently. “I told you so.”
“You heard me?”
She nodded and then laughed when Reno came running over. “Yes, yes I’m back. See? No more tears now, alright.”
Lumi woke and smiled at sleepily at Shimi. “I was afraid you wouldn’t come. I guess I was wrong.”
Shimi didn’t say a word, just knelt down and held her. Dex sat next to Liccy and picked her up. She hadn’t woken.
“Liccy? Please wake up. I…I don’t know what I’ll do without you.” He murmured. His eyes watered as he gazed at her peaceful expression.
“…Don’t cry babe. It looks terrible on you.” Liccy whispered after a moment, placing her hand on the side of his face.
Dex just held her tighter. “Don’t you EVER worry me like that again, you hear? I…I mean it.”
While everyone else rejoiced, Shimi and Lumi stood off to the side.
“Dex…seems different.” Lumi mumbled and edged in closer to Shimi. “There’s this uneasy atmosphere that follows him where ever he goes. What happened in Morai? ….Shimi?”
Shimi didn’t reply. There was definitely something wrong, he just wasn’t sure what it was.

~~~~~~

“C’mon! C’mon! We’re gonna miss them!” Veni called as she ran out the West gate. “God, you’re as slow on your feet as you are in the head!”
Dana scowled. “Am not!”
Rogue stood out there as one big massive group. In front of them stood the group of Morai people, sharing their goodbye’s with everyone else. It was time for them to go.
“You shouldn’t have any more problems with the shadows.” Shimi said, handing his badge in to Aby.
Aby shook her head and closed his hand around the badge. “Keep them. All of you. You’ll always be welcome here.”
Zheii tapped her foot and crossed her arms. “You better not forget about me.”
“How can I forget about you when the bruises you’ve given me are a constant reminder?” Symp frowned, but his eyes glimmered with humour.
Reno tugged at the bottom of Zheii’s shirt. “Aren’t you coming with us mommy?”
Both Symp and Zheii were speechless, but Zheii shook her head when Symp when to correct Reno. “I can’t sweetie. I have to stay here with Aby and Serah. You can come visit me anytime you want though, alright?” she smiled and watched as Reno and Symp left hand in hand; Reno turning to wave before disappearing through the portal.
“We’re losing our director and two other members!” Jark exclaimed. “Who’s gonna be director now?!”
Bio shrugged and gave the group a small smile. “I dunno. Clone me.”
“I’m gonna miss you airhead!!” Vik cried, flinging himself at Ryonz.
“I’ll miss you too bro!!” Ryonz exclaimed. “But I’ll come visit. Deal.”
As Bio and Ryonz disappeared through the portal along with Syph, Rapture, and Misletien, Shimi said his final farewells to everyone…everyone, but the one that mattered most:
“Are you going to come with me?” Shimi had asked earlier.
Lumi had smiled at him lovingly. “You should already know by now. I’ll follow you anywhere.”
A call came through his order card and he answered it anxiously. “Is she… Did she make it?”
Met smiled and turned to show a young woman with long dark red hair that fell over her naked body, lying in the middle of a platform. Her large golden eyes blinked open and Met chuckled. “You tell me Shim.”
Dex took Liccy’s hands in his own as Shimi left. “It’s completely your choice love. You can come with me or stay here.”
Liccy frowned. “I…I can’t. I’m not ready to leave yet Dex. I’ll miss you so, so much. I’m sorry-”
“It’s alright.” Dex cut her off. He smiled and leaned his forehead against hers. “I’ll wait for you. No matter how long it takes; I’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready. I’ll come see you as much as I can.”
He then kissed her gently and whispered something in her ear that she would never forget. Turning, he put one of his hands in his pockets and with the other he waved goodbye over his shoulder with a single flick of his wrist and disappeared through the portal as Rogue said farewell to a legend.
“I’ll always love you. I promise.”

Zheii - Archosaur

Yay!! I think the ghost side story is my favorite, even if it does scare the **** out of me 'xD
Thank you Lumi for allowing me the pleasure of being apart of your great stories! I hope you continue to write