Malantia, Chapter 2

[CO Cheddar]

Since our last topic ran over our page limit, I decided to save Dax the trouble by making a new one. Anyway...

*Dion looked at the map with a slightly quizzical look on his face* Before we plan our direction, we need to know where our long term goal lies. Where do you all intend to go in the long run?

[Daxece]

OOC: thanks cheddar ^.^ i was waiting for them to tell us to stop hee hee

i believe we are looking for some scrolls that will tell us what to do with that lovely shard jade found. when we know what to do with everything we need to head off to Malantia, the Saphire City. but before we think about that pete here needs to tell us where to find the scrolls. *playfuly batts her eyes at pete* could you do that for us please?

[CO Cheddar]

Malantia? *Dion stared at her in surprise* The City exists? I've heard the stories, but I thought it was just a myth...

[Daxece]

*looks at him with a slight smirk at his shocked expression* i would ask you if i would lie about such things but then again how would you know. ive seen the Ruby City, Dugjer and the Emerald City, Mmtala and the Saphire City, Malantia. they do exist and i'll let you in on a little secret my freind. your enemy and my enemy resides in the Ruby City. hes there and ive seen him and hes not too happy about that. *pats dion on the shoulder and sighs*

[a black mage]

i have heard storys of such a place, but not many *opens eyes* did you say there is an enemy there?

[CO Cheddar]

I appologize for my skepticism. I've heard the stories of the Ruby and Saphire Cities and the Eternal War between their inhabitants, of course, but there was never any way I could have confirmed them. I've seen many strange things in my time, but I never really believed in the existance of Malantia or Dugjer until this day. But I suppose none of that matters. If it is necessary for you to go to Malantia, than I will go there with you.

[a black mage]

well whatever we do, i wish you wouln't discuss it so much during this time of night *goes back to meditating with his hand on his sword*

(sorry for butting in so much, i'll stop until morning)

[stuper of thought]

*starts talking in a whisper* the scrolls are in a hidden library not far from my guild. it's here *points to the other side of the forest and hears a lightning storm approaching* all of you better get into the cave. we may not be able to go off for a while

[Daxece]

*nods and follows the boys into the cave*

[stuper of thought]

I'm going to see if i can fight off the storm. unless you want to risk your life, don't follow me. *goes off a little ways having said that*

[CO Cheddar]

:This storm can't be natural. If Pete was so worried about it, I can only assume that this is the work of our mystery foe. But Pete can do this; I have faith in him.:

[stuper of thought]

IC:*as the storm approaches, Pete notices that the lightning bolts are stronger than normal and starts speaking in an ancient language on the wind* athno lino nomo lenanos musano tengano seganago menamoro. samisomano tagano tonalos lenani satsen tonanatu agonalos

OOC: this is what it would mean if it were a real language: this will not defeat us ye unknown power. strike me with lightning if you dare.

[batgirl]

:so we are headed to Malantia, maybe I can find answers there. *Jade walked out into the raging storm and stood next to Pete.* Don't think I'm gonna let you have all of the fun Pete. The power of Shadows is at your side, just tell me what to do.

[Daxece]

*waltches jade go to fallow pete into the storm* hmm...my guess would be she likes to risk her life. *reties some strings on her outfit to keep it from falling off then messes with her hair some more causing the wreath of water to fall off and dampen her hair* oh...i hate when i do that... *looks at dion* so...what exactly can you do? *lifts up her hand and creats a ball of water in it*

[stuper of thought]

*whispers to jade* darken this as much of this world as you can. it'll help show where the lightning bolts are going to strike and and where they originate from

[Daxece]

*lightly touches dions nose with a fingertip to pull him out of his thoughts*

[stuper of thought]

*as pete is waiting for jade to finish her task, he is struck by lightning and absorbs it entirely* Jade, please hurry. if i get struck by another bolt of lightning, all of my energy would be drained and i'd be out for a couple of hours

[a black mage]

ooc: well if everyone else is going to.........

*dosen't budge* ::trouble is comming::

[CO Cheddar]

OOC: Sorry bout not posting. I was gone for most of the day and I couldn't use the computer.

Me? I can do many things with the power of the moon. I can heal, communicate with wolves, and even become one due to my Lycanthropy. I'll show you a little of what I can do... *Dion cupped his hands together and closed his eyes. A small, yellow orb suddenly appeared in his hand, shining with Lunar Mana.

:Receive the energy of the moon, Pete.: *He thought as the Lunar Syphon transferred energy from himself to Pete.* No matter how much energy is drained from you, know that Luna and I, although not by your side, are here to aid you:

[stuper of thought]

*pete recognizes dion's power joining the core of his energy and causes the wind to talk to dion* thank you for your help. know that with your help and should i be struck again, this area will not be destroyed as my energy is drained as happened to other wind mages.

[Daxece]

*gives dion a pleased smile*how sweet. when you find your soulmate you can really give her the moon if you wanted *looks out the cave and waves her hand. the rain calms itself to an almost light drizle* i cant completely deprive the grass of what it needs ::wait...did he say wolf:: *jumps up* i have seen you before!! *crawls over to dion and cups his face in her hands staring him right in the eyes* you were a wolf though...

[batgirl]

*Jade holds her hands out in from of her and claps them together. On contact, the entire sky is envelloped in darkness.*There, that should keep the storm from resurfacing and should give us some good camouflage to move in. I suggest we leave asap using my darkness as cover and Dion can light our way. If we want to reach Malantia, we should move now before we have the unfortunate luck of being attacked again.*Jade was getting restless; she didn't like to be in one place for a long time.

[stuper of thought]

*pete sees a lightning bolt get ready to strike Jade and pushes her out of the way, getting struck himself and falls on the ground while his energy is drained and drawn back in*

[a black mage]

*looks over Pete, who just fell" is he okay?

[stuper of thought]

*gets up trembling and causes the wind to talk to everybody at the cave but barely succeding* lets go before the darkness wears off.

[a black mage]

*stops meditating and runs over to Pete* can i help you at all?

[batgirl]

*gets up*Oh my gods, are you ok?

[CO Cheddar]

We... we can talk about this later, Delta. Right now we need to help Pete. *As he ran towards Pete, he began to think on what Delta had said. :As a wolf... that would explain why I don't remember her, since I rarely remember anything as a wolf but the visions.: *When he reached Pete, he placed one of his hands on Pete's back and syphoned some more Lunar energy into him.* I can only give you so much energy, Pete, but I think this is enough. Do you think you are strong enough to walk back to the cave?

OOC: I have to go soon, so it could be a while before I reply again.

[Daxece]

*ran out with dion to pete and kneels* can you walk? i can make a flowing bed for you if need be.

[stuper of thought]

i think i can walk. I'll be fine after my body adjust to the force of the lightning strikes. :: I'm not sure if i should tell them I can control lightning::

[CO Cheddar]

Don't worry, Pete. We'll wait here until you feel up to walking back.

[Daxece]

no we need to move now. carry him if you have to. we have to get to the forest now. jades shadow should be enough to deflect the bolts into her element realm.

[CO Cheddar]

Well, if the danger is so imminent... *Dion stooped to the ground, picking up Pete's limp form. He then ran back towards the cave as fast as he could while carrying his friend.*

[Daxece]

*sighs*i cant believe im about to do this again *begans to summon a tital wave when she relises something and runs to the cave* pete...where is this storm summeoner?

[stuper of thought]

::mabye i can tell dion:: *pete whispers to dion as he feels energy start to slowly flow back into him* thank you for your help. I can control lightning as well as air but the bolts that you saw were not from me. i have no idea who or what cast them. *now talking to delta* [color=cyan]I don't know. storm summoners can create storms at great distances.

[CO Cheddar]

*Feeling that Pete was telling him something that he didn't want the others to know about himself, Dion talked to Pete telepathically.* I had a feeling that the lightning was unnatural. I know that someone is controling the storm, but I'm not sure who either. I'm sure that he won't leave us be until either us or he is dead. Also, controling lighting is a very impressive skill, Pete. Where did you learn how to do it?

[stuper of thought]

*whispers to dion again* centuries ago, i was struck by lightning twice as you have just seen, it was at that very spot you saw me get struck the second time. that was when i learned how to control lightning to my benefit. I have yet to figure out who, what, or where the storm summoner is but it was the same one that caused this storm.

[CO Cheddar]

Pete, did you have any enemies in your guild? Anyone who was jealous of you, perhaps? *Dion said, still speaking telepathically* It seems too cooincidental that someone would attack you twice without knowing you.

[stuper of thought]

*still whispering* none that i knew of. there was a rumor umong my guild that says that one of the oldest became too strong for his own good. perhaps he cast a spell here that causes a storm whenever i am here.

[Daxece]

*wonders back outside crawling cat like (haha) along the ground* ::the closer you are the stronger your powers are...must be this way...:: *turns back around and makes sure everyone is in the cave*obviously water does not like electricity...but ice doesnt care about it at all. guess what guys...until you can come up with a plan we are not leaving here *takes a deep breath and like she did at her cottage encases the outside of the cave in water then turns it to ice. pulls a blue stone from her poket* dion can you crush this?

[CO Cheddar]

I don't know, but I'll see if I can. *At that, Dion took the stone and began to squeeze it with all his might. A slim crack soon appeared in the stone, encouraging Dion to squeeze harder. Finally, after applying much duress, the stone broke into pieces.*

[Daxece]

*takes the pieces*thankyou. *picks up a bowl shapedrock and fills it with water than puts the rock in it and lets it steep for a few minuets*

[CO Cheddar]

You're welcome. What do you need the rock for, Delta?

[Daxece]

its a healing stone. it will help him rest without putting him tosleep. i would hate to have him break that record of his *lifts petes head and makes him drink the water but not the stone* we should be good to go with in the next two hours. we need a plan. we cant go that way directly twords the mountins. so we are going to have to go around. have any ideas?

[CO Cheddar]

During my time living in the forest and talking with the wolves, I've learned of a few ways to the mountains that few people know of. This cave, for example, leads directly to the mountains and passes completely around our pursuers and our mystery conjurer. The cave may look very small, but one of the walls is very fragile, despite all appearances. It can be easily knocked down by someone strong enough.

[Daxece]

*nods her head*thats good. do you have any wolf friends running about right now that you know of? i have found wolfs...or dogs for the most part dont find me pleasent.

[stuper of thought]

*looks at delta after drinking the water* thank you. don't worry about me too much. I'll be fine. *having said that, pete lifts one of his arms with the strength he has and places it on a crystal he's kept hidden*

[CO Cheddar]

No that I know of. The wolves are returning to their dens at about this time; they never stay out past daybreak. And even if we came accross a few, they wouldn't harm you. They would know that you were a friend since you're with me.

[Daxece]

alright. um...are...are you close to a black wolf? when you are a wolf?

[a black mage]

Gareth was clueless, he never had to deal with the things they were talking about *grabbs a piece of fruit from a bag on his horse* anyone want an apple, or something?

[stuper of thought]

*feels completly energized shortly after drinking the water and stands up* delta, thank you for that water. it certainly helped with the fatigue. *looks up at everybody* any what ideas have come up already?

[Daxece]

dion has a plan for us to go through some tunnles in this cave

[CO Cheddar]

Well, I'm only a wolf whenever I need to be. That's when the bond between Luna and I is the strongest and we can communicate directly with each other. Anyway, I'll lead you all through the cave if you'll follow me. *At that, Dion stood up and strode towards a southern part of the cave*

[Daxece]

*gets up and follows him*

[CO Cheddar]

*Dion led the others deep into the cave until they came to a solid looking brick wall in the distance. Dion yelled as he lunged at the wall, kicking a hole in the cave wall. More of the wall then began to crumble to dust.*

That was a weak manmade wall designed to make people think that this was a dead end. The rest of this tunnel leads to a cave in the mountains.

[batgirl]

*Jade was looking through the ice at the ominous sky. Her darkness had completely envelopped it, but she was getting mental pains everytime a lightning bolt was deflected to her realm. We really should get going. I don't know how long I can keep the darkness up. Her hand instinctively felt her broad sword as they continued into the cave.

[Daxece]

*looks at jade*drop the shadow. we dont need it anymore so you can relax for a bit

[CO Cheddar]

*Dion led the others through the cave for a few more minutes. Finally, a slim shaft of light shone through the darkness, illuminating the way. As they approached the light, they were greeted by a view of mountain peaks in early morning*

Here we are. Welcome to the mountains.

[a black mage]

*looks around* i would never have thought........not like i cared

[Daxece]

what gareth...you dont like the mountins? *pats his poney and looks around.*

[a black mage]

oh its not that, i just never cared for anything outside of my life *takes another bite* like my horse?, good Daisy

[Daxece]

*pets the horse some more* ::dont worry little pony...im sure he loves you too:: *smiles at gareth*

[a black mage]

*smiles back* what a view

[Daxece]

yeah...ive heard these mountins are at their most beautiful during the spring...although i wouldnt know if thats true or not...

[stuper of thought]

*looks around after getting out of the cave* these mountains are part of wind and lunar lore. the vally holds the hidden ruins of the ancient wind clan. fortunatly, one member of that clan survived to pass on the powers and traditions of the wind. it is my understanding that on the peaks, there are crystals that enhance the powers of luna if they're activated. *looks at dion* Dion, do you know anything about that?

[CO Cheddar]

They exist. I've been up to the peak and fought their Guardian, but I barely escaped with my life. Since that, I've been training and honing my powers to defeat the Guardian one day.

OOC: Well, gotta go. School calls.

[batgirl]

*Looks out at the large view*It's beautiful, perhaps with our help Dion, we can help you defeat this guardian. I mean, it may have some connection with the crystals and all.

[a black mage]

but shurly with all your powers combined you could defeat such an opponent *sits down* what kind of creature is this?

[CO Cheddar]

The guardian of the crystals is a strange being made of pure lunar mana. It has the ability to change its shape at will; no one knows what its true form is. When I fought it, it always seemed to know what I was doing beforehand, so I believe it can read minds as well. Whatever else it can do, it is a deadly foe who should not be taken lightly.

[a black mage]

not even with you combined? *streaches* well, i personally don't know about what you people talk about so you can just disscuass this on your own

[stuper of thought]

Dion, you may be right. did you notice any weaknesses when you fought it?

[CO Cheddar]

Just one. As the Guardian of the crystals, it needs to be near the crystals at all times or it loses a great deal of its power. It never leaves the crystals, however, so I don't see how that could help.

[stuper of thought]

what is the probbability of drawing the guardian away from the crystals if all of us attack it?

[CO Cheddar]

I suppose that it's possible to draw the Guardian away if we get it angry enough. We might be able to do that if one of us attacks it from a distance while everyone else remains hidden and safe from mental probing. If it thinks that there's only one of us, it might get careless.

[stuper of thought]

what would you suggest as a ranged weapon?

[CO Cheddar]

I have a bow, so I can snipe it off at a distance. I have a score to settle with the Guardian, so I'd be happy to do this.

[stuper of thought]

would it help if i enchanted your arrows with a portion of my strength? *whipsers to dion on the wind* mabye you can weaken it significantly if you hit it with two lightning enchanted arrows

[CO Cheddar]

That would work, as long as you do it in secret so others don't see you. Thank you, Pete.

[Daxece]

*ears twitch and she looks at the two talking*

[stuper of thought]

*looks at delta* we're discussing strategy against the crystals guardian

[Daxece]

*gives a slight smile and nods to him*

[a black mage]

*leans back and relaxes in a half meditative state* Daisy came over and sniffed him for a carrot will i have to fight this creature, or will i hide and watch?

[stuper of thought]

*looks at gareth* so far, it's looking like dion will try to draw it away from the crystals and the rest of us will ambush it.

[a black mage]

sounds like fun *gives Daisy a carrot* I havin't used my sword in months

[CO Cheddar]

I long for battle as well. Shall we climb up to the peak now? *At that, Dion started briskly jogging towards the peak and the Guardian it harbored.*

[a black mage]

*lazily looks at him walk up the mountain and flips upright* alright, lets go *pats Daisy and tells her to hurry up* hey, don't go too far ahead *he and the horse follow*

[stuper of thought]

*pete puts his hood up and starts silently enchanting Dion's arrows with lightning after catching up to him*

[Daxece]

*walks with them just listening to the wind*

[stuper of thought]

*pete whispers to dion when he finishes enchanting the arrows* your arrows are ready. i made it so that they're enchanted so that only you can use them more than once and cause more damage with them. *having said that, pete draws his short sword and starts silently enchanting it with air and lightning*

[batgirl]

So my blade will taste blood once again, if that is what it takes... *Jade mulled over the startegy that was formulated for a minute* I believe that the monster may still not want to leave the crystals and may sacrifice its' body so that it could stay near. However, my control over shadows does give me a valuable talent that may be able to help. If we can't get the monster away from the crystals, perhaps we can get the crystals away from the monster?

[CO Cheddar]

Get the crystals... Jade, do you mean that you can move the crystals themselves?

[stuper of thought]

::can the crystals really be moved?:: it's worth trying

[CO Cheddar]

Wait a minute... I think I understand. The crystals may not be able to be moved, but it doesn't matter if the Guardian thinks they were moved. Illusions can work very well, you know.

[stuper of thought]

*pete thinks for a moment and gets the small crystal he's kept hidden out* dion, does the crystal have this shape?

[CO Cheddar]

Hmm... no, it doesn't. The Guardian would be able to tell it from the real crystal in an instant. However... *Dion took the crystal from Pete and began to channel Lunar Mana into it. Soon, its shape began to change until it looked for all the world the Lunar Crystal. With even the aura that the real crystal would give off, I think the Guardian would be hard pressed to tell the difference between this and the other.

[stuper of thought]

I was thinking that mabye The Guardian could be decieved by this crystal and follow it when jade's shadow is up.

[Daxece]

wiat something doenst make sence. jade you should fesably be able to grab that crystal and hold it in your element realm...kind of like a pocket of sorts. if youre not sure how to do this i know how to. i do it all the time. but it would be safer if you did it seeing as water and electricity dont mix very well

[stuper of thought]

*looks at delta* theoreticly, it is possible to do that with any element realm. *looks at jade* Jade, it should be really easy for someone like you to do that.

[CO Cheddar]

*While they were talking, Dion snuck away from the others and strode closer to the peaks. There, in plain sight, stood the Guardian. It was all Dion could do not to rush out at the guardian, especially as he remembered their last fight.*

:Patience, Dion. You can't just go in there without help and expect to kill that thing...:

[batgirl]

Technically, it is feasable, but I had something else in mind. One of the talents that my powers grant me is the ability to turn myself and things I hold invisible. I can take the crystal and turn myself and it invisible while you fight the guardian. It might be able to sense the crystal, but without a clear target to see, it will probably have a hard time hitting me, and it'll be distracted so you can attack. I could also take the crystal into my realm, but it might cause complications because darkness and light are natural opposites. But whatever sounds better to you all is what I'll do.

[stuper of thought]

it won't give off light until it is activated so that won't be too much of a problem. i suggest that you make it invisible for as long as possible but take it into your realm if nessecary.

[a black mage]

*takes out his sword and twirls it around a little* so now i wait, i suppose

[stuper of thought]

*looks around and sees dions tracks going up the mountain and starts going after him* dion, jade mentioned that she can turn herself and anything she holds invisible so you better come down and throw in your thoughts about that idea

[Daxece]

*sighs* so tell me. even if the crystal is invisable it can still draw power from it. some things dont need to see it to know its there. i dont think making it invisable is going to stop this thing expecialy if it has been around the crystal for a very long time, logic says that it knows when its around. it might follow you around the whole room because it can feel you. to put it in your realm to to put it out of the way period end of. if you cant do that then i can. though i know the risk of sending an oposit element into the realm could be quite...deadly shall we say. *thinks for a second* this is what i think we should do. you try and make it out of the room with that thing being invisable, if it follows you and you dont think you can handle it in your realm i can take it. though...it will take me a few days to get it back from my realm. im not sure if thats how it works with you jade *gives her a smile* what do you think?

[CO Cheddar]

I have an idea that I believe may work. Even with the power to send the crystal into another realm, the danger of getting too near the Guardian is plain to see; that thing is a deadly adversary. Here's my idea; I go and distract the Guardian with my arrows while one of you slips by and takes the crystal. Although the creature can read minds, I may be able to distract it in the heat of battle. What do you all think?

[Daxece]

that sounds good. i think we need to order these plans into an A B C so if one doesnt work we can quickly switch gears

[CO Cheddar]

Alright. I'll distract the Guardian while you or one of the others makes off with the orb. If it looks like I won't make it, come up with a new plan. *Dion then strode towards the Guardian, concentrating to keep his mind from being read, and fired a few arrows at it.*

[stuper of thought]

*causes the wind to whisper to dion* I could strike it with a charged air beam surrounding a lightning bolt if it'll help. i'd have to be seperated from the rest of the group though.

[CO Cheddar]

*As Dion fired arrows at the Guardian, it shaped its body to dodge all of them. He was beginning to get desparate until he heard Pete's voice.*
Whatever you can do to help, Pete. This thing is very formadable and I don't think I'll be able to kill it alone. *Dion then fired another few arrows at the Guardian, trying to think of how to harm it. Maybe if he could get closer to the Crystal...*

[stuper of thought]

*Pete started to move to the other side of and up the mountain after hearing dion's voice on the wind. after getting to the spot, he fired an immense amount of lightning and air energy from the crystal of his staff at the guardian when he made sure it was in site*

[CO Cheddar]

*The Guardian was so busy fighting Dion that it was unable to dodge Pete's wind blast. As it recoiled in pain, Dion fired several more arrows at it, most of which hit. Although still strong, the Guardian was beginning to weaken, giving Dion courage.*

[Daxece]

*seeing that jade wont go after the crystal she sees a perfect opening. turns herself into a puddle water and rolls on over behind the Gardian twords the crystal. slightly lifts up and engulfs the crystal then dissapring altogether into her own world*

[batgirl]

OOC: Didn't post fast enough I guess

BIC: Jade saw Delta grab the crystal and dissappear. I guess if she's gonna take the crystal, I should help fight that thing. Jade moved into range and blasted the monster with a concentrated blast of pure darkness. It managed to dodge it, but Jade was right next to it, sword raised and glowing with black energy. She sliced into the Guardian, but it only smacked her away with its giant arm, leaving her prized sword embedded in its' side. Quite a backhand that guy has.

[Daxece]

OOC: oh hun. i didnt relise you were around. why dont we edit our post and you get it since that was the plan.

[CO Cheddar]

*The Guardian gave a shriek of immense pain, looking for but not finding the one who stole the crystal. It then turned its attention completely to Dion, pummeling the man.*
Damn it! Take this you freak! *At that, Dion kicked the Guardian, sending it sprawling to the ground. He then took out his bow and fired a volley of arrows at the Guardian. Unable to dodge them without the crystal's aid, the Guardian fell dead, stricken by Dion's arrows.*
Thank you, Delta. I don't know if I would have been able to harm that thing much if you hadn't helped me.

[Daxece]

*comes back to her solid state looking a little worried*are you guys ok?

[stuper of thought]

*seeing that the guardian is dead, pete walks up to where the rest of the group is a little frayed around the edges* I'm alright. just a little sore from the strike. how long is it going to be until the crystal is back?

[CO Cheddar]

Yeah. The Guardian went crazy on me for a moment there, but I survived.

[Daxece]

*turns around and looks at pete*would you care to tell me what caused lightning to strike the creatuer? i would love to know this since me and electricity dont get along very well

[stuper of thought]

you all did good. *whispers to dion* striking it with wind/lightning blast was a good idea if you ask me. do you think i should tell delta my little secret?

[Daxece]

*throws dion what appers to be an empty leather poutch*

[CO Cheddar]

*Dion caught the pouch and opened it* Ahh, this must be the cryst... *At that, his eyes glazed over and he entered a trance.*

...

Dion. Do you hear me?
L.. Luna? Milady, it is an honor to have you visit me.
Dion, listen to me. A great evil begins to move, and you and your friends are the only ones capable of stopping it.
What do you mean, Milady?
Let me explain it all to you, so listen carefully...

[stuper of thought]

*sees that dion won't answer immediatly and looks at delta* delta, i'm not sure now's the right time to for me to talk about that. *sits down on the ground* i will tell you this thought, when i was in training to become a wind mage, i conducted some tests during lightning storms to determine wether water conducts lightning. what i found is that the test subjects in water from lakes and rivers didn't die from lightning striking the water so water like that won't conduct electricity very easily. on the other hand, the water and test subjects i used from the oceans died when that water was struck by lightning so that can only determine that ocean water can conduct electricity. just keep in mind that i conducted these tests during a series of storms and the way that i got lightning to strike the water was flying kites attached to the bottoms of the tanks with light weight metal cable

[Daxece]

*nods her head in an ok*

[stuper of thought]

*starts meditating causing the wind to blow around him as he enters a trance after seeing delta nod an ok*

wind master, can you hear us?
who...are you?
we are the elder winds. listen to us very carefully. the evil that we have feared for centuries is making advances to break free of the crystal. you'll be needed at the crystal as soon as possible.
...but i don't know where it is
listen carefully as we tell you. it's...

[Daxece]

*watches them carefuly and continues to look around...* ::were did gareth run off to?::

[batgirl]

Jade gets up and removes her sword from the smoldering carcass of the Guardian. She then walks over to Delta "They're all in trances, that's a little creepy."

[a black mage]

ooc: darn! i missed the fight

[CO Cheddar]

The world is in grave danger. *Dion droned, still in a trance.* Darkness covers the land, seeking that which it had lost, and the Jackal seeks to break the seals. Time is of the essence. The ruins of wind... it may not be too late...

[stuper of thought]

*looks up at dion after meditating* Dion, are you thinking what i'm thinking about the ruins of wind?

[CO Cheddar]

Yes. Unless I'm way off about this, the Jackal will be heading for the ruins of wind to break the seal. We need to hurry there and try to stop him.

[stuper of thought]

that's part of what i was thinking. the rest of it was that there's runes down there that would strengthen my powers if I recite what they say. what i heard from the elder winds is that those runes are indestructable.

[CO Cheddar]

Runes? They would be very helpful if we can find them. Do you know where they are in the ruins, Pete?

[stuper of thought]

what i understand is that the runes are on a wall in the underground ruins. the problem is finding the path down from the ruins that can be seen from above the grounds.

[a black mage]

wait, wait *shakes head* we just defeated the gardian, and now we have to chase after this..........jackel?

[Daxece]

*looks at jade then looks at the guys* :: this is insane...i wish i was back home...before it got destroyed...>.< ::

[stuper of thought]

OOC: >.< reminds me of cartman and that group of characters for some reason.

IC:delta, i sensed that. the great evil's henchmen know where your home is. *hears some fighters talk about guarding delta's home to ambush her* they put guards there. it won't be safe until all evil is destroyed.

[CO Cheddar]

Trust me, Gareth, Cyrus the Jackal is a dangerous foe. He's the one who sent the storm at us and he sees us all as a threat that he must get rid of. Even Luna knows not his true intentions, however. And if your home is being guarded by your enemies, Delta, we don't know who is behind it, Cyrus or another. If the Jackal is behind it, rest assured that he will pursue us to the ends of the earth as long as you or he lives.

[CO Cheddar]

OOC: Just a little bump to keep the thread alive.

[a black mage]

ooc: i'm sorry but i can't think of anything to say. oh and i am going to be in washington D.C tommorow so no more posts till friday for me.

[stuper of thought]

*stands up and looks at everybody* we better be going so we have a chance to get to the ruins before that jackal does. but before we do, dion better try to activate the crystal some how.

[CO Cheddar]

*Dion nodded, reaching out to the crystal and picking it up. He then concentrated wholly on it, channeling all of his energies into awakening the dormant power of the dark green crystal. Finally, the crystal began to glow as its powers began to awaken and flowed into him. There. I've just revitalized the Lunar Crystal, so I should be able to help you more now that its powers are augmenting mine. Also, since the Lunar Seal has been reinforced, I don't think that Cyrus will be destroying it any time soon.

[stuper of thought]

*looks at dion* very well. i'm going to go ahead of everybody. I'll call on the wind and tell you what i see.

[CO Cheddar]

I understand. Just tell us if you find the Jackal so we can help. You're a power wind mage, Pete, but I don't know if you can beat him alone.

[stuper of thought]

*listens for a minute then puts a hand on dion's shoulder* dion, don't worry about how i'll fare on the way to the ruins. overall, i'm the fastest traveler in this party. I'm sure that delta could travel pretty fast through water but i can almost completly transform into air and travel at stormy speeds. i better be off *transforms and blasts down to the ruins and sees it vacant, then calls dion on the wind* I don't see anything here. i'm going to search for a way to get to the runes while everybody's coming down.

[CO Cheddar]

That's good. I'll head on over. *At that, Dion strode on down to the ruins at a fast pace. As he entered, the smell of mold assaulted him. After he created a Lunar Sphere to light up the dark ruins, he sent a telepathic message to Pete.* While you're looking for the runes, Pete, could you see if there's a light blue orb anywhere in the temple?

[stuper of thought]

*raises an eyebrow at the mention of a light blue orb and causes the wind to whisper to dion* i vaguely remember hearing about a light blue orb. i don't know much about it but i'll keep an eye out for it while i'm looking for the runes.