Psycho had just stepped foot in the Library of Athklata when the young girl approached him. Upon the sight of her he knew what she was, and who had sent her. Sliver had always had known his flavor of messenger. The girl was young fresh and pure As she breathed you could see her skin flush from the fresh blood pumping through her and into her now flushing face.
The sheer beauty of the girl could only mean that Sliver wanted something from him. What he would find in the letter would likely have a request that was above and beyond any simple matter. As Psycho took the message from the girl he saw indeed that the letter was bound with a thick wax bearing the bug's ring. Sliver's note was short and to the point. There was an important matter that his most trusted Knight needed his personal attention with. Usually Psycho assumed the patrol was in some mortal danger, but he was not entirely sure this time. Fighting, Killing, and the blood spilled in battle was so permanent in the lives of mortals. Psycho's eternal struggle had seen more blood and death than he would care to share with anyone in a lifetime. But he was happy to sacrifice his time to protect and serve his Order, he was even happy to bleed for them, but some business cost more than blood and sweat. He would have to see what Sliver wanted, she was his favorite and he was sure it would have to be good.
After the night was through he sent his reply to Sliver by means of the messenger girl. He sent her with a letter sealed with the stamp of his Penguin Invasion ring. When she left Psycho the flush from her face was gone, her face was colorless and there was a sweat was upon her brow.Psycho's response was even short than the initial message.
'I have returned to the library.'
Led by a Light - Part 3
Brought back to the room by her voice, "I can not read these runess.. There iss another in the Order.." Their eyes met, and her mandibles were moving excitedly at the discovery of these texts, "He performss most of his studiess within our Order's most holy and hidden city.."
She paused, her face growing hesitant, "But none may know itss location outsside of the Order.." Wrack could see the line of questioning unfurling before him..
The chance to learn about his past, his present, and his future..
Wrack looked to the pages of his father's book, the inks written in a strong hand, a hand that may have belonged to the man he thought he knew..
This Order could be his only chance to know the truth, to repay a debt to the forces that strike fear into the hearts of the innocent.. This could be the answer he sought.
"I wish to join the Order. I wish to fight for justice against evil, and to gain the knowledge needed to protect the realms."
She smiled as she rose form her seat, closing the book and sliding it into the leather satchel. Extending her forelimb, she offered it back to Wrack.
He slid the familiar strap over his shoulder, but it had a different feeling now that he knew what lay within it.. It felt heavier.
"zoriadimm.. halasss.."
The shimmer he had seen before in the alley of New Thalos rippled before her, and the fabric of space and time opened like a curtain.. revealing a vast port city larger than any he had ever seen before..
"Come, let usss learn more together.."
She paused, her face growing hesitant, "But none may know itss location outsside of the Order.." Wrack could see the line of questioning unfurling before him..
The chance to learn about his past, his present, and his future..
Wrack looked to the pages of his father's book, the inks written in a strong hand, a hand that may have belonged to the man he thought he knew..
This Order could be his only chance to know the truth, to repay a debt to the forces that strike fear into the hearts of the innocent.. This could be the answer he sought.
"I wish to join the Order. I wish to fight for justice against evil, and to gain the knowledge needed to protect the realms."
She smiled as she rose form her seat, closing the book and sliding it into the leather satchel. Extending her forelimb, she offered it back to Wrack.
He slid the familiar strap over his shoulder, but it had a different feeling now that he knew what lay within it.. It felt heavier.
"zoriadimm.. halasss.."
The shimmer he had seen before in the alley of New Thalos rippled before her, and the fabric of space and time opened like a curtain.. revealing a vast port city larger than any he had ever seen before..
"Come, let usss learn more together.."
Led by a Light - Part 2
Wrack's thoughts became less jumbled, and sense started to be made, but he didn't quite grasp her point. "My father was a farmer in Beregost, I'll admit I don't know anything about this book.. It changes to many forms as I glance through its pages.. But I didn't even know it existed until the day he died."
"Curiousss.." she whispered, as she slid it between the pair of them, "If thiss iss what I think it isss.." She glanced up at the glowing light, which changed to flames of red.
As she began flipping through the pages quickly, Wrack saw the many notes of his father flip before him, followed by his own.. until empty pages..
Seeing nothing of note, he looked at her questioningly, but her gaze was focused on the pages. Looking back down, he began to see why.. The pages were slowly forming symbols he had never before seen.
"Asss I susspected.." she stopped the pages from turning and looked up at the ball of light, seeming to smile, "Thiss book once belonged to our Order.. It is written in our inkss.."
Wrack paused, his thoughts racing..
Who was his father?
Where did this book come from?
Did his father write these pages?
"Curiousss.." she whispered, as she slid it between the pair of them, "If thiss iss what I think it isss.." She glanced up at the glowing light, which changed to flames of red.
As she began flipping through the pages quickly, Wrack saw the many notes of his father flip before him, followed by his own.. until empty pages..
Seeing nothing of note, he looked at her questioningly, but her gaze was focused on the pages. Looking back down, he began to see why.. The pages were slowly forming symbols he had never before seen.
"Asss I susspected.." she stopped the pages from turning and looked up at the ball of light, seeming to smile, "Thiss book once belonged to our Order.. It is written in our inkss.."
Wrack paused, his thoughts racing..
Who was his father?
Where did this book come from?
Did his father write these pages?
Led by a Light - Part 1
The world spun, at least it felt like it spun.. Darkness surrounded everything, his vision, his body, his spirit.. Every fiber of his being felt as if it was being torn to shreds in anger and then replaced with the utmost care.
Until finally.. it all stopped, and Wrack stood in a large chamber, as if he'd been there all along.
In the center of the room was a polished black marble table, surrounded by stone chairs. Hovering above it all, was a soft white light, shining down upon his leather pack, with the book laying upon it, closed.
Sliver was already seated in one of the chairs, her forelimb extended, inviting him to sit. As he stepped the few yards to the table, his boots did not echo into the vast chamber..
Though he could see no walls, it seemed comfortable, and protected. He took the chair by its back and slid it easily from the table, as if weightless.. and took a seat across the table from the large insect who had led him here.
"Where are we?" he started, "And what do you know about my father?" His questions were disconnected, probably due to the traveling, but they were fair questions nonetheless.
"We are in a protected chamber of my Order.." she replied, "Your father however.."
She turned slightly, facing the book, as if the answer was more complex than before..
Until finally.. it all stopped, and Wrack stood in a large chamber, as if he'd been there all along.
In the center of the room was a polished black marble table, surrounded by stone chairs. Hovering above it all, was a soft white light, shining down upon his leather pack, with the book laying upon it, closed.
Sliver was already seated in one of the chairs, her forelimb extended, inviting him to sit. As he stepped the few yards to the table, his boots did not echo into the vast chamber..
Though he could see no walls, it seemed comfortable, and protected. He took the chair by its back and slid it easily from the table, as if weightless.. and took a seat across the table from the large insect who had led him here.
"Where are we?" he started, "And what do you know about my father?" His questions were disconnected, probably due to the traveling, but they were fair questions nonetheless.
"We are in a protected chamber of my Order.." she replied, "Your father however.."
She turned slightly, facing the book, as if the answer was more complex than before..
Westbridge 4/4
It was a shock, the Esper woke up from a horrible nightmare, he openned his eyes staring at at least ten people there laughing at him while he drips of his first cold sweat. His heart was pounding in fear having that nightmare and awakening in a foreign place.
"Where am I?" he asked, the people around him continued to laugh. "What do you want from me?" he continued, yet he was being laughed at again.
A voice from behind these people said out loud "Welcome to Westbridge". The men began to scatter and he was greeted by the inn guard Buba.
"Westbridge? How did I ended up here?" the Esper asked desperately.
According to the Inn's guests he was brought here on a hunter's caravan, they picked him up when they were passing by the area he lost his consciousness and he was out for seven days.
"What? Seven? You're lying!" he screamed.
A moment of silence occured as everyone stared at him, clueless towards his intentions as he is harmless. The Inn continued to be abuzz once again after the guests decided to continue to get drunk.
He walked outside to get some fresh air, as he walked out of the inns doors he saw a grand city, so much life and colors unlike the places he has been. Children running around saying they wish to be a part of the Order when they come of age, he asked the children "What order young ones?".
"Radiant Heart! They have been keeping us safe all this while." they replied.
"To whom must I speak to if I were to enquire?"
The children pointed towards the Arena "One was spotted there earlier, look for the one with checkered hearts"
"Where am I?" he asked, the people around him continued to laugh. "What do you want from me?" he continued, yet he was being laughed at again.
A voice from behind these people said out loud "Welcome to Westbridge". The men began to scatter and he was greeted by the inn guard Buba.
"Westbridge? How did I ended up here?" the Esper asked desperately.
According to the Inn's guests he was brought here on a hunter's caravan, they picked him up when they were passing by the area he lost his consciousness and he was out for seven days.
"What? Seven? You're lying!" he screamed.
A moment of silence occured as everyone stared at him, clueless towards his intentions as he is harmless. The Inn continued to be abuzz once again after the guests decided to continue to get drunk.
He walked outside to get some fresh air, as he walked out of the inns doors he saw a grand city, so much life and colors unlike the places he has been. Children running around saying they wish to be a part of the Order when they come of age, he asked the children "What order young ones?".
"Radiant Heart! They have been keeping us safe all this while." they replied.
"To whom must I speak to if I were to enquire?"
The children pointed towards the Arena "One was spotted there earlier, look for the one with checkered hearts"
Lost in Dreams 3/4
Whispers...whispers....whispers, a soft voice being heard, couldn't tell who, what or where, he began to lose his consciousness again.
This feeling....it's so tiring, the comfort.... the voices....too soothing wishing to remain there forever. "Roaming a mysterious area in black and white, the feeling is this isn't walking, its hovering. The area is cold, full of death, skeletons and swords, shields lie on the floor, without doubt it looked to be a battle, but from when? Was this in the past or a premonition of the future?".
"Going further, approaching a cliff. At the tip of the cliff, a castle is sighted in ruins, it has been abandoned for ages with no living soul in it".
"Standing on the castle gates, filled with the odor of rotten corpses, teleported into the throne room, it was all in ruins, a King's throne smeathered to pieces, teleported again into the castle vaults, it was emptied".
Chills went down his spine as he was aware of being watched. He turned around, nothing was there. The wind began to blow.
"A voice being heard along the corridors, weeping in sorrow. Approaching the voice gives intense chills down the spine, heart began to thump..thump...thump....".
That voice began to sound louder as the Esper walked towards the dungeons, he sense no life in the entire castle walls yet there is in front of him. A long-dark haired woman, dressed in tattered prisoner cloth, in chains facing the light above the ceiling weeping "it is the end". He stood behind this weeping woman and whispered with a low voice "Hello?". The weeping stopped, she looked down, away from that tiny hole of a light, began muttering in some gibberish dialect that was never heard before. She began to turn her head slowly, only no living being is able to do what she has, a full neck turn that would twist any head off its socket.
The woman hissed "You...shouldn't...be...alive..all..this..time".
Her face seemed familiar, the Esper could sworn they have met before. There were no skin to be found on her hands, only skeletons yet, not an undead. Her death glare saw through his soul and she leaped towards him in speed, with fangs and a loud scream.
This feeling....it's so tiring, the comfort.... the voices....too soothing wishing to remain there forever. "Roaming a mysterious area in black and white, the feeling is this isn't walking, its hovering. The area is cold, full of death, skeletons and swords, shields lie on the floor, without doubt it looked to be a battle, but from when? Was this in the past or a premonition of the future?".
"Going further, approaching a cliff. At the tip of the cliff, a castle is sighted in ruins, it has been abandoned for ages with no living soul in it".
"Standing on the castle gates, filled with the odor of rotten corpses, teleported into the throne room, it was all in ruins, a King's throne smeathered to pieces, teleported again into the castle vaults, it was emptied".
Chills went down his spine as he was aware of being watched. He turned around, nothing was there. The wind began to blow.
"A voice being heard along the corridors, weeping in sorrow. Approaching the voice gives intense chills down the spine, heart began to thump..thump...thump....".
That voice began to sound louder as the Esper walked towards the dungeons, he sense no life in the entire castle walls yet there is in front of him. A long-dark haired woman, dressed in tattered prisoner cloth, in chains facing the light above the ceiling weeping "it is the end". He stood behind this weeping woman and whispered with a low voice "Hello?". The weeping stopped, she looked down, away from that tiny hole of a light, began muttering in some gibberish dialect that was never heard before. She began to turn her head slowly, only no living being is able to do what she has, a full neck turn that would twist any head off its socket.
The woman hissed "You...shouldn't...be...alive..all..this..time".
Her face seemed familiar, the Esper could sworn they have met before. There were no skin to be found on her hands, only skeletons yet, not an undead. Her death glare saw through his soul and she leaped towards him in speed, with fangs and a loud scream.
Helplessness 2/4
Many were butchered, their goods stolen and he could only cast his healing spells. The thieves considered the Esper as a threat and began charging. "He thought he was going to die on that day" until a blade prevented it. It was the merchant leader yelling at the thieves "Not today! Run for your life young one, don't bother trying! They're gone." When he ran towards the forest he heard the merchant leader's scream stopped. He turned and realized the merchant was stabbed with six swords piercing his body and an axe on his skull.
Dark clouds began to develop along with loud thunders due to being on a mountain, rain began to pour as the Esper flees from the thieves, decending from the mountain-pass. He tried a few combat spells but was no master of it, the spells were dodged by the pursuers as he was helpless in defending himself. He tried to teleport away, but it takes too long to cast as he must be stationary to perform a spell.
His stepped onto an old log and got his leg stucked, with the mindset of "the thieves will catchup to me and rob me off my life" he forcibly pulled his leg out of the log, ending up with a bad wound on his left ankle. He was suprised as his rapid regeneration abilities seemed to be unable to work as it has never failed him before. Being temporarily crippled, the Esper tripped, fell into a foliage and hit his head on a rock. His vision began to grow dark and blurr. The thunder and rain, with the yelling of the thieves soon became an echo. Without realizing he lost his consciousness.
Dark clouds began to develop along with loud thunders due to being on a mountain, rain began to pour as the Esper flees from the thieves, decending from the mountain-pass. He tried a few combat spells but was no master of it, the spells were dodged by the pursuers as he was helpless in defending himself. He tried to teleport away, but it takes too long to cast as he must be stationary to perform a spell.
His stepped onto an old log and got his leg stucked, with the mindset of "the thieves will catchup to me and rob me off my life" he forcibly pulled his leg out of the log, ending up with a bad wound on his left ankle. He was suprised as his rapid regeneration abilities seemed to be unable to work as it has never failed him before. Being temporarily crippled, the Esper tripped, fell into a foliage and hit his head on a rock. His vision began to grow dark and blurr. The thunder and rain, with the yelling of the thieves soon became an echo. Without realizing he lost his consciousness.
Traverse 1/4
Being in existance for centuries, he has traveled the realm in silence. Witnessing the differences in the places he has explored, he prays to the gods for no innocent souls shall fall into the pits of hell. Travelling with a dark old cloak, this medium sized Esper looks no different than any human who has wandered the realm, the only difference is his long pale-white hair hidden inside the hood with grey eyes. At first glance, many may have the perception that this Esper is evil, looks can be deceiving. The night skies have been his friend due to the gifts of an Esper, enabling to see in the dark, detect surroundings for magic and regenerating their own wounds.
He is known as Shatehou, a wanderer of lost cause. Centuries have passed, not recalling his origin he ended up as he is without a family. Only to realize is the gifts he possesses, rapid healing faster than any spell exists to be muttered. As he was in the middle of his journey to nowhere, he has heared of many stories throughout the realm. The fact that one clan dares to stand up against the evils caught his attention, "Order of the Radiant Heart", thinking "they must have the guts".
Considered young for an Esper, he possesses the looks of a teenager. On dawn he was continuing his journey from a nameless village, following a group of merchants to the next town as the leader of the merchant grew fond of him at first glance, only to realize being ambushed in the middle of the mountain road. The group of merchants weren't heavily armed compared to the thieves.
He is known as Shatehou, a wanderer of lost cause. Centuries have passed, not recalling his origin he ended up as he is without a family. Only to realize is the gifts he possesses, rapid healing faster than any spell exists to be muttered. As he was in the middle of his journey to nowhere, he has heared of many stories throughout the realm. The fact that one clan dares to stand up against the evils caught his attention, "Order of the Radiant Heart", thinking "they must have the guts".
Considered young for an Esper, he possesses the looks of a teenager. On dawn he was continuing his journey from a nameless village, following a group of merchants to the next town as the leader of the merchant grew fond of him at first glance, only to realize being ambushed in the middle of the mountain road. The group of merchants weren't heavily armed compared to the thieves.
ghost of the future part 3
"The streets need protection, and a force strong enough to stand up to vector when they return. And I am sure they will come back with force. Vector is supported by the agents of evil, and during the invasion the attacks against the Radiant Heart had come most strongly, from The Order of Long Death, and Alsin. What puzzles me is that Alsin was been publicly championed by the Tripower for his efforts. Even though his efforts were ... killing members of my Order. If he is a member of the Tripower how can you say you will support us when you have no Armed force, and your Champion slaughters my Order?"
Psycho knew most of the answers before asking the questions but he wanted to hear how Ror would respond.
Ror took a moment to respond and simply said, "The Tripower does not control its citizens, they can be good or evil, and Alsin is no different. I heard that he was only defending himself from your people invading his house. And as for you support I take it you mean some kind of alliance between our forces?"
"The Order can not be allied with any who would allow the forces of evil to grow and flourish. But if the Tripower did train some capable of fighting, their effort against the Vectorians next time could prove a valuable asset."
The entire encounter had left Psycho wondering if the Tripower and the Keepers really had utilitarian purposes for Westbridge.
By the time Psycho had recounted all that had happened in the past month the bartender of the Crescent Star had closed up and brought Psycho a total of four bottles of icewine to drink. He was not quite drunk, but the wine clung to his breath as he spoke to the bartender.
"You are a good man, and a damn fine bartender. I apologize for keeping you away from your family and loved ones through the night."
"Family and loved ones! Ha! Today my friend you were the closest I got to any loved one."
Psycho dropped a satchel of platinum on the table with more coin than the bartender could easily lift.
"That is for you, and the key to the back room." The bartender threw Psycho a small key and said, "As long as I am working consider this bar you own."
Psycho took the key in hand, stood up, and returned to Athkatla.
Psycho knew most of the answers before asking the questions but he wanted to hear how Ror would respond.
Ror took a moment to respond and simply said, "The Tripower does not control its citizens, they can be good or evil, and Alsin is no different. I heard that he was only defending himself from your people invading his house. And as for you support I take it you mean some kind of alliance between our forces?"
"The Order can not be allied with any who would allow the forces of evil to grow and flourish. But if the Tripower did train some capable of fighting, their effort against the Vectorians next time could prove a valuable asset."
The entire encounter had left Psycho wondering if the Tripower and the Keepers really had utilitarian purposes for Westbridge.
By the time Psycho had recounted all that had happened in the past month the bartender of the Crescent Star had closed up and brought Psycho a total of four bottles of icewine to drink. He was not quite drunk, but the wine clung to his breath as he spoke to the bartender.
"You are a good man, and a damn fine bartender. I apologize for keeping you away from your family and loved ones through the night."
"Family and loved ones! Ha! Today my friend you were the closest I got to any loved one."
Psycho dropped a satchel of platinum on the table with more coin than the bartender could easily lift.
"That is for you, and the key to the back room." The bartender threw Psycho a small key and said, "As long as I am working consider this bar you own."
Psycho took the key in hand, stood up, and returned to Athkatla.
ghosts of the future part 2
Psycho located the Theater that Ror wanted to see. It was colorful and the building felt full of life even though there were no patrons inside. The many colored lights were controlled from a workbench covered with wires extending into the wall and up each light. The chairs were red velvet. Ror asked Psycho to wait in the seats for a bit while he checked out backstage. Ror spoke to the ticket counter and was allowed behind stage. After a bit the house lights dimmed and the curtains opened. Ror burst onto stage."Ladies and Gentlemen Boys and Girls, Citizens of all ages!"
The words were not important, the presentation and stage presence was incredible. This would be one of Tripowers major reconstructive efforts of Westbridge. Psycho felt if they were going to construct a school for citizen's primary education and a theater; A secondary school for advanced studies would also be appropriate. Psycho believe The public would benefit strongly from research quality labs, and that maybe the public labs could bolster private research.
Along with the trip to the theater there was still much business to discuss. It turns out that Ror had his sights on much more than just the school. Ror asked him how much he had really seen when Kefka exploded into shards. He had been looking for shards of Kefka's armor! It was not likely that anyone from within the Order had told Ror about their search for shards as well, and he certainly did not know of the pieces tucked away in any of the private labs.
Whatever the Tripower was up to Psycho had a feeling Vorcet had been working his magic with the Tripower behind a veil of secrets. Ror may or may not have had another agenda, either way Ror was not prepared to share the actual problem with the Order.
Ror spoke a bit more before Psycho decided to test the relationship between the two.
The words were not important, the presentation and stage presence was incredible. This would be one of Tripowers major reconstructive efforts of Westbridge. Psycho felt if they were going to construct a school for citizen's primary education and a theater; A secondary school for advanced studies would also be appropriate. Psycho believe The public would benefit strongly from research quality labs, and that maybe the public labs could bolster private research.
Along with the trip to the theater there was still much business to discuss. It turns out that Ror had his sights on much more than just the school. Ror asked him how much he had really seen when Kefka exploded into shards. He had been looking for shards of Kefka's armor! It was not likely that anyone from within the Order had told Ror about their search for shards as well, and he certainly did not know of the pieces tucked away in any of the private labs.
Whatever the Tripower was up to Psycho had a feeling Vorcet had been working his magic with the Tripower behind a veil of secrets. Ror may or may not have had another agenda, either way Ror was not prepared to share the actual problem with the Order.
Ror spoke a bit more before Psycho decided to test the relationship between the two.
ghost of the future
As the Morningstar was closing Psycho reflected upon a third ghost. The ghost of things yet to come. It had bee a little over a month ago that Psycho had been called upon by Ror. His final thoughts of the night had been his most troubling.
"I require assistance investigation some elements that we want to use for to the school house of Westbridge."
"A Theater in the Ruins of Tru should give us some ideas."
Psycho called upon a wizard of his Order to transport the two of them to Myth Drannor. From the Forrest Psycho lead the way through the Stormhorn mountains and up along the the village of Tru. Upon our arrival several Vectorian soldiers were noted on patrol. Had Vector been in Tru before they came or were they looking for Ror? Or even Psycho himself?! As they approached the patrol Ror elbowed Psycho.
"Will you please take care of them, we don't need Vector knowing we were here."
Psycho dispatched of the patrol quickly and without witness. The souls of the two men on patrol were not dark or clouded like the people he normally attacked; they were not pure hearted either. Killing did not bother Psycho unless it was someone he was close to. These soldiers were casualties of a war that still had steam yet to escape.
"I require assistance investigation some elements that we want to use for to the school house of Westbridge."
"A Theater in the Ruins of Tru should give us some ideas."
Psycho called upon a wizard of his Order to transport the two of them to Myth Drannor. From the Forrest Psycho lead the way through the Stormhorn mountains and up along the the village of Tru. Upon our arrival several Vectorian soldiers were noted on patrol. Had Vector been in Tru before they came or were they looking for Ror? Or even Psycho himself?! As they approached the patrol Ror elbowed Psycho.
"Will you please take care of them, we don't need Vector knowing we were here."
Psycho dispatched of the patrol quickly and without witness. The souls of the two men on patrol were not dark or clouded like the people he normally attacked; they were not pure hearted either. Killing did not bother Psycho unless it was someone he was close to. These soldiers were casualties of a war that still had steam yet to escape.
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