As the Lord of Darkness calls for his love, it is Rum who steps forward, his long stride taking him towards the Lord of Darkness.
His mind had been racing since the Lord of Darkness had appeared, with revelation after revelation regarding the Twilight Embers and their path. And worse, the captured form of Ro's father. A grin had spread across his face though, as there was mention of the defeat of the Gnolls, the Merregon and the wretched things.
The grin disappeared when the Merregon moved to surround what he assumed to be Greko's mouse form. He couldn't quite see from here, but in truth, he had been worried Greko had been killed already. The fact his friend was alive was actually a positive right now.
And then there was the glowing brains of the rats and ravens. He had known that the rats they met in the tunnel were not merely trying to escape. He had felt that mental push within his mind, urging him to release his grip on his own thoughts and relinquish control to something else. He had felt it, and...
But it was not important now, as he watched both Oten and Ro do the bidding of the Lord of Darkness. And the villain continued to taunt them, to mention betrayal and his love joining his side.
He couldn't resist the urge any longer, he couldn't stop himself from walking forward. There was a reason he was not the true chosen of the Dragonclaw Monastery, the one they sent to answer the call of the Childlike Empress. He had always been vain and full of pride. He had been sure that it was the Great Dragon's wish he travelled to the Ivory Tower, after what happened in the trial. It was in truth a surprise his name had been called when the naming of the bands was done, and he was accepted into what became the Twilight Embers.
As he walks forwards, his hackles start to raise and after a dozen paces he stops, letting the Lord of Darkness see him.
"That was a nice speech, self proclaimed Lord of Darkness", he shouts, his anger and the feeling of helplessness mixing with his pride. The latter finally getting the better of him. "Did Ganondorf write it for you? Apparently he has been the one who is one step ahead of us, not you. It was he who smuggled you out of the Great Deku Tree, covering your weak form from the sunlight like a scared rat pup. Lord of Darkness? Slave to it more like!", he continues, not wanting to look back and see their betrayer.
"It was Ganondorf who intercepted Ro's messages and likely brain washed my friends using that rat creature, not you. What exactly did you do in all this? Obviously Blix didn't bother to return, maybe he took the alicorn straight to Ganondorf, cut out the middle man? Maybe it is you who are trivial? We are here for your master!".
He stands, still not turning back, still not wanting to see the love the Lord of Darkness referred to step forward. Even though he was almost certain whoever it was would act against their will. Almost certain.
Having handed the cube over to Ro, Oten turns his back to Ro. His movements are stiff and his eyes glow red as his javelin slides into his hand. He stands as a formidable sentry, his stance promising swift violence to any who would pass him to interfere with Ro.
"LORD OF DARKNESS!" Lelith yelled out, some may have thought it to be anger but it was none other than excitement. The Eladrin's cold contenance was nowhere to be seen as an unmistakeable deep rosy blush contrasted with her pale fae features. Lelith took off with no fanfare, the fastest she has ever flown right into the arms of the Devil whom she passionately hugged and looked up to him with worship and admiration.
"My Lord! Please do tell me, did I follow your orders well?" Lelith asked with pure unbridled energy, "What is the next step? We could have their shrines burn, their streets run with blood, their false idols to Hylia shattered, their people slaughtered by the thousands, their very world torn apart… and only then the barest fraction of our hatred will be satisfied."
"My lord, you should not accept such insolence from these insects. Let me offer you my humble advice, I have been taught this quite well in my noble education. Butcher his people's warriors without mercy. Crush their armies and leave none alive. But do not stop there. Burn his cities. Make a mockery of that snake he worships as a god. Slaughter everything and everyone until he kneels in the ashes of those he sought to protect. Only then will he understand the true fury of the Lord of Darkness," Lelith eagerly gave it her all without restraint and no morals to speak of.
Well, this has been quite a day. So many memories. Such a short span of time. Many bad memories. The monsters come, they tear everything apart, and the only thing that's left is the memories. Good...bad. Tuto is always late, he was never on time to help. All he had was his music. He attempted to play their songs, make it sound as close to their voices as possible. It was never the same. It was awful music.
His friends, his new friends. They're in trouble. But...he's here now. He can help. They're not memories. Not yet. He's not going to let the monsters win, not without a fight. If Tuto shall die, he shall die playing.
Tuto watched Oten make the exchange with the pyramid to Ro in silence. They're not themselves, it's clear. A common trick. It's getting old at this point. Still, everyone knows the best tricks.
So does Tuto.
Tuto crawled down Oten's back as quick as he could. As his feet hit the floor, his flute was already in his hands. He looked to Ro, somber behind the mask, but with a task. He played a familiar melody, and in Ro's mind, he heard a familiar crackle of a campfire. (Tuto casts Dispel Magic on Ro)
As Ro begins to work, the Lament Configuration, it changes once again, becoming something akin to a morning star as Ro's fingers work, then losing its points to become a polyhedronal sphere. It was like his mental state had more to do with solving the configuration than his hands.
Darkness watches what he has wrought and smiles gleefully at Ro's work, then looks at Rum.
"What is it they say?" Darkness says to Rum as he twirls his greatsword in one hand. "Pride is greatest before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall? Yes, it rolls past my lips like a cool drink. Darkness? Ganondorf? Soon...oh, so, so very soon, Twilight Embers...the two names will be indiscernible. Ah, but let's not get ahead of ourselves here! Do any of you really think I had her lead you to me to be unprepared for any of your trifling? Pathetic. You should have stuck to your hunt for the Alicorn instead of deciding to take it upon yourselves to be the heroes you thought you were...but clearly, you are not."
The grin becomes even more pretentious as Lelith calls to him, and crosses the clearing. He listens intently, his eyes shutting, wind sucking between his teeth. Her words are clearly ecstasy for him.
"To the word." He says, answering Lelith. "To the word. We will get there, my love. But first, these mosquitoes that buzz about our necks...must...be....dealt with."
He reaches his greatsword out, leveling it in the air over Greko...speaks some words...and dispels the magic of Greko's Wild Shape, leaving the Lizardfolk standing before him. The Merregons adjust their position, and Darkness reaches back with his sword, preparing a swing.
"Tell me, Rumble of Hunger....is your bravado worth your friend's life? Answer quick!"
Darkness readies the sword.
"Tut tut, Tuto. You can't save Ro, but you may be able to save Greko. Would you so foolishly throw away Greko's life when nothing you do will change the outcome here?"
As if for emphasis, he raises Paul Aleron up and gives him a shake. There is the sound of creaking flesh and bone as the Lord of Darkness squeezes the elder Aleron's head and neck in his grip and laughs. Paul utters a weak, mewling scream.
The rats and ravens, even Paul Aleron, still have glowing brains as Darkness's hand squeezes the hilt of his greatsword. Bulging with muscle, he makes hefting the dread, obsidian weapon look easy.
"I can read your thoughts." The Lord of Darkness says as he leans forward, his mouth next to Greko's ear. His voice is a little gentler, not as loud, but the rest of the band can still hear him. "You think those rats with the pretty lights are just for show? If you try it, I will kill all of you."
The Lament Configuration begins to shift into a new shape...
Rum watches as Lelith flies by him to embrace the Lord of Darkness, his eyes wide. He shakes his head sadly, disappointed and a little surprised. Lelith had proved herself to be a sadistic sociopath and he had already told her she was not Twilight Embers material in his view on one occasion. But she had been a Twilight Ember, had helped them get this far. He had long had his doubts about her, the way she treated Sorry for one, but the Ranch had been the final straw. But this was not what he had envisioned.
He curses himself for his weakness in allowing her to continue with the band, but he had felt at the time that they needed every weapon they could get. Now that weapon was in the hands of the enemy.
He forces himself to laugh as she speaks, not allowing his veneer of bravado to drop. "Former Ember Lelith”, he sneers shaking his head. “It must have been gut wrenching that this insect saved you in the Great Deku Tree. To have to call for these insects to help you after you were too careless and too weak to help yourself. And how much harder that I answered your call", he continues.
"In truth I would have expected better of you here. At least be consistent. A fey and a devil in courtship, what would the old Lelith say about that?!"
He turns his attention back to the Lord of Darkness, his hackles now down as he contemplates how truly they were beaten. And yet still his pride makes him carry on, stops him from excepting the obvious fate that awaits them. He retorts again as he edges forward, closing the gap between them inch by almost imperceptible inch.
“You read my mind, Darkness. Pride and haughtiness do come before a fall. I know you refer to me, but look in the mirror if you dare!”, he shouts back.
“True heroes continue no matter the odds. Being heroic is not always about winning, I can accept that. As long as I try. That is what the Twilight Embers stand for, hope. If the world knows that there are heroes, however fleeting their lives may be, that is the seed for more heroes to rise up in our place! If the Great Dragon wills this to be my destiny and my legacy, so be it”, he says, and watches as Greko appears now in his usual form.
He calls to his friend in Draconic, “Friend Greko, it has been an honour travelling with you. Whatever will be, will be. I stand or fall with you”.
He takes a moment to look behind him, at the scene of his friends Ro and Oten working for the enemy, and Tuto in their midst. Lady Kaede in a defensive posture, how unfortunate she came upon them. He looks around at the rats and the ravens with glowing brains, then back to the merregon, Lelith and Darkness himself surrounding Greko. He spoke of hope, but in truth he could use some himself right now.
"Great Dragon, show me the true path once more", he whispers in draconic.
A growl emanates from low in his throat as he hears the threat on Greko and his other friends lives. The fact it included himself was not in his mind.
“This is a lot of effort to go to if you aren’t threatened by us, Slave to Darkness! You needed us and still do, otherwise this would be over”, he calls finally, still trying to maintain the focus of the Lord of Darkness on himself.
Greko smiles at the dark lord and speaks loudly so that all of his friends can hear "Ah ha but you fail to realize that someone as old a myself often forgets the best laid plans. Oh I lost my train of thought thinking of a bird...in fact this bird" Greko lifts the wooden bird Ro made for him and throws it in the air. As the bird reaches its peak Greko yells to his friends "RUN YOU FOOLS!" and transforms into the twinkling archer shining bright light into the Dark Lord's face. Greko shoots a Guiding Bolt into the Dark Lord hoping to knock him back a few steps. Greko reaches for the Auryn, knowing his friends won't run and wishes them all away with the cube and the Auryn. He doesn't think of a place so the rats couldn't relay their position to the Dark Lord.
Greko twinkling takes out his shield and his flower staff and readies to fight the Dark Lord to his death
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As Tuto's music reaches Oten's auditory sensor's, his head rotates to look behind him, and the joints in his arm reverse. He thrusts fiercely at the small bard he has recently become close with.
Darkness laughs as Rum speaks, but the laugh tapers off as Greko starts talking. The Lizardfolk raises the bird in one hand, and Darkness's smile begins to fade.
So many things happen all at once.
"No..." Darkness says. His hand flexes. Paul Aleron's neck is broken instantly before his limp form is tossed to the side with all the disregard of garbage. The dark lord was already reaching for Greko as the Merregon's surged center, the pikes at the tips of the halberds and the points of swords biting into Greko's flesh as the Lord of Darkness roars in agony and throws one arm up over his face. The guiding bolt that strikes his chest crackles and sizzles as the beast is scorched by the attack. He stumbles back, screaming, part pain, part unbridled fury.
The AURYN appears around Rum's neck.
"No!" Darkness roars as he regains himself, the musculature of his form a surge of strength and power and he rushes forward again, the hilt of his obsidian sword gripped in both hands.
Reality shimmers.
The cube clicks into an elongated configuration...
The sword cuts a wide arc through the air as Darkness steps to Greko and cleaves his body asunder with the dreadful weapon in his hands even as the Greko's shield and flower staff are brought to bare; they stand no chance against the dark ones terrible weapon.
He doesn't give Greko the Green another thought. He steps over the old Lizardfolk in one stride and throws one hand out toward the remaining members of the Twilight Embers.
"NO!" He bellows with the voice of thunder. "Ro must be allowed to finish!"
Then the survivors of the Twilight Embers; Ro Aleron; Rumble of Hunger; Lady Kaede; Oten; Tuto; find themselves shimmering out of Hyrule Castle Town...and into the chambers of a hall far, far away where the only person they recognize is Jek Utinni...
The room is huge, and every wall, even the floor and ceilings in some areas, are dotted with huge mirrors; the sort of looking glasses that one may use to get a full picture of themselves before a ball or banquet, or to see how dapper they appear before they set off to war. The mirrors display images all across Hyboria, from the sands of the Shem, to the Faron Wood, the vast mushroom forests of Subternia, to the endless deserts of water that separate the continents. The old wizard walks among the mirrors, holding a strange, folding mirror in his hand as he does so before offering it up to the makeshift band he and Atreyu have created to step out to the Crater.
He pauses in front of the largest mirror and uses the toe of one shoe to poke at the trail of slime leading into it, then mutters something under his breath about that infernal snail.
"Easy with those birds. They're trained warmounts but I still don't completely trust them. You get one of them flapping around and afraid in this room and the whole operation would be decimated." Gandalf said, watching as the party entered the room one at a time, each pulling along a Death Hawk by its lead, save for Delphinium and Slade who were using their own available assets. Darla looked as fierce as any of the hawks. "Pay attention. This is delicate. When you go through the mirror, and you will be going through the mirror, swing up onto your hawk and let it go into a dive. You're going to pop out right on the edge of the Crater. I'll let you figure out how you want to move from there, but you'll see the light from the Triforce in the center of the Crater. It'll be like a pillar of golden power."
Gandalf pauses for a moment and strokes his beard as the first of the Death Hawk riding band steps in front of the mirror. He offers up the folding mirror and the smaller mirror for one of them to take.
"Lay the big mirror out on the ground and unfold it. You can go through it to get back here. The little one will be for passing information and items. Namely the Triforce. As soon as you have it, I need to get it to the team that is in Atlantis looking to free Godzilla."
Once he's handed off the two mirrors, he steps back.
"Good luck to you, my friends. Remember what we talked about. One last thing. The Crater is desolation...but there are horrors lurking in the desolation. Creatures that have been fed negative energy from the fight so many trine ago. Be careful."
Smoke. The crater, for whatever reason, was still faintly smoking two millennium after the battle that had created it. The retrieving band could feel the negative energy of the Crater as they began to appear in the sky outside its rim. To the north they could see the ruins of Old Watch, still standing its post over the waste. They could feel that the negative energy of the Crater must have sucked the life out of the town so long ago and driven the inhabitants back to form North Watch and South Watch.
Creatures howled and screamed, fought and died in the darkened expanse.
Far away, near the center of the crater, they could see the pillar of light...
Rum listens to Gandalf’s instructions intently while idly stroking the feathers on the neck of his Death Hawk.
“Easy Keg, he didn’t mean to offend you”, he whispers to it as Gandalf mentions his lack of trust in the birds.
As Gandalf finishes relaying instructions, he looks around at those in his new band.
“We won’t let you down, Wise One. If it is a squadron of rogue’s that is needed, a rogue squadron is what you’ve got!”, he says as he takes the mirrors and stows them in his pack.
“Let’s do this!”, he says as he leads Keg through the mirror…
…and appears in mid air, clasping the harness on Keg’s neck. He swings up onto his back as gravity starts to take over and the pair of them fall, Keg’s wings folding against him as he moves into a dive.
Now in a riding position he looks up to make sure the others made it through ok, especially Godshell and Melania who also had to mount unfamiliar creatures in mid air.
Once happy all are ok, he pulls Keg out of the dive and starts to circle, looking out across the crater towards the pillar of light visible through the smoke.
The fur on the back of his neck stands on end as the negative energy washes over him and he hears the creatures howling and screaming.
“Be wary”, he calls to the others. “We can’t be certain that being airborne makes us safe”, he says as he surveys the ground on the edge of the crater to ensure it is safe to land if they choose.
When Delph was offered a Death Hawk they gladly accepted but also totally didn't need them. The tiny fairy was already capable of ridiculous speeds of flight. As such, when Delph comes in they are on the top of the Death Hawk's head talking with them and not leading them at all "I think Havok Dart is a great name for a hawk. What do you think?" Delph waits for some kind of reply from the hawk that will obviously not come however the fairy is trying to read them very carefully to see if they approve ((Skill Animal Handling: 15)). It takes Delphinium a moment to register the mirrors. The room of mirrors seems to impress the fairy as they look from mirror to mirror zooming around the room like a little blur of blue light. They seem to stop in front of each but then they flutter to a more central area in the room of mirrors. They look around slowly clearly looking for one in particular. Kokiri Forest. The fairy has been away from home for a very long time at this point and with everything going on they wanted to set eyes on the familiar forest if there was one here. Finding it or not Delph goes back to the others as Gandalf gives them instructions.
They haven't met everyone in their new group of friends yet however, they spot at least two familiar faces as they bring in their Death Hawks. Rumble and Godshell were two individuals that Delph managed to say hello to when everyone was gathered. the fairy waves to the other members when they arrive and introduces themselves "Hello there! I'm Delphinium... or Fireflight. Both are my names." the energy the fairy gives off seems almost boundless like someone hopped up on 199 energy drinks. They seem to bounce from person to person, thing to thing as it grabs their attention. The blue and green colors of the fairy blending in with the bright blue aura they seem to generate like a sphere around them.
As Gandalf finishes what they were saying it seems almost miraculous that Delph was somehow paying attention at the same time. They look to the wizard and asks "So, this is an old place of power that was destroyed and now filled with evil monsters? Are you sure the goddesses are not wrathful? Also! EXCITING!! Are there other powerful items here? Can I beat up some of the monsters anyway? How fast do you want the triforce piece? I mean, do we have time to check out around the place? Anything else powerful there I might... pick up? Oh! I don't care who takes the mirror although it would be cool if I could have the small one. Problem is... I have stuff strapped to me already though so unless you have a magic bag of holding or the mirror gets even smaller. I'm a bit full. ...wait. can I fit through the tiny mirror? I think I might be able to fit." They point to the pure white spear on their back and now a battle axe strapped to their waist. Both of which seem to be secured with some kind of glowing rope. Delphinium seems to have taken care to position items so that they don't interfere with their wings. They have a small bag of some kind to their other side. The problem doesn't seem to be weight but rather size that limits what the fairy can carry. They are after all just a little over half a foot tall.
After questions are answered they go over to their Death hawk Havok Dart and tell them "Okay! lets go!" Then lets the hawk do their thing. Once over the crater proper the tiny fairy seems delighted and looks around. They try to scope out two things. One, anything of interest beyond the obvious light pillar. Two, any creatures that have wings of their own. As they look around their blue aura seems to conform and shape around their face giving them what looks like a mask like helmet made of pure blue energy. ((Feature: Astral Visage 1 ki point - Skill Perception: 9))
Flying up high with the others the fairy seems to be trying their best to spot things. Havok Dart seems to just be flying with the other Hawks with no instructions from Delphinium. Probably leaving many to wonder if the hawk is following the fairy or if the fairy is follow the hawk. Whatever the case, they seem to be heading in the right direction. Delphinium smiles at Godshell with their nervous warning and says "No worries Godshell. I have wings! Also, if I die... well... I don't know what will happens. Is the black sea a good thing? Oh! Do you want me to catch you if you fall?" The tiny fairy seems far, far, far too small to catch someone of their size but Delphinium asked with such certainty in their voice that they sound like they believe they could do it.
Rum spots things moving far off in the smoke, things with big wings flapping about. Not dragons, but probably something Draconic.
“There are flyers in the smoke, something draconic but not quite dragons. This isn’t going to be a simple task of getting the Triforce and getting out!”, he calls out to the others.
The fairy noticing Godshell having trouble hearing flies up and off their Death Hawk and it is immediately clear the fairy is faster the the hawks. The one they were riding seems a bit jealous as they eye the tiny fairy... or maybe they are hungry. Delphinium does look bite sized. Either way, the fairy flies over to the hawk Godshell is riding so they can hear them. Their eyes grow wide in excitement. They nod and say "You can make me faster? That sounds fun and a good way to get the triforce! I'm likely up for any plan but we should probably land somewhere to do that. Not everyone can hear. Lets go over to those buildings in the distance. I don't see the flying creatures over there... actually I don't see any creatures there. I also... I want to go. let's go!" The fairy seems very keen on heading tot he old barracks of the old watch. Their keen eyesight enhanced with their ki shows them there are no monsters over there, at least no out in the open.
Slade and Darl both drop through the portal. Upside down. After a few frantic wingbeats the goose manages to get herself oriented and circles with the rest of the fliers.
"God's be damned magical travel. Never can trust it to put ye right." Slade grumbles under his breath.
"Right then Rumble, do those things look like they've spotted us or are we still in the clear?" Looking to the others Slade makes sure that they are all well seated on their beasts, long accustomed to riding he knows the rest of them might need help if things get hairy.
"If we be clear we should make speed for the Old Watch right sharpish, last thing we need is ta be getting into a fight this early."
Slade takes a look at the ground beneath them to see if there is any cover or enemies below. If there is cover he would suggest keeping low to avoid the 'drakes'
Having never really been subjected to heights before, Malenia takes the longest of this group of rogues to truly register what exactly they have been thrust into. Falling with her mount for a moment, she takes in the land and the devastation that is the crater before them.
Active Perception: 12 Passive perception: 22
After a moment, she deftly reaches for and grabs a tuft of feathers on her mount. Pivoting her hips and swinging her legs above her, cementing herself onto her mount and pulling the beast upwards. More out of instinct than knowledge of riding a flying mount, preventing herself from moving too far away from her new group. While the surface, Malenia seems to be a statuesque picture of composer, in her mind she is screaming. Both at the height and the means at which she prevented herself from suffering a rather untimely demise. It is at this point she finds out something new about herself, While the threat of situation is indeed dire and the means to which she had found herself plummeting was utterly terrifying.
It was also EXHILRIATING.
"Uhhhh" She stares blankly in the direction of Rum, trying to recall the name in which they seemed to be known as. ".....Whiskey? Was it? You are the Auryn Bearer among us, what is our next move?"
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Malenia - [Monk - Way of the Jedi] - Auryn: Princess of Destiny
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As the Lord of Darkness calls for his love, it is Rum who steps forward, his long stride taking him towards the Lord of Darkness.
His mind had been racing since the Lord of Darkness had appeared, with revelation after revelation regarding the Twilight Embers and their path. And worse, the captured form of Ro's father. A grin had spread across his face though, as there was mention of the defeat of the Gnolls, the Merregon and the wretched things.
The grin disappeared when the Merregon moved to surround what he assumed to be Greko's mouse form. He couldn't quite see from here, but in truth, he had been worried Greko had been killed already. The fact his friend was alive was actually a positive right now.
And then there was the glowing brains of the rats and ravens. He had known that the rats they met in the tunnel were not merely trying to escape. He had felt that mental push within his mind, urging him to release his grip on his own thoughts and relinquish control to something else. He had felt it, and...
But it was not important now, as he watched both Oten and Ro do the bidding of the Lord of Darkness. And the villain continued to taunt them, to mention betrayal and his love joining his side.
He couldn't resist the urge any longer, he couldn't stop himself from walking forward. There was a reason he was not the true chosen of the Dragonclaw Monastery, the one they sent to answer the call of the Childlike Empress. He had always been vain and full of pride. He had been sure that it was the Great Dragon's wish he travelled to the Ivory Tower, after what happened in the trial. It was in truth a surprise his name had been called when the naming of the bands was done, and he was accepted into what became the Twilight Embers.
As he walks forwards, his hackles start to raise and after a dozen paces he stops, letting the Lord of Darkness see him.
"That was a nice speech, self proclaimed Lord of Darkness", he shouts, his anger and the feeling of helplessness mixing with his pride. The latter finally getting the better of him. "Did Ganondorf write it for you? Apparently he has been the one who is one step ahead of us, not you. It was he who smuggled you out of the Great Deku Tree, covering your weak form from the sunlight like a scared rat pup. Lord of Darkness? Slave to it more like!", he continues, not wanting to look back and see their betrayer.
"It was Ganondorf who intercepted Ro's messages and likely brain washed my friends using that rat creature, not you. What exactly did you do in all this? Obviously Blix didn't bother to return, maybe he took the alicorn straight to Ganondorf, cut out the middle man? Maybe it is you who are trivial? We are here for your master!".
He stands, still not turning back, still not wanting to see the love the Lord of Darkness referred to step forward. Even though he was almost certain whoever it was would act against their will. Almost certain.
Having handed the cube over to Ro, Oten turns his back to Ro. His movements are stiff and his eyes glow red as his javelin slides into his hand. He stands as a formidable sentry, his stance promising swift violence to any who would pass him to interfere with Ro.
Greko stays still as a mouse unsure if the big bad guys will try to step on him or if he will be able to do anything to help his friends
"LORD OF DARKNESS!" Lelith yelled out, some may have thought it to be anger but it was none other than excitement. The Eladrin's cold contenance was nowhere to be seen as an unmistakeable deep rosy blush contrasted with her pale fae features. Lelith took off with no fanfare, the fastest she has ever flown right into the arms of the Devil whom she passionately hugged and looked up to him with worship and admiration.
"My Lord! Please do tell me, did I follow your orders well?" Lelith asked with pure unbridled energy, "What is the next step? We could have their shrines burn, their streets run with blood, their false idols to Hylia shattered, their people slaughtered by the thousands, their very world torn apart… and only then the barest fraction of our hatred will be satisfied."
"My lord, you should not accept such insolence from these insects. Let me offer you my humble advice, I have been taught this quite well in my noble education. Butcher his people's warriors without mercy. Crush their armies and leave none alive. But do not stop there. Burn his cities. Make a mockery of that snake he worships as a god. Slaughter everything and everyone until he kneels in the ashes of those he sought to protect. Only then will he understand the true fury of the Lord of Darkness," Lelith eagerly gave it her all without restraint and no morals to speak of.
Well, this has been quite a day. So many memories. Such a short span of time. Many bad memories. The monsters come, they tear everything apart, and the only thing that's left is the memories. Good...bad. Tuto is always late, he was never on time to help. All he had was his music. He attempted to play their songs, make it sound as close to their voices as possible. It was never the same. It was awful music.
His friends, his new friends. They're in trouble. But...he's here now. He can help. They're not memories. Not yet. He's not going to let the monsters win, not without a fight. If Tuto shall die, he shall die playing.
Tuto watched Oten make the exchange with the pyramid to Ro in silence. They're not themselves, it's clear. A common trick. It's getting old at this point. Still, everyone knows the best tricks.
So does Tuto.
Tuto crawled down Oten's back as quick as he could. As his feet hit the floor, his flute was already in his hands. He looked to Ro, somber behind the mask, but with a task. He played a familiar melody, and in Ro's mind, he heard a familiar crackle of a campfire. (Tuto casts Dispel Magic on Ro)
As Ro begins to work, the Lament Configuration, it changes once again, becoming something akin to a morning star as Ro's fingers work, then losing its points to become a polyhedronal sphere. It was like his mental state had more to do with solving the configuration than his hands.
Darkness watches what he has wrought and smiles gleefully at Ro's work, then looks at Rum.
"What is it they say?" Darkness says to Rum as he twirls his greatsword in one hand. "Pride is greatest before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall? Yes, it rolls past my lips like a cool drink. Darkness? Ganondorf? Soon...oh, so, so very soon, Twilight Embers...the two names will be indiscernible. Ah, but let's not get ahead of ourselves here! Do any of you really think I had her lead you to me to be unprepared for any of your trifling? Pathetic. You should have stuck to your hunt for the Alicorn instead of deciding to take it upon yourselves to be the heroes you thought you were...but clearly, you are not."
The grin becomes even more pretentious as Lelith calls to him, and crosses the clearing. He listens intently, his eyes shutting, wind sucking between his teeth. Her words are clearly ecstasy for him.
"To the word." He says, answering Lelith. "To the word. We will get there, my love. But first, these mosquitoes that buzz about our necks...must...be....dealt with."
He reaches his greatsword out, leveling it in the air over Greko...speaks some words...and dispels the magic of Greko's Wild Shape, leaving the Lizardfolk standing before him. The Merregons adjust their position, and Darkness reaches back with his sword, preparing a swing.
"Tell me, Rumble of Hunger....is your bravado worth your friend's life? Answer quick!"
Darkness readies the sword.
"Tut tut, Tuto. You can't save Ro, but you may be able to save Greko. Would you so foolishly throw away Greko's life when nothing you do will change the outcome here?"
As if for emphasis, he raises Paul Aleron up and gives him a shake. There is the sound of creaking flesh and bone as the Lord of Darkness squeezes the elder Aleron's head and neck in his grip and laughs. Paul utters a weak, mewling scream.
The rats and ravens, even Paul Aleron, still have glowing brains as Darkness's hand squeezes the hilt of his greatsword. Bulging with muscle, he makes hefting the dread, obsidian weapon look easy.
"I can read your thoughts." The Lord of Darkness says as he leans forward, his mouth next to Greko's ear. His voice is a little gentler, not as loud, but the rest of the band can still hear him. "You think those rats with the pretty lights are just for show? If you try it, I will kill all of you."
The Lament Configuration begins to shift into a new shape...
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Rum watches as Lelith flies by him to embrace the Lord of Darkness, his eyes wide. He shakes his head sadly, disappointed and a little surprised. Lelith had proved herself to be a sadistic sociopath and he had already told her she was not Twilight Embers material in his view on one occasion. But she had been a Twilight Ember, had helped them get this far. He had long had his doubts about her, the way she treated Sorry for one, but the Ranch had been the final straw. But this was not what he had envisioned.
He curses himself for his weakness in allowing her to continue with the band, but he had felt at the time that they needed every weapon they could get. Now that weapon was in the hands of the enemy.
He forces himself to laugh as she speaks, not allowing his veneer of bravado to drop. "Former Ember Lelith”, he sneers shaking his head. “It must have been gut wrenching that this insect saved you in the Great Deku Tree. To have to call for these insects to help you after you were too careless and too weak to help yourself. And how much harder that I answered your call", he continues.
"In truth I would have expected better of you here. At least be consistent. A fey and a devil in courtship, what would the old Lelith say about that?!"
He turns his attention back to the Lord of Darkness, his hackles now down as he contemplates how truly they were beaten. And yet still his pride makes him carry on, stops him from excepting the obvious fate that awaits them. He retorts again as he edges forward, closing the gap between them inch by almost imperceptible inch.
“You read my mind, Darkness. Pride and haughtiness do come before a fall. I know you refer to me, but look in the mirror if you dare!”, he shouts back.
“True heroes continue no matter the odds. Being heroic is not always about winning, I can accept that. As long as I try. That is what the Twilight Embers stand for, hope. If the world knows that there are heroes, however fleeting their lives may be, that is the seed for more heroes to rise up in our place! If the Great Dragon wills this to be my destiny and my legacy, so be it”, he says, and watches as Greko appears now in his usual form.
He calls to his friend in Draconic, “Friend Greko, it has been an honour travelling with you. Whatever will be, will be. I stand or fall with you”.
He takes a moment to look behind him, at the scene of his friends Ro and Oten working for the enemy, and Tuto in their midst. Lady Kaede in a defensive posture, how unfortunate she came upon them. He looks around at the rats and the ravens with glowing brains, then back to the merregon, Lelith and Darkness himself surrounding Greko. He spoke of hope, but in truth he could use some himself right now.
"Great Dragon, show me the true path once more", he whispers in draconic.
A growl emanates from low in his throat as he hears the threat on Greko and his other friends lives. The fact it included himself was not in his mind.
“This is a lot of effort to go to if you aren’t threatened by us, Slave to Darkness! You needed us and still do, otherwise this would be over”, he calls finally, still trying to maintain the focus of the Lord of Darkness on himself.
Greko smiles at the dark lord and speaks loudly so that all of his friends can hear "Ah ha but you fail to realize that someone as old a myself often forgets the best laid plans. Oh I lost my train of thought thinking of a bird...in fact this bird" Greko lifts the wooden bird Ro made for him and throws it in the air. As the bird reaches its peak Greko yells to his friends "RUN YOU FOOLS!" and transforms into the twinkling archer shining bright light into the Dark Lord's face. Greko shoots a Guiding Bolt into the Dark Lord hoping to knock him back a few steps. Greko reaches for the Auryn, knowing his friends won't run and wishes them all away with the cube and the Auryn. He doesn't think of a place so the rats couldn't relay their position to the Dark Lord.
Greko twinkling takes out his shield and his flower staff and readies to fight the Dark Lord to his death
As Tuto's music reaches Oten's auditory sensor's, his head rotates to look behind him, and the joints in his arm reverse. He thrusts fiercely at the small bard he has recently become close with.
Attack: 11 Damage: 8
Darkness laughs as Rum speaks, but the laugh tapers off as Greko starts talking. The Lizardfolk raises the bird in one hand, and Darkness's smile begins to fade.
So many things happen all at once.
"No..." Darkness says. His hand flexes. Paul Aleron's neck is broken instantly before his limp form is tossed to the side with all the disregard of garbage. The dark lord was already reaching for Greko as the Merregon's surged center, the pikes at the tips of the halberds and the points of swords biting into Greko's flesh as the Lord of Darkness roars in agony and throws one arm up over his face. The guiding bolt that strikes his chest crackles and sizzles as the beast is scorched by the attack. He stumbles back, screaming, part pain, part unbridled fury.
The AURYN appears around Rum's neck.
"No!" Darkness roars as he regains himself, the musculature of his form a surge of strength and power and he rushes forward again, the hilt of his obsidian sword gripped in both hands.
Reality shimmers.
The cube clicks into an elongated configuration...
The sword cuts a wide arc through the air as Darkness steps to Greko and cleaves his body asunder with the dreadful weapon in his hands even as the Greko's shield and flower staff are brought to bare; they stand no chance against the dark ones terrible weapon.
He doesn't give Greko the Green another thought. He steps over the old Lizardfolk in one stride and throws one hand out toward the remaining members of the Twilight Embers.
"NO!" He bellows with the voice of thunder. "Ro must be allowed to finish!"
Then the survivors of the Twilight Embers; Ro Aleron; Rumble of Hunger; Lady Kaede; Oten; Tuto; find themselves shimmering out of Hyrule Castle Town...and into the chambers of a hall far, far away where the only person they recognize is Jek Utinni...
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
https://youtu.be/DJHC9IPEsvs
AURYN
The Triforce of Courage
A Sword Wields No Strength...
...Unless The Hand That Holds It Has Courage.
The room is huge, and every wall, even the floor and ceilings in some areas, are dotted with huge mirrors; the sort of looking glasses that one may use to get a full picture of themselves before a ball or banquet, or to see how dapper they appear before they set off to war. The mirrors display images all across Hyboria, from the sands of the Shem, to the Faron Wood, the vast mushroom forests of Subternia, to the endless deserts of water that separate the continents. The old wizard walks among the mirrors, holding a strange, folding mirror in his hand as he does so before offering it up to the makeshift band he and Atreyu have created to step out to the Crater.
He pauses in front of the largest mirror and uses the toe of one shoe to poke at the trail of slime leading into it, then mutters something under his breath about that infernal snail.
"Easy with those birds. They're trained warmounts but I still don't completely trust them. You get one of them flapping around and afraid in this room and the whole operation would be decimated." Gandalf said, watching as the party entered the room one at a time, each pulling along a Death Hawk by its lead, save for Delphinium and Slade who were using their own available assets. Darla looked as fierce as any of the hawks. "Pay attention. This is delicate. When you go through the mirror, and you will be going through the mirror, swing up onto your hawk and let it go into a dive. You're going to pop out right on the edge of the Crater. I'll let you figure out how you want to move from there, but you'll see the light from the Triforce in the center of the Crater. It'll be like a pillar of golden power."
Gandalf pauses for a moment and strokes his beard as the first of the Death Hawk riding band steps in front of the mirror. He offers up the folding mirror and the smaller mirror for one of them to take.
"Lay the big mirror out on the ground and unfold it. You can go through it to get back here. The little one will be for passing information and items. Namely the Triforce. As soon as you have it, I need to get it to the team that is in Atlantis looking to free Godzilla."
Once he's handed off the two mirrors, he steps back.
"Good luck to you, my friends. Remember what we talked about. One last thing. The Crater is desolation...but there are horrors lurking in the desolation. Creatures that have been fed negative energy from the fight so many trine ago. Be careful."
Smoke. The crater, for whatever reason, was still faintly smoking two millennium after the battle that had created it. The retrieving band could feel the negative energy of the Crater as they began to appear in the sky outside its rim. To the north they could see the ruins of Old Watch, still standing its post over the waste. They could feel that the negative energy of the Crater must have sucked the life out of the town so long ago and driven the inhabitants back to form North Watch and South Watch.
Creatures howled and screamed, fought and died in the darkened expanse.
Far away, near the center of the crater, they could see the pillar of light...
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Rum listens to Gandalf’s instructions intently while idly stroking the feathers on the neck of his Death Hawk.
“Easy Keg, he didn’t mean to offend you”, he whispers to it as Gandalf mentions his lack of trust in the birds.
As Gandalf finishes relaying instructions, he looks around at those in his new band.
“We won’t let you down, Wise One. If it is a squadron of rogue’s that is needed, a rogue squadron is what you’ve got!”, he says as he takes the mirrors and stows them in his pack.
“Let’s do this!”, he says as he leads Keg through the mirror…
…and appears in mid air, clasping the harness on Keg’s neck. He swings up onto his back as gravity starts to take over and the pair of them fall, Keg’s wings folding against him as he moves into a dive.
Now in a riding position he looks up to make sure the others made it through ok, especially Godshell and Melania who also had to mount unfamiliar creatures in mid air.
Once happy all are ok, he pulls Keg out of the dive and starts to circle, looking out across the crater towards the pillar of light visible through the smoke.
The fur on the back of his neck stands on end as the negative energy washes over him and he hears the creatures howling and screaming.
“Be wary”, he calls to the others. “We can’t be certain that being airborne makes us safe”, he says as he surveys the ground on the edge of the crater to ensure it is safe to land if they choose.
Perception:2+8=10 (Passive: 21)
When Delph was offered a Death Hawk they gladly accepted but also totally didn't need them. The tiny fairy was already capable of ridiculous speeds of flight. As such, when Delph comes in they are on the top of the Death Hawk's head talking with them and not leading them at all "I think Havok Dart is a great name for a hawk. What do you think?" Delph waits for some kind of reply from the hawk that will obviously not come however the fairy is trying to read them very carefully to see if they approve ((Skill Animal Handling: 15)). It takes Delphinium a moment to register the mirrors. The room of mirrors seems to impress the fairy as they look from mirror to mirror zooming around the room like a little blur of blue light. They seem to stop in front of each but then they flutter to a more central area in the room of mirrors. They look around slowly clearly looking for one in particular. Kokiri Forest. The fairy has been away from home for a very long time at this point and with everything going on they wanted to set eyes on the familiar forest if there was one here. Finding it or not Delph goes back to the others as Gandalf gives them instructions.
They haven't met everyone in their new group of friends yet however, they spot at least two familiar faces as they bring in their Death Hawks. Rumble and Godshell were two individuals that Delph managed to say hello to when everyone was gathered. the fairy waves to the other members when they arrive and introduces themselves "Hello there! I'm Delphinium... or Fireflight. Both are my names." the energy the fairy gives off seems almost boundless like someone hopped up on 199 energy drinks. They seem to bounce from person to person, thing to thing as it grabs their attention. The blue and green colors of the fairy blending in with the bright blue aura they seem to generate like a sphere around them.
As Gandalf finishes what they were saying it seems almost miraculous that Delph was somehow paying attention at the same time. They look to the wizard and asks "So, this is an old place of power that was destroyed and now filled with evil monsters? Are you sure the goddesses are not wrathful? Also! EXCITING!! Are there other powerful items here? Can I beat up some of the monsters anyway? How fast do you want the triforce piece? I mean, do we have time to check out around the place? Anything else powerful there I might... pick up? Oh! I don't care who takes the mirror although it would be cool if I could have the small one. Problem is... I have stuff strapped to me already though so unless you have a magic bag of holding or the mirror gets even smaller. I'm a bit full. ...wait. can I fit through the tiny mirror? I think I might be able to fit." They point to the pure white spear on their back and now a battle axe strapped to their waist. Both of which seem to be secured with some kind of glowing rope. Delphinium seems to have taken care to position items so that they don't interfere with their wings. They have a small bag of some kind to their other side. The problem doesn't seem to be weight but rather size that limits what the fairy can carry. They are after all just a little over half a foot tall.
After questions are answered they go over to their Death hawk Havok Dart and tell them "Okay! lets go!" Then lets the hawk do their thing. Once over the crater proper the tiny fairy seems delighted and looks around. They try to scope out two things. One, anything of interest beyond the obvious light pillar. Two, any creatures that have wings of their own. As they look around their blue aura seems to conform and shape around their face giving them what looks like a mask like helmet made of pure blue energy. ((Feature: Astral Visage 1 ki point - Skill Perception: 9))
Flying up high with the others the fairy seems to be trying their best to spot things. Havok Dart seems to just be flying with the other Hawks with no instructions from Delphinium. Probably leaving many to wonder if the hawk is following the fairy or if the fairy is follow the hawk. Whatever the case, they seem to be heading in the right direction. Delphinium smiles at Godshell with their nervous warning and says "No worries Godshell. I have wings! Also, if I die... well... I don't know what will happens. Is the black sea a good thing? Oh! Do you want me to catch you if you fall?" The tiny fairy seems far, far, far too small to catch someone of their size but Delphinium asked with such certainty in their voice that they sound like they believe they could do it.
Rum spots things moving far off in the smoke, things with big wings flapping about. Not dragons, but probably something Draconic.
“There are flyers in the smoke, something draconic but not quite dragons. This isn’t going to be a simple task of getting the Triforce and getting out!”, he calls out to the others.
The fairy noticing Godshell having trouble hearing flies up and off their Death Hawk and it is immediately clear the fairy is faster the the hawks. The one they were riding seems a bit jealous as they eye the tiny fairy... or maybe they are hungry. Delphinium does look bite sized. Either way, the fairy flies over to the hawk Godshell is riding so they can hear them. Their eyes grow wide in excitement. They nod and say "You can make me faster? That sounds fun and a good way to get the triforce! I'm likely up for any plan but we should probably land somewhere to do that. Not everyone can hear. Lets go over to those buildings in the distance. I don't see the flying creatures over there... actually I don't see any creatures there. I also... I want to go. let's go!" The fairy seems very keen on heading tot he old barracks of the old watch. Their keen eyesight enhanced with their ki shows them there are no monsters over there, at least no out in the open.
Slade and Darl both drop through the portal. Upside down. After a few frantic wingbeats the goose manages to get herself oriented and circles with the rest of the fliers.
"God's be damned magical travel. Never can trust it to put ye right." Slade grumbles under his breath.
"Right then Rumble, do those things look like they've spotted us or are we still in the clear?" Looking to the others Slade makes sure that they are all well seated on their beasts, long accustomed to riding he knows the rest of them might need help if things get hairy.
"If we be clear we should make speed for the Old Watch right sharpish, last thing we need is ta be getting into a fight this early."
Slade takes a look at the ground beneath them to see if there is any cover or enemies below. If there is cover he would suggest keeping low to avoid the 'drakes'
Perception-13
Having never really been subjected to heights before, Malenia takes the longest of this group of rogues to truly register what exactly they have been thrust into. Falling with her mount for a moment, she takes in the land and the devastation that is the crater before them.
Active Perception: 12
Passive perception: 22
After a moment, she deftly reaches for and grabs a tuft of feathers on her mount. Pivoting her hips and swinging her legs above her, cementing herself onto her mount and pulling the beast upwards. More out of instinct than knowledge of riding a flying mount, preventing herself from moving too far away from her new group. While the surface, Malenia seems to be a statuesque picture of composer, in her mind she is screaming. Both at the height and the means at which she prevented herself from suffering a rather untimely demise. It is at this point she finds out something new about herself, While the threat of situation is indeed dire and the means to which she had found herself plummeting was utterly terrifying.
It was also EXHILRIATING.
"Uhhhh" She stares blankly in the direction of Rum, trying to recall the name in which they seemed to be known as. ".....Whiskey? Was it? You are the Auryn Bearer among us, what is our next move?"
Malenia - [Monk - Way of the Jedi] - Auryn: Princess of Destiny