I Don't Blog

sien d...

2009-03-13T06:41:00.001+08:00

only reserved to writing ba here... http://www.vantarot89.blogspot.com/

March of The Succubus - Chapter 14 (The Dark Castle)

2009-01-11T23:48:00.004+08:00

The full moon was a glowing like a round orb of silvery glare. Nearby, the howls of the winter wolves could be heard even a great distance away. The pines that one bore the fruits of life and birth, now lay dead by the sides of the charred terrain of zule and carnage. Along it's path, blightened lands diminished every last remaining breath of life around it, causing every tree, root and petal to whiter and die. THen, came the eeire, misty, cold that could not be seen, but felt at a devastatingly rapid rate. It takes but only the tingle of your senses, and a moment too late, one begins to feel his skin twitch and burn, his veins begin to dry and crack, and in an instant,his lungs evaporate at the chilling cold sensastion that penetrates though the soul. Then, there will be silence.

Slowly, an image of a little child approaches the barren valley of snow and death, accompanied by a taller female figure. Yet, thier presence did nothing to dismiss the fact that death has its grip upon the land. In fact, it would be the very two duo that were causing all the mayhem and distrot. To start with, the little girl and her companion were misty and shades, and thier eyes... those eyes spelt nothing more than death and sorrow. Deep, watery and blue to the sight, but stare a moment longer, and wacth as all the happiness in within you get drained away.

The older lady was wearing a nightgown that befitted a queen, yet, with every step she took, she would leave a cold trail of death and decay. The two continued thier silent march through the forest, and into the depths of Norshire forest, the moon thier only guiding light, unaware that they were being watched from behind. Then, in the bushes, there was a little rustle, and then 'Its the Witches! Charge! Kill them all!!' There was a huge scattering of leaves, brushes and shrubs as countless soldiers emerged from thier hiding, arms in hand, pouncing out at them like mad tigers.

In that instant, the older lady merely said to the little girl, 'Chean.... Stand behind me...' and with a 'swoosh', raised her hand in the air. Immediately, there was a loud howl, and the soldiers froze in thier wake. Puzzled and confused, the largest of them all shouted, 'Come on men! LEt's rid them for good!' and moved forward, but as he did, shadows began to appear behind the two ghostly-ladies. Little at first, but one by one, they emerged from the darkness ito the moonlight. Wolves... larger that any they had ever seen, began circling the two ladies, as if standing before thier mistress and danger. Then, one of the soldiers yelled in pain. 'Argghh!!!' and then, silence. The leader shouted, 'Bill? Bill?!' Then, another, 'Arggh!!' 'No..!!!!!!'. One by one, the soldiers began to dissapear. The remaining ones faced the witches back to back.

'MORTALS....' the little child suddenly spoke. 'FOOLISH.... THE ICE QUEEN IS VERY... UNHAPPY....' Then, as though posessed, the little child began to levitate, a little at first, then, completely in mid air. The soldiers just looked and stared in bewilderment. One of the soldiers drew his sword, and with a quick dash, charged at the little girl. 'Die, you damn Demon!'. But as the soldier got nearer to the little girl, he could not believe what he was looking at. Something... began to emerge from behind the little girl... a figure... no... it was something else... something huge.... he was bewildered... he tried to turn back.. he ran... but it got ccloser... it was huge... black... and huge..... he ran.... and ran... he darn't look back for a second.. but it was getting closer... the otehrs.. they ran too... and then... snap... he felt as though his neck was snapped in two, and the last thing he saw, were the red, bloodlust eyes of the Werewolf, staring back at him.

********************************************************************************
It was impossible. A while ago, he was battling in the palace grounds, but now... he had no idea where he was. 'Helooo~' and all he had for a reply was an echo. He tried again, 'Heloo~' Nothing but his own sanity speaking to him. It was all dark around him. Too dark. Then, he saw something. Something appeared out of the darkness. It was waering some sort of cloak, and in its hand, it held a candle. The creature was nothing June had ever seen before. It called out to him, 'Comeee..' and as it did, it began to dissapear into the background. June shouted, No! Wait! Where am I? Can you please..' but it was gone.

June was confused and tried to look for the creature again, and then, there was light appearing behind him this time. Again the creatuer appeared, and it said the same thing, 'Come... come to me...' Lord June felt a heavy urge to move towards the creture, to heed its call. But something told him not to. The creature began to fade again, calling out, 'Come... come to me.... come to me, son....' June ran towards the creature, 'Father?! Father! FAther... Wait!' But the creature was gone.

'Fa.. Father!' Lord June shot up from the bed, his pesperations drenching every corner of his forehead. His breathing was heavy, and he was lost. He looked around him. The candles, the light.... he tried to move his feet. Numb. Even his arms... Exhausted, he slumped back into the comfort of the bed, and tried to relax. What was that about? He was sure it was a dream.. But a dream about his father? He was beginning to ask himself questions, when someone entered the room.

The house maid looked around, and the moment she spotted Lord June, she exclaimed, 'Oh, milord! You are awake! I.... I'll call the medics!' And she left the room, racing towards the stairs.
*******************************************************************************
Robson layed himself on the cold tiles by the gardens, trying hard to digest all that had happened. Was it all true? If so, what did all this mean? And what did Halo say about a Slayer amongst them? Gumption told him that he had to do something. But what?

Just then, a shadow began to emerge from behind the corridors, then, it lay still. Lord Robson had his head down on his palms, but his days in the forests hunter badgers and foxes made it easy to make out those faint hearbeats. 'Its ok.... You can come out now.' The shadow stood upright, then, slowly, approached Lord Robson. It was Princess Wanyi.

Lord Robson immediately knelt down before her. 'Milady!' The Princess smiled, 'No need for such formalities, my brave knight.' Lord Robson stood up. 'And what brings your eminence here in such, chilly weather, and at such dark hours?' The Princess took a seat by the fountain, dipping her fingers into the waters, causing a ripple of water to emerge from it. 'I... Please.. Call me Wanyi... I would prefer more friends that servants, milord.' Lord Robson replied her smile with much enthusiasm. 'Then, Wanyi...' It took some time for it to sink in, much unnatural to be using such a title to adrress the daughther of the King. 'Something is troubling you... I can see that...'

The Princess stood up, and took a few paces forward, her expression was grim and distraught. 'its just that all that's been happening... Lord June.... Prince Wai Kit.... All the men that had lost thier lives for mine.. It's... *sniff* ...It's just...' Small trails of tears began to drip down her cheeks, however hard she was trying to hide them from Lord Robson. Robson came forward. 'Please, Wanyi... Its not at all your fault.... Protecting you and the King is what we have pledged ourselves to do... Much the fact that the lives of me and my men are nothing compared to your safety.' Wanyi didn't cheer up. 'But.. It's... It's ll because of me.. Don't you see? I am what they are after.... But why? And... and I'm putting all of the people I care about in danger! If my father were here that very moment, he would have...' She began to sob, uncontrollably.

Robson felt sorry for her. For all her fair and beauty, within it lies the heart of a true maiden, of her love for her father and her country. Yet she blames it all on herself... Harsh reality for a maiden to endure by herself. He came forward, and placed a reaasuring hand on top of hers, grasping them tight. 'Listen to me, Wanyi. You are a Princess. And you have done more than anything the poeple of Ezaroth has ever envisioned you to do. You love your people, and its only right that we show how we love you..' He paused at the last word, knowing that something didn;t come out right. The Princess turned around and face him. 'But still... I am responsible for what has... and maybe what will happen... Oh.. I... I should just runaway.....' Robson shoke her by the shoulders, which startled her. 'Please, Wanyi, listen! Your people need you! Think about your father! What would he feel? What would everyone feel if you left? No... you have been.. wonderful, milady. You have done more than you could... protecting you woudl be all worth it.... every bit...'

The Princess smiled amidst her tears. 'You... You're right... I don't know what I was thinking.... My people need me... My father... oh.. how foolish of me.... I.. I apologize...' Robson smiled. 'No, Princess, there is no need. I uderstand.' There was an uneasy silence, and then, Wanyi asked Robson. 'So... you, will protect me? No matter what?' Robson felt a sudden starnge feeling dwell withi him. He looked at the beautiful Princess Wanyi, and he suddenly felt this... feeling that he would do anything... anyhting at all... to keep her out of harms way. No matter what it took. He replied, slowly, 'No matter what..' The Princess took a step closer. 'No matter what?' Robson took another step. 'No matter....' and thier lips touched, as they held each other in an embrace, Robson wiping away the last of her tears, Wanyi finally feeling that warmth within that she could never find in another man.
*******************************************************************************
Lord Siow strolled outside the gates. The stars did nothing to ease the pain he was feeling. That assasin... There was something rather familiar about him... Part man... Part contraption. It was nothing he had ever seen. Yet... They way he was able to control so many weapons at the same time, and without even moving his arms at all... It was puzzling at the very least. The holwing of the wolves tonight were disturbingly loud and clear... but he could worry about that later. He sat upon the damp grass, and lied on his back. Impposible... He could not be human.. But when the contraption came off... there was no doubt about it. And the speed. To be able to carry soemthing so large and still bounce off walls with such agility..... He pondered the same question over and over again. Until something caught his attention. He could only catch a glimpse of it... But it was clear as day. He swore he saw a face in the shadows, but it had vanished. He got up, his gaze never leaving the site where he saw that face. Was he dreaming? The fight must have exhausted him.

As he turned to leave, he looked back to catch another glimpse, and there, he saw it again, but a moment later, it vanished again. He drew his sword, and grabbed a nearby torch as he approached the shadows. 'Who goes there? Show yourself!' There was nothing at first, only the gentle rustle of the leaves. Then, it appeared. A craoked, bent figure in a tattered and torn cloak. It was an old man, not higher that his waist. His face was cracked and burnt marks were on his back and arms.

"YOu, old man. What business do you have here. You are not allowed in the castle grounds!' The old man looked up, and then in a harsh, shaky voice, 'Pl..e..ase... yo..ung ma..n.... He..lp... me... I... ne....need.....wa.....wat...water......' Lord Siow didn't blink. Then, with a quick blow, he charged forward and thrust his sword at the old man, who jumped just as the tip was about to slice his heart, mising by inches.

'Nice try...... I know what to expect from you Demons.... You killed my whole army......' The old man stared at him. Then, there was a most wicked laughter. It echoed through the entire woods and the castle grounds. 'Nyahahahahahaaaa!' Then, blue smoke began to appear under the old man's robes, and in an instant, he began to transform. He grew, and grew... taller. The cracks and marks disspaeared, but in its place, strange defomities emerged. His eyes were bigger at one side, and smaller the other. He was bent and crooked, and his was limping. And then, as the last of the blue mist evaporated, a staff appeared before the old man, who held it fast.

Lord Siow pointed his sword at the old man. 'Who are you!' The old man just looked at Siow, and laughed. 'I... am.... your worst.. nightmare.....'

Siow felt his world suddenly crashing down. For a brief moment, he felt all the joy and courage within him, seeping away. He begin to have thoughts, and he felt depressed. Sad. Sorrow. Life was no longer worth living. Unconsiously, He held his sword high into the air. Why.... why live... when you can just die and end this misery...... All this pain... all this torment... end it... save yourself...... your soul...... And with that, Siow's hand came down swiftly, and his own sword pierced through him, and out the other end.

When he came to his senses, he felt immense pain, and blood began to spuw from his wounds, andd mouth. He felt weak and he was in agony. Laughter filled the air. His eyeswere weakening. This was it... it was all going to end.. He had to tell... someone.. intruder... The old man was coming forward, to finsih him off.... He could still make out the blurred lines. His breathing was getting harder, and he knew soon they would stop. He closed his eyes, as he saw the old man hold his staff high in the air... 'And now.. You DI.... Y.. You!!' The old man suddenly retreated a few paced behind. A blinding flash of light missed the old man, then came another. Siow could hear those last words, before he closed his eye...' Hang on there.... Please... Don't let me be too late...'.

March of the Succubus - Chapter 13 (End of Man)

2008-12-12T03:02:00.002+08:00

Halo pressed his bandaged head against the wall, as Lady Veena snipped off the last bits of the cloth with a scissors. Blood was amass, but the wounds did not stop the old General from his conversation with the others around the room, who shared the same enthusiasm in unveling the mystery that should have been solved only in legends and folklore.

'What I'm about to say... Arrgh...' he paused as Lady Veena pulled the bandage tight. '..is going to be beyond your comprehension. But first, I must see how the wounded are doing.'

Lord Robson, hand bandaged, got up. 'Lord June is being treated with anecdotes to relieve the posion darts. But Prince Wai Kit...'

General Halo tried to shoot up, but the pain was unbearable, causing him to slump down once again. 'Arrgh...' Lady Veena interveined, 'Robson, please.... Let the General rest. He can see us in the morning and ...' General Halo grabbed Lady Veena's hand firmly. 'No.... no that cannot be done... I'm afraid there is little time left for me....' there was a pause, then suddenly, General Halo began to cough, and his body shoke, as though possessed. He coughed harder and harder, his hands leaning onto the floor for support. Then, red blood spluttered out of his throat, staining the white carpets in the room. Everyone rose to give aid, but Halo held up a firm hand.

'No... There's...' he coughed again, '..you can do... Now, Listen. Long ago, The Kingdom of Ezaroth was not ruled by the Five Kings now, but seperated into vast hectors of barbaric land. These lands were torn between many clans and factions, and of course... races.' Lord Robson looked sharply at General Halo, 'What do you mean, races?' general Halo gave an understanding nod. 'Its no wonder... The tutors and alchemists of the Middle Kingdoms have tried thier very best to hide the existance of the other races from your generation.' Lady Veena asked, 'But how? How could there be other races beside us humans?' General Halo coughed again, 'Listen, Lady Veena... what you know today is all but the tip of the iceberg of what I am about to convey upon you. Life, as you know it... cough... is not really about sorcery, magic and swordfights... there are... other creatures that are abound.'

'Long ago... Before this land was ruled by our Kings of the Five Nations, countless fractions of humans took up refuge in the riverbanks of Norshire and used its resources. For generations, they lived in harmony, until one day, a young warrior by the name of Ulgar, stumbled upon a strange fragment washed away in the river. At that time, the humans were at war with each other, hungry for land, power and territory. Ulgar came from a small weak clan known as the Stogards, the clans that still wonder around the woods of Norshire today, as Lord June should know. Ulgar thought the fragment to be of good quality, and decided to use it as an arrow head for his bow. But he found out, as he was grinding the stone fragment, that it did not chip, instead, the obsidian stones that tey used during those days to sharpen thier tools, wore out and eventually broke. He was baffled. Frightened, he threw the fragment onto the ground, and as he did, he cried out aloud, 'demon arrow!'. At once, the fragment began to glow, and in an instant, what looked like pure rock, was now an arrow. But the arrow head was fuming with thick smoke, fog that Ulgar had never withnessed before. The most powerful clan at the time were a barbaric tribe known as the ... cough.. Freyars. The Freyars..' Halo stopped, more blood coughing out. Lord Robson asked immediately, holding him from the side, 'Are you sure you're alright?'

Halo pushed him aside, 'Yes.. yes... I can manage... cough..' 'The Freyars tore into town, burning the village and illing the women and children. Ulgar and his army march forth, only to be taken down rather easily. As battle broke out, Ulgar spotted the enemy General on horse back riding towards his wife and children. Immediately, he took out the arrow, and thought to him self, 'Thor.. Give me strength! The arrow fired, and as though it was controlled by some divine force, adjusted itself until it pierced the General right in the head.' Halo paused for breath. 'But it didn't stop there. The arrow then morphed, it grew larger, bigger, and finally into a hammer. A most exquisite hammer, Ulgar had ever seen. And then, the hammer, by itself, began to strike at the Freyars. The Freyars were mystified, and fleed in horror.'

Halo then stopped, and reached into his pocket. He brought out a small sack, and poured its contents onto the table. A small, glowing object appeared. 'Here, my dear.... try saying aloud the word... cough... Halo's blade.' Lady Veenastood up puzzled, and looked at Lord Robson and Halo. Then, she said ot, 'Halo's Blade!' Immediately, the stone began to transform, and in an instant, became a magnificant blade. Halo unbuckled the blade he was strung to, and threw it on the table. Lord Robson was astounded. A perfect match. 'The Stone of Reviera, the Promised One. Capable of morphing into any weapon at the user's will.' Lord Robson was baffled, '...But how'd...'

Halo stopped him, '...cough... But ah... That was only a part of the story. Ulgar and his men began to harness the new-found powers of the stone, and soon crushed all of its clans enemies. But it was not enough. Greed took over Ulgar, and he decided to find the source of this powerful stone. He assembled a grand army. The biggest in the history of the Middle Kingdom, and marched pward toward the river, the source of it all. No man has ever wandered past the fountains of the North and survived. Yet, when he got there, he was amazed. There were people. Litle people, building thier homes and castles, in gold. Pure, rich gold. The greedy Ulgar wanted it all. All... cough... all for himself... cough... cough...' Lady Veena went down on her knees, 'Please General... stop.... have some rest....'

Halo refused, and pushed on, '..But the little people were stronger than he had presumed. They had all the magic stones at thier disposal, and easily wiped out the humans. The little people, were elves. Magical creatures but with powerful magic. The humans were defeated but not lost. Ulgar decided to camp outside the elves's hideout, and wait for reinforceent. But two night later, a dark cloud loomed over the hills. A huge beast trotted in Ulgar's path, and as it walked, consumed all in its wake. Ulgar would later know them as the Undead, ghouls that were sworn enemies of the Elves. Ulgar, possessed with greed, formed what would be the most abominable alliance with the undead. The Dead promised the Elve's magic stones, in return for the sacrifice of 10 mortal flesh every month. ..cough... cough.. The battle was vicious. The Dead possessed powers beyond comprehension, but the Elves had every repelling counter curse and hexes, ad the battle was a draw. But, the humans had never come into contact with elves, let alone wage war. Thus, the human's bows and catapults tores down the Elve's defences, something dark magic would never be able to do. And soon, Ulgar and the Undead army marched into the Elve's mighty kingdom, and took every preious material, gold, jewels, sacred stones and all. Ulgar had power beyond his wildest dreams. Yet, it soon came for the day of sacrifice. Ulgar, fearful of the Undead's wrath, sacrificed 10 of his best men, and the Undead left the humans alone. But as the months passed, the demand for flesh increased, 20, 30 and soon 100 bodies a month.'

'People began to fear, and Ulgar, who was old at that point, could not go to battle. Yet, his son, Dyrad, found a way to solve the resolution. He said, 'instead of blind offering to the undead, why not send 10 of our best men, against 10 of thiers? Win, and they spare us the offerings for that month. Lose, and we give them the bodies thye want plus the souls of the 10 men.'

Halo stopped, blood was oozing out of his mouth, ears and eyes. Lady Veena tried to talk him into resting, but he pushed on, ' ...This vengeful competition was accpted by the Undead... couh.. thinking... cough.. it would be an easy fight, but the human champions had the power of the Reviera, and it was a tie. When the last of the champions, a name that you shall always remember, Wye I, the ancestors of our land, fought the Undead champion, the Highbourne, it was a tremendous battle, lasting 7 days and nights. But in the end, the humans prevailed. Ulgar then broke the treaty, sealing the Undead using th epower of the Reviera and selaing them within the caves of Belcrest. The very caves that caused us all this unrest...'

Lord Robson blinked, 'So... all this means that....'

Halo looked at him, and nodded. 'Every word, that I have uttered..cough... is true... and of all man... you, Robson... should know better...' Robson blinked, 'what do you mean?' Halo, suddenly laughed out loud. 'You means to say.. cough... harkkkk... Kh..Khaha...haaaa... that you have the ability to fire long range with point blank accuracy when others cannot? My child, it does not take a true Seer to know, that you, Lord Robson, are a descendant of the Noble Elves.'

Halo then turned to Lady Veena, '... cough.. cough... and you, Lady Veena.. you are human to the core.. but your father... your father was no ordinary man...' Lady Veena looked at halo for an answer, and as though Halo already knew her question, '... your father... was a Ghoul, and so is Lord June.'

*****************************************************************************

Lady Veena looked at Halo in respite. 'No... No! No! My father was a good man!' halo calmed her, 'Listen my child, cough... cough... Ghouls are not all evil... your father had the blood of a Ghoul, but the heart of a man, for your mother and father, they fell in love.' Lady Veena began to sob, 'By mother never told... could it be she did not..' halo wisked her silent, 'She knew your father was a Ghoul, yet... she married him. You see, Veena, races share not the same sources of power or compassion,. but one thing remains the same. Love. And what was between your father and mother had was pure love.'

Lord Robson interviened, 'So it is to say that... we are all mixed with the blood of Elves and Demons?'

Halo shook his head, 'Not necessarily. I can teach you how to identity the bloodlines, but cough.. cough...' The raised his hand, now covered with blood, and showed it to Robson. '..I'm dying.. But there is one race that does not belong to either Human, Elf or Undead.' lady Veena asked, and which is that? Halo looked her in the eyes, his expression suddenly changing. 'Slayers and the Highbourne, true descendants of the fathers of the first battle. All possess a superior gift that outshines any mortal being.'

Lord Robson spoke, 'Does that mean there are Slayers among us? But if the Highbourne were sealed, then..'

Halo's expression grew grim. 'That was what I was afraid of... It must have seemed that someone, by chance or intention, has broken the seal of the Belcrest Caves. And now... after that assasination attempt.... I believe the worst has come.... The Highbourne is being revived, and the Undead will rise again.'

Lord Robson shoot up, 'I will never let that happen!' Halo smiled for the first time that day, '...then listen, and listen closely... ' Halo leaned forward until he was inches away from Robson's ear. '... I want you to locate the Slayers, and bring them to a place called the Santuary... You... must. cough... cough.... help.... them..... reunITE!!....cough...' Halo began to shake vigourously, and more blood began to splutter. '.... One... will arrive from the North... another from the seas.... The rest I cannot say.... but one... there is one... among us....' Then suddenly, he stopped breathing. With the last of his breath, 'the ....crest... on my left shoulder... the crest...... of the Slayers....' and with that, Halo lay motionless on Lord Robson's arms. Lady Veena began to sob uncontrollably. Lord Robson held the dead General's head in the palms, a shallow tear cascaded down his cheeks, 'Rest well, my friend... rest well...'

************************************************************************************

Lord Robson, Lord Siow, Princess WanYi and Lady Veena stood in silence, watching the fire burn. The entire imperial guard stood at silence, head bowed. Halo's corpse, lying peacefully on the stakes of timber and wood, lay still as the last blessings were being read out by the Reverand. The coffin then lowered into the ground, and the final respectes were paid. King Wye approached from behind the royal gates, and approached the duo.'It is... most regretful... if only I had not been on a royal errand, I'll...' Lord Robson kneeled, 'No sire, it is not your fault. General Halo was a brave soldier, and he risked his life for your own. Seek joy in the fact that you were not here during the assasination, milord. Even if you were, Halo would have naturally done the same.' At the very moment, Princess Wanyi appeared at the doorway. 'Father!! Oh, father! I'm so glad you're back!' King Wye held the princess in his arms. 'Oh, my little angel! I was so worried.' Behind them, Lord Siow emerged, heavily bandaged from head to toe. King Wye looked at him in bewilderment, 'My god, Siow! You should get some rest!' Lord Siow managed a little smile from until his half bandaged head. 'And miss the chance to see my father again? Not a chance in the world....' King Wye hugged Lord Siow, only to realise the bandages. 'Oh, I'm so sorry..' The castle guards chuckled, then stopped at the sight of King Wye's menacing stare, as Lord Siow bounced back in pain. 'Ahh... Its... its alright...'

The very moment, the Royal medics exited the wards, and knelt before the King. King Wye asked , 'How are the other two?' The royal medics replied, 'Prince Wai Kit is in serious condition... the anecdotes work only temporarily, and it will be a matter of time before the poison attacks the heart and vital tissues. Yet....' King Wye asked, 'Yet what?' Oe of the medics replied 'Yet... he seems to be recovering at a amazingly quick pace... Its almost impossible for a human to sustain so much poison at one time, yet alone recover from it.' King Wye seemed pleased, 'Then there is hope yet. See to it that he gets all the attention he needs. And Lord June?' 'Lord June suffered several punctures from the darts, but the anecdotes are woring perfectly. He should be well in a week.'

They all seemed pleased with the news, and the King whisked the medics away. Lord Robson came forward, 'I hope those wounds are alright..' Lord Siow came back, 'Nonsense,' as he held Princess Wanyi close to him, 'If its my sister on the line, it would take more than that to break me.' Princess Wanyi smiled back, then turned to face Lord Robson. 'I... err.. didn't get to thank you for risking your life for me...' Lord Robson blushed a little.. 'It's... nothing really...' Lord Siow smirked, then took to the door. 'I'll leave you two love birds alone then~' he whispered in Wanyi's ear. The Princess gave a haughty push, and Lord Siow squirmed in pain. 'Oh.. oh.. I'm soo sorry...' Lord Robson couldn' help himself and uttered under his breath, 'runs in the family..'

********************************************************************************

Seventy miles away, flames were ablaze on Mt. Odyssey. The High Priest was pinned to the group by a huge beast, its horns pertruding out from its head. It raised its sword. 'I ask you again, old man, where is HE!!' The High Priest looked back at the Minotour. 'Kill me.' The creature was furious. It raised it's sword, but didn't strike. 'Silly old fool.... Even without you... the Undead will rise again and this time... the Slayers can do nothing about it...'

The High Priest, bloody all over, smugged at the beast. 'Kill me. Kill me like the way your filthy kind would to those who stood in your way. Animals...' The huge creature lay a blow on the High Priest, causing fresh blood to ooze out, overlapping the dried ones tat still lay by his chin.'

The Minotour looked at the Priest. 'So be it!' and with all his might, struck a heavy blow. The High Priest was sliced in two. But as the beast threw the dead corpse on the ground. Something amazing happened. The corpse suddenly began to glow, the High Priest stood up again, but this time, the blood stains were all gone. It was like he healed himself totally. The Minotour looked at the High Priest in disbelief. 'It can't be.... You're.... the Healer!?' The High Priest vanished sudenly, and appeared behind the Minotou within seconds, before anyone could react, he chanted a small spell, and a huge ray of light shot of from his finger and pierced the Minotour, dissintergrating it into pieces. The Minotour's lackeys scattered in all directions, 'Slayer! SLayer!!'

The High Priest let out a sigh of relief, as the demons dispersed. Then, he saw it. The Dark Clouds. More Demons must be on their way. He eyed the once beautiful santuary of Mt. Odyssey. Destryoed. Bloodshed and dead bodies layed at his feet. Once tall structures now lay in ruins. As he walked across the field, he spotted one of his wounded deciples. Quickly, he approached him, and placed his palm on his head. 'I'm sorry... Master can heal you, but you will never remember anything that happened before.' And with a glowing light, the wounds on the disciple vanished, and The Healer quickly held him by his shoulders, and vanished into the woods.

From atop the hills, an icy-cold pair of eyes staired at the fleeing Slayer. He laughed hysterically under the claok, a synister and chuckled laugh. The Croaked Wizard held up his Cold Blue Staff, and the orb within it swivled. And the image of the Healer began to float over the orb. 'The Healer... My opponent.... Nyahahahahaha!!!' And with that, a bluish mist began to emerge, engulfing the wizard, and then, it vanished.

****************************************************************************

The only source of comfort she could get was by the dim glow of the candle. Making her way down the steps, the paused as she arrived outside his door. THere, she could see him. Her savour. He had risked it all just to protect her. To keep her alive. Tears swelled up in her eyes, as she pushed the door open gently. Wai Kit lay motionless, asleep under the moonlight. His head rested on a wooden pillow, and most of his body was covered in cloth, where damp spots of dried blood protruded. His upper body was not cover, and Lady Veena could claerly see the puncture marks all over him. All were blue and purple. She seemed lost for a moment, that she could not forgive herself if he had risked his life for hers, and lost it. Until, she saw his chest heave up and down. Slowly, but it was all the evidence she needed. Gently, she raised up her hands, and hesitated for a moment. His expression was at peace, a look that she had never seen before in any man she had been with. For a moment there, she actually felt attracted, and a huge urge of passion swept through her. Then, she caressed his face, slowly, gently, careful not to wake him up. She pushed his hair back, and for the first time had a full view of his face. A dashingly good-looking one too. She blushed a little, as Wai Kit began to stirr. She wanted to head out of the room, but she felt herself glued to her deat, her eyes not leaving his for a second. When finally, they opened.

'Hi.' she said, her sweet voice penetrating his consious.

'Owh.. where am...?' Wai Kit came to, slightly dizzly. Lady Veena gently placed her finger on his lips. 'Don't talk. You're safe now. That's all that matters.'

Wai Kit looked back at her, his voice slightly parced and croaked. 'And... What is that supposed to...'

Suddenly and without warning, Lady Veena's lips met his. A wet, tender kiss as thier tongues exchanged under the moonlight, as the candle that Lady Veena was holding blew off... and off they went into the night.

March of The Succubus - Chapter 12 (Ten)

2008-09-30T16:11:00.006+08:00

The break of dawn shed new light unto the otherwise dully lit interior of the room. Its all fours were but thick stone. The odour of decaying flesh filled the stale air. Along what looked like a long and desolate corridor, lone candles burned, its white molten wax dripping unto the cold hard floor. Lead by merely a torch, misty shadows dissapeared and reappeared at the mercy of its blaze. A lone figure emerged from the shadows, visible only at times when the moonlight chances upon it, revealing nothing more than a rather aged man, judging from the way his shadows tend to bend unevenly. He forced his way through the hallway, his appearace well hidden within the safety of the hood and the shady ambience. A double door stood before him, two guards clad in armour extending thier spaers at the sight of the hooded stranger, thier silvery crest of the Moon glittering in silvery shimmers.

'Who goes there?' said one of the MoonGlades, eyeing the stranger.

The stranger just stood there, unmoving, casting an uneasy silence between the guards.

'Report your name, sir. Or you shall not pass.'

The hooded figure lokked at the two guards. 'And who.... are you... to stop me?'

His voice was croacked and hoarsh, like his throat had been filled with sand and stone. The two guards now pointed the spears at the hooded figure. 'Then there shall be no passage here. Leave now.'

It could have been a mere spectacle to overlook, but the darkness of the night seemed to blurr the eyes of the guard, as he though he saw the man smile. A wicked, cruel smile. The very next moment, as if he was never there, the figure vanished, as though the passing of a shadow had just consumed him. The two guards just stood there, puzzled. But as soon as the strange event occured, yet another hooded figure approached the door. This time, the figure was huge. But that was the least of its bizarity. The figure had not two, but six sleeves. The guards immediately repeated the ordeal.

'And now who goes there?'

The creature kept its head down as it spoke. 'You mean to say...' there was a pause. 'Someone was here before me?'

The guards had had enough. But just before the guards drew thier arms, the creature had, too, like the figure before them, vanished into the shadows. The puzzled guard immediately asked the other to send for the Captain of the Keep.

But before the guard left his post, he witnessed what seemed like a serpent, except dressed in the equal manner as the two before, approach.

'What's with all the wierd visitors tonight! You there! State your case before I...'

That was the last thing the guard managed to say, before he felt a sharp blade pierce his armour, the edge coming out the other end. Blood spluttered out of his mouth as he gasped in pain, then, fell to the ground, dead. The other guard, upon witnessing the death of his friend, raced towards the alarm at the end of the hallway. But as he was just inches away from it, he suddenly felt his world crashing down, consumed by a sudden grief, so severe that at that very moment, he began to question the entire point of even being alive. He eased his hand, lowering slowly as he reached for the dagger at the back of his belt, as he undid the buckle. He drew it out, and standing motionless, held it with both his hands, and held it high in the air. Just as he was about to lower it into his gut, he heard a voice behind him.

'Thats enough.'

The guard immediately came to his senses, dropping the dagger. What was he thinking? He broke in cold sweat, trying to figure out what just happened. Confused, he turned immedaitely, only to the bewildered at what he saw. Another three hooded figures stood before him. One was holding out what looked like a staff, its wooden handle twisted into a brach of four that lead to its tip, where a blue glowing orb was placed. He felt something evil about the orb, but as his feelings began to take over, the orb suddenly grew dim, and the stopped glowing. In an instant, he felt his emotions coming back to him. The hooded figure behind the staff holder, was of ordinary height. It came forward, and bowed to the now shaking guard, whilst the third, who was taller than the rest, had both his arms wrapped around a huge blade taht rested on the ground. The guard was puzzled. How did they just appear behind him?

'We come to see your master and Lord.' The figure said.

'Lord... phillip?' the guard gulped in fear. This made the figure with the staff chuckle. The voice was comical, more like a squeak. The tall figure remained unmoving.

'Yes.... that would be him. Now, please direct us to his quarters. We have been invited.'

'Its at the end of the corridor.' The guard said, pointing towards the end. 'I have heard no such invitation..'

The figure stood backwards. 'I'm sure your master would be welcomed to see us.' They turned to leave, when the guard blurted out, 'Then what about the guard you just took out?!'

The three figures turned to face the guard. Then, the figure smiled. 'What guard?' Then, like those before they vanished. Strange... the guard thought to himself. He ran towards the outter section of the gate, only to find nothing. He was sure the dead body of his comrade was there seconds ago. Just when he thought the night could get no worst, he was met with another party, this time two shadows. Both were of the same height, as thier emerged from the hallway. Strangely, although both wore hoods, One seemed to be unmoving, while the other was looking at all directions. The guard noticed that they both had no arms, as their sleeves dangled in the wind. The two shadows aproached, and then stopped before the guard in unision. When they spoke, only the unmoving figure spoke, the other figure still furiously looked at all directions, as though the guard was not there. 'We come for meeting.'

Before the guard could ask 'Do you mean Lord Phillip's.....' The figure who was looking up and down stopped, and now it looked directly at the guard. The guard suddenly felt cold, as though its gaze was piercing his soul. Then, it spoke. 'End of corridor. Others are already here.' With that, the two figures disspaered before the guard. The air suddenly turned from windy to icy cold. There, before him, the guard saw the most beautiful woman he had ever feasted his eyes upon. Her lips were rich and moist, as her hips swayed in both direction as she approached him. The lady was dressed in a green tunip, which barely covered her cleavage. Behind her, another girl, who was about half her age seemed to follow her closely. He couldn't keep his eyes off her. She leaned forward, and pressed her face next to his ear, as she whispered in the sweetest of voices, 'Lord Phillip.' Her voice seemed to make him quiver, and in an instant he was frozen. He found himself answering her, then, without warning, she kissed him. A tender, yet very brief peck on the lips.

The feeling was of sweet roses and blue tulips. He was in heaven. So that's was what paradise tastes like, he thought. Immediately, he felt nothing else was more important n the world. He would do anything. Anything at all for her. The woman continued to eye him naughtily, then, as thier lips parted, he suddenly felt a lght quiver of sentiments risng through hm, all the way from the tps of his toes to his skull. Then, there was pain. Immense pain. But a part of him was accepting it. He stopped the urge to fight it off. Withn seconds, what was a fine soldier in cladded armour, was now but a huge chunnk of ice and frost.

The woman looked at the little grl, and at once, she nodded. The little girl approached the soldier, or what he once was, slowly, her left hand tightly clutched around the woman's skirts. Then, the most bnizzare thing occured, as the little girl began to eat away at the ice. Chunk after chunk until it was all gone. Suddenly, the woman's eyes began to glow, a bright and eerie blue. A bluish aura began to fill the room, and slowly, a thin but silk-like shadow emerged before them, floating aimlessly. The spirit was lost, screaming at the top of his voice, as the woman drew her breath, and the spirit was sucked into her.

She looked down, satisfied. 'Ishak Ishar!' In an instant, the guard reappeared before her in a thick cloud of mist, slowly gaining form. He had no pupils, and every breath was but chilly, cold air. The little girl ran back behind the woman, seeking protection. 'Lead us.' The guard obeyed, and the three shadows edged towards the corridor, the full moon and its silver lunar strings played the shadows on the dreadful walls of the Forbidden Castle.

********************************************************************************
Robson leaned a little forward. It was her. Covered in a silk and beauty and grandeur. Her dark jet-black hair reflecting the warm rays of the sun. She was angelic. He would have gazed a little longer, before it happened. She looked directly back at him. That intoxicating smile. That were the roses of the May gardens, and the white-washed lilies and the daffodiles. He lost his balance, and felt, backwards, his bum hitting the ground with a loud thump.

Lord June laughed. 'So seek the maiden my friend, before fate pulled its curtains on you.'

Robson eyed him. 'Very funny.... Now be of some use and help me up, would you!'

Lady Veena approached them. 'Haha... Lovebirds sing upon the willows as sprng draw near. You really should have just walk through the front doors, you know.'

Lord Robson blushed, 'I.... I have no idea what you mean.... was just.... well... was just checking out for garden snakes!'

'Garden snakes indeed! I'll let the royal gardener know that, shall I?' and wth that, Lord June turned towards the main gates. 'Come on, Veena, lets make it to the doors before Casanova decides to look for pigeons on the castle walls next.'

Lady Veena laughed. 'That's not very funny!' Lord Robson sad, as he chased the two. Lady Veena shrieked, as she dodged him, and ran down the road, Lord June chucklng behind.

Just as they made it past the frst gate, Lady Veena tripped over an unsuspecting root, and fell towards the ground. Just as she was about to hit, two hands managed to hold her in an embrace. She was in shock and confusion, and looked up, only to see a most handsome young lad. His eyes were of emerald green. His gaze was both warm, yet there was an air of stern and respectable command about him.

'Are you alright, milady?' He said, as he helped her to her feet. "I... I'm just fine. Thank you.' She couldn't hide a little shy smile. Just then, Lord Robson came up from behind. 'Goodness! leave you for a moment and you prefer to let another man catch your fall? You really should have just let me get you!'

'Ah! The nerve!' Lady Veena said, giggling as she took a nearby tree brach and threw it at Robson. Robson laughed, and faced the young lad. Lord June arrived at the same time, anxously racing towards his sister. 'You alright? Really, Robson... You and your little games..'

'I'm alright,' replied Lady Veena. 'But all thanks to him.' Lord June gave a bow. 'Lord June of the Nightingales. Thank you for saving my sister.'

The young lad let a little smile. 'Its no bother. Just the right place at the right time. An honour, Lord June. Wai Kit, Prince of the South County.' Lord Robson was startled. 'Wai Kit? The Prince Wai Kit? My goodness! The honour's all mine!'

'I owe you a fall then, dear Prince. Pardon me, have to get the bags inside. I bid you farewell.' She gave a rather quick curtsy, and left in a hurry. 'And what's with her?' Lord June said. 'Women.....' Robson sighed. 'You'll never know.'

Just then, another figure approached the three men. 'Ah, there you are. And who are your new friends?' Wai Kit laughed. 'Now, now Halo.... There's a fine line about being fatherly and being one. And for the record, you are bad at it. Meet the Lords of East and West, Lord June and Lord Robson.'

'An honour. General Halo. A loyal servant of King and Country,' said the old General. 'Forgo the formalties. June and Robson should suffice. I've heard a great deal about what happened in the North. You really must tell us more about it. I don't trust the rumours. Now I've got the chance to learn about it first hand, I'm darn sure not to let it go.'

'Haha. Indeed. Let's talk about it while we make towards the doors? I'm dreafully certain King Wye hates to wait.'

Just as they were about to do so, there was a loud clang of metal. A guard raced out of the castle, and shouted 'Assassins! In the King's chamber! Sound the alarms!'

The four men heard it loud and clear. They drew thier swords, and raced indoors towards the castle. The castle was of endless corridors, tall pillars and large hallways. But there is no time stop and admire such majesty. Suddenly, they heard a yell, and a crash. Robson edged forward, 'Stand back!' he backed alittle, and with all his strength, thrashed the wooden doors. Before him, he could see nothing more than an empty room. The others entered. "Strange... I thought I just heard....'

The doors were suddenly shut, and behind them, a tall figure loomed over them. It wore a silver cloak, with six sleeves. Before any one could react, blades began to emerge from under the cloak. Lord June dodged it, just in time for another blade to swing forward. The others advanced, only to find more blades coming out under the assasin's cloak, attacking them furiuosly. The four of them fought hard, but there was total chaos in the room. Before Halo tried to spear forward, the assasin broke the door behind him, slicing the pillars within the room and allowing the rubble to fall, and escaped. The four man found themselves trapped. 'Let me,' said Halo. He drew a deep breath, and then, swung his fist against the debree. In an instant, huge tonnes of rock and stone smashed away, boring a wide opening before them. Wai Kit gazed at him. 'You have GOT to teach me how to do THAT!' Halo smiled. 'Not now, come on!'

They raced out of the door, only to find the several MoonGlades comigntowards them. 'MoonGlades! In Ezaroth? But how?' Lord Robson said. 'Who cares how? We have to take them down!' They engaged the MoonGlades, taking them down one at a time. Surprsingly, they had a rather good coordination. Robson and June took the left and rght, Halo covered from the back, whilst Wai Kit sliced thier way through the pack. The MoonGaldes knew they had a disadvantage in numbers. Just as Wai Kit as about to deal another blow, there was a loud screech. A MoonGlade appeared alongside the corridor, Princess WanYi cletched within his arms. 'Nobody move! Drop your weapons! Now!' Lord Robson was furious. In a split second, he took out his revolver, aimed it and fired, hitting the MoonGlade square between the eyes. Prncess WanYi shrieked, as Lord June and Prince Wai Kit raced to her aid. Just then, a tall figure emerged just between them. It was the same assasin that attacked them n the King's Quarters.

'Charming.... Yet I had expected more out of you... All of you..... Leave now. The Princess comes with me.' Wai Kit and Lord June held thier blades high up. 'Over our dead bodies.' The assasin laughed, his scally like face full of scars and blood marks. 'You don't stand a chance.' 'Try us.'

Wai Kit and June sprang forward, and struck from both sides. To thier amazement, a pair of blades appeared out under the cloak, blocking thier attacks with ease. Then, another two blades emerged, this tme over the top, and aimed for them. Wai Kit barely had time to dodge the blade, before the one that previously blocked him came back for another strike. Lord June blocked and overcame the two with ease, and with one quick blow, cut off one of the arms. The assasin didn;t even budge. To Lord June's horror, the arm he cut off suddenly split in two, and out shot a barrage of needles. He didn't manage to dodge in time, as two hit him square on his shoulder. He felt to the ground, groaning in pain. 'Poison needles! Wai Kit, get out of there!' Halo shouted, as he raced forward. The assasin focused all three blades now on Wai Kit, who struggled as he backed away. Halo leaped forward, and was about to thrust his sword, before he was blocked. This time, by two blades. The assasin didn't even turn around. Halo fought hard, trying to get to the struggling prince. Robson wasted no time, fring round after round at the monster. But yet, the blades blocked them. The assasin struck a hard blow, and Prince Wai Kit was disamred. All three swords were raised, and with a final strike, reached out for the Prince. "Noo!' shouted Halo. Blood spluttered all over the hallways.

*********************************************************************
The assasin was mystfied. How? Between them, hands outreached, was Lord Siow. With his bare hands, he held all three blades within his grasps, and with one quick move, broke them all. 'Get out of here!' Prince Wai Kit got up, and ran, in time for more needles to spring in all directions. To Lord June's horror, Lady Veena walked in just n the wrong moment. Wai Kit saw it in time, and with all his might, turned backwards, limbs outstrecthed. The needles stuck all over him. Lady Veena was in shock. Halo was furious, and with all his moght, struck hard at the assasin's arms. Wai Kit fell hard on the ground, Lady Veena rushng forward to help him up. Robson and June were also shocked. 'Noooo!' Halo shouted. 'Noooooo!' He swung his blade once more, 'NOOOOOOO!" this time, the blades the assasin carried broke in two. The assasin turned, just in time, as Halo chanted, 'Favo Viera!' The earth trembled, and two huge rock-like arms break out, slamming the assasin to the ground. The rock hands came down for another strike, only to find themselves sliced off by another arm.

'My seventh..... No one has lived long enough to see my seventh arm....' Siow walked up to him. 'Then the honour's all mine!' With that, he thrust his blade into the cloak, slicing it apart. Just as he did, another arm blocked it, and was sliced in two. The assasin threw his cloak up, and as he did, revealed what looked like an ecsoskeleton of wooden arms and blades. He pulled at the device, and it immedately broke off, and fell to the ground. To everyone's surprse, there the assasin was, blade in hand. He only had one. The other, was a wooden contraption that literally emerged from his skin, where a real arm was supposed to be. Siow charged forward and took the assasin on. They fought gallantly. The assasin suddenly raised his own sword, and then, without warning, sliced off the wooden arm. In an instant, a purple mist began to spew from the wooden catridge of the arm. 'Gas!' Everyone get back!' Siow tried to pursue the assailant, but he leapt across the hallway, crashed through one of the windows, and escaped through the gardens.

The assasin cover a nice thirty acres of gardens, forcing his way through the guards. Just as the walls were n sight. He heard a voice behind him. 'Going somewhere?' Halo stood before him, and with a quick blow, knocked the assasin backwards. Impossible! How'd he get here first? The assasin raised his sword. 'You are no match for me, old man. Now, move aside. I would have to slice you in two, before the guards get to me.' Halo smirked. 'The only reason I didn't take you down then, was for sake of the Alumni.' The assasin's eyes grew wild. 'The Alumni! Slayer!'

With one quick blow, the assasin struck Halo. The blade caught him right between the chest. 'Impressve....' the voice came from behind the assasin. He looked down, and right below him, was a symbol of some sort, carved out of the dirt. Impossible! He tried to draw his blade, but something was pulling it into Halo. 'Why don't you take a closer look?' To his horror, the blade that went through Halo began to thrust through his own chest. Blood began to ooze out. 'Arrgh!' Halo released the spelbind, and with one blow, knocked the assasin across the garden. 'Who.... are... you?' the assasin said, his hand now decapitated, and the tip of his own blade sticking out of his chest.

'Halo.'

'No.... It can't be... All this while... you were just... in front .... of our eyes....'. Halo stepped forward. 'Our? Who sent you?' But it was too late. With a cracklng breath, he died. Halo stepped back, but to his surprise, Lord Robson stood before him. 'Slayer? What is the meaning of this? What black magic did you use on him? I saw what happened. Are you going to take me down as well?'

Halo sighed. 'No... will not. And no... not black, but white magic. Sigh. Let me explain. But help me to the castle doors... I cannot feel my legs.'

March of the Succubus - Chapter 11 (The Slayers)

2008-09-24T21:20:00.006+08:00

Dusk was upon the land of Ezaroth. A trickle of blood rolled down his chin, the trail of blood smudging his already tattered face. He was heaving heavily for air, yet it was impossbile to breathe. The wind was calm, yet eerie, as it began to call out his name, beckoning him to just go through to the end of the tunnel. In his left hand, a torch lit the way through the stone walls and endless mazeless routes that seem to lead to knowhere. He was afarid. Afraid he was being followed still. The miles after miles of tracking has made the deep cuts worst, filling them with minerals from the damp soil, and now every step felt like someone grinding a knife into his bones. He needed to rest. He paced a little more, found a dry spot and leaned against the cold, hard stone.

Just then, it appeared. He froze, and laid low, as two shadows loomed over the cave in the barely luminated space. He peeked out of the stone, careful not to let whatever they were to catch him, not in his condition. One of the two had a long blade clinging to its back, covered in what seemed like cloth. It was tall, looked rather strong, and had had long hair cascading down its front, making him hard to make out its face. The other was smaller. Way... smaller, and instead of a sword, it was holding two curved blades that looked like shields that weapons. The two figures looked around the cave, checking every corner and edge, leaving no stone unturned. The taller of the two suddenly looked up, and approached the boulders, coming within a few fet of where he was. He began to sweat, not that he wasn't already. Lowering himself even further, he let the shadows of the cave engulf his entire figure, slipping gently into the darkness. The tall figure was close now, as it began to inspect the rocks and rubble. It bent down for a while, and paused, as though it spotted soemthing. Cold sweat was trickling down his forehead. The tall figure looked up, and paused a little longer. It reached into its coat and took out what seemed like a rock, and then, without warning, tossed it so rapidly at where he was hiding that it hit him square in the forehead. He yelped in pain, realising it only too late as the tall figure unmounted the long blade from its back, grasped it with both hands, and came closer. He thought fast, drew his sword, and turned to face his assailant. What he saw was startling. The figure was no demon, but a man. The two just looked at each other for a few moments, neither moving.

'You.. you're human....' the footsoldier said.
The tall figure withdraw his blade. 'And you are wounded.' His voice was harsh and deep. He placed the long blade once more onto his shoulder, and called out to the smaller figure. It turned out to be but a young girl, no more than thirteen, as the footsoldier made out. The two just stared at the footsoldier. 'Who are you?' came the tall figure.

The footsoldier looked at the two, unsure of what to do next. He was told to trust no one, and besides, demons could change form. The smaller one looked at the footsoldier, and said in a sweet girlish voice. 'Please... Excuse my uncle. He's a little rough sometimes. He's Stogar the Great Bear, and I'm Little Bear, Henna. Nice to meet you.' The girl gave a little curtsey. It was akward though, as she was still holding the two curved blades, which he just could't stop keeping his eyes off. She noticed the footsoldier's discomfort, and replied 'These things? I've had them since I was a little girl. Nothing to be afraid of though. I know what I'm doing. So... What's you's doing here anyway? We're on our way to..'

The tall figure stopped her. 'No Henna. We still do not trust this stranger. Now... Tell me your name, stranger. I assure you of our peace. I seek no trouble.'

The footman looked at the two, and replied, 'Yet I do not believe you either. Demons have the ability to change thier forms. What makes it so sure you're not...'

Before he could finish, the little girl reached into her dress and took out a small horn. An Ivory horn.

The footsoldier looked at the horn, and recognised it instantly. 'The Ivory Horn.. You're Stogards!'

The little girl kept the horn. 'Now do you believe us?'

The footsoldier answered, 'Then it is all as well. I'm Furion, the last Prince of the Empire of Mecadon, a small Kingdom outside of the North County. Our people were attacked by demons one night. We assembled a small battalion to fight them, but the losses were great. These things... they were unbeatable. No matter how many times you kill them. They came from the skies.. The forests.... I'm the only one who survived.'

Great Bear came forward. 'Yes... I saw the crest of the Meadow on your sword the moment you pulled it out.'

Furion looked at him in bemusement. 'Then why did you ask..'

'To merely test you. Now I know you are not lying. So what intentions do you have crossing through our village?'

Furion stared at them. This man was not ordinary... He knew the crest of his empire... yet he was sure they have never met before. 'You're village? But I was barely...'

Just then, a sharp pain surged through his body. 'Arrgh!'

The little girl raced forward. 'You're hurt. Quickly uncle, give me the herbs!'

Great Bear hesitated, then, took out a small vial from his pockets. The little girl took it from him, and uncorked the bottle. 'Oh... it looks deep. Hold on... This is going to sting a little.' She poured a little of the clear liquid onto the wounds. It began to bubble. Furion felt an intense pain, as though someone just stabbed his leg with a pike. Then, it stopped. The pain began to ease away, and surprisingly, it began to disipate. He watched in amazement, as his wound healed without even a scar.

"How'd you..'
The little girl smiled at him. 'Family recipe. It lucky you bumped into us, you know. We are the best potion makers in the village. My uncle used to try so many herbs in our house near the river, until it was always overrun by mice. You know how much I...'

'Henna!' the taller man said.

The little girl shutted up, and went back to her uncle's side.

Furion looked up. 'I'm grateful for healing my wounds. Yet, what do you mean your village? Isn't this the route to Ezaroth?'

Great Bear looked at the Prince, eyeing him up to down. 'Then you took a wrong turn. This cave leads all the way to a dead end. Now, you are healed. You can go. Come, Henna.' WIth that he turned to leave.

'But uncle...' the little girl said, but kept silent at the sight of her uncle's stern look. The Prince was about to ask another question, before he a small arrow whizz towards the duo.

'Lookout!' the Prince shouted. Great Bear turned, in time to pull Henna out of harms way. He drew his blade, and turned to look, only to find about a dozen or more footmen looking over them from the cave's entrance. They all bore the crest of the Moon.

'MoonGlades! You! They must have followed you here!' Great Bear shouted. Without warning, another volley of arrows were fired. The two dodged it, as Furion raced behind a rock for safety, making it just in time to see three metal edges sticking right into the wall he was at moments before.

The MoonGlades kept firing arrow after arrow at the three, hiding behind the boulders. Furion kept his head low, awaiting the worst. 'There's no way we can beat them!' he yelled towards the couple hiding jsut a few feet away, behind another boulder.'

Great Bear eyed him. 'You cant. But we can!'

Just as he finished, Furion watched in amazement as the tall figure that was standing infront of him a second ago dissapeared suddenly, appearing just behind the MoonGlade archers.

'What the..' the archers didn't have time to reload before the huge blade knocked a couple of them to the ground. The others drew thier swords and struck at the Stogard. The MoonGLades were quick and agile, delivering sucessive blows with thier blades with blinding speed, living up to the legend of the best swordsmen in Ezaroth. They outnumbered the Stogard. Yet, the lone figure seemed undeterred, moving his unwound blade, blocking the attacks with surprising ease, ocaasionally sending one or two stary blows at the MoonGlades. Then, he raised the blade high into the air, and landed it on the ground with a tremendous thump, at the same time, the cloth covering the blade unfolded with the force, revealing a most magnificant weapon. It was gold and was embroided with fine stone. The ground shock violently, as several MoonGlades were thrown off thier feet. The remaining MoonGlades drew thier swords, not realising the shadow looming behind them. Within the fraction of a second, the young girl dashed forward with lightning speed, slashing the MoonGlades with the curled blades in her charge, so swiftly that none had the time to react. Furion was stunned. Speed and reactions even faster than that of a MoonGlade? Who were they?

Just then, he slipped, and a little rock tumbled out of the ceiling he was hiding within. One MoonGlade saw him, and sped towards him. Furin quickly drew his sword, and blocked the MoonGlade's blow. he was not quick enough for a second blow, that sliced him just beneath the chest. The young Prince cursed in pain. The MoonGlade raised his blade to finish the young Prince off. Then, the young Prince closed his eyes, and reopened them. His pupils turned from black to a sudden white. In an instant, everything seemed to slow down, then.. it stopped. All around. Things froze in time. The two Stogards, thier weapons close by, the freash blood plurting into the air. They all froze like a frame of a picture. The Prince could hear his own heartbeat slower than it used to be. His breath slowed to a halt. Literally. He quickly raised his sword, and with all his strength lunged it into the MoonGlades heart, then, he opened his mouth, gasping for air, as time resumed itself. The MoonGlade, unsure of what happened, realised the pain in his chest, and fell to the ground, eyes wide open.

The MoonGlades knew they were no match for the Stogards, and left in the sound of retreat. Little Bear wacthed, as the MoonGlades ran for thier lives, abandoning thier weapons on the ground. 'Yea! You better run! Come back again if you want a piece of me! Cowards! Chicken! Come back here and we'll give it to him! Right uncle? Uncle?'

Furion felt extermely dizzy, and fell to the ground, as Great Bear caught his fall in time. He stared at the Prince. 'Those eyes.... I know that power, young child.... You are no ordinary Prince, am I right? You are a Slayer.'

The young Prince smiled. 'I'm sorry... I lied...' and with that, his went pitch black.
*****************************************************************************
The routes were bumpy and rather uneven, so they had to travel by foot. Siow could make out the silver lines of the huge building towering before them. The Castle of Ezaroth. The greatest Castle ever built in the entire land. It was massive enough to house ten of the Castle of the North, and with the royal guards quarter the size of a metropolitan city, it was undoubtfully the most well guarded as well. The paths before them cleared from bush to gravel, as they approached the castle gates. A huge drawbridge hung above the moat, seperating the entourage from within the castle's walls.

A guard noticed the flag that bore the Thunder's crest. 'The Elite has returned! Open the Gates!' With a loud tremble of the ground, the heavy gates heaved open, and the entourage entered within the castle grounds. The interior was even more massive than from the outside. A long and endless stretch of road lead to yet another smaller gate. On all sides, high guard towers were linked by thick stone towers as tall as fifteen feet. Every corner was occupied by at least one guard bearing either sword, spear or bow, eyeing every corner of the castle, both inside and outside for intruders. Then and again, huge patrol squads comprising of at least twenty footsoldiers marched across the palace grounds, excorted by yet another group of riflemen on horseback. On both sides of the gravel, rose bushes and willows welcomed them as they entered the inner gates of the castle. Siow was amazed. For the first time ever, he was about to set foot into the capitol of Ezaroth. This was a dream come true.
***************************************************************************
Robson tried again. But the boulder just would not budge. June gave it his fifth try, pushing as hard as he possibibly could. The rock moved a little. He was delighted, and tried again. Robson saw the glitter of hope in his friend's eye, and joined him. The rest of the men came to thier aid. Within seconds, the huge stone began to roll, a little at first. Light began to emerge cracks. Then more and more until finally, it gave way. The flash of light from the outside blinded them for an instant, but soon, they got adapted to it, and was immediately amazed at the sight they behold. Ezaroth. Its lush green forests, silver rivers and most importantly, the Grand palace.

'We're here... finally...' Lord Robson said.
'We could have been, earlier, if you had not took us into your little 'shortcut'. Hmmph! Now I'm all tired, thristy and I need a good bath! Just look at me!' said Lady Veena in anger, her dress covered in soot and dust.

Lord June could help but smile. 'Then its better off to head to the castle then. I'm starving.'

Lord Robson kept his sword, and mounted his stallion. 'My apologies, my lady. But still.... We shared a little 'extra' time together didn't we? Haha!' he winked at Lady Veena, then, without warning, gave her a little pinch on the cheek. 'Race you to the gates! Hiah!'

Lady Veena opened her mouth in disbelief. 'Oh the nerve! Come back here you!' as she sped off to chase down her assilant. Lord June laughed out loud this time, as the he and the rest of the entourage kept close behind them, the two figures racing down the open meadows towards the castle gates.
****************************************************************************
'Are you sure this is the right way?' Prince Wai Kit said, as he tried hard to avoid his face from being pricked by the thorns on the branches hanging just above him.

General Halo laughed. 'A little thorn in a bush won't do you any harm, maboy. Anyway, thank you once again for leading us to Ezaroth, borther.'

The monk looked at them. He tried his best to keep his composure. 'Of course, sir. It would be an honour to escort the Prince of the South to the castle in the place of his father. The Elders of the Temple had sent me to see to it.'

'Ah... that old hag. How considerate. You must send him my thanks the moment you arrive home, brother! Really you must!' said Wai Kit.

The brother was silent for few moments, before finally, uttered 'Yes... indeed I will. Ah, there we are.'

The three stood on the hill, as the endless seas of caponies and bushes parted in both directions, and unvealed an open space of fertile land, green hills and villages, free running cattle,free flowing rivers and in the midst of it all, the huge castle of Ezaroth. 'Ezaroth.. Its been years since my last visit. Nothing much has changed...' said Halo.

'Haha! Then you have got to show me around! This beats the mundane temples back at the monestry by a long shot!' He stopped, and looked at thier escort, and his cheeks turned red. 'Well... Not that it wasn't at all fun and all...'

The monk smiled. 'No need to feel sorry, milord. I understand.'

Halo glared at the Prince cheeckly, and with a laugh, trotted down the route of stone and gravel.
'What? What did I say?' said the young Prince, following closely behind. The monk smiled even more now. 'It is done.' The three figures rode slowly towards the the castle, Prince Wai Kit's taunts and Halo's laughter filling the air.
****************************************************************************
Princess Wan Yi just returned from her daily visit to the royal stables, when she saw them. She could not make it out at first, but the moment he tossed his jet black hair backwards, she knew it could not be a mistake.

'It... it can't be.... Siow! Is that you!' she shouted, as she got off the horse and raced towards the gates. Lord Siow looked up. Could it be? He unmounted the horse, and held the running Princess in his arms, his expression bursting with smiles.

Tears of joy trickled down the Princess's cheeks. 'Oh god.... I'm so happy to see you again!'

The newly declared Lord of the North County felt the same hot tears swell up in his eyes. 'So am I, sister. So am I....'

Chapter 10 - March of The Succubus (The Dawn of Darkness)

2008-09-19T00:58:00.008+08:00

It was a full moon. Her nimble frame glided through the open alleys of the castle in the shadows, with only the amber glow of a lone candle to keep her company. Her dark hair, illuminated slightly by the silver moon's glare, swayed gracesfully with each step, until finally, she reached the tip of the narrow stairway. Puzzled, she bit her bottom lip, but decided that it had to be done. The eerie flutter of the wind haunted the stone-made steps, but it had not the slightest of effect on her. Her nightgown was barely buttoned. oh, what would Nanny say if she saw her dressed this way. 'Inappropriate, young lady!' The very thought of that made her smile.

Slowly but surely, she made her way down the stone corridors and into an opening. She realised she had encountered a cross-road. To the left, there was what seemed like an opening to the palace gardens. To the right, a series of endless doors, the occasional groans and whining could be audible through its heavily armed shell of thick wooden doors and barred windows. Noone knows what resides within those walls. Maybe next time, taught the princess. Tonight, she had better things to accomplish.

Silent but quickly, she raced across the corridor into the left, opening the wooden frames ever so slighlt, but just enough for her to get a peek. Outside, two nightguards were on duty. Sven and Hendersen. Both from her fathers battalion. With confidence, she gave the doors a push, and they gave way.

The two guards immediately raised thier pikes. 'Who goes there?!'

The princess smiled. This is going to be fun. 'Who ever do you think I may be?'

The two guards blinked at the sound of the imperial voice, and stood at attention. 'My, my lady... What brings you out here in the night?'

Princess Wan Yi strod across the gardens and approached the young guards. 'Come now. Why, in heavens name would a young, lonely little girl come wondering off into the deepest, darkest parts of the castle in the middle of the night? Surely grown men like you..' She came so close to the two guards, swaying her hips as she went, now that the only thing seperating them are the silver palted armour they were wearing. They could feel her warmth, though it was but fantasy more than anything else. '....would know that by now?' And as she finished her sentence, pulled one of the young guards even nearer. The young guard froze for a second, and closed his eyes. Just as the lovely Princess's lips were inches away from his, she stopped, lowered the straps that bound her nighgown together, pulled the young guard close and tugged him by his scarf. She lowered his head to her ear, and whispered 'I'll scream, so loud that every guard in Ezeroth will immediately come to my aid. Be it that they rip you to pieces or not, is at my judgement.'

The guards were terrified by now. 'What.. what do you want, my lady?'

The princess, finally sure that she had the efect she desired, let the young guard loose. 'I want to be left alone. Let no one know that I am visiting my father's gardens.'

The two guards were even more horrified. 'But my lady, his majesty has forbidden anyone, even you..'

'The princess now undid the other strap. This made the guards shut up immediately. She strolled into the entrance of the gardens. 'And keep a lookout for me. Thank you~' she said, as she did, made a pass at the other guard.

Inside, the moonlit sky was clearer than ever. As a child, she had always visited this place of peace. Ever since the death of her mother, King Wye had sealed this place, barring any soul from entering tis premisess. More like seeking to escape than fae the death of his wife. The queen was a jewel. Both to the kingdom of Ezaroth, and to the royal fmily. Wan Yi was treated as a golden child should have been treated. She had all the love, kindness and care in the world. But ever since the Great War, things were never the same again. Princess Wan Yi hesitated for a moment, staring at the wooden door. The fine incriptions were beyond beauty, and there, in the middle of the knobs, were the initials, ELE. She mustered what remained of her courage, and stepped in.

Every angle of the garden was of perfection and beauty. Endless streams of rose bushes paraded across the seas of birch and willow, all leading up to a trrain of gravel. The smell of rosemary and jasmine was abundant, and the air was filled with marvel. She had not remembered any of this, not since her mother left her at the tender age of five. She was heartbroken ever since, but not as much as King Wye. She took her time, admiring every tree, rock and flower, taking in the bitter sweet memories that have been like a long lost friend. Her paces brought her to yet another marvel. A towering fountain of what seemed like a lovely circle of angles and artifacts stood before her in majesty. Behind it, a long road and stone and gravel that leads to cascading steps, on both sides statues of past kings and heroes of Ezaroth bowed before her presence. And there, up upon the steps, lay the magic of it all. Surrounded by twelve pillars that symbolised the elemetnts that hold Ezaroth together, in unity, in harmony, lay a well. A well so mysterious, that as the Princess approaced it, she could hear faint whispers. 'Come.. my child....'

There, the Princess stood before the magical well, and made her wish. Before the Oracle.

******************************************************************************
Somewhere deep within Noreshire, a band of horses made quick pace towards Ezaroth. Three figures led the pack, thier capes fluttering in the chilly wind up the mountains. The tallest of the three, Lord Robson, still had a troubled look on his face. His entire character had changed overnight. Behind him, Lord June was rather concerned. The Lord of the West had not been his cheerful self ever since. Once of twice, they had stopped to seek supplies, only to find Lord Robson shrieking at shadows, drawing his arms at trees and talking to thin air. It was as though he was being followed. He had to do something.

'I say... lets stop for a while, my friend. You have been riding down thie lane for hours now. Come, a little rest and some water would do you goo...'

'No.' came back the sharp reply. 'We have to get to Ezaroth as soon as possible. I have a feeling something is up.'

undetered, Lord June tried yet again, this time with a warmer tone. 'Then tell me what troubles you, my friend. Let me share some of the misery. I do owe you my life.'

Lord Robson looked at his friend, and for the first time that night, smiled.

'That's more like it.'

Lord Robson hesitated for a moment. He waited until they arrived at the bank of a clear opening, before he pulled at the ropes of his horse. The whole entourage came to a halt. 'We stop here. Everyone get some rest. We shall continue once it is sunrise.'

The men disembarked, and immediately set camp. Lady Veena, accompanied closely by Lord June, sat near an opening, while Lord Robson lit a fire. Once they were all seated, Lord Robson, still puzzled, began his story. 'I'm sorry I never though I could trust you, my friend. But I fear I have begun to see what does not exist.'

'Pray tell, what is it that you see. My brother has been worried sick.' said Lady Veena.

Lord June gave him a concerned look. 'Is it about what we saw at the foot of the mountains?'

Lord Robson gave a sigh, then he nodded. 'You see, last night, I had a dream. In my dream, Lord Nesh's army fell under a powerful spell, by.. something.. or some kind of evil wizard. I saw them.. all of his men... fall... die.... one by one... even Lord Nesh himself was dead. I woke up, feeling that it was rather strange..'

Lord June and Lady Veena both looked at him in disbelief. 'Lord Nesh is dead? How is this possible? We do not yet know for sure..... '

Lord Robson shook his head. 'I am sure of what I saw in my dream. Yet, it didn't stop there. Watever happened to the Northern army, happened to one of the Five Outposts as well.'

This time, Lord June stood up. 'Come my friend. It may all just be a dream.'

'I considered that as well. That is why I had to make sure. But when we saw what happened to the Northern Army..'

'Whatever happened may have been but a loss, but surely Lord Nesh would not be foolsih enough to go all out? He must have redrawn somewhere...'

Lady Veena spoke, 'But still... it is still unbelievable. Something so powerful that even the Northern army cannot take out? What exactly as we up against here?'

She recieved no response.

All three lay in silence. Finally, it was Lady Veena who spoke. 'Either way, a man as strong as Nesh cannot possibly fall under some spell. he might still be alive. Maybe we can find him still.'

Lord Robson looked up. 'You are right... I too do not completely trust this dream of mine. Yet...'

'What is it?'

Lord Robson was rather shaken by now. 'This... wizard... who cast the spell. I saw him. I saw his face.'

Lord June jsut stared at him, lost for words.

"This thing... had come to warn me.. that some... I don't know... something was going to happen in Ezaroth. That I should be there as soon as I can....'

Lord June loked downwards, unsure of what to say. Lady Veena too, contemplated for a while. Then, she spoke. 'Then it is best we get moving. If the predictions of the Northern Army came true, no matter how much of a coincidence, we cannot atke any chances. Besides, we should keep the King well informed. What is there to lose?'

Lord Robson smiled. 'Thank you, Lady Veena. I feel much better.'

Lord June laughed, 'Then be more of a sport next time. I was not born deaf you know. Besides, I cant let you have all the glory! It would be, unmanly! Come, let us make haste. If we keep on track, we'll be in the King's court in two days.'

Lord Robson smiled. They headed for the horses. 'Take note, men, we'll head for the King's quraters by sunrise. Now, why don't we all get some goodnight's rest and.....'

There was a loud bang, and then, almost instantly, several of Lord Robson's men were thrown into the air, landing a few inches, thier cries of agony silenced as they crashed into the dirt, before him, dead. The rest drew thier swords. There was chaos, as everyone tried to look for the intruder. Lady Veena shrieked, stood up and hid behind Lord June, who too failed to make out where the attacker was coming from. Then, another bang was heard, and two more of Lord Robson's men were thrown into the air. In the nick of time, Lord June drew his revolver, aimed and fired. What seemed like a dark pile of cloud suddenly erupted into thin air. Then, more and more of these shades began to appear. What came to be was anything Lord June had set eyes upon before. These cretures were shades. Purple and dark, fromless. The rest of Lord Robson's men drew thier revolvers, and fired. Several of the shades erupted. Then, in a flash, there dissapered before them. There was silence, as the confused men looked desperately around.

'Look out!' one of the men shouted, but it was too late. A blancket of dark shadows had already covered one of them. Immediately, shots were fired in the soldier's direction. Lord Robson yelled, 'No!' Instanly, the shade disspeared, and what was left was the soldier, dead by the hands of his own countrymen. The shades disspeared. Silence once again fell on the river bank. Then, Lord June saw it, 'Robson, behind you!' Lord Robson dodged by the skin of his teeth, only to see the shades missing him by a fraction of a second. Just as it was about to disappear, Lord June fired his revolver right it the middle of the shade, and it vanished.

'What the hell was that?' shouted one of Robson's men.

'I do not know, and I'm not going to stick around long enough to find out. Let's get out of here, sire, before it comes back!'

Just then, there was a loud battlecry. It echoed throughout the whole encampment. The men drew thier swords and looked around. Then, it happened. It was massive as it tore through the vegetation and stomped into the clear opening. A huge beast emerged from the shadows of the forest, towering before them.

'Ambush!'

The attacker had the face of a tiger, but it had the body of five man. Very strong men. In its hand it held what looked like a double bladed axe. With each step, it shook the ground. It charged across the opening, taking down several footsoldiers in one go. Several more of Lord Robson's men engaged the huge beast, only tobe knocked aside in one blow. Lord June fired the revolver at its direction, but it didn't back down, only flinching. It growled angrily, and charged, this time, towards Lord june's direction. Several more of Lord Robson's men turned thier revolvers towards the huge beastnow, desperately trying to take it down. But it didn't, continuing as though the gunshots were nthing more than mosquito bites. Lord June managed to jump away in time, but the two gunmen by his sides were not so lucky. It regained its bearing, and charged once again, this time towards Lady Veena, who was just a couple of metres away.

'Get out of there!' Lord June shouted, and raced towards his sister. He leapd ad caught hold of her jsut in time as the beast struck past. Lord Robson dashed towards it just as it was about to turn again, raised his rapier, and plundged it into the beast's chest. It growled in pain, and fell down. Robson's men immediately fired at the beast. It seemed to be working now that it was wounded. Lord Robson backed away. Just as Robson's men were reloading, something swooped down from the sky, picked up one of the gunmen, and flew into the air. The confused gunmen looked up, and was terrified. The flying creature was hedious, its eyes were but plain white spheres. It had long wings, and blood red teeth. A gargoyle. Legendary beasts of stone that came to life upon hearing the call of the devil. He tried to fight desperately, but the last thing he saw was the creature's claws digging into his flesh, and then, the gunman was ripped into two. Lady Veena was horrified. So were the rest of the men, as more and more gargoyles began to swoop down, enveloping the moonlit sky into a pitch black of wings and death.

'Retreat, men!' Lord Robson called out. The remaining of the riders jumped onto thier horses hether scatter, only to find the tiger-like beast standing before them. With one huge blow, its rammed the axe to the ground, causing a dozen of the rider's to tumble. It picked one of them up, and crushed it with its mighty claws. Lord Robson's men drew thier swords, and engaged in battle, but the beast was too powerful. It growled, facing upwards and extending its arms in a sharp and ear-pierceing growl taht echoed through the forest. More gargoyles began to pick up the poor footsoldiers and gunmen one by one.

Lord Robson dodged another attack, managing to pierce his rapier into one of the gargoyles as it swooped down, missing the Lord by inches, only to find another already too close for comfort. Just as it was about to lay its claws on Robson, Lord June's blade sliced it into two. Just as he lowered his sword, he raised his revolver and fired at yet another one of the flying beasts.

'Theres too many of them! We have to get out of here!' as he said that, another swooped down, this time slashing Lord June in the arm.

'Arggh!' The gargoyle looked down, and returned for another strike. A gunshot was heard, and the gargoyle fell to the ground, winching, in time to find Lord Robson's blade cut thorugh its neck. Lady Veena, reveolver in hand, came to her brothers aid. 'Keep your claws of my brother you worm!' and she fired, one shot after another at the attacking beasts. Lord Robson helped Lord June up, 'I have to say, you've got one hell of a sister there.'

'This is no time for jokes, now, get us out of here!'

Lord Robson made a loud whistle, and two rideless horses came to his side, 'Already on it!' The two got on, Lady Veena managing another shot at one of the gargoyles before she hopped onto the same horse with her brother.

Both horses galloped off, but Lord Robson drew his at the last moment. 'I'm not leaving without my men!'

Lord June stopped. 'It wont do you any good saying her as well! The best thing you can do now is stay alive! Your men sacrificed themselves for you, so keep a stiff upper lip, and get the hell out of here. I promise you their deaths will not go unavenged!'

Several of Lord Robson's men galloped past, and stoped before him. 'Your emminence, go. We'll hold them off as much as we can.'

With one last nod, Robson looked at his men one last time. They returned the nod, just in time for another sea of gargoyles to emerge from the shadows. 'Go, milord! Now!' As they desperately fought off the attackers, only to see one more of Lord Robson's men fall to the ground, blood splurting in all directions.

Lord Robson turned, and galloped off with Lord June. Just as they were about to clear the first mile, he saw it. Lord Robson stared at disbeleif. There, on the top of the hill, above the din of chaos that had been unjustly cast upon his men, stood a the shadow of a rider. It was unmistakable. Those wings. That beast-like exterior. Those red eyes. That hood. The monster from his dreams.... looking directly at him.
********************************************************************************
Prince Wai Kit and General Halo, packed and ready to embark on the journey home, gathered at the gates of Mt. Odyssey. A large group of priests and monks had gatherd to bid them off.

The oldest and wisest of the group busied himself with hugging the Prince. 'Thank you so much, Father. I'll remember all that I have learned here.'

The old priest looked up, and smiled. "No... thank you, young Prince. May the Gods bless you, and have faith in yourself my boy. You have the makings of a King who can end this darkness once and for all.'

'Thank you Father. Oh... I'm going to miss you....' as tears began to form in the Prince's eyes.

This made the Father smile. 'There... there... cry somemore and you'll made us all cry too. Be safe now. You have my full blessings.'

General Halo stepped foward. 'Its time to go now.'

The Prince broke out of his embrace, and followed the old General to the entrance of the Gate.

With that, they bid thier final farewells, and headed off into the forest.

Just as the two dissapeared into the shadows, The priests turned back to the cathedral. Thier one and only apprentice had finally become the man they had always hoped he would be. now its up to him to release this land from the darkness that was to come. The Elders had known this, of course. They headed into the building, looking back one last time at the route that they had seen the young Prince come as but a mere child, and leaving as a man.

What they didn't see, was the huge beast-like creature that hid within the shrubs, its tiger-like head visble as shards of sun-light made contact, watching thier every move. The villagers of the Temple of Light, unaware, entered their homes for the night. At first, there was silent flapping of wings. Then, one of them gasped at the sight of it. The starry sky was filled with flying creatures. There was a swoop, a scream, and then, there was blood, as the skies of Mt. Odyssey were filled with wings, claws and death. High pitched screams could be heard, as the flames of hell were brought down upon them. The Priests, alarmed by the shrieking, ran out, only to find more deaths. 'My God.....'

They came to the people's aid and fought back. They were forbidden to use weapons, but they were trained do make do without. Swift and agile, they avoided the attacks easily, and with one strike of the fist, crushed the gargoyles skull. Yet, they were too many of them.

'Quick! Get the people into the safety of the cathedral! Jason!' the Elder Priest pointed at one of his men. 'Get a horse, race towards the Prince and the General. Tell them not to turn back, no matter what they see! Now go!' The young priest obeyed, jumped onto a horse, and galloped off. The elder priest turned his attention now to the vile demons.

'Isha Hamen Ishkiviah!'

There was a loud zapping, and then, the body of the elder priest began to glow. It glowed intensely, then, a beam of its luminousity shot out into the sky, filling the sky with bright, blinding Light. It was an illuminousity spell. A huge wave of the approaching gargoyles evaporated as they came into contact with the light. The rest of the priests did the same, not as powerful, but served its purpose nonetheless. More and more of the gargoyles fell. Just as the last of the gargoyles vanised into dark smoke, there was a loud tremble, and the huge tiger-like beast emerged from its hiding. The Priests were about to cast another spell, when they were envelpoed in pueple blankets of shade. One of the priests shrieked, then , as the shades dissapeared, the priests lay there, aive, but motionless, as though thier souls have been ripped from thier bodies. The Elder Priest evaded the shades. He concentrated, and closed his eyes. When he reopened them again, he could see them. Dark Elementals. 'Concentrate! They are all around you!'

From the safety of the shadows, a shadow watched as death and decay was brought down upon the Temple of Light. The rider, hooded from sight, felt anxious. The battle with the monks of Light was not going to be an easy task. It looked on for a moment longer, then turned its back. Under the moonlight, the crest of the moon glittered, only but for a fraction of a second, as the dark figure headed back into the darkness.

Chapter 9 - March of The Succubus (The Awakening)

2008-09-09T22:27:00.005+08:00

Silver rays glistened from the iron clad armour. Both men could not believe the spectecle before them. Moon Glades? Here in Mount Odyssey?

The footsoldier quickly spotted the prince and the General, and turned his attention to them. The priest, blade thrust through his heart, lay dead beneath the soldier's feet.

His look was intense, and fierce.

'By order of Lord Phillip, we are sent to take the Prince back to the South County'

The Prince winched. 'And you had to do it by killing an innocent bystander? You could have just...'

'I have my orders Prince Wai Kit, now get on that horse, now!'

Wai Kit drew his sword. 'I will have nothing of this sort! Give me your rank and armour soldier! I hereby strip you off duty by the power invested in me...'

The MoonGlades said nothing at first, then, they laughed.

Halo drew his sword, and stood between them. 'How dare you speak to the future Lord of the South in such perposterousity! I swear I'll have your head the moment I report this to his Lordship...'

The footsoldier looked up towards Halo, then laughed. 'Lord Phillip is dead, Halo. Now, draw your swords, or come quietly. I'll do more than kill to claim the throne.'

General Halo beckoned to the Prince to get behind him. But before he could do anything, the young Prince had already launched himslef ahead. The MoonGlades drew thier swords, and struck at the Prince, but he was too fast for them. A couple of strikes later, and the MoonGlade was knocked out, the Prince's heavy boot tightly pressed on his armour plate.

'Impressive ma' boy, well... for a boy that is.'

The young Prince stared at the General. 'Dont push it.'

He smiled. The Prince and the General approached the fallen MoonGlade. The Prince reached out for the head gear, and pulled. What he saw changed anything his training in Mt. Odyssey had prepared him for. What lay beneath the head piece was but a viod. Emptiness. Nothing. The South County was in danger!

***********************************************************************************
The dark clouds were long dissipated into a bright blue, yet, in a jungle with no chimney or window to let light in, illuminousity was but a bitter hope for a lost soul. Well, two exactly. General Siow dragged his feet over the muddly puddles, occasionally having to heave the heavy Lord Nesh dangling, motionless over his shoulders. The attempt of even making it out of this dark, gloom of a forest alife was too unlikely, impossible. But impossibilities were all that General Siow could wish for. His wounds were still burning, his sword still clenched tightly in his hand. Intoleratable and in harsh agony, he moved on. He knew he had to. The Lord of the North was breathing, but just barely. Crimson red blood flowed, leaving behind a trail of blood. The forest of Norshire was infamous for its tales of mystery and wonder, and the creatures that lurked within its shadows were solemn and often discarded as legends and myths,. But still, General Siow didn't want to take any chances. He had already had enough. Th fall of the entire Northern army in the hands of King Phillips and his men were davestating enough. But the queer questions still resounded in the echoes of his head. Who and what were they up to? Were they not sacrificed in the South County as the messengers have reported?

True to the words, Norshire was nothing but hidden shadows and murky swamps. Howles and whines of unknown beasts echoed throughout. Still, his heavy feet trudged on, vowing to make up for lost time. Behind them, he could still hear the distinct whispers and galloping, the rustling of the bushes and the crackling of nearby branches. The route was claer up ahead. General Siow looked around, placing his ears onto the ground. The tremours were still there. They must be close, but in the wrong direction. Carefully, he heaved the heavy mass of flesh, or what was left of it, onto the ground. His Lordship was breathing weakly.

'Sire... Sire! We're almost out of here, I can feel it. A little up ahead, and there might be water.... and....'

Lord Nesh opened his eyes, managing only a peek through his battered eyelids. He could hear his general weeping. For what seemed like an eternity, they lay there, in silence. Then, the Lord of the North, hands shivering from the cold and the pain, spoke.

'No.... Its.. too... late for.. me.' He smiled, like a father's smile to a son. 'Listen to me, Siow.... There is little... time..... If the dark forces have set foot on the Middle Kingdoms, all of Ezeroth, and the North County.... will be next....'

'No sire! We still need you to lead us! The.. the army might be lost... but... the King! We can send word to the king. The Elites can do something about it, sire! Can they not?'

The torn Lord smiled even more. Never in his life had Siow witnessed the infamous Lord Nesh smile. His Lordship was always tough, unbent, and just. The demi-god with the strength of ten men, who could erect fallen stone into monumental structures of war. The House of Nesh had been governing the North, for almost twenty generations. There might not be kindness and punishments under stringent rules, but there was, above all, peace.

Lord Nesh shook violently, more blood now oozing out of his wounds. The wounds were deep and badly ripped. Anyone would have died of the pain. But Lord Nesh Dominic II Naidu was not anybody.

'Take... take this....' the wounded Lord took out a torn piece of what seemed like parchment from his belt. 'I... I managed to get this from one of the Seargents of the MoonGlade when they pierced me....' He coughed, and blood splattered unto the ground.

General Siow took it from the Lord's bloody hands, and opened it, his eyes moist from the very thought of losing the ruler and master of the North. Within, were some kind of scriptures, engraved in what seemed like dry blood.

'Take... this... to a wise man named Kye.... in the Middle Kingdom... He.. He'll know what to ... do... with...'

The conculvtions were uncontrollable now. 'Hang in there, milord! We can make it out of here. Oh, in the name of the Holy SunBear, I promise I'll...'

Before he could finish, Lord Nesh reached out his hand. 'That.. would be enough... General.... That would be... enough'

And with one last smile, the great Lord heaved his last breath, and then, there was silence. The man who ruled the Northern Lands... now lay dead before General Siow, a man of valour and immense courage.

In tears, Siow took one last look at the fallen Lord of the North. 'By the heavens I swear, that in the place of this great man, there will come great retribution! His death will not go unpunished!'
The heavens were raining. A slow, but greyish rain. Its as though even the skies weep for the lost of a man of such valour. General Siow placed the last amount of earth on top of the grave, and reached for the emerald sword that lay by his side. He decended to his knees, and gently placed the sword over the grave.

'Within these sands lie the once beating heart that lead the County of the North to honour and glory. This man was a legend. A legend whose stories will be entrusted upon the minds of generations years to come.'

He stood up, bowed one last time, and turned his back towards the Lord of the North one last time.

Just as he did, he could hear gentle rustling of leaves. General Siow paused a moment too late, as two arrows jetted past the General, the first missing his right arm, but the later penetrating his left knee. He drew his sword a hint later than the arrow. He let out a cry of agony, and fell, clenching his sword for support. Two MoonGlades came out of thier hiding, crossbows in hand.
Behind them, an audible galloping, and the stomping of hooves against the soft terrain, stood the shadow of a tall figure. This figure was no MoonGlade, but it wore a high coat, demanding respect. The two MoonGlades bowed at the presence of the higher being, as it disembarked from the Dark Night. It drew its rapier, and pointed it towards the fallen General, as more MoonGlades joined the troup, surrounding the General.

'In the name of the Highbourne, General Siow, I've come to take your life.'

Genral Siow, managing to finally pull the arrow out of his knee cap, threw it to the ground. He tried to stand, but a sudden surge of pain ran through his spine, and he fell again.

'No use trying to stand now, great General. That arrow has been poisoned with the venomous of snakes in the Noreshire forest. No amount of antidotes will cure it. So even if you DO, in some twisted fate, run out of this situation, which I find rather unlikely, you will die.'

Siow took a closer look at the demon. His face was inhuman, almost beastlike. There were what seemed more like blunt horns pertruding out of its otherwise abnormal skull. Its eyes were red, flushed and it was not very well built. In the field of military concencous, it had to play more of an advisor than a soldier.

It pointed the rapier directly at the tip of the General's throat throat now.

'Any last words?'

The General eyes the demon. 'Before I die... Tell me your name.'

The demon looked at the General, and laughed. 'Mortals... Still fantasizing about the slight chance you have at getting back at me eh? Well then let it be known, that The HighBlood Command of the Second Battalion, Razamire, has taken the life of famed General Siow. Now, this will only hurt for a second...'

'That's all I need to know.'

A second later, the rapier pointed only moments ago at the General was snapped in two.
'What in the devil...'

Siow surged forward, laying a huge fist at Razamire, causing the figure to bolt in reverse, hitting the ground with a thud. The demon staggered to its feet, still tarumatized by the hit. THen, he shook his head, only to find blood seeping out from his chin. He bellowed, How dare you! Get him you fools!'

The two MoonGlades raised thier crossbows aimed, and fired. The arrows missed the General, landing instead in the chest of a neaerby MoonGlade. Siow raised his sword, and slashed the two MoonGlades in half. Three more MoonGlades took the place of thier fallen counter parts, and drew thier swords as well, only to be knocked down by the enraged General. Siow fought bravely, slaying another MoonGlade. The famed swordsmen were fast and swift, but Siow had the advantage of skill. But skill alone was no match for numbers. A couple of moments later, he had himself surrounded. Razamire smirked, as he apporached the group.

'No where to run now, mortal? Finish him!'

Then, there was a loud crack, and the MoonGlade standing directly next to Razamire fell, arrow through his neck.

'Not unless I say so!' A flash of blinding light, and two figures emerged from the shadows, taking on several MoonGlades. Then, a loud battlecry, and a couple more figures joined the fight. The confused MoonGlades turned thier attention to the new attackers. Siow, too, was surprised, but he seized the opportunity, and struck a solid blow on the nearby MoonGlades.

'There are too many of them! Retreat!' Razamire yelled. The coward jumped on his horse, and raced off, followed by the other MoonGlades. In the havoc, several of the MoonGlades were struck dead on the ground, as the rest tried to escape. Others fought the new invaders, only to find what seemed like hundeds more emerging from the shadows of the forest. In a final effort to escape, the MoonGlades jumped on whatever horses were left and escaped into the wilderness, leaving behind a helpless few who were sitting ducks for the attackers.

Once it was safe, the General turned his attention his saviours. The footmen who came forward introduced himself as Sir Gallaweed. It was when he kept his sword that Siow noticed the high mark of the bolt, or Thunder on his sword case. An Elite! The king's royal guard!

Sir Gallaweed was first to speak. 'I apologize for not arriving sooner, your emminence. The men were caught with the unfamilar terrrain. But I do understand if your Lordship would accompany me back to the castle. King Wye has an urgency....'

'Whoa.. whoa... wait a second there! What did you just call me?'

The royal guard blinked. 'Your Lordship, sire?'

'Now listen here, you!' Siow drew his sword. This made the royal guard back away. 'The only Lord I know, love and serve is dead just moments ago. If this is some attempt to mock me and the County of the North, swear on Lord Nesh's grave that I'll...'

'You're General Siow, I presume?' the royal guard inquired, still not willing to let his sight off the blade pointed directly at him.

'SO what if I am?'

'Then please, your emminence, keep that blade away. The only Lord present here, is you, Lord Siow, of the North County. The king has heard of Lord Nesh's death.'

This time, it was Siow's turn to blink. 'How'd you....'

'The Oracle, Lord Siow. Now, I'll expalin on the way. The King has an urgent need to see you, so I advise we hurry up.'

The royal guard turned and headed for his horse. Siow was still dumbfounded.

'Why should I trust you?'

'Because if you don't, sire, Princess WanYi would be very upset.'
********************************************************************************
A huge fog had long since engulfed the shady forest. The scout party stormed through the forest. Literally. Most of it due to the scouts themselves. They were not of a fixed form, more elemental. Dark Elementals, as they called themselves. Most prized in war, agile and quick, they can cover hectars of land in a matter of minutes, consuming everything in their path. The formless shades whizzed thorugh the forest, thier passng causing the nearby greens to decay and die the instant death. Almost as though they were robbed of thier soul.

Six miles apart, a pack of horses strodded in fine unisense. A full ten horses, covered in steel plates, sharp thorns and blades pertruding out. Its hooves were solid steel. Its horses alone were humungous. Yet, if you can call them horses. They were more of bones and flesh, its eyes blood shot just like its rider's. The riders enclosed themselves in black hoods, allowing only the eyes to be visible. The leading horse, this one larger than the rest, rode the Beastlike demon. The same blunt horns, but this time, a much larger built, and the intensity of its red blood shot eyes were bone chlling.

Soon, the fog began to lift, and suddenly, one of the horses neighed, and the entire patrol stopped. The elementals have returned from thier search. The leader of the patrol disembarked the undead horse, and hit the ground with a loud thud. Immediately, from the horizon, three shady figures appraoched. They seem to dissapear and reappear as they got closer. One of them moved towards the horsemen, and an echo, as quiet as a whisper but loud enough to make the entire patrol nod in agreement.

'Blood.....'

Then, the horsemen stood up, and there, in the distance, they saw it. An outpost. The symbol of the Middle Kingdom's crown embedded on its doors. One of the Five Outposts. Huge fortresses that were meant to prevent any intruder from the barbaric clans around Norshire forest. Two hundred footsoldiers. Three hundred archers, hidden in four positons around the dense forest. A river, up the frozen banks, lay two villages. Fresh humans for slaughter. Twelve towers, nightguards. Fifty calvary. Heavy stone walls, a draw bridge, catapults at every corner.

The demon's blood shot eyes blinked, and then, it made a loud growl. There was a sudden rumble of the ground below, and them, the earth began to crack apart. One by one, all sorts of undead creatures though possible emerged from the depths of hell. Skeletons, bloodhounds and gargoyle, emerging out of the ground like mushrooms after the rain. The skies and forests were soon filled with an army of the undead, howlng and growling, desperate for blood.

The ten rders disembarked, and then, formed a circle. They each took a dagger out of its case, and in perfect coherence, thrust it into thier chests. Blood poured out but as soon as it reached the ground, it began to swivle and turn, forming a cloud of red and purple. Soon, a leg began to take shape, then an arm, an then, there was a head. All at once the creatures that had emerged bowed down as though they had seen their maker. In fact. they had. Out of the chants, the ten horsemen retreated, and out of the smog of red and purple, a tall figure, menacing and only half-visible through its shady exterior, emerged. It had eyes that were shut tight, as though it was blind. Huge wings appeared on its back. Its face was solemn and drown, but it had a terrible aura, one so powerful that the nearest gargoyle vaporized at its presence.

'Garh... Finally.... After al these years.... The Highbourne.. will rise again...'

Then, as quickly as it disembarked, the horsemen hopped back onto the horse. The Highbourne, eyes still closed, glared directly at the outpost. An evil smile appeared on its lips. It began to chant, and then, dark clouds began to form above.

At the outpost, the footsoldiers noticed somethng wrong about the weather. The dark clouds were slow at frst, then, there was a clasp of lightning, striking one of the catapults, setting it ablaze. There was panic, as the footsoldiers tried to put it out. Then, there was a huge tremble. The ground began to shake violently. It seemed like nothing at first, then, another bolt of lightning, and a loud battlecry echoed throughout the outpost.

'We've got company! Signal the commander, go!'

The footsoldier dissapeared into a nearby tent, and emerged together with a more authoratative figure, his armour palte bearing the chest of the crown. Beside him, ten others bore the crest of the Thunderbolt.

'What's all this?' But as soon as he saw the dark clouds above, the commander of the Fifth Outpost of Ezaroth began shouting commands in every direction. As the footsoldiers armed themselves, what seemed like a dark wall of black smoke began to appear from the fringes of the forest. Slow at first, then, it picked up speed, and finally, the soldiers of the Fifth Outpost were face to face with the greatest fears of all mankind. The commander, alongside the royal guards, drew thier weapons.

'God have mercy...' was the last thing the commander said as the fortress was completely engulfed by the darkness, fire and ashes, cries of pain and agony. Then, there was silence.
***********************************************************************************
Lord Robson woke up from his sleep, sweating from head to toe. He looked around him. His men were still asleep, so was Lord June and Lady Veena. He paused to think, cold sweat still trickling down his now soaked tunic. The pale glow of the moon was visible through the eerie shdows of Norshire forest. It was a nightmare? It had to be.....

Just minutes ago, they had bumped into the massive Northern army headed to an unknown place. Lord June had advised that they wait, in case anything was amiss. besides, what help would two Lords, a Princess, and a couple of men do?

He stood up. He needed some time alone. Just as he took a turn into the forest, there was a gentle rustle of leafs, and Lord Robson turned to look. There, before him, stood the Highbourne that appeared in his dreams, that evil smile still on his face, grinning, speaking the words, 'I'm coming for you....' Then, it dissappeared.

Lord Robson was dumbfounded, and then, as though realising something urgent, he raced back to the camp site at top speed.

As he arrived, he didn't bother waking anybody up, but just got onto a horse. The entire commotion woke the entire camp up.

'What's wrong, Robson... Why'd you?' before Lord June could finish, Lord Robson was already galloping out of sight. The Lord of the Nightingale immediately stood up. Lady veena looked confused, so was the rest of the troupe.

'I think you should follow him.' Lady Veena said in concern. He nodded.

Lord June raced across the same direction on horse, trailing behind the troubled Lord. Not long later, he could see Lord Robson up ahead, on the cliff of a mountain. He was motionless. Lord June galloped towards him.

'What happened? I thought we.....'
He hung in mid-sentence, and paused. He could not believe what he saw. Just like Lord Robson, who had now shaking uncontrollably. It was uncomprehensible. Before them, just as the morning sun cast its rays upon the valley, the entire Nothern army lay dead - footmen, horses, flags. An entire sea of dead men, the whole ten thousand strong.

March of the Succubus - (Chapter 8) The Highbourne

2008-08-09T00:19:00.004+08:00

Lord Nesh stood there dumbfounded. Had the romours been true? Had Lord Phillip and the MoonGLades not fallen at the gates of their own castle back at the south? No... there was something wrong about them.

He stepped forward, a safe distance away from the nearest Moonglade.

'Phillip? Is that you?' he asked.

Lord Phillip just stared blankly at him, emotionless.

'Phillip? Are you alright? I heard that your men perished at the South castle! How did ... How did you survive?'

Phillip remained motionless. This irritated Lord Nesh.

'Look, Phillip, I know we started out on the wrong foot. How about we form an alliance? Didn't you see the demons that just attacked us? I need your help, Phillip.' He was right. The men he had left were less than a fraction of the twenty thousand he had brought from the orth County. He needed all the help he can muster. Even if it was from Phillip.

Phillip continued to just stand there. Gazing at Lord Nesh. Then, he moved. Slowly at first, then with a quick jerk, reached for his revolver, aimed it at Lord Nesh, and fired.

Lord Nesh avoided the shot in time for another. His men drew thier swords.

'So you choose to attack us instead huh? I knew you were a traitor! What have the demons ofered you, you knave!'

'WRETCHED MORTAL!'

The voice that emerged from within Lord Phillip freaked Lord Nesh out. It was Lord Phillip's egoistic signature of a voice, that harsh, rough, unkind attribute only the Lord of the South possesed. But, there was another voice speaking as well, and... it sounded... feminine.

'I SERVE NO ONE BUT THE HIGHBOURNE! NOW MORTAL, KNEEL OR YOU SHALL PAY THE PRICE OF ETERNAL SUFFERING!'

'Your mad! Your Lord Phillip, are you not! You're dead, man! Dead! Who are you! What have you done with Phillip!'

This time, Lord Phillip smiled. This creeped Nesh out.

'LORD PHILLIP IS NO MORE! ONLY THE HIGHBOURNE IS OUR MASTER! NOW... KNEEL BEFORE HIS WRATH!'

General Siow stood forward, sabre in hand. 'We kneel to no one, demon. Human or wretched ghouls alike.' Chern Chiang, Olaf and Major Karth did the same.

In an instance, the entire army of MoonGlades drew thier blades in coherence. Lord Phillip remained standing before Lord Nesh, who was clearly mystified. But, he got himself together.

'Its obvious now, eh? You're not Phillip! I do not care what you tranform into demon! Prepare yourselves! The House of Nesh is not a force to be reckoned with!' with that, drew his sword as well.

'Lord Phillip taunted 'LET'S SEE... FIVE HUNDRED OF YOUR MEN, AGAINST A THOUSAND MOONGLADES... INTERESTING...'

Genral Siow had never fought a MoonGlade before, but legend has it that they were the most skilled in the whole of the Middle Kingdom. He had to be cautious. Besides, they were outnumbered two to one. He tried to identify some weakness within the MoonGlades formation, but the effort was in vain.

Lord Nesh did not let his gaze off Lord Phillip. This was impossible. He had heard that he was dead. But now... He and his entire army was before him, and they seemed to be on the demon's side. Willingly or unwillingly, he hadn't time to find out. He knew there was no escape. They had to fight on.

Suddenly, a MoonGlade dashed forward. His agility was ferocious, and within a fraction of a second was already beside one of the soldiers in front of Lord Nesh. The soldier raised his sword, but in one slash, the MoonGlade slashed the poor soldier to the ground. His sword had not even reached the ground before he struck again, and again, and again. Within seconds, The guards surrounding Lord Nesh had fallen. The MoonGLade pointed his sword at Lord Nesh's throat. He was fast..... too fast..... They didn't even had time to react. So this must be skill of the MoonGlades. Three MoonGlade archers climbed up the castle walls, and had thier bowed aimed at the Lord.

'NOW, SURRENDER, OR YOUR DEAR LORD GETS IT!'

General Siow raised his hammer, but Major Karth stopped him.

Lord Phillip smiled, and his voice change to human. 'Just as I thought. Now, bring him to...'

There was a thunderous clap, and the three archers were burnt to bits. The MoonGlade had turned to look for only a second, before the sword in his hand was disarmed, and then, without warning, penetrated through his own chest. Blood oozed out. The MoonGlade was wide eyed, the last thing he saw was Lord Nesh standing perfectly still, purple lightning charging out of his palms.

Lord Phillip cursed. 'How'd....'

Major Karth raised his hammer this time. 'Don't ever underestimate his lordship!' Then, with one heavy slam, smashed it into the ground. The groundbeneath them shook violently, and several MoonGlades fell, thier swords and shields disarmed. Before they could recover from the fall, the Old Major shouted, 'To arms! Charge!'

Nesh's soldiers marched forward, fighting gallantly against the skilled MoonGlades. Lord Phillip remained where he was, unmoving still, then disspaeared into the shaows. His gaze was still upon Lord Nesh, who tossed two MoonGlades up with his barehands, and crushed thier skulls as they hit the ground. The fabled strength of Lord Nesh was all to true. The massive Lord pummeled through dozens of MoonGlades, sending them flying in all directions. Those who came too close, Chern Chiang took out, each shot hititing between the eyes, killing the MoonGlades on the spot. The young sniper reloaded quickly, firing almost three shots in a second, and with accuracy that was too impressive. But the MoonGlades's armour proved to be strong, and within seconds, what was left of the sniper battalion were wasted, leaving only three sipers and the Seargent to fend for themselves. Just as the MoonGlades killed the last sniper, thunderbolts struck them from the back.

Chern Chiang looked up, and Olaf stood towering before him.

'Thank you,' he said.

The general smiled, and gave the young seargent a hand. Just then, the seargent spotted an archer, from a distnace, his bow aimed directly at Olaf's heart.

'Get down!' he shouted, pushing the massive general down on the ground, Gondar flying off his grip. The arrow caught Chern Chiang right between his chest, and he groaned in pain, clutching his chest with both hands before falling to the ground.

Major Karth screamed 'Nooo!' The Old Major raised his hammer again, and this time, threw it towards the archer, who had the bow aimed at Olaf the second time, knocking him square off the castle wall with a huge explosion of white and yellow sparks. The MoonGlades saw the unarmed Major, and turned thier attention towards him, only to see purple lightning charring their comrades. Lord Nesh pummled the ground again and again, pruple thunder casting its bolts in every direction, releasing its wrath unto the MoonGlades.

Chern Chiang laid there, and looked at Olaf one last time, before his emotions went blank. Olaf was furious at the death of his friend. he tried to reach for his hammer, but a MoonGlade kicked it aside, eager to continue this game of cat and mouse. he was completely surrounded by at least twelve of them now. Without Gondar, he had to rely on what he knew best. Breaking bones. The General was exhausted, but his spirit was not faultering. Not yet at least. Around him, battlecries filled the air, as Nesh's forces engaged the MoonGlades, blood spilling in all directions.

Lord Phillip viewed the escapade from the safety of the towers. He was worried now. The Nesh's footsoldiers were a breeze, but the heroes that were protecting the Lord of the North proved to be a little more than he had bargained for. One had fallen, but there was still the old one, the strong one, and one... especially that one...

General Siow swirled his sword, his calm air and amazingly cooled aura seemingly impossible, especailly for one who was supposedly outnumber. He ready to engage more of the MoonGlades. Beside the general, countless bodies of the knights that were fabled for thier swordmenship lay death before his feet. Even those in front of him were backing towards the wall. Two MoonGlades went for another strike. Siow dodged the attacks with ease, then sliced them flawlessly, one in the knees and the other through his stomach. He raised sword again, and painlessly finsihed off the fallen soldiers. He was ready for more, when the sound of galloping caught his attention. The galloping was so faint, that through experience, the horses had to be far away. But when he turned around, three MoonGlades on horseback were seconds away from where he stood, pike in hand. The horses that brought them were dark, their hooves barely touching the ground. The Dark Nights.

Olaf fought the first two MoonGlades, barehand, crushing thier skulls and then arming himself with their blades. The MoonGlades surrounded him, and continously struck from all directions. That tired the General, but he managed to kill another and dodged another attack, before he slammed his fist into the ground, causing the other MoonGlades to tumble. He raced towards his hammer, dodging more attacks. One of the MoonGlades managed to slice his left arm, but he forced his way through the sea of soldiers, finally reaching his hammer. He picked it up, and turned his back to face the other soldiers. What he didn't hear were the faint galloping of horses, and then, the sharp pain as a pike was thrusted straight into his chest, the sharp tip coming out the other end. Blood streamed from his mouth. He struggled to stay on his feet, but soon, he was kneeling, his hammer on the ground for support. The MoonGlades edged forward, raising thier swords to finish him off, when the general mustered the rest of his strength, and with all his might, snapped the pike in two, and tugged the rider off the horse. He raised his hammer, and smahed the riders face like a pancake. Then, he raised his hammer high in the air again. The MoonGlades had seen that stance before, and with one swift move, ten blades were thrusted through Olaf's flesh. The general was stoned. He tried desperately to slam the ground, but the pain was too excruciating. The last thing he saw were two more horses coming his way, and the feeling of two more pikes into his body.

General Siow stooped low, managing to dodge the pikes. But then, he heard a loud scream. A scream of agony. Major Karth had a spear run through him, its tip barely reaching a stunned Lord Nesh, who had his back turned. General Siow's world came crashing down, just as the three riders came back for another strike. The General clenched his fists, and as the pikes neared him, he caught hold of all three without turning his back, and tugged them off the horses. Once on the ground, he raised his sword, and sliced the riders' neck with one clean slash. He ran across the field to get to the fallen Major and the struggling Lord Nesh, who was outnumbered. They both were. He slashed furiously at the coming MoonGlades, but there were too many of them. He tried to see, but the sea of soldiers in front of him made it impossible. For that moment, time seemed to freeze. One moment, he saw the Lord trashing his way, sending MoonGlades into the air. Then, one of the MoonGlades caught hold of him, then another, and another, before he was immobile. Then, the worst happened. The faint galloping of the horses was audible. General Siow fought violently now, desperate to get to the Lord, He thrust his blade across and swirled it at any coming MoonGlade. He was in a frenzy, killing three to four at a time. His heart was thumping, hoping that Lord Nesh could hang in a little longer. Those he did not have time to kill with his word, he killed his his fists, then he sliced again, slashing his way through. He could see the Lord ahead now, pinned down by the MoonGlades. Lord Nesh finally powered through, tossing the MoonGlades that held him away. General Siow managed to kill a couple more, before he was just two men away from the Lord. He raised his sword for the final blows, eager to reach Lord Nesh in time, only to see Lord Nesh too busy keeping the soldiers at his front, he did not notice the three pikes from his back, stabbing him all the way through. He winced, but managed to pull them out, only to feel another three more, then five, then ten more spears through him. The mighty Lord flinched with each spear, fresh blood oozed out of the wounds, but the massive Lord still managed to toss his assailants a distance away. General Siow powered forward, and saved his Lord and Master from another further strike in the nick of time. The Lord raised his fists in all the havoc and confusion, and slammed the ground hard, this time causing it to tremour and shake, and finally creating a huge crack. The MoonGlades fell right in, and Lord Nesh, accompanied by General Siow took the opportunity and made a run for it, deep within the safety of the shadows of Norshire Forest.

**********************************************************************************

The Prince could not believe what he just heard.

'Then let us make haste! I believe I can make it to the River Macedona in three days, if I leave by sunset.....'

Halo shook his head. 'No. I came here to let you know that you are not to follow your uncle's orders any longer.'

Prince Wai Kit stared at the general. In an instant, he drew his sword and pointed its tip at the old general.

'Is this trechery, old friend!? I will never turn my back against my own country, even if it were you who...'

The general merely smiled. 'Keep that away, young Prince, and hear me out. If I had wanted to rebel against my own country, I not have wasted my time and galloped halfway across the Middle Kingdom alone just to talk to the South's young Prince.'

Wai Kit stood there, then, widrew his sword.

'I'm sorry, old friend. Its... its just.. I've longed to go back to the South County for so long....'

'I know that pain, my Prince. Trust me on that.'

His expression became glum.

'Listen, young lad... There's something about your uncle you ought to know...'

Just as he was about to utter his words, there was a loud tumble, as if something huge had crashed unto the ground. The Temple's alarm was immediately struck. Everyone in the inn ran for cover, others closed thier windows and barred the doors. Halo and hte young rpince grabbed thier swords, and ran out so see what was going on. There, outside the inn, they could see a group of soldiers stand in front of the fallen Tree Gate of the Temple, forcing thier way in with the guards of the Temple of Light. The monks were heated over thier intrusion into such a holy and sacred place. One of the soldiers drew his sword, and killed one of the monks in cold blood. The young prince drew his sword. So did Halo. Both men raced to engage the soldiers, but froze in their tracks. The soldier's sword, still dripping in the monk's blood, had the crest of the moon on it, just like the one Halo was holding.

March of the Succubus - (Chapter 7) The Lionheart

2008-08-06T21:17:00.003+08:00

The light blue waters cascaded serenely down the stoney arch ways, its smooth polished pebbles clearly visible beneath the crystal clear waters. White lilies ornated its watery surafce, and then, there was a splash, and ripples began to disrupt the tranquility of the sight, as four heavy footsteps trudged across the river. It felt cold and chilly to the touch, yet refreshing. But to Halo, neither the chills of the icy cold water of the mountains biting into his wounds or the exzahustion he felt engaging the demon had much effect on him. His spirit had soared. How long has it been? Five years? Now, after all these years of separation, he had finally met Prince Wai Kit, all grown up, strong and healty, and learned of his safety. That was all this old man needed to survive on. He managed a smile in the young prince's direction, and so was its reply. Lord Wiliam's smile.

They trotted on, wading the river waters until finally, behind the trees of old willlow, there, stood a magical gate. The gate itself was beyond the imagination of any engineer in the land. Two large oaks intertwined, forming an arch over thier heads, towering above them, the only passageway is through its gapping slit in between, large enough to fit an elephant. They stood before its inpenetratable timber. The General dumbfounded. The Prince, smiling. Not a single piece of steel or wood, a pure gate formed by the magics of Mother Nature herself. The entrance into the temple of Light.

'I never thought this day would come.... Such a small world it is.....' began Halo, lost for words.
The Prince just smiled even more, and leaned towards the general. The general, confused, followed suit.

'I'll never forget that face, no matter how the tides have changed or how the gods have forsaken us, old friend.' and gave the general a hug. 'To the years of seperation, my friend. I've missed the lot of you!'

'I'm just glad you're alright.' He looked at the yung prince. My, how the young lad has grown! He used to carry the lad on his back, but now.... The prince that stood before him resembled much of the late Lord William, a strong lad full of youth and vitality, a charming man any fine maiden would fall for. Just like his father had wished for.

'Oh... do I have stories to tell you, questions to ask! How's it been? Have you been eating right? Do.. do they ill-treat you by God's name, if they did, I'll....'

'Haha. Easy there my friend! I'm fine. And no, the elders have been very nice folk. Now, what say we lose the sentiments and get you cleaned up first? It must have been a long journey uphill! Come, let me show you around!' the prince said, and placed his hand over the tired Halo's shoulder.

'Great.... I'll need more than that.' he said, rolling his eyes. He looked at the little boy still hiding behind the young prince. 'And who may you be, little lad?' he said, squatting down, reaching out his hand.

The shy little boy blushed, and hid behind the Prince.
'Go on Jimmy... its alright.' said the Prince.

'Oh... I'm sorry for before, Jimmy.' Halo had never felt more joy before in his life. 'I thought you were our handsome prince here. Haha. My old head must've forgotten the years! You both look just alike....'

General Halo stopped short. 'Wait... is he your? I.. I mean, his.. his your?' he was smiling, and nervous now. Could it be that the prince had...

The Prince shook his head, and smiled.
The puzzled general was puzzled, and the prince could see that. He laughed.
'Don't you worry, my friend, don't you worry. Come, I'll explain it on the way' chuckled the Prince as the gates swung open, pushing the confused General inside its walls.

**********************************************************************************
Blood was everywhere, the bodies of his men lying dead at his feet. The second wave had taken them by surprise. What's worst, those archers were flying. In the air! No warfare has ever prepared Siow for such a feat. From the safety of his hiding, he glanced up, and saw the archers reaching for another arrow, acrhing their bows.

'Take cover! Head back to the front!' The next wave came, and those unlucky enough were caught in its devouring graps. He panted, deciding what to do next. Remaining here would make them sitting ducks. They had to find cover. His shield held high up, General Siow made a dash across the field, the arrows hitting on his sole defence hard and precise. He made it onto a horse, and galloped across the field, along with the remaining of his knights, the archers' arrows filling the night sky once more.

The battlehorn in hand, he raised it high in the air, and blew, again and again, as they approached the front. Soldiers and guards got to thier feet, and armed themselves. Lord Nesh awoke from his slumber, and quickly reached for his sword. He stepped out of the tent, and to his horror, saw the winged demons in the air, his men burnt to crisps. He clenched his fists, hard, and slammed the ground in anger. One of the demons flew past him, aimed an arrow, and released it towards the Lord. He stood there, undetered, and with one swift move caught the arrow with his bare hands, arched his back, and threw it back at the demon, hitting it square in the face, his emotions unchanging. It yelped, and fell to the ground, where his guards finished the work.

'Come men! The demons picked a wrong night to challenge the House of Nesh! To arms! To arms!'

The demons remained airbourne, launching arrow after arrow at the helpless footsoldiers below. Suddenly, there was a loud crack of a bullet. One of the demons fell. Then two. Then another two. The demons looked below, and there, Seargent Chern Chiang stood, his accuracy as a marksmen taking the winged demons out one after the other. The demons were about to take him out, when more and more gunmen began to emerge behind Seargent, firing violently to the skies. The demons fell, one aftter another, in quick succession. Angered, they returned with another volley of arrows.

'To shield!' shouted Chern Chiang, and the gunsmen lowered thier guns and raised thier shoulders, the arrows merely penetrating the thick bamboo plates.

'To arms! Fire at will!'

The demons knew they were at lost, and began to retreat. Suddenly, there was a loud clap of thunder, and a bolt struck at the flying demons hard. Olaf raised his hammer again, and then slammed the ground. In an instant, another bolt of lightning struck the demons, scorching their wretched souls.

General Siow arrived at the front, and gave the orders.
'Men! Its time to face your demons! Gather your strengths and pray that we show them some mercy. Now, forward, charge!'

Twenty thousand strong headed towards the castle, calvary leading the way, the footsoldiers next, Chern Chiang's snipers, Olaf and Karth's tunnelers following swiftly behind. The castle responded, more arrows filling the skies.

'Archers, fire!' Siow gave the command. His archers immediately got into formation, and let lose a barrage of arrows unto the sky, hitting the castle guards. Then, the demons responded. Huge boulders were lauched, covered in blue flames, and hit Siow's men.

'Catapult!' The footsoldiers fell in agony.

'March, forward! No one lives forever! For his majesry the king!'

More boulders were launched, trying hard to break the Nesh's formation. But they had the numbers, and the strengths. His men were close to the castle walls now, when there was a loud tremble.

'FOOLS!'

The Succubus emerged from the emptiness of the air, and towered before them. The army was stopped dead in thier tracks, the calvary's horses neighing loudly. With one swoop, the demon crushed the grounds, killing at least a dozen of Siow's men. It lift up its fists, and went for another strike.

The footsoldiers engaged it, but were thrown about like toothpicks. The Succubus proved to be too strong. Arrows were launched, but did little or no effect on the demon, bouncing off in all directions. Then, with a loud roar, it lifted both fists into the air, and slammed the ground hard, breaking it apart. Siow could not believe waht he saw. The ground trembled and shook, and then, it began to crack, light emerging from its depths. Then, arms began to reach out into the open air, grabbing his men and pulling them down into the earth, as more and more demons emerged from the firey pits of hell. They were surrounded. Siow's men battled on valiantly on, but the Succubus was too strong. The newly emerged demons were also quick, jumping about so quickly, slitting the throats of the soldiers, sending blood into the air. Siow and his men fought hard, killing the demons, only to find another dozen men falling to the Succubus's wrath. Siow gave the signal to his men, and the calvary surrounded the demon. Then, without warning, they unleashed hooks, attached to steel wires, binding the demon to the ground. The first few hooks were futile, but as the numbers increased, the demon slowly began to falter, and finally, it was brought down. The lesser demons, at the sight of thier master's peril, retreated back into the depths of the underground, leaving only the Succubus in chains. Siow edged forward.

'We have you now demon!' he raised his sword, and plundged it into the demon, only to find the demon erupting into hundreds of bats, flying in all directions. The bats rised into the air, and once more, the towering Succubus stood mighty above Siow's men.

'FOOLISH MORTALS! YOU ARE NOT WORTH MY TIME! I EXPECTED A LITTLE... COMPETITION FROM THE HOUSE OF NESH... BUT ALL I SEE ARE A BUNCH OF WEAKLINGS!'

Just then a bolt of thunder hit the demon square in the face.

'ARRGH!!' it shouted, and paced backwards.

'Never underestimate us, you wretched demon!'

General Olaf, his hammer in hand, rushed towards the demon, and raised the hammer for another strike. The bolt caught the demon right in the chest this time. Behind him, the remaining of Nesh's forces arrived, alongside an arsenal of catapults.

'GARH!' the demon tried to go for the artilary, but the bolts were too much for him to handle. Another bolt went straight for the face, but this time, the Succubus caught the bolt, compressed in, and threw it back at Olaf, causing him to bounce a few paces back. The demon reached forward, fist held up high, and pummeld his strength to the ground. It stopped in mid air. There, below him, Lord Nesh stood, his outstrecthed hand stopping the demon's death blow right in the tracks.

'A WORTHY ADVERSARY.... '

Lord Nesh sprang forward, avoiding the demon's grasp, and laid a punch to the demon's knees. The Succubus immediately fell in pain. The lowered demon sufferd another one to its jaws, and it was tossed into the air, alas came crashing down on the castle's walls.

The demon laid there, motionless. Lord Nesh stood up, and approached the demon, when suddenly, laughter filled the air.

'INTERESTING, MORTAL. THE MASTERS MAY HAVE GOOD USE OF YOUR... SERVICES'

'Don't give my these bullocks demon! Now, come back here so I can kick that foul a** of yours and send you back where you came from!'

The demon laughed, and raised its hand. A flare immediately illuminated the skies. A signal.

'SOME OTHER TIME, MORTAL, WE SHALL MEET AGAIN.' and with that, vanished into thin air.

Lord nesh was about to give chase, when he heard a familiar galloping of horses from afar. He stood there, silent. No.. it can't be.

Slowly, emerging from the fallen stone of the drak castle, shadowy figures began to appear. Nesh's men drew their swords, and prepared for the worst. The figures began to emerge out of the smoke, but they were no demon. Humans! Very much alive humans on horsebacks. Lord Nesh stared blankly at the human figures, unsure of what he saw.

Phillip and the MoonGlades stared back, riding the Dark Nights. Only they had bloodshot eyes, and wings behind their backs, the crest of the moon glistering brightly under the moon lit sky.

March of the Succubus - (Chapter 6) War At Hand

2008-08-06T00:20:00.005+08:00

The night was but a velvet sky, its stary sisters glistering in the pale moonlit daze of the lunar's glare. But tonight, the clouds were as dark as the colour of night itself, the moon's beauty well hidden behind its dreadful curtains. It was dark. Pitch black.

The encampment was long since ready, the men already doing the rounds. Waves after waves of torches burned brightly in front of the camps, causing it to look like an entire village on fire form a distance away. Footsoldiers marched, thier rythmic pounding of the ground echoed throughout Norshire forest. Clanking of metal, the swooshing of blades as well as the sharp crack of the arrowhead hitting the hay-sack dummies bombarded his ears. But to General Siow The Great, it was music to his ears.

Scouts patrolled the woods in packs of ten, thier blazers illuminating the shrubs and shadows of the night. Then, there, at the frontlines, the pride of Siow's years as the commnading officer for the House of Nesh, the Immortals - Twenty thousand men in heavy armor and halbierds, with shields made of pure alloyed steel, a new breed of waeponary the blacksmiths had concocted for him. Also, there was the snipers. Mean, lean hunting machines that were well hidden within the forests, thier eyes well accustomed to the dark, rifles at the ready. That was the massive army only the house of Nesh had the authority and well-organized art of war to produce, and on such short notice. The letter bore a simple message, by order of King Wye, he was to command Lord Nesh's troops to advance towards a target location. Something about a lair of somesort. General Siow didn't bother with the details. He never did, for he has not lost a war while he was the supreme commander. Never. Besides, who was he to question the might of Lord Nesh? Quite literally. It was fabled that his lordship had such strength, that he could build a tower of stone with his barehand, his left one that is. The other he used to scrath his back and lean against the walls for support. But what he saw before him was nothing he had ever set his eyes upon. The castle was not gigantic, but the aura around it was melicious, cold and dark to the sight. Black clouds always seemed to gather above its rooftops, as though taunting his army to challenge the forces that lie within those dark walls. The occasional clasps of thunder and the eerie breeze surrounding them got stronger every passing second.

But he was warned that it was not going to be an easy enemy. General Siow, in his gleaming armour of silver, its heavy breast plate and shoulder mails reflecting the light of the torches of his men passing by, entered the General's Encampment. Four others were already in there, and stood at attention as he entered, helmets by their side, the crest of the bear clearly visible over thier armour. That was the way it always was. Major Karth stepped aside, giving the General acces to the table before him. The old soldier was not of an advantage in height, but his skill with the sword and tactics on horseback made him one of the House of Nesh's most vital soldiers. He had severed his Lord and Master for over three decades, his greyish beard visible through the cracks on his battered helm. Beside the Old Major, as they called him, stood two others, the agile Seargent Chern Chiang; swift with a blade, but even quicker with the rifle, and General Siow's second in command, General Olaf, the hot tempered personal guardian of Lord Nesh himself. His massive physique cast a shadow that covered most of the light in the camp, and in his hadn he held the Legendary Hammer of Gondar, the fabled weapon that caused the earth to shatter with every blow. General Siow and General Olaf were never in talking terms, but in the world of warfare, alliances are formed and broken, when necessary. At that very moment, it was a bond to the death.

The map before them was laid out and illuminated only by candle light, but to these experts of war, it was butter and bread. All heads were turned towards the last man in the tent, and they all bowed in coherence. Lord Nesh, in his glittering armour of gold, approached the table.

'Arise, my friends. Let us make do without the formalities. I want to know how the army is preparing,' his lordship said in an authpritative tone.

'Alas, my leidge, the footsoldiers are all armoured and armed, and ready for battle.' said Major Karth. 'And so are the calvary.'

'Excellent. Form the divisions. I want that castle taken by sunrise!'

'With all do respect, sire. We cannot take a castle of that magnitude with mere swords! I suggest we wait a little longer, the catapults would be ready by...' stuttered Chern Chiang.

'Wait?! WAIT?! I've been waiting for two whole days to get my hands on those wretched demons! Did you not see what they did to my people? Knaves! Fools! Wretched ingrates of the lowest lifeforms!'

General Siow remained silent, looking intently at the map spread before them.

The rest resumed, ignoring his deep concentration. General Olaf, aware of the situation the army was in, chipped in. He was slow and heavy, was his voice was loud and ear pummeling.

'My leidge, perhaps we should wait till sunrise. Our men have had a rough journey within the forest of Norshire, and attacking the castle in such consitions would be but suicide, my leidge! Let them rest. Besides, the darkness favours the demons in more ways than one...'

The speed was incredibally fast that even an experienced General like Olaf could not forsee. He winched in pain. Lord Nesh's fist struck the middle of the General's massive chest, and in an instant he was thrown backwards and flew directly out of the encampment and crashing hard on his back, the force so strong that his armour split in two. He groaned in pain, blood streaming down to his chin. The others merely watched, silent. Olaf looked up, and bowed, his hands clenched tighly around his chest.

'Anymore smart ideas from anyone?!' Lord Nesh looked around, his fist held high in the air. Everyone was silent, not daring to even look at the Lord.

'Good, now, as I was saying, we..'

'We send in the tunnelers.' interupted General Siow.

Lord Nesh glared at General Siow, who had just tested his patience. He could land an assault just like he did Olaf, but Siow was different. He was a man of pure talent, and even he, the Lord of the Northern Lands had to admit. But such insolence was unforgivable.

'And what's THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN!?' he blarred.

'It is simple, milord.' General Siow replied calmly. 'It would take days, even weeks if we directly assault the castle's walls with our men, even though he have the advantage of numbers. But if we can entrench our ground forces by digging a tunnel straight into the demon's lair, we could hasten our progress, while we await the catapults to be prepared. There is little to lose sire.'

Lord Nesh was fuming now, but he knew his general made sense. Engaging his enemies head on would prove difficult, but if they could attack from beneath the lair, it waould be a lot simpler, and they had the element of surprise.This gave him a little more hope, and he relaxed a little. That was the reason his father had chosen the Siow to be his general in command anyway. The man was wise, and with both the looks and the sheer strength to go with. All northlanders were strong, even as a child. A five year old who couldn't lift up a horse with one hand was considered weak, though such occasions were rare. But on the downside, the people of the north, were.... deprived of an intellectual mind. Northlanders were mostly hot-headed, harsh talking men and women who distasted hygene and cared as much as peanuts for manerism. But Siow... was different. He was the only child of the the late General Scott II who outwitted most of the people around him. He was considered wierd by many of his people, for he kept quiet most of the time. But when he spoke, the ideas that brewed from within was so brilliant, it would be foolish not to give it some thought. Not that the Northlanders ever thought before they acted, so Siow was doing them a favour.

'Then.... so be it. We begin the entrenchment immediately.' he said, and with that, swallowed his pride, tunred his back at the rest of the men, and headed back to his own camp, stepping over General Olaf as he went by, pushing the aides attending to the wounded general aside. General Siow bowed to an empty presence of the Lord, and exited, Major Karth by his side.

'Another senseless brawl, as always,' said Siow, stridding past several soldiers brandshing spears.

'His lordship has a very.... apparent need to show power. You, I and the rest of us know that. But he is still our Lord and Master, young lad, and in time, you'll learn to know a little more about his lordship. Besides, his strength preceeds us all. We need him, young lad. And I have sworn my hammer to it!'

Siow smiled. Old Major had always been a father to him, telling him the ways of the court, especially when it come to his lordship. Of all the soldiers in the battlefield, Siow respected Old Major the most. He was the wisest, the most experienced, and above all, the most caring. Another rare trait in the blood of a North Lander.

They continued to trot forward, until they arrived at a camp with the emblem of a sickle on it.

'Let me do the talking, lad. Go get some rest, you'll need it.' and with that, Major Karth entered the camp to brief the tunnelers of the task ahead. Siow stood outside, the wind getting stronger by the second. He ignored it, and looked beyond the horizon, staring at the army before him. Twenty thousand strong. He liked the sound of that. In a matter of hours, his men would be able to situate themselves near the castle walls for a surprise attack. The demons won't see them coming. That, provided nothing stood between the tunelers and thier work. He had to be sure. He headed back to the camp, mounted a horse, and galloped all the way down the field towards the stables. It was his favourite place, where his best knights gathered for a quick game of dice or to sharpen thier mastery of swordmenship. He disembarked, the calvary batallion saluting before him. The knights approached the General, forming a circle as they listened intently to his orders. They were to guard the tunnelers while they were at work, but to stay out of sight behind the mulbery bushes. Archers would have to do the job to back them up, as the gunmen would be too loud, and the enemy might be alerted.

Siow continued to reassure them of the daunting task, and was just about to wish his men the best of luck, when suddenly, one of the knights drew his sword and dagger and lundged at the general. Siow dodged, barely, the tip of the sword slicing his armour plate. He was still stunned when his assailant went for another strike. This time, he dodged it perfectly, avoiding the blade that was aimed for his neck.

'Assasin! Guard the General!'

One of the knights drew his own sword, but was not quick enough. The Assasin dealt a deadly blow to the neck, and the armoured soldier fell to his knees. Then he ran. Siow drew his rapier, and orderd his men to give chase.

'Do not let him out of the excampment! Go after him!'

The assasin was agile, almost inhuman. Three solders gave chase, then eight, then ten, then an entire scout patrol. He was quick. Too quick. He avoided his pursuers and headed into the forest, dissapearing just in time as the scouts released a volley of gunfire at his direction, Siow arriving a second too late.

'Damn it!' Siow cursed. 'He's spotted us.' He looked around, his guards searching desperately for the run-away assasin. The faint galloping of the scout's horses could still be heard.

'Go! Warn the Lord that the enemy has spotted our location! Go! We don't have much time now. Gather the troops. We march towards the castle immediately!'

The guards immediately reached for the battlehorn hanging by the guard tower, but stopped in his tracks.

General Siow shouted, 'Hey, soldier! Sound the alarm! What are you..'

He turned into the sky and he too, and was left speechleess.

There, high above them, the once velvet sky was now ablaze with flames. Small flames at first, like little fireflies that consumed the emptiness of the black clouds, illuminating it. Thousands and thousands of them right up into the air. And then, it slowed down, and began to decend, heading menacingly towards the encampment at top speed. An arrow shower! The enemy has engaged!

'Take cover!' Siow bellowed, rolling quickly under the nearest tower, dodging the first few arrows in time, the guard before him screaming in torment as the arrows pierced him. Then, he went silent, and fell on the ground. Dead, and covered in flames. There was havoc as the pain and anguish of his men filled the cold, chilly air, one by one falling like dominos. The arrow's flames did its marvel, burning all that was not already dead. Then for a brief moment, the arrows stopped. Siow quickly emerged from his cover, a shield in hand, surrounded by the bodies of his men, and reached for the battlehorn. He drew his breath, and was about to blow, when the skies were once again ablaze with flaming arrows. And this time, so were the archers.

*********************************************************************************

The little boy emerged from behind the shadows of the trees.

'Halo?' said the little boy.

Halo turned and once he saw him, forgot all the pain his body has endured. He immediately ran forwards and held the little lad in his embrace, tears of joy flooding his blood-drench face.

'My prince! Oh... My young prince!' he repeated, refusing to let his hand go.

'Halo?' came another voice behind him. Halo froze, and looked at the direction where the sound came from. There, before him, stood a young man of charm and youth, with a bow in his right and an arrow in another. Halo stood at disbelief.

'Halo? ... You can let little Jimmy there go now. You're going to crush him if you continue hugging him like that.'

The old general looked at the little boy struggling to breath in his strong arms, and immediately released his grip, apoligizing over and over again to the little boy, who ran to the young lad's side, terified. Halo glanced up at the young lad. He immediately recognized those azure eyes.

'Its good to see you again, old friend.'

This time, Halo didn't let the young Prince Wai Kit go.

March of the Succubus - (Chapter 5) The Sun, the Bear and the Nightingale

2008-08-02T01:56:00.007+08:00

The blurry image of a titanous mountain was visible, somewhere beyond the thick blue mist. It had always possessed a certain mystery about it, and legend has it that only the brave and the bold could savour its fruits of eternal knowledge, from its lone monestry at its pinnacle, the Temple of Light. There was no doubt about it. He was close now. With one kick to the horses sides, Whirlwind blazed forward, its hooves hitting hard against the mountain passage of grey gravel. By nightfall, he would be able to make it to the peak. The steep mountainous roads leading to the peak was too dangerous to travel by horse. The general couldn't risk it.

He disembarked, tied Whirlwind to a nearby fig, prepared his arms and supplies, and began the tenious hike. It was a long way uphill, but this was not the first time he's been here. Mt Oddysey was Lord William's favourite amongst his kingdom. The late Lord always seeked the advise of the council of the Temple of Light, believing that their wisdom was undetered. It proved out to be right. Every cannal he dug, every fort built, every crop chosen, was all favours from the council's great knowledge. But ever since Lord Phillip claimed the throne, he banished the council, refusing to pay tribute to its gods and fund the temples schools and monestries. Very soon, most of the scholars left Mt Oddysey, and only a handful of the elders remained to pass on their knowledge, or whatever was left of it.

Halo breathed heavy now. He was not as agile as he used to be, his old bones are beginning to ache with every step he took. He smiled to himself. The years he had spent his life on, training for battle after battle after battle. He was a soldier, for King and Country. But Lord William had put the meaning of life back into him. His lordship was the one that shed light into his miserable life, allowing him to tend to the royal stallions, attend his court, and even promoted him to who he was now. Halo stopped, tears seeping from his eyes. No matter. I have swore my loyalty to the House of Mok, for as long as I shall live.

He barely missed the huge boulder. The general slipped from his grasp, and fell into a rocky platform, the huge rock smashing where he hung on to seconds ago into a million pieces. There, up in the skies, he saw it. The gruesome shadow of a winged-demon.

It circulated the skies for a moment. Then, it swooped downwards, picked up another massve boulder with its bare hands, and tossed it towards the general at top speed. Halo dived, once more missing the boulder by a hair's distance.

Halo drew his sword. It was unmistakable. The figure in front of him was a succubus. But... It was male. Somehow, he had seen that face before. He just knew it. But it was different now. Its bloodshot eyes were creepy enough to look at, let alone those ... wings... sticking out of its back.

'You fight well, mortal, for a man of your age.' said the demon, decending until he was in front of the general, its wings wide open.

'Age is wine my friend. That's something your kind cannot comprehend.'

'Brave, but foolish. Can you not see? You are in the presence of a god. Now, tell me where the prince is, or I will have your head.'

'I would, but I shall choose not to, not an abomanation like you,' Halo held his stance.

'So be it, mortal.' With that, the demon zoomed forward with blurring speed, and appeared behind Halo in a split second. It thrust its blade forward, but to its amazement, Halo turned, avoided the blade, and give the demon a strong kick to the shin. The blade fell off its hands.

'How'd you?..' the demon asked, confused. A mortal? Such speed?
Halo got to his feet, and back to his stance, this time, aiming for its heart. With one plundge, he thrusted his rapier into the demon, the tip coming out the other end, blood splurtering in all directions.

'Foolish mortal!' the demon yelled, and pulled at the rapier, with a force that caused Halo to fall a hundred paces backward.

'Impressive, demon' said Halo, getting back on his feet.

The demon wasted no time, and began to chant.

Istomeo gethomisha
Kishyatokuni Juoshina
ESTONITOKUNI JUOSHINA
ISTOMOE GETHOMISHA JUOSHINA!

Immediately, the ground they were standing on began to break apart, and stone as well as ash filled the air. Then, it appeared. A serpent, large as the guard towers back at the South Castle, emerged from the ground, its scales covered in flames. It searched around until it spotted Halo, and then, with lightning speed, it struck.

Halo barely dodged the attack, the serpent ripping the back of his tunic. He barely had time to breath before the serpent struck again, this time crashing into the ground and caused a heavy tremour. Halo jumped in the nick of time, but fell right into the flaming hot scales of the serpent.

'Arrgh!' he yelled, as he fell to the ground, his chest and knees burnt from the intense heat. The demon chuckled.

"Now you see mortal!? Tell me where the prince resides! Or I shall strike once more. And this time, no miracle will save you!'

Halo lifted his chin up, slowly, and faced the demon.
'Over... my.. dead... body!'

The demon's laughter filled the air.
'Take one good look at me, mortal, for I shall send you to the depths of hell!'
The serpent curled, and struck Halo again.

The force of the last attack was too immense to describe, but the ground shattered, forming a large crater where Halo stood. The demon smirked, yet another soul under his belt. It edged towards his victim for one last look.

It happened so fast. Two shots were fired, one to the left eye, and one to his left shoulder. The demon was stunned. Then, out of the debris, Halo stood, very much alive, his tunic shred to bits, holding a revolver bellowing smoke from its tip.

'Im... mpossible.. How'd....'

Then, the demon saw it. The mark on the right shoulder. It can't be. The mark of the Heavens. The blood cross. This mortal.... this mortal was a Slayer!

'The demon who shall be damned, must sell his heart, and be bestowed the heart of pure evil, that sees all evil, and feels all evil - the left eye of the Demonlord. The demon who shall be damned, must sell his soul, and be bestowed the heart of Malice, right in the centre of the mark of the Abyss - the Mark of the Succubus.'

The demon could not believe what he just heard. A Slayer! It has encountered a Slayer! It... it cannot be.

'You've met your match, demon.'

Halo took one last aim, this time at the real heart of the demon, and fired. The creature immediately burst into dark flames, its piercing screams filled the air. And then, it vanished.

From a distance, two young, azure eyes witnessed the whole event.

**********************************************************************************

Lord Jun tried in vain to get up, his arms and legs broken from the impact. Robson moved forward, assisting him.

'I owe you my life, my friend,' Jun said, happy to be alive.
'Say no more. Come, let me first be rid of this undead minion.' that said, Lord Robson moved forward, and approached the demon.
'No wait!' But it was too late.
The demon jumped suddenly, and lunged at Lord Robson with its out streched claws. It missed by a skin of his teeth. Lord Robson quickly drew his rapier.

'But I just shot the damn thing!' Robson shouted.
'Foolish mortal! You cannot harm the flesh of a god!' it taunted, its blood red eyes filled with anger.
'That's what I've been trying to tell you! It cannot die!'' Lord Jun shouted back.
'Oh, now you're telling me!?' said Robson, avoiding another melee from the demon.

Lord Jun turned to one of Lord Robson's man.
'Hey! Give him a hand!'
'No, sire, I might hit him!'

'Its alright, I got it under....'
Lord Robson was thrown right up into the air, his chest aching in pain, before crashing down unto the ground. He groaned. The demon raised his fist, ready for another strike, when Robson lunged the rapier in his hand into the demon's left eye. It screamed in pain, retreated a few paced back, then spread its wings, and took off. Robson's men immediately shot wildly at the demon, but it was long gone.

'Poking it in the eye? Now why can't I think of that?' jeered Lord Jun as he gave Robson a hand.
'Now is not a time to fool around, brother, this is madness! What are those things, and.... what do they want?' cried Lady Veena.
Lord Jun approached his sister and placed his hand over her shoulder, comforting her.
'Its alright... its alright....'

Lord Robson stood up, glad to find that he was unharmed.
'Again, I thank you. But what brings you here to the East?' asked Lord Jun.
'I was on a scout party under the orders of the king. I was patroling the forests of Norshire until we got lost. So we wondered here for days, seeking a way out. Until we saw Lady Veena here...'
Lady Veena was weepng now.
'They... they saved my life. The two knights that excorted me fought bravely, but they didn't make it across the river. I wouldn't have too, is it was not for Lord Robson and his men.'

'It would be a mark of dark history the day Lord Robson turns a blind eye to a Damsel in distress, milady.' he said, smiling.
'Cheeky as always.' remarked Lord Jun. Lord Robson replied with a smile.
They returned to the scout party, and together, made their way out of Norshire forest, keeping silent the whole way. There was a lot on Lord Jun's mind. He glanced at his sister. She too had a lot to think. She did the same, and grasped her brother's hand tightly. Tears streamed down Lady Veena's eyes. He placed his arm around her, giving her the reassurance that it will all be fine. But he knew it was not. Something had just assaulted his castle, killed his man, murdered his general, and now the people of the East are prone to its wrath. He had to do something... but against a force as such.... What could he do?

Dusk was upon them, and it was not long before they found a perfect spot near a river to set up camp. The campfire burned, illuminating the worn faces of the two survivors of the East County. Both sat up all night, praying for the lost lives that sacrificed themselves so that they could survive, paying little attention to the briefing Lord Robson was giving.

'...... so tomorrow, we head for the Castle of the West. If the beast had struck the South and the East, it would be but a matter of time before they strike the West. Messenger, take this and send it to the Guardians patroling the borders. I want every soldier on alert. Signal the riflemen, and fire at anything that flies that doen't resemble a woodpecker.'
The messenger saluted, took the letter, and galloped off into the darkness of the night.
'...and you two....'
Jun and Veena looked up.
'.... will be welcomed as guests to my castle,' said Lord Robson.
Lady Veena smiled, and nodded.
"Thank you,' replied Lord Jun.
'Now, have a good nights sleep. Its a long journey out of here when morning comes. I don't want to have a couple of zombies in the troupe. You there, keep watch. Alert the rest if you see anything.'
The guard saluted, grabbed his rifle, and dissapered into the woods.

Suddenly, there was loud rustling. The guard hurried back.
'Riders sire! There is a pack of riders headed this way!'
'Arm yourselves men, but stay quiet. Take the Lady to safety,' commanded Lord Robson.
His guards drew thier arms, and waited in the silence of the night.
The sounds of rustling drew closer, footsteps at first, then galloping. A horde of galloping! Lord Robson signalled his men to stay hidden, and moved forward, sneaking behind the shadows of the trees.

Lord Robson lay low, crouching as he tried to get a better view. He instantly recognised the crest on the armour of the calvary riding past. The crest of the bear. The House of Nesh was at war!

March of the Succubus - Destiny (Chapter 4 Part II)

2008-08-02T00:29:00.005+08:00

Lord Jun struggled to keep his balance. The last walls of the Castle of the East crashed before his very eyes. He was wounded. Badly. Most of his guards had perished in the bloodly fight; others fled like cowards, but he, Ordina and two others had made it to the gate. He had never fought a force as vast as this before. They were quick and agile, and worst. They sustained no flesh wound. He remembered stabbing one over and over again in the heart, but it did not falter, not even slowing down. These ... things, were inhuman! They slashed his men like a knife through butter, with sabres that looked lke it was on fire. Ordina, too, was badly wounded.

'Run, my leidge! Lady Veena awaits you! I'll hold them off while you make a run for it!' he said, as they retreated down the stairs. Before Lord Jun could protest, he pushed him out of the door, and bolted it shut.

'Ordina! Open this door! You cannot do this! I am your Lord! Open up! This is an order!' he shouted, slamming his fists hard unto the wooden locks. He tried to push, but to no avail.

'It was a pleasure serving you, my leidge!' and then, there was what sounded fierce fighting. Swords clashed, blows were dealt, cloaks were ripped, screams of pain and agony filled the air.

Jun closed his eyes, and cried. Then, he pulled himself together, grabbed the nearest horse, and made a run for the gates.

********************************************************************************

He did not know how long he travelled. But he knew he had to see Veena. He had to make sure she was safe, he had to know who was behind this attack, and who where those demons? He did not know, but he knew something had to be done. Suddenly, there was galloping behind him. Someone had tracked him down!

He galloped faster, but the sound seemed to get closer. He turned back to look, which was a mistake. Something hit the horse hard, and it fell, and so did Lord Jun. He came tumbling down on to the ground, the bullet barely grazing his left shoulder. He winched in pain. He heard another shot, and he ran for cover behind an oak tree. His hunter came into plain sight now. He was just like an ordinary man, but he had the eyes as red as blood, and there were wings behind his back.

Jun laid quiet and silent behind the tree, concealing himself in its shadows. The hunter looked arround, frustrated that it had lost its prey. The Keeper disembarked, and began searching his surroundings. He saw the horse, and immediately fired another shot, killing the animal.

Its a monster, thought Lord Jun. He paced backwards, trying to hide from the Keeper, but instead, accidentally stepped on a twig. The sound led the Keeper to face in his direction, and immediately let lose a volley of shots. Jun dodged in the nick of time, and reached for his sabre. His sabre! He must have left it back at the castle!

The Keeper stopped his firing, unloaded the empty canister, and reloaded. This is my chance, thought Jun.

Jun immediately jumped into the air, and landed on the surprised Keeper. It pointed its revolver at the Lord, but it was knocked out of its hand. Lord Jun brought the demon to the ground, and began lay punch after punch at the demon. The demon was shocked at first, but then, grabbed Jun, and threw him aside. Jun was thrown a few feet in the air, before landing hard on the bark of a tree. What strength! The Keeper reached for its revolver, readjusting his head like he was unharmed.

He stroded towards the wounded Lord of the East.

'Aisthya Vaisha, mortal.'

A loud shot ripped thorugh the air, and Jun closed his eyes shut, ready for what's to come. Nothing happened. He reopened them, and to his amazement, saw the Keeper lying down on the ground, motionless.

'Made it in time, didn't I?'
Lord Jun turned, and there, in the midst of the tall grass, Lord Robson and his men stood, Lady Veena safely by his side.

March of the Succubus - Destiny (Chapter 4 Part I)

2008-08-01T22:46:00.008+08:00

The song of the nightingale cresended as the lone figure approached the gates of the castle. Both sides were massive gardens, laiden with the most precious of roses, tulips and arcasias; buttercups decorated the age-old walls; sea after sea of daisies, edelwiesses, fushias and lilacs were only but a few the infamous gardens the Castle of the East has to boast. Deemed impossible by the local folk, the House of June's passion for its floral cravings seemed to prove them all wrong. The founders of the Eastern Lands brought flower seeds from every part of the Middle Kngdom, even all the way from the fiery pits of the Hazard Lands. There was a war there, all in the name over a supply of seeds of the rare BloodRed rose. This flower was said to be impossbile to grow in humidity, and only grew under the sweet songs of the nightingale. For the Eastern Lands, nightingales were the only mass resource apart from artisan's musicians and poets of love and affecttion. The Hazard Lands were on the contrary, hazardous, as the name says, for the natives in the area were not at all friendly. They prided in calling themselves the Sons of the Stone God, or Stogars. Its ruler, Ruben the Melicious, was as visous as any barbarian warlord could get. And it was no run-of-the-mill tyrant. It was said that this massive brute had the strength to defeat five hundred of the East's border guards alone, unarmed. His people were no different, each possesing the Mighty Ones's bad temper, brutal novelity and untidy character. But they were a force to be reconded with. The last Lord of the East, Lord Bruce IV of June, father of the current Lord Jun I of June, tried to attempt a treaty with the barbarians, for they pillaged the neighbouring villages in search of food and shelter. Instead, when his lordship sent a supply wagon through the Hazard Lands, they were attacked by Ruben's men, and Bruce perished in the war. His son took the throne, and waged war against the Stogars.

Jun swisked his frocks of golden hair backward, as he asways did when he was in a good mood. The guards immediately recognized his lordship's uncanny complexion of every women's desire, and instantly opened the gates, and stood at attention.

'Good morning, gentlemen. Fine day for a song isn't it?' With that, Lord Jun hummed a tune as he skipped across the courtyard, admiring the white roses along the way.

The guards smiled. That was the way Lord Jun had always been. The people of the East loved him. Not only for his charm and witty character, but he was always optimistic, and cared fully for the people. He made sure they had food and wine, shelter and even had the royal medic and his own visor to teach the children about the suns and stars. Inside, Lord Jun indulged himslef in some wine, and prepared for a bath. There were stressing matters on his mind now, but that had to wait. Tonight, he had guests. He undressed, put on the royal robe that bore the crest of the magnificant bird of muisc and sweet melody, and headed for the royal showers.

The castle itself was not large - a coutyard, five massive gardens, a royal court, and around ten rooms for his treasury, his study and his ministers to reside. Compared to the South, the East were not well to do, but they made the best of eveything. Especially when it came to luxury. The loud clanking of metal against metal was audible from the training grounds emmited from the courtyard, where his footsoldiers were undergoing their routine training. He undid the robe, soaked his feet into the warm bath, and relaxed.

'My, my... how you've grown'

Jun jumped, desperately reaching for his robe at the sound of a females's voice.

'When you you learn to knock!' he bellowed, his cheeks blushing red with embarassment.

The lady just stood at the entrance to the royal showers, gazing at the naked Lord naughtily. Lady Veena laughed, and moved towards Lord Jun in a seducing manner.

'Oh come now, little brother, its not like I've never seen them before. We grew up together, ate together, soaked in the tube toge..'

'Oh, I'll have none of that! I'm all grown up now, sister! I'm the Lord and Master of the East!'

'Ah, but to me, ' she said, naughtily caressing her fingers against his still redden cheeks.

'you'll still the little brother I've learn to live with.'

Lord Jun blushed, and kept his head down. Lady Veena was right. They were not of the same blood, the same mother and father, but they were the decendants of the House of June.

Lady Veena continued to tease the charming Lord, undressing her robe and dipping herself into the pool. Lord Jun blushed even more now.

'Oh, come now. I've seen the looks on those maiden's faces when you go on parades down the Land! Oh, how they adore you! Thier screams almost pierce my ears! You're already a grown man, brother. Haven't you considered settling down? Or are you so incapable you cant find a suitor? Oh I know! I'll help. Lets throw a ball tomorrow. I'll invite all the yougn maidens from the Land. We can feast, drink, and oh, we can even...'

Lord Jun pulled himself together, fighting the urge to look at the beautiful lady in the same pool with him. A lady! Oh, the morals!

'Yes.. yes... Just like the last one you threw for me on my 18th birthday? It was a disaster! Veena, I'm not ready for such a responsibility.'

'Oh, but that's because you just ignored everyone!' she drew herself closer to him. He backed away. 'But I know you are! Because your my little brother. You're the Lord of the East. You'll need a companion sometime, don't you? Father would have wanted it.'

There was a long silence.

'I..I'm sorry Jun. I didn't mean to..' muttered Lady Veena.

'Maybe I just haven't found one yet.' said Jun, and rushed off in the direction of his court, his emotions turning sour.

Lady Veena sulked. She knew she just had to bring his father into this. Oh... She loved Jun so. Not the love of lovers, but a sister's love for her little sibling. How she hoped he could find happiness, and not regret it like she did.

She laid there in the waters, staring blankly into space.

Oh, father... If only you were here.

Jun was already dressed and ready for his proceedings at court when Lady Veena arrived. She just stood at the entrance, admiring the charming lad who was addressing his subjects with such vigour. Just like his father. She smiled. The guards had seen her, and was about to announce her arrival, when she stopped them, turned her back, and left to her room.

'...the Sentinels have seen the said monster, milord. It was last seen at the river near Brusells, attacking a barn of an old farmer. The farmer survived the ordeal, but his cattle, crops and pigs were slashed to death. The methods of killing were very similar to..'

'Did they have thier hearts taken out?' said the Lord of the East.

'..Yes, milord. And, there were sightings by our scouts of another similar monster in the West, the South and the Eastern grounds.'

'Then tighten the defences around the city. I do not want that thing near us any time soon. Set up a search party. I want every forest of Norshire scoured and searched. If it is said to be there, it must be headed for another village. We'll be ready for it.'

Just then, the gates were forced open. A soldier barged in, wounded severely. His armour, bearing the crest of the moon, was torn to bits, and blood was oozing out from his mouth. He was bleeding profusely, and his arms looked as if they were broken. The guards seized him, but Lord Jun called him in. He knew that crest anywhere. The man was a MoonGlade. He signalled for his royal medic, and they began treating the wounded man immediately.

'It..it's no use... Save the medicine for another! I .. I bring news from the South Land...' the man said, fighting the medic's hands holing him down.

'Ter.. terri...terrible newwwsss!' he said, blood coughing out at all directions.

'Get the man some water! Now tell me, brave knight, what urgency is this? Did Lord Phillip send you?'

The man was not going to make it, Lord Jun knew that. He was breathing heavily now, and was shaking terribly.

'Lord... Phi..' he coughed. 'Lord Phillip... is dead, milord.'

Lord Jun stared at him.

'What? How is this possible? What happened?! Tell me soldier! Tell me quickly!'

The man tried to speak... but the pain was unbearable.

'Sire.... take... take this.... it... would... explain... eve...everything....'

The MoonGlade handed a seal to the Lord, and with that, the knight drew his last breath. Lord Jun looked desperately at his medics. They shook their heads.

Lord Jun felt the sharp pain in his heart, reached out his hand, and closed the knight's eyes.

'Rest now, brave warrior. Take... take him to the graveyard. I want a proper burial for his bravery.'

His guards saluted, and carried the lifeless body out of the court.

Everyone, including the ministers at court had thier eyes on the seal in Lord Jun's hands now. It was some sort of stone, red as a ruby, but it was soft and cold to the touch.

'Milord,' said the Prime Minister, 'I think it is a crytomine. The South ministers hide thier most precious information inside them with light, most of it about secret meeting places, or names of people they asociate with. I do not know how they do it, but whatever information it carries must be very worthwhile, milord. They don't just give crytomine to anyone else except people they trust the information with.'

'Open it.' said Lord Jun.

The minsiter bowed, and took the stone from the Lord's hands. He lit a candle, and began to burn the stone. It began to fizz, and soon, everyone in the court was amazed, as light began to emerge from its interior. The lights were lines at first, and then, slowly, it began to form words, little by little. Much of the words were unreadable, but all it took was the one sentence in the middle of it all to explain everything.

'...Succubus is hungry... the sons of the Moon have fallen....... Now the Birds of the East.....'

Lord Jun went pale. Just then, there was a terrible rattling outside the gates. The ground shook a little, and everyone fought to keep thier balance.

'Wha... what was that!' shouted the minister.

Lord Jun was equally shocked.
'General Ordina, take the man and go to the gates, find out what's wrong!'
The general saluted, and was about to turn to leave, when a voice said

'THAT WONT BE NECESSARY'

The guards drew their swords. The general stood by Lord Jun.

'A CHARMING YOUNG LAD... QUITE MY TASTE...'

Everyone in the room was shaking, desperately looking around to see where the sound was coming from. Lord Jun wasn't. He drew his sword.

'Show yourself demon!'

'HAHAHA! IF I DID, YOU WONT EVEN STAND A CHANCE, JUN, SON OF BRUCE!'

Lord Jun looked around. Everyone was stunned in ther positions.
'Guards! Take the ministers to safety! General! Excort me to Lady Veena's chambers! Sound the alarm!'

'FOOL! YOU KNOW NOT THE STRENGTH OF THE SUCCUBUS!'

The gates were open, and the ministers rushed out. Suddenly, a deafening scream filled the air, as blood splaterred on the walls of the East Court. There, outside the court, were three Keepers, blade in hand, bloodlust in their eyes, a dead Prime Minister at their feet.

'Charge!' said the general, and the guards immediately rushed forward, sabre at arms. With two siwft moves, the Keepers sliced the guards in half.

'Protect the Lord!' the general shouted. By now, more and more guards rushed to the courts. Jun and his party of ministers took the other route, and into the safety of Lady Veena's room, who was shcoked and scared at the same time.
'Jun, what's going on?'
'I've no time to explain! Now, general, take my sister to the stables. Prepare a horse and send her to our Allies in the outskirts of the East County! I'll take care of these demons!'

'But milord, you can't just...' the general said.
'I said, GO!'

The general grabbed Lady Veena's hand, and dragged her out of the room.
'But what about you?' she shouted.
'I'll be fine! I'll meet you when it is safe!'
Lord Jun held his sabre.
'Now man... charge!'
The door flung open, and Lord Jun and his men faced the three Keepers head-on.

Down in the stable, General Ordina prepared the horse, and placed Lady Veena safely on its saddle.
'I pledge my life to guard you, milady, but Lord Jun cannot fight these demons himself. I must return to him. Be safe, milady. God Bless you. You two! Excort the Lady to the safe village nearby! We'll meet up when the time comes.'

Lady Veena shook her head,
'I'm not leaving without Jun!'
'Milady, you must! It is my duty to see that you are safe, and it is on Lord Jun's orders! Now, go!'
Reluctantly, the three riders left the gates and into the forest, her eyes tearful and soaked. She looked back one more time, and to her horror, saw the beast for the first time.

It was towering. It was twice the size of the castle itself, and its presence caused the gardens to wither and die, leaving a dead trail of dead leaves and burnt buds. It was nothing she had ever seen. It was vampiric, with sharp teeth and strong claws. But it resembled a female, and one with wings sticking out of her back. The winged-demon, Succubus.

March of the Succubus - (Chapter 3) House of Mok

2008-08-01T19:32:00.009+08:00

Morning came with the first rays of sunlight beaming through the slits of the tall curtains surrounding the room. Lord Mok creaked his eyes open relunctantly. He felt a heavy migrain, and struggled to keep his balance as he got up from his slumber. The pain was excruciating, but it was nothing compared to the humiliation he had suffered the night before at the hands of the young Prince Robson.

Staggering to his feet, he reached for his rapier, only to find it missing from its usual place beside his study.
'Where's the dang sabre!'
The door immediately swung open, and two guards raced into the room. One of them began to search frantically, while the other bowed down at Lord Mok's feet. At last, the younger of the two found it, lying just inches away under the South Lord's bed.
'Give it to me, you ingrates! And begone!'
Bowing, they left. They have both served the South Court for as long as they could remember, and it was wise not to temper with his lordship's temper. Like a towering wall of flames-undeciding, unreasonable, and most of all, unremorseful. Lord Phillip Mok III was latest in the bloodline to take the throne. He was nowhere famous for his generousity towards the people of the South, but rather for the corruption he had lead on. His nephew, Prince Wai Kit, was destined for the throne, if not of tender age.

The morning rays of the sun that warmed the courtyard, with its blossoming morning glories did nothng to ease his anger. With each heavy foorstep he strided across the massive hallways of marble, lined with gold and draps of the finest silk curtains in the land. Guards in heavy armor stood at attention, thier rifles at thier sides at the sight of thier Lord and Master. The journey to his court was a long one, and he prided himself in it. The longer it took to get there meant the more you have to boast when it comes to land and wealth. Many had understood that. Oh yes. Especially those feeble kingdoms who dared cross-swords with him during his invasions. The king knew nothing of them, of course. He managed a laugh, and his journey came to an end outside a huge gate, more of fine crafted oakwood and enforced steel than an entrance to his court. But being the richest of the four Lords was not enough. It never was. He had an ambition, and he knew the methods he had to undergo to get it. He pushed the heavy gates open, and entered, entering only to find his court already in sesson.

At every corner of the grand hall, his elite guards, the Knights of MoonGlade, stood at attention at his arrival, their swords held close by their side, ready to defend their master shall the need arise. His subjects, mostly of currupted ministers and bishops, a selected group of no more than twenty of his own men, were busy discussing a matter, as if he were not present.

'But won't it be a little harsh, I mean...' said the first minister.
'Oh come on now, really... It not like we haven't done it before.' said the second, waving his hands in the air.
'He's right. Somehow we need to teach these pheasents thier place! That will teach them to start another rebillion, won't you say, General? ...General?'
The general was about to speak, but bowed at the sight of his lordship. The others followed, nervously shifting thier tunics uneasily.

Phillip stood there, gazing at them as thought about to errupt. But he saved it. He had better things to take care of. He crossed the hall, ignoring the rest of the contraband, and took his seat at the throne, the crest of the moon glowing brightly in the morning sun.
'It has come to my attention...' he started, taking his time. He loved the effect he had on his subjects.
'...that some of the people present, are beginning to forget their places as well.' The first minsiter looked down, trying hard not to look guilty.
'No matter. We shall deal with matters of meagre importances later. Now, report! Report!'

The ministers took theirs, submitting report after report on the current situations of the South County. Phillip paid little attention, but stopped short when it came to a report on another burnt village near the borders.

'....reported that the casualties were unknown. But the attackers left in a hurry, milord. We sent the scouts to pursue them on horsebacks, but they were long gone into the forests. Interestingly enough, the flames were that engulfed the village, milord.... it was.... well, blue. And the dead pheasents all died in a similar manner. All were slashed in multiple ares, mostly near the head. No one survived.'

Phillip was glum. He bit his bottom lip. He knew what he heard was pointing to the same manner, but he could not risk another humiliation, at least not untill he has enough proof.
'Halo, rise.'
The general rose, and approched Phillip, his head still bowed.
'How long would it take to prepare a regiment?'
The general looked uncertain, but answered, 'Two days at the least milord. The knights are still at war with the rebels at the borders of the Middle Kingdoms, and our castle guards are the only avalable forces at such short notice. I could send a messenger to the front, and....'
'No. I want those thorns out of my sight as soon as possible. It would take too long... How about my nephew?'
The general looked up this time.
'Prince Wai Kit? He is at the mountains of Oddessy at his training, milord.'
'Summon him, and prepare an army of ten calvary. Send him to the forest of Norshire as soon as possible.'
'Send the Prince to find the beast..'
He looked around. The ministers looked at him, confused?
The general apporoached Phillip and shispered, 'Send Wai Kit to find the beast, sire? But he is too young!'
'Its about time my nephew saw some action instead of reading about it from some old haggard in the mountains.'
'But my leidge, the late Lord specifically orderd that...'
'Don't remind me about my brother, general! He should be happy I'm filling in for him, what more looking after his son! Now, gather the troops, and I want him on a horseback and on his quest by nightfall! Do you understand!?'
The general retreated, bowing. He knew that Prince Wai Kit was the rightful heir to the throne, but since the late Lord William died of a mysterous disease, he had named Phillip the next heir, until Wai Kit was of age. But all in the South Lands knew it was no disease. Phillip had murderd his brother, and sent the prince away to a faraway mountain to learn from some old goat. But that was a rumour. No one dared say a word of it.

After the proceedings were over, General Halo took to the stables, whilst the rest of the minsiters and bishops returned to their live of pleasure and luxury. His family had served the House of Mok for many generations, all pledging thier oath to protect thier Lord and Master. But ever since Phillip was Lord, it was hard to tell if that if services were of any importance any longer. Pihillip preferred to indulge in women, wine and festivities, while his people suffered in hunger and poverty. But he had no choice. He was tied on the bonds set by his ancestors unto the founders of this land, and that was something he had grown up to learn and guard with his life. The only hope he had, was for the Prince to be safe so he could return the South County to her peaceful and prosperous self once more.

He walked a series of complicated stairways and corridors, until finally arriving at the stables outside the castle's gardens. The House of Mok was enormous, and anyone could easily get lost within its grounds without a proper guide. But he didn't need a guide. Not an old-timer like himself. He turned the lock of the door twice clockwise, once anti-clockwise, and another twice twice clockwise, and it gave way. Why wouldn't it? He pushed the heavy doors open, and was greeted by the only friends he had within the castle grounds.

The stallions were magnificannt. Each carefully handpicked from the best breeders, and fed with the best wheat and sweet hay. Even the water they drank was from the peaks of Mount Oddessy, said to be the purest and can boost the vitality of the soul. The stallions were called Dark Night, for they were swift and quick and the South calvary prided themselves in being thier riders. Their speed was unmatched, and whats more, they were as silent as night. They could sneak up on the enemy in the night in massive numbers, without ever being noticed or spotted by the sentinels.

Halo sighed, and patted their nozzles as he passed each one of them. He had helped trained them all, and every one turned out to be strong, fit and ready for battle. Especially one. It outshown the rest in terms of agility and strength, and can run for days without even a drop of water. It was called Whirlwind. He didn't bestow that name on the stallion, however. Prince Wai Kit had spotted the young faul when he accompanied his uncle out hunting, and saved it from a raging wolf. His uncle was furious, but let the young price keep it, providing he left for Mt Oddyssey at the age of twelve. The young prince eagerly accepted the proposal, and tended to it like a mother towards her son. The faul grew up to be strong, and accompanied the prince wherever it went, often letting him pat its nossle and feed it apples. It loved apples, as much as the young prince. Once, when the prince fell ill in the stables, the horse galloped all the way to the court to get their attention. It got a good whipping, but the prince was saved, at the least.

The general opened the stable doors, and Whirlwind galloped forward. It seemed happy to see him. The old general took out a piece of an apple from his breafast, and fed it. It munched it up right up, neighing with joy. Seeing the horse was like staring at the prince. The general sighed. He had always loved the young prince, and ever since Lord William passed on, the young lad's smile was never seen again. He felt sorry for him. If only there was a way to cheer him up. It was rather unlikely now, with Lord Phillip wishing for the prince to go on another pointless crusade. The prince was turning 18 next month, and the general was worried that Lord Phillip would try something to retain his throne.

He patted the horse one more time, and reached for the saddle. Whirlwind stood still as the general equipped the horse, and then, they galloped off. The guards opened the gates at the sight of the general, and saluted, as he raced down the stony passage that lead to the forest of Norshire.

What he didn't realise, was the shadow that was observing him the whole time from behind the rose bushes. Its bloodshot eyes blinked, and with one last flap of its wing, reached into the skies after the general, the cursed violet symbol of the Succubus clearly visible on his left shoulder. The guards at the gates gasped at the sight of the demon, but with one lowly cry, felt blood gushing out of thier slithered throats, as two more demons appeared from the shadows.

That night, a storm spread throughout the drakness of the clouds, the shrieks and cries of anguish filling the air from the North court, its once silk curtains now tainted with the blood of Phillip and his men.

Just One More Series

2008-08-01T02:19:00.002+08:00

I had nothing better to do. So decided to buck up on my MUET. I'm writing a fictional story based on characters from U6K, so whether its boring or not I dun care. Lolz

March Of the Succubus
Chapter 1 - The Mistake
Chapter 2 - The Stone Table
Chapter 3 - House of Mok
Chapter 4 (Part I) - Destiny I
Chapter 4 (Part II) - Destiny II
Chapter 5 - The Sun, the Bear and the Nightingale

Lolz. Feel free to give comments on the story, me open to suggestions. ^^ Enjoy them.

March of the Succubus - (Chapter 2) The Stone Table

2008-08-01T00:03:00.007+08:00

The rain hit the windows of the Great Chamber mercilessly. There and again, clasps of thunder and the groans of Thor flashed aross the dark clouds. The high walls of the chamber were of Engraved Stone, the strongest ever built in this country of war and chaos. The Great Chamber was regarded as the High Hall of Heroes and Slayers, Knights and Kings, and who could defy such a fact? In a country where war was life and fighting was a necessity, where blood was wine and pillage was wealth, all eyes were set on entering the Great Chamber. The finest armor and the sharpest of blades ornated the walls. Parchments and records of wars, agriculture, wealth and population filled the willow shelves. And then, in the midst of it all, lie the Stone Table.

The crest of the Five Nations that form the Table severed no decorative purposes, especially in a time of great doom as this. There were five thrones that surround the Table, but tonight, only three were occupied. It is known that none of the Lords at the Stone Table knew anything of each other, not that they would ever meet. But this, at a moment as such, the king needed all the help he could get.

There was a long silence. The first to speak, wore the crest of the moon. The most powerful House to the South, the House of Mok.
'How goes the lands to the north?'
The second, bearing the cloak with the bear, glanced up towards the speaker. He was stronger and much bigger than the other two, but the people from the north counties were known for thier strength, not hier brains.
'Well. Not that the county of the South ever had an interest in,'
'Ah, what is there to say? We are the Lords of the Stone Table, it is only proper that we get along well to serve King and Country.'
'Indeed. With the money you take from the king's treasury every time you say there is war, you might have stared another empire.'
'I beg your pardon, Lord Nesh, but dire situations call for dire measures! Its not like you did anything about the plagues to the North! Our people are dying and...'
'Oh, don't get me started you ungratful bas****! Had I not placed you in this court you would have been a mere stableboy wiping the aftermaths of a horses a..'
'Enough!'

All three heads turned towards the figure who just entered the room. He was clad in a different cloak then the rest, one with a golden star. All three men stood at attention, and placed their fists above their hearts in respect.

'It is pointless to put the blame on another at this point of time. Direct your anger instead on the enemy. That is our main priority. We serve the Council and our people, and it is duty! So I do not need insulents who prefer to bicker about another's faults when we should be putting our heads together in such a crisis!'
The hall went silent, except for the laughter coming from the third Lord at the table.
'And what seems to be so funny?' asked Lord Mok in frustration.
All he got was a smile, and more laughter.
'Why, you little brat! How dare you insult the Royal House of Mok! I'll have your head if its the last...' Lord Mok drew his sword and lunged at the stranger.
There was a blinding flash of light, and the rapier in Lord Mok's hands was thrown to the ground, and plundged just inches from his embroided cloak.
'If I were you, Lord Mok, I'll think twice before challenging Lord Robson. Now put that fork of yours away before you poke your eye out.'
Lord Mok, dumbfounded, looked at the young man who just beat him at his best game. The cloak was of low-chipped linen, and there, in the middle of it, bore the crest of the sun. The House of Robson. The Lords of the West who never lost crossing swords, or would rather die than to face such a defeat.
'I... I wasn't ready.... Another time, perhaps...' Lord Mok stuttered, replacing his jeweled rapier inside its holder.
Lord Robson did the same, smiled cheekily, and bowed, before returning to his portion of the table.

'That would be enough for today. Now, shall we get on with the more biting matters? So... wait. Where is the Lord of the East?'

'That would be me.'
All eyes gazed upon the chandelier. There, upon its candles, another cloaked figure rested his head on the chains that held it together, and looked down towards the Stone Table. The cloak was of silk, and within it, the crest of a Nightingale. The House of June. The sons of the Crusaders to the East.

'Ah... Lord of June, please, join us,'
'I prefer my name, Jun, if you may, your highness,'
'Then Jun it is. A charming lad, I see. How goes the war with the barbarians?'
'All is well, your majesty. Your kindness I shall forward unto my men.'
'Then I await the good news from the front. Now for the bitter news, as it has already seems to be an evil has been unleashed in every corner of my country. I need to know if this is true....'

Lord Mok was the first to rise before the king could finish.
'Pardon me your highness, but I think I can clear those doubts. A fortnight ago, come the seventh night of May, my scouts reported an attack on a nearby village along the rivers of Marcedona. We initially assumed an invasion by the barbarians, but when we got there, who, or what attacked the village was nowhere to be seen. But the destruction it left behind, milord.... was unspeakable. Almost eveything in its path was devastated, and the villagers were all left dead. Not a single soul survived. My men had the village inspected, but what we found was impossible to be true. There were footprints your majesty. Prints of giants! And there were traces of smaller prints, your highness. Inhuman. It seems the monster is getting help from somewh....'

'Utter nonsense! your highness' Lord Nesh stood.
'There are no such things as monsters! Especially in a kingdom of peace such as ours! What you saw could have been a mere raging beast, or barbarians of some sort!'

'I am sure of what I saw! But I assure you, milord, that my men and I can easily hunt it down and...'
'Oh, for heaven sakes just admit that you couldn't handle a bunch of bear-skin cladded monkeys throwing sticks and rocks at your men!'
'Oh, the nerve! Had you been there you'll would have...'
'Silence!'

Both men sat down at once.
'Can you not understand the severity of this situation? My people are dying, and I care not who or what is causing this. I want them caught, and executed! Do I make myelf clear?'
'Yes, your majesty...'

'If I may, your highness,' Lord Jun rose, bowing in such a gesture that made Mok and Nesh uneasy, as if taunting them.
'I have heard of such a beast before. Lord Mok, if the flames engulfing the village red, or blue?'
Lord Mok looked at Lord Jun, rather taken aback.
'How'd you...'
'Answer me, please. Was it blue?'
'Y.. Yes..'
'Then it seems that Lord Mok hasn't been telling the whole truth, your highness.'
Lord Mok was silent.
'And did you happen to find the traces of feathers of any kind?'
'Feathers? What do you mean by... wait... there were feathers of some sort, but they were red, so I thought they were merely birds'...'
'Then my suspicions are confirmed, your higness,' Lord Jun said.
'What is it, Jun?' asked the king.

'A succubus'
All eyes were turned now towards Lord Robson.
'Oh, so the guy's not a deaf, eh?' mocked Lord Mok, and gave a laugh.
'Its a demon. A winged-demon. A lengendary beast said to have wiped out the entire of our father's lands.'
'The succubus? But I thought it was only a legend and...'
'Yes it is,' added Lord Jun.
'There was a prophecy made by the priests of the Oracle. That an evil of old will once again be unleashed unto this land, and everything in it will be no more than ash and dust. Until the souls of a thousand men are turned to ghouls, and until the hearts of all that is good and pure are drained and tainted with the blood of the damned.'

The king fell back in his throne.
'So its true then? This monster.... it exists?'
'Not only does it exist, milord. But they say that it can be awaken by a fool who dares to seek its wretched soul. Apparently, there is a band of brothers, milord, a cult, that protects this demon.'

'The Keepers'
All eyes turned to Lord Robson again. Lord Mok rolled his eyes.
'Yes, milord. They call themselves, The Keepers. It is said that they possess the succubus's bloodline, and cannot die. In other words, they are immortal.'
'More nonsense! And how can you prove that such a monster exists, Lord Jun? Or is this another one of your charms to hoax the king into believe another of your tell-tales?' yelled Lord Nesh.
'I... cannot. But I assure you that it is true, milord.'
'Hah! Words of an ignorant fool! Save your breath for the undertakings, Lord Jun! I say we gather the army and set out to find these barbarians before they go rampaging through more villages!'
'They are not barbarians, Nesh! This monster exists! I've read the prophecy myself, and its true!'
'Quiet! quiet! The last thing I need is more problems in my court!'

Just then, there was a knock on the door.
'Yes, who is it?'
'It is I, father.'
'Ah, yes yes. Open the gates.'
The doors creaked open, and there, clad in a night-gown, the lovely princess made her way into the court.

Everyone at the Stone Table stood, except the king.
'Pardon me, my Lords, for my way of dressing. It is rather late. Dawn will come soon, and I come to ask for my father to get some rest.'
'No! No! Not at all!' said Lord Mok, almost too quickly. Lord Nesh forced a laugh.
'Its alright dearest, I shall go to bed soon. We have important matters to discuss.'

'Or instead, why not join us at court? I'm sure we have room for the daughter of King Wye.'
Lord Robson stood, offering his seat. This made the princess blush.
'And may I know the fair name of such a lovely maiden?'
'Wan-yi. Princess Wan-yi.'
'Then I pledge my loyalty and life to serve the beautiful princess Wan Yi.'
This made Lord Mok very unhappy. He clenched his fists, waiting for the opportunity to rid this ignorant brat from his sight.

Lord Robson remained standing, as the princess made herself comfortable on his seat, before the king could pretest.
'King Wye, I can prove Jun's stands.'
'Lord Mok stood up this time.
'That's it. I've had enough of you, you ingrate! You march into this court, disgrace the name of my House, and now you want to act a know-it-all? I condemn you, Lord Robson! Draw your sword before I draw mine!'
Lord Robson stood up slowly, not letting his sight off Lord Mok.
Lord Mok drew his rapier, pointed it directly at Lord Robson, and, without warning, struck. He fought with such speed that impressed even the king.
'I have you now, you son of a dog!'
And with one slash, he ripped the cloak Lord Robson was wearing in half.
'Touche' Lord Robson replied, and drew the sword in retreat.
'Hah! The House of Robson! I laugh at your ancestors! What a claim. The Unbeaten Swordsmen! Hah! I...'
and with that, Lord Mok fell into unconsiousness. The princess was both stunned and amazed.

'He was fast, I can tell you that,' said Lord Jun. 'But against the speed of a Robson bladesmen, he is childs-play. Sorry bout the cloak, though.'
Lord Robson smiled, 'Like you said, he was fast.'
He reached into his pouch, and unveiled something covered with cow-hide.
'Shouldn't we erm... eh.... wake Lord Mok... or....' said Lord Nesh, his eyes cautiously staring at the tip of Lord Robson's blade.
'No, he has earned his rest. Stubborn fools is what I require the least at such moments.' the king said. 'Now, show me what you bring unto this court.'

Lord Robson carefully unwrapped the package, and within it, lie a skull.
'This skull... looks... unusual,' said Lord Nesh.
'Indeed. I have had the literates check on it. It seems that this is not a skull of a human. At least it no longer is.'
'What do you mean, no longer?'
'As you could observe, milord, this skull is too huge to be a person's head. But, it used to be. The excess joints around the skull, are, well... forced.'
'I don't understand.'
'In other words milord, this head grew,' said Lord Jun. 'It grew against the will of nature and the will of God. This skull, is cursed.'
'And prove do you have that it is as you say?' said Lord Nesh, eager to regain some respect from the court.
'Look closely at the back, before the jaws. Can you see it?'
'See? See what?' said Lord Nesh.
'All I see are cracks, Robson. What does all this mean?' said the king.
'Sire, if I may, I want you to take a good look at this mark over here.'
He placed the skull under the light of the candle, and what happened next stunned everyone in the court.

There, behind the skull, was a crack that looked like nothing at first, but when the shadows from the burning light of the candle appeared on the wall, there was the sign, of the Succubus, the winged-demon.

March of the Succubus - (Chapter 1) The Mistake

2008-07-31T22:31:00.006+08:00

It was getting tougher to focus. The moon's eerie glow barely illuminates the parchment before my already shaken hands. Cold sweat of pain and torment have long crowded every possible void between my forehaed, and exhaustion fill every bone and limb. Barely able to move, I attempt another step.The risks were immense, but the rewards were gargantous. Picking up the only arsenal i still possess, I tried another go. Right... right... i think... I think i got it! No wait. What's this? THis is somethng I've never seen before.... This can't be! Dumbfound, I stared blankly at the parchment. The inscrptions were of no partcular order or arrangement, and the verses were easy enough to decipher through the formulaes I had acqured from my mistresses back at the monestry. But this.... a riddle. It was something... Different. It had lines I had never set eyes upon. The concoction of geometry, the inhumanly symbols decorating every corner was beyond my comprehension. Calm down.... think about it for a second... If I could only, yes that might just... No... no... Its too obvious. Or maybe if I..... Hmm... No... it's not to that extent.

I moved a few paces back, careful not to lose my balance, and observed the stone hedges once more. My years of experience dealing with the unknown told me that this was just another puzzle to be solved. But my woman's instincts told me otherwise. One false move and I might cause dire consequences, and that's something I would prefer not to risk. But my instincts never lied. Not yet at least. I decided to give the cornerstone stone a push. There was a loud tremble, and the ground shook. I was petrified, as the stone began to shatter and the ceilings of the cave cracked violently. Debris of stone and sand poured into the opening I stood on, the force so intense I was pushed back a considerable distance. I held on tight to a nearby bolder for support. It continued to rumble, and then, silence. I opened my eyes, cold beads of presperation flooding me from tip to toe. There, to my amazement, was the very gift I was looking for, its wonderous rays of silver and gold blinding my sight.

Leaning forward, I gently ran my fingers across the cold surface of it. It was a lot smaller than I had expected it to be, but that would have to do. Slowly and carefully, I lifted it up from its holder. Just as it left its supports, I froze, expecting another booby trap to come crashing down on me, or burn me alive, or.... Wait. Nothing? I sighed in relief. I admred the silvery object for a little longer, before pocketing it. I turned to leave, not realising another shadow in the room.

'Just a moment there young lady,' said the figure from the shadows.
'I believe you have something that's mine.'
I stopped in my tracks, and slowly turned to face him. Then, in a split second, I reached for my revolver hidden at the bottom of my undercoat, aimed it at his chest, and fired. The shot echoed around the room. To my amazement, the figure moved forward. Impossible. I saw the bullet pierce his heart. Besides, I never missed.
'Foolish. Yet, impressive for a girl your age,' he said, slowly emerging from the darkness of the room and into the light. What I was dumbfounded me. He, or she, or it had the figure of a man, the voice of a woman, but the eyes as red as blood. I shook my head in disbelief. Was that wings sticking out of the back of his shoulders?
'Who are you?!' I demanded, my revolver aiming this time for the creature's head.

'Who I am is not important, but its what we are going to do to you that realy matters, now. Eh? And you might want to keep that fragile toy of yours for something mortal. That bullet cannot harm the flesh of a god.'

We? I looked around the cave. Nothing. We were alone. This guy must be some kind of psycho. Yet, I can't take any chances.
'A god you say?' I managed a nervous chuckle. 'Man you must have hit that head of your real hard. Now, turn around and leave, and I won;t shoot you. Now!'
'Oh really?' it laughed. Or was it a giggle. It was hard to tell. It seemed to be a mixture of both. That freaked me out.
'Look, I don't want any trouble alright. Just let me walk out of that cave and I'm outta here. Stand in my way, and I swear I'll shoot you.' I was shaking by now, and somehow it knew it.
'Foolish human! You underestimate the wrath of the Keepers. Hand over the Orb of Knowledge or suffer the wrath of eternal doom.'
'You're mad you know that?' this time I knew he was crazy, but I still had to be careful.
'I'll give you till the count of 3. Get out of my sight, or I'll shoot. I mean it.' I really did.
'1....' my fingers tigthened around the trigger.
The figure glared at me, menacingly, but stood right where it was.
'2...' I looked around. Still nothing. Good. He was lying about the 'we' part.
The figure still glared at me. Unmoving. Not even an inch.
'3!' I fired. This time the bullet hit the creature's forehead, hard. Blood covered the walls of the stone cave, and it fell to the ground.

I smirked. People would do anything to get thier hands on this. I crossed over the creature's lifeless body, lying in a pool of blood, and headed to the entrance of the cave.
'Leaving so soon?'
I froze. It... it can't be....
'I warned you... mortal....'
My palms were sweating furiously now. I grasped the revolver even tighter now, not daring to turn back.
'Return the orb. Or face my wrath.'
'Wont you just die!' I turned, and released a volley of shots at the creepy sight of a life I had just taken a while ago. The barrage of bullets tore through its skin with deadly accuracy. I even managed to limp its knees and take another one to its heart. I couldn't belive what I saw next.
'Ha... Ha ha! Ha ha ha! That's all you have mortal?' The creature stood upright, and literally readjusted the limbs I had taken out, and approached me, as though he just had a little scratch.
'Don't... don't you come any closer....' I was trembling with fear now, something wet was between my bottoms. Pacing backwards, I saw the light of the cave's entrance, and decided to make a run for it. I had enough of wierdness for one day. I turned and sprinted towards the light. I looked back for a brief moment to make sure the demon was behind me, but he wasn't. To my horror, there he was, bloody and ripped to pieces, but stood at the the entrance, barring my only way towards freedom.
'What, what do you... want?'
'The orb. Give it to me, and you'll live'
'The orb? Oh yes... yes... eh... a moment,' I reached for my pocket, and found the silver object.
'Give it to me, now!'
'Here, catch!' I bellowed, and threw it behind me as hard as I could, more out of fear than out of acting cool.
The creature stood still. Ok... Not what I expected. I thought it would have gone and catc...
'It is safe.'
Another voice? I looked back, and this time, passing out would have been a good idea. Behind me, stood not one, but at least five, or six or these creatures. Only, they were bigger, and more visious.
'Now... mortal... let me thank you for the trouble you put us into.'
He moved so fast I swear it felt like a breeze just blew past me. In an instant, he was beside me, holding on to my arm tightly, its claws burrowing deep within my skin. He was smiling. I was in pain.
'Now, mortal, Aisthya Vaisha!'
A terrible burning sensation rippled aorund his claws, and into my flesh, burning every cell, bone and draining the blood within. I cried in agony, desperately fighting his arm off mine. But he was strong. Too strong. Then, I saw it. The violet symbol of the Succubus began to form on my arm. I was agshast, and I fought more violently. But it was no use. Finally, it let go. My arm felt like a thousand knives had just sliced my flesh apart, only to be patch up and sliced up once again.
'The pain is only the beginning, mortal. Take it, as a gift,'
It handed me a vail, a bluish liquid bubbled inside it.
'Once every fortnight, your body will undergo a tranformation so intense, you would prefer to die. But you will not. The curse has granted you immortality, but at a price of your soul. But with it, you gain the power of the Succubus, the winged demon. You can succumb to the drakness, or lose the meaningless battle of fighting the curse. Take the potion, as an agreement, shall you decide to join us.'
My head was turning now, everything was ablurred. I see visions of the dead, but I could hear the demon's words clearly.
'Go... f*** yo..yourself!' I cried.
'Typical, but its only a matter of time.' it turned, and approached the group. And then, they vanished.
I tried to stand, but the pain was overwheling. I felt... like I just had an entire bar's worth of ale, and fell down to the ground once again. I've seen that sign before, and the stories that make it so fearful, so very fearful to bear. I hoped it was all a dream, but it was not. The violet sign of the Succubus was getting darker now, as though one with my flesh, my body and my soul. I knew no mere magic was going to break this curse.The monestry! I had to make it to the monestry! I tried to stand again, but my knees gave way. I was considerably weakened. But yet, I felt something else within me. There was a voice. Echoing within the walls of my head. I felt a surge of enegy. But I didn't like it. I tried to fight my body's urge, but it was no good. FOr a brief moment, I felt strong, like I could do anything, anything at all! I felt powerful. As though the world was my play pen! Foolish humans! I possess the power of the winged-demon now! I should just make my way to the nearest village, and... No! No... I had to control myself. The side of me that was still human, or what was left of it, desperately fought the evil engulfing my soul. Help... I needed help! I looked around, desperately. I forced every inch of my consious, to move, I had to get to the monestry.... At first, I thought i saw someone one a horse. My heart leaped with joy. I tried to speak, but my voice was inadible.
'He..Hel..Help... m.. me....'
I felt weak. So weak. Then, there was darkness.

Dual Bloggies

2008-07-23T00:09:00.000+08:00

Heyz. I've just updated a second blog. That where all the non-emo stuff goes to, and this is where all my emos go to. Right. Emo Momo.

Bloody Week

2008-07-20T15:27:00.000+08:00

Too harsh? Nah dun giv a dam. This week is somewhat the most what-the-hell-f**king-noobishest-most-annoying week in my life. First, there was the tupid lil class profile. Took me 3 whole days to finish, including one day off (czu i couldn't find the stupid effect button) and worked my a** off until 5.30 am. And then got rejected. T.T understandable, my photoshop oso not veli good. Lol. But luckily, Ha Nnah came out to save the day. She's really a pro, made the profile look sooooo much better. Thx a bunch.

Ok, then realized my English deteriorating liao... My fren sent me this English Quiz thing in an E-mail, and i scored only 3/50. WTF! Even my sister got 15/50! Felt sooo freakishly down. (Hug pillow...). Missed my old tuition teacher la! Hope he was here to teach me summore.

Back in school, things juz went from boring---->veli boring------->suicidal. Luckily Alairic and Daniel were there to make it all a joke. Lolz. Tried to study at home, but my siblings giving me headache. My room door juz wont shut. Open, close, open, close. Where's the privacy man!!

Bzzzt... Noob time i'm having.

Nyways... I'm keeping my word that i wont be bloggng nymore, (like i ever did).

PS: 19th July was Robson's Bday. Didn't sms or call, cuz my stupid phone rosak. Soreee~Happy Birthday yo.

Peace. Sign Out. Noob.

Class Profile

2008-07-14T23:45:00.000+08:00

The Older....

And my latest one...

Poll Result for 'If There Was An MBS Showdown in U6K, Who Would Emerge As The Champion?'

2008-06-22T23:54:00.000+08:00

Lol. Hannah! Congrats, but we knew this result. ^^ Keep it up!

Super Sunday

2008-06-22T23:04:00.000+08:00

Saturday was not some ordinary time in a guy's life to forget so easily. Although it was bathing in the merth of my mom's birthday, it also had mixed emotions, high conflicts, tears in the eyes and tightening of bonds between frens.

We haven't met each other for a year now, and when we did, all the memories of old just came flooding in, filling our minds with the bitter sweet of our secondary school days in form 5, when innocence and ignorance still filled the air, when frens were best buddies, when teachers were pestering old hags that just won't let us be. At the same time, it was also when the school field was our playground, and it didn't matter if we got an A or a C for moral, because we never got past the 50 mark. Oh the nostlagia....

The party was a bomb, partly because my sister's new frens from Victoria Institution were occupying all my breathing space, and oxygen was so scarce that we hid crammed ourselves in the hall playing poker and watching Epic Movie. There was laughs, there were cries, and then there was Chee Kar who just 'suddenly-remembered-got-party-at-my-hs' and popped up out of the blues. The cake cuting ceremony ended with hus and kisses, and mom relunctantly let the bunch of us off to a drink at the nearby mamak stall.

My kai mui, or god-sis, the ever cute and gorgeous Wy-San (I'm not bragging, ask CK, he NOES, wakakakaka!) was there. My cousin bro, Tong Yuan who just got back from Kampar, during his first holidays from UTAR was also there, even Chun Leong was present, along side the other 'kampung' (in Chee Kar's words) of cousins and old school mates. Oh, and Li Qun, as well as Jason, who wasted my petrol to and fro from Cempaka LRT (kidding^^).

We headed for the mamak near Chun Leong's hs, which was on top of this little hill and boasted a magnificant view of Kuala Lumpur at night, complete with the night lights of orange, white and yellow. We sounded like we were in a circus, laughing our heads off, forcing everyone to share their secrets, talk about thier lovelives, and most importantly, cracking lame and obnoxious jokes that we all laughed for no reason (Lol).

It ended with more laughter, and the long lost feeling and bond that we thought was lost to the quagmire of time and space. It was still warm and we felt closer to each other than ever before. Well, dropped Wy San and Tong Yuan and the others home, Jason to the LRT, and ended up chatting with Chee Kar and Li Qun, who decided to stay for the night. So off to another mamak stall!!

It was around 1.10 am that time, and we chatted about our lives like we were never going to have a chance to. There were stories of our families, the hardships we went through, and the emotion sthat were already reaching boiling point. Another round of Maggi Goreng and Tea O' Limau later, it was myturn to spill my secrets, and after listening to thier advises, I learnt soooo much more about these two frens than I had for the past 5 years. It was amazing you noe... not seeing each other for like a whole year, but still being able to let go of our grudges, say our apologies, and achieve an understanding that is far beyond comprehension. It was like having a virtual sholder to cry on, and it felt raelly good. I can even remember what one of them said - 'love is like a match. All it takes is a spark to light it, and the first flames that are combusted will be the most beautiful. Let it continue to burn, and the flames begin to grow, leaving behind a devastating trail of destruction behind. Let it burn further, and it gets out of control, and its only a matter of time before you yourself would be consumed by the very flame that you thoight was so beautiful at first.' It was the little things like this that would have brought tears to my eyes, if it wasn't for Li Qun's expressions that were so fu**ing carefree, it could make a horse grin!

Well, we reached home at 3.30 am, and it was counseling, sharing and discussions all the way till the break of dawn. We palyed a game of Poker, and the winner can ask the loser any PERSONAL question, which had to be answered with sole truth and honesty. It went really well, each of us asking the questions to clear those doubts about each other that has been with us throughout the years. I finally knew that Li Qun had a secret that could make me change the way I look at him, and Chee Kar, well, was the ever critical fren that would question you about every darn decision you made in your life, and I hate to admit it, but he made damn good sense. Lol.

Ok, it was emo emo and very emo all the way, and then came the sunrise. Both the guys had to get some sleep, so they did.

I took to my room, shut the door, and for the first time in my form 6 life, felt tears brewing in my eyes. It felt really wierd you know, all those questions that you really wanted to know were answered, all those apologies you had wanted sooooo much to say. It felt... well.... comfortable, and yet, there was this sense of guilt and trauma, because from it all, you realise that your world is not the world you had always thought it was. It was like, well, you had grown up from that naive little kid in the school bag, listening to Mazlini's classes and waiting for PJ periods to come only to be foiled by the rain. It was more htan that now. Life has move forward. I haven't. And I know it. Maybe its because I never wanted it to end you, kow? This... tis feeling that you never have to worry about things if you don't have to grow up. The people I knew and trust were no longer there for me when I need them, but instead, the people I held so much grudge against, become the people I learn to respect.

Thx for this day. Thx for letting me kow how my life had turned out to be, and letting me kow how yours did too. I'll just have to snap out of it and move forward, no? ^^ Lifes more than just living. Its about learning to live, and living to learn. Only then, can we grow up.

PS: Chee Kar shud really start a book called 'A little fashion, A little Thoery, and A Whole lot of Life in a PotPuri'. Lol. And Li Qun really has to get a haircut, sheesh!

What's A Senior To A Junior?

2008-06-20T23:00:00.000+08:00

The orientation for the lower sixers have been going on for some time now, and there are some things I just don't understand. Just today, Chew Wai gave the class a good show of some lower 6 Mori guy (old MBS boy, so plssss dun let me know who you are!) who walked past the class, asked if this was upper six kensett, shook his head, and just strolled past. Does he even know what he just did? He has broken the most crucial part of this orientation programme's aim of getting the lower an dupper sixers to get to know each other better. He has just mocked a senior class in front of them.

Sometimes I just don't get it know? Many juniors have come to us for signatures, and maybe after a few 'tests', which were considered lenient compared to the other classes, (Alairic and Dinesh said someone actually had to make a few rounds in the canteen shouting 'Saya Gila! Saya Gila!') I don't see a reason for him to do that. Fine, ok, it may be a joke. But do you see the project manager knock on the door of the Director, look him in the eye and say 'You are the Chairman ah?', shakes his big head and walk off? It indirectly sends a message to us that this guy is trying to be funny. Maybe he wants attention, and he has it. But is this the KIND of attention he is hoping for? Now ppl are yelling 'Don't sign for Mori' when the innocent juniors come to seek our siggies.

Lolz. Maybe I'm overdoing things la. I apologize fer that. But I do hope that person has a brain, or maybe half of it, to just think over what he just did. Rising a commotion? Picking a fight? People can get the wrong message ok brother? But we are Upper Six Kensett. We are not looney, let alone the sensitive type. The guys can take a good beating and still stand on their feet. The girls lagi yeng - got Hwang Hsien ppl wan rob her oso must think twice after thinking twice.

I'm not saying I am offended. I cannot control wat you do, or how you brain thinks. But you want to get our attention, how about doing something after you think of the consequences yes? Like ASKING us politely if we know you. Or if you think your seniors have a problem, how about standing tall and telling it straight to our faces? Shaking your head and walking away is a negative sign of disrespect and disgraces towards another party, and can result in the other party to feel hurt, dejected or maybe even angered for no reason.

The lower sixers this year, I have to say, are one lively bunch. They come to us sooo politely, its impossible to say no to a siggy. ^^(not to mention talent! Got SHE sing for me you know. Yeng until explode!) So how about letting things be the way they are? I surely would, especially if I'm a Lower Six Mori student from the same school, who has been under the wings of MBSSKL's education of mannerism and good will. Its both a disgrace to your class, your school and yourself.

A superb-nostalgic-crazy gathering

2008-06-20T22:28:00.000+08:00

Lolz. Went straight to Times Square after school was out. Was supposed to find a few teachers to get siggies for my testimonial, but since 'some' were sooooo busy then nvm la. Its not like it matters alot anyway. So I packed up, said my goodbyes, cramed my books into the bag, collected my Evo 9 from the car park, paid the guard on duty his usual 100 tip, and sped off to meet my frens. Alright.. not really a good lier am I? Fine. We walked.

The moment I saw the guys, was I aesthetic! One whole year boiled down to the very moment we made our high fives and the old smack on the backs. There were 5 of us in total, except for Daniel who could help being MIA and appearing after we waited a whole 15 mins. Thx sooo much for the sun tan! Weiyan was back. I mean BACK! With a whole new hairstyle! It was all wavy and long, just like those rockers on a live show. I have to tell you, he looked waaay cooler than our days in form 5, cuz now he has the previllage of pushing his hair to the back. Man, the JEALOUSY! Lolz. Alvin never changed a bit, and he reminded me of our old days with that ONE word. Yea, thx lots again man! I'm just darn happy now that you put that word back into my life eh? Weinan was the usual big brother, carefree, happy, and laughing all the way. We chatted of old times and stuff, man I almost had tears in my eyes.

We were actually planning on watching The Hulk, which we did, but that brat Li Qun just had to be late (last time in school not enough fines izit?), so poor Weiyan had to miss the big kissing scene just to wait for him. Wakakaka. Ok, 6 guys, wads of cash, plenty of time to spend. So, off to another movie! This time it was Getsmart, which I had to say no to at first, cuz you know.... harga minyak naik, so ketat sikit. But I went anyway, and we ended laughing our head off! The guy was soooo hilarious! Especially the part he actcually kissed The Rock. Lolz! Weinan had to leave though, so did Weiyan.

Ok, a huge bucket of laughs wasn't going to keep us down, so off to the arcade! Typical boys, you know? We had a go at some soldier front battlefield style 4 player sim, and laughed summore. Daniel kept beating us to the high score, and hi rank was always the highest. Hmmph.... ^^ and Alvin was last. WAKAKAKAKAKA! Then in Daytona, the great car-drifting-mad-driving Li Qun lost to me. ME! An auto driver! More Wakakakakas.

Haha, so ok la. I had a great time thx to you guys. Thx to Daniel especially for organizing it, man sometimes I think there's more to what you show in school. Hope we could do it again some other time. Peace, sign out. ^^

How Much Would A Blogger Blog If The Blogger's Blogger Could Be Blogged?

2008-06-18T22:22:00.000+08:00

Ok... So not the best way to start blogging all over again, but hey... I dun giv a da**! Wakakaka...

You see... stress does things to ppl. Most poeple anyway.... Some just have the mental capacity to get away with everything (I'm not saying its you Wai Kit! You get away with everything!). From the very first moment I laid eyes on my first form 6 examination paper... it smacked me hard on the face, and now, I'm doomed with this unevitable curse to spend the rest of my days as a uniform-wearing-practical-doing-school-going-studnet. The horror I tell you! THE HORROR!

You wanna know what makes it worst? This is no run-of-the-mill paper. STPM is like what? The 2nd (so to say) toughest examination on the planet? And my grades are.. eh.... well...... let's not talk about that. (cough...) So the thing is, time is not on my side. We have another 50 days to our trails, less than 80 days before I start counting my days, and 138 days before I have to face the biggest and hardest battle in my life. And what do I do to take this challenge? I lement, I sigh, I pray (HARD), and I lement summore.

On the bright side, my results have been goin gup lately, except chemistry of course... but Pn Chan said there is an improvement. Yes! My physics went tremendously well, I made it through economy without a less than 40 mark, and my Maths hit a record high improvement of 2.5 marks (35.5 to 37)! Wow! Am I happy or what? As for MUET, well, lets just say it was sort of expected lor... Not giving it even a little focus at all. PA was the usual 66, so yeah... I'll make it to U. No... I must.... or I'll lose everything I have...

Form 6 also has its sacrifices.... I lost contact with my fren who is now in Australia (I think she slammed the phone down on me cuz I din bother to call... T.T), I broke about 100 promises with frens to meet up and yum cha, made my pal angry, and my pimple count is rising. DRASTICALLY! Sobs....

But... While I'm at it, its good that I have my new frens in school to make even the dullest skies clear blue. ^^ Daniel, class monitor, although sometimes whacky and all, still manages to crack up a joke or two. Aliaric, my rider, and professional sales executive, makes form 6 sound like some freak show. Karthik, athough can be a little crazy, keeps me company, and man I tell you! We talk about sooooooooooo amny things you know! Let's see... there's DOTA, and Keeper of Light, and Manta Style, and Dagon and.... wait.... (confused). Then there's Wai Kit. Macho man. The Brawns of the class. He can ace any question thrown at him, anytime, anywhere. I basically rely on this guy to survive through most of my classes. Heh heh. Thx bro. Then Chee Kar. Ok... I draw the line at the word 'fren' when it comes to Mr Sophisticated here. Its complicated. The only thing we have in common is that I know his dirt, he knows mine, so we basically just spend our days 'blowing water'. But if you ever need a helping hand, he's the man to go to la. Then Kye Hoong lor. Naruto fan. (Like I'm not...).

And of course, my lifeline. The only reason I'm willing to return to my old school - the Centenary Library and its friendly folk of smurfs ... err... librarians. Its jammed pack with unforgettable memories, frens new and old, and well, basically everything that shaped me into what I am today. Without the BOSL 2001/2002, I wold never have learnt that Nelson's was the best place to go to or a DOTA game; or without being through thick and thin with my mateys in the 2006/2007 BOSL, I would have never been able to open my mouth and argue like the way I do now (Not boasting okey?) , and lastly, the piece la resistance, is the 2007/2008 BOSL, where I knew I was never alone. Thx guys! Especially the EXCOs - Alexander, Wei Yei, Vivian, Abigail, Rohin, Voon Ho, and the charming Hsien Wei (you still gonna get in trouble). The best part about this BOSL was during the camp An-Naim. Crazy people doing crazy stuff man. Lolz. I think I'll post pics of the camp. Too bad Hsien Wei wasn't there. Wakakaka! Sad... I'm going to retire soon... and I will never again get to be with these wonderful smurfs for a looong time. But hey, we can still yum cha right? Hsien Wei belanja. ^^

So that's about all the lamenting for now. Soooo much crap happened for the last three months, so writing it all down is impossible. So for the jist of it, trails are coming, so my books are at full throttle. Sigh. Why is it that everytime I look back, I just wish I had seen this coming? But hey, you just have to let go sometimes no? ^^ Gambatte-neh!

Its Too Late To Apologize... Gua...

2008-03-07T01:57:00.000+08:00

Heh heh. This post is for all the people whom I have forgotten, missed out neglected and shown the cold shoulder. Was busy for the past 2 weeks cause of my exams. Sorry I din tell ya guys earlier. ^^

So many events to pour out. Where to start... ah yes! Jian Yin went to Australia to further her studies! Good for you! You can finally stop drooling over Malaysian guys (I heard the Aussies are hunks.) , and there's the mouth-watering thought of having a chocolate store every few blocks away. Haha. Hope you wont be horizontally challenged when you get back. Really sorry I din not reply your messages. (Not the 1st time hor...) Accustomed to the lifestyle there? No more rush-hour for you (*jealous*) already! Study hard hard, and come back to your tanah air tercinta with sumthing to boast, ok? Will be waiting to hear from you! ^^

Our fren Chee Kar. Dulanism really got him this time! Haha. Heard the game was good, but you guys lost. Its ok! There's always next time! (At least now you can't go on boasting about how good you are at b-ball, muahahahaha!) Hey man, heard you caught the fever. Bad ke? Dun kick the bucket first you noe! We still need people to go for singing K, playing CS and blowing water you noe! Get well soon!

Now that the exams are over... feel like just sitting back and relax, and let the time do some healing before I pick up my books again. I need a vacation! Badly! Oh, and the school will host the Combined Boards' Day again. Hope no more trouble pops up again, especially after what happened during the first meeting.

Oh, and election will arrive in 2 days (technically, its tommorow)! Mom says I can't go out. Scared kena tikam. 'Anything can happen'... I wont go into details about political issues here, cuz I'm a banana in these stuff. Hey sarah, sarah... What will be... will be.

So now I'll be basking in holiday mood while I do a little catching up with some frens. Happy Holidays ya'll!

Yea Baby~

2008-03-07T01:50:00.001+08:00

Yesssh!!! Its finally over! All that sleepless nights! The toil and the blunders and the sore eyes and the cramped brains and hadaches and the butterflies finally paid off! Over! Haha! (Ok sorry... overjoyed brat here.. =p)

The curtains were finally brought down for the 1st Form 6 term examinations. To think I survived 2 whole weeks of torment, just for an exam that doesn't even matter! (Uggh!) Will try and get my life back once again.

Oh yeah. And I failed my Chemistry. I dunno why am I putting this down here. I just failed Chemistry. There's nothing wrong with failing chemistry is there? I mean, its only me... and chemistry... and the failing.... and Pn Chan.... and OH WHO AM I KIDDING? I suck at this subject! Gimme a break!

Congrates (Lamest Poll Result)

2008-02-19T22:53:00.000+08:00

Congratulations to Daniel Siow for being voted the Lamest in U6K! May your lamesness live on throughout our years in MBSSKL.

What's wrong with the picture?

2008-02-10T01:19:00.001+08:00

This scenario is meant for the DEADMAN as he was the only one with me at the time it happened, but anyone is welcomed. The answer is simple yet took me a few days to figure out. We both agreed to laon the oney, but something went wrong in between.

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine and I were taking a trip down Dataran Merdeka towards the Kuala Lumpur Library. The weather was fine, the typical one that makes you all sweaty and think your legs are killing you. As we arrived, we were told that we were only given 2 hours there, so we decided to leave (you see, my fren here wants more study and less packy) and headed back to our usual place - Starbucks in Times Square.

On our journey, we were stopped by an Indian man, who looked desperate. I do not remember what he wore, but I looked into his eyes. There were no red vessels that would signal drug addiction, and his arms were clean as well. He said that he was from Shah Alam, and he needed some money to get back his motorbike from a workshop not far from there. He told us that he did not want to ask others for help, as he feared that people will get the wrong message. He asked us if we worked around the area. We said no, and added that we were students. At this point, he would have just turned away, but he pleaded us to help him. I asked him to show some identification, and he showed us his driving license. I asked him for his name, and he told me it was on the card. He even provided his age. He asked us to help him to settle the repair bill for his bike, which was RM12, a meagre amount if he was going to con anyone. He looked so sincere. After a few passing of questions and answers, which included where he stayed, what he worked as, and how he was going to pay us the money back, I loaned him the RM12, and he asked my number to keep in contact, promising to return the money 3 days from then. We even agreed to meet at the McDonalds just opposite of MYDIN. He never did.

It maybe out of stupidity, but when I see someone in a ditch, I just have a heart to help out. I don't wanna know if it was a crazy thing to do. Now, there was something wrong in the picture, and I hope you have the memory to figure it out.

PS: If you wanna know the details, ask My FREN and I back in class.

U6K's LAMEST

2008-02-10T01:11:00.000+08:00

Post your comments on the lamest people found in U6K today. ^^

Kung Fu!! Kung Fu!!

2008-02-08T01:28:00.000+08:00

Wow! Had a 2 movie straight marathon today. Got to catch Stephen Chow's CJ7 and Jay Chou's Kung Fu SlamDunk. Awesome!! Though CJ7 was all laughs without any real meaning.... (The little green guy was cute though...), but still, had a great time. As for Jay's movie (No... I'm NOT saying this bcuz I'm a huge FAN) it was totally radical! The cool moves, the great cast, and the special effects were out of this world. Loved the part when the 4 'sifu's took out the bad guys. Watch it! Really!

There WAS, however... one huge problem - the crowd. Huge crowd. Long queue. Frustration and anxiety paired with my desperate need to juz get hold of those tickets! Arrgh! But the 20 minute wait was worth it though. I still remember the unspeakable passion I felt as I held those all-too-valuable pieces of thin plastic in my hands, grasping on it hard while I did a 360 backflip and almost knocked the ticket attendant unconsiuos (okok... I made that up..).

Either way. If you havent watched Kung Fu Slam Dunk, you're missing out on one heck of a great movie! (Sorry Al, Rambo 4's still on my to do list).

A Little Something......

2008-02-06T02:39:00.000+08:00

Starlight,

Starbright,

I wish upon a star tonight,

And if I may,

Or if I might,

Do send her a little something tonight...

A little something that's warm,

To keep her fuzzy through the night,

That shelters her from any strom,

Or just a gentle kiss goodnight.

A little something that's gentle,

That makes her feel all cosy.

Might be those sweet little words,

That can just make her happy.

A little something that's extraordinary,

Something so wild is funny,

That tickles her bones,

Till she gets all quesy,

And she laughs and laughs till she can laugh no more.

Or maybe a little something,

Something closer to the heart.

A peck on the cheek,

A hand in mine,

A smooch on the lips,

A slow dance,

A quiet stroll down memory lane....

With the sweetest reward being your all-s0-divine smile.

So do send her,

A little something that's special,
That speaks my very soul,
Of tales that speak of laughter,
Of secrets that we know,
Of happy days and lonely nights,
Of crazy thoughts and lovely sights,
So if I may,
Or if I might,
Do send her a little something tonight....

The Beauty Check (Dedication to MS)

2008-02-06T01:55:00.000+08:00

'You're beautiful' may sound just like another James Blunt number you hear Daniel Siow sing in class (especially when he sits next to you), but there is more to the meaning of these lyrics than meets the eye. Ladies all around the world believe that being slim, thin, 36-32-36 is the perfect figure that wins them that hot-sexy-mama label. But what's more important is not how one looks, but instead how one acts, and how one reacts to another's actions.

While your looks count, they don't last. But your heart, and the way you treat people around you, are sweet somethings that cannot be erased that easily. Notice the blooming change in our society today. Every form of media potray men with ABS and women with HOUR-GLASS figures to be the ULTIMATE goal, the whole enchilada of our life. The result? Boys die from taking too much steriods to boost growth hormones, just because they think they are short. Sweet girls that have promising futures eat less to 'keep in shape', resulting in nightmares such as Bulimia and Aneroxia Nervosa.

So here is my question, is this the way people see the word 'beautiful'? Is being beautiful a gamble, where only one in a million can own that million dollar chick-look? Or is beauty in the eye of its beholder? Think about it.

For me, being beautiful is just being yourself. Don cha think?

This message is specially for its intended viewr(s) only. So if I offended anyone, my bad, and a billion soreeeeees.
PS: To MS, eat more arh! Later become cheese stick nodoby wan't! Blehh!

Ouch... CC in the MC? (Medical Centre)

2008-01-30T22:13:00.000+08:00

Lately, our closest fren CC has been admitted to hospital for a rather serious condition. What appeared to be ordinary gastric turned out to be extraordinary internal bleeding in some part of the body (heyz... informer din specify leh..).

So here's wishing u one speedy recovery. Fas fas come back school arh!

PS: someone (i;n not saying hu....)'s chair at the front of class empty leh.. fas fas come back pui her... i mean him.. err... watever!

Chirpy is Dead

2008-01-25T23:37:00.001+08:00

11.37pm post.
Thx Chern Chiang.
Vanryuzuki n ppl hu noe u miss u!

Deranged Man or Married Man??

2008-01-24T22:25:00.000+08:00

He just stoned there.... Looking at the vast nothingness of the beyond. As he reflected on his days of old, eerie memories of his childhood maybe, or some where, in his not-so-distant past, he suffered some unforgivable trauma. But as he stood before his class of eager-to-learn pupils, he still managed to appear visibly untroubled through all the dark secrets that lay within him. Always managing the smile of contentment that stretched from one ear to the other.

But time had its toll on his pathetic soul. Deep down inside, turmoil began to brew in his once wretched heart, and his beast of all that was evil, once safely chained behind its walls of concious, innocence, forgiveness and compassion, was beginning to rattle its chains in terror, screaming to break free. As the days past, so did the beast grew closer to its release. Little by little, he could no longer be that smiling man that tried so desperately to show happiness and content. Little by little, frustration began to show, over the little things. One instance was when he began to shout (uncalled for really), at one of his best students. It wasn't like him at all, not that the others knew of. He just blew it, yelling at the stunned boy left, right and centre. But he was forgiven eventually. 'Maybe it was the wrong thing to do, at the wrong time' the boy thought, and he sat down, ignoring the dangers that were dawning upon him.

I never knew if it was to be intentianal or unwilling, but the beast within must have gotten to him. His usually carefree voice was beginning to rattle, shake and he stumbled on his words. He talked a lot, not on the studies in front of him, but about the times of joy he had when his old students were there for him (like the rest of us just wasn't there). His emthusiasim turned to sarcasm, and he would, for a brief moment, correct me if I was wrong, stare at some of us from time to time with those hungry, bloodshot eyes that would read 'you're next'.

Questioning his authority and position was not a compliment. It was meant as an insult to the man. He would answer no inquiries, but would spend more of his attention 'getting close' to the innocent ladies of the class (like the rest of the men were never there). Without any answers, we turned to rely on each other, where, in that small heart of his, would mean insult to the deepest core, as he assumes we no longer want to listen to him.

SO hear me out, is it just me, or has one of the finest teachers I have ever known lost himself within the quagmire of marriage? Is he deranged, or is he just attached? Suffer in silence I may, but mark my words, standing down for long? Never.....

2008-01-19T00:19:00.000+08:00

Want to keep yourself up-to-date?
Want to seee the coolest, hottest pics on the entire web?
Want to see how one man can make simplisity his best policy?
So come on in and take a look for yourself into the world of the unknown!
Visit www.alzben.blogspot.com for the journey of a lifetime!

whatever u do, dun go there!
**Terms and consitions apply. All authors of this blog will not be responsible for any damage, loss of physical body parts or lameness upon this vist. Thank you.

CH3OH + HCOOH --------> DiSaStEr!!! (X.X)

2008-01-18T23:32:00.000+08:00

Chemistry.......

C alamity

H ellish

E ternalDoom

M onstrocity

I nsane

S adcase

T errible

R otten

Y ieldless

Some time ago (not very long though)... chemistry was my passion. No seriously. PASSION. No sarcasm, unsincere words used here. I used to really really like what chemistry had to offer. Its promises to unviel the unseen, to explain in superb detail about our surroundings are all about. I loved the idea of being able to stop this RANDOM guy (hey ALZ, i used it here!) and recite the Periodic table, equate the compunds in acid rainfall, mix sugar, spice and everything nice for some good quality all-homemade cotton candy. I even dreamt of the day I would literally hold that graduation scroll high in the air, with thousands of eyes staring jealously at it, and walk out of school with pride. But juz when things start to pick up... **Whack** Reality check!

Petunjuk ----> Teacher: P.C Student: BBA

2 yrs ago.....

P.C: Ok BBA. Can you tell me what u get when u add alcohol and carbocilic acid?

BBA: Ceh... So simple! ESTER lor!

P.C: Wah! So C.L.E.V.E.R!

2008......

P.C: Ok BBA, Can you tell me what u get when u add alcohol and carbocilic acid?

BBA: Ceh... So simple! ESTER lor!

P.C: Ok. Then explain if the reaction is SN1 or SN2....

BBA: Err... its....

P.C: then tell me if the reaction is nucleophilic, electrophilic, or elimination.....

BBA: Well, its...

P.C: without forgetting to draw the skeletal formula of the reaction.....

BBA: Harr! But....

P.C: and then tell me the reagent it requires, along with the condition for the reaction....

BBA: Wah teacher! I oso haven...

P.C: and also the condition and reagent for the reagent of the condition which the condition is under the effect of the conditioning reagent at it's optimal temperature, which is also the condition for the reagent to be at the right condition for the reagional sub-atomic condition for the reaction to take place, without leaving out the separation and clevage to be completely reacted in a room with no air-condition.

BBA: ....

If life bites, chemistry got a huge chunk out of mine. You practically get what I'm trying to say here. Its like waking up one day to find yourself on the very tip of the peak of this hill, looking down into the deep oblivion and asking yourself "How did I even get here!"

But as much as I LOVE chemistry, as much as I ADORE the subject, drowning in its AFFECTIONATE pool of unending MERCY and lots of FORGIVING twists and turns, i can't complain. Its my path, my choice, and my grave. ^^

Peace to all STPM takers this year! This is not one letter of surrender. This is where it begins. So starighten up, or when the big marathon begins on this dreaded track towards University, you'll find me so close behind you you'll be screaming for air! (I never said I wasn't gonna take a cab u noe...)

To VanRyuzuki:You..... Are......DOOMED!! Muahahahahaa!

The Black Death

2007-09-18T21:26:00.000+08:00

Night falls fast behind the shadows of his pathetic soul. The coldness of the air brush eerily against the now stiff skin of his mortal complexion, threatening to freeze it raw. Creepy shadows of the unknown lurk behind every tree, every corner, every stone, denying him even one moment of dire peace... He knew it was the end, the Judgement of Judments. The eternal moment of truth where he will learn the painful fact of his positioning in class...

He can feel the soreness of his limbs as he thrash desperately out of this nightmare, only to find his efforts evaporate in vain. He feels them - the synical smiles, the dissaproving looks, the dissapointment, despair and eternal shame above all. Alas, his feet catches a stray root of, and he goes down hard on the muddy floors of dead grass and bare stone. The burning sensation in his chest yearns to cry out for help, but he knows no one, no one at all will hear his cries of plea. He was alone now, trapped within the intertwined crossroads of choices, failure and death.

It was then that he saw a little glint of light, so dim and barely visible through the thick fogs of never-ending torment. It looked so peaceful, so serene, tempting him to go near it.

His knees trembled to support his weak, nimble frame as he stood up for what seemed to be his last stand. Armed wit no more than 3 months worth of notes, exam questions, references books and one large schoolbag, he knew time was reeling away with every wasted second. It was not enough, but it as all he had.

Slowly, he pushed forward, past the dead woods, past the bare stony grounds and foggy landscape, and into the light - his salvation....

'Examinations are dawning soon, and I haven't even started yet! So to all those in the same boat with mua, good lucks and gambatte! I've got little time, but make the best out of it neh? xD'

Arrgh! Go away! Go away!

Rise of Fall - A Battle of the Titans

2007-09-18T00:11:00.001+08:00

M.B.S.
(Macam Boleh Sahaja)

My alma mater. The one and only school in the world that gave me hope, meaning and a little bit of worth in this pathetic life o' mine. Till today, I've witnessed the rise and fall of school icons, learnt forbidden secrets behind the curtains, experienced the harsh, cruel environment between the titans of the school, and well, survived through it all...

With more than a hundred years of history, MBSSKL or Methodist Boys' Secondary School Kuala Lumpur boast a living record of unsung and known leaders in our world today. (I won't go into detail bout the whole matter, but will post them someday-neh?). Yet, the school sumhow isn't perfect. Don't take my word for it. Ask any student you see in this school, and they can tell you heaps of stories about the school, its system, its rules (ahem...), and maybe share a little inside story on Mr. Wong's latest tie pattern. We've got the best teachers in Kuala Lumpur, the best facilities - the largest Libarary, the most advanced IT Lab, fully equipped Science Labs, throngs of societies, clubs and co-curricular activities.

No school is worth a second glance without the mighty titans:

Prefectorial Board of MBSSKL

Board of Student Librarians of MBSSKL

IT Brigade of MBSSKL

Board of Sportsmen and Sportswomen MBSSKL

and to top them all, the President's Council of MBSSKL.

Though very honoured and blessed as student leaders of the school, they still lack a HUGE sense of belonging. School is a place where we learn to live, love and make friends, share what we have and get something in return. But from the way I see it, the charts are on the plundge for the titans of the school. As the years go by, the standard suffers a severe drop. No more do we see capable leaders who are willing to fight for their rights, but we see more and more individualistic corncakes who choose to 'get-in-the-groove' and then forget all about it. The certificate matters more than dedication and sense of belonging.

I remember a time when this old man (ragged clothing, white beard, untidy looks) came up the flight of steps into the new library for a quick glance of the new builing (it was the year the new block was newly built). He came in and started telling us to get him this magazine dated 1976. So we were like 'ok... we'll give it a try...'. Things like this were rare during duty hours. You don't expect some old timer to barge in and ask for an ancient autobiography. So the entire workforce on duty that day helped in the search, and alas, I found it within one of the deeeeeepest shelves in the darkest part of the library (ok I made it up, it was on the teacher's table).

What happened next was the most touching thing in my life. After 30 over years, this man, (name not mentioned here), returned to his alma mater juz for a glance at the old times he had. He told us tales of his boyish adventures, how they played pranks on teacher's cars, football and sports under the rain. It was then that a thought hit me hard on the head - Where have all this gone to? Is examinations so important that we disregard the better part of growing up? All the administrators have now are rules, rules and more rules to 'control us in case we get into trouble'. But control us to what extent? Till the last remenance of joy, freedom and occasional mischieve that plays such a pivotal role in constructing the design of our lives are squeezed dry out of us? Or is it until we all leave school one day, only to find that people label us as 'smart robotic nerds?'. Believe it or not. I sometimes feel a sense of pride for the people who dare stand up against prefects or teachers just to prove thier point.

Yes, they may get into trouble, but these are the individuals who will find that there is more to life than just going to school, study, come home, study, eat, study, sleep, wake up and go to school again.

Our 'student leaders' need something to boost thier ceativity, bring change and drama to spice up people's lives. Being a student leader isn't about yourselves! Its about influencing and helping the people around you, aid them to realise what they can or cannot achieve in life. Its about paving the way for future generations to understand that life does not revolve around school, making friends, having tea and lepaking during the weekends, dating girls, driving on your new Toyota. Its about doing something people will remember you by, something that you yourself will look back during your golden years and say 'Hey, I've done something usefull with my life and I'm not regretting it one bit.'

So I say, if you want to be somebody, you gotta look beyond the things you can reach, look deep down and find yourself, then only can you can make a change.

Rumours have long sinced spread about the unsettlement between the 2 largest Board of MBSSKL - Prefects and Librarians. To tell you the truth, it was plain non-sense. There were a little bickerings here and there, but definately no war. Well, not until lately, that is. Prefects tend to live in a world of thier own, thier superior authority over students and immunity from teachers place them as the leaders of the school.

Student Leaders? Maybe. Leaders of Tommorow? Nah... Kick them out of the Board and they go crawling back to the society they once felt beneath their feet and beg to 'fit in'. The pioneer prefects - age old boys that served the school with passion and drive, are the ones to learn from. Their selflessness, compassion and love for MBS set new standards and paved way for future generations to observe, learn and implement. But somewhere along the way, influences, lust for power and corruption turned it all upside down. Admit it or not, it happens. the new breed of prefects were snobbish, arrogant, and above all, individualistic. The prefect's grand concept of 'Place others before thy self' turned into 'Place thyself before others'. From 'earned respect' to 'demanding respect'. No longer do boys look up to prefect and think, 'I want to be like them'. Instead, its 'I want to be like them, so that I have a good name, I can book people, get away with trouble, meet hot girls and be closer to being an icon in school - in the name of fame.

Librarians? They are no better. From the sacred guardians of knowledge and keeper of the most important documents in school to becoming an entity - lost souls trying to fit in. The circle of librarians are always considerd nerds, smarty pants and lifeless freaks. Solely because they consist of the best minds in the school. My initial dream when I signed up to be a librarian was because of the gallant attitude of my seniors during my years as a junior. Oh, how I marvelled at their uncanny ability to chalk up new ideas and put them into action. It was the year of excitement and experiences. Everyday was a new day in the library, and the things I see and learn are beyond imagination. I see things I ever thought possible, played games I ever knew exist. But this dream shattered the year my seniors passed the baton down unto me. Sometimes I feel like crying, for the failure in upholding their legacy. It was like the Dark Ages, where the barbarians (Irresponsibility, Individualism, Selfishness, Betrayal, Power Hunger) fought against civilization and prevailed. My vision for a new library was thrust back into my face, and it was never to be. At one point, I even came this close to losing my position as the Chairman of the Board.... I begin to wonder why this position means so much to everyone.

The answer I found out was shocking. There was no intention of improvement. I felt more like a puppet under strings than a student leader. All the ideas my seniors once taught me were considered 'against the rules'. We work for only one cause now - to serve and to obey. And well, the effects sunk in. Coming up to the library became a chore. The priceless memories once held within the walls were no longer there, replaced instead by cheap railings and cloth curtains, new polished counters and metals gadgets. 'Out with the old and in with the new eh?' But at the cost of desecrating our opportunity to express, discuss and learn? So I guess the bad prevails over the good then...

What you don't see is what you don't believe. Well, believe this. The shortest serving Board ever to be implemented, exist, and honoured so highly by the school administration - IT Brigade. With a history span of less than 3 years, members consisting of so called IT experts and Tech consultants, they have become the number one refugee camp for students who want nothing to do with the old titans, but instead decide to start a trend of thier own, proclaiming their identity to surpass that of the other Boards. They boast excellent preformance, good rankings, and minimal mistakes. But what the public don't know is that it was possible only due to the small amount of members they have. Ok, I know a few 'true' IT Professionals, but only a handful. The others seem more like leeches to me, basking in another's glory. Some who proclim themselves IT-Brigade members can't even handle a minor technical glitch. I know a librarian who can fix a computer all by himslef. Should he be allowed to sign up as well? How about giving him the rank of an EXCO since the exsting ones seem to talk more than they act?

So I ask you. How are the titans going to unite, when a new organization can appear out of the blues and threaten to overthrow what we have done in a hundred years, in reference to what we have not been able to achieve during the recent years?

Therefore, I cry out to all the student leaders of the school, we need more than just your pretty face and promises. We need to band together, set things right. Make the titans live to see the daylight once again. We need order, system and a little lineancy, and the fruit of all this, is respect for one another, respect from the school and the community, and respect from yourself.

I love my school, but only if it would appear to be more like one.

________________________________________________

VanRyuzuki: Is everyone's head this BIG?

Den: ....

When Life Gives You The Jitters...

2007-09-17T21:14:00.000+08:00

I tried.... tried harder.... and then finally... i gave up. Who could have for fathomed that life could be such a pain in the neck? The things you crave just never seem to come by... but the things you try to deter come running to you in waves.

The stakes are high, expectations are high, even the goals you try to achieve are much too high...

Oh heck, who am I kidding? When life gives you the jitters, shrug them off! Life goes on one way or the other, wheter you like it or not. So, if you still gotta live, why go through it with a sour face? Live life the way it should be lived - think happy. Who noes? Things might even turn out for the better in the end. =) So, for the people out there who think they have it all, treasure them before they are gone, and for those who wish they had more, by all means go after your desires, but keep a low profile. Never try to get what you want by involving in the shadows - its not worth the consequences.

I know what I have lost in the past, 7 years is one heck of a long time. But hey, you felt the pain, you felt the strain, so get over it! I got more to live then just trying to b with somebody who doesn't feel the way you feel, thin the way you think, and tries to be a Coca-Cola commercial banner - Ask For More. So, when it all comes down to it, I still gotta live my days out, so why not make the best out of it?

Hey, when the going gets tough, the tough gets going right? xD

So, three cheers to life and what it had taught me. Won't walk the same path I've been bofore, rather I'll try to make it feel brand new once more. Ignorace is bliss, and I've been hiding behind its blessings for quite a while now. Its time to wake up, clean the cobwebs out of my head, and break some rules!

Well, all the good things in life had better watch out... Cz i'm coming to get ya!

__________________________________________________________

Life's a monkey (Want Banana? xD)