The War Within (Mr. Man)

OoC: I'll be using Rex, and I'd like you to use Mesfido. This battle will probably be pretty one-sided, but I want to really test the extent of my skills.

BiC:

Rex shielded his eyes against the sun, looking around in all directions. Everywhere he looked were plains. Off in the west he could barely make out mountains through the haze. He looked to the east and saw more plain stretching on into eternity. Behind him was more of the same, as with to the north. There was no sign of shade anywhere, and the noontime sun beat its rays upon the warrior.

He continued to trek for miles more when he saw something off into the distance.

'A tree? No, couldn't be. It's probably a mirage.'

'No, boy' the demon's voice hissed into his ear. 'That is more than just your imagination. I believe it truly is a tree.'

If Scion believed it, then it was probably true. Even though he was hated by the one he inhabited, Scion always looked out for Rex's best interests. He had some interest in the boy, for he had not left him yet. Rex looked at his sword. Did the blade trap the demon? If so, Scion could easily get Rex killed and escape. Maybe it was something more. Somehow, somewhere, he had to learn about the sword.

By the time he had finished thinking, the tree loomed above him. A solitary oak in the middle of a wide plain. Why was it there? Neither Scion nor Rex knew the answer. As Rex rested in the shade, he surveyed the land to see how much further he had to go until he crossed the plain. He saw no end to the flat land.

'Why can't we go to the mountains again?' Rex asked the demon.

'Because they are cursed. Not even I can protect you from what lies in wait there. It is better to go this way. You would suffer pain beyond your imagination there; even more than I can inflict upon you.' As if to remind him, Scion sent a shiver down Rex's soul.

When he looked again to the east, Rex saw another figure.

"Another tree?" he asked the demon aloud.

'No, that one has life force. It is living. But...that's strange...' Scion fell silent.

"What is it?"

'He...is torn.' He said no more as the man approached.

Once Rex saw him clearly, he understood. His arm was wrapped in black and it seemed to spread upward in an attempt to take the body. His face was masked in anguish, and it wasn't from the heat. Behind him sprawled brilliant white wings amazing in length.

"I wouldn't head towards those mountains," Rex warned.

"I know what lies there, and I must go. I must atone for what I have done," he murmered quietly. It was odd to hear that voice coming from such a strong man.

"Please, sir, do not go. I don't want for you to be harmed."

"Let me pass. I must do this. You must not stop me..." Mesfido trailed off, staring intently at Rex. "Why do you care so much about my health?"

"I, too, must atone for my own sins. I do whatever I can to help."

"Your body is plagued with that demon; I can see him inside you."

"Yes, but he is safely locked away thanks to this blade." Rex showed his weapon.

"It is the opposite for me. This blade makes me evil." Rex looked the sheath up and down. It was a large blade, and Scion was happy when his eyes fell upon it. Truly it must be evil.

"That is Venalis!" Rex hissed out in Scion's voice. "Wherever did you attain that weapon, angel? You do not deserve it! You must have killed many people!" Scion just laughed at Mesfido's face as he remembered what he had done.

"I will get rid of him for you." Mesfido touched his blade.

Rex had just regained control. "What?! Don't hurt me! I can control him, I swear! It's alright!"

"No, I must help you. This demon does not deserve a helpful youth like you."

"I cannot let you kill him. If anyone is to do that, I will."

"This is for the best," Mesfido said in almost a whisper. He was concentrating on what he would do next.

Slowly the mighty Venalis was drawn from its enchanted sheath. The angel’s gigantic hands clasped the soft hilt gently between their callused palms. Holding his muscular arms out straight before his bare chest he pointed the cruel tip of the ancient sword towards the young man that stood opposite him. For a split second a horrific smirk broke across the angel’s face but it was quickly covered over by a look of complete and utter concentration. Mesfido’s mysterious eyes stared deeply at the handle of his tainted blade.

“Do not resist. It will do neither of us any good.”

The angel’s blue eyes lifted and stared deep into those of Rex, so deep that they glared through his mind into that of Scion; he stood “eye to eye” with the demon.

The hot air began to cool. The soft wind that blew across the scorching land began to swirl. Slowly the air became denser; the bright glare of the sun began to fade. A soft light started emanating from Venalis. Rapidly landscape began to fade and the light began to grow in intensity. Within seconds all that was visible in the entire area was an angel and a man and a tree all illuminated by the pure light radiating from the sword of the pact.

In one swift movement Mesfido lifted the mighty two-handed sword above his gaunt head and then, with all his strength, stabbed its massive blade deep into the hard dry earth.

“IACULUM SANCTUS!”

The light exploded on impact spreading in a wide line across the parched land making straight for the young man. Tearing through the solid earth the holy bolt crashed straight into its target. Rex’s entire body was lifted from the ground in a flash of light. He was completely encased in an aura of pure light. His head was pulled back screaming, his back was bent, his arms were flung out at his sides, his legs lay hanging limply beneath him. His cries pierced the darkness of the land bringing light with them.

Slowly the bright glow illuminating Rex began to fade, his cries were replaced with a heavy breathing and his body began to move its way back into a less grotesque shape. His body lowered itself back to the ground, his head bowed and rasping for breath, his hands on his knees.

A laugh began to escape his tried lips.

"HA HA HA HA! HA HA HA HA! HA HA HA HA!"

A manic evil laugh. His head whipped back revealing a pair of bright red eyes set in a humans face.

“It will take a lot more than that to make me gave up this body.”

OoC: Ok take it from there. Hope it's ok length wise, I can rarely produce long BA post other than intros.

OoC: No problems with that. Even when I get my CJ's flowing, my posts are never extremely long.

BiC:

Rex's conciousness slowly awakened. He saw Mesfido, but it was as if there was a haze. He looked around him but saw only blackness. The only light was from the window he saw his opponent from. Then he realized what had happened. He thought back to when he was being attacked and vaguely remembered Eliendel flying from his outstretched hand.

'But why hasn't Scion changed if he has control of my body?' he asked himself. 'He must be planning something...I need to get that sword back before he hurts that other man.' Rex then concentrated all his might into his mental strength, then began attacking Scion's control.

Rex's body began to shudder violently. His head pointed toward the sky and he began moaning in an incoherent tongue.

"You cannot beat me, boy" Scion hissed out loud.

'I will!' Rex replied, firm in his resolve. As the two struggled, the body fell to the ground. Locked in a battle of power, Rex began gaining the upper hand. 'I must beat you!'

But you cannot. I...am...your...' "POWER!!" Scion screamed out the last word and the body lay still. Slowly, it picked itself back up. As it raised its head to face Mesfido once more, its bright red eyes shone with enjoyment. "The fool thought he could beat me," Scion was panting, "but I knew he could not. Now, it would be most advantageous to you to just hand over that ultimate power you have in your hand. I won't kill you as slowly."

"I will defeat you, demon, no matter what." Mesfido gripped his blade tightly as he rused in for an attack. As he swiped at the demon, Scion's wings emerged from Rex's back and lifted him into the air.

"With ultimate control comes ultimate power!" Scion made a strange sound. It was laughter.

Once again Mesfido unleashed his spell. “IACULUM SANCTUS!” he roared as the ball of light enveloped Rex once more. This time it wasn't the boys screams that could be heard.

Inside his mind, Rex saw Mesfido's attack. As Scion screamed in pain, his mental defenses were lowered. Rex attacked his mind and wrested control of his body free as the spell wore off. On the ground, he looked up with a plea in his eyes.

"I will take care of him. Just leave now." Rex was frantically looking around for his enchanted sword, and when he saw it he crawled over to it. Grabbing it, he used it to help himself stand up. "You've done enough damage, now go. Take to those mountains if you must, but I no longer wish to be here with you."

"I can help you, though" Mesfido pleaded. "I can rid you of your demon."

"Is that how you do it?!" Rex demanded in anger. "Do you unleash him so he may run rampant with my body? No, I don't need your kind of help."

"If I must force him out of you, I will. You will thank me when the time comes." Mesfido picked up his blade and began walking towards Rex, who entered a defensive position.

"No! Stay away!" When Mesfido was close enough, Rex picked up his own sword and made a feeble attempt at a swipe. Mesfido merely sidestepped it, coming close enough to touch Rex. "I said NO!" Rex roared as a wave of heat emitted from him. In his anger he had unleashed part of Scion's power. Mesfido was blown back a few steps.

Without speaking, the fallen angel prepared himself to attack. Before he could, Rex made a rush, knocking them both to the ground. With Rex on top, the boy pleaded.

"Please, I do not wish to fight you. Just leave me be. I can take care of him myself."

"I hate to see you plauged like I am," Mesfido began. "It hurts me to see a reflection of myself, almost. By helping you, I can help myself."

"No. You've done more trouble than help, and if this continues Scion might take my body."

"I will not allow that," Mesfido replied. "Just let me force him out of you."

They both stood back up. Rex stood defiantly. Mesfido readied himself. If he was to help this boy, he'd have to fight him to do it. There would be no other way.

“Listen to me, child, this must be done. This demon that plagues you is one that rivals the power of Lucifer himself. He has strength that you could never imagine and if he were to regain his true form he would commit deeds far worse than any you have ever witnessed. He is not an enemy that is to be let live even if it were in the strictest meaning of that word. ”

The towering angel held his dangerous weapon in one hand and gave it a slow swing through the air.

“If he were to claim this sword this world and every other would fall into an abyss of chaos and darkness.”

Mesfido placed the hilt back into his gigantic hands holding it at the ready.

“Now let me free you of your plague.”

A gust of air erupted from the beautiful angelic wings launching the fallen angel, weapon drawn, towards the young man. The clash of sword against sword carried miles through the air as Eliendel held its ground against the devastating Venalis. The force of the blow sent Rex skidding back across the bare earth, he manage to keep his balance and stay standing. He now stood beneath the shadows of the majestic oak.

“I said leave me! I can handle this; he is my sin to bear and to repent! You have done nothing but harm since you attempted to help.”

The angel’s gaze left the face of the man for the first time in minutes. He gazed down at the dusty ground.

“You leave me know choice.”

“Flatus!”

Mesfido raised his left hand from his weapon and drove it out before him in the direction of Rex. A quick strong blast of air burst forward from his palm and crashed right into the young man’s chest lifting him off his feet and on a collision course towards the tree. A bone-crunching crack sounded on impact as the boy’s back smacked against the tough bark. The wind was knocked straight from Rex’s lungs. Within seconds Mesfido’s face was inches from his, the angel’s hand a single centimeter from his chest.

“Do not resist. It will do you no good”

A burst of light erupted from Mesfido large left hand. The light tore through the unfortunate young man’s torso. It left no wounds but rather bound him with beams of thick light against the solid trunk of the oak tree.

Mesfido placed his enormous hands against the tough trunk. They began pulsing with pure holy energy, holy energy which he was pumping into the bark. The cries of the boy increased tenfold as his bindings tightened and thickened. The angel pulled his hands back from the trunk. The boy was still held there by the light.

The fallen angel began muttering quickly and started drawing a pattern, which was appearing in beams of light before his eyes.

“Pater noster, qui es in caelis, sanctificetur nomen tuum.
Adveniat regnum tuum.
Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo et in terra.
Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie,
et dimitte nobis debita nostra sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris.
Et ne nos inducas in tentationem, sed libera nos a malo.”

A colossal star of light stood radiating before the angel. It stood as tall as he himself. He placed his hands around its edges. Seemingly with a lot of effort Mesfido began pressing in on the edges, slowly but surely making the gigantic symbol began to shrink to a more malleable size. It was now no bigger than his hand, the hand that he now placed over it.

Gritting his teeth the angel held his concentration as he pressed on the star, blacking out its light with his angelic left hand. He let out a brief cry as the symbol burnt its way onto the back of his hand. Searing like the heat of a thousand suns it shined as brightly as ever.

The angel placed his hand over Rex’s sweating forehead. With a quick jabbing motion he forced his searing hot hand right against the brow applying all the pressure he could muster. Rex’s cries rose to a pitch so loud it was nearly inaudible.

Mesfido held his hand there for minutes apon minutes apon minutes. He could feel the darkness building inside both himself and the man held at the end of his arm. The holy symbol was beginning to disappear from the angel’s hand.

Rex lost consciousness. His mind slipped, as did his body. His sweating skin fell through the thick beams of light and lay motionless at the base of the tree. In its place a gigantic fiery demon was bound, a glowing star burned in its forehead.

OoC: Ooooh this is a long one . Hope its to your liking! I left the demon's description up to you as he is your character.

OoC: Nicely done. I like it.

BiC:

Rex's body lay unconcious. Mesfido stood above the bound demon, panting with all the effort it took to unleash the beast. And bound in the cords of light was the demon of old, the one who had destroyed Rex's home and family, the vile beast Scion.

Almost as tall as the oak tree itself, the demon was thicker than its bark. His red skin glinted with a sheen that reflected the light shining off of his bonds. Down his back ran spikes, more than he had ever had when he was bound with Rex. His arms were long and muscular, and his claws extended to the ground with a sharpness that could rip a man apart. His legs were thick with sinue and his talons were just as his claws. On his head grew two horns the size of the limbs on the ancient tree. His eyes were bright with a deep blood red that reflected every sin the demon had done. His snout jutted out from his face, and as he snarled at Mesfido his large, white teeth were bared in a snarl. The demon was truly a sight to behold.

"How could you?! You, a fallen angel?! How could you force me out?! You..." Scion's eyes narrowed as he stared intently at Mesfido. "You will pay for this!"

Mesfido stood defiantly. "I have saved the boy, now I must vanquish you." He began to unleash another spell that would send the demon back to hell, but Scion only laughed.

"My home...you cannot send me back! Not only are you weak, you are drained." With a grunt, the demon struggled against his bonds. Mesfido only continued chanting. "Fine. Kill yourself."

As Mesfido neared the end of his spellcasting, Scion began to utter a guttural laugh, a laugh that shook the ground. Mesfido pointed his finger at Scion to complete the spell, but at that point the demon reared up, and in one swift motion, destroyed his bonds of light. As he stood, he unfurled his wings and launched himself into the sky. The wings were longer than the demon was tall, and as he took off they sent a major gust of air that blew Mesfido back and broke his spell. The bat-like wings shone with the same red Scion's skin did.

"You think you can beat me? You think I am that easy to defeat? You truly are a fool!" Scion opened his mouth and a burst of flame shot forth from it. Mesfido doged and the fireball singed the ground. "Haha! Yes, run! The chase makes my blood boil!"

Mesfido launched himself into the sky and drew Venalis. Launching himself at the demon, he attempted to connect with a horizontal slash. Easily flying over it, Scion knocked his opponent to the ground with a swipe. He launched another fireball at Mesfido, but as the angel began to dodge he noticed that Rex's body was behind him. Instead of avoiding the blow, Mesfido sliced at it with his blade, hacking it in two. Both pieces flew off into the distance.

Rex's mind awoke. Pain. Horrible unceasing pain shot throughout his body. He couldn't move anything. He couldn't open his eyes. He couldn't hear. He just sensed pain. After a few minutes, his eyes popped open. He looked around and saw what he feared the most. Scion was in his demonic form. But...he wasn't using Rex's body, he had never gotten that big before. No, Rex had the body. That Scion...that was the demon's true form. Rex screamed out in his mind.

'No! The angel, he unleashed him! I warned him he was too much! Why didn't he listen?!'

Slowly, Rex regained control of his body. He stood at a sluggish pace and leaned on the tree for support. In the sky he saw Mesfido and Scion battling. Scion was obviously the superior, he was merely toying with the angel. But that sword, Venalis, was a force to be reckoned with.

Rex yelled out at the angel. "I told you not to do it! Now he will wreak havoc on all the lands! Why?!"

"I will defeat him and then banish him back to hell!" Mesfido yelled from the battle.

"Will you now?" Scion said with a sneer in his voice. "Looks like I shall end this now."

In his hand Scion began to form a fireball of immense size. When it was completed, he fired it off at Mesfido with a speed not even the angel could dodge. As he was hit, his wings were singed and he fell to the ground in a spiral of flame.

"No!" Rex yelled and ran over to the angel. He looked at his wounds, and saw that he was merely unconcious. Scion had not killed him...yet. Behind him the demon landed with a loud thud that almost knocked Rex over Mesfido's body. Picking up Eliendel, Rex made a mad charge at the demon almost twice his size. Scion merely flicked Rex with a finger and sent him flying through the air.

"Your body is weak, boy. Do not attempt to fight me." Scion turned back to Mesfido to finish him off and dine on his flesh. As he raised his hand to slice the angel in two, a roar of pain emitted from his snout. "What...is...this?!" he gasped. Reaching behind him he felt the holy blade Eliendel embedded in his back. Rex had thrown it. Blood poured from the wound and the demon's flesh was burned where it had entered. Scion fell to the ground and writhed around in pain.

Mesfido awoke and quickly got to his feet. He saw Rex in the distance and Scion on the ground. "We must finish him, quickly." Rex gave a nod, and went to retrieve his blade. When the warriors reached the Scion's body, he launched into the air as the Eliendel freed itself and fell into Rex's waiting hands.

"I will not be beaten so easily."

OoC: Rex will do what he can, but he's tired and without his magic. Eliendel can hurt Scion to an extreme extent, moreso than Venalis can.

OoC: Sorry that it took a while to reply, hope it was worth the wait.

BiC:

The burly Mesfido lifted himself from the dusty landscape his giant wings whipping up a miniature sandstorm as they pushed the angel’s heavy mass into the blue sky. With Venalis held ready at his shoulder the angel charged towards the foul demon. Scion launched a fiery blast straight at the rapidly approaching angel. Swinging his sword before him Mesfido smacked the ball of fire with side of the blade using it like a baseball bat and sent it flying back it its creator. The fiery orb bounced harmlessly off Scion’s tough skin. Still approaching the demon at an impressive speed Mesfido began to chant once more. His sword began glowing fiercely. The angel swung his blade straight at the demon’s unprotected neck.

The blade passed straight through the demon’s supple skin but left no mark, no wound not even a scratch. Mesfido stared blankly from his blade to Scion’s neck and then back again, his eyes wide in amazement.

“You are more of a fool than I took you for, angel. You cannot harm me with that corrupt blade.”

The beast lifted his dark right hand and sent it crashing straight into the body of the astounded angel that was floating before him. The angel’s eyes remained wide as he flew through the darkening sky. A thought passed through the mind behind those wide eyes.

“How can it be!? Have I lost all my power? My blade, the sword of the pact, could not even harm that beast! In my foolishness I have doomed this world... All hope is lost.”

The demoralized angel’s body flew into the hard dry ground, a massive crater formed where he hit the dust. The angel’s eyes glazed over as he peered motionlessly out from the hole in the earth.

“In my foolishness I have sealed the fate of this world. I have failed...”

Mesfido lay unmoving in the crater. His eyes slowly closed over.

Rex ran over to Mesfido’s limp body. A look of panic coated his young face. Jumping into the hole Rex sat down beside the fallen angel. He ran his hands over the unmoving body his eyes flickering over it searching for any signs of life.

Mesfido’s chest rose slowly into the air. Rex’s heart gave a leap of joy. He stooped his body over the angel’s and held his head between his sweating hands. The angel’s chest rose again. Shaking Mesfido’s head between his hands Rex began calling to him.

“Angel, come on, you released Scion and now I need your help to face him. You can’t let me face this alone. You can’t... you can’t...”

The angel’s chest began to rise up and down, up and down faster each time.

“Come on, angel, I need you!”

Mesfido’s chest stopped rising. It fell completely still.

Rex lifted himself from Mesfido’s side wiping his hand across his face as he rose. Weapon in hand the young man turned to face the demon. Scion lowered himself to the ground his horrid laugh piercing the air.

“It seems that you’re friend has left you for dead, my boy. It’s just you and me now. I’m going to enjoy this.”

“You don’t scare me Scion.” The young man began to charge towards the demon.

A sound stopped him in his tracks. It was the sound of a pair of wings beating through the air. Slowly Mesfido lowered himself to the ground until he stood side by side with Rex with his weapon drawn. The angel was breathing heavier than before and seemed to slouch slightly as though under extra weight but that wasn’t the only thing that seemed different about him, his blue eyes now shone as though with some dark intent.

“I’m not gone yet boy.” The angel’s voice sounded strange in some way as well. It sounded more sinister.

OoC: Ok I case you haven't relized, Venalis, Mesfido's evil side has come to join in the fun. Venalis is untrustworthy and may turn on Rex at any point but in a way he is a more powerful ally than Mesfido as he has stronger character and more willpower fuelled by his lust for power. As it stands Scion is still the most powerful fighter on the field but Venalis will not want that to last for long.

OoC: CJ's are low, I can't promise much. We'll see how it ends up by the end of this post.

Bic:

Rex looked back at his newly found ally. His eyes no longer shone with the brilliance of the angel that was there to help. They were aglow with fury, hate, and a darkness no earthly being could attain. Venalis had arrived.

"Well demon, what say you to a little battle? You'll last five seconds."

"What?" hissed Scion. "You are no match for me, I've already proven that. But if you wish to push your luck, I think I'll eat your soul. Tormented and beaten as it is, it should make for a good meal."

"Try me" Venalis muttered as he charged with blinding speed at the demon. When they connected, the demon flew to the ground, creating a small crater.

"How...where did you obtain such power?" Realization dawned on Scion's face. "The blade's power. So it's been released? Why do you attempt to hold it back so?"

"I know what true power is" Venalis said. "The fool angel is the one who keeps it in. But he's not here right now." An evil grin slid upon the angel's face as he drew his blade and threw it with force right at Scion. Hitting the demon's leg, it went in slightly.

"It takes effort to get it through my skin" Scion began without a hint of pain, "but it will take more than all of your strength to pierce it all."

"I've got more strength than that" Venalis challenged.

"But you, fool, no longer have a weapon!" Scion pulled the blade from his skin and held it in his claw. "Now the Sword of the Pact is in my control!" He cackled as the power rushed through his body. He began to grow in size and a huge smile widened across his face. But after a minute, horror appeared. Scion fell to the ground again and writhed in pain. "Nooo!!" he spit out.

Venalis lowered himself to the ground and wrenched his sword from the demon's grasp. Wiping it on the ground, he turned to the demon. He had stopped writhing, but he lay still. "Fool. The sword's power is only for the worthy." Then he turned to Rex. "Why did you have trouble with him? He took no effort." He almost sounded concerned.

Rex remained silent. The look in Venalis's eyes betrayed his true intentions. He was not there to help Rex, but to have his own fun. And if Scion was no effort...how long would Rex last?

"Because he was no effort," a smile wound its way across Venalis's face, "I think I need more fun. It's not often I get to control this body, and I need some exercise." He once again used speed to charge, but this time he was blocked by Rex's sword.

"No! You're not the one who helped me! What did you do to him?!" Rex screamed as he held the sword lock.

"I did nothing" Venalis laughed, "It was his own demented sould that did!"

"No...even if you share his body, you are not him. If that man did anything wrong, it was not of his own free will. I know...I know how it is. I know what it feels like to realize that you've done one of the worst things imaginable. I know what it feels like to wake up suddenly and realize that all you had, all you loved, was gone in an instant. And I know how it feels to know that it was your hand that did it. He released the demon inside of me, so I'll save him from the demon in him. And that would be you!" Rex broke the lock with a surge of strength and stumbled forward suddenly. Venalis laughed and brought his sword down where Rex's head was, but he rolled out of the way. "Get out of him!" Rex screamed as he began a flurry of attacks that were all blocked by the sword Venalis. He leapt into the air and landed on the sword that had been brought up to block. He quickly transferred his weight and kicked Venalis in the face, sending him to the ground.

"Not bad, boy. I might actually have to try..."

OoC: Not much more, I know. Sorry about that.

The cruel abyssal eyes of Venalis stared up from the ground locking an unmoving gaze apon Rex. The mighty fallen angel lifted himself from the dirt lowering himself into a fighting position, still keeping is unblinking black eyes on Rex. He held his merciless blade before his shape of sinew and muscle. One of his evil smirks lined his face.

“So, boy, ready to experience more pain than you can even imagine?”

In one swift motion Venalis lowered his shoulder, opened his wings and fired himself at Rex. The young man just pulled off a dodge, he now had Venalis’ back turned to him. Rex swung out with Eliendel.

Ducking below the fast swipe Venalis turned and faced Rex, showing him that sadistic smile. The angel’s rock hard right elbow smashed into the bottom of Rex’s jaw. A knee slammed into the man’s gut less than a second later. Venalis’ cold hand gripped that of Rex and in a rapid spin yanked it behind his back. A horrid cracking sounded as the angel’s body spun behind his enemy. A far worse scream erupted from Rex’s mouth. It was soon cut out by a vicious roundhouse kick to his back.

Rex fell to his knees, his left arm limply hanging down in front of him. The fallen angel’s heel forced Rex’s face to the dirty ground rubbing it in the dust.

“You intend to force me from this body I inhabit yet you are incapable of a simple task such as defending yourself? Pitiful, there is nothing I despise more than weakness. It is the scum of this world.”

Venalis began to run his fingers through the dark hair on Rex’s turned head. His fingers tightened. With his powerful hands Venalis pulled back the head of the young man arching his back as he did so. Rex’s face now looked up into the sky. Suddenly the horrid sight of Venalis’ face blurred it out.

“It seems that you were no more of a challenge than that demon,” angel glanced back to where Scion lay. His corpse was no longer there. “S***.... Where did that foul beast go!?” His hands released Rex’s head.

Venalis lifted himself from his knees, his eyes began to frantically search the land. A cruel laugh broke the silence.

“Haha! You think that I would be defeated with that much ease?” The voice filled the entire area seeming to be coming for all sides. “I think not! Actually, I must thank you for my survival it seems that it is your darkness that has kept me alive! Don’t worry you shall soon receive your thanks.”

A look of panic and annoyance began to spread across the face of Venalis. “Show yourself, coward!”

“As you wish, angel!”

The Sword of the Pact began to vibrate uncontrollably. The skies began to darken. The sun began to fade. The wind stopped blowing. A dark crimson light began to emanate from the blade.

With every passing second the light grew stronger and stronger slowly beginning to blank out all else. Horror lined Venalis’ face. Finally the light vanished in an explosion like fireworks, blinding the burly angel.

* * * *

The angel’s sight was completely white.

Slowly a crimson colour began to seep into his vision. Behind the red haze his sight began to return though now with a red hue. Everything seemed darker, more deceitful, more jealous and to be full with more loathing and suspicion. Suddenly an awful pain began to travel throughout his veins. Burning liquid seemed to be flowing from his mind.

* * * *

Rex watched the sight with horror. The body of the angel that had once helped him was twisting and turning and writhing and screaming. Its grotesque shape was floating in the air before him a dark crimson light shining for it and the blade that burned in its hand. A dark red beam burst forth from its mouth and eyes.

The light began to fade.

Dark blood red streaks began to run down through the angel’s hair tainting and corrupting its blonde chastity. Red symbols began to burn there way onto its skin. Its nails slowly began to grow to an unnatural length. The black substance on its side began to spread across the remaining untouched areas of flesh and then rapidly onto its white wings.

The Sword of the Pact was changing too. Slowly the metal blade turned crimson, transforming as though blood was being poured down from the hilt. The ruby set near its point began to radiate a crimson light.

The angel’s eyes opened wide. They shone with a red inhuman light.

The angel lowered itself to the ground; its red and black figure was a truly horrific sight.

“The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere the ceremony of innocence is drowned; the best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity.” An unearthly voice spoke calmly through its lips. Its eyes fell apon Rex. “You have witnessed the only thing of importance on this entire planet. You have witnessed the birth of its destruction, so you shall be the first to feel it.”

The monstrosity launched itself at Rex.

OoC: I really gotta try and make my posts a little less dramatic. Anywho(even I hadn't seen this coming.), Scion and Venalis have managed to bring forth the dark powers of the Sword of the Pact dooming the world to its destruction ... or so it would seem .

Just to remind you Mesfido is still trapped inside there somewhere, keep that in mind.

OoC:....Oh, crap. Don't you just hate it when you don't know about these turns of events until you post them? Crazy minds...

On a side note: what the heck would they be called? Oh well, I'll figure it out somehow. I'll just use this post to see what I like best.

BiC:

Dropping flat on his face, Rex managed not to die as the monstrosity flew right over him. He breathed heavily. The angel was gone, only two evil beings formed into one stood towering above him. Those eyes...they had changed again. They shone with a red radiance that was blinding to look at. The monster snarled just as the demon used to. With only Rex to save it, this planet was surely doomed.

"But you're not taking it without a fight!" Rex screamed and launched himself in a futile attempt to stop the being.

"Incompetent fool! Do you know what powers I have?!" it snarled in an unearthly voice. As Rex stumbled to him, it merely knocked him away with a flick of its wrist.

"No one...will know...your powers" Rex breathed from the ground. "They won't because...you won't get that far!" He shoved himself up again into a wobbling stance.

"You don't honestly believe you can beat me, do you?" the monstrosity said in an almost disbelieving tone. When Rex failed to reply, it went on."You're body may be weak, but your spirit is quite strong! I will have fun feasting on your soul!"

"I don't care how weak my body is. I can't let you do any more harm Scion! You killed my family. No, I killed my family. My whole village. But you loosed me on them. And for that, I swore I'd make you pay!" Rex began pulsating. The angel-demon looked on with surprise. "I swore on their graves that no matter what...I'D KILL YOU!" Flames burst forth from Eliendel and Rex threw the sword with everything he had in his still useful arm. The mixed entity of Scion and Venalis threw up a hand to stop it, but it flew straight through. He dodged it and it went spiraling off, but there was still that gash in the hand.

"How did you do that?!" it questioned. "You don't have that kind of power."

"I've been traveling with you so long Scion, I would've thought you knew. You've left your mark on me, whether you meant to or not. You took some of me when you left my body, and I still have some of you." He formed a small fireball in his hand to prove it. "Now, let's fight fire with fire!" The ball grew in size until it was the length of Rex's arm, and he launched it at the ground.

The grass immediately below it crisped to ashes immediately, but the area around it burst into flames. It quickly spread outward, past Scion-Venalis, and even further. Then it abruptly stopped. Rex had put up his hand. When Scion-Venalis looked, Rex was untouched by flames. Not because of his armor, but in a small radius around him, the fire never touched.

"What's the matter? Don't you like fire?!" Rex demanded with more confidence in his voice.

"You know not what you do, boy. You don't realize the power I still control!" As the demonic angel lifted its hand, its own fireball formed in the palm. "Now you will taste your doom!" Before the fireball could launch, the monster's arm held its place. "What...what is this?!" it asked aloud.

Another voice emanated from the strange being. "You can't hurt him. He's innocent." Rex reconized that voice; it was the angel's.

"You're still in there!" Rex exclaimed. "If ever I needed help, it'd be now, angel...friend." He knew that last word had an effect because the monster's face began twisting in concentration.

"No!" the unearthly voice hissed. "You will not take this body of mine!"

"You...can't...hurt him" was Mesfido's reply. The angel was trying his hardest to overcome all that evil. Rex understood this, and he decided to help. He scooped up some of the surrounding fire in his hand and threw it at the monster's face. It dodged, but its concentration broke.

"Stop that, or your death will be here and now."

"I'm already dying, aren't I? There's nothing you can threaten me with now" Rex sneered while throwing another fireball. The demon-angel threw a fireball of its own, but it missed by a large margin. "Don't try too hard" Rex teased and doged another fireball thrown his way. As he sat down to avoid another, he pressed his palm to his arm. If he had Scion's fire power, maybe he retained some healing, too. Sure enough, his arm started feeling much better as some of Rex's powers began mending the bone. It wasn't fully healed, but it was workable now.

"Keep fighting, angel! It's up to you to save the world!" After that display of power creating all the fire and then healing himself, Rex's power was limited to cheering. At least until he had some time to rest. Fortunately, the fire still stayed at bay. Rex could only hope the angel could pull through.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Scion's conciousness was still his own, but yet a part of the whole. It was an odd feeling. The demon could think what he wanted to, but what he thought was what they thought, too. At least, what Venalis thought. They were still fighting for control of the body, but during their struggle it was shared. The other part of the angel, the weak part, was nowhere to be found. Maybe Scion had forced him out instead.

When Rex was gaining power, Scion almost chuckled. He had left his impression on the boy. But if he had laughed it would've been cut off short. He had not meant to leave that much, or any, of his powers behind. No, they weren't his powers, they were what the boy had learned. They were just fashioned like Scion's. Like this being had said, his spirit was strong. Stronger than anything he had seen before. It had even gained a little in strength since Scion had left. That's why he had stayed in the first place, to harness that power and use it to become more powerful. He only wished he had been in the body when it had been released. Then again, this body was much more powerful. The Sword of the Pact beat that puny human anytime.

Suddenly his thoughts were interrupted by another presence. It seemed that the angel had finally shown up. But he hadn't just shown up, he had come back with force. The power of his mind was oppressive. Scion and Venalis made a momentary truce to beat this new foe. Even together the heart of the angel was breaking through. Rex's distraction wasn't helping, nor was his encouragement of the angel. Scion wasn't sure how much longer he and Venalis could hold the angel off.

OoC: I don't mind your dramatic posts. They're better than mine.

OoC: Not my longest post ever but I think it works nicely enough.

BiC:

Three separate beings in one. Three separate minds in one. Three separate souls in one. The three of the three were locked in battle apon the field of minds.

* * * *

Darkness filled the mind of the angel. A dark land within a dark place, a foul evil smell filled the nostrils, a bone-chilling wind racked the skin; the tainted mind of this angel was not a place one would like to be.

Venalis and Scion stood side by side on the battlefield looks of worry spread across both their faces. Both could sense the building power though neither could see it. The sound of steps broke the dark silence. Light began to spread with every footstep. The untainted, uncorrupt angelic form of Mesfido stood in all its power and glory. Mesfido was god here; it was his mind and his domain. His voice sounded ringing through the ears of Venalis and Scion.

“I am sorry demon but I believe you have over stayed your welcome.” The angel lifted his large hands into the space before him.

Whips of light erupted from his fingertips traveling straight towards the fiery demon. The golden cords wrapped themselves around him tightening with a loud cracking. The demon’s arms and legs were bound tight to his body. He couldn’t move.

“I think you tried this once before, angel. I don’t recall it working to well for you.” The demon gave a burst of strength and broke his bindings.

The scattered ropes suddenly reformed and took grasp of the demon harder than ever before. His mind throbbed with pain under the mental assault.

“That may have been the case before but when you are here in my mind my will is law.”

The thick beams of light were beginning to widen encasing the demon in a blinding cage. Venalis faced towards his opposite.

“He may be weak here but I am not. This is my mind too.”

Darkness began to spread from the creature quickly suffocating the light. Mesfido’s mind began to weaken but soon he regained his concentration. A large blast of light erupted from his chest eradicating all the darkness and blasting straight into Venalis’ chest.

Mesfido had control again.

* * * *

The red glow of the demonic entity’s eyes disappeared and was quickly replaced with a white shine. The being placed its left hand apon the necklace around its neck. A red light began to spread from its hand and into the angelic rune of faith. Screams and shouts began to pass through the creature’s lips as the black and red marking began to leave its skin. They were the screams of Scion.

“No! I will not be forced from this body! I will not!”

The screams continued as the body began to change back to normal and the necklace began to glow red. Only red tints remained in the angel’s hair and wings along with the glow of the red ruby embedded within the Sword of the Pact. The burning sensation left the angel’s veins. Another voice sounded through its mouth. The eyes glowed black.

“Stop! My power! You are weakening this body! Stop! I will not allow it!”

The angel’s hand snapped the string of its necklace and flung it across the floor. A red glow now emitted from it. The dark light left the angel’s eyes though the blood red tint remained in his wings and hair as well as the red glow of the ruby. Mesfido basically normal body fell to the floor. His light blue eyes looked over at the intensely glowing piece of jewelry.

OoC: Just to clarify, Mesfido forced Scion's energy into the necklace with a variation of his Angelic Touch technique but Venalis stopped him before he could complete the transaction and its would seem that a small portion of Scion's power was left behind (Woooo! I thought of some interesting ideas for an upgrade because of this. They'll become more obvious later.).

Scion's mind and the large majority of his power have been trapped within the necklace. Its up to you what you want to do with it. Smash it, wear it, leave it, throw it away, seal it away, it's up to you. You should probably find some way to both kill Scion and let Rex keep his the demon's powers.

Hope that's all ok. Feel free to make me go back and edit.

Rex sighed and slumped to the ground. It was over. The fire faded away, and the grassland was left burnt. Amazingly enough, the tree stood tall, just as it had been before the warriors had come.

He crawled over to where the angel lay. No words were spoken, but both warriors knew what the other was thinking. 'Thanks for the help.' Rex's eyes slowly began to close, and he could see Mesfido was suffering from exhaustion, too. Just as he was about to fall into the realm of slumber, Rex reached over and clasped the necklace in his hand.

'I'll have to take care of this later,' was his final thought.

When he awoke, the sky was dark and the moon was out. His hand was still around the necklace and it radiated warmth. Mesfido was still asleep, his face relaxed and peaceful. At least he was away from being troubled in his dreams. Rex pushed himself up and looked around. The barren ground held nothing of value for him. He wanted to make a campsite, but there was nothing to burn and no shelter. The piercing wind was cold, and Rex shivered under his armor. He ran his hand along its smooth plates. He suddenly balled up his fist in anger. No, it was Scion's armor. It had been made for the demon. He looked at the necklace again. He knew the demon was in there, he could feel its aura. His face contorted into a mask of rage as he raised his hand into the air to throw it down, but before he could his arm was held back.

"No," Mesfido said. "Breaking that will just release him. You'll need to find someone to send him back to hell."

"But I want him gone now!" Rex said in frustration.

"I know. Although the trouble has passed, now is not the time to act foolishly. Let us rest for now, and I'll help you find who you need." Mesfido's voice was soft and inviting. Rex had no choice but to give into the wisdom of his words.

"Alright. We'll rest." He dusted some of the ashes away and lay on the ground. Before he knew it, he had fallen back to sleep.

The next time he awoke Mesfido was already awake. It was morning and the sun was just rising above the horizon, casting its warm rays across the open plain. The land would soon be scorching hot under the sphere's light.

"I'm glad you're finally up," Mesfido greeted him. "We can get moving as soon as you're ready." Rex stood up and stretched, stifling a yawn.

"I'm ready to go right now." He began walking past the angel. After a few feet, he turned back around. "I don't even know where we're going." Mesfido just chuckled.

"West, near those mountains. A monk lives there who can exorcise. I was going to see if he might be able to help me supress Venalis, my dark side. I'm sure he'll be able to help you with that jewel."

The two men turned westward, putting the sun to their backs, and began to walk. At first, it was silent. Neither would talk because neither knew what to talk about. Being the one who was more social, Rex broke the slinence fisrt after the first few minutes.

"I just wanted to say thank you. Without you, I never would have been rid of this demon. I know I said I didn't want your help, but I appreciate it."

"I was happy to help. After all, I know your pain."

They continued to walk in silence. Rex took out the necklace again and rubbed it. Its surface was smooth and it glowed the hot red of a volcano, and the same red of Scion's eyes. It was always warm to the touch, but not hot enough to drop. Sometimes it would shimmer in the light and change shades, from the dark red of blood to a bright red that was almost pink. Rex put the jewel around his neck for safekeeping. When he looked up, he saw the sun had gone much farther in his path. He had been lost in his thoughts and time had gone by quickly. By now it was nearing dark again. They had skipped lunch.

"There." Mesfido lifted his arm and pointed at a small hut at the base of the mountains. It was simple, and a quaint line of smoke rose from the chimney. It was thatched and without a door. As they neared, they saw laundry hanging outside and a small man bent with age working in a small garden.

"Hello" Mesfido greeted the man. "We are here to seek your help."

"My help?" said the small mand. "What help can I be? I'm just a hermit and a monk. I've never been of use to anyone else."

"We hear you can exorcise. We need your help." Rex had come into the conversation.

"Oh, I do things here and there. It's not much, but it's necessary to keep these mountains safe."

"Yes, I heard about these mountains," Rex said, recalling Scion's words. "Riddled with evil. You must be quite skilled to keep it all at bay."

"I told you, I do what I can" the monk replied modestly.

"This jewel" Rex took it off of his neck, "holds an ancient demon. I need you to send him back to hell."

The monk took the jewel and weighed it in his hands. He held it close to his eye and inspected it thoroughly. "Scion, I see. The demon of fire and deciet. How did you manage to capture him?"

"It's a story longer than I'm willing to tell."

"Well we'll have plenty of time. I want you to stay the night. I'll see what I can do about this jewel." The monk's offer was generous, and the two accepted eagerly.

"But before we enter, I must tell you something." Mesfido explained to the monk of his evil side.

"I'm sorry, but there is nothing I can do. Your evil comes not from something I could exorcise. Venalis, the Sword of the Pact, is untouchable by me. It's untouchable by anyone; any human at least. I'm afraid you are alone with your task. I apologize deeply."

"It is alright" Mesfido said with a sigh. "It was something I never should've hoped for."

"Now now, don't talk like that. We need hope. But anyway, you two come on in, it'll be dark soon and it will get very cold. By the way, what are your names? Mine's Puthis." The two men introduced themselves and shook hands. When all the introductions were done, they entered the hut.

"Now sit and rest, dinner will be ready soon."

OoC: I think that's enough for one post. Puthis is a kindly old monk, happy for some company. They can eat and then sleep, and the exorcism will be done the next day. We need something to go wrong during the exorcism, so Scion can escape. After that, it's off to the mountains.

OoC: Did you know that between the two of us we've written nearly 10,000 words. Pretty nice ay? I have to say I'm really enjoying this battle.

BiC:

Puthis’ house was a simple one, two small rooms was all it contained. Even for its size the tiny living room/kitchen was homely, a large fire burned within the hearth, four crude but yet rather majestic chairs were scattered across the rich smelling floorboards, a small round table laden with a selection of pots and pans stood centered beneath the low hanging ceiling. A red candle was placed in a steel holder by the main door, the wax tricking down its side slowly forming a red-hot pool. A low door led the way into a miniscule bedroom containing nothing more than a modest well made bed tucked away in the corner.

The kindly monk gestured towards the small chairs,

“Sit. Sit, I shall ready the food.”

Puthis scurried off to the far side of the tiny room and began noisily rooting through the assortment of kitchen equipment. The pair of exhausted travelers graciously accepted the offer and each pulled one of the soft wooden chairs toward the oak table. Mesfido removed the massive sheath from his bare back and placed it up against the wall, the red shine from the ruby was still visible through the thick leather. Mesfido had never realized the glow before but far into the depths of his complex mind Venalis was already aware it’s meaning, “It would seem the first lock as been opened, that demon was more useful than I had expected.” Unaware to the others Venalis was already planning for his next moment of release. He could not wait to be in control again.

With some difficulty Mesfido moved his massive stature into the miniature piece of furniture, he placed his thick elbows atop the table’s surface covering it nearly entirely. Next to Mesfido sat an extremely tired Rex, a large yawn escaped his lips. Puthis glanced at his guests as he went about preparing the meal.

“I’m sure you have both travelled far. It seems that the both of you have been in a fierce battle... with Scion no doubt.”

Mesfido turned his memories back to the previous day’s fight. He could still feel the remnants the demon’s power within his bones. Scion had left his mark on him, he held on of his long plaits before his eyes closely examining the blood red streaks that ran through it.

“Those are memories which I think neither of us want to relive for the time being,” Mesfido released his plait and let it fall back down across his face, “So Puthis have you lived here long? I have heard tales of your heroics.”

“I haven’t lived here as long as you have be alive for but I have been here for a century or two. Heroics? I don’t remember doing to many heroic deeds, I am just an old hermit who tries to do his piece to keep the balance.” Puthis placed two large steaming bowls on the table, one in front of either warrior.

“Eat up. This soup should help easy your weariness, it’s from an old recipe that my mother used to make.” He carefully dropped a spoon by both his guests’ food.

Mesfido picked up the small silver spoon being careful as not to bend it. He dipped its end into the thick creamy soup and brought a large helping up to his lips. It tasted heavenly after not having eaten for several days and Puthis had not lied, he could already fill some of his lost energy coming back to him.

The three sat in silence as they ate. Finally another one of Rex’s yawns broke the fast of speech. A wide smile spread across the elderly monk’s kind face.

“Ah, I do believe you could do with some sleep, master Rex. I’d like it if you were to use the bed.”

Rex opened his mouth to refuse but Puthis cut him over before he could say anything.

“Do not worry about me I often sleep by the fire, you are more in need of a bed than myself.” With that Puthis rose to his feet and led Rex over to the door. Once the young man was inside the kindly monk wished him a good night and closed the door. Puthis headed back over to the table and sat down once more.

“Your friend carries himself well for one that has been cursed with a demon’s presence for so long. He is a fine young lad.”

Mesfido pushed his bowl to one side and stretched his arms above his head.

“I thought that you knew more than you let on. Yes he was unfortunate to have led such a fate but I hope he can know be free of it. There is one thing that still worries me though...”

The fallen angel lifted himself from his seat and walked over to where his mighty sword lay. Mesfido drew the Sword of the Pact from its sheath, the light emitting from the ruby lit up the dim room. Holding in his left hand he began to pace back towards the table. He placed the blade down on the wood.

“...I believe that the demon has left some of its presence within myself and my weapon.” He gestured towards his red tinted hair and wings and then towards the glowing ruby.

A worried look traveled across the monk’s face. He looked deep into Mesfido’s eyes. After a minute smile crossed his face.

“No, I don’t believe it has. Yes, he as left a piece of himself within you but nothing that will help him in anyway. In fact, I believe he accidentally left some of his power behind... I want you to try something... concentrate on that fire but be careful.”

Mesfido did as instructed. He began to concentrate his entire mind’s strength apon the flickering and jumping flames. Slowly warmth began to pass through him, he could feel his blood begin to boil. Suddenly the fire leapt from the fireplace and straight at the angel’s body.

The flames of yellow and red began to circle his body slowly lessening in abundance. After several more minutes of concentrate the fire had disappeared completely. Something had changed about Mesfido’s appearance, the red streaks running through his hair and wings were alight with tiny hot flames. The flames from Mesfido’s hair licked at his skin but didn’t burn him. The fire searing around him lit up the room, Puthis’ smile widened.

“Very good. Now try and direct the fire back into the hearth.”

Quicker than before Mesfido began to will the fire with his mind. The flames began to seep back out of him and back towards where they had came. A minute later all the fire was back in the hearth. One of Mesfido’s rare cheerful smiles lined his face as he turned back to Puthis.

“Well that confirms it, Scion did leave some of his powers behind in you. There is one other thing though,” the monk signaled for Mesfido to come and look at his own blade.

“That gem, the shine has nothing to do with Scion. I believe you have somehow managed to awake some of the sword’s dormant powers. It is very unusual... I have know idea what will come of it, you shall have to figure that out yourself... Now I believe we both need some rest after that bit of excitement.”

Silently the two sat back down into their chairs, within a minute or two Puthis was already fast asleep but Mesfido lay awake for hours thinking about his new abilities and the mysteries of the Sword of the Pact.

OoC: Gotta love playing with fire and there's still more to see with Mesfido's new abilities, I'm yet to reveal what the ruby does. God, sometimes I really out do myself.

OoC: Not a bad word count. Not bad at all. [playfully]But we can do better than that. Honestly now.[/playfully] I'm still eager to see those new powers.

BiC:

Rex awoke the next morning in a daze. Looking around, he felt fear. Where was he? He looked out the window and saw Puthis outside hanging up clothes once more. Then it came back to him. As he rubbed sleep out of his eyes, he thought back to the conversation last night. Before he had gone to sleep, he had heard what was going on in the other room. Scion had left his mark on the angel, too. He strapped on his armor and walked out to the table where Mesfido already sat reluctantly eating some sort of porridge.

"Why, good morning" Rex said rather cheerfully. "Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, fine" Mesfido said groggily. He began a long yawn, proving Rex's suspicion that it was an obvious lie.

"I'm sure" he replied doubtingly.

"Sit down, have some breakfast" Puthis said as he strolled in the door. "You must be ravenous after that night's rest. Did you two sleep well?"

"Just fine, thank you" Mesfido replied for the two of them.

"Yes, it was very kind of you to let us stay here for the night" Rex added in. "And the food's delicious, too. Your kindness overwhelms us."

"Oh, no need for compliments like that" Puthis said, waving his hand as if brushing away Rex's words. "I'm just..."

"...a simple monk" Rex and Mesfido finished. They all laughed. After they finished the quaint meal, they sat back in a contented manner, merely chatting.

"So how did you come to be here? Of all the places a hermit could go, why to the base of these forsaken mountains?" Rex's curiosity was too much for him to contain. He had been wondering that all night.

Puthis took a moment to think before replying. "I wanted to help. I wanted to help the mountains, and the village that was here before."

"Village? What village?"

"Well, when I first came there was a village a little further to the east. About a day's journey from this hut. I had heard about it in my training and it had always fascinated me. All throughout my younger days I wanted to help these forsaken people. Everyone else told me that to go would be suicide, but I heeded no warnings. The only thing in my mind was to help those people. When I got here, it was worse than any story I had heard. Demons ran rampant through the streets, killing whoever they wished, whether it was for play or fun. It sickened me. Those poor, innocent people had no right to be treated like that. They lived in fear, and saw me as their savior. I tried to help, using my light magic wherever I could. But the demons outnumbered me, and I got away and set up a sort of camp away from the town where I could go and be hidden from the demons' sight. After a few years, I made progress. Demon sightings became scarce, people walked the streets openly, and laughter once more exited the mouths of children after being held captive by fear for so long. Everyone rejoiced in the sunlight and feasts were held almost every day. The farmlands ravaged by the demons had been restored and cared for. It prospered like never before." The daylight lit up his face, showing every emotion and every change, adding to the general effect that the voice changes created. Suddenly, a frown crossed his face and his brow furrowed.

"Then one day, the demons struck back. They had been hiding in the mountains, biding their time and gathering force. There was nothing I could do to help. They bound me and tied me to a tree in the center of the village to watch them destroy everything I had come to love. They kept me there, awake and watching for two days. They weeded out every single person and slaughtered them in front of me. I saw man betray man, man be lead to darkness; that day I saw every evil in my fellow person. And still, they all died. When it was over, they came to devour me. But before they could, I unleashed everything I had. I let go of all emotion, all magic, all of myself and let it loose in one last burst of energy. Everything was incinerated. Everything except that tree I was on. I awoke a few days later and came to my hut in mourning. When I recovered, I put up this barrier and I've stayed here since, just doing what I can to help."

Everything was silent. Rex and Mesfido absorbed the man's story, seeing him clearly for the first time. He was not bent with age. Puthis was actually quite young. He was bent with the weight of that story on his shoulders. All that guilt at not being able to help and just standing by, tied to a tree. The age came from that expelling of energies. His body had not been through much, but his mind and heart had. It was too much for anyone to imagine, but these two understood. They had been through such life-ruining experiences themselves.

"Looks like we all have more in common then we all thought, eh?" Puthis said after a while.

"I'm...I'm sorry" Rex aplogized. "I didn't mean to be so intrusive."

"No, no, it's fine. It's best to know the man you're sitting next to, is it not?" Even after reliving the horror, Puthis had a smile on his face once more.

"You are a stronger man then the both of us" Mesfido said. "We did not handle ourselves so well."

"It's not that. It's just that I had more training. Neither of you knew how to cope with something like this. While I was still a layman they told me that there would be times like these, and they trained me accordingly when my mind was set on helping these people." Puthis got up and cleared the table. While washing the dishes he turned his head and spoke again. "So after I'm done here I'll get right to work on that amulet of yours, Rex." Rex merely nodded.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Outside, everything had been set up for the exorcism. Incense surrounded a stump behind the hut. It was apparently blessed with certain holy items that imbued it with power. It would help Puthis trap the demon in a certain radius. Laying the amulet in the center of the stump, he began chanting. It was in Latin, just like Mesfido used.

"It's like the opposite of your binding spell" Rex whispered, only to recieve a quick smack to the head and a "Shh!" from Mesfido. Although it was afternoon, the sky darkened. Clouds appeared from nowhere and obscured the sun's rays. They darkened and the world around them was left in blackness. The candles threw feeble light around the area they were standing. Then, Puthis stopped chanting. All he did was stare at the necklace.

"NOW BEGONE!"

With Puthis's scream came a howl. It was like that of wind across an open plain, but there was no wind. When Rex listened closer, he heard screaming. It was that same howl as when Scion had been released. Looking back to the excitement, Rex saw that the amulet was burning. It was on fire, yet nothing was harmed. Then a white light shot out of the amulet, making it crack. The one crack spread into more and they moved about the jewel in a timely fashion. Then, it broke and the white light turned red. Once again, they stood before Scion.

"What is this? I have been revived! Now I can once more-" he was cut off abruptly as he fell to the ground struggling against invisible binds. "I...I can't do anything! I thought I told you angel, you cannot beat me!" For the first time the demon looked around and saw Puthis. "You!" His eyes narrowed at the sight of the monk.

"I call upon the powers of heaven! Send this demon back to whence he came! Force him into the dark abyss of hell!"

"Noooo!!" Scion screamed. He struggled all he could, but he could not move. Then he began to glow with a holy white light. His red eyes showed hate...and fear. The light grew to a blinding intensity and Rex had to look away. Then, it was over. Scion's screams stopped and the environment began to change. As the light from Scion faded, the clouds parted and sunlight shone again. Puthis panted with effort and fell to the ground. The two fighters carried him in a laid him on the bed.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

A few hours after the darkness of night had come, Puthis emerged from his room. He looked rested and as happy as ever.

"Thank you" Rex whispered audibly. "It's...it's finally over. Now my family can rest."

"I'm just trying to do what I can to help."

"You sure love your sayings, don't you?" Rex replied with a yawn.

"Time for you to get to bed again" Puthis said while ushering Rex into the room he had just emerged from. After closing the door, he turned to Mesfido. "Now let's get some training in." For a while he had Mesfido do the same thing he had done last night. He got a little faster with it, and they moved onto something else. Puthis began to teach him how to control it away from his body. After another while, Puthis arose from his chair and stretched.

"That's enough for tonight" he muttered quietly. "We need some sleep now." For once, Mesfido agreed. The excitement of the last few days had tired him enough for an early bedtime. He laid on a blanket roll Puthis had set out for him and as the lights of the room turned out, Mesfido fell asleep.


Rex awoke in the middle of the night. Something was happening. For some reason, his mind was racing and his heart was beating with a quick tempo. He got out of bed silently and took his sword from the wall. Unsheathing it quietly, he looked out the window. Nothing moved, only the grass in a slight ripple of wind. He began to relax, but heard a creak from the other room. Sneaking over, he silently opened the door and peeked in the room. Puthis was standing above Mesfido. Nothing alarming there, he was probably just checking up on them. Suddenly the clouds parted and the moon shone through a window right onto Puthis. A dagger glinted in the moonlight, moving slowly towards Mesfido.

"No!" Rex shouted out, bursting into the room. Mesfido awoke and rolled out of the way as Puthis swirled around. His eyes shone red...a familiar shade. "Scion!" breathed Rex as he picked up his sword in one quick motion. But before he could strike, he stopped himself. How could he strike the one who had helped him so much? Even if it had only been a couple of days, he still felt attatched to the monk.

"Yes, you cannot hurt me, can you?" Scion's voice had a hint of Puthis still in there. It made it all the harder to do what he had to. "Now there's nothing you can do to..."

"Help me. Don't let him take my body. You must get him out. You, Rex, must do it." Puthis had a moment of control.

"Why me?"

"You are the one with the closest connection. He was with you for so long, you know him. Please, just concentrate. You can do it. I know you--AGH!" Puthis fell back to the nearest wall, clutching his head and cradling it in his hands. He screamed in pain. Rex snapped back to his senses and sat down on the floor, pointing his blade at Puthis.

"Keep him busy" Rex said to Mesfido. "I need time."

Without a word Mesfido stepped in front of Rex, putting up his fists. Scion's eyes shone again in the monk's face and he smiled.

"You wouldn't hurt me either, angel." Scion charged and connected with Mesfido. Apart from it all, Rex closed his eyes and concentrated. He poured everything out of his mind and left only emptiness. Then he searched outward. Mesfido's mind was the first that came into his, but he did not know what was within. Then he came to Puthis. It was seething with Scion's taint. He went in by way of that taint, using a route he found in Scion's thoughts. Inside he found the conciousness of Puthis waiting for him.

"There you are. I need your power to help me expel him from my body." Puthis was right to the point.

"I'll do what I can to help. What do you need?"

"Hold my hand. Yes, just like that. Now concentrate on me. Pour your power into me, and give me strength." Rex did just as he was told. His body was beginning to feel faint, but his mind did not register it. Everything was consumed by Puthis.

While Mesfido dodged another blow, Scion stopped himself in mid-attack. He had noticed the building of power in his mind and went to fight back. But he was too late, Puthis was pushing him away. With his head back and mouth open, Puthis began expelling the demon. Out of his open maw the demon's aura began pouring out. Because there was no protective barrier, he slid out the window and Puthis fell to the floor.

"I will find you one day, Rex. I will be back."

They watched as the demon flew off into the mountains, passing through the barrier easily.

"Tomorrow we go. We find Scion."

OoC: I dunno, that just kinda happened. My bad. It wasn't the first thing, but it just ended up like that. It's time to head out towards those mountains. Infested with demons, it should be interesting.

OoC: Wooo for long posts and character developement!

BiC:

Mesfido stood silent, his muscular arms crossed over his thick chest. His head hung loosely towards the ground, his eyelids shut. He could hear the screams and howls of demonic creatures in the distant mountain peaks as they gathered, sensing the new presence that was heading towards them.

Past memories began to seep into the corners of his mind.

* * * *
A layer of ash coated the hot, filthy ground. Heavy, dark smoke obscured the light of the blazing sun. Dancing flames of red, orange and yellow flickered around the scorched wooden buildings. Screams filled the air. The pain and suffering could be felt down your spine, prickling the hundreds of nerves, striking up a sense of utter fear and horror.

Cries floated across the wind.

A young girl sat within the walls of a burning building, the thick smoke forcing its way into her lungs. Her filthy, ash coated hands held her face in their palms, tears leaking out through the gaps. The spluttering of her coughing cries muffled by the covering of flesh. A tall winged man stood beside her, a gigantic blade held within his massive fists. The young girl moved her hands from her face, her glimmering eyes gazing up towards the towering being.

“Help me... I’m so scared...”

For a second a look of pity crossed the man’s gaunt face, quickly the look of a sadist returned to it wiping out any mercy. The man raised his blade above his head,

“I shall help you, girl... I shall help you on your journey from this plane!”

The blade came crashing down.

A dark red spread across the steaming ground, slowly soaking into the earth itself.

* * * *
“No. I cannot let any others suffer. It is my task and my task alone to save those I have condemned...” Mesfido opened his eyes locking the horrid memory back within the depths of his mind.

The fallen angel paced slowly towards Rex. The young man’s eyes were still glued to the mountaintop. His body was shaking. Mesfido placed his callused hand apon Rex’s shoulder. Rex turned his face towards his companion. His brown eyes glowed with overflowing emotion.

“Rex... This is not a fight in which you can partake. We both know that you would not stand a chance in those tainted mountains... I will go and defeat Scion.”

Rex’s eyes hardened. His arm batted away Mesfido’s as he turned his blazing eyes from the angel.

“This is not my fight? How can you say that!? Scion is my problem and I shall be the one to rid the world of him! I don’t care how many demons come after me, I will defeat him or die trying!” The words erupted forth from Rex’s lungs.

Puthis walked over to him, reaching his hand for as he drew closer. “Peace, boy, peace. You friend does but speak the truth. You will...”

“I will what!? Die!? I do not fear death. Scion must be destroyed!” Rex backed away towards the window.

Mesfido remained silent, his eyes closed over once again.

“Fine. Go, try and defeat the demon but I guarantee you that you shall not return alive,” The angel didn’t even look at Rex as the calmly spoken words left his mouth. “Life is not something that should be wasted. That is a lesson I never learned.”

Slowly, the anger began to subside. Rex’s body began to calm, his chest rose up and down heavily. His eyes were locked on the thin floorboards.

“Your right... There is no point in fighting a battle you cannot win.” A hint of sadness layered Rex’s voice. His eyes looked up from the floor and into Mesfido’s. Slowly the angel’s opened.

“It’s agreed then, tomorrow I go alone.”

Mesfido could still sense the determination radiating from Rex. Gradually, the fallen angel turned his back own his friend and head towards the open door.

“Wait... At least give me a chance to prove myself... Train with me, just for today and see how I fare. Don’t make your decision until you have seen what I can do.”

The gigantic tainted angel looked back over his shoulder. “No, I cannot allow you to take the risk.”

“Mesfido, at least give the boy a chance. Neither of you will lose anything from it.” Puthis spoke for the first time in what seemed like ages.

Mesfido walked out the doorway and sat down on a small tree stump. “Fine, today we train but I still don’t believe it is wise for you to come.”

A smile lined Rex’s face as he ran towards the door. Puthis gave him a friendly pat on the back as he passed. The young man rushed out the door and into the open night air. In his excitement he managed to trip in the doorway, falling flat on his face. A stern look passed over Mesfido’s face, but a laugh could be heard from inside the small hut.

“My boy, you shouldn’t be so hasty in your actions. You never now were they may take you!” Puthis could be heard saying through his fit of laughter.

The three laughed between themselves momentarily but soon it stopped, all three aware of the task at hand.

Mesfido stood up from the thick tree stump, drawing the Sword of the Pact as he did so. The ruby’s glow erupted from the leather covering, illuminating the angel’s features.

“So, Rex, are you ready to begin?”

The young man gave a quick nod.

The mighty fallen angel lifted himself from the ground and charged towards Rex.

* * * *

Slowly, the bright morning sun lifted itself above the tall mountains into the high, clouded sky calling in the light of day with its beauty. The sound of metal against metal could be heard slicing through the silence. Far below the sun, beside Puthis’ simple dwelling Mesfido and Rex could be seen racing about each other crossing swords at frequent intervals.

“Come on, Rex, you are still yet to land a blow. You need concentrate and focus your mind.” Mesfido’s voice trailed on a gust of wind as he pushed himself away from a sword lock with a mighty sweep of his wings.

The blast of air rocketed towards Rex who only just managed to bring up Eliendel in time to protect himself. “I’m trying, I just can’t hit you! If you would just stand still!”

“Fine, I’ll do as you ask but it won’t help you.” Mesfido lowered himself to the ground removing one of his hands from the hilt of Venalis. “Come on, come at me.”

Rex leapt through the air, slashing downwards with the blade of Eliendel.

Shing!
The clatter of metal against metal ran through the air as Mesfido brought up his own blade halting Rex’s assault in midair.

“Flatus!”

A quick jet of air exploded from Mesfido’s free hand into Rex’s open chest sending the young man flying across the clearing and into a nearby tree.

“I told you, it makes no difference, you won’t be able to hit me unless you clear your mind. Stop thinking about the upcoming battle and place your attention on the here and now.” The fallen angel stabbed the Sword of the Pact into the hard ground and rested his hands on its hilt.

Painfully, Rex lifted himself from the ground supporting himself on Eliendel. “Damn it, I was so much closer that time. I’ll get you on the next attack,” Rex groaned.

“No you won’t, not unless you clear your mind. You are thinking about your attacks too much, you should just let them happen. Unless you stop thinking I’ll know every attack that you are planning just by watching you movements. Am I going to have to beat you senseless or shall you at least try it?” Mesfido pulled Venalis from the ground and began to walk slowly towards Rex, holding the mighty blade in his two hands.

“Ok, I’ll try it but I can’t guarantee the best results.” Rex began to focus his mind, emptying it of thought.

“I don’t expect you to do it first go but you have to start somewhere.” The bulking angel lowered himself into a defensive position.

Thoughts ran through Rex’s mind all trying to figure away through the angel’s defenses. Slowly he began to remove them one by one until his mind was empty. Suddenly an idea formed itself by its own accord. “That’s it. Fire.” Rex began to concentrate his energies.

“Here goes, let’s see how you deal with this.” The young man held one hand forward, a large fireball rapidly forming in his palm. He launched it with all his strength and then quickly tore after it with Eliendel held high.

The fireball approached Mesfido quickly, catching him slightly off guard. Just in time he managed to raise his hand from Venalis and concentrated on the ball of flames. Within seconds it had disappeared and was fueling the flames in his hair and wings.

Suddenly Rex’s charging figure came into few only a couple of feet away. Quick as he could, Mesfido turned to his side and narrowly dodged the attack. Eliendel flew past his shoulder and landed heavily in the dirt.

Rex’s chest rose heavily as he looked up towards his new trainer. “How did you do that? I didn’t know that you could absorb fire,” realization struck Rex like a hammer, “Wait... I heard you say Scion had left his mark on you... is that what you meant? You have some of his powers now?”

The fallen angel turned back towards Rex, a smile spread across his face.

“Indeed, you are correct. It turns out that his possession of my body was useful in its own way. Watch.”

Slowly, Mesfido began to swirl his hand through the air. A thin line of fire passing out whenever his fingertips past, the blaze of his hair and wings lessened as the fire travelled out of his body. A fiery star now shone before Mesfido’s hand; with a flick of his wrist he reabsorbed it.

“I believe that this energy is yours.” Mesfido placed is left hand on Rex’s chest. A red glow lit up his arm as he willed the fire element back into the young man’s body. Rex felt rejuvenated as his energy was returned.

“Now back to tr...” Mesfido’s voice began to trail, his eyes were glued to his shoulder. A thin trail of blood ran down his muscular arm from a deep cut. Mesfido looked back at Rex. “It seems that you managed to hit me... but it’s odd, I didn’t feel the attack. What did you do?”

“I dunno, you should have felt it. I didn’t do anything on usual... Can I go with you to fight Scion now?” Rex said the demon’s name with a hint of venom lurking in his voice.

Mesfido’s eyes were on his cut again. Slowly, he began to realize something; the blood was beginning to dry up and quickly too. Within seconds the blood had clotted his wound. Rex didn’t seem to notice, he was to caught up in his thoughts of a possible battle against Scion. The fallen angel turned his attention back on his friend.

“I’m not to sure of that yet. I still don’t think your ready,” Puthis appeared by the door of the hut, a large tray covered with food was held in his arms, “but I think we should take a break from training for some breakfast. It seems Puthis already has some ready.”

OoC: Ok, feel free to take this wherever you like but try not to use any of Mesfido's new abilities as I want to reveal them slowly. Sorry if Rex got a bit out of character anywhere in that post. Feel free to make me go and change anything if he did.

OoC: I only found one problem with Rex. He wouldn't give up on going for Scion for any reason. He swore to kill the demon at any cost, and that includes losing his own life for his vengance.

BiC:

Rex went inside and fell into his meal. He was ravenous. The practice with Mesfido had taken its toll on his body.

"Calm down, my son." Puthis said with a chuckle. "The food will still be there." Rex halted himself and slowed his eating with a blush.

"It's alright." Mesfido said. "When he's done eating, we'll still be eating." (OoC: Inside joke. I just had to put it.) Rex nodded his thanks but continued his slower pace. He was too embarassed at that moment to add any of his own commentary, so he merely went on eating. When he finished, he waited for the two older men who were taking their time, almost as if to torture Rex. Of course, that could have merely been his own impatience. After what seemed like hours their spoons rattled in their bowls.

"Alright. Let's go." Rex was eagerly awaiting their departure. He rushed outside while Mesfido walked at his own pace.

"Yes. Let's go for more traning." Rex's face fell in disapointment. "Don't mope. Get ready." Rex reluctantly assumed a sloppy fighting stance. Mesfido spoke up harshly. "Don't ever give anything less than your best. You think that kind of stance will save you? Get prepared." Anger flashed across Rex's face but he fixed his stance. Then, just like Mesfido had told him, he cleared his mind. Gone was the anger, the annoyance, the excitement, the deep hatred he had for the demon. All that was left was his target, standing in front of him clearly in his mind.

Rex's attack was sudden. As if out of nowhere he launched two fireballs on either side of Mesfido, preventing him from dodging on either side. Rushing in right behind them, he slashed downward at Mesfido who jumped back to dodge. Before Mesfido had regained his balance after his landing he was met with another fireball headed right at his chest. Absorbing it quickly, he got his balance and stood there, watching Rex warily. Rex smiled and eased up and Mesfido followed his example.

"Not bad," the angel said with a chuckle, walking over to return Rex's flame energy.

"Not bad?" Rex asked in surprise as Mesfido put his hand to the younger one's chest. "Any demon would've been singed by that!"

"Scion would do more than singe you in a battle, you know." Mesfido finished returning Rex's energy, but before his hand went away Rex grabbed it and swept his legs underneath the angel, managing to knock him down with the quick attack.

"That's where I pull out my sword and stab you," Rex said with a smile. His tone suddenly got serious as he stared into the mountains. "I know what Scion's capable of. And I swore to take him out no matter the cost." Rex turned towards Mesfido. "I know Scion. Inside and out. And this blade," he held up Eliendel, "has the power to defeat him. It was crafted with that demon in mind." Rex stared hard at Mesfido, who finally caved.

"You have a good point. But you need to survive in those mountains long enough to reach Scion. That is no easy task. Do you understand that you could very well die on this mission?" The seriousness in Mesfido's tone matched Rex's.

"I know. And I won't fail you." Mesfido nodded and walked inside to begin preparations for the journey. Rex stayed back and turned his attention once more to the mountains. After a pause, he spoke.

"I will defeat you. Even if it takes my life." He then moved to follow Mesfido's steps.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Waving goodbye to Puthis for the last time, Rex turned and walked at Mesfido's shoulders. After a few minutes of walking, they approached the barrier. It wasn't visible; the only way they knew it was there was because of a line that ran parallel with the mountain range. On their side was the soft, springy grass they had been walking on. On the opposite side was barren wasteland. No plant grew there, and the skies were clouded gray. No sun shone through onto that side, for it was evil that kept it out. Rex reached his hand through slowly, but felt nothing. The instant his hand touched the other side, two demons appeared and jumped at the appendage. He quickly pulled it back as the demons charged right into the barrier, smashing their faces and falling to the ground. As they got up the disappeared just as they had materialized. Mesfido gave Rex a stern look but said nothing about the incident.

"Now when we go in, you stay behind me and watch our backs. I'll take the brunt of the attacks so you can save your energy." Rex nodded his approval of the plan and moved into his place. "It's going to be dangerous in there, especially since we don't know where Scion is. We could be traversing these mountains for quite a while."

Rex didn't hear. His concentration was in the mountains. He was searching. After a few moments of concentration, Mesfido turned to Rex in order to recieve a confirmation, but noticed his concentration. Then Rex pointed off into the distance in a northwesterly direction. "He's there. I know his energies, and he's there." Mesfido met Rex's eyes and they moved forward.

As they crossed the barrier, the two dog-demons appeared again. Snarling, they launched themselves at Mesfido who made a quick horizontal slash with Venalis. Rex prepared himself with Eliendel for no reason. The halves of the demons fell to the ground right in front of Mesfido's feet. They slowly began melting away into ashes, then soaring off into the wind. They were headed the same way Rex had pointed.

"Scion's taking their energy. He used to do that over near our village. It was considered cursed grounds. This means we need to be careful with what we kill. The stronger the enemy, the stronger Scion gets." Rex gave this information gravely.

"Thank you," Mesfido replied. "That could have proven very dangerous for us in the long run."

They turned and began moving again, still in their formation.

OoC: Now we proceed through the mountains. Make sure to heed Rex's warning.

Because I'm bored: 15,528 words total.

OoC: Sorry for shortness, I didn't really think a big post was that nessicary. Oh yeh, if you want I can go back and fix up that bit with Rex in my last post.

BiC:

The pair continued their path towards the mountaintop, its ominous shadow hanging about their dark forms. The thick smell of ashes burnt their nostrils, the scorching humidity clawed at their skin, the darkness of the vile, foul landscape stung their eyes. Ever so slowly they progressed towards the base of the largest mountain.

Parched dead trees climbed the steep, grey sides of the wide mountainside. All was silent, other than the sizzling of rivers of flame. A spark ran across the fallen angel’s skin as his body sensed the fiery forces hidden in the darkness. His body carved the energy of the fire element swirling around in the atmospheric gases. Slowly and carefully he willed some of the heated air into his thick frame, the streaks of crimson red within his hair and wings sprung alit. He could feel the new energies raging through his veins. Rex watched in awe as a fiery glow grew from his friend.

“Neat trick, I hope you know what you’re doing.” Rex walked slowly behind the angel, Eliendel held ready in his grasp.

“Don’t worry; I’m just storing up some energy while I can. It should prove useful later.” Mesfido could feel the sparks charging up beneath his skin.

Finally, the pair reached the dark mountain’s base.

A look of worry spread across Rex’s face, “I can feel him. I can feel his power; it’s stronger than ever before.”

High apon the mountaintop massive flames could be seen raging in the harsh wind. The howls and excited screams of hundreds of frantic demons filled the air, drums beat apon the wind.

Mesfido turned his head to his companion. “No matter what, Rex, protect yourself. Do not fear for my safety, I know how to deal with a few demons. No matter what, do not put yourself in a position of risk just for me.” With that portentous warning the pair of heroes began the ascent.

Mesfido held the Sword of the Pact in his massive palms, spinning it about his skilful fingers. He could feel the power flowing down from the mountain. He was ready for it.

The angel placed his foot over the first ridge.

Flames burst forth in front of the mighty angel. A pack of demons leapt from the tall fire, launching themselves apon the angel. A mass of black coated his massive figure, snarls could be heard from the beasts clawing at his chest. Panic struck Rex like an anvil. Mesfido had told him not to worry for his safety but how couldn’t he in a situation like this? He charged towards the nearest dog like demon.

A wave of fire erupted from beneath the mass of dark flesh. Quickly, the dark beasts were reduced to ash. Mesfido’s shape became visible, though hidden behind a veil of fiery reds. Slowly, the flames dissipated, Rex stood, once again, amazed at his friend’s new powers. Lucky, he had just been out of range when Mesfido had released the fire element. Slightly sore, the fallen angel lifted himself to his feet; blood was dripping from a cruel looking cut across his chest.

Mesfido gave Rex a quick smile, “I told you that there’s no need to worry about me. I can deal with a few demons; I have been for thousands of years.”

The angel glanced down at his bleeding chest. He looked as though he hadn’t even realized it before hand. Rex was gazing at it too.

“You could have been killed. Look at what they did to you!”

The fallen angel gave another one of his smiles, “Don’t worry about that, I can deal with it.”

Slowly the dripping blood began to flow back into the wound. Within seconds it was as though he had never bled in the first place. There was one final touch, gradually the wound began to clot, a thin layer of blood hardening across it. Rex’s jaw dropped as Mesfido’s chest finished its clean up.

“Another trick I picked up.”

Rex and Mesfido began to walk towards the flames sprouting from atop the mountain. Both knew what they would find there.

OoC: All bow down before the mightyness of the second page!

OoC: Aww...I wanted the first second-page post...Aww...

BiC:

Moving continuously upward, Rex was beginnig to tire. The air was burnt, hot, and humid and he could hardly breathe. The heat was unbearable in his armor; he was burning to a crisp. Mesfido seemed undisturbed by the temperature, but maybe he held it back to show his strength.

Along the straight path they had been going they'd encountered many obstacles. Cliffs they had to move across, demons they were forced to fight, and even a toxic river or two. Nothing here was safe or sacred. They could only trust themselves.

So far Mesfido had taken care of most of the demons. One or two had gotten past, and Mesfido had yelled at Rex to run. He hated this treatment. Acting as if he was some small child. He could handle himself, and he wanted to prove that.

Next demon that comes along, I'm killing. As if to answer his thoughts, three hell-bears came from behind some thin, wispy flora. They raised their noses in the air, then turned their attention towards Rex and Mesfido. The angel drew up his weapon, but Rex shoved his way in front and began his attack. One bear charged from his left, and Rex threw himself upon it. Hacking and slashing like a madman, Rex quickly dispatched the demon. The other threw itself upon his back while he wasn't looking. Rolling over so that he was on top, Rex formed two fireballs in his hands and converged them on the bear. He quickly jumped off, allowing the bear to burn in peace.

"You know," Rex said with an air of cockiness, "maybe I should be in front."

"Never do that again." Mesfido was not laughing. "You could've been killed! So easily!"

"Like you're always safe!" Rex retorted.

"I am more experienced..."

"I'm the experienced one here! Sure, you've lived at least ten of my lives, but Scion's been my problem. My family passed down secrets and I'm the one who's trained to defeat him. You may be older but I should be leader!" Done with his rant, Rex stood there, panting.

"That's why you need protection. You're the one who will defeat Scion and I need to make sure you get there at any cost. I created this, I need to fix it." Mesfido turned and began walking again, and Rex relucantly followed.

"I'm sorry..." he began. "I can be so immature at times. It's just that I'm tired of being treated like a kid. You're so old and I'm so foolish...it gets to me sometimes."

"I understand. I'll try to treat you a little better from now on." Mesfido turned to Rex. "And together we'll defeat Scion." He held out his hand. Rex grasped it firmly, and they did a quick hug.

Turning around, they found themselves right next to the entrance to a cave.

"Did you..." Rex began, but was met with a nod from Mesfido. "Then how did we get here?"

"Obviously someone wants to fight us. And he wants to fight us now."

"Well, let's not keep this foul beast waiting any longer!" Rex took a deep breath, this time savoring the crispy air. Infused with the power of fire, Rex nodded to Mesfido's burning aura and the two walked in side by side.

"It seems the idiots have taken the bait," a voice snarled. In the cave was a pool of molten rock down below the entrance. Where Rex and Mesfido stood was a kind of raised walkway of rock that went all around the pool. The drop to where the lava boiled was at least two times Rex's height. And right in the center, halfway submerged in lava, was the one they had been searching for.

"Scion," Rex began, but was cut off by a surge of flame that went right at his face. Throwing out his palms quickly, he got the flame under his control and threw it back down. "Scion, we've come to defeat you." Scion barked out his hideous laugh.

"You think you can do that? A powerless boy and a fallen angel? Come. Try. Feel my true wrath!" Scion was right about the true wrath. Rex was burning from his power all the way up here.

Scion launched a stream of lava at the two warriors. As if by some mental connection, the two put their hands up and began forming the fire. They worked together to create a massive ball of lava and, lighting it on fire, they sent it back to where it had come from. Scion merely laughed and let it fall upon him. The scent of burnt flesh wafted up from the impact site, but Scion just launched himself upward.

"That was quite refreshing, you two. But you can't fight fire with fire!" Scion swiped at the two on the walkway, causing them to scatter in opposite directions. Mesfido pulled out Venalis and launched himself into the air, engaging the demon in battle. He swiped furiously at him, but each blow was met with his scales. Not even the power of Venalis could penetrate them now.

While Mesfido was distracting Scion, Rex weighed his options. Choosing a tactic, he ran and jumped off the walkway, catching Scion's back. He clung on and climbed slowly up the scales. At the demon's head he raised his blade and brought it down, but began to fall when Scion did a quick dodge. Losing his balance, Rex stuck Eliendel in, clinging onto it for dear life. Scion roared when the blade pierced his hide, and scratched at the annoyance. The claws swiped off the sword, and Rex with it. Falling, he screamed for help. Mesfido heard his ally's call and disengaged his battle. He swooped down, dramatically saving Rex just before he fell into the burning lava.

"The sword!" Rex screamed, but it was too late. The blade had fallen into the lava, and it sunk quickly. Putting Rex back on the walkway, Mesfido quickly returned to the battle without a word. Rex looked at the futile attacks of Mesfido and sighed. The only thing that could hurt him now was Eliendel, and it was gone. He began to give up and fell into despair. Scion felt these feelings, and laughed.

"That's right, boy. There's nothing you can do to save your world now!" He swept a claw at Mesfido and knocked the angel into the wall. Falling safely onto the walkway, he was unconcious. Scion was then able to turn his attention to Rex. "I've always wanted to have fun with you, boy." Without any hope, Rex took his beating. Swipe after swipe knocked him across the cave. Cuts and bruises covered his skin and made him look mutated. He was thrown to the wall, and everything went black.


=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=


"Rex." He heard his name. "Rex, wake up." It was a soft, tender voice. One he remembered fondly. "Come on Rex, you need to wake up." Finally, he opened his eyes.

He was back in his village, standing among his loved ones. It was just as he remembered before the destruction. The villagers were all assembeld. He looked around and saw his family standing together. His mother, his father, his sister

No, that can't be right. Rex didn't see his sister. She should be here. She was pure. Rex knew where he was. This was the afterlife, a place he didn't deserve to go.

"Where is she?!" he asked aloud to the assembled group.

"She is not with us," replied his mother. "She never came with us."

"No..." Rex whispered. It couldn't be. After all this time...she was still alive. Emily. "Where is she?" he repeated.

"I cared for her. We escaped from Scion's wrath. After the sword had been stolen, your father pushed us away into the mountains to hide. We waited, until we saw the flames. They had engulfed everything, everyone. I knew what had happened and took Emily away from that cursed place. We started a new life...but I couldn't protect her forever. I was murdered trying to save her, and now she lives on. She's a beautiful woman now, Rex. You need to see her." His mother's soft voice and hard news brought Rex to tears. They had survived, and he had never seen them. He fell to his knees.

"I'm...so sorry. To you. To everyone. I failed you all." Rex's tears leaked from his eyes.

"No, son. It wasn't you who did this to us. None of this was your fault. It was that cursed beast you face now." His father's hard face softened for a moment. "Now is your chance to make things right. You've come so far...and I'm proud. You've done so much for our sake, and we all love you for it. But now...Now it's time for you to get out there and avenge us once and for all. This isn't your time to come here. Not now, and hopefully not for a long time. Grow up, Rex. And be strong." The image was slowly fading away from Rex's eyes. He looked up, and saw it all drawing away.

"Wait!" he called. "Wait! What about Emily? Where's Emily?!" His calls went unheeded. The only response he got was a whisper.

"You'll find her, Rex. You'll find her."

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Awaking once more, Rex saw the demon in front of him.

"Oh, so you've come back, have you? You may be stronger than I thought." Scion was expecting him to be dead. He continued with nonchalance."No matter. You will still die today." Remembering his vision, Rex screamed out.

"No!" His body heat flared along with his temper. "Today is not the day for my death." A flaming aura surrounded him. "Today's the day YOU die!" Rex charged, weaponless, at Scion's floating form. Dodging quickly, the demon moved out of the way and Rex plunged downward to the lava, no one to save him now. But he was calm. He was not afraid. Just like Mesfido had taught him, his mind was cleared.

Breaking the surface of the lava, he felt nothing. The flames did nothing to his skin. He breathed it in as if it were air. Looking down, he saw Eliendel. He swam down to it without hesitance, and picked it up. Waving it around in the water, he felt its weight and felt secure. Then he moved back up. Shooting flame from his hand, he propelled himself upward and out of the flames.

"What is this?! You should be dead!" Scion roared in amazement. Rex was still ablaze.

"You will die today. And you will feel the pain I've felt all throughout my life. Even when I didn't know you were there, I knew something was wrong. You will pay for every life you've taken, for every loved one you've slain. Today is your day of reckoning." Rex pointed his blade straight at Scion as Mesfido stirred from the wall.

OoC: Make sure you realize, this isn't a one-post battle. Scion's a vicious enemy, and our characters will have to work together to defeat him. Make sure you remember: Eliendel is Scion's bane. We're gonna need that to beat him. And Rex's emotions control his power. When he's riled up like this, he is practically unrivaled in his control of fire. His energy deposits are also raised, so he's got a lot left in him still. Have fun!

OoC: I think that since Rex just got a bit of a power boost I might as well give Mesfido one too. Even the levels with Scion a bit.

Enter Zealous Flame.

BiC:

Mesfido’s mind was a pool of swirling darkness. Images flashed through his mind's eye. Through his barely conscious mind he could sense the elements swirling about in front of him. He could see the dark pockets of energy contained within Scion, he could see the dim light of Rex’s small fiery spirit. Suddenly the fire vanished. Rex’s energy had disappeared. Mesfido tried to shake his mind awake at once. Something was holding him back. He could feel the omnipotent, oppressive force of Venalis’ mind fighting against his own. The angel’s dark side wanted control and he wanted it badly. Unaware to the rest of the world, a battle was raging through the angel’s limp body.

“I see your weakness is letting you down once more, Tueor. You always need me to save this body from destruction; you’re too weak to do it yourself.” The evil presence’s voice boomed through Mesfido’s mind.

“I vowed never to allow you inhabit this body again after what you did to Jaina. I’ve already broken that vow once and I do not intend to do it again.”

“I think you’ll have to. You stand no chance in this battle without me. You don’t even know about the powers that are just waiting for you to use them.”

“What are you talking about, demon. I have been using every ounce of my strength.”

“You are oblivious, Tueor. There are powers unthinkable to most that are waiting for you to command them yet you aren’t even aware of their presence.”

“Speak sense. Fiend.”

“You know of the powers of the sword. You can feel them running through veins you simply don’t want to admit it. You’ve been holding them back, only using them to the smallest extent. Let me command them. That demon will not last a minute.”

“I shall never willingly give this body to you nor shall I ever use the full powers of this sword. The last time I attempted to, you were created. My friend and I shall defeat this demon without your help.”

“Ah yes, Rex, your friend. I shall have much fun with him.”

“Silence, demon!”

Mesfido’s mind was gaining the upper hand, slowly flowing into consciousness.

“You know as well as I that you’ll need the Crimson Blood. It’s only a matter of time before you admit it.”

* * * *

The fallen angel’s bright cobalt eyes flickered open. Fiery energy burned his pupils. His blue irises widened at the flames that danced before him. His companion, the young Rex, had grown in strength. The once dim red that was Rex’s energy was ablaze with fiery resolve. Mesfido’s body sparked as his ally’s newfound power licked against his skin. It was immense.

A single phrase ran through Mesfido’s mind. “The Fires of Emotion.” It seemed Rex had managed to channel his emotions. Maybe there was something the angel could learn from him. Slowly, the angel began to lift his body from the ground. Rex didn’t stir; he didn’t even seem to realize his companion coming to. The young man had his blade held before him.

“Today is your day of reckoning.”

The man of fire launched himself at the demon.

Flames erupted above the pool of lava as Eliendel slammed against Scion’s tough scales. Rex swung his sword in a follow up smacking the demon across the face with the flat of the blade. The demon of deceit staggered backwards across the air. Rex stood his ground. Suddenly something caught his eye. Mesfido once more stood beside him. The angel gave his friend a quick smile.

“I’ll do what I can but I don’t know if I’ll be able to keep up with you two now.” Mesfido held his heavy blade before his muscular body. Scion began to move forward once again.

Rex’s eyes turned back to the demon. “Seems like I get to lead then.” There was a new air of confidence in Rex’s voice.

Scion was floating above the lava, his piercing red eyes fixed apon his opponents.

“Will you two shut it and get fighting so I can destroy you.”

The demon rose his hands into the air before him. Two pillars of fire erupted from the lava, one beneath each of the righteous warriors.

The flames barely fazed Rex. He shook them off in seconds and charged at the beast locking him in battle again. Mesfido on the other hand wasn’t fairing quite as well. The flames licked at his skin threatening to consume him. If it were not for his newfound resistance to the fiery element they would have. Slowly he was urging the fire into his body, an inferno sprouting from his wings and hair. It was too much. He couldn’t contain it all. He’d have to release it somehow. Suddenly an idea formed in his mind. He began to focus his thoughts apon the tip of his blade.

Sparks began to flicker across its surface. Embers rose from his skin. The bands that held his hair in its tight plaits disintegrated. The sparks began to grow to scorching flames. The air around him began to heat. The two sparring beings turned to look apon the fallen angel, both were in awe. Mesfido tilted his head back thrusting his bare chest forward. His eyes gazed apon the illuminated cave ceiling.

“Exardesco Ardens!”

The pillar of fire that surrounded the angel disappeared completely only to reappear around the blade of Venalis. A wave of flames erupted from the angel’s body colliding with the surrounding walls threatening to destroy them. Rex and Scion held themselves strong against the fiery assault.

Finally the flames died down. Mesfido floated above the centre of the lava pool, flames flickered across his skin, a white-hot cyclone surrounded his blade. His hair spread out to the sides, alit and swaying like flames. His wings were majestic feathers of fire lighting the entire cave with an eerie glow. Sparks flickered around him as he continued to draw massive amounts of fire element into his body.

The angel turned his attention back to the demon. His eyes were filled with a new passionate intensity. “The Fires of Emotion.” With fresh vigor Mesfido charged towards Scion, Rex following close behind.

OoC: That inner conflict bit will make more sense later. I'm thinking maybe Scion should boost his power a bit, or maybe even Rex and Mesfido just still aren't strong enough. We want him to last for a while. Keep in mind that Mesfido's Zealous Flame technique consumes large amounts of fire element to maintain so he probably won't keep it up for long. I think we should probably leave how long he remains powered-up to me though. Hope you like it!

Rex charged, using the abundant element around him to sustain his flight. He formed the flames around his feet and propelled himself through the air towards the common foe. Mesfido struck first, bringing Venalis down on Scion's hard skin. It created a small scratch as Scion dodged away. Rex fired a few fireballs in Scion's direction, but the demon just absorbed them while laughing.

"Foolish boy! Fire cannot harm me!"

"We'll see about that!" Rex responded, forming fireballs around his blade. Firing it from his hand, Rex guided it straight to Scion, cutting through his hide and making the demon scream in pain. When the sword was securely inside the demon, Rex ignited the fireballs, causing Scion more pain. Wrenching the sword out, Scion's hand burned from the contact. He quickly dropped it, and Rex swooped in to save it.

Using what the flame warrior had started, Mesfido engaged Scion one-on-one. Digging Venalis into Scion, he managed to open the wound even more. He then issued some of the flames down the blade and around the vile demon. He poured all he had gathered and all that he was gathering, but Scion remained uncharred. Instead of burning, the demon's wounds were healing. Ripping Venalis out while the cut was forming over it, Mesfido managed to open it once again. Taking back the flames Scion had not already used, Mesfido rushed up and gave the demon a hard bash to the head. Spiraling downward, Scion landed in the lava pool below.

Floating above it, Rex peered into the depths of it. He could not see a thing, but he sensed the demonic power below. Slowly at first, the pool began swirling. It was like watching some flaming monster's toilet flush down a drain. But as the lava in the pool became less, Rex could sense Scion's power becoming more. When the pool was completely drained, all that was left was the demon, curled into a ball. But there seemed to be more of Scion than there was earlier. Slowly uncurling, the demon stood. He was much larger now. Crouching down, he could hardly fit in the cave. With a roar and an extension of his arms, Scion destroyed the ceiling of the cave and sent the pieces scattering through the air. The outside air rushed in, fueling everyone's power even more. Extending his wings, Scion destroyed the walkway that now seemed even more pitiful than it was. Along with the only solid ground, he obliterated the wall of the cave around it.

"Now we play by my rules." Scion's eyes narrowed, taking in the two warriors. They seemed pitiful in size compared to this demon. Nodding at each other, they rushed in for a combo attack. Moving around the mountain sized monster, Rex got to the back of Scion's head. Rushing in, he stabbed Eliendel in with all his might. Instead of a roar of pain, Rex got a laugh of mirth out of Scion. It was like a pinprick to him, and they were like flies. Swatting at them as expected, they dodged around his gigantic claws, barely avoiding death. Rex was beginning to tire.

He's unbeatable! I've failed. I knew I couldn't do it.

Yesss. Scion's voice echoed in Rex's thoughts. You are finished, boy. Try no more. The intrusion of the demon snapped Rex back to his senses, and gave him a plan.

"Mesfido!" Rex shouted to his partner. The angel looked over quickly to show that his attention was given. "I need you to protect me! When I'm done with him, you strike!" The partner nodded, not knowing fully what the plan was. "You'll know when the time comes." Turning back to Scion, he focused his mind.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Emptiness. Nothingness. Get rid of it all. Rex was reciting his training. Now...focus. His eyes were closed in concentration and all his senses were off. He was hardly even breathing. Mesfido was wildly fending off Scion's assault.

What is this? Scion asked in amazement.

It's me, Rex replied with satisfaction. So far his plan had worked.

Try what you may, boy. Your mind cannot defeat mine. The demon was all to confident in his abilities.

We'll see about that. The small talk over, it became a battle of wits. The battle was hardly on the physical plain anymore. Mesfido found it easier to protect Rex.

Thinking hard, Rex fueled himself with emotion. Assaulting Scion, they fought back and forth. For a while, it was even. No one could gain the upper hand as minutes slipped by slowly. But as time eventually moved, the once-torn boy eventually tired. His mind could no longer hold up against the demon's. Scion began infiltrating Rex's mind once more, and assaulted him on an emotional level. He sent pictures of the village's destruction. As Rex began getting more overwhelmed, Scion led his mind to another place.

Flames were everywhere. People ran, screaming from fear. Wherever Rex moved, the villagers moved away. He could not understand. When he began to speak, fire erupted from his mouth. Examining himself, he saw that he was not himself. He had the claws, wings, and even snout of the demon that had plagued his family for generations. Before he knew it, he was standing before his father. His dad was fighting bravely, but he was obviously no match. With a simple swipe, he was down on the ground. Clutching Eliendel firmly, he whispered his last words.

"This is not you, Rex." Flames shot from his mouth unvoluntarily, frying his father instantly. Rex wept, but his tears were aflame and only added to the destruction.

Moving again, he was before his mother. Behind her was a small figure. Looking closely, he saw it was Emily. Emily. The thought flew through his mind. He thought back to his near-death experience.

She's a beautiful woman now, Rex. You need to see her. Words clouded his mind and his vision. Grow up, Rex. And be strong. He knew this scene wasn't real. He knew this was the past. He knew he could beat the demon.

Surging forth within his own mind, Rex took Scion by surprise.

You are quite the amazing boy, Rex. I always knew you'd make a good pawn.

And I always knew I'd kill you slowly. Rex pushed, easily forcing Scion away from the threshold of his thoughts. Advancing quickly, he struck again within their mental battle. The one who had controlled him retreated back behind his own mental barriers. That will not stop me Rex taunted. Breaking through them quickly, Rex gave Scion some of his own thoughts. He poured in emotion. He gave him the pain he had felt throughout his traveling years. But through all this one thought burned bright and clear: Emily.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Back in the physical world, Mesfido had been blocking attacks that had become routine. Left, upper right, lower left, right in the middle. Looking back at his friend, he first saw distress, but eventually began to see a smile. Checking the demon's progress, he saw a grin of evil change quickly to a frown of dismay. The demon let off of his attack of the angel and clutched his head, moaning all the while. One word escaped his lips: "Emily." This was the moment the angel had been wating for.

OoC: Aw... I wanted to blow up the cave...

BiC:

The fallen angel saw the opening and he went for it. Flames flickered across his irises. With a mighty cry he plunged at the demon.

A blaze of fire raced behind the angel as he propelled himself towards the beast. His arms tightened their grip apon his blade as Mesfido rushed across the dark sky. He swung the tip of the Sword of the Pact down apon the demon’s ugly face.

Scales smashed against indestructible metal, sparks flying across the horizon. Scion had risen his arm as the blow was falling; he still seemed weak. Mesfido gazed into the demon of deceit’s blazing red eyes. The angel’s stare hardened. “This will have to do.”

Mesfido began to pour every ounce of strength he possessed into his fiery blade.

White-hot flames cascaded into the demon’s red skin, a gigantic bloody wound began to form as the intense dancing flames tore open the thick skin ripping it from the muscle. The air around the angel grew cold as he drew in every atom of fire that he could find into his body and out of his sword. He gritted his teeth as flames engulfed himself and Scion. A massive towering pillar of raging flames surrounded the two. Two words pierced the crackles of fire.

“Iaculum Sanctus!”

A flash of blinding light erupted from with the spinning inferno shattering the flames into tiny embers. A cyclone of earth and dust rose up from into the rising flames instantly turning to ash. All the noise suddenly ceased. The cloud of dust began to clear.

Thud

The single monotone sounded through the silent atmosphere. A dark human form lay silhouetted behind the clearing ash. A groan escaped its lips, as it rolled apon its side. Steam rose from its burning body. Slowly they began to rise from the ground, their feathered wings becoming visible. Mesfido was alive.

Crack!

The angel’s body was sent flying across the hot earth, a massive dark form stood where the angel had seconds before. Finally the dust disappeared revealing Scion’s towering red figure, he was there but he was incomplete.

A stench burned through the air, a thick blood red waterfall flowed from the demon’s shoulder. Dark smoke rose from the bleeding stump. Only metres from the demon lay a bloody mess that had once been a right arm. It was barely recognisable. Scion’s eyes burned with fury, he clenched his remaining fist in anger.

“You shall suffer like none other for that!”

Mesfido rose heavily to his feet, his body cold and tired. He supported himself apon the blade he had wielded for so long, his dear friend standing next to him. The two looked tiredly at the demon of deceit and fire.

“You shall burn in the pits of hell!”

OoC: Yay for stupid demon's that just won't die! Yeh, I thought I'd keep it going for a while longer, hope that's alright with you. Apologies for shortness. One other thing...

*does happy dance*

Word count=20,369. We rock.