Chapter I - Keeper of the Scrolls EPILOGUE
An Underground Lair
This is a place where nightmares are born. This is the realm of the Banished Pantheon. One particular Storm Shaman named Tiekuu sits in a BP lair far beneath the Earth. He is interrupted by a very unlikely visitor. An Agony Mage known as the Akarist teleports into Tiekuus chamber.
Tiekuu jumps to his defense. "How dare you violate the sanctity of my lair!" he yells. The Akarist puts his hands up in defense. "I am not here to attack you" the Akarist says. "I am here for a bargain" he adds. "Bargain?" Tiekuu smirks. A devilish grin comes across his face. "What do you have in mind?" he inquires. A sinister half smile appears on the Akarists face. "The spirits will not allow a war between any of our clans" he says. Tiekuu stands up from his stone throne. "So what do you suggest?" he asks. "We must find a way to destroy the ancients" the Akarist suggests. Tiekuu gets even more interested in the Akarists suggestion. "And how do you suppose we do that?" Tiekuu asks. The Akarist looks down slightly and an evil expression comes across his face. "I know of a way. .. . . " he says with a sadistic smile on his face and his eyes starting to ignite with fire.
Chapter II - Brother's Keeper
In a large, circular field surrounded by torches and stone monuments of warriors of the past lay a training ground for all desiring to be an elite shadow assassin. Becoming so was an incredible honor as you were looked upon as one of the finest and bravest warriors within the tribe.
Beyond this training ground, if one was accepted beyond that point was the Cave of Shadows, a place where those worthy of the true Shidao power schooled and were taught the Principles of the Night and the balance-induced art of Shadowstepping.
All of this was usually a hereditary obligation, given opportunity only to those who were of royal Shidao blood. However, with the heightened threat of the Circle of Thorn and Banished Pantheon, the Masters felt that there was more than enough potential within the clan to be harnessed and used for the good of their people.
It was then that Ninjin made the concious decision to no longer live in the shadow of his brother and step out to make a claim of his own. It was on that training ground that he convinced the Masters that they made no mistake in allowing anyone not of the royal family to know the Shidao secrets. Ninjin excelled in all areas of his craft, exhibiting true fighting form and obtaining the balance of Shadowstepping far quicker than any one had ever seen.
But this had never been his intention. Ninjin had never had plans to train, to fight, or to harness dark powers. He and his brother, at a young age, were inseperable. They conducted all of their schooling together and wherever you saw one, the other was not far behind. Even when Darqlocke decided to join others, trying their hand and sealing their fates at the hands of the Masters at the training ground, Ninjin was readily available to support his brother.
Darqlocke showed promise. He showed an inner power that no one else had seen within the Shidao clan in many a year. He was a prodigy and everything that he did came as a natural tact to him. He had no fear when it came to facing anyone in battle and could recite the Principles better and faster than any Master ever could (although he or they would never admit it). It was at this point that Ninjin became Darqlocke's little brother. If there was ever a question as to Darqlocke's whereabouts, it was Ninjin that was asked. The whole clan knew of his brother and and he became something of an association.
So Ninjin went to the training grounds, filled with it's history and rich, cultural background to become a power of his own. To make his name known and to show everyone that the unique abilities that his brother possessed, Ninjin was also prodigal of that bounty.
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Darqlocke walked along the outer ring of the training grounds as Ninjin practiced his stealth movement inside the circle. He was preparing himself for a tournament that was being held in honor of the yearly celebration held in honor of the Masters, called Festivus Nocturne. This was Ninjin's first involvement in the the Festivus Nocturne as a warrior and also as an individual.
Darqlocke looked over his brother's movments with extreme interest as he carefully connected each of the Shadow arts into one allowing the principles to flow freely through his actions, "You are progressing well, brother."
Ninjin continued his practice, acknowleding his brother's presence, but choosing not to break the concentration he had already gained.
Darqlocke cocked his head slightly at Ninjin's behavior towards him, feeling a sense of shock and disappointment at such a disrespectful nature, "Your attitude reeks of self-righteous anger."
Without breaking stride, Ninjin glances over at his brother as he watched him like father watching his son, "My attitude reeks of indignation."
This caught Darqlocke's attention as he felt he had finally hit a nerve within Ninjin, "And what might have been the unjust cause?"
Ninjin came to the final movements of his form, bringing forth a dark wind that encircled him and emanated from his being. As the swirls came closer to his body he gradually became a visual blur, becoming a presence as thin as the air itself.
Ninjin completed his exit step disappearing into the night and the only thing remaining were words that seemed to float in the wind, "Being your brother."
Chapter IIa - The coming of the Light
Weeks have past since the Shadow Warriar Darqlocke has bested 2 powerful warriars in the rival clans the Banished Panthean and the Circle of Thorns. He has since watch his brother Ninjin evolve into a warriar of the highest class. Darqlocke, although he will not admit it, is the Shidao's most skilled and powerful of warriars. Master the dark powers of Mind and Body.
He now sits in silence. The container with the Nocturnal Scrolls on the ground in front of him. Master Trive enters the room. "Ahh young Darqlocke" he says. "Master" Darqlocke says as he breaks his concentration. "Don't let me disturb you" says Master Trive. "It is not that Master. I seek your council" Darqlocke replies. "What troubles you?" Master Trive asks.
"These scrolls. I sense that he's coming for them" says Darqlocke. "Your powers have truly elevated. Who is coming?" Master Thrive asked. "I know not his name only his essence. An assassin of pure light. The word is out that the Shidao are the keepers of the scrolls" Darqlocke says. Master Thrive looks worried. Naver before in his 700 years has a being from the Light ever came to the grounds of the SHidao. This being must be powerful. Only Darqlocke has sensed him. Master Thrive loses his train of thought for a minute. He thinks about the evolution of Darqlocke powers. He seems to be getting more powerful by the day but even Darqlocke seems worried about this being of Light. "I shall inform the council" Master Thrive says as he walks away with great haste. Darqlocke drops back down to his knees and contines his meditation.
Chapter III - Illumination
It is around mid-day. The Sun in the sky shining brightly. Master Riliak comes out of his home and looks into the air. The sun seems to be getting brighter. As he looks around the shadows of homes and trees and such are slowly fading. Soon there is no shade or shadow from anything. Master Riliak walks to the entrance of the village. What he notices in the distance is astounding. A small ball of light is coming closer to the village.
The ball of light exploded in a flash of light. The light started to take a form. A humanoid body was the result. The being glowed from head to toe with pure light. He had no distinctions about him. His entire body was white. He had no hair and no pupils in his eyes. He look almost like an illusion to the naked eye.
Master Riliak watched on as shapes of shadows started to appear in the area. The Shidao warriars shadowstep. Four warriars appear btween the village and the Light Assassin.
They run towards him with silent swiftness. In their hands were small orbs of pure darkness. They run in a pack close together. The Light Assassin fires a wide arced wave of pure light energy. The 4 warriars split up and dodge the attack. They appear behing him. They attack him with the orbs. As the orbs hit him they explode on impact with dark energy. They did not seem to have an effect on him. Only patches of darkness were left on his body where they exploded. Soon the light aura emanating from his body consumed the darkness. The Shidao warriars begin to attack him using hand to hand combat. He took every hit they could dish out. They had no effect on him. This thing is a tank. He then balled to himself and releases a flash of pure light. The light blinded all 4 warriars. They could not move. The light flashed around their head and the stood their motionless. The Light Assassin then releases an energy torrent thatinstantly killed the 4 warriars. Their bodies lay on the ground behind him as continues his walk towards the village.
Master Riliak turned to go warn the other warriars and runs into Darqlocke who witness the entire battle. In his hand were the Nocturnal Scrolls. "Take these to safety" Darqlocke said as he handed Master Raliak the scrolls. There was a look in his eyes that Master Raliak has never saw before. Darqlocke began to walk towards the Light Assassin.
"So you are the best the Shidao has to offer" the Light Assassin says with the echoe in his voice. "How you found our sanctum is a mystery indeed but you will not leave here with the Nocturnal scrolls" Darqlocke says. "Then we shall see" the Light Assassin says.
The :ight Assassin releases a wave of pure light energy. Datqlocke blocks the wave with a dark shield that appears as he puts his arms up in defense. Darqlocke leaps into the air. The LA fires another blast. The wave hits a created decoy of Darqlocke as he shadowsteps behind the LA and hits him in the small of his back with the palms of both his hands. This was enough to damage the LA and the impact knocks him forward. The LA raises his hands and releases the flash of light. The light blinds Darqlocke and he stands there in held by the blindness. The LA grabs DL by the chest and lifts him into the air and slams him to the ground. He then stomps on DL chest. Darqlocke shadowsteps out of the way of the second stomp. Darqlocke then raises his arms in the air. A shodowy phantom of Darqlocke is released from his body. Then another one. Then another. There were now 3 phantoms that were identical to Darqlocke. They all fire blasts of pure darkness at the LA. The LA tried to fend off the attacks but was eventually over matched and was held. Darqlocke walks over to him and grabs him by the throat with his left hand. He lifts the LA into the air. With his right hand he punches the LA in the chest. A flash of darkness explodes from the impact. Darqlocke drops the broken body to the ground. DL places his hand on the forehead of the LA. The light aura that emanates from the LA was dimming. Soon it was extinguished as DL absorbed all the light from the creature. Darqlocke stands and turns away from the village and looks into the distance.
"I know this is just the beginning! But send all the warriars you can because soon I will be coming for you!" Darqlocke yelled.
Chapter IIIa - The Path
Darqlocke rides his steed through the dirt fields of Greece. Along with him 5 young Shidao students. They are all covered in robes and clothes revealing only their face. Not much of Darqlocke's face can be seen he has on a thick hood. As he rides he thinks of battling the Light Assassin just 6 weeks ago. He wonders if another attack is coming and can he protect the young students who want to be Shidao warriars.
They come to the town of Itheus. A rather medium sized town. An old man greets them. "Welcome to Itheus stranger" he says. As he looks into Drqlockes face he begins to tremble and runs away in fear. Darqlocke continues to ride. "Why does he cower Master Darqlocke?" says one of the young men. "Because we are different from them young one. They fear what they do not understand. It is natural" he replies. They continue riding.
As they ride the people of the town gaze at them and people begin to move with haste and fear. "Should we leave Master?" one of the yourg boys asks. "No young Cadimar, we have business here." he says. They come across a man sitting on the side of the road. He is an old man. With tattered and dirty clothes wrapped around his body. "You wish to find Noutaneous?" he asks. "Yes. He has something for me old man" Darqlocke says. "Follow me and I shall take you to him" he says.
((To Be Concluded))
Ninjin had been the Meditation Fields when Master Riliak had come to visit him. He had been trying to release the frustration that continued to fester in him as his brother's status began to grow even more with his recent accumulation with the Light Assassin's power. It was never that he had wanted to be the one to defeat him, it was solely that he wanted his brother to recognize him as an equal. Although Darqlocke was not seeing the two of them in different lights, Ninjin was not understanding that because of the the rest of the clan. He felt as if all they saw was Darqlocke and the shadow that existed behind him had been himself.
Master Riliak had known of the silent fury growing inside of the younger brother for quite some time. He had had every intention of talking with him, but with the recent information of an impending attack he had concentrated his efforts on protecting the Nocturnal Scrolls.
"You have something to say to me Master Riliak," Ninjin asked, assuming that this was just another clan member attempting to keep him from his goal as an assassin.
"Ninjin, your presence awareness has been honed into a tool formidable of any warrior, " Riliak said pleased.
"But I gather you are not here to speak of my abilities," Ninjin stood up, gathering his robe off the ground and brushing the grass off of it, "So why are you here Master Riliak?"
"Ninjin there was an attack on the tribe."
Ninjin suddenly became alert to his surroundings as Master Riliak spoke and scanned the area for any threat, "What? Where?"
"Darqlocke took care of the menace. It was some sort of Light Assassin. He came for the scrolls and your brother... absorbed his power."
"He... he what?"
"Your shock is just as expected as mine was when he accomplished the feat."
Riliak walked along the Meditation field, frowning his brows as if tryong to think of an explanation, "He has grown to be quite a your warrior, but I fear that he may become too much for himself."
A light smirk grew on Ninjin's face, "So what? You want me to do something about it? Darqlocke was a creation of greed, power, and self-respect. Self-gratification comes at your own hand, not at the hand of my brother."
Enlightened by this accusation Master Riliak harshens his tone, speaking down to Ninjin, "Is that what you think this is? You think we made him? You think that in some way, shape, or form we have denied ourselves the respect of this clan by giving it the one honor higher than any other?"
He silenced himself, studying Ninjin's vacant reaction to his words. He softened his expression and fold his hands within his robes, "You have a lot to learn Young Ninjin."
Ninjin didn't have to think about what Riliak was saying as he had tuned out any of his responses, knowing that they were of indignant nature. He continued to meet his Masters stare head on as if a battle had ensued in their minds and the only movement between them was the wind that briskly swayed their robes.
Ninjin broke the silence, Master Riliak, never has there been a conflict of interest when obtaining the Nocturnal Scrolls. Never has there been any further hostility toward the opposing clans once the Orxalm was complete. Never, of course, until in this year. The year we obtain the scrolls.
Ninjin came within inches of the Master, without permission. This was an extreme sign of disrespect and disregard of anything held sacred on behalf of the Shidao Creed. Riliak was taken aback by his remarks and infidelity. Although, this was considered punishable by torture, Riliak did nothing. He stood his ground as Ninjin brought a fierce gaze, glowing a dark purple flame aura around him with each breath he took. Ninjin knew that he had not the power to destroy the Master, but it did not stp him from letting him know that he wanted to. His brother meant more to him than any training or principle or creed and they would know that soon enough.
So tell me Master... why is that?
Riliak caused a small ripple in the grass, making it wave in a domino effect as he raised himself off the ground floating effortlessly above Ninjin.
You know nothing!
His eyes blazed a purple and black spark as he clapped his hands together sending an elliptic blast toward the young one, causing him to double back into a defensive position. When Ninjin had come to face his attacker, there was nothing to be seen except the remnants of dark blast, vaporizing into the air.
It starts.
CHAPTER IIIa - The Path (continued)
Darqlocke and his students follow the old man down a narrow path that led out of town into a shadwoy forest. The tree limbs stuck out like reaching hands. There was a chill in the air. The students felt as though they were being watched. Darqlocke was completely in tuned with his senses. He was calm and collected. his prime directive was to meet with Noutaneous the Seer.
The men come across a large stone structure. The path continued below ground into the stone structure. "You may leave your steeds," The old man said without even making eye contact.
After following the path below ground the men come to a huge ivory door. The door opens and they are greeted by a woman. A warm chill jolts through Darqlocke's body. A feeling that is both unusual and soothing. She immediately looks Darqlocke in the eye. There was a suttle sexiness about her. Darqlocke begain to be intrigued by her. "I am Kiona. Lord Noutaneous awaits your presence" she says as she brushes her hair back on the right side of her head.
They walk into a large chamber. There are hundreds of candles lit in this room. In the very center of the room is an altar. At the foot of the altar sat Noutaneous. He was not what they expected. His skin was a sort of golden color. His eyes were bright white with no pupils. No robes or garbs. Just a leather vest that extended to the floor. He looked to be about his mid 20s.
"Darqlocke I presume. I knew the day would come when you would come to me" he said with a slight smile on his face. "Master Riliak said I should come to you and ask of the origins of the Light Assassin and how I was able to absorb his powers" Darqlocke says as he takes the hood from over his head. "Where do you think he comes from?" Noutaneous asks. A strange look comes acrosss the face of Darqlocke. ". . ." Darqlocke did not know how to respond. "You are beings of the darkness. Once you took possession of the Nocturnal Scrolls, did you not see the beginnig?" Noutaneous says. "Beginning of what?" DL immediately asks as he moves in closer and sits in front of the seer. "The answers you seek are already there. You do not need my words to decide what to do. You must simply look within yourself" he said. "I cannot help you Darqlocke. Leave me." Noutaneous says.
Darqlocke stands. His body began to glow with a purple aura. His eyes started to glow with fiery rage. He grabbed the seer by the vest and lifted him into the air. Noutaneous smiles. "You think you have no direction young warriar. You think you don't know what to do. Well your problem is that your actions are not always your own" Noutaneous said. Darqlocke released him. Noutaneous fell to the ground. Darqlocke turned and walked out of the chamber, his students following him. Darqlocke had the expression that he had just realized something. "I will return seer." DL says grudgingly as he walks out of the chamber.
The woman Kiona follows him. Noutaneous collects himself and stands. "And when you return you shall be the master of your own destiny instead of a mere pawn, I fear."
Chapter I - A Keeper of the Scrolls
Athens, Greece. 1698.
A clan of Shadow Warriors called the Shidao await the arrival of the Ancient Spirits of Darkness. One man within this clan is Darqlocke. He believes he was born for the honor that will be bestowed upon him this day. He sits in meditation on the stone floor in the center of his clans emblem in the Shidao's Temple.
The silence in the room is interupted. Darqlocke opens his eyes. He turns his head to the right. "Your stealth is impressive, brother", says Darqlocke. The figure steps out of the shadows. "I was never able to approach you, brother" says the man. Darqlocke stands. "Are you prepared for the arrival of the ancients?" says the man. "I am. . . Ninjin" says Darqlocke. A strange look goes across Ninjin's face. "That is the 1st time you refered to me by my Shidao name" says Ninjin. Darqlocke walks towards his brother and places his hand on his shoulder. They turn and walk towrds the main door. "Master Riliak tells me you have completed the trial with great haste and accuracy. Far superior to any others in your class" says Darqlocke. A rare smile goes across the face of Ninjin.
The two brothers walk into a courtyard. At the opposite end sits a cabal of wisemen. They are dressed in ceremonial robes and hoods. The eldest of the Shidao clan is Master Trive. "So the two brothers arrive at last" says Master Trive. "How are you Master?" says Darqlocke. "I am well young Darqlocke" he replies. One of the mens eyes begin to glow and an aure emanates around him. "The ancients arrival is near we must gather in the Great Hall" he says.
All around them shadows began to shift and dark mists pass through. The shadows seem to be moving and shifting. This is the way the warriors of the Shidao travel.
In the Great Hall.
Representatives from two rival clans enter the Hall. They gather in a triangle like formation. On one corner is the representatives of the Shidao; Master Trive, Master Riliak, Darqlocke, and his brother Ninjin. On one of the other corners were representatives from the Banished Pantheon; A huge Totem, a Death Spirit Mask, and 2 Shamons. And the final piece of the triangle is representatives of the Circl of Thorns; A Behemoth Overlord, an Agony Mage, and 2 spectral Daemons.
The tension between these 3 clans is thick. They have all been trying to gain the favor of the Ancient Spirits of Darkness for centuries. The Ancients will not allow a war between the clans. All of their powers come from the same source; the Darkness. The Shidao are more Shadow based beings. Mastering the arts of stealth and darkness. The Banished Pantheon masters the dark powers of Nature. The Circle of Thorns mastered Black magic. This day the ancients deemed one of the Clans worthy to safeguard the Nocturnal scrolls. Each clan has a representative that will battle for the right to take possession of the scrolls. This is the only battle that the Ancients will allow between the clans.
In the center of the triangle formation there is an alter. The alter begins to smoke. An a flash of dark energy lashes out. There sits 5 ghostly spirits. All cloaked in robes. Their faces are not revealed. All parties kneel to these beings. "This battle is known as the Orxalm. Three of you will battle until 2 of you cannot. The victor will recieve the Noctural Scrolls for his clan" one of the ancients beckoned. "The representative of each clan stand and prepare for battle" another ancient adds.
For the Shidao stands Darqlocke. He takes off his robe to reveal his clans markings tatooed across his shoulders. For the Banished Pantheon stands the Totem. This creature is pure dark energy with Banished Pantheon armor bonded to it. The scary thing about this creature is it was once a man. For the Circle of Thorns stands the Behemoth Overlord. This creature emitts a fiery aura from its body. The remaining members of each clan step back to allow them to battle.
"Engage your enemy" calls one of the ancients.
The Totem immediately swings its massive fist at the behemoth, who in turn dodges the attack. The behemoth creates a huge sword of fire and slices off the arm of the Totem. The overlord then breathes fire at Darqlocke who escapse the flames by leaping to the side. The Totem punches Darqlocke. Darqlocke jumps backwards leaving a shadowy version of himself for the creature to hit while the actual Darqlocke delivered a Shadow kick through the decoy and hit the Totem in the chest. The force and power of the kick completely obliterated the Totem leaving the armor to fall to the ground. Darqlocke then consumed the dark energy that lingered in the air from the Totem. With that energy he created another decoy. This decoy was in the image of Darqlocke himself. The Behemoth Overlord took to the air with its large wings. The force from the wings were able to knock Darqlocke to the ground. The behemoth overlord threw a fire ball at the decoy lighting it on fire. The overlord then dove at the downed Darqlocke. As he flew in closer he noticed a purple aura emanting from Darqlockes hands. Before the creature could change directions Darqlocke unleashed a wave of dark energy that burned through the overlord and left his bones to fall to the floor in front of Darqlocke.
The BP and COT were enraged. The ancients were also very shocked. "Never before have a seen a mortal master the powers of darkness as you Darqlocke" one ancient said. Another ancient presented him with a container. "In this container lies the Nocturnal scrolls. It is now your clans responsiblity to safeguard them from the beings of light. In 100 years we shall hold another Orxalm. Until then. . .... " an ancient says as they fade away into the darkness.
The Agony Mage from the COT was irrate. "This is not over Shidao." he says as he and his daemons fade. The BP pick up the armor of the downed Totem and walk off into darkness.
"You have honored the Shidao this day, Darqlocke. May we feast in your honor" says Master Trive.