Casting Shadows

[Mini_Bert]

NOTE: This has NOTHING to do with PSO! It's background for RP characters, I figured I'd share it.

Casting Shadows

Prologue
=======

A tall man sat in the window of a small house. His long blonde hair, neatly tied into a long pony tail dangled down across the window-sil, his long blue robe's sleeves spread draped over his hands, one hanging loosely by his side, the other on his right knee. He sat with one leg dangling beside his arm, and the right leg bent with his right hand placed on the knee. He stared blankly out into the heavy rain with his gentle blue eyes, drifting into deep thought....

"Sir Gaia." A voice called from within the house.

"Yes, what is it?" Gaia replied, turning his head to the voice. A short man with ruffled brown hair was standing in a brightly lit doorway.

"It's terrible weather out there, are you still leaving?" The man asked, seeming concerned

"I have to, somebody must know what's going on...." Gaia trailed off, looking at the floor.

"I know sir, but, the weather is terrible, if you go out there you may not be travelling very long." The man persisted.

"I thank you for your concern, Laon, but please, let me leave." Gaia got up, and grabbed a long silver sword, almost as big as he was. It was held by a leather strap, with a button with an odd design holding it in place. He pick up the leather strap and slung it around himself.

"Very well sir, but if you ever need a place to stay..." Laon started "I'll come here." Gaia finished his sentence as he opened the creaky door.

Gaia stepped out into the large village. The village was decoid of activity, totally silent, except for the sound of the rain viciously pounding on the roof's of neighbouring houses. Gaia's long hair was instantly soaked by the rain, it stuck to his clothes and face. Gaia wiped his hair out of his eyes, and began to walk to the village gate. A voice called back from Laon's house.

"Hold, Gaia!" A strong voice called from just outside the door. Gaia turned to look who it was, he couldn't see his face clearly. But he was covered in a silver armour, which appeared to have a red outline, he was fairly tall, not as tall as Gaia though. His brown hair was held in place despite the rain, going up and out on both sides, then sliding back to meet at a point behind his neck, and on either side of his hair were two blades, with handles embedded in them, making them a full blade. Gaia knew who it was.

"Haha. Couldn't resist, could you Veron?" Gaia almost yelled.

"Are you joking good sir? Of course I can resist! I choose to help a man in need!" Veron yelled back.

"Well if you're going to tag along, you're going have to come out of the rain." Gaia said sarcastically as he continued walking. Veron was reluctant to walk in such heavy rain. but he stepped out into the open and ran after Gaia.

"Very funny. Now would you mind telling me what exactly you're looking for?" Veron inquired as they passed through the village gate. Gaia stopped and looked at him.

"I'll tell you on a brighter day my friend. For now, all you need to know is that answers are required to questions." Gaia continued walking, now on the wet road, the dirt under their feet soft and wet. Veron stood, wondering, then caught up with Gaia, knowing not to ask again. Veron had no idea what he had just gotten himself into, for this journey wasn't going to be without casualties.

=====================================
Chapter 1 - Bladen Knight and Earthen Sage
=================================

It had been several days since Veron and Gaia had left the safety of the large village. The rain had finally stopped, the two of them were drenched to the bone, but were happy to finally see the sun. Not many words were spoken between the two travellers, one had much to ask, but the other had more to answer. Veron sat on a rock and drew his left blade, holding it up to the sun and examining it. Gaia stared up blankly into the sky.

"Will you at least tell me where we're headed?" Veron asked, still examining the blade. Gaia got up and looked at him.

"I guess I owe you that much. We're headed to a small secluded village in the Belarian mountains." Gaia stared at Veron, awaiting a response, which soon followed as Veron switch his gaze to Gaia, appearing concerned.

"The Belarian mountains? The people there don't take kindly to strangers. What possible profit could you make from there?" Veron inquired.

"There's someone there....he knew about my father....and his....powers....." Gaia looked away from Veron. In response, Veron sheathed his blade and got up.

"Dare I ask what powers you speak of?" Veron prepared to be rejected.

"I would answer, but I honestly have no idea." Gaia looked worried. "But we should keep moving, we have a long road ahead...." Gaia trailed off, then started walking. Veron followed closely.

After many hours of walking, Veron spotted a small village on the horizon. He began to run towards the small village, his armour clinking together as he ran. Gaia continued his solid pace after Veron, knowing its not gonna get him any closer to Belaria. Veron entered the small village, looking frantically for an inn, he hadn't slept on a bed in days. Veron appeared relieved as he spotted an inn near the forest skirting the village, he ran inside and began to talk to the inn keeper.

"Good Sir, would you have any room open? My friend and I haven't slept well in days." Veron was anxious to get to sleep.

"Now....old on there Mr...." The inn keeper said slowly.

"Veron." Veron stated, "Right, Veron. Well Mr. Veron, I don't just give my rooms to any one....they have to be trusthworthy...." the inn keeper spoke slowly.

"I, my good inn keep, am a Bladen Knight of the emperial city Jurian!" Veron explained to the inn keeper.

"Jurian you say? Never heard of it." Veron stumbled backwards at these words, and place his hand on his face. "What is it that you're talking about 'Bladen Knight'?" The inn keeper asked.

"Jurian! I am a Bladen Knight, trained to protect the emperor of Jurian! He rules the country of Ceris?" Veron persisted.

"What nonsense do you speak of? If you are trained to protect him, why are you here?" The inn keeper persisted. Veron began to get angry with the old man.

"Listen you useless old man, can you give my friend and I a room for the night or not!" Veron yelled at the inn keeper.

"What friend?" The inn keeper asked innocently. Veron turned around, noticing Gaia wasn't here yet.

"AAAAAAAAAAH!!!!" Veron drew his left blade and threw it into the wall. Gaia walked in slowly, looking at Veron, who was red faced with frustration.

"Excuse me sir, but could you allow me and Veron to stay the night? I shall pay you in advance." Gaia placed several gold pieces on the inn keepers desk.

"Well why didn't you say so!" Handing a key to Gaia, "Third door down the hall, right side." The inn keeper pointed down the hall. Gaia began walking in the direction of the room. While Veron walked the other direction to get his blade.

"Only give to trustworthy people....greedy old...." Veron mumbled to himself as he attempted to get his blade out of the wall.

"You'll be paying for that wall too." The inn keeper persisted. Veron got the blade out of the wall, and walked over to the inn keeper.

"You'll be lucky if I don't use your head to fill that hole!" Veron held his blade up to the inn keepers neck, he nodded slowly. As Veron walked away, he let out a sigh of relief.

The room was relativly small, a bed on either side of the room, a window on the wall furthest from the door. Just another inn, but anything was better than the ground. Veron slept like a log that night, completly unmoving, and snoring loudly. His armour and blades were hung off the end of his bed, drapeing onto the floor. Gaia sat up on his bed, unable to sleep, and not just because of Veron's snoring. He sat staring at his hands, fixated on his fingers, and how an odd energy coursed through them. Gaia looked out the window, and waved his hand. A large rock jetted noisily up from the ground outside the window.

"What is this power....why do I have it.....what is it? Father said it was the 'Earthen Sage's gift....but what does that mean?" Gaia trailed off and laid in bed, thinking of his powers, his father, and the only person who could answer his questions.

====================
Note: I have up to chapter 7 done, but I'll wait for input >>

[Grave_Guardian]

Very interesting. Ah hell it's great so far keep posting more.

[Mini_Bert]

I got alot of positive feed back from the people at rpg freedom too xD Since its your birthday GG, I'll post chapter 2 ^^ Oh, and Happy birthday ^^
==============================
Chapter 2 - Unwanted Attention
=======================

As Gaia and Veron lay sleeping in the safety of the inn, they are unaware of the danger that is currently marching to this small village...

"All units, halt!" A man wearing a black suit commanded as he turned to look at a horde of miltia troops, some wearing armour, and each wielding their own weapon. "We will arrive at the village within the next hour. Many of you are tired and wish to rest, well tough, we still have a little ways to go, but we'll take the village with practically no retalliation, got it?" The man yelled at his troops, they all gave a unified "Yes, sir!" The man turns back around, "Ok then, all units, move out!" With that all the men began to march.

"Kuris and his men believe they are suprise attacking this small village, but when they get here, we'll take them Archer squad will take as many of them out before they reach the village, Fighter squad will engage what's left of the forces and eleminate them. Protect the villagers at all cost, is that clear?" A woman stood in front of an army of archers and knights, giving them orders. She had long blonde hair, reaching her waist. she was covered with armour, green armour, she had a long bow strapped to her back and a sword hung loosely by her side. She seemed ready for battle, but her face seemed gentle, her green eyes seemed to shimmer in the light. An archer stepped forward.

"Yes miss Carissa." The archer answered.

"Alright, archer's with Arion, fighters with me!" Carissa yelled at the troops, Arion nodded in agreement. The archers followed Arion to their posts outside the village, hiding in trees and behind bushes awaiting Kuris and his men. Carissa moved the troops into the village, causing some distress throughout the village about why there were warriors here. The villagers all ran into their homes and shut the windows.

The inn keeper looked out the window seeing the soldiers, and began to worry. "Hold on, didn't I just put a knight in one of my rooms?! He can protect me!" the inn keeper practically yelled to himself and ran down the hall to the room, he turned the knob and walked forward, right into the door. The inn keeper fell backwards. Veron fell off his bed at the sound of the inn keeper hitting the door.

"Oh what now you crazy...." Veron talked to himself.

"Boys! Something's going on! Their are soldiers in the village!" The inn keeper yelled through the door. Veron got up of the floor and ran to the end of his bed. He picked up his armour and threw it on, tieing his leg plates on. He picked up his twin blades and sheathed them. Gaia sat up, grabbing his sword. Veron ran over and opened the door, to see the inn keeper on the floor looking out the window at the soldiers.

Arion waved silently to the other archers to load there bows, as Kuris and his men walked closer. Arion took an arrow and loaded it into his bow, and aimed at the soldiers. "FIRE!!!" Arion yelled, as a volley of arrows flew from the forest around Kuris' and his men, Kuris drew his sword and cut an arrow in mid flight.

"Ambush! All units attack!" Kuris ran forward followed by his men, the archers continued to fire volleys, takeing many lives of soldiers in the process, but as the Kuris militia made it past the bushes, they began to easily annhilate the archers.

"Archers, retreat!" Arion yelled as he ran back into the forest. Kuris' militia began to celebrate.

"Idiots! This was just the first wave! There's most likely another wave of soldiers waiting for us! So hold your damn celebrating and move out!!" Kuris yelled as he ran towards the village, followed by his militia. Kuris stopped just before he came into the village, his militia ran out and began a bloody battle with Carissa's warrior's. Carissa parried an oncoming spear and stabbed through the spearsman quickly. A swordsman went to attack Carissa from behind, Arion intercepted with a punch to the swordsmans head sending him flying across the ground.

"Thanks for the help Arion." Carissa said playfully as she locked swords with another swordsman, tripping him with a leg sweep.

"Anytime miss." Arion said as he grabbed a sword from the swordsman Carissa grounded, and the battle continued.

Gaia, Veron and the inn keeper watched the bloody scene from inside then inn. Veron became enraged at the thought of makeing such a nice small village into a battle field. He drew his twin blades, holding one in front of his horizontally and one behind him horizontally and ran to the door.

"Wait! Only attack the milita! I recognise the soldiers, they're an imperial defence force, and that's commander Carissa! Don't harm them!" The inn keeper yelled at Veron. Veron stopped in the doorway. He began to think "Carissa? That name sounds familiar...."

"I won't, thank you for warning me old man." Veron ran out into the bloody battle field. The inn keeper turned to Gaia.

"Aren't you going to help him?" The inn keeper asked innocently, Gaia shook his head.

"I can't risk my life just yet...." Gaia trailed off and went to sit down, the inn keeper stared at him blankly, who did this guy think he was?

As Veron ran out, he was attacked by a milita man with an axe, he swung the axe horzintally at Veron. Veron ducked the blow, balanceing himself with one of his blades, he did a leg sweep knocking over the axe man; before the man hit the ground, Veron shifted his other blade under him, falling onto the blade and skewering himself. Veron ran out to the battle field and help engage the milita.

Back in the forest, Kuris picked up a long bow and an arrow, heading to the edge of the forest and aimed the arrow into the fray. "For too long have you haunted me, miss Carissa, it's too bad you have to die now, I suppose I'll miss the challenge." Kuris pulled the arrow back on the bow, and let if fly straight towards Carissa. Veron struck down another militia man, when he saw the arrow fly out of the forest. Veron was too far away to stop the arrow, but someone else had noticed, and was much closer.

"Aaaaaaaah...." Arion stood in front of Carissa, with an arrow in his chest, and fell to the ground. Carissa turned and looked at Arion's limp body. She stood in awe of the bloody scene.

"What....why?...." Carissa stopped fighting, and fell to Arion's side. Veron looked at the bloody man, and how Carissa weeped for him.... Then he turned to his attention to the man standing in the forest holding a bow, Veron's face went red, and he ran towards the man, blades front and back. He jumped through the bushes, blades vertically up on either side of him.

"Coward!!!!" Veron fell towards Kuris, bringing his blades down on him, vertically slahsing his arm, and diagonally cuting through his chest. Kuris let out a gasp for breath, and fell to the ground.

Veron brought walked out of the forest, holding Kuris' blood drenched body up to show the militia. "Unless you want to share his fate, leave now!" Veron barked at the militia, the militia soldiers looked at eachother, then dropped their weapons and ran away as fast as they could. Veron hadn't known any of the soldiers lost, but as he dropped the bloody carcass, tears came forth for the soldiers who gave their lives in a pointless battle....

"Thank you....Good Bladen Knight...." Carissa said as she got up from Arions body, she smiled softly, "I don't know what you were doing in such a small village, but I'm in your debt." Carissa bowed to him.

"It's my duty to protect all of this continents citzens...." Veron said, slightly angrily, looking away to the left. Gaia emerged from the inn, and stepped through the bloody scene making his way to Veron.

"It's time to leave Veron, we have to get to Belaria asap." Gaia said bluntly. Veron looked at him angrily, Gaia looked back sympathetically, Veron's face turned to a sad face.

"Yes I know....Lets get moving....." Veron said quietly as he began walking.

"Wait!" Carissa yelled, "You need to get to some where? This should help...." Carissa handed Veron a highly decorated golden key, "It's a key to the gates of Pey, there's a man who lives there, Zent, he will make your travels easier...." Carissa stepped aside and let them by, "I thank you for everything, Bladen Knight."

"I await the day I will see you again." Veron pocketed the key, and started to walk, "and my name, is Veron." Veron said quietly as he and Gaia walked off on the road. Carissa smiled to herself, and moved her troops. Then the inn keeper came running out.

"You still have to pay your leaving fee!"

[HUchamp]

read a few paragraphs but i have to go to bed now so ill read it tomorow.. bust so far so good!!!

[Grave_Guardian]

Thanks Mini. People are so nice on here, I am not used to it. People in my area can be so rude for no reason. Keep up the good work Mini.

[DarkMagician]

Thanks Mini. People are so nice on here, I am not used to it.

We're not nice...we just want to catch you unawares...mwuhahahahah!

...good story Albert. I prefered the Power of... stories though...heh

[Mini_Bert]

Well you only like them because they were pso related and you were in it xD You will see references to Power Of throughout these stories...

But these ones are much better written xD!!
====================
Chapter 3 - The Earth Skimmer
=======================

It was a bright sunny day. Birds were chirping, there was a gentle wind blowing, and the sun heated the ground, giving life to the many plants. The massive walls of Pey intterupt the natural beauty. The large stone walls seem to spread forever, and are far too high to climb. Four gaurds stand at the gate, and six more patrol the top of the wall. There was one thing for sure, they were a big and well defended city. A tall man with short red hair and deep red eyes stepped out of the massive gates. He had a single thing and long sword by his side, and was clattered in armour, a helmet under his left arm. He appeared like the other guards, but his armour was lighter and his sword was thinner, no doubt a skilled swordsman. Gaia and Veron emerged from the forest, and walked down the open meadow road, still conversing about the previous days events.

"I think we lost him. Stupid greedy old man." Veron said in a sigh of relief.

"Why couldn't we have just payed him?" Gaia asked, as if Veron was being an idiot.

"It's the principle of the thing sir. He's a money grubbing old man, I refuse to pay him." Veron tripped over his own feet. Gaia put his hands behind his head and kept walking.

"Everyone needs money, Veron. I already have alot, I dont see why I shouldn't pay." Gaia said innocently. Veron got back up and dusted his armour off.

"Yes well...." Veron trailed off knowing he was defeated, "Where are we heading agian?" Veron asked innocently, Gaia stopped and turned to him.

"You forgot already? Carissa gave you a key to Pey so that we could find this Zent character, she said that he could make our travels faster. Though I'm guessing you weren't listening to a word she said, you were probably to busy admiring her." Gaia explained, and turned and continued walking. Veron stopped in place and rose a fist to Gaia.

"I wasn't! I heard every word she said! But I have a very bad memory!" Veron yelled at Gaia.

"Sure you do." Gaia continued walking with his hands behind his head, Veron's face went red with frustration, but cooled off and kept walking. To the left of them was a rather large log cabin, with smoke rising gently from the chimney. As Gaia looked at the picture perfect cabin, he forgot to look where he was going, and found himself on the ground.

"I'm sorry." Gaia said as he looked who he had run into, the red haired man sat across from him, his armour hitting the ground.

"That's quite alright, I should have been watching where I was going." The red haired man said as he stood up, not bothering to wipe the dust off his armour. "I was just happy to be heading home today. I'm sorry for the incident gentlemen." The red haired man began to walk towards the log cabin.

"That's your home? It's very nice." he said as he stood up. The red haired man turned and looked at him.

"Yes it is my home, thank you. Where are you headed?" The red haired man asked.

"We're heading into Pey, to look for someone named Zent. Right,Veron?" Gaia pointed out, Veron was busy wondering what was cooking in the red haired man's home, "Veron?"

"Huh, what? Oh, yes right....Zent...finding....yea..." Veron shook his head and came back into reality.

"Oh, the pilot. Zent lives in the far north east corner of Pey, he's got an air machine hangar next to his house, so you shouldn't have any problem finding his home." The red haired man explained as he turned and continued walking.

"Thank you good sir!" Veron yelled, and a faint "Your welcome!" was yelled back. "Well you heard the man, lets get going." Veron resumed walking. Gaia got up and followed.

After a fair distance of walking, they came close to the massive walls of Pey. Two of the sentries patrolling the wall pointed towards them and readied bows just in case. The four guards held spears forward, threatening the two. Veron reached into his pocket, pulling out the key, showing it to the closest guard. The guard grabbed the key and looked at it. He nodded in agreement, and allowed them to pass, all the other guards dropping their weapons to neutral positions. Veron placed the key in the massive gate, turning it and pushing the massive gate open enough so he could walk through. As he walked through, he withdrew the key. The guards closed the massive gate as they were sure they were gone.

The streets of Pey were bustling with activity, Gaia was knocked around by a few passing people, however, they avoided Veron. Veron shrugged at his companionm then began walking to the north east corner of the bustling city. Gaia attempted to follow, but was haveing a hard time getting through the massive crowds. Eventually he was out of the bustling activity, he saw Veron standing looking at a massive warehouse like structure.

"*pant* This *pant* must be it....*pant*" Gaia said, exhausted from trying to run through the crowd. Veron nodded slowly and walked to the small house beside the massive structure. Gaia followed slowly, slower than usual. Veron arrived to the small house and knocked on the door loudly. No answer. He knocked again.

"Zent! This is the Bladen Knight, Veron! I've been told by commander Carissa that you can aid my friend and I in our travels." Veron yelled through the door. Wait, did Veron just remember what Carissa said? Gaia thought to himself. The door opened, a man about Veron's height stepped out of the door. His hair was a sky blue, his eyes a dark brown. His hair fell over his left eye, the rest brushed neatly back. He wore black robes, and held two claws with long silver nails loosely. As he looked at the two travellers, he tossed his claws aside.

"Why didn't you say so? I thought you were that blasted tax man. Trying to take my money for owning an airship." Zent said scowling, as a short, fat man emerged from the bustling crowd, and upon seeing Zen't scowling face, he went running. Zent turned his attention to Veron, and Gaia. He grabbed a key from behind a painting and came out of the door, nodding for them to follow. He walked over to the gate of the airship hangar, placed the key in and turned it, sliding open the massive gate. Inside was an odd looking ship, the bottom was shaped like a sideways diamond, and on either side of that was an arm like structure, lined with openings that, apparently, made it fly. "You see, I'm not exactly sure how the thing works....I do know that every person in my family has piloted it, and that it's called the Earth skimmer." Zent presented it with one arm.

"Great, now load it up and we'll get heading to Belaria!" Gaia yelled from the doorway, Zent turned to him with a suprised look on his face.

"I'm sorry, but it's not really air worthy yet....it hasnt been used in awhile....umm could you give me until tomorrow to prepare it?" Zent asked, hoping not to be yelled at, Gaia flopped over limply.

"Ugh....Yea sure...." Gaia looked at Veron pathetically, "Back into the crowd?" Veron nodded, "Back into the crowd." Gaia flopped over again.

[DarkMagician]

Well...it WAS me that gave it an edge...not that I am being egotistical or anything...

[Mini_Bert]

Chapter 4 - Silent Blade of the Shadow

Veron opened the door to the inn, which was "conviently" placed in the south west corner of the city, much to Gaia's displeasure. The inn's first floor was a bar, which wasn't all suprising, most large cities have bar's at their inn's. The room stunk of smoke and alcohol, two men were fighting in one corner of the room, which was drawing most of the attention away from the Bladen Knight. Veron walked up to the bartender, and requested a room for one night, the bartender nodded and handed Veron a key. Gaia stumbled in through the door just as Veron turned around. Gaia was was holding his left arm with his right, and had a bruise on his right cheek. He walked over to Veron and stared at him.

"I'm not built for this big of a city." Gaia said, slightly angrily. Veron laughed and handed Gaia the key to the room. Gaia graciously accepted it and went upstairs to sleep. As he opened the door, he saw a silent room, with two rather large beds, a single wardrobe, and a closet. There was also a large window with a perfect view of the nearby treetops, Gaia smiled to himself. He placed his sword at the end of the bed, crawled in and threw the balnket over himself.

Back downstairs, Veron sat with a cup on his table. The people around him gave him odd looks, as if he was something other than human. He closed his eyes and leaned back on the chair, thinking of the bloody battle two days ago, and of how Carissa cried for Arion, he began to drift into deep thougtht...

The red haired man and his wife lay in bed, arms around eachother. They lay still together, however, it's not because they're asleep, the sheets above and beneath them were drenched in blood, there throats, slit, there sides, gashed, but they appear happy. A man almost Gaia's height stood in the room, off to the left of the bed. The blade strapped around his wrist reached far past his hand, the tip and edges were covered in blood. The moonlight shined through the window, and illuminated the man standing there. He was relativly thin, standing up straight, holding his right arm bent, stareing at his blade with his purple eyes, appearing to be entranced. His face was hidden by a dark purple face mask, covering his mouth and nose. His purple hair fanned up and over the face mask, falling neatly accross the top of it. He wore a simple black and purple combat suit, with no armour, only easy to manuver, and durable clothes. A hood sat around his neck, waiting to hide the rest of his face. The man turned to look at a mirror on a nearby wardrobe. He walked slowly closer, still in his trance like state. As he looked upon his dark reflection, his eyes widened, breaking free of the trance like appearance, he peered over his shoulder at the bloody scene, then looked at his hand blade.

"AAAAH!" The man cut the mirror in half with a swift diagonal cut across it. He ran to the window, pushing it open, placing on leg and hand on the edge, getting ready to jump. He glanced back at the two, then looked away quickly, jumping out.

A short man came running through the door if the inn, panting trying to catch his breath. Everyone looked at him, in wonderment of what had him so excited. As the little man regained his breath, he shouted.

"Merithin! Merithin's been killed! Assassinated!" The man yelled, instant talk erupted throughout the room, some cried, some wondered how someone with Merithin's skill could be killed, and some just refused to believe it. Veron listened to the conversation of two nearby bar patrons.

"Merithin? Impossible!" The first said, "No, it's true, killed right there in bed! Right in his log cabin!" The second said back, "No way, Merithin would never fall victim to an assassin, he's far too skilled for that!"

"Log cabin?...." Veron muttered to himself, then got up to get Gaia. as he turned to the stairs, he saw Gaia already walking down the stairs with his sword around his back.

"What's going on?" Gaia asked sleepily, Veron looked at him seriously.

"The red haired man is a skilled knight, and he's been killed." Veron said solidly, Gaia looked at him shocked, "Assassinated." Veron continued. Gaia looked at him.

"You want to find out what's going on, don't you?" Gaia asked, annoyed, Veron nodded. "Then I'm coming with you, I wont get to sleep with all this histeria anyway." The two ran out into the street, which was more active than usual, people running about, screaming, crying, no way either one of them could get through easily. Gaia rolled his eyes and drew his large sword, and began running through the crowd, people clearing out of the way of Gaia's massive sword. As they cleared the gates, they saw a large crowd gathered around the log cabin. Gaia and Veron ran down the road and stood a ways from the large crowd, looking on as they brought out the bodies.

A man slightly taller than Veron walked over a hill triumphantly, a shining sword hilt made of gold diamonds sat in a black leather sheath by his side. his long dark blue hair blew around in the wind atop the hill. His deep blue eyes looked happily up at the night sky, as he moved a hand onto the sword and smiled. His face had a few scars, and pieces of his clothes were torn, along with chunks of armour missing. He averted his gaze from the beautiful sky, and down onto his home, seeing a large crowd standing in awe at something, the man squinted, then his eyes widened and began to water at the sight.

"Mother.....Father......?"
======================

Ok, well, not like many people are reading it here (you pso obsessed...) but I'll post 4 and 5...

[Mini_Bert]

Sorry for the double post, but Chapter 5 goes hand in hand with Chapter 4, and it was too long for one post.
======================
Chapter 5 - Tears Of a Knight
======================

The man stood still atop the hill, as he watched his parents' bodies being taken out of the house in bags limply. He started down the hill slowly, stopping after every step, shaking his head slowly. He fought the tears, but the pain was unbearable, his greatest lost, right after his greatest triumph? He couldn't bear the pain any longer, he let the tears pour through, streaming down his face sliently, he lost the will to stand up and fell over, rolling down the remainder of the hill. As he hit the bottom, he lay outstretch on the ground, tears still rolling down his face, he shook his head violently.

Gaia turned as he heard the man hit the ground. He saw the man crying silently to himself, he greatly resembled Merithin, was this his son? Gaia knew all to well the pain of losing a loved one. He walked over to the sad man.

"Were you the son of Merithin?" Gaia asked softly, leaning over the man. He sobbed as he opened his mouth.

"I....I am Idris Karasagi....son of Merit *sob*" Idris didn't finish his sentence and let his tears roll out, Gaia looked down at his feet.

"I understand your pain Idris.....but you are only doing harm by crying for them...." Gaia said slowly, Idris looked at him suprised.

"Harm? What harm could come for weeping for my family!" Idris yelled at Gaia, he looked away.

"You are only hurting yourself....the longer you cry, the more you're going to miss them, and the more you miss them, the less you become aware of reality...." Gaia explained, "I lost my father and mother as well, and I cried, but I realised that I couldn't bring them back....But you can fill the hole in your life, with something, or someone else....." Gaia trailed off, Idris wiped the tears from his face with his sleeve and stood up. He walked over to the nearly dispursed crowd now, kneeling next his parents bodies. A few people began to talk, weep, and pity Idris. He sat kneeling next to them, he brushed their foreheads through the bag with the back of his hand.

"Who....who did this...." Idris asked quietly. More of the crowd began to leave, the nervous tax man sweat a little bit and made some hand signals, moveing his mouth with no sound.

"Does anyone know!?!" Idris yelled at the crowd as he looked over his shoulder. The tax man kept repeating his actions, avoiding eye contact with Idris. Veron noticed the pudgy man sweating bullets, walking over to him, placeing his hand on his shoulder. The pudgy man jumped and let out a little squeal.

"What are you so worried about?" Veron asked playfully, the pudgy tax man looked at him, sweating, looked at Idris, then looked back at Veron, "I...I..." the man said nervously. Idris got up with anger in his face, he ran over to the tax man and grabbed him by the collar.

"What do you know!?" Idris yelled at the pudgy tax man, he whined and squealed a bit, Idris drew the impressive sword form his side, holding it to the man's throat. "TELL ME YOU BOTTOM FEEDING RAT!"

"Ok, ok, ok...." The man whined in a high pitched voice, he let a gasp for air, "a man by the name of Nirnyandin DarkFire came into town and got a visitor's slip so he could stay in the town." The man wiped his forehead.

"WHAT DID HE LOOK LIKE?!" Idris pressed the sword closer to him, the man let out a squeal.

"He was tall, pretty skinny, purple eyes and hair....he wears a purple mask to hide his face....wears black and purple clothes....please don't kill me!" The tax man whined.

"Where is he now?" Idris seemed calmer, he let the sword drop back a bit. The tax man wiped his forehead again.

"Last I heard he was heading over to Hasrin on the Legoria continent, he said he had....something to take care of, or something....please let me go!" The tax man whined as he explained, Idris dropped the pathetic man. The tax man hit the ground hard, got up, wobbling, and began to run off.

"Well then, I'm going to Hasrin. I'm going to find this DarkFire, and I'm going to take his life, without mercy, just as he took my parents." Idris began to walk off out into the forest, Gaia ran quickly and caught him by the shoulder.

"Wait, do you know how long it will take you to catch him by boat and foot? He could be back here by the time you get to Legoria....let alone Hasrin." Gaia explained, Idris looked at him oddly, "Come with Veron and I, we're heading to Legoria, Zent, the pilot, is taking us in his aircraft. You'll be able to cut DarkFire off and confront him then." Gaia explained, Idris' eyes widened, and he nodded.

"Thank you....I don't even know your name...." Idris said, embarassed, Gaia smiled.

"It's Gaia. Now come on Veron, Idris, lets get some sleep." Gaia began to walk back towards Pey. Veron yawned and followed, Idris followed closely behind.

Idris stopped for a moment and turned around to look at the log cabin. Once was his home, filled with happiness. Now it is a grave, unfit for anything living. Idris let the tears come once more, and layed the flat of his sword over his heart. The tears of a knight rolled down his cheeks, weeping for those unrightly taken.