. Austinian lowered his eyes, glowering at the Blackness before him. "Yours are as bad as mine. They easily slip from their tasks."
. Kwainin smiled, "That is bad?"
. Necrucifer nodded, "Very bad. Before long, they will be praising my name
in prayers, and yours by action."
. Austinian nodded slowly. "I have never agreed with your tactics, but, they so easily forget their place," he clasped his hands together, leaning his chin against them thoughtfully, "they are too disrespectful of our wills."
. Devion chuckled quietly. "What do you expect? We reward them with vague promises and never punish them." He shrugged. "I would like to see them surprised by us once in a while. Instead you three give us rules to follow that are more restricting than their own."
. "What does that mean?" Kwainin frowned.
. Devion threw his head back laughing, "They kill each other for no reason at all, for sport. If I did that, you would all set upon me. Why should they follow what WE agree to, there is so little that will happen if they disobey."
. Necrucifer grinned. "You are right. We should surprise them once in a while. Make them remember their commitments. We've been silent far too long."

. The Gods argued long into the night. Each had his own opinion, but in the end they agreed. As dawn broke over Algoron the three Gods took up station forming a large triangle. Devion sat smiling in the center.
"They'll never expect this. Who will start?"
. Austinian raised his hands out to his sides, great arcs of lightning jumping from his glowing fingertips. Necrucifer drew in a breath of the morning air and pursing his lips blew icy wind out. The frigid wind mixed with the lightning, swirling the bolts around the center of the triangle. Kwainin lifted one hand and cast blue flame into the wind. It danced in the current of icy air entangling around the lightning bolts. Devion rose, cackling and raised his hands over- head. Gathering the wind, flame and lightning between his palms he paused, looking at the others then thrust his hands down to the earth.
. The elements collided with the ground driving into the surface, causing a deep fissure. A great tremor began, first localized to the crack, then spreading as a chasm widened from the crack. From deep within the chasm water gushed from underground springs and filled the widening gorge.
. The gods withdrew to the air above the heaving land. They watched the great split in the earth travel north and south. The great forests along the gorge fell. Struck by lightning they burst into flames and were swept into the churning water that overflowed the gorge. Devion pointed to a grove of trees that stood unscathed. Raising a single finger Necrucifer sent a blast of fire into its center. The grove exploded inward.
. Kwainin concentrated on a Tower that stood near Althainia. Within it, the mages scrambled, falling over each other as they tried to escape the wrath of the angry Gods. Kwainin pressed his hands together tightly and interior passages collapsed, rendering them impassable and dividing the great Tower into three.
. Devion chuckled, then nodded to Kwainin, "That will keep them busy a while."

(continued)

"How do I know this isn't a trick?" She asked skeptically, chewing on her lip.

"You serve Drakkara as a follower of faith, do you not? Prove your faith now and know that it is not a trick. Drakkara needs your help and She needs it now."

Something in the woman's eyes convinced Christel and she squirmed momentarily, uncomfortable with the idea that a Goddess would need her help. "Ok. What do I have to do?" Christel asked, twirling a strand of hair around her finger and chewing on the end.

"Give yourself to me, freely. Allow me to use your strength, child. It will be returned in a greater way than you can imagine. Do this now, time is running short."

Coming closer to the woman, Christel reaches her hand out to touch her. "My strength is your strength. My faith will sustain you." She closed her eyes and screwed up her face, expecting a great deal of pain. Agony filled her immediately, draining all of her strength. Holy powers and thoughts dwindled into blackness as Christel passed out for a few seconds. Weak, lying on the ground, Christel woke to see something she would never forget.

From the woman bled darkness. It twisted shape and form many times as Christel watched. It seemed at first a fanged dragon, a black copy of the white she'd known. Then it became a demon, hideous to behold. It shifted again, into a vampire and finally dwindled into the form of a child.

Christel's ears began to bleed as a loud cackle surrounded her, coming from the woman who had brought here to this place. The woman's form twisted itself into that of a demon as Christel watched, and then it grabbed up the child in its talons and flew away. The woman who had just given birth was now alone in the clearing with Christel. Her form becomes perfect, no sign of birthing upon her. With awe, Christel realizes that this woman must be Drakkara and she just witnessed the birth of a new God. Wiping tears of pain from her eyes, she could only lay there and stare.

Drakkara looked down upon her young servant and smiled warmly. The agonizing pain left her as the smile caressed her soul. "On this plane, I am weak. The child was born here so that the other gods might not know. You must have a million questions for me, but I will tell you only this. The child is Mine and Necrucifer's. He will help Us tip the scales of Darkness into this world. You have helped me and served Me well."

Still confused, Christel whispered, "But... why me? My dad isn't Highlord any more, what am I supposed to do? I'm just a little girl, no one listens to me.."

Smiling again, Drakkara dispelled Christel's fears. "Why you? Are you not a follower of faith to me?"

"Of course!" Christel exclaimed, embarrassed that she should be doubted.

"Then I called upon you because perhaps there is something I needed from you those others followers may not have given. I had as much faith in you as you did in me."

Blushing, Christel looked down at the ground. She whispered, "I'll try my bestest to be as faithful and as good a follower to You as dad is."

"You will soon have power far beyond your father's. You are blessed by Me and soon you will realize this. May your dreams become a reality, child. I will be leaving you now, but be assured, I will be watching and protecting you as you just protected Me and My child."

"Now that the baby is born.. Do I have to keep it a secret or can I tell dad what happened? And mom?

"Tell only those who share your heart. Do not tell those who might be your enemies."

Her mind bubbling with questions, Christel suddenly found herself once more sitting up in her bed, staring at the foot of it, which now stood empty. "Does the baby have a name? Is it a boy? How come it didn't look as pretty as you? Am I, like... its godmother now? I think I'm too little to be a godmother, do you think?" She blurted out. Blushing in sudden embarrassment, Christel clasped her hands over her mouth and looked around the room, wondering if it had all be a dream.

A dark spot on her wall caught Christel's attention. Looking closely, she saw that it was a name, written in blood.

MALACHIVE

"Do not look so worried Austinian. My balanx will complete his mission. Remember if it were not for Austanis, we would have never known of the birth of Malachive."

Austinian smiled as he turned around to see a man with a white beard dressed in long red robes.

"Brother Kwainin, your balanx may be undetectable to mortals, but do you honestly think that he can walk right into Drakkara's front yard and swipe her child away from her?" Austinian said with rising worry.

"What makes you think she's on the dark moon now, brother?" replied Kwainin.

Austinian raised an eye and looked at Kwainin. With a surprised and almost humorous tone he asked, "What did you do?"

Kwainin smiled.

"Tell me Kwainin, I must know! Did you seduce her?" asked Austinian.

Kwainin laughed. "No brother, I would never dream of such a thing. I had Raije and Cliath stage a massive battle with one another in which they got moon dust all over her. Being so concerned with her appearance, she quickly left to Celestia to make herself perfect again."

Austinian chuckled. "What a perfect plan. But how long do you expect her to stay in Celestia before coming back to where her power is most strong?"

"It matters not, for here comes Austanis now" Kwainin points into space where the blue skinned balanx is flying down.

Austanis glides down into the moons surface holding a child that changed forms almost every second: first a human, then an ogre, next a dragon, a snarling vampire, a demon, and then a human one again. Austanis drops to one knee to Kwainin awaiting permission to stand.

"You have done well Austanis" stated Kwainin.

"Indeed!" proclaims Austinian.

"'Twas not an easy task my lord" replies Austanis. "The child's own power grows with each moment. Twice I was forced to battle its powers and twice I barely lived. If this child is to be destroyed, we must do so now. Shall I take him to Algoron to be terminated?"

"Terminated?" asked Austinian. "Kwainin you never said anything about killing the child."

Kwainin shrugged and spoke. "Why else did you think we stole this child brother? With him alive the balance will be swayed into the side of evil. We have no choice."

Austinian sighed heavily.

Kwainin turned to Austanis. "Quickly take Malachive to Algoron and terminate him. All Gods are mortal on that plane and you should have little problem disposing of him."

Austanis bowed and grabbed Malachive and flew towards Algoron.

Kwainin looked at Austinian's distressed look. "I know you disapprove brother, but you know we haven't a choice."

Austinian glared at Kwainin. "And what if that were my child? Would you dispose of him too to maintain balance?"

"Indeed, brother." Kwainin replied. "I will be off now for I have many matters to return to. Peace be with you brother."

With a flash of gray light, Kwainin disappeared from the planets moon.

"Kantilles, are you here?" Spoke Austinian.

"I am, as usual father" answered a voice.

Standing before Austinian was a good-looking young man. He stood tall and proud and seemed to have a pleasant smile on his face. He wore robes of white that flowed in the light breeze that was the white moons gravitational pull.

"Father, are you thinking what I am? ...that this child can be raised as good on the planets surface where his powers are suppressed?" asked Kantilles.

"I am, my son. Do what you must to save that child. Your sister Kadiya will assist you." ordered Austinian.

Kantilles bowed and disappeared. Austinian stared at Algoron, a ripe blue planet in which he had hand in creating.

Austinian muttered "If only the high God himself could see what a mess we have made ourselves down there. I suspect he would have a good laugh. I cannot let a child die before giving it the chance to grow up good. This shall be my greatest challenge. It may seem easy compared to dealing to Kwainin when he finds out of my interference." Austinian sighed and then smiled. Within an instant, the white moon was empty.

"Pathetic" exclaimed Necrucifer.

"The Goddess of Dark Magic and mother of many Gods weeping like a elven female. Perhaps you are getting soft. Whatever the reason, I do not like this. It is a sign of weakness."

Drakkara's tears turned into a snarl almost instantly.

"Do you not care that our son is alone on a world where he can be... killed by mere mortals?" snarled Drakkara.

"Do you not care that the very unappreciative mortals that we helped create would have your son killed in an act of defiance and vengeance? Or have you forgotten that the High God has cursed us while on Algoron? We can DIE there and no son of mine will be taken by mortals!!!"

"You're attempting to anger me, Lover, just as you do when you attempt to seduce the mortals into worshiping you instead of me. While you may be good at manipulating the mortals, remember that I am the master of all things dark, and that includes you, my dear. I see right through you."

Drakkara was suddenly angered and while it was apparent on her expression, she said nothing. Probably a wise move.

Necrucifer stood boisterous with a sly smirk. He knew that Drakkara would like nothing more than to slap it off of his face. He enjoyed the moment very much. And then... he spoke.

"I will create a hoard of demons. The mortals of all of our children can quest for the right to serve as one. When that has been decided, they will find Malachive and protect him. Perhaps his power will flourish enough to once and for all rule that world. Where you see disaster, I see opportunity. Malachive will live, and he will be our savior of destroying the good."

Darkness overcame Necrucifer and in an instant, he was gone. Drakkara stood alone contemplating Necrucifer's words. She smiled, and returned to her moon.

Malachive....... AWAKE!

A young man awoke from his sleep. His features were both pale and handsome. Long black hair fell behind his head and his eyes were as black as the darkness itself.

A woman stood next to his bed. To say she was attractive would be to say that Giant Ogres were only mildly tall compared to humans. She was both beautiful and seductive with every gesture and every breath. Malachive knew her the moment he noticed her standing before him.

"Mother?" He asked.

Drakkara nodded a simple nod and begin to speak in mocking tones.

"You sleep? You have been in this realm far too long, my son. What else have they trained you to do? Eat? Work? Pay debts?"

Drakkara sat at the end of his bed and briefly touched his right cheek.

"I have found you, and within a blink of time you are already a man in this world. I could take you home now, but your father has plans for you. Already events are in motion and we have begun a holy revolution. Churches of Necrucifer have arose and become powerful. The Gods of 'light' as they call themselves have followed in his example and have begun organized churches of their own. Already priests are being trained to bring others to their side. A true holy war has begun."

"What does father require of me, mother?"

"You will know in due time. In the meantime, know that you are mortal here. Keep yourself alive. Seek those who are strong to protect you. You can die here and if you do, it will be for good."

"And if I do well? Will father allow me to return home and to have the full power of my birthright? Do I finally get to be able to be a God? Do I..."

"Sleep, my child. The answers and more will come in due time. Do what you can to stay alive while oppressing these new churches and their priests. Rewards have an interesting way of working out."

With a wave of her hand, Malachive slumbered once again. Dreaming of the darkness which he so enjoyed, a smirk crossed his lips.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
(ooc: See help priest.)

"His destiny is to rule that world and prepare it for my commands yet he works with his hands as a carpenter," moaned Necrucifer. His voice echoed through the darkness followed by a rumbling shake.

Pale, sleek hands massaged his form. "Is the world not going as you have planned, my love?" Drakkara smiled with sarcasm.

Necrucifer growled. "Summon Goratrix. This is his failure. He has done nothing to prepare for Malachive's rule nor has he been an effective leader of the other Demons."

Drakkara suddenly took great offense. "This is Goratrix's failure? What direction have you given him? The only time you have ever spoken to him was when you cast him out transforming him into a Demon!"

"SILENCE YOURSELF. You may be my mate but you will not forget yourself and your place in my service! If you ever defend him again as you have before you will be sorry." screamed Necrucifer.

Drakkara started to argue back, but stopped herself, and smiled mischievously. "As you wish.... 'my lord'". This comment filled with sarcasm. Drakkara quickly disappeared into the darkness.

Necrucifer turned around and willed Goratrix beside him. "You know not who you serve. You are a failure now as you were before you were transformed. Perhaps time in the Abyss will teach you a lesson. You no longer are my Demon Lord." Goratrix slowly rose to speak, stretching his wings with a leathery crackle. As he approached his father, Necrucifer with only a thought put more pain into Goratrix's body than that of a hundred dying warriors.

Pain enveloped the demon. It was a good sensation at first, one he had missed for some time. As he began to revel in the rising agony, he realized there would be no end in sight to this pain. From glory to defeat, Goratrix doubled over as his vision went crimson with both rage and pain. His gaping jaws opened, releasing a chilling howl... But no one could hear him. As the pain bubbled away, his eyes refocused to his own horror. A group of people, yet not people, gathered about him. He looked about, feeling the pull of their energy. His father had said the Abyss?

As his mind focused slowly, the cold chills of ice-torn winds dug into his hardened skin, and the frigid stone clutched at him. He looked out at the wavering forms before him... All souls he had taken in before his leave of this place. He had returned. After the eternity spent escaping, he had been replaced in the same god's forsaken hole, left to rot and gather more souls. His mind raced to rage, as he jerked his body into standing, ready to release his full fury open those closest to him. A freezing blast of wind sent him to his knees before he could take his first movement. In his weakened state, he forgot the agony he had just endured.

Goratrix looked to the heavens, extending his fisted talons. "I served you, you wretch! I served you!!", He cried, as his throat bubbled over with warm liquid. Alarmed, his gaze fell. The cold stone was covered, as was his body, in warmth. He finally had noticed he was bleeding.

A new star was in the sky, and it shined brighter than any other. Even in the daytime it could be seen quite brightly and only hid when one of the 3 moons passed in front of it. Something was there, but it was anyone's guess as to what.

Many passengers attempted small talk with this tall and handsome young man, but Malachive said little and always ended up walking to a more remote part of the ship. Staring down into the ocean depths Malachive spotted something odd.

"A white Dragon is swimming underneath us. Should I....? No, it will make no commotion. Somehow I feel as if I am being escorted to this icy place."

"Sir? Would you like anything to drink? Perhaps some wine? "

A steward on the ship had found Malachive, but he still was not in the mood for company or pleasantries.

"No thank you!" replied Malachive.

"I understand, sir. Nice day isn't it? Nice and clear from out here from the sea. Sometimes, during the right time of day, the new light from the sky everyone is talking about makes marvelous design on the waters. Sir...?"

Without saying a word, Malachive walks away.

"He has a lot on his mind for such a young man. Must be from Arkane and is fleeing the bloodshed they had. "

The ship had docked on Icewall and just as Malachive’s dream had told him to do, he spent 3 days finding the highest peak in Northern Nordmaar. The climb would have surely killed or injured normal men. But alas, he had made it.

"Now what?" Malachive asked out loud.

"I DID AS THE DREAM SAID! I AM HERE!! WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT DO YOU WANT WITH ME??"

Malachive looked around him. Nothing moved and all was quiet. All he could see was a dark ebony castle in the far distance that seemed to almost hide itself in the mountainous regions and the huge ball of light that had sparks everyone’s interest since it mysteriously appeared in the sky months ago.

"Do not yell, my son. For I can always hear you," said a voice from behind him.

Malachive turned around and saw a man. This man had gotten to the top of the mountain with no noise and no footprints in the snow. He looked like an Ogre with the exception that this Ogre spoke without his mouth moving and unlike most ogres; he lacked the dull dim witted look. His arms and chest were very well-muscled and his hair was full and black. The Ogre looked noble. "Perhaps a king" Malachive thought to himself.

"Nay, not a King. A god, and your very father. Since you were placed upon this world you have always been blessed. Your mental and physical abilities have always been above anyone you've known. At times, you've made the objects of your imagination appear before you. You've noticed the demons and the dragons watching you with interest. You ARE the son of Necrucifer and you are here to rule this world. "

Again, the voice came with no movement from the Ogre's mouth. Malachive stood in bewilderment. Everything the ogre said was true but Malachive had always assumed he was perhaps a gifted mage, born with stronger abilities than most men.

The voice began again.

"It is time for you to realize your true power. You can change anything about yourself you wish. Your skills and spells will form as often as you wish them. You are a GOD, my son. But upon this world you are also mortal. If you die to the hands of a mortal you are dead for good. Be prepared. Danger will come at you from al directions, even from those you trust. Rule not with empathy or compassion but with MIGHT and WILL. Your time to rule begins today. You will know what to do, the barrier of your human mind will be lifted after today’s events. Do well, my son. Everything in my power will be at your command less they wish my wrath upon them. "

The Ogre turns his head towards the great light in the sky and grinned. Malachive looked to the sky only to see the light grow brighter. He turned back to the Ogre only to find him gone, quietly and without any trace.

"This can't be!" Malachive said out loud.

A echoing BOOM from the heavens disturbed his train of thought as the great light erupted into the sky of Algoron. A huge ball of flame flew through the sky leaving dark smoke and particles of debris behind its path. The great meteor roared with a loudness that would drown out even the largest of dragons. As it passed over Malachive the light from its flame lit up the entire land around him.

"Dae'tok! It is heading for Dae'tok!" Malachive said with a self-surprising excitement.

The meteor hit the earth right in the general location of the Dae'tok kingdom. A great wave of light in all directions removed several mountain ranges and shook the earth. A huge mushroom cloud of devastation rose high into the sky.

Days passed but they seemed only like moments for Malachive. As Necrucifer told him, his mind was now free from the limitations of his human form. He understood much about the world and who he was and what was expected at him. The mysteries to the universe were no longer unknown to him. Today was the beginning of his new life and he knew what he must do.

Malachive was now unburdened by the limitations of the mortal mind. He knows the secrets to many things beyond mortal comprehension but still, as anyone around his age of 20 years; he couldn't piece a lot of things together.

"Of my father wants me to conquer this world, why not just throw a meteor at all kingdoms that resist?" He thought.

"Indeed," said a voice from behind him.

Malachive had sensed no one near him, so he knew whoever this voice came from was a God of some type.

A woman with pale skin and long black hair stood with more beauty in her smile than all wonders of the world combined. Instantly, Malachive recognized her.

"Mother!" Malachive said with a boyish excitement.

Drakkara embraced her son and for a moment one would never know the evil within these two hearts.

"You do not know the trouble your father went through getting the rock to land. The same people who would see you dead everything they could to stop it. So now the responsibility is yours to conquer the world. And while I would have you off this world safe, these events must come to pass" Drakkara said.

"I guess I can understand that. Already there are many who attack me." Malachive replied. "Elves, Knights and even kingdoms have come for my head. If not protected by your Black Tower and some of the Demons, my life would already be at an end.

"And what of the immortals? The ones who suck life to sustain their own?"

"The vampires? Mother, they have long forgotten their dark gift as a prize to be cherished. They have long stopped being thankful for eternal life and immortal powers. They are a lost cause. I have hope for many, but only a few of those are worthy of their gift. And I do mean a seldom few."

"Perhaps you should teach them a lesson?"

"Can I?" Malachive paused for a moment. "I'm still getting used to this.

My powers grow daily and I am coming to understand its limits are far beyond what I imagined."

Drakkara grinned an evil smile. "The first steps have been taken. The rest is your responsibility. I will help guide you all that I can, but you should know that the more your father and I involve ourselves, the more the others will become involved as well. Even the neutral Gods fear you and will do what they must to kill you. We created you without their permission or their council. However you were created with purpose and as my son you have all of the tools to ensure our victory. You know what to do."

In an instant, she was gone.

"Indeed mother, indeed. The beginning of the end is now and I know just how to start." Malachive, his eyes a flaming black.

"I need not remind each of you what is to come. Our Lord's time is almost at hand and each of you will have a part in shaping the history of the entire world. You've done a superior job in establishing a base camp and I am very proud of you. However, our task here is incomplete. We will be establishing a barracks and you can expect recruits to come in by the hundreds. They will be housed, they will be trained and above all, they will be disciplined. Those who fail will not be allowed to go home; they will be slain for their weakness. All of you have proven strong, so expect the same standards from any recruit for if they fail, they are the enemy."

The General galloped away followed by his aids and commanders all on horseback. The officers commanded the troops to return to their daily tasks.

A man in dark robes walked before the camp's commander, a white furred Minotaur known only as Colonel Skurn.

"About time you came, wizard." Skurn growled to the mage.

"I had previous orders to attend to." The hooded mage offered as an explanation.

"No matter." Skurn replied. "Can you develop what the General has asked of you?"

"It's possible." The mage replied.

"Then we shall collect that which is needed, mage. You may develop a workshop within the caves; just make sure you keep those things far away from the rest of us, understood?" Skurn said without emotion.

"It's understood, Colonel. However, I have a request. I know full well the amount of aid and cooperation we will be asking from the Knights. I am requesting the aid of a few men without such....how do I put this...Knightly morals?"

Skurn snarled. "A man without honor can not be trusted. But if you keep them in the caves and away from us, then I will allow them to live. If they enter base camp, or if we see them even look at us, they will join the fate of the rest of the world."

"Agreed, and if they meddle, I'll handle them myself." The mage replied.

Skurn raised an eyebrow. "Whom do you have in mind, mage? Another one of your Clavist'? Perhaps someone from that clan that calls themselves "Malice"?

A smile appeared from below the dark hood. "For what I require, I'm afraid I need an even worse sort of person."

"Ahh" Skurn smirked. "The Pirates! Yes, our Lord would not be pleased with you if they showed themselves here. Be sure that they understand this."

"Of course Colonel." The mage replied as he departed.

The mage seemed to glide from under his robes showing little body movement. The soldiers had all gossiped among themselves that this was no mage at all, but a spirit drabbed in dark robes as a cover. No one really knew, but the rumors seemed to gain new theories daily.

Skurn walked over to a team of Dwarves, all arguing over a blue print of a barracks. The Minotaur and the Dwarves had a great understanding of each other and the team of architects and builders were very fond of Skurn. He had displayed both honor and a fierce battle rage that almost all Dwarves could respect. If only they get him to partake in some Ale one Dwarf had said earlier.

"How long?" Skurn asked.

"3 weeks." One Dwarf said.

"A month." Another replied.

"2 months" said another.

Skurn laughed. "You have 6 weeks, but knowing your reputation, I wouldn't be surprised if it were done in 2 weeks."

Footsteps with no feet, or body for that matter, appeared to swirl leaves around slowly, but quietly. Finally, after a few miles from the camp, an Elvish female appeared as a magical cloak was removed. She was a beautiful elven female with a tanned face and slight features. Long, flowing, auburn hair cascades down her back and her eyes are a striking emerald green color.

Faerynn Shae'loren knew what she must do. "People must know and prepare." She said to herself. She didn't know how she got to where she was, her surroundings did not look familiar. A magical spell had placed her there and she knew only the blessing given to her by Sebatis could get her home from this lost place. Faerynn closed her eyes and uttered a prayer, one that this enchanter had uttered several times. When her eyes opened, she was in Shalonesti.

Snarkerl raised his head from the ground and yawned. The Dragon's large pointy teeth were the same size as the Balanx who was trying to wake him.

"You've missed the entire war, or at least the first wave!" Austanis said. "I can't tell you what's to come, but I can tell you what you've missed if you like." He said without any emotion in your voice.

"So some mortals went to war and killed one another. What do I care?" The Green Dragon hissed.

"Not quite" Austanis said, "a bit more than that occurred."

The green dragon yawned. "Didn't you alter something historic by waking me up? Go away!"

Austanis "No, you'll be dead in an hour anyway."

Now the Balanx had the Green Dragon's attention.

Snarkerl changed his expression from careless and tired to serious. "Speak. Or you'll be joining me."

"One day, but not today, my green friend." Austanis replied. "The Gods have started a War with each other."

Snarkerl asked "A full war?"

Austanis nodded his head, "All out war. The Good Gods against the Evil with the Neutral Gods caught in between trying to find peace before the world is destroyed. Many in Algoron are dead, much is destroyed."

"How long did I sleep?" asked Snarkerl.

"Not long, especially for a Dragon. You slept about 3 days." Austanis replied. "But as you know, when the Gods choose the affect the world, it happens quickly. Many Dragons slept, as did many mortals. That was not by choice, but by the protection of some Gods."

"So I slept to be protected only to be killed in 1 hour?" The dragon snarled.

"Yes. Your protection has run out." Austanis said without emotion.

"Wonderful!!" The Dragon said sarcastically. "What else happened? Who's dead?"

"The Dragons who did not sleep launched a full assault on the Slayers keep. Much to the mortal's credit, they fended off the Dragon coalition. Their downfall occurred when a Blue Dragon landed awkwardly on top of the keep. It was crushed under the Great Wyrm's weight."

"The Slayers Doom was the result of a fat Blue Dragon landing on them?" The dragon laughed.

"I wouldn't call him fat, big boned for sure, but he was a Great Wyrm, just as you are. Anyway, other clans fell to the Gods themselves. Armada was destroyed by the Pirates. The Gypsies wagons were burned by the Kingdom of Verminasia as order by Malachive. Malachive, son of Necrucifer single handedly destroyed the Pirates killing many and reducing their hideout to rubble. Malice fell before Nadrik and his Knights while Valor was destroyed by Necrucifer and his knights. Eclipse was terminated from within by Renegade Yinn opposition."

"Knighthood and Shadow took out Malice and Valor?" the dragon asked. "And Malachive? I already refused to join him! I knew he'd destroy the world instead of conquering it!"

"Yes." The Balanx replied. "It seems the honorable factions had the discipline to accomplish their lord's goals quickly. There are a lot of survivors and it's my understanding that those left alive are seeking a place in the newer starting clans. The people are calling these new orders Bloodlust, Wrath of Justice and the Order of the Talon."

"Why are you telling me all of this?" The dragon asked.

"I am here to document your death. I am just passing the time with this story. It feels refreshing to share my knowledge, especially knowing you can do no harm with it."

"I suppose I should feel privileged. Continue." The Dragon said again sarcastically. "What of the rest of the World?"

"The Elves enclosed themselves in the forest avoiding the war, as did the Dwarves who shut the mountain's gates. Both thought it was the rest of the world's problems since they were not attacked. A natural reaction I suppose. The Conclave finally did the inevitable and merged the towers under one ruler. They are the same as they were, except unified as 1 conclave with the 3 factions. They are also building a non-warring faction to teach magic. Sebatis even moved the Red Robe tower out of the main focus of these battles, to Ice Wall.

"The Austinians were destroyed by Goblins who simply sought out loot in the time of turmoil. The survivors are now calling themselves the Gray Church and are opening their doors to anyone without constraints.

"A lot of artifacts and magical items were destroyed in the world. Mages seem to have an awful advantage, for now, as the fighting types tend to figure out how to counter that. They've already starting manufacturing better armor types. The Banks have crumbled as they were looted. Looters ran rampant on those kept sleeping as well. Hundreds have been executed for their part in that. Yes, it appears the first wave of this war is over and order is coming back - for now."

"And what of me? How am to die? And why?" The dragon asked nervously.

"You're going to die by Malachive's hand for not joining him." Austanis said.

"And where is he?" The dragon asked.

"You are speaking to him, idiot." Austanis said.

"What?" The dragon asked as he watched Austanis' form change to Malachive's.

"I hope you've enjoyed today's report. Enjoy yourself in Hell dragon." Malachive said with a smile.

Malachive struck his hand into the dragon's chest and pulled out its enormous still beating heart before the Dragon could react.

The dragon's mouth flew wide open as to yell in pain, but before it made a sound, Malachive threw the heart into the dragon's mouth, forcing it to swallow it whole.

Malachive grinned as he simply said "Heh"

His mind wandered in many different directions. Even possessing the intellect of a God, his plans were so complicated and precise that his attention was drawn in an infinite number of directions. It was due to these various thoughts that he barely sensed the presence of the Abhorrant before he began scaling the hillside towards Malachive. This momentarily lapse in awareness caused him great irritation, for he knew even as in control as he was, the Abhorrant were nicknamed the Godslayers for a reason.

"What is it, Deathmeer?"

"I merely await you orders, Malachive. The kender city has been lain to waste for months now and we have progressed no further. We hunger for more blood and will satiate our thirst one way or another."

"You will act when I command it, Deathmeer, and not a moment before. There are pieces to this plan, beyond your comprehension, that must be put into motion before we can proceed further. You will continue to hold."

The Abhorrant sneered and turned to leave, glancing back at Malachive as he disappeared into the night.

The Dark Son watched him go, further annoyed at this most recent challenge. Deathmeer was becoming more and more aggressive.

Suddenly a pillar of flame erupted from the ground mere yards away from Malachive, subsiding as quickly as it came to reveal the form of a massive, hulking minotaur.

Malachive seemed undisturbed as he looked on. "To what do I owe this honor, Mencius?"

"Blessings, Dark Son. Your Father sends his greetings," he growled out roughly.

"Indeed. Tell him to send something I can make use of."

Mencius snorted and shifted about impatiently. "It is I who brings you something you can make great use of, Malachive. I have watched your interaction with the Godslayer ever since you brought them back into this world. You are not as safe around them as you think and with your attention as scattered as the populace of Balifore, you are vulnerable on top of being mortal. You cannot lead your armies and protect yourself at the same time. You know this."

Malachive was careful to response, keeping his eyes locked on the God of Rage.

"I am the Son of Necrucifer, Mencius. I can do anything. I have the infinite power of the universe at my disposal and nothing in this world or the next can cause me any harm."

Mencius reached behind his back and unstrapped his gigantic war axe, slamming it deep into the ground inches away from Malachive.

"Dammit, Malachive, you are still a boy in my eyes. You may be the Son of Necrucifer but you have not been around as long as I. I survived the first war between the Abhorrants and the Gods and you need not open a history book to know there were more Gods before the war began than after! They all possessed the same powers as you and they still fell before the onslaught of these creatures. What kept the remaining eighteen of us alive was strength and the knowledge that we could be beaten unless we prepared ourselves."

Malachive's eyes narrowed. "Then why are you here, Lord of Rage."

"Because I come to prepare YOU, Malachive. You were borne without the consent of the other Gods and if you die, the dark pantheon's advantage dies with you. Necrucifer and Drakkara cannot create anything like you again. You are the future of darkness and I have come to insure my place in that future."

"You are in need of a guardian and a General. Someone who can keep the Abhorrants in check, someone who can lead your armies with cold and calculating precision, and someone who possesses the rage and power to wreak havoc upon those who would stand against you."

"Who could I possibly trust that would provide all that you say? Who possesses such abilities?"

Mencius simply smiled and glanced towards the heavens. Thunder clouds were rolling in and lightning could be seen in the distance.

Grakaris scampered through the bowls of Hell with speed and agility. Past the burning flames, the screaming souls and the frozen wasteland that made up much of Hell's infrastructure. Further down he traveled, past the bloody carnage, the ferocious deziens, and the tempted succubae. Grakaris feared his ultimate destination, a rarely frequented pit of Hell buried particularly deep and isolated.

He finally reached the rickety rope bridge that led across a pool of lava and fire to a single obsidian-constructed cube. Inside was Hell's most recent addition and feared monster. Grakaris quickly closed the distance between the bridge and the cube's entrance. Pushing open the large door, he crept inside cautiously and gulped before he spoke. The room was totally dark. "The... The Lord calls for you immediately. You are needed to serve once more."

Mantaroth's red eyes burned through the darkness like a scythe.

"Are you actually agreeing with him?" Austinian was uncharacteristically livid. "If we let Fatale walk Algoron, you know that the murder will not stop with Malachive. He will set forth upon a killing spree unlike the world has never known! You know that, Kwainin, you KNOW what would happen."

Kwainin looked back at Austinian and made no effort to speak. "Would happen, Kwainin, not could. Would." Austinian added. "We will never get through this day" Kwainin said with a hint of distress in his voice. "We will never all three be in agreement."

"That is why you must decide" Austinian responded. "Decide for us all. Pick one of us from each pantheon and let it begin."

Kwainin chuckled. "You know as well as I do that he will never agree to that. He has control issues to say the least."

"Well he's not in control! The last I checked, we were all three equals although I admit that it is regrettable on most occasions. We must come to some sort of agreement, but I will not allow Fatale to be chosen to freely walk Algoron!" Austinian argued.

"Gods have walked on Algoron without permission for as long as I can remember" Kwainin added.

Austinian interrupted "Yes, and they mess something up each and every time. Fatale in particular is forbidden to go in person. There is no reason any of us can not do our duties the way we always have, through the use of avatars or images or even possession. Why do we have churches and Angels, Demons and the Balanx if we have to go deliver our messages in person?"

"You are rambling, brother." Kwainin interrupted in return. "No Angel, Demon or an entire kingdom can kill Malachive any more. It must be one of us, and who better than Fatale? He may even kill all of the Abhorrants while he is there and you know that is an issue we need to look to as well."

"He will kill an entire continent as well and he'll give it only a mere passing thought and what is to stop him there? Oh yes, now I remember, me or one of my sons and daughters. By sending Fatale, we risk a full scale God war! I will not allow it. I will not agree!" Austinian said loud enough for Necrucifer to hear him from the next room.

"There is only one solution then" Kwainin said. "You will choose the god of his pantheon to go and he will choose yours."

Austinian looked at Kwainin and paused. "And what of yours? We agreed one from each of us."

"I'm the God of Balance!" Kwainin said with a smile. "I don't need either of you to remain objective."

Austinian sighed. "I hate this. I want nothing to do with it, but yet I do concede that my own actions has caused this to transpire. I should be the one to fix this, yet we've been through the reasons why none of us three should go a million times."

Austinian paused and sighed again. "Fine. I will agree to your solution with one condition. He may not choose my wife and I will not choose his.

Taliena will be spared from doing what it would crush her to do and Drakkara will not be asked to kill her own child."

Kwainin smiled. "Well then, it is agreed. Let us get see if he agrees and get this over with."

The two Gods entered the white marble courtyard where they were meeting. Not another soul was in sight and no sounds interrupted them.

A dark scowled expression adorned Necrucifer’s face, but that was not unusual. His mood was always bad and he was always looking for a reason to fight.

"I agree" he said simply just as Kwainin began to speak.

Kwainin turned and looked at Austinian with a surprised expression.

"I guess there's not hiding any conversation from you, is there?" Kwainin said. "Very well, you will choose each others child to carry forth this mission and then I will choose last. Necrucifer, I think you should choose first."

Necrucifer grinned. "My answer would not change first nor second. I choose Kadiya."

Austinian's eye brows raised and his mouth opened in fury. "What? Why? She is the LEAST capable of this mission!! Choose someone who will not carry any baggage from this mission Necrucifer, do not choose her!"

Necrucifer smiled as if he enjoyed Austinian's reaction. "She is the Goddess of peace is she not? She knows more than anyone the cost of failure. It won't hurt her to get her hands a little dirty."

Austinian walked towards Necrucifer swiftly but Kwainin caught him by his robes. "Brother, calm yourself, we all agreed to these rules. You knew the risk."

"I didn't think he would carry his vendetta against me this far! He should have chosen Nadrik and he knows that!"

Necrucifer suddenly look bored. "You complain a lot. You ever notice that?"

Austinian stared at Necrucifer as if he could burn Necrucifer from the inside out.

"Let's get our choices over with so I can back to being evil" Necrucifer said almost with a chuckle. Austinian pushed Kwainin's hands off of him and straightened out his robe. 'Have it your way. After all, its your son’s murder we are planning."

His words did not affect Necrucifer at all. He merely shrugged.

"I choose Devion." Austinian said plainly.

Kwainin looked at Austinian with surprise. "And you complained about his choice? What a team of Assassins that is, Kadiya and Devion!" He said sarcastically. "One will try to reason with Malachive while the other ties his boot straps together in hoping that he'll trip and fall his way to death!

Austinian crossed his arms. "Its not like I have a lot of options. Disease, Murder, Rage. I'd rather send mischief to Algoron than any of those others. Besides, he is least likely to harm Kadiya himself."

"Kadiya is more capable than you give her credit for, although who can blame a protective father?" Kwainin stated. "The last choice is mine and I guess it should be no surprise that I choose the first competent person for this mission."

Necrucifer and Austinian both looked at Kwainin as they awaited his decision. Kwainin enjoyed having their undivided attention for the first time in years.

"I'm sending Raije."