Stormie refuses to eat or drink what the thing has brought her. After setting the food and wine down he walks around her as if a wolf stalking its pray. As he stands behind her, leans down as he brings his hand up to her cheek. He runs his fingers down her cheek, she feels his hot breath on her neck as he whispers "soon...soon Stormie, you will be mine." She closes her eyes for a moment to block out the image of him near her. Without uttering another word the form leaves, the forms of her dead or missing brothers and sisters follow him out the door. As they leave she looks at each and every one of them. Her eyes linger on one form, she watches him as he shuts and locks the door. She sighs as she turns and walks to the farthest corner of her cell. She sits down. Knowing it wont work she tries to yell to her brothers and sisters.. "help me hurry he wants to make me his...." She screams in agony while grabbing her head as pain shoots through it. She hugs her knees up to her hoping that they find her but also knows that she is on her own at this time. Slowly she looks around the cell wondering how she can get herself out of here without being killed or becoming his mate. Quietly she talks to herself as she looks around.. "oh Rade.. where are you..." As she hugs her self he starts to think hard about what to do...

Leaving the magical room that holds Stormie imprisoned within. The Dark One waits till all his captured followers have left the room before magically locking it tight. Leaving Stormie to sit alone wondering if help will ever come. Stepping through the portal with his charges in tow. One by one they appear, before his throne of blood. Quickly the Dark one ascends to his rightful place of power. After seating himself upon the throne, he addresses his captive audience. "So the wench refuses me! And after I went to all the trouble of picking her to be my mate! " ,He roars. "How dare she defy me, I shall teach her the error of her ways." Looking out across his audience, "You there, Lyric, what have you to say?" Lightly feeling the control of her mind slip, Lyric of WOH can once again speak. In a dry and raspy voice from lack of use she answers him back. "Why do you hold us here!" she demanded. The dark Ones face contorts in rage. " I didn't give you back your voice for you to demand anything of me wench! Now answer my question or I will turn you into a mindless husk like some of your other friends." Lyric in her own mind new that to disobey him again would get her just what he had promised. "She refuses you, simply because she hates you. As we all do. She would rather kill herself then to submit to you". Sitting back in his throne of blood, the Dark One ponders his next move. Quickly regaining total control over Lyric, he has her and the female once known as WOH Kat approach the throne. "Here is what I want you to do" He says and then proceeds to explain to the two of them there assignment for the next few days. "You will bring her food and wine at different times so she will become confused about the time of day. If she refuses to eat, then just leave it there to rot. Do not clean her cell any more, she can wallow in her own fluids! If she refuses to wear the outfits I pick out for her, then strip her and dress her in them. Now go!" Slowly the two warriors descend the stairs then pass through the portal taking them back to Stormie's cell with their new orders. Watching them he smiles to himself knowing that it is only a matter of time till she will submit to his desires and his will.

Blaze, after sitting and listening to all the talk of old friends and Warriors, starts to get an emotion that has never arose in him before. With Nanuk (His Hound)at his side, he arises and says to Beast. "Brother, me and my hound Shall be Guards upon our Palace here, we are not much for magic besides the gift granted to us upon completion of Destroying the Castle of Jafar Varok, we have the ability to turn into Ethereal fire and travel to whatever is seen. I have but one request, if anyone-- and I mean anyone, brings in any type of Dog, it will be slain immediately by Nanuk, so please leave any pets away from the grounds. With that said Beast looks to Blaze and his Mutt and says " The Job is yours, and stay away from the carpets when transformed, you may relax right now or go immediately on watch." Blaze knowing he is still too new to the keep decides to take a quick tour now, while he has the chance. Deciding he wants to show off his new Toy, turns ethereal and commands Nanuk to turn also - Angela, who happens to be too close, looks at Blaze and decides to check it out. Reaching for Blaze she felt no heat, except when she touches him her Finger tip was seared off, leaving her index finger short to the knuckle... "Owwwwwwww" she screams. Blaze Chuckles beware thy heat Sis.... With that done the two red shapes float up and out the door and head to the upper regions of the hall.....

His lifeless eyes stare at the two great warriors standing before him, he knows the fire of the Hades burns the strongest in these two. "My lords I have news to tell you of this fallen sister, but my time is short." He bows before his masters Beast and Quin releasing the souls of the many warrior's who have fallen before him in his absence. Quin speaks "Grave drink and tell us what you know". Grave stares at the wineglass with eyes like daggers, "I will not drink wine made by a group of cowards, I have come here to bring news." he says with a smirk. "After my leave from the world of Athas, I have traveled the planes of existence for what seems like eternity, endlessly searching for an escape back to my brethren, my hunger growing for the sweet sound of my blade sawing through the bones of some innocent fool. My journeys brought me to the layers of the Abyss, a place where I could find no greater satisfaction, hearing the screams of the departed as my daily music and the sounds of burning flesh being eaten by my new Tanar'ri brethren as a melody." The smiles grew across the faces of the two elders of Hades as they absorbed the essence of the fallen warriors, and listened to the tale their comrade. "I quickly gained an alliance with the Abysmal lord Graz'zt, and rose within his armies' ranks in the Bloodwars. With each head I severed and each intestine I gorged upon, I longed for my days of wearing the proud colors of the black and green, until a long forgotten voice entered my mind. It was the voice of Lyric, our missing comrade who had countless times stood with me feasting on the souls of the fallen. Her voice was not typical of a true warrior, this was a voice of desperation. She spoke of some "Dark One" who she feared was the entity of ones who once had the fire of Hades flowing through their unforgiving veins, but had fallen in battle." Quin and Beast's eyes widened listening to the tale of the forgotten warrior. "Through my Tanar'ri soldiers and my bond with Lyric I can tell you they are not in the Abyss, but in some other plane where even the powers of the mighty Graz'zt cannot reach. I shall contact my closest brothers Max and Jozix in the world of Athas for any news. My lords I swear upon the unholy fire that courses through my veins and pumps the unholy life within this body that I will find this "Dark One" and may Hades have mercy upon his soul." The two elders look upon each other, knowing that that fate has smiled upon them with the return the Grave.

Sitting back in his throne of blood, the Dark One is pleased with him self. But then another thought occurs to him. With a smile he quickly castes a spell through the portal aimed at Stormie's room. "There let some continuous laughter be her bed mate for awhile. And now to the game afoot". Turning back to the gleaming game board before him. The Dark one notices that the Warriors of Hades have begun to assemble in the castle of fire. "Hmm no doubt they're beginning to plan their next moves. I must move before they do, if I am to prevent them from becoming organized. But I must know what planes they are setting." Taking a Closer look at the game board he begins to take notice of the pieces and their positions. Closely he watches as each of the Warriors gather in Hades or begins to move in that direction. Out of the corner of his eye, he catches a flash of black and green on the game board, form the land of death. "Hmm what's this?" Turning to the game board for the land of death. The Dark One ponders over who this could be. Quickly he takes a head count of the Warriors that are in Hades or in motion to Hades. "Ahh tis Ion, the ethereal ghoul that should have already joined my ranks." Sitting back in his throne he ponders his next move. Knowing full well that he must have more information about the Warriors next move, If he is to have any chance of defeating them. Especially in there own castle. Then suddenly an idea comes over him. With a smile he stands and then is gone from the abyss. Knowing full well that time flows differently in the land of the dead. Ion takes little heed of the fact, that Quin has sent out a summons to all the Warriors to meet at the castle. He still had time to spare and much work to do. Studying the remains of the thief, should give him a clue as to the identity of this Dark one. Also they may hold a clue to his fondest wish. In his home, Ion long ago had set up warning to let him know of intruders to his dwellings. That is why when he felt the magical vibrations in his head of those warning that a friend, a fellow Warrior had entered his home. He paid them no more heed than that of the summons he had received from Quin. "Hail and well met brother." Ion said, thinking that it was Quin coming to collect him for whatever was going on back at the castle. "Hail and well met to you my old friend." a deep and powerful voice replied. Ion had only heard that voice once before. But it was unmistakably not Quins, but most certainly that of the Dark one. Quickly the word of power comes to his lips to form a globe of invulnerability. But with his guard down, he was just not fast enough. The first bolt of energy struck him hard in the side as he was turning to face the intruder. His concentration broken, the power for the spell slipped from his lips. The attack was short and fast. The barrage was unstoppable. Slowly he was driven back to the wall. And then real attack began. Slowly at first, just mental probes, which Ion, easily crushed and turned aside. But the mental powers of the Dark One was to great. Slowly it cut away at his defenses. Cutting into his mind like a scythe though a wheat field. The battle had only lasted a short amount of time. But Ion knew that he had lost. He should have been more careful, and better warded his home. But only a fellow Warrior of Hades could have gotten that close without setting an alarm off!! "Yes Ion, I see that you realize that only a fellow brother(dripping with venom) could have possible gotten this far into your home. And I see that you also realize that even though I allow you to remain in your mind as a separate entity, it is I who fully control your mind and body. Fight it if you wish, but you will only do yourself harm. See I have placed certain wards upon your mind. The more you try to gain back your mind the more your own mind will erase itself or more exactly, erase you. It can also be said anyone attempting to free your mind will suffer the same fate." Turning to the table where the ashes of the thief were neatly set out among various tools and instruments. The Dark one calmly takes the ashes in his hand. Ion watches as they are slowly absorbed back from whence they had came. Seeing that the Dark Ones attention was no longer directly on him. Ion knows that this may be his only chance to fight back. Even if it may cause his own mind to use his own powers against himself. Slowly he stretches his mind out. Trying to gain control of his fingers. Lightning pain flashes in his minds eye. His body twitches uncontrollably from the pain. Watching with some mild interest the Dark One simply nods, knowing full well that he had to try to fight one last time. They all do that he thinks to himself. "Ion, I did warn you about that. It was your first and last attempt I hope. I would hate to think of you as a mindless husk, like some of your more stubborn brothers. like Nef for instance." Said the Dark one. With a nod of his head at Ion. Ion is able to find his voice again. " Who are you? what brother has betrayed us?" With a slight laugh the Dark one nods in agreement. Yes you deserve to know who your Lord is now my old friend." And with that the Dark one pulls the hood of his cloak from his head. A gasp escapes Ions lips. "It can't be, not u!" "Tis, and it isn't my old friend, replies the Dark One. But that story will wait we have work to do". Snapping back full control of Ions mind, the Dark one begins to reveal his mission for his old friend. "I know that your friends are holding some kind of meeting in the castle. I need to know what steps they are taking against me. This is vital information and you will obtain it for me. When the meeting is done with you will make an excuse to leave if you must. And then you will report to me. (Quickly the Dark One makes Ions mind learn a portal spell to a very special place of his choosing) You will give me a full account in detail of their plans and if you can muster it their defenses as well. If you should see me at this meeting you will react to me as if I was your loyal brother and old friend that I am. Now be off with ya and remember I control you, body and mind, and I can destroy your soul as well". The Dark One watches as Ion's body gates itself to the meeting chamber. Quickly he too follows suit and gates back to the abyss to await his newest spy's report.

Peron, always knowing the quickest route to any tavern, is sitting at a corner table as his small command enters. Before they can take a detour to the bar, he motions for them to come over. Telling them that a bottle is already on it's way as they sit, he says, "from here on out, there's to be no mention to anyone about where we're going or what we intend to do .. and I mean anyone." He stops speaking as the tavern wench approaches the table with a bottle of light wine and five glasses. "Dam Peron !! that's barely enough to wet the tip of my tongue," says Phantom, as she places the bottle and glasses on the table. Grinning at the young warrior, Peron just nods. "Exactly what I intended my young friend." There's a short moment of silence as the serving wench fills the glasses and leaves. Raising his glass, Peron says, "Very shortly we're all probably going to wish we were back here in this tavern." "It won't be short .. and it won't be easy .. but the next wine we have together here will be with Stormie at our sides." Clinking their glasses and vowing the rightness of that statement, the small band solemnly downs the wine and awaits orders. "Phantom, my black stallion's outside .. get over to the keeps stable and get the rest of our mounts saddled and ready while Rogue and Angela gather some provisions." Glancing at Rogue, Peron says, "only enough for a couple days bro .. no sense leaving any hints we plan a long journey." "Meet us back here when you're done .. Warlock and I have to talk."

The summons from the Dark one had a tone of urgency to it. Quickly the Abyssal Lord made his way through the gathering haze and smoke. All too soon it came upon the globe of fresh air that it hated and despised. Stepping within the circle, it noticed that the Dark One had gathered, what he calls the Flock, The souls of some of his greatest enemies. In death, and some for some poor souls in life, they all now served the Dark One in undying servitude. "Ahh Partner, tis about time you arrived. No matter, undoubtedly our enemy's have begun to look for us. Have all of the preparations been made throughout the lower realms of evil?" asked the Dark One. 'Yes, we have several rumors spread thought out the lower realms of evil. Including Hell, the abyssal planes, Tartaros, Pandemonium, the astral and ethereal plans. We were even successful in infiltrating Hades itself.' spoke the abyssal lord. "Good, very good. But were we able to penetrate any of the outer realms or those of good?" The Dark One's question although not unexpected was still a question that the abyssal lord had not looked forward to answering. Dark One, the outer realms and planes have been difficult to generate any kind of successful rumors in. Although a few have taken hold, as to the realms of good and law, who can say for sure. Sitting in his throne of blood, the Dark One was deep in concentration. He had had his partner spread many a varied rumor throughout the planes of evil. Some as to their location, and others as to what he actually was. He had known that the outer realms would be a problem. But it was too late now , to do much more about it. And his partner was correct about the realms of law and good. One just never knew about them. It was time for step two of his plan. "Partner come, tell me all that you know of this Serpent God. The one these Warriors hold as their lord". Here the mention a of their Serpent God brought the Abyssal lord attention into bright focus. This was a subject that it knew well. And more than that, it had been far too long since it had tasted the blood of a god. An ancient god for that matter.

After receiving his orders, a bright light flashes from the spot that the Phantom is sitting and he disappears. Appearing in the stables, he readies enough stallions for all of his brothers, and sisters, that are coming with him on their journey, however he does not ready one for him. As he readies the stallions, his brother Ion walks into the room. "Phantom, where are you going?" Remembering what Peron has told him Phantom chooses his words carefully. "Well, as you know, Stormie is missing, and we, well .... we plan to get her back. How, that is for us to all find out." Ion, frustrated with this response, replies a little more harshly. "You mean, you wish to not tell me of your plans?" Phantom quickly responds, "Ion, as your brother, I wish to tell you all I know. However, as a follower of the Serpent, I can only tell you this, we wish to rescue her. This we will do, and in doing so, we will destroy the so-called 'Dark One'. What more must you know?" Almost satisfied with this information Ion calms slightly. "Well, Phantom, I guess that is all we can do for each other...farewell." Seeing Ion walk away, Phantom stops him. "Ion, I have a question for you. ::In an inquisitive way:: Do you happen to know who this 'Dark One' is? If you knew...it may just help to ready our defenses."

Phantom waits for Ions reply.....

Having explored the entire home of his Guild brothers and sisters, Blaze decides he needs help on the outside as well. Calling upon Nanuk's brothers (7 full sized Hounds) he has them teleported by his wife into the courtyard and surrounding lands. "Ah now that makes this a little more like Home." Blaze Sends a telepathic message to each one of the Hounds and sends images of all acceptable WOH warriors, any else they are to call to me then attack to the death. Blaze then turns back into his human form and Dresses in his best Black Plate and throws his Charger helm of Earth over his head and goes out to walk the outside of the Keep, Leaving various wards and Glyphs to surround the castle, for any type of infiltration. While Blaze is doing this he send message to Nanuk to go Talk to Beast and or Quin and tell them what has been done for protection, and to ask for any other ideas or reinforcements, that need to be placed.. Blaze waits for Reply.......

I am like a cornered scorpion. My mind trapped by a predator who understands my defenses. I react out of instinct, my mind screaming out to take control. And I succeed in stinging my self to death. Last time I felt the power of the Dark One, it was thru the hands of his minions. Sadly now known as dead or long gone brethern. I was tortured, my soul feasted upon by men and women whose side I had fought upon time and time again. I was bound, yet I was free, free to think and speak of my own accord. Yet now as I walk among my brothers and sisters, I am trapped. My thoughts, no longer my own, my voice, The Dark Ones will. " Ion, brother, we are going to save Stormie, what more do you need to know? " Phantom, be quiet, I scream to him to notice there is something wrong, I yell what is happening... Pain..." Phantom my brother, then I guess we can't help each other anymore, good luck finding her." My voice, The Dark Ones words. If I had tears I would be crying, instead my face remains friendly and unchanged. " Ion if you have any idea who this Dark One is, it would help us all greatly." No kidding brother, I Laugh out of hysteria, Of course I know who he is, I have fought by his side, I have laughed with him, drank ale with him, we have used the magic of the Serpent time and again to slay our enemies. I fight now the magic inside me, the power of the Dark One as he now calls himself. I fight the pain, I scream his name for all to hear." You know my brother that if I had such information Beast and Quin would be the first to hear, but alas I know not. Good luck finding Stormie, I plan to continue my research at home, I believe I maybe onto something." Hades help me, the pain is too much, I am losing my mind, my thoughts slipping. Wait a minute, what came out of my mouth? " OK Ion, I believe you, it is just hard to trust anyone during times like these. Be swift with your work, your information will be of value, I am sure." That is it, my research!

The answer is my research, Magi would understand my findings, if only I could get to him. Suddenly my mind reels in pain, my conscience slipping, The Dark One realizing his mistake, using the pain to take over my will, soon I will be defeated. My last ounce of strength is focused on Hades, the Serpent himself. I feel the last glimmers of his control over my soul fading, but I draw upon his power, and thru the Dark Ones magic I am granted the strength I need. Forced as if by a banshee's wail, I barely utter a whisper. " Magi". The vial of magical vapor, the last remains of the dead thief's ashes from my study falls from my hands and to the ground by Phantom's feet. The vial contains the answer, Magi contains the knowledge to unravel it. Phantom looked at the vial, then at me, and recognition washes over his face. I succeeded !! My mind goes blank as The Dark One takes control. Phantom swoops for the bottle as my possessed form tries to grab it, but Phantom reacted much too swiftly for my animated body. The vial grabbed, he was gone. And so too am I.

Stormie awakens from her sleep to hear that the screams from Ion have ended. The silence hurts her ears almost as much as the pain in Ion's voice, almost as much as the laughter from the Dark One. She knows he has been killed. The last link to the prime material world has been stripped away. The link that ties his soul to the flesh has been severed. Funny, Ion achieved his dream, his life long struggle. He is no longer of the flesh. But the transformation was too much, the power of the Dark One too great. The Irony. At least that is how the Dark One referred to it, before ending Ion's life .............................................. Back at WoH keep Phantom knew he had one thing to do, forgetting Peron and his traveling mates, forgetting his Journey to find Stormie, he knew only that he had to find Magi. He quickly made his way to Quin's chambers, slamming the door behind him. Beast was there and after a quick mental sweep of Phantom's mind knew what had transpired. "Go Phantom, join Peron and the others, start your journey, breath not a word of this, we must get Magi on top of this. Go now, waste no time.!" Beast commanded and Phantom was gone. Quin and Beast looked at each other with concern. they knew what needed to be done. They were beginning to understand the reaches of the Dark Ones power. Only one question worried them for the moment... Where was Magi?

Devlyn is sitting at the table, her head resting on her hands. She is bent over a book, it is her log. She is studying past strategies and magic combos that worked best for her. Knowing that she must be in top form in case someone, or something should attack their castle. Devlyn's concentration is broken by a scream. Devlyn runs to the stable to see Ion fall to the ground and Ennam run from the room carrying what looked like a bottle:: ION!!! ::Devlyn screams, rushing over to Ions still body lying on the floor:: Ion, what is wrong, what has happened?? ::She knells down next to Ion, reaching for him:: Ion answer me damnit! Why can't I feel a pulse?? What is going on?? ::Devlyn starts crying:: Someone help him, please I don't feel anything...why?? ::Devlyn puts a hand behind his neck and pulls him slightly towards her:: Someone please... someone should be able to do something, anything?!!? She moves a piece of hair from his face. " Please Ion just say something, anything. Devlyn begins to cry uncontrollably now, her whole body shaking, she puts her hands underneath his legs and tries to lift him, and cant, falling to the floor on her knees, she looks up to her brothers around her..:: Isn't there anything we can do??? Please something, anything??? Devlyn begins to cry so hard that her words are now inaudible.

A feeling of distress comes over Phantom as his brother Ion dies. The pain is not from him, however, it is from Devlyn. He knows she is not as strong as some, and wishes to comfort her. He can not leave his post, however, for the search for Stormie MUST get on its way. Knowing he has new powers, he tries something he has never before done. Meditating, he transports his mind, temporarily, to Devlyn's, but not to take over, only to talk. "Devlyn, dear sister, do not worry about the fall of Ion. WOH have a tendency to come back from the dead, I should know. He will be back, better and stronger then before. I promise, if he don't come back on his own, I'll go down there and drag his ass up here." After saying this his mind is shot back from Devlyn's, but not before talking to Quin briefly. "Quin, brother, do not forget about the potion, Ion made it seem of the utmost importance. May the Serpent guide you, and our other brothers and sisters, in protecting our castle. If anyone can run it, you can." With all that said and done, Phantom's body collapses on the hay at the stable...taking the much need rest from this mind transport.

A soft whirlwind blew up the leaves around Devlyn. Stepping out of the vortex, a lone figure walks up and abruptly pushes Devlyn aside with the simplest and east. As she slides across the lawns in a confused state, the figure grasps the fallen warrior up by his throat and looks into the deceased, lifeless eyes. Devlyn yells at the top of her lungs, What do you think you are doing, you have no right. The cloaked figure looks towards Dev and growls as not to bother him with her voice once more. Turning his attention back to the corpse, he focuses upon the back of the skull raises his arm, extends his fingers and smashes his hand into the back of Ion s skull. Dev lets out a horrible yell NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!! A bluish-green mist formed around a mans that the stranger pulled from Ion s form, he holds it to his mouth, inhales and then a violent fireball streaks towards the heavens disappearing within the same vortex in which he first appeared. Devlyn rushes to her feet and quickly recites a fireball spell to hopefully catch the stranger off guard. Dark eyes glow from under the hood looking directly at her but it was too late, the fireball hit with full force. Knocking the stranger back only one or two paces he removes his cloak and gazes upon her, If you do that one more time you will really piss me off woman, I have not the time nor the patience to deal with this right now consider yourself lucky this time. Do not let it happen again without my prior permission. Then he very firmly said, Do you understand? Devlyn not only shook up over seeing Ion die, and then his soul removed, quickly dropped to her knee and said, I m sorry I, I, I was not aware it was you, it will not happen again. The figure casts an angry look once more in Dev s direction before heading towards the entrance to WOH. The wind catches his cloak as he turns creating a dramatic scene as he opened the massive oak doors. The echo of boots fills the hallway only a few warriors are present, gathering things organizing to get ready, preparing for their quests to find a missing warrior. However, his pace gives life to his cloak, forcing it to rise and fill the hallways, forcing the fear this warrior commands. One thunderous boom filled the chambers of Quin s massive study disturbing the ongoing conversation between Quin and Beast. Enter Magi, it s about time and what is that smell you ve brought with you? Don t start with me Quin, I rush and use most of my energy crossing the realms to arrive here to find Ion dead on the courtyard. I remove his soul and send it back to Hades for his continued support to the Serpent when I am hit face first with a fireball so I am really not in the mood for your scolding. I need some food and drink or I m going to get real testy, replies Magi. Quin allows a grim smile, Fine, let s retire to the mess for a bit of drink and food, we all could use some."

In awe of all that had happened so abruptly, Rogue keeps to himself, trying not to have to hold any lengthy conversations. He remembers back to when he first joined the ranks of WOH and how that letting someone or something get you hot headed would basically mean your end is near. Thankfully as a young Warrior I had always had a brother or sister there to bale me out when I lost it in the battlefield. Now is different he could not rely on his family to bale him out, for this task ahead of them will take every warrior to do their part if there is any chance of success. Knowing this, Rogue channels all of his anger into his duty and quickly gets just enough rations to hold the rescue team over for just a few days. So as not to look so suspicious on their further plans, and to obey his brothers wishes. For that alone will strengthen the outcome of this mission. "I have brought you what you have asked for my brother, now unless you have further need for me, I will be in the court yard, getting mentally prepared for our journey ahead of us." With a slight movement of the hand, Quin gestures for Rogue to do as he requested. All is quiet now in the massive courtyard. Everyone is either resting, in meditation, or standing watch. After looking blankly into the darkest night Rogue begins to hum an old tune his brother Ion had taught him only a few short days after he had received his green and Black. ::flashback:: "Rogue , my brother, there is no reason for you to be distraught over tomorrow's adventures. Do not try to be someone your not out there...and follow what is in your heart and soul tell you and you WILL always succeed!," Ion disclaimed .....