Haze looks down upon the courtyard from the tower wall, noticing the newest member to the ranks of WOH, questioning why she has been called. Why has she been called to be of service unto Hades, why would someone of unknown stature such as she just be granted the rights to wear the colors of the Serpent himself? Shifting his attention to that of the guards posted around the castle walls, Dritzs and Criz at the front gates, and Blaze patrolling the courtyard with his hounds all seems serene for the moment. He settles back into his thoughts towards the mysterious Kyrst once more. Why would a vampire be called unto the service of Hades, why would Satan release one of his beloved creatures unto the service of another? So many questions that troubled him about this, not feeling comfortable about her admittance unto the service of the Serpent. Nor do I possess the answers you seek, for I am as troubled as you. How does one explain a calling that takes total control of ones mind? Not knowing why or how or for what reason I am to focus my life and my talents unto Hades only to know that it is That my mind, body, and soul command me to do. Haze quickly stands to an alert position, looking for the source of the voice. He looks down upon Kyrst to notice she only smiles back at him and turns to walk away. Leaving him with an increased desire to have his questions answered. He knows he is to conserve his magical energy for possible attacks but he decides to appear in front of the one who just invaded his thoughts. And what right do you have to invade my thoughts? Queried Haze. Invade you say, I no longer invaded your mind as you invaded my privacy with those looks upon my body, as to peer into my soul. I merely attempted to answer the questions to the best of my ability you posed towards me. Answered Kyrst. I I .I did not (not used to this form of a tongue lashing from a woman) I simply looked upon the courtyard performing my duties as watch commander. Therefore, my glances upon you were only an extension of my duties If that s as you believe Sarcastically she replied. Sensing he was about to lose his temper with the false accusations from this warrior, he turned about to return to his duties. You distemper easily Col. Haze. Turning about once more to reply, however, he was cut off in sentence. It is a basic form of combat sir to establish the advantage you have, try and anger your opponent or rival to find out your footing before a possible battle begins. Within our short conversation I can tell that a lot of your fighting form derives from the power of your anger. But beware, it clouds your mind allowing for a greater margin of error. With times such as these, it could be a quality that would be in your best interest to refocus upon the teachings of your beginning years of the arts. Learn to control your anger or it will befall you. Realizing that what she said was true, Haze felt belittled that someone, someone that does not know him quickly analyzed a fault he s been fighting since he was of young. He remembered back upon the times of his earliest years in the schools of the arts, How the competitive nature to be the best always sparked an anger unmatched by those around him. He remembered a young lad who mastered the use of a simple illuminate spell before him, then taunting him in return. Needless to say the boy did not advance to the next spell due to a dagger embedded deep into his throat. Yes, you are correct. I am quickly to take the defensive and allow my weapon of choice to display the colors of my anger upon the unsuspecting soul. But why do you tell me of this? asked Haze. I don t know Col. Haze, I don t know.

What the hell is it? asked Vikar. It is rumored to be lost. Many attempts to find it have resulted in absolute failures. It is the Staff of Means. It was crafted by the same magic that created the orb. It was a back up device. If the orb became too powerful, this was to be the thing to destroy it. It has a claw on the end of it that comes alive once around the orb in order to grasp it. Once the orb has been joined together with the staff, its power is neutralized. It will then dissipate all of its magical powers then to become a mere staff. Unlike the orb, anyone can handle the staff. The most important thing is that we have to find it. Answered Beast.
This sounds to simple an orb that can destroy Gods with the power it has amassed and all we have to do to destroy it is use some stick with a claw on the end of it. Sounds like whoever wrote those books was hitting the ale a little harder than usual that night. Stated Max.
Raider intervenes, OK, what if this does work though? What if this staff is designed to do what it is supposed to do, what is going to happen to those under the spell? Will it kill them, will it absorb their energies the same as those who wield the orb I mean hell, what are we doing trying to save Stormie and Ion if we destroy this orb and it takes them along with them. We might as well just focus our battle onto destroying the orb if this is the case
Beast tries to answer the barrage of questions he s receiving when Hades comes forth and slices Beasts throat from one side to the other. Everyone in the room looking highly confused, they don t know what just took place. It seems their god just removed the life from Beast. Warm blood flows freely from the neck of Beast until the cut magically disappears. Each of you have a part of my power in you once your are reborn into my likeness. Your devotion of your souls is what enables you to have this power. It allows you to have a slight defensive even when you are not upon your fullest of senses. It is this spiritual power that allows you to survive unconsciously. If we destroy this orb, each person that has used its power will be destroyed. Destroyed forever. Those however that have been influenced, or harmed with it s power, the damages will be removed and hence, returned to their former selves. This is not positive assurance however, for this act has never been accomplished. No one fully knows the final course of action. Hades announced.
A surprised look had flashed across Beasts face as that burst of pain wracked his mind. He tried to speak but his vocals had not yet recovered from the sudden laceration from his God. Suddenly Krown bursts into the council chambers. Forgive my disruption but we have company, multitudes of demons from the Abyss approaching fast an out of breath Krown announced.
Arrrrggghhh Hades growled. He has acted quicker than I thought.
With that a flash of energy surged as Hades returned to his true form and disappeared. The remainder of the council joined with Krown with their advances through the castle out into the courtyard to discover the odds against them. To their amazement Hades was there once again causing those around to be paralyzed in fear. Hades began to draw upon the powers of below and dispelled a massive wave of fire that bellowed from the castle walls like an atomic explosion. The fire consumed every last breath of life outside of the walls including the most vital for support the air. The fire was of such intensity that the demons burned to such oblivion that no traces, not even that of an ash remained. Hades, pleased with his powers turned towards the council behind him.
Find the staff or you will die The serpent called upon a portal to return to the underworld, turned to glance once more at Beast and snarled then disappeared.

"In all my life I have never experienced a fear such as that" Kyrst mumbles to herself and she stands up to brush herself off after seeing the display of power from her new God. Her mind starts to race with questions. What is of this staff he speaks? Why would such a I that's exactly it. That is why he called me !
Kyrst quickly dashes over towards the watch commander's position. "Haze!!! Haze damnit, down here Never mind" she yells Haze looks over the side to find nothing when Kyrst just appears in front of him.
"What the, what do you want vampire?" "I need you to gather two trustworthy brethren who are VERY good with the arts of both sword and magic and some horses for quicker travel"
"Who and in what position are you to give me orders?" Haze inquired with anger.
"Look, this is no time for rank. We must go and go NOW." She replies.
"Why horses then, why not teleport or the like, or at least Griffons?"
"Haze, we have to travel to a place that Griffons are to large to go unto, and we must be upon our utmost magical peaks to return alive. I will explain more upon the way but we must go." Before Haze could ask anything else Kyrst disappeared. Only knowing her for such a little time and still not trusting the vampire, he stood his place waiting until he received proper authority to stand down from his post. He feared little but he did not want to face Quin's wrath if his orders were disobeyed. Kyrst appeared before the remaining members of council assembled in the courtyard.
"Beast, Quin I must take leave and depart for my native realm. I am taking Haze and two others to accompany me in my travels" Kyrst announces.
"Who the hell are you to tell me of what you are going to do, especially " Quin was cut off by Beast's words of intervention. With his voice not fully returned he struggled with the words.
"Let her go Quin Let her go" Beast stated in a raspy voice.
With a look of amazement that someone that has been a warrior of such a short time, used such a demanding voice towards him. He felt he must have been getting soft for such an instance in the past would have resulted in such a blow in the chest that they would be decommissioned for a week or more.
"G..Go then. Take the steeds at the far end of the stables for they are the strongest and by far the fastest." Quin stuttered "Haze is already performing such duties to prepare for our departure as I instructed him," Kyrst added. Quin looked up towards the watch commander's post, seeing Haze stand fast.
"(Laughing) you obviously do not know how things work around her quite yet. You don't just instruct an officer under orders of the council to do what you tell them and then expect them to carry it out. They did not receive their positions of leadership or learning such careless ways of battle. I will follow on and INFORM Haze that he may carry out what you asked of him and accompany you for your journey." Turning his attention towards Beast.
"Now please tell me why the hell I'm letting one of my best Warriors venture out unto another realm when we are short of adequate protection now?" Quin finishes.
"Follow me" Beast heads back in towards Quin's personal library As they enter the library, Beast reminds Quin about informing Haze to relieve his post and prepare for his journey. "I really wish you would organize this library" said Beast reserving his speech.
"I told you, I like it this way, what are you looking for? I can help you find it easier." Responded Quin. "Book 14 of Dar Qalth"
"I'm not going to have those books out with these. They are over here in this rack. Here you go. Now what in that book will explain Kyrst's utmost urgency to speak to leave?"
"Well if you would shut up and let me find it I will show you" Beast answered sarcastically. Beast furiously searched through the book, almost tearing the pages as he turned them. "As you know Quin that Vampires are one of the oldest races. They have been around since the dawn of the ages. Well, according to the Dar Qalth (Footnote, Dar Qalth is a book written by the ancient historians) the staff was passed on to a certain clan of vampires. The most vicious and ruthless were chosen because at the time of the staff's creation, they were the most feared creatures besides the gods themselves. Kyrst is a direct descendent from that clan. That is why Hades called to her. She was not guided by her soul but forced to this land by a suggestive power that Hades put upon her. She is returning to the catacombs of her elders to retrieve the staff."
"Well why have so many searched for it and failed if it was always in these catacombs?" Quin asked.
Beast replied "Vampires protect their archives well. They are a close race and do not believe in outsiders. They will not appreciate Kyrst and her role with us. However, the catacomb location is a secret, only passed on from generation to generation. Merely uttering the words of it's location would result in their immediate death that is why I instructed Kyrst to go for she had no time to explain in certain words where she was going."
"Wait, here it says that in order to receive the staff, a sacrifice must take place. She surely will not " Quin exasperated.
"No, Haze and the others will not be able to enter the catacombs. She must choose someone to sacrifice along their route. Someone entirely of good, normally an infant or young child is chosen." Beast confirmed.
"Well this vampire is turning out to be quite a valuable warrior already. OK, well now the question is how to find the location of the Dark One and the orb that he has in his possession and then finally to rescue Stormie and Ion."
"This is where we are also fortunate for the staff, no matter how much masking of his position the Dark One conjures up, the staff will find the location of the orb. With as much power the Dark One is using from the orb, he will be there for if he leaves it, he looses that power and his power over the fallen Warriors. However, I'm sure he will be quite upset with us finding his location and wanting to remove his prize possession so we will have to devise such a plan of force that will take him by surprise.
Remembering what Hades had said when he arrived; Quin removes one of his books from his shelves and pulls out several spell components from a massive chest. "Look, the Dark one can see each move we take. I will mask this castle from magic. It will prevent any magic inside the protection so that no one can enter or exit using magic nor use any powers of such. It will prevent the Dark one from seeing our movements and that of Kyrst and Haze's departure buying them some travel time without alerting anyone or anything what is going on, however it will take all of my powers to continue with the spell. Enforce the post around this room so that I am not harmed during my weakened state and make sure I'm checked up upon." Quin states while getting everything ready for the spell.
"Rest easy and focus on the spell for I will use the Dark knights for your protection." replies Beast.

"Fallen Warriors surround me." Ion thinks. "Some friend, some foe. Traitor and hero alike. The strong sinuous arms of the undead hold my caged soul up high. Encased in this shell of fury, I scream my silent scream. I am forced to bear witness, through this portal in front of me, the destruction of the Warriors of Hades. Destruction partly caused by my doing. Do my brethren know who this Dark One is? Do they even have a clue? To only be able to warn them, give them a chance. I have seen Hades appear time and again now. Does the Serpent even know? Wait a minute... what was that? What did I just see? Yes, forgive me Lord...yes, Hades does know. I should have never doubted. We have a chance, a chance to live... I can feel the Dark One dissolving my mind. His anger is my pain. I grow numb. Vision dim, my mind starts to fade away. I begin to wonder if I am even alive... and then like so many of the dead who's souls never make it to their gods. Like so many so-called ghosts lost in purgatory, I start to lose my mind. I begin to forget. I become grounded to this obsidian cage, haunting it with a single memory. My failure to the Warriors of Hades.">p> Watching through the orb, the Dark One is starkly aware of the presence of the vampire. And it s meaning to his mission. But also he realizes that the council of Warriors, is very wrong in their assumptions of the orbs power. Yes it has let him be one step ahead of them. And its power to move his lair throughout the abyssal realms has come in handy. But, they have missed something vital that will be their undoing. Chuckling to himself, while he watches the warriors listen to the story of the orb. "Fools, they don't realize that I don't use the orb. But the Orb willing serves me well. I do not draw power to enslave those Fallen Warriors I see standing around me. Oh no, my dear Warriors, it is through shear will power and Magic that I command them. The orb's powers is put to better uses." Just then the image in the orb goes out! "What! how could they block the orb? Wait, no they couldn't. But Hades their God could!" Looking around the Dark one bellows for the Abyssal Lord. Silence is his only reply. "Damn, the fool is not back from where ever it is that he went to!" With a quick thought, the Dark One teleports himself to the portal that leads to Hades. Stepping out of the portal the smell of thousands of demons and devils almost over comes him. Turning to his commanders he orders a quick advance army to march on the Castle of Fire. In no time at all a small army of no less than a thousand minor demons is rallied in front of the portal, the portal that will take them to Hades. Quickly the Dark one walks up to the portal entrance and speaks the command word that will open it. Then he quickly teleports himself out of the way of the onrushing hoard. Watching his little handy work he smiles. "Comanders! Do not take in the statue just yet. This is only a test. The real invasion will begin shortly. Prepare well." With that, he is back in his throne room with a thought. Once more watching the game board. He thinks to himself. "Yes the pieces are coming together nicely. And still they have not figured out who it is they re dealing with.(sitting back in his throne of blood) Hmmm or should I be more correct in saying WHAT THEY ARE DEALING WITH?

He knows something has changed in the plans. He felt Hades return to teach and then saw the flames. He knows that saving the followers of the Serpent has become number one. He is lost in how. How will it be done? Looking around Phantom sees that all the stallions are readied, waiting for Peron's arrival with the rest of the group. He sends a message to Quin, but gets no response, he tries Beast, but again no response. Phantom knows he must find out what is going on so he teleports over to the chambers where the council members last were. None of the members are here, but he feels the presence of Quin nearby, he tries again to contact him but gets no response. Closing his eyes he searches for Quin but can see nothing. "Phantom, it is of no use right now." "Ahh yes, Beast. But what has happened to his voice, somewhat raspy." Opening his eyes... "Beast! We must stop meeting this way! What is going on?" "Kyrst is about to leave, she will be back with a weapon that will help us conquer the Dark One. replies Beast. Quin is in the midst of casting a magical barrier around the castle, so you may have some problems. Do not worry, however, we will call you when needed." "What would you like me to do till then sir?" "Go to the front gates. Take Hazes post until told otherwise, we will tell you when the group is ready to leave. Now, be gone"

Somewhat disappointed in what he has found out Phantom walks towards the front gates, readying himself for whatever may come his way...

In her sleep Stormie screams "Get me out of here!!! I wanna go home."

The portal had opened just a few days before. Those poor lost souls roaming throughout Hades were not surprised when it opened again. The first time they had stood with morbid curiosity as the demon horde poured forth in a rolling mass. Soon enough the spirits had realized there destination and then paid them no more heed. After all, it was not the concern of the dead. The great portal seemed to loom larger and larger. As quick as it opened, the first of the Dark Ones army began to pour forth. In the first ranks were the lowliest of armies. Thousands of Manes recruited to the Dark ones army. The Manes a mindless creature from the souls of those fortunate (or unfortunate) evil beings that find there way to hell. Their taskmasters like the manes, are spawns of the same evil. But imps are highly intelligent creatures seeking to spread evil throughout the realms by their cunning nature.
Next in Rank in the Dark ones army were the sub devils and demons that had long ago made up the bulk of his army. Barbed Devils and Bone Devils. Although these two devils come from hell's levels of hot and cold. The promise of being able to torture those that they come upon in the upcoming battles has forged a strained indifference to each other s presence.
Then out from the portal came a sound that was heard from those souls close enough to hear it. Then, from the top of the portal came the seemingly endless horde of Chasme.
Poor wretched creatures, a cross of man and fly, seven feet in length. These creatures are not well liked by other demons. But their mere numbers give them great respect through out all of the planes of evil. The growing horde of Chasme seemed to hover and gather strength above the slowly moving army of the Dark One. Some time later a dark cloud of thousands set forth to be the first to engage those that would be defending this strange castle that they have been sent to destroy. Next through the portal came a host of demons. Including Hezrou's and Glabrezu's. Both powerful types of demons in there own right. With these demons came the Pit fiends. Their huge bat wings tight against their backs for their numbers were numerous indeed. With them came four figures cloaked from head to toe. These figures although small compared to the demons that towered over them, commanded attention and were obviously the generals of this army. With these figures came a Black ebony statue. A wailing could be heard coming from this most horrid of statues. Those souls close enough immediately felt pity and understanding with this statue. Although they had scarce time to think upon this, for those major demons were fast upon them. Feeding on those that were too slow. Or those that just didn t care anymore. There were no more souls at the portal mouth to see the end of the army cross into Hades. The rear guard a simple mass of Dretch's. Although they are simple minor demons, their sheer bulk and numbers make them a deadly foe for any force.

After having sent his army into Hades the Dark One returns to his throne room. He does not seat himself upon the warm throne of blood. But instead he turns and walks into the portal that will take him to Stormies cell. Stepping through the portal, he quickly enters her room. She had at last begun to eat and drink a little. A good sign after all he did not want her to die. He had many plans for his chosen bride. Quietly he walked up to her prone form on the bed. With out thinking about it he reaches out and begins to stroke her body. Much as he had been doing in her dreams. And indeed she did react the same. At first she fought against his touch but sooner and sooner she had been giving in. Weather she knew it or not her will was fast fading. She began to moan under his touch. This got to the Dark one. He could no longer resist the urges he had been having towards Stormie. Slowly he bent and kissed her full on the lips. At first this seemed to shock her. Still half asleep her desires gave in and she reacted favorably to his intent. Dreamily she opened her eyes and stared into the eyes of a man she knew very well. For these eyes she had seen before. From the Dark light that had shown in them in the heat of battle to the passion of her embrace in another bed far away. At first her thoughts tumbled about her head. Had her friends found her! Had she been rescued at long last! Then still staring into those eyes. Those cold evil eyes. She came to know the truth. No she was still a prisoner of the Dark One. And now the Dark one had reviled himself to her at long last. Weakly she struggled against his embrace. With out comment he stood and looked down over her with hunger in his eyes. "So my Stormie you now know who I am." With that he turns and walks out of the room. Leaving her to sit and contemplate the meaning of this. To sit and listen to his mocking laughter that followed his departure from her prison.

The time is passing quickly as the castles walls are looking towards what could be their final days. Wondering greatly about what will become of WOH and it's leaders Phantom begins to worry. To himself ~ "No, I must not worry, it will only get me into trouble in the long run. I just have to keep watch, keep my mind together, and do as I am told from Quin, Beast, and Hades himself." Looking over the castle walls Phantom sees a flash of light far off in the distance. Using his magic, without moving he multiplies his sight to see closer. He sees the portal, and the mass of the army of the Dark One coming closer. "Shit! What in SATANS NAME is THAT!" Looking close to him, he sees no one to tell so he quickly calls to Quin. Telepathically, he tells him of what he sees. Answering questions on what creatures and approximately how many he sees. It looks like the test of the guild has finally come. Thinking of the dear sister Stormie and brother Ion he wishes for more time to find them. "I hope that whatever Kryst brings back helps greatly, and quickly"

Standing in his small guardroom that is currently serving as his headquarters. Vikar is looking out over the plane of Hades. Exodus by his side, a silent but steady companion in these troubled times. The two had been discussing some rather strange events of late. Neither of them trusted this new warrior Kyrst. And both had their doubts about this staff. Vikar was also overly concerned about the fate of Stormie. But Exodus had, like always, calmed him to a point. Earlier that morning Exodus had set out the beacon that would hopefully help Slayer to find his way home. They would need all the warriors that could be on hand for the coming battle. The two were still talking of these events. When Exodus spoke out loudly. "By all that is Evil, look there. It looks like a flood of souls pouring over Hades!" Looking to were Exodus was pointing, Vikar too had similar thoughts only much darker. "Hmm strange thing happen these days. But I have never truly seen anything like it except when Never Winter was besieged by an orc horde about fifteen years ago. But then it was a tide of........" Running out the door onto the battlements Vikar begins to shout. "WARROIRS TO YOUR POST!! Turning he caught Exodus's puzzled look. "That flood you say, it s a tide of refugees! The Dark one's army is on the March!"