Hunter training with Evangeline, Caroline and Dark but Legion picks off hunters.
It was a small European village that got light tourist traffic for the beautiful landscapes and cabins it had outside of town. The group of newbie hunters accompanying Evangeline were hoping they would get a vacation retreat once they figure out what their lesson was going to be!
Caroline: Tell me why you felt this was the right place for a lesson? *It was bad enough that Caroline didn’t trust when Evangeline’s scrying picked out a place. She might not of had psychic visions anymore, but that gift of hers was still locked away deep down inside – and that meant trouble! ….this place definitely didn’t feel right.*
“Awwh, I thought we were going to some beach in Greece!” one of the newbie hunters groaned.
Some of the hunters were looking at each other! They didn’t want to be the ones to make the first move!
Caroline: *Damnation. She was about to pull out a seeking spell so she could pinpoint what was bothering her. ….Screw Evangeline’s rules! She was here to protect the Queen of Darkness, not babysit hunters! So she [i]discreetly[/i] cast her seek spell after pacing away from the group.*
Caroline: *Damnation. She was about to pull out a seeking spell so she could pinpoint what was bothering her. ….Screw Evangeline’s rules! She was here to protect the Queen of Darkness, not babysit hunters! So she discreetly cast her seek spell after pacing away from the group.*
A few confused faces suggested they didn’t even know where they were, let alone research! “We uh… could form teams and seperate to search?”
Some of the hunters began to pair up with each other, others still stood around, confused!
The hunter who had “volunteered” swallowed and nodded. “So I’m looking for … something really bad, right?”
Caroline: *Not letting Evangeline out of her sight was easy enough. …It was the seek spell that concerned her. It wasn’t unexpected to discover what lurked in this town was something larger than Evangeline’s hunters could deal with. Now she was trying to decide if she should take care of it before they find it, or make the woman go somewhere else. …She’d try reasoning first! Caroline stepped up behind Evangeline to whisper in her ear.* This isn’t a good place for you or them. Let me take your somewhere more appropriate.
Twenty feet away, something watched Evangeline holding the hunter’s hand. It vaguely resembled a tall man wrapped in a black coat with a wide brimmed hat that quickly hid behind a tree!
He took a deep breath. Evil … Great. He was never going to let his pal talk him into signing up for stuff ever again! After several minutes, he shrugged and shook his head. “It’s … it’s not working!”
Caroline: *Of COURSE Evangeline wouldn’t leave! Why would she think otherwise! With a mutter under her breath, Caroline vanished! She dropped just outside of the buildings of the village, and prowled through the trees that surrounded the place. She was on the hunt to find it first!*
While some teams of hunters were now questioning people around the village, others had wandered out to the trees to examine the perimiters. They had radio communication, so one sighting of something odd and they’d message back to everyone else!
He gulped and then nodded. “Uh … uh … uh kay …” But he didn’t believe Evangeline! He didn’t like the feel of this place and he felt even less safe without Caroline here!
The human woman with the crystal and the boy with her would be easy pickings … Then when it was stronger, it could go after the other woman, the one who had vanished. It began to emit a soft cry for help, the voice of a weak human woman just twenty feet away!
He was about to argue! But then he gulped! It was nothing, right? He was just going to investigate and then … As he started walking forward REALLY slow, he pulled out his gun! “Uh … Hell … hello …?”
The soft cries for help continued but as the hunter drew closer, the cries became softer and the crystal swung harder! Just a little further … out of earshot and out of sight of the woman …
Here! This was where the cries was coming from … he was sure of it! Unfortunately he hadn’t noticed how far away from Evangeline he had strayed! He approached the tree. “He … hello …?” He stepped behind it and was almost relieved to see a woman lying there who needed help. She looked tired and really sick, holding her arm out to him like that. He put the gun down and the crystal to reach for her. “It’s okay, Miss. I got you, I got …” But when he bent over to pick her up, she was gone and in her place something cold and clammy grabbed his wrist and yanked him down! Before he could scream, something wrapped around his mouth and stifled his cries!
“E … Evangeline …” It was the hunter’s voice but he sounded so weak!
“Yyeahh … I … I tripped …” Tripped. That was a splendid excuse! This hunter had been a nice snack but if its instincts were correct–and they were rarely wrong–this woman would be a rare meal indeed …
“It’s … it’s over there … It fell and um … I … I lost it. Please! I need your help. I don’t think I’ll last very long …”
Heh. She was nearly there … If the ditz only followed the sound of the voice and got here faster! “I’m … I’m right here, Evangeline. To your … your right … Please, hurry!”
“I’m right here! Quickly … Uhh …” Maybe it was wrong after all. Maybe this wasn’t as grand a snack as its instincts said it would be. It made no sense!
Caroline: *Instead of Evangeline coming around the trees, it was Caroline dropping down in front of the ‘hunter’. She had nearly tackled Evangeline, but so long as the woman remained blissfully clueless, that was better for her!* Right here? You don’t look well, dearest. *Caroline was already pulling out her axe from thin air!*
The hunter became a formless shadow that moved a few feet away, then morphed into a tall man wearing a long black coat and a wide brimmed hat! Shadow tentacles flew out from under its coat to grab objects and throw them at Caroline!
Caroline: Evangeline, go back to the street! *CLINK! Always wanting to throw things, never wanting to fight fair. She deflecting what came at her, dashing forward to take a good swipe at the shadow… a test of just how tangible it could be!*
The shadows seem tangible enough, flinging objects at her! But the moment the axe is about to connect, it goes right through! Only for the tentacle to solidify again and slam down onto Caroline’s head!
Caroline: *She was quick enough to spare her head getting knocked around by fling up an arm to block it! By now she figured it was going to take some well placed spells. Her axe disappeared, and she was pulling a marble from her pocket. Cracking it to cast a bright flash of light to burn off those shadow tentacles!* Evangeline, I don’t hear you running away. *She growled!*
The tentacles were burnt away but quickly grew back to continue the assault! A ball of lighting flew at it but the shadow only split in half to avoid it and then reformed!
Caroline: *It was easier to relax and focus on what she was doing with Evangeline out of the way. Light wasn’t enough! Caroline slide to the side casting a new spell to catch those trees and have them roll off safely away from the village’s direction. Then she was switching gears, casting a stationary spell! Something to root the creature in one place!* Are you going to make a habit of showing up while I am working? One little incident and you seem to think you are my hero.
No! Its main quarry was getting away! It quickly switched tactics, calling up fog from the very ground that quickly grew thick and appeared to spread everywhere! Then it was using the cover to turn back into a shadow on the ground and go chasing after Evangeline!
Caroline: We’ve been gone for an hour! *Between Dark being ridiculous and this creature not taking to normal spellwork, she was getting frustrated. Caroline cast a strong wind, something to blow off the fog so they could see again and the thing wouldn’t have any shelter.* Evangeline, stop talking out loud!
There went its cover! It would have to try another time … It slinked away into the woods!
Caroline: *Caroline nearly sprang off to chase the creature down. All she had to do was try to piggyback after it’s trail. …but there was Evangeline and Dark. And those blasted newbie hunters to send home.* You really AREN’T supposed to be here.
Caroline: IT WAS AN HOUR. *She shouted after him…! But he was gone already. How was she supposed to protect him from is ill-mooded father when he can’t stay put?* Hrrrmph. Come with me Evangeline. I am going to send your hunters home and you as well. Then I will find a new boyfriend.
“Oohh! Oohh! Evangeline! … Evange–!” One of the hunters was running toward her with an old, leatherbound book in his arms!
The hunter skidded to a stop. “I think so! it’s about that evil you were talking about!” He moves so she can see the worn pages written in some old language. “This is an old Germanic language, similar enough to modern German for me to make out the basic details. There’s this entity called Legion and a long time ago, he was a man on a quest for vengeance. Darkness granted him the power and with it, he absorbed the souls of those who had done him evil … but apparently he’s been doing it ever since!”
Caroline: …In that case you’re all officially going home. This isn’t a place for new hunters – or Dark for that matter. *Created by Darkness himself… there’s no telling how OLD the creature was and how much power he had!*
“But what about the evil? Who’s going to take care of it?” the hunter didn’t like the idea of dealing with it but … they couldn’t just let the evil keep roaming around like this!
Caroline: I will take care of it. Dark can take Evangeline home, and I can cast a transport for all of the hunters.
The hunter was proud of himself–but the mention of Robert made him uneasy! He was afraid to ask, though!
Caroline: *Caroline was trying not to smirk at him… that look she always had when she knew he wasn’t going to succeed! It was also the one that pissed him off, so she was trying to hide it!* Take Evangeline back to the castle of happiness and light, where you belong. *With that, she was holding out a hand with a marble… a small seek. A frown! More than just Robert was missing now. Caroline transported the hunters left back to Oracle before another one turned up lost!*
Caroline: *Perfect. No Evangeline, no Dark. Just her and hunting. Free of having to worry about extra precautions, she prepared a new seeking spell!*
Gabriel: … Destroy. What. *He stepped out into the courtyard where Dark had teleported himself and Evangeline.*
Gabriel: *The gesture alone spoke volumes!* You are back earlier than I expected.
Gabriel: What proved too much for the hunters.
Gabriel: … Legion.
It was moving farther and farther into the woods. It would have to come up with a new tactic to devour both women … and the one who had intervened as well.
Caroline: *There was always something very fun about being on the hunt. Especially running wild through the woods and giving chase! Caroline was following one of her marbles, it speeding around trees as it did it’s job seeking! The beast was trying to out run her, but she’d catch up! And now she didn’t have to worry about Evangeline getting upset when she took it’s soul!*
Gabriel: … What have you heard.
Meanwhile, the creature noticed someone was tracking it. The scent on the wind said it was one of the females from before. The one who had tried cleaving it in half with that axe … It would do nothing for now. It would bide its time and continue travelling deeper into the forest.
Caroline: *How big WAS this god be damned forest. Caroline was tempted to burn a trail all the way through it. She had plenty enough stamina for a chase… but not the patience! Stopping suddenly, she pulled out one of her stronger spells. And cast to drop herself right on top of this beast known as Legion!*
Gabriel: … Summon Caroline back. She cannot win against Legion.
The creature quickly moved away from Caroline, a few feet away to morph into the tall man wearing the coat and wide brimmed hat. Tentacles lashed out from where his feet should be and when he opened his mouth, fire shot out at her like dragon’s breath!
Caroline: *In seconds she whipped out her ribbons, cutting the fire away and trying to deflect flying tentacles!* Tell me, Oh Legion! Are you truely blessed by Darkness? Do you hold his power?
Gabriel: Millenia ago, a human male caught Light’s eye. She was known to be fickle. Her lover one day became a worst enemy the next. Those who graced her bed were eventually put to death when she became suspicious they were cheating on her. This particular male rejected her at once, already having given his heart and love to another. He had a family and he could not bear to betray his wife. Light took the blow personally and raised up the villagers with whom the man lived with. He was betrayed, forced to watch his family die, then left to die himself once they maimed and mutilated him.
There was an odd sound, like heavy raindrops against a tin roof. Was that … laughter? “Hahaha, little girl …” The voice was shaky and grated on the ears, neither male nor female, neither old nor young. “What do you know of Darkness?!” It lifted one hand and shot out razor sharp blades about an inch long at Caroline!
Caroline: *Little girl! Yes, she hadn’t heard THAT before! Only a slight sound of annoyance, Caroline moved out of the way of the blades, landing crouched on a heavy tree branch. She cast her own wicked smile!* Why, I am the guardian of his Bright Queen. I don’t think he will be pleased to know you’re using his power to harm innocent mortals. *Caroline raised her hands, the spell’s movement causing the ground below to quake and rocks jutting out to surround him!*
Gabriel: Seconds away from death, the man invoked me. Quite simply, he wanted the power to exact revenge on the people who had done this deed. He understood he could not destroy Light herself and was willing to settle for those who had betrayed him. His soul for the power to take and absorb creatures, their body parts, their souls, their memories.
“Darkness! Married?! To a bright soul!!” It opened its mouth wide and let out a cry like a trumpet. Or a roar. Or a banshee wail. It flattened the ground and forced many living creatures to scurry for cover for miles around, forcing trees to shake and tremble!
Gabriel: All I cared at the time was unleashing another creature to destroy Light’s children.
Caroline: *A slight wince at the sound, she had to drop down to the ground to get and keep her balance. He was powerful enough to cast his powers over miles! That just meant no playing games. Taking out several marbles, Caroline tossed them up in the air! They shattered high above, glimmering down to trap the both of them under a shield. His magic wasn’t going anywhere now and neither was he!* So he is! A bright soul that you were trying to grab, Oh Legion. Thus I ask you a simple question. Do you stop harming mortals and flee – or do I slay you and take your soul for the sake of Darkness?
The laughter of raindrops-on-a-tinroof! “You may try, little girl, you may try!” It opened its mouth and a swarm of insects came flying out toward Caroline! There was no telling what effect their stings might have, even on a demon of Caroline’s level!
Caroline: Then let me show you why they call me the Lady of Shade. *Her inner dialogue was never as collected as what she showed… Insects were not on the top of her list of favorite things to deal with. A crack of her ribbons and she was summoning a strong stationary wind. Like a tornado to keep the flying little beasts from coming closer. With a shift of her stance, the light inside the sheilded dome grew dim and dimmer still until it was nearly as dark as night. Her shadow shot out from beneath her, moving to curl and swirl around Legion and grinning a hollow green smile!*
Gabriel: That is not the point, Evangeline. I know what it is like to love and lose someone. Regardless, one of you must summon Caroline back. She may think she is winning now but Legion has not survived so long through sheer luck.
The insects suddenly turned to stone and dropped to the ground! Then they grew larger and larger until they were the size of horses, still coming after Caroline! Legion suddenly dissipated into dozens of rats and scattered!
Caroline: *She had battled armies! Giant stone insects and scattering rats was a child’s game! He was still in her cage. Before those stone monoliths got too close, she was throwing her arms up. The entire ground underneath her dome aside from where she was standing, shifted and rose up quickly to crush him – all of the pieces of him! – against it’s barrier!*
CRUNCH! The sound of insects and rats as they were crushed against the barrier! Everything was silent!
Gabriel: I have one piece. And it is taking awhile for the wolves to bring me the other pieces.
Caroline: *She wasn’t fool enough to believe she killed him. But warily she lowered the rock and ground back where it belonged, ready to cast another spell if needed!* Have you done enough? There is more to this world than vengeance. Even Darkness has learned that.
Gabriel: When Light suspected what I had done, I split the soul into several pieces so she could not get her hands on it. I am nothing if not possessive of what I have.
… Nothing but silence. And neither the insects nor the rats had moved at all!
Caroline: Pull yourself back together. *He didn’t seriously think she would fall for him playing dead… but she couldn’t claim his soul if he were laid out over the ground in pieces. Caroline dropped the shield, still wary and waiting for movement!*
At first there was nothing … but slowly the insects and the rats began to twitch, one after another, they did as they were told, pulling themselves back together. They formed the tall man with the coat and the wide brimmed hat, lying on his stomach.
Caroline: *Caroline was suspicious… very suspicious. Ribbons dissappearing to be replaced with an Onyx spike, it took her a few moments of watching his body before she finally strode over and knelt next to it. She wasn’t going to stab a man in the back, so she was pushing him to roll him over!*
When Caroline rolled him over, what she found was a little girl in a long nightgown several sizes too big! She was pale, dark brown hair and appeared to be asleep!
Gabriel: He held out his hand and what appeared to be a light blue glass shard about the size of a thumb nail was hovering above it.
Gabriel: *He held out his hand and what appeared to be a light blue glass shard about the size of a thumb nail was hovering above it.*
Caroline: *That managed to catch her by surprise! This was a trick, a low one at that… And though she had the spike ready and could take his soul now… she just… she couldn’t seem to bring herself to stab a child! She couldn’t make that mistake again!*
Something approached from behind Dark and Evangeline, one of the shadows wolves held something in its mouth. It approached Gabriel and opened its jaws. A light blue glass shard floated up to join with the one Gabriel had.
That moment of hesitation may end up costing Caroline! The girl opened her eyes slowly and then she moved faster than she should have been able to, pouncing onto Caroline and sinking long fangs into her neck!
Caroline: *All she had to do was stab it…! But even while cursing herself and knowing what she should do, Caroline couldn’t do it! Instead she was crashing backwards trying to pry the child off her and shove her away with as much force as she could muster!*
Another wolf appeared to leave another piece that joined the others!
Gabriel: *He closed his eyes and lowered his head, one hand still out with the shards, the other moving around to draw her close.* I do not. The similarities between him and I are there. It pains me so much … because it reminds me of how it felt to lose you.
Caroline: *This was killing her! Perhaps not litterally…. yet! But Dark a grand habit of showing up at the wrong moment, and she was busy trying to pry a child’s teeth out of her neck without it taking flesh with her! Caroline fumbled to reclaim her spike and try a second time to stab and take the soul!*
Dark and Caroline finally managed to get the kid off of her and the girl and Dark went stumbling backwards! Then the girl sunk her teeth into Dark’s arm and dissipated into a flock of bats that quickly flew away and headed deeper into the woods!
Caroline: *Caroline had missed her chance again… and Legion escaped! She was still muttering curses under her breath as she checked the wound at her neck.* That was my mistake…
Another wolf appeared with another shard … then disappeared!
Gabriel: *He kissed the top of her head.* Thank you, Evangeline, for everything.
Caroline: *She should already be on her way to tracking it down… but… She didn’t feel right. It would be easy to blame it on bloodloss, but it was much deeper than that. Caroline shook her head as she finally stood.* Then go and take Gabriel with you.
Another wolf appeared with a shard … then disappeared!
Caroline: …Eventually. *She could have lied and said yes, but knowing Dark he’d poof right over there and pitch a tantrum when he didn’t find her there!* I am not intending to go on a crusade to find Legion, if that’s what concerns you.
Gabriel: *He smirked.* I can never leave you, Seer. You would find me no matter where I am and drag me back and punish me with no cuddles and no baths.
Caroline: A scratch that will heal. *But clearly guilt won’t… Legion had opened more wounds than just at her neck! She didn’t want to deal with Evangeline’s gentle probing… and Dark wasn’t going to understand! So it was an unfair and unnounced spell she cast to transport herself several countries and in to an open grassy field. Norway!*
Standing on a tree miles away by now, the little girl smirked and licked her lips. That blood had been delicious. Now for a real snack!
Gabriel: … Seven. *He paused.* Caroline is in Norway. Dark is going after Legion by himself.
Caroline: *Caroline plopped down in the grass where hidden charred pieces of wood and stone were just barely peeking out from the dirt. She had to force herself to cast a spell and heal her wound. This meloncholy needed to pass before she could return home.*
Another wolf approached with a shard and then disappeared!
Gabriel: *He waited for the last wolf.* … Evangeline.
Evangeline: I am just suggesting a tiny bit of help… and if you are not ready to see Legion I could help Dark? -Caroline
Legion shifted forms into a large shadow snake and began to slither down the tree. The little bright boy was coming … He was so very close …
Gabriel: You are staying here. Dark is going to learn something he and Caroline should already know.
Evangeline: *She rest her head against his chest and sighed. Lessons were well and good, but she suspected it was less because he felt the need to give a lesson and more because he was afraid…* I hate to stay still and wait for things to happen. -Caroline
Another wolf appeared with another shard … then disappeared!
Gabriel: *The last shard joined the others. The ball glowed bright and when it subsided, there hovered Legion’s true soul. A light blue.* Stay. I am bringing Dark back to you. *He stepped away from her, then disappeared!*
Vlamerias: *Vlamerias came running into the courtyard with a bag of popcorn in her hand and a bunch of devil rats behind her!* Come on, Mommy! I want to watch the battle!
Evangeline: But Gabriel told me to stay? …oh! Do we have some special watching thingies? I wish I would have known that sooner! -Caroline
Vlamerias: *She giggled!* We do now! *She pulled out what looked like a monocle on a string around her neck!* Daddy gave it to me! He said with it, I could watch whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted! *She disconnected the glass from the string and threw it into the air!* I want to watch Dark and Glaër! *The disc flew into the air and hovered there, turning faster and faster, becoming bigger and bigger! It suddenly stopped when it was six feet in diameter, floating in mid air, absolutely still! The surface facing them became dark and then cleared up to show Dark in the forest!*
Legion reached the ground and morphed again into the tall human with the coat and hat! It was hungry. Still very hungry. And weak. Hunger came from weakness, weakness from hunger. They were one and the same. That battle with the axe-wielder had cost it dearly.
Evangeline: What a fantastic gift! The Devil King really knows how to put on a show, even when he’s not present. *A couple of devil rats were nice enough to bring them some chairs. Evangeline gave them a few good pets before sitting down neatly to watch the bauble and try to keep herself from giving in to meddling!* -Caroline
Suddenly dozens of blades came flying at Dark from out of nowhere …!
The lightning hit a tree! Shadow tentacles flew out from nowhere to fling trees and rocks at Dark!
Legion stopped flinging objects and walked forward. Where had that brat gone?
Evangeline: …That poor confused squirrel. *And where was Gabriel? ….Waiting somewhere for his perfect moment! Ms. Grey always said he secretly enjoyed making a dramatic entrance!* -Caroline
Vlamerias: Oohh … That’s a good question! *She said before she grabbed a handful of popcorn and stuffed it into her mouth!*
But the creature was already turning and it had time to flash a tooth-filled grin before its body split into two. The lightning went right through it, crashed into a tree, and caused it to fall over! The body reformed and bent forward, ready to spring. “Who are you, little boy? Little boy, so bright … So verrryyy bright …” Bright enough that it was having trouble looking directly at him!
Evangeline: *She was twisting her skirt in to knots at this rate! She couldn’t even throw out useful suggestions to help Dark! But if she left the castle and no one was watching her, Gabriel would have a fit!* I can’t stand this…! How do those Oracles always just watch and never jump in and do things! -Caroline
“Llliighhttt …?!” Legion lowered its head and began to laugh. “This sshall be ssweettt!” It said just before it sent Dark flying backwards with a firm uppercut!
Vlamerias: Here, Mommy. Have some popcorn. *She offered her the bag.* I got lots of butter.
song It was pretty quick though. It dodged, shifting with inhuman speed. One moment, a mere shadow on the ground, the next its tall human form with the coat and wide brimmed hat. Each evasive move bringing it closer and closer to Dark!
Legion froze in the middle of launching a tentacle at Dark. Its body shuddered and convulsed and collapsed to the ground, smoking.
Evangeline: *She took some of the popcorn to nibble on, but it still didn’t make it easier to swallow! …pardoning her own pun! It was like watching her own child get in a fight. And she was most curious about the whereabouts of Caroline! Caroline didn’t let Dark fight creatures of darkness alone now that Dark was avatar of Light!* -Caroline
A tentacle came out of nowhere to bind one wrist. Then another tentacle came out of nowhere to bind another! They pried Dark’s arms apart and then forced him into the air, where they slammed him into the ground, the tree, the ground again, through more trees!
Vlamerias: Come on, Dark! You can do it!
Legion staggered forward. But a tentacle shot out to wrap around Dark’s neck and elicited lightning of its own, enough to bring someone like Dark to his knees! Then another tentacle wrapped around his wrist and broke it!
Legion cried out and adruptly released Dark, hurling him into a tree!
Evangeline: Oh! *She covered her eyes! This was painful! She couldn’t watch anymore!* -Caroline
It had already recovered and was running forward! When the earth split, it just took to the sky with a pair of really big wings, shooting blades out of its mouth at Dark!
Legion approached. Its jaw opened wide … then wider … wider than should be physically possible! Its fangs were dripping with what might have been saliva and venom as it lowered its head to Dark’s prone figure. The ultimate quarry … Light itself! It brought its head down to his neck to drink when it found–it couldn’t!! “Wha … wha …?!” It struggled but whatever held it was surprisingly strong! Its body twitched with the effort. Its eyes swung in one direction and then another.
Vlamerias: *She covered her eyes! Then she peeked!* Oohh … Legion’s not moving, Mommy!
Evangeline: Is Dark okay? He’s not torn to pieces, is he? *She was still afraid to look! He was already covered in blood now, and probably all of bones broken!* -Caroline
Gabriel: That is enough. *His voice echoed but there was no sign of him! Dark disappeared … and reappeared in the courtyard in front of Evangeline and Meri and the devil rats!*
Evangeline: *Slowly she took a small peek. …yep! Covered in blood! Evangeline dropped her hands but kept her eyes closed.* I’m glad you’re alive! But why isn’t Caroline with you? Did something happen..? -Caroline
As soon as Dark disappeared, it could move! It slumped forward and quickly looked around! Its quarry! Its prey! It had been cheated!
Gabriel: *He appeared in front of Legion, several feet away.* … Lysander. It is time we talked.
Vlamerias: *The devil rats brought some water and towels and Meri began to wipe the blood away!* Poor Dark!
Evangeline: Gabriel said she is in Norway. I’m sure she would be proud to know how well you handle yourself with Legion, though! -Caroline
No sign of recognition! “Who …?”
Gabriel: Has it been so long … You would forget the one who granted you power. *Gabriel was thoughtful for a moment.* Hence, you would forget the reason you were given such power. You have lost your way.
Evangeline: If I knew, I would tell you. I’d like to ask her, but I waiting to give Gabriel pets when he returns home. …Are you healing okay? *Now she finally opened one eye to check. The devil rats and Meri were cleaning him up well!* -Caroline
Evangeline: …has Gabriel broken your bones before? *Oooh, if he had, she might shake a fist at him! Throwing Dark off mountains was bad enough!* I’m glad in anycase! When you are feeling all right, you could bring Caroline back and make sure she isn’t hiding injuries again! She thinks I won’t find out, but I always do! -Caroline
“I … We …” Legion shook its head. “Lysander … There is no Lysander here!”
Gabriel: Such conviction. Are you seeking to convince me, or the many souls that have fallen victim to you over the years.
Evangeline: I do have rats and wolves and Meri to help. *She grinned! It’s made more than one hunter completely insane with frustration with her! They shouldn’t be gossiping so much anyway…* By the way, you might not want to be here when Gabriel remembers that he doesn’t like you going after creatures of Darkness. -Caroline
“No … You … I … We …” It suddenly shrieked. The banshee wail, the cry, the trumpet that had flattened trees and made Caroline cover her ears! Then it lunged at Gabriel!
Evangeline: Do you think so…? *She was trying to feign innocence but it wasn’t working very well!* Hmm. *She glanced around to make sure Gabriel hadn’t returned and was hiding to pounce. Then leaned to whisper.* He said it was to teach you and Caroline a lesson you should already know. But I can’t tell you what that means. -Caroline
Gabriel: *He neither covered his ears or made any move to defend himself. Legion hit an invisible wall and crumbled to the ground!* You have lost your way and your purpose. Do you remember your wife, Lysander. Her name was Aleria. Hair lik
Gabriel: *Hair like the sky at sunset. Eyes like the deepest ocean. You enjoyed the touch of her skin against yours at night when everything was quiet and the children were asleep. Do you even remember your children.
Evangeline: *She nodded!* Don’t worry…. it took him forever to figure it out too! -Caroline
It shook its head even as it moved to stand. Then it was morphing, transforming, getting bigger and bigger! Size of a dragon with the body of a lion, the feet of a man, the hooves of a horse on the front, the tail of a scorpion, one eagle wing and one bat wing! A long neck like a snake’s and the head of a man that kept shifting into different faces! It roared with a thousand voices and then opened its mouth to shoot fire at Gabriel!
Gabriel: You had three. One girl and two boys. Riva, Malek, and Haren. They were your pride and joy. You loved them dearly.
It roared. It shrieked. It raised its tail and shot acid. When that didn’t work, it tried to stab Gabriel with it!
Gabriel: *The acid never reached him and the tail always missed him, although he didn’t seem to move an inch!* More than that. They were your life. You would do anything to bring them back. But when that was impossible, you sold your soul for the power to get revenge. You killed the ones responsible and have punished their descendants as well. Your vengeance has been accomplished.
It opened its mouth and unleashed swarms of insects! For good measure, it slammed its tail into the ground to make the earth shake!
Gabriel: *Gabriel opened his hand and Lysander’s soul floated above it.* You summoned me that night. It is not often a mortal can achieve something like that. But when one is desperate enough, when there is nothing left to lose, anything is possible. You miss your family, Lysander. You regret what you have done. Every life you have taken has not soothed you. Each pain you have caused has not closed that gap between you and your family.
The soul began to glow brighter and the brighter, it glowed, the smaller Legion became. The soul became so bright it hurt to look at it and Legion had become the tall figure in the coat and wide brimmed hat. “Get that … Get that away from me!”
Gabriel: *He summoned the Diablo Animus in his free hand.* It was my mistake as well. I let you go without any control, no way of curbing your power or your thirst for vengeance. I ask your forgiveness, Lysander. *He released the soul which continued to hover in front of him. He raised the Diablo Animus over the soul.*
Legion turned and began to run, crawl, fly, hop away! It had to escape! It had to get away from the soul! It was well out of sight and earshot in a matter of seconds!
Gabriel: *Gabriel didn’t appear to notice Legion had escaped!* I release you from our bargain, and your victims from your grasp. Rest in peace. *The Diablo Animus struck the soul and a pillar of darkness shot out from the ground to the sky, surrounding Gabriel and the soul. The wind picked up and swirled around the pillar, drawing Legion back against its will!*
“NNNNNOOOOO!!” It dug its claws into the ground and it didn’t help! Neither did using its shadow tentacles around a tree! The tree was just uprooted and sucked toward it! It hit the pillar of darkness and stuck to it, unable to move! There was the sensation of something being ripped from it! A soul that swirled around the pillar, up to the sky and disappeared! Then another and another … So many souls over so many centuries, happily leaving its imprisonment and finding its final resting place!
Vlamerias: *She was still watching the viewing glass!* That’s so many souls, Mommy!
Evangeline: *Evangeline was pensive, but it worked out all right… Legion must have really been alive for a very very long time…!* They are probably very relieved. -Caroline
Finally there was only one left but this one walked through to stand in front of Gabriel. He was tall, dark brown hair and dark brown eyes. He looked to be in his thirties, wearing sandals and clothing like something out of a movie about the Bible! “Thank you, Darkness. What will happen to me? Will I ever be united with my family again?”
Gabriel: I am separating you from the darkness you developed through the years. It has become a being of its own right. It will pay the price of justice. Go in peace, Lysander.
Lysander smiled. “Thank you … again. I … forgive you.” And then he was gone.
Gabriel: *Lysander’s soul disappeared with him and the pillar of darkness as well. The tall figure with the coat and the hat fell to the ground! Gabriel raised the Diablo Animus which glowed before it drained the still unconscious Legion into its blade. The Diablo Animus disappeared. Gabriel looked around once, then disappeared as well and appeared in the courtyard where he had left Evangeline.*
Evangeline: *She was going to cry! She always had to get teary-eyed about happy endings… Still sitting in her chair, she turned to grin wide at Gabriel. Her husband was an amazing and kind man!* Forgiveness is a powerful thing, yes? -Caroline
Gabriel: *He raised an eyebrow.* If I say no, will you ever let me live this incident down.
Evangeline: Am I not allowed to think my husband has a compassionate heart and cares very much about people? *That was probably Evangeline-speak for “No!”* -Caroline
Gabriel: You are allowed to think whatever you wish, Evangeline. *He kissed her forehead.* It is when those thoughts become actions or words that I find reason to be concerned.
Evangeline: When spending an evening watching my husband do amazing things, I think I reserve the right to tell him that he makes me happy and that I am glad I married him! *She reached out to tug gently on his sleeve.* I’m proud to be your wife. -Caroline
Gabriel: *He smirked.* Much to the chagrin of those hunters waiting to rescue you from an abusive and evil husband.
Vlamerias: *Meri and the devil rats were watching and she sighed softly!* That’s so romantic!
Evangeline: They can try if they like, but my husband is a jealous beastie with a fiesty temper! *She finally rose out of her chair to swing her arms around his neck!* -Caroline
Gabriel: *He was still smirking as he slipped his arms around her waist, nuzzled her cheek!* Mmm … He is.
Evangeline: He has also been busy all day and not given his wife a real kiss since this morning. It might fall under neglect, don’t you think? -Caroline
Gabriel: Indeed. *He cupped her cheek with one hand and gave her a gentle, long kiss that slowly became more passionate and a bit harder.*
Evangeline: *A smitten sigh and melting against him.. It was a wonder how she never realizes how much she misses him until she finally gets her kiss! With a soft nibble of his lips and quiet purr, it was easy to let him know how much!* -Caroline
Gabriel: *He pulled her even closer and ran his fingers through her hair to hold the back of her head. He licked her lips, waited for hers to open, and slid his tongue inside to caress hers.*
Evangeline: *She moved her arms down to curl them around his waist and press herself against him. Tilting her head so her tongue could dance with his, and finding herself oblivious to everything but him!* -Caroline