"The War For Power" Presented by iEnterprises

Here we go again, I wanna be more than friends, so take it easy-y-y... Yeah, forgot the lyrics, but here's my new story. Remember, post anything you wanna say ON THE FEEDBACK THREAD. DO NOT POST HERE.

Anyway, here goes! Hold on tight folks, it's gonna be a bumpy ride! -coughTAKETWOcough-

iZaln

 

Prologue

Before the world started, the Divines ruled what existed of the universe. They just came and went as they wandered inside the Enclave. It was a place of paradise; there was partying, meetings, and above all, this was Immortality's realm. All the other Divines had their own claims in the misty universe, but the Enclave was the mightiest. Immortality had a brother named Death. He was jealous of his sister's wealth and prosperity, so he devised a scheme to show just how cunning and decisive he was. It would be a game of finesse, honor, and strategy.

Death called a meeting amongst all the Divines. He suggested that they all create a world where they could create their own cultures to see who was truly the smartest of the Divines. He called it a fun sport, but he had his motives. The Divines understood Death's underhanded attempt at dethroning Immortality. They all voted to accept this "game" but Immortality thought to object. She knew what Death was getting at too, but she didn't want to appear as a weak craven if she were to refuse the game invitation. She instead created a new concept: Whichever Divine's kingdom conquered the rest, she would bless them with immortality. The Divines' greed sunk in and they all loved the idea of having immortal worshippers. To be dignified by Immortality was in itself considered an amazing feat. Once again, Immortality had found a loophole in her brother's schemes. This wasn't going to be the first, nor the last.

And so, the world was created with prominent Divines such as Sky, Water, Earth, Fire, Grass, Light, and Dark among the many Divines competing. Of course, Death was going to have his own role in the game. All the Divines were allowed to create five or less clans that could mimic the Divines' powers through the use of any charm, weapon, armor, and so forth.

So, the Divines went to work, making sure to have their people equipped with an item to represent the Divines' presence in their existence. And so, a new challenge arose and humans were created. This would be known as The War for Power...

 

Chapter 1: The Scythe Wielder

Zaln:
My name is Zaln. Keep that name in your mind. I am from the DeathScythe Clan. Yes, my name is Zaln of DeathScythe. We Scythe Wielders use pitch black scythes, which we are born with. They become very tall and we strap them to our backs to carry them. We grow with our scythes as they each have a unique spirit within them.

Every Scythe Wielder is trained by a more experienced master to learn the fighting styles. I am such a case. I am the apprentice of Elder Tukor, one of the Sages of our clan. He has taught me the basics of Scythe Fighting. We are a small, but mighty clan of proud warriors. We are not the strongest. No, there are many other stronger kingdoms with many armies. Each kingdom commands it's own unique piece of equipment that allows them to use a certain property of nature to their advantage. Our property happens to be Death. No one knows why we have these power, or why we are born with these weapons. Nobody may know, but nobody cares, it's all about gold and power.

Today was the day for my test to become a fully fledged Scythe Wielder. I followed Elder Tukor. He brought me to the forest a few miles from the village.

"Here, Zaln, you must hunt a Raori Beast to pass the exam," said the Sage, his mouth curving into a smug expression.

Raori Beasts were the worst of the creatures that resided in the forest. They were giant bears with four arms. Master always said that I was his most interesting apprentice he had ever taken under his wing, and he went to long measures to teach me some advanced techniques. I sighed to myself because most tests only called for the death of a Moromoro Snake. That was "too easy" according to Master Tukor.

I trudged deeper into the forest, hunting the Raori Beast.

Eventually I can across a large cave mouth. Raori Beasts often made their dens in cave such as this. I gestured toward the cave and Master smiled in acknowledgment. I came close to the entrance and gave a yell. Quickly I jumped backwards, drawing my scythe from my back. My scythe had a black handle and a grayish blade. It was taller than me and it also had a long silver chain that twirled from the end.

Within seconds, a young Raori Beast exploded from the cave, it's face twisted in rage. It sniffed around and looked around. It finally settled a pair of red eyes on me. It ran at me, two left hands coming to strike me down.

The key to this task, according to Master Tukor, was to find a way to kill the beast by cutting off all four arms. I was determined to do so.

As it's arms lunged at me, I threw all my power into my scythe and cut across. I felt resistance as the scythe cut into the beast's flesh. I had gotten one arm cut off. I continued to slash which also injured the Raori's chest, and I jumped back to prepare for my next attack.

The Raori, in pain, only became wilder. It started running at me again, flailing it's three leftover arms. I left it come to me. Then I swung the end of my scythe and it swirled around one of it's arms. I pulled with all my might and managed to pull one of the arms down. With a twirl of my scythe's blade, I cut off the remaining three arms, them all being in a perfect line after I pulled down the other arm. My scythe's chain unattached itself from the decapitated arm.

I heard a clapping and turned to see Master Tukor applauding me. I bowed my head and he said, "Once again, you have shown me that it was truly necessary for me to take you as my apprentice. Now, you must lay the Raori to rest."

"Yes Master," I said while I looked back toward the beast.

The Raori was snarling, and it too knew that it was going to die. I held my scythe over the animal and recited the chant that would allow it to pass on peacefully.

"Pass into another world and let another take your place."

And it was done. The Raori died without a single outcry. I turned around and replaced my scythe on the holster I had on my back. Master Tukor nodded and said, "Wonderful... Now we must return to..." I instantly felt a heavy, dark presence weigh over me. I looked to Master and he too seemed to feel the darkness.

"Death," he said, "our people's death. Something has happened in our village. We must hurry back!"

Master started to sprint with such agility I had never seen. I scrambled after him and I was full of dread as I felt more deaths of my people...

 

Chapter 1: The Scythe Wielder, Part 2

Drawing nearer to the village, I could feel the dark, heavy feeling become ever so stronger. Master was way ahead of me, and when we finally reached the clearing, we found the village in pieces with  the corpses of our fallen brethren. I could feel Master's anger. 

According to Master, there were some clans that held similar powers and ties. Such would be the relationship between our power, Death and the other two that descends from Death, them being Shadow and Darkness. Even though they are similar, their abilities still differ. Death oriented people can't manipulate shadows or conceal themselves in darkness, but neither could sense people's emotions like the Death oriented. 

I could feel the pain that Master felt. I searched for any other feeling he was releasing, but I couldn't find a certain one... Fear. Master felt wrath, anger, even regret that he couldn't come to the aid of our people. But not fear. I, too, felt anger grip me and my furiosity swell up inside of me. I wanted to find who had caused this and return the favor oh so much. 

Master drew his own scythe which was attached to his back holster and held it steady in his right hand. With his left he grabbed a bag and tossed it to me. He said, "This is the Day Alliance, I am absolutely sure. I recognize the power that the army down there is giving off."

Master had told me before that the Day Alliance was a vast kingdom which was a joint alliance. It was made up of two clans that had come together, the Light users and the Dark users. The clans had come together to conquer the rest of the known world and they planned to launch a campaign. It was one of the strongest, if not the strongest kingdom in the world. They had gained a vast army and everyone else lives in terror, wishing that the Day Alliance won't conquer their small kingdoms. Now they have mounted an attack against the DeathScythe Clan... My clan...

I took a closer look at the ruined village and saw a small battalion of soldiers bearing the crest of the Day Alliance. It was made up of half a sun colored bright yellow and half a moon, dark as night. 

Then I saw a man wearing a black suit with slanted eyes. He stared right back at us. He had a cup and saucer of tea in his hands. He gave us a smile that sent chills up my spine. 

I knew who this man is. He is considered a legend. His name is Iskotar, Lord of Setting Sun. He is a descendant of some of the most famous Light element warriors in history. Iskotar had earned the position as a general in the Day Alliance Army.

Master said, "The bag contains a DeathScythe Warrior suit and some medications for you. I will buy you as much time as I can get for you. You must leave and run as far as you legs will carry you."

"No Master, I will fight alongside you... And," I paused, "And I will die alongside you."

He turned to me, his face pained. "Don't be foolish Zaln, you must live for us, for your clan. You must rebuild the DeathScythe. I have passed on all that I can unto you," he gave me a smile and continued, "Now it is your duty to bring forth justice to these vermin. You must live for your clan."

Master turned back and ran to the scene of the massacre. He yelled as he ran, "It was a pleasure to train you, Zaln! I have but one regret, and that regret was to not be able to see you off!" 

I turned around and ran into the forest again, tears streaming. Master was going to sacrifice himself to allow me to escape. It suddenly felt unfair to me that I was forced to live a lonely existence while everyone else just continued on with their destinies. While running, I felt immense power behind me... Master was now fighting the damned fight. His last fight. 

I shook of my feelings of dread and turned my anger into energy to run deeper and deeper into the forest and away from the battle... 

After a long deal of running, I decided to slow to a quick jog. Then, I felt it. That emptiness. Master Tukor had died. He had been killed. I started to run faster again, my anger fueling me even more.

By nightfall, I found a small cave and started a fire. I was going to spend my evening getting as much rest as I could. Tomorrow I would decide how to bring my vengeance to the Day Alliance...

The End of Chapter 1.

 

Chapter 2:  The Thunder Fist

Seth:
My name is Seth, son of Torino. My people, the Thundora, have control over the lightening in the sky. We have been blessed with gloves with sharp and pointed edges that allow us to manipulate the lightening element. I am considered a mercenary to my people. I do not commit myself to the tasks of my village. I simply use it for supplies and missions. The mission board usually is stocked with worthwhile missions, so I decided to go there today.

When I got there, I found a Day Alliance soldier standing there. Our clan had made peace with the Day Alliance, granting them safe passage through our village if they protected us. I thought it was rather pathetic that we relied upon others to protect ourselves. We are the warriors of the sky's wrath, we are Thundora. But nonetheless, we all have to come to terms with reality. Anyway as I approached the guard looked to me and inquired, "Are you Seth of Thundora and son of Torino?"

I narrowed my eyes and said, "Who's asking?"

"Lord Iskotar of the Setting Sun and High General of the Day Allia-"

I cut him off, "Yeah, yeah, I know him. What does your Lord ask of me?" I gave an annoyed sideways glance.

"Recently, he destroyed the core of the DeathScythe Vill-"

Again, I cut him off. "He," I nearly choked the words out, "He defeated the DeathScythe Clan?!" 

"Erm well the main core... One survives."

The guard continued to brag about how Iskotar had defeated them and so forth. I on the other hand pondered as to how one could trump over the power of the DeathScythe. They controlled Death. DeathScythe were considered some of the best fighters in the land and yet they now ceased to exist?! I had only heard myths and legends of their powers which supposedly allowed them to give peaceful deaths to those they chose and it was said their scythes contained immense power. I would've nearly ignored the guard the whole day since I was so absorbed in my thoughts, but one comment turned my attention back to him.

"Lord Iskotar is willing to hire you to hunt down the one remaining Scythe Wielder. He will pay much gold for the ironic death of the DeathScythe Massacre survivor. Lord Iskotar has described the survivor as nothing more than a small, young child. This should be an easy task for a mercenary of such high caliber and power as yours."

"So the Day Alliance wants to totally eradicate the DeathScythes, huh?"

"Well sir, um, that would be the plan," said the soldier, stumbling with his words.

I turned around to leave the soldier and said, "Inform your master that I fully intend to hunt down this Scythe Wielder and that he should pay me 250 gold pieces."

"Very well sir, thank you for your assistance," was the guard's solemn reply. 

As I was about to leave the village, I found a very well-dressed man sipping a cup of tea. I recognized him as none other than Lord Iskotar himself. He lowered his cup of tea and said, "Well met, Mercenary Seth, son of Torino. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, and even more pleasant to do business with you."

Nodding my head, I replied, "As it is mine, Lord of the Setting Sun." 

"Wonderful," said the General, his smile wide, baring his white, pristine teeth, "I know that you will fulfill the mission. The boy was last seen around the remains of the DeathScythe Village and the forest near it. It should be east from here. I just returned from there after my conquest. He should be easy to kill since he is still an inexperienced DeathScythe Warrior."

"Thank you, Sir, I will make sure to complete the task. Now I bid you good day."

"The same to you, Seth," finished the General, his eyes piercing right through me. 

We walked passed each other, and each one of us continued with our lives. So it seemed that I must travel half a day's worth east and quickly find the young warrior, the last of his mighty clan. It is a shame that I must kill such a young child full of potential...

 

Chapter 2: The Thunder Fist, Part 2

As I exited the village, I went over to a Horet stable. Horets were two-legged ostrich-like creatures that could be used like a horse. They are very fast and require little rest. 

I went over to the farmhand who was running the stable. Playing with two silver pieces in my clawed hand, I said to the young man, "I will pay you these silver pieces for your finest steed."

The farmhand looked at me, and then at the coins, and back to me. I saw the greed almost flicker in his eyes "Umm... Follow me sir."

He led me to the back of the stable to reveal a mature, finely-groomed steed. It already had a full water cache on the saddle which was firmly attached to the beast's back. I placed a foot on the foothold and pulled myself up onto the Horet and looked at the farmhand. Holding the reigns in one hand, the silver coins in the other, I threw the two silver coins at the ground, and the boy immediately bent over to pick his reward up. I pulled on the reigns and spurred the Horet into the eastward path.

Hours later, I reached the mountain pass that was going to lead me to my destination. The DeathScythe's woods, known as Gantry. Suddenly, I felt something shift in the electromagnetic field around me. I turned around to see a bandit holding a sword. He yelled out to me, "You there, surrender your weapons, money, and your steed."

I sighed and got off my Horet. I looked to the bandit and said, "I'm warning you, I'll kill you in ten seconds unless you don't start running away from here. Ten."

Sneering, he replied, "Quit your yapping!"

"Nine. Eight."

"Shut up before I gorge your eyes out."

I stifled a laugh. "Seven. Six. Five. Four."

"Aww shut up! I told you once already, now DIE!!!!" Then the bandit lunged at me, his sword pointed at my neck.

I frowned as he neared me. "Three."

He started to run faster, cursing at me.

"Two."

I raised my right hand, lightening crackling all around it. The bandit was nearly upon me.

"One."

And a blaze of pure lightening energy arced from my hand, enveloping the man in an ultraviolet light. It was so fast that the man didn't have enough time to scream out in anguish. After nearly a minute the bandit turned into a black, burnt crisp. I sighed again and remounted. I did give him fair warning, did I not?

When I reached the village, it was a fragment of what legends had said about this once bustling hive of activity. It was said that all was in harmony, but this sight told otherwise. The huts were burned down and broken, other structures destroyed and decaying. I looked around and spat on the ground. Those damn legends, this was nothing like them. When I rode into the forest, I extended my electric awareness. This allowed me to sense energy discharges created by living creatures. I found a strong one, that being my Horet. There were some other discharges, such as those from small critters or plants, but none such as the one that was several meters away. It was high compared to anything elses'. I had finally found my target. I smiled to myself as I closed in on the assignment...

 

Chapter 3: The Plan

Zaln: 
The following morning I decided to meditate. Before challenging the Day Alliance, I thought it would be best that I try to get stronger by contacting my Scythe Spirit. Master had told me that it would take many years for the Scythe to feel comfortable enough to reveal it's presence to me. He would often say, "To meet the Spirit, you must meet with peace." 

It meant that I needed to be stable internally to be able to synchronize with the Scythe. He also said, "And if you need to, there is no substitute for making peace through meditation... Either that or you must be sleepy and have weird dreams... And if you have funny dreams, you would be quite the freak."

I'm didn't bother trying to decode the hidden message. I just made sure I understood the weird dreams at night part and the meditation part.

So I decided to do so. I sat cross-legged with my scythe across my thighs. Then I placed my hands on my knees and closed my eyes. 

I found myself walking on a black plain. Ahead, something stirred. I reached to touch it, but it immediately moved, hurdling straight at me. I instinctively put my arms up to defend myself, but the creature blew right past me and into the thing behind me. I turned around to see a bright, white light. The creature, under the light, shown was a black scaled serpentine dragon. It had a sleek body protected by dark scales. It was baring it's fangs at the light. I finally understood that this was the Scythe's Spirit and it was warning me of something behind me.

Immediately, I opened my eyes and grabbed my scythe, quickly adopting a defensive stance. I said, "You there, come and show yourself!"

Seth:
I found the boy, my target, staring at me through this bush. Dang, he somehow found me. I came up from behind the bush and into the his line of sight. The boy, holding his black scythe menacingly said, "Who are you and what are you doing here?"

I noticed that the boy's eyes were red... Most likely from grieving for his clan. He had a certain resemblance to... To that boy...

I responded, "Iskotar sent me to kill you..."

Watching closely, I saw his face madden with rage, but I caught another thing. A small and quick twinkle in his eyes, a sign I remembered all to well. He felt pain. There was his weakness. Then, that wave of pain passed over me. He reminded me of my son... The reason why I became a mercenary in the first place...

It was several years ago. I had a beautiful wife named Macy. We lived off in a little cottage not to far from the village. I had worked as a carpenter and we had tranquility and peace. A year later we were blessed with a son named Kenneth. As he grew up, he started to resemble me, and he also had the signature weapon of the Thundora, the Lightening Claws. I taught him much about the claws' abilities and skills. I was proud to have such a skilled son who learned quickly. I had the greatest life any man could hope for. Suddenly, that winter, Macy died from a disease. Both Kenneth and I were hit hard. My great life had taken a horrible turn. But it only got worse. A about a year or so later, I went to sell my goods in the village. I returned to the cottage and found it in shambles, and my son, beaten up and close to death, lay on the ground. I rushed to him. He had pain in his eyes as he explained that raiders had attacked in my absence. He had tried to defeat them, but was overpowered. I cried and we shared our precious moments together. I said I loved him and that I was proud to have such a great son. Kenneth's smile brought more anguish to my heart, and his eyes  made my entire body lurch. They were so full of suffering and pain. Eventually his breathing started to slow and his eyes closed for the last time. I held a solemn funeral for my beloved heir and cursed the bandits who had robbed me of my son. I traveled to town and found that another attack on an outlying cottage had occurred. The victim then hired me to kill the bandits. I was more than happy to comply. I hunted the bandits down and slew them mercilessly. At that moment, I decided to become a mercenary...

I snapped back the the task at hand. I couldn't kill this young boy. If I did, then how much better would I be compared to the bandits who killed Kenneth? No, I decided upon a different choice...

"I have a proposition for you, young Scythe Wielder," I said, lowering my claws.

His eyes narrowed as if trying to read me and figure out what I was planning...