VR III: DiE: here we go again...

[*Kain*]

Noah fell into a dream state, here he was brought to a time before the Dragonhand royal family. He was present admist a group of people who were weilding an assortment of weapons. He eyed each carefully, it was then that his eyes fell upon...himself! No it wasn't, this seemed to be a time set before the royal family. There was no castle, and the town of Astrail was small and in shambles. Who he saw was his ancestors Kain, Oriana, and their party. According to the history, this was just before they confronted the nameless one. The all powerful demon that threatened to destroy the world. Noah then faded away

When his vision returned Noah was in the exact same spot, however the area around him was in flames. It seems the whole world was in flames. He looked about and noticed Kain and a few others coming from a nearby temple. Kain and party were in shambles, and there was fewer of them. It seems that less than half of those brave warriors who dared face the demon returned. Kain and Oriana were amongst those, as well as Griffon, and Maxx, Raeven was there as well. The demon had been defeated, although there was much loss, they had managed to defeat what could be considered a god. Soon after exiting the temple it fell to the ground, as did Kain. Noah looked to Kain, then to the falling temple behind them. There emerged a figure, he couldn't make out what it looked like. It seemed as though it was a shadow, a black silouhette against a huge flame. It made straightaway for the heroes, Griffon turned to challenge it, and he was sent flying. Maxx stepped in the way, and as a result was sent in the opposite direction. What Noah took for the demon came over to Oriana and picked her up with one hand, his fingers grasp about her throat, choking the poor women. Kain saw this and became filled with rage, he dashed a few steps and slashed out with his weapon, the sword of light. There was an explosion of light as the blow connected, when all could see again the blade lay embedded in the ground, the demon not far off holding a large wound. Griffon and Maxx stumbled to their feet. Kain had dropped his blade to catch Oriana, he set her down gently, then turned to the demon. The nameless one or so he was called backed away as the warrior advanced. Kain didn't even bother to pick up the sword. The demon looked and laughed. Good job Kain, for this the Dragonhand family will pay, you know no the pain you have caused those that carry your blood. With that he looked over to Noah, gave an evil grin, and then disappeared. The vision faded from view, the only thing remaining from it was a chaotic maniachal laugh.

The prince was sweating, he started to toss and turn in his rest, after only moments Noah began to come to, slowly. His view faded in and out as he tried to lift his eyelids, they felt like a hundred pounds a peice. Everything was all muddy, and his hearing was all slurred together. There were voices all about him, three he was finally able to discern; Talione, Mordraken, and another he was not familiar with. Noah moaned in pain, his mind was reeling from the assault as well as his body. He now knew what attacked him, could the demon really be present!? Noah didn't know. He looked down at his chest, and saw the symbol of the nameless one. His face went white, it was true. How could this happen, there is no way that they could defend against this. Noah could only think of one thing, and that was healing. He placed his hands over his wound, and in seconds a small light appeared from his hands. Any bleeding soon stopped, and the wounds on his body healed. Once this was done Noah stood, and nearly fell from his weakened state. With Mordraken's help he was able to stabalize himself. He then shunned the man's help.

We..have, business to...take car..of.Noah was obviously in great pain, even though his wound was sealed. He still refused any aid if he could help it. The prince seemed determined to take this on his own.

...

Suprising, he nearly dies, and he still keeps up his head. Just like him... This prince's pride must be broken, shattered, then and only then would claim victory.

[Mordraken]

Magnus couldn't resist smirking. I never meant to give you the impression I don't like you, and I don't blame you for not liking what I am. I even don't like what I am most of the time. But, if it will make it all official, I'll hold my arrogant tounge as long it's required of me. He noticed out of the corner of his vision a light like one of the light spirits glow into being over Noah's wound. When the light ceased, the gashes in Noah's chest sealed before Magnus's eyes. The prince sat up and tried to stand, but fell to one knee. Magnus attempted to help the nobleman up, but he was pushed away. Noah said something painfully about "business to take care of". Business? What business?

[Talione]

Peace made with Magnus, Talione turned his attention back to the prince in time to see Noah heal himself. Talione was gratified to see Noah stand, despite the near fall he took. Saying something about "business to take care of", Noah stood alone, shunning Magnus' help. When it became obvious that the prince was set to refuse any help, Talione frowned. Children often think that needing help is a weakness that hurts their pride. Adults don't have that luxury. An adult must realize that pride can be a strength in troubled times, but that too much pride can be an even greater weakness. Someone who is too proud to accept help when he needs it is a fool. A man can be a fool, but a leader cannot afford to be, or those that follow him will pay the price. He looked out the door as he said this, his tone casual, as though what he was saying was nothing important. When he was done, he looked back to Noah to see his reaction to the rebuke. Please don't be a fool Noah, don't let your pride blind you. You need to be strong for your people, but if you try to suffer alone, this may well break you. Let us help you.

[Nell]

As she reached the outskirts of the city, Nell saw a man chopping firewood with a small hand axe. Stopping by him, she greeted him and jumped off the stolen horse. Their conversation was brief and although he had a bemused look on his face, the woodman took Nell's staff and with the axe, roughly cut each end it into a splintering sharp point. Handing it back to Nell, she thanked him for his kindness and ignoring his questions as to why she required such an odd thing, mounted the horse and rode off at a brisk pace.

He watched her go, scratching his head. A pretty girl, but she should smile more .. was his last thought before returning to his work.

[Nell]

It was early afternoon and the sun was at it's highest point in the sky. The young woman was sat by the riverbank, her eyes watching the meandering flow of water as it swirled around occasional rocks that protuded. Upstream led into the nearby forest to her right. The horse, a docile animal, stood nearby, pulling at strands of grass.

Nell's face, which had worn an expression of stony determination since leaving the Castle, was now one which denoted downcast weariness. Her shoulders hunched over as she clasped her hands around her drawn-up knees.

... and even if I were to help them, what could I offer? So far all I have done is hide in a room or offer sympathy. I will be no use to them until I have conquered my fears ... Her fingers grasped her knees tighter, the knuckles white with tension ... yes, face my fears, face what I have shut out ... Swallowing slowly, she looked at the staff that lay by her side in its newly customised state. ... If I don't, then I will be spending my days hiding away, constantly watching the shadows ...

She took a deep breath and then crawled over to the edge of the riverbank. She disliked what she was about to do. It was something she did not understand, but knew that it could only help her in her dismal search. Rolling up the sleeves of the shirt, she braced herself, closed her eyes, then plunged her arms into the icy waters of the river. At first all she could feel was the sharpness of the cold water on her skin. Suppressing her shivers, she waited, clearing her mind of any distracting thought...

[Dengar Arcus]

When Noah woke up, Dengar got startled by the mass of emotions coming from this person... Lots of fear, yet lots of determination. Dengar couldn't believe the stupidity of Noahs words.

"Welcome back to the land of the living, prince. I really don't mean to be disrespectful or something, but what you're saying as a bunch of big nonsense. You know what we're up against, don't you? You also know why it's after you. How can you possibly think you can handle this by yourself. You may not know me that well, but you should realize by now you need all the help you can get. Now accept it or not, but I, for one, will help you, wether you like it or not!"

Dengar was very firm in his tone of voice. Dengar knows how Noah feels, he would take on this thread himself if he had to, and if he could, but allying himself with others is the best option really.

[*Kain*]

Children often think that needing help is a weakness that hurts their pride...

...you're saying as a bunch of big nonsense...but I, for one, will help you, wether you like it or not!"

Noah looked to Talione as he made his comment about pride. Then to Dengar, when he heard Dengar's word he was angered. He was now recovering a little more, although still drowsy from his magic he was able to now stay afoot. Nonsense!? Then wh..what were w.we doing last night? Defending ourselves for what? Are you saying that was meaningless...Nonsense!? We have to prepare for tonight, I don't care how strong the enemy is, or what the enemy is. I will fight them, it is my duty. Whether you help or not is up to you, but if I cannot find the strength to stand on my own, then how am I to find the strength to fight this foe? His voice picked up strength with every word. He then stopped suddenly, and took a deep breathe. I am sorry, thank you, all of you for your help. I know I cannot face this alone, without you all I might not be here right now. His voice grew back to normal, no longer rising. If anyone was listening closely they would notice small hints of pain when he was speaking. Noah slowly made his way toward the door.