Dark Secrets

<font color='#0000FF'>OOC: iam not sure what iam gonna do but if ya want to pls feel free to join in ^_^

Tessera(Autumn)
81377(3)


Bracken had been circling the outside perimeter of the Machina Ruins. He had recently dreamt of an voice that whispered in the howling winds that occupied the black void of treasures and great powers hidden in the darkness of the ruins. Temor his friend growled his discontent as Bracken stepped closer to the ruins then he pulled back hesitantly. His eyes took in all the markings and crumbling walls of this forshaken place. Bracken was an Ranger and an fearless one at that but he knew of the creatures that hid in the true depths of the Machina Ruin. He sat resting his head on his front paws as he strectched out his body still staring into the Ruins as Temor lay next to him, alert and poised for action such she and Bracken shared an unbreakable bond but she worried so when he told her of his dream and thrist to head into the ruins that seemed to be alive right now watching them with an malicious eye.

Bracken finally decided to enter the ruins through he had already made up his mind when he had managed to find the Machina Ruins and delighted in the seemingly darkness of it all. With an wistfull shake of his head he rose to his belly and slowly crawled torwards the ruins fearfull of what might discover them. He unconsciously flexed his muscles as he got near enough to touch one of the crumbling walls with his muzzle. Temor was also making her way beside him cautiously since she followed her companion everywhere through all dangers.


Then suddenly there was an heavy footstep and an fast moving shadow flashed across Bracken's path. He uttered an low growl as he extended his claws in preparations for any dangers that befell him and Temor. The noise approached closer and closer until he felt it was right in front him. Now he was truely fearful since he could see nothing in front of him except for some weeds that were stunted and the dance of moonlight across the ground. He bared his muzzle until it was wide enough to show the pure white of his fangs.

He froze exactly in time with Temor as an large shadow that vaguely resambled an large 'dragon that had flames dancing across its back flashed at his side then dissappeared as he tried to see its origin. Damn i should never have came here he cursed as an running footstep sounded everywhere around him. Temor pressed her body against him in comfort as an cruel growl sounded right in front of them but it was odd for there was no sight of any 'dragons anywhere. They both were bristling with fear and were in full battle stancethrough that appeared to be useless since it appeared that they were fighting an large invisiable 'dragon  and wisps of shadows that appeared to be 'dragons with flames on their back that appeared here and there getting ever closer and closer.

They slowly as one they inched their way out of the edge of the ruins and stood bristling with claws extended staring into the ruins waiting for any dangers to appear. There they stood ignoring the world around them but eyes intent on spying out this "ghost" 'dragon that seemed to guard the entrance of the ruins.

Gods i know i aint prayed or offered anything to your shrines but i would do anything if ya all would send me an help prefarably in the form of an 'dragon to help me please Bracken silently begged under his breath as growled at the heavy footsteps that seemed to mock them.</font>

 

<font color='#ADA96E'><span style='color:#000000'>Cueje Ttalsjuah
2800
Hunter (J)
Rogue (J)</span>

IC: Cueje glared into the darkness. To her, there was no darkness, it was just not as bright as the day.
This time, she saw a couple of 'dragons escaping the Machina ruins. Appearantly, the guardians had scared them. Poor creatures, not knowing that one of the guairdians were behind them.
With a loud howl, she launched herself towards the ghastly 'dragon, stabbing her white claws into it's transparent flesh.</font>

 

<font color='#0000FF'>Bracken growled, his adrenline pumping as he knew that the only way to re-enter the Machina Ruins he had to fight the so called guardians together with Temor to outwit the shadows and sneak into the Ruins. His tail twitched slighty as his eyes picked up the sounds of an 'dragon nearby. By the Gods i thank you all for answering my prayers he almost shouted with relieve as he prepared to meet this 'dragon. Temor was wary of any 'dragons that happened to be there at the instance the "ghost" 'dragons and shadows mocked them with their disappearance, for all she knew this could be another trick of the anicent Ruins luring them to their dooms. She was strartled when the sound of this 'dragon appraoched closer and seemed intent on attacking them. With an angry roar she flipped backwards, twisting her body halfway to meet this 'dragon's attack. Bracken too was alerted to this presence when the almost eerie settling silence was disturbed by Temor's roar as she moved near the end of his sight as he was intent on the Machina Ruins. He knew she was capable of handling any threats by herself almost with an graceful ease but what they didnt know was this 'dragon was trying to help them.


Temor attempted to headbutt the 'dragon as she drew her claws beneath her large head that was bared showing her fangs dripping with hot saliva. She suddenly caught an flash of that damned "ghost" with the flames on its back close to her, her quick calulating logic and revising of the placement of her, the opponent and the "ghost", the sudden wirings of her neurons in her brain told her just before it appeared she waa about to make contact with the 'dragon that this particular 'dragon was on an course torwards the "ghost" 'dragon. With an startling roar she attempted to change her path by stretching out her back legs, trying to make gravity help her by dragging her to the ground before she slammed into the female 'dragon.

Bracken had slightly rosed, his fur was bristling in anger as his eyes tried to pierce the darkness of the Machina Ruins. He spun around, claws out as he saw the "ghost" 'dragon behind him and then the other 'dragon. Now ghost 'dragon lets see how tough you are out of ya forshaken goddamn ruins he thought with an lust for an battle that burned in his eyes to fight with the being that had scared him and Temor. His tail-flame glowered an copper red as he his claws dug in the ground and scraped along as he sprinted torwards the "ghost" 'dragon. thes iam an collision course he cursed as he saw Temor fly at the other 'dragon who was flying at the "ghost" 'dragon that HE was about to launch himself at.</font>

 

<font color='#ADA96E'>OC: Ok, I'll write a little longer from now on... or maybe not so "little"  

IC: Cueje managed to miss the approaching female. Instead, she rammed into the "ghosts" back, embedding her claws into its spine. The creature didn't even react on the impact. Cueje bit and kicked it, until it finally reacted... and slammed her into the ground with incredible force. Then, lifting up Cuejes lifeless, jet black body, the guardian turned towards the other two.

OC: Hrm. I'm in a hurry right now. Too bad.  </font>

 

<font color='#8D38C9'>Vincent found himself wandering past the machina ruins in his neverending travels, and shook his head. Such a sad, and desolate dead place, full of forgotten and broken hopes and dreams. He had visited here once when he was younger and unscarred. a fresh traveller. But now he was missing a leg, scars ran through his royal purple hide, and even one of his ebony horns were broken off. But more importantly, since he had visited there... well he had lost a friend to its depths, trying to explore within.

It was then, with a start, the smell of living sould came to him. "I better warn those idiots," he muttered to himself, running towards the ruins. There he came acroos an unconscious 'dragon, and two more terrified of something Vincent could sense, but not see. Then he caught a glimpse of it, of the flames down his back, and he knew. This very thing, this guardian, was the soul of his lost friend and companion.

"Aranol?" he asked, shaking his head with disbelief.

OOC: I hope this will be all right as a starting post! </font>

 

<font color='#0000FF'>OOC: Its more then good!


Temor skidded along the ground scratching her stomach by the small stones on the ground. She extended her claws to its full making her jerk along the ground but it was enough to bring her to an full stop just several metres from her companions and it was there she saw the newcomer. Thinking this 'dragon meant her harm, she howled in rage for it appeared that the Machina Ruins seemed never-ending with all its nightmare especially the "ghost" of 'dragons that seemed to protect the hidden depths that she and Bracken were going to explore and then now the Ruins sent out two fleshed 'dragons to fight her and her beloved companion.

But she stopped her howling when the guardian turned away from Bracken to look at the newcome, perplexed she continued to watch the enfolding squences. This guardian if it did have eyes seemed to reflect sadness in its eyes as it looked upon the newcomer.

Bracken was not as scared as he seemed earlier but the recent events had steeled his determination to explore the Ruins regardless of the danger since now there was proof something powerful was hidden deep in the heart of the Machina Ruins that the Machina Ruins was prepared to guard. Then when he was at that vital moment where he could die when the Guardian tossed the body of the 'dragon that attacked it and turned to face him and in that moment Bracken would have risked his life to fight the "ghost" 'dragon and provide an distraction for Temor to escape while he was caught up in an fight but then another 'dragon appeared and caused the Guardian to ignore him as if he was beneath his attentions and turned around to face the 'dragon.

Then it uttered one word "Vincent" that caused Bracken to believe that this 'dragon was helping the "ghosts" or more likely the Master of the ruin as he cowered down covering his eyes with his paws, his fur bristling in terror.</font>

 

<font color='#ADA96E'>As the ghost, Aranol, spoke, his voice rose from a cold, echoing whisper to a real 'dragon voice. However, what none of the 'dragons there saw, was the shadow that slithered from Aranol, over to Cueje, ensnaring her body in the darkness. Cueje opened her eyes, filled with knowledge of the ruins, like she had been living there for ages. One more thing occupied her mind: a voice, saying things like "Enter the ruins... they are your home... your territory... they are yours..." and "Keep these... fools out of the ruins... they want it... but they won't get it..."
Suddenly, she rose up, unaware of her injuries. Her voice sounded like it came from the ruins themselves.
<span style='color:#000000'>"You will never get it! The ruins guard it! It belongs to the ruins!"</span> With those words, Cueje plunged into the dark depths of the Machina Ruins.</font>

 

<font color='#8D38C9'>Aranol looked to Vincent with those spirit eyes, ones that oddly almost matched Vincent's soul blue ones. Vincent stood still a moment, taken aback by the rush of emotions that flooded through him. He could have dealt with it easier if Aranol did not remember, but Aranol obviously did remember his past. Guess it was time to make the most of it. But first he had to deal with the terrified 'dragon.

"I'm not here to hurt you," Vincent said soothingly. "Fate's brought me here again, that's all. Escape or stay now, its up to you."

"He's aready here..." Aranol said with a voice that seemed unreal. "He and his companion might as well stay." He turned to Bracken then. "Heh, you have every right to be terrified. There are many spirits here who would not, and are not, going to be so forgiving. And know this... if you die here then the consequences are..."

"Aranol... what happened that day?" Vincent asked.

"It... it was a long and painful road Vincent I'd rather not get into. I will say this though, I do know what is buried within this machina heap. That is part of why I am letting you past should you choose to do so. It needs to come out so that the souls of the lost, including myself, can be released from this place."

"Aranol...I am so sorry about what happned then. Had I been stronger..." Vincent started, but Aranol shook his head.

"There was nothing you could do then. The past is past so don't give me a second thought. I should not even exist now Vincent, you now that." Vincent nodded. "Best wishes to all of you." And with that, he was gone. Vincent turned to the 'dragon.

"Well if you still wish to go in, then I will be with you. Aranol deserves rest, as well as the othersd souls I am sure are down here. It's your call."</font>

 

<font color='#0000FF'>Bracken rose as he watched the now Guardian of the Machina Ruins speak to the 'dragon as if they knew each other at this he was surprised but blocked the show of emotions by leaving an set in determinated face as he glared at Temor who also observed the strange 'dragon's manner torwards the "ghost" 'dragon. He mentally sent Temor an mind message, he could communicate with her in that way but not with others through he had tried many times in the past but found that he could only speak with the dark beasts that roamed in packs that sometimes he joined with to hunt prey and delight in the taste of blood as he dined on the struggling beats that he had hunted and preyed upon. There was nothing that stop his will to go into the Machina Ruins least he failed in his vision.


Temor do we let him come with us? he asked as the 'dragon faced them and spoke yes we allow him to help us but when we find this treasure we leave first thing and shall not share it lest he turns mad with the power through i do not know what power this treasure contains she sent as she too rose and padded to Bracken's side where she retracted her claws to show no harmful intent.

"You may join us to help us and help your friend....Aranol" he nodded slowly as he spoke "but if you dare to betray us then you will not found safety in our companionship since we will not stop to hunt you down......understand?" as he said this he turned around to face the darkness of the Ruins, for an moment he thought of Aranol and pitied him then he walked slowly into the darkness of the Machina Ruins alert for any other dangers not waiting for an answer from the 'dragon.

Temor would watch the new 'dragon while Bracken her beloved companion went ahead of them into the entrance of the Machina Ruins. She would kill this 'dragon if he showed even the slighest hint of harmful intent torwards them.</font>

 

<font color='#ADA96E'>Cueje, blinded by darkness and corruption, walked through heaps of metal. The demonic spirit that had enslaved her mind gained more strengh the closer she came to her unwilling goal. She heard from the spirits that the others were following her. The part of her that still was free was happy to hear that, but the rest of her boiled with fury. Cueje's body was forced to turn around and search for the trio.

Later, she stood in front of them, her fangs bared.
<span style='color:#000000'>"You'll never reach it! Never!"</span>
With that, she leaped towards them, intent on ripping their hearts out.</font>

 

<font color='#8D38C9'>Vincent nodded. He could sense this pair's distrust of anyone except the other, and knew he'd have to be extra careful around them. He personally could care less what the treasure within was, s long as it could be taken out and Aranol's soul could be put to rest.

"I understand," he spoke with a nod. "You will have nothing to worry about from me, of that I can assure you." He followed the pair into the ruins, knowing that in a place like this any kid of a wrong turn could mean instant death.

It was then that he saw the 'dragon leaping towards them, one that as real as anything else. And in the split second Vincent saw the 'dragon's eyes, he knew that the 'dragon was not at fault here. Something within the ruins must have taken hold.

'So I cannot kill this threat,' Vincent thought to himself with a smirk. 'But I can incapacitate it... and hopefully expell whatever is driving the 'dragon.'

He turned, and hoped that the fury would blind this one to reason. He swerved to the right and pounced with all of his might, hoping to crash into the mad 'dragon's side.</font>

 

<font color='#000000'>Tsizz kept on moving, he had been searching for some time now and still hadn't found any sign of his clan. He paused a moment and focused some on his surroundings. {Voices? Hmmm...} he thought. Looking around he saw no one in the immediate area and hopped off into the shadows. He moved quietly from shadow to shadow following the sounds.

From behind a large piece of... well it wasn't important what it was it only held his attention for a moment before he turned to watch the others there. His bright green eyes were wide with curiosity. Glancing back he tried to put his tail where the light of the flame wouldn't be so easily noticed. Tsizz didn't know if he wanted to ask this bunch about the whereabouts of his clan... {If I ask then they will ask why... I don't really want to get into why. Perhaps I should just turn around and forget about this.}

Tsizz shrank back behind the chunk of whatever it was for a moment his ears were layed back agianst his head as he debated with himself. Unknowingly he leaned against the object behind which he was hiding, his journey thus far being quite exhausting. All of a sudden the object shifted and decided to topple. "thes...." he clenched his eyes tight and prayed that none of them saw him as he lay still and as low to the ground as he could get.

Opening his eyes finally his flame burned white as quickly scrambled to his feet and tore off. He didn't know what he was watching but something told him he didn't really want to be there to find out. He glanced back at the shrinking froms in the ruins and then focused infront of him. Now intent on geting off of this continent he headed for the coast. It was quite apparent to him that he wouldn't find his clan... or perhaps they didn't want to be found. His bitterness grew to hate within as he ran for the coast, ran from his past.</font>

 

<font color='#ADA96E'>Whatever it was that controlled Cueje, it didn't like like to get pounced. However, it had one advantage... it knew alot about the ruins. So Cueje dove into some bushes, wich happened to hide a trapdoor.

After a few seconds she were standing behind the trio, hissing, and very, very bloodthirsty.</font>

 

<font color='#0000FF'>Temor turned around and let out an savage roar as she saw the traitor who intended on killing them, Temor did not know yer that the female 'dragon was controlled by some demonic forces that haunted the Machina Ruins.She growled and tensed herself in much the same way an tiger tensed before it leapt to rip apart its prey with one large claw that would come crashing down on its head, its life force seeping out as the tiger feasts on it. Her tail twitched as she her eyes glowered with hatred at the traitor. Then in an second she was in the air, her long lithe body strectched out as
she raised an large paw to crush the traitor's head in.

Bracken had known what Temor was going to do, he wasnt going to stop her but help her as his paws thudded beside the flying Temor's form and suddenly turned right cutting across the field. "why do you do this to us" he yelled as he bared his fangs and sprinted at the traitor side intenting to launch himself at her neck and rip it apart spilling blood across the Machina Ruins ancient field. This would be deadly for the female 'dragon turned traitor since Temor was in the air rapidly appraoching the 'dagon paws raised in wrath. This was an deadly team power that the only outcome would be death except the 'dragon could only keep her pitiful life if she somehow had an large amounts of luck to protect her from Temor and Bracken who would unleash their wrath on her.</font>

 

<font color='#ADA96E'>Cueje had an arrogant expression to her face.
<span style='color:#000000'>"Who cares if this body dies? I'll just take one of yours instead."</span>
As she spoke, tentacles of darkness begun to slither out of her mouth.</font>

 

<font color='#8D38C9'>Vincent snarled at the demon within the 'dragon before them. "No respect for life eh demon?" Vincent growled. "Well let me give you a deal you cannot refuse." He nodded, looking to the beast.

"I may not be as young or as perfect as I once was, but I can assure you I have spent the better part of two decades honing my mind and spirit to a warrior's path. I think you'll find my body a more suitable host."

"Now I know you must be asking yourself why? My wife is long gone, I have searched long but never found myself, and I cannot stand to see an innocent manipulated like this. Your choice demon."</font>

 

<font color='#ADA96E'>Cueje fell down uncoincious, and then seemed to be lifted up by an invisible force.
<span style='color:#000000'>"Innocent? HA! Look at her claws. They're stained with the blood of pendragons. But of course... she's so... empty..."</span> Cueje was dropped in a pile of junk.

A semi-transparent, abomination-like 'dragon materialized out of thin air. It was built like a lizard, with the tail of a rat and twisted, mutated limbs. It's voice was like it came from the depths of Kytlekh himself.
"Don't expect any graditude for your sssacrifice... Ssshe cannot expressssssss her feelingssss..."
The creature leaped towards Vincent, hissing loudly.</font>

 

<font color='#8D38C9'>Vincent smirked. "I would not accept gratitude anyways," he said calmly. He did not recognize this monster, but then again it would not matter even if he did. He knew that he could not fight an etetheral force and besides, a deal was a deal.

He closed his eyes, and allowed the force to enter him. It felt cold, slimy, but there was something else it felt like too, which brought a smile to Vincent's face. It liked what it saw, and was trying to get comfortable.

Vincent awaited the moment until it started to settle into his mind, started to pry around the edges and take over. That was when he made his move, concetrating all of his force and will to attack the monstrosity, to destroy it completely. After all, there was one thing he forgot to mention. A warrior not only honed his body... he also honed his mind.

He could hear its screaming reverberating in his mind, could sense blood coming from his nose and the corner of his eyes. But he did not concern himself with this, keeping his thoughts and force upon the evil being before him.</font>

 

<font color='#0000FF'>Temor tried to communicate her concerns for Vincent in roars that varied in pitch as she looked at the black thing that scared her but not enough to make her flee in terror as she stared unblinkingly at vincent as blood seeped from his nose.

That was then when she saw the strange 'dragon that made her sick, the more she looked upon this ghost of an 'drago she started to belive this was the master of the Machina Ruins. Her heart beated in anger as she extended her claws prparing to once again launch herself for battle, Bracken would have said no to her.On Bracken i hope he is safe she thought as her eye narrowed in contempt for rhis 'dragon that was in front of Vincent.</font>

 

<font color='#ADA96E'>The creature screamed in pain as parts of it's body was ripped off and shattered. It tried it's best to crush Vincent's free will, or, if that failed, to bring him with it into death. Life was much easier before these wretches came. But it couldn't fail the master. That would be to painful. Even more painful than this.

Cueje woke up. She couldn't move, and she breathed heavily.  
<span style='color:#000000'>He... sacrificed his mind to save mine. That was nice... and he is pretty handsome. What the hell am I thinking?!? I haven't thought like that for years...</span></font>