Se'tar- another shadow realm

A/N: here's what left. If anyone is interested in the continued escapades, it can be found at http://rpmadnessland.proboards80.com/index.cgi?board=orgst&action=display&thread=68 . The adventure does continue, i promise....

same codings apply. italics for telepathy, bold for other... non audible communications. if that makes any sense.

_____

While Shetan and Sean were making their way back to the cave, Katya had changed into a shape that would allow to cover a good distance in a short period of time; a Phoenix. She felt Toya's presence with her, within the sword. He had disappeared within the sword once he felt the quarrel coming on.

'I just don't know what to do here, Toya! As a tritaron, I'm supposed to know what to do at all times because I am immortal; but it's not easy. That human! I'm so surprised he didn't know what a weapon Esmarry was! It's a Destiny sword, for goodness sake. I don't use you because I know what you are.'

'I know. Calm down, baby; please. I know your heart and I know your thoughts. Right now, the best thing for you to do is to land somewhere, change into your human form, and talk.'

Katya sighed and knew he was right. She landed in a clearing and changed into human form. Toya immediately appeared and they embraced each other. They then walked hand in hand to a nearby wood, so they could be protected, but aware if anyone came by. They sat down on a fallen log. Katya started to cry and she didn't know why. Toya could do nothing but hold her.

"Toya, what can I do? I'm so confused. Shetan is probably irritated with me beyond apologies. Sean, human that he is, can't understand this world. I'm part of it and you're part of me and-"

Toya interrupted Katya. "Baby, calm down. It's not as bad as you're making it out to be. Yes, you're an immortal of this realm, as am I. But you're also part human. And humans experience emotions. The only reason I'm here with you is because I chose to be with you. We protect each other and that human is slightly important. Just relax."

Katya took a couple deep breaths and the tears faded away. "I know, I know. Even though we're technically not married, it's like we've been together for the longest time. I don't know why you picked me, but you did and I can't think of anyone else I would want to be with. Sometimes action gets to be too much and I just want a break. I will protect this realm with all that I am and the dark lord will not have a hold on this world. But for now, I need to relax."

It then seemed as if the world faded away. Toya would seem to be a hallucination to others, but for Katya, he was a part of her soul. They were forever linked; spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically. Toya pulled Katya into his arms and kissed her. The world faded away and, for the moment, there was no one else. No one but her and Toya.

***

Shetan and Sean walked for a time in silence. The other's presence was all each needed, and it was peaceful in these woods. Sean was lost in thought, absorbed in the happenings of the last several days. Not too long ago he'd come into possession of the Dragon's Gift- the gift of languages. Then, the flight from Yilven's presence. The arrival to this beautiful place; the brief battle with the dark warriors. His merging with Esmarry, and new-found abilities that came with it. Meeting Katya, learning of her immortality and of the manifested Toya. Now, the Heart of the Sky and the Stars to always protect, with the alliance with Esha. It was a lot of responsibilities, a lot of changes.

"Young One."

The voice was like the one before. Sean turned toward it, his sight changing to try and view the speaker again. There, in the tall tree next to him. It seemed to be the same Forest Spirit as before. "Yes?"

"Use that sword well. It chose you for a reason, but beware of the consequences that comes with using it. It's a power not to be taken lightly."

"I understand. And I will try my best. It's my duty, and I promise to do the absolute best in my abilities." Sean placed a hand on the hilt of his sword, but did not draw it. "Forgive my intrusion earlier."

"Pardoned. Just be more careful in the future.” The figure faded from the tree. Sean closed his eyes and gave a half bow. Then he turned back to Shetan. Her eyes caught his and held them.

"Do you know what you just committed to doing?” Sean nodded.

"It wasn't my choice, maybe, when I first came here. But this land has become another home to me, and I know that returning to my Earth would raise a lot of problems. This is the place I can call ‘home’, and I will defend it and protect it in every way, now. It needs me.”

"This land needs your protection. To hopefully succeed in freeing it once again.” Shetan drew close to the human. "But it is not the only thing that needs you.” She placed her hand over the place where the dual hearts beat, feeling the pulsing of the blood and new strength. "I need you, Sean.”


***

Sean gazed at Shetan for a long moment. He could feel the beating of his hearts against her hand, and her own pulse of blood through her fingers.

Her eyes held the hearts of men and kings alike.

He didn't say anything, nor did she. Shetan knew exactly what the Human was thinking. He never even realized his own feelings for her - his heart had been locked away behind the furious life he had lived here so far. Now, it was bursting free.

He gazed into her eyes longer, seeing the past, the future, the dreams she held inside her. If only she had said something sooner...

He pulled her close to him, their lips meeting in the softest first touch. And then they were taken, pulled along by a wave of passion that neither had known existed for a long, long time.

*

It was Master Tal who found them the next day. They lay, holding each other, in a cradle of the forest, created for them by the spirits. The Master seemed to have recovered all of the battle wounds he had picked up from the fight, and had regained his full regality as well. A new Master’s Robe was worn on his shoulders, and something else was held in his hands as well.

"Good morning.” he said, as if not noticing their embrace.

"Good morning.” Shetan answered, her eyes still closed. Sean didn't respond.

"I have something for our apprentice. Meet me by the sea.” He asked her. The Master turned, and walked back towards the edge of the forest.

"We should get going,” Shetan told her softly sleeping partner.

"Yeah, we should.” he said, his eyes opening up.

They got up from the cradle, and walked after Tal. At the edge of the forest, where the coast meet the trees, he turned, and searched with his Eatheral vision for the Forest Spirit. None could be seen, but the trees suddenly gave a great stir, as if someone, far away, was smiling.

"Ha, you’re here at last.” said Katya. She looked vibrant, fresh, and renewed. Clearly, something had happened with her the previous night as well.

"The Monastery Abbot came to see me in the night.” Tal explained. "Sean, the Abbot has commended your actions, and your skills as well. You've learned the truth about the power of Esmarry, and have grown to be a Shadow Creature yourself. For this, the Mountain Monastery has given you the rank of a Magna Warrior. You are no longer an Apprentice, though you still have much to learn.”

"Uh, thanks.” replied the Human, not really sure of what this meant. Without pausing, Tal walked forwards, and his hands were holding a chalice of gold, encrusted with glittering rubies. Inside, was a drink which looked like red wine. He gave the chalice to Sean, who took a small sip, and seeing a gesture from Shetan, drained the contents. It was a sweet, sugary taste. Not magical, but traditional instead.

"The Abbot has asked me to give you something else as well. As an Magna, you'll need a new robe, and a suit of light armor as well. However, I want you to realize that with this rank, your responsibility is increased. You must be a servant of Light, forever at the call of those who are troubled, and a protector of those who are threatened.”

"Of course.” said Sean.

"Then come, we travel to Agmor City.”

Shetan’s eye brows raised high at hearing this. Before she could say anything though, Tal swept away, walking with speed to the shore of the beach. At the water’s edge, he stopped, and casting out his arms, invoked a portal though time and space to far away place. The portal was a shimmering disk of light which hung just above the water. It showed on its other side, a land of rolling hills, and rocky outcroppings. The sky was light, and 3 suns shone down from over head.

As they walked through, Sean felt his weight alter. He seemed to be heavier, as if he had just picked up a band of sand. The air here was dense, but as he started breathing, a sense of being very awake crept into his senses.

"This is another world isn't it?” he asked, his skin already breaking into sweat with the great heat.

"Yes, it is. This is where we will find you something more appropriate to wear. A bearer of a Destiny Sword can not be wearing a simple cloth robe all his life.”

Behind him, Katya, dressed in her beautiful, flowing gown smiled.

"Agmor is a world with vast amounts of metal. Its gravity is strong, meaning that you'll feel heavier here. Also, the air is much richer,” explained Tal.

They walked on, through the great hills, weaving in and around the rocks and boulders which were common, and filled the hills. Sean and Shetan went hand in hand, talking lightly most of the way, or sometimes just lapsing into a comfortable silence. The going was hard, and after an hour or so, Sean felt the warm power of the Dragon’s Gift surface in his blood, and give him more strength to carry on at speed.

At early evening, the three suns began to set as one, and as they did, a band along the sky began to appear, framed in light and magnificence.

"We call that the Arch. It’s a ring system which wraps itself around this planet. In the winter, it glows white, in the summer, red.”

Sean gazed at the frosty band. It was a faint pink colour.

"Right now, winter is sweeping in, and this planet flies away from the 3 suns. Very soon, everything here will freeze, and the planet's forges will go silent. It's important that we hurry, as we may only have a few days.”

"What are the forges?”

Katya answered for Shetan, walking up to join the couple. "This planet is famous for its metal. The smithies here use forges which harness the power of the suns in the summer, and create the strongest armour we know of.”

"Actually,” said Tal interrupting, "Sagmarian Black Armour is stronger.”

Katya scoffed.

"What’s that?” asked Sean.

"It’s the armour that the elite soldiers of Yilven wear,” she replied.

"Like the ones we fought at the sea, yeah?”

"No" said Tal gravely. "Warriors bearing Sagmarian Black Armour are part of Yilven’s personal legion. There are only 300 of them, and their armour was created millennia ago, when this planet had a 4th sun. Its made from a metal which can only be forged with the power of a 4th Sun, and since that died long ago, no armour that strong can ever be forged again. No known weapon of magic or metal has ever been able to break the armour. Each of the warriors are as old as their armour, kept alive by its dark powers. These are the most feared of all the Shadow Creatures.”

"What about the Destiny swords?” Sean asked. "Can they break the armour?”

"No one knows. In the last 10 millennia, no one has ever seen a Destiny Sword and a Yilven Elite face each other. However, but by the end of this war, I'm guessing we'll have some idea.”

Sean looked down at Esmarry at his side. Katya looked at Toya.

Shetan suddenly ran ahead of the others, her human form leaping into a graceful, athletic motion, bounding from rock to rock to surmount the top of the hill they were climbing.

Sean ran on also, jumping across the tops of the rocks to come to stand on the highest peak with Shetan. Below them, in the great valley they stretched below, the city of Agmor sat quietly below. She was a fortress, build purely out of dark stone, her outer walls set in an octagon, with a tall guard tower built at each of the 8 points. There were other, inner walks as well, five of them, each one rising higher to make the city into levels. In the center, was a great tower, thrusting upwards into the sky. At the top of the pinnacle, a glass observatory was built. It seemed a tiny point of light to Sean, but in reality, the observatory was huge.

"We made it.” said Shetan. "Come on,” she said playfully, "Lets run for it.”

"Yeah, lets run.”

Together, the shadows unlocked their strength, and sprinted down the hill.

***

It was late, after sunset. But as long as winter hadn't shut down the city, shops were open. Katya knew where the best of the shops were, having had to get armor a few times over the years. Shetan gave her opinions, and soon the group had found the right place. It was a smoky place, but as Sean looked in awe at the workmanship of the armor, he realized that it was an excellent quality. With a little help, he managed to pick out the pieces needed. Then Shetan surprised him.

"You'll need another sword. Esmarry is your weapon for battle, but I'm gonna continue your training with a real sword. And you'll need something else for daily training.” She pulled a long, heavy sword from a wall of swords. Sean took it, also sensing a drop in mood from Esmarry. "It won't replace you, girl. You're a part of me and always will be.” The weight of the new sword shocked him. As heavy as Esmarry had been before, he'd grown accustomed to the weight, and the Dragon's Gift had helped. But this sword was much, much heavier. "You sure I can train with this?”

"If your body has truly become that of a Shadow, you'll master it. It's our nature to move on, like humans do, to master challenges- and become the best warriors. You'll master this sword, excel in your magic training, and just possibly unlock the one other secret that keeps you from becoming a full Shadow.”

"What is that?” This had all started to sound very challenging to the new creature. "There's a secret to unlock?”

"Yes, one. True Shadows are born shape- shifters, though many full bloods only have a few shapes. Unique Shadows, like Katya, have the ability to change into any shape they wish. You may or may not find that ability... though with much more time, it may come to you. But your transition from human to Shadow has just begun its true change, and to reach that end, you have to be patient and train. Don't rush these things.”

Sean looked at the sword in his hands. He could barely lift the point clear of the floor. "I'll do my best,” he said, gazing into Shetan's eyes. Esmarry stirred at his side, her voice drifting slightly through his mind. "We will do our best, and be prepared next time battle comes.”

"Then return, and let the training begin.”


*******

As Sean struggled to lift the sword clear of the floor, Shetan went to the blacksmith to talk about prices and pay for the armour and sword. Expenses were paid and Sean had finally managed to get the sword into a sheath hanging on his back when Master Tal spoke up. “Where is our little Shu? I haven’t seen her and she is usually with Sean or Shetan.” Three heads turned to look at him, then everyone scattered throughout the store. It was, indeed, not of the small creature’s nature to wander off in unfamiliar territory.

It was Katya that found the stray wanderer. The warrior’s face went slack as she realized what Shu was up to, and what she was with. “Shu, are you flirting with that /thing/?”

Shu was curled up towards a corner, rubbing sides with what appeared to be a weasel. Though, it wasn’t an ordinary one, if silver claws and emerald green eyes said anything. Regular Shadows and most other mortals just didn’t carry the silver claws. And that colour green on a weasel was damned unnerving. But there was Shu, acting like she’d known this creature for her entire life. Shetan showed up with a look of uncomfortable surprise.

“Shu, who is this?” Shetan extended her hand and Shu leapt up, to sit on her shoulder and chatter in a very rapid tone. The Shadow was shaking her head and getting ready to tell Shu to slow down so she could keep up with her story when a young man walked out from farther back in the store. “I’m sorry, the weasel is my companion. Did he get into more trouble, again?” He had a frown on his face, but a smile hidden in his brown eyes. His shoulder blade- length hair was brown with faint red tints that complimented his eyes in strange ways. Small twin braids starting at his temple swept forward as he crouched by his furry friend. “He has a habit for mischief. Did he cause any harm?” Shu whistled- squeaked at him. Sean understood her this time.

“Shu says she doesn’t understand. Your friend was being the perfect, well, ‘gentleman’.” He watched as Shu fluffed her tail and started waving it back and forth, promptly grabbing the weasel’s attention and drawing him into a nice sway as well. The green of her fur was the same green as his eyes…. Shetan pulled away from Shu’s attempts at mild hypnosis and had to smack Sean gently on the shoulder. He had begun to move in time to her tail. They turned back to the young man. “What is your name, sir?”

He smiled easily. “Call me Loki, and this is my friend, Kodo.” At the sound of his name, the weasel popped out of his trance and paraded back to his human friend. Master Tal almost laughed aloud at the look on Shu’s face. He would have sworn she was pouting, frustrated at not keeping her new friend’s attention on herself. But he turned to the new human. “You call yourself Loki. Have we met before?” There was something about the traveler’s clothes and heavy cloak that was vaguely familiar, not too unlike the ones the Shadows wore. But there was something else, that he couldn’t quite place…

“Have you forgotten an old teacher so quickly, Talorcen?” Loki’s voice dropped, and a low threat hid in the words. “Did your spell casting skills have so little meaning to you? Did the last century before Isis took you back mean nothing to who you are now?” A prickling energy filled the area as he flicked his wrist in Master Tal’s direction. The Shadow stumbled, going to one knee and staring at the hand above him. A green glow emanated from a ring on Loki’s hand. The hand lowered until Tal was staring into a pair of acid- green emerald eyes, set into the simple gold band. “Duo.” Just a whispered word, but the look on the Shadow’s face was enough. This was someone important from his past- very important. He stood, vaguely avoiding direct eye contact.

“Your training was never forgotten or neglected. In fact, I have used it greatly in training the young ones and the few humans worthy of the magic skills. Isis’ choice of the best come to study under me, and if they show ability, they get some of the higher level spells and power unlocks you taught me. I just never thought I’d see you again.”

Loki smiled, but it wasn’t utterly pleasant. “Never forget, Talorcen, I go where I want, when I want. Particularly when I’m scoping for new meat.” His gaze traveled over the three Shadows and other human. “Would any of these do, my old pupil?”

Master Tal frowned. “Test them. That is the only way to answer that.” he walked around the group, stopping behind each. “This is Katya, and this one Shetan. They are half sisters, both fairly competent and each with their own powers. The human is Sean, he carries one of the most powerful swords of the Shadow realm. He is currently under my training, and Shetan was considering putting him under hers as well, since she had training under Isis.” He coughed. “My friends, meet the one who taught me almost everything that brought me to level I’m at now.”


****

“Warrior, or just mage?” Shetan continued to watch their new acquaintance. He was a bit too strong just to ignore, and yet, he didn’t feel like a threat. Sure, he’d seemed a little brash with his reminder to Tal. But then, who liked knowing or suspecting that their extended training was ignored or altogether forgotten? No master or trainer wished to be forgotten by their trainees.

“You could call me a jack of all trades. Magic is natural to me, as is speed, strength, and dexterity with bladed weapons.” He smiled, a little grim but pleased. “My priority is as warrior and trainer- for now.”

Shetan nodded. “Master, Loki, right? If you’re the one that trained Master Tal here, then you must have much to teach the rest of us. None of us have learned all he has to offer, so I’m sure all of us can learn from you.” She paused for a moment. “Maybe even Tal can learn a few more things. If you trained him before he started working for Isis, then it’s been a long time. Surely there’s something new you can teach or tell us. Maybe even news of elsewhere, as this planet has few resources for the traveler. You’ve been out in the galaxies, for sure.”

Loki shook his head, bumping Kodo with his braids. “I could only take one of you. My training, as Talorcen will agree, is too rigorous and in- depth for more than one pupil at a time.” He put his back to them. “I doubt any of you are up to my training, and Talorcen has learned all he’s going to learn from me at this time.”

“Test us. I believe Tal offered that earlier. It is the only right way if you must only choose one of us. If one of us is worth even a small bit of training, it is better than none of us improving.” Shetan knelt. “I am a head soldier in Isis’ army, but I know that I can learn ever so much more. We cannot defeat those who would cause harm, if we only rely on one way of fighting. Some things are immune to spells, or to straight physical attacks. Anything you can offer would be, well, openly welcome. Training or news would be rather useful at this time.”

Loki turned his dark eyes into Shetan’s gaze. “Has Yilven attacked again? I thought Isis had managed to seal him out.” He shrugged. “It’s none of my concern where that beast goes, though if he disrupts anything of mine, he won’t ever be a problem again.”

Katya snorted. “Armies have stood against Yilven, all destroyed. How could a lone /human/ defeat one of the most powerful sorcerers the realms have battled for centuries?” Tal opened, then shut his mouth without say a word, shaking his head. The self- named tritaron would learn soon, and in the swift, not- so- painless manner of his previous master.

Loki turned suddenly cold eyes on the Shadow. “For one who seems to have such contempt for humans, you hold the form well enough. Trying to forget some mixed blood?” A tiny ball of energy, smaller than a marble, swirled to existence in the palm of the beringed hand. It left his hand, floating to an inch away from Katya’s nose, where it bobbed in place. She reached up to touch it, but Tal coughed.

“Master Loki… would it not be better to continue outside the shop, away from potential eyes?” A reserved voice, but a reasoning tone as well. Kodo turned his emerald gaze on the master Shadow, even as the bauble of light and energy flicked back to its creator. Tal winced briefly as Loki gestured to the group. “Let’s go where we can continue this discussion.”

Shetan and Sean bowed, letting Loki pass. Something was going on, and the human didn’t understand very well. He bent his curiosities inward, looking for Esmarry. ‘Do you know what’s going on?’ he silently asked her. The peace and light from his sword- soul filled him, acquiring the knowledge of the last few minutes before responding. It’s just power play. Katya believes herself to be a very powerful creature, but if Tal was trained by this Loki, then he would be much more powerful than her. She’s challenging him and he’s holding his own. A light chuckle filtered into his mind. She would be wise to let it drop. His aura is potent but hidden. You would do well to give this being respect, for he is not all he seems. Sean nodded to himself, processing the information. ‘How strong is Kaoyatoa?’ Silence hung in his mind. ‘Esmarry? What do you know about Katya’s sword?’

Cold, the empty coldness of no emotion or emotions greatly hidden, filled him. She has no right to the Sword of Knowledge. The blade was made to be able to manifest its spirit, and that being be able to use the physical sword as the spirit wished. Although it needed someone to work with it to release the sword- soul, it was meant to be an entity of its own. Fire burned within him and he struggled to suppress it as he stepped out into the dying sunlight of the planet. He could feel her sift through his memories, searching, and he gave no sign of the inward conversation as he watched Loki and Katya stand off against each other. How long have they been intimate? ‘I don’t know. They seemed close when I’ve seen them together.’ That pathetic use of a warrior. We’ll talk more about this later when you’re not distracted. And like that, the connection terminated, leaving Sean feeling confused and less relaxed than the few other times he’d talked to Esmarry in such ways. He focused his attention on the scene before him.

He almost laughed. Katya and Loki faced off to each other in the street in front of the shop, like gunfighters he’d seen in old western movies. But this time there were no guns, but something even more dangerous- magic. He could feel it stirring the air, brushing along his skin, warming where it touched but leaving his skin crawling with sensations. He saw the swirl around Katya as air twisted and glimmered, then sliced toward Loki. It struck, several blows, and the human just smiled, let his body fluctuate with the strikes. A few strands of hair dropped but no other signs of damage appeared.

The girl lashed out, the attack intensifying and coming faster, and the other human just stood there, letting the attacks hit. Suddenly, he pounced the few feet that separated them, catching her wrist in one hand. Soft laughter clashed with the look in the glinting eyes. “Please, stop. That tickles, little mortal.” Confusion colored Katya’s face, then swiftly fear and anger flashed into her own eyes. “My turn.” He hissed, and her body blasted several feet back, landing roughly on her rump. She snarled, shifting even as she spoke.

“No one calls me little, and I’m no mortal!!” She hissed, the leopard form easy on the dirt, tail whipping behind her. Loki only laughed at her. He lifted his right palm to her, and then she collapsed into the street, her shape slowly falling away as energy sucked from her into a glowing orb forming above his hand.

“Oh, but you are very mortal. I’ve heard about you, what you believe you are. And I know that you lack something vital to be the immortal you claim. That leaves you as a very talented Shadow, just oh so mortal.” A smile tilted his lips, but Shetan got the distinct impression that he was unamused with the girl. And what did he mean, that her sister wasn’t immortal? Did that mean- ?

Tal stepped forward. “Master Loki, please. You’ve proved you’re better than she is, and that information ought to be addressed elsewhere. Back in the Shadow realm, perhaps?”

Loki watched Katya for a minute. She looked angry, but could do nothing until he released her. He shrugged, breaking the slight spell that held Katya still. Deftly, he approached Shetan and little Shu sitting on her shoulder, offering Shu the bright orb of energy. Tentative silver claws grasped it, holding on when Katya spoke up. “That’s my energy, Loki. Give me back my leopard.” Hostility hung heavy in the air, and Sean stepped away from the group.

“No.”

Shu looked at Loki, head tilting as she chattered at the new person. He smiled at his weasel’s new friend. “Consider it a present from Kodo, little one. Hold onto it; the time will come for you to use it the way it should. Until then, it’s in your care.” He glared over his shoulder at the girl he’d stripped the energy from. “Only when we get back to a secluded area on your realm will we talk about this. And don’t ever try to use your beasts against me, you will lose them just as quickly as your leopard.” He got into her personal space for a moment before cutting a portal into the air. “You will also summon Kaoyatoa for me. He and I have a long talk that is overdue.” Ignoring the looks of utter shock and anger on the Shadows and humans around him, he gathered Kodo and disappeared into the portal.

____

that's all, for now. at least here. Good night and thanks for reading!!