Clans

Chapter/Part 5

Lies Hidden In Shadows



Lies that Bind like Rope.



Somewhere on Earth five college students, three male and two female, entered a strange looking store with books stacked everywhere and rugs of bright colors concealing the floor. An old woman of many years sat on a pile of pillows looking like a fairy grandmother out of a story book. Long white hair spilled out of The old womanÕs black cloak, weaving an air of mystery around her. The college students looked at each other and one of the girls whispered, ÒThis place looks like something Suzi would cook up for a RPG1 ...Ó



One of the men, wearing glasses, poked her in the ribs with his carefully placed elbow, silencing her. ÒKitty, this is real life, not one of SuziÕs games. Get your head out of the clouds!Ó he said, moving her forward to look at a stack of books.



The other girl, Suzi, moved toward the smaller of the other two men and took his hand. The tallest of the three winced and moved toward the old woman. The old woman, who had winced with him, was now watching them with her strange green-gold eyes.



ÒMatt, this woman scares me for some reason. I feel like I met her before, but I donÕt recognize her... And JimÕs still hurting about me and you going out. I wish Kitty and Derrick werenÕt going out. HeÕd have one of us to go out with.. Then maybe he wonÕt be such a loner.Ó said Suzi, looking at Matt, the shortest guy among them. Suzi and Matt wandered about the store, picking up books and putting them back, but their hands where no longer together.



ÒWell, ItÕs not like we are a closed group. IÕm sure there is some great girl out there for him. Maybe that old woman can tell us our fortunes or something.Ó said Matt winking at Suzi, as he moved toward the old woman. Derrick looked up at Matt as he past, and fell into step behind him, with Kitty on his arm.



ÒPardon me, but can you tell us the purpose of this store?Ó asked Matt politely. Jim wandered over to them and sat in a

near-by chair. The old woman muttered something, shifting in the dark venomous cloak, she motioned for them to sit down. Sitting, the five friends looked at each other wondering why they all felt like this was a giant comic book.



ÒThis story is a legend, or a collection anyway. Would you

like to hear it?Ó asked the old woman who smiled, and not waiting

for an answer continue. ÒThis is a story which is in a story,

which in itÕs self is really a story in that.Ó Chuckling at the college students confused faces, she stopped. Murmuring something

beneath her breath, she looked at each of them like she was staring into their souls, and turning them inside out.



ÒMy tale begins in a different land, a different world, and a different time. A time of Unicorns, Dragons, and Magic. Gods and Goddesses had ignored the world Harpea, and carried on with a War to determine the one who would rule. But before they had a chance to blow up Harpea, the Nameless One and Evil One were released and took control of the Castle of Heavens.



"The Evil One wanted to rule HarpeaÕs people. But the Nameless One insisted that Harpeans make their own choices not letting the Gods or Goddesses interfere with Harpea law or rule. The Evil One had other ideas and went to Harpea cursing the people who didnÕt bend to her rule. The Nameless One, seeing that she and the others in HeavenÕs Castle couldnÕt do anything or they would break their own rules, called forth five friends from this Earth and sent them to Harpea to fix the mess the Evil One had made. Then the Nameless One stepped back, letting humans take care of their own problems.Ó



Looking at Kitty, the old woman thought Quiet and deadly, and very much in love with one of the three men... hmmmm, which one? Oh! of course, the tall one with black hair. Chuckling the old woman looked at Derrick. Handsome, Brave, and pig headed. Yes, I can see why she likes him.



ÒThe Evil one did not step back; instead, she cursed humans, sending friend against friend, and brother against brother. The five friends from Earth went and battled the Evil one in her lair. Only they were seprated. Lost and feeling guilty, Caroline Davis wandered into a refuge camp of the cursed. She learned how to care for others, but remained in her guilty state of mind. When she was in her late seventeen years Caroline found herself in a bigger mess than before.Ó The old womanÕs voice trailed off as she looked at Suzi. Then the five chosen saw the world of Harpea on that fateful day.





The Tale Is Spun...





The bell in the tower rang unmercifully loud, waking everyone in the clan from their sound and hard earned slumber. Men and women stepped from their tents, sleepily looking up at the tower and the ringing bell. Wraiths in their blowing, white shrouds took to the early morning sky turning their white wraps into magnificent pinks and purples. Vampires, looking pale in the early morning light, walked stiffly toward the tower, yawning and grumbling about how they would have to hunt earlier now. A woman shifted into unicorn form and cantered in a daze to the gathering crowd.



The small camp of about forty tents and fifteen barns was the Unicorn Clan. Started by the cursed humans to survive, they try to uncurse themselves and save those about to be burned for being cursed. Each type of cursed people had an Elder and a leader. They had buried themselves deep in the heart of The Peril Mountains, surrounded by lakes and forest. They hide from the Uncursed and strive to find a way to uncurse themselves.



ÒBy fortune! What now? CanÕt a girl get any sleep around here?Ó said a girl about seventeen, rubbing her sleepy eyes. ÒThatÕs the last time I suggest Randell for Tower duty. Taysta! Get up! RandellÕs rung the bell again, and if I get up, YOU get up.Ó she said buckling a sword on her waist.



ÒOh Mommy Caroline! CanÕt I sleep a bit more?Ó said a laughing voice from inside the tent. Taysta emerged looking a bit worse for wear. The elfÕs short green hair sprang in almost serpentine ways around her pale, drawn face. ÒMy friend, IÕd better get you to the tower, or the elders will have my head.Ó said Taysta grinning like a thief who had just pulled out off a major caper.



Picking up a black cloak Taysta dipped it in ice cold water. Handing the now soaking wet cloak to a sleepy Caroline, Taysta ran like the wind toward the tower. Caroline, not noticing the cloak, or anything else, having been deep in thought and put it on her shoulders.



ÒBY FORTUNE!Ó Caroline screamed, as the cold wet cloak soaked though her tunic. Throwing the cloak off she turned to her fleeing friend who was half way to the tower and the gathering crowd.



Wincing, Caroline put on the cloak thinking, No time for a new one. I really need to learn to pay attention. Picking up TaystaÕs forgotten bow, she ran to the tower. As Caroline neared the tower, and itÕs gathering crowd, a dragon spotted her water-logged cloak and said loud enough for everyone to hear, ÒTaysta get you again Caroline?Ó laughing, the crowd let a beet red faced Caroline though.



As Caroline approached a group of men one of them came near her, grabbed her hand, and rushed her toward the older men. ÒCaroline, you really need to get Taysta to stop soaking your cloak. You could become the laughing stock of the whole clan.Ó he whispered as Caroline turned a interesting shade of crimson.



Before the man could say more, hoofs clattered down the wooden stair case inside the tower. Caroline ran up the steps just in time to see a breathless Unicorn slide to a stop at the bottom of the stair case. ÒRandell, this better be important! Or by fortune IÕll...Ó Caroline started.



ÒBut Caroline! Terra and Druid are upstairs the told me to ring the bell and bring you up to them!Ó said a breathless amber colored unicorn interrupting a long scolding speech. ÒThey said Randell, go get Caroline Davis and bring her to us. And...Ó



ÒWHAT?!?!?!Ó cried Caroline as she shoved RandellÕs amber body out of her way. ÒYou mean to tell me you got the Earth Goddess and Shadow God up there? By fortune Randell youÕd think I could have a peaceful night sleep, but NO! I lay down and BOOM, a god and goddess show up and Caroline gets to play hostess. WHY ME?!?!?!Ó complained Caroline as she ran up the many flights of stairs leaving Randell and Taysta to fight the way up the stairs themselves. Then she realized WHO was up there and started taking two stairs at a time.



ÒCaroline!Ó Screamed Taysta below her. ÒWait up! You know we are slower then you! Caroline! For goodness sake, Terra and Druid arenÕt the Nameless one!2 Ó Taysta reached her pacing friend at the roof, and Caroline shoved her inside and watched her reaction.



Taysta stood with her mouth open and her lavender eyes huge. Laughing, Caroline went in and walked up to Terra. Hugging her she said ÒGreetings Terra. What news? Have you two found away to save us yet?Ó Terra hugged Caroline back and smiled. She waved to her daughter.3 Druid chuckled and clasped CarolineÕs hand in greeting.



ÒWe found away for the Nameless one to release our children4 from their curse, but it can only be done by Caroline. ThatÕs

why we came here in person.Ó Druid said, his gray eyes twinkling. He stepped back and made a sign. A dark night sky purse fell to

the floor. ÒThis is the ShadowÕs Purse. You ask it to have something inside and it will have it, but it canÕt be living. You can also put anything inside it, and it will hold it for you. It is visible only to itÕs wearer. This is my item. I give it to you Caroline- Use it wisely.Ó He said bowing, and he faded into the shadows.



Terra hugged Taysta and stepped back. She made a different sign. Pulling out a pair of high dark leather boots, she smiled. ÒThese are the earth boots. They can go over anything. You can climb walls and ceilings and not lose your footing. They will only not work in the presence of the Nameless One.Ó leaning over and kissing Caroline on the cheek. ÒFare well Caroline. Our hope rests on you.Ó Then Terra disappeared leaving the faint smell of flowers behind.



Randell, Taysta, and Caroline looked at each other. Smiling, they walked over to the purse and boots. Caroline bent down and picked up the purse. Putting it on her belt, the purse disappeared to Taysta and Randell. Chuckling, Caroline started to put on the boots. Taysta bent to help take the old ones off. The leather boots came off with a pop, and Taysta landed on her rear five feet away.



Randell laughed and moved to help Taysta up. The roof door creaked silencing Taysta and Randell. A man with black and silver hair walked in. His body displayed a weird paw mark on his shoulder and his stance was that of a warrior. Simon, the elder of werewolves, and CarolineÕs close friend, entered with a smirk and a kiss on the cheek to Caroline. ÒCaroline, you must hurry. We got the Conjurers together and we just need you. Before you know it we will be human again!Ó Caroline looked at the man puzzled.



ÒBut Simon, I thought you were always like this? I mean... the clan... DidnÕt the Evil One put the curse on you before the Nameless One forbid any god or goddess to help the humans on Harpea?Ó Caroline put the Earth boots on and looked at Simon puzzled. ÒI thought only the Evil One could put it back.Ó



Simon smiled, helping Caroline to her feet. He led her toward the edge of the tower where he pointed down to their camp. Nestled in the mountains, their Camp was safe from all the humans (Not cursed) from hunting them.



Dragons sunned themselves near the tower waiting for the meeting to start. Unicorns rested in the shade of the tower. Children in human form of all cursed kinds played. Werewolves, in human form, and Elves, waited near a group of Vampires.



ÒThis is our life now. We used to be human, working in our shops and farms, but then the God wars started. Evil OneÕs creations started returning from the great beyond. We have found many of the cursed, but some hide away in mountains, caves, and abandoned towers, just to get away from the uncursed Harpeans. Still others go after the humans. They are the ones who send the humans after us. We the Clan are peaceful; all we wish is that we be left in peace. Of course that isnÕt possible with the renegade cursed hunting humans. Caroline, you are the first human to be made a clan member, and then a Leader/Elder of humans (She was the only one). You should be proud, for it is an honor.Ó said Simon motioning over the resting clan members below them.



ÒSo itÕs my duty, as a Clan member, to see that you all are uncursed?Ó asked Caroline, her green-gold eyes resting down far below them, and then at the breaking dawn. The sun peaked over a

stray cloud, as if awaiting her answer. ÒIÕll do it for my Clan; For my family,Ó said Caroline straightening. The sun played with her red brown hair, weaving sparkles of red though the massive

braid.



Leading Caroline to the door of the tower, Simon squeezed her shoulder. Randell and Taysta followed, looking worried, but Caroline smiled and walked toward her fate...





HeavenÕs Castle





Two Days Later at HeavenÕs Castle5



Flinching Caroline sneaked past two fire demons, entering a room. Heat blasted her face as she looked around. By fortune itÕs HOT in here. I really think that sneaking into gods and goddessÕs rooms isnÕt my idea of fun. BUT the Clan does need these items, so... Caroline thought jumping over a pit of fire and a suit of armor with a axe that almost sliced her into twins. Fortune be praised! That was CLOSE!



ÔClara Goddess of FireÕ read a plaque above the bed. Nearing the bed Caroline slipped on a necklace. ÒFORTUNE BE CURSED! ThatÕs HOT!Ó screamed Caroline getting up. No one said the god forsaken floor was going to be fire! Thanks, Terra these boots are fire proof... Remind me to put something at your shrine next time IÕm in Hawthorne. Thought Caroline to herself, as she rubbed her burning rear.



Looking up she found herself facing at a hideous looking statue. I donÕt know whether it was because Caroline felt sorry for it.. Or she just liked kissing statues. But she reached up on her tip toes and kissed the statues nose.



Turning away Caroline said ÒNow whereÕs that Armor of Fire?Ó When she heard a soft voice say ÒOver here, Lady of Mystery, over here. Caroline turned toward the voice and saw the statue holding the Armor of Fire. Two dragons entwining around each other with ruby scales, flickered red and orange in the light.



Standing back on her heels, Caroline nibbled on the end of her long, red-brown braid. Her green-gold eyes flickered around the statue looking at the spell of binding, that held him in ClaraÕs service, to have a weakness. ÒNo need for that Lady of Mystery, I will give you what you seek.Ó the statue said with a smile. ÒYou can also call on me if you ever need me. Say my name and the ancient spell word of Fire and I shall come. My name is Justus, head demon of Clara. but you must go. I will open a way for you past the two guards outside.Ó



Thanking Justus, Caroline took the Armor of Fire and ran out the door. Past the pit of fire and suit of armor. The two demon guards just stood there until she past and was about five feet away when they blinked as if coming out of a trance. Caroline

scaled a wall, she sat down to think and wait till she located another room. I live with a clan of cursed people, on a planet

not my own. I have a Elf, werewolf and unicorn for friends. And NOW I risk my life.. By fortune I even THINK and Talk like them.

I must be going nuts... thought Caroline.



She was so deep in thought she didnÕt pay attention and before she knew it. ÒYou! Come down from there!Ó barked a guard of water. ÒIn the name of my god Neptune COME DOWN!Ó said the soldier, as he grew more and more angry when Caroline didnÕt move.



Calling down her Wind and Light magic, making her hands glow a faint sea green color, Caroline hid her hands beneath her cloak. She scrambled down the wall about fifteen feet away from the guard. Then all of the Great Beyond, broke lose.



Raising her hands about chest level a ball of light shimmered into existence, shifting into a hawk. Caroline sent the huge hawk straight toward the water guard, knocking him into the great beyond.(that place you go to when you die... their heaven/hell.) releasing the hawk with a ancient word of power Caroline started running into the hall...



IÕm out of time! Thought Caroline as she came closer to a decorated door. Gathering her Thunder and Fire magic, she centered herself. Sending a tear rolling down her cheek, power ruptured below her feet, sending her hair and cloak up into itÕs sweep of power. Pointing a crimson-gold finger she send the power racing toward the last guard and door.



The guard and door evaporated into him air. Murmuring a word the power faded but left Caroline a bit cocky. Over kill! This

ainÕt half bad... she thought as she sprinted into NeptuneÕs, the god of water, room. Slipping in her haste on the slick watery floor, she hit the floor sliding into a statue and the pendant of Water. ÒOuch! By Fortune! THATÓs SMARTS!Ó she cried out.



ÒPardon me, Lady but do you mind being a bit more careful? IÕm not as young as I used to be.Ó said the statue. ÒMy name is Wolfwin , Justus told me about you and I give you the water pendant. You may call on me when ever you need a whale.Ó chuckling the statue returned to solid stone.



Caroline stared at the statue. Shaking her head, she put the water pendant around her neck. It hit against her chest as she slid down the floor and out the door. This is the life. Thanks to Justus I have four items and only have four more to go! Half way finished! thought Caroline as she called upon her powers nearing two light hawk guards.



Water and Ice surged into the form of a dragon. Sending it barreling into the door, shattering it and the light hawks to bits. I really need to tone down the spell power... hehehe soon there wonÕt be a Castle to search. thought Caroline snickering as she entered the room.



So.. Zeus is the scholar of the gods. Who would of thought that the God of light would cover the room in books and scrolls.. Thought Caroline slipping past two intimidating piles of books. HeÕs also VERY messy... My Mom on Earth would throw a FIT and have a litter of kittens if she saw this room. That made Caroline shriek with laughter. Awaking a winged man on a table. But Caroline was once again lost in thought and didnÕt notice the mansÕs eyes on her back. At that moment, when she SHOULD of killed the man, she saw a statue of a hawk.



She stepped forward and touched the statue. ÒIÕm Sarter, call on me in need.Ó Handing Caroline the Light Ring he turned back into stone. Caroline turned from the stone smiling thinking five down, three to go. And it was that instant when she saw the winged man.



ÒWhat are you laughing at lady?Ó The winged man asked lifting a eye brow. Caroline jumped out of her skin and flipped around to face the man. ÒWho are you and what do you want?Ó he asked again when Caroline remained silent.



ÒMy names Caroline Davis, IÕm getting all the godÕs and goddessÕs items so I can get the Nameless one to release them of their curse and save Harpea...Ó Caroline said in a low voice.



ÒYou know youÕre trespassing donÕt you?Ó he asked searching her face. CarolineÕs eyes widened



ÒYes... Zeus...Ó she stuttered. This time it was his eyes that widened.



ÒHow did you know I was Zeus?Ó



ÒEasy... I know by the spelled Light Hawks you werenÕt going to let a servant guard or go near your things.Ó



ÒYour smart... Well... Why did you do this? I mean why would you risk your life for a bunch of people you donÕt know.Ó



Caroline told him of her life with the clan. How she fell though the gate or Portal that brought her here. And by the time she was done she was crying. I failed itÕs a god or goddessÕs duty to turn me in to the Nameless One. IÕve failed. And with that thought Caroline fell into the tall canopy bed and started to cry..



Zeus silently left seeing he had to go tell the Nameless One of the trespasser. But while he was gone, the Nameless One herself appeared in the room. She knew the Evil One wanted CarolineÕs blood for ruining his plans before. Calling up her Mystic powers, the Nameless One put her hands on CarolineÕs temples, placing her into a trance. ÒYou will remember everything but you will also not be here... You will be a new person when this is over, my Daughter.Ó said the Nameless One in a quiet voice.



She stepped back into her body self (She had been in spirit form). She was just in time because that was the instant Zeus and the others came in. Slipping into herself the Nameless one said ÒCome forth Evil one! My Dark Twin! COME FORTH!Ó summoning her other side, her nemesis, The Evil One.





ClanÕs No more???





Appearing out of the floor, as if it was just water and he a surfacing whale, the Evil one entered the room. Grinning evilly he walked toward Caroline and her tranced unseeing eyes. ÒWell my Light sib? Why the summoning? Do I get Caroline Davis after all this time?Ó he laughed evilly. Waving his hand over her eyes... ÒSheÕs TRANCED! What joke is this Light sib?Ó



ÒNo joke, Dark sib, she is here to be judged. She has broke the law and needs to be punished. I give each mate and beloved6 the same chose as you do. So do not think it is a special privilege.Ó she said looking at him with cold slate blue eyes.ÓYou and I shall go last. Each pairing shall put the curse of their choice on her... But Dark sib, me and you, after this will be the only ones with the ability to curse or uncurse mortals.Ó



Clara, the Goddess of Fire and her beloved Thor, the God of Thunder stepped forward and called their powers to meld. ÒWe Clara and Thor Curse you. Thunder Fire DRAGON GO FORTH!Ó Said Clara and Thor in unison. their red and gold powers surrounding Caro in a ball of light. The mark of a dragon, scales down her left arm, appeared.



In similar fashion, Mara the goddess of Ice and Neptune God of Water cursed Caroline with werewolf powers, paw print on her shoulder. Terra and Druid gave her the elf curse, pointed ears. Then Nara, WindÕs Goddess, and Zeus, God of Light, stepped forward and gave Caroline a star mark in the middle of her forehead., signaling her Unicorn curse.



ÒI release your friends. This time for your bravery. You have all of their curses and my gift. A gift to control your curses and dull the effects of others... You can also tell who will be cursed in the future.Ó said the Nameless One, kissing CarolineÕs starrish marked forehead.



Then the Evil one came forward. He reached forward to touch CarolineÕs shoulder with a evil smirk on his face. Black energy started to rise from his finger tips. Then something that was only in the godÕs legend happened... The elementals, Justus, Clement, Valerian, Marcus, Agatha, Cunctator, Wolfwin, Eleutherius, stepped forward with the missing items. Placing them on Caroline and fading in and out. The two missing elementals stood behind The nameless one and Evil one. Their names were Eva, the elemantal of Evil and Serenity, the elemental of Good Fortune and Free Will.



With a Flash of light Caroline stood tranced out in ÒGodÕs armorÓ. Dressed in the Nameless oneÕs armor, Evil OneÕs sword

stood with the elementals items; Love/Curse bracelet of Ice, Bracelet of Fire, Pendant of Water, Ring of Wind, Gauntlet of light, Earth boots and the purse of Shadows, ThunderÕs Staff. Topped by the Mystic Dagger at her waist. The Evil OneÕs hand fell on her shoulder.



Black and Rainbow colored light warred with each other. But the old laws prevailed and a pair of large black wings sprouted with a cry of pain from Caroline. The evil one cheered as the Caroline's eyes turned as dark as night, with no pupils and blond hair had become where reddish brown had been. The evil laughed as it got her long reddish brown hair and green gold eyes. But the evil one still had it's wings.



ÒYou may have been saved this time godling... But you will have a second curse because of it. I curse you to be a old woman. To have fifty years sucked out of your life. Your new clan will lose you when they get cursed.. alone they will die and you shall watch. Unable to help them.Ósaid the Evil One. Then with a cloud of black smoke he was gone, the gods and goddessÕs faded. And Caroline was left with the nameless one.



ÒI rename you. You are Caroline Davis No longer. But Caro Windrider you shall now be. Cursed by all the gods, and with the power to control your curses, you are the gather of the new clan. My daughter be careful in the years to come. You will awake old and weathered but you will have all your muscles and you can train your clan to take care of themselves. Do not lose faith!Ó



With that the Nameless One disappeared into the growing Mists.





A New life. A New Name





The Peril Mountain Ranges, Harpea



Caro awoke with a face full of dirt. ÒWhat in the great beyond happen to me?Ó said Caro spiting out the taste of dirt and grass. The smell of spring air, clear and fresh met her nose. ÒWell at least itÕs a nice... Afternoon.... At least I know five of my senses are working...Ó said Caro sitting up with a grunt of pain. ÒOuch... Damn HER (the Evil One) had to take my youth... I hurt like I got dragged behind a unicornÕs rear though the Great Beyond and back.Ó



Caro stood up of the cold, dew covered grass and walked to a stream at the other end of the clearing. Splashing freezing clear water on her face, Caro mumbled something as she move to wipe her face her face met the Light Ring up close and personal. ÒGODS! THAT HURT!Ó she screamed as her head rang with the drums of the ÒniceÓ elephants.



Leaning over Caro stared into the stream to see the extent of the damage. ÒFortuneÕs left hand smite me!Ó Caro fell back on to some wet moss. ÒIÓM OLD!!!! I ainÕt some 67 year old! IÕM SEVENTEEN! I am a fortune be cursed OLD!Ó Caro turned around suddenly as laughter reached her ears.



ÒHello, Caro Windrider... You have escaped this time.. But how long will fortune help you? You canÕt live forever, and your new soon to be charges are going to need you...Ó laughing a figure, dark and villainous figure strode forward.



ÒHello Evil One, what brings you out of your hole this eve?Ó Caro snickered to hide her fear. Determined that even though she was afraid that she wasnÕt going to show it. She turned and walked parallel to her, keeping her feet on the solid banks of the stream and not the soft, soggy ground of the bank.



ÒOh come now Godling, you must not act so childish. If I wanted you dead I could have killed you long before.Ó said the Evil One as she summed her looks up in a discussed fashion. ÒWhat happened to my gift of beauty? What did you do little Godling?Ó



ÒYou really donÕt think I would let you gods and goddesses curse me? Nay, my dear enemy, I will find the soon to be cursed and we WILL defeat you and your evil spawn.Ó Caro spat at the Evil One. ÒI will not allow you to kill my friends, family and this world, EVER.Ó



ÒYou donÕt have a choice little Godling.. Of course... you could always give up... Giving yourself to me, would show the Nameless One herself that I should rule Harpea and Earth, IÕd even give you back your youth... Come now Godling, wouldnÕt that be nice? To be young again?Ó The evil one trailed of as the Mystic dagger hit the ground near her foot.



ÒNever.Ó whispered Caro though clenched teeth. ÒI would no sooner send a rat to do your bidding then myself or Harpea and Earth. Never. For even though I lost my youth I still have hope. And HOPE is all I need to defeat you.Ó



The evil one snarled at CaroÕs defiance. But she grinned after a minute. ÒYou will reconsider my generous offer. In time when you clan has need of you and I am the only salvation, you will choose me... For it is your fate.Ó she said disappearing into the growing darkness.



Caro stared after her, falling to her knees and thanking fortune that she left before she broke down and said yes. Shaking she got to her knees and Called upon her power. I canÕt stay with the armor, if I had fallen she would have gotten that to. The Elementals will take it and hide it till the chosen finds it. Sending it into ten pieces to the ten different elementals. (Chosen BTW is a kid who is supposed to rise up and free every body But The old lady doesnÕt say that part. :))



Sarter the Light elemental arrived first to take the Light Gauntlet, Watcher arrived next for the shadow purse, and so on till all she had left was the Mystic Dagger, the armor of Nameless One and the sword of The Evil One.



Caro felt a chill as darkness fell. Looking around Caro saw a well worn path. Sighing Caro pulled the armor of the Nameless One and The sword of the Evil One into a pile and muttered a curse. ÒGreat, what am I going to do about these? Am I to end up dead in a alley, thanks to some dumb thief thinking I was rich?Ó muttering more curses Caro looked at the pile. She was about to throw in the Dagger of Mystics into the pile when she heard a whistle.



ÒWhoÕs there?Ó said Caro picking up the sword and turning around in one smooth motion.



ÒJust Eva, Lady, IÕm here for the sword of Technology. And I have some advice, when the new clan needs these items of power, they must past eleven quests. One for each item that we make and one of your own choice. At the end they will fight the fight for freedom against whatever or who ever tries to stop them.Ó said a shadowy figure, surrounded by the feeling of scorn and malice. Placing the sword on itÕs hunched back the figure disappeared as silently as it came.



Caro just about died of fright, when Serenity tapped her on the shoulder. ÒSorry ÔLady, I didnÕt mean to frighten you. But I was afraid you stand there all night.Ó Serenity said smiling. She lift the strangely light armor of MagicÕs essence on her shoulder. ÒGood luck lady.Ó She said as she turned and flew away on the nights wind.



Caro stared after her, after a while she looked back down at her blue veined, bony hands, that cradled the Mystic Dagger. ÒFor as much as the road is long, and the world is safe as it can be. I will take you to your resting place, to wait out the chosen clan. May it be for better or for worse that they need you.Ó she said to the dagger placing it at her waist.



Straightening her cloak to cover her new face, Caro started walking down the path to her destiny.





Will They Ever Leave Earth?





I sat up in my pile of cushions, I looked them over one last time to make sure they were the ones. ÒOn her journey Caro found a portal leading into this world. She fell into it and set up a shop with some money her dead parents, who had died while she was gone, left her. She often went back to Harpea for more money and of strange items in her store...Ó she trailed off as the realization hit the five friends.



ÒYouÕre her.. YouÕre Caro Windrider.Ó stuttered Kitty in disbelief. She then realized something else and elbowed Derrick in the ribs. ÒThatÕs for saying it was real life!Ó



Derrick looked at kitty in disbelief. ÒCome on, IT is real life! I swear, see IÕll show you...Ó Derrick said, pinching Kitty hard. She yelp and he grinned. ÒSee? It hurts so this is real life.Ó



Kitty rubbed the place he pinched her and said saucily ÒThere were better ways to prove it, Love.Ó She gave him a sound whack on the butt and then a equally sound kiss on the lips. Derrick blushed, while the rest of them laughed, including Caro.



Matt stood up, ÒCome on guys itÕs late and IÕm sure this old lady wants to close.Ó Everyone stopped laughing and looked at Matt. Suzi gave him the Òyou got to be jokingÓ look. Matt grabbed his jacket and started to walk out the door.



Caro murmured a verse under her breath and ice came up form the floor, trapping MattÕs feet. ÒSorry, younginÕÓ (Which is weird cause CaroÕs really only about 18 and still WAY younger then Matt) ÒI canÕt let you go just yet... ItÕs your destiny to come with me to Harpea.Ó she said not rising her voice or standing up.



The ice under MattÕs feet cracked and started to melt with little flicks of flame. Suzi was looking at the old woman with fire in her eyes for trying to harm Matt, in the littlest way. It was her flame that was melting the ice. Because with Caro in Earth, magic was leaking though the portal. And with all the emotions, it was starting to shimmer into existence from under the invisible spell.



ÒWeÕre leaving.Ó said Suzi in a flat voice. ÒAnd you arenÕt going to stop us.ÓSuzi got her coat and followed Matt outside. Jim, Kitty and Derrick followed less hastily. Caro smiled, as her eyes followed the five friends.



§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§



The old woman and her story came up again and again. Suzi and Matt were about to blow up, when Suzi decide to Rp. Which should have calmed down everyone one. For some reason, a college that was haunted, just seemed to make everyone jumpy. Then right as they were about to kill the bad guy and finish the Rp...





A sharp knock came from the front door. Jim looked up from his mug of beer, Kitty looked over at Derrick and snuggled closer and Matt looked over his mug of beer at Suzi. Suzi stood up, her body betraying her anger, though her face was a mask. A knock sounded again.



Kitty got up to follow Suzi, but Derrick shook his head. Kitty nodded and slipped into the dark hall. No lights were on and they had been playing by candle light. Kitty past Suzi and stayed in the shadows behind the door. No one knew what was behind that door, but the men were to drunk to care.



The dogs started barking at the back of the house. And shut up just as suddenly as they begun. Suzi reached for the door and opened it a crack. Looking though she saw the old woman staring at her. ÒAre you going to let me in? Or just stand there gasping like a fish?Ó



Kitty stepped back and practically ran toward Derrick. Suzi did run to MattÕs drunken arms. The old woman walked into the candle lit dinning room. Loin, SuziÕs huge dog, ran up to Caro and licked her hand. Jim, grinned and chuckled drunkenly like he found this all one big joke.



ÒIÕm sorry to interrupt you. But, it is necessary for you to come with me. Or both our worldÕs, especially mine will turn into chaos. And you my five clan members, will be cursed and not able to save our worlds but help destroy them!Ó said Caro, lazily petting Lion.



ÒHow can we help?Ó asked Kitty standing up and dragging Derrick with her. Jim would have stood, but because of his major drinking. He instead just raised his head in acknowledgement Suzi looked a bit shocked and Matt just couldnÕt believe that they would want to go with the old woman.



ÒJust follow me.Ó said the old woman. Her eyes flashed gold and with a snap and crackle of power, a portal opened. ItÕs swirling vortex was anything but reassuring. The old woman stepped though. When no one else came though, she stuck her hand out and motioned them though.



Derrick came up from behind Kitty and kissed her. Before she could slap him, for doing it, he was though the portal. Kitty was so mad she forgot to be afraid and ran though the portal screaming at Derrick. Jim laughed and followed, though it was a very unsteady pace. (He really shouldnÕt drink so much!)



Before Suzi would think of going though the portal she ran to put food and water into her pets dishes. As she came back, Matt stood with this grin on his face. He winked at Suzi and with a kiss they both stepped though the portal.



A few moments later, SuziÕs phone started to ring. As the answering machine picked it up MattÕs voice came on with this message. ÒSuzi, Matt, Jim, Kitty and Derrick canÕt come to the phone right now. Because we are in another dimension. But if you leave youÕre name, number and the DAY that you called, we will call you as soon as we return. Thanks!Ó and with a click it turned off.



A husky voice came though. ÒMatt, Suzi? Pick up! ItÕs important! MATT!!!!!Ó But it was to late the Second clan had walked to itÕs fate. And as if to prove the point, the portal closed with a snap and hiss.

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