Post by Chris Waegelein on Apr 2, 2013 20:29:06 GMT -5
Passage Eighteen
We arrived safely on land, Diary! Father wasted no time in leading us through to the Darkwell Estates. This is the home of Father's ex-wife Sapphire Darkwell, Emperatrix of Senefarria. (Is it just me, or do all of the people that end up on father's bad side end up living the rest of their days six feet under or in Senefarria...) Knowing this, I think father's intention is to spend as little time with Emperiatrix Darkwell.
Once the preliminary courtesies were seen to, Miss Darkwell began ribbing father (though I am not sure if it was lighthearted or not.) Father explained to her the situation that brought us to her lands and requested her assistance. Miss Darkwell did indeed know the location of the Inferni Diadem and offered to guide us to where it laid in a tower to the east. The tower is locked down magically, however Miss Darkwell knows an incantation that will allow us access.
Before we left, Miss Darkwell's First Knight, Daman Vel, requested that Lady Grey stay behind. It seems he had some information of importance that would take time to fully explain. Darkwell gave her blessing, advising that it would be wise to accept any information he may have. Daman Val assured Father that he would protect Lady Grey as he does his own Emperiatrix. The Tower was not far away so we agreed. Off to the Tower!
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Passage Nineteen
The trip through this tower has been pretty interesting, Diary. I have so much to tell you that I just know my wrist will hurt again before I'm done. When we arrived at the door, Sapphire spoke some incantation. The door shimmered white for awhile and emited a hum, then slid open for us. I tried to recall the incantation so I could write it for you, Diary, but every time I'd try to form the words in my head it would slip from my mind.
As Miss Blackwell warned, the place is filled with nasty dangerous Ginar'i, which made our progress difficult. Mid-way through the tower we came upon a door with a strange indentation on it. After staring at it for awhile, I came to the realization that the pattern indented on the door was the exact same as the Rune Talia gave us. Sure enough, once I lined the rune up with the indentation the door flashed a shade of emerald and slid open with a woosh. We walked through with confidence, but then the door slid closed behind us and sealed itself. No force we could muster would open it back up.
With our plans for exit gone, there was only one way to go. As I suspected; there were no Ginar'i as we continued up the tower, having all been locked out by that door. A few more floors up, we ran into someone I knew we would eventually meet in Senefarria, though not who I expected to see here. Grandfather, Exodes Lee, barred our passage.
Grandfather smirked at Father and pointed out that father was not alone. My nature took over and I introduced myself, showing regret for this man that was my Grandfather. How I wish we didn't have to fight him, Diary. The last thing I want is to see my family fight. As was expected, words broke down quickly into insults and threats. In between the hurled insults of the family, I asked Exodes why he was hindering us.
In a tone that sent a chill down my spine, he explained casually how he intended to destroy us, then bring proof of our death to Zexor (How odd, not King Ghaston...) Father did not take to well to that, and went on the offensive, using all of his techniques and offered no quarter or mercy. I don't think Father really needed us to back him up in this one. By the end of it all, Father had Exodes' sword in his own hands and Grandfather was on the ground before him, the tip of his own blade now touching his throat.
It was then that something terrifying happened. A voice spoke in all our heads like the crashing of thunder, claiming that it was not yet time for Exodes to be sent to the hells. Even Father faltered for a moment, shouting out to whoever had spoken to us. With a sinister laugh, Grandfather Exodes was teleported away. (If Grandfather had not sworn himself as our enemy, this would be relieving to me.)
We were left with only one thing left to do; continue forward and recover the Diadem. I warned father of the fiend we still had to face which Exodes had mentioned, and suggested we take a moment to collect ourselves before moving forward. I healed everyone with a blessing from She'Dai, then we continued up the tower.
On the next floor we encountered the fiend herself. It should not have been a surprise, but it was guarded by one of the Four Dark Sisters of the Elements. In a surprising announcement that made my father sick, she revealed that she had been Exodes' lover for wome time now here in the tower, and that she would destroy us with wreckless abandon for what we did. She was stronger then Grandfather, but it was not long before she fell to our combined might.
After we slew the Dark Sister, the tower began to shake and fall apart. Father quickly grabbed the Diadem and tucked it into his backpack. With no exit available things were looking grim for a moment. Miss Darkwell spoke another incantation and reached out her arms to us. Sensing what was necessary, we all reached out to touch her as she finished her incant and we were teleported back to her Estate.
What we saw was terrible; the entire estate looked as if it had been ravaged by an earthquake, and no two buildings were not on fire. The only explanation was written on a piece of parchment that had been stuck into the back of one of the villagers with a dagger. It read simply "I have Gelina. If you want her back, then you will have to come to Valdrace to get her. Signed, Daman Vel".
My first instinct was that perhaps Miss Darkwell betrayed us (people had destroyed villages, it wouldn't be impossible to imagine someone destroying their home as a show of fealty.) This feeling quickly abated when I looked at her, however. Her face was red with rage and she could not stop shaking. I will refrain from writing what exactly she said, but we were all in agreement. Daman Val would be killed for his crimes. We NEEDED to get to Valdrace as fast as possible.
Unfortunately, while we are now in possession of the Inferni Diadem, we still don't know how to use it. Mother was eager to get back on the ship (which says how serious she was) but I reminded my parents of the truth; Attacking right this second would be suicide, and only endanger Lady Grey further. Father kneeled down by me and rested a hand on my shoulder, then looked at me with complete seriousness. In a calm voice, he asked me what I thought we should to next.
Oh Diary, I was so proud of that moment. I thought about the Diadem for awhile, closing my eyes to enhance my memory and then spoke aloud. The inscription on the Diadem with in the infernal language of the Xinethians. Our journey would require us to go to Xineth-Kes. If we were fortunate, they would be able to direct us in it's use. I'll let you know how the trip goes, Diary. She'dai, please watch over Gelina Grey and protect her while we cannot.
Now, if only Father and Miss Darkwell would stop bickering for a moment it would be a little better. I swear, listening to them argue you'd think they were still married. Mother, while unhappy about listening to it, seems a little inwardly amused by watching father fumble through the arguments.
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Passage Twenty
Well, Diary, this place is like a whole different planet! From the culture of the Tieflings to the terrain, it's completely alien. The people of this area all look more human then most Ginar'i, but are Red, have wings and wear very heavy equipment (though it doesn't seem to bother them in the slightest.) Surrounding the castle city are rivers of lava and high mountains. How anything has learned to survive here is amazing.
The people of Xineth-Kes seem xenophobic, but not in the normal sense. They look at us as a weaker species and it is difficult to say they are wrong. It is obvious that if Valdrace were to attempt to wage war here, the Tieflings would send them packing with hardy laughter and jeers.
After culture shock wore off, we met with the Czarina of the lands, a female Tiefling by the name of Lucii Von-Sythin and a very strange little green goblin by the name of Wee N' Woo. He seems to be like a child on a constant sugar rush, and doesn't like attention.
The Czarina welcomed us, apparently being pleased by Father's history as a Dark Lord. When we explained our intentions of infiltrating Valdrace to her, she was only too pleased to offer assistance. She gave us the right to travel across her land and directed us to a Cave that would lead us deep down into the Xinethi Temple ruins. There we will need to set the Diadem on an alter. At that point I will need to read the inscription and that shall activate the Diadem.
Of course, this cavern is expected to be highly dangerous not just in terrain but in the beasts that inhabit the caves and the ruins. Apparently, no one in recent memory that has entered that cave have ever returned; Tieflings included. Mother's usual sarcasm showed itself while Miss Darkwell egged her on. It's begun to get amusing (though I try to appear as if I'm ignoring it.) With the Czarina's blessing, we will be setting out for the caves in the morning. I wonder what is in this cave that possesses so much power that even the Tieflings avoid it.
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Passage Twenty-one
A Dragon, Diary! They were being eaten by a gargantuan dragon! We found that our passage deeper into the cave was blocked by a barrier, so we searched the caves. With Miss Darkwell's Ice Magic, and Mother and Father's ferocity most of the dangers of the cave were not too much of a concern. Then we came across a shiny orb. Upon touching it, the dragon bellowed out and charged us. This thing was really, REALLY huge!
Well, Diary, we were eventually able to defeat the thing. While it was very powerful, it's size made it difficult for it to manuver as the four of us used our comparatively dimunitive size to our advantage. With the Dagron dead, we continued our journey into the Xinethi Ruins.
Inside the temple was a veritable maze of magickal symbols on the floor which teleported us around the massive temple. All over the place were vicious creatures and demons. The temple was heavily laden with treasure; it seems that it really is true that no one has gotten past that dragon in quite a long time. Well Diary, we quickly got lost as we were phased around and around. Eventually everything looked the same. After what seemed like hours, we eventually found our way to the center of the Temple.
At the far end of a huge lake of fire stood an alter, with (predictably) a fiend sitting in front of it Across the inferno was a single path, bending the flames away from itself. It was obvious from her features that she was one of the Four Dark Sisters of the Elements. She revealed herself to be named Pyre. Miss Darkwell was quick to make bad puns which ignited Pyre's fury. Father offered her a single chance to not suffer the same fate as her sisters, however the very mention of their names pushed Pyre into a frenzy and with a scream she came at us, flames bursting from her like an aura.
With our combined efforts and Miss Sapphire's powerful Ice magick, it was only a matter of time before she was brought to her knees. From there, father delivered a finishing blow and Pyre was no more. We wasted little time in placing the Inferni Diadem onto the alter, and at my request father read the inscription. Upon it's completion, we were bathed in a pretty, sparkling light. We could feel it's power covering us and with confidence left the temple.
Now we sail for Valdrace. Our form and our ship have taken on the appearance of Valdrace Forces thanks to the power of the Inferni Diadem. Father and mother look very eager to have Lady Grey safe once more. Sapphire is, as usual, attempting to bait father into an argument. There is only one Dark Sister left alive, and I am certain we will meet her in due time. For now, I can only read through my Diary and try to make sense of it all.
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Passage Twenty-Two
Well, Diary, I have good news and bad news. We have successfully landed on the shores of Valdrace. Unfortunately, our ship was destroyed by some magickal field. It would seem that while the Diadem masks us from being detected, it does not protect us from magickal barriers. We will be continuing our journey into Valdrace territory. There's an outpost not too far from us, our intention is to test our disguises there and perhaps even take supplies from our enemy to use against them. After all, I told father that it is better to test the Diadem's power here away from the main force of Valdrace as opposed to while knocking on their front door and he agreed. I'll let you know how it goes!
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Passage Twenty-Three
Good news, Diary. Not only does the Diadem work perfectly, but we were able to steal a large amount of supplies, and do some damage to the inventory of their armory. All we needed to do was walk to the guards of the suppy depot in rank and file, and father told them they were the relief guard. They seemed happy for a chance to get a meal and off their feet and didn't ask questions. An hour later we were on our way south to the Valdracian Mountains with new weapons and armor, and many restoratives. We could not destroy the weapons without arousing suspicion, but we did manage to ruin the supplies we did not take with us, then left the arsenal with it's door barred. By the time it's discovered, we will already be at the capital.
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Passage Twenty-Four
We were discovered! At the end of the mountain path was a powerful mage with an ivory mask who called himself Sol-Chatan. He demanded a password before he would let us pass. We had not heard of a required password, and were stuck without an answer. It seems that they had been warned somehow about our presense and Sol-Chatan wasted no time attacking us. The Diadem's power faltered and we were revealed in our true forms. Unfortuntely for sol-Chatan, our power far outmatched his magick and he soon lay dead at our feet.
Our disguise would no longer return, however. I now wonder how they discovered we had infiltrated so quickly. Perhaps when the ship was ripped apart it sent a warning back to Valdrace, but even so was unable to detect what actually was the danger until now. We now stand outside of Valdrace Castle. Father's intentions are quite clear; we will storm the front gate and kill anyone who gets between us and Lady Grey. Mother of all things, She'Dai please guide our path to victory today.
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Passage Twenty-Five
We are back in Kisareth, Diary. Let me catch you up on what's happened since last time.
We stormed the front gate of Castle Valdrace, with mother and father taking point on our attack. Father seemed calm; almost serene through it all. It's as if when he's in the middle of a battle he is most at ease. After tearing through a few floors we came upon a scholar who begged for his life. He wasn't a soldier so he didn't have much to worry about, however he did give us the location of Lady Grey.
Upon reaching Lady Grey's prison father teleported her out. Unfortunately, she was in no condition to do much more then keep us company. Whatever had happened to her during her stay had left her beaten, bruised, and without her powers. The path back to the castle doors was reinforced, so father decided that we should head farther up instead. It was about this time Daman Val tried to ambush us.
When Sapphire saw him, she let loose such venom from her tongue that any normal man would have fallen to tears. Daman seemed to think he had control however, claiming we had fallen into his trap. Normally I keep my emotions under a good lock & key, however after all this man had done to those around me I could not help but have the same thirst for vengence as my family. Like all who stood against us before, it was only a matter of time before he joined the ranks of the fallen.
At the top of the castle we came across King Ghaston himself, flanked by Zexor and Grandfather Exodes. It seems that Exodes' "master" breathed life back into him, but before he could reveal who such a master was King Ghaston silenced him. The King sentenced our group to death for interfering with the desires of Valdrace. I retorted that the king would pay thricefold for the atrocities he had commited. Shortly after, Zexor and King Ghaston teleported away, leaving grandfather to try and 'handle' us. Once again, father asked Exodes who his 'master' was and with the others gone he let us know. The one behind Valdrace's invasion, and all the power was an ancient Dark God known as Xe'on, The Atrocity of the Gods. With that one name, it's all come together.
Xe'on is the lord of the Abyss. Legends say he has always sought to rule over all realms and bring utter destruction to all.
The only thing I cannot be sure of is who Xe'on is choosing as his host. It is either Zexor, King Ghaston, or Anto Calias (I cannot discount him as a possible choice.) Exodes said it was fortunate someone else had been chosen before father passed final judgement over him. Without the help of Zexor or King Ghaston, there was no last minute escape for him to count on. After he was dispatched, I thought of his words. Mother and Lady Grey were curious what was on my mind, but that was not a good time for it; we still needed to escape Valdrace. Making use of a mystickal symbol on the rooftop altar we teleported as far away as we could, though it turned out to be only a short distance from the castle.
As we made our way out toward the shoreline we ran into Magus' sister, Sabra Velona Lee. I mused that I should call her Aunt Sabra, which she seemed to like a lot. Father questioned why she had chosen to come all this way to which Sabra told us that she had anticipated Valdrace's attack. She had come to Valdrace on a Scouting mission, seeking a way to stop or at least hinder the enemy. She discovered that King Ghaston is in reality a puppet for Lord Zexor (guess that means he won't be Xe'on's Host.) and confirmed that Zexor was looking to unseal 'something so powerful that it could destroy the world itself.' Sounds like Xe'on alright.
At this point, we were ambushed by Anto Calias. He was unhappy that we had unraveled so much of his plans and had decided to try and end our interference permanently. While i am sure that the combined might of mother, father, Sapphire, Aunt Sabra and myself Anto would have stood no chance, Sabra felt it better to not risk everyone's lives. With a request that we tell her wife she loves her, she expended considerable energy and teleported us all back to Kisareth. I had barely met my Aunt, and now I fear that my last words to her will be of a plea for her to not send us away.
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Passage Twenty-Six
It has been some time since we arrived in Kisareth... All we can do right now is plan, and wait. Thanks to Cithiria's Mirrors, she has been able to scry on father and keep tabs. She refuses to say much about it, other then that father is safe.
As the days have passed, Maga'ra has been sending out missives and calling all leaders and interested parties together for a Summit. We are to make plans now that King Ghaston is dead. Cithiria says that Zexor and Anto teamed up to kill him, which means they have amassed more power. The most important thing at this point is stopping Xe'on, and we all know it. Hopefully this summit will help is discover what the next course of actions is.
Cithiria just told me that Father is on his way to Kisareth. It seems he has killed Zexor permanently. She also said that Sabra was no longer detectable on the Mortal Plane. Thank you for gaining vengence for us all, father. I wish I'd known my Aunt longer. Hmm, as if on cue, father has just come in. It's time to begin this meeting.
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Passage Twenty-Seven
We have come to a decision. With the enemy in posession of the Key to the Abyss, and us in posession of the Inferni Diadem, they cannot bring about the ressurection of Xe'on. We also, thanks to father, have come into possession of the Corinthai, a sphere posessing the essence of the ancient heroes that stopped Xe'on long ago. We intend to walk into the Abyss itself, bring the Corinthai to Xe'on and end his risk to our realm once and for all. Cut the head from the serpent and the body shall fall.
To get inside, however, we will need to do some research. The most ancient standing library is in Infernus, and as such it will be our next location. Those who can afford to leave their kingdoms will join father and myself on this journey. We are all acutely aware that this may be the last time we all see each other again alive, and so we say our good-byes.
After some deliberation our war party was decided. Father, Mother, myself, Sapphire Darkwell, Cadar Darkwell, Crysta Aier, Dissan Lee, and a friend that father met on his journey. A fae by the name of Aubriel de' Crescent. Gods willing, we shall bring the fight to the hells and we shall win.
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Passage Twenty-Eight
Got a new report for you, Diary. We have all arrived safely in Obsidian Rose, thanks to the Corinthai's power to allow us to teleport between Shenandor'ian Crystals. We met with the Tiarna of Obsidian Rose, Miss Desiree Darkwell. (I wonder if she's related to Sapphire and Cadar...) We came seeking a ship, but Desiree let us know that there were no ships available.
She was, however, able to invoke her power as one of the great Encorcelli to summon a teleporter that would take us to very close to where we needed to go. With that, she offered caution that the leader of Infernus was most likely feigning his stance of neutrality against us.
After re-checking our supplies, we used the teleporter, arriving on the shores of Infernus. Standing massive in the distance was The Infernus Tower, inside which laid the Dorian Library. We also met Krysta Aier who had healed up quite nicely from her injuries! She recieved word from Elynore of our location and made efforts to come meet us. It is here we sit now, searching for clues. I'll let you know what we find, Diary!
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Passage Twenty-Nine
We've discovered it, Diary! It seems the only way to truly stop the reincarnation of Xe'on is to destroy the Inferni Diadem. From what we've read, we will need to take the Diadem to the Fae lands. They have some power that can help us. Another passage we came across spoke of how the way to revive Xe'on was to unite the Inferni Diadem and the Key to the Abyss. If we can destroy the Diadem before Xe'on's minions can get ahold of it, he will be sealed for good.
As we began to leave the library, Harbinger appeared in a flash of light. He taunted father, reminding him of the 'truth' that he held over father, and told him that if he wanted answers he would need to climb the tower. With that, he teleported away again, and sealed the exit to the library. We had no choice but to press deeper into the tower and get these answers father seeks. I'll tell you how it goes, Diary.
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Passage Thirty
This place warps and bends with our perceptions, Diary. It seems like each floor is modeled after the memories of a different member of our party. The first place we encountered was modeled after the Ny'Elstian Temple in the homelands of Cadar. He took point as we traveled through. It felt like going through a dream with everything connected and at the same time disjointed.
Eventually we came across a twisted-looking version of Cyrano who, after a little taunting, told us what we already knew; that nothing in this tower was what it seemed. The dead could be living, and the living could join the dead. He then came at us giggling madly, but he fell silent under Cadar's scythe. The whole event seemed to bring him a little closure over what happened in his kingdom.
The next floor held the appearance of Ivory Myst Castle. Naturally our more lighter-aligned party members, Krysta Aier and Aubriel, felt the urge to take point and we allowed them to do so. This floor had many teleporters. We began to take them, and found our path easily guided to the exit.
On the next floor was what looked like the wargrounds for when we faught Drea Nightshade. The realization hit me only moments before Drea showed herself. It seems that when we killed her, she came back at the hands of Zexor and became a Vampiress. She seemed different this time though; conflicted. She had to obey the last orders Zexor had given her in exchange for her life. She had to try and kill us. Father faught carefully, and with a large effort we managed to wound her to the point where she could no longer fight back, but was still on the edge of life.
On father's orders Aubriel restored her to full health. Being put so close to death must have broken whatever control was over her. She pledged her life and her blade to father, stating that she owed Valdrace for everything they had done to her. Father accepted her help readily and she was quick to show her worth to our company. Her speed and strength are incredible, leaving her with little need for her stronger techniques. I think she will be a very helpful ally indeed.
Now we rest, gathering ourselves before we continue forward. The journey up this tower has been mind tricks and traps from the start. Who knows what awaits us?
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Passage Thirty-One
We were wise to rest when we did, Diary. Once we used the teleporter to move forward, we were in a new kind of place, that is to say one that wasn't ripped from our memories. Many shrouded figures with large blades came at us as we explored. They were quite resiliant and withstood many of our strongest attacks but eventually we cleared the way. As we traveled through, we came upon giant yellow crystals that would speak to us in our heads. It seemed we had to pass some kind of mental trial. I will not go into the details here, but suffice to say we made it through without issue; our resolve was without question.
On the next floor we met the Great Reaper Quietus, an ally of the Lee family and personal friend of sorts to Cithiria. He barred our progress but with good intentions. He wished to test our skills to ensure we were strong enough to carry out the tasks ahead. If we could not defeat Quietus, then Magus would not be ready to face the ultimate truth that lied ahead. We took up arms against Quietus and pulled no punches. After an intense back and forth, Quietus eventually dropped his Scythe before us and gave a confident nod, then teleported us to Harbinger before Magus could question him further.
Upon seeing Harbinger, father strode straight up to him and demanded answers. Harbinger told him of how he once was a man so powerful and feared that his very name put terror in those that stood against him. His might was so powerful that he could have destroyed everyone, but that his hopes were all crushed the moment father began on the path of the Honorable Darkness. Apparently it pulled father away from the path of true evil, and condemned Harbinger to become a shade of his possible glory. Everything he could have become he felt was stripped away because of father.
Father did not seem angry. He spoke of how the path of Honorable Darkness had guided him in a direction of far greater rewards then the path of True Evil could hope to achieve. Such words did nothing to appease Harbinger though. It was then that he threw back his shroud and revealed his face. It was a mirror of father's except for a massive scar across his left eye. going from temple to the bottom of his jawline. Harbinger spoke of how he would no longer just be the echo of a voice and brought all his rage against us.
The fight was long and difficult. Truly, if father had chosen the path of True Evil, he would have been a terrifying enemy to Cora. Fortunately for us, the shadow of True Evil could do nothing against the might of the Honorable Darkness. Before father struck the final blow Harbinger fell against him, coughing up blood and laughing. Between gasps of life I could hear him say "I Win". A few moments later father began to panic. The Inferni Diadem was missing!
It seems that since Harbinger was effectively the same as father, and father is a Touched one, Harbinger was able to teleport it away as he fell against father. I should have known it before it happened, but it was all so fast. We can only assume that Harbinger teleported it to Anto Calias. If that is true, then our only hope... our ONLY hope is the Corinthai. It will not permanently seal Xe'on, but may save our realm for another thousand years so that heroes of the future may put a permanent end to Xe'on's danger.
We don't know how to use the Corinthai to seal Xe'on, but Aubriel de' Crescent's people do, being of the Fae. Aubriel was confident she could lead us to the Realm of the Fae and help us get answers there. Suddenly, the world began to shake. Even from our location we could hear it. The sound of Cora itself groaning out as a massive hulk of land was ripped out. With no time to spare, we went to the Shenandor'ian Crystal and teleported out, Aubriel taking the lead. When we became aware of our surroundings, we were in a place i'd never seen. It was serene, beautiful. Quiet.
We have arrived in the Realm of the Fae.
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Passage Thirty-Two
Aubriel has suggested we all take some time to relax here for a spell, make our last check on supplies and upgrade our equipment with new Fae-enhanced gear. For the time being, we rest. As important as our mission is, we all know that the next step is passing through the gates of the hells and it is more certain now then ever before that each of us is tempting the fates with it. Eat, Drink, and be Merry for tomorrow we die...
I decided to explore the village on my own a little to collect my thoughts. I worry that I will never see Anari again. That little Xiara will have to grow up without me and that my kingdom will not stand as strong without my hand to guide it.
I spoke with some of the fae as I strolled around and learned some interesting things. The fae had seen that Valdrace was swallowed up whole by a 'swirling pool of The Abyss'. This does not bode well, Xe'on must be alive once more. They tell me that the War of the Abyss is coming. They say that if the Abyss is allowed a physical manifestation on the Material Plane then it will swallow everything in existence just as it has Valdrace. The terror that will come is a threat on not just Cora, but the Realm of the Fae as well and perhaps all realms in all parallel dimensions.
In the furthest corner of the village was a grave. The headpiece told of how the one buried here was Aurelie Setie, the 'finest Elder Lady that the Fae has ever had.' I offered a prayer to Aurelie before eventually finding father and the rest of the company again. It is time to see the Elder Fae and bring this all to an end. May She'dain Might flow through us and carry us to victory.
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Passage Thirty-Three
The Elder Fae has reiterated for us how important this leg of the quest is. He reminded us that the Abyss has already swallowed Valdrace and is quickly preparing to stretch it's tendrils to the rest of Cora. He cautioned us not to give in to despair however. So long as we still have the Corinthai we still have a chance.
As I assumed, we would need to enter the Abyss, specifically the part of it that exists on the Material Plane. We are to seek out the Alter of Xe'on and place the Corinthai on it, then read the inscription engraved on it. This Should reseal Xe'on. He then bid us to ensure we were fully prepared then meet in front of the statues of the Goddesses Danu and Abalo'eca where the Elder Fae and his people would use their power to safely teleport us into the Abyss.
We had a small meeting in the Elder Fae's house before proceeding. Father wanted to be absolutely certain that everyone here understood the stakes and was willing to, should it be necessary, make the ultimate sacrifice to save our Cora. It was a very, very short meeting. We all spoke with loud and clear voices, each renewing their vow to see this through to the end. As a closing to the meeting, Father prayed for Sabra to watch over us as he sought vengence for her death, then we marched to the center of town.
With the blessings of the Goddesses of Light and Purity, the Fae helped us arrive in the Abyss. There we found a warped, mystical feeling path. The creatures here are relentless, Diary, unlike anything we have ever faced before. It would be a shock of Zexor himself could handle these beasts for more then a few minutes. With the hells to the left of us and to the right of us, behind us and before us, we shall dive in. Hazeezus. She'Dai. Danu and Abalo'eca. We MUST be victorious!
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Passage Thirty-Four
I cannot describe the path as it has been walked, Diary. There is simply too much... On some levels the myriad of paths made travel so confusing that one could walk the same path and never even realize it. Other floors were covered in hidden spikes that nearly killed us on several occasions. The deeper we went, the stronger our foes became. It is a miracle we have survived this long.
Eventually we came upon two Guardians, the first creatures in this realm to speak to us. They screeched of how we would never get near the Altar and their Master (a good sign that we are on the right path) and came at us. Compared the the general onslaught we had constantly faced on the way down however, they could not hope to stand against us. A little further on we began to approach the Altar. It is here that Anto Calias himself barred our progress.
He possessed a third eye in the middle of his forehead, something I did not notice when he encountered us with Sabra. It seemed that he had joined with Xe'on already. Father promised to end his life here and now, and leapt to the attack. Anto Calias was fast, tenacious, and powerful. His spells brought us to our knees, but we would not give up. She'Dai's blessing was with us, for eventually we were able to make Anto succumb to death. All that was left to do was defeat Xe'on. After a small regrouping, we strode forward to the Atrocity of the Gods itself.
As one may expect from a God, Xe'on spoke as if everything in the Mortal Plane was beneath him. "You are insects! You are NOTHING to me!" he said, as if punishing a naughty child. He called for the world to become his own and that soon nothing would exist but the Abyss. Each of us felt our emotions swell up inside of us, and knew we would never let the Abyss swallow everything. Not in life, and not even in death.
"You have no power over us, Xeon! You hold no sway! While we are mortal, it is exactly because of our mortality that we have the power to do what we must do!" I spoke from my heart to a Dark God, diary. He scoffed at my words and continued to proclaim us as insects beneath his heel. He claimed the world wanted to be destroyed so it could be reborn as a monument to the Abyss, and laughed at our attempts to stop it.
Our voices would not be stopped, however. We stood together and each voiced our heart's true feelings. We would not go quietly into the night. We would not lie down and die in fear. We would stand, we would fight, and by all the gods we would win. It was at this point it began to act like a spoiled child, shrieking No over and over again. With a scream, he changed form taking on the appearance of a Massive Abyssal Green Dragon.
Well, Diary. I am alive writing this now, so you know that in the end we lived. I cannot say that we found Victory. Oh Xe'on's form on the mortal plane was pushed back. We were able to put the Corinthai on the Alter in the center of the Abyss. Father read the inscription on the Corinthai. An incredible force beyond my comprehension began to manifest itself from the Corinthai. The Abyss began to seemingly start falling apart. Aubriel teleported us out of the Abyss with her fae magic, and to Kisareth.
Within moments we were surrounded by our friends and family. The looks on their faces were conflicted. Happiness that their loved ones were safe. Concern for those that were injured. Fear that we may have failed in our mission. Father took point on the discussion and explained to Maga'ra how our mission had gone. We told her how we were not sure if Xe'on had been sealed, but that the Corinthai had seemed to do it's thing. Then the news hit...
I'm sorry Diary, I can't talk about this anymore right now. Tomorrow...
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Final Passage
I sit here in my room with tear-stained eyes, Diary. We have failed to stop Xe'on, and I cannot help but feel like it is my fault. If I had connected the dots sooner... Been more willing to discuss it with the others before I had my answers. I MUST have been able to stop this! But I failed. I failed everyone. I failed little Xiara.
A soldier had arrived at the end of our explanation to Maga'ra. The Battalion had seen the whole thing. The Abyss had been shrinking and shrinking, seeming to seal away. Then, at the last moment, the Abyss exploded out like the Big Bang, growing larger and larger, faster and faster. Somehow, Anto Calias had not been successfully killed. Was it because we were in the Abyss? Did Xe'on ressurect him? Or were we merely facing his shadow? Did we not finish him off when we struck him down? Xe'on's Essence MUST have jumped into Anto Calias. It is the only explanation for how he has not been sealed.
Somehow they have joined together. We helped create the Hells we will now be forced to meet. I failed. Oh She'Dai, what have we done?! As Cithiria said, and the Fae foresaw... The War of the Abyss is upon us. And the voice!! That Choir that sang out from the Abyss. Everyone, everywhere in the entirety of Cora heard it in our heads, and all of us felt the true pang of terror that very moment.
"One... Two... Anto's Coming For You..."
She'Dai, have mercy on us. Have Mercy on me, for what I have caused. I cannot face Mother or Father. I can barely face my Wife. What Can I do..._______
We arrived safely on land, Diary! Father wasted no time in leading us through to the Darkwell Estates. This is the home of Father's ex-wife Sapphire Darkwell, Emperatrix of Senefarria. (Is it just me, or do all of the people that end up on father's bad side end up living the rest of their days six feet under or in Senefarria...) Knowing this, I think father's intention is to spend as little time with Emperiatrix Darkwell.
Once the preliminary courtesies were seen to, Miss Darkwell began ribbing father (though I am not sure if it was lighthearted or not.) Father explained to her the situation that brought us to her lands and requested her assistance. Miss Darkwell did indeed know the location of the Inferni Diadem and offered to guide us to where it laid in a tower to the east. The tower is locked down magically, however Miss Darkwell knows an incantation that will allow us access.
Before we left, Miss Darkwell's First Knight, Daman Vel, requested that Lady Grey stay behind. It seems he had some information of importance that would take time to fully explain. Darkwell gave her blessing, advising that it would be wise to accept any information he may have. Daman Val assured Father that he would protect Lady Grey as he does his own Emperiatrix. The Tower was not far away so we agreed. Off to the Tower!
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Passage Nineteen
The trip through this tower has been pretty interesting, Diary. I have so much to tell you that I just know my wrist will hurt again before I'm done. When we arrived at the door, Sapphire spoke some incantation. The door shimmered white for awhile and emited a hum, then slid open for us. I tried to recall the incantation so I could write it for you, Diary, but every time I'd try to form the words in my head it would slip from my mind.
As Miss Blackwell warned, the place is filled with nasty dangerous Ginar'i, which made our progress difficult. Mid-way through the tower we came upon a door with a strange indentation on it. After staring at it for awhile, I came to the realization that the pattern indented on the door was the exact same as the Rune Talia gave us. Sure enough, once I lined the rune up with the indentation the door flashed a shade of emerald and slid open with a woosh. We walked through with confidence, but then the door slid closed behind us and sealed itself. No force we could muster would open it back up.
With our plans for exit gone, there was only one way to go. As I suspected; there were no Ginar'i as we continued up the tower, having all been locked out by that door. A few more floors up, we ran into someone I knew we would eventually meet in Senefarria, though not who I expected to see here. Grandfather, Exodes Lee, barred our passage.
Grandfather smirked at Father and pointed out that father was not alone. My nature took over and I introduced myself, showing regret for this man that was my Grandfather. How I wish we didn't have to fight him, Diary. The last thing I want is to see my family fight. As was expected, words broke down quickly into insults and threats. In between the hurled insults of the family, I asked Exodes why he was hindering us.
In a tone that sent a chill down my spine, he explained casually how he intended to destroy us, then bring proof of our death to Zexor (How odd, not King Ghaston...) Father did not take to well to that, and went on the offensive, using all of his techniques and offered no quarter or mercy. I don't think Father really needed us to back him up in this one. By the end of it all, Father had Exodes' sword in his own hands and Grandfather was on the ground before him, the tip of his own blade now touching his throat.
It was then that something terrifying happened. A voice spoke in all our heads like the crashing of thunder, claiming that it was not yet time for Exodes to be sent to the hells. Even Father faltered for a moment, shouting out to whoever had spoken to us. With a sinister laugh, Grandfather Exodes was teleported away. (If Grandfather had not sworn himself as our enemy, this would be relieving to me.)
We were left with only one thing left to do; continue forward and recover the Diadem. I warned father of the fiend we still had to face which Exodes had mentioned, and suggested we take a moment to collect ourselves before moving forward. I healed everyone with a blessing from She'Dai, then we continued up the tower.
On the next floor we encountered the fiend herself. It should not have been a surprise, but it was guarded by one of the Four Dark Sisters of the Elements. In a surprising announcement that made my father sick, she revealed that she had been Exodes' lover for wome time now here in the tower, and that she would destroy us with wreckless abandon for what we did. She was stronger then Grandfather, but it was not long before she fell to our combined might.
After we slew the Dark Sister, the tower began to shake and fall apart. Father quickly grabbed the Diadem and tucked it into his backpack. With no exit available things were looking grim for a moment. Miss Darkwell spoke another incantation and reached out her arms to us. Sensing what was necessary, we all reached out to touch her as she finished her incant and we were teleported back to her Estate.
What we saw was terrible; the entire estate looked as if it had been ravaged by an earthquake, and no two buildings were not on fire. The only explanation was written on a piece of parchment that had been stuck into the back of one of the villagers with a dagger. It read simply "I have Gelina. If you want her back, then you will have to come to Valdrace to get her. Signed, Daman Vel".
My first instinct was that perhaps Miss Darkwell betrayed us (people had destroyed villages, it wouldn't be impossible to imagine someone destroying their home as a show of fealty.) This feeling quickly abated when I looked at her, however. Her face was red with rage and she could not stop shaking. I will refrain from writing what exactly she said, but we were all in agreement. Daman Val would be killed for his crimes. We NEEDED to get to Valdrace as fast as possible.
Unfortunately, while we are now in possession of the Inferni Diadem, we still don't know how to use it. Mother was eager to get back on the ship (which says how serious she was) but I reminded my parents of the truth; Attacking right this second would be suicide, and only endanger Lady Grey further. Father kneeled down by me and rested a hand on my shoulder, then looked at me with complete seriousness. In a calm voice, he asked me what I thought we should to next.
Oh Diary, I was so proud of that moment. I thought about the Diadem for awhile, closing my eyes to enhance my memory and then spoke aloud. The inscription on the Diadem with in the infernal language of the Xinethians. Our journey would require us to go to Xineth-Kes. If we were fortunate, they would be able to direct us in it's use. I'll let you know how the trip goes, Diary. She'dai, please watch over Gelina Grey and protect her while we cannot.
Now, if only Father and Miss Darkwell would stop bickering for a moment it would be a little better. I swear, listening to them argue you'd think they were still married. Mother, while unhappy about listening to it, seems a little inwardly amused by watching father fumble through the arguments.
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Passage Twenty
Well, Diary, this place is like a whole different planet! From the culture of the Tieflings to the terrain, it's completely alien. The people of this area all look more human then most Ginar'i, but are Red, have wings and wear very heavy equipment (though it doesn't seem to bother them in the slightest.) Surrounding the castle city are rivers of lava and high mountains. How anything has learned to survive here is amazing.
The people of Xineth-Kes seem xenophobic, but not in the normal sense. They look at us as a weaker species and it is difficult to say they are wrong. It is obvious that if Valdrace were to attempt to wage war here, the Tieflings would send them packing with hardy laughter and jeers.
After culture shock wore off, we met with the Czarina of the lands, a female Tiefling by the name of Lucii Von-Sythin and a very strange little green goblin by the name of Wee N' Woo. He seems to be like a child on a constant sugar rush, and doesn't like attention.
The Czarina welcomed us, apparently being pleased by Father's history as a Dark Lord. When we explained our intentions of infiltrating Valdrace to her, she was only too pleased to offer assistance. She gave us the right to travel across her land and directed us to a Cave that would lead us deep down into the Xinethi Temple ruins. There we will need to set the Diadem on an alter. At that point I will need to read the inscription and that shall activate the Diadem.
Of course, this cavern is expected to be highly dangerous not just in terrain but in the beasts that inhabit the caves and the ruins. Apparently, no one in recent memory that has entered that cave have ever returned; Tieflings included. Mother's usual sarcasm showed itself while Miss Darkwell egged her on. It's begun to get amusing (though I try to appear as if I'm ignoring it.) With the Czarina's blessing, we will be setting out for the caves in the morning. I wonder what is in this cave that possesses so much power that even the Tieflings avoid it.
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Passage Twenty-one
A Dragon, Diary! They were being eaten by a gargantuan dragon! We found that our passage deeper into the cave was blocked by a barrier, so we searched the caves. With Miss Darkwell's Ice Magic, and Mother and Father's ferocity most of the dangers of the cave were not too much of a concern. Then we came across a shiny orb. Upon touching it, the dragon bellowed out and charged us. This thing was really, REALLY huge!
Well, Diary, we were eventually able to defeat the thing. While it was very powerful, it's size made it difficult for it to manuver as the four of us used our comparatively dimunitive size to our advantage. With the Dagron dead, we continued our journey into the Xinethi Ruins.
Inside the temple was a veritable maze of magickal symbols on the floor which teleported us around the massive temple. All over the place were vicious creatures and demons. The temple was heavily laden with treasure; it seems that it really is true that no one has gotten past that dragon in quite a long time. Well Diary, we quickly got lost as we were phased around and around. Eventually everything looked the same. After what seemed like hours, we eventually found our way to the center of the Temple.
At the far end of a huge lake of fire stood an alter, with (predictably) a fiend sitting in front of it Across the inferno was a single path, bending the flames away from itself. It was obvious from her features that she was one of the Four Dark Sisters of the Elements. She revealed herself to be named Pyre. Miss Darkwell was quick to make bad puns which ignited Pyre's fury. Father offered her a single chance to not suffer the same fate as her sisters, however the very mention of their names pushed Pyre into a frenzy and with a scream she came at us, flames bursting from her like an aura.
With our combined efforts and Miss Sapphire's powerful Ice magick, it was only a matter of time before she was brought to her knees. From there, father delivered a finishing blow and Pyre was no more. We wasted little time in placing the Inferni Diadem onto the alter, and at my request father read the inscription. Upon it's completion, we were bathed in a pretty, sparkling light. We could feel it's power covering us and with confidence left the temple.
Now we sail for Valdrace. Our form and our ship have taken on the appearance of Valdrace Forces thanks to the power of the Inferni Diadem. Father and mother look very eager to have Lady Grey safe once more. Sapphire is, as usual, attempting to bait father into an argument. There is only one Dark Sister left alive, and I am certain we will meet her in due time. For now, I can only read through my Diary and try to make sense of it all.
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Passage Twenty-Two
Well, Diary, I have good news and bad news. We have successfully landed on the shores of Valdrace. Unfortunately, our ship was destroyed by some magickal field. It would seem that while the Diadem masks us from being detected, it does not protect us from magickal barriers. We will be continuing our journey into Valdrace territory. There's an outpost not too far from us, our intention is to test our disguises there and perhaps even take supplies from our enemy to use against them. After all, I told father that it is better to test the Diadem's power here away from the main force of Valdrace as opposed to while knocking on their front door and he agreed. I'll let you know how it goes!
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Passage Twenty-Three
Good news, Diary. Not only does the Diadem work perfectly, but we were able to steal a large amount of supplies, and do some damage to the inventory of their armory. All we needed to do was walk to the guards of the suppy depot in rank and file, and father told them they were the relief guard. They seemed happy for a chance to get a meal and off their feet and didn't ask questions. An hour later we were on our way south to the Valdracian Mountains with new weapons and armor, and many restoratives. We could not destroy the weapons without arousing suspicion, but we did manage to ruin the supplies we did not take with us, then left the arsenal with it's door barred. By the time it's discovered, we will already be at the capital.
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Passage Twenty-Four
We were discovered! At the end of the mountain path was a powerful mage with an ivory mask who called himself Sol-Chatan. He demanded a password before he would let us pass. We had not heard of a required password, and were stuck without an answer. It seems that they had been warned somehow about our presense and Sol-Chatan wasted no time attacking us. The Diadem's power faltered and we were revealed in our true forms. Unfortuntely for sol-Chatan, our power far outmatched his magick and he soon lay dead at our feet.
Our disguise would no longer return, however. I now wonder how they discovered we had infiltrated so quickly. Perhaps when the ship was ripped apart it sent a warning back to Valdrace, but even so was unable to detect what actually was the danger until now. We now stand outside of Valdrace Castle. Father's intentions are quite clear; we will storm the front gate and kill anyone who gets between us and Lady Grey. Mother of all things, She'Dai please guide our path to victory today.
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Passage Twenty-Five
We are back in Kisareth, Diary. Let me catch you up on what's happened since last time.
We stormed the front gate of Castle Valdrace, with mother and father taking point on our attack. Father seemed calm; almost serene through it all. It's as if when he's in the middle of a battle he is most at ease. After tearing through a few floors we came upon a scholar who begged for his life. He wasn't a soldier so he didn't have much to worry about, however he did give us the location of Lady Grey.
Upon reaching Lady Grey's prison father teleported her out. Unfortunately, she was in no condition to do much more then keep us company. Whatever had happened to her during her stay had left her beaten, bruised, and without her powers. The path back to the castle doors was reinforced, so father decided that we should head farther up instead. It was about this time Daman Val tried to ambush us.
When Sapphire saw him, she let loose such venom from her tongue that any normal man would have fallen to tears. Daman seemed to think he had control however, claiming we had fallen into his trap. Normally I keep my emotions under a good lock & key, however after all this man had done to those around me I could not help but have the same thirst for vengence as my family. Like all who stood against us before, it was only a matter of time before he joined the ranks of the fallen.
At the top of the castle we came across King Ghaston himself, flanked by Zexor and Grandfather Exodes. It seems that Exodes' "master" breathed life back into him, but before he could reveal who such a master was King Ghaston silenced him. The King sentenced our group to death for interfering with the desires of Valdrace. I retorted that the king would pay thricefold for the atrocities he had commited. Shortly after, Zexor and King Ghaston teleported away, leaving grandfather to try and 'handle' us. Once again, father asked Exodes who his 'master' was and with the others gone he let us know. The one behind Valdrace's invasion, and all the power was an ancient Dark God known as Xe'on, The Atrocity of the Gods. With that one name, it's all come together.
Xe'on is the lord of the Abyss. Legends say he has always sought to rule over all realms and bring utter destruction to all.
The only thing I cannot be sure of is who Xe'on is choosing as his host. It is either Zexor, King Ghaston, or Anto Calias (I cannot discount him as a possible choice.) Exodes said it was fortunate someone else had been chosen before father passed final judgement over him. Without the help of Zexor or King Ghaston, there was no last minute escape for him to count on. After he was dispatched, I thought of his words. Mother and Lady Grey were curious what was on my mind, but that was not a good time for it; we still needed to escape Valdrace. Making use of a mystickal symbol on the rooftop altar we teleported as far away as we could, though it turned out to be only a short distance from the castle.
As we made our way out toward the shoreline we ran into Magus' sister, Sabra Velona Lee. I mused that I should call her Aunt Sabra, which she seemed to like a lot. Father questioned why she had chosen to come all this way to which Sabra told us that she had anticipated Valdrace's attack. She had come to Valdrace on a Scouting mission, seeking a way to stop or at least hinder the enemy. She discovered that King Ghaston is in reality a puppet for Lord Zexor (guess that means he won't be Xe'on's Host.) and confirmed that Zexor was looking to unseal 'something so powerful that it could destroy the world itself.' Sounds like Xe'on alright.
At this point, we were ambushed by Anto Calias. He was unhappy that we had unraveled so much of his plans and had decided to try and end our interference permanently. While i am sure that the combined might of mother, father, Sapphire, Aunt Sabra and myself Anto would have stood no chance, Sabra felt it better to not risk everyone's lives. With a request that we tell her wife she loves her, she expended considerable energy and teleported us all back to Kisareth. I had barely met my Aunt, and now I fear that my last words to her will be of a plea for her to not send us away.
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Passage Twenty-Six
It has been some time since we arrived in Kisareth... All we can do right now is plan, and wait. Thanks to Cithiria's Mirrors, she has been able to scry on father and keep tabs. She refuses to say much about it, other then that father is safe.
As the days have passed, Maga'ra has been sending out missives and calling all leaders and interested parties together for a Summit. We are to make plans now that King Ghaston is dead. Cithiria says that Zexor and Anto teamed up to kill him, which means they have amassed more power. The most important thing at this point is stopping Xe'on, and we all know it. Hopefully this summit will help is discover what the next course of actions is.
Cithiria just told me that Father is on his way to Kisareth. It seems he has killed Zexor permanently. She also said that Sabra was no longer detectable on the Mortal Plane. Thank you for gaining vengence for us all, father. I wish I'd known my Aunt longer. Hmm, as if on cue, father has just come in. It's time to begin this meeting.
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Passage Twenty-Seven
We have come to a decision. With the enemy in posession of the Key to the Abyss, and us in posession of the Inferni Diadem, they cannot bring about the ressurection of Xe'on. We also, thanks to father, have come into possession of the Corinthai, a sphere posessing the essence of the ancient heroes that stopped Xe'on long ago. We intend to walk into the Abyss itself, bring the Corinthai to Xe'on and end his risk to our realm once and for all. Cut the head from the serpent and the body shall fall.
To get inside, however, we will need to do some research. The most ancient standing library is in Infernus, and as such it will be our next location. Those who can afford to leave their kingdoms will join father and myself on this journey. We are all acutely aware that this may be the last time we all see each other again alive, and so we say our good-byes.
After some deliberation our war party was decided. Father, Mother, myself, Sapphire Darkwell, Cadar Darkwell, Crysta Aier, Dissan Lee, and a friend that father met on his journey. A fae by the name of Aubriel de' Crescent. Gods willing, we shall bring the fight to the hells and we shall win.
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Passage Twenty-Eight
Got a new report for you, Diary. We have all arrived safely in Obsidian Rose, thanks to the Corinthai's power to allow us to teleport between Shenandor'ian Crystals. We met with the Tiarna of Obsidian Rose, Miss Desiree Darkwell. (I wonder if she's related to Sapphire and Cadar...) We came seeking a ship, but Desiree let us know that there were no ships available.
She was, however, able to invoke her power as one of the great Encorcelli to summon a teleporter that would take us to very close to where we needed to go. With that, she offered caution that the leader of Infernus was most likely feigning his stance of neutrality against us.
After re-checking our supplies, we used the teleporter, arriving on the shores of Infernus. Standing massive in the distance was The Infernus Tower, inside which laid the Dorian Library. We also met Krysta Aier who had healed up quite nicely from her injuries! She recieved word from Elynore of our location and made efforts to come meet us. It is here we sit now, searching for clues. I'll let you know what we find, Diary!
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Passage Twenty-Nine
We've discovered it, Diary! It seems the only way to truly stop the reincarnation of Xe'on is to destroy the Inferni Diadem. From what we've read, we will need to take the Diadem to the Fae lands. They have some power that can help us. Another passage we came across spoke of how the way to revive Xe'on was to unite the Inferni Diadem and the Key to the Abyss. If we can destroy the Diadem before Xe'on's minions can get ahold of it, he will be sealed for good.
As we began to leave the library, Harbinger appeared in a flash of light. He taunted father, reminding him of the 'truth' that he held over father, and told him that if he wanted answers he would need to climb the tower. With that, he teleported away again, and sealed the exit to the library. We had no choice but to press deeper into the tower and get these answers father seeks. I'll tell you how it goes, Diary.
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Passage Thirty
This place warps and bends with our perceptions, Diary. It seems like each floor is modeled after the memories of a different member of our party. The first place we encountered was modeled after the Ny'Elstian Temple in the homelands of Cadar. He took point as we traveled through. It felt like going through a dream with everything connected and at the same time disjointed.
Eventually we came across a twisted-looking version of Cyrano who, after a little taunting, told us what we already knew; that nothing in this tower was what it seemed. The dead could be living, and the living could join the dead. He then came at us giggling madly, but he fell silent under Cadar's scythe. The whole event seemed to bring him a little closure over what happened in his kingdom.
The next floor held the appearance of Ivory Myst Castle. Naturally our more lighter-aligned party members, Krysta Aier and Aubriel, felt the urge to take point and we allowed them to do so. This floor had many teleporters. We began to take them, and found our path easily guided to the exit.
On the next floor was what looked like the wargrounds for when we faught Drea Nightshade. The realization hit me only moments before Drea showed herself. It seems that when we killed her, she came back at the hands of Zexor and became a Vampiress. She seemed different this time though; conflicted. She had to obey the last orders Zexor had given her in exchange for her life. She had to try and kill us. Father faught carefully, and with a large effort we managed to wound her to the point where she could no longer fight back, but was still on the edge of life.
On father's orders Aubriel restored her to full health. Being put so close to death must have broken whatever control was over her. She pledged her life and her blade to father, stating that she owed Valdrace for everything they had done to her. Father accepted her help readily and she was quick to show her worth to our company. Her speed and strength are incredible, leaving her with little need for her stronger techniques. I think she will be a very helpful ally indeed.
Now we rest, gathering ourselves before we continue forward. The journey up this tower has been mind tricks and traps from the start. Who knows what awaits us?
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Passage Thirty-One
We were wise to rest when we did, Diary. Once we used the teleporter to move forward, we were in a new kind of place, that is to say one that wasn't ripped from our memories. Many shrouded figures with large blades came at us as we explored. They were quite resiliant and withstood many of our strongest attacks but eventually we cleared the way. As we traveled through, we came upon giant yellow crystals that would speak to us in our heads. It seemed we had to pass some kind of mental trial. I will not go into the details here, but suffice to say we made it through without issue; our resolve was without question.
On the next floor we met the Great Reaper Quietus, an ally of the Lee family and personal friend of sorts to Cithiria. He barred our progress but with good intentions. He wished to test our skills to ensure we were strong enough to carry out the tasks ahead. If we could not defeat Quietus, then Magus would not be ready to face the ultimate truth that lied ahead. We took up arms against Quietus and pulled no punches. After an intense back and forth, Quietus eventually dropped his Scythe before us and gave a confident nod, then teleported us to Harbinger before Magus could question him further.
Upon seeing Harbinger, father strode straight up to him and demanded answers. Harbinger told him of how he once was a man so powerful and feared that his very name put terror in those that stood against him. His might was so powerful that he could have destroyed everyone, but that his hopes were all crushed the moment father began on the path of the Honorable Darkness. Apparently it pulled father away from the path of true evil, and condemned Harbinger to become a shade of his possible glory. Everything he could have become he felt was stripped away because of father.
Father did not seem angry. He spoke of how the path of Honorable Darkness had guided him in a direction of far greater rewards then the path of True Evil could hope to achieve. Such words did nothing to appease Harbinger though. It was then that he threw back his shroud and revealed his face. It was a mirror of father's except for a massive scar across his left eye. going from temple to the bottom of his jawline. Harbinger spoke of how he would no longer just be the echo of a voice and brought all his rage against us.
The fight was long and difficult. Truly, if father had chosen the path of True Evil, he would have been a terrifying enemy to Cora. Fortunately for us, the shadow of True Evil could do nothing against the might of the Honorable Darkness. Before father struck the final blow Harbinger fell against him, coughing up blood and laughing. Between gasps of life I could hear him say "I Win". A few moments later father began to panic. The Inferni Diadem was missing!
It seems that since Harbinger was effectively the same as father, and father is a Touched one, Harbinger was able to teleport it away as he fell against father. I should have known it before it happened, but it was all so fast. We can only assume that Harbinger teleported it to Anto Calias. If that is true, then our only hope... our ONLY hope is the Corinthai. It will not permanently seal Xe'on, but may save our realm for another thousand years so that heroes of the future may put a permanent end to Xe'on's danger.
We don't know how to use the Corinthai to seal Xe'on, but Aubriel de' Crescent's people do, being of the Fae. Aubriel was confident she could lead us to the Realm of the Fae and help us get answers there. Suddenly, the world began to shake. Even from our location we could hear it. The sound of Cora itself groaning out as a massive hulk of land was ripped out. With no time to spare, we went to the Shenandor'ian Crystal and teleported out, Aubriel taking the lead. When we became aware of our surroundings, we were in a place i'd never seen. It was serene, beautiful. Quiet.
We have arrived in the Realm of the Fae.
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Passage Thirty-Two
Aubriel has suggested we all take some time to relax here for a spell, make our last check on supplies and upgrade our equipment with new Fae-enhanced gear. For the time being, we rest. As important as our mission is, we all know that the next step is passing through the gates of the hells and it is more certain now then ever before that each of us is tempting the fates with it. Eat, Drink, and be Merry for tomorrow we die...
I decided to explore the village on my own a little to collect my thoughts. I worry that I will never see Anari again. That little Xiara will have to grow up without me and that my kingdom will not stand as strong without my hand to guide it.
I spoke with some of the fae as I strolled around and learned some interesting things. The fae had seen that Valdrace was swallowed up whole by a 'swirling pool of The Abyss'. This does not bode well, Xe'on must be alive once more. They tell me that the War of the Abyss is coming. They say that if the Abyss is allowed a physical manifestation on the Material Plane then it will swallow everything in existence just as it has Valdrace. The terror that will come is a threat on not just Cora, but the Realm of the Fae as well and perhaps all realms in all parallel dimensions.
In the furthest corner of the village was a grave. The headpiece told of how the one buried here was Aurelie Setie, the 'finest Elder Lady that the Fae has ever had.' I offered a prayer to Aurelie before eventually finding father and the rest of the company again. It is time to see the Elder Fae and bring this all to an end. May She'dain Might flow through us and carry us to victory.
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Passage Thirty-Three
The Elder Fae has reiterated for us how important this leg of the quest is. He reminded us that the Abyss has already swallowed Valdrace and is quickly preparing to stretch it's tendrils to the rest of Cora. He cautioned us not to give in to despair however. So long as we still have the Corinthai we still have a chance.
As I assumed, we would need to enter the Abyss, specifically the part of it that exists on the Material Plane. We are to seek out the Alter of Xe'on and place the Corinthai on it, then read the inscription engraved on it. This Should reseal Xe'on. He then bid us to ensure we were fully prepared then meet in front of the statues of the Goddesses Danu and Abalo'eca where the Elder Fae and his people would use their power to safely teleport us into the Abyss.
We had a small meeting in the Elder Fae's house before proceeding. Father wanted to be absolutely certain that everyone here understood the stakes and was willing to, should it be necessary, make the ultimate sacrifice to save our Cora. It was a very, very short meeting. We all spoke with loud and clear voices, each renewing their vow to see this through to the end. As a closing to the meeting, Father prayed for Sabra to watch over us as he sought vengence for her death, then we marched to the center of town.
With the blessings of the Goddesses of Light and Purity, the Fae helped us arrive in the Abyss. There we found a warped, mystical feeling path. The creatures here are relentless, Diary, unlike anything we have ever faced before. It would be a shock of Zexor himself could handle these beasts for more then a few minutes. With the hells to the left of us and to the right of us, behind us and before us, we shall dive in. Hazeezus. She'Dai. Danu and Abalo'eca. We MUST be victorious!
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Passage Thirty-Four
I cannot describe the path as it has been walked, Diary. There is simply too much... On some levels the myriad of paths made travel so confusing that one could walk the same path and never even realize it. Other floors were covered in hidden spikes that nearly killed us on several occasions. The deeper we went, the stronger our foes became. It is a miracle we have survived this long.
Eventually we came upon two Guardians, the first creatures in this realm to speak to us. They screeched of how we would never get near the Altar and their Master (a good sign that we are on the right path) and came at us. Compared the the general onslaught we had constantly faced on the way down however, they could not hope to stand against us. A little further on we began to approach the Altar. It is here that Anto Calias himself barred our progress.
He possessed a third eye in the middle of his forehead, something I did not notice when he encountered us with Sabra. It seemed that he had joined with Xe'on already. Father promised to end his life here and now, and leapt to the attack. Anto Calias was fast, tenacious, and powerful. His spells brought us to our knees, but we would not give up. She'Dai's blessing was with us, for eventually we were able to make Anto succumb to death. All that was left to do was defeat Xe'on. After a small regrouping, we strode forward to the Atrocity of the Gods itself.
As one may expect from a God, Xe'on spoke as if everything in the Mortal Plane was beneath him. "You are insects! You are NOTHING to me!" he said, as if punishing a naughty child. He called for the world to become his own and that soon nothing would exist but the Abyss. Each of us felt our emotions swell up inside of us, and knew we would never let the Abyss swallow everything. Not in life, and not even in death.
"You have no power over us, Xeon! You hold no sway! While we are mortal, it is exactly because of our mortality that we have the power to do what we must do!" I spoke from my heart to a Dark God, diary. He scoffed at my words and continued to proclaim us as insects beneath his heel. He claimed the world wanted to be destroyed so it could be reborn as a monument to the Abyss, and laughed at our attempts to stop it.
Our voices would not be stopped, however. We stood together and each voiced our heart's true feelings. We would not go quietly into the night. We would not lie down and die in fear. We would stand, we would fight, and by all the gods we would win. It was at this point it began to act like a spoiled child, shrieking No over and over again. With a scream, he changed form taking on the appearance of a Massive Abyssal Green Dragon.
Well, Diary. I am alive writing this now, so you know that in the end we lived. I cannot say that we found Victory. Oh Xe'on's form on the mortal plane was pushed back. We were able to put the Corinthai on the Alter in the center of the Abyss. Father read the inscription on the Corinthai. An incredible force beyond my comprehension began to manifest itself from the Corinthai. The Abyss began to seemingly start falling apart. Aubriel teleported us out of the Abyss with her fae magic, and to Kisareth.
Within moments we were surrounded by our friends and family. The looks on their faces were conflicted. Happiness that their loved ones were safe. Concern for those that were injured. Fear that we may have failed in our mission. Father took point on the discussion and explained to Maga'ra how our mission had gone. We told her how we were not sure if Xe'on had been sealed, but that the Corinthai had seemed to do it's thing. Then the news hit...
I'm sorry Diary, I can't talk about this anymore right now. Tomorrow...
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Final Passage
I sit here in my room with tear-stained eyes, Diary. We have failed to stop Xe'on, and I cannot help but feel like it is my fault. If I had connected the dots sooner... Been more willing to discuss it with the others before I had my answers. I MUST have been able to stop this! But I failed. I failed everyone. I failed little Xiara.
A soldier had arrived at the end of our explanation to Maga'ra. The Battalion had seen the whole thing. The Abyss had been shrinking and shrinking, seeming to seal away. Then, at the last moment, the Abyss exploded out like the Big Bang, growing larger and larger, faster and faster. Somehow, Anto Calias had not been successfully killed. Was it because we were in the Abyss? Did Xe'on ressurect him? Or were we merely facing his shadow? Did we not finish him off when we struck him down? Xe'on's Essence MUST have jumped into Anto Calias. It is the only explanation for how he has not been sealed.
Somehow they have joined together. We helped create the Hells we will now be forced to meet. I failed. Oh She'Dai, what have we done?! As Cithiria said, and the Fae foresaw... The War of the Abyss is upon us. And the voice!! That Choir that sang out from the Abyss. Everyone, everywhere in the entirety of Cora heard it in our heads, and all of us felt the true pang of terror that very moment.
"One... Two... Anto's Coming For You..."
She'Dai, have mercy on us. Have Mercy on me, for what I have caused. I cannot face Mother or Father. I can barely face my Wife. What Can I do..._______