Chapter2 Part1

           Avalon brushed his blonde hair out of his eyes and smiled triumphantly at Clarion. He had
completed the task that Clarion had set for him together with Psishot and Bastion. Clarion hadn't
made t to emperor by being a fool. That's why the brooding blonde leader had given them the task
of constructing devices that would prevent Darque Foenix from entering their minds. These
devices also had to be light enough to carry and not obvious to their enemy. Avalon was a genius.
He crafted tools that were advanced for his time. That was why the young blonde haired, blue
eyed man was a rising power in the Black Hellfire Empire. Psishot had mind magic. The task
given to him was imbedding the right mind magic in the objects to prevent Darque Foenix from
accessing the bearers mind. The older man, Bastion, was needed because his talent was turning
others magic’s against them. "It's done," said Avalon to Clarion. Clarion looked down at them
from the high chair in the throne room. "Let's see," demanded their leader. "Avalon figured it
would be easier to make the women’s items jewelry," said Psishot, holding up an assortment of
necklaces. "Provided that they are tasteful enough for us to wear them," said Nemesis, entering
the room. The long strands of Psishot's hair fanned about his face as he went over to let the Black
Queen inspect the jewelry. "What about for the men?" asked Clarion impatiently. "I've fashioned a
weapon of sorts for the men to use. It fires little darts, and is small enough to fit inside ones vest."
"A touch of magic was added to each dart so they could cause more damage," added Bastion.
"You men seem to have the impression that we women have no need to defend ourselves,"
commented Nemesis, displeased. "Begging my lady's pardon, but the way you dress you couldn't
hide a parchment on your body!" said Bastion. Nemesis glared at him. "You had better watch how
you talk to your superiors old man," threatened Nemesis. "Enough!" said Clarion holding up his
hand. "You seem to be forgetting about our enemy. Petty fights amongst ourselves will give them
our victory." Clarion rubbed his temples with his fingers. He was getting a headache. "Nemesis,
proceed with the next part of our plan. If anyone needs me I'll be resting." Clarion stood and
walked briskly to his room. Even when going for a few moments of rest, an air of nobility
followed him around. Nem turned to Psishot, still half frowning. "Go give these out," she told him
after selecting one. Psishot quickly fled. Nemesis was angry. When she got the way she was,
holding some pent up anger behind a mask of calm, he had found that the beautiful queen got a bit
to liberal with her 2*8. Avalon also quietly removed himself from the room. Nem glared at
Bastion until he also left.

: : Psishot couldn't help but enjoy handing out the jewelry to the women. They were all gorgeous.
Aeka, Ryoko, and Kiyone were like the sun moon and stars. Each so different but so
complementary. Ryoko was always especially sweet to him as well. GlitterGirl was a beauty that
dazzled the eyes. Tangerine was intriguing. The way her eyes seemed to change colors with her
mood was fascinating. Puma11 was a cat no man in his right mind would mind stroking. Psishot
didn't enjoy having to see Blink though. The dark circles under her eyes looked worse than ever.
It was painful to be near someone whose mind was as loud and confusing as hers. She had been
getting a little bit better though. The war preparations brought new life into her. But it made
Psishot sad to think that cute little Blink wouldn't be the same again. The girls he found last were
out strolling across the busy courtyard talking. They were both red heads, and great friends. They
were easy to tell apart even from a distance because of the bright green streak in ShockWave's
hair. Up close the red heads were very different. Siryn had and elegantly angled face, while
ShockWave's was more of a soft oval. Siryn's eyes were a sharp blue, while ShockWave's were
green and slightly larger. Siryn's lips usually looked like she was half smiling, where as the other
girl seemed a bit more serious. Siryn walked gracefully, while ShockWave's gait was swift and
efficient. They were both beautiful. When they were laughing together it was almost to much for a
man to bear. Psishot could have watched them all day, but he had protective jewelry to deliver.
He didn't want either woman to fall under the control of the nasty Darque Foenix. Psishot walked
smoothly over to the ladies and held out the necklaces. "Here are the amulets to protect you ladies
from mind magic’s," he said fluidly. The girls both smiled and took one. The effect of the double
smile left Psishot weak in the knees. "You ready for the next part of the plan?" asked Siryn in her
sweet voice. Psishot grinned. "I'm ready. Those Dawn bastards won't even know what hit them!"
Clarion had planned a two pronged attack to weaken the Dawn's forces and take full advantage of
the element of surprise. If they took a large enough chunk out of the Empire of the Dawn in the
opening attack then bringing them the rest f the way down would be easier. "It's just too bad we
can't raise any more troops without them getting suspicious," said Psishot. "But the war can't be
won in a day alone. Better to be cautious now then regret it later," said Siryn. Psishot and
ShockWave nodded their agreement.

Chapter2 Part2


        Nemesis smiled as she stroked one of her pet panthers. Things were going well. An army
was secretly being assembled in two different locations. The handsome Black Knight Havok was
ready to lead the second army to battle. Nem would be leading the main attack beside Clarion. It
would all start in two days. She would finally have the power she craved. The Black Hellfire
Empire would defeat the larger Empire of the Dawn because she willed it. She always got what
she wanted no matter what. She wanted to be the queen of the world and put the sadistic little
bitch Nytshade in her place. The witch had stolen quite a bit from Nemesis. She had taken many
of her lovers, ruined some good deals, and as a final insult she had been hunting on Nemesis’ land
recently. Nytshade would kill all the glorious animals and leave the carcasses for her to find. She
ruined the hunting grounds. But worst of all, a panther had been found butchered last week. No
one messed with Nemesis’ pets and got away with it! Nemesis stretched, wriggling her toes on the
luxurious rug. Vengeance was within her grasp now. Her delicate looking hand reached out to
grasp the glass of red wine that was on the table next to her. The fire burning on the other end of
the room warmed her bare body. She held the glass up in the light of the fire and stared into it like
a seer staring into the future. Slowly she brought it to her full lips. The midsummer’s wine was
sweet and beautifully aged. Her revenge would be as sweet as these moments. “Ready ta come
back ta bed?” whispered a soft voice by her ear. Nemesis had been leaning against the footboard
of her bed. She craned her neck around to look at the speaker. She grinned at the handsome
figure lounging on her bed. His blonde hair was ruffled, and his misty gray eyes reflected his
longing for her. “I’ll be right with you Cannonball, darling,” she  replied silkily. She cocked her
head back and drank the rest of the wine. Then she threw the glass in the fire and joined him.

                 Aeka, Kiyone, and Ryoko had arrived in their kingdom. Clarion had sent the Triad and
a few of the others who had no real role in the first battle to their kingdoms to prepare their
people for the war. Once the first battle was fought, the floodgates would burst open and it was
necessary for them to be prepared for the next battles. The kingdom of the Triad was one of the
largest kingdoms, and therefore the one with the most possible fighters. The Triad would set
about storing supplies and getting weapons. They would start up quietly, and then go into full
bloom the morning the first battle was to be held. Raven haired and ice powered Aeka was the
born leader among the girls. She prepared the people and started them on the task of training and
building defenses. Ryoko was the one who knew the most about magic. The flame haired girl with
the fire powers was in charge of  getting the lower wizards ready for battle. The Empire of the
Dawn had more peasants of magic, but Ryoko knew that a smaller number of well trained wizards
could beat the vast numbers the Empire of the Dawn could come up with. The more serious
brown haired Kiyone was in charge of gathering. It was she who would begin the gathering of
information, supplies, and weapons. The lands of the Triad were close to the lands held by
Harbringer, one of the lords of the Dawn Empire. They were also a merchant kingdom, so
Harbringer’s people often came to trade. Much information could be gathered. The three girls
aspired to take over Harbringer’s lands in this war. The noble lord always underpaid them for
their trade. He used his nearness to them to prevent them from becoming too wealthy. He filched
things from the caravans leaving the Triads(as common people refereed to the kingdom). The
Raven, the Tigress, and the Bear, the Triad, resented his restrictions. His constant jokes about
they’re animal mystic names angered them. Each girl had a spark of mystic power. Gomurr had
given them the names and amulets of hidden mystical power when they rose to power and joined
the Black Hellfire Empire. He had said that thy were mentioned in a prophecy and should embrace
their animal parts. It had become something important to the girls. Aeka was swift and canny like
the raven. Ryoko was fierce and magical like the tigress. Kiyone was cautious and protective like
the bear. These things were part of them, and nothing to be mocked. Each girl would make the
other stronger. Together they were confident that they could achieve their ambitions.

              Deadpool was a masked assassin. He was well respected by both Empire’s, but
completely loyal only to one. Everyone liked his lewd jokes, and his readiness to kill when he felt
necessary well respected. He killed any who moved against him. His kingdom was efficiently run,
without any smart aleck advisors to tell him he was wrong. His people did exactly when he said
when he said it. His years as their ruler had shown that he would do what was best for them, so
they followed him without question and were happy. Crime was rare in his kingdom. He
personally hunted down and gutted all offenders. His ways were harsh, but his people prospered.
But right now Deadpool wasn’t in his kingdom. He had snuck in to Nytshade’s lands, determined
to do some looking around. He wanted to know what the witch was up to, and be sure she didn’t
suspect their plan. Night had fallen on the seaside city of her kingdoms capital. Deadpool stood in
a dark alley, wiping the blood of a couple of would be muggers of his blade. So far none of the
local criminals seemed to know anything. That was good. He would be hitting the mercenary
hideouts next though. If Nytshade suspected anything she would start hiring mercenaries. She
normally seduced the leaders, thereby getting troops free. That way she wouldn’t loose any
productive peasants in a battle. She was a crafty witch alright. Deadpool walked casually out of
the alley, using the dark night and the hooded cloak he wore to conceal his masked face. People
were suspicious of masks. He didn’t want to be noticed. He entered a dimly lit tavern and looked
around. There were only about ten people in the place. One man eyed him as he came in. He had a
cold glint in his eye. Merc, thought Deadpool. He walked over the filthy wood floor to where the
man sat drinking ale. The man didn’t take his eyes off of him. “So how’s business?” asked
Deadpool pulling up a beaten chair. “Why do you want to know?” came the man’s raspy voice.
“I’m in need of a discreet gang of men. For some nasty business. Get my drift?” “I can’t help you
with that. I’m an honest man,” rasped the man. “Cut the crap. I pay well. You won’t regret it.”
Deadpool pulled a leather pouch from his belt and loosened the strings so the man could see the
shine of gold. He didn’t miss the sudden interest and greed that flashed in the man’s eyes. “I can
take you to a man. The boss. You can make a deal with him.” “Fine. Let’s go. This wealth can’t
wait all night.” The man got up somewhat unsteadily. He was obviously half drunk, but Deadpool
knew that he was sober enough to try and double cross him. He hoped he’d take him to the merc
leader before trying anything. It would be a shame to waste him before he got what he wanted.
                   The man did take him to the leader though. He led Deadpool through a maze of
streets and alleys. He finally stooped at a shady looking tavern on the waterfront of the worst side
of town. “In here,” said the man. The tavern was grimier than the other one, and that was saying a
lot. The bartender was a tall muscular man, who was beginning to go bald. The place had quite a
few customers inside. Seedy looking women who looked in need of a bath served the tables. One
smiled at him, giving him a look at her yellowed and rotting teeth. Some men just can’t get the
good stuff, thought Deadpool. These were some of the ugliest whores he had ever seen. The man
who had led him there whispered something to the bartender and then led Deadpool into a back
storage room. Rats crawled across the casks of ale and barrels of food. Deadpool stomped one
rat, killing it. The man went to the center of the room and started to shove a bunch of casks aside.
Come on pudgy, I don’t have all night! Thought Deadpool. Last time I use the fat bastard mercs
to get to the leaders. The man finally managed to shove the casks aside and opened a trap door on
the floor. Deadpool followed the man down, impatiently wondering how much longer it would
take. He relished the thought of killing the slob when it was done. His blood would pay for lost
time. A small hallway under the floor opened to a large room filled with a mercenary band,
drinking ale and singing bawdy songs. The pretty women were down here with the men. The
tavern above masked the bands rowdiness from the rest of the town. Deadpool had seen this sort
of thing before. The leader of the mercenary band sat at a table with a few other men and a pretty
wench in his lap. The man who had escorted Deadpool down here went up to the leader and
spoke something in his ear. He was informing his leader of the wealthy stranger. “Well now! Pull
up a seat stranger!” called the leader, motioning him over. A few men looked over from their
various activities to look at Deadpool’s hooded figure. Deadpool pulled up a chair at the table and
sat. The table was a round one, and sitting at it were the men who were most likely the leaders
officers. “How can we help you?” asked the leader. The woman in his lap smiled seductively at
Deadpool. She must have heard the whispering about his wealth. “I’m interested in hiring you and
your men. I have a little job for your band the day after tomorrow.” “You have money? Our
services don’t come cheap you know.” I am well aware of that you arrogant bastard, thought
Deadpool to himself. He didn’t like the tone in the man’s voice. He had apparently recently
acquired a good job, or at least finished one. “I have enough money to pay what you’re worth”
“You have to pay in advance.” “I will pay when you complete the task. I pay in gold.” The
officers grinned. Deadpool was prepared for what was coming. “We happen to have a job already
stranger. But we’d be happy to relieve you of that pouch full of gold you have on your belt. The
nearby men all pulled out their blades. The leader shoved the woman of his lap and pulled his
blade as well. He wore a triumphant smirk on his face. Deadpool smiled. Things were going to get
messy. He loved it when things got messy. 
                       The fighting didn’t last all that long. Soon Deadpool had injured or killed every
merc in the room and held a blade to the leaders throat. The man was bleeding profusely, but
could still talk. “Tell me who hired you and I’ll consider letting you live,” said Deadpool. “I don’t
think so you bastard!” spat them man. “You had better be careful not to anger me. I’ve taken out
all the weak wimps you call men and you  will suffer an agonizing death if you don’t talk.”
Deadpool ran his blade through thee man’s foot, making him curse in pain. Under the table, the
tavern owner hid, scared from the fighting. The man had the heart of a wimp. Most of the women
had fled upstairs during the fighting, but Deadpool could see that one remained. The girl who had
been sitting on the leaders lap, was watching him from the corner. The merc leader still refused to
talk. Deadpool’s patience was at an end. He raised his blade to kill the man. “No!” screamed the
woman. “I’ll tell you who hired them!” “Clarissa you stupid whore! Do you know what will
happen if you tell?” The woman glared at the merc leader. “I’ll take advantage of any situation
that presents itself James. I’ve wanted to be rid of you for years.” She turned to Deadpool. “If
you promise to get me out of town and let this worthless scum go to meet his fate I’ll tell you all
you want,” she said. Deadpool lowered his sword considering. It would be faster this way. He
could kill the man after he got the information anyway. “Fine!” He kicked the merc leader away.
“Talk,” he ordered the girl. “Do I have your promise to take me away from this kingdom?” she
asked. “Yes, but this is a limited time offer. Hurry up.” “The queen witch wants them for some
sort of battle. She offered herself to James as payment after the job. The stupid fool thinks the
queen would actually want to be with him!” Deadpool grinned wickedly. He could get to like this
girl. “But anyway, the Empire is going to be fighting those people from the smaller empire next
morn.” Nytshade did know. He’d have to tell Clarion. A change in plan could be enough of a
surprise to make up for this, but Deadpool was more interested in how Nytshade found out. He
couldn’t get those answers here though. He pulled the girl up the steps back into the tavern. The
men who were up there earlier stood waiting for him with swords ready. The women who ran up
must have told them about the fight. They were surprised to see Deadpool come up though. They
had expected the mercs. The screams had made them suspicious though, so they were there ready
with blades. “Move out of the way!” said Clarissa. “This man is with me.” “Where are James and
the others?” asked the barkeeper. “Dead. You’ll have to find new rats for your black marketing,”
said Deadpool. The barkeeper got mad. “He single handedly killed all those men,” said Clarissa.
The men suddenly backed off, letting Deadpool pass. As soon as he and Clarissa got out of the
way, they rushed downstairs to check it out. Apparently the patrons of this bar were loyal to the
merc band. Once he got outside Deadpool blocked the tavern doors. Clarissa watched him
curiously. He grabbed some foul smelling casks out in the alley and opened them up. They
contained the pitch for the torches the mercs used on their trips. He poured it around the building.
Then, he lit the pitch. Screams sounded from inside. “You’re burning them?” exclaimed Clarissa.
“You got a problem with that girl?” She shrugged. “They mean nothing to me. None of them are
friends. But it would have been better for James to suffer the witches wrath.” He definitely liked
the way this girl thinked. “Can’t have any of them talking,” he said. The tavern didn’t even have
any windows. Everyone inside burned. Deadpool and Clarissa vanished into the night. Dawn was
a few hours away and he didn’t have that long to get to Clarion.

Chapter2: Part3


              Blink paced her luxurious suite in anger. She was sick of it all. Sick of the pitying looks,
the whispered implications that she wasn’t the same person. She had changed. She could see the
world in a different light, but she was still herself. Darque Foenix hadn’t been powerful enough to
change her completely. She was strong enough to get away from him. He made her stronger by
his... No, she couldn’t even voice the things he had done in her thoughts. Only her nightmares
would bring those events to life again. She would never speak or think them. She was strong
enough. Maybe she’d never completely forget, but she could try. She wasn’t living those
situations anymore. She no longer had to face him. She could still fight him though. She’d fight
the impressions he left on her mind, and she’d fight him in a more physical sense in this war.
Clarion and the others hadn’t given her a part in the campaign yet. They didn’t seem to trust her
sanity. Her outward appearance was all they could see. The shadows under her eyes from lack of
sleep. Her nightmares tormented her. They made her live those things over and over... That was
why she fled from sleep. But she would get over it. She needed more time. She needed for them
to give her a chance. GlitterGirl wanted to give her that chance, but she treated her like a delicate
flower. Blink didn’t want to be treated that way. She wanted to be treated like the strong person
she had become. She would get stronger day by day. She would prove it to them. going to the ball
the other evening had been a firm step in the right direction. Darque Foenix had been there and
she didn’t even flinch. She had tried to enjoy the presence of the other men. Seeing Darque
Foenix attaching himself to ShockWave had bothered her though. She wanted to go over and
demand he take his hands off her friend. But she knew the others would see it as her madness.
The peace was a delicate thing they tried to maintain by being tolerant of a monster. It hurt
sometimes to think how none of her friends dared to avenge her to that monster. But she knew
that was foolish. Some of them had wanted to, like SuperGrover!!!, but in the end she knew she’d
rather do it herself. She had considered talking to ShockWave about Darque Foenix as well, but
that would mean admitting how much he hurt her. She wasn’t ready for that. She also knew that
her friend wasn’t one easy to seduce. Many men had tried, so they could gain her kingdom, but
she acted like things such as love meant nothing to her. That plus seeing how Blink was changed
would keep her friend from falling. 
                            Blink could recall how she fell. She knew that Darque Foenix wasn’t a good
man. But he had acted sweet and convinced her that those were just malignant rumors and
misunderstandings. He had seduced her in any way he could. He might have even manipulated her
mind. Maybe she had been gullible, but she never felt any anger toward herself for falling. She was
after all, a woman. She wanted to believe in love and passion. She had also been ambitious, and he
powerful. He had used that to catch her. She was happy with him for a short time. But then the
torments began. She had been weak at first. That was because she had been an idealist. But he
slowly changed her. At first she was like a scared little girl, later she started to accept it. she might
have begun to become like him, but then she awoke. She awoke stronger, able to fight him. He
couldn’t manipulate her and she left. She had kept that strength, only to become like she was
before in the deep night. At first she just wanted away, but now she wanted to fight. He gave that
strength to her. The one good thing he would ever do. She’d use that strength to ruin him now.
He’d never hurt anyone again. She’d show Clarion and Nemesis that she could do it. Could be
trusted. Then he’d have t face her. To fight her and die. She would get him for those that he
ruined, the ones who didn’t get stronger. There had been many other women. He had told her one
night. She would make him pay for their hurts. SuperGrover!!! trusted her. He would help her.
She stopped pacing, her anger abated. She would be ready to face the new day now. Tomorrow
was the first battle. She would do all she could to help. 

                   SuperGrover!!! was walking to the Great Library. of the components of the Black
Hellfire Kingdom only Gomurr, Clarion, Nemesis, Blink, ShockWave, and himself were left at the
main palace, the center of the kingdoms power. Clarion and Nemesis would lead the battle
tomorrow. Gomurr and ShockWave were researching helpful magic’s and such. Blink was the
black princess. She was in charge of the palace. She was to guard the castle where the Inner
Circle resided by summoning all the men she could once the army left at dawn. The palace was
very close to the lands of the enemy kingdom. She was to make sure that the castle didn’t fall into
enemy hands. In theory Clarion and Nem would return here victorious, but since Blink was the
next highest in power she was given the task just in case. SuperGrover!!! had been told that he
was to help her. He didn’t really believe that as the full truth though. He knew that Clarion and
Nemesis didn’t trust him. SuperGrover!!! was extremely popular in both empires. Clarion didn’t
want to risk trusting him. SuperGrover!!! could see the somewhat twisted logic to that. Clarion
was crafty and had probably never trusted anyone in his life. SG was still offended though. He
entered the Great Library. ShockWave was at the bookshelf nearest to the door and she looked
up to see him. Her smile was genuine and it cheered him slightly. It always did. She was a nice girl
and easy to talk to. She was also pretty, but all beauty only served to remind SuperGrover!!! of
Blink. He secretly loved Blink, she was everything to him. He loved everything about her and
pined away in silence. She could never love him, he knew that. After Darque Foenix she would
never love him, but that would never stop SuperGrover’s silent devotion. “You here to stack
books again?” asked ShockWave with a laugh, interrupting his thoughts. He grinned. “May as
well. There isn’t anything else for me to do.” “There are some books on the table back there that
would save me a lot of time if you would stack them while I referenced.” “Sure! Glad to help. Is
Gomurr still going strong?” She laughed again. “Yes he is! He’s been going through books most
of the afternoon. He keeps asking for more volumes faster than I can stack the one’s he already
looked through!” SuperGrover!!! laughed. “Well then have no fear, SuperGrover!!! is here to the
rescue! You keep feeding Gomurr more books and I’ll clear them all away.”

                       Nemesis was already in her armor. It was early evening. She had already been over
the battle plan with Clarion that afternoon. Havok had sent word that he was in position.
everything was ready. All that was left was the wait. She had nothing left to entertain her, since
Cannonball had left for his kingdom earlier. Clarion was off relaxing with some woman, while she
got herself ready for battle. Her armor was shinned and on. She wore the amulet that would
prevent mind magic’s from attacking her. The servants had brought her several knives and a
sword that she would use besides her powerful 2´8. She walked through the dark courtyard. A
good two thousand men were there, gathered in secret for the mornings attack. They would be
attacking the nearest lands, which belonged to Darque Foenix. They would be able to cause quite
a bit of damage before he could get to the battlefield. He would probably sense the troops as soon
as they entered his lands, but the castle he called home was far from the attack location. Havok
would lead a smaller force of only a thousand five hundred men against the emperor’s lands a few
hours after her attack. There was an empty stretch of land between Havok’s location and the
place they would attack. The emperor had been positively confirmed at the east mountain region,
visiting lady Rush’s kingdom yesterday. There was no way for him to return before Havok could
destroy  Tanimura, the principal trading city in the world. It would be perfect. With Tanimura
destroyed trade would fall all over the enemy empire. With Darque Foenix’s lands in turmoil the
confusion would be great enough to delay a prompt response from the Dawn’s lords and ladies.
Since the Hellfire’s would be ready the stood a chance of wiping out the Empire of the Dawn if
the struck in the right locations. The Triad’s lands bordered a manufacturing kingdom belonging
to Harbringer. If they could take the arms manufactured there, they would further weaken the
enemy. A few of the Hellfire kingdoms did not border Dawn lands, such as Gomurr’s and
ShockWave’s. They would provide troops to the other’s armies. Of course this was all subject to
change. The Emperor was smart and very crafty. His response to the first attack would decide all
later tactics. But Nemesis knew they would win. She was good with tactics. She had figured the
odds. She already knew a win was possible when she first spoke to Clarion of war, about a year
ago. He had already thought of it as well, and together they cautiously prepared for this all that
time. That was the thing she loved about her King. He was smart and sneaky. Hs dazzling good
looks were a plus too. She had considered sustaining a relationship with him, for none could be
more worthy than her, but she knew that she wouldn’t be able to resist trying to manipulate him.
If they hindered each others agenda than they could end up ripping the empire apart. Nemesis
would always put her well being over lust. The Black Hellfire Empire benefited her greatly. 

                  Havok sat astride his valiant horse. His hair flew about in the breeze as he stroked his
blonde goatee pensively. His icy blue eyes looked up at the cloudy sky from under his helmet. He
was dressed Viking style with a horned helmet and fur poking out the joints of his breastplate.
The clouds were darkening, and a cold wind was picking up. He wondered at the soundness of
what he had been recently told. Was he to now follow the plan or change it as advised. The sun
was rising in the foreboding sky. He had to make a desicion. He raised his cup of ale to the sky
and then drained it. “Bloody hell,” he muttered. If the information was meant to be misleading he
could lead them into an inescapable trap where he and his men would die. But on the other hand,
why would misleading information be given unless the attack was known about anyway? The
whole problem was that if Tanimura didn’t fall, and the enemy did know about the war and was
prepared, then the odds had shifted against them. Would they fall before they had even begun?
Havok decided an alternate target would be taken. Deadpool was most likely right. He hoped that
he would reach Clarion and Nemesis in time. But Deadpool had arrived only last night in this
camp. It was a bit more than a days travel to the Palace of the Court. I was practically impossible
for Deadpool to make it. Clarion and Nem would walk into a trap... But the war was Havok’s
commitment now. His battle had to be a win. He called the young general that served as his
second in command. “Ready the men. We are moving to attack the city of Kirai in half a
moment.” “But sir, our target is Tanimura!” “Don’t question the orders of a member of the Inner
Circle general. Go and stop wasting my time!” The man rushed off. In five minutes, the army
marched on a new course, toward Kirai. 

                               Clarion marched at the rear of the army, directing every movement. Nemesis
had insisted on being at the front line. The city they were after was large, and did have some
troops. She wanted to take part in the few kills that there would be before they destroyed the city
and pulled out. Clarion thought that they might even get in a smaller neighboring city if they were
lucky. It all depended on how fast Darque Foenix would react and how soon he got troops there.
Clarion didn’t want to face Darque Foenix on the battlefield today though. He wanted to anger
the man by taking out an important city. If he angered him sufficiently he might act rashly. If
Foenix was killed off quickly then the war would go better. The people feared Darque Foenix.
Everyone feared his magic’s. Unlike their leaders, the soldiers had no protection from mind magic.
That made Foenix very dangerous indeed, for he could control a soldier near the royal wizards
and use that man to kill them. He couldn’t control more than two men at a time though, and doing
so would leave him open to attack. When the time came, it would be best if several of the Hellfire
royal wizards attacked Foenix at the same time. The sun was coming up. Clarion could see the
fast march the men were taking from atop his horse. Nemesis was on foot, so as to wield her 2´8.
Clarion didn’t really like her being so near to danger, but was certain she could handle it. 
                        Nemesis looked forward with sudden dread. On the horizon she could see many
figures, that could only be an army awaiting them. How had they known? She cursed and called
the march to a halt. The enemy was fast approaching. She moved swiftly back through the ranks
until she reached Clarion. A grim look was on his face. “There is a traitor amongst our Empire
Nem, dear,” he said. “We have to fight though. If we flee now they will cut us down from
behind.” He nodded. “Foenix will be among them. Watch your back my queen. Our fight is true.
We may yet still win the day.” Nemesis would fight to the death, and fiercely. But the enemy had
been numbered at about twice the amount of men than her army. Foenix could exert powerful
control as well. He was a ruthless man. But then, she could be ruthless too. She headed back to
the front of the line. She knew Clarion wouldn’t like it, especially now, but that was where she
could do most good. She was a physical fighter by choice as well as by her magic’s. She had
found that the chaos she created was more potent at a close distance. The farther she was from
her target the more likely the chaos she caused would work against her. She didn’t fear death
either. “Our enemy has taken us by surprise,” she said speaking to the men near her. “Their
numbers are greater. But we will not go down easy. We are fierce. We also have two things that
they do not. We have just cause, and we have hearts. The heartless bastards that fight for their
dark master can’t defeat us if you don’t let them. We still have the hope of victory, and victory
here will be more grand than the victory we planned. It will to more towards our freedom from
these heartless people.” The men cheered her, daring again to fell hope at their glorious queens
words. Her armor shone and her face glistened. Her dark hair streamed in the wind that had been
picking up. Holding her trademark weapon, she looked like the valiant fighter who would lead
them to victory. Seeing her reminded them of the prophecy, and some thought that maybe she
was the Fate Warrior and not Clarion. When the armies clashed, they fought valiantly, inspired by
her courage. But even though they fought well, the men started to fall. The rushing torrent of
their enemy pushed through, leaving blood and hopes trampled in the grass. Nemesis and the men
nearest her fought most valiantly. They cut through the men before them, like a wedge driven into
a log. The enemy had to pull back slightly or she would fight her way right into the heart of the
enemies army. Clarion used the opportunity to pull his men together and strike back. For a few
minutes he had the upper hand, but the tide of battle quickly changed again as the enemy turned
and charged. That was when magic entered the battle. A bolt of psi magic cut through Clarion’s
army, leaving men on their knees with blood coming out their ears and noses. Clarion struck back,
using a spear formed from air to burst the enemies line of defense. Nemesis quickly led her men
through the gap and used her magic to chaos her enemies. Clarion saw Foenix from the distance
smiling cruelly from atop a black steed. Clarion turned in time to cut down one of his men who
had drawn a sword to strike him. He sent a powerful air spear toward Darque Foenix, but now
the battle swirled about him and he had to concentrate on what happened near his body or perish.
                       Nemesis and her men progressed through Darque Foenix’s army, cutting down
men left and right. For a few minutes it seemed that they were unstoppable. But then the witch
Nytshade appeared in the middle of the battlefield. She used her mystic talents to befuddle her
men, so the soldiers could cut them down. Nemesis rushed her, determined to stop her. A blast of
mystic force hit Nemesis pushing her back. If her men were cut down, Nemesis would be alone in
the middle of the enemy army, and easy prey for the soldiers.  She charged again, this time
reaching her opponent. Nytshade wore a black dress that flowed in the wind. It made her good
features stand out, but t also made her look like the witch everyone knew she was. She quickly
used a mystic web to trap Nemesis. “Well, well. The pretty little queen thinks to attack me! You
are truly a foolish wench Nemesis. An arrogant one as well.” “But no one can come near you in
the arrogance department, Nytshade dearest.” Nytshade backhanded her, drawing blood. Nemesis
was quietly working her chaos powers to gain her surviving men a chance against the onslaught in
the middle of the enemies army. Nytshade was manipulable, to a certain extent. “You are at my
merci, little queen.” “Smart people don’t play with their prey,” said Nemesis as the surging battle
knocked Nytshade over, breaking her concentration and the spell over Nemesis. She grabbed her
2´8 and hit Nytshade as hard as she could over the head. She had hit her so hard her weapon
broke, but the witch still staggered to her feet a moment later. Blood streamed down her forehead
into her blue/gray eyes. Nemesis quickly drew a knife. She wasn’t as good with blades as the
princess Blink was, but she should be able to finish the injured Nytshade. She threw the blade
quickly, hoping to catch her unprepared. But the blade stopped in midair right in front of
Nytshade’s face. The knife spun about and struck Nem in the arm. “You won’t find me that easy,”
said Nytshade, with pain thick in her voice. Nem drew a sword, ready for combat. But Nytshade
caught her again, this time leeching her chaos powers. Nemesis tried to fight as she felt her magic
leave her. Slowly her strength was flowing out to the witch as well. Nemesis looked around as
much as she could. Only a few of her men were left fighting. The others had fallen. Soon they
would all be dead. She screamed in rage and anger at her defeat. The unexpectedness of her
shriek caused Nytshade to pause, but she didn’t lose her grip again. When Nytshade ripped out
the last of Nemesis’ life force, Nem let out a piercing shriek that could be heard miles around. All
would now know that the Black Queen was dead.
                               Clarion fought as hard as he could. He hacked at the enemy with his magic
weapons and the sword he held in his powerful hands. At first he fought from on top of his horse,
but soon his horse was killed beneath him and he took up the fight from the ground. He was on
the ground fighting besides the hundred or so men that remained of his army when Nemesis’
scream rang out. t was the most god-awful sound he had ever heard in his life. He almost felt like
crying for his downed queen. Her scream was like the death knoll on the losing battle. Darque
Foenix’s army still had a good thousand men left. Clarion’s troops had fought well, but the odds
had been overwhelming. Foenix’s magic had really wreaked havoc amongst Clarion’s men. Now
with Nemesis’ death some were even surrendering only to be cut down weaponless. Clarion knew
his time was near. He looked up at the sky. It was almost noon. A loud laugh sounded to his right.
Clarion turned to see Darque Foenix looking down at him. “So here is the uppity little bastard
who thought he could defeat me in my own lands! You don’t look so well Clarion!” Indeed,
Clarion was drenched in blood. Most of it wasn’t his. He had only sustained some minor cuts. But
Darque Foenix would fix that. That’s what he was there for after all. He wanted to see if he could
make the Black King scream. The battle had moved on, leaving the two opponents alone. Clarion
hurled an air spike at Foenix’s heart, but it hit uselessly against a telekinetic shield. Foenix’s
magic’s had been improving. “You prepared to die?” asked Foenix. “I’ll die fighting you in any
way I can.” “Not that you’ll accomplish much. Still, I’ll have the pleasure of hearing you scream.”
“Don’t count on it you bastard!” He swung his sword, but it just bounced off the shield. Foenix
smiled, but then his smile became a frown. “I can’t get into your mind!” Clarion smiled
mockingly. Foenix angered. “No matter. We shall see if I can manage to make you voice a scream
as beautiful as the deceased Nemesis’!” He held Clarion struggling in the air and started
telikinecticly pulling on his leg. The pain increased as DF was slowly pulling the leg off of
Clarion’s body. Pain transformed Clarion’s handsome face, disfiguring it. DF laughed maniacally.
He pulled the leg off completely, leaving only a bloody stump. Blood rushed out, but DF stooped
the flow before Clarion bleed to death. it would be more fun the longer he lived. “Now we’ll
begin with the left arm. With no left leg or right arm you’ll never make love to a woman again!
Not that you’d live to anyway!” He said laughing cruelly. He began to exert pressure on his right
arm. Suddenly a knife hit DF in the spine, just missing the nerves. Deadpool rushed in like
lightning and scooped the now unconscious Clarion off the ground. Then as quickly as he came,
Deadpool left, taking Clarion with him.