ELEMENTAL

Dragonfyre & Brimstone

By Stephen John Walton

For my sister Christina,

Prologue

The Brimstone, a being created long ago to protect the world of Bacrana from the invasion of Vulrintutakons demonic armada who had come to subjugate or destroy all life in their path. With every element of the known universe as his ally, Brimstone fought against the force furiously until the demon god had been destroyed. But with such power and no one to fight, Brimstone became restless. He turned on his masters, craving power and control over all. The Titan of home world laid waste to all about him with ease. Only one force was able to quell this great power in the universe. Once again the legendary Dragonfyre made a stand against the impossible.

Chapter one

North America, 878 B.C. Great billowing clouds rolled overhead which seemed perfectly fitting to the Dark Lord given the current situation. The long black hood of his cloak fell down behind his pale head as intense gusts blew freely through his long graying hair. He looked ahead with glaring eyes at the almost impossible task before him. The lines of many stressful centuries ran down from his mouth coming to rest almost faithfully at his sharp silver go-tee. With ancient orbs he looked up before the looming mountain just before him where his son was now kept prisoner by a being even more powerful and terrifying than he. Xavian Vortex took in a deep breath almost gagging as a rush of wind flew into his face filling his throat with foul alien air. As he released the stink from his genetically superior lungs, a certain worry passed through him that the father of the Elemental race had not felt in many long centuries. As he remembered it correctly, it was this very being that had caused him such worry. For the foe he was about to once again face had been built to defeat and capture the Dark Lord in the Bacraniese civil war so long ago. With unsure steps made only in pure faith of his innate strengths, Vortex began his trek into the only entrance into the mountain fortress. His only hope at this point was that his very new and most definitely tentative alliance would hold long enough to defeat this adversary, for the Brimstone was the most powerful Elemental ever fashioned. His power stretched to all points five of the sacred star and every place in-between. As it stood, only two Elementals had ever faced the great beast of petrified
4

Elemental heart and survived. Albeit the two other most powerful of their race, both were in many ways inferior to the absolute strength of this Titan. Yanpre Vear looked over the sight of his surroundings for the first time as the fog of delirium passed from his mind. His dark eyes flickered to life as his irises began to jump about with small electric arcs. The dwarfs face was young and smooth, his jet black hair hung straggly about his small shoulders, with a seldom few strands sticking to the slight dark stubble growing about his jawline. Yanpre had been taken just hours ago by a small army of Darkstones, the rocky undead, the unbreakably loyal henchmen of the Brimstone. He did not remember how he had gotten chained to the wall behind him, and felt the strange metals weight upon his skin. The stuff seemed to leach the very strength from his dark elemental heart, leaving him unable to summon any of his innate powers to save himself. Understanding this, the dark prince of the Vulrana turned to the second of his powerful strengths, his intellect. Yanpre scanned the area with precise vision. The chamber he was now in was wide and smooth with a kind of red finish about the rocky walls that gave off a strange rose-colored glow. It was as tall as it was wide, the space needed to hold the gigantic Darkstone creatures towering at almost forty feet and constantly watching the place for any sign of intrusion. Massive holes within boulder like heads were aglow with an orange hue mocking true elemental eyes. In morbid fashion the Darkstones continued to scan over the smooth cavern sometimes laying their vision upon the dark prince himself with an eerie and sinister glare. Looking down at the area before him, Yanpre could not help but scowl at the sight of the being that had captured both him and the first earthly son of the Dragonfyre, Tor Rah. Yanpre had been engaged in a battle
5

with Tor when the Darkstones burst up from the very ground in a surprise attack, apparently taking them both as hostages of war. For what purpose Yanpre would soon try to goat into discovery. The Dwarf turned his head to the Elemental chained upon the wall beside him. Tors long red hair hung down off of his limp head showing that he had still not awaked from whatever magick had been used to subdue them both. Yanpre couldnt help a slight smirk at the thought that he had been powerful enough to awaken before the son of Rah. Another thing to keep in mind when fighting these weaker half-bred Bacrana, though he was a half-breed himself, he was Vulrana and undoubtedly superior. Turning his attention back to their captor, he again found a scowl return upon his young impish face. Brimstone stood at the center of a raised platform surrounded by standing urns emitting vaporous purple flames. The Ancient wore a sleeveless dark-purple robe atop his rock-like frame, with dark purple armor about his forearms, chest and legs that glowed with a lighter purple hue. The Titan looked about stoically before hearing Yanpre scoff aloud. Yanpre noticed Brimstone slightly turn his deep reddish stony head. Yanpre stared hard at the beast as if he could simply throw bolts from his irises even in his weakened state. Brimstone must have felt this emotion, and with slow deliberate care turned to face the young imp. Do you like my Quaniron young prince? Brimstones slow deep syllables cast out into the chamber with echo resonating around them all. It is the same allo y I created to capture your father many years ago. It is the only substance known that can interrupt the energy of an Elementals heart. Brimstone came round to face Yanpre fully, letting the powerful appearance of his hardened form speak for itself. Had he been of soft flesh his form would have been muscled, stocky, and massive. But instead of a soft living
6

shell, Brimstones skin was armored as though it were crimson red rock. His entire body was jagged and bulky from feet that would need no boots to cover them, to his thick coarse fingers and up to his flat faced block like head. He looked over Yanpre with almost human like eyes, his only soft feature, dark brown with a gold halo around each iris. I think you will find that I, like my father, do not fear anything you may bring to bear against us. Yanpre spat curling his upper lip showing hateful white teeth. I will! Brimstone let out with what could be considered a hardy laugh from the near emotionless creature. Perhaps you do not know your father as I do young half-breed. Many times have I seen fear escape your fathers eyes in my presence. Brimstone informed the short lord leaning down toward his face giving the honest comment a touch more discomfort. Perhaps you mistake fear for astonishment Alexander? A hollow voice came from the open chamber behind the beast. It was not I that fashioned your perverse heart. Brimstone stood straight, his eyes never leaving the locked stare with his captive before turning fully back round. There he spotted one of his objectives within this personal matter. Stepping out across the raised stone platform, passing the urns and letting his power reach out to the purple flames whipping them to burn higher, Brimstone gave out what could be called a slight smile at Xavian Vortex. His prey had finally come to the slaughter. I feel that they are one and the same my old prey. Many terms are used to hide the true nature of fear, astonishment being one I do favor however. As for my heart, you have only yourself to blame. Had you not been the most powerful being to threaten the empire, the empire would not have been so blind as to create something even more powerful than you. Brimstone looked down the
7

several feet below him at the robbed Elemental looking up. He could not hide it; he was both intimidated and afraid. Brimstone had been only one of two beings ever take the father of the Elemental race down in defeat, but he had done it first. Brimstone held no fear for he was designed unable to feel such a thing. His Elemental heart was unlike any others, made of stone, unbreakable, and as unyielding as the most hardened warrior. I thought we had an arrangement Brimstone? You stay to your part of this world, and we to ours. Xavian asked stalling for time; his ally seemed to be running late. I figured that if I were stuck on this Stone Aged backwater rock, I may as well rule it. Besides who can really stop me? Brimstone lauded his own unbeatable strength. Let us find out then, shall we? Xavian posed attempting to sound completely confidant. In truth, this had been only one of two beings to ever cause him worry. The father of the Elemental race feared little, yet one of those fears now held his only son. It was for this reason alone that Xavian had dared enter the den of this near Godlike beast. Brimstone peered over the dark layered man below him nodding slightly at the scenario he had created. Then without another moments notice leapt from his great platform as Vortex took to the air. Brimstones rocky red feet slammed onto the solid floor with a booming force that would have off-balanced Vortex had he not moved. Brimstone clenched his fists, flexing his coarse muscles as he rose slowly back upright. As his eyes looked about he spied his old foe above him, sputtering around in a noncorporeal form like a black mist attempting to dodge the several bouldered fists as the Darkstones swatting from all directions. Brimstones eyes shifted from brown to blue as he took flight after his prey. He did not bother with a war-cry
8

for there was no point in announcing his approach, Vortex would know of it soon enough. He flew about Xavians dodging form for several seconds before using his innate strength, grasping the Dark Lord by the back of his neck and forcing him back into a corporeal form. Once held within his rocky grasp, Brimstone threw the Vulrana spiraling brutally to the floor. Like a feline the Dark Lord landed with limbs outstretched, his white palms held aloft by thin fingers. Xavian craned his neck in a supernatural fashion back up at Brimstone. The rock man aimed the his feet at the Elemental of Void as he fell. Xavian wasted no time in thrusting his body forward into a floating launch, turning about before casting a flurry of red electric tendrils from outstretched hands. Brimstones heavy feet slammed upon the solid cavern floor as his glowing eyes shifted from blue to yellowish green earth, causing cracks in the ground that jutted and swerved their way to Xavian. The sudden change in footing causing the Vulrana to become quickly unbalanced, the Dark Lord abandoned his current attack as his tendrils deflected harmlessly across Brimstones red armored body. Xavian quickly glanced about coming to realize that several Darkstones were closing in upon his location; their great rocky bodies weighing upon the very air as they moved. The Titans clumsy bouldered feet cast dust and small bits of rock to cascade from the cavern walls as they ran. The Dark Lord had no option but to retreat out of the cave, but before he would leave Xavian reached up with all haste summoning the power of the void from deep within his elemental heart. His mind reached up into the smooth rock ceiling just a few feet, then opened up a series of singularities that swallowed random hunks of solid rock sending them onto oblivion. An instant later he shifted his innate strength closing the
9

fissures of time and space, and tugged with all his mental strength upon the honeycomb of rock he had created. Slowly, at least slowly with in the panic driven pace of things within his mind, parts of the ceiling began to give way until great cracks of once solid rock came crashing down upon the incoming aggressors. Xavian wanted to have worry for his only son but found no time to dwell upon it. His basic survival instinct took hold shifting his body into incorporeal form avoiding a falling stone slab and retreating out of the entrance of the large cavern. The black misty cloud coalesced back to corporeal form as Xavian landed on both feet just outside the cavern. Sunlight poured over him from the midday star causing the Vulrana to cover his eyes with one hand and quickly bringing about his hood for protection. He could hear the deep booming cracks of solid rock splitting into pieces behind him. He could hear the mutated screams of Darkstones being temporarily buried within the cave. As eyes adjusted and his vision slowly returned he could feel the thrust of Brimstones fist slamming home upon the side of his face. The Dark Lord flew into the air over twenty feet from the violent strike, tumbling through a series of bushes that lined the entrance to Brimstones lair. As he tumbled and tossed Xavian tried to change again into incorporeal form to gain his footing, but the attempt was only met by a grasp of red rocky hands. Brimstone lifted the father of the elemental race with ease, punching him several times in the gut until it was certain that all air had escaped his ancient lungs. Xavian coughed as speckles of slightly glowing red blood flew from his thin lips. The ancient could take no more at the moment lest he pass out, and from the look upon Brimstones glowing yellow eyes the titan knew this as well.

10

Xavian Vortex, do you desire true immortality? Brimstone asked as he held the black robbed man aloft with one arm. To be an immortal slave like your Darkstones? Xavian replied between panted breaths. My brothers may have feared you enough to take this false promise, but I will not! With those words, Xavian grabbed Brimstones coarse rocky head and shoved his thumbs into his eyes. A burst of white energy flared from Xavians thumbs causing Brimstone great pain, enough for the emotionless juggernaut to cry dropping the Dark Lord before reaching to protect his eyes. Xavian wasted not a moment. Summoning all he had, Xavian cast out again with his red tendrils wrapping around Brimstone in a frenzied dance of light. Xavian screamed as his eyes blazed a wild sapphire blue, the lines of his face bunched in exasperated fury. The tendrils surrounded Brimstone faster and faster into a red electric cocoon, soon cycling so fast that it all became a lit blur. Faster and faster the energy churned until only a faint outline of Brimstone could be seen, and within moments the power faded. Xavian collapsed to his knees yet keeping his eyes upon what he had done, managing a hint of a smile. His eyes looked over his work with some unbelievable pride. Before him was a large ruby colored encasement that resembled a natural grown crystal. Within its center was Brimstone, frozen and apparently in a forced hibernation of sorts. Well my friend, Xavian spoke to the frozen figure as he rose to his feet standing tall. Seems I did not need anyone to assist me after all. Xavian stood there for several seconds, before he spied something odd, something he did not think he would approve of. He watched as the sunlight streaming down over the ruby encasement began to bend, warping the field
11

of vision around the shifting beams. It took the figure trapped within the crystal just moments to shift his eyes into a bright red before casting off the living tomb in a great explosion of power the leveled everything around it in a hail of ruby shards. Brimstone reached up with his right hand pulling in the energy of the sun about it. Wild blazing red eyes looked about for Xavian finally settling upon the figure trying to recover from the explosion. He looked over his enemy with what could be called hate filled eyes above snarling rocky lips. After gathering enough solar energy, the Brimstone shot forward his mighty left arm casting a brilliant blaze of fire energy that not only consumed the Dark Lord but carried him in a violent loft that tossed him far off of the cliff face and down across the lush valley below. It took Vortex several moments to realize he was airborne, several more to regain his bearings within the tornado of great flames. Just as he had regained his senses, Xavian slammed hard into the valley floor below. Grass, trees, dirt and rock flew in all directions as the Dark Lord tumbled helplessly across the earth in several ferocious flips. The Vulrana was so weakened, beaten, and in pain that he could not even try to rise to his feet. His once beautiful dark robes were tattered and ripped, his pristine pearl colored skin bruised, burned, and bleeding. Xavian could not even tell that another blast of fire energy was upon him further shedding his clothes and widening his wounds. All he could do was let out cries of pain and writhe in the moment of certain death. Brimstone leapt through the air from the cliff above continuing his relentless assault. If Xavian would not submit, then the father of his race would die a slow and pain filled death. As Brimstone came crashing down upon mighty rough legs he ceased the energy coming from his arms. He stalked slowly to look upon his prey. He surveyed with some delight as Xavian shook with bated breaths,
12

unable to move his broken form with any real definite movement. Xavian lay in a smoking crater of burned earth and blasted glass, his senses absent for the most part. He wanted to shift into his other form but found that his elemental heart was too weak to support this as it channeled all of his energy into healing his torn body. Still, Xavian instincts would not let him roll over into death. The bleeding man turning to his stomach trying to claw his was out of the steep side of the newly formed crater. He mostly found that his limbs were too weak to pull him up, but still he tried with a survivalists abandon. My dear Xavian, I admire your thirst to live. However, todays thirst shall not be quenched. You will fall as did your Demon God, and when you go to hell you may tell him it was I that sent his loyal servant to the grave. Brimstone informed raising his right hand with an open palm at the back of the Dark Lord. Tell him, Alexander the Brimstone sends his regards. A bright light as if from the heavens itself showed in the distance behind the large rocky man. Closer and closer it came, speeding through the air at the two with uncanny speed. Brimstone did not see this, but felt impending danger and turned lowering his hand in mild confusion. As Brimstones eyes fell upon the terrible yellow ball of fire coming closer, they widened slightly in curiosity. Turning round as fast as he could Brimstone tried to meet this new foe on even keel but to no avail. The ball of bright yellow fire slammed home into the juggernaut sending him far over the crater, yet not off balancing him. Brimstone landed square upon his feet some thirty feet away, his eyes never left his attacker. There he watched as the fire receded only to show another old ally and enemy, the Dragonfyre Liam Rah.

13

Liams crimson lit eyes stayed steady upon Brimstone, watching him with carful judgment. Liam knew well the strength of Brimstone; he had battled him many times never truly ever able to claim a victory. He knew this opponent well enough to know not to take any single action for granted. So as Brimstone approached by flanking the crater to his left, Liams strong willed orbs watched intently. Liam Rah! Brimstone stated the obvious in a great booming voice across the open air. Alexander. Liam replied in kind as if a father would to scold a child. I see you got my message. Brimstone confirmed coming to stop at a point between Liam and the now rising Xavian Vortex, who was crawling out of the shallow side of the crater beside them. Where is my son Alexander? Liam asked sternly, yet allowing his eyes to temporarily cool to their mortal hazel. The ancient Elemental of fire did not let his eyes leave his enemy even as he felt Vortex approach from his right. About to join my ranks. Brimstone replied with a tone of arrogance placing his hands behind his back. Brimstone felt very comfortable that he could defeat both of these men with ease as he had done many times before. Im sure not willingly old friend. Liam said half turning his back to the left in order to keep both Brimstone and Xavian in view. It matters not Liam Rah, Brimstones deep voice let out matter of factly. Soon all shall be under the yoke my power. We had an agreement Alexander, each of us took a third of the world as our new home. The war is over; we live in peace, which was our arrangement. Look at the three of us! Brimstone began waving his hands out at them all. The fathers of the Bacranian
14

Wars! Only one of us is missing to complete this quartet, though I am sure Leriz Nijimo is someplace near and watching us from safe distance. Agreed, the coward. Xavian added in a low tone finally having the strength to rise to his feet just steps from Liams right. The war is never over Salamander, you should know this well. I believe before it begins again I shall be prepared, and if I am to be trapped upon this backwater world for the next three thousand years, then it shall be I who rules it! Brimstone announced with pure confidence and guile. The war is over, and as long as I live you will not enslave what is left of our people, Bacrana or Vulrana. Liam shot back readying his mind for the inevitable encounter to come. Then your life old friend has become forfeit. Brimstone let not a second pass from his last word before his eyes shifted color again, this time into a bright blue. Quickly and in a single motion the juggernaut called upon the element of air casting a brutal gale upon his adversaries that lifted them from the ground and cast them far into the dense green forest behind them. Both Liam and Xavian tumbled uncontrollably through bushes at times half slamming into the thick bark of ancient trees before finally catching respite far from the source of the gale. Torrential rain began to pour all about them accompanied by the sounds of heavy thunder as flashes from bolts shot across the now blackening sky above. Xavian lifted his head from the wet earth glancing over at his temporary partner, who was shaking off the effects of the last tree he had crashed upon. Couldnt have gotten here a bit sooner hero? Xavian spat out from behind bleeding lips.

15

Be pleased that I agreed to this at all Xavian. Liam replied after craning his neck to the side cracking the top of his spine. How are we to proceed? His chest cannot be run through. We must weaken him enough so that I can trap him, and then keep him as far from any available element so he cannot rejuvenate his strength. Xavian informed as the two got back to their feet. Oh that sounds easy. Liam sarcastically let out. Just use the mask. Xavian implored, knowing full well what powers the relic would bestow upon his adversary turned temporary collaborator. I will never use the relic of Kon again. We do this the old fashioned way. Liam replied leveling his eyes at his old nemesis. Xavian shook his head at Liam. Getting our asses handed to us does not have the nostalgic appeal of being old-fashioned. With that the Dark Lord took to flight up through the dense foliage. The father of the Elemental race would assist as much as he could, knowing well that if he were to fall dead then there would be no way to encase Brimstone at all within his power. It would have to be the Dragonfyre that did the grunt work here, something that Xavian did not mind at all for several reasons. Liam Rah started his march back to Brimstone, jogging through the forest and having to dodge several times over bolts of lightning sent ricocheting all throughout the trees to end his progress. The Salamander waited until he was just within view of the large red behemoth before shifting his form into that of a living body of orange and red flames. A final bolt of lightning came directly at him yet he did not swerve, letting the bolt tear harmlessly through his elemental form slowing him not a fraction. As Liam came out of the tree line he lunged directly at Brimstone with uncanny speed, grabbing the red terror in
16

an attempt to knock him from his feet. This did not have his desired effect. Brimstones eyes shifted quickly to a deep green as his feet flattened out seeming to meld with the ground beneath him and forming the area into solid stone. He then attempted to head-butt Liams flaming face, but the Fire Elemental flew back out of range in a fluidic swerve of arcing immolation. Liam shifted back into solid form. He came in at Brimstone with flaming fists striking him several times about his head and torso. Brimstone laughed joyfully at the feeble attempt. The juggernaut came round with his right hand clasping the top of Liams head and lifting him from the ground. A red left fist came about to strike Liams face, but the Salamander shifted again into flames escaping Brimstones punch and falling again to his feet. Liam again began his assault with all haste, punching Brimstone several times about his large coarse head. The hits appeared to do little damage, only enraging the titan with each passing blow. Liam threw everything he had into those hits hoping the next one would do something more than be met by mere annoyance. Brimstone shifted his eyes to into a dark orange as his feet reformed into their natural state. With little effort, Brimstone changed his body into a large cone of fire that extended out engulfing Liam and reaching up high into the air. Faster and faster the cone spun until it became a tornado of fire, lifting Liam from his feet and tossing him helplessly round and round within the blazing torrent. Liam could not find his bearings within the firestorm, nor could he take control of his own power, finding that for the first time in ages he was being seared with heat. Trapped and now gritting his teeth in pain while being stirred within the ever growing spinning inferno, Brimstones voice could be heard from all directions.
17

From out of the spinning fire wall the giant face of Brimstone formed from the living flames, his eyes engulfed in a power filled deep orange hue. I am the master of all the elements! Break in fear and pain as I use your very strength to destroy you! You may have banished a God Dragonfyre, but my worth shall prove more powerful than even the Demon Kon itself! Brimstones voice thundered out in all directions around him deafening Liams ears. It was then a powerful blast of lighting came crashing through the blazed face of Brimstone causing the mammoth to lose his concentration, but only from confusion. Another blast wracked his flaming appearance before he left his attention from Liam to look for his latest combatant. The fire cone shifted directions leaving Liam to crash in hellholes upon the ground behind it. As Brimstones inferno form turned to glace about, he spied Yanpre Vear suspended in the air some fifty feet away sacking a constant barrage of lightning energy at him. Yanpre Vear! Brimstone cried an agitated roar, shifting his form from a cone of excitement into a giant body of flames and coming round to the small upstart. Yanpre kept up the strongest attack he could muster. But the bolts seemed to do little to Brimstones titanic form hardly slowing him as he brought his arm round through the rain soaked air and swatting the dwarf from the sky with great ease. Liam caught sight of young Yanpre crashing to the ground. He knew well the young Elemental would not stand a single skirmish with the mammoth. So he mustered all his strength unbto himself, centered his mind and shot up directly at the giants head with a trail of fire sprawling behind him. As Brimstone prepared to shoot a massive flame at the young Vulrana barely stirring upon the rain soaked ground, Liam Rah blasted through his jaw coming out
18

violently about the left side of his forehead. Liam turned shooting out a stream of pinpoint crimson flames back at the opening he had made, but it did little to no damage to the titan. Come on Alex! Come get me you ugly bastard! Liam cried out as Vortex finally made his way to his side in midair. Brimstone just roared as his giant eyes once again changed, this time into a deep blue. With that his body seemed to shake off the flames as if shedding old skin, and as it did was replaced with a towering body of water build in massive drops from the surrounding rain. As he reformed, both Liam and Xavian fired all they had at him while retreating away from the fallen youngster. Both the streams of fire and the red bolts of Xavians lighting did little to slow the Titan. Brimstones massive watery legs tromped in wide strides across the ground causing small quakes as he stepped. Trees toppled as in his wake leaving a scar of destruction amidst the raging deluge. The very air itself felt charged with elemental energy that Brimstone himself had set into place. As the titan perused his prey in wide swooshing steps the air around him seemed to become energized even further still. Liam motioned for Xavian to keep up his assault before diving straight down to the forest floor below. Brimstone seemed not to notice his him as the water mammoth kept up charging at Xavian who remained overhead. Liam watched with blazing red eyes as Brimstones form came closer to where he stood. Come on Alex you titanic shit. Liam spat as he gathered his strength around him. Closing his eyes to thin red slits, Liams body created a mist of ethereal red about his body. Flames shot out of his back in thin rods that soon flattened into wings of excited fire. As Brimstone took a wide stride above him
19

Liam Rah shot up with all the strength and speed he could muster. His wings outstretched, his fists flung forward in balls of fire, and with a terrible growl he entered Brimstones form between his legs rising up with a cascade of hellholes blasting out in chaotic directions. As Liam exited the great watery head Brimstone cried out in pain. The Titans form lost cohesion and fell to the earth in swoons of water that hit the ground below like a great wave. Seconds later as the water washed in several directions Brimstone emerged once again in his red rocky form. The beast had little time to find his bearings or shift his power before Liam again came at him. Swooping down from the sky Liam struck hard into his coarse head leaving a blaze of red energy in its wake. Liam stumbled but quickly regained his footing and turned to strike Brimstone again. Brimstone tried to steel himself but found no respite among the constant barrage of punches and kicks, blasts of fire, and several random objects that Liam hit him with from all about in a desperate attempt to weaken the Elemental master. Over and over Brimstone attempted to strike back, constantly being defeated with every attempt. The Mammoth tried to shift his power but was unable without a moments peace, his eyes slightly shifting into another elemental color for just a moments time but never taking hold. Move! Xavians voice cried out at his ally, and within seconds Liam did as he was bade. Xavian Vortex shot fourth his red lighting with every last bit of fight he had in him. Faster and faster the red tendrils wrapped around the Brimstone until they seemed to be a blur of red energy that soon became a cocoon that took hold even as Brimstones voice could be heard in booming echoes promising vengeance.
20

Soon after, Xavian fell limply to the ground, his energy nearly spend and reflected this in his almost grey like orbs that managed to still look upon his work. As the rain began to subside enough for the Vulrana to see, he spied again the giant ruby red encasement about his old nemesis. Liam rose to unsteady feet slowly making his way to the giant red crystal. He could not take his eyes from the thing as he too once was incased in this very power. The thought of it made him look over at Xavian still lying upon the muddy earth in such a weakened state. If he was ever going to kill his ancient adversary, now would be the time. So slowly he stalked over to the exposed and drained father of the Elemental race. Liams muddy boots stopped just short of Xavian. The Vulrana looked up at the Salamander with questioning eyes as the two stayed locked for several moments. Again surprised by the Fire Elemental, he watched as Liams hand lowered with an offer to help him up. Xavian thought about the gesture for a moment, before clasping it with his own pearly white hand. In a single motion, Liam brought Xavian up to his feet. I thought you would have taken the opportunity to finish us once and for all. Xavian almost spat. The thought had weighed upon me. Liam responded without missing a beat. The two did not let the honest words take time to sit in the air as they turned and walked up to Brimstones cage side by side. They could vaguely spot the nearly enraged Brimstone frozen solid in place, his eyes motionless yet seeming to stare at them nonetheless. What now? Liam asked unable to take his eyes from the sight of it. As Vortex thought on the matter, the rain suddenly stopped all together. Within moments the dark clouds above gave way with cracks of sunshine beaming down
21

from the once complete ceiling. The sunlight grew and grew around them until finally it came to where they stood. As the light touched the crystal it seemed to bend through it, coming to rest upon the coarse skin of the titan. A slight crack formed upon the ruby surface, and as it did this Xavian hurryingly removed his cloak as fast as he could and covered as much of the encasement as the fabric would allow. What? Liam asked watching the frantic movement. He is separated from many of the elements in the chrysalis, but sunlight can still give him power. We must place him carefully Liam Rah, far from anyone or any place that might release him, lest we endure his wraith. Xavian replied within several huffs obviously still wounded and weak. What about us? Liam asked arching his right eyebrow and glancing over at the pale man. We stay to our agreement. The Vulrana will keep to our territory, and the Bacrana to yours. Xavian replied. Then lets get our boys and go home. Liam suggested turning to Brimstones lair far behind them. As he did, he observed as several Darkstones enclosed upon them seemingly lost without their masters will to guide them. Liam thought for a moment that they were going to attack, but the giant rocky creatures just mulled about aimlessly without purpose. What about them? Liam asked after the shock of their presence had passed. I will take them. They were once Vulrana, they should be with their people. Xavian let out with an honest sigh. He did in his dark heart feel sympathy for these creatures. After all they were his former soldiers, and some valued friends. Agreed. Liam conceded as he turned and offered Xavian a hand. Xavian reluctantly took it, and was slightly
22

shocked when Liam quickly jerked him closer squeezing the appendage as he locked eyes with the Vulrana. Never come after my kin, my clan, or my people, and ye shall never have to see my eyes this close again. Liam promised with great ire. Of course. Was all the Dark Lord needed, or wanted, to say.

23

Chapter Two

2,800 Years Later Rah Family Home June, 1987 John Llue Rah strode happily to the welcome front door of his Grandfathers home. The space had been converted from an old barn that had been reconstructed into a single story living space with a huge attic. Liam enjoyed his time alone and away from the daily noise and clutter of raising children. He left that honor to his son Trevor and his daughter in law Linda. Johnny enjoyed his visits to his Grandfathers home; he would come there many nights along with his twin brother Stephen and listen to the elder recount tales of faraway worlds and the creatures that lived upon them. Such stories sparked his imagination and would put him to sleep with images of these mystical places with living dragons and other strange beings. He also enjoyed the attention he got from the strong old man; he always had a way of making the twins feel special. On this night both Johnny and Stephen had been allowed to come see their Grandpa shortly before bed time with explicit instructions to come home in a half hours time. The first to enter the old wooden place was John Llue Rah. The nine year old was a bit smaller than other boys his age, but hardy none the less. He wore his G.I JOE pajamas with a background of light blues with various characters set about the cloth. The boys hair was a short light brown, atop an innocent peach colored face set with amber hazel eyes. As he passed through the old door he held it open for his twin brother Stephen.

24

Stephen Janus Rah followed in a moment after wearing similar pajamas as his brother, his with the character He-Man with a background of blue. His hair was lighter than his brothers as was his skin tone and his eyes were a dark shade of reddish hazel. Stephen passed by his brother in a mad rush into the wide open space, going straight for Liam who was tending the fire place at the other end of the large living room. Grandpa! Stephen yelled catching the Ancient almost off guard and setting him off balance. Slow down now boy. The Salamander warned. You cant burn but your new pajamas can, and that would set your Mama right off. Liam scolded lightly holding the boy in a warm embrace. Setting the boy at arms length he noticed Johnny coming up slowly behind his brother. The Twin nodded at his energetic sibling, hearing his parents many times over the years telling Stephen to slow himself. But the other Rah son never took this advice and just kept being the energized rascal that he naturally was. Hello Johnny, come to get your story this evening I see? Liam spoke through his white beard ending the question with a smile. We only have a half hour. Johnny replied, always the informant. Mom wont notice. Stephen said looking back at his brother and rolling his eyes at the other boy. Oh yes she would, and you know it. Liam looked directly into Stephens eyes, still holding a smile about his face. Lets get comfortable shall we? The Ancient moved the twins over to a long red couch that looked very fluffy and perfect for long winded tales. The boys moved as they were directed by the elder, rushing to the couch and sitting upon both ends respectively. But before the old man could sit between

25

them Stephen got up and went for the kitchen in a mad dash. What are you doing Stevie? Liam called out to the boy as he heard him going into the refrigerator. Something to drink. The energetic lad replied. No soda! Liam barked. Gods know you dont need it. The Ancient grumbled under his breath catching a giggle and a sideways glance from Johnny. As Stephen came back to the couch with a juice box he sat on the opposite end from Johnny and started to open the plastic straw with great enthusiasm. Liam knew better than to ask the boy if he needed help, for Stephen was a very independent young man and insisted on doing everything on his own. What do you want to hear about tonight boys? The old Bacrana Empire, the Dragons of Toath, the fields of Tergal, whats your pleasure? Liam asked setting back in the couch as the boys nestled closer. Something different Grandpa, a new story. Johnny asked looking up at his Grandfather from under his right arm. Like what? Liam asked lovingly. Something dark, Im tired of stories where the good guys always win. Stephen insisted looking up from Liams left side taking in his first sips from the small yellow box. Really, you want a scary story before bed? Liam asked never surprised by the words that could come out of his Grandsons mouth. Because I know a few very scary stories. Yeah something good! But something real and not fake. Stephen said excitedly receiving rolling eyes from his twin. Well, what do you think Johnny? The old man asked looking to down to his right.

26

Tell us about the mask. Johnny asked remembering once long ago finding the leather sack that held a nasty old brown mask. When he had asked about it his Grandfather had insisted that it was a story for a later time. Yeah the mask we found last year in the attic! Stephen said hopping with excitement. I found it. Johnny corrected. Whatever, I was there too. Stephen replied shaking his head. Liam took in a gust of air and then let it out in a huff. He had wanted to recant this tale when the boys were much older but now seemed as good a time as any. Soon he would begin their training in the Elemental art of the sacred flame and they would learn of these things anyway. He knew their future would be tied to this history, and perhaps one day it would become one of their destinies. Well, alright then. Get settled in and Ill start. Liam said bringing up a pair of blankets from behind the couch and putting one over both of them. As the boys adjusted the small pillows be each arm rest behind their heads, Liam began the tale. Thousands of years ago, well before our people came to this world there was a great war in our home galaxy. A Demon by the name of Vulrintutakon had come into our realm and cast many of the Ancient Gods into the abyss. He took the advanced worlds of the galaxy one by one, creating a vast armada that would convert or kill all in their path. Soon the great Demon God had a host of worlds under his yoke, consolidating their technologies and summoning beasts of untold power from his home dimension. Entire galactic civilizations fell beneath the weight of his religion, becoming something more and something dark. And as each one took up the banner of their new Lord, Vulrintutakon grew in power for he knew
27

the truth of worship, and the reasons of why we pray and believe in beings of greater power. You see, we are creatures of intention and will power; we are a part of a collective energy that binds and threads the whole of creation. A persons view of the world, its imagination, its collective unconscious creates as much as it destroys. If a being is able to harness these intentions, it gains power and control from it. Who is to say that one mans God, is not a being from a higher realm looking down at our third dimensional comings and goings and simply playing as does a cat with a mouse? Vulrintutakon knew this truth, and set out upon our universe with intentions to be a wolf. Eventually the Gods of this realm began to take notice of this massive dark force creeping its way across the cosmos. They knew that eventually the Demon God would come knocking at their doors, and that perhaps by that time he would be too powerful for any of them to stop. So in a great haste, or a hasteful as near immortals could be, they summoned together a council unlike any that had ever been seen before. Gods and Goddesses from all over the realm came together and choose one of their own to be their champion. When the decision was handed down, it was a Warrior God by the name of Zyto chosen to do battle with Vulrintutakon. He was given the knowledge of every tome, spell, and artifact from a hundred different worlds, making him the most powerful being ever to walk among the stars within our reality. Soon Zyto left to meet with the Demon God and deliver unto him his celestial fate. Vulrintutakon did not wavier, and met him between the worlds in a fight to the death. It is said that for six days and seven nights the two Gods did battle among the stars, ruining entire worlds in the wake of their duel. Crashing into stars and casting planets into rouge orbits around galactic central point.
28

When the last blow finally came, it was the Demon God who was left standing over the beaten warrior with blade in hand. As he watched Zyto take his heaving last breaths, the Demon knelt over his body and bellowed a mighty roar. Then brought the blade down to Zytos head, and carved his living face off his very skull. From that point forward, Vulrintutakon wore the leathery thing into battle as a warning to all other Gods of the realm. 'This is what shall become of you should you not choose to flee and recognize my power.' And for several generations afterward, this warning did its master well. That mask I found was the face of a God? Johnny asked wide eyed and half hiding under his blanket. Cool! Stephen nearly shouted. It is called the Zyton, after the God from whom it was fashioned. And it holds untold power, but with it also unforgivable evil. Liam mentioned after Stephens apparent interest. Did you ever use it Grandpa? Johnny asked looking worried at the prospect. I had to once, maybe more than once. You see dear boy, it is a part of the Demon God. And only something connected to him can destroy his mortal form. Liam recanted carefully trying not to delve too deep into his connection with the ancient relic. You killed a God Grandpa? Tell us THAT story! Stephen asked shooting up in his seat after the shock of his tale had passed. Not tonight young ones. Now it is time for you to go home and get in bed. Liam ordered standing up and making his grandsons follow suit. The boys resisted, Stephen more than Johnny, but both did not want to leave. As they were herded to the front door the boys gave their Grandfather a hug and started off into the night back up to the main house. Liam watched the
29

duo cross the grass and dirt yard only thirty feet or so to their house, and tried to remember what it was like when he was that young. But time it seemed had taken those memories from him, only able to summon feelings for his elders on Bacrana. With a loving nod and a smile, Liam Rah closed the door and made ready for bed.

30

Chapter Three

The house shook as if a great gale blew outside waking Stephen Janus Rah from his deep slumber. The small dirty blond haired boy shot up out of bed hearing violent screams from the down stairs. He looked all about his shadowy room, whose only light came from shinning moonlight through a window by his bed. Stephen whipped his head over looking for his twin brother, but found that his bed was empty. Without dwelling on it and in sudden fear, the boy quickly realized that his brother had most likely gone over to his grandfathers as he sometimes did preferring to sleep there than in his own room. Stephen heard another loud crash from the first floor. This time, accompanied by what sounded like the suction of fire and wind twisting together. As he moved to his bedroom door he could hear his father yelling loudly, telling his mother to get the boys and their sisters and run. Then in what could only be described as a wet sloshing chop, he no longer heard his fathers voice. Stephen opened his bedroom door just a crack to see out into the hallway. As his left eye passed the meridian of light and spied his mother crawling up the steps. The sight of his mother appearing weak and severely hurt made his small reddish hazel eyes open wide. He watched as blood began to spread all about her midsection seeping through her pale nightgown. His mother looked up at the door noticing Stephen, at which point he could see her mouth the words run without hardly an accompanied sound. The young boy stood paralyzed in place, watching as a man in a black uniform stalked up the steps behind her. His face was very pale, with menacing eyes that looked as if they had captured lighting within each iris. The figure
31

looked down upon his mother with a troubling grin as he removed a lone dagger from its sheath at his side. He stood there for moments, taking in the victory of the event with sadistic joy. The bleeding woman whimpered as she attempted with her last pulses of life to get to her children. Stephen watched the form above his mother reach down grasping a handful of her long dark hair and wrenching her neck up. Cyclone Memnon brought up a blade before his mothers windpipe. She managed to look up at the crack in the door to her son, with one last unspoken plea for the boy to run. The figure struck at that moment, slicing across her neck, leaving a spray of blood ejecting across the open air and all over the floor. His mother's eyes rolled back in her skull as she emitted her last sounds upon this world, a horrible wet gurgle that was music to her murders ears. The young Rah boy backed away from the door slowly with his mouth agape at the horror of what he had just witnessed. His head moved back and forth as his small hands shook, unsure of what he should do. He stopped, hitting the edge of his bed, as he heard his Grandfathers voice from outside. The sound of the old man caused the murderer still in the hallway to hurry down the steps with several loud rushing thuds. Stephen ran to the window trying to see what was going on, but as he got to the clear barrier all he could spy was several beings in tight fitting black armor running or gliding into the nearby tree line in a swarm of evil. With wet eyes, the boy thought of trying to open the window for escape, but looking down realized he would not survive the fall. Reluctantly, he looked back to the bedroom door. He did not want to have to see the gruesome display held beyond the portal, but slowly he approached the once safe entrance taking every step with careful worry. Opening the door with caution he looked upon the sight of his dead mother lying in a pool of blood splatter
32

that lingered all about with dots and streaks upon the carpet. The white walls beside her stood in stark contrast to the rich red fluid now gathering below. Stephen walked bit by bit stepping around the wet floor not wanting to get any of it on his bare feet. When he had gotten around the woman, he found that he could get no further, as another man with a pale face stared at him from the bottom of the stairs. Stephen wanted to cry but the boy was in such shock that no emotion could escape his fear stricken face. He watched as the man smiled, unhurriedly approaching him bearing a dagger in his left hand, his eyes flaring with yellow hue. Stephen could do nothing but stand frozen in place beside his dead mother, completely unnerved and waiting to join her fate. The pale man approached up the stairs closer and closer stalking his prey, a deadly precision upon his mind and taking in the drama of the moment with a sick enjoyment. The Assassin brought up his blade readying it for the killing blow and letting out low blood thirsty growl. Stephen watched as the man pulled back for a thrusting strike, but was stopped instantly by a blades edge protruding from the center of his chest. The pale man looked down wide eyed at the point jutting out from his body; as blood began escape his mouth in a steady thick stream. Within a moment his body jerked upright in a spasm as yellow colored quantum energy ripped from his heart and eyes bending backwards behind him. The transference brought with it a sizzle in the air around the enclosed area as did a rush of sudden wind as if they were standing outdoors. When the mighty torrent of energy had subsided, the mans head fell forward; his eyes devoid of color and life, the smoking orbs looked down upon the steps to where it would fall. The dead man slumped forward crashing upon the staircase as his murderer retrieved the blade to hold it at his own side.
33

Stephen barely managed to bring his eyes up at his savior after the dead man toppled to the floor atop his mothers motionless legs. When he gazed wide eyed upon the apparent hero, he was stunned to find that the man was also bearing the same black uniform as did the men who had been killing his family. He was tall and his face was nowhere as pale as the other men, his hair was long and brown and tied back into a ponytail. His face was chiseled with a well set jaw and a strong brow that sat atop glowing orange eyes staring back at the youngling with a strength Stephen had never before seen. Are you hurt? The man asked quietly before looking over his shoulder and down the stairs to his back. Stephen could do nothing but shake his head, still paralyzed from recent events. He did not know what to think or what to do; he was truly lost for the first time in his young life. The child remained motionless as the man climbed closer. Come. The man said grabbing the young boy and hastily running down the staircase. As they got to the lower floor Stephen could not help but take notice of his Father spread across the living room in several pieces. His fathers once mighty and proud form dismembered, what was left of his chest still smoking. He didnt take his eyes from the sight of it for some reason unknown to him, and watched in horror as they passed the kitchen where his older sisters had apparently been violently slain as well. The girls propped up over the dining room table with thick slices of meat taken from across their necks. Blood seemed to be the color of the night, and both his sisters were dressed for the occasion in their own dark fluids. The man carried Stephen out into the night keeping to the shadows as they did, running straight for the forest beyond in the opposite direction where the others had fled moments before. Stephen watched from over the mans shoulder as his home grew further and further away before
34

being completely hidden by the foliage of the thick wood. He remembered in that moment never to feel safe no matter where he was, or who he was with. Valkira Surface Camp The next morning Know that if I could have warned your family of their impending doom I would have done so. The man stated looking out at the rising sun, his strong arms held behind his back at the hands. He stood atop a large flat area high above the trees of a mountain range. Around him were several tents surrounding what looked like an open chow hall. From the looks of the surroundings the place was very remote and far from anything civilized. Not even a road led to the camp which gave credence to the idea that this was a very solitary place. But I do not believe my warning would have been met with open arms even if I had been able to do so. Your Grandfather would have most likely killed me on sight, and I would not have blamed him for doing so. The man continued finally turning to Stephen who crouched immobile next to a large boulder behind them. The boy couldnt bring his eyes to look at the man, as images of the night before still kept him in a constant state of shock. I too lost my family in a brutal way, having to endure their deaths while being trained by the ones who had murdered them. I understand your frustration and feeling of loss at the moment, but I promise you these things will pass. The man continued as he walked up to Stephen, kneeling down to meet the scared young boy at eye level. And I can teach you how to avenge their memory. Stephen looked up at the man for the first time since the night before, and for the first time he could feel tears forming within his orbs, the warm liquid running down the
35

sides of his cold cheeks. It took the boy several moments to form sound from his throat, but as he did those sounds formed into questioning words. Wheres my brother? Stephen asked through saliva thick lips. Everyone in your family is dead. I got the report not long ago from Valkira Prime itself. There were no survivors, save you. And no one knows you are here. The man replied morbidly not withholding a single piece of known information from the child. Who are you? Stephen asked as he began to lightly sob. My name is Valtor TZan; I am a Surfacelord within the Valkirium. He responded looking over the boys face with concern. If youre a bad guy, then why did you save me? Stephen asked still unsure of his safety. Valtor arose and walked back to the edge of the camp overlooking the forest below. He placed his hands back behind him again forming his thoughts so that the child could at least somewhat understand his intentions. There are some of us within the Valkirium who do not agree with the current religious philosophy of our people. We find that to embrace the same belief that caused the downfall of our common ancestors, will have the same effect when our Demon God arrives on Earth. The Valkira people need to be free of this evil as does our cousins the Bacrana. And as fable tells us, this can only be accomplished by a child of the Dragonfyre line. As you are the last son of Rah, this task now falls to you. Valtor turned back to the young boy now entranced by his words and continued forward coming to stand before him, looking down at the frightened child as he walked. What is your name? The Valkira Surfacelord asked folding his hands behind his back once again.

36

Stephen Rah. The boy replied looking up at the tall man. Your full name. Valtor reiterated. Stephen Janus Rah. The child complied with the older mans request. From this point forward you are to abandon the name of Rah. This will only serve to make you a target of certain death and an enemy of countless numbers. You will now be called Stephen Janus. Do you understand? Valtor asked reaching down and offering the boy a hand to help him rise. Yes sir. Stephen obeyed allowing Valtor to help him to his feet. He walked with Valtor TZan to the outcrop overlooking the open green valley below. I can promise you this Stephen Janus; I will teach you to turn your fear into a mighty weapon. To take from the horror of your familys demise which images are surly burned within your fragile mind, and use them to build up within you a mighty force of power that will strike terror into all those who oppose you. I will shape you into a slayer of Gods, and to fulfill your birthright. I will give you the knowledge and training you will need to take vengeance upon all those who deserve it free from mercy, pity or fear. This is my oath and promise to you Stephen Janus. All you but need to do is swear to be my apprentice, and follow my every command and every word. Valtor looked down at the boy beside him awaiting the response of his offer. Yes sir, I will obey you. I just want one thing. Stephen requested as his face moved from sorrow to something more sinister. What would that be young Salamander? Valtor asked still looking down at the boy. Revenge. Stephen said flatly as his the tears in his eyes evaporated with the coming of crimson light.

37

That my boy, I promise in abundance. Valtor assured placing his arm around the small lad and looking back out at the dawning sun. Four Years Later Stephen Janus fended off a wide arcing blow to his left by Valtors sword with his own. The crash of metal causing sparks to fly between the blades before they separated. Stephen, now thirteen, and well build from years of constant training, backed off a few steps waiting for his Masters next thrust. His trained eyes watching every twitch of muscle from the larger man knowing from years of work what to look for in a coming advance. A Valkira does not fear death! Valtor exclaimed coming in at Stephens right side with an over hand chop. The Apprentice blocked out with a tight arc and fled to his left but staying within the training circle carved out within the dirt. He kept his eyes steady upon his Master knowing that at any time the man could overtake him as he had done many times before. A Valkira knows when to force his way through the pain, he embraces rage as his ally and strikes with terror at the heart of fear! Valtor came round with several forward thrusts forcing his apprentice to dance around his blade in a fluid motion before being sliced across his ribs. The stings of it making Stephen lower his guard to protect the wound but staying attentive and alert to Valtors position. Allow the pain to quicken your senses my young apprentice. For it is in those times that the test of a true warrior is made. Valtor taught watching his words hit home. Stephen abandoned protecting the wound and came to a frontal stance, a crazed look of aggression upon his young face.

38

Three more years later Stephens hands were held out before him spraying a concentrated stream of fire up a downhill slope. His target was a large tan boulder rolling slowly down to where he stood, the mass of the giant rock being pushed down by gravity. Stephen stayed in place gritting his teeth with wild flaring eyes. The fire elementals muscles contracting instinctively while pushing out with every last effort from his straining elemental heart. You must push yourself past the limits of your hearts power. It is like a muscle that needs to be strengthened and toned. The more you strain this muscle, the larger it will grow! Valtor informed walking round the hurting young man, his arms held behind his own back in his usual instructive pose. He watched as the rock crept closer down the steep slope threatening to roll over his apprentice. But Valtor would not assist, Stephen must learn his lessons or be hurt upon the failure of it. This was the Valkira way. Remember your family Stephen! Remember their slaughter, your anguish, the sight of your mother crawling helplessly to save you before she was cut down like an animal for slaughter! Valtor cried out to the boy watching him become revitalized with the memory of his fallen clan. The horrible pain of everything he had witnessed vaulted to the forefront of his mind. Stephen Janus Rah emitted a war cry that resounded all of the agony within his elemental heart. His gaping maw flew free with spittle as his eyes began to show evaporating tears from the sides of his crimson bright eyes. With renewed energy the Salamander pushed out with a larger stream of what looked like liquid fire not only pushing the boulder back up the hill but turning the large thing red with molten heat. Soon after, Stephens power cracked the stone apart into several large exploding fragments that rolled
39

down the remainder of the slope, coming to a hault as they passed harmlessly round the two warriors. The Salamander ceased his assault soon after the explosion, falling on all fours and taking in deep breaths in an attempt to calm his exasperated heart and eyes still aglow with elemental power. As he did this, he could barely sense his Master walking up beside him, a look of pride upon his chiseled face. In the end my boy, we are just the sum of all our experiences. We are creatures of our past, and make believe that we march forward into the future so we can rewrite our own histories. But it is precisely the pain of our personal failures that drives us to overcome our enemys strengths. Ten Years after the death of Liam Rah Stephen knelt before his master wearing the black robes of a Valkira Warlord. His features matched his bother Johns somewhat but surely not entirely the same. His hair was long and dark brown almost covering his reddish hazel eyes, at the left side of his face was a long scar from near his eye to down over his cheek. The light from a nearby campfire danced about the shadows of his frame and gave him an ominous presence in the black of night. With pursed lips he recited the oath to the Valkirium, every word hammered into his head over years of service to his Surfacelord master. When he was finished, Valtor presented himself before the newly ordained Valkira Warlord. For ten years I have taken you under my wing. Your promise to me had never wavered, and in return I have fulfilled my promise to train you, and mold from your despair the finest example of a Valkira I have ever seen. Now comes the second part of your training my apprentice. Soon we shall descend into Valkira Prime itself, where

40

your initiation into the Valkirium shall be cemented. Valtor commanded nodding his head in approval. I welcome any challenge milord, and with great anticipation shall strike down any who stand in my way to ascension. The Valkira Warlord Stephen Janus accepted looking up into his masters eyes with eyes of crimson, and a heart of fire. I know you will my young apprentice. But beware, the Valkira below will hate you. Because you are of the surface born, and because you are a salamander they will both fear and hate you. The road before you is not without mortal danger. But I am sure of your prowess, your powers, and your elemental heart, and know that whatever challenges are presented before you, you shall overcome them. Rise my apprentice, and surrogate son, from this day fourth, you are a Valkira Surfacelord. And I can nigh remember being more proud of a young warrior, as I am of you.

41

Chapter Four

Seaside Maryland 3 Days after the death of Anton Torel Joseph Force stared out of the open back doorway at the beach house in the early hours of morning holding a hot cup of coffee. His brown eyes looking over the three tents that had been erected in his back yard the night before, wondering what the implications of the familys new visitors might be. In just less than a month after moving to Seaside, he and his brothers had managed not only to use their powers in public but also to have a full on fight with a surface clan of Valkira Elementals. The city was still in a state of martial law under the National Guards protection, even as new police officers poured into the resort town from all over Maryland. Joseph had to make some calls in the last few days that he had never wanted to make. Some of them had put his orphan brothers in grave danger and that bothered him greatly. Their surrogate mother and Priestess of the Goddess Luna Elainia had entrusted Joseph with looking after the group because she relied heavily on his unwavering common sense and safe protective nature. Though he felt that her belief in him was valid, he questioned himself as a leader for the band of young Elementals. Joseph was very careful about everything, and in situations where events called for warfare, he was unsure of himself in every measure. Soon after sipping the first taste of the morning brew in his hand, a familiar voice softly greeted him from the other side of the kitchen. Good morning brother. Robert Hamlin spoke in his British accent, still a bit groggy from his nights slumber. The tall young man stepped over to the long
42

counter at the far side of the kitchen. He meandered slightly unbalanced showing his need for morning refreshments in earnest. Morning Robert, sleep well? Joseph asked his eyes unmoving from out of the back door as the sky was beginning to gray. As well as can be expected in such troubling times. Robert replied removing a blue cup from the cupboard above the counter top, glancing over at his troubled older brother. Have you managed to get any sleep at all? Robert asked turning back to prepare his morning elixir. Enough, I still dont like the idea of being so exposed. Did Mathew take care of getting the last of the girls to the proper authorities? Joseph pondered still staring out into the yard. His mind had been stuck on a swoon of implications in as far as their new visitors. I believe so. The only mortals still under our roof are Samantha and Rebecca. Robert said pouring his drink from the coffee pot into his blue cup on the counter top, the steam tickling his nose just a bit. Well need to figure out that situation soon as well. Joseph replied waiting for the occupants inside the makeshift homes outside to stir. Well its not like anyone is looking for them. Both of their families are dead; as if we dont know the feeling being orphans ourselves. Robert replied giving his opinion on the matter and coming over to stand beside Joseph. And I dont see the problem in adding a few more bodies to our growing clan. Ill concern myself with debating you on that point later. For now I have our visitors to occupy my mind. Joseph stated still unable to move his eyes from the tents outside. Well as far at this Lightmare is concerned, aside from having a mildly terrifying name he has shown no
43

aggression since his arrival. If his claim to know our mother shows itself to be true, we may find him to be a valuable ally and resource for that matter. I personally look forward to finding out what he has to say. Robert opinionated, shifting his glasses with his free hand before taking a sip of his coffee. Thats the only thing about you that scares me Robert. Youre always more interested in expanding your knowledge rather than how you garner it. Joseph said turning his head and looking into his brothers eyes to accentuate the point. My dear brother, knowledge is power. Robert added mater of factly. Be careful how you gain such power. Joseph warned. John Llue Rah kissed the lightly freckled face of his lover sleeping beside him. He looked over her defined features and highlighted dirty blond hair with an affection he had never felt before. The light breathing of his lover laying on her side and hugging the pillow under her head was the most beautiful music ever to find its way into his ears. He looked over the light blue spaghetti strapped shirt she had worn to bed as it hung over her ribs and large breasts like a barrier between his hands and her sensual body. The young man could not help but smile at every part of her, all in the knowing that soon he would look into her beautiful blue eyes and see the light shining back from them. All he could ever want in life was held within those blue orbs lightly surrounded by a thin line of black mascara, held in place by those wonderful sharp features of her face. Again he kissed her lightly on her freckled forehead, taking extra care to sample the oils of her skin. The young woman began to stir and then opened her eyes looking up at her lover. Slowly a crooked smile began to appear on her face as she stretched up her arms pushing her
44

marvelous breasts forward. When she had finished the stretch, she again looked back at Johnny with her patented smile and gleaming eyes. Good morning baby. Samantha Jennifer Lee greeted with a mischievous grin. Good morning baby girl. Johnny replied smiling from ear to ear. Youre not allowed to touch me this morning. Samantha ordered bunching up her lips as if she had just eaten a piece of lemon. Really? Why not kitten? Johnny asked unable to stop from looking as happy as he had ever been. Because you hurt her last night, and you need to give her a rest. Samantha played using the cutest voice she could muster followed by expressions just as juvenile and playful as possible. Oh Im sorry baby its just hard not to please you. Youre the most beautiful thing in the entire world. Johnny replied trying to match her playfulness with his own. Well you need to back off mister! Samantha ordered wiggling out of the bed and going for a towel hanging on a hook at the door. Your baby girl needs a shower. Need help washing your back? Johnny asked intending just to get a reaction out of the cute blond. No! Daddy can wash his own back today. The girl said walking out of the room in just her shirt and a pair of blue panties that did nothing to cover the beautiful curves of her backside. Johnny watched as the girl left taking in every shape of her from her hips down to sexy curved legs, all the way down to her long feet. How he was so in lust with the girl as he was in love with her, and never before in his life had he been so blessed as to have such a wonderful woman to call his own. He knew he would never find her equal,
45

and never planned to do so. She was the Goddess Venus in mortal form upon this Earth, and he was as a devout worshipper to her with every fiber of his being. As the door closed behind the sexy teen, Johnny stood up out of bed and gave himself a stretch. His muscular arms reached up as high as they could, stretching every bump and curve over his back. He had noticed that since taking the heart of Anton Torel just a few says before, his body had developed some slight changes. The toughness of his skin had hardened, his chest, back, arms and legs had slightly grown muscularly in size. It had how however seemed to accentuate his stomach, giving him a six pack the young man didnt remember having a week before. He looked over himself, clad in only a pair of blue boxers, flexing his more muscular legs with a smile. Johnny never considered himself conceded in any way, leaving that trait to his brother Mathew. But he had to admit silently to himself, that these new physical traits were quite appealing and welcomed ones. With a nod at the sight of it, he looked up at the gray morning sky outside. A slight huff left his lips; he brought up his hands and mentally commanded them to come alive with an aura of fire. He looked over them as the flames hugged his skin, and then played with the energy tossing small flairs of the stuff from palm to palm. I love being an Elemental. He nodded in approval. Rebecca Green shot up out of bed covered in a thick layer of sweat that glistened off of her face and chest. Her brown eyes as open as they could strain to be and looking about the room as if searching for any reminisce of her nightmare. It took the girl several moments to realize that she was in Mathew Hunters bedroom, with the boy sleeping on the floor beside the bed upon a camping bag.
46

The young woman rocked back and forth, tucking her dark hair behind her ears with thin white fingers and bringing her short curvy legs up about her T-shirt covered breasts. She wrapped her arms about her knees, breathing heavily and going over the images that stayed trapped within her waking mind. Images of Dirichter Vear, and the terrible violations he had subjected her to several times less than a week before. There had been no escape from those events. Even the small comfort of beating him to death held no real solace for the young woman. He had taken more than her flesh in those few weeks; he had taken every sense of personal security she had ever felt. After several moments of those violations going over and over again in her mind Rebecca began to weep quietly. The girl tucked her head in-between her knees as she continued to rock herself uncontrollably. As the crying continued to grow louder, motion stirred from the floor beside the bed. Mathew sat up still in a morning haze. But as his brown eyes began to match up with what his waking ears had heard, his senses snapped into awareness. The shirtless young man reached up and put a muscled arm about the bed reaching for Rebeccas leg for reassurance. But as the young woman felt the contact, she jumped slightly away from his touch hysterically. Becca calm down its just me. Mathew said removing his hand quickly and backing away just a bit. Rebecca stopped moving by the other edge of the bed still curled up, looking back at the young man almost confused. Her mind started to calm, her bloodshot wet eyes looking back at Mathew as if she were still within a nightmare. But as she recognized her childhood friend, her wet maw mouthed the words Im sorry back to him. Mathew shook his head and climbed slowly up onto the bed beside her, wrapping his arms about the girl as she leaned into his tight chest. He let her continue to cry,
47

cradling his once boisterous and energetic friend as if she were the only thing that mattered to him. And since Dirichter Vear, she was the most important thing to him. Youre safe sweetheart. No one is going to get you here, I promise. Mathew tried to sooth his frightened friend as much as he could. He knew Carl would have been here to do this, but after the events of the past week his parents had forced him to quickly move without any warning. So without her old love interest to be there for her, Mathew had taken it upon himself to look after his old friend. He preferred it this way after all. There was a deep seeded level of guilt within him about not being able to save her as he had done once before very long ago. I can still see him in my dreams. Rebecca sobbed clutching onto the white sheets she held between her hands, her head resting on the warmth of Mathews bare chest. I can still feel him all over me. Hes dead Becca, we killed him. Theres nothing to be scared of anymore. Mathew tried to consul the young woman. We got him. Then why does it feel like hes going to come back? She asked. I dont think I could deal with that again Matt, I just couldnt. I would just die. As the clouds over head began to stir awakening with sounds of thunder shooting across the sky, Dirichter Vear sat hunched under a tree overlooking a cliff nearby. The beaten and insulted Valkira Warlord still showed the marks upon his head handed to him by the mortal girl Rebecca Green just a few days before. His thick long black hair was matted and uncombed about his head from days on end of lack of care. The stubble on his face began to grow dark around his pointed go tee hiding the thin line of his jaw. His days upon the open surface had also begun to do away with the natural pale features of his face leaving him with a strange red tan that looked unfitting for a Valkira of his
48

rank. But all of this mattered little to the evil man, for his uncle and master Anton Torel had been slain and their lair lay to utter ruin. Eddie Howard walked up to the crouching lord with an offering of warm food he had gathered from a nearby dinner. The tall dark haired boys offer was summarily rejected by the Valkira with the wave of an uninterested hand. Eddie stepped away from his master, walking back to stand next to his fellow apprentice Drake Nolen. Drake had also let his features fall into disarray as his once thin line of a beard had now begun to grow into a full on mane. The five foot nine dark reddish haired man scanned the ocean with his brown eyes as a twisted frown made its way across his rugged face. The ill-tempered twenty three year old had grown even more so after the fall of his once proud little troupe. He could not help but think of revenge every time a chill of wind passed through his damp clothes. I fear for our masters mental state, he still wont take any food. All he does is talk to himself and look over that damn ugly mask. Eddie said looking over the Styrofoam container holding the meal he had brought from the dinner. Hes considering how we should take revenge on those piss ants that slew our master. Drake spat through clenched teeth. Those boys ransacked out hideout, incapacitated us, beat Dirichter into a bloody pulp, freed our slaves and killed a Valkira Ancient. Id say thats pretty impressive for a group of piss ants. Eddie begrudgingly conveyed that which was the truth. More so to buck Drakes faltered ego. Then perhaps you should go join their ranks Eddie, if youre so impressed with them. Drake frowned turning to his friend with rage filled eyes. I think we need to gather reinforcements before trying to kill them again. Eddie explained his opinion
49

feeling as though he was the only sane person with a working brain at the moment. Anton thought we needed to divide and conquer. I think that may be the way to go now. Drake replied impatiently turning and marching up to Dirichter. Master. Drake said aloud to the out of touch Valkira Warlord. When his word was met with silence the Fire Elemental said it out loud again. This time Dirichter slowly looked up at his apprentice as Eddie also walked up to stand before the crouched lord. We need to formulate a strategy milord. The Bacrana must pay for this insult! Drake continued ready to attack anything at a moments notice. Revenge youngling is something that must take its own course. We must not force this issue, but plan for it. Let the fools relax first and believe they are safe before we put any plan into action. The first thing we must do now is find a place to mend out wounds. Dirichter spoke as if on the fly, which was not in his nature. His apprentices had never seen their master so disorganized before. The sight of it was unbecoming of his former self. Then where must we go milord? Drake asked reluctantly taken heed to the pitiful Valkiras words. I know of a surface camp not a day from here. We shall begin the journey within the hour. Prepare our things for transport. Dirichter replied instantly going back to tracing the lines of the putrid looking mask in his lap, his mind leaving this world as it seemed for another. Both Eddie and Drake looked about the area for what their master might consider things to pack. Nothing had survived the cave in of their old hideout, so the two Valkira apprentices looked back to one another confused and shrugged their respective shoulders. Pack what? Eddie asked his fellow apprentice.

50