Aeacus paced the edge of the ship. It has been three days and two nights since the night at the inn. Jacks ship was ready with cannons and his men ready with swords. Some were on the ground before the ship and there was a plank from the ground to the ship is they had to make a hasty retreat to the ship. Stephen was underneath she ship, getting his medical supplies, herbs, and spells ready. Jack stook at the wheel of the ship, waiting. All was silent. While Aeacus was pacing the edge she noticed a pirate leaning on his sword, not paying attention. Aeacus jumped before his, startling him. He jumped backwards into another pirate who fell over. When the lazy pirate stood up Aeacus was glaring at him. What if my jump was an enemies? You would be dead and so would he. Maybe a couple others because of your laziness. Stand tall and pay attention. Never expect an easy battle. Aeacus walked away and jumped back onto the edge. She looked out over the hills of Pirates Cove waiting to see a black shape of Demus flying or running over to Pirates Cove, probably having an army of evil men following him. Aeacus paced keeping a carefull eye open.

Jack stood by the wheel, not know what to expect. He never met this Demus and didn't now much about him. But Aeacus trusted him and that was enough for him. It was hard to get Aeacus's trust and anybody who did is a respectfull sort. Jack looked at one of the cabin boys at his side. Go down to the lower level and make sure no one is asleep. If they are sleeping, slap them and get their name so they can be flagged later. The boy ran off and down the steps. Jack looked at Aeacus, pacing the edge of the ship. He noted her face. She was firm on the outside, tough, and respected. But on the inside she was a mental wreck and very fragile. Her eyes told all. Jack sighed and looked out at the hills again. It was early dawn, and the dew was just melting.

Adsero sat along the coast, far away as she could from the water, and waited for Aeacus. Whe she saw Jack's ship approach, she stood. "Why did I come here? This is some plot to toss me in the ocean, isn't it? And where is Demus? Getting ready to grab me and toss me in? And look, you brought pirates along to enjoy the specticle. Hope I burn nicely for you. Hate to have you come out here for nothing." She rubbed a burn on her arm and looked at the ocean. "This Jack Stormbreaker?"

Aeacus sighed and flew to Adsero, it seemed as though Aeacus was standing on ground that wasn't here. 'ello Adsero. No, this is not some plot to toss you into the ocean. Honestly, I don't know where Demus is but he wanted us to be here. I'm guessing he's going to bring some people who are soon going to die. He needs our help and were going to help him. Aeacus flew back a bit and pointed towards the ship and all the pirates. This is my family, or anything really close to my family. Yes, this is Jack Stormbreaker. Jack nodded and smiled.

Adsero looked at Jack and nodded, Then what aeacus said struck her. "He didn't start another war, did he?! Let me guess, he lost his tamper at another person and now they're pissed. Well, who are we fighting? Or do you not know?" She sat behind the sand wall she had made between her and the ocean and built it up better, wincing when water splashed on her hand.

Aeacus landed behind Adsero. I don't quite know, it's something of Demus's past, pain and life story and I have no right to try and tell it. All I know is to prepare for the worst. Aeacus turned towards the hills and rubbed her neck. It had healed a bit, but it still had a few bruises left. She wished that Demus would come a bit earlier then the men their going to fight. Aeacus wanted to talk to him, ask him a question or two, one very important.

Demus and Xylia approached on the flaming steed, and Demus was delighted to see his other freinds, especially Adsero, he had hoped she would come , if nothing else so she could see this horse, he knew she would enjoy it...he wondered to himself what they would do with the horse, should they take it onboard? Or was there somewhere it stayed when Xylia was not in need of its assistance...it was trivial, as he knew Xylia was too close with the horse to not have such things planned out before hand.Demus smiled even wider as he saw the female with the wings that were so similer to his own, and felt immediatly that things would be fine, these people that had arrived, or had come with the ship, were relatively small in number, but their power was in their abilities, they were all skilled warriors, and individualy traind by ife, the creatures that would soon arrive would have likely been trained in massive groups, which would give them the knowledge of combat, but neither the experience of it, nor the actual ability to do well at it, one must learn things that suit them, not a large army to be truely feirce in combat, there are simply too many things that cannot be tought on a one to one thousand ratio, true warriors have either tought themselves, or been an apprentence to another warrior.As Demus had been thinking of these things , he had not noticed how near they had gotten to the ship.Demus looked up from his glazed over gaze into the waters where his mind had slipped intom thoughts of combat, and war even...Ahoy!Aeacus, i have arrived, and i have brought something im sure you will enjoy Adsero!Come all who are nor needed on the ship and let us speak for a moment, there are somethings that must be discussed!Demus turned and looked at Xylia and smiled as he pulled one leg across and slid off the horse with care not to allow any of his equipment to injure the flamming horse.He extended a hand to Xylia to help her from the hrses back, knowing she could manage on her own, it just seemed the right thing to do, the horse had seemed to have turned the sand below into bits of glass as it stood on it, its heat not noticeable by Demus.He spoke quietly to Xylia as he held his hand out,Plesae warn the horse of Adsero, she ids the female theif, she is kind, although a bit mischeivious, she may not be able to keep herself from touching the horse, but i asure you she will not harm it, but i do not wish the magnificent creature to be startled.Demus smiled in away he rarely did, it was not to mock another, nor to confuse or strike fear into another, he was simply happy at this time, but he knew that he would soon be enjoying a different happiness, the one he derived from the pure rush of combat, but he did feel that this might be different, as there would be so many he cared for in this battle,it then crashed though his mind that him asking them to help may have been wrong, he did not need to endanger them...the smile dropped from his face, a bit of it remaining as he waited for Xylia to take his hand and step down from the horse.

Xylia placed her hand gently into his outstretched palm. She slid of the horse and landed lightly on her feet. She then released his hand and walked to the front of Pyralis. She then whispered a few soft words into his ear, "Eçlionraôm Firxêalnao æelonor, tyôloakçolanar dekloandar. Elanor ôlopanor ôalonar, nestaro."

Pyralis neighed softly, and then the bright flames from its body dimmed. Xylia knew that Pyralis did not enjoy the large crowds, but he also knew that these were special circumstances. Xylia kissed Pyralis softly on his muzzle and then walked to Demus's side.

A light wind started to pick up and Xylia's scarlet dress flowed around her. It was on of her dresses meant for battle, there were slits on either side cut quite high up her leg, meant to enable more movement. Xylia knew that many armies had very stupid soldiers, as she moved the dancing of her skirts made her a harder target. Her long dark curls were pinned up and a few ringlets fell around her face. She knew she needed her hair out of the way.

After Xylia walked to Demus's side, she said softly, "Pyralis understands."

She looked curiously out at the ship on the water. The ship reminded her of her father and all of the trips they had taken. She pushed these thoughts from her mind; she needed a clear head if those dark creatures were to come back.

"The one creature, I do not know his name, did not seem a part of the dark beings party. It seemed as if he was hired out, searching for me, and being paid for it. I wish I knew what this Dark Lord wanted with me. I also wish I knew why this other creature seeks Demus. So many unanswered questions," Xylia thought to herself.

Xylia looked up at Demus's face, she could see a look of contentment. She smiled softly, she knew he was happy to see his old friends. She hoped that these people would accept her. She knew many people were frightened of or disliked gypsies. As she thought this her hand subconsciously went to on of her pointed ears. She ran her finger along the outer edge along the black studs.

"Though I am even more than a gypsy now.... I do not know what I am...."

Xylia took one step closer to Demus's side, suddenly, well not shy. Xylia never was shy. She wasn't frightened either, if Demus trusted them, she trusted as well. Xylia was worried they would dislike her.

(OOC: Is there a specific order were posting in, or is it whoever, whenever?)

Aeacus smiled as Demus and a gypsy came on a beautifull fire horse. Aeacus jumped down in front of Demus and the gypsy, nodding at the gypsy. Aeacus remembered her from the inn. Welcome. I'm glad you made it alive and unharmed. May we go on the ship and talk? I'll introduce you to everybody. Aeacus smiled and walked toward the ship.
When they entered the ship, the top was filled with Pirates, awaiting command. Aeacus motioned for Jack to follow. Aeacus walked down the steps and all the pirates parted for thier way. They went down some steps and into the second level. Some small boys and pirates were there. Aeacus turned and entered the last room which opened up to the planning quarters. There was a long table, maps and chairs. Aeacus guided them in and they all sat down. Jack was at one end of the table, Aeacus to his right, Stephen the physician and healer at her side, Demus at the other end, the gypsy by him, and an commanding officer in the chair opposite Aeacus, next to the gypsy. Adsero was in the corner of the table between the commander and Jack. Aeacus stood. You all know me. I'm Aeacus. This is Captain Jack, Captain of this ship. This is Stephen, the physician and the healer of this ship, and this is Commander Durus, who will command the Pirates. Aeacus pointed out each person as she said their name. And who is this you brought with you Demus? And what exactly are we getting into? Aeacus remembered her but didn't know her name. Aeacus sat back down, awaiting Demus's reply.

Adsero went up to the horse. She looked at the fire surrounding his body. "He's wonderous." Her eyes adapeted a red/orange color atop her brown and her body burned with a faint fire about her body. The she relased it and her eyes turned back to brown. She looked at the ship. "On..the ship? Your sure?" SHe looked at the sea around it and shut her eyes to block out the view. Listening hard she found her way among the others to the room they were meeting in and didn't open her eyes till the water was out of site. She looked at the others in the cabin as Aeacus mentioned them. "Lo." She turned to the gypsy. "I'm Adsero. I'll try not to steal anything during this but you might want to hold fast to your belongings." She smiled. She was probably too trusting for her own good but she figured a friend of demus was a friend of her.

Xylia looked at the woman addressing her. She smiled and responded, "I am very pleased to meet you Adsero. I am Xylia, and the Fire Steed you have just met is called Pyralis." Xylia laughed softly and then continued to speak once more, "I thank you for the warning."

After Xylia had finished speaking Xylia's gazed darted to Demus. She did not know why they had come to this ship. She felt out with her aura and could not feel any of the dark beings. They had not found her, yet. Demus still did not tell her of the visions he had spoke of.

"The Elders told me I must find him and I have. They told me I must give him the sword and put my total faith in him, and I have. I would trust Demus with my life even if The Elders did not tell me to trust him completely. There is something about him, I cannot explain it. I wonder what is going to happen next, I have foreseen nothing."

Xylia then directed her gaze to the woman who had spoken first. She recognized her from The Elfsong Tavern. Xylia wondered why she didn't just ask her, who she was.

Xylia's looked down at her tattooed arm. Only half of the swirling and twisting tattoo could be seen. She wore red gloves that came half way between her elbow and her wrist. Her dress was sleeveless but from her waist up her dress consisted of a corset made of red leather and it came very high up on her neck. It definitely was a combat dress. The leather provided extra protection for her abdomen area.

Xylia brushed a few rogue curls away from her eyes and waited to see what Demus would tell them.

Jack sat in respectfull silence, taking in all the new people. He nodded and smiled when Aeacus called his name. Jack still didn't know what was going on, but now knew who this Demus character was. For some reason, Demus just didn't seem trustfull to Jack, but Aeacus trusted him and he was going to try. If he could pursuade Aeacus to bring her, what she calls, family (all the pirates) out for a war then he needs to be respected. Jack looked around the table at all the many different characterrs. The one, apperently a gypsy, was clothed for battle, Demus seemed very strong and a very well fighter from what he heard, but he only had Aeacus's word. The little kleptomatic on his right didn't look as if she could fight, but had a lot of fire spells. Jack sat back in his chair, awaiting an explanation or something to go wrong.

Adsero had her feet tucked in and her arms around her knees on the chair(i tried it. it is possible) Her head looked around but her mind tokk in little of the surroundings. "We won't..fight...on this ship...right?" Please don't sink. Please don't sink! She looked at Jack. "It won't sink, will it?"

Jack looked at the stranger, named Adsero from what he heard. This boat has never sunk in all the battles she has been in, and will not sink now. There was full confidence in his voice. Aeacus was nodding her head, having been on the ship for a long time. Jack gave her a gentle squeeze on the shoulder, let go, and sat back in his chair.

Stephen sat in silence studying everybody. He wasn't a man to judge, or put his faith into. He had been Jack's friend for over 20 years and Aeacus's friend for past 9 years. Aeacus didn't explain very clearly the bruises on her neck, just said she that someone attempted to rob her. Stephen knew she was tough, having treated her from almost fatal wounds. A stab in the side, an arrow through her leg, a near hanging. She actually did die once, but only for a second and he brought her back. Aeacus was more alert and more skilled now, then back then. Stephen looked from Jack to Aeacus then back to the one she called Demus awaiting something.

Demus smiled slightly , not wanting to show how happy he was to be with his people, he considered them almost a family, but knew they would have to grow to trust each other as much as he trusted each of them, before the bonds between them all would be instilled.As every one finished speaking, he sat up in his seat, and wondered if he should stand, and nearly chose not to, as this ship was Jacks, and not his own, he knew from his time as a pirate, and a captain of a ship, that this might insult jack if he did stand and adress the group in that way.He looked to Jack, who nodded as if he knew exactly what Demus was thinking on, and was okay with the idea.Demus decided that it would be fine, so he stood, and looked to Xylia, and then to the people , so many at the table, and spoke,This is Xylia, there will be time later for introductions of the more intimate maner, and we can then talk of our pasts if we wish to, I am here because there is something wrong in theland of Imythess at this time...it appears that there are creatures of an obcene evilness after myself and Xylia, they will no doubt continue to racvage the lands should they aquire us , I beleive it to be in all of ours best interests if we deal with them now, and here, on this ship, we have the added protection of the ship, as well as the cannons , they are of a flying sort, as well as ground dwellers, it would be a advantage for use to use the ship as a place of battle, as they do not seem overly powerfull, and are a bit stupid in fact, we will destroy them with ease from here, and if we cannot, then we can take to the sea for shelter from the mas of thir army, I would like to hear every one at this tables oppinion of this suguestion, i will be telling you what i know as i begin to understand it...i beleive these creatures are a small part of an army that plagued this land long ago,once again resurected to attempt to finish their job that they failed at so long ago...Demus' head lowered slightly, and looked at the ground as he finished, but then looked back up at them , and spoke again,These creatures are not inteligent, but they are fierce, and they crave blood,our blood, they will not simply atack, they will try to kill us all, but they will not succede, we will defeat them, and we will triumph over their leaders as well.As for their leaders , i was planning on taking prisones, and attempting to find where their leaders reside, and we could lead an assault on thier place of stay, so that we might destroy them as they have tried to do so to us.Any who wish not to partake in this battle, i suguest you leave now, and not return, i do not fight along side cowards.Demus stayed standing, and waited for any responses.

Aeacus looked around the table and promptly stood up. I wish to fight aside you in battle. I have fought with you before, and believe all that you say. We will triumph. Aeacus looked around standing and then looked at Demus and smiled. I am not a coward.

Jack looked from Demus, to Aeacus, and to Commander Durus who nodded. The commander and Jack both stood. Jack looked hard at Demus. I do not know you. I do not know your way in battle, your alignment or what you have done. But Aeacus trust and respects you and that is all I need. I shall fight as long as there is a breath in my body. I am not a coward. The commander nodded and they all remained standing. Jack's eyes met with Aeacus's. Her eyes were bright yellow. He hoped against all odds that those eyes would stay there shiny yellow after this war, and not turn to a dark, lonly gray.

Stephen looked at all who were standing up. He sighed, rolled his eyes and stood up. I am not one to fight. I will not fight unless this ship is overrun. But I will heal and take care of the wounded. I think you all are foolish to par-take in these silly wars. But I am not one to judge and not one to care. I shall heal and fight when forced to and that is all. Stephen shifted his feet and crossed his arms, looking at Aeacus who was staring at him. She just smiled and shook her head. Stephen glared at her but remained standing.

Xylia looked up at Demus, gazing at him with her green piercing eyes. She listened to the words he spoke.

After everyone else had finished speaking she said, "I would not be here if I did not wish to fight."

Xylia then gasped she could feel auras and many of them, the same ones from the forest. She then leaped to her feet and said, "If anyone wishes to leave, they should do so now.... They.... They are coming, and very quickly at that."

Her eyes then darted back to Demus, she wondered what they were to do. She did not expect them to come so quickly. She believed they would at least have a couple of days to prepare.

"The auras are very faint, very faint, but approaching fast.."

Xylia then spoke again, "I believe we have about half an hour... At the most..."

Adsero tapped the floor with her foot. "As long as your sure it won't sink... I'll fight. And I'll tell Cremo not to burn the boat." She made a fire ball in her hand. Giving it a cold stare she spoke to it. "Understand?"

Yeah, yeah. Don't burn the boat. I got it, ok?

"Don't forget." She looked up at Demus, Xylia, Aeacus, Jack, Durus, and Stephen. "We ready to kill some baddies?" She grinned.

Demus smiled, and looked about the room to see if it had the most important part a ship needed beides its cannons and hull, which it did, he then walked to a large cabinet, and opened it, catching the booby trap sword, which fell off of a top shelf, and would have impailed him had he not, the cabinet was full tight with weapons, and he opened the smaller section within it, that held the weapons not reserved for certain people, they were not at all perfect weapons, some were rusty, some even had their tips broken, but they were better in most cases than bare hands, and he then spoke, Any one who is unarmed, and plans to stay aboard the ship, take one of these weapons, but, do not touch the others, doing so may end your life before the battle starts, we pirates are picky with our weapons,although we will gladly pick a foes up if need be.A smallish man who seemed new, stood and began to go for the cabinet, and Demus, impressed at how quickly he wished to take up an arm, tossed him his poison blade, still in the sheath, and spoke,Take care not to cut yourself with it, as it will kill you ten times quicker than any of the creatures who may come at you with the same intent.Now, i know that there are a small number of my people here, i had hoped for more, but hoping saves no one from death, Adsero, i have yet to see you in combat, but i trust you are as efficient at making fire, as you are at theivery, would it be possible for you to stand in the crows nest, and attack the shore from there? I will be in the air around you so do not worry of the flying creatures,If you can, and will do this, i will take you to the ground should you need to do so.I under stand if you do not wish to be up there, also, might i suguest those who have reanged weapons, se them before the enemies arrive at the ship, and to attack the creatures in the air if possible.but take note that both I and aeacus, can and likely will fly during this combat, a stray arrow or bolt is as deadly as a planned, and aimed loosing of one.Also, if you have never made combat with winged opponants, a direct hit to their body is not always needed, few creatures continue fliht with a wounded, or peirced wing.As demus finished the last word he was interupted by cannon fire from above deck, as well as what appeared to be cannon fire from the near by caves, above them on the mountains likey, it rang loud in his mind that his enemies had not come unprepared as he had hoped...he whiped around and pouced on the table and across it to the exit of the room and went above deck, where he saw mass confussion, a single cannon above the caves was fireing on the ship, as creatures poured from the caves, he saw no creatures in flight, but knew they were simply lagging behind so that they were not singled out...

Aeacus heard the cannon shot and quickly followed Demus. Jack and the Commander followed Aeacus and Stephen went into his supply room. Aeacus stood next to Demus against the confusion and looked at the creatures. A small, wicked smile came upon her face. Commander Durus began shouting orders and the pirates could barely hear him. There was another cannon fire from the caves and a cannon ball flew past them and into the water, causing a great splash. Aeacus looked up at Jack, who was at the wheel. They both smiled and stomped their foot twice at the same time. An old tradition with them before a battle. Aeacus looked at Demus beside her. And now the real fun begins. Aeacus smiled, gave him a squeeze on his shoulder, and flew into the air.

Adsero ran towards the crows nest and made her way to the top. There she had several collums of flame appear on land and tossed a fire ball over there. The fire ball rolled around and then hopped onto the ship, rolling towards the crows nest.

I saw alot of people but the fire seems to be doing a good job. Focus around the cannons though. They have alot of loose ammunition lying about.

Adsero thanked cremo and watched as it grew and rolled back onto shore. Adsero saw a man fighting and saw as his sword broke. She tossed Chalybs down to him and started to sprout fire neer the cannons. She smiled as a pile of ammunition exploded.

Xylia listened to Demus's orders, he did not once mention her so she assumed she was to do as she wished. Xylia slowly walked onto deck and was nearly run over by a sailor. She stepped back against the wall and assessed the situation. She could feel the creatures of the air, but could not see them yet, she knew they were just beyond the trees. The dark beings on foot were swarming around the ship and were just kept at bay by the sailors using ranged weapons.

"If only had I had enough time to set up the spell... I would need a few moments of concentration.... How will I get behind them without notice...... All I need is contact with the earth.... Maybe I do not need to get behind them... I can stay in front of them and they will never know...."

Xylia smiled in realization. She walked to the back end of the ship and jumped into the water. She floated to the bottom. The bay was a drop off, near the shore the water was three times over her head. She walked along the bottom trying not to scrape herself on the coral, some was known to be poisonous.

"This new spell is quite handy, I did not think that being able to breathe under water would be so useful."

She then knelt down and placed her hands on the sand. She closed her eyes in concentration and thought, "Eiloçlaoarma êalamrona lakëllanoar, ALMAINAE!!"

The ground began to tremble. Though Xylia could not see it, she knew what was happening. A large wave just overtook the land monsters and the ground was shaking beneath their feet, the sailors on the boat would be unaffected, giving her side the advantage.

After a few moments Xylia flew out of the water, a large stream of mist trailing behind her, she landed right in the middle of five monsters. She drew Zasha and started her slaughter, after the dark beings had somewhat composed themselves she heard them chatter amongst themselves.

[wave=2,2]"It'ssssssss her. It'sssssssss her. Chaotic Misssssssstreeeesssssssss. Make ssssssure not to kill her, jussssssst capture her."[/wave]

Xylia battled on and on, it seemed as if she killed one, ten more appeared. She hoped that the sailors possessed good aim, she did not want to have to worry about rogue arrows from her own people. She hear aloud screech and darted her eyes upward momenttarily, the flying army had finally arrived.

Demus studied the area, and jumped to the side as a small cannon ball struck the deck, the cannon they had used was likely stolen from a near by towns local armery, and onlt shot shells the size of large oranges, they wouldnt damage the ship much, let alone sink it.When the shot hit, out of instinct he looked to where it had come from and saw another cannon being pulled into position((im tired dont hate on my spelling :P )) when Demus saw it, his jaw nearly dropped, but he had no time for such wastefull actions, he immediatly began to act on impulse.The cannon being put into plac3e to fire upon the ship was a well know cannon, it was the large bore cannon known as the hull crusher , these were envied by those who saw them outside of combat, and feared by those who they were aimed upon, these cannons could make even the most stubborn pirates turn and attempt retreat, although if you saw one of these, there was no retreating from it, they fire shots that are three times the size of the biggest coconuts, and were made to explode directly after impact, killing anything behind whatever attempted to stop them, usually the hull of a ship.Demus turned immediatly and ran to the young man who had just removed the poison sword from its sheath, and pushed it back into the sheath, and told the man to help him move a cannon.As the young man placed the cannon next to where Demus had placed another cannon, Demus told him to help him load them, and then to step back as their fuses began to fizzle down to the explosion soon to occur...as the cannons fired, Demus pushed the man out of the way of the cannon that had launched back from the explosion of the double loaded black powder.The cannon, destroyed from the explosion hit the small building containing the stairs to the captains quarters, and caved it in when it made contact.Demus paid little attention to the effects of the cannon on the ship, he was watching its effects on the cave filled mountain side with a smile on his face , the two medium sized cannon balls he had fired simultaniusly at the mountain side had hit almost exactly where he wanted them to.The mountain crumbled under the two cannons, the hull crusher fireing as it fell to the sand below.The shell hit the sand below, launching a thick plume of sand into the air, making it hard to see the shore around where it had hit, then it happened, the shell exploded, blasting sand hard on every thing around it, there was a pirate near this occurence, and four lizard creatures, the lizards were killed instantly, and the man lost all of the skin on his forearms as he sheilded himself from the blast of sand.Two other pirates fought to his location and helped him back towards the ship.Demus smiled at the destuction of the two enemy cannons, and that the man who had been injured had made it to safety, but wondered if in some way it was his fault it had happened to him in the first place...he knew he had to destroy the cannon, the ship would have surel sank if he hadnt...he stood the man next to him up, he had been dazed by the two loud explosions, and shook him a bit until he responded.Demus then patted him on the should and pointed to the war below the ship, and mouthed the words "its still happening, its not over yet" although the man was deaf temporarily from the cannons, he understood Demus' meaning, it wasnt over, go fight.As the man walked down the plank leading to the sand below the ship, Demus jumped past him and decapitated a creature who was running towards the planks end.As Demus landed, he did not see the creature that was lining an arrow up for his back, when he turned and saw the monstrous creature, the arrow flew off into the sky as the lizard dropped the bow and fell to his knees, staring at Demus.Demus stared in awe of what had happened, why had the creature not made the kill, Demus was an easy target, he had not seen the archer readying the arrow...

Xylia battled on and on. The dark creatures seemed like they would never relent. She counted as she slaughtered to make sure she would stay aware of her surroundings. It was easy to become lost in one's mind in the midst of battle, "Sixty-seven, sixty-eight, sixty-nine and seventy. This is becoming ridiculous."

Xylia floated above the war ground, just giving her enough time to cast her spell, she muttered quietly so she would not attract attention, "Kolåalenar èaliar Ñalrm!!!" Bolts of lightning shot down from the sky. Screeching filled the air as what seemed like tens on tens of the dark creatures disappeared in waves of heat. Xylia was about to float down so she would not be an easy target when she felt something around her waist and arms as it tightened.

She looked down and to her alarm a black rope was tightening around her waist and arms. She flinched this way and that but could not remove it. She looked up and saw a dark rider on a large black lizard laughing at her. She tried to move again but her body was filled with immense pain that she had never felt before. She cried out, the rider laughed harder.

The dark rider spoke to her. His voice was different, it did not contain the hissing voice of a snake as the other beings did. It sounded like he was of high class, "Oh, Chaotic Mistress. You resisted us. We knew that you would. But didn't we tell you that in the end you would come? Don't try to resist, it will only cause you more pain. Don't think to try use magic either, these are more than mere ropes. The Dark Lord gave them to me especially for you. You are very powerful, darling, but not all powerful."

Xylia's eyes changed to their true pure black colour. It looked as if her pupils had consumed her eyes. She felt pure disgust in her stomach when the rider called her darling. She tried to form a fireball in her hand but it turned to smoke as the rope that bound her seemed to glow with a black aura. Xylia screamed as a pain she had never felt before ran through her veins. A single black tear fell down her cheek.

The rider that held the end of the rope began to pull her up, as a sailor reels in his catch, as he laughed. When she reached him he grabbed her by the waist and placed her on the lizard behind him. He laughed as he backhanded Xylia across the face. "That is for how many of us you have killed. We aren't allowed to kill you, but we can make you regret what you have done before we give you to our master. He allows us that. "

The dark rider then tied Xylia hands behind her back and her ankles together with same enchanted black cord. Xylia squirmed and tried to access her magic repeatedly causing the pure pain to flow threw her veins. She screamed and struggled but nothing would help. The rope held her tight. The rider laughed horribley the whole time, enjoying every second of it.

"I will allow you to watch your human friends be slaughtered and then we will be on our way, my dearest."

The rider then hit her again. Blood ran down the corner of Xylia's mouth as she glared at him with her black eyes. They glinted with hatred as she tried to access her magic again. The pain flowed through her ten fold as she screamed. Her voice held more anguish than she had ever felt in her life. Her head dropped down, submissively, as another single black tear fell down her cheek.

Zask saw the way Demus dropped to the ground as he saw Xylia being hit, and then jump into the air to fly to aid her...Zask was a mere 20 feet from the demon lord riding on the black lizard , he turned and lined a arrow up on the unsuspecting being, and loosed a arrow that flew gracefully and true, striking the heavily armored creature from his beasts back, the arrow drivin deep into his mind via his unprotected left eye.Zask then ran to aid Xylia in her escape from the enchanted ropes...the black overlord creature wailing in agony near by, having now broken the shaft off of the arrow, and now trying to regain his composure...

As Demus came closer to the area where he had heard Xylias screams emminating from, he saw waht was happening, and thought the creature ment to take Xylia for himself, he then saw the overlord creatures, a large beast of similer design to the rest of the creatures, standing behind the smaller lizard beast who was now crouched over Xylia attempting to untie the ropes.Demus darted down and tackled the massive lizard being, breaking his neck with a quick twist as he did so.He then lept onto the other beast, the smaller one, although still a bit larger than Demus himself.and pinned him to the ground, and began to draw his fist back to strike him, when he saw the creature smile as if he wasnt scared, Demus continued and struck him hard in the side of his head, angering the beast, who then turned the tables, using his emense strength and junping over so that he was ontop of Demus, and held him down on the sand , constraining his movement.

Xylia way lying on the ground near by, completely helpless. The ropes the bound her legs and arms seemed to tighten by the second. She struggled and tried to access her magic again but the searing pain flowed through her body. She cried out as a few more black tears fell from her eyes. She hated this feeling, the pain she could handle; lying helpless on the ground as a battle was taking place around her was something she could not stand. She sat squirmed and the pain filled her body once more causing her to moan in agony.

Another injured lizard nearby cackled at her and spoke with its last dieing breath, "Misssssstresssss. Oh my dear misssssstresssss. You ssssshall be ourssssss. You will take you eventually......." The lizard's body then spasamed and become quite. It was dead.

Fear filled Xylia's heart. She would never go with these creatures. She muttered to herself, "DEATH FIRST!"

She then began to struggle again and tried once again to access her magic. The ropes held their purpose and Xylia screamed again as the magic pain coursed through her bones. Her body became limp as she barely held consciousness.

Aeacus watched out of the corner of her eye everything that was going on. When the lizard was on top of Demus Aeacus's eyes burned red and she killed one last creature before quickly flying over. Aeacus came down hard on the lizard, driving her double-bladed ax into his skull. Aeacus then ran over to Xylia and tried to cut the black ropes. Aeacus, for some reason, couldn't cut the ropes and noticed that it was causing the gypsy extreme pain. Aeacus quickly grabbed a Pirate and pulled him over. Take her to Stephen. Be swift. Aeacus had to shout over all the noise. Aeacus put the gypsy on his shoulder and watched as the pirate ran towards on onto the ship. Aeacus killed a couple approaching creatures. One came up behind her and grabbed her arm, but quickly let go and looked at her in surprise. "Your a strong one. And oddly familer...who are you? Aeacus just glared at him and drove her sword into his heart and out his back, dark blood dripping slowly from her sword end. I'm none of your concern, but the one you should fear. Aeacus pulled her sword out of the carcus and kicked the wretched body over. Aeacus ran to Demus's side to see if he was alright, having left him lying on his back to see the gypsy, when a cannon flew by and hit some tree's behind them, making them explode. The blast flew her into the air and she landed hard on the ground next to Demus. Shards of wood were flying everywhere and Aeacus covered Demus to protect him. A spike of wood struck her shoulder and she cried out in pain but quickly pulled it out as if it were nothing. Luckly, some shards and large pieces of tree hit creatures around them, killing them. Aeacus stood up and helped Demus up. Are you okay? The words barely escaped her mouth when an sword flew by her head. Aeacus turned quickly and stuck of a creatures head. Aeacus turned back to Demus. If this gets too bad I have a plan. I have a special...power that I can use to wipe out most, if not all, of the creatures. Aeacus was talking about the power her mother had, and had passed on to her. For it to work, Aeacus would fly into the air and sing a certain song and a power would grow and kill all the creatures she focused on. She did this only a few times before, and the songs drained her energy and a song for this magnetude for this type of war might even kill her. Aeacus killed a few creatures around them.

Adsero panted from atop the crows nest. The fire was draining her energy and not working well. She looked at the battle going on around her. Some lizard thing had traped Xylia, Aeacus was standing beside a strugling Demus. Adsero took a large swig of liquor for strength and summoned up Cremo. "Human form." It quickly took the shape of a human but remained aflame. She tossed him shadow. "Loose that and I'll get you permanently extinguished." The human form of Cremo took the sword and hopped down to where Aeacus and Demus were.

Adsero sent me down to help. From up there, looks like we're not doing so well. From down here, looks like we're not doing so well. At least you got a fighter who won't die till Adsero does. She's tired but she's doing well.

((stop killing ppl! :) its not nice, and illegal in 48 states too))
Zask stook and felt where the ax had removed a large portion of skin from the back of his skull, exposing the shiny whitish bone, and goring his clothing with blood.He walked to Aeacus and pulled her to her feet, and drew back and struck her hard in the face, on her nose to be more precise. than let her fall to the ground as he walked to Demus to help him to his feet.As he picked Demus up and placed him on his feet, he smiled and spoke,Perhaps you do not remember me, i would likely not recall you , if it were not that i had been in the holds of time since we last met, having only the last few seconds before i was trapped within the abyss of times grip to think on for a millenia...I am Zask, and i owe you my life, no..my existance, you saved me during the war of beginings...you let me retreat from your acomplisis' (( sp - :) - )) wraith by striking him down from the heavns, for this i am eternally gratefull, perhaps however, I am mistaken...the being i am thinking of had white wings...yours are black...are you Demus?The angelic guard of the heavens?

Aeacus sat covering her bleeding, probably broken, nose and listened to all that the lizard said. Aeacus felt a little twinge of guilt for attempting to kill someone who was loyal to Demus. Aeacus was wiping away the blood around her mouth, the bones in her nose healing slowly with her heal spell, and listened to the conversation. Aeacus's eyes burned purple at the last sentence the lizard uttered. Angelic guard of the heavens? Demus? None of this makes sense. I don't know him at all. Ohhh....this is bad. Aeacus didn't looked at either Demus or the lizard...thing and shot straight up into the air and flew towards the ship. Aeacus landed on the ship and looked back at the war that was going on down below. She kept thinking about everything that happened. Why was she here? Why had she ever trusted Demus when she apparently didn't know him at all? Why did she let him talk her into bringing her family here to die? These thoughts burned through her mind. An arrow flew by her head, and thats what brought her back to reality. Aeacus rushed down the plank, killing various creatures, and not stopping.

Demus looked in anger at the beast who had struck Aeacus, he stood up, and although he was having to look up at the beasts head, it was almost a foot and a halfe taller than he, he droped the sword he had drawn while laying on the ground, and quickly , in one solid, fluid movement, grabed the things shoulders, and used them for leverage as he jumped up about, his head now about a foot above the lizards, and headbutted him hard , knocking the lizard beast to the ground, and then lept upon it and began to strike it in the cnout and forehead, untill it no longer moved...He then lept to the sky and spread his wings for flight, soaring high into the mid-day sky, untill he was so high he could barely see the war below, he closed his wings and hovered there for a moment, preparing himself for his next actions...he held the demon blade close to his chest and gripped it tight, untill it began to glow bright white, as if it had decided to replace the sun.He then lowered slowly to the ground, where he hovered just above the surface, and readied the blade for combat.A beast ran to him and struck him with a crude wooden club, which cracked and broke as it hit Demus in the shoulder.Demus pulled the sword back , now at his side, he swung it with amazing speed, it cut the air causeing a ear shattering whistle to go through the air, also severing the lizard beast at his waist.The beast gasped and looked to his midsection just as the life left him and the two halves that used to make his body fell to the ground.Deus dropped to the ground and began to dash about the area maiming the beasts, severing their limbs, or their heads, needless to say, many fell dead soon after.He lept upon one of the larger beasts, and drove the sword down into it through the top of its head, untill the guard of the handle touched his skull.Demus placed a foot on his chest , and pulled the blade directly out, leaving the beast splayed on the sand, his innerds visable to all.Demus quickly , yet almost casually walkd to the opening of the cave and flew up to the top, and pused a cannon off , where it landed with a muffled thud in the sand below, taking little or no damage, he also aquired a keg of black powder, and a single medium sized shot.He dropped to the ground, and readied, aimed, and fired the cannon at the area above the caves mouth, caving it all in, so that there was no way for creatures to use it to come this wayhe then raised to the air and looked at the second wave of flying creatures that were just arriving, he closed his eyes, spun the blade around and then pointed it at the horde, focusin his energy on them, and loosed a silent beam of black energy, that seemed to pass through them with no effect...he dropped back to the ground and battled back to the ship, killing a few as he walked, and even less as he began to drag the lizard creature that had spoken to him back with him.Only seconds later, the horde of flying beasts, who had not flown much further, fell from the sky, hitting the edge of the mountain side, filling the shore with the sickining sound of their bones shattering and breaking on the hard rock.As he made it to the ship, he tried to find Jack, and began to shout his name , he didnt know where he was, but he needed to speak to him badly...

Jack was underneath with the lower cannons when he heard Demus's call. Jack gave one last command and jump aboard the top part of the ship, trying to find where the call came from. He caught site of the black being dragging a, what appeared to be, injured or dead lizard creature. Puzzled, Jack ran up to Demus. Oy, What is it you want? What is that you got with you? Jack then looked around for a second, and then turned back to Demus, the puzzled look on his face more extreme now. Where's Aeacus?

Adsero took several long drinks from her flask and struggled to keep the fires going. Because they weren't burning off anything but her strengh, it was more difficult. She also had to get it to not burn the boat.

Merge with me, I'll help keep the fires alight. Cremo ran through the lizard people cutting and burning.

Adsero noddded, her eyes taking on a dark blue glow. She brethed deeply and tried to hold the connection with her fire spirit. She wasn't sword fighting with anyone but all her energy was being poured into directing the fire against the enemy and keeping them from going out.

The sailor that had been carrying Xylia like a sack of wheat threw her in the stern of the ship. Xylia crawled her way to a sitting position and she saw the sailor swiftly walking away, she called out to him, "Please, oh please! Try untie me! These ropes.... They cause so much pain......"

The sailor turned around slowly. The yells of dieing humans and the screeches of the dark lizards could be heard all around her. She said one more time, "Please..."

The sailor then slowly walked up to her eyeing her carefully. She must have been an intimidating sight, her black eyes glinting and black tears streaks on her cheeks. The sailor slowly crouched down to untie the rope around her ankles. A beam that looked like black lightning shot towards the man's hands as he leaped back and yelped in pain. He looked at Xylia once more and ran as fast as he could, preferring to be at the battle then in her company.

As the sailor ran away, Xylia's body filled with the same excoriating pain. She closed her eyes and clenched her jaw, preventing herself from calling out. She was such and easy target. She was helpless, useless, an easy target for the lizards to come and pick her up. She would not be able to fight back.

Xylia slammed her head against the boat in frustration.

"If humans cannot take of these ropes... I suspect.... Oh, I think it must be true.... This is horrible... The lizards must be the only ones that can touch these ropes......" Xylia thought to herself.

Her spirit broken, her head fell forward. She waited for the inevitable to happen, she would be captured again.

Adsero turned about, viewing the battle. She noticed Xylia tied up in the corner and a lizard creature moving towards her. Having seen the pirate attempt to untie her, she knew she couldn't free her, so she made a barrior of fire surround Xylia, telling it to only burn the enemy. She called down th Xylia. "Hope that helps."

Zask lay while Demus spoke to the captain of the ship, he was a bit dizzy, the blows Demus had delt him, had been strangely powerfull, the lizards were near impervious to physical pain, not only did they lacy the extreme sensations that humans di during pain, but their bodies were strong, and ridgid, made for harshness such as that of combat.As Zask saw that Demus was occupied, he staggered to his feat, and stumbled to where he could see the female he had tried to help before, and walked through the fire, it scorched his skin, damaging him little, his thick scaley skin deflecting the harsh heat, but his body absorbed much none the less, as he knelt, and pushed one of his talon like nails into the rope, shreading it from the middle, and then ripping it completely, he fell unconcious onto xylia, his mind burning the image of her tear stained face into his mind, a memory he woulod not soon forget...as his body became limp, his mind went back to a simpler time, when he was just a creature who lived with his people, a creature that would have enjoyed to live peacefully, but that could not be the life for him...As he had reached maturity, his people had been enslaved to do the bidding of a evil war god, a god who wished to destroy the new god, who had emerged from a small orb in the middle of the universe, created of pure good, this place, this god, they were to be that which would balence the universe, and take grip of it, pulling i from the grips of the current ruler...Zasks people had been created , and lived on this orb that was to represent good, but his people were easily corrupted by thoughts of power and wealth, Zask was forced to follow them though he knew in his reptilian heart that it was wrong...