The Unseen

[Chaos Creator]

*Shadow sat in the Demon Tavern at a table against the back wall. His eyes studied each new face that appeared through the doorway intently. Something was terribly wrong within the walls of the DG stronghold, and he wasn't sure if anyone else had caught on yet. Shadow leaned back against the wall, contemplating the cause for his discomfort. One of his underlings, a Guard of the Watch, had come to him in the waning hours of the night with a report of strange lights dancing on the horizon. However, having been almost dawn, he hadn't been able to investigate for himself. Then, when he had awoke this evening, there were reports of distant wailing cries from the outpost scouts.
So, he had gone out to the forest, the direction of the source of the reports. He grimaced at the still-present signs of battle between the legions of DG and a force of the indead that had come for him the previous year. Passing through the scarred section of the forest, Shadow had sensed someone else nearby. He had searched the area for any signs of life, but had found nothing.
Somewhat frustrated, he had began making his way back to the castle around midnight.
That's when he had heard the mournful wailing that had been described to him, and it froze him in midstep because of the proximity of the cry.
He had turned slowly toward the direction of the sound and caught a fleeting glimpse of a white-robed figure before it disappeared behind a clump of bushes. He had, of course, given chase, but found no sign of anyone.
Perturbed, Shadow had returned to the stronghold.
Now he sat contemplating his next course of action.
Should he make a report to his commanders, and risk being ridiculed for not bringing anything solid, or should he wait for further developments, and risk a possible attack upon DG?*

[SForce]

*SForce sat, crouched on a seat in the Demon tavern with a few empty cups in front of him. Nothing special, just a few rouge martini's and a beer, the special at the Demon Guardians stronghold.*

*Something was different in his eyes. He heard the screams in the night. This wasn't some childish game or robbery inside the town. They were screams of horror, and of fright. Chills engulfed the townsfolks as well as the knights and hero's inside the stronghold. The bard wasn't playing his usual melody, trying to make a quick coin or two. Was he killed? Was he too scared to come out and play?*

*He looked around the tavern for any familiar faces. The daily bartender was cleaning his mugs. He owned the place, short guy with your average sized gut. Too many beers and martini's SForce thought, but this was unnessasary. He scanned around again, not so much moving his eyes, but rather observing with sound and movement. Each person has their own unique step and sound they make. He should know by now, he was one of the first settlers here. No one nos mucha bout him, and even the King couldn't point him out as the founder if he walked by.*

*He heard, or rather, felt a swift movement go by. SForce has felt this before. The typical hero, if that's what you want to call him, that sturs in the back of the tavern whenever he's around. He didn't have a name, or so SForce thought; he never asked him, nor was he inclined to do so. The pressence he felt from him wasn't of evil, but wasn't of innocence either.*

*SForce turned his head to see if he was stationed there, but he had disappeared. That wind wasn't one of approachment but rather of departure. Where he went SForce didn't know. His activities and daily deeds were of no concern to him, however his movement was too fast and rough to be routine. Either he was troubled by someone in here, or the screams had him worried.*

*He shrugged it off though, figuring it was nothing. He'd see him again....just as long as the screams didn't get to him next*

[Chaos Creator]

*Shadow noticed SForce sitting at his empty table and watched him for a brief moment. There was the one who had helped begin DG. One whom could be trusted. A thought passed through his mind, and Shadow pulled a scrap of parchment and a scribing implement from beneath his cloak. Quickly he jotted something down and crumpled the scrap in his hand. Glancing about once more, Shadow pushed away from his table, and using his supernatural speed, flashed across the expanse of the tavern's floor. His path lead him past SForce and he secreted the scrap of paper into SForce's pocket as he went by.

The note read:
"Meet me outside the walls tomorrow after dusk."*

[SForce]

*SForce felt the wind fly by.*

"Ah he's a quick one." SForce mumbled to himself

*He took one final sip from his Rouge martini and stood up slowly, glancing around once more to see what was going on. Of course there was nothing. This place was silent and almost dead. No locals, no regulars, no heros celebrating fantasy victories they only dreamt about, just the bar tender, once Demon Guardian resident and SForce.*

*He reached into his left pocket for some change, but he guessed wrong. Switching sides he grabbed out one copper coin. SForce peered down and figured the bartender deserved a tip, why SForce did receive the cleanest mugs in the tavern. He reached back down to get another coin when he felt something in his pocket. Slowly he brought it out, hoping it wasn't a trap or any kind.*

*After the object touched the surface he figured it was ok to observe closer. SForce sat back down in his chair to look over the item. There was no sense in worrying about anyone overlooking his transaction. The local was drunk and the bartender was too busy with nothing to do. He looked at the crumbled piece of paper in his hand. He worried a little, but not to much extent. There could be a spell trapped inside here, maybe the scream knew who he was and was trying to take him down.*

*SForce thought a moment. Should he open it or not? Then a quick grin became visible on his face.*

"Haquery Zera" SForce mumbled as a quick burst of light surrounded him, then disappeared.

*A simple Aura spell was cast on him, only temporarily, just incase someone decided to poison him. No one seemed to notice though; the local was buzzing to himself and the bartender was half asleep. He openned the parchment and read it over.*

"Meet me outside the walls tomarrow after dusk." it read

*SForce was curious as to who wanted to meet with him. He had plenty of time to think it over though. He placed the parchment back in his pocket and placed another coin on the table and calmly walked out of the tavern. Glanced both ways quickly, put his hood up, and walked onward.*

[phantomkiller]

*Phantomkiller was sitting in the rafters of the Demon Tavern, drinking a beer stolen from the store room, and watching the Tavern's occupants. He noticed that something streaked across the floor, and exited the Tavern. He looked at the route it had taken, and examined those along the path, finding only one who might have something to do with it, Sforce, who had found a note in his pocket almost right after the streak at left. Seeing SForce cast a spell made him even more curious. Deciding to follow him, he set his beer down on the rafter, went through the roof and trailed after SForce.*

[AntonyJC]

*sitting on the stool at the bar notices the spell that SForce has conducted and since he has had a couple of drinks over the past 15 minutes he decides to follow in his groggy state. he notices another shadow following SForce. he doesnt remember the different stature of this new creature. he follows close enough to not be seen but close enough to follow the trail. after they get outside the gate he notices another creature. the creature is familiar but cannot remember his name.*

"hey, SForce how are you doing? been a long time since we have last talked." JC says

*SForce nods, he is quiet, wondering why this creature has called him out here. the first creature reveals his name and he is called phantonkiller, and the second creature reunites with AntonyJC and remindes him that his name is Chaos Creator*

"hey Chaos its been a long time since ive seen you around these parts in a while."

*Chaos and SForce seem like they want to be alone*

[SForce]

*SForce looks over his drunken friend. AntonyJC, the clan drunk as he's known, whether or not he knows it is beyone him, he's probably too drunk to ever realize it. Behind him he scans over the other creature that was following him. His name was Phantomkiller, or so he said. He doesn't seem to be lying though, he is a fellow DG member and wouldn't dare lie to fellow Guardians.*

*SForce then looks at the stealthy, swift and silent person portrayed in front of him. He takes out the parchment and read's it over once more.*

"This must be you....Shadow" SForce says in an abrupt manner, excusing the dwarf for his false claim at Chaos. JC was too drunk to realize SForce was making fun of him, but that served no purpose to SForce.

"I've heard of you Shadow. Silent and quick like one and easily as suspicious. You follow beneath us as if you're one with everyone. Very knowledgable and very honorable. I sense you at the back of the bar on occasion as well. This parchment was slipped into my pocket by you I assume. What would you like?" SForce calmly says to Shadow.

*Before another word is said SForce looks to the dwarf and the phantom. Such a unique group before us, none of the same. He stares at both of them with a guilty and evil look. They don't catch on and SForce pulls out his broad sword and points it at the dwarf.*

"Leave us..." SForce says, wondering why these two...things....haven't left already.

*SForce looks back to Shadow*

"The dwarf will leave, he is of no concern to this conversation. Watch for the phantom though, i don't think he's going to leave us anytime soon. He may be gone, but he'll be watching, hearing." SForce whispers to Shadow

[AntonyJC]

*JC sees the sharpness of the sword and even inhis drunken state he leaves ndding for phantomkiller to follow, yet he doesnt listen. JC stalks off towards the gate, but before he leaves he turns to SForce and Shadow*

"If you guys need me, ill be at the Tavern. I am sure that you will need me as in all four of us together will be an unstoppable force"

*SForce and Shadow nod as well as phantomkiller, who still has not moved and seems very curious about Shadow's conference with SForce. As JC leaves he mumbles to himself, while looking at the ground.*

"They'll need my help they will come back. I need another drink..."

*SForce and Shadow wait for phantom to leave*

[Chaos Creator]

*Before JC and Phantom could begin to depart, the loathesome wailing began in the forest to the south of them. The cries rose to a crescendo pitch, wavering and warbling in in the early evening air like the calls of a pack of wolves, before dropping in tone to a low moaning sound. None of the four present at the gates could deny the existance of something afoul in the forest this night.
Shadow glanced around to the others gauging their reactions to the cacophany.*

So, we all hear this terrible din, yes? And we can all agree that the source of these screams cannot possibly be of human voices?
So, tell me, comrades, what manner of creatures might these be...

*he stared into the thickening gloom toward the copse of trees 300 or so yards in front of them as the wails finally died away, then turned to face SF.*

So, ye of the woodland realm, have you seen anything that may provide a clue as to the identity of... this?
*he gestured toward the forest*

[AntonyJC]

*JC takes a step back as he hears the howls of the unknown creatures and turns to SForce and Shadow. As they look towards the woods JC walks back up to them and as he picks his head up*

"well guys i think we may have an attack on our hands, we need to put our skills to the test agianst these foul creatures"

*as he finishes, phantom walks over and nods, acknowledging the fact that these creatures may be a threat agiasnt thier home. JC waits patiently for further instructions from SFOrce or Shadow. JC draws his axe indicating that he is ready fro battle*

[SForce]

*SForce looks around at Phantom and his long time dwarven friend; after a few moments his eyes draw to Shadow's. His are dark, very sinister and evil inside, but SForce doesn't sense any bit of that inside him. Atleast not towards his own clansmen. He looks deeper and deeper into his eyes, evaluating his question, pondering on what these screams might be. After what seemed like hours he finally answered the question."

"The woods are dense and thick with creatures, as im sure you all may know. The ground seem safe for the first few hundred yards, but once darkness surrounds you and you can no longer see the light as an exit you are almost at certain doom. The trees will be our friends and allies for now."

"As for what these creatures are I cannot say for sure. These aren't any elfs from the dark lineage that reside in the forest. They're probably just as terrified as we are. This is something not spawned on this earth. Not human, not elf, not dwarf and almost certainly not a phantom."

"If you'd like i will scout ahead, while you guys discus a battle plan. Because i am certain there will be a battle that we will need to fight. But of course you are welcome to come. These screams are close, but they do not see light. They have set foot in the dense darkness of the woods. Once the final light is doused in our stronghold they will stike another innocent victim. We must act quickly or fall to the shadows right beside them."

"However this isn't an option for my dwarven friend, hiding isn't one of your storng points now is it?" As he peers over into his friends eyes "Trees aren't going to support you either, we must accomidate for such a flaw. We have three swift and stealthy figures and one tank with us. I'm sorry my friend but they will consume you shortly if you stay on the ground past the point of last light."

*SForce ponders for a moment on a simple solution.*

"We either draw the enemy to the light or you must stay home my friend." SForce says looking towards JC.

[AntonyJC]

*JC is at first insulted but then looks around at the three around him, all of them are sleek and deceptive and nows that his loyal friend is right. He thinks about his options: one go into a battle, like the others and try to be deceptive which will not work, two leave his fellow comrades with one less and may be outnumbered, and his final option to stay in the lighted area of the forest and wait for his comrades to draw the enemy into a vulnerable position and then attack. He looks down at the ground*

"I have thought and i believe the best thing to do is to bring the evil demons to me, who shall be stationed on the outskirts of the lighted area. While the rest of you shall go into the darkness and scout out who we are dealing with. After that you can either report back to our meeting grounds, which shall be where i am, or you can lure the demons into the light where we are sure to defeat them with certian ease."

"this is all up to the group. the other option is that it is too much of a risk to lure them closer to the castle and i will go back and you can move on without me."

*JC looks up from the ground and looks at the three men and waits for the respone from the group*

[Chaos Creator]

*smirking a bit, Shadow replied*

We could always use the dwarf as bait... Send him in alone, seemingly unaware of the danger. Then, when the creatures begin their attack, we spring from concealment.

*he glanced at the short, broad dwarf, his smile broadening with the thoughts of the impending battle running through his head*
Unless your, afraid, of course...

[AntonyJC]

*he ofcouse is scared, but he cannot let any of his comrades know that. He puts on his brave face and says in a brave voice*

"i am not scared shadow, i will do anything for the good of DG, even if it means risking my life for it."

*he hopes that SForce and the others spring in the attack before he dies*

[SForce]

*SForce looks towards his friend. Bait would be perfect, bait always works; maybe a little risky, but always big reward in the end. His long time commrad, assistant and friend would be at high risk with this job, does he let him go on like this?*

SForce thinks about it further, than turns to his friend "JC, you have been the greatest right-hand man I could ever ask for. The decision is all yours. You will be doing this for a noble cause, but will be in great danger. If we miss one creature that comes into the light you can be dead. They come to you and we respond with an onslaught surprise attack. The choice is yours my friend, what do you want to do?"