Judgment Day (Plot)

[Kender Bard]

Dawn came, chasing away the last traces of the night. From the grand tent Soahc had erected to the individual little homes and everything in between, a few individuals greeted the dawn blinking bleary eyes. Those who could not sleep the night prior were now attempting to knuckle fatigue out of their eyes. Those who still slept were being awoken.

The angels were girding themselves for war, though the process wasn't taking too long for any of them. Armor was conjured and donned, weapons similarly created and inspected. Some angels were doing neither--either they were the few who would not be fighting or their talents were less martial.

Many of the angels were going around to offer assistance in preparing the Chosen; everything from waking them to giving a soft word of encouragement (or perhaps creating strong cups of coffee. Though all of those adventurous individuals who had attended the party Soahc had put on were likely feeling surprisingly awake and energized thanks to Master.)

When a Chosen was ready to face the day, they were given simple instructions: use the ring to envision armor or whatever protective covering they wished (it would manifest to their imagined specifications) or else conserve the energy within their rings for an emergency burst later on. Afterwards, they were to... Wait. Wait for the Forces to assemble and move out.

As for the Forces themselves... They stirred, both anxious and eager, within the breasts of their hosts. Their message was the same for all of them--it was time for a last goodbye, if there was one to give. They'd be taking control soon.

((Goodbyes should be made today and tomorrow. The Forces will begin the process of starting the battle on 3/11.))

[Northen Light36]

Amaro wasn't too surprised to notice that Acqua was nowhere to be seen come morning. She'd slipped away during Saohc's party at some point and hadn't been seen since. A brief check with the mind cats was enough to reveal that she was all right, just needing some time to herself, so Amaro chose not to worry about her for now. He knew she'd show up when it was time to fight, but would keep out of sight until there was no time left for drawn out farewells.

He half wished he could do the same, but at the same time he didn't want to waste this last bit of time with his brother. Dressing in his new armor (which looked very like a newer, stronger version of his normal studded leather), Amaro took a deep breath and quietly went about farewelling those of his family who were awake before he went in search of Talon.
"Ready?" he asked.

---

Shadow was of much the same mind as Acqua, rising early and slipping away from his children and wife. Last night's picnic was a better last memory for them then any farewells this morning could ever be, so he'd let that be the last they saw of him.

There were other people he needed to say a last goodbye to however, so he quietly sought out Ann and wasn't surprised to find her sitting outside, watching the rising sun. "Morning, Firespark," he murmured, sitting down beside her. "I half expected to find you with your mother."

"She'll go when you go," Ann said quietly. "We talked last night. I didn't want to say goodbye to both of you at once." She reached out to take her uncle's hand and murmured, "Thank you for being my father. I know it didn't make things easy for you, but... I'm glad you were there for me."

"How could I not be?" Shadow replied softly. "I'm going to miss you, sweetheart, as much as either of my children."

Ann looked at him, her eyes dark and serious. "I'll miss you too... You don't want me fighting today, do you?" She looked more resigned then irritated.

"No," Shadow agreed firmly. "I really, really don't. You're not Chosen, firespark. Stay here, look after the children and your cousins and survive to go back to your people."

"For as long as they'll tolerate me," Ann replied, but there was nothing self pitying in her resignation at that. "I think I'm setting a record for the most challenged Honoured Leader that Naurorod has had."

"You'll overcome it," Shadow replied.

"I know," Ann agreed. She smiled at Shadow and added, "I'll miss you and mother so much... But I want both of you to know I'll be all right. Will... Will you give my love to Uncle Damien, Aunt Tres and Tuono? Please?"

"Of course," Shadow agreed softly.

---

Flame was also up early, slipping quietly into Libre's room and sitting on the edge of the bed. "You better come back," she said firmly. "I can't look after everyone on my own."

---

Artica went to find Amneris, greeting her daughter with a firm hug. "I love you, sweetheart," she said by way of good morning.

[Kender Bard]

"I think so," Talon replied lightly. He'd sought out his children one more time to wish them farewell and to remind them to stay deep within the Sanctuary where it would be safest. They were anxious, true, but not nearly as much as Talon was as he had walked away, knowing it would be the last time he ever saw them.

Swallowing past the lump in his throat, he said, "Etaf said she'll be taking over me once I'm ready to let go. So..." He turned and held out a hand to Amaro. "Even though I'll be watching you on the field of battle, I guess... This is goodbye."

---

"I will, I promise," Libre said as he stretched, drowsy. He leaned forward and pulled Flame close, hugging her tightly. "You don't need to worry about a thing. We're going to get through this just fine."

---

Amneris smiled tiredly. She hadn't slept much. Still, she hugged Artica enthusiastically. "I love you too, Mom. Promise you'll be careful, okay?"

[Skittlebug]

Klara emerged into the morning light, as calmly as she could manage. She hadn't slept much the night before. While she had made peace with her decision, it hadn't helped her nerves about today. No matter now though, today was here. "I am ready." She speaks to Thuoth quietly.

[Northen Light36]

Amaro swallowed hard. He'd hoped they'd have a little more time together, but it seemed this was the last time he'd see his brother. "Talon..." He sighed. "You're an annoying pain in the arse, but if this doesn't get us both killed... I'm going to miss you, brother." He shook Talon's hand and assured him, "I'll look after the kids for you, so don't worry."

He managed a half smile. "We'll see each other again eventually, anyway."

---

No... We won't. We're going to lose Uncle Shadow now too, Flame thought and had to swallow hard at the thought. Shadow had been good to her over the years and she was going to miss that. She held her brother tightly and sniffled slightly, though she managed not to break down completely. "When this is over, I know I have to go back to the clan and you'll need to be in Sensatia... But can you come visit at night, when it's not so busy?"

---

"I will," Artica promised. "Love, try not to worry. I'm going to do everything in my power to come home to you, safe and sound. Stay close to Flame and Ann, all right, so that I know you're safe." She kissed her daughter on the forehead. "This will all be over soon and we'll all be home again."

[Kender Bard]

"I know you will... And I know we will," Talon said, squeezing Amaro's hand tightly.

I think I'm as ready as I'll ever be, Talon thought to Etaf, his stomach a tight knot. Better do it now.

Very well, Etaf said simply. This may feel a bit... Strange. And then there was a sense of... connection. He felt something deep within him, somehow physical and yet not, tugged upon and the rest was indescribable other than the sensation of being pushed back but he'd already experienced that before.

This time, Talon's eyes bled away to a deep darkness that then filled with pinpoints of light as Etaf peered out of Talon's body with her own starry eyes. Her grip on Amaro's hand eased and slipped away but she smiled at him gently and gave a slight nod of greeting. "Pardon me, Amaro," she said, but it was Talon's voice with a strange, second male voice overlaying it so that he spoke with a harmonious echo. "We need to prepare." Lifting her--his now--hand, Etaf rubbed a thumb over Talon's forehead, making a Mind sign appear. He needed to be able to speak quickly and nobody was better at that than a Mind. Next, his ring flared and robe of some sort of shimmering metal material appeared over his frame... which shifted in colors chaotically until settling on golden with dashes of purple and... green. He seemed to both grin and grimace at that at the same time. Also appearing was his delicate rapier, which he kept sheathed, and the glassy orb that orbited his wrist from earlier.

"That's better," he remarked. Then, grinning impishly, turned about once in a circle, arms spread. "How do I look?" And though it was Etaf's eyes, the expression was purely Talon.

---

Let's impress everyone then, Thuoth told Klara, and seized control of her body and soul. The former he took over and the latter he seemed to hold on to so that the two formed a link. Klara's eyes faded away to a solid amethyst glow. Next, he--she--touched each of Klara's signs in turn and moved them to her palms as easily as one would adjust a piece of clothing. "That's better," she murmured to herself, her voice part Klara's and part female Thuoth. "Although we'll need a bit of variety." She frowned and brushed fingertips over her right palm, causing a fire sign to appear there, next to the water sign, and then touched her left palm to change the water sign there to one of Storm. "That'll do for now."

Next was utilizing Klara's ring to create a light and comfortable set of robes and to summon Thuoth's tome as well as her diamond-tipped metal staff. "I think this will do." Looking around, Thuoth sought out one of her brothers or sisters to wait with.

---

"Of course I will," Libre promised Flame as he considered what--if anything--he needed to do. "As often as I possibly can."

An angel came to visit and to give his instructions. Once the angel departed hastily, Libre considered his ring and then focused. It could be anything? Well...

In a moment, he was wearing the same long coat in the Sensatian style as their father had loved to wear so often, though his glimmered with the links of thousands of tiny pieces of metal. It was just as light as a coat, though. He grinned broadly as he buttoned it up. "I guess this is as ready as I need to be, considering how I'll be fighting." He leaned over and kissed Flame on the forehead. "I promise I'll come back."

---

Amneris clung to her mother, loathe to let go. "I know. You always come back. And I promise to stay close to the others."

[Northen Light36]

Amaro had to chuckle. His brother clearly wasn't completely gone. "As I'd have expected of Talon," he replied, amused.

---

Flame smiled up at her brother, though her eyes remained tired and older then her actual years. This war had aged her even more then the loss of her parents had done. "I know you will be," she murmured, hugging her brother again briefly. "I'd better go find Alyssa and Shade and keep an eye on them. Ann will probably need some time to herself after Uncle Shadow leaves." She smiled and stood on tiptoe to kiss her brother. "I'll see you soon, Libre."

---

Artica hugged her daughter tightly, equally reluctant to let go. When an angel came to give her instructions, Artica nodded and thought for a moment. Focusing for a moment, Artica saw her ring flash brightly and then she was dressed in the leather armor of a Fire warrior, only it looked to be both lighter and stronger somehow. A beautifully made bow and quiver full of arrows were slung over her shoulders and her sword, sharper and more finely made, rested in it's sheath on her hip.

"What do you think, love?" she asked with a smile.

---

After a long moment of companionable silence, Shadow kissed Ann's forehead again and said, "Time to say goodbye, love. I think it's time to let Efil take over now."

Ann swallowed hard, but nodded solemnly. "Love you."

"Love you too," Shadow replied then thought to Efil, I'm ready.

Ann shifted, but kept watching Shadow, drinking in this last sight of her uncle.

[Kender Bard]

Etaf's smile softened. "He's still here. You can't get this close to someone without some rubbing off. Now! If you'll excuse me." He turned on his heel and strode off. "I've got a war to win."

---

Libre gave Flame one final hug before teleporting away to go and try to locate his Force or at least some of his fellow Thuothians.

---

"You look amazing," Amneris told her with a broad smile. "Like a true warrior out of a legend." She gave a deep sigh, her smile fading. "And I guess this means you're ready to go." She considered hugging her mother again but... she didn't want to break down in tears. And she might if she had to let go again. Instead, she reached out to take her mother's hand. "Goodb- ... I'll see you later, Mom."

---

Efil stretched her essence to fill Shadow's body, her being brushing against his, pushing him aside but letting him be a part of her. As Shadow's eyes faded away to pure white, Efil rolled his shoulder blades and shut his eyes tightely. With a slight effort of will, and looking more painful than it really was, a pair of blood red wings sprouted out from Shadow's back, spreading up and out dramatically. Next, using the power within his ring, he conjured up the armor he'd worn before, though decided to forgoe the overcoat. Instead, he was clad fully in deceptively fragile seeming gleaming white armor with markings in red. In each hand he summoned his items of choice--the wooden, flowering-vine staff and his shield.

We'll need to be able to move swiftly if we're to be effective in our role, Efil thought as he focused on the Storm sign on his left hand as it shifted into that of a Wind sign. The other two Storm signs he left alone. They'd prove handy in bringing down their foes, and he could always change the Wind back to a Storm if they needed it.

Looking at Ann with a faint smile, Efil lay a hand on the woman's shoulder briefly before walking off to join his siblings.

[Darastrix]

This morning, ugh.  Schuldig was wide awake, having (unsurprisingly) joined in on the Soahcian festivities the night before (and made some rounds elsewhere).  It had been fun and had allowed him to use his restless energy, but now the party was over and he had to wait.  He could have done without the downtime, without the chance to think and worry.  He paced outside of the tent, mind running off in all directions, touching here and there just to give himself something to do while he waited on everyone to either come out of their homes or come out of the party tent and get this thing started.

At least he and Crawford would be helping to conduct the field.  He trusted their teamwork far more than he would have anyone else's.  It might weigh on him later, if any of their friends fell, but for the moment, he was glad for their position.  And he wasn't really in any danger.  Danger of pain and injury, maybe, but he'd live through it and be healed by nightfall at the latest.  That was why (along with the fact that there was going to be one loss they knew about already), he didn't bother making any rounds to say goodbye.  Not physically.  He let his mind reach out and stroke over those of his friends and family, lingering a bit on Zira and Mikasi.  He'd be seeing Brad and Nagi soon enough, and he rather expected some others would come to him instead.

~I hate this waiting,~ he grumbled to his wife.  ~I've had enough of that lately.~

---

"Try not to worry for me," Brad said to Delilah and Ragnar.  "Remember, I'll be out of the fighting, and Schuldig will be working with me."  Not that it would keep them completely free from worry; he was, he had to admit, a bit worried for himself.  He'd be out of the actual battle, but having people on the fringes as support was hardly a new concept.  He expected the demons to be doing similarly, and seeking to take out their support people as well.

---

Zira and Zack were each suspiciously awake and alert, the latter off on his own to warm up, and the former herding their children to be with the Flamehart-Moonwing brood.  It would be easier for them to be with friends, he'd thought, and he wanted to see others before it all started, just in case.

---

Midnight took a deep breath before going to join his family, unsure what their reactions would be at the sight of him in armor.  But his wife would be practically on the field.  So would his sister, and neither of them were warriors.  Emerald had been killed in battle, and she'd been a formidable fighter.  He couldn't let them go unguarded.

---

I'm ready, Farfarello thought to Worg.  He had given his farewells, such as they were, the night before. Crawford and Nagi might not react so poorly, but history being what it was, he'd leave Schuldig with a last memory of him as himself, not being controlled by a Force.

[Devon]

Eros had no one he really wanted to say good bye to, he'd rather go out quietly. "Soahc, can we have some sort of monument erected for me in Flux? Other than that, I'm good to go die today." he said.


Darin hugged his sons, and walked with his wife to the meeting place. "Remember you're staying in a ranged position and don't leave the side of those who were empowered to protect others Pandora," Darin said. "We're both going home together..now let's go kill some demons honey."


Christian got up quietly, prepared to make his way off. Keith was waiting outside of Christian's home, fully clad in his armor.

"Figured I'd join you for one more ride before we get a new High Priest," the young Reaper said with a small smile.

Christian nodded and returned the smile, speaking to Taed inwardly he said, "I do love your followers My Lord."

[Kender Bard]

~I don't think you'll have too long to wait~ Filly thought. ~A lot of people are moving around. I think soon you'll be getting your marching orders.~

---

"You know I won't be able to help worrying," Delilah told him as she hugged him tightly. "But I'll try to keep it under control."

"I can't imagine Etaf letting you come to harm," Ragnar replied mildly. "I'm sure we'll be seeing you again."

---

Twilight was saying farewell to his own children, Snowflake joining him. But when she saw Midnight walk up, armed and armored, her expression turned displeased. "You don't really need to wear that inside the Sanctuary," she told him, fearing she knew that wasn't the reason.

Twilight decided to let his sister fight that battle. He greeted Zira with a smile.

---

As am I, Worg replied and seized control of Farfarello's body. His eyes turned to a vibrant green, the color of lush maple leaves on a summer day. He left his signs alone. Worg was more concerned with his armaments; using up the ring he wore, he summoned up the armor he'd donned before. It was actually made of a strange sort of wood, but hard as metal. The vines that covered the armor writhed very faintly, still alive. They were yet another layer of defense should someone try to grab him... or try to escape him. The thought made Worg bare his teeth in a feral grin of anticipation.

The broadsword appeared at his back, as did numerous daggers and another sword at his hip. Worg walked off to locate Taed--the two of them would be the heavy hitters of the Forces, at least in close range.

---

I love them too, Taed thought back with deep love and fondness. Now we shall protect them. Taking hold of Christian's body, Taed's pure black eyes took over. He left Christian's signs alone as well... For the moment. Instead he used his ring to call upon his heavy metal armor which flowed over his body like water before settling in place, completely encasing him once the full helm settled in place. Without his ghostly blue eyes he'd sported as a mere spirit, nothing penetrated out of the eyeslits in his helm. It was just pure darkness.

He held out his hand and called his great scythe to himself, squeezing the shaft of the weapon with satisfaction. Already Taed felt better. More in control.

"Come, Reaper," he told Keith in his dual-toned voice. "You may walk with me. I see Worg's come to join me."

Worg nodded to his brother once he'd caught up. "Are you ready?" he asked Taed, Worg's voice just a touch higher than Farf's own.

"Ready enough," Taed responded. "Let's go to Etaf and see how he wants to orchestrate things."

---

I'll see what I can arrange, Soahc thought merrily. Seizing on Eros's invitation, he took possession of his body. Shifting rainbows filled his eyes. Similar to Thuoth, Soahc decided to reposition Eros's signs somewhere more accessible, moving his Wind sign to his middle finger (ha) and his Earth sign to his right palm. The signs began to change, suddenly becoming Fire and Water, then Storm and Ice, and so forth. He wanted to keep himself surprised and allowed his inherently chaotic powers to just keep Eros's signs constantly shifting.

Soahc wanted to wear his finest outfit and did so, his 'armor' still looking like fashionable wear for any nobleman. Of course, it was merely an illusion. Any demon would find the soft, silky looking shirt to be nigh impenetrable. He conjured up a little tophat, set it upon his head, and brought his cane to his hand. Giving it a little swing and whistling, Soahc strolled off to join his family.

---

When an angel came upon Kaylin and Nuo, and dispensed her instruction, she reached out to Kaylin. "And my lady wishes to make your change now," she added.

Kaylin took a deep breath and nodded. The angel's touch felt like a cool wind blowing over her and through her. Then there was the very disorienting sensation of everything getting bigger as she was shrunk down. The metamorphosis of her body didn't even really hurt, though it was a peculiar sensation to sprout wings. She began to beat them without even really thinking about it, causing her to hover in the air.

The angel moved back, revealing Kaylin now as a small green sprite, very similar looking to Maple. Kaylin began flying around a bit, finding her new body intuitive, if rather dizzying at moments. She flew over to Nuo to sit on his shoulder (she could sympathize with the need for a perch now.) "Wow!"

[Kender Bard]

The Forces gathered to briefly confer.

"We all know our roles," Etaf stated. "But let us review. Worg and Taed will join the initial rush with the angels to clear a buffer between the field and our own side. Thuoth will assist with ranged support at any opportunity until we're ready to move forward. Efil will follow the angels from behind to help the first wave of injured."

"What about me?" Soahc asked with a wide grin.

Etaf stared a moment before waving a dismissive hand. "Do as you will. You know I can't plan around you."

"What a happy coincidence!" Soahc chuckled. "That's what I was going to do anyway!"

Etaf concluded their brief gathering and headed towards the thickest number of Chosen. Calling upon Talon's Wind sign, he amplified his voice. "Chosen! The time has come to fight. My brethren and I shall be making a gateway between here and Naurorod. We shall proceed first, followed by our angels, and then followed lastly by all of you. You all know your roles. If we need you anywhere specific, then I or my subordinate tactician will tell you where to go. Let us win back this world!"

Even as she spoke, Thuoth worked on opening the gate. Consulting her tome, she murmured in a strange and twisting language before making a brushing aside motion. A bright, watery looking curtain sprang into existence following the path of his hand. It was tall enough for any of those gathered and wide enough for six men to easily walk abreast. Though large, it was still of a defensible size. The Forces stepped through, leading the way.

What they immediately faced was a veritable sea of demons.

The demon lords, drawn towards the rift of the Abyss by the call of Evil within them, had not been idle as the Forces marshaled their own forces. Demons blanketed the desert. Those closest to the Forces' portal were small and similar looking to one another--clearly they were little more than fodder. mixed in amongst them were the various thralls that the demon lords had made of unfortunate humans, easily distinguishable by faction. The ranks only grew more unique the farther back one looked, taking on more and more traits of the patron demon lords until ending with the power demons themselves. They were too far to be seen with mortal eyes, however. They were personally guarding the volcano in the distance.

The land seemed bruised by the presence of so much foulness. The sand was dark red. The sky was an ugly mix of purple and dark blues and reds. The air stank of brimstone, and though the sun was veiled it was as hot as an inferno.

Etaf stepped forward and raised his voice. "Tell your masters that we give them one last vain chance to surrender!"

"They won't," Taed muttered and gripped his scythe tightly.

"Good," Worg replied, fingertips caressing the hilt of a knife, his eyes narrowing slightly.

There was a visual rippling through the assembled demons as Etaf's words were passed on. A very tiny, purple skinned imp from near the front lines moved up to the fore. Deimos's voice issued forth from the little demon in stark contrast of its size. "We decline. This world is our domain now. Not even you will evict us from it. We will trample you, your angels, and your precious humans. Will you surrender, relics of an age about to perish?"

In response, Etaf nodded to Worg who flung a knife with enough speed and fury as to pin the imp to the ground.

Etaf drew his rapier, pointing at the enemy. "Attack!" And just as the demons surged forward, so too did Taed, Worg, and the angel. All of them began to rapidly cut down the weak, pathetic enemies like so many blades of grass.

Etaf immediately reached for those of crucial importance. ~Brad, to me. Schuldig, you as well. Kaylin, begin your flight over the south-most side of the field but do not stray too far from the current battle. The confusion will mask your presence until things are truly underway.~  She then moved onward and began directing people to their places.

For the first chaotic moments of the battle it was a free for all. Soahc drank it all in, grinning broadly. This is going to be glorious, he thought.