User blog:Ikoter/Story Making

STORY MAKING



It starts out nice and simple as nothing more than a picture, and then it grows and expands into an infinity of ideas. This is the starting stage, also referred to as a 'Skeleton'. It is then wrapped together by ideas, the 'Flesh' of the body.

I have one such Skeleton that I am very reluctant to share with whoever is interested.



1.

Upon the world of MGE fell a calamity. One devastating foe descended from the sky and burned everything in its wake.

We may refer to this foe as Kalameet. Purging everything in his way... no one could stop him. Not even the Demon Lordess (DL).

The timing couldn't have been better for him, as his only real challenge, the DL, was in process of child birth.

<span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">For four days she had been so, with her husband at her side. All this time, Kalameet wreaked havoc throughout the continent.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Each passing day, the DL withered and grew weak. This child, it was troublesome. It would be the eleventh in line.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">The unborn child sapped away her mother’s power and life force, and the father gave some of his own, in order to keep the mother alive and for the child to be born successfully.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">The child had been named Selana. Such a tiny and frail soul she was. It took all of her mother's vigor to birth her.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">But then came Kalameet to the royal demon realm and attacked the three. The father gladly gave up his life protecting them.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Before Kalameet could kill the mother, she had sacrificed all that she had left, even her life, to teleport the child out of Kalameet's reach.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Thus this world burned, as many others left in his wake.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">THE FIRST PICTURE: A mother bearing a child unto this world, as the planet is falling apart.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">2.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">The child cried. Evidence of its lack of humanity was everywhere around it.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Even as it stood in a world where humans and demons fight for dominance, she was still pitied upon.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">A human woman decided to take care of the child. "Even if it’s a demon, a newborn child bears no sin."

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Thus, she received the name of Alsanna.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Fast forward to when she is twelve. The difference between her and the rest of the children was crystal clear at this point.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Her skin tone was more orange than theirs; she had wings the color of dark brown, like her hair and her tail. However, her forehead was devoid of horns.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">But she had no power. Until...

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">A powerful blast annihilated everything. Her entire village… gone. But she was still alive. It pained her so much to think that she destroyed everything.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">THE SECOND PICTURE: A child standing among the ruins of what was once a village, crying.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">3.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">She cried at this loss. When it was all over, and though her cheeks were still blustered by tears, she started wandering in directions.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">She didn’t know where she was going, as everywhere seemed to look the same. Wastelands.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Caused by her no less. So she strived forward, with the hope of finding someone who will care for her.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">For two days she had been wandering, without a spec of water or food, every direction leading into the same kind of landscape.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">But then she met someone. Someone who’s looks spooked her at the start. A human at the age of seventeen, who was scary to look at.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">He had silver hair, was tall, slim muscles around himself, and eyes filled with strength. He had a cool look on his face, and an air of superiority around himself.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">She raised her hands as to shield herself from nothing at all, and unwillingly discharged power at him.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">He dodged the distorted array of power and charged at her, who at this point was fleeing.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">He easily pinned her down, his body bigger than hers. She tried calling out for help, and wanted to be released from his grip.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">And she was, taking this chance to run away.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">He was not expecting things to turn out this way. When she released that much power at him, and seeing as she is a demon, he thought she is an enemy which wishes him dead.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">He looked as the child outdistanced him, and flee to cover.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">She thought she was safe. Was proven wrong as a huge snake was about to eat her alive. The snake pounced, and she closed her eyes.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">“Are you unharmed?” She opened her eyes to see the man she ran away from earlier, protecting her from the huge snake.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Her fear washed away, as he now brimmed with curiosity. His face was not mean-looking, it was gentle, and caring. Smiling. Now she could see in his eyes both strength and kindness.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">The kindness and safety she had been looking for.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">THE THIRD PICTURE: The man protecting the young girl.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">4.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Fast forward eight years, where she is at the age of 20, and he at the age of 25.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Two hooded figures entered a village. The first showed himself as a man, but the second was reluctant about showing its identity.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">They bought a room at an inn, as the night was setting over the world.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Alsanna and him. He who was unnamed, until she gave him one. Leoric, the brave.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">She was sleeping in the inn’s bed, covered by the blanket. The lights were out as he stood on the chair, brooding to himself.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">It was midnight. Most people sleep at this hour, but he couldn’t.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">The door slightly opened, as he looked and saw what seemed to be a ball, rolling on the ground.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Seconds later, the room explodes. As does the rest of the inn.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">People outside stood stunned as they survived. Leoric has shielded her from peril, as they were both alive and well.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">The people whispered among themselves in fear of the demon before them. Cursing.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Leoric stepped forwards, as he was asked why does he protect Alsanna? Was he a demon as well? No… he was the exact opposite.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">No signs of anger were visible on his face, not had he replied to any of their questions, the only thing he was doing, was protecting her.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">“We are not your enemies.”

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">The innkeeper stepped forward and pointed a finger accusing. “Y-You’ll pay for this! My inn’s gone because of you.”

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">A bag was tossed at his chest containing more gold than he will need to repair his inn. “Are you satisfied?” Leoric had said with a straight face, devoid of any guilt or of blaming others.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Everybody stood speechless at this. The guards, who were preparing for a fight, looking at his face, realized how wrong they had been.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">“Let’s go.” The two left, having to find shelter in a forest or something.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Shelter, they had found and started a campfire to keep themselves warm through the rest of the night.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">“How can they do that to us?” Alsanna had been slightly furious. He placed his hand upon her shoulder and she looked at him.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">“Do not hold a grudge against them, for they did not know what they were doing.”

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">She always looked at him not as a stranger, but as a father, a guiding light in this mysterious world and listened to everything he told her.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">There was no shame between them, and if she ever needed someone to cry to, he would listen willingly and offer comfort when the world was harsh.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">THE FOURTH PICTURE: Two figures standing amidst a fire as many others outside the fire cursed at them.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">5.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Fast forward to next day, during midday. The two are walking through the forest, managing to reach vast open planes.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">During their walk across it, many footsteps are heard. Horse steps.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Many men on horseback are riding their way. Despite Alsanna’s suggestion to hide out of sight… somewhere… he refuses. They will stay and meet the soldiers.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">They were swarmed and surrounded by them, but nobody attacked yet.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">The captain strode forward on his horse to look at the two. Seeing a human man and what seemed to be a demon woman.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">He had made an awful joke about Alsanna being his whore and whether or not he should kill them, much to her dislike. In her mind she wanted to fire her spells at all of them for that insult.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Leoric spoke, washing away all the laughter and putting a grim look of confusion on the captain’s face.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">The captain looked at him surprised and muttered: “You’re that nameless boy I met when I was young?”

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">With little effort, Leoric convinced his friend, captain Drumbold, that he and Alsanna were against the demons of that land, and that they wished to bring an end to the leader of their foes, Kalameet.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">THE FIFTH PICTURE: The two amidst vast plains of nothingness surrounded by cavaliers.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">6.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">They were taken to the king, who looked upon them like they were ‘stained’.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Leoric held no grudge against him. He does not hold a grudge or is angered about anyone or anything.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">The king doubted them, this was obvious in his look. Even as Leoric stated his purpose there. They wish to join the battle against the demons. They were preparing for it for years.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">He and Drumbold managed to convince the king that it is a good idea to have them as allies.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">So they were given a chamber, as in five days, the invasion plan begins.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">They both had a bed in which to reside and their needs were taken care of.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Leoric closed the doors to their chambers and secretly placed a ward on them. A barrier.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">He knows that the king can’t simply trust anyone who comes up to him and says he wants to be part of the invasion plan. Especially if he is accompanied by someone like Alsanna.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">THE SIXTH PICTURE: The two strangers standing before the king’s throne.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">7.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">In the morning, as she was still sleeping, he locked her inside the chamber and walked outside.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">He and his friend Drumbold had a lot of catching up to do. He bragged about how he was the ‘champion’ at brawling there in the palace. And in the entire city as well.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">So Leoric accepted a challenge from Drumbold, and fought with him.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">They were in the court, in a ring of wood, with soldiers outside placing bets. Even the king was spectating.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">They brawled with gloves of leather and no clothing on their chest or head, as the rules applied.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Doing it in rounds, it was just like boxing. They both had the strength of men that could topple mountains and defeat beasts twice their size.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">The show was intense as each of the two could lose at any moment.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">“How careless you have been…” She entered the room, sword in hand.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">The woman set her gaze upon the sleeping Alsanna, and approached. She raised her weapon…

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">…only for it to be blocked. She was pushed behind, and from nowhere appeared a white spirit, taking the form of Leoric.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">“Flee. And I will spare your life.” Saying that with the same nostalgic look that Leoric himself has, the assassin decided to leave.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">THE SEVENTH PICTURE: The two brawling outside while the girl upstairs is saved from danger.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">8.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Alsanna was awake, as Leoric discovered when he entered the room.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">She expressed her worry for him as she approached. Even so, she congratulated him on his victory that morning.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">She led him to his bed, and warmingly took care of his hand, wrapping bandages to stop the bleeding. (There is no ‘warmingly’ in the vocabulary).

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">This scene had been repeated many times throughout their partnership. Each time it felt like she is the mother, and he, the son which never listens.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Each time telling him of such mistakes, and him going out to do them once more. Such a scene was a sight to behold. It was truly beautiful.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">It did not matter how different one was from the other, as they stood there taking care of the other.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;"> Even the eyeless would grow eyes just to gawk in awe at that picture.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">THE EIGHTH PICTURE: The woman sitting on the same bed as the man and mending his wound while he is acknowledging his mistake.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">9.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">The next day, the two were on their way to a monastery, home to many monks. The place where Leoric mostly grew up in, even if he was nameless.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">He was gladly welcomed back by everyone, as they made a line and bowed heads at his arrival. The head monk extended his arms and declared him a warm ‘Welcome home child!’.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Those words… Leoric nearly shed tears of joy, as the head priest softened him up with just a gesture and a select set of words.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">They were welcomed, and they had a feast. It seemed nobody cared that Alsanna was… different. This fact warmed her heart, as any other place besides her home village had shunned her existence.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Leoric requested that they be trained for the upcoming battle.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">There was deathly silence for a moment, and only the head monk spoke: “Must you part take in it?”

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Leoric responded with a simple ‘yes’.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">So, they were led underground, where special training rooms exist.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Alsanna was placed in a white room, with only a drawn circle in the middle of it. Why was it white? Because it was white all over.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Having been left alone, she stripped of armor and stood in the circle, meditating.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">She began absorbing the energy of that place. Finally she could recharge from more than just eating food. Her spells needed mana, after all.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Her entire life she existed as nothing more than a succubus who could cast a mediocre set of spells at a mediocre level of perfection.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Until then. In that room, she had been blessed with a large quantity of mana, equal in nature to her power level.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">As she was receiving mana, through her mind flashed images of her original home world. She had been shown her parents, siblings, and her kind, and the tragedy which befell them.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">She shed tears…

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Leoric had been standing atop a beast of metal that he recently defeated. An animal whose skin was metal.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Alsanna came with the head monk to see Leoric’s progress. Leoric noticed that deep down, Alsanna was hurt. She no doubt found out about her real parents and what fell them.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">As well as her drastic increase in power.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Later that night, Leoric and Alsanna were alone in a room, and he hugged her, saying that he is sorry for her loss. That night she embraced him, and cried more than she had ever before.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">When the day of the battle came, they left the monastery, and went to the fields of killing.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">The head monk stood at the gates and watched them depart. He said to his fellow monk to recite to him a certain part of a certain old prophecy.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">‘Last daughter of a forlorn line, shall guide him into history.’

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">‘Beneath crypts, prophecies clash. The war of ancient enemies.’

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">(‘Forlorn’ basically means forgotten)

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">THE NINTH PICTURE: Two monks watching as the two figures are leaving the temple/monastery and contemplating about their success in what they are going to do next. Wishing them good luck and praying for their safety.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">10.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">The battle started. Kalameet is waiting for the victor to climb up and challenge him. He knows the tide has turned and his forces will be overwhelmed.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">But he still awaits patiently for someone strong enough to challenge him. He sits on his throne of skulls atop a floating platform, enjoying the battle below.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Fast forward to when the two reach the base of the tower.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Alsanna is worried, that if they go up there, they might both end up dead.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">“No. You are not coming, I’m going alone.” She was fazed at this. She was likely the stronger of the two, so holding her back would be a waste.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">“I need you to stay here and prevent anyone from coming up after me.” The only way up was through a pillar of magic, which made one levitate up until they reached the platform.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Despite her protests, he stood looking at her. His gaze stopped her from talking, and he finished it with just one word. “Please.”

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Even Alsanna was shocked at this. “Okay.” She said in a narrow and quiet voice.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">He could not let her go up there and face against the one who burned down her world and killed those who should have been her family.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">As a true man, he had to take the responsibility of punishing Kalameet.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">THE TENTH PICTURE: The two arguing about who should go up and face the final boss.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">11.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">He looked ahead to see Kalameet on his throne of skulls. Even the demon was surprised at this turn of events.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">“Well. I honestly expected the girl to challenge me.” He was leaning forward on his throne.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">“Am I not worthy enough?” Leoric said, and Kalameet laughed.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">“Will you deliver punishment upon me? Angel of mercy?”

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">That was the breaking point. The point where Leoric’s true identity was revealed.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">“The one born without wings. Here to punish me instead of the one who’s life I destroyed!” He leaned back on his chest. “This truly is hilarious. An angel, protecting a demon from another demon.”

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">“But that is how I can finally release all of my pent up power.”

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">“Hmm?”

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">There Leoric released all of his massive power, transforming into an Angel of Punishment and doing great battle.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;"> But that was not enough, as it required something more…

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Leoric knows that Alsanna is dangerous. Even staying with her for eight years has changed him. Slowly but surely, she shared with him her power. Power in dark.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">A thing he now activated.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">When Alsanna left the monastery, heading to battle, she could only use 40% of her full power. The power she took from both her mother and her father.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">The rest 60% were in Leoric.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Using that power, he defeated Kalameet.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">But it was not without a price.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">During that battle, Leoric had been mortally wounded, a lance, summoned by him, was used to pierce his chest and destroy his heart.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">She could no longer wait. She used the beam and got taken up to the platform, even though she could very well fly there.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">She rushed at him, as he was standing up, and noticed his wound. She was obviously concerned for him, but he brushed her off.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">During their fight, Alsanna felt the earth shake. Leoric told her, that the cause of it was Kalameet. He sent a bomb made of his energy down to the core of the planet. It won’t be long and it would explode.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">(Kinda like how Frieza blows up Namek in Dragon Ball Z)

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">THE ELEVENTH PICTURE: A standoff against the hero and the primeval.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">12. 'Music Quote: One by Adrian von Ziegler'

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">The platform crashed. There was nothing more to keep it floating. Getting out of the rubble, the two had to do something.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Leoric stepped forward and pointed towards the horizon, saying that they will be safe if they run in that direction. Even mortally wounded he made vague attempts at escape.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Alsanna walked in front of him and looked at his face.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">“For how long… have you been unconscious?” His eyes bleak and devoid of life. She said those words with eyes full of sorrow and grief at the realization, that even unconscious and dying, Leoric still wished to take her to safety.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">This showed how much he cared for and protected her. This alone brought tears to her eyes as she was about to lose him.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">They fell to their knees as an earthquake shattered the surface.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Seeing the wave of flame approaching, Alsanna embraced Leoric.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">“Thank you.” It was all there could be said in that moment, as she deeply thanked Leoric for protecting her all this time.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">She hugged him tightly as he unconsciously drove his arms around her.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Her safe haven.

<p style="margin:12pt0cm;line-height:16.5pt;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;">Leoric knew. He always blamed himself, even though he took care of the girl this whole time, he made her cry several times, instead of keeping her as happy as possible. <span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;font-size:11pt;line-height:16.5pt;">THE TWELVTH PICTURE: Alsanna hugging him as they both stood on their knees, even though he was unconscious, waiting for the worlds end.