(( You guys are welcome to contribute. I'd enjoy feedback, ideas to help progress this story, I'm running into some issues so ideas or thoughts would help. If you want to post what your charaters are doing during this story thats welcomed too. ))



“Nothingness...That is all I'm surrounded by. I feel like I'm just floating. I can't remember how I got here... I'm not even sure where here is. I don't remember much of anything.” As my body floated for what seemed like eternity, I suddenly heard strange voices.

“What is it?” screeches one...

“It looks like a human,” speaks another voice.

“It seems so helpless... I bet it's tasty, let's find out,” suggests another.

I am helpless to do anything as these strange, imp-like creatures attack me... I want to scream, to fight back, but I can do nothing. Their claws cut deep, not into my flesh... but my very soul... my very essence. It is like, with each attack, another piece of me is taken away.

“Get away from him!” yells a feminine voice.

All I hear is the screeching as the creatures scurry away.

“Filthy darklings... always going after new souls...” the woman speaks.

Darklings... why should that word mean something? My mind struggles to think on it, but draws a blank. Whatever the creatures did, the damage is done.

“Oh, you poor soul... pardon the pun.” The woman seems to do something as I touch the ground.

I struggle to look around, but it seems difficult to focus; my whole body feels out of place, incomplete...

“Careful sugar...those creatures did a nasty thing to you... stripped you of your very essence “ She speaks softly. I have yet to even look at her.

“My... essence? What do you mean...? Who are you...? Where am I?” My voice is raspy as I struggle to understand the situation.

“My dear, you're in Limbo... As for who I am, lets just say I'm your guide to the afterlife.” She smiles. “You're a soul, or at least you were. You're here in Limbo because someone or something figured you haven't earned the right to cross over... or YOU haven't made the choice where to go.”

I study the woman for a moment as she continues to talk. She's a tall blonde with an athletic build. For the fact that this is the realm between Heaven and Hell, she's dressed rather nice. A simple gown, very clean and neat. She almost seems angelic in appearance. Perhaps it's how she has survived in this place.

“As for your other question, your essence is what makes you, well, you. Those little buggers are able to strip a soul to its core if you let them. Essentially, you are now just a shell of what you were. Until we get your essence back,” she smiles.

“What do you mean 'we'?” I ask.

“You're in no condition to venture through Limbo on your own. Plus, do you even know why you're here, what purpose you had before you came here?” She crosses her arms matter-of-factly.

“You sure know a lot about what's going on for a guide. How can I even trust you?”

“Look around you, this is a desolate wasteland, filled with untold horror. You've already gotten beat up by some simple darklings. How long do you think you're really going to last on you own?” You have very few choices here. You can follow me, find your essence, and get to chose Heaven or Hell, or you wander on your own and most likely end up lost for eternity...or worse.”

“How worse?” I had to ask with a sigh. “Look, I don't belong here. I can't explain it. I can't remember anything, but I know this isn't my fate... this isn't my time.”

A bit of a smile crosses her face “Well, without your essence, if you were to be captured by another demon or even another soul, they could possess you and take over your body, or even reshape it to their will.”

“That would be bad...So what do we do?” I paused for a moment, looking around at the landscape... There was nothing, a wasteland of nothing, except with shining lights in the distance. But do they lead to Heaven or Hell...?

“Good, finally you're listening to reason, now let's get going. Oh, and you can call me... Eris.” She begins to walk towards the lights and at this point I have no choice but to follow... Of course, I never noticed the seemingly wicked grin on her face.



Founders Fall Hospital.

For the last few days the body of the hero known as Ascalon, Matthew to his friends, has laid on a bed. He has remained in a comatose state since the appearance of sacrificing himself to save a young girl named Deej.

He has had many visitors since he has been placed in the room. Some stay only for a few moments, like Dave and Dante...to say their prayers and wishes, in hopes he'll recover. Others, like his friends Jimmy and Daira, have stayed for hours, almost like silent protectors. Then there is Kyoko. Matthew's current girlfriend. Since the news she has not left his side, hoping for a sign. Even the young woman Deej has visited, but stayed her distance, feeling responsible for what transpired and believing that Kyoko and others hate her for this.

Others, like Matthew's brother David, have been trying to inform their friends and find a way to bring his brother home. A hero sacrificed himself for what he believed was right. But now a new journey home has begun.

_________________

Chapter 2

I don't know how long we've been traveling. Time seems to pass differently in Limbo. It could have been hours, days or even weeks. The landscape hasn't changed, I can say that. Barren wasteland for miles. One advantage of being a spirit... I don't need to eat or sleep it seems.

My mind keeps wandering back to different questions. “Who am I? What did I do to be sent to Limbo?” And the most difficult one... “What is my fate?”

“Alright Eris, where are we going? We've been wandering for what seems like forever, and those lights aren't getting any closer. And why haven't we seen another spirit or even a demon?” I ask, a bit concerned.

“You're not very patient, are you? Limbo is vast and ever-changing. Besides, are you really sure you want to face another demon in your condition? You wouldn't last very long.” Eris just seems to keep walking.

“Fine, at least tell me about yourself. This silence is killing me, and maybe it will help spark some of my own memories.”

Eris lets out a reluctant sigh. “Fine, if it will shut you up for a bit. Not that it will help you. You're a shell of what you were. The only way we're going to fix you is get your essence back... “ She faintly mutters under her breath,“Or replace it with another.”

“What was that?” I asked.

“Nothing... I was just about to say, before I became a guide here in Limbo... I was a rather boring housewife.. until my husband cheated on me, with his secretary. I was accused of murder and sentenced to death,” she says, rather emotionless.

“I see, and did you do it?”

Eris has a bit of a grin on her face as she answers. “I'm here, what do you think? Any more questions? I'm not some innocent woman and I accepted my choices. Can you?”

“OK, never mind, forget I asked, let's move on.” I shake my head as I think to myself. This is going to be a fun journey and it makes me wonder how well I can really trust this 'guide'.

Without warning, suddenly the landscape changes, where it was once a barren wasteland it has now shifted into rocky cliffs and vast canyons, with us stuck in the middle of it. To make matters worse, suddenly a large figure rises from the ground. The creature is about 7 feet tall, with long, lanky arms and legs, its skin is a purplish hue, with long claws and spikes protruding from its shoulders and forehead. With a long row of fangs in its mouth, it growls and hisses.

“What the hell is that?” I ask, a bit startled, more by the creature than the changes in landscape.

“Great, are you happy now?! That is a Seeker, a rather common demon here. It likes to eat lost souls, darklings or anything else it can get its hands on. Congratulations, you just made this venture a lot more interesting, and how do you plan to fight it?” Eris yells, seeming to be looking for something

“Well excuse me, Princess... Jeez. I didn't ask for IT! I just wanted to make the walk more interesting.” Part of me wants to run from this Seeker, but my instincts say to fight... but all I have is my bare hands.

The Seeker begins to move towards us, quickly slashing with its talons. I dodge out of the way, but as I do I notice Eris is still looking around for something.

“A little help here, would that be too much to ask?” I yell as I backpedal again just out of reach of its claws.

“I am helping, just stay out of its reach and watch out for its claws.” Eris continues to search for something.

No sooner than she says that, the Seekers claws cut deep into my chest. The pain is almost indescribable as I drop to my knees.

At the same time, in the hospital room in Founder's Falls, monitors connected to Matthew's body spikes and strange marks appear on his chest. The doctors and nurses quickly begins to investigate, but seem to be baffled by what is causing this.

As I'm doubled over in pain, the Seeker moves in for the kill, only to be rocked back momentarily by Eris, who seems to blast it with some sort of beam. “Get your ass up and catch.”

As I struggle to my feet, trying to fight the pain, Eris hurls a sword at my feet. “Where did this come from?”

“Stop asking questions and kill it!”

The Seeker hisses as it shakes off Eris' attack and is even more angry.

As it brings its claws down at me, I grab the sword and raise it up blocking the blow. It actually catches the creature off guard for a moment. I use the momentum to bring the sword down on its claws. It lets out a horrendous scream as I manage to cut through several of its talons.

We clash for several minutes and I manage to avoid most of its attacks as it can only fight with one set of claws. It still gets a few licks in, but nothing feels as painful as the first initial hit. I'm not faring much better, though. Whatever it did to me with that first hit seems to be sapping most of my energy. I feel myself getting tired and weaker the longer the battle goes on. I look for Eris for assistance, but she just seems to watch. This bothers me, but I don't have time to ask her about it.

I tighten the grip on the handle of the sword and concentrate as I focus all of my energy on one last attack. The Seeker rushes at me and I crouch down, sweeping its legs from under itself. As it falls forward I bring my sword down on its head with all my might. With a loud grunt, I bring the blade of the sword through its skull and as the blade cuts down I lose my own balance and fall to my knees, exhausted.

Eris smiles as she watches the outcome, clapping quietly to herself. “Very good. Impressive for a shell of a man.”

I barely notice as she picks me up and leads me to some sort of cave. My mind races a bit; we don't need to eat or sleep in here in Limbo, but the battle has drained me so much. I don't know how long I sleep or if I really did, but as I lay there my mind keeps drawing on images. Most of them are nothing more than blurs or shadows. The images show some sort of battle, one that feel all too real or very recent. Maybe the battle with the Seeker awoke something.

While I am asleep, little do I realize what Eris is really up to.

Eris waits at the entrance of the cave as three small creatures approach. Its the same darklings from previously.

“It's about time you three got here,” she hisses. “Did you get it? You better have.”

“Yes Mistress, we did, but did you have to hit us so hard?” they all three question at once.

“Shut up and give it to me!” Quickly, the darklings reveal a glowing orb with a bright blue flame in the middle. “It's beautiful... So, this is all of it? His essence?”

“We captured it just as you asked.... We kept it safe and collected it all. Will we get a reward?”

“Perhaps... as long as it's intact.” Eris runs a hand against the orb and it pulses with energy that causes her to flinch slightly, shifting her hand into talons. Deep inside of the orb an image appears. “You idiots! His soul is protected by another force... a Dragon no less.”

“What does that mean, Mistress? We did just as you asked.” The darklings cower in fear.

“What it means, is that I can't corrupt his soul like I wish. Even if I turn it against everything he's ever been. As long as this essence is protected by this dragon I can never fully control him.” Eris holds the orb as she ponders for a moment.

“There could still be a way... If I can turn him and then have him destroy the essence himself... It's risk.” She hands the orb back to the darklings, who fight over who will take it. The orb bounces from their hand and hits the ground. All time seems to stop as it does.

“YOU IMBECILES!!! If that orb is shattered or even cracked all of my plans are ruined.” She quickly picks it up and studies it. The orb seems undamaged. She reluctantly hands it back to the minions. “Don't let it out of your sight. If either of you screw up again...” She just grins without finishing.

The darklings cower as they take the orb and disappear. Eris then walks back into the cave.


Meanwhile, in Paragon City, shortly after the strange and mysterious attack, Matthew has been kept under strict watch, but no one seems to notice as slowly scales begin to form around his skin, a magical defense his body has learned to protect itself.

At the same time, a dragon awakens and begins to search for someone or something. It flies through the city until it appears to a beautiful woman with white hair. “Forgive me Siren,” it speaks. “I swore I'd never seek your assistance or use this bond again, but Matthew is in a dire situation that we must resolve quickly. His very soul is trapped in Limbo and I have sensed it as a demon is trying to strip and corrupt his very essence. We must seek help and save him before it's too late.”

_________________

(thanks to Lunar for letting me drag Traceur along! )
______________________________________________

The beaded handbag hung carelessly from her fingertips and with a ragged sigh she let it slip with a thunk to the rough planks on the end of the wooden dock. She leaned heavily against one of the upright logs at the end of the pier and kicked off her stilettos before sinking to her knees. Shuffling herself around, she finally dangled her feet into the cool water of the small bay in Founders and rested her disheveled head in her hands.

What a disaster.

It had been ages since she'd been on a "proper" date and she'd actually been looking forward to it. Dinner and a movie with John...someone who could match her toe to toe flirtation wise and who she didn't have to worry that he'd jump of the Giza or anything stupid whenever she took on another lover. A real honest-to-gods date.

It had started well at least. She was actually ready on time, the restaurant was cozy and blessedly quiet, but she never got past the first bite of her salad...

The pain hit like a truck. A giant evil truck filled with angry, broken hearted Knives of Artemis driven by Romulus on a bad hair day after a week long binge on supadyne. She froze, her fork suspended mid-air, a startled look on her face.

"Sultry? Everything ok? ...Babe?"

She couldn't even blink in response to John as the fork dropped from her fingers to clatter loudly against the plate. It was the last thing she heard for several minutes as the ringing in her head grew to an intensely, painfully loud staccato beat.

In her hazy vision, she saw John get up and crouch worriedly beside her chair closely shadowed by a hand-wringing maitre'd. Her head swam and her stomach felt like some horrible soothsayer had just ripped out her entrails to tell a fortune, and a bad one at that. Good Gods, she'd gotten so sick so fast...couldn't be something she ate, they'd just arrived...shouldn't be anything from the RWZ, she hadn't been hurt in a couple of months now. She was going to have to go home and miss the movie...but why was someone screaming?

She felt hands close over her own, tugging slightly at first, then more insistently. It took a moment for her to focus through the fog and realize that the screaming was her own. The throbbing in her head was so severe, she had been digging her own nails into her scalp.

She closed her eyes against the pain for a moment trying to focus on breathing and letting go of her head. Slowly, the ringing lessened, but still hung like a heavy cloud on her.

John was singularly focused on disengaging her hands from her head "...crap dude, I don't know. She's never done this before."

"...but monsieur...you and this, this -girl- are disturbing our other guests..." the maitre'd huffed.

"Shut it, you idiot...she's in pain, just give me a minute." He replied angrily before he looked into her face with concern "Babe? Think you can walk?"

She managed to croak out a raspy "Yeah..." and he smiled grimly at her.

"Alright then...here we go..."

As he pulled her to her feet, the room shifted violently. She gripped his arm tightly enough to make him wince in surprise. The seeming coziness of the place had been replaced by severe claustrophobia and it was stifling. She was suddenly hot. Too hot. Dangerously hot.

"John...outside...need air, now." There was a note of panic and desperation in her voice.

He hesitated only a moment before scooping her into his arms and darting out the door with her, leaping and dodging effortlessly as he navigated the sea of chair, tables, and diners around them. Running to the middle of the empty street, he set her down gently before leaping clear of the rising heat emanating from her. She knelt on the cold pavement, gasping the cool night air into her lungs, desperately trying to keep from incinerating the half dozen cars within easy reach of her powers. She could hear John's dress shoes as he paced at a safe distance.

After a few moments, he called out "You alright?"

She nodded and regretted it, moaning quietly.

He came a few steps closer "Sure?"

"Yeah..." she managed to croak.

"Gonna set fire to the block?"

"No...don't...don't think so..."

He moved to crouch beside her, softly joking "Y'know, if you didn't like French food, you could have just said something."

She tried to laugh, but it only served to make her head ache more. "Gods of Olympus...my head..."

The rest was a blur. She knew there had been a heated discussion about hospitals, which she assumed she had won since she had found herself back at her apartment with a hangover sized headache and a kissed forehead, though John had said something about getting help. She thought. She leaned against the inside of her front door for a few minutes trying to sort out the confusing threads of the evening before the dull feeling in the pit of her stomach began to grow. She groaned and fumbled with the lock, then somehow managed to stumble down the hall and out of the building, back into the crisp air.

Now on the dock with her feet in the cool water, she heaved a soft sigh. She was contemplating exactly -how- angry Carson would be if she took the frothy beaded confection of a designer dress she'd borrowed for a little late night swim when she saw the reflection shimmering in the water.

“Forgive me Siren. I swore I'd never seek your assistance or use this bond again, but Matthew is in a dire situation that we must resolve quickly. His very soul is trapped in Limbo and I have sensed that a demon is trying to strip and corrupt his very essence. We must seek help and save him before it's too late.”

Her head slowly lifted to gaze back at the dragon "...I was wondering when you'd show up."

_________________

Global: @Sultry Siren

Chapter 3


The pain to my side doesn't hurt as much, but I can't seem to shake this feeling of uneasiness. As we continue our journey, I notice Eris is even less talkative. To make things worse I seem to keep thinking back to what happened during that battle. I keep asking myself, “Why did she keep standing there, Why didn't she fight and where did she get this sword from?”

As we keep walking I try to think of what to say, but the words don't come out. I do wonder if I can really trust her or if I am walking into a trap. Thinking back to the dreams... if a soul can still dream, I keep wondering who I was, who those people were and what I did to wind up here. Sadly I didn't seem to have the answers. So we kept walking toward our destination, the mysterious tower in the distance.

To say our venture was easy was an understatement. It seems word spreads quickly in Limbo, as my defeating a Seeker summoned more and more creatures to halt our progress. The battles were fierce and with each one a new challenge. The strange thing was, they also seemed to become easier and the pain I felt when I got hit seemed less and less. As we fought, the sword Eris gave me seemed to grow both in size and in power. Form each battle, each experience, I also acquired trophies. Mostly pieces of armor, even as crude as they appeared. I was looking less and less human and more... like one of them.

Eris says little during most of the battles, but at least she seems to be helping. The more I watch her, the more I realize she is more than she appears. She wields powers of both shadow and flame, but perhaps all creatures in Limbo do to some extent. Even I can feel great power coming from the sword as it grows.

During the journey we come across of all things... a village. I expected demons, monsters or some sort of horrors, but to my surprise it contained people. Or the souls of those that were once people.

Not sure what to expect, I approach the village slowly and tell Eris to stay back. For once she listens. “We come in peace.” I say. “We're just looking for a place to rest, we don't mean you any harm.”

One of the villagers stands up and approaches me. This one seems to be dressed in garb similar to a Viking. It speaks, but I can barely understand it.

I move closer, holding out my hands as a sign of good faith and to show I am unarmed. “I'm sorry I don't understand, do you speak English?”

“regnartS emocleW!” the “Viking” spoke again. “uoy pleh ew nac woH?” He moves closer, extending his hand.

I still can't understand what he is saying but I do understand an extended hand. As I move closer to accept the greeting, another villager stands up when they notice Eris behind me.

“NOMED!!!” The other one shouts, and suddenly all of them are drawing weapons.

“Whoa, slow down, I think there has been some sort of misunderstanding here.” I try to stay calm as the villagers move closer. Before I can react, Eris unleashes a blast, taking down several of them. “Eris! What the hell?” I shout, but it does no good. The villagers attack and I am forced to defend myself.

The sword appears in my hand, but immediately I notice something very wrong. It glows with a different type of energy than previously. I try to use it only to defend myself, but against my own will the sword has a mind of its own. I am powerless as the sword strikes down the villagers, and instead of them falling to the ground, the sword begins to absorb them into itself.

Eris stops attacking and smiles with wicked glee, watching as I helplessly and uncontrollably destroy the village within a matter of moments.

“What have you done... what did you do to me?!” I struggle to say once the carnage is over.

“Oh, isn't it obvious? I told you from day one not to trust anyone in Limbo. That includes me... but it's too late and your downfall has just begun.” She smiles as she walks towards me slowly.

Out of anger, I grab her arm and begin to squeeze it tightly. I'm not thinking straight and am consumed by rage. “I should kill you... they were innocents, but they attacked when they saw you... WHY!?”

Eris whole demeanor suddenly changes... “Please... stop, you're hurting me... I was only doing... what I was told.” The wicked woman I just encountered suddenly seems very scared, very fearful.

I am lost in the emotions and don't let go. In fact, my hand moves to around her neck as I tighten my grip... “Matthew... Please, your hurting me,” she cries... and that is when something in me snaps. A horrible image flashes through my head... Memories of my true life; more important, a memory I've tried to keep buried.

I drop Eris as I hold my head...”What am I doing...Oh God, what have I done?” I drop to my knees.

Eris smiles as she looks down at me. “So, the so-called hero has a dark side. Oh, what secrets do you have hidden away? I can't wait to find out.”

Before I can react, she grabs my shoulder and we both disappear.


Elsewhere in Limbo...

Three small imp-like creatures sit around a glowing blue orb.

“This is boring,” one squeaks.

“Lets poke it with a stick!” another shouts.

“Ummm, is it's supposed to be moving?” shouts the third one.

All three turn to see the orb glowing and pulsing more than before. In fact, a small crack can be seen forming around it.

“What do we do? The Mistress will be angry if she finds out we broke it,” chirps one of them.

“We didn't break it, but if we destroyed it no one would have to know! We can say we were attacked and someone beat us up!” another said excitedly.

All three darklings cheer as they look around for anything to smash the orb with. Soon they begin to smash the object with rocks, bones and sticks. The orb begins to pulse and glow, then with one final stoke, the orb erupts with energy. The explosion wipes out the three foolish imps and the energy rushes out, setting its course back to its owner...

Founder's Falls Hospital.

David walks into the main lobby. He had hoped to hear some news about Matt, but nothing. He smiles to the nurses at the desks and looked down at the sign-in sheet for visitors. His hand runs down the list with a smile. So many of Matthew's friends have made the effort to visit at least once. David stops for a moment and looks around, shaking his head swearing he saw someone or something... watching... “I can only guess at who that might be hiding in the shadows,” he says to himself.

He walks toward Matthew's room and lets out a sigh. There, sitting at his side, is Kyoko. She has rarely left his side since this happened. He isn't sure what to say. Before learning he had a younger brother, he spent his life in the military. Having a brother, a family to worry about and care about, it was still something he struggled to adjust to.

He just smiles and places his hand on her shoulder. Kyoko does her best to smile back, but he can tell this has been eating at her for days. “How is he?” David asks.

“Not much change... There are no new scars or markings so that's a good sign I hope.” She closes her eyes and whispers something in Japanese. David shakes his head, cursing himself for not having learned Japanese at times like this.

David looks down at Matthew, placing his hand on his shoulder. “You're a damn fool sometimes, but you're missed. I don't know how to help you. We need a sign, that you're OK. Something...”

Suddenly, without warning the entire room begins to shake as Matthew's eyes open and glow like bright blue flames. On instincts alone, David grabs Kyoko and dives for cover. They watch as Matthew's body rises up from the bed, surrounded by flames as the scales that had been appearing on his body become more visible. We can only watch as Matthew transforms before us into a massive dragon, larger than any previous form I've seen. The room begins to crack as the machines explode from the change. David does his best to keep himself and Kyoko protected.

“MATTHEW!” Kyoko yells as she stands and runs towards the dragon as things begin to settle down.

The dragon holds up his hand and shakes his head. “I'm sorry Kyoko... Matthew is still lost to us in Limbo, but now that I'm free and back in his body at least we can do something about it.”

“Wait, then who are you, what is going on?” she asks.

“It's the physical manifestation of the dragon bound to Matthew, the dragon Ascalon,” David explains as he stands behind Kyoko.

“You are correct, David... Strange...moments ago I was talking to the lovely Ms. Siren... and now I am here. That means something must have happened to the orb,” the dragon speaks softly.

“Orb? What orb what are you going on about? What has happened to my brother and what does Siren have to do with this?” David ask, his voice rising slightly, wanting answers... at the same time something seems to keep the doctors and nurses from seeing what the ruckus was.

“I shall explain, to the best of my knowledge. When Matthew made his sacrifice, as brave or foolish as it was... He/We awoke in Limbo for reasons unknown. The moment we arrived we were attacked and our essence was trapped in an orb. But, due to our unusual nature and the fact two spirits inhabit one body, the process wasn't complete. I was trapped in the orb along with Matthew's powers and memories... He, I'm afraid, remained within the shell of our spiritual body. With no memories of who he is, I could only watch as he encountered woman named Eris who 'saved' him.” The dragon stops for a moment to collect his thoughts.

Kyoko wraps her arms around herself as she listens.

The dragon speaks again. “Trapped in the orb, I was powerless to do anything, until Eris revealed that she was the one who attacked Matthew herself and used her minions to trap me. Clearly, she didn't realize she only collected a part of us... that or she planned on this. Ether way, her foolish minions dropped the orb. Not enough to break it, but enough to allow a part of our essence to escape. I... searched for the first person I could trust. I remembered the bond I shared with Siren for a short time.”

David stands there, not saying anything, trying to take all this in, looking down at Kyoko, finally taking the time to speak. “OK, if that that is true, then why are you here now, like this? Why did you never come to me? You were bound to me for a short time as well.”

“That is correct, but the bond to Siren was stronger. Plus, she has knowledge that could help us in our venture, but its secrets I can not reveal without her permission.” The dragon grins slightly. “As for how I am here now... it seems the darklings are rather simple creatures. They believed breaking the orb would be a good idea. It set me free, but instead of returning to Matthew's spiritual form, I returned to the physical. Which means he's in greater danger then expected.”

“So what do we have to do to save him?” Kyoko speaks up as she stands. “Whatever it takes, I''m in.” Before David could protest, she looks right at him. “I've sat at his side feeling helpless. I will not lose him again. Get Siren, Jimmy, anyone and everyone who's willing to help. We are bringing him home.”

_________________

Chapter 4

I wake up slowly to find my arms and legs bound in chains, suspended in the air in a X shape. I shake my head, trying to regain my bearings as I look around. The room is a large room with a throne at the other end. In the middle of the room is an eerie crystal that glows with a purplish-black aura. Also, laying next to the crystal is the sword Eris gave me.

Speaking of the devil, Eris enters from another chamber in the far room, a grin on her face as she walks slowly towards me. “Ah, I see you're awake... Good. I was getting bored with this game anyway.”

“Sorry lady, but I'm not in the mood for any kinky shit, and I really don't like being chained up. So why don't you let me down so I can kick your demonic ass,” I snarl as a struggle against the chains.

She chuckles as she moves closer to me. “Oh, it isn't that simple my pet. I admit, I had hoped to have more time to break you in, but alas, my former minions failed in their simple duty.” As she gets closer she runs a hand against my cheek, and it slowly morphs into a long set of talons. “So hard to keep good help... but I find it amusing. The orb containing your essence was shattered, and yet here you still are.”

I try to pull away from her touch. “Yeah, so I've noticed... I have my memories back...but, not everything else. Why?”

“Oh, you don't get it do you? Your own powers have forsaken you. You've been under my control. I've tainted that once-noble soul. Soon, you'll become my Destroyer, my Champion.” She laughs as she runs her hands over my chest, the markings beginning to glow, causing me great pain. “It seems the power returned to your body along with that accursed dragon, which leaves to you me.”

As I struggle with the pain I look down and notice my legs have already begun to be encased in some black substance... it resembles a form of demonic armor. “I'll fight you... I won't bow to you, powers or not. If the dragon is free, the people I love will find a way.”

Again she laughs as she pulls away and moves towards the crystal and the sword. As she does, her body changes, revealing her true form. A tall demonic woman, her skin a pale purplish color, with a dark shade of purple markings and spikes, long black hair, wings and a tail. “Ah, much better... Yes, let your friends come. You'll help me convert or destroy them.”

I struggle against the bonds some more. “I'm going to make you pay for what you've done.”

“What I've done?” She laughs mockingly as she runs her hand against the crystal and lifts up the large sword with ease. “Oh, but you're the one that killed all those beautiful souls for me. You were the one who collected them into my beloved sword that will make me stronger.”

I watch helplessly as she takes the sword and places it against the crystal; both glow with power before all the souls enter the crystal. The power in the sword fades and Eris places it back on its pedestal. She then runs her hand over the crystal again and lets out a gentle moan as she absorbs some of the energy from the crystal. “Delicious,” she purrs.

“You bitch... they were harmless... innocents. Why are you doing this? Who are you really and what sick game are you playing?”

She smirks. “Well I guess it won't hurt, being you'll soon bend to my will anyway. I am doing this because you and your friends created a power vacuum.” She slowly struts to her throne at the other end of the chamber. “With Demoyrel dead, demons from all the realms are fighting for Lucifer's favor. I will have that spot. I was hoping to collect that pesky little Deej... but you'll do.”

I close my eyes for a moment and remember why I'm here in the first place. Deej was going to give up her life, to help Angel, and I couldn't let that happen. It was a foolish choice, but one I felt was right. It seems perhaps it was. I'm here instead of her, and as long as I keep fighting I can stop this demon's plans.

“As for me...” she continues, “I am a demon of Discord. Eris is a suitable name, though no, it is not my real name. I was once a lowly demon... not even fit to serve. Until I found this beautiful crystal. A soul gem unlike any of its size. The more souls I collected, the stronger I became, until I became the ravaging creature you see before me. With my new found power and beauty I took what I wanted, including this palace and the power of its former master. But, enough talk.” She stands up and moves back towards me, her eyes glowing... “Lets see how much it takes to break you.”

I feel the chains tighten as the markings on my body glow... tremendous pain shoots through my body and all I can do is scream.

“Now let's find out more of the dark secrets you hold as Maelius.” She begins to attack my mind with twisted images of everything I've ever done. For hours she tries to break me, I do my best to fight... and then everything goes black...


A large object soars through the skies of Limbo. A dragon, on a mission and in a hurry. On its back sits three figures as they all plan their next moves. The mission seems simple: to save someone that means a lot to them; they are just running short on time and the odds are against them.

“Can't this thing fly any faster?” David yells, as he holds onto one of the dragon's spines protruding from its back.

“Don't call it a thing! It has a name... and he's going as fast as he can,” Kyoko says, wrapping her arms around herself. She closes her eyes as her mind keeps racing to the recent events. “Hold on, love... we're coming.”

“Lets' all calm down and focus on the task at hand,” Dante chimes in. “We are going to save Matt, let's all just calm down 'til then.”

“I just don't like flying in blindly like this. Between the dragon and Siren, we seem to be just along for the ride. It's bad enough I had to explain to Janet she can't come along though we're rushing into Limbo to save Matt against an unknown horde of demons, following the hunch of a dragon.” David lets out a bit of a sigh as he checks his ammo and gear.

“I've worked with Siren for a while now. She is mysterious, but she has her reasons for not coming with us or telling us all the details. We have to trust her. You know that., Dante says.

“Yeah, I know... she got us this far. Just seems odd she just happened to have a way into the realm of the dead, but we only have a few hours, she said. Not a lot of time for an extraction mission.”

“It will be enough.” Kyoko says quietly. “It has to be. We couldn't get a hold of Jimmy or anyone else, so something else must have happened. Nezumi agreed to stay behind just in case we fail.”

The dragon listens to all of this but says nothing, knowing very well what is truly at stake and the prices that were paid to get this far. As they fly, the tower in the distance gets closer. Their destination approaches and a fight none of them will forget.

“Alright folks, there is our target, we're going in heavy and hot.” David speaks as he readies his pistols.
“Dante, Kyoko, you both good to go?”

“Shiny!” Dante says as his power armor activates.

“Hai,” Kyoko nods, drawing her sword.

David leans down and pats the dragon. “OK! Big guy, take us in and burn down as many of those bastards as you can.”

The dragon almost seems to grin as it flaps its massive wings, increasing speed, heading directly for the tower. It rears back as it unleashes a wave of flames into the tower, blowing a hole into it and burning everything in its path. The three passengers jump from the dragon and into the opening as the dragon morphs into a more humanoid form and follows suit.

“Be careful, don't allow the demons to touch you. Their touch will be deadly to the living in Limbo.” The dragon says.

The four heroes fight their way through the tower, taking down anything that gets in their path. The flames from both Dante and the dragon Ascalon burn through most of the demons. While David and Kyoko's bullets and blades find openings and do more damage to any of the ones that manage to survive the onslaught.

Suddenly, as they progress through the tower, the group is ambushed by a smaller group of demons. They are dispatched rather quickly, but not before their claws manage to cut into David and Kyoko. Dante is hit, too, but suddenly transforms into his phoenix form, which protects him from the effects. The others aren't so lucky. The claws of the demons to a human soul is like poison.

“We have to help them,” says Dante, now speaking with dual voices of a male and female while in his phoenix persona. “We can cleanse them of the poison in their veins.”

“No!” The dragon says as he lays them both against the wall. “They must fight through this themselves. This is Eris' doing, a last ditch effort to corrupt them. We are protected because of our mystical natures, we just have to hope they have the will to resist.”

Kyoko looks around...”Where is everyone, what is going on?”

“Well, well, look what the cat dragged in, my favorite little mouse,” a woman speaks...

“No! Not you... I'm free from you.” Kyoko turns to notice the voice right away, and a bit of fear runs through her. It's none other than Dominatrix.

“Now, now, Kyoko. That is what you try to call yourself. Is that anyway to talk to your Mistress? After all, I made you.” She smiles as she moves toward the horrified girl.

“No! I'm not your slave, I'm free of that life. Free of YOU!” Kyoko steps back and tries to draw her sword, only it's not there... in fact, she looks down and notice she begins to shrink, reverting back into the mouse girl she used to be... the Praetorian version of Nezumi. “NO!” She cries out.

Dominatrix laughs. “See, you can't escape me, deep down you'll always be mine. Now come back to me, I can restore your powers, make you better then ever.” She holds out her arms. “There is so much my little mouse still needs to learn, so much I can teach you.”

Kyoko hesitates, her mind racing. Fear of becoming what she once was, having powers once again... it scared and excited her. At the same time she finds herself fighting. Matthew freed her from this, and though she gave up her powers she gained something greater.

“I told you once... already. I'm not your little mouse and I don't want your power. I'll find my own.” Kyoko punches at Dominatrix who fades away, revealing the demonic version of Eris. This shatters the illusion.

“I'm impressed, your willpower is greater then I expected. But it doesn't matter. Soon you'll wish you had taken my offer when my champion destroys everything you hold dear.” Eris laughs as she fades away.

Kyoko wakes up, sweating, but she seems to have fought the effects of the poison. “We have to hurry! Plus that bitch needs some payback.”

David wakes up wondering through a mist, “Hello, anyone here?”

“David, is that you?” a woman speaks weakly...

“Janet! What is going on here, what are you doing here?” As he makes his way through the mist he sees his girlfriend Janet Williams, also known as the heroine Krimsin Hawk, laying on the ground, bloodied and beaten.

“I'm sorry, I tried to come and help, but they were... too strong. They found ways through my defenses.” She holds her left side, which is bleeding heavily.

David kneels down next to her. “I don't understand, I told you to stay back with the others. Why couldn't you do that for me?”

Janet looks up at him in pain. “This is your fault... if you had powers like your brother, if you were stronger you could have saved me. But no, you had to be stubborn.”

David shakes his head. “No... I'm not falling for this. The Janet I know, she wouldn't say that. She's stronger then that and doesn't care I don't have any powers.” Slowly he draws his guns and aims them at “Janet”

She begins to laugh, “Are you sure you want to do that lover. What if I am the real thing. Do you really have what it takes to shot me?”

“I guess I'll take that risk.” David pulls the trigger as the image fades and Eris appears before him.

“Damn you... Why do you all keep resisting? Don't you realize it's futile? Your brother is mine and soon so will all of you be.” Eris disappears in anger

David sits up... “Damn that bitch. She's really pushing it.”

The dragon smiles, seeing they are both alright. “You're both stronger in willpower than you realize, but we have little time to rest, this setback has cost us time. Let's move.


They quickly regroup and make their way into the main chamber of the tower, where they are greeted by Eris sitting on her throne, a crystal glowing in the center and a black figure holding a massive sword standing next to her. As they move closer, they are shocked to realize who the figure is...

“Matthew! Oh God, no,” Kyoko cries out.

“No, we didn't make it this far to fail now. I won't believe Matt is gone now,” David says, readying his guns.

I stand there, both happy and hurt at what my friends and loved ones see. I'm powerless in this body as she had managed to corrupt it. She doesn't have full control, but enough to where I can only watch. I can feel my hands tightening around the massive sword, awaiting the orders to strike.

“Ah, so my quests have finally arrived,” Eris smirks from her throne. “I see you're a bit shocked at my champion. I told you I would break him. I always get what I want.” She runs a clawed hand up Matthew's arm.

“You shall pay for this discrepancy, foul temptress. The fires of the Phoenix have judged you unworthy,” speaks Dante, still in phoenix form.

Eris yawns with boredom. “I grow weary of this banter. Pet, destroy them for me.” She waves her hand as the champion slowly makes his way toward them.

Everyone gets ready to fight when the dragon holds out his arm to stop them. “No...I shall fight him alone. You three must deal with her. If there is a way to break the hold she has over Matthew, it's through her.”

Both Kyoko and David try to protest, but the dragon continues to speak. “We all want to have Matthew back, but none of you have it in your heart to fight him. I possess his body and powers, that creature possesses his soul. One way or another this fight will end with us reunited. Now go!”

Reluctantly, they both nod and join with the phoenix as they rush the throne. The dragon, meanwhile, summons for his own sword as the two clash blades. As the two figures clash, the other three go up against Eris herself, who had created a barrier around her throne.

No matter what they do, the trio cannot seem to penetrate Eris' barrier while she mocks them and fires bursts of energy from her hands at them.

“I'm running low on ammo here, not that my bullets are doing anything anyway. We need a new plan,” David shouts as he dives for cover.

“My blade is ineffective as well, but we can't lose hope,” Kyoko says, panting slightly.

“Our flames seem to be ineffective, but together, if we focus on one point... Kyoko if you would do the honors?” The phoenix looks at her and points to the barrier.

“But what can I do? I'm... not sure I can do this.” She looks a bit nervous.

“Oh, we believe you can. You've already proven your will is strong enough to fight the demon's temptations. Now it's time to unlock the power inside of you.” Dante puts his hand on her shoulders.

Kyoko closes her eyes, saying a small Japanese chant to herself. As she does, her sword actually begins to glow. She quickly scans the area to find the right spot to strike, when a voice speaks to her.. “Hit the crystal.” Kyoko pauses for a moment... “Matthew?”

She shakes her head and focuses, and with a mighty swing of her sword, strikes the crystal. The blow causes a small crack to appear in it.

“NO!” screams Eris as her barrier flickers slightly.

“NOW!” shouts Dante as he unleashes a burst of fire on the barrier.

David quickly follows suit, unstrapping his rifle from his back, loaded with a LRM Rocket. “Fire in the hole!”

Both attacks strike the barrier, causing it to shatter, knocking both Eris and the trio back.

At the same time the dragon and Matthew's spirit form continue to clash. Their swords spark as metal hits metal. Both warriors showing tremendous strength. “Matthew I know your in there. You must fight, we are running out of time to save you and ourselves. Great sacrifices have been made to allow us to get here.”

My spiritual form just snarls as it raises its sword and and tries to bring it down with its might. The dragon struggles to block it. I can feel the darkness around me fighting to stay in control, more as I see Eris knocked back from the attacks of my friends. Deep down I'm ashamed this has happened, that I let this woman corrupt me, break me, dig into my mind trying to awaken my darkest secrets and urges I've kept locked away for a reason.

The two figures rage on, both beginning to show signs of fatigue, cuts and other markings of battle on them both. The dragon rears back and unleashes a burst of fire at Matthew's spiritual form. It lets out a long growl, stumbling backwards for a moment. The dragon quickly follows up with several slashes with its sword. The cuts are deep as they tear through flesh, but it only seems to anger the creature.

The creature growls as he retaliates, rushing forward, shoulder charging into the larger opponent. He thrusts the sword deep into the dragon's chest. “Now you die.” It snarls as it channels a burst of energy through the sword. The dragon roars in pain as its flung backwards, the blade ripping from its body, sending blood slipping out.

Deep down in my prison within my own soul, I feel like my heart has just been ripped from my chest. I watch as the dragon struggles to its feet, the fire in its eyes burning. From within, I close my eyes, trying to reach out for one last-ditch effort to stop this battle. To break free of the darkness, I focus on what is important... My friends, my family. My love. Kyoko... she is the key; she is my heart, the true power of my soul. For a brief moment it works. As the creature raises its sword to strike again, it hesitates.

“I'm sorry... this has to end this way,” the dragon speaks as it weakly lifts up its sword, noticing the moment of hesitation. “I swore I'd save you... my friend.” Flames surround the dragon and sword as it channels all of its powers into one last attack. Putting everything into this swing, the dragon brings down on the sword and the creature. I can feel the creature struggling to both regain control and block the attack, channeling its own power to counter. My friends can only watch on as the backlash of both powers clash, causing a massive explosion of energies.

“MATTHEW!!!” Kyoko screams as she rushes toward where the combatants once stood, only to see one body laying there. The figure appears to be... Matthew's spiritual form, but most of the darkness is removed.. the dragon is nowhere to be scene.

“Kyoko, wait!, This could be a trap!” David shouts, trying to stop her.

“YOU! This is all your fault!” hisses Eris as she steps between Kyoko and the body on the ground. “You little bitch, you had to come and ruin everything. All he keeps doing is thinking of you... of all the women in his life, it's you.” She raises her hand as it glows. “Fae, witches, even that damn Siren and out of all of them, he chooses a mouse who used to serve a would-be S&M queen.”

Kyoko smirks slightly as she stands with her sword ready. “Maybe I'm just hard to resist. You sound jealous. He brought me back from the darkness and I will do the same for him.”

“We are with her all the way,” David says as he and Dante stand next to her. He pauses as he looks at the timer on his wrist. Time is running out.

“Good then you all can die with her.” As Eris readies to fire her blast, the body on the ground rises, knocking her out of the way, sending the blast flying. “What?”

“I told you... I wouldn't break so easy.” I smile as I stagger to my feet.

“NO! Impossible, you were mine!” Eris was furious.

I pick up the sword, and as I touch it, the dark energy seems to change into a bright blue flame. “Sorry, She-Bitch, but I have other plans for my life. Now let's end this.”

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Chapter 5

I remember the two powers clashing, I remember the explosion and then nothingness. When I came to I was in a place of white light... I figured this time I was really done for. Then he appeared... as he has done so many times in my life. The dragon, Ascalon.

“So here we are again... you do recognize this place, I hope? What a fine mess we've gotten into this time,” he speaks with a bit a toothy grin.

“This is same room we met in all those years ago in the ruins.” I look around a bit. “So are we alive, dead? What does this mean?”

“A little of both, I'm afraid. The battle took a lot out of both of us, but the blast was enough to free your soul from her control. The cost was great. Your... our body has been severely damaged. There is one way to save us, but to do it... This will be goodbye.”

“What goodbye, what are you talking about.? Can't we just re-merge? It's worked before.” I actually was concerned.

“Matthew...” The dragon pauses for a moment. “There are secrets I have kept from you... Our merger was never fully complete. Back then, I didn't trust or believe you could handle the responsibilities and powers of our clan. To this day, there are things you are not ready for.”

“What do you mean by that? How was it not complete? I can use fire, I can turn into a dragon...”

“A half-dragon!” Ascalon booms. “Never a full dragon. I wasn't sure your body was ready. But, now it seems we have no choice. Yes, you can control the flames as a weapon, but fire can be used in other ways. Besides, for you to make it home one of us has to stay.”

“Make it home, what are you talking about?” I was struck with more questions then answers.

“Siren and I devised a plan to allow us to enter Limbo to rescue you, but at a cost. Four living souls can enter Limbo, but only four living souls can leave. Our unique bond counts as two souls, we just share and inhabit the same body.” Ascalon closes his eyes for a moment as he continues. “So, for you to return I must stay, but not before I complete what was started all those years ago.”

“NO! There has to be another way. What will happen if you stay here? What will happen to me with our bond broken?” I try to talk the dragon out of it.

“Our bond can never be broken. I shall complete what our merger was meant to do. You shall be reborn. As a full dragon, you shall have my memories, my knowledge. Your powers shall increase and the magic you possess will be greater than ever. This will, of course, mean more training, just without my guidance. I will always be a part of you.”

I look up at the dragon. “What about you? You always spoke of reuniting with your clan, what about my life with Kyoko?”

Ascalon chuckles slightly. “Perhaps fate will be merciful and allow me to reunite with my clan here in the afterlife. As for those that remain hidden on the mortal plane, you will have the knowledge to seek and awaken them, if the need arises. Your life with Kyoko will still be your own. You just must realize you shall be more dragon than human now.” He pauses for a moment. “There is a chance you will outlive her, but that is something you shall deal with in time.”

I shake my head for a moment. The idea of outliving Kyoko does bother me a bit, outliving all of my friends does... But I don't have time to dwell on that now. “Alright, you made your point. It's this or let the evil bitch win and we can't have that.”

“Spoken like a true hero.” Ascalon smiles. “I will warn you, the damage Eris has done cannot simply go away, You must be ready to accept the fact she has reawakened the evil in your heart. You are strong, though. You can keep it at bay, learn to contain it, control it. Never let it consume you. Or all we have ever worked for will be lost.”

I nod. “Alright, let's do this, and thank you. For everything.”

Ascalon just nods as I suddenly feel my body lift into the air. The dragon becomes a bright blue flame as it flies into me. I cry out as I feel my body change, my powers growing, knowledge and secrets entering my mind. As the flames fade, I hear voices as I find myself on the ground, my body and soul back in one form.

Eris is taunting those I love, threatening to destroy them, I can't let this happen. With renewed strength I get up and prepare to finish what my friends started...

“Matthew is that really you?” Kyoko asks, a bit shocked and confused.

I just smile to her as I look back at Eris. “You! Burn!” To everyone's surprise, including mine, my head actually shifts into a dragon's head and spews fire at Eris.

She screams out as she stumbles backwards from the attack.

I turn to look at the others, who seemed shocked at what transpired. “Don't just stand there... Hit her and let's go home.”

Shaking off the shock, they all follow suit, unleashing their strongest attacks. Eris quickly vanishes from sight.

Kyoko quickly rushes into my arms and kisses me, blowing up a slight puff of smoke...” It's really you, isn't it...? That's going to take some getting used to.”

“Little brother how, I mean, what the hell is going on?” David asks.

“I will explain the best I can, when we get home. Dante, it's good to see you.”

Dante nods as he adjusts his glasses. “We'd better hurry, our tussle with Slappycakes there took up more time than expected.” Both Dante and David look at their timers and David growled, “Shit, we got 5 minutes to get out of here.” He hits a button on his comm. “Siren, we got him, open the gateway.”

As if on cue, a bright light opens up above them. The gateway home.

“Lets go!” Kyoko pulls on my arm.

“You guys go ahead, I got one more thing to do.” I turn to look at them, holding the sword tightly.

“Matt, you idiot we got 5 minutes and that thing will close, and we'll be trapped here for ever.” Dante yells.

“Trust me, I'll be right behind you. Go!” I shout.

Reluctantly, they do so. I turn to see Dante shift to phoenix form one more time, sprouting huge flaming wings as he grabs David and Kyoko and shoots upwards towards the opening.

Eris reappears, very angry, her skin burnt and scarred, cuts and bullet wounds covering her body. “You fool... you can't escape me. I've withstood the best you could muster. You shall fall before me.”

“You're right. I can't beat you... not now. But, I don't have to.” I smirk. “I should thank you, Eris, or Demon of Discord. Whatever you wish to be called. You put me through hell, but you made me realize I still have to learn.”

Eris chuckles slightly as she moves towards me. I circle around her, getting her right where I want her, between me and her beloved crystal.

“The most important thing I've learned... Don't trust anyone in Limbo. Including ME!” I lift up the sword as it glows with a blue flame, and with all my might I smash the sword into the crystal. I hit the same crack Kyoko made earlier. The crystal shatters as all the souls within are released and they seek vengeance on their keeper.

I pause for a moment as I watch, awaiting my own punishment for what I did to these powerful souls, but none comes. Eris screams as she is overwhelmed by the souls.

“Payback's a bitch.” I look up and notice the gateway getting smaller and fast. Without thinking, large dragon wings sprout from my body and I shoot upwards into sky. Putting everything I have into each flap of my wings, I speed towards the closing gateway. I close my eyes and pray, “Please let me make it.”

When I open my eyes all I see is white...” Ah hell, not a...” Before I can finish, I'm struck in the face by something.

“Hey buddy, watch where you're standing, you're in the way of our snowball fight!” someone yells.

“Snowballs?” I think to myself and look around... I'm standing in the middle of snow. In the middle of the Ski Chalet. I'm home.

“Matthew!” someone shouts.

I turn to see Kyoko, who hugs and kisses me. I kiss her back, not wanting to let go. I've been through hell, but I returned. I gave up so much, only to be given a second chance and brought back by those that love me. I'm not going to make the same mistakes... I've got even more to learn and greater powers to master. I am dragon-born and if you cross me, you will burn.

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