The Sundering of the Soul

[Stoic Soul]

Death would suddenly stop, the ebon bolts disappearing in mid-air as he would turn, Anduin's gaze rising skyward, spotting the red beam of energy. A grin would form on Anduin's face as he started to laugh. After a moment, though, Death's laugh would halt, Anduin quickly turning. He would sense a massive outpouring of divine energies. A look of hatred would form on Anduin's face as he would run from the two warriors, needing to buy himself some time: Dammit I didnt not expect a divine presence here! It must be that one...Kalimar....: He would call for his steed, a pale, green and white horse. The horse would appear, galloping beside him. Anduin would jump on, and would then hurry northward, Death's black aura flowing around him as blood dripped from his wounds. Death would let out a cruel chuckle as he rode northward: So, the time is now....

[Pendor Fae]

He watches Famine ride off, then looks to the heavens, whispering, "Soon, my friends, soon. It shan't be long now."

With a spring in his step that belies his age, the ancient hobbit takes up his staff and heads toward the meeting place. He would not miss this for all the realms.

[King Nicho Klojhen]

[Famine] Famine would be the first to arrive, having been the closest to the appointed meeting site. He would slowly ride into the clearing, bringing his steed to a stop. He would easily dismount, his feet hitting the ground with a soft thud. In the middle of the clearing was a stone altar. Black runes covered the entire structure, which began to glow dimly as Famine walked towards the altar.

[Death] Death would arrive next, a black aura emanating off of Anduin's body. swiftly dismounting his steed, he would swiftly walk over to the altar, his black robes flowing over Anduin's body. Death would glance over at Famine, then would look down at the altar.

[Pendor_Fae] He arrives shortly after Famine and Death, stopping at the edge of the clearing to observe. He was not here to interfere, only to witness this historic event. He plants his staff upon the ground, nodding to those gathered.

[War] War would be the last one to arrive, having been the furthest away from the site. He would dismount smoothly, casting a glance over to the little figure. Not having the pleasure to meet Time earlier, he would ignore him from that moment, walking right up to the altar, where the others stood. Glancing at Death, then at Famine: Let us do this...

[Famine] Famine would nod slowly: Agreed. I'll go first. : Slowly extending his right hand over the altar, a green and black aura would form around Famine, just as a set of scales would appear before him, hovering in mid-air. The runes on the altar would glow brighter as Famine's energy poured into the altar.

[War] War would go next, raising his right hand over the altar. A great sword would appear there, hovering in front of War, as a blood red and black aura would form around the armored figure. War's energy would also begin to flow into the altar, the black runes glowing brighter. an ebon fire beginning to envelop the altar.

[Death] Death would go last, both hands hovering above the altar. Death's scythe would appear in front of him, as an intense black aura would emanate from Anduin's body, Death's aura flowing into the altar. The ebon fire would billow out from the altar, spreading outward, forming a circle of flame about ten feet from the altar. Death would begin to speak, Anduin's lips moving: The time has come, conqueror of old to return, as has been foretold. We summon thee now, heed our call. For together, we shall destroy it all!

Pestilence] At that moment, a great pillar of black energy would erupt from the altar, shooting upward into the sky. It would pierce the clouds, as black lightning would strike the ground all around the clearing. The beam would slowly fade, and, in the ruins of the altar, stood the last of the horsemen. Pestilence would look around, ebon flames swirling within his eyes. He was garbed in black robes, as the others were, except that on his head, he wore a crown. His gaze would fall upon the other horsemen as he spoke: The end ... is here ....

[Pendor_Fae] The hobbit moves stiffly now as if witnessing this summoning had aged him several decades. He looks Death in the eye as he speaks. "Ye have begun something that ye cannot understand."

Death] Death would look upon Time, a grin forming on Anduin's face: I know what I am doing. It has to be done.
: From within Death, though, Anduin would let out a cry of despair as he witnessed the summoning of the last horseman. Powerless to do anything, Anduin was being forced to watch Death destroy everything he vowed to protect.:

[kalimofvalmont]

Kalimar would not be lost in the chase after the horsemen. Seeing Death take off, he looked down to Syn for a moment.

"Pull yourself together....for the sake of your family. We have enough demons here as is."

His eyes met harshly with Syn's, but there was kindness to his words. Well, as kind as they could come across. And with that, the winged warrior took off after Anduin. He was careful to keep his distance, but close enough to where he could still feel the presence enough to guide him. His eyes narrowed as he saw the three horsemen and the hobbit. He knew what they were doing, and let out a growl as he swerved to the side to avoid that black lightning. As Pestilence appeared amongst its comrades, Kalim watched anxiously. Looking to the tiny dragon that Nym had sent him, he whispered for it to tell Nym of the change among ranks of the horsemen. He then called out to them, no longer afraid of making his presence known.

"So is this where it will end? Is this where you've chosen to bring upon the end of the world?"

He let out a bit of a maniacal laugh.

[Stoic Soul]

Death would turn, Anduin's gaze locking onto Kalimar as the other horsemen would take up a staggered formation around him. A cruel chuckle would escape his lips as his scythe hovered in front of him, a dark malevolence emanating from the ancient weapon: Ah, its the angel. Tell me, did the gods send you here to try and stop us?

Pestilence would glance over at Death, then would let his gaze fall upon Kalimar. An arrow would swiftly be nocked in Pestilence's greatbow, black motes of energy swirling around the arrow: You cannot stop us, servant of the divine. Run back to your masters...

War would walk past Death, a massive sword held in both hands. A blood-red aura was emanating from War as he glared at Kalimar as he spoke to the others: I say we slay this one, and leave his soulless corpse as a message to anyone who'd try and stop us.

Famine would shake his head as the scales would disppear, a halberd appearing in it's place as he would walk forward, moving to stand aside Pestilence. He would shake his head slowly at this one: Why bother killing him when Death can just steal his soul...

[Nym Zeal]

Lady chirped, her head bobbing as Kalimar spoke to her. Nym hadn't quite explained to him how to send Lady back to her, though, and Lady was renowned for being a difficult firelizard when she pleased. Obediance simply wasn't her strong suit. So she'd fluttered up, but waited in a tree limb with her head cocked to the side, eyes watching carefully as Kalimar went forward and spoke aloud to the four horseman and the hobbit.

It was then that they turned on him, the firelizard able to discern that their tones weren't friendly. Menacing, in fact. She squacked then, disappearing between and over Nym's head where she stood in the main halls of GoldenMyst. She'd watched anxiously as a crimson light had shown in the sky. Then, after a time, she'd seen the black lightning shoot up from someplace in the woods.

So the befuddled images that Lady was frantically giving her were somewhat easy to piece together. Lady was in a frenzy, trilling and flying panicked about her face as she threw random scenes in Nym's head. She'd caught images of Syn's demon form a few times and a man she didn't recognize. Then she saw Pendor in her mind, a little startled at that. Eventually, after thinking the images out a little and shooing Lady away, she understood the gist of it all. There were four of them now. She wrote a quick note then, quill scrapping against parchment hurriedly as she wrote something to allow the king or queen a better understanding than just throwing Lady at them. Calming the firelizard, she had her settled and stroking her eyeridges before tying the rolled parchment to her leg. "Good job, Lady," she said, giving the firelizard a mental image of both Solace and Nicho, whichever she could locate first.

Lady blinked between and Nym went in search of the nannies. Xia was in the nursery with the other children, napping from a tiring day of play. They were all curled up together on a blanket in the floor, Xia's thumb lodged in her mouth with her free arm drapped over a sleeping Sheena. Nym was careful to lean over, her curls brushing against her niece's face as she kissed her daughter's forehead. Then, whispering, she looked up to the nannies, "I'll be back soon. Keep her safe. If anything happens to the castle, there is a cave behind the waterfalls in the gardens. Hide them there," it was the safest place she could think of at the moment.

With that she was off, hoping she could trust her firelizard to keep the monarchy advised on the situation. For now, she was on her way toward the woods, snow crunching beneath her boots, and quickly trying to formulate a plan in her head as to what exactly she planned to do when she got there. The last image Lady gave though, the one that distressed the firelizard so, was simply too dire not to act.

[Syn Thornheart]

"I really...really hate too tell you this..but I think...we can work together.."

It should happen! This will never be thought..ever!! An angel and a demon working..together!?!...It couldnt be...

He landed beside Kalimar, those hues looking to him. Those demonic hands looking down as he would grin. "Oh..if only Hades have been here to see this..Me..working with an Angel.." He laughed, his hand would make a pure black sword appear, those talons and claw like hands gripping around the hilt. Standing there without moving slightly. That long blue hair waving around, letting those dark red hues look around to every other horseman around them.

"Just stay out of my way.." Smoke came out of those slightly blue lips. His body standing sideways slightly behind Kalimar.

"Like I said before to all of you...Death..is only a lacky to God and the Devil..You..are his lackys..if you think you can defeat me so easily..then why dont you turn on Death? Since its obviously seen that all he does is run away from me."

[owlsight]

Wisdom might know the value of patience, but justice was swift. Over the clearing glided a regular seeming barn owl, landing eventually on a tree branch and tilting its head from side to side owlishly. It wasn't quite the right time of day for owls though, was it? Nevermind that, she thought, uncertain the horsemen were bright enough to realize that she was present. Much less that she would unlikely be alone for long.

She looked toward Hades' avatar and, ah yes, Kalimar. That was one of the handful that interested her. Not always wise, mind you. He'd been running away from his past for far too long for Athena's taste, but one had to allow mortals their faults. He had the heart of a hero, though, and Athena was ever assisting those men who risked themselves for the greater good. She listened a time, sharp ears picking up the crunching snow in the distance. Well, that she didn't like. She didn't want that one in the midst of this mess. She'd been whispering gently in the girl's ear far too long to have her show up here. Wasn't she supposed to be hiding in the castle with that small one? Hmph. Displeased, she ruffled her feathers and looked maleviolently toward the four.

Perhaps the others would forgive her if she didn't wait for them? The four micemen sounded quite... appetizing, at the moment.

Oh, but she'd wait. If only to see what would transpire now that she was, at least, present. It didn't feel like she was leaving them defenseless any longer.

[Stoic Soul]

Death would note the demon and the goddess as they both appeared, a grim look on Anduin's face as he gripped the scythe in his hand: Athena. I figured youd be the first here. You were always the first to battle despite all the wisdom you supposedly possess....

War would look to Syn, then to Athena as he gripped the massive sword in his hands, holding it in a defensive stance as Mobius' eyes looked upon the goddess from behind the helm: Ah, finally, a worthy opponent. The mighty Athena has come to bring us back brothers...

Pestilence would aim the arrow nocked in his bow at Athena, pale eyes looking upon the goddess, though he didnt quite ignore the others as he spoke: Brothers, I do believe that she will not be the only god we will be facing. Then again, we are not as weak as we were now that you have all...lets just say feasted, on the rich bounty of this land....

Famine would nod in agreement with Pestilence, the halberd he wielded would glow with an ebon aura as he stood beside the others: you will not take us, you brat!: Famine was quite angry, for Pendor had interfered earlier, and now the goddess had shown up, as well as Syn.

From within Death, though, Anduin was pounding furiously on the bars of his cage: No! Dammit! Dont destroy my body!: Meanwhile, back in the castle, the part of Anduin's soul that escaped from his body would become frightened. Seeing Nym leave the castle, he would run after her, trying to get her attention any way that he could.

[Nym Zeal]

[Nym] The rider crossed her arms in front of her, shivering slightly in the cold and snow as she approached the woods. She knew the general direction, having seen the lightning from earlier. It coincided with some of what she'd seen from Lady's images.

[Anduin] Anduin would be running after Nym. catching up to her easily, he would walk behind her. Not sure about how to get her attention, Anduin would sigh: Nym, can you hear me!?

[Nym] There seemed to be something in the air, some familiar feeling. She even thought she heard her name spoken, but it was likely all in her head. Just one of those random things. So she continued, though her steps were hesistant. What if Xia lost both parents with this fool act?

[Anduin] Anduin would shake his head slowly: dammit...: he would then cup his hands together, trying to figure out what else to try. He would then think of something. He would hold his open hands outward, and flames would run along the ground. Knowing this would cost him alot of his remaining energy, he would at least hope that Nym would feel the heat of the flames, if not the flames themselves.

[Nym] Well, that stopped her. She gasped, seeing flames suddenly and looking from side to side. "Who goes there?" she questioned aloud, suddenly very nervous. After all, it wasn't safe to leave the castle lately.

[Anduin] He would smile, glad that she saw the flames. He would rest his hand on his shoulder, and would try to speak into her mind:~ Nym, It is I, Anduin~

[Nym] Tears pricked her eyes, having thought her brother dead. She didn't feel the hand, but she heard the voice in her mind. "Anduin? How?" she questioned, confused.

[Anduin] Feeling happy that Nym heard him, Anduin would let that slip aside for now:~ Part of my soul escaped from the soul cage that Death placed it in. Nym, I need your help.~

[Nym] "What can I do?" she asked immediately, looking forward to the woods ahead of her. It was disorienting to speak aloud to someone she couldn't see. They were further out from the castle, Nym having been walking in the snow for some time on her way to the woods and, with hope, to provide some assistance to Kalimar. Not that she knew what she was going to do. Just that she had to do something.

[Anduin] ~The goddess Athena...she is about to do battle against Death and the other horsemen. Im afraid she will destroy my body in an attempt to destroy Death...~ :Anduin was afraid, for is his body was lost, he would be unable to come back....

[Nym] "Then I won't let her hurt your body. They'll have to find another way to defeat him," she said, her own tone determined. The goddess Athena? Nym wasn't actually familiar with any other than Gaia, but surely even a goddess had to listen to reason. Right?

[Anduin] ~Its not just her that worries me...Syn is there too, and I dont think he will listen...damn...I didnt want it to end like this...~: Though Nym couldnt see him, Anduin would wrap his arms around himself, thats how scared he was.

[Nym] "Oh, he'll listen," an edge to her tone. She wouldn't let her ex-husband kill her brother's body. One could only hope that Kalimar had been right. "Don't worry about him, brother mine. Just..." she stopped, a sad expression crossing her face, "Just keep as safe as you can. And, if you see Jasmine.." I mean, he was technically dead now. She let it drop at that, as it was a tender topic, even after all this time. It was hard not to think of her sister, though. "I have nieces and nephews that need their father, Anduin. I won't let them or you down. I swear it."

[Anduin] A warm smile would appear on Anduin's face as he looked at Nym, and though she probably wouldnt feel it, he would hug her as he spoke into her mind: I hope you are right Nym. And yes, I'll stay as safe as possible...~

[Nym] She didn't feel the hug, but she felt his presense all around her. She tried to take strength in that, in the very strength of her brother-in-law's soul. "Then I must hurry. We will speak again, brother mine, when you are set right and what is yours is returned once again." She did need to hurry, to ensure Kalimar wasn't in danger and to make sure neither Athena or Syn harmed Anduin's form.

[Anduin] Anduin would nod slowly, then would step back, letting her go. He would watch her head off towards the impending battle, and prayed that she could help him....

((yes... im getting in the Christmas spirit...))

[Angel_Fierce] -Slowly she would make her way towards the fields.. she felt.. weak.. but she didn't let it show, she was tired.. worried.. and most of all.. she felt alone-

[Anduin] Anduin's spirit would turn, sensing a familiar presence. He would begin to walk in that direction, the presence becoming more familiar to him with each step he took. after a few more steps, his eyes would widen as he spoke her name: Angel...: with that, he would run, feeling her weakness, even in his very soul.

[Angel_Fierce] -Hearing her name she would feel her heart stop.. She saw him.. well his spirit.. how could she not? He was the father of her daughter Sheena and her son Turin.. Her eyes looking to him, she felt her eyes starting to tear up..- Anduin?

[Anduin] Anduin would reach where she was within moments of her saying his name. He would look at her, a sad smile on his face as he looked upon her: ~ My dear Angel....~

[Angel_Fierce] -She slowly took a step back- You left me.. you broke my heart.. I am nae thy dear Angel.. I am only the mother to two of thy children.. but that is all.. -She knew she didn't mean it, but she was married, and that's how it had to be. She would always love him and Sate knew this.. respected it in a way, he had told her so. She turned her head to the side, looking to the ground-

[Anduin] A soft chuckle would escape his lips as he watched her, arms crossed over his face: I know what I did Angel...but you will always be my dear Angel, whether you think so or not...: He would then look away, his gaze looking in the direction where the Four Horsemen were about to do battle with Athena and the others: I must go now...I love you Angel...I just wanted to tell you ...in case I am unable to return....

[Angel_Fierce] Damn you Anduin! You will return.. Sheena and Turin love you.. they miss you! You better return to them or I will come to the spirit plane myself and kill you again. -She gave him a stern look. She missed him somewhat.. but she had better not think deeper into it.. friends.. she knew that they would be only friends when he was able to return-

[Anduin] :A look of pure sorrow would pass on his features as he looked back at Angel, the image of him wavering slightly. Whether I am to return or not is in the hands of Fate now....: He would then start to walk away, heading towards the battle, his midnight black hair fluttering in a breeze, one that only he felt.