Armor of a broken worrior (PinkRose)(M)
 

"Whats wrong?" Felix finally asked seeing as Thalion seemed to be on edge, with good reason to be. He didn't answer the newly appointed officer as he just gave him a look like he needed to ask. He had said he had a bad feeling about this. Like over hearing some of the Eastern soldiers talking about such odd things. Though nothing that Felix of himself dared to breath a word of to their King. no this was a simple peace treaty or rather a try at one. This was suppose to settle all of the piety fighting across the lands between both kingdoms.

Suppose to was the word for it. The kings were to meet in the grand hall and have a small group accompanying them. Of course Felix and Thalion were hardly of the royal guard, they were just here to represent one of the small groups across the kingdom. Messengers more or less. The idea of being a messenger had Thalion on edge, there was enough tension in the air here to cut it with a knife.

Thalion was only here because Felix begged him to come. Otherwise he would say that he had no business. Not with the tensions with most races and his own. "Oh it's not that bad, we just have to deliver this message and be on our way.. your worrying too much again." Thalion shot Felix another glance as he crossed his arms. "And you don't worry nearly enough... We have-" He stopped as a guard from what seemed to be the other kingdom walked by. Once they were out of ear shot he went on. "We have no back up if something goes wrong, me and you are no better then mere commoners here and as such very disposable..."

Felix waved Thalion's warnings off saying he was a worry wort. "We'll be back home in no time. Gregor would hardly send us here with such a small group if he thought something was going to happen." Thalion hoped the over sized human was right. Though he still had a uneasy feeling. None the less he followed Felix and the two others that were with them. They were suppose to meet in the room with any of the other small groups as well as the two kings so all matters across the lands could be settled in one fell swoop. Just maybe not the type of settlement that most would have liked.

Gregor did have a lot of faith in sending Felix here though, he was sure that today would go flawlessly. Everything had pointed that the treaty would be signed and the lands would finally be at peace once more. A peace that had been unknown to these parts after the birth of the two kingdoms.

For now though it did seem things were going well. most of the smaller groups here would side with the Western King. So the thought that a attack would happen was hardly on anyone's mind. The numbers easily said the West would win. Though THalion had lived through a strike on a kingdom before and he swore this felt similar. The tension the other side. But he held his tongue all the same.

For the time being while the Kings were alone, save a few special guards, discussing the treaty the rest gathered today were in another room. Ah yes meet and greet... "You can talk you know." Felix said towards Thalion as he noticed how silent the normally sharp tongued Drow had been. "And open myself up for snide comments and questions of what my kind is doing here? No thanks." He had pretty poor thoughts towards most other races. Even humans though he had been with Gregor and his group for quite a few years now. Though he had all right to be a bit bitter towards most. "Besides thats your job as a officer, not mine. Last I checked I wasn't a officer... heck I'm not even a registered fighter."

Mizuki had planned this day for awhile. He had orders from the king on the events about to take place. Currently him and a small group were on their way to the main study to sign the agreement of peace for the kingdoms. With Mizuki he held his right hand Luna then behind them a few solders walked in the kings color.

Brisk foot falls fell silently from his clad feet as he headed to the room with his plan running over and over in his head. Mizuki knew he had one shot at this but that was all he needed.

Reaching the door Luna walked forward and pounded a fist. Stepping back they waited. Then within moments the double wooden doors opened and revieled the contents of the study. The walls were covered in books and tombs to scrolls. In the middle a large table sat with three men sitting there. The king in the middle and two guards to either side. Behind the king stood four men two on either side not to mention the two at stood at the doors. You would almost think the king was a little worried.

"Aww welcome welcome!" The king said standing as Mizuki walked in and the doors closed behind them. "Please sit" The king said and Mizuki fallowed. Sitting down in his chair he kept the smile back as Luna stood behind him and the three men behind her. When this happened Mizuki took note of the men behind the king gripping their swords that rested at the side of each male.

"So lets get this done shall we" The king said and Mizuki nodded. First the king took the treaty and read what was written. After a nod showing Mizuki agreed the king signed his name and placed the royal seal beside it. He then passed it over to Mizuki and took his seat again. This was when Mizuki looked down at the treaty and spoke for the first time since his arrival. "You know my king had a dream..." He said in a calm deep tone "His dream was to be king of all he could see" He said with a little nod.

Raising his head Mizuki gave a smile "You were the last stone in his path..." He said lightly. With a flick of his ears he placed the treaty back on the table. As soon as it was down Luna began her work. Fast and simple and one by one all the men the king brought were down for the count leaving the king sitting in his chair shaking "Okay let me correct that..." He said "You ARE the last thing in his path" Mizuki said standing.

"You see...the east is a class of higher people" He said lightly "And people like you are putting a stain on an otherwise perfect kingdom" He said with a said little frown "Well...today is the first step of correcting that" He said with a little smile as he tilted his head "Just think...your dieing for the greater good" With that claws slashed a throat before the male could speak. Mizuki watched as the blood dripped down a throat to cover a silver chest plate.

Mizuki picked up the treaty and looked at it "Never will there be peace" He said in an almost sad tone as he tossed the paper to the table on the kings side and watched as it slowly began to turn red with blood. "Well...we are done here" Mizuki said looking to everyone "Let us go..I wish to be back at camp before the morning" He said with a little sigh.

This was when the group left the room. The gaurds out the door were told the king had some issues to work with and was talking them over with his generals and was not to be bothered. This would give them a little heads start in getting away but he knew that was going to be short lived. As soon as the king is found dead they will be sought after.

Felix gave up on trying to get Thalion to be at ease already. Though he could see why he was tense. The few glares alone were enough to tell that certain races were not welcome here. Either way the smaller groups gathered were not all at ease either. Most were either commoner groups or other small groups that had fallen on hard times. They needed this peace to make things right.

Though that would never come to pass, it wasn't too long after the king's death that a guard found out. Maybe not enough time for the other force to pull out but it hardly took any time for full blown chaos to break out in the kingdom. All knew who the blame fell on and the allies that came here with the other kingdom were either killed for resisting or tossed in lock up on the spot.

The guards were more of looking for the pair that had been in the room with the king last. Lead members of the other side's army. Felix and Thalion were at a loss seeing as soon after things started to break out the other army decided to take a strike on the wounded kingdom. Soon to be a defeated one.

"I told you something was wrong." Thalion hissed blocking a strike as a sword nearly met its mark. "Now look where the hell we are!" "Yeah complain later, fight now we need to report back-" He was going to say something else but had to cut it off as he avoided a attack from one of the enemy forces. It was true they had to live through this. Though part of the town surrounding the castle was already aflame.

The two were busy trying to avoid fighting as much as possible. Getting out alive was going to be a task and a half. Felix started to stop to help a few commoners that were being cornered by the enemy soldiers as Thalion grabbed him and forced him to keep moving. "We can't do anything to help them, come on." It was a bit heartless but it was true. They needed to get out of this place. They were out numbered vastly, the Western's forces were falling at alarming rates with the loss of their king and the East was winning.

Though after a few more fights with the soldiers Felix ended up really slowing them down. He had gotten a wound to his leg and walking was requiring assistance. "Leave me one of us has to get back to tell Gregor." Thal laughed at the idea forcing Felix to walk with some curses. "Like hell. I'm not dying here and your not either, even if I have to drag you out."

They were out matched and out numbered. Tired and wounded. They were already at bad odds being young compared to the seasoned soldiers that the East had attacking here.

It didnt take long before the west found their king dead. Mizuki was a little shocked really at how fast they found him. Though it didnt really matter. As soon as that thought crossed his mind he entered the great hall and looked at the fighting troops before him. Colors mixed together as the men fought each other. You see Mizuki was not stupid. He knew as soon as the king was found there would be a hit on his head.

So with that thought he brought enough men to ensure his escape. Pawns as they were dying for a king that killed what they knew. Yes it was funny how the world worked. Mizuki thought as he walked between the fighting bodies as Luna took out any foe that dared to get close. There was no use in wasting his energy right now.

Leaving the great hall another hallway was his friend as they walked down it but it would seem a different fate beheld him as he came across another fighting mass. Sighing he did the same as before and walked through the men but he stopped at the sight before him. A drow helping a human...That was interesting. The mere fact of a drow being this far wast was a shock to him.

Mizuki didnt let his mind get him though at he looked at the sight before him "How interesting..." He said calmly as he looked at the two "I never knew drows had hearts" Mizuki said with a tilt of his head "Either way if you wish to live I suggest you move to the side" He said with a little motion of his hand "Your standing in my way" He said in a cool collective voice.

Mizuki knew at the moment he was standing alone as Luna took one some men behind him but that didnt bother him. He knew he had more power then the male before him in magic alone. If he had to energy would be spent to ensure his escape.

Felix was heavier then he had thought, though to be expected really. He probably out weighed Thalion by a good bit just by the size difference alone. So a bit a ways through the town he had to set Felix to the side to try to get his breath back. Though that was a short lived rest as he noticed something not too far off.

There was a small human child who was clinging to her mother's corpse from the looks of it. Though what he was really noticing was the two soldiers bearing the colors of the other kingdom walking towards the crying child.
"Where are you-" "stay there." Felix sighed from the answer he got catching where Thalion was running off to. That was one thing he had noticed over the years. Thalion couldn't stand to see children who were dragged into all this needless fighting.

It hardly too long to kill the two soldiers off as he breathed out a little before the girl seemed to cling to his leg as someone else started to walk in this direction. The dress screamed mage. That or a spell blade, either way Thalion was hardly skilled enough to deal with either at this point. Plus getting this far ... between fighting and carrying Felix he had to admit he was about beat.

Oddly this one didn't attack. That was unexpected as he was just told to move. He still held the blade he had up just in case, not like it would have helped matters anything. He all but ignored the Drow comment. They had hearts... though being raised away from that corruption from the age of six or seven might have helped a bit.

None the less he knew this one wasn't the same as the rest of the soldiers and that he was hardly going to be a fight if he tried. As much as he hated to step aside from the enemy he wasn't a idiot either. Stepping back as the child cowered behind him still shaking from seeing her own mother cut down before her.

After the mage seemed to walk on his way he went back to Felix the girl still following, hardly being old enough to know anywhere else to go. "Ok come on before anything else happens.. " But he was for damn sure going out a different route then the one that guy just took. What kind of enemy lets the other live no matter how over skilled they were... not that he could honestly complain at the moment. Though no more picking up anyone else, between having to support Felix due to his leg and the girl nearly clinging to him he wanted to scream. He was hardly the type to want anyone this close no matter the situation.

Mizuki smiled lightly as the male stepped aside but that was all he got as Mizuki made his escape. After everything that had taken place all he wanted to do was leave this low level kingdom and be on his way.

After the attack on the kingdom and the king fell the city went into hiding or rather what was left of it. From there the years went on and the rebellion formed. A foolish idea that made Mizuki smile to himself. Four years had passed from that moment and Mizuki was currently planning an attack on a village down the way from the new camp base. Though a snag came along in the form of needing supplies.

"I can go and get them" Luna said as she crossed her arms "Yes you could but at the same time I need a break from this place" He said in a growl "If I have to answer another stupid question im going to kill one of my own men" He said with a sigh as he stood and grabbed his staff. Placing the white cloak over his shoulders he turned to Luna "Besides...the village is not far and all I need is some herbs you know" He said as he turned and left.

Mizuki was quite able to handle himself and he knew that. Though something nagged at the back of his mind that this trip was going to be an interesting one. That thought stayed with him as he moved through the trees silent of cloth clad feet. Yes it was a simple task and one he wanted to do himself. The last time he had sent another to get his herbs he regretted it. It was easier just to do it himself.

Almost a full days walk brought him to the village. The sun was still high in the sky but started to dip as the sky turned from a blue to an orange and pink display. Mizuki moved silently to the shop that contained the herbs he needed. Entering it took him a fair amount of time to get what was needed and by the time he left the little shop the sky had the first signs of stars poking through the colors.

Mizuki looked around the village at the people. He noticed the mothers shoeing the childern inside with the stories of the white mage. Telling them if they stayed out to late the mage would catch and eat them. Mizuki almost laughed at that thought. Why on earth would he eat little childern? His name was known in these parts but not as much as his nick name. White mage of silence.

As he watched the shops began to close down he noticed the looks he got from them. It would seem as though he had been noticed. It also seemed to him that all the life had been sucked out of the village. Turning from the shop he left and began his trek back to the camp base. It was going to be a long evening.

Starting through the trees Mizuki stopped and looked about as nothing but black met his eyes. "Hmmm" He hummed as he took his crystal that hung from his neck and took it to his lips. Light words then a brush against the pale pink the crystal began to glow. Giving an eary out line to his face but enough for the hooded head to see Mizuki began to walk again through the trees.

Four years had passed from when the kingdom was attacked and over thrown. Most were slaughtered or accented the new King as their ruler to prevent further bloodshed. Though others were not as willing to accept this fate as the small force that Felix and Thalion was apart of soon became the heart of a growing rebellion group. Anyone who wanted to fight or remain free from the tyrant king's rule joined this force. Though most who joined kept such joining a secret.

It was a force to be dealt with or at the least the units of it that could fight. Though they were spread out a little they were still close enough together that if word was sent a good sized army would be formed within a day or so in time. There was also the main camp that was well hidden in the plains. Along the cliffs were drakes and griffins were the bigger threat then some rebel fighters. Plus the entrance was hidden by magic as well. So the odds of finding something you didn't know was there was rather slim.

But today had been a normal day more or less. Over the past few years Thalion had settled into a job to keep from having to sign up as a fighter. Though Felix dragged him along on any scouting mission he could. Either way it paid for anything that was needed so he was hardly going to complain. Well anything he or Neimi needed seeing as he seemed to get stuck with the human child after saving her that one day. Over the past few years he grew kind of attached to her though. Though maybe because she made sure she was hard to be ignored.

Though as it got later into the night he huffed a little before grabbing his blades and walking out of the shop part of the building they were living in for now. Normally the two of them stuck with Felix's group that he traveled with. So once in a while they did move around. Not that he complained, work or at least the type he did was easy to come by. Especially with the Eastern King killing off villages or destroying them.

Walking through the forest he didn't bother getting a light or anything, hardly needed it. He thanked his race for that and that alone. Being about to see in the dark when you had a over curious young girl that liked to run off had been a blessing quite a few times. So tonight was no different. Least he thought anyway.

"Blasted girl..." He hissed a little to himself. "I tell her to get firewood and to come straight back, was that so damned hard to do? Just one time!" He sighed a little as he kept walking. Lord knew what she was distracted by this time. Some new glowing creature or plant probably. Or some new area she discovered. Though he couldn't fault her really she wasn't that old, still being only eleven years of age. Not like she had to stay confined to the village but he did wish she'd tell him before she ran off.

Though after walking a bit he froze having noticed a odd light. That wasn't normal. Though what made him worry more was the fact that Neimi seemed to back up into a tree as the light got brighter in the area. "Damn it.." He hissed before running to her side and grabbing her shoulder a bit roughly before pushing her. "Run now." He snapped at her already having a blade drawn. "Thal?!" She squeaked a little before he pointed towards the village.

She didn't ask any further questions as she quickly ran off. He was prepared to try and stop whatever this was or whoever this was if they decided to target the girl. By now he learned ask questions later with most things that you were unsure of and a strange light fell under this. Though there was something about this being.. he knew he wasn't a match for it and yet he was still standing here like a idiot like he could stop this person from doing whatever they wanted.

Mizuki walked through the trees for awhile before he stopped and looked around. It would seem to him that he was lost. Sighing he dipped his head a little as he continued to walk. His hood fell over his face to cover all but a glowing chin and lips as he moved but something made him pause and look up. He could of sworn he had passed that tree before.

Looking about he chose another direction and he began to walk but as he got closer to what seemed to be a clearing he heard a voice. "Run now!" Run huh? Once again it seems as though he found some one that knew of his name. Walking into the clearing he stopped and looked at the male before him. "How interesting..." Mizuki said as he looked at everything before him.

Mizuki had seen this male before...it was rare for anyone in this parts to see a drow. Though where had he seen him? Mizuki raked his brain trying to think of anything that could give him an explanation. Thats when it hit him. This was the drow from the west kingdom the day the king died. Now that really was interesting.

Though that right there was not the only thing that made him think. No it was the fact that he was in this area again to take out or try to take out the rebellion that seemed to be formed in the area. With that and now finding this male out in the woods seemed a little odd to him. "Tell me drow...what are the odds of seeing you again?" He said "After all these years..." Mizuki added lightly afterwards.

Well he seemed to have some luck, apparently this stranger was more interested in him then going after Neimi. Though or the damned fool had been lost int he forest. That was all too easy to do at night time if you didn't commonly travel these parts. Though having stayed here for a while and having to go out nearly every night to fetch Neimi before she got herself into real trouble he seemed to make his way around rather well.

Though as the other spoke of odds and such he had to place the voice. Thats when his ears went back and he changed his stance a little. Ok he knew before that he didn't have great odds, he was a decent fighter sure but some fights could not be won with a blade. That voice... it was that same guy from when the King was slain. Later he and Felix found out they had crossed paths with the head general of the Eastern army and the fact they drew breath was almost unbelievable.

"How am I suppose to know? Not like I plan these run ins I'd rather stay away from the piety fighting." Great this time he was sure that he wasn't going to get the option to walk away. The only good news was Neimi would find Felix right away, least they'd find whatever was left of his corpse by the time they got here. Also this guy being here... that wasn't good. Did one of the messages get intercepted?

No Thalion was not a fighter as far as what his profession was but he wasn't stupid either. He traveled around with Felix and knew what was going on behind the rebel lines. The troubles that they faced day in and out. Maybe he was lucky to be a no body, most hardly even knew his name. Aside from the group he traveled with anyway. Not that he minded the less attention the better. Being a Drow this far out already brought plenty of attention with it.

"Whats so shocking about it?" He didn't like this guy and he knew damn well who he was this time. There was no way he was winning this fight. He was still training against spells in combat and this was the strongest mage the Eastern army had. Surely where the general was there was a force behind him. "Tsk... whats it matter, attack already if your going to do it like hell I'm rolling over for you."

Yep that was Thalion through and through. Even against all odds he was going to refuse to back down. But only because he knew that there was no way he was going to get to walk away a second time. The first he might have been lucky, but luck only ran so far.

Hmmm yes he could attack the male before him but what good would that do? Seeing him alone in the forest was hardly a threat and Mizuki knew that. Shrugging his shoulders a little he stood there "What would be the good thing for me attacking you?" He said with a little tilt of his head "A drow alone in the forest...hardly something to worry about" He said with a little hiss "Though it is curios to me" He said a little "So far out this way...and being so close to enemy lines" Mizuki said with a little growl.

"Seems weird to me that you would be out here...with out a connection to the group I seek" I said with a calm and collective tone "Shall we see if I am right?" Mizuki asked. As soon as the words left his mouth the spell was cast. A wave of his hand the roots from near by trees began shooting fourth as they heading for the male.

Mizuki watched as he dodged the roots here and there and slashing at the ones he missed. It was all interesting to him as he watched it all happen. Casting another spell he motioned towards the male and watched as a branch lashed out and got the male in the face. Mizuki smiled as he staggered back a little with one eye closed. Blood dripping down from a gash across his eye.

Mizuki smiled a little at that. It would seem to him the male before him was not as quick as he thought him to be. "Hmm...what challange would you be if you cant dodge a lower class of spell?" He asked with a tilt of his head "This clearly is a waste of my time" He said and turning on his heel he began to walk the other way showing his back to the male.

"Hell if I know, the same good that comes from attacking villages that are already run down and out of supplies." He growled a little. This guy was toying with him?! So high and mighty... Oh what he wouldn't give to sock this guy at least once just to knock him off that perch he seemed to be on. He was reminded why he hated other elves. Most of them were so... this! So full of themselves and thinking they were better. Probably why most of them were on the Eastern side of this war.

"Heh... not too curious... you try watching a eleven year old and tell me where it leads you." Though he knew the other had a point, he was a idiot for coming out here alone. He should have run with Neimi though that would have made her a target all the more. Maybe not if this guy had no intention of attacking. Though something told Thalion that he was not that lucky.

He didn't say anything as Mizuki seemed to assume that he had connections to the group that he sought. It was true though Thalion was hardly going to tell him that. Even if the other was trying to kill him it would be information he took to the grave if it came to it. "Tsk... like I'd tell you. You and your forces are a enemy to anyone who tries to make a living against your king's will." Sharp words but true, anyone who went against the king's will was killed if they were lucky. Or branded as traitors or worse. The lucky ones to avoid such fates laid low or joined the rebellion.

Though it seemed like the other was going to attack after all. Thalion knew it was a weaker spell but he wasn't about to give away he was a half decent fighter either. Maybe he could get out of this alive from pity. He hated that thought such a weak thought but he knew better then to test things too far. Well so he thought.

The one that finally managed to land a last against his face causing him to wince and keep that eye closed to keep blood from going into it was what finally broke that collective thinking. As soon as Mizuki seemed to turn and start to walk off was when Thalion really lost it. Combination of thoughts and the fact he couldn't use one eye at the moment. He was ticked. That short temper finally getting the better of him.

There were a few roots that managed to bind his legs and arms for a moment before they seemed to spark and burn finally as the one eye he had open changed in color from the normal golden amber to a dark red. For the moment it seemed Mizuki didn't catch on that he had freed himself and he was going to use that. This was a mistake entirely on his half he was free he should retreat but he wanted just that one shot to prove that this mage could bleed.

Darting forward he quickly grabbed Mizuki's shoulder and spun him just in time for his fist to meet the side of his face. He breathed heavily a little still keeping the one eye closed. "If its so much of a damned waste of time leave! This village has done nothing nor did any of the others." He was getting fed up with the pointless slaughter and that was causing him to train more but it was rare for this side to come through. But it was these skills that he displayed right now that was going to earn him a name in the future.

Mizuki had started his trip once again. He was done with the male before him and it was simple as that. Not paying attention he didnt notice the male get himself free of the bindings. He didnt notice in fact until he felt a searing hot pain in his shoulder before he was whipped around then forced the other way as a crack to the face forced him to loose his balance.

It was weird to Mizuki. It had been years since anyone had even managed to get close to him. And here was this male out of no where that not only touched him but managed to get a punch in as well. Standing up Mizuki raised a hand to his mouth and whiped the trickle of blood away. Standing up right he removed his hood and glared at the male from his full height.

Light lavender eyes looked at the male before him and noticed the red eye and steaming hands. So...it would seem he had a fire weilder before him. Though judging from the way the male acted either he had no idea of the power he had or didnt care for it. "Aww yes they have done nothing to me your right" He said with a nod of his head "But as it stands they seem to be in the way of what m'lord wants so in turn that means they must fall..." He said but paused "Just like everything else" He said with an almost sad tone.

Mizuki paused for a moment "Either way I tire of this" He said lightly "I have more important things to worry about then standing here listening to a worthless no talented drow chatter on about a village that probably hates him" He said with a tilt of his head. With that thought came his next spell as he growled.

Soon ice covered the grassy ground as the trees around them began to crystal and freeze. It was a spell that helped in giving him his name. A crystal ice tomb meant to kill with the right amount of energy but Mizuki didnt want to kill. No instead he wanted to leave this male with a message. So he cast the one spell he knew would work.

Mizuki watched and smiled as ice formed on the males feet keeping him there as it moved up his feet to his legs and stopped about his knees "You listen to me now" Mizuki said "and know your place" He said with a little smile as he looked to Thalion "My king will stop at nothing to get what he wants and you need to realize this" Mizuki said looking at him "There is no force in this world that will stop his desire and the sooner the lot of you know this the better"

Mizuki turned from there and headed towards the trees before stopping "Fate is an interesting thing" He said turning back to look at Thalion "Meeting once was nothing...meeting twice is interesting...though it also means we shall meet again" He said with a tilt of his head "And I promise you...next time...one of us wont be left alive" He said before he all but disapeared into the darkness.

He could tell he had pulled off something that most or maybe no one had done. The look on the others face was almost priceless even if he didn't express much of a emotion from the hit. Though at the present time Thalion hardly cared he managed to get a damned good shot on the mage, ignoring the fact he probably left a burn mark in the process of it. Though that was a skill he would rather have died with the rest of his clan.

So he was obeying some orders and would just kill without a damned cause? What the hell purpose was that? Sure going off stories he heard of his own kind they commonly slaughtered one another, his home being gone was proof of this. But still he thought there had to be a purpose or something some cause to justify the means to just slaughter some town that had no real defenses. Unless craftsmen with torches and pitchforks counted.

Though his next words were probably all too true. Most places they went Thalion kept his mouth shut and only spoke when he was required to do so. Not like he had to speak in order to work. But it was always the same glares or comments. There were certain races that were disliked by others and he was lucky enough to be one such race. Let alone one that was not commonly seen on the surface or during the daylight hours even. Though over the years he grew use to the looks or snide remarks. All but ignoring them now.

Besides that not everyone hated him just for what he was. Neimi had taught him that as well as a few others. The fact he was still alive today proved that not everyone was as simple minded as this mage would have him to believe. Even if they did hate him that was no reason to kill them... Maybe he was simple minded to think that way, even with people hating him he still managed to find work so what could he complain about?

Either way he had little to no chance to get away from Mizuki's spell. This one he had to admit he feared knowing too well of the reputation of the Eastern General. Spells like this gave him his name, the one that was feared. Though it seemed the mage still was toying with him as for whatever reason he left him alive when he could have easily killed him.

Telling him to learn his place and that his King would have what he wanted and would stop at nothing. No force could stop him. Thalion bit his tongue to keep from mouthing off and making this any worse. Though he wanted to say that there would be a force and that all things came to a end sooner or later. Or in the words of Neimi as she dealt with some of the boys who picked on her. The bigger they are the harder they fall.

Instead he kept his thoughts to himself as Mizuki seemed to finish and started to walk away. Talking about fate and such. Thalion hardly believed in such a thing. It was not written in stone if you were to ask him. Though he didn't take to the belief of gods and goddess' either. Even though most elven races were highly revolved around such entities.

One of them wouldn't leave alive huh? "Tsk you better pray to whatever god that isn't listening that we don't cross again." Smart mouth, he was asking for trouble though he was lucky Mizuki wasn't easy to set off or that might have been his doom. The other seemed to keep walking as he disappeared in the darkness finally.

The village later the next day was raided. Though it was mostly just those too foolish to leave that had remained. Any others took the Resistance warning and fled the town either going with them or going to another town. There was no point in trying to fight not when the Western general was there. They didn't have the forces built up for that type of defensive.

Though Mizuki might have been better off killing Thalion when he had the chance. It was after that day Thalion started to experiment with different metals and what properties they could hold. Over the years he perfected a lightweight metal that was both strong enough to stand against most weapons and held properties to safeguard against magic to a extent. It canceled certain spell effects and lessened others.

Over all it made battling mages far easier then it was and he was rather proud of that fact. He was counting on what the other said to come to pass. Over the years it also earned him a bit of a reputation as a spell breaker. Not that eh was looking for fame or a name for himself. In fact he made sure it was hard if not impossible for anyone to track any armor or weapons he crafted back to him. They all had the same brand yes but no one could tell you where it came from or who used it. Only the top leaders of the resistance even knew where such pieces came from.

Though it had been over five years now from the encounter with Mizuki. Thalion hardly took the words the other said lightly. He still refused to sign up as a fighter saying he was better suited to remain a smith or some line along that. Felix still ignored this and continued to drag him out of the camp whenever possible.

Also over the years Neimi grew older as well and was trained with weapons until her magic started to show up. She kept up with her weapon training none the less. Not like she would have missed it if her life depended on it, maybe being raised by Thalion some of that said love for fighting had rubbed off. Though she was old enough now that Thalion couldn't really stop her from tagging along with Felix on the scouting missions.

Commonly it was those three and a half blood ranger that was with them. The ranger was Raden, a outcast to elven kind and human alike. Though his parents were killed in one of the many villages that were slaughtered. Actually tat village had a number of half bloods in it and most were killed before the Resistance could get to their aid in time.

Between the four they normally took a few other soldiers with them but the odds of them finding trouble were slim to none. Normal scouting routes they might find a small group and pick them off before they could report back to their leaders. But normally the beasts of this area did the work for them. The Resistance main camp was hidden and tucked back in the cliff face that overlooked the plains.

The entrance itself was hidden by magic that was kept up at all times. and if anything dared to cross the plains it was normally swooped up by either the drakes that nested on the cliffs themselves or the griffins that took the plains and called them home. Their nests normally being tucked into the small groves of trees scattered across the seemingly endless plains.

There were a number of other beasts to fear out here as well. Though if you lived here certain ones seemed to avoid the resistance forces. The Western group had a number of beast tamers and rangers alike that could speak and understand the many beasts. Some were taught that they meant them no harm and the creatures accepted that so long as they were left alone.

Getting to the base was a challenge on many fronts, it was in the cliff face and falling meant certain death unless one could fly. and Flying there could be tricky if not another means of your death due to jagged ledges and spikes that made most spots too narrow to land on. This kept the drakes at the higher parts of the cliff as well so far enough where they were not a threat.

But today was a normal routine scouting route. They had encountered a few patrols over the last few weeks and it was worrying Felix that there might be more. They were too close to home to be left alone out here and how they were getting this far needed to be found out. Quickly at that.

"We'll split up from here to make sure there are no mini portals or teleport marks. I think that might be how they are getting this far." Though Felix was sure that they didn't know the main camp was here. There were a few towns around these areas and smaller villages and some nomadic clans as well. Odds were the Eastern King was just looking to spill more blood.

"If you find a camp somewhere mark down its location and we'll meet back here in a few hours. Anyone that is late will-" "We know Felix... anyone whos late makes you late for dinner and they will pay." Thalion rolled his eyes a little before walking off with Neimi close behind. "If you find anything try not to scream like a girl." Thalion laughed a little as Felix grunted a bit before him and Raden went the other way.

It was a drill they had been over a number of times so it hardly had to be repeated. No if you didn't come back then that was bad news. There wasn't enough forces to try a rescue or anything so odds were if you didn't come back then you were as good as dead.

Though Thalion thought that Felix might be over thinking this a bit. Odds were they were using cloaking magic and just making it across the plains. By the time they got this far the mage ran out of magic energy or they were too far from the mage doing the spell. Though that hardly meant his guard was down. The upside was that it was late in the afternoon so it would be dark soon and that meant he could stop cursing the damned sun. Something he swore he'd never get fully use to.

Mizuki had left that area the moment he could. There was something that set him off about that male. Mizuki didnt know why but there was a connection there yet this was only the second meeting? No...something was off and he didnt like it.

After that day things changed for Mizuki. He began training himself in not only magic but some hand to hand as well. His thought was that magic only got you so far and to go the rest of the way you need to get close to someone not stand there in one place. So with that thought his training began.

Five years later he was better then he thought at it. He still was far from a master and he knew that. With his left hand man who had come down from the king had become attached to his side it would seem. Now beside him with Luna it was hard for him to even fail. Mizuki felt good about himself and what was happening around him. The smaller villages in the area had fallen one by one and now he had new orders.

He was supposed to find and take out the rebellion that was his new orders. So that is what he had been doing for the past three years. He had been in search of the rebellion group. As those years went on a name had dropped down from rumors of a male who bonded metal to break spells. This was interesting to him for the male had gotten a name for himself from the villagers. Night breaker was his name as he was knowen for taken down mages but during nightly scouts.

He had become the biggest thorn in Mizukis side. Because of that male his scouts and mages have been found dead left right and center. Mizuki growled as he sat there and looked at the papers before him. "You know this cant go on forever right?" He heard to his side and looked up to the male standing there "Yes Needren I am fully aware of this" Mizuki said with a sigh but he didnt have a chance to think as a guard entered his room.

"Sir...the patrol has not returned" He said and Mizuki looked up "How long have they been gone?" Mizuki asked with a growl and the guard replied almost instantly "They should of returned more then three hours ago" He said and Mizuki stood "And I am just finding out about this now?" He asked the male before him.

This was when Mizuki moved and grabbed his staff and cloak "Um what are you doing?" Needren asked as Mizuki grabbed some things "I am sick of this. I am loosing good men all over the place!" He said as he went to the door "You cant just-" But needren was cut off "I can and I am going. Everyone is falling and I am putting a stop to it" He said with a glare "Get Luna tell her shes in charge. Im taking two with me and im leaving for the hunt" He said before exiting the tent.

Mizuki was pissed everything he had worked for was slowly falling down around his feet. He was no longer going to stand around and let his men fall. Mizuki cracked his neck as he gathered two men and headed out of the town. He knew that there was one location that seemed to get more action then the rest and that was where he headed.

It was true that Thalion had gotten a name for himself. The only luck he had was that what race he was didn't seem to follow the rumors and tales. That kept the extra unneeded trouble away at the least. Though most by the time that final strike came in knew who they were against. Not that it mattered by then.

He had vowed that day that he was going to run into that mage again, whatever his name was he hardly cared though he knew it. He knew it because it was the general of the Eastern army. Didn't matter to him the next time they crossed paths it would be a new story.

"You seem disappointed." Neimi said crossing her arms as Thalion was wiping a blade off that still had blood on it. "I am, its been nothing but small scouting groups. None of them have even been a real threat." He let out a heavy breath before deciding it was time to move on a bit further just to make sure it was just this one group.

It had been a few hours at least before Neimi spoke again as he sighed a little. "Think Felix and Raden found anything?" Thalion glanced at her before looking forward again, they were almost to where they normally started to turn back towards the meeting area. "Doubt it... I think they are just cloaking and getting this far. Some of it pure dumb luck unless they know what they are doing." From the fights he highly doubted they knew what they were doing.

Though he paused a little in his walk as Neimi questioned him silently. He shook his head a little to say it was nothing, though he was for sure he was wrong. Something was wrong. The area was quiet, like it had been disturbed recently. That meant either another scouting party or something worse. Though he didn't like this one bit.

Though this was when Raden seemed to catch up to them. If you weren't looking for him it would have been easy to miss him even approaching. "Other way is clear, he was growing impatient." Raden mused a little as he shrugged. Yep sounded like Felix alright. Though Thalion still couldn't shake that something was out of place.

Mizuki huffed as he left eh camp and entered the trees with the two males behind him. It was something that was bugging him. He was going to take out the men that had been taking his out. At least that was what he was thinking. Mizuki walked through the trees silently on cloth clad feet as he walked. There was something in this area that made him on edge but he couldnt place his finger on it.

This was when Mizuki came through a batch of trees to stop at the sight before him. His group of men littered the ground with blood pooling around them. Mizuki growled "This is the last straw" Casting a spell Mizuki looked and fallowed the grey ball of smoke that began to lead him through the trees.

A simple tracker spell was to find the way the people that killed his men left. Silently he fallowed the ball but as soon as voices reached his ears he stopped and ended the spell. Moving silently through the trees he stopped as he saw the group before him. Motioning for the males that fallowed him to stop and go around them Mizuki climbed a tree.

Walking through the branches he headed for the group. Sitting down he over looked the group before him listening. Well this was interesting indeed. Mizuki thought as his eyes landed on a drow talking with a small group. How he knew he would meet that male again.

Now Mizuki could of done this the easy way or the hard way...or to him the fun way. Setting a small spell in place he watched as the trees that covered the group began to frost from the base up slowly but making the area colder. Mizuki now sat there and watched what would happen.

After a bit longer Thalion finally sighed having just about given up on the feeling that something was off. "Fine lets go back." Though that was a short lived thought as they didn't get very far before the temperature change alone was plenty enough to give away they were not the only ones here anymore.

"tsk... games first then." He muttered before looking towards Felix and Neimi. Both of them had noticed the frost and chill in the air abut the same time. "find Felix." "But -" "Now" He said flatly before Neimi started to move with Raden. "If you get yourself killed I'm not forgiving you."

Yeah he had heard that before. Though with those two not around he didn't have to worry about protecting them and himself. Ice magic wasn't exactly common so he had a idea of who this might be. Anyone else would have attacked already. Though he had heard enough reports of the Eastern general that he knew the man was twisted and liked toying with his victims first. Though this so called victim was planning to bite back.

"Seems you were right after all." He said to no one really before laughing slightly at the thought. Though he had done this on purpose. Killing the scouting groups. He knew sooner or later it would get under the general's skin and he'd have to come back. "Lets see if what else you said will be true or not."

He meant the whole one of them would not be leaving here alive if they crossed again. Though it had been five years from that date. Thalion had changed a lot. Not just in looks but in how he acted. In a way accepting the fact that he had taken on a role as a fighter instead of avoiding being involved in the slaughter. It was worth it though if he managed to take out Mizuki... that would put a halt in a lot of the attacks.

Though there were still good odds he was out matched. Least he had better chances then before. Before he might as well be running with Neimi and Raden. Though he was finding it odd by now. To run into this mage three times... This would be the last though. It was Mizuki's mistake to let him live through the last time.

Mizuki sat there in the tree and watched the little display before him. It was funny in a way to watch what was going on. Mizuki allowed the other two to leave as they were told to. There was no point in chasing after them when the male he wanted was still in the little clearing. This was when the male spoke and Mizuki gave a smile.

So it was the same male from those years before huh. This was when Mizuki remembered the words he said to the male. Awe yes...they would meet again and they had. Now it was time to see if one of them would die huh. So be it.

"Hmmm you will soon learn that I am very rarely wrong" Mizuki said from his perch before he jumped down and landed infront of the male. Moving the hood from his head he stood there and looked to the male with a small smile gracing pale lips. "You know...you have been a real thorn in my side" Mizuki said looking at the male before him.

"I dont think I have lost this many men in a long time" He said with a tilt of his head as he thought about all the men he had lost. The numbers were quite staggering if you thought about it. Though it was the fact that it was one males doing that made his blood boil a little more. "You know...I should of killed you when I had the chance!" With the last word out of his mouth the spell was cast.

The frost on the trees now turned to sheet ice before it forked in all directions around the male. At his feet at his side it didnt matter where the male jumped back from or how far he moved the spikes fallowed. It was his plan after all. The frost was for show but in the end it prooved to be a great battle aspect and Mizuki found that out over the years.

"Oh have I? Good to know I was doing something right. After a few years of working on thinning out your ranks I was starting to think no one was ever going to notice." Ok so he did every so often go out of his way to kill the scouting groups from the Eastern army but still. He had wanted to meet up with this mage a third time, but on his terms. This was as good as it was going to get apparently.

"Should have, but you lost that chance many years ago." He growled before the spell cast was finished. Ah yes ice mage, over the years he had found fighting mages almost a sport anymore. Though most of the recent ones hardly got a few spells off before falling. It bored him really. The idea of a challenge was a welcomed one.

Felix was right in a way. Thalion wasn't all that different from most of his kind. Even if he avoided fighting he still had a urge for a challenge. It had drove him to this. If Mizuki had never crossed that line back when they crossed paths the second time then none of this might have taken place. But that line was crossed and probably caused all of this. The training and the almost obsession to kill every mage he crossed paths with.

But ti seemed this one thought that the battle would end quickly. He wasn't going to make it that easy. Even if he was going to lose he'd make the Eastern General work for his head. He knew he had fire magic but he always refused to use it and this would be no different. Unless his temper got the better of him then he wouldn't if he had a say in it.

No he had means to deal with such attacks as he stepped back once, both blades already drawn as he crossed both blades as a clear barrier surrounded him just in time to block the ice. That was a bit close for comfort though the blades gave away what had caused the barrier. Each handle holding a gem from the looks of it.

He had spent years researching runes and gems with special properties to reflect and dispel magic. He was more then prepared and he was willing to test his training here and now. Against lesser mages the crafted items stood flawlessly. Though he never had given them a true test against a master of the magic arts.

"Your going to have to try harder." He taunted before taking his chance to try to get a strike in against the mage before him. Though he doubted he was going to get close enough to do so just yet. Not to say this barrier was perfect, it would let some magic get through and it didn't always protect as it should. A work in progress that he was risking a bit on at the moment.

Even if it failed he had other means to guard against spells. Till he could wear the mage out or get close enough to make the strikes he needed. The easier option would have been to use the fire magic he had but he refused to stoop that low. It was the one thing well almost the one thing that gave away the blood line he was and he didn't want that to be known information just to cause further trouble.

Mizuki watched the little display before him. Aww how interesting it was seeing those blades at work. He noticed the protection was not at the top level it could be. Though looking at the gems Mizuki knew why. There was a combination of runes and gems that could lead to the ultimate protection but unless you knew that, try as you might it would never be perfect. The gems combined with the steel as well as the wrapping for the handle all led to the strong hold of that protection.

Mizuki noticed the way it flickered as the attack hit though he didnt have time to think to long on it as the male deflected the attack and headed right for him. Did he really think it would be that easy to take a hit? Surely this male was not that stupid. Though he was prooved wrong as he was all but charged at. Hmmm how interesting. Mizuki thought as he moved out of the way before casting another spell.

This continued on and on. Mizuki casting spell after spell as he watched Thalion dodge and move before taking his chances and attacking him head on. It had been the dance they danced for the past hour or so and Mizuki was getting bored "Okay...enough of this" He said as he cast his next spell.

Mizukin had been watching the pattern of the male. How he moved and when he attacked. It kept playing over and over in Mizukis mind. So now was his chance. After the time those five years ago Mizuki took it on himself to lean hand to hand. Magic only got one so far. Even though he knew how to fight he never profected his style. It was not until a drow invaded his mind that he even wanted to attempt it.

So the next time the male struck out at him Mizuki gave him a little surpise. With his spell cast he blocked the blade with one of his own. Though his was made out of ice. Moving against the blade Mizuki stepped forward and looked into that dark face. "Such a shame that such a pritty face will die" He said as he lashed out forcing the male back before he himself went on the attack.

Of course he knew it wasn't that easy to get a hit. He was testing things. He had fought enough mages to know that most of them still had a pattern or style or a time they needed in order to cast. He was looking for that. Though Mzuki was proving more difficult to find this pattern on compared to most.

Still a few of the spells cut it close and some of the smaller spells he ignored seeing as he knew he could stand a few hits without it costing much. Not to say he didn't avoid the main force of the spell. But he knew that Mizuki was toying with him. The grand general of the Eastern army and he was still alive let alone not really bleeding that much? Something was up.

He got his answer soon enough as his blade met one that Mizuki seemed to form. Though what really caught him off guard was that comment from the other. Keeping his balance and managing to block the strike from the other he growled a little before forcing the other back. "Yeah real shame... tsk. Shame we didn't meet on different terms right? Could have been interesting." He could play along with this. Though he was hardly meaning what he said. The idea of a relationship with anyone made him shudder.

"Though you are wrong about one thing.. I don't plan on dying here." He said before slamming a blade against Mizuki's and trying to use the second one to get the mage off guard. Though it seemed like the mage had some hand to hand combat training. Not as skilled as others he fought but enough to get by blocking and striking. What he was really worried about was a spell at this range. It would be hard to avoid.

Mizuki gave a little smile at the interesting comment "Hm yes i WOUld say so indeed" Mizuki said as he slashed back. Bringing up his arm he blocked the black aimed for his head. Mizuki knew the second hit was coming from the males other arm and he weighed his options. How much damage he could take but also how much he could give.

Making a quick judgement he backed up though he knew it was not far enough, he still needed to be close to the male after all. Taking the blades tip to the thigh he hissed as it cut a gash across it. This was his was his chance though and he did not waste it.

Casting his spell he kicked out his leg catching the male in the side of the ribs as he sent him flying a little ways. Mizuki smirked as he stood there breathing a little heavy. Though this was when a snide comment from the male came. Something along the lines of 'is that all' and Mizuki couldnt help his reply "It was all that was needed" Mizuki said with a smile and a nod of his head.

This was when he watched the frost on the males side begin to show then grow thicker. Mizuki raised his hand out before him "You see...the funny thing about ice magic is its good for long ranged, mass ranged...but works the best for close range" He said lightly before he flicked a finger out causing the now formed ice to spike piercing into the males side.

About time he managed to land a good hit on the other. This was getting old quickly. He knew his own energy wouldn't hold forever though it did seem like the one before him was tiring as well. Maybe he could out last the other so long as he didn't use some spell to end this fight. He had a few tricks left hidden still just in case such spells were used. But they required a bit of his own energy to put forth.

Let alone the risk of something going wrong or breaking. Seeing as he was still working on the perfection of armor that worked against magic. Though given the short life he had lived thus far it was rather impressive if he had a say in it. Maybe just hold out a bit longer.

This was when Mizuki seemed to take a opening and managed to land a hit that caused him to be forced back. Ok that hurt more then he let on it did. Right away he knew that the strike was hardly just a simple strike. The sting from the cold the followed it gave it away. None the less he had the snide comment leave his lips as he edged the mage on.

As soon as Mizuki stopped talking and the spell seemed to change to it's masters bidding be winced a bit before finally having to give in as he placed a hand over the spot forcing the ice to melt. "Tsk... saw that coming.. " He more of was talking to himself with that comment before he took a sharp breath and moved forward slicing a blade forward as Mizuki had cast a spell. The odd thing was the blade seemed to reflect the spell back to its caster. Though Mizuki had time to avoid it.

But it distracted him long enough to get the ground he had lost covered again as he forced Mizuki back on the defensive. "try it a second time." He hissed daring the mage on. Though he knew it would probably happen. He had a few tricks that he was ready to use now knowing that he couldn't last forever with the growing number of wounds and cuts he seemed to be getting.

He just needed one opening, a well placed spell would end this. As much as he didn't want to resort to using his own magic he was losing energy and quickly. That also meant he was losing whatever calm he had through most of this fight.

Mizuki frowned a little as the male before him removed the ice like nothing. He was not done with the damage he was going to inflict. That spell cost a fair amount of energy to do...but Mizuki was not done yet. Fighting the male he reflected his own spell but the time wasted was the advantage the male needed before he was now blocking instead of attacking.

Try it again? Why would he do such a thing. Once a spell like that was used he knew it was a one use charm. Not that he couldnt do it again oh no that was not the case. It was the fact that once seen that would be watched out for the most. So a new spell had to take place. Backing away he dodged another strike. Mizuki could feel how low his energy was. Not only was the hand to hand costing him energy the spells were as well. Either he ended it soon or it would end badly.

Casting a simple spell Mizuki created an ice wall on fast noticed. Listening as the blades of the male hit the ice instead he jumped back and knew he had one shot at this. Gathering the rest of his energy he cast two spells at once.

From one moment to the next he stood behind Thalion. Stabbing out with the newly formed ice blade he pushed the male into the ice before him as he leaned into his back trapping him there with the blade through his shoulder and chest pinning him there he had no place to run. Mizuki though had screwed himself. He was not stupid he knew how much energy he had and what he was able to do.

Even if he was to continue to fight the male would out last him. It was sad but true. So Mizuki took the moment to cause the most damage he could. Breathing heavy he placed his chin on the males shoulder. "Seems to me..." He said taking a moment to breath "That this could be a stand still" He said as he felt the equaly harsh breathing of the male before him "Just tell me...something drow" He said lightly "The name of the man who screwed me over" He said in a hiss as he twisted the blade in the males shoulder.

He was taken back a little by the sudden ice wall. Damn that was a wasted strike. Though he didn't get the time he needed to get around or through the wall as Mizuki seemed to have plans to finish this fight. He didn't have enough time to block or avoid what came as the other seemed to spend the last of his energy to cast the spells needed to do the damage that would end this fight.

Thalion was pretty spent from all the moving around and the little bit of magic he had used to keep that one spell form doing further damage. Though he wasn't expecting for the other to waste all of his energy just to pin him there against the ice wall. Before he could even get his breath from being forced into the wall he winced cringing at blade that kept his shoulder in place.

Great he was stuck here and the pair of them couldn't move. Though he did manage to move his other arm and placed a hand grabbing anywhere he could on Mizuki and forcing any energy he had left into a fire spell to burn the other. Not that it forced the other to retreat so they were indeed at a stand still and the sudden burst of energy was a short lived one though his eyes stayed the same blood red color they had changed when he was first slammed into the wall.

This was when Mizuki seemed to speak saying that this seemed to be a stand still. As the other finished his sentence and twisted the blade he hissed a little giving up on trying to force the other away knowing that would do more damage then good. "Tsk.." He laughed a little at the thought he was going to give this guy his name. "no one important.. just a blacksmith."

It wasn't like he had lied, that was his ranking, not even registered as a fighter. So the great general of the Eastern army was as he put it screwed over by a mere smith. Ok so he wasn't just a smith but still. This was about the time that Felix seemed to show up with Neimi and Raden. Probably a good thing before these two either killed one another or Mizuki's men decided to show up. Surely the two with him had run off to seek further aid.

"Thalion!" Neimi squeaked a little knowing for sure he was dead. This hardly looked like anything promising as Felix didn't give Mizuki the time to recover as before he had a blade to his neck and had him on the ground. "Out of all the- The hell your still alive?" Felix started to curse him in his death but stopped as Thalion was still breathing.

"Last I checked.. " He said before hissing as Neimi forced the blade free and Thalion all but fell to his knees from having no energy at the moment. "You idiot... where are you not bleeding from?" She sighed knowing she couldn't do too much without being back at the camp. Staying here was out of the question.

Raden had his bow fixed on Mizuki as Felix seemed to debate for a moment. Though asking Thalion he said just kill him and be done with it. "As much as I'd love to... hes of more use alive even if you both nearly killed each other." He said glaring at Thalion before getting Raden's help to bind Mizuki. Even if Mizuki managed to recover enough energy to cast on their trip back to the base it wouldn't do him any good as the bindings were ones that sapped energy. Mizuki could probably thank Thalion for those as well.

Mizuki felt the pain in his side from the burn but he didnt budge. No he stayed where he was. If he was to move he would give away the slight advantage he currently had. Mizuki knew that both of them were in no shape to continue fighting. Either way he was screwed. Though this was even more apparent when he heard a name shouted out "Thalion!" Hmmm...so he did have a name.

Though Mizuki didnt have a chance to think about it before he was forced from the male and shoved face first into the ground below. Growling he struggeled as they bound his hands and restricted his movement. Yep he really was screwed.

Looking over to the side he watched as the blade was taken from the males shoulder and he smirked as he fell to the ground. Mizuki growled as he listened to the group speak of what to do with him. Though he was shocked that they agreed to keep him alive "Finally some one with some brains..." He said with a huff looking to Thalion "I mean there is no hope for the drow...or should I say...Thalion" He said with a smirk.

Mizuki then watched as the male growled before moving closer and with a swift movement hit the back of Mizukis kneck causing the male to black out. Mizuki knew something like that was coming and he was almost hoping for it. It saved him the energy of trying to keep awake.

Do to the lack of energy and now the bindings Mizuki was out cold and he stayed that way for a long time. The next time that he awoke he awoke in chains. Groaning a little he lifted his head and right away he felt the tention in his arms and chest. Great...of all the things he was hung from the ceiling by his wrists. Hanging his head again he sighed. He was so not used to this treatment.

"Are you sure we can't kill him? You know that keeping him alive will just-" "And he has information, besides our general would not be happy to find out we killed the leader of the other sides forces without trying to get information." This annoyed Thalion a bit. This guy knew his name and that annoyed him more when Mizuki spoke saying it.

"Fine.. he's your problem not mine." He said before moving towards Mizuki and delivering a swift strike to the back of Mizuki's head. "He's not dead but it'll save the trouble of him knowing were we are going." He said before he started walking off already, even in his current shape he was walking. Though only because that rage was still kicked in and his eyes showed that.

Neimi sighed trailing after him. "When you fall over I am not dragging you." She mused a little before the other two gathered the fallen general and caught up to them.

Though after a while they did finally get back to the camp and things squared away. They placed Mizuki in a holding cell for the time being. The chains were hung by the ceiling and probably were not helping any healing that the captive general needed to do. None the less he stayed out of it for a while, a few days actually.

Neimi was off to the side with a heavy sigh as she heard some movement behind her as she all but jumped. The sigh that soon followed the slight moment let her know he was awake at least. "Heh... sure leave me here alone with the frost general..." Though she quickly gathered her wits about her before walking over to him.

"I'd love to say I could let you down but your going to have to deal with being like this." It was odd she should hate him, his forces killed her mother. But she wasn't the type to hold grudges, not after seeing everything that this war had brought about.

She didn't expect him to speak to her but none the less she said sorry but the wounds needed to be tended. She could just use magic but she was still learning in that so she didn't want to make things worse. Really she held a bit of sadness in her eyes as she worked on the wounds. Like she felt sorry for him.

Mizuki was lucky in the fact this cell was out of the weather at least and seemed protected enough so no one was going to just do him in. Though Felix was sitting at a table watching Thalion pace a bit as he finally sighed. The two were hardly paying attention to Mizuki or Neimi. Though they were far enough away for them not to.

"Why am I being forced to stay here exactly?" Felix shook his head a little. The general wanted to talk to you. "Yeah and he has my answer already to what he's gonna ask. The same damned answer I've given for how many years now?" Felix shrugged a bit before Thalion sighed heavily and leaned against a wall. "I have work to do and this is wasting my time. The bastard isn't going anywhere I made sure of that." Mizuki would get a nice surprise if he tried to use magic as the cuffs were enchanted with reflect on them.

Mizuki stayed silent through the whole thing. He didnt try and protest the treatment to his wounds. No he knew better then that the last thing he needed was an infection to set in. So with that thought he hung his head and allowed the female to do her work. Though it was odd to him the way she looked as she worked. The pitty that came from her was to much to handle.

Mizuki thought about what he could do no he needed out of these chains. So with that thought he gathered the energy that he had before casting his spell through the moment he did he regretted it. He couldnt help the little yell that left his mouth as the chains reacted and almost instantly his writs froze to the meddle.

Hanging his head his ears were dipped back and his breathing was harsh. He should of knowen better then to try what he did but it was to late now. Mizuki growled a little to himself. There was no way this was happening...but it was and Mizuki was at a loss as to what he could do.

Neimi was just like that she hated fighting but she better then to be foolish enough to think peace was possible with the other king. No he would rather they all be dead before that happened. Even his own people weren't at peace. Yet she was the one who had been hurt at a early age due to the men this very man commanded. But here she was the one who felt sorry for him. She knew his fate or pretty much knew. He'd be tortured for information or killed if they found him of no use. She had seen it before. she was only thankful that Thalion never took part in such acts. Though this one was another story.

She flinched as Mizuki yelled a little before noticing what had happened. She glared at Thalion right away. "Well they worked." He laughed slightly knowing exactly what Mizuki had tried to do. "What do you mean worked? You didn't-" "Hell no I did not! We hadn't caught a mage in a while and I personally don't feel like trying to force a spell out either... as much fun as burning myself sounds."

He huffed a little before crossing his arms. This was when Neimi yelled at him. "You said you were just putting the energy sapping ones! Now I have something else to deal with." She complained a little muttering a curse that was oddly in elven, probably Thalion's doing. Either way she moved so she could get to the wrists before the ice stayed there and did more damage. There were some salves that melted ice so thats what she used right away before treating them. They were cut a little from him being hung there so long.

"Look you made her mad again." Felix say with a slight laugh before Thalion shrugged a little at the thought. "What else is new?" Though the pause made Thalion finally ask the question he had been wanting a answer to. "Did Gregor say what was to become of him once they find out that he's probably not going to tell them anything of importance?"

Felix shook his head. "He seems to be against the idea of killing him oddly." Thalion moved and slammed his hands on the table in front of Felix. "Why the hell? If he doesn't give us information of use then just kill him we already have a shortage of supplies without adding someone else to the mix." Though with that he pulled his hands back with a heavy breath before going back to leaning against the wall.

"He says it won't fix things or something... I have no idea his plans." Gregor was their general he had been the heart of this group for the entire way. But he wanted something awful to end the fighting. Though to do that things had to change. Though this was when Felix smirked a bit. "maybe he'll release him into your care, you take in strays don't you?"

Thalion glared at him. "Strays yes, I do not call someone who can kill me in my sleep a stray.." It was true enough Thalion did end up turning a few lives around. Neimi for starters, though over the years that lead into Raden as well. Hard to think that was possible seeing as he was a Drow. Everyone assumed how cold and heartless they were. Though he would love to keep that front if he had a say in it.

"You won't kill him if the General ordered you not to." Neimi chimed in sticking her tongue out. "Well if he wants repairs done he better leave me the hell out of this... exactly what he is not going right this moment."

This was when Raden walked into the room as he waited for a moment when the lot of them weren't talking. "He wants to know as soon as he is healed. He wants to speak to him." Thalion rolled his eyes as Neimi nodded a little saying maybe a day or so. "Though tell him that these chains are not helping and neither is some numskull of a Drow."

Raden smiled a little though quickly acted like he didn't as Thalion glanced at Neimi. "yes yes keep insulting... should I remind you that I'm the one who cooks every night?" Seeing as Neimi lived with him, she was a poor cook she had tried but failed a number of times. She just was not talented in it.

Though he prayed Felix was not hinting that he really would be stuck with looking after this guy. Anything but that he just wanted to go back to his work and be done with this whole deal. Kill the guy and have one less thing to worry about. Though Neimi was right,he wouldn't kill the general of the eastern army if he was told not to. He hated that fact but that didn't mean he was going to be overly nice if it came to such a thing either. Though he prayed to whatever god that was listening that they were just going to kill him once they were done.

Mizuki stood there with his head hung as he listened to what went on around him. He could feel the pain from his writs and his arms...all the way down into his shoulders and arms. Though this didnt change anything with the group around him. He heard the banter and talked the group had with themselves but none of it was interesting to him. Nothing of use anyways. He still didnt know where he was or what was going to become of him. Nor did he know how long it would take for Luna to find him.

Mizuki stayed that way in the chains for the next three days. He was alone for most of the time unless some guard wanted to see the frost mage up and close. It was ammusing to him. The way he was treated was like a common animal. Then again a thought ran through his head that this was what he deserved.

Well it was. All the lives he had taken all of the villages burned it was all on his hands. It was all his doing and only because of a single man. The story on how Mizuki even became general was a rumor and a shit one at that. No one knew the real story as to why he did what he did. That Mizuki feared was going to be with him till the day he died...and his days seemed numbered.

Mizuki sighed a little to himself though he stopped when he heard footsteps. It was more then one person. No by the sounds of it there had to be at least three of them. Mizuki closed his eyes as he lolled his head to the side. He wondered what was about to happen next.

Gregor had been with a few of the groups that tried to get information from the captive general though he new a long time ago they weren't going to get anything of use from him. Though it was also unknown as to who the true general was of the Western Resistance. Whenever around untrustworthy company anyone knew to use a fake name towards their leader. Though even when they were in their own company he was treated as someone who held all of the strings of this camp together.

All of the methods had failed thus far and he saw no point in killing the man before him as he stood with Neimi and one of his other lead officers. He had been told to kill him a number of times by countless but that would not bring the dead back nor would it fix any of the past destruction. Also at the moment the one before him was almost harmless. Unless he figured some way to get those cuffs off he couldn't cast a spell without damaging himself.

Neimi was a little confused why she was asked to come as she stood there. She had already tended to any wounds for the day and she was hardly anyone who wanted to see torture being taken place. The silence that followed the footsteps was making Neimi curious. Though she was like a cat in that aspect at times, probably due to being young still.

"Your not going to say anything of use I know that already... and killing you benefits me in no way nor will it correct anything you have done to anyone who is here." Gregor breathed out a little before folding his arm in front of him. "So you have a few choices... you can run away after the chains are removed though the odds of you getting far are probably pretty slim." He paused a little before glancing at Neimi who still was a bit lost at where this was going, they had been trying to pry information out of him though Gregor kept reminding that he didn't want the captive killed.

"Or you can stay under Neimi's care and watch the so called impure or lower class as your King seems to think these people are." Either way it was Mizuki's choice though he really wouldn't get but so far with the cuffs on and no magic. Drakes would find him easy enough pray as well as countless other beasts. Plus in a another month or so it would be winter and the pass and cliffs were a death trap then.

Neimi gawked a little as she looked up at Gregor. "M-My care? but" "Your a healer in training I think he will be fine, keeping him here or handing him over to your care isn't the worse fate I could give him." Oh Thalion was not going to like this. She was lucky that he would probably be in the shop for most of the day so he probably wouldn't notice that she had a new er.. charge so to speak.

Either way he ordered the other with him to take the chains off, though the cuffs stayed on. Yes he knew Mizuki could use a weapon but odds were being like that for a few days had weakened his arm strength to where he needed to recover before thinking on doing something so rash. Besides that he was putting him with Neimi on purpose. It also was putting him with one of their better fighters, so if he did try something odds were he'd lose.

Neimi flinched as Mizuki seemed to just stay where he was after going to the ground, she saw that coming after being hung there for days. Gregor left the two as Neimi sighed a little. "Oh Thal is going to kill me.."She muttered a little to herself before inching over still not sure what she was suppose to do or why she was placed in charge of him. She was timid in a way but also out spoken. At the moment the timid was over powering any of her other thoughts though. "um... can you stand? Or walk even... ?" There was a thought odds were he wasn't in much shape to do either. Asking Thalion was out of the question he'd say let him rot there. Felix or Raden would help she knew that. Probably better to get Raden, Felix did have a habit to chat too much.

Mizuki was a little shocked at what had taken place before him. They were putting him under the charge of a healer in training? Really? That in itself made him question the very people that captured him. Either they gave this female alot of hope or they gave him none.

Though those thoughts ended as the chains to his arms came off. He hissed as he fell to the floor and for the first time in four days the blood began to flow properly through his arms. Shit that hurt. Moving his shoulders in circles he sighed to himself.

Mizuki was thinking to himself before the voice of the female cut through his thoughts. Looking up to her he tilted his head and spoke the first time in four days. "I have been hung from a ceiling by my wrists with no food or water...what in the seven hells makes you think I can walk?" He said with a growl watching as she female flinched.

Mizuki gave a hiss as he moved, bringing his hair over his shoulder he all but fell over and laid on his side. Now that was one thing he had wanted to do for awhile now. All though it was on a dirty cell floor it was still something that made his body ache less.

She did flinch, she should have expected that but she clenched her fists finally before stepping forward and slapping him. "You don't have to be a ass about it!" She shook a little before her shoulders relaxed finally. "I was just asking.. how am I suppose to know?" She shook her head a little she hadn't been trained too much in healing arts. She was still learning. It was only a few years ago that she even found out about her magic. It was a slow process to say the least.

"Besides I tried to give you water and you spit it at me remember?" She huffed a little as he seemed to ignore her and laid down. She turned finally and walked out of the cell, if he couldn't walk he wasn't going anywhere. This was when she found Raden and explained what she wanted. He looked at her oddly with such a request. Though none the less agreed to help get Mizuki out of the cell and somewhere less... prison like.

Though being moved at all Mizuki protested. "Oh stop it already, you'll thank me later." She said with a bit of a smile. "Besides I'd rather get you somewhere that you can get a bath so the wounds will properly heal." Also a bed was better then this floor and she'd probably still have time to spare before Thalion even found out.

Raden had to all but carry Mizuki from him being weak and hi body still sore. "You know he's going to be thrilled..." Neimi laughed weakly. "So long as no one bothers him while he's working he probably won't care... er too much.." Ok she knew better Thaion was going to ask what in the goddess' name was he doing here or worse knowing him.

After a while they finally got him to where Neimi stayed and Raden panted a little. He was a scout not some melee warrior who was use to this sort of thing. "Your choice bed or bath, and don't go complainin about not being able to bath yourself." She was a healer in training after all she had seen far more of most then she ever wanted to see.

"Should I stick around after you settle things? for-" She shook her head a little. "He won't do anything against Greogor's word, besides he's still trying to catch up form the few days he was already behind in work. Odds are he'll pass out after cooking." She shrugged a little finding it funny in a way.

Mizuki did protest the moment they picked him up off of the floor. He did struggle for awhile until the mention of a bath and he all but stopped. Yes oh god yes! That was one thing Mizuki wanted above all else was a bath. He hated feeling dirty and his hair was not the white it should be. With that thought alone he helped as much as he could.

It took them awhile to get to where they were headed but when they reached it Mizuki looked around. It was a little house. Upon entering he noticed the lay out. A kitchen a living area as well as a bath and rooms. Aww it was simple but homie none the less.

After Mizuki agreed he was helped to the bathroom and he couldnt help the content sigh he got as the hot water met his skin. Oh dear lord yes. That was what he wanted. After awhile he was taken out of the bath though this was when he protested a bed. No he didnt want a bed to be left in a room alone where anything could happen.

No instead he in his stubborn state managed to leave the bathroom alone after dressing and braiding his hair. From there he walked over to a wall that over looked the whole room. Leaning on the wall he slid down it until he sat on the floor.

Mizuki gave a sigh as he moved his hands into his lap as he crossed his legs and cracked his neck. Finally some peace and quite. He thought to himself as he ignored the female chat infront of him. The thought of peace stayed in his mind until the door opened and he heard the voice he didnt think he would hear. Thalion.

Neimi had to admit she was amused a little as Mizuki seemed to try to help even at the mention of a bath. Well least she knew something about him. Or she could gather anyway. Either way she managed to help him with the bath with little to no trouble at all. Much to her surprise she thought for sure she was going to have to fight tooth and nail. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad.

Though he did seem against the idea of being placed in one of the two rooms. Small was a word for this place. Though it had worked for just her and Thalion living here. Even if he never used the second bedroom. She always said he was weird for that but he ignored her all the same. What did he think was going to happen in a room alone? Not like anyone was going to be dumb enough to walk in here and start trouble.

Though after a while she gave up on even trying to talk to him, least something was done today. Though there still remained the fact that Thalion had no idea of their new house-guest. Though it seemed that she had finally run out of time to wait for that to happen as she heard him talking. From the sounds of it to someone in the front end of the shop. Seeing as the main room connected to another building so to speak. She always called it a shop but it was more or less just a small forge. Not like they made gold off of it. Even with constant work.

Shutting the door behind him as he walked in he sighed heavily before pushing away from the door as he walked. "I swear if something else is brought to me broken I might lose it..." Neimi watched as he seemed to not even notice her and Mizuki there. Going about whatever he needed to do before finally getting things set out for whatever they were going to have for dinner.

About the third time crossing the room where Neimi was sitting did he finally stop. Yep he finally noticed, probably too caught up in thoughts before. "What the hell ... " He started before glaring at Neimi who quickly put her hands up. "Direct orders, I was told to look after him and heh.... " Thalion stood there a moment before sighing heavily. "Like I don't have enough problems! Damn humans and their weak hearts...." He hissed out a little seeing as Gregor was a human as well. "It'd save a lot of energy just to kill him and then we wouldn't have to worry about anyone trying to find him. Hell we could even deliver the body to them to save the trouble."

Though he still seemed to go back to what he was doing none the less. Neimi shook her head a little. "Keep ranting like it helps." "Tsk... where exactly were you planning to put him?" Neimi smiled a little seeing as she had won that battle. "The second bedroom. Not like you ever use it you normally pass out on the couch or in the shop." True enough. "and .. was it said how long we were to baby sit the lead general of the Eastern army? Or did Gregor want the other side to come knocking on our door and we can be all like oh yeah we've been taking good care of your leader here he is you can slaughter us now."

She expected he'd go on like this for a while, he'd get over it soon enough. Either way he seemed to fix something to eat, even counting Mizuki into the mix though she would have made him fix something extra if he hadn't of. "Where are you going now?" She questioned as he seemed to leave as soon as things were finished here. "It's called work for a reason, and if we're willingly holding their army lead hostage I'd rather have as much of the gear repaired and mended as possible."

Though with that he was gone again as she sighed a little. "Not sure why I expected him to stick around... " She sighed a little. He'd be back by morning. He normally slept during the day if everyone left him alone. Something he had the hardest time trying to adjust to was the sunlight and he still complained from time to time. "Well hope your not allergic to spices or herbs... it helps kill the lack of flavor in what we do have." Not to say Thalion was a bad cook but their supplies were limited and well the same thing for days on end he had to figure out something to at least make it taste different every once in a while.

Mizuki thought it was funny how Thalion reacted to him being there though he would do the same. All in all it seemed to be an interesting day. After that day time ticked by and Mizuki was still in the care of the healer. Though he didnt know why anyone would call her that. Besides dressing wounds it didnt really seem like she had much ability. Mizuki half thought that he needed to change that though why would she take his advice on the matter.

Days turned into a week and still the days ticked by. Over that time he actually began to talk to select people. The female whos name was Neimi was the first he got along with. Slowly talking with the female...next was the half elven boy Raden. Such interesting things he found out about the two of them. How they came to be with Thalion and how it was his fault. Yes Mizuki was not dumb he knew everything happened for a reason and he seemed to be the biggest one.

After a week another passed and it even began to shock him that himself and the male Thalion began to talk. Getting along was a different story. Every little thing was a fight or a heated discussion when he did talk. Other then that Mizuki all but sat off to the side and let the group live on as if he was not there.

"I dont care what you say thats not the case" He said to Neimi as the female looked at him from where she sat infront of him. Before them were all different herbs and stones. "Placing night shade works yes but you want shadow shade...it dose the most" He said lightly "Add that with a little fox tail and what do you have?" He asked her and she took a moment thinking. Mizuki sighed "You get a combination that will stop the heart in four seconds" He said "But if you added a little golds leaf in with that what happens?" He asked with a little tilt of his head.

Mizuki watched as she thought about it but taking the time that she did he sighed before raising a cuffed hand to his head and rubbing it alittle "Do you not pay attention to the things I say?" He asked lightly looking at her "Adding golds leaf would give you a paste to heal one wound no matter the size or thickness" He said with a nod of his head. "Now clean up..." He said adding on "You know better then I that Thalion will be home within moments" He said with a sigh.

It was true that things did go on as normal. Well maybe Thalion had a bit extra to complain about with being stressed at the thought he needed to finish any repairs before they were attacked and that seemed to be a never ending job. Though each day was the same for him, like clockwork almost. He'd be in the house long enough to fix meals and do a few other things before he'd leave again.

Most of the time he seemed to live more in the shop then in the actual house. Though every so often he did pass out on the couch just from pure exhaustion. Neimi said he always had been like that, he'd rather be working and avoid interactions as much as possible. She never thought much of it and the only one he actually joked with was Felix. Well he would cut a few every so often but Felix was the main one that seemed to be able to force Thalion into doing anything. Granted that normally involved him just dragging Thalion against his will.

Though over time Neimi had managed to get conversations and such out of Mizuki. Even to the point where after a while he started telling her what she was doing wrong healing wise. With herbs anyway he couldn't show her anything with magic. Also she tried to not do any such practice around Thalion knowing he had tried for a few years to suppress or get rid of his own. To say the least that failed. She still had no real idea why he hated magic so much and he never told her or rather refused or avoided answering.

Raden didn't live with the two of them but he was a few years older then Neimi as well. He did drop by often enough as he sort of viewed Neimi as a little sister. Granted he was no where near as talkative as Neimi was. It was a interesting tale on how they came into Thalion's care. Both were unexpected and probably proved the Drow cared more then he would like others to think.

She sighed a little cleaning a few things up. "I do pay attention.." She pouted before glancing towards the door. Though she smirked a little at a idea she had. "Thats ok I know something to bring up that will annoy him." She laughed a little before putting the things away and flinching as Thalion was talking with Felix it seemed.

"For the last time no. You cannot convince me that it is a good idea to go out there in the bloody freezing cold, nor is that my job." Felix shrugged a little. "So put some more clothes on, if you'd stop wearing long sleeves all the time you might build up a tolerance for the cold. Besides I thought Drow lived in the mountains." "Yes exactly IN, not on. Besides that I have enough work to choke on without running off." Felix finally accepted defeat this time.

"Ok ok fine, I don't know why you just don't sign on as a fighter, you wouldn't have to struggle as much." Thalion looked at the other before rolling his eyes. "No then I'd have to take orders from you instead. I'd rather avoid the fighting thank you... no matter what amount of skill I have." With this Felix spoke a little to Neimi and Mizuki, he didn't get to talk to Mizuki much but during these months things were busy with supplies and such. Hard off was a good way to put things. though he left soon after and Neimi walked over to Thalion as he was cooking.

"So when are you getting married?" She grinned as he flinched at the word before glaring at her. "Implying to me and Felix or just in general. Though the answer is not happening." She crossed her arms before leaning back against the wall near-by. "Oh come on you have no desire to have a family? You pretty much already adopted one." She teased as he rolled his eyes still going about what he was fixing.

"Oh yes such a desire to have children.. almost one as much to get married... besides that I'd rather stay as far away from females of my race as possible. As fun as that was as a child." Neimi frowned a little. "Well marry out of your-" "No." She huffed with that quick of a answer before walking past Mizuki. "I swear you should marry your work." though she grumbled a little that normally he was more fun to pick on with that topic before she went into her room and shut the door.