The Blade ((Open))

[Silver]

Terra’s words easily were taken by Ender’s mind, and somehow they made him remember, helping him to calm down, but even with said help it took several minutes for Ender to stop his rage. From the first time since the war of the branches his emotions could more than his head and felt the ancient shame of letting that happen to him, he was as old as the Nether itself, but he was behaving like a hatchling. Taking deep long breaths, he slowly started to retreat his mind as much as possible, helping to rebuild mental barriers as much as he could. Once he was done his presence was still clear for anyone, since his frustration and anger, even if under control, still were burning deep within himself and it made it harder for him to control his power. He first contacted Avendel’s mind “The sword of the Nether, a powerful and really dangerous sword, it was taken away, I had been guarding it since it was given to me with that purpose, but now it’s back in a human’s hands, action must be taken immediately, or blood will flow as rivers and many innocent lives will be lost forever” He then focused on the ones that he accidentally attacked, trying to be as gentle as possible with their minds.

“I apologize for my behavior and the assault that your minds had to take” He said, trying to be polite and lowering his head a little, trying to help Reru to recover trough the bond they shared. He listened to Brenton’s words and shared with him a sensation of agreement, that if he could see him directly it would have been a nod. He easily opened a portal big enough for him and at an enough distance to not cause any trouble when stepping out, knowing how troublesome was his size when he had to get out of the Nether. Carefully to not destroy or damage even the smallest tree, he got out of the portal, tense at the beginning thanks to the sun, but when he didn’t felt any pain he finally got out fully, joining the group and looked at them, still breathing a little heavily, his glowing purple eyes saying ‘Sorry’ in any possible way they could.

[Aelodil]

Anurin looked at the towering features of Ender and reached out with his mind, saying,"It is alright, Ender. Emotions can't be trapped forever. Every once in a while everyone is subject to lose control. It is nothing to be ashamed of." his voice soft. As much as it was hard to pity a creature that knew no bounds and was large enough to dot out the sun, Anurin found it manageable. Everyone needed someone to support them, no matter how strong they are. He knew the feeling personally. He shook his head and snapped back to reality. This was indeed a crisis. There was only one person missing here, and that person was Ragdar. Anurin knew his excuse but withheld it. He would not say it lest someone were to personally ask him. It was matter of both great importance and surprise. As soon as he started thinking about it, he stopped. He didn't want those thoughts leaking to those around him. Oh, joy, just another millionth secret to keep..


Camarat's eyes suddenly glowed brightly and a weird blue aura surrounded him. In another instant, it was gone. He let out a deep breath, calming himself as he spoke,"If, what you say, is true.. then we haven't much time to release the boy. I know a way that just might work but it would need all our combined strength together, and even then there is a 50-50 risk. But, it is the only way I can think of to save the boy and successfully seal the Hero back into the Blade. On any normal circumstance I would never offer you this idea, but this is no normal circumstance. When we find him, I will tell you my plan, but until then.. I'd rather keep it a secret, if you wouldn't mind?" his voice surprisingly strong, in contrast to his appearance but at the same time heavy with the burden of hundreds and hundreds of years' worth of secrets and knowledge. He also felt a heavy presence in the air. Having three guardians around was a phenomena.


Laetri had been sitting around, watching and observing. He knew not what they were talking about and therefore decided to start chatting with Riptide. The two of them had grown some kind of bond. It ran deeper than friendship. Their thoughts were always running and he just felt so connected to him. He turned to the guardian and said,"Is Terra Nova really a guardian? I mean.. I know that the fox is the symbol of the earth, but I was expecting something more like a... I don't know what I expected really. I think most probably a tree. I know it sounds silly but that's what I was expecting.." his voice a whisper so that Terra Nova wouldn't hear. He didn't mean to offend her.. but it just felt strange knowing that that small fox had the power to wipe him off the face of the planet.

Riptide turned to Laetri, amused."Yes, she is a guardian. And yes, the fox is the symbol of the earth. And yes, I did used to think long ago when I first entered this world that she would be more something of a walking tree. But, our eyes generally tend not to lie to us so I like to believe my eyes. Don't know about you, but I actually prefer her being a fox rather than a walking tree." Laetri shook his head at this response."You're just crazy." he said to Riptide to which the response was,"I'm the sea. I'm not crazy, I'm moody." he said with the hint of amusement in his voice. Laetri rolled his eyes. He stepped forward and asked,"So... when are we setting out? I, for one, am sick of sitting here and waiting. Other than that, Riptide is getting my head jumbled with his cursed riddles." his voice amused and sarcastic with a hint of seriousness in it.

[Brenton]

Brenton swallowed nervously as he looked at the blade of the sword pointed at his throat, wondering how to get out of this one. He sighed and raised his hands in a calming gesture right before Grazael had Kialandi pinned to the ground. You say I don't know what Shaelren is like but I do because I weeped for him when it looked like he was injured and dead. But you're right about this, he is not terrible and did look just to be a hero. Yet I fear the people of Naelrathe will not see it that way because he is guaranteed to have run there. Now Kialandi, listen to me. Gather together Arathale and you and him can help us. But I Don not want you injuring any of us. Camarat is not my subject so I cannot tell him to join you but perhaps others will follow. The branches should stand together though and unless Ragdar makes an appearance then I am Fire. Now, Camarat, we are in dangerous times but do not assume I am not willing to risk my life for Shaelren.

The sound of an earth shattering roar echoed around the trees as a large form appeared above and spiraled downward toward the clearing of elders and powerful beings. The form was Inferno, finally deeming this important enough to arrive and aid. He saw Terra Nova, Riptide, and Ender all there as well as Anurin, Laetri, Rakaio, Rerukusu, but no Ragdar. All of the guardians aside from the Air Guardian, and all of the elders aside from Ragdar. Then he saw dragon spirits both old and bugled with joy. A party of strong hunters and warriors. All of you are strong but why are we missing Ragdar? Inferno glanced over at the elder of Air.

He could feel it like a poison in his veins, the branches had gathered and they had old followers with them. Was nothing sacred anymore these days? Was it not easy to bring about the new age without interference? Well the Hero would just have to take the fight to them then. After all he was capable of much destruction these days. Shaelren had fallen below the surface of understanding and that let the Hero free. Now he would have his revenge upon these pathetic Guardians and their pet riders. This would be way too easy and it brought a devilish grin to his face.

[Emiryal ♕]

Rakaio was glad to see the others there and gave a slight bow of respect to the other elders and the guardians who had arrived just now. True to his element it was easily said that Rakaio's personality was a bit down-to-earth. Like his branches guardian despite the circumstances he appeared calm and in control. It wasn't like him to get riled up, it didn't really do him any good after all. That didn't mean he wasn't worried about the situation just that showing panic would do no good here.

"Thank you King Brenton," the earth elder replied. He smiled slightly at the mention of Ender's attack. "I'm sure Ender can control it, it wasn't intentional." He was the least affected by the onslaught of emotion from Ender, thanks to Terra Nova's powers. While she wasn't anywhere near as large as any of the others her defense was powerful and could fend any of them off at least for a while. After all the Guardians were equal to each other in power.

At Kialandi's attack on Brenton a glance from Terra Nova caused vines to burst out of the ground growing much more rapidly than they should've to ensnare Kialandi and stay the sword pointed at Brenton. While Rakaio didn't know who this was he doubted anyone who was in the elven forest was truly an enemy and Kialandi just seemed hurt. "This isn't going to help. I don't know who you are, but why fight Brenton. But you seem interested in Shaelren, don't waste energy on this, we will need all our strength if we are to save Shaelren still," Rakaio said having not moved or made any hostile action towards her.

"I understand," Avendel said as Ender explained what had happened to her. "Such chaos and ruin...help me out of the Nether. I want to help, but Reru is still not my rider," she said. She had no way of opening a rift by herself but she knew Ender could and she wasn't about to ask Reru too even if he had been awake. Before she'd died Reru would've stood against such chaos and ruin but now she wasn't sure why he was helping with this. Since being brought back she could tell their bond had weakened between them and she no longer knew his thoughts or feelings.

Terra glanced at the massive form of Ender, trusting her elder to handle the situation with Kialandi. She gave a slight nod of thanks for his apology. Truth was just being near the pedestal made her uncomfortable. She could feel the energy from the Nether on it and from Ender himself. Feeling that energy made her uneasy it was unnatural for this world.

It took a few moments for Reru to come to after Ender started helping him recover. He was breathing heavy now as he sat up. His left hand was completely charred from the fire, but didn't appear to cause him any pain when it should and where he was injured there was no sign of blood on him. He was just about as unnatural as the energy of the Nether here. He retrieved his sword which wasn't far from him, but seemed to be a bit of an effort for him to get. He looked more pale now than ever. He wasn't really in shape to fight the Hero again, he'd face the Hero twice now as well as another enemy and had died once using his crystal to return. His crystal. "Ender my crystal please," he asked knowing the guardian still held it. If Ender was going to be here with them his crystal wouldn't be any safer with Ender than on him. Besides being separated from it gave him a strange sensation that wasn't helping his condition.

Terra Nova turned her attention on the old man. "Camarat with all due respect, would not it be best if we knew your plan? Going in unprepared won't help, we need to know what's going on if we are to defeat him. How will keeping it secret help anything? Should your plan require our assistance or an act on our part it would be too late by the time you told us in battle and then the Hero would know of it as well and be more adept to avoid it," she said not harshly but rather kind. She knew many secrets and had seen much and this didn't seem to be something that ever went well.

The fox smiled as Riptide and the water elder spoke to each other. She reached out with her mind to them. "My dear Laetri, would you prefer me a walking tree? In essence this is my solid form only for the benefit that I can interact with you, my true form is what you walk on now the very earth below your feet. Do not be surprised I can hear you, you are in Ellesmera the trees whisper to me here more loudly than anywhere else and little escapes their notice," she said.

[Silver]

Ender looked at Anurin and nodded at him, feeling relieved to know that they understood what just happened to him, but that didn’t took away his shame, even if he was trying to hide it. He then felt Anurin’s mood change and, knowing that he didn’t had any right over the secrets he was trying to hide, he left his mind as alone as his powers let him to not find out anything that wasn’t meant to be shared by accident. He immediately looked at Camarat when he started to talk, both with interest and as an attempt to keep his powers under control, even if doing so forced him to release his waves of energy a little more often. He listened and understood Camarat’s words, but he didn’t said nothing, he didn’t knew if keeping his plan as a secret was the best choice, but he had learned to respect other’s secrets and didn’t wanted to force him to reveal anything after what he just did.
Ender looked at Kialandi and Brenton without intervene, just listening both humans calmly as they talked with each other, even after Grazael pinned Kialandi to the ground. He kept his opinions and thoughts to himself, knowing that this wasn’t his fight, yet he was ready to aid any of them if things started to turn dangerous. Inferno’s roar interrupted his thoughts and he looked to the sky, as the huge form of Inferno started to get closer, his massive wings covering the sun like if it wasn’t bigger than a golden coin in the hand of a human “Is nice to see you around, Inferno” He greeted, he couldn’t say a thing about the air guardian or elder to him, since he knew as much of said subject as him.

When Avendel’s words reached his mind he focused on the place of the Nether where she was located and made a portal at some meters from her, so she could go back to the normal world. He was careful enough to make the portal far enough to not force a sudden reencounter between her and Reru, but still close enough so she could join them in matter of a few seconds if she wished to do so. Ender looked at Terra, he wasn’t surprised to see her so uneasy, he didn’t belonged to that world, just as the pedestal where the sword had been only a few hours ago. He couldn’t help but snort, the last thing that the ancient elder of his branch asked him to do before leaving forever was to guard the sword, he never fully understood why he wanted to keep the weapon intact instead of finding a way to destroy it definitively, but his eyes were so convinced of his decision that he finally agreed, and after all these years of guarding the sword he had failed on said task, what made old doubts roam free on his head again. Ender looked at Reru when he reached him and nodded, carefully grabbing his crystal with his massive claw and giving it to him. He didn’t stopped helping him though, knowing that, human or not, he still needed to heal properly.

[Aelodil]

Camarat sighed anxiously. It was not of course the safest plan but it was all he had in such a dire moment."Well, if I am to put you into this situation, then you have the right to know all about my plan. It is close to trying to force the spirits into him to turn him into a Shade, except what we'll be putting into him is the boy's own essence. We'll drain the boy's energy dry and send it back into the Hero, in an attempt to dispel him and seal him back into the Blade. Of course, however, in order to make sure the boy doesn't die in the process, we will have to use our own energy to seal the Blade again. As I said, it's not the safest of plans, but it is the only one I can think of at the moment." he said to them, his voice a little more than a croak of frustration. He ran a hand throw his hair and leaned back onto his staff, waiting for the response.

Anurin stared at Camarat in wonder. Was the man crazy? That idea could end them all. But on the other side, if there was one thing he had learned over the centuries it was that, every decision had it's own risk, no matter how small or large it was."Although I'm not excited about this idea, it does seem to be our best shot to save the boy. I agree with Camarat and trust his judgement, though I only hope it does not end up being our ruin. I move we accept this idea." he said, speaking up for the first time, his voice strong and commanding. He stood with his back leaning on Vanilor, his eyes darting questioningly between his fellow comrades.

Laetri shook his head. This was all a little bit confusing for him. He turned to Riptide, a question already formed in his mind. Riptide smiled and answered his question. Going "Aaaaah," Laetri nodded in understanding. He didn't really like their chances, he had already come close enough to death before because of a shade-wanna-be, he didn't want to die to a real shade this time. But... he tried putting himself in Shaelren's shoes. The boy was not at fault there, and he didn't deserve to die due to a mistake he didn't even know about until it was too late. Riptide felt his mind and answered for him,"No matter the risks, I would like to see this plan in action. The boy made no mistake, for he knew naught of the Blade and for all I know that could be our fault, us Guardians, for keeping it a secret. I would like to repent. Now, on that sentimental note, let's get going." his voice amused.

[Brenton]

Inferno looked over at Riptide and snorted rather rudely at the thought of any of this being his fault in the first place when he had taken out some many of those that the Hero had risen against him, including his own Elder. I take no responsibility for any of this and never will because the Guardians protected everyone the first time and even a boy should know better than to draw a strange sword from a glowing stone that ruined a city. If anything this is this dragon spirit's fault for not instilling better judgment into his pupil when he had the chance to do so. The large Guardian looked around to see if anyone challenged him, which would not be a smart life choice for anyone including other Guardians.

Kialandi glared at the dragon who had just insulted him and began to change into his white dragon self but Grazael's paw slapped him hard across the head which knocked him unconscious and safely ensured that no fighting would be involved this day. The man flew across the clearing and hit the ground rather roughly but he was still breathing, if a little raggedly, which meant he was still alive to tell the tale of how a dragon of a couple months old knocked him out with one hit.

Brenton watched the scene unfold but shook his head at Camarat for a second who had suggested they do such a dangerous thing to save Shaelren. It was one thing to think you would risk your life for someone but when the idea was put before you it changed everything in a heartbeat. This plan is folly, Camarat, and there is no other word to describe it truly aside from folly as is. You are asking us to put our lives on the line for him which is reasonable by making him a shade and then we would have to kill him anyhow aside from those who hadn't already...Someone's coming this way, someone very strong with hatred in their heart and revenge on their mind. They are not hiding their path as they move either so we need to be ready for battle.

With that Brenton drew Undbitr and Argetadurna in both hands while scanning the trees, already forgetting about what he had been arguing about. This was far more important because Ellesmera was close by and if this being made it past they would kill all of the elves who were loyal to him. Brenton's eyes stopped on one section of trees where he could sense the figure had just stopped and was waiting. The king crouched low with a snarl on his face while he narrowed his eyes to see if he could figure out who it was in the trees.

The Hero was on the edge of the clearing, sword in hand, watching as the king stared right at him and crouched down to be prepared for an attack. This was too good if one of them knew but the others were oblivious. Besides, two of the people in the clearing were unconscious and they would be easy targets to kill right off the bat when it all started. The Hero slowly gauged the distance between himself and the group trying to figure out how far it was and how long he would have before he was spotted by everyone and attacked. After all they were surrounded by Guardians and the Guardians were ancient and strong beings who could wipe out cities in one pass easily without even trying. And they were all against the Hero.

[Emiryal ♕]

Avendel thanked Ender as she flew through the opening in the Nether and joined those gathered. She acted like she hadn't seen Reru as she landed on the opposite side of Ender from Reru. Her scales appeared to be darker now than before and seemed to be changing to the darker color to match her original color.

Reru accepted the crystal from Ender and replaced the gem where it belong just below his neck. As soon as he did so he sighed in relief, having it back helped his recovery more than Ender's power had. As Ender released his energy a bit more than normal Reru drew on it using it to help him recover further at an increased pace. Slowly his burned hand healed returning to charred flesh. He watched as Avendel approached and then vanished from his sight behind Ender. He said nothing to her though. They weren't really on speaking terms. While he could've forced her to obey him, he refused to do that. Avendel was the one he could never harm. Reru sat down near Ender after having retrieved his crystal. He still needed time to recover.

Terra Nova was glad the dragon spirit had told them of the plan and waited as the others responded to it. Shades were dangerous and going in that direction was not a guarantee of fixing this. But before she could answer she abruptly turned to face the direction the Hero was in. The blade of the Nether gave him away, at least to her. Sensing anything from the Nether was a six sense for her. It had taken her a little while to realize the source of the nether energy though, with Ender here it was hard to pick out the sword but when she realized it her fur stood on end and a snarl formed on her fox like face. A golden glow surrounded Rakaio and Entas, a shield triggered by Terra's worry. The shield was one of her powers. "The Hero is here," she warned them all.

Rakaio glanced at Terra when the golden glow had appeared around him. He knew what it was but didn't know why she'd done it until she spoke. Great the Hero was back and they weren't ready nor did they have a plan to go on and Reru didn't look like he was in any shape to fight this time around.

[Emiryal ♕]

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