Fabula Orbis 20: Nightmare Found

[GameMaster]

PLEASE make it so Nighthawk never discovers the rules. Having Nighthawk prevail over the strange gentleman would be way to predictable. You can even let them destroy each other. But do not let Nighthawk win.

[Nighthawk]

Originally Posted by GameMaster

PLEASE make it so Nighthawk never discovers the rules. Having Nighthawk prevail over the strange gentleman would be way to predictable. You can even let them destroy each other. But do not let Nighthawk win.

i'm guessing that if Nighthawk ever figures a way out, it'll be by the help of Bube?

[BreakABone]

Originally Posted by GameMaster

PLEASE make it so Nighthawk never discovers the rules. Having Nighthawk prevail over the strange gentleman would be way to predictable. You can even let them destroy each other. But do not let Nighthawk win.

Maybe.

Originally Posted by Nighthawk

i'm guessing that if Nighthawk ever figures a way out, it'll be by the help of Bube?

Maybe.

Who knows anymore.

[BreakABone]

A tad busy at work tonight, but got it in.
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2
“You know next time; I think we should explain to them the meaning of playing fair.” Swan protested as the three men huddled in a circle to come up with a new plan of attack.

“Listen, complaining is not going to do us any good right now.” Fox had to confirm. “I say we try to go on the offensive and take them out. I mean could they be THAT much stronger?”

Before they could finish talking, Thear’s voice echoed across the bay. “You foolish mortals sit there and attempt to plot my destruction? Shall I remind you that the last person who stood in my way had to sacrifice himself in order to contain me. What do you plan on doing?” While there was a hint of viciousness in his voice; confidence rang through louder than anything else.

“Okay I can not be the only one who is freaked out by the ghost voice!” Swan would have to wait for his answer as the four figures now floated in different directions across the bay.

A voice that was unlike Thear’s own, but distinct from any one of his physical forms spoke up. “Elemental storm!”

With those words, fire, wind, water and earth came hurtling towards the three heroes in the middle. The heroes had little time to react which sometimes worked in Swan’s favor. As he grabbed Bond and Fox and turned his lower half into a spring, he recoiled twice before leaping high above where the four elements collided in a dazzling array of colors.

“That is quite beautiful.” Swan admired.

“And even more dangerous,” Bond added, “imagine what that would have done to us.” Swan landed a bit away from the collision.

“Do that again,” Bond demanded, “this time let go of Fox and I in mid-air we will attempt a surprise attack on two of them.”

Swan did as Bond ordered and released them in mid-air. Fox aimed towards Dyne with a high kick, but found that he did little damage and came out the other side soaked.

Bond headed towards Magus as he glided through the air he had second thoughts about going after a rock hard specimen with a bad leg. He put all the pressure on his other leg as it was too late to change course and he could feel a bone snap as he made contact. He landed hard on the ground now without the aid of either leg. Magus attempted to squash him but he rolled out of the way once… twice… He knew sooner or later he would be done for.

When Bond could roll no more, he saw the heel of Magus’ foot coming down to squash his sternum. He closed his eyes to brace for impact when he felt himself swooshed away to safety.

Bond got dumped next to Swan and a now dripping Fox.

Swan turned to Bond’s rescuer, “You?!”
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Haha new idea popped into my head while going to work. That may prolong the story more than any writing delay.

[BreakABone]

I have put myself under a time constraint to start writing for NaNo so let's hope I get this done in time. And everyone gets like a month to catch up/re-read.
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3
Nighthawk shook his fist while his foe showed little signs of damage; he felt every blow. "I can already guess the answer, but I figured it is worth a shot. Is it possible for you to tell me the rules so... you know this is a more even fight?" Nighthawk asked rather coyly.

"I could... but really there would be no fun in that," the strange fellow gave him a knowing grin, "I'll tell you what though. I will share with you one VERY important rule. One that I am only sharing because you will have to deal with it... in let's say however long this speech takes me to finish. And as we have both learned today, I have quite the flair for delivering long speeches. I guess that's what happens when you spend most of your time in isolation. You yearn for human connection in whatever form you can get. Yeah, I have a ton of power, but what good is it if no one knows it. I guess when you go on your rampage they will learn to fear my wrath... you know. Anyhow... where was I. Ahh yeah that one rule you need to know. More than anything else, I want this to be ingrained into your mind and I will know," he pointed to the walls around them, "what happens to YOU in here effects you out there. Sadly that same rule does not apply to me. Ha ha ha ha. So when I punch you... you feel it. When I scratch you... marks will be left. And WHEN you die... you get the picture."

Nighthawk was a little taken aback by the news. When one fights, he fights with all his passion so that he can win, but when one is handicapped so easily it is difficult not to feel lost. Nighthawk was not sure why those words ran through his mind. They were as clear as the sun was bright, but he never remembered hearing them before.

Now Nighthawk was left in a dilemma. After their last encounter, he was pretty certain that nothing did damage to this almost dragon like creature, but to stand and get pummeled would certainly lead to his demise.

He thought back to his days in the yard when he and Bube would slay foul beasts with their makeshift cardboard sword which always found them at the right moment. As he thought about it, a weapon, not of cardboard but metal, descended from the sky.

"Drat!" The strange dragon man shouted. "I guess you have figured out another one of the rules."

In all honesty, Nighthawk had not he was rather perplexed on how the sword arrived there. However, he would not shy away from his gift. He extended his hand and pulled the sword down. He could feel the power circulate through his body.

Now the stories of King Arthur and his sword ran through Nighthawk's mind. In his mind, he vividly saw the round table and all of those loyal men who pledged their lives to Arthur.

A sound from behind him forced Nighthawk to jump out of his boots. He turned around to find a legion of men armed with swords and bows on horseback.

One of the gentleman in the front of the line spoke to Nighthawk, "We are at your command our master!"

Nighthawk looked on proudly and he finally got it. This was his mind whatever he could think of would become reality as long as he could focus on it long enough.

His moment of triumphant was interrupted by a slow,methodical and very sarcastic round of applause. "So you finally figured out the rule, but it still does you no well as you can't hurt me."

"I may not be able to, but he will!" Nighthawk focused again on the memory of he and Bube playing in the yard. Now he focused on the imaginary armour that they created for themselves. It was fire-proof to protect them from the dragon's breath. It had gills to allow them to swim into the deepest parts of the ocean. It repelled magic because you just never know. And it featured a very special mask in the shape of a hawk. It was how he got his nickname all those many years ago.

"I see I am not the only one showing my true form now. Shall we?"

"We shall!"

Nighthawk ready his men while the strange dragon like fellow grew to the size of a building.

"Up here!"

"Charge!"
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[BreakABone]

Another fun tidbit for those of you who actually read this part. The above section was written completely as I sat down. Originally, it was much shorter with just nighthawk's transformation. The below scene was also something thought up while going to work.
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4
Typhoid deposited Bond to the feet of Swan and Fox.

"Don't be too thrilled Bond, you aren't the first guy he's swept off their feet today." Swan took up a more serious pose after he completed his statement.

"What's the game here?" Fox asked as he stood next to Swan.

"There is no game NOW." Typhoid responded as Dylflon joined his partner. "We will let you know up front, we still plan on killing you, but as a threesome not a duo."

"Wait... what?" Fox puzzled directed his question to Typhoid.

"We have decided... as much as it will pain us," Dylflon began slowly the words taking their time to escape his mouth, "that we will assist you in defeating these new entities. ONLY because we want our friend back. After that, the three of you are fair game."

"What's to stop us from taking you two in now and taking care of these four on our own?"

"Should I take this one or do you want it Typhoid?" Typhoid pointed over to Dylflon to confirm that he should answer. "Well let's see for starters... you are heroes and you must always do what is right. So you want to help them as much as it pains you. Two, your new friend over there was seconds away from being part of the scenary. I doubt he would be of much use to you now and frankly I don't think you two have it in you to defeat them on your own."

Fox and Swan had to think about it for a bit, but they came to the same conclusion. As much as they hated to do it, they would need to Coalition's help in dealing with this problem.

"Fine! Fine!" Swan said reluctantly. "What's the plan?"

"Let me try something first." Dylflon attempted to enter the mind's of each member of the Thear army. He never felt so much rage and anger in his life. A part of him loved it. Maybe a bit too much, he could feel their emotions taking over him.

Then he felt a swift slap across the face, and then another. "HEY!"

Swan and Fox gave him the most innocent smiles they could muster. "We were once friends, I remember that look. All too well." Fox shuddered.

"And really any chance for a free smack, I won't pass up." Swan winked at him.

"I'll remember that. Just don't forget as soon as Dyne is free of his control; it's open season on you two again." Dylflon now gave them an evil little grimace that sent chills down their spines. "With that said, we won't be able to reason with these things. They are full of nothing but rage and hatred. Their whole bodies coursing with nothing but pure natural energies."

"Of course, I really want to see this heroic contract... is there some stipulation against making ANYTHING easy for us?"

"Trust me, you folks don't make it easy on our side!"

Fox, Swan, Typhoid,and Dylflon now stood side by side along the bay. Bond was held up by Fox and Swan. His legs still paining him immensely. Their eyes darted around at their four contenders.

"Everyone ready?"
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Bube quickly flipped through the book. He landed on a song that seemed so familar. A song he heard so often in his youth. And something told him this was the song he needed to sing.
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