Fabula Orbis 20: Nightmare Found

[BreakABone]

This is yet another new name. Again in Latin and roughly translates to World Tales or Tales of the World.
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Across the bay, a battalion of Combine soldiers had reached the shore in search of their masters. Without the guidance of Dylflon however, it proved difficult for them to comprehend what to do. One by one they entered the murky waters only to make it a few feet away from shore and sink to the bottom.

The number of Combine soldiers at the bottom of the bay floor grew at an alarming rate until there only remained a handful in line. They all eagerly awaited their turn to take a dip but they were soon called off by an unknown presence.
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Bube sat in his brother’s room distraught over the fact that he had yet to return home. While he was unsure how he knew it, he was positive that his brother was in danger. If only there was some way he could assist him he felt.

He sat down on Nighthawk’s bed and picked up a frame picture of the two of them when they were younger. Suddenly a song that his mother use to sing to them all the time came to mind; Bube became to silently sing it to himself.

While he was singing, he could see flashes of what was going on. He saw Nighthawk stranded at some body of water. He could see that he was not alone. He was with those who cared to protect him and those that would do them harm.

He than saw that Nighthawk while physically at the bay seemed out of it. Bube had another idea as he raced down the hall to his room to find his book of music.
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“Okay… time-out! Is there a playbook or something I could get a copy of here? It seems that the rules just change whenever.”

“Like I told you before; once you learn the rule of the game this domain becomes a playground. You may have come across a MINOR breakthrough, but NEVER forget who controls this area.” The now dragon like man sharpened his talons along his slithering tongue. “So do you want to go back into your cage and make this easy for both of us or do you want to feebly attempt to take me on?”

Nighthawk took a second to think about his possible options. “Hey, it’s not going to do me much either way so might as well…” He attempted to catch his opponent off guard by delivering a blow before he completed his thought.

His foes however saw through his plot pretty quickly and dodged the blow with an angelic grace. “Really? Have you not picked that much up yet? We are inside your mind, it is kind of hard for you to surprise me. I mean look ABOVE you!”

Nighthawk glanced up and bright as the sun itself there was a light bulb over his head. “Of course… a bright idea.”

A slow, deliberate clap broke from the strange gentleman. “That was a freebie, but honestly expected you to have figured that one out on your own by now. So I really see no point in continuing this fight if it took you that long to realize the most basic of rules here. The more complex stuff may fry your puny little brain.”

His brain of course! Nighthawk sprung into action again as the bulb over his head grew brighter. He charged at the dragon-man once more, but this time before he could dodge; Nighthawk stopped short. He had expected the light bulb to be a giveaway so he used it to his advantage. When the dragon-man returned unscathed from his attack, Nighthawk delivered a devastating right jab which landed squarely on his jaw. He followed that up with a high knee to the gut.

The strange fellow with the bird-like wings now doubled over out of breath. Nighthawk continued the assault, but then he heard something that rang through his mind. He heard the sound of muffled laughter break out from the man he was not beating up.

Then he expanded his wings and knocked Nighthawk back. When he emerged, he showed no sign of wear or that he just been in a battle. “Hahaha. That was fun, and not a bad idea, but I HATE to keep reminding you… as long as you don’t know the rules this is a game you CAN NOT win.”

[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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[Combine 017]

Fox, Swan, Typhoid, Bond and Dylflon now stood side by side along the bay.

Didnt Bond wreck his legs?

[BreakABone]

Originally Posted by Combine 017

Didnt Bond wreck his legs?

Already thanked you, but figured would do it in public. Sometimes, it is difficult to remember minor details as I do this so thanks for catching and its been fixed.
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5
Nighthawk and his army of imaginary figures charged towards the skyrocketing figure of man now more closely resembling a dragon.

Swords shattered as they hit the repitilian like skin. Bodies flew in the air as the man swept his hand along the floor. Cries rung through the air as fire lit dozens on fire.

What started off as a battle of dozens versus one returned to a battle between Nighthawk and his one true demon, doubt.

"That was a fun distraction... you were on the crust of realizing your true potential, but just remember all powerful?!" The strange dragon-man let off a chuckle that sounded more like a roar.

Nighthawk thought about mustering his army again, but there was something he was missing. Some essential fact about this place that drove him nuts.

His eyes raced around the room. The room has been an inside peak into his mind offering both him and his opponent some insight. There was nothing that gave him that next great idea. Nothing that showed him the light.

Then, out of no where a mirror appeared in front of him. In other circumstances, he would have found this strange and out of place. Here, he decided to walk up to the mirror and stare deeply at the reflection that it cast.

He saw... not himself as he was... nor this new form of him... he was uncertain if he actually "saw" himself as a visual. He appeared to be formed of sound... more specifically soundwave. This mirror... or whatever it was tried to hint at something he could not figure out.

"If you are quite done admiring your handsome new armour, would you like to die now?"

Nighthawk had forgotten about the challenge that laid before him. The mirror offered him little insight on how to defeat him, and as far as he could tell none of his army had done any damage to him. Was he really invincible?

Then a thought flashed swiftly through Nighthawk's mind... so ludicrous in its undertone that it just had to work. So Nighthawk focused all of his mental energies into the sword he now held outwardly.

Then he slashed across three times sending a beam of light at the demon man. Nighthawk heard no screams of pain so he was frightened that his plan had failed, but when he opened his eyes expecting the worst, he saw the demon clutching vital parts of his body.

"You son of a... I see you figured out the one piece that was missing before. Yes, I might as well spill the beans... you know what on second thoughts maybe it was complete and utter luck!"

"You think so?" Nighthawk rushed forward and started to pummel his foe. This time he could feel each punch land decisively and he could see the demon's eyes begin to swell. The plan had worked.

"It was a great idea from the start; you knew once you were inside my head that you could manipulate my thoughts more readily. It dawned on me that I could never hurt you because I BELIEVED I could never hurt you which made you invincible in my mind, but once I got rid of that blockade, it was open season."

"You win this round, but as they say the war is far from over." The strange man vanished, but now Nighthawk found that his mind was closing in on him.

"You see the mind is a terrible thing to waste and the space is even more valuable. Have fun!" An evil laugh echoed through the thinning chamber.
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[BreakABone]

Gonna be honest. sections like this is me trying to spin the wheels to get to another plot point.
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6
In the middle of the bay, four friends stood together for the first time in what seemed like years. While none were happy with the circumstances that led them to this situation, they all had their own personal reaction to the reunion.

Dylflon as much as he hated himself for admitted felt that this felt natural. He secretly wished for a proper reunion of the true Canadian Coalition. Typhoid went through a similar struggle, but that was only compacted by the fact that he wanted to kill the men on his side as well.

Fox and Swan both felt extremely slimy about associating themselves with their former friends but they knew it had to be done.

All of them however shared in one thought, that they wished Dyne was here by their side instead of part of the struggle that now stood in their way.

The time for reflection had ended however. “Okay what’s the plan?” Fox attempted to ask everyone in general, but knew that the question was directed towards Bond.

“I can offer guidance, but with the bad wheels will be of little assistance.”

“No offense Bond,” Typhoid puffed out his chest, “but they got me now. It’s a bit more special than you.” He pulled Dylflon over, “And with him here, well let’s say we got a lot more ammo on this side.”

“As you could see from my experience dealing with them head on does not seem like the best idea.” Bond turned over to Dylflon, “What exactly is your power?”

Dylflon was unsure if he wanted to reveal the full extent of his powers, something he had not even shared with his partners in the Coalition, “I have the ability to manipulate people’s minds and sense emotions.” Dylflon felt that gave enough information without giving out too much of his secrets.

“It may be tough with four minds…”

Dylflon had to correct him, “Actually there aren’t four minds, it is like a singular entity now.”

“Well then we shall attack on two fronts. I could be wrong here, but I would assume that the minds of those four are hidden deep within Thear’s powers now. We need you to go in and attempt to extract them. Maybe with people on the inside, we have a better chance of combating them.” Everyone nodded their head in agreement, “Our second base of attack shall be physical to distract Thear from Dylflon. We hit them hard and fast. Get in and get out. Got me?”

No one waited to confirm with Bond. Dylflon snuck off into a little corner where he could focus without distraction while Swan, Fox and Typhoid mounted the offensive. Bond laid on the bay floor trying to block out the pain from his mind. He had never sent soldiers on a missions he himself would not complete, and he would be damned if some minor burns would stop him now.
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The walls around Nighthawk began to close in fast. He scanned the room half a dozen times and could not see a clear escape route. He even attempted to think up an escape but that proved not to work this time.

It was his mind, all he had to do was find out what would stop his mind from shrinking.
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Bube began to sing softly to himself. A song that bought him some peace. It started off slow and quiet and as he continued to sing it grew faster and louder. Until the room was filled with the sound of music. Then the waves traveled throughout the countryside. There was dancing and singing. There was hope.
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Hopefully can finish this before I leave for the weekend.

[thatmariolover]

It sounds so happy. That means the next chapter has to be extra dark to make up for it right?