Maia wiped her eyes with a quick swipe of the hand, it came dry, “Don’t make me cry old man.”
“This is a happy moment, you have to smile,” the old man wore his usual smile, “a wizard pick his successor very carefully, for they’ll be the ones following his legacy. And I believe I had the right choice in you. I hope you follow on the right path with the usual passion of yours.”
“Damn you old man, you done made me cry.” Maia buried her face in her hand and sobbed.
The old man chuckled, “this is why I did what I did to you earlier at Aargal. I was afraid to lose you to The Dark One there. Forgive me for making the decision for you back then, but I saw no other way.”
Maia shook her head and sniffed, “It’s fine now that you told me,” she hugged the old man again.
“Now, now,” the old man said and pulled out, he raised his staff and knocked Maia in the head, “Don’t think you can slack off now, you are officially my people.”
Maia rubbed her head. The hit didn't hurt, but it felt right to do so. “I still need to get to level 100 to use it though.”
“It’ll be a good time for you to learn.”
“True, but, I have a ways way to get there. Besides, we know for sure the Dark One is here this time around.” There it was, that old sad smile again. Maia felt something in her chest, something didn't feel right, “Oh God, this is why you gave me this. You’re not sure about this fight are you?”
40 – Transport job
Jack hated the feeling of sweat under his clothes. Nothing felt worst to him than the sensation of something cold slithering through his body. Perhaps running was a bad idea in this frigid weather, but being home bound for few days with the possibility to extend longer, he took the time to do some physical exercise before it all started.
He just finished few laps at his favorite training place, Lake Sure Park, and started down Michigan Ave towards his home. Even in this biting weather people exercised and played in the park. Some kicked around a soccer ball, others engaged in a friendly softball match, while others besides took few laps around the park. As long as the sky remained dry, these thermal clothes did wonders in keeping the cold at bay.
Strolling down the Magnificent Mile he noticed his 7eleven neon light inviting and he slowed down to a halt. Emma should be there now. He suddenly became conscious about his attire. A thermal shirt stuck to his body covered in blooms of sweat. He grabbed his collar and tugged at it few times. She saw him in worst clothes before, this should be an upgrade. He continued his way towards the store.
“Welcome to…” Emma said then paused, “Oh, Jack,” her face cheered, “What are you doing here?”
“Hey Em,” Jack said, his eyes darting around, what was he doing here? He couldn't think of an answer, he didn't prepare one, “I… well, I might have a long session of gaming in the coming days, so might as well grab some rations.”
To be honest he did that in his last day before leaving work, but his brain could not come up with a better excuse. It seemed the calculated Hok did not rub off on Jack.
“I’m looking forward to join you in the game soon,” Emma said as Jack moved towards the fridge to grab some drinks. You could never get enough drinks.
“You me both girl.”
“By the way, you didn't tell me your character name or job or starting city, or anything really.”
“I’ll be sure to do that once we get to it, don't worry.” Jack was not sure what to tell her yet. After all, Hok might not even survive the coming battle. Nor did he know his fate after the battle.
Jack managed to grab a few cold ones, paid and continued his way home. A smile lingered on his face even after leaving the store for some time. He stole a look at his watch, two more hours for the battle. Better get to it.
~
Oliviera’s invite for the grand battle should be fifteen minutes or so away, but the mayhem below suggested some people couldn't contain themselves. A wave after wave of players engaged the dark army from all directions in small pockets. From this location, the view was stunning. The city surrounded by a dark circle surrounded by patches of people colliding with its edges. Still atop his dragon on the middle of the field, The Dark One didn't bother to move yet.
Their group gathered at the same place they all left last time, a nice hill overlooking the fort city. Hok turned to see their oddly concocted group. Kensin and his two friends stood to one side, Jorgan and Eric talking on the other. Cmfour circled around the group, probably taking footage for the pre battle show. Murad and Qaz engaged in some debate about the battle while Bale, as always, stood to one side ignoring everyone else and sparing a glance or two towards Kensin with disdain. Only Oz, cheerful as he was, jumped from one group to the other trying to blend in. perhaps missing his friends.
This was the hope of the realm. Orora’s hope. The chance Eric and Kensin depended on to save their loved ones. In any other circumstance, Jack would recommend to delay the fight till the group got better acquainted with one another. Used to one another in battle. But time was slipping and god only knew what the Dark One was planning.
“We need to reach Buharr somehow, unless we can guarantee no one will die on the way and return to his homepoint.” Eric said stepping next to Hok, “we could fly there, but what about the others?”
“We still have time for the attack to actually start, and yes, I prefer to set our home point in Buharr,” Hok turned back at his group. They created a party with everyone in this end of the battle. They needed to add the others in the alliance once they gathered inside Buharr. “I can take one person with me, and I assume the same for you, and fly directly to Buharr.”
“Yes,” Eric said, “but this leaves all the others with no direct way to get to Buharr but through the army.”
“I prefer they wait and we grab one at a time to get there,” Hok said, “It’ll take us time, but it’s better than risking an early encounter with him.” Hok nodded towards the towering dragon.
Kensin stepped forward, “you know he can fly just like you? Don't you think he’ll get up to fight the only people flying in and out of the city?”
“There,” Hok pointed at the other end of Buharr. The Dark One sat atop his dragon facing the entrance to the city, “we’ll get to the city from there. Between me, Eric and Jorgen, each one might need to do two trips, three max.”
“Hmmm,” Jorgan scratched his chin, “this might work.”
“Ok,” Hok said and called his wyvern. The beast dropped next to him with a thud, “let’s get moving.”
“Nice to see your little lizard still alive,” Jorgen said and a huge wyvern crashed next to him. Dark blue with foot long scales jumping off its back. It towered at least one and half times above Hok’s wyvern. It growled at the others.
Hok’s wyvern growled back and snapped at the bigger beast, Hok placed a hand on its side, “take it easy Grey.”
“Holly damn,” Oz said, “I’m riding that,” he moved towards Jorgen and his big mount.
“Alright,” Jorgen said, “come on boy, we are going first,” he extended a hand; Oz took it and jumped on the wyvern.
“We’ll see you in the other side,” Oz said and with that the two off them took off.
Another wyvern landed in a silent bounce next to Eric, like a cat sticking to its landing. It shined with bright purple skin and yellow scales. Where Hok and Jorgen’s wyverns gloomed dark and grim, this thing glowed, majestic.
“I’ll grab Kensin first,” Eric said and jumped on his mount.
Hok counted the remaining people in the group. Murad, Cmfour, Qaz, Yayoi, Kosaki and Bale. One of the dragon riders will have to do three trips. Probably Eric since his wyvern was the fastest. Won’t matter anyways, a round trip should not take them more than ten minutes.
“If you don't mind,” Cmfour stepped ahead, “the lady prefer I get there early. You know, to take more footage for the documentary.”
Hok shrugged, “I see no harm in that, you can tag along with me. The ot
hers please wait for us to come back,” they agreed and nodded.
Eric took off with a swoosh as Hok mounted his wyvern. Cmfour followed and they were airborne soon after.
Eric flew few feet ahead so Hok had to slow down. Don't want to attract attention to the flying dragons. He took a sharp right to be as far away as possible from the main force and the Dark One. Below them still a nice grass carpet covered the ground. Yet the dark army loomed in the distance.
“Is it possible for you to slow down? I need to get a more stable shot,” Cmfour said.
“I prefer not to, need to get this over with as soon as possible. But I’ll see what I can do,” not wanting to get on Oliviera’s bad side, Hok pulled the reins and slowed the wyvern a click or two. This gave him time to appreciate the magnitude of the situation as well. Below them the dark figures started to trickle. Before long they replaced the green ground. Yet, they didn't seem to care for them.
“So, this is like your full time job?” Hok said to the man behind him.
“Yes.”
“Hmmm, do you not get bored or you know, want to do your own thing?”
“It’s ok, I get some time off, besides, it pays pretty well. It’s no different from any cameraman job in the real world. At least here I get to play.”
“True,” this was not the first or last person Jack encountered who got his bread and butter from Orora, Jack did the same at one point, “got a name you prefer I call you by? Or Cmfour will suffice? Cumbersome as it is.”
The man laughed, “you can call me four if that’ll make it any easier. My name is Rayon though.”
“Alright,” Oz said in the party chat, “we are here and just set the home point. I’ll get Fitch and the rest to join in.”
Just as Hok passed the city walls Fitch and his party members joined their group. The names Paragon, Fitch, Rain, Eb, Borg and Balard showed up on their group. For the following few minutes the group exchanged short pleasantries not exceeding, “Hello everyone,” and “nice to meet you.”
“Sorry for the lack of a proper introduction guys,” Hok said as he located the Lady Altana statue and began his decent. Jorgan passed him on his way up. “We’ll have time for that once we get everyone here.” His wyvern hit the ground next to the statue to a half amused and more annoyed crowd. The third wyvern touch down in a short span of time loses its luster.
“Um,” Jorgan said, “there is an airship approaching the dark army from the other end.”
“They have a death wish?” Eric said, “This is not good.”
“Well,” Murad said, “it’s almost time for the full fledge attack. Expect more of that.”
Hok set his home point and took off, no time to waste. With a big, comparatively slow, airship soaring the skies, the dark army will start noticing the space above them. Hok flew on the opposite direction for now, might as well make the most out of it.
Half way through the dark figures Eric said, “getting Yayoi and heading back.”
“Damn your wyvern is fast,” Jorgen said, “I just took off with Qaz.”
Eric, with Yayoi grabbing at his back, passed by Hok waving and smiling. Eric’s eyes focused towards the city and he snapped on his reins. Jorgan zoomed by just the same. Their friendly smiles couldn't hide the competitiveness in their eyes. They were racing towards their goal. Wouldn't be the first time those two clashed in competition.
Hok touched down next to the remaining members on the ground. He signaled Murad for his turn next.
“Hey Hok,” Hok got a private message, it was Diego. “Sorry I’m late, finally got the time to get in.”
“Hey,” Hok said, “I was beginning to think you won’t join.”
“Are you kidding me? And miss the chance to be part of this fight? No way man.”
“Good to know,” Hok said, “Where are you?”
“I’m in Buharr.”
“That’s great. Go next to the statue, I’ll invite you in my next touchdown there.”
“Will be waiting.”
That’s the last piece of the puzzle needed for the fight. Whomever they get now to complete the group will just be extra firepower, and they sure can use that.
“Shit,” Jorgan said, “the Dark One is airborne.”
Gasps and curse words followed in the group chat. Hok’s gaze turned towards his last location and sure enough the Dark One soured on his colossal dragon. Relief washed over him when the Dark One flew towards the airship.
His wyvern kicked the ground and leaped.
“I’m approaching touchdown in the city,” Eric said, “we are almost done.”
Hok took a sharp turn right to keep as much space between him and the Dark One as possible. He stole glances at the airship and its impending doom. Waves of magic came off the airship and a massive stream of fire spewed from the dragon’s mouth. One thing was clear, the airship won’t last long.
“This is bad,” Murad said.
“More like this was expected,” Hok said. At the very least, more and more people started to pour in surrounding the dark army. The Dark One’s early involvement might’ve thrown everyone off balance, but everyone expected it sooner or later.
With a loud crack the airship broke in half. One piece aflame and the other rubble. People jumped off the falling ship, people or pieces, Hok couldn't tell. Some might survive the fall, but not the army waiting for them below.
Startled when Eric zoomed pass him, Hok took a hard left. “Move it slow poke, we are almost done,” Eric said.
Hok smiled and grabbed the reins to give it a tug when Jorgen almost hit him, he jerked to one side but Jorgen pulled his mount up, “Yeah, get out of my way,” Jorgen laughed, “Eric won’t beat me.”
“You got some crazy friends,” Murad said.
Hok couldn't help but smile and agree. “You should’ve seen them when we were in the same guild.”
“Got Bale and Jorgen took Kosaki,” Eric said, “no one is left Hok; you can take your time and enjoy the view.”
“That’s a polite way of saying you lost,” Jorgen said and laughed, “but I’m not giving up yet.”
That’s a relief; with some time to spare before this place explode to a full time war. Back at the airship, nothing remained but a column of smoke and a fiery circle in the ground. More people gathered in the other end of the battlefield as well. All the while, Buharr didn't start their retaliation efforts, which was to their advantage.
“Shit,” Eric screamed in the party chat, “the Dark One is on our tail.”
Different magic spells and abilities have different properties. Chief amongst them is its target.
There is the self-cast, only casted on oneself. Then there is the single target selection, the party or enemy selection.
There are also abilities that would target an area of effect where you could choose an area that the effect would hit. Lastly, there are those wide area of effect where you would only choose a general direction of the ability or magic. Those tend to be devastating in nature and hit everything on site. So be careful where you use them.
41 – an unfavorable encounter
The first one missed them by a hair, but that’s only because Eric did not know the Dark One was hot on their tail. Startled, he took a dive that brought them in range of the ground troops’ flying arrows, but the second fireball flew way off. Few arrows whizzed pass them as the second fireball hit the ground and exploded with a bang several feet ahead of them. Eric charged towards the explosion, the smoke might provide cover.
He turned around and to his dismay the Dark One showed no signs of slowing down. The huge dragon locked eyes on them and bared its teeth in a silent hiss. “Keep your eyes ahead,” Bale said, “I’ll cover the back.” Bale turned around and they sat back to back.
To their far left, Jorgen raced with Qaz towards the city. He took a slight turn and his wyvern spat a stream of tiny fireballs in hopes of catching the big dragon’s attention. Two moving targets and a wide range to cover made sure that Jorgen’s effor
ts went to waste. The big dragon barely noticed them and continued tailing Eric and Bale.
“Damn it,” Jorgen said, “He’s not even caring about us. Eric you better make a run for it.”
The big dragon inhaled and another fireball raced towards them. “Sharp turn,” Bale said and braced. Eric pulled on his wyvern and they took a sharp left. The fireball flew pass them and exploded somewhere in the distance.
“Keep it up,” Jorgen said, “you might just make it.”
“We won’t make it,” Bale had to break the bad news, but the city remained too far off and this thing closed in readying another fireball. It inhaled deep, the scales around its neck turned red with heat. Its eyes fiery smoke. No, this looked different. The Dragon opened its mouth and a stream of dark crimson flames exploded towards them. “Dive, now!”
Eric obliged in time for the fire torrent to miss them by a sliver, but this was different. The dragon adjusted its head to follow them. “Not good,” Bale said and raised his shield.
The fire hit him, wyvern, Eric and everything in between turning the world red.
An intense heat hit Bale all over. His whole body felt like boiling to the point where he lost all senses. Everything went red. He only got his senses back when the ground hit him and he bounced off few times. He grunted and forced himself to his feet. His body ached and burned. His HP hanged by a thread. Smoke rendered visibility to a minimum.
“God damn it,” Eric said, “My mount is gone and we are grounded.” He used his weapon to get back to his feet.
“Shit,” Hok said in the group channel, “where are you?”
Bale tried to make sense of his surroundings, but the smoke still lingered and the dark figures all around them didn't help. He thought he saw a large structure at the distance, the city walls perhaps. From where they last were in the sky, then the fall and tumble should bring them somewhere close to the walls.
The dark figures closed in on them. Weapons in hand at the ready, hissing and groaning. A predator stalking its prey.
Dreaming Orora Page 26