ShRiNePrOdUcTiOnS

Arc 1, Chapter 6: Just A Coincidence?

2012-01-25T20:43:00.000-08:00

Takaimura arrived in the corridor leading to Lisa's bedroom when he spotted Kregron and Lisa going into the bathroom together. His jaw dropped and he ran towards them immediately, waving his arms in the air frantically. Kregron caught sight of the butler and paused for a moment, a sleepy look staying on his face. Finally, his mind was brought up to speed and he realised what the situation looked like to the man.

"Nothing that you are thinking of happened. I just fell asleep when I was comforting Miss Sunwolf." Kregron leaned against the wall, ushering Lisa to use the bathroom first. The lady stifled a yawn before recalling the events of the past day. She blushed deeply and hurried in, closing the door quickly and gently.

Takaimura could not stop the heat rising in his head. "Mr. Letarion, I do not know your true motives but I find you a rather suspicious person. You lack much in the department of manners and you show distaste towards appreciation for your good efforts. Not to mention you are a murderer!"

Kregron remained nonchalant. His left eye stared lazily on Takaimura's direction. "Takaimura, a soldier from the Eastern Territories. Exiled from his nation because he learnt the Dark Ways of the Sword. You yourself are a killer yet you spout these words at me. You are boring, terribly boring."

Takaimura clenched his fists and his teeth. He felt as though his blood was boiling, urging him to sink his fists into that expressionless face of the mercenary, who continued to taunt the butler with his uncaring air. He stepped forward, edging closer to Kregron.

Kregron grinned sinisterly. "Come, mortal. I would certainly like to enjoy having you suffer an eternity in the process of dying. Unable to die but wish for it to end, how delicious~"

Takaimura ceased in his tracks. The air around him had chilled rapidly and his vision decreased by the dimming light. His heart beat faster, readying him for flight. His body wished to run away from Kregron, whose face now resembled unspeakable and nightmarish which Takaimura had encountered during his younger days. The left eye glowed hungrily and there was a slurping sound emitting from the mercenary's left arm.

"I see. You are too weak to defeat me. Watch your actions, butler, or I shall turn your life into an unending hell." Kregron strode past Takaimura, glaring at the man as he passed by. Takaimura stood still, his breathing ragged. He wiped the sweat off his forehead and stared at his hands. They were trembling uncontrollably and were wet from cold sweat.

At that moment when Kregron was inviting him for a fight, Takaimura thought he was looking into the eyes of demonic spirits and their master, a demon god. He shook his head to clear the horrible reverie and wondered for a minute as to whether the two events were coincidental.

Strolling through the streets, Kregron ignored the stares and whispers directed at him by passerbys, who appeared to recognise him from his left eye and his enormous claymore he was carrying on his right shoulder. The mercenary pondered about the night before when Lisa came into close contact with him. He felt the same presence again, a haunting memory which refused to be identified. Yet, there was a sense of calm and peace when Lisa's aura enveloped his being.

Why do you feel like an angel? Why do you have to remind me of Gwendolin? He clutched his chest in pain, clenching his teeth as he felt the pain intensified when a torrent of memories re-emerged from a dark corner of his mind.

"I still regret my mistakes." Kregron spoke to no one in particular. "Always too late to correct them."

Lisa looked at herself in the mirror. She could barely gaze at her mirror image for a second before turning away in shame. Why do I have Relican blood in me? Everyone I want to get along with treats me as a monster. I'm not a monster. But that man... He is one but he does not seem to be bothered by it. But why do I feel his pain whenever I touch him?

"Or maybe you are just as human as everyone." Lisa concluded to herself. She picked up a towel and wrapped it firmly around her petite body. Grabbing a smaller towel, Lisa brushed her short hair dry. She smiled when she recalled how uncle Thomas would always remark how beautiful and cute she looked when her hair is short. Touching her hair, Lisa cringed when the back of her fingers grazed her ear, which resembled a fox ear. Immediately saddened by the fact that others would see her differently, Lisa quickly dried herself and changed into a simple white dress emboldened by the Sunwolf sigil, a golden sun symbol radiating blue wavy lines.

"Hey girl, do you have any plans today?" Lisa screamed in shock when she heard Kregron spoke from behind her. She turned around to see Kregron holding a bouquet of flowers with an annoyed look on his face.

"Please stop sneaking on me!" Lisa squeaked and Kregron lost his annoyance. He flashed a half-hearted smile and said he would not repeat it again.

Thrusting the bouquet towards Lisa, Kregron spoke, "Here, I picked these near the foot of the mountains."

Lisa accepted them with a puzzled look. The personality of this man is so irregular. It is as though he changes his personality like a snake shedding its skin!

"Confused? That is what people will be when they try to know at the get-go." Kregron mentioned in a matter-of-fact tone, pulling an apple out of his inner cloak pocket and taking a big bite out of it. "Pardon me, I just have a craving."

Lisa remained silent. The situation had became so awkward naturally yet Kregron failed to notice it.

"As I was asking, do you have any plans today, girl? I don't think staying in the safety of your mansion is going to allow us to know each other better." Kregron finished with his apple in seconds, incinerating the apple core once he had thrown it out of the window.

"No, I don't have any plans." Lisa replied meekly. Kregron pulled his lips thin and his left eye almost closed.

"Alright, let's sneak out then. Get on my back. I bring you to a nice place." Kregron offered his back, waiting for Lisa to hop on. The half-Relican simply stared at the mercenary. She was thoroughly confused of whether this was the same man whom she had met a month ago.

"Let's go. Life's too short for you to mope around." Kregron added, the stern tone returning to his voice. Lisa felt compelled to obey and climbed on. The moment the man believed that the young lady was holding on securely, he leapt out of the window and they both dropped into an airborne runic circle.

"Here we are." Kregron spoke after trekking through a light jungle for a few hours. Lisa stared in wonder at the colourful scenery before her. The view below and beyond appeared to be the entrance to a new world, seeking to be explored. "Let's take a seat here."

Lisa looked over his shoulder to see a small picnic laid out under the shade of a large willow tree. She tried to look at Kregron's face, trying to see what he was thinking about. When she spotted the same expressionless look, she puffed up her cheeks and frowned.

"I hope you like my cooking. I don't know what you eat but I hope I did not insult you by offering my inferior food." Kregron held up a triangular piece of sandwich and placed it in Lisa's hand. "No meat. Honey from Beztos Princes and common cheese from a farm in Sprines. Fresh bread baked from Porto Nacha's Confectionery."

"I don't hate meat." Lisa said and Kregron shrugged. "I wouldn't knew. Best not to insult on the first try."

"Aren't you assuming?" Kregron shook his head and began to eat.

They sat there quietly, munching on the light finger food without a glance at each other. Kregron then looked at Lisa, appearing to be intrigued by an aspect of Lisa.

The girl noticed his curious gaze and asked him softly about it. Kregron pulled his lips inwards, thinking hard. "Well, I have never met a noble who would have such a lowly meal."

Lisa giggled. "I guess my parents wanted me to understand the plight of the citizens who look up to us. Well, not me but my father was..."

Lisa became oddly quiet. Kregron looked at her with concern.

"What has happened in the past stays there. Look forward or it will weigh you down." Kregron advised and took a bite of his sandwich.

"Does it apply to you?" Lisa asked quietly. Kregron blinked. He chuckled depreciatingly, taking another bite of sandwich and chewing it slowly, giving himself some time to ponder.

"My past is present and future. It is a cycle that never ends." Kregron answered in a monotone.

Curiosity in Lisa's heart gradually grew the longer this subject was lodged in her mind. "What do you mean?

"I met another angel, in a different form. And both are younger than me." Kregron replied, staring at the vast forest spreading from the cliff they were sitting on.

"Angel?" Lisa could barely make sense of what Kregron was explaining about.

"Isn't it a coincidence?" Kregron muttered to himself, looking up to the clear sky. "That you resembled her quite a bit."

Arc 1, Chapter 5: We All Have Our Regrets #1

2012-01-22T23:06:00.000-08:00

You let your emotions take over you again? You are a joke! Another Kregron appeared from the darkness of Kregron's conscious, chuckling with a broad smirk. The mercenary jabbed his double, only to counter with a grab and a roundhouse punch to his temple. Resisting the pain, Kregron sent his knee into the diaphragm of his mental double, causing him to kneel on the ground, breathless but still giggling deliriously.

Silence. I have no time for your chatter. The other Kregron raised his head and stood up as though he was not hurt a minute ago. You have proven my point already. Now you have taken a step backwards in your plans, you fool!

So what do you intend to help me on this endeavour, you irritant? Kregron created a white seat in the darkness and sat down. The latter did the same only to glare into the swirling darkness. YOU LET HER IN? DIDN'T WE AGREE TO KEEP AWAY FROM ANYTHING RELATED TO ANGELS?

Kregron seized the wrists of his mental double and kicked him back to his seat. She latched onto my soul without my knowledge. I can't remove her because she does not appear on me anywhere. An anomaly in simple words.

An anomaly? You there! Come and have a seat. I insist. The Kregron double beckoned Aegis to a new chair, a much more comfortable furniture than what both Kregrons were using. Aegis walked forward and sat down with amazing grace and calm that the Kregron double stopped and stared in wonder.

Brooooo... She is a cutie! You lucky son of a bitch! Kregron narrowed his eyes at the comment. Lucky? I didn't ask for aid. She is an involuntary ally to us.

Come on now. Since she is an angel, I'm sure we can come up with a better plan to salvage the situation. We know we need to know who sent us on this journey and that little scaredy-cat is our only link. She is one, though. True story. The Kregron double reasoned with a charming smile.

Kregron almost rolled his eyes in frustration. He hated others aiding him. It made him feel weak, useless and incapable of surviving independently in harsh and cruel reality.

Deep down inside, he truly regretted letting his hatred and anger overwhelm him. Lisa's face was filled with fear, that same fear he saw in a mirror when the only person who cared for him died. The fear of not knowing where to go or what to do. Is the answer simply to apologise and to pray for the best?

Let your feelings communicate your sincerity, Kregron Letarion. Kregron turned his eyes to Aegis, who offered a sad reassuring smile. The man frowned in concentration, trying to decipher the angel who has became his ally unwillingly. Why must people close to me radiate such pain?

Thank you, both of you. I made my decision. We all have our regrets. I guess I will hear your story sooner or later. Kregron directed that last bit towards Aegis by slightly narrowing his left eye. Then both figures vanished and Kregron was once again back to reality.

"Lisa, I'm glad you are fine but I insist that you should turn away this Letarion figure. He is only causing you and the others pain. Why do you continue to believe in that monster? Are you aware he was responsible for the genocide of the Reptilions?" Takaimura pleaded, kneeling before his mistress and holding his hands together. Lisa buried her lower face into her legs. The butler looked in dismay before nodding in agreement. He stood up and thought silently for a moment.

"I leave you to your peace, milady. Mrs. Vandran will be taking indefinite sick leave according to the doctor." Takaimura bowed and left the room, only for Kregron to peek from the window. Lisa caught sight of his scarred face and almost screamed but a scarred hand clapped over her mouth gently. Kregron tried his best to look scared as he shushed at her direction while watching the doorway.

"I am sorry, for letting my emotions get the better of me. I wish you can overlook this matter in exchange for a good working relationship." Kregron managed to let it out before he could sputter. He felt embarrassed and thoroughly ashamed of his lack of professionalism.

Lisa looked at him and his hand. Kregron looked at his hand with a dumb look before realising it. He pulled away his hand with a forced smile. Lisa's eyes immediately filled with tears and Kregron's smile slid off like cold butter on a hot metal plate.

Both of them looked at each other, taking turns to pull their gazes away before looking. They waited like fools for someone to speak up, only to feel wanting to say a word but could not. Kregron sat down opposite Lisa, his left eye revealing the fatigue building up in his body and mind.

The half-Relican could not understand why she left the relative safety of her bed, leaving her fox plush toy behind and hugging the man, burying her face into his chest. There she cried, for she remembered the day when her parents were killed. The day when she felt so alone in the midst of warmth and care.

Kregron was in shock. He did not know how to react. His body was urging to purge the foreign sensation, a threat bent on crumbling his stressed mentality. His mind rejected the notion, wanting to push the girl away from him for intruding his space. His heart felt calm and warmth and a need to comfort the young lady.

Follow your heart, Kregron. Kregron blinked and blinked again, wondering whether he had heard the voice of a dead woman. He raised his right hand subconsciously and wrapped it around Lisa's waist. The girl gave no concern and continued sobbing.

A wave of drowsiness hit Kregron and the mercenary wavered. Looking down at the smooth, soft brown hair, Kregron was reminded of the empty lands before the first seeds were brought in by the hands of Nature. Closing his eye, Kregron thought of nothing else, his entire being at ease. For once, he allowed the fatigue overcome him and sweep him away into the lands of dreams.

We all have our regrets, my son, but we mustn't let them stop us from moving forward.

Arc 1, Chapter 4: Unlikely Introductions

2012-01-22T02:31:00.000-08:00

Edit: Corrected some grammer and mistakes. (25/01/2012)

"No." Kregron Letarion replied with such finality in his voice and a frown that Takaimura struggled to come up with another reason for the mercenary to accept.

"Sir, you have to be aware that Lady Sunwolf is absolutely terrified of you or maybe your presence. I hope that in the situation of a casual tea session would allow her to know you better as you have requested." Takaimura explained with practised poise and calmness. Kregron leered back.

"No. I will introduce myself in my way, Takaimura. And about the reward for rescuing her, there is no need for that. I have already been rewarded." Kregron ended the conversation by walking away from the butler, who tried to rebut the freelance soldier.

As he strode away, Kregron unclenched his fists. Ever since he had arrived at the Sunwolf homegrounds, the environment had him on a higher level of alertness than when he was out in the battelfield. He wondered whether it was the angel who appeared before him in the night or it was the strange aura Lisa was giving off when they were both in close contact. Taking a deep breath, Kregron zoned out the heavy thoughts, freeing his focus and began to search for his target.

Out alone in the garden, Lisa worked hard to clear the weeds from her sunflowers, which had grown rapidly despite her brief absence. Wiping her sweat off her brow with her wrist, Lisa hummed a soft, melancholic tune as she threw the weeds into a wicket basket carried by a housekeeper. The hard labour and the pain from her arm muscles kept out the painful memories of her past and of her recent kidnapping.

It was not uncommon for people outside the jurisdiction of the Rogrus to ambush those of Relican lineage and kill them in the name of vengeance due to the last major war, when powerful criminal organisations banded together and invaded the ancient land of Relicas.There they managed to enslave the mammalian humanoids for a couple of decades, rehabilitating the unfortunate race to various sinister purposes.

The criminals were eventually defeated by a trio of men who led a combined army to the villains' central headquarters. The names, Vanodas Mecgres Frostwolf, Maganon Devon Sunwolf and Thomas Arclikron Stormwolf, became legends as they were reported and recorded to have each downed three thousand enemies on their own, a feat yet unreachable to any sentient being alive during the current age. Relicas was liberated from the iron claws of the criminal underworld but the damage had sunk in too deep.

Nevertheless, Maganon and Thomas took it upon themselves to aid the Relicans return to their original way of life while Vanodas went into hiding, extremely annoyed by the publicity he had unexpectedly received. It took the two nobles around thirty years to successfully rehabilitate the entire Relican population, with enormous help from various charity organisations and a small group of volunteers. However, the poison still ran deep within the generation which were bred under the criminals' supervision.

Maganon Sunwolf took notice of Neela Felinas, a feline Relican whom he found thoroughly intriguing during his rehabilitation work. She was one of the few who recovered within a month of the rehabilitation program created by the two men and she displayed an unusual high level of interest in the world of humans. At first, Thomas warned Maganon of the possibility that it was a tactic laid by one of the criminal masterminds. Eventually, as Neela spent more time with Maganon, he was more convinced that she was indeed one of her kind.

So Maganon taught her about the ways of humans. Neela picked it quickly as though she was born a human herself. She did not discard her Relican nature but combining both cultures together to create her own unique behaviour. Maganon was extremely impressed and before long, he was deeply in love with her.

In the beginning of their romance, Maganon's dearest friend, Thomas Stormwolf, rejected the idea because of the underlying fact that the general public in Carotrox would still see Neela as a dangerous animal, capable of slaying a man twice her height within seconds. Maganon insisted on Thomas to observe their relationship in order to make a sound decision. After period of five months, Thomas gave his blessings to his close friend.

Maganon and Neela had one of their happiest days together, wedding at the end of August, a year after Thomas' good wishes. On the first day of June, at sunrise, Lisa Felinas Sunwolf was born. That day, Maganon remarked to Vanodas, "This is the happiest day of my life. To see my first daughter and spend it with my love."

Tragically, the happiness was not meant to last.

Kregron spotted Lisa and her servant in the sunflower field and decided to take refuge in among the leaves of an acorn tree. He climbed up the trunk with monkey-like agility and as quiet as a mouse. There, he settled down on a thick branch joint, watching the girl through the cover of leaves.

For hours he watched the girl and the woman as they cleaned up the litter, dug up dead plants and weeds and planted seeds into empty plots. The calm in her mind could be seen clearly from her eyes and her smile reflected the happiness in her heart. Occasionally, there were times when her soft smile would waver, an indication of a sad memory flashing by in her mind. As the sun began to set, he decided he had seen enough for that day and left quietly.

He continued this process of observation, taking suitable times and places to watch Lisa. After a few weeks, Kregron had gathered enough information to decide how to make the introductions happen.

"Hey there, how are you doing?" Lisa jumped at Kregron's voice. She turned around only to jump once more, terrified at the sight of the mercenary. Kregron pulled his lips thinner and sat down. He played with a box in his hands, trying to look nonchalant in front of the half-Relican. Lisa hesitated for a moment, looking at the housekeeper who was staying behind her back. The woman nodded back with a reassuring smile and Lisa pulled her lips in. Finally, the lady sat down before Kregron, who nodded in acknowledgement of Lisa's participation.

"I'm Kregron Letarion, freelance mercenary. You can call me Kregron, if you like. I apologise for our first meeting. I hope we can be acquaintances since I will be your personal bodyguard. If you have any questions about me, please feel free to ask." Kregron spoke as clearly as he could. His throat tightened for a moment, a strange awkward feeling he had not felt for a long time.

Kregron looked at the box he was holding and proffered it to Lisa. "A gift of goodwill."

Lisa gazed at it. Kregron frowned but quickly maintained his emotionless expression. "It's nothing dangerous. It took me a while to earn something you like."

"Thank you." Lisa accepted the present with a confused look. She looked back at Kregron.

"Lisa Felinas Sunwolf. Pleased to meet you." Came the quiet voice of Lisa. Kregron looked surprised at first before erupting into delirious laughter. Lisa and her servant simply stared in confusion at the man.

"Pleased to meet me?" Kregron struggled to breath.

"Lisa, please be frank to me." The air around Kregron was saturated with his killing intent, turning Lisa into a trembling pile. Her servant just fell onto her back, twitching and muttering incoherently. The sunflowers nearby wilted and died before crumbling to dust.

"I hate liars." Kregron added with venom before getting onto his feet. "I hope you can be as transparent as possible in the future."

"It is a virtue that is long lost in the existence of sentience. Don't lose it, Lisa Sunwolf." Kregron said as he vanished into the swaying sunflower field.

Arc 1, Chapter 3: Freedom of Choice

2012-01-14T21:08:00.000-08:00

Edit: Corrected a major mistake. Kregron is supposed to have one working eye.

"Kregron Letarion, the Wandering Soldier... It is a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for saving Miss Sunwolf." The head butler of the Sunwolf household bowed profusely in appreciation but Kregron ignored the gesture. He picked up Lisa and carried her again in the same piggyback manner. Looking at the butler, Kregron jerked his head towards the mansion with an unamused look. The butler's smile vanished immediately at that behaviour. Without another word, he led Kregron past the gates and up the low slope. They walked through a beautiful vibrant garden, though it could be seen from the flowers that much less care was given during the past few days.

"I am Takaimura. The maids here will ease you of your load. How should the Sunwolf household repay you?" Kregron passed Lisa to a group of three maidens dressed in neat, clean, beige uniforms. Takaimura calmly led the mercenary into the mansion, through a short series of stairs and corridors, before finally arriving at an open room. "Come in, I shall have a few of the housekeepers clean your equipment-"

"There is no need to call them." Kregron spoke with venom. Takaimura jumped a little and quickly decided to change the topic. "Your choice is respected, sir. Do you need anything else?"

"Food. And water." Kregron mentioned in a matter-of-fact tone. Takaimura nodded and left briefly, leaving Kregron alone. Sensing there was no one around, Kregron shut the door and locked it with a few trusted spells. He rarely used magic, not because he was not very proficient in it, but it was not in his style. The magic he learnt were too flashy and attracted too much attention during missions.

Kregron took out his pistol from its hoister and examined the smooth onyx grooves. He felt the handgrip before proceeding to disassemble the weapon. Then he reassembled it and loaded a full magazine. He cocked it, unloaded the gun and retrieved the lone bullet from the chamber by a release switch. It was a wonderful work of art, a payment from completing a mission in Lionaron.

Holding up the bullet between his thumb and second finger, Kregron gazed at it dreamily, as his mind was gradually swallowed up in his reverie.

"Why don't you join them, Kregron?"

A much younger Kregron looked up in shock, but the emotion soon faded away the moment he realised who was the owner of the voice. Madam Peria.

"I don't play with bullies and wretches." Kregron muttered under his breath. He tugged his left sleeve down further to cover his entire left arm. He poked the soil with a short, thick stick, waiting impatiently for Madam Peria to leave him alone. She did not, choosing to sit beside the boy as he began to scribble with the stick.

"That is a very nasty thing to say, Kregron." Madam Peria offered an opened bag of gummies, which Kregron readily declined.

"My mom told me never to lie. It's not good to lie." Kregron poked the soil repeatedly, each time with more force until the stick broke in two. Then Kregron picked up another stick and continued poking the ground.

"Does the boredom ever get to you?" Madam Peria asked worriedly.

"I'm used to it. It's not like I have a choice." Kregron replied grimly.

The matron stared for a moment, unable to give a suitable rebuttal to the boy. Then she smiled when she realised what he meant. She hugged the boy and patted his head. "We always have our choices. It is the mistakes we made in choosing them."

Kregron's eyes flittered up and down while he fidgeted with the stick. Then he nodded silently, absorbing the meaning into his memory.

"It is strange, Madam. What mistakes have I made to deserve this?"

Kregron revealed his left arm, to which the matron screamed in fright.

"Is it a lie or truth?" Kregron slipped the bullet back into the magazine and returned everything to their respective holders. A voice in his head replied almost immediately. Your destinations in life are predetermined by the web of Fate. Your decisions mattered not in the entirety of your journey.

Then what do you have to say about this choice I have taken? Why do you think I have taken it? Kregron asked the voice mentally. It laughed, which sounded more like a light chuckle, passing off a feeling that it was amused at the questions. It is really strange, isn't it? How I am you and I do not know the answers? But since you have inquired about my opinion, I shall provide. In your heart, you are desperately searching for a reason to live, in order to feel alive once more. It is only natural, given your human-half.

I guess you are right. Kregron stood up and walked towards the bathroom. Switching the light on, he took a brief look at the mirror. He could see the blots of dried blood dotting his face and armour. Slowly, he felt the areas around his left eye, after he noticed how prominent his left eye-bag was. He could not remember when he had sleep. He barely recalled the sensation of being rested. All his life, he has been running, fighting and chasing.

The reason to exist lies in becoming a true friend to the girl? Kregron doubted the words he had read in the letter. What is so special about the girl that would help me in finding the answer?

Lisa Sunwolf woke with a anguished scream, only to be held back gently by two fair maidens. They whispered calmly, trying to get her to relax and forget about her nightmare. The young heir shuddered and gazed around the room. Staring at the ceiling, Lisa fixated her gaze upon an intricate painting of the Sunwolf's medal of honour. The different hues of yellow and cerulean worked together to bring about a commanding yet warm texture, imparting a kind and just tone. Lisa breathed out slowly, feeling her heartbeats decreasing back to the normal range.

She ordered her housekeepers to leave her alone before she went to the bathroom to wash up. Memories of her kidnapping returned to her briefly as she tried to enjoy a warm soak in the bath. However, the strong images of Kregron slaughtering her captors pushed away those memories and leaving her clutching her arms in fear. It reminded her of something in the past, a terrible tale to kept untold.

"Mom, Dad. Why do you have to leave me?"

"Milady, I'm glad you are safe. How are you feeling?" Takaimura asked with the air of a worried father. Lisa shook her head and fiddled with her fingers. The butler nodded, appearing to be holding back on something he was about to tell. Unfortunately, Lisa caught the hesitant look on his face and pushed him for the reason.

"Milady, please sit down. Do not be alarmed at what I am about to inform you. The man whom you saw dispatching your captors... He will be your new bodyguard starting from today. He also requests to be in close contact with you." Takaimura knew he was treading in dangerous waters. It was barely three days since his master's rescue and he hoped that the memory of the mercenary would not trigger a bad reaction from Lisa.

Lisa stared in a mixture of shock and terror at the news. She began to breath heavily as the frightening memories of Kregron's murderous aura filled her very being. She trembled violently as Takaimura quickly tended to his mistress, trying his best to calm her down. He cursed silently under his breath, reprimanding himself for not allowing Lisa to fully recover from the ordeal.

Kregron watched secretly from above, studying his client with a faux lazy gaze. Such a fragile creature, he thought. He felt his chin with his right thumb and second finger, noting the bristly feeling and a reminder to shave when his beard was longer. Yet again, this challenge fills me with doubts. How am I supposed to be a friend to a girl who would be driven senseless by the sight of me?

You can always give up now. It would be wiser to stick to what you know instead of wandering into the vast unknown. The voice in Kregron's head spoke. Kregron pondered on the suggestion for a minute. Yet his heart yielded for the answer so strongly that Kregron could not resist. Thanks, but no thanks. I must get through this, no matter what.

Even when you have met failure in such similar situations before? You know this very well. It is not in the past if it continues to exist in present and future. It is a fact, a law! You intend to go against an absolute rule of existence!? The voice argued and Kregron clenched his teeth in frustration.

He is correct. Kregron tried hard to keep those experiences out of his consciousness. No, I must not give in. Not now!

"My freedom to choose is mine alone, not Fate's." Kregron told himself in a determined tone. The voice inside grunted in defiance but said nothing more.

Clasping the miniature locklet hanging on her necklace, Lisa let her gaze wander to the window and into the darkness of the lightless sky. The soft crisp sounds of frogs had a calming effect on the lady, who tried once again to fall asleep. She felt exhausted but the fear that was enclosing around her being did not fade away. She tossed and turned, trying to find a comfortable position and spot in her bed to lie peacefully.

A breeze began to blew on the crowns of trees. Lisa watched the swaying movement, the occurrence reminding her of her mother's voice and words. Gradually, her eyelids drooped and the girl was fast asleep. None of the recent memories or nightmares disturbed her rest.

Kregron pulled out his pistol from under his pillow, swinging around to see a glowing figure floating at the edge of his bed. He stopped in shock when he realised it was a female youthful angel with straight long blonde locks of hair. Dressed in a white toga and sandals, it reminded the mercenary of the age before magic was introduced to man. She approached Kregron slowly and cautiously, holding out her arms in a friendly gesture of welcome. Kregron's brain tried to rationalise how an angel had managed to find him and whether the angel was sent to punish him for the death of her sister.

Still, the thoughts were pushed aside when he noticed her sad, haunting smile. He felt the lips conveyed much pain from their owner. However, he felt compelled to be on guard.

"Stay away from me, please. Your name and your purpose." Kregron uttered, struggling to stop the trembling in his pistol hand. The angel nodded and floated back to the opposite edge of the bed.

"I am Aegis. I only serve as your guardian angel. My last master died and you were the nearest sentient being to whom I have latched on." Her voice was warm and comforting, an identical sensation of the warm summer breeze through one's hair and a fair bit of sun peeking through the thin clouds.

"I did not ask you to be my guardian, angel." Kregron hissed, maintaining his sight on the angel's forehead. "I do believe that angels do have a choice not to serve those who have tainted hands."

"I do not." Aegis replied in a somewhat sorrowful tone, her light diminishing until she has faded into the relative darkness of the room. Thoroughly confused of what had just happened, Kregron laid back on his bed wide awake, only falling into an uneasy sleep filled with dreams of the dying cries of angels.

Arc 1, Chapter 2: A Reason?

2012-01-06T03:07:00.000-08:00

Edit: Corrected a major mistake. Kregron is supposed to have one working eye.

Kregron Letarion stared into the night sky, lying comfortably on in the middle of a vast grassland. Nocturnal animals could be seen wandering around the mercenary but kept a noticeable distance away from the man. He paid no heed to the beasts, lost in thought as his eye gazed upon the numerous glittering stars. For once, a peaceful look fell upon his face. Until a torrent of unpleasant memories flooded his mind, making him frown. Sitting up straight, Kregron shook his head, attempting to push the memories into a dark corner of his mind. Once he had failed to do so for a minute, Kregron stood up and scanned the landscape.

It was rather breezy and Kregron took in a deep breath. Suddenly, he drew his pistol and aimed it straight in an elderly man's mouth. "Speak now or be forever silent, wizard."

"Divono Minustorm, Sage of the Four Winds. At your service." The wizard took a few steps back and bowed graciously. Kregron did not lower his weapon. His main concern was the wizard's tall staff. Its sleek metallic design reminded Kregron of the beautiful architecture he had seen in the industrial nation, Lionaron. Then it hit him.

"You are the mage in Gaidrium's team. The ones who are believed to be on an insane suicide mission into the heartland of the Black Dragons' land. What business do you have with me?" Kregron lowered his firearm, eyeing Divono's pulsating staff. The ageing wizard stuck his staff into the ground casually and slowly reached into his cloak, in search of something.

"Kregron Letarion, have you ever wonder about your parents? Why did they left you behind at that orphanage? Why do you have that eye and why do you possess such a left arm? Have you?" Divono fished out a musty envelope. Kregron spotted some fading lettering on the surface but could not comprehend the writing. Looking back at those old eyes, the mercenary realised the wizard was blind.

"Yeah, I did thought about that. I do not care for the reasons. If the envelope is to search for my beginnings, keep it to yourself. I have no use for it." Kregron replied coldly but Divono maintained his ground. At that moment, Kregron thought he saw a younger Divono, a handsome and charming man who was the love of many women. A war hero, the one who stood against Necro as a bold sacrifice to allow victory for the Alliance of the Living.

"No, this information is not for that, Mr Letarion. But I digress. What is your reason to exist?" Divono watched Kregron as the mercenary flinched at the question.

"How did you know?" Kregron raised his pistol and materialised a massive tar-black claymore. Divono held out his hands in peace. "A journey you will undergo to uncover the answer. I will leave this here for you. Take it if you wish. But if you don't, an innocent life is at stake."

Divono walked towards his staff, his back turned to Kregron. The wizard pulled out it out of the ground and paused momentarily. "I hope you do read what is inside, Kregron Letarion. I know you do not wish to have more guilt on your conscience."

A light wind picked up and a flurry of leaves covered the old man. As quickly as it came, the wind stopped, the falling leaves revealing a missing wizard.

I'm going to die, am I? Lisa Felinas Sunwolf thought to herself, her tears welling up in her eyes as she could not pull them away from the face of her assassins. They all bore visages filled with hatred and prejudice. The teenage Relican pulled her body in closer as the surrounding murderers edged nearer. What have I done to deserve this?

She was on her way to visit her god-uncle at a cafeteria near the Rogrus Headquarters in Carotrox when her convoy was ambushed by these brutes. Her bodyguards were skilled but the enemies were overwhelming in numbers. Soon, her living armour fell to the ground, dead as could be and Lisa was trapped in a wall of knives and hot breath.

One of them raised his axe in glee but only to have his head cleaved off by a terrifying thick black object. The men screamed in terror as they wheeled around, recognising their assailant instantly. Lisa watched in horror as the men were rapidly cut down into bits. She gagged when she saw a man crushed into gory bits.

Kregron strode up to the lady, who was still horrified by the bloody scene. Looking behind with a mild curious gaze, Kregron simply ignored the carnage he had left behind. Proffering a bloody hand to Lisa, Kregron beckoned her to grab it. The lady fainted immediately.

"Stop sir! You shall not pass-" Kregron showed a parchment to the Rogrus officer and continued on when the officer remained silent and backed off. He adjusted his luggage in his back and sighed.

The civilians stared at Kregron as he strode past, his body still covered in blood and bits of flesh. He paid no attention to their stares and glares, their whispers and murmurs. His mind and heart were focused on the goal: to reach the Sunwolf mansion located at the northwest of the capital of Carotrox. It would take him a few hours to reach by foot but Kregron was comfortable with it. He hated relying on others. If he could kill without a gun or sword, he would forgo them.

After a few more stops by patrolling Rogrus officers, Kregron arrived at the gates of the Sunwolves' family home. When he took in the sight of the gates, Kregron smirked when they did not give off an imposing feeling. Rather, they passed off as a welcoming sight. Spotting an interface screen at the right of the gates, Kregron moved in front of it. Looking around, Kregron carefully placed Lisa sitting against the wall. Then he activated the device with a touch on the screen.

As he waited, Kregron could not help but think back to the time when he first read the letter in the envelope.

It went, "A journey begins with a single interference. Locate Lisa Felinas Sunwolf, daughter of Maganon Devon Sunwolf and Neela Felinas. It is of utmost importance to rescue her completely unharmed from her captors. How you will deal with the captors is entirely up to you. The next and last obective of this mission is to become her bodyguard. Only then will your journey truly starts towards the answer you are seeking.

Sincerely and love you always,
Koi."

Arc 1, Chapter 1: It's Just Business

2011-12-25T08:44:00.000-08:00

Edit: Corrected a major mistake. Kregron is supposed to have one working eye.

"Wait! We can discuss this like gentlemen! Name your price, please!" An obese, balding man dressed in a sharp tuxedo fell hard on his bottom, pushing away from a tall figure standing at the doorway. The opposing man gazed around the room, seeking any hidden bodyguards of his target.

Taking out his mobile phone, the man sitting on the ground thrust the device towards his would-be murderer. "Please see what is on my phone! If it is money or land, I can pay you. Please, spare my life!"

The assassin strode over, raising a jet-black pistol. He aimed it at the rich man's forehead and unlocked the safety. The victim breathed heavily, gasping as his blood pressure rose. "Please, we can talk about this, right?

The assassin remained emotionless, merely speaking these words, "It's just business."

"Ah, you're back. I take it that Sir Humbleton is dead, right?" A burly man clad in army fatigue offered a chair to the same assassin, who accepted the gesture with a curt nod. "He is. Do you need proof?"

"Definitely. I would like to invest my trust in you, mister-"

"Kregron." The taller man added, fishing around in his pockets in search of a particular object. The commander kept his eyes on the mercenary, who bore no interest in his client's stern gaze.

"Here. His eyes and his fingerprints. Freshly cut from his body." Kregron produced a small white box and slide it towards the soldier. "The payment, General Tiberon."

General Tiberon opened the box and almost gagged on his drink. Inside were the victim's eyes and fingerprints, cleaned, bagged in smaller plastic bags and arranged neatly on a bedding of crushed ice. He looked up to see the assassin waiting patiently for his payment. "Of course."

Kregron left the private bar after receiving a thick envelope. General Tiberon rubbed his forehead with a handkerchief, his mind stuck on Kregron.

A few months ago, the government of Malakba ordered the execution of an industrial traitor, who had went over to the enemy side due to a financial agreement. Millions of credits were exchanged in that contract and now, the blueprints of Malakba's defensive systems were in jeopardy of being presented to their invaders, the Eclipse empire. General Tiberon's superiors were in a frenzy, trying all possible means to protect the sovereignty of the nation. It was until a month remained before the Eclipse Empire made its move did a minister suggested hiring the Wandering Horror to eliminate the merchant. However, this was met with great resistance for it was known to many that the freelance mercenary accepted incredibly random types of payment. Furthermore, he was recognised as a downsized superweapon, having being recorded decimating an entire army of a hundred thousand men and vehicles by himself.

General Tiberon was a man who loved his country. He grew up knowing that he could not fit into society and immediately found his place during an army recruitment drive. There he signed up and was soon brought into the harsh world of military combat. Through his years of service, he rose through the ranks as he completed more and more vital missions regarding the defense of his beloved nation. Additionally, the reason behind his eventual rise to power was his ability to command his forces at such a high efficiency rate, which resulted in him receiving the title of "Turtling Tactician".

Nevertheless, when General Tiberon was given precise information of the empire's impending invasion of Malakba, he could recognise the possibility of his nation winning the war. It was impossible once the weaknesses of Malakba's defence systems were revealed. The forces which were slated to crush Malakba were a million infantry accompanied by five hundred thousand assault tanks. Not to mention an unknown number of fighter and bomber jets which would aid in the siege.

The general was desperate and tried his best to change the opinions of the majority, but to little success. In the end, he sent a small team of his most trusted soldiers to pass the mercenary a message.

Within a week of the team's departure, General Tiberon was visited by a nightmarish vision. When he awoke from his terrible dream, the first thing he saw was the glowing red cross-hair. Kregron had agreed to listen to what the general wished to offer as payment for the job.

"Your offer, General." Kregron spoke, his voice reflected the sensation of a barren land covered in frigid darkness. General Tiberon's heart beat faster and cold sweat began to run down his body. For a moment, the soldier thought he was looking into the eye of the End Times.

"May I know what you are seeking, mercenary?" General Tiberon forced the fear out of his mind with great difficulty. The mercenary tilted his head in deep thought, his face on the other hand, continued to show no emotion.

"The blueprint of your most powerful sniper rifle." The mercenary replied after a brief silence. General Tiberon nodded, knowing that it was a huge price to pay for the victory of the incoming battle.

"My target." Kregron asked in a monotone and the general quickly provided a folder containing information of the merchant to the man. Once he received the documents, Kregron vanished into the darkness, only to be seen again in the private bar.

General Tiberon later led Malakba's army with the other generals to a a great victory, losing only five percent of their total standing forces. Malakba's allies arrived a day later, routing the massive army of the Eclipse Empire. It was then Kregron's nickname was changed to the Wandering Soldier, a mercenary whose whims were like the winds.

"Please! Spare my life! I will offer you anything! Anything!" A middle-aged man clad in a pristine white laboratory coat stepped backwards, holding up his hands in surrender. Kregron approached the scientist with a huge claymore made of the dull black shards.

"It's just business." Kregron swung the monstrous blade down, cleaving the poor man into two gruesome halves. "Just business."

Test #8

2011-12-01T06:35:00.000-08:00

"Lisa?" Kregron held up his right hand, which was covered in his fresh blood. Lisa smiled, tearing with joy. She clasped her friend's hand between both of hers and rested her head on his chest. Kregron winced softly and struggled not to fight his insecurity. The woman he loved was still alive. It was the weirdest and most unreasonable thing that has happened to him. He recalled sensing her life drifting away when Lenrio cleaved her in half. How is Lisa alive now?

"Are you real? Is this a dream?" The soldier muttered and gazed into the half-Relican's sky-blue eyes. Her cat ears lowered as she gave another teary smile. "I am. This is real, truly real."

"What the FUCK are you doing here?!" Lenrio entered the room, hurling an injured Aeolas across the space. The Energy Master slammed into a metallic cabinet and slouched down onto the floor. He lifted his head with difficulty, glaring at Lenrio with one eye. Lenrio shot back a smirk and turned his attention to Kregron and Lisa.

"Bitch. I swore I killed you that day. Guess I should have obliterated every bit of you." Lenrio stepped forward, drawing his plasma pistol and materialising his jet-black arm blade from his left hand. Kregron breathed harder as he forced his body to move but with negligible results. Getting on her feet, Lisa faced Lenrio with a fiery glare. Zetrostrados' son laughed coldly.

"So the kittycat want to have her revenge. Show me what you got, woman." Lenrio got into a battle-ready stance, waiting for Lisa to make a move. She remained still, relaxing her facial features and producing an enigmatic grin a few seconds later. A tiny giggle escaped her lips.

"What's so funny?" Lenrio snapped. Lisa continued to maintain her silence and drew her daggers.

"Nothing." Lisa mentioned in a sing-song manner. Lenrio almost felt his blood boil. No, I will not fall for her trick. There is a difference in her fighting capabilities from the last time I saw her. And Aeolas Frostwolf has already wore me down. I have to play it safe. Father would be very proud of me once I have rid the existence of Kregron Letarion.

I have to buy time for my healing powers to act on Kreg's wounds. I can't defeat Lenrio in my current state but with Kregron, I know we can. Lisa kept her distance from Lenrio but ensured she was always protecting Kregron. Lenrio inched forward but did not pressure her. His special eyes captured her every movement, eager for a mistake to appear.

Lisa launched herself forward, daggers grasped in a defensive position. Lenrio aimed and fired his pistol at Lisa, who deflected the scorching hot rounds with an instant magical forcefield. Lenrio maintained the barrage as he readied his blade for a counter-attack. Lisa briefly moved in a zigzag manner to avoid wearing her shield out too fast. When Lisa came within range of his sword, Lenrio immediately switched his pistol's mode to large radius and blasted the ground at the woman's feet. Lisa leapt into the air, avoiding the fate of her feet being burnt off. Lenrio slashed at Lisa's neck, only to be blinded by a sudden ray of light. His face was met with Lisa's boot and he fell to the ground. His eyes screamed in agony while they switched to another type of vision to enable sight again. Cutting at an approaching Lisa, Lenrio seized her left wrist at her counter-attack when she tried to stab him in the chest. Lisa delivered a knee jab into Lenrio's chin, forcing the man to cease in mid-swing of his blade. Then Lisa bit hard and deep in Lenrio's hand, whom reluctantly released the half-Relican from his grasp. They both backed off, breathing a bit heavily.

"Fuck, I didn't expect you to fight so well." Lenrio mentioned, rather disappointed that he could not kill her at the first clash.

"Thank you." Lisa replied, shaking her wrist. His strength is inhuman. He almost squeezed my hand off!

"I have someone to unleash my frustration on. A worthy opponent! I hope you last long enough to satisfy my bloodlust." His wounds started to pump out viscous black liquid, which covered his body rapidly, forming a metallic armour of jet-black shards. Lenrio moved quickly, assaulting Lisa with a flurry of slashes. She evaded with cuts with relative ease, but her eyes betrayed her weariness. She was at her limit and Lenrio appeared not to be running out of stamina anytime soon.

Taking a misstep, Lisa stumbled and Lenrio chuckled maniacally, swinging his sword downwards and slanting at an angle. The woman gasped as she tried her best to dodge the sword but she had foreseen herself incurring severe damage.

"Don't you you dare hurt her again!" Lenrio groaned in pain, his sword knocked out of his hand. Kregron had charged into Lenrio, slamming his entire body weight into his enemy's torso. The moment Lenrio was off his shoulder, Kregron spun on the spot and enlarged his left arm, turning it into a battering ram. It met Lenrio who managed to steady himself, only to be broken and smashed by Kregron's morphed arm. His body plowed through the contents of the room and crashed into the wall. There it laid partially buried in debris.

Kregron waited for a moment, controlling his left eye to detect any signs of life from his long-term opponent. Seeing he was truly dead, Kregron returned his monstrous left arm to a much more human-looking sight.

"Are you alright?" Kregron asked Lisa, holding her hands in his. She nodded. The warmth in her hands filled Kregron's heart with a sense of calm, a first in many centuries. The fight is finally over. Lenrio is dead. The Professor is gone as well. He had overcome so many trials and hardships to achieve this elusive dream.

"Let's go home, Lisa. Together." Kregron spoke, tears of happiness flowing down his cheeks.

"Whatever you say, my knight." Lisa teased and Kregron sighed.

"You know how much I hate that." Kregron mentioned, much to Lisa's amusement.

"You are cute when you speak in that manner." Kregron blushed and turned his face away. Lisa giggled as both of them lifted Aeolas to his feet.

"Kreg, you owe me big time. If I don't get a favour back, you are going to be trolled by me for the rest of your life. Like a gay ninja popping out in your closet."

Kregron narrowed his eyes. "Son of a bitch. We helped you up and the first thing you talked about is favours. I will think about it, alright? Of course, I owe you one."

"Kreg... close your eyes." Lisa whispered behind Aeolas' head and into Kregron's ear.

"Alright."

"Turn to face me. Keep your eyes closed."

"Okay."

Aeolas' face soured. Lisa kissed Kregron and he was placed in an uncomfortable position. People, be mindful of the situation!

Test #7

2011-11-12T06:39:00.000-08:00

"Why do you fight so hard, brother?" Lenrio loomed over a fallen Kregron, whom struggled to recover to his feet. "We are of the same blood. We are of the same power. Why do you fight Zetrostrados' will?"

"It's true that we have the same blood. But you are no brother of mine. And I am not a soldier of Zetrostrados." Kregron stood unsteadily, leaning on his huge claymore for support. Lenrio chuckled and patted his leg lightly.

"Gosh, you amused me, brother. As long as you resist His will, you know the threads of Fate will punish you. That future you hold dear is already doomed. It is engraved in the sands of time." Lenrio moved quickly to Kregron and knocked the man down on his back. Seizing Kregron's sword, Lenrio raised the blade and gazed down at Kregron with a disgusted look, baring his teeth.

"Professor Infynnio will be glad to have you back, as a mindless tool. You will make a better brother to me then. Farewell, Kregron Letarion. I wish to welcome Oblivio One back." Kregron stared up into the clear sky. It reminded him of how he was beaten by the angel on his mission to investigate the strange sources of energy fluctuating throughout the planet. The face of the angel was immediately replaced by Lisa's smile. At that moment, it seemed time had stopped. The soldier now clearly understood his desire. He was in love with the lady of human and Relican descendant. Curiously, her warmth brought a suggestion that she was of angelic blood too. A sharp pang of pain shot out in his heart when he knew he would not be able to spend more time with her. For once, someone truly cared for his well-being.

"We do not have the same desire." Kregron uttered with much venom.

Lenrio paused. "I see. Goodbye."

Lisa came flying into Lenrio, who was swept off his feet but managed to recover immediately in mid-air from the attack. Kregron's huge sword slammed into the ground from a simple fall. Kregron almost sat up but his injuries prevented him from doing so. Forcing himself to get up, Kregron cried in pain , gasping for air as his broken ribs threatened to puncture his lungs. Never in his life did he feel so anxious. What was she doing here? Those bastards! I knew they couldn't keep her still!

"You will not kill anyone else!" Lisa warned, which Lenrio broke into raucous laughter.

Stifling his guffaws, Lenrio breathed, "A kitty cat is going to stop me? Please! My fighting capability far exceeds yours. If you insist on defending that idiot, then so be it." Lenrio's pupils changed to red crosshairs. Lisa gasped when Lenrio suddenly disappeared into thin air.

Kregron watched as another nightmare unveiled before his very eyes. His left eye captured every detail of it. How Lenrio's smooth dark metallic blade ran through Lisa's abdomen from the back, showering the incapacitated soldier with her blood. Her innards spilled onto the ground and her upper body fell onto Kregron's chest. His heart stopped beating for a split-second. The pain from his body vanished. His mind completely blank as he reached to hold Lisa's hand. Grasping it firmly, Kregron placed his left hand on Lisa's head, feeling her soft brown hair.

"Hang in there, please hang in there." Kregron whispered, still adjusting to the shock. Lisa looked at him with weary eyes, a trickle of blood running from her lips down her right cheek. It was brief when their eyes met and Kregron could not understand what she wanted to convey. Her torso shuddered as the last bit of life left her. Now only lifeless eyes were staring at the soldier.

"A soft spot for the girl? Guess it sucks to be you. Where was I? Ah yes, time to sleep, Kregron Letarion." Lenrio pulled back his left blade, aiming for Kregron's heart. Zetrostrados' son plunged the weapon deep in Kregron's chest. A stinging burning agony sprouted from the impact site and traveled to every part of Kregron's body. This was the second time he had felt this pain. However, it was soon overwhelmed by the sadness and sorrow of his heart and soul. Coughing and gasping for air, Kregron saw how Lenrio removed Lisa's upper body by throwing her back to her lower body unceremoniously. He proceeded to sit right next to Kregron, observing what little life leaving the soldier.

"You will always lose against Zetrostrados and that's the truth." Lenrio said to himself and he fidgeted confidently with a bloody knife. "You will always lose."

zZz #9

2011-11-05T16:22:00.000-07:00

Sediucia has finally reached master level!

Well, back to training a few more to experts...

Test #6

2011-10-22T19:01:00.000-07:00

"Kregron, come here." Madam Perria motioned weakly to a young man with a great monstrous left arm, who shuffled over to the fallen matron lying in a expanding pool of crimson blood. Kregron grabbed her small hand and stroked her weathered cheek, tears flowing from his eyes. he tried hard to cease his sobs but ended up making awkward gulping sounds.

"You dying?" He spoke in between gasps. The mousy-haired woman simply smiled and choked a bit. She reached up to his face and cupped his cheeks. "You are a gentle giant, Kregron."

"Don't go." Kregron sobbed harder as he felt the strength in his guardian's hands began to waver.

"Sometimes we have to leave, but we always remember the times we have together filled with warmth and happiness." Madam Perria uttered, barely keeping her eyes open. "Keep it in your heart, my dear."

Then she breathed once more and closed her eyes, a smile lingering on her teary face. Terrible howls filled the night, frightening the animals away from the burning orphanage. The edifice collapsed when the fire grew too strong, biting away the foundations that held it up. The howls stopped and an eerie silence enclosed the area. It was a strange event, where one could not hear the fire burning or the random cracks.

A blazing figure burst out of the rubble, screaming hysterically as it thrashed its way through the light forest. On it ran, gaining much speed dramatically. Within seconds, a sleepy town loomed ahead and the creature roared furiously. People in their slumber were awoken abruptly by the sudden chill, which had somehow slipped through their thick blankets and woolen nightwear. The monster let out another earth-shaking roar, alarming the citizens. It spotted a drunkard slumped on the cobblestone road. Pouncing the poor man immediately, it tore the human apart, limb by limb, every motion full of rage.

Guardsmen soon arrived to the source of the screaming and shrieking, only to find a gruesome sight. The street was filled with body parts, windows and doors on each building broken. There, in front of them was the jet-black horror. All they saw was a red cross-hair, gleaming brightly in the relative darkness.

The sole survivor of the active guardsmen kept muttering about murderers, robbers and justice. From this, the townspeople assumed the monster came to impart cruel vengeance on the town for hiding criminals, men who had taken the orphans and slain all the adults at the failing Sunshine Orphanage. Ever since the incident, the surrounding forests provided numerous reports of the monster lurking around, waiting for travelers. It was then known as a fact that those who traveled alone were safe. Anyone moving with a partner or more was slaughtered mercilessly.

It has been a hundred years since the tragedy, the town has prospered and grown more sophisticated. Unfortunately, the terror still lived in the forests, continuing its mysterious crusade to kill groups of people and leaving lone humans untouched. The forest was named 'Woods of Solitude'. And it was the place which attracted the attention of scientist Infynnio and his bodyguard, Lenrio Kretacor.

zZz #8

2011-10-17T23:57:00.000-07:00

The Mistwinds family welcomes Irelia (Asoka) and congratulates her on her first raid and first raid success!

Hi~

Update #9

2011-10-02T03:59:00.000-07:00

Karion here, posting from Sydney, Australia. It has been alright and a little interesting since I have arrived here.

I'm still playing Granado Espada and League of Legends (after kicking McAfee out of my new laptop). In GE, I'm training my Ania and probably my Angie to expert.

Meanwhile in League of Legends, I remained in Garena to play with my friends whom are still living in Singapore. I rarely go to normal games now since I have no fun (teammates aren't playing well) and I'm forced to save the match from the enemy hands. Loving Kog Maw, Galio and definitely Lux. Chaingun, taunting bomb and a particle cannon. ^^

Nothing much from me now. See you all later.
-Karion Madenar Latanos

PS: Maybe I post some GE pictures soon...

Update #8

2011-09-22T01:24:00.000-07:00

Karion here.

It's my last post here in Singapore, the Little Red Dot. Soon I will be leaving for the Land Down Under and experience a culture shock (I wouldn't know how big or small it is), a new life and maybe more weird experiences. As I looked back, I have to admit: Not much preparation for my foundation year in UNSW.

After I was released from the Singapore Armed Forces (If there's a hell, then that's one of the levels of hell), I was thinking about going back to work. In the end, I just hung out with friends, read some books, read more articles about various subjects, lazed at home, played hell lot of GE and got into League of Legends. I just can't seem to get back into studying. It seemed like a pretty strong stigma preventing me from ever putting any hope that I can get by in my university days without failing like an ass. It doesn't help that my inferiority complex is working overtime.

Anyways, I prefer to just keep my mind off the impending journey and let myself sink into the artificial world of Granado Espada. Select my team, find a training spot and AFK (Sorry, Syleria if I didn't reply immediately!). I have made few more experts and am still training their expert stances. Damn, I wonder if I can get the new NPC, Lionel. However, I have to recruit Valeria and Raven first. A lot of stuff to accomplish before I get to Lionel.

Now onto LoL (League of Legends), I found another tank to play with. Galio, the Sentinel's Sorrow. He solves my problem of gold as he can use his first ability to blast the ranged minions. He also can choose to harass with the ability. Not bad since the damage is close to a nuke. And his ulti and his personal ability are pretty neat. I still like Alistar but I have to look what my teammates choose.

Recently, I've been playing Amoz's LoL garena account. I'm doing him a favour, leveling his account so he can join the ranked games as well. Sona is a really good support but one thing to add: his account is cursed! Most of the time, I will be partnered with newbies or noobs. And people who are trying out a champion for the first time. You know, if you are not a decent player, please practice against AI! I rather have a good game even if I lose. Everyone hates trolls and feeders.

Alright, time for me to motivate myself yet again. It doesn't make sense why I keep being so negative about stuff. I wish I knew what's the actual solution...

-Karion Madenar Latanos

zZz #7

2011-09-04T10:54:00.000-07:00

Karion here.

I have been afk-training in GE while playing League of Legends. I went from playing Tristana to Miss Fortune, then to Caitlyn before settling on Lux. I trained hard on Lux, learning to snipe, use different item builds for various situations. Sniping with Lux gives me a sense of satisfaction. Finally, something, even if it did not matter in the real world. Afterwards, I found Kog Maw a more suitable ranged DPS for me. Whenever he was available, I would try him out, even in PvP. Lately, I bought Alistar with IP (influence points) so that my team can have a tank. I had my wish granted when someone was too greedy chasing my dying ally and I Headbutt him into my turret. Before he could get out of its range, I exhausted him. Alistar is nice. Alistar can save, kill or carry the team to victory.

Meanwhile, in GE, I made my Claire and Musketeer experts. I also maxed out their expert stances. With the new version of GE out, experts stances are cheaper to get. I have planned to make my Edward, Soho (normal) and Brunie the next three experts. Maybe I should I start to go for TA to farm for Pisces. Then I will be ready to get Unlimited Shot for my musketeer and Brunie.

Here are some pictures to enjoy.

Tsundere Rage!

Tsundere Smash!

Bang~ Bang~

zZz #6

2011-08-11T23:15:00.000-07:00

Karion here. I have been playing League of Legends while having Granado Espada running in the background. I have been in a lazy state in GE due to the need to train up my characters.

League of Legends is a faster and more brutal version of DOTA. But there are quite a number of different things which LoL is not similar to DOTA. You die faster, a tanker lasts for a few attacks and magic can be upgraded to deal even more damage, unlike DOTA. The map used for LoL is balanced and is full of ways to backstab your enemies. A lot of new mechanics which I could see when I was playing a few matches against AI. Sadly, you have to buy champions if you want to use regularly in your matches. To buy them, you will need to earn Influence Points from playing in matches. LoL is also very strict against leavers. Leaving about 2 or 3 times will earn you a ban, so I advise you better learn to control your temper and tolerate your team if they/you are not working together.

As for Granado Espada, I have been training some expert stances and leveling several veterans to experts. Many have left Ninjutsu to experience a higher level of gameplay while a few left for the sake of helping the faction in secret.

So far, nothing much happened for me. See you all later.
-Karion Madenar Latanos

Test #5

2011-08-09T08:06:00.000-07:00

I will do it. Just give me a purpose to live. Don't leave me here.

Oblivio One stirred in his sleep, whispering random words. He winced when he tried to lean on his left, only to wake up with a stifled gasp of pain. His vision remained foggy but he felt safe. Easing himself to a sitting position, Oblivio One leaned against the cold stone wall and stared at his left arm. Rings of white light were placed tightly on his arm and he could feel it trying to break free. After a while, his monstrous arm let out a sigh and mumbled furiously. Looking around, Oblivio One wondered who he was. The last thing he remembered was a middle-aged man in a white lab coat whom pressed a button and everything went black.

Touching his face, Oblivio One felt the long vertical scar on his right eye. Willing his right eye to open, Oblivio One gave up quickly when he could not urge it to move at all. Licking his lips, Oblivio One noticed he was thirsty. How long was I sleeping? Have I been sleeping? This is definitely not the Lab.

Standing up, Oblivio One groaned as he touched his chest gingerly. The bandages felt clean and he poked his ribs softly. Broken ribs. My left arm is bound. Hungry and thirsty. Man, I feel like I just ran around the orphanage for days. What's an orphanage?

Limping to the window, Oblivio One took note of the condition his right leg was in.

Am I left behind again? Oblivio One thought as he gazed out of the window and saw a full moon shining against a starless night sky.

"Like a toy, am I?" Oblivio One wondered aloud, tears flowing down his cheeks. Why do I feel a tight uncomfortable feeling in my chest?

"I see you are awake." Oblivio One turned slowly. He stared long at the vision before him. A spectral figure in full battle regalia stood in front of the prison cell. Hair as red as the rage of a powerful volcano cascaded down her back in long tresses, fibers that seemed to come alive in the overwhelming aura of her power. Gleaming thick plates of gold metal sheathed her body, covering and layering every inch with a protective shell. Behind her, a writhing halo of fire traced a arc of solar flares through the air, backlighting her with a wreath of divine light, light that seemed to dance vividly upon the dull grey stone of his cell.

"Who are you?" Oblivio One asked, feeling ashamed suddenly. Confused, Oblivio One pulled his eyes back to look at Gwendolin. However, he still found it difficult to continue looking straight into her eyes. So he chose to look at her helm's sky-blue plume.

"I am Lady Gwendoline, Angel of the First Battalion for the Kingdom of Arkenlon." The angel replied, keeping her hand on the grip of her sword. Oblivio One looked down at the blade and was memerised by the gleam of the flawless metal. Suddenly, he fell into a reverie.

"What is your name, young man?" Professor Infynnio proffered his hand and smiled. Lenrio Kretacor stood a distance from his master, dressed in full black leather clothing. Keeping his hands in his pockets, Lenrio whispered a tune, eyeing the younger orphans with a murderous sneer.

"I haven't got a name." Oblivio One spoke, crossing his fingers. The boy stood up and Infynnio was surprised. He was almost as tall as an average grown man.

Oblivio One looked at the Professor briefly before staring down at his feet. Infynnio caught the weariness and the sadness in Oblivio One's eyes. The man grinned. Somehow, this boy reminded me of my childhood.

"I'm Professor Infynnio. I have come to take you away from this dreary place." The scientist maintained his hand and Oblivio One accepted it. They both exchanged a firm handshake. "Do you like adventures?"

"Are you going to keep me and return me back here, like the other adults?" Oblivio One said with a straight face, but tears were already flowing down his cheeks. Lenrio came over and saw Oblivio One tearing. Wiping his smirk off, Lenrio produced a handkerchief from his breast pocket and dried the boy's face.

"Hey, don't be sad. We're here to give you a chance of life." Oblivio One looked up at Lenrio, whom returned a warm smile. "Let make your dreams come true, eh?"

"Pardon, are you listening to me?" Gwendoline spoke tersely and Oblivio One shook his head. What was that? A memory? Was it his? Or someone' else's? What is going on? Who am I?

"I have no name." Oblivio One muttered and retreated to a corner of the cell. He sat down, hugged his legs in and buried his face between his knees. He did not speak another word until the day of his trial.

Test #4

2011-08-04T07:14:00.000-07:00

"Lenrio, you are late. Move out immediately." Professor Infynnio entered the loading bay. Lenrio Kretacor grinned as he raised his empty hands in mock surrender.

"You know I wouldn't hurt you in any way. As long as I get to kill and destroy, I'm satisfied. Not to mention you are my babysitter." Lenrio chuckled, slipping several grey balls into one of his armour vest pouches. Professor Infynnio maintained a relative distance from his creation.

Lenrio Kretacor is a name Nynxerus gave to him. The Higher Power called my creation its child and wished that I could take good care of him. But he is my first living weapon of mass destruction. In his left eye, he too wield the same power as Oblivio One. The fact he has a personality is bugging me. Nonetheless, I can never be too careful.

"Are you sure you want to come along, Professor? You could die down there. It's best if I handle the action and you watch my ass from up here, eh?" Lenrio sneered and slung a launcher onto his back. A humanoid android stocked with ammunition marched and stopped behind Lenrio, whom gave the machine a pat on the head.

"You know, Doc, you create such wonderful art. They sure are cute and handy, eh? Well, time for this artist to get cracking!" Lenrio ushered the droid into a drop pod. Professor Infynnio took a tentative step forward. Lenrio stared at the Professor for a while and Infynnio tried hard not to back away.

"Professor, you are a big coward. Why are you so afraid of dying?" Professor Infynnio clenched his teeth. "A scientist's greatest fear is oblivion."

"I see. Oh well, if you want to join, come in quick. Though I can't guarantee that I can keep you safe from Death's embrace." Lenrio laughed when Professor Infynnio hesitated to board the pod. "Get in, old man! Here, buckle up and hopefully we have an uneventful ride, eh!"

Professor Infynnio shrank in his seat, feeling more and more terrified at the notion of him being killed on some unknown planet in a universe he thought he knew.

Test #3

2011-08-03T10:30:00.000-07:00

A lingering mixture of scent, derived from stale hay and the sweat of prisoners. In the darkest, deepest cell of the dungeon, a strange man sat against the wall in chains. Hugging himself with both arms, the man stifled his sobs and tried to stop his left arm from snarling.

"Are we still safe from the demon?" A guard appeared under the dim glow of the candlelight, clad in iron chainmail. Another guard, clad in similar fashion, nodded nervously. "It's still crying. It must be sad when it knew it will be executed without any of us dead."

'Watch your mouth. It can hear you." The first guard warned, peering through the darkness to see if the man with the monstrous left arm was looking at them. "I don't want a demon tearing through my guts."

"I'm not a demon." The guards jumped and drew their swords. They stared in terror as Oblivio One pressed his face against the cold steel bars, his red glowing left eye glaring down at them. "I'm a monster."

"Back down now or I will cut you down!" The second guard yelled, gripping his sword harder. Oblivio One stepped back with a nonchalant look.

"My arm is hungry. It says you smell delicious. Run and don't look back. I cannot control it anymore." Oblivio One mentioned lazily as his left arm began to devour its restrains at an alarming speed. The guards screamed; one dropped his sword and sprinted off while the other was too terrified to move. Oblivio One flashed a creepy grin and the guard gasped.

"Ribros, may my soul be saved." Oblivio One laughed excitedly as his jet-black claws cut the soldier into bits in a single slash.

"Lady Gwendoline! The demonic prisoner has escaped and he is slaughtering our men!" A disheveled soldier panted before he was cut in half. Gwendoline drew her sword rapidly and deflected a barrage of black metal shards fired at her with ease. Oblivio One lunged towards her, his left eye a glaring red.

From her mouth, Gwendoline blew a freezing wind at Oblivio One's legs, ceasing his movement. Letting an unearthly roar, Oblivio One freed himself by smashing the ice away with his left arm. Drooling like a rabid animal, Oblivio One watched the angel Gwendoline hungrily.

"Please kill me." Gwendoline stared in disbelief when she heard Oblivio One pleaded feebly. "I don't want to live as a monster."

"I can't control my body... My left arm..." Oblivio One's voice faded away and he immediately slashed repeatedly at Gwendoline, whom blocked the frenzied attacks, waiting for an opening.

The moment Oblivio One swung his claws at Gwendoline's head, the angel ducked and stabbed him in the chest. Shards of dark metal protected Oblivio One from the thrust, surprising the angel. She grunted in pain when Oblivio One's knee slammed into her jaw and he delivered a hard kick at her torso. Feeling the wind knocked out of her, Gwendoline choked as she flinged a fireball at Oblivio One.

The man met the fireball head-on but he did not falter, closing in on Gwendoline quickly. His left arm morphed out a huge thick slab of metal and he swung it down at the angel with all his might. Gwendoline rolled and recovered to her feet, seizing her sword from the stone floor. Oblivio One dragged the monstrous blade and began to use it like a sword.

"Kill, let me kill to my heart's desire!" The man's left arm hissed and Gwendoline blew Oblivio One back with a gale blown from her lips. Summoning a ring of fire around Oblivio One, the angel smacked Oblivio One in the nose when he burst through the fire. Falling and recovering perfectly, Oblivio One slashed Gwendoline's waist, cutting through her armour and leaving a long light cut.

His arm snarled furiously, eyes appearing all over it. Gwendoline pulled out of the fight, leaping out of the window and floated in mid-air with her wings stretched out.

"I want to taste an angel's blood!" The arm shrieked. Gwendoline created a flaming boulder and hurled it at the house. The projectile crashed into the edifice and plough it way through stone and wood. Suddenly, it shattered into a thousand pieces and Oblivio One landed on his feet unsteadily. Spitting out blood, he continued to move towards Gwendoline, limping one step at a time.

What is going on? I can sense he is a human but the he is not a demon. But his left arm...when I look at it through spiritual means, I was overwhelmed by a darkness. I felt nothing inside it. For a split second, I almost forgotten who I was. Gwendoline raised her sword above her head, gathering her spiritual strength into the metal. However, his soul is tainted with the blood of...

The angel simply looked in shock. A man can never kill that many! He's a- a monster!

"You are going to die if you do not kill me." Oblivio One spoke again, his voice barely audible. He coughed out more blood and almost tripped. His left eye remained bright red while all the eyes on the left arm glared at the angel with ire and bloodlust.

"No, I will not kill you." Gwendoline lowered her blade and pointed it to the ground.

"What?!" Oblivio One's left arm shouted incredulously.

"Are you incredibly stupid?" Oblivio One muttered, his left eye finally losing its brightness. He lifted his left arm with great effort and with a battle-cry, he slashed down at the angel.

Only to have great agony shooting through his entire body. Oblivio One screamed hysterically, staring at his left arm which had been sliced through the middle. Dropping to his knees, Oblivio One tried to ignore the intense pain as his vision spun against his control. Gwendoline snapped her sword back her belt.

"Why do you let me live?" Oblivio One uttered as he slumped onto the ground. Gwendoline blinked, pausing for a moment.

"I do not know." She replied. Oblivio One gave a feeble chuckle and closed his eye. He whispered, "What a fool."

Update #11

2011-08-01T08:20:00.000-07:00

Karion here. The Mistwinds family have recruited Reckless Emilia into their ranks with the help of Gwendoline and Beremia. Aisia has reached the rank of expert and began training of her exclusive stance, Death Chopping. Currently, my plans are to build my vis reserves and see if I can purchase a fresh Asoka for my collection. Meanwhile, I plan to have Acron reach master so the family can embark on Valeria's recruitment quest.

She is more painful than Catherine Torsche. You have to fear the power of the constellations, eh.

In the end, I have to revive Jonix with a Soul Crystal in order to receive Reckless Emilia character card.

Update #10

2011-07-31T00:24:00.000-07:00

Karion here. My Fengling has reached the master level and now the Mistwinds family can embark on the MAC quest and recruit Reckless Emilia into their ranks.

Test #2

2011-07-29T01:19:00.000-07:00

"I have arrived safely. All vitals normal. My left eye is picking up multiple targets. Shall I engage them or assume stealth mode?" Oblivio One stepped out of the drop-pod, surveying the vast landscape before him. Drawing his guns, Oblivio One crept out and moved quickly behind a tree.

"Remain in stealth mode. I will conceal the drop-pod. It is your way back to base." Professor Infynnio's voice crackled from Oblivio One's tiny earpiece and the soldier snatched a glimpse of the forest road.

"Activating Link Sight." Oblivio One whispered as he tapped the earpiece. Sensing the horses coming closer, Oblivio One triggered his bio-suit's Mirage Unit. Instantly, the man vanished from sight as the small device bent light away from him, making him an invisible man.

A snarl escaped from Oblivio One's monstrous left arm. The man cautiously touched his arms together by the forearms and slowed his breathing. "Oblivio One, I repeat. Do not engage. Remain in stealth."

In formation, the small band of soldiers on horseback galloped past the large tree Oblivio One was hiding behind. It was then both Oblivio One and Professor Infynnio first saw a real angel.

Professor Infynnio shouted in surprise as his analysis machines burst into flames when the Link Sight device sent back the data. Dozens of robots popped out of the floor, spraying the fire with white foam. Tapping his wrist tablet, Infynnio stared in dismay at what was displayed at the screen.

He was a man of science. But after he died and met Nynxerus, his opinions began to change. Yet, such supernatural occurrences baffled him. It was strange, Professor Infynnio thought as he read more of the readings, he found it easier and easier to accept these otherworldly existences.

"Warning: Oblivio One's mental vitals are returning to normal. Emergency procedures are malfunctioning. Warning: Control of Oblivio One's is dropping to below 50%." Professor Infynnio gasped as he attempted to remedy the problem.

"No! No! I cannot lose my guinea pig now! The angel? Damn you Nynxerus! Damn you!" Professor Infynnio screamed hysterically as the control unit in Oblivio One broke down.

"What?" Oblivio One blurted out, clutching his temple in agony. The angel ceased in mid-air, drawing her flaming sword. Sensing hostility, Oblivio One followed his training and aimed his sights on the angel. Then her light blinded him.

But his left eye was unaffected and pulled Oblivio One through the intense pain. Pulling the triggers back, Oblivio One let loose a barrage of bullets at the winged woman. He yelled in astonishment as he rolled back behind the tree, just in time to see the rounds flying into the spot he was standing on.

Where am I? Who am I? What am I doing here? Oblivio One gripped his guns close to him. What the FUCK is going on?

"Show yourself and surrender! If you do, I will show mercy and bring you along with us as a prisoner of war." The angel commanded and Oblivio One trembled even more. The only thing he knew, the only thing was certain. He could not die yet. He had a purpose to fulfill. He could not recall but he needed to survive. Stifling his tears, Oblivio One stood up slowly and disengaged the Mirage Unit.

"I apologise. I cannot be a prisoner neither can I be dead. Leave me alone or be annihilated." Oblivio One dropped his left submachine gun and clenched his metallic fist, scratching the surface of his large palm with the jet-black claws.

The angel stared in disbelief. A monster? A cursed human? A child in a half-man, half-monster body?

"Lady Gwendolin! Do we fire?" The soldiers raised their crossbows and took aim at Oblivio One, who kept glancing from the sides of the tree.

"No. We will capture him. Do not kill or hurt him severely. Surround him but do not make any sudden movements!" The angel flew and landed a distance before Oblivio One.

"What is your name, child?" The angel's demeanor was soft and warm, welcoming and honest. Oblivio One felt compelled to throw his gun and calm his left arm. "Come, I mean you no harm. Are you hungry? Are you thirsty?"

Oblivio One shook and breathed hard. Touching his right cheek, Oblivio One looked and rubbed at his fingers. Are those tears?

"I don't know." Oblivio One dropped to his knees as the soldiers closed in to lock him in chains.

Test #1

2011-07-28T09:02:00.000-07:00

Strange toy, sitting on the shelf. Scary toy, all alone. No one wants a monster toy~ Toy on a shelf, all alone~

"Oblivio One, are you listening?" A man's raspy voice floated in the darkness like a wisp of smoke. Oblivio One followed it curiously to a spot of light. Reaching out to the light, Oblivio One wondered whether he should touch it with his sword. An unwise decision. Or maybe he should put some bullets in that direction just to make sure the coast was safe. That would be much safer.

"Oblivio One! Respond!" Oblivio One snapped from his reverie, drawing double submachine guns from their holsters and aiming at the source of the voice. Shaking his head, Oblivio One tried to steady himself.

"I see. The dosage isn't enough. A little adjustment and there!" Oblivio One lowered his weapons and returned them to their holsters hanging on his belt. Standing at attention, Oblivio One waited silently, his eyes unfocused. A shorter man tapped a tablet, bringing up a hologram depicting Oblivio One's vitals. Seeing as his soldier had completely lost his individuality, he continued.

"Oblivio One. Your first mission is to scout this planet for the power sources I have mentioned earlier. If you can retrieve a power source, bring it back to me unharmed. And another note, please do not bring attention to yourself. Avoid contact from any sentient being." He spoke anxiously While circling Oblivio One, checking the various equipment the taller man was wielding.

"Yes sir." Oblivio One said in a monotone.

Grabbing a plastic cup from a lingering robot, the scientist took a long sip. "Oblivio One, who do you serve?"

"Professor Infynnio is my superior." Infynnio slipped his left hand into his pocket and found his pistol. I'm not going to have another fiasco happening in front of me again. Nynxerus have been trying to do me in since I began my plans to escape its clutches.

"Is my existence not needed? Shall I execute myself?" Oblivio One drew one of the submachine guns and pressed the barrel against the right side of his head. Infynnio said nothing, keeping the distance between his experiment and himself.

Infynnio passed the cup to a nearby robot, which immediately gripped it and waited. The scientist maintained his eyes on Oblivio One, who also stood gazing at his master, gun pressed against his head.

Shaking his head, Infynnio walked to Oblivio One and spoke clearly, "You are still of much use, Oblivio One. Put it away."

"Yes sir." The man resumed his original position a minute ago.

"The shuttle is ready. Remember to keep that wrist bangle out of harm. If it is damaged, return to my laboratory right away. Move out, Oblivio One."

"Yes sir." Oblivio One repeated and strode off.

Professor Infynnio released his grip on his pistol. But he needed Oblivio One to live as long as possible. Too close for comfort, though. That right eye was able to regenerate despite of the damage I did to it? Nynxerus, you will pay for trying to make an easy deal out of me!

zZz #5

2011-07-25T07:08:00.000-07:00

Karion here.

I wonder how long before I figure out how to keep people's mouths shut when they looked like they want a word with me. Silence became my best friend. My only friend who seems to help way better than humans. It doesn't make me angry, lose my hopes about stuff or annoys the hell out of me. It is the only who lets me be, giving me the liberty to escape into a whimsical dream, a dream which could be real if Fate was kinder.

And I especially hate those who casually presume that I treat certain things in a nonchalant way. I will never treat other people's works like a tool. They poured their heart and soul into it, bled to make their dreams come true. If I, who cannot have his dreams fulfilled, it doesn't mean I automatically thrust all of my hatred onto their works. I still have morals. Otherwise why do I remained held back by guilt and regrets?

These days, I already lost hope that reaching out to others would help me catch up with the others I envy. Like a race, I could only see me running with all might, yet their backs always get smaller and smaller. But now, I only see an empty dark road. Quiet. Silent. Cold.

I'm left alone. The opportunities of change had come but I had failed to take them. I wasted my chances. I have too much guilt to take the chances presented to me. Too much regret to let go. My dream of Anozhov had finally vanished. After so much fighting, all was for naught. The reason to exist was not strong enough to escape oblivion.

My heart hurts. Hurts like hell. There are times I could not think or breath properly. The hard feeling stuck in my throat. I wanted to cry but the uncomfortable feeling would not leave me. I hated company yet I wish to hear a female voice, warm and caring, understanding and entertaining. It feels like I'm asking for too much, for everything I have done can never warrant such a privilege. Just surviving to the next day with no complains from others is a bonus.

Twenty one years... And still I haven't done enough to feel like I should have existed. I don't know why I cannot move on, why I don't understand myself. It is as though I keep changing personas, never staying the same. I guess I'm still wandering, sticking to that ray of hope my heart is holding on. Stupid heart, when will you learn the world is not that way. It will eat you, chew you to bits and toss you aside because you taste horrible. It's a dog-eat-dog world. Either you hate and kill or you love and die. Companionship only brings pain and suffering. It only hampers our ability to pull through harsh times. It only slows you down when you want to get things done. It only adds more worries to the mind, weighing it down. Freaking love. I hate it so much and yet I yearn for it. Foolish heart, when will you learn?

-Karion Madenar Latanos

Update #9

2011-07-17T00:03:00.000-07:00

Karion here.

A new milestone has been achieved. In the Lost Glorious Time raid, I have managed to finish off the first two bosses with the help of my squad. But King Gluttony was still able to pound us all down in seconds the moment it went berserk. T_T

The loots from my raids have been rather dismal for the past few days. I'm wondering whether I should try single TA again to snag another symbol. Turns out I should not use dagger users in boss raids. HG, TC, OM, OA, FL, OS, etc are much better suited to dealing high amounts of damage on those persistent and painful buggers.

I finally brought my Gyrffin to veteran and decided to put him in full range mode. DEX and pistols all the way! And I see the power of racials. Much better than attack up or AR. Sort of...

Anyway, not much from me now. See you all later.

-Karion Madenar Latanos

Update #8

2011-07-15T01:44:00.000-07:00

Karion here.

I finally had my Aisia to veteran and now I'm just training her with Covestin and Feng Ling. Feng Ling for the MAC quest so I could continue on my journey to claim Reckless Emilia into my family. That sounded a bit wrong...

Hopefully, with my line-up consisting of Lisa and Romina again, I will be able to defeat Reckless Emilia. And I hope I wouldn't go crazy and train Jean to expert so he could master the Martial Arts Compendium stance...

Not much from me now...
-Karion Madenar Latanos

Update #7

2011-07-12T23:00:00.000-07:00

Karion here.

I have finally recruited Catherine Torsche into my family after several retries. Now to train my Feng Ling to master for the MAC quest so I can recruit Reckless Emilia!

The guides for CT recruitment quest is outdated. They said CT was 64AR/64DR.

F***! Her AR/DR are 67/67!!! Not to mention the mobs' AR/DR are 60/60. And their attack hurts like mad... Fortunately, there was a bug in my successful try. My Cathamia died but I was able to ress her. Thank you Lady Fate!

Update #6

2011-07-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

Karion here.

I finally had my Romina reach Master 1 and now I'm working on my Cathamia for my Catherine Torsche recruitment quest. I went to view some videos on the said quest to learn some tips since I don't own decent equipment for elementalists (My Cathamia is a Catherine INT). Hopefully she has enough AR to deal damage on Catherine Torsche. Wait, what am I worrying about? Her bracelets have human and lifeless racials. Just need to keep her alive. Hmmm...Romina and Lisa? I think I better check Catherine Torsche's AR/DR again...

Not much else from me. I gotta pump some more GP in for more SCR passes...

-Karion Madenar Latanos

Update #5

2011-07-09T06:20:00.000-07:00

Karion here.

I managed to get Accuria's Calyce's Shadow Sting maxed out and only lacked one level from his Feng Ling's MAC for a total of two expert stances maxed out. I did a damage test with Pesca, who kindly let his fighter be a "punching bag". I have to say, MAC and Shadow Sting are pretty good.

I finally went back to SCR vet-carding after I have finished a Castilla Mine raid with some of my faction members. Many left or DCed once we were at the edge of Argus. If only they had stayed behind, I believed we ccould slay the Chaos Argus. On my own, I managed to drop the boss' health down by a quarter. Though, it was mostly my Lisa who was dealing the damage. My Bernelli fell when Argus had enough of her.

Hopefully, by the end of this SCR, my Romina will finally reach the rank of master. Anyways, that's all from me.

-Karion Madenar Latanos

PS: Gavin has been recruited into the family...

Update #4

2011-07-07T04:55:00.000-07:00

Karion here.

I managed to recruit Selva and trained her to become a new veteran in the ranks of my family. I got stuck on Gavin's quest due to lack of ingredients to make the Katovic Soup. Damn Cabbages and Golden Apples...Why do they have to be in such a short demand... Wait a minute... Panfilo's new function to cook... OH NOOOO!!!

Holy Water Chamber questline: Completed, finally! And with an expert 9 Romina. Phew~

Catherine Torsche Recruitment Quest: I need to train my Cathamia to be strong enough to help out in the quest. Hmmm...I'm thinking of using Bernelli and Romina for the battle. Sorry, Lisa. Unless you have a better dagger, I wouldn't try using you...

Nothing much now. I just want to get more GP in so I can resume my training...

zZz #4

2011-07-02T09:29:00.000-07:00

Karion here.

Recently, my body has incurred some injuries and I'm aching in many places. In addition, a friend of mine decided to continue on the annoying motivational talk, which I found to be increasing stupid and a waste of breath. I don't need motivational talk. I just need to find my goddamned goal in life. If you can't accept that my attitude is "emo", then shut up. I don't care that you don't accept it. I just need you to understand that it's my freaking way of life! It's MY freedom to how I live my freaking life! And it's your freedom to goddamned live your own!

I can't train in SCR anymore considering I could not find a good vet-carding squad and the electricity bill is forcing me to put aside my plan to make my Romina a master. In the meantime, I went to train some of my veterans and probably get them to experts. Not much raids for me to do and I was thinking of returning to my quests. Maybe I can recruit Selva and Gavin into my family...

All in all, Project Anozhov is put on hold until my partner is free again. I will not release any details about the new story until I feel satisfied and comfortable with it. But I always have this bad feeling...

Update #3

2011-06-30T09:06:00.000-07:00

Karion here.

I made a new veteran, Catherine the Summoner aka Catherina (yeah, I know the name isn't very original). And I went for Arsene with Stant and Pesca. But things got a little bit worse when Pesca DCed. But in the end, Stant and I made it through. Almost didn't make it when we were both being knocked down and being severely damaged too.

Some pictures to enjoy!

zZz #3

2011-06-28T03:51:00.000-07:00

Karion here.

Things just keep getting worse. Recently, I was flamed over a few but expensive items which went missing during the time that account was under my control. I went through with Accuria about the list of items missing from his vault and inventory. I was astonished that such equipment disappeared under my watch. No matter how tired I was, I managed to check whenever I went to the NPC shop to clear his inventory after a monotonous and prolonging SCR vet-carding.

Yet the items still went missing. I could recall clearly that I sold no such items during my piloting. Egh...

Which came to the point of such a case happening before in my life. Great, eh? Whatever comes under me always vanish in thin air and I cannot fathom how the item was missing under my care. Maybe it's just my luck. Or maybe it's Fate punishing me for not realising my mistakes in time. It's a such a good confidence breaker, eh? It makes me feel like I'm not as trustworthy and responsible as others had said.

So, I repeat myself, I'm not as good as what you have, my friends. So, I cannot see the positive light of things for me until things get better. I did try, but it's up to you to believe it. I had grown really, really tired of working hard for a long period and yet there was no tiny result that whispered, "Hey, you're going forward in the right direction!"

Egh...Why the hell things always go wrong for me when I've been careful like hell... I just wanna sleep over it...
-Karion Madenar Latanos

Some update #2

2011-06-26T10:46:00.000-07:00

Karion here.

Just some pictures of my family. And taking some time off from SCR training. Covestin with his seconds of fame. LOL. Lame...

Shadren, Sediucia & Romina

Feng Ling, Sophia & Lorch

Catherina, Calypse & Cathamia

zZz #2

2011-06-25T05:43:00.000-07:00

Karion here.

I haven't thought of anything to post since my life has been rather mundane. I wake up, have my breakfast, probably learn some cooking, play GE for the whole day, read some stuff, chat with the faction for a bit, try to type my story which I will never post, etc...

Frankly, I can't sleep well. Make that I can't sleep at all. All I do the whole time was worry, worry and worry. I'm certain when I head overseas for my studies, it's gonna go downhill straight as long as my inferior complex is not cured. It's so bad now that no amount of talking will get me anywhere. Thinking positive has been considered a waste of time. Hoping for the best is just a lie. Working hard is meaningless because there's no goal in sight. I lost all the faith in myself that my friends could sense the darkness from a mile away.

I have a few months left here in S'pore before I head to Australia. I knew I needed to work but again, I can't seem to get myself searching for a job. I'm too tired, too preoccupied with my thoughts to focus on the task on hand. I hate screwing up and I hate going for something when in the end, I will screw up even more.

Others tell me to be not so hard on myself but I kept telling them, "Words are only words." I need evidence, goddamned solid evidence to prove that I still have something worth in me. But all they give, I can't believe. I told them another thing, "Actions speak louder than words." If they can find something good in me, it better be reinforced with proof. Otherwise they'll just be talking to a goddamned wall.

Why bother with someone who already damned himself to Loserville? Why should care and concern should be given to those who deserve to be doomed to a life of failures? I made my mistakes and I did not correct myself in time. My time has gone. It's over. Stop believing in me. I have already lost those qualities to the wind. As the saying goes, "Time and tide waits for no man".

I feel more and more uncomfortable. My body is wearing down, my mind is in the doldrums and my spirit far, far away from the warmth of hope and happiness. It feels like I'm dying, as though finally, my wish to have an early ending has been granted. I'm just like a lonely old man, whose glories have never appeared, no matter how hard he tried in his youth. This is supposed to happen to someone who went years and years of despair, yet still found some dream to chase. But it happened to me, because I did not choose to listen to good advice. Now I can only watch as my future crumbles before me.

Will I die miserable, lonely and unsatisfied? Will my life remain unfulfilled and empty? Will my heart ache and beat coldly til the end? I believe it so. People cannot understand me, for they are always living in the light of hope. They have managed to pick themselves up before the ground breaks beneath them, sinking them into the abyss. The guiding light in my darkness is fading. I cannot hear the whispers that push me on anymore. Soon, I may pull the trigger and end this vicious cycle.

-Karion Madenar Latanos

Some update #1

2011-06-17T09:59:00.000-07:00

Karion here. I was looking through my files and stuff when I saw the screenshots I have taken some time ago.

And I'm proud of it. My first master. Though I have forgotten to take another screenshot when I made Beremia a master too. DX

Of course, my blog's new wallpaper is now Gwendoline, in her two costumes. Love them and love her!

Nothing else from me then, see ya all later.
-Karion Madenar Latanos

PS: I've been sleeping a lot. I keep feeling so tired that my mind's in a constant slow-mo. Great, isn't it? 21 and I feel like an old man. Not to mention breathless after a little jog. Really great...

zZz #1

2011-06-12T21:00:00.000-07:00

Karion here.

A few days since I'm officially out of the Army and yet, I still found difficulty finding sleep or to de-stress. Whenever I spend some time with a friend or with my family, I will always feel lonely. It has been this way since like I can remember. I know it's not recent because I was feeling that way ever since the 'incident'.

September seems so far off but the thought of returning to school, succeeding in my studies to get a degree, getting a stable job and finding my way back to life... I just can't see myself in a positive light. I have been failing so long that it's almost impossible to imagine me winning for once. Getting up, lugging myself around, isn't a very good idea of living one's life, eh?

Two more months and I need to work to get some cash to buffer myself for the future. I know I must do something meaningful rather than staying at home playing GE or going out just to hang out with pals but the thing is, I can't push myself to it. In my head, I just keep thinking, "Wouldn't it be easier when I fall asleep, I will not ever wake up?" Saves me from ever worrying and trudging along in my shit.

*Sigh* I'm still writing but I can't seem to believe that I'm improving. As I thought more about the plot, the development, my characters, etc, I feel I'm doing it wrong. Nothing seems right. I can't get the feeling that I'm doing it right. Is the story gonna be some tale of my daydreams?

Recently, my relatives visited me before I ORDed. What they have said resonated in my heart, amplifying the ache I have been trying to get rid of even more. Go over there, score well and have a girlfriend. Wow. I feel so burdened. Guilty. Regrets. How am I gonna keep them from being disappointed when I fail?

Succeeding in important stuff, I would like to know I can. Being reminded every single day that I do not have the capacity to do so, it just makes me full of despair, eh? What's the use of sending me over to Australia to study when I don't have the will or determination to do so? Get a degree so I can get a stable job, but ultimately for what goal?

I'm jealous of the people around. I can't even look at them in the face. I feel so ashamed, so powerless. The efforts I put in ain't showing anything. It's just regressing, more regressing and more of that shit. Bitching is all I can do. It sucks. I wanted to shout in frustration but I felt, "What's the use of it? The reason to justify the action ain't worth it."

What am I looking for? What am I missing? Stuff about me I used to believe in, began to become lies. I believed I was understanding until a close friend told me to have more EQ. I don't think I will ever get back to the surface and bathe in the warm light. My mistakes just keep stacking themselves nicely and firmly above my head. People keep moving forward, so fast that I can't even catch up no matter what I do. Everything seems to be against me. Or is it my mind? I just don't understand it...

Companionship... Or probably a different kind of company? What am I craving? What do I truly desire in this life I have? My body feels like it's slowing down, like it's on the final lap of life. I don't feel so good. Maybe I gonna die young, no matter what I do. I think I gonna die with regrets. It's not right to go away like that, eh? But I already accepted it. I welcomed it. I deserve it, anyway. Nothing important I did has gone right. I just keep letting people down.

I'm like lower than dirt, right? At least dirt helps plants grow. I'm just like a leech, sapping others to survive but have no other useful purpose, eh? A waste of space. A waste of time. Just an annoyance.

If I have the chance, I probably die fighting for a goddamned stupid and crazy idea. Ya know, living life just for the present, eh? The flavour of life, I guess I will never ever taste it.

-Karion Madenar Latanos

Just ranting: 25/05/2011

2011-05-25T06:26:00.000-07:00

Karion here.

I just want to let out a piece of my mind.

The reason why I hate opening up to people I trust is the answer they give. It's always the same. They should be able to tell when I showed them my 'bored' look. They thought I should give positive thinking another try. Seriously! I had enough with that! You think I haven't tried before or enough. I had enough experience to show it doesn't work for me. It has worked for ya. So good for ya! Just don't reinforce the idea on me. The evidence is the bloody proof. It doesn't lie.

I have been taught hard honest work would be repaid in kind. But from the day I failed to correct myself, it did not work anymore for me. I kept going on, believing I would get back to living properly. In the end, my patience and faith worn out. Things weren't going back to optimum levels.

For years, I tried different approaches to solve my attitude problems. My logical reasoning and constant mood swings were my obstacles and I met them with great difficulty. I failed repeatedly, leaving behind the methods I have tried with a lingering taste of disappointment.

Until last year, the answer slowly poked its head out of the ground. From that moment, I began to uncover more of my new self. I realised that after that incident, I lost my quick temper and defiance. Replacing them were tolerance, understanding and a pretty good temper. There was a cost for such qualities. I lost my self- confidence, my faith and my will. Several years I spent wandering in the river of life, living like a zombie. Just eating and moving.

I went through counseling, seeking the advice of my close friends, searching for the ever-elusive answer to my existence.

Yet, my efforts were in vain. Again, I was crestfallen. I felt ever more depressed. I used to enjoy food more, even if I went it quite fast. But now, I just eat for the sake of surviving. Things I do were merely for surviving, living to see another day when I wished I could have died in my sleep.

Laughter became automatic. My sleep was uneasy and my dreams were always filling me with pain, guilt and regret. My waking minutes were always filled with thoughts. Putting them aside became more and more futile as more reminders of my shortcomings slammed me, verbally or physically.

Yet, a tiny ray of light shone upon my cold beating heart. I reasoned with myself, believing it was only natural. I'm only human.

I wished that those I placed in my close circle of trust would stop giving me the lectures. They were boring. And unpleasant. Plus, they did not work. So, please stop wasting your energy and time. I suggest you either try to understand more of me (I don't know myself so I can't tell ya even if I could) or just give me company when I asked for it.

People who have shown genuine care and concern for me tried to tell me that I do have worth. How I wish to believe in those kind words. So for now, please stop with that. It only hurts me more.

With that said, I felt a little lighter, though the weight on my mind remained the same. My reason to be so negative? Defensive mechanism. It keeps me from going crazy and from getting myself killed. When all the stuff of morals became the past to me, the more I believe they are lies.

It's so hard to believe that things would get better but without a goal or a good reason to work for... If every day I am bombarded with the fact I was not worthy of the answer... How could I possibly motivate myself to move on?

-Karion Madenar Latanos