The Tale of the Forgotten - RP

The shadowy portal began to take form as the intended traveller passed through it - the darkness constructed the shape of a tall, armoured man struck with immediate confusion. The shadowy presence warped and contorted as the man's shape was granted back its colour from the charcoal abyss that consumed it. Soon, he was approaching Taharka and saluted him accordingly.

"I specifically stated that reinforcements were NOT required! How DARE these infidels disobey me - no, have no FAITH in my abilities!" He turned his gaze to Julius, "... alas, it matters little; this battle will soon be over and the Gem will be mine for the taking."

His eyes rolled to the back of his head, and his body began shaking as his armour began emanating a faint black wisp, coiling outward until it faded. Taharka braced his forehead as if he suffered from a sharp migraine, squinting for a time before it calmed. Perhaps a relapse from his berserk state? He wasn't sure...

"Come, Julius" he said with a sigh, "that main entrance looks very unwelcoming. We should attend to their manners".
 
"As you wish sir." Julius replied as he shifted his eyes towards the building used as the HQ of the Rebel Faction. With cold eyes he glared upon them, seemingly disappointed for he had expected a greater challenge. Taharka was right, reinforcements won't be necessary anymore, nevertheless; they would be welcomed and left here to guard these areas. The dark knight was eager to meet these rebels in battle, and with a defiant will he held his sword tightly and aimed it to the rebel base. "These heathens..." Julius commented as he lowered his sword and fixed his cold stare at them "shall taste the cold steel of my sword. They will submit to justice, or else they shall pay dearly with their lives..." added Julius as he addressed to the rebels with disgust.

Standing before the battlefield, the soil destined to be stained with the blood of many, Julius took a deep breath as he awaited for Taharka's command. It was evident that the advancing Imperial Armies would, eventually, gain the upper hand and the rebels would be most likely forced to retreat. As he awaited for further commands, Julius could not avoid finding this whole drama to be quite amusing, seeing that the rebels had no chance against the Imperial Army.

"These men and women defy the empire arrogantly, yet their bravery is fueled by their foolishness. Now Lord..." Julius turned his eyes to Taharka "what is your command?"
 
When he found out that Julius left to assist Taharka, Arthvader decided to leave the castle, riding a horse as he heads his way to Mygeeto. Along his journey, he thinks about what he had done over the corse of what had happened. 'What have I done? First, I nealy died by the hands of that dangerous knight. Then, He appeared and sent his troops to aid me as I was near death. From this point I decided to join him. Although I joined with Julius, I've made several enemies now. I have turned from my former allies, betraying the cause. I don't know what they would do If I were to see them again. I better prepare myself for the worst.'
 
Soon after they got near the main entrance, they'd hear Zeria inside, shouting commands and helping barricade even more, as mages put strong shields up to protect them.

"DON'T LET THEIR STRENGTH FRIGHTEN YOU! RAISE UP YOUR WEAPONS AND FIGHT FOR THE ACADEMY WE LOVE AND CHERISH! NEVER ALLOW THEM TO TAKE WHAT'S LEFT AWAY!"

Zeria traced her fingers over the LionHeart Gunblade tucked into her blade holder, in between her Hellfire Blade and Punisher. She still had it from when Julius had left it behind for her long ago...before he'd disappeared.

~Julius...give me luck, please. I'm fighting to find you...~

She drew her two main blades.

"FOR MASTER JULIUS ARGEXIS!"
"FOR JULIUS!" they all cried back...
 
Sparks and bits of fire were flying in every direct. The three SeeDs were relentless in their attacks. Damian was stuck on the defensive. He did not want to harm these men. They were only doing their duty. The whole time the three kept themselves between Damian and the academy.
Then there they were. Taharka and his knight companion. They were aproaching the academy entrance.
"Fools! Don't you see that the enemy has reached the gates because you waste your time fighting me!"
All at once the three stopped their attacks and turned to face their home. They all froze as they realized that the man they thought to be an assasin had not lied to them.
Damian took advantage of this rushed right past them knocking two of them off balance. As he ran he unstrapped his guitar and threw it to the side. It would only get in the way from this point on. He could not let it get in the way of the battle ahead of him. He had a few more minutes left where his sword would stay aflame. He had to make the best of it. He could not waist the energy to make it burn again.
When he was only twenty feet way he stopped dead in his tracks and called out, "Taharka! I will not allow you to move forward!"
 
He smirked as Julius acted so incredibly eager to sink his teeth into battle. "Scout the area for any scattered resistance. Wipe them out."

Taharka now turned his attention to the main entrance of the HQ - which he presumed was being reinforced from within the building. "You people and your doors" he muttered condescendingly.

A faint whistling sound was audible from behind Taharka, intensifying as if something were approaching him. Using what little powers the Earth Gem offered him at this early stage, rubble, rocks, and even chunks of the ground itself was raised to form a kind of armour on Taharka's back, successfully repelling whatever it was that was hurled at him.

He readied his offensive magic as Taharka spun to face the opposite direction, to find nobody other than Julius present at too great a distance to have thrown it. His eyes burned the immediate area as he scanned for any hostile party, but found nothing. A lance materialised in Taharka's hand which was raised in a throwing position - whiteish-green magic pulsated through his arm into the weapon shortly before throwing it at the nearest building, forming powerful wind energy around the lance as it gained velocity. Grey energies twirled expeditiously as the lance approached the building, which tore the entire upper-half of the construction apart.

Scanning the area again, nothing was to be seen. "Hmph... cowardice" he uttered under his breath as he turned again to face the headquarters.

"Master... use your dark intervention to obliterate this obstacle in my path, for I cannot slay them from behind a wall of magic and metal." A pitch-black ball appeared in the corner of the door and slowly travelled around the outskirts, leaving behind a strong purple glow in its wake.

A voice called out to him, to which he responded without looking at the caller: "and with what force do you intend to use against me? Your death bringing steel? Your slanderous words?" he now turned to face his foe, "perhaps even... magic?" With that his gauntlets began to glow a brilliant white along the inscriptions.
 
"Master....Julius?"

Something inexplicably happened deep within the core of Julius' now shattered and fragmented memories. He wondered, why did they addressed him as "master" if he was one of the high ranking soldiers of the imperial army? The only past Julius remembers is after being saved from death's grasp by Taharka, and trained by imperial officers. Questions in need of answers, for Julius this seemingly incomprehensible revelation kept drilling into his mind, confusion was spread like fire through gunpowder. Did they knew he was Julius? Hardly improbable, for Julius 's armor fully hid his identity, his menacing appearance made him look as one of those "gods of war" spoken in legends, legends similar to Taharka.

Grasping his memories which were flashing like an endless river, flooding his body and soul with thoughts that could be hardly organized, Julius was somehow on the verge of collapse. He was intoxicated by these new found memories, helplessly falling into the madness of not knowing what was right and what was wrong.

Although doubtful, Julius managed to preserve his own sanity and break from the controlling effects of this sudden burst of emotions. Semper Fidelis, the motto used by many of the Imperial Soldiers. Always loyal to the their comrades, to the family, and Julius was now part of the Imperials and Taharka's Clan.

Suddenly, Julius spotted an incoming rebel standing firm before them, challenging Taharka. "Taharka! I will not allow you to move forward!" the man spoke with vivacious words, not fearing that he was, obviously outnumbered. Julius stepped forward, standing between the man and Lord Taharka. The echoing sounds of his breath could be heard from deep within his helm.

"You, man! You who dares to stand firm before Lord Taharka, challenging recklessly those you know you can't defeat. I shall strike you down for this insolence you heathen, and offer your blood to quench my sword's thirst for blood. Feel honored, though, for you will be dignified by my blade, immortalized as one of the great ones who stood bravely before men who are direct heirs of the Gods of War."

Julius addressed to the man with deep words, and then he aimed his menacing sword threateningly towards the foolish man. "Your courage is worthy of respect, still your foolishness stains your nobility. I offer you the chance of retreating. Although leaving in disgrace, you will be able to keep your life." Julius then noticed that his master was already prepared, and subsequently he lowered his sword and stepped back. "Hmm....I believe my master wishes to face you....pity, for he is not so lenient to infidels such as you..."
 
"My life means little compared to my honor, and my honor demands me to stand in the path to your goal. This is the home of my companion Lady Zeria. I will die before ever letting you destroy it to achieve your sinister goals."

Damian raised his sword up toward his face in salute. The flame fluttered in the wind. Embers falling from the steel blade floated away vanishing into the air.
He knew he had little chance of defeating the enemy before him. He had seen Taharka in action before, and he fought like a god, but Damian knew that he could not allow his fear to stop him. He needed to be couragous for those that called this place "home;" for Zeria.
With a swift twitch he brought his weapon back to his side. A stream of fire shot out and hit the gorund before him.
"Now let us begin our battle!"
With that he charged Taharka, swinging his saber, throwing the flames at his opponant.
 
It took Vex what seemed like days to arrive at his destanation. He took it upon himself to follow Zeria and Damian. It was in a way as Damian said he could not let a fellow ally travel alone. Though he was at least a good two hours behind the duo something told him that something disturbing was going to great him. The air held with it an ill-bearing feeling. Finally he arrived and he was appalled to what he saw. It was a scene from a nightmare corpses lied everywhere and the scent of blood filled the air.

He saw the armies one clearly belonging to Taharka and the other some unknown force. It was probably the SeeD's which Zeria said she belonged to. As he got closer to the battle he saw Damian stand up to Taharka and Julius stood by just watching. He caught very little of the conversation only just the part where Julius's master wanted to fight Damian. Then to prevent his further movement Vex dashed in front of Julius and unsheathed his sword in a defensive stance. "Very well, his fight might be with your master but mine shall be with you. I will not allow you to advance further anymore."
 
Felldoh galloped along towards the Temple, gripping the reins tightly and revelling in the clanking sounds his new spears made.

Felldoh had stolen a horse from a stable on the edge of town. He left a note explaining the circumstances (or at least some), and that it was being 'commandeered' by a member of Taharka's army.

He had chosen a good steed, too. It wasn't long before the horse had traversed more than half of the distance to the Temple, making use of a noted shortcut on the map from the library.

But, despite all efforts, it was midday, and he still had not come to the Temple. He'd been riding since the middle of the night, with exception to allowing the horse some rest and recuperation, and he had only come half of the way. He couldn't ride the steed any harder, lest it break down, and he couldn't allow it too much rest, or lives would be needlessly lost.

Felldoh's mind was a maze of dilemmas and impossible solutions, but there was only one thing that he could do: cut Taharka off at the Temple.

Felldoh was not yet sure if he should keep his mask on or not, whether or not to continue to falsely serve Taharka, with strategy as his aid, or to openly rebel with Vextra, and attempt to stop him with force. Felldoh's mind told him one, but his heart told him the latter.

He shook his head, coming out of his daze. He had to make it to the Temple before nightfall, without exception. He would solve the dilemma on the way.
 
OCC: My Character will be on a detor on this post, but will continue after around 2 to 4 posts, arriving at Mygeeto by then.

IC:
'I must find a way to get there faster. The sooner, the better.' Arthvader thought as he stopped by a bar in a small village along the way to Mygeeto, where a battle between the Imperials and the rebels are taking place. As he is having his meal, several bandits appeared before him. "Hey, what are you doing in our spot?" "Huh, I don't know what you are talking about. Isn't this place available for anyone?" "Don't you know who you're dealing with? Us bandits are know for the trouble we bring here." "Trouble, you say. Then, tell me. What kind of trouble are you guys talking about?" Suddenly, the bandits knocked the table Arthvader was using to eat his meal out of the way and started to beat up on him. 'big mistake for them' He thought as he knocked the bandits out of the way. "It seems like you don't know who you're dealing with this time, thugs."

Not wanting to deal with this problem any longer, Arthvader charged towards the bandits. In almost no time, the bandits were all knocked down. The bartender, seeing what just happened, walked up to Arthvader. "I must say, these bandits has been giving us trouble for quite some time. Tell me, what is that you want." "Well, If you can, I need a fast ride over to Mygeeto." "So shall be it. Please, follow me." Arthvader followed the bartender to the stables. There, the bartender showed him the fastest horse they have in the village. "Please, take this one. I'm sure you'll make it within the hour." "Thanks for the ride. Well, take care of yourself." And with those words, Arthvader left the village, resuming his journey to Mygeeto. 'Please, don't let it be too late.'
 
Lost Soul said:
He saw the armies one clearly belonging to Taharka and the other some unknown force. It was probably the SeeD's which Zeria said she belonged to. As he got closer to the battle he saw Damian stand up to Taharka and Julius stood by just watching. He caught very little of the conversation only just the part where Julius's master wanted to fight Damian. Then to prevent his further movement Vex dashed in front of Julius and unsheathed his sword in a defensive stance. "Very well, his fight might be with your master but mine shall be with you. I will not allow you to advance further anymore."
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Julius remained standing firmly the valiant warrior that dared to challenge him. With much annoyance, Julius lowered his sight to the floor and stared at the grass. "I am feeling generous though, I might allow you to keep your life if you bow before me. Kneel to the mightiness of the Royal Empire...."He sighed, then placed his left hand on his helm and began to laugh mockingly as he rose his sight and fixed it on the man. "It seems not...such a foolish defiance. You must be really arrogant to believe you stand a chance against me. But if you insist...." Julius addressed to the warrior scornfully moments before rising his sword and aiming the tip of his blade menacingly to the warrior's throat. "I'll gladly lend a hand...if you want to die....before I kill you, allow me to know the name of the man who will be struck down by my blade..." Julius added to his previous statement, a dark aura coming from the false dark gem in his possession started to glint deep inside his armor, and darkness began to emanate and surround Julius. His right hand clutched the hilt of his dark blade firmly, the darkness developing in the knight's body began to extend itself to the sword. As the blade shinned with a bright and vivid reddish aura, Julius's breath could be heard echoing from within his helm.

Suddenly, Julius bent his knees and stretched them, leaping towards the the mysterious warrior. After shortening the distance between his enemy and himself, Julius lowered his sword, then swung it upwardly towards his enemy's chin. If successful, Julius would follow up his assault with a fierce straight kick to the warrior's abdomen.
 
Julius Aurelius said:
Julius remained standing firmly the valiant warrior that dared to challenge him. With much annoyance, Julius lowered his sight to the floor and stared at the grass. "I am feeling generous though, I might allow you to keep your life if you bow before me. Kneel to the mightiness of the Royal Empire...."He sighed, then placed his left hand on his helm and began to laugh mockingly as he rose his sight and fixed it on the man. "It seems not...such a foolish defiance. You must be really arrogant to believe you stand a chance against me. But if you insist...." Julius addressed to the warrior scornfully moments before rising his sword and aiming the tip of his blade menacingly to the warrior's throat. "I'll gladly lend a hand...if you want to die....before I kill you, allow me to know the name of the man who will be struck down by my blade..." Julius added to his previous statement, a dark aura coming from the false dark gem in his possession started to glint deep inside his armor, and darkness began to emanate and surround Julius. His right hand clutched the hilt of his dark blade firmly, the darkness developing in the knight's body began to extend itself to the sword. As the blade shinned with a bright and vivid reddish aura, Julius's breath could be heard echoing from within his helm.

Suddenly, Julius bent his knees and stretched them, leaping towards the the mysterious warrior. After shortening the distance between his enemy and himself, Julius lowered his sword, then swung it upwardly towards his enemy's chin. If successful, Julius would follow up his assault with a fierce straight kick to the warrior's abdomen.
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"Bow before you and this ridiculous thing of an empire, please you must be joking." Vex laughed as he steped back and bent slightly backwards in an arch, bringing his sword around to parry the knights attack. The holy gem embedded in his sword now glowing which such a feriocity he never seen before. "This reaction could it be some kind of response to the dark... no it can't be the dark gem is no where around." Vex then noticed the stone in the knights armor. He began to focus what little energy he could from the Holy gem in his sword. He tried to focus it to this other type of dark stone in an attempt to overload it each time the two crossed swords. "I hope this works, maybe this stone is responsible for his diffrent type of personality. After all Zeria said she thought she knew this man." Vex thought sliently to himself as he progressed with his attack.

Droping down immediately as not to leave himself open to a counter-attack, Vex dropped to his kness bringing his sword down with him. Vex followed through with a leg sweep that he hoped would connect with the knight and knock him off balance. Going through with his motion he got back to his feet and brought his sword down in a diagional downward motion toward the knights gem located in his armor.

"Is it not custom to give one's name before asking or even demanding the name of someone else? It seems you lack such manners, very well then my name is Vex, so what might yours be?"
 
"Then you shall die in vain, worm. With the power of two Gems at my immediate disposal, no mortal may withstand such divinity!"

His opponent engaged Taharka with rapid tongues of flame, to which he responded by raising his aerial shield. The flames impacted with more force than anticipated, and very little of the energy propelled passed through the raw wind energy. "... for my powers transcend all that which you and your insignificant little resistance possess. Sparce few may contend with me..."

Taharka warped his shield into two lances and charged headlong at his adversary, completely neglecting to take into account the initiated duel between Vex and Julius; nothing -nothing- impeded the rage of Taharka. He flicked his left-hand lance forward in an effort to charge his foe as he accumulated considerable speed after drawing energy from his Air Gem.

"... for I am a Guardian of the Gem of Air!"
 
Damian had little time to react. He was not ready for an attack such as this. The speed and power behind it was enough to overwhelm his senses. This man that now charged at him, was no man at all. This man had the powers of a god. Damian's eyes grew wide as he felt that moment of fear; a fear that he might die here today.
But it was only for a moment. He could not allow anything to hinder him in this battle. He brought his sword up in defense just before the spear could hit its target.
There was a loud *CRACK* and sparks flew in every direction as the two weapons made contact. The force behind the blow sent Damian flying backwards. He emediately rolled back onto his feet. The look on his face was defiant once more. All fear was gone. All that was left was his purpose.
Then he felt it. The flame on his blade was extinguished by the attack. He couldn't waist the energy to reignite it, especially since an attack like that had put it out so easily. He had to fight with steel only.
"That was a good attack. If we were not enemies, I would suggest that we train together."
He smiled as he said these words. He knew this would and could only be taken as an insult to a man such as Taharka.
Then he charged forward, swinging his saber, in a downward, arc at the warrior that stood before him.
 
The lengthy lance of Taharka's connected with the ablaze blade of his foe, resulting in an immense impact force - apparently sending the recipient hurling quite the distance from where he made a stand. His foe seemed quite agile, which was encouraging for a potentially enjoyable fight between the two, though Taharka had no interest in elongating this confrontation longer than necessary.

"Train with me?" seethed Taharka, "do you truly consider yourself that competent?" The man charged at Taharka who now dismissed one lance and embraced the remaining one with both hands, raising it to counter the swooping downward strike.

Again, there was considerable impact which Taharka felt course through his hands and arms as his sword connected with the oddly resilient grip of this lance, to which Taharka responded with a smarmy smirk: "are you truly aware of who I am?" He brought his lance down slightly, raising it again sharply - completely deflecting the opposing blade resulting in it being almost swung above the wielder's head, whilst Taharka followed up with a swift kick to the man's chest, knocking him backwards some.

The fraying sphere of darkened energy had completely travelled across the circumference of the heftily bolstered door of SeeD HQ, which inspired Taharka to bow courteously to his adversary and turn tail, dashing immediately towards the door. Rotating wind energy once again encompassed his being, visually travelling to his arms and subsequently his forearms and hands. Curling them into menacing fists, he withdrew his right hand and hurled it forward as he approached the obstacle, launching his entire body forcefully onward as he connected with the door... crushing the very material that once stood tall and firm, colliding heavily with those that attempted to enhance the strength the reinforced entrance.
 
Lost Soul said:
"Bow before you and this ridiculous thing of an empire, please you must be joking." Vex laughed as he steped back and bent slightly backwards in an arch, bringing his sword around to parry the knights attack. The holy gem embedded in his sword now glowing which such a feriocity he never seen before. "This reaction could it be some kind of response to the dark... no it can't be the dark gem is no where around." Vex then noticed the stone in the knights armor. He began to focus what little energy he could from the Holy gem in his sword. He tried to focus it to this other type of dark stone in an attempt to overload it each time the two crossed swords. "I hope this works, maybe this stone is responsible for his diffrent type of personality. After all Zeria said she thought she knew this man." Vex thought sliently to himself as he progressed with his attack.

Droping down immediately as not to leave himself open to a counter-attack, Vex dropped to his kness bringing his sword down with him. Vex followed through with a leg sweep that he hoped would connect with the knight and knock him off balance. Going through with his motion he got back to his feet and brought his sword down in a diagional downward motion toward the knights gem located in his armor.

"Is it not custom to give one's name before asking or even demanding the name of someone else? It seems you lack such manners, very well then my name is Vex, so what might yours be?"
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Julius stepped back to avoid his enemy's blade, then deflected the second attack with the edge of his sword. Subsequently, feeling the threat of being struck down by his opponent's last move, Julius moved his blade before his chest and shielded himself from his opponent's diagonal sword swing. After defending himself from his opponent, Julius remained standing firmly and defiantly before the warrior who proved to be quite a challenge.

"My actions speak much of my name, for I am a renown officer of the Empire. It seems that your lack of knowledge seems to be as I expected. Fine, my name is Sir Julius Argexis, now baptized under the name of Sir Julius Aurelius Seymour, Captain of the Blackwing, loyal soldier under Taharka's commands, defender of the realm. Judge and Executioner of the Holy Empire whose mightiness shall cover and redeem this forsaken land."

Julius rose his left hand and stared at it as he closed his fist. The dark knight sighed as he lowered his left hand threateningly. After this, he brought his menacing eyes on Vex. His eyes burned fiercely with malice and hatred, a grudge he felt towards all who defied the empire and his new home.

"Vex, you have proven to be worthy. I give you that. Although I recognize your bravery, I do not sympathize with your motivation. Besides, it doesn't matter what you do, your fate has already been cast. Our men, loyal subjects of the Empire, shall arrive shortly, and you will be surrounded. Until then, I shall try not to kill you..."

Julius sprinted towards Vex, leaped to his right and came back to his opponent with a powerful diagonal downward swing from right to left, aimed to Vex's chest. If successful, Julius would continue with an additional flurry of attacks, three sword swings, aimed to Vex's left shoulder, right leg and torso, on this same order.

"I insist that you should retreat. Please, save us the trouble of burning all this excuse of a fortress down to the ground, and surrender. I assure you that we will be merciful."
 
"Mercy you speak as if you know what it is. How can one who serves only evil truly know what mercy is? Then you ask me to retreat after you say my fate has been cast. That is something I cannot do, you pray upon these people and slaughter them like lambs when they are weaker then you. This is an act that I cannot forgive."

Unable to go bring up his sword in time to fully parry Julius's attacks, the first attack hit the tip of Vex's blade and as a result sent him flying down to the ground. Such was the fericoity behind his attack, as result of him spining down on the ground one of Julius's attacks caught his leg. Now trying to get up and with an added difficulty to add, he couldn't support himself that well anymore. His leg wobbiling underneath his own wait. "Damn I didn't want to have to use this again after using it before, and this time in front of all these people."

Vex then saw Taharka heading towards the garden after breaking down the walls. A look of grimness spreading across his face as his despration grew even greater. "As much as I enjoy this fight I must end this quickly, and tend to some other matters." Focusing what little energy he could he focused on the holy gem embedded in his sword and summoned forth a busrt of holy energy to try and engulf Julius. Not waiting to see what effect it would have on him or even if it did engulf him, Vex turned around and slowly hoppled after Taharka.
 
Lost Soul said:
"Mercy you speak as if you know what it is. How can one who serves only evil truly know what mercy is? Then you ask me to retreat after you say my fate has been cast. That is something I cannot do, you pray upon these people and slaughter them like lambs when they are weaker then you. This is an act that I cannot forgive."
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"I am just playing my role. Although it displeases me sometimes, it is the path the heavens have chosen for me." Whether Vex knew this or not, it seemed that this man's words seemed to have some effect on Julius's deeper consciousness. Deep inside him existed the old Julius, a kind and young nobleman who placed the safety of others first. But now he was a cold, self centered man, always following orders, never questioning Taharka's commands.

Unable to go bring up his sword in time to fully parry Julius's attacks, the first attack hit the tip of Vex's blade and as a result sent him flying down to the ground. Such was the fericoity behind his attack, as result of him spining down on the ground one of Julius's attacks caught his leg. Now trying to get up and with an added difficulty to add, he couldn't support himself that well anymore. His leg wobbling underneath his own wait. "Damn I didn't want to have to use this again after using it before, and this time in front of all these people."

Vex then saw Taharka heading towards the garden after breaking down the walls. A look of grimness spreading across his face as his despration grew even greater. "As much as I enjoy this fight I must end this quickly, and tend to some other matters." Focusing what little energy he could he focused on the holy gem embedded in his sword and summoned forth a busrt of holy energy to try and engulf Julius. Not waiting to see what effect it would have on him or even if it did engulf him, Vex turned around and slowly hoppled after Taharka.
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Julius was pleased to see his assault proved to be quite effective, but in his self glorifying behavior he failed to notice the desperate method Vex was using in order to counter Julius's offensive. As he dashed forward to bring his opponent down under the menacing steel of his blade, Julius unwillingly and unknowingly allowed himself to be caught off guard. His opponent had chosen to use a forbidden art, the power of the Light Gem, against Julius. A ferocious glimmer of light emerged from his opponent's sword and burst through the area straight to Julius.

Julius was engulfed by a threatening and vicious vortex of light that rendered him unable to follow a fleeing Vex. The energy exploding both inside and outside Julius brought the dark knight down to his knees. Fatigued, his strength was leaving him, it seemed that Julius was on the verge of losing consciousness. Then something happened, something inexplicable and highly improbable. The stone embedded to his armor began to resonate with the tremendous force of the holy vortex, and it began to alter the effects and attribute of this attack.

The light that once surrounded Julius began to change, from a vivid whitish aura began to turn to a black reddish light. The energy then was starting to be absorbed by the stone on his armor, and fueling Julius, it allowed him to stand once again.

Gasping for air, Julius did not knew why the stone saved him from losing consciousness. The attack split his mind in halves, good and evil. His sanity was unstable and on the brink of being entirely lost, but unfortunately Julius darkest self managed to stay and keep control. The energy faded, and Julius stood tall on the battlefield.

As he searched for his fleeing opponent, Julius noticed he was heading straight to the Garden. At first he doubted whether or not he should follow, but after seeing his master was heading that to that same location. Sheathing his blade, Julius summoned one of the soldiers and commanded him to bring a horse immediately. Once the horse arrived, Julius climbed and got on the horse's back and grabbed the reins. "Men, follow me! Our master needs us!" After issuing commands, a group of 20 soldiers followed Julius as he rode fast towards the Garden.
 
Felldoh kicked a pebble off the road in frustration, staring into a nearby forest. He'd driven the horse too hard, not giving it enough time to rest.

Felldoh sighed and looked at the horse, who was laying down and taking a small nap. Well, thought Felldoh, this is what I get for being an idiot. Might as well use this time to solve my little problem. He walked over to a nearby boulder and sat down hard, elbows on his knees.

"Alright Felldoh, let's think this through." Only the wind was there to hear his mutterings. "You want to go with Vex and openly oppose Taharka. Perfectly reasonable; he's a tyrant, and you hate tyranny. But, if you join Vex, you won't be able to work against Taharka from the inside. Not only that, but you'll probably lose any chance you have of getting Julius out of there."

"On the other hand, if you do stay and work against Taharka from the inside, your life will be in more danger than it would if you were with Vex. A fat lot of good you'd be to him dead." He sighed in open frustration and threw himself onto the grass behind him. "What would Brome do? Huh, he'd probably try to go the peaceful way, diplomacy and all that. But we can't do that with Tyrants, so what else would he do?"

"He'd say 'don't give up, Felldoh, I know you can do it; you're my best matey.'" Felldoh took a deep breath and pushed the threatening tears from his eyes. He sat up and crossed his legs, staring at his forepaws. "No, what would Martin do?"

"Martin would probably try to fight alongside Vex. He'd never stand for spying, and I don't think I'd be able to take it, even if it meant losing the chance to change people like Julius." Felldoh stared forlornly at the boulder in front of him. "Julius is just following Taharka because...it just doesn't seem like he has the will to think for himself. He accepts Taharka's rule because he's an authority. Almost reminds me of Druwp, but without the cowardice."

"I'll give Julius one more chance at the shrine," Felldoh said, his mind made up. "If he doesn't come with us, then we'll have to be enemies..." He looked at the horse; it was still resting.

Felldoh sighed and drew his swords. "Well, might as well get some practice in. I'm better at using spears, so I guess I'll have to train with my blades." With that, Felldoh set to training. A robin stared at him from a nearby tree, wondering why a squirrel would be talking to itself. Even stranger, the squirrel was as big as a man.

Life never got dull in this world.
 
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