|
|
Post by Leaf on Feb 11, 2011 19:09:18 GMT -5
Even though it was the evening, the skies seemed oddly darker than anywhere else. Daika was just like that; much more ominous and shady than it's bright and calm counterparts. The slums of the city were much more dangerous and you were subject to the mercy of thieves, muggers, rapists, and such. That was why the Daikan Army existed, though. Well, sort of. However, even as Arcus marched through the dim streets, he himself even questioned whether this aimless meandering (or patrolling) was doing the country any good. Of course, he only kept these thoughts to himself. He would never, ever, question the authorities publicly. That would be unforgivably rude for someone who holds such a low status in the echelon of society. After all, being a lowly infantry in the ranks of the Daikan army meant that you only did what you were told.
Rats skirmished around across the streets and shady figures were definitely visible, but Arcus was told to only bat an eye and move on. After all, the country would be in a mess if they tried arresting everyone for every little thing. Right, left. Right, left. Arcus marched down the stone path, hauling his glaive over his shoulder. Taking a look at the clock tower in the distance, he saw that he still had four hours before he would be put off duty. He had to keep marching. March, and wages would be put in his hands. He had to keep going, for his family's sake.
The soldier rubbed his eyes as he watched the last strand of orange disappear over the western border. Stars faded into view, twinkling in the black sheet that hung over the world. Still, Arcus kept marching, watching for anything that would prove a true risk to the country. He looked down at his chest, making sure the Daikan badge was still there. That was his proof of being in the army. A sign that he was part of this organization. It was for this badge that he marched for, and with the badge, came money and help for his family.
It was a slightly cold night and Arcus shivered slightly before running his free hand through his pale blond hair. Then he straightened his tunic out and fixed his sword. Hopefully the hours would just slip by and he could earn his salary soon. It would be one step closer to bringing his family out of their debt. Then he would be able to get a better job, perhaps a merchant, or banker, or even climb higher in the military. He would be established enough to court a lady and be able to provide his younger siblings enough capital for them to court as well, when they were of age. As these happy thoughts flooded Arcus's mind, a slim smile crept upon his face. His life had hope; it could prosper.
[/size] |
|
Shadow
New Member
"Once we have the words to say, there's no one left to tell..."
Posts: 13
|
Post by Shadow on Feb 11, 2011 19:58:48 GMT -5
His eyes moved up and he quickly slipped the necklace under his shirt again as he passed by an alley with an unappealing amount of dark looking characters. They didn't follow, but Zack shivered. He would fight if it came to it, but he didn't want it to come to it... He didn't want to fight, he was afraid of those men. Why, he didn't know. For a dragon, he had slight confidence issues.
His head hung slightly, he watched his bare feet pad against the stones as he rubbed the back of his neck. He continued like this for a few minutes, looking up only every now and then to make sure he wasn't going to run into a wall. His baggy shirt had long sleeves that extended slightly over his hands, perfect for hiding both artifacts.
His attention was drawn from his necklace and ring when heavy footsteps reached his ears. His blue eyes looked up, wide, curious, but cautious. A guard...an intimidating one at that. Suddenly Zack didn't feel like walking down the middle of the street any more. He quickly took two leaps and ended up on one side, his gaze moving back to the guard, watching him closely as he moved out of the way.
Some things stayed with him in human form... The cautiousness, constantly on alert, the danger sense giving him warning far before things might happen. He always listened, never waiting to find out if the situation really was as bad as his mind made it out to be.
The weapon the man carried was huge, Zack definitely didn't want to test it. He doubted even his dragon form could escape such a powerful weapon...but he didn't exactly have high esteem either.
As the man marched forward, Zack stood on the side of the street, following the man with his eyes, awed and intrigued at the same time. He had seen the badge on Arcus's chest; he was a part of the army! Zack took a step forward, his curiosity getting the better of him before he caught himself, the danger sense rising again. Zack almost grumbled to himself. He wanted to talk to him! He'd also been interested in the workings of the army...he just didn't have the nerve or the initiative to ask.
Zack sighed and took a deep breath. He let it out slowly and stood straight, walking toward the marching man. As he got closer, however, his facade of strength dropped, and he looked far more timid once he half-breached the gap between them.
The man was walking away!
Well... The only way he could get the man to stop...yes...the only way. He called out, his voice audible, but not very strong, "Hey! Sir!" He waved to the man, hoping that that would get his attention. He didn't know what he'd do once he got it...but...Zack brushed his hair with a spare hand in nervousness. |
|
|
|
Post by Leaf on Feb 11, 2011 20:56:49 GMT -5
The romping of leather boots against stone stopped when Arcus heard someone call out to him. Sir. They had addressed him so formally, so politely. It was rare to hear that these days now. Arcus turned around slowly, carefully shuffling under the weight of his weapon. He saw a boy with dark hair, perhaps slightly younger than he, standing at the edge of the street. Arcus could remember seeing him just a few seconds ago, before he passed him. He had disregarded him as a regular street urchin. Well, he had better respond. It would be impolite if he just turned on his heel and left. "Yes, sir?" Arcus replied simply, with a slightly quizzical look on his face
He studied the boy. He seemed a bit uncertain, perhaps even a little shy. He didn't seem to have a lot to carry and he looked much more innocent than the shifty characters that hung around in this town. Arcus didn't recall seeing this guy hanging around before, but he also never bothered to remember faces a lot. It was rare for someone to stop a guard unless an emergency was happening. And even then, the citizens did not tend to rely on the military for help.
Arcus was curious, but he knew that his sense of duty was still nagging at him in the back of his mind. Passerbys... What do they usually stop guards for? It didn't seem like the boy was robbed, nor did it seem like he was lost. I mean, who asks for directions at this time of day? Idle chitchat was probably not going to happen. Would someone seeking conversation really just stop a patrolman to talk? Ridiculous. Arcus ran through the possibilities in his head, but none were rational enough to seem possible. The best way, then, was to listen.
[/size] |
|
Shadow
New Member
"Once we have the words to say, there's no one left to tell..."
Posts: 13
|
Post by Shadow on Feb 11, 2011 21:11:13 GMT -5
Oh yeah! 'Yes, Sir?'
Zack suddenly found that he didn't know what to do with his hands. He had originally been running one through his hair, that one shifted and quickly moved to join his other hand in front of his waist, his hands showing how nervous he was as they grasped and ungrasped each other, fidgeting.
Finally, he moved his left to his side and his right moved right back to his hair again. "Yeah... I was just... Sir. I was just wondering, Sir, what it was like to be in the military... You see, I noticed the badge....and well, I thought I'd ask sir... I was curious, have been for a while." That didn't seem adequate, Zack quickly turned, "Never mind, Sir, don't worry about it. Sorry to bother you... Shouldn't be bothering patrolmen on their walks..." The last was almost under his breath, mentally berating himself for accosting an armed guard while he was on duty.
The teen turned and started to walk away, his head down, his hands back near his waist again. His blue eyes nervously flickered back and forth across the ground as he walked directly away from the soldier. |
|
|
|
Post by Leaf on Feb 14, 2011 17:53:33 GMT -5
The boy stuttered a bit, fidgeting uncomfortably as he spoke about his interest in the army. He must have been too nervous or something because he quickly excused himself and started walking away. "It's fine." Arcus said, signaling that it was okay for him to speak to him. He didn't know what to say, though. It was rare that he ever conducted a conversation. How should he start? The boy asked about the military. Perhaps he should just tell him about his daily life. "It's not an extraordinary life. No wars, no rebellions or riots. We just follow our superior's orders and stick to our duty." That's right. Duty! Arcus remembered that he was still on patrol, but then again, what difference would it make having him on different ends of the street? Even though he was on duty, he should be fine as long as he was in the streets rather than a tavern. Arcus shook his head slightly and focused his attention on the boy again.
[/size] |
|
Shadow
New Member
"Once we have the words to say, there's no one left to tell..."
Posts: 13
|
Post by Shadow on Feb 15, 2011 22:20:05 GMT -5
The boy turned and took a few steps toward the older teen. His blue eyes narrowed as he glared at the man. He doubted the man could even use the weapon he was carrying. Hmph... Arcus was nothing more than a walking talking mannequin, moving where people put him and looking pretty for those who saw him.
"Duty? Orders? You may as well be a puppet on strings. You are no soldier! I bet you can't even fight. I bet I could beat you." Zack widened his stance, holding his fists up. He had no weapon, bare feet, and light clothing, none really good for fighting against a man with armor and a glaive and sword. He would show this guy what being a soldier meant, though. He would be strong. This man crushed his dreams of what being a soldier could be like. He would not lose. |
|
|
|
Post by Leaf on Feb 16, 2011 11:07:25 GMT -5
The boy's disposition seemed to take a turn. His eyes were lit with fury and arrows of words shot out of his mouth, stinging Arcus's pride. The soldier couldn't help but feel a heat of anger wafting up from inside him, but he bit his lip and spoke calmly, "Sir, this is not a fairytale. Orders are what we must follow to put bread on the table for our families." This boy was such a fool. Though he looked not much younger than Arcus himself, it seemed like his head was still full of a foolish child's imagination. Could a soldier not follow orders? Could a soldier not do what he must to fulfill their duty? The boy was too naive about the world and how it worked.
In this world, no one cared about courage or wit. If you had the dough, you had the power. Who were the ones leading the forces on the battlefields, striking down enemies ten at a time? The knights who all came from wealthy, prestigious families. They were the ones who received the special training from the most well-known masters in the world. That was why they sat in the King's court, comfortable and fat with pride. As for the soldiers, the pitifully insignificant figures like Arcus, they were forced to do the most labor; to walk miles on a campaign only to let the man on the horse do the slaying, patrolling the streets not able to do anything about the crimes around them, throw themselves into the midst of a battle only to be ignored when they fall at the hands of an enemy. Disposable. Overshadowed. Being a soldier did not equate to glory. In fact, the only reason Arcus was in the army was because he had to help his family, not for the thrill or for fame. The worst thing was that no one understood.
Arcus tightened his grip on the glaive. "I suggest that you turn and leave now, sir." he whispered. "I am a soldier, after all, no matter how worthless I seem." Yes, he did not wear his badge for nothing, and he was going to prove it.
[/size] |
|
Shadow
New Member
"Once we have the words to say, there's no one left to tell..."
Posts: 13
|
Post by Shadow on Feb 16, 2011 14:48:32 GMT -5
The boy spat at the ground. His next words were just as venomous, "I'm not leaving. You think you are so tough? I could beat you with just my fists. We'll see who is living the fairytale." He held his fists up higher to enforce his words.
The glaive looked dangerous, he had to admit that he was out-gunned, and he could tell just from looking at Arcus that he was stronger than the younger teen...but that didn't matter. He was the one in the right. Soldiers were meant to fight for what they believed in. He would win because of that.
He waited for the soldier to take the first move, he wasn't too eager to run straight into that blade. |
|
|
|
Post by Leaf on Feb 16, 2011 16:48:21 GMT -5
The dark haired boy was really such a fool, deluded by his own fantasies. "Reality is harsh. We're all just trying to survive here! I have a family to feed! Do you think I like doing this?" Arcus snarled, spreading his legs and digging his feet into the ground. He tighened his grip on the polearm. No. No! He couldn't cause a commotion in the middle of the street. That would look bad for the kingdom. He might be fired, or even worse, executed. Sure, the higher-ups could probably slay a couple people here and there and get away with it, but as a lowly soldier, it was vital that he did his job. Yes, he had to keep his cool.
As Arcus's sense of duty started creeping up, another more brutal side announced its presence. If he backed away now, he would look like a coward! The boy was so despicable, anyways. Why couldn't he just take the teen down and arrest him? Arcus could just take one large slice with his glaive and silence the boy. After all, who was he to tell him about the duty of a soldier? Slay him. Don't slay him. He's insulting you! He's just a kid. Not much younger than you. He's innocent! I have a duty to fulfill! Then you shouldn't kill him! I'm not a coward! You never agreed to fight. It would seem like I'm running away. You're a gentleman! I'm a soldier! The fight for dominance raged inside Arcus's head, pounding at his conscience. He shook his head furiously, then took his fighting stance properly. Teach the dark-haired boy a lesson, but don't kill him. That was what he was going to do.
"I'll give you one more chance to apologize and leave." Arcus hissed through his teeth. He was confident in his ability to fight. Being a soldier was tough and he was in no way putting on airs. He had been provoked, and he was going to push back.
|
|
|
|
Post by Kuri on Mar 20, 2011 18:41:40 GMT -5
The two young males had been listening to the commotion in the slum-esque streets of Obscur for a while now, but where waiting for the sky to blacken until the finally made their move. Although Zane was against needless conflict himself, there was a part of him, buried deep down inside, that just loved to fight. But Blade, being the complete polar opposite of his rational, level-headed best friend, adored combat. He liked to fight so much, that he would often make a scene out of nothing, just to get a bit of a bout going. But Blade had always considered fighting with Zane at his side, as one of the best things in the world. It meant that he could engage in bigger fights, and not worry so much about what was going on around him, as he knew that his human friend would be there to get his back. It also made Zane feel slightly more comfortable knowing that his brute of a friend would be watching his.
The pair slowly stalked their way through the darkening streets, towards the two other males that they had been watching closely for some time now. The strange scent of shapeshifter and dragon was coming from the one, but Blade couldn't tell which the younger of the two was, as the scents were heavily mixed together, even when he shifted into his favourite form, that of a large black wolf, with eyes as dark as night and claws so sharp that they could slice through the scales of a dragon. Zane had also already deduced that the other, was some form of military, or ex-military man, by the way that he held his body so proudly, and clutched the long pole-arm weapon with air of confidence. Both males knew that this fight would be one that they wouldn't win easily, and although Zane wanted to help the smaller of the males in front of them knew that even if he let his guard down for a second around the smaller male, that he may lose his life. Being quite adept in combat themselves, the two emerged from the shadows to the east of the other males, with Blade growling loudly; his lips pulled back in a threatening snarl, baring the white teeth that lined his powerful jaws. Zane slowly drew the glinting Katana from his back and held it firmly in his right hand, spreading his feet slightly apart as he watched the bigger of the males.
”I do not now why you would turn your weapon on a seemingly unarmed citizen, Soldier, but even if you had a valid reason for doing so. Neither me, nor my companion here will let the chance to fight one of the Kings finest to slip through our fingers.“ Zane grinned as he pointed the tip of his sharp Katana towards the bigger male, who was slightly bulkier than Zane, but just as tall. Zane guessed that he had the speed advantage if he was allowed to fight the solder uninterrupted.
”What are you, boy?“ Blade spat at the smaller male, growling at him as he did. Blade just loved to fight Dragons, and this... this being smelled almost exactly like one, but it also smelled a lot like him. He hated not knowing what the creature was, but what he hated more was how it was imposing as human, dragon and shapeshifter, all at the same time.
|
|
Shadow
New Member
"Once we have the words to say, there's no one left to tell..."
Posts: 13
|
Post by Shadow on Mar 20, 2011 19:43:53 GMT -5
His blue eyes darted away from the soldier and to the shadows the two strangers had emerged from. The blue orbs widened and he took a step back, his mind severing thoughts of the soldier completely, his eyes only for the shadowbeast that stood nearly within striking distance. Scent confirmed immediately what he was looking at, as if he needed that to determine what the wolf was. Bigger than a normal wolf, twice as ferocious, and infinitely more deadly. Shapeshifter. Like himself.
He clutched at the power he held loosely in his mind, absently caressing the ring on his finger. The beast's growl did nothing for his nerves either. His eyes barely even shifted as the man accompanying the wolf spoke. He knew the danger, and he wasn't about to cast his defenses aside to listen to some man with a katana. The man was nothing in the shadow of his companion, teeth gleaming even in the dark of the night and the shadows of the buildings around.
Another step back...
Zack showed his own teeth, past concealing his animal nature. Between the fear, the danger in the wolf's voice and stance, and the abruptness of the situation he was thrust into, his own rage manifested and he rebelled, much like the cornered animal he was. "I could ask you the same." Zack spat back, strength in his voice even though it wasn't completely shown in his movements and scent.
He couldn't fight this. There was nothing that suggested weakness in the wolf's scent. Nothing. The wolf already knew he had won, he was just waiting to claim the spoils. Not just a man... Not just a wolf... Not just a threat. A very real and very imminent danger. His own scent made him slightly drowsy, vision coming in and out of focus with his breath. He could scent the dragon on him getting stronger, he could feel the change coming but he fought it for now. Not yet, this wasn't a fight. He didn't have to fight.
And while that pacified the dragon for now, he knew better. There would be a fight or the wolf would MAKE there be a fight. It was that agitation at the back of his mind that had first brought on his anger. |
|
|
|
Post by Leaf on Mar 20, 2011 20:53:06 GMT -5
Just before Arcus could take a swipe with his weapon, two figures stepped out of the shadows. One appeared to be a man, with a katana in his hands. His appearance was humane and his motive seemed just, but his companion was a completely different story. He was a beast, a wolf that was the size of a horse and emitted an aura of sheer strength and feral wildness. Its eyes danced with a sadistic flame and it seemed to treat the situation like a game. The soldier thrust his large weapon into a defensive position and spoke guardedly, "I'm flattered; to be called the King's finest indeed. However, you would need to seek elsewhere to find a better warrior." How ironic... Arcus had never even seen the king and it was much more than an exaggeration to be called his "finest". "As for why I am imposing myself on this youngster, if it would not change your mind either way, then I have no intention of explaining myself."
The dark wolfish creature growled a question to the boy, who had stepped backward out of fear. The boy's response seemed tough, but from what it seemed to Arcus it was clear that he couldn't maintain his consciousness any longer. Of course, if the boy was timid, then such a ominous threat would be quite nerve-racking. What surprised Arcus, though, was that through the dialogue of the beast and the boy, there was implications that the boy was not human. The man with the katana did not seem normal either. After all, he was companions and possibly friends with the enormous black wolf, which suggested that he was not normal in his blood either. Well, at least not human. Fear struck its place inside Arcus' heart, but he held his ground. After all, the army's reputation would fall if he could not stand against two trouble makers.
"Look here, sir. I would suggest that you restrain your friend, lest he harm the boy." Arcus spoke firmly to the man with the katana. Though the dark haired boy had been insolent beforehand, he was still a citizen and as a soldier, Arcus could not leave him to the jurisdiction of these two thugs. "Just keep the peace and we can go on our own ways. Why create such a racket?" As Arcus spoke, he felt more awkward because he knew that he had been feeding into a ruckus with the boy just a few minutes ago. It was immature and unseemly of himself, but right now, he needed to keep these two, especially the wolf, from causing harm to innocent civilians.
[/size] |
|
|
|
Post by Kuri on Mar 20, 2011 21:49:06 GMT -5
The dark wolf merely chuckled as he watched the frightened reaction of the boy in front of him. He started to knead his claws into the ground while the rage in the males eyes grew ever more evident the longer that he seemingly looked at Blade. Blade's keen nose could easily pick up the change in scent that was coming from the boy, and his eyes lit up brightly when finally he understood what exactly the boy was. ” It should be obvious what I am dragon“. The large black lips of the creature curled up into what seemed like a wolf-like snicker. He extended his large paw forward, slowly, and more cautiously taking a step closer towards the boy, his new prey. He knew it was dangerous when a Dragon became enraged, he had seen it many times before, often because of his own jousting at the large and terrifying beasts. But as much as Blade's body protested and screamed against him, he felt no fear to any creature, especially not a Dragon. He loved the thrill of fighting against something that could very well crush him with ease if it managed to catch him. Fighting against stronger opponents, was Blade's high.
The other male, Zane, slowly rounded so that he stood in front of the guard now, his Katana still held high in the air, ready to slash. He tightened his hold around the hilt as he clasped it now with two hands. ”Peace? You dare speak about peace when you, yourself. An honourable guard, would have struck at the boy had me and my friend not intervened? You dare tell my friend my friend to stop, when you could not bring yourself to, Protector of the innocent?“ Zane's eyes narrowed as he stood, blocking the boy from the guards view now, not fearing that his back was to the other male. He knew that Blade was stood somewhere to the side of him, and would pounce the second the boy did.
”For someone who is meant to be the server of justice. The keeper of peace within this god forsaken town, you truly are arrogant, aren't you, Mr. Guard.“ Zane was trying to provoke the larger male now, hoping that for just a split second, the guard would let loose his anger once more, and give Zane, the lighter, faster of the two, the chance to strike. He wanted the guard to make the first attack, not only so he could make it look like self defence, but so he could use the guards on strength and size against him, something his master had always taught him back home.
”Maybe I should snap your puny little human neck, Guard. You're a fucking disgrace, attacking a Dragon while it's defenceless like this. At least I will only attack when it has changed.“ Blade's dark eyes were glaring at the guard for a brief few seconds, before he turned his dark snout back to the dragon/shapeshifter in front of him, growling and snarling again. The black fur on Blades back slowly began to bush up, making him appear to be much bigger than he already was. ”Come on. dragon, don't keep me waiting. Or are you so much of a disgrace to your own race, that you'd rather flee from the batlle?“
|
|
Shadow
New Member
"Once we have the words to say, there's no one left to tell..."
Posts: 13
|
Post by Shadow on Mar 20, 2011 22:25:04 GMT -5
He was enjoying it...
He didn't care that Zack was a dragon, he didn't care how powerful or large or strong Zack's other form was, he was just in it for the thrill of the fight. Insane... Once more Zack questioned whether he should fight or run. Could he fight such a powerful fighting machine? Compared to the wolf, Zack's own confidence was blatantly lacking.
He felt numb as he watched the black wolf address the soldier. A threat...and an indirect joust at intimidating Zack himself. He couldn't allow this wolf to think he was weak. It was the same rule with almost any predator. They scented your fear and they grew stronger from it. He would not be scared. He blinked, holding his eyes closed a moment before opening them again, the dark blue shades of the surrounding night shifting for a moment before settling into a slightly heightened human vision.
The dragon vied for control. It wanted out. The black wolf's growl drew a growl from the boy himself, the taunt after, the suggestion he was a disgrace to his race if he didn't shift, nearly lured him right into a fight with the large wolf. He held himself at the last moment though, his hand shaking slightly as he pulled his left from his right. The ring gave him comfort, but holding it made the dragon come far too close to the surface.
"Are you so much of a coward that you make up excuses and rules to not have to fight?" Zack knew it was a mistake to taunt the wolf, a terrible mistake..and he'd pay for it, but he was tired of the beast's attitude and arrogant scent running rampant with no regard for who he was dealing with. The boy got into a fighting stance again, his hands level with his waist, ready to dodge the wolf when needed...which he still doubted he could do. "You aren't worth the shift." |
|
|
|
Post by Leaf on Mar 21, 2011 19:33:35 GMT -5
By this point, Arcus was just confused and bewildered by the situation around him. The peaceful night that he had anticipated was definitely unraveling to become something much more eccentric. The tone of voice that the other man had taken was definitely aimed at Arcus with a malevolent intent. "Call me what you'd like, sir, but believe me my act was not done without provocation." He knew very well that these words would not change the situation in any way possible. However, what the wolf muttered next was far more shocking. A dragon? The timid-looking boy was a dragon? Arcus felt a bead of cold sweat run down his back. What was this situation that he had gotten himself into? It was certain that he would not stand for a minute against this monster of a canine that swaggered before him, glaring daggers through his wild eyes.
"If he truly is a dragon, I would think that he would not be helpless even in such a form." Arcus stated, attempting to appear calm. However, he could not keep a small quiver from creeping into his voice. Why couldn't people just leave him alone today? First a boy insulting his job, and now two creatures, one humane and one seemingly a delusional beast, were here to whip up a brawl. If he really started and participated in this fight, his superiors would definitely kill him if he even made it out alive first. And even if the boy was a dragon, could he really hold it out against two such malicious figures? "Please, sirs. Just let him go." Arcus spoke with a voice mixed with fear, annoyance, and a touch of anger.
The fight was not going to be resolved by such simple means, though. Grasping onto his glaive tighter, Arcus spread his legs and dug his heels into the ground, trying to muster up enough courage to stare at the beast with a firm, glowering gaze. Gulping down saliva, the soldier could feel his head start to spin from the pressure. He hadn't even gotten the chance to say goodbye to his family… It was horrid, but as a soldier, he had to be ready to die at any cost. To die… he never anticipated his doom to be this night. But he was on duty, and the orders laid upon him still held their place firmly, keeping the anxious man rooted to the spot, clutching his weapon with a pained grimace. Perhaps it would be quick. After all, no one would care except for his family. He was after all, just a small, insignificant soldier, cut out to die for his country. A soldier dying in a street riot wasn't uncommon either; no one would miss him. His family, even, would grieve for a few weeks, maybe a few months, then move on. They'd try hard, really hard to scrape for a living, but they would be okay… hopefully. Why though? Why was Arcus just sentenced to die on this very cursed night? To die in the hands of creatures that would never see humans as a worthy opponent. To be treated as nothing more than… nothing.
"This really can just end peacefully." The guard croaked hoarsely. His voice was dry and emotionless, as was his face. There was no hope, no redemption.
This was the end.
[/size] |
|
