Resurgence

[WeeklyAaron]

As I made my way back toward the clearing, I thought about the situation unfolding in front of me. I still wasn't sure about Zaulche's standing on things, given the way we'd parted ways... But, for the time being, I made the concious decision to trust him as I did before; there seemed to be something else going on, and I couldn't picture Zaulche - conservative, even-manered Zaulche - being involved. I had a bad feeling about things, and I needed a friend.

A friend? The thought surprised me. I really only needed an ally of sorts, someone to help keep me out of trouble as I tried to gather information, so why did the F-word pop into my head? I mean, I'm talking about Zaulche here. And while my wondering mind may be quick to call him friend, my hip, the victim of a sharp smack of his unusual feeling quaterstaff, was not...

I reached the clearing, and quickly spotted Zaulche. Relieved at the rather uneventful trip back, I tried to put on a happy expression at what I thought was a large enough distance that we wouldn't have noticed my concerned countenance. However, he must have been able to see a little farther than I thought.

“I was about to offer my grove to you as shelter from the storm since it will continue for some time, but your vexation worries me." A grove, huh? Sounded relaxing. Happy expression now fortified with the thought of lounging in some peace, I cheerfully responded. "No need to worry, Zaulche. I didn't find anything terrible. Only...peculiar. Walk with me."

As cold rain drops continued to pour on the now-extinguished forest, I led Zaulche toward the area where I'd seen the figure first, by the burned clearing. As we walked, I explained what I'd seen, first describing the straight line of burned grasses, and then the figure I'd lost in the forest. We stopped at the scene of the fire line, and I figured he might be able to come up with something better if he examined it in person. I just hoped he did it quickly. I was shivering despite my efforts not to.

As he bent down to examine the ground, I commented, "I don't suppose you had anything to do with this abnormally cold rain, right? I don't want to have another thing to scold you about." I meant the statement as lghthearted, attempting to save my mood in spite of the freezing water, but as soon as I said it, I was afraid he would take it offensively, or that maybe it was a little too close to home. We still weren't exactly on solid terms, since we still hadn't addressed the issues between us.

[MonthlyJohn]

"No need to worry, Zaulche. I didn't find anything terrible. Only...peculiar. Walk with me."

As I walked through the rain with Air he explained what he saw, shivering every once in a while as we reached the destination of the fire line. I kneeled down to examine the area, attempting to work as fast as possible since I guessed Air was likely cold.

"I don't suppose you had anything to do with this abnormally cold rain, right? I don't want to have another thing to scold you about."

I grinned at this as I looked back at him. At least now I knew he was cold, all the more reason to hurry. After he said it his expression changed for a split second, perhaps something of regret, maybe he was trying not to offend me. Then his expression changed back to that goofy grin I remembered all too well. That was the thing with Air, he was really good at hiding his thoughts and emotions from people, but even the best poker face can slip up once in a while.

I took my attention back towards the remains of the line of fire, now just some scorched earth, the fire put out form the rain. I replied, “Scold me if you must, but it was the only way to ensure that the fire did not engulf the forest. Unfortunately, it also means I might not be able to determine the cause either.”

As I examined more closely something caught my attention. There was indeed grass that had been burned by naturally occurring fire, which meant that the source was not magical, but there was also grass in the area that had been burned, but without traditional burn marks, almost like they had been incinerated. The kind of heat required to do this would not be capable by a fire small enough to make such a line. And then there was the pattern. The fire was straight, it did not wave or falter with the direction the wind had been blowing, which meant it had been a very concentrated and direct heat source. I was not sure of any beasts in the area capable of such a feat, normally something that is reserved for dragons, salamanders, or even nightmares. I looked to the side into the forest, but the rain had put enough of the fire out that all I was able to tell was that vegetation had been burned, but the mushy mixture of ash and rain prevented me from discerning the nature of the source any better. I would have to come back alter, after everything had dried.

I stood up and approached Air again. I said, “This is peculiar indeed. The spot you were in earlier is on the way to my grove, so if I may stop there to rest for a few moments first I would appreciate it. It should be far enough into the forest to protect form the rain. After I rest I can lead the way to my grove if you are still interested.”

I waited for Air to respond, to consider the proposition. I wondered if he was as anxious about us meeting again as I was, but I knew that his arrival was no coincidence. I laughed to myself as I thought about this. It seems large explosions seem to follow him around wherever he goes. At any rate, I had an idea for how I might be able to put my worries to rest, and hopefully his as well about our momentary and shaky alliance as of the moment. At the very least, I could explain everything I concluded about the line of fire while we walked, regardless of where we went.

[WeeklyAaron]

Luckily, it didn't seem as though he was offended, as he shot a rather large grin back at me. It felt good to see him smile, and I realized just how much I had missed my old friend. For all our differences, there was just a good vibe there, for whatever reason...

After he had examined the ground for a short period of time (Though seconds were lasting minutes in the miserable rain), he spoke of the situation.

“This is peculiar indeed. The spot you were in earlier is on the way to my grove, so if I may stop there to rest for a few moments first I would appreciate it. It should be far enough into the forest to protect form the rain. After I rest I can lead the way to my grove if you are still interested.” His tone was even, if a little loud to be heard over the storm. I briefly considered that it was a trap, but recalling my decision to trust him for now, I pushed the concern from my mind. If something happened, I'd just have to rely on my wits to dodge trouble.

I shouted back, "Sounds good," with a vigorous nod. I was utterly soaked, and was already starting to feel sick. I'd need to rest, as well, and get some hot food in me soon.

[MonthlyJohn]

"Sounds good," Air replied with a nod that told me he did not particularly care where we went, as long as it was not here. We walked towards my grove and I explained what I thought about the line of fire, as far as it not being magical, or entirely natural in nature, as well as my intention to re-examine it at a later date.

A few moments later we arrived at the spot where I had originally met Air what seemed like some time ago, even though in reality it had hardly been an hour or two at best. Sudden changes in weather can mess with someone’s internal time clock, as it had mine, despite the fact that I was responsible for some of it.

I stopped chatting with Air for a moment to examine the tree he had carved. I had told Li’len that I would look into the matter, so I pressed my hand against the tree and prepared to initiate a light healing/wood mending spell to restore the tree. There would likely be scars left in the bark form the carvings, but the tree itself would be healed without any adverse effects.

Before I started I look towards Air and half asked-half stated, “I hope you do not mind.” It was my intention to heal the tree regardless of what he said, but I wanted him to know it was not out of harbored feelings against him. There was a light blue glow between the tree and myself as I went through the process, with some splintering and crackling sounds as the tree reverted to something closer to its former self.

I then took a seat on a log to regain my composure. I had been moving almost nonstop after the weather manipulation and needed to catch my breathe for a few moments. I then began talking to Air again.

“I will need a few moments to rest, then I can take you to my grove, where I can get you some food and warmth, no doubt something you need after being here for so long.” I paused and then added, “In the meantime, perhaps you can enlighten me as to what brought you to my neck of the woods in the first place.”

[WeeklyAaron]

When we returned to my home of sorts, where I'd carved my kick-awesome crazy face, I sat down upon a stump to rest a bit. Our conversation hap lapsed for the time being, so I took the moment to relax. I wasn't drained, but I was definitely feeling the effects of being so active. I kicked off my footwear to rub my feet a bit.

“I hope you do not mind.” I looked up to see Zaulche looking at me, presing his palm to my carving. I wasn't quite sure what he meant, but it didn't exactly sound like he was asking... I gave him an unconcerned expression, and a light blue glow began to appear around him. Small sounds escaped frm the bark, as it began to shift itself back toward its original state. The colors faded back to the browns of the bark, and aside from a couple odd knolls, the tree was normal again.

Zaulche moved from the tree and took a seat on a nearby log. He, too, seemed a bit tired. “I will need a few moments to rest, then I can take you to my grove, where I can get you some food and warmth, no doubt something you need after being here for so long.” I nodded in understanding, and after a pause, he added, “In the meantime, perhaps you can enlighten me as to what brought you to my neck of the woods in the first place.”

"Well, to be honest, I'm not too sure myself..." I explained about the boredom, the recurring dream, and how the only clear detail was this forest. "Well, that was the only clear part. I fell asleep on the grass over there right before I ran into you. Same dream, but this time, I saw a face. It was blurry, and it kept coming in and out of focus with a tree. That tree," I announced pointing out the blackened tree Zaulche had come out from behind.

"Something about the dream made me go look at that tree, Zaulche." I trailed off, not really sure what else to say, and I was unable to read Zaulche's expression. "So what do you think?"

[MonthlyJohn]

Air explained about his dream, boredom, the forest, and some specific trees in them. The forest imagery seemed to be important, since it was the only thing he could remember. Then again, I was no dream expert, so I really had no idea.

"So what do you think?"

I thought about everything he had said, looking at the tree that had been carved until recently, as well as the tree that he mentioned me coming out form behind. I then turned back to him and decided honest was the best choice.

"Well, to be honest I am not sure of the meaning of your dreams, though they seem like the types of visions someone has when they are being contacted by a deity, or have run across the influence of a greater power in the very least. Whatever the reason, there is little doubt in my mind that you and I have met again by more than mere chance, though I could not understand why." I paused for a moment to make sure he received everything I said before continuing.

"At any rate, I am sure that the time we have recently spent together has been somewhat tense due to my outburst the last time we were together, something I am not particularly proud of." I spoke this from the heart. The time I had spent with the Monks had taught me to better control my emotions, and in doing so I had ample time to reflect upon my past actions. Though I do not feel my rage was entirely unjust, it was certainly not the best way to go about the situation.

"While I admit to not going about things the best way on our last departure, there are still a few things that linger in my mind. No doubt you also have many questions for me, and I would be happy to find a way to reconcile our differences." While it is true that I probably did irreversible damage to whatever relationship Air and I enjoyed during our last outing, at the very least I hoped to settle any bad blood between us, perhaps even start anew, if it was the will of the Gods that we must continue to work together.

I then ruffled around my cloak for a moment, the folds were a little harder to handle while wet, and pulled an emerald from my pocket. It was decent sized, about the width and length of the palm of a hand. It was something I had found in a cavern in one expedition, and for whatever reason I found it was further in tune with my spirit, allowing me to channel energy through it better than anything else I have found since. It is something I would need for the healing spell I had in mind. Unlike vegetation, flesh is more susceptible to harmful energy, so it requires me to channel more specifically to heal a person than a plant. After examining my emerald I looked at Air again with a very serious look and tone.

"In fact, I have an idea that would put a lot of the doubt in my mind to rest, if you would consider humoring me." My idea was to try a healing spell on him. Healing spells channel positive energy to restore order and balance in whatever is being healed. However some unnatural creatures, like vampires, are undead. Due to their predicament they have an inverse relationship to energies. Positive energy harms them, while negative energy heals them. If I attempt to heal Air with the most powerful healing spell I have then whether or not he feels more invigorated, slightly better to nothing at all, or gets hurt will give me irrefutable proof as to whether he is completely human, partially human, or not human at all. In the very least, as long as he is not harmed I would be able to put my fears of unnatural presence to rest and move forward with whatever plan the heavens have for us.

[WeeklyAaron]

"Well, to be honest I am not sure of the meaning of your dreams, though they seem like the types of visions someone has when they are being contacted by a deity, or have run across the influence of a greater power in the very least." Zaulche was certain, however, that whatever the reason, it did not seem like a coincidence that we had met each other.

He continued on, acknowledging that he felt a little unproud of his attack on me, and that he was open to any questions I might have. I reflected for a moment, deciding on only a single question; he began to speak again, before I asked.

"In fact, I have an idea that would put a lot of the doubt in my mind to rest, if you would consider humoring me."

For whatever reason, be it idiocy or blind faith that a friendship could be reclaimed through these events, I felt totally trusting in Zaulche. I nodded in consent, and closed my eyes. I had no idea what he wanted me to humor him about, but I figured relaxing would help. I heard Zaulche get off of his log and walk over toward me. I decided to ask my question as he worked.

"What happened after I left? I heard rumors, and even got into a little trouble with some people who thought I'd killed you..." As I asked, my one question quickly became two questions. "In fact, why did you go off on me like that, but you're calm around me now?"

On a roll, I ran easily into a third question. Opening my eyes, my voice starting to fill with passion, I continued with, "Why wouldn't you listen to me? I wasn't ever a vampire! My body was just under the control of one for a while! But it wasn't me! I didn't have my memories, and as I regained them, I fought my damnedest to oust him from my body!" I realized I was rambling and getting loud, and stopped talking abruptly. I was standing in front of Zaulche, full of energy. Oddly full of energy, I thought, remembering being fatigued only a moment ago...

Making myself sit down, and talk in a regular voice, I spoke to Zaulche again. "Sorry, Zaulche... I guess I got a little passionate there... I don't know what came over me, but I feel all...different... I feel powerful and rested." An obvious thought crashed upon me, and I remembered why I had my eyes closed a moment ago.

"Does my 'humoring' you have anything to do with..." Pausing for a moment, I simply concluded with a gesture of my body, bursting with energy.

[MonthlyJohn]

As I got up and started walking over to Air he began to ask me a question, apparently making good on my claim to tell him anything he wanted to know.

"What happened after I left? I heard rumors, and even got into a little trouble with some people who thought I'd killed you...In fact, why did you go off on me like that, but you're calm around me now?"

I heard his questions but pushed them in the back of my mind. Concentrating now on the incantation I would have to wait a few moments to answer his questions. As the incantation grew near completion our auras began to flux as I used what spiritual essence I could muster to attempt to heal him. I could feel his tensing muscles, shot nerves, sore bones, all the things that I now tried to soothe, to calm, to revitalize. It seemed to work, because in the matter of moments he did not wait for an answer and instead decided to continue communicating.

"Why wouldn't you listen to me? I wasn't ever a vampire! My body was just under the control of one for a while! But it wasn't me! I didn't have my memories, and as I regained them, I fought my damnedest to oust him from my body!"

As the incantation finished and ceased Air got up and was bursting with energy as he bombarded me with questions and exclamations. Seemingly realizing what he was doing again Air regained his composure and continued talking to me.

"Sorry, Zaulche... I guess I got a little passionate there... I don't know what came over me, but I feel all...different... I feel powerful and rested. Does my 'humoring' you have anything to do with..."

He trailed off as he concluded his statement with thoughts. I felt a wave of relief wash over me. Although I now had an energetic hyper person to deal with, it was better than an undead person. Getting up again and went back to where I had been sitting previously and attempted to answer his questions as best as I could. Though I was likely noticeably fatigued I tried my best to keep composed as I put the emerald back into my cloak and starting talking again.

"No need to worry, and yes, by humoring me I was able to attempt a healing spell on you. My goal was to see if it healed you or harmed you, which would confirm if you were human or undead. Though I must admit, I did not expect it to have such a profound effect."

I had figured if he was human it would heal him, but this kind of revitalization was almost unheard of. There was something special about Air, though I had no idea what it was. The essence about him was similar to a Sorcerer I had met a time ago...Regardless, that would have to wait for now. I went back to focusing on the questions Air had asked me.

"As far as why I did not listen to you, I did not understand. There has been a lot of betrayal in my life, as I am sure there is in many people’s lives, and my crusade against the unnatural was one of the few things that were stable. When I told that you had vampire blood I felt that betrayal again, because I had trusted someone with whom I was now an enemy. You mentioned hunting vampires when we first met, but you never mentioned any particular encounters, or that you were physically coexistent with one either. As far as how you came to exist as you are, I hope you can understand that waiting until I was unstable to try to explain your situation was bad timing. Anyone who is upset has a hard time listening to someone explain away such a chance occurrence. Believe me, I did not feel happy about our eventual clash, but I do not think I acted unjustly given the information and life experiences I had at the time.

As far as after you left, I am not sure exactly what happened. I was floating in a state between life and death for some time before I was revitalize, though at a price that was too much for me to handle. My memories of our previous encounter were strained, but the emotion was still present and in even greater conflict. However, when I was reborn I was found myself to be in a particular...predicament, something that might be similar to what you went thru, though I would not know for sure. In any case, I spent some time with some Monks that were close to the Sages and it was with their guidance that I learned to better understand and control my emotions. I gained a better understand of myself and others, which is why I was able to be in your presence once more without lashing out. I wanted to hear what you had to say because I had not given you the benefit of the doubt before."

I paused for a moment to make sure he understood everything and believed what I said before asking him a question.

“So, now that I am here with an open mind, perhaps you would care to explain exactly how you came to be with a vampire anyway. I have never known a case where someone inflicted with the curse of a vampire is able to break free, which is probably why I had a hard time accepting that answer before. However, given more current events, perhaps it is not so unbelievable, and there might even be something I can learn form such an encounter, as well as what you have been doing since we last met."

[WeeklyAaron]

There hung a momentary silence, as Zaulche climbed back to his log. He seemed to have a slightly difficult time with it, as though he was suddenly more tired than he had been before. He slid something small into his pocket in a manner that suggested some import. Looking up into my eyes, he spoke at a volumn slightly lower than normal, like a person straining to stay awake.

"No need to worry, and yes, by humoring me I was able to attempt a healing spell on you. My goal was to see if it healed you or harmed you, which would confirm if you were human or undead. Though I must admit, I did not expect it to have such a profound effect."

I had some idea of what he meant, having learned a bit of healing energies in my travels. There was a time when, having rescued a traveler in distress, a repayment was attempted in the way of healing my wounds. She, too, had mentioned that I reacted oddly to the spell. It invigorated me with additional energy, rather than returning me to my regular levels. I had a theory as to why this was, but there was a flaw in it. As I reflected on this, Zaulche continued to speak.

He dove headfirst into my big question, and his explanation made sense. He was a druid, afterall, and my situation definitely looked bad given the information he had. I understood, and silently forgave him. Misunderstandings happen, and for some reason or another, I enjoyed having Zaulche around. There was friendship here, accidentally or otherwise. It just felt like we were almost destined to be comrades in battle. Still, his story had a major spike in it that didn't make any sense at all. I wanted to address everything at once, however, so I let him continue to speak.

“So, now that I am here with an open mind, perhaps you would care to explain exactly how you came to be with a vampire anyway. I have never known a case where someone inflicted with the curse of a vampire is able to break free, which is probably why I had a hard time accepting that answer before. However, given more current events, perhaps it is not so unbelievable, and there might even be something I can learn form such an encounter, as well as what you have been doing since we last met."

The question was fair, but it still gave me reason to pause. It wasn't a story I had ever really related to anyone, other than bits and pieces as they came out. I'd never been asked point blank before. I sat in silence for a few moments, reflecting on everything that had been said. Zaulche sat there quietly, patiently. It seemed as if he understood that I was arranging thoughts, and it put me at ease.

Finally, I spoke. "There's a lot to tell, Zaulche." I faltered for a moment, unsure of where to start. I had questions as well as answers, and they were all fighting to come out first. I decided to just start with answering his question, and that I would work in my own as I spoke.

"There was a time, Zaulche, when I was just a regular guy. Well, not regular, but completely human, I mean. I was a Master Vampire hunter, and my name was...well, it's unimportant. Suffice to say it was not Air, and that it is no longer my name. Back in those days, we were fighting against a united vampire front. Today they are scattered, thanks to our efforts, but then, they were ruled by one, the Vampire King Ka' Tar. After years of hard war, we devised a plan to kill the king. It was our hope that if removed the head, the body would crumble."

"In the midst of our plan's execution, however, a traitor was revealed to be in our numbers. He sold us out to become a vampire himself, and live immortal. I was captured, and the King sought to turn me into a vampire, 'A fitting punishment,' he said, 'for one such as yourself.' Luckily for me, my followers came to my rescue. In the moment he bit down, the moment he started to bite, my brother lept from the darkness to slay him. Unable to move quickly, sealed to my neck as he was, he called upon a greater curse than we'd ever known to exist. He used the connection to transfer himself into my body, and then he used it..."

I stopped talking for a moment, lost in my memories. Images of my hands killing everyone that I loved, all of my men....my brother...witnessing it happen from my own eyes, and not knowing how to stop it...

"He used it to kill everyone."

I could hear my brother's voice echoing in my head. As my hands gripped his throat, his strangled words hit my ears; "I love you, brother." I was powerless to stop my own hands... I could never rid myself of those images... And yet, as terrible as they were, I never wanted to let go of them. Never again would I lose my memories, lose the faces and names of my loved ones."

"The next few years are hazy to me, the years when Ka' Tar had complete reign over my body. One day, however, I saw a man he reminded me of my brother. It brought me out of my near-comatose state in my mind, and I was all at once enraged and hating Ka' Tar. I envisioned swinging my fist into his face, and at the same time, my body stumbled back. It was then that I realized it was possible to fight for control of my body. And eventually I did.

"When I regained control, it was moments before Ka' Tar mentally strangled me to death..." Realizing this didn't make much sense, I tried to explain the mental plane of existence on which we fought, and how it seemed entirely possible to die then, and it seemed Zaulche understood. Or at least decided to save his questions for later. "As I took my body back over, I passed out from the lack of oxygen. When I came to, it was to bolt suddenly upright, gasping for air. I had no memories, nothing, so I thought it was fitting to call myself Air, my first memory of speaking. I found Tempus, you remember her I'm sure, and began making a new life. I thought thayt I was a vampire at first, because of the way my body acted. I originally thought my powers over Time came from this vampiricism, but I was wrong." I saw an expression flash on Zaulche's face, and realized that I had never told him about my power... I decided to press on, rather than ellaborate.

"However, Ka' Tar had only been subdued, not defeated. I began to have terrible, prophetic dreams as he reawoke. I didn't know he was there, and accidentally helped free him from the confines of my mind, through his trickery. Back in a coporeal form, we fought once more. I killed him."

"It was not too long after this battle that I met you, Zaulche. I still retained a good portion of my unnatural abilities, physically, but wasn't harmed by sunlight, et cetera. Which leads me to a point about the healing; I'm not positive, but I think that healing spells invigorate me past my regular energy levels, because they start to restore my immense vampiric strengths, the latent ones that I still possess, but aren't able to actively utilize. I'm not certain, but it makes sense to me."

"Anyway, back to my story, the vampire we fougth at the Air Dragon temple, the one who convinced you I was a vampire... That man was the traitor from my first life, the one who led me to get captured in the first place. I tried to explain to you that he wasn't honest with you in his summation of my being a vampire, but..." I trailed off, not wanting to reaccuse him of anything after he had just explained his justification for those actions. Suddenly I recalled having another question for him, and quickly asked.

"That reminds me. In recounting the events of our fight, Zaulche, you said you were in a weird place, hovering between life and death... But you didn't explain why. What happened after our fight that did that to you?" Another unreadable emotion crossed Zaulche's face. I shifted my position from the stump to the grass, to get more comfortable. I was mostly dry now, and the rain had stopped pattering on the leaves overhead. I had a sense of anticipation, though I wasn't entirely certain why. I think it was just excitement of being able to recant my tale for once. I peered into Zaulche's eyes, trying to find some sort of signal, but it looked as though he had a million contrasting thoughts racing through. I leaned back easily against the stump, relaxing until Zaulche was ready to speak.

[MonthlyJohn]

I listened to everything Air had to say. It was a lot to take in and many questions came to mind, but I held each back, respectfully queuing them as I listened to what he had to say. In short however, it seemed like we were similar in many ways, both going through some difficult transformation of sorts and coping with a new life. When he neared his conclusion he trailed off, apparently not wanted to stir up emotions we had just laid to rest. He then seemed to catch himself mid thought and prepared to ask me something.

"That reminds me. In recounting the events of our fight, Zaulche, you said you were in a weird place, hovering between life and death... But you didn't explain why. What happened after our fight that did that to you?"

I was surprised for a minute. This was news to me. I tried to recall exactly what happened but it was all very dark, nothing I tried to recall was clear. After thinking a minute I responded, answering his question and taking the pause in his tale to ask some of my own questions for clarification.

"I am not exactly sure what happened to me. My memories of that experience are all very dark and unclear. I believe I was hanging onto life by a thin thread for quite a while until Sil’Hona healed me, both physically and spiritually, and repaired the connection between body and spirit. I had always assumed that you had enough with me and landed a good blow. Not with the intention of harming me of course, it could have been accidental. However, if you have no knowledge of what happened then I must have been injured by someone else who took our struggle as an opportune moment to strike... "

It did make sense. If the person who Air claimed was a traitor was trying to harm me, then causing a fight between people working together would give him a wonderful opportunity to plan an attack of his own. After letting my thoughts drift for a moment I came back to continue the discussion. Air had not said anything yet so I figured he was also pondering this new set of circumstances as I continued.

"At any rate, whatever happened knocked me out, almost for good. Unfortunately my rebirth was very intense revitalization, so I don’t have any scars left, or anything else that might have helped me identify what it was. All I can remember is a very sharp pain in my chest before feeling heavy and blacking out."

I brushed the thought aside for the moment. What had happened may never be known so there was no point in worrying about it now. Besides, I had some questions for Air that I wanted to ask before I forgot them.

"At any rate, it is something left to be discovered. After listening to some of the events you went through I have a few questions to help me clarify a few things. I’ll ask you all of them now at once and you can pick and choose what you want to answer from there, just in case any of them coincide. "

I waited a moment to make sure Air was ready to receive questions before continuing.

"The fact that you were fighting over your body with a vampire is not unbelievable, as I have witnessed powerful curses myself, as well as your struggles in the realm of consciousness. What surprises me is that when you were able to triumph over... Ka' Tar I believe you said his name was... you are now in a state that is in between human and vampire. Generally when one consciousness is destroyed then so are all of its affiliations. If you are being revitalized past your normal limits by healing then it does not make sense, because if it still vampire in you it would recede upon being touched with positive energy, otherwise there would be no effect at all because there would be nothing there... "

I trailed off as I thought about this realizing that I had not even gotten to my questions yet. I was merely stating my thoughts on the issues but it very perplexing. Then again, there is a possibility.

"Unless, you did not actual rid yourself of the vampire, but only suppressed him. By overwhelming his presence with your own will you would be able to assimilate him into yourself, giving you access to select traits, such as the time manipulation you mentioned, which you had never actually told me about before, though now a lot of disappearing acts make sense now. Perhaps you can explain how that works to me sometime. Regardless, the bottom line is that if you have not truly purged your system of the vampire, then there is always a possibility he may come back, because some semblance of him still exists within you. In order to rid yourself of him for good you would likely have to seal away all the benefits you have achieved from your struggle."

I thought about Air’s predicament for a while. It was a very risky one. If he continued to borrow form the spirit of the vampire and develop his abilities he might unintentionally give the vampire within him a foothold to reawaken much as Air himself had done when he was the dormant consciousness in his mind. In a way it was similar to my own predicament with the spirit of Alauzke now within me. I chuckled a light laugh to try to ease the tension I had just created. I was getting tired and allowed my thoughts to wonder without giving them proper consideration first.

"It seems my questions formed into thoughts and speculations before I realized it. I did not mean to assume anything. What you went through was hell I am sure, and even though I have not experienced what you have I can sympathize with watching everything you can relate to crumbling in front of you without being able to do anything about it. Then again, you seem to have taken things quite well considering what you have been though. How were you have been able to put all this behind you and move on? Also, why would this vampire from your past be involved with a group that tried, and nearly succeeded, to kill me?"

[TempusMage]

I am walking along the edge of a large cliff. The sun pearing down on me. As I continue to walk the is an over whelming sence that I am not alone. Turning around I see... a man? Could it be the one I saw? The one I saw before? Before... but where was it that I saw him? "Hey! You!" The figure raised his arm then quickly slammed it to the ground. The cliff began to crumble. I satrted to run, but before long the cliff was no longer supporting me. I began to fall. As I fell the cliff started growing darker... It satrted changeing. I was no longer made of rock, but grass? The forest! I sprung awake realizeing that I had fallen from the tree that was provideing me protection from the rain. *thud* The ground showed no mercy as I plowed into it. "That... hurt..." As I lay on the forest floor things become apperant to me, "Well at least the rain stopped... The man!" I sat up quickly and looked around for the figure I had seen as I ran into the forest. "The man had that look. He was mad about something... Was he mad at me?" I stood up and began taking in my surroundings. I began walking deeper into the forest. "Mabey I can find some food in here." I continue to walk, making my way around trees and bushes untill I come across a berry bush. "Finally." I drop to my knees and start eating the berries. Coming from a behind a group of trees ahead of me I could hear muffled voices. "Who..." I concentrated onn what they were saying, but couldn't make it out. I decided to try and sneak up on them to find out who they were. I slowly began to crawl tword the tree. I stoped after passing it, for I could now hear the voices more clearly. I began to listen to one of them speak."...else that might have helped me identify what it was. All I can remember is a very sharp pain in my chest before feeling heavy and blacking out. "At any rate, it is something left to be discovered. After listening to some of the events you went through I have a few questions to help me clarify a few things. I’ll ask you all of them now at once and you can pick and choose what you want to answer from there, just in case any of them coincide. The fact that you were fighting over your body with a vampire is not unbelievable, as I have witnessed powerful curses myself, as well as your struggles in the realm of consciousness. What surprises me is that when you were able to triumph over... Ka' Tar I believe you said his name was... you are now in a state that is in between human and vampire. Generally when one consciousness is destroyed then so are all of its affiliations. If you are being revitalized past your normal limits by healing then it does not make sense, because if it still vampire in you it would recede upon being touched with positive energy, otherwise there would be no effect at all because there would be nothing there... Unless, you did not actual rid yourself of the vampire, but only suppressed him. By overwhelming his presence with your own will you would be able to assimilate him into yourself, giving you access to select traits, such as the time manipulation you mentioned, which you had never actually told me about before, though now a lot of disappearing acts make sense now. Perhaps you can explain how that works to me sometime. Regardless, the bottom line is that if you have not truly purged your system of the vampire, then there is always a possibility he may come back, because some semblance of him still exists within you. In order to rid yourself of him for good you would likely have to seal away all the benefits you have achieved from your struggle. It seems my questions formed into thoughts and speculations before I realized it. I did not mean to assume anything. What you went through was hell I am sure, and even though I have not experienced what you have I can sympathize with watching everything you can relate to crumbling in front of you without being able to do anything about it. Then again, you seem to have taken things quite well considering what you have been though. How were you have been able to put all this behind you and move on? Also, why would this vampire from your past be involved with a group that tried, and nearly succeeded, to kill me? "Wow... he talks alot..." Without realizeing it I spoke outside of a 'hushed' tone. I closed my eyes and prayed that they didn't hear me.

[Sonny]

"What a nice day," I said to myself as I laid in pool of icy cold water, "aahhh nothing could make this any better." I needed to relax, it had been a blistering eight days since my last encounter with that...that..thing. All I could remember at the time was just floating up the tree tops, feeling the air circulate between my feet and through my hair. I was hungry and i need to get food and fast. As I slowly started to descend into the evergreen forest beneath me, a great darkness engulfed me. A feeling of anger and depression soaked into my mind like a sponge soaking in water. The pressure on my skull was as unbarable as metal scrapping against a chalk board. I couldn't think, i couldn't concentrate....but I had I needed to in order to get out of this hole, this place of porpletuial darkness...i needed out and soon. I could feel my body giving in. From my legs down seemed like nothing was there, my lower torso had skidded away to some unknown land....I.....
"What was that?" I thought to myself...as I rubbed my eyes and came back to real life, I realized it was all a dream...the same dream that occurs over and over...it didnt make sense. I pushed up off the rocky road, infested with pebbles of all types and wiped my hands. Indents of where rock and loose debry had been covered all. I looked into the distance....was that smoke? I knew where there was smoke there had to be life. I hadn't seen a single soul in almost three months. Traveling here and there, stopping now and then for rest and to hunt for food and eat. I had to go see if all was ok. I bent at the knees and focused all of my energy to my feet. A light wind picked up near my ankles. The dryed out leaves from a hot summer blew away from me in a spiriling circle while the grass toppled over with encumberence. I shot up, like a speeding bullet protruding from a freshly fired rifle, into the never ending sky. The clouds left a slight amount of condensation on my face which in turn gave me a nice cool and relax feeling.

As I neared the smoke I thought I heard a noise down below. I decended below the clouds, now looking more like a hurricane, and headed close to the source. Being sure to land far enough away to not cause a disturbance, I landed on a patch of moss high up in an old tree. I looked down to see a pair of people..one, wearing a dark cloak, speed off in a hurry to the cloud of smoke in the distance. The next stood still for a bit and then started to..."no it couldnt be...I didn't think it was possible!"I thought to myself in astonishment. Sure enough a elf it seemed, was now a wolf running after the man in the dark cloak. Trying not to make to much noise i followed hovering not to far off.

As they reached the part of the forest that was a blaze, i saw a figure...a man run away from the fire and into a nearby tree to take cover from the icy cold rain that pelted all around. While more storm clouds formed, guessing by the elf, I went after the man. It took me what seemed like hours to find him. Finally I noticed a big figure located behind an obscurbly placed leaf. As I approached I called out "Hey!You!" trying to wake him out of his zombie like state..Next thing i knew he flew out of the tree and plundged into the water soaked earth beneath him. "That...hurt..." I could hear him say from above. I followed as he crept around the forest, plunging deeper and deeper into its unknown depths. At last he stopped and started feeding from a bush..berries i expected...My stomach started rumbling to the thought, I had forgotten how hungry i had been before, distracted by the new alert that was infront of me. He stopped eating and looked around the dence forest...all of a sudden he crept off. I jumped to the ground to the bush he was feeding from. Nice red juicy and plump..ahh the way i love em. As I enjoyed my snack I heard a voice not to far from where I was resting"Wow...he talks alot..." I heard I ran from my succluded spot to the source of the noise. As i came from behind I consentrated on the water around the now laying emeny...as it started to make its way up it hardened into solid ice around the mouth. I ran up quietly..."Shhhh," I said, " I just want to know what is going on" Without a moments hesitation I leapt holding tightly to the victim in my arms and landed onto a near by tree. Releasing the icy cold seal I had put on him the first question in my head was.."HOW!?" how could something lilke him cause such a big camotion. The talking below me was starting to end, I knew I only had a little more time. "Who are you?" I asked, "and what did you do?"