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 Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 8:22 am
((In this thread lies the story of where Raiden got his new sword and "Soul of Ashura" item (technically the Fremere's Guard...but shhh!). He won't tell this story to the others, unless someone questions him directly about it. Because for once, Raiden didn't do something to prove himself for others. He did something just for himself for a change. Awww, my little tool is so much cooler now. 4laugh ))
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 8:31 am
Mount Ashura, an ancient volcano stands silent and inactive as Raiden stares up at it.
"So...there's an ancient treasure up there somewhere, huh?"
A large, brilliantly colored bird circles overhead, then decends and perches on Raiden's shoulder. She speaks to Raiden.
"Yes. Close to the top of the volcano is a pathway that leads into it's very heart. In the center there is a shrine, where a treasure called "Soul of Ashura" is kept."
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 8:37 am
Raiden looks up at the bird.
"What does the Soul of Ashura do, Mistress Karura?"
The bird, Karura, stretches her wings before speaking.
"The Soul of Ashura is a treasure created by a god of war and flames, Ashura. He no longer walks Gaia, but resides with the rest of the gods, on the same plane as myself and the Lady Lunaris. But during his time on Gaia, Lord Ashura created a magical artifact. It could change shape at the whim of the user, sometimes becoming a great blade. Other times it could change into beautiful armor. Before leaving Gaia, Lord Ashura left it in the volcano shrine, and many believe that if one were to obtain the "Soul of Ashura", one might be able to summon Lord Ashura himself into this plane. As you are a skilled Summoner, Master Raiden, I thought you might be interested in this challenge."
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 8:45 am
Raiden looks back towards Mt. Ashura.
"Why tell me all of this Lady Karura? You refer to me as "Master" Raiden, but it's not as though you serve under me. You are kind enough to come to my aid when I summon you, but I am not truley your master."
Karura makes a strange noise that is the equivalent of a bird laughing. She gives Raiden a quick rap on the top of his head with her long beak.
"Silly Raiden. My refering to you as "master" is merely a gesture of respect. You are a very skilled summoner. Many beings are willing to come to your aid because you weild us wisely, and you show us great respect. Many summoners only think of those they summon as servants. But you understand that while we are summoned to your aid, we are connected to you. When we are injured or feel pain, an equal ammount of suffering is inflicted on the summoner. You accept this responsability, and therefore you are widely respected within the realm of magical beings.
As for my telling you about "Soul of Ashura"...nobody who has attempted to retrieve that stone has ever returned from the volcano. None have been able to gain the respect of Lord Ashura, enough to weild his treasure. Not only that, but the volcano is guarded by strong creatures. And once you venture much further beyond this point, you will be unable to use magic, or summon any creature to help you. It will be very dangerous...but so is your adversary, Yokoshima. I would do anything to erase his evil from the world. And I believe that you, Raiden will succeed where others have failed."
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 8:48 am
Raiden smiles and rubs the spot on his head where he was struck.
"Thank you Mistress Karura. I'll honor the faith that you have in me, and I'll retrieve that stone. I'll get the "Soul of Ashura"."
Karura nods, then takes off. She soars high into the air and is soon out of sight. Raiden begins walking towards the volcano.
"I will honor that faith...but there's an even bigger reason why I need to get that treasure."
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 8:51 am
After a few steps, Raiden stops. It feels as though a very cold wind cuts through him to the very bone. When the sensation ends, Raiden removes his scythe from his back.
"That was it...the ward that'll block me from summoning or using any magic. Good thing my summoning instrument is bladed."
He proceeds slowly, listening carefully.
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 8:59 am
 A large stone statue is set on the branch of a large tree. Suddenly, color flows into the statue and it leaps down in front of Raiden. "Hold it mortal. I'm Graine, a gargoyle set by Lord Ashura to watch for trespassers. This is your last opportunity to turn back, or I'll kill you where you stand."Raiden nods, "I understand Graine. I'm Raiden, a summoner who wishes to posess the "Soul of Ashura" treasure. I did not wander onto this volcano by accident. I know you are doing your job as a guardian, protecting the treasure. But I have to pass through, and I'll fight you if I have to."
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 9:01 am
"Mortal fool. You're not even worthy of standing in this sacred place, let alone weilding the "Soul of Ashura". You'll die for your arrogance!"Graine's claws extend from his fingers. They are long thin razor sharp blades. Graine leaps at Raiden with suprising speed.
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 9:05 am
Raiden blocks Graine's slashing attacks with his scythe, but does not yet attack. He doesn't really want to kill the gargoyle unless he's left with no alternative. Raiden jabs with the butt of the scythe, and hits Graine square in the chest. The gargoyle is temporarily stunned. "Why...would a...changeling like you, a feeble mortal creature attempt to retrieve a treasure that you know you'll be unable to posess?"Raiden takes a defensive position. "I have no other choice. I need the "Soul of Ashura", and I'll take it."
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 9:08 am
This comment seems to enrage Graine. "Such....ARROGANCE!!" He lunges at Raiden with even more force than before. Raiden will not be able to simply block this attack. Raiden quickly slashes out with his scythe, and hits Graine in the shoulder. The gargoyle staggers backwards, lets out an angry howl, and changes back into stone where he can heal his wound. Raiden turns, and continues on his way. "I need that item, or I won't be able to do anything."
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 9:13 am
A little further on, Raiden finds a clear stream. He stops for a moment to rest.
"I wonder how Orion's doing? I hope he'll forgive me. I just...have to survive. He'll understand as long as I can go home to him. But if I die...I don't think he'll ever forgive me. Kyla...Kold...everybody at the Lunar Hope. I know I'm not as powerful as they are...so I can't--"
His one sided convorsation is interrupted by a harsh giggle.
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 9:24 am
 Two figures emerge from the water, and they cackle at Raiden. They speak to each other, but not to him. "What a silly changeling, don't you think Aqua?""Yes Marie. He sounds like all the others. I need that treasure! I have things to do!""Such fools. They all claim to have important reasons.""But they are only concealing their own greed. They say they want "Ashura's Soul" For the sake of others...""And it's all lies lies lies."
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 9:28 am
Raiden blinks at them, and draws his weapon. "Now just wait a second. When did I say I wanted the "Soul of Ashura" for somebody else?"The water sprite sisters look at each other, then glare back at Raiden. "You were talking about some lover of yours that you scorned!""Sounded like a boy too...hehehehe...that's actually kind of... whee ""Aqua! Focus on the task at hand!""Sorry Marie.""And you spoke of others. Comparing yourselves to them! Wanting to be as strong as them!""So you just want the "Soul of Ashura" to prove to those people that you aren't worthless. Right?"
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 9:33 am
"Wrong. While it's true that I don't want to be worthless to the people I love and respect, and that they are connected to the reason why I am questing for the "Soul of Ashura", I want that treasure...for myself. When you said before that others used excuses to mask the fact that they wanted the treasure's power...well I'm probably as greedy as any of them. But I won't hide behind an excuse. There's something I have to do. I have to go with the others and face Yokoshima. That will put my life in peril, and as I am now, I will probably die and my going with them would only cause pain to all of the people I care about. It's selfish for me to go along, when I know that I will be a hinderence. But the "Soul of Ashura" will give me a better chance. I will have that treasure, so that I can go and face Yokoshima too."
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Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2009 9:42 am
The water sprites look at each other for a long moment....then burst out in hysterical laughter. "Hahahaha!! Oh Aqua....this changeling!""Hehehehehe, yes Marie....he's....he's so entertaining.""Never once...has anyone actually responded to us like that before.""I know! They always attack! Or say "Out of my way! I don't have to explain myself to the likes of you!"They both turn, and speak to Raiden directly, with respect this time. "Oh young changeling...who has amused us so...""Such a respect for magical beings...we have not seen since the time our Lord Ashura walked this very mountain.""To feel the need...no...to posess the respect to talk to other beings as equals, to give respect to others without expecting it in return...""We'll let you pass for today. Because we want to see what Lord Ashura will think of you.""We hope that you'll be successful in your venture." "And get back to that cute boy lover of yours....hehehe""Aqua!""Right sorry...good luck little changeling!"The sisters change into tiny droplets of water, and fall back into the stream with a sound of pleasent laughter.
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