Heroes of Ruin: Lost in the Void
Chapter 1: Comraderie
"There is nothing better than walking down a dusty road with a good friend to watch your back."
- Xavier
It has been two full years since the defeat of the fledgling Ruinlord Adrian, former prince of Nexus, and peace shone down all across Veil like the sunlight that shimmered off of Thao'Luang's massive claymore, Faith, the Eternal Warden. The Knight of Nexus had his one good eye watching the sea from the fortified walls of Castle Arcanus, his golden eye roving the sea looking for a single ship in particular. The salty sea breeze felt delightful as it combed through his midnight black fur. A large, muscled paw ran through his snow white dreadlocks and went back to their folded position over his leather tunic. He had opted for his common clothes today as he had no real pressing duties to attend to as Knight of Nexus. Children played around him, often trying to get him to join in, but he was waiting on a very important ship.
"On the morrow." He told them. His deep, rumbling voice belied his gentle nature. The children were disappointed, but like most younglings, they found something else to cast their attentions upon. This city was very unlike his home city of Sanctum, home of most Leomar in Veil.
A long blast of a horn from the harbor brought Thao out of his memories. A ship was docking. Not the most majestic of vessels, but it served it's purpose well. Thao made his way down to the Merchant's District that housed the docks and approached two figures, their features hidden. One, the male, had a large brimmed hat that covered the top half of his face. His wide grin splayed out on the lower half. He wore a suit of brown leather that matched the hat, and various plates of armor for extra protection. His twin talonshots holstered on his belt. The second was female, a cloak of deep forest green cast a shadow on her pale blue skin. She wore cloth of a similar color to the cloak and held her wooden glaive in a grip tighter than death itself. It was clear she wasn't much comfortable near the male.
"You are late..." Thao'Luang rumbled as he approached the pair.
"Yeah? Well, take your complaints to the Tibur pirates who tried to board us." The male said sarcastically. "Oh wait! I killed them all. Oh well."
"Perhaps, Xavier, if you had left one alive, we may have found out where they came from." The female replied. Her voice was clear and crisp, with a slight of annoyance.
"Aww.... Sorry Allie. Did you want to kill some too?"
"Enough." Thao interrupted them before things got too out of hand. "Lady Aleria, might I inquire were the savage, Klorg, is?"
"I believe he wanted to take his own boat. Some sort of Northern custom I believe." Aleria replied. Her tone became softer when speaking to Thao'Luang. He supposed it was because of his politeness.
A mighty bellow echoed from the direction of the sea, drawing the three's attention to a small craft that looked barely large enough to hold it's massively muscled occupant. The savage bellowed once more, sending his boat rocking from the volume alone.
"Well, that answer your question, pussy cat?" Thao shot Xavier a scowl before stepping to the end of the dock and letting loose a roar of his own.
The mighty roar of a Leomar is truly a sight to behold. Thao's doubly so. The water below him were parted from the sheer ferocity of the ear splitting roar, sending waves away from him. The very air seemed to be forced away from the large Leomar. The roar died down as the small vessel approached, the savage's grin matched the Knight's own. All of his friends were finally together once more, and it sent a warm feeling all about his body.
"Klorg greets the Cat-man and companions!" The savage Northerner's rumbling laugh made everyone's bones rattle from the bass he produced.
"Kay'tera shimora Klorg. It is wonderful to see you once again." Aleria smiled and drew back her hood from her bright red locks.
"Yeah, nice to know the meat shield is here to protect me."
They all stood there and regaled one another with tales of their exploits in the two years since they parted. Aleria had stayed with the Ghost King Keltas in Salvera to learn more about magic. Xavier stayed true to his nomadic nature and wandered Veil, diving into a ruin every now and then to irk the adventurer Nolan Hart. Klorg had returned home to the Northern Reaches to fight Yetis or whatever Klorg wanted to fight. He wasn't very picky about that.
"It would seem the Heroes of Veil have all arrived." A new voice called from behind them. It was a young male voice, pure and eager. The four turned to face the speaker, a young man with jet black hair and the startings of a beard. His fine black clothes made him instantly recognized by Thao.
"Prince Solon." He said, bowing.
"Please Thao, just call me Solon. After all, are we not all friends here?" Solon laughed. "Come, let us drink and be merry, for today is the day you four saved the world of Veil and resurrected Lord Ataraxis. Today is the Festival of Heroes in your honor."
As they made their way through the main plaza, the citizens of Nexus would point and cheer as they passed, easily recognising the four great heroes. Xavier was basking in the attentions of the citizenry, especially the female portion. He would blow kisses to the young women in the gathering crowd, much to the chagrin of the young men. Aleria hid herself behind her hood and took pace behind Thao. Klorg would wave to various people in the crowd just because Xavier had told him to.
"Just listen to the adoration of the people of Nexus, heroes, and know that the rest of the world thanks you too for your deeds." Prince Solon said respectfully. "I cannot imagine what would have happened if you four never took up the call. Truly it would be a dark place."
It wasn't long before they reached the gates to Castle Arcanus, the guards immediately opening the doors into the castle. The castle interior was intricately designed, relying solely upon the detailed stonework rather than fancy trappings most castles would have. It was modest, yet beautiful.
"Yeah, I don't think I'll ever get used to this fancy frou-frou stuff." Xavier commented, shifting uncomfortably.
"Ha! Klorg just sees another cave. Just one without monsters to fight."
They made their way through the maze-like halls of the castle to the already prepared dining hall. Inside, King Marcus and Lord Ataraxis were speaking while several nobles were listening and enjoying the festive meal. Ataraxis the Sphinx easily towered over all present, Klorg only came up to his shoulders. The crystal that caused so much trouble two years ago now rested in it's rightful place on Ataraxis' chest piece. The great golden sphinx turned to the newcomers and smiled gently.
"Ahh, hail to you friends. I am glad you all were able to make it on this auspicious day." The Ruinlord's voice held a commanding tone tempered with his great wisdom. Thao bowed deeply, while the others greeted the sphinx in their own ways.
"You honor us, Lord Ataraxis, I trust that your time in Ashthrone went well?" Thao asked.
"Yes, it would seem that I was worrying for naught. I am glad that the rumors of a new demon army were just that. Rumors. But let us not speak of such trivial matters. Today is your day and I have set various dishes to your own tastes." The sphinx motioned to four empty spaces near him and King Marcus. One was set with a plate of the finest venison, another with rare, deep sea fish. The third, set next to the venison, was made up of primarily plants. The last was more akin to food one would find in a pub, along with a mighty mug of ale.
"Now that's what I'm talkin about!" Xavier exclaimed as he rocketed into the seat with the bar food. Aleria gave him a disgusted lok as she sat next to Thao with her plate of vegetation. Klorg happily removed the far too small chair and sat on the ground, at just the right height to enjoy his meal without reaching. The various nobles tried to keep their disgust hidden for the savage and the Gunslinger that sat next to him, but the smacking and crunching of the delicious food made them excuse themselves from the feast. Presumably to enjoy the festivities of the Noble District.
They all enjoyed their fine meal, with Lady Katrina, the late Eckhardt's daughter and the betrothed of Prince Solon, making a late appearance by Solon's side. They chatted aimlessly for a few hours, the setting sun filling the room in a red flood of light, before King Marcus spoke up.
"I know this is presuming much on my part, but I have a request for you all."
"My lord, you know we will help you no matter the task."
"As long as Klorg gets to beat monsters to pulp."
"And there is gold... Lots of gold involved." Thao gave Xavier yet another vile look.
"Where is your sense of honor? Duty?" He asked the Gunslinger.
"Honor? Duty? Do you think I could have on survived your precious honor or duty for this long?" Xavier grimaced. "I know you were born in Sanctum during the War, but not all of us had the privilege of growing up in some great House like you! I had to steal, cheat, and lie to survive out there because no one cared enough to help a poor, starving orphan. No, you can keep your honor. You can keep your duty. I only live for myself because the only one I can trust is myself!" Xavier stood up and fiercely exited the room, leaving the rest of the small party in stunned silence.
Thao was about to chase after him before a soft touch on his shoulder made him stop.
"Don't worry, I'll go talk to him. It wouldn't be wise for you to try and say anything to him in this state." Aleria said sagely before making her way out.
"Angry talk will only make more angry talk." Klorg said, nodding his head.
"I think it would be wise if you stayed here Thao'Luang." The King said. "In the meantime, as the elf speaks to your companion, we should discuss the matter of tomorrow and the task I have need for you."
<====(--o The Rooftops of Nexus o--)====>
Xavier sat alone on a clay tiled roof, gazing up at the moon that slowly rose over the sea. The gentle night wind ruffled his dirty, grey cloak and blew away a single tear from the stubble on the man's face. The great, silvery orb that slowly climbed into the sky had always been his greatest comfort. The light of the moon was not harsh, nor was it a revealing light. It was soft and knowing. If there was any god he worshiped, it would be The Lady of the Moon. He pulled the brim of his hat down lower and curled his knees in a tight embrace, feebly warding off the cold, night breeze that came from the chilled sea.
Just what did Thao know of survival? Of hiding from a corrupt guard patrol out to beat him senseless just because no one cared enough for him to take him in. What did he know of being so hungry that his rib cage poked out and just thinking of food made him ache. Thao knew nothing of poverty, and it made Xavier mad. He sighed. He couldn't fault the Leomar though. Some people are just blessed to be born into nobility while the rest were cursed to live in their refuse.
"Xavier? There you are." A soft voice said in relief. He quickly wiped away his tears before Aleria noticed. He still had an image to uphold. "I was wondering were you got off to."
"Hey Aleria... Do you think there is a place out there for me?" He asked suddenly, pointing to the stars. "Cause there sure as the Void isn't a place here for me."
Aleria took a seat next to the Gunslinger and looked up to the stars with him. "Of course there is a place here for you Xavier." She said, consoling the human. "Peritg, your place is with us! We may never had done half of the things we did two years ago without your cunning."
"Heh, you know it." He cockily replied. "But I can't help but look up there and wonder if there is someone else out there looking back."
"What brought this about?"
"Well, it was two years ago when we were in Frosthome helping the goblins with their 'Hero'. I had gotten to talking with one of their astronomers and he told me that one of the stars he had been studying wasn't a star at all, but a world that looked a lot like ours." He explained. "It got me to thinking that there may just be others out there, watching us through their own telescopes." Aleria was surprised by the way this human's mind thought. It could have been possible that, in another life, he was a philosopher or a scholar. Just imagining Xavier in the robes of a scholar made her giggle.
"What's so funny?"
"Oh nothing." She tried hard to stifle her laugh. "You know that Thao only wants the best for all of us. He cares deeply for you, even if he doesn't show it." She said solemnly. "He sees great potential in you. He just wants to see you be the hero he knows you are.
He sees you as the son he lost.."
That last sentence surprised him, his wide eyes looking into Aleria's own purple orbs. He never knew that Thao even had a kid. It explained a lot about the old Leomar's protective nature.
"Well... I guess I can forgive him just this once." Xavier said, fidgeting. Aleria smiled and stood up, reaching her hand out to the human. "Come on. Let's get some rest before we set out tomorrow."
"Yeah, sleep sounds good right about now." He yawned as they made their way back into the castle.
"You know Allie," He said, waggling his eyebrows. "you could always sleep with me."
Aleria gave him a solid whack on the back of his head and sighed. "You are insufferable..."
"That's why you love me." This earned him another whack and a laugh from both of them.
Author's Note
If you haven't noticed, this was all written months ago.
Well, here you have it everybody! The first chapter of my very first true 'Crossover' fic. I recently purchased Heroes of Ruin and played the everloving SHIT outta it! I am currently on my third playthrough with Klorg the savage, having already played as Xavier and Thao'Luang. If you ever want to get this game, I highly suggest it. It is really amazing, and not to mention the major cliffhanger/plot device for the second game that WILL COME OUT OR I WILL DESTROY n-space!
Xavier - Human - Gunslinger
Age: 29
Xavier is the wild card of the group, using his cunning and tricks to stun and confuse his foes. Add in his two talonshots(Guns with a wicked blade attached underneath for melee combat), he is an unstoppable opponent in a one on one fight. He is quick to laugh and loves to play a good trick or two on his comrads. Just having him around increases the party's morale.
Thao'Luang - Leomar - Vindicator
Age: 81
Thao'Luang is the party's shield. He leaps into the fray with his heavy platemail and mighty claymore. His healing and holy magic easily patches up his comrads and reflects damage back onto his attackers. Foes feel uneasy before the mighty Vindicator, and they flee from his mighty roar. All foes fear his sundering strike that rips through all defenses when he uses his family blade, Faith.
Klorg - Northern Nomad - Savage
Age: 43
Not many foes survive the mighty blows of the savage berserker. His mighty hand razors dealing death to any in range of his massive fists. He has the ability to take his wounds and channel the pain into strength, unleashing his rage into a mighty whirlwind of blood and death. Nothing gets away from him, especially when he throws his mighty meat hook to grab an enemy and pull them towards him.
Aleria - Elf - Alchitecht
Age: 76
Aleria is an unstoppable font of arcane might. She uses her knowledge of magic to decimate her foes with elemental fury. Both she and Thao'Luang fought in the end of the War of Ruin nearly 52 years ago. Her glaive was crafted for her by the mighty spirits in the decimated city of Salvera, the ancient home of the Elves. She has been studying a form of necromancy from the Ghost King Keltas and his spectral council.
There you go guys, my four characters with a basic overview of their abilities. The Gunslinger was the easiest to play as because of his range and stunning attacks, but the savage is pretty god too. I had a hard time as the Vindicator, dying mutiple times during the later boss battles. I still have yet to play as the Alchitecht, but I am hopeful for her abilities.
Heroes of Ruin: Lost in the Void
Chapter 2: The Soul Void
"The Soul Void itself is not the afterlife, but rather a conduit to the beyond. If the afterlife is some unknowable kingdom, then the Soul Void is the road to that kingdom."
- Veil and the Cosmos(Paraphrased)
Xavier, Aleria, and Klorg were all outside of Castle Arcanus, the morning light was warming up the cold stones of the area just outside the gates. They were waiting for their fearless leader with the magus known as Malleus Kinslan, the same magus who transported them to the Soul Void 2 years ago. Xavier was starting to get impatient at the old Leomar.
"Can't he get dressed any faster? I'm freezin my bollocks off here!" He complained.
"He has a rigorous routine he goes through every morning. More than likely he was polishing his armor before putting it on." Aleria commented. The Leomar had quite a bit of armor to polish before he would even think of equipping it.
"Yeah, well he should still hurry his furry ass up. I'd like to keep my bollocks."
"You never complained when we were in the Frost Reaches and that was colder than here."
"Yeah, but that was a different kinda cold. This is a wet cold, not a dry cold like in the mountains. This sea breeze is soaking me to the bone!"
Klorg watched in silence as his two small comrades bickered and argued about the weather. To Klorg, it was delightfully warm. Always a good thing before rampaging into an unknown threat.
"Klorg says maybe you save fight for demons." He said sagely.
"Gaah, the big guy is right.... Don't wanna get tuckered out in the middle of a fight. Bad for your health."
"Thank you for waiting." Thao's voice reverberated off of the nearby pillars. He stepped into the new day's light, reveiling his dark blue armor with gold trims. It was his family's armor, the armor of a Skyknight of House Panthera. It had no helm nor boots due to the Leomar's unique physique, discarding them for mobility. The massive pauldrons were more than enough to protect his head from sideways blows to his head. His forked blade, Faith, was strapped to his back. He looked fierce to say the least.
"Xavier... I see you decided to join us on our quest. I am glad."
"Heh, one of us has to make sure you don't go and get stuck in some trap you know." Xavier laughed. The Leomar smiled and turned to the magus.
"Magus Kinslan. Are you ready to take us into Ruin's End?"
The old magus fumbled with his spellbook and glasses as he was startled awake by Thao's voice. "Ah, buh... Y-yes. I am ready. Do not forget your Nexus stones so that you can return."
Each of the four gripped the small stone they each wore around their necks. The stone wasn't really important, but the spell cast on it was. This stone allowed them to return to Nexus by stepping onto a waystone circle and activating the enchantment.
"We are prepared magus. Start your spell." Malleus Kinslan closed his eyes and began his archaic chant. it wasn't long before the ground beneath them began to glow with a dark red light. A bright flash of a similar color and they were gone from the magus' sight.
"Fare thee well Heroes. Let nothing ill happen to thee." Malleus prayed. If anything were to happen to Veil's mightiest heroes, there would be no telling what kinds of unspeakable horrors would appear to destroy Veil.
<====(--o Ruin's End, The Soul Void o--)====>
The four blinked the blindness from their eyes as they appeared suddenly amongst the floating ruins of Ruin's End. Most of this area, and another small portion, of the Soul Void were used as labs for Nexus' sorcerers and magi, but thanks to the demonic invasion 2 years ago, most of the area was still being rebuilt. The roiling, red clouds and magenta lightning added a sense of mystery and magic to the air. They each had their weapons ready for any foe that may rear it's ugly head.
"Well, this is nostalgic." Xavier commented, his finger twitching on the triggers of his guns. The path before them lay empty and mostly broken. Ruin's End was not originally part of the sorcerer's labs, but was crafted by Adrian as a secretive place to change into a Ruinlord.
"We are fortunate that the demons have all been banished from here." Thao began forward along the broken path that was made with more wall than flooring. His blade gripped tightly, ready for anything that may appear.
It was eerily silent as they all walked, the slightest sound making them jumpy. Xavier shot at shadows more often than not, only hitting one of the many magical foci that lay scattered about the place.
"I really don't like this place. It gives me the willies!"
"I have to agree with Xavier, it feels as if we are being watched." Aleria agreed.
"Stay vigilant my friends, there is naught that can stop us from our mission as long as we stick together." Thao said as they approached the massive, red vortex that marked the end of their journey. Thao hesitantly stepped out over the vortex, the strange magics of the area keeping him suspended above it. It was here that the four heroes fought and defeated the false Ruinlord Adrian and recovered Ataraxis' crystal from his chest. They all made their way to the center of the vortex, searching for any signs of the supposed power fluctuations that King Marcus had described. They had found nothing and were about to turn back when they heard a very familiar voice above them.
"Welcome to my parlor, said the spider to the fly." They all looked up to see one they thought was dead. Ruinlord Adrian.
His transformation had taken a slower path now that he did not have the immense power of the crystal, but there was a noticeable change in the 2 years he was gone. He still looked akin to a draconic centaur, the back legs covered in blood red scales. His arms were now completely covered in the same scaled and were making their way down his chest. His crimson eyes flashed with a mischievous glimmer as he landed on the magical floor with a loud thump. Even the two, curved horns that protruded out of his head looked more menacing.
"What? No greeting for an old friend? I had thought better of you Thao'Luang. I thought that you would have at least recognized your prince!"
"You are not my prince! You are nothing but a sniveling coward who uses others to do his bidding from the darkness!" Thao growled.
"Oh, are you still sore about that? If it is any consolation, I would have done the same thing if given another chance, with a few minor adjustments to my plan of course."
Thao'Luang charged, his blade held ready and his body set into a charge. Before he reached Adrian though, the world turned grey and he stopped completely.
"Did you already forget that I am the master of Time?" Adrian chuckled, the slower time distorting his voice. "Now I think it is time to do something I should have done the first time we were all here."
Adrian waves his clawed hand over the vortex, the magical containment field shattered like glass and stayed suspended with time stopped.
"I'd say goodbye, but that would be a lie. I think 'Good Riddance' is a much more appropriate phrase her, don't you think?"
Time returned to it's normal flow with a snap from Adrian, sending Thao, his companions, and the shards of magic into the swirling darkness of the Void. Thao reached out for his companions, his voice lost to the swirling thunder, but they were all flung apart by a gust of magic.
Darkness overtook Thao's vision as he watch each of his friends fall in a different direction. They were lost.
Lost in the Void
Author's Note
Hey there again! I do hope you are enjoying this tale so far, but that was just the prolouge. Now the real fun begins! It was at this point that I was debating wether to ponify them or not, but I think it would be better to let them be. But then again....
