A Test Of Faith
One of the bloodiest missions the Shadow Dragon Clan had ever accepted.

By: Tyreal and Mikado
 

"I don't like it. It just doesn't seem right to me."

"I agree, but the Prophet asked us to protect him, and that is what we must do. Besides, if the false prophet is in there, he will be very powerful until the demons with him are destroyed. The Prophet will need our help."

Tyreal and Mikado watch the Prophet walk into the small temple of the Shadow Lord. Both of them watch from a nearby cliff. Recently, the Prophet hired Tyreal to aid him in his journey as his guard and asked the rest of the Shadow Dragons to also accompany them because God had spoken of a great danger ahead.

Tyreal and Mikado sit uncomfortably with the situation because they cannot see any members of the fallen around Castle Zvahl. Both warriors are elite mercenaries in the ongoing struggle between the people of Vana’diel and the Shadow Lord’s armies. Both are well trained in battle and surveillance, but neither knows what to think of this. The fallen rarely ever leave their castle unguarded. This could only mean that something awaited them inside, something unseen.

In the past, this structure stood as a temple to the Shadow Lord with tall marble walls, large ornate arches, and a slate roof. But now a fallen outpost had been constructed in order to keep a force available to influence the local populace. The smoky gray walls made of material only available in the Underworld prevents the warriors from seeing into the temple and glimpsing what lies inside.

Tyreal stands up from his crouching position and raises his great Sword. "Come, it is time to go inside and see what awaits us, but remember we are not to interfere directly with the Prophet's task. He is not ready to accept us, and I was told that this was one of the Prophet's tests of faith."

"Understood!" the rest of the Shadow Dragons replied. Mikado, Blueix, Sakura, Seijin, and Strider stand up to join their leader. The clan starts to walk down the cliff towards the temple. Mikado reaches to his side and draws his sword. He feels more comfortable while holding the weapon he has trained with for so many years.

Tyreal keeps his Sword strapped to his back. "I don't like the looks of this..." He thinks to himself as he walks through the entrance of the outpost.

Inside the small structure stands the Prophet. Tyreal and his clan lead the Prophet into the temple. Tyreal's demeanor displays only confidence. His strides are even and sure as he surveys the temple for possible ambush points. He readies his Sword. The blade, kept clean and sharpened, gleams in the torchlight.

Blueix, a young male Tarutaru clothed in a loose tunic and robe follows the warrior closely, hoping his experience will protect him. He stares nervously at Tyreal's shining blade and unconsciously prays that the blade will remain that clean. His uncertainty and nervousness causes him to grip his staff tightly. A reassuring hand touches his shoulder. Mikado smiles to himself as he steps back from Blueix. The years had brought them close and he was glad that his presence brought some small amount of comfort.

Seijin has taken up his usual position on the right side of the group. His demeanor is one of confidence as he walks with the group through the temple entrance. He keeps his bow hanging from his back, not removing it even though they have entered into the dark lord’s territory. However, there are still signs of concern in his tall Elvaan appearance. His hands rest on his still-sheathed hammer and his eyes are alert as he carefully glances around the room.

Strider keeps pace in the middle of the group. His concern lies just as much with the safety of the group as it does with the success of his mission. Weary about accepting this mission from the beginning because of the massive risk involved, he reluctantly follows the rest of the clan into the temple. His hands hold his Katana directly out in front of him, he appears ready to take out whoever or whatever crosses his or any of his friend’s path.

Sakura walks steadily behind and keeps a watchful eye about. Although she feels confident in her magic, she knows that she is inexperienced compared to Tyreal and Mikado in battle. Her beautiful robe flows behind her as she unsheathes the dagger from her side.

Next to Sakura stands the Prophet. His long robes flow behind him as he walks. His face displays only calmness and peace. Tyreal had remarked to the Prophet several times his amazement in how he could remain calm under any circumstances. His reply was always simply: "If you place your trust in the Almighty, what can stand against you?" As they entered the temple, the Prophet remembered the reasons he was called here. Weeks ago he was instructed by God that he was to retrieve a holy item from the priest of this temple. What God did not mention was what exactly he was looking for. This lack of knowledge made the Prophet unsure, but he knows that God will reveal that which they are searching for in time.

This has also been one of the longer journeys that the group has taken. The Prophet had approached them three months ago about this journey. It would require much preparation and planning. Therefore the he had approached Tyreal early to be able to plan accordingly. During that time Seijin and Strider were asked to gather supplies, traveling as far as Jeuno to get them. The rest of the group continued to prepare in their own ways for the long journey ahead.

Throughout the weeks the group had been together Blueix and Mikado had begun to agree with the Prophet's view of God and had recently started joining him in prayer. During these times, however, Tyreal and Sakura kept their distance. Tyreal stated many times that superstition would not lead to victory; only a quick strike with cold iron could do that. The three left the other two alone with their views without ever directly confronting them. They knew that they each had to prepare themselves in their own personal way.

As the group enters the temple, they see that the entryway is populated by many ornate statues of the Shadow Lord in different poses. Most of the figures show the false god to be judging a Hume or commanding one of the demons that he holds dominion over.

"What kind of god is this guy?" whispers Sakura.

"The Shadow Lord is not a god but merely a power striven demon, although a very powerful one," The Prophet replies, recalling his recent study of the Vana’diel history. He walks over and examines one of the lavish tapestries that depict a large army led by the Shadow Lord.

"He has a large following of demons and monsters that give him great strength." The Prophet stops and points to a statue of demon priests lying at the Shadow Lord's feet. "The Priests that seem to be worshipping the Shadow Lord are his followers. They serve the Shadow Lord and in return he shares his great power."

"Can these demon priests be killed?"

"I have heard that if you destroy the faith they have in their lord or kill all of his followers then the Shadow Lord and his entire army of servant demons will die. Just defeating one sends it back to the pits of the Underworld for a short time."

"Is the Shadow Lord as powerful as the Almighty?" Blueix asks, eager to learn more about the subject.

The Prophet smiles at Blueix. "No one compares to the Most High. These demons are like children compared to the great Cherubim's of God."

"Sounds like a bunch of superstitious garbage to me," Tyreal says as he steps away from the group. Strider snorts, half in agreement of Tyreal’s statement and half in amusement of his obvious defiance to the Prophet’s beliefs.

"I pray God will speak to you someday, Tyreal." The Prophet's voice is calm but sad. Tyreal returns the comment with only a cold stare.

The Prophet looks around at the statues and says a silent prayer to God, hoping that the people of Vana’diel would someday learn the truth.

"Stay focused!" Tyreal says in a harsh whisper. "Let's not make this any more difficult then it needs to be. I'd like to be able to spend my wages after this."

Tyreal, although hired by the Prophet, assumed leadership in situations like this because of his vast military experience with the past army of Vana’diel. He had been the leader of the elite army and had fought in many battles against the demons of the Shadow Lord. After awakening from over 200 years of unconsciousness, Tyreal decided to become a mercenary to aid in his search for the Shadow Lord. His exploits during the war and as a mercenary, although somewhat exaggerated, were well known throughout Vana’diel.

When the Prophet told them the details of this mission a few months before, they all hoped this would end quickly and peacefully. But Tyreal's faith in that hope is faint at best.

They all walk across the entryway and through the large arch that leads to the altar room. The room is fairly large and is dominated by a large altar in the center of the room. A tall statue of the Shadow Lord standing in a position of triumph stood at the top of the altar and is surrounded by a flat surface stained with the blood of untold sacrifices.

"This is revolting." Mikado says with disgust. The group stands in the center of the altar room with looks of abhorrence etched onto their gleaming faces.

"The blood of so many innocent people, all in the name of a worthless demon." The anger in Mikado's eyes is intense, giving the illusion that they are glowing.

"Easy friend, we don't know the powers at work here. The Shadow Lord is a powerful foe and has the prayers of many demons and monsters to strengthen him. If he is here we will not be enough to take him alone."

"I still haven't seen any demons here, maybe this temple is deserted."

"Wishful thinking Sakura, some of that blood is still wet. Just keep your eyes open." After Tyreal speaks, Blueix concentrates to hear the prayers of God's followers. "God's people are with us. Let's just hope they remain that way."

Seijin says, "I too can hear their prayers, Blueix. In fact, I believe the spirituality of this place, regardless of its alignment, allows us to hear them more then usual. In a way, it is particularly comforting."

"If there are demons here, then where could they be?" asks Sakura.

"Some demons have enough power to make large amounts of their followers turn invisible. They could be right in front of us."

"You really think the Shadow Lord is here?" asks Blueix.

"I certainly hope not. We’re prepared for a lot, but he would be a little more then we bargained for. Not to mention all of his minions we’d have to deal with," replies Strider.

Tyreal turns back to the group,  "I doubt he is here. But he has many powerful followers that work for him. One of those cretins could very well be in this temple. For now let’s just follow the Prophet."

The party looks around the altar room for the item in question, but to no avail. The large room has a single pathway guarded by a solid wooden door.

"You think it is locked?" asks Mikado.

Tyreal strides up to the door and studies it. "It's locked."

Blueix walks over and joins Tyreal. "The iron on this door is well made. It would take several tries to break it down." He looks plaintively at the Prophet. "I do not think we could break it without alerting everyone nearby."

"We will not have to." Sakura says as she pulls out a small iron pick. "You might not want to watch this preacher; it's not what you call an honest skill. Just don't ask me how I know how to do this."

With a few deft taps Sakura finds the locking mechanism and uses the odd instrument to disable it.

"You are right, I do not want to know," whispers the Prophet. "Did you hear any voices through the door?"

"No, nothing." Tyreal reaffirms his grip on his Sword and glances back at his party. "Just in case."

Mikado, Blueix and Sakura follow Tyreal's lead and tighten their grip on their weapons. Seijin finally readies his bow as Strider walks abreast of him. Both men are keeping an eye on the back of the group ensuring no one tries to approach them from behind. Tyreal raises his Sword in anticipation. The weapon he held in his hand was crafted by the best blacksmiths over 200 years ago in order to aid in his fight against the Shadow Lord and his armies.

As Tyreal cracks the door, the Prophet sees a fleeting black creature in his peripheral vision. It disappears into a slit in the smoky gray wall of Castle Zvahl. "Messenger demon, it's a trap!" he cries as he bolts through the doorway, trying to stop the Shade from giving its report. Tyreal and the rest of the Shadow Dragons follow quickly behind.

The Prophet enters the room to see a small gathering of the Shadow Lord's followers. In the center stands the priest of the Shadow Lord. At his feet lies a staff made of solid oak that seems to glow faintly in the dim torchlight. The Prophet's heart tells him that this is the object he is looking for.

Around the priest stand five Orc in chainmail, breastplates, and leggings. Each holds a short Sword and has a sword strapped to their hip.

Tyreal, Mikado, Blueix and Sakura storm into the room to see the Orcs standing on the earthen floor guarding the priest that stands between them. Strider and Seijin follow shortly behind, continuing to watch the rear of the party while keeping a watchful eye on what is happening ahead of them. Around the Orc guards stand several major demons. The fallen prophet, or "priest of the Shadow Lord" starts to speak.

"Welcome friends!" says a voice far too loud to be natural. "I am so glad you could join us."

The powerful muscles under the demon priest's purple skin flex. Speaking on his own the demon proclaims, "I am Gandarva, first guardian of the treasures of the Shadow Lord. Your power is pitiful in the face of mine. The Shadow Lord has given me the strength of a hundred demons. You will fall this day, Holy one." The demon snarls in disgust as he spits out the word "Holy."

The Prophet steps in front of the group of warriors and calls out to the false prophet "Return the staff, dark one. It does not belong to you."

"I see you have come for my new toy. Although I myself cannot use it, I do not see any reason why I should give it to you. It is time for you to experience the power of my god!" The false prophet raises his hand and unleashes a small sphere of inky blackness. It strikes the Prophet in the chest, causing him to stumble back.

"The One True God strengthens me, and He alone will destroy you."

On both planes all of the combatants charge.

Two of the guards hurl their Swords at Tyreal only to have them deftly parried away. In two quick strides the former soldier stands face to face with a guard. Tyreal's Sword flashes as he critically thrusts the Orc's right knee. In agony the Orc falls to the ground. Tyreal steps passed the injured Orc and parries the blows of the second and third guard.

Blueix swings his staff and strikes the fallen Orc as he struggles to get up. The butt of the staff hits hard and crushes his chainmail into his chest, causing him to fall again. Blueix strikes downward, slamming the Orc in the face. His eyes roll back as he falls unconscious.

Mikado steps to the side and swings his sword at an Orc charging toward Blueix. The blow is weak, but is enough to turn the guard's attention to the guardian. The Orc spins and blasts the Tarutaru in the stomach with the butt of his Sword. Deftly the guard swings around for a second attack and stabs the Swordhead into the left leg of the reeling Mikado.

Witnessing Mikado’s injury, Seijin turns and begins to launch arrows at the group of orc attacking him. However, as if on cue, several minions appear at the entrance to the chamber. Seijin breaks his concentration and now targets the newly arrived Orc. The first Orc charges towards him, but Seijin simply sidesteps him. The second one wasn’t as lucky. Stunned by the Elvaan’s speed at avoiding his fellow warrior, he was not prepared for what came next. Seijin immediately shoots an arrow into the minion’s chest and followed that by shooting another arrow into the helmetless head of the Orc, killing him immediately.

Strider was standing there waiting patiently for his chance. It came quickly as he took the first Orc that Seijin had just dodged. This one seemed determined to not get burned twice. Having dropped his Sword already and unsheathed his sword, he was ready for Strider’s first attack. The Orc parried several of Strider’s blows and returned them several times. However, he was much bigger and slower then Strider. Strider used his speed to aim for the creature’s extremities, hoping to cause enough pain to the Orc to be able to deal a critical blow.  Swinging his blade sideways, his blade finds the right arm of the Orc. With the force behind his swing, the sword nearly completely severs the arm off. Shrieking in pain, the Orc drops his defenses allowing Strider to plunge his sword into the chest of the creature. With a grotesque sigh, the creature falls to the floor lifeless.

Through the clamor of the battle both Prophets pray. The Dark Prophet Gandarva draws his knife and slashes himself across the chest in order to please his master. The Prophet remains motionless in silent prayer.

On Vana’diel the battle rages simultaneously. As the demons rush in, Tyreal stands ready in front with his Sword blade shimmering from the torchlight. Suddenly the air grows thick with fog and watery mists as Sakura calls upon her element of control. The demon ranks lose cohesion in the fog. Further confusion erupts as ice bolts streaming from Sakura's outstretched hand rip through the demons.

Tyreal looks hard through the fog to see the demons feebly trying to defend themselves from the icy attack. Running full speed, Tyreal darts into the swirling fog and slashes two demons with his Sword. Both fall from the power and speed of the Galka's onslaught. Looking to the sky Tyreal sees a demon trying to surprise him from above. Tyreal hurls his Sword towards the demon. The speed at which the weapon was traveling was much too quick for the demon to get out of the way. The Sword tears the minion in half before it even realizes what happens. Tyreal catches his Sword in mid-air and looks for his next opponent. His wait is non-existant as he sees the three demons approaching from all different sides. He readies his Sword and swings it at the head of the closest demon, severing it immediately. But as he turns to face the next one he is struck from behind.

On the other side of the room, Mikado cries out in pain from being struck by the Orc, but holds his grip on his sword. In desperation, he swings again - this time connecting with the Orc's face. A scream is heard as the sword strikes. The Orc falls lifelessly and covered in blood to the ground. Mikado limps away hoping not to have to fight another.

The Prophet looks up to see Gandarva calling to his master. The bloodshot eyes of the dark one meet the Prophet's clear gaze. As the false prophet lifts his hands to the sky a dark cloud swarms around him. From the cloud steps forth the most hideous creature the Prophet has ever seen.

The demon Goliath stands at over eight feet tall. Black skin shifts unnaturally over its powerful muscles. From the side, the Prophet can see rows of spikes that line its back. Blood red eyes scan the room, looking for its first target. A small, evil grin purses the grotesque face of the demon when it sees the Holy Prophet.

The Prophet, although frightened by the sheer power that emanates from the beast, is strengthened by the Lord and stands firm before the oncoming terror.

Blueix, although a Believer, has never confronted such a horror. His courage drains from him, leaving him cold and breathless. His staff drops from his hand as he backs away from the advancing demon.

"Have faith, Blueix." The Prophet calls out when he sees him backing away.

The Prophet's words cause Blueix to slow his retreat. He tries to fight it, but his fear is much stronger at this moment than his faith. His retreat begins again.

The Prophet, knowing he is outmatched, looks to the Almighty to intervene on his behalf. The spirit of God fills the room as he blesses his followers. The Prophet can feel God's spirit infuse him with power.

Blueix stops his retreat for a second time. The fear that grips his heart begins to fade away as he feels the strength of God course through him. Fear is quickly replaced by anger as he rushes forward and retrieves his staff.

The summoned beast detects the presence of God within Blueix and the Prophet. It quickly turns away from the two and directs its attack towards Tyreal.

Tyreal dispatches the last Orc only to see the demon Goliath approaching him. Shocked by the immense size of the beast, he falls to the floor, paralyzed by fear. The mighty demon reaches back to strike the paralyzed warrior with its mighty claw.

The huge claw seems to tear the air with its darkness. As it strikes Tyreal he cries out in pain from the strength of the blast.

Mikado watches his friend fall from powerful blow. He cries out as he calls upon the power of God's people's prayers. Mikado's movements quickly become more fluid and begin to blur as God's power rests upon him. Drawing his sword he swiftly and painfully runs to Gandarva and strikes with unbelievable quickness.

The demon is taken by surprise from the speed and fury of the Tarutaru’s attacks. Quickly realizing that his shield will not hold up for more than a few moments, the fallen Prophet calls once again for power. Another dark streak tears at the sky, but Mikado shrugs off the blow. His hatred towards his opponent is much more intense than the pain.

A moment later the fallen prophet's shield collapses. The intensity of Mikado's attacks increase as he sees his opportunity arise. Gandarva draws his sword. In a blinding fury, the weapons clash off one another.

Sakura, after finishing off the last of the demons attacking her, sees the battle raging in the distance. Enraged by what Gandarva is doing to her friends, Sakura begins to cut a path through seemingly endless army of demons in order to reach her enemy.

Strider and Seijin turn to try and make it to the center of the room where the battle continues to rage. However, they have been cut off by the number of demons that have filled the room trying to protect their prophet. Acting as a team, Seijin and Strider work together to defeat the demons. It becomes a very effective strategy as the demons are unable to defend both blows. Either Seijin’s arrows strike or Strider’s katana land on their intended target every time, allowing secondary attacks to be truly effective. Although they quickly dispatch their enemies, they make slow progress due to the shear number of enemies standing between them and their comrades.

Goliath's massive claw strikes down towards the lying Tyreal and hits an invisible barrier. Confused and angered by the shield the demon rears back and attacks the wounded Tyreal, again with the same results. The demon looks around to see the Prophet deep in prayer. The denizen of Goliath charges forward.

Blueix, empowered by the presence of God grabs the dispatched Orc's Sword and hurls it at the demon charging towards the Prophet. The Sword strikes it in the shoulder but does not slow it in the least. Refusing to allow the Prophet to be harmed, Blueix runs toward the demon.

Blueix stands between the raging demon and the praying Prophet. He prays softly that God will deliver him. As the demon approaches he strikes. The blow hits home and crushes against the dark one's left leg. It roars in pain and swings it's claw down toward him. He parries the blow but is thrown aside from its strength. The face of the demon creases as its yellow fangs are shown through a grotesque smile. His horror increases when he sees his staff in two pieces on the ground in front of him.

The demon jumps at Blueix. A rush of air blows by him as he narrowly dodges out of the way. Suddenly, it howls deeply in pain. Blueix looks up to see the Prophet's hand upon the demon's tar-like skin. The demon's mighty form begins to weaken in front of Blueix as it continues to wail. It kicks at the Prophet but its strength is failing quickly. Seconds later, the beast falls to the ground, writhing in pain.

The Prophet, weary from calling upon the powers of God, turns to face the false prophet.

The onslaught continues as Mikado marches his way towards Gandarva. Three demons approach him only to be cut down in a flurry of attacks.

Gandarva sees Sakura approaching and begins to fall back away from the fury of Mikado. A flash of darkness envelops the false prophet as he calls upon his master's followers again. Mikado spins to see the fallen prophet only a few feet from him, unleashing a bolt of darkness. The Beast Master is knocked off his feet from the shock. Sakura seizes her opportunity and creates an imploding sphere of ice shards around Gandarva. The countless icy daggers shred Gandarva's purple skin and leathery wings. The power of the attack causes Goliath to rise from its weakened state and start to retreat. Tyreal, powered by rage, stumbles to his feet, stands up and runs towards the crumpled minion. He raises his Sword up over his head thrusts it into the still-beating black heart of the summoned beast. The lifeless body of Goliath fades and returns to depths of the earth. Tyreal slumps to his knees exhausted and in pain, yet continues to keep a hand on his Sword as the battle is not yet over.

Seeing their most powerful warrior defeated, the demons flee, scattering into the security of the darkness where they are free from the onslaught of those empowered by the Light.

Hanging on by a thread, the false prophet calls upon his master in order to strike out at the approaching Holy Prophet, but the power does not come. Desperately the lost Prophet gouges himself again, hoping to once again gain the favor of his master. He cries out, "Shadow Lord aid me!" But the power refuses to come.

The Prophet approaches the desperate demon priest and unsheathes his sword from its scabbard under his robes. "You have defiled the land with your preaching of false doctrine and desecrated the name of the Lord with blasphemy! You are a stain upon His creation. You deserve to meet your master." With one swift blow the Gandarva falls dead at the feet of the Prophet.

Mikado, Blueix and Sakura walk over to the weak Tyreal in order to comfort him. Strider and Seijin quickly run over to join their group. Confused by the blow he received from the Goliath, Tyreal dismisses all of the spiritual acts as mere illusions and trickery. Disheartened by his stubbornness, the rest of the Shadow Dragons walk over to the Holy Prophet.

The Prophet kneels in front of the staff in prayer to God. It is warm and inviting to the touch and gives him a sense of peace. He gathers the staff and walks over to his companions.

"Thank you for your help, friends. You have done a great work for the Lord this day." The group gathers around the Prophet to view that which they fought to retrieve and smile broadly. All except Tyreal, who simply snarls at the Prophet and his continued spiritual talk.

Approaching Onikagi, the Prophet places his hands on Tyreal's wounds and looks to the sky. The wounds quickly close and the pain lessens greatly. Standing once again, the Prophet takes the staff and says, "Come friends, we got what we came for. Now lets leave this unholy place... Ah yes! And Tyreal, here is the pay for the assistance you and your friends have given me during this journey. Thank you."