Child of Power


Long ago before the world as we know it didn’t exist. This is the time of legends. This is a time of Dragons, Goblins and Elves, the world of the long forgotten. This is also the time of Magic and an art resurfacing, Psionics. There was a shared tale among Mages and Psionicists that went as followed:# "There will be a child born to both sides, one Mage and one of Psionics. These Children will be born at the same time. From their births, each will show a tremendous power for there age. Each will master power faster than anyone before. At the age of 14, each will leave their schools and seek out "Masters" of their gifts. They will absorb their powers and use them in a finial confrontation. At the age of 28 the two will fight for supremacy of there people." That is the legend that this tale picks up with.
In a far off mountain school for the Psionicly gifted, a child is born. From his crib a powerful Psionic force could be felt. His nursemaids told the headmaster of the school, Lekannt, about the child. Lekannt long feared and welcomed the coming of "The Psionic Child". He wanted to teach him, but knew that it would be his death. He knew that it was for the best.
The child’s name was Volrod. At the age of two, he started his training. Lekannt taught him personally. Lekannt had the ability to see inner power long before the owner did. He saw that Volrod knew, at this early age, powers that he couldn’t master. These powers were part of him. The biggest ones were Mind Link, Aurora Sight, and the powerful Psychic Surgery#.
At the age of 5 Volrod was caught alone in a deep trance. Lekannt was called to see what was wrong with Volrod. When Lekannt arrived, he knew what was going on. Volrod was using Psychic Surgery on himself. He was trying to unleash more of his deep powers. This is a difficult process in which the recipient was in great danger. Volrod was in the trance for three hours. When he came out, Lekannt knew it worked. Psionic energy now flowed from Volrod in ways that Lekannt never felt before among any person.
For the next nine years Lekannt taught Volrod all that he could. On Volrod’s 14 birthday, Lekannt knew what was coming. He called Volrod into his personal chamber for them to talk. Volrod was never told of the prophecy. Lekannt told him all about it now. Volrod was shocked, he thought "did they actually think it was me?" Lekannt "I have feared this day since your birth."
"I don’t think I could ever kill you"
"You must, it’s your destiny."
"I won’t do it."
Lekannt then handed Volrod a short sword with the word "DESTINY" engraved on it and a very valuable gem. Lekannt "Take these, they will help you in your journeys. Now search your brain, you know what you need to do."
Volrod closed his eyes and searched. It then came to him; he became a different person.
Volrod struck Lekannt down and started to absorb his powers. Volrod could feel the power flowing into him. Volrod also got a hunger within him. This hunger took over him. He left with his gifts. He took off from the school to the small town of ____________. He used what little money he had to buy a dark cloak to cover his face and a few other supplies.
While in ____________ he saw how normal people lived. He also found that some common people had a small portion of Psionic in there brain. Volrod couldn’t contain his hunger any longer. Under the cover of night he found the person with the largest Psionic capacity. It was a small boy in a cabin just outside the town. Volrod easily entered the house to kill the boy for his slight power.
As Volrod made his way in, he could sense the boy’s father coming to check the boy to see if he was ok. Volrod tried to finish before the boy’s father came. The father entered the room and saw Volrod killing his child. He was enraged, and came at Volrod in a bloodlust. Volrod raised a hand and stopped him in his tracks while he satisfied his hunger. The look of anger on the father’s face didn’t seem to phase Volrod in any manner. Volrod then left the town to try and feed his hunger again.
Volrod spent four years killing "Masters" and those with a Psionic part of the brain. Every time his powers grew more and more. Soon after his 18 birthday he found another "Master". He told Volrod that he was here to stop his hunger. Volrod "No one can stop this hunger within me.
"I can, and that is why I am here. I know that hunger forces you to kill innocents. When you absorb me, my powers will stop your hunger and make your mind clear. After me you will find that "Masters" drive you to kill. With my power you won’t want to kill without a reason. You will finally be at ease."
"If you say so, can we get this over with? I can feel you power so lets move on."
As Volrod absorbed him, he felt his hunger vanish. Volrod’s mind was at rest, no longer plagued by the hunger. His hunger and desire to kill vanished. This would normally be a blessing, but in this case the loose of the hunger cleared his mind. His mind was now open to remember the atrocities in the past. He now found that whenever he summoned deep powers, images from his past would take over his mind. Volrod now knew the price to stop the hunger, seeing the past. All the lives he hurt and families he ruined, the dark visions of the past.
Volrod now had killed about 3/4 of the "Masters" in the world. The remaining "Masters" went into hiding, for fear of their lives. Volrod now had to travel far and wide searching. Volrod meet a man in his travels named Chris in a small tavern. Chris was getting in over his head in a fight. Volrod was now against fighting and killing innocents. Volrod now tried to talk and negotiate rather than fight. Volrod saved Chris’s life by stopping the fight from getting out of hand.
Volrod and Chris later became "Blood Brothers". Volrod kept most of his past a secret from Chris. He kept it a secret until one day a warrior came before them. His name was Fenix Darkblade and he came before them to enlist their aid in destroying the Burning Legions of Hell. Fenix came before Volrod when Chris was out. Fenix was mortally wounded and under a Doom Knight curse. (His wounds won’t heal until the curse is removed.) Volrod knew that Fenix had to be saved.
Volrod knew that he had to draw the curse into his own body. He hoped the curse was weak enough to be destroyed by his body. (Volrod could only be effected by magic from three people: Shinrazat The King of Avalon, The "Magic Child", and Gods.) Volrod took the curse into his body and then healed Fenix before the curse took hold on Volrod’s life force.
Both now felt compiled to tell each other their stories. Fenix was out for revenge against the army. They killed his family for the secret, the "Fire-Heart Talismans". All four could be used to bring about the destruction of man. Fenix now had all four, but didn’t want to hold onto all of them. He gave one to Volrod. Volrod "I have done nothing worthy to deserve such a powerful gift."
Fenix "Non-sense, you saved my life and besides, I can’t hold onto all of them."
"I will keep it safe for you until you find someone worthy to take it"
(Volrod deemed himself unworthy of all gifts, because of the horrors of his past. He now tries to make amends by doing good whenever possible.)
When Chris returned they decided to form a plan to kill the General of the Army. They threw around many ideas. Others warriors also came, and among them was a man named Cloud. Volrod was now getting weaker from the curse. He didn’t tell anyone, but Fenix knew what was wrong. They communicated through telepathy and Volrod told him that the curse was stronger than he thought. He also reveled that his body couldn’t give up the curse; it was now attached to his life force. It couldn’t be removed until his body was done fighting it.
Fenix, being a rash man of honor, left the cabin to kill the creator of the curse and end it now before Volrod died. Now Volrod was extremely weak, he could barely stay standing. Cloud was not interested in helping; he just wanted to kill people. When Volrod collapsed onto the ground, Cloud saw this as an opportunity for an easy kill. As Volrod lay there helpless, Cloud drew his weapon and readied himself to plunge it deep into Volrod’s chest. Volrod sensing his life in danger somehow woke from the coma and stopped Cloud in mid-air. Volrod repeatedly warned Cloud to stop before he was forced to kill him, something Volrod didn’t want to do. Cloud refused. Volrod threw him out of the cabin, he couldn’t kill anyone in this state, and he was bluffing. Volrod again fell to the floor.
As he lied on the cold floor he got a message from Fenix. Fenix told him that the curse was about to be removed. Volrod felt his power, somewhat, returning to him. Volrod got up and vanished. He reappeared in the room with Fenix, and they both collapsed from the ordeal. As they both lay there they knew that they were friends. They both gave there all to help the other. As time move on, Fenix fought the Legions and Volrod went back to waiting. Volrod waited for the next "Master" to show himself Psionicly. This was getting longer and longer between "Masters", but Volrod was patient.
About two weeks later, Volrod felt a strong force enters his dreams. He knew that this was the "Dream Mater" Psionic. He would enter dreams and weaken them from within. Volrod had very little dream powers, so he left and tracked him to fight with his main powers. As the battle drew on, the "Dream Mater" sensed he was losing so he teleported away. This angered Volrod, for this was the fourth time that he did this. Volrod feared that soon he wouldn’t be strong enough and he would fall to the "Dream Mater". Every time the "Dream Mater" came back he was stronger than before, so Volrod was getting worried.
Later in the week Volrod felt another power approaching while he was talking with Fenix. Volrod sat up and motioned for the door. Fenix "What is it my friend?"
Volrod "I need to do this," saying this he drew his short sword and showed him the engraving "Destiny"
"That is not what I think it is. Is this the big fight?"
"No, that is not for some time. This is just a ‘Master’ that I need to take care of"
"Farewells friend, and take care in the fight."
"You do the same if I don’t return."
Volrod left the room in search of the Psionic power. When he tracked the source of the power, he found that it was an ambush. He was drawn into a fight with four bodyguards of a "Master" and the "Master" himself. Volrod fought with all his might to overcome the challenge. The fight went on and Volrod finally managed to kill the "Master" and absorb his powers. Volrod was drained of all his Psionic energy (PSP for short)². He had also drained the PSP form his short sword and the gem. (Both can hold PSP for use later. A common technique used by Psionicist to hold power for later use)² Volrod was wounded and had to make it to his cabin so he could rest. Volrod stumbled back to his cabin and rested.
The next day when he recover his PSP he told Fenix how the fight fared. The then put himself into a Complete Healing Trace². (12 hours and the body is fully repaired, all wounds, broken bones, diseases, excreta.) The trance went, as it should. When he awoke, Fenix came to the cabin to hear the story, and to tell him of his latest fight with the Doom Legion. They exchanged stories, like neither almost died. Volrod filled his gem and sword with PSP and rested for the next few days. Volrod was feeling like himself again, his powers were now greater than they ever were.
As this was going, Diablo and the "Dream Mater" struck a deal, they would help each other defeat their enemies. Diablo would give the "Dream Mater" immense power to use against Volrod. The "Dream Mater" would enter Fenix’s dreams and slow or stop him.
At the cabin Fenix started to get horrible daydreams (The "Dream Mater" was attacking him) Volrod knew something was up. Fenix sensed Diablo was now on the mortal plan, so he had a chance to beat him. Volrod knew that Fenix couldn’t do this on his own. Volrod couldn’t journey with Fenix (He was destined to fight Diablo alone). Volrod and Fenix struck their own deal; Volrod would take out the "Dream Mater" (cut off his Psionic powers for a short time) so Fenix could fight Diablo the way it was meant. Volrod enter the "Dream Mater" in combat and made his attack to his Psionic powers (cutting them off for about two weeks). This was an all out attack. As he attacked he put all his efforts into the attack he left himself defenseless. The "Dream Mater" took advantage of his foolishness and capitalized on it. He went strait for Volrod’s Nervous system (cutting off his ability to move his appendages for about a week). They both got their attacks off, and both worked. AS he battle ended Volrod was paralyzed and the "Dream Mater" left powerless.
Volrod lay in his bed for six days not being able to move. Fenix returned to the cabin about midday on the seventh day. He stumbled into the cabin half-alive. As he entered, he fell to the floor, barely keeping consciousness. Volrod knew his friend was in danger, so he tried with all his might. He tried to crawl to Fenix (his Psionic powers still worked, so he could heal him) he slowly made his way to Fenix. Volrod gathered all his PSP and used them to heal his friend. The process took everything out of Volrod. Volrod got desperate as Fenix started to fade, so he transferred some of his own life into Fenix to heal him. The healing took over an hour. Fenix also had his hand cut off at the wrist, and Volrod doubted his ability to bring the hand back to the arm. He gave it his all and the hand rejoined the rest of Fenix’s body.
Volrod collapsed after he finished healing Fenix. Fenix was back on his feet with only scars and a slight pain in his hand (the nerves had to reconnect to the hand). Fenix’s love Candice (an angelic vampire, who was destine to fall in love with the man who saved the world) now entered that cabin looking for Fenix. She was pleased to see his in one piece. Fenix helped Volrod to a chair and began to tell both of the, the stories. Volrod was too weak and couldn’t listen, he was just happy that his attack was not in vein. Fenix finished his story and was happy to be back. Fenix was happy to be with Candice again. Volrod was gaining back some feeling in his body; he could almost walk again.
As Volrod regained his sense, he asked Fenix what went on. Fenix told him that the fight went on for three days. During that time his shoulder pad was fused to his arm with searing heat. He also told Volrod that the deathblow to Diablo was that he broke his crystal sword over his spine. As they talked Fenix drew a sword from under his cloak. Fenix "you told me you could use a short sword right. This is my original sword, rebuilt as a short sword for all that you have done for me friend." He gave him the sword and Volrod excepted the gift from his friend. Fenix showed Volrod and Candice a small stone. This stone held the soul of Diablo, now Fenix had to travel into hell to destroy the stone in the Hell Forge#. The stone needed to be destroyed as soon as possible. The groups meet again the next day at a small tavern built by Candice called the New Orleans Tavern. As they sat around talking about what was going on, Fenix fell off his chair onto the stone. When he stood he checked the stone it was empty now. The soul of Diablo was now inside Fenix.
The two now fought for control of the body. When Fenix lost control, Diablo would take over and show his form. Diablo and Fenix fought for a week strait, each time one would win. If Diablo won, he would try and kill Volrod (to keep up his debt with the "Dream Mater"). During a fight Diablo took total control of the body and captured Fenix’s soul in the stone. Diablo now had complete control and decided to kill Volrod. Volrod used all his powers to stop Diablo, but his mind was shielded from his attacks. Volrod got the stone away from Diablo. He gave the stone to Candice and told her and another innocent named Krista to leave. Volrod would give his life to slow Diablo from getting them. Diablo was enraged at Volrod’s attempt to stop him. Diablo beat Volrod repeatedly, smashing him into walls, destroying the New Orleans Tavern.
Volrod could feel his life force fading away# as he lay helpless on the ground in the ruble of the tavern. As Diablo raised a foot to crush him, Volrod took out his gem and faded away. He teleported to his cabin where he found Candice and Krista waiting for him and instantly Krista rushed to him to heal his wounds. This was a wasted effort; Diablo found the cabin and entered. Volrod drew up his strength and stood up. He again told Candice and Krista to leave now. As Krista left she told Volrod that she loved him. This came as a shock to Volrod, but he had no time to think about it. Diablo "I want the stone now. Don’t try and stop me, give it to me. If you don’t I will kill those you care for and then I will come for you."
Volrod "Why should I trust you? How do I know you won’t kill them anyway?"
Diablo "you have one week to get me the stone." With that said, he transformed back into a mortal form and left. Volrod told Candice and Krista to return. He told them of what Diablo said. They were all stunned, but it was late in the day so they all went to their homes. As Volrod lay in his bed, Fenix contacted him through telepathy. Fenix told him that he could reenter Diablo the same way Diablo entered him. Volrod needed to cut Diablo and shove the stone into his flesh. Volrod found Candice the next day along with Krista. He told them of the plan and they all agreed to it. Volrod called Diablo out and told his friends to leave. They did as he told they, and again Krista told him "I loved you, and you better live though this."
Volrod "I will live and I will get you after this is done, now run before he comes after you." Diablo looked to the girl and motioned to attack her. Volrod saw what was coming. He didn’t want to see an innocent (especially one that loved him) die in front of his eyes. Volrod drew out the stone and called to Diablo "Is this what you want, come and get it." With that said Diablo moved toward Volrod. Volrod used his powers to make the stone float in the air, and when Diablo changed to his demon form he used his powers to launch the stone at a high speed (buried it deep in his skin). Diablo changed back as Fenix fought him and won. Diablo was again trapped in the stone. Candice and Krista came back again to see what happened. Volrod was weak from the fight and needed to recover. He had not had ample time to gather his PSP back, so he sat and rested. Krista rushed to Volrod’s side an asked him "Do you need to be healed?" Volrod told her he would be all right; he just needed to rest for a short time.
As Fenix fully recovered his senses, Candice told him that they were going to have a child in the near future. This would have been a time of celebration for all, but the soul stone still needed to be destroyed. Fenix must journey to the Hell Forge and smash it. Fenix kissed Candice goodbye and left to enter Hell. Krista stayed by Volrod’s side while he recovered. Candice went back to her home, and waited patient for her love to return to her. The nest day, Volrod had gotten his PSP back and was himself again, well almost. He couldn’t get Krista out of his mind. He had always thought that he was destined to be alone. "Why would anyone love someone who would die in ten years?" That thought raced trough his mind.
He found Krista and wanted her to know his story. He felt that she could better make up her mind if she knew the truth of hi past. Volrod told her his full story. She was in shock at first, but she stayed. Volrod loved her, and now he knew she truly loved him (that was the only reason he figured she stayed). They didn’t want to live apart so they went out and got married later that day. At a secret cabin Volrod had built for him to think, the honeymoon was held. Volrod carried her in and treated her to a nice dinner. During the course of the meal Volrod gave her a ring that was a gift given to him by his mentor. The ring touched Krista and she gave him the ring of her father.
Fenix returned later that week Volrod called him to his home so they could talk. Fenix entered unharmed and depressed. Volrod looked confused, "What could be the matter he thought?" Fenix told Volrod all that happened in Hell "I journeyed there to destroy the stone, but when I arrived, it was not as I expected. I made my way to the Hell Forge. When I got to it, I was ambushed and they took the stone. They freed their master and I got away. The link between us is still open (if one dies, the other dies) do they now want me alive. The link needs to be cut so I can kill him." Volrod knew that this was big. "Fenix let us discuses this at a later time. I have a gift for you and Candice. I had a crew rebuild her tavern; it was the least I could do. I did help destroy it." He reached under his cloak to hand Fenix the book of plans, when he did Fenix saw the ring on his hand. Volrod told his friend of Krista and the wedding. It seems they both were happy at the same time.
As they were talking about what was happening, Volrod started to nod off. He drifted asleep while talking to Fenix. After a few moments Volrod opened his eyes and looked around with terror on his face. "Fenix, do you feel that? Do you feel that energy?"
"Friend, I feel nothing, what is it?" Volrod was attack by the "Dream Mater".
"Fenix, I must go fight him, face to face. I sense something wrong, why would Diablo let him fight me?"
"I also sense that same thing, I fear that it is a trap. Please let me go with you."
"I must do this on my own. If things are not right I will come get you." With that said Volrod left his house and went out to fight the "Dream Mater".
Volrod returned to his cabin about an hour later, unharmed. Fenix once again came and wondered what was up. Volrod "they now want me alive also, they tried to break the link, but they failed. They need me to do it for them. Now I am hunted as you are." "We need to finish this before it gets out of hand." As Fenix spoke those words, Volrod lifted his head and seemed to have an idea. "I know away to end this once and for all. I will transfer the link to myself and disguise myself as you. This will allow you to fight Diablo without fear of dieing when you win."
"You do realize that this is a dangerous plan. He will try and take over your body, just as he did to me. Also he will hunt you down. I want to go on record and say this is a bad idea, but I do agree that it is the only way."
"I will hold my own and when you are about to kill him, I will cut the link so I don’t die. You also need to remember I can try to take him over as well. We will do this after you marry Candice. Let us not talk of it any more until then friend. Besides, I’m already hunted." The two continued with some small talk. Diablo took control of Fenix during this time. Diablo only had control of his mind this time. Diablo started to erase and disrupt his memories. Diablo changed his memories and made himself the hero, not the enemy. Volrod questioned his friend as to what he could remember (Volrod could repair lost memories)² Volrod found that he only had faint memories of his past and present. Fenix didn’t remember who Diablo was and why he was fighting him. Diablo distorted Fenix’s memory form the truth, to his version; Diablo saved Fenix from his brothers who were trying to kill him. The real memory was the brothers against Diablo. Volrod became enraged and started cursing at Diablo and calling him out. Diablo was happy to come and brag about his work on Fenix’s mind. Diablo "We meet again Volrod. I will kill you now."
"I have a better idea, you enter my mind and you fight me. I believe that I can put up a better fight than he can."
"NO, I have one for you take your own life now and I will spare your friends, Candice, Fenix and Krista."
"Never, fight me now." With that said a look of anger streaked across Volrod’s face. Diablo vanished and in his place he sent a demon to kill Volrod. Volrod was eager to fight a demon. He blasted him across the room with a powerful Psionic Blast². Volrod saw the demon was weak and decided to end the fight. He closed his eyes and formed a mind thrust (as mental spear) and drove it into the chest of the monster. Volrod screamed "is that all you have Diablo?" Diablo again appeared before him, and changed into his true form. Volrod knew he couldn’t kill him, doing so would kill Fenix. (Volrod also couldn’t kill him if he wanted to) So went strait to the link. He would slow the inflow to allow Fenix to regain control of the body. Volrod used his powers and focused as if nothing else was around him. He worked fast before Diablo could kill him, and stopped Diablo from controlling for now. It was over for now, but he would try again. Fenix’s memories returned when Diablo left.
Candice arrived at the cabin later that day. As she did, a big smile grew across Fenix’s face. The embraced and then sat down in the cabin. They told her of the plan to move the link to Volrod. She was concerned for the safety of her love Fenix and her friend Volrod. Secretly Volrod and Fenix decided to move the link after Fenix proposed to Candice. They moved to the New Orleans Tavern (rebuilt by Volrod and Fenix as a gift to her). She was ecstatic to see her tavern back just as the way it was. Candice now told them that she found that their child would be a boy, and this made them both happy. Fenix saw this as a good time to propose to her. Candice "could this day get any better. First my Tavern, then the child, next my Boyfriend proposes. Wow."
Volrod "I think I have more good news for you, Diablo will soon be out of Fenix and you will both have normal lives." After the proposal and Candice getting over her shock they moved back to the cabin, not wanting anything to happen to the tavern.
Volrod seemed nervous now, but he retained his composure. The changed his mental pattern to match Fenix’s so Diablo wouldn’t know the link was moved. Then Volrod changed Fenix’s to match his, if the "Dream Master" came after him. Then Volrod sucked up his courage and drew the link into his body. When it was done, his body shook violently as Diablo tried to take control. His body was taken over by a white light that seemed to be fought by a dark light. Volrod "The dark light is him trying to take over. Fenix, I must ask you a favor. If I come at you as Diablo, kill me and end this thing now. If you do kill me, take the ring and my sword. Give them to Krista and tell her that I love her now and forever."
Fenix "I will do as you ask friend, for you have taken the demon into yourself." With this done Fenix and Candice left Volrod alone in his cabin to fight Diablo alone.
Volrod was scared to die, so every time Diablo came at him, he gave his all to stop him. Volrod used all his powers to stop Diablo from taking control of him. The only other thought in his mind was "if I summon up my deep powers, he might see the hunger and release it. I never want the hunger to come back to me." Volrod was not looking forward to sleeping tonight. He knew that he had to sleep (in order to recharge his PSP). He knew that he would be letting his guard down. He told Fenix to be watchful; Diablo might take over while I sleep. Volrod tossed and turn before he finally got to sleep. When he awoke the next morning, he was in a pile of ruble. Diablo had taken control and destroyed his home. This angered Volrod. He surveyed what was left of his home he noticed bodies among the ruble. "Please no, tell me I didn’t kill someone." That thought raced through his mind. When he made it to the bodies, it was too late. He rolled them over to see who they were, but they were people he didn‘t know. He guessed it they were people passing by who saw the destruction and wondered what was going on. Volrod was now feed up with Diablo, so he decided to try and take over his body. As he did a dark light surrounded him and the white fought it for control, but the dark pushed it back. Diablo was strong going both ways in the link. Fenix came later that day with Candice and Krista. They were all in shock at the destruction. Volrod "I can’t believe that I allowed him to do this. If only I was stronger, I could have kept him from taking over. None of this would have happened."
Fenix "Not so friend. If I killed him when I had the chance this all would have been over." Krista looked confused; she had no idea what was going on. Volrod and Fenix thought this was a good time to tell her what was going on. Volrod sat down and told her. Tears started to roll down her face "I don’t want to loose you; you mean everything to me. Promise me that you will live though this. Promise me that." Volrod swallowed hard, "Krista, I promise I will make it trough this alive." As he said that, he thought to himself "I don’t know how, but I will live. I hope." Volrod felt compelled to bury the two bodies that were lying in the ruble. He had Fenix (trained as a Paladin) pray for the souls, so they could escape Hell and go where they should have gone. Volrod wanted to be alone, but they didn’t want to leave him in his time of need.
They took him to a small tavern owned by the Darkblade family. Fenix rarely opened that tavern any more, but he decided to open it today. He wanted to cheer is friend up, but didn’t want to risk the rebuilt New Orleans Tavern. They made their way to the Tavern and sat around. Many people came into the tavern. Krista had to go her house for a few hours, but she would return when she could. A blind girl named Delila came into the tavern. She wanted someone to sit by her; she got lonely being blind. Fenix was running the bar so Volrod walked over to her table and sat by her. No more than a few minutes sitting down Diablo tried to take over his body again. He fell to the ground shaking worse than he had ever before. Once again his body was covered in a white light being fought by a dark light. Volrod fell to the floor making a loud noise that drew the attention of both Fenix and Delila. Fenix jumped over the bar and was bathed in a green light. As the light faded around Fenix he was in his armor and drew his sword, ready to keep his promise to Volrod and kill him if he changed. Volrod was shaking worse than ever as the dark light pushed that white almost away. Delila wondered what was going on, she couldn’t see the light and was afraid. Fenix "please stand back, this might get dangerous." She didn’t move, she was too afraid. Volrod closed his eyes and in one move jerked his head back summoning his powers and the light around him left.
As Volrod regained his sense, he saw Fenix standing over him and Delila in shock. He knew what almost happened. They told Delila what was contained in Volrod, and what it could do to him. She seemed extremely worried for someone she had never met before. She told Fenix that she would travel with him to Hell to fight Diablo. She was going because Volrod was kind to her, and she didn’t want to see him die. Fenix told her that this was his fight and his alone. Volrod sat on the floor too ashamed to move. More people came into the tavern after the little stunt by Diablo, but for the time he was not trying. Volrod was starting to wear down now, and Diablo sensed this. As they sat around, he came again. Volrod hit the floor and his shakes were violent. The light was brighter than ever before. Volrod was loosing and Fenix didn’t see it yet. He tried to call to his friend, but his voice never left his mouth. Diablo had control now, and started to transform Volrod’s body to his. The white light nowhere to be found, it was all dark light now.
Diablo rose from Volrod’s shell. He stood 15 feet tall. His dark red skin was covered in razor sharp black spikes. Fenix now saw Diablo had won the fight. He came at the demon with his sword drawn. Diablo looked down at him and screamed "YOU, how is that possible?" As he said that he raised a massive fist to crush Fenix in one blow. A weak voice came from deep within Diablo; it was Volrod’s voice. "I think I can stop him for now, but keep your attack going Fenix." Diablo’s fist stopped above Fenix’s head, Volrod had stopped it. Fenix went through with his attack and slashed at Diablo’s midsection. Diablo screamed out in pain and a dark light came over his body. Volrod was trying to take control. The dark light was pushed away and faded as a white light replaced it. Diablo’s form shrank and slowly turned into Volrod’s form.
Volrod lay on the ground and looked up at Fenix, holding his open wound across his chest. "You did well, thank you for keeping your promise." Krista entered and saw her husband lying on the floor. She ran to his side and wondered what happened while she was gone. Volrod tried to get to his feet, but fell down hard. Krista and Fenix kneeled down beside him. Fenix "it’s my turn to heal you friend." Saying that he placed his hands over the wound and began to heal it. After a few minutes, the wound was just a scar that would be gone in days. Volrod didn’t want to move he was too weak and depressed to move. Krista helped him to his feet and hugged him tight. "I love you" she whispered in his ear, trying to cheer him up some. Volrod held her tight "I’m sorry to have brought you into this, I wish it wasn’t this way. I can understand if you never want to see me again. I want you to know; I will always love you no matter what. No matter the outcome, I will watch you and love you."
They want back to form to their normal lives for now. Krista stayed by Volrod’s side and helped him get something to drink. As they walked to the bar, he started to shake again, but he clamed himself. No light came from his body, only the shakes. They moved to the bar and sat down. Volrod set his head down, wanting a rest, but he picked it up again realizing what rest would bring. He got a glass of water and drank it down quickly. The cool water seemed to perk him up (his fights were draining his PSP fast). Volrod drew his crystal short sword and placed it on the bar. He was going to draw PSP form it to bring his energy back up. From his hand and the sword, a soft blue light glowed. The light carried PSP into Volrod’s body, that perked him up more than the cold water did. "I hope this will be enough to fight him off until Fenix can kill him," that thought ran through Volrod’s mind now.
Krista held onto Volrod’s free hand. She had the look of love in her eyes, and so did Volrod. Candice and Fenix was also a happy couple, they were married the night before. All was calm at the moment. Diablo sensed this and found that Volrod’s guard was down (Krista was a distraction, but Volrod didn’t want to tell her this). Diablo once again made a bid for control of the body. Volrod hit the ground and shook hard. The newcomers in the tavern look in shock as the light started to glow from his body. The white was no match for the dark this time and was easily over whelmed. The dark light took over and once again Diablo stood in the tavern. Fenix was ready to kill him this time and ran at him. Diablo saw him coming and before Fenix could attack he raised a mighty claw and backhanded Fenix through a wall in his tavern. As he lay there, Diablo laughed at the mortal. Krista approached Diablo to reason with him. When she did Diablo turned to face her. He remembered her and raised a foot to crush her. She didn’t move, she remained in her place, unafraid of death. Volrod’s voice could be heard weakly from within as the foot stopped above her head "Krista, run now, I don’t think I can hold him much longer." She still stayed as Diablo set his foot back down. "I remember you; you were the foolish girl who saved me last time to save Fenix. Stupid girl."
Krista "Yeah, that was me. I also know that you won’t kill me because I saved you."
Diablo laughed at the comment in his growl "I owe you nothing and I will kill you now." The dark light came around him again; Volrod was trying to regain power. The white light fought hard, but it was pushed back. Volrod was too weak to fight him off. Fenix limped out of the ruble and got Diablo’s attention away from Krista. Fenix hoped that would allow Volrod to get control back. As Diablo turned to him the light came back. This time the white light easily beat the dark light. Diablo’s form melted into Volrod’s once again. Volrod slowly stood up and looked around. Fenix fell to the ground and Krista ran to Volrod’s side. He held her tight "why didn’t you leave when I told you to, you had too much faith in me. You should have ran."
Krista "I would never run, I saved his life. He won’t kill me I know that." Fenix made his way back into the tavern via the hole and limped to his friend and his wife. "Diablo will not hesitate to kill you, regardless of what you have done for him. He is a monster and nothing can change that. You must see that." Volrod fell to the ground, not shaking, but crying. "I almost killed my friend, I nearly killed my wife, and look what I have become. Damn you Diablo, I will find a way to stop you. Mark my words on that."
With that said, a dark light came from the ground and took the shape of Diablo, but it was just an image. Diablo "No mortal has been able to stop me. I always win. If I die, I will be brought back, just as it was done in the past. It will go on like this forever, that is the way it is." Before anyone could respond the image was gone. Volrod recovered himself and moved to a seat. Krista, Fenix and Candice all followed behind him. This is enough Fenix said and started to walk to the door. Candice stopped him, "think about our child. I don’t want him to grow up without a father." The words stopped Fenix and he sat back down. It was now getting late so they decided to head back to their homes for the evening. Volrod and Krista decided that they better not be in the same cabin over night, in case Diablo took over again. Volrod didn’t sleep that night. He chooses not to sleep, he spent the whole night fighting Diablo off.
When morning came around Volrod was exhausted. Candice and Fenix made there were to the cabin in the morning. Candice had a small child in her hands that had her eyes and fangs, but Fenix’s form. Volrod "I see you had the child, and I see that you both are well, congratulations. What did you decide on as a name for the child?" They both looked at Volrod and Candice told him the child’s name Adraena. Volrod was weaker than he had ever been in his life, and it was showing. Volrod kept drawing energy from the sword so he could fight off Diablo, but he knew that he would run out soon. When he ran out of energy, he would be helpless to stop Diablo from taking over. Volrod would rather die than let that happens. Volrod fell to the floor and started to transform once again. Diablo could tell Volrod was weak, so he was moving in for the kill. Fenix drew his Crystal sword and stepped in front of his wife and child to defend them. Volrod barely stopped himself from changing.
The day passed and Volrod found it harder and harder to fight Diablo off. He found himself nodding off whenever he wasn’t talking or moving. The situation was getting worse by the hour. Soon Volrod would be powerless to stop Diablo from controlling him. Volrod only hopped that Fenix would keep his word and kill him if he changed. The struggle grew more intense and so did the light whenever it came. He light started off as just a small glow, but now it’s a bright blinding light.
Fenix left that morning before Candice was awake. He stopped by Volrod’s pile of ruble to see him before he left. He came to tell Volrod that he was leaving and he didn’t know if he would return. The plan was that Volrod would cut the link when Diablo was about to die. This would stop him from taking over Fenix and hindering the fight. Volrod would take some wounds, but he would survive the fight. They had agreed that was the best plan. Fenix now told Volrod the rest of his story. "I was told that I’m 80% likely to beat Diablo, but he will become part of me and I will fight his soul for all eternity. Don’t tell Candice that I told you. If I don’t make it back, tell her that I love her, and give her the ring back." Volrod took the ring "I will only take the ring so it doesn’t get damaged. Have you told her your leaving?"
"No, I don’t want her to be afraid."
"I will tell her, after you leave. Also, when you return, we shall never speak of this conversation." They both started to cry now. Fenix "you have been like a son to me Volrod, and I don’t know who I can ever thank you for what you have done for me."
"I only helped you because you are my friend. You and Candice have been my only true friends. I owe you everything. Also I looked into your sons future. You will be happy to know that he grows up to be a man of honor and strength. He will make you proud, but I can’t see his destiny. He out lives me. I would have like a father like you. I never had a father." They shook hands now, and Fenix turned to leave. Volrod stopped him, would you like to know the outcome. Volrod closed his eyes to look, but Fenix stopped him "I would rather not know." Volrod opened his eyes, "then I don’t want to know either. Take cares friend. I will make sure people know of your deeds. One more thing, do you want me to try and take over his body during the fight? It will help you out." Fenix "I will see you again, I will make sure of it. No, I do this on my own. Would you except help fighting the ‘Magic Child’? " With that Fenix started to walk off to enter Hell.
Volrod stood there looking at his friend walk off to face his destiny. A new thought was in Volrod’s mind, he saw a glimpse of the fight. He saw Fenix hurt badly and he didn’t know when it takes place. "If I keep the link, Diablo can’t enter Fenix, and I will fight Diablo for all eternity. This is will be the ultimate gift to my friends." Volrod knew that meant sacrificing his own life and taking up a life long battle that would never be over. He also knew that would prevent Diablo from ever coming back. Volrod was torn, he wanted to help his friends, but he thought about his destiny. He went to Candice to tell her about Fenix. He came before he and the child. He had a hard time holding back the tears and she could see it. He told her what Fenix told him. She was stunned and started to get concerned for her husband. He also let on more then he should have. He told her what he saw and this made her more upset. She didn’t want their child to grow up without a father. Volrod saw her pain and couldn’t bare it any more "I guarantee that Fenix will make it back to you alive. I stake my life on it." Candice "what does that mean, what are you planning?"
"I won’t cut the link, so Diablo will be trapped in me. This would stop him from entering Fenix. I have thought long and hard about this. It will be my final gift to you both. Your child will know his father." He started to cry again and so did she. She moved to comfort him, but she was glad that Fenix would live. She didn’t like the fact that she would loose a friend in the process. Volrod had made his choice with a heavy heart. He didn’t want to die, but he knew this had to be done. Volrod "when I die, take the ring and my sword and give them to Krista. Tell he that I will watch over her for all eternity and that I will always love her. She will always have a place in my heart."
"I will do this; you are a good friend to us. This is a noble move you make."
"I do this to ensure the future. I have doubts about myself being the "Child of Power", and I never had them before until now. I have a feeling that this is my destiny to save Fenix, and to fight Diablo’s soul for all time. This will also be away for me to make amends for my past." Candice nodded, and tried to stop herself from crying.
Volrod now wondered what he would do with his last remaining days. Krista could never know that he made this choice, it would break her heart, just as it breaks his. Volrod started to wander around, looking for people in need of company or the like. He wanted to use what money he had to bring happiness to people. As he traveled, he found a small weapon shop. He decided to enter and buy another crystal sword. (The more swords he fused into his, the more power they could hold. So the better he could hold off Diablo.) He walked in and started to shake. He fell to the ground and a nun in the store turned to look at him. Volrod cursed under his breath, picked himself up and walked in as if nothing happened. He walked to the counter and over heard the nun trying to buy a jade cross. She didn’t have enough money, so Volrod saw his first chance to do well. He paid for the cross and left, not even looking for the sword. The nun looked at him and tried to stop him before he left, but he was already out the door.
Volrod made his way back to the pile of ruble that was formerly his house. He stayed there all night fighting off Diablo’s attacks. At daybreak, Chris came to the cabin and wondered what was going on (he was off in his homeland fighting). Volrod told him of what had happened while he was gone. How Diablo was inside him, his marriage, Fenix's marriage to Candice, and Fenix’s child. He told him of what he was going to do about Diablo and Fenix. Volrod "this is my way to make amends to the people I hurt. I will keep him from coming back. This will be my gift to the world. Besides, I have doubts of myself being the ‘child of power’. I think this is my destiny, it would explain so much.
Chris "you fool, you are the ‘child of power’ and if you can’t see it, I have failed. I’m leaving you now." He left and walked away; he vanished into the dawning sun.
Volrod walked away from the ruins of his home, to help more people with his remaining time. He found another small tavern and went inside. He saw a girl sitting alone, so he walked over to her. He introduced himself and so did she. Her name was Naomi. She seamed sad, and Volrod wanted to help her. She told him her story; he father abused her with experiments. He channeled electricity into her body to try and rob her of her humanity.
They talked for a long time, about their past and their lives. Naomi wanted to help him, but she knew she couldn’t. She decided to just make his last few days peaceful. She took him to her private garden, and made him a great meal. The thanked her for her kindness. Volrod "I don’t know how to repay you for your kindness. You have been a great help in making this fight easier." Diablo felt Volrod distracted, so he moved in to take him over. Volrod summoned all his powers and drained his last energy to stop him. Volrod then attempted to take energy out of his sword, but its power was exhausted. Volrod "no, this can’t be. I’m doomed; I can’t fight him if he attacks." Naomi knew that she couldn’t allow this so she went and got a small potion for him. Naomi "this potion will recharge you for ten days to you max energy. Drink it, and you energy will come back."
"No, Diablo will get the energy as well. You can’t give that to me, I would rather die then give him energy." Diablo saw how weak Volrod was so he moved in for the kill. Diablo easily took control of him.
Diablo rose from Volrod and released a mighty growl. He looked down at the table and smashed it. The laughed and then saw Naomi, in shock at what was happening. She took to the sky and flew around him. She was faster than Diablo, so he couldn’t catch her. Diablo was angry, and his mind was no longer focused. Volrod took control again, and fell from Diablo’s form. He slammed into the ground from 15 feet, and screamed in pain. Naomi flew down by him, but it was too late. Volrod was out cold. She rolled him over and started to heal his spine. He started to move, but he was still out cold (he had no energy left and would die if he was out for to long)# Naomi grabbed the potion and made him drink it, without caring what it would do. She didn’t want to see this kind man die. As the potion ran down his through, it he instantly woke. The energy instantly flowed though his body. Volrod "you shouldn’t have done that. He got the energy as well. I thank you for saving my life though. I owe you big time now." He closed his eyes and rested.
"I don’t care as long as you are alive. You don’t owe me anything. You living is enough reward to me."
Volrod rested for the time, and Naomi watched over him. Diablo was now infused with a massive amount of energy now. Diablo used this to his advantage and came at Volrod. Volrod was helpless to stop him and he lost control again. Diablo released a mighty growl. Volrod blinded him, so he couldn’t kill Naomi. Diablo "Volrod, if I only had the soul stone³, I would trap you in it forever. Only if I had it."
Naomi "What are you talking about ugly?" Diablo raised a massive foot to crush where he heard the voice. It was too late; Naomi was no longer there. Diablo laughed he thought he killed her. Diablo was enraged at the fact the he missed. Diablo "you are fast, I give you credit." Volrod again capitalized on his anger and took control again. Again he fell, but Naomi was able to catch him this time. As Volrod regained his bearings, he started to cry. He was so ashamed that he almost killed his friend and ruined her garden.
They decide to move this some place else. They went to a small tavern and sat around talking. As Volrod sat around he, he suddenly stood and held his head. His eyes closed suddenly. When he reopened them, they had a red tint to them (the red tint was his hunger. He could control it as long as his eyes still had some brown in them). Diablo no longer wanted his body; he wanted to torture him more. The hunger was something Volrod never wanted to have back. He started to scan all the people the room for their Psionic potential. He was lucky; the Psionic potential of the room was low so he could control the hunger. As he scanned the room as holy man came into the room. Holy energy flowed from his body. Volrod was worried now, "was this man sent here to kill him?" He turned his gaze to him. The man walked over to Volrod and introduced himself as Sir Nicholas Demasey, of the Zakarum. He told Volrod that he came looking for him and the wife of Fenix. A look of terror grew an across his face. "What has happened to my friend?" That thought raced though his head. Nicholas "lets go to your cabin, and I will tell you more."
They went to the cabin. Candice arrived soon after they did. She left Adraena at her grandfather’s house. She started to cry as Nicholas told them what happened to Fenix. Nicholas "Fenix was destined to fight Diablo. He died on his journey to fight him and that shouldn’t have happened. A doom knight placed the death curse on him and stopped his heart. The gods have given me permission to bring him back. I will fulfill my destiny. I was meant to help the chosen one fight Diablo. First I have gifts for both of you." He handed a small stone to Volrod "this is a Psionic stone. When you collect all four, your powers will be unstoppable The Magic child is looking for the Magic stone, and only one will get all four." He then drew a crystal sword and gave it to Candice. "Give this to your son at the age of four. He has an important destiny to fulfill."
Volrod "that is a brave destiny. I know what this means for you. You give your life to bring his back." Nicholas needed an item of Fenix’s, so he turned to Volrod. Volrod knew what he wanted and gave him the ring from under his cloak.
Nicholas put the ring on his finger "when he comes back he will be out of energy. If he doesn’t get energy he won’t be able to breathe." Volrod nodded to him, and was ready to move in. Nicholas’ body started to grow into Fenix’s form as he was over come with a white light. Fenix fell to the ground and Volrod ran to his side. He started to transfer energy into his body, not caring about the fact he was running low as well. He gave him all the energy he could. Fenix started to breathe and Volrod fell to the floor. He was now completely out of energy. He only hopped that the energy potion would keep him alive. Candice looked at them in shock. Volrod was on the ground barely moving, and Fenix was starting to breathe normally again. She ran to her husband and helped him into a chair. She watched over him as Volrod slowly regained conciseness. "Is he breathing?" Volrod asked. "I owe you again friend. You saved me." Fenix said. Volrod lay on the floor trying to regain some energy. They all decided to head to their homes and get some rest. There is nothing they could do out of energy.
The next day they all meet at a small tavern. Volrod induced Fenix and Candice to Naomi. They also told Fenix what happened to him. Fenix didn’t remember much, but it came to him after he was told. Again Volrod stood holding his head, and when he opened his eyes, they were redder than they had ever been. He quickly looked around the room, sensing Psionic energy, but he contained himself. Fenix "cut the link. We need a new plan. You can’t fight him much longer. Please cut the link." Volrod cut the link and Diablo left his mind. With Diablo out of his mind, Volrod was now free to look for the stones. He knew where one stone was, the "Dream Master" had it. Volrod sensed the "Dream Master" coming for him. It was obvious that they both wanted the stones.
They meet and fought a mighty battle. They ruined the landscape that they battled on. Volrod beat the "Dream Master" and stood over his dieing foe. Volrod "you have been a great enemy, so I will enjoy killing you. Your powers will ensure that I will win the fight, take care in knowing that." Volrod swung his sword and cut the "Dream Master" head off. He then moved into absorb his powers. Volrod felt his powers flow into him. He never felt so powerful in his whole life. He took the stone and went back to see Fenix, Krista and Candice. On his way, he found the location of the other two stones, so he hurried to get them. The stones were hard to find, but he managed to get all of them before the "Magic Child" did. He returned home later that day and Psionic energy flowed from his body. His powers were now greater than any one could have imagined.