Thread: Flames of War and Passion (Razgriz x Ironic)

One has to wonder how far the reaches of space truly are. It seems limitless in its expanse, yet is defined as a finite area. From planets to asteroids, solar systems to galaxies, to even the entire universe in and of itself, the potential for life can reach that beyond even the most intellectual mortal's understanding. The life on one such planet, Praoamia, was a very interesting planet indeed. Lush tropics covered every inch of the world's surface, even the towering mountains that formed natural borders. The concept of 'civilization' in the sense of towering structures and advanced technology had yet to reach their world in its place, the entire planet was that of a nomadic sort. Always following the animals and the resources, trying to simply survive. No 'nations' existed, only tribes. And even then, wars were few and far between the prey animals were dangerous, and fighting amongst themselves would only serve to distract them from the true necessities of life. The people themselves were built stoutly and brimmed with muscle, a necessary adaptation for the immense gravity of their world. Their lungs reinforced with natural carbon-weave to avoid having the delicate flesh ripped apart every time they breathed, the same for their bones having exceptional density. And for the most part, life was not too horrendous The people of Praoamia were mindful of their impacts on the ecosystem, the chieftains keeping careful tally within their tribes so as not to take too much from the land. After all, there were future generations to consider. But today was a joyous day, for it was that time within their society for the Purification, an event that occurred every one million moon cycles. And despite the unity of the world's people, this was the time where everyone was truly together. The time where the greatest task was given to a single worthy individual To accept the embrace of Verath, Patron of the Eternal Flame, and burn the world clean of life for it to start anew. This had been done so many times before, and whoever was chosen got only the best in everything Clothes, food, and women who would be chosen to survive the glorious event and pass on the next generation. And that fate would fall upon the broad shoulders of Khrelan of the Plagnor tribe as their chieftains have said, a lone burning ember would fall from the sky and land on the forehead of the one to be chosen for this task and mark them. Khrelan found himself being violently shaken awake one morning, only to be rushed and practically forced to look into the stream next to which they had set up camp. He quickly joined his companions in jubilation upon seeing the ember mark his forehead, and word was sent out to every other tribal chief. Their preparations began immediately, and Khrelan found himself being treated to something he had never thought he would experience. While every tribe member was treated like blood, this was something entirely different. He was waited on hand and foot, not allowed to strain his body unnecessarily, not even during the hunt when he would try to heft the massive phothogs over his shoulders despite his strength and stature gifted to him by strong lineage and his people. The only time he received any exercise was among the chief's presence, in which he would test the young male's strength and endurance, and push it to allow Verath safe vessel. Every day, his body was rubbed down on every inch with healing oils and salves, and instructed to lie bare amidst the shamans as they chanted, to open the pathways for their great spirit to enter his body. This continued for quite some time before he was finally escorted by the tribal chief Harkthron himself along with the shaman of every tribe to the only rocky desert and only desert at all on the planet, aptly named the Plains of Verath for their scorching heat and lack of moving creatures. It was a journey that took seventeen moon cycles to complete, but once reached, the immense satisfaction could be felt by all. Khrelan had heard the tales of Verath, and was truly in awe of such a magnificent spirit and to think he was selected as his herald. It was far too great an honor. His featureless yet vibrat eyes stared out to the flat, barren landscape, deep in thought and excitement for what was to transpire. He then felt a hand rest on his shoulder as they rode their mounts towards their final destination. I hope you appreciate this honor, Khrelan and Herald of Verath. You have been chosen by the Great Purifier for this task. said Harkthron, chieftain of the Plagnor tribe. I will not disappoint Verath, chieftain. I have trained my body and mind for his embrace. May his light shine upon us all, and give back to the land what we have taken. For the Cycle. replied Khrelan, causing Harkthron to smile widely in glee. Verath has chosen wisely. added Protnor, shaman of the Eastern Plains tribe, a comment followed by nods from the others. At last, they reached the Great Circle A natural mirrored-surface formation of obsidian glass, one thought to have been the sight of the first every Purification performed by Verath himself, the one that allowed the People to rise from the ash and live from the land born of his sacrifice. The circle of stone ran out for a short distance, and eventually they had to get off their horses. One part of this task was for Khrelan to walk across the scorching stone to the center, to feel the true presence of Verath. Something he did with no hesitation even as the undersides of his feet blistered, cracked, and reddened, all he felt was joy. Verath...I feel you. Show me your love, oh Purifier. Allow me to demonstrate my worthiness of being your vessel and bring to life your desire to renew this world. he said as he walked with arms wide open, staring to the Eye of Verath in the sky, feeling His radiance wash over him. He then laid down at the center, his back on the scorching surface as the rays of the bright orb in the heavens bombarded him. And with that, the shamans and chieftain spaced themselves around the circle before taking one step inward onto the scorching rock, joining Verath and Khrelan in this glorious moment. And then they began to chant, the words empowering Khrelan and opening his body to receive the Purifier's embrace. The hot obsidian began to glow, radiating so much heat it began to boil the flesh and bone, and yet the pain could not be expressed. Not when so much joy could be had at this moment. And then Khrelan heard it His voice. My child, you have done well. This land will benefit greatly with you as my vessel. Join with me, and let us renew the world. From your dedication, from your sincere desire for the People, this land will prosper. The creations following even more beautiful than before. Celebrate, for you shall give birth to a better People. said the whispery voice, its tone filled with love and caring for those who upheld its desire to let the planet survive. Tears of joy streamed down Khrelan's cheeks, sizzling on the superheated rock as he replied, Yes, Verath! Take me! For the People! For the Cycle! And with that, a cyclone of fire seemed to drop from the heavens and funneled into Khrelan's form. Flames soon erupted from open sores as his skin blackened and cracked but he felt no pain, only the energy of that which gave them life. His body became a veritable network of magma tubes, the red fire contrasting with the darkened skin before long, the ritual concluded and he was born anew. Khrelan...You have done it! Verath is with you! shouted one of the shamans, the looks of glee apparent on everyone's face. Khrelan slowly stood up and used the obsidian to gaze upon his new form. Thank the Purifier...I am worthy! Khrelan cried to the heavens now he knew came the longest part To stay here and focus his vital energies until such time that they could be unleashed and prepare the old world for its rebirth. The tales never gave a specific timetable, not that they were expected to. And after some heartfelt goodbyes, Khrelan was left alone. Or so he thought. About twenty moon cycles into his pilgrimmage, his meditation was interrupted by a strange, indescribable noise. His eyes, now a glowing yellow-orange, opened and looked to the sky to see what looked like a giant metal bird of some kind. What on Praoamia.... he muttered however, he could not finish his sentence for he felt a sudden onslaught of cold wash over him. And pain. So much mindbreaking pain! He screamed in agony, the sounds carrying for miles. His body writhed on the hot stone, the once pristine glass fracturing from the thermal shock and breaking apart. Verath! I am your vessel! Give me strength and I will not fail you! Khrelan cried was this some kind of test? It had to be, but the tomes never spoke of this. However, it soon became even worse for him within his mind's eye, he felt the visage of Verath start to fade. No! Verath! VERATH! Khrelan cried out and in a sudden surge of power, the flame erupted from his body, forever searing his form between normal and that of his Herald body . But it drained him, the strain of trying to hold in something as mighty as Verath too powerful for him to continue and he passed out. Praise the High King...This is the most effective substance for dealing with those that dabble in fire and he resisted for so long. Thank Him it worked. said one of the figures aboard the alien craft, the body hidden beneath armor and a hooded cloak. Yes...His Majesty will be quite pleased with this addition to the tournament. He should fare quite well and give us a great spectacle, especially against that Orac captured by Ph'neei and his men. Activate the transport beam and keep the cage as close to freezing as you can. If these vitals are accurate...Then we don't need that waking up anytime soon. And with a press of a button, Khrelan's unconscious form - along with a few shards of the broken Great Circle - was lifted onboard, his body materializing into an empty cage in the hold surrounded by cargo, supplies for the 'Retrieval Squadron' that set out to find specimens for these 'games'. Once everything was secured, the ship turned around and jetted off to orbit, quickly reaching superluminal speeds as they raced towards their home planet.