Chapter 1: First Entries.
Entry one.
Hello Diary, this is my first entry since I bought you from the peddling moogle in the black mountains behind Galaham, You could have been cheaper though, 6 kupo nuts for one damn book of blank pages!! Next time I see that moogle ill make sure I'll change him into a toad, a little more fitting dont you think??
Anyway, I decided to tell you that today my teacher learned me how to cast Fireaga...I was so excited that I burned half the libary down...the flames...so pretty...so POWERFUL!!!... but shhhh he doesnt know it was me, I told him that the stupid blue mage that sits across from me in science summon ifrit and did it, but what he doesnt know doesnt hurt right?? Heh heheh!
Well, I better get back to the academy, theres this really sweet lookin preistess that since in front of me in White magic....I could look at her all day long, my passion for her burns just like the libary did this morning Yuc yuc yuk....if only she knew who I was.....
Rul
Entry two.
Hi again diary, how have you been since I been in class? my backpack wasnt too dark was it, I'm a little afraid of the dark myself so I know how scary it can be....maybe if I put you a small fireball in you'll be ok?...on second thoughts that might hurt a little, so I'll pass, your a good friend and you listen to what I have to say.....
anyway, I was sat behind that smokin' hot priestess again....wow shes totally dreamy, I wonder what her favorite colour is, I wonder where she got that perfume....she smells great....
When we went to leave class she Talked to me Diary Progress!! Ive been sat behind her for over five months and she finally talked to me! she said "Watch where your walkin' shorty"....My heart jumped in my throat!
You think I should ask her to the Moon dance next week?
Well its been a long day and I got to practice my haste casting for "Time-Manipulation" class tomorrow, I just hope I dont end up Hasting the whole planet so we end up skipping a week like I did last month, that was so embarassing... anyway good night diary!
rul.
Entry three.
Well it happened again diary, I skipped the whole planet a month ahead this time....I'm Gonna fail that class for sure, teacher was so angry that he summoned Ramu as punishment....I hate Ramu he always makes tidy his libary up....it took hours and I had to skip "101 Natural Disasters" class because of it....I REALLY wanna learn Aero3 but if I cant get haste right next time, I'll be in Ramu's Libary again tidying up his damn books!
too annoyed to talk right now, I wonder what the Priestess is doing for lunch? I wonder what she likes to eat for lunch.....
rul.
Entry four.
Pah I Really hate "Jump" class, why do they insist on getting us black mages to do it, they know we cant jump as well as those damn dragon knights...there always making fun of us when we try.....I got the last laugh today though Diary, I managed to Sleep one of the dragon knights when the teacher wasnt looking, The whole class laughed when he fell asleep half-way through a jump and landed flat on his face....maybe next time I'll electrify the floor so he does a little jig when he lands?...on seconds thoughts maybe ill just firea his greaves when teacher isnt looking...that should be fun!
Rul.
Entry five.
Hi again Diary, Yep teacher managed to revert time and sort out that month skip I did, I'm glad because I would have missed the moon dance thats going on next week, Speaking of which I got a date!!!!
Yes me, me of all people has a date isnt that great, isn't it amazing what you can do with muddle? Heh eheheh!
I finally got the guts up to ask the Alshi on a date....yea thats the priestess from my White magic classes name, before she got a chance to answer, I quickly cast muddle on her and asked again....the wierd thing is she didnt seem all that confused when she said yes....maybe she really does like me and it isnt just my magic!
What robe do you think I should wear, my dark blue robe, or my red robe? then again isnt it a fancy dress?....Or is a formal thing? Wheres my hat?....why are you wearing my hat diary?.....oh dear seems the Muddle backfired, looks like I need a trip to the Academy chemist again....the last time I was there was because a demi backfired and turned me inside out....how embarrasing that was!
Yea, off I go Hi diary...
Rul.
Entry Six.
Hi diary, I'm Feeling much better now, the chemist fixed me up and the muddle is gone, Yes its a fancy dress thing so I'm going as a Black Waltz, I remember my uncle used to be a Black waltz...before he died defending the king of galham for a band of ruthless Temple knights from Gravlon that is, ....I wonder if I'll ever bump into them and get my revenge?....
Anyway, Alshi sat next to me today! she even spoke to me, and she wasnt muddled or anything!....she said I have nice big eyes and she likes "mysterious types" and has always had a bit of a thing for me....I'm as shocked as you are diary....shes got deep green eyes, they look like emeralds, and from what I can see under her hood....brunette hair!
I did make a bit of a fool of myself though, she asked me if I liked her, I got so choked up....I kinda set the teachers pet chikibo on fire, so here I am in detention, I should be writing lines now but all I can think of is those eyes!
2 days till the moon dance I cant wait!
Rul.
Entry Seven.
1 day till the moon dance, and I got my costume Diary, I tried it on right after I got it, I look just like a mini version of my uncle, he would be so proud!!
Anyway, I spoke to Alshi today....I appogised for setting the chikibo on fire, she laughed and said she thought it was quite funny and asked if I could teach her some black magic as she isnt doing so well, in black magic class...
We snuck out and skipped "Jump" class and went up the black mountains...guess who was there diary! That moogle that ripped me off before! target practice!!! HAhahaha!!!
I was suprised to find that Alshi doesnt like the moogle either, she said he ripped her off and gave her a box he said contained an Oak Staff for 7 kupo nuts, but it only contained an old branch!!
before I even got chance to turn the moogle into a frog, Alshi trapped him in a very impressive ring of firea....I thought she said she was bad at black magic? That was a very well executed ring of firea....Anyway I set the moogles tail on fire with Fireaga, and told Alshi to try it....Ah now we see the problem Diary....she always fizzles with the bigger spells!
I asked her to calm down and concentrate on her "Inner most Hate" then try again, a perfect hit! she totally burned his wings!! HAhHAHa Try flying now you stupid moogle Try flying now!!!
Anyway, we went to a quiet place afterwards....she taught me how to use haste properly! I feel so happy, I wont fail Time Manipulation at last and ill be able to learn Aero3!!
We had to go back to the academy after all the fun, she thanked me for my help, as she was walking away....I kinda blurted out "I Like you too"....she turned back, smiled and blew me a kiss and mouthed "see you at the dance"
I'm so happy right now nothing can bring my mood down diary, not even ramu!!
Rul.
Chapter 2: The Moon Dance. (ooc realtime events as they unfold, the diary entries are now to summarize events that are not of major character importance)
I wake up this morning feeling a little groggier than usual, I rub my eyes and reach over to my night-stand to take a glance a look at the clock....."6:30am" still early...
As I fumble with my right hand across my night-stand, I claw around and manage to find my hat, I bring it closer and craddle my hat for a moment before placing it upon my head.
Slowly, I stir and rise from my bed and make my way to my wardrobe, I pick out the dark blue robe with the chocobo feathered colar that mother had gave me last christmas. Without hesitation I sling it on and make my way to the bathroom...
I remember that the light isnt working in the bathroom, so I grab the small oil-lamp I use when late-night studying and light it with a small fireball and make my way in.
I place the lamp on the bathroom counter, and remove my hat....I take a long hard look in the mirror, before running the sink and washing my face....and brushing my teeth, with a quick gargle and spit, I stop the water and replace my hat and make my way out, picking up the lamp as I turn to leave. I decide to make my way downstairs, I feel too lazy to walk so I chant a small spell and teleport myself there instead "Ah the wonders of magic, where would we be without them?" I say to myself as I grab my rucksack, and turn to leave for academy. With a wave of my hand as I'm walking out of the door, a cereal bar flies into it, which I quickly open and devour happily on my way to my first class.....Time Manipulation....I'm ready this time, "I cant wait to see the look on teachers face", I explain to myself as I walk with a spring in my step towards the academy.
Luckly there are not many classes today, because of the moondance, so were doing half day which is great news since I dont have to do "jump" class today, and the best part about today....not only do I get to learn Aero3, Im going on my first offical date with Alshi, my heart swells with pride as my mind drifts off to think of the beautiful priestess as she's smiling and laughing, and how her green eyes twinkle when she does this.
After Academy is over I discuss tonights plans with Alshi, She asks me what im wearing but I tell her she has to wait, Likewise with her, she says its a suprise and smiles at me,
"wow I've never met a girl like her before" I think to myself, as we walk side by side holding hands as I walk her to her dorm room....
As I gaze again into those eyes, she stops just outside her door and gazes back at me and clears her throat..."Uhm, do you mind taking off your hat for just a second?" she announces, I raise an eyebrow as she continues to explain "I want to give you something". I take a large gulp and reach my hands upwards and remove my hat, I run one hand through my long blonde hair to try tidy it up the best I can....the yellow glow fades from my eyes, and reveals my eyes natural blue-tint, I smile uncomfortably, I await a response.
She Smiles and removes her hood, and shakes her long brunette hair to tidy it from being under her hood all day...."Wow, shes beautiful" I think to myself as I see her long brunette hair drapes below her shoulders and look at the detail the light creates as it reflects off of her locks.
"Wow, you have very enchanting eyes" she explains..."why do you always have to hide under that hat?" she then quickly questions..."Well, I dunno, I guess its just what us black mages do I guess" I reply. She smiles and leans slightly forwards looking into my eyes with an unbridled passion, I lean towards her and we kiss, its a long a tender kiss, my heart races!
As she pulls away slowly and I open my eyes, I notice she lingers on the moment and slowly opens her eyes "Wow" she states and is clearly struggling for breath.."Yea, that was great" I reply..
We stand there for a few more minutes, it feels as if time has stood still as we look into each other eyes, I want this moment to never end, "Well, I better get going...I'll see you tonight, ok?" she explains still struggling for breath.
"Ok ill see you tonight!" I reply and lean forward and give her a parting kiss, it doesnt last as long as the first but there is definatley a strong intense sense of passion in it....We part our ways slowly, from a hug, to slowly leaving each others hands, She heads into her door, as I place my hat back on my head and turn to head back to my own room, I turn around and see her stood in the doorway, She smiles and says "go on silly, ill see you tonight" and blows me a kiss, the slowly closes the door.
I walk down the hallway to my dorm room passing a group of red mages, who look at me and begin chanting "oooh look whos in love!"..."Darkruls in loovee Darkrules in love!", they giggle as I dismiss there childish chant and walk up to my dorm door, turn the key and enter my room.
I sit and stare at the clock, after spending an hour or so reading through an article written by "Proffesor Excelem" about mixing and matching different magics and there effects titled "For the greater power", its an interesting read and something I have been practicing on since I first ever hear of Excelem and his work, I can only seem to string together Dark magic, gravity and Fire though, whenever I try to use "the leeching technique" to use a spell to bolster a white spell, it always fizzles, maybe white magic isnt what im cut out for?
Its now six o'clock and time I was getting ready for the moon dance, I place the book back on the rack and stretch as I stand up, then I slowly make my way to the closet.
I open it and take out the black waltz costume and drape it over my arm and grab a towel and head into the bathroom, I put it over the clothing rack and turn on the shower, I step in..."burr, cold" I exclaim to myself and turn it over to a hotter setting "ah thats better" as I take a good thorough shower, and make sure to clean every nook and craney explicitly.
I grab my towel and step out and quickly dry myself, I brush my teeth and comb my hair....not that it matters I'm going to be wearing a costume all night but hey every little bit helps right? I reach for the costume and gingerly put on the pants,robe and slowly don the hat. I take a quickly glance in the mirror, feel content with what I see and make my way out of my dorm room and head over to Alshi's.....as I walk there I wonder what she will be wearing and pull a large bunch of crimson roses from my pocket, Its tradition to give a girl flowers your taking to the dance, but I doubt many will have crimson roses as they only flower once a year In the darkest parts at the foot of the black mountains...."I hope she likes them" I think to myself as I take a deep breath and knock on her door.
"Come on in" she yells from the inside, I quickly do a quick dust-over and straighten check, and grab the door handle, I pull the lever and open the door and step inside, using my trailing hand to close the door behind me.
"I'll be just a second, just take a seat" she again yells from another room, that I can only assume would be her bathroom...or maybe her bedroom, I glance around the room and notice floral decorated wallpaper, with little chocobo's depicted running across an open field, as well as many ornate statues and lamps.
I walk across the soft shaggy carpet pile and take a seat on the couch..."comfy" I think to myself, although I sit upright like im still in the middle of one of the Teachers lectures and I'm trying to pay attention...
"Wow, your a Black Waltz!" I suddenly hear from the other side of the room, I quickly move my gaze across the room, when my eyes fixate on Alshi, She is wearing a long blue gown with icicle patterns and, has ice-block style shoulders, but its not the costume that interests me all that much, I look at Alshi for the first time, without her Priestess garments...I sigh slightly walk towards her and hold her hands, "You look stunning" I exclaim and brandish a grin that she cannot see because of my hat. She smiles at me and removes my hat with her left hand, leans forwards and we embrace in a kiss....every bit as good as the first time! My heart feels like its about to leap out of my costume and do a little jig of joy on the stained oak table!
She slowly pulls away, and opens her eyes once again Lingering on the kiss, she gazes into my eyes and smiles again "I wanted to look special for you tonight" she says, hinting at a hope of reply..."All I can say is....Wow!" I reply, I'm totally lost for words, I think she must have took them out of my mouth when we kissed....
"I have something for you by the way, I hope you like them" I finally blurt out after remembering, I move over to the couch and pick up the roses, turn to her, smile and hold them out as an offering "It took me several weeks to get these from the base of the mountain in full flower, I had to see the alchemist for a special preservative to keep them this way" I say, triumphantly as I hand her the flowers.
Alshi lowers her head into the bouquet of flowers and takes a deep breath, "they smell fantastic, I cant believe you actually managed to get these in full bloom" She beams from ear to ear and kisses me on the cheeks several times, before glancing at the clock and realising the time. "It's time we were going, dont want to be late do we" She says as she places the flowers into a conviently placed vase on her table, and turns to pick up my hat that she had dropped on the floor during our kiss and places it back on my head and winks. We turn to leave, switch the lights out and head out to the dance.....hand in hand!
The dance is very noisy, but never the less a lot of fun, There are huge banners and drapes across the pillars and walls, and the dancing floor is packed with a wide variety of Academy students in costumes dancing, off to the side of the dancefloor a couple of groups of Black mage and Red Mage students are sat at opposite tables in there respective cliques, they had not bothered to dress up as they didnt think they would get dates....seems they were right.
As we make our way through the entrance, We glance up at the roof as you can see the moonlight shining through the glass dome roof, and onto the dance floor, it seems the glass roof magnifies the moonlight, making it appear bright upon the floor, but still dark enough for privacy and intimacy while the couples dance.
We look at each other and smile, and start to make our way to the dance floor when one of the other black mages from the table notices us, gets up and runs over to us.....
"Eyy Darkyy!!" He blurts out, with a strange smell upon his breath...he seems uneasy on his feet.."Who's the chick?" he asks, as he stares at Alshi in a seemingly leering fashion....before I can answer ashli, steps up. "I'm Alshi, and Darkrul Is my boyfriend and date, nice to meet you" she explains triumphantly and extends her hand in a gesture asking for a shake.."Woah....those red mages weren't lying then!...your dating a Priestess Darky you know Rufle wont like that, you sure you wanna be kicked outta the club?" The black mage barks, as he sways side to side and ignores Alshi's gesture of friendship.."So what! let him kick me outta the club you guys are dorks anyway, you couldnt cast a Fire spell on a Cacctur that has no legs" I snap back, as my eyes begin to turn crimson and energy begins to crackle around my hands, I lean towards him menacingly, but Alshi steps in between us "Stop! leave him Darkrul darling, he isnt worth it!" She begs grabbing my right arm tightly, My eyes begin to fade back to there normal yellow hue as I calm myself on Alshi's words and step back with a deep breath. "Yea, your right, Now get outta our face and stop ruining our night if you dont mind...we have a dance to attend!" I reply, the first part calmly to Alshi, and the second part Arogantly to the Black mage. He shrugs and staggers back over to the other Black Mages, who have been watching the whole thing....he says something to them as they huddle and keep looking in our direction....but I focus on Alshi and we make our way to the dance floor..
We dance for what seems to be an eternity, but I dont care...I could do this forever as long as Alshi is by my side, at this point I begin to realise something but keep it to myself, "Maybe now isnt the right moment" I think to myself as I continue to enjoy dancing with Alshi in our tight embrace and closeness of our dance.
Suddenly I feel a tap on my shoulder, and snap out of the moment and spin round to notice 3 of the black mages stood behind me, "Let go of me!" Alshi remarks in a panic, I turn my head to notice the other 2 black mages have grabbed Alshi...
"What the hell do you think your doing!?!?" I snap at the lead Black mage angrily "Let her go NOW!" I demand....the music stops and there is silence all around the room except from where we stand..."No way buster, you think you can just ditch us for her?" The lead Black mage replies "Get real man, were buddies, she aint nothin, I mean we could burn her and you wouldnt care a damn, because were Black mages and its what we do!" he continues to remark...
"Enough!!" I Boom angrily, my eyes once again turn crimson as the dark rage within me builds and the hatred begins to bubble, energy begins to crackle wildly all around my body...."Leave her out of this and lets settle this man to man!" I snap, "If you win, I'll leave her, If I win, you never bother us again? OK!" I quickly lay out the demands to the lead Black mage, another black mage whispers to the leadblack mage "Come on Rufl you can take him, thats why your the boss"..."Ok deal, lets do it...right here right now!" The lead blackmage states, who has been Identified as Rufl.
"Let her go first" I snap again, quickly glancing at the 2 black mages still holding onto Alshi's arms...."You heard the man...let her go first...Hahaha!" Rufl remarks as the 2 blackmages levitate Alshi into the air and send her crashing to the floor ....A gasp of disbelief and shock is heard within the room, followed by a sigh of relief...I have no idea how but I managed to catch her "Go, go over to the other Priestess, Alshi...please let me handle this" I say with tears dripping from underneath my hat.."Ok but please, be careful....I love you!" Alshi says as she moves over to the others priestesses...."She loves me!!" I think to myself "She really Loves me!!" my heart is racing, but suddenly brought back down to earth when Rufl clears his throat..."Well?" he arogantly remarks...as he stands in his casting stance preparing to fight a mage duel....."Soo...you think this is going to be a duel do you Rufl?" I reply with a sinister tone to my voice, as energy once again begins to crackle around my body......"Obviously you have never fought an aire of the Black Waltz before!!" I remark as I quickly spin round with energy crackling from my finger tips...
"Your a....oh no!!" Rufl says as he begins to cower and walk on the back foot..
"You have no idea How We DEal with Scum like you DO YOU!!! My voice has changed as I tap into my inner most darkest powers.
"....Please dont hurt me....I was only joking" Rufl wimpers as he falls to the floor and attempts to crawl to hide behind the other black mages who are also physically shaking
"No I Wont hurt you, at least....Not for Long!....I want my freedom and with you out of the Picture it SHAL BE MINE!!!!" I remark, as I concentrate hard and the ground below Rufl and the mages begins to shake, they are now physically wimpering and crying like children....this only fuels my anger and hatred for them "They tried to hurt, her I cannot allow this to EVER happen" I reason with myself inside my head...."They have to be taught a lesson"..Concentrating upon the dark powers that have built within me, I channel onto the shaking ground surrounding Rufl and the black mages......"RING OF FIREA!!" I Yell as the ground below them bursts a flame forming a pentogram of fire that traps the mages within....
The mages and Rufl all begin to beg for mercy within the ring, caged like animals...mercy I refuse to deliver, they did not show that same mercy for Alshi, I wont show it for them either!
Concentrating hard, I begin to weave flame and darkness together as I have practiced....As I have studied.....As has been handed down to me from the Generations of Black Waltzes and condense it all into one, supremely powerful spell....I take one look towards the other students, I take one look at Alshi, suprisingly she isnt wanting me to stop, neither is Ramu....
I bring the energy together in front of me and ready myself using all my strength, and power, all the hatred the darkness, the flames of wrath!...
"ShhhhADDDOWWW FLAAAREEE!!!"I Below loudly and it echos across the room, The bolt of energy heads towards its target and swings around the pentegram of fire and consumes the spell gaining in intensity and power "I successfully merged 3 spells for the first time ever" I think to myself as The shadow Flare expands in a veil of darkness enveloping the mages, so all that can be seen is siluouttes, The Fire then begins to errupt and you can see the Mages Burning in the eternal darkness before the spell reaches its climax and Disintigrates what little is left of the mages before dispersing into nothingness....
As the dust settles....I begin to calm myself, my eyes revert to there normal yellow hue once more and my voice returns to normal as I stop channelling upon my darkest thoughts and powers....I stand silent for a few moments and look around the room.
Suddenly thunderous applause is heard from around the room, as Alshi runs up to me and gives me a great big hug, I notice Ramu approaching me as the applause dies down....Alshi relinquishes her hug and stands calmly at my side as Ramu begins to speak.
"Well done Darkrul, you have proven yourself worthy of your Waltz family name and have shown that your Black magic prowess surpasses that of any Pupil within the Academy"
"Huh?"...."This was a test?" I question, looking rather puzzled.
"Yes, I spoke to Alshi this morning and she told you how you had managed to teach her how to perfect the ability to cast Fireaga, a feat that is only possible by an aire of the Black Waltz....its impossible for a Black mage of normal blood to actually be able to do such a thing, so we arranged this test to see if you are ready!" Ramu explains.
"Ready for what?" I question, i'm still puzzled about this whole test thing and seem rather confused as to why Ramu would allow me to willingly destroy several pupils in front of the whole academy, some test!
"To begin your journey, to become truly what you are, to evolve and become a Black Waltz, not just any Black Waltz however my student....a Black Waltz Lord!" Ramu continues to explain.
"A Black Waltz lord!?!"..."Me??"..."But they are only born every 1000 generations of Black waltzes!"..."Is this possible?" I erratically remark and question, how can this be possible? Am I the 1000th generation of Black Waltz??
"When your uncle was taken from this plane of existence, the 999th generation of Black Waltz had passed from this world, so you are indeed the 1000th and destined to become a Black Waltz Lord"...."You had to be tested to see if you are ready to begin your journey as it is a perilous one and one that borders on the edges of madness itself, for you have to study from this!" As Ramu finishes he holds up a Large Black ring bound tome....A large gasp is heard from the whole accademy...It's The Legendary Book Of Black Arts!
I'm have trouble taking all of this in, I look towards Alshi and she smiles at me and encourages me to carry on with the conversation, and with it my indoctoration into the Journey of becoming a full fledge Black Waltz....not just any Black Waltz though....A damn Black Waltz Lord of all things!!
"But why did this test involve me having to destroy fellow students?" I question Ramu "Why would you have me willingly destroy students to find out if I am ready?"..
"Dont worry, before the dark magics that you envolked fully destroyed them, I had Alshi call upon a Carbunkle to wisk them out safely, there currently at the Alchemists getting patched up, I have to say if anything Rafl wont make a very good Black mage, but He would make a good mime with those acting skills!" Ramu explains and begins to burst into laughter, I see the funny side of it all a laugh for a moment, before I look at Alshi..
"Were you....acting too?" I question her sincerely with a hint of disapointment within my voice...
"Yes....and No....I'll explain later" She replies "Go on ask Ramu about your journey, Im sure your looking forward to it".....shes right, I am keen to know how my journey will begin....
"So, how do I begin on this Journey?" I ask Ramu
"My young friend...it has already begun!, tomorrow you will meet your mentor and guide who will help you throughout understanding the Art of controlling the power of the Waltz and how to understand and read the Book of Black arts!, For now the dance is over, and all students should head back to there dorms and be ready for class tomorrow first thing!" Ramu states, a large disapointed groan is heard from the students as they begin to exit the hall and make there way to there dorm rooms
Alshi and I turn to leave, "Just a second you two, I would like you both to go on the journey together" Ramu states as we are both about to leave...
"Huh?" we both state at the same time...
"Well I should have told you before, Alshi is no ordinary priestess, just like you are no ordinary Black mage, Alshi is destined to become the next high priestess, and is heir to the throne of Galham, she needs to undertake this journey with you so she can better understand you, since every black waltz, including lords have been bodyguards to kings and queens for many generations" Ramu once again explains.
"Your a princess?" I turn to Alshi and ask her without hesitation..
"Yea...I was waiting for the write time to tell you.." She replies with a worried look upon her face, I've never seen her worried before...is there more she needs to tell me?
"Well off you go, and dont be late...tomorrow is a big day for both of you" Ramu states as he waves his hands and disperces into thin air.
We start to walk back to our dorm rooms, I can help but keep looking at Alshi and asking myself questions "Why didnt she tell me before?"...."Why did she say yes and no?"...."When she said I love you, did she mean it or was it part of the act?"....The question continue to spin in my head as we reach her dorm room and she stops just like before outside the door, takes a deep breath and prepares to explain herself....
"I know what your thinking, and I totally understand if your angry or upset at me...The thing is....I didnt tell you I'm a princess because I didnt know how you would re-act....and yes the whole saying yes to the dance was an act....." She pauses for a second..."But..." She takes my hat off and hold my hands in hers..."I have fallen for you....the feelings I have for you are real...please believe me!" She stares into my eyes...and with total certainty she says "I love you"...
Theres a second of silence as she waits for a reply, I gaze into her eyes and think over the situation, I search my feelings....
"I understand why you did what you did, you have to protect yourself right?"....I remark....I gaze into her eyes once more "I love you too"....another moments silence...
She smiles and leans forward, grabs hold of my hair and drags me towards her and locks my lips with hers, we kiss for a very long looong time, hoo boy who would think love would be this good huh?
As she pulls away, she gets a cheeky smile across her face, still clutching onto my robe with her right hand, she fumbles with her left and opens her dorm room...
"Well he didnt say we have to spend the night alone now did he" She says and giggles mischevously...I grin back as she drags me into the dorm room and we embrace passionatley as she closes the door behind us with her left hand...
Chapter 3: The Journey
Its morning, the first rays of the sun, hit the stained glass windows of the dorm rooms and the chikabos and chocobos begin to crow, welcoming the break of dawn, I begin to stir slowly and reach up with my left hand to rub my eyes and glance at the clock...7 am....well at least I dont start till 9 am now I ponder to myself....
I look around the room, and begin to realise that this isnt my room, its much too tidy, the wallpaper is...floral pattern with chocobos running across an open plain....."Wait a minute!" I think to myself, and I look across to the other side of the bed...
Alshi begins to slowly stir from her slumber, her eyes gently open as she glances around and fixes her gaze with mine...
"good morning sweetheart" she says, as she reaches across with her arm and lays it across my chest, and gazes lovingly into my eyes. "I had a great time last night, it was incredible" she remarks with a smile a cheeky little giggle.
"I did too" I reply, "I've never done anything like this before"....
"Neither have I" she replies, "I dunno why, it just felt...right!" she explains and she leans over and kisses me on the lips for a few moments then smiles.
"yea, I've never felt like this before....Im glad though" I explain as I smile back gazing back into her eyes.
"Me too" Alshi replies as we cuddle for a few moments, still staring into each other eyes
We lay together for about half an hour before we decide to make headway and prepare for the day ahead, I quickly gather my things, Kiss Alshi and we part ways until a little later while I rush to my dorm room, head into the bathroom, take a quick shower, brush my teeth and go to get dressed when I stop for a moment as I notice something....
A large package is waiting for me on my bed, white material with a red ribbon....the attached tag reads "To Darkrul, Good luck with your journey, heres a few things a little more befitting to a Black Waltz Lord.....and I'm sorry for yesterday man, your still the best!....Rafl and The Black mages!"
I quickly open the package tearing the wrapping paper, inside theres a Dark blue robe....no ordinary robe, this robe is etched with mithril runes and has a full plume of red chocobo feathers on the collar, theres also a new steeple hat made out of enchanted leather sticked with fine mithril thread, and a staff made out of fine oak with a strange glowing gem attached to the head, decorated with various chocobo feathers....attached to the staff is another note....
"After we finished at the alchemist Ramu had us seek out the finest tailors and craftsmen in Galham to make this for you, He had time slowed down just so it would be ready for you for your first day, I just hope you remember us when you finally become a Black Waltz Lord"....Rafl and the black mages!
I smile and remind myself to thank them when I next see them, and to appolgise for being so harsh on them last night, As I open the robe, I notice something else inside...."A Mithril Chain Vest?, Why would a Waltz need a Mithril Chain Vest?" I ask myself as yet another card drop from the vest as I pick it up to inspect it, I grab the card from the floor and read it.
"From me to you, If your going to be my future bodyguard, I have to make sure you dont get hurt, Lots of love and kisses"...Alshi.
"When did she get the time to get this?" I think to myself....it doesnt matter I guess as I put on the chain vest which is suprisingly not restrictive at all and is very lightweight.
I then pick up my new robe and put it on followed by my new hat and pick up my staff and turn to grab my rucksack...as I pick it up my Diary falls out...
"My diary" I state to myself, I begin to turn the pages and notice that the diary has been recording my every thought and action, and still continues to do so..."So its an enchanted diary, the moogle didnt rip me off after-all", I place the diary back in my rucksack, sling it over my left shoulder and exit my dorm room and head towards Alshi's....
I arrive at Alshi's and knock on the door, this time she opens it...
"Well look at you, you look ready to serve as my bodyguard already" She states and begins to giggle.
"Come on in, I'm just about ready" she continues and widens the door opening, and I step through....
I notice she is wearing a new set of garments, white gold, with elegant mithril weave stiching, she walks over to the corner and picks up a large gold cane, also elegantly decorated with jewels and mithril runes...
"Well, now that everyone pretty much know who I am now, there is no use hiding these any more I guess" Alshi explains as she walks towards me, with a smile on her face.
"Oh Thanks for the chainmail vest, are you sure its really neccessary though?" I quickly reply, still wondering as to why she he bought me such an item.
"Well, I love you, and I think its neccessary to make sure the one I love has a fighting chance eh?" She replies and leans forward holding my hand in hers and kissing me on the cheek.
"If you insist" I begrudgingly reply as we make our way out of the door, and make our way to the Black hall....Resting place of the book of the black arts....
As we arrive at the black hall, I take a look around at the surroundings, the walls are covered in pictures of previous Black Waltzes and Black Waltz Lords that have come before me, they have also studied from the Black Arts and learned how to control there power to best serve the royal family, the floor is stone marble with a long red carpet running through the middle, on a few sides there are a couple of display cases containing ancient runes, the cases are well kept and seem very clean for something so old, then my gaze finally fixes upon it....the stand in the center of the room....The Book of The Black Arts....
As we make our way to the centre of the Room, a cloud of smoke suddenly appears, I put my left arm in front of Alshi and clutch my right hand on my staff, preparing for whatever it may be....as the smoke cloude disperses an old Master Wizard steps forward and begins to speak...
"Greetings would-be Black Waltz Lord Darkrul and High Priestess Queen Alshi, I am Daris your Mentor and Teacher!"
The old Master Wizard beckons us both towards him, and asks us to take a seat for a second while he explains the plan for the day
"Today Darkrul, you will transform into your Waltz form for the first time, You will be supervised in this act by myself and Alshi as we both watch over you to make sure nothing goes wrong, We shall read the passage of temporary transformation with you, but remember you must never attempt a spell from the Black Arts unless you fully understand its strengths and weaknesses, lest you be destroyed by the power it unleashes!"
I look at Alshi a little nervously, she wraps her fingers around mine and whispers "Its ok im here for you" in my ear, and I feel at ease, I stand and say to the Master Wizard...."Im ready Sir"
"Please, call me Daris" as he floats towards me with the book floating slightly in front of him
"Now before you read the passage, I want you to do what you did yesterday, I want you to achieve full strength before reading these sacred Black words" Daris explains as he highlights the words I must read, Suprisingly even though I have never seen this language before, I can read it clear as daylight and understand every single word...
"Ok i'm ready" I announce.
"Then Begin!!" Daris announces as both he and Alshi sit back and look on....
I begin to sink into thought, I think about my uncle, I think about his killers, I think about every wrong that has ever been commited to my family....the rage builds, my eyes turn crimson and the power begins to crackle through my body....The runes upon my robe begin to emit a strange glow and amplify my power, It feels good....I concentrate deeper harder on darker thoughts....something happens....
I see into the future, I see death, I see pain, I see suffering and emptiness, My fury builds more Immensely with it my power grows
"Raghhghh!!", "I must de-stroy all who would try to harm those I protect!" I below with the dark sinister tone to my voice....
"Now, Speak the words of transformation....Feel the power it grants you" Daris shouts to me from across the room as Alshi looks on
"Nifarmagus, Instostigus, WALTZ!" I below loudly, a huge surge of power burst through my body....I writhe in pain for a second but only for a second, Alshi looks concerned as she sees my pain, but Daris motions for her to be patient.
Nothingness fills my mind, a black void, then it hits me....I see the shadows of darkness as clear as if they were daylight.....My muscular structure begins to bolster, I feel my body growing, and wings begin to sprout from my back...The storm fizzles the darkness clears and a moment of clarity is met.....
"How do you feel Darkrul, or should I say Waltz Darkrul?" Daris questions..
I look up, with now dark flaming eyes and a constant surge of power running through my body...
"I feel Alive, This power, This Freedom, The darkness....The destruction, The Flames of Ruin are finally mine!!" I explain as the ground around me begins to shake and flames burst up from the floor around me....
"Ok Alshi, time to snap him out of it, dont worry you only have to do it this time, its his first time transforming and he cannot willingly revert back to his normal form without a little help" Daris explains to a concerned Alshi.
Alshi steps up and reads from the White book of Truth, that Ramu gave to her upon her birth, a book she had pretty much kept hidden while she was at the academy.
She clears her throat and looks at me...and begins to chant "Usorda Versono Waltzun!"
With these words, I feel my power reducing, I feel a strange urge to not want it to happen, but my sense of reason over-rides my lust for power and I allow it to revert me back to my normal form....
I fall to my knees and pant from exhaustion, Alshi rushes over clearly concerned..."Are you ok?" she frantically asks...."Yea Im fine....such power....wow" I lay on the floor for a moment, as Alshi looks at me "That really was something, If not a little scary" she explains.
"Well done, to both of you, you both did very well with the circumstances and short time given, tommorrow were going to let you hold the form for the day and test your powers against a real target, how does that sound?" Explains Daris, clearly impressed with the display.
"sounds great" we both reply, as Alshi helps me to my fight and checks that im not injured in any way....
"Well thats all for today, I look forward to seeing you bright and early tomorrow, get some rest now I'll transport you to your dorm rooms" Daris states and lifts his arms preparing to cast a transportation spell, but Alshi interupts him and whispers something in his ear..."Well...I suppose thats a good idea princess, might be best if you keep watch over him tonight, the first transformation can really take it out of someone you know!" and with a wave of his hand we are both transported to Alshi's dorm room...
She helps me over to the bed, where I just collapse and stare at the ceiling struggling for breath, Alshi cuddles up to me and it doesnt take long for us both to drift off into a much needed sleep....
Manual Diary Entries:
Entry Eight:
Well Diary, Alshi and I have been studying under Daris for a little over a week now, I really am enjoying the power the transformation grants me, but I can help but feel Alshi is concerned when I change form, She seems to notice that I'm in pain when I hit the initial transformation phase, and hopes I dont over-do it.
Its really hard to maintain the form for the whole day, but I think I have the hang of it, The Raw power is immense, I got to cast a Firea on a Live target yesterday and its even more potent that my shadowflare in my normal form....such immense power!
Entry Nine.
Hi again Diary, Alshi and I have been learning from the book of black arts for 3 months now, I can now consistently hold form and cast my most powerful spells while in it without any drawback, Daris said it'll only be another 2 more months till im ready to "fully evolve" Into my Waltz lord form....I'm actually going to miss being short, its going to be quite wierd looking down on everything for a change...
Which reminds me, I think I'm going to do something very special tomorrow for Alshi, Ive had it planned since we started this journey together and I hope it will make our bond stronger....I only hope she says yes....
End of manual Diary Entries.
Chapter 4: The Decent Into madness.
I stir slightly earlier than usual, rub my eyes, I turn to where Alshi is usually lying asleep but she isnt there.....
I quickly jump up and put on my robe and hat and grab my staff, I dont bother with going into the bathroom and go search for the academy grounds for Alshi....
I begin to panic "I'm not supposed to let her out of my sight" I explain to myself as I rush through hall to hall, searching everywhere for her....I then find her sat in the Academy gardens sitting along, staring into the pond...
"This cant be good" I think to myself as I slowly make my way over to her....
"Are you...ok?" I ask sincerely while trying to grab her visual attention..
"Yea...I'm fine...I just needed a little bit of air" she explains, but she seems unhappy about something, or theres something definatley troubling her.
"Are you sure?" I ask, probably pushing my luck but I really want to know whats bothering her.
"Yea"...she sits up looks at me and smiles "I'm better now your here" she opens her arms and motions for me to go to her, which I do and give her a hug.
"Alshi......theres been something ive been meaning to ask you" better now than never I guess...what are you thinking you fool, shes clearly upset because of your power our power shes jealous....no let me try...
She looks up at me curiously and wonders motions for me to say what I was going to say.
"We've been together a long time" I begin with, "And I was just wonderin..." I feel slightly ackward, ackward? are you suprised? the girl is clearly jealous of us and probably wants to break it off with us!....shut up you lets see where this goes...
Alshi stares at me clearly puzzled "you can tell me, whats wrong"
way to go numbnuts now she thinks something is wrong, shush you let me finish! I get down on one knee and put my hand into my pocket and pull out a large gemstone ring....Alshi Gasps..."I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you, I dont care of your a princess, I cant live without you....Will you marry me?" I pause for what feels like an eternity for an answer.
"YES YES I WILL!!" Alshi jumps to her feat and throws her arms around me and covers my face in kisses, and gladly accepts the ring on her finger....Ive never been so happy in my whole life, finally things are going right for me!
"Well, theres something I need to tell you...nothing bad I hope anyway" Alshi attempts to explain....I wonder what it could be and sit silently awaiting the answer..
"I think I might be...." suddenly cannonfire can be heard overhead, AN ATTACK! here on the academy! I grab Alshi by the hand, and lead her to the Black hall, I tell her to stay put and wait for help to come, and whatever she does do not come out until I come back.
I race quickly upstairs and begin to channel my rage, ever since my training I can now power up my rage at double the speed I used to be able to and quickly evolve into my Burning Hatred state....
I make my way into the main accademy building Gravlon Temple Knights!! I blast one down with dark flames within a few seconds and destroy three more in an inferno, most of the pupils are fleeing for there lives, as I charge through the courtyard searching for my mentor Daris....
I cannot find him anywhere, I check every dorm room, I check the mess halls and offices, nothing but scared pupils and wounded guards....my rage builds to new heights.....
"She.sshees in the black hall" I hear a cowardly dragon knight telling a Gravlon Temple Knight...."please dont kill me"....the Temple knight laughs and butchers him ordering the rest to search the black hall......"You Idiot" I yell as I run back towards the Black hall....
I burst through the doors of the Black hall, she isnt there....I begin to panic, and feel frustrated, "where did she go??"... "I told her not to move!"....Its then I realise the visions I had seen during my time as a Waltz and what they ment "NO!!" I yell out as I rush upwards and back towards the gardens......
I arrive to see the Head of the temple knights standing over Alshi with sword in hand...."ALSHI!!!" I shout in anger As I rush to try and save her......"NOOOOOOOOOOOAGGHHHHHW!" Im too late....Im too late He has pierced his sword straight through her....I'm overcome with emotions sadness, anger, REVENGE!
"DIE evil bloodsucking Temple Knight scum!!" I below as I charge at him, he smuggly grins at me as he mocks me by whiping Alshi's blood from his blade...
"A Life for a Life....Yours to Oblivion....Dark Flames!!" I quickly chant melding dark magic with pure fire to form an extremely potent barrage of dark fire, The Temple Knight is struck and falls to the ground, injured as the dark flames linger and burn through his armor.
"Ha-Ha-Ha, you think I care if I die the day is won, you have no heir to the throne, Gravlon will rule the world!" The wounded Temple knight definatley states as he lies on the ground..
"That day may come, but you will not live to see it come to frutation....Shaadddowww FLAARRE!!" I show no remorse and no quarter as the Temple knight is disintigrated in front of me....I quickly calm and attempt to attend to Alshi..
"Alshi....talk to me...Alshi" I beg for her to answer me...
"Please...Alshi...dont leave me...I'm nothing without you...I love you!" I continue to beg to no response...
My deepest darkest fears grip hold...I'm too late, I could not save her...I cant save anyone I'm no Black Waltz Lord....I couldnt protect anything...I cradle Alshi's body in my arms for several hours weeping uncontrollably, Its raining heavily but I dont care I just lost everything I ever cared for....
My mind turns to emptiness, darkness, blackness, anger, fear hatred!!
"ITS THE ACADEMIES FAULT FOR THIS IN THE FIRST PLACE, WHY DIDNT THEY DO MORE TO PROTECT HER!!" The anger and hatred take control, I begin to walk towards to black halls....
I pass several wounded students "INFERNO!" they are burned to an ash in a wimper..
I walked passed the dorm rooms "Fireaga....Fireaga.....Firea....SHADOWFLARE!!!" nothing is left but ash and defunct voids as I pass.
I walk into the Black Halls "DARIS YOU COWARD THIS IS YOUR FAULT, SHES DEAD ITS YOUR FAULT ITS YOUR FAUUULT!!!" I scream in rage for hours as I lay waste to the pillars and decorative artifact casts and monuments of the black halls....I only stop when my gaze meets the Book of Black Arts sat idly on the side, and 2 runes of fire and 1 rune of dark at the side of them "The Book....Yes!...The book will help me Avenge her death and lay waste to my enemies!" I grab the book and the runes and make my way out of the academy and take a look back " I will avenge you....they will all pay for what they have done...I promise you!" I make my way into the black mountains where I find a secluded spot and begin to read the tome....I told you you needed me...together we can avenge her death...you know it and I know it!.....your right, you were always right, soon we will be one and once I finish reading this we will be free to destroy her enemies!
I begin to read from the tome....suddenly Daris comes running up the hill...
"Stop....Darkrul, dont read it while you are like this dont do it! itll drive you mad!" he yells hastily in an attempt to reason with me....
"Your too late old man, you could have stopped this and you should have been there, you should have helped me save her....but now you will pay for what you have done!" I continute to read from the Black Arts Book
"Stop Darkrul....have you lost your mind?...you cant bring her back like this please think about what your doing?" he attempts to reason with me again....
"Obviously, you dont know me very well, Alshi was the only thing keeping me sane all this time!...and now you will pay for your failings....Obvulsaha Magdusa Iridu Lordutz WALTZ!" A large crackle of energy radiates from the the tome as I read the final transformation, its time for me to claim my birthright!
"NOOO you fool!!" Daris yells but hes too late...the scripture has been read and the transformation has begun....
Raw power crackles through my veins, Darkness, Sinister pure Darkness, The flames of ruin pure! I grow in size, my muscles bolster....Wings grow from my back and horns grow from my head puncturing holes in my hat...
"Now Old man....You Will Die! SHADOWFLARE!!!" within a few seconds of transformation to casting the shadowflare spell....daris is disintigrated into nothingness....the one man that could perhaps have stopped Darkrul from falling to madness....failed.
"HWAHAHAHAHAHA, The Power Is mine forever!!, All of humanity betrayed her and now they must pay the price for there foolishness DEATH TO ALL HUMANKIND!!!" I exclaim for the last time.....before my thoughts drift into eternal blackness forever.....
Entry one.
Hello Diary, this is my first entry since I bought you from the peddling moogle in the black mountains behind Galaham, You could have been cheaper though, 6 kupo nuts for one damn book of blank pages!! Next time I see that moogle ill make sure I'll change him into a toad, a little more fitting dont you think??
Anyway, I decided to tell you that today my teacher learned me how to cast Fireaga...I was so excited that I burned half the libary down...the flames...so pretty...so POWERFUL!!!... but shhhh he doesnt know it was me, I told him that the stupid blue mage that sits across from me in science summon ifrit and did it, but what he doesnt know doesnt hurt right?? Heh heheh!
Well, I better get back to the academy, theres this really sweet lookin preistess that since in front of me in White magic....I could look at her all day long, my passion for her burns just like the libary did this morning Yuc yuc yuk....if only she knew who I was.....
Rul
Entry two.
Hi again diary, how have you been since I been in class? my backpack wasnt too dark was it, I'm a little afraid of the dark myself so I know how scary it can be....maybe if I put you a small fireball in you'll be ok?...on second thoughts that might hurt a little, so I'll pass, your a good friend and you listen to what I have to say.....
anyway, I was sat behind that smokin' hot priestess again....wow shes totally dreamy, I wonder what her favorite colour is, I wonder where she got that perfume....she smells great....
When we went to leave class she Talked to me Diary Progress!! Ive been sat behind her for over five months and she finally talked to me! she said "Watch where your walkin' shorty"....My heart jumped in my throat!
You think I should ask her to the Moon dance next week?
Well its been a long day and I got to practice my haste casting for "Time-Manipulation" class tomorrow, I just hope I dont end up Hasting the whole planet so we end up skipping a week like I did last month, that was so embarassing... anyway good night diary!
rul.
Entry three.
Well it happened again diary, I skipped the whole planet a month ahead this time....I'm Gonna fail that class for sure, teacher was so angry that he summoned Ramu as punishment....I hate Ramu he always makes tidy his libary up....it took hours and I had to skip "101 Natural Disasters" class because of it....I REALLY wanna learn Aero3 but if I cant get haste right next time, I'll be in Ramu's Libary again tidying up his damn books!
too annoyed to talk right now, I wonder what the Priestess is doing for lunch? I wonder what she likes to eat for lunch.....
rul.
Entry four.
Pah I Really hate "Jump" class, why do they insist on getting us black mages to do it, they know we cant jump as well as those damn dragon knights...there always making fun of us when we try.....I got the last laugh today though Diary, I managed to Sleep one of the dragon knights when the teacher wasnt looking, The whole class laughed when he fell asleep half-way through a jump and landed flat on his face....maybe next time I'll electrify the floor so he does a little jig when he lands?...on seconds thoughts maybe ill just firea his greaves when teacher isnt looking...that should be fun!
Rul.
Entry five.
Hi again Diary, Yep teacher managed to revert time and sort out that month skip I did, I'm glad because I would have missed the moon dance thats going on next week, Speaking of which I got a date!!!!
Yes me, me of all people has a date isnt that great, isn't it amazing what you can do with muddle? Heh eheheh!
I finally got the guts up to ask the Alshi on a date....yea thats the priestess from my White magic classes name, before she got a chance to answer, I quickly cast muddle on her and asked again....the wierd thing is she didnt seem all that confused when she said yes....maybe she really does like me and it isnt just my magic!
What robe do you think I should wear, my dark blue robe, or my red robe? then again isnt it a fancy dress?....Or is a formal thing? Wheres my hat?....why are you wearing my hat diary?.....oh dear seems the Muddle backfired, looks like I need a trip to the Academy chemist again....the last time I was there was because a demi backfired and turned me inside out....how embarrasing that was!
Yea, off I go Hi diary...
Rul.
Entry Six.
Hi diary, I'm Feeling much better now, the chemist fixed me up and the muddle is gone, Yes its a fancy dress thing so I'm going as a Black Waltz, I remember my uncle used to be a Black waltz...before he died defending the king of galham for a band of ruthless Temple knights from Gravlon that is, ....I wonder if I'll ever bump into them and get my revenge?....
Anyway, Alshi sat next to me today! she even spoke to me, and she wasnt muddled or anything!....she said I have nice big eyes and she likes "mysterious types" and has always had a bit of a thing for me....I'm as shocked as you are diary....shes got deep green eyes, they look like emeralds, and from what I can see under her hood....brunette hair!
I did make a bit of a fool of myself though, she asked me if I liked her, I got so choked up....I kinda set the teachers pet chikibo on fire, so here I am in detention, I should be writing lines now but all I can think of is those eyes!
2 days till the moon dance I cant wait!
Rul.
Entry Seven.
1 day till the moon dance, and I got my costume Diary, I tried it on right after I got it, I look just like a mini version of my uncle, he would be so proud!!
Anyway, I spoke to Alshi today....I appogised for setting the chikibo on fire, she laughed and said she thought it was quite funny and asked if I could teach her some black magic as she isnt doing so well, in black magic class...
We snuck out and skipped "Jump" class and went up the black mountains...guess who was there diary! That moogle that ripped me off before! target practice!!! HAhahaha!!!
I was suprised to find that Alshi doesnt like the moogle either, she said he ripped her off and gave her a box he said contained an Oak Staff for 7 kupo nuts, but it only contained an old branch!!
before I even got chance to turn the moogle into a frog, Alshi trapped him in a very impressive ring of firea....I thought she said she was bad at black magic? That was a very well executed ring of firea....Anyway I set the moogles tail on fire with Fireaga, and told Alshi to try it....Ah now we see the problem Diary....she always fizzles with the bigger spells!
I asked her to calm down and concentrate on her "Inner most Hate" then try again, a perfect hit! she totally burned his wings!! HAhHAHa Try flying now you stupid moogle Try flying now!!!
Anyway, we went to a quiet place afterwards....she taught me how to use haste properly! I feel so happy, I wont fail Time Manipulation at last and ill be able to learn Aero3!!
We had to go back to the academy after all the fun, she thanked me for my help, as she was walking away....I kinda blurted out "I Like you too"....she turned back, smiled and blew me a kiss and mouthed "see you at the dance"
I'm so happy right now nothing can bring my mood down diary, not even ramu!!
Rul.
Chapter 2: The Moon Dance. (ooc realtime events as they unfold, the diary entries are now to summarize events that are not of major character importance)
I wake up this morning feeling a little groggier than usual, I rub my eyes and reach over to my night-stand to take a glance a look at the clock....."6:30am" still early...
As I fumble with my right hand across my night-stand, I claw around and manage to find my hat, I bring it closer and craddle my hat for a moment before placing it upon my head.
Slowly, I stir and rise from my bed and make my way to my wardrobe, I pick out the dark blue robe with the chocobo feathered colar that mother had gave me last christmas. Without hesitation I sling it on and make my way to the bathroom...
I remember that the light isnt working in the bathroom, so I grab the small oil-lamp I use when late-night studying and light it with a small fireball and make my way in.
I place the lamp on the bathroom counter, and remove my hat....I take a long hard look in the mirror, before running the sink and washing my face....and brushing my teeth, with a quick gargle and spit, I stop the water and replace my hat and make my way out, picking up the lamp as I turn to leave. I decide to make my way downstairs, I feel too lazy to walk so I chant a small spell and teleport myself there instead "Ah the wonders of magic, where would we be without them?" I say to myself as I grab my rucksack, and turn to leave for academy. With a wave of my hand as I'm walking out of the door, a cereal bar flies into it, which I quickly open and devour happily on my way to my first class.....Time Manipulation....I'm ready this time, "I cant wait to see the look on teachers face", I explain to myself as I walk with a spring in my step towards the academy.
Luckly there are not many classes today, because of the moondance, so were doing half day which is great news since I dont have to do "jump" class today, and the best part about today....not only do I get to learn Aero3, Im going on my first offical date with Alshi, my heart swells with pride as my mind drifts off to think of the beautiful priestess as she's smiling and laughing, and how her green eyes twinkle when she does this.
After Academy is over I discuss tonights plans with Alshi, She asks me what im wearing but I tell her she has to wait, Likewise with her, she says its a suprise and smiles at me,
"wow I've never met a girl like her before" I think to myself, as we walk side by side holding hands as I walk her to her dorm room....
As I gaze again into those eyes, she stops just outside her door and gazes back at me and clears her throat..."Uhm, do you mind taking off your hat for just a second?" she announces, I raise an eyebrow as she continues to explain "I want to give you something". I take a large gulp and reach my hands upwards and remove my hat, I run one hand through my long blonde hair to try tidy it up the best I can....the yellow glow fades from my eyes, and reveals my eyes natural blue-tint, I smile uncomfortably, I await a response.
She Smiles and removes her hood, and shakes her long brunette hair to tidy it from being under her hood all day...."Wow, shes beautiful" I think to myself as I see her long brunette hair drapes below her shoulders and look at the detail the light creates as it reflects off of her locks.
"Wow, you have very enchanting eyes" she explains..."why do you always have to hide under that hat?" she then quickly questions..."Well, I dunno, I guess its just what us black mages do I guess" I reply. She smiles and leans slightly forwards looking into my eyes with an unbridled passion, I lean towards her and we kiss, its a long a tender kiss, my heart races!
As she pulls away slowly and I open my eyes, I notice she lingers on the moment and slowly opens her eyes "Wow" she states and is clearly struggling for breath.."Yea, that was great" I reply..
We stand there for a few more minutes, it feels as if time has stood still as we look into each other eyes, I want this moment to never end, "Well, I better get going...I'll see you tonight, ok?" she explains still struggling for breath.
"Ok ill see you tonight!" I reply and lean forward and give her a parting kiss, it doesnt last as long as the first but there is definatley a strong intense sense of passion in it....We part our ways slowly, from a hug, to slowly leaving each others hands, She heads into her door, as I place my hat back on my head and turn to head back to my own room, I turn around and see her stood in the doorway, She smiles and says "go on silly, ill see you tonight" and blows me a kiss, the slowly closes the door.
I walk down the hallway to my dorm room passing a group of red mages, who look at me and begin chanting "oooh look whos in love!"..."Darkruls in loovee Darkrules in love!", they giggle as I dismiss there childish chant and walk up to my dorm door, turn the key and enter my room.
I sit and stare at the clock, after spending an hour or so reading through an article written by "Proffesor Excelem" about mixing and matching different magics and there effects titled "For the greater power", its an interesting read and something I have been practicing on since I first ever hear of Excelem and his work, I can only seem to string together Dark magic, gravity and Fire though, whenever I try to use "the leeching technique" to use a spell to bolster a white spell, it always fizzles, maybe white magic isnt what im cut out for?
Its now six o'clock and time I was getting ready for the moon dance, I place the book back on the rack and stretch as I stand up, then I slowly make my way to the closet.
I open it and take out the black waltz costume and drape it over my arm and grab a towel and head into the bathroom, I put it over the clothing rack and turn on the shower, I step in..."burr, cold" I exclaim to myself and turn it over to a hotter setting "ah thats better" as I take a good thorough shower, and make sure to clean every nook and craney explicitly.
I grab my towel and step out and quickly dry myself, I brush my teeth and comb my hair....not that it matters I'm going to be wearing a costume all night but hey every little bit helps right? I reach for the costume and gingerly put on the pants,robe and slowly don the hat. I take a quickly glance in the mirror, feel content with what I see and make my way out of my dorm room and head over to Alshi's.....as I walk there I wonder what she will be wearing and pull a large bunch of crimson roses from my pocket, Its tradition to give a girl flowers your taking to the dance, but I doubt many will have crimson roses as they only flower once a year In the darkest parts at the foot of the black mountains...."I hope she likes them" I think to myself as I take a deep breath and knock on her door.
"Come on in" she yells from the inside, I quickly do a quick dust-over and straighten check, and grab the door handle, I pull the lever and open the door and step inside, using my trailing hand to close the door behind me.
"I'll be just a second, just take a seat" she again yells from another room, that I can only assume would be her bathroom...or maybe her bedroom, I glance around the room and notice floral decorated wallpaper, with little chocobo's depicted running across an open field, as well as many ornate statues and lamps.
I walk across the soft shaggy carpet pile and take a seat on the couch..."comfy" I think to myself, although I sit upright like im still in the middle of one of the Teachers lectures and I'm trying to pay attention...
"Wow, your a Black Waltz!" I suddenly hear from the other side of the room, I quickly move my gaze across the room, when my eyes fixate on Alshi, She is wearing a long blue gown with icicle patterns and, has ice-block style shoulders, but its not the costume that interests me all that much, I look at Alshi for the first time, without her Priestess garments...I sigh slightly walk towards her and hold her hands, "You look stunning" I exclaim and brandish a grin that she cannot see because of my hat. She smiles at me and removes my hat with her left hand, leans forwards and we embrace in a kiss....every bit as good as the first time! My heart feels like its about to leap out of my costume and do a little jig of joy on the stained oak table!
She slowly pulls away, and opens her eyes once again Lingering on the kiss, she gazes into my eyes and smiles again "I wanted to look special for you tonight" she says, hinting at a hope of reply..."All I can say is....Wow!" I reply, I'm totally lost for words, I think she must have took them out of my mouth when we kissed....
"I have something for you by the way, I hope you like them" I finally blurt out after remembering, I move over to the couch and pick up the roses, turn to her, smile and hold them out as an offering "It took me several weeks to get these from the base of the mountain in full flower, I had to see the alchemist for a special preservative to keep them this way" I say, triumphantly as I hand her the flowers.
Alshi lowers her head into the bouquet of flowers and takes a deep breath, "they smell fantastic, I cant believe you actually managed to get these in full bloom" She beams from ear to ear and kisses me on the cheeks several times, before glancing at the clock and realising the time. "It's time we were going, dont want to be late do we" She says as she places the flowers into a conviently placed vase on her table, and turns to pick up my hat that she had dropped on the floor during our kiss and places it back on my head and winks. We turn to leave, switch the lights out and head out to the dance.....hand in hand!
The dance is very noisy, but never the less a lot of fun, There are huge banners and drapes across the pillars and walls, and the dancing floor is packed with a wide variety of Academy students in costumes dancing, off to the side of the dancefloor a couple of groups of Black mage and Red Mage students are sat at opposite tables in there respective cliques, they had not bothered to dress up as they didnt think they would get dates....seems they were right.
As we make our way through the entrance, We glance up at the roof as you can see the moonlight shining through the glass dome roof, and onto the dance floor, it seems the glass roof magnifies the moonlight, making it appear bright upon the floor, but still dark enough for privacy and intimacy while the couples dance.
We look at each other and smile, and start to make our way to the dance floor when one of the other black mages from the table notices us, gets up and runs over to us.....
"Eyy Darkyy!!" He blurts out, with a strange smell upon his breath...he seems uneasy on his feet.."Who's the chick?" he asks, as he stares at Alshi in a seemingly leering fashion....before I can answer ashli, steps up. "I'm Alshi, and Darkrul Is my boyfriend and date, nice to meet you" she explains triumphantly and extends her hand in a gesture asking for a shake.."Woah....those red mages weren't lying then!...your dating a Priestess Darky you know Rufle wont like that, you sure you wanna be kicked outta the club?" The black mage barks, as he sways side to side and ignores Alshi's gesture of friendship.."So what! let him kick me outta the club you guys are dorks anyway, you couldnt cast a Fire spell on a Cacctur that has no legs" I snap back, as my eyes begin to turn crimson and energy begins to crackle around my hands, I lean towards him menacingly, but Alshi steps in between us "Stop! leave him Darkrul darling, he isnt worth it!" She begs grabbing my right arm tightly, My eyes begin to fade back to there normal yellow hue as I calm myself on Alshi's words and step back with a deep breath. "Yea, your right, Now get outta our face and stop ruining our night if you dont mind...we have a dance to attend!" I reply, the first part calmly to Alshi, and the second part Arogantly to the Black mage. He shrugs and staggers back over to the other Black Mages, who have been watching the whole thing....he says something to them as they huddle and keep looking in our direction....but I focus on Alshi and we make our way to the dance floor..
We dance for what seems to be an eternity, but I dont care...I could do this forever as long as Alshi is by my side, at this point I begin to realise something but keep it to myself, "Maybe now isnt the right moment" I think to myself as I continue to enjoy dancing with Alshi in our tight embrace and closeness of our dance.
Suddenly I feel a tap on my shoulder, and snap out of the moment and spin round to notice 3 of the black mages stood behind me, "Let go of me!" Alshi remarks in a panic, I turn my head to notice the other 2 black mages have grabbed Alshi...
"What the hell do you think your doing!?!?" I snap at the lead Black mage angrily "Let her go NOW!" I demand....the music stops and there is silence all around the room except from where we stand..."No way buster, you think you can just ditch us for her?" The lead Black mage replies "Get real man, were buddies, she aint nothin, I mean we could burn her and you wouldnt care a damn, because were Black mages and its what we do!" he continues to remark...
"Enough!!" I Boom angrily, my eyes once again turn crimson as the dark rage within me builds and the hatred begins to bubble, energy begins to crackle wildly all around my body...."Leave her out of this and lets settle this man to man!" I snap, "If you win, I'll leave her, If I win, you never bother us again? OK!" I quickly lay out the demands to the lead Black mage, another black mage whispers to the leadblack mage "Come on Rufl you can take him, thats why your the boss"..."Ok deal, lets do it...right here right now!" The lead blackmage states, who has been Identified as Rufl.
"Let her go first" I snap again, quickly glancing at the 2 black mages still holding onto Alshi's arms...."You heard the man...let her go first...Hahaha!" Rufl remarks as the 2 blackmages levitate Alshi into the air and send her crashing to the floor ....A gasp of disbelief and shock is heard within the room, followed by a sigh of relief...I have no idea how but I managed to catch her "Go, go over to the other Priestess, Alshi...please let me handle this" I say with tears dripping from underneath my hat.."Ok but please, be careful....I love you!" Alshi says as she moves over to the others priestesses...."She loves me!!" I think to myself "She really Loves me!!" my heart is racing, but suddenly brought back down to earth when Rufl clears his throat..."Well?" he arogantly remarks...as he stands in his casting stance preparing to fight a mage duel....."Soo...you think this is going to be a duel do you Rufl?" I reply with a sinister tone to my voice, as energy once again begins to crackle around my body......"Obviously you have never fought an aire of the Black Waltz before!!" I remark as I quickly spin round with energy crackling from my finger tips...
"Your a....oh no!!" Rufl says as he begins to cower and walk on the back foot..
"You have no idea How We DEal with Scum like you DO YOU!!! My voice has changed as I tap into my inner most darkest powers.
"....Please dont hurt me....I was only joking" Rufl wimpers as he falls to the floor and attempts to crawl to hide behind the other black mages who are also physically shaking
"No I Wont hurt you, at least....Not for Long!....I want my freedom and with you out of the Picture it SHAL BE MINE!!!!" I remark, as I concentrate hard and the ground below Rufl and the mages begins to shake, they are now physically wimpering and crying like children....this only fuels my anger and hatred for them "They tried to hurt, her I cannot allow this to EVER happen" I reason with myself inside my head...."They have to be taught a lesson"..Concentrating upon the dark powers that have built within me, I channel onto the shaking ground surrounding Rufl and the black mages......"RING OF FIREA!!" I Yell as the ground below them bursts a flame forming a pentogram of fire that traps the mages within....
The mages and Rufl all begin to beg for mercy within the ring, caged like animals...mercy I refuse to deliver, they did not show that same mercy for Alshi, I wont show it for them either!
Concentrating hard, I begin to weave flame and darkness together as I have practiced....As I have studied.....As has been handed down to me from the Generations of Black Waltzes and condense it all into one, supremely powerful spell....I take one look towards the other students, I take one look at Alshi, suprisingly she isnt wanting me to stop, neither is Ramu....
I bring the energy together in front of me and ready myself using all my strength, and power, all the hatred the darkness, the flames of wrath!...
"ShhhhADDDOWWW FLAAAREEE!!!"I Below loudly and it echos across the room, The bolt of energy heads towards its target and swings around the pentegram of fire and consumes the spell gaining in intensity and power "I successfully merged 3 spells for the first time ever" I think to myself as The shadow Flare expands in a veil of darkness enveloping the mages, so all that can be seen is siluouttes, The Fire then begins to errupt and you can see the Mages Burning in the eternal darkness before the spell reaches its climax and Disintigrates what little is left of the mages before dispersing into nothingness....
As the dust settles....I begin to calm myself, my eyes revert to there normal yellow hue once more and my voice returns to normal as I stop channelling upon my darkest thoughts and powers....I stand silent for a few moments and look around the room.
Suddenly thunderous applause is heard from around the room, as Alshi runs up to me and gives me a great big hug, I notice Ramu approaching me as the applause dies down....Alshi relinquishes her hug and stands calmly at my side as Ramu begins to speak.
"Well done Darkrul, you have proven yourself worthy of your Waltz family name and have shown that your Black magic prowess surpasses that of any Pupil within the Academy"
"Huh?"...."This was a test?" I question, looking rather puzzled.
"Yes, I spoke to Alshi this morning and she told you how you had managed to teach her how to perfect the ability to cast Fireaga, a feat that is only possible by an aire of the Black Waltz....its impossible for a Black mage of normal blood to actually be able to do such a thing, so we arranged this test to see if you are ready!" Ramu explains.
"Ready for what?" I question, i'm still puzzled about this whole test thing and seem rather confused as to why Ramu would allow me to willingly destroy several pupils in front of the whole academy, some test!
"To begin your journey, to become truly what you are, to evolve and become a Black Waltz, not just any Black Waltz however my student....a Black Waltz Lord!" Ramu continues to explain.
"A Black Waltz lord!?!"..."Me??"..."But they are only born every 1000 generations of Black waltzes!"..."Is this possible?" I erratically remark and question, how can this be possible? Am I the 1000th generation of Black Waltz??
"When your uncle was taken from this plane of existence, the 999th generation of Black Waltz had passed from this world, so you are indeed the 1000th and destined to become a Black Waltz Lord"...."You had to be tested to see if you are ready to begin your journey as it is a perilous one and one that borders on the edges of madness itself, for you have to study from this!" As Ramu finishes he holds up a Large Black ring bound tome....A large gasp is heard from the whole accademy...It's The Legendary Book Of Black Arts!
I'm have trouble taking all of this in, I look towards Alshi and she smiles at me and encourages me to carry on with the conversation, and with it my indoctoration into the Journey of becoming a full fledge Black Waltz....not just any Black Waltz though....A damn Black Waltz Lord of all things!!
"But why did this test involve me having to destroy fellow students?" I question Ramu "Why would you have me willingly destroy students to find out if I am ready?"..
"Dont worry, before the dark magics that you envolked fully destroyed them, I had Alshi call upon a Carbunkle to wisk them out safely, there currently at the Alchemists getting patched up, I have to say if anything Rafl wont make a very good Black mage, but He would make a good mime with those acting skills!" Ramu explains and begins to burst into laughter, I see the funny side of it all a laugh for a moment, before I look at Alshi..
"Were you....acting too?" I question her sincerely with a hint of disapointment within my voice...
"Yes....and No....I'll explain later" She replies "Go on ask Ramu about your journey, Im sure your looking forward to it".....shes right, I am keen to know how my journey will begin....
"So, how do I begin on this Journey?" I ask Ramu
"My young friend...it has already begun!, tomorrow you will meet your mentor and guide who will help you throughout understanding the Art of controlling the power of the Waltz and how to understand and read the Book of Black arts!, For now the dance is over, and all students should head back to there dorms and be ready for class tomorrow first thing!" Ramu states, a large disapointed groan is heard from the students as they begin to exit the hall and make there way to there dorm rooms
Alshi and I turn to leave, "Just a second you two, I would like you both to go on the journey together" Ramu states as we are both about to leave...
"Huh?" we both state at the same time...
"Well I should have told you before, Alshi is no ordinary priestess, just like you are no ordinary Black mage, Alshi is destined to become the next high priestess, and is heir to the throne of Galham, she needs to undertake this journey with you so she can better understand you, since every black waltz, including lords have been bodyguards to kings and queens for many generations" Ramu once again explains.
"Your a princess?" I turn to Alshi and ask her without hesitation..
"Yea...I was waiting for the write time to tell you.." She replies with a worried look upon her face, I've never seen her worried before...is there more she needs to tell me?
"Well off you go, and dont be late...tomorrow is a big day for both of you" Ramu states as he waves his hands and disperces into thin air.
We start to walk back to our dorm rooms, I can help but keep looking at Alshi and asking myself questions "Why didnt she tell me before?"...."Why did she say yes and no?"...."When she said I love you, did she mean it or was it part of the act?"....The question continue to spin in my head as we reach her dorm room and she stops just like before outside the door, takes a deep breath and prepares to explain herself....
"I know what your thinking, and I totally understand if your angry or upset at me...The thing is....I didnt tell you I'm a princess because I didnt know how you would re-act....and yes the whole saying yes to the dance was an act....." She pauses for a second..."But..." She takes my hat off and hold my hands in hers..."I have fallen for you....the feelings I have for you are real...please believe me!" She stares into my eyes...and with total certainty she says "I love you"...
Theres a second of silence as she waits for a reply, I gaze into her eyes and think over the situation, I search my feelings....
"I understand why you did what you did, you have to protect yourself right?"....I remark....I gaze into her eyes once more "I love you too"....another moments silence...
She smiles and leans forward, grabs hold of my hair and drags me towards her and locks my lips with hers, we kiss for a very long looong time, hoo boy who would think love would be this good huh?
As she pulls away, she gets a cheeky smile across her face, still clutching onto my robe with her right hand, she fumbles with her left and opens her dorm room...
"Well he didnt say we have to spend the night alone now did he" She says and giggles mischevously...I grin back as she drags me into the dorm room and we embrace passionatley as she closes the door behind us with her left hand...
Chapter 3: The Journey
Its morning, the first rays of the sun, hit the stained glass windows of the dorm rooms and the chikabos and chocobos begin to crow, welcoming the break of dawn, I begin to stir slowly and reach up with my left hand to rub my eyes and glance at the clock...7 am....well at least I dont start till 9 am now I ponder to myself....
I look around the room, and begin to realise that this isnt my room, its much too tidy, the wallpaper is...floral pattern with chocobos running across an open plain....."Wait a minute!" I think to myself, and I look across to the other side of the bed...
Alshi begins to slowly stir from her slumber, her eyes gently open as she glances around and fixes her gaze with mine...
"good morning sweetheart" she says, as she reaches across with her arm and lays it across my chest, and gazes lovingly into my eyes. "I had a great time last night, it was incredible" she remarks with a smile a cheeky little giggle.
"I did too" I reply, "I've never done anything like this before"....
"Neither have I" she replies, "I dunno why, it just felt...right!" she explains and she leans over and kisses me on the lips for a few moments then smiles.
"yea, I've never felt like this before....Im glad though" I explain as I smile back gazing back into her eyes.
"Me too" Alshi replies as we cuddle for a few moments, still staring into each other eyes
We lay together for about half an hour before we decide to make headway and prepare for the day ahead, I quickly gather my things, Kiss Alshi and we part ways until a little later while I rush to my dorm room, head into the bathroom, take a quick shower, brush my teeth and go to get dressed when I stop for a moment as I notice something....
A large package is waiting for me on my bed, white material with a red ribbon....the attached tag reads "To Darkrul, Good luck with your journey, heres a few things a little more befitting to a Black Waltz Lord.....and I'm sorry for yesterday man, your still the best!....Rafl and The Black mages!"
I quickly open the package tearing the wrapping paper, inside theres a Dark blue robe....no ordinary robe, this robe is etched with mithril runes and has a full plume of red chocobo feathers on the collar, theres also a new steeple hat made out of enchanted leather sticked with fine mithril thread, and a staff made out of fine oak with a strange glowing gem attached to the head, decorated with various chocobo feathers....attached to the staff is another note....
"After we finished at the alchemist Ramu had us seek out the finest tailors and craftsmen in Galham to make this for you, He had time slowed down just so it would be ready for you for your first day, I just hope you remember us when you finally become a Black Waltz Lord"....Rafl and the black mages!
I smile and remind myself to thank them when I next see them, and to appolgise for being so harsh on them last night, As I open the robe, I notice something else inside...."A Mithril Chain Vest?, Why would a Waltz need a Mithril Chain Vest?" I ask myself as yet another card drop from the vest as I pick it up to inspect it, I grab the card from the floor and read it.
"From me to you, If your going to be my future bodyguard, I have to make sure you dont get hurt, Lots of love and kisses"...Alshi.
"When did she get the time to get this?" I think to myself....it doesnt matter I guess as I put on the chain vest which is suprisingly not restrictive at all and is very lightweight.
I then pick up my new robe and put it on followed by my new hat and pick up my staff and turn to grab my rucksack...as I pick it up my Diary falls out...
"My diary" I state to myself, I begin to turn the pages and notice that the diary has been recording my every thought and action, and still continues to do so..."So its an enchanted diary, the moogle didnt rip me off after-all", I place the diary back in my rucksack, sling it over my left shoulder and exit my dorm room and head towards Alshi's....
I arrive at Alshi's and knock on the door, this time she opens it...
"Well look at you, you look ready to serve as my bodyguard already" She states and begins to giggle.
"Come on in, I'm just about ready" she continues and widens the door opening, and I step through....
I notice she is wearing a new set of garments, white gold, with elegant mithril weave stiching, she walks over to the corner and picks up a large gold cane, also elegantly decorated with jewels and mithril runes...
"Well, now that everyone pretty much know who I am now, there is no use hiding these any more I guess" Alshi explains as she walks towards me, with a smile on her face.
"Oh Thanks for the chainmail vest, are you sure its really neccessary though?" I quickly reply, still wondering as to why she he bought me such an item.
"Well, I love you, and I think its neccessary to make sure the one I love has a fighting chance eh?" She replies and leans forward holding my hand in hers and kissing me on the cheek.
"If you insist" I begrudgingly reply as we make our way out of the door, and make our way to the Black hall....Resting place of the book of the black arts....
As we arrive at the black hall, I take a look around at the surroundings, the walls are covered in pictures of previous Black Waltzes and Black Waltz Lords that have come before me, they have also studied from the Black Arts and learned how to control there power to best serve the royal family, the floor is stone marble with a long red carpet running through the middle, on a few sides there are a couple of display cases containing ancient runes, the cases are well kept and seem very clean for something so old, then my gaze finally fixes upon it....the stand in the center of the room....The Book of The Black Arts....
As we make our way to the centre of the Room, a cloud of smoke suddenly appears, I put my left arm in front of Alshi and clutch my right hand on my staff, preparing for whatever it may be....as the smoke cloude disperses an old Master Wizard steps forward and begins to speak...
"Greetings would-be Black Waltz Lord Darkrul and High Priestess Queen Alshi, I am Daris your Mentor and Teacher!"
The old Master Wizard beckons us both towards him, and asks us to take a seat for a second while he explains the plan for the day
"Today Darkrul, you will transform into your Waltz form for the first time, You will be supervised in this act by myself and Alshi as we both watch over you to make sure nothing goes wrong, We shall read the passage of temporary transformation with you, but remember you must never attempt a spell from the Black Arts unless you fully understand its strengths and weaknesses, lest you be destroyed by the power it unleashes!"
I look at Alshi a little nervously, she wraps her fingers around mine and whispers "Its ok im here for you" in my ear, and I feel at ease, I stand and say to the Master Wizard...."Im ready Sir"
"Please, call me Daris" as he floats towards me with the book floating slightly in front of him
"Now before you read the passage, I want you to do what you did yesterday, I want you to achieve full strength before reading these sacred Black words" Daris explains as he highlights the words I must read, Suprisingly even though I have never seen this language before, I can read it clear as daylight and understand every single word...
"Ok i'm ready" I announce.
"Then Begin!!" Daris announces as both he and Alshi sit back and look on....
I begin to sink into thought, I think about my uncle, I think about his killers, I think about every wrong that has ever been commited to my family....the rage builds, my eyes turn crimson and the power begins to crackle through my body....The runes upon my robe begin to emit a strange glow and amplify my power, It feels good....I concentrate deeper harder on darker thoughts....something happens....
I see into the future, I see death, I see pain, I see suffering and emptiness, My fury builds more Immensely with it my power grows
"Raghhghh!!", "I must de-stroy all who would try to harm those I protect!" I below with the dark sinister tone to my voice....
"Now, Speak the words of transformation....Feel the power it grants you" Daris shouts to me from across the room as Alshi looks on
"Nifarmagus, Instostigus, WALTZ!" I below loudly, a huge surge of power burst through my body....I writhe in pain for a second but only for a second, Alshi looks concerned as she sees my pain, but Daris motions for her to be patient.
Nothingness fills my mind, a black void, then it hits me....I see the shadows of darkness as clear as if they were daylight.....My muscular structure begins to bolster, I feel my body growing, and wings begin to sprout from my back...The storm fizzles the darkness clears and a moment of clarity is met.....
"How do you feel Darkrul, or should I say Waltz Darkrul?" Daris questions..
I look up, with now dark flaming eyes and a constant surge of power running through my body...
"I feel Alive, This power, This Freedom, The darkness....The destruction, The Flames of Ruin are finally mine!!" I explain as the ground around me begins to shake and flames burst up from the floor around me....
"Ok Alshi, time to snap him out of it, dont worry you only have to do it this time, its his first time transforming and he cannot willingly revert back to his normal form without a little help" Daris explains to a concerned Alshi.
Alshi steps up and reads from the White book of Truth, that Ramu gave to her upon her birth, a book she had pretty much kept hidden while she was at the academy.
She clears her throat and looks at me...and begins to chant "Usorda Versono Waltzun!"
With these words, I feel my power reducing, I feel a strange urge to not want it to happen, but my sense of reason over-rides my lust for power and I allow it to revert me back to my normal form....
I fall to my knees and pant from exhaustion, Alshi rushes over clearly concerned..."Are you ok?" she frantically asks...."Yea Im fine....such power....wow" I lay on the floor for a moment, as Alshi looks at me "That really was something, If not a little scary" she explains.
"Well done, to both of you, you both did very well with the circumstances and short time given, tommorrow were going to let you hold the form for the day and test your powers against a real target, how does that sound?" Explains Daris, clearly impressed with the display.
"sounds great" we both reply, as Alshi helps me to my fight and checks that im not injured in any way....
"Well thats all for today, I look forward to seeing you bright and early tomorrow, get some rest now I'll transport you to your dorm rooms" Daris states and lifts his arms preparing to cast a transportation spell, but Alshi interupts him and whispers something in his ear..."Well...I suppose thats a good idea princess, might be best if you keep watch over him tonight, the first transformation can really take it out of someone you know!" and with a wave of his hand we are both transported to Alshi's dorm room...
She helps me over to the bed, where I just collapse and stare at the ceiling struggling for breath, Alshi cuddles up to me and it doesnt take long for us both to drift off into a much needed sleep....
Manual Diary Entries:
Entry Eight:
Well Diary, Alshi and I have been studying under Daris for a little over a week now, I really am enjoying the power the transformation grants me, but I can help but feel Alshi is concerned when I change form, She seems to notice that I'm in pain when I hit the initial transformation phase, and hopes I dont over-do it.
Its really hard to maintain the form for the whole day, but I think I have the hang of it, The Raw power is immense, I got to cast a Firea on a Live target yesterday and its even more potent that my shadowflare in my normal form....such immense power!
Entry Nine.
Hi again Diary, Alshi and I have been learning from the book of black arts for 3 months now, I can now consistently hold form and cast my most powerful spells while in it without any drawback, Daris said it'll only be another 2 more months till im ready to "fully evolve" Into my Waltz lord form....I'm actually going to miss being short, its going to be quite wierd looking down on everything for a change...
Which reminds me, I think I'm going to do something very special tomorrow for Alshi, Ive had it planned since we started this journey together and I hope it will make our bond stronger....I only hope she says yes....
End of manual Diary Entries.
Chapter 4: The Decent Into madness.
I stir slightly earlier than usual, rub my eyes, I turn to where Alshi is usually lying asleep but she isnt there.....
I quickly jump up and put on my robe and hat and grab my staff, I dont bother with going into the bathroom and go search for the academy grounds for Alshi....
I begin to panic "I'm not supposed to let her out of my sight" I explain to myself as I rush through hall to hall, searching everywhere for her....I then find her sat in the Academy gardens sitting along, staring into the pond...
"This cant be good" I think to myself as I slowly make my way over to her....
"Are you...ok?" I ask sincerely while trying to grab her visual attention..
"Yea...I'm fine...I just needed a little bit of air" she explains, but she seems unhappy about something, or theres something definatley troubling her.
"Are you sure?" I ask, probably pushing my luck but I really want to know whats bothering her.
"Yea"...she sits up looks at me and smiles "I'm better now your here" she opens her arms and motions for me to go to her, which I do and give her a hug.
"Alshi......theres been something ive been meaning to ask you" better now than never I guess...what are you thinking you fool, shes clearly upset because of your power our power shes jealous....no let me try...
She looks up at me curiously and wonders motions for me to say what I was going to say.
"We've been together a long time" I begin with, "And I was just wonderin..." I feel slightly ackward, ackward? are you suprised? the girl is clearly jealous of us and probably wants to break it off with us!....shut up you lets see where this goes...
Alshi stares at me clearly puzzled "you can tell me, whats wrong"
way to go numbnuts now she thinks something is wrong, shush you let me finish! I get down on one knee and put my hand into my pocket and pull out a large gemstone ring....Alshi Gasps..."I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you, I dont care of your a princess, I cant live without you....Will you marry me?" I pause for what feels like an eternity for an answer.
"YES YES I WILL!!" Alshi jumps to her feat and throws her arms around me and covers my face in kisses, and gladly accepts the ring on her finger....Ive never been so happy in my whole life, finally things are going right for me!
"Well, theres something I need to tell you...nothing bad I hope anyway" Alshi attempts to explain....I wonder what it could be and sit silently awaiting the answer..
"I think I might be...." suddenly cannonfire can be heard overhead, AN ATTACK! here on the academy! I grab Alshi by the hand, and lead her to the Black hall, I tell her to stay put and wait for help to come, and whatever she does do not come out until I come back.
I race quickly upstairs and begin to channel my rage, ever since my training I can now power up my rage at double the speed I used to be able to and quickly evolve into my Burning Hatred state....
I make my way into the main accademy building Gravlon Temple Knights!! I blast one down with dark flames within a few seconds and destroy three more in an inferno, most of the pupils are fleeing for there lives, as I charge through the courtyard searching for my mentor Daris....
I cannot find him anywhere, I check every dorm room, I check the mess halls and offices, nothing but scared pupils and wounded guards....my rage builds to new heights.....
"She.sshees in the black hall" I hear a cowardly dragon knight telling a Gravlon Temple Knight...."please dont kill me"....the Temple knight laughs and butchers him ordering the rest to search the black hall......"You Idiot" I yell as I run back towards the Black hall....
I burst through the doors of the Black hall, she isnt there....I begin to panic, and feel frustrated, "where did she go??"... "I told her not to move!"....Its then I realise the visions I had seen during my time as a Waltz and what they ment "NO!!" I yell out as I rush upwards and back towards the gardens......
I arrive to see the Head of the temple knights standing over Alshi with sword in hand...."ALSHI!!!" I shout in anger As I rush to try and save her......"NOOOOOOOOOOOAGGHHHHHW!" Im too late....Im too late He has pierced his sword straight through her....I'm overcome with emotions sadness, anger, REVENGE!
"DIE evil bloodsucking Temple Knight scum!!" I below as I charge at him, he smuggly grins at me as he mocks me by whiping Alshi's blood from his blade...
"A Life for a Life....Yours to Oblivion....Dark Flames!!" I quickly chant melding dark magic with pure fire to form an extremely potent barrage of dark fire, The Temple Knight is struck and falls to the ground, injured as the dark flames linger and burn through his armor.
"Ha-Ha-Ha, you think I care if I die the day is won, you have no heir to the throne, Gravlon will rule the world!" The wounded Temple knight definatley states as he lies on the ground..
"That day may come, but you will not live to see it come to frutation....Shaadddowww FLAARRE!!" I show no remorse and no quarter as the Temple knight is disintigrated in front of me....I quickly calm and attempt to attend to Alshi..
"Alshi....talk to me...Alshi" I beg for her to answer me...
"Please...Alshi...dont leave me...I'm nothing without you...I love you!" I continue to beg to no response...
My deepest darkest fears grip hold...I'm too late, I could not save her...I cant save anyone I'm no Black Waltz Lord....I couldnt protect anything...I cradle Alshi's body in my arms for several hours weeping uncontrollably, Its raining heavily but I dont care I just lost everything I ever cared for....
My mind turns to emptiness, darkness, blackness, anger, fear hatred!!
"ITS THE ACADEMIES FAULT FOR THIS IN THE FIRST PLACE, WHY DIDNT THEY DO MORE TO PROTECT HER!!" The anger and hatred take control, I begin to walk towards to black halls....
I pass several wounded students "INFERNO!" they are burned to an ash in a wimper..
I walked passed the dorm rooms "Fireaga....Fireaga.....Firea....SHADOWFLARE!!!" nothing is left but ash and defunct voids as I pass.
I walk into the Black Halls "DARIS YOU COWARD THIS IS YOUR FAULT, SHES DEAD ITS YOUR FAULT ITS YOUR FAUUULT!!!" I scream in rage for hours as I lay waste to the pillars and decorative artifact casts and monuments of the black halls....I only stop when my gaze meets the Book of Black Arts sat idly on the side, and 2 runes of fire and 1 rune of dark at the side of them "The Book....Yes!...The book will help me Avenge her death and lay waste to my enemies!" I grab the book and the runes and make my way out of the academy and take a look back " I will avenge you....they will all pay for what they have done...I promise you!" I make my way into the black mountains where I find a secluded spot and begin to read the tome....I told you you needed me...together we can avenge her death...you know it and I know it!.....your right, you were always right, soon we will be one and once I finish reading this we will be free to destroy her enemies!
I begin to read from the tome....suddenly Daris comes running up the hill...
"Stop....Darkrul, dont read it while you are like this dont do it! itll drive you mad!" he yells hastily in an attempt to reason with me....
"Your too late old man, you could have stopped this and you should have been there, you should have helped me save her....but now you will pay for what you have done!" I continute to read from the Black Arts Book
"Stop Darkrul....have you lost your mind?...you cant bring her back like this please think about what your doing?" he attempts to reason with me again....
"Obviously, you dont know me very well, Alshi was the only thing keeping me sane all this time!...and now you will pay for your failings....Obvulsaha Magdusa Iridu Lordutz WALTZ!" A large crackle of energy radiates from the the tome as I read the final transformation, its time for me to claim my birthright!
"NOOO you fool!!" Daris yells but hes too late...the scripture has been read and the transformation has begun....
Raw power crackles through my veins, Darkness, Sinister pure Darkness, The flames of ruin pure! I grow in size, my muscles bolster....Wings grow from my back and horns grow from my head puncturing holes in my hat...
"Now Old man....You Will Die! SHADOWFLARE!!!" within a few seconds of transformation to casting the shadowflare spell....daris is disintigrated into nothingness....the one man that could perhaps have stopped Darkrul from falling to madness....failed.
"HWAHAHAHAHAHA, The Power Is mine forever!!, All of humanity betrayed her and now they must pay the price for there foolishness DEATH TO ALL HUMANKIND!!!" I exclaim for the last time.....before my thoughts drift into eternal blackness forever.....
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( Am I right Darky?)