The Hunter's Run ~ RP

[HobomasterXXX]

Trent pulled Ulrike up and handed him Cyrus's shotgun.
Trent: We'll need all the firepower we can get.
Trent could see Mirdoran was still in pain. He was letting out horrible sounds, like screams from hell. The Shadow was feeling the same pain. But Trent could also see new hands growing on the ends of his arms. They did not have much time. Trent began to run and motioned for Ulrike to follow. Ulrike did so. They sprinted down the passage, Trent grabbing the massive sword off the ground as they passed it. They continued running until they could no longer run. Then they walked until they could no longer walk. Then they stopped. Separating them an Mirdoran was over  a mile of passages. They were safe... for now.

[Weerd Thing]

Mirdoran: Stupid beasts! You only delay the inevitable!

His hands, cut off by the blade that was once his and Trent's, grew back, but they were different. Long fingered, tipped with razor-sharp claws, huge...
The wound on the back of his neck had also healed, remarkably... but in its place had formed a monstrous eyeball.

Mirdoran: Wh... what is this?

Shadow: My blesssing... of immortality... in the end, you will ssserve, as have countlesss othersss! But your friendsss have essscaped...

Mirdoran stood, not on his own.

Shadow: 'Tisss time, puppet.

With those words, Mirdoran's essence began to coalesce into shadow and dispersed itself, answering an unheard call, his body following a path unknown to others.
~~~~~~
Theo was inside the Shadow... a place immeasureable by human standards, where the winds blew sour air and the ground rasped one's feet with black sand, where the sky was constantly dark, only brightening to a shade of purple when lightning struck.

Shadow: Welcome... Theo... to my sssanctuary.

A man, in his late fifties, dressed in a sharp suit, with wild grey hair and an unkempt beard, stepped towards Theo, emotionless. He had a monocle on his left eye and a scar on the right side of his face.

Shadow: This is Hell or Heaven, the realm of Shadows or the Promised Land... Oh, no, I'm just messing with you.

This version of the shadow had no hiss... probably to avoid attracting attention to itself.

Shadow: This is the place where souls are tested to see if they are fit to roam the dungeons once more. And you, my friend, are very special...

The man motioned to himself.

Urich: You may refer to me as Garion. Urich Garion.

With a wide sweep, he showed Theo the apocalyptic landscape.

Urich: But how will you get out of here, I wonder?

Garion laughed.

Urich: Wander the landscape until you find something... then attempt to figure a way out.

A moment passed, then the winds began to blow away the man's very substance, like dust in the wind.

Urich: Fail in this task and I shall consume you.
~~~~~~
Cyrus walked up to the corpse in the wall.

Cyrus: Didn't I kill this guy before?

Suddenly, as Cyrus was inspecting him, John (or what used to be John) took a shallow, rattled breath, and opened his eyes. Cyrus backed up quickly, aiming the shotgun at him.

Cyrus: I'll put another hole in that head of yours.

He took the shot, and his shoulder was obliterated, effectively dismembering his left arm. John paused for a moment, then clutched clumsily at the fallen appendage, before letting the black tendrils that made up his body now reattach it stronger than iron. Again, it shambled towards its intended.

Cyrus: Why won't you go join Satan in hell?!

He fired once more, this time nailing him square in the chest, blowing away the fragile skin and flesh and exposing the bones. But the blackness reconstituted the gaping hole and once more, it lurched towards Cyrus.

Shadow: Relax, my brutish friend... it will all be over soon.

Cyrus: What the hell?

Those were the only words he uttered before feeling jaws snapping shut on his jugular. As he pierced the man's skin, John began to disintegrate, the blackness pouring inside the big man until John was a gaggle of skin, bones and organs on the floor. The man who was once Cyrus' eyes became black as pitch.

Shadow: Now, I think you have some friends to entertain...

Without warning, the void consumed Cyrus, and he was gone.
____________________________________________________________________________

To dudewheresmymount: I completely understand I wouldn't let him die that easily...

To Rayonius: You can't escape the Challenge of Souls... hehehe.

To both: Cyrus is already dead; this is only to show how he became his puppet in the first place

[Rayonius]

   Theo dropped to his knees and bellowed, "Who are you! What do you want from me!?"

   Nothing. Theo got back up and started walking. A huge bolt of lightning pierced the sky, and Theo thought he saw a faint outline on the horizon. He started running towards the outline, and as he drew near, he began to realize it was some sort of building. He was very near now to the building, and he could see that it was a tiny shack, worn and falling apart. He approached the doorway, and was reaching for the handle, when the sand gave way beneath him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   In the sewers, Ray was just beginning to awake. He stretched as he opened his eyes and looked around. Ray got up and began to slosh through the sewer.

   Ugh, my shoes are soaked.

   He heard running coming from one end of the sewer. He ducked inside a drainage pipe and waited for them to pass. The footsteps grew louder and louder as Ray debated what to do.

   Maybe they don't want to hurt me. I need to say something.

   Yeah right, they'll kill me on the spot.

   He slid to the ground, silently weeping as Trent and Ulrike ran by, oblivious to his presence.

   What now? My only chance for help is gone.

   Ray thought a moment, and decided that the best thing to do is follow them, as he got up and ran as quietly as he could after them.

[Weerd Thing]

The black sand poured into an underground cavity, carrying Theo along with it. As the dust settled and Theo got up, spitting sand out of his mouth, he examined his surroundings. It was nothing remarkable: a small limestone cavern with a few shallow, glowing pools... except for a small structure near the back of the cave. Walking closer to it, Theo came to see that it was a small bowl filled with swirling, red and black water, on a stone dais. On the dais was a small metal plate. Inscribed on it were these words:

Those who look into the mirrored surface will see their true selves staring back.

Curious, Theo leaned over to take a look.
~~~~~~
The pain was almost unimaginable. The countless wisps, combining into his form, caused him so much agony... but it needed to be done. For how would he exist once more as he was if he was dispersed? With a shallow gasp, the form of Mirdoran reassembled itself inside... a very dark room. Looking around, he could see nothing except... a small, burning light.

??: Be granted true sight, my puppet.

With those incongruous words, Mirdoran's vision suddenly became fifty times more acute. The effect was such that he could perfectly see what was once hidden by the darkness around him. And when he looked to where the small light was once, he was greeted with a sight unlike any other.

??: Are you surprised? Did you think my afterlings... entertaining?

There was an aura about it that seemed exquisite... a veil of pure madness, power, and evil, that could corrupt the noblest of souls in its presence. It whispered in his mind of who this being was... and what it wanted from him.
Mirdoran was awed, speechless... and utterly loyal. For this being, the one who had become one with his mind, he could fight. For this being, he could serve. For this being, he could die.

Mirdoran: I live only to smite the weak and corrupt in your name.

With those words he knelt down, crossing his right arm across his chest as a salute of honor.

??: And you will, servant. Together, we will wipe the world clean of the weak and reshape it as is necessary. To that end... rise.

Mirdoran did as he was told.

??: Unto you I grant a portion of my own power. A blessing for you, and a malediction for any who stand against you. Let the embrace of Rage take you... Let the electricity of true power overtake you... Let your birthight be reclaimed at long last.

Once more, he felt the surge of power inside him, as it had been when the Shadow had bonded with him. But this was vast, endless, and primal. This was true power, at long last... True strength!

??: For too long your species has repressed their true nature... When the chains of control escape you and anger offers its wings to bring you to your true heights... accept them, and my power is yours for the taking.

Mirdoran: As you say, so it shall be.

With an unspoken command ringing in his ears, Mirdoran swirled around and began his trek to start the hunt anew.

[Rayonius]

   Theo saw vague shapes forming in the turbid water. He saw a familiar, feminine face.

   That face.. I know it! It's.. It's..

   The face gradually disappeared as the water began spinning more rapidly. Ray appeared, running through the sewer.

   "What do these people have to do with me?" Theo demanded.

   No response.

   'How do I get out of here?' he wondered. 'God I'm thirsty.'

   He turned away from the bowl and looked at one of the glowing pools. He knelt down to drink some of the water. As he cupped his hands and dipped them in the water, a voice said, "I wouldn't do that if I were you." Theo spun around and came face to face with Urich once again. "The water is poisonous."

   "What do you care if i die?" Theo retorted.

   "Oh, believe me, I don't. It sure would be a pity, though. The boy needs you, you know."

   "What? What did you do with Ray!?"

   "It's not me you need to worry about. It's him," Urich said, pointing back to the bowl of water.

   Theo eyed Urich warily and turned to the pool, looking inside. A behemoth of metal and flesh was clanking through a dark hallway.

   "What IS that thing!?"

   "That, my friend, is your worst nightmare."

[HobomasterXXX]

Trent: It'll probably catch up soon. We need to leave this place.
Ulrike did not reply. He simply stared into the darkness.
Trent: What's wrong?
Ulrike pointed into the darkness. Some form of twisted golem of flesh and metal was approaching. Very fast.
Trent: Ah.
Trent looked into his hand which held the massive blade. A strange liquid was dripping off it. After a few seconds Trent's original blade was gone. And the liquid began to flow into the creature's hands, forming a sword that looked like it was spawned from hell itself.
Trent: Run.

[Weerd Thing]

Mirdoran: Death... death!

Its voice was like the churning of demons and machines, the inhuman growls mixing with the robotic noises to create something truly monstrous.
Something was wrong though. The blade was only halfway through its transformation. It seemed... stuck in between phases. Then he understood. He stopped to inspect the weapon.

Mirdoran: Useless weapon. Take it back, if you really desire it.

With one swift motion, he reached into the hell-spawned sword he carried and extricated from its essence Trent's blade, undamaged. Grabbing it by the hilt, he threw it at Trent and Ulrike horizontally, intending to sweep their heads from their bodies. He did not care about that though. He brandished his original blade, which in turn began to completely take form. The edge was ridged with monstrous claws, sometimes even sharp-tipped fingers, and the flat of the blade looked more like flesh than metal. Sharp-toothed mouths and cruel, demonic eyes were spawned from it, decorations that hinted at the nature of the weapon. The hilt itself was more like a gigantic spike, enough to kill a man with one well-placed stab.

Though the blade was intended for two hands, the behemoth once known as Mirdoran had no trouble with single-handedly brandishing it. He pointed the malevolent weapon at the pair, who had dodged the previous assault from him.

Mirdoran: Sinners and heathens... both of you. Today, you shall taste the edge of retribution. Prepare yourselves.

Without warning, the behemoth began to charge like a mad bull, its footsteps clanking and churning horridly.
With an agility that seemed impossible for such a large creature, he leaped into the air and as he fell, began to take a vertical swing. He would cleave them in half.
~~~~~~
Urich: You need to get out of here, Theo. But how? Let me give you a hint...

As the man spread his arms, he began to meld into the shadows again.

Urich: They say death is like a gateway to the other side. I'm sure you could take the opposite transit...

In a matter of moments, he was gone.

Urich: Are you willing to throw away your own humanity to escape from this nightmare? I know a few who have.

[Rayonius]

   Theo stared into the emptiness that was Urich.

   "No. Forever I will cling to that which makes me mortal, which makes me human."

   He turned around and began pacing in the cavern, when he saw a small exit near where he had landed. He crawled through the hole and was faced with another, larger cavern.

   Whatever awaits me, I will not be weak. I must persevere.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   Ray had lost sight of the two men, but still heard their splashing feet echoing through the sewers. He stopped running and leaned against the wall, sliding down to the floor. He reached in his pocket and pulled out the cigarettes. Not thinking, he popped one in his mouth and pulled out the lighter. After several unsuccessful attempts, the lighter struck, and he lit the cigarette. After one inhalation, he burst into a coughing fit.

   "Ugh, what do people see in this?"

   He threw the cigarette into the trickling water. Suddenly a hellish voice boomed in the distant sewers.

   "Death... death!"

   He got up and began running, when he heard a clanging coming towards him. A sword was skimming the floor of the sewer, and finally came to a halt several feet behind him. In an act of instinct, Ray went back and grabbed the sword before running again.

[Weerd Thing]

Laughter followed Theo as he made his way through the caverns. Urich's voice plagued him, even though he was nowhere to be seen.

Urich: This world doesn't play by the same rules that your world does, Theo.

The man popped out of the shadows, walking on the ceiling as though it were the floor.

Urich: I have more pressing things to take care of on your side, however. For that I must bid you adieu. Don't make too much of a mess while I'm gone...

With that, Urich took out a small pocketknife, and placed it on his own throat. Slowly, he began to cut open the flesh of his neck, and as the black liquid spilled out, he laughed. His tar-like blood spread over his entire body before swallowing him up and dispersing into nothingness.

This time, Theo was truly alone.
___________________________________________________

As an aside, I won't be back on until Thursday. Just thought I'd let you guys know.

[HobomasterXXX]

Samuel wandered through the halls of the sewer, walking at a leisurely pace.
Sam: Wow! The SS (Satan Sensor) is detecting a massive paranormal disturbance near here!
Samuel drew his katars from their sheathes. He could hear loud gunshots in the distance. He began to jog towards the sounds.
Sam: This demon is going down!
He continued along the passages until he spotted a giant half flesh half metal behemoth
Sam: FACE MY WRATH DEMON!
Mirdoran turned around and Samuel ran towards him. The beast chuckled and raised it's hand. Samuel was thrown back 10 metres.
Sam: Your fowl demon magicks will not defeat me beast!

[Rayonius]

   Theo looked around the cavern. More shallow pools of the glowing, toxic water. Near one of the pools there was a great many rocks, as if part of the cavern had collapsed. He rummaged through the lot, and finally found a sharp one.

   If I do this right, I'll do the same thing Urich did. I'll be able to leave this place.

   He placed the rock to his throat. Suddenly Theo realized what he was doing. He dropped the rock to the ground, and backed away from the pile of rocks.

   No. That devil and I are nothing alike. He has given up his mortality, his life. He bleeds the color of his heart. I will endure these trials. He said that death is the gateway to the other side. I am on the other side, and the only way out is... life!

   As he thought these last few words. the cavern around him disintegrated into black sand and came falling around him. Because of the dust thrown in the air, Theo burst into a coughing fit. When it was clear enough to see and breath again, he saw the shed.

   "You are finally ready, Theo. You understand the first lesson of this world. The intended nature of humans. Perseverance." Urich said.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   Ray was panting, barely able to carry the heavy sword he held in his hands.

   Gotta keep running... gotta get away...

   Too... tired...

   Ray slumped to the floor of the sewer and began to weep.

   Why am I so weak? Why am I so scared?

   Clothes dripping wet, Ray rubbed his arms and legs.

   It's so cold... was hot just a minute ago, what... oh, no.

   "That'ssss right, my child..."

[HobomasterXXX]

Trent dived out of the way of the giant blade, and fired his gun, which was set on the highest setting at Mirdoran. It merely stunned the giant, but bought him time for things of more importance...
Trent looked around for his sword. It was no where to be seen. He knew where it was last however. He began to run in that direction. However, after runnign for a few seconds, he was
stopped by a chubby man with two bladed fist weapons of some kind
Sam: Stop! Let me scan you for traces of demon first.
Trent could hear Mirdoran approaching slowly. Trent attempted to go around this odd man. The man moved to stop him.
Sam: Just wait a secon.....
Mirdoran was getting closer now. Trent punched the man in the face, knocking him down.
Trent: No.
Trent ran off, and Mirdoran drew his attention to Sam.

[Weerd Thing]

Mirdoran: What in hell's blazes is this pitiful thing?

He grabbed the chubby man by the leg and heaved him like he was a rag doll, upside down. He inspected him closely. Nothing too bad here.

Mirdoran: Or should I say 'was'?

With a swift motion that seemed too easy for such a giant, he chucked the chubby thing into the air and placed his sword underneath him, intending that the impact from the man's fall rend him in two. He was surprised though when he saw that the man had flown much higher than he had intended. His prodigious strength was still something to get used to, he sighed.
~~~~~~
Urich: Tenacious... I like you, Theo. You've shown a willpower that would greatly benefit both of us, when the time is right...

A cold wind blew open the door to the shed, almost ripping it off in fact.

Urich: Enter, my friend. Shelter from the elements... but not from yourself.

An invisible force pushed Theo towards the gaping threshold like a dust bunny in a strong wind.

[HobomasterXXX]

Trent continued to run along the tunnels in an attempt to find his sword. After a while, he spotted something in the water a few meters away. He ran up to it. It was human, kneeling over catching its breath. It was holding the sword. Trent pressed his gun up against the back of its head.
Trent: You have something of mine i believe.

[Rayonius]

   The shadow whispered, "Now isss the time, my child..."

   Ray stood up, shaking. Trent took a step back from Ray. Slowly, Ray turned around to face Trent. Trent's eyes widened as he looked at this young captive. His irises were solid black. In one swift motion, Ray swung the sword around to Trent's neck, stopping half an inch away from his jugular.

   "What are you doing!? Finish him!" the shadow demanded.

   No! You have no control over me!

   "Agh, I have no time for thisssss! I have more important thingsss to attend to..."

   The sword clattered to the ground as Ray raised his hands. Trent was still in shock. Ray's eyes were changing back to a normal color; brown. Trent's gun was still raised.

   "Who.. who are you, kid?"

   "R- r- r-ray," he stammered, shivering.

   "Ray, how did you end up here?"

   "I don't know... where are we?"

   "What, you don't know what this is?"

   Ray shook his head.

   "Start running kid, we got a lot to talk about."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   Theo stepped inside the shed, which was pitch black. The smell was very strange, sort of an odd, musty scent. When the lightning outside flashed he could see he was in some kind of workshop. There were shelves all around, lined with tools. In the middle of the room was a wooden table, covered with sawdust.

   "Home sweet home," Theo said with a grimace.