Warning: Really long intro to fanfic to ensue! Not interested, skip down to where it says "chapter one"

Title: For Pony! Of Obsessed Sorceresses and Purple Dwarves

Author: FantasyFreak, you may call me FanFreak. It fits me perfectly. I'm a freak about whatever I'm a fan of. In other words, I'm obsessive.

Story: Not gonna get too detailed but basically... The end to Cale and Richard's destiny is drawing nearer. In walks Gary, a purple haired dwarf who seemingly has no purpose other than to draw Pella's attention. But is there something deeper behind the smiles and the purple beard? Then a woman from Richard's barely remembered past walks in, supposedly working for the Archmage. Will her obsession with Richard end the Archmage's plans forever or turn the world for the better?

Note: Probably my fastest turn around. I just found this comic a week ago and already I'm writing a fanfic. I just want to point out that Gary is not my character, it's my sister's. But she's not a writer and I found him really interesting so I decided to use him for my fanfic idea that was turning too serious in my head even with Richard as a main focal point...

Disclaimer: I do not own LFG! Obviously. Also, this will be a shipping fanfic. Sorry, that's just the way it is. Don't want romance, just keep waiting for the next page of the comic. Get out of this thread... more importantly, this forum. I also like character development, detail, and author's notes. I'm obsessed with these...

Now! Rejoice, for very bad things are about to happen... to Richard! No, wait... be sad.

Chapter One: Gary Indiana, Gary Indiana...

It was Sooba that first alerted the small group to a stranger encroaching upon their campsite. The panther looked up from licking himself and stared steadily into the darkness of the trees. Most everybody of the odd group was exhausted from fighting dwarves and saving stubborn minotaurs. Though it was perhaps the emotional turmoil that left them the most drained. Out of all of them only Richard, the undead warlock, seemed to have the strength to stand on his legs.

“I be hearing… whistling,” Pella spoke up, leaning forward. She had stripped most of her leather armor off after the battle to take a short dive in the river. Her red hair was still dripping across her shoulder.

“You call that off key noise whistling?” Richard scoffed, his hand lighting on fire. “I can fix that…”

“Richard,” said Cale wearily, getting to his feet and placing a hand upon the warlock’s shoulder. Richard eyed the blood elf but lowered his hand until the flame fizzled away.

At that point Sooba gave a yowl, bounding to his feet and rushing through the trees. Nobody had probably ever seen the panther act so happy, not even Richard when Sooba tried to eat his arm. Cale especially could not recall a time when Sooba had been that excited about anybody he didn’t know.

Curious Cale, Richard, and Pella all followed after the black cat to find him practically hugging and kissing a short man. A man with purple hair. In fact, if Pella wasn’t quite mistaken the man in front of her was actually a dwarf. It was a fact that could easily be missed by others of the party who were used to the war dwarves like herself and the ones they had just finished fighting.

“Oh, hello,” said the dwarf, pushing Sooba away. The panther crouched down at the man’s feet, purring. The dwarf chuckled warmly at Sooba before looking at the three strangers in front of him, seemingly unphased.

Until he locked eyes on Cale. Then his brow furrowed and he frowned. A frown on a dwarf only five inches taller than Pella, long purple hair pulled back into a ponytail, and short purple beard looked almost as comical as a panther licking the face of a purple bearded dwarf. Pella just couldn’t help but laughing.

“I think I met your sister before,” the dwarf said, pointing a finger at Cale. He reached down to the ground picking up a top hat and a cane. Thoughtfully he placed the hat upon his head before gesturing the cane at Cale. “Yes, in fact, I sold Soobs here to a woman that looked very similar to you.”

Now it was Richard’s time to laugh. He seemed so choked up with laughter that the only thing he could do was point at the dwarf, then point at Cale, and finally elbow the elf in the side.

“I think you’re mistaken,” said Cale, trying to ignore the warlock’s rather mild antics. “Sooba is my panther. I bought him.”

“Oh no,” said the dwarf, shaking his head. “Sooba only ever liked females. Other than myself of course. But we had our issues for a little while until I picked him up and threw him over my shoulder without a scratch.”

Pella arched an eyebrow, pointing at the dwarf’s rather thin structure. By human terms the dwarf had wide shoulders and a good set of arms, legs, and still had quite a barrel chest on him. But compared even to Pella he looked rather lanky.

“You? Pick up a panther?” Pella said, almost breaking out in giggles again.

The dwarf swept off his hat and bowed. “My lady. Never judge a man by his appearance.” He straightened up and gave Pella a wink. It was then that a white pearly scar above his right eye became noticeable. It was all but hidden by his purple bangs but there it was.

“I’m afraid, sir,” Cale continued as Richard was still elbowing him in the ribs and he couldn’t think of any other way to make the warlock stop, “you have me confused with somebody else. I bought Sooba from a circus many years ago.”

“Yes,” said the dwarf, nodding emphatically. “That was my circus. But again, that had to have been your sister. Soobs never like any men!”

“He thought you were a girl!” Richard finally choked out, slapping at his knee and hanging off of Cale’s shoulder.

Cale slapped a hand to his forehead and the dwarf chuckled. “I suppose Soobs and I made the same mistake,” he said. “I apologize. Though it seems as if the panther has grown fond of you.”

“What be your name, stranger?” Pella asked.

“Oh, I’ve got the most ridiculous name,” said the dwarf, rolling his eyes. “My father named me Albatross. That means pelican. However I’m also known as Gary.”

“Gary?” said Richard, getting a hold of himself. “How does that one work?”

“I lived in this village for two years,” said Gary wistfully. “When I came in they called me Gary. All the men were named Gary. My next door neighbor was Gary. The woman’s husband from across the street was Gary. The stable boy that worked on the other side of town was called Gary. Even the man I bought vegetables from was named Gary. And he didn’t even live in the town! That might have just been a coincidence though…”

“I say we keep him around until we can find this village of Garys,” Richard said to Pell and Cale in a mock whisper. “Then when he goes missing and you ask me ‘Where’s Gary?’ I can just point at some random guy. Then fwoosh him too…”

“You would,” sighed Cale wearily.

Gary smiled, patting Sooba on the head. Apparently Richard’s thinly veiled threat to kill him hadn’t bothered him at all. In fact he started up the tune he had been whistling earlier and all Pella could do was watch him in interest.

It might be nice to have a dwarf companion. No matter how strange or unmanly as he may seem. At least he wasn’t evil and wasn’t trying to kill her. Yet.

******

Note (again): I did warn you that I'm obsessed with these things! Anyways, I just wanted to let you guys know I am a writer. I have my own stories I've been working on and this is just kind of a fun thing to do and I decided to share. I'm not a big comedian and as funny as I think my sister is when I'm on a sugar high, I don't think it translates well into the written word. So bear with me on that front... I don't want to force it but I also recognize that part of what interested people in LFG is the comedy. Namely Richard.

I HOPE YOU GUYS READ. Woh, broken caps lock XD

0.o A village full of Garys, very interesting. I think however Richard would have more fun in that village than what he just mentioned. Also, that dwarf seems a little, err...off. Anyway, can't wait to read more, hope you update soon. I would also love to officially welcome you to the Fanfic community.

Thank you Jowy!

Yeah, Richard would definitely have a lot of fun with a town full of Garys *laugh* But my comedic sadistic imagination is turned down low since I wrote that at about midnight... T'is too bad.

And in what way off? Like he seems crazy sort of off or possibly evil sort of off? Or some other off that I can't think of because now it's one in the morning? XD

Oh, and I do just want to mention that I started reading "Artifact of the Old World" and think it's kind of interesting. Certainly introducing a male character is a different choice than most fanfics...

oh yeah!


^fixed =D

He seems off like a crazy old man who's best days are behind him, in regards to his mental state. I can't help but feel that Cale, introduces self, a little bit he fumbles with his name and has to ask him again what his name is or calls him something totally diff, (like Cole for example) and keeps calling him a girl although he keeps making it clear he is a guy. As for being evil, I just don't see it. I however didn't develop him so we will just have to wait and see what happens. As I said, I can't to wait to read more. Admittedly, there was a lot more I could have done and a lot of things didn't turn out like it should have in Artifact. While I am proud to have it and have it done, I could have just done so much better. Which makes that I may sometime sit down when I am with down time from my current fic to go through and revise it entirely.

You have a good writing style. Plus, it's not based around either Cale or Richard, which I like. I know Cale and Richard are the most popular characters by far and that's what most writers will write about, but we need some variety around here.

Devin: I suppose you skipped over my author's note? Anyways, yes Pella will be important simply because I love her almost as much as I love Richard. But Richard and Cale will be equally as important simply because I'm want of those epic writers... Though I'm glad I decided to add in Gary otherwise this would have been a completely Richard story *sweatdrop*

Will write more today, I promise!

No, I didn't skip it over, I just mentioned it again to say that it not being based solely on Cale or Richard is one of the reasons I like it.

Yeah, it is nice to see stories with focus on chars other than Richard or Cale.

I like this! I like this a lot! Although, as soon as I read the part about the purple hair my brain started playing the purple people eater song. Over and over and over and over...

Thank you very much guys! I'm a little rushed at the moment but I said I'd get a chapter up and I had it written so I really wanted to get it to you! Hope you like it.

Chapter Two: Nicknames

The two most exhausted members of the misfit party, Krunch and Benny, had stayed behind at the campsite. Though Krunch was awake enough to notice when Pella, Cale, and Richard all departed, he’d been unwilling to stir. Cradled in his arm was the young, green cleric he had practically raised as his own. Her ferocity against the dwarves to save him and the emotional turmoil that she might not find him alive had caused Gid to practically collapse.

The grey minotaur stayed there, waiting patiently for the others to return. Krunch was certain if there was any amount of trouble he’d be able to hear it but when they had been gone for a while he started to get anxious. But when he started to move, Benny stirred and blinked blearily. Though when Krunch stopped moving she started to settle down again, at that moment Richard burst through the trees startling Benny awake.

“Where’s the cannon?” she shouted, sitting up with her purple hair in disarray. Krunch chuckled and reached out to flatten it down. But his eyes turned upon a man with purple hair trailing behind Cale and Pella, Sooba at his side.

“Who’s your new friend?” Krunch asked warily. After so many days trapped with the dwarves he could recognize one anywhere. At his tone, Pella sidestepped in front of the dwarf who simply beamed around the campsite, clutching at his black and silver cane.

“Albatross,” Cale introduced. “This is Benn’Joon and Krunch Bloodrage. Guys, meet Gary.”

“How does that work?” Gid asked, frowning at the dwarf. She too seemed wary.

“Something about a lot of dead Garys,” said Richard with a shrug. “Or is that just what I want to happen… The world may never know!”

“You seem to have a way of continuing to make strange allies, Pinky,” Krunch said, looking from Gary to Cale.

The elf shrugged, settling down on top of his bundled up cloak, attempting to rest again. His arms ached from fighting the dwarves just hours ago, both from the archery and from sword combat. He was a strong warrior, a fierce protector, but sometimes the battles became too much for him. Especially with no end in sight and no chance of saving anybody. But this time Cale was glad that he could safely say they had saved at least one friend, if not many.

This time anyways.

“Don’t look now,” Richard said in a mock whisper. “But I think Cale is an angst moment. Should I burn him or freeze him?”

“Burn, definitely,” Gary said, setting his staff down and placing his top hat on top of that. He then sat down cross legged next to it, twiddling his thumbs. Everybody, including Richard who was holding up both his hands one on fire and the other cold, was watching the purple haired dwarf in fascination.

“Argh, leave him be,” snapped Pella, putting her hands on her hips. “Like any of ye be much better than he.”

Benny and Cale shifted uncomfortably while Richard decided he was much more interested in a yellow bird sitting in a tree. He watched it, scratching at his chin through his cowl. It was Krunch that finally managed to speak up to the dwarf bard.

“None of us said anything to or about Al,” said Krunch. “Just anybody that eggs Richard on is suspect to critical inquiry.”

Pella was about to open her mouth to speak when Gary dropped his hands and glared at the minotaur. “Al?” he said, growling slightly. “Al? No, no. I believe you’re mistaken, friend. I’m Gary.”

“Al is short for Albatross, your actual name,” Krunch said with a shrug.

“Gar-ry!” the dwarf enunciated. “Not Al. G-A-R-Y. Gary!”

“Al,” Krunch said firmly.

Gary frowned and seemed about ready to continue arguing when Pella doubled over laughing. Her damp red hair draped over her shoulders as her cheeks pinked from her laughter. She then reached out and thumped Gary on the shoulder a couple of times before standing up again.

“Don’t be taken it personal, Gary,” Pella said. “Krunch likes his nicknames.”

The minotaur shrugged at the accusation but couldn’t really argue as Gid was giving him a knowing grin. Yes he quite preferred giving his fellow travelers some nicknames. But in truth it just seemed strange not to call Gary by his actual name, even if he was named after a bird.

“If I’m not much mistaken,” Richard said suddenly and all eyes turned toward the warlock who was currently sitting on the ground looking amused. “I’m missing a leg!”

He held up the stump showing severed skin, broken bone, and green blood dripping to the forest floor. For a moment it seemed like a joke. Another one of Richard’s gags. But just then an arrow flew through the trees, landing in Richard’s back. Gid gasped, jumping to her feet and grabbing up her staff. Pella dove for one of her axes and Cale stood, drawing his swords.

“Oh goody,” said Richard, rubbing his hands together as a mix of dwarves and humans jumped through the bushes toward the party. He started to stand up but promptly fell over again. “I don’t suppose somebody would be kind enough to give me a hand… or a foot. I’m not picky, really.”

Krunch’s attention was on their newest companion. A dwarf who was reaching out for his cane and slowly getting to his own feet.

“You led them here, didn’t you!” snapped Krunch, pointing a finger at Gary.

The dwarf gave a low bow before pulling the top off his cane, revealing a silver sword. “You have me all wrong, friend. My intentions are entirely pure.”

“Ye be gettin’ your chance to prove that,” said Pella in a low voice as the first wave jumped forward. The first, a human of course, met the blade of her axe between the eyes.

“No really,” Richard’s muffled voice came from the ground where the dwarves were trampling over him. “Help. Somebody. Oh, this will be boring…”

Gary cleared his throat. Already the others were meeting against foes but it was only when a dwarf broke past Krunch that Gary lifted his sword. And in a flash of silver light it suddenly grew to three times its normal size. With ease, Gary swung the blade cleaving his attacking enemy in two.

“Well done,” grunted Pella appreciatively, taking a moment to push her hair out of her eyes before turning to the next wave of attackers. “There be more. Ye ready?”

“For Friendship!” Cale shouted, holding a blood covered sword in the air before bringing it down upon the next round of enemies.

“Now really…” murmured Richard, his face deep in the mud. Then he sighed. “For pony… yay… I am not amused.”

I love Gary I must say...and also...by any chance did you watch Pokemon, because if I can remember the stupid kid with pikcachu's arch nemesis was named Gary and had purple hair. (anyone else thinking this?! )

I will follow this one...but damn it's going to be hard to follow all these...

How ironic! I just started to read your fanfif *laugh*

And I didn't even think of the Gary from Pokemon O.O So weird. Yeah, Ash's nemesis was Gary and I don't remember if he had purple or green hair... It was one of those weird colors though *shakes head*

But I'm glad you like Gary =D He's my sister's character. Mine ought to be coming in ooooh... possibly next chapter. Definitely the next.

*goes back to reading fanfiction*

Heh, great way you're treating Richard, seems very much on par with the course! He seems almost as despondent as when he was stuck to the mast on the ship, The Father's Bones. Poor thing didn't get to fwoosh anything until Krunch gave him a helping hand.

This is even better!

*whine* I'M MISSING THE SLAUGHTEEEEERRRRRRRR!

You know, he may need therapy after that!

That was totally what I was going for! I may have to ninja that line for the next chapter *shifty eyed*

Though really I wanted to get the "Richard's missing a limb again" bit in there... but instead of an arm (because it's always the arm) it had to be the leg!

I'm glad you like it I'll be sure to write more, don't worry...

This is a pretty cool story.

Author's note: this is where we start getting into the meat of my idea, the part that I've actually been thinking about since shortly after I started reading LFG. Gary was added in not too long ago and I'm still working out his plotline. Anyways, my fighting description isn't all that amazing and I apologize for that. Also a note that anything that strays away from the canon of the comic, I apologize. I'm taking artistic liberties... a lot. Hopefully I can finish this before the comic gets too far along.

Also, I will be gone camping for about the next week. I'll try and do some writing while I'm gone and get it posted as soon as I get back!

Credit to Destiny Optional for a line this this post

Chapter Three: Knights of the Round

There was nothing particularly interesting with the mud that Richard could find to entertain him except that most of what made it mud was blood. But it was blood he wasn’t spilling from bodies he couldn’t see and the more that were killed the more there were dead bodies he couldn’t make creative things from piled on top of his own body. This really just was not Richard’s evening. Not in the least.

More footsteps pounded on top of the wall of flesh layered on top of him and Richard cried out in frustration. He managed to burn away a small hole through the bodies, crying out:

“I’M MISSING THE SLAUGHTER!”

A hand gripped the back of Richard’s robe and roughly pulled him out of the pile of dead dwarf bodies. The warlock found himself dangling from the hands of Cale’Anon and he didn’t like this anymore than being trapped under bodies. Richard crossed his arms and scowled at the elf. Most of it showed through his expressive yellow eyes and eyebrows. Cale smirked a bit before tossing Richard to the side, meeting head long with a human warrior.

“If you can manage to aid our cause from there, warlock, we’d be most obliged,” Cale said, stabbing the man in the gut and managing not to spurt blood all over his cloak. It was very poorly done in Richard’s opinion. Good carnage dictated quite a bit of blood, especially on one’s own clothes.

“Kill them if you want your foot back!” Benny shouted from where she was warding off arrows at Krunch’s side.

Richard huffed but didn’t argue, throwing fireballs half heartedly at the encroaching dwarves. But just as he was starting to get a feel for it the fighting ceased. All that was left was a pile of dead bodies – fewer than Richard actually would have thought – and the sweating, panting group of misfits.

Pella kicked aside several dead bodies to retrieve her leather armor, using a cloth to clean away most of the blood. She then went about placing it back on her body, wishing she’d had the good sense to stay in the clearing to put it back on instead of traipsing after Sooba. Sure, she was glad to have been amongst the first to meet Gary – the Gods only knew what Richard and Cale might have done alone – but she was a fighter. A fighter that had left behind her protection and weapon like a young child.

She wouldn’t be making that mistaken twice. Her father would have given her hell for that. But alas, the man was not alive even if he hadn’t been off to a losing battle the last time she’d seen him. This was three thousand years in his future. A future Pella didn’t truly belong in except a bald magician and a group of lizard faced men had told her to follow and protect Cale.

“That’s some weapon there, Al,” Krunch said, pointing at Gary as the purple haired man sheathed his sword. It had shrunk back down to normal size. “It’s not of dwarven design. Is it?”

Gary glanced at the cane in his hand and then up at Krunch. “My father told me it was from a time when human spell casters, dwarves, and elves all worked together. They created several similar items but this is one of the only that has survived.”

Krunch nodded knowingly at this statement though probably if asked he would have said he’d have to consult some sort of scroll before feeling comfortable giving an answer. Benny was staring up at him with an amused smile, shaking her head. As she turned away her eyes went wide and her mouth gaped a little.

“Warlock, what are you doing?” Benny said, pointing a finger past Cale and Pella.

The group turned to see Richard walking on a pegged leg, Felbunny perched on his shoulder, and a fork sticking out his sleeve instead of his hand.

“Argh, me mateys. I be…” Richard started.

Cale burst out laughing. “Pirate Dick! He’s Pirate Dick!”

This obviously did not amuse Richard and the hand holding the fork burst into flame. But he apparently felt like trying to ignore Cale for now, and scratched Felbunny under the chin.

“Bunny want a carrot?” Richard asked. The rabbit just gave him a side long look, not amused, and then jumped from the warlock’s shoulder. Richard’s other hand burst into flame. “Looks like we’re having rabbit for dinner!”

“Uh… Richard?” Pella said, holding a hand over her mouth to try and not laugh. “I believe yer pegged leg be on fire…”

Richard blinked rapidly before looking down just in time for the wood turned into ash and he fell on his face. Giggling under her breath, Benny rushed to find Richard’s leg in the carnage and quickly healed it back into place. Nobody said a word as everybody, except Richard, was struggling with their laughter.

“I don’t make a very good pirate…” sighed Richard, sitting up and checking on his healed leg. “Perhaps I’ll try for ninja.”

Before anybody could say anything in addition or contrary to this mark – though nobody really wanted to test Richard – a bright golden light appeared in the middle of the group. They each reached up a hand to block their eyes as a booming voice sounded through the clearing.

“As it was written, the six have gathered. The Hero, the Protector, the Fighter, the Healer, the Scholar, and the Advisor. Go forth, great warriors. Your table awaits you in your far off kingdom, ye knights of the round…”

“What do you mean?” Cale called to the light. But it was already fading away and the elf was instead staring blankly at his friends.

“I object!” Richard cried. “Absolutely none of those titles included the Destroyer. Which one am I supposed to be!?”
***
“The six are gathered…” said a young elf girl with blonde hair sitting at a table in Kethencia. She reached out a small hand and cleared away the dust from the center of the table to reveal a coat of arms. “The sword, the flame, the axe, the staff, the scroll, and the shield,” the girl whispered, touching each of the carved items in the picture.

“And what of the warlock?” said a low voice from the shadows. Blue eyes gleamed from the darkness but barely anything else could be seen of the person. “Is he not the opposite of all this kingdom stands for? How will you deal with him?”

“That’s what we have you for,” said the girl, Leena, smiling up at the shadows. “The true Protector.”

“Pft,” said the person, looking away so their blue eyes were hardly discernable. “I’m not match for the undead.”

“You’ll do what you have to do,” said Leena. “We could always find another…”

“No,” said the voice, turning back to scrutinizing the girl before turning away and walking out of the room. “You could find no other that can do what I can.”

“It’s the only reason why we can trust you with this task,” whispered Leena. “Hopefully obsession turns out to be our ally.”

The figured paused at the doorway, a hand clasped on the frame. Then in a crack of lightning the person was gone. A smile spread across the young girl’s face and she too faded from sight.

One of the best things I have read on this forum, ever. I'd go as far to say you've captured the comic genius that is Richard better than anyone yet. I salute you.

^///^

Thank you. I try really hard to make sure all the characters act like their counterparts in the comic. I especially try the most with Richard... most definitely here at the beginning of this fanfic since Richard's character will be going through some changes.

I'll try and get a chapter or two out before I go camping...

gary is awsome but unfortunetly you seem to not understand that although he may have purple hair he him-self is not purple so i dis agree with the statement purple dwarf



also, i must say that although richard may be intertaining he is not in any way shape or form "sexy" sorry to crash your dolusions about you and him getting married or something like that because he is an evil undead warlock who probably cant even kiss

sorry if this came out rude but it is true that gary is not purple and richard is not sexy but none the less this is a great fanfic

Try not to double post, dear. There is an edit button at the bottom of posts so you can add to them if more needs to be said.

And, yes, Gary is not actually purple but saying "Purple Dwarves" draws people's attention and it sounds better than "Purple Haired Dwarves" Not quite as dramatic. And "sexy" is a matter of opinion. To me Richard is sexy, to other people he isn't. I wouldn't think Gary was sexy but some people (like Pella) do. *shrug*

thanx for the advice


i think that i might be able to knida understand that maybe some-one might some-how be able to slightly think that richard could possibly in some reality be some-what a little bit meagerly "sexy" but only in his personality not his apperance seeing in how you only ever see his eyes and they'er kinda strange

And his hands. And I like strange. What can I say?

Anyways, for those of you interest in more fanfic... I will be writing some shortly. I promise. I'm just too tired to at the moment.

Also, Gary_indiana is my little sister who has full credit for creating the Gary you see in this fanfiction. She is the mastermind behind his creative being... I don't really have that type of imagination and am sometimes very glad to have her as my sister and best friend. However, I take full credit for writing him ^.^

thats right so if any one has a problem eather with my sister or gary take it up with me and ill set you right.


and though it was my stroke of awsomeness that created gary my sis has written him well

Woh! It's been 11 days since I've updated :S For everybody that cares, I apologize!

But I've got a new chapter for you today Not much to say on it except that it's one of those scenes where I had so much visual imput in my brain that it's hard to make it into a working, coherent chapter for you to read. Hope I did alright...

Chapter Four: Stop Taking Credit

“Well, old cow,” Benny said to Krunch the next morning. “What’s the verdict? What did that all mean?”

All eyes were on the minotaur as he sat thoughtfully, hand to his chin. Everybody had had questions about the mysterious words of the golden light the night before, but Krunch had gotten people to calm down long enough so he could sleep on it. The few who’s opinions really mattered had bowed to that wisdom and though they set up a watch system, they went to sleep.

“I believe we are meant to return to Kethencia,” was all the Bloodrage scholar had to say. When Benny’s gaze narrowed, Krunch shrugged. “It was probably a message to us to return and figure out our quest, our purpose.”

“They knew there were six of us!” said Benny. “Tell me how they knew!”

“Prophecy.”

It was surprising that it wasn’t Krunch that gave this answer, but it was actually Gary. All eyes turned toward the purple haired dwarf, who was leaning against his staff, awaiting the gazes that fixed upon him. A half serious half smile flitted upon his face and he decided to effect his focus upon Pella.

“We were all brought together for a purpose,” Gary said. “I know I am the stranger among you but I already feel as if we are fast friends. Like we were always meant to know one another.”

“You’re fatalistic, aren’t you,” said Krunch, pointing a finger at the dwarf.

Gary inclined his head. “The universe has a purpose for me and I go with the tide. It brought me to you and I decided to stay. If you call that fatalistic, then yes, I am so.”

“I be in agreement,” said Pella, nodding her head. The group wasn’t quite certain how well they could trust her instinct on the matter since it was obvious she enjoyed the company of another “good” dwarf. Still it was comforting and Cale wanted to trust Gary. So if Pella agreed with the new member, then Cale at least would breathe easier.

“Then we head to Kethencia,” Cale said firmly, throwing on his cloak and preparing to leave.

“I have a question.” Cautiously Cale paused in his preparation to look at the undead warlock. Richard was peering at Krunch. “What is this about a table? Because I have a few ideas…”

“It’s an old story, warlock,” Krunch said gravely. “Of a king and his loyal warriors who sat at a round table so all would be equal.”

“That’s silly,” said Richard. “Everybody knows that the king is still in charge. For that matter, everybody will still know that I’m the most powerful since more than likely people will be running around with their hair on fire.”

“How subtle,” Gary chuckled.

“It could be worse,” said Richard. “Your hair could be on fire.”

“That would be sad. I worked very hard to get my hair just right.”

The banter continued as they started on their journey to acquire a ship all the way back to Kethencia. Cale reflected on the fact that their quest seemed to have taken them in circles. They had just come from the gnome’s mountain again and now they would journey to Kethencia. Perhaps they would stop by the remains of Gamlon on the way. Maybe it would even be captain Tah’Vraay that would take them across the sea. Though that was very unlikely…

But sudden screams in the distance and then the smell of fire and the sighting of smoke brought the blood elf back to the present. The others turned to him and Cale nodded agreement to the unasked question. Richard gave a squeal of glee as they made their way to the village. Some troops were raiding the place, slaughtering innocents and burning down homes.

Cale’s bow came out and he immediately felled a man on horseback attempting to slice down a woman. Others were also turning on the human warriors, helping the villagers escape. Suddenly a sort of cackling could be heard from the center of the destruction and Cale pressed forward to its source. It became clearer as maniacal laughter and then…

“Richard!” shouted Cale. The undead warlock had his arms spread wide and his head thrown back as he laughed. “Stop taking credit for other people’s destruction and help us!”

“Oh,” said Richard, straightening up, his finger on fire. “You’re no fun.” But he drove his finger into the chest of a soldier about to stab him from behind.

That seemingly taken care of, Cale began to walk through the village, trying hard not to breathe in the smoke, looking for anybody that was still trapped. Krunch, Pella, and Gary seemed to have the Legara soldiers pretty well under control. Then he heard a scream.

“That child! She’s stuck!” a woman shouted.

Turning, Cale quickly ran in the direction of the voice. On his way he passed some of his comrades and shouted to them, “That woman is risking her life. We have to help her!”

Benny shook her head sadly at this, giving everybody a weak smile. “Cale just loves to play the hero…” Though at that the four of them – priestess, minotaur, and two dwarves – exchanged glances, remembering the words of the golden light…

Meanwhile a woman with long black hair and bright blue eyes was attempting to fend off a Legara soldier with nothing more than a charred piece of wood. Crying could be heard from inside a burning building, but the soldier was in between it and the woman. Both Richard and Cale showed up at the scene at the same time.

“You get the child, I’ll kill the soldier.”

Blinking, Cale looked sideways at the warlock before shrugging and going with it. He jumped through a window in the burning building, attempting to save the child. At the same time the woman gave a cry as the soldier kicked her in the stomach. She fell back onto the ground, her makeshift weapon flying from her grip. The soldier raised his sword to stab her through the chest, a smirk on his face.

“Any last words?” the soldier said.

The woman raised an eyebrow, using a hand to pull dark locks out of her bright blue eyes as she stared up at the man. Just as the soldier was lowering the sword a blast of fire turning the man into nothing but a pile of ash. A small smile on her face, the woman’s eyes began the flutter closed. Hands gripped her shoulders and she looked up into expressive yellow eyes that appeared to be expressing a smile.

“Hello Pony,” was the last thing the woman heard before slipping into unconsciousness.

///

And thus enters original character number two! Her entry into this fanfic had changed quite a few times... but with Gary added into the mix a few of my ideas would put her not showing up until waaaaay later in the plot. So then I came up with this jewel of an idea ^.^ I quite like it. I'll probably have a few more chapters coming out soon. Hope you like!

that really cool i liked it!!

I can't wait for more! You really know how to make Richard seem like, well, Richard.
I am curious about this lady, what purpose will she serve?
And why did Richard call her pony?

we'll just have to see what comes next

Yes, we will.

but I asure it will be good i just know it

I'm pretty sure of that too.
Where is Fanfreak so we can get more?

*shifty eyed* I'm not here. Really...

*slinks away to word document before cinderblocks start being waved around*

Twice in one day! What do you know? This is mainly because my interweb was being mean and freezing up and/or being really slow to load... so in between I'd tap away at the word document and eventually had a decent about written that I could call it a chapter. Ta da!

Chapter Five: Remember your hair on fire...

Cale heard whimpering as he stepped through the two room burning house. He looked back and forth, trying to figure out the source of the child like noise. Finally, the blood elf found a young girl with pig tails and freckles in a corner, wiping tears from her pudgy face.

“Here, I’m going to rescue you,” Cale said, reaching out for the little girl.

She blinked once, opened her mouth… and it all vanished. Everything. The burning buildings, the dead bodies, the running villagers. It was like none of it existed. Cale’s cloak wasn’t even singed and none of his wounds were visible. Nothing hurt anymore. He straightened up and caught the eyes of four of his companions who each shrugged incredulously.

“That was odd,” Cale said, walking carefully across the grass and dirt. As if he expected fiery buildings to emerge from the ground at any time.

“Was that some sort of test?” Gary asked of the scholar.

Krunch put a finger to his chin and thought about it carefully. But it was Benny that spun around on the spot and suddenly pointed. Cale looked, blinked, and then shrugged. He didn’t see what she saw. The green skinned woman rolled her eyes.

“The coast is that way,” Benny said slowly. “We’re near the spot we first ran into Maikos.”

“Your point?” Cale said, raising an eyebrow.

“I don’t have one,” said Benny, shrugging. “Just an observation. But maybe Richard can explain.”

At the mention of the warlock, Cale turned on the spot and looked around. Richard hadn’t been too far from where he was attempting to save a young child. But he couldn’t spot him anywhere. Cale was just about to call out for the warlock when somebody tapped him on the shoulder. Spinning around, the blood elf came face to face with Richard.

“Pony!” he said, holding out his arms. Numbly, Cale also held out his arms as if expecting a hug, and instead a young woman was dumped into his grip. He nearly stumbled under the weight before straightening up. He frowned down at the woman and recognized her as the one fighting off the Legara soldier. She still existed? “Pony!” Richard repeated.

“No, Richard,” said Cale with a sigh. “It’s a woman…”

Richard raised an eyebrow. “That’s her name idiot.” He turned away and started to walk away, speaking down to felbunny. “Really, and people think he’s the natural leader of this group!”

Frowning, Cale looked down at the woman who started to groan. Her eyes slowly opened until she found herself staring into the face of a blood elf. With a small gasp, she punched Cale in the nose with the heel of her hand and scrambled out of his grip. She looked around wildly, spotting only two dwarves, a minotaur, and green woman. Each of them reached out a hand for her but she spun and ran, catching up to Richard.

But when she saw his face her eyes went wide and she attempted to flee from him too. Clucking his tongue, the undead warlock grabbed the woman by the back of her shirt and pulled her back.

“Now, now, Pony,” said Richard, picking her up and throwing her over his shoulder. “You don’t get to run away until I figure out why you’re alive. You’re supposed to be dead, you know.”

“I am not dead!” shouted the woman, banging Richard on the back. “My name is Soraia. Put me down you monster! I want to go home…”

“Your home was an illusion,” Richard said in a weary sigh. “It’s time you wake up, Pony. You died a very long time ago – I believe I killed you – and for some reason you’re still around.”

“Stop calling me that,” cried Soraia. “And I am not dead. I am very much alive. Please, where did my home go?”

Huffing slightly, Richard tossed Soraia off his shoulder and onto the ground. She sat there, numb, but eventually looked up at the warlock. Cale had crossed his arms, not really liking Richard’s treatment of this woman. But since the warlock seemed to know her some how, Benny had pointed out they weren’t far from Richard’s village, and an entire village of people had disappeared… Cale wasn’t feeling like jumping to the strange woman’s defense. Not to mention she had punched him in the nose. And if Cale wasn’t, nobody else was going to stick there neck out either.

“It happens to every undead,” Richard said, pointing a finger at the woman. Her face was tear streaked, black strands of hair stuck to her cheeks. Her lips trembled but she didn’t speak. “We make up an illusion of a home… and eventually something wakes you up. I’m going to guess by the fire and the soldiers that your sense of right and wrong woke you up.”

“What woke you up?” mumbled Soraia.

Richard hesitated. The warlock actually hesitated. What scared the group even more was that he was spending such a long time being serious. Several small woodland creatures had passed by without being harmed. Richard hadn’t even attempted to crack a joke. Instead he seemed intently focused on this woman he called Pony and who called herself Soraia.

“You,” Richard finally said in answer. “I killed you! Honest, I remember killing you. It was quite bloody, very enjoyable. Probably my best kill… while I was still human.”

Collectively the group breathed out, only just realizing they had all been holding their breaths. It was odd to find relief in Richard enjoying death and blood, but Cale really didn’t think he could handle a complete one eighty from the warlock just now. But Soraia was shaking her head emphatically, frowning deeply.

“That wasn’t me,” she said. “You didn’t kill me… I’m still alive, watch.” She reached out and grabbed a jagged rock, dragging it across the palm of her hand. Benny gasped and reached out but Soraia had already drawn blood.

“Alright,” said Richard thoughtfully. “I must be mistaken. You’re not Pony.”

The priestess grabbed Soraia’s hand and immediately started healing her.

“Do I detect a trace amount of disappointment, lock?” Gary asked of Richard. When the undead man raised an eyebrow, the purple hair dwarf added, “That she’s not Pony… you seem disappointed. Was she a girlfriend or something when you were alive?”

Richard raised a hand which was immediately engulfed in flame. “Remember your hair on fire.”

Gary shrugged.

///

^Mostly stopped right there because... well, I ran out of things to write. So there you have it. I'll get back to writing soon. Numbed writing, not necessarily writer's block.

Oh, and this thing about illusions... it came from a dream I had. So it's one of those story based plot facts that I've added in. And I must also point out that I've never played WoW... so I have no knowledge of anything WoW related. Sorry.

I loved it!

Wanna know why I loved it the most. You mentioned...MAIKOS *faints*

Wow. How did I not predict this?

Though now that you mentioned it... I just remembered that Maikos would be at Kethencia XD So expect to actually see Maikos

Woot woot woot!!! Maikos rocks!

and how did you not?

Maybe it's because Maikos is sadly missing from your signature *frown* It feels lonely have Sal post and not have Maikos' cute face staring at me from underneath your message...

I'll change that after my next post in Vesper.

WHY DID YOU STOP THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

but it was verry good

I'm pretty sure that is Pony.
Even though she says she isn't, Richard is always right, even if he's wrong.

I agree with Designia, i also believe that she THE pony is. But i gaz we will see it soon *hope*

There will be more up soon ^.^ I had a little trouble with Richard. A small fight broke out. I threatened to chop off his legs, he threatened to fwoosh my dresser... we hugged, we cried, I beat Richard with his own limbs *shrug* I think everything's been taken care of though because Richard agreed to actually do something in my fanfic.

Sometimes I love it when characters have minds of their own. Other times it can be too eventful

all that and she broke my faverote lamp *sniff sniff* *bursts out crying*

but on a happy note i founds Gary's theme song

look at it laugh at it and love it or else!

Here we go! Good fans that have followed me this far.... I have to tell you that I always have a purpose for what I write. So there is a reason for the following events which may or may not be revealed later. I hope you enjoy. Richard was being rather *pauses as she was about to use the word evil* difficult in this specific chapter. I really just could not find the right awful thing for him to do to Cale. You may read now...

Chapter Six: When you're not dead

The young woman awoke with a gasp, her face drenched in sweat, and she sat up to stare right in the face of Richard. She backed up a little, frowning deeply at the undead warlock.

“You do realize as an Undead you don’t have to sleep,” Richard said, pointing at Soraia. “And when you don’t sleep, you don’t have nightmares…”

All Soraia did was backhand the warlock and get to her feet. When Richard appeared about ready to say something else, the woman turned and stormed away. Sighing deeply, Cale rolled over and stood up, following behind Soraia. As he left Richard crossed his arms and glared after the two. The blood elf caught up with Soraia by the edge of the trees where she leaned over and started retching. Cale gingerly reached out and pulled her hair out of her face and patted her back.

“I’m okay now,” Soraia said hoarsely, straightening up.

“Are you sure?” Cale asked, gripping her shoulders just in case. “I know Richard can be difficult sometimes. But, you know, he’s not usually this…” The elf glanced over his shoulder. “Serious.”

“Really?” said Soraia sourly. “He’s normally very witty and clever and gay?”

“Witty, maybe,” said Cale, cringing slightly. “But in a cynical, dark sort of way. You know what, let’s not talk about Richard! He’s a dick.”

“I heard that!” came a shout along with a sudden ‘fwoosh’ though nothing but Richard’s hand went up in flames.

“The point is,” Cale said, trying to ignore the fiery warlock. “Hi, my name is Cale’anon Vatay.” He held out a hand to Soraia.

“Soraia Blackenbark,” she said softly, taking the elf’s hand and shaking it once. “You may call me Sora.”

“Everybody calls me Cale,” the blood elf said, grinning. “Now, we are on our way to Kethencia, a city where you could live if you wished. Would you like to join us?”

“I would be honored,” murmured Sora, dipping her head slightly. Then taking a deep breath she leaned her head upon Cale’s shoulder and wrapped her arms tightly around his chest. She shuddered but didn’t cry, simply clung to the elf. He awkwardly pat her back for a moment before giving in and hugging her back.

“Jealous much?” Gary asked of the undead warlock who finally turned away and decided that squirrel was better off charbroiled.

“I am not jealous,” Richard said, striking a pose. “Richard, Chief Warlock of the Brothers of Darkness, Lord of the Thirteen Hells, Master of the Bones, Emperor of the Black, Lord of the Undead, and Lord of the Dance, does not get jealous!”

“Yeah,” said Benny, walking past and patting Richard on the shoulder. “He’s jealous.” Though the priestess didn’t seem too fond of looking at Cale hugging the young woman and kept her gaze wandering elsewhere.

“How could I be jealous?” Richard said in a bit of a whine. “I have everything I could ever need. The power to destroy,” at which point his hand lit on fire, “and things to destroy…” Another squirrel fell prey to Richard. “What more could a warlock want?” He shrugged.

“Somebody to share it with, mayhaps?” Pella suggested.

Richard’s shoulder slumped for a moment then he seemed to pull himself together. He turned and walked purposefully toward Sora and Cale who had just pulled apart. The elf was saying some encouraging words to her, while patting her shoulder. Sora seemed to be doing better. She certainly was not as pale as she had been yesterday. There was some color in her cheeks and her blue eyes glittered.

“Look,” said Richard, pushing in between Sora and Cale. “I just wanted to apologize. If you feel like you need to pretend like you’re a living person, that’s just fine with me. I’ll help you with that fantasy, even. It’s just that…”

Richard trailed off as Cale suddenly cried out, jumping up and down and attempting to tear his boot off. Apparently while talking to Sora, the warlock had decided it would be most satisfying to set fire to Cale’s foot wear. With a gasp, the young woman shoved past Richard and helped the blood elf take off the boot. She pulled on it and the suction brought Cale all the way down to earth.

“Ow,” the elf moaned.

Sora, still holding his boot, turned to Richard and frowned. He shrugged in a “what did I do” sort of way. So the woman threw the boot at the warlock’s face and stalked away.

“Men are idiots,” she snapped, going over to join Benny and Pella.

“Hear, hear,” Benny said, holding up a hand which Sora immediately high fived.

“Why am I never appreciated?” Richard said, holding up the boot. “I try very hard and nobody so much as says ‘well done, Richard.’ Or ‘that was quite brilliant, really, Richard.’ Why is that, do you think?” He peered toward Cale’s head as he rubbed at the back of his head and slowly sat up.

“Why are you asking me?” sighed Cale, reaching out for his boot.

“I wasn’t actually,” said Richard. Cale looked over his shoulder and sighed when he saw that the warlock was actually talking to Felbunny.

“Great,” said Cale exasperatedly, turning back to Richard. “Now will you either help me out or give me my boot?”

The undead warlock stood there contemplating for a moment before throwing the boot over his shoulder. He wiped his hands as if they had been dirty and walked away saying, “Nope. Sorry.” With a moan, Cale slapped a hand to his forehead. This was going to be a long trip.

Felbunny looked at him for a moment, and then hopped up the hill to Sora. She frowned at the rabbit before stiffly bending over and picking it up. She held it, scowling at nothing in particular. When Richard noticed that his pet seemed to have betrayed him, Sora immediately started stroking the rabbit… but hard, like she really didn’t want to and was telling the animal so.

Yes, she thought. This was going to be a long trip indeed.

If Richard wanted to be complimented by someone other me, maybe he should lean a little towards the nice side.

Richard? Nice? I mean, he couldn't stay serious for very long! I doubt nice would last!

I was seeing if anyone would pick up on that.

Benny high-fived someone? Now that's something...

poor richard, nobody had some nice words for him But i have the feeling that it was just the beginning between this two and maybe Sora had soon some memory from her past. But surprise me

Can you please write more, Fantasy? I am extremely bored and I am waiting until I get a reply on my fic to post more.