A waking dream.

[Pony Swag]

Chapter 1 of act 1.
"A waking Dream."



Characters.

Yuria.

Regnier. (Avatar)

Since the dawn of consciousness. Humanity has always looked toward the heavens. searching for a metaphysical meaning to a physical world. Questioning to themselves, are we alone? Why are we here? Is there anything after this life? Many Gods have been conceived by their natural non-sedated curiosity. But why is it most folk looks toward the stars and question the existence of a higher power? What is so mystifying about the vast unknown? As finite beings they are far too limited to understand the truth. And even if the truth dawned on them, what would they do?

There are many worlds, dimensions if you will. The word universe is but a construct forged out of ignorance. In actuality there is only the multiverse. Some are bound by similar laws as this universe. But others have different laws of physics that guide them. And all these multiverses are separated by an invisible net. My name is Yuria, I am a death God. a special task force put in charge while God slumbers. We are charged with the sole task of mending this net. And maintaining the equilibrium of all universes.

For if the nets fail. Then worlds would collide. For two objects can never occupy the same space. We are an illusive society of watch dogs. Few know of our existence in this dimension. For only 1 out of every hundred thousand humans possess the third eye, the sixth sense. And those few who do can see spirits and monsters alike. And are a magnet for the forgotten. An unknown race that exist in the void between space. Beast who descend upon our realms for the sole purpose of feasting on the spiritual essence of all. A cancer to the balance that keeps all worlds from plunging into oblivion.

Many thoughts ran through yuria's mind this eve. she had this feeling...call it womans intuition that something terrible was going to transpire within this small town. she could feel a strong spiritual presence. Not that of a normal human. Which was an omen. For that meant that a forgotten was around. But where there are predators, there must always be food. But what was drawling this beast? The death god sensed nothing unusual with the locals. In fact the spirit energy within this town was low considering it's population. My eyes would gaze at the moon as she perched myself upon the roof of a nearby home.

It was the silence before the storm. Every fiber in her body told me that tonight was the night. The night that this forgotten will strike. after two hours had passed since the sun fled behind the horizon. And the lesser and greater celestial rose to light yuria's way. a loud bone chilling roar would resonate within the street. The locals lacked the spiritual awareness to know what demon slumbered within their town. They wouldn't here it's call. Nor would they see it even if it walked past them. without the third eye this forgotten was almost as if it didn't exist as all. But just because you can't see or sense something, doesn't mean it's not real.

"It is time." Yuria whispered to herself as she pounced from off the roof. Onto the nearly emptied streets. Thankfully most of the civilians have retired for the night. Yuria had to ensure as little causalities as possible. for causalities meant more paper work. and boy did she despise paper work. With haste she'd run down the streets and alleys with nearly uncanny speed/ But as Yuria cleared a corner a hand would reach out from the darkness. Grabbing her and pinning her against the wall. No matter how hard she struggled she couldn't break free. "Damn!" Yuria shouted as the beast stepped into the light, revealing its monstrous face. It was half snake, the body of a man and the face of a lion made of stone.

"A Death God here? How very interesting. Hahaha!" The monster bellowed as it squeezed Yuria. she could only let out a soft scream as she thought to herself. I should of paid more attention. Too late for regrets now I better find a way to break free. But no matter how hard Yuria struggled, it was to no avail. "Give it up already Death God. For soon I will devour your energy. However you are but an appetizer. The main course still awaits me. So I haven't much time to waste!" The Forgotten spoke coldly. It's expression never changing. "I sense no potent source of spiritual energy for you to devour! What is a D class Forgotten doing here if there is no food to be found!" Yuria spoke in a demanding tone.

"At first I didn't notice it either. In fact it is faint...as if bottled up. But for some reason the smell is becoming more potent with each passing night. In fact I am sure whoever it is heard my screams of joy by now! Hahaha!!!" It laughed maniacally. "An awakening!?" Yuria replied. "Shutup you stupid bitch! It doesn't matter what happens now. For soon you'll be dead!" The creature stated as it began to digest her aura. As a hundred tiny mouths opened up within the palm that clenched her so tightly. Soon she would be drained of all life. "And no one is going to find you. You arrogant Death God! Thinking you could stop me alone!" It concluded as another approached.

Suddenly the creature would let Yuria go as something caused it to fly across the street. smashing through a brick wall. Yuria was weak, too weak to fight. But there she saw a man. a man had punched this spirit with so much force. Could this be the one the monster spoke of? "So that was you calling for me just now? You're a coward...picking on a lady. I am a pacifist by nature, I never fight for my own accord. However I can't stand by and watch as a woman dies. So I suppose you can say she isn't alone anymore!" The stranger stated as he clenched his hand tightly. "R...run you fool." Yuria whispered weakly to herself, she could sense his spiritual energy. and for a human it was powerful. Perhaps almost as potent as her own.

"My, my, my. what do we have here? A hero? It would seem that both this lady and my spiritual waves have stirred up that bottled up power of yours. No matter, It would be such a pity if I digested you both without so much as a fight! Now die!!!" The monster stated as it fired a ball of flames from it's mouth. a explosion following as a cloud of dust and debris decorated the scene. "That shouldn't of been enough to kill you. But by now you realize you're disposition and frailty human." The monster laughed. However his chuckles would dissipate as a light flickered from within the cloud. "What? This can't be! No matter...you'll die all the same soon enough!" The beast bellowed.

Yuria leaned against the wall, trying her best to stay awake. His spiritual power is rising...What sport of human is this? She thought to herself. The man would remain still as his form became visible once more. But something was different, his entire body seemed to be covered by a protective layer of spiritual stone. "Th...this can't be! What are you?" The beast inquired. The mans face remained void of expression as he stared the forgotten directly into the eyes. "My name is Regnier De Valentine. I am nothing special. Just a boy trying to find his role in this world of ours." Regnier stated as he clenches his stone hands into a fist. What is this power I feel within me...it's so warm? And what is this covering my flesh? He questioned to himself.

"Don't get too cocky that was my weakest attack human! Now prepare for round two!" The forgotten bellowed as it fired three blades of energy from it's claws. Grinning as the man made no attempt to avoid the attack. "Run! Run far away from here you fool!" Yuria screamed. Using a great deal of strength. "Hmm?" Regnier stated as his gaze fixated on her. "I can not run from injustice. My grandfather once told me that it is not the clamor of the wicked which harms our world. Rather the silence of the righteous." Regnier spoke with sincerity as the blade made contact with his chest. "Got ya!" The forgotten stated with a devilish grin. "Wha?" It spoke with a shocked look plastered upon his face.

The blades had connected and stuck to his flesh for a moment before dissipating. However aside from a torn shirt there appeared to be no damage. "I see, so I'll have to go all out it would seem!" Regnier gaze would avert from Yuria to the beast. "Do what you must. But I implore you to back down. I do not wish to take life unnecessarily. Nor can I back down when sins are being committed in my presence. So please, leave and I will not give chase." he concluded as silence gripped the scenes. the two parties simply staring each other down. Wha...What is this fool? You can not reason with forgotten. Dumbass kill it already. Why would one hesitate to use so much spiritual energy? I don't get this guy. Yuria thought to herself as she was helpless to intervene. Instead she could only wait and watch.

[Pony Swag]

The commotion our battle was causing had begun to awaken the citizens. Regnier knew that if he lingered many innocents will be harmed, and most likely they'd blame him for the destruction caused thus far. "You really are a piece of work human. You have so much spiritual energy for a mortal. And it seems you knew how to naturally wield it. I wonder why? Still your arrogance and confidence grows tiresome. Soon though I will teach you a thing or two about humility." The monster spoke with closed eyes. But as soon as he opened his eyelids he'd watch as regnier fled toward the woods just out of town. "Ahh, so be it. A little game of cat and mouse might just spice things up." A devilish grin creeping upon it's face as it spoke.

Yuria watched as he fled. Good, run and don't ever look back. With luck you might just live. she thought to herself as he began to escape her line of sight. "Don't worry Death God. When I am done with him I'll come back to finish you off!" The forgotten roared as it darted after the human. I have to get up. I can't just lay here and do nothing. She thought to herself once more as she reached into her kimono. Pulling out a pill. This may be experimental medicine, but I have little choice. She concluded her thoughts as she swallowed the pill. It would take a while to work. Assuming the development wing had done their job properly.

"Where are you human?" The beast would question as it gracefully jumped from building top to building top. His eyes locking upon regnier as he entered the tree line. "There you are my prey." It concluded as it pounced from the rooftops to the streets. Leaving a small crater in it's wake. All the meanwhile regnier would keep running. Zig zagging between the brush and tree line with great speed and grace. I have to hurry. I have to lure it away before others are hurt. He thought to himself. He could feel the monsters influence barreling down upon him. No doubt the forgotten was on his trail. It wouldn't be long now before it caught up to him. "Why must you run? Is that all you can do?" The forgotten taunted regnier, all the while regnier's face would remain unchanged. Keeping the same blank expression as usual.

Just a little longer. Regnier thought to himself once more. He could hear the beast foot steps. He was close. The intoxicating aroma of death had grabbed hold of the air. Thickening it as the local wildlife became silent. It would seem that even nature had more spiritual awareness toward the metaphysical then the average man. "This spot will do." Regnier spoke calmly as he halted his progression. Turning around to face the creature. Which now leaped toward Regnier with claws drawn. "I got you now human! prepare to die!!!" It bellowed as it's claws swooped towards Regniers head. Regnier would close his eyes and control his breathing. Opening them just before impact. "I am afraid that I can not die just yet." The man stated as he raised his forearm. Blocking the creatures strike with little to no effect. "What the hell!" The forgotten whispered under it's breath.

Regnier would push his arm against the monstrosity's claws, tossing it back with great force. The forgotten would fly to the left, rolling as it impacted the ground. Tearing down a few trees before regaining balance and control. It's snake like bottom dragging against the woodland surface as it's claws dug into the soil. A trail of dirt was thrown into the air as it eventually stopped itself. "My, my, my what power you have. Well this has been fun and all human. You have been great prey. But I grow tired of playing with you. These woods will serve as your grave mortal!" The forgotten spoke with intensity as it began to reveal it's true power. The influence of which felt like a blade thrusting itself into Regniers abdomen.

"Feast your eyes on the difference between your power and mine. You feel the spiritual energy in your gut no doubt. Know now the difference in our level you arrogant filth." The creature concluded as it began to laugh maniacally once more. "I see. But I am afraid that fear is an emotion I seldom feel." Regnier replied. "You still believe you can beat me eh? Not in ten life times mortal." The forgotten spoke condescendingly toward the man. The man seemed unaffected by his spiritual power. He stood with confidence, his eyes reflecting the degree of pride flowing through his veins.

"it is not a question of if I can defeat you." He replied. "Oh really? Then humor me cattle. What is it a question of?" The forgotten's smirk widening as it spoke. "It is a question of what I must do. I offered you peace. And you declined. So there is no way to avoid our fate." Regnier concluded for now. As he clenched his hands once more, flexing his biceps as he formed a fist. "So be it. As soon as I am done with you I will wipe out that pathetic town you call home. I will spare none. Even the woman and children are but cattle whose sole purpose will be to sedate my hunger." The emotion of this forgotten's face was that of pure madness.

"I see." Regnier replied closing his eye lids for but a moment before reopening them in order to lock eyes with the beast. "In that case...I can't afford to lose." He concluded. meanwhile Yuria's powers had begun to return to her. Finally the Death God could stand. "That was close. I will make a mental note to thank the development wing when I return home." Yuria stated as she turned toward the direction of the potent level of spirit energy coursing through the woods. "I don't have much time. I doubt I am much of a match for this beast. And no doubt this human no matter how interesting he may be. Can defeat him alone. We must work together. And though my powers have yet to fully return. I have little choice but to act now." She concluded before rushing down the streets toward the site of the battle.

What is this feeling in my chest? It's almost as if someone is calling out to me? I have no idea what's truly going on. Hell I don't know whether or not I am insane. But what is self evident is that I can not falter. If I falter many innocents will die. I care not for my own life, rather for the innocents back home. Grandfather...what would you do? Regnier drifted into though as his own spiritual power had begun to rise. Something was stirring within him. But what?

[Pony Swag]

Flashback.

It had been many years since that fateful day. I remember him well, a loving man who saw something in me that no one else cared to notice. A heart of gold. I grew up in the streets. My father and mother abandon me when I was young. I was force to steal to survive. The laws were simple,it was kill or be killed. If the other orphans even saw you with a piece of bread they'd beat you to a pulp and steal it. And so through the years I learned to depend on my fist. I was taller then most and more in shape. I used my size to my advantage. Knocking out anyone who so as much looked at me.

Through my brutality I thought I earned respect. It wasn't till later that I realized that it was simply fear. I was a hot shot with a hot head. I remember my grandfather often reaching out to me. Trying to tell me that violence only begets more violence and in due time sorrow. But of course I was young and an arrogant child. I didn't want to listen to reason. And so I often insulted and belittled him. At the time he was simply a stranger, a man who I often ridiculed. In truth he was not my grandfather. But he was my master, and the closest thing I had to family.

Time passed, and after countless failed attempts to stray me from my path. He never lost hope in me. Then one day I got in over my head. I pissed off a local gang. They trapped me in an alley with no escape. They proceeded to beat me to near death. But then from the shadows he came. They would swing their sticks and bats at him. Each blow becoming more fierce then the last. However never once did he show any sign of pain. Nor did he so as much raise his hand. He took it all silently. Eventually after some time passed they grew tired and simply lost interest. Leaving me to die in that alley. But my grandfather didn't turn his back on me.

Instead he picked my near lifeless shell up and carried me to his home. After a month of recovery I was able to stand. Finally I had seen the light and knew reason. He began to train me and spoke of a spiritual world that exist all around us. I never believed in this world of his. But I dared not question him. I owed him everything. He taught me a great deal and told me to never lift my fist in order to destroy or serve my own selfish ambitions. Rather to protect and to avoid fighting as much as possible.

I remember him telling me that any man can change the word with fire. But the true measure of character is a man who can vanquish evil through peace and love. By simply enduring. After he passed away, I remember standing over his grave. He was murdered by local thugs. However I knew better, my grandfather was too strong to be killed by some street punk. I never sought vengeance or answers. For I had a dream the night of his death that we were walking down a brick road. He told me that no matter what happened to him, to refrain from shedding blood on his account. He wanted me to turn the other cheek and be the better man.

Grandfather if you saw what I was doing today would you be proud of me? Or ashamed...I wonder. But I am a young man now, no longer that child grandfather. I must stand on my own and decide the right path. Thank you...thank you for everything you've done. I will try my best not to dishonor your teachings grandfather. Regnier thought to himself as he snapped back to reality.





Present





"What's this? Is your life flashing before your eyes?" The monster spoke condescendingly toward Regnier. This man could sense his impending doom. He could sense that he was not on the same level with this forgotten. However nonetheless, even with this realization he remained as firm as ever. "Try not to die too quick human. I do rather enjoy the thrill of the hunt!" The forgotten bellowed as it simply vanished into thin air. 'What the hell? Where is he?" Regnier questioned to himself as he looked around frantically. "Over here!" The beast yelled as it swung it's tail toward the left side of Regniers rib cage. The attack would connect, and for the first time regnier was in pain.

Regnier would cough out blood as he was sent hurling in the air. Rolling around the ground and smashing through trees like a rag doll. after tearing down four trees he would regain control of his body. Throwing himself in the air with his right hand. landing on both feet as they dragged against the ground. Leaving a trial in it's wake. He's fast! I have to stay focus. Regnier thought to himself, the site of the creatures grin was enough to make him sick.

Yuria froze for a second as she sensed the events unfolding as well as the forgotten's true power. "I...I was wrong. He is not a class D! Rather a class C!" She yelled as she returned to making haste. There isn't a moment to lose. I can sense the humans pain, he is in danger and doesn't have very long. Dammit! Even at full power I will have trouble defeating this foe. This mortal stands no chance. Arrogant fool why didn't you run? It doesn't matter. If he is devoured the creature will gain his strength. And not even I will be able to stop it if that happens. Yuria thought to herself.

"Still alive? Good, so that must mean you want another!" The forgotten stated as he prepared for another attack. Regnier would close his eyes, controlling his breathing. I must remain calm and in control, it's the only way. He concluded his thoughts. A trail of blood running down the right side of his mouth and to his chin. a few drops of crimson now decorating the muddy soil.

[Pony Swag]

With confidence Regneir stood. And despite his injury his face was littered with confidence. For he felt as if he could carry the worlds burden. The power that coursed through his vain was reassuring. It provided a warmth unlike anything he had felt prior to this day. "Hmm, you'll need a lot more spiritual energy then that to stop me." The forgotten gloated, it seemed ignorant of Yuria's entrance into the fight. Regnier however could sense her every movement. And though he couldn't see her. He knew she was there.

"Maybe, but this will have to do." The man stated as he clenched his fist, taking a defensive stance. "Finally, we get to dance for real this time. let us see human how special you truly are!" The forgotten howled as it lunged towards Regnier. He would merely stand still as he braced himself for a counter attack. "Now die!" The forgotten shouted, however before regnier could react Yuria would suddenly jump in the way. Blocking the attack with a spirit shield. "You fool! I told you to run!" She barked at Regnier. Regnier would only smile. "You know, for having a name as ominous as Death God. You sure took your time getting here." He spoke with a smile.

"Shutup fool!" She ordered. All the meanwhile the forgotten would laugh. "You are merely delaying what is inevitable. This shield will not protect you both for long. And you don't have the power to stop me death God!" The forgotten spoke with arrogance. "Maybe she doesn't, However I do!!" Regnier spoke as he ran passed yuria, throwing a fist that would connect with the monsters stone skull. A blue blast would erupt from his fist, causing the creature to be hurled back wards. Slamming against several trees until he slammed onto the ground, Leaving a small crater. Yuria's face was plastered with shock.

"That spiritual power!? and that attack...I though only Death Gods could harness enough spiritual energy to make a blast the concentrated!" She stated, turning her attention back to the beast. Slowly the creature would rise, it was furious. "I don't know what a Death God is or what ever this monster is. I don't even know how I did this. But something...or someone is helping me. I can feel it in my heart." Regnier concluded as he prepared his stance for another attack. 'Something or someone? Can it be? No...not possible. You must be delusional." Yuria replied.

"I hope so. That would be easier to accept then the alternative." Regnier concluded, a smirk creeping upon his face. "So be it. It would seem that I won't be able to kill you both. but luckily I play dirty!" The forgotten began to laugh as dark tendrils erupted from the earth. Piercing both of their flesh. However it didn't hurt nor was there any sign of blood. "No! A snare! how foolish of me..." Yuria stated. "What? Why can't I move?" Regnier would question to himself.

"It's simple. I can not beat you at my current level. Not without the chance of death. So I will consume this entire town. Heal my wounds and undo my trap. truthfully so as long as it hold you I nor you can hurt each other. For it has clung to your souls. Paralyzing your will. And granting me a glimpse into your memories." The forgotten would chuckle devilishly. "I see, so Mitsusawa is the closest thing you have to family. I will enjoy devouring her face and watching your face as she becomes a part of something far greater!" The forgotten spoke with a grin.

"Leave her alone! She is just a child!" Regnier would demand. But to no avail. "You sick fuck! I swear I will kill you!" Yuria would threaten. 'Whatever. Just wait here while I go and feast on everyone you've ever known and loved human!" The creature would turn it's back and casually make it's way toward the town. 'No! No! You bastard!!" Regnier yelled at the top of his lungs. Suddenly he felt a disconnect as a strange yet familiar voice echoed in his mind. "Regnier..."

[Pony Swag]

This voice, what was it? So many questions raced through Regnier's mind. However one thing was for certain, whoever or whatever was calling out to him was no enemy. For it emitted a rather comforting aura. "Regnier. How long do you intend to ignore my calls? Ever since you were a young lad I watched over you. And gave you strength when you needed me the most. It would seem that now you're ready." The strange voice spoke gently as time itself seemed to freeze. A strange man dressed in black appeared. His long curl hair blowing in the wind as he rested upon a nearby branch.

With grace the stranger would jump from the branch, feet planting upon the ground as his arms folded against his chest. At first Regnier would say nothing. Confusion now plastered upon his face. What the hell was going on? Surely he must of been driven mad and this was all a very bad dream. This creature, the woman and now this man had to be but figments of his imagination. It was the only logical explanation he could conjure. "You seemed shock? Surely you've felt as if a guardian angel had been watching over you? Where else do you suppose this incredible power you have just unlocked came from?" The stranger proceeded to speak as it walked toward the paralyzed man.

"Who are you? And what do you mean?" Regnier would reply. "I suppose it is only natural for confusion to set in. After all you are but a human. I am a Tuerith. A fragment of God as it were. I am the spirit of earth. How else would you explain the armor of stone clinging to your body?" The stranger inquired into. Failing to even utter his name on purpose. "Why does everyone say that? what is wrong with only being human?" Regnier replied as he attempted to struggle against the chains which held him. "Ordinarily, nothing. But your destiny begs you down a path not suited for mortals. Do not resist your bonds. For the more you struggle the more energy they absorb and the stronger they become. Though it is sad to see a Death God fall for such an elementary Ringitsu." The stranger concluded with a smirk.

"Ringitsu?" Regnier thought to himself. "Yes, Ringitsu. Or as your people would refer to as Magic. There are hundreds of known Ringitsu. Though it is not common to see such a tortured soul who is able to execute one so perfectly." The stranger replied. "You can hear my thoughts?" regneir stated out loud as a shocked look now haunted his face. "Of course. I am tied to your fate and your spiritual power. As are you too mine. I will explain more later, but now we must deal with the problem at hand." The stranger replied as he stood but a foot away from Regnier. "How can I stop him if I can't move?" Regnier questioned this stranger.

This being would laugh at Regnier's understandable ignorance. "What's so funny?" Regnier would inquire into as he struggled some more out of anger and desperation. "You limit both of our powers. This mere Ringitsu will not hold us for long. But before I release you and grant you but a small percent of my power I must ask you. Are you ready to deal with the consequences that may come from your actions this night?" The stranger asked Regnier as he closed his eye lids. A amused grin now visible on his aged face. "Yes. I'll do whatever it takes to save those I love! Please help me!" Regnier barked at the man. The stranger knew he was ignorant of what consequences he spoke of.

However nonetheless he would aid this mortal. "As you wish, from this moment forward what is mine is yours. Use it well Regnier. You may call me terra. Strike true and without hesitation. And your enemy shall fall to your attacks." Terra concluded as he faded from Regniers vision. Suddenly time would start up once more. As Regnier felt a surge of power coursing through his veins. Yuria would glance at Regnier with the corner of her eye. "Quit struggling. You can't break free! You're merely wasting energy. It would take a sergeant spiritual power level or higher to break free." She stated as she glanced toward the ground. "We should save our energy for when he returns." She concluded.

"I can't do that. My friends and sister are depending on me. If I stand here and do nothing they'll die! So Terra...lend me your power. Regnier stated calmly as yuria seemed to be taken by surprise by his words. "Terra? How do you know that name? Terra is an old spirit, a fragment of God. the strongest earth elemental. Why would he listen to a mere humans call?" She stated before a shock look appeared on her face. Regniers spiritual power was rising. A green aura tracing around his frame as the earth began to quake. "What's this?" The forgotten spoke as it turned around. "Foolish mortal. You can't break free from my grasp." It stated confidently. yet with a sense of amusement by his efforts.

A sudden flash of blinding green light would engulf the woods. Both Yuria and the forgotten would cover there eyes. "what the hell?" The forgotten spoke as it squinted, the light finally dissipating. A shock look suddenly littering it's stone face. "This can't be!" He stated with fear. The Ringitsu had been broken. And regnier was standing next to Yuria. His right and left arm covered in spiritual rocks. His left arms was shaped like a sword. As his right hand resembled that of a golem's fist. "Thank you." Regnier stated as he clenched his fist. "I offered you peace, but no mercy will you find anymore. Farewell." Regnier stated confidently.

"What kind of human are you? Your power...it's strong. And how is it you have a Tuerith? No human has even been able to conjure one before. Least of all the power that is terra. Damn...it doesn't matter slay this beast she commanded. meanwhile the forgotten would merely laugh. "I see. so thats how it is going to be? Foolish insect, I will crush you where you stand!" Yuria would move out of their way. Watching as both regnier and the forgotten assumed their stances. "Alright human. Let's see whether or not you can use that energy."