Author's Note: This is a story I've been working on for months. I finally got the courage to post it on here. Note that the title is just a temporary title until I come up with something else in the future. And you might noticed in some parts in the prologue, that some things may look like I'm referring it to Lord of the Rings, but I'm not. I started working on this waaaaay before I saw those movies. Trust me. :D And also, some parts might seem a little.... *coughs* Cheesy... but that's someimes my writing style. And yes, I am aware that there's a ton of grammer errors in there. Okay! Without further adu, the start of the story! Prologue Darkness. It was consuming everything in its path from the North, like a plague. Winding through the Shade Mountains like a snake, it was heading to one, hopeless place. The only purpose it truly had was to seek, annihilate, and move on. Its Master created it to be this way, and it didn’t complain. It knew it was only going to be used once, and then it would disappear into useless, used magic. After that, its Master would have to wait for a very long time to regain strength to use it again in the far future. This was fine with the darkness, just as long as it can be used for what it was created for… and that was to kill. **************************************** The air was icy at the Shiloh Academy of Magic. Every professor, student, and apprentice sensed a mysterious storm coming in. Something was going to happen that night. Something dreadful and cruel was slowly creeping in from the west. No matter what it was, it was dangerous and evil and everyone knew that from the deepest part of their soul. The founder of the academy, Shiloh himself, stood by the one of the top floor windows looking at the landscape. His clear blue eyes scanned the horizon. He felt the tension in the air, but surprisingly he was calm. He knew this night was coming for a while now. Many brutal and tremendous things were about to happen. This darkness that was approaching, Shiloh knew it was going to set off the chain of events; like a domino reaction. He gripped the windowsill as he saw a dark, ominous cloud, far away over the mountains. It began surrounding the valley where the Academy stood. “They’re coming,†he whispered. “I can feel it.†Shiloh’s old wrinkled hand reached for the pouch that was tied tightly on his green fabric belt around his waste. The fate of Tamina was lying inside this particular pouch and he knew that he had to protect it at all costs. Even if it means death. “The time is almost at hand, Shiloh,†Shiloh heard on a soft gentle breeze that blew in from the valley. Shiloh nodded and pulled his jade hood over his head. Twilight was at hand, and Shiloh knew that he had to make preparations for the things that were coming, and fast. The heavy, double wooden doors opened without help as Shiloh approached them. His footsteps echoed through the stone hallway as he walked toward the staircase leading downstairs. The candles that lined the hallway ignited without the help of a match as Shiloh walked past them. He then stopped on top of the stairs and stood on a round circle that had a star in the middle of it. He held up his hand in front of him, and then without delay his Light Staff was summoned in his hand. The staff was smooth with a design of a dragon carved down the side of it and a clear glass orb, supported by four pieces of wood carved to look like leaves, was set on top of it. He took the staff, closed his eyes, and then tapped his staff slightly on the star. There was a flash of light, and Shiloh found himself on the first floor. He walked off the star and turned to the doors to the largest assembly room in the academy. The gigantic, well made double doors both opened on telepathist command when Shiloh stood in front of them. Shiloh was then immersed in the sounds that were coming from within. Everyone who attended the academy was there. There were different races of students, teachers, and apprentice’s from all over the world. They came to Shiloh Academy not only to train to be a sorcerer, but to learn how to protect the world of Tamina and all its inhabitants as well. All the students were very well trained, and most of them followed the rules at all times. No one was ever caught using and studying Black Magic, (because, that was against the rules and nobody would dare to go near it anyways), except for the exception of one. Shiloh sucked in his breath. The thought of his ex-apprentice gave him awful and terrifying feelings. He replaced that feeling with something else and walked into the storm of mummers and whispers. As soon as he walked in, everyone suddenly grew silent and they all stood up to show respect to the greatest sorcerer in the entire world. Shiloh walked down the main isle toward the front, with his emerald robe flowing behind him as waves in the sea. All of the people’s eyes were on him. He finally made it to the front of the assembly hall, and turned around to face everyone. That was every person’s cue to have a seat. As soon as everyone was seated, Shiloh let his eyes scanned over the crowd. “All these wonderful people and most of them won’t even be alive after this,†he thought. His vision became blurry with tears of gratitude and love for all of these students. But he didn’t let his mind wonder off for very long. “My good apprentices, teachers, and students,†Shiloh’s voiced boomed. “We knew that this night was coming ever since my ex-apprentice left.†Some people murmured, and others sift nervously in their chairs at the thought of the ex-apprentice. One apprentice, who was in his late teens and a faithful student to Shiloh, felt a burning hate and sadness swell up inside of him. A girl, not much older than he, saw the troubled look in his eyes and gently reached over and squeezed his hand. He looked up and met her golden brown eyes. “It’ll be alright,†she lipped silently to him. He smiled and squeezed her hand tighter. He then reluctantly looked away from her gaze and focused on his Master. Shiloh let his words sink in a little longer before he spoke again. “All of you know that he’s been seeking revenge ever since he was banned. His revenge is now focused on this place and the people inside of it…†Everyone was still. “It is my own fault I didn’t stop this when I first saw the dilemma. And now my mistake is going to cost many lives tonight. And also, it may cost all the lives of the innocent people who are unaware of this threat arising in Tamina.†A couple of tears fell from his eyes, but his voice was still strong and not quivering. “All of you are needed tonight! Everyone’s talents, knowledge, and bravery are needed to help defend ourselves and our future! Who will join me in battle to fight for the cause of Tamina?†Shiloh shouted. Cheers and shouts echoed loudly against the walls of stone. “Who will are willing to give up their lives to save Tamina from who might cause this world to fall into darkness?†The cheers and screams became louder, and everyone was on their feet yelling with all their might. “Then let us all unite as one, and fight for the future of Tamina! Together as the greatest army of all time since the Guardians, we will fight!†Shiloh raised both of arms, and everyone was shouting much, much louder and applauding. Shiloh’s feelings for these people grew inside of him even more then ever. ******************************************** The very best skilled apprentices, teachers, and students were lined up outside the academy. They all felt fear inside of them, for they weren’t sure if Shiloh’s ex-apprentice became stronger since the last time anyone had seen him. Shiloh watched them from a window. It would probably be his last time he would ever see them again. He turned to his new top apprentice, who was waiting by his side for orders. “I want you to take all the rest of the newer students and lead them to safety. I have a feeling that something might happen,†Shiloh spoke. “Yes, Master,†the apprentice said, bowing in respect. He then turned and left Shiloh alone in the room. Suddenly, a cry that sounded like terror echoed through the valley. Shiloh’s head snapped around, and then he saw it… the army. “They’re here,†Shiloh whispered. “They’re here…†All at once, the apprentices, teachers, and students below summoned their staffs and wands. Even though they were well trained, they weren’t prepared for how huge the army was. It was like a big sea wave crashing over the valley, with sounds of battle cries and jeers. Red and black tattered flags were visible throughout the army, and the most hideous weapons gleamed against the moonlight. It wasn’t the weapons the small army of magicians and to-be-sorcerers were afraid of though. Oh no, it was what made up the army. There were black dragons, ogres, goblins, imps, hags, animals that turned to evil, ice monsters, the list was endless. One figure stood back from all of these infected creatures. He was dressed in a sinister robe that was mercilessly shredded around the base, and he wore a well made helmet, that had metal horns coming out the sides of it. It was Shiloh’s ex-apprentice in the flesh. “I’ve sent them to their deaths…†Shiloh miserably said. He gripped the pouch that was tied around his waste. The small army of magicians below began to charge, and so did the other side. Different artificial elements were emitting everywhere hitting the opposite side: lightning, water, bugs, plants, earth, anything that would stop the army. It was a brilliant sight to see, but, to Shiloh’s horror, the enemies’ side also released artificial elements. And they were the forbidden ones… They were ones that gave you the worst curses and agonies that would lead you to a slow and painful death. “They won’t hold out for long,†Shiloh muttered. He turned from the window, and headed down the hallway. Thoughts were racing in his mind. His ex-apprentice had turned from human to demon since the last time he’s seen him. This shattered Shiloh’s heart greatly. He knew that the ex-apprentice was going to slaughter everyone, and leave no one alive. “Hopefully my apprentice evacuated the others,†Shiloh said with anticipation to himself. As soon as Shiloh mentioned his apprentice, a flash of white light appeared at the top of the stairs. The light dispersed, and his apprentice was standing there. He was out of breath, and he looked very shocked. “Master, everyone is-,†the apprentice took in a deep breath, “gone.†“What?†Shiloh was stunned. “Something happened to them, I couldn’t find them. I looked all over.†Shiloh’s heart sank. “How could this happen?†Shiloh asked himself in disbelief. Suddenly the tower rocked violently. Both the apprentice and Shiloh could barely stand up. As soon as the rocking stopped, both he and his apprentice ran toward the closest window and looked down. Elephants and giants were standing around the academy, trying to topple it over. Shiloh knew that his apprentice was going to die if he stayed here. “My apprentice, you need to leave -now,†Shiloh said. “Master, I won’t leave you!†the apprentice declared fearlessly. “Apprentice, someone must stay alive to help guide the prophecy,†Shiloh said. “And that someone is you.†The apprentice stood there, stunned. Him? He was supposed to help the prophecy come true? Another violent quake shook the tower, bringing the apprentice out of his thoughts. “Now go!†Shiloh spoke firmly to his apprentice. His apprentice nodded, and then suddenly gave his master a heart warm hug. Shiloh was surprised. The apprentice then stepped back, releasing his master. He then bowed to Shiloh. “I will always remember you… Master Shiloh.†He stood upright and looked at the old man. The apprentice and the master gazed in each others’ eyes for only a couple of seconds, and then the apprentice broke the stare. He then summoned his Element of Metal Staff, and held it in front of him. He closed his eyes and began to mutter the chant for teleportation. This took any advanced apprentice or sorcerer’s energy away, so it’s used rarely. The spell started to work, and a soft glow emitted of the apprentice. “Good luck, apprentice,†Shiloh said. “I am very proud of you, and I will always remember you as well.†As soon as Shiloh said that, a radiant flash of light appeared, and when it ceased, his apprentice was gone. Even though, his apprentice was gone, Shiloh felt a presence in the room. It was a dark feeling too. Shiloh knew exactly who it was, and he barely had enough time to react. He blocked a bolt of artificial purple lighting with a swipe of his Light Staff, and turned around to face the ex- apprentice. “Hello, ex-Master,†the ex-apprentice said, sounding annoyingly amused. “You look a lot older since the last time I’ve seen you… and weaker.†He stepped out of the shadows and into the moonlight. It was as though, his whole appearance changed since the last few months. Once, he was a handsome young man. Now, he was a monster. He was pale as the moonlight that shone upon him, and he looked extremely gaunt and sickly. His lips were cracked; his eyes glow a crimson color and appeared nothing like human. His long black hair was stringy and it looked extremely greasy. In his hand he held the Staff of Shadows; a staff that was prohibited to use. Shiloh felt anger and regret grow inside of him. But he knew better than to show his emotions when facing an enemy. “You’ve changed also, demon,†Shiloh said with a quiet fierceness. He gripped his light staff tighter. The ex-apprentice let out a terrifying laugh that sent chills down Shiloh’s spine. “Yes, I had changed, old man,†the ex-apprentice said, slowly looking up. His emotions were changing quickly from amusement to hate. “Ever since you’ve banned me from this amateur place, I’ve grown stronger in the black magic which you have scornfully hated…†With a blink of an eye, the ex-apprentice disappeared. To his lament, Shiloh was astonished. “Where is that pathetic excuse of a true sorcerer,†Shiloh thought in his mind. “I’ve grown more power since I left,†Shiloh heard whispered in his right ear. Shiloh stood there, waiting for the right moments to come. “More powerful than ever imagined… I can do things that only some thought of hoping to achieve but died in vain trying. Nothing stands in my way… nothing, except one mere stone, and I know you have it.†It was now Shiloh’s turn to act. Shiloh swiped around, with an artificial light element attack. He hit his apprentice dead on in the chest. Instead of staggering backwards in shock, the ex-apprentice stood there and flashed Shiloh an evil grin, suddenly disappearing again. Shiloh swiped behind him, but nothing was there. Suddenly, and invisible force hit him in the back hard. Shiloh clenched his teeth in pain. He was then hit in the chest with the same force, and then his arm, which he held his staff, suddenly began to feel as though it was on fire. Shiloh willed himself not to cry out in agony, and dropped his staff. He was then hit with a series of vital blows. He was being strike so much Shiloh lost his ability to think. He was then finally thrown against the stone wall, and he crumpled to the floor. His took in deep, painful breaths. Shiloh never had been in this much pain in a long time. He willed himself to get up, but he didn’t have enough strength to. “Fool!†the ex-apprentice appeared in front of Shiloh. He then started chuckling wickedly. “You really think Light can outmatch Darkness? You’re a naïve old man.†He then held up his hand in front of Shiloh and started flexing it in random twists and turns. Shiloh felt a horrible pain in his chest and gasped, but then realizing that he couldn’t breath. He then clutched his chest with his unburned arm, as the pain made it feel like his chest was collapsing. “Give me the stone, and I might spare your life,†the ex-apprentice seethed. “The stone, Shiloh!†a whispered voice pleaded inside the sorcerer’s head, “Summon the stone to the world now!†Shiloh inhaled in as much oxygen as he could. With his burned arm, he reached for the stone lied within the pouch. Silently, he began to do the advanced teleportation spell, the ex-apprentice being unaware what was going on. As soon as Shiloh brought out the stone, Shiloh gasped the last words, and the stone vanished in a blinding light. “Well,†the ex-apprentice said calmly as he could, “I guess you have sealed your fate then…†He grabbed Shiloh’s robe and hefted him up with ease, and slammed his body against the wall. Shiloh closed his eyes tightly, and then opened to stare coldly into his ex-apprentice’s eyes. Thebanned student chortled as the sides of his mouth twitched upwards. “I’ll be waiting for them when they come,†the ex-apprentice whispered harshly in Shiloh’s ear. There was the sound of death, and then there was darkness… _________________________________________ Woo hoo! Very long prologue I admit. xP Feel free to critic and what not. Also a note to my readers of my fanfiction, I am still going to write my chapters and get that story done. No worries. :D Hoped you guys liked it!
Lord of the rings....this is good read...aside from some grammar. just one thing....this is cookie cutter, the plot you are trying to incorporate is something many writters have done...in a lot of fantasies. even though it pained me to say that, because it IS a good read, the style isn't elaborated on with too much descriptiveness and genre use, and thus its easy to read, i enjoyed it greatly. but...the plot thing...has been used times again , in the past.
Yeah, I agree with you on that one. It's getting harder to come up with something very original... *sighs*
it is...but if you ever want to write something original, you can always ask for help you know. but, lately its really hard to write something original.
Red is me. Sorry for the sarcasm, but I needed something to keep me entertained while I was thinking about constructively criticising your work. I missed or just skipped a lot of stuff if I'd already mentioned it. I don't know what to think of this honestly, it's got good points and bad points, but I'm not going to point out the former. Well, either way you need a lot more practice and a lot more quality reading for reference and experience; young adult fiction does not count. Okay, don't hate me, I'm only trying to help.
O...M...G.....*faints* uber thrashing... kinda makes me wonder....how are my stories? hmm.... trogdor...you nitpick too much....and out of personal preference too.
You're welcome then. Do not expect this kind of thing again. I'm not being harsh and spiteful or in any way malicious, I'm being overly critical, that's it. I'm always honest. I'm human too, hard as it may be to believe. I never expect anyone to take my word as fact I expect a certain amount consideration and no more.
i know, i was just kidding. but most of the time your word IS fact, so kids always listen to Jiku neon
