Rayman Pirate-Community

This is a re-written and about-to-be-completed version of an old story, Rise of the Shadows. It's a Rayman fanfic that involves game locations and characters, my own characters, and some of the characters of my friends (namely Pyra and Lady Knaaren).

You can find an archive on the Realm of Starlight and Fire in the Admins' Gallery, if you get sick of looking around for all the individually-posted chapters. Please comment, give suggestions on some of the chapters that maybe I can look out for as I write more, and so on.


Prologue

Commander Zaroff was told of a new prisoner that was taken to the dungeons beneath his military fortress deep within the Eastern Swamplands. He has been captured alone, separated from his platoon. They have captured many rival soldiers from Rintu, the nation west of their borders, but this particular soldier was different. He had the ability to form and manipulate fire.

The fairies rarely granted powers to anyone, especially those who were fighting for warring nations like the Swamplands and Rintu. This prisoner must have gotten his powers from another source.

They kept the prisoner under control by taking advantage of his weakness towards water. Everyday, Zaroff asked where he received his powers and always got back the same answer. “I've had them as long as I could remember,” he said. Everyday, they continuously tortured him, and every night, he was thrown back into his cell, too weak to even try and escape. Days came and went. They eventually turned into weeks. Zaroff was losing the war with Rintu. He was desperate for some advantage over his foes. After six weeks, Zaroff was sick of the prisoner's lies. He had to get his powers somewhere, and Zaroff will find them without him. The commander finished the prisoner off, and his body was left to rot in his cell.

This was not truly the end of the prisoner's life; after he died that day, he temporarily lost all memory of who and what he was. He was just walking down a hallway with what appeared to him as red brick walls. Ahead of him was a light, and behind him was darkness.

“Are you going to just let go and give up that easily, Phoenixan?” The prisoner automatically responded to the name and turned around towards the darkness.

“What do you mean?” he asked. A dark creature who's skin was hidden constantly behind shadow appeared before him.

“You mean you don't know?” the creature's glowing blue eyes glared at Phoenixan. Phoenixan's memory then returned to him, and he instantly felt fear, anger, and a great need for revenge. “Yes, I can tell that you know now.”

“How can you feel my thoughts?” Phoenixan questioned. Can this creature actually understand what I'm really feeling? he thought to himself.

“I am one who has been banished to stay here by the fairies of your world. I know how you feel, because I hold the power to control shadow. I can grant you with the same powers, and I can allow you to step back into the world of the living, where you can avenge yourself and others like you or me. There is just one thing that you have to do in return: someday, you have to set me free from my place of exile.”

Phoenixan thought for a moment about the shadowed creature's proposal. Not only will he be able get his own revenge, but maybe he'll be a part of something larger. Too many lands fall under the oppression of power leaders or keepers of magic. Maybe he'd be doing something right. Who cared if he was just causing more death in the process. Sacrifices were necessary. “I'll do it, but why are you choosing me?”

“Because, you are born different, are you not? You are a chosen new guardian for the world. People hate you because you are different, and they know that you are going to bring change, but they can't stop your destiny.”

Is it my destiny to be a killer? Maybe. It's something I've always done, and I've become pretty good at my job, though I regret it. Phoenixan looked at the creature and nodded. Sacrifices are still necessary to fulfill a greater cause.

The creature lifted his hand from a veil of shadow. It was covered in metal armor with numerous flexible joints. Phoenixan's vision began to blur, and he felt a falling sensation. He felt that he should be feeling himself hitting the ground any time soon, but the blow never came. He just kept on falling. Suddenly, the falling sensation stopped, and it was quickly replaced by dizziness. His vision slowly unblurred. Phoenixan was back in his dungeon cell.

The door was open, and another being like himself was sitting on the other side of the room with his face towards the dirty stone walls. He was sitting on the floor with his feet behind him, crying. “Rayman?” Phoenixan said, struggling to speak. He didn't realize how weak he really was right until then. It was probably a miracle that his body could even sustain life. The other limbless being immediately stood up off of the floor and turned around. He still had tears in his dark blue eyes. “Brother! You're alive!” He ran towards the door and yelled out into the hall. “Hey! He's alive!” Two soldiers from Rintu's side came in with a stretcher and hoisted Phoenixan onto it. As they carried him out of the dungeon, Rayman followed at his side. “I thought that you were really gone.”

Rayman was only ten years old, four years younger than Phoenixan was. Phoenixan really didn't want him to worry so much or suffer any of the same things he did. Not now. “Don't worry,” Phoenixan said, “I won't be going anywhere.”

Chapter 1: the Dream Forest

It was a cool, clear night in the Dream Forest. The two moons in the sky reflected brightly off of the ocean. Rayman and his friends Globox and Ly were sitting on the front porch of Rayman's small home, overlooking the beach. It was all silent except for the insects and ocean waves softly flowing over the sand. It was not long after the hoodlum invasion. Rayman built his home here in the Pink Plant Woods several years ago after leaving his own homeland.

The silence was finally broken when Globox spoke. “Rayman?” he asked. “I think I just heard a noise in the woods!”

“Of course there are noises, and there are many things in the woods!” Rayman answered jokingly.

Ly held out her hand to silence the others so that she could listen in and pay more attention to what was happening behind their home. She heard it then. Something was stepping, or rather almost stomping, through the foliage of the forest. “I think I can hear it too.”

“Let's go see what it is then,” Rayman said as he got up and walked towards the side of the house. Ly followed, and Globox stayed behind out of fear that it could be a horrible forest creature of some sort. As herself and Rayman approached the back of the small wooden building, Ly lit up a small magical ball of light in her hands. She aimed the light into the forest as the mysterious creature approached.

The bushes shook violently. Rayman was prepared to attack if it did. After a few tense seconds, a creature half of Rayman's height stepped out into the open. He was a limbed being who had pointed ears similar to Ly's, which were covered by his long, dark, greasy hair. His clothes were dirty and torn. He was clutching his chest with his left hand, and he held something heavy in his right. As he began to collapse on the ground just from weakness, Ly rushed over to help him, and she caught him in her arms before he landed on the ground.

“They're coming! They must not get it!” the fairy-like creature shouted with every bit of breath he had. He held out his right hand, revealing the object that he had been carrying. Rayman slowly reached out and took it from his fingers.

“Who's coming?” Ly asked, wondering who he's been running from.

“The soldiers,” he answered simply. He coughed and a small trickle of blood escaped his lips. “Just make sure they don't get it.” He looked at Rayman and a small smile appeared on his face, which quickly disappeared when he coughed small traces of blood yet again. His body then went limp; he was gone.

Rayman looked into his hand and gazed into the object he was given. It appeared to be a large clear stone that split up and reflected the moon and star light like a prism would. Ly slowly set the creature on the ground and looked down at him sadly. Globox came around back to see what happened, and a sad look came across his blue frog-like face when he realized what had happened. The all felt sorry for the creature. The only thing they could do for him now was keep the stone Rayman now held safe from whoever “they” were.

“Where could we keep this safe?” Rayman asked.

Ly looked over at Rayman's hand. “The Fairy Council could be the safest place.”

“Could be,” Rayman repeated, knowing that the Fairy Council was not exactly known for solid security. The place was already invaded twice, and both times, the fairies nor the teensies have been able to keep the place safe.

All of a sudden, another voice pierced through the silence. “Rayman! You have to get out of here!”

“Murfy!?” Rayman shouted back. “What's happening?”

“I'll explain to you later if there's a need to, but you have to leave now!” Rayman quickly shoved the stone into a previously invisble pocket in his usual red, purple, and white jacket. “Quick! Into the forest!” Murfy zipped off into the forest, and Globox immediately followed. Ly waited for Rayman as he looked off towards the ocean for one last time. Three lights now hovered over the horizon, coming towards the shore. Boats? Ships? Rayman couldn't really tell, but they were heading their way very quickly.

“Rayman?” Ly said, wondering if he was going to follow Murfy and Globox. Rayman turned and looked towards her, nodded, and then they set off after Globox and Murfy. As they all traveled deeper into the forest, the sound of rotating aircraft blades could be heard coming from behind in the distance, possibly from a helicopter.

They were following the old dirt path that headed towards what was called Anguish Lagoon. It was the same path the Rayman followed to retrieve the Great Protoon from Mr. Dark when we first came to this part of the world. The four friends remained generally quiet as they walked along, listening carefully for signs of anyone. Rayman wanted badly to ask what the soldiers even looked like, but maybe he'll just ask later during a more appropriate time.

After traveling for nearly an hour, what they all feared came: a noise. A vehicle was coming towards them down the trail. “Quick! Hide!” Murfy hissed, trying to be silent while at the same time, properly alerting everyone else. He led Rayman, Ly, and Globox off of the trail towards a shallow cave on top of a muddy slope, just overlooking the trail. Rayman climbed up the muddy slope, trying not the slip. Ly jumped up into the cave with hardly any effort. Globox needed help from Rayman to make it up after Rayman made it himself. The cave was just barely big enough to conceal all of them, and they all had to crowd themselves into the far back to be fully hidden from anyone on the path below.

Two small motorized, three-wheeled vehicles arrived, following the trail and stopped. Search lights scanned over the surrounding area. Fortunately, the soldiers didn't even notice anyone hiding in the cave above them. The search lights were shut off, but the soldiers were still there. They were talking to each other now, speaking in a language that Ly, Globox, nor Murfy could understand; however, Rayman could understand them perfectly. Rayman inched forward carefully so he could actually see them. There were two soldiers below him on the trail, each of them rays. They wore black and dark orange patterned uniforms, with a small gold circle icon pinned onto their shirts. Each one had a black belt around their waist, which they used for carrying their tools and weapons. Their dark-visored black helmets completely covered their faces, except for their large noses that stuck out much like Rayman's.

“It's almost hard to believe the slave got this far,” one soldier said to the other, speaking in their native tongue.

“The stone wasn't found with him when they found the body,” the other said.

“Someone else probably has it now. The commander and the profit aren't going to be happy about this at all.”

“Well, this path is almost cleared. I don't know where else to look.” They started up their vehicles again, and off they went. The sounds of the motors slowly grew fainter and fainter as they traveled back the way Rayman and the others came.

“I'm sorry. I was afraid to tell you,” Murfy apologized. So, Rayman was now facing against his own kind.

“Don't worry about it,” he said, “I was worried that this was going to happen at some point.” He then jumped down the muddy slope. The others crawled out after wards. “I know them, or at least I know where they're from.”

They all continued on towards the lagoon. Ly had the power to see from Rayman's point of view for short periods of time, so she even saw what the soldiers were herself. It must be hard on him to maybe be forced to fight his own species. She wanted to know where exactly they were from. All Rayman would say so far was just that they came from where he used to live. Ly wondered what Rayman was going to do this time. She knew he normally didn't like to kill, but he seems have become slightly more violent since the hoodlum raids. What was happening to him? Maybe this was why he was acting the way he was? He was just becoming increasingly worried, maybe?

The lagoon came into view. There was a large lake with many vines, thorns, and extremely old trees that sprouted out of the water. It was daylight now, but it hardly made any difference as the thick taller trees were blocking the sunlight from coming through. It was also here that an old friend was waiting for them. He came out of his hiding place among the vines and trees. “Hello Rayman! What bringzzz you to this part of the forezzt?” he buzzed. He was a very large purple insect with yellow stripes over his body, and a long straw-like mouth. It was Moskito.

“We need to get to the Fairy Council from the old temple up north,” Rayman answered.

“Ah, I zeee. There have been zome dizzturbanzes in these partz of the forezt.” Globox was seemingly uneasy about something, and Rayman noticed it.

“Globox? What's wrong?” Just as Rayman asked, another limbless soldier came out of the forest, followed by a robotic guard. The guardian walked on 3 very thin legs, had a gun mounted on each arm, and a single camera mounted on it's head. Globox screamed and ran off into another part of the forest, away from the two threats. The soldier shouted back into the forest for others that travelled with him. Rayman made a worthless attempt of attacking the robotic guard by throwing a small energy orb from his hand at the guard. The orb made contact with an electric shield that was previously invisible, and the shield glowed with a faint blue color.

“Quick! Hope on! I'll take you through the lagoon!” Moskito shouted. Rayman was hesitant. He didn't want to leave Globox behind.

“I'll go on after him,” Murfy sighed. “You just go ahead! I'll meet up with ya later! See ya, Rayman!” He sped off in the direction Globox ran. Rayman went ahead and leaped onto Moskito's back, and Ly climbed on aswell, sitting behind. Moskito then sped off over the water. The robotic guard finally chose a target to aim for, now that there was just one in view, and a spray of gun fire followed behind. Moskito simply dodged in several directions, weaving through the thorns and vines, avoiding the gun fire. The other limbless soldiers finally came, but it was too late to go after Rayman, Ly, and Moskito now, as they were now far off into the distance towards the North.

Chapter 2: Towards the Nest

Moskito carried Rayman and Ly safely on the other side of the lake. Rayman and Ly each climbed off of Moskito's back and looked around. Globox and Murfy would take a long while before even reaching this point. They were headed towards the river that ran into what was once known as Moskito's Nest, which was a somewhat good thing, as that was in the general direction of the tower portal that led to the Fairy Council, but also, it'd delay their trip even more. Swamps with thick mud lined both sides of the river, which could slow down anyone, know matter how fast of a runner they were.

“Do you think that we zzhould wait here for them?” Moskito asked. Rayman was wondering the same thing, and he was a little worried about them. Ly could tell that he was feeling at least slightly upset from his face.

“Don't worry, Rayman,” Ly said, “Murfy can usually find you, no matter where you are. Doesn't he always?”

“Yeah,” Rayman answered, giving a slight smile. “I guess we should keep going north then.” He started off with just a few steps before another voice pierced through the usual forest noise.

“GET OUT OF THE WAY! WHOA!” The three friends looked upwards towards the trees. The leaves shook, and some fell to the ground. “WATCH OUT!” Another ray suddenly flew out of the trees, gripping onto a swinging vine. Ly and Moskito quickly ran out of the way as Rayman stared on up above. The other ray smacked head-on into Rayman and both were knocked to the ground.

Ly chuckled slightly to herself and ran over to help Rayman up off of the ground. Moskito assisted the other ray. Rayman brushed himself off and looked at the other limbless being, who was dressed in a leopard-skin outfit and other bits and pieces made of leaves, and he had a gold ring stuck in one of the parts of his hair; it was Tarayzan.

“Hey, Rayman!” he greeted while rubbing the back of his head with his left hand. “It was nice to bump into you again, though maybe not so litterally. What brings you here again?”

“We need to get to the Fairy Council,” Ly replied calmly.

“Well, you'll need a lot of good luck to make it North. There's soldiers everywhere. I was spying on them. They just arrived: hundreds of them. They spotted me, so I headed this way,” Tarayzan warned. “If you want, I can help you back that way. I studied them enough to know some things about what they have here so far, and maybe with my help, you can avoid them a little better.”

Rayman nodded, “Sounds like a great idea. We need all the help we can get probably.”

“Let'zzz go then,” Moskito said. “You lead the way.” Tarayzan then stepped on ahead after recovering from their encounter, and the three others followed him into the swamps.

Rayman began to wonder why the stone he now had was so important. It looked valuable, but why send an entire army after one person for it? It didn't make much sense. The soldiers seemed very familiar too, just because of the language they spoke. Rayman didn't want to tell his friends just yet where exactly he was from. He ran away in the first place for a good reason, and he didn't intend on going back or seeing anyone from the place ever again, but now, it seems he has no choice.

The sounds of marching footsteps could be heard in the distance, and Tarayzan began to lead them off of the trail again. “We must be getting closer to the Nest,” he explained. He led them through the trees and the sounds became louder and louder. Drums came into the mix. Then there were other instruments. They could hear them, but they couldn't see them. What where they doing? A trumpet sounded now.

Tarayzan pointed up one of the trees and then climbed up its trunk. After reaching one of the branches, he motioned for the others to follow, and then he continued on even higher. Rayman followed by climbing the same way, and Ly jumped up from branch to branch. Eventually, they all reached the height of the tree, and they were up above most of the foliage. Tarayzan was balanced on the very top tree limb as Rayman and Ly found their own branches to stand upon. The dammage done to the area was now clear.

A giant fortress made of wood, metal, and stone sat in the center of the Nest. Beside it were several stone towers and small gray buildings made of cement or local stone. To the East, a large cement dam that stretched across the river like a humongous scar on the landscape, turning the once lively river into a dead trickling stream as it ran through the tiny vents, turning turbines inside to generate power for the fortress. A lot of the trees around the fortress were either cut down or burned. What was once a swamp was now turned into a dirt and cement wasteland. Ly seemed to be hurt by what happened here. Her magic was very closely tied to nature, and it hurt her to see destruction like this.

“How long did it take this to develop?” Rayman asked.

“This was originally built by the pirate invaders, but it was taken over and added on to for suiting their needs,” Tarayzan explained. “And do you see those towers?” Soldiers were marching into the front gates of the fortress. There seemed to be two large courtyards surrounded by high walls made of timber. In the Northern courtyard behind the fortress, there were two towers with numerous wires attached onto them. Rayman nodded. “I figured that's where their power sources are controlled. If you manage to shut down whatever's there, you can most likely disable their security, which you'll have to do in order to get by here,” Tarayzan continued.

“Why do we need to shut it down to continue? Can't we just go around?”

“No, they have electricly charged fences stretching for miles.” Rayman looked towards the sky. The twin stars was setting now, and purple, orange, and red colors stretched across through the clouds. “We should probably rest here and wait until early morning.” With that comment, Rayman then realized that himself and Ly haven't slept for almost a whole day now. Come to think of it, now he was getting tired.

Moskito hovered infront of Rayman. “Zzhould I invezzztigate more? It could make thingzzz eazzzier,” he proposed.

Rayman nodded and smiled, “Great idea.” He then zoomed off into the forest again, waiting for the soldiers to disappear before coming out and looking around for himself. Maybe they will have less to worry about with whatever information he brings back. Rayman looked over at his friends again. Tarayzan was already asleep now. Ly had her hands on her forhead with her eyes closed. “What are you doing?” he questioned.

“I'm trying to concentrate to find out where Globox and Murfy are, but I just can't. It's as if a curtain of darkness is covering their path. I'm becoming very worried myself now,” she answered.

Rayman began to wonder what it could be that was masking Ly's vision. “I hope you were right earlier about being able to find us. There's already a lot more here than I expected to see,” he frowned. Globox was annoying sometimes, but he was a good friend to have around. He didn't want to see them fall now. Maybe it's my fault they're here. They're all after me. Rayman began to drift off the sleep as the sky darkened further, and the stars shined more brightly in the sky.


Chapter 3: the Second Path

“Why did you have to go this way?!” Murfy complained as he dodged a tree branch that flew towards him as Globox waded his way through the denser parts of the forest. The ground was extremely muddy here, but it seemed to be drying out as they continued further to the north.

“I'm sorry,” Globox apologized, “but I just can't help it.” His foot sank into a deep patch of mud, and he pulled it out and shook the muck that stuck onto it off.

“Well, if we're quick enough, we can meet up with the others at Moskito's Nest.” Murfy flew a short distance in front of Globox and flew backwards, facing towards him while talking. Globox was becoming more and more tired. It was almost dark again, and they haven't slept for an entire day. The trees were blocking the moon and star light, making it more difficult to see in the darkness. Globox spotted a fallen tree trunk and sat down on it. “What are you doing?!”

“I need a break,” Globox said as he messaged his right foot and picked off the mud that stuck to his webbed feet. “Why can't we just rest until morning?”

“Fine, I'll let you rest now, but we need to really keep going to catch up with the others at the Nest!” Murfy hovered in the air as Globox rested on the fallen tree trunk. Looking around, Globox observed that the tree trunk he was sitting on fell because part of the center had rotted out over time. It was nothing too unusual. He looked up, and he could see the stars through the small breaks in the trees, but for the most part, the sky was well hidden by the leaves above.

Murfy was wondering exactly why the mud was drying up as they traveled further along the river. Before, this whole area was mud-covered swamp. The trees here were drying out aswell, and the river was becoming more static rather than free-flowing.
A noise began to fade in the from the distance. It was the sound of rotating helicopter blades again, like they heard back from Rayman's home in the Pink Plant Woods. When the noise came from directly overhead, a bright search light came on, illuminating the very top of the trees and some parts of the ground below. The helicopter continued to just hover above them, scanning over the same spots again and again.

“Keep still! They're looking for movement,” Murfy whispered to Globox; saying this was for the most part unnecessary, as Globox was already frozen in fear. The lights passed over them at least five times until it disappeared, and the helicopter began to move out, flying away with its sounds fading away back into the distance. Murfy let out a sigh of relief, but Globox was still uneasy. He nervously looked around. When he looked behind, he saw someone riding on a four-legged hoofed animal, which was galloping very quickly towards them through the mud. Globox quickly got up from the fallen tree trunk he was sitting upon and ran towards the North once again. Murfy followed, glancing behind him occasionally. Whoever it was, he was gaining a lot of ground between them.

Murfy went on ahead and flew in front of Globox and just kept going. He quit glancing behind and just continued to fly as he heard Globox running behind him and the mysterious rider galloping behind. At some point as he kept on flying, the sounds behind him just suddenly stopped. Murfy glanced behind once more, and Globox nor the rider were there anymore. He looked around, and all he could see were the trees throughout the forest. “Globox?!” He lost him. Murfy quickly turned around and flew back the way he came. “Globox? Where are ya!?” He was flying so fast away from the rider that he traveled quite some distance before realizing that Globox wasn't following anymore, but after a few moments, both Globox and the rider came into view.

Globox was on the ground with a little mud on his face and all over his body, and the rider was now standing just behind him next to the animal he was riding. The hoofed animal was covered in brown fur, had two curved horns on its head, and hoofs specially designed for running through the mud.

Murfy flew to Globox's aid, trying to help him up off of the ground, when the rider spoke into their minds. *Tell your friend, Rayman, that I'm looking for him.* The voice that echoed into their minds was eerily like Rayman's, only darker and slightly sadder in a way. The rider reached up with his black-gloved right hand, with his other hand still hidden in the long black cloak he wore, and pulled his hood from his head. His facial features were very similar to Rayman's, not in the sense of being just another ray either, but seemingly like a close relation. He had long strawberry blonde hair that covered some parts of his face and hung over his eyes. His eyes seemed creepy. They had bright-colored red irises and darker red pupils that glared at him from the darkness. Murfy and Globox could see the bottom parts of his boots or shoes. They had bright orange souls that were covered in mud, the main part was gray, and there were red swirl patterns on the left and right sides, like how Rayman's yellow colored shoes were now.

“Who are you?” Murfy asked. Globox was still on the ground, just in the middle of pushing himself up off out of the mud, but stalled, still staring at the mysterious rider.

*I am called Phoenixan. Rayman will recognize my name. Tell him that I know that he has the Stone, and I'm not afraid to follow him as far as the Fairy Council. Most might be afraid to even enter the boundaries, but I am not.* The rider, Phoenixan, then formed a small ball of fire in his right hand, which was now hanging at his side. *And tell him that I haven't forgotten anything he's done to me.* He positioned his hand, ready to throw the fireball now, which had grown in size. It glowed a bright blue color and lit up Phoenixan's face, cloak, and parts of the surrounding area. He then spoke to them with his own voice. “Now go!” Phoenixan threw the fireball towards Globox and Murfy, intentionally aiming above their heads to miss them.

Globox quickly got up out of the mud now, and he and Murfy continued running North, never looking back. The rider didn't follow this time. He simply stood behind as the two ran off further into the forest towards the Nest. After they were completely out of view, Phoenixan lifted his left hand out of his black cloak. He down at it. It was made of metal, colored red and silver with three spikes on the back.

He may be your brother, but he stands in the way of our quest.

“He's not really my brother anymore. He already betrayed me.”

You have my powers. You can feed off of his pain and suffering; the same he's caused you.

“And I'm not afraid anymore to make him suffer either. He left me scarred, betrayed, and alone. I hope to do the same to him somehow... but I still have a doubt about one thing.”

And what is that?

“We are of the same blood. As much as I grew to hate my family, I'm still afraid at times. I know I said that we were no longer brothers, but I still wonder about his potential...”

Chapter 4: Where Separate Paths Meet

Moskito led Rayman, Ly, and Tarayzan to the eastern face of the fortress when the early morning came. The twin stars haven't yet showed themselves, but their light stretched partly across the sky. The water from the dam trickled over towards this side of the fortress, following a cement path made for the water to follow. Several yards away from the fortress' side entrance, the cement path led into a tunnel that passed underneath the walls.

Rayman grabbed one of the handles to the large wooden double doors. The steel handle was slightly rusty, and as he slowly opened the door, it squeaked on its hinges. Behind the doors was a small closed off yard with grass and a set of cement stairs at the other side that led up to another smaller door. There was a camera above the door, which upon seeing, Tarayzan destroyed by picking up and throwing a small rock. The lens on the front of the front of the camera was smashed, and one of the green lights on the side shut off.

The four friends then all entered through the double doors, shutting the doors behind them. They all carefully advanced forward towards the cement steps to enter inside of the fortress itself. Within just a few steps of the first step, two electronic voices sounded from above. Rayman and his friends looked up to see two more robotic guards much like the one they saw before crossing the lagoon to the swamps. They jumped down from somewhere on the roof and landed in the yard.

Rayman made another ill-fated attempt to attack them, but again, the ball of energy he flung at one of the robots was stopped by an invisible shield that was generated around them. Ly chose to attack this time by forming using her own magic. This time, she extended out her fingers and threw a few bolts of a electricity at the guards. Something mounted onto them shorted out with a few sparks being spit out onto the ground. Rayman threw another charged energy sphere at one of the guards, and this time, it actually got through uninterrupted. The robot blew apart with its metal bits and pieces littering the ground. Tarayzan and Moskito took on the second robotic guard now that its shield was gone. Tarayzan took out a small club from his leopard skin clothing and beat the guard several times with it before running off to avoid being hurt when the guard would explode.

After the second robotic guard was defeated, the ran into the second door at the top of the cement staircase. Rayman, Tarayzan, Ly, and Moskito were now standing within the fortress in a long hallway. The looked down both ways. There was a wood floor, brick walls, and doors on one side to other rooms that were all closed. Colorful rugs covered the floor in spots, and there were symbols written on each door.

Everyone was startled suddenly when the door they entered closed behind them, actually slamming shut. Tarayzan grabbed the handle on their side and shook the door, commenting with, “It's locked.”

“I guess there's no turning around from this point then,” Rayman said with a slight smile. He looked down each direction of the hallway.

“So, which way do we go?” Tarayzan asked. Rayman looked down each direction again.

“This way!” he exclaimed as he took off down one way, running as fast as he could. Ly followed after with Moskito and Tarayzan behind her.

“How dozzz he know?” Moskito questioned.

“He doesn't,” Ly replied with a chuckle.

Rayman continued to run down the hallway, following it's twists and turns. All the doors were closed, and this part of the building was frighteningly empty. He was taking the way towards the northern side of the fortress though, looking for another door like the one they just entered through possibly. Just something to show that it was an exit back outside, possibly leading into the second court yard they saw with the two towers.

They passed by staircases but didn't take them. As they reached a point where the hallway took a sharp turn towards the west again, Rayman slowed down and motioned for his friends to walk a little more quietly. They all looked cautiously around. Tarayzan had his club out again, ready to strike anyone that might jump out at them. No one came. Everything was just silent. It was so silent, it just didn't seem right. It felt as if someone was watching them carefully, waiting to strike at a different time.

Finally, they approached a set of large wooden double doors with handles much like the set outside, only these weren't so rusty or tarnished. Rayman had to push the doors open this time, and behind was a small room and another set of double doors. There was a statue in the middle of the room with a bird on a pedestal. Rayman and Globox recognized it immediately: the Leptys.

Tarayzan went on ahead and opened the second set of doors. There was the courtyard with the two towers and a set of enormous doors on the other side. Walls made of timber surrounded the sandy area. There were some vines and tree limbs just outside from the very few trees close by that weren't burned or chopped down. Rayman, Ly, and Moskito followed Tarayzan through the doors, cautiously walking outside. Still, there was no one. Rayman looked up. There were some windows above where those on the higher levels of the fortress could look down onto the court yard. He couldn't see anyone up there though. Two of the glass panels were slid open for some reason.

Rayman observed the two towers and found the one they were looking for. The one on their left had many wires, cables, and antennas sticking out from it. It was most likely the control for the security systems and the electric fences. “I'll go on ahead,” Rayman told his friends. “Watch my back for me, okay?”

“Okay,” Tarayzan replied. Ly and Moskito nodded. Rayman ran over to the tower on their left. There was an open archway that led into it and straight into a spiral staircase. Rayman made his way up the steps, looking up on ahead to be sure no one was waiting for him up above. Finally, at the top of the tower, there it was: small computer screens, buttons, and controls. There was a visual grid laid out showing what fences and systems were operational, and which ones weren't. Now he just had to figure out which ones to shut off in order for them to make their escape.

As Rayman studied the controls, Ly and Moskito heard two very familiar voices. “WE HAVE TO LEAVE NOW! IT'S A TRAP!” Murfy screamed as he and Globox burst through the same double doors the others came through. Then the large gates between the two towers creaked open and soldiers flooded through. Several shots were fired, and Globox, Tarayzan, and Murfy ran back to take cover behind the doors of the fortress. Moskito flew on ahead to attack the advancing soldiers, and Ly formed another magical ball of electricity and threw it towards the soldiers. A few fell to the ground and never go back up. Afterwards, Ly then followed Tarayzan, Globox, and Murfy back into the fortress and crouched behind one of the doors that were partly closed.

She placed her hands on her temple and concentrated her thoughts to talk to Rayman. *Rayman! They're here!*

Rayman was already aware of the problem, as he heard the screams below and the sounds of soldiers stepping up the staircase. He already switched off the power, but he was now looking for a possible way out. There were no windows in the top level of the tower, so the only way out was down that staircase. The first of the soldiers arrived and pulled out a firearm on Rayman, ordering that he surrender or be killed now.

Rayman shook his head and replied, “I'm very sorry I have to do this.” He quickly ran up to the soldier while dodging to his right and kicked the first soldier in the chest while grabbing the gun and pulling the weapon from his hand. Upon seeing the other two soldiers, who seemed confused about Rayman's sudden defensive action, he shot them both with the first soldier's firearm and proceeded down the steps. Upon exiting the tower, he threw the gun to the ground. I hate using guns.

Tarayzan then thought about a way they could escape. He remembered the vines he noticed earlier that were hanging over the fence. “I think I know a way out of here!” Tarayzan notified the others. “Let's get to that wall where the trees are a little closer.”

Ly spoke into Rayman's mind again. *We're headed towards the north wall!* Rayman then began to run towards the wall, where he saw the vines hanging over the pointed tips of the timber. Tarayzan, Ly, and Moskito came out of the door, as expected, and then Globox and Murfy came afterwards. So, they finally caught up with us after all. Rayman was relieved.

They all ran from side to side as they headed towards their goal, dodging gun fire. Rayman was behind the others. He continued to dodge the bullets flying at him. He was more than half-way there when the gunfire just stopped unexpectedly. Rayman looked towards his friends. Ly began to run towards Rayman and the others stayed behind looking very shocked. What's happening? He could now feel a shadowy presence behind him. When Rayman looked to see what it was, he saw a familiar figure.

Another ray like himself wearing a black hooded cloak. He had gray boots with orange and red stripes and swirls. His gray body suit could be seen slightly under his coat, which had a large red circle on the front. The ray's red eyes glared at Rayman from behind his long blond hair. It was the same ray that Globox and Murfy saw on their way here. The ray's voice came into Rayman's mind. *You've interfered with my plans enough. Just give up now before someone else you care about gets hurt.* Rayman shook his head as he looked at the other ray, and glanced he into his pocket again to see the gem he was handed. Why did Phoenixan need this? *As you wish then.* Phoenixan motioned his hand to the soldiers, who were now standing behind him.

Ly grabbed Rayman's hand suddenly and pulled him away. Many bullets came yet again. Murfy and Globox had already made it somewhat up the vines to make it over the wall. Tarayzan and Moskito were below, waiting for Rayman and Ly to come. Then, right in front of Rayman's eyes, a shot rang out from above, striking Tarayzan. He was on the ground, gripping his chest. Rayman looked back to see Phoenixan smiling and followed by stretching out his right black-gloved hand which was acquiring a bright orange glow. Rayman was now up to speed running with Ly now.

“I'll make zzure he getzzz out of here alive,” Moskito assured Rayman as he and Ly finally made it to the wall. “Maybe we'll zzzee each other again zzzome time!” Rayman nodded and began to make his way up the vine. Ly jumped up most of the height and made it over before Rayman did. Rayman looked back at Phoenixan, who then made eye contact with Rayman once again. He still had his hand outstretched; he hasn't let his fire power loose yet. Rayman completed his escape by jumping over the wall and making it down on the ground with the others.

“We probably don't have much time!” Murfy yelled, flying off quickly into the forest again. Globox immediately followed.

“I guess we better,” Rayman said, sluggishly following. Ly walked at Rayman's pace. She could tell he was upset.

“I'm sure Moskito and Tarayzan will do just fine. We'll see them again soon,” she said, attempting to comfort him somewhat.

“I didn't even get to say goodbye to Tarayzan, but that isn't the least of my worries right now.” Ly looked at him, slightly confused. She then realized that it had to do with that other ray. The one that she now knew was the dark presence masking Globox and Murfy's before. She felt that presence again like Rayman did today. Rayman looked back, wondering if he would see Moskito and Tarayzan fly out of the courtyard.

“Who is that other one?” she asked. “The one that looked a little more like you?”

“He's my brother,” Rayman answered. “Something happened a while ago. Neither of us ever forget anything that happens.” He gave a slight smirk and continued on.

Chapter 5: the Portal Tower

“So, what happened between you two?” Ly questioned. She was interested in knowing something about this dark figure, since Rayman never really mentioned anything about his relations until just now. Globox, Murfy, Ly, and Rayman were all following close together now. They were beyond the boundaries of the fortress' security and fences. They couldn't catch Moskito and Tarayzan leaving. Maybe they'll see them again before they'd leave for the Fairy Council. They all hoped for that much.

“It's very long story, but one of the first signs I saw that he changed started here...”

* * *

It's only been a few years since Phoenixan, Alucian, and their group of mercenaries have stormed Rintu's capitol and overthrew its previous leader, Mr. Dark. There were talks that Mr. Dark has taken refuge to one of his palaces far away from the capitol city state within the Western Desert. Rumors have been spreading that he's been residing in the Blue Mountains, plotting some kind of come back to bring himself back into power.

Alucian recommended the use of a new technology to prevent any such attack: a new experimental weapon that held the power to even destroy entire cities or even nations. The Fairy Council condemned such technology, and said that they'd use their magics against any nation that used knowledge in such a destructive manner. Despite the lack of a standing army, the Fairy Council has stood up to their claims so far, even when invaders have dared to come into their own lands. In order to avoid any confrontation with the Fairy Council, they'd have to conduct their operations in secret. The chosen place for the launch of the attack was in the forests south of Rintu.

The day the attack was to be put into action, Alucian and the small group of scientists and engineers assigned to this job left with Rayman and Phoenixan in the control room near the top of the wood and cement building near the underground missile silo. In front of them was a computer with 3 large screens set up across the wall, showing the clearing outside with the covering to the silo, a timer showing what was left before the building would self destruct, as they had to clear the evidence of the attack, and all the co-ordinates and other settings for the launching of the attack. There was a large keyboard and panel for inputting more settings with a set of switches and slots for keys on either side; these were the controls to finalize the launch of the attack.

“Ready?” Phoenixan asked. Rayman and Phoenixan each had a key, and they stood on either side by each switch now.

“I think so,” Rayman answered, but he still had second thoughts about this. He thought about all those people in danger of dying. Alucian even told both of them that this weapon might not even kill immediately, but it'd certainly cause a lot of suffering. He even said it in a manner like he wanted it and would enjoy it, and Phoenixan even agreed. “But on the other hand...” He looked down sadly at his feet, and then yanked his launch key out of its place. He then clinched the key in his fist. “I just can't.”

“Why not?” Phoenixan questioned.

“Don't you even realize what you're doing, brother?”

“Of course,” Phoenixan replied. “I'm saving the lives of our own people.”

“In exchange for the lives of many other innocent ones?”

Phoenixan smiled and repeated words that echoed in his own memories numerous times. “If there is one lesson I've learned from life, it's that sacrifices are still necessary to fulfill a greater cause.” He reached into his coat and pulled out a pistol. “Hand over your key now, and I'll have Alucian stop the countdown and we'll set the weapon ourselves. He warned me that your heart was too weak.”

Rayman was shocked at Phoenixan's reaction. Why was he pulling a gun on him. Why was this so damn important? Why? “Why are you doing this?!”

*I made a promise, and I am going to stick to it. I am going to save our own people and not let more slip away to save ones that I have never seen with my own eyes. Mr. Dark is one who makes sacrifices to fulfill his own causes. You're doing the same right now. Just hand me the key now and end this ridiculousness,* Phoenixan said into Rayman's mind. Rayman took a few steps back and threw the key to the floor. When Phoenixan bent over to pick it up, Rayman kicked the gun from Phoenixan's hand and both keys fell to the ground, both sliding to the far wall. Rayman picked up the gun, and Phoenixan rushed over to grab the keys, and he picked up both with his left hand and looked to Rayman. *You can't shoot me. You're too weak. You just don't understand any of this. None of it.*

With Phoenixan's words that now echoed into his mind, Rayman could feel a wave of darkness coming over him. It was a strong and powerful force. Soon, he couldn't even breath, and his vision was darking. He could just couldn't breath or see anymore. *Don't ever stand in our way. You were never around to understand any of it. Pain and suffering is something you've never experienced first-hand. It's something you take and treasure at some point, because you come to understand what life can be. What you're experience now feels good, doesn't it? I don't think it does to you right now, because you just don't understand.*

What is he saying?! “NO!” Rayman forced all his strength into pulling the trigger on Phoenixan's own weapon. He had to stop this madness, even if it did mean using the very thing he hated. He hated all this technology. He hated all this “show of true strength and power.” Maybe the fairies were right. This sort of technology was the use of knowledge towards the wrong things. Maybe Rayman would go to them, even if it meant permanent banishment from Rintu's lands. He didn't care anymore. He hated the land for all it was worth. Maybe he'll become one of the guardians for the fairies and watchers over the mystical powers of the world itself rather than helping these keepers of metal and fire, who were, in the end of all their struggles, just destroying everyone and everything.

A shot rang out, the darkness lifted, and Rayman could see again. Phoenixan was on the floor, clutching his left hand which was now a bloody mess. He looked up at Rayman and laughed while glancing up at the screen with the self-destruction count down. “Good, but you forget things. You will die, and I shall live, coward. You can try and go to your friends, and even if you make it, you will die at some point. Just die like everyone else in the lands of magic. Die and forget. Just like the teensies: age, forget, and die.”

Rayman threw the gun to the ground. “I won't forget. Most importantly, I won't forget who I am,” he replied, and then he ran. He wasn't going to listen to this anymore. Phoenixan has changed. He wasn't the person he used to be. He changed ever since going through war. Maybe war changed everyone, but Rayman wasn't going to let it change him.

How much time did he have now? Maybe a few seconds. He ran down the stairs and encountered a window. Maybe he had just a few seconds before he was going to be blown to bits. He wasn't going to let this happen. He's going to put an end to this madness himself, like Phoenixan had promised; only he's going to do what's actually right. Rayman leaped through the window, shattering glass and cutting up parts of his face and his hands slightly. He landed on the ground, not exactly landing perfectly on his feet, but he got up despite the pain and continued running towards the trees.

Suddenly, he felt a blast of heat behind him and a loud explosion. The building went up in flames with pieces of concrete, wood, and glass flying all around. Rayman brought himself to the ground covering his head. Pieces of the building landed all around him. Finally, after it was over, Rayman got up and looked behind. The building was for the most part, gone.

I killed him, Rayman thought in disbelief, I actually killed my own brother. Unless he manages to come back again. I know you won't forget either, Phoenixan, but you're wrong this time because I won't forget who I am. I refuse to.

* * *

The spire of the tower was coming into view now above the trees. They were approaching the portal to the Fairy Council and its guardian. Rayman, Globox, Ly, and Murfy hastened their pace towards the tower. As they headed slightly faster towards the tall building among the trees, Globox thought about what Rayman said about what happened. He couldn't quite understand why people would want to kill other members of their family. Maybe it just happens, but he's never seen it happen himself.

Rayman approached the wooden door of the tower, which was just a little taller than he was, and knocked on it with his right hand. There were two slits in the door covered by panels on the inside, one placed higher up on the door than the other. The lower slit opened and then quickly closed, and the door opened. There was a teensie standing behind, holding the door open. “Hello! Welcome! Please come inside!” he greeted cheerfully. Rayman and the others went ahead and stepped into the tower's front room. Ly and Globox had to duck down to fit through the front door, but the inside was actually quite spacious.

There were a few chairs set up around a small fireplace, there were a few book cases stacked with rows and rows of legends, recent stories, and more important documents. A very large colorful knitted rug sat on the cold stone floor. In an adjacent room on this level, there was tiny kitchen with tea sitting on a small table by a sink. “Is it the darkness that brings you here?” the teensie asked. “There have been a lot of disturbances here, and I've been sensing a very dark presence.”

Rayman slowly nodded and Ly spoke, “We've seen what you speak of. We need to return to the Fairy Council for refuge and possibly some further insight on current matters.”

“I see,” the teensie replied. “Well, come this way!” He started his way up a spiral staircase that would lead to two of the three other levels of the tower. Rayman and the others followed the teensie upwards. The teensie's red and yellow robes dragged behind him on the steps as he walked. He guided them to the third floor of the tower. In the center of the stone room was a pool filled with water blessed by teensie priests. The ceiling was painted like the night sky, and colorful curtains and tapestries decorated the gray stone walls.

The teensie stepped towards the fountain and lifted his arms. A sphere of light came from his hands and slowly touched down onto the water, forming a portal to the Hall of Doors in the pool. The path the Fairy Council was now open.

“I guess Moskito and Tarayzan couldn't make it this far. I really do hope they're okay.” He couldn't get the image of the shot that hit Tarayzan out of his mind, and then what Phoenixan said afterwards. He was going to hurt everyone he cared about just for the sake of it because he saw Rayman as a coward.

Ly looked at him and smiled. “They know the forest well enough to hide anywhere. I'm sure they're okay. Right now, we need to figure out what that stone has to do with all of this.” She could still tell Rayman wasn't feeling well about everything that was happening. This was probably the first time any kind of threat he faced could touch him deep from within. “Listen, I'll try to find them again sometime soon.”

Rayman nodded and continued on towards the pool and jumped in. The world turned into a swirling mass of stars and dark blue, black, and purple sky. He closed his eyes and concentrated his thoughts as much as he could with all else that was swimming through his mind. The Fairy Council. The world then faded back into view among all the swirling lights and colors, and himself and his friends were now all standing in a large stone room with a giant door on the other side. It was time to see Grand Minimus.

Chapter 6: Plotted Interception

“So, I set everything up for you, and what do you do? You just let him go right there instead of just ending all this garbage!” the ray yelled angrily has he slammed his hands into the table. A pen fell off of the desk and clattered on to the wooden floor, and the maps jumped up slightly. There were maps laid out to the area surrounding the Nest, as they were still in the fortress in the area, and a map to Rintu, the mountains to the north, the swamplands to the east, and the Desert of the Knaaren to the west.

“Of course,” Phoenixan replied. He turned around and faced the doorway. “If Rayman figures out what he carries, he might go after the others in an attempt to bring them back to the lands of magic. Only the fairies know where the four stones have been originally hidden.”

“You never told him about the stones?” the other ray asked.

“Of course not. It's been only recently that the shadowed one has told me about them. It wasn't time until now.”

“Keep in mind that we're not even supposed to be out here. The other council members are getting suspicious of our military actions,” the other ray warned. “I'll be at least supporting your actions for the time being.”

“Rayman is going to be heading towards the Desert of the Knaaren at some point, and I'll be meeting him there. Until he gets there, you won't have to worry about backing me up. Just send reinforcements once he starts on his way, and we'll set up a second trap, and this time, we'll get the location of the final stone.”

The other ray poked his finger at the part of the map with the desert plotted onto it. He wore black fingerless gloves and camouflage from head-to-toe, including a forest green bandanna that was tied over his head, which let some parts of his red hair through. He wore medals and patches that signified his high rank and military experience. Then on the upper left part of his chest, he wore a tag with the letters A-Z-O sewn into it. “I'll call in a chopper for you, which will take you to the southern border of the desert. In the meantime, I'll make sure that the other council members stay off our backs.”

Rintu was lead by a group called the Thirteen Council. Three of its members always stayed on: Alucian, Phoenixan, and one of the war generals that fought by their side during the revolution. The other ten were elected directly by the nation's citizens. However, Alucian seemed to have some of the elected officials in his pocket.

“Just as long as you don't do anything to drastic, okay, Alucian?”

“Of course,” he muttered. Alucian turned around and faced a small computer that was set up on the wall and started typing commands that he'd send to one of the other bases for a helicopter to come and take Phoenixan to the desert. Phoenixan then stepped out of the door, leaving Alucian alone in one of the rooms on the second floor of the fortress. He walked over to one of the windows that overlooked the training grounds where he faced Rayman once again.

It interested Phoenixan how he bothered to keep the three soldiers he faced alive. He knocked one unconscious and shot the others in non-lethal areas. Rayman seemed to bother quite a bit just to keep people alive. Phoenixan didn't entirely value life as Rayman did. He would even gladly take his own life if it wasn't for the chance he was given to set things right in the world. He still thought that nations too often fell under the control of those that carried magic. On the other hand, in his own world, they despise anyone born with any unusual ability to speak of, and Phoenixan was in that category. There just needed to be some balance between the two extremes. It had to come at some point.

Phoenixan then came to wonder why Rayman would try to kill him when he bothered to spare the lives of so many others. Did Rayman realize what had become of Phoenixan? He was now under part control of the shadowed one, though willingly.

It will all end soon enough.

A few hours later, the helicopter landed in the training field, and Phoenixan made his way outside and boarded the aircraft. It took off, creating clouds of dust, leaves, and twigs and carried Phoenixan north towards Rintu and the Desert of the Knaaren, which wasn't that far towards the north from here.

The Fire Stone was presently located in the desert. It seemed that a knaaren once had it in his staff, enabling him with the power to control fire, though his powers weren't as extensive as Phoenixan's. The word spread after Rayman defeated Reflux during the hoodlum invasion. Reflux was the carrier of the staff, but now that he was gone, anyone could have that staff now. Word had it that he left it to someone else upon taking King Gumsi's staff to the Tower of the Leptys.

There were two other stones that they had left to find: the Earth Stone and the Water Stone. Rayman already had the air stone, which Alucian and Phoenixan originally found, but a slave that worked in the area took off with it. The Shadow Keeper himself didn't even know the original locations of the four elemental stones, as it was the Fairy Council that hid them. Five elemental guardians were chosen to watch over the stones and the Dark Tower after the Shadow Keeper was first imprisoned, just to be sure that any of the shadow minions wouldn't try to free him again. Like all things, the guardians died at one point, but their souls were apparently reincarnated into the living world.

Phoenixan was one of few people who was born with a natural ability to control fire. He thought it'd be funny if he turned out to be one of the reincarnated guardians, as now he was working for the shadowed one's side. If he was one of them, there were still the light, stone, wind, and water elementals left. It always made Phoenixan curious, because before the revolution began, and Alucian found Phoenixan, he told him that he was just like Phoenixan: rejected among society but born with a powerful ability. Phoenixan just couldn't figure out what Alucian was talking about then, and he still couldn't figure it out even now.

The flight lasted four hours. They simply hovered over a spot on the edge of the desert. The side door opened, and Phoenixan jumped out, sliding along a rope that was tied to the inside. He landed on the ground, the rope was pulled back up into the helicopter, the door shut, and the helicopter then slowly left, leaving Phoenixan in the desert.

Not many could survive the heat of walking on these sands, but Phoenixan was a fire controller, and he could handle it just fine. He checked his weapons and some of the other gear he carried with him, and then he walked towards where the main entrance to the knaaren tunnels would be. The sky was growing darker and adopted a red hue as the Twin Stars began to set in the west. The sounds of the helicopter's rotors faded into the distance as Phoenixan walked. It might take a while, but he would still get there far before Rayman would even begin to head in this direction.

I haven't read it all yet, but the prologue and chapter 1 are great

Thanks! ^^ I understand that I'm posting things very quickly, one chapter right after another, so you don't always have to take it in one big chunk.

I'll start editing my earlier posts if you want my chapters in one post, but I mainly posting the link to the website archive for the purpose of dividing them up a little, because I found my topic tends get buried if I don't post a new post in a while, as comments in the topics tend to be rare. ^^;

Here's the next chapter!

Rise of the Shadows
Chapter 7: the Fairy Council

Rayman, Ly, Globox, and Murfy headed towards the door on the other side of the room where the portal was kept. The giant stone door shifted and moved quickly and silently, revealing the room where the Heart of the World was kept. The spiraling multi-colored sphere stayed in the center of the room, surrounded by a red carpet. Another red carpet on the other side of the room led up the three short steps to Grand Minimus' throne. On his right side was another portal, and on his left was a magical glass orb that floated over a pedestal. There were teensies from all places in here, not as many as the last time Rayman stepped in this room, but still some.

“Hello, my friends!” Grand Minimus exclaimed as he saw the four friends step into the room. Rayman hastened his pace, approached the throne, and stopped before the steps.

“We have something to show you,” Rayman explained with his voice trailing off near the end of his sentence. He reached inside of one of the invisible pockets in his jacket and pulled out the gem, which was surrounded by so much trouble and mystery. “Someone came to us, and he handed it to me. There's soldiers and- well, there's others looking for this.”

“So, it enters this place once again!” Grand Minimus gasped. Rayman was confused, and Grand Minimus could tell from his expression. Globox and Murfy looked equally confused, and Ly just stood motionless behind them all, watching the others. “You understand, this crystal you hold in your hand is not just as it appears to be. It's not valuable as a diamond or any other type of gem, but it's valuable because it is a key.”

“What do you mean?!” Murfy asked. He seemed to know everything, but he didn't know about this. “We've been trapped, nearly shot, chased after, and all you have to say is that it's a key? A key to what?!”

“I will explain to you tomorrow, but right now, I'll just say that if this stone falls into the wrong hands, darkness will rise once again, and it's nothing that one man might not be able to defeat, though it did fall upon one the last time this has happened,” Grand Minimus told the others. “But for now, I suspect you must turn in for the night, as must I, and you might be hungry, yes?” Rayman was at first confused by this, but then he realized that in all the entanglement of feelings and problems, he forgot that the portal would bring them to the other side of the world. It was late here, and not only that, but an entirely different season now.

Rayman rarely seemed to need any sustenance at all, but he accepted their offer anyways. Two teensies guided Rayman, Globox, Ly, and Murfy down a long hall towards a giant dining room. There was hardly anyone around, as many here were asleep at the moment, but the chefs prepared some meals for them, which each ate humbly. Grand Minimus didn't join them there, but actually left to retire for the night himself, and he'd tell them all the details they needed to know the next day.

After their meal, they were led into a large room with several small beds and thick column with small glowing mushrooms that stuck out between its cracks. This entire structure was held together by magical means, and if anything happened, like when Andre first came to be, the entire building and surrounding area would completely fall apart.

Globox immediately chose one of the beds that sat closest to the column, Rayman chose the next one over, and Ly the next. Murfy leaned against the foot of Globox's bed, and began to slowly drift off to sleep, as did Globox. Ly simply closed her eyes, but she didn't sleep yet. Rayman was tired, but his mind was full of many thoughts. ”Ly?” Rayman said, interrupting the moment of silence. He knew she was still awake and decided to say something he's been thinking about, hoping to maybe lighten the load on his mind. “It's hard to admit this, but I'm worried right now. I still care about Phoenixan's well-being, though I fear him, and I know that he's almost completely shadowed now, but I know of his intentions. His intentions are for good, but his definition of 'good' is different than ours.” He closed his eyes, rolled over, and covered his face with one hand.

“Events have yet to unfold,” Ly said, smiling, “but I can't make any guarantees right now.”

Rayman smiled back, then tried to catch some sleep, and somehow, he managed. Ly still had her eyes closed, but she couldn't sleep either for some reason. She could feel the dark presence in the distance too. It was growing ever stronger by the minute, and she could deeply feel it. The presence was just something full of fear and anger. It had a deep lust for revenge, and it thrived on death and pain. There was also something very sad within it. Something that seemed to cry out for help, and she couldn't quite place it.

*Ly? Can you hear me? Come here,* a voice suddenly echoed into her head. It was someone very familiar to her, and she could sense her now that she was concentrating her and not the darkness. Ly silently got up, left the room, and slowly walked down the hallway once again. The cracks between the stones magically glowed with shades of blue and purple. Glowing mushrooms and vines stuck through some of the cracks in the walls, much like the column in the center of the room where the others were sleeping.

At the end of the hallway was a large archway, and then a dark room filled with rows and rows of bookcases. At the other side of the large room, sitting by a desk with a lit candle and several books set on top of it, was Betilla. She was the fairy that first greeted Rayman when he stepped foot into the realms of magic, and she was the one who first granted him with the powers he now had. Betilla motioned for Ly to come over with one of her floating hands. She was part of the ray species as well, but she wasn't purely one. Betilla also wore her usual green and purple garments, and her red hair flowed down her back.

Ly approached the table with the three books laid out onto it and smiled. *Do you feel it too?* she asked.

*Of course,* Betilla answered. *Do you know what it is?*

*I don't know,* Ly replied, *but it's coming from one person, or maybe many.* Ly broke the thought speak and then whispered with her own voice. “There's someone we met, that Rayman has a great amount of attachment to, but he's infested with darkness.”

Betilla flipped through the pages of one of the books that were laying on the table, and then ran her finger across one of the lines. *There's a story that few know. Only Grand Minimus and myself seem to remember now, as we lived through those times. We are both ageless, and witnessed these events many eons ago.* She took her eyes from the book and then slid it over to Ly, turning it around so it faced her, and kept her hand near the lines. Ly looked down at the words and Betilla continued. *Thousands of years ago, there was a fairy born with a forbidden power. He was a shadow elemental. His powers grew, and he used them for his own benefit. Out of admiration and sometimes fear, people came to follow him.*

Ly scanned through the pages. The book was full of prophecies and stories about these creatures called the shadow minions. It went on and talked about someone named only as the “shadowed one.”

Betilla looked back down at the book she gave to Ly and nodded. *The shadowed one is who I speak of. He even tried to infest the Heart of the World and take over, and he nearly did, but one stood in his way. A single teensie made the ultimate sacrifice, blocked his blows, and weakened him greatly. The fairies managed to imprison him by banishing him to the dark realm, a world that is neither living nor dead.*

Ly continued to flip slowly through the pages, scanning each one, and a picture caught her eye. There was an illustration of four stones: one clear, one red, one blue, and the last purple with tints of brown. Below the image was a small simple sentence written in the common fairy language, which Ly decided to read allowed. “These are the four keys that hold the shadowed one.” She read on through the paragraphs. The page explained that each stone was created using the most powerful magics of the world, and forged even from the powers of the Heart of the World itself. Each stone, if used properly, could give its carrier new powers. “Rayman has the Wind Stone!”

Betilla nodded and smiled. *There's still more.* Ly continued to look through the pages, and the story of the shadowed one concluded with a prediction. There were five elementals assigned to guard the four stones and the tower from which the shadowed one originally ruled, but all whithered and died over time. Their souls returned to the world of the living, but separated and scatted throughout the living realm. This prophecy stated that two of the elementals would be born to this world, both would be tainted and transformed. One would turn after meeting a third elemental who would come to this world, and then they would fight the shadowed one once again. Afterwards, it mentioned a brother of one elemental, who would be endangered while the tides turn.

“Rayman,” she muttered. She thought about Phoenixan, who had the ability to control fire as well as shadow. “Could his brother be an elemental?” she questioned herself.

*Time is fluid and constantly changes, so it's very hard to place exact predictions of events; however, I'd just be careful, and I'd watch over Rayman and guard him where possible.*

Ly nodded and closed her eyes. “I promise that I will. I will also have hope now that one who seems to be his greatest enemy at the moment could turn for the better. I have sensed some amount of good in him, but it seemed faint.”

*Only time will tell the truth.*

Ly opened her eyes and smiled. “Thank you.” From this time on, she'd carry hope that things would change, and that Rayman could heal as his brother could change.

*There's just one more thing. Sometimes, time changes and drifts off of course when those deeply involved try to change course themselves. They might think that they're doing something right, but then they'd change for the worst.*

Ly kind of understood what Betilla was saying. She shouldn't tell Rayman, and she was also warning of something that has already happened. Phoenixan already did something wrong out of good intentions by starting the chain of events that could release the shadowed one. Ly wouldn't tell Rayman, but she would still do her best to watch over him. Ly closed her eyes again and nodded, and then moments later, she silently left to return to the room where Rayman, Globox, and Murfy slept.

Chapter 2 is good quality too These remind me a bit of GameNerds fanfictions

XD Thanks! ^^ And I think I forgot Chapter 3.. O_O So, I'll edit the post with Chapter 2 and include it. Sorry. ^^;

Alright! Done!

I am not at home so I do not have time to read it right now but it seems very nice. I will read it as soon as I come back home ^^

Alright.. ^^ and thanks!

I've got some preview images up from the Prologue to Chapter 4.

I have read it lately, this is funny you called someone Zaroff, for this is where Razoff comes from... A black and white - and perhaps even dumb - movie called Count Zaroff ^^

Yeah. XD I tried making the story slightly tied with the 3 Rayman games out so far.

Okay! An 8th chapter! This time, one of my friends' characters is in here. Don't worry, as she gave me permission since the story began, as it comes from a series of roleplay topics involving hers, mine, and some others' characters.

Chapter 8: Figures in the Desert

The knaaren gathered around, both stunned and amazed. The stone within what was once Reflux's staff glowed brightly, bringing a red eerie glow to the tunnels deep beneath the desert. A female within the tribe carried the staff now. It was given to her because she was their second strongest fighter, only after Reflux himself. The other knaaren within the tribe followed her more-so than they did their child king, Gumsi. Gumsi was the son of their previous king, who died along with his queen to a mysterious illness.

An unkown presence was coming, causing the stone to glow so brightly. The knaaren wondered who or what it could be. The female leader raised the staff proudly over her head. “By the Leptys, Reflux's spirit could be returning to us!” she announced.

However, it wasn't Reflux. A cloaked figure in the desert approached the front entrance to the caves. To the far left of the closed stone gates was a small opening in the rock walls which led down into a large acid lake with stalagmites and flat rocks sticking out of the green fluid. Bones left behind by humongous animals that died many years ago were scatted around the area. Phoenixan stepped onto one of the paths, laid out with bones, that led towards the front gates. He stood in front of the two large stone doors and tried to tug onto them with his left hand, but they didn't budge. Maybe he'll have to take the exact same route that Rayman did.

As Phoenixan headed down the second tunnel and looked upon the acid lake, he wondered how he'd make it without the use of the hoodlum weapons that were available here once. Phoenixan jumped from platform to platform, looking up at the tall stalagmites that stuck up out of the water. Maybe he'd be able to climb up them, even though he risked slipping and falling into the acid below. He decided to risk it.

Phoenixan extended his left hand and spikes poked out from his shiny metallic fingers. He jumped from the highest platform he could reach onto one of the rock pillars, sticking his sharp claws into the pillar and slowly climbing his way upwards. Eventually, after reaching the height of one stalagmite, he leaped to another and continued upwards until he could finally get to the bridge that extended from the closed rock gates to the caves' main entrance, which was sealed by stone grates.

To the left of the main entrance was a smaller one with a broken wooden door. It looked like Phoenixan would be forced to take the same way that Rayman did step by step. He heard the rumors that the knaaren were invincible, but it was only a teensies' tail. They were powerful, but not without some kind of weakness. Rintu's army could probably take these creatures on with their own technology if they had to. Hopefully though, they wouldn't. They could beat them, but not at some loss of life to their own people most likely.

Phoenixan climbed to the archway that extended over the main entrance for the caves and stepped back. He took a running start off of the archway and jumped over to reach the ledge that was now across from him. He barely made it, grabbing onto the edge with his fingers before he could fall towards the green fluid below. After slowly pulling himself up, he entered through the doorway, and jumped downwards through the hole in the floor into a large dark room. There didn't seem to be any knaaren near by, but he could hear their distant grunts and growls.

He wandered unchallenged through the tunnels, but Phoenixan could feel as if something was watching him, ready to strike at some moment. He looked around him carefully, ready to defend himself if something occurred. Phoenixan wasn't aware that he was actually being led directly into a fighting match. The knaaren have deliberately blocked off certain doorways and tunnels to lead the ray to the arena floor, where Rayman fought Reflux for the first time. Phoenixan walked through the tunnels to find most of the twists and turns blocked off. Everything was going on a linear path. Also, with each step, the roars of the knaaren could be heard louder and more clearly. Phoenixan kept his defenses at the ready, prepared to meet any offender with a gunshot, a quick cut with a blade, or a blast of heat to the face.

Three steps led down to a large circular room, and upon entering, the doorway was blocked off with a stone grate. Phoenixan began to form a small ball of fire in his right hand. On the other side of the room, a female knaaren figure stepped forward from behind a throne. She pushed down onto one of the levers on the thrown with her claws and jumped forwards more towards the center of the room. The floor around the edge shifted, ready to drop down below and fold beneath the other parts of the room. Phoenixan leaped forwards as well and got ready to throw his charged fireball, but he didn't throw it just yet.

He examined his attacker, who was now tanding stationary on the other side of the island that was surrounded by lava now. This knaaren wore torn clothing on her chest and around her waist, and she had a brown hood pulled up over her head. She had yellow and red eyes and black and red skin with distinctive patterns or tattoos. This knaaren was about 4 times Phoenixan's height. She carried a large stone and wood staff with a bright glowing gem inside of it. It was the Fire Stone.

“You certainly match my enemy's description just fine, even if you don't exactly look to be Rayman himself,” she greeted.

So, that's why he was lead here. They thought he was Rayman, despite that Rayman was given rights to free passage before. No matter, as she was in for a surprise with Phoenixan's own tricks. “I think you'll find that Rayman and I are quite different,” Phoenixan replied.

The knaaren stepped back and prepared to strike with her staff, and Phoenixan threw the fireball forwards and dodged, avoiding being struck in the head or side. She was hit by the ball of flame, but she hardly felt any effects from it. Phoenixan realized this and decided to use one of the powers the Shadow Keeper granted him. A shadow elemental was given any power to manipulate the way someone thought, saw, or felt. He held out his left hand and a cloud of dark energy surrounded it. The knaaren followed by deciding to pull off a trick that Phoenixan didn't expect. She was forming a crystal in her hand. It was mostly clear with white bits within. She was going to attack with ice.

Just about when the two were going to release their hidden abilities on each other, a voice broke through. “Stop this unnecessary fighting! You know he has already earned free passage through this desert.”

Both turned and looked towards the one that shouted at them. It was the knaaren child king, Gumsi. He was short, about half of Phoenixan's height not counting the spiky crown he was wearing. The female knaaren simply crushed the ice crystal between her claws and grumbled a bit under her breath.

The floor slowly folded back around the arena, covering the lava pit once more, and the female knaaren left, very enraged. The dark energy around Phoenixan's left hand dissipated, and he put his right index finger to his temple and directed his thought speak towards her. *Maybe we'll finish this some other time.* She simply grunted and left the room entirely.

“So what brings you here right now?” Gumsi asked, sounding a bit annoyed.

“I simply require one item that's hidden here, but I won't bother you further. I just need a place to stay here until I can recover what I'm looking for,” Phoenixan answered, looking down towards the king. “I already know where it is.” He gave a faint smile and looked towards where the female knaaren left. He also wondered how a knaaren gained a power to control ice. Maybe she was an elemental guardian, that was mentioned in legend? But if she was, another wouldn't have had the stone before her, so he had to rule that out. When he tapped into his dark powers, he couldn't sense any fear in her, so she seemed to expect everything Phoenixan did on the arena so far.

“Very well. I can give you a place to stay.” Gumsi led Phoenixan down more hallways that were hidden behind the throne. “You certainly changed appearances, but you look very similar to how you last were. During that fight with Reflux, you certainly changed a lot then to direct your attacks.” Gumsi seemed to speak with some degree of anger behind his voice. Phoenixan knew what he was talking about, as he was already aware of the weapons the Fairy Council's last attackers used. The had an interesting laser weaponry system that instantly changed one's cloths to suit different needs. None of it no longer exists though now that all the hoodlums have been eliminated.

Phoenixan was led into a room with a stone bed, a stone table, a dim torchlight, and a single doorway. “This should be enough. Just don't stay too long and torture us with your victories any longer. You're lucky I did what I have done.” Gumsi then stormed back down the hallway and disappeared. Rayman seemed to have earned some degree of trust here, but not a lot. Phoenixan sat down onto the hard bed and closed his eyes. He could feel a lot of remorse here. Gumsi wasn't going to hold his power here for long. Maybe he could speak to that knaaren he meant earlier again, though she wouldn't be able to reply back to him.

*We have a common enemy you know,* he said as he concentrated towards her presence somewhere in the tunnels. *Maybe you can finish your battle with the real thing. Rayman is coming here. We just have to set up the proper trap for him. Then we can have what we both want.*

I love the fanfic! The art is great too.

By the way, could I put this in my album of fanfictions? All credit would be given

Alright! ^^ Maybe I'll get more readers too. ^^;

Your story is excelent.

New chapter!

Chapter 9: Finding the Water Stone

A group of people Rayman didn't really recognize led them through the back of the Fairy Council's main building. This included more teensies, fairies he's never seen before, and a fellow ray. He didn't have a chance to talk to anyone now though. They were on a desperate mission to get to the next stone before Phoenixan or anyone else had the chance.

Grand Minimus and Betilla greeted them by a harbor where a large ship was docked. It was similar to the ship he sailed on from the teensies' palace shortcut to the Summit Beyond the Clouds on his last adventures. Only this ship was more intricately decorated and less defended. It was all they could lend to Rayman for now however, and they'd have to do with what they had. They just had to hope that they wouldn't be attacked at some point by any other boats, submarines, or helicopters.

“We can't risk opening the Hall of Doors directly to the palace,” Grand Minimus explained. “The Shadow Keeper's powers are growing, and so are that of his messenger. They can easily control the Hall of Doors if we gave them the opportunity.”

Betilla stepped out of the building and stood next to Grand Minimus. “The temple where the stone is being kept is located on the deepest part of the sea floor in this world. Its spire and top most entrance is within a swimming distance beneath the waves. Be careful once you enter. The guardians may have left, but there are still creatures and magical curses protecting the stone.”

Globox and Murfy went up ahead into the ship. Rayman checked his pockets for the Wind Stone. Yes, he still had it. “Goodbye! And don't worry. I'll never let you down!” He then climbed up the netting as well.

Ly looked back towards Betilla and spoke through her mind to her. *And I'll look after him and be sure he stays in the light.* Betilla simply nodded and Ly followed the others into the ship.

The anchor was pulled up out of the water and many teensies cheered and waved as they left down the lake, which would lead them into a deep river that'd head them out to sea. A map was left for them by the giant wheel that allowed them to steer the ship, which Globox took control over like the last time he and Rayman took a trip like this.

Ly looked up at the colorful sails of their ship and then towards the hills and trees that were on either side of them now. Globox had to be very careful along this short stretch of their journey, as one single flaw could sink them. Despite was many thought of him though, Murfy, Rayman, and Ly all knew he was a great driver and pilot. He handled many vehicles just fine, getting Rayman where he needed to be safely.

“So how will we know when we've reached the tower?” Globox asked the others as he looked down at the map. There didn't seem to be any markings for landmarks anywhere on the map. Just a drawing representing the tower stood in the ocean a few hundred miles from the coast, near the middle of the two nearest land masses.

“Really, I don't know,” Rayman answered as he looked towards Ly. She shook her head silently, as she really didn't know either. Betilla only told them which direction it was in and how far out to sea they should go. They've been sailing for hours now, and the twin stars were already setting in the west, but as it got darker, they began to see something glowing off on the sea's horizon. Rayman climbed up to the small crow's nest on top of the ship and looked off in that direction. Ly followed and took a look herself. “What do you think that is?”

“I believe we've just been shown the way,” Ly smiled.

Globox slowly had the ship brought to a full stop near the glowing part of the ocean. From above water, they couldn't make out what it was, but it was certainly very large. Rayman and Ly climbed back down from the crow's nest.

“Globox, I think you and Murfy better stay here. Ly and I are going to see what that is.” Globox nodded excitedly, simply because he thought up here, he wouldn't have to encounter anything too dangerous that could be down there.

“Well, be careful! ...and don't get eaten!” Murfy joked. Rayman gave a slight smirk and he and Ly jumped into the waters from the side of the boat. They both went underwater, coming back up from time to time for air. When they were submerged underwater, they could see what the glowing object was perfectly. It was a giant metal and crystal tower built underwater. Somehow, the moonlight penetrated under the water, giving it an almost eerie, white glow. It was built to be a giant steep-sided pyramid. A large metal door was near its peak.

Rayman and Ly swam towards the door and noticed that there was an inscription. It was written with a string of symbols that went from top to bottom in rows, which Rayman couldn't even read. Below the writing were two hand prints embedded into the metal. They were to something with three fingers with webbing between. Ly slowly ran her fingers over the symbols as she read them, and then pointed up towards the surface. Both swam back up for air again, and Ly explained what the symbols read.

“Well, what does it say?” Rayman questioned.

“It simply says, 'Many from land come here seeking something of importance. Enter, but only if you're willing to prove yourself in battle,'” Ly explained.

“I wonder who's guarding it...” He went ahead and swam back down under the water. Rayman then approached the door again and placed his hands into the two hand prints embedded into the door the best he could. Something unlocked from the inside, he lifted his hands from the door, and the metal door parted in two and separated, letting him and Ly inside. After they both swam through the doors, they shut behind them and locked again. The water drained out from the small front room, and then a set of previously well-hidden doors revealed themselves and opened, allowing them into the beautifully decorated tower.

The floor was covered with polished black marble tiles. The walls were covered with white marble and crystal and thick glass, allowing one to see the fish and other underwater species from the inside. Throughout most of the rooms were fish tanks with many exotic types of fish swimming inside. White marble and gold plated pillars supported the heavy ceilings in parts, and hanging from the ceiling on chains were glass orbs filled with a magical glowing liquid, supplying every room with a beautiful bright blue light. By every doorway were two marble statues on either side. Each one to the left was armed with a shield and spear while all the others had a double-edged sword. They were all humanoid creatures with webbed feet and hands, and armor covered the rest of their bodies completely.

A large gold-plated spiral staircase in the center of the tower led down to all the other levels. As they traveled downwards, it looked as if this tower was once lived in by many, but now, it seemed to be completely empty: devoid of all life except for the fish that were swimming within the fish tanks. They had to be kept alive here somehow, but by who or what?

At the lowest level at the tower, the spiral staircase finally ended and led straight towards another heavy metal door much like the one they saw near the peak of the tower outside. This one had more text written upon it, and this time, there were two slots below for keys or something else. Ly looked at the text and read it aloud. “Break our shields and you can enter.”

Rayman quickly swung around and looked at their surroundings upon hearing her words. The only thing behind them was a wall of fish tanks and the usual white marble walls behind that; however, up above, the tower started to rumble just a little. Something came to life somewhere above their heads. He lifted his hands up in clinched fists, prepared for a battle that was about to commence. Ly faced forward but backed up a little closer to Rayman, guarding his back. The sounds above stopped instantly after a few moments, but it made Ly and Rayman fear what was going to happen next even more.

Suddenly, with something that sounded like a loud explosion, parts of the ceiling above gave in, smashing all the fish tanks and allowing about twenty of the soldiers they saw guarding the doorways earlier to fall through. All of them were alive now and had their swords and spears ready, pointed at Ly and Rayman. All the marble guards slowly gathered around, surrounding them both. “What do you think is their weak spot?” Rayman asked Ly.

“Honestly, I can't really tell just by looking at them, but despite the riddle, it doesn't even look to be their shields,” she answered. The guards were closing in now. Rayman decided to go ahead and take a shot at attacking one of the ones with the spears and shields directly, only to have his shot bounce off of his shield and fly somewhere else. Ly high-jumped out from the middle of them and flew to another part of the room. As the marble guards lifted up their swords and got ready to stab with their spears, Rayman quickly ducked down and dodged out between their legs, making it out of the circle. One of their double-edged swords met another's shield with a heavy clink as they swung their weapons at Rayman and missing, and both soldiers turned into dust with their weapons landing to the ground. Rayman didn't notice yet what had happened and immediately threw another shot at one of them from behind, only to see his attacks take no effect.

Fortunately, Ly did notice what had happened. *You see that?* She quickly made several back-flips as the entire group of guardians split in half and a wave of swords and spears flew towards her. Rayman looked towards her and shook his head before leaping back away from the wave of lethal edges and spikes that flew towards him as well. *We have to get their swords to hit their shields!* Rayman swung around the spiral staircase and used it as temporary cover from their blows before running back to make it towards Ly. He wondered what kind of maneuver they could pull off by working together to get all of the guards to strike each other.

Rayman motioned with his hands to Ly on which way they should move and where they should run. They both moved in synchronous with each other, running throughout the room with the marble guardians trailing behind, occasionally dodging behind objects and jumping over one another as they crossed paths. Finally after a lot of tiring acrobatics, they had the guardians lined up in two rows in front of one another. Rayman and Ly slid between the two rows, stood still, and waited for the guardians to get ready to strike.

“Jump!!” Rayman yelled, and on his mark, they each jumped backwards to either side of the guardians as they swung their swords and spears. It wasn't perfect, but most of the guards destroyed each other as they stood in the two rows. Now, there were only four left out of the entire group. Using similar maneuvers, only not so wide-spread throughout the room, they got the other four marble guardians to destroy themselves.

After the remaining guards crumbled into dust and their weapons clattered onto the stone floor, the sound of gears and metal hinges inside of the doors creaking and shifting echoed through the room. Rayman and Ly looked towards the door to the vault that carried the air stone. A very small opening appeared in the vault's door just below the inscription. Two slits and another smaller inscription appeared. Ly slowly walked over to the vault and read it. “Now that all is broken, parts need to be rejoined.”

Rayman gave another confused look as he wondered what that meant, but the two slits in the door partly gave it away. “I think what it's saying that a sword and spear needs to be joined with the door,” he suggested. Rayman picked up one of the many swords carefully off of the floor and stuck one of the ends of the sword into the first slot. Ly nodded and followed by taking one of the spears and sticking it into the other slot in the door. More hinges creaked and squealed, and the vault door slowly began to open. Rayman and Ly slowly stepped back. The heavy vault door finally creaked open on its own, and inside was a beautiful teal light that came from the center of the room. As Rayman and Ly stepped inside, they saw that it was the water stone: cut exactly to the same shape and size as the air stone. Rayman stepped forward towards the white marble pedestal the stone sat upon, slowly reached out, and picked it up with his hand. This stone was a little heavier than the air stone, and this one gave off an ambient teal glow from within its shining sapphire surface. “That's half that we have now,” he smiled.

Nice work. This is far different from anything I have read.