Episode 8

Warlock Episode 8 - Battle at the Dorms, Skarn Attacks!

Nova: Warlock: Episode 8, Battle at the Dorms, Skarn Attacks.

Mendel: Felix stood in shock as they watched the mountain tear apart, rock and debris cascading down the side.

Felix: I’ve got to get to the village to warn them, but I won’t make it in time. 

Mendel: Felix let out a loud whistle, attracting the attention of two hawks. 

Mendel: Beast Speak. Felix’s legacy allows them to communicate with animals and bestow them with enhanced intelligence and speech. 

Felix: Taka, I need you to find Xarion and warn him about the landslide. Feather (some bird name) go tell the student’s to stay inside the dormitory. I can’t just leave Nova like this. Shadow!

Mendel: A large gray wolf leapt into the clearing. He towered over Felix.

Felix: Keep an eye on Nova, I don’t want to leave her alone out here. I’m heading to the village to help!

Shadow: Right. I’ll stay here until she wakes up.

Taka: I saw him walking back to the village earlier, I’ll catch up with him!

Felix: I’m counting on you all!

Mendel: Felix dashed down the mountain, weaving throughout the trees with tremendous speed.

Felix: (Internal) Please find Xarion, we need his help right about now.

Mendel: A few minutes prior, back at the dorms, the students were all sitting in the common area, enjoying the warmth of a roaring fire and each other’s company.

Ren: You’ll get the hang of it! You should have seen Twinkles after her first day.

Emeka: My lungs feel like they are on fire.

Ren: Hey she used to say the exact same thing! Ah takes me back.

Mendel: Briar walked over to their table with a large glass of water.

Briar: Here, Emeka, drink. I’m sure you must have gotten dehydrated out there.

Emeka: Thank you, Briar. I appreciate it.

Ren: Well aren’t you being Miss Friendly tonight! Rumor is you don’t usually like to associate with the recruits, especially after the day is done.

Briar: Look you knucklehead, I’m just trying to be a better influence around here, alright? Don’t read into it too much.

Balthazar: You also look parched, mind if I get you a glass as well?

Briar: I’d rather drink mop water, you little worm.

Balthazar: Ah, I love it when she berates me.

Xander: Incredible, what a rare occurrence! Seldom does my quantum calculator show me an outcome of 100%, because there are always outlying probabilities, but currently, the chances of Briar being interested in you, Balthazar, are exactly 0%!

Balthazar: Zero? 

Briar: Wow, your legacy is good, kid!

Xander: Thank you! Now, where is Kira? I have some improvements from today’s competition I would like to share with her.

Indy: I think I saw her go upstairs, she doesn’t really like to-

Mendel: Suddenly, the ground shook as the students heard the roar of the explosion. 

Ren: What the hell is that?

Briar: An earthquake? Everyone, stay inside! I’m going to find Felix.

Mendel: Briar ran back out into the training field, the full moon lighting her path. Suddenly, a hawk cried above her.

Briar: Is that Feather?

Mendel: She extended her arm, and Feather perched on top.

Briar: What’s wrong, where’s Felix?

Feather: A landslide toppled the other mountain, Shadow is with Nova, she fell asleep after training, Felix said keep the recruits inside.  

Briar: But I’ve got to find Nova.

Skarn: Funny, I was thinking the same thing.

Mendel: Back inside the dorms.

Ren: Grass girl sure is taking a long time. 

Indy: It’s not like she can see the dark! Nova and Felix did go pretty deep into the woods!

Xander: Balthazar, I’m going to check on Kira, will you accompany me? Something feels wrong.

Balthazar: Sure, sure, maybe it’ll help me take my mind off my broken heart.

Ren: Oh geez, you met her, what, 8 hours ago? I’m going out to check on your Grass Princess. We’ll group up later.

Emeka: I’ll go with you two to check on Kira. I think if everything is ok, I might call it a night.

Mendel: The three headed over to the stairs, and slowly crept up to the second level.

Balthazar: Why are we walking so slowly, you’re giving me the creeps?

Xander: Weren’t all these sconces lit when we came downstairs?

Mendel: The three were met with a pitch black hallway, a sliver of moonlight peering through a cracked door.

Xander: I’m getting a sense that there is a 98% chance we are not alone up here.

Bal: Well, duh, Kira is up here, too.

Mendel: Suddenly a door opened, and a tall figure stepped into the hallway, barely visible in the light.

Xander: 100% chance!

Bal: Shhhh, he didn’t see us yet!

Emeka: What are we going to do? He could be a lot stronger than us.

Xander: As long as we aren’t spotted, we should be able to regroup with the others and form a plan.

Mendel: A door next to the stairs opened up, flooding the hall with light.

Kira: Why are you three idiots creeping around in the dark?

Bal/Xander: KIRA! RUN!

Mendel: But it was too late, the hooded figure was right next to them.

Kira: NO! Stop, get away, please, I’m begging you, leave me alone!

Mendel: The figure grabbed Kira’s hand and pulled her out of the room.

Evil Sorcerer: Where’s Nova?

Kira: Ha, you idiot. Walked right into that one. Human Puppet!

Mendel: A jolt of energy shot through the figure, causing him to become perfectly still.

Kira: So it’s Nova you’re after, huh? 

Emeka: Watch out, another one!

Mendel: Another hooded sorcerer leapt out of the darkness, her hands coated in a thick layer of rock, her fists headed straight for Kira. But Kira made a few simple gestures with her hand, and her human puppet stepped in front of her, blocking the attack.

Other Evil Sorcerer: What are you doing, you idiot? I’m on your side!

Kira: Not anymore! He’s my toy, now.

Mendel: And with that, the puppet gave the hooded sorcerer a swift kick to the stomach, sending her to the ground.

Kira: Are you three actually going to do anything? 

Bal: You had it handled.

Mendel: A scream came from a room downstairs. (Could just be a SFX)

Xander: We need to get back to the others, it appears we’re under attack on multiple fronts!

Kira: We need to get everyone outside, it’s too dangerous inside, these pawns could be lurking around every corner.

Bal: Well, you lead the way!

Kira: Ugh, you wimp. C’mon!

Mendel: Back outside, Briar was face to face with the masked sorcerer Skarn.

Skarn: Hello, Briar, I’ve heard so much about you. If you’re anything like your mother, I have a formidable sorcerer on my hands, don’t I?

Briar: I’m nothing like her!

Mendel: A vine erupted from the ground directly at Skarn, but it stopped right in front of him, as if striking an invisible wall.

Skarn: Ha, you certainly aren’t.

Briar: What the hell was that? I didn’t see him cast any spells.

Skarn: Tell me where Nova is, child. No one needs to get hurt.

Briar: What do you want with her?

Skarn: That’s none of your concern. I’ve sent my warriors inside to find her, but I have a feeling she’s not there. Where is she?

Briar: (Damn, how much did he hear?) Feather, go find Ren.

Feather: Right! Be careful, Briar.

Skarn: But she’s nearby, isn’t she?

Mendel: Skarn placed his hands on the ground for a moment, Briar put up her hands, preparing to defend herself.

Skarn: Hmm, I don’t sense her movement, she must be hiding. You’re not going to help me, are you?

Mendel: Briar could just barely make out the figures emerging from the woods surrounding the field as dozens of hooded sorcerers approached her. 

Skarn: Warriors, deal with her, I’m going to keep searching! Cole, you’re in charge.

Mendel: One of the hooded sorcerers stepped forward and pulled down his cowl. He revealed himself to be a fire genasi,  with a birthmark that spread from his neck up to his cheek. His muted gray eyes locked on to Briar.

Cole: You got it, boss. This should be fun!

Mendel: Skarn turned and began to walk away into the woods behind the dorms as the warriors began to descend on Briar. 

Briar fights with the warriors, but there are too many! They all have legacies, but not super strong. She is holding her own, but they’re chipping away at her.

Mendel: A firebolt hit Briar in the back, knocking the wind out of her.

Cole: Is that it? I expected more from you! You have such a reputation, but it turns out you’re nothing. Warriors! End this!

Mendel: Briar was barely standing as they lunged in towards her, her hands unable to summon her vines fast enough.

Briar: Damn, I can barely move!

Ren: Shocking Steps!

Mendel: A lightning fast Ren zipped between each of the warriors attacking Briar. As he kicked each of them, electricity erupted out of his feet which launched him to the next assailant. In two seconds he had knocked down a dozen goons with a loud thunder crack.

Briar: Ren!

Ren: Now we’re even! These chumps giving you some trouble? I thought groups were your specialty.

Briar: There are too many of them.

Ren: You know I always like a challenge, but I think you might be right. And I can only use my shocking steps once a day right now.

Cole: You must be Ren! I’ve heard you’re pretty good.

Ren: Pretty good is an understatement compared to you nobodies. 

Cole: Don’t get too cocky, you’ve been fighting the lowest levels, let’s see how you do against a real threat!

Ren: Let’s see what you’ve got, glow boy

Cole: And I see you’ve got Flint’s ring! That’s good, you’re going to need the help.

Ren: Enough talk, hot hair! Let’s dance

Mendel: Ren began throwing a volley of punches and kicks at Cole, with Cole on the defensive, blocking every punch and kick thrown his way.

Ren: Hope these blocks of yours hold up, I’m not gonna stop attacking till you’re flat on the ground.

Cole: You call these attacks? 

Ren: I was just feeling your strength out, let see if you can handle me actually adding my legacy to the mix. Icicle Heel!

Mendel: Ren gave a powerful kick right towards Cole’s chest, forcing him to crossblock with both arms.

Ren: Gotcha!

Mendel: Ren immediately spun around with his other leg, aimed right at his stomach, and just as he was about to connect, Cole vanished.

Ren: Wait what!?

Mendel: Before Ren even had time to think, a punch struck him in the back.

Cole: I guess the ring doesn’t help you much, does it?

Ren: How the hell did he do that? He didn’t use any gestures or incantations, so it’s gotta be his legacy.

Cole: Wanna try again?

Ren: Okay wise guy, you’ve earned my attention. 

Mendel: Ren flew at Cole again, this time even faster. Ren kicked straight up, breaking Cole’s block. He immediately grabbed his arms and pulled himself in for a headbutt.

Ren: Let’s see you get away this time!

Mendel: But as soon as he was about to connect, he vanished, this time, right above Ren, kicking him in the back of the head, sending Ren to the ground.

Cole: This got boring, I think I’m done with you now. 

Mendel: Just as Cole was about to strike him again, a vine wrapped around Ren and pulled him away.

Cole: Oh you’re not getting away from me!

Mendel: As Cole turned to give chase, a wall of smoke blocked his path. Next to Briar now stood Kira, Emeka, Xander, and Balthazar. The recruits watched from a distance, just outside of the dorms. Briar’s vibe reeled Ren back to the group behind the fog wall

Bal: Oh my dear you look hurt! Do you need healing?

Ren: Nah I think I’m ok, that kick was a surprise for sure but nothing I can’t manage.

Bal: I WASN'T TALKING TO YOU, YOU CLOWN!!!

Kira: You’re such a dweeb, Balthazar.

Xander: Are you both alright?

Briar: I’m ok, I just needed a second,are you sure you’re ok Ren?

Ren: Yeah yeah, That bastard just got a few lucky shots on me, he is a lot more slippery than he looks. Oh, also, who the hell is this guy?

Kira: My puppet. Don’t worry, he’ll only attack who I make him attack.

Emeka: It’s really creepy.

Xander: Ren, It appears that right before he struck you, he instantaneously dodged your attack. He is either incredibly fast, or he is using some kind of teleportation legacy.

Bal: Well hurry up and figure something out, my smokescreen won’t last much longer in this wind!

Xander: Ren, I think I have a plan, let’s attack him together. Here’s what we should do.

Mendel: Cole stood calmly on the other side of the smokescreen as the wind began to push it away. 

Cole: Haha! Take as much time as you need! Everyone, stay back, they’re mine. 

Mendel: The hooded sorcerers all moved back to the edge of the field to watch the fight. As the smoke vanished, Xander extended a hand to help Ren up.

Ren: Hehehe I like your style, short stuff. Alright, we'll give your way a shot.

Xander: Trust me, this will certainly work. 

Cole: Two of you? Huh, I think I can handle that!

Xander: Let’s go, Ren!

Mendel: Xander ran towards Cole, striking at him with precision movements. Ren simply ran alongside, watching the two of them.

Cole(internal): This kid isn’t bad, but what is Ren up to?

Xander: Hey don’t write me off that quickly, take this!

Mendel: After multiple carefully placed attacks, Xander placed his foot on Cole’s knee and launched himself into a flip over his head. As he was airborne, we wound up for a kick to Cole’s head.

Xander: Now Ren!

Mendel: Just as Xander was about to land his blow, Ren threw a punch into the air a few feet away, aimed at nothing. Suddenly just as Xander was about to strike Cole, he vanished, and reappeared right into the path of Ren’s attack.

Ren: Frozen Fist!

Mendel: The punch landed squarely on Cole’s jaw, sending him flying backwards.

Xander: Ha! Excellent work, Ren!

Ren: Not too shabby yourself!

Xander: HahahahaHA! looks like My hypothesis was correct.

FLASHBACK TO THE PLAN

Xander: My theory is as follows. His legacy allows him to avoid attacks, but it only seems to work if he is about to be struck, almost like a defense mechanism. It also appears to only transplant him somewhere close to his attacker. With those facts, I believe his legacy is some sort of counterattack, allowing him to quick step any attacker and strike them down with surprise.

Ren: Alright that makes sense but if that’s true we are in trouble. How are we supposed to clobber this dude if he has a guaranteed dodge?

Xander: Worry not, as is often the case with one trick ponies, his greatest asset is also going to become his greatest weakness.

I’m going to lead the assault this time, and when it looks like I’m about to land a heavy blow, that's when I want you, Ren, to run in and attack me with full force!

Bal: Wait what! Did I miss something!?!

Ren: You might have but I didn’t hehehe. When hot hair over there blips out of the way, I’ll already be headed straight for him. He’s gonna dodge right into my fist.

Xander: Precisely! 

BACK TO PRESENT 

Cole(internal): Dammit, Ren was dead on. Did they really figure it out that fast?

Mendel: Cole didn’t have time to stand up before Xander was right above him, his fist heading right for his gut.

Cole: You brats! Flicker!

Mendel: Cole teleported behind Xander for his counterattack, but his side was met by Ren’s foot.

Cole: Ooof (pain noise)

Ren: I can’t believe someone like you gave me all this trouble!

Cole (internal): I can’t take too many more hits like that… Forget dodging then. I’ll just take the little twerp’s attack. He can’t be as strong as Ren.

Mendel: Cole braced himself as Xander came flying towards him with another high speed kick

Cole: Bring it, you shrimp!

Xander: Heh, bad move.

Mendel: As Xander’s foot collided, Cole was sent flying back across the field.

Xander: I hope you weren’t thinking my attacks would be easier to take than Ren’s. I may not be as flashy but I still pack a wallop. 

Mendel: The two began a relentless attack on Cole, barely giving him time to react. Whether he dodged or tried to block Cole was being juggled between the two savage fighter’s fists.

Cole:(sounding increasingly worn out) ugh, I need to take out one of them and retreat. I’ll deal with Ren first! Level 2 enchantment: Hold Person!

Mendel: Ren’s body suddenly seized up, locking him in place, as Cole dashed backwards away from Xander.

Xander: You won’t get away that easily! Magic Missile!

Mendel: Three glowing darts shot out of Xander’s hand towards Cole, who was now 50 feet away from them.

Cole: A magic missile attack? Damn, he knows these never miss! It’s fine, Ren is still bound and that pipsqueak is too far away for a counter attack, I’ll just flicker to safety.

Mendel: As the missiles struck Cole, he was instantly moved to the left of where he was standing, right into the heel of Xander’s foot.

Cole: What? How did he…?

Mendel: Xander was sparking with electricity, the magic ring on his finger glowing bright yellow.

Xander: Ren gave it to me right before we attacked!

Mendel: With that hit Cole’s concentration broke, once again freeing Ren. As Cole stood, he began to sway on his feet and his breathing was heavy. The two students however looked like they were just getting warmed up. And both were sporting a wicked grin.

Xander: It’s over for you. 

Mendel: Cole took one more angry breath and then collapsed on the ground, unconscious. As their leader hit the dirt, the rest of the watching warriors charged in to avenge their fallen comrade.

Xander: *phew* My legs, I can barely move! My body isn’t conditioned for that amount of speed, I think I moved too fast!

Ren: Xander, get out of there! Briar, do something!

Briar: My vines won’t move fast enough!

Indy: Now’s our chance. EVERYONE DO YOUR BEST!

Mendel: Indy’s voice infused the recruits with energy as a sudden wave of confidence filled their minds. They launched a barrage of spells towards the attacking warriors, slowing them down. As the enchantment ended on Ren, he ran to grab Xander before dashing back to the group.

Ren: Good work, kid, we can take it from here!

Indy: Wow, my voice of empowerment has never worked that well!

Emeka: Nice work, Indy!

Briar: C’mon, let’s show these recruits what Oakvale sorcerers can do!

Ren: 10 gold says I take out more than you.

Briar: Heh, you’re on meat head.

Mendel: Back at the village, just before the explosion, Rick and Xarion walked the empty streets on their way back to the dorms.

Rick: She might be the daughter of a famous sorcerer, but why would an X want her? What’s so special about Nova?

Xarion: She’s stronger than she seems, and someone knows that. They want her for something. (Internal) Could it be….him?

Rick: Well, I can’t wait to meet her, she sounds like an absolute blast! If you know what I mean…..Her astral blast-

Xarion: Oh, I got it.

Rick: Good, I know my humor can be a little too witty for some, just making sure you-

Mendel: The same massive explosion echoed out down the mountain.

Xarion: What the hell was that? Wait here.

Mendel: Xarion snapped his fingers and teleported to the top of a tree in the center of town.

Xarion: I can’t quite make it out, but it looks like something is moving…and it’s headed this way.

Taka: Xarion!

Mendel: A large hawk flew down and landed next to Xarion.

Xarion: Taka! Where’s Felix? What’s going on?

Taka: The mountain is coming down, it’s headed this way! Felix is coming, but we have to get as many people as we can to safety.

Xarion: See if you can find anyone still outside, Rick and I will handle the homes.

Taka: Got it! I’ll send them your direction.

Mendel: Xarion teleported back next to Rick.

Rick: What’s the plan?

Xarion: We save everyone we can. Get the villagers and bring them to the center of town.

Rick: How about a little friendly challenge? I’ll wager I can bring more townsfolk to the square than you!

Xarion: This really isn’t-

Mendel: But Rick was already gone, his incredible speed propelling himself inside the door of the first house, up the stairs, and back down with two people in just a few seconds.

Rick: What are you waiting for?

Mendel: He pushed off the house, bounced off the next, and dropped them off in the square, the pair barely able to even realize what just happened.

Rick: Sorry about the whiplash, stay here.

Xarion: Well, I’d better get to work!

Mendel: Xarion snapped his fingers as he looked up at the next house, grabbing the sleepy occupants one by one and teleporting them to the square.

Rick: Now there’s your competitive spirit! Let’s do this!

Mendel: While the two of them handled the village, the young sorcerers were holding their own against the warriors, with Class Red and Blue leading the way.

Ren: Taser grip!

Briar: Vine bind! (Or maybe a different attack?)

Kira: Human Puppet!

Bal: Fatal Fog!

Mendel: And with a final charge, the recruits drove off the final warriors. They cheered with pride at their victory. 

Briar: Is everyone alright?

Xander: It seems everyone is in good health, aside from a few lacerations and impact wounds!

Briar: Stay on your guard, we still have the masked X to deal with.

Kira: Masked X?

Briar: He’s their leader, he had a cracked mask made out of some kind of stone.

Kira: A Foundation member out here?

Ren: Foundation?

Kira: Foundation, the criminal organization. Can anyone keep up?

Xander: I’ve heard of them, but only a few things here and there. Terrorists, right?

Kira: They’re a criminal syndicate, but no one knows much about them. They’ve been behind a few high level attacks on government targets. Attacking a low level training center seems beneath them.

Ren: How do you know so much about them?

Kira: My father is head of Oakvale Intelligence, you meathead. He tells me everything. They’re all master sorcerers, powers that can rival the Five Pillars.

Ren: (Internal) As strong as a pillar? Hmmm, that means he’s on par with…him

Kira: They’ve never been able to catch one because they’re too strong.

Skarn: Exactly, no one can seem to hold a torch to our power.

Mendel: The students turned around to see Skarn on top of the dorms, his emotionless mask lit by the full moon.

Ren: Who the hell are you?

Skarn: Name’s Skarn, pleasure to meet you. I should have known my warriors would be no match for a bunch of level threes, but it looks like they chipped away at you pretty well.

Briar: What do you want with Nova?

Skarn: She’s merely a bargaining chip to get something I want, but I can’t seem to find your purple-haired friend anywhere. I have no plans of harming her. Now, tell me where she is, and I promise I won’t harm any of you either.

Briar: This guy is strong, Ren, we should attack him together. He was able to put up some kind of invisible wall.

Ren: You got it, no way I’m just charging in on a guy like this.

Skarn: I’m losing my patience, it’s only a matter of time before your teachers come back, and I’d rather not deal with them. So let’s end this.

Mendel: Skarn leapt down from the dorm and slammed his hands to the ground. The earth began to shake as the ground beneath them gave way, knocking everyone to the ground. The quake not only affected their footing, but made everyone feel disoriented, as if they’re entire body was shaking.

Skarn: I tried to play nice, but you chose otherwise. I’ll take care of you first, then the others might change their mind.

Mendel: Briar looked up to see Skarn charging right at her, her vision still fuzzy from his first attack. Her mind was foggy and unfocused. She couldn’t think fast enough.

Ren: Crap, I can’t get there in time.

Nova: Astral Beam!

Mendel: A powerful beam of light shot directly at Skarn, as he was just able to put his hands up to block. An invisible barrier once again stopping the attack, but not strong enough for him to hold his footing as it pushed him back with Nova and Shadow landing right in front of Briar

Ren: heh, just in time Twinkles! You’re in trouble now stone face!

Briar: Nova! I thought you were asleep!

Nova: I was, but I just needed a short rest!

Credits.

Nova: Next time on Warlock: Skarn sets his eyes on Nova while the rest of Class Red leaps into action to protect her, but will it all be enough? 

Ren: Uh, twinkles, what the hell is going on?

Briar: Wait, when did she become so powerful?

Lady: Things are getting very interesting, I’m actually finding this entertaining!

Nova: Episode 9, the Lady in Darkness, on Warlock!