Prologue:


His paws made no sound as he traversed at blinding speeds across the shadowed darkness through the forest. Although the trees were closely intertwined around each other, the branches failed to grasp his black fur as his tail flailed unspoken in the wind. The ridge of fur on his back shone like crimson fire as he moved swiftly between the roots.

His eyes were too weak to see through the dark of night, but his nose was all that he needed to guide him, for it smelled the one thing he desired: blood still warm and pumping in fresh, uncut veins. As the scent grew stronger he recollected when he first found it, when he discovered the caravan, and when he tasted its riches.

He remembered that it was early morning because the sun awoke him by hurting his eyes. After jumping from the branch he slept on, his hunger became apparent. He had gone far too long without human blood and was beginning to weaken. Although the forest was vast and plentiful it only provided him with creatures with blood potent enough to only keep him alive. Thus did he head back to the main road hoping to find a traveler or two, finding much more.

As he walked towards the road, he came across a small clearing filled with birch. He noticed a few stumps as well as fresh footprints nearby that suggested that they were cut recently, but had heard not a sound for the past hour. “Your hiding them from me aren’t you?” he asked aloud as if speaking to the forest itself. He then smiled and moved on, following the tracks left by his prey.

It was not more than five minutes that his sight reached the family. There were three: a mother, father, and a daughter. What surprised him was as soon as he saw them, he heard them. His kind is gifted with excellent hearing, so he should have heard them from far off, especially since they were joined together in song, smiling as they each carrying there share of wood.

The strangeness of this was eventually dissuaded by the father’s warrior like appearance: about 7 feet tall, the muscular build of a Titan, and a severely large battleaxe at his back.  He knew that if he charged him head on, he would fail. No, he needed to get close, very close.

Instead of stalking them he decided to take advantage of the fact that no one knew his human form; those who did would not be available to tell anyone. He put on a pair of gloves in order to cover the runes imprinted on his hands, and raised the hood of his cloak to hide the red streak in his long black hair, both descriptive to his kind. After which he hastened his pace in order to catch up with them.

Once in ear he cried out “Excuse me? Could you perhaps help me? I’m lost and need to get back to the main road.” Once they heard this, the family stopped singing and looked towards him. The father, still smiling, spoke with a cheerful and boisterous voice,” Welcome! Although the road is only ten minutes to the east it is far too beautiful a day to enjoy it alone. So please, join us in merry song as we head back to our caravan.” He smiled as he joined them but within him, there was a grin of malicious glee.

As they walked the father explained that they we part of a merchant caravan that was passing through the forest to Chentri’an, a coastal town to the north, where he plans to settle do with his new family. He then realized something then said,” Please forgive me. Here I am rambling on about my life and I haven’t even asked your name.” As a reply, he said,” Think nothing of it, friend. I truly am happy for all of you. My name is Larius Valocar.” Larius then thought ‘you will not be using it much longer’.

“I am Toloc Vajhir; this is my wife Venna, and our daughter Serra.” As he said this, Toloc picked up Serra and placed her on top of his right shoulder, who then giggled with excitement. As they reached the main road, a look of disappointment shown on Toloc’s face. Who then said with his back turn to him,” Well, trust Demial to leave us behind. Looks like they went up ahead, we got more walking ahead of us.” Larius again thought to himself, ‘Such a loving family, I almost feel sorry for them….Ok it’s gone now.’ As his gloves turned to ash, he said,” I …… Think not.” Then, he struck.

Even though Larius was weak, he was fast; he struck with a palm strike to the back ribs, and knocking Toloc to the ground. Larius smiled as he lifted him up to his knees by his long, blonde hair. He then spoke,” is there anything you would like to say to your loving family before you become my strength?” and Toloc replied with a grin,” Yes, Venna, please hold on to Serra and back up a few paces,  I’m going to need some swinging room.” With that, he lifted his arms to his axe handle, and using it as a lever, catapulted Larius through the air.

As Larius smashed against a tree, Toloc removed his axe from his back, and charged. For a man of his size, he was incredibly fast, he was above Larius within moments, and was about to chop him in two when he came to. Using the tree, he kicked off and darted between Toloc’s feet, can up behind him with a kick to the head, and connected.

However, this had little effect, and only gave Toloc and advantage, using the side of the axe; he spun around, and swung downward, hammering Larius to the ground with a loud thud. Larius recovered in time to dodge another swing, this time with the blade, which stuck into the ground.

“Draw your sword and fight, demon!” Toloc cried as he let go of the axe and swung with his bare fists. Larius did indeed have a sword, but its true potential can only be achieved when his power was strong enough. For that, he needed blood. As he dodged the punches he rushed forward and kicked Toloc square in the chest.




This only succeeded in giving Toloc a chance to do more damage. As Larius’s foot connected, Toloc grabbed the leg with both hands and swung Larius against a tree. As he slumped to the ground, he realized that it was the same tree he had hit twice already. Toloc slowly turned around and worked his battleaxe out of the ground. Then said,” You should be honored, Larius. You have the pleasure of being my final kill before I retire.”

One step back was as far as Toloc got before Larius’ blazing fist pierced through Toloc’s chest. Serra did not know what was happening, she could only tug on her mother’s dress, saying,” Mommy, why is papa not moving? Why isn’t he chopping that man into pieces?” all Venna could do move her daughter close, and shield her eyes from what was happening. Venna could then only stare in horror at Larius’ psychotic grin, as he raised Toloc’s body, and let it slide down his arm. She could only gasp in terror at her husband’s heart, still beating in Larius’ hand, both of which were not covered in blood.

“One thing is true, you shall indeed retire. Yet it is you who shall be the kill and not my final. For I am Bloodlust of the Nosvera, feared by all including my kind. So be honored as you and your family will join the thousands that have died by my hand!” with that, Toloc’s heart, and then his body, burst into crimson flame.

The fire of Larius’s hand grew as it was fed with Toloc’s blood and with it, his power. He watched as it spread to his upper arm, then to his chest, then it consumed him. As he stood there wreathed in flame he spoke,” Your strength is mine; your power is mine, YOUR BLOOD IS MINE!”

With that, he released Toloc’s corpse, which fell to the ground and turned to dust. As the crimson flame subsided he noticed that his appearance had changed. His height and muscular bulk had increased substantially giving him then resemblance of the man whose dust now flew in the wind.

He stood there in confusion, then realized,” It has been so long since I have accomplished a complete absorption that I forgot how it changes you.” He then look towards the rest of the family, smiled, then said,” Do not worry, I will not make the same the same mistake thrice.” No screams were heard as he took their blood.

Now that he had regained his strength, it was time to increase it. After hiding the bodies of the woman and child, he craned his neck up and smelled the air. To his delight, he caught a scent. He discerned from it that there were 80 of them, most of them were human, two were keepers of magic, and three were Der’ak.

As he recognized these three, his eyes opened began to blaze with anger. The Der’ak, since the beginning of time, has been at war with the clans of his kind. They are severely intelligent and possessed mental powers so great, they can bend the very elements to their will. What he despised the most about them is there ability to discern his kind when in human form.





Luckily, it was easy to identify these half human, half lizard, and half-feline creatures as they cannot transform into human form. Then he remembered something, and ran towards the caravan. “Well, well, well, aren’t I lucky.” Bloodlust said to himself; smiling. He stood on a cliff not far from the main road, looking down on a clearing in which the caravan camped. His keen senses caught a bit of conversation,

” May I remind you that this isn’t a safe place to camp, we are to out in the open, and Toloc has yet to return,” Said a fat man in purple robes. The woman standing next to him wearing white replied,” Don’t worry, I told him that he could go ahead to Chentri’an. He is very anxious to start his life with his family and I didn’t want to keep that from him. Besides, we are more than well protected,”

Then, as if on cue, a female Der’ak wearing a combination of tanned hide and dragon scale accompanied by two males dressed in brown robes emerged next to them from what seemed like nowhere. He growled as she spoke,” She is right, there is need to worry, as long as you are in my forest no harm will come to you.”

Her next word caught Bloodlust by surprise,” one of my apprentices conversed with Toloc and his family not to long ago. He wanted to inform you that he decided to go on ahead to Chentri’an per your suggestion.” At this Bloodlust began contemplating why she was lying to them. Then he realized,” weren’t there three of them?” The scaled hand on his shoulder answered that question.


Using his right hand as a pivot point, Bloodlust spun under the hand on his shoulder. Once planted towards the apprentice he pushed off in an attempt to tackle him, but to no avail. The Der’ak leaped at the last moment and as soon as Bloodlust was below him he used his feet to crush him into the ground. The shockwave created by his impact did not disturb the caravan below, he then watched as the lizard (which to his opinion required a more “graphic” representation) landed gracefully on the balls of his feet while bending his knees for balance.

He raised his hands up and spoke in a calm voice,” I suggest that you stay your attack, although it would please me greatly for you to try, my master Koishii requires you to live.” Larius recognized the name; Koishii DriftWater is the avatar of this forest (which was named after her). Before he replied, he decided to study what he was facing.

Bloodlusts knowledge of the Der’ak race, discerned the lizard as part of the subspecies, the Der'ak Ai. They are shorter and a bit stockier in build when compared to the other two sub races. They’re face and head structure is very catlike, short face, short ears; this one had round ears, which isn’t very common, and instead of fur, it is mainly scales. They have a very short mane and are always ready to fight.





His tail is like that of a cat, very long and thick with short fur, and at the end of it is a large triangular plum, with marking that gave it the look of a serpents head. It poked out of the back of his robes and wrapped around his waist thrice, like a belt, which is common with those of his species that specialize at martial arts combat. His feet were shaped like a humans, except scaled, clawed, and the pinky toe is moved to the heel, in the form of hind claw.

They’re claws are long, both on they’re feet and hands, and retractable. They always enjoy battle, and commonly spar amongst each other. They value only the weapons they carry and they’re honor. They also enjoy a good beer, and are seen commonly at any celebration

  After a minute of contemplation, Bloodlust replied,” and what, may I ask, is the reason to go against what your race has been doing for the past millennia?” The Der’ak   chuckled,” My master believes that there are more important matters to consider than hunting you down, Wolfenian. What they are is unknown to me, but I will say this: through her eyes I have seen my future, and welcome it. Now, as is predicted by fate, kill me!” With that, he stretched his arms out. As if waiting for the embrace of death. He was not disappointed.

Although he understood the words that were said, it did not stop him, partly because of curiosity, but mainly because of his insanity brought on by his wanting for carnage, death, and blood. So it was on that very night did he make his way again to the cliff above his prey. When he got there he was surprised to see the other apprentice, standing above his compatriot. This, even in the dark, was also a Der’ak Ai.

When he can close enough the Der’ak turned to face him and said,” As my brother has done before me, I have seen the future through my master’s eyes and except it.” The Wolfenian replied by snapping his neck. He then looked down at the encampment and contemplated on how to approach.

Although he always enjoyed the basic, run-of-the-mill, slaughtering; he decided to have a bit more fun. So, after reapplying his gloves and straightening his appearance (as well as wiping the drool from his mouth), he leaped from the cliff into the camp. He landed with more silence, more grace than any cat could dream of having, and walked through the camp unnoticed.

The encampment was alive with festivities, all centered around a bon-fire. There people play music, warriors spared, and the mages created light shows that danced to the music. As Bloodlust stood and watched, a young man who was shorter than he was, spoke to him,” umm, sorry to disturb but I am a blacksmith and I was wondering if I could see you blade? You see, I find that if I examine the work of others I can improve upon my own.” ’My plans are going better than expected’ Bloodlust thought as he drew his blade.





It looked like any normal saber: the handle’s guard covered the front and the side, leaving enough room in the back for free hand movement, the long blade was one-sided; the edge-side curving into the tip as it merged with the dull side. The blade, however was not completely made of steel, the edge, from the base to the tip, was teethed and made of a translucent blue crystal. When he recognized what it was his breathing stop, he was about to pass out when he snapped out of his trance of awe, and cried out,” Galace Crystal!”

At the sound of this word, the crown of people around the bonfire rushed to see the blade of wonders. Galace Crystal, when refined, is the most powerful substance in existence. In its raw form, it’s impossible to discern from basic granite, making it an extremely rare find. Once enveloped by dragons’ fire, however, it clears and takes on a blue hue (thus giving it the name).

This can be molded into anything the heart desires and once cooled is indestructible to any form of damage, but what makes it priceless is its ability to absorb any form of metaphysical, spiritual, and/or elemental energy. Increasing its defensive and offensive effectiveness, this metal is known by all races, his kind called it Durithite, and the Der’ak refer to it as Zotarice Dreconite.

As they stared in awe, Bloodlust decided to end the charade. He spoke so everyone can hear,” well incase anyone is wondering, it is not for sale. Now as gratitude for letting me stay in your camp, I shall perform a demonstration of its power,” with that he stepped towards the fire, leaving his blade in possession of the young weapon smith.

With his left hand he invoked an orb of bloodfire, reached out his right hand towards the fire, and went into a deep meditative state. After scant second, he tossed the orb into the raging bonfire.

Within minutes the six-foot high yellow-orange bonfire had become gigantic pillar of crimson hatred. After shaking his cloak and gloves into dust, he began to glow with the same red-hot power as the writhing pillar before him. He reached out towards the crowd, his sword answered, flying out of the hands of the young man who desired its knowledge and landing in the grasp of Bloodlust’s left hand.

Once the blades blue edge was replaced with crimson fire, he leaped into the pillar. Without his cloak, all he wore was a black jerkin and black pants which tucked into his brown boots. Neither he, nor his cloths, burned however, as the writhing pillar of bloodfire was designed for a different purpose.

The entire crowd stood there in fascination, still believing that he was performing some act of magical entertainment. As he reached the center, the runes returned to his body now white with raw power. He raised his blade in both hands and shouted,” Now I invoke the power of the Nosvera, the keepers of blood, and the bringers of carnage. Now, my darling audience it is time, to FEAST!!!” With that he thrust the blade’s tip into the ground; unlocking their demise.



As the pillar of scarlet hate expanded towards them, most of the crown of people around it fled. Some braved the burning wall, prepared to face any danger that might befall them, while others were petrified with fear. No one was harmed as it past them, moving faster than those who ran, and surrounded the entire encampment. It then began to rise, forming a dome that closed all within from the outside world.

In the center of it all, stood Bloodlust, wreathed in red flame, and laughter, then the change began. His brown hair and eyes took on a black hue, the crimson rig of fur along his scalp and spine, that was distinctive to his kind, increase in size as it began to spread ebony fur to the rest of the body. He grew larger as muscles bulged and his height increased.  His hands became covered as his nails sharpened into claws, his boots faded, replace by large, clawed feet, and as the tail emerged his maniacal laughter transformed into a howl of hunger as his head became that of a wolf.

With his transformation complete, he began the slaughter. A swordsman charged the Wolfenian with his blade drawn; it served no use as Bloodlust decapitated him with his left index claw. So it was that any who took up arms against him were struck down by burning paw and bloodfire. Their blood mixed as it poured from their wounds, but it did not seep into the ground.

The two mages were better prepared when they fought against him. They had stayed out of combat long enough to erect magical barriers to protect them from his power. Bloodlust chuckled as he walked slowly towards them, giving the mages futile hope. Using their powers, one encased the Wolfenian in ice while the other channeled a stream of lightning into him.

As the bolt began tickling the skin under his fur, Bloodlust decided that their annoyance had gone on long enough. After releasing his hand from its frozen prison, he incinerated them in crimson fire; leaving only blood behind. He said to himself,” well, now that there are no more distractions, its time to enjoy the fleeing masses.” With that he began to pick them off, one by one, and enjoying every second of it.

Outside the great dome of scarlet death, sharp teeth shone in the light as a shadowed figure grinned at what was taking place, a reptilian voice spoke out with glee, “not much longer now, before your release.”  She laughed manically into the red night, which was not heard over the screams of death, within the burning arena.

As every man, woman, and child was murdered by his hand. So did their blood fall to the ground, but instead of seeping into the earth it took on a life of its own, traversing towards the center, towards the sword that still stood, wreathed in red flame, creating a circular pool that was growing. By the time he had killed the last, the pool was only five feet from the edge.






When he saw that his work was done, he resumed his human form and walked to where it all began. As he stopped at the center of the pool, he lifted both hands into the air and spoke,” power begets carnage, carnage begets blood, blood begets power. As I have accomplished the circle, so shall I be rewarded.” The ground began to shake, as if in fear of the power he was about to receive.

As the ground trembled within the enclosure of crimson flames, Bloodlust stood in its center glowing to mach its hue. With his power he invoked the blood before him to spiral up in streams, as if they were scarlet serpents racing to reach the stars. As they struck the barrier, however, they became absorbed by it.

The streams of life continued to flow upward as he rose into the air. His laughter echoed as the last drop of blood entered the dome, which instantly collapsed into him. He shrieked as raw power poured into his veins, increasing his strength, and diminishing his sanity. His energies began to overtake him as his red glow became a white hate so bright, it illuminated all of DriftWater Wood.

There the Wolfenian, sanity forgotten, spoke with a voice filled with rage and power,” Too long, too long have I stood in the shadows of this world. Too long have I fled from those who wish me dead, No more! I am sick and tired of taking only enough to survive. Now I shall reap the blood of this world, destroying all who oppose me! For I am Bloodlust, born of the Nosvera Clan of the Wolfenian race, bringer of carnage, taker of blood, and rightful sire to the throne of Bakariel, Lord of Chaos!” With that, his glow faded and he fell to the ground.

After to taking a deep breath, he resumed his human form. Using his power, he enveloped bloodlight around him, which materialized into the clothes he had lost. Once he hitched the clasp of his cloak around his neck, he heard a female voice say,” A beautiful speech, how unfortunate that you will not live up to such claims.” Sheathing his sword, Bloodlust chuckled, and turned to face Koishii

Koishii was different from her martyrous comrades. Her body was taller then he was, very slender, looked very flexible, wrappings of tanned hide and dragon scale plating covered her upper body, leaving her belly bare, a large sash draped down from her waist, between her legs, covering what was needed
.
She was covered in short soft tan fur. Her belly was cover in scales of almost a cream color. The fur on her shoulder and neck had deep green stripes, her head, which was much more lizard like, had only a white muzzle, while the fur on the rest of her body was covered with black spots.

The Der’ak Zira’s eyes were slitted, like all of her kind, but had irregular coloring, one white, and one gold. Her ears were semi long with small tufts of white fur at the end. She also had three gold rings dangling from each ear. Her white hair was mane like and very long, draping down to about two inches from the ground.



Her tail was slightly longer then her body and very furry getting shorter near the end, it appeared more reptilian, and looked flexible enough to wrap around objects.  She wasn’t as muscular as her deceased apprentices, but moves with an agile grace as she positioned herself before Bloodlust.

As he spoke, his voice echoed with power, as if the thousands who died by his hand joined him in his word,” I suppose you have the means to stop me?” he laughed psychotically, then continued,” Such feeble threats annoy me,” he walked towards her. “I do not make threats,” she retorted,” I merely know what is inevitable.” Her hand extended, a plant sprouted below, it spiraled up, forming a gnarled staff, which she grasped, and held it between them.

Bloodlust inquired “Now, if you don’t mind my asking, why is it that a reptilian pestilence such as yourself would serve me these humans on a silver platter?” The Der’ak replied by raising her staff, which glowed a bright green. Suddenly, vines erupted from beneath Bloodlust, entwining, and entangling the Wolfenian until he could not move. He growl, exploding with crimson fire, but to no avail.

Koishii spoke as she walked towards him,” please understand if I were to find you in my forest under different circumstances, you be treated as an infection, and eliminated. However, my end draws near, and I must pass on my legacy. I looked to my apprentices for hope, but they we to weak, and would have gone insane. I thought all was lost, and then you stepped into my forest. Immediately, I sensed something in you that I did not think possible, but it is there.”

She slid a finger across his chest, almost seductively, and continued,” what it is you will find out eventually, but first I must prepare you.” At this, the Wolfenian spat in her face and growled,” How dare you believe that I, Bloodlust, would permit you to defile me with your magic! When I am free, I will skin you alive, soil your blood, and use your hide to smother your kind’s children!”

Drying her face on his cloak, she took a few steps back, and erupted in emerald flame.” Fool! It is not you I want, Bloodlust. Why do you think I let you kill them? Your desire for power has driven you into insanity, creating an imbalance within your soul. Using this imbalance I can separate you from you true self, and imprison it within this,” she extended her free hand towards him.

The sword at his belt glowed with green light as it floated out of its sheath, and into her hand. She continued,” It is time, Larius, to release you from his bounds!” at that she thrust the blade into his heart. The explosion that came from him was so great; it could be seen for miles passed the edge of the forest.







He shrieked in pain and anger as he fought to be released from his bounds, but try as he might he could only watch as the sword poured emerald flame into him. Slowly the inferno of bloodfire grew weaker as the blade fed on his soul. When it diminished the sword, now glowing in scarlet hate, fell to the ground. Larius now slumped in the grasp of the vines, still dormant within his own body.

Koishii, still standing, grew brighter as she spoke,” Now for the final task. Now I must pour my power, my life force, and my entire being into the void. Replacing what has been taken, completing your mind, body, and soul. No longer will you be known as Bloodlust, but Larius Valocar, Avatar of Nature, and keeper of the Forest of DriftWater!”

Her body became pure green light that poured into the gaping wound left by the very blade that had killed thousands, and which now imprisoned its very wielder. Then the light and wound were gone and Larius opened his eyes for the first time in many years. He knew who he was, where he was, what he was, and what he must do. Using his new found power, he commanded the vines to return the earth. Once he gain his feet, he dropped to his knees, and began to shed tears of happiness and despair.