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The History of the Ward
as recounted by Yokai

Some time ago when the founding members were but novice fighters, came a time of great discovery and adventure. The first in a series of great tales that will be told in a form that will undoubtedly capture the interests of all .

Chapter 1. The Coalition.

Our company had been training non-stop for days, honing their skills to achieve glory amongst themselves. K-0S, Moose and rune were by far the best fighters the area had seen in quite some time, brute strength nor teamwork made them great, but a lust to be the best, the likes of which this historian had never seen.

In the midst of the training, the fighters of lower class, such as myself were envious and malevolent in intentions. We couldn’t understand why we weren’t as good, why we kept failing right when it meant the most. Weeks past and still no change in the order of the crew, despite rising skill levels Azure Rune was standout in competitive meets.

Eventually It came to pass that a coalition of forces, known as a guild, was to be created in order to learn and share secrets from distant lands. Naming it was a task that required tact and skill, as a leading member K-OS had decided to name the coalition in an ancient tongue with a message that had long since lost all meaning.

The founding members, ArcVyse the weaponless, K-OS the flamer, Undead Moose the comic relief, Azure Rune the Ice man (so named because of his cool and casual tactics), Sieg the ever talking and myself Yokai the Wookie (so named because of his striking resemblance to this mythical creature) had to come up with an Idea, a name to end all names.
Because of ArcVyse and K-OS’s surgical approach to combat, the ward was choses as a name worthy of recognition in the international communities in which it tried to establish itself.

Its first international recognition of advanced fighting skills and combat knowledge came from 2 confident souls in a far away land. Sliph the envy of all, the first female fighter we had thus encountered and Felix the knowledgeable, who had demonstrated his skills for us in a magnificent fashion.

From here realitive peace reigned in the guild of warriors known as the ward. Yet this would change.

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Chapter 2: Times of plenty

After the relative grandeur that was the ward, a host of new enthusiastic members signed up to listen learn and lecture on the art of combat. With these new rivals an order of justice was ascertained. Key positions in the guild were soon occupied by almost everyone, as was the way of our first and not so great leader, K-OS the first, Chief of the ward. K-OS liked nothing more than to please everyone, yet this lead to many arguments and a certain questioning of the chiefs leading abilities.

It was at this time that KTS, the scourge of the ward and a skidmark on the underpants of our great establishment had first started to weave his threads of deceit and denial. This greatly upset myself and the chief of the time so much that we degraded ourselves greatly to antagonize and harass him. This was not the best course of action, but it was the most relieving.

Our abilities in combat were ever changing, as the founding members learned new special abilities that allowed to deceive our enemies and impress our friends. The guild flourished, members skyrocketed, yet with no enforcement from our latent chief.

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Chapter 3: Absolute power.
As is the case in most organizations positions of power should be occupied by responsible and intelligent people, for the most part this was true of the Ward, yet as the power raced through the veins like an unstable narcotic the guild started to fall into a pit of corruption and dictatorship type leadership, this arose for the most part because of the absence of the chief, who had long since lost all power.

The real decision makers in the guild at that time were myself, Seig and Undead Moose, our combat skills were the best they had ever been, and so our arrogance and pride hindered our best judgment, for as the old saying goes, absolute power corrupts absolutely . we had started to receive the wrong kind of attention from our fellow combatants and sparring partners. Sliph, a major factor in what little kindness was left in the guild, was a prize that this three way power struggle tried to obtain.

The Ward was in tatters, friendships tested and combat training had ceased for the most part so that the issues underpinning this recent slump could be overcome.

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Chapter 4: The Guild War.

The attacks came from no where, I tried to hide all evidence of myself as the barrage of malicious intent poured forth from the evil eyes that were sieg and moose. We had been good friends up until this point, but it had seemed that the long cold fingers of war had reached the guild. It still sends an icy shiver down my spine just remembering it. Seig and moose tried and succeeded in erasing me from my once proud position amongst the guild leaders. My pride broke, and my dignity almost spent, I used my frustration and angst to try to persuade K-OS the chief, of my position, he was in no state to take sides, looking back on it I can understand why. If he had alienated them or myself, he would loose countless allies to his leadership, though he could have dealt with the situation.

My allegiance gone, my combat skills fading, I became enraged in the fiery flames of fury that was revenge. I took cheap shots that I could get in every so often, lowering the stance of my would be enemies. Though I was outnumbered and outclassed by the frenzied efforts of my foes I held my own, long enough to spare some of my reputation, which was almost non existent.

Chief K-OS’s state of mind was that of a good leader, he finally came to the for relieving us of our positions, putting us in our place so that our arrogance whimpered like the mongrel it was. He even went so far as to banish us.
At the time my opposition to this was met with much shame and forcefulness.
ArcVyse was but a bystander yet his testimony to the roles of the three-way war was key in deciding fitting punishment for us. We were ashamed and alone, and for the first time in weeks, we called it quits and agreed to put the past behind us. The Ward was renewed and its glory restored, though its leader would never be the same again, though he didn’t show it, the war took a lot out of our chief
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Chapter 5: The K-0S Theory

The Ward, now rebuilt to its previous splendor, now flourished, its founding members combat skill was second to none in their area and its distant counterparts were also reaping the rewards. Though the odd argument spurred out of control, this was usually because of KTS and his naïve yet selfish intentions. K-0S had everything going for him, his skills were renowned even amongst the best we had yet encountered, but he was in truth a troubled chief. He had not been the same since the guild war, his leadership was questioned and friendships strained yet he managed to overcome his troubles relatively unscathed. He now resided a boding malice, usually directed at those already marginalized, such as Sieg or KTS. But no one really took too much notice for after all he had shown adequate leadership skills when the need was dire, so the Ward let it slide.

Then one day he renounced all ties to the guilds prominent leadership abilities, Chief K-0S was no more. I have several theories to suggest why such a drastic measure was self imposed, but I believe the most likely explanation to be that he simply didn’t want the worry anymore, he didn’t want the care the responsibility or role modeling that his position required.

He renounced his involvement and placed ArcVyse in charge, his last questionable decision. I harbored some ill favour at his decision, Arc was hardly a notable leader at the time, but I came to accept it, his skills never levelled and his combat abilities grew, but he was no longer the Chief of all I had known.

So it came to pass that ArcVyse the first, Neo chief of the Ward came into his non-elected power. He had a shaky start mind you, his leadership was lacking and his respect was nothing compared to his predecessor but when he settled into the role, he quickly found all that he was lacking and used them to exemplary effect, even I have no negativity about the eventual fate of the guild leadership.
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Chapter6 :A Night To Remember

After the smooth transition from leaders, and Undead moose’s high ranking position stripped as collateral for all he had done, The Wards reputation spread far and wide. It just so happened that another Crew, a good natured yet powerful foe got wind of our developing skills. The Techteam as they liked to be known were fierce fighters that shared almost the same geographical territory as ourselves.

Their crew consisted of its leader KingKong, its members NG7, Scrubs, gosu, mos were outstanding combatants, yet their was also Syke. Syke was a confident and arrogant person, only thinking of situations that could best benefit his own. Yet despite Syke's floors he was the most dangerous warrior we had yet seen.

As the challengers the ward chose 3 of its best fighters to ‘sus’ out the foreboding enemy. K-OS, Moose and myself were chosen for the task. We left our turf into uncharted waters following a request made by our new rivals. We arrived unscathed and unfazed, our steely resolve was evident in our abilities.

Our first encounter proved most of us to be of equal skill, until syke that was. Sykes combat prowess was remarkable, his fluid movements were testament to boasts, he really was a fighter of caliber.

After the initial annihilation, the hour was late and we had pressing buissness with the Leader of the tech team. We bid syke fairwell and departed with directions.

Something didn’t feel right, the night seemed to cling to our bodies and penetrate our skin with fear. Sykes directions proving a costly mistake for us, when followed all we found were strange creatures of little intellect hell bent on seeing us suffer under its merciless weapons. We took flight, we dashed into the darkness, already weary from the nights previous events, K-OS, Moose and I were in the thick of major trouble.
We eventually made it back to Sykes abode only to see his malevolent smirk. We then made it to KingKongs house in realative safety, thanks to sykes proper directions.

KingKong too proved a worthy yet gentle adversary, he wiped our confidence away with each mighty blow of his weapon. Utterly defeated and our prides and dignity spent we retreated home to inform our Guild of the nights events.
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chapter7: The Tournament of Hero’s
It had been decided, In order to lay any doubt to rest a grand tournament would be held to see who was the best team, either tech or the ward would come away holding their heads high. We had been training for weeks, we had organized strict regimented training schedules so that our combat abilities were the best they had ever been.

K-OS, Moose and I knew what we were in for, ArcVyse on the other hand was not, though he was extremely wary of what was to come. As the time and place were set, the ward was ready, we had trained for this, we knew we had what it took to it.

The tournament began, The ward charged in for the kill, our spirits high and our combat abilities higher. We showed skills that we didn’t know we had, though sadly this still wasn’t enough to overcome the might that was the Tech team. When it came down to it we were outclassed in every respect. We gave it our all and had nothing to show for it, except the compliments from our opposition on how we could improve, our somber mood was felt throughout the ward, we neither claimed victory or bragging rights. The tech team returned home as undisputed victors.

We thought we were the best, we needed this to show us how to get better, we weren’t going to stop, just keep going until we were the best.
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Chapter 8: An Evening of Divinity

The Ward members fresh from defeat, were looking to rebound, they trained hard and learnt more, ever improving. Moose took the defeat lightest of all, he had a philosophy that if he didn’t care, it couldn’t phase him. K-0S, much like myself, took the defeat hard, we trained until we could hardly move.

K-0S, the former leader now under the rule of Arcvyse had little power over the guild, and stayed out of much of its affairs, this didn’t phase anyone, least of all Moose who still held a grudge after he was taken down the food chain as collateral damage from the guild wars. He was always conniving and scheming, always ready to take the opportunity to exact revenge.

He bided his time mind you, he may appear and act stupid but he is in actual fact quite deceiving, this can catch you off guard if your not careful, As K-0S found out.

Late one night, his time had come, he had taken access to all the guild records, everything, combat equipment, literally moose had become a deity.

Frightening as it is looking back, I still laugh at the utter havoc moose caused, he erased K-0S from all Ward memory, stripped him of what little he had left. He was on a rampage, and should have probably been stopped.

Then something unexpected happened, K-0S from out of know where, found his foe in the midst of his mischief, the look on Moose’s face was priceless, he was absolutely floored at what had transpired, his foe out of know where appeared like a madman and put a stop to his malevolent ambitions. Ironic that he had his power for only a short while, after all of his planning.

Amazing that no matter what, your never safe.
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Chapter 9 The Reckoning
The day had come, the ward had gone their separate ways for months now, but nothing held so close like a tournament. This time, Ward members from far and wide took it upon themselves see it through, to get the job done…. To win. No easy feat judging by our current status, we hadn’t seen each other in a while… we had no idea of our skill levels anymore, and our rivals like to let us know that fact, far to often.

With a lump in his throat Tristan, a newcomer to our guild, took us to the start of the coming of what was to be our coming of age tournament. He flew by, his technical skill was astounding, he looked smooth and crisp as he delivered blow after blow on his unsuspecting and bewildered opponent. We couldn’t believe our eyes… still early in the tournament… we were winning, it was a strange and despairingly alien feeling, we had never won before, coming close is still losing. But as we all did, I too got ahead of myself.

Round after round, we stayed ahead, we were so excited, but still, the job HAD to be finished. We knew this, my turn came I was pumped. Ready for the challenge. Obviously… I was not, I was taken to the slaughter by my cunning and graceful opponent… I could feel my self respect draining, like the life and energy I had felt was sucked right out of my very existence. My stony resolve… it failed.

Not hindered by my disgrace, the ward powered on. The final battle was excruciatingly exciting, never the less, I felt the wounds like someone was rubbing hot embers into them. Then t came, a mistake from our overconfident adversaries, and the final blow, we won…. We couldn’t believe it, it didn’t feel real.

Though bitter-sweet for me, I held up strong for our crew. “I will do far better next time, I promised myself, and with that I was gone.”
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Chapter 10: The Destruction

I awoke in a sweat, an unexplained panic came over me, “what has happened?”
I looked around, there was fire in my eyes, but it was not from within… my cold eyes mirrored the atrocities that were taking place around me. The guild was burning, its foundations alight, I jumped passed burning rubble and screamed out for help, no one answered.

Where is everyone? “HELLO!!?” again, no answer, I was sickly worried, I wasn’t prepared for it.then I saw it, out of the corner of my eye, a shadow moved with blinding pace. It races through the flames like they were nothing. I got a shot of him in the light, it was Rune. Something was odd, he didn’t look right. His face was full of hate, and a vengeful smile came over his face when he exclaimed “I have taken over your friend Runes body, have fun rebuilding!” and with that he took off, gone by all accounts.

But he wasn’t my concern, I had to put out the flames. I moved as fast as my body would allow, I raced to the creek nearby to fetch water, I realised half way back I wasn’t strong enough to carry the load I had taked, then a hand reached out from nowhere “need a hand” it was Felix, “I saw the flames and I came running, lets get this thing under control. I smiled not a happy smile, but one where you could tell that if you worked as a team, you could do anything.

Hours passed, the smoke from the embers billowed in the coming of dawn, the new suns rays shone on what was once a prosperous and wonderful place. Felix looked distraught, he had almost lost resolve. I knew I needed to do something. I stood up, the wind and sun to my back “well then, lets get this thing back to normal!” Felix looked up and conceded a small smile.

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stay tuned folks I have more history to reveal, feedback is VERY welcome, comment on my writing skillz, im really happy with the progress im makeing.

thanks for the encouragement, youll be in their, just after I get past the guild wars and such, then we will see how well I can induce imagery.

Ill have a think about it, I might just do it then ask for your opinion on what you would change, I may need your help with Ideas (and memories though)

I really like to see positive feedback. your comments made me feel really good.

Yokai, you my friend should be a writer. That was some of the best reading i've had here in a long time. I'm actually looking forward to your next entry. Keep it up. wink

*claps* brillaint dude. Bloody good job. I didn't know I was held in such high esteem though...........

anyway, congrats again. If you'd entered it in the Smashboards creative minds thing it would've been sweet.

hodam thats sweet.

also made me wonder if I was posting with the consitency I do now, would I still be guild leader?

Couldn't have done a better job myself smile

Just be sure to keep it all consistent and to the point as you have done, I really don't need to criticise this, you are the most literate person in our crew besides me.

I can't wait for the next installment.

thnx, i dont know mabee. but you have to remember this is history from my point of view, though looking at it now from open eyes.

Woah. Crazy. Reminds me of my ye olde forum drama days.