Post by Azriel on Oct 24, 2008 0:37:48 GMT
Mission avenue was now cast as a shadow within shadows under a raven's wing, five streetlamps flickering weakly against the unmerciful gale. A foreign entity danced between the chameleon shadows, melding with the midnight gloom as he sauntered the length of the street.
Azriel stealthily infiltrated the perimeter of the silent city, snowflakes waltzing in graceful spirals to the cobblestone streets. A few stray sky crystals attacked Azriel’s silky strands, painting the sable hue into an onyx colour. His gait was languid, his leather boots hitting the pavement with a hollow clack. Azriel’s carmine irises were cast to the street, examining the snow. The man only had to walk an extra meter before he discovered his sign.
Wolf tracks.
Individual paw prints were a mere fraction of the extensive trail, each mark engraved into the snow like a linoleum print. Azriel inclined his gaze, calculating the canine footprints carefully. The trail lured his vision in the sombre depths of the forest. Azriel slothfully leaned against the cold metal of the streetlamp, the flickering shadows creating harsh contrasts within his pallid face. He inhaled a sharp breath, forcefully exhaling a crisp whistle. The ghostly sound echoed within the street, the high pitched whistle lingering in the winter air like a frosty phantom.
The sound of crunching snow alerted Azriel of the wolf’s presence. Glimpsing from the corner of his eyes, Azriel witnessed a vague silhouette etched against the gloom of the wilderness. The beast slowly breached the shadowy barrier, revealing its true form; a common Gray Wolf. The canine possessed a silvery sheen in its fur, with raven tufts along its back. It greeted Azriel with the utmost respect, shyly lowering its belly to the snow. Azriel knelt to his summon, gently placing a firm palm on the wolf’s skull. Azriel softly closed his eyes, extracting the wolf’s memories. Once the telepathic message was complete, Azriel swiftly staggered into a sprint. He entered the forest without hesitation, calling his wolf to follow post haste. The canine galloped after its Master obediently, eager to serve.
Azriel darted into a pristine clearing, the snow possessing a brilliant purity as the surface lay untouched. He remained eerily still, not daring to stir a single particle of noise. The wolf summon pranced three meters ahead of Azriel, its velvety ears swivelling attentively. A sallow, browned leaf broke from its branch, waltzing in a lazy spiral towards Azriel’s cloaked shoulder. Tranquility seized the valley by its throat, silencing all creatures. The overshadowing calm unnerved Azriel; it was far too peaceful.
In an instant that neither wolf nor Azriel could detect, an iron scythe was curled around Azriel’s exposed neck in a graceful, sweeping arc. The razor edge grazed his Adam’s apple gingerly, icy electric shivers raking its cruel fingers over his bare flesh. Azriel stiffened at the sensation; this was no ordinary weapon. It was laced with a potent magic, infused with hundreds of ominous spells.
Witnessing his Master’s plight, the wolf bravely charged the mysterious attacker, muscles poised and taut with loyal vigor. A set of ivory fangs sank greedily into a bony wrist, the rough texture of the tongue scraping the skin hungrily. Azriel experienced a glorious release from his aching throat, gingerly soothing the burnt flesh. The battle raging to his left developed into a flurry of guttural snarls and anguished cries. Azriel directed his focus to his wolf summon, who had an unyielding bite on the stranger’s wrist.
Blood trickled in crimson ribbons down the man’s forearm, soaking the cuff of his royal blue robes. ‘Robes?’ Azriel thought seethingly, leering at his opponent in a dawning recognition: the malicious scythe belonged to a Dark Wizard of unsurpassable calibre, judging by the robe colour. Royal blue, though second to White, depicted a very powerful sorcerer. This Dark Wizard could essentially resurrect a dormant volcano and elicit the blazing magma from the stomach of the earth.
The Dark Wizard poised his left hand, hooked like the talons of an eagle. Wisps of smoke eddied within his palm, developing into a concentrated mass of energy. The Dark Wizard fiercely slammed the brilliant orb into the wolf’s skull, the creature howling an agonizing yelp. Azriel restrained his blinding rage as his beloved wolf was idly strewn across the snow, its blood pooling around its broken body. Azriel leered venomously at the Dark Wizard, a wave of recollection crashing over his memory like a tsunami.
“Neros…” Azriel exhaled an animalistic growl, sounding very similar to his deceased wolf summon. The infamous Dark Wizard languidly regarded his rival, who appeared as nothing more than a spiteful human.
“I am on business; I do not have time to play with children,” he hissed arrogantly. Azriel was deeply offended by Neros’ aloof disregard, clenching his jaw in ire. Azriel desired to demonstrate to this ignorant conjurer how dangerous he could get.
Azriel swiftly fished out a small dagger, the blade only three inches in length. Neros chuckled a deep, lion-hearted laugh.
“Do you honestly expect to defeat me with such a toy?” He crowed.
“It’s not for you…” Azriel retorted cattishly, bringing the razor’s edge to the back of his trembling hand. In one swift manoeuvre, Azriel drug the blade across his skin, drawing a crevasse of blood. Azriel ignored the stinging pain that accompanied the wound, dabbing his index and middle fingertips into the scarlet ooze. Azriel raised his bloody fingers to the right side of his jaw where a column of illegible text was scrawled in an ink tattoo, nine characters intricately etched into the pale skin. Azriel glimpsed to Neros with an arrogant gaze, smearing his blood across the tattoo. The crimson liquid coated every character, masking its meaning behind a streak of red.
Azriel brought his hands together, creating a unique hand formation and closing his scarlet eyes, hiding the fire brewing within. Azriel’s silence intrigued the Dark Wizard, capturing his undivided attention. Neros vaguely recognized the glowing seal that had drawn itself in the wintry atmosphere, suspended in the chilled air. A reverse pentacle was encased in a double circle, the interior decorated with ancient Phoenician, which translated to, ’Black Dog Summon’. Thrilled at the aspect of a challenge, Neros upheld a defensive stance with his scythe at the ready.
The center of the seal vanished into oblivion, a black portal consuming the glowing edges of the circle. Electricity sparked from the abyss, the fabric of the cosmos active within. Neros simpered as brilliant amber eyes connected with his own cerulean ones.
Azriel suddenly aimed his bloodied fingers at Nero, one carmine iris glaring at his silhouette intently.
“KILL NEROS.” Azriel’s thunderous command chimed within the oak trees, sending a small flock of larks into the overcast sky. The eyes flashed dangerously, their brilliance unnerving the Dark Wizard. A single black paw emerged from the portal, its claws digging into the icy earth with ease. Azriel grinned wildly as the Black Dog was born into this realm, its massive onyx shoulders resting high above Neros’ crown. The Black Dog pulled its black jaws into a deranged grin, exposing a row of overlapping teeth that was similar to a drawer of ivory cutlery.
The Black Dog used its extreme agility and lunged at the Dark Wizard hungrily. Neros retaliated the advance by conjuring an energy shield, the massive beast ramming its solid shoulder into the invisible barrier. Neros was sent several feet backwards, the Dark Wizard barely equalizing his balance. The Dark Wizard violently pierced the earth with his sceptre, a greenish glow streaming through the snow. Gargantuan ice shards were uprooted from the tundra, shooting at the Black Dog like a crystalline arrow.
Azriel grimaced as the shard pierced through the Black Dog’s ribcage, its obsidian blood collapsing onto the snow in a black mass. Despite the extensive damage inflicted, the Black Dog growled in response, turning its muscular neck and clamping its wide jaw onto the ice. It flexed its jaw once, snapping the ice into millions of crystal splinters. Neros allowed a playful smirk to grace his slightly aged features.
“Impressive. I have never encountered a human who could evoke a Hell Summon,” Neros crossed his arms proudly, “it is a rare craft.” A brazen smile was painted on the Dark Wizard’s lips.
“Regardless of your trade, I have noticed your weakness; your Summoning ability is highly underdeveloped. Two minutes have enveloped this battle and you are already fatigued. Dare I say, the outcome of this battle has already been predestined.”
“Two minutes is all it takes to kill a Dark Wizard,” Azriel barked, wearily raising his blood-encrusted fingers. He aimed his vision on Neros once again, his scarlet eyes brimming with renewed vigour.
“Swarm and immobilize!” His roar shook the earth, an adjacent oak losing its frosty décor. Neros leered at the imminent danger lurking in his shadow, his heightened senses recognizing thousands of scurrying appendages. The Dark Wizard glimpsed to the earth below, watching in horror as thousands of centipedes crawled from the soil. Each disgusting insect slithered across his royal blue robes, gathering into a massive swarm. Neros grit his molars together, attempting to lift his scythe but to no avail; the centipedes had claimed his magical weapon with their saffron legs. The Dark Wizard was stunned into a silent reverie, his eyes possessing immense shock. ’I…I can’t move…’ he thought feverishly.
Azriel’s fatigue was evident, his ashen complexion matching the surrounding winter atmosphere. His breathing was laboured, each lungful of air as painful as the next. Azriel would not allow himself to annex his victory to a Dark Wizard, it was as blasphemous as committing suicide. Azriel braced his weakened arm, drawing in shallow breaths. It was time to conclude this epic battle.
Before Azriel could issue a command, The Black Dog acted on its own accord, growing immensely impatient with its Master. It relinquished a ghostly howl, charging down the immobilized Dark Wizard. Neros’ azure eyes widened in terror, his tears reflecting the eager fangs of Hell’s pet. The Black Dog violently clamped onto the Dark Wizard’s torso, its canines piercing the sternum. Neros screamed in pure agony, tortured by the beast’s relentless gnawing. Azriel tiredly swaggered to Neros’ bloodied body, watching with voluptuous delight as the Black Dog suckled the fresh blood.
“This ‘business‘ of yours is over.” Azriel stated brusquely. Neros merely smiled, gagging on a lump of coagulated blood. It spilled over his chapped lips, plummeting to the snow.
“As long as Man possesses hatred in his heart, my ’business’ will never die.” Azriel curled his lips into a sneer, creating a simple hand formation. The battlefield was shrouded in a veil of peace, the breeze softly whistling through the dormant forest. Azriel bided his time, attempting to extract information from his opponent. The wolves would arrive within one minute; he had to act with haste.
“Your infamy is monstrous. The aftermath of your horrendous and meaningless destruction is unforgivable. Why do you prey on humans?” Azriel inquired seriously.
“Why? Because they are weak,” Neros spat at the last term, emphasizing his dislike, “I will never understand why the gods cherish Man. They have betrayed the deities time and again; they have committed countless sins - they are pathetic creatures.”
Azriel fiercely slapped Neros across the face, smearing the blood over his cheekbone.
“You and your ‘business’ can go to Hell!” he shouted angrily. Neros simpered at the reaction, relishing Azriel’s fiery ire. His smug grin was wiped clean when he saw five silhouettes lumbering towards his battered and bruised body.
The wolves slunk under the pearl moonlight, their teeth bared greedily as they eyed Neros. The Dark Wizard could have sworn that one of them smirked. Deeply perturbed at his imminent death, Neros wrenched his scythe fiercely, shoving the blade against the Black Dog’s jaw. An explosive burst of orange flame reverberated against the beast’s maw, the Black Dog releasing the Dark Wizard with a pained roar. Neros aimed his weapon at Azriel and performed a fire spell. Not anticipating the retaliation, Azriel was struck in the sternum severely. The wolves viciously attacked Neros, yanking the Dark Wizard to the stained snow. Amongst the powerful thrashing, Neros summoned all the strength he possessed, raising his scythe towards the heavens.
“Goethama Deveth!”
Azriel was shrouded in a brilliant white veil, the entire clearing vanishing before his eyes.
Black. That was the only shade that Azriel was able to decipher. The colour consumed his mentality completely and blinded his senses. This disconcerting sensation quickly receded, being replaced by the intense rush of wind behind his back. Azriel was forcefully freed from the void, his body idly plummeting through the blizzard. Time cruelly blurred the next ten seconds into an illegible mess.
Azriel suddenly smashed into a solid layer of river ice, indigo water engulfing his flesh with stinging hot chills. The drastic temperature caused Azriel to cry out, bubbles spewing from his teeth. The river current was strong, clawing at the Summoner with all its strength. Azriel fiercely punched the ice, snatching the ledge selfishly.
Azriel gathered his remaining physical strength, hauling his pathetic carcass over the edge of the river. He clawed at the snow bank feverishly, slithering to the shore. Time eased into a comfortable tempo, gently introducing Azriel to his new environment. Azriel was too frozen and injured to give a damn where he was - his only passion lay in the slaughter of Neros. That seemed ages away now.
The Summoner lay pathetically on his side, coughing up water from his throat. The murky liquid morphed into a thick ooze, careening over his lips and dribbling off his chin. Azriel grimaced at the coppery taste, spitting the vile substance out. It latched on his tongue, despite his best efforts. Darkness gnawed at the edges of his vision, luring Azriel to fall unconscious. The Summoner gradually obeyed, his eyes lazily glimpsing to the heavens. The last thing Azriel saw was the bold outline of a teleportation seal fading into nothingness.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Author's Notes: This is a finished prologue to an incomplete story I outlined. My character 'Azriel' is actually a recycled character I created one year ago.
Originally, Azriel was a demigod; the offspring of Fujin (風神), the Shinto god of wind. He also had an older brother, named Mercury. Azriel was older in this fictional piece, being of an undetermined age that reflected 24 years old. He could fully control his powers, including the Undead Dragon. He was physically strong, and resistant to weapons unlike the current Azriel. Azriel's tattoos were originally on his face, where he would smear the blood on a different set of tattoos that looked Asian instead of Phoenician. They also had a hidden meaning that was translated as 'Death Bringer'. Azriel's personality was quite the opposite; he was aggressive and liked to fight.
I may continue with this story, although I highly doubt it at this time.
Azriel stealthily infiltrated the perimeter of the silent city, snowflakes waltzing in graceful spirals to the cobblestone streets. A few stray sky crystals attacked Azriel’s silky strands, painting the sable hue into an onyx colour. His gait was languid, his leather boots hitting the pavement with a hollow clack. Azriel’s carmine irises were cast to the street, examining the snow. The man only had to walk an extra meter before he discovered his sign.
Wolf tracks.
Individual paw prints were a mere fraction of the extensive trail, each mark engraved into the snow like a linoleum print. Azriel inclined his gaze, calculating the canine footprints carefully. The trail lured his vision in the sombre depths of the forest. Azriel slothfully leaned against the cold metal of the streetlamp, the flickering shadows creating harsh contrasts within his pallid face. He inhaled a sharp breath, forcefully exhaling a crisp whistle. The ghostly sound echoed within the street, the high pitched whistle lingering in the winter air like a frosty phantom.
The sound of crunching snow alerted Azriel of the wolf’s presence. Glimpsing from the corner of his eyes, Azriel witnessed a vague silhouette etched against the gloom of the wilderness. The beast slowly breached the shadowy barrier, revealing its true form; a common Gray Wolf. The canine possessed a silvery sheen in its fur, with raven tufts along its back. It greeted Azriel with the utmost respect, shyly lowering its belly to the snow. Azriel knelt to his summon, gently placing a firm palm on the wolf’s skull. Azriel softly closed his eyes, extracting the wolf’s memories. Once the telepathic message was complete, Azriel swiftly staggered into a sprint. He entered the forest without hesitation, calling his wolf to follow post haste. The canine galloped after its Master obediently, eager to serve.
Azriel darted into a pristine clearing, the snow possessing a brilliant purity as the surface lay untouched. He remained eerily still, not daring to stir a single particle of noise. The wolf summon pranced three meters ahead of Azriel, its velvety ears swivelling attentively. A sallow, browned leaf broke from its branch, waltzing in a lazy spiral towards Azriel’s cloaked shoulder. Tranquility seized the valley by its throat, silencing all creatures. The overshadowing calm unnerved Azriel; it was far too peaceful.
In an instant that neither wolf nor Azriel could detect, an iron scythe was curled around Azriel’s exposed neck in a graceful, sweeping arc. The razor edge grazed his Adam’s apple gingerly, icy electric shivers raking its cruel fingers over his bare flesh. Azriel stiffened at the sensation; this was no ordinary weapon. It was laced with a potent magic, infused with hundreds of ominous spells.
Witnessing his Master’s plight, the wolf bravely charged the mysterious attacker, muscles poised and taut with loyal vigor. A set of ivory fangs sank greedily into a bony wrist, the rough texture of the tongue scraping the skin hungrily. Azriel experienced a glorious release from his aching throat, gingerly soothing the burnt flesh. The battle raging to his left developed into a flurry of guttural snarls and anguished cries. Azriel directed his focus to his wolf summon, who had an unyielding bite on the stranger’s wrist.
Blood trickled in crimson ribbons down the man’s forearm, soaking the cuff of his royal blue robes. ‘Robes?’ Azriel thought seethingly, leering at his opponent in a dawning recognition: the malicious scythe belonged to a Dark Wizard of unsurpassable calibre, judging by the robe colour. Royal blue, though second to White, depicted a very powerful sorcerer. This Dark Wizard could essentially resurrect a dormant volcano and elicit the blazing magma from the stomach of the earth.
The Dark Wizard poised his left hand, hooked like the talons of an eagle. Wisps of smoke eddied within his palm, developing into a concentrated mass of energy. The Dark Wizard fiercely slammed the brilliant orb into the wolf’s skull, the creature howling an agonizing yelp. Azriel restrained his blinding rage as his beloved wolf was idly strewn across the snow, its blood pooling around its broken body. Azriel leered venomously at the Dark Wizard, a wave of recollection crashing over his memory like a tsunami.
“Neros…” Azriel exhaled an animalistic growl, sounding very similar to his deceased wolf summon. The infamous Dark Wizard languidly regarded his rival, who appeared as nothing more than a spiteful human.
“I am on business; I do not have time to play with children,” he hissed arrogantly. Azriel was deeply offended by Neros’ aloof disregard, clenching his jaw in ire. Azriel desired to demonstrate to this ignorant conjurer how dangerous he could get.
Azriel swiftly fished out a small dagger, the blade only three inches in length. Neros chuckled a deep, lion-hearted laugh.
“Do you honestly expect to defeat me with such a toy?” He crowed.
“It’s not for you…” Azriel retorted cattishly, bringing the razor’s edge to the back of his trembling hand. In one swift manoeuvre, Azriel drug the blade across his skin, drawing a crevasse of blood. Azriel ignored the stinging pain that accompanied the wound, dabbing his index and middle fingertips into the scarlet ooze. Azriel raised his bloody fingers to the right side of his jaw where a column of illegible text was scrawled in an ink tattoo, nine characters intricately etched into the pale skin. Azriel glimpsed to Neros with an arrogant gaze, smearing his blood across the tattoo. The crimson liquid coated every character, masking its meaning behind a streak of red.
Azriel brought his hands together, creating a unique hand formation and closing his scarlet eyes, hiding the fire brewing within. Azriel’s silence intrigued the Dark Wizard, capturing his undivided attention. Neros vaguely recognized the glowing seal that had drawn itself in the wintry atmosphere, suspended in the chilled air. A reverse pentacle was encased in a double circle, the interior decorated with ancient Phoenician, which translated to, ’Black Dog Summon’. Thrilled at the aspect of a challenge, Neros upheld a defensive stance with his scythe at the ready.
The center of the seal vanished into oblivion, a black portal consuming the glowing edges of the circle. Electricity sparked from the abyss, the fabric of the cosmos active within. Neros simpered as brilliant amber eyes connected with his own cerulean ones.
Azriel suddenly aimed his bloodied fingers at Nero, one carmine iris glaring at his silhouette intently.
“KILL NEROS.” Azriel’s thunderous command chimed within the oak trees, sending a small flock of larks into the overcast sky. The eyes flashed dangerously, their brilliance unnerving the Dark Wizard. A single black paw emerged from the portal, its claws digging into the icy earth with ease. Azriel grinned wildly as the Black Dog was born into this realm, its massive onyx shoulders resting high above Neros’ crown. The Black Dog pulled its black jaws into a deranged grin, exposing a row of overlapping teeth that was similar to a drawer of ivory cutlery.
The Black Dog used its extreme agility and lunged at the Dark Wizard hungrily. Neros retaliated the advance by conjuring an energy shield, the massive beast ramming its solid shoulder into the invisible barrier. Neros was sent several feet backwards, the Dark Wizard barely equalizing his balance. The Dark Wizard violently pierced the earth with his sceptre, a greenish glow streaming through the snow. Gargantuan ice shards were uprooted from the tundra, shooting at the Black Dog like a crystalline arrow.
Azriel grimaced as the shard pierced through the Black Dog’s ribcage, its obsidian blood collapsing onto the snow in a black mass. Despite the extensive damage inflicted, the Black Dog growled in response, turning its muscular neck and clamping its wide jaw onto the ice. It flexed its jaw once, snapping the ice into millions of crystal splinters. Neros allowed a playful smirk to grace his slightly aged features.
“Impressive. I have never encountered a human who could evoke a Hell Summon,” Neros crossed his arms proudly, “it is a rare craft.” A brazen smile was painted on the Dark Wizard’s lips.
“Regardless of your trade, I have noticed your weakness; your Summoning ability is highly underdeveloped. Two minutes have enveloped this battle and you are already fatigued. Dare I say, the outcome of this battle has already been predestined.”
“Two minutes is all it takes to kill a Dark Wizard,” Azriel barked, wearily raising his blood-encrusted fingers. He aimed his vision on Neros once again, his scarlet eyes brimming with renewed vigour.
“Swarm and immobilize!” His roar shook the earth, an adjacent oak losing its frosty décor. Neros leered at the imminent danger lurking in his shadow, his heightened senses recognizing thousands of scurrying appendages. The Dark Wizard glimpsed to the earth below, watching in horror as thousands of centipedes crawled from the soil. Each disgusting insect slithered across his royal blue robes, gathering into a massive swarm. Neros grit his molars together, attempting to lift his scythe but to no avail; the centipedes had claimed his magical weapon with their saffron legs. The Dark Wizard was stunned into a silent reverie, his eyes possessing immense shock. ’I…I can’t move…’ he thought feverishly.
Azriel’s fatigue was evident, his ashen complexion matching the surrounding winter atmosphere. His breathing was laboured, each lungful of air as painful as the next. Azriel would not allow himself to annex his victory to a Dark Wizard, it was as blasphemous as committing suicide. Azriel braced his weakened arm, drawing in shallow breaths. It was time to conclude this epic battle.
Before Azriel could issue a command, The Black Dog acted on its own accord, growing immensely impatient with its Master. It relinquished a ghostly howl, charging down the immobilized Dark Wizard. Neros’ azure eyes widened in terror, his tears reflecting the eager fangs of Hell’s pet. The Black Dog violently clamped onto the Dark Wizard’s torso, its canines piercing the sternum. Neros screamed in pure agony, tortured by the beast’s relentless gnawing. Azriel tiredly swaggered to Neros’ bloodied body, watching with voluptuous delight as the Black Dog suckled the fresh blood.
“This ‘business‘ of yours is over.” Azriel stated brusquely. Neros merely smiled, gagging on a lump of coagulated blood. It spilled over his chapped lips, plummeting to the snow.
“As long as Man possesses hatred in his heart, my ’business’ will never die.” Azriel curled his lips into a sneer, creating a simple hand formation. The battlefield was shrouded in a veil of peace, the breeze softly whistling through the dormant forest. Azriel bided his time, attempting to extract information from his opponent. The wolves would arrive within one minute; he had to act with haste.
“Your infamy is monstrous. The aftermath of your horrendous and meaningless destruction is unforgivable. Why do you prey on humans?” Azriel inquired seriously.
“Why? Because they are weak,” Neros spat at the last term, emphasizing his dislike, “I will never understand why the gods cherish Man. They have betrayed the deities time and again; they have committed countless sins - they are pathetic creatures.”
Azriel fiercely slapped Neros across the face, smearing the blood over his cheekbone.
“You and your ‘business’ can go to Hell!” he shouted angrily. Neros simpered at the reaction, relishing Azriel’s fiery ire. His smug grin was wiped clean when he saw five silhouettes lumbering towards his battered and bruised body.
The wolves slunk under the pearl moonlight, their teeth bared greedily as they eyed Neros. The Dark Wizard could have sworn that one of them smirked. Deeply perturbed at his imminent death, Neros wrenched his scythe fiercely, shoving the blade against the Black Dog’s jaw. An explosive burst of orange flame reverberated against the beast’s maw, the Black Dog releasing the Dark Wizard with a pained roar. Neros aimed his weapon at Azriel and performed a fire spell. Not anticipating the retaliation, Azriel was struck in the sternum severely. The wolves viciously attacked Neros, yanking the Dark Wizard to the stained snow. Amongst the powerful thrashing, Neros summoned all the strength he possessed, raising his scythe towards the heavens.
“Goethama Deveth!”
Azriel was shrouded in a brilliant white veil, the entire clearing vanishing before his eyes.
Black. That was the only shade that Azriel was able to decipher. The colour consumed his mentality completely and blinded his senses. This disconcerting sensation quickly receded, being replaced by the intense rush of wind behind his back. Azriel was forcefully freed from the void, his body idly plummeting through the blizzard. Time cruelly blurred the next ten seconds into an illegible mess.
Azriel suddenly smashed into a solid layer of river ice, indigo water engulfing his flesh with stinging hot chills. The drastic temperature caused Azriel to cry out, bubbles spewing from his teeth. The river current was strong, clawing at the Summoner with all its strength. Azriel fiercely punched the ice, snatching the ledge selfishly.
Azriel gathered his remaining physical strength, hauling his pathetic carcass over the edge of the river. He clawed at the snow bank feverishly, slithering to the shore. Time eased into a comfortable tempo, gently introducing Azriel to his new environment. Azriel was too frozen and injured to give a damn where he was - his only passion lay in the slaughter of Neros. That seemed ages away now.
The Summoner lay pathetically on his side, coughing up water from his throat. The murky liquid morphed into a thick ooze, careening over his lips and dribbling off his chin. Azriel grimaced at the coppery taste, spitting the vile substance out. It latched on his tongue, despite his best efforts. Darkness gnawed at the edges of his vision, luring Azriel to fall unconscious. The Summoner gradually obeyed, his eyes lazily glimpsing to the heavens. The last thing Azriel saw was the bold outline of a teleportation seal fading into nothingness.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Author's Notes: This is a finished prologue to an incomplete story I outlined. My character 'Azriel' is actually a recycled character I created one year ago.
Originally, Azriel was a demigod; the offspring of Fujin (風神), the Shinto god of wind. He also had an older brother, named Mercury. Azriel was older in this fictional piece, being of an undetermined age that reflected 24 years old. He could fully control his powers, including the Undead Dragon. He was physically strong, and resistant to weapons unlike the current Azriel. Azriel's tattoos were originally on his face, where he would smear the blood on a different set of tattoos that looked Asian instead of Phoenician. They also had a hidden meaning that was translated as 'Death Bringer'. Azriel's personality was quite the opposite; he was aggressive and liked to fight.
I may continue with this story, although I highly doubt it at this time.