The Gauntlet: Busti Versus...the Final Battle

[Mongoosey]

PART 1 - The Hall of the Elders
The shadow warrior pushed upon the great iron bound oaken doors, and they swung open easily to reveal a large hall. 12 stone columns supported a high vaulted ceiling. The hall was lit, but he was unsure by what means.

Casting his weary gaze around, the warrior Busti, noted the austere decor. Nothing fancy here, except for the vast array of weapons hung on the walls, or wooden frames. Towards the far end of the hall were 6 thrones, the seats of power for the Elders of the Juggernauts.

The hall was occupied. A crowd or warriors stood on either side of the hall creating a central isle to the 6 thrones. To the left, the faces of the warriors were young, eager even. These were the acolytes of the Juggernauts, shadow warriors in training, the "Xtended". One or two he recognised, the brutish Minato, the wolf-like Salivanth. Warriors he must surely face in the future....assuming he survived the Challenge.

To the right were men all known to him. One of these might be his final test....but who?
The Orc, his cruel eyes burning with hatred? Maybe.
The Mongoose, who even standing still looked quick and deadly? Perhaps.
Airact, the lethal manipulator of the elements....possibly.
All deadly opponents for sure, but worthy of the final test?

Having despatched 3 Elders and 2 Captains of the Juggernauts already, Busti was in a position to do what no previous Warrior of the Shadow had done.....defeat The Gauntlet. His Captain Wtzky the Destroyer had come close, and now it was his turn.

Busti cast his mind back to the carnage of the duels, all flame, swords, and death. The first to fall was Chanson the Bronze, then Nahar the horse warrior. Samuel the Brave was next, and the talented youth FF in quick succession. Finally, another Elder, Barca the Wizard fell in the shadow zone. Did any of those opponents survive? It was always hard to tell when duelling in the grey.

He was snapped out of his reverie by a voice, familiar, friendly even "Approach, honoured warrior". The voice came from a man clad in mail armour, and a red cloak. He had appeared from behind the thrones, and now sat down on the first. It was Nahar. He had indeed survived the duel. His face did not betray the pain he must surely be feeling…but there was something else there in his eyes…respect.

He was not alone, from his right strode a giant of a man, clad in black armour that shimmered and crackled with energy. The famed Juggernaut Armour. By Aeons balls, he was imposing…whoever he was.

"So....who am I to face horse warrior? Who cares to duel with me in the shadow plains?" said Busti with a confidence he didn't feel. As he spoke his mind whirled with the options available to him. 20 Mantles of Power to choose from. The obvious choice was Mage, but which one? Or Warrior? Rogue perhaps? No....wait and see who my opponent is before choosing.

"That would be the wise thing to do" the giant said with a voice like grating glass.
What the....can he read minds too?
"Stop wasting time Juggernaut....I'm not here to play games"

"Oh really, I thought this was all one...big...game” said Nahar, a wry smile on his face. “Then to action Lord Busti, and choose your Mantle wisely, and your allies more wisely still...for you shall face....the Juggernaut, and the warrior within.

Busti looked his giant opponent over. By Aeons blood, this is going to be messy.

There was a still in the hall, as in a tongue long forgotten, the Juggernaut and the challenger Busti, spoke words of magic. To both, the halls faded away, but could be seen as if through a mist. Busti could see his opponent’s form changing...his body stretching and contorting in impossible ways...and knew his own form was doing the same.

His Mantle of Power chosen, one thought went through Busti’s mind as he transformed, By Aeon, I hope he doesn't choose…

[Mongoosey]

PART 2 – The Rogue’s View

In the Hall of the Elders, there was a palpable energy. Excitement. Expectation. Fear. Mongoosey felt it too. He cast his gaze about. His peers, fellow warriors, mages, rogues, healers in ‘real life’, were all capable Shadow Warriors. Those special individuals that were able to manipulate the magics, and transfer to the Shadow Plains.

Once there in the Grey, they could assume the Mantles of Power….a strange name, for taking on the powers and form of fallen heroes of battle. Mongoosey’s mentor, the Elder Bluejet, had once likened it to “wearing a Ghost”. Whatever it truly was, it was awesome.

Only 20 Mantles were known throughout the realm…but all of the Great Houses searched for more. Being powerful in the Grey, meant power and influence in the real-world. Once transformed by the magics, the Shadow warrior’s power and abilities increased 10 fold.

As a new member to the House of Juggernaut, Mongoosey had never seen a combatant wear the Juggernaut armour in the Grey…would it provide greater power? Only the Elders truly knew that. What was known was that no-one had ever defeated the wearer of the Juggernaut armour in Shadow combat.

Busti though was good…very good…hence the fear in the hall. If he was to do the impossible, the reputation of the House would fall. Although, if he could defeat and hopefully kill an Elder, there might be a seat for me at the top table he mused. Glancing to the thrones, his eyes fell on Nahar, who sat there still. He had survived, as did Chanson and Barca. Elders were tough to kill…a real shame. The Captains Samuel and FF weren’t so lucky.

A duel between two masters was beautiful to behold. In many ways it resembled a dance. Both combatants would move with a fluid grace, their footwork quick and nimble, their arms and hands swirling, twirling and contorting with the intricate movements required to set the foundations for the summoning’s.

Mongoosey was startled out of his reverie, when a big meaty hand clamped down on his shoulder.

“Has it started yet Goosey?” said the recently promoted Blades-man Monomax.

Looking back to the duel, the two combatants’ forms had fully changed. Oh it’s started alright thought Mongoosey, the real question is how do I benefit from the outcome?

[Mongoosey]

Part 3 - Duel in the Grey

His Mantle of Power chosen, one thought went through Busti’s mind as he transformed, By Aeon, I hope he doesn't choose Millstalker!

No…its Zhanna, he’s chosen Zhanna the Priest! I have a chance. Looking across at his opponent, one might have thought it odd that the metal giant was now a petite, robe-wearing female, but Busti had long since got used to the transformations. Besides, he thought, once they start lobbing fireballs at you, what they look like is a moot point!

He too had adopted female form, that of the Ice Mage Eldawen. Her body was dressed in a pale blue dress, but it was the green sheen of the magical shield that gave him some comfort. It conformed to his body, like an extra layer of skin. His opponent also had a similar shield, though it was red in hue. Once enough physical or magical damage was done, the shield would disappear signaling the loss of the first match. Damage would still hurt, but not half as bad as when the shield was gone.

Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that

Busti had recovered first from the transformation and the initiative was his. Weaving the correct patterns in the air, and by the speaking the words of power, a red-haired warrior blinked into existence, and immediately charged the Priest form of the Juggernaut.

A second warrior followed, the Puen. His presence menacing, but due to the summoning sickness that effected the majority of the Summoned, the Puen remained still and silent. A third warrior joined the fray, another red-haired warrior, the Kris. I’ve got this

All three now assaulted the Juggernaut-Priest, landing minor blows to the red shield.

The Juggernauts response was slow but methodical. First a red force emanated from around the Priest. The curse was powerful and all of Busti’s allies felt weaker. Their movements slowed, and the Kris allies were literally rendered immovable.

Busti summoned a fourth ally, a strange clawed creature, the Oracle, but the Priests next move was devastating as water bubbled out of the mouths of all four allies. The Tidal Wave spell wasn’t quite what one expected, but as all allies dropped to the ground, effectively drowned, it was potent indeed.

The warriors in the hall watched as both combatants summoned more warriors and creatures, including, a beautiful warrior maiden whose very presence was mesmerizing, and an Armoured Sandworm whose thick hide made him hard to kill.

Fireballs, Cones of frost, bolts of holy energy, and healing spells were all cast. One could almost smell the energy. All the while, the combatants moved, never still. At last though, the Juggernaut’s allies prevailed, striking hard and fast, Busti went down, and his green shield dissipated.

A cheer went up in the hall.

Mongoosey kept quiet, this ain’t over yet. He watched closely. Busti’s face had changed. Gone was the doubt….replaced by rage, pure rage.

That was as good as it got for the Juggernaut. Fueled by his rage, Busti took the second match, and it was the turn of the Juggernaut to fall…losing his red shield.

The Juggernaut never really recovered from that loss. Busti was in total control in the final match. Baduruu’s balls, he’s good

In the Grey, Busti unleashed a fireball at the hapless Juggernaut. This is it, he thought.
Juggernaut-Zhanna fell to her knees.

And now, time to feel the pain.

Weaving an intricate pattern in the air, and speaking his final words of power, Busti called forth, a globe of white power. It fired out towards the Juggernaut, and when it reached the mid-point, it pulsed in a wave of heat, that encompassed all allies and dualists alike.


Part 4. The Juggernaut revealed

There was a hush in the hall. Mongoosey watched as the final blow was delivered to the Juggernaut. He had fought bravely, but Busti was a machine. Unstoppable. Relentless.

The haze, through which the spectators had watched, began to dissolve, and the combatants began to revert back to true form. Till moments later, they were back amongst the throng in the Hall of the Elders.

The Juggernaut lay still. The armour was intact, but it still smouldered from the Nova. Busti stood. Different emotions played across his face...disbelief, relief, fatigue, triumph, pain.

“Heal him” commanded Nahar, indicating Busti.

Heal him? Surely a blade in the ribs would be a better strategy in the long run, thought Mongoosey

“And save our Brother”

Four of the Xtended moved forward, one towards Busti, and three towards the Juggernaut, and all muttering incantations. All of the Shadow warriors in the room knew some healing magic, but these were specialists.

I ought to learn their names thought Mongoosey.

As he watched, he noted the glow that seemed to envelope Busti. The warriors face seemed to relax, but his eyes never left the healer, until he was done. He acknowledged the aid with a barely perceptible nod of the head.

His attention turned to the Juggernaut, whose still form was now aglow with the healing magic. Two of the healers continued their magical ministrations, but the third readied to remove the helmet.

Who could it be? It can't be that lunatic Rayzie. He's leading the Northern army against the savage hordes of the KA.
Can't be SilverClaw, he's crushing the druidic ASF who were rebelling in the Greymoon Forest.

BlueJet, Ace...must be one of them. They've been away for ages, doing Aeon knows what. Some say they are searching for new Mantles and Summoning’s. With a bit of luck they've fallen into Squires Rift.

With a slight twist and lift, the healer removed the Helm, to reveal the face of a young man.

Baduruu's balls, its...Barca! Last time I saw him he could barely stand. How, in Aeons name, did he muster for this battle, and how does he appear so large?
The Juggernaut amour! Damn, that's pure power right there. With that in my possession, I would be unstoppable.

The healer checked Barca’s neck for a pulse, and nodded. He lives. Shame.

Nahar declared, "Busti fought with courage and skill. He will forever be honoured here. Escort him back to his camp, beyond the Castle walls. His people will treat him further. And take with you the chest of Shadow Crystals. He has earned them”

He certainly did. 10 thousand of them! I wonder if I can arrange an unfortunate accident on the way home? Glancing at Monomax, that big ox might help.

Busti now spoke, “I know our Houses are sworn enemies, but it has been my honour to accept the challenge. I salute your House. Till we meet again”, and with that, he was gone.

Well said. Now…

…what becomes of the Gauntlet?

THE END.

[Atomzed]

Go go go busti!

[Black Arondight]

Nice narrative. For some reason I think about the scenes in Infinity Blade when reading through.

[Zhou86]

Gogo busti!!!

[busti]

Haha awesome.
That's very exciting!

[Mongoosey]

Haha awesome.
That's very exciting!

I'm glad you like it dude.

[Pandevmonium]

Give us match dates in advance, it's better than an epic movie

[Mongoosey]

Give us match dates in advance, it's better than an epic movie

We'll try to comply with that. Nahar and the Juggernaut making final preparations now