The new colusseum was finally built, ready to be used by anyone who had the money and wanted some entertainment. Nothing was planned at the moment, but that didn't stop a few people from lurking outside hoping to glimpse a preview of what was to come. The day dark, clouds hiding the sun, promising rain to come. Deep shadows were thrown by the arches that were part of the arena. A light wind blew across the arena, stirring the dust and creating a scene that was far from comforting. The seemingly empty area, where someone would stand thinking they were safe. They would continue to think that up until a hidden danger made it's presence known.

This day, the danger was greater than anyone would have suspected. Death stalked within the building, and more evil had yet to come. It was a plan that Death and Famine had come up with together. They were tired of doing nothing, so a battle was arranged. The two of them versus the first two opponents to show up. A few flyers had been posted in descrete places so that there would not be a flood of foolish people looking for a good fight. The two riders together were more than a match for any mortal being that decided to come against them, they didn't want to waste their time wiping out weaklings who were looking for glory. Death's cold eyes swept across the open arena, seeming to create a chill in the air as they passed. Yes, today would finally provide a break in the lethargic attitude that had settled on them all.

Standing deep in the shadows, Death waited, watching for either Famine or a challanger, whichever came first. Death truly was looking forward to this encounter, having added to his devices in the recent days. Two daggers hung from the right side of his waist, and a sword hung on the left. The knowledge of new spells echoed around his head, and he was ready to test them to find out how to best use them in the time to come. His customary scythe, the weapon that inspired many stories, was held loosely in his right hand. It was held loosely, but anyone that tried to knock it away would find it easier to take apart the colusseum by hand. This fight would be the first chance to test the sword that he had aquired, and it had a few tricks that would make an interesting addition to the mix. Idly, he wondered what Famine had been up to recently. It had been a while since the riders had met, he hoped that Famine would have a few new tricks to surprise him with. Turning his thoughts back to the here and now, Death focused once more on the empty arena, calmly waiting the arrival of his fellow rider.

Famine, was not quite as subtle as Death. With a flash of light, a small doorway appeared in the middle of the arena, and the second rider of the apocalypse entered the Battle Stand. With a sigh, the bright portal closed behind him. The demon did not wish to be here, in human lands. In fact he despised it. The smell around him, thick with an Atani stench that almost made Famine gag. But he could not complain. He came to this place to fight, and like Death, Famine had acquired many new weapons and spells. He carried in his left hand, a demon bow, and in his right, he much loved spear. At his waist were two sheathed daggers, one he had acquired from Ita the Goddess, as many other mortals had, and the other with a blade that was extremely poisonous. And lastly, he carried a small backpack, which contents included many miscellaneous things, such as arrows and other miscellaneous. But also, a few nifty trinkets that he had stumbled upon in his travelings. A Chaos Catcher, which nagated a few nasty spells, and a Heroes Heart, which also had similar effects.

Famine stuck his spear into the ground. For the moment, he would not need it. His crimson eyes searched the area, scoping out any possible threats. But more importantly, he searched for Death, who had a knack for being hard to see... especially on a day like this. Famine's eyes shifted upwards. "Clouds..." The demon muttered under his breath. He did not like it when the sun was obscurred, he enjoyed hot weather, and for obvious reasons.

A chilling wind blew through the arena. "Death?" Famine questioned immediatley. The Battle Stand was strangley quiet, and the demon was surprised that he was the only person here. After all, the arena had just been constructed, Famine had expected atleast a dozen hardcore champions here today. But there was no one. No one of the living, atleast. With a second glance around the arena, Famine caught glimpse of the othe rider. The scythe he held was a dead give-away. The demon started making his way over to where Death stood. "Let us hope that someone shows up. I would hate to have come all the way here for nothing." Famine stated. Even though it would only take a few seconds to get back to his desert stronghold, it was more effort than he would want to waste from leave here after accomplishing nothing.


((Blegh, not my greatest post... *head asplode*))

Samarin walked through the arch ways of the colusseum. It was brand new. It had yet to be broken in. No blood had fallen on its virgin floor. It had yet to have tasted the death of an creature. Innocent or other wise. A fight was not why he was here. No he wanted to be able to walk its halls before it became tainted with death. He prided himself on being very well traveled. He had passed through the lands of arda many times over. Such a new building on lomendor could not be passed up. It seemed to be empty at any rate.

Buildings seemed more eary when empty. This one did seem to be a little stranger than it should of been. Some thing wasnt quite right. It could have been the echo's or the shear size of the building being empty. It needed people. Sounds and smells. With out them it was just a shell. Not a building.

The more he stepped through the shadows of the colusseum the more the feeling crept over him. Something else was here and it wasnt just a person wandering the halls. It was dark and it was here. He shook his hand and placed a hand firmly on his sword. It hadnt burst into flames so it would seem he was alone for now. He could be wrong but some how it was something he just couldnt see himself being wrong on.

he walked out into the main arena. He would just get across and leave. It hadnt turned out ot be as good as he had hopped anyway. Just as he walked a wind blew over the stands. It was chillling to the bone. His sword burst into golden flames. He drew it from his belt. He didnt have his armour. He did however have a chaos catcher around his neck. It could prove usefull but so far he was alone and he did not know what was out there. Then over the wind he heared a call. He took to steps back, ready to leave but then he saw who it was. Famine was here adn where Famine was, the others wernt far behind.

A new colusseum, this was a rather large thing to be added to Lómëdor. Most people seemed happy about this, sure it would be a new form of entertainment but still, the chance of more evil beings being brought to the surface was now higher than normal, alot may want to come to this place in order to test their strenght. The only reason Zenith had come to the colusseum was to see the layout of the place. Zenith was also having thoughts of one day entering a battle in this place but it would of only been for fun.

As the young angel walked through the streets of Lómëdor and grew ever closer to the colusseum he notived that his detect evil spell began to slowly take effect. The feeling of a great evil becoming stronger with each step towards the building. This was making the angel rather worried, he was not sure what this evil was or even if he would infact be able to fight against it.

Slowly Zenith walked into the colusseum and began to look around to see if anyone was actualy there. His Resplendent glimmering somewhat in the soft light that hit him. Each part of the angels armour had a rune upon from the Goddess of Life. With this rune on his armour Evil being were now not able to even touch it without being hurt by the armour itself. Under the Resplendent Cloak of the Gargoyle that Zenith wore was his Resplendent Tower that seemed to be strapped to his back. Under this might shield the hilts of two blades could be seen. These blades were Salvation and Judgement, or as they were normaly called, Holy Blade and Blade of Balance.

Now gripped tight in the right hand of Zenith Meria was his Resplendent Countering Longsword known as Redemption. These however were not the only weapons the angel had upon him as strapped to his right leg was his Shadow Dagger that he seemed to call Corruption while his left leg seemed to have a dagger made from the tooth of Ita, the Goddess of Chaos.

The angel was indead ready for battle and was not going to stand down from the evil he still felt. It was moments after this that Zenith seen the Gaurdian of Earth Samarin who was standing near two people Zenith did not want to meet just yet. Famine and Death were here, two of the Leaders of the Apocalypse Alliance Guild that the Keepers wanted to stop.

It seemed as though Zenith would be one of the first Keepers to battle the horsemen and he was not going to stand down. The angel got over to where the three powerfull being were, of course Zenith also being powerfull as well. He then said to Samarin "Gaurdian of Earth, Let me aid you in this battle against evil. You have the service of Zenith Meria at your side, I shall use my weapons and spells to help in the best I can." It was then that Zenith drew out his Holy Blade into his left hand. Now armed with Salvation and Redemption in hands Zenith was ready to battle, He just hoped that his powers would be enough to hold back the demons before him.

In a way, it was amusing that Famine hadn't been able to spot him immediately, but Death knew how the shadows could hide what would otherwise be in plain sight. For a moment, Death came as close to a smile as he ever did, he also knew how Famine didn't like clouds. "Believe it or not the darkness will help us. If you want it to be hotter, simply use a spell to turn up the heat for our foes." His voice was a quiet whisper that seemed to promise a fate beyond imagining for anyone that came to the arena. Looking over his fellow rider, he was glad to realize that he hadn't been dissappointed. Famine had a wide collection of trinkets that he had collected, many of which undoubtedly held a nasty surprise. Now the only thing they might have to be concerned with was if any of the Deities themselves took an interest in their fight.

Death didn't bother to respond to Famine's statement about someone coming. People would show up or they wouldn't, it mattered little compared to everything else that was going on. If no one came here to the arena, then the two of them would simply go out seeking those that might provide some sport. Although if they did that, the authorities in this city would feel that they would need to step in to stop the killing. That action would simply add even more sport to their trip through the city. A massacre of hundreds of people would put both of them in a good mood for a while.

It was then that Death noticed the first visitor to the arena. His cold eyes fixed on the figure as he walked over to where the two riders were standing. Interestingly, the man's eyes only looked at Famine, apparently he had missed the figure of Death standing their in the darkness. As the man came closer, Death was able to put a name to the being who had decided to face them. Samarin, the Guardian of Earth. The fact it was a guardian would make the fight even better, perhaps Samarin would provide an actual challenge. Taking his eyes from the Guardian, Death saw the second figure walk over to them. An arch-angel, and there was no mistaking the fact that the angel had seen both riders. Piercing the angel with his gaze, Death saw that it was an extremely well armed arch-angel. Covered with armor, several weapons were evident.

Well, well, well.... A guardian and an arch-angel, this fight was going to prove more interesting that Death had hoped. These two would not simply fight to win, they would fight to kill, hoping to end the evil that both riders represented. Hefting his scythe in one hand, Death stepped from the shadows, coming to stand next to Famine to face the two opponents. With a thought, the scythe dissolved into a black mist that seemed to flow into Death. Taking the hilt of his sword with his right hand, he drew it out, holding it erect before him. The sword pulsed with evil, yet a sense of longing seemed to be coming from it. Concentrating on it, he felt it directed at the sword that the angel held. With a smile, Death realized what it was. The angel's sword was the brother blade to his own, and it longed to face off against it's opposite. Well, there would be plenty of chances for the two swords to meet before Samarin and Zenith were destroyed.

Famine shrugged at Death's comment. "I suppose, if they live long enough for me to have to resort to using magic." The demon said, already boasting. He turned, as Death stood by his side, taking notice of the two new figures that stood in the arena. One of them Famine recognized immediatley from his trip to Estolad. Seething hatred burned within the demon. He had been made a fool of that day, and Famine would make sure that Samarin, the Guardian of Earth would pay for it. His eyes shifted to the other, an angel. Famine had fought many and killed many in his time, but this one seemed a little more up to the challenge.

From his peripheral vision, Famine watched as Death, for the first time, used a weapon other than his scythe. He let out a chuckle, as he raised his demon bow. He peered through the sockets of the skull that was mounted on the front of the weapon. It was quite the evil construct. The arrow, when fired, would exit through the mouth of the wicked looking skull.

Famine retrieved a barbed arrow from his pack, having no real quiver. Nocking it onto the bow string, the arrow head burst into black flames. "Well then, if anyone is going to start this off, I suppose it should be us." He said smiling. Famine pulled the bowstring back, and let go, sending the firey arrow at Samarin.


((ack, short ))

Samarin felt the bottom of his stomach fall out. No one could denie that facing any of the riders was not something you could take lightly. It was not so much fear for himself however. He would live forever. Pain and loss of his body where one thing but zenith he knew was mortal. A keeper of the deed he may be but he was not invincible. Samarin knew he would have to fight like a demon and he loathed the idea. However if it ment saving both his and zeniths skins then he would fight till every last bit of mana was drained.

He turned to zenith. "I dont know what your here for but dont try to be a hero, if anything our only goal is to get out of here alive. Anything else that happens is just a bonus." He turned back to the riders, He had broken a golden rule already. He turned away from his oponents. Who wouldnt not hesitate at the chance to kill them both. The weapon he trusted hung at his side. He did not draw it from his belt. His hand loosed its grip and moved away from the sword. Both hands where held slightly away from his sides. Bending his knees slightly he prepaired for his next move.

He watched as Famine raised his bow. If he cast anything to soon, Famine would change and fire insted for Zenith. He knew that he was more capable of defending himself than Zenith would be. As he thought Famine pulled the arrow taught. Samarin tensed. He was ready. As the arrow shot flew straight and true it blassed with and unholy flame. Samarin stepped back and raised his hands. A wall of shear rock rose up from the sand covered earth. With sand and dust pouring from it, kicking up a small pawl of smog. The arrow struck it and shattered on the rock face.

Gritting his teeth he moved from behind the five foot wall. He raised another hand and whispered something. Vines sprang up from the ground beneath death. He doubted it would do much good but distractions would be key to them winning the fight.

This would not be some easy battle to go through. Zenith knew he would have to be carefull when facing one of these Riders. All four beings here held alot of power within them and if even one was to power up to much then this new area could be destroyed quickly. This was another thing Zenith did not want to happen. Slowly the angel turned his head to face Samarin as the Gaurdian spoke to him saying "I dont know what your here for but dont try to be a hero, if anything our only goal is to get out of here alive. Anything else that happens is just a bonus." Zenith knew he would have to be carefull in this battle, or it may just cost him his life.

Thats when the Divine Protector seen Death withdraw a blade that Zenith had battled against before. It was a Dark Blade, and the only reason Zenith had faced one before is because the scythe that Zeniths brother Alba uses in combat is a reforged Dark Blade. He could feel the Holy Blade within his right hand begin to react to the blade in Deaths grip but that was not all. For he could feel the other blade upon his back also react. Feeling this, Zenith placed his Resplendent Countering Longsword back behind his sheild only to draw out in its place his own Blade of Balance known as Judgement. The reason this blade had also reacted to the dark blade was because it was the third of the brother blades. With this blade in his left hand Zenith would not be safe from some of the effects of Deaths Dark Blade.

It was only once Zenith had both his Holy Blade and Blade of Balance in his hands that he seen Famine with a strange looking bow in his hands. Before he knew it Zenith seen Famine fire an arrow from the bow only for the arrow to be coated in a dark unholy flame. He knew this would be the time to fight. Famine had picked the one he would face, which left Zenith to face of against the might Death. A true battle between three powerfull weapons were going to begin, but then again both Death and Zenith still had not shown their magical abilities to each other. When the time came they would be sure to have a few surprises for each other.

Samarin had blocked the arrow from Famine with a large block of stone, then some vines shot up from the ground behind Death. Now was the time to strike. Zenith softly said something under his breath only for his blade to glow with a deep blue color as the Bless Weapon spell took effect upon Salvation. Zenith then launched himself to the left of Death, away from the sprouting vines, and raised his right hand up slightly with the blade of Salvation pointing towards the dark demon.

Zenith then said "A chance to battle you, It will not be one I take lightly. Even if I must run from battle I shall be sure to make myself known as a being of Holiness to you Riders. I have not been trained by both Lothlómendil and Avénnian for nothing!" From under his helm Zenith had narrowed his eyes and meant every word the esacped his lips. The blue glow from the Bless Weapon spell on his Holy Blade then seemed to have a slight white glow within it before Zenith shot of a blast of Holy energy from the blade heading straight towards the form of Death.

After blasting this from his blade the winds within the colusseum began to pick up in both speed and power and Zenith quickly cast a glance to Samarin before saying "Good luck to you my friend. I hope to see you by the end of this, I do not plan of being slain upon this ground." As Zenith had been saying this he had also cast one more spell, for the time being. That spell was Encouragement, Zenith was hoping this would help Samarin fight and defend more efficiently, and with more confidence than before. If this happened then the Gaurdian would infact pose an even greater challenge. After this Zenith quickly turned back to face Death to both see if his attack had went through and to be ready to defend against the dark demon of the Alliance. This battle had just began.

The battlefield was set, and the combatents squared off. Death was secretly delighted that he would be facing off against the arch-angel. It was rare that he had the chance to kill one, and it was always a pleasure to utterly destroy a being of light that thought they stood a chance against one of the Riders. Holding his blade up with his right hand, Death's eyes followed the angel, watching his every movement. At first, a hint of curiousity filled him when the angel suddenly exchanged blades, yet the curiousity was soon fulfilled. The second blade the angel had started reacting along with the first one. There was another brother to go along with the Dark Blade. The advantage was with the angel for the moment, but that would not last long. If he needed to, Death would fall back on his scythe, the weapon that had become a part of his legend. No matter the power of the blades that this Zenith held, he would be hard pressed to stand up to all the fury of Death.

Always Death turned so that he was square with the angel, never letting Zenith get on a side. It was because of this that he spotted the vines out of the corner of his eye. A chilling look came upon him as he waited for the vines to reach him. He could destroy them where they were, but he wanted to hide as much of his magical skills as possible. The vines grabbed him, attempting to hold him in place, but it was not to be. A whispered word, a slight touch, and the vines started decomposing. The smell of rotting plants filled the air, and Death gave a slight smile. Such a wonderful gift from Pestilence. Glancing back at Zenith, Death saw the holy strike coming. Instead of leaping out of the way, Death simply swayed like a tree in the wind, moving over just enough to where the bolt missed him. It was meant to be a sign of contempt. This angel thought he could strike down a Rider with something as simple as that; it was time to disabuse him of that notion.

Rushing to the side, Death brought forth the magic of his Dark Blade. Several projectiles shot forth from the blade, speeding towards Zenith. They weren't intended to hit, but if they did then it was that much better. Rushing around again, Death intended to force Zenith to react to what he did instead of having the angel plan in advance. A simple spell whispered from his lips would help. The spell increased Death's physical attributes. It would not last for a long time, but it would force Zenith to use that much more energy in his defense. Death was going to make Zenith fight a battle of attrition, using everything he had until he had nothing left. The angel had never encountered a being as powerful as one of the Riders, and now he never would.