New Idea. Been bugging me for a while.....

Premise 

     Fantasy world inhabited by all kids of fantastical races, and a whole slew of monsters. Human's are the superior race in this society. Some human's are born with a special mark, which gives them the ability to morph into another race. These humans are given the title, Cocoons. 

Location 

    The world is called Vor. There are three major territories, The north, called Vale; the west, called Obelisk; and the east called Relic. In the north lies a magic academy. In the west lies a massive sprawling Dungeon called the Oroboro. In the east, a massive historical site called the Sun and Moon Palace. All of these locations are relevant to the story.

Races : With plenty of life to go around, here they are:

     Humans are the most common and superior race. They are leaders in politics, economics, and military power. Each one is given the rite to choose what occupation they would like to undertake when they reach the age of adulthood. They mainly inhabit the land as nobles, while some decided to settle in Obelisk as common adventurers. General Human opinion is that Cocoons are 'expensive, useless trash'. Best at adapting to any scenario. 

     Cocoons are humans that are born with a special mark. This mark sets them apart from normal mankind. Cocoons can transform into another race through the process of 'Metation'. Depending on the race, they can be celebrated like royalty or treated worse than slaves. To this day, it is unknown how Cocoons came to be. However, it is to be noted that Cocoons are more prevalent in areas with high monster and magical activity. Due to their surroundings, they are closed to outsiders and very deceitful. 

    Elves were created about the same time magic was discovered. By taking human children between the ages of two and five, scientists were able to create humans with unparalleled magical capabilities. These Elves later separated themselves from Human captivity during the Elvish War. They founded Vale and remained secluded from humans, only speaking to them to purchase Cocoons. Since the Community Council was founded, tensions have eased. The greatest mages in all of Vor. 

   Kobolds were discovered by the Elves, after accidentally loosing a Cocoon during the delicate stages of creation. It was found five days later on a cattle ranch, sporting bull horns, a tail and black spots. After study on these creatures, it was found that exposure animal DNA during the final stages of Metation can cause qualities from that animal to be present in the Cocoon's final from. Kobold's have gained their independance from both the Elvish and Human races, and have settled all across Vale. Hands down; the best trackers and guides in the world. 

    Undines are the prime example of human depravity. In an attempt to create proof of the 'mermaid', humanity sacrificed dozens of Cocoons in vain attempts. It was finally found that Cocoons adapt to their environments. Leaving a Cocoon a pool of water during the entirety of Metation forced the subject to evolve as desired. Originally an all female race, they have since disappeared into the oceans surrounding Relic and Vale after obtaining freedom. Best swimmers, obviously, but also extremely poor singers.  

   Sylves have a long history with the Elves. They started off as failed Cocoon experiments serving as assistants until their wings fully developed. Then these petite beings inhabit the skies. Taking the role of messengers or scouts, the Sylves are an intricate part of society as a whole. The fastest beings in existence.

    Halflings. Not the midget-sized tricksters like Hobbits or Goblins, these are half-Cocoon half-Monster. As a collaboration between the Elves and Humans, these Monster-Cocoon hybrids were an attempt to form a translator between the Monsters and the races of Vor. It failed. Taking refuge in Relic, they constantly assaulted any who would dare enter their lands. Only the Kobolds are brave enough to inhabit Relic now, and they are very cautious to avoid the ruins that the Halflings inhabit. Best fighters.

Magic : There are three different schools of magic. Elementary,                    Witchcraft, and Necromancy. 

    

    Elementary : Manipulation of the four Elements. Pyromancy, Aquamancy, Geomancy, and Aeromancy. Sub-schools include Offensive Mastery, Solarmancy, Lunarmancy, and Elemental Proficiency.

    Witchcraft : A combination of Alchemy and Object Sorcery. Schools include Alchemy, Divination, and Curses. Sub-Schools include Pestilence Prevention, Potions, Poisons, Fortunetelling (cards, orbs, dice, etc.), Magical Artifacts, Chanting, and Massage Therapy.  

    Necromancy : Manipulation of Life energies. Schools include Summoning, Reanimation, and Sealing. Sub-Schools include Monster Charming, Monster Sealing, Rune Crafting, Teleporting, Magical Traps, and Antronach Forging. Methods of Summonings include Card Summons, Chant Summons, Summoner Keys, and Hearts of Fire.

Governments : You can't have a Country without Rulers.

    Vale is ruled by a Human-Elvish Oligarchy. After seven years of service, eight of the members are reelected. There are nine members, with the High Elder being the deciding vote in the case of a tie. The High Elder is chosen from among the noble families. Each member comes from one of the ten or so noble houses in Vale. 

    Obelisk is a free, republican society. Very much an economical centered country, the Board of Commerce runs most of Obelisk. However, above the Board is the Adventurer's Guild. The Guild controls the ever expanding monster infested pit, called the Oroboro. The Guild puts out rules, laws, and requirements of every citizen and adventurer. Very understanding, but consistent. Punishments are fair, and very rarely is it required to remove someone from the country. Guild Masters are chosen from a list of criteria; anyone can meet these, but only guild members and adventurers can apply.

    Relic has only one rule: enter at your own risk. It is unknown what kind of governmental structure the Halflings have, but it is assumed they have formed a type of tribal structure.

Plot 

     An Oligarch from Vale becomes a Cocoon and is chased out of his country. He gets sold to a Kobold caravan and the caravan is attacked by other Cocoons like him. Now, he must meet with the Halflings in Relic to learn his fate.

Characters 

Yuri "Cuffs" McValens

      An Oligarch of Vale. He is a man of average build, with short black hair. Has hazel eyes. In combat Yuri uses swords and a mix of heavy and light armors. He prefers using his Heart of Flame summons, however, and trusts them as much as he would kin. He is energetic man, and often speaks his mind. This gets him in trouble. He is not known for thinking his actions through and is very dense. The only reason he has to go seek the Halflings is his own mark. The mark of the Cocoon is on his right shoulder, right wrist, right ankle, and left cheek.

Nel and Len

    Two of Yuri's favorite summons. The first ones he acquired, they are both Sylves. Nel has purple hair, while Len has green hair. Otherwise they are identical.

Eileen

     A Cocoon that was in the attack party that saved Yuri. She is a strong older woman. Has long blonde hair, and one blue eye. The other was lost in one of her guerrilla raids. Prefers the use of glove-type weapons to feel her opponents bones crack under her blows. Eileen only wants to see her people, the Cocoons, treated like people, not merchandise. Cocoon mark is dead center on her neck. 

Eric McValens

     Yuri's eldest. The boy has pale blonde hair like his mother, and the unique purple eyes of his grandfather. Since birth, the boy has been a magical prodigy. He has a mastery in every school and sub-school of Elementary Magic, and was even invited to attend the highly selective Elven Academy in Vale. He fakes having a Cocoon mark to travel with his father in the Kobold caravan. 

Loretta McValens

     Yuri's youngest. Loretta inherited her father's appearance. Unlike her brother, Loretta has been training to be a warrior. She only stayed in Vale due to her mother's pleading. She is a novice in potion making, and is proficient in the use of magic cards. After helping her brother board the Kobold caravan, she departed for Obelisk to challenge the Oroboro Dungeon.

Pike

    Captain of the Cocoon Guerrillas. 

Brahamut

     The dragon god of Relic. The first and most powerful of the Halflings. He is very calm and reserved for a dragon. He is trying to stop a great calamity involving all people in Vor. 

Silus the Mule

      A lazy wolf Kobold. Has long gray hair and piercing yellow eyes. He makes no effort to hide his wolf ears or his tail. A carefree 'pack-mule', he accompanies Loretta as she descends into the Oroboro. But when he must, he will bare his fangs and claws at any foe. Has faded Cocoon marks on his palms. It is nearly impossible to drug, poison, or intoxicate this man. 

Mimi

      A fox Kobold. She has medium length red hair and brown eyes. She tries to hide the fact that she is a Kobold. Constantly licks her 'paws' when nervous. Accompanied a few adventurers as a guide and tracker before she was bought by Silus to make up for his own laziness. Her timid nature hinders her from fighting, but is skilled in transformation and Pyromancy. She can transform into a fox and attack with powerful fire where the enemy least expects it. The exact opposite of Silus, she passes out at the mere smell of liquor. 

Arch Mage Yg

       Yg is a powerful Elven mage. Sporting a full head of hair and a masculine beard of white. His eyes are a pale shade of orange, almost the same as his skin. This man trained in the use of a bow-staff, as well as being proficient in every available form of magic. He is searching for the answers to the disappearance of the Undine. Yg has sent messages to the Cocoon Guerrillas concerning their movements. Has a weakness to sweets.

Mage Ronald

       Yg's student. Desires the position of Arch Mage to the point of committing murder.

Mage Harrison

      Yg's student. Next in line to the position of Arch Mage.

Chapter 7 - End of an Era

     Ivan and Tyrell were having a rough time keeping up with their assailant. Pain and Agony were on a totally different level from the two Aeons. Tyrell was babying a wound on his right leg. Thankfully, Pain was more of a slow, deliberate fighter. Tyrell was able to get away from each attack in time. The man's strength was inhuman; blocking his attacks was impossible. Pain's magic had failed, so his claw had disappeared. Tyrell took note of this and used his own magic sparingly. 
     Ivan was faring a bit better. With Pompeii at full heat now, Agony could not approach without injury. Smoke billowed off of the man's steel from his failed attempts at a direct attack. Ivan and Agony were now locked in a long range magic duel. Each one waited until the other was distracted to launch an attack. They were looking for a chance to counter.Agony absorbed Ivan's magic in his claw.  For every blow Agony launched, Ivan deflected it with his sword. A stalemate was reached before long. Now, each simply watched the other with angry looks.
    Calvin was doing much better than the others. His foe, Doom, seemed only interested in a swift, felling blow. At every opportunity, Doom would trust his claw forward at Calvin's core. Twice, the Siren had managed to grab the Aeon's chest piece of shirt. Twice, Calvin had narrowly escaped. Calvin was trained to be a durable soldier, but his stamina was at his limit. Behemoth was too heavy for this kind of extended battle, and Calvin was feeling week from inhaling the smoke from the burning tower. He found himself longing for a Siren's mask in between dodges. 
     The three Siren's and three Aeon's lined up on opposite sides. "Commander, I can't...keep up...with him...any longer."
      "Neither...can I...Calvin...But we...we have to keep fighting."
      "What about...your leg, Tyrell?"
      "It's...fine."
      "Ivan, I need help with Doom. I can't...keep up with him any longer."
      "But what about Agony? I can't let him run free." A rush of wind tore through the flaming keep. Alec landed behind the three Aeons, surrounded by a magical barrier. "Need some help, father?" Alec did some warm up exercises and drew his katana. "Indeed. Tyrell, you can still fight, yes?"
     "Aye."
     "Alec, take Pain. Calvin and I will tag team Doom. Tyrell, take your time with Agony." The four men split off between the three Sirens. "They've made their move. Siren's, attack!"
     Pain lumbered up to Alec. The man was huge. Compared to him, Calvin was a child. At least nine foot tall and over six hundred pounds of muscle. His custom armor seemed to cling to his body as he swung his club. And his 'club' was nothing more than an oak tree he decided to rip out of the ground, roots and all. "Puny boy...me crush you like twig." Alec jumped back as the man slammed the tree down. "You much faster than other Aeon." Pain seemed to be struggling with something internally. Alec drew his katana and pointed at the man. 
    "Loc origin. Blade length, two-point-seven-five feet of sharpened steel. Hilt length, one-point-two-five feet. Designed for short range engagements and assassinations. Correcting tactics as needed." Alec lowered his blade as Pain tore off a branch from the tree. It was about the same length as Alec's weapon. The man took a seamless katana pose, perfectly suited for fighting Alec. The streamlined pose allowed him to move with terrifying speed and pinpoint accuracy. At the point-blank, The man simply used his massive bulk to push Alec around like a rag doll. 
     Alec took a moment to collect his thoughts. How can I beat him? He knows katana stances and even forms. I can't... Tyrell's words resounded in his mind. Well, I've got to try something else. I won't just stand here and die. Alec lowered his blade and took a deep breath. Then in one moment, he tossed aside every lesson any teacher had taught him. Letting out a terrifying scream, Alec rushed at the huge man. The Siren was too focused on katana forms that he was unable to react until the Aeon had landed three deep cuts that rent his armor in his barbaric attack. Alec delivered a jumping round-house kick. Pain had recovered now, and managed to catch the blow. Alec was then tossed twenty feet back to where the other Aeons lined up.
     Tyrell was already lying there when Alec stopped sliding. "Gah! I don't think...I'll...be able...to move, Tyrell." Tyrell sighed. "Neither will I. He got me with a paralysis spell. I don't know where he went after that."
     "Don't worry, Tyrell. I'm here." Agony and Pain were standing over the two Aeons. "Pain, get him. I'll grab the new kid." They stood up the wounded Aeons and pointed them towards the battlefield where Ivan and Calvin were still fighting Doom. "Watch. Watch, as all hope fades." Doom had no problem keeping up with the enraged Calvin and the sword of Ivan. Pompeii grazed mere inches from his exposed arm without so much as a flinch. Doom launched a straight jab at Ivan. Ivan parried the blow with Pompeii. Doom flinched from the pain this time. The same grimly sly smile crossed both Alec and Ivan's face. Almost simultaneously, they uttered the same phrase. "Check."
     Calvin jumped back and lowered his sword to the ground. Ivan pivoted and performed a powerful side kick to the Siren's chest. Doom landed flat on his back. Calvin jumped into the air and thrust his blade at the downed enemy. Agony and Pain chuckled as well. "Now, it's checkmate." Calvin slowly rose to a stand. Ivan snapped Pompeii at his side, diffusing the flames. But then Doom also rose to a stand. Calvin turned. 
     His eyes were glazed over, giving a hollow suggestion that something once lived inside the shell of a man. A large spear made of dark magic protruded out of his stomach. "CALVIN!" Tyrell shook off the spell and rushed towards the battle. Alec managed to break free as well and followed him. Calvin's shell lifted Behemoth and swung. The blow sent the two Aeons flying again. Calvin's voice came out raspy and devoid of any shred of humanity. "Behold...the true power of the Sirens." The three Sirens spoke powerful chants in unison as Calvin warded off Ivan's attempts to interrupt. When they finished, the magic disappeared from Calvin's body.
     "Ivan...run..." Calvin's eyes and voice had regained their old forms. "Ivan...I can't...control...my...body!" The Aeon let his blade drag on the ground as he menacingly approached his old comrade and friend. "Calvin...Calvin, stop this! You can fight it!" Calvin swung Behemoth. It was a slow and weak swing. Calvin froze and his form shuddered as the blade came to the ground with a thud. As He looked up at Ivan, his right eye became illuminated with a vile red glow. Calvin held out his right arm and it became coated in a blanket of dark magic. The black shades mixed with the night, but was still visible by the ominous light of his eye. "I'm sorry, Ivan. But I can't resist anymore." 
     The exhausted soldier raised Pompeii against Calvin, but the wear from the last two battles was too much on the man. Calvin, given new and demonic strength, launched out and trust a five-fingered talon into the Aeon Commander's chest. Ivan fell with nothing more than a whimper and a thud. No grand farewell, no last words. Just a sickening thud to tell the world he had expired. Alec just watched in terror. Tyrell let out a curse and tried to stand. The possessed Calvin looked at them. "No witnesses. Kill them."
     What happened next can only be described as 'fairy-tale'. When the last of the Aeons were about to be killed, a group of mysterious and unknown characters jumped from the sidelines. A wild man from the Isle of Ken and a Siren stood between the attackers and the Aeons. The Northerner grabbed a discarded rock and formed a two handed battleaxe out of pearl using dust and magic. The Siren drew a sharpened scimitar and coated his free arm in the deadly blanket of magic. "Come on, Guile's lackeys. Feeling up for a challenge?"
     "I ain't got a clue what you did 'ere. But I sure as heaven ain't lettin' you get outta 'ere alive!" The four men contemplated challenging the newcomers. "Very well. We shall leave you. Congratulations, Alec. You live another day." With that last remark, Calvin cast Blink and disappeared with the rest of the Sirens. The Aeons' saviors lowered their weapons and turned to the wounded. "Alec, they said? Can you move." The boy could only move. "Gotta be traumatic, watchin' yer dad die in fronta ya like that."
     "Pardon my ungratefulness, but who are you?" Tyrell had his hand on a dagger and the Siren watched him. "I am Peterson of the Den. Y'all can just call me 'Pete', though." The Siren took off his mask and revealed his face. "My name is Kelvin. I am a church hunter sent to find and apprehend Peterson."
    "I'm Tyrell, and this is Alec. We are...were, Aeons. The one with the big sword was Calvin. And..." Tyrell choked up and just pointed to where Ivan lay. "Ivan..." The two men nodded as the old Aeon's wept. "It is of no use to stay here." Tyrell wiped his eyes and agreed. He continued the along the Siren's thought. "With the Siren's possessing such Calvin, we need to inform the Emperor. The Loyalists don't stand a chance."
    "We will take you there as soon as you recover, Tyrell."
    "Yea...But I want to stop somewhere first."
    "As you command. I shall make arrangements. What would they be?" 
    "I'm going to leave Alec with his mother. He is in no condition to continue." Alec didn't have the energy or the capacity to argue with the statement. The Northerner broke the silence. "Mmm'kay...so, what now?"
     "We stop the Sirens. We have to now. It's partially our problem they got so strong."
     "I admire your courage. Peterson and I will head to the front lines tomorrow. You are more than willing to join if you like." Tyrell stood and looked out at the moon. It was starting to dip, signaling the few hours of light was approaching. "'At the turning of the age...'" Tyrell sighed, "Suppose I should be used to it by now." He turned to his companions, new and old. 

"Come then, we have a war to win!"

To be Continued...

Chapter 6 part 2 - Writhing in Flames

     "Come on! The Sirens are attacking!" Gii'rohn was ushering the Aeons to safety. A shrill cry rang out as the lead in the escape group was cut down by another Siren. This siren had trails of fresh blood dripping from their mask making trails like tears. "I am Siren Sorrow. I'll be sure to shed a tear at your burial." Soon after, twelve Aeons met their end. Gii'rohn steadied himself and drew his sword with great difficulty. Sorrow looked at him. 
     "C-c-come o-o-on A-A-A-Aeons. W-w-we can...win this!" Sorrow laughed. That voice...Sorrow must be a woman... Gii'rohn leveled his sword and took a deep breath. He calmed down and focused his magic. Saying an old chant enabled him to use magic until his focus ran dry. In total, only seven Aeons were standing that could fight. Sorrow laughed again and held out her hand. "BARRIERS!" Gii'rohn shouted and drove his gladius into the earth. A swathe of fire washed over the field and connected with the tower that served as the Aeon Head Quarters. The entire Area was awash with flames when Gii'rohn lowered his barrier. Three small lights dimmed on the face of his focus. Three ticks!? What kind of hellish power is this?
     "Hmm, a Do'Sen dark mage? How delicious." Gii'rohn fell to one knee, exhausted and sick. None of the other recruits had been ready for such a powerful magical attack. Sorrow approached. Gii'rohn rose to a stand and swung his sword wildly. One blow managed to open a small wound on her shoulder. A deep voice sounded behind Gii'rohn. "You hurt her...unforgivable." He turned just in time to see a Siren's claw descend on his face.

*****

      Alec was sprinting through the Aeon's tower when the flames began to devour building. Alec found the door closest to the training fields. The smoke was thick and burned at his lungs. With a lunge and some difficulty, he smashed down the door to witness two Siren's standing over Gii'rohn. The recruit was bleeding badly and his focus was badly damaged. "Get away from him!" Alec drew his tempered katana. The blade was designed in Loc, and made for Daylanians. This straight, sharpened blade was capable of shredding through even the most hardened steel. Not even the masks of the two sirens before him could withstand a single swing. 
      "I'll kill you!" The taller one laughed. His mask had a bright red stain on it. Just a splatter of what looked like blood. He roared in laughter before looking straight at Alec. "You should put the blade away, son." The building behind Alec crumbled as it was consumed by the flames. As Alec cringed, the smaller Siren cast blink to appear next to him, dagger to his throat. "Shall I kill him, brother?" 
     "Not quite yet, Sorrow." The tall Siren stepped over Gii'rohn and stood before Alec's face. "My name is Siren Guile. But you may call me Gobehyz. I would not worry about the Do'sen there. I believe your father needs the help right about now." As the Siren's slowly faded, Guile called out, "Seek me in Atlantis. I await you with bated breath." They finished using blink, and Alec was left alone in the flames.
     He panicked and ran towards Gii'rohn. "Hey, hey!" Gii'rohn had three long scratches along his chest. A faint amount of black smoke rolled off the wounds. He was still alive, but in bad shape."Come on, wake up!" Alec shook him until he coughed up blood. The Do'Sen jolted awake and clutched his chest.
     "Q'Rohda, Alec; you could wake the dead." Gii'rohn slowly sat up and watched as another large section of the tower fell. "Alec, that Guile character said something about Commander Ivan. You should see what is going on."
     "How would I get there? Go around the flames?"
     "No, through them." Alec paused and looked concerned for a moment. "Go, I'll use a barrier spell. Trust me, it can withstand the fires." Hesitation flashed along Alec's face for a short time. The flames crackled and flared. Finally, he took one last breath and sprinted off into the blaze. Focusing his magic into the soles of his feet, lept headlong into the raging inferno.

"Hold on, Dad. I'm coming."