Kriss Across

A Brave New World

The large demon stood menacingly just a few feet away...getting ready to charge the weary mail clad warrior. The Elven blonde had already dealt with six of the thing's brethren to get this far, though not as big as this one, and she was not going to falter until she saw this through...one way or the other. Her stance firmed as she raised her sword once more...the brilliant neon glow and soft hum filling the dark dank corridor with its magical radiance. Her athletic body ached and she wasn't sure she would be able to finish her swing but she was sure going to give it her all...the wounded celestial huddling behind her needed all she could muster. Her other hand moved to quickly push her sweat soaked blonde hair back behind her ear...even the dirt and grime didn't diminish her ethereal beauty. She felt the blood covering that side of her head before she moved her hand back onto her hilt. "I will not let you harm her anymore vile creature."

Seeming to understand what she had said the hellspawn let out a bellow and finally charged...the young paladin's crystal blue eyes narrowed as she waited for just the right point to let her strike commence. Her tired body though caused her to be too late with it and the creature slammed into her hard, sending her crashing into the wall and then through it into the chamber beyond. There was immense, all encompassing pain...and then there was nothing but darkness.

"Krissia... Krissia. Wake up, dear." whispers a gentle, melodic voice.

As the young woman opened her eyes, she quickly realized that the familiar voice was from someone she believed to be gravely injured...someone that should have been barely alive. Yet here the woman was...looking very much alive and with none of the scorch marks and bloody, vicious wounds she held as the knight mounted her final effort to protect the fallen celestial...and met defeat seemingly at the hands of a being made of pure evil. It had been another test; something confirmed by the cherubic smile on the celestial's face as she cooed, "You've passed the final test! Congratulations!" then reached out to help the warrior up.

After Krissia rose, the celestial being walked her toward a set of radiant marble doors as she explained, "You were prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to give someone else a sliver of a chance for success against a creature of pure evil. Your heart is truly noble and I am proud to guide you to the next step in your journey." The beautiful angel turned around to face the paladin and then walked forward to place a soft kiss on the valiant protector's full lips. "Accompanying you through these trials...through this journey...has been a true pleasure. I do hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me for the pain you've had to endure in these many tests...although, we have had our share of amazing times together as well. So warm and pure is your heart. I think you'll appreciate what lies on the path beyond these doors...a grand new adventure and someone to share it with. There will be many others that need a noble protector...many that need YOU. Goodbye and Godspeed, Krissia." Even if the angel had been an illusion, the kiss felt real and soothing and her smile generated a lingering feeling of warmth and comfort through the crusader's weary body as she fades away.

The warrior chewed on her lower lip as she took a moment to take in what all had been said to her...her body feeling like it had been through a serious workout but slowly refreshing itself as she stared at the twin doors.

On her left hand, the jewels of the runed gauntlet glowed softly as a soft almost seductive voice can be heard in Krissia's head "It's unusual for me to be the voice of reason but are we sure of this course? I feel we are on the edge of something...something bigger than we have ever dealt with."

The knight glances down at her armored hand. "Valis, if others need my help then I can't take my time. We'll just have to see what's in store for us as we go." Setting her shoulders she pushed open the doors and walked in...towards her destiny.

The room was grand but had seen better days. What immediately caught her eyes was the large statue of a beautiful woman in the center of the room. The battered statue had a small translucent orb perched in the palms of its hands and seemed to give off a vibe of untapped power.

Krissia looked around as she carefully made her way over to it...knowing almost instinctively that what the stone woman held was the reason she was there. The orb was the key to unlock her future...one that now seemed a lot more involved.

As she picked up the orb, it started to glow as the hum of magical energies filled the room. Fearing she had set off yet another test, the knight backed away...steeling herself for whatever was to come as she held out her armored hand...the gauntlet transforming magically into her magical blade.

In the back of the room a soft, almost inviting, glow appeared...beckoning the paladin. Krissia slowly walked toward it...finding the light was encircling a full length mirror etched in gold. She examined it for a long moment before reaching out and tentatively touching the surface. It rippled like water as her fingers came into contact with it.

Not really understanding why, the blonde just knew what the next step she had to take was. Valis transformed from the sword, back into the gauntlet, and then that became an ornate jeweled bracelet. Her right hand tightened around the small orb as she took a breath...and then stepped through the portal. Her whole body seemed to come alive as she is teleported...her vision blurring from the speed she is going.

The journey seemed endless, but then abruptly it was over, and she came out of the mirror stumbling...right into another person on the other side. Not being able to stop her momentum, Krissia lost her grip on the orb as both topple to the ground. She pulled herself up with her armored hand...giving the one under her an embarrassed smile as she realizes where her hand had landed and meekly says "Terribly sorry about that!" As she rose, she offered her hand out to the older woman...finally being able to get a good look at her and finding her a true vision to behold. "Good Day My Lady! I'm Krissia Ambrosia, Mystic Paladin and Knight Protector."

The ebony haired woman can't stop smiling as she composes herself as best she could. "Madison Angel...and the pleasure is all mine."

The young woman could feel Valis' delight "Well this new adventure is looking up already"

Krissia mentally shushed her constant companion.