Ebony and Ivory Part 1 (Story)

quadraptor's picture
Official Themesong


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Ebony and Ivory


~Chapter 1: Arrival~



A meteor drifted through space for what seemed to be an eternity. Within the protection of the stone was a lifeform, an alien known as a Goxi. His body was pure white and flowed like liquid, he could shape into any animal he wished. But there was much more to him than these simple facts.

He was a virus, an infection. His species lived on a planet countless miles away called Venterm, and they had the thriving desire to study all the living creatures of the universe, and ultimately create harmony and balance throughout the cosmos. But there were some of this species that realized their bodies' potential. They could infect other creatures, control their minds, even kill them. Those who lived this destructive lifestyle were exiled from the planet, for there was no room for the violent or the wicked on Venterm. The Goxi had cast out one such member of their society before.

Her name was Iugulare.

The creature within this meteor was another wicked soul, but the Goxi elders trusted him to carry out a mission for them in exchange for freedom from persecution. They sent him to the planet where Iugulare had landed, and instructed him to observe Iugulare, to find out what she has been doing in exile, and if necessary, to kill her.

This creature had a long time to think about these orders from the so-called 'elders'. He knew what Iugulare was doing, as cruel minds think alike. He knew she was creating an army to invade Venterm, and to capture the planet for her own.

He would not allow her plans to be achieved, for a very simple reason...

He was going to be the one who made Venterm surrender, he was going to kill Iugulare and take over the planet for his infectious army.

Cruel minds think alike...it would be a quick and easy victory for him.

Of course...he had no idea what he was really up against...





The meteor made contact with Earth's outer atmosphere. It ignited in a ball of flame and heat. The infection within was protected from these dangers, as exposure would have killed him. The fireball lit up the starry sky of the Northwest Territories of Canada, landing in a plain of ice. The fiery cosmic rock soon cooled, making the ice sizzle and turn to vapor. When it was cool enough, the Goxi broke through the protective capsule, a blob of white infection that slithered across the snow quietly, seeming camouflaged in the surroundings.

Close by, a snowy owl had witnessed the meteorite's landing, his eyes not seeing the movement below the tree. The strike was quick and silent, and as the owl cried out in pain and terror, his eyes and mind drifted into an eternal slumber.

It was here that Noctuis, the Goxi, took over his body. He tested out the new form, stretching out white wings and making a test flight. When he seemed comfortable with the snowy owl's body, he spoke to himself, "The clock is ticking, Iugulare. I will enjoy ending your life.", and with a loud cackle, the infectious owl flew from the tree, beginning his search for the stoat...





~Chapter 2: Premonition~



The blackbuck's eyes were closed, his breath steady. He sat alone in the birch forest, reflecting, meditating, trying to remember...

There was a dream he had. He could envision it very vividly. Before him were a white dragon and a black tiger, the two were tearing each other apart. He stood at a distance, unsure who they were or why they were fighting. He wanted to break the fight apart, but he did not know who was right and who was wrong in the fight.

So he watched them continue to bite and gnaw at each other, until both lay dead.

"Is this a bad time, darling?", a voice interrupted his thoughts. He opened his eyes to find Nekumbra close by, though keeping her distance. She was very wary of Quad for obvious reasons, since he was Iugulare's enemy.

"No, I'm not busy. What do you need?", Quad replied, unsure of the spider-doe's motives for speaking with him. He had no quarrel with her personally but was still on guard since she worked for his rival.

"It's Iugulare...I'm concerned about her...", Nekumbra spoke hesitantly. "She's been acting very strange lately. Watching the sky quite a bit, saying things to herself...I wasn't sure if...", she began to say, but Quad nodded. "You weren't sure if I had anything to do with it?"

Nekumbra slowly nodded, "It's nothing personal, dearie. I just...well she seems to be so anxious lately. I didn't know what to do or who to even ask about this...", she shifted slightly, standing on her spider legs here. It was very apparent to Quad that she was nervous.

The blackbuck stood, "Take me to her. I'll speak with her, and see what is going on. I know she and I don't get along...but we've had truces before.", Quad spoke and approached.





"Thank you, Quad. This way...", the spider-doe spoke, and turning, she led him through the Forest. Quad had an odd feeling about this, but he trusted Nekumbra enough that she wasn't leading him into a trap.

~~~


"No no no! Not like this! Not now!", the stoat cried out, her eyes staring at the darkness within the Old Oak. In anger she scratched the wood inside the Oak, grunting and pacing around the inside.

"...Iugulare?", Nekumbra spoke from the outside of the Oak.

"What, Nekumbra? This isn't a good time!", the stoat barked.

"...umm...Quad's here, deary...", the spider-doe spoke nervously.

The stoat stopped, as if things weren't bad already. "What does he want?", Iugulare questioned.

Quad stepped into the Oak, his eyes meeting Iugulare's for a moment, "Only to help. Only to talk."

The stoat growled, frustrated, but turning her head away, she looked back at the wooden interior of the Oak. "This. Here. This is the problem.", she spoke, a paw pointing at the place where she had just scratched.

Quad walked over and looked to where she was pointing. He stared at it for a moment, then slowly tilted his head. "...there's a problem with wood?"

"No it's not the wood! Look at the lines! The message within!", Iugulare snapped.

Quad shook his head, "Ah I'm sorry, Iugulare...I don't know much about that kind of stuff..."

The stoat grimaced, but then relaxed. "The message says that one of my species is coming here. Another infection like me.", she said, more calmly.

The blackbuck tilted his head again, "...And that's a bad thing for you? They're not friendly?", he asked.

Iugulare shook her head, "They're coming to kill me. I have no allies on my home world.", she said.

Quad was silent here. He sat, and in thought, he started to feel sorry for Iugulare. Her only friends were Anirapio and Nekumbra, and even so, they only followed her out of fear. What a life she must have...

"Listen, Quad...I need to ask you a favor.", Iugulare then spoke to him.

"Sure...what can I do for you?", Quad asked.

The stoat approached him, and rubbing his side, she left a small amount of the black infection on him. Quad's immediate reaction was concern, as he didn't know if Iugulare was playing some kind of trick on him. "Don't worry, I won't let it hurt you. I just need you to keep a little of my infection in case anything happens to me.", she said.

The blackbuck relaxed, "Okay...I trust you..."

At this time, Anirapio had arrived at the Oak, and looking in, she was startled to see Quad there. "It's okay, Ani. We have a truce right now.", Iugulare assured her friend.

Nodding, the dragon spoke telepathically, "Very well...if you need Nek or me, just call.", and walking off, Anirapio found a patch of flowers outside to sit.

There was an awkward moment of silence here. Then Iugulare spoke again, "I need to ask you for one more thing..."

Quad nodded without speaking. The stoat approached him, and rested on his side. "Do you mind...just sitting with me for a while?", she asked.

Quad smiled, though nervously, "Sure...sure...", he replied.

The two bitter enemies then started to talk, about themselves, about their loves, fears, hopes, dreams...this carried on for so long that Quad did not realize he had drifted to sleep. He awoke and found Iugulare asleep next to him, her body pressed up against his. Anirapio and Nekumbra had come in as well, both asleep close by in the Oak. He smiled just slightly, and closing his eyes, he went to sleep.

She seemed pretty shaken over this...I guess it is okay to trust her...What's the worst that could happen...?, he thought.





~Chapter 3: Tragedy~



Early morning Quad awoke, and yawning, he remembered he had slept in the Old Oak. He looked around, and realized he was alone. Iugulare, Anirapio, and Nekumbra had left a long time ago. He saw the small amount of infection was still on his side, an unusual feeling as it was not burning his skin like the infection has before.

Yawning and stretching, he stepped out of the Old Oak, and immediately caught a whiff of something odd in the air. It smelled much like Iugulare, but...different...colder...

"Oh no...", Quad said to himself, and immediately ran in the direction of the scent.

~~~


The owl had already arrived in the Endless Forest. Noctuis stood on a nameless stag, who struggled and cried out. "Where are you, Iugulare! Show yourself!", he roared, the voice booming throughout the Forest. The only other sounds close by were the nameless' calls for help.

"So, they sent you...", the voice spoke in the early morning shadows of a tree. Iugulare emerged, and studied her new foe - the infection on his body was white and glistening compared to her dark grey. The color of the infection was a clue as to where they lived on Venterm, and had various properties.

"Ah...there you are...I thought I would have to search this entire miserable planet for you, but you'd rather reveal yourself to your executioner?", Noctuis replied, stepping off of the nameless, his piercing yellow eyes locked on the stoat.

"The elders must have been desperate to send a fellow killer. I'm quite surprised. It doesn't matter, you wasted your time coming here.", Iugulare's words were quick, as she was poised to pounce onto the owl.

Noctuis laughed. "Those old fools...they have no idea what danger they are in...after you squirm in my stomach, I will carry out your plans myself, and I will be the one to make the elders fall!", he announced.

Iugulare growled and bounded in the air toward him. The owl was ready, and flew backwards, his talons gripping her. Goxi could fight one another much easier than animals on Earth, they were able to scratch and bite their own kind as if they were wearing skin. The two infectious creatures fought wildly, their bodies seeming to intertwine as they maneuvered to land blows.

Quad arrived at this point, finding Nekumbra and Anirapio close by but hidden to where they could watch. "Quad, over here. She wants to fight him alone.", Anirapio said. The blackbuck nodded and stood by her, watching as well.

The fight lasted for several grueling moments, both striking and damaging their opponent's body. Infection splattered on the ground and fizzled away from the morning sunlight. Iugulare knew she was in trouble, her body wasn't as well protected from the Sun as the white infection of Noctuis. She let down her guard just for a moment to jump into the shade, and Noctuis took the opportunity to catch her by the throat.

The stoat scratched at him, trying to breathe, but he only tightened his grip. The sunlight was becoming increasingly strong, and Iugulare's body fizzled and burned. She howled in agony, and quickly lost strength.

"Too easy.", Noctuis spoke, and tossed her in the air. The stoat floated in the air, trying to find anything to grab onto, but to her misfortune she fell into the owl's open mouth. He swallowed her whole, and stood still as the infection within him began to eat away at Iugulare's damaged body.

She struggled, but weakened and in terrible pain, she let out one last cry, her body began to fade. Grey infection was being ripped away and dissolved into the white infection of the owl's body.





Within moments, her vitality was gone. The stoat ceased moving in her last moments as the infection devoured the last of her.

Nearby, Nekumbra motioned to Quad. "Run, Quad! Get away from here! You have to protect the infection on your body!", she whispered in terror.

The blackbuck nodded, and quickly, he fled the scene. While running, he wondered if saving Iugulare was a good idea. He had very little information about this other Goxi, and knew so much about Iugulare now that he could not even consider betraying her.

He hid in the Old Oak, in the shadows, and watched the grey infection on his side. But he wasn't sure what to do to bring her back.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw something scurry toward him. The blackbuck turned to see what appeared to be Iugulare at first. But in the dimness of the Old Oak, he noticed that this stoat had fur rather than a slimy infectious body.

"Hello sir. My name is Mustela. I am here on behalf of Iugulare.", the stoat spoke to him.

Quad slowly nodded, "Hello Mustela. I was not really informed as to what to do in the event that Iugulare was killed...", he began.

The stoat shook her head, "No need to panic. I was instructed by my master. I am to be her sacrifice.", Mustela replied.

The blackbuck tilted his head, "Sacrifice? You mean...?", he began, but before he could finish the sentence, the stoat had approached him, found the black infection on his side, and proceeded to bite him where it was located. Quad immediately yelped, he was not expecting the bite. The stoat backed off once all the infection had latched onto her, and smiling at him, her body began to convulse, she fell over and gasped in shock. The infection was quick to overtake her, and when she stopped moving, her eyes closed for a moment, only to open with a smoky white appearance.

Iugulare sat up, unexpectedly. She looked around for a moment, as if she had been dreaming and forgot where she was. "Did...did I...?", she began to ask Quad. The blackbuck nodded, "You fought against that infectious white owl...and he ate you...", he replied.

"Then we have no choice. I cannot defeat him alone. It will take an army...", the stoat spoke, her eyes closing. It was as if she did not want things to turn out this way, but she then opened her eyes and looked to Quad again.

"I need your help...and the help of many others, if we're going to survive this. If we can't defeat him...", she sighed, "All lives...your kind, my species, and all others in this universe, will suffer for generations."

The blackbuck closed his eyes and thought for a moment. He considered every option, and when he understood the justification of defending Iugulare in this situation, he opened his eyes and nodded. "I am at your disposal."

~~~


Anirapio and Nekumbra were still in danger, as Noctuis was close by and could detect them if they moved.

"Listen carefully, Nekumbra.", Anirapio spoke to the spider doe through telepathy, "I'll distract him while you escape. He cannot outfly me. Find Quad and Iugulare, and if I do not make it back, you do everything they tell you to."

Nekumbra nodded silently. Without warning, the dragon burst from the hiding spot and flew to the sky. Noctuis had a visual of her immediately and took off after her. Nekumbra hastily fled, her spider legs carried her quickly and silently.

Anirapio saw Noctuis out of the corner of her eye. She maneuvered through the sky, almost appearing as a green blur. The infectious owl opened his mouth, and let out a screech that was so powerful it deafened Anirapio's ears for a second, causing her to slow down and whip her head to shake the pain in her ears.

Plenty of time for the owl to catch up, colliding with her. The two plummeted and crashed into the trees before landing on the ground in the Blue Bowl. Anirapio struggled, but it was too late to escape, the infection had spread on her body. She rested in the blue flowers, falling into a deep sleep, the virus quickly entering her bloodstream as her belly pouch accidentally absorbed some of it.

The dragon awoke and stood, no longer in control of her own body, but had become a servant to the infectious owl. She turned to him and spoke, "What are your orders, master?"

Noctuis, pleased, replied, "Come, we have work to do.", and flapping his wings, he ascended into the air. The dragon followed, ready to serve her captor.


~Chapter 4: Recruitment~



Gathering at the Ruins, around the broken pillar, were the Endless Forest deer. They listened as someone who struck fear in their hearts spoke to them. It was a strange feeling to them, hearing her give the speech, asking for their help.

Standing by her side was Quad, and on the other side was Nekumbra, who dangled from the old bricks above them. Iugulare's eyes looked out upon the deer, those who she has hunted, tortured, and despised for so long. She spoke these words them:





"I know we have had our differences in the past. I know I have caused problems for you. But please listen to me here. I want to help, because this involves all of our survival. A creature just like me, a Goxi, from my home world, has come here to kill me. You may have seen him, he looked like a white owl. He is strong, he is cunning, he is deceptive. He wants to kill your fawns, your weak, your old. He only wants to harvest the strong of your kind and take them to destroy the universe.

Hear my plea, deer of this Endless Forest! Help me defeat this threat, join my army, fight this enemy, and I promise to make up for the wrongs I have done to you over these years."


She jumped down and stood among them, the deer towering over the small stoat. She looked up to them, each one in their eyes.

"Please, help me. I cannot do this alone."

~~~


A crowd was growing in the Birch Forest. The deer were gathering around someone new, who seemed to be giving a speech. One by one, curious onlookers approached the newcomer, who did something to them, and the deer would wander off alone.

Blixt was among those who had just arrived to the scene, and started listening to the new one. He was a strange white owl, and Blixt began to notice their body was unusually familiar.

The owl continued to speak to them all, "There is an alternative to pain and suffering. The others offer paradise in exchange for your flesh and blood. They offer you peace in exchange for your body. But I am different. I am kind. All I ask is for a kiss on the forehead, and you shall find your beautiful dreams without the pain they give. Come, who else would like to join? Your friends have gone to their sanctuary, would you like to visit yours?"





The first ones to approach were mostly nameless who did not know any better. Now a fawn approached, and looked up to the owl. Noctuis whispered something in her ear, and then kissed her on the forehead. Blixt noticed something was left - a stain or a strange mark that resembled the owl's body. The fawn didn't say a word, but walked off on her own, into the distance where the others had gone.

"Your little one has accepted her paradise. Who else would like to find theirs? It is as simple as a kiss.", Noctuis spoke to the crowd.

He was compelled to approach, despite knowing that this wasn't right and that he had seen something like this before. But Blixt's mind could not remember who Iugulare was, and unable to control himself, he stepped out from the crowd and stood before the white owl.

Noctuis bent down and spoke to him, "Hello sir, what paradise do you seek?"

Blixt could not find the words he wanted, but he replied, hesitantly, "I want our Forest to be safe..."

The owl smiled here and nuzzled the side of his face. Blixt cringed as something rubbed onto him, it was here when he realized that this owl was an infection. But by then, it was too late, the white virus had already been left on his face. He stared up at the owl in horror upon realizing this.

"Your Forest will be very, very safe with me.", Noctuis said to him, and immediately kissed him on the forehead. More white infection left, Blixt's body reacted differently than a moment ago, and he quickly ran away. He just wanted to get away from the owl, and to find the Twin Gods or his brother to let someone know that there was danger in the Forest.

He slowed as something horrifying came into view. He saw several deer, even a few fawns, laying on the ground. Their bodies were covered in the white infection, and they weren't moving.

At this moment, the infection on Blixt's face had broken through the skin, and attacked his brain. He cried out, trying to control himself, but everything became blurry and he was hallucinating. The stag collapsed and curled up, his muscles locking up and his head in tremendous pain as the infection took him. The whiteness began to cover his body like the others, and he let out one more painful cry before he fell into a deep sleep.


Click here for part two!
MickKreiger's picture

Title influenced by Devil May

Title influenced by Devil May Cry?

and I'm rather interested to see what happens.
--Mick--
quadraptor's picture

Actually it was just a simple

Actually it was just a simple "Black and White" parallel, as in Iugulare vs Noctuis, but I know about Dante's guns being called Ebony and Ivory as well.

I wrote a little more tonight

*TRACKS* Well once you are

*TRACKS*

Well once you are accepting characters for the event, I can throw in a few Eye
quadraptor's picture

The next segment is up +

The next segment is up + sleepy enemies Eye

By the way, aren't sleepy blackbucks adorable? X3

Oh yes indeedy 8D

Oh yes indeedy 8D
quadraptor's picture

I wanted to mention that last

I wanted to mention that last part of Chapter 2 was inspired by the song "Secrets" by One Republic:



Part of Chapter 3 is up now. I actually am not really sure how I will bring Iugulare back, so if you have any ideas please feel free to share XD!


Also I made a small change in plans. We'll do the RP on a separate topic that will be called "Ebony and Ivory Part 2 (RP Event)". I'll post it close to the end of the story unless it would be a good idea to go ahead and make it available. It won't officially start until I've written all of "Part 1"


Already know whose army you want your deer to join? Show your support!

ocean's picture

Quote:Quad walked over and

Quote:
Quad walked over and looked to where she was pointing. He stared at it for a moment, then slowly tilted his head. "...there's a problem with wood?"


Awww Quad. xD <3
I definitely sense the difference in his character.
Enjoyed reading this, especially the part with the two curled up together.
quadraptor's picture

I loved writing that part too

I loved writing that part too XD He's not as gullible as he used to be before becoming a tree for a while, so he does seem to see things more in a realistic way. Thanks for the comment XD

I'm sure I've mentioned it before, but Iugulare really has a love/hate relationship with Quad. You get obsessed with killing someone for so long, you start to see them in a whole new light Eye
Zergarikiaka's picture

Ooooooooh wow, how did I not

Ooooooooh wow, how did I not see this sooner. D:
Beautiful writing btw.
quadraptor's picture

X3 thanks! I've got a little

X3 thanks! I've got a little more left to write before the RP event starts. Just stuck on this one part of how to bring Iugulare back from near death...
MickKreiger's picture

I'd suggest that a species

I'd suggest that a species like Iugulare's that can restore itself from a miniscule scale most likely has the ability to have a speed growth and restoration session, whereby afterward it would have to feed enormously...
--Mick--
quadraptor's picture

Ah yeah, I actually came up

Ah yeah, I actually came up with a plan similar, but thanks for the thought.

Wrote the rest of Chapter 3 and began Chapter 4. The segment in Chapter 4 is what I had originally written on Noctuis' development blog where he was a white goat, and originally it was Zephyr who was infected but now it is Blixt. Enjoy XD
quadraptor's picture

I *think* I have finished the

I *think* I have finished the story tonight, not sure if it needs anything else.

Iugulare and Noctuis are recruiting for their armies now! If one of them swayed you to their cause, join their army! You can become either a soldier (someone who will be participating in the RP) or a supporter (someone who is not participating in the RP but is rooting for one of the armies)!