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As the final arrow
pierces Bak'ku's armor, a blanket of darkness surrounds him. He
hears his body hit the floor. The darkness begins to swell around
him and in the center he sees a bright pinpoint of light. Bak'ku
feel himself moving towards the light but he's not walking. He see
the pinpoint get larger and larger and feel his body moving faster
and faster. As he approaches the border of the light, Bak'ku see a
battlefield beyond. The light becomes blinding and he is standing
in a field surrounded by humanoids of all types fighting. Just as
he reach for his axe to join the battle, Bak'ku hear a great
laughter behind him. A booming voice rings out, "Ah, a
newborn." Turning he see a man, huge for his kind with a full
bushy beard framing a warming simile. "Welcome to Celestia! I'm
Hagard." Hagard holds out a large hand in greeting. As Bak'ku
takes it, he suddenly realize that the people around him aren't
fighting. They are training. As he looks closer, he notice that
everyone he see has a Fist and Lighting Bolt on their forehead,
identical to his own.
Hagard leads him through the training grounds, it seems to go on
forever and over to a large picnic area. Seated are several humans
having an afternoon repast. Hagard introduces Bak'ku to each man
and in turn they each take his hand and welcome him. As the day
leads on Bak'ku is introduced to several masters of the Great Axe
that welcome him and offer training. And as the evening rolls on,
Bak'ku is ready to sleep after a hard days training.
Early on the second day, Bak'ku hears a great commotion. Voices
trail off into hushed whispers. A man approaches and those around
take a knee in his presents. Once Bak'ku see the man's face, he
immediately recognize him as Heironeous. He approaches Bak'ku and
asks those surrounding for some privacy. As the last fighter
departs, Heironeous takes Bak'ku's hand and begs him to stand.
"We don't stand on ceremony here my son", he says.
He begins to walk and beacons Bak'ku to his side. "My son, I
know you've always served me faithfully, and your eternal rest is
justly rewarded. But I must ask of you one more thing. I need you
to return to your team. I see terrible events in their future and
you are the only one that can help them at their time of most
need. You see, the men you've been working with weren't brought
together by chance, there is a reason. They have a destiny that
must be fulfilled. One that will change the future for all
mankind."
He stops and turns to Bak'ku. A sad expression draws his face.
"My son, I'm sorry to say that you don't share this destiny.
You have been chosen to protect, and I need to you stay at your
post just a little longer. Can you do this for me?"
Without a word Bak'ku nod his massive head in acceptance.
Heironeous, takes his hand and says, "Bless you child, your
sacrifice will not be forgotten."
With that, Bak'ku wakes to find himself in a large audience
chamber. Heironeous standing at his side. His wounds from the
previous battle are gone and he feels no residual effects from the
experience.
"You team has already left through the eye, you'll find them
in the forest. Good luck and remember that Heironeous smiles upon
you."
Bak'ku gather his possessions, make a quick stop at the armory for
supplies and departed through the gate to meet his team. |
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