Post by “The Saint” Johnny Eden on Jan 7, 2024 14:17:30 GMT -5
Bishop and Cipher sit in a room lit with candles, going over the events that have led up to this very moment. Be it the trip to Egypt, Bishop’s son still in a coma in need of the elixir of life, the hanging sense of dread with the mention of Lucious’s name within the walls of the compound, and the business that needs to be handled within their profession.
“This road has been one with twists and turns, Owen…. I’d never would’ve imagined the lengths we would have to go…” Bishop trails off.
“Every step we have taken has been what we had to do for your son’s sake, man. Sadly, it is going to take even more than that…. Are you willing to push beyond our limits?” Cipher looks to Bishop looking for an answer.
“I will turn over whatever stone I have to, Owen, by now you have witnessed my drive for yourself. You swore to me that there are answers out there and I have as much faith as a sinner can muster, but I can’t help but think of the doubt creeping in…” Bishop’s words linger in the air.
“That is why we are here waiting for Elara, my friend. She will bring us a clearer picture so we can see the path at hand. We are going to do whatever we have to do to right everything before us. We have proven our unified we are, so where you lack faith…” Cipher pats Bishop on the shoulder. “I got you, brother.”
Bishop nods, his eyes shifting toward a flickering candle in front of them. “There’s something darker at play here, Owen. Something familiar, yet different. We have faced a fair share of challenges on this journey together, but there is an unsettling feeling in this coming storm… Elara may be able to show us the way, but it is still going to take beyond our very means to…” Bishop trails off again imagining Darren lying in his bed battling his own inner battle.
“Clarity, brother… As I said before, that is what we are after. With the clarity to come, we will be bette prepared to take on this next set of our journey together.” Bishop nods to Cipher.
“Are you done sharing recipes?” Elara Thornwood, adorned in her druidic attire, appears before Kevin Bishop and Cipher. The room is filled with the scent of incense, and the flickering candlelight casts shadows on the walls adorned with artifacts from various mystical expeditions. He voice quivers as she addresses them.
“Kevin, Cipher, I know this is a lot to ask, but we need to find the Verdant Veil. The forest is in chaos, and I can sense the very roots of nature being disturbed.”
Kevin leans back in his chair. “Why do we care about some mystical shrubbery? Can't we send someone else? Like, hire a nature guide or something?”
“It's not just shrubbery, Kevin. The Verdant Veil is an ancient artifact, a living essence of nature. It maintains the balance, and without it, the forest becomes a battleground between chaotic and benevolent forces.”
“I don’t know,” Cipher starts. “I’m not exactly the woodland type. And we have a lot on our minds as is…”
He heard the words come out of his mouth and he was surprised as she was to hear them. Bishop’s focus was becoming his focus. The dichotomy of the two men was slowly becoming autonomy and he felt truly like he and Bishop were connecting on a different level as of late.
“It's not about personal gain, Cipher. It's about preserving the delicate equilibrium that sustains life. If we don't act, the forest will suffer, and the repercussions will extend beyond the woods.”
“How does this help Darren?” Kevin asked as a matter of factly. “I'm not moving a muscle unless I know this helps my son.”
Elara responded softly. “It doesn't, Kevin. I wish it did. But Darren's condition is different, and we're working on other avenues for his recovery.”
“Then why should I care about your tree-hugger crisis?”
Bishop has been singlemindedly focussed when it came to expeditions that the New Brohterhood would undertake, which is what led to Elara’s initial trepidation. However, she was becoming more and more emboldened.
“Because, Kevin, the world is interconnected. The demons that afflict Darren are symptomatic of a larger imbalance. By restoring the Verdant Veil, we're not just saving a forest; we're harmonizing the energies that sustain us all. Your son's plight is a part of this cosmic symphony.”
Silence lingers in the room as Kevin and Cipher exchange glances, processing Elara's words. The weight of responsibility and a broader perspective settle on their shoulders.
“I’m in.” Cipher said standing up. He looked at Bishop and motioned him up.
“Yeah, yeah. But after this, we're talking about Darren. No more sidetracks.”
Elara nods appreciatively, knowing that this journey into the heart of nature is not just a quest for an artifact but a step towards understanding the intricate dance of magic and life itself.
LOCATION: The New Brotherhood airship.
A sleek vessel adorned with mystical runes, hovers steadily above the dense forest canopy. Elara, her eyes glinting with confidence, glances at Bishop and Cipher.
"The Verdant Veil is in this forest. It holds ancient druidic magic, crucial for maintaining the balance. We need to retrieve it before those who seek to exploit its power get their hands on it."
Bishop crosses his arms, still skeptical. "And how does this help Darren?"
Elara turns to him, her expression softening. "It doesn't directly, but it safeguards the delicate equilibrium of magical forces. That, in turn, ensures the stability needed for healing spells to work effectively. Think of it as tending to the roots so the tree can flourish."
Cipher, ever the quiet observer, nods in understanding. The trio, bound by an unusual alliance, prepares for the descent. Elara begins an incantation, her hands tracing patterns in the air. A shimmering green light envelops them, and the airship's hatch opens. The trio steps into the abyss.
As they fall, Cipher feels an unusual warmth, a soothing current wrapping around him. Elara's spell, named "Verdance Descent," provides a sensation akin to being cradled by nature itself. It's a controlled fall, each movement choreographed by the druid's magic.
Bishop, who initially eyed the jump with suspicion, starts to sense the purpose. "Alright, Elara, let's get this Verdant thing. But I'm watching my back."
They land gracefully in a moonlit clearing, the Verdant Veil awaiting discovery in the heart of the ancient forest. The airship ascends, leaving them alone in the silent embrace of nature.
The forest stands before them like a cathedral of nature, its colossal trees reaching towards the heavens. Shafts of moonlight filter through the leaves, casting an ethereal glow on the lush vegetation below. The air is thick with the scent of earth and moss, and a gentle breeze carries whispers through the towering branches.
Bishop, despite his usual stoicism, can't help but feel a sense of awe as he gazes upon the majestic expanse. The enormity of the trees and the ancient wisdom they seem to emanate evoke a reverence he hadn't anticipated. It's a reminder that, amidst the chaos of their supernatural endeavors, there exists a realm untouched by the machinations of men.
As they venture deeper, the foliage becomes denser, creating a verdant tapestry that stretches in every direction. The ground beneath their feet is a carpet of fallen leaves, softening their steps. The stillness of the forest is occasionally broken by the distant calls of nocturnal creatures, creating a symphony of nature's nocturne.
Bishop, though unaccustomed to such environments, finds himself strangely comforted. The towering trees, their canopies intertwining to form a protective canopy, exude an ancient energy that resonates with his skeptical soul. The forest, with its silent wisdom, seems to whisper secrets of balance and harmony, a language Bishop is just beginning to comprehend.
Elara, leading the way with an almost symbiotic connection to the forest, pauses and turns to Bishop.
"Feel it, Kevin. This forest is alive, and it will guide us to the Verdant Veil."
Bishop, normally a man of many words, can only nod in agreement as the trio continues their journey through the heart of the majestic woodland.
As Elara utters an incantation, a shimmering portal forms in the air, leading to the heart of the forest. Stepping through, they experience a momentary disorientation, akin to the feeling of being gently pulled in multiple directions at once. Suddenly, they find themselves hovering above a clearing, surrounded by the ancient trees.
The descent is controlled, almost like a feather carried by a breeze. The forest canopy gradually envelops them, revealing a realm of unparalleled beauty. Glowing plants illuminate the surroundings, casting an otherworldly luminescence. Ethereal creatures, unseen by human eyes, flit through the air, leaving trails of iridescent light.
Amidst the serenity, a sudden disturbance shatters the peace. A creature, part shadow and part feral energy, emerges from the depths of the forest. Its eyes gleam with an unnatural malevolence as it senses intruders in its domain. With a guttural growl, it lunges forward, unleashing a violent barrage of energy.
Elara, ever attuned to the forest's pulse, commands roots to rise and form a protective barrier. Bishop instinctively readies himself. It launches itself at Cipher. Bishop reaches into his pocket for his weapon but Elara holds him back and nods knowingly at Bishop who reluctantly follows her lead.
The creature, known as a Shadowbound Stalker, thrashes with an otherworldly ferocity. Its movements are erratic, and it seems to meld with the shadows, making it challenging for Cipher to anticipate its attacks. Elara, from the sidelines, shouts encouragement.
"Cipher, remember the dance of the forest. Flow with it, feel its rhythm!" Elara's voice carries a unique blend of authority and reassurance.
Cipher, though initially thrown off by the creature's unpredictable nature, starts to adapt. He begins to move with a fluidity that mimics the swaying branches and rustling leaves. Dodging a barrage of dark energy, he retaliates with a series of calculated strikes.
"Connect with the energies around you, Cipher. Let the spirit of the forest guide your movements," Elara continues to coach, her words a harmonious blend with the ambient sounds of the mystical grove.
As Cipher channels the guidance offered by Elara, his strikes become more precise. He anticipates the Shadowbound Stalker's movements, sidestepping its attacks with an almost preternatural grace. With a final, sweeping motion, Cipher delivers a decisive blow that disperses the creature's malevolent energy.
The clearing, once again serene, bears no signs of the recent conflict. Cipher, catching his breath, looks to Elara with a nod of gratitude. Her guidance, though not magical in nature, proved instrumental in deciphering the cryptic language of the forest's dance.
As they venture deeper into the mystical forest, the atmosphere changes subtly. The air is filled with an enchanting fragrance, a blend of blooming flowers and the earthy scent of ancient trees. The ethereal glow of magical flora bathes the path in soft, radiant hues.
The journey takes them through a natural archway formed by the intertwining branches of ancient trees. The dappled sunlight, filtered through the vibrant foliage above, creates a kaleidoscopic carpet of light and shadow on the forest floor.
Soon, the ruins of the druidic colony come into view. Crumbling stone structures, draped in creeping vines and embraced by the roots of colossal trees, stand as silent echoes of a once-vibrant community. Statues of ancient druids, weathered by time, gaze with serene expressions from their stone pedestals.
Elara, her eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and reverence, leads Bishop and Cipher through the remnants of the colony. Nature seems to have claimed these ruins, merging its own essence with the remnants of eldritch magic. The air is charged with an almost palpable energy, a lingering resonance of the druids who once communed with the very essence of the forest.
Bishop, usually stoic, finds himself moved by the sight. The profound connection between the druids and the forest is evident in every stone and vine. The silence is broken only by the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant murmur of a hidden brook. This place, lost in time, feels like a sanctuary untouched by the chaos beyond its borders.
Elara, her fingers lightly grazing the weathered stones of the druidic ruins, begins to share the forgotten tale of the colony. "Long ago," she starts, her voice carrying a whisper of reverence, "this sacred place was a haven for druids who sought harmony with the natural world. They cultivated a magical grove, drawing power from the very heart of the forest."
She gestures towards the towering trees, their branches reaching skyward like ancient sentinels. "The druids here believed in the interconnectedness of all living things. They harnessed the latent magic within the verdant veil, a sacred artifact that allowed them to commune with the spirits of the forest."
Elara pauses, her gaze distant yet focused. "The veil was lost when the colony fell into ruin, and its absence weakened my connection to this sacred place. But standing here now, amidst the remnants of their legacy, I feel the ancient power rekindling."
As she speaks, Elara's eyes seem to shimmer with an inner light. Her connection to the druidic magic becomes palpable, resonating with the very essence of the forest. With a soft incantation, she channels the revitalized energy, extending her hands towards the heart of the ruins. A soft glow envelops the area as the verdant veil materializes, hovering above her palms.
"The veil is returned," Elara declares, her voice carrying a note of triumph. "With it, I can draw upon the magic of this sacred grove and restore balance to the forest. Our task is not just to retrieve the artifact but to ensure that the natural order is preserved."
The shimmering veil now safely in her possession, Elara's presence seems to magnify, as if the ancient power resonates through her being. The forest responds with a subtle harmony, leaves rustling in a gentle cadence, and the air carrying the scent of renewed magic.
“Elara,” Kevin started. You think we can use that trick to help find the elixir of life?”
She pondered the question for a moment. I’ve felt a power here like none I’ve ever felt before. But this Veil is connected to this place. Perhaps if I can get to a place where the Ellixer is connected to I can summon it’s power. Druidic magic isn’t the same as Egyptian Sorcery though. But I can try.”
“Come on, let’s figure out how to get back to the Library of Alexandria…”
The three of them left with a renewed sense of purpose, with the Veil now in the hands of the New Brotherhood, and the future bright ahead of them.
(Inside the mind of Kevin Bishop)
“So much uncertainty and so much pressure is on The New Brotherhood…. To look back at The Brotherhood’s very inception, I never imagined we would be thrust into the shadows so deep and spat back out at every turn. I have found a true friend though, a confidant, student, and partner in this supernatural battle as well as a war on the front of our very profession… A profession that is demanding everything we got as we hunt for the best competition that Action Wrestling has to offer. But as we are quick to realize, just because we demand it, doesn’t mean the powers that be are quick to fulfill it. They’re slapping together relics who lost their spark long ago and literally took nothing to snuff out. Now they’re continuing to throw random teams together made up of top tier talent who couldn’t get on the same page even if they both wrote the plan together. We are connected soulfully through our journey in this world and beyond. Our reign and our demand for true competition isn’t some line to print on tshirts. We thirst for the best and every poor bastard that is placed before us, hasn’t a clue what it takes to walk a mile in our shoes and to retain our championships. Action Wrestling can throw together ex champions all they want, but Cipher and I have proven time and time again that WE ARE the top of the tag division for a reason…. But we will give credit where it is due though, all the same. Tatiana is a proven competitor, but with all of her turmoil she faced, her story is over. Whatever is left of her in this company isn’t about the drive to get to the top. Jill Park is gone and that leaves Tatiana over reaching with no pay off. It is honestly the one thing she has in common with Gerard Angelo…. He’s a big time movie star, if you ask him anyways…. But who is he with Sam Kidsgrove gone? Let him whimper away as he picks fights with the living relic, Shadowlove, but he’s not THEE GUY to overthrow Downfall. So what is left for Action Wrestling to do with their falling stars? They throw them at The New Brotherhood so they both can be sent off to obscurity. That’s what happened to The Punisher MC. This is The New Brotherhood’s division and there’s not a soul in Action Wrestling who can rip our tag titles away from us. Slap together whatever teams they want and we will do to them exactly what we’ve done to all the rest. Call in some tag team out of the depths of hell and the result will always be the same. This is our HUNT and if you believe one second that Tatiana and Gerard have a shred of hope to win this Monday to make themselves in the running for our tag gold…. then they’re already marked for their demise…. With the only ones to blame being the powers that be of Action Wrestling. This matchup won’t be pretty, but it’ll be the aftermath that has already been set into motion the moment they were placed before us. Our HUNT will continue in the ring and out, until our ultimate goals are met, period. Bring’em all out and The New Brotherhood will do what they always do… Destroy our opponents to the very core and walk past whatever remains.”
“This road has been one with twists and turns, Owen…. I’d never would’ve imagined the lengths we would have to go…” Bishop trails off.
“Every step we have taken has been what we had to do for your son’s sake, man. Sadly, it is going to take even more than that…. Are you willing to push beyond our limits?” Cipher looks to Bishop looking for an answer.
“I will turn over whatever stone I have to, Owen, by now you have witnessed my drive for yourself. You swore to me that there are answers out there and I have as much faith as a sinner can muster, but I can’t help but think of the doubt creeping in…” Bishop’s words linger in the air.
“That is why we are here waiting for Elara, my friend. She will bring us a clearer picture so we can see the path at hand. We are going to do whatever we have to do to right everything before us. We have proven our unified we are, so where you lack faith…” Cipher pats Bishop on the shoulder. “I got you, brother.”
Bishop nods, his eyes shifting toward a flickering candle in front of them. “There’s something darker at play here, Owen. Something familiar, yet different. We have faced a fair share of challenges on this journey together, but there is an unsettling feeling in this coming storm… Elara may be able to show us the way, but it is still going to take beyond our very means to…” Bishop trails off again imagining Darren lying in his bed battling his own inner battle.
“Clarity, brother… As I said before, that is what we are after. With the clarity to come, we will be bette prepared to take on this next set of our journey together.” Bishop nods to Cipher.
“Are you done sharing recipes?” Elara Thornwood, adorned in her druidic attire, appears before Kevin Bishop and Cipher. The room is filled with the scent of incense, and the flickering candlelight casts shadows on the walls adorned with artifacts from various mystical expeditions. He voice quivers as she addresses them.
“Kevin, Cipher, I know this is a lot to ask, but we need to find the Verdant Veil. The forest is in chaos, and I can sense the very roots of nature being disturbed.”
Kevin leans back in his chair. “Why do we care about some mystical shrubbery? Can't we send someone else? Like, hire a nature guide or something?”
“It's not just shrubbery, Kevin. The Verdant Veil is an ancient artifact, a living essence of nature. It maintains the balance, and without it, the forest becomes a battleground between chaotic and benevolent forces.”
“I don’t know,” Cipher starts. “I’m not exactly the woodland type. And we have a lot on our minds as is…”
He heard the words come out of his mouth and he was surprised as she was to hear them. Bishop’s focus was becoming his focus. The dichotomy of the two men was slowly becoming autonomy and he felt truly like he and Bishop were connecting on a different level as of late.
“It's not about personal gain, Cipher. It's about preserving the delicate equilibrium that sustains life. If we don't act, the forest will suffer, and the repercussions will extend beyond the woods.”
“How does this help Darren?” Kevin asked as a matter of factly. “I'm not moving a muscle unless I know this helps my son.”
Elara responded softly. “It doesn't, Kevin. I wish it did. But Darren's condition is different, and we're working on other avenues for his recovery.”
“Then why should I care about your tree-hugger crisis?”
Bishop has been singlemindedly focussed when it came to expeditions that the New Brohterhood would undertake, which is what led to Elara’s initial trepidation. However, she was becoming more and more emboldened.
“Because, Kevin, the world is interconnected. The demons that afflict Darren are symptomatic of a larger imbalance. By restoring the Verdant Veil, we're not just saving a forest; we're harmonizing the energies that sustain us all. Your son's plight is a part of this cosmic symphony.”
Silence lingers in the room as Kevin and Cipher exchange glances, processing Elara's words. The weight of responsibility and a broader perspective settle on their shoulders.
“I’m in.” Cipher said standing up. He looked at Bishop and motioned him up.
“Yeah, yeah. But after this, we're talking about Darren. No more sidetracks.”
Elara nods appreciatively, knowing that this journey into the heart of nature is not just a quest for an artifact but a step towards understanding the intricate dance of magic and life itself.
LOCATION: The New Brotherhood airship.
A sleek vessel adorned with mystical runes, hovers steadily above the dense forest canopy. Elara, her eyes glinting with confidence, glances at Bishop and Cipher.
"The Verdant Veil is in this forest. It holds ancient druidic magic, crucial for maintaining the balance. We need to retrieve it before those who seek to exploit its power get their hands on it."
Bishop crosses his arms, still skeptical. "And how does this help Darren?"
Elara turns to him, her expression softening. "It doesn't directly, but it safeguards the delicate equilibrium of magical forces. That, in turn, ensures the stability needed for healing spells to work effectively. Think of it as tending to the roots so the tree can flourish."
Cipher, ever the quiet observer, nods in understanding. The trio, bound by an unusual alliance, prepares for the descent. Elara begins an incantation, her hands tracing patterns in the air. A shimmering green light envelops them, and the airship's hatch opens. The trio steps into the abyss.
As they fall, Cipher feels an unusual warmth, a soothing current wrapping around him. Elara's spell, named "Verdance Descent," provides a sensation akin to being cradled by nature itself. It's a controlled fall, each movement choreographed by the druid's magic.
Bishop, who initially eyed the jump with suspicion, starts to sense the purpose. "Alright, Elara, let's get this Verdant thing. But I'm watching my back."
They land gracefully in a moonlit clearing, the Verdant Veil awaiting discovery in the heart of the ancient forest. The airship ascends, leaving them alone in the silent embrace of nature.
The forest stands before them like a cathedral of nature, its colossal trees reaching towards the heavens. Shafts of moonlight filter through the leaves, casting an ethereal glow on the lush vegetation below. The air is thick with the scent of earth and moss, and a gentle breeze carries whispers through the towering branches.
Bishop, despite his usual stoicism, can't help but feel a sense of awe as he gazes upon the majestic expanse. The enormity of the trees and the ancient wisdom they seem to emanate evoke a reverence he hadn't anticipated. It's a reminder that, amidst the chaos of their supernatural endeavors, there exists a realm untouched by the machinations of men.
As they venture deeper, the foliage becomes denser, creating a verdant tapestry that stretches in every direction. The ground beneath their feet is a carpet of fallen leaves, softening their steps. The stillness of the forest is occasionally broken by the distant calls of nocturnal creatures, creating a symphony of nature's nocturne.
Bishop, though unaccustomed to such environments, finds himself strangely comforted. The towering trees, their canopies intertwining to form a protective canopy, exude an ancient energy that resonates with his skeptical soul. The forest, with its silent wisdom, seems to whisper secrets of balance and harmony, a language Bishop is just beginning to comprehend.
Elara, leading the way with an almost symbiotic connection to the forest, pauses and turns to Bishop.
"Feel it, Kevin. This forest is alive, and it will guide us to the Verdant Veil."
Bishop, normally a man of many words, can only nod in agreement as the trio continues their journey through the heart of the majestic woodland.
As Elara utters an incantation, a shimmering portal forms in the air, leading to the heart of the forest. Stepping through, they experience a momentary disorientation, akin to the feeling of being gently pulled in multiple directions at once. Suddenly, they find themselves hovering above a clearing, surrounded by the ancient trees.
The descent is controlled, almost like a feather carried by a breeze. The forest canopy gradually envelops them, revealing a realm of unparalleled beauty. Glowing plants illuminate the surroundings, casting an otherworldly luminescence. Ethereal creatures, unseen by human eyes, flit through the air, leaving trails of iridescent light.
Amidst the serenity, a sudden disturbance shatters the peace. A creature, part shadow and part feral energy, emerges from the depths of the forest. Its eyes gleam with an unnatural malevolence as it senses intruders in its domain. With a guttural growl, it lunges forward, unleashing a violent barrage of energy.
Elara, ever attuned to the forest's pulse, commands roots to rise and form a protective barrier. Bishop instinctively readies himself. It launches itself at Cipher. Bishop reaches into his pocket for his weapon but Elara holds him back and nods knowingly at Bishop who reluctantly follows her lead.
The creature, known as a Shadowbound Stalker, thrashes with an otherworldly ferocity. Its movements are erratic, and it seems to meld with the shadows, making it challenging for Cipher to anticipate its attacks. Elara, from the sidelines, shouts encouragement.
"Cipher, remember the dance of the forest. Flow with it, feel its rhythm!" Elara's voice carries a unique blend of authority and reassurance.
Cipher, though initially thrown off by the creature's unpredictable nature, starts to adapt. He begins to move with a fluidity that mimics the swaying branches and rustling leaves. Dodging a barrage of dark energy, he retaliates with a series of calculated strikes.
"Connect with the energies around you, Cipher. Let the spirit of the forest guide your movements," Elara continues to coach, her words a harmonious blend with the ambient sounds of the mystical grove.
As Cipher channels the guidance offered by Elara, his strikes become more precise. He anticipates the Shadowbound Stalker's movements, sidestepping its attacks with an almost preternatural grace. With a final, sweeping motion, Cipher delivers a decisive blow that disperses the creature's malevolent energy.
The clearing, once again serene, bears no signs of the recent conflict. Cipher, catching his breath, looks to Elara with a nod of gratitude. Her guidance, though not magical in nature, proved instrumental in deciphering the cryptic language of the forest's dance.
As they venture deeper into the mystical forest, the atmosphere changes subtly. The air is filled with an enchanting fragrance, a blend of blooming flowers and the earthy scent of ancient trees. The ethereal glow of magical flora bathes the path in soft, radiant hues.
The journey takes them through a natural archway formed by the intertwining branches of ancient trees. The dappled sunlight, filtered through the vibrant foliage above, creates a kaleidoscopic carpet of light and shadow on the forest floor.
Soon, the ruins of the druidic colony come into view. Crumbling stone structures, draped in creeping vines and embraced by the roots of colossal trees, stand as silent echoes of a once-vibrant community. Statues of ancient druids, weathered by time, gaze with serene expressions from their stone pedestals.
Elara, her eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and reverence, leads Bishop and Cipher through the remnants of the colony. Nature seems to have claimed these ruins, merging its own essence with the remnants of eldritch magic. The air is charged with an almost palpable energy, a lingering resonance of the druids who once communed with the very essence of the forest.
Bishop, usually stoic, finds himself moved by the sight. The profound connection between the druids and the forest is evident in every stone and vine. The silence is broken only by the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant murmur of a hidden brook. This place, lost in time, feels like a sanctuary untouched by the chaos beyond its borders.
Elara, her fingers lightly grazing the weathered stones of the druidic ruins, begins to share the forgotten tale of the colony. "Long ago," she starts, her voice carrying a whisper of reverence, "this sacred place was a haven for druids who sought harmony with the natural world. They cultivated a magical grove, drawing power from the very heart of the forest."
She gestures towards the towering trees, their branches reaching skyward like ancient sentinels. "The druids here believed in the interconnectedness of all living things. They harnessed the latent magic within the verdant veil, a sacred artifact that allowed them to commune with the spirits of the forest."
Elara pauses, her gaze distant yet focused. "The veil was lost when the colony fell into ruin, and its absence weakened my connection to this sacred place. But standing here now, amidst the remnants of their legacy, I feel the ancient power rekindling."
As she speaks, Elara's eyes seem to shimmer with an inner light. Her connection to the druidic magic becomes palpable, resonating with the very essence of the forest. With a soft incantation, she channels the revitalized energy, extending her hands towards the heart of the ruins. A soft glow envelops the area as the verdant veil materializes, hovering above her palms.
"The veil is returned," Elara declares, her voice carrying a note of triumph. "With it, I can draw upon the magic of this sacred grove and restore balance to the forest. Our task is not just to retrieve the artifact but to ensure that the natural order is preserved."
The shimmering veil now safely in her possession, Elara's presence seems to magnify, as if the ancient power resonates through her being. The forest responds with a subtle harmony, leaves rustling in a gentle cadence, and the air carrying the scent of renewed magic.
“Elara,” Kevin started. You think we can use that trick to help find the elixir of life?”
She pondered the question for a moment. I’ve felt a power here like none I’ve ever felt before. But this Veil is connected to this place. Perhaps if I can get to a place where the Ellixer is connected to I can summon it’s power. Druidic magic isn’t the same as Egyptian Sorcery though. But I can try.”
“Come on, let’s figure out how to get back to the Library of Alexandria…”
The three of them left with a renewed sense of purpose, with the Veil now in the hands of the New Brotherhood, and the future bright ahead of them.
(Inside the mind of Kevin Bishop)
“So much uncertainty and so much pressure is on The New Brotherhood…. To look back at The Brotherhood’s very inception, I never imagined we would be thrust into the shadows so deep and spat back out at every turn. I have found a true friend though, a confidant, student, and partner in this supernatural battle as well as a war on the front of our very profession… A profession that is demanding everything we got as we hunt for the best competition that Action Wrestling has to offer. But as we are quick to realize, just because we demand it, doesn’t mean the powers that be are quick to fulfill it. They’re slapping together relics who lost their spark long ago and literally took nothing to snuff out. Now they’re continuing to throw random teams together made up of top tier talent who couldn’t get on the same page even if they both wrote the plan together. We are connected soulfully through our journey in this world and beyond. Our reign and our demand for true competition isn’t some line to print on tshirts. We thirst for the best and every poor bastard that is placed before us, hasn’t a clue what it takes to walk a mile in our shoes and to retain our championships. Action Wrestling can throw together ex champions all they want, but Cipher and I have proven time and time again that WE ARE the top of the tag division for a reason…. But we will give credit where it is due though, all the same. Tatiana is a proven competitor, but with all of her turmoil she faced, her story is over. Whatever is left of her in this company isn’t about the drive to get to the top. Jill Park is gone and that leaves Tatiana over reaching with no pay off. It is honestly the one thing she has in common with Gerard Angelo…. He’s a big time movie star, if you ask him anyways…. But who is he with Sam Kidsgrove gone? Let him whimper away as he picks fights with the living relic, Shadowlove, but he’s not THEE GUY to overthrow Downfall. So what is left for Action Wrestling to do with their falling stars? They throw them at The New Brotherhood so they both can be sent off to obscurity. That’s what happened to The Punisher MC. This is The New Brotherhood’s division and there’s not a soul in Action Wrestling who can rip our tag titles away from us. Slap together whatever teams they want and we will do to them exactly what we’ve done to all the rest. Call in some tag team out of the depths of hell and the result will always be the same. This is our HUNT and if you believe one second that Tatiana and Gerard have a shred of hope to win this Monday to make themselves in the running for our tag gold…. then they’re already marked for their demise…. With the only ones to blame being the powers that be of Action Wrestling. This matchup won’t be pretty, but it’ll be the aftermath that has already been set into motion the moment they were placed before us. Our HUNT will continue in the ring and out, until our ultimate goals are met, period. Bring’em all out and The New Brotherhood will do what they always do… Destroy our opponents to the very core and walk past whatever remains.”