Oh, and he also wanted a rock drake. He was looking through his inventory one day wondering what he could use his green gems for. Then he found the answer: climbing picks. He decided to then make a hazard suit and glider suit and go and steal a drake egg on foot. Why did he want to do this? 1: He was known for doing crazy things that never worked out, so he wanted to succeed. 2: He wanted a rock drake. 3: He wanted to prove the wiki wrong (who doesn’t?) and show that it was not impossible to steal a drake egg on foot. His plan? To fling himself from the fertile zone and follow the spine down to the grave of the lost. He would then land on a nest, steal an egg, and then glide out of the grave of the lost. After that, he would climb a tall rock, while being chased by drakes and nameless and make a dangerous glide to the spine, which was in the middle of an element river. He would then climb the spine all the way to the fertile region. He crafted his supplies and set off. He reached the point where he could jump. He jumped and glided out of the fertile zone. He was now above the bioluminescent zone. He started to laugh because he had a feeling of ultimate power. Then he realized that he didn’t know where the spine was. He stopped laughing and glided around until he found it. He found where the spine dropped straight down to the grave of the lost. He had planned to just fall through all the rings in the spine and then catch himself and glide in. He didn’t make it past the first ring. He and to make tons of free falls and quick glides until he could get a decent approach. When he did, he glided in to the grave of the lost. He was going so fast that the eggs didn’t appear. He began to turn around until he saw an egg. He landed nearby the nest and climbed the rest of the way with his climbing picks. He turned toward the exit, grabbed the egg and took off. He felt powerful. He felt happy. He felt brave. However, he did not fly as far as he wanted to. He dodged a nameless and was nearly to the tall rock he needed to climb. Now I would like to say that he succeeded in making it out. Sadly, he got stuck on a rock. A small rock. A rock he could easily have jumped over. He was right next to a drake that was not aggravated. The drake hit him. A third of his health went down. He thought, “I can make it out.” Then he landed in the element river and died instantly. He was very disappointed. Although he failed, he did learn some valuable lessons. 1: It is very hard to glide across the entire map. 2: Don’t underestimate the wiki. Later, he tried again. He failed again. But he knows, that it is absolutely possible. He decided that he should wage a while, bring a light pet, bring at least 100 climbing picks instead of twenty, and bring a cryopoded animal as bait. He knew, that someday he would prove the wiki wrong. Someday, he would show that he was not a fool, but a master of stealing eggs.

If you liked this story, in the future, there may be a story of the survivors success. Also, there may end up being one for wyverns on ragnarok, but that has not happened yet.

- The Nazgûl

The council had gathered. They had been discussing fighting back for months now. Finally, they had an army. The war would start soon. Grant had taken the majority of the ark. Their first strike would be the desert. Everyone who wasn’t on Grant’s side was fighting. From people like Alex, who were 9, to people who were in their 60s. The next few years would mark some of the most gruesome battles of the arks. Many would die, many would become heroes. As the two armies faced each other in the desert, no one moved a muscle. Once someone fired an arrow, the battles would begin. They wanted peace as long as possible. Finally, an enemy soldier was felled. Few know who the shot came from, but they will not tell. No matter who did it, the war had begun.

- The Nazgûl

“Today, we honor a great soldier,” Joe began.

“A soldier who gave their life in battle so that we all could live. Today we gather together to honor Alex Stone. She has fought all her life. She fought in the battle of Viking Bay, the battle of the Redwoods, the battle of the Highlands, the battle for Ragnarok, the battle of Abberation, the batttle of apotheosis, and finally, the battle for emberfall. She is the reason we are alive now. Her last wish, was that Spark and Jennifer make it to earth. They leave tomorrow. We will see they leave safely. Spark would like to say a few things before we prepare to send them off.”

Spark stepped up.

“I knew Alex for a long time. She was a great soldier. She was never overcome by fear or anger. She knew they were the real enemy. The first time Alex showed me what she was capable of was at Viking Bay. When all was lost, she rallied the men, and lead us to victory. When she was poisoned by a dagger she did not stop fighting. When she was hit with an arrow she did not stop fighting. When she knew it would cost her life she did not stop fighting. My life has been changed for the better since Alex became my friend. I just never thought it would end this way. We will not stop fighting for what she wanted. Peace. Freedom. Safety.”

As everyone left, many came to comfort Jennifer and Spark for their loss. But the mission wasn’t over. Earth was still in danger.

- The Nazgûl (there will be 3 or 4 more after this lamprey)

There were bodies everywhere. Bodies of there fallen friends from abberation.

“What happened?” Jennifer asked.

“I don’t know.” Spark answered.

Then he saw a book on the ground. He picked it up.

“It’s Jenny’s”. He said.

He opened it to read.

“If you three are reading this, that means something went wrong. However, I will not stick with dark thoughts. Today is our first day on earth, but we are being watched. Everyone must be careful we are not spotted doing anything. We have merely been on earth an hour or two and have had some close calls. We- they are screaming outside. We are under attack. The robots spotted us. We-“

“They were attacked by the robots patrolling around here. They lasted seconds once spotted. We need to be very careful. Guess we have to stick to the shadows to survive.” Spark said.

Doubt was beginning to creep into both of their minds. Could coming to the one planet they knew to be a life supporting planet become they death?

- HGA ttg The Nazgûl

Book 1: Convergence

Chapter 1

It was a cool, clear morning on the island of Ragnarok. The island had been at peace now for many centuries. The island was home to many different villages spread throughout the biomes. Most were barely more than a couple houses rather than a whole town. However, there was one village in the southern portion of the map just on the outside of the desert that was much larger. Many of the inhabitants of the island lived there. Its name, was Solace. It had many layers, as it was built around the cliffs in the region. The houses were very small, in order to accommodate the people. In fact, most houses were limited to one room and sometimes a smaller closet space. There were a few larger buildings, such as the tavern, meeting hall, and council chambers. All along the paths and bridges that connected it all were people with stands, buying and selling whatever goods they had. It was in this village, that a man named Spark resided.

He was about eighteen years old, with short brown hair and blue eyes. He was about six feet tall, and was surprisingly stronger than most of the other kids his age. He had been living on this island for as long as he could remember. When he was very young he was adopted by a traveler. Although he was not his father, Spark thought of him that way. He had taught him everything he knew, from cooking and making camp to hunting and how to use weapons. One day, he left Spark at a village and journeyed off on a raft. He was never seen again.

During his time living in Solace, Spark had made a few friends, and beaten just about anyone his age and a few years older in any sort of combat challenge as well as what was the common challenge of strength amongst the men, arm wrestling. Due to this, Spark was usually thought of as a man that you could go to that could get a job done. He was reliable, and respected by many of the older men.

When Spark wasn’t helping out around the village, making an occasional hunting trip into the woods, or winning arm wrestles in the tavern, he was often at his house practicing with his sword, strategizing, and thinking about life. He wasn’t overly ambitious or anything, but he was ready to move forward and see what adventure awaited him in his future. It was on one of those days that he heard a knock on the door.

By The Nazgûl and SunnyFox57

Chapter 4

- HGA ttg The Nazgûl

“Captain Slither, the last group of captives has just arrived.” This came from a wyvern who Slither had sent out a couple days ago to get wyverns for Draco’s army.

“Gather the prisoners together, I will come out in a moment.” Slither has been ordered by Draco to build him an army. Frankly, Slither knew nothing of warfare, but he was glad to have a position of power. A wyvern of his size was not necessarily intimidating, so being in charge meant the world to him. Slither exited the small cave as the rest of the prisoners were presented before him. “Welcome wyverns. Today is the day of your potential freedom. It is actually quite simple. You can either join our forces, or, you can be sent back into prison where you will await your demise when we need to feed our troops.”

“We are not afraid of you, tiny.” This came from a slightly larger wyvern near the center of the group. Although Slither was a little frightened, he had his guards, two brutish wyverns who were quite large, black, with deep red eyes. They were not the most intelligent, but they were strong. The larger wyvern however did not seemed the slightest bit concerned with them. He moved forward slowly as he continued speaking. “What makes you think we will just bow down to you? We could easily overtake you and your guards.”

“What makes you think that you won’t?” a voice thundered from deeper down the trench. All of the wyverns froze. Suddenly, a sound like thunder came forth, almost rhythmically. It wasn’t until the shape of a wyvern passed overhead that they all realized that it was the sound of wings. The massive wyvern landed on the ridge, its head eclipsing the sun. “You will either serve, or you will meet your demise. Do not be afraid. I understand this is a tense situation and a hard decision. You have a day to decide.” With that, the wyvern departed and the prisoners were put back in their cages.

- The Nazgûl

They had been wandering for nearly a day. Erin was very thirsty. The Bonehounds could last longer without water, but not her. She was still fascinated from the poison wyvern from earlier. It was so evil yet so majestic. Every movement it made so sinister yet so graceful. She had marveled at it for the entire day. They were nearly to the volcanic biome. Already the ground had turned black as soot. They found a small spring. Erin drank greedily. Bone watched calmly. She had decided that he was her friend. For now. Rust on the other hand was her closest companion. Rust had even let Erin ride her since she was exhausted from the heat. Death-hide was a different story. He seemed to ignore her and only let her live because Bone did. Venom seemed on Death-hide’s side. She sat for a moment. She suddenly felt some unease. She then realized the unease was coming from Venom. She looked over at him. He was shaking his head, as if to shake something off. She focused. Maybe she could figure out what he was thinking about. She suddenly got a crushing headache. It felt like an atomic bomb had exploded in her brain. She looked back at Venom, her vision slightly blurred. He was staring. At what, she did not know. His eyes were not his eyes. They seemed colder. She recognized them. They were the eyes of the monster from her dreams. The eyes of Rockwell. He began to rush Erin, but Rust got to him first. He slashed Rust across the face and made another rush at Erin. Bone and Death-hide tackled him. Venom kicked them aside. He was about to jump on Death-hide and finish him, but Erin jumped on him. Not that it would have done much good, but she wanted to make friends with Death-hide, and she would not let Venom or Rockwell get in her way. They both toppled over. As Erin got up and turned to face Venom, his paw came crashing into the side of her head. She blacked out. When she woke up, Venom was dead. Rust was licking Death-hide’s wounds, and Bone tried to explain what happened. All she was able to make out was that apparently Death-hide saved her from Venom, but she blacked out again.

- HGA ttg The Nazgûl

Book 1: Convergence

Chapter 7

Ryan and Brenna Stone both sat by the fire. Alex and Jennifer had gone to bed nearly an hour ago. Ryan had just returned a few days ago from a trip to Solace. Normally, he shared about his time in the village the night of his return, but he hadn’t spoken a word about it since. Brenna looked over at Ryan. He was staring into the fire. She didn’t want to interrupt his thoughts, but she knew she had to figure out what was going on.

“Ryan?” She started. Ryan’s gaze never moved. He remained motionless in his chair. He let out a small grunt, acknowledging the fact that his wife had just spoken to him. “Ryan, you haven’t been yourself lately. You’ve barely spoken a word since you got back. What’s up? Is something wrong?” A billion other questions filled Brenna’s head, but she held them back. She had always been a little worrisome. She didn’t want to overwhelm Ryan. Ryan took a deep breath, paused for a moment, and let out a long sigh.

“Do you remember the story I told the girls a couple years back?” He asked.

“The one about Helena and Mei-Yin?”

“Yeah. That one.” Ryan spoke slowly, thoughts swirling inside his head.

“I remember it. What has you thinking about it? You usually don’t remember most of the stories you tell. Even some of the ones you make up on your own.” Brenna smiled a little. Ryan, usually fond of Brenna’s light teasing, showed no reaction.

“That’s because it was real.” He slowly looked over at Brenna. “And I didn’t tell you all of it.” Although more questions began to flood into Brenna’s head, she waited for Ryan to continue. Ryan, still speaking slow as he sunk into his thoughts, continued. “Although Helena and Mei-Yin made it to Earth, they did not defeat all the titans that roamed the surface. In fact it is likely that they both died trying to fend them off. And they also were not originally intending to go to Earth. They had help from someone on the Aberrant Ark. It was Diana. Diana Altaras.”

“The same Diana Altaras from before we launched the Arks?”

“Yes. The same one.”

“What was she doing trying to return to Earth so soon?”

“When the whole thing with the Arks started, and even through the entire process, we were told to keep everything top secret. Only certain information was allowed to be shared, and only with those closest to us. I shared some of it with you, as well as Diana. She would not have initially known, except when I needed a technician, she volunteered her sister Julia. Due to this, I had to share info with Diana so that she could get what was needed from Julia without her finding out about the Arks. Because of this, Diana became more involved in the production and planning for the Arks. She decided to go to Earth because that is what we planned.”

“I thought the plan was to stay on the Arks until the Earth was clear of corruption.”

“That’s what we were told to communicate to you. Information was kept highly confidential. Technicians who knew what they were working on were not permitted to know about other areas. This was so that the plan could work how it needed to. See, the idea that the corruption would just go away over time was never a realistic idea. We knew the corruption would spread, and that we would be unable to combat it without a larger force of people who were trained beyond what those of the Terran Federation or the URE could present. That is why we made the Arks. There are too many details to go into it fully, but essentially, there is a part of the brain that remains active and intact for many years after a person’s death. Specialists found that using this certain Matrix of the brain they could replicate a person, essentially cloning them. The clone would contain many of their memories, essentially bringing a person back from the dead. Not only this, but the Matrix could also be altered to harbor different memories that were not the specimen’s own, and the person would have no ability to tell. Being one of the URE’s leading scientists in the neural field, they offered me a position in helping create and design these ‘clones’. Although I was not part of the crew who worked on obtaining the genetics for the individuals, I was heavily involved in the development of each ones’ mind. Essentially, we were able to gather this Matrix from billions upon billions of people. We picked those who would best help in the quest to reclaim Earth, and set them up to be generated on the Arks. The Arks are essentially the training program for people so that they will be better equipped to survive on Earth. Less than ten of us who worked on the project were allowed to retain our old memories, along with those around us who we wished. This was so that we could ensure that the plan of getting to Earth was followed while properly training as many people as possible.”

“Okay. I think I am following. So what part does Diana have to play in all this?” Brenna asked. Although it was a lot of information to absorb, she was used to it. After all, she was married to a neural scientist, complicated and confusing discussions were quite common.

“Diana was one of those people.” Ryan began again. “The plan was that within the first few years, we would all use Passageways, essentially secret tunnels that lead to other Arks, to go around and get people ready. The thought was that in a few years, we would have nearly everyone ready, and we could storm Earth with an army of billions. However, at this point it has been a little over 15 years since we got here. I am assuming that Diana came to the same conclusion that I did many years ago: all the members of that team are likely dead. It would seem Diana took matters into her own hands and helped those on her Ark prepare to reach Earth, though it would seem fate had a different idea.”

“What do you mean?”

“Diana was killed on the Aberrant Ark by Rockwell. At this point, we are likely the only ones who even know about the existence of Earth, and there is no one left alive currently on the Earth.” They sat there in silence for a moment. Brenna eventually broke the silence.

“For the most part, this all makes sense. But why are you telling me this now? Why not when you first heard about it?”

“Because it didn’t matter then.” Ryan shifted in his seat and looked at Brenna. “Brenna, listen. Eddie told me that we may have a war on our hands. From the information he gave me, it appears as though someone has found access to a Passageway, and are using it to amass an army in the north. The council meets tomorrow to make plans to counter it.”

“Does this mean that you have to fight?” Brenna asked nervously.

“Yes. But not only that. They want all people of the island to fight. In other words, you, me, Jennifer, and Alex will have to leave tomorrow night so that we can get there in time.” Ryan expected Brenna to freak out, but she simply stood up and sighed.

“Well if we only have one day to prepare, we best get some rest so we can make the most of it.” She headed off to their room. Ryan sat by the fire a few more moments. Questions began to fill his head. What would happen during the coming war? Was there any chance that other members of the team were still alive? Was there any hope of returning to Earth? He sighed. It was no use exhausting himself over it right now. He had an interesting day ahead of him.

- The Nazgûl

It was a cold misty morning as Spark walked through the crowded dusty streets. Everyone hustled about to ensure they had enough food for the coming winter. The winter of Ragnarok, the name of the island they lived on, was formidable and could wipe out entire villages if the inhabitants were not prepared. However, this was not a normal village. It is what you would call the capital of the state if the island were one. However, this village is not one of times we live in now. This was before technology. The average man walked had a sword in his house for fighting, but was untrained in using it properly. People walked around in worn clothing, often having to go to the tailor’s, likely the most profitable profession in the town next to being an official. The officials were in charge. However, they did not rule the people, they simply made the best choices to benefit them that they could. Though many of the people of this city would seem poor to us, the people spread abroad on the island of Ragnarok saw this town as the rich peoples’ palace.

As Spark walked through the muddying streets, he approached the Capitol Building. This building was not nearly as impressive as it sounds, rather, it was a few houses joined together to form a large meeting room. It was also one of the few houses of the town to have been upgraded with a wooded roof instead of thatch. For whatever reason, Spark had been summoned. All he had been told was to come quickly and that it was urgent. Spark was thirteen, about six feet tall, though he had stopped growing now, and had brown hair. He could handle a sword better than anyone he knew, and enjoyed strategy.

As Spark entered the Capitol building, he was met with a warm welcome. He was invited to sit down. It was now that the first official spoke, that he found his reason for being here.

“As you all know, I called this meeting because of an urgent problem. It appears one of our soldiers has deserted us and made a fort in the volcano area. He has taken most of the North and is pushing towards the South. He must be stopped as soon as possible, preferably before winter. This soldier goes by the name of Grant. Spark, you have been summoned here because you knew Grant. We trust you and would like you to lead the army against him, as you would be able to fight him best having known him so well.”

Grant? Alive? Spark had not believed Grant was still alive. He could hardly believe he was trying to take control of the ark.

“It’s an honor to be able to lead the army. Would you like me to inform the people, or should I keep it on the downside?”

“We will inform the people. Currently, you have two days to pick your two generals and formulate a plan. By then we must begin preparations.”

“I will get right on it.”

Spark left the building and walked towards the east side of town. He knew exactly who his two generals would be.

- The Nazgûl

About half the soldiers had made it across with the other half still on the other side. They had to get a running start and jump over the edge onto the next pillar, then to the other side of the canyon. But the men didn’t complain and did it without fear, and everyone made it. After hours of fighting, the fort in the canyon was taken. They restocked on arrows and took as much provisions as they could. Many were nervous about climbing down the cliff, the Spark said they should go through the forest until they could make it onto the shore. He had planned a rendezvous point down the shore. When they finally made it to the beach, they could see the raft coming. They cheered. The reinforcements had arrived.

- The Nazgûl

“I can’t believe he wants us to climb the cliff. There’s no way everyone will make it up there alive.” Brian said. Spark was getting everyone geared up.

“I admit, it is a risky idea, but it is the best we’ve got. It beats wandering around through those swamps again to find a path up.” Chad said.

In a few minutes, everyone was ready. Spark shot a couple grappling hooks. He went first, and everyone else followed. The cable on the hooks were thin and rough. Several soldiers cut their hands pulling themselves up, but continued to climb. Chad almost fell coming up over the edge, but Spark caught him. Everyone had made it. They were at the highest point on the edge. They could simply just drop down on the enemy and shoot them from above. The first side of the canyon fell easily, but now they had to get to the other side, which was either a long jump over a mad rushing river hundreds of feet below them, or a long trek around the rest of the canyon.

- HGA ttg The Nazgûl

Book 1: Concergence

Chapter 6

It was a sunny day on the beach. The sky was deep blue. Thin, wispy clouds scattered the sky. Waves, capped with foam broke on the shore. Alex lay on her back in the sand, staring up into the sky. Her world was calm and peaceful. She wondered why her family didn’t find it so amazing; the beautiful skies, the roaring waves, the trees swaying in the breeze. And the dinosaurs! So many kinds. So many colors. Some of them so big that they could squash her in one step, yet so calm they she could touch them. What a world she lived in.

“Alex! Come inside! You’ve been out there all morning and there’s work to be done!” Alex heard her mother shout from inside their hut on the beach. She rolled her eyes as she got up, giving a small sigh. Chores. Sometimes she wondered if any other twelve year old girls had to do chores. As she walked over to the hut, she brushed the sand out of her dark brown mahogany hair. It wasn’t that she disliked helping her parents, but between her and Jennifer, her older sister, she felt like she did most of the work, not to mention she had always been a little rebellious.

She stepped in the all too familiar hut. It had the same old wood floors, with the same old chairs and table, with the same old doors to the same old bedrooms. Nothing in the house ever changed. Not like the skies. Jennifer was sitting on a chair reading a book. Dad had got it for her on one of his trips to the city of Solace.

“Alex, wash your hands and come help get things ready for dinner.”

“Do I have too? Why can’t Jennifer do it?”

“Because you haven’t done anything today. Besides, you know you do better in the kitchen.”

“Fiiine.” Alex groaned. She slowly walked over to the smaller table in the kitchen to get to work.

“You know what you don’t do better in?” Her mom said with a slight giggle. “Clean your room.” She answered with a smile on her face. Although Alex was a little annoyed that she had to clean her room, she couldn’t help but smile back.

———————————————————————————————

The girls all waited at the table. Dad would be home any minute. Alex thought she heard something. Silence. Then, suddenly, a large figure burst through the door. He held a sack which seemed fairly full, as well as a dead sheep on his back. His beard, nearly black, but still a little brown, neatly outline his beaming smile. He had been gone for a few days now, and they were all glad to see he had returned. After hugging them all, he set his things down and began butchering the sheep. Alex glanced over at the bag.

“What did you bring home this time?” She asked. She already knew he wouldn’t tell her now, but she asked anyways.

“You’ll have to wait until after dinner. After all, everything is better on a full stomach.”

When dinner was over, they cleaned up and lit the fire. Dinner had been quiet, as the girls ate as quickly as they could so they could see what was in the bag. Alex watched her father dump the sack out onto the table. A few trinkets fell out. One was a crystal, bright white and perfectly clear. Although Alex wanted it, she figured it was for Mom. Everything else, was papers. “Are you girls ready for a story?” Their father asked. He grabbed the stack of papers off of the table. Without hesitation, the girls ran over and sat by the fire as their father pulled up a chair. Alex loved when their father told them stories. She sat quietly and listened as he began. There was no title, but it did not need one, as the adventures that took place made up for it a hundred-fold. She listened intently to the tale. She heard of an Australian lady, a fierce warrior, a mad scientist, and an evil tyrant. Her thoughts and emotions swirled within her as she heard of them fighting massive beasts, traversing a metal fortress in the sky, and traveling the galaxy. Each new land they came to was different than the last. She felt sad as she heard of many people dying as the scientist turned on his friends. She felt triumphant when the friends survived being killed by the scientist themselves. Finally, she felt a little fear as the friends traversed their final planet, Earth, filled with towering beasts. The story ended as the warrior lady scared off the giants. They sat there quietly for a moment, thinking about all they had just heard. The only sound was the sound of the crackling fire. After a moment or two, their mother broke the silence. “Alright you girls, time for bed.” Alex and Jennifer got up and headed off to their rooms. As Alex laid down in her bed, she drifted off into thought. She would have to wait until her parents went to bed to see the stars. As she waited, she dreamt of Earth. She dreamt of the towering giants roaming the lands. She pictured herself fighting them off, like the warrior lady in the story. She wished it could all happen, but it was only a story after all. She quieted her thoughts, and listened. Finally, she heard her parents head to their room. Alex laid quietly on her bed. She wanted to make sure that they were going to stay in there. Upon waiting a few moments, she climbed out and crept over to the window. She slowly opened it, being careful to make as little noise as possible. She climbed through and dropped onto the sand. She ran a few yards from the house and gazed up into the night sky. The stars glimmered like jewels in the deep black shroud that surrounded them. She took a deep breath. It was wonderful. The dazzling sky. The crisp breeze that blew from the ocean, lightly spraying her face with water. She didn’t want to breathe out, as if the moment she exhaled it would all be gone. She wanted this feeling to last forever.

———————————————————————————————

Alex looked up at those same stars from two years ago. The same stars and constellations. The same feeling. She hoped that this feeling would never fade. She wished she could sit in this feeling of peace and serenity for the rest of her life. However, she knew it was not possible. In a few years, it would be gone. It would dissipate into the past, as with the rest of her childhood. After all she was fourteen now. Soon she would have to start thinking about life as an adult. Jennifer was already twenty two. What would life be like when she was that age? Would she still have the same sense of freedom? A she thought, a meteor zipped across the sky. As it passed from view, the wonder of the moment faded. It was time to move on. Time to step into the future. She looked up at the sky one more time, watched for a few seconds, closed her eyes for a brief moment, and exhaled.