The Ice Age Cometh...

[mano]

Prologue: IAM rolled His eyes and said, “the dream weavers are up to no good again.” A long time ago in an alternate reality far, far away… A lone man stood on a balcony of his Keep and surveyed the darkness around him. The wind was blowing fast and furious, whipping his cape about and disturbing his normally immaculate spiked hair. He didn't mind. It was just a reflection of what he felt inside. He was in turmoil. He didn't want to leave yet. A black Hawk approaches and hovers next to him. Then it slowly transforms into a figure of a man dressed in black. The man bows briefly and says, "My Lord Tetsuhiko, we are ready." Paul looked at his trusted man at arms, and nods. Satisfied with the answer, the man transforms himself back into a hawk and disappears into the night. Paul spun around quickly and went into the room that was lit only by a single candle by his bed or rather "their" bed. He smiled realizing how much change she has brought into his life. Welcome changes long overdue, his mother had once said. He looked down on the sleeping figure of his wife and smiled. He sat down at the edge of their bed and gently caressed the long silky black hair. It's grown so long since that day he first met her...or rather the day he became re-acquainted with her again. It all started with a betrothal made on ice...

[Karin]

Hee hee...

[Sharon]

That's terrific mano....more please!

[mano]

“Otousan, Otousan…” A child was heard saying. “Otousan,” the child sighed and finally shouted, “Father!!!” The Samurai warrior turned around and looked at his son, “what is it?” The little boy stared up at the serious visage of his father then looked passed him at the other stranger on the frozen lake. “Who are you speaking with father, and what does it mean by troth and why did you mention my name and who’s Wing?” Lord Tetsuko, 8th Shogun of the Kariya Shogunate smiled at his son and said, “Too many questions from one so young. You will learn in time what these mean.” He pats his son’s head and turns to face the stranger again. “This contract is binding, will you agree to the terms.” Tetsuko said Master Daniel Kwan, a wise man from the East, revered for his wisdom, turned away from the Shogun and thought for a moment. He wanted to raise his daughter to have her own mind, follow her own dreams and not be subject to a man’s whims and fancies. The betrothal will surely limit her freedom as well as put their two families in danger. He then thought of his wife and her words before he left to meet the Shogun, “whatever he offers, take it. The future depends upon it.” He closed his eyes and thought, “but Estella, he means to take our daughter.” A soft voice answers in his head, “husband, we gain a son. I had a dream about him, nay, them. It will be alright.” Danny opens his eyes, turns and stares at the Tetsuko’s heir. The little boy was about 6 or 7 and very curious. He was a handsome little fellow with an easy smile that will probably break many hearts in the future. He is a mixture of two proud races, Niponese from his father and Scotian, his mother and it showed in his exotic features. But it is his eyes that caught his attention. Windows to the soul they were. His eyes have an inner light that spoke of wisdom, strength, honor, humility, loyalty and love for his family and people. Traits that he has found aplenty in both his parents in the short time that he’s known them. The boy, aware that he was being observed, puffed up his chest, crossed his arms, and put on a serious face just like his father. Master Dan laughed. He ruffled the young boy’s hair and said, “you will do, my child, you will do.” “So you will accept?” Lord Tetsuko said. “Yes, IAM help me, I will.” *** “NO!!!” A growl was heard from the depths of a cavern deep under a chain of Volcanoes, three eyes open suddenly, eyes that were red and seething with hate and jealousy. It’s mouth filled with fangs curled in disgust. “How dare they disturb the sleep of the Daemon.”

[Sharon]

You're killing me mano....I CAN'T WAIT! MORE>>MORE>>MORE>>MORE!!!!! PS> You don't happen to write novels for a living do you? You'd be terrific, and I've read THOUSANDS!

[skatingfan]

So funny. I think when the big day, i.e. real wedding day, fan fictioners should print all the BFFF thread plus the spin off threads and send to the royal ice couple as wedding present.

[bearpaw]

I am speechless!!!!!!!! This was awesome Mano!!!!

[chemy]

<img src=http://www.geocities.com0/Tokyo/Flats/3170/pkanime.jpg> (No, I didn't draw it entirely, Mano. Made minor changes on the original. Still learning anime art :-)).

[yingshan]

sign here. I'll talk to Anime for a TV or movie deal. I'll get 20%, of course. - speaking the true capitalist

[chemy]

<img src=http://www.geocities.com0/Tokyo/Flats/3170/mkanime.jpg> 20%???? :-O

[Rowen]

I like it. It's a nice variation from the regular fan ficition(which is always amusing). P.S. I've stopped posting under the name IAD. If you're a fan of Japanese Anime like me, you'll know where I got the name from. Strangely enough I have a lot in common with him- even stranger I chose the American name.

[mano]

In another land in the continent of Europa, a young man was speeding through the frozen river concentrating on the task ahead of him. He was conditioning himself for the Quadriad, an event that comes along once every four years, when the four moons of Tierra align. To be the best among his competitors was his ultimate goal. He had failed before. He shall not do so again. “Is this the Tierrian you were speaking off.” The Daemon asked as he peered closely at the image projected before him. The young man was ordinary, unassuming, a mere peon. “Yes, sire. He is but a poor peasant. No titles to speak of. He means to overcome his station of life through his athletic prowess. He covets the Gold Medallion of the Quadriad. He can be easily persuaded to serve our purpose by offering him this prized possession.” The shadow creature, Oni, responded. His black wings fluttering to and fro as he waited eagerly for his master’s response. “No, giving him the Gold Medallion is too easy. He may just take it and run or betray our cause altogether. What use is he then.” A cackling voice spoke from beyond the Cavern entrance. The shadow creature stared with annoyance at the new arrival. An old woman covered in a mixture of black rags and furs slowly approached the Daemon. What his master sees in the witch he can never fathom. “You were not summoned here witch, state your business,” Oni asked as he flew before her, trying to prevent her from approaching the throne. “Serving the Daemon is my business.” The old woman replied. She gave the creature a look of disgust and with one wave of her hand the shadow creature was made inanimate, unable to neither move nor speak. As she turned to face the Daemon her appearance changed from that of an old hag to a beautiful young woman with hair the color of the moons and eyes blue as the ocean. The Daemon looked upon the lady with pleasure. “Una, my sweet, You object to the man in question?” “Yes, he cannot be trusted. What use do you have of a peon when you can find someone with more power and fortune.” Una replied. The Daemon laughed and said, “what need have I of power and fortune when I possess them already. What I don’t have, he has.” “And that is?” “His soul. I mean to live among the Tierrans for it is the only way to destroy the chosen ones of the Antarctic Prophecy. A betrothal contract on the ice has already been established just as it was foretold. It must be undone.” As he spoke the image on the hologram changed to that of two men on a frozen lake. A little boy was with them. Una stared at the little boy and laughed, “he is the chosen one.” Then suddenly she was struck with a vision and saw the boy as a virile man in black armor. A purple and teal flag was waving behind him. One thing became clear in her mind. She had to have him. The Daemon knew that Una would desire him, just as he planned. It was integral that the boy never fulfills his destiny to bond with his mate or else all was lost. Una can lure him away from the girl. But that is just one part of his plan. He still has to take on Tierran form if he means to control the girl in the future. He needs a host body. “You will have him the moment he comes of age, now release my servant for I have use of him.” The Daemon commanded. Una pouted a little before doing as she was told. The shadow creature fell hard on the cold floor as he was released from her spell. He was about to pounce upon the hated witch when a strong voice stopped him, “Oni! Save your energy for your mission. Does the miscreant have a name.” The Daemon pointed again at the hologram. The image changed back to that of the young man racing across the frozen river. “Yes, sire, Tavio Cinque.” Oni answered. “Excellent. Bring him to me.”

[skatingfan]

Can't wait for the part when they finally meet.

[Sharon]

You're still slowly killing me. I have no patience. That's why I don't watch series. I like to get to the ending quick! MORE!

[Sharon]

It's been six days mano! I won't be able to check for forum after Wednesday until the following Tuesday! Help me out here!

[mano]

“And one more thing…send my minions out. I wish to go Duck hunting.” The Shadow stopped mid-flight and turned back to face his master. “But sire, it is the middle of winter, the ponds are all frozen, surely you can…” The Daemon lost patience with his servant and grabbed his scrawny neck. “I keep you alive only to obey me. Shall I renege on our contract.” “No sire…” Oni answered, struggling to breathe.” “Then do as I say!!!” The Daemon growled. “Yes, sire!” The shadow creature quickly flew out the cavern to gather the Daemon’s minions. Two legions will be sent out, one to seize the host in Europa, the other to rendezvous with a small betrothal party. It seems his master wants to size up the enemy, Oni thought. Why is he so afraid of this small boy? The prophecy didn’t mention any boy or a baby girl for that matter. It wasn’t even about Tierrans. However, in order to preserve his life, he has to serve the Daemon. “You will not hurt him will you?” A soft, seductive voice asked. “Why Una, didn’t know you cared for Oni at all.” The Daemon teased. “Not that little cretin, I’d rather you do away with him, but he has his uses. I mean for the boy.” Una said. “My dear, have you lost your loyalty to me? Don’t pout. I promised you earlier, he is to be yours. I just want to have a little fun. I have been asleep for a thousand years, confident that my most hated enemies will never disturb my rest again. The abolishment of betrothals at birth by ruling families assured that the prophecy would never come to pass. Now I want to see with my own eyes who dared go against my arcane laws.” The Daemon explained. “Your arcane laws have been forgotten it seems.” Una said. “Then I shall make sure they will never forget it again.” Came the ominous reply as the Daemon disappeared in a cover of dark sulfurous smoke. ***

[mano]

“Now Master Dan, we need to call upon a Witness to seal the betrothal,” Lord Tetsuko said. He was feeling a little unease, as if they were being watched, although he made sure no one was aware of his location, not even his men at arms. Only his wife, the lady Sharon, knew where he and their oldest son were. It has been a while since he had gone on a mission on his own. His armies or his elite guards usually accompanied him wherever he goes, but this was of utmost importance and he knew that a few promises of riches could sway even his most loyal warrior to betray him. “As you wish.” The wise man uttered a few words from the ancient texts and immediately a figure shimmered beside the two men. “You summoned me.” The Witness, clothe in gray, a hood covering most of his head, was an observer of Tierran lore and keepers of any contracts made or broken on the soil of Tierra. They bear no fealty to any Tierra ruler, but serve only the IAM. The Witness looked upon the two men with impatience. “I have not all day. What is it you wish to bind.” “We wish to bind my son and his daughter together,” The Shogun said. “A betrothal? I have not performed that contract in a long while, almost a thousand years. It is an archaic contract, why do you risk your lives for this? These days, the man takes a wife of his choosing without having to deal with familial obligations their fathers made,” the Witness questioned. “Please, we have to do this. We can’t explain it, for we have no time for I fear that danger is slowly approaching us,” Master Dan pleaded. “Very well. Let me see the children,” the Witness said before he felt a tug at his robes and looked down. “Excuse me sir, I’m the only child here, but in a few years I will be a man like my father,” the little boy, Tetsuhiko, said proudly. The Witness suddenly looked intensely at the boy. Can it be, he thought. A thousand years, a betrothal on ice, the Daemon awakened. He looked down at the boy, spun him around, lowered the child’s cloak and checked the area below the boy’s neck, between his shoulder blades. “What are you doing to him, you’re choking him.” Lord Tetsuko was about to pull his son away from the Witness when Master Dan stopped him. “Save your aggression for later, I feel evil approaching, we must let the Witness finish his task.” The Shogun stared at the Wise man and said, “you felt it too?” Then to the Witness, he said “Hurry, we need the contract now!” The Witness was satisfied. The prophecy is coming to pass. “Where did you want me to engrave the contract.” Lord Tetsuko placed two swords onto the ice. One was a long sword, forged from black steel, a katana for his son Tetsuhiko. The other, forged from the same black steel, was a shorter sword, a wakizashi for Master Dan’s daughter, Wing. “Will these do?” The Witness stared at the blades, smiled to himself and said simply, “perfect.” He raised his right hand and hummed a few phrases in archaic. The blades hummed in tune, glowed, then suddenly a bolt of lightning struck the swords. The force threw Tetsuhiko back on the ice. He was shocked to see the lightning only touch the swords. When he looked up, the Witness said, “It is completed, the contract is etched on the blades. Now it is up to Tetsuhiko and Wing to form the bond that cannot be broken. Now I suggest you leave now before we get a visit from the Daemon and his minions.” “The Daemon?” Lord Tetsuko stared at the horizon and said, “Then the hunt has begun. Master Dan, take the sword and train your daughter in the ways of the ancient, for her protection. When you decide to tell her of this is up to your discretion. Our children will meet at the appointed time stated on the contract.” With those words he gathered his son’s sword, sheathes it, and got on his destrier. He then helped his son up behind him. Master Dan did as he was told and then stopped and said to his friend, “you will not be able to get far in that, if the minions’ speed are to be believed.” Lord Tetsuko said gravely, “Then I will fight to the death, if need be, to stall them until Tetsuhiko can get away.” “Otousan, NO!!! I will fight too!” The little boy said in a worried voice. The Shogun was about to assure his son when the Witness spoke up again. “There will be no blood shed on this day, IAM told. Both of you shall go back from whence you came from. I shall distract the Daemon.” Master Dan looked surprised at the Witness and asked, “since when do Witnesses help Tierrans.” The Witness answered, “I was instructed, that’s all you need to know, now go, quickly.” Without further ado, the Shogun took off with his son toward the North. Master Dan transformed into a large owl. His claws clasped his daughter’s sword and flew off to the East. The Witness then caused a mist to come upon the frozen pond. He heard the approach of the Daemon and his minions. He smiled again to himself and faded into the mist. The Daemon stopped his black steed and looked around the mist-covered pond. “What sorcery is this? Search the area, find the boy.” The minions dispersed and the Daemon roared knowing that someone had interfered with his plans. “Someday, I will find you, young lord, and your bride. I will break your spirits, I still have many more opportunities to do so.” With an evil laugh he called his minions to him again and descended back into the abyss. *** The little boy stared at the sword displayed before him. He unsheathes it and stared at the black shiny blade. He ran his fingers across the writing on the blade. His father says that one of these days he will know what it means. He just has to be patient. *** “So that was 17 years ago?” Lord Selanne asked, staring at the blade his friend was holding. “Yes,” Tetsuhiko responded. “So what does the blade say?” “It says it’s time for me to meet my bride.”

[skatingfan]

or at your earliest convenience. Great stuff. My fantasy is that someday if #9 and 6.0 are really getting married we should send a copy of Ice age cometh and all the BFFF to them. So how is Wing like growing up. BTW the word IAM has any meaning, since you cap all the letters. It almost has a Biblical like connotation.

[bearpaw]

Great stuff Mano!!!!!!!

[blizzard]

anticipation is all I have.

[Sharon]

Mano...I am honored! This is so beautiful. The anticipation builds! MORE! MORE! MORE!

[akemi_chan]

this for MK and PK? <img src=http://bishounen.org/images/aoshi_on.jpg><img src=http://bishounen.org/images/ms_on.jpg> i know that PK looks a little on the mean side....but oh wells....it can be his game face or something.....he he

[Sharon]

You TEASE! I went OH! when I finally saw Ice Age up on my new posts again! Only to eagerly click and find that you only edited your previous posts! Silly me, I didn't print the previous posts (I'm waiting for the whole thing) so I'm not clear on WHAT you changed! You're killing me again mano! :-)!

[mano]

The trees, bare of their leaves, were covered in snow. Crystalline icicles hanging down from its branches made the forest appear almost mystical to the man making his way towards the frozen Lake nearby. It was moments like these that he looked forward to, peaceful, tranquil. For he knows that they will become few and far between in the future. Suddenly, the silence was broken by something he cherished even more, his children’s laughter. He turned around to see his two daughters dart through the bushes, disturbing the snow that settled on it. “Ji! Ji! Sister, wait for me.” Wing, his youngest daughter shouted almost tripping over the hem of her dress. “Hurry up, you are already five, you can run faster.” His daughter, Karen, said as she stopped and waited patiently for her little sister to catch up. Then they both ran up to him, smiles wreathing their faces. Their cheeks were rosy from the cold air and they were both out of breath from running. He crouched down and gave them a hug and asked, “what are both of you doing here? I thought you were staying home to help your mother.” “But father, we are helping. Mother told us to bring you this for you and Ron.” They both lifted up baskets filled with an assortment of rice, dumplings, and some fruit. Master Dan thought for a moment and realized that a new chapter in their children’s lives was about to begin, especially for Wing. Estella must have had another dream. To his children he said, “Your mother seems to have prepared a feast, I’m sure she knew you both would be joining us for the meal.” He saw their eager faces nodding in agreement and laughed. “Well, come on then. Your brother is waiting.” The three continued their walk toward the Lake hand in hand. Karen and Wing were getting excited as they drew closer to the Lake. They’ve wanted to find out what their brother has been doing these past few weeks. However, their parents said they were too young to go to the Lake by themselves because one never knows what dangerous creatures might be lurking in the vicinity. Wing once got in trouble for suggesting that her brother’s friends were the only ugly creatures one has to worry about. She had only said it in jest, but her father told her sternly that it wasn’t good to speak ill of others in any way. She humbly nodded and apologized to her brother. Karen just shook her head and said they should just be patient because soon they’ll have their chance to go to the Lake. Wing wasn’t very patient, for what five-year-old is, but if Karen could do it she knows she could too. Then this morning her mother looked at her and said simply, “It’s time.” Soon after she and Karen were sent to run after their father who just had just left for the Lake. Karen had said smugly, “see I told you we’ll see the Lake soon.” When they cleared the forest, both Karen and Wing stared in awe at the frozen expanse of the Lake surrounded by majestic snow capped mountains. It was a beautiful sight and well worth the wait. Master Dan looked at both his children and smiled at their open-mouth expressions. “Be careful, now, children. A fly might find your mouth a perfect place to hide from the cold.” Immediately, two mouths closed simultaneously. “Good, now lets find your brother.” The two children followed their father still looking around them with eyes wide, trying to absorb all the details of the scenery. After a while Karen decided to catch up to their father while Wing stayed back. “Karen, where is your sister?” Master Dan asked. “She should be right behind us, I left her because she was being too slow again and kept looking back at something in the forest.” Karen answered innocently. Master Dan looked back and saw no sign of his youngest daughter. “Oh, no!”

[kjesse]

Mono, what a great story. Yes please, keep it coming.