Echoworld

Chaotic magicks are used to wreak havoc, for a better cause or for a worse. I guess 'wreaking havoc' isn't the best way to describe it. Chaotic magic is the second strongest, next to black and white. It can be used in several ways and situations."

He glanced at the sky, then returned his gaze to the street, eyes darting as he continued to explain. "The elemental magicks use, well, the elements. Wizards and sorceresses that use elemental magic can control the weather, among other things. They can create lightning, bring in heavy clouds with rain, use wind. The only real setback is that is uses enormous amounts of energy. Turn right at the next corner," he said suddenly, pointing. Wren nodded.

"The black magicks are strongest, but they can only be used for evil. They combine chaotic and environmental magic, which makes it very strong, but it can only be used for evil intents. Most of the people who use the black magicks have sworn their lives, and often their souls, to the underworld deity that they believe in. Wren uses the black magicks.

"White magic is very similar, but it can only be used for good. It's just as strong as black magic and people who use white magic have often devoted their lives to their father-like deity. The bad thing about the white magicks is that people who use those magicks can't use them in self-defense. They might kill someone and that would be in direct defiance of the magic's abilities."

"Seems like you're making a case for the black magicks," Wren pointed out.

Shaun said absently. "It does, doesn't it? But on my world, it's the truth. People would much rather be evil and hurtful than chaotic and productive. Not many people see the benefit of using the white magicks. Up ahead, turn left. There should be an inn there."

She cocked an eyebrow. "And you would know this...how?"

"I've been here before," he said distractedly. "Be quiet and hurry. Clouds are bringing on an early sunset."

They silently turned the corner and Shaun led them to an inconspicuous hotel with a sign that said "Aeryx Inn". Motioning for Wren to wait, he entered the building, leaving the door ajar behind him.

The office was dim and dusty. And old, deteriorating desk sat against the wall opposite the entrance. A single yellow bulb hung from the ceiling, casting dark shadows in the corners. A door behind the desk had a sign on it that said "No Vacancy".

Shaun strode to the desk and, leaning over it, pounded on the door until it opened.

A tall young man with black hair that hung in his eyes stood there, squinting against the sudden light. "Listen, jackass, there - Shaun? Is that you?"

Shaun moved behind the desk to look his friend in the eyes as they shook hands. He was grinning. "Indeed."

"What are you doing here?"

"We need a room."

"We?" The man wriggled his eyebrows suggestively.

"Yes, Eric. We. I have a friend outside. I told her to wait-"

The sound of a scuffle drifted through the open door. A thump was heard as Shaun sprinted across the room, and outside. He drew his sword from over his shoulder as he ran.

Wren stood over a dead man, one foot on either side of his bleeding body. She calmly cleaned her knife on his shirt before replacing it in its sheath. "He attacked me," she said simply, walking over to them. Despite her calm demeanor, Shaun could tell she was shaken up. He resheathed his sword.

Eric joined them, barefoot and bare-chested. "Did - did she do that?" He turned to her.