Trials of a Planeswalker Ch. 01: Rising

"I will not admit my feelings for you! I won't submit! I won't say I love you!" Varia squealed.

"You won't admit it, but you do love me." Blayne said.

"Yea, exactly." Varia said before thinking.

"Aha! I knew it!" Blayne yelled, throwing his hands up.

"I... I... grrr! You tricked me again!" Varia turned on her words.

"You like me." Blayne said in a teasing, sing-song voice.

"Shut up! Shut up, shut up, shut up!" Varia screamed, beating her fists on his back.

She cried out and fell off the back of the griffin.

"Varia!" Blayne yelled, yanking the reigns around, "Catch her! Quickly!"

The griffin seemed to understand and it dove in a reckless spiral downward. They shot beneath Varia and Blayne let go of the reigns, catching Varia in his arms before they hit the trees. The griffin crashed through the leaves and it beat it's wings whenever it could without smashing into the trees. They plummeted and the griffin hit the ground with a thunderous crash. They were hurled off and bounced through the underbrush. The griffin screeched to a halt, it's claws and talons digging into the ground.

Blayne wrapped his arms protectively around Varia, holding her head to his chest as they bounced across the ground. He slammed back-first into a tree and they stopped abruptly. His arms loosed and Varia rolled out of his arms.

"Owwww..." Blayne groaned, his entire body throbbing in pain.

"Blayne? Blayne! Are you okay?" Varia cried, crawling quickly to his side.

"You... you care... see?" Blayne gave a pained laugh.

"Why you...!" Varia growled, clenching her fists.

The griffin padded slowly over to them. It gave a pitiful squawk as it sat down near them.

"Blayne, are you okay?" Varia huffed.

"Just bruised up a bit." Blayne sighed, "Help me sit up."

"Are you sure? What if you broke a rib?" Varia asked with a tone of worry.

"Let's find out." Blayne groaned, pushing himself up, "Nope... just sore..."

He sat back against the tree and looked at Varia.

"You know if you just admit your love, none of this would've happened." Blayne grinned widely, holding his midsection as it throbbed painfully.

"But I don't..." Varia started.

"Varia, it's not a weakness to show caring." Blayne said, "You can be tough and love something."

"Well... well of course I know that! I just wanted to make sure you knew that before I admitted it!" Varia said, putting her hands proudly on her hips.

"And?" Blayne asked.

She took a breath and looked away, her face reddening slightly. After a second she looked back at him.

"Blayne, I do love you." Varia finally said.

"See? Nothing bad. You're still a tough, proud girl who's not scared of heights at all." Blayne teased her relentlessly.

*******

Blayne walked slowly, his body throbbing with each step. Varia wasn't being careful, attending to him or even being overly nice anymore. She had admitted her feelings for him and now she was back to her old self.

"At least we found Southshore." Varia said as they walked out of the trees and towards the village.

Southshore was a pleasant looking small village. It was quaint and they could hear the waves splashing in the distance. There was farmland all around the village and some cattle grazed nearby.

"Thanks for the help Varia. I'm fine. No cracked ribs or anything." Blayne groaned, walking along beside her.

"Man up Blayne! What kind of pussy are you?!" Varia scolded him with a laugh.

Blayne's face burned and he bit his tongue to resist an angry comment.

"Ho travelers!" A farmer called to them as he walked down the dirt road in their direction, "Where do you hail from?"

"We came from the north, riding up until just recently on an Alliance griffin. We sent him back already after we crashed. We're trying to get a boat to Stormwind, do you know where we could find such a boat?" Varia called to him.

"A trader is in town right now. He came from Stormwind. I'd wager he'll be heading back any day now. Ye could barter a passage back." The farmer suggested.

"Thanks." Blayne nodded.

"Take care now." The farmer said, walking past.

"It's bad when a passing farmer is nicer than the woman who just recently declared her love for me." Blayne sighed.

"Oh shut up. I love you and he doesn't. That's all that counts." Varia said, crossing her arms.

"Yea, because lovers don't ever help each other when they're in pain." Blayne pointed out.

"You've walked for the last hour without a problem. I think you'll be fine. Plus, what do you want me to do? Black magic isn't exactly healing." Varia said.

"A word of comfort would be nice." Blayne said flatly.

"There, there Blayne. You'll be fine, I know it." Varia said without the slightest hint of emotion.

"I hate you." Blayne growled.

"You love me." Varia said.

"Shut your face." Blayne grumbled.

They walked down what would be main street in Southshore. It lead into a small circle of buildings. Some trade carts were placed around and people were swapping food and supplies with one another. They continued through the village and to the docks. A single large ship was tied to the docks.

"Why don't you just heal yourself?" Varia asked, "Haven't you said you can use white magic?"

"I can, but I don't want to until we find somewhere to stop." Blayne said, "They're untying the boat, hurry!"

"Hey! Wait!" Varia yelled as they hurried down the dock.

"Yes?" A man asked them as he untied a rope.

"We need a ride to Stormwind." Blayne said.

"I don't own a free transport vessel." The man said.

"We don't have any money. What can we do? My friend is injured and he needs to get off his feet." Varia said.

"I can't let everyone who can't pay on my ship. Get back so I can leave." The man growled.

"Give us a ride." Varia snapped, grabbing the man's arm.

"Get off me!" The man yelled, ripping his arm from the man's grip.

"We're skilled magicians. We can help guard your ship. Surely Stormwind isn't that far." Blayne said.

"Like I haven't heard that one before. Stormwind is nigh a week distant. I won't feed you for a week just because you think you can do a little magic." The man scoffed.

Varia was getting quite fed up with this man. She lunged out and grabbed his throat. Her body empowered by magic, she held him tight. He looked into her eyes and fear erupted through his body. In the man's eyes, darkness engulfed them. Varia faded from view and all he saw was her glowing purple eyes and he could feel the hand gripping her throat. Such terror ruled his soul that his muscles went slack and he collapsed at her feet, sobbing hysterically.

"Get up. Get up you useless fuck." Varia kicked the man in the side as he cried on the ground.

"What did you do?" Blayne asked as the man barely got to his hands and knees.

"I convinced him." Varia said simply, "If these people would just listen to me when I say it the first time, they would be just fine."

"Remind me to never get in your bad side." Blayne said, shaking his head.

"F... fine... you can ride... just stay away from me." The man said.

"What's your name?" Varia asked.

"I'm the Captain, Jedd Hardscale." The captain said, finishing untying the boat.

"I'm Varia. This is my... my boyfriend Blayne." Varia said, walking up the gangplank.

"Hey!" Blayne chuckled as he followed her.

"Shut up Blayne." Varia huffed, walking to the bow.

"I wonder how Robin is doing..." Blayne sighed, pulling back his sleeve to glance at his wrist.

It was eleven in the morning back home, now June third. More than a week had passed since he had left home. He wound the watch and sighed, walking up next to Varia.

"Thinking about home?" Varia asked, seeing him looking at his watch.

"Yea, I am." Blayne said, "Robin was so worried when I left. I hope she's alright."

"At least you have something to go back to. I've got nothing. My parents were killed in a werewolf attack when I was young and my only friend was killed by a vampire. I long since gave up making friends on Innistrad." Varia said quietly.

"That's why you..." Blayne started.

"It's why I didn't want to get close to you. Now that I am, I just spend every second worrying that... that I'll lose you. Every time I ever made a friend, it's like the dark beasts on Innistrad knew it and they just hunted that person down." Varia growled, clenching her fists.

Blayne reached up and took one of her hands in his, looking into her eyes.

"I'll always be here for you Varia. I won't leave you." Blayne said whole-heartedly, leaning closer to her.

"If you do I'll bring you back as a ghost and bind you to my soul." Varia threatened, "And I swear I will torture you forever."

"My god, you can do that?!" Blayne exclaimed in surprise.

"Oh you don't know the power that I hold. I've never used my whole power before. It's dangerous and quite painful for me." Varia said.

"Why's that?" Blayne wondered.

"I'm a master of blood magic. A skilled wizard named Sorin. He was a vampire, but he was a vampire that fought for Innistrad to attain balance and peace. He taught me his skill of Sangromancy." Varia said, looking out at the waves as the boat started away from the dock.

"Which is...?" Blayne asked.

"Sangromancy is blood magic. We draw power from our blood and the blood of others. If your sister hadn't knocked me out when she did, I likely would've torn all the blood from your body and used it to kill your sister." Varia said, "If I had known then what would happen between, I'm not sure I would've acted differently."

"Yes, because I'm the worst person in the world, the one that loves you." Blayne laughed, nudging her.

"Exactly." Varia grinned.

Blayne leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. Almost immediately upon the touch, her face flushed and she looked away.

"Oh my god. I just realized this. Varia, you're a virgin!" Blayne exclaimed, jabbing a finger towards her.

"Shut up Blayne! I don't want to talk about that kind of thing!" Varia squealed, her face reddening with embarrassment and sudden rage.

"I can't believe you're a virgin! My god, why is that so hot?" Blayne hissed at her.

"What does it matter? So, I'm not some dirty slut, what does it matter?!" Varia cried.

"It doesn't matter. It's just a shock. You're such a proud, strong woman, I figured you would've fucked a dozen men by now." Blayne chuckled, "Ohh ow, ow. Oh that hurts."

"Good. Enjoy it." Varia said, crossing her arms.

"Is your side doing okay?" Blayne asked.

"I used a bit of my Sangromancy to speed up the healing. It's already all fixed." Varia said, patting her side.

"Lucky you. Let's see if I can work mine." Blayne sighed, sitting down against the railing.

He closed his eyes and drew in the traces of white mana that floated through the skies above them. He let it circle in his body and he reveled in it's soothing power. With nudges from him, the mana slowly concentrated throughout his midsection. It alleviated the pain and he felt his bones slowly mending. It wouldn't be a fast process. However healers really did it, he didn't know. All he could do is let the white mana work around in it's own way and speed.

The sloshing of the ocean waves and the focus on trickling white magic soothed him. He slowly fell asleep against the railing.

*******

Blayne was shaken awake by Varia.

"Blayne! Blayne, wake up! Something is going on, I think it's bad! Get up!" Varia cried.

Blayne straightened up and shook his head, rubbing his eyes with a yawn.

"How login have I been out?" Blayne asked.

"A few hours. You looked peaceful and I wasn't sure if I should bother you. Anyway, get up!" Varia said, pulling on his arm.

He got to his feet and looked around. The crew was gathered at the back of the boat, staring over the railing at something in the distance. Blayne strode quickly over to them and followed their eyes. They were staring at a dozen deep crimson boats that were far on the horizon.

"What is it?" Blayne asked.

"It's a Blood Elf fleet! Troop ships and war machinery. Whatever they have all that for, it can't be good." Captain Jedd said.

"I need to talk to them. I think I know what is going on." Blayne said.

"We're not going anywhere near those ships. I don't care what kind of dark magic you use." Captain Jedd said strongly.

"No need, I'll just fly." Blayne said.

"Blayne, take me with you." Varia said.

"No, it's my problem. I caused this. I need to talk with them." Blayne said, gathering up blue mana from the calm seas all around them.

The was great and it was far more than he needed. He lifted off the deck and rose into the sky, the boat splashing on past. He moved forward, heading towards the boats that were a league distant. He spotted the grandest of them at the head and he saw the archers on the deck taking aim at him. He dove towards the boat, dodging the arrows and bolts that were flying his way. He easily reached the helm and landed.

"Halt where you are or be slain!" An elf called, aiming a crossbow at him.

"I need to talk with whoever is in charge. I demand it." Blayne called out.

"You are in no position to demand a single..." The elf said.

"Stand down soldier. I am Captain Lienuu Goldleaf. What do you attack us for?" A regal looking woman in gold colored chain mail said as she walked up the stairs towards the helm.

"I have made no action against your ship except to land on it. I simply want to talk." Blayne said, "What is this fleet for? Why do you sail with such power."

"You are a human, I have no need to answer your questions. It was one of your kind that has invited this war." Captain Lienuu said coldly.

"What could we have done to invite war." Blayne asked.

"One of your kind attacked our home and struck at our Regent. They freed a dangerous blood elf criminal. We strike back for vengeance upon your initial attack." The Captain exclaimed.

"How do you know the human was even allied with us? They may have been someone doing something on their own. You might be condemning so many to death just because of one insane man." Blayne said.

"You would claim disassociation with the man, but I don't believe it. We are to strike at Stormwind and nothing shall stop us." Captain Lienuu said, "And you are now my prisoner."

"I don't think so." Blayne said, gathering mana around him to construct a powerful invisible barrier.

"Take him." The woman ordered.

The elves closed in and Blayne leapt into the sky. Arrows and bolts launched from all around, glancing off his barrier with ease. He arced towards Jedd's boat and quickly landed on it.

"They mean to attack Stormwind. A human was found in their city and that human attacked their Regent. Because of that they seek vengeance. We need to make haste to Stormwind to warn the city." Blayne said.

"What kind of madman would do that. This could bring full-scale war between the elves and humans. They may have allied themselves with the Horde, but the elves have never been heavily into the war." Captain Jedd groaned.

"Yea, I wonder who." Varia groaned.

"Full sails! Men, dump the cargo. Lose everything we needn't have! We muster every ounce of speed from those sails!" Captain Jedd called, "Move it! Move it! We must warn Stormwind of the attack!"

The crew leapt into action, starting to push crates and barrels overboard. The sails were taut with wind and they grew faster as their weight lessened.

"Tis a tragedy sir." The helmsman said to the Captain.

"It is, but if the elves take Stormwind then we lose our best trading center. One load of cargo is no sacrifice in the face of the thousands that live in Stormwind." Captain Jedd said, "You two! Stop standing around and help!"

"I've got a better way to help. Let me use my magic to slow the blood elves. I will give you all the most time I can." Blayne said, stepping up on the railing.

"Blayne! Stop! You don't have to do this alone! I can help!" Varia cried, grabbing his hand.

"I won't be in any danger. I just want to go make a little ice." Blayne smiled, "If you want to help, keep yourself safe."

"You're an asshole!" Varia screamed as he flew away from the boat.

Blayne flew back until he was only a few hundred yards in front of the blood elves. They all could see him and he could see Lienuu staring at him.

Blue mana surged from all sides at his command, pulling into his body. He began to glow with the power. His hands started to glow bright cyan, slowly fading up his arms. He released the power in a great burst, summoning forth a great surge of freezing cold before him. A huge burst of ice grew up, splashing wildly as it settled in the water. The blood elves could be heard yelling commands and orders. Their boats made frantic turns, trying to get out of the way of the great iceberg.

Seeing his opening, he charged a huge orb of blue magic in his hand and hurled it towards the boats that were steering past the iceberg on his left. It struck the water and ice exploded up beneath the boat, lifting it from the water and crashing back down. The wooden hull cracked loudly from the sharp cold and the boat crashed sideways into another.

Drawing on the power around him, he pulled up on the ocean itself, lifting a wave a league wide. He strained and sweat dripped from his brow as he forced the water higher. It was roaring loudly as it churned and fought against gravity. Finally, he let it all go.

In a deafening crash, the great wall of water fell straight down, creating a tidal wave that erupt forward. The elven boats were all lifted and dropped by the wave, crashing into one another and spinning in different directions as if they were nothing more than bath toys.

Behind him, Captain Jedd's boat rode the reverse wave like a surfboard, racing forward at astounding speeds. Blayne was breathing heavily and he turned, hurrying tiredly back to the boat. As he landed, he almost fell. His legs were weak and he held tight to the railing.

"Blayne, that was amazing!" Varia cried, throwing her arms around his neck, "When we saw that wall of water being lifted... Well I didn't know what to think. You're so powerful! I mean, my magic is dangerous, but I could never do anything like that!"

"Thanks Varia. I hope that gives us a big enough lead." Blayne groaned, "I'm exhausted."

"We have a proper wind for the best speed and our ship is considerably light than their warships. We'll reach Stormwind at least a day before them and that is if they resumed sailing right now." Captain Jedd said.

"I doubt that. Their ships are in disarray and I'm certain I did a good bit of damage with that last one. They all crashed into one another when the wave hit." Blayne said.

"Come on Blayne, let's sit down." Varia said, pulling his arm around her shoulder to help him walk.

*******

CHAPTER 17 - STORMWIND

Stormwind was in sight and the blood elves were far behind them. Blayne was feeling better after the nearly a week trip down the coast. In reality, he was feeling better after an hour or two of rest, but he thoroughly enjoyed seeing Varia worrying over him. It was like she loved him, but she wanted to look indifferent and emotionless... except when there was something wrong with him.

For most of the trip, she waited on him hand and foot, practically forcing him to do nothing and let her do everything but chew his food. She even slept curled up next to him.

"You know that I was perfectly fine after a few hours. I just needed my magic to recharge." Blayne said as he walked down the gangplank, onto the dock.

"What." Varia said flatly.

"But I was quite touched that you went so far to help me." Blayne smiled.

Much to his surprise, Varia turned and swung her leg at him in a near-perfect roundhouse. He was smashed in the chest and knocked off the dock. He caught himself with a burst of kinetic magic right before he hit the water. She glared angrily down at him and he lifted himself back up on the dock.