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	<title>Knights of the Olde Speech - User contributions [en]</title>
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	<updated>2026-07-05T10:48:24Z</updated>
	<subtitle>User contributions</subtitle>
	<generator>MediaWiki 1.42.3</generator>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:The_12_Golden_Tears_of_the_Sea/@comment-29171447-20190613041629/@comment-29171447-20200807043413&amp;diff=12139</id>
		<title>Talk:The 12 Golden Tears of the Sea/@comment-29171447-20190613041629/@comment-29171447-20200807043413</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:The_12_Golden_Tears_of_the_Sea/@comment-29171447-20190613041629/@comment-29171447-20200807043413&amp;diff=12139"/>
		<updated>2020-08-07T04:34:14Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: Created page with &amp;quot;The moons move slowly in desycronized orbits, but then as they approach each other, they speed up as their gravities pull at each other; then, asÂ they slingshot around and be...&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;The moons move slowly in desycronized orbits, but then as they approach each other, they speed up as their gravities pull at each other; then, asÂ they slingshot around and begin growing apart, they slowÂ down and return to dyscronization. Why must you make my life difficult. :/&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:The_12_Golden_Tears_of_the_Sea/@comment-29171447-20190613041629/@comment-29171447-20200805231907&amp;diff=12137</id>
		<title>Talk:The 12 Golden Tears of the Sea/@comment-29171447-20190613041629/@comment-29171447-20200805231907</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:The_12_Golden_Tears_of_the_Sea/@comment-29171447-20190613041629/@comment-29171447-20200805231907&amp;diff=12137"/>
		<updated>2020-08-05T23:19:30Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;You have two cycles of 30 days, both perfectly out of sync with each other. However, one of the moon&#039;s cycles is actually 30 days and 2 seconds, so each year the other moonÂ catches up to the first by just a few seconds. 100 years later, boom! they overlap. Now, you might be asking, if the distance only changes by a tiny bit each year, how can this double leap tide occurance be such a sudden and short-term event? Good question.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
...&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
...&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
...&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Magic.gif|thumb|left]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:The_12_Golden_Tears_of_the_Sea/@comment-29171447-20190613041629/@comment-29171447-20200805231907&amp;diff=12136</id>
		<title>Talk:The 12 Golden Tears of the Sea/@comment-29171447-20190613041629/@comment-29171447-20200805231907</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:The_12_Golden_Tears_of_the_Sea/@comment-29171447-20190613041629/@comment-29171447-20200805231907&amp;diff=12136"/>
		<updated>2020-08-05T23:19:07Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: Created page with &amp;quot;You have two cycles of 30 days, both perfectly out of sync with each other. However, one of the moon&amp;#039;s cycles is actually 30 days and 2 seconds, so each year the other moonÂ c...&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;You have two cycles of 30 days, both perfectly out of sync with each other. However, one of the moon&#039;s cycles is actually 30 days and 2 seconds, so each year the other moonÂ catches up to the first by just a few seconds. 100 years later, boom! they overlap. Now, you might be asking, if the distance only changes by a tiny bit each year, how can this double leap tide occurance be such a sudden and short-term event? Good question.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
...&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
...&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
...&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Magic.gif|thumb]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=The_12_Golden_Tears_of_the_Sea&amp;diff=11289</id>
		<title>The 12 Golden Tears of the Sea</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=The_12_Golden_Tears_of_the_Sea&amp;diff=11289"/>
		<updated>2020-08-05T23:09:01Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: Thanks Talmid for encouraging me to continue this&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;==Prologue==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhen both moons are sleeping, the oceans go leaping.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
- Old seaside proverb&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Once a century, the two moons of Lyra and Kaperna simultaneously experience their new phase. This occurrence causes the notable âdouble leap tidesâ during which the tides reach historical highs and lows in a single day.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
But Rose was only interested in the low tides.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a torch in her hand and a satchel slung over her back, Rose walked to the edge of the cliff face and peered over. The bottom of the cliff was pitch black, invisible in the moonless night. However, the sound of waves breaking against the cliffside and the smell of salt betrayed the oceanâs presence below her. She angled the torch downward and walked along the cliffside a few feet from the edge, looking for something on the ground. She stopped at a metal stake she had placed that morning to mark the point of easiest decent. After tying the torch to the straps on her satchel, Rose kneeled to the ground and flipped over on her stomach, letting her legs hang over the cliffside. Her feet prodded the cliffside until they each found a solid foothold. She slowly lowered her left hand, then her right, left foot, then right, descending the cliffside one limb at a time.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Upon reaching the bottom she lowered herself down and landed in knee deep ocean water. Though waves periodically battered her legs, they were not forceful enough to upset her balance. Any other day, the cliffside would be ruthlessly bombarded by waves, but during the lows of the double leap tide the ocean was sedated. Rose began walking along the cliffside, peering at it intently, and a small cavity in the cliffside caught her eye. The half submerged opening was no more than an armâs breadth across. Rose extinguished her torch and crawled through. She closed her eyes to the saltwater splashing her face and reached forward with her hands, feeling the slick, algae-covered rocks ahead of her and pulling herself forward. Feeling no rocks ahead of her, she stood up and reached for her backpack. From it she removed another torch and a small steel device with a handle, trigger, and piece of flint. She quickly squeezed the trigger, causing a steel hammer to strike the flint. As the sparks came in contact with the fat-covered torch, the torch flared up immediately revealing that the small hole she had crawled through opened up into a small cave. Planks of wood and shattered boxes floated atop the knee deep water.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rose smiled and began investigating the debris. Many ships met their end at this coastline. Caught in a sudden storm, a ship would find itself forced by relentless waves onto the jagged rocks of the coastline. The sea would sweep away most of the wreckage, but sometimes the debris would drift into underwater caves carved out beneath the cliffside.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Treasure-hunters had attempted diving to these caves to loot the accumulated wreckage. While a few were successful, most were flung by the waves onto rocks or trapped in the inky blackness of the submerged caves, unable to find the exit. The locals knew that looting the coast of Holden was the pursuit of fools.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rose waded up to a barrel that had remained intact and pried the waterlogged wood apart. Inside were rare spices, made worthless by the ocean water. Inspection of the surrounding boxes revealed more spices. The inside of one of the spice barrels was still mostly dry, but it would be impossible to carry back up the cliff face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
This cave was a dud. There was no gold.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The low tide revealed the normally submerged caves, but only for about an hour, and she had already used up most of that time climbing down the cliff face and exploring this first cave. However, if she hurried she still had just enough time to check another cave before she risked being caught by the rising ocean level. Looting these caves was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and Rose did not intend to waste it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As she waded back to the exit, her foot knocked against something underwater. She glanced down. It was a human skeleton. It had a bright red-orange garment wrapped around its waist and a long oval leather shield strapped to its arm. The coin pouch hanging at its waist caught Roseâs eye.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She reached down searched the pouch, but to her dismay her fingers brushed against just a single coin. She held it up to her torch to look at it. It was gold and had the image of clouds on its face, with strange symbols engraved around the edge. She flipped it over. The other side of the coin was identical to the first, except amidst the clouds was engraved a full moon. She shrugged, and twirled the coin through her fingers before pocketing it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As she continued toward the entrance, she heard a faint crashing coming from outside the cave. At first she paid it no heed, as it was likely the crashing of the waves, but the sound grew louder and louder. She stopped walking forward and hesitated, apprehensive. As the sound swelled into a deafening roar, a cascade of water burst through the cave entrance. It slammed into Rose hurling her off her feet. Water enveloped her in moments. A âcrackâ echoed through the water as Roseâs head collided with a rock. A high pitched ringing in her ears, her vision obscured by churning air bubbles swirling around her, the waves tossed her head over heels. She hadnât had time to hold her breath and was already running out of air. She started swimming forward, but had no clue whether she was swimming toward the exit She felt panic, and then terror as she realized that she was going to die.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Then, Rose glimpsed a glimmer of moonlight shining through the cave entrance. She frantically swam toward it, clawing her way up the algae-covered rocks, and then pushed off of them toward the surface above. She surfaced and gasped for air, but her respite was short lived as a large wave crashed down on her and forced her back underwater. The waves tossed her to and fro as she struggled to remain above the surface. Every muscle in her body ached as she fought the tireless sea. Rose felt her stomach church as a large swell plucked her from the sea and raised her into the air, and then threw her forward as it came crashing down. She felt a thump as her body collided with dirt and she blacked out.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Her face was raw, caked with salt and sunburned by the blazing midday sun now bearing down on her. Ignoring the protests of her aching body, she sat up and looked around. Rose was surprised to find herself back at the top of the cliffside. Had the waves tossed her all the way up here? Whatever caused that sudden rush of water, she congratulated herself for staying alive. She stood up and hiked parallel to the cliffside. After a few minutes&#039; journey, she overlooked a small port town. Rose took the path to descend from the cliff and entered the outskirts of the town. She brushed past crew hands carrying boxes of goods from their ship, but among the usual bustle of the port, something new caught her eye. Three strange looking ships, the likes of which rose had never seen, were docked in the port. On the deck of the nearest ship, a group of dark-skinned Elephanters seemed engaged in discussion. Rose ducked into an alleyway to watch them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Foreigners. If they traveled all the way to Holden, perhaps they came to trade furs or spice&#039;&#039;, Rose concluded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Elephanters descended to the docks and entered the town, receiving some stares from the locals as they went.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She peered at the decks of the Elephanter ships, now left empty. She peered closer. Did they really not leave a single guard? Well if they were inviting her in, how could she refuse?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She glanced around. No Elephanters, no Rogues. She hurried towards the nearest Elephanter ship, and pulled her head up just above deck for confirmation. Not an Elephanter in sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Perfect&#039;&#039;, Rose thought, ready to pull herself onto the ship.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHey! That your ship youâre skulking around?â Rose spun around instantly to face the two Paradox Rogues looking up at her from the docks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Rogues! But I checked that there wasnât a rogue in sight. Where did they come from?&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She glanced across further down the port and saw a military vessel that had been obscured from her previous location in the alley. More rogues were unboarding from the ship and coming her way across the docs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYou! Kid! Answer the question!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat do you think? Of course it&#039;s my ship,â Rose responded confidently.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThose are some unusual looking ships...you from around here?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOf course, I eat at Eddieâs down the street all the time. Iâm sure you know the place.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The two rogues glanced between each other. One shrugged.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDonât get into any trouble,â the other said as they walked off.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rose smirked. The occupation by these Paradox Rogues was the best thing that could have happened for her. So long as you werenât a threat to the regime, they kept their nose out of your business and indifferently turned a blind eye. What a pleasant working environment compared to the previous military guards so eager to crack down on petty crime.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Hoisting herself aboard, she made her way toward the lower deck hatch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Someone could have remained below deck.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She swung the hatch slowly open and looked down the wooden stairs into the dark hold below. She tiptoed down one stair at a time, freezing when one of them creaked loudly. She held her breath and moved her hand to the dagger beneath her cloak, but after a few seconds of uneventful motionlessness, she continued down the stairs. She reached the bottom and as her eyes adjusted to the darkness, she confirmed that she was indeed the only one there. Working quickly, she slipped out her dagger and pried the lids off the boxes around her. Dried rations. Waterskins. Nothing worth stealing. She perked up at the next box she opened, upon seeing spears.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;These weapons might not be worth taking, but if these guys are dealing the new firearms, just grabbing as many bullets and powder as I can carry on my person will fetch a tidy sum.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She opened the next box and immediately deflated. It stored bows and arrows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;I suppose itâs too much to hope they are in fact firearm traders who brought along some bows as a novelty item.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Giving a final scan of the hold, her eyes landed upon a small table with maps and star charts laid out on it. A well-inked map could earn a few silvers, so she stuffed them into her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Not the haul I was hoping for, but I made good time, even in spite of those rogues questioning me. Iâll be long gone by the time those Elephanters finish their trading.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Just as she ascended the stairs, she heard the rapid pounding of feet running across the deck above.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cursing, she recoiled away from the open hatch and retreated behind some crates.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Why are they back so soon? Damn I left the hatch open!&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
However, the Elephanters moving frantically above deck were too preoccupied to notice the hatch that should have been closed. They hurriedly untied ropes and traded shouts in a language foreign to Rose. Rose felt the boat lurch as it pushed away from shore, followed by the distinctive cold stab of panic in her chest as she realized what was happening.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Theyâre leaving?!&#039;&#039; She paused in panicked confusion. &#039;&#039;Iâll have to dash across the deck and leap to the docks before they have time to react.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Just as she steeled herself to break for it, a thunderous tapping sound echoed outside. Before she had time to question what it was, the wood splintered above her and the Elephanter shouts immediately became louder and more urgent.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Startled, she threw herself to the corner of the hold. Sheâd never heard firearms before, but the thunderous echoes outside had to be them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tiny holes splintered open above her, letting in circles of light from outside. She huddled in the corner, the thought of running long gone.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After a few minutes, the firing stopped, and Rose ventured a hesitant glance through the open hatch. Between the legs of Elephanters running across the deck, she glimpsed a distant group of rogues ashore lowering their firearms, and docked imperial ships in flames.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;The hell are these guys? Just my luck that for the second time I operated on a perfect timetable only to be trapped by some freak anomaly.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The shore looked far too distant to swim to. Rose concluded her best bet was to remain hidden in the hold, feeding off the rations stored there until the ship next docked, at which point she would exit the scene.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Expecting the Elephanters to descend to the hold sooner or later, she hurriedly placed the maps sheâd grabbed back on the table, and found a hiding spot behind the boxes furthest back in the hold. Eventually she heard the creak of footsteps descend the stairs, some shuffling movements and quiet dialogue. Then, the swing of the hatch, and the hold grew dark. Rose waited patiently a full thirty minutes to be sure that the Elephanters werenât coming back. She pried open the boxes nearby her, but they contained weapons, so she carefully tiptoed her way toward the ration boxes at the front of the hold. She shot a wary glance at the closed hatch above her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Best make this quick, she thought, prying open a container and stuffing rations into her cloak to bring back to her hiding spot.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The creaky swing of the hatch spotlighted her in a square of bright sunlight bearing down above.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Brick.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:The Additional Manuscripts]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Stories by Ninjago Builders]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Stories]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:Cool_Events_to_Check_out_in_Militiregnum/@comment-29171447-20200625194636&amp;diff=12114</id>
		<title>Talk:Cool Events to Check out in Militiregnum/@comment-29171447-20200625194636</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:Cool_Events_to_Check_out_in_Militiregnum/@comment-29171447-20200625194636&amp;diff=12114"/>
		<updated>2020-06-25T19:46:36Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: Created page with &amp;quot;Forget about Persian Rugs and Arabian Horses, I blatantly referred toÂ &amp;quot;greek legends&amp;quot; in this AM.  Maybe these legends have been passed down through generations of fratÂ part...&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Forget about Persian Rugs and Arabian Horses, I blatantly referred toÂ &amp;quot;greek legends&amp;quot; in this AM.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Maybe these legends have been passed down through generations of fratÂ parties.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Then again, I fogot to capitalize &amp;quot;greek,&amp;quot; so perhaps this is actually a hint alluding that &amp;quot;greek&amp;quot; is a common adjective with an alternate meaning in the KotOS universe.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:Tertiary_Positioning/@comment-29171447-20200623020956/@comment-29171447-20200625193934&amp;diff=12113</id>
		<title>Talk:Tertiary Positioning/@comment-29171447-20200623020956/@comment-29171447-20200625193934</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:Tertiary_Positioning/@comment-29171447-20200623020956/@comment-29171447-20200625193934&amp;diff=12113"/>
		<updated>2020-06-25T19:39:34Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: Created page with &amp;quot;Irregularly, and sometimes not for a few months after a part has been written. But how could I not read a story withÂ best boy Janitor in it? :P  (In my headcanon Shard stole ...&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Irregularly, and sometimes not for a few months after a part has been written. But how could I not read a story withÂ best boy Janitor in it? :P&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(In my headcanon Shard stole &amp;quot;le Moi&amp;quot; specifically because it would annoy SOS Janitor, so do take it personally :P)&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:Tertiary_Positioning/@comment-29171447-20200623020956&amp;diff=12111</id>
		<title>Talk:Tertiary Positioning/@comment-29171447-20200623020956</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:Tertiary_Positioning/@comment-29171447-20200623020956&amp;diff=12111"/>
		<updated>2020-06-23T02:09:56Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: Created page with &amp;quot;I haven&amp;#039;t commented on the story for a while because I&amp;#039;m ashamed to reveal that I forgot who a lot of the old characters are...but I had to comment that I love the self-aware ...&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;I haven&#039;t commented on the story for a while because I&#039;m ashamed to reveal that I forgot who a lot of the old characters are...but I had to comment that I love the self-aware depiction of KotOS&#039;s absurdities. I especially laughed at how Agent Sky talked in perfectly normal EnglishÂ but then suddenly switched to &amp;quot;Old Speech&amp;quot; as soon as he wanted to sound dramatic. It&#039;s just too accurate to how we wrote PD! :P&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes/@comment-28549248-20200508130907/@comment-29171447-20200508211814&amp;diff=11901</id>
		<title>Talk:The Most Exotic of Tastes/@comment-28549248-20200508130907/@comment-29171447-20200508211814</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes/@comment-28549248-20200508130907/@comment-29171447-20200508211814&amp;diff=11901"/>
		<updated>2020-05-09T05:10:52Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Perhaps you shouldn&#039;t comment on every joke, but the praise makes me really happy.Â :P Nothing motivates me to write better than flattery.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Naturally all goats are lethal, but only a few spec into the psychic tree.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yeah I was a bitÂ lazy with my pronouns and irregularly switched between &amp;quot;it&amp;quot; and &amp;quot;he.&amp;quot; I guess all psychic goats are male. Though for the horse I specified from the beginning that it was a stallion.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Despite the entire joke being predicated on his name being Ray, my mind kept wanting to call him &amp;quot;Roy.&amp;quot; It was actually aÂ huge problem during writing and I hadÂ to change a bunch of Roys after I finished the story, but it seems I missed some.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As much as I&#039;d like to leave in Rarey&#039;s savage roast, that was unfortunately not intended and I must remove it for clarity&#039;s sake.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes&amp;diff=11889</id>
		<title>The Most Exotic of Tastes</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes&amp;diff=11889"/>
		<updated>2020-05-09T01:24:26Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;*&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;You see that this manuscript has the stamp of &amp;quot;The Totally True Tale Society.&amp;quot; They are a respected association that is dedicated to uncovering the truth, so you know that this manuscript must be accurate.*&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In medias res! The young soldier stumbled away from the carriages, his legs trembling violently and threatening to give out at any moment. After bumbling forward for a bit, he felt his foot wrench beneath him, followed by a dizzying impact. Even while catching his bearings, his limbs instinctively clawed at the dirt road, pulling him into the leafy cover of the forest. He collapsed to the ground and took a moment to breath. Slipping between the noise of his raspy breaths and pounding heartbeat, faint screams reached his ears.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Quivering, the man dared to raise his head above the bushes to peek back at the road. Before him, a group of monkeys surrounded a well noble dressed in a fine black suit, with an immaculately trimmed pointy grey beard The noble drew a rapier and lunged at the monkey nearest him, but it easily sidestepped his strike. The monkeys laughed in a chorus of shrieks and began pelting the noble with bananas.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The soldier was stricken with immense shame upon seeing an unarmored noble face the attackers, while he, a hired guard in full armor, cowardly fled from the simian assailants. The soldier mustered all his courage and charged at the circle of monkeys. They squealed as he landed a few well-placed strikes, before scampering off into the trees.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBoy! Whatâs your name?â the Noble called out upon being rescued.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMy name...â the soldier hesitated. âCall me Ray, Sir.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âVery well, Ray. I, of course, am your employer Duke Rarey A. Steakson. Come hither, for I require a guard against this sudden assault!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray did as he was told, and ran over to the Duke while exclaiming âThis road is supposed to be the safest route to Glasted! There certainly shouldnât be monkey tribes in this part of the country! How can this be happening!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThe monkeys must have gotten wind of what weâre transporting,â Duke Rarey replied. âEven though this forest is far from their regular territory, our cargo was too tempting for the Monkeys to resist coming here for.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âCargo!?â Ray asked in confusion. âWeâre only transporting handmade crochet coasters. Why do the monkeys want those?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Duke Rarey shook his head. âThatâs just the cover story we created to protect our true cargo. Those boxes that you thought were filled with coasters are actually filled with literally every horse in all of Aquila.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo!â Ray exclaimed in disbelief.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âItâs true,â Rarey responded sombrely.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMust we fight off the monkeys then?â Ray asked fearfully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo, Itâs too dangerous.â Duke Rarey responded. âI only hired a small number of mercenaries to avoid drawing attention to the convoy. Thereâs nothing such a small force can do against the monkeys.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIf you were so careful to maintain appearances, why did the monkeys attack us?â Ray asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThey must have had an informant,â Duke Rarey responded. âI was overconfident in my ruse, leading to my downfall. Alas, there is nothing more we can do. Escort me to safety, I must inform the king at once.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray stumbled after Duke Rarey through the forest the forest, as they fled the monkeys and dended off those that overtook them. Finally, the two men entered the capital city.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYou have done well to escort me this far,â Rarey stated.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI...suppose,â Ray said, acutely aware of his cowardice during the battle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHere is a token of my appreciation,â Rarey continued while placing a gold coin into Rayâs armored glove.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Generously compensated for the job, Ray walked off.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWill Aquila fall?â he wondered, wandering aimlessly. âThe loss of our horses is a grievous blow to both the economy and military. Can the country survive such a disaster? What misfortune to have been present at the moment of the kingdomâs downfall!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray found himself at the entrance of his favorite pub, so he decided to find himself a seat as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHe usual?â The barkeep asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray stared at the counter for a few moments, then mustered up the enthusiasm to nod in response to the barkeepâs query.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSomething got you down?â The bartender asked. âWait, donât tell me -- you got your heart broken by a girl.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSomething like that,â Ray responded. The Aquilian government would be sure to cover up what had happened for as long as possible, lest the countryâs enemies capitalize on its current weakness. It would be imprudent to frivolously reveal what had actually transpired.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray sipped at his drink for the rest of the evening, ordering a refill whenever he saw the bottom of his glass.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The sun set, and when the bar had to close, Ray staggered into the night. Swaying through an alleyway, he leaned against a wall for support. He leaned against the wall for a while, until his hand slipped and he stumbled to the ground. At this point, he lost his composure and began to sob.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOur beloved king always told us âHorses are great âcause theyâre fast!â!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The tears streamed down Rayâs face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âEvery year the King said âIâve always wanted to sneak attack people with horses âcause their messengers wonât be able to relay the deception in time!â But now he never will have that opportunity! Why doth the cruel hand of fate render tragedy for those who dare aspire greatness? The man discontent to skulk low to the dirt is punished for raising its head! Is manâs function truly so bleak? And I shall have to live knowing I fled the scene where our aspirations were crushed! Oh woe is me to be such a pathetic guard!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray threw up and passed out.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In the early light of dawn, Ray was awakened by someone calling his name.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSoldier Ray! It is I, no longer Duke Rarey A. Steakson! As the man responsible for the outcome of operation Crochet, I have been stripped of my title and exiled from Aquilla for the loss of the countryâs horses. Yet such it as I deserve, having failed my nation so.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray looked at the ground, ashamed that he had fallen into despondency while Rarey faced his far graver situation with such dignity.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI have 3 days to gather my belongs and evict myself from the kingdom. But I shall not be gathering my belongings!â Rarey continued. âIn my youth, my grandfather Mignon Steakson set me on his knee and told me fantastic fables. One such fable states that atop the tallest peak of the Athelas mountains lives a noble stallion of the finest, most pure of breeds. I know not whether this fable is true, but I shall spend my remaining 3 days in my homeland to scour the mountaintops in search of this stallion!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBut if you canât find this tall tale, then in three days you will be exiled from Aquila with no belongings! Youâll quickly die in the wilderness!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIf such an outcome occurs, so be it, for such is my just atonement for failing my nation.â Rarey said sombrely. âBut, I do not expect such a fate to befall me, for you will be assisting my quest.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMe?â Ray asked, surprised.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes. If you are concerned about payment, worry not. I leave to you my entire fortune and estate, as I will not be needing them should this expedition fail.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat?! Why?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBecause the Athelas mountains are dangerous and I require an escort.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo, why me?â Ray asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAh. Because the King commanded me to maintain the utmost secrecy about the loss of our nations horses, so I cannot divulge the matter to anyone else. You, however, already know of this kingdomâs predicament, so there should be no issue.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOh. I see.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNow, let us get moving, boy! Weâre on a tight deadline with no time to spare! Take this bag.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey removed one of the large packs each slung over his shoulder and tossed one to Ray. Ray struggled to catch it, and when he did grab it, was nearly pulled down by its heavy weight. By the time he steadied himself, he had to jog after Rarey, who had already proceeded some distance down the road.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The two spent the entire day hiking across the Aquilaâs green plains. They reached the foot of the imposing mountain range just as the sun began to set.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey pointed at the tallest peak directly ahead of them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYou see that Ray? Thatâs the tallest mountain in all of the Athelas range: Mt. Scary.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI see. Um...why is it called Mt. Scary exactlyâ&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHmm, thatâs a good question. I canât say for sure, since no one has ever come back alive to explain what makes it so scary.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAre you sure one of the other mountains isnât actually the tallest peak,â Ray asked hopefully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell, that is a possibility. The national measurement tables are accurate only to an approximate degree, so thereâs a good chance one of the nearby peaks is actually taller. But that is a gamble we have no choice but to take.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray went silent.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDo we have any food?â he asked after a while.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI hope you like bread, since thatâs the only ration we have.â Rarey responded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âReally?!â Ray said, piping up. âI thoroughly love bread!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey chuckled, and tossed Ray a loaf, and a waterskin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âEat up boy. We have an even tougher march tomorrow.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The next morning, they began their ascent. As they climbed higher and higher, the air became cold, then freezing. Rarey unpacked a thick wool coat for each of them, and they continued upward. Rayâs muscles burned from their rapid pace up such a steep path, and he desperately wanted to ask for moments rest. But Ray held his tongue, deciding that if the elderly Rarey could continue without slowing, he could as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Around midday, they reached a height at which a heavy mist enveloped them, obscuring their vision beyond a few yards (editorâs note: what is a yard?). Rarey slowed them down at this point.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWith our vision limited and a thousand foot drop to our right, it would be prudent to take our time here,â Rarey explained. Ray was just glad for the slower pace, whatever the reason.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Finally, they came to a halt, and Ray gratefully plopped to the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat are you doing fool? UP! Now!â Rarey snapped.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray scrambled to his feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYouâll notice that we havenât encountered any darkwraiths or ice elementals during our ascentâ Rarey stated.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThatâs a relief!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNot at all! If the lesser friends avoid this slope, it can only mean that it is the territory of a much deadlier creature.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
â...deadlier than a nightwraith?â Ray nervously asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âFar deadlier. Native to this mountain is the deadly creature...goats.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âUm...goats? How are goats deadly.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGET DOWN!â Rarey snapped. âThereâs one now,â he said in hushed tones, pointing away from the mountain toward the cliffâs edge.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Through the obscuring mists, Ray could just make out a shadowed form floating in midair through the mists.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIt...it flies?!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes. That is no ordinary goat, but rather, a lethal Psychic Goat.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Suddenly, the shadowy form of the flying goat turned to face right at them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âRUN! ITâS SENSED US ALREADY!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey dashed away, and Ray hurriedly leapt in the other direction just as a goat swooped down at blinding speeds, swinging its horns where their heads had been moments before. The goat slowed to a stop, before sensing Rayâs presence through the thick mists. In an instant the mists billowed out of its way as it hurtled forward. Ray jumped to the side, and with his momentum swung his heavy pack at the goat, bashing it in the side. The goat careened off course, and crashed into the jagged slope of the mountain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI got it!â Ray exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
However, the goat did not stay down long. In an instant, the mists parted and disappeared, pushed away by an unseen force. Ray stared down the goat hovering just off the ground ahead of him. The goat stared back, and twitched its head the tiniest bit upwards. Ray lurched off his feet and hurtled toward the thousand foot drop beside him, but Rarey lept forward and grabbed his arm before he could tumble off. The goat twitched its head again, but just as it did so, Rarey drew from his pack a long glass broadsword and swept it through the air between he and the goat. There was a whistling sound as the goat vibrated back and forth before launching away at a thousand miles an hour.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat? Did you defeat it?!â Ray asked, simultaneously shaken and excited.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes,â Rarey replied matter of factly. âThis is a sword forged from a glass element to deflect unseen magics. I deflected its psychic headbut back at it. It was already under the effect of one psychic force in order to hover. Upon being hit by a second psychic force, it rebounded quickly between the two conflicting forces until one of the forces snapped, sending it hurtling away.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
They traveled a short distance further up the mountain until they found a stone overhand to shelter under. Rarey removed a few branches from his pack and started a fire to keep them warm throughout the night.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He tossed Ray another loaf, and 2 waterskins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGood thing you like bread,â Rarey commented.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYup! I thoroughly like bread and am bad at spelling!â Ray said cheerfully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGood. Just make sure to stay hydrated. If you need another waterskin, inform me.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
One the dawn of the final morning, the fog had lifted, and they could see an expanse of clouds far beneath them down the mountain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWeâre far up!â Ray commented.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe must get even farther by the end of the day,â Rarey commented curtly, hoisting his pack on his back and beginning their march.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Shortly after midday, the mountain slope leveled out. They had reached the peak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe did it!â Ray exclaimed. âThis is where the stallion is, right?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes,â Rarey responded. Despite Rareyâs attempts to mask it, Ray heard a hint of uncertainty in the older manâs voice. He looked around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe should carefully investigate the area atop this mountain, as well as the other slopes leading here,â Rarey stated. They looked around, but no horses popped out in front of them. They searched futilely until sunset. They had investigated every crevice of the mountainâs peak, overturned every rock, but there was not a horse to be found.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIâm sorry Ray,â Rarey commented. âI was foolish to raise our hopes with a myth. But bemoaning the past serves no purpose.â He began unpacking wood to start a fire.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIâm sorry Rarey,â Ray called out after a moment of silence. âThis is all my fault. Iâm a coward, a useless coward.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey opened his mouth, perhaps to deny Rayâs self-deprecation, but remained quiet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray collapsed to the ground and stared off into the sunset.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The sun covered the vast expanse of land visible from the mountain with a red glow. The sky burned orange, interrupted by long white clouds with a soft pink underbelly. The sun, a perfect sphere resting just upon the horizon, shonied vibrant orange all over, except for its middle which was blocked by a small silhouette of a horse.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWait what? Rarey! Look!â Ray shouted.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey peered toward the sun and probably received eye damage, and then exclaimed âwhy of course! The horse is psychic too! It doesnât need to remain on the peak because it can fly!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHow do we get it over to use,â Ray asked excitedly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDonât worry, I came prepared.â Rarey pulled a flashy red flag from his backpack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAs Iâm sure you know, horses are angered by the color red and canât help but charge when they see it. I will bait it in, and while it is blinded by rage I will leap on it back and tame it.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAlright!â Ray exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey flapped the flag in the horseâs direction, but the horse did not stir from its position framed by the setting sun&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBut how? Could this horse be somehow suppressing its primal instincts through psychic mastery?!â Rarey exclaimed incredulously.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âPerhaps in the red light of the sunset, everything looks red to it and it cannot distinguish the red of your cloak,â Ray proffered.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBrilliant, boy! That must be it! But that means our plan is a bust!â Rarey stared at the horse thoughtful for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGot any other plans?â Ray asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
They stared at the horse a bit more.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHey look! The stallion is coming toward us now!â Ray exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray, glanced back at the stallion, and saw that Rarey was indeed correct.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBut why is he approaching now, when he wouldnât before?â Ray pondered.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The reason quickly became apparent, as the silhouettes of 10 psychic goats appeared over the horizon.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOh no! The stallion is the natural predator of the goat, but in large numbers an angry herd of goats can easily take down a single stallion! This is a most dangerous situation!â Rarey exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The stallion touched down on the peak a short distance from Rarey and Ray, and seconds later the mountaintop exploded into shrapnel under a bombard of psychic headbuts.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey leapt forward, unsheathing his sword. The stallion was fleeing down the side of the mountain, hopping between outcroppings, and Rarey pursued it while deflecting psychic assaults. Without a moment&#039;s hesitation, Ray raced down the slope after the stallion as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âRay!â Rarey called out. âObtain the stallion while I dispatch the goats!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray scrambled down the slope, but the stallion, using its psychic abilities when necessary, easily outpaced the slow humans. Ray realized that they could never catch up. He took note of the horseâs position beneath him, and backed away from the cliffâs edge. He took a deep breath, and dashed toward the cliff, leaping off the edge.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDang it I was planning to land on the horseâs back but it moved away so now Iâm going to dieâ Ray said.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
However, just as Ray was about to impale himself on the jagged rocks below, the psychic stallion leapt back to where it was previously standing to catch Rayâs fall.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes!â Ray exclaimed. âAll according to plan!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He looked back to see how Rarey was faring, just in time to see a goat bash into Rareyâs side, knocking the glass sword to the ground where it shattered. A second goat instantly followed up with a psychic blow that sent Rarey hurtling down the rocky cliffside until his body fell through the cloud cover and disappeared.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray screamed in a jumble of horror, sadness, and anger.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He kicked his heals into the side of the stallion, spurring it higher and higher into the air. The goats, turning their attention back toward the stallion, leapt off the mountainside and quickly began flying his way.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The goats drew closer, up until a point, at which they maintained a safe distance and slowly spread out in a circle around Ray and the stallion. Once they had them surrounded, they began tightening the circle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray felt the sinews of the horse beneath him, heard it&#039;s breathing, and instinctively knew what to do. He waited, as the goats drew closer and closer, and then, just as the first goat twitched its head to make a psychic attack, he sprang into action. He leapt off the horseâs back, flipping through the air. Then, he reached beneath him, grabbed the stallion, and using his momentum, swung the stallion in a 360 degree circle like a sword, firing a blast of psychic energy from the horse at all the surrounding goats. Trapped between the stallionâs psychic blast and their own hovering forces, the goats trembled in mid-air momentarily before being launched into the sunset where they burnt to a crisp.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray returned to Aquila, with his stallion, and took it to a stable to check it in and get it some food.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThank you for storing your horse with Horse Companyâ¢,â the stablemaster said cheerfully. âBelieve it or not, youâre the first customer weâve had in the past three days. Must have been some downturn in the horse market or somethinâ.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âQuite the downturn,â Ray responded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âTo finalize your horse check in, please tell us your horseâs name,â the stablemaster told Ray.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMy horseâs name? I supposed I havenât thought of that yetâ¦â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDonât worry, we have a patented system for assigning the horse a default name. Our award winning default naming system calls each horse âA [name of person] horse.â So for example, my nameâs Ebward L. Wardson, so any horse stored under my name using the default naming system would be called âAn Ebward L. Wardson horse.â See how it works?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI guess,â Ray responded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGood! We just need your name and weâll get down to assigning your horse a default name?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The stablemaster peered down at Rayâs nametag.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âRay Ian? Thatâs a funny name. You got no last name? Hah!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNO IT IS NOT FUNNY!â Ray shouted angrily. The stablemaster was taken aback.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSorry sorry,â the stablemaster stuttered. â...Iâll just write it on the application real quick.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWait!â Ray shouted desperately.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ever since his birth, Ray was destined to be different. When he was born, his parents forgot to give him a last name. When they realized they messed up, they decided to give him 2 first names to make up for it. From that moment on, Rayâs full name was âRay Ian.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The memories flashed through his mind&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHa ha ha! Everyone! This fellow preschooler has two first names! Letâs gather around and laugh at him while his brain is still in a formative state to give him a traumatic experience!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âPst! Do you have the answers for this test weâre both taking as highschoolers? Hey wait a moment, youâre that Ray Ian kid. Nevermind, I donât want help cheating from someone with two first names.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIâm sorry, Iâm afraid I must decline your job application for your dream job. With a name like Ray Ian, youâre not cut out to be a bread waiter.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray snapped back to the present.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMy name will no longer be Ray Ian! With the addition of this middle initial, my name will be...Ray B. Ian!!!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The stablemaster gasped. âWith the addition of a middle initial to separate his two names, his second first name is now his last name! What an ingenious maneuver!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After storing the first Ray B. Ian horse at the stable, Ray used the late Duke Rareyâs fortune to invest in some cloning magic, and cloned a thousand more Ray B. Ian horses. He began selling the horses, which were quite popular on the account of being psychic, and in time he had the funds to build a Horse Factory that mass produced psychic horses. Naturally, he always kept the original Ray B. Ian horse because they had a special bond and whatnot.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After a couple years of running his horse business successfully and saving the Aquila economic and military ruin, he was surprised to notice that he only made 5 cents off every sale of horses that he made.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThatâs weird,â he thought. âI thought I would earn more for selling psychic horses.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray checked in with the stablemaster who was storing his horses to see if he had any idea where the profit margins were being lost.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAh, well it could be our patented naming system. We hired an advanced team of scientists to develop the system, and in order to recover the initial expenditure we charge 2 cents per character in your horseâs name.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYeah, I donât think thatâs the problem. Iâm selling these horses for thousands of dollars you know.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell, thatâs the only possible reason I can think of,â the stablemaster replied.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSure, thanks for your time,â Ray responded, walking away. He turned back one more time before leaving? âAre you sure you canât think of &#039;&#039;anything&#039;&#039; that might be raising the overhead costs?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell...there is the problem of spacing,â the stablemaster added after a momentâs thought.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSpacing?â Ray asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes. Weâre quite proud that through our brilliant innovation, our default naming system does allow for spaces. However, since they still are very difficult to handle in our system, whenever you register a horse with our default naming system, you are charged ten thousand dollars per space in the horseâs name.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat the brick? Well Iâd better name the horses something without spaces then.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOf course, sir. Each horse is currently referred to as âa Ray B. Ian Horseâ. Do you have any idea what you want to call them from now on?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHmm...well I do like bread.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
And that was how the Thoroughbred horse was invented.&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:The Additional Manuscripts]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Stories by Ninjago Builders]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Stories]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes/@comment-28549248-20200508130907/@comment-29171447-20200508211814&amp;diff=11900</id>
		<title>Talk:The Most Exotic of Tastes/@comment-28549248-20200508130907/@comment-29171447-20200508211814</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes/@comment-28549248-20200508130907/@comment-29171447-20200508211814&amp;diff=11900"/>
		<updated>2020-05-09T01:20:02Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Perhaps you shouldn&#039;t comment on every joke, but the praise makes me really happy.Â :P Nothing motivates me to write better than flattery.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Naturally all goats are lethal, but only a few spec into the psychic tree.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yeah I was a bitÂ lazy with my pronouns and irregularly switched between &amp;quot;it&amp;quot; and &amp;quot;he.&amp;quot; I guess all psychic goats are male.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Despite the entire joke being predicated on his name being Ray, my mind kept wanting to call him &amp;quot;Roy.&amp;quot; It was actually aÂ huge problem during writing and I hadÂ to change a bunch of Roys after I finished the story, but it seems I missed some.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As much as I&#039;d like to leave in Rarey&#039;s savage roast, that was unfortunately not intended and I must remove it for clarity&#039;s sake.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes/@comment-28549248-20200508130907/@comment-29171447-20200508211814&amp;diff=11899</id>
		<title>Talk:The Most Exotic of Tastes/@comment-28549248-20200508130907/@comment-29171447-20200508211814</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes/@comment-28549248-20200508130907/@comment-29171447-20200508211814&amp;diff=11899"/>
		<updated>2020-05-09T01:19:44Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Perhaps you shouldn&#039;t comment on every joke, but the praise makes me really happy.Â :P Nothing motivates me to write better than flattery.&lt;br /&gt;
Naturally all goats are lethal, but only a few spec into the psychic tree.&lt;br /&gt;
Yeah I was a bitÂ lazy with my pronouns and irregularly switched between &amp;quot;it&amp;quot; and &amp;quot;he.&amp;quot; I guess all psychic goats are male.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Despite the entire joke being predicated on his name being Ray, my mind kept wanting to call him &amp;quot;Roy.&amp;quot; It was actually aÂ huge problem during writing and I hadÂ to change a bunch of Roys after I finished the story, but it seems I missed some.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As much as I&#039;d like to leave in Rarey&#039;s savage roast, that was unfortunately not intended and I must remove it for clarity&#039;s sake.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes/@comment-28549248-20200508130907/@comment-29171447-20200508211814&amp;diff=11898</id>
		<title>Talk:The Most Exotic of Tastes/@comment-28549248-20200508130907/@comment-29171447-20200508211814</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes/@comment-28549248-20200508130907/@comment-29171447-20200508211814&amp;diff=11898"/>
		<updated>2020-05-09T01:19:30Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Perhaps you shouldn&#039;t comment on every joke, but the praise makes me really happy.Â :P Nothing motivates me to write better than flattery.&lt;br /&gt;
Naturally all goats are lethal, but only a few spec into the psychic tree.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yeah I was a bitÂ lazy with my pronouns and irregularly switched between &amp;quot;it&amp;quot; and &amp;quot;he.&amp;quot; I guess all psychic goats are male.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Despite the entire joke being predicated on his name being Ray, my mind kept wanting to call him &amp;quot;Roy.&amp;quot; It was actually aÂ huge problem during writing and I hadÂ to change a bunch of Roys after I finished the story, but it seems I missed some.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As much as I&#039;d like to leave in Rarey&#039;s savage roast, that was unfortunately not intended and I must remove it for clarity&#039;s sake.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes/@comment-28549248-20200508130907/@comment-29171447-20200508211814&amp;diff=11897</id>
		<title>Talk:The Most Exotic of Tastes/@comment-28549248-20200508130907/@comment-29171447-20200508211814</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes/@comment-28549248-20200508130907/@comment-29171447-20200508211814&amp;diff=11897"/>
		<updated>2020-05-09T01:19:25Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Perhaps you shouldn&#039;t comment on every joke, but the praise makes me really happy.Â :P Nothing motivates me to write better than flattery.&lt;br /&gt;
Naturally all goats are lethal, but only a few spec into the psychic tree.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yeah I was a bitÂ lazy with my pronouns and irregularly switched between &amp;quot;it&amp;quot; and &amp;quot;he.&amp;quot; I guess all psychic goats are male.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Despite the entire joke being predicated on his name being Ray, my mind kept wanting to call him &amp;quot;Roy.&amp;quot; It was actually aÂ huge problem during writing and I hadÂ to change a bunch of Roys after I finished the story, but it seems I missed some.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As much as I&#039;d like to leave in Rarey&#039;s savage roast, that was unfortunately not intended and I must remove it for clarity&#039;s sake.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes/@comment-28549248-20200508130907/@comment-29171447-20200508211814&amp;diff=11896</id>
		<title>Talk:The Most Exotic of Tastes/@comment-28549248-20200508130907/@comment-29171447-20200508211814</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes/@comment-28549248-20200508130907/@comment-29171447-20200508211814&amp;diff=11896"/>
		<updated>2020-05-09T01:19:14Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Perhaps you shouldn&#039;t comment on every joke, but the praise makes me really happy.Â :P Nothing motivates me to write better than flattery.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Naturally all goats are lethal, but only a few spec into the psychic tree.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yeah I was a bitÂ lazy with my pronouns and irregularly switched between &amp;quot;it&amp;quot; and &amp;quot;he.&amp;quot; I guess all psychic goats are male.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Despite the entire joke being predicated on his name being Ray, my mind kept wanting to call him &amp;quot;Roy.&amp;quot; It was actually aÂ huge problem during writing and I hadÂ to change a bunch of Roys after I finished the story, but it seems I missed some.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As much as I&#039;d like to leave in Rarey&#039;s savage roast, that was unfortunately not intended and I must remove it for clarity&#039;s sake.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes/@comment-28549248-20200508130907/@comment-29171447-20200508211814&amp;diff=11895</id>
		<title>Talk:The Most Exotic of Tastes/@comment-28549248-20200508130907/@comment-29171447-20200508211814</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes/@comment-28549248-20200508130907/@comment-29171447-20200508211814&amp;diff=11895"/>
		<updated>2020-05-09T01:19:06Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Perhaps you shouldn&#039;t comment on every joke, but the praise makes me really happy.Â :P Nothing motivates me to write better than flattery.&lt;br /&gt;
Naturally all goats are lethal, but only a few spec into the psychic tree.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yeah I was a bitÂ lazy with my pronouns and irregularly switched between &amp;quot;it&amp;quot; and &amp;quot;he.&amp;quot; I guess all psychic goats are male.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Despite the entire joke being predicated on his name being Ray, my mind kept wanting to call him &amp;quot;Roy.&amp;quot; It was actually aÂ huge problem during writing and I hadÂ to change a bunch of Roys after I finished the story, but it seems I missed some.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As much as I&#039;d like to leave in Rarey&#039;s savage roast, that was unfortunately not intended and I must remove it for clarity&#039;s sake.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes/@comment-28549248-20200508130907/@comment-29171447-20200508211814&amp;diff=11894</id>
		<title>Talk:The Most Exotic of Tastes/@comment-28549248-20200508130907/@comment-29171447-20200508211814</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes/@comment-28549248-20200508130907/@comment-29171447-20200508211814&amp;diff=11894"/>
		<updated>2020-05-08T21:30:19Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Perhaps you shouldn&#039;t comment on every joke, but the praise makes me really happy.Â :P Nothing motivates me to write better than flattery.&lt;br /&gt;
Naturally all goats are lethal, but only a few spec into the psychic class.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yeah I was a bitÂ lazy with my pronouns and irregularly switched between &amp;quot;it&amp;quot; and &amp;quot;he.&amp;quot; I guess all psychic goats are male.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Despite the entire joke being predicated on his name being Ray, my mind kept wanting to call him &amp;quot;Roy.&amp;quot; It was actually aÂ huge problem during writing and I hadÂ to change a bunch of Roys after I finished the story, but it seems I missed some.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As much as I&#039;d like to leave in Rarey&#039;s savage roast, that was unfortunately not intended and I must remove it for clarity&#039;s sake.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes&amp;diff=11888</id>
		<title>The Most Exotic of Tastes</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes&amp;diff=11888"/>
		<updated>2020-05-08T21:20:58Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;*&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;You see that this manuscript has the stamp of &amp;quot;The Totally True Tale Society.&amp;quot; They are a respected association that is dedicated to uncovering the truth, so you know that this manuscript must be accurate.*&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In medias res! The young soldier stumbled away from the carriages, his legs trembling violently and threatening to give out at any moment. After bumbling forward for a bit, he felt his foot wrench beneath him, followed by a dizzying impact. Even while catching his bearings, his limbs instinctively clawed at the dirt road, pulling him into the leafy cover of the forest. He collapsed to the ground and took a moment to breath. Slipping between the noise of his raspy breaths and pounding heartbeat, faint screams reached his ears.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Quivering, the man dared to raise his head above the bushes to peek back at the road. Before him, a group of monkeys surrounded a well noble dressed in a fine black suit, with an immaculately trimmed pointy grey beard The noble drew a rapier and lunged at the monkey nearest him, but it easily sidestepped his strike. The monkeys laughed in a chorus of shrieks and began pelting the noble with bananas.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The soldier was stricken with immense shame upon seeing an unarmed noble face the attackers, while he, a hired guard in full armor, cowardly fled from the simian assailants. The soldier mustered all his courage and charged at the circle of monkeys. They squealed as he landed a few well-placed strikes, before scampering off into the trees.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBoy! Whatâs your name?â the Noble called out upon being rescued.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMy name...â the soldier hesitated. âCall me Ray, Sir.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âVery well, Ray. I, of course, am your employer Duke Rarey A. Steakson. Come hither, for I require a guard against this sudden assault!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray did as he was told, and ran over to the Duke while exclaiming âThis road is supposed to be the safest route to Glasted! There certainly shouldnât be monkey tribes in this part of the country! How can this be happening!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThe monkeys must have gotten wind of what weâre transporting,â Duke Rarey replied. âEven though this forest is far from their regular territory, our cargo was too tempting for the Monkeys to resist coming here for.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âCargo!?â Ray asked in confusion. âWeâre only transporting handmade crochet coasters. Why do the monkeys want those?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Duke Rarey shook his head. âThatâs just the cover story we created to protect our true cargo. Those boxes that you thought were filled with coasters are actually filled with literally every horse in all of Aquila.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo!â Ray exclaimed in disbelief.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âItâs true,â Rarey responded sombrely.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMust we fight off the monkeys then?â Ray asked fearfully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo, Itâs too dangerous.â Duke Rarey responded. âI only hired a small number of mercenaries to avoid drawing attention to the convoy. Thereâs nothing such a small force can do against the monkeys.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIf you were so careful to maintain appearances, why did the monkeys attack us?â Ray asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThey must have had an informant,â Duke Rarey responded. âI was overconfident in my ruse, leading to my downfall. Alas, there is nothing more we can do. Escort me to safety, I must inform the king at once.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray stumbled after Duke Rarey through the forest the forest, as they fled the monkeys and dended off those that overtook them. Finally, the two men entered the capital city.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYou have done well to escort me this far,â Rarey stated.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI...suppose,â Ray said, acutely aware of his cowardice during the battle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHere is a token of my appreciation,â Rarey continued while placing a gold coin into Rayâs armored glove.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Generously compensated for the job, Ray walked off.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWill Aquila fall?â he wondered, wandering aimlessly. âThe loss of our horses is a grievous blow to both the economy and military. Can the country survive such a disaster? What misfortune to have been present at the moment of the kingdomâs downfall!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray found himself at the entrance of his favorite pub, so he decided to find himself a seat as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHe usual?â The barkeep asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray stared at the counter for a few moments, then mustered up the enthusiasm to nod in response to the barkeepâs query.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSomething got you down?â The bartender asked. âWait, donât tell me -- you got your heart broken by a girl.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSomething like that,â Ray responded. The Aquilian government would be sure to cover up what had happened for as long as possible, lest the countryâs enemies capitalize on its current weakness. It would be imprudent to frivolously reveal what had actually transpired.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray sipped at his drink for the rest of the evening, ordering a refill whenever he saw the bottom of his glass.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The sun set, and when the bar had to close, Ray staggered into the night. Swaying through an alleyway, he leaned against a wall for support. He leaned against the wall for a while, until his hand slipped and he stumbled to the ground. At this point, he lost his composure and began to sob.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOur beloved king always told us âHorses are great âcause theyâre fast!â!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The tears streamed down Rayâs face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âEvery year the King said âIâve always wanted to sneak attack people with horses âcause their messengers wonât be able to relay the deception in time!â But now he never will have that opportunity! Why doth the cruel hand of fate render tragedy for those who dare aspire greatness? The man discontent to skulk low to the dirt is punished for raising its head! Is manâs function truly so bleak? And I shall have to live knowing I fled the scene where our aspirations were crushed! Oh woe is me to be such a pathetic guard!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray threw up and passed out.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In the early light of dawn, Ray was awakened by someone calling his name.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSoldier Ray! It is I, no longer Duke Rarey A. Steakson! As the man responsible for the outcome of operation Crochet, I have been stripped of my title and exiled from Aquilla for the loss of the countryâs horses. Yet such it as I deserve, having failed my nation so.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray looked at the ground, ashamed that he had fallen into despondency while Rarey faced his far graver situation with such dignity.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI have 3 days to gather my belongs and evict myself from the kingdom. But I shall not be gathering my belongings!â Rarey continued. âIn my youth, my grandfather Mignon Steakson set me on his knee and told me fantastic fables. One such fable states that atop the tallest peak of the Athelas mountains lives a noble stallion of the finest, most pure of breeds. I know not whether this fable is true, but I shall spend my remaining 3 days in my homeland to scour the mountaintops in search of this stallion!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBut if you canât find this tall tale, then in three days you will be exiled from Aquila with no belongings! Youâll quickly die in the wilderness!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIf such an outcome occurs, so be it, for such is my just atonement for failing my nation.â Rarey said sombrely. âBut, I do not expect such a fate to befall me, for you will be assisting my quest.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMe?â Ray asked, surprised.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes. If you are concerned about payment, worry not. I leave to you my entire fortune and estate, as I will not be needing them should this expedition fail.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat?! Why?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBecause the Athelas mountains are dangerous and I require an escort.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo, why me?â Ray asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAh. Because the King commanded me to maintain the utmost secrecy about the loss of our nations horses, so I cannot divulge the matter to anyone else. You, however, already know of this kingdomâs predicament, so there should be no issue.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOh. I see.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNow, let us get moving, boy! Weâre on a tight deadline with no time to spare! Take this bag.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey removed one of the large packs each slung over his shoulder and tossed one to Ray. Ray struggled to catch it, and when he did grab it, was nearly pulled down by its heavy weight. By the time he steadied himself, he had to jog after Rarey, who had already proceeded some distance down the road.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The two spent the entire day hiking across the Aquilaâs green plains. They reached the foot of the imposing mountain range just as the sun began to set.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey pointed at the tallest peak directly ahead of them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYou see that Ray? Thatâs the tallest mountain in all of the Athelas range: Mt. Scary.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI see. Um...why is it called Mt. Scary exactlyâ&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHmm, thatâs a good question. I canât say for sure, since no one has ever come back alive to explain what makes it so scary.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAre you sure one of the other mountains isnât actually the tallest peak,â Ray asked hopefully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell, that is a possibility. The national measurement tables are accurate only to an approximate degree, so thereâs a good chance one of the nearby peaks is actually taller. But that is a gamble we have no choice but to take.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray went silent.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDo we have any food?â he asked after a while.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI hope you like bread, since thatâs the only ration we have.â Rarey responded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âReally?!â Ray said, piping up. âI thoroughly love bread!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey chuckled, and tossed Ray a loaf, and a waterskin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âEat up boy. We have an even tougher march tomorrow.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The next morning, they began their ascent. As they climbed higher and higher, the air became cold, then freezing. Rarey unpacked a thick wool coat for each of them, and they continued upward. Rayâs muscles burned from their rapid pace up such a steep path, and he desperately wanted to ask for moments rest. But Ray held his tongue, deciding that if the elderly Rarey could continue without slowing, he could as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Around midday, they reached a height at which a heavy mist enveloped them, obscuring their vision beyond a few yards (editorâs note: what is a yard?). Rarey slowed them down at this point.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWith our vision limited and a thousand foot drop to our right, it would be prudent to take our time here,â Rarey explained. Ray was just glad for the slower pace, whatever the reason.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Finally, they came to a halt, and Ray gratefully plopped to the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat are you doing fool? UP! Now!â Rarey snapped.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray scrambled to his feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYouâll notice that we havenât encountered any darkwraiths or ice elementals during our ascentâ Rarey stated.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThatâs a relief!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNot at all! If the lesser friends avoid this slope, it can only mean that it is the territory of a much deadlier creature.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
â...deadlier than a nightwraith?â Ray nervously asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âFar deadlier. Native to this mountain is the deadly creature...goats.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âUm...goats? How are goats deadly.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGET DOWN!â Rarey snapped. âThereâs one now,â he said in hushed tones, pointing away from the mountain toward the cliffâs edge.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Through the obscuring mists, Ray could just make out a shadowed form floating in midair through the mists.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIt...it flies?!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes. That is no ordinary goat, but rather, a lethal Psychic Goat.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Suddenly, the shadowy form of the flying goat turned to face right at them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âRUN! ITâS SENSED US ALREADY!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey dashed away, and Ray hurriedly leapt in the other direction just as a goat swooped down at blinding speeds, swinging its horns where their heads had been moments before. The goat slowed to a stop, before sensing Rayâs presence through the thick mists. In an instant the mists billowed out of its way as it hurtled forward. Ray jumped to the side, and with his momentum swung his heavy pack at the goat, bashing it in the side. The goat careened off course, and crashed into the jagged slope of the mountain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI got it!â Ray exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
However, the goat did not stay down long. In an instant, the mists parted and disappeared, pushed away by an unseen force. Ray stared down the goat hovering just off the ground ahead of him. The goat stared back, and twitched its head the tiniest bit upwards. Ray lurched off his feet and hurtled toward the thousand foot drop beside him, but Rarey lept forward and grabbed his arm before he could tumble off. The goat twitched its head again, but just as it did so, Rarey drew from his pack a long glass broadsword and swept it through the air between he and the goat. There was a whistling sound as the goat vibrated back and forth before launching away at a thousand miles an hour.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat? Did you defeat it?!â Ray asked, simultaneously shaken and excited.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes,â Rarey replied matter of factly. âThis is a sword forged from a glass element to deflect unseen magics. I deflected its psychic headbut back at it. It was already under the effect of one psychic force in order to hover. Upon being hit by a second psychic force, it rebounded quickly between the two conflicting forces until one of the forces snapped, sending it hurtling away.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
They traveled a short distance further up the mountain until they found a stone overhand to shelter under. Rarey removed a few branches from his pack and started a fire to keep them warm throughout the night.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He tossed Ray another loaf, and 2 waterskins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGood thing you like bread,â Rarey commented.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYup! I thoroughly like bread and am bad at spelling!â Ray said cheerfully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGood. Just make sure to stay hydrated. If you need another waterskin, inform me.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
One the dawn of the final morning, the fog had lifted, and they could see an expanse of clouds far beneath them down the mountain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWeâre far up!â Ray commented.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe must get even farther by the end of the day,â Rarey commented curtly, hoisting his pack on his back and beginning their march.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Shortly after midday, the mountain slope leveled out. They had reached the peak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe did it!â Ray exclaimed. âThis is where the stallion is, right?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes,â Rarey responded. Despite Rareyâs attempts to mask it, Ray heard a hint of uncertainty in the older manâs voice. He looked around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe should carefully investigate the area atop this mountain, as well as the other slopes leading here,â Rarey stated. They looked around, but no horses popped out in front of them. They searched futilely until sunset. They had investigated every crevice of the mountainâs peak, overturned every rock, but there was not a horse to be found.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIâm sorry Ray,â Rarey commented. âI was foolish to raise our hopes with a myth. But bemoaning the past serves no purpose.â He began unpacking wood to start a fire.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIâm sorry Rarey,â Ray called out after a moment of silence. âThis is all my fault. Iâm a coward, a useless coward.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey opened his mouth, perhaps to deny Rayâs self-deprecation, but remained quiet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray collapsed to the ground and stared off into the sunset.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The sun covered the vast expanse of land visible from the mountain with a red glow. The sky burned orange, interrupted by long white clouds with a soft pink underbelly. The sun, a perfect sphere resting just upon the horizon, shonied vibrant orange all over, except for its middle which was blocked by a small silhouette of a horse.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWait what? Rarey! Look!â Ray shouted.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey peered toward the sun and probably received eye damage, and then exclaimed âwhy of course! The horse is psychic too! It doesnât need to remain on the peak because it can fly!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHow do we get it over to use,â Ray asked excitedly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDonât worry, I came prepared.â Rarey pulled a flashy red flag from his backpack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAs Iâm sure you know, horses are angered by the color red and canât help but charge when they see it. I will bait it in, and while it is blinded by rage I will leap on it back and tame it.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAlright!â Ray exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey flapped the flag in the horseâs direction, but the horse did not stir from its position framed by the setting sun&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBut how? Could this horse be somehow suppressing its primal instincts through psychic mastery?!â Rarey exclaimed incredulously.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âPerhaps in the red light of the sunset, everything looks red to it and it cannot distinguish the red of your cloak,â Ray proffered.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBrilliant, boy! That must be it! But that means our plan is a bust!â Rarey stared at the horse thoughtful for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGot any other plans?â Ray asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
They stared at the horse a bit more.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHey look! The stallion is coming toward us now!â Ray exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray, glanced back at the stallion, and saw that Rarey was indeed correct.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBut why is he approaching now, when he wouldnât before?â Ray pondered.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The reason quickly became apparent, as the silhouettes of 10 psychic goats appeared over the horizon.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOh no! The stallion is the natural predator of the goat, but in large numbers an angry herd of goats can easily take down a single stallion! This is a most dangerous situation!â Rarey exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The stallion touched down on the peak a short distance from Rarey and Ray, and seconds later the mountaintop exploded into shrapnel under a bombard of psychic headbuts.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey leapt forward, unsheathing his sword. The stallion was fleeing down the side of the mountain, hopping between outcroppings, and Rarey pursued it while deflecting psychic assaults. Without a moment&#039;s hesitation, Ray raced down the slope after the stallion as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âRay!â Rarey called out. âObtain the stallion while I dispatch the goats!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray scrambled down the slope, but the stallion, using its psychic abilities when necessary, easily outpaced the slow humans. Ray realized that they could never catch up. He took note of the horseâs position beneath him, and backed away from the cliffâs edge. He took a deep breath, and dashed toward the cliff, leaping off the edge.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDang it I was planning to land on the horseâs back but it moved away so now Iâm going to dieâ Ray said.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
However, just as Ray was about to impale himself on the jagged rocks below, the psychic stallion leapt back to where it was previously standing to catch Rayâs fall.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes!â Ray exclaimed. âAll according to plan!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He looked back to see how Rarey was faring, just in time to see a goat bash into Rareyâs side, knocking the glass sword to the ground where it shattered. A second goat instantly followed up with a psychic blow that sent Rarey hurtling down the rocky cliffside until his body fell through the cloud cover and disappeared.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray screamed in a jumble of horror, sadness, and anger.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He kicked his heals into the side of the stallion, spurring it higher and higher into the air. The goats, turning their attention back toward the stallion, leapt off the mountainside and quickly began flying his way.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The goats drew closer, up until a point, at which they maintained a safe distance and slowly spread out in a circle around Ray and the stallion. Once they had them surrounded, they began tightening the circle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray felt the sinews of the horse beneath him, heard it&#039;s breathing, and instinctively knew what to do. He waited, as the goats drew closer and closer, and then, just as the first goat twitched its head to make a psychic attack, he sprang into action. He leapt off the horseâs back, flipping through the air. Then, he reached beneath him, grabbed the stallion, and using his momentum, swung the stallion in a 360 degree circle like a sword, firing a blast of psychic energy from the horse at all the surrounding goats. Trapped between the stallionâs psychic blast and their own hovering forces, the goats trembled in mid-air momentarily before being launched into the sunset where they burnt to a crisp.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray returned to Aquila, with his stallion, and took it to a stable to check it in and get it some food.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThank you for storing your horse with Horse Companyâ¢,â the stablemaster said cheerfully. âBelieve it or not, youâre the first customer weâve had in the past three days. Must have been some downturn in the horse market or somethinâ.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âQuite the downturn,â Ray responded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âTo finalize your horse check in, please tell us your horseâs name,â the stablemaster told Ray.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMy horseâs name? I supposed I havenât thought of that yetâ¦â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDonât worry, we have a patented system for assigning the horse a default name. Our award winning default naming system calls each horse âA [name of person] horse.â So for example, my nameâs Ebward L. Wardson, so any horse stored under my name using the default naming system would be called âAn Ebward L. Wardson horse.â See how it works?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI guess,â Ray responded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGood! We just need your name and weâll get down to assigning your horse a default name?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The stablemaster peered down at Rayâs nametag.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âRay Ian? Thatâs a funny name. You got no last name? Hah!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNO IT IS NOT FUNNY!â Ray shouted angrily. The stablemaster was taken aback.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSorry sorry,â the stablemaster stuttered. â...Iâll just write it on the application real quick.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWait!â Ray shouted desperately.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ever since his birth, Ray was destined to be different. When he was born, his parents forgot to give him a last name. When they realized they messed up, they decided to give him 2 first names to make up for it. From that moment on, Rayâs full name was âRay Ian.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The memories flashed through his mind&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHa ha ha! Everyone! This fellow preschooler has two first names! Letâs gather around and laugh at him while his brain is still in a formative state to give him a traumatic experience!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âPst! Do you have the answers for this test weâre both taking as highschoolers? Hey wait a moment, youâre that Ray Ian kid. Nevermind, I donât want help cheating from someone with two first names.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIâm sorry, Iâm afraid I must decline your job application for your dream job. With a name like Ray Ian, youâre not cut out to be a bread waiter.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray snapped back to the present.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMy name will no longer be Ray Ian! With the addition of this middle initial, my name will be...Ray B. Ian!!!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The stablemaster gasped. âWith the addition of a middle initial to separate his two names, his second first name is now his last name! What an ingenious maneuver!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After storing the first Ray B. Ian horse at the stable, Ray used the late Duke Rareyâs fortune to invest in some cloning magic, and cloned a thousand more Ray B. Ian horses. He began selling the horses, which were quite popular on the account of being psychic, and in time he had the funds to build a Horse Factory that mass produced psychic horses. Naturally, he always kept the original Ray B. Ian horse because they had a special bond and whatnot.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After a couple years of running his horse business successfully and saving the Aquila economic and military ruin, he was surprised to notice that he only made 5 cents off every sale of horses that he made.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThatâs weird,â he thought. âI thought I would earn more for selling psychic horses.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray checked in with the stablemaster who was storing his horses to see if he had any idea where the profit margins were being lost.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAh, well it could be our patented naming system. We hired an advanced team of scientists to develop the system, and in order to recover the initial expenditure we charge 2 cents per character in your horseâs name.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYeah, I donât think thatâs the problem. Iâm selling these horses for thousands of dollars you know.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell, thatâs the only possible reason I can think of,â the stablemaster replied.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSure, thanks for your time,â Ray responded, walking away. He turned back one more time before leaving? âAre you sure you canât think of &#039;&#039;anything&#039;&#039; that might be raising the overhead costs?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell...there is the problem of spacing,â the stablemaster added after a momentâs thought.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSpacing?â Ray asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes. Weâre quite proud that through our brilliant innovation, our default naming system does allow for spaces. However, since they still are very difficult to handle in our system, whenever you register a horse with our default naming system, you are charged ten thousand dollars per space in the horseâs name.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat the brick? Well Iâd better name the horses something without spaces then.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOf course, sir. Each horse is currently referred to as âa Ray B. Ian Horseâ. Do you have any idea what you want to call them from now on?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHmm...well I do like bread.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
And that was how the Thoroughbred horse was invented.&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:The Additional Manuscripts]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Stories by Ninjago Builders]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Stories]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes/@comment-28549248-20200508130907/@comment-29171447-20200508211814&amp;diff=11893</id>
		<title>Talk:The Most Exotic of Tastes/@comment-28549248-20200508130907/@comment-29171447-20200508211814</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes/@comment-28549248-20200508130907/@comment-29171447-20200508211814&amp;diff=11893"/>
		<updated>2020-05-08T21:18:14Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: Created page with &amp;quot;Perhaps you shouldn&amp;#039;t comment on every joke, but the praise makes me really happy.Â :P Nothing motivates me to write better than flattery.  I beleive I referred to the goat a ...&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Perhaps you shouldn&#039;t comment on every joke, but the praise makes me really happy.Â :P Nothing motivates me to write better than flattery.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
I beleive I referred to the goat a single time as &amp;quot;it,&amp;quot; butÂ then got lazy and stopped thinking about what pronoun I used. I guess all psychic goats are male.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Despite the entire joke being predicated on his name being Ray, my mind kept wanting to call him &amp;quot;Roy.&amp;quot; It was actually aÂ huge problem during writing and I hadÂ to change a bunch of Roys after I finished the story, but it seems I missed some.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As much as I&#039;d like to leave in Rarey&#039;s savage roast, that was unfortunately not intended and I must remove it for clarity&#039;s sake.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes&amp;diff=11887</id>
		<title>The Most Exotic of Tastes</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes&amp;diff=11887"/>
		<updated>2020-05-08T21:02:47Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;*&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;You see that this manuscript has the stamp of &amp;quot;The Totally True Tale Society.&amp;quot; They are a respected association that is dedicated to uncovering the truth, so you know that this manuscript must be accurate.*&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In medias res! The young soldier stumbled away from the carriages, his legs trembling violently and threatening to give out at any moment. After bumbling forward for a bit, he felt his foot wrench beneath him, followed by a dizzying impact. Even while catching his bearings, his limbs instinctively clawed at the dirt road, pulling him into the leafy cover of the forest. He collapsed to the ground and took a moment to breath. Slipping between the noise of his raspy breaths and pounding heartbeat, faint screams reached his ears.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Quivering, the man dared to raise his head above the bushes to peek back at the road. Before him, a group of monkeys surrounded a well noble dressed in a fine black suit, with an immaculately trimmed pointy grey beard The noble drew a rapier and lunged at the monkey nearest him, but it easily sidestepped his strike. The monkeys laughed in a chorus of shrieks and began pelting the noble with bananas.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The soldier was stricken with immense shame upon seeing an unarmed noble face the attackers, while he, a hired guard in full armor, cowardly fled from the simian assailants. The soldier mustered all his courage and charged at the circle of monkeys. They squealed as he landed a few well-placed strikes, before scampering off into the trees.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBoy! Whatâs your name?â the Noble called out upon being rescued.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMy name...â the soldier hesitated. âCall me Ray, Sir.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âVery well, Ray. I, of course, am your employer Duke Rarey A. Steakson. Come hither, for I require a guard against this sudden assault!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray did as he was told, and ran over to the Duke while exclaiming âThis road is supposed to be the safest route to Glasted! There certainly shouldnât be monkey tribes in this part of the country! How can this be happening!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThe monkeys must have gotten wind of what weâre transporting,â Duke Rarey replied. âEven though this forest is far from their regular territory, our cargo was too tempting for the Monkeys to resist coming here for.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âCargo!?â Ray asked in confusion. âWeâre only transporting handmade crochet coasters. Why do the monkeys want those?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Duke Rarey shook his head. âThatâs just the cover story we created to protect our true cargo. Those boxes that you thought were filled with coasters are actually filled with literally every horse in all of Aquila.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo!â Ray exclaimed in disbelief.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âItâs true,â Rarey responded sombrely.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMust we fight off the monkeys then?â Ray asked fearfully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo, Itâs too dangerous.â Duke Rarey responded. âI only hired a small number of mercenaries to avoid drawing attention to the convoy. Thereâs nothing such a small force can do against the monkeys.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIf you were so careful to maintain appearances, why did the monkeys attack us?â Ray asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThey must have had an informant,â Duke Rarey responded. âI was overconfident in my ruse, leading to my downfall. Alas, there is nothing more we can do. Escort me to safety, I must inform the king at once.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray stumbled after Duke Rarey through the forest the forest, as they fled the monkeys and dended off those that overtook them. Finally, the two men entered the capital city.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYou have done well to escort me this far,â Rarey stated.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI...suppose,â Ray said, acutely aware of his cowardice during the battle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHere is a token of my appreciation,â Rarey continued while placing a gold coin into Rayâs armored glove.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Generously compensated for the job, Ray walked off.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWill Aquila fall?â he wondered, wandering aimlessly. âThe loss of our horses is a grievous blow to both the economy and military. Can the country survive such a disaster? What misfortune to have been present at the moment of the kingdomâs downfall!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray found himself at the entrance of his favorite pub, so he decided to find himself a seat as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHe usual?â The barkeep asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray stared at the counter for a few moments, then mustered up the enthusiasm to nod in response to the barkeepâs query.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSomething got you down?â The bartender asked. âWait, donât tell me -- you got your heart broken by a girl.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSomething like that,â Ray responded. The Aquilian government would be sure to cover up what had happened for as long as possible, lest the countryâs enemies capitalize on its current weakness. It would be imprudent to frivolously reveal what had actually transpired.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray sipped at his drink for the rest of the evening, ordering a refill whenever he saw the bottom of his glass.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The sun set, and when the bar had to close, Ray staggered into the night. Swaying through an alleyway, he leaned against a wall for support. He leaned against the wall for a while, until his hand slipped and he stumbled to the ground. At this point, he lost his composure and began to sob.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOur beloved king always told us âHorses are great âcause theyâre fast!â!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The tears streamed down Rayâs face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âEvery year the King said âIâve always wanted to sneak attack people with horses âcause their messengers wonât be able to relay the deception in time!â But now he never will have that opportunity! Why doth the cruel hand of fate render tragedy for those who dare aspire greatness? The man discontent to skulk low to the dirt is punished for raising its head! Is manâs function truly so bleak? And I shall have to live knowing I fled the scene where our aspirations were crushed! Oh woe is me to be such a pathetic guard!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray threw up and passed out.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In the early light of dawn, Ray was awakened by someone calling his name.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSoldier Ray! It is I, no longer Duke Rarey A. Steakson! As the man responsible for the outcome of operation Crochet, I have been stripped of my title and exiled from Aquilla for the loss of the countryâs horses. Yet such it as I deserve, having failed my nation so.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray looked at the ground, ashamed that he had fallen into despondency while Rarey faced his far graver situation with such dignity.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI have 3 days to gather my belongs and evict myself from the kingdom. But I shall not be gathering my belongings!â Rarey continued. âIn my youth, my grandfather Mignon Steakson set me on his knee and told me fantastic fables. One such fable states that atop the tallest peak of the Athelas mountains lives a noble stallion of the finest, most pure of breeds. I know not whether this fable is true, but I shall spend my remaining 3 days in my homeland to scour the mountaintops in search of this stallion!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBut if you canât find this tall tale, then in three days you will be exiled from Aquila with no belongings! Youâll quickly die in the wilderness!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIf such an outcome occurs, so be it, for such is my just atonement for failing my nation.â Rarey said sombrely. âBut, I do not expect such a fate to befall me, for you will be assisting my quest.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMe?â Ray asked, surprised.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes. If you are concerned about payment, worry not. I leave to you my entire fortune and estate, as I will not be needing them should this expedition fail.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat?! Why?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBecause the Athelas mountains are dangerous and I require an escort.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo, why me?â Ray asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAh. Because the King commanded me to maintain the utmost secrecy about the loss of our nations horses, so I cannot divulge the matter to anyone else. You, however, already know of this kingdomâs predicament, so there should be no issue.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOh. I see.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNow, let us get moving, boy! Weâre on a tight deadline with no time to spare! Take this bag.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey removed one of the large packs each slung over his shoulder and tossed one to Ray. Ray struggled to catch it, and when he did grab it, was nearly pulled down by its heavy weight. By the time he steadied himself, he had to jog after Rarey, who had already proceeded some distance down the road.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The two spent the entire day hiking across the Aquilaâs green plains. They reached the foot of the imposing mountain range just as the sun began to set.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey pointed at the tallest peak directly ahead of them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYou see that Ray? Thatâs the tallest mountain in all of the Athelas range: Mt. Scary.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI see. Um...why is it called Mt. Scary exactlyâ&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHmm, thatâs a good question. I canât say for sure, since no one has ever come back alive to explain what makes it so scary.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAre you sure one of the other mountains isnât actually the tallest peak,â Ray asked hopefully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell, that is a possibility. The national measurement tables are accurate only to an approximate degree, so thereâs a good chance one of the nearby peaks is actually taller. But that is a gamble we have no choice but to take.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray went silent.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDo we have any food?â he asked after a while.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI hope you like bread, since thatâs the only ration we have.â Rarey responded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âReally?!â Ray said, piping up. âI thoroughly love bread!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey chuckled, and tossed Ray a loaf, and a waterskin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âEat up boy. We have an even tougher march tomorrow.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The next morning, they began their ascent. As they climbed higher and higher, the air became cold, then freezing. Rarey unpacked a thick wool coat for each of them, and they continued upward. Rayâs muscles burned from their rapid pace up such a steep path, and he desperately wanted to ask for moments rest. But Ray held his tongue, deciding that if the elderly Rarey could continue without slowing, he could as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Around midday, they reached a height at which a heavy mist enveloped them, obscuring their vision beyond a few yards (editorâs note: what is a yard?). Rarey slowed them down at this point.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWith our vision limited and a thousand foot drop to our right, it would be prudent to take our time here,â Rarey explained. Ray was just glad for the slower pace, whatever the reason.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Finally, they came to a halt, and Ray gratefully plopped to the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat are you doing fool? UP! Now!â Rarey snapped.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray scrambled to his feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYouâll notice that we havenât encountered any darkwraiths or ice elementals during our ascentâ Rarey stated.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThatâs a relief!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNot at all! If the lesser friends avoid this slope, it can only mean that it is the territory of a much deadlier creature.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
â...deadlier than a nightwraith?â Ray nervously asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âFar deadlier. Native to this mountain is the deadly creature...goats.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âUm...goats? How are goats deadly.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGET DOWN!â Rarey snapped. âThereâs one now,â he said in hushed tones, pointing away from the mountain toward the cliffâs edge.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Through the obscuring mists, Ray could just make out a shadowed form floating in midair through the mists.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIt...it flies?!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes. That is no ordinary goat, but rather, a lethal Psychic Goat.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Suddenly, the shadowy form of the flying goat turned to face right at them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âRUN! HEâS SENSED US ALREADY!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey dashed away, and Ray hurriedly leapt in the other direction just as a goat swooped down at blinding speeds, swinging its horns where their heads had been moments before. The goat slowed to a stop, before sensing Rayâs presence through the thick mists. In an instant the mists billowed out of its way as it hurtled forward. Ray jumped to the side, and with his momentum swung his heavy pack at the goat, bashing it in the side. The goat careened off course, and crashed into the jagged slope of the mountain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI got it!â Ray exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
However, the goat did not stay down long. In an instant, the mists parted and disappeared, pushed away by an unseen force. Ray stared down the goat hovering just off the ground ahead of him. The goat stared back, and twitched its head the tiniest bit upwards. Ray lurched off his feet and hurtled toward the thousand foot drop beside him, but Rarey lept forward and grabbed his arm before he could tumble off. The goat twitched its head again, but just as it did so, Rarey drew from his pack a long glass broadsword and swept it through the air between he and the goat. There was a whistling sound as the goat vibrated back and forth before launching away at a thousand miles an hour.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat? Did you defeat it?!â Ray asked, simultaneously shaken and excited.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes,â Rarey replied matter of factly. âThis is a sword forged from a glass element to deflect unseen magics. I deflected his psychic headbut back at it. It was already under the effect of one psychic force in order to hover. Upon being hit by a second psychic force, it rebounded quickly between the two conflicting forces until one of the forces snapped, sending it hurtling away.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
They traveled a short distance further up the mountain until they found a stone overhand to shelter under. Rarey removed a few branches from his pack and started a fire to keep them warm throughout the night.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He tossed Ray another loaf, and 2 waterskins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGood thing you like bread,â Rarey commented.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYup! I thoroughly like bread and am bad at spelling!â Ray said cheerfully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGood. Just make sure to stay hydrated. If you need another waterskin, inform me.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
One the dawn of the final morning, the fog had lifted, and they could see an expanse of clouds far beneath them down the mountain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWeâre far up!â Ray commented.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe must get even farther by the end of the day,â Rarey commented curtly, hoisting his pack on his back and beginning their march.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Shortly after midday, the mountain slope leveled out. They had reached the peak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe did it!â Ray exclaimed. âThis is where the stallion is, right?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes,â Rarey responded. Despite Rareyâs attempts to mask it, Ray heard a hint of uncertainty in the older manâs voice. He looked around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe should carefully investigate the area atop this mountain, as well as the other slopes leading here,â Rarey stated. They looked around, but no horses popped out in front of them. They searched futilely until sunset. They had investigated every crevice of the mountainâs peak, overturned every rock, but there was not a horse to be found.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIâm sorry Ray,â Rarey commented. âI was foolish to raise our hopes with a myth. But bemoaning the past serves no purpose.â He began unpacking wood to start a fire.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIâm sorry Rarey,â Ray called out after a moment of silence. âThis is all my fault. Iâm a coward, a useless coward.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey opened his mouth, perhaps to deny Rayâs self-deprecation, but remained quiet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray collapsed to the ground and stared off into the sunset.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The sun covered the vast expanse of land visible from the mountain with a red glow. The sky burned orange, interrupted by long white clouds with a soft pink underbelly. The sun, a perfect sphere resting just upon the horizon, shonied vibrant orange all over, except for its middle which was blocked by a small silhouette of a horse.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWait what? Rarey! Look!â Ray shouted.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey peared toward the sun and probably receiving eye damage, and then exclaimed âwhy of course! The horse is psychic too! It doesnât need to remain on the peak because it can fly!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHow do we get it over to use,â Ray asked excitedly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDonât worry, I came prepared.â Rarey pulled a flashy red flag from his backpack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAs Iâm sure you know, horses are angered by the color red and canât help but charge when they see it. I will bait it in, and while it is blinded by rage I will leap on it back and tame it.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAlright!â Ray exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey flapped the flag in the horseâs direction, but the horse did not stir from its position framed by the setting sun&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBut how? Could this horse be somehow suppressing its primal instincts through psychic mastery?!â Rarey exclaimed incredulously.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âPerhaps in the red light of the sunset, everything looks red to it and it cannot distinguish the red of your cloak,â Ray proffered.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBrilliant, boy! That must be it! But that means our plan is a bust!â Rarey stared at the horse thoughtful for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGot any other plans?â Ray asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
They stared at the horse a bit more.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHey look! The stallion is coming toward us now!â Ray exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray, glanced back at the stallion, and saw that Rarey was indeed correct.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBut why is he approaching now, when he wouldnât before?â Ray pondered.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The reason quickly became apparent, as the silhouettes of 10 psychic goats appeared over the horizon.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOh no! The stallion is the natural predator of the goat, but in large numbers an angry herd of goats can easily take down a single stallion! This is a most dangerous situation!â Rarey exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The stallion touched down on the peak a short distance from Rarey and Ray, and seconds later the mountaintop exploded into shrapnel under a bombard of psychic headbuts.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey leapt forward, unsheathing his sword. The stallion was fleeing down the side of the mountain, hopping between outcroppings, and Rarey pursued it while deflecting psychic assaults. Without a moment&#039;s hesitation, Ray raced down the slope after the stallion as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âRay!â Rarey called out. âObtain the stallion while I dispatch the goats!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray scrambled down the slope, but the stallion, using its psychic abilities when necessary, easily outpaced the slow humans. Ray realized that they could never catch up. He took note of the horseâs position beneath him, and backed away from the cliffâs edge. He took a deep breath, and dashed toward the cliff, leaping off the edge.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDang it I was planning to land on the horseâs back but it moved away so now Iâm going to dieâ Ray said.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
However, just as Ray was about to impale himself on the jagged rocks below, the psychic stallion leapt back to where it was previously standing to catch Rayâs fall.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes!â Ray exclaimed. âAll according to plan!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He looked back to see how Rarey was faring, just in time to see a goat bash into Rareyâs side, knocking the glass sword to the ground where it shattered. A second goat instantly followed up with a psychic blow that sent Rarey hurtling down the rocky cliffside until his body fell through the cloud cover and disappeared.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray screamed in a jumble of horror, sadness, and anger.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He kicked his heals into the side of the stallion, spurring it higher and higher into the air. The goats, turning their attention back toward the stallion, leapt off the mountainside and quickly began flying his way.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The goats drew closer, up until a point, at which they maintained a safe distance and slowly spread out in a circle around Ray and the stallion. Once they had them surrounded, they began tightening the circle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray felt the sinews of the horse beneath him, heard it&#039;s breathing, and instinctively knew what to do. He waited, as the goats drew closer and closer, and then, just as the first goat twitched its head to make a psychic attack, he sprang into action. He leapt off the horseâs back, flipping through the air. Then, he reached beneath him, grabbed the stallion, and using his momentum, swung the stallion in a 360 degree circle like a sword, firing a blast of psychic energy from the horse at all the surrounding goats. Trapped between the stallionâs psychic blast and their own hovering forces, the goats trembled in mid-air momentarily before being launched into the sunset where they burnt to a crisp.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray returned to Aquila, with his stallion, and took it to a stable to check it in and get it some food.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThank you for storing your horse with Horse Companyâ¢,â the stablemaster said cheerfully. âBelieve it or not, youâre the first customer weâve had in the past three days. Must have been some downturn in the horse market or somethinâ.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âQuite the downturn,â Ray responded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âTo finalize your horse check in, please tell us your horseâs name,â the stablemaster told Ray.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMy horseâs name? I supposed I havenât thought of that yetâ¦â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDonât worry, we have a patented system for assigning the horse a default name. Our award winning default naming system calls each horse âA [name of person] horse.â So for example, my nameâs Ebward L. Wardson, so any horse stored under my name using the default naming system would be called âAn Ebward L. Wardson horse.â See how it works?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI guess,â Ray responded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGood! We just need your name and weâll get down to assigning your horse a default name?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The stablemaster peered down at Rayâs nametag.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âRay Ian? Thatâs a funny name. You got no last name? Hah!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNO IT IS NOT FUNNY!â Ray shouted angrily. The stablemaster was taken aback.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSorry sorry,â the stablemaster stuttered. â...Iâll just write it on the application real quick.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWait!â Ray shouted desperately.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ever since his birth, Ray was destined to be different. When he was born, his parents forgot to give him a last name. When they realized they messed up, they decided to give him 2 first names to make up for it. From that moment on, Rayâs full name was âRay Ian.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The memories flashed through his mind&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHa ha ha! Everyone! This fellow preschooler has two first names! Letâs gather around and laugh at him while his brain is still in a formative state to give him a traumatic experience!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âPst! Do you have the answers for this test weâre both taking as highschoolers? Hey wait a moment, youâre that Ray Ian kid. Nevermind, I donât want help cheating from someone with two first names.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIâm sorry, Iâm afraid I must decline your job application for your dream job. With a name like Ray Ian, youâre not cut out to be a bread waiter.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray snapped back to the present.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMy name will no longer be Ray Ian! With the addition of this middle initial, my name will be...Ray B. Ian!!!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The stablemaster gasped. âWith the addition of a middle initial to separate his two names, his second first name is now his last name! What an ingenious maneuver!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After storing the first Ray B. Ian horse at the stable, Ray used the late Duke Rareyâs fortune to invest in some cloning magic, and cloned a thousand more Ray B. Ian horses. He began selling the horses, which were quite popular on the account of being psychic, and in time he had the funds to build a Horse Factory that mass produced psychic horses. Naturally, he always kept the original Ray B. Ian horse because they had a special bond and whatnot.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After a couple years of running his horse business successfully and saving the Aquila economic and military ruin, he was surprised to notice that he only made 5 cents off every sale of horses that he made.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThatâs weird,â he thought. âI thought I would earn more for selling psychic horses.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray checked in with the stablemaster who was storing his horses to see if he had any idea where the profit margins were being lost.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAh, well it could be our patented naming system. We hired an advanced team of scientists to develop the system, and in order to recover the initial expenditure we charge 2 cents per character in your horseâs name.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYeah, I donât think thatâs the problem. Iâm selling these horses for thousands of dollars you know.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell, thatâs the only possible reason I can think of,â the stablemaster replied.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSure, thanks for your time,â Ray responded, walking away. He turned back one more time before leaving? âAre you sure you canât think of &#039;&#039;anything&#039;&#039; that might be raising the overhead costs?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell...there is the problem of spacing,â the stablemaster added after a momentâs thought.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSpacing?â Ray asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes. Weâre quite proud that through our brilliant innovation, our default naming system does allow for spaces. However, since they still are very difficult to handle in our system, whenever you register a horse with our default naming system, you are charged ten thousand dollars per space in the horseâs name.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat the brick? Well Iâd better name the horses something without spaces then.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOf course, sir. Each horse is currently referred to as âa Ray B. Ian Horseâ. Do you have any idea what you want to call them from now on?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHmm...well I do like bread.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
And that was how the Thoroughbred horse was invented.&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:The Additional Manuscripts]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Stories by Ninjago Builders]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Stories]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes&amp;diff=11884</id>
		<title>The Most Exotic of Tastes</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes&amp;diff=11884"/>
		<updated>2020-05-07T23:28:55Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;*&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;You see that this manuscript has the stamp of &amp;quot;The Totally True Tale Society.&amp;quot; They are a respected association that is dedicated to uncovering the truth, so you know that this manuscript must be accurate.*&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In medias res! The young soldier stumbled away from the carriages, his legs trembling violently and threatening to give out at any moment. After bumbling forward for a bit, he felt his foot wrench beneath him, followed by a dizzying impact. Even while catching his bearings, his limbs instinctively clawed at the dirt road, pulling him into the leafy cover of the forest. He collapsed to the ground and took a moment to breath. Slipping between the noise of his raspy breaths and pounding heartbeat, faint screams reached his ears.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Quivering, the man dared to raise his head above the bushes to peek back at the road. Before him, a group of monkeys surrounded a well noble dressed in a fine black suit, with an immaculately trimmed pointy grey beard The noble drew a rapier and lunged at the monkey nearest him, but it easily sidestepped his strike. The monkeys laughed in a chorus of shrieks and began pelting the noble with bananas.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The soldier was stricken with immense shame upon seeing an unarmed noble face the attackers, while he, a hired guard in full armor, cowardly fled from the simian assailants. The soldier mustered all his courage and charged at the circle of monkeys. They squealed as he landed a few well-placed strikes, before scampering off into the trees.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBoy! Whatâs your name?â the Noble called out upon being rescued.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMy name...â the soldier hesitated. âCall me Ray, Sir.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âVery well, Ray. I, of course, am your employer Duke Rarey A. Steakson. Come hither, for I require a guard against this sudden assault!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray did as he was told, and ran over to the Duke while exclaiming âThis road is supposed to be the safest route to Glasted! There certainly shouldnât be monkey tribes in this part of the country! How can this be happening!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThe monkeys must have gotten wind of what weâre transporting,â Duke Rarey replied. âEven though this forest is far from their regular territory, our cargo was too tempting for the Monkeys to resist coming here for.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âCargo!?â Ray asked in confusion. âWeâre only transporting handmade crochet coasters. Why do the monkeys want those?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Duke Rarey shook his head. âThatâs just the cover story we created to protect our true cargo. Those boxes that you thought were filled with coasters are actually filled with literally every horse in all of Aquila.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo!â Ray exclaimed in disbelief.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âItâs true,â Rarey responded sombrely.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMust we fight off the monkeys then?â Ray asked fearfully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo, Itâs too dangerous.â Duke Rarey responded. âI only hired a small number of mercenaries to avoid drawing attention to the convoy. Thereâs nothing such a small force can do against the monkeys.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIf you were so careful to maintain appearances, why did the monkeys attack us?â Ray asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThey must have had an informant,â Duke Rarey responded. âI was overconfident in my ruse, leading to my downfall. Alas, there is nothing more we can do. Escort me to safety, I must inform the king at once.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray stumbled after Duke Rarey through the forest the forest, as they fled the monkeys and dended off those that overtook them. Finally, the two men entered the capital city.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYou have done well to escort me this far,â Rarey stated.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI...suppose,â Ray said, acutely aware of his cowardice during the battle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHere is a token of my appreciation,â Rarey continued while placing a gold coin into Rayâs armored glove.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Generously compensated for the job, Ray walked off.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWill Aquila fall?â he wondered, wandering aimlessly. âThe loss of our horses is a grievous blow to both the economy and military. Can the country survive such a disaster? What misfortune to have been present at the moment of the kingdomâs downfall!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray found himself at the entrance of his favorite pub, so he decided to find himself a seat as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHe usual?â The barkeep asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray stared at the counter for a few moments, then mustered up the enthusiasm to nod in response to the barkeepâs query.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSomething got you down?â The bartender asked. âWait, donât tell me -- you got your heart broken by a girl.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSomething like that,â Ray responded. The Aquilian government would be sure to cover up what had happened for as long as possible, lest the countryâs enemies capitalize on its current weakness. It would be imprudent to frivolously reveal what had actually transpired.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray sipped at his drink for the rest of the evening, ordering a refill whenever he saw the bottom of his glass.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The sun set, and when the bar had to close, Ray staggered into the night. Swaying through an alleyway, he leaned against a wall for support. He leaned against the wall for a while, until his hand slipped and he stumbled to the ground. At this point, he lost his composure and began to sob.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOur beloved king always told us âHorses are great âcause theyâre fast!â!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The tears streamed down Rayâs face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âEvery year the King said âIâve always wanted to sneak attack people with horses âcause their messengers wonât be able to relay the deception in time!â But now he never will have that opportunity! Why doth the cruel hand of fate render tragedy for those who dare aspire greatness? The man discontent to skulk low to the dirt is punished for raising its head! Is manâs function truly so bleak? And I shall have to live knowing I fled the scene where our aspirations were crushed! Oh woe is me to be such a pathetic guard!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray threw up and passed out.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In the early light of dawn, Ray was awakened by someone calling his name.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSoldier Ray! It is I, no longer Duke Rarey A. Steakson! As the man responsible for the outcome of operation Crochet, I have been stripped of my title and exiled from Aquilla for the loss of the countryâs horses. Yet such it as I deserve, having failed my nation so.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray looked at the ground, ashamed that he had fallen into despondency while Rarey faced his far graver situation with such dignity.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI have 3 days to gather my belongs and evict myself from the kingdom. But I shall not be gathering my belongings!â Rarey continued. âIn my youth, my grandfather Mignon Steakson set me on his knee and told me fantastic fables. One such fable states that atop the tallest peak of the Athelas mountains lives a noble stallion of the finest, most pure of breeds. I know not whether this fable is true, but I shall spend my remaining 3 days in my homeland to scour the mountaintops in search of this stallion!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBut if you canât find this tall tale, then in three days you will be exiled from Aquila with no belongings! Youâll quickly die in the wilderness!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIf such an outcome occurs, so be it, for such is my just atonement for failing my nation.â Rarey said sombrely. âBut, I do expect such a fate to befall me, for you will be assisting my quest.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMe?â Ray asked, surprised.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes. If you are concerned about payment, worry not. I leave to you my entire fortune and estate, as I will not be needing them should this expedition fail.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat?! Why?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBecause the Athelas mountains are dangerous and I require an escort.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo, why me?â Ray asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAh. Because the King commanded me to maintain the utmost secrecy about the loss of our nations horses, so I cannot divulge the matter to anyone else. You, however, already know of this kingdomâs predicament, so there should be no issue.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOh. I see.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNow, let us get moving, boy! Weâre on a tight deadline with no time to spare! Take this bag.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey removed one of the large packs each slung over his shoulder and tossed one to Ray. Ray struggled to catch it, and when he did grab it, was nearly pulled down by its heavy weight. By the time he steadied himself, he had to jog after Rarey, who had already proceeded some distance down the road.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The two spent the entire day hiking across the Aquilaâs green plains. They reached the foot of the imposing mountain range just as the sun began to set.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey pointed at the tallest peak directly ahead of them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYou see that Ray? Thatâs the tallest mountain in all of the Athelas range: Mt. Scary.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI see. Um...why is it called Mt. Scary exactlyâ&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHmm, thatâs a good question. I canât say for sure, since no one has ever come back alive to explain what makes it so scary.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAre you sure one of the other mountains isnât actually the tallest peak,â Roy asked hopefully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell, that is a possibility. The national measurement tables are accurate only to an approximate degree, so thereâs a good chance one of the nearby peaks is actually taller. But that is a gamble we have no choice but to take.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray went silent.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDo we have any food?â he asked after a while.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI hope you like bread, since thatâs the only ration we have.â Rarey responded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âReally?!â Ray said, piping up. âI thoroughly love bread!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey chuckled, and tossed Ray a loaf, and a waterskin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âEat up boy. We have an even tougher march tomorrow.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The next morning, they began their ascent. As they climbed higher and higher, the air became cold, then freezing. Rarey unpacked a thick wool coat for each of them, and they continued upward. Rayâs muscles burned from their rapid pace up such a steep path, and he desperately wanted to ask for moments rest. But Ray held his tongue, deciding that if the elderly Rarey could continue without slowing, he could as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Around midday, they reached a height at which a heavy mist enveloped them, obscuring their vision beyond a few yards (editorâs note: what is a yard?). Rarey slowed them down at this point.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWith our vision limited and a thousand foot drop to our right, it would be prudent to take our time here,â Rarey explained. Ray was just glad for the slower pace, whatever the reason.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Finally, they came to a halt, and Ray gratefully plopped to the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat are you doing fool? UP! Now!â Rarey snapped.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray scrambled to his feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYouâll notice that we havenât encountered any darkwraiths or ice elementals during our ascentâ Rarey stated.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThatâs a relief!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNot at all! If the lesser friends avoid this slope, it can only mean that it is the territory of a much deadlier creature.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
â...deadlier than a nightwraith?â Ray nervously asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âFar deadlier. Native to this mountain is the deadly creature...goats.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âUm...goats? How are goats deadly.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGET DOWN!â Rarey snapped. âThereâs one now,â he said in hushed tones, pointing away from the mountain toward the cliffâs edge.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Through the obscuring mists, Ray could just make out a shadowed form floating in midair through the mists.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIt...it flies?!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes. That is no ordinary goat, but rather, a lethal Psychic Goat.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Suddenly, the shadowy form of the flying goat turned to face right at them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âRUN! HEâS SENSED US ALREADY!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey dashed away, and Roy hurriedly leapt in the other direction just as a goat swooped down at blinding speeds, swinging its horns where their heads had been moments before. The goat slowed to a stop, before sensing Royâs presence through the thick mists. In an instant the mists billowed out of its way as it hurtled forward. Roy jumped to the side, and with his momentum swung his heavy pack at the goat, bashing it in the side. The goat careened off course, and crashed into the jagged slope of the mountain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI got it!â Roy exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
However, the goat did not stay down long. In an instant, the mists parted and disappeared, pushed away by an unseen force. Roy stared down the goat hovering just off the ground ahead of him. The goat stared back, and twitched its head the tiniest bit upwards. Roy lurched off his feet and hurtled toward the thousand foot drop beside him, but Rarey lept forward and grabbed his arm before he could tumble off. The goat twitched its head again, but just as it did so, Rarey drew from his pack a long glass broadsword and swept it through the air between he and the goat. There was a whistling sound as the goat vibrated back and forth before launching away at a thousand miles an hour.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat? Did you defeat it?!â Roy asked, simultaneously shaken and excited.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes,â Rarey replied matter of factly. âThis is a sword forged from a glass element to deflect unseen magics. I deflected his psychic headbut back at it. It was already under the effect of one psychic force in order to hover. Upon being hit by a second psychic force, it rebounded quickly between the two conflicting forces until one of the forces snapped, sending it hurtling away.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
They traveled a short distance further up the mountain until they found a stone overhand to shelter under. Rarey removed a few branches from his pack and started a fire to keep them warm throughout the night.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He tossed Ray another loaf, and 2 waterskins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGood thing you like bread,â Rarey commented.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYup! I thoroughly like bread and am bad at spelling!â Ray said cheerfully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGood. Just make sure to stay hydrated. If you need another waterskin, inform me.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
One the dawn of the final morning, the fog had lifted, and they could see an expanse of clouds far beneath them down the mountain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWeâre far up!â Ray commented.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe must get even farther by the end of the day,â Rarey commented curtly, hoisting his pack on his back and beginning their march.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Shortly after midday, the mountain slope leveled out. They had reached the peak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe did it!â Ray exclaimed. âThis is where the stallion is, right?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes,â Rarey responded. Despite Rareyâs attempts to mask it, Ray heard a hint of uncertainty in the older manâs voice. He looked around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe should carefully investigate the area atop this mountain, as well as the other slopes leading here,â Rarey stated. They looked around, but no horses popped out in front of them. They searched futilely until sunset. They had investigated every crevice of the mountainâs peak, overturned every rock, but there was not a horse to be found.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIâm sorry Ray,â Rarey commented. âI was foolish to raise our hopes with a myth. But bemoaning the past serves no purpose.â He began unpacking wood to start a fire.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIâm sorry Rarey,â Ray called out after a moment of silence. âThis is all my fault. Iâm a coward, a useless coward.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey opened his mouth, perhaps to deny Rayâs self-deprecation, but remained quiet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray collapsed to the ground and stared off into the sunset.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The sun covered the vast expanse of land visible from the mountain with a red glow. The sky burned orange, interrupted by long white clouds with a soft pink underbelly. The sun, a perfect sphere resting just upon the horizon, shonied vibrant orange all over, except for its middle which was blocked by a small silhouette of a horse.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWait what? Rarey! Look!â Ray shouted.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey peared toward the sun and probably receiving eye damage, and then exclaimed âwhy of course! The horse is psychic too! It doesnât need to remain on the peak because it can fly!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHow do we get it over to use,â Ray asked excitedly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDonât worry, I came prepared.â Rarey pulled a flashy red flag from his backpack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAs Iâm sure you know, horses are angered by the color red and canât help but charge when they see it. I will bait it in, and while it is blinded by rage I will leap on it back and tame it.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAlright!â Ray exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey flapped the flag in the horseâs direction, but the horse did not stir from its position framed by the setting sun&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBut how? Could this horse be somehow suppressing its primal instincts through psychic mastery?!â Rarey exclaimed incredulously.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âPerhaps in the red light of the sunset, everything looks red to it and it cannot distinguish the red of your cloak,â Ray proffered.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBrilliant, boy! That must be it! But that means our plan is a bust!â Rarey stared at the horse thoughtful for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGot any other plans?â Ray asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
They stared at the horse a bit more.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHey look! The stallion is coming toward us now!â Ray exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray, glanced back at the stallion, and saw that Rarey was indeed correct.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBut why is he approaching now, when he wouldnât before?â Ray pondered.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The reason quickly became apparent, as the silhouettes of 10 psychic goats appeared over the horizon.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOh no! The stallion is the natural predator of the goat, but in large numbers an angry herd of goats can easily take down a single stallion! This is a most dangerous situation!â Rarey exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The stallion touched down on the peak a short distance from Rarey and Ray, and seconds later the mountaintop exploded into shrapnel under a bombard of psychic headbuts.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey leapt forward, unsheathing his sword. The stallion was fleeing down the side of the mountain, hopping between outcroppings, and Rarey pursued it while deflecting psychic assaults. Without a moment&#039;s hesitation, Ray raced down the slope after the stallion as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âRay!â Rarey called out. âObtain the stallion while I dispatch the goats!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray scrambled down the slope, but the stallion, using its psychic abilities when necessary, easily outpaced the slow humans. Ray realized that they could never catch up. He took note of the horseâs position beneath him, and backed away from the cliffâs edge. He took a deep breath, and dashed toward the cliff, leaping off the edge.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDang it I was planning to land on the horseâs back but it moved away so now Iâm going to dieâ Ray said.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
However, just as Ray was about to impale himself on the jagged rocks below, the psychic stallion leapt back to where it was previously standing to catch Rayâs fall.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes!â Ray exclaimed. âAll according to plan!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He looked back to see how Rarey was faring, just in time to see a goat bash into Rareyâs side, knocking the glass sword to the ground where it shattered. A second goat instantly followed up with a psychic blow that sent Rarey hurtling down the rocky cliffside until his body fell through the cloud cover and disappeared.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray screamed in a jumble of horror, sadness, and anger.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He kicked his heals into the side of the stallion, spurring it higher and higher into the air. The goats, turning their attention back toward the stallion, leapt off the mountainside and quickly began flying his way.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The goats drew closer, up until a point, at which they maintained a safe distance and slowly spread out in a circle around Ray and the stallion. Once they had them surrounded, they began tightening the circle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray felt the sinews of the horse beneath him, heard it&#039;s breathing, and instinctively knew what to do. He waited, as the goats drew closer and closer, and then, just as the first goat twitched its head to make a psychic attack, he sprang into action. He leapt off the horseâs back, flipping through the air. Then, he reached beneath him, grabbed the stallion, and using his momentum, swung the stallion in a 360 degree circle like a sword, firing a blast of psychic energy from the horse at all the surrounding goats. Trapped between the stallionâs psychic blast and their own hovering forces, the goats trembled in mid-air momentarily before being launched into the sunset where they burnt to a crisp.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray returned to Aquila, with his stallion, and took it to a stable to check it in and get it some food.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThank you for storing your horse with Horse Companyâ¢,â the stablemaster said cheerfully. âBelieve it or not, youâre the first customer weâve had in the past three days. Must have been some downturn in the horse market or somethinâ.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âQuite the downturn,â Ray responded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âTo finalize your horse check in, please tell us your horseâs name,â the stablemaster told Ray.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMy horseâs name? I supposed I havenât thought of that yetâ¦â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDonât worry, we have a patented system for assigning the horse a default name. Our award winning default naming system calls each horse âA [name of person] horse.â So for example, my nameâs Ebward L. Wardson, so any horse stored under my name using the default naming system would be called âAn Ebward L. Wardson horse.â See how it works?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI guess,â Ray responded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGood! We just need your name and weâll get down to assigning your horse a default name?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The stablemaster peered down at Rayâs nametag.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âRay Ian? Thatâs a funny name. You got no last name? Hah!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNO IT IS NOT FUNNY!â Ray shouted angrily. The stablemaster was taken aback.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSorry sorry,â the stablemaster stuttered. â...Iâll just write it on the application real quick.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWait!â Ray shouted desperately.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ever since his birth, Ray was destined to be different. When he was born, his parents forgot to give him a last name. When they realized they messed up, they decided to give him 2 first names to make up for it. From that moment on, Rayâs full name was âRay Ian.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The memories flashed through his mind&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHa ha ha! Everyone! This fellow preschooler has two first names! Letâs gather around and laugh at him while his brain is still in a formative state to give him a traumatic experience!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âPst! Do you have the answers for this test weâre both taking as highschoolers? Hey wait a moment, youâre that Ray Ian kid. Nevermind, I donât want help cheating from someone with two first names.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIâm sorry, Iâm afraid I must decline your job application for your dream job. With a name like Ray Ian, youâre not cut out to be a bread waiter.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray snapped back to the present.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMy name will no longer be Ray Ian! With the addition of this middle initial, my name will be...Ray B. Ian!!!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The stablemaster gasped. âWith the addition of a middle initial to separate his two names, his second first name is now his last name! What an ingenious maneuver!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After storing the first Ray B. Ian horse at the stable, Ray used the late Duke Rareyâs fortune to invest in some cloning magic, and cloned a thousand more Ray B. Ian horses. He began selling the horses, which were quite popular on the account of being psychic, and in time he had the funds to build a Horse Factory that mass produced psychic horses. Naturally, he always kept the original Ray B. Ian horse because they had a special bond and whatnot.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After a couple years of running his horse business successfully and saving the Aquila economic and military ruin, he was surprised to notice that he only made 5 cents off every sale of horses that he made.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThatâs weird,â he thought. âI thought I would earn more for selling psychic horses.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray checked in with the stablemaster who was storing his horses to see if he had any idea where the profit margins were being lost.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAh, well it could be our patented naming system. We hired an advanced team of scientists to develop the system, and in order to recover the initial expenditure we charge 2 cents per character in your horseâs name.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYeah, I donât think thatâs the problem. Iâm selling these horses for thousands of dollars you know.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell, thatâs the only possible reason I can think of,â the stablemaster replied.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSure, thanks for your time,â Ray responded, walking away. He turned back one more time before leaving? âAre you sure you canât think of &#039;&#039;anything&#039;&#039; that might be raising the overhead costs?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell...there is the problem of spacing,â the stablemaster added after a momentâs thought.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSpacing?â Ray asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes. Weâre quite proud that through our brilliant innovation, our default naming system does allow for spaces. However, since they still are very difficult to handle in our system, whenever you register a horse with our default naming system, you are charged ten thousand dollars per space in the horseâs name.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat the brick? Well Iâd better name the horses something without spaces then.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOf course, sir. Each horse is currently referred to as âa Ray B. Ian Horseâ. Do you have any idea what you want to call them from now on?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHmm...well I do like bread.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
And that was how the Thoroughbred horse was invented.&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:The Additional Manuscripts]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Stories by Ninjago Builders]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes&amp;diff=11883</id>
		<title>The Most Exotic of Tastes</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes&amp;diff=11883"/>
		<updated>2020-05-07T22:58:58Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;*&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;Thou seest that this manuscript has the stamp of &amp;quot;The Totally True Tale Society.&amp;quot; They are a respected association that is dedicated to uncovering the truth, so thou knowest that this manuscript must be accurate.*&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In medias res! The young soldier stumbled away from the carriages, his legs trembling violently and threatening to give out at any moment. After bumbling forward for a bit, he felt his foot wrench beneath him, followed by a dizzying impact. Even while catching his bearings, his limbs instinctively clawed at the dirt road, pulling him into the leafy cover of the forest. He collapsed to the ground and took a moment to breath. Slipping between the noise of his raspy breaths and pounding heartbeat, faint screams reached his ears.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Quivering, the man dared to raise his head above the bushes to peek back at the road. Before him, a group of monkeys surrounded a well noble dressed in a fine black suit, with an immaculately trimmed pointy grey beard The noble drew a rapier and lunged at the monkey nearest him, but it easily sidestepped his strike. The monkeys laughed in a chorus of shrieks and began pelting the noble with bananas.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The soldier was stricken with immense shame upon seeing an unarmed noble face the attackers, while he, a hired guard in full armor, cowardly fled from the simian assailants. The soldier mustered all his courage and charged at the circle of monkeys. They squealed as he landed a few well-placed strikes, before scampering off into the trees.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBoy! Whatâs your name?â the Noble called out upon being rescued.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMy name...â the soldier hesitated. âCall me Ray, Sir.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âVery well, Ray. I, of course, am your employer Duke Rarey A. Steakson. Come hither, for I require a guard against this sudden assault!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray did as he was told, and ran over to the Duke while exclaiming âThis road is supposed to be the safest route to Glasted! There certainly shouldnât be monkey tribes in this part of the country! How can this be happening!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThe monkeys must have gotten wind of what weâre transporting,â Duke Rarey replied. âEven though this forest is far from their regular territory, our cargo was too tempting for the Monkeys to resist coming here for.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âCargo!?â Ray asked in confusion. âWeâre only transporting handmade crochet coasters. Why do the monkeys want those?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Duke Rarey shook his head. âThatâs just the cover story we created to protect our true cargo. Those boxes that you thought were filled with coasters are actually filled with literally every horse in all of Aquila.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo!â Ray exclaimed in disbelief.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âItâs true,â Rarey responded sombrely.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMust we fight off the monkeys then?â Ray asked fearfully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo, Itâs too dangerous.â Duke Rarey responded. âI only hired a small number of mercenaries to avoid drawing attention to the convoy. Thereâs nothing such a small force can do against the monkeys.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIf you were so careful to maintain appearances, why did the monkeys attack us?â Ray asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThey must have had an informant,â Duke Rarey responded. âI was overconfident in my ruse, leading to my downfall. Alas, there is nothing more we can do. Escort me to safety, I must inform the king at once.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray stumbled after Duke Rarey through the forest the forest, as they fled the monkeys and dended off those that overtook them. Finally, the two men entered the capital city.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYou have done well to escort me this far,â Rarey stated.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI...suppose,â Ray said, acutely aware of his cowardice during the battle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHere is a token of my appreciation,â Rarey continued while placing a gold coin into Rayâs armored glove.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Generously compensated for the job, Ray walked off.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWill Aquila fall?â he wondered, wandering aimlessly. âThe loss of our horses is a grievous blow to both the economy and military. Can the country survive such a disaster? What misfortune to have been present at the moment of the kingdomâs downfall!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray found himself at the entrance of his favorite pub, so he decided to find himself a seat as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHe usual?â The barkeep asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray stared at the counter for a few moments, then mustered up the enthusiasm to nod in response to the barkeepâs query.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSomething got you down?â The bartender asked. âWait, donât tell me -- you got your heart broken by a girl.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSomething like that,â Ray responded. The Aquilian government would be sure to cover up what had happened for as long as possible, lest the countryâs enemies capitalize on its current weakness. It would be imprudent to frivolously reveal what had actually transpired.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray sipped at his drink for the rest of the evening, ordering a refill whenever he saw the bottom of his glass.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The sun set, and when the bar had to close, Ray staggered into the night. Swaying through an alleyway, he leaned against a wall for support. He leaned against the wall for a while, until his hand slipped and he stumbled to the ground. At this point, he lost his composure and began to sob.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOur beloved king always told us âHorses are great âcause theyâre fast!â!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The tears streamed down Rayâs face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âEvery year the King said âIâve always wanted to sneak attack people with horses âcause their messengers wonât be able to relay the deception in time!â But now he never will have that opportunity! Why doth the cruel hand of fate render tragedy for those who dare aspire greatness? The man discontent to skulk low to the dirt is punished for raising its head! Is manâs function truly so bleak? And I shall have to live knowing I fled the scene where our aspirations were crushed! Oh woe is me to be such a pathetic guard!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray threw up and passed out.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In the early light of dawn, Ray was awakened by someone calling his name.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSoldier Ray! It is I, no longer Duke Rarey A. Steakson! As the man responsible for the outcome of operation Crochet, I have been stripped of my title and exiled from Aquilla for the loss of the countryâs horses. Yet such it as I deserve, having failed my nation so.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray looked at the ground, ashamed that he had fallen into despondency while Rarey faced his far graver situation with such dignity.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI have 3 days to gather my belongs and evict myself from the kingdom. But I shall not be gathering my belongings!â Rarey continued. âIn my youth, my grandfather Mignon Steakson set me on his knee and told me fantastic fables. One such fable states that atop the tallest peak of the Athelas mountains lives a noble stallion of the finest, most pure of breeds. I know not whether this fable is true, but I shall spend my remaining 3 days in my homeland to scour the mountaintops in search of this stallion!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBut if you canât find this tall tale, then in three days you will be exiled from Aquila with no belongings! Youâll quickly die in the wilderness!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIf such an outcome occurs, so be it, for such is my just atonement for failing my nation.â Rarey said sombrely. âBut, I do expect such a fate to befall me, for you will be assisting my quest.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMe?â Ray asked, surprised.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes. If you are concerned about payment, worry not. I leave to you my entire fortune and estate, as I will not be needing them should this expedition fail.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat?! Why?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBecause the Athelas mountains are dangerous and I require an escort.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo, why me?â Ray asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAh. Because the King commanded me to maintain the utmost secrecy about the loss of our nations horses, so I cannot divulge the matter to anyone else. You, however, already know of this kingdomâs predicament, so there should be no issue.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOh. I see.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNow, let us get moving, boy! Weâre on a tight deadline with no time to spare! Take this bag.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey removed one of the large packs each slung over his shoulder and tossed one to Ray. Ray struggled to catch it, and when he did grab it, was nearly pulled down by its heavy weight. By the time he steadied himself, he had to jog after Rarey, who had already proceeded some distance down the road.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The two spent the entire day hiking across the Aquilaâs green plains. They reached the foot of the imposing mountain range just as the sun began to set.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey pointed at the tallest peak directly ahead of them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYou see that Ray? Thatâs the tallest mountain in all of the Athelas range: Mt. Scary.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI see. Um...why is it called Mt. Scary exactlyâ&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHmm, thatâs a good question. I canât say for sure, since no one has ever come back alive to explain what makes it so scary.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAre you sure one of the other mountains isnât actually the tallest peak,â Roy asked hopefully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell, that is a possibility. The national measurement tables are accurate only to an approximate degree, so thereâs a good chance one of the nearby peaks is actually taller. But that is a gamble we have no choice but to take.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray went silent.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDo we have any food?â he asked after a while.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI hope you like bread, since thatâs the only ration we have.â Rarey responded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âReally?!â Ray said, piping up. âI thoroughly love bread!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey chuckled, and tossed Ray a loaf, and a waterskin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âEat up boy. We have an even tougher march tomorrow.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The next morning, they began their ascent. As they climbed higher and higher, the air became cold, then freezing. Rarey unpacked a thick wool coat for each of them, and they continued upward. Rayâs muscles burned from their rapid pace up such a steep path, and he desperately wanted to ask for moments rest. But Ray held his tongue, deciding that if the elderly Rarey could continue without slowing, he could as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Around midday, they reached a height at which a heavy mist enveloped them, obscuring their vision beyond a few yards (editorâs note: what is a yard?). Rarey slowed them down at this point.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWith our vision limited and a thousand foot drop to our right, it would be prudent to take our time here,â Rarey explained. Ray was just glad for the slower pace, whatever the reason.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Finally, they came to a halt, and Ray gratefully plopped to the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat are you doing fool? UP! Now!â Rarey snapped.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray scrambled to his feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYouâll notice that we havenât encountered any darkwraiths or ice elementals during our ascentâ Rarey stated.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThatâs a relief!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNot at all! If the lesser friends avoid this slope, it can only mean that it is the territory of a much deadlier creature.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
â...deadlier than a nightwraith?â Ray nervously asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âFar deadlier. Native to this mountain is the deadly creature...goats.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âUm...goats? How are goats deadly.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGET DOWN!â Rarey snapped. âThereâs one now,â he said in hushed tones, pointing away from the mountain toward the cliffâs edge.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Through the obscuring mists, Ray could just make out a shadowed form floating in midair through the mists.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIt...it flies?!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes. That is no ordinary goat, but rather, a lethal Psychic Goat.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Suddenly, the shadowy form of the flying goat turned to face right at them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âRUN! HEâS SENSED US ALREADY!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey dashed away, and Roy hurriedly leapt in the other direction just as a goat swooped down at blinding speeds, swinging its horns where their heads had been moments before. The goat slowed to a stop, before sensing Royâs presence through the thick mists. In an instant the mists billowed out of its way as it hurtled forward. Roy jumped to the side, and with his momentum swung his heavy pack at the goat, bashing it in the side. The goat careened off course, and crashed into the jagged slope of the mountain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI got it!â Roy exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
However, the goat did not stay down long. In an instant, the mists parted and disappeared, pushed away by an unseen force. Roy stared down the goat hovering just off the ground ahead of him. The goat stared back, and twitched its head the tiniest bit upwards. Roy lurched off his feet and hurtled toward the thousand foot drop beside him, but Rarey lept forward and grabbed his arm before he could tumble off. The goat twitched its head again, but just as it did so, Rarey drew from his pack a long glass broadsword and swept it through the air between he and the goat. There was a whistling sound as the goat vibrated back and forth before launching away at a thousand miles an hour.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat? Did you defeat it?!â Roy asked, simultaneously shaken and excited.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes,â Rarey replied matter of factly. âThis is a sword forged from a glass element to deflect unseen magics. I deflected his psychic headbut back at it. It was already under the effect of one psychic force in order to hover. Upon being hit by a second psychic force, it rebounded quickly between the two conflicting forces until one of the forces snapped, sending it hurtling away.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
They traveled a short distance further up the mountain until they found a stone overhand to shelter under. Rarey removed a few branches from his pack and started a fire to keep them warm throughout the night.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He tossed Ray another loaf, and 2 waterskins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGood thing you like bread,â Rarey commented.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYup! I thoroughly like bread and am bad at spelling!â Ray said cheerfully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGood. Just make sure to stay hydrated. If you need another waterskin, inform me.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
One the dawn of the final morning, the fog had lifted, and they could see an expanse of clouds far beneath them down the mountain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWeâre far up!â Ray commented.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe must get even farther by the end of the day,â Rarey commented curtly, hoisting his pack on his back and beginning their march.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Shortly after midday, the mountain slope leveled out. They had reached the peak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe did it!â Ray exclaimed. âThis is where the stallion is, right?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes,â Rarey responded. Despite Rareyâs attempts to mask it, Ray heard a hint of uncertainty in the older manâs voice. He looked around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe should carefully investigate the area atop this mountain, as well as the other slopes leading here,â Rarey stated. They looked around, but no horses popped out in front of them. They searched futilely until sunset. They had investigated every crevice of the mountainâs peak, overturned every rock, but there was not a horse to be found.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIâm sorry Ray,â Rarey commented. âI was foolish to raise our hopes with a myth. But bemoaning the past serves no purpose.â He began unpacking wood to start a fire.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIâm sorry Rarey,â Ray called out after a moment of silence. âThis is all my fault. Iâm a coward, a useless coward.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey opened his mouth, perhaps to deny Rayâs self-deprecation, but remained quiet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray collapsed to the ground and stared off into the sunset.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The sun covered the vast expanse of land visible from the mountain with a red glow. The sky burned orange, interrupted by long white clouds with a soft pink underbelly. The sun, a perfect sphere resting just upon the horizon, shonied vibrant orange all over, except for its middle which was blocked by a small silhouette of a horse.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWait what? Rarey! Look!â Ray shouted.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey peared toward the sun and probably receiving eye damage, and then exclaimed âwhy of course! The horse is psychic too! It doesnât need to remain on the peak because it can fly!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHow do we get it over to use,â Ray asked excitedly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDonât worry, I came prepared.â Rarey pulled a flashy red flag from his backpack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAs Iâm sure you know, horses are angered by the color red and canât help but charge when they see it. I will bait it in, and while it is blinded by rage I will leap on it back and tame it.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAlright!â Ray exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey flapped the flag in the horseâs direction, but the horse did not stir from its position framed by the setting sun&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBut how? Could this horse be somehow suppressing its primal instincts through psychic mastery?!â Rarey exclaimed incredulously.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âPerhaps in the red light of the sunset, everything looks red to it and it cannot distinguish the red of your cloak,â Ray proffered.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBrilliant, boy! That must be it! But that means our plan is a bust!â Rarey stared at the horse thoughtful for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGot any other plans?â Ray asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
They stared at the horse a bit more.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHey look! The stallion is coming toward us now!â Ray exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray, glanced back at the stallion, and saw that Rarey was indeed correct.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBut why is he approaching now, when he wouldnât before?â Ray pondered.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The reason quickly became apparent, as the silhouettes of 10 psychic goats appeared over the horizon.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOh no! The stallion is the natural predator of the goat, but in large numbers an angry herd of goats can easily take down a single stallion! This is a most dangerous situation!â Rarey exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The stallion touched down on the peak a short distance from Rarey and Ray, and seconds later the mountaintop exploded into shrapnel under a bombard of psychic headbuts.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey leapt forward, unsheathing his sword. The stallion was fleeing down the side of the mountain, hopping between outcroppings, and Rarey pursued it while deflecting psychic assaults. Without a moment&#039;s hesitation, Ray raced down the slope after the stallion as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âRay!â Rarey called out. âObtain the stallion while I dispatch the goats!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray scrambled down the slope, but the stallion, using its psychic abilities when necessary, easily outpaced the slow humans. Ray realized that they could never catch up. He took note of the horseâs position beneath him, and backed away from the cliffâs edge. He took a deep breath, and dashed toward the cliff, leaping off the edge.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDang it I was planning to land on the horseâs back but it moved away so now Iâm going to dieâ Ray said.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
However, just as Ray was about to impale himself on the jagged rocks below, the psychic stallion leapt back to where it was previously standing to catch Rayâs fall.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes!â Ray exclaimed. âAll according to plan!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He looked back to see how Rarey was faring, just in time to see a goat bash into Rareyâs side, knocking the glass sword to the ground where it shattered. A second goat instantly followed up with a psychic blow that sent Rarey hurtling down the rocky cliffside until his body fell through the cloud cover and disappeared.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray screamed in a jumble of horror, sadness, and anger.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He kicked his heals into the side of the stallion, spurring it higher and higher into the air. The goats, turning their attention back toward the stallion, leapt off the mountainside and quickly began flying his way.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The goats drew closer, up until a point, at which they maintained a safe distance and slowly spread out in a circle around Ray and the stallion. Once they had them surrounded, they began tightening the circle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray felt the sinews of the horse beneath him, heard it&#039;s breathing, and instinctively knew what to do. He waited, as the goats drew closer and closer, and then, just as the first goat twitched its head to make a psychic attack, he sprang into action. He leapt off the horseâs back, flipping through the air. Then, he reached beneath him, grabbed the stallion, and using his momentum, swung the stallion in a 360 degree circle like a sword, firing a blast of psychic energy from the horse at all the surrounding goats. Trapped between the stallionâs psychic blast and their own hovering forces, the goats trembled in mid-air momentarily before being launched into the sunset where they burnt to a crisp.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray returned to Aquila, with his stallion, and took it to a stable to check it in and get it some food.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThank you for storing your horse with Horse Companyâ¢,â the stablemaster said cheerfully. âBelieve it or not, youâre the first customer weâve had in the past three days. Must have been some downturn in the horse market or somethinâ.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âQuite the downturn,â Ray responded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âTo finalize your horse check in, please tell us your horseâs name,â the stablemaster told Ray.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMy horseâs name? I supposed I havenât thought of that yetâ¦â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDonât worry, we have a patented system for assigning the horse a default name. Our award winning default naming system calls each horse âA [name of person] horse.â So for example, my nameâs Ebward L. Wardson, so any horse stored under my name using the default naming system would be called âAn Ebward L. Wardson horse.â See how it works?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI guess,â Ray responded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGood! We just need your name and weâll get down to assigning your horse a default name?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The stablemaster peered down at Rayâs nametag.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âRay Ian? Thatâs a funny name. You got no last name? Hah!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNO IT IS NOT FUNNY!â Ray shouted angrily. The stablemaster was taken aback.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSorry sorry,â the stablemaster stuttered. â...Iâll just write it on the application real quick.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWait!â Ray shouted desperately.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ever since his birth, Ray was destined to be different. When he was born, his parents forgot to give him a last name. When they realized they messed up, they decided to give him 2 first names to make up for it. From that moment on, Rayâs full name was âRay Ian.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The memories flashed through his mind&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHa ha ha! Everyone! This fellow preschooler has two first names! Letâs gather around and laugh at him while his brain is still in a formative state to give him a traumatic experience!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âPst! Do you have the answers for this test weâre both taking as highschoolers? Hey wait a moment, youâre that Ray Ian kid. Nevermind, I donât want help cheating from someone with two first names.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIâm sorry, Iâm afraid I must decline your job application for your dream job. With a name like Ray Ian, youâre not cut out to be a bread waiter.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray snapped back to the present.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMy name will no longer be Ray Ian! With the addition of this middle initial, my name will be...Ray B. Ian!!!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The stablemaster gasped. âWith the addition of a middle initial to separate his two names, his second first name is now his last name! What an ingenious maneuver!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After storing the first Ray B. Ian horse at the stable, Ray used the late Duke Rareyâs fortune to invest in some cloning magic, and cloned a thousand more Ray B. Ian horses. He began selling the horses, which were quite popular on the account of being psychic, and in time he had the funds to build a Horse Factory that mass produced psychic horses. Naturally, he always kept the original Ray B. Ian horse because they had a special bond and whatnot.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After a couple years of running his horse business successfully and saving the Aquila economic and military ruin, he was surprised to notice that he only made 5 cents off every sale of horses that he made.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThatâs weird,â he thought. âI thought I would earn more for selling psychic horses.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray checked in with the stablemaster who was storing his horses to see if he had any idea where the profit margins were being lost.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAh, well it could be our patented naming system. We hired an advanced team of scientists to develop the system, and in order to recover the initial expenditure we charge 2 cents per character in your horseâs name.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYeah, I donât think thatâs the problem. Iâm selling these horses for thousands of dollars you know.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell, thatâs the only possible reason I can think of,â the stablemaster replied.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSure, thanks for your time,â Ray responded, walking away. He turned back one more time before leaving? âAre you sure you canât think of &#039;&#039;anything&#039;&#039; that might be raising the overhead costs?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell...there is the problem of spacing,â the stablemaster added after a momentâs thought.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSpacing?â Ray asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes. Weâre quite proud that through our brilliant innovation, our default naming system does allow for spaces. However, since they still are very difficult to handle in our system, whenever you register a horse with our default naming system, you are charged ten thousand dollars per space in the horseâs name.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat the brick? Well Iâd better name the horses something without spaces then.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOf course, sir. Each horse is currently referred to as âa Ray B. Ian Horseâ. Do you have any idea what you want to call them from now on?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHmm...well I do like bread.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
And that was how the Thoroughbred horse was invented.&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:The Additional Manuscripts]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Stories by Ninjago Builders]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes&amp;diff=11882</id>
		<title>The Most Exotic of Tastes</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes&amp;diff=11882"/>
		<updated>2020-05-07T22:42:36Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;*&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;Thou seest that this manuscript has the stamp of &amp;quot;The Totally True Tale Society.&amp;quot; They are a respected association that is dedicated to uncovering the truth, so thou knowest that this manuscript must be accurate.*&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In medias res! The young soldier stumbled away from the carriages, his legs trembling violently and threatening to give out at any moment. After bumbling forward for a bit, he felt his foot wrench beneath him, followed by a dizzying impact. Even while catching his bearings, his limbs instinctively clawed at the dirt road, pulling him into the leafy cover of the forest. He collapsed to the ground and took a moment to breath. Slipping between the noise of his raspy breaths and pounding heartbeat, faint screams reached his ears.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Quivering, the man dared to raise his head above the bushes to peek back at the road. Before him, a group of monkeys surrounded a well noble dressed in a fine black suit, with an immaculately trimmed pointy grey beard The noble drew a rapier and lunged at the monkey nearest him, but it easily sidestepped his strike. The monkeys laughed in a chorus of shrieks and began pelting the noble with bananas.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The soldier was stricken with immense shame upon seeing an unarmed noble face the attackers, while he, a hired guard in full armor, cowardly fled from the simian assailants. The soldier mustered all his courage and charged at the circle of monkeys. They squealed as he landed a few well-placed strikes, before scampering off into the trees.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBoy! Whatâs your name?â the Noble called out upon being rescued.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMy name...â the soldier hesitated. âCall me Ray, Sir.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âVery well, Ray. I, of course, am your employer Duke Rarey A. Steakson. Come hither, for I require a guard against this sudden assault!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray did as he was told, and ran over to the Duke while exclaiming âThis road is supposed to be the safest route to Glasted! There certainly shouldnât be monkey tribes in this part of the country! How can this be happening!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThe monkeys must have gotten wind of what weâre transporting,â Duke Rarey replied. âEven though this forest is far from their regular territory, our cargo was too tempting for the Monkeys to resist coming here for.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âCargo!?â Ray asked in confusion. âWeâre only transporting handmade crochet coasters. Why do the monkeys want those?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Duke Rarey shook his head. âThatâs just the cover story we created to protect our true cargo. Those boxes that you thought were filled with coasters are actually filled with literally every horse in all of Aquila.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo!â Ray exclaimed in disbelief.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âItâs true,â Rarey responded sombrely.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMust we fight off the monkeys then?â Ray asked fearfully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo, Itâs too dangerous.â Duke Rarey responded. âI only hired a small number of mercenaries to avoid drawing attention to the convoy. Thereâs nothing such a small force can do against the monkeys.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIf you were so careful to maintain appearances, why did the monkeys attack us?â Ray asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThey must have had an informant,â Duke Rarey responded. âI was overconfident in my ruse, leading to my downfall. Alas, there is nothing more we can do. Escort me to safety, I must inform the king at once.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray stumbled after Duke Rarey through the forest the forest, as they fled the monkeys and dended off those that overtook them. Finally, the two men entered the capital city.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYou have done well to escort me this far,â Rarey stated.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI...suppose,â Ray said, acutely aware of his cowardice during the battle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHere is a token of my appreciation,â Rarey continued while placing a gold coin into Rayâs armored glove.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Generously compensated for the job, Ray walked off.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWill Aquila fall?â he wondered, wandering aimlessly. âThe loss of our horses is a grievous blow to both the economy and military. Can the country survive such a disaster? What misfortune to have been present at the moment of the kingdomâs downfall!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray found himself at the entrance of his favorite pub, so he decided to find himself a seat as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHe usual?â The barkeep asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray stared at the counter for a few moments, then mustered up the enthusiasm to nod in response to the barkeepâs query.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSomething got you down?â The bartender asked. âWait, donât tell me -- you got your heart broken by a girl.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSomething like that,â Ray responded. The Aquilian government would be sure to cover up what had happened for as long as possible, lest the countryâs enemies capitalize on its current weakness. It would be imprudent to frivolously reveal what had actually transpired.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray sipped at his drink for the rest of the evening, ordering a refill whenever he saw the bottom of his glass.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The sun set, and when the bar had to close, Ray staggered into the night. Swaying through an alleyway, he leaned against a wall for support. He leaned against the wall for a while, until his hand slipped and he stumbled to the ground. At this point, he lost his composure and began to sob.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOur beloved king always told us âHorses are great âcause theyâre fast!â!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The tears streamed down Rayâs face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âEvery year the King said âIâve always wanted to sneak attack people with horses âcause their messengers wonât be able to relay the deception in time!â But now he never will have that opportunity! Why doth the cruel hand of fate render tragedy for those who dare aspire greatness? The man discontent to skulk low to the dirt is punished for raising its head! Is manâs function truly so bleak? And I shall have to live knowing I fled the scene where our aspirations were crushed! Oh woe is me to be such a pathetic guard!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray threw up and passed out.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In the early light of dawn, Ray was awakened by someone calling his name.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSoldier Ray! It is I, no longer Duke Rarey A. Steakson! As the man responsible for the outcome of operation Crochet, I have been stripped of my title and exiled from Aquilla for the loss of the countryâs horses. Yet such it as I deserve, having failed my nation so.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray looked at the ground, ashamed that he had fallen into despondency while Rarey faced his far graver situation with such dignity.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI have 3 days to gather my belongs and evict myself from the kingdom. But I shall not be gathering my belongings!â Rarey continued. âIn my youth, my grandfather Mignon Steakson set me on his knee and told me fantastic fables. One such fable states that atop the tallest peak of the Athelas mountains lives a noble stallion of the finest, most pure of breeds. I know not whether this fable is true, but I shall spend my remaining 3 days in my homeland to scour the mountaintops in search of this stallion!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBut if you canât find this tall tale, then in three days you will be exiled from Aquila with no belongings! Youâll quickly die in the wilderness!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIf such an outcome occurs, so be it, for such is my just atonement for failing my nation.â Rarey said sombrely. âBut, I do expect such a fate to befall me, for you will be assisting my quest.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMe?â Ray asked, surprised.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes. If you are concerned about payment, worry not. I leave to you my entire fortune and estate, as I will not be needing them should this expedition fail.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat?! Why?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBecause the Athelas mountains are dangerous and I require an escort.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo, why me?â Ray asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAh. Because the King commanded me to maintain the utmost secrecy about the loss of our nations horses, so I cannot divulge the matter to anyone else. You, however, already know of this kingdomâs predicament, so there should be no issue.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOh. I see.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNow, let us get moving, boy! Weâre on a tight deadline with no time to spare! Take this bag.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey removed one of the large packs each slung over his shoulder and tossed one to Ray. Ray struggled to catch it, and when he did grab it, was nearly pulled down by its heavy weight. By the time he steadied himself, he had to jog after Rarey, who had already proceeded some distance down the road.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The two spent the entire day hiking across the Aquilaâs green plains. They reached the foot of the imposing mountain range just as the sun began to set.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey pointed at the tallest peak directly ahead of them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYou see that Ray? Thatâs the tallest mountain in all of the Athelas range: Mt. Scary.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI see. Um...why is it called Mt. Scary exactlyâ&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHmm, thatâs a good question. I canât say for sure, since no one has ever come back alive to explain what makes it so scary.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAre you sure one of the other mountains isnât actually the tallest peak,â Roy asked hopefully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell, that is a possibility. The national measurement tables are accurate only to an approximate degree, so thereâs a good chance one of the nearby peaks is actually taller. But that is a gamble we have no choice but to take.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray went silent.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDo we have any food?â he asked after a while.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI hope you like bread, since thatâs the only ration we have.â Rarey responded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âReally?!â Ray said, piping up. âI thoroughly love bread!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey chuckled, and tossed Ray a loaf, and a waterskin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âEat up boy. We have an even tougher march tomorrow.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The next morning, they began their ascent. As they climbed higher and higher, the air became cold, then freezing. Rarey unpacked a thick wool coat for each of them, and they continued upward. Rayâs muscles burned from their rapid pace up such a steep path, and he desperately wanted to ask for moments rest. But Ray held his tongue, deciding that if the elderly Rarey could continue without slowing, he could as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Around midday, they reached a height at which a heavy mist enveloped them, obscuring their vision beyond a few yards (editorâs note: what is a yard?). Rarey slowed them down at this point.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWith our vision limited and a thousand foot drop to our right, it would be prudent to take our time here,â Rarey explained. Ray was just glad for the slower pace, whatever the reason.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Finally, they came to a halt, and Ray gratefully plopped to the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat are you doing fool? UP! Now!â Rarey snapped.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray scrambled to his feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYouâll notice that we havenât encountered any darkwraiths or ice elementals during our ascentâ Rarey stated.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThatâs a relief!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNot at all! If the lesser friends avoid this slope, it can only mean that it is the territory of a much deadlier creature.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
â...deadlier than a nightwraith?â Ray nervously asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âFar deadlier. Native to this mountain is the deadly creature...goats.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âUm...goats? How are goats deadly.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGET DOWN!â Rarey snapped. âThereâs one now,â he said in hushed tones, pointing away from the mountain toward the cliffâs edge.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Through the obscuring mists, Ray could just make out a shadowed form floating in midair through the mists.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIt...it flies?!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes. That is no ordinary goat, but rather, a lethal Psychic Goat.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Suddenly, the shadowy form of the flying goat turned to face right at them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âRUN! HEâS SENSED US ALREADY!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey dashed away, and Roy hurriedly leapt in the other direction just as a goat swooped down at blinding speeds, swinging its horns where their heads had been moments before. The goat slowed to a stop, before sensing Royâs presence through the thick mists. In an instant the mists billowed out of its way as it hurtled forward. Roy jumped to the side, and with his momentum swung his heavy pack at the goat, bashing it in the side. The goat careened off course, and crashed into the jagged slope of the mountain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI got it!â Roy exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
However, the goat did not stay down long. In an instant, the mists parted and disappeared, pushed away by an unseen force. Roy stared down the goat hovering just off the ground ahead of him. The goat stared back, and twitched its head the tiniest bit upwards. Roy lurched off his feet and hurtled toward the thousand foot drop beside him, but Rarey lept forward and grabbed his arm before he could tumble off. The goat twitched its head again, but just as it did so, Rarey drew from his pack a long glass broadsword and swept it through the air between he and the goat. There was a whistling sound as the goat vibrated back and forth before launching away at a thousand miles an hour.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat? Did you defeat it?!â Roy asked, simultaneously shaken and excited.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes,â Rarey replied matter of factly. âThis is a sword forged from a glass element to deflect unseen magics. I deflected his psychic headbut back at it. It was already under the effect of one psychic force in order to hover. Upon being hit by a second psychic force, it rebounded quickly between the two conflicting forces until one of the forces snapped, sending it hurtling away.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
They traveled a short distance further up the mountain until they found a stone overhand to shelter under. Rarey removed a few branches from his pack and started a fire to keep them warm throughout the night.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He tossed Ray another loaf, and 2 waterskins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGood thing you like bread,â Rarey commented.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYup! I thoroughly like bread and am bad at spelling!â Ray said cheerfully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGood. Just make sure to stay hydrated. If you need another waterskin, inform me.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
One the dawn of the final morning, the fog had lifted, and they could see an expanse of clouds far beneath them down the mountain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWeâre far up!â Ray commented.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe must get even farther by the end of the day,â Rarey commented curtly, hoisting his pack on his back and beginning their march.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Shortly after midday, the mountain slope leveled out. They had reached the peak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe did it!â Ray exclaimed. âThis is where the stallion is, right?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes,â Rarey responded. Despite Rareyâs attempts to mask it, Ray heard a hint of uncertainty in the older manâs voice. He looked around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe should carefully investigate the area atop this mountain, as well as the other slopes leading here,â Rarey stated. They looked around, but no horses popped out in front of them. They searched futilely until sunset. They had investigated every crevice of the mountainâs peak, overturned every rock, but there was not a horse to be found.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIâm sorry Ray,â Rarey commented. âI was foolish to raise our hopes with a myth. But bemoaning the past serves no purpose.â He began unpacking wood to start a fire.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIâm sorry Rarey,â Ray called out after a moment of silence. âThis is all my fault. Iâm a coward, a useless coward.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey opened his mouth, perhaps to deny Rayâs self-deprecation, but remained quiet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray collapsed to the ground and stared off into the sunset.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The sun covered the vast expanse of land visible from the mountain with a red glow. The sky burned orange, interrupted by long white clouds with a soft pink underbelly. The sun, a perfect sphere resting just upon the horizon, shonied vibrant orange all over, except for its middle which was blocked by a small silhouette of a horse.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWait what? Rarey! Look!â Ray shouted.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey peared toward the sun and probably receiving eye damage, and then exclaimed âwhy of course! The horse is psychic too! It doesnât need to remain on the peak because it can fly!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHow do we get it over to use,â Ray asked excitedly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDonât worry, I came prepared.â Rarey pulled a flashy red flag from his backpack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAs Iâm sure you know, horses are angered by the color red and canât help but charge when they see it. I will bait it in, and while it is blinded by rage I will leap on it back and tame it.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAlright!â Ray exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey flapped the flag in the horseâs direction, but the horse did not stir from its position framed by the setting sun&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBut how? Could this horse be somehow suppressing its primal instincts through psychic mastery?!â Rarey exclaimed incredulously.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âPerhaps in the red light of the sunset, everything looks red to it and it cannot distinguish the red of your cloak,â Ray proffered.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBrilliant, boy! That must be it! But that means our plan is a bust!â Rarey stared at the horse thoughtful for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGot any other plans?â Ray asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
They stared at the horse a bit more.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHey look! The stallion is coming toward us now!â Ray exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray, glanced back at the stallion, and saw that Rarey was indeed correct.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBut why is he approaching now, when he wouldnât before?â Ray pondered.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The reason quickly became apparent, as the silhouettes of 10 psychic goats appeared over the horizon.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOh no! The stallion is the natural predator of the goat, but in large numbers an angry herd of goats can easily take down a single stallion! This is a most dangerous situation!â Rarey exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The stallion touched down on the peak a short distance from Rarey and Ray, and seconds later the mountaintop exploded into shrapnel under a bombard of psychic headbuts.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey leapt forward, unsheathing his sword. The stallion was fleeing down the side of the mountain, hopping between outcroppings, and Rarey pursued it while deflecting psychic assaults. Without a moment&#039;s hesitation, Ray raced down the slope after the stallion as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âRay!â Rarey called out. âObtain the stallion while I dispatch the goats!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray scrambled down the slope, but the stallion, using its psychic abilities when necessary, easily outpaced the slow humans. Ray realized that they could never catch up. He took note of the horseâs position beneath him, and backed away from the cliffâs edge. He took a deep breath, and dashed toward the cliff, leaping off the edge.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDang it I was planning to land on the horseâs back but it moved away so now Iâm going to dieâ Ray said.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
However, just as Ray was about to impale himself on the jagged rocks below, the psychic stallion leapt back to where it was previously standing to catch Rayâs fall.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes!â Ray exclaimed. âAll according to plan!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He looked back to see how Rarey was faring, just in time to see a goat bash into Rareyâs side, knocking the glass sword to the ground where it shattered. A second goat instantly followed up with a psychic blow that sent Rarey hurtling down the rocky cliffside until his body fell through the cloud cover and disappeared.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray screamed in a jumble of horror, sadness, and anger.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He kicked his heals into the side of the stallion, spurring it higher and higher into the air. The goats, turning their attention back toward the stallion, leapt off the mountainside and quickly began flying his way.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The goats drew closer, up until a point, at which they maintained a safe distance and slowly spread out in a circle around Ray and the stallion. Once they had them surrounded, they began tightening the circle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray felt the sinews of the horse beneath him, heard it&#039;s breathing, and instinctively knew what to do. He waited, as the goats drew closer and closer, and then, just as the first goat twitched its head to make a psychic attack, he sprang into action. He leapt off the horseâs back, flipping through the air. Then, he reached beneath him, grabbed the stallion, and using his momentum, swung the stallion in a 360 degree circle like a sword, firing a blast of psychic energy from the horse at all the surrounding goats. Trapped between the stallionâs psychic blast and their own hovering forces, the goats trembled in mid-air momentarily before being launched into the sunset where they burnt to a crisp.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray returned to Aquila, with his stallion, and took it to a stable to check it in and get it some food.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThank you for storing your horse with Horse Companyâ¢,â the stablemaster said cheerfully. âBelieve it or not, youâre the first customer weâve had in the past three days. Must have been some downturn in the horse market or somethinâ.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âQuite the downturn,â Ray responded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âTo finalize your horse check in, please tell us your horseâs name,â the stablemaster told Ray.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMy horseâs name? I supposed I havenât thought of that yetâ¦â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDonât worry, we have a patented system for assigning the horse a default name. Our award winning default naming system calls each horse âA [name of person] horse.â So for example, my nameâs Ebward L. Wardson, so any horse stored under my name using the default naming system would be called âAn Ebward L. Wardson horse.â See how it works?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI guess,â Ray responded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGood! We just need your name and weâll get down to assigning your horse a default name?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The stablemaster peered down at Rayâs nametag.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âRay Ian? Thatâs a funny name. You got no last name? Hah!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNO IT IS NOT FUNNY!â Ray shouted angrily. The stablemaster was taken aback.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSorry sorry,â the stablemaster stuttered. â...Iâll just write it on the application real quick.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWait!â Ray shouted desperately.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ever since his birth, Ray was destined to be different. When he was born, his parents forgot to give him a last name. When they realized they messed up, they decided to give him 2 first names to make up for it. From that moment on, Rayâs full name was âRay Ian.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The memories flashed through his mind&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHa ha ha! Everyone! This fellow preschooler has two first names! Letâs gather around and laugh at him while his brain is still in a formative state to give him a traumatic experience!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âPst! Do you have the answers for this test weâre both taking as highschoolers? Hey wait a moment, youâre that Ray Ian kid. Nevermind, I donât want help cheating from someone with two first names.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIâm sorry, Iâm afraid I must decline your job application for your dream job. With a name like Ray Ian, youâre not cut out to be a bread waiter.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray snapped back to the present.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMy name will no longer be Ray Ian! With the addition of this middle initial, my name will be...Ray B. Ian!!!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The stablemaster gasped. âWith the addition of a middle initial to separate his two names, his second first name is now his last name! What an ingenious maneuver!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After storing the first Ray B. Ian horse at the stable, Ray used the late Duke Rareyâs fortune to invest in some cloning magic, and cloned a thousand more Ray B. Ian horses. He began selling the horses, which were quite popular on the account of being psychic, and in time he had the funds to build a Horse Factory that mass produced psychic horses. Naturally, he always kept the original Ray B. Ian horse because they had a special bond and whatnot.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After a couple years of running his horse business successfully and saving the Aquila economic and military ruin, he was surprised to notice that he only made 5 cents off every sale of horses that he made.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThatâs weird,â he thought. âI thought I would earn more for selling psychic horses.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray checked in with the stablemaster who was storing his horses to see if he had any idea where the profit margins were being lost.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAh, well it could be our patented naming system. We hired an advanced team of scientists to develop the system, and in order to recover the initial expenditure we charge 2 cents per character in your horseâs name.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYeah, I donât think thatâs the problem. Iâm selling these horses for thousands of dollars you know.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell, thatâs the only possible reason I can think of,â the stablemaster replied.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSure, thanks for your time,â Ray responded, walking away. He turned back one more time before leaving? âAre you sure you canât think of anything that might be raising the overhead costs?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell...there is the problem of spacing,â the stablemaster added after a momentâs thought.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSpacing?â Ray asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes. Weâre quite proud that through our brilliant innovation, our default naming system does allow for spaces. However, since they still are very difficult to handle in our system, whenever you register a horse with our default naming system, you are charged ten thousand dollars per space in the horseâs name.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat the brick? Well Iâd better name the horses something without spaces then.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOf course, sir. Each horse is currently referred to as âa Ray B. Ian Horseâ. Do you have any idea what you want to call them from now on?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHmm...well I do like bread.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
And that was how the Thoroughbred horse was invented.&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:The Additional Manuscripts]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Stories by Ninjago Builders]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes&amp;diff=11881</id>
		<title>The Most Exotic of Tastes</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=The_Most_Exotic_of_Tastes&amp;diff=11881"/>
		<updated>2020-05-07T22:41:43Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: Created page with &amp;quot;&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;*&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;Thou seest that this manuscript has the stamp of &amp;quot;The Totally True Tale Society.&amp;quot; They are a respected association that is dedicated to uncovering the truth,...&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;*&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;Thou seest that this manuscript has the stamp of &amp;quot;The Totally True Tale Society.&amp;quot; They are a respected association that is dedicated to uncovering the truth, so thou knowest that this manuscript must be accurate.*&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In medias res! The young soldier stumbled away from the carriages, his legs trembling violently and threatening to give out at any moment. After bumbling forward for a bit, he felt his foot wrench beneath him, followed by a dizzying impact. Even while catching his bearings, his limbs instinctively clawed at the dirt road, pulling him into the leafy cover of the forest. He collapsed to the ground and took a moment to breath. Slipping between the noise of his raspy breaths and pounding heartbeat, faint screams reached his ears.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Quivering, the man dared to raise his head above the bushes to peek back at the road. Before him, a group of monkeys surrounded a well noble dressed in a fine black suit, with an immaculately trimmed pointy grey beard The noble drew a rapier and lunged at the monkey nearest him, but it easily sidestepped his strike. The monkeys laughed in a chorus of shrieks and began pelting the noble with bananas.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The soldier was stricken with immense shame upon seeing an unarmed noble face the attackers, while he, a hired guard in full armor, cowardly fled from the simian assailants. The soldier mustered all his courage and charged at the circle of monkeys. They squealed as he landed a few well-placed strikes, before scampering off into the trees.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBoy! Whatâs your name?â the Noble called out upon being rescued.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMy name...â the soldier hesitated. âCall me Ray, Sir.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âVery well, Ray. I, of course, am your employer Duke Rarey A. Steakson. Come hither, for I require a guard against this sudden assault!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray did as he was told, and ran over to the Duke while exclaiming âThis road is supposed to be the safest route to Glasted! There certainly shouldnât be monkey tribes in this part of the country! How can this be happening!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThe monkeys must have gotten wind of what weâre transporting,â Duke Rarey replied. âEven though this forest is far from their regular territory, our cargo was too tempting for the Monkeys to resist coming here for.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âCargo!?â Ray asked in confusion. âWeâre only transporting handmade crochet coasters. Why do the monkeys want those?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Duke Rarey shook his head. âThatâs just the cover story we created to protect our true cargo. Those boxes that you thought were filled with coasters are actually filled with literally every horse in all of Aquila.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo!â Ray exclaimed in disbelief.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âItâs true,â Rarey responded sombrely.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMust we fight off the monkeys then?â Ray asked fearfully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo, Itâs too dangerous.â Duke Rarey responded. âI only hired a small number of mercenaries to avoid drawing attention to the convoy. Thereâs nothing such a small force can do against the monkeys.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIf you were so careful to maintain appearances, why did the monkeys attack us?â Ray asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThey must have had an informant,â Duke Rarey responded. âI was overconfident in my ruse, leading to my downfall. Alas, there is nothing more we can do. Escort me to safety, I must inform the king at once.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray stumbled after Duke Rarey through the forest the forest, as they fled the monkeys and dended off those that overtook them. Finally, the two men entered the capital city.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYou have done well to escort me this far,â Rarey stated.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI...suppose,â Ray said, acutely aware of his cowardice during the battle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHere is a token of my appreciation,â Rarey continued while placing a gold coin into Rayâs armored glove.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Generously compensated for the job, Ray walked off.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWill Aquila fall?â he wondered, wandering aimlessly. âThe loss of our horses is a grievous blow to both the economy and military. Can the country survive such a disaster? What misfortune to have been present at the moment of the kingdomâs downfall!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray found himself at the entrance of his favorite pub, so he decided to find himself a seat as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHe usual?â The barkeep asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray stared at the counter for a few moments, then mustered up the enthusiasm to nod in response to the barkeepâs query.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSomething got you down?â The bartender asked. âWait, donât tell me -- you got your heart broken by a girl.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSomething like that,â Ray responded. The Aquilian government would be sure to cover up what had happened for as long as possible, lest the countryâs enemies capitalize on its current weakness. It would be imprudent to frivolously reveal what had actually transpired.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray sipped at his drink for the rest of the evening, ordering a refill whenever he saw the bottom of his glass.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The sun set, and when the bar had to close, Ray staggered into the night. Swaying through an alleyway, he leaned against a wall for support. He leaned against the wall for a while, until his hand slipped and he stumbled to the ground. At this point, he lost his composure and began to sob.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOur beloved king always told us âHorses are great âcause theyâre fast!â!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The tears streamed down Rayâs face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âEvery year the King said âIâve always wanted to sneak attack people with horses âcause their messengers wonât be able to relay the deception in time!â But now he never will have that opportunity! Why doth the cruel hand of fate render tragedy for those who dare aspire greatness? The man discontent to skulk low to the dirt is punished for raising its head! Is manâs function truly so bleak? And I shall have to live knowing I fled the scene where our aspirations were crushed! Oh woe is me to be such a pathetic guard!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray threw up and passed out.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In the early light of dawn, Ray was awakened by someone calling his name.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSoldier Ray! It is I, no longer Duke Rarey A. Steakson! As the man responsible for the outcome of operation Crochet, I have been stripped of my title and exiled from Aquilla for the loss of the countryâs horses. Yet such it as I deserve, having failed my nation so.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray looked at the ground, ashamed that he had fallen into despondency while Rarey faced his far graver situation with such dignity.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI have 3 days to gather my belongs and evict myself from the kingdom. But I shall not be gathering my belongings!â Rarey continued. âIn my youth, my grandfather Mignon Steakson set me on his knee and told me fantastic fables. One such fable states that atop the tallest peak of the Athelas mountains lives a noble stallion of the finest, most pure of breeds. I know not whether this fable is true, but I shall spend my remaining 3 days in my homeland to scour the mountaintops in search of this stallion!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBut if you canât find this tall tale, then in three days you will be exiled from Aquila with no belongings! Youâll quickly die in the wilderness!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIf such an outcome occurs, so be it, for such is my just atonement for failing my nation.â Rarey said sombrely. âBut, I do expect such a fate to befall me, for you will be assisting my quest.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMe?â Ray asked, surprised.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes. If you are concerned about payment, worry not. I leave to you my entire fortune and estate, as I will not be needing them should this expedition fail.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat?! Why?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBecause the Athelas mountains are dangerous and I require an escort.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo, why me?â Ray asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAh. Because the King commanded me to maintain the utmost secrecy about the loss of our nations horses, so I cannot divulge the matter to anyone else. You, however, already know of this kingdomâs predicament, so there should be no issue.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOh. I see.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNow, let us get moving, boy! Weâre on a tight deadline with no time to spare! Take this bag.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey removed one of the large packs each slung over his shoulder and tossed one to Ray. Ray struggled to catch it, and when he did grab it, was nearly pulled down by its heavy weight. By the time he steadied himself, he had to jog after Rarey, who had already proceeded some distance down the road.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The two spent the entire day hiking across the Aquilaâs green plains. They reached the foot of the imposing mountain range just as the sun began to set.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey pointed at the tallest peak directly ahead of them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYou see that Ray? Thatâs the tallest mountain in all of the Athelas range: Mt. Scary.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI see. Um...why is it called Mt. Scary exactlyâ&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHmm, thatâs a good question. I canât say for sure, since no one has ever come back alive to explain what makes it so scary.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAre you sure one of the other mountains isnât actually the tallest peak,â Roy asked hopefully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell, that is a possibility. The national measurement tables are accurate only to an approximate degree, so thereâs a good chance one of the nearby peaks is actually taller. But that is a gamble we have no choice but to take.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray went silent.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDo we have any food?â he asked after a while.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI hope you like bread, since thatâs the only ration we have.â Rarey responded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âReally?!â Ray said, piping up. âI thoroughly love bread!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey chuckled, and tossed Ray a loaf, and a waterskin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âEat up boy. We have an even tougher march tomorrow.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The next morning, they began their ascent. As they climbed higher and higher, the air became cold, then freezing. Rarey unpacked a thick wool coat for each of them, and they continued upward. Rayâs muscles burned from their rapid pace up such a steep path, and he desperately wanted to ask for moments rest. But Ray held his tongue, deciding that if the elderly Rarey could continue without slowing, he could as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Around midday, they reached a height at which a heavy mist enveloped them, obscuring their vision beyond a few yards (editorâs note: what is a yard?). Rarey slowed them down at this point.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWith our vision limited and a thousand foot drop to our right, it would be prudent to take our time here,â Rarey explained. Ray was just glad for the slower pace, whatever the reason.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Finally, they came to a halt, and Ray gratefully plopped to the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat are you doing fool? UP! Now!â Rarey snapped.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray scrambled to his feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYouâll notice that we havenât encountered any darkwraiths or ice elementals during our ascentâ Rarey stated.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThatâs a relief!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNot at all! If the lesser friends avoid this slope, it can only mean that it is the territory of a much deadlier creature.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
â...deadlier than a nightwraith?â Ray nervously asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âFar deadlier. Native to this mountain is the deadly creature...goats.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âUm...goats? How are goats deadly.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGET DOWN!â Rarey snapped. âThereâs one now,â he said in hushed tones, pointing away from the mountain toward the cliffâs edge.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Through the obscuring mists, Ray could just make out a shadowed form floating in midair through the mists.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIt...it flies?!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes. That is no ordinary goat, but rather, a lethal Psychic Goat.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Suddenly, the shadowy form of the flying goat turned to face right at them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âRUN! HEâS SENSED US ALREADY!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey dashed away, and Roy hurriedly leapt in the other direction just as a goat swooped down at blinding speeds, swinging its horns where their heads had been moments before. The goat slowed to a stop, before sensing Royâs presence through the thick mists. In an instant the mists billowed out of its way as it hurtled forward. Roy jumped to the side, and with his momentum swung his heavy pack at the goat, bashing it in the side. The goat careened off course, and crashed into the jagged slope of the mountain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI got it!â Roy exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
However, the goat did not stay down long. In an instant, the mists parted and disappeared, pushed away by an unseen force. Roy stared down the goat hovering just off the ground ahead of him. The goat stared back, and twitched its head the tiniest bit upwards. Roy lurched off his feet and hurtled toward the thousand foot drop beside him, but Rarey lept forward and grabbed his arm before he could tumble off. The goat twitched its head again, but just as it did so, Rarey drew from his pack a long glass broadsword and swept it through the air between he and the goat. There was a whistling sound as the goat vibrated back and forth before launching away at a thousand miles an hour.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat? Did you defeat it?!â Roy asked, simultaneously shaken and excited.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes,â Rarey replied matter of factly. âThis is a sword forged from a glass element to deflect unseen magics. I deflected his psychic headbut back at it. It was already under the effect of one psychic force in order to hover. Upon being hit by a second psychic force, it rebounded quickly between the two conflicting forces until one of the forces snapped, sending it hurtling away.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
They traveled a short distance further up the mountain until they found a stone overhand to shelter under. Rarey removed a few branches from his pack and started a fire to keep them warm throughout the night.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He tossed Ray another loaf, and 2 waterskins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGood thing you like bread,â Rarey commented.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYup! I thoroughly like bread and am bad at spelling!â Ray said cheerfully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGood. Just make sure to stay hydrated. If you need another waterskin, inform me.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
One the dawn of the final morning, the fog had lifted, and they could see an expanse of clouds far beneath them down the mountain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWeâre far up!â Ray commented.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe must get even farther by the end of the day,â Rarey commented curtly, hoisting his pack on his back and beginning their march.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Shortly after midday, the mountain slope leveled out. They had reached the peak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe did it!â Ray exclaimed. âThis is where the stallion is, right?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes,â Rarey responded. Despite Rareyâs attempts to mask it, Ray heard a hint of uncertainty in the older manâs voice. He looked around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe should carefully investigate the area atop this mountain, as well as the other slopes leading here,â Rarey stated. They looked around, but no horses popped out in front of them. They searched futilely until sunset. They had investigated every crevice of the mountainâs peak, overturned every rock, but there was not a horse to be found.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIâm sorry Ray,â Rarey commented. âI was foolish to raise our hopes with a myth. But bemoaning the past serves no purpose.â He began unpacking wood to start a fire.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIâm sorry Rarey,â Ray called out after a moment of silence. âThis is all my fault. Iâm a coward, a useless coward.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey opened his mouth, perhaps to deny Rayâs self-deprecation, but remained quiet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray collapsed to the ground and stared off into the sunset.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The sun covered the vast expanse of land visible from the mountain with a red glow. The sky burned orange, interrupted by long white clouds with a soft pink underbelly. The sun, a perfect sphere resting just upon the horizon, shonied vibrant orange all over, except for its middle which was blocked by a small silhouette of a horse.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWait what? Rarey! Look!â Ray shouted.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey peared toward the sun and probably receiving eye damage, and then exclaimed âwhy of course! The horse is psychic too! It doesnât need to remain on the peak because it can fly!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHow do we get it over to use,â Ray asked excitedly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDonât worry, I came prepared.â Rarey pulled a flashy red flag from his backpack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAs Iâm sure you know, horses are angered by the color red and canât help but charge when they see it. I will bait it in, and while it is blinded by rage I will leap on it back and tame it.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAlright!â Ray exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey flapped the flag in the horseâs direction, but the horse did not stir from its position framed by the setting sun&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBut how? Could this horse be somehow suppressing its primal instincts through psychic mastery?!â Rarey exclaimed incredulously.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âPerhaps in the red light of the sunset, everything looks red to it and it cannot distinguish the red of your cloak,â Ray proffered.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBrilliant, boy! That must be it! But that means our plan is a bust!â Rarey stared at the horse thoughtful for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGot any other plans?â Ray asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
They stared at the horse a bit more.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHey look! The stallion is coming toward us now!â Ray exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray, glanced back at the stallion, and saw that Rarey was indeed correct.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBut why is he approaching now, when he wouldnât before?â Ray pondered.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The reason quickly became apparent, as the silhouettes of 10 psychic goats appeared over the horizon.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOh no! The stallion is the natural predator of the goat, but in large numbers an angry herd of goats can easily take down a single stallion! This is a most dangerous situation!â Rarey exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The stallion touched down on the peak a short distance from Rarey and Ray, and seconds later the mountaintop exploded into shrapnel under a bombard of psychic headbuts.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rarey leapt forward, unsheathing his sword. The stallion was fleeing down the side of the mountain, hopping between outcroppings, and Rarey pursued it while deflecting psychic assaults. Without a moment&#039;s hesitation, Ray raced down the slope after the stallion as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âRay!â Rarey called out. âObtain the stallion while I dispatch the goats!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray scrambled down the slope, but the stallion, using its psychic abilities when necessary, easily outpaced the slow humans. Ray realized that they could never catch up. He took note of the horseâs position beneath him, and backed away from the cliffâs edge. He took a deep breath, and dashed toward the cliff, leaping off the edge.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDang it I was planning to land on the horseâs back but it moved away so now Iâm going to dieâ Ray said.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
However, just as Ray was about to impale himself on the jagged rocks below, the psychic stallion leapt back to where it was previously standing to catch Rayâs fall.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes!â Ray exclaimed. âAll according to plan!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He looked back to see how Rarey was faring, just in time to see a goat bash into Rareyâs side, knocking the glass sword to the ground where it shattered. A second goat instantly followed up with a psychic blow that sent Rarey hurtling down the rocky cliffside until his body fell through the cloud cover and disappeared.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray screamed in a jumble of horror, sadness, and anger.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He kicked his heals into the side of the stallion, spurring it higher and higher into the air. The goats, turning their attention back toward the stallion, leapt off the mountainside and quickly began flying his way.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The goats drew closer, up until a point, at which they maintained a safe distance and slowly spread out in a circle around Ray and the stallion. Once they had them surrounded, they began tightening the circle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray felt the sinews of the horse beneath him, heard it&#039;s breathing, and instinctively knew what to do. He waited, as the goats drew closer and closer, and then, just as the first goat twitched its head to make a psychic attack, he sprang into action. He leapt off the horseâs back, flipping through the air. Then, he reached beneath him, grabbed the stallion, and using his momentum, swung the stallion in a 360 degree circle like a sword, firing a blast of psychic energy from the horse at all the surrounding goats. Trapped between the stallionâs psychic blast and their own hovering forces, the goats trembled in mid-air momentarily before being launched into the sunset where they burnt to a crisp.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray returned to Aquila, with his stallion, and took it to a stable to check it in and get it some food.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThank you for storing your horse with Horse Companyâ¢,â the stablemaster said cheerfully. âBelieve it or not, youâre the first customer weâve had in the past three days. Must have been some downturn in the horse market or somethinâ.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âQuite the downturn,â Ray responded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âTo finalize your horse check in, please tell us your horseâs name,â the stablemaster told Ray.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMy horseâs name? I supposed I havenât thought of that yetâ¦â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDonât worry, we have a patented system for assigning the horse a default name. Our award winning default naming system calls each horse âA [name of person] horse.â So for example, my nameâs Ebward L. Wardson, so any horse stored under my name using the default naming system would be called âAn Ebward L. Wardson horse.â See how it works?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI guess,â Ray responded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGood! We just need your name and weâll get down to assigning your horse a default name?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The stablemaster peered down at Rayâs nametag.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âRay Ian? Thatâs a funny name. You got no last name? Hah!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNO IT IS NOT FUNNY!â Ray shouted angrily. The stablemaster was taken aback.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSorry sorry,â the stablemaster stuttered. â...Iâll just write it on the application real quick.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWait!â Ray shouted desperately.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ever since his birth, Ray was destined to be different. When he was born, his parents forgot to give him a last name. When they realized they messed up, they decided to give him 2 first names to make up for it. From that moment on, Rayâs full name was âRay Ian.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The memories flashed through his mind&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHa ha ha! Everyone! This fellow preschooler has two first names! Letâs gather around and laugh at him while his brain is still in a formative state to give him a traumatic experience!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âPst! Do you have the answers for this test weâre both taking as highschoolers? Hey wait a moment, youâre that Ray Ian kid. Nevermind, I donât want help cheating from someone with two first names.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIâm sorry, Iâm afraid I must decline your job application for your dream job. With a name like Ray Ian, youâre not cut out to be a bread waiter.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray snapped back to the present.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMy name will no longer be Ray Ian! With the addition of this middle initial, my name will be...Ray B. Ian!!!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The stablemaster gasped. âWith the addition of a middle initial to separate his two names, his second first name is now his last name! What an ingenious maneuver!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;***&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After storing the first Ray B. Ian horse at the stable, Ray used the late Duke Rareyâs fortune to invest in some cloning magic, and cloned a thousand more Ray B. Ian horses. He began selling the horses, which were quite popular on the account of being psychic, and in time he had the funds to build a Horse Factory that mass produced psychic horses. Naturally, he always kept the original Ray B. Ian horse because they had a special bond and whatnot.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After a couple years of running his horse business successfully and saving the Aquila economic and military ruin, he was surprised to notice that he only made 5 cents off every sale of horses that he made.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThatâs weird,â he thought. âI thought I would earn more for selling psychic horses.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ray checked in with the stablemaster who was storing his horses to see if he had any idea where the profit margins were being lost.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAh, well it could be our patented naming system. We hired an advanced team of scientists to develop the system, and in order to recover the initial expenditure we charge 2 cents per character in your horseâs name.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYeah, I donât think thatâs the problem. Iâm selling these horses for thousands of dollars you know.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell, thatâs the only possible reason I can think of,â the stablemaster replied.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSure, thanks for your time,â Ray responded, walking away. He turned back one more time before leaving? âAre you sure you canât think of anything that might be raising the overhead costs?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell...there is the problem of spacing,â the stablemaster added after a momentâs thought.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSpacing?â Ray asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes. Weâre quite proud that through our brilliant innovation, our default naming system does allow for spaces. However, since they still are very difficult to handle in our system, whenever you register a horse with our default naming system, you are charged ten thousand dollars per space in the horseâs name.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat the brick? Well Iâd better name the horses something without spaces then.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOf course, sir. Each horse is currently referred to as âa Ray B. Ian Horseâ. Do you have any idea what you want to call them from now on?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHmm...well I do like bread.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
And that was how the Thoroughbred horse was invented.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:Stories_by_the_Fire/@comment-29171447-20191101090906&amp;diff=11711</id>
		<title>Talk:Stories by the Fire/@comment-29171447-20191101090906</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:Stories_by_the_Fire/@comment-29171447-20191101090906&amp;diff=11711"/>
		<updated>2019-11-01T09:09:45Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
This is genius. The mix of hilarious humor and intriguing worldbuilding is everything I could ever want out of an AM. I absolutely love the name &amp;quot;Slapalahalapatus,&amp;quot; and I was laughing for his entire part of the story.Â Bravo good sir. You made my day.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:Stories_by_the_Fire/@comment-29171447-20191101090906&amp;diff=11710</id>
		<title>Talk:Stories by the Fire/@comment-29171447-20191101090906</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:Stories_by_the_Fire/@comment-29171447-20191101090906&amp;diff=11710"/>
		<updated>2019-11-01T09:09:06Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: Created page with &amp;quot;   This is genius. The mix of hilarious humor and intriguing worldbuilding is everything I could ever want out of an AM. I absolutely love the name &amp;quot;Slapalahalapatus,&amp;quot; and I w...&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
This is genius. The mix of hilarious humor and intriguing worldbuilding is everything I could ever want out of an AM. I absolutely love the name &amp;quot;Slapalahalapatus,&amp;quot; and I was laughing for his entire part of the story.Â Bravo good sir. You made my day.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:The_12_Golden_Tears_of_the_Sea/@comment-28549248-20190613154654/@comment-29171447-20190613231806&amp;diff=11294</id>
		<title>Talk:The 12 Golden Tears of the Sea/@comment-28549248-20190613154654/@comment-29171447-20190613231806</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:The_12_Golden_Tears_of_the_Sea/@comment-28549248-20190613154654/@comment-29171447-20190613231806&amp;diff=11294"/>
		<updated>2019-06-13T23:18:06Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: Created page with &amp;quot;Rose had very carefully planned her decent during low tide so that she would be safe. But alas! She had forgotten to calibrate her watch for daylight savings time so she thoug...&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Rose had very carefully planned her decent during low tide so that she would be safe. But alas! She had forgotten to calibrate her watch for daylight savings time so she thought it was an hour earlier than it actually was! She explored the caves an hour later than she should have and she died a horrible death.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The moral of the story is that daylight savings time is annoying.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=The_12_Golden_Tears_of_the_Sea&amp;diff=11287</id>
		<title>The 12 Golden Tears of the Sea</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=The_12_Golden_Tears_of_the_Sea&amp;diff=11287"/>
		<updated>2019-06-13T04:18:21Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;==Prologue==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhen both moons are sleeping, the oceans go leaping.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
- Old seaside proverb&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Once a century, the two moons of Lyra and Kaperna simultaneously experience their new phase. This occurrence causes the notable âdouble leap tidesâ during which the tides reach historical highs and lows in a single day.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
But Rose was only interested in the low tides.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a torch in her hand and a satchel slung over her back, Rose walked to the edge of the cliff face and peered over. The bottom of the cliff was pitch black, invisible in the moonless night. However, the sound of waves breaking against the cliffside and the smell of salt betrayed the oceanâs presence below her. She angled the torch downward and walked along the cliffside a few feet from the edge, looking for something on the ground. She stopped at a metal stake she had placed that morning to mark the point of easiest decent. After tying the torch to the straps on her satchel, Rose kneeled to the ground and flipped over on her stomach, letting her legs hang over the cliffside. Her feet prodded the cliffside until they each found a solid foothold. She slowly lowered her left hand, then her right, left foot, then right, descending the cliffside one limb at a time.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Upon reaching the bottom she lowered herself down and landed in knee deep ocean water. Though waves periodically battered her legs, they were not forceful enough to upset her balance. Any other day, the cliffside would be ruthlessly bombarded by waves, but during the lows of the double leap tide the ocean was sedated. Rose began walking along the cliffside, peering at it intently, and a small cavity in the cliffside caught her eye. The half submerged opening was no more than an armâs breadth across. Rose extinguished her torch and crawled through. She closed her eyes to the saltwater splashing her face and reached forward with her hands, feeling the slick, algae-covered rocks ahead of her and pulling herself forward. Feeling no rocks ahead of her, she stood up and reached for her backpack. From it she removed another torch and a small steel device with a handle, trigger, and piece of flint. She quickly squeezed the trigger, causing a steel hammer to strike the flint. As the sparks came in contact with the fat-covered torch, the torch flared up immediately revealing that the small hole she had crawled through opened up into a small cave. Planks of wood and shattered boxes floated atop the knee deep water.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rose smiled and began investigating the debris. Many ships met their end at this coastline. Caught in a sudden storm, a ship would find itself forced by relentless waves onto the jagged rocks of the coastline. The sea would sweep away most of the wreckage, but sometimes the debris would drift into underwater caves carved out beneath the cliffside.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Treasure-hunters had attempted diving to these caves to loot the accumulated wreckage. While a few were successful, most were flung by the waves onto rocks or trapped in the inky blackness of the submerged caves, unable to find the exit. The locals knew that looting the coast of Holden was the pursuit of fools.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rose waded up to a barrel that had remained intact and pried the waterlogged wood apart. Inside were rare spices, made worthless by the ocean water. Inspection of the surrounding boxes revealed more spices. The inside of one of the spice barrels was still mostly dry, but it would be impossible to carry back up the cliff face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
This cave was a dud. There was no gold.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The low tide revealed the normally submerged caves, but only for about an hour, and she had already used up most of that time climbing down the cliff face and exploring this first cave. However, if she hurried she still had just enough time to check another cave before she risked being caught by the rising ocean level. Looting these caves was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and Rose did not intend to waste it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As she waded back to the exit, her foot knocked against something underwater. She glanced down. It was a human skeleton. It had a bright red-orange garment wrapped around its waist and a long oval leather shield strapped to its arm. The coin pouch hanging at its waist caught Roseâs eye.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She reached down searched the pouch, but to her dismay her fingers brushed against just a single coin. She held it up to her torch to look at it. It was gold and had the image of clouds on its face, with strange symbols engraved around the edge. She flipped it over. The other side of the coin was identical to the first, except amidst the clouds was engraved a full moon. She shrugged, and twirled the coin through her fingers before pocketing it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As she continued toward the entrance, she heard a faint crashing coming from outside the cave. At first she paid it no heed, as it was likely the crashing of the waves, but the sound grew louder and louder. She stopped walking forward and hesitated, apprehensive. As the sound swelled into a deafening roar, a cascade of water burst through the cave entrance. It slammed into Rose hurling her off her feet. Water enveloped her in moments. A âcrackâ echoed through the water as Roseâs head collided with a rock. A high pitched ringing in her ears, her vision obscured by churning air bubbles swirling around her, the waves tossed her head over heels. She hadnât had time to hold her breath and was already running out of air. She started swimming forward, but had no clue whether she was swimming toward the exit She felt panic, and then terror as she realized that she was going to die.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Then, Rose glimpsed a glimmer of moonlight shining through the cave entrance. She frantically swam toward it, clawing her way up the algae-covered rocks, and then pushed off of them toward the surface above. She surfaced and gasped for air, but her respite was short lived as a large wave crashed down on her and forced her back underwater. The waves tossed her to and fro as she struggled to remain above the surface. Every muscle in her body ached as she fought the tireless sea. Rose felt her stomach church as a large swell plucked her from the sea and raised her into the air, and then threw her forward as it came crashing down. She felt a thump as her body collided with dirt and she blacked out.&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:The Additional Manuscripts]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Stories by Ninjago Builders]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:The_12_Golden_Tears_of_the_Sea/@comment-29171447-20190613041629&amp;diff=11290</id>
		<title>Talk:The 12 Golden Tears of the Sea/@comment-29171447-20190613041629</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:The_12_Golden_Tears_of_the_Sea/@comment-29171447-20190613041629&amp;diff=11290"/>
		<updated>2019-06-13T04:16:29Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: Created page with &amp;quot;Names of locations in AM subject to change based on input from Lore and Continuity comittee. Name of AM subject to change based on me.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Names of locations in AM subject to change based on input from Lore and Continuity comittee. Name of AM subject to change based on me.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=The_12_Golden_Tears_of_the_Sea&amp;diff=11286</id>
		<title>The 12 Golden Tears of the Sea</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=The_12_Golden_Tears_of_the_Sea&amp;diff=11286"/>
		<updated>2019-06-13T04:12:35Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;==Prologue==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhen both moons are sleeping, the oceans go leaping.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
- Old seaside proverb&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Once a century, the two moons of Lyra and Kaperna simultaneously experience their new phase. This occurrence causes the notable âdouble leap tidesâ during which the tides reach historical highs and lows in a single day.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
But Rose was only interested in the low tides.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a torch in her hand and a satchel slung over her back, Rose walked to the edge of the cliff face and peered over. The bottom of the cliff was pitch black, invisible in the moonless night. However, the sound of waves breaking against the cliffside and the smell of salt betrayed the oceanâs presence below her. She angled the torch downward and walked along the cliffside a few feet from the edge, looking for something on the ground. She stopped at a metal stake she had placed that morning to mark the point of easiest decent. After tying the torch to the straps on her satchel, Rose kneeled to the ground and flipped over on her stomach, letting her legs hang over the cliffside. Her feet prodded the cliffside until they each found a solid foothold. She slowly lowered her left hand, then her right, left foot, then right, descending the cliffside one limb at a time.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Upon reaching the bottom she lowered herself down and landed in knee deep ocean water. Though waves periodically battered her legs, they were not forceful enough to upset her balance. Any other day, the cliffside would be savagely bombarded by waves, but during the lows of the double leap tide the ocean was sedated. Rose began walking along the cliffside, peering at it intently, and a small cavity in the cliffside caught her eye. The half submerged opening was no more than an armâs breadth across. Rose extinguished her torch and crawled through. She closed her eyes to the saltwater splashing her face and reached forward with her hands, feeling the slick, algae-covered rocks ahead of her and pulling herself forward. Feeling no rocks ahead of her, she stood up and reached for her backpack. From it she removed another torch and a small steel device with a handle, trigger, and piece of flint. She quickly squeezed the trigger, causing a steel hammer to strike the flint. As the sparks came in contact with the fat-covered torch, the torch flared up immediately revealing that the small hole she had crawled through opened up into a small cave. Planks of wood and shattered boxes floated atop the knee deep water.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rose smiled and began investigating the debris. Many ships met their end at this coastline. Caught in a sudden storm, a ship would find itself forced by relentless waves onto the jagged rocks of the coastline. The sea would sweep away most of the wreckage, but sometimes the debris would drift into underwater caves carved out beneath the cliffside.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Treasure-hunters had attempted diving to these caves to loot the accumulated wreckage. While a few were successful, most were flung by the waves onto rocks or trapped in the inky blackness of the submerged caves, unable to find the exit. The locals knew that looting the coast of Holden was the pursuit of fools.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rose waded up to a barrel that had remained intact and pried the waterlogged wood apart. Inside were rare spices, made worthless by the ocean water. Inspection of the surrounding boxes revealed more spices. The inside of one of the spice barrels was still mostly dry, but it would be impossible to carry back up the cliff face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
This cave was a dud. There was no gold.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The low tide revealed the normally submerged caves, but only for about an hour, and she had already used up most of that time climbing down the cliff face and exploring this first cave. However, if she hurried she still had just enough time to check another cave before she risked being caught by the rising ocean level. Looting these caves was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and Rose did not intend to waste it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As she waded back to the exit, her foot knocked against something underwater. She glanced down. It was a human skeleton. It had a bright red-orange garment wrapped around its waist and a long oval leather shield strapped to its arm. The coin pouch hanging at its waist caught Roseâs eye.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She reached down searched the pouch, but to her dismay her fingers brushed against just a single coin. She held it up to her torch to look at it. It was gold and had the image of clouds on its face, with strange symbols engraved around the edge. She flipped it over. The other side of the coin was identical to the first, except amidst the clouds was engraved a full moon. She shrugged, and twirled the coin through her fingers before pocketing it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As she continued toward the entrance, she heard a faint crashing coming from outside the cave. At first she paid it no heed, as it was likely the crashing of the waves, but the sound grew louder and louder. She stopped walking forward and hesitated, apprehensive. As the sound swelled into a deafening roar, a cascade of water burst through the cave entrance. It slammed into Rose hurling her off her feet. Water enveloped her in moments. A âcrackâ echoed through the water as Roseâs head collided with a rock. A high pitched ringing in her ears, her vision obscured by churning air bubbles swirling around her, the waves tossed her head over heels. She hadnât had time to hold her breath and was already running out of air. She started swimming forward, but had no clue whether she was swimming toward the exit She felt panic, and then terror as she realized that she was going to die.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Then, Rose glimpsed a glimmer of moonlight shining through the cave entrance. She frantically swam toward it, clawing her way up the algae-covered rocks, and then pushed off of them toward the surface above. She surfaced and gasped for air, but her respite was short lived as a large wave crashed down on her and forced her back underwater. The waves tossed her to and fro as she struggled to remain above the surface. Every muscle in her body ached as she fought the tireless sea. Rose felt her stomach church as a large swell plucked her from the sea and raised her into the air, and then threw her forward as it came crashing down. She felt a thump as her body collided with dirt and she blacked out.&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:The Additional Manuscripts]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Stories by Ninjago Builders]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=The_12_Golden_Tears_of_the_Sea&amp;diff=11285</id>
		<title>The 12 Golden Tears of the Sea</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=The_12_Golden_Tears_of_the_Sea&amp;diff=11285"/>
		<updated>2019-06-13T04:12:00Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Prologue&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhen both moons are sleeping, the oceans go leaping.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
- Old seaside proverb&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Once a century, the two moons of Lyra and Kaperna simultaneously experience their new phase. This occurrence causes the notable âdouble leap tidesâ during which the tides reach historical highs and lows in a single day.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
But Rose was only interested in the low tides.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a torch in her hand and a satchel slung over her back, Rose walked to the edge of the cliff face and peered over. The bottom of the cliff was pitch black, invisible in the moonless night. However, the sound of waves breaking against the cliffside and the smell of salt betrayed the oceanâs presence below her. She angled the torch downward and walked along the cliffside a few feet from the edge, looking for something on the ground. She stopped at a metal stake she had placed that morning to mark the point of easiest decent. After tying the torch to the straps on her satchel, Rose kneeled to the ground and flipped over on her stomach, letting her legs hang over the cliffside. Her feet prodded the cliffside until they each found a solid foothold. She slowly lowered her left hand, then her right, left foot, then right, descending the cliffside one limb at a time.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Upon reaching the bottom she lowered herself down and landed in knee deep ocean water. Though waves periodically battered her legs, they were not forceful enough to upset her balance. Any other day, the cliffside would be savagely bombarded by waves, but during the lows of the double leap tide the ocean was sedated. Rose began walking along the cliffside, peering at it intently, and a small cavity in the cliffside caught her eye. The half submerged opening was no more than an armâs breadth across. Rose extinguished her torch and crawled through. She closed her eyes to the saltwater splashing her face and reached forward with her hands, feeling the slick, algae-covered rocks ahead of her and pulling herself forward. Feeling no rocks ahead of her, she stood up and reached for her backpack. From it she removed another torch and a small steel device with a handle, trigger, and piece of flint. She quickly squeezed the trigger, causing a steel hammer to strike the flint. As the sparks came in contact with the fat-covered torch, the torch flared up immediately revealing that the small hole she had crawled through opened up into a small cave. Planks of wood and shattered boxes floated atop the knee deep water.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rose smiled and began investigating the debris. Many ships met their end at this coastline. Caught in a sudden storm, a ship would find itself forced by relentless waves onto the jagged rocks of the coastline. The sea would sweep away most of the wreckage, but sometimes the debris would drift into underwater caves carved out beneath the cliffside.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Treasure-hunters had attempted diving to these caves to loot the accumulated wreckage. While a few were successful, most were flung by the waves onto rocks or trapped in the inky blackness of the submerged caves, unable to find the exit. The locals knew that looting the coast of Holden was the pursuit of fools.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rose waded up to a barrel that had remained intact and pried the waterlogged wood apart. Inside were rare spices, made worthless by the ocean water. Inspection of the surrounding boxes revealed more spices. The inside of one of the spice barrels was still mostly dry, but it would be impossible to carry back up the cliff face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
This cave was a dud. There was no gold.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The low tide revealed the normally submerged caves, but only for about an hour, and she had already used up most of that time climbing down the cliff face and exploring this first cave. However, if she hurried she still had just enough time to check another cave before she risked being caught by the rising ocean level. Looting these caves was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and Rose did not intend to waste it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As she waded back to the exit, her foot knocked against something underwater. She glanced down. It was a human skeleton. It had a bright red-orange garment wrapped around its waist and a long oval leather shield strapped to its arm. The coin pouch hanging at its waist caught Roseâs eye.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She reached down searched the pouch, but to her dismay her fingers brushed against just a single coin. She held it up to her torch to look at it. It was gold and had the image of clouds on its face, with strange symbols engraved around the edge. She flipped it over. The other side of the coin was identical to the first, except amidst the clouds was engraved a full moon. She shrugged, and twirled the coin through her fingers before pocketing it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As she continued toward the entrance, she heard a faint crashing coming from outside the cave. At first she paid it no heed, as it was likely the crashing of the waves, but the sound grew louder and louder. She stopped walking forward and hesitated, apprehensive. As the sound swelled into a deafening roar, a cascade of water burst through the cave entrance. It slammed into Rose hurling her off her feet. Water enveloped her in moments. A âcrackâ echoed through the water as Roseâs head collided with a rock. A high pitched ringing in her ears, her vision obscured by churning air bubbles swirling around her, the waves tossed her head over heels. She hadnât had time to hold her breath and was already running out of air. She started swimming forward, but had no clue whether she was swimming toward the exit She felt panic, and then terror as she realized that she was going to die.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Then, Rose glimpsed a glimmer of moonlight shining through the cave entrance. She frantically swam toward it, clawing her way up the algae-covered rocks, and then pushed off of them toward the surface above. She surfaced and gasped for air, but her respite was short lived as a large wave crashed down on her and forced her back underwater. The waves tossed her to and fro as she struggled to remain above the surface. Every muscle in her body ached as she fought the tireless sea. Rose felt her stomach church as a large swell plucked her from the sea and raised her into the air, and then threw her forward as it came crashing down. She felt a thump as her body collided with dirt and she blacked out.&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:The Additional Manuscripts]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Stories by Ninjago Builders]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=The_12_Golden_Tears_of_the_Sea&amp;diff=11284</id>
		<title>The 12 Golden Tears of the Sea</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=The_12_Golden_Tears_of_the_Sea&amp;diff=11284"/>
		<updated>2019-06-13T04:11:34Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: Created page with &amp;quot;Prologue  âWhen both moons are sleeping, the oceans go leaping.â  - Old seaside proverb  Once a century, the two moons of Lyra and Kaperna simultaneously experience their ...&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Prologue&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhen both moons are sleeping, the oceans go leaping.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
- Old seaside proverb&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Once a century, the two moons of Lyra and Kaperna simultaneously experience their new phase. This occurrence causes the notable âdouble leap tidesâ during which the tides reach historical highs and lows in a single day.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
But Rose was only interested in the low tides.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a torch in her hand and a satchel slung over her back, Rose walked to the edge of the cliff face and peered over. The bottom of the cliff was pitch black, invisible in the moonless night. However, the sound of waves breaking against the cliffside and the smell of salt betrayed the oceanâs presence below her. She angled the torch downward and walked along the cliffside a few feet from the edge, looking for something on the ground. She stopped at a metal stake she had placed that morning to mark the point of easiest decent. After tying the torch to the straps on her satchel, Rose kneeled to the ground and flipped over on her stomach, letting her legs hang over the cliffside. Her feet prodded the cliffside until they each found a solid foothold. She slowly lowered her left hand, then her right, left foot, then right, descending the cliffside one limb at a time.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Upon reaching the bottom she lowered herself down and landed in knee deep ocean water. Though waves periodically battered her legs, they were not forceful enough to upset her balance. Any other day, the cliffside would be savagely bombarded by waves, but during the lows of the double leap tide the ocean was sedated. Rose began walking along the cliffside, peering at it intently, and a small cavity in the cliffside caught her eye. The half submerged opening was no more than an armâs breadth across. Rose extinguished her torch and crawled through. She closed her eyes to the saltwater splashing her face and reached forward with her hands, feeling the slick, algae-covered rocks ahead of her and pulling herself forward. Feeling no rocks ahead of her, she stood up and reached for her backpack. From it she removed another torch and a small steel device with a handle, trigger, and piece of flint. She quickly squeezed the trigger, causing a steel hammer to strike the flint. As the sparks came in contact with the fat-covered torch, the torch flared up immediately revealing that the small hole she had crawled through opened up into a small cave. Planks of wood and shattered boxes floated atop the knee deep water.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rose smiled and began investigating the debris. Many ships met their end at this coastline. Caught in a sudden storm, a ship would find itself forced by relentless waves onto the jagged rocks of the coastline. The sea would sweep away most of the wreckage, but sometimes the debris would drift into underwater caves carved out beneath the cliffside.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Treasure-hunters had attempted diving to these caves to loot the accumulated wreckage. While a few were successful, most were flung by the waves onto rocks or trapped in the inky blackness of the submerged caves, unable to find the exit. The locals knew that looting the coast of Holden was the pursuit of fools.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rose waded up to a barrel that had remained intact and pried the waterlogged wood apart. Inside were rare spices, made worthless by the ocean water. Inspection of the surrounding boxes revealed more spices. The inside of one of the spice barrels was still mostly dry, but it would be impossible to carry back up the cliff face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
This cave was a dud. There was no gold.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The low tide revealed the normally submerged caves, but only for about an hour, and she had already used up most of that time climbing down the cliff face and exploring this first cave. However, if she hurried she still had just enough time to check another cave before she risked being caught by the rising ocean level. Looting these caves was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and Rose did not intend to waste it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As she waded back to the exit, her foot knocked against something underwater. She glanced down. It was a human skeleton. It had a bright red-orange garment wrapped around its waist and a long oval leather shield strapped to its arm. The coin pouch hanging at its waist caught Roseâs eye.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She reached down searched the pouch, but to her dismay her fingers brushed against just a single coin. She held it up to her torch to look at it. It was gold and had the image of clouds on its face, with strange symbols engraved around the edge. She flipped it over. The other side of the coin was identical to the first, except amidst the clouds was engraved a full moon. She shrugged, and twirled the coin through her fingers before pocketing it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As she continued toward the entrance, she heard a faint crashing coming from outside the cave. At first she paid it no heed, as it was likely the crashing of the waves, but the sound grew louder and louder. She stopped walking forward and hesitated, apprehensive. As the sound swelled into a deafening roar, a cascade of water burst through the cave entrance. It slammed into Rose hurling her off her feet. Water enveloped her in moments. A âcrackâ echoed through the water as Roseâs head collided with a rock. A high pitched ringing in her ears, her vision obscured by churning air bubbles swirling around her, the waves tossed her head over heels. She hadnât had time to hold her breath and was already running out of air. She started swimming forward, but had no clue whether she was swimming toward the exit She felt panic, and then terror as she realized that she was going to die.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Then, Rose glimpsed a glimmer of moonlight shining through the cave entrance. She frantically swam toward it, clawing her way up the algae-covered rocks, and then pushed off of them toward the surface above. She surfaced and gasped for air, but her respite was short lived as a large wave crashed down on her and forced her back underwater. The waves tossed her to and fro as she struggled to remain above the surface. Every muscle in her body ached as she fought the tireless sea. Rose felt her stomach church as a large swell plucked her from the sea and raised her into the air, and then threw her forward as it came crashing down. She felt a thump as her body collided with dirt and she blacked out.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Official_canon_rotation_of_militeregnium&amp;diff=11058</id>
		<title>Official canon rotation of militeregnium</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Official_canon_rotation_of_militeregnium&amp;diff=11058"/>
		<updated>2019-04-06T09:31:55Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&#039;&#039;&#039;official canon rotation of militeregnium&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
- an official additioanl manuscript by ninjago_builders&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
militerengium rotates around its poles but it has a tiny bit of rotational momentum toward its poles so that every 10 years the world flips over&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
the end&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Stories by Ninjago Builders]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:The Additional Manuscripts]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Official_canon_rotation_of_militeregnium&amp;diff=11057</id>
		<title>Official canon rotation of militeregnium</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Official_canon_rotation_of_militeregnium&amp;diff=11057"/>
		<updated>2019-04-06T09:29:23Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&#039;&#039;&#039;official canon rotation of militeregnium&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
- an official additioanl manuscript by ninjago_builders&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
militerengium rotates around its poles but it has a tiny bit of rotational momentum toward its poles so that every 10 years the world flips over&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
the end&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Stories by Ninjago Builders]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Official_canon_rotation_of_militeregnium&amp;diff=11056</id>
		<title>Official canon rotation of militeregnium</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Official_canon_rotation_of_militeregnium&amp;diff=11056"/>
		<updated>2019-04-06T09:28:23Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: Important addition to KotOS canon&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&#039;&#039;&#039;official canon rotation of militeregnium&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
- an official additioanl manuscript by ninjago_builders&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
militerengium rotates around its poles but it has a tiny bit of rotational momentum toward its poles so that every 10 years the world flips over&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
the end&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Mythical_Creatures&amp;diff=10710</id>
		<title>Mythical Creatures</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Mythical_Creatures&amp;diff=10710"/>
		<updated>2019-01-23T16:48:33Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: Added 4 more confirmed mythical creatures&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;PAGE WIP.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Confirmed magical/mythical beings and/or creatures in Militiregnum&#039;s history would include: ===&lt;br /&gt;
Trolls&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Goblins&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dragons&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwarves&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elves&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
9-Headed Man-Eating Sheep-Bears &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meabers&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Snorkeling Cactus Weasels&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Sea Monsters&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Chatreeleons&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Wraiths&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Beaster Bunnies&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Gazillion Headed Hydras&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Then there are things that mostly live on other planes like Faerie which however touch onto their world in Militiregnum. For instance, you might meet Fairies who made their way to Britay and in Elepharia you may encounter spirits, the Alnnar Desert would often house Djinni. In Daiyanti you&#039;d probably find Youkai, Kitsune and other Japanese things, and everywhere you go you&#039;ll meet the native versions of their spirits, demons, ghosts and grims, and the like. These include, but are not limited to: &#039;&#039; &#039;&#039;kelpies, pixies,&#039;&#039;Â &#039;&#039;nymphs, satyrs, sirens&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It is also worth noting that many of these creatures are becoming rarer with the modernization of Militeregnum under the rule of thedude, though they were still rare beforehand. Many mentioned here are rarely seen, and the common man considers these as only tales.&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Creatures]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Manuscripts_and_Stories&amp;diff=1182</id>
		<title>Manuscripts and Stories</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Manuscripts_and_Stories&amp;diff=1182"/>
		<updated>2019-01-14T05:23:57Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: Added Cool Events to Check out in Militiregnum. Story is post-To Defy Doom chronologically and is placed accordingly.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[File:Manuscripts and Stories BannerW.jpg|centre|thumb|802x802px|A Minifigure sits at his desk, writing the next Epic.]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The stories or animations that take place in or relate to the Knights of the Old Speech universe are divided into many categories:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== [http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Stories Stories]&amp;lt;nowiki/&amp;gt; ==&lt;br /&gt;
[http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Perpetual_Doom:_Being_the_First_Installment_in_the_MMOS_KOTOS_Series &#039;&#039;&#039;Perpetual Doom&#039;&#039;&#039;]&#039;&#039;&#039; - by the Knights of the Olde Speech&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Perpetual Doom Cover.JPG|none|thumb|310x310px]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Knights of the Olde Speech are low on finance, and accept the first job that comes their way - save a kingdom from a criminal called TheDude whilst simultaneously finding the King&#039;s runaway daughter.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Scattered Ashes - Being the Second Installment in the MMOS KOTOS Series|&#039;&#039;&#039;Scattered Ashes&#039;&#039;&#039;]]&#039;&#039;&#039; - by thingguy2&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:SA Cover-by Haroldosaur-Colored by Jonna.jpg|none|thumb|285x285px]]&lt;br /&gt;
Fifteen years have passed since the events chronicled in Perpetual Doom. Sacul, an aging innkeeper, and Talmid, a captured Knight of the Olde Speech, both receive a visit from an old friend...&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;[http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Scattered_Ashes,_Volume_Two_-_Being_the_Second_Installment_in_the_MMOS_KOTOS_Series Scattered Ashes, Volume Two] - by the Knights of the Olde Speech (ongoing)&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:SA Cover-by Haroldosaur-Colored by Jonna.jpg|none|thumb|285x285px]]&lt;br /&gt;
The three (four?) founders of the Knights of the Olde Speech, now reunited, face the daunting task of gathering their forces and bringing down the reign of TheDude once and for all.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[The Rhoddwr Marwolaeth (AKA: The Rad Washing Machine)|&#039;&#039;&#039;The Rhoddwr Marwolaeth&#039;&#039;&#039;]]&#039;&#039;&#039; - by thingguy2 and talmid&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A pair of ninja, whilst on a space exploration mission, stumble across TheDude&#039;s greatest weapon: The Rhoddwr Marwolaeth. (Also known as the Rad Washing Machine).&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Song of the Swans Chapter 30|&#039;&#039;&#039;Song of the Swans Chapter 30&#039;&#039;&#039;]]&#039;&#039;&#039; - by Talmid&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
An excerpt from the Stromling Saga sequel, Song of the Swans, in which Aiden Talmid encounters a most forbidding planet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== [http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Category:The_Additional_Manuscripts The Additional Manuscripts] ==&lt;br /&gt;
[http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Rise_of_thedude &#039;&#039;&#039;Rise of thedude&#039;&#039;&#039;]&#039;&#039;&#039; - by fffffplayer1&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Ride of thedude.jpg|none|thumb|293x293px]]&lt;br /&gt;
The full, tragic backstory of TheDude is finally brought to light.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[The Fall of the Gemini|&#039;&#039;&#039;The Fall of the Gemini&#039;&#039;&#039;]]&#039;&#039;&#039; - by Ninjago_Builders&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Sirs Shard and Blaze find themselves cornered in Elepharian waters - and must use the skyfalls to their advantage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/The_Truth_Behind_the_Bots,_or_Major&#039;s_Most_Unfortunate_Venture &#039;&#039;&#039;The Truth Behind the Bots, or Major&#039;s Most Unfortunate Venture&#039;&#039;&#039;]&#039;&#039;&#039; - by fffffplayer1&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Major is the unwitting victim of the first Barney Bots to be brought to Morcia.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/The_Complete_Encyclopedia%2C_Survival_Guide%2C_and_Dictionary_all_in_one?venotify=created &#039;&#039;&#039;The Complete Encyclopedia, Survival Guide, and Dictionary all in one&#039;&#039;&#039;]&#039;&#039;&#039; - by Ninjago_Builders&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
An (incomplete) summary of all the notable events and sights of Morcia.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/File_%285736-A7-32%29?venotify=created &#039;&#039;&#039;File (5736-A7-32)&#039;&#039;&#039;]&#039;&#039;&#039; - by Ninjago_Builders&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Nexus Force&#039;s criminal file on TheDude.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Hallowe&#039;en Carol|&#039;&#039;&#039;A Hallowe&#039;en Carol&#039;&#039;&#039;]]&#039;&#039;&#039; - by fffffplayer1&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jonna Moracol, former princess of Morcia, tells the story of why TheDude has outlawed Halloween.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter - by fffffplayer1 (ongoing):&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: The Beginning|&#039;&#039;&#039;The Beginning&#039;&#039;&#039;]] - Young Wiz Ardon realises that his emerging magical abilities could be a danger to those around him, and seeks apprenticeship from Geidrich the Azure.&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: In the Nexus Force|&#039;&#039;&#039;In the Nexus Force&#039;&#039;&#039;]] - Strange Odd Shadow, Rank Three Assembly Engineer, hunts a being known as the &amp;quot;Dark Shadow&amp;quot;.&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: Paths to Redemption|&#039;&#039;&#039;Paths to Redemption&#039;&#039;&#039;]] - Wiz Ardon meets Bob, a member of the Nexus Force, and makes a life-changing decision...&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: Enchanting Encounters|&#039;&#039;&#039;Enchanting Encounters&#039;&#039;&#039;]] - After a temporal dislocation, Strange Odd Shadow seeks a reunion with the Witch of Kingston.&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: The Ten Heroes of Malidor|&#039;&#039;&#039;The Ten Heroes of Malidor&#039;&#039;&#039;]] - A magical prophecy comes into fruition, and Strange Odd Shadow once again finds himself in the thick of it.&lt;br /&gt;
* &#039;&#039;&#039;[[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: A History Lesson|A History Lesson]] &#039;&#039;&#039;- Wiz Ardon receives a strange letter inviting him to seek the details into his temporal dislocation. However, curiosity killed the cat and Wiz finds himself lost in time.&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: No Path|&#039;&#039;&#039;No Path&#039;&#039;&#039;]]&#039;&#039;&#039; - &#039;&#039;&#039;Wiz Ardon wanders the worlds of Crux in an attempt to offer his help, but the tragedies of his life have left him cynical and lost. Will he be able to find a new path?&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: The Haunting Past|&#039;&#039;&#039;The Haunting Past&#039;&#039;&#039;]] - Devastated after discovering his parents died, Wiz returns to Geidrich Castle in order to complete his magical training. However, more painful memories and unexpected discoveries await him there.&lt;br /&gt;
[[thedude doesn&#039;t like snow|&#039;&#039;&#039;thedude doesn&#039;t like snow&#039;&#039;&#039;]]&#039;&#039;&#039; - by talmid&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
TheDude finds the falling Morcian snow to be an inconvenience - in more ways than one...&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[The Fall of the Baron|&#039;&#039;&#039;The Fall of the Baron&#039;&#039;&#039;]]&#039;&#039;&#039; - by fffffplayer1&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Baron Typhonus remembers how his alter ego, The Darkitecht, came into being.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;[[Continued Doom|Of Dooms and Hopes]] &#039;&#039;&#039;- &#039;&#039;&#039;by fffffplayer1&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuncius the Messenger and an old woman tell tales of the fate of the Peculiar Enchanter.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;[[Nexus File P-99D]] - by m579&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Michael Peterson and Tanner Carrington, members of the Nexus Force, are participating in a training exercise when they receive a strange new assignment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Live to fight another day|&#039;&#039;&#039;Live to fight another day&#039;&#039;&#039;]]&#039;&#039;&#039; - by thingguy2 (incomplete)&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Sir Legoboy flees from the forces of TheDude with help of Larry, an idle and otherwise useless man.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;[[Charcoal and Embers]] - by talmid&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Having narrowly escaped from TheDude&#039;s captivity, Sir Killian Talmid can only rely on his two new apprentices, Ember and Tom, to help him survive.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;[[To Return Home]] - by JamesAT13&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Rise of the Traitor|&#039;&#039;&#039;Rise of the Traitor&#039;&#039;&#039;]]&#039;&#039;&#039; - by fffffplayer1&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Young King Mattias is determined to defend his kingdom from the threats that plague it, unaware that the greatest danger to his rule is closer than he may dare to imagine...&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Lord_Barney%27s_Inauguration_Speech &#039;&#039;&#039;Lord Barney&#039;s Inauguration Speech&#039;&#039;&#039;]&#039;&#039;&#039; - by Ninjago_Builders&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Now that Barney the Dinosaur is in charge of Morcia&#039;s law department, the citizens can expect some drastic changes to the way they live their lives.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Militiregnum Map, by fffffplayer1|&#039;&#039;&#039;Militiregnum Map Description&#039;&#039;&#039;]]&#039;&#039;&#039; - by fffffplayer1&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
An extensive look at the locations and nations of the planet Militiregnum.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Lady Jonna&#039;s Quest|&#039;&#039;&#039;Lady Jonna&#039;s Quest&#039;&#039;&#039;]]&#039;&#039;&#039; - by Haroldosaur&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:LJQ cover.jpg|none|thumb|564x564px]]&lt;br /&gt;
The king&#039;s daughter finds herself allied with a group of dimension-travelers as she seeks to free Morcia once and for all.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Prelude to a Story|&#039;&#039;&#039;Prelude to a Story&#039;&#039;&#039;]]&#039;&#039;&#039; - by talmid&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
An old Britayan man dedicates himself to researching for an unknown cause.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/The_Lady_of_Calibus%3B_The_Search_and_the_Hunt%3B_To_Return_Home:_Act_4:_Journeys &#039;&#039;&#039;The Fall of Calibus Tower: The union of The Lady of Calibus, The Search and the Hunt, and To Return Home: Act 4: Journeys&#039;&#039;&#039;]&#039;&#039;&#039; - by Samlooploop, fffffplayer1, and JamesAT13&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Stories collide as a group of hunted Knights of the Olde Speech, the duo of Peragrine and Stirling and Lady Charlotte Calibus are all threatened by TheDude&#039;s iron fist.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[The Insane Blatherings, (Purposefully) Forgotten Tales of the land of Morcia|&#039;&#039;&#039;The Insane Blatherings, (Purposefully) Forgotten Tales of the land of Morcia&#039;&#039;&#039;]]&#039;&#039;&#039; - by JamesAT13&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Before Peragrine and Stirling can set off on their journey, they are accosted by none other than the Noodle Brothers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Concerning the Construction of a certain Rad Washing Machine|&#039;&#039;&#039;Concerning the Construction of a Certain Rad Washing Machine&#039;&#039;&#039;]]&#039;&#039;&#039; - by fffffplayer1&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Log entries made by Lord Enfwar, who oversaw the construction of the Rhoddwr Marwolaeth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Wish Upon A Star|&#039;&#039;&#039;Wish Upon a Star&#039;&#039;&#039;]]&#039;&#039;&#039; - by fffffplayer1&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A young boy and his astronomer father discuss the crimson stars that surround Militiregnum.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Exile Musings|&#039;&#039;&#039;Exile Musings&#039;&#039;&#039;]]&#039;&#039;&#039; - by talmid (incomplete)&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
An opportunistic Talmid manages to escape from TheDude&#039;s clutches when the wagon he&#039;s imprisoned in is raided by a pair of thieves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;[[Aquila|Aquila ~-~-~ Geography, History, and Important Figures]] - by fffffplayer1 and talmid&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
An article about Aquila.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;[[When We Were Six]] - by talmid&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The original six members of the Knights of the Olde Speech undertake the task to attack the Paradox Rogues&#039; base in the Athelas Mountains. Or is it Fire Hills?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Foes and Heirs - by Haroldosaur (ongoing):&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The World of Militiregnum is filled with arts and abilities - is it so surprising that one would be singledÂ out and shunned, it&#039;s wielders viewed with nought but disdain? Iamos Wilder, a socially inept young alchemist, struggles with the day-to-day life that consists of being hated by all but a few members of his village. But the arrival of another alchemist uproots his life and forces him into action, lest his world fall to sinister forces. Accompanied by his charismatic best friend, his hyperactive sister, and the mysterious Daiyu Abernathy, Iamos finds himself burdened with the daunting responsibilities of uncovering the mysteries surrounding his art, safeguarding an ancient relic, and defending the few individuals precious to him.&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Foes and Heirs: Prologue: Fewer Years ago than the Opening Segment|&#039;&#039;&#039;Prologue: Fewer Years Ago Than The Opening Segment&#039;&#039;&#039;]]&#039;&#039;&#039; &#039;&#039;&#039;- Iamos Wilder&#039;s slumber is disturbed by an unlikely visitor.&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Foes and Heirs: Segment One: The Easy Life|&#039;&#039;&#039;Segment 1: The Easy Life&#039;&#039;&#039;]] - Now the reluctant host, Iamos tries to adjust to the way his life has changed following Daiyu Abernathy&#039;s arrival - but danger is lurking on the horizon.&lt;br /&gt;
* &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Foes_and_Heirs%3A_Segment_Two%3A_The_New_Life Segment 2: The New Life]&#039;&#039;&#039; - Having lost their home, the crew of the Origin is faced with deciding on a destination as Iamos&#039; identity continues to get him into trouble.&lt;br /&gt;
* &#039;&#039;&#039;[[Foes and Heirs: Segment Three: The Dangerous Life|Segment 3: The Dangerous Life]] (ongoing)&#039;&#039;&#039;[[File:FnH 3 (colourized).png|none|thumb|293x293px]]In order to keep their newest arrival safe, the crew head north, to the Icy Wastes; unfortunately, the north isn&#039;t a particularly hospitable place.&lt;br /&gt;
* &#039;&#039;&#039;Segment 4: The Challenging Life (not started)&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
* &#039;&#039;&#039;Segment 5: The Monotonous Life (not started)&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
* &#039;&#039;&#039;Segment 6: The Hard Life (not started)&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
* &#039;&#039;&#039;Segment 7: The Charmed Life (not started)&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
* &#039;&#039;&#039;Segment 8: The Responsible Life (not started)&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
* &#039;&#039;&#039;Segment 9: The Vengeful Life (not started)&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
* &#039;&#039;&#039;Segment 10: The Only Life (not started)&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
[http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/A_Series_of_Questions_by_One_Inquisitive_Young_Blubberstein#comm-1526 &#039;&#039;&#039;A Series of Questions by One Inquisitive Young Blubberstein&#039;&#039;&#039;]&#039;&#039;&#039; - by Ninjago_Builders&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A young Elepharian man finds himself to not be as taken with TheDude as those around him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Ironsides|&#039;&#039;&#039;Ironsides&#039;&#039;&#039;]]&#039;&#039;&#039; - by Haroldosaur&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talia Rayne finds herself undercover in the heart of TheDude&#039;s empire, and at Lord Vladek&#039;s mercy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Cannon Fodder|&#039;&#039;&#039;Cannon Fodder&#039;&#039;&#039;]]&#039;&#039;&#039; - by Haroldosaur&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Every person has their own story, and one Richard Able is no exception.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Into the Storm and out of Darkness|&#039;&#039;&#039;Into the Storm and out of Darkness&#039;&#039;&#039;]]&#039;&#039;&#039; - fffffplayer1&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Four ancient warriors make a final attempt to seal away the greatest destructive force in the universe.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;[http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/The_Speeling_Manuscript The Speeling Manuscript] - by Samlooploop&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:The final Scene of Speeling.jpg|none|thumb|308x308px]]&lt;br /&gt;
There&#039;s not a lot of recreational activities available when you&#039;re guarding a top secret space station that has the power to destroy entire planets, so if you want to be entertained, you&#039;d better get creative.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;[[To Defy Doom]]&#039;&#039;&#039; &#039;&#039;&#039;-&#039;&#039;&#039; &#039;&#039;&#039;by JamesAT13&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bitter is the Doom of being a prisoner in Thunderclap Keep and it can be hard for some to cope. Less so for Jean who finds it rather more comfortable than the average inmate. Soon though, he, Perry and others will have to face their Doom and attempt to defy it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;[[This story is called &#039;Harold didn&#039;t want any more Rises&#039;]] - by fffffplayer1&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
War has broken out in Morcia again and Princess Jonna finds herself oppressed by her overprotective father. Meanwhile, strange rumours concerning the new enemy reach the city of Orlan. A story that enlightens us further on some aspects of Perpetual Doom that are left vague.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;[[Rise of the Gemini]] (ongoing) - by Ninjago_Builders&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The origin story of the twin ninja/knights, Shard and Blaze, comes to light.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;[[Rise of the Messenger]] - by fffffplayer1&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Nuncius embarks on yet another adventure he reminisces his past.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;[[Legend of the Rogue Square]] - by fffffplayer1&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuncius is saved by a stranger wearing Paradox Gear. While they&#039;re on the run, he tries to find out more about him, bringing up painful memories for the Rogue Square.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[The Most Exotic of Rugs|&#039;&#039;&#039;The Most Exotic of Rugs&#039;&#039;&#039;]] &#039;&#039;&#039;- by Ninjago_Builders&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The apparent origins of the renowned Persian Rug.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;[[Full Spectrum]] - by Haroldosaur&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Full Spectrum Cover.jpg|none|thumb|286x286px]]&lt;br /&gt;
After being caught once again by TheDude&#039;s forces, Loden Adalwin strike a deal with TheDude&#039;s Special Agents: he helps them solve cases and apprehend revolutionaries, and they don&#039;t send him back to prison.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;[http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Return_To_Calibus Return to Calibus] - by JamesAT13&#039;&#039;&#039;[[File:Return To Calibus.jpg|none|thumb|220x220px]]After finding no answers to his questions at Silverstine Keep, Stirling returns to Calibus Tower, only to find even more questions... And enemies. &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[A Kindling Flame|&#039;&#039;&#039;A Kindling Flame&#039;&#039;&#039;]]&#039;&#039;&#039;  - by RedFireDog6 (ongoing)&#039;&#039;&#039;[[File:Cal Kover.jpg|thumb|220x220px|none]]With King thedude7500 upon the throne, many have forgotten aboutÂ &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-weight:normal;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;the king&#039;s dangerous advisor,Â &amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-weight:normal;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Lord&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-weight:normal;&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Â Vladek&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;. But his goal is just the same as it was under King Matthias. Only this time, he must be more... creative.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;[[The Uneggsplainable Events on the Night Before the First Sunday Following the First Full Moon After the Vernal Equinox.|The Uneggsplainable Events on the Night Before the First Sunday Following the First Full Moon After the Vernal Equinox]] - by Ninjago_Builders&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Bunny.jpg|left|thumb|264x264px]]&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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Another of Lady Jonna&#039;s stories - a cautionary tale of why you should never eat sweets that you find lying around in the forest, featuring Ember and a trio of young adventurers.&lt;br /&gt;
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&#039;&#039;&#039;[[Perspective]] - by The theta AI&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After an injury acquired during fighting terrorist forces, Thomas begins to dig a little deeper into his country&#039;s history, and is forced to rethink where his loyalties lie.&lt;br /&gt;
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[[Out of Left Field|&#039;&#039;&#039;Out of Left Field&#039;&#039;&#039;]]&#039;&#039;&#039; - by Samlooploop&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
It&#039;s thedude&#039;s birthday and Barney is undertaking the task of throwing a party for him. Shenanigans ensue.&lt;br /&gt;
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&#039;&#039;&#039;[[A Hallowe&#039;en Mystery]] - by Ninjago_Builders&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Red Mythrans&#039; strange behaviour is unnerving to thedude and his underlings all over Militiregnum. Vladek must investigate the cause of this mystery...&lt;br /&gt;
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&#039;&#039;&#039;A Series of Four - by talmid (ongoing)&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
* 1. [[Thirty Days|&#039;&#039;&#039;Thirty Days&#039;&#039;&#039;]]&#039;&#039;&#039; - &#039;&#039;&#039;The crisis on Militiregnum isn&#039;t as distant as would seem in the immediate aftermath of the Stromling Saga.  Distant, yes, but ever-present.&lt;br /&gt;
* 2. &#039;&#039;&#039;[[Three Years]]&#039;&#039;&#039; &#039;&#039;&#039;(ongoing) &#039;&#039;&#039;- Aiden Talmid celebrates his 19th birthday aboard the transport craft &#039;&#039;Renaissance &#039;&#039;aimed for Jirdia, a world far from Crux and the Nexus Force&#039;s constituency, but it is outside thedude&#039;s influence?&lt;br /&gt;
* 3.&lt;br /&gt;
* 4. [[RealitÄtÄ|&#039;&#039;&#039;RealitÄtÄ&#039;&#039;&#039;]] &#039;&#039;&#039;(ongoing)&#039;&#039;&#039; - Aiden, Luke, and Mara land on Militiregnum to piss off James Walters and liberate Sir Talmid in a tale of randomness and idiocy.&lt;br /&gt;
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&#039;&#039;&#039;[[To Defy Doom II: In Search Of Hope.|To Defy Doom II: In Search Of Hope]] - by JamesAT13 (on pause)&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The former prisoners of the Thunderclap dungeons have now escaped and are now faced with the question of what to do next. What path will each of them follow?&lt;br /&gt;
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&#039;&#039;&#039;[[Politics]]&#039;&#039;&#039; - &#039;&#039;&#039;by fffffplayer1&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Supreme Chancellor Keggen&#039;s objections to the Nexus Force&#039;s latest move quickly spiral out of control for impressive results.&lt;br /&gt;
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[[Cool Events to Check out in Militiregnum|&#039;&#039;&#039;Cool Events to Check out in Militiregnum&#039;&#039;&#039;]]&#039;&#039;&#039; - by Ninjago_Builders&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
6 fearsome warriors take part in local entertainment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Talmid Show ==&lt;br /&gt;
-by Talmid and crew&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== [[Talmid Show|Season 1]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
* [http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Special:Videos?msgTitle=File:Talmid+Show+Intro&amp;amp;msg=wva-success&amp;amp;sort=recent&amp;amp;file=Talmid_Show_Intro Intro]&lt;br /&gt;
* [http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Special:Videos?msgTitle=File:Talmid+Show+Intro&amp;amp;msg=wva-success&amp;amp;sort=recent&amp;amp;file=Talmid_Show_Episode_1_The_Battle_that_Changed_EVERYTHING Episode 1]&lt;br /&gt;
* [http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Special:Videos?msgTitle=File:Talmid+Show+Intro&amp;amp;msg=wva-success&amp;amp;sort=recent&amp;amp;file=Talmid_Show_Episode_2_Return_of_the_Friends Episode 2]&lt;br /&gt;
* [http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Special:Videos?file=Talmid_Show_Episode_3_The_Not-so-final-End&amp;amp;sort=recent&amp;amp;msg=wva-success&amp;amp;msgTitle=File:Talmid+Show+Intro Episode 3]&lt;br /&gt;
* [http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Special:Videos?msgTitle=File:Talmid+Show+Intro&amp;amp;msg=wva-success&amp;amp;sort=recent&amp;amp;file=Talmid_Show_Episode_4_The_Mystery_Bad_Guy Episode 4]&lt;br /&gt;
* [http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Special:Videos?file=Talmid_Show_Episode_5_The_Crash&amp;amp;sort=recent&amp;amp;msg=wva-success&amp;amp;msgTitle=File:Talmid+Show+Intro Episode 5]&lt;br /&gt;
* [http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Special:Videos?msgTitle=File:Talmid+Show+Intro&amp;amp;msg=wva-success&amp;amp;sort=recent&amp;amp;file=Talmid_Show_Episode_6_The_Conclusion Episode 6]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== [http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Special:Videos?sort=recent&amp;amp;msg=wva-success&amp;amp;msgTitle=File:Talmid+Show+Intro&amp;amp;file=Star_Trek_Talmidon_The_Movie Star Trek Talmidon: The Movie] ===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Season 2 ===&lt;br /&gt;
* [http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Special:Videos?file=Talmid_Show_Intro_(Season_2)&amp;amp;sort=recent&amp;amp;msg=wva-success&amp;amp;msgTitle=File:Talmid+Show+Intro Intro]&lt;br /&gt;
* [http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Special:Videos?msgTitle=File:Talmid+Show+Intro&amp;amp;msg=wva-success&amp;amp;sort=recent&amp;amp;file=Talmid_Show_Season_2_Episode_1 Episode 1]&lt;br /&gt;
* [http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Special:Videos?file=Talmid_Show_Season_2_Episode_2&amp;amp;sort=recent&amp;amp;msg=wva-success&amp;amp;msgTitle=File:Talmid+Show+Intro Episode 2]&lt;br /&gt;
* [http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Special:Videos?msgTitle=File:Talmid+Show+Intro&amp;amp;msg=wva-success&amp;amp;sort=recent&amp;amp;file=Talmid_Show_Season_2_Episode_3 Episode 3]&lt;br /&gt;
* [http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Special:Videos?file=Talmid_Show_Season_2_Episode_4&amp;amp;sort=recent&amp;amp;msg=wva-success&amp;amp;msgTitle=File:Talmid+Show+Intro Episode 4]&lt;br /&gt;
* [http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Special:Videos?msgTitle=File:Talmid+Show+Intro&amp;amp;msg=wva-success&amp;amp;sort=recent&amp;amp;file=Talmid_Show_Season_2_Episode_5 Episode 5]&lt;br /&gt;
* [http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Special:Videos?file=Talmid_Show_Season_2_Episode_6&amp;amp;sort=recent&amp;amp;msg=wva-success&amp;amp;msgTitle=File:Talmid+Show+Intro Episode 6]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Season 3 ===&lt;br /&gt;
* [http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Special:Videos?msgTitle=File:Talmid+Show+Intro&amp;amp;msg=wva-success&amp;amp;sort=recent&amp;amp;file=Talmid_Show_Intro_(Season_3) Intro]&lt;br /&gt;
* [http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Special:Videos?file=Talmid_Show_Season_3_Episode_1&amp;amp;sort=recent&amp;amp;msg=wva-success&amp;amp;msgTitle=File:Talmid+Show+Intro Episode 1]&lt;br /&gt;
* [http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Special:Videos?msgTitle=File:Talmid+Show+Intro&amp;amp;msg=wva-success&amp;amp;sort=recent&amp;amp;file=Talmid_Show_Season_3_Episode_2 Episode 2]&lt;br /&gt;
* [http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Special:Videos?file=Talmid_Show_Season_3_Episode_3&amp;amp;sort=recent&amp;amp;msg=wva-success&amp;amp;msgTitle=File:Talmid+Show+Intro Episode 3]&lt;br /&gt;
* [http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Special:Videos?msgTitle=File:Talmid+Show+Intro&amp;amp;msg=wva-success&amp;amp;sort=recent&amp;amp;file=Talmid_Show_Season_3_Episode_4 Episode 4]&lt;br /&gt;
* [http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Special:Videos?file=Talmid_Show_Season_3_Episode_5&amp;amp;sort=recent&amp;amp;msg=wva-success&amp;amp;msgTitle=File:Talmid+Show+Intro Episode 5]&lt;br /&gt;
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5UWrvh7FdY Episode 6]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Season 0 ===&lt;br /&gt;
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zdqGVEahkE Episode 1]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== [http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Introduction_to_the_KotOS_Universe Introduction to the KotOS Universe] ==&lt;br /&gt;
If you are new to all of this and don&#039;t know some of the things we&#039;re talking about here in this wiki, this link might be useful.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Suggested Order of Reading/Watching ==&lt;br /&gt;
by fffffplayer1&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Perpetual Doom: Being the First Installment in the MMOS KOTOS Series|Perpetual Doom]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Rhoddwr Marwolaeth (AKA: The Rad Washing Machine)|The Rhoddwr Marwolaeth]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Special:Videos?msgTitle=File:Talmid+Show+Intro&amp;amp;msg=wva-success&amp;amp;sort=recent&amp;amp;file=Talmid_Show_Intro Talmid Show Season 1]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Scattered Ashes - Being the Second Installment in the MMOS KOTOS Series|Scattered Ashes, Volume I, by thingguy2]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Special:Videos?sort=recent&amp;amp;msg=wva-success&amp;amp;msgTitle=File:Talmid+Show+Intro&amp;amp;file=Star_Trek_Talmidon_The_Movie Star Trek Talmidon: The Movie]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Rise of thedude]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Fall of the Gemini|Fall of the Gemini]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Truth Behind the Bots, or Major&#039;s Most Unfortunate Venture|The Truth Behind the Bots or Major&#039;s Most Unfortunate Venture]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Complete Encyclopedia, Survival Guide, and Dictionary all in one|The Complete Encyclopedia, Survival&#039;s Guide ans Dictionary all in one]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[File (5736-A7-32)]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Hallowe&#039;en Carol|A Hallowe&#039;en Carol]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: The Beginning]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[thedude doesn&#039;t like snow]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Fall of the Baron]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Nexus File P-99D]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Special:Videos?file=Talmid_Show_Intro_(Season_2)&amp;amp;sort=recent&amp;amp;msg=wva-success&amp;amp;msgTitle=File:Talmid+Show+Intro Talmid Show Season 2]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Live to fight another day]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: In the Nexus Force]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Charcoal and Embers]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Rise of the Traitor]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Lord Barney&#039;s Inauguration Speech]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Militiregnum Map, by fffffplayer1|Militiregnum Map Description]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Lady Jonna&#039;s Quest]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Prelude to a Story]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: Paths to Redemption]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Concerning the Construction of a certain Rad Washing Machine|Concerning the Construction of a Certain Rad Washing Machine]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: Enchanting Encounters]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Of Dooms and Hopes]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[To Return Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Fall of Calibus Tower: a union of The Lady of Calibus; The Search and the Hunt; To Return Home: Act 4: Journeys|The Fall of Calibus Tower: The union of The Lady of Calibus, The Search and the Hunt, and To Return Home: Act 4: Journeys]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Insane Blatherings, (Purposefully) Forgotten Tales of the land of Morcia]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Special:Videos?msgTitle=File:Talmid+Show+Intro&amp;amp;msg=wva-success&amp;amp;sort=recent&amp;amp;file=Talmid_Show_Intro_(Season_3) Talmid Show Season 3]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Wish Upon A Star]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Exile Musings]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Aquila|Aquila ~-~-~ Geography, History, and Important Figures]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[When We Were Six]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: The Ten Heroes of Malidor]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Foes and Heirs: Prologue: Fewer Years ago than the Opening Segment|Foes and  Heirs: Prologue: Fewer Years Ago than the Opening Segment]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Foes and Heirs: Segment One: The Easy Life]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[A Series of Questions by  One Inquisitive Young Blubberstein]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Ironsides]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Cannon Fodder]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Into the Storm and out of Darkness]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Speeling Manuscript]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[This story is called &#039;Harold didn&#039;t want any more Rises&#039;]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Rise of the Gemini]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: A History Lesson]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Rise of the Messenger]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Legend of the Rogue Square]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[To Defy Doom]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Most Exotic of Rugs]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Cool Events to Check out in Militiregnum]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Foes and Heirs: Segment Two: The New Life]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Scattered Ashes, Volume Two - Being the Second Installment in the MMOS KOTOS Series|Scattered Ashes, Volume II]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Full Spectrum]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Return To Calibus]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Song of the Swans Chapter 30]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[A Kindling Flame]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Uneggsplainable Events on the Night Before the First Sunday Following the First Full Moon After the Vernal Equinox.|The Uneggsplainable Events on the Night Before the First Sunday Following the First Full Moon After the Vernal Equinox]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Perspective]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: No Path]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Out of Left Field]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[A Hallowe&#039;en Mystery]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Thirty Days]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Three Years]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [the rest of the Series of Four when it&#039;s written]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[RealitÄtÄ|RealitÄtÄ]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[To Defy Doom II: In Search Of Hope.|To Defy Doom II: In Search Of Hope]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Foes and Heirs: Segment Three: The Dangerous Life]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: The Haunting Past]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Politics]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Alternative Order of Reading/Watching ==&lt;br /&gt;
It is a chronological order, suggested for after the first read of everything.&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Into the Storm and out of Darkness]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: The Beginning]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Fall of the Baron]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Rise of the Traitor]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Rise of the Gemini]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: Paths to Redemption]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: In the Nexus Force]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: Enchanting Encounters]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: The Haunting Past]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: No Path]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: A History Lesson]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: The Ten Heroes of Malidor]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Rise of thedude]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[This story is called &#039;Harold didn&#039;t want any more Rises&#039;]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Perpetual Doom: Being the First Installment in the MMOS KOTOS Series|Perpetual Doom]], Prologue, Chapters 1-6&lt;br /&gt;
# [[When We Were Six]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Perpetual Doom: Being the First Installment in the MMOS KOTOS Series|Perpetual Doom]], Chapters 7-42, Epilogue&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Fall of the Gemini]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[A Series of Questions by  One Inquisitive Young Blubberstein]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Exile Musings]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Politics]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Live to fight another day]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Lord Barney&#039;s Inauguration Speech]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Song of the Swans Chapter 30]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Thirty Days]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Out of Left Field]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Truth Behind the Bots, or Major&#039;s Most Unfortunate Venture]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Foes and Heirs: Prologue: Fewer Years ago than the Opening Segment|Foes and  Heirs: Prologue: Fewer Years Ago than the Opening Segment]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[To Return Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Foes and Heirs: Segment One: The Easy Life]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Foes and Heirs: Segment Two: The New Life]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Of Dooms and Hopes]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Insane Blatherings, (Purposefully) Forgotten Tales of the land of Morcia]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Fall of Calibus Tower: a union of The Lady of Calibus; The Search and the Hunt; To Return Home: Act 4: Journeys|The Fall of Calibus Tower: The union of The Lady of Calibus, The Search and the Hunt, and To Return Home: Act 4: Journeys]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Foes and Heirs: Segment Three: The Dangerous Life]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Return To Calibus|Return to Calibus]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Rise of the Messenger]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Legend of the Rogue Square]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[thedude doesn&#039;t like snow]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Charcoal and Embers]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Concerning the Construction of a certain Rad Washing Machine|Concerning the Construction of a Certain Rad Washing Machine]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Speeling Manuscript]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Wish Upon A Star]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Hallowe&#039;en Carol|A Hallowe&#039;en Carol]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Uneggsplainable Events on the Night Before the First Sunday Following the First Full Moon After the Vernal Equinox.|The Uneggsplainable Events on the Night Before the First Sunday Following the First Full Moon After the Vernal Equinox]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[A Hallowe&#039;en Mystery]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Cannon Fodder]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Nexus File P-99D]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Lady Jonna&#039;s Quest]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Prelude to a Story]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [http://kotos.wikia.com/wiki/Special:Videos?msgTitle=File:Talmid+Show+Intro&amp;amp;msg=wva-success&amp;amp;sort=recent&amp;amp;file=Talmid_Show_Intro Talmid Show]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[RealitÄtÄ|RealitÄtÄ]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[To Defy Doom]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[To Defy Doom II: In Search Of Hope.|To Defy Doom II: In Search Of Hope]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Cool Events to Check out in Militiregnum]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Full Spectrum]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Ironsides]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Scattered Ashes - Being the Second Installment in the MMOS KOTOS Series|Scattered Ashes]]&lt;br /&gt;
# [[The Rhoddwr Marwolaeth (AKA: The Rad Washing Machine)|The Rhoddwr Marwolaeth]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Stories that cannot be placed in the order ===&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Militiregnum Map, by fffffplayer1|Militiregnum Map Description]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Complete Encyclopedia, Survival Guide, and Dictionary all in one|The Complete Encyclopedia, Survival&#039;s Guide ans Dictionary all in one]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[File (5736-A7-32)]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Aquila|Aquila ~-~-~ Geography, History, and Important Figures]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Most Exotic of Rugs]]&lt;br /&gt;
These stories should be read after Perpetual Doom, but they do not belong somewhere chronologically speaking.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== AM Thematic Categories ==&lt;br /&gt;
In which the Additional Manuscripts are based on tone, time-frame and some other, probably inconsistent, criteria. They may be viewed as collections, and if the stories were to be put in print, they would be printed within these different categories (each being it&#039;s own book). &#039;&#039;&#039;Also, each category should probably have it&#039;s own cover, but whatever. I&#039;m tired enough after sorting all of this out. If you want to draw a cover for a specific collection, or have a bone to pick about how I&#039;ve ordered everything, just fix it yourselves.&#039;&#039;&#039;&#039;&#039;-Harold&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: ===&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: The Beginning|The Beginning]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: In the Nexus Force|In the Nexus Force]] &lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: Paths to Redemption|Paths to Redemption]] &lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: Enchanting Encounters|Enchanting Encounters]] &lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: The Ten Heroes of Malidor|The Ten Heroes of Malidor]] &lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: A History Lesson|A History Lesson]] &lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: No Path|No Path]] &lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter: The Haunting Past|The Haunting Past]] &lt;br /&gt;
* Into Raging Fire &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Pre-Perpetual Doom: ===&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Into the Storm and out of Darkness]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Rise of thedude]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Fall of the Baron]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Rise of the Traitor]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Rise of the Gemini]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[When We Were Six]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[This story is called &#039;Harold didn&#039;t want any more Rises&#039;|This story is called &#039;Harold didn&#039;t want any more Rises]]&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== The Years of Terror, Part 1: ===&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Lord Barney&#039;s Inauguration Speech]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Truth Behind the Bots, or Major&#039;s Most Unfortunate Venture]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Of Dooms and Hopes]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[To Return Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Fall of Calibus Tower: a union of The Lady of Calibus; The Search and the Hunt; To Return Home: Act 4: Journeys|The Lady of Calibus]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Fall of Calibus Tower: a union of The Lady of Calibus; The Search and the Hunt; To Return Home: Act 4: Journeys|The Search and the Hunt]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Uneggsplainable Events on the Night Before the First Sunday Following the First Full Moon After the Vernal Equinox.|The Uneggsplainable Events on the Night Before the First Sunday Following the First Full Moon After the Vernal Equinox]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== The Years of Terror, Part 2: ===&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Prelude to a Story]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Charcoal and Embers]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[thedude doesn&#039;t like snow]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Wish Upon A Star|Wish Upon a Star]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[A Series of Questions by One Inquisitive Young Blubberstein]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Exile Musings]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Cannon Fodder]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Song of the Swans Chapter 30]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== The Years of Terror, Part 3: ===&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Live to fight another day]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Hallowe&#039;en Carol|A Hallowe&#039;en Carol]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Rise of the Messenger]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Legend of the Rogue Square]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Lady Jonna&#039;s Quest]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Out of Left Field]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Foes and Heirs: ===&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Foes and Heirs: Prologue: Fewer Years ago than the Opening Segment|Fewer Years Ago Than The Opening Segment]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Foes and Heirs: Segment One: The Easy Life|The Easy Life]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Foes and Heirs: Segment Two: The New Life|The New Life]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Foes and Heirs: Segment Three: The Dangerous Life|The Dangerous Life]]&lt;br /&gt;
* The Challenging Life&lt;br /&gt;
* The Monotonous Life&lt;br /&gt;
* The Hard Life&lt;br /&gt;
* The Charmed Life&lt;br /&gt;
* The Responsible Life&lt;br /&gt;
* The Vengeful Life&lt;br /&gt;
* The Only Life&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Gathering Ashes: ===&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Fall of the Gemini]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[To Defy Doom]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Return To Calibus]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Cool Events to Check out in Militiregnum]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Concerning the Construction of a certain Rad Washing Machine|Concerning the Construction of a Certain Rad Washing Machine]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Full Spectrum]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Ironsides]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Additional Additional Manuscripts: ===&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Complete Encyclopedia, Survival Guide, and Dictionary all in one]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[File (5736-A7-32)]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Nexus File P-99D]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Militiregnum Map, by fffffplayer1|Militiregnum Map Description]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Insane Blatherings, (Purposefully) Forgotten Tales of the land of Morcia]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Aquila |Aquila ~-~-~ Geography, History, and Important Figures]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Speeling Manuscript]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Most Exotic of Rugs]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Politics]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Stories Sorted By Author ==&lt;br /&gt;
Where you can find all the manuscripts by an author of your preference.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Stories by the Knights of the Olde Speech: ===&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Perpetual Doom: Being the First Installment in the MMOS KOTOS Series|Perpetual Doom]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Scattered Ashes, Volume Two - Being the Second Installment in the MMOS KOTOS Series|Scattered Ashes, Volume II]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Stories by fffffplayer1: ===&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Rise of thedude]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Truth Behind the Bots, or Major&#039;s Most Unfortunate Venture]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Hallowe&#039;en Carol|A Hallowe&#039;en Carol]]&lt;br /&gt;
* The Adventures of the Peculiar Enchanter, Parts 1-8&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Fall of the Baron]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Of Dooms and Hopes]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Rise of the Traitor]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Militiregnum Map, by fffffplayer1|Militiregnum Map Description]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Fall of Calibus Tower: a union of The Lady of Calibus; The Search and the Hunt; To Return Home: Act 4: Journeys|The Search and the Hunt]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Concerning the Construction of a certain Rad Washing Machine|Concerning the Construction of a Certain Rad Washing Machine]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Wish Upon A Star|Wish Upon a Star]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Into the Storm and out of Darkness]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[This story is called &#039;Harold didn&#039;t want any more Rises&#039;|Harold didn&#039;t want any more Rises]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Rise of the Messenger]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Legend of the Rogue Square]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Politics]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Stories by JamesAT13: ===&lt;br /&gt;
* [[To Return Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Insane Blatherings, (Purposefully) Forgotten Tales of the land of Morcia|The Insane Blatherings]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[To Defy Doom]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Return To Calibus]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Stories by RedFireDog6 ===&lt;br /&gt;
* [[A Kindling Flame]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Stories by talmid: ===&lt;br /&gt;
* [[thedude doesn&#039;t like snow]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Charcoal and Embers]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Prelude to a Story]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Exile Musings]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[When We Were Six]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Song of the Swans Chapter 30]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Thirty Days]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Three Years]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[RealitÄtÄ]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Stories by Haroldosaur: ===&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Lady Jonna&#039;s Quest]]&lt;br /&gt;
* Foes and Heirs, Prologue and Segments 1-10&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Ironsides]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Cannon Fodder]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Full Spectrum]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Stories by Samlooploop: ===&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Fall of Calibus Tower: a union of The Lady of Calibus; The Search and the Hunt; To Return Home: Act 4: Journeys|The Lady of Calibus]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Speeling Manuscript]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Out of Left Field]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Stories by Ninjago_Builders: ===&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Fall of the Gemini]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Complete Encyclopedia, Survival Guide, and Dictionary all in one]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[File (5736-A7-32)]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Lord Barney&#039;s Inauguration Speech]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[A Series of Questions by One Inquisitive Young Blubberstein]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Rise of the Gemini]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Most Exotic of Rugs]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[The Uneggsplainable Events on the Night Before the First Sunday Following the First Full Moon After the Vernal Equinox.|The Uneggsplainable Events on the Night Before the First Sunday Following the First Full Moon After the Vernal Equinox]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Cool Events to Check out in Militiregnum]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Stories by m579: ===&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Nexus File P-99D]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Stories by thingguy2: ===&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Scattered Ashes - Being the Second Installment in the MMOS KOTOS Series|Scattered Ashes (part 1)]]&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Live to fight another day]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Stories]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Cool_Events_to_Check_out_in_Militiregnum&amp;diff=9322</id>
		<title>Cool Events to Check out in Militiregnum</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Cool_Events_to_Check_out_in_Militiregnum&amp;diff=9322"/>
		<updated>2019-01-10T21:29:37Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: Minor clarifications and speeling corrections because I can&amp;#039;t spell&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;âLadies and Gentlemen! Welcome to the seventeenth annual Tournament of Violence!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The stadium shook with the roar of the cheering crowd.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGive it up for the contestants!â The announcer cried exuberantly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGrok the Mountain Gnasher! It is said that the loudness of his battle cry alone will shatter your bones!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A giant of a man walked into the center of the ring with a huge, spiked club, shoulder spikes, and a helmet made out of the skin from the head of some terrifying beast. The beast had tusks which curved around the front of Grokâs face, making it almost look as though Grok himself had tusks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThe Mysterious Shadow Knight! It is said that his armor is crafted from the souls of those he has killed!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A man completely clad in armor strode onto stage. Through the openings of his helmet, nothing but darkness could be seen. His armor, which was pitch black, seemed to writhe and swirl as he moved. He had a pitch black sword as well, with a wickedly sharp blade. When he moved his blade, it seemed for a split second as if the blade cut through the fabric of reality itself, revealing nothing but void.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThe Sorcerer of Suffering! It is said that he literally knows every conceivable way to make you suffer!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A man with sharp features, black hair, and beady eyes walked onto the stage. He had a wizardâs hat on, and held a twisted staff that had a skull at the top of it. The air around transformed into a neon green mist.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThe Grim Archer! It is said he can shoot you in the face from a hundred miles away.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A figure with a long cloak and a hood pulled up all the way over his head walked on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThe Death Witch! It is said that if you even think about confronting her, then you must have a death wish! (Get it because Death Witch? Death wish?)â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As the crowd laughed at this amazing pun, a woman in long black robes walked onto stage. She held a twisted dagger (it had like a squiggly blade), and her face was covered by a skull mask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAnd this hobo!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A hobo walked onto stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âEnough of the introductions!â the announcer exclaimed âNo one came hear to listen to dumb words! They came to see violence!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Everyone cheered for violence.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOur first event will pitch our contestants against the gazillion headed hydra of violence!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At the side of the arena, the gazillion headed hydra of violence burst through the wall sending debris flying everywhere. Unfortunately, the poor hobo was standing right next to the wall when this happened and buried under the wave of crushing debris.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The hydra moved super duper fast. It didnât slither, but it kinda did that slither motion the way that lizards do where their body goes back and forth in an S shape as they scuttle along. Upon reaching the contestants who were at the center of the arena, the Hydra reared its heads, and then one of the heads shot down and bit off Grok the mountain gnasherâs upper torso and ate him. The gazillion headed hydra heads then began battling the other contestants. One of the heads got bored with the battle, though, and wandered off and ate a few audience members. No one seemed to care about this. The Mysterious Shadow Knight sliced of head after head of the hydra, the Sorcerer of Suffering stretched out his staff and caused unspeakable pain to erupt in the hydra heads, while the Grim Archer ran a hundred miles away and then started shooting the hydra in the face(s).&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Death Witch did not take part in the combat, however. She simply stood behind the fight and breathed in the violence.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Eventually the Sorcerer of Suffering remembered greek legends and set the hydra on fire, ending the battle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell, that ends the battle! It seems we have had our first few casualties!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The crowed cheered at this.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNow, the contestants will gather at the center of the arena!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Each of the remaining contestants gathered into a circle at the center of the arena: The Mysterious Shadow Knight, the Sorcerer of Suffering, the Grim Archer, the Death Witch, and the hobo.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWait wait, what?â The announcer called out, confused. âWhatâs the hobo still doing here? I thought he died off long ago.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The announcer consulted some papers, shrugged, and said âWell, I guess the guy got lucky since the hydra was distracted by the other contestants. But that wonât happen in the following challenge! Since this challenge is a test of personal skill! Yes thatâs right, this is the Get Through a Pit of Deadly Traps of Violence challenge!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The crowd cheered for violence.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Immediately the ground that the contestants were standing on fell away from underneath him revealing an assortment of spikes, vats of acid, deadly snakes, minefields, and spinning blades! The Sorcerer of Suffering quickly cast a levitation spell, allowing him to float above the deadly traps, and the Death Witch dematerialized into black particles of pure darkness and then rematerialized on one of the few patches of safe ground. The Mysterious Shadow Knight leapt inhuman heights and jumped from pillar of safe ground to pillar of safe ground. The Grim Archer also jumped toward a nearby pillar of safe ground, but he tripped on his long cloak and fell into a pit of snakes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
More and more bits of ground fell away, including former patches of safe ground. Also, random bits of ground began exploding sending debris and knives and bullets flying through the air.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Mysterious Shadow Knight was battered by various instruments of death on multiple occasions which would have killed anyone else, but the projectiles bounced off of his magic armor. The Sorcerer of Suffering received a few wounds, and barely made it out of there alive, despite his magic levitation spell to help him through. The Death Witch, on the other hand, made it through completely unscathed thanks to her dematerialize into darkness particles ability.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At the end of the challenge, the Mysterious Shadow Knight, the Sorcerer of Suffering, the Death Witch, and the hobo all lined up in preparation for the next challenge.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThis next challenge is to fight the Dragon of Power (and violence!)â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The crowd cheered for violence.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The arena, which was already covered in snake pits and acid pits and spike pits and other sorts of pits, suddenly crumbled away into an dark chasm! The ground of the entire arena fell away into an abyss of darkness. The aid and snake pits fell into this new giant pit, and the contestants fell in as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes!â The commentator called out. âThe contestants will journey into the bowels of the earth where the dragon abides!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After a really, really long time of falling, the contestants finally reached solid ground. The Sorcerer of Summoning used his levitation spell to avoid taking fall damage, and the Death Witch achieved the same thing by transforming into particles of darkness. The Mysterious Shadow Knight could not do anything to slow his fall, however, and he slammed into the ground. He got up unharmed, however, thanks to his magic armor. Just as they were getting their bearings, two large, yellow eyes opened up, illuminating the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWho DARES trespass in my abode?â the dragon thundered.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI do! The Great Sorcerer of Suffering!â The Sorcerer of Suffering called out. âNow experience unimaginable suffering!â the sorcerer cackled, pointing his staff at the dragon. Green light shone out of the eyes and mouth of the skull atop his staff.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The dragon was unfazed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI have experienced every possible type of suffering,â it growled in a deep voice. âI have caused every possible type of suffering. Suffering of infinite magnitude is burned into my memory for all eternity. Your magic has no effect on me.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Sorcerer was totally shocked and the dragon ate him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Mysterious Shadow Knight swiftly charged the dragon and cut at its underbelly with its sword, but his weapon just bounced off the dragonâs scales. The dragon casually swiped its claw knocking the Shadow Knight into a wall and causing the roof to cave in on him. While the Shadow Knightâs magic armor protected him from damage, he was pinned by the cave in. While this battle was going on, the Death Witch breathed in the violence, drawing power from it. She outstretched her hand and pointed it at the dragon, and tendrils of darkness coalesced around her fingers. The Dragon, sensing danger, breathed a stream of fire at the Witch, forcing her to go into darkness particle mode to evade the ten bazillion degree flames. As the dragon gave out a mighty roar and reveled in his victory, he reeled back upon realizing the hobo was next to him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo!â the dragon screeched. âNot hobos! My only weakness! Nooooooooo!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The dragon fell, vanquished.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
While it normally would have taken days of climbing to reach get back to the top of the pit, the Mysterious Shadow Knight made superhuman leaps allowing him to quickly cover the distance, and the Death Witch transformed into darkness particles and instantly materialized at the top of the pit.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNow,â the announcer called out. âTo determine the winner, our remaining contestants will fight to the death using violence!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The crowd cheered for the insane amounts of violence.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Mysterious Shadow Knight and the Death Witch faced each other. The Shadow Knight brought his sword up and moved forward to charge the Witch. However, the Shadow Knight didnât have time to take even a single step, for in less than a split second the Death Witchâs curved knife flew into the air, she channeled streams of darkness from her hands into it, and a bolt of pure death shot out of the knife, hitting the Shadow Knight in the chest. He died instantly. The Death Witchâs eyes glowed purple, as she drew power from his death.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The hobo stood on the sidelines awkwardly while this all happened. The Death Witch, realizing he was still there, turned to face him. Once again, in less than a split second, The Death Witch channeled darkness into her floating blade and shot a projectile of pure death toward the hobo where it collided with the muffin that the hobo had flung into the air out from where it was hidden within his coak causing the projectile of pure death to bounce back at the Death Witch. She screamed as the projectile hit her and she got a taste of her own medicine. Which means that she died.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The announcer was shocked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWho...who are you?â he stuttered.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYep!â The hobo replied, throwing a Nuclear Generator at the ground to cover his escape.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
While the crowd was blinded by the explosion (probably smashed by it too) the hobo disappeared.&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:The Additional Manuscripts]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Stories by Ninjago Builders]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:Of_Dooms_and_Hopes/@comment-29171447-20181228033040&amp;diff=10500</id>
		<title>Talk:Of Dooms and Hopes/@comment-29171447-20181228033040</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:Of_Dooms_and_Hopes/@comment-29171447-20181228033040&amp;diff=10500"/>
		<updated>2018-12-28T03:30:40Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: Created page with &amp;quot;MUHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! My campaign to make Vladek more and more epic is gaining ground! Soon everyone will see things my way!  :P  TBH, I think the name &amp;quot;Inside the Mirror Halls&amp;quot; w...&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;MUHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! My campaign to make Vladek more and more epic is gaining ground! Soon everyone will see things my way!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
:P&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
TBH, I think the name &amp;quot;Inside the Mirror Halls&amp;quot; was cooler, but I agree it doesn&#039;t represent the current story as it is now.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
All in all I like the changes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Of course, now that revisiting AMs has been unofficially sanctioned by the actions of the Lore Canon andÂ ContinuityÂ Committee President, that opens doors for the rest of us. I&#039;ve been unhappy with fall of the Gemini, since it was supposed to have more focus on cool SkyfallÂ battles, but instead was overshadowed by Shard and Blaze (which admitedly is understandable since it&#039;s named after them but still). Naturally we shouldn&#039;t willy nilly retcon and change stuff and wildly change lore, but the option to revise stuff if necessary is nice.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Board_Thread:General_Discussion/@comment-28549248-20170304122637/@comment-29171447-20181223022603&amp;diff=10456</id>
		<title>Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-28549248-20170304122637/@comment-29171447-20181223022603</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Board_Thread:General_Discussion/@comment-28549248-20170304122637/@comment-29171447-20181223022603&amp;diff=10456"/>
		<updated>2018-12-23T02:26:03Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: Created page with &amp;quot;Thine wisdom never ceases to amazeth.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Thine wisdom never ceases to amazeth.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:The_Legend_of_Lolim%C3%83%C2%B3n/@comment-29171447-20181211045124&amp;diff=10448</id>
		<title>Talk:The Legend of LolimÃ³n/@comment-29171447-20181211045124</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:The_Legend_of_Lolim%C3%83%C2%B3n/@comment-29171447-20181211045124&amp;diff=10448"/>
		<updated>2018-12-11T04:51:24Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: Created page with &amp;quot;In the immortal words of Thingguy:  Interesting.&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;In the immortal words of Thingguy:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Interesting.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:A_Hallowe%27en_Mystery/@comment-28549248-20171101134738/@comment-29171447-20180916034013&amp;diff=10360</id>
		<title>Talk:A Hallowe&#039;en Mystery/@comment-28549248-20171101134738/@comment-29171447-20180916034013</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:A_Hallowe%27en_Mystery/@comment-28549248-20171101134738/@comment-29171447-20180916034013&amp;diff=10360"/>
		<updated>2018-09-16T03:40:13Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: Created page with &amp;quot;I know this is late, but the lack of connection between the story and the moral Vladek uses it to support was supposed to be the joke.Â :P&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;I know this is late, but the lack of connection between the story and the moral Vladek uses it to support was supposed to be the joke.Â :P&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:Scattered_Ashes,_Volume_Two_-_Being_the_Second_Installment_in_the_MMOS_KOTOS_Series/@comment-28549248-20180701192801/@comment-29171447-20180703090519&amp;diff=10324</id>
		<title>Talk:Scattered Ashes, Volume Two - Being the Second Installment in the MMOS KOTOS Series/@comment-28549248-20180701192801/@comment-29171447-20180703090519</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:Scattered_Ashes,_Volume_Two_-_Being_the_Second_Installment_in_the_MMOS_KOTOS_Series/@comment-28549248-20180701192801/@comment-29171447-20180703090519&amp;diff=10324"/>
		<updated>2018-07-03T09:05:19Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: Created page with &amp;quot;Oh yeah P.P.S. Until you guys drew your maps, I always thought Elepharia was an Island like Austrailia, and I wrote my manuscripts thinking that. :P While the Ocean Straight i...&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Oh yeah P.P.S. Until you guys drew your maps, I always thought Elepharia was an Island like Austrailia, and I wrote my manuscripts thinking that. :P While the Ocean Straight is river, I thought it was, well, and Ocean, and so I thought Elepharia was an continent-island in that Ocean.Â :PÂ Just had to get that off my chest. :P&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:Scattered_Ashes,_Volume_Two_-_Being_the_Second_Installment_in_the_MMOS_KOTOS_Series/@comment-28549248-20180701192801/@comment-29171447-20180703085313&amp;diff=10323</id>
		<title>Talk:Scattered Ashes, Volume Two - Being the Second Installment in the MMOS KOTOS Series/@comment-28549248-20180701192801/@comment-29171447-20180703085313</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:Scattered_Ashes,_Volume_Two_-_Being_the_Second_Installment_in_the_MMOS_KOTOS_Series/@comment-28549248-20180701192801/@comment-29171447-20180703085313&amp;diff=10323"/>
		<updated>2018-07-03T08:58:44Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Concerning the destrucion of the moon in the Encyclopedia, I actually took that part out after others (I don&#039;t remember who; possiblyTalmid) pointed out thatÂ Rhoddwr Marwolaeth would not be present atÂ MilitiregneumÂ at that time. So thanks to retconning the Skyfalls still exist. :P&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The moon originally specified as destroyed was the one responsible for the Skyfalls, not the other one. It showed thedude carelessly destroying one of the Militiregneum&#039;s most beautiful occurances in order to further his military strenth. It was also meant to be a bit of foreshadowing for the Rhoddwr Marwolaeth. That being said, I agree that it is lame to get rid of such a cool idea when so little has been done with it (although if we ever write about the Elephanter/pirate rebellion, it would see some appearance in that before it was destroyed).&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In the end, I&#039;ll leave it up to you guys whether you think the moon should have been destroyed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
P.S. I did actually name the moon Scea in that Encyclopedia entry. Yay inconsistancy. :P&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:Scattered_Ashes,_Volume_Two_-_Being_the_Second_Installment_in_the_MMOS_KOTOS_Series/@comment-28549248-20180701192801/@comment-29171447-20180703085313&amp;diff=10322</id>
		<title>Talk:Scattered Ashes, Volume Two - Being the Second Installment in the MMOS KOTOS Series/@comment-28549248-20180701192801/@comment-29171447-20180703085313</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=Talk:Scattered_Ashes,_Volume_Two_-_Being_the_Second_Installment_in_the_MMOS_KOTOS_Series/@comment-28549248-20180701192801/@comment-29171447-20180703085313&amp;diff=10322"/>
		<updated>2018-07-03T08:53:13Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: Created page with &amp;quot;Concerning the destrucion of the moon in the Encyclopedia, I actually took that part out after others (I don&amp;#039;t remember who; possiblyTalmid) pointed out thatÂ Rhoddwr Marwolae...&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Concerning the destrucion of the moon in the Encyclopedia, I actually took that part out after others (I don&#039;t remember who; possiblyTalmid) pointed out thatÂ Rhoddwr Marwolaeth would not be present atÂ MilitiregneumÂ at that time. So thanks to retconning the Skyfalls still exist. :P&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The moon originally specified as destroyed was the one responsible for the Skyfalls, not the other one (since when I wrote it there only was one moon. :P I like the notion of too moons better though) It showed thedude carelessly destroying one of the Militiregneum&#039;s most beautiful occurances in order to further his military strenth. It was also meant to be a bit of foreshadowing for the Rhoddwr Marwolaeth. That being said, I agree that it is lame to get rid of such a cool idea when so little has been done with it (although if we ever write about the Elephanter/pirate rebellion, it would see some appearance in that before it was destroyed).&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In the end, I&#039;ll leave it up to you guys whether you think the moon should have been destroyed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
P.S. I did actually name the moon Scea in that Encyclopedia entry. Yay inconsistancy. :P&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=A_Hallowe%27en_Mystery&amp;diff=9637</id>
		<title>A Hallowe&#039;en Mystery</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=A_Hallowe%27en_Mystery&amp;diff=9637"/>
		<updated>2018-04-03T23:25:45Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;âwutz awl dis?â thedude exclaimed angrily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âErm, well, uhâ¦â the captain of the guards stuttered. He gestured helplessly at the spectacle which incited the dude&#039;s wrath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Every one of the Red Mythrans assigned to guarding thedudeâs castle had left their posts. They had grouped up into a sphere, floating about a quarter mile above the castle, and were all focusing on projecting a red forcefield around their sphere of mythrans. Every single one of them was completely motionless.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âyu rad mitrens yu git bak to yoor powsts! i neever sed yu kud stahp garding meh!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Every single one of them remained completely motionless.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
ânoos wa dunt dey liten tu meh!?!?!!!?!?!?!?!??!????!?!?!!!!? dey hev nevar disubayed meh bifor!!!!!!!!!?!!!??!!!!!!!!!!!!!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
thedude stamped his foot on the ground again and again in anger.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âErm, lord thedude, weâve been receiving reports that the Red Mythrans at every one of our outposts are acting the same way; theyâve all gathered in a sphere floating a considerable distance off the ground, and are projecting a forcefield around them.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
ânaw dat i thinc abowt id, de rad mitrens hev ben akting strengli. dey did nat alweys obay meh emedatly ahd i hed to ahsk tweyce. lahrd tehdude shud neveh hev te ahsk tweyce!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He stamped his foot some more.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSir great lord thedude, the men are growing uneasy. Rumors are circulating that the Red Mythrans sense danger.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âweel too bahd! mahk dem wurk dubl tiem te replece teh mytrens unteel te mitrans goes bahk te narml!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âRight away lord thedude!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meanwhile, somewhere else...&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHey, uh, sergeant? Whatâs up with our Red Mythran? Itâs just been floating in the air above the middle of the camp projecting a force field around itself,â said a Paradox Rogue newbie.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThatâs strange; Iâll call HQ about it.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The sergeant picked up the phone at his desk, punched in the number, and put it to his ear.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBwooooooooop. Bwooooooooop. Bwooooooooop. You have reached the Red Mythran tech support. All of our representatives are busy with other calls right now. Please remain on hold until one of our representatives can help you; there are (at this point the voice switched from the prerecorded message to a robotic number text-reader voice) 973 (the voice switched back) people on hold ahead of you.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The captain put down the phone and looked at the newbie with his most serious face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWeâre on our own now.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
~ ~ ~&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The sergeant, the newbie, and all the other Paradox Rogues of the small rogue outpost gathered to look at the solitary Red Mythran hovering above the center of the camp.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAw man! Not only does HQ only send us one Red Mythran, but they send us a faulty one to boot! Look at him! Heâs not even doing anything!â cried out the newbie.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
An old, senior Paradox Rogue hobbled up behind the newbie.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYou know, it is rumored that the Red Mythrans instinctively sense danger. However, this has never been proven, since never before has there been anything powerful enough to pose a threat to a Red Mythran.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Murmurs passed throughout all the Paradox Rogues as the senior rogue said this.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat could be dangerous enough to make a Red Mythran act this way?â âWhat should we do?â âDo you think weâre safe?â âAre we out of coffee?â âDid you check the cupboard?â âYeah, but the cupboard was nine-headed-man-eating-sheep bare.â âI like coffee.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSTOP TALKING ABOUT COFFEE!!!!â The sergeant roared.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Everyone stopped talking about coffee. In fact, talking stopped completely. Whether that was because no one was talking about anything besides coffee, or because they were intimidated by the sergeantâs yelling, we will never know.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âEveryone back to work! If we donât have the Red Mythran to help out, well then that just means weâll have to work double time!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Grumbling passed throughout all the Paradox Rogues.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAw man.â âDouble time?!?! As in, double the normal amount of time?!?!?!â âI just checked the cupboard, there&#039;s no coffee at all!â âBut the cupboard was full just yesterday!â âI like coffee.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSTOP TALKING ABOUT COFFEE!!!!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
This time everyone stopped talking, except for one rogue who kept talking about doughnuts.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAND DOUGHNUTS!!!!â the sergeant roared.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Everyone stopped talking.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Everything went okay. As okay as things can go when youâre forced to work double time, which is double the normal amount of time.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Untilâ¦&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHey look! It looks like our RM is shaking!â He pointed to the Red Mythran floating above the middle of the camp.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYouâre right! Itâs trembling for some reason!!!â âIt must be out of fear!â âWho knows how long itâs been floating up there, where thereâs no coffee.â âI like coffee.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As it turns out, the Red Mythran was not trembling due to coffee deprivation. It was trembling due to its instinctual sense of danger.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Suddenly, there was a loud crackle as a dark line cut the Red Mythranâs red forcefield in half. The Red Mythran flashed out of view for less than a second, as if a shadow had passed in front of it, and then its body fell limp to the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
All across Militiregnum, Red Mythrans were turning up dead. The Red Mythrans gathered in large numbers, such as those over thedudeâs castle, passed an uneventful knight. However, small groups of Mythrans, and lone Red Mythrans assigned to the more remote Paradox Rogue outposts, were completely dead. Totally dead. Yet there wasnât a single mark on them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
ânoes!!!!!!! dis cahnt beh hapensing! Nohs! nooooooohs!!!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âItâs pronounced ânoo,â master. Same pronunciation as âmoo.ââ&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âawr yus quesshuning mehs?â the dude exclaimed, flabbergasted by Lord Vladekâs insubordination.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo, of course not great lord.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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thedude smiled. âdahts wat i thot.â&lt;br /&gt;
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âWheel, hoapfulee teh mytrens stahp daihing bah tewmoro. daht wud bes nyse.â&lt;br /&gt;
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The Red Mythrans didnât stop dying.&lt;br /&gt;
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âanee tahm naw, yoos cahn stahp daihing!!!â thedude yelled angrily at the cluster of Red Mythrans hovering above his castle. âeets ben deys an yus haf naht stawped dahing! i ordar yu tu stahp!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Red Mythrans did not reply. Frustrated, thedude called for his adviser.&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âvledik! i neads yor advais!â&lt;br /&gt;
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No one answered.&lt;br /&gt;
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âvledik! wer ar yu?!??!?!?!?!!!!!!?!?!?!????!?!?!?!!!!!!â thedude screached.&lt;br /&gt;
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âI donât know what to make of it, Sir! Thereâs not a mark on the Red Mythranâs body at all!â the sergeant said, gesturing to the body of the deceased Red Mythran.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;It ainât easy for us, me and my men, out here at this remote outpost with just a single Red Mythran to help us keep order. I donât know what weâll do without our RM!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âJust tell me what occurred 2 nights ago,â Vladek demanded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell me and my men, we were just minding our own business, working double time (thatâs double the normal amount of time, you know).â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes, yes, I knowâ Vladek snapped impatiently.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMy men, theyâre good men. Sure, they can get distracted with coffee sometimes, but other than that, theyâre always focused on the job.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Vladek raised an eyebrow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âCoffee you say? Hmmâ¦â He turned away, stroking his chin thoughtfully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Yes Sir,&amp;quot;  the Sergeant affirmed. &amp;quot;Why, there was this one soldier who was nonstop mentioning how he loved coffee.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Vladek nodded thoughtfully. Then he turned back toward the sergeant. âDo you think I could talk to this soldier?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOf course sir!â the sergeant blew his whistle, and all the Paradox Rogues stationed at that outpost lined up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThatâs all of them?â Vladek inquired.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes sir,â the sergeant replied.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhich one of you,â Vladek said, turning toward the Paradox Rogues lined up, âIs the one who repeatedly declared his love of coffee?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
No one stepped forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Vladek rubbed his chin some more. He turned to the sergeant.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âCould show me exactly where the Red Mythran body was found?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOf course Sir!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The sergeant exited the tent and hurried over to the ground at the center of the camp. Vladek strode, purposefully yet not hastily, just behind.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIt was right here where the Red Mythranâs body fell after it was killed,â the sergeant explained.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Vladek kneeled down and inspected the dry dirt of the ground. There were some dark black granules mixed in with the dirt. He grabbed some between his thumb and pointer finger and rubbed those fingers together, feeling the granules.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Vladek pulled out a map quickly, and pointed to some woods marked on it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe are nearby the black coffee magic woods, are we not?â Vladek inquired.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes sir, but we donât dare go near those! Those woods are haunted! It is said that the woods themselves want to smash you! Itâs a pity, though, itâs rumored that at the center of the woods are the greatest tasting coffee trees in existence!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThank you. You served your purpose,â Vladek replied curtly.&lt;br /&gt;
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Vladek strode off.&lt;br /&gt;
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After a few hours of walking, Vladek reached his destination, and the sun was low on the horizon. Vladek was at the black coffee magic woods. He entered the woods. It was strangely dark, darker than it should have been, even in woods. Despite the darkness, the light from the setting sun struggled through the trees and made it into the forest as a dim, blood red glow.&lt;br /&gt;
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Suddenly, a loud cracking noise filled the air as a large tree fell down toward Vladek! Unfazed, Vladek sliced his sword in front of him in an overhead motion, splitting the tree in half, leaving Vladek unscathed.&lt;br /&gt;
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As Vladek pushed further into the woods, the sun finally set completely. A chilling fog enveloped Vladek. He stopped walking.&lt;br /&gt;
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&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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âShow yourself!â He called out into the fog.&lt;br /&gt;
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A dark form appeared. Itâs head, and its twisted limbs were completely hidden by a ragged grey cloak. Whether he was standing or floating was uncertain, as his lower torse was hidden by the ragged cloak as well. Ice formed on the ground around the figure, and the air itself seemed to freeze whenever he exhaled a raspy breath.&lt;br /&gt;
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&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
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âHere,â the form spoke in a hollow, cold, reverberating voice. âyou come to die.â&lt;br /&gt;
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&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
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Vladek raised an eyebrow.&lt;br /&gt;
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&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
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âAll of you must die. The red beings; I can sense their immense power. They are unnatural, and must be destroyed. When the those red beings approached my woods, I sensed their power, and they awoke me from my slumber. They must die. They all must die. I can sense your power too; how convenient that you came straight to me to be destroyed. You were foolish to face me on tonight of all nights, on Halloween night when my power is the strongest! Now, you die.â&lt;br /&gt;
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&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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The form let out an ear splitting screech, and faster than humanly possible, it&#039;s arm, flashed from hanging limply at its side to being outstretched straight at Vladek. It&#039;s now outstretched hand was now made visible. A twisted finger covered in grey skin was pointed straight at Vladek. Suddenly, the formâs body lurched forward toward Vladek, which its arm and finger still outstretched. As the form reached Vladek, Vladek blocked the formâs finger with his metal glove. Tendrils of ice spread across the glove from where the form had touched it, but they did not spread beyond the glove.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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âBut...how?â the form questioned, shocked.&lt;br /&gt;
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Vladek smirked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI knew I would be facing against a wraith. Even a simpleton could have figured it out. You were careless; not even a challenge, I dare say.â&lt;br /&gt;
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&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
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âNO!â The wraith screeched. The wraith backed up from Vladek, outstretched both its hands toward him, and unleashed a wave of frost.&lt;br /&gt;
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Vladek swiped his sword, and the frost dissipated.&lt;br /&gt;
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&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
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âBut how?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âVery few remain alive who are knowledgeable about the creatures of Militiregnum. Why, there are probably no more than 5 people left alive who even know of Militiregnum wraiths. but for those of us who do know, why, it is common knowledge that the wraiths must consume power, and, if unable to consume power, then they must consume coffee in its stead. It was no difficulty figuring out that you resided here in the Black Coffee Magic woods.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âItâs not fair!â the wraith lamented. âI came to these woods based on the promise that at their center were the best tasting coffee trees in the universe. Well, they were right. The trees taste amazing but the coffee is terrible!â the wraith burst into tears. âthe coffee is terrible! *sob*â&lt;br /&gt;
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âPathetic,â Vladek spat.&lt;br /&gt;
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The wraith screeched in anger, and repeatedly shot blasts of frost from its hands at Vladek. Vladek deftly sidestepped and dodged each one.&lt;br /&gt;
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&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
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âI also know that you got past the Paradox Rogueâs guards by posing as one of them.â&lt;br /&gt;
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âWhat!â the wraith gasped. âBut how could you know! My disguise was foolproof! They too like coffee, so all I had to do was repeat over and over again about how I loved coffee, and it would make me relatable and inconspicuous!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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âAh, but thatâs where youâre wrong. Your repeated statements about your love of coffee only made you appear weird and self-absorbed.&lt;br /&gt;
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âNo, no, no, it canât be! Nooooooooo!â The wraith sank to its knees, helpless.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYou pronounce noo correctly; I respect that,â Vladek stated as he delivered the final blow and the wraith dissolved into dust.&lt;br /&gt;
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âvelik, wer hav yu ben?!?!!?!?!1!??!?!!??!?!?!?!!!!!??!?!???!?!?!?? yew fahled, i neded yos advays, baht yu wer naht ther! lukily, ah sucedewd ba ordaring teh rad mitrens to stahp dahing, an dey stahped dahing ahs i sed.â&lt;br /&gt;
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âYou truely are increadible, Lord thedude,â Vladek replied.&lt;br /&gt;
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âThatâs why you shouldnât drink coffee because it stunts your growth.â&lt;br /&gt;
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The children looked at him awestruck. It had never occurred to them that popular adult sayings such as âcoffee stunts your growthâ could have such epic backstories.&lt;br /&gt;
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âOh yeah, also these events occurred on Halloween, so thereâs that too,â the man added.&lt;br /&gt;
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&lt;br /&gt;
âWill you tell us why television is bad for our eyes, too?â asked one of them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The man laughed. âMUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Perhaps another dark and stormy night! Itâs too late now! You need to go to bed now!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
And while the future dark knights ran to their castle rooms disappointed, the storyteller watched the soft glow towns burning off in the distance. And Lord Vladek sighed in remembrance of better times.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;nowiki/&amp;gt;&#039;&#039;&#039;[[Category:Stories]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:The Additional Manuscripts]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Stories by Ninjago Builders]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=The_Uneggsplainable_Events_on_the_Night_Before_the_First_Sunday_Following_the_First_Full_Moon_After_the_Vernal_Equinox.&amp;diff=7244</id>
		<title>The Uneggsplainable Events on the Night Before the First Sunday Following the First Full Moon After the Vernal Equinox.</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=The_Uneggsplainable_Events_on_the_Night_Before_the_First_Sunday_Following_the_First_Full_Moon_After_the_Vernal_Equinox.&amp;diff=7244"/>
		<updated>2018-04-03T23:17:43Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[File:Bunny.jpg|centre|thumb|360x360px]]&lt;br /&gt;
As the rain drizzled down, a squad of Paradox Rogues huddled around their small campfire in the middle of the dark forest. They had built their fire underneath a particularly dense patch of the forest, so that the leaves of the trees above them protected them from the brunt of the cold, heavy rainfall. Nonetheless, the occasional drop of water would slip through the leafy roof overhead and splash on the fire, dimming it considerably and making a loud hissing sound. The Rogues had already set up their tents around the fire, and they were currently consuming their bland, yet nutritious, rations. To keep their spirits up, the Rogues told each other scary stories, such as the one about the mutant nine-headed sheep bears who had gained sentience and waged war on humanity. After one of the rogues finished telling that story, another shared a few of the many rumors circulating about the mysterious wizard who had once wrecked havoc on the Paradox Rogue forces, but had later disappeared without a trace. Most, if not all, of the rumors were false, of course, but that didnât make them any less scary. Following that, another Rogue shared the story of the insane ninja who roamed the forest ambushing passersby and stealing their food. He finished his story, and one of the rogues stated âBert, that story wasnât scary at all. I mean really, stealing peopleâs food? How is that supposed to be scary?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
All the other Rogues nodded in agreement.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYeah Bert,â another berated. âMaybe if it was a scary story about an insane ninja who slit peopleâs throats in their sleep, it would be scary. But stealing food? Thatâs lame.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âItâs not lame! Not having food is a serious and terrifying prospect!â The Rogue, Bert, who told the lame story retorted. âIâd give anything for some good food right now! All we have are these crappy ration bars to eat.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHey, donât complain. They might not be delicious, but they sure are nutritious!â The Rogue who said this grinned and took a bite out of his ration bar. His grin died slightly at the terrible taste of the bar.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAnything would be better than these bars!â Bert moaned, throwing his bar into the forest where is disappeared in the darkness. âIâm going to scavenge for some real food,â he declared.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNah man, wait until tomorrow when itâs light. You wonât find anything in the darkness anyway.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bert didnât heed this advice, and went off into the woods.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bert trudged through the dark, tripping over roots and stumbling over bushes invisible into the darkness. After a while, he looked back and saw the glow of the squadâs campfire some distance away. He mumbled to himself, probably something about showing them once he found a ton of delicious food and they would all be begging him to share with them. Finally (it took him long enough), Bert had the bright idea of turning on the night vision feature of his Paradox Marauder gear so that he could actually see what he was doing. He found a few hard (inedible) nuts, some green and orange mushrooms, a pinecone, and some porcuberries, which, while edible and sweet, are completely covered with sharp prickly spines. Luckily for Bert, he was wearing the gloves that came with his Marauder gear, so he didnât fill his hand with needles when plucked the berries from the porcubush. Halfway through de-berry-ifying the porcubush, Bertâs night vision helmet began flickering rapidly. A secant later, it went out. Bert cursed, and asked no one in particular âWhy the brick does technology always stop working at the worst possible times? Brick this planet and its weird, bricking technology problems.â Yes, Bert had a bit of a swearing problem. Either that, or he just really liked bricks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bert looked all around him, trying to spot the glow of his squadâs campfire, but it was nowhere to be seen. There was nothing but darkness, and weathered tree trunks. Had Bert looked closer at those tree trunks, he would have noticed large, deep claw marks gouged in their sides&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With absolutely no idea of what direction his camp was in, Bert stumbled around blindly through the forest. Bert had no way of knowing this, of course, but he was actually moving further and further away from his camp, and deeper and deeper toward the center of the forest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After about an hour of doing this, Bert, tired and hungry, dropped to the ground and leaned back against a tree trunk. It was at this moment that a small bit of color caught his eye. He squinted in the darkness. In a small clearing about twenty feet away from him, moonlight shone down and illuminated some small, colorful object on the ground. Bert got to his feet and walked towards it. The clearing was about ten feet wide, and a covering of straw carpeted the ground of the entire clearing, and in the middle of the clearing was an small egg, about the size of a chicken egg. Bert took a step forward, and the straw crackled under his feet. Upon closer inspection, he could see that the egg was a light sky-blue color, but, strangely enough, two wavy bands of yellow circled around the width of the egg near the top and bottom. Between the two bands was a ring of pink dots, evenly spaced around the egg. It was a colorful little pattern, but Bert didnât give it much thought. When he saw the egg, he saw food. Bert leaned down toward the egg. He reached for it. His fingers closed around the egg.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bert stood up and held the egg in the beam of moonlight to get a better look at it. Such a colorful egg should make a tasty meal, he thought to himself. Then, the colors of the egg dimmed. Bert was momentarily confused as to why this happened, until he realized that something must have been blocking the moonlight shining down through the clearing. A low growling came from above. Nervously, Bert looked up. A dark shape silhouetted against the moonlight hung above him. The creature&#039;s features were completely hidden by the darkness, except for its two red, gleaming eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Paradox Rogues had just finished their nutritious (even if not especially delicious) ration bars, and climbed into their tents to go to sleep for the night. One of the Rogues called out&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHey, does anyone know if Bert has returned yet? Heâs been gone for a while.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI dunno, he probably got lost. Still, the map on his helmetâs HUD should tell him how to get back to camp. Donât worry, heâll be fine.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Suddenly, a bloodcurdling scream filled woods. Just as suddenly, it ended.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Good thing Bert never got a chance to eat those green and orange mushrooms, because they were poisonous and would have made him really sick and uncomfortable for over a week.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cue intro music.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
https://youtu.be/-RcPZdihrp4&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
~ ~ ~&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the forest...&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHiya!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSlice!!!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYou shall not prevail, evil sorcerer!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDie, red star monster!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âKapow!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Three figures ran through the forest. They were all wearing average (slightly dirty) clothes, but over those clothes they wore shoddy wooden armor. One of them held a wooden sword, another a staff with a pinecone at the end, and the third a wooden bow with a few sticks for arrows. They were just a few young boys in their preteens, and they ran through the forest smacking trees with their wooden weapons while shouting their ferocious battle cries such as âPunch attack!â and âWoosh! Fireball!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Now, the kids had been in the forest quite a bit to put the beatdown on the tree trunks, and so there was no fear of them becoming lost. However, this particular night was not one during which one should be out in the woods, let alone out in the woods making a ton of noise by hitting trees and screaming about it. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
They were in the middle of abusing some poor birch tree and shouting âDown with the evil space robots!â when they heard a rustling behind them. They all slowly turned around in unison. The bushes shook, and the three boys readied their wooden weapons. Then, the bushes parted, and out stepped a young girl.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIf youâre a Dude, prepare to get destroyed!â One of the boys cried out, brandishing his bow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âObviously sheâs not a dude!â the boy with the staff said, punching the boy with the wooden bow in the arm. âSheâs a girl!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo, I mean one of the Dudes that my dad talks about. Iâve heard him talking about the evil Dude soldiers.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell, obviously sheâs not a soldier! And sheâs not evil either,â The kid with the sword said. âYouâre not evil, are, you?â He asked, turning to the girl.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She said nothing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSee!â The kid with the bow cried out. âShe wonât deny being evil!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSheâs probably just shy!â The kid with the wooden sword retorted. Turning back to the girl, he said âHi. Iâm Matthew. The kid there with the staff is Sean, and the one with the bow is Isaiah. Whatâs your name?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She said nothing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell, this is getting boring. Letâs get back to fighting monsters!â Isaiah said, kicking a tree.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYeah!â Sean called out, pointing his staff at a tree. âFireball!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The tree exploded loudly, sending wood chips flying into the air. The three boys stood there, gaping.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDid I do that?â Sean asked, looking at his staff.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo, idiot, she did that,â Isaiah replied, pointing at the girl, whose hand was still outstretched toward the tree.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWoah!â Matthew exclaimed. âThatâs awesome!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âItâs like I actually shot a fireball at the tree!â Sean cried out. âWe should call the girl...Fireball! How about Firegirl? Or, better yet, Flameo!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Isaiah facepalmed. âThatâs a dumb name.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell, do you have a better one?â Sean retorted.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHow about Ember?â Matthew prompted.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Isaiah shrugged. âYeah, that sounds cool enough. What does Ember mean?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âUm, I donât know, I heard my dad use it, and I think it has something to do with fire.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGood enough for me,â Sean stated.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSo Ember,â Matthew asked the girl. âWhat are you doing around here? There arenât any animals in the woods to hunt, so no one ever goes here.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ember said nothing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell, anyway, do you want to help us fight monsters?â Matthew asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat, no!â Isaiah objected. âWe canât just let outsiders into our questing group!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDude! She blew up a tree!â Sean pointed out.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThen what if she is a monster?â Isaiah challenged.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat, no! Of course she isnât a monster!â Matthew cried. âSheâs just a girl!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBut canât some monsters disguise themselves as people?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI donât know of any monsters that do that!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell if you donât know of them, then that makes them even more dangerous!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Due to their heated arguing, they failed to notice that something was blocking out the dim evening glow that was previously shining down. Ember, however, noticed, and looked up, but whatever it was had already passed. The three boys continued arguing until Sean stumbled over something on the ground. He looked down and saw that it was a colorful orange egg with wavy green and red patterns. All three of the boys immediately stopped arguing and leaned over to get a closer look at the egg. Their arguing was forgotten, replaced by curiosity.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat do you think it is?â Sean asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAn egg, obviously,â Isaiah pointed out.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYeah, but what type of egg?â Matthew said in reply.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âItâs probably a monster egg!â Isaiah exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNot everything has to be a monster, you know!â Matthew cried out.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNot everything, but everything in these woods! Nothing good ever came out of these woods.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHey!â Called out Sean, who had wandered some distance away. âThereâs another egg over here in the hollow of this tree!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The two other boys and Ember all ran over there to see what Sean was talking about. There, just as Sean had said, was a bright neon green egg with yellow and purple patterns.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âItâs quite colorful,â Sean observed while reaching out toward the egg. His fingers wrapped around it, and he pulled it out from the tree. At that moment, a shadow loomed over them, blocking out the dim evening light. Sean looked up, and found himself staring directly into a pair of red, gleaming eyes. His mouth dropped open, and he dropped the egg.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âRun!â He screamed. Sean and Matthew, glancing up and seeing the monstrous shape above them, lost no time in following suit. As Matthew ran past Ember, he grabbed her arm and dragged her after him. The large creature, hidden in shadow, bounded after the four kids, rapidly gaining on them. Ember stopped running, turned around, and thrust her hands forward in the direction of the creature. A blast of force obliterated all the trees between Ember and the creature and sent the creature flying backwards, but as soon as it touched the ground the creature regained its footing and continued it pursuit after the children. Matthew, Sean, and Isiah fled toward the edge of the forest, but Ember had other plans. She reached out with her hand toward them, and immediately, involuntarily, they changed direction to follow Ember deeper into the forest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat are you doing?â Sean screamed. âWe have to get out of the forest to escape!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSheâs going to kill us all! I knew she couldnât be trusted!â Isaiah screamed back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe have to trust her!â Matthew called out. âMaybe she has a plan!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
They kept running. Multiple times, the creature nearly reached them, but Ember used her powers send shards of wood flying toward the creature, or cause trees to fall on top of it. Each time, however, this only slowed it down slightly before it was right back on their tail, but they slowly and steadily increased the distance between themselves and the creature, until it was eventually out of sight. The four kids reached a very large clearing about a hundred feet wide in the center of the forest. There was straw covering the ground of the clearing, and colorful eggs were littered all across the straw. All of the trees surrounding the clearing were scarred by deep claw marks, and there were tufts of white fur caught on the treeâs branches. In the very center of the clearing was a single tree. It wasnât especially impressive, but there werenât any claw marks on its golden-brown bark. Its branches were bare, but at the base of the tree bluish-silver leaves had piled up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhy did you take us here?â Matthew asked Ember.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She said nothing, of course.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ember walked forward toward the tree, and the three boys, not knowing what else to do, followed her. She stopped in front of the tree, and so the boys stopped too. She didnât do anything for a secant, and so Sean, curious about the tree, reached toward the tree. He taken aback as some sort of invisible field between him and the tree pulsed blue for a moment and pushed his hand to the side. The push on his hand wasnât especially forceful, yet Sean was unable to resist it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âItâs some sort of magic tree,â Matthew observed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ember continued standing in front of the tree with her arms stretched out toward it and her eyes closed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In the distance, the kids could hear the crashing of trees as the creature ran through the forest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhatever youâre doing, hurry it up!â Sean cried out to Ember.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At that moment the invisible field surrounding the tree reappeared with a transparent blue color. Ember slowly moved her hands, which were still pointed toward the forcefield, away from each other, and as she did so, a small gap in the field opened up. As she kept moving her hands away from each other, the gap opened wider and wider.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The crashing created by the pursuing creature grew louder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ember continued gradually and steadily moving her hands apart to widen the gap in the forcefield until her hands were fully extended to the side, and the gap was wide enough to walk through. Sean dashed through the gap in forcefield, with Isaiah right behind him. Matthew was about to follow suit, until he looked back to see where Ember was. She had fainted. The crashing of the creature was much louder, now, and was rapidly growing louder, but Matthew did not hesitate to run back toward Ember to drag her through the forcefield. He wasnât making much progress, however, and Sean and Isiah, seeing this, ran back out from within the forcefield to help Matthew drag the Ember into the forcefield.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Sean, looking back toward the gap in the forcefield, cried out âThe gap is shrinking! Itâs growing smaller now that Ember isnât awake to keep it open.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe have to hurry up!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
If they needed any more incentive to hurry out, they were about to get it. At that moment, the creature bounded in the clearing. In the open clearing, the creature was no longer hidden by shadow, and the boys got a good look at the monstrous beast. It was large, about the size of a horse, and was completely covered with white fur. It had disproportionate features; its head, fixed atop a thin neck, was absurdly large, nearly the same size as its body, and its legs were long and spindly, but despite its irregular proportions and immense size, it was clearly a rabbit. Long, thin ears jutted out from atop the rabbit&#039;s head, and whiskers splayed out from its nose. A round tail was affixed above its two hind legs. At the front of both its upper and lower jaw were two large, flat buck teeth; however, all every other tooth besides these thinned to a razor sharp point. Saliva dripped between the creatureâs teeth and to the ground. It raised it head up and its nose twitched as it sniffed the air. Smelling its prey, its beady red eyes snapped around to affix themselves on the three terrified boys trying to drag the unconscious ember through the forcefield gap. The monstrous rabbit pounced at the children, but they managed to scramble through the forcefield just in time, and the rabbit was repulsed by the magical field which sent it flying to the edge of the clearing where it crashed into a tree. In seconds, the creature was back on its feet and rushing toward them. It thrust its muzzle through the gap in the forcefield, snapped at the kids, and managed to grab Seanâs leg in its mouth. It shook Sean back and forth by its leg before dragging him halfway out of the forcefield, but Isaiah lept forward and grabbed Seanâs hand. The creature was too powerful, however, and simply continued dragging both of them out from the forcefield. Seeing this, Matthew lept forward and grabbed Isaiahâs leg, and with his other hand he grabbed the strange tree surrounded by the force field. As the gap in the forcefield continued shirking, it slowly closed around Sean, threatening to crush him. Staring into the large red eyes of the bloodthirsty rabbit only a few feet away from his own, Sean began screaming&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âPull harder! Iâm not ready to die, whether it be ripped apart by a monster or crushed by a forcefield!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Normally, three young kids would have been no match for the strength of the powerful beast, but as Matthew gripped the strange tree a surge of power entered his veins. He dug his feet into the ground, and with a surge of strength pulled Sean free from the rabbitâs jaws. They all fell backward Â into the forcefield only seconds before it closed around them.&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Protected from the beast by the field, the three kids inspected the strange tree closely for the first time. Its golden-brown bark wasnât shiny like actual gold, but it definitely had a golden hue. The silver-blue leaves that had fallen around the tree, on the other hand, did shine with a soft glow. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âLook!â Sean called out, pointing at Matthewâs wooden sword, which was strapped to his back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The sword had transformed! It had changed from a plain wooden sword into...a less plain wooden sword. The dull brown wood that had previously composed the sword had transformed into a golden brown wood of the same color as the bark of the nearby tree. Across the flat of the blade were intricate swirly designs made out of the same blue-silver color of the fallen leaves. Matthew drew the blade and swung it around. Still made out of wood, the sword was quite light.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI think the tree must have done this,â Matthew contemplated.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAlrighty then!â Sean exclaimed, reaching for the tree with one hand and grasping his staff in the other. As his fingers brushed the tree, he felt a surge of power, and the staffâs hue shifted from plain brown to the epic golden-brown of the tree. All along the staff materialized runes of the silver-blue color, and the pinecone atop the staff changed to silver-blue as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Isaiah reached for the tree as well. His bow changed to the golden-brown with silver blue designs on it, and the sticks he used as arrows also changed to the silver-blue color.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHey, Iâm sorry about earlier,â Isaiah said to Matthew. âI didnât really mean it when I said Ember was a monster. I guess I just got caught up in the argument.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDonât worry about itâ Matthew replied, smiling.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWelp, now that everyone&#039;s on good terms again, how about we figure out what on earth weâre going to do about that?â Sean asked, gesturing to the rabbit which was clawing at the forcefield from the outside, trying to get at the kids.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe fight!â Matthew stated. âWe have to protect Ember.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âLetâs kick some monster brick!â Isaiah cried out.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Sean reached toward where the forcefield, now invisible, previously was. His handed wasnât pushed to the side like before.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI guess the forcefield is one way,â he commented.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIn that case,â Matthew called out, âCHAAAAAAAARGE!!!!!!!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The three kids stormed out of the force field toward the monster rabbit. It swiveled its head toward them, opened its mouth, and roared, but the kids, filled with bravery and stupidity, were not daunted by the terrifying roar. As they charged, Sean pointed his staff at the monster and shouted âFireball!â Given all the crazy stuff that had happened up to that point, he wasnât all that surprised when a surge of energy coursed through his arm, the silver runes on his staff began glowing bright blue, and he felt the heat of a blue fireball shooting from his staff at the rabbit. The blue fire licked at the rabbitâs white fur, and the creature roar in pain. Angry, the rabbit leapt at Sean and swiped at him with its claws, but Isaiah drew back his bow and fired multiple shots at the rabbitâs eyes. The arrows exploded into blue fragments as they hit its eyes, blinding it and causing it to miss its swipes at Sean. While the creature was blinded, Matthew ran forward and leapt into the air. In mid air, he shifted his grip on his wooden sword so that it was pointed straight down, and blue flames appeared along the swordâs blade. He plunged the blade into the fel creatureâs head, and the creature reared back back, screeching wildly. Then it fell, lifeless. The creature&#039;s white hair burned away revealing its pink skin. Then its skin withered away, and once the skin had completely disappeared, itâs body exploded into a bunch of small chocolate candies, which rained down around the clearing. The three kids didnât eat any of the candies, of course, because only a idiot would eat candy made out of the carcass of a dead rabbit monster.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe did it!â Sean exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Matthew turned around back toward the magic tree where the unconscious form of Ember had been lying. She was gone. Matthew sighed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHey, cheer up Matt,â Isaiah said. âWe just killed our first real monster!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The three boys shouted exuberantly at the same time.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;~~~&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
All across the forest, small, colorful eggs began wobbling back and forth. A small tapping noise came from within each one. Something was trying to get out. Then, the egg shells cracked, and out of each egg crawled a tiny baby rabbit. :O :O :O :O :O&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;~~~&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAnd THAT is why you donât take candy that you find lying around the forest. Also, donât take candy from strangers. Or from Paradox Rogues. In fact, donât take candy period. Itâs bad for your teeth. THE END!â The woman finished her narration.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The children looked at her awestruck. It had never occurred to them that events like the Easter Egg Hunt would have such a history behind them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWill you tell us about the 4th of July, too?â asked one of them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The woman laughed âPerhaps another day! Itâs too late now! You need to go home now!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
And while the children walked away disappointed, the storyteller watched the sunset. And Lady Jonna sighed in remembrance of better timesâ¦&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Stories by Ninjago Builders]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:The Additional Manuscripts]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Stories]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=The_Uneggsplainable_Events_on_the_Night_Before_the_First_Sunday_Following_the_First_Full_Moon_After_the_Vernal_Equinox.&amp;diff=7243</id>
		<title>The Uneggsplainable Events on the Night Before the First Sunday Following the First Full Moon After the Vernal Equinox.</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=The_Uneggsplainable_Events_on_the_Night_Before_the_First_Sunday_Following_the_First_Full_Moon_After_the_Vernal_Equinox.&amp;diff=7243"/>
		<updated>2018-04-01T20:57:42Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[File:Bunny.jpg|centre|thumb|360x360px]]&lt;br /&gt;
As the rain drizzled down, a squad of Paradox Rogues huddled around their small campfire in the middle of the dark forest. They had built their fire underneath a particularly dense patch of the forest, so that the leaves of the trees above them protected them from the brunt of the cold, heavy rainfall. Nonetheless, the occasional drop of water would slip through the leafy roof overhead and splash on the fire, dimming it considerably and making a loud hissing sound. The Rogues had already set up their tents around the fire, and they were currently consuming their bland, yet nutritious, rations. To keep their spirits up, the Rogues told each other scary stories, such as the one about the mutant nine-headed sheep bears who had gained sentience and waged war on humanity. After one of the rogues finished telling that story, another shared a few of the many rumors circulating about the mysterious wizard who had once wrecked havoc on the Paradox Rogue forces, but had later disappeared without a trace. Most, if not all, of the rumors were false, of course, but that didnât make them any less scary. Following that, another Rogue shared the story of the insane ninja who roamed the forest ambushing passersby and stealing their food. He finished his story, and one of the rogues stated âBert, that story wasnât scary at all. I mean really, stealing peopleâs food? How is that supposed to be scary?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
All the other Rogues nodded in agreement.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYeah Bert,â another berated. âMaybe if it was a scary story about an insane ninja who slit peopleâs throats in their sleep, it would be scary. But stealing food? Thatâs lame.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âItâs not lame! Not having food is a serious and terrifying prospect!â The Rogue, Bert, who told the lame story retorted. âIâd give anything for some good food right now! All we have are these crappy ration bars to eat.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHey, donât complain. They might not be delicious, but they sure are nutritious!â The Rogue who said this grinned and took a bite out of his ration bar. His grin died slightly at the terrible taste of the bar.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAnything would be better than these bars!â Bert moaned, throwing his bar into the forest where is disappeared in the darkness. âIâm going to scavenge for some real food,â he declared.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNah man, wait until tomorrow when itâs light. You wonât find anything in the darkness anyway.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bert didnât heed this advice, and went off into the woods.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bert trudged through the dark, tripping over roots and stumbling over bushes invisible into the darkness. After a while, he looked back and saw the glow of the squadâs campfire some distance away. He mumbled to himself, probably something about showing them once he found a ton of delicious food and they would all be begging him to share with them. Finally (it took him long enough), Bert had the bright idea of turning on the night vision feature of his Paradox Marauder gear so that he could actually see what he was doing. He found a few hard (inedible) nuts, some green and orange mushrooms, a pinecone, and some porcuberries, which, while edible and sweet, are completely covered with sharp prickly spines. Luckily for Bert, he was wearing the gloves that came with his Marauder gear, so he didnât fill his hand with needles when plucked the berries from the porcubush. Halfway through de-berry-ifying the porcubush, Bertâs night vision helmet began flickering rapidly. A secant later, it went out. Bert cursed, and asked no one in particular âWhy the brick does technology always stop working at the worst possible times? Brick this planet and its weird, bricking technology problems.â Yes, Bert had a bit of a swearing problem. Either that, or he just really liked bricks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bert looked all around him, trying to spot the glow of his squadâs campfire, but it was nowhere to be seen. There was nothing but darkness, and weathered tree trunks. Had Bert looked closer at those tree trunks, he would have noticed large, deep claw marks gouged in their sides&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With absolutely no idea of what direction his camp was in, Bert stumbled around blindly through the forest. Bert had no way of knowing this, of course, but he was actually moving further and further away from his camp, and deeper and deeper toward the center of the forest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After about an hour of doing this, Bert, tired and hungry, dropped to the ground and leaned back against a tree trunk. It was at this moment that a small bit of color caught his eye. He squinted in the darkness. In a small clearing about twenty feet away from him, moonlight shone down and illuminated some small, colorful object on the ground. Bert got to his feet and walked towards it. The clearing was about ten feet wide, and a covering of straw carpeted the ground of the entire clearing, and in the middle of the clearing was an small egg, about the size of a chicken egg. Bert took a step forward, and the straw crackled under his feet. Upon closer inspection, he could see that the egg was a light sky-blue color, but, strangely enough, two wavy bands of yellow circled around the width of the egg near the top and bottom. Between the two bands was a ring of pink dots, evenly spaced around the egg. It was a colorful little pattern, but Bert didnât give it much thought. When he saw the egg, he saw food. Bert leaned down toward the egg. He reached for it. His fingers closed around the egg.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bert stood up and held the egg in the beam of moonlight to get a better look at it. Such a colorful egg should make a tasty meal, he thought to himself. Then, the colors of the egg dimmed. Bert was momentarily confused as to why this happened, until he realized that something must have been blocking the moonlight shining down through the clearing. A low growling came from above. Nervously, Bert looked up. A dark shape silhouetted against the moonlight hung above him. The bird&#039;s features were completely hidden by the darkness, except for its two red, gleaming eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Paradox Rogues had just finished their nutritious (even if not especially delicious) ration bars, and climbed into their tents to go to sleep for the night. One of the Rogues called out&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHey, does anyone know if Bert has returned yet? Heâs been gone for a while.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI dunno, he probably got lost. Still, the map on his helmetâs HUD should tell him how to get back to camp. Donât worry, heâll be fine.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Suddenly, a bloodcurdling scream filled woods. Just as suddenly, it ended.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Good thing Bert never got a chance to eat those green and orange mushrooms, because they were poisonous and would have made him really sick and uncomfortable for over a week.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cue intro music.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
https://youtu.be/-RcPZdihrp4&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
~ ~ ~&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the forest...&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHiya!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSlice!!!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYou shall not prevail, evil sorcerer!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDie, red star monster!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âKapow!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Three figures ran through the forest. They were all wearing average (slightly dirty) clothes, but over those clothes they wore shoddy wooden armor. One of them held a wooden sword, another a staff with a pinecone at the end, and the third a wooden bow with a few sticks for arrows. They were just a few young boys in their preteens, and they ran through the forest smacking trees with their wooden weapons while shouting their ferocious battle cries such as âPunch attack!â and âWoosh! Fireball!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Now, the kids had been in the forest quite a bit to put the beatdown on the tree trunks, and so there was no fear of them becoming lost. However, this particular night was not one during which one should be out in the woods, let alone out in the woods making a ton of noise by hitting trees and screaming about it. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
They were in the middle of abusing some poor birch tree and shouting âDown with the evil space robots!â when they heard a rustling behind them. They all slowly turned around in unison. The bushes shook, and the three boys readied their wooden weapons. Then, the bushes parted, and out stepped a young girl.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIf youâre a Dude, prepare to get destroyed!â One of the boys cried out, brandishing his bow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âObviously sheâs not a dude!â the boy with the staff said, punching the boy with the wooden bow in the arm. âSheâs a girl!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo, I mean one of the Dudes that my dad talks about. Iâve heard him talking about the evil Dude soldiers.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell, obviously sheâs not a soldier! And sheâs not evil either,â The kid with the sword said. âYouâre not evil, are, you?â He asked, turning to the girl.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She said nothing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSee!â The kid with the bow cried out. âShe wonât deny being evil!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSheâs probably just shy!â The kid with the wooden sword retorted. Turning back to the girl, he said âHi. Iâm Matthew. The kid there with the staff is Sean, and the one with the bow is Isaiah. Whatâs your name?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She said nothing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell, this is getting boring. Letâs get back to fighting monsters!â Isaiah said, kicking a tree.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYeah!â Sean called out, pointing his staff at a tree. âFireball!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The tree exploded loudly, sending wood chips flying into the air. The three boys stood there, gaping.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDid I do that?â Sean asked, looking at his staff.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo, idiot, she did that,â Isaiah replied, pointing at the girl, whose hand was still outstretched toward the tree.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWoah!â Matthew exclaimed. âThatâs awesome!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âItâs like I actually shot a fireball at the tree!â Sean cried out. âWe should call the girl...Fireball! How about Firegirl? Or, better yet, Flameo!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Isaiah facepalmed. âThatâs a dumb name.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell, do you have a better one?â Sean retorted.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHow about Ember?â Matthew prompted.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Isaiah shrugged. âYeah, that sounds cool enough. What does Ember mean?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âUm, I donât know, I heard my dad use it, and I think it has something to do with fire.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGood enough for me,â Sean stated.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSo Ember,â Matthew asked the girl. âWhat are you doing around here? There arenât any animals in the woods to hunt, so no one ever goes here.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ember said nothing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell, anyway, do you want to help us fight monsters?â Matthew asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat, no!â Isaiah objected. âWe canât just let outsiders into our questing group!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDude! She blew up a tree!â Sean pointed out.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThen what if she is a monster?â Isaiah challenged.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat, no! Of course she isnât a monster!â Matthew cried. âSheâs just a girl!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBut canât some monsters disguise themselves as people?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI donât know of any monsters that do that!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell if you donât know of them, then that makes them even more dangerous!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Due to their heated arguing, they failed to notice that something was blocking out the dim evening glow that was previously shining down. Ember, however, noticed, and looked up, but whatever it was had already passed. The three boys continued arguing until Sean stumbled over something on the ground. He looked down and saw that it was a colorful orange egg with wavy green and red patterns. All three of the boys immediately stopped arguing and leaned over to get a closer look at the egg. Their arguing was forgotten, replaced by curiosity.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat do you think it is?â Sean asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAn egg, obviously,â Isaiah pointed out.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYeah, but what type of egg?â Matthew said in reply.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âItâs probably a monster egg!â Isaiah exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNot everything has to be a monster, you know!â Matthew cried out.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNot everything, but everything in these woods! Nothing good ever came out of these woods.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHey!â Called out Sean, who had wandered some distance away. âThereâs another egg over here in the hollow of this tree!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The two other boys and Ember all ran over there to see what Sean was talking about. There, just as Sean had said, was a bright neon green egg with yellow and purple patterns.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âItâs quite colorful,â Sean observed while reaching out toward the egg. His fingers wrapped around it, and he pulled it out from the tree. At that moment, a shadow loomed over them, blocking out the dim evening light. Sean looked up, and found himself staring directly into a pair of red, gleaming eyes. His mouth dropped open, and he dropped the egg.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âRun!â He screamed. Sean and Matthew, glancing up and seeing the monstrous shape above them, lost no time in following suit. As Matthew ran past Ember, he grabbed her arm and dragged her after him. The large bird, hidden in shadow, bounded after the four kids, rapidly gaining on them. Ember stopped running, turned around, and thrust her hands forward in the direction of the bird. A blast of force obliterated all the trees between Ember and the bird and sent the bird flying backwards, but as soon as it touched the ground the bird regained its footing and continued it pursuit after the children. Matthew, Sean, and Isiah fled toward the edge of the forest, but Ember had other plans. She reached out with her hand toward them, and immediately, involuntarily, they changed direction to follow Ember deeper into the forest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat are you doing?â Sean screamed. âWe have to get out of the forest to escape!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSheâs going to kill us all! I knew she couldnât be trusted!â Isaiah screamed back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe have to trust her!â Matthew called out. âMaybe she has a plan!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
They kept running. Multiple times, the bird nearly reached them, but Ember used her powers send shards of wood flying toward the bird, or cause trees to fall on top of it. Each time, however, this only slowed it down slightly before it was right back on their tail, but they slowly and steadily increased the distance between themselves and the bird, until it was eventually out of sight. The four kids reached a very large clearing about a hundred feet wide in the center of the forest. There was straw covering the ground of the clearing, and colorful eggs were littered all across the straw. All of the trees surrounding the clearing were scarred by deep claw marks, and there were tufts of white fur caught on the treeâs branches. In the very center of the clearing was a single tree. It wasnât especially impressive, but there werenât any claw marks on its golden-brown bark. Its branches were bare, but at the base of the tree bluish-silver leaves had piled up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhy did you take us here?â Matthew asked Ember.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She said nothing, of course.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ember walked forward toward the tree, and the three boys, not knowing what else to do, followed her. She stopped in front of the tree, and so the boys stopped too. She didnât do anything for a secant, and so Sean, curious about the tree, reached toward the tree. He taken aback as some sort of invisible field between him and the tree pulsed blue for a moment and pushed his hand to the side. The push on his hand wasnât especially forceful, yet Sean was unable to resist it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âItâs some sort of magic tree,â Matthew observed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ember continued standing in front of the tree with her arms stretched out toward it and her eyes closed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In the distance, the kids could hear the crashing of trees as the bird ran through the forest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhatever youâre doing, hurry it up!â Sean cried out to Ember.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At that moment the invisible field surrounding the tree reappeared with a transparent blue color. Ember slowly moved her hands, which were still pointed toward the forcefield, away from each other, and as she did so, a small gap in the field opened up. As she kept moving her hands away from each other, the gap opened wider and wider.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The crashing created by the pursuing bird grew louder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ember continued gradually and steadily moving her hands apart to widen the gap in the forcefield until her hands were fully extended to the side, and the gap was wide enough to walk through. Sean dashed through the gap in forcefield, with Isaiah right behind him. Matthew was about to follow suit, until he looked back to see where Ember was. She had fainted. The crashing of the bird was much louder, now, and was rapidly growing louder, but Matthew did not hesitate to run back toward Ember to drag her through the forcefield. He wasnât making much progress, however, and Sean and Isiah, seeing this, ran back out from within the forcefield to help Matthew drag the Ember into the forcefield.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Sean, looking back toward the gap in the forcefield, cried out âThe gap is shrinking! Itâs growing smaller now that Ember isnât awake to keep it open.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe have to hurry up!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
If they needed any more incentive to hurry out, they were about to get it. At that moment, the bird bounded in the clearing. In the open clearing, the bird was no longer hidden by shadow, and the boys got a good look at the monstrous beast. It was large, about the size of a horse, and was completely covered with white fur. It had disproportionate features; its head, fixed atop a thin neck, was absurdly large, nearly the same size as its body, and its legs were long and spindly, but despite its irregular proportions and immense size, it was clearly a pigeon. Long, thin ears jutted out from atop the pigeon&#039;s head, and whiskers splayed out from its nose. A round tail was affixed above its two hind legs. At the front of both its upper and lower jaw were two large, flat buck teeth; however, all every other tooth besides these thinned to a razor sharp point. Saliva dripped between the birdâs teeth and to the ground. It raised it head up and its nose twitched as it sniffed the air. Smelling its prey, its beady red eyes snapped around to affix themselves on the three terrified boys trying to drag the unconscious ember through the forcefield gap. The monstrous pigeon pounced at the children, but they managed to scramble through the forcefield just in time, and the pigeon was repulsed by the magical field which sent it flying to the edge of the clearing where it crashed into a tree. In seconds, the bird was back on its feet and rushing toward them. It thrust its muzzle through the gap in the forcefield, snapped at the kids, and managed to grab Seanâs leg in its mouth. It shook Sean back and forth by its leg before dragging him halfway out of the forcefield, but Isaiah lept forward and grabbed Seanâs hand. The bird was too powerful, however, and simply continued dragging both of them out from the forcefield. Seeing this, Matthew lept forward and grabbed Isaiahâs leg, and with his other hand he grabbed the strange tree surrounded by the force field. As the gap in the forcefield continued shirking, it slowly closed around Sean, threatening to crush him. Staring into the large red eyes of the bloodthirsty pigeon only a few feet away from his own, Sean began screaming&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âPull harder! Iâm not ready to die, whether it be ripped apart by a monster or crushed by a forcefield!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Normally, three young kids would have been no match for the strength of the powerful beast, but as Matthew gripped the strange tree a surge of power entered his veins. He dug his feet into the ground, and with a surge of strength pulled Sean free from the pigeonâs jaws. They all fell backward Â into the forcefield only seconds before it closed around them.&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Protected from the beast by the field, the three kids inspected the strange tree closely for the first time. Its golden-brown bark wasnât shiny like actual gold, but it definitely had a golden hue. The silver-blue leaves that had fallen around the tree, on the other hand, did shine with a soft glow. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âLook!â Sean called out, pointing at Matthewâs wooden sword, which was strapped to his back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The sword had transformed! It had changed from a plain wooden sword into...a less plain wooden sword. The dull brown wood that had previously composed the sword had transformed into a golden brown wood of the same color as the bark of the nearby tree. Across the flat of the blade were intricate swirly designs made out of the same blue-silver color of the fallen leaves. Matthew drew the blade and swung it around. Still made out of wood, the sword was quite light.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI think the tree must have done this,â Matthew contemplated.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAlrighty then!â Sean exclaimed, reaching for the tree with one hand and grasping his staff in the other. As his fingers brushed the tree, he felt a surge of power, and the staffâs hue shifted from plain brown to the epic golden-brown of the tree. All along the staff materialized runes of the silver-blue color, and the pinecone atop the staff changed to silver-blue as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Isaiah reached for the tree as well. His bow changed to the golden-brown with silver blue designs on it, and the sticks he used as arrows also changed to the silver-blue color.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHey, Iâm sorry about earlier,â Isaiah said to Matthew. âI didnât really mean it when I said Ember was a monster. I guess I just got caught up in the argument.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDonât worry about itâ Matthew replied, smiling.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWelp, now that everyone&#039;s on good terms again, how about we figure out what on earth weâre going to do about that?â Sean asked, gesturing to the pigeon which was clawing at the forcefield from the outside, trying to get at the kids.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe fight!â Matthew stated. âWe have to protect Ember.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âLetâs kick some monster brick!â Isaiah cried out.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Sean reached toward where the forcefield, now invisible, previously was. His handed wasnât pushed to the side like before.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI guess the forcefield is one way,â he commented.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIn that case,â Matthew called out, âCHAAAAAAAARGE!!!!!!!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The three kids stormed out of the force field toward the monster pigeon. It swiveled its head toward them, opened its mouth, and roared, but the kids, filled with bravery and stupidity, were not daunted by the terrifying roar. As they charged, Sean pointed his staff at the monster and shouted âFireball!â Given all the crazy stuff that had happened up to that point, he wasnât all that surprised when a surge of energy coursed through his arm, the silver runes on his staff began glowing bright blue, and he felt the heat of a blue fireball shooting from his staff at the pigeon. The blue fire licked at the pigeonâs white fur, and the bird roar in pain. Angry, the pigeon leapt at Sean and swiped at him with its claws, but Isaiah drew back his bow and fired multiple shots at the pigeonâs eyes. The arrows exploded into blue fragments as they hit its eyes, blinding it and causing it to miss its swipes at Sean. While the bird was blinded, Matthew ran forward and leapt into the air. In mid air, he shifted his grip on his wooden sword so that it was pointed straight down, and blue flames appeared along the swordâs blade. He plunged the blade into the fel birdâs head, and the bird reared back back, screeching wildly. Then it fell, lifeless. The bird&#039;s white hair burned away revealing its pink skin. Then its skin withered away, and once the skin had completely disappeared, itâs body exploded into a bunch of small chocolate candies, which rained down around the clearing. The three kids didnât eat any of the candies, of course, because only a idiot would eat candy made out of the carcass of a dead pigeon monster.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe did it!â Sean exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Matthew turned around back toward the magic tree where the unconscious form of Ember had been lying. She was gone. Matthew sighed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHey, cheer up Matt,â Isaiah said. âWe just killed our first real monster!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The three boys shouted exuberantly at the same time.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;~~~&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
All across the forest, small, colorful eggs began wobbling back and forth. A small tapping noise came from within each one. Something was trying to get out. Then, the egg shells cracked, and out of each egg crawled a tiny baby Pigeon. :O :O :O :O :O&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;~~~&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAnd THAT is why you donât take candy that you find lying around the forest. Also, donât take candy from strangers. Or from Paradox Rogues. In fact, donât take candy period. Itâs bad for your teeth. THE END!â The woman finished her narration.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The children looked at her awestruck. It had never occurred to them that events like the Easter Egg Hunt would have such a history behind them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWill you tell us about the 4th of July, too?â asked one of them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The woman laughed âPerhaps another day! Itâs too late now! You need to go home now!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
And while the children walked away disappointed, the storyteller watched the sunset. And Lady Jonna sighed in remembrance of better timesâ¦&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Stories by Ninjago Builders]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:The Additional Manuscripts]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Stories]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=A_Hallowe%27en_Mystery&amp;diff=9636</id>
		<title>A Hallowe&#039;en Mystery</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=A_Hallowe%27en_Mystery&amp;diff=9636"/>
		<updated>2018-04-01T20:54:37Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;âwutz awl dis?â thedude exclaimed angrily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âErm, well, uhâ¦â the captain of the guards stuttered. He gestured helplessly at the spectacle which incited the dude&#039;s wrath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Every one of the Red Mythrans assigned to guarding thedudeâs castle had left their posts. They had grouped up into a sphere, floating about a quarter mile above the castle, and were all focusing on projecting a red forcefield around their sphere of mythrans. Every single one of them was completely motionless.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âyu rad mitrens yu git bak to yoor powsts! i neever sed yu kud stahp garding meh!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Every single one of them remained completely motionless.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
ânoos wa dunt dey liten tu meh!?!?!!!?!?!?!?!??!????!?!?!!!!? dey hev nevar disubayed meh bifor!!!!!!!!!?!!!??!!!!!!!!!!!!!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
thedude stamped his foot on the ground again and again in anger.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âErm, lord thedude, weâve been receiving reports that the Red Mythrans at every one of our outposts are acting the same way; theyâve all gathered in a sphere floating a considerable distance off the ground, and are projecting a forcefield around them.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
ânaw dat i thinc abowt id, de rad mitrens hev ben akting strengli. dey did nat alweys obay meh emedatly ahd i hed to ahsk tweyce. lahrd tehdude shud neveh hev te ahsk tweyce!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He stamped his foot some more.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSir great lord thedude, the men are growing uneasy. Rumors are circulating that the Red Mythrans sense danger.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âweel too bahd! mahk dem wurk dubl tiem te replece teh mytrens unteel te mitrans goes bahk te narml!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âRight away lord thedude!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meanwhile, somewhere else...&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHey, uh, sergeant? Whatâs up with our Red Mythran? Itâs just been floating in the air above the middle of the camp projecting a force field around itself,â said a Paradox Rogue newbie.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThatâs strange; Iâll call HQ about it.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The sergeant picked up the phone at his desk, punched in the number, and put it to his ear.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBwooooooooop. Bwooooooooop. Bwooooooooop. You have reached the Red Mythran tech support. All of our representatives are busy with other calls right now. Please remain on hold until one of our representatives can help you; there are (at this point the voice switched from the prerecorded message to a robotic number text-reader voice) 973 (the voice switched back) people on hold ahead of you.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The captain put down the phone and looked at the newbie with his most serious face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWeâre on our own now.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
~ ~ ~&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The sergeant, the newbie, and all the other Paradox Rogues of the small rogue outpost gathered to look at the solitary Red Mythran hovering above the center of the camp.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAw man! Not only does HQ only send us one Red Mythran, but they send us a faulty one to boot! Look at him! Heâs not even doing anything!â cried out the newbie.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
An old, senior Paradox Rogue hobbled up behind the newbie.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYou know, it is rumored that the Red Mythrans instinctively sense danger. However, this has never been proven, since never before has there been anything powerful enough to pose a threat to a Red Mythran.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Murmurs passed throughout all the Paradox Rogues as the senior rogue said this.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat could be dangerous enough to make a Red Mythran act this way?â âWhat should we do?â âDo you think weâre safe?â âAre we out of coffee?â âDid you check the cupboard?â âYeah, but the cupboard was nine-headed-man-eating-sheep bare.â âI like coffee.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSTOP TALKING ABOUT COFFEE!!!!â The sergeant roared.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Everyone stopped talking about coffee. In fact, talking stopped completely. Whether that was because no one was talking about anything besides coffee, or because they were intimidated by the sergeantâs yelling, we will never know.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âEveryone back to work! If we donât have the Red Mythran to help out, well then that just means weâll have to work double time!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Grumbling passed throughout all the Paradox Rogues.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAw man.â âDouble time?!?! As in, double the normal amount of time?!?!?!â âI just checked the cupboard, there&#039;s no coffee at all!â âBut the cupboard was full just yesterday!â âI like coffee.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSTOP TALKING ABOUT COFFEE!!!!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
This time everyone stopped talking, except for one rogue who kept talking about doughnuts.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAND DOUGHNUTS!!!!â the sergeant roared.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Everyone stopped talking.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Everything went okay. As okay as things can go when youâre forced to work double time, which is double the normal amount of time.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Untilâ¦&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHey look! It looks like our RM is shaking!â He pointed to the Red Mythran floating above the middle of the camp.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYouâre right! Itâs trembling for some reason!!!â âIt must be out of fear!â âWho knows how long itâs been floating up there, where thereâs no coffee.â âI like coffee.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As it turns out, the Red Mythran was not trembling due to coffee deprivation. It was trembling due to its instinctual sense of danger.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Suddenly, there was a loud crackle as a dark line cut the Red Mythranâs red forcefield in half. The Red Mythran flashed out of view for less than a second, as if a shadow had passed in front of it, and then its body fell limp to the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
All across Militiregnum, Red Mythrans were turning up dead. The Red Mythrans gathered in large numbers, such as those over thedudeâs castle, passed an uneventful knight. However, small groups of Mythrans, and lone Red Mythrans assigned to the more remote Paradox Rogue outposts, were completely dead. Totally dead. Yet there wasnât a single mark on them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
ânoes!!!!!!! dis cahnt beh hapensing! Nohs! nooooooohs!!!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âItâs pronounced ânoo,â master. Same pronunciation as âmoo.ââ&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âawr yus quesshuning mehs?â the dude exclaimed, flabbergasted by Lord Vladekâs insubordination.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo, of course not great lord.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
thedude smiled. âdahts wat i thot.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWheel, hoapfulee teh mytrens stahp daihing bah tewmoro. daht wud bes nyse.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Red Mythrans didnât stop dying.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âanee tahm naw, yoos cahn stahp daihing!!!â thedude yelled angrily at the cluster of Red Mythrans hovering above his castle. âeets ben deys an yus haf naht stawped dahing! i ordar yu tu stahp!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Red Mythrans did not reply. Frustrated, thedude called for his adviser.&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âvledik! i neads yor advais!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
No one answered.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âvledik! wer ar yu?!??!?!?!?!!!!!!?!?!?!????!?!?!?!!!!!!â thedude screached.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
~ ~ ~&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI donât know what to make of it, Sir! Thereâs not a mark on the Red Mythranâs body at all!â the sergeant said, gesturing to the body of the deceased Red Mythran.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;It ainât easy for us, me and my men, out here at this remote outpost with just a single Red Mythran to help us keep order. I donât know what weâll do without our RM!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âJust tell me what occurred 2 nights ago,â Vladek demanded.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell me and my men, we were just minding our own business, working double time (thatâs double the normal amount of time, you know).â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes, yes, I knowâ Vladek snapped impatiently.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âMy men, theyâre good men. Sure, they can get distracted with coffee sometimes, but other than that, theyâre always focused on the job.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Vladek raised an eyebrow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âCoffee you say? Hmmâ¦â He turned away, stroking his chin thoughtfully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Yes Sir,&amp;quot;  the Sergeant affirmed. &amp;quot;Why, there was this one soldier who was nonstop mentioning how he loved coffee.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Vladek nodded thoughtfully. Then he turned back toward the sergeant. âDo you think I could talk to this soldier?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOf course sir!â the sergeant blew his whistle, and all the Paradox Rogues stationed at that outpost lined up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThatâs all of them?â Vladek inquired.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes sir,â the sergeant replied.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhich one of you,â Vladek said, turning toward the Paradox Rogues lined up, âIs the one who repeatedly declared his love of coffee?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
No one stepped forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Vladek rubbed his chin some more. He turned to the sergeant.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âCould show me exactly where the Red Mythran body was found?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOf course Sir!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The sergeant exited the tent and hurried over to the ground at the center of the camp. Vladek strode, purposefully yet not hastily, just behind.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIt was right here where the Red Mythranâs body fell after it was killed,â the sergeant explained.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Vladek kneeled down and inspected the dry dirt of the ground. There were some dark black granules mixed in with the dirt. He grabbed some between his thumb and pointer finger and rubbed those fingers together, feeling the granules.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Vladek pulled out a map quickly, and pointed to some woods marked on it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe are nearby the black coffee magic woods, are we not?â Vladek inquired.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYes sir, but we donât dare go near those! Those woods are haunted! It is said that the woods themselves want to smash you! Itâs a pity, though, itâs rumored that at the center of the woods are the greatest tasting coffee trees in existence!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThank you. You served your purpose,â Vladek replied curtly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Vladek strode off.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
~ ~ ~&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After a few hours of walking, Vladek reached his destination, and the sun was low on the horizon. Vladek was at the black coffee magic woods. He entered the woods. It was strangely dark, darker than it should have been, even in woods. Despite the darkness, the light from the setting sun struggled through the trees and made it into the forest as a dim, blood red glow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Suddenly, a loud cracking noise filled the air as a large tree fell down toward Vladek! Unfazed, Vladek sliced his sword in front of him in an overhead motion, splitting the tree in half, leaving Vladek unscathed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Vladek pushed further into the woods, the sun finally set completely. A chilling fog enveloped Vladek. He stopped walking.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âShow yourself!â He called out into the fog.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A dark form appeared. Itâs head, and its twisted limbs were completely hidden by a ragged grey cloak. Whether he was standing or floating was uncertain, as his lower torse was hidden by the ragged cloak as well. Ice formed on the ground around the figure, and the air itself seemed to freeze whenever he exhaled a raspy breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHere,â the form spoke in a hollow, cold, reverberating voice. âyou come to die.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Vladek raised an eyebrow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAll of you must die. The red beings; I can sense their immense power. They are unnatural, and must be destroyed. When the those red beings approached my woods, I sensed their power, and they awoke me from my slumber. They must die. They all must die. I can sense your power too; how convenient that you came straight to me to be destroyed. You were foolish to face me on tonight of all nights, on Halloween night when my power is the strongest! Now, you die.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The form let out an ear splitting screech, and faster than humanly possible, it&#039;s arm, flashed from hanging limply at its side to being outstretched straight at Vladek. It&#039;s now outstretched hand was now made visible. A twisted finger covered in grey skin was pointed straight at Vladek. Suddenly, the formâs body lurched forward toward Vladek, which its arm and finger still outstretched. As the form reached Vladek, Vladek blocked the formâs finger with his metal glove. Tendrils of ice spread across the glove from where the form had touched it, but they did not spread beyond the glove.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBut...how?â the form questioned, shocked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Vladek smirked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI knew I would be facing against a pigeon. Even a simpleton could have figured it out. You were careless; not even a challenge, I would say.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNO!â The pigeon screeched. The pigeon backed up from Vladek, outstretched both its hands toward him, and unleashed a wave of frost.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Vladek swiped his sword, and the frost dissipated.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBut how?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âVery few remain alive who are knowledgeable about the creatures of Militiregnum. Why, there are probably no more than 5 people left alive who even know of Militiregnum pigeons. but for those of us who do know, why, it is common knowledge that the pigeons must consume power, and, if unable to consume power, then they must consume coffee in its stead. It was no difficulty figuring out that you resided here in the Black Coffee Magic woods.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âItâs not fair!â the pigeon lamented. âI came to these woods based on the promise that at their center were the best tasting coffee trees in the universe. Well, they were right. The trees taste amazing but the coffee is terrible!â the pigeon burst into tears. âthe coffee is terrible! *sob*â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âPathetic,â Vladek spat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The pigeon screeched in anger, and repeatedly shot blasts of frost from its hands at Vladek. Vladek deftly sidestepped and dodged each one.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI also know that you got past the Paradox Rogueâs guards by posing as one of them.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat!â the pigeon gasped. âBut how could you know! My disguise was foolproof! They too like coffee, so all I had to do was repeat over and over again about how I loved coffee, and it would make me relatable and inconspicuous!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAh, but thatâs where youâre wrong. Your repeated statements about your love of coffee only made you appear weird and self-absorbed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo, no, no, it canât be! Nooooooooo!â The pigeon sank to its knees, helpless.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYou pronounce noo correctly; I respect that,â Vladek stated as he delivered the final blow and the pigeon dissolved into dust.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
~ ~ ~&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âvelik, wer hav yu ben?!?!!?!?!1!??!?!!??!?!?!?!!!!!??!?!???!?!?!?? yew fahled, i neded yos advays, baht yu wer naht ther! lukily, ah sucedewd ba ordaring teh rad mitrens to stahp dahing, an dey stahped dahing ahs i sed.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYou truely are increadible, Lord thedude,â Vladek replied.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
~ ~ ~&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThatâs why you shouldnât drink coffee because it stunts your growth.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The children looked at him awestruck. It had never occurred to them that popular adult sayings such as âcoffee stunts your growthâ could have such epic backstories.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âOh yeah, also these events occurred on Halloween, so thereâs that too,â the man added.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWill you tell us why television is bad for our eyes, too?â asked one of them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The man laughed. âMUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Perhaps another dark and stormy night! Itâs too late now! You need to go to bed now!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
And while the future dark knights ran to their castle rooms disappointed, the storyteller watched the soft glow towns burning off in the distance. And Lord Vladek sighed in remembrance of better times.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;nowiki/&amp;gt;&#039;&#039;&#039;[[Category:Stories]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:The Additional Manuscripts]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Stories by Ninjago Builders]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=The_Uneggsplainable_Events_on_the_Night_Before_the_First_Sunday_Following_the_First_Full_Moon_After_the_Vernal_Equinox.&amp;diff=7242</id>
		<title>The Uneggsplainable Events on the Night Before the First Sunday Following the First Full Moon After the Vernal Equinox.</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=The_Uneggsplainable_Events_on_the_Night_Before_the_First_Sunday_Following_the_First_Full_Moon_After_the_Vernal_Equinox.&amp;diff=7242"/>
		<updated>2018-04-01T20:52:20Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: :O :O :O :O :O :O :O&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[File:Bunny.jpg|centre|thumb|360x360px]]&lt;br /&gt;
As the rain drizzled down, a squad of Paradox Rogues huddled around their small campfire in the middle of the dark forest. They had built their fire underneath a particularly dense patch of the forest, so that the leaves of the trees above them protected them from the brunt of the cold, heavy rainfall. Nonetheless, the occasional drop of water would slip through the leafy roof overhead and splash on the fire, dimming it considerably and making a loud hissing sound. The Rogues had already set up their tents around the fire, and they were currently consuming their bland, yet nutritious, rations. To keep their spirits up, the Rogues told each other scary stories, such as the one about the mutant nine-headed sheep bears who had gained sentience and waged war on humanity. After one of the rogues finished telling that story, another shared a few of the many rumors circulating about the mysterious wizard who had once wrecked havoc on the Paradox Rogue forces, but had later disappeared without a trace. Most, if not all, of the rumors were false, of course, but that didnât make them any less scary. Following that, another Rogue shared the story of the insane ninja who roamed the forest ambushing passersby and stealing their food. He finished his story, and one of the rogues stated âBert, that story wasnât scary at all. I mean really, stealing peopleâs food? How is that supposed to be scary?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
All the other Rogues nodded in agreement.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYeah Bert,â another berated. âMaybe if it was a scary story about an insane ninja who slit peopleâs throats in their sleep, it would be scary. But stealing food? Thatâs lame.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âItâs not lame! Not having food is a serious and terrifying prospect!â The Rogue, Bert, who told the lame story retorted. âIâd give anything for some good food right now! All we have are these crappy ration bars to eat.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHey, donât complain. They might not be delicious, but they sure are nutritious!â The Rogue who said this grinned and took a bite out of his ration bar. His grin died slightly at the terrible taste of the bar.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAnything would be better than these bars!â Bert moaned, throwing his bar into the forest where is disappeared in the darkness. âIâm going to scavenge for some real food,â he declared.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNah man, wait until tomorrow when itâs light. You wonât find anything in the darkness anyway.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bert didnât heed this advice, and went off into the woods.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bert trudged through the dark, tripping over roots and stumbling over bushes invisible into the darkness. After a while, he looked back and saw the glow of the squadâs campfire some distance away. He mumbled to himself, probably something about showing them once he found a ton of delicious food and they would all be begging him to share with them. Finally (it took him long enough), Bert had the bright idea of turning on the night vision feature of his Paradox Marauder gear so that he could actually see what he was doing. He found a few hard (inedible) nuts, some green and orange mushrooms, a pinecone, and some porcuberries, which, while edible and sweet, are completely covered with sharp prickly spines. Luckily for Bert, he was wearing the gloves that came with his Marauder gear, so he didnât fill his hand with needles when plucked the berries from the porcubush. Halfway through de-berry-ifying the porcubush, Bertâs night vision helmet began flickering rapidly. A secant later, it went out. Bert cursed, and asked no one in particular âWhy the brick does technology always stop working at the worst possible times? Brick this planet and its weird, bricking technology problems.â Yes, Bert had a bit of a swearing problem. Either that, or he just really liked bricks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bert looked all around him, trying to spot the glow of his squadâs campfire, but it was nowhere to be seen. There was nothing but darkness, and weathered tree trunks. Had Bert looked closer at those tree trunks, he would have noticed large, deep claw marks gouged in their sides&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With absolutely no idea of what direction his camp was in, Bert stumbled around blindly through the forest. Bert had no way of knowing this, of course, but he was actually moving further and further away from his camp, and deeper and deeper toward the center of the forest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
After about an hour of doing this, Bert, tired and hungry, dropped to the ground and leaned back against a tree trunk. It was at this moment that a small bit of color caught his eye. He squinted in the darkness. In a small clearing about twenty feet away from him, moonlight shone down and illuminated some small, colorful object on the ground. Bert got to his feet and walked towards it. The clearing was about ten feet wide, and a covering of straw carpeted the ground of the entire clearing, and in the middle of the clearing was an small egg, about the size of a chicken egg. Bert took a step forward, and the straw crackled under his feet. Upon closer inspection, he could see that the egg was a light sky-blue color, but, strangely enough, two wavy bands of yellow circled around the width of the egg near the top and bottom. Between the two bands was a ring of pink dots, evenly spaced around the egg. It was a colorful little pattern, but Bert didnât give it much thought. When he saw the egg, he saw food. Bert leaned down toward the egg. He reached for it. His fingers closed around the egg.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bert stood up and held the egg in the beam of moonlight to get a better look at it. Such a colorful egg should make a tasty meal, he thought to himself. Then, the colors of the egg dimmed. Bert was momentarily confused as to why this happened, until he realized that something must have been blocking the moonlight shining down through the clearing. A low growling came from above. Nervously, Bert looked up. A dark shape silhouetted against the moonlight hung above him. The creatures features were completely hidden by the darkness, except for its two red, gleaming eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The Paradox Rogues had just finished their nutritious (even if not especially delicious) ration bars, and climbed into their tents to go to sleep for the night. One of the Rogues called out&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHey, does anyone know if Bert has returned yet? Heâs been gone for a while.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI dunno, he probably got lost. Still, the map on his helmetâs HUD should tell him how to get back to camp. Donât worry, heâll be fine.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Suddenly, a bloodcurdling scream filled woods. Just as suddenly, it ended.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Good thing Bert never got a chance to eat those green and orange mushrooms, because they were poisonous and would have made him really sick and uncomfortable for over a week.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cue intro music.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
https://youtu.be/-RcPZdihrp4&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
~ ~ ~&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the forest...&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHiya!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSlice!!!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYou shall not prevail, evil sorcerer!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDie, red star monster!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âKapow!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Three figures ran through the forest. They were all wearing average (slightly dirty) clothes, but over those clothes they wore shoddy wooden armor. One of them held a wooden sword, another a staff with a pinecone at the end, and the third a wooden bow with a few sticks for arrows. They were just a few young boys in their preteens, and they ran through the forest smacking trees with their wooden weapons while shouting their ferocious battle cries such as âPunch attack!â and âWoosh! Fireball!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Now, the kids had been in the forest quite a bit to put the beatdown on the tree trunks, and so there was no fear of them becoming lost. However, this particular night was not one during which one should be out in the woods, let alone out in the woods making a ton of noise by hitting trees and screaming about it. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
They were in the middle of abusing some poor birch tree and shouting âDown with the evil space robots!â when they heard a rustling behind them. They all slowly turned around in unison. The bushes shook, and the three boys readied their wooden weapons. Then, the bushes parted, and out stepped a young girl.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIf youâre a Dude, prepare to get destroyed!â One of the boys cried out, brandishing his bow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âObviously sheâs not a dude!â the boy with the staff said, punching the boy with the wooden bow in the arm. âSheâs a girl!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo, I mean one of the Dudes that my dad talks about. Iâve heard him talking about the evil Dude soldiers.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell, obviously sheâs not a soldier! And sheâs not evil either,â The kid with the sword said. âYouâre not evil, are, you?â He asked, turning to the girl.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She said nothing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSee!â The kid with the bow cried out. âShe wonât deny being evil!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSheâs probably just shy!â The kid with the wooden sword retorted. Turning back to the girl, he said âHi. Iâm Matthew. The kid there with the staff is Sean, and the one with the bow is Isaiah. Whatâs your name?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She said nothing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell, this is getting boring. Letâs get back to fighting monsters!â Isaiah said, kicking a tree.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYeah!â Sean called out, pointing his staff at a tree. âFireball!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The tree exploded loudly, sending wood chips flying into the air. The three boys stood there, gaping.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDid I do that?â Sean asked, looking at his staff.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNo, idiot, she did that,â Isaiah replied, pointing at the girl, whose hand was still outstretched toward the tree.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWoah!â Matthew exclaimed. âThatâs awesome!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âItâs like I actually shot a fireball at the tree!â Sean cried out. âWe should call the girl...Fireball! How about Firegirl? Or, better yet, Flameo!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Isaiah facepalmed. âThatâs a dumb name.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell, do you have a better one?â Sean retorted.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHow about Ember?â Matthew prompted.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Isaiah shrugged. âYeah, that sounds cool enough. What does Ember mean?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âUm, I donât know, I heard my dad use it, and I think it has something to do with fire.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âGood enough for me,â Sean stated.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSo Ember,â Matthew asked the girl. âWhat are you doing around here? There arenât any animals in the woods to hunt, so no one ever goes here.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ember said nothing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell, anyway, do you want to help us fight monsters?â Matthew asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat, no!â Isaiah objected. âWe canât just let outsiders into our questing group!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDude! She blew up a tree!â Sean pointed out.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âThen what if she is a monster?â Isaiah challenged.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat, no! Of course she isnât a monster!â Matthew cried. âSheâs just a girl!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âBut canât some monsters disguise themselves as people?â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI donât know of any monsters that do that!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWell if you donât know of them, then that makes them even more dangerous!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Due to their heated arguing, they failed to notice that something was blocking out the dim evening glow that was previously shining down. Ember, however, noticed, and looked up, but whatever it was had already passed. The three boys continued arguing until Sean stumbled over something on the ground. He looked down and saw that it was a colorful orange egg with wavy green and red patterns. All three of the boys immediately stopped arguing and leaned over to get a closer look at the egg. Their arguing was forgotten, replaced by curiosity.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat do you think it is?â Sean asked.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAn egg, obviously,â Isaiah pointed out.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âYeah, but what type of egg?â Matthew said in reply.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âItâs probably a monster egg!â Isaiah exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNot everything has to be a monster, you know!â Matthew cried out.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âNot everything, but everything in these woods! Nothing good ever came out of these woods.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHey!â Called out Sean, who had wandered some distance away. âThereâs another egg over here in the hollow of this tree!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The two other boys and Ember all ran over there to see what Sean was talking about. There, just as Sean had said, was a bright neon green egg with yellow and purple patterns.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âItâs quite colorful,â Sean observed while reaching out toward the egg. His fingers wrapped around it, and he pulled it out from the tree. At that moment, a shadow loomed over them, blocking out the dim evening light. Sean looked up, and found himself staring directly into a pair of red, gleaming eyes. His mouth dropped open, and he dropped the egg.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âRun!â He screamed. Sean and Matthew, glancing up and seeing the monstrous shape above them, lost no time in following suit. As Matthew ran past Ember, he grabbed her arm and dragged her after him. The large creature, hidden in shadow, bounded after the four kids, rapidly gaining on them. Ember stopped running, turned around, and thrust her hands forward in the direction of the creature. A blast of force obliterated all the trees between Ember and the creature and sent the creature flying backwards, but as soon as it touched the ground the creature regained its footing and continued it pursuit after the children. Matthew, Sean, and Isiah fled toward the edge of the forest, but Ember had other plans. She reached out with her hand toward them, and immediately, involuntarily, they changed direction to follow Ember deeper into the forest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhat are you doing?â Sean screamed. âWe have to get out of the forest to escape!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âSheâs going to kill us all! I knew she couldnât be trusted!â Isaiah screamed back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe have to trust her!â Matthew called out. âMaybe she has a plan!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
They kept running. Multiple times, the creature nearly reached them, but Ember used her powers send shards of wood flying toward the creature, or cause trees to fall on top of it. Each time, however, this only slowed it down slightly before it was right back on their tail, but they slowly and steadily increased the distance between themselves and the creature, until it was eventually out of sight. The four kids reached a very large clearing about a hundred feet wide in the center of the forest. There was straw covering the ground of the clearing, and colorful eggs were littered all across the straw. All of the trees surrounding the clearing were scarred by deep claw marks, and there were tufts of white fur caught on the treeâs branches. In the very center of the clearing was a single tree. It wasnât especially impressive, but there werenât any claw marks on its golden-brown bark. Its branches were bare, but at the base of the tree bluish-silver leaves had piled up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhy did you take us here?â Matthew asked Ember.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
She said nothing, of course.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ember walked forward toward the tree, and the three boys, not knowing what else to do, followed her. She stopped in front of the tree, and so the boys stopped too. She didnât do anything for a secant, and so Sean, curious about the tree, reached toward the tree. He taken aback as some sort of invisible field between him and the tree pulsed blue for a moment and pushed his hand to the side. The push on his hand wasnât especially forceful, yet Sean was unable to resist it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âItâs some sort of magic tree,â Matthew observed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ember continued standing in front of the tree with her arms stretched out toward it and her eyes closed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In the distance, the kids could hear the crashing of trees as the creature ran through the forest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWhatever youâre doing, hurry it up!â Sean cried out to Ember.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At that moment the invisible field surrounding the tree reappeared with a transparent blue color. Ember slowly moved her hands, which were still pointed toward the forcefield, away from each other, and as she did so, a small gap in the field opened up. As she kept moving her hands away from each other, the gap opened wider and wider.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The crashing created by the pursuing creature grew louder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ember continued gradually and steadily moving her hands apart to widen the gap in the forcefield until her hands were fully extended to the side, and the gap was wide enough to walk through. Sean dashed through the gap in forcefield, with Isaiah right behind him. Matthew was about to follow suit, until he looked back to see where Ember was. She had fainted. The crashing of the creature was much louder, now, and was rapidly growing louder, but Matthew did not hesitate to run back toward Ember to drag her through the forcefield. He wasnât making much progress, however, and Sean and Isiah, seeing this, ran back out from within the forcefield to help Matthew drag the Ember into the forcefield.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Sean, looking back toward the gap in the forcefield, cried out âThe gap is shrinking! Itâs growing smaller now that Ember isnât awake to keep it open.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe have to hurry up!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
If they needed any more incentive to hurry out, they were about to get it. At that moment, the creature bounded in the clearing. In the open clearing, the creature was no longer hidden by shadow, and the boys got a good look at the monstrous beast. It was large, about the size of a horse, and was completely covered with white fur. It had disproportionate features; its head, fixed atop a thin neck, was absurdly large, nearly the same size as its body, and its legs were long and spindly, but despite its irregular proportions and immense size, it was clearly a rabbit. Long, thin ears jutted out from atop the rabbit&#039;s head, and whiskers splayed out from its nose. A round tail was affixed above its two hind legs. At the front of both its upper and lower jaw were two large, flat buck teeth; however, all every other tooth besides these thinned to a razor sharp point. Saliva dripped between the creatureâs teeth and to the ground. It raised it head up and its nose twitched as it sniffed the air. Smelling its prey, its beady red eyes snapped around to affix themselves on the three terrified boys trying to drag the unconscious ember through the forcefield gap. The monstrous rabbit pounced at the children, but they managed to scramble through the forcefield just in time, and the rabbit was repulsed by the magical field which sent it flying to the edge of the clearing where it crashed into a tree. In seconds, the creature was back on its feet and rushing toward them. It thrust its muzzle through the gap in the forcefield, snapped at the kids, and managed to grab Seanâs leg in its mouth. It shook Sean back and forth by its leg before dragging him halfway out of the forcefield, but Isaiah lept forward and grabbed Seanâs hand. The creature was too powerful, however, and simply continued dragging both of them out from the forcefield. Seeing this, Matthew lept forward and grabbed Isaiahâs leg, and with his other hand he grabbed the strange tree surrounded by the force field. As the gap in the forcefield continued shirking, it slowly closed around Sean, threatening to crush him. Staring into the large red eyes of the bloodthirsty rabbit only a few feet away from his own, Sean began screaming&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âPull harder! Iâm not ready to die, whether it be ripped apart by a monster or crushed by a forcefield!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Normally, three young kids would have been no match for the strength of the powerful beast, but as Matthew gripped the strange tree a surge of power entered his veins. He dug his feet into the ground, and with a surge of strength pulled Sean free from the Rabbitâs jaws. They all fell backward Â into the forcefield only seconds before it closed around them.&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Protected from the beast by the field, the three kids inspected the strange tree closely for the first time. Its golden-brown bark wasnât shiny like actual gold, but it definitely had a golden hue. The silver-blue leaves that had fallen around the tree, on the other hand, did shine with a soft glow. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âLook!â Sean called out, pointing at Matthewâs wooden sword, which was strapped to his back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The sword had transformed! It had changed from a plain wooden sword into...a less plain wooden sword. The dull brown wood that had previously composed the sword had transformed into a golden brown wood of the same color as the bark of the nearby tree. Across the flat of the blade were intricate swirly designs made out of the same blue-silver color of the fallen leaves. Matthew drew the blade and swung it around. Still made out of wood, the sword was quite light.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI think the tree must have done this,â Matthew contemplated.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAlrighty then!â Sean exclaimed, reaching for the tree with one hand and grasping his staff in the other. As his fingers brushed the tree, he felt a surge of power, and the staffâs hue shifted from plain brown to the epic golden-brown of the tree. All along the staff materialized runes of the silver-blue color, and the pinecone atop the staff changed to silver-blue as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Isaiah reached for the tree as well. His bow changed to the golden-brown with silver blue designs on it, and the sticks he used as arrows also changed to the silver-blue color.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHey, Iâm sorry about earlier,â Isaiah said to Matthew. âI didnât really mean it when I said Ember was a monster. I guess I just got caught up in the argument.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âDonât worry about itâ Matthew replied, smiling.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWelp, now that everyone&#039;s on good terms again, how about we figure out what on earth weâre going to do about that?â Sean asked, gesturing to the Rabbit which was clawing at the forcefield from the outside, trying to get at the kids.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe fight!â Matthew stated. âWe have to protect Ember.â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âLetâs kick some monster brick!â Isaiah cried out.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Sean reached toward where the forcefield, now invisible, previously was. His handed wasnât pushed to the side like before.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âI guess the forcefield is one way,â he commented.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âIn that case,â Matthew called out, âCHAAAAAAAARGE!!!!!!!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The three kids stormed out of the force field toward the monster rabbit. It swiveled its head toward them, opened its mouth, and roared, but the kids, filled with bravery and stupidity, were not daunted by the terrifying roar. As they charged, Sean pointed his staff at the monster and shouted âFireball!â Given all the crazy stuff that had happened up to that point, he wasnât all that surprised when a surge of energy coursed through his arm, the silver runes on his staff began glowing bright blue, and he felt the heat of a blue fireball shooting from his staff at the Rabbit. The blue fire licked at the rabbitâs white fur, and the creature roar in pain. Angry, the rabbit leapt at Sean and swiped at him with its claws, but Isaiah drew back his bow and fired multiple shots at the rabbitâs eyes. The arrows exploded into blue fragments as they hit its eyes, blinding it and causing it to miss its swipes at Sean. While the creature was blinded, Matthew ran forward and leapt into the air. In mid air, he shifted his grip on his wooden sword so that it was pointed straight down, and blue flames appeared along the swordâs blade. He plunged the blade into the fel creatureâs head, and the creature reared back back, screeching wildly. Then it fell, lifeless. The creature&#039;s white hair burned away revealing its pink skin. Then its skin withered away, and once the skin had completely disappeared, itâs body exploded into a bunch of small chocolate candies, which rained down around the clearing. The three kids didnât eat any of the candies, of course, because only a idiot would eat candy made out of the carcass of a dead rabbit monster.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWe did it!â Sean exclaimed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Matthew turned around back toward the magic tree where the unconscious form of Ember had been lying. She was gone. Matthew sighed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âHey, cheer up Matt,â Isaiah said. âWe just killed our first real monster!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The three boys shouted exuberantly at the same time.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;~~~&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
All across the forest, small, colorful eggs began wobbling back and forth. A small tapping noise came from within each one. Something was trying to get out. Then, the egg shells cracked, and out of each egg crawled a tiny baby Pigeon. :O :O :O :O :O&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;nowiki&amp;gt;~~~&amp;lt;/nowiki&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âAnd THAT is why you donât take candy that you find lying around the forest. Also, donât take candy from strangers. Or from Paradox Rogues. In fact, donât take candy period. Itâs bad for your teeth. THE END!â The woman finished her narration.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The children looked at her awestruck. It had never occurred to them that events like the Easter Egg Hunt would have such a history behind them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
âWill you tell us about the 4th of July, too?â asked one of them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The woman laughed âPerhaps another day! Itâs too late now! You need to go home now!â&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
And while the children walked away disappointed, the storyteller watched the sunset. And Lady Jonna sighed in remembrance of better timesâ¦&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Stories by Ninjago Builders]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:The Additional Manuscripts]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Stories]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=User_blog_comment:Stirling_Silverstine/Dear_Ladies_and_Genteel-knights.../@comment-29171447-20180205034218&amp;diff=9976</id>
		<title>User blog comment:Stirling Silverstine/Dear Ladies and Genteel-knights.../@comment-29171447-20180205034218</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://kotos.backorder.gr/index.php?title=User_blog_comment:Stirling_Silverstine/Dear_Ladies_and_Genteel-knights.../@comment-29171447-20180205034218&amp;diff=9976"/>
		<updated>2018-02-05T03:42:18Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;TheBuildersOfNinjago: Created page with &amp;quot;&amp;#039;&amp;#039;&amp;#039;@ both Strider and Jonna since if I were to post two farewell speeches, it would probably be redundant.&amp;#039;&amp;#039;&amp;#039;    &amp;#039;&amp;#039;&amp;#039;Everyone else went ahead and wrote eloquent speeches saying...&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&#039;&#039;&#039;@ both Strider and Jonna since if I were to post two farewell speeches, it would probably be redundant.&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Everyone else went ahead and wrote eloquent speeches saying farewell, so I guess Iâd better hop on the bandwagon. :P&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;As saddened by this as I am, I understand and respect your reasons for leaving. After all, I left the LMBs for the similar reason that they were overtaking my life and I needed to step away from them.&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Eventually I returned after I got my priorities straightened out, and now IÂ am moderately active in KotOS without letting it get before God or my family. I hope that in time you might be able to do the same, even if it be years from now when you&#039;reÂ old geezers. (Preferably before then though. :P)&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Once God is foremost in your life, I donât believe you have to give up KotOS, as long as it does not encroach upon God as your number one priority. You could argue that 1 Corinthians 13:11 means that you have to give up childish entertainment, but the context seems to indicate that it is referring to childish attitudes instead. The preceding verses describe how the pursuit knowledge and other things that appear impressive is inferior to a loving attitude love, implying that verse 11 is an analogy for giving up the childish pursuit of knowledge for the mature showing of love. (Note that Paul doesnât say, âgive up childish thingsâ as an instruction. He says âI gave up childish thingsâ as an analogy.)&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;But I digress. This is a farewell speech, not a sermon. :P&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;While I hope that you eventually return after stepping away from KotOS, if you donât, I will content myself with treasuring the writing you have already created.&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;I have the utmost respect for both of you. You encouraged me in my writing, riveted me with yours, made me laugh with your roleplay and comedy, all while doing the same for everyone else.&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;I am extremely lucky to have had you guys as friends for as long as I have, so I canât complain now that you have to step away.&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;See ya âround.&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;-N_B&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;P.S. For me too, KotOS are my longest-running friends. And Iâm proud of it. :P&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>TheBuildersOfNinjago</name></author>
	</entry>
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