Twisted Shadows

Twisted Shadows is another team FttD story. There are 6 rebel factions, and a smaller faction for Shadowmaster (the main villain) and his allies.

Prologue
The cloaked being paced through the halls of the mysterious cavern. This whole universe was new to him. But everyone here knew him. In this universe, his name was told in tales to scare lazy workers into submission. If anyone was there to meet his crimson gaze, they would immediately know his identity, and utter his name in fear. "The Dark Lord", for his true name is lost throughout time.

The Dark Lord arrived at the meeting chamber. Several candles lined the chamber, emitting a mysterious black flame. As he scanned the room, he realized that he was not alone. 10 other beings inhabited the chamber as well. Some, such as Sovnoron and Benjarmin, he knew, while others were complete strangers to him. But all shared the knowledge that they had been summoned here, by some unknown force.

A chilling voice echoed throughout the chamber, with a hint of demonic origin. "I see...that all of you have arrived," said the voice. Two new beings emerged from the shadows. One was smaller, with black and white armor and an insectoid head. The other, the source of the mysterious voice, was about 12 feet tall and lean, armed with a staff and wings protruding from his back.

A large table, lined with 13 chairs, appeared from thin air. The taller being spoke once more, his tone more welcoming. "Please, have a seat."

All 13 beings sat down. "Now, you all may be wondering why I have summoned you. Some of you may know my identity. Others may not. For the latter, you may address me as Shadowmaster." A dark grin spread across Shadowmaster's face. "I have summoned you for one reason. I rule a universe, as some of you may or may not. However, as with many empires, a rebellion exists as well. I have gathered you so you may help me destroy this rebellion."

A sigh of disbelief and anger spread throughout the room causing Shadowmaster's grin to vanish. One Makuta in the chamber, Malok, spoke. "What!? You summoned us to help you? What kind of deal is this? I get taken from my empire just so I can help a complete stranger?" growled the Makuta.

There was no response from Shadowmaster. He had completely disappeared from his chair. Suddenly, the dark entity appeared behind Malok and telekinetically hurled him across the room. Before the Makuta could move, he felt his antidermis slowly become solid, taking the form of organic tissue once more. He felt his new organs begin to strangle him, and his blood begin to burst from his veins. He tried to scream, but no air escaped from his lungs.

Shadowmaster ignored the sight, and continued. "I know, all of you enjoy killing. You enjoy cruelty. You enjoy death. I offer you all of this." He turned back to Malok, and reverted his organs back into antidermis. The pain-stricken Makuta limped back to his chair.

Shadowmaster laughed at the horrible display, the terrifying sound threatening to crack the walls of the chamber. "And none of you will have to worry about a so-called "waste of time". The time flow of this universe is different from that of your own universe, a year here is equivalent to a millisecond in your realms. Not only that...but if you help me destroy the rebellion...I will grant you your greatest desire."

The smaller being at Shadowmaster's side, Twilight, spoke with a higher-pitched, yet threatening, tone. "So, is it a deal?"

The answer was written in the fearful eyes of all but a few such as Millenium, Benjarmin, and The Dark Lord, who simply nodded. Shadowmaster smiled once more. "Very well. You are all dismissed."

All of the entities in the meeting room except for Shadowmaster and The Dark Lord exited the chamber. The Dark Lord shook his head. "I see you are lying."

Shadowmaster's blood-red eyes met The Dark Lord's. "Of course I am. I have no desire to help any of them. In fact, most of them will probably die. I thank you for taking the time to watch over the games, though."

The Dark Lord did not reply. Shadowmaster spoke again, in a more serious tone. "But you are the only one who knows my true plans. And you better do well to keep your mouth shut about it."

The Dark Lord got out of his chair. "You do not give me orders, Dra-" Before The Dark Lord could finish, Shadowmaster hurled a bolt of chaos at him. "You do NOT SPEAK MY NAME!!!"

The Dark Lord ignored Shadowmaster, and continued. "You do not give me orders, "Shadowmaster". I could be conquering right now. I can promise you only that I will not reveal your plan. As for any other orders of yours, I will ignore." The Dark Lord turned away, and exited the chamber.

Shadowmaster calmed himself, and taunted The Dark Lord in his dark, twisted mind. ''There will be no need to listen to orders after your use has expired. Once the rebellion is wiped out, I can continue my master plan. You will interfere no more.''. Shadowmaster chuckled, and spoke to himself out loud, a true display of his unstability. "Let the games begin."

To be continued in Chapter 1...