Worldbreaker Prelude: The Magus and the Barbarian.

[Deleted]

The Magus and the Barbarian.

Solid rocks fall, tumbling into a heap as lightning strikes in the distance. Cloudy skies blanket the twilight hours as the moon illuminates a large-scale battle. Stepping through a freshly made hole in a wall, heavy sword in hand, is a Barbarian. With his torso peppered with dust and blood splatter, he defiantly glares at the enemies before him, his eyes inset within his tribal face markings. Taking a deep breath, the Barbarian’s chest expands, striking fear in those before him. With a hoarse tone, the Barbarian speaks as he raises his mighty sword in the direction of the skeletal minions.

“You have made a fatal mistake, for while you were once a story in your formal lives, you are now nothing more than fodder. I will not stop, regardless of how many you place before me, Accerak. I will slay you, end you, and take my throne as the rightful heir of Arcanus. DO YOU HEAR ME?! I COME FOR YOU!! OMEK HAS COME TO END YOU!”

All at once, the skeletal hordes lunge towards Omek, their boney limbs clattering as aged metal collides with steel. As if he was performing a dance, Omek side steps any lunges and returns with a wide swing of the sword, decapitating any foes that dared to stand before him! Hundreds quickly became Twenty, as one by one each foe was dispatched back into the afterlife, their necrotic energy dispersing upon impact with Omek’s mighty blade! A shadow begins to loom over Omek as the final enemy is vanquished. Omek speaks without even turning to face the newest foe. “Accerak. I have taken your face. Now, I have ended your army of the dead. It is over.”

“Over?” Speaks Accerak, his skull visible from under a dark blue cloak. In a sort of twisted macabre, the lich cackles at the humor that is laid before him. His plan was working perfectly. “It is far from over, plainsman. The Forgotten Realms are mine! While you have toiled against my endless army of the dead, I have finally achieved a power unheard of! I also tire of this endless struggle, one that we have carried on for decades now. This battle ends now. Follow me if you dare but know this. Your path to the throne ends here. The age of Accerak has finally begun!!”

Without another word, the magus known as Accerak rushes into a darkened area of the castle, just out of sight. Not hesitating at all, Omek pursues his prey, his upper teeth biting hard into his lower lip in pure anticipation. A trickle of blood emerges from his flesh, finding its way down the contours of his throat. Arriving at the doorway, Omek attempts to look into the darkness, but is unable to see his enemy… his ultimate enemy. For years, Accerak has kept the Forgotten Realms in a state of chaos, his dark powers poisoning the lands. From Waterdeep to Baldur’s Gate, the constant threat has worn down the people of the realm. Omek had vowed to end the magus before accepting the title of King. For a ruler’s place was before his people, and a warrior’s place was on the battlefield.

“What is your hesitation, Omek?” Speaks the icy voice of Accerak once more, leaving a hint of sarcasm. “You have come so far to find me. Only your own fears hold you back now. Let us end this…”

Arching his head, Omek looks into the doorway, his pupils dilating to compensate for his lack of sight. For a brief moment, he sees a flash in the doorway, a ripple of energy even, but he quickly dismisses the event as nothing more than his eyes playing tricks on him. Gripping the leather hilt of his trusty blade, the Sword of Arcanus, Omek steps into the doorway as he speaks. “For centuries, the people will speak of the day that Omek the Worldbreaker put an end to a pitiful wizard… whose dreams far outweighed his wit. I have come for your head.”

“Then come earn it.” Speaks the undead wizard once more.

Gritting his teeth, Omek rushes into the room. His eyes fall upon his prey, sending a wave of adrenaline down his spine. The rush of battle, a blood lust, takes over him, as he lunges into the air. With his hair whipping behind him, he brings down his blade without hesitation. He does not hear the sounds of bones breaking, however. Instead, he is left staring into a glowing orb, one that has been pierced by his blade.

“All too easy, Omek.” Speaks the reaper with finality. “Bright suns, Barbarian.”

For Omek, the world around him turns black. Smoke, the smell of burning wood, his senses become overwhelmed and then left hungry. For a moment, he lets go, his consciousness threatening to depart. He shakes off the urge out of sheer will. This was nothing more than another illusion, one that he would overcome on his way to ending the evil that stood before him. Or did it? Panicking now, Omek tries to regain his footing. All at once, he is toppled from side to side. Slamming his large hands into the cold stone below him, he rises to his feet as a pair of lights appears before him. Gritting his teeth now, Omek reaches for his sword but finds that it has abandoned him.

The repeated blast of a horn calls out in the distance as the Barbarian braces himself, lowering his shoulder to meet the threat head on. Omek had not heard this sort of sound before, nor did he care. If he could make it bleed, then he could end it all the same. A loud skidding sound is also heard next as the source of the sounds tries to halt its progress in time, but it is for not as it collides with the Barbarian with a loud crack! Omek blacks out once again as he rolls on to the pavement, landing on a set of yellow lines.

“Holy shit, are you okay, Mister?!” Speaks a voice as it rushes towards the Barbarian. Amazed that the Barbarian was still breathing, the man checks for any injuries as he continues to speak, his mouth emanating a thin cloud of cold breath with each syllable. “I don’t know if you are on drugs or not, but one thing is for certain, you are a big son of a bitch! WENDY!! GET OVER HERE! HE IS STILL BREATHING! WE NEED TO GET THIS DUDE TO A HOSPITAL!”

Rushing towards the duo, a woman looks over the carnage. “Frank, What in the blue hell? Why is he dressed like that?!”

“He is probably one of them speed freaks!” Answers the man now known as Frank. “Can you just help me get him to the truck! I can’t carry him alone! Hell, maybe we outta’ ask Ricky to come help too! This guy is huge!!”

After a quick call for help, a third person emerges next. The three of them slowly drag Omek towards their vehicle. Within moments, the vehicle speeds off, leaving behind visible scorch marks… and a large notched sword.

[Deleted]

II.

“What are you thinking?! That man needs to be in a hospital! You hit him with your damn car, Frank! When the Sheriff hears about this, he is going to blow his damn lid! What if that man dies back there?!”

The smell of freshly cooked bacon finds its way across a cluttered kitchen, wafting into a living room as Wendy stands at the stove, an apron tied across her large breasts that reads “TEXAS BORN AND BRED.” Holding a pain, she shakes it vigorously as she shouts into the living room, her eyes beaming intensity from across a large wooden bar table. Her husband had been a professional at Tom Foolery on many an occasion, but this one took the cake. Hitting a deer and hiding the remains was once thing. Plowing through a human being, if that was indeed what they hit, was something else entirely. It was all she could do to keep her composure, as she continued to shake the pain, letting the bacon sizzle and pop within its grease.

In the living room, Frank adjusts his shirt before folding his arms. Pursing his lips, his nose twitches, causing his thick mustache to pivot as he stares down at the large man before him, spread out upon the couch. Frank marveled at the fact that upon purchasing this particular piece of furniture, the selling point was that it fit at least 4 adults and yet, this man’s size caused it to look quite a bit smaller. “Hey honey, I just don’t get it. I hit this man head on yet there ain’t no bruises. I don’t see any cuts either. Hell, he was covered in blood when we laid him down, wasn't he?! The stains are still on the fabric! Something isn’t right here.”

“How many men do you know of who walk around in a damn loin cloth, Frank!” Shouts Wendy sarcastically.

“Well, I do run a wrestling promotion.” Smirks Frank now as he continues to look down upon the Barbarian. “So, a loin cloth ain't nothing to make note of, you know? Take a look at the scars on him though. They are huge! This man has seen some things and I wanna know what those things are!”

“When he wakes up, we are taking him right to see the Sheriff!” Snaps Wendy frantically. “I am not kidding!”

“Right.” Replies Frank once more as he picks up a blanket. Draping it over Omek, he looks him over once again. “No bruises. No wounds. Impossible. You know, imagine if we had someone of this man’s size in our company? If he can heal overnight after being hit by my truck, imagine what he could do in a wrasslin’ ring!”

“Oh no you don’t. Do you hear me? We don’t know anything about this guy. Let me remind you that he was walking around in furs… in the middle of the night.. Alone. He could be one of those cannibals that you hear about in the hills! As a matter of fact, I bet-“

Before Wendy can finisher her sentence, Frank struggles to breathe as Omek launches off of the couch, sending a lamp tumbling to the carpet below! Gritting his teeth, the large barbarian squeeze the flesh tightly, feeling the veins within pulse as he looks in the direction of the kitchen! With eyes reddened, he grits his teeth as he turns his direction back to Frank who is now beat red, his eyes bulging! “WHAT REALM IS THIS?! SPEAK WOMAN!”

Dropping the pain, Wendy shrieks as the grease splatters across the kitchen floor! “Please… let him go! We didn’t mean to hit you! Honest! There is money in the bedroom, its yours! You can buy a lot of drugs with it, just don’t hurt my husband!”

Glaring at Wendy, Omek listens to the tone of her voice. She was frightened, there was no doubt about that. He could hear her heart pulse frantically as she struggled to keep her composure. She was no danger to him. Turning to face the man that was starting to grow limp in his grasp, Omek lets him go, sending Frank tumbling to the carpet below. “Your woman is brave. You are weak. Where is your master?”

(Coughing) “Master?” Stumbles Frank as he fights to breathe. “Son… this is Texas, located in the good old United States of ‘Merica! I ain’t got no master! You done stepped out in front of my truck and damaged it! You’re lucky I took you back home to make sure that you were okay!”

“Where is this… Texas?”

“I think my wife may have been right about you, son.” Smirks Frank now as Wendy helped him to his feet. “My name is Frank. This here is my beloved, Wife, Wendy. Who might you be? How do you feel? My truck really seemed to do a number on you.”

“I am Omek.” Replies the large barbarian as he glances around the room. With a half confusion expression, he returns his focus to Frank. “The beast that attacked me last night, that was nothing. I have slayed Orcus himself and sent him back to the nine layers of hell! I can not be hurt by a mere machine. I will not allow it.”

Frank begins to laugh as Wendy picks up the lamp. “Okay. Where you from, Son? I am trying to help you here!”

“I am from Arcanus, the heart of the Forgotten Realms.” Snarls Omek as he walks around the room. He picks up various nick backs and shakes them, before tossing them over his shoulder. Frustrated, Wendy rushes to retrieve each item as Omek continues to speak. “I must return to my lands. My throne is in peril! By the Gods, I will walk across the spine of the world to stop him!”

“Spine of the world…” Repeats Frank with a tone that hints of disbelief. “Maybe the truck damaged you after all. Look, I can take you into town if you wish. You’re also welcome to stay here until you feel better. I run a wrasslin’ academy, so I am sure that I can dig you up some clothes that will fit you. That loin cloth won’t sit well with the neighbors.”

Omek looks down at his belt and dressings before looking over how Frank is dressed. “My blade. I must retrieve it. You must take me back to where your beast attacked me! I demand it!”

“Demand all that you want, buddy.” Replies Frank now as he walks towards the kitchen. “My truck barely made it home. Its going to be a few days before I get it squared away and from the looks of it, you may need that time to shake off those cobwebs in your head. Wendy made some breakfast. Why don’t you come over and fix yourself up a plate. You must be hungry.”

“Breakfast is my specialty.” Smiles Wendy as she places her hand on Omek’s shoulder.

“I have no time to feast.” Snarls Omek once again. “Woman, in my realm women are as strong as the men on the battlefield. I thank you for the short rest and healing. If I must wait however, I will need a place to train… to stay hungry. The Gods demand it. Take me to your nearest Drow Den. I will slay them for you. Nothing pleases me more than the cries of a Dark Elf as they flee back into the abyss!”

“Uuum… Dark.. Elf?” Repeats Wendy cautiously. “I don’t think we have too many of them around these parts. We do have a gym though. You might find someone to spar with in there? Keep it civil though. No one dies. Understand me?”

“As you wish, woman.” Replies Omek.

Without another word, Omek walks across the living room. With one effort, he drives his leather boot into the front door, sending it tumbling out into the walkway just outside. Splinters of metal and wood fall to the carpet and entranceway as the Barbarian leaves the house. Wendy watches the destruction, still holding on to a few nicknacks. As the house grows silent once more, Wendy’s mouth finally moves. “I am going to shoot him.”

“No you won’t.” Answers Frank, his mouth full of food. “That man right there is our new cash cow. Bring me the phone book. The EWC is going to go crazy over this guy.”

“Crazy is the word that I would use for it too.” Answers Wendy. “I am calling my Momma.”

[Deleted]

III

“Please, come right in. We have been expecting you.”

Sporting a large smile that would make a car salesman jealous, Frank nods his head as he places his briefcase upon a nearby table. Glancing around the room, he enters with a slight swagger to his walk. Finding a seat behind an oversized desk, an EWC Talent Agent clasps his hands before him before gesturing for Frank to find a seat. Ignoring the gesture, Frank takes a look at the many framed images upon the walls. With one hand, he pushes his obviously freshly dyed hair out of his face before speaking. “The EWC has had some of the best talent… ever.”

“No truer words have ever been spoken, old friend.” Replies the agent. “You will have to excuse me if I seem too eager, but my time is limited. Stranglemania is just hours away and I have a ton of things to tend to. When you called, you mentioned that you had the next big thing?”

“I sure did.” Smirks Frank now as he removes his derby hat. The agent cringes as he spots the dark hair dye ring around the inside of the hat. “What you are about to experience is going to literally blow your mind.”

“You have said this before.” Replies the agent as he removes a cigar from his desk. “The EWC is pretty stacked talent wise. One could argue that we are at full capacity. This new talent of yours is going to have to be something REALLY special to even get President Mac’s attention. Let’s meet this future star?”

“Before I ask him to come in, there are a few things that you need to know.”

“There is always a catch.” Smirks the agent as he lights the cigar. Take a few puffs, he continues. “Isn’t there? Let’s hear it.”

Frank finds a seat across from the agent. Nervously, he picks at his hat as he spins it. “Well, the man that is about to walk through that door is nothing like this world has ever seen before. He is massive, a walking tank, and ripped! His power and intensity is in a realm that the industry has never seen! I am serious! This guy is the REAL deal.”

“Okay.” Laughs the agent. “Then what’s the problem?”

“Well, this guy is also bat shit crazy.” Replies Franks awkwardly. “He thinks that he is some sort of Barbarian from another realm and that he is stuck here. We found him in the middle of the road a few weeks ago, butt naked save for a loin cloth like some sort of jungle man! I thought at first that he was a patient at some health clinic somewhere but this guy is different, man. His strength is amazing. He heals overnight! Whatever he really is, one thing is for certain, he is made for this business!”

The agent listens intently. Finally, he puts out his cigar and replies. “Does the EWC look like some sort of joke to you, man? Get the hell out of here. If you bring me a crazy story like this ever again, I will never answer a call from you. Understood?! We are trying to run a business here! Not some circus like the other-“

“Sir… you were not asked to go in there!” Shouts the receptionist. “SIR?!!”

Stepping through the doorway and lowering his head, Omek walks into the room, his dark eyes darting about. Ignoring the pleas of the woman behind him, he approaches Frank, towering over him. Dressed in loose fitting clothing, the Barbarian remains silent as the agent lets his jaw drop, a look of shock painted across his face! Seeing this, Frank smiles. “So.. let me introduce you to Omek.”

Still at a loss of words, the agent raises his hand in a sign of acceptance, sending the receptionist out of the room immediately. He clears his throat and forces out the word… “O… Omek?”

“OMEK… THE WORLDBREAKER!” Shouts the Barbarian now as the veins in his neck bulge out instantly. “I have come here in search of a worthy opponent. My ally, known as Frank, has promised me a battle to appease the Gods. LET IT BE KNOWN THAT THE SLAYER OF MEN HAS ARRIVED… and he is hungry.”

“Hungry.” Repeats the Agent now, still in a state of shock. “I…. I think I am not qualified to make this decision. I will be right back.”

Quickly, the agent shoots out of his desk and stumbles out of the room. Omek watches him curiously. “The small man reeks of fear. This does not serve me at all. How am I to reach full strength once more and defeat Accerak with no one to challenge me?!!”

“Patience, buddy.” Smiles Frank. “I know exactly what is about to happen. This is going to be great.”

Stepping through the doorway now is the agent along with President Mac. Stumbling over his words, the agent quickly begins to debrief Danny Mac but is suddenly silence by the Hall of Famer as he looks upon the Barbarian. Omek turns to face President Mac, his chest heaving. “You… are you the King of these men?”

“King?” Answers Mac with a smirk. “Hardly. My title is President. You must be Omek. You have made quite an impression on my agent here. I can see why. Where are you from, friend?”

“I am from Arcanus and you are no ally of mine.” Snaps Omek now. President Mac does not back down. “Perhaps, in time, if you are worthy enough, I shall call you one, but respect MUST be earned.”

“Fair enough.” Smiles President Mac now. “I have never heard of Arcanus. Do you have any experience in the ring?”

“He is new to the industry.” Replies Frank now as he tries to calm things down. “He can fight though.”

“Fight?” Interrupts Omek as he steps towards President Mac. “I live. I love. I slay…. And then I am content. Bring me your greatest warrior, and I shall strike him down where he stands. For only in the seas of despair have I ever known defeat, a true defeat, and even then I was able to walk through the marsh of chaos! The Gods have chosen me to champion their cause, and I have given them my sacred oath. For a man of Arcanus’s Oath is his bond, and he would rather spill his last drop of blood than not live up to the pact.”

Mac listens for a moment, nodding his head. “Okay. Look, I like the thing that you have going on here. You are confident, and that’s important. You are going to draw fans to those seats, and that’s a good thing. What brand are you interested in joining?”

“Um, we were thinking Paramount.” Replies Frank now. “That seems like a good place to start.”

“Okay.” Answers President Mac. “Welcome to the EWC then. I will have someone reach out to you in a week or so. I take it that you will manage him?”

“Just until he gets his legs set in the business, of course.” Smirks Frank.

President Mac looks at Frank curiously and then back at Omek. “Are you okay with that, big guy? Do you want him to manage you?”

“Manage?” Snorts Omek. “I care not for anything beyond the battlefield. Frank can walk alongside me if he can keep up. I hold no time for fools…”

“Okay then.” Smiles Mac now as he begins to exit the room. He glances at the agent. “Sign them up to a contract.”

“Absolutely! Okay, if you would step back to my desk I just need you to sign a few things, waivers, you know? It shouldn’t take too long. Just the usual-“

Omek stops paying attention as Frank and the agent continue to speak. Walking towards an open window, he glances out into the clear blue sky. Taking a deep breath, he pictures the dark image of his mighty foe, Accerak, within his mind. While they were dimensions apart, Omek vowed to do whatever it took to return home and stop the lich.

Even if it meant breaking apart every mortal who was foolish enough to stand before him along the way…

(To be continued in the Paramount brand under the title “WorldBreaker: The Series.”) - X