<div style="text-align: center"><b>The Labyrinth of the Forgotten</b><br/>
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<i>During the process I had noticed a few of my subjects acting out. Using the magic I had obtained through the pain I crafted a labyrinth prison. For a time it was where I kept most of those who had tried to enter my dungeon and rob it of it's riches. Yet it later became known as the Labyrinth of the Forgotten due to housing many of the failed monster girls that had displeased me. None can leave, thanks to the loyal Grand Minotaur wandering the hallways. It is a dark place, one neglected over the past few years I have reigned in my new Kingdom.  It is at the bottom of my lair, where the golden sun cannot follow. A place where those whom I find ugly should remain forever.  The servants who have outlived their usefulness. A dark place devoid of all light and hope.<br/>
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~</i>Memoirs of the Mad King; Chapter 11<br/>
================================================================<br/>​</div>Falling in slow motion, that's what it felt like. Cress couldn't remember how long he had been falling, his sword floating after him just out of arms reach. Just before he had fallen into the pit he watched as a pike of magic plunged itself through the heart of the Healer.  Once again he had failed to keep his promise, to protect and be a hero when it mattered the most. The pain of that would hurt more than probably the impact he would feel. Darkness swirled all around him as he plummeted, deeper and deeper. Perhaps this was all a magical ruse? Yet it felt so real. The air around him became cooler, and he held his breath as his golden eyes closed. Yet the impact he was expecting, was not the killing kind.<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center"><b><i>SPLASH!!</i></b><br/>​</div>Fate had been kind, and allowed him to fall into an underground lake. The stagnant water sucking him deeper into a murky abyss. The sound of the splash had echoed throughout the labyrinth, as if someone had dropped a bread loaf sized stone into the lake. One of many, yet the murky water was all connected. Failing the red haired man began to push himself upwards as a light had appeared where the surface of the water was. His sword was searching for him, the runes upon the blade pulsating with a soft purple color. Letting out a gasp Cress eventually found a small patch of dirt to wash ashore upon. Gasping and coughing for air he eventually found himself on his back catching his breath. "<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(226, 80, 65)">It feels as if...my stomach tried to escape my mouth....</span>" he grumbled as the sword came to float by his side, the soft purple light illuminating a portion of their surroundings.<br/><br/>"<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#553982"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(147, 101, 184)">Ahh yes, the results of one free falling and plunging into a lake from an unknown amount of height! You really need to find a less...dangerous hobby</span>.</span>" mused the sword in a happy tone.<br/><br/>"<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(226, 80, 65)">Heh, yeah...next time I'll make sure to just jump head first into the bottomless pit instead of being knocked in!</span>" he grumbled slowly sitting up. Placing a hand to his forehead he grunted. "<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(226, 80, 65)">Where...are...we?</span>"<br/><br/>"<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(147, 101, 184)">I would imagine we are still within the confines of the dungeon. Noting the stone walls all around us.</span>" the sword stated as the light from his runes revealing bits of unkempt stone walls jutting from the lake and all around them.<br/><br/>"<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(226, 80, 65)">You really think so? I was kind of hoping we got lucky.</span>" Cress grumbled again.<br/><br/>"<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(147, 101, 184)">Do not underestimate the Lord of a Dungeon. Like Wizards and their magic towers, a dungeon can be just a big and magical. I suggest we tread carefully, unless you want a spike through your foot, or an arrow through your gut. For now you should probably refrain from standing until your body can handle the pressure. We did just fall...a long ways down after all.</span>"<br/><br/>Cress grinned, "<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(226, 80, 65)">Oh don't be such a doting mother Regaltz!</span>" he stated jumping to his feet. "<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(226, 80, 65)">A stupid fall like that isn't going to keep me do--</span><i><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(226, 80, 65)">URRGURRRRAAABLAAAAH!?</span></i>" retching he suddenly bent over and threw up.<br/><br/>"<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(147, 101, 184)">I warned you....why don't you ever listen....</span>" the sword stated swaying back and forth as if it was someone shaking their head.<br/><br/>"<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(226, 80, 65)">S-Shut urggggggggppppph!</span>" he threw up again, mostly water and bile. Hunched over, Cress felt like he was going to die. Slowly he regained his ability to stand and move. Though he was soaked and feeling light headed.<br/><br/>Once he had finally been able to move without gagging, Cress began to explore the room he was in, the sword admitting a magical light for them both to see what was in front of them. It wasn't very bright, no brighter than torch light, and it only illuminated himself and the small area around them. After a bit of walking he turned down a hallway and found a small room with what appeared to be a ratty old chest. "<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(226, 80, 65)">Hey it's a box! Looks kind of old and musty!</span>" he grinned happily walking over to it, giving the lid a good thunk with the back of one of his hands it made a strange hollow sound. "<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(226, 80, 65)">I'm going to smash it!</span>" Cress happily stated with a grin.<br/><br/>Regaltz sighed, though kept to himself and watched as Cress took in a deep breath and began to focus. Getting into a stance he shouted pouring all of his power into his fist as gave the top of it a good punch. Shouting again when he comically held his throbbing hand. "<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(226, 80, 65)">Gahhh! It's like it's made out of solid iron!</span>" he whined.<br/><br/>"<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(147, 101, 184)">Only a fool would go around punching chests. Then again I'm not surprised.</span>"<br/><br/>"<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(226, 80, 65)">Heh, what do you expect me to use a key!? I guess if we ask nicely one of the skeletons scattered about this room will lend us it's bones for us to make one!</span>" he grinned running a finger under his nose.  A cold chill ran down his spine, as the sounds of soft gasping could be heard within the silence. Behind him stood a skeleton, animated and holding a rusted sword and shield Cress dodged out of the way as it swung. The blade coming down to strike the chest, not doing anything but making a good "thunk" sound.<br/><br/>More skeletons slowly began to stagger to their feet, their hollow eyes glowing with an eerie green color. Cracking his knuckles and gripping one of his wrists he stared into the jaws as the undead let out a gasping sound. "<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(147, 101, 184)">Do you need my assistance?</span>" asked Regaltz as it calmly floated next to him.<br/><br/>"<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(226, 80, 65)">Nah I've got this. Punching bone will be a piece of cake! Marrow isn't iron after all.</span>" Cress mused giving a cocky grin as he got into a fighting stance. Surrounded by skeletons in one of the small rooms. He snickered at the odds, finally punching bags he could vent his frustration on.  As one of the skeletons charged at him, he charged as well punching the skull clean off and grabbing the sword out of it's hand. Spinning he caught another skeleton off guard and picked up the sword. Duel wielding Cress took a moment to gently glide his fingers upon one of the blades.<br/><br/>These were short swords, probably used by bandits or knights. Regaltz was a long sword so he was heavier to swing around than these. Opening his eyes he blocked an incoming arrow from a skeleton holding a cross bow. Rushing he spun slicing through the skeleton, the cut pieces falling all around him. Determination and justice reflected in his eyes as more and more skeletons began to appear. That made sense, the floors had been littered with them after all! Regaltz fought on his own slicing up skeletons that tried to attack Cress from behind. The magical blade swirled around him as both he and Cress were now fighting their way out of the room.<br/><br/>He still felt a bit wobbly after the fall and throwing up, so sooner or later he would end up messing up.  Which wasn't good, he didn't feel like taking a sword to the gut or an arrow to the knee. Blocking a skeleton, holding a spear, as it had rushed into a piercing attack he panted a moment watching as Regaltz sliced the skeleton in half. "<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(147, 101, 184)">This isn't good, there are too many! You need rest, we should try and find a way out of this room!</span>" Regaltz stated with concern.<br/><br/>"<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(226, 80, 65)">No...I'm fine....Just give me...a few minutes...</span>" Cress replied bent over and panting. He was tired. One of the swords he held was blocking another skeleton from attacking while the other sword he duel wielded had locked swords with another. "<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(226, 80, 65)">Though...this is kind of getting ridiculous....</span>" he stated furrowing his brow as more and more skeletons seemed to just rise up from the dirt. Why were there so many of them!?