The Shadowbane Council

[Leo de Seis]

This is based on The Druid's Circle it takes place 500 years after the 100 Year War. Please write and tell me what you think.

Rated: M for violence, strong language(censored), use of drugs and use of alcohol

The Shadowbane Council

Chapter 1: Prison break

After the 100 Year War, the nation's leaders decided that it was time to get rid of the druids once and for all. They started a council called The Shadowbane Council(a shadowbane being the bane of all druids) and started a group of genocide soldiers called The Banes. All the druids fell before The Banes. Few survived but were hunted down and killed or possibly imprisoned for information. A separatist group was formed to bring down The Shadowbane Council. They are called The Light Guardian Council. The is a rumor saying that a druid survived and is still alive. Living in the prison deep within Ba Sing Se. That rumor is true.

Down in the catacombs of Ba Sing Se, the Dai Li are dragging a seemingly half dead druid to his cell. He has been tortured for many months now. He is bruised, burned, his hair stained red with the blood, he is blind in his left eye, his teeth are broken and so are his bones. The long, cold months in that prison has taken it's toll on his appearance. The Dai Li pushed him up against the wall. They shackled his hands and the head Dai Li walks into the cell. The druid looks up and scowls in disgust.

"If you remain defiant druid we'll have no choice but to kill you, understand?" said the head Dai Li.

The druid said nothing.

"Tell us. Where are the other druids?" asks the Dai Li

Still the druid remains defiant and spits at the Dai Li. The Dai Li gets annoyed, punches him in the face and asks again,

"Where are the other druids?" shouts the Dai Li.

The druid then gets the courage to look at his enemy and say,

"F**k you!"

The Dai Li is now furious and demands that he tells him everything he knows.

"I ain't telling you s**t!" says the druid

The Dai Li calms himself and gives the order to kill the druid. The Dai Li get ready to kill him. Just then the door blows open and lands on the head Dai Li, killing him. Two bolts of fire hit the guards in the face. The druid looks up but before he can see his saviour, he passes out. He wakes up under a tree. His wounds were dressed and he could feel his strength returning.

"How are you feeling?" says a voice behind him.

He turns around and sees a beautiful young girl. She has long brown hair, is dressed in a fire nation uniform and is about 20-ish.

"W-w-water." says the druid. "Put me in the water."

She helps him into the water. He falls into the deep water. She looks worried as he just sank to the bottom. The gores she wrapped him in float to the surface. The blood that stained his hair also floated to the surface. She saw bubbles and hoped that he wasn't dead. He surfaced and she saw a handsome young man with long white hair and a piercing smile. His wounds had completely healed, he was no longed blind in his left eye, his teeth had grown back and all the burns and bruises were gone. He stepped out of the water and said:

"Do you have any clothes for me?"

She handed him a sack. He went into the bushes to change. He emerged wearing a black shirt, black trousers, combat boots, half-fingered gloves and a long red trenchcoat. He smiled and thanked her.

"You're welcome." she replied

"Now, I must be off." he said

"Wait! You can't go now. Where will you go? They'll be hunting you. If you go all my efforts will be in vain." she replied

"I must have my revenge! You won't understand."

"I do understand!" she said

"How the hell do you understand me then!? Huh!?" he shouted

Tears started to flow into her eyes,

"My best friend was a druid." she said.

He looked at her and walked towards her. He put his arms around her and tried to calm her down. He told her he'd go and look for food. He returned and saw that she had a fire waiting for him.

"What's your name?" she asked, later that night.

"Dante. My name is Dante. Yours?" he replied

"Mei." she replied

"That's a beautiful name, for a beautiful girl." he said

She blushed and sked him:

"How old are you?"

"22. I know I don't look it but, I'm definitely 22. You?" he asked

"I'm only 20" she said.

The two talked for hours and they soon got tired and went to sleep. The next morning, Dante woke up to see that Mei was gone. He started to panic and called for her.

There was no reply...

End of chapter 1

[Leo de Seis]

Chapter 2: Returning the Favour

Dante continued to call, but there was still no reply. He feared the worst. He saw footprints in the mud. He started to walk down the path, following the footprints. Along the way, he saw a scabbard hanging on a tree branch. The scabbard contained dual swords, he drew the swords and examined the blades. They were long, curved and sharp enough to cut through bone. He sheathed them and tide the scabbard to his waist. Meanwhile, at a Bane camp, in a lonely little tent, Mei had her hands tied, literally, she tried to burn the ropes but, somehow, they negated her ability to firebend. These ropes were not made by any normal human. These were made by a druid! She couldn't call for help because somebody had found a rag lying around and gagged her with it. All hope seemed lost. The Bane captain stepped into the tent. When Mei saw him she whinced, trying to avoid him. He pulled the gag off.

"Where is that druid you saved?" he asked

She said nothing. She was terrified by this tall, evil looking man.

"I'll ask again, where is the druid?" he asked again.

She still remained silent. This made him angry. He slapped her and shouted,

"Where is that f**king druid?"

The captain heard screams coming from outside the tent. He hoped it was Dante and hastefully put the gag back on her. He stepped out of the tent and saw Dante killing his soldiers. A soldier rushes towards Dante but he turns around and slices the man's head off. The captain was grinning morbidly at the sight of the last druid. He loved a challenge and all the other druids were pushovers.

"DRUID! HAVE YOU FINALLY COME TO DIE?" called the captain.

"The only one who is going to die, is YOU!" replied Dante.

Dante fired a bolt of magick but the captain's armour just repelled it.

"What the f**k?' said Dante rather surprised.

"Your bolts won't harm me while I'm wearing this armour!" said the captain

"Alright, then I'll get the armour off of you." said Dante.

Dante drew his swords and charged at the captain. The captain grinned and drew his sword. It was a furious battle. Dante was very nimble so that made hitting him quite tricky. After awhile the captain pulled a dirty trick that distracted Dante. He swung his sword, cutting Dante's arm. The cut was so deep, it brought Dante to his knees. He looked up at the captain.

"Now's the time for you to die!" said the captain laughing.

Dante also pulled a dirty trick. He feined his injury and cut the straps that held his armour. The plate fell and Dante jumped back.

"Like you, I can also pull dirty tricks. But I think before I act. You just act!"

He fired a bolt which hit the captain and blew his chest wide open. Dante walked up to the dying captain.

"Y-y-y-you're a f**king monster!!!" shouted the captain,

"You're the only monster here. You killed innocent people, for no reason!"

Dante put his hand into the captains open chest and yanked as hard as he could. In his hand was the captain's still beating heart. Dante threw it onto the ground next to the captain's corpse and spat into his open chest. He walked into the tent and saw Mei bound and gagged to a pole. He gave a sigh of relief. He untied her and hugged her.

"I'm glad you're safe. I hoped you weren't dead." said Dante.

Mei just sat there in Dante's arms. They continued onward towards their destination, The Hidden City of The Light Guardian Council.

End of chapter 2

[Leo de Seis]

Chapter 3: The girl I love

Dante and Mei were resting after their long walk. Dante kept on looking away from Mei. He was nervous and was trying to avoid eye contact. He knew she liked him and he liked her, but he doesn't know how to react. He has never loved before. Everytime he looked at her, she smiled at him. This made him even more nervous.

"Uuuuh. Mei?"

"Yes Dante?"

He couldn't say anything. She looked at him.

"Are you okay?" she asked

"I'm fine." he replied.

He couldn't tell her. He didn't have the guts to tell her. How he felt about her. There was no way. Afterwards, they packed up and got back on the road. Dante was keeping his distance. Mei wasn't sure what he was up to. This made her feel uneasy. It got late and they set up camp. Dante still kept his distance. Mei felt sure that he was avoiding her. Later that night, while they were sleeping, Dante started to have flashbacks. He saw all the druids lying dead in burning piles. He saw the dead druids in the dungeon in Ba Sing Se. He even saw his friends and family die. He woke up in a cold sweat. He looked for Mei and was relieved to see that she was still there. The next morning they carried on walking. He kept on looking at her, but when she looked at him, he looked away.

"Dante, is there something wrong?"

"Of course not. Why do you ask?"

"Well, it looks as if you're avoiding me."

"I'm not avoiding you. It's just that...just that....I-"

He was interupted by a group of bandits. He drew his swords and started to fight. Mei backed him up by keeping the bandits from attacking him from behind. These bandits were tough. There were too many. He grabbed her hand and ran. They kept on running until they were stopped by a nearby waterfall. The bandits were closing in. He fired off a huge blast that killed most of the bandits. A bandit had thrown a dagger at him just as he fired the bolt. The dagger hit his scabbard sending it off the edge of the waterfall. They charged. He grabbed Mei and jumped over the edge. Seeing as there was plenty of nature around, he flew. All the bandits were dumb enough to fall over the edge as well. They landed at the bottom.

"Mei, what I was trying to was that.......I love you."

He started to blush. She smiled,

"I love you too."

They approached each other slowly and kissed. Later that night, Dante moved his sleeping bag closer to hers.

"Mei, you've given me something I've never had before. Something no one has ever given me."

"What's that, Dante?"

"Love. You gave me love. I've never loved before in my life time."

Tears started to flow into their eyes. They kissed again before going to sleep. Meanwhile, hidden in the bushes, there was a small group of elites sent by The Banes. They waited until daybreak, when they awaken they will strike! Dante was unarmed, leaving him vulnerable. A perfect time to take him out. Permanently!

End of chapter 3

[Leo de Seis]

Chapter 4: Ambush

Next morning, Dante awoke and saw that Mei was gone again. He stood up and put on his coat. He could sense somebody sneaking up on him. He waited until the assassin got close enough and he roundhouse kicked him in the face, disarming him. He grabbed the giant sword and stabbed him in the chest. He turned around and leapt into the bushes. He saw five other assassins and one was holding Mei's hands behind her back and his other hand over her mouth. He stabbed the one in the stomach, the other he beheaded, the third he grabbed his wrist and sliced him in half, the fourth he kicked, disarmed, stabbed him in the stomach and swung his arm up, slicing him in half, the one holding Mei, he stuck his sword in the ground, grabbed his hands, snapped his arms off and broke his neck.

"Good morning Mei."

"Good morning Dante."

"Interesting morning, don't you think?"

"Indeed."

Dante grabbed the giant sword and found the scabbard, but it on and sheathed the sword. They packed up and moved on.

"I think these Banes are getting a little a desperate." said Dante,

"What's next? A horde of barbarians?"

Just as she said that, a large group of barbarians from Omashu stepped out in front of them. They sighed and got ready to fight. Dante drew his sword and Mei started to burn people. It was a furious battle, but DAnte and Mei came out on top. They carried on walking only to be stopped by a group of fire nation soldiers. Again, they won and carried on.

"For f**ks sake!" shouted Dante as another group of bandits ambushed them.

After awhile the bounty hunters gave up. They set up camp and reviewed on the day's events. They kissed and went to sleep. When they woke up, no more hunters. About f**king time too. They carried on down the long, winding road.

"There it is." said Mei pointing to a distant cave.

"That's where The Hidden City is."

They walked down the hill and into yet another forest. This time, the hunters were waiting for them there. Their legs were snared and the hunters closed in. They awoke to find that they were tied to poles and two men with axes were approaching. One had a Soulstone, a stone that extracts a druid's soul, preventing them from redeeming themselves. Before they were executed, a group of men jumped out of the trees, killed the hunters and untied the duo from the poles.

"Malakai." said Mei,

"How did you find us?"

"Well, we saw the hunters setting up camp, waiting for you. We saw the traps and everything. So, we waited until they had captured you andwe ambushed them." replied the soldier named Malakai.

Dante and Meo followed the group down the road towards The Hidden City. Where Dante was going to meet the most famous person in the world, the Avatar.

End of Chapter 4

[Leo de Seis]

Chapter 5: The Hidden City

The group were walking down the road towards the gates of The Hidden City. Dante and Malakai were talking to each other while Mei was chatting to the other soldiers.

"So, you're Mei's brother?" asked Dante

"Yes I am." replied Malakai

Surprised, Dante said nothing. Soon they arrrived at the gates. Dante was stunned at the size of the gates and how they can fit these gates in a cave.

"So, if this city is hidden, why are there such huge gates here?" asked Dante

"This city is only hidden from view, not from the world. Puttin the city in a cave makes it harder for The Banes to find us. The gates are our only protection." replied one of the soldiers.

"I see."

He saw the city and it wasn't as he expected. People were settled in tents in this huge cave and they looked very downcast.

"At the failure to save at least one druid, the men's morale plummeted and all hope was abandoned." said Malakai,

Dante stood there and beheld the depressing sight.

"Come Dante, you must meet the Avatar." said Malakai taking Dante by the shoulder.

"The Avatar?"

Malakai lead him on while Mei went to her tent. After a short walk, Dante was in an alcove where a large tent had been pitched. He stepped inside. There was a young woman sitting in front of a mirror.

"So, you're the last one eh?" she said rather loudly.

"Well, umm I-."

"Don't speak!" she interupted,

"I am Avatar Niara. Welcome to our city. What is your name?"

"Dante."

"Are you a Kane?"

"I'm not too sure. I don't remember much since being captured in Ba Sing Se."

"I see. Your friend Mei is expecting you. Her tent is in an alcove on the other side of the cave. The first one on your right."

"Thank you."

They bowed and Dante left. He walked to Mei's tent.

"What did she say?" asked Mei.

"She only asked if I was a Kane."

"What did you say?"

"I don't remember."

"You were they only a few minutes ago, how can you forget?"

"No, I mean I don't remember if I'm a Kane or not."

"Ohh. It helps to be specific."

Dante shrugged and sat on a nearby chair. After a while he went to sleep. The next day he woke up and there was somebody else in the tent.

"Oh Dante, this is my friend Luna, she's a waterebender."

"Hello Dante."

Dante sort of grunted a tired hello.

"She agreed to help restore your memory."

Dante looked up, his eyes widened. Soon afterwards Luna was standing behind him and was using a healing method to restore his memory.

"Try to think of your past." she said,

Dante closed his eyes and tried to think. He started to see flashes of his past and soon he saw his friends being killed in Ba Sing Se by Dai Li. He soon realised why he is called Dante and then he finds out his real name. He opened his eyes and quickly stood up.

"My name! I know my real name!" he shouted,

"What is it?" asked Mei and Luna together,

"Anthony. Anthony Kane." he said,

"Then why did you say that your name is Dante?"

"That's my nickname. I was named after the druid Dante who single handedly killed 100 shadowbanes adn survived. I killed 100 Banes and was named Dante. I have to go to Avatar Niara. This is important."

He rushes off and runs into Niara's tent.

"Niara!"

Niara looks up from her desk,

"Yes Dante?"

"My real name is Anthony Kane."

"At last. Kane has returned."

End of chapter 5

[Leo de Seis]

Chapter 6: Kane returns

"Has your entire memory returned?" said Niara

"It has. I remember everything like it was yesterday."

"How did you lose your memory?"

"Excessive torture."

"Well, since you are here. I want to give you this."

She hands Dante a case.

"What is it?"

"We've kept it here for ages, in hope of your return."

He opened the case and it revealed a long lost family treasure.

"It-it can't be..."

"It is. It's your father's weapon. The Witch Slayer."

Dante examine the whip, it was made from chain-mail and could slice a man in half. He stepped out of the tent. The entire city gathered at the bottom of the giant doorway. Dante held up the whip and the people stared at the whip. He unraveled it and cracked it. The shock wave traveled through the cave. A moments silence suddenly became a thunderous roar of people cheering. The people started to chant.

"Kane! Kane! Kane!" they shouted.

Dante raised his fist in the air and said:

"KANE HAS RETURNED! THE COUNCIL SHALL FALL TO MY MIGHT! I'LL MAKE THOSE BASTARDS PAY FOR WHAT THEY DID TO MY PEOPLE! AFTER THE COUNCIL FALLS YOUR DAYS OF HIDING WILL BE OVER!"

The crowd cheered and praised Dante. Mei was watching Dante make his speech. She was happy that now her people will no longer have to hide away in fear of the Council. Meanwhile, in the Shadowbane Council chambers.

"What?" shouted the chairman,

"Yes, we believe that the druid that escaped from Ba Sing Se was Kane." said the commandant,

"Oh God! This isn't good. A Kane meddling in our affairs? Sh*t this will destroy everything that we've worked so hard to achieve."

"What shall we do chairman?" asked one of the members,

"I don't know. All we can do is hit him with everything we've got and hope that it works. These filthy druids poison our lands with their foul magick! Dispatch 'Him'!"

"Him?" asked the commandant rather nervously,

"Yes! Him!"

"*gulp* Yes sir."

The commandant left and walked into the barracks. He rang the bell.

"Oh my f**king God! It's HIM!" shouted one of the soldiers,

"RUN!" shouted another,

The door burst open and a man with grey skin stepped in, he had glowing yellow eyes.

"Lord Nero, I have a job for you."

The man, named Nero, suddenly appeared in front of the commandant,

"Yes?"

"You have to eliminate Kane."

"Where is he?"

"We don't know, but we believe that he might be in The Hidden City."

"Ah yes, The Hidden City. I know where that is."

"You do?"

"Commandant, summon all our troops. We are going to raid The Hidden City."

Meanwhile, back at The Hidden City. Mei was putting Dante's back into place.

"Now, what happened again?" said Mei trying not to laugh,

"I fell off the top of the entrance and landed on my back."

"And you only damaged your back?"

"Yep."

"So, you're not such a softy after all?"

"I guess.....Wait, you think I'm a softy?"

Mei started to laugh. Then there was a bugle blowing outside.

"What is it?"

"I'll go check, stay there Mei."

Dante grabbed his red jacket and walked to the Gates.

"What's going on?"

"They're coming!"

"Who?"

"They found us out!"

"Who, goddamn it, who?!"

"The Banes!"

Dante looked out the Gates in shock.

"No. How?"

"Nero." said Niara,

"Who is Nero?"

"He was our former leader. I never thought he'd betray us like this."

Dante looked furious.

"Then he shall die." said Dante in a vicious tone.

End of Chapter 6

[Leo de Seis]

Chapter 7: Dante versus Nero

Dante walked into the armoury as he was told.

"Ahh, Mr. Kane. Here are the relics we saved just for you."

"Thank you sir."

He opened the box and saw Solomon's Edge, The Blades of Destruction and The Druid's Sphere.

"Good. These will do nicely. Thank you blacksmith."

"No problem Mr. Kane."

"Please, call me Dante."

"Okay Mr. Dante. Go kick some ass."

Dante left the armoury and waited by the gates to greet the Banes. The Sphere was floating around his head. He drew The Edge and examined it's long black blade. It looked like a traditional katana but The Edge was imbued with magick. The Banes drew closer as Dante waited. Then they burst through the gates and were greeted by Dante.He had his sword at the ready and started to cut down the Banes as they charged. He looked up and saw a man about to land on him. He jumped back and the sword fight began. The soldiers and Niara were destroying the Banes. Outside, Dante and Nero were dueling.

"So, you are Dante? Or should I call you Kane?"

"Any will do. You are Nero?"

"Yes I am!"

"You're a traitor! I will not show mercy."

"Neither will I."

"You're so calm in the face of death."

"Because I already know the victor."

"Yeah, and he's standing right in front of you!"

Dante swung his sword. Nero dodged but the blade still caught him on his leg. Nero looked at the cut and snarled. Dante kept on deflecting Nero's sword swipes and used the Sphere to knock him down.

"You're pretty fast. For a wash out!"

"You're pretty good. For a traitor!"

"Now, DIE KANE!"

Dante dodged and swung his sword and grazed Nero on his back. Nero was enraged and gouged Dante in the eyes. Dante covered his eyes but he used his powers to see where he is. Nero jumped behind him. Dante moved and shoved his sword into Nero's stomach. Nero gasped and blood started to pour out of his mouth.

"How....Could I?"

"You were blinded by your own glory."

"F**k you Kane! You'll never win against the Council! You will DIE! *cough* *cough*"

"No. I'll never fail."

"Aaaaaaaaaah!"

Nero lay dead at Dante's feet. The Banes pulled out and retreated. Mei ran out and threw her arms around Dante.

"You saved us."

"It's what I do."

"Don't be so modest" said Mei kissing his lips,

"Well done Kane." said Niara

"Niara."

"You have earned our respect. You are our hero. You shall never be forgotten."

"Thank you. Now, I must find the Council and wipe them out for good. Maybe then the druid cycle will begin again."

"Amen." said Niara and Mei together.

Dante turned around and smiled.

End of chapter 7