Lanrete, the Guardian city. A village nestled on a small island amidst a chain of other islets. Here guardians of Fate are born, raised, taught, and reside. A place where outsiders are welcome, yet none ever come. For it is that Guardians tell of the truth; the Creator made all, and he is real.
Nonetheless, very solemn do the people want to listen…
The time is the morning before the evening End of Summer Festival. The party was a big time for the Guardians, everyone would come whether they were out on the main lands, or on the island. Folk in the village were setting up throughout the shopping district, and the men were constructing the large roof for the party out in Lanrete’s only grassy plain.
With hours before the festival, the younger of the Guardians were out near the schoolhouse indulging in their own activities. The scene now goes to the island’s most hyper-active boy, in yet another attempt to challenge a colleague in combat. “Come on, Elora, one quick fight!” Alexx Junder clenched his fists to the purple haired axe handler. “For the last time, I’m tired of fighting against you; you’re pathetic!” Elora Cestine replied. The brown haired young man grinned at her comment, “Not this time, I learned a new skill that will knock you off your feet!” By this time, the female guardian had walked away with her friends, shouting, “Then why don’t you fight with one of your friends!”
Alexx drooped his shoulders. Sure he could ask one of his friends, but it really wouldn’t substitute for Elora. Being as how she was one the school’s top three, beside Roy and Tela, he wanted to test it against her powers. Just then he was shoved to the side by Roy, the other top classman. “Watch where your going, Blunder!” the boy with blue hair growled. Alexx didn’t care much for Roy, being the local bully, and the factual powerhouse, he was the only great stepping stone from being in the top three. He was terrible with energy, but abuses the most basic attacks, along with showing no mercy is what kept him stronger than the rest. “You tryin’ to have another spat with Elora?” Roy asked. “What’s it to you, Roy?” Alexx’s attitude changed drastically, now being around the equally gifted sword wielder. “Ah, is somebody still sore that he lost his chance to be in the top three?” his two followers behind him were snickering. “Why would I be, I don’t have to answer for your conniving tricks.” Roy seemed a little affected by Alexx’s comment, “Conniving? I beat you, and it was easy!” “Because your lackey sealed my energy before our match!” “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” he then laughed at Alexx, his friends following. Alexx had nothing else to do with his adversary. He turned and left toward the schoolhouse. Roy became infuriated that he could not anger the young Guardian. He charged energy in his hand and ran to attack the swordsman in the back.
Suddenly Alexx turned around, took hold of the hand, pressed his thumb down where the Energy dispersed, blocking it off, then threw Roy to the ground. The other two young men were caught in the moment, as they watched their leader fall so easily. Roy leaned up, and shook his wrist, then shouted, “Don’t just stand their, get him!” The two nameless cohorts suddenly latched onto Alexx’s arms, holding him in place while the grounded Guardian picked himself up. “Think you’re smart huh?” he jabbed the thirteen year old Energist in the stomach, “Try getting out of this one!” Roy socked him across the jaw, grinning as he did so. “Didn’t your dad ever teach you to mind your better? Oh that’s right, your dad is never around!” the fourteen year old laughed. Alexx was trying to get over the pain in his chest and mouth, but had enough to reply, “At least I have a dad…”
That one comment drove Roy over the edge. Backhanding the Guardian, he followed up by kicking his heel in the boy’s chest again. Alexx was close to spitting up blood at this point, and was too focused on the pain to think of escaping. “You wanna say that again, do you!?” by this time a few kids were gathering around to watch the spectacle. Tela came to the scene to stop the boy from continuing. “Stop this now, Roy!” she put a firm hand in his wrist. “Get your hand off me, Tela, I’ll do what I want!” “Beating on fellow students is not allowed on school grounds.” “Beating?” Roy mimicked, “No that’s not what we’re doing!” “You can’t lie to everyone, Roy…” Elora walked to his side, pulling Alexx from the henchmen. “What is this? Ganging up on me?” “Why not, that’s what you did to Alexx…” Tela said. “Ah who gives a care about him, he’s weak just like the rest-” “Alexx could beat you, Tela knows that, I know that, and so do the adults. The only reason you’re where you are is because they could not break rules.” “…And I should care?” Just then, Elora grabbed Roy and forced him to look her straight in the eye. “Leave…him…alone…” she then pushed him away, and left with her other unnamed friends.
Left with a sick feeling of defeat, Roy ushered his men to leave with him, and soon they were gone from sight. The rest of the children had took their leave, and soon the area was empty, save for just Alexx. He sat in the dirt holding his stomach, and not feeling as chipper as he usually is. “What are we going to do with you?” he looked up and noticed Tela hadn’t left. Making a quick smile, he replied, “I think I should apologize for what I said…”
* The rest of the day went by peacefully. Alexx happened to run across Roy again, and he apologized, but the young boy just passed him off without saying anything. The cheery disposition Guardian guessed it might happen, but it did not stop him.
Soon afterward, the festival was underway. Music filled the air, as well as laughter and conversation. Families were meeting back with their missing member, usually a father or mother, and all spending quality time with one another.
Alexx’s father, Bruce Junder was one of the few sent to the main land, and also part of the group sent out the farthest. No one would think him dead because of his strength and wisdom, but he had yet to arrive to the End of Summer Festival… Lynn Junder, his wife was very understanding of the man’s ways, ergo she knew if he was late, or not showing up, then he was in a position where he could not leave. The same could not be said for Alexx. He was anxious to show his dad what he learned while he was gone, and battle him to see if he grew stronger.
But it seemed tonight would not be the night… “Do you think he’ll show up, mom?” Alexx asked his mother for the twelfth time. “Just be patient, Alexx, your father will get here when he gets here.” “But it’s been two months, where is he?” “Well according to his last letter, he was near Jimbardin, the fire capitol. It’s a fair piece by boat from here. Surely you can understand if he can not make it.” “I suppose…”
Outside the festival, in the tall rocky hills where no one is allowed to go, Roy and his two cohorts were sneaking around. “The entrance is this way…” the blue haired leader said. His two lackeys were hesitant to disobey rules, much less be in the area they were now. “Do we really have to go see the cave, Roy? There’s a reason they don’t want us to go there!” “Yeah, but they don’t tell us why we can’t go inside. I want to see what’s in there…” Roy trailed off. “Wait for us, Roy!” they quickly pursued him, all the while keeping the noise level low.
The three boys finally came upon the scene of a cave mouth, guarded by two adult Guardian of Fates. “They have it guarded, let’s go back.” “If you guys are so scared, then get out of here!” Roy growled. Not wanting to show their cowardice, they ducked back down waiting for their leader to come up with a plan.
A few minutes later, the guards noticed two boys walking up the path leading to their position. No one is permitted to walk inside the cave, much less set foot on the rocky outcrop. “You two, stop right there!” the two guards sprinted to the boys with their spears in hand.
Meanwhile Roy dropped from the cave mouth, and slipped inside…
The men had the young Guardians caught, and were immediately taking them back to town. The only thought running through their head was that Roy betrayed them.
Little did they know, he was about to betray everyone…
The inside of the cave was nothing but a long darkened tunnel to Roy. It twisted, and it turned, and all the while descending. He used his dim Light to see the set road in front of him, yet it only did so much. The linear tunnel opened up after a few minutes, and his Light became outdone by an eerie glyph on the opposite wall. “What the?” the strange sight had him still in his tracks.
Suddenly he heard what sounded like a whisper. It’s sound was smooth, and welcoming, but sent a shiver down his spine. He took a few steps forward, and his right foot touched something in front of him. Feeling around he felt the top of some stone monument mid waist. There were two distinct feelings in his hands, one hard which he took as rock, and one smooth, like crystal.
Open… The noise came again, this time in the form of a word. Surely he was hearing the guards talking outside. “But they couldn’t be, they are occupied with the other two.” he said aloud.
Free… Another sound, this time louder, and more clear. “Free, what free?” the more it spoke, the more he noticed it was louder as he walked toward the glyph. “Is anyone there?” Free me… Open… the door… The strange enigmatic noise was a voice. A deep voice, and it attracted him. “You want me to undo this glyph, huh?”
Open… and I shall give you what you desire… “Give me what I want… I don’t even know who you are.” I am of great power and influence, and falsely accused… “I can understand where you’re coming from, everyone around here treats me the same way.” Wouldn’t you wish to show them they’re wrong? Roy laughed, “Yeah, show them all that I’m stronger than anyone of them.” But your strength is not comparable with the others. I know of others who are much stronger than you. “Oh yeah, then why don’t you ask them to free you, I’m out of here!” I can make you stronger than them. Stronger than anyone you can think of. “Sure, empty promises. You think I was born yesterday?” Certainly not…
Suddenly a dark spiral of Energy appeared at the center of the glyph. It’s center was darker than its’ edge, and the very presence made Roy very attracted to it. Put your hand into the darkness… Roy was so drawn to the mysterious energy, and his want for it overtook all thought in his head. Forget who you are, forget who you serve, forget everything… and serve the Darkness… The swordsman didn’t care anything about what the voice spoke. His hand drew ever more near. You will have strength unimaginable, power that will make everyone cower before you… Now that part Roy wanted. He needed no other incentive, and moved his hand toward the small black abyss…
* Meanwhile, back at the festival, everyone was enjoying couples dancing to the folk music, under the party roof. Right as the music ended, a huge gusher of rock and stone exploded in the rocky region of the island. Everyone screamed in shock, but couldn’t fully understand what it was. The elders knew exactly what is was…
Immediately all the men in the area began shouting and motioning the women and children to start heading to the docks. While many questioned as to why the docks, no one had time to explain. Fierce storm clouds raced overhead, mysteriously swirling over the cave. Lightning cracked and split the night sky, giving the Guardians of Fate something else to scream about. Half of the men split to head up the group of civilians, while the others ran to the cave.
* Dark laughter filled the cavern. Two dead bodies lie before Roy’s feet, and Dark Energy flowed through his body. “I killed them without hardly lifting my hands!” he laughed. He turned around to stare at the broken wall, where smoke and smog poured out. A figure of a man came from the veil, stumbling from not using his limbs for nearly a century. “How does it feel to be out after a hundred years?” Roy grinned maniacally. The man with long, blood hair stood by the once constructed pedestal in the center of the circular room, now a pile of pebbles, and studied his hands still shaking from weakness. “That accursed room has kept my power drained all these years. It took everything I had to persuade you to join me.” “Not my problem, pal, but because I know this could backfire on me, I’ll need to help you for a while.” “Smart boy, then I will have to ask you to open a rift to the Kai world.” “Kai, you mean the Dagan-Kai? I can open a rift to unleash those creatures on this island?” “Just will it, and stretch out your hand, it’s that easy.”
Roy looked at his left hand, then stretched it forth toward a nearby wall. Right before his very eyes, an outpouring of dark drained like water from the ground. It began to take the form of an oval like rift, swirling about. “You might want to stand back…” the weakened man told Roy.
* “Alright, it’s most likely he has escaped, but he will be weak. We can not afford to waste any time, we must destroy him quickly and send him back into the realm of Light, understood?” All the men folk shouted in compliance to the head of the pack. “Alright then, let’s-” Suddenly a deep rumbling, followed by distant sounds of snarling and roaring. “No, he hasn’t. He couldn’t have!” The man’s deepest fear was realized. Before it could decant out of the cave, he already knew what was coming to end them all… “Dagan-Kai!” “Fight them!” each and every male Guardian took up their weapon and charge the endless horde that gushed out of the small cave mouth.
* “Every one get on a boat, fill as many as you can!” the other party of men were doing well to get the people aboard what little boats they had. All women were to ride on ships together, and the youth with their own. Alexx found himself on the same vessel with Elora, Tela, and others he knew. But he could not see Roy anywhere. “Where is Roy?” he asked aloud. “You didn’t hear?” a comrade spoke out, “His two friends were being brought out of the out of bound area, they said Roy went inside.” “Then that means-” Elora was cut off by the boat being pushed off the dock. The steering for the ship was a mechanism in the rear, which the purple haired girl took control of as they departed. “This doesn’t make any sense, why are we leaving, what’s going on?” Alexx shouted. “Alexx sometimes you have to do what you’re told without asking questions.” Elora replied. “And this is one of those moments.” Tela said. “Hey, look over there.” a classmate directed their attention back toward the island, where they noticed a docked rowing boat, tied to the bank, and rocking against the rocks. “There’s some people on the boat!” Everyone looked with increased curiosity, only to see someone wearing red armor jumping off the ship, and running after some other dark haired man. “It’s a guy with red armor…” “Red armor!?” Alexx jumped up, “That’s my dad!”
Immediately, the boy grabbed a nearby sheathed sword, jumped ship, and frantically swam toward the bank, ignoring the pleads and cried of his friends. He stroked as fast as he could, looking with excitement as he inched his way toward the bank where he last saw his father. With expertise in swimming, Alexx had energy to spare when he gripped the side of the rocking ship. Still paying no heed to his comrades, he threw his body into the boat, and then quickly worked onto the hard ground of Lanrete, and sprinted off in the direction of the cave. “Elora what do we do, should we go back for him!?” someone asked her. “No, we have to keep going. He’ll most likely end up being taken back to the harbor by one of the men.” Soon Alexx was beyond their sight. Little did they know it would be a long time before they ever saw him again.
* The scene was grim, and darkening at the sight of the cavern. Many dead bodies of Guardian men lie about, as well as shriveled up Kai bodies. Roy stood by the entrance of the grotto, with wild Dark energy fluctuating at his feet. Every man still alive, dared not to move any closer, or move at all, as long as Roy was letting the immense power inside of him go. Some foolishly tried talking to him. “Why, why did you do it, Roy!?” “What would you understand, you all hated me anyway!” “No one said they hated you, why would you think that!?” “You lie! Deep down inside you all couldn’t stand my existence! Now I’m doing you all a favor!” “Releasing Darksol from his prison is doing us a favor!?” “Yes, now you can all go see that Creator you praise so much!” Roy laughed and surged his power for them to see even further. The Kai’s stood behind him, not wanting to get in his range of attack. Darksol waited directly behind Roy, listening with glee as the darkness spread quickly in Roy’s heart. “You sick monster, you’ll pay for what you’ve done!” one Guardian directed to Darksol. But instead, the Amed used it differently. “See how they call you a monster?” “So now your true feelings come out, well I’ll show you just how dangerous this ‘monster’ is!”
He reared back his hands, then jerked them forward, sending a massive wave of Dark energy upon them. Without hesitating, the men all stretched forth their hands, and put up a grand shield of Light to block the energy with ease.
What they didn’t see was Roy slipping through the Light, and cutting his blades into one unsuspected Guardian. The body dropped down lifeless, and he continued to lunge for another, until they fought back, finding that the small child had such strength behind his rage. With the most evil look upon his face, Roy shattered blades, tore the ground beneath him, and mortally wounded a great number of warriors.
Finally he jumped back to the mouth of the cave, breathing somewhat, and wiping blood from his mouth. The strongest of the Guardians survived, and were still giving Roy a hard time. “Hey… I thought you said I would have the power to kill all that I hated!” Darksol did not look up, but replied calmly, “Yes I did say that. But to keep my end of the bargain, you have to keep yours.” “Well played…” “However, you should still use all your new found power at once to dispatch these weaklings.” “Oh, and how would I do that?” “Reach down inside of yourself, use your rage to help you. Imagine what drives you to the point of madness, and then release it from every point in your body.” “No Roy don’t listen to him!”
Roy of course did the opposite. Every painful memory of growing up in Lanrete fueled his anger. But the very person, the very existence of the being that he wanted to kill out of anyone ignited his fury to its’ brink power… “…Alexx…!” “Time for us to vanish…” said Darksol. At that moment, pure Dark energy spewed from every pore in his body. It flowed like a dam bursting, and drowned the Guardians before they could do anything.
* Alexx was quick on his feet, and all to exuberant to see his father again. But he could not shake off the dark aura emanating, and growing stronger as he ran on. Every second the feeling became stronger, and each second it was harder to feel his own Light energy, but that did not stop him from wanting his reunion. At last, as he rounded the hill to a clearing over the cave’s mouth, is where he saw Bruce Junder’s famous red armor. “Dad!” he shouted, running with new energy.
But his father did not seem happy to see him. Immediately the older Junder turned to look at him and ran toward him. Just before the son could embrace his father, Alexx suddenly stopped, and could not move. A sharp pain suddenly rushed from his stomach and through his head. He looked down and could see a firm fist driven in his chest. Without another word, he looked up to a blurry vision of his dad, and another person with dark hair, then all seemed black.
* Body numb, mind spinning, stomach recoiling, Alexx could not open his eyes to save his life. He still felt heavily sedated, but he could make out a conversation going on around him. “I’m sorry, Bruce. It seems the darkness spread through the entire island. Nothing survived.” Who is that…? “It’s alright, just a floating rock after all. I’m more concerned about the men lost today, and the few taken by the stormy ocean.” Elora… Tela… are they alright? “What are you going to do next?” “I’m going to see if my wife made it, then we’ll see about finding the rest of our people.” “And this one?” Is he talking… about… me…? Alexx felt himself going under again. And the last words from his father he could hardly make out. “Can’t… along… finish… learn… Doren.” Doren…? And with that, Alexx fell unconscious again, hearing his father’s last words echoing throughout his mind, knowing he might never hear them again.
Even after all this, he never got to show anyone the special technique he created…
Summon the Four Swordsman!
Location: Cathedral Chapel, Hallin, Date: Mar 13, 20-01.
Hallin, the largest city on Rediew, which has stood at the center of the Western Continent for more than two hundred years. The Hallin Cathedral, the biggest building, served as a place of worship and where meetings of worldly importance were held. A grand council of the leaders from each strong nation have assembled to discuss the threat that is Senkazital. Inside the architectural wonder that is the Hallin Cathedral, eight leaders from the four elemental kingdoms, Eva, Attricot, and Hallin sat across from each other, each clothed in their countries attire. A ninth member, a wise yet young water sage by the name of Eronath, sat at the end of the table, arms crossed, waiting like the others for the tenth man to bring the meeting to order. Murmurs among the men all centered around the question of how Senkazital could have escaped, how many lands have fallen to the Darkness he commands, how much has his strength has returned, and how long do they have to prepare for an attack?
At last a tall, slender man in deep red armor, black hair, and a white book in his left hand approached the group of leaders, and addressed them.
“Pardon my late coming, I do hope you can forgive me for my being tardy.” he said with a sympathetic look.
Eronath was the one to speak up, “You have had quite a lot to do these past five years, we would expect nothing less of you, Bruce.”
“Thank you.” Bruce bowed his head.
The representative of Hallin stood up at that point, brushing his white robe, “Now that we are all here, I believe we can begin. First is roll call: Bruce Junder of Lanrete.”
“Here.” the Guardian said.
“Oxly Feard of Jimbardin.”
“Present, sir.” said the buff, dark skinned, white haired king of the fire kingdom.
“Parsen Brusk of Gaesontera.”
“Present.” said an older man with a receding hair line, and mild green robes.
“Rejin Hopper of Rune.”
“Here.”
“And Fjorn Vitch of Crowne.”
“Present.”
“Very well, including myself, that will make all seven of the council members accounted for, and we may begin the meeting. The only item on the list: Senkazital. Since his awakening five years ago, simply walking out of the city is not safe anymore. The dagan-kai are everywhere, attacking, ambushing, killing, and eating everything they see, save themselves. According to each of your reports, thousands of lives have already been lost, and more are being taken as we speak. I have asked an expert on them, Eronath to come and tell us exactly what it is we are facing.”
He faced in Eronath's direction, “If you could please share your insight on our enemy at this time, sir.”
“As you wish, Chancellor. In my knowledge, the Dagan-Kai are the most feared race of any creature on this planet. Demonis creatures they are, eyes of red and yellow, tassels of torn clothing on their bone skinned bodies, and talons twice the size of a normal human hand that can rip the flesh off bone. Their skin looks as if they were burnt, and left to to live, broken teeth hanging from decaying gums. Deep cuts and wounds all over their bodies from past torments, and still lingering pain. They have no mind to comprehend compromise, or mercy, just destruction, the only thought they have in their non-conscious head. Ever hungry are they for the for the blood and flesh of humans; an ever unsatisfying hunger for an appetite they cannot fill. Gentlemen, these are the Dagan-Kai.”
As the council sat in their seats, listening to the description given to them, they could only imagine the worst image of a monster they had ever seen. Some of the members only know stories of the Kai from their families who lived through the era, while only a few still remember seeing such beasts with their very eyes.
Once Eronath finished, the Chancellor stood up again.
“Gentlemen, Senkazital has rule over the Dagan-Kai. He also controls the Amed, those of course you are stronger and have overcome their blood lust. No doubt his strength is returning quickly, we must act now.”
“Then we will send out the Swordsman!” Oxly said.
“Indeed, that is their job of course,” Rejin added, “To accomplish great missions with as little as few men as possible. Yes, let us summon the four swordsman.”
“I am also in compliance, the swordsman are trained to be the strongest of all warriors,” Parsen agreed, “The swordsman are our best bet to defeat Senkazital.”
“But how can that be?” Fjorn interjected, “He couldn't be killed a hundred years ago, what makes you all think he can be destroyed now?”
“The world of Rediew was a young and blossoming world at that time,” Eronath answered, “We have much since grown stronger, technology has evolved beyond what it used to be, and we as humans are still just beginning to unlock the mysteries of Energy. The only reason for Senkzital being sealed away was because we bound him until we could face him fully.”
“You seem very wise for someone of your age, young Eronath,” Bruce commented, “How can one such as yourself speak so knowledgeable?”
“I read a lot of books.” was the blond headed boys reply.
“In any case, it is agreed. We will send out messengers first thing tomorrow and have the four meet. Where shall they join?”
“I say here, we can avoid any controversy over which elemental kingdom.” said the leader of Gaesontera.
“Nay, Eva, it is closer to Mordon-Gaal, that is where Senka will most likely be!” Oxly shouted.
“You fool, then that will be to far a travel for the North and West Swordsman!”
“You are the fool, Oxly,” Parsen fired back, “It should be Hallin!”
“Then the other two swordsman will have too far a walk!”
“Enough!” said the Chancellor, holding up his hands, “The meeting place shall be Crowne, it is the center of both continents, and both shall have equal travel. Are there any objections?”
Just as Oxly, the fire sage was about to protest against the kingdom if ice, Bruce stared the mighty man square in the eyes until the giant sat still.
“Very good, then it is settled. Thank you for your time gentlemen, this meeting is adjourned.”
The leaders of each respective country took no time in leaving their seat, and the room. Outside the cathedral, as the bask city of white buildings shined in the sunlight, Bruce took a collective breath before he began to depart down the stone steps.
“How did it go, Bruce?” asked a familiar voice to his right. Sitting on the step with his arms crossed over a leather body armor was William LeCroy. The two formed a quick bond over the course of a few days when they first met. And due to certain circumstances, William has been following Bruce for more than four years.
“They have assembled the Swordsman. It's just a matter of time until they move the army out to go and retrieve them.” said Bruce.
“Alright, and what is our next move?”
“Crowne, we have to start investigating that new lead you found.”
“Ah yes, the floating fortress.”
“...You are following that myth? I figured two men such as yourselves would seek higher trivial matters.” the voice of Eronath spoke behind them. They turned around to see the young boy had most likely been sitting there for their entire conversation.
“Eavesdropping young man, shouldn't you be in school?” William said aloud.
“If school taught anything worth learning then yes, otherwise I find more worthwhile information from people such as yourselves.”
“Indeed,” Bruce replied, “William this is Eronath, he was with me in the council.”
“In the council? He doesn't looks younger than my son!”
“I do get that a lot. Do not let my appearance deceive you, sir.”
“Quite the mysterious one you are, what is it you want?”
“Would it be too much if I accompanied you? I'm currently not heading anywhere immediately, and they do say 'three's a company'.”
“I don't see why not, you certainly have won us over with your sense of charm and carisma. If you can carry your load, and not expect us to carry it, then you are welcome to come along.”
“Not to worry, Master Bruce, you'll soon find I'm more than able to do my part.”
“Excellent, then let us be off.”
The newly formed trio of men continued their descent off the cathedral steps.
“You mentioned you had a son, Sir William.” the blond haired Energist said.
“Yes, my son Daniel. He's a good boy, sharp eye, has a knack for fixing things.”
“No doubt he gets it from dear old daddy?”
“Well his hair at least...” they chuckled at his comment.
“And do you have any children, Mr. Junder?”
“You can just call me Bruce, and yes, I have one son. His name is Alexx Junder.”
“Allow me to guess: Calm and steady, strong and quick on his feet, just like his dad?”
“Well...” Bruce looked up into the sky.
*
“Mr. Junder I hope you’re not daydreaming in my class… again!” An age-old scowl painted across the face of Ms. Godbee, and it told Alexx Junder what it always told him…
“…Busted…” He reflected.
“Answer me, Mr. Junder!”
“Yes, Ms. Godbee…”
“Well this is bad for you then isn’t it? Perhaps you know what we were discussing?”
“Uh… History?”
“No!” Her words and spit hit him like a brick wall, “The class was learning about the concept of Energy!”
“Energy!? I could learn that in my-”
“Are you insulting me? Just because you are a Guardian of Fate does not mean you can flaunt yourself in front of these other students!”
“I wasn’t, I was trying to stay ‘out’ of this class…” He said in his mind.
“Obviously since you believe you’re so smarter than all of us, perhaps ‘you’ should teach the class!”
“Uh, but I didn’t say-”
Ms. Godbee narrowed her eyes, sending a shiver down the boys spine.
“Y-yes ma’am…” Alexx picked himself from his table, blushing as he walked past the chuckles and smirks, making his way up to the front of the room.
Hands in his pockets, Alexx turned around, looking over the heads of all sixteen boys and girls in the one room building.
“We are all waiting, Mr. Junder.” The studious teacher stated, putting heavy pronunciation on her ‘t’s.
With a big breath, Alexx closed his eyes and pondered for a moment. When it all came to him, he looked up and began to explain.
“Energy. What is Energy? Simple!” He spoke with a bright attitude, “It is an invisible essence that makes up everything in the universe, just like atoms. To humans, Energy is harmless; in fact, it’s beneficial!”
“How so, Alexx Junder?” Ms. Godbee spoke up in the front corner of the room, hoping to stump the rambunctious youth.
“Everyone on the planet can use energy and in a lot of ways. Energy can be used to power machines, and numerous combat styles. Attacking types, defending types, even healing!”
“Hmm…”
“Then there is another type, called Celestial Energy. It consists of the six elements, Fire, Air, Water, Earth, Light, and Darkness… of course Celestial Energy is a bloodline trait, meaning those born into a family of fire users can harness only fire Energy.”
“Very good Mr. Junder, now class let us continue with-”
“Celestial Energy is expansive, and possesses techniques natural Energy could never think of.”
“Mr. Junder that is enough you may sit down now-”
“And I’m talking Forbidden techniques, Seals, and body enhancing powers! Sure, Energy has a Sage mode to boost the intake and expulsion of Energy. But Celestial Energy could trump any power imaginable!”
“I said that is enough-”
“Take Light Energy. We have the Everlight state. It’s easy to initiate, and can make the host travel faster than the eye could see!”
“Take your seat, Alexx Junder!”
“They say there’s another state, but those who reach it cannot control it’s awesome power!”
In midst of this conversation, the class grew talkative, excited, and intrigued. Ms. Godbee only reddened her face so bright, they could pass her off as a tomato.
“And not just for Light, any element can use power enhancement. All you have to do is-”
“Detention!” The teacher finally screamed above Alexxs’ talk…
Chapter 1 and 2
Immediately following the council meeting in Hallin, messengers were sent to the last known locations of the Four Swordsman. A handful of the Hallin’s soldiers were sent to deliver the message, and then escort them to Crowne. The message briefly explained the situation at hand, where to arrive, and to bring as few loved ones, friends, students, etc. as possible. One month later, each of the Four was informed, and began to move out the next day … This story follows the story of Trandin Hurshel, and Marcus Crow, the South and East swordsman and their travels from Doren and Jimbardin to Crowne. For even though Senkazital rests and lies in wait for them, he still sends his minions to stop them anyway he can. In the city of Jiho, a town between Symbarta and the solace village of Doren, an Amed-Kai has taken captive six local mercenaries in the town center on its black cobblestone fountain. This Ameds name is Boarabbas, a large pig like beast that stands upon two hooves, and wears large arms near his black mane head. He walks around his prisoners with his dual-axe headed staff keeping the people of Jiho, and the guards at bay as he prominently roars aloud for silence. The crowd did not quiet down, many filled with anger toward the monster. The entire city emptied since news of a malicious creature and gathered to the fountain, frantically crying out to the men who are bound and tied together with Dark Energy all positioned around the base of the black obstruction. Many of the upset people were yelling orders of setting the men free, and getting out of town, all while the demented hog snarled back at them. “You will have what you want when I get what I want!” he growled back at them. More shouts of outrage deafened his ears the guards standing with spears in a tight circle around the area being a combination of local city, and nearby militia had a hard job of keeping them held back. Boarabbas finally had enough of the shouting, and went to silence it. He raised his weapon over his head, high enough for all to see, as a gesture to make them all quiet down. The gesture worked, the sea of people slowly quieted down to a murmur, until it was peaceful enough for him to speak. “Why are you here!?” he heard a man shout. “There is someone here that I am looking for.” He replied. “Why have you taken those men hostage!?” “These fine adventurers are my prisoners, and they serve as a trade for the life of the man I desire.” “Then who is he!?” “Trandin. I am looking for Trandin Hurshel. He is here, and I know it” The people were again in a murmur. Most of the whispers were of ‘who is this Trandin’, and the others were ‘I can’t believe he’s here’. No one man spoke up in claiming to be Trandin, nor did anyone call out for him. Boarabbas seemed to have expected this, “Alright then, since you will not come out Trandin, then here is my proposition: the longer you wait, the more people will die. If I run out of mercenaries then I will continue with the guards, and if I run out of guards, then I will kill all these people! I will kill every last soul until I find you, or you spare these lives, your choice!” “…I’d like to see you try!” suddenly a pack of three guards dressed in military armor jumped from behind and raised their spears to attack Boarabbas. The Amed smirked and let his eyes shut. Before they even had a chance to draw near, he swung around so quickly they were stunned. He took the opportunity to draw his large axe around and cleave two of the men in a single swoop. Their remains split in two pieces spraying blood everywhere and falling to the ground. Everyone screamed and began crying in horror of the onslaught. The large populous of people were running away, while some could not move their bucking knees. The last guard too was severely shaken by the sight, so shaken he could not move. Boarabbas disappeared from thin air and in a few seconds suddenly appeared behind the soldier, his shadow over taking the small man. Raising his axe to swing, the mortified spearman was just able to turn his head around in time to see the figure behind him blackened out by the sun. He’s … so fast …! All he could utter was slight whimper, and then finally a scream as the axe head drew near his neck. The body fell limp, and a bleeding head rolled to the feet of the mercenaries bound by black ethereal binding. It was apparent now that this Amed was serious, and was not simply bluffing. “Now who would like to join them?” Boarabbas grinned. The screaming in the background wandered into the smaller alleys and main streets of Jiho, the only ones left behind were the loved ones of the men being held hostage. Each one of the men looked at each other, most of them not wanting to let one another speak up. “No one will bravely be the first to ascend to the next life? Pity, then I suppose I will have to choose for you.” Again the Amed disappeared with his inhuman speed. Each adventurer looked around for him, but the pig was nowhere in sight. Suddenly they heard the youngest mercenary screaming, and their attention was directly pointed to the other side of the fountain. A woman who appeared to be the boy’s mother began crying hysterically and forcing her way through the wall of soldiers, but to no avail. Boarabbas paid no heed as he grimaced at the boy, who looked no older than thirteen. The young boy did his best not to show fear, but his tears ran down too much. “Don’t be scared little boy, you won’t feel a thing …” Boarabbas said glaring into the boys saddened eyes. The boy miraculously drew back his tears, and bravely peered back into the Kai’s yellow piercing eyes, “I’m not afraid, my dad taught me not to be afraid of Kai!” Boarabbas continued to glare at the boy, noting that his fear left him more and more, he truly was not scared in the face of death. He finally pulled back and chuckled in his growling tone, “Such a brave child, you do your father proud I’m sure, now own up to those words, and feel how harsh I can be!” “ … Coward …!” shouted another mercenary. “Who speaks now? Do not think it wise to hold back my wrath I will unleash it upon that who spoke!” “I’m right here …” said a man with dark red hair, sitting upright around the fountain, not even turning his head toward Boarabbas. “Ah and who be this that dares interrupt me?” he said as he stomped around to see the face of the mysterious adventurer. The man opened his eyes with a look of seriousness, staring Boarabbas square in the face. “I am Trandin Hurshel. Leave that boy alone, your fight is with me!” Boarabbas seemed in unbelief. He took his time in examining the man who called himself Trandin. He looked all around him, took a whiff of his scent, took another step back then looked at him from head to toe, not once did Trandin flinch. Suddenly Boarabbas growled, and grew angry. He reared back his axe and with the blunt end jabbed it as hard as he could into the man’s rib cage. Everyone shouted in horror, and Trandin spit up blood right at the Amed’s feet. The young boy shouted ‘daddy!’ and the woman from before screamed as well. Boarabbas pointed the tip of his axe toward the man and shouted, “You are not Trandin Hurshel! You are an imposter, a fake!” “Of course not, you oversized hog, I am Trandin Hurshel-“ “Lies!” Boarabbas backhanded the red headed man, causing the man to fall from the fountain base into the dirt. “What fool do you think I am? Do you think I do not know who my quarry is!?” The man could not speak, he simply winced in pain and continued to bleed out the corner of his mouth. “I will tell you who I am searching for: I am looking for the Swordsman of the South, he is titled that because he is the greatest swordsman in the southern region! He is not from this puny town, he was born and raised in the southern most hidden village called Gaesontera, meaning he is an air user! He manipulates the air around him to kill his foes, one second in front of you and the next behind you with his sword sticking you all the way through, which is why my skills were needed to find and kill him! He has blond hair, and carries a sword gleaming like crystal on his back, and last I checked-” he looked to the boy still sitting on the cobblestone, “He didn’t have a child!” Boarabbas picked the man up by his head, the demon’s hand completely enveloping the swordsman’s skull. “I have lost my patience Trandin! You took too long and now this man and his son will die, and their blood will be upon your conscience!” with that he began squeezing his hand holding the head of the father. He tried with his might to get free of Boarabbas’s grip, but there was too much of a strength difference. He screamed in pain, it was all he could do until his head caved in. Suddenly he heard Boarabbas let out a demented squeal, and released him from his grasp. As air quickly entered his lungs, and his head felt light, he looked up and could see Boarabbas holding his other hand with a small silver knife deeply imbedded in the wrist. With the binds of darkness still on him, he sat up and pressed his back on the foundation of the spring. Boarabbas removed the blade with haste, and gazed upon its shining blade, not too many people walk around with something this magnificent. All of these interruptions were beginning to wear him thin. “Who threw this!?” he shouted to the small crowd, still watching the Amed have his way in the city, “Who dares strike me, and hide amongst the crowd!?” Suddenly a gust of wind blew across his face, but its feeling was different than a normal breeze. It was mixed with Energy … He turned to where the wind flowed, and noticed a man standing completely still, masked in a cape and a flat straw hat covering his head. Immediately Boarabbas could sense such a high aura of Energy inside the figure, and that the sudden wind change obviously came from him. “Was it you who threw this blade at me?” Boarabbas said. Everything was silent at this point; not a sound from the people, the guards, or the captive men. The strange figure did not move he simply stood his ground as the wind around him blew his cape to and fro. “Answer me!” The vague warrior finally began to raise his head. The hat began to give sight to a pair of violet eyes, blond hair, and an emotionless face. “That depends,” said the man in such a prominent voice, “Did the blade look like this one?” he brought his hand from the cape, holding a blade completely identical to the sword Boarabbas held! “You … you are …!” the black skinned Amed couldn’t finish his sentence, with so much anger, and pleasure building inside him, “Trandin!” Trandin turned around, revealing a beautiful blue tinted blade hanging from his back. He released it and placed it into the ground, then removed his hat and placed it on the handle of the sword, now giving light to his face, and blond hair. The air around him died down, and he turned back to focus on Boarabbas. “What do you want? I’m on a journey to Crowne and I need to be there as soon as possible.” He said in a straight tone. “I know, and I’m here to take you with me, my master doesn’t want you to take your ‘journey’.” Boarabbas said as he wielded his axe. “That is a shame, but I don’t care, I’m not interested in you or your master.” “Oh? But you are interested in these people I have held hostage! Otherwise you would not have come out of hiding!” “These people haven’t done anything to you, let them go.” “Not so fast, I’m going to bargain them; you for them. You refuse they die, agree, and they go free …” “I’ll choose the option where you do neither of those.” “Such a cocky headed little snot! Do you not understand that you are standing before the Amed-Kai, Boarabbas!? I am known for my bulk strength as well as my incredible speed! Speed that travels even faster than wind!” Just then, Boarabbas vanished with a mighty gust, blowing dust everywhere, and causing all the denizens to shield themselves. Trandin stood unshaken, squinting his eyes from the dirt. Boarabbas suddenly appeared behind him, having his axe ready to strike. Trandin did not turn his head but looked up and smirked, “Is that supposed to be your speed? My student is faster than you!” Roaring, Boarabbas swung his blade across, swinging right through Trandin, making the man evaporate into the wind. “A trick!? But how did he-” the stinging sensation of a blade suddenly appeared in his back. Trandin stood behind him, holding firmly and checking his nails on his other hand. “-Do that? Yeah I get asked that a lot …” “Such speed! I didn’t even see you prepare your Energy!” he then grunted as the blade was pressed a little further in. “Well of course you didn’t see me prepare my Energy. I didn’t have to.” “I see, in that case I will not go down with nothing!” Boarabbas swung his claw around, missing Trandin as the swordsman jumped back. He then lunged for the hog, but again it disappeared, and then appeared right in front of the boy captive. He grabbed him up, and then placed him in the crook of his arm. “Do not move or this boy dies!” “Charlie!” the father shouted, trying to move. “Daddy!” the boy cried. “No one move, or I will kill him instantly!” Trandin was unmoving, as well as the father of Charlie. Boarabbas motioned for the people behind him to clear a path, which they complied very quickly. “So the stories are true after all.” He said turning back to Trandin, “You are indeed are strong, fast, and calm in every situation, but your biggest weakness is people!” Trandin glared at him. “I will leave the city, and if I catch anyone following me, I will not hesitate in taking this boy’s life, understand!?” The father felt helpless, but what was worse was that he saw Trandin doing nothing. “Please do something, Trandin!” he shouted. “I can’t, he has your son, moving anything will risk his life.” “But-” “It will be alright, I have it handled.” “How do you call standing still ‘handled’!?” “Trust me, sir.” “If you two are finished, I will take my leave now. Goodbye Trandin, we will meet again, and you will not be so confident, I can assure you of that!” as he finished speaking, Boarabbas began running on three limbs down the path of building, and then followed the large road right. All was quiet, save for the father and mother’s crying. Soon after the binding on the men withered away in black smoke, and the men were free. The soldiers let the families through, each one mostly being a wife and a couple kids running to their dad, even the wife of Charlie’s father. “Are you alright?” she asked glad to be holding again. “No I’m not, that demon has our boy, I’m going after him!” “But that thing threatened to kill him if we-” “I can’t sit around and do nothing; I’ll bargain my life for his …” “ … No you won’t …” Trandin patted the man on his shoulder as he passed by carrying his sword behind him and his hat on his head. “Why what are you going to do about it?” he said in an aggressive tone. “It’s not what I can do, it’s what Alexx can do now.” With that he marched in the direction Boarabbas fled. “Alexx, who is- wait, where are you going?” Trandin turned around and smiled, “To get your son …” * Boarabbas turned the corner sharply turning right, which led to a bunch of citizens yelling and jumping out of the way. He huffed heavily digging nails and hoof into the earth as he ran as quickly as he could out of town. The boy in his other arm wiggled and tried to get free, but each time he attempted, Boarabbas would squeeze harder on his hold. He took another large right turn to an empty street, which gave him incentive to run faster, seeing that the last turn was drawing near. He rounded the left turn, and to his benefit there was the double door gate leading out, with both doors wide open and no guards on watch. “You are lucky, boy, no one here to try and stop me, you might get to live a little longer!” Charlie said nothing as he frowned at the pig, and then waited as the gate drew nearer, and nearer. Faster Boarabbas seemed to run as the sight of the open fields of Rediew were nearly in his grasp. As he raced under the arch he suddenly rams his head clear into a barrier made of Light energy. He is knocked back onto his back, the boy being thrown for a ride as he is still in the monster’s clutch. Amazingly the impact did not knock Boarabbas out. He stood slowly on his hooves, rubbing his aching head. Walking to gate again, the barrier stopped him yet again. He pressed against it, noting that Light reacted to his hand upon his touch. Giving it a punch it felt like hitting a solid wall and the pain surged back to his head, making him wince. “What trickery is this? I thought I said no followers!” “ … It’s over Boarabbas …” Trandin appeared a distance behind him. Stunned, Boarabbas wheeled around toward his enemy. “You, you did this? But you are an air user! You can possibly use Light Energy unless you’re a Guardian!” “You’re precisely correct, I am an air user,” he looked up to the gates top smiling, “But Alexx is the Guardian.” Suddenly as the Amed turned around to look, a young man hollered aloud as he flew downward over Boarabbas’s head and appearing to land right behind him. Alexx came spiraling down, Boarabbas followed his descent until Alexx was right above him, and then using a forceful kick, he connected with the hog’s face, sending the massive beast flying back into the barrier of Light, shattering upon impact. Charlie came free from the last attack, and was now safely being helped to the side by Alexx. “Thank you!” Charlie said with a smile on his face examining the cheery, brown spiky headed hero. His clothes were simple, a dark blue patched up tunic, and cut up, faded white shorts. “No problem kid. Like Trandin said, he has it handled!” Alexx replied in a young cheerful voice. Trandin walked over and rested his hand on Alexxs shoulder, “Nicely done, ready to finish it?” “Yes sir!” he replied, unsheathing a rather good size sword from the sheath on his back. Boarabbas had never been in so much pain for as long as he can remember. He knew that Trandin would be a challenge, but to be so outdone by a student of his, and for the student to be a Guardian nonetheless? Such facts simply did not settle well with him … before he even had time to stand, he heard the young Guardian charge him, with sword in hand. Without time to draw his axe, he attempted to block the sword. Alexx leaped and slashed at the Amed’s skin, making a rip down across the wrist, giving Boarabbas another reason to squeal in pain. As Alexx landed, he reared back and swung again, missing his target as the twisted animal recoiled back, and made a break for the open wild. Alexx readied to charge after him, but was immediately halted by Trandin. “You’re letting him get away?” Alexx asked. “No, just letting him have a head start …” “Messing with him, nice …!” “Go … and try to be silent this time.” Alexx bolted right after Boarabbas, tearing up the ground, and reaching speeds much faster than the Amed. “… Show off …” Trandin sighed. Minutes later, a fair piece from the city, Boarabbas panted and trotted along at slower speeds due to his injuries. “Darn that Trandin, and that … Guardian! They’ll pay for this, they will pay for this!” He continued trouncing along heading north going back to the lair where can regroup. Already he was feeling regret due to not coming back with the body of the Swordsman of the South. They will certainly be upset, and will deal with him much worse than what he received in Jiho. “Perhaps if I explain that I was outnumbered. Yes, that will do it! I was outnumbered, they were too strong even for Makido!” “… Who’s Makido?” Alexx asked running right beside him. “How did you- where did you get your speed from!?” Alexx unsheathed his sword and smirked, running toe-to-toe with the beast, “This is nothing, I’m wearing training weights right now!” before he could let Boarabbas reply, he swung his sword with both hands downward. He missed the back, which was where he aimed for, but ended up slicing Boarabbas’s tail clean off his backside. Again the Amed cried in pain and rolled to a stop, barreling as his momentum still carried him. Truly now he understood he was no match for even the Guardian, and that he was in a dire circumstance. Sucking up his pain, he again stood and ran away, cowering. “That’s right, run back to your pig pen! I got your tail!” Alexx waved the limp body part over his head as he shouted toward Boarabbas. Wrapping the eight foot appendage around his shoulder, he ran back toward Jiho to show Trandin his prize.
Immediately upon reaching the gate, Trandin met Alexx at the opening standing with perfect posture. Beside him were the captive adventurers from before, as well as their families and some onlookers. Upon seeing the crowd gathered by the front entrance, Alexx slowed his pace enough to bring it to a proud strut. With a smirk on his face, he put forth his hand and revealed to the people the coiled tail of Boarabbas. “He won’t be bothering you for a while.” Alexx said as to reassure them, handing the tail to the nearest man. “…How do you know he won’t come back!?” a woman’s voice shouted from the crowd. “Cause as long as Alexx Junder is behind him, he won’t think twice about turning around!” Suddenly the crowd broke into a small murmur over finding out who this ‘Alexx Junder’ that the man in the brown coat was talking about. “Me!” Alexx shouted, followed by the crowd awing. To save him from further embarrassment, Trandin moved to his side and cleared his throat. “It’s time we took our leave Alexx. Say goodbye and hurry along.” The stoic swordsman whispered into his pupil’s ear. “Right, right I gotcha.” Alexx winked. He puffed out his chest and took a step forward. “My friends, there is no need to fear! I, Alexx Junder, will chase after Boarabbas, and will not stop until his head is in my possession!” The crowd was confusingly silent. They watched the boisterous youth in utter disbelief as he flapped his coat in a dramatic turn around and followed swiftly behind his teacher. They watched until they became tiny dots in the distance. After looking at each other, they turned into a small joyful crowd and began embracing one another. As they were out of eye-sight of the city, Trandin stole a glance of his student. Alexx walked with his head held high, and a smile on his face that seemed to say ‘I am awesome!’. Trandin could only imagine that his rumble with Boarabbas only inflated his ego. And yet Alexx still failed to follow the exact orders that Trandin gave him. However Alex did a good job scaring the Amed away, so Trandin won’t give him that hard a time. “That was a powerful speech you delivered back there. Very moving. Any reason for the extra flamboyancy?” “Of course there is! I’m off that forsaken peninsula you call home, and in case you didn’t notice, I went toe-to-toe with that humongous pig and gave him something to remember me by!” “First of all, there is nothing wrong with Doren, and yes I did notice. I noticed you left your belongings in Jiho.” Just then Alexx went from a proud smile to a blank expression. It did not look good for someone who made a gallant exit to have to go back to retrieve his things. “Here hotshot.” Trandin handed over Alexxs’ travel sack, and a cot, and a weighted coat. It was made of brown leather, and hung down near his shins. “You know I won’t be responsible for your items everytime.” “Yeah I know-” “Then there shouldn’t have been any reason for you to look after your belongings.” “But people were in trouble, and it slipped my mind!” “It didn’t slip my mind.” “Alright, alright, you’re the teacher, I’m the student.” “And the sooner you learn what I’m teaching, the quicker I won’t have to be a teacher.” With that ending note, they continued walking north silently. The opposite ‘master-and-teacher’ pair of Alexx and Trandin hail from the town of Doren. Trandin Hurshel, the Swordsman of the South is an air user from the lost land of Gaesontera, as made evident by his gray skin, and emblem of the air kingdom. Trandin has held the title of swordsman for sixteen years, and has more than once shown his worth of holding the name in that amount of time. The past five years however he spent taking Alexx as a student and training him on the island of Doren. After the tragedy that fell on the island of Lanrete, Alexx was found ashore on the sand bank of Doren. Though it took getting used to, and with the city not knowing what to do with him, he eventually found a place among them, and of course learning to better himself with the sword thanks to Trandin. Now that Trandin has been summoned to gather to meet with the other swordsman, he must travel first to Notsyor and meet up with the swordsman of the east, Marcus Crow, and his team. Before that are four cities, Symbarta, Sirius, Nirn, and Tiary. In midst of that, a group of soldiers sent from the capitol Hallin will meet up with them and escort the swordsman until they reach Crowne the Ice kingdom. Combining those elements with a five day walk to the next town, and an unknown number of wild animals, and Kai between each town, and without proper transportation, the time taking the trip is immeasurable. Their next destination is Symbarta, a mining town partially built into the mountains. The mountains near Symbarta are rich with coal, and minerals such a tin ore, and copper, which make it a small, but valuable metal smelting town. The people living there are mostly strong, muscle built, and rugged men and women who are used to being around sweltering heat, blistering fingers from touching freshly molded metals, and rocks. Two hours after their leave from Jiho, Alexx and Trandin found themselves entering a forest. To them it was a nice to have the tall trunks, and lengthy branches abundant with leaves to provide shade from the sun heat. Not long into the walk they found it to be unpopulated with animals for killing, cleaning cooking, and eating. Getting close to meal time, they sought after fish. The men were reluctant to hear the sound of a flourishing stream, which meant aquatic animals. Growing up on mostly islands meant fish was a natural part of their diet. As they reached the river, Alexx reached in his pack and pulled out a good sized fishing net. He jumped over the brook and set up the net to both sides of the banks, then waited for the fish to come swimming into it. Trandin took this time to get a fire going. The forest was without density, which meant that dry wood in the area was boundless. After half an hour the men were putting small fish almost the size of minnows over an open flame. “In land fish always leave something to be desired…” Alexx grimaced, looking at his dinner. “One can never expect many good things from river fish.” Trandin added, poking the embers of the smoldering flame. He looked at their catch, taking notice of the six little that wouldn’t fill them up entirely. “I know it’s not a big forest, but you’d think there would be some deer, or rabbits, I would even settle for snake!” “It’s bothersome, but this comes with the adventuring. Light dining, rough nights, and days of seemingly endless walking, it all comes with the swordsman job.” “Yeah right, along with orders from the ‘high-ups’, ridiculous rules and standards, and absolutely no social life.” “I don’t believe you really think that’s all to the Swordsman order, and after all I told you about us.” “Yeah I remember what you said; every swordsman who thinks he’s the best goes to one of the four Orders of the Sword. Then only the best- not a few good ones- THE best is allowed to go to the Temple of the Order to see the masters and earn their title. Seems like a lot to go through just to become a glorified guard dog.” “What about protecting the people of this country? The people you love? Yourself?” “I can do that without a fancy nametag.” “It’s not about the position; the Swordsman Order teaches you things you would never learn under anyone else. I’m teaching you the basics of what I learned from them, but they can teach you much more. And besides…” Trandin revealed a long sword in its case around his waist, “The swordsman of the south gets the privilege of this beauty.” “Of course,” Alexx suddenly beamed, “How could I forget the infamous sword of lightning, a blade that can never be broken!” “Yes it a wonderful tool for a fine swordsman. Which can be you, Alexx.” “No thanks, I’ll be the best swordsman without any ridiculous training. Thank you.” After the food was ready, they consumed it while keeping quiet toward each other. Trandin could tell that Alexx’s attitude toward the Swordsman was nothing more than his own rebellion too responsibility. His ability to wield a sword was average at best, and to claim to be the best he would need nothing short of a miracle. Nonetheless, Alexx contained potential, not because of being a Guardian, although it is a factor. It wasn’t long after the dinner that they were on the road again, quickly making their leave out of the woods and back into a landscape of endless grass and pure blue skies. But getting close to the mountains turned the ground into rough red dirt, and the heat of the day increased, which meant it wasn’t long until sticky sweat and furrowed brows found themselves stuck on the travelers faces. “We need a vehicle…” Alexx said with a growl. “I know…” Trandin replied with the same expression. As time passed, coats, and capes were removed, and the heat was a bit more bearable. Awareness of danger also increased, being in the heat meant that Kai’s could likely be in the area. Kais are attracted to heat and large areas where nothing is in sight, perfect for attacking travelers, animals and the sort out in the middle of nowhere. Sure enough as their journey brought them down into a short chasm, a group of Kai were devouring a pair of dead vultures. Quickly the two took cover behind some boulders to not be seen. They peeked out to see how far along in their meal they had consumed, judging by the remains they were about finished. “Should we wait until they leave?” Alexx looked to Trandin. “No, when they finish they will simply smell us out and attack.” The swords master replied, pulling his large claymore from behind. “Seems its inevitable then…” Alexx smirked, loving the thought of some Kai slaughter. “We’ll have to attack swiftly, if we don’t they’ll come at us even quicker.” “Hey, this is what you trained me more, besides that, they’re a good distance away, and how do you figure we attack first before they notice?” Trandin smirked, let down his pack, then pushed his foot against the boulder in front of them, then looked at Alexx and said, “Let’s rock.” “Are you kidding-” at that moment, Trandin kicked the boulder using his might and some Air energy and launched the boulder at bullet speed toward the Kai. As they continued consuming the raw bird flesh, they immediately looked up all at once and could see the rock heading straight for them. Out of the six, two of them could not move out of the way fast enough; the remaining four crawled out of the way like a slithering snake. Their human like bodies were bent over on all fours, revealing every bony part of their body, from head to toe. The eyes were red as fresh blood, and the sharp teeth that they bared were stained yellow, and dripped with the blood of their prey. They all stood still, waiting for the wisp of dust to clear to see who attacked them. Alexx proudly walked forth, swinging his longsword at them, “Come at me, pretty face!” he shouted. Without any hesitation, the food deprived beasts went into attack mode, digging their hands into the dirt as they charged at break neck speed. “Four on one, I hate those odds-” Alexx leaned back with his sword just as the Kai jumped at him, and swung into two chests’, the other two missing their targets. The two that were struck hit the ground collapsing right under Trandins feet. Easily the Swordsman of the South head-stomped one, and let his massive sword plummet into the other. The last two Kai took their chance and climbed up the wall in an attempt to flee. “Are they running away?” Alexx asked, never seeing anything like that before. “I’ve never seen them run actually, but I guess even bloodthirsty monsters run away when they feel defeated.” Trandin answered. They continued to stare as they were close to the top of the chasm. Suddenly though they realized they were waiting for a trap. Atop the cliffs were two of the Kais of gigantic girth. They wore cracks on their bodies like tattoos, and the cracks swelled with an orange glow. “Rumblers!” Trandin shouted. “We gotta take out those Kai before they hit them!” Alexx said back. “With what do you propose? We have no ranged weapons!” “No range weapons and no vehicle… We’re asking for trouble!” It was too late for the men below; the speedy Kai had reached the Rumblers, and struck them at the same time in the stomach. Simultaneously the Rumblers imploded into a fiery explosion. The resulting explosion took the smaller Kai in the blaze, and caused the ground around it break into pieces and begin to rain down upon the swordsmen. “Move!” Alexx and Trandin made a break for the exit, already feeling the smaller pebbles pelt them as the heavier rocks were close to impact. With their quickness, they were keeping ahead of the debris, and even though the avalanche of rocks was farther ahead than they thought, the agility level of the two were well endowed with evading. With the exit well in sight, and the debris from the explosion coming to a halt, Alexx and Trandin were safe for the moment. “They call that a trap?” Alexx scoffed, “That was shameful!” he looked to Trandin who was collecting his breath, and looking back at the disastrous mess. Something was heavy on Trandins mind, how were such mindless things able to come up with a trap so simple, but a planned attack nonetheless. “Alexx,” he called the Guardians attention, “Does it strike you odd that they were able to make a trap like this? Much less a trap at all?” Just then Alexx stopped and took notice of the situation, “Now that you mention it, Kais are brain dead. How did they manage to make a trap?” “You don’t think…” Just before Alexx could reply, an ominous aura that bore down on them took what little breath they had away. It was not a sudden revelation that struck them; it was the presence of an approaching Amed-Kai, and a powerful one at that. The strength it held on them was much more than that of Boarabbas’, they had no idea who it could be… And then it appeared, they looked ahead toward the exit, and could see the clouds of darkness spewing from the ground. As the clouds stretched upward, a figure began walking out. The figure was wrapped in a dark purple robe, which strange markings all around. The medium length hair was jet black, and brushed back, so to not hide the purple eyes, and three marks on the pale white face. Alexx was holding his head from the strain of the aura this man let loose, he looked to Trandin who was unmoved, but gripping the side of the lightning sword tightly. The presence finally subsided, and Alexx could think a little clearly, but still couldn’t read energy levels like his teacher, a skill he hoped to learn eventually. Unsheathing his long sword, he readied a vigorous fight. “The Swordsman of the South I presume?” the man said in deep voice, mouth masked behind a high collar. Trandin did not answer; a calm spirit overcame him, in the face of this unknown enemy. “I see, a rhetorical question.” The strange man looked past them to the destruction of the chasm behind them. “I see you did not enjoy my, ‘formal greeting’.” Alexx looked back at the fallen boulders, and then looked back at the Amed, “Ambushes are the new ‘hello’? I would’ve much preferred a flask of water.” The creeping fellow took notice of Alexx, and did not utter a word, he only stared into the blue eyes of the Guardian. Just then Alexx felt strange, his feet went numb beneath him, and he fell forward, his world began to blur and fade away as he collapsed face down on the ground. “Alexx…!” was the last thing he heard before everything went silent.