(the chapter opens with tenebris in a house with machi and Arthor getting bandaged up)
(Machi is getting his side bandaged up to his shoulder and his hands, Arthor is getting his head checked out. everyone looks very sad. )
Tenebris: two of the dead stars are unaccounted for, as well as the assassin who I fought and the other Kongur. Cepheus and Leo have been taken into custody.
Arthor: how did they know where we were?
Tenebris: I don't know, it could have been some kind of deal happening between the dead stars and the Kongur. we just happen to stumble upon.
Arthor: No, the Kongur don't do deals like that...they take what they want, when they want, from who they want.
Tenebris: I have no other ideas. have the Kongur come to you before?
Machi: I don't remember everyone who comes through here, usually its people wanting to fight, or want me to join whatever they are. it doesn't sound familiar though.
Tenebris: hmm. are you sure they were the Kongur you overheard?
Arthor: Like I would forget anyone associated with them. yes the people who attacked me before were the same ones I heard.
Tenebris: what about that one?
Arthor: yeah...he was one of them. The Kongur corrupt everything they touch, but that was on a different level. I didn't even think it was human.
Tenebris: I don't think it was.
Machi: what was it then?
Tenebris: . . . the assassin, while we were fighting my arm resonated with the power he was using. the same thing happened when that thing showed up.
Machi: your arm? your not saying your arm has the same stuff that monster had on it?
Tenebris: unfortunately it does.
Machi: if you have that black stuff, then why aren't you...you know, attacking people and stuff?
Tenebris: the power feeds on Orku, these bandages make sure that it is not getting any of my energy. as well as...(looks at his rings) other counter measures.
Machi: .....?
Tenebris: Even the small amount of that power my arm has is overpowering, with the amount of the black energy that monster had, that man was long gone, it took over his body and mind. this power is extremely dangerous. If Corvis is right and the Kongur have access to it, then we need to stop them before they can corrupt more people.
Arthor: so what are we going to do?
Tenebris: if karri was taken to Egran by the Kongur, maybe their leader will be there. we can get two birds with one arrow, rescue karri and stop the Kongur.
Arthor: if theirs a chance we can get karri back I'm all for it. but do you really believe we can take down the kongur, we could barely take down the dead stars.
Machi: whose karri?
Tenebris: your right. we're going to need a lot of help taking them down. (looks at Arthor)
Arthor: no, your not thinking what I think you are...again.
Tenebris: the legions might be the only ones with the power needed to fight them.
Arthor: "Huuuggh" ....if it means getting karri back then I don't have a problem with it.
Machi: whose karri?
Tenebris: good, we'll leave first thing in the morning for now, lets just get some rest. (tenebris and arthor leave)
Machi: (still getting bandaged up sitting on a chair) Who the heck is Karri!?
(arthor and tenebris are walking through the village with people picking up the pieces of their stores and cleaning up broken glass and stone)
Arthor: (sees the body of the Kongur laying on the ground with black ichor around it. arthor stares sadly)
Tenebris: (senses Arthors sadness) what's wrong?
Arthor: It's nothing, just....
Tenebris: if your torn up by killing that thing, you shouldn't be. if you didn't more people might have been hurt.
Arthor: it's not that, I was just thinking...that guy...that could've been me...or karri. he was just someone unfortunate enough to come across the Kongur. what if we never escaped or met you. What if the same thing happens to karri. I just don't understand why this is happening.
Tenebris: I wish I knew. There are a lot of things that happen that we don't understand. But I believe everyone goes through what they have for a reason.
Arthor: so what's my reason?
Tenebris: ...I cant answer that....but I hope you will find the answer someday. .
Arthor: have you found your answer?
Tenebris: . . .no. . . the creator has not told me yet.
Arthor: . . . then maybe we'll find out together then.
Tenebris: All we can do is hope.
(they walk into the inn and close the doors behind them)
CHAPTER 51 WHAT DO YOU FIGHT FOR
(the chapter opens in Joer with machi, arthor and tenebris meeting up in the dinner of the inn.)
Machi: so what's the plan captain?
Tenebris: captain?
Machi: what? you've got a crew now and your the one leading, that sounds like a captain to me.
Tenebris: aight....well we know that karri is in Egran, which is also where a Kongur base is. did they say where in Egran karri was taken?
Arthor: unfortunately no, they only said that he was in Egran.
Tenebris: hmm. if we go by ourselves we will be severely outmatched, in number and power, we need to get together a force strong enough to defeat them. the only problem is we cannot get a force powerful enough to cross into Egran without drawing attention. especially if it's a legionary force, it could be seen as an act of war.
Arthor: so what are we going to do then if we cant fight the Kongur by ourselves and we cant get the legions help?
Tenebris: well, there is one place we could go to, to give the legions the information we have, maybe then we could get a legion or two to face the Kongur without having to risk a war. they usually don't let anyone outside of the legions attend but I think I could get us there.
Machi: and that's where?
Tenebris: there's an island off the coast of sedanss called trinity. it is the meeting place of the Worlds legions. the only problem is getting multiple legions to attend.
Machi: Well there goes that idea.
Tenebris: not necessarily. I might know a person in Chelliah that could get us an audience at trinity.
Machi: Chelliah!? who is this guy you know?
Tenebris: you'll find out when we get there.
Machi: that doesn't sound shady at all.
Tenebris: good then it's settled, lets get going. (starts walking out)
(machi and arthor look at each other and shrug)
(they walk out the door and they see the streets full of people)
Villager: there they are!
(a crowd starts forming around the three as they walk to the dock)
Machi: what's going on?
Tenebris: I have no idea?
(people celebrating)
Arthor: I think they are cheering...for us?
Tenebris: what makes you think that?
Arthor: (points at a banner overhead that says good bye giant of Joer)
Machi: well look at that.
Villagers: Goodbye Giant, thank you for helping my brother get firewood last winter! thank you giant for catching those thieves a while back. thank you giant for keeping our village safe!
Tenebris: looks like your finally getting the recognition you deserve.
Machi: all this time...I thought they were afraid of me...
Tenebris: there's a difference between being scared and being afraid. who wouldn't be scared of a man like you appearing and disappearing in the middle of the night, especially with the attention you attract. but I've heard of everything you've done for the village. not a single one is afraid.
Machi: (almost starts tearing up)
(they get to the ship and start setting off)
machi: thank you.
(they set off into the ocean)
Arthor: so whose this guy you know in Chelliah?
Tenebris: (steering the ship) I Don't really know if they would even remember me, heck I don't even know if he's alive. it's been ages since I've seen him. but it's the best chance we have to get to trinity.
Arthor: so instead of going to Egran and finding karri ourselves or asking Augustin for help we are going to the capital of the world to try and find a guy you don't even know is alive or remembers you?
Tenebris: uhhh yeah.
Arthor: Your plans suck.
Tenebris: hey hey, when have my plans never worked?
Arthor: On Gregor's ship, tempura, getting to Renna, barrok...
Tenebris: come on now, everything worked out didn't it?
Arthor: barely...
Tenebris: barely working is still working. so we go with my plan unless you have something better in mind.
Arthor: uhhh...well...
Tenebris: then we'll go with my plan.
Arthor: whatever. (walks away)
(A little while later machi comes up to tenebris who's steering the ship)
(machi hands tenebris some food)
Tenebris: (takes the food) thanks. We'll enter Apcean waters soon. (notices machi is a little sad) everything alright?
Machi: yeah...yeah, I just uh...I've never been outside Joer, let alone going to another kingdom.
Tenebris: well then, there's a first time for everything right?
Machi: I guess...
Tenebris: ....but you miss it already?
Machi: my whole life was there...I don't know when I'll be back, if I even come back at all.
Tenebris: I promised you the village would be safe. We put a warning sign up to anyone who wants to mess with Joer. We'll be back.
Machi: right right. anyway enjoy your dinner. (starts walking away)
Tenebris: You know, you might look intimidating and tough, but from what I've seen there's few who care more for others than you.
Machi: ...Thanks...(walks away)
Tenebris: dang I tried to cheer him up.
(in his head)(his rings start glowing)
Skye: you told him the most basic thing for a guy ever.
Alex: how would you know?
Skye: Cuse I got rejected by many legionaries when I told them that.
Marx: I don't know if that's the reason they rejected you.
Skye: Ooohho ho, your a Deadman.
Marx: yes...I am, we all are.
Skye: then I guess my jobs done.
Tenebris: Knock it off, I cant believe you guys are talking now, and not when I needed direction. make up your minds, say something useful or don't. just don't be silent.
Alex: we showed you where you needed to go didn't we? so then why are you upset
Tenebris: Im upset because you didn't tell me of the giant or of the dead stars or anything.
(cut over to machi and arthor who are sitting on deck eating their food watching Tenebris talk to himself.)
Machi: .....does he do this often?
Arthor: no...he usually blacks out first.
Machi: (looks at him confused)
Arthor: It's a whole thing, just don't ask...
(back to tenebris)
Tenebris: Fine, Is Chelliah the right place?
Alex: how are we supposed to know.
Tenebris: your the ones who led me and arthor to Joer, and now you have no idea where we are supposed to go?
Skye: We weren't the ones guiding you to Joer.
Tenebris: but...your rings they started glowing and pointing to where we were supposed to go?
Marx: yeah, that wasn't us tenebris.
Tenebris: So then...who was it?
CHAPTER 52 OPEN WATERS
(The chapter opens on a street in Egran, there are many protestors outside the royal castle gates. standing above everyone on ledge is a young man with white hair with a black streak in it, wearing a black and white suit coat)
Man: Common people of Egran we stand together today to reclaim what is ours! While the royals sit up there in their Fancy, comfortable thrones, we are left to work in the mines and in forges for metal our kingdom willingly gives away! The Legions hoard the precious metal to control us! They give our enemies power and leave us with nothing! Well no longer! the time of corruption ends now! The King and his legions would be nothing without us, so we should take what power is rightfully ours!
Crowd: (uproars in cheers)
Man: I Solomon Vondurson will unite the states of Egran into a new Era of prosperity! We will stop Sirius's tyranny and his false alliances! The Legionaries are the ones who are supposed to stand for power, justice and equality, now they stand for oppression and take our depleting resources for themselves! We are Egran! We are the capitol of industry! We are the fire that will reforge Egran into the greatest Kingdom In the world!
Crowd: (cheers again)
(he jumps down next to a man with red hair and a black suit and a few other people around him crowd still cheering in the background)
Red haired man: that was quite the speech. do you think you have the following to oppose Sirius?
Solomon: I don't have to have a following, I just need people to stop following Sirius. The era of peace Sirius has kept has been on its way out for a long time. The only reason Egran has stood uncontested in it's position is its export of malmite. we have 80% of the worlds supply of malmite. with the advancement of technologies its only a matter of time before the other kingdoms demand more than what Egran can give them. Especially if Refa becomes a Kingdom Power. This era of peace is really only an era of compliancy. Sirius has put a target on our back and waits for someone to pull the trigger. Why should we be the target when we could be the gun aiming at the other kingdoms. the way I see it, we have the means to become the greatest power in the world and yet we bend to the other kingdoms.
Red haired man: so what's the next move?
Solomon: Most of the northern states have agreed to follow me in the revolution, including the 7th, 19th, and 25th legions. but the southern states are where the people are. if we can get them to go against the royals, there have no choice but to resign their positions. Any news on the negotiation talks from trinity?
Villager: The legions have called you radical and dangerous, if you keep on this path you might end up fighting more than just the forces of Egran, multiple immortal knights have been reported to be in attendance.
Solomon: we have to act quickly then, with Refa gaining power and the tension of Jyo and Sedanss, now is the time to act. we have to show the world we are not afraid of a fight. Gather all the people willing to fight, we will begin the siege on the Royal capital in 3 days.
Red haired man: Yes sir. (he starts walking off)
(it cuts over to the throne room and a man with grey and black hair stands looking out to the crowd at the gates)
Legionary: Sir it's Solomon.
Sirius: That revolutionary is causing quite the stir. Any word from trinity, will their be any help from the foreign legions?
Legionary: Demion is doing his best but the legions are refusing to send aid. they say it is Egran's problem and that it should resolve its own issues.
Sirius: They have to see that this is bigger than Egran, if Solomon gets his way it could affect the production of malmite, which could endanger every legion all over the world. "Hough" thank you for your service, relay any new information you receive from trinity to me as soon as possible.
Legionary: (salutes and walks away)
Sirius: I have served this kingdom for over 30 years and yet my reputation has been dragged through the mud by my own brother, and now this zealot. not to mention the sudden resurgence of the Kongur. what has this kingdom come to. If we do not receive aid from the legions, I will be forced to put down this revolution by force. if it is a fight they want then they should be prepared to die for the cause.
CHAPTER 53 DISTANT THUNDER
(the chapter opens up with karri in a dark room with a man in the shadows and a man thrown in front of him, tied up) (the man in shadows gives him the dagger he has been carrying around. )
Man in shadows: one simple mission, and yet you failed. Show him what happens when you fail us.
Karri: (picks up the blade and looks at the man all beaten up and laying on the ground)
Man: please it wont happen again wait let me fix this.
Man in shadows: you had your chance. finish him.
Karri: (starts walking towards the man and raises the blade and cuts his ties )
Man: huh ha ha. (gets up and starts running away)
Man in shadows: Disappointing. (a black short sword appears in his hand and stabs right through the man and he erupts into the black power)
Karri: NO!
Man in shadows: weakness, don't worry, in time you will become strong. but for now, it appears I'll have to beat that weakness out of you. (the Kongur woman with blue hair steps out of the shadows with a black short sword and swings down at karri)
Arthor: Stop! (he wakes up in the cabin of the ship) Karri...
(arthor walks out onto the deck see machi on deck and he looks up and sees a massive city with streets packed with people. with tall buildings reflecting the bright sun over head making the buildings appear as gold. The ship passes many others on the way to the center of the kingdom where ships dock around a massive castle in the heart of the city)
Tenebris: morning. welcome to the Holy city.
Arthor: Wow!
Machi: No wonder all the traders talk about this place, this is incredible.
Tenebris: I mean, is aight...(whispers to himself) its no Chronosis. (the ship comes to a gate under a bridge and they see a shadow fly over head and a man in legionary armor lands on the front of their ship)
Legionary: (his eyes glow and the boat completely stops)
Tenebris: uhh ok.
Legionary: Identify yourselves, this vessel belongs to the legions of Elvo, but we have received no word of legionaries coming from there. where's the rest of your crew?
Tenebris: We are seeking audience with the king.
Machi: (thinking) The king is the guy he was talking about!?
Legionary: An audience with the king, there was no reports of ambassadors from Elvo.
Tenebris: Well I mean, we not really ambassadors the massage isn't from Elvo we just happen to be on a ship form Elvo, but the message is very important.
Legionary: If you are not an ambassador or a Legionary, I cannot allow you to speak with the king. however you can tell me the message and will deal with it accordingly.
Tenebris: I would prefer to give the message in person.
Legionary: As I said you do not have the right to see the king, he is far to busy with this kingdoms affairs, now tell me the message or leave. (his eyes glow blue)
(Machi and Arthors eyes start glowing red and green respectively as the legionary puts his hand on his sword)
Woman: Stand down Kristoff. ( another person glides down gently from the bridge and the legionary's eyes stop glowing as a woman with red hair wearing black white and blue armor stands up)
Kristoff: Apologies Andreia.
Tenebris: (notices a badge that has a R6 on it)
Andreia: I apologies for my A.R.K he's very serious about his job
Kristoff: I'm the correct amount of serious, your the one taking you position lightly.
Andreia: (looks back at him)
Kristoff: sorry.
Andreia: Now can you tell me your names please?
Tenebris: this is arthor, machi and I am tenebris.
Andreia: tenebris? that is a strange name, it sounds familiar for some reason. your not a keeper are you?
Tenebris: No, we're not part of the legions.
Andrea: hmm, I swear I've heard that name before. where are you from, that's not an Elvinian name?
Tenebris: well, its a small island you've probably never heard of.
Andreia: hmm. well then, If you claim this massage is important enough to tell the king I will take you to him,
Kristoff: what, you cant be serious, these guys are super suspicious and your letting see the king because his name sounded familiar?
Andreia: they've traveled quite a ways to tell the king this message surly it has some importance if it doesn't then I'll take the fall for it.
Kristoff: ...fine...don't say I didn't warn you though.
Andreia: besides, if they do have ulterior motives It's nothing I cant handle.
Kristoff: (Salutes and his eyes glow and he jumps up to the bridge)
Andreia: Follow my directions if you would.
Tenebris: thank you very much.
(the gates open and they sail down to the foot of the castle where they dock and head into the castle into a hall with marble statues of previous kings alongside the walls leading to massive wooden doors with gold inlays guarded by legionaries. they walk into the throne room behind Andreia and they see an old man with white hair sitting on a gold throne wearing a golden band crown and gold robes talking with some villagers.)
Tenebris: Midas?
(the king looks up from talking with the villagers and sees tenebris and looks shocked, he gets up and starts walking down slowly in front of the group)
Midas: Tenebris?
(everyone stunned)
Midas: is that really you?
Tenebris: it's me.
Midas: (his eyes glow golden and he punches tenebris in the face)
CHAPTER 54 THE CITY OF LIGHTS
(the chapter opens up with tenebris getting punched in the face by Midas and his fist stops on his face)
(everyone even more shocked)
Tenebris: wasn't expecting that.
Midas: YOUR ALIVE!?
Tenebris: I'm alive
Midas: and you didn't think to ever come visit me? or let me know your alive?
Tenebris: It's not like I didn't want to tell you.
Midas: I guess it would have been dangerous if you showed up any sooner (he retracts his fist and turns around) that was to make sure you were real.
Tenebris: Yep, it was real...
Midas: (Turns around and punches him again in the stomach but it doesn't affect tenebris)
Tenebris: what was that for?
Midas: For looking as young as you do!
Tenebris: It's not like I can control that.
Machi: He knows the king of Chelliah, who is this guy?
Arthor: I'm not surprised at this point.
Tenebris: Yeah, me and Midas go way back.
Midas: He used to be a A.R.K for Apcee before he left to be a knight for his hometown. that was quite a while ago.
Andreia: I thought your name sounded familiar. you were a A,R.K. I've read the history of the royal knights of Apcee so many times...but if I remember correctly You were a A.R.K under Einar, that was over 120 years ago.
Midas: indeed, I was just a child when we met, but you always made sure to stop by and tell me stories of missions any time you were in Chelliah.
Arthor: (thinking) over 120 years!? and he spent most of that in the tempura barrier? how does he look as young as he does? Tempurians must have be on a whole different level.
Midas: So what brings you out to my kingdom after all this time, I don't suppose it was to say hello. Knowing you, something important must be happening if you were willing to travel here. (he takes a seat on the throne)
Tenebris: yes actual, this is very important. About a month and a half ago I Found a prophecy, of an Oncoming storm. Unfortunately I left it behind on tempura, but It told of a global war.
Midas: And you believe that it was refiring to the Situation in Egran?
Tenebris: Yes. In fact I have no doubt of it. (he gestures to Arthor) this is Arthor, He is a target of the Kongur. (Midas's eyes narrow.)
Midas: The Kongur...
Andreia: We've heard reports of terrorist calling themselves that. but they haven't done anything too serious yet.
Midas: The Kongur was a Esforic Cult with a mysterious power. they were involved in the Extinction of Time. but soon disappeared after their leader was killed. Are you saying their back?
Tenebris: Unfortunately yes.
Midas: Then there is no doubt this is of the utmost urgency. But why is this child a target for them?
Tenebris: (nods)
Arthor: (nervously pulls up his sleave revealing the crossed out Kongur mark on his arm) My brother and I were taken by a man named Raxis when we were young, we thought we escaped the Kongur some time ago, but my brother was captured.
Tenebris: We had a run in with members of the Kongur in Joer, we learned that they took him to Egran.
Midas: So the Kongur are involved with Egran. this changes everything.
Tenebris: We need passage to trinity, to gather the legions and take forces into Egran to wipe out the Kongur.
Midas: Many Legions are already present at Trinity, negations of foreign aid have been brought up by their legionaries. They're kingdom has been divided under the false pretenses of invasion from the surrounding kingdoms. as well as the possible Officiation of Refa becoming the 7th Kingdom power. They want a safe place to send refugees before a war breaks out, unfortunately we had believed it was self contained, but if what your saying is true then we must stop what's happening at all cost. Andreia will take you to trinity, with direct orders to the legionaries there.
Tenebris: Thank you. my king (bows)
Midas: No, thank you. I know what it must mean for you to be involved with a situation like this.
Tenebris: I wont let what happened back then to happen again.
Midas: Creators speed to you.
Andreia: I'll gather my legion and leave as soon as possible. Follow me.
(she starts walking out and arthor and machi follow behind her with tenebris turning around)
Midas: Tenebris. (tenebris turns around) Stay safe, I don't want to morn you a second time.
