Elenia. A land consumed by war. What drives it, doesn’t really matter. All that necessary to know, is that in war, you have to kill or be killed. It’s the cold hard truth. What happens when one side just can’t stand a chance against the other? Are they just supposed to go silently into the dark, as their world, or at the very least the world they know, comes to an end? 6 Gem Hosts. They hold the key to saving Elenia. Is it too late already though? Perhaps, but that won’t stop them. Brought from 6 different lands, they come together and take the hopes and dreams of most of the world on their backs. Allies join them and together they all hope to save the desperate world. Their journey, truly begins now.

*********************

A little over two weeks. That’s how long had passed since the Gem Hosts had first met. A 6 person army setting out to save the world. They weren’t alone though. Accompanied by the Self appointed guardian Sydo, and the man who fights to restore the honor of his clan Zet, they headed off for the Capital of the Light Elenian Kingdom.The journey was long and hard. They stopped at a few towns along the way, but it was barely for a night each stop. They didn’t have time to waste, nor the funds really. Zet had the money that his father had given him, and offered it up for the journey, but there was only so long it would last to cover 8 people. Most of the nights were spent in the woods camping.

The trip was rather uneventful overall, for those who didn’t live it. It was important to the group. They all got to know each other, and while some still had trust issues, they were starting to become a real team. There was only one incident where bandits showed up, but they weren’t really a match, so the group were able to overpower them pretty easily. Those bandits wouldn’t be robbing anyone else anytime soon.

It was about noon now, the sky pouring down onto the capital. The Group of 8 stood in the Capital city. Those who wanted protective measure for their identity took it. Zet had worn the robe that Dugon had given him, and Ryu refused anything. He stood tall ready to prove that not all Dark Elenians were evil. Everyone that laid eyes upon him were uneasy. This included the guards and soldiers around the capital. However no one dared to do anything. They all knew the legend of the gems, and they weren’t foolish enough to make the first move to end one of their lives.

They all waited outside of the castle gates, awaiting word from the King. They had requested a meeting and had to wait for word on if it was accepted or not. Ryu had tried to take charge of the group at times, but it was tough. He was inexperienced, as well as someone that most people feared. He couldn’t rally support from most and his very presence was more of a disturbance then a moral booster. They didn’t really have a leader, though in this instance they let Sydo and Tess do most of the talking. After all, they had the most influence and knowledge of the customs on what to say and do in the Light Elenian Kingdom, being so closely tied with the knights and all.

Zet couldn’t stand the waiting around like this. He felt the longer he was out in the open, the better the chance of him being noticed was. Luckily the cloak had a hood though, so he could still keep his face hidden. It put his nerves at ease a bit. Although he couldn’t readily access most of his weapons or fight efficiently with it on. He didn’t like that, although he shouldn’t have the need to fight there.

Suddenly the gates began to open. The king had granted them a face to face meeting. They were to meet him on the balcony just off the throne room. A guard stood there and looked the group over before turning around. “If you would all follow me I will escort you to the throne room. Please do make haste, the king is a very busy man.”

Rie had been in the Royal Library inside the castle when she heard the news that Sydo had returned with a group of people. She had only just been accepted into the knights and placed under his command when he left so she hadn't had many chances to get to know him yet, but she did know that she found his company much more likable than that of her brigade mates. They were the reason she was in the library now, it was the only place she could usually find some peace and quite from their friendly (?) teasing. She didn't really mind it so much but she did find hearing the same jokes over and over to be a bit annoying, but boys would be boys. She closed Tempest, the tome she carries with her, and sealed it in its chain and walked out of the library.

She was new and hadn't heard as much as the other members of her brigade bu apparently the people with Sydo were the alleged gem holders, and she wanted to see them in person. She bumped into two other members of the brigade who, childish as they were at times, had the same thoughts as Rie did. It was only mere moments before a short joke was cracked and small talk started. Rie ignored them for the most part and was the first to see the group of people that had Sydo with them being lead to what she assumed was a meeting with the king. She bowed respectfully and the two males with her stood at salute for a moment and then they all watched the group with curiosity.

"So newbie what do you think of them? Think they're as powerful as people say?" one of the males asked her casually. Rie had come to choose her battles and didn't really mind being called newbie since she essentially was one. While she was completely new to the knights, most of the others in the same brigade were transferred from other brigades.

"....." Rie was silent for a moment as she looked over every single person in the group, her stare was almost blank but one could easily see the interest in her eyes. "...You don't want to know what I think," she responded as they moved passed. Normally someone would have stopped Sydo to greet him and welcome him back but since they all knew how important it was that the king see him and his company immediately they stood to the side as the group moved passed them. "I'll ask him about them later I suppose," Rie thought as she watched them walk for a moment longer and then she started walking in the opposite direction towards the training grounds in one of the castles open areas.

Dugon had traveled alongside the other gem wielders, as well as Sydo and Zet, for over two weeks now. Luckily they didn't encounter more of the Dark Kingdom's assassins on their way, or even one of these commanders. During their time together, Dugon had get to like them, even Ryu, somehow. They had passed through a few of the smaller cities along their way. As to prevent the attention that Zet and Ryu would most likely attract, they had tried to keep a low profile. Of course that was rather difficult when you were a group of people from all races traveling together, especially with someone that was more than a feet higher than anyone else. Terrans were still a rare sight so far away from the border, most refugees had stayed in the cities close to their former home, aiding the populace there to protect the border.

The roads near the borders were filled with families retreating towards the saver areas of the Light Kingdom. Most of them were only the old and the children. Those that were able to fight, may they have been men or women joined the allied army of the races at the border. They managed to hold the line until now, but to what price? Families were torn apart, husband and wives lost each other... the horrors of war were all to present. This often led Dugon to think about his beloved wife, who lay buried beneath the Rur mountain for about three months now. It was a bitter memory, the invaders of the Dark Kingdom hadn't even bothered to honor the dead, to create graves in the stone for them. The dead bodies rotted, exposed to the sun and wild animals, till the Terrans had managed to free themselves. The first thing they did was taking care of the remaining dead, than they moved on to help those villages nearby. Thought there was still the hope that at least his children had survived, even if they had to endure the prison of the Dark Emperor. They would handle it, they had to, they were Terrans.

As closer they got to the capital, the roads became less and less crowded. Only rarely did a few knights on horses pass them, greeting Sydo. Every once and than, they met nobles and merchants on their way to the capital. Those that weren't warriors and had enough influence into politics to keep themselves at court, rather than the frontlines. All of them had received a disappointed look by the big Terran, though they weren't the worst. Along their way they had a rather unpleasant meeting with a group of bandits, those that tried to make their living by stealing from those that couldn't defend themselves, that had to leave everything behind anyways. These foolish outlaws quickly had to find out that they were on the wrong side of the scale of power in that fight. Aside from that, the way to the capital was rather uneventful. As soon as they entered the city, they marched straight towards the massive palace.

After some time of waiting they were granted a meeting with the King. Dugon had decided to stay in the back during this meeting. He wasn't one of the most talkative persons anyways. He followed Sydo and the guards through the massive halls, looking at the walls and overall structure of the building. Some may have wondered about his appearance, he is only wearing the robust, grayish pants many Terrans had on them. No boots or shirt, not even the common robes that the Terrans used to protect their skin from the cold and sun alike, could be seen on him. He didn't mind the servants of the paalce looking at him, he just ignored them. Nobility and Royality wasn't anything to important to the traditional Terrans, but they respected the traditions they represented.

“I refuse to fight for a cause that isn’t mine!”

Those words felt like an eternity ago; spoken through angry lips and over hasty tongue. How long ago had it been? A week? Two? She didn’t know anymore. All she could do was keep walking. Running. Moving. So shaky. Why was everything so shaky? She stumbled a moment, her normally light armor bearing down on her like a huge weight. Focus. Blood. Was this all her blood? Her armor smelled like copper, or maybe it was all in her head. Darkness. A tapping noise? Was it raining? She pressed her hand to the wound that bled down the front of her armor, the dagger still stuck there. Blood oozed around it and from where it was stuck between her plates.

“We don’t allow deserters, Arie.”

“What are you going to do to stop me?”

“I’m sorry for your father. It will be hard for him to know it ended this way.”

“What do you me-” A piercing pain. A gasp. She was foolish. So foolish. Naïve, even. She shoved her captain away, pushing free and escaping from the castle, the guards swiftly on her heels. No time to bandage. Not time for aid. Gotta keep moving. Right behind me, hear their hoof beats. Closing in. Keep moving, keep moving. How long? How long had she been moving? Where was she even? It looked so different, here. Her body felt so heavy. Sleep. Have to sleep. Just a moment. No! Sleep would mean death. She needed help. From who? Was there even anyone here now? Maybe she was dead already. Finally, she stopped, putting a hand on a tree and leaning over a little, she inspected the damage a little. The dagger had stemmed the flow of blood, but it still bled. Every false move reopened the partially healed wound, making it bleed anew. Food. Water. She was so weak. She tried to lift her arms to remove her helmet, to open her mouth to the sky and collect the rain. But she could barely even stand anymore. She straightened up, trying to walk. One foot, two foot. Left, right, left, right. Marching, like her father taught. She took a few steps and fell down, the earth roaring up to meet her as her knees connected with the ground. Pant, pant, pant. Tired. So tired. Surrender? Maybe it was best. To just go ahead and die already. No, of course not. Pain. It hurt. She tried to stand again, but fell back to her knees. She looked behind her and could see her trail broken through branches and underbrush, drops of blood still visible dotting the ground and branches she had passed through, protected by the overhanging leaves. She crawled a few more paces before finally collapsing; narrowly avoiding jabbing the dagger in deeper, she fell on her side, coughing a little as her eyes lost focus.

…….

Darkness. How long had she been out? Was she dead? Had she died in her sleep? No. The tapping was still there. Rain on her helmet. She was on her side, her helmet facedown in the grass, the green stalks poking up through her eye slit. With what seemed like such a taxing move, she heaved herself over, lying on her back. For a moment, she lay there, rain occasionally splashing onto her face. She took a few deep breathes. Was this how she was going to die? Half-lucid in a god-forsaken forest in the rain? Was this the price to resist fighting for something you don’t believe in? An honorless death? Alone, in the darkness? She was more lucid now, at least, although her mouth was so dry. Sleep had revived her senseless brain. She looked at her hands, the dark gauntlets stained with her own blood as she tried to stop the bleeding, however vainly. With a short gasp, she heaved herself backwards, supporting herself on a tree. Hoisting herself into a sitting position, she simply sat. After pushing up her face mask, she reached into her satchel and pulled out a small sack of bread. It was mush now, but she didn’t care. It was food, at least. She swallowed it greedily, the slop going down her throat without any real effort.

Throwing the pouch to the side, she next went for her water skin. The small bag was clasped onto her belt, and though her blood slick fingers slid over the latches at first, she finally managed to get it free. Upending the pouch, she drank deeply, though most of the water slid down the front of her armor. With a sigh of relief as her most immediate needs were sated, she let her head lull forward a little, the face mask clanging shut and clicking into place, immersing her in slit vision again. She breathed heavily and sat, looking at the sky, steeling herself for what had to come next.

Tess lowered her head in relief. Hearing the news they would be allowed in the castle was a rare sign of fortune on their part. Hers particularly. The darkness had returned once again and constantly pierced her chest. It made her bitter. Her bad moods would be taken out on the others often, but Ryu got most of Tess’ negative energy. She had cleansed a lot of people on their journey. She was bitter as she saw more of the world, in these dark times.

Ryu’s fix was only temporary, and worked like a drug. A good feeling for a short while, only to be hit with a worse reality much later. She had also became furious at him for the tiniest of things. She was increasingly bitter, and wondered secretly to herself how long the others would put up with her before telling her to go away.

Her sleep had become increasingly short. The tragic deaths of her family were still fresh on her mind, but she chose not to talk about it. Instead she allowed her own emotions to become bottled. Every night she would allow her thoughts to drift to her family, and what was taken from her. She plotted her revenge, which wasn’t like her at all. An anger had taken her, and Ryu’s dark gem had not helped a bit. She wished he would just go away. At night she'd shuffle and look up at the sky, hoping the clouds would shift and she'd get to look at the stars which could take her mind off everything, if just for a moment. As she saw more of the world, and the evil that lay in the hearts of people, the greed that took them in such dark times, and how some couldn't stand together and help eachother. Despair. The wielder of light, without a single bit of hope. That would go great in stories.

She stepped into the castle, keeping to herself. Her foul temper was obvious on her sour face. Her chest was stinging madly, and had been since morning. The rain had soaked her, and her hair was dripping wet. “At least we might actually eat real food, and not sleep on the damn ground again.” She said out-loud to herself more so than any of the others. They had began to ascend stairs, following a particulary slow soldier. “Lets just get this over with already…,"

Time had pressed into itself on their little journey. Distant memories of the camp where they'd all met was all that remained of a somewhat happier time. They'd traveled far, been attacked and at points even became irritable with one another. Riayla wished she could fix everyone's problems, but in the end selfish acts got nobody anywhere. In time Riayla was constantly ushered away from situations to which the others had deemed worthy of abandoning for better things. They had a mission to complete and helping every single person on the way. When they'd finally reached the castle she was perhaps just as shocked as everybody else. But the rain had allowed her not to be too shocked, they needed shelter, soaked to the bone, her hair tangled and dripping wet, her thin outfit clinging so tightly she felt if it did dry she'd not be able to move and her wings were so soaked they were heavier than usual, the curse of having them even if they had helped and saved a few people. The one things Raiyla noticed was that the others had learned more about their powers on the way here, but she had noticed Tess' distance from them. It had not escaped her how Tess was treating Ryu most of all, sadly she wished she could be more angry about it as well. She just couldn't bring herself to. She felt the slight pressure at her throat and smiled as her hand touched the trinket Sydo had given her, this often enough had eased her troubled mind.

She could hear the dripping sounds coming from the water that fell from her and the frown soon pressed over her facial features, she hoped they'd be able to change and get comfortable again, travel had left them little time to rest, little time to bathe and even less time to talk as of late. There was a slight invisible bridge being built between some of them and Raiyla was unhappy about it, but voicing would only cause more issues. With such a weight on their shoulders Riayla wasn't surprised that they'd have issues. She'd remained near Sydo for he'd been the only one she could really talk to, but a friendship had formed between herself, Marina and Zet as well. Dugon was the wise one of them, she respected him, adored him and liked hearing what he had to say. Raiyla noticed a women staring at the group as they passed, in turn she stared back for a moment before turning her gaze forward once more as they made their way to the throne room. They'd nearly made it to the throne room when she overheard Tess' words and glanced in her direction. "A warm bed, hot food and roof over our head would be wonderful, but perhaps Sydo should speak to the King tonight. Your mood is insatiable tonight, I can only suffice to say it's the weather and if you'd like later we can discuss it. We haven't talked in some time" she kept her words low so only Tess could hear.

Two weeks it took to travel back to the Capital. Sydo was nearly exhausted. He stayed awake for most nights, in order to keep sight of any danger. There was one group of fools, who tried to attack them, but they were easily dealt with. Besides that it was Sydo’s own anxiety that kept him from achieving any rest.

He would often notice Tess keeping awake as well, but due to her consistent changes of mood, he had refrained himself from speaking to her too much. Railya was the one who gained his attention the most along the way, but half the time he tried to keep his focus, which caused him to act somewhat stern toward the others when using their powers. He would only allow them to expose themselves when they made camp in the woods, or plains. Whenever a traveler would greet them, Sydo would take it upon himself to do most of the talking, and set the curious people on their way.

When they finally made it to Capital by noon, the sky grew dark and it had begun to rain. Sydo simply lead the group through the small crowds of spectators, and scooted passed anyone standing in their way. All of them were soaking, and dripping wet by the time they reached the gate to the castle, and when Sydo looked back to see how everyone was holding up, he couldn’t help but let his eyes drift over Raiyla for a second longer than everyone else.

Once again the gate guards stood at attention to Sydo, just like they did three weeks ago when he first exited the castle and left to travel to Rivercliff. With the group at his back, Sydo walked toward one of the guards and spoke. “I have returned with the six gem wielders, and we need to see his Majesty.” Sydo said with a slightly loud tone, as he tried to speak over the tapping of rain against the guard’s armor. The guard’s eyes widened some as he looked over the group behind Sydo. Then he looked to Sydo and spoke. “Just a moment, Sir.” He said and then looked toward the other guard as he motioned his arm to reel up the gate. Sydo turned around to face the group, “Everyone inside.” he said.

The guard Sydo spoke with had run ahead to notify his superior. The group waited for some time inside at the edge of the gate, before another guard came to them. This man seemed less humble than the previous guard. “If you would all follow me I will escort you to the throne room. Please do make haste, the king is a very busy man.” The man said with a haughty tone. Sydo could tell he was a bit higher in rank than the last man, but none-the-less he was only a guard, and due to exhaustion, Sydo let the man’s attitude toward them pass. The young knight didn’t care for the people who resided in the castle, though. Some, if not most, were snobbish and ignorant to the reality of the on-going war. This included a few of the King’s attendants, but not the King himself.

Sydo walked with his head lifted and shoulders back, as he took a moment let his mine focus on speaking with the King. The guard led them through some of the hallways of the castle, one of which contained the entrance to the Royal Library. When they reached this hallway, Sydo spotted Rie with two of his other subordinates. He nodded toward them in greetings as the two men saluted, and Rie bowed.

Sydo didn’t have much time to associate himself with Rie, but whenever he was with her, he was reminded of the days when he was near her age. Though, he concluded that she was better with a bow and magic now, than he could’ve been with a sword back then. He had heard about her skill in use of Light magic, as well as her knowledge on many subjects. To have her on his side was most acknowledgeable when it came to presenting different information.

Sydo listened to Tess’ comment as they finally walked up a set of stairs and down another hallway leading to the entrance of the throne room, but he paid no attention. Two guards stood at the giant, closed wooden doors. The guard that led them went to speak to one of the men standing at the doors. “Please refer to his Majesty that Sir Reemdel has come with seven others and he wishes to speak with him.” said the guard. The man standing at the entrance cracked open one of the giant doors and slipped himself in as he shut the door behind him. Sydo clenched his fist with annoyance as he watched the guard turn around to face them. “It will only take a moment, Sir Reemdel.” The guard said in a polite, yet condescending manner. Sydo simply stared back at the man and spoke. “Of course.” He said in most polite tone he could muster.

Then Sydo turned around and faced the group. “When we enter the throne room, it is extremely important that you bow. After his Highness has a chance to ask about you, I will state each of your names. You speak when spoken to and you show respect at all times.” Sydo whispered to them with a slight sternness. Then he looked over toward Zet, who now wore Dugon’s cloak, and hood. “If he asks you anything, then don’t answer. Just stay quiet, and don’t do anything to draw attention to yourself. If he asks about you, I’ll just re-direct his attention.” Sydo said, still whispering only loud enough for the group to hear.

After a few minutes passed the man who stood at the entrance returned back out in the hall, and nodded at the other entrance guard to help him open both doors. The two men began to push open the doors, revealing the King, and his throne room in all of their glory. The room was marble white, lined with gold accents on both rows of columns, which lined up along the throne room. On the white floor laid gold colored carpet leading to the foot of the King’s throne. To the far left, beyond one of the rows of columns, was a large, wide-spread balcony. The balcony overlooked the Capital, and all of its people.

Sydo was the first to walk in. He walked half way along the carpet, lowered himself on one knee, and bowed his head to the King. The king sat on his throne and spoke with a happy, and kind tone.

“Sydo? Is that you? You look more like your father everyday.”
“Yes, your Majesty. It is I, Sydo Reemdel. And thank you for the compliment, your Highness.”
“Of course, young knight. We both know your father was a good man… Now, I have been told there are seven others with you?”
“Yes, your Highness. Six of them are the chosen gem holders. Let me take the liberty of stating their names…”
“No, no, no, young knight. They are the chosen ones, correct?”
“Yes, your Majesty, but…”
“Then at least give them the honor of introducing themselves. Haha In fact let them stand, so I may see their faces!”
“Of course, your Majesty…”
Sydo, turned his head slightly and looked back to the group. “Go ahead and stand up…” He whispered.

The two weeks had passed quite easily with only a group of bandits attacking the lot of them but Crim had been attacked when he had gone off on his own, he wasn't sure what had happened because he had fallen unconcious but he knew he could control the fire a little bit and his eyes had a slight burning type glow to them, he practiced as they went along towards the city. When they had gotten close Crim had wrapped himself up in some cloaks he had obtained, though a little bit burnt they did their job of hiding the main fact that he was a blazian and any other possible connections that he was Crim 'the Traitor'.

They walked through the castle following some guy towards the king, they passed quite a few different people, a few of Sydo's subordinates saluted Sydo and one of them stared at the group, Crim looked at them for a moment, his face being covered in the cloaks meant it was like two dimly burning coals looking out from the darkness. He contined on with the rest of the group ignoring the comments made by the others and anybody they passed, eventually they were infront of the king. The king then asked them to introduce themselves and Sydo motioned for the group to do so, so Crim stepped forwards, "Greeting your majesty, my name is Merc ('Myr-k'), chosen by the fire gem" he said and brought up his hand and made a small fireball appear on the end of his finger and it then disappeared, he stepped back and waited for the others to introduce themselves, hopefully no one would say anything about his name.

What is the meaning of this Rhianna!?"

"I apologize for such a blunder, my King."

"If apologies could make everything alright there would be no need for death! You imbecile!"

"I will make sure that this does not happen again."

"Make sure it does not Rhianna! I am already disappointed with the betrayal of Ryu. Do not make me regret having you as my daughter as well."

"Yes, my King."

Dignified and elegant footsteps that could only belong to one fine lady echoed within the hallowed hallways of the imposing and terrifying palace of the Shadelians. Its owner emitted a pride well known for a noble despite her appearance to be in a dishevel not seen by anyone. Moreover, her pristine beauty that had always been admired and envied was marred by a reddening bruise upon her right cheek. One not need to guess where the offending mark came from. No one could touch her except the Dark King, himself. It would appear that she had taken the scorn for the failure of killing his brother and the death of a commander. There were no excuses to be said except the operation was a total failure.

"My Princess, you should have your cheek checked."

Midnight blue eyes that seemed to rival the darkest of seas gazed at the source of the voice. It was one of the Generals and she was certain that the statement was both filled with insult and care. She was used to this kind of treatment. It was something she had taken much appreciation in. People who are not afraid to show themselves are better than puppets. Facing the said General, she did not flinch from him despite the great difference in their height. She would not be granted the position of Grand Marshal if she was easily intimidated by people.

"Thank you for the show of little concern General Yunn. However, if you want a show to entertain you. I would not mind you coming along."

The said General had a smirk upon his face as he watched the young princess continued on her way. It was truly worthwhile to see the iron-willed lady brave every horror in her way with such strength. Honestly, it makes him want to see the princess be broken down like a pathetic doll. However, he also knew that the Lady Grand Marshal would never allow that to happen in her lifetime. She was truly a stubborn person. He was not certain if that was one of the princess redeeming qualities or not. Nevertheless, it became one of her advantages in some situations.

"Are you going to punish Karen for letting Commander Thorn die without success?"

Rhianna stopped from her tracks but did not waste any effort to look at him. She was not the kind to blame anyone for any mistakes. However, she would make sure that the next route for the death of the Chosen Ones would be a success. It was imperative that this is to be done. Her sources have told her earlier that entourage of the Gem-Holders had arrived at the Capital of the Light Kingdom. This was certainly not a good thing for them. She had to be quick and calculative in this. There was no room for errors and even her affections. Yet, she would not allow death to come to her brother even if she would suffer punishment for it. She believed that if she could talk to him, he would return to their side.

"I am not the kind of person that pushes blames onto others but, I am the kind that would not make a mistake. Death will come to the ones the Gems have chosen."

"A warm bed, hot food and roof over our head would be wonderful, but perhaps Sydo should speak to the King tonight. Your mood is insatiable tonight, I can only suffice to say it's the weather and if you'd like later we can discuss it. We haven't talked in some time." Riayla spoke to her in a soft manner. On any other day or situation, Tess would be grateful for the offer. Unfortunately, this simply wasn’t any day or situation.

Tess glared at her, before shrugging her off. “I’m fine.”

“Insatiable? Where does the bird-brain get off calling me insatiable? Did you ever think calling other people insatiable is why I haven’t talked to you in sometime?” Tess’ inner voice continued to speak ill of Riayla until they were facing the King, who Tess did not kneel before. “ God. It’s bad enough we have three idiots trying to hide from this man, but the fact all of those idiots are standing with us today, right in front of him…, it will be witnessed today, if the King is in fact the biggest idiot of us all who will lead us to our deaths in this war, or Sydo who may lead us to our deaths today.” She smiled to herself at her own pathetic joke.

“--give them the honor of introducing themselves. Haha In fact let them stand, so I may see their faces!”
“Of course, your Majesty…”

“Honour?” Tess said to herself in bewilderment. “It’s as if the war hasn’t even phased him.”
Crim had made up a fake alias, and began to show off a fireball. Tess rolled her eyes and looked at the king, paused for a few moments.

“I’m an honest citizen.” Tess spoke slowly. “Who had her family and home taken from her, because there was absolutely no defence on my town, Rivercliff. Dark Elenian’s were just allowed to wander freely towards us and slaughter and rape us. A leader who can’t defend his own people, isn’t someone I’d have the honour of giving my name to.” She spoke, without thoughts of the consequences to her actions. Perhaps Riayla was right, but Tess pressed on. “I suppose everything is alright to you, as long as you have your gigantic castle and your stuffed pig each night…”

The snide remark had Raiyla standing at a pause before they entered the throne room and pondering why Tess was filled with the need to be so angry. This gave Raiyla a moment to rethink that perhaps Tess was not up to the task of being a gem wielder. Yet, here she was standing before the King and by her expression she was going over some conversation that Raiyla was sure she'd not want to know about. This was making her nervous, an unsteady gem wielder could prove problematic and soon. She bowed respectfully to the King and saw Crim step forward first and introduce himself, first by name, then by which gem he possessed. When he finished she saw Tess step forward but even after she bowed Raiyla and the others heard was Tess was saying, her eyes widened a little and she stepped forward to divert the King's attention while someone else grabbed Tess. "Your Majesty I am Raiyla Vaupen of the Sorians and recently given the power of the wind gem" she did as Crim did and demonstrated so that he wouldn't have doubts. Raising her hand she moved it in a circular motion and from the ground up a small wind tunnel formed, Just as quickly as she formed it it disappeared. Moving back again she stood beside the others. Her eyes returned to Tess and she frowned. What was going through the woman's head that she would react this way, treat others with such hostilities.

This would not bode well for any of them, the predicament Tess was now throwing them in would not be well taken, Raiyla hoped Sydo had a trick up his sleeve to suede the King from either killing them now. Groaning softly so no one else would hear Raiyla felt the cold hit her wet clothes and she shivered. Crossing her arms over her chest she hoped they'd have that warm bath and hot food with dry clothes. But this now was in jeopardy due to Tess. She still couldn't bring herself to be angry with the woman. A small side of her wasn't angry with Tess, she shared some of the sentiments, but was perhaps stronger in controlling these emotions than Tess was. She hoped Tess would overcome her bitterness and remember they had things to accomplish. Would she be the straw that broke the camels back!

The rain had become heavier, spattering everywhich way, citizens either stayed indoors or found any place to wait it out. Shadak found "shelter" under an awning of an abandoned market stall, his eyes staring at nothing in a defeated manner, almost giving into despair. He had come into this city for its promises of "a new start" or, "a world away from war", all lies really. When his father died of prolonged illness littlle more than a year ago, it was up to him to continue the business of arming men, but work became scarce and forced him to relocate to the capital with all of its promises. But of course it wasn't that simple, there was a much higher competition among blacksmiths here then one would anticipate. You'd think with the war a person with skills in making weapons and armor would thrive, but no, no immigrant stood a chance here against bussiness that were already established.

Shadak had to scroung for money and food, taking temporary odd jobs he could, even those were scarce, employment here was even more horrible than back home, but going back now was pointless. The most difficult thing was getting rescources and materials just to make weapons, most that were available were imported and far too pricey, he would be buying more then selling. He tried venturing outside of the city on search of materials, but what he found was either useless or so low quality that it would insult buyers, and he had spent so much time in the wilderness searching for them, that every night had turned into a fight for survival and in fact he practicly lived out there instead of the city!

Now he was reduced to begging like so many others, his face once clean shaven, now sporting hairs that only solidified the beggers look. The only thing that separated him from the rest of them was that fact he still had his own weapons, which tempted him to use them for illegal purposes. Theivery was becoming more common in this city by the day with unemployment and all. Many either enlisted or were drafted for "the war effort" out of desparation of the government and the people, the only stable jobs these days belonged to them, and how long would that last once the war, one that they were losing by the way, was over and done with? Shadak had already brushed off the idea of enlisting, going to fight a war he didn't start, dying for ideals that weren't his, no, he may be well versed in weaponry but he was a fighter and warrior, not a soldier.

He just heard today that the the "Chosen Gem holders" had arrived and that this was supposed to be wonderful news. Shadak scoffed at the very notion, more then likely it was just some propaganda fabricated to boost morale, but the Pyrian, or Blazian depending on what culture or subculture you asked, would not put any stock into such nonsense, he didn't believe in prophecies and saviors. They were all mortals in a mortal world, it was as rediculous as those legends of gods riding on griffons into battle, delusions of graduer from a desperate people were all they were. Even if there were actual gems, they were more than likely props in this charade, what kind of government resorted to such measures to maintain the facade of dignity and power? All one had to do was look at the streets and you would know who was winning this war.

"Shadak Tarmikos?" a voiced carried over the rain. At the call Shadak instictively rose his head to find its owner, a man came into the awing dressed in regal clothing he could tell, even if they were soaking wet. He took a moment to catch his breath before reiterating the name, "Are you Shadak Tarmikos?'

He affirmed the man, "Yeah, what do you want?"

The regal one straightened himself trying to look as dignified as he could, of course the Pyrian saw through it, "I am under orders to recruit-"

"I'm not fighting in your war," Shadak stated.

"I'm not asking you to," the man rebuked, which surprised the immigrant. "I am however under orders to recruit your services, as smithy, for the war effort and for His Highness's personal guard"

Shadak had to resist dropping his jaw at this, apparently the war needed even him, a down trotted foreigner for its purposes, "Will I get paid?" bear in mind that with all he had been through, this was something he had to be sure of.

The man responded, "You will be given a living quarters, rations, and yes a sum of money, nothing substancial, but nothing meager either," the man then pulled out a document and pen that survived the rain. "Just give me your signature and it shall be done" he handed him the pen. Shadak however only held it in his palm unsure of wehat to do, the man noticed this, "Ah, you can't read?"

"I can read but I can't write, well not well anyway," the Pyrian's demenor was almost nonchalant.

"Just make your mark, it will do."

Shadak wrote a scribble on the line under a mountain of words, not caring what they said, and the man told him that someone would be sent to escort him to his new quarters in the palace. Maybe for once things were looking up.

Dugon's massive steps had echoed slightly through the throne room. As the Terran's territory was one of the first to get attacked by the Shadelings, they were already allied with the Lethelians for as long as the war had been going until now. The first years were the hardest for the Terrans, the army of the Dark Kingdom's assassins had rushed over the mountain homes, taking prisoners to work for them in the Terrans own mines. The proud and strong Terrans would have refused to do so, rather paying with their live, but the assailants had seen through this and instead taken the children as prisoners. Dugon felt reminded to the time when he and the other Terrans had stepped into the hall of the Baron at the border, pleading for him to help them free their families. They had returned the offer in aid in the war at this time and both factions agreed to this alliance. Instead of the King the Baron had been a man raised as a knight, someone who attained this position through good service for years.

Now as Dugon looked around the throne room and all the guards and servants, he felt little in common. It was a hall filled with splendor and paintings of the beautiful lands of the Light Kingdom. It was clearly visible that the man in front of him didn't had to work for his position, that was the most different thing between him and the rulers of the Terrans. Terran Elders and Chiefs were chosen by their experience and knowledge, by their determination to the society, yet this person in front of him had been placed on the throne because he was born to the one that sat there before. Unlike the others, except Tess, Dugon didn't kneel in front of the King. He bowed his head and held it low till they were allowed to rise. As everyone started to introduce themselves, he watched them carefully. Sometimes even he had a hard time to understand each of the persons, it was always quite difficult for him to see into the soul of someone, should they have a conflict. Then Tess moved forward, blaming the King for what had happened at Rivercliff. He partially could understand her, the King could have protected the city more, but the situation on the border was far more important and Rivercliff had been out of the reach for the enemy. Well, that's at least how it should have been. The moment, Raiyla moved forward, to catch the King's attention and distract him from thinking about what Tess said, Dugon extended an arm to gently pull Tess back a few feet, looking at her with a serious expression. He whispered towards her, so the King and Guards wouldn't notice more than was necessary.

"Tess, please try to keep your temper low for our stay here. I know it had been a difficult time for you. I don't claim to understand you to the fullest, but know, that I have felt similar as my home got attacked by the Shadelings."

With that he left Tess to her own, to think about his words and stepped next to the place Raiyla stood before. He bowed his head in front of the King again, before he would speak. He didn't bothered that his long hair was still dripping the water of the rain all over the floor, nor that his appearance looked rather than that of a dirty daytaller. As he stood there with his head high again, he easily covered Tess from the sight of the King. His voice sounded roughly, but powerful through the hall.

"I am Dugon, son of Ruk, eldest of the Stonesworth, from the mountains of Rur. I carry the earth gem with me, for it has selected me."

Dugon didn't bother to start a show of some kind, but instead just stepped back to let the others introduce themselves.

Rie had been in the training grounds, though that didn't mean she was training. Deliverance laid at her side and she sat casually in some small make shift bleachers and watched as her two colleagues sparred and kept an eye on them noting any weaknesses she saw. She ran her fingers through a few strands of her hair that had fallen in front of her shoulder, a common habit she had formed, she often did this when she was thinking. she was snapped out of her thought when a man came into the training grounds and looked around. She could tell her was looking for someone who wasn't busy, the first place people looked for idle bodies was the training grounds and the library. It was one of the recruiters he saw Rie and started walking over. "He has enough time to recruit someone, come back and look for someone else to find the recruit again and show him around but he can't have done it himself in the time he just wasted?" she thought as the man approached her and then saluted her. She didn't bother standing up to bow to him like she normally would have, recruiters were one of the few people of lower rank than her and while she was still, for the most part, polite she used the rare chance to stay at ease.

"Lady Renard, I have a task that needs a body. Will you please escort this man to the listed quarters and explain everything entailed in this?" he said politely to her as he handed her a paper. She looked the information over and stood up and gave a very slight bow, before nodding to the man and then walking off. She walked back to her quarters and got a heavy beige colored cloak with a hood. it obviously was made to match her general outfit with its same colors, trim, and symbols. She slipped the hood up as she walked out of the castle. Once she left the castle gates she sighed and said, "Momo, can you find his smell through the rain or is he too far away?"

Momo poked his head out in the space between her neck and side of her hood and sniffed the air for a moment. Then he pointed in a direction and went back to hiding from the rain inside her cloak. It didn't take her long to find the man listed in the description.

"Mr.Tarmikos?" she inquired as she walked up. She bowed to him and then said in a polite tone, "I'm the escort sent from the castle to find you and bring you back and show you around," she said in a polite tone. Her cloak completely hid her figure and all of her face and hair except for from just above the tip of her nose to her neck. Thought with how small she was and by her voice it was fairly obvious she was female. "would you please follow me?" she added as she turned and motioned for him to walk with her.

Mr. Tarmikos? Yes, he supposed that was his name in formal terms, but for the longest time he only heard that name was when it is was addressed to his father, it felt odd being that it was addressed to him. Nonetheless he rose in answer to the call, and his eyes fell upon the promised escort; to tell the truth though, he half expected the whole thing to be some great scam, but apparently it was legitmate, though the escort wasn't entierely what he expected. He of course believed that it would be some guard, instead it was a woman, well perhaps barely. Though her cloak hid most of her identifying features he could tell a few things about her.

First she was rather young, perhaps barely at the age of consent judging by her reletive body shape and voice pitch. Second, although she had a bow with her, it was extravagant with no sign of extended use or wear, and what skin on her that was visible was very clean. This meant she had training, but more then likely she had never seen actual combat or taken someone's life. It was obvious to him that she had been born into a privileged family. That of course was unsuprising, she had after all come from the palace and was going leading him there, what he pondeed however is why her, a young girl? Did she have that kind of stature here, or was this a way for her superiors to mock her with trivial tasks such as fetching a humble blacksmith?

In any case that wasn't even his concern, he cocked his head to the left enabling the final strip of spinal cord connecting the rest of his body to his brain to pop and creak. When he finished the exercise he affirmed her with "Alright." Shadak didn't want to bother introducing himself as she already knew who he was, and asking for her name seemed inconsequential as he was not likely to see her again, so he only obeyed her gesture to follow.

Rie didn't say anything and walked in silence after she found Shadak. It was only a matter of minutes till they had made it back to the castle. The rain was still steadily falling with no signs of letting up as she got them cleared to go through the gates and they walked through the main courtyard into the front entrance of the castle. There they were instantly greeted by Lu Lu, a caretaker of sorts, she saw to the cleanliness of the living quarters of the palace and had personally formed a friendly report with Rie.

"Welcome back Lady Renard, your coat is soaked, please allow me to see that it is properly taken care off?" Lu Lu said as she walked up and then went on to insist that she take Rie's cloak. Rie wasn't the one to use what ranking she had when it came to people she liked but she knew if she didn't take her cloak off that her normal clothes would get wet and it would be a hassle to carry it around while showing Shadak the castle grounds. So with a defeated sigh she took her cloak off and handed it to Lu Lu who then walked off with it.

Rie bushed some of her pale blonde hair behind her shoulder and looked up at Shadak with a somewhat dull look that appeared cold simply from the shade of her blue eyes, her body was probably smaller than Shadak had expected, she had a very small frame after all and her short height only made her seem smaller.. "Well.... Shall we?" she said as she softened her gaze slightly and then started walking. "From this entrance you can access every wing of the castle," she started to say as they walked, the castle was oddly empty for this time of day and only the soft clacking of her heels and a few maids walking by could be heard along with Rie's voice.

"Of course you merely walk in the wing name direction to get to it, North for the North Wing East for the East Wing so on so forth. The East Wing has a multitude of courtyards and small forges for training and weapon's crafting. I don't exactly know all the details on how they figure out how you'll work or what your accommodations for working will be like, so if you have any questions you'll have to ask whom ever they send with the details for your job." she explained and then went on to explain the South wing being a wing mainly for recreation, and it also had the Library and royal kitchen, the West wing held the female quarters, though admittedly most were politicians as female knights were still hard to come by in this day and age, and the north wing held the male living quarters.

"The upper floors are for politicians mainly, and they can be a bit ..... rude, so unless you're summoned there I'd steer clear, it's very hard not to punch some of them in the face," Rie explained and smiled as she tried to crack a joke to make things seem more casual. They were walking to the North Wing and she decided she may have to see him again so she may as well not make a bad first impression.

"I'm Rie Renard," she said as they walked from a building to a covered walk way that lead to another building that was the north wing. She looked at the rain falling on the ground and paid no heed to another knight running from one covered walk way to another. Three male knights walked passed and smiled casually at Rie and jokingly called her some names that meant short and asked about her escorting Shadak but she merely sighed and ignored them. "Out of a whole brigade you'd think a few of them would be clever enough to pink on me for something besides my height," she thought. She noticed she had let the silence carry on and decided to break it, though she wasn't the best conservationist when she didn't know what people liked to talk about, "Such unseasonable weather today, I wonder if it's a bad omen," she said quietly.

Zet followed the others as the guard led them up. Zet couldn’t help but look around the palace, one day hoping that he could be there as a guest, rather then have to hide his identity. He still wished to become a knight and offer his services to the people, rather then be looked upon as a walking pile of scum. Ryu did the same but kept his mind on task rather then letting it wander. He didn’t know how anyone would really react to him, which made him uneasy, however he didn’t intend to hide anything. He just knew what he had to do, and planned to do it.

Once in the King’s presence most of them bowed. Ryu took a knee out of respect and wanting to get in the kings good graces for the good of the team so to speak. Zet took a knee because he had nothing but respect for the king. It was a knights duty to serve him loyally. In truth Zet had always dreamed of this moment as a child. Of course it was under different circumstances, but the point was he was in the king’s presence.

As Sydo spoke Zet just stayed there, completely still. Even when they were told to stand Zet was a bit hesitant. Once everyone was standing however, attention was soon drawn to Tess. The words that came from her... Zet just couldn’t believe they were truly her feelings. She always seemed pretty nice. Zet could only think that it was a mix of hurt and frustration that were dictating her harsh tone and words. Dugon had tried to take care of it though. The tension was still there, though the king was supposedly a kind and gentle man, surely he would forgive Tess for her outburst.

After Crim, Tess and Dugon had introduced themselves Ryu spoke up. “I am Ryu Striker.” He wanted to say that he was the Prince of the Shadelian kingdom as he’s done so many times, but he held that back. “I possess the Dark Gem.” He said not giving a demonstration. It wasn’t that he couldn’t, but the guards around were on edge enough with his presence. Why poke the sleeping Bear? Zet stayed where he was, even though he was standing. He didn’t say a word. Hopefully the king wouldn’t care who he was right now. Maybe it was just wishful thinking, but it’s what Zet was hoping for.

Sydo sat silently with his knee still lowered to the ground, and his head bowed as he listened to each of the gem holders introduce themselves to the King. He wanted to speak out to Tess when she didn’t show the King respect, but it would have been just as disrespectful, and it would have made things worse, if he were to engage in such a dispute here and now. Instead, Sydo simply sat there without speaking a word. The King did not respond to Tess either, instead he lowered his head at her words in despair, and guilt, but his attention was re-directed when Raiyla made her introduction. Sydo turned his head slightly to see Raiyla out of the corner of his eye after she introduced herself, as Dugon introduced himself and pulled back Tess. Sydo noticed she was shivering. “I’ll have to ask his Majesty if they can stay here tonight. We’re all too exhausted to go any further.” he thought to himself.

The King nodded at each of their introductions with a kind smile on his face, even Ryu, though the King was taken aback some when he realized a Prince of Shadelia was kneeling before him. It was more than unexpected, but his eyes shifted back over to Tess. “I’m sorry for your loss, my dear. Rivercliff was such a nice village. It was completely secluded from anything, so I’m surprised as to why the enemy would travel so far just to destroy it.” The King said. His eyes lowered to Sydo. “Do you know anything about this, Sydo?” The King said with a slightly stern voice, but his tone still retained its calmness. “Yes, your Majesty. The attack was completely unforeseen. Though, Rivercliff is the place where the gem holders came together. I don’t know how the Shadelians could’ve known, and I honestly do not believe they did. I’m sorry your Highness, but I do not know why they attacked Rivercliff. I do know, however, they sent a commander to lead the attack. Commander Thorn, to be exact.” Sydo said with his head still bowed.

“Oh my. Thorn… That man… Did you defeat him?”
“Yes, your Majesty. I along with former Prince Ryu, and…”Merc.” The three of us killed him, but…he wasn’t…normal.”
“I don’t understand. You killed him, but you care about his conformity? Haha What do you mean he wasn’t “normal”? He is one of the most gruesome commanders of the Shadelian army, what would make him “normal”?”
“Forgive me your Majesty, but that is not what I meant.”
“Oh…? Well, go on then…”
“Yes, your Highness. Thorn had strange powers… Powers of which, I’ve never seen before. For example, his arms would detach from his body and attack at will… All-in-all, before we finally defeated him, he announced the source of his power came from a…Chaos Gem. He said it held more power than each of the six legendary gems combined.”
“I see…” The King paused for a moment and glanced over to Ryu. Then his sight went back to Sydo. “Well, you’ve done a fair job in getting the chosen ones here safely. Do you have any requests to make? There must be something you wish for, after defeating an enemy commander. Am I correct?”
“Yes, your Majesty. You are correct. I was hoping that this group, along with myself of course, could stay at the castle. Just until we are properly prepared.”
“Of course, Sydo! It is the least I can do for you all!”
“There is one other thing, I am inclined to mention to you, your Highness.”
“Which is…?”
“Sir Liadan and his family lived in Rivercliff, and…it is believed they were killed when the Shadelians attacked the village.”
“Oh my… Are you sure?”
“Well, there is only one person who can tell you for sure, and that is Sir Liadan’s daughter, Tess Liadan. She is the woman behind me, who introduced herself as an “honest citizen.” “
“Oh I see… “ The King rose from his throne and began to walk to his right toward the balcony. “Sydo, why don’t you leave us be for a bit, and go ask the attendants to prepare rooms for this group? I would like to speak to them some, until you return.”

“Yes, your Highness. I will do so immediately.” Sydo said as he rose. He turned and walked pass the group without a second thought. He noticed when exiting out the doors, one of the entrance guards seemed to be on edge about something. The man kept glancing over Ryu for some reason. Sydo paused before he completely exited out of the entrance, and looked over to the guard with narrowed eyes. “Don’t do anything stupid.” Sydo said in low stern voice, so only the guard could hear. The man widened his eyes with shock at Sydo, and he simply saluted as the knight went on his way.

Sydo walked through the hall and went down the set of stairs he and the others walked up before. He traveled down the halls of the South wing for a bit before encountering three of his subordinates. They were all walking down the hall, chatting about Rie for some reason. Sydo walked toward them and called to them from behind. “You three!” he said sternly, as the three lower ranking knights turned around with surprise. “Oh, Sir Reemdel!” one of them said, before he along with the two others quickly saluted to Sydo. “We weren’t aware you were back, Sir.” Another one said. “That doesn’t matter. I heard you speaking about Rie. Is she around?” Sydo said. “Uh Yes, sir! She’s escorting a man around the castle. I believe she was somewhere near the middle entrance between the wings of the castle.” The man said. “I see. Well then, can you tell me why you three aren’t busy as well?” Sydo asked with a stern tone. “Uh…W-Well we…um…We were on our way to..um…investigate something in the Royal Library.” One said. “Of course you were, but it only takes one of you to do that. The other two I want at the training grounds, where you should be. Now go!” Sydo stated with annoyance, as he lifted his finger.

He then walked pass the three men, and made his way toward the middle entrance. Sydo hoped Rie would be finished escorting the man, and be able to help him assemble some attendants to prepare rooms. It took him some time, but Sydo eventually reached the middle entrance. “Where is she?” he thought to himself in slight frustration.

He could hear the echoing of what sounded like Rie’s voice, coming from the hall entrance ahead. Sydo turned into the entrance and discovered Rie speaking to a man. “Rie? I finally found you. Are you busy? I need some help with a task of mine.” Sydo said. He began to glance over the unkempt appearance of the man she was with. Sydo didn’t look much better; after all he was still wet and exhausted. His cold damp clothing, and the dark circles under his blood-shot eyes, proved this.

Tess felt her arm being tugged backwards, before she knew it she was facing Dugon. "Tess, please try to keep your temper low for our stay here. I know it had been a difficult time for you. I don't claim to understand you to the fullest, but know, that I have felt similar as my home got attacked by the Shadelings."

Tess said nothing. She pulled her arm away and folded her arms over her stomach and watched as everyone finished introducing themselves. Sydo and the King had continued to discuss the events of Rivercliff. It pained her to hear of it as something in the past tense. They discussed further things such as the Chaos Gem and the Commander responsible for the attack. The group had come to discussing the chaos gem so much, it had become a daily topic by now.

“Sir Liadan and his family lived in Rivercliff, and…it is believed they were killed when the Shadelians attacked the village.”
“Oh my… Are you sure?”
“Well, there is only one person who can tell you for sure, and that is Sir Liadan’s daughter, Tess Liadan. She is the woman behind me, who introduced herself as an “honest citizen.” “
“Oh I see… “ The King rose from his throne and began to walk to his right toward the balcony. “Sydo, why don’t you leave us be for a bit, and go ask the attendants to prepare rooms for this group? I would like to speak to them some, until you return.”

Tess stepped forward after Sydo had left. She stared at him for a few seconds and then broke the silence. “So, what is this?” She smirked. “The part where we publicly announce we’re fighting for you? Raise morale in the Kingdom? Pretend you’re doing a stellar job in doing nothing?”

The mere touch of another object upon the bruised cheek of the dark princess brought an electrifying pulse of pain as she remained still without flinching. She simply gazed at the offender and saw it none other than the General named Karen. It would appear that the female had placed a bandage upon it moreover, an antiseptic was involved. The stinging sensation tingled inside the young princess body. However, she would rather be dead than voiced out the slight pain she was feeling to her 'subordinates'.

"You should have stopped by the healer first if you didn't want me to do it, PRIN-CESS. Do remember the face is the important part of a woman especially for you the flower of the Shadelians."

Karen's tone had the wrap of malice in it with little concern for her well-being. On the side note, the female general had the ever present condescending smile upon her face. Rhianna simply shrugged at this as she made herself comfortable on her chosen seat. Her father had been growing impatient as the days goes by. Results must be shown in a very efficient manner to sedate the Dark King's temper. The loss of Thorn also meant that the Chaos Gem shard proved to be ineffective against the Gem Wielders or was Thorn the failure here. In any case, the group of 8 seemed to now know about the said gem. It is more reason to kill them but, the current location of this group was quite the hassle.

"Hand over the shard to me Karen."

Midnight blue eyes looked at Karen's with deadly seriousness. She was not in the mood for the female general's evil flirtatious gestures. Karen handed the broken shards from Thorn's dead body onto Rhianna's open right palm. It gave an ominous glow at the contact with the princess' skin moreover, the noticeable brooch around her right wrist also gave an eerily glow as if a response.

"It seemed the Dea Lacrima holds resentment towards the Chaos Gem."

Yunn had finally spoken in his longest period of silence as he was entirely entertained by the spectacle happening before him. His smirk turned into a maniacal smile that Rhianna always thought to be disgusting. It was no secret between the Shadelian King and the princess that the Chaos Gem was created in the likeness of the Dea Lacrima. An artificial Gem to rival the 6 gems strength in unison. However, these crafted gems had been proven to be unstable in many cases. One of the proofs was what had happened to the eldest of the Striker Siblings, Prince Rai. In a failed attempt to control the entirety of the Chaos Gem, he was eaten by it. Rhianna had been given no choice but to kill him and with the use of the Dea Lacrima she had put an end to her brother. She only hoped that the same thing could be averted to Ryu.

"Why not? The Dea Lacrima had always been the first artificial gem crafted by man and had been sealed away until its chosen one could wield it like those 6 gems. Unlike, the Chaos Gem, anyone could do as long as my father wanted to. From that view, my Dea does not want to be put in the same level as your Gems."

"No wonder it chose you. The two of you could get along just fine or perhaps that Dea Lacrima is your sister not those weakling brothers of yours."

Karen said with obvious treachery as she ended her statement with one of her infamous giggles. Yunn simply shrugged along with an annoying smirks of his. It was clear to everyone that the two generals were having a grand time intimidating the young princess that was now the only child remaining to the Dark King. Rhianna did not find anything amusing about what was going on as she crushed the Chaos Gem Shards that were placed in her hands in a swift motion. This act stopped the two generals from their bubbly behavior and gazed at the princess with much seriousness.

"Send the best assassins we have to infiltrate the Capital of those Lethelians. It is better to kill them before they could master those gems they possessed. In case an error occurs. General Yunn and General Karen standby and have another Commander to look out."

The two generals could not even have any snide remarks to throw for they knew that Rhianna was entirely in the mode of a Grand Marshal. Her aura and expression were both deadly that one could understand why the Dark King chose her to be his right hand. So all they could do were to merely bow in agreement to the orders. Rhianna was coldly agitated and they knew better than to add oil to raging volcano.

"I intend to see the source of my father's rage erased from this world and do tell the other two generals that when they return from the campaign to report to me immediately."

"Yes, Grand Marshal."

Rhianna stood from her chair and left the meeting room with much pride of a noble but not a moment too soon. She gazed at Karen once again, "Thank you for the bandage." with that the door closed and the meeting was over.

Rie stopped in front of a room and turned to Shadak. "These are your quarters where you shall be residing now. Feel free to wonder about the castle, I'm sure fellow black smiths, servants, and knights like myself will be more than happy to help you if you have any questions in the future." she said.

She hadn't had time to ask him if he needed anything else when she heard Sydo's voice. She turned and bowed to him, hair hair falling in front of her face momentarily. She stood up straight and casually brushed the light blonde strands behind her shoulder again and smiled up at him, her short height of only 5'2" made very evident compared to Sydo's tall stature. "Welcome back Sir Reemdel," she said in greeting as he walked up to her. Within moments he barraged her with questions and she couldn't help but smile at him. "Sir Reemdel you look horrible, shouldn't you be resting after your trip? I'd be happy to assist you in anyway I can," she added. Just then Momo came out of hiding from her clothes and darted onto her shoulder and looked at Sydo for a moment before jumping on his shoulder and nuzzling him in greeting. Momo had already taken a liking to Sydo, a rare happening for the miniature dragon.

Rie giggled slightly then focused, "Let me guess, you wish for me to help you acquire rooms for that group of people you were with earlier?" she inquired. Then she crossed her arms and tilted her head to the side, "Well I happen to know that the rooms on either side and across the hall from mine are all vacant at the moment, that would provide the women close quarters to me if they needed help with anything, but to be honest I don't exactly pay attention to the male living quarter lay out, so our best bet would be to find a room attending for the male quarters, they would be most likely to know." she stated as she analyzed the task, she had a tendency to think out loud as she had just done.

"If you would wish it I will also make sure that they all have hot baths drawn in their rooms once they are released from he kings chambers and talk to some friends in the kitchen to see if they can make a hot meal for all of you. I'm sure that everyone, including you yourself, would appreciate that." she added. Most knights would do the bare minimal with tasks like this but Rie was not too proud to half ass any task and treated them all with the same respect and carefulness as if the outcome of the war depended on them.

Rie got out a pen and paper from a small pouch resting on the chain on her hip and wrote down a message and then walked up to Sydo and handed it to Momo, who was still on Sydo's shoulder. "Momo take this to Lu Lu please, that way she can be sure that the rooms are taken care of." Momo smiled and then took the paper from Rie and scampered off.

"Everything should be handled immediately Sir Reemdel.... Oh!" she noticed her rudeness and stepped out of the way slightly and looked at Shadak, "Sir Reemdel this is a Mr. Tarmikos, a recently enlisted black smith, I was just finishing showing him around when you came upon us. Mr. Tarmikos, this is my brigade's leader Sir Sydo Reemdel." Rie said as she introduced them both.

Sydo was startled by the little creature when it landed on his left shoulder and began to nuzzle his cheek with its soft fur. Its appearance always got the best of him. An aggravated expression came across Sydo’s face as he spoke. “Yes, yes I know!” Sydo said, responding to the little dragon with a slightly irritated tone. He was fine with the creature, but it was a little exasperating when it nuzzled him every single time they came into contact. "Let me guess, you wish for me to help you acquire rooms for that group of people you were with earlier?" Rie asked. Once Momo finally stopped, Sydo replied to Rie’s inquiry, but not before he let out a short sigh to re-gather himself after Momo’s exuberant greeting. “Yes, I need seven rooms.” He answered.

Sydo raised his eyebrows with surprise as Rie explained all the tasks she would carry out for him. He was somewhat taken aback by her initiative to get things done to the fullest. Sydo silently reasserted his focus as he replied. “Yes, all of those things would be much appreciated, Rie.” he said. He was glad someone like her was in his brigade. “If she keeps this up, she may even be ready for a promotion. I wonder how the men would react?” Sydo thought to himself with amusement, as he revealed a slight smirk.

Sydo watched Rie with curiosity as she began to write something down with her pen and paper, and handed the message to Momo. Sydo turned his head and peered down at the little dragon as it grabbed the paper with its mouth, leapt off Sydo’s shoulder and scurried away. Then Sydo’s attention was drawn back to Rie when she assured him everything would be taken care of. Suddenly, her voice rose, and he glanced at her with confusion. She stepped to the side, and introduced the man standing behind her. “I see…” Sydo said as he looked over the man once more, and noticed his right hand. “So you’re a black smith, huh? Nice to meet you. I’ve always respected the work of a weapon’s crafter.” Sydo added, as he put out his palm for a handskake.

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The King stood to the far left of the group as he looked over each one of them for a moment, but his attention was caught by Tess when she stepped forward and began to speak in a harsh tone. “So, what is this?” She smirked. “The part where we publicly announce we’re fighting for you? Raise morale in the Kingdom? Pretend you’re doing a stellar job in doing nothing?” Tess asked. The King simply stood silently, staring at her. Then he calmly spoke as he turned away. “My dear, it is up to you if you wish to fight for this country. I would be most grateful if any of you did, but it is your own choice. I imagine being the chosen ones is burden enough, though. The only real choice any of you are inclined to make, is the choice of whether, or not, each of you is ready to face the coming atrocities of this war.” The King said. Then he turned his head to his left and faced Tess. “Though, it seems you already have, Ms. Liadan. For that, I am truly sorry. But, you have to remember, there are bigger issues at hand. If we don’t win this war, and save Elenia, then the whole world will end up like Rivercliff village.” The King said. His words held the truth. The border forces were most likely struggling even now as they spoke.

The King turned and looked back out toward the balcony, where it still rained. “Come! Join me for some fresh air.” The King insisted, as he walked out onto the balcony. “Forgive me for not introducing myself properly. I am King Donner Razgard, and it is a pleasure to meet you all!” The King said with a smile. “I am especially intrigued by you, Ryu Striker. Tell me, how did you come by the gem of Darkness?” The King asked as they walked to the edge of the balcony to get a better view of the city.

The balcony off the throne room‭;‬ Ryu stood off to the side. He watched the King as he finally spoke to him. How did he come across the dark gem? Well he assumed it was similar to the other Gem hosts, although his escape came soon after.‭ ‬Zet stood on the other side of him,‭ ‬hoping in all honesty that Ryu would take the attention off himself.‭ ‬He just wasn’t as‭ ‬brave as Ryu was.‭ ‬After all,‭ ‬he at least was a Gem host.‭ ‬Zet was a nobody worthless Traitor to most of everyone there,‭ ‬other then his new friends of course.‭ ‬On the other side of Ryu stood a guard.‭ ‬He was nervous,‭ ‬and clearly shaking.‭ ‬Not only was there a Shadelian there,‭ ‬but there was also a group of people whom,‭ ‬if they wanted to could attack the king.‭ ‬Him and two other guards were the only method of defense for him.‭ ‬It was a lot of pressure.

Just as‭ ‬Ryu started to speak, he also decided to reposition himself and place a hand inside his pocket. “Well...” started Ryu.‭ ‬It was all a mistake after that.‭ ‬The nervous guard had taken his movement as a sign of attack and had went to defend his king.‭ ‬He swung his arm around,‭ ‬pushing Ryu back with his shield.‭ ‬Ryu was caught completely off guard and fell backwards.‭ ‬For those who were able to see into his eyes as his body fell over the edge,‭ ‬you could see nothing but fear and remorse.‭ ‬Inside Ryu’s head he just wondered why‭? ‬Was it really going to end for him like this‭?

Ryu thought the‭ ‬12‭ ‬second fall felt more like an hour.‭ ‬His life flashed before his eyes.‭ ‬It was much too short.‭ ‬He was killed in his prime,‭ ‬all because of his race.‭ ‬If he’d known how this would end...‭ ‬He would have probably came anyway,‭ ‬although would have avoided the capital.‭ ‬As his back came in contact with the ground,‭ ‬blood spattered from his mouth.‭ ‬As he layed there,‭ ‬the gem fell from the palm of his hand.‭ ‬He stared into it,‭ ‬into the darkness,‭ ‬wishing he could have used it to save the world.‭ ‬It just wasn’t in the cards so to speak.‭ “‬Good luck....‭” ‬was all he was able to say before his eyes shut and his body went limp.

Zet turned in time to look Ryu in the eyes.‭ ‬Chills ran down his spine as saw them.‭ ‬Ryu had already given up,‭ ‬already given in.‭ ‬Zet ran over to the edge and tried to grab him but was unable to do so.‭ ‬If he wasn’t wearing this cloak he could have maybe saved him.‭ ‬Maybe have used his hidden Kyoketshu-Shogei to rescue him.‭ ‬He wasn’t able to though.‭ ‬Ryu was on the ground,‭ ‬and Zet just stared at him for a brief moment.‭ ‬He was there to protect the Gem hosts and look what happened.‭ ‬He failed.‭ ‬He saw the Gem laying next to Ryu on the ground,‭ ‬and‭ ‬knew in an instant what he had to do.‭ ‬He had to make sure‭ ‬the Gem stayed safe.‭ ‬Ruby,‭ ‬the hawk Zet had trained for years,‭ ‬had stayed nearby as ordered,‭ ‬despite the rain.‭ ‬Zet called out to her,‭ ‬and seconds later she was there.‭ “‬Ruby,‭ ‬retrieve.‭” ‬He said pointing at the gem on the ground.

Then he threw the robe off him,‭ ‬tossing it aside to Dugon.‭ ‬His Krovi clothing‭ ‬was clearly visible,‭ ‬but he wanted to check on Ryu.‭ ‬He saw his way as the quickest down there,‭ ‬the rain impeding with any manner of gliding.‭ ‬He barely even gave anyone else time to react before he‭ ‬laid a foot on the edge of the balcony and jumped off.‭ ‬He started to fall as the Kyoketshu-Shogei fell from his right sleeve.‭ ‬He began swinging it around and tossed the blade into the bottom of the balcony.‭ ‬It was enough to break his fall and he pulled it back,‭ ‬the chain wrapping around the outside of his arm as he landed.‭ ‬He ran over to Ryu as Ruby scooped up the Gem in her beak.

Guards were beginning to surround them now.‭ ‬They were realizing that Zet was actually a Krovi.‭ ‬That much was apparent by the yells that went out.‭ “‬KROVI‭!!!! ‬A Krovi infiltrated the capital.‭ ‬He must be here to attack the King‭! ‬Get him or kill him,‭ ‬now‭!!” ‬Zet had his hand on Ryu’s wrist.‭ ‬He didn’t feel a pulse anymore.‭ ‬He shook his head as he noticed the guards closing in on him.‭ ‬There was nothing left he could do there.‭ ‬He just hoped he remembered their talk.‭ [‬i]If they find I am a Krovi,‭ ‬do not say you knew.‭ ‬We need the assistance,‭ ‬and I do not wish to screw that up for the group.‭[‬/i‭] ‬Sydo would likely remember,‭ ‬however he hoped the others would play along too.‭ ‬He didn’t want them denied aid,‭ ‬because they had a Krovi among them.‭ ‬The Krovi clan could be cleared after he helped.‭ ‬Right now he could take more torment in order to help the group.

Zet knew his situation.‭ ‬He couldn’t very well kill any of these guards.‭ ‬The only thing he could do was run.‭ ‬Once in the woods outside of the city,‭ ‬he would be able to lose them for sure.‭ ‬He just had to get out there.‭ “‬Ruby,‭ ‬escape now.‭” ‬He said.‭ ‬She flew up and took off.‭ ‬The guards weren’t interested in her,‭ ‬just Zet.‭ “‬I mean no one any harm.‭ ‬However I will not let you capture or kill me.‭ ‬I’m sorry.‭”

Zet ran forward as on man tried to stab a lance into his gut.‭ ‬Zet jumped up,‭ ‬landing on the weapon.‭ ‬He took a step forward on it,‭ ‬and then on the man’s shoulder.‭ ‬He vaulted off of it,‭ ‬landing on the ground behind him and dashing forward.‭ ‬Zet’s movements were all fluid,‭ ‬as if a pre-planned and rehearsed scene for a movie.‭ ‬The‭ ‬alarms in the city rang out.‭ ‬Those trained to fight took to the streets,‭ ‬those unable to took shelter.‭ ‬Luckily Zet had speed and agility on his side.‭ ‬The armor adorned by the knights prevented even the most agile from matching him on either format.

Zet continued on through the streets.‭ ‬He dodged a few blades swung here and there,‭ ‬never once breaking his stride.‭ ‬He knew he had to keep moving,‭ ‬and he couldn’t afford to stop at all.‭ ‬That was until he came upon a road block of sorts.‭ ‬A few merchant looking men armed with swords stood in his way.‭ ‬His mind worked quickly.‭ ‬He needed a plan to get around them.‭ ‬Next to each of them were buildings.‭ ‬That was‭ ‬it‭;‬ he knew what to do next.‭ ‬He ran straight for the man towards his right.‭ ‬He let the blade hidden in his left gauntlet fall to‭ ‬its hand.

Zet looked at if he would run straight into the man,‭ ‬but at the last moment planted his feet along the side of the building.‭ ‬He was able to get high enough while still moving forward to clear the man‭’‬s head‭; ‬however not his blade,‭ ‬in which Zet used his own to parry.‭ ‬Still running,‭ ‬still without breaking stride,‭ ‬he was now back on the ground,‭ ‬those behind him in awe at the sight.‭ ‬It wasn’t long before he had come across a similar formation ahead of him‭;‬ only this‭ ‬time,‭ ‬there wasn’t any room for him to get his original feet planting on the wall.

That wouldn’t stop him though.‭ ‬However he needed a new tactic.‭ ‬A quick‭ ‬90‭ ‬degree turn threw him straight into‭ ‬an alley,‭ ‬his exit seemingly cut off.‭ ‬However Zet noticed the placement of the buildings and quickly lunged between them until he reached the top of one so he could get a good grip.‭ ‬He pulled himself up and began running across the rooftops,‭ ‬almost slipping on it once due to the rain.‭ ‬However he made a good recovery and was making better time jumping from rooftop to rooftop,‭ ‬rather then avoiding people on the streets.

It quickly became apparent that as he neared the Capital’s high walls,‭ ‬he would need to get down.‭ ‬There was but one exit,‭ ‬guarded by a few very good and loyal soldiers.‭ ‬Zet jumped down,‭ ‬rolling ad he landed,‭ ‬and ran at them.‭ ‬He began swinging the chain around his arm and just instants before he needed to get through the gate it was wrapped around the leg of one guard and domino‭ ‬affecting the others down with one quick pull.‭ ‬He leapt over them as they‭ ‬laid there.‭ ‬Re-wrapping the chain around his arm,‭ ‬he was nearly in the clear.‭ ‬By the time the guard towers had their archers opening fire,‭ ‬Zet was in the woods,‭ ‬the guards deciding to stay back and not pursue,‭ ‬as to not leave the capital open to any attacks.
Zet kept running, despite the lack of a pursuit. Eventually he finally started to slow down, and then Ruby had found him as well. They were both unharmed, which was a good thing. Zet put his hand out as Ruby landed on his shoulder. In his hand fell the dark Gem. He hid it inside his clothing for now, since he didn’t have anywhere else to put it. Eventually he’d rejoin the others and see what they would want to do with it, however for now, there was just no time to deal with that.

That was when Ruby starting acting weird. She took off and landed on the ground next to the body of a young woman, at least whom he thought was a young woman. It was rather hard to tell from the armor, and the distance between them. She was a Shadelian, but after meeting Ryu, and seeing Ruby’s obvious trusting nature towards the woman Zet decided that she was okay to approach. He walked closely, although with caution. As he closed in he saw a dagger plunged into her stomach between the plates of armor.

His first though was to just let her die. However if he helped her, maybe that would be like paying his respects to Ryu. He looked at the woman. She seemed pretty out of it. The Dagger in her though was a Shadelian dagger, and this wound clearly wasn’t self inflicted. Perhaps just like Ryu, she had made an enemy of her own nation as well. Zet didn’t know her story, but he knew he wanted to, and he’d help her in order to do so. “My name is Zet miss, can you hear me? I’m going to help you live, but we need to take this armor off you, and I need you to cooperate with me, alright?” Zet was hoping the woman would at least be able to talk in her condition. Otherwise this could get weird.

The last thoughts that ran through Ryu's head were regrets, regreting to not have stopped all of this murder sooner when he saw the first signs. As he made contact woth the floor, everything else that happened later was a complete blur, until it all went dark.
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His mind was wandering, trapped in a vision of being trapped in darkness. When suddenly, that darkness started piercing right through his chest, penetrating his body as it came out the other side of him, into the Dark Gem and then just vanishing, leaving him in a painfull light filled void. With the Dark Gem gone, the light that he had been away from was almost poison as he tried to block the brightness with his hands, having no luck in blocking it. He felt like it was burning his body as it just shined on him. "No...Don't leave me like this!...I Need the Gem to live now!"
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((a time skip here. since it would be awhile for the farmer to arrive to his house))
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The painfull dream jolted Ryu awake as he breathed heavily. At first, he was glad to be alive, but then he realized that he was on a bed, in an old looking house. "Whe-where am I?" He asks out loud as a voice suddenly replies to him. "Oh your awake. What a relif." Turning to face the person that spoke to him, he saw an old, farmer-like man just walking in as he sets a hoe that he was holding to the side. "Your lucky that I was passing by when you fell there. The place was almost filled with with guerds only a second after I hid you in my wagon. I was dropping off goods in the castle from the farms when I found you." Ryu was suprised to see the one that saved him, "Why did you save me? Don't you know what I am?" The old man sat at a small table as he nods, "Does that really matter? If you were planning to kill someone, wouldn't you have done so already?" Ryu was suprsied to see someone that still having a mind like that. "Well...I thank you for saving me..but it seems staying here will only bring you trouble." Trying to move off the bed, pain suddenly jolted through his body as he fell back down. "Don't try to get up! It was hard enough as it is to just keep you alive!" Ryu looks at him, abit weak, "You didn't have to...but thank you." He said that, but he could feel it. Inside him, something important was missing. His Dark Gem was gone, leaving his body completely weak now.

Crim watched everything happen, Tess say what she did, Dugon take her back, Raiyla introduce herself and all that other stuff, Sydo left, Ryu got attacked and killed, Zet checking on Ryu then running off. He wasn't sure why he didn't move but he hadn't and it was pretty much too late to do anything now. The king now seemed flustered as realising that a Krovi had been so close to him, he looked at the group of now just 5 gem weilders.

"Why did you people bring him here? don't you know what the Krovi have done in the past? they shold just be wiped out!" he said, quite angry but still showing signs of the fright.

Crim stepped forwards, "Your majesty, we had no idea, we do not know anything about these Krovi, but I do remember him saying some things about some person known as Crim, it was if Zet joined up with us then he could clear his name or something, maybe he is trying to redeem and maybe this Crim knew that this would happen, you know about Crim 'the Traitor' enemy of the Blazians, maybe you should be wary of this man and try to make peace with the Krovi, though this is just the ramblings of a traveller who happens to contain some power" he said, he had a reason to say what he didm he didn't care if he was hated in another country if it meant Zet and his family wouldn't have to live with the way things were.