Gunther waited until the others returned while Igniz and Duke played chess in the Reign Mansion. Although calm and serene, the tension between these two Fleshborne has been flaring up the living room for the past half hour. Their focus is outstanding if Gunther thought so himself but at the same time could not help but worry about the others not returning as quickly.
Igniz has had a little more fun to himself by attending several more public hearings, each as swift as the first one. And only one of them was sentenced to a private death sentence (in which Igniz felt justified enough because of all the murdering he committed) which was more than enough for Igniz to want to change his own nation’s laws.
Duke had enough excitement for one day to see the march of thousands in the Metronome. He even spent a night in the barracks to see how the soldiers fare there and is extremely considering joining the training programs held there weekly, provided the Titans stay here as a permanent resident.
Upon hearing reports and official runners, Raizo and Zeeq were placed under arrest for vandalism, damaging public property, and terrorizing half of Cherry Park but were later released on bail because of the “mess” they left behind. The earth spike that Zeeq created became a massive tourist attraction and Raizo’s gliding stunt boosted the power surge in that district by five folds (which saved most of the power consumption in the area).
Coincidentally, they also removed a rusted slab from the bottom of the First Branch that has been complained about for fixing for months.
Sometimes, I wonder if they realize what power they truly possess. Gunther thought as he looked at the comical focus of Duke and Igniz.

“That is so cheating; there is no way can your bishop can take my knight like that!” Duke snapped.

“Perhaps I would have cheated if you were paying attention to where you placed your rook. You may be skilled in armed combat but not chess play, Duke!” Igniz replied with a grin.

“That’s dragon dung and you know it! Out of the two of us, which one has commanded troops?” Duke said.

Gunther watched with joy and pride to see young Fleshbornes compete and yet still maintain a healthy friendship… unlike the old days where power was everything. Gunther was or rather, still is, a surviving member of the First Psyon Wars.
Even though there are victors during the time, it wasn’t much of a worldly victory because more than half of the Psyon population at the time was wiped out and millions of Mortal souls were taken all for the benefit of selfish men. Once upon a time, Psyons numbered in the thousands and they were strong but due to the nature of young blood, the thrill of seeking battle and unspoken loyalty courses through them and it eventually led to war.

Even though initially it was a war between empires and kingdoms, the Psyons were the soldiers and most of them were so young and so eager to serve that they haven’t the slightest clue of their true potential. All those except a few individuals such as the First Three, the first three Psyon chosen: The Scholar, The Soldier, and the Whisperer. These three brothers reigned the legends, spanning across the generations that followed and will keep on doing so for the generations to come… But it was a different time with a different life and a different mind…

“Checkmate!” Igniz snapped as he tumbled Duke’s King piece which was returned by Duke taking a swing at Igniz’s head and missed with a Darkmatter bat.

“I don’t care, you cheated!” Duke returned but Igniz had already claimed his victory with a controlled yet senile laugh. Gunther smiled as he watched them both and is glad that the newest generation of Psyon can live in peace without war but this whole Darkai incident is starting to raise much more than just the fear of repeated history.

A police carrier slowly approached the mansion's airspace and landed near the front lawn. Two officers clad in white stepped out with Raizo and Zeeq in handcuffs held in front of them. Raizo looked sully and his eyesight suggests he wants to zap them all to ashes while Zeeq is smiling as happily as usual as if he just returned from an ice cream shop.

“Lord Gunther, our deepest apologies for any disruption.” A police officer said as he approached Gunther.

“Not at all, Officer Jenkins, I hope they weren’t too much of a handful?” Gunther asked as the other police officers released Zeeq’s handcuffs.

“Very little, sir, although the elder one has attempted to resist arrest. We had to use Bounden Artes to keep him steady. If it weren’t for his Lordship Pyro, we would’ve placed that one under juvenile detention.” Jenkins replied.

“Yeah, try and put me in that cell with my dead body!” Raizo snapped and immediately his cuffs tightened again. Gunther chuckled slightly and shook his head as he gestured Zeeq inside. At times, Raizo would remind him very much of his own elder brother.

“Thank you, Officer Jenkins, I’ll take it from here,” Gunther said. The policemen bowed slightly and returned to their carrier while Raizo was pouting on the ground with his hands still cuffed.

“Are you kidding me, Gunther? You could at least let them take this thing off me first!” Raizo said as he struggled to break free but the cuffs resisted him by glowing a blue aura that made Raizo feel like his body weighs a hundred kilos heavier and dropped to his knees; Gunther simply laughed with his hands behind his back.

“Those cuffs with imbued with Bounden Artes, Rai. They suppress your energy levels in the body so that you have no power or physical strength to fight back. It’s a harmless way to suppress criminals or wild animals without hurting them very much and Psyon or not, not even you could resist.” Gunther said as Raizo struggled to stand up.

“Then, how do you take them off?” Raizo asked quietly as the wind blew.

“Simple, stop resisting. When you lower your energy to a certain point, it just pops off by itself without a key. Now, come, dinner is almost ready.” Gunther said finally and turned around to walk. Zeeq ran in first while Raizo followed slowly but despite his attempts, the cuffs refuse to come off. As Gunther held the door for Raizo to enter, Duke and Igniz played another round of chess but with Zeeq as an audience.

“Zeeq, if this ice prick so much as cheats, you tell me, okay?” Duke said as he stared at a rook piece.

“Got it!” Zeeq said as he watches the two of them with vigilant eyes.

“Oh, right, as if he knows how to play chess,” Igniz said.
“But I do know how to play! Here, lemme play with Duke and I’ll show you!” Zeeq said as he pulled a chair and sat down.
“Alright, by all means, kiddo. Let’s see what you got.” Duke said as he reset the chess pieces. As Gunther watched over them, he is reminded of his eldest who loved these board games. Whenever he had free time, he would invite himself and his two other closest friends to play. It didn’t matter whether the game was on the ground, on a tree trunk, or at a dining table, he loved those games. Sadly, real war and strategic board games are harrowingly similar.
Gunther couldn’t help but notice the similarities between these young men and his youth. He didn’t have many friends, at least, none who are alive. All he had were his brothers whose whereabouts are currently unknown and once upon a time, they were just as close and childish as these young boys are.
“Score, it’s a checkmate!” Zeeq shrieked as he jumped up and down like he just won a mystery prize.
“Wait a minute, what? That’s not right, check it again, his Queen piece can’t do that!” Duke retorted but his face had already written his defeat.
“How about that, you do, and I quote your words, suck at chess. Well, this has been amusing. Thank you, Zeeq.” Igniz said as he cradled his head in one hand and smiled.
“You know what, suck ice, Igniz… how the hell did he…?” Duke said quietly and just stared at the chessboard recalculating his loss.
If only our generation would be like the generation now… I wonder how many wars could have been averted or avoided completely. Gunther thought as he watched over the three Fleshbornes having a childish spat over a simple game while Raizo looks for a book to read. He turned his head over to see another carrier coming down but this time it was a means of public transport and by the feel of it, Darius has come home. Another prodigy for the future generations, this boy has gone through things worse than soldiers and yet he can still manage to come this far. Gunther has come to great admiration for this boy and truly believes that he is worthy of his father’s name.
“Welcome back, Darius. How was your short trip home?” Gunther asked.
“Hey, Gunther… It was fine but we just heard that Raizo and Zeeq got arrested. Is that true?” Darius asked as he and Evelyn entered the mansion.
“Why can’t you ask them yourself? They’re having the time of their lives over chess.” Gunther said as he gestured the two of them in. He looked to Evelyn who returned a wink as she passed him and he understood.
Darius sat with the others in the living room and was perplexed that Raizo and Zeeq are home but not as shocking as seeing Raizo shackled in glowing handcuffs.
“What in the world happened to you?” Darius asked.
“Simple, a certain brat played too much,” Raizo said as he sat down and steered a mean look to Zeeq who blushed with a cheeky smile in return, “how was your date?”
“It wasn’t a date, Rai; we just visited my old house, that’s all,” Darius answered.
“Not exactly the most commended place for a first date, I would say?” Igniz said and the others laughed, even Evelyn giggled a little.
“Today has been great,” she said, “but I have to go before my mother worries about me. I’ll see you guys at the ceremony, okay?” Evelyn said as she wrapped her scarf around her neck readying to leave.
“Wait, what ceremony?” Darius asked as he stood up.
“Gunther didn’t tell you? You guys are being knighted by the queen for your efforts at the Wall.” Evelyn replied but the question did not answer itself.
“Lady, all we did was random fighting with a bunch of random guys in black and one of us brought half the mountain down,” Raizo smirked, “I thought that the Queen just wanted to see us and blast us off for destroying the landscape…”
“Well, I’m not sure about that. All I know is that the Queen wishes to Knight some of you. See you guys later!” Evelyn said finally and left for the door.
“Gunther, why didn’t you tell us about this?” Darius asked as Gunther closed the door behind her.
“Yeah,” Duke said, “I can handle a handshake but knighthood? That was not part of the deal.”
“Well, that news was announced very recently,” Gunther replied, “and in conjuncture with events, Duke, I believe you have some to share with the rest of us?”
“Oh… right… that Vulkan guy invited us for a party at his house tomorrow night. That is if you all wanna go?” Duke said and all heads turned to him.
“An invitation from the Pyro himself… how interesting…” Igniz said with a hint of sarcasm in his breath as he took out his journal and scribbled in it.
“What’s the party for?” Raizo asked he opened another book.
“I have no idea; a runner suddenly came up and told me we got an invite to a private party at his house. A good time to sneak a peek at the most powerful man in Altaria or a perfect excuse to poison our drinks and kill us?” Duke said.
“Gunther, do you think we should go? It could be a trap since he’s not very fond of us around here anyways.” Darius said. This fact is even more ill-treated with the fact that he’s Razaius’s son who once contested for the same seat.
“I suppose there is no harm in going. You must remember, although a private party in Vulkan’s private estate, he will still be inviting politicians, nobles, and military officers to attend. He won’t be doing anything cynical like attempted murder especially an attempt on Psyons, you keep on forgetting that you are immune to worldly poison and thus you are safe from any real threat in this place.” Gunther said. This is sort of true in a manner of speaking but as much as Darius wanted to know more about this man, he can’t help but feel the tension and distrust coming from the rest of his teammates.
“I say we go,” Darius said finally, “we can finally get a good shot at this guy if he pulls any strings, and besides, we’re Psyons! The name itself beckons! And even if we are in a tight spot, we’ll just bust our way out. Who’s with me?” But no one was enthusiastic as he was, even Zeeq seemed concerned going but that was more too popular saying instead of a personal choice.
“Fine, I’ll just go by myself. I’ll just say you guys can’t make it or something… seriously, we just took out a big chunk of the Darkai’s army and you guys are afraid of a dinner party?” Darius said as he crossed his arms.
“Hold on, partner, there’s no way we’re gonna let you go on your own. We’ll be going but do not expect us to shake that old man’s hand—ooh, it came off!” Raizo said as he stood up and after a click, the cuffs unshackled themselves and dropped to the floor (“Well, how about that?”).
“If Rai is going, I’m going, too!” Zeeq said.
“This is, without a doubt, a good chance for reconnaissance. Igniz, you in?” Duke said.
“I suppose I have no other choice but to follow… but at the very least, do dress up in more decent attire. Some of you appear as if you had just escaped penitentiary.” Igniz said.
“Alright then, we’re going. All we gotta do now is show up.” Darius said.
***
Igniz put on the suit he was provided earlier by one of the servants and didn’t like it one bit. The cloth used in Altarian customs was not as comfortable as Iceria and not to his taste; the color doesn’t even match his eyes. But this private event is as useful as it is important, information on the very depths of Altaria’s military faction is most crucial to his empire but at the same time not jeopardizing his relationship with his newfound friends and the current ties Iceria has with Altaria.

As he straightened his bowtie, Igniz wondered in his mind what his future would be like here. Being a Psyon is one thing, being a worldly citizen is another and being a prince of this world is a whole new level entirely. He wished so much he could wrestle around like Raizo and Zeeq would, to place his friends before himself as Duke has, encourage unity and peace like a real leader would as Darius have repeatedly shown; all of the qualities of what a real prince should be and many of which he lacks. Even though he was raised to be like this but still, the idea to live free and strong with close comrades as equals is an idea to strive for. Even when Darius first heard that Igniz is a prince, never once he was treated any different if anything; he is treated like one of them: as a brother. Or as Duke once mentioned, "a brother from another mother" or something of the sort.

Darius stood by the small pond outside while he waited for the others and watched the sunset as the golden sun slowly delved into the horizon. He sparked a small flame in his hand and played with it in between his fingers as he waited anxiously for the rest of his teammates to gather. He was never quite fond of parties or any event of the like, even for his birthday, the barbecue in the backyard of his old house was the only party he’s ever hosted and previously just spent the rest of the birthdays playing with Aunt Joe.
In the past, some have questioned how Darius could learn anything whilst homeschooled but he retaliated by saying Aunt Joe knew quite a lot despite living alone. From economics, literature, the science and math of Natural Artes and the language of several kingdoms all came easy to her but despite that reason, some even asked what she did for a living which left Darius mute as he never knew how she learned all that she knew and what she has done in her past life before raising him.
“Everything good to go?” Duke asked as he stepped out of the mansion. He wore a black overcoat with multiple golden buttons and a bowtie but his shin guards were still worn.
“Seriously, Duke, you’re gonna wear those to a party? I don’t think we’ll be attacked by Darkai anytime soon.” Darius asked as he looked towards the guards.
“In my experience, shit happens and it always happens when you least expect it. I’m not gonna go off guard... And we have a problem...” Duke said as he straightened himself.
“Which is?”
“Rai and Zeeq aren’t going. Not because they refused to go but they weren’t invited. It’s just you, me, and Igniz. Here,” Duke said as he took out the invitation card from his coat pocket, “it’s the official invite which I didn’t read until just now and it specifies only the three of us which kinda sucks because I wish I didn’t have to go, either.”
“Wait, why the three of us? Zeeq and Raizo were fighting, too.” Darius asked.
“Yeah, but the only ones that were witnessed during the fighting are just you and me, and since Igniz is an international superstar so he’s invited by default. Let’s get going already, any more boredom and I might have to kill someone.” Duke said and he walked across the yard as he stretched his legs.
“I do not like the color of my coat one bit, it is dementing and somewhat a personal insult to my eyes!” Igniz snapped as he stepped out of the mansion.
“You, too? How is it no one likes to wear what they’re wearing? It’s provided for free, you could at least be thankful that you’re wearing something.” Darius said annoyingly.
“Yes, but this is Altarian style of clothing with which I and Duke are both foreign to. My old coat would be much more suitable for a private convention if it weren’t all torn up,” Igniz said, “and what on Gaia is Duke wearing? If he wishes to embarrass himself, he may do so but this involves all of us.” Darius couldn’t agree more with him.
“Come on, guys, we’re late as it is. Let’s just get to this party quickly so we can get out of it fast.” Darius said and walked on with Duke and Igniz in toe.
“Gunther said that the guy’s house is just a few blocks away,” Duke said.
“Why don’t we just jump or fly or teleport our way there? It would be much faster.” Darius suggested.
“I agree but we are in a restricted area,” Igniz replied, “If Duke so far as opens a portal to even a few feet away, they’ll notice and track us and have us under immediate arrest... Unless you wish to spend time in the dungeons, I suggest we take the normal route and walk. Duke, I saw that.” Duke was twirling Darkmatter in his hand trying to open a portal but tucked his hand away the moment Igniz called out to him.
A few moments later after they walked past mansion after mansion with impressive walls, fences, and grass yards, they finally reached the House of Pyro which left all three awestruck. The word manor or mansion didn’t even fit the description as it was more like a private castle except without a moat. The walls were tall and broad with guards walking every ten feet from each other and their uniforms weren’t like the standard uniforms that most soldiers or even advanced guards wore as they were clad in white and golden armor. The gateway stood just as tall and already people were lining up inside to try and enter the castle grounds; it was crowded as it was noisy.
“Well, uh, it looks like we came to the right spot,” Darius said.
“Yep and it looks like the party’s full, let’s go!” Duke said and turned around but he was stopped when three of the castle guards appeared out of nowhere from behind them.
“Welcome, Master Psyons, Lord Pyro has been expecting you. Please follow us into the house.” the lead guard said and led them forward (“Okay, we’ll just go your way then.” Duke said as he was pushed forward).
“Make way! Make way!” the lead guard shouted and everyone by the gate was pushed aside so that the three could budge through. Everyone didn’t seem to notice or care about three Psyons walking right past them and by the look on how they dress, these people are not here for a party but rather a petition as Darius could hear their moaning on reformation and war declaration.
“Do not mind them, Master Psyon, these peasants have been known to be at our front door for some form of protest.” the lead guard said. Darius, Duke, and Igniz said nothing but looked at each other, and all silently agreed on one thing: The Pyro has had his place long enough.
“Please enter, Master Psyons, Lord Pyro, and his guests’ awaits.” the guard said and gestured them inside. As the three steps inside, they looked on with wonder with the interior of this private palace: lights floating everywhere as if fireflies were bred inside this very room, chandeliers were hung throughout the half of the ceiling space with sparks falling from them slowly like winter snow. Throughout the whole entrance hall were rows and rows of bookshelves stocked on each other up to three floors and aside from round tables all across the floor, there was a space in the center of the hall where guests could dance to the mini-orchestra playing symphonic music.
“Is this a private event or a bachelor party?” Duke said. Darius and Igniz didn’t say anything but sure enough, they couldn’t agree more about the display the Lord Pyro put up inside his house... If one wants to consider this a house.
“And to think, this is simply the entrance hall... Just imagine if you could see the rest of the castle.” Igniz said as the three moved quietly to a round table--
“Not here, Master Psyons, Lord Pyro has reserved a special seating for you next to his host. This way please.” the guard said. The three of them followed the guard with caution as all of them now wonder if they had made a mistake by coming here. The guard gestured them to sit at a square table right next to the stairway entering the hall from the back of the house and although the table was small, Darius could see there are only three other tables exactly like theirs and all of which are handsomely dressed and decorated which could only mean these were V.I.P seats.
“Kind of weird for V.I.P.s to sit at a smaller table compared to the guests, isn’t it?” Duke said as a butler came and poured the juice in their drinking glasses.
“Perhaps, but at the same time, it sort of distinguishes the upper-class with the lower-classes so you can already see the discrimination here,” Igniz said, “in Iceria, the customs are more or less the same when the palace throws events such as these. It is almost insulting if you think about it from a royal point of view.” Igniz said as he took a sip of his juice.
“Wait a sec, I thought the elite guys would take the bigger space?” Darius asked.
“Not necessarily, the elite do not need more space. The space just represents the stature and class of society. Just look at the table closely and compare them with ours, you can easily see the difference.” Igniz said. Darius looked at the guest table and couldn’t see what Igniz was talking about: the white sheets look the same as theirs, the chairs are decorated in gold just the same, there are candles placed in the center of the table just the same and the only real difference is the red flowers that they have on their table that the guests didn’t.
“The flower is called Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis; Rose Mallow. It is the symbol of the elite class. It is the clear definition on how you tell other people that they are not allowed to even come close to your table,” Igniz scoffed, “I know this may seem shocking to you but in this world, that is how royalty or nobles or even upperclassmen distinguish themselves by the use of these flowers... Sadly, my countrymen use the same tactics.”
“But flowers are always symbolisms of peace and prosperity. How in the world do the nobles use this to make themselves look different?” Darius said.
“It used to be like that but all of this started when that old hag branded himself using these flowers, “Duke answered, “and then he treated the lower classes poorly. It looked sophisticated and effective so the other kingdoms started practicing the same way.” He finished his entire drink in a few gulps.
“Wow... Didn’t know it was that terrible.” Darius said but a sudden presence made silenced all of them as Lord Vulkan appeared on top of the stairwell and everyone stood on their feet to clap and cheer for his appearance. Lord Vulkan was a very old man with black eyes, white hair on the side of his head, and bald at the top with a freshly shaven Vandyke but his stature and body form suggested his age is simply but a number. He wore a black suit and bow tie that is not as impressive as everyone else but Darius gets the feeling he knows what kind of message this Pyro is trying to send.
“Well, speak of the devil...” Duke whispered.
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much for accepting my invitation to this humble home. Please, enjoy the spoils in front of you as my token of appreciation!” Vulkan announced and clapped his hands once and out of thin air, plates of the most unusual and impressive foods appear right in front of them all set on silver and golden plates.
“Moreover, I must announce that tonight needs to welcome three of the most prestigious guests Altaria has ever had to welcome. I present to you, the Psyons from the Pantheon itself!” Lord Vulkan roared and gestured at Darius, Duke, and Igniz. Duke gulped hard in an instant as eyes everywhere turned to look and cheered at their presence. Darius and Duke smiled as broadly as possible and waved gently while Igniz simply smiled and kept his chest high. The crowd calmed down and sat in their seats but eyes were still on looking towards the Fleshbornes and it made Darius even more nervous than before.
“Okay, I gotta admit, that wasn’t bad... Could’ve given us a warning first.” Duke said as he sat down and examined his plate.
“I hope it’s enough to please our most honored guests.” Lord Vulkan said as he suddenly appeared from behind Darius made Duke spit out his juice whilst coughing terribly.
“Lord Pyro, thank you for having us here tonight and a little shocked at the introduction,” Darius said as he stood up and turned around to shake the man’s hand, upon the first touch there is already a dark and heavy feeling from him that is almost on par with Lord General Tyrell but not as deviant or maleficent. He could sense this man has good intentions but his means of achieving the greater good is as dark as Darkmatter itself... And Darius gets the feeling this Pyro could sense vice versa.
“Not at all, it is I who should thank you for accepting my invitation. After all, it’s not everyday heroes that are accepted amongst the community. I bid you all most welcome.” Lord Vulkan said as he slightly bowed.
“Indeed,” Igniz said, “perhaps you may not remember me, Lord Pyro, but I am Igniz, heir prince to Iceria and his Silver Throne.” And he bowed slightly.
“But of course, Your Highness, it has been a while since we last met. It was several years ago, I believe? You have grown much although I don’t think you will grow any more now, Master Psyon.” Lord Vulkan said with a laugh. Igniz seemed slightly amused but Darius and Duke didn’t get that point completely yet.
“And this must be the enigma soldier that many of my men have spoken of. You look more impressive in person than what I have been informed.” Lord Vulkan said as he turned his attention to Duke.
“Well, I’m not sure if enigma fits the bill but thanks for the compliment... And the food here is something.” Duke replied.
“Why thank you, Master Psyon, you do me great honor. Please excuse me; I must attend to other useless arguments with those old fools. Politics, always a nasty business if you follow me.” Lord Vulkan said and he turned to leave to speak with another group of aged men such as himself.
“Well, the old coot knows how to butter people up, that’s for sure. No wonder he can still stay where he is.” Duke said as the three of them resumed their seats.
“While true, it is near oblivious that he despises us. He plots to have us on his side so that should the time come, he has the support of the Titans for his cause. He already made a public announcement thus it would be poor public relations if we were to oppose him openly” Igniz said as he cut open a steaming red lobster.
“Come on, guys, we didn’t come here to snarl at the old guy. Let’s just eat and get out of here as soon as we can. I don’t like being here for another minute longer.” Darius said.
***
“Geez, this is boring! How much longer do we have to wait here?” Raizo snapped as he slammed shut a book and tossed it on the glass table.
“Why don’t we play a game while we’re here? There are plenty of board games around the house. Darius’s dad sure knows how to have fun.” Zeeq said as he twirled the large globe around with his index finger without touching it.
“Is games all you can think of? Did you forget that your last game nearly threw us in jail?” Raizo said annoyingly.
“Well, technically, you were thrown in jail; I got a nice cake dessert,” Zeeq said happily.
“Of course, you got the dessert, ya douche--” Raizo snapped but he was cut off when he sensed a massive energy disruption to the north. Zeeq sensed it too and the two of them quickly looked outside the window, it was dark and they couldn’t see anything save for the lights of the other houses but they know somewhere a massive amount of power is being used.
“You think we should go check it out? Dar and the others could be in trouble.” Zeeq said.
“Yeah... You could be right, let’s go!” Raizo said and both of them rushed off to the door.
***
Duke chewed on his steak feverishly as if he hasn’t eaten for days. As Duke swallowed his food and gulped it down with a glass of water, the three of them sensed right away a massive energy rip just around the corner. The other guests couldn’t feel it, the guards, the soldiers nearby or even Pyro himself couldn’t sense this energy rip right on his front door. But they knew, the three knew full well what this energy is and its--
“I got it,” Duke said simply and stood up.
“Wait, what? Where are you going?” Darius snapped quietly.
“I know who it is... Just stay here and if that old fart asked where I went, just tell him I went to the toilet or something. Be back in a jiffy.” Duke said and quickly disappeared into the crowd of nobles.
“That was Darkmatter,” Igniz said in a hushed tone, “you felt it, too?”
“Of course, I felt it but is it okay to let Duke go on his own? What if they kill him or worst that Lithia woman comes back and kidnaps the guy?” Darius said but somehow, the idea in Igniz’s mind was far different.
“Or what if Duke has brought the enemy here and is going to kill us all? It makes the perfect spy cover and Duke has the absolute advantage.” Igniz said to his mind.
“But I trust him; he's proven many times that he’s on our side.” Darius returned and took another sip of water.
“That may be but we don’t know unless we check on him now. We’ll just follow closely behind. You stand right next to me and I will cloak us from his senses.” Igniz said.
“Are you nuts? You’re talking like a real spy here, man! If Duke says he’s got this then I’ll trust him with it. Now stop glaring, people are looking at us.” Darius said and Igniz immediately stopped contact to look around. Darius was right, several eyes have already looked upon them with curiosity.
“Is everything alright, Master Psyon? For a moment, you looked like you were choking on something.” a butler said as he approached their table.
“Yeah, everything is just perfect,” Darius said, “say, would you be so kind as to show us the bathroom? We need to wash up a little.”
“Of course, sir. You may use the guest washroom just at the left end of that corridor.” the butler said as he pointed to the end of the corridor just right beside the staircase.
“Thank you so much,” Darius said and he and Igniz got up to leave.
***
“You shouldn’t be here. They will kill both of us.” Duke said as he stepped into the backyard of the mansion. The backyard itself was filled with tall hedgerows of perfectly cut grass and flowers, little ponds, and water fountains erect all across the backyard. The sight was certainly one to behold but unfortunately for Duke, what he saw in front of him was not as comforting.
“Come now, my love, since when did a little thrill scare even you?” Lithia said under her cloak. To the naked Mortal eyes, no one could see or even sense her under that cloak but between a Darkai to another, it’s almost as clear as daylight and even more so to a Psyon.
“Gee, after all that’s happened, I thought you were over me already,” Duke said.
“Humph, as if I could easily get over the man that I profess love to, I think not... How have you been?” she said.
“What do you care, all you want is our heads on a silver plate. And I’m telling you now, you are not getting anywhere near them, so long as I’m around and I don’t care if I have to break all of hell loose to keep it that way.” Duke said as Darkmatter began to twirl in his fingers.
“Oh, so feisty... Come now, my love, I bear no intent to carry out any orders tonight. I only come bearing news. News that your beloved brother has been sent to Dökkálfr and has been in there for the past five days.” Lithia said with a silent grin.
“Damn that old man... To think he would be crazy enough to do that thing again... And why are you telling me this? It's useful news but it’s still not important enough to hack your way through Altaria’s defense grid and warp your way in here. In the Pyro’s backyard, no less!” Duke said in a hushed tone and looked around to ensure no one could see them. After all, Lithia is not the only one who can wear such a disguise at night.
“Is it too much to ask for one last kiss? You left too suddenly... Too soon...” She said as her lips trembled. Duke said nothing at first and just watched her. He knows no good would come from her if he does what she asks and submitting to her will would only mean death or torture for his friends. But at the same time, Duke struggles for the promises that he made with Lithia and whatever love they used to share... Is it her standing in front of him or just another soldier from the dark?
“Give me one good reason why I should trust you at all right now,” Duke demanded.
“Primer Amor...” Lithia whispered and under her hood where her face can’t be seen, Duke saw it, a tiny teardrop from her right eye.
“Damn it, woman...” Duke snapped quietly and took her in his arms and kissed her as deep as he could. There was no poison this time, no Darkmatter swirling in her mouth like usual, no dark energy coursing through her blood when she has a thrill. This time, it was just her, her taste, and her lips, just as it has always been...
How he wished so much now to still take her with him to leave the Darkai forever.
“Why can’t you come with me?” Duke whispered as he let her go.
“Because I’m not as strong, my love... I never am,” she whispered, a tear dropped once more from her eyes and after a gust of the wind, she was gone. Duke stood quietly for a moment and tried to breathe easily but he couldn’t, he wanted to hold her again and more than anything, he wanted to pull her away from the lies of that Darkai fortress.
Duke summoned a shining black blade and aimed it at the nearest bush as leaves rustled behind it, “show yourself or I’ll blow that bush sky high.”
“Geez, calm down, man, to think you’d recognize a brother when you see one.” Raizo said as he jumped out from behind the bush and Zeeq fell to Raizo’s feet clumsily and waved, “Hi!”
“What are you guys doing here? If you’re caught, then we’re all dead!” Duke snapped quietly and looked around; a few of the guards are coming back this way.
“Look, we just sensed a rip in the energy fields here so we just came to check it out. Looks like your girlfriend still giving you the bites, huh?” Raizo said.
“Sorry if we crashed the party, Duke,” Zeeq said as he stood up and brushed himself off.
“Wow, you guys are here, too? We are so dead.” Darius said as he and Igniz stepped out from the castle.
“Oh, come on, guys, are you kidding me? We can’t all be here or else we’ll be arrested for trespassing. You two just go back the way you came.” Duke said as he looked to Raizo and Zeeq but before they moved, Igniz spoke first.
“Duke, please tell me my eye deceived me into seeing your former comrade in the backyard of Pyro Vulkan?”
“I know you guys were standing there the whole time so just zip it, alright? You all know that everything is alright and nothing is going to happen now although the latest news is starting to freak me out.” Duke said.
“What news? You mean the whole chamber thing?” Darius asked.
“Yeah... The Dökkálfr Chamber is a gigantic science lab where our worst experiments are done. I was in there for a while, too, and let me tell you, it’s not a pretty sight... But I’ll tell all that another time, for now, we have got to clear this place!”