Kenos laid under a star-filled sky, unable to sleep. He reflected on what happened moments ago. Hours of silence go by before a word is spoken between the two. This was the third time something like this has happened to Kenos in his 13 years of life. Kenos sits up letting out a deep sigh,
"Doza", he says wearily. "I'm too old for you to just brush shit like this off", yelled Kenos in a moment of anger. "Why, why is it always us running", tears of frustration fall from Kenoses' face. "At this point, I don't even know why or if there was ever a reason for us to escape that night. You're supposed to watch over me Doza, but all you do is hide me from what's really going on. If I can't count on you to keep it real with me then who will." Huffing and puffing Kenos lays back down, "Just leave me at the next town", he mumbles "I'll figure this out on my own."
"Sheesh, I guess a crybaby never really grows up", said Doza begrudgingly. "Alright, I guess... let's start at the beginning. Do you remember the purpose of Clan Umbrage?"
"Father said we were a clan of hunters", Kenos answers.
"Originally we were, but during the warring periods we were coaxed into hunting more than just animals", Doza explained. "The Kingdom of Xiomara still in its initial phases, a small tribe of clans from both our world of Chaya and those from Kassius the Void realm, The Boidouoka clan had left a huge power vacuum when they decided to resign their title of royalty many years ago. Those of the Xiomara tribe wanted that for themselves, hiring Clan Umbrage from time to time to annihilate competition or threats. This earned the clan a number of enemies, but eventually, the clan did earn its place amongst the elites. Eventually garnering even more attention guarding those of nobility. This led to the clan developing friendships with many high ranking families."
"I didn't ask for a history lesson, Kenos chime's in."
"Patience, we're getting to all of that", Doza replied, hitting Kenos on the head. "What do you remember from the night we first began our journey?"
"That was the night father was supposed to become the head of Clan Umbrage", Kenos stated. "I remember playing with that elf kid from the Frost clan. Father and mother were preoccupied, everyone congratulating them."
"The clan invited all of the noble families and even some of lower rank to see the young lord become the clan head", Doza continued. "It was the first time a majority of the guests even attended the estate, I myself was a top-ranked student representing clan Umbrage at the academy at the time," said Doza proudly.
(7 years ago)
"Doza", called a sturdy built man in the distance, "so the academy did allow you to attend the ceremony.'' Doza turns around to see Kronos walking up to him with open arms. "Welcome back scrub", Kronos laughed, hugging his friend asking about his time at the academy.
"I thought you said I'd find a challenge at that school", said Doza. "I've already defeated all the squad captains in a duel and my grades are top of the class".
"So what you think you can take me on now", joked Kronos.
"Probably", Doza retorts.
The two laugh hysterically. Doza looks at Kronos and gives him a bow of respect, "congrats on becoming clan head.''
"You don't look too happy to say that", responded Kronos.
"It's not that I'm not happy for you. It's just that ever since I was sent to represent clan Umbrage at the academy. We haven't really gotten to hang out or train like we used to."
Kronos burst out in laughter. "Sit with me Doza",
the two sit on the steps in front of the Umbrage estate staring at the setting sky.
"As we get older life has a habit of putting us in situations we'd rather not be a part of. It's up to us to make the most of it. You may not enjoy where you're at now but who's to say you won't miss these days when they're gone. Life is precious in many ways, and there may always be something hindering the joy in his world. As clan Umbrage, we will shield those from the dark. Almost how the dark sky is held back by a starry night. We may be put in situations we never thought of but change is necessary. Those of us who fear death, can not wish to escape it. Therefore you must have enough courage to smash both heaven and hell with the conviction to deal with whatever result you get along the way. Let both your love and hatred fire up your ambitions. "Doza eyes shined listening to his master's words of wisdom.
"Father" screamed a small child with braided hair and charms around his neck, running toward Kronos and sitting on his lap.
Hey there little Ken, said Kronos cradling his child.
A beautiful lady whose skin glistened in the sun follows closely behind holding a chalice in hand. "It couldn't be", she yelled, eyes almost popping out of her skull. "Is that cry baby Doza all grown up."
Doza bites his tongue as she runs up to hug him, "Hi master Amari," said Doza in an annoyed voice.
"That's an awful way to say hello to the clan head's wife", she replied. That big head you've gotten at the academy is only thanks to me taking the time to train you. You should really show me some more respect'', said Amari as she put Doza in a headlock.
The three of them all laugh.
"Kenos has gotten so much bigger", said Doza, "almost can't believe it's him." Doza stares at Kenos in the arms of his father. Kenos gets up and runs behind his mother and father, "Wait I didn't mean to".
Kronos buds in, "It's okay Doza, Kenos can be shy at times he just doesn't remember you from before you left."
Miss Umbrage suddenly begins coughing uncontrollably, eventually spitting out blood.
"Honey!" screamed Kronos.
"Amari" Kronos calls again watching as his wife began to drop, catching her only a second before she hit the ground. "What happened? Did you take something?" He screamed, beginning to tear up.
Kenos grabs on to his mother's dress yelling for her to be okay.
"Master your suspicions were right " One of Kronos's right-hand soldiers appears next to him, a man fully equipped in Umbrage clan armor.
"Aeolus", responded Kronos. "Assess the situation."
"The guards around the perimeter have been ambushed and most of the guests have been poisoned", answered Aeolus.
"WHAT!!!", screamed Kronos, a wave of energy emits from him causing Doza to shiver.
"Who do they think I am? A mere pond.'' Kronos begins laughing as tears drop down his face.
Doza could see the pain his master felt from this betrayal, but at the time had no idea of the destiny that now awaited him. Doza begins pondering "A man who has lost everything, master… what will you do".
"Kenos", said Kronos kneeling in front of his child, "You are my only child. Destiny may not allow me to show you all that I wished, however, I believe you will prosper in this world of chaos. Your eyes will be your greatest tool", Kronos hugs his child for the last time. "Doza make sure to take Kenos as far as possible and promise to protect him with your life" Said Kronos.
No, father, cried Kenos. I wish to stay with you and, mother.
Doza, who was shaking, crying, and confused at what his master told him, spoke up. "Master, I can fight with you and help. I am much stronger than you remember"
Kronos looks at Doza with a demonic gaze revealing his eclipsed eyes and releasing his zen.
"Shut up and leave," said Kronos as lightning filled the air turning the pink sky into a gray mess. "I can feel your zen wavering, if you haven't even gotten over that, then what use would you be to me on the battlefield. You still aren't strong enough. My first and final mission for you as clan head will be to guard and protect Kenos. Start thinking about the future runt and make sure to remember what I taught you. Teach my son what my wife and I instilled in you. I will always love both of you forever even through death, and here take this ring. There are a few things that will help you and Kenos get through hell.
Suddenly ten of Kronos's elite soldiers appeared behind him prepared for the battle at hand.
"My men", yelled Kronos. "We will surely die tonight if we fight this battle, even so, we will uphold the clan's name. They've made a mockery of the clan by poisoning and killing our guests. Even worse, they've taken advantage of our clans' services to the kingdom attempting to discard us now that we've acquired the respect of the people. As the head, I shall go down with the estate regardless of the ending. However!!! The amount of bloodshed that we will spill tonight will forever be in the nightmares of the nobles." All of Kronos's soldiers yell in agreement. "I won't ask any of you to die here tonight, leave now if there's fear in your heart."
The soldiers chant once more and bang their chest.
"All right my men" yelled Kronos, "eradicate the enemy."
All the soldiers fan out. Kronos points towards the estate "you remember where the hidden passage is right? This is your mission Doza. I expect you to handle it with ease."
Kronos gives a warming smile to his child and his young subordinate as they close the door to the estate. "Be strong my son if all goes well I will find you".
The door now closed, Doza and Kenos turn to see the symbol of each clan present that night. Doza starts running towards the exit with the young Kenos on his back.
"Turn back Doza, we can't leave, what about mother and father. Doza please, we have to go back,'' cried Kenos as he repeatedly hit Doza.
Doza continues his escape through the hidden passage coming out towards the docks.
The two of them look up the cliff to see the estate for the final time. Both looked up to see an enormous dark cloud hovering over the whole cliffside. even more, tears fall from Kenoses' face as they heard the crackling of the lighting and the wind pressure build-up reaching them at the bottom of the cliff.
Doza begins preparing a small ship. "What kind of power is this"
multiple streams of lighting began to form and a bright light shined like the sun on a hot summer afternoon then.
*BOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM"
The estate explodes, the aftershock pushes Doza and kenos on to their backs, Doza makes sure to secure Kenos on the ship before himself.
"Go back", Kenos cried. "As the young lord, I demand it."
Tears form in Doza's eyes, Kenos who was already crying began to ball. Doza holds Kenos, unsure of what he'll do next while they slowly drift away in the ocean.
(In the present)
Doza turns back making sure Kenos is still awake.
"Out cold", he laughs. "O well he's gonna need the rest anyways."