Chapter 1
"(Gasp)"
"Milord, you're awake" A startled young brown skin, curly haired servant girl jumped up at the side of the room.
"Sorry, Sasha. I didn't mean to startle you."
"It's ok, Milord. You aren't big enough to frighten me just yet." As she spoke she couldn't help but shudder thinking about the night a few days ago. Prince Mecca may be a tiny frail 5(15 earth years) year old boy. Yet, it was this same boy that brought the Country of Malfes to its knees.
"Status,"
" The people have settled in under the new leadership. Although there were a few complaints, there is nothing major as of yet. Prince General Krinis has left the Noches Divisin of the Dark wave field army garrisoned here to hold down the fort numbers wise. They are currently at odds with the insurrection."
"Ah, under Major General Jackson. He is fun. How has he been holding up?"
"I don't know as of yet of his current status as I didn't expect you to wake up today. I haven't had the chance to check just yet."
"Good, when you go, tell him to request a Primo from Princess Lane."
"Are you sure, Milord? King Krins Explicitly stated that this is your land."
"Uggh, stop calling me milord. It's getting annoying. He won't change his mind just because a Primo is stationed here. Do you forget their purpose?"
"No, Mecca I remember your older brother, he was a great man."
"Good, while it is on its way, get me a storefront in the city and let the people know as a token of our sincerity and inclusion we will be hosting a Tournament of recruitment under my banner." After giving the last command Mecca gathered himself into a meditative stance and began to glow with a faint green light as his mind began to wander.
.............
City of Blood
City Wall
865 A.L.
The Blood City walls loomed over the surrounding forest, casting a ghastly and somber shadow. Glistening stones made of elenium stone a material cheaper and more durable than steel reflecting the moonlights of Orin over the foothills. Yet, still after the attacks of the last week the cries of the construction workers could still be heard humming their songs and downing their ales and spirits as they put her back together again under the heavy watch of the soldiers of Le Soleil.
"Major General Jackson, Her Lady Sasha is here to see you." From the rear stairway a Lieutenant called out.
"(Sips) Aiyah, send her in." Major General Jackson, a young upstart in the Dark wave field army in his navy blue and speckled gold gear could feel the pressure of his ambitions drying up as the war comes to an end.
When the young Prince Mecca was to be born, the country of Orin attempted to eliminate the Queen of Le Soleil, Queen General Oladeis, but the attempt failed. Though it left the King and Queen injured.
With the head injured the surrounding countries colluded to take the country down. 5,036 days of war (5 years 36 days on the Planet of Orin). During this time the eldest Princess, Lane Horizon, came out of seclusion. She along with her siblings Prince Krinis, and Princess Blaeset led their 3 personal armies to hold off the three countries and defended the country for the entire 5 year period. During this time Jackson saw the chance for his ascension and took it. As a mutant he knew he could start as an officer and quickly fly through the ranks.
After the young prince reached the age to join the fight he joined his brothers defense line and nearly with his presence and ability alone led to the end of the war. Their collaboration in taking over a country in a week frightened the other countries into signing a treaty calling for peace.
For a Soldier, peace time makes it hard to truly rise through the social ladder. Though the young prince is only 5 years old this year(15). As the only sibling yet to build his own military force Jackson jumped at the chance to build a relationship.
"Major General Jackson, it is so good to see you and it seems you are in good…spirits." Counter to her demeanor in front of the young prince, Sasha shows her true colors. To soldiers, a demoness, or a vixen in her own right depending on your tastes or fears. Before she was instructed to be a protector and trainer for Prince Mecca she was a Lt. Gen. under the Elder Princess Lane. In that time she was known as the Trainer of Midnight's Trail.
"Of Course, Lady Sasha, thanks to the efforts of the Princes and their reckless ravaging of this capital, we haven't met many obstacles in securing control. Mostly we have been focused on reconstruction as the young prince seems to not care too much about property damage." A sure man himself Maj. Gen. Jackson couldn't help but be a bit nervous. Although he is also a mutant the lady before him was once rated as a city level threat. Who knows how strong she must be now to have the job of the young prince's protector.
"Oh, is that so? Then why do you seem so nervous? As I have heard the rebels have been giving you trouble, no?"
"Sasha, surely you jest. The common people were completely opposed to the war and have found solace in the annex. Though the religious groups of this place are a bit weird, they haven't made much movement. As for the insurrection, it's a small band led by a young man. A group of misguided loyalists though they should be able to be quelled with diplomacy. The only hold up in confronting them is that out of their 700, 50 of which are mutants. Unfortunately, I currently don't have the manpower for that." Visibly annoyed Maj. Gen. Jackson took another sip.
"That is interesting. Then do not worry for them, I will inform the prince and he will decide the next course of action. Focus on the Annex and let the people know they are now citizens of the Sun. Also the prince wishes for you to summon a Primo as well. To gather and stabilize this kingdom."
"Haha, Don't worry general, it seems Prince Krinis knows his younger brother well. Two of them are on the way as we speak."
"Indeed, they have always been pretty close. Fine then, his last order is to prepare for a tournament under his banner. It is open to the citizens of the kingdom. They must form teams of 5 to compete."
"It shall be done, milady. Though, May I ask… what are the requirements for an individual to join?" As he asked Sasha was already making her way out and silently raindrops began to descend from the heavens.
"Power. Lots of it."
..........
"Is this the rebel encampment Lady Sasha?" Prince Mecca sat atop a boar-like beast spewing toxins from its mouth. When the humans first landed upon the planet of Orin they were astounded at the sure scale of the diverse beast of the land. Over time with no external forces other than the natives the beast of the land developed several mutations becoming something much more.
"Yes, my Prince, shall I begin?" Both completely covered in war garb the young prince scanned over the camp getting a mental picture of the level of organization of the enemy.
"Spare who you can but lay the camp to waste if necessary." As he spoke the Prince drew a golden lion encrusted bow that began to glow with a pale blue light.
[Star of the East - Flood!]
*Thwoosh*
The arrow free from the bow began to spin in the air, its roar awakening the slumbering rebels asleep in their tents. Upon its descent one would notice the faintest outline of a blue lion summoning together the seas of the night.
"We're under attack, arm yourselves!!!"'
"It's coming from the north, from the north to arms!"
"Go and inform the commander." Before anyone could inform the commander the flap to the central tent opened revealing a disheveled and grizzly face. Marcus Onassis the one eyed giant of Malfes. Standing 10 feet tall 1200 lbs of pure muscle, couldn't help but grimace seeing the sheer scale of coverage the one attack seemed to threaten.
Before he could make any commands his mutants already took to the air or sped to the front to meet with the mortals of his force. After grabbing his staff, he speedily caught up to the traffic and met with the front line. "Stay away from its landing space. Form up do not break ranks until we know what we are - "
*Flllwwwoooshhh*
Before he could finish, the arrow already made contact with the ground. Although they ensured their distance to its target zone, many were still caught in the blast zone. Upon the detonation of the arrow, blades of water cut in all directions further increasing the number of casualties.
"Back away and reform the lines." Marcus couldn't help but tremble just a little. Although he wasn't always a warrior at heart, the men loyal to the flag of Malfes trusted him and stuck with him for his strength and mettle in battle.
When the capital fell and the army of Le Soleil infiltrated the country he was tasked with defending a small town. Though it was soon proven his forces were futile in front of the field armies of Prince Krinis.
In the moment of crisis, he made the decision to convince the town to surrender to minimize casualties. Even when some would consider him a coward these men still stood at his side and believed in his decisions. To see so many taken out so swiftly pained his heart.
In the distance a boar and its rider appeared over a hilltop. Seeing the man sit so calmly with a bow in his hands Marcus knew this was the shooter that took the lives of his men with a single arrow. He couldn't help but let his anger boil to its apex.
"Look above!" One of the soldiers cried out. In the sky, hidden in the light of one of Orins 3 moons, another rider on the back of a Pegasus descended at great speed aimed directly at the center of the formation.
"Staff Of Blood-Wind of death!" The soldiers stood in awe seeing the winds of blood they knew so well sweep their commander into the sky as his staff began to spin at insane speeds.
Before Marcus could get too close to Sasha in her Valkyrie armor, a smirk came across her lips as the horse turned parallel to the ground and stomped.
*Boom!!!*
The sheer force from the pegasus along with the momentum built in the descent ruptured the air, slamming Marcus right back down to the ground and displacing the men he sought to protect.
As Sasha landed, silence covered the field. As Marcus struggled to his feet from the Giant shaped whole in the ground, he couldn't help but marvel at his luck. 2 Monsters at his front door.
"May I ask, which general of Le Soleil is attacking us this fine evening." The surrounding soldiers couldn't help but further raise their impression of their commander. To speak so calmly after getting his chest caved in. Yet, secretly although Marcus was relatively fine due to his abilities, he was inwardly crying at his interrupted sleep and such an encounter to boot.
"No general present," As Sasha descended from her horse the men and even the mutants retreated even further from her. No matter the abilities you may have, no one wants to die. Well insane people don't count. "I am Lady Sasha, of the court of Prince Mecca. The young Prince wishes that you all cease this useless struggle."
"And if we refuse." Although in great pain Marcus still attempted to stand up straight. Even hunched over he still towered over all the people present.
Yet, when he gave his response they all noticed a faint blue light upon the hill as another arrow seemed to be loaded on to the bow.
"If you refuse, this night will not go well. Though the young prince finds war to be quite boring. He understands you may still harbor a grudge over us conquering those who sought to fight us. Though let me ask you, would any of this have happened if the Country of Malfes did nothing? Le Soleil is a land of Peace and has been for most of its 200 year history. Well, as long as we aren't attacked. All the young prince wishes for is for each of you to go back home and be with your families, raise your children and pledge to the rising sun."
Before he could refuse, Marcus glanced at his men. Although, sure each of them would die for him, the morale of the men has plummeted over the last 5 years of war. An entire country stalled by one army for 4 years and then in the 5th year pushed all the way back to its own border.
Then in the span of a week, the capital fell, the royals slaughtered or surrendered. Although his men never said anything to him, he still heard the whispers and complaints.
….
"What are we even fighting for?"
"We are at war to take advantage of the country that has been our ally for 100 years."
"My wife is from Le Soleil, her family hates that we are targeting her homeland simply because their king is injured. She asked me would we even have attacked if King Krins or Queen General Oladeis were healthy and I didn't even know what to say."
….