Brekan, Sari, and Nightjewel stood at the precipice of the Garden of Heroes, their eyes fixed on the fierce battle unfolding in the night sky. The Dark Phoenix and Joven, both titanic forces, clashed over the capital city.
The sky was a tableau of fiery clashes, with the massive black wings of the Phoenix and the radiant glow of Joven's Templar armor casting ominous shadows over the city below. Buildings crumbled, and the air resonated with the deafening roars of their power. The heart of the Sun Kingdom trembled under the weight of their clash.
Nightjewel's voice broke through the tumultuous scene. "The palace of the Sun King and Augolon 2 are hidden within the highest peak of the Sunthorn Mountains," she explained, her eyes filled with a knowing certainty. "There, you'll find the entrance to the secret city."
Brekan's determination burned in his heart as he prepared to take flight. He manifested his energy-infused wings, ready to carry himself and Sari to their destiny. Sari took his hand, her grip firm. "We are together now. We can face whatever comes our way."
A tender smile graced Brekan's lips as he lifted Sari into his arms. With Sari nestled securely against his chest, he turned to Nightjewel, gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you for your guidance."
Nightjewel's response was a nod, her expression pensive and filled with hope. "Good luck. I will await your return, safe and victorious."
With those parting words, Brekan's wings unfurled, and he propelled himself into the night sky, Sari at his side.
Brekan's flight over the city had turned into a somber and mournful journey. He gazed upon the devastation below, a city in ruins, and the lives lost to the relentless battle between the Dark Phoenix and Joven. His heart ached for the countless people caught in the crossfire, but he knew that he alone couldn't save them all.
As he held Sari close, a great bolt of lightning arced across the darkened sky in the distance. Brekan's attention was drawn to the source of the electrifying display. He saw the Dark Phoenix, its once-mighty form slowly sinking towards the ground, dark flames dwindling. It bore the brunt of a colossal lightning rod, a stark contrast to its fiery existence. A sense of pity welled up in Brekan for Vikona, who had birthed the Phoenix.
Joven descended above the fading Phoenix, landing atop a building and inadvertently toppling a skyscraper as he did so.
Brekan continued his flight, relieved that the battle was finally over, and the Witch Storm had passed. His thoughts turned to the journey ahead, the confrontation with the Sun King drawing closer.
However, Sari's sudden shout brought him back to the present. He swerved to the side, barely avoiding a lightning bolt that was racing towards him. Sari's quick thinking had activated a protective crystal barrier, shielding them from the deadly strike, but the barrier was now visibly cracked.
Brekan knew that he couldn't flee from the charging Joven, who had marked him as a target.
Sari urged him to face the looming threat: "You have no choice. Fight him."
He understood that there was no escape. He swiftly landed on a skyscraper, gently lowering Sari to the rooftop. Their parting was brief. Brekan assured her, "I will be back."
Sari kissed him and said: "I have no doubts."
Empowered by her love and trust, Brekan leaped off the building, his giant energy body forming on the way down. He created a glowing sword and shield as his arms of choice.
Brekan charged at the advancing Joven, his thoughts filled with the memories of their friendship, now fractured and divided.
Brekan's energy blade clashed with Joven's white sword, but Brekan remembered the Agent's weapons could pierce his energy. Joven unleashed his laser from his other arm, forcing Brekan to raise his shield to block the searing attack. Brekan struggled to maintain his defenses, constantly drawing upon Sari's boundless energy to replenish his splintering shield.
Under heavy breath, Brekan muttered, "We were once best friends."
Joven's voice held a bitter edge as he retorted, "And you had to betray our friendship."
Their fierce combat caused them to step back, a moment of respite in their duel. Joven's crystalline armor gleamed brightly as he declared, "Don't bother. The time for words is long gone."
Brekan agreed with a determined nod and took action. He summoned six energy arms, aiming the palm of their hands at Joven. Each of them gathered a massive energy ball, surging with power. Joven roared, his crystal-laden armor and wings intensifying their luminescence.
With a synchronized release, the energy balls transformed into brilliant beams of energy that lanced through the air, while Joven hurled a gleaming spear of light. Both attacks converged on the battlefield, a breathtaking spectacle of power and conflict. The beams of energy and the radiant spear streaked toward their targets, and both hit.
Brekan felt the spear breaking through his armor and missing his real body only by hair's breadth. The explosion of the lasers slicing through the Templar's chest hurled Brekan back and his energy body vanished. The world around him spun and he felt himself break through windows and crash into wooden furniture. Pain rushed through his body and for a moment he lost his sense of identity and time.
After gaining back control of his mind, he crawled out of a broken cabinet and dragged himself over the glass shards to the window. From there he saw Joven's Templar armor fallen back into another building. The chest was wide open with metal ridges sticking out. All the light of the Templar was gone.
Under heavy breath Brekan whispered: "I'm sorry old friend. I'm sorry Joven."
He felt a small push and rush of energy pulsing through him. He flew up to the roof and landed beside Sari who hugged him tightly. He said exhausted: "Let's finish this."
Brekan rose again, this time slower. Although he could feel the power of Sari in him, he was still physically tired. Nonetheless his spirit was lifted by Sari's warm body, pressed on his.
Enjoying each other's touch they flew towards the mountains that surrounded the plateau from the east.
Brekan saw the city below them being active, because most of the crystals that had been sucked dry by Vikona people were lightning torches and carried old oil lanterns. Occasionally Brekan saw the slain bodies of Kioni, with always an Agent nearby.
"They didn't deserve this", Brekan said, his voice sullen. He wished he could have prevented this chaos.
Sari gently touched his chest and said: "They didn't but it was out of your control."
Brekan reached the end of the capital, its last buildings reaching up the foot of the mountains. He looked back one last time before ascending.
Brekan's wings gently carried them to the high mountain pass, where the night was fading, making way for the first light of dawn. The air was crisp, and the only sound that broke the silence was the soft whisper of the wind rustling through the towering peaks. It was a stark contrast to the chaos they had left behind in Iskanda, a moment of serenity in the midst of their turbulent journey.
With a graceful descent, Brekan landed on the rocky terrain and carefully set Sari down. They stood at the crossroads of this solitary mountaintop, with two paths stretching before them. To the right, a steep and winding trail descended into the valleys below, while to the left, the path led upward, towards the majestic Sunthorn Peak, the highest in the mountain range.
Brekan relished the silence and peace of the mountain, a temporary respite from the battles and conflicts that had consumed their lives. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the cool mountain air wash over him, and took in the beauty of the pre-dawn sky.
Sari, still close to him, broke the silence with a gentle question, her voice barely more than a whisper amidst the tranquility. "What are you going to tell the Sun King?"
Brekan considered his response carefully, his brow furrowing as he contemplated the task ahead. "I will tell him to stop terrorizing the people in the name of unity," he replied, his voice unwavering.
Sari's arms wrapped around his, and she rested her head on his shoulder, her faith in him evident in her embrace.
"And if he doesn't?" Sari asked, her concern palpable.
Brekan's eyes were fixed on the horizon. He was acutely aware of the possibility that awaited him-a fight with the immortal Sun King and any Agents who might stand in their way.
"I'm not sure," Brekan admitted, a hint of uncertainty in his voice. "I don't want to fight him. If he doesn't heed reason, then... then we might have to flee."
Sari's response was unwavering, her determination matching his own. "I will stand by your side, no matter what happens."
Brekan turned to look at her. He couldn't help but feel an overwhelming surge of pride and love for the woman who had become his pillar of strength.
As he gazed up at the Sunthorn Peak, its peak still shrouded in the darkness of night, Brekan knew that their journey was far from over. With Sari at his side, he was prepared to face whatever lay ahead, even if it meant challenging the very ruler of this kingdom. A hero of old.
Brekan's resolve solidified, and he whispered to himself, "This is it, then."
Brekan and Sari approached the imposing iron gate, flanked by two imposing Templar guards. The tension in the air was palpable, and Brekan prepared himself for a potential confrontation, ready to defend himself and Sari if necessary. The Templar, their crystalline armor shimmering in the artificial light, remained motionless, their cold gazes locked onto the newcomers.
As they neared the gate, it creaked open slowly and silently, despite its massive size. Brekan couldn't help but be surprised by the fact that the Templar didn't make a move to attack. It was as though they were expected.
"I guess we are expected," Brekan mused, recalling Nightjewel's hint that he might be able to have a conversation with the Sun King instead of a battle.
The gate fully opened, revealing the hidden underground city inside the mountain. It was a stark contrast to the world outside, a brightly lit city with rows of towering buildings and Templar, along with their mechanical drones, patrolling the streets. Agents of the White Sun stood on the corners, watching Brekan and Sari's entrance with keen interest.
A figure in the distinct white and gold attire of the White Sun approached them. The Agent said, "Follow me," with a tone that brooked no argument. Brekan and Sari complied, trailing behind the enigmatic Agent as they navigated the pristine city streets.
Brekan's gaze shifted between the surroundings of this hidden city and the back of the Agent leading them. The Sun Symbol emblazoned on the Agent's attire held a different meaning now, compared to the time when Brekan had first been inducted as an Inquisitor. It had become a symbol of power, manipulation, and secrets hidden from the people.
Brekan reminded himself not to get lost in thought. Despite the seemingly serene atmosphere, they were deep within the heart of the Agency of the White Sun, and danger lurked around every corner. He remained vigilant, prepared to strike at anyone who might pose a threat to their safety.
As they reached the end of the city, an elevator shaft came into view. The Agent pressed the button, and Brekan couldn't shake the eerie feeling that they had been met with silence since their arrival, as if they were merely tolerated but not truly welcomed in this clandestine world.
The elevator arrived, and the Agent gestured for them to step inside. Brekan and Sari entered the confined space, their anxiety growing as the elevator doors closed behind them. The Agent remained outside, watching them with a serious and penetrating gaze.
Brekan and Sari stepped out of the elevator onto a pristine yard, and the blinding rays of the morning sun washed over them. Brekan couldn't help but be in awe of the grandeur and purity of this hidden mountain palace, even though it was not as opulent as he had expected the Sun King's residence to be. The white marble exuded a sense of tranquility, and the surroundings remained untouched by the chaos unfolding in the world below.
At the far end of the yard, in front of the palace entrance, stood a marble throne, and upon it sat the Sun King. Some strands of white hair mingled with his dark brown hair.
Brekan recognized this man. He once met a ghost down in the ruins that looked just like him. The spirit who told him about the bloody past of the realms before the Sun Kingdom. Yet, an undeniable aura of strength and authority surrounded him.
Surprised but also not, Brekan whispered: "Triath." Brekan hesitated momentarily, uncertain if he could simply approach this mythological hero and the founder of the Sun Kingdom.
He turned to Sari and said, "Wait here, Sari."
She nodded, and Brekan began to walk toward the palace steps, keeping his gaze fixed on the Sun King. The Sun King, recognizing Brekan's approach, stood and waited at the edge of the steps, maintaining a respectful distance.
Brekan stopped at the foot of the steps and looked the Sun King straight in the eyes. "I guess you know why I've come here."
The Sun King responded, "Tell me anyway."
Brekan held the Sun King's gaze and replied, "I want you to end the attacks and the killing of your own people."
The Sun King, his expression a mix of weariness and resolve, continued, "You do remember what I told you in the ruins, right? If the Sun Kingdom does not face a common enemy, it will turn on its own. Before the Sun Kingdom, there were thousands of years of war, death, and suffering. People fought one another for various reasons, some good, some bad. They killed, they raped, they tortured."
Brekan's expression grew serious as he said: "And now you are doing the same."
Triath's reply was firm, "How many people would you be willing to sacrifice to save hundreds or thousands of others?"
Brekan answered with instantly: "None."
The Sun King's tone turned somber. "I made it possible for millions of people to live in safety, prosperity, and peace."
Brekan understood the Sun King's logic, even if he didn't agree with it entirely.
The Sun King took a few steps down, his posture tired and bitter. "Do not think I didn't care about the sacrifices that needed to be made? If you know so much better then I could make you King."
Brekan was taken aback, finding it hard to believe. He said, "I can't. I just want you to stop."
The Sun King continued, "Then what? What do you think would happen? Peace until the end of days? No, without an internal threat, the people would become complacent, some indifferent, some bored. This is how conflict is born. No enemy from within means people would look for new enemies, form factions around ideas, and ideas clash. The Sun Kingdom would shatter into shards, ready to slash each other."
Brekan grasped the enormity of the situation and realized it was way over his head in terms of scope and scale. But he knew he had to say what was on his mind. And what was now on his mind was something he didn't think was something he would ever come up with until he learned the truth about the Sun Kingdom.
The Sun King said with serious tone and a hint of desperation: "Tell me. Tell me what to do. Tell me how to save the life of as many people as possible without sacrificing some of them."
Brekan shook his head and said: "I can't. You can't."
Disappointment gripped Triath's face. "And thus the cycle continues. "If the people knew about the truth they would protest in voice but agree with me in spirit. They are weak."
"The people are not weak," Brekan asserted. "Look at my journey. Only through struggle and suffering was I able to awaken my hero powers. Recall your own legend. Only because of the struggle and death of millions were you able to birth the Sun Kingdom. If the people need to struggle to make the same ascension, then let them. Maybe more people like me and you will be born this way. Just walk away."
A long silence enveloped them and Brekan could see the Sun King closing his eyes to think.
Finally, the Sun King opened them again an spoke with a solemn tone, "You are right. Maybe the people are weak because I kept them weak."
Brekan nodded, realizing that if the Sun King chose to follow through, it might lead to the freedom of the people of the Sun Kingdom, but also more suffering. No longer by witches or beasts, but by the people themselves. But this was the price. Or in this case, the sacrifice.
Turning to leave, Brekan was met by Sari, who ran up and grabbed his hand. The Sun King's voice followed them as they departed, "I thank you, Brekan. You might not know it yet or never will, but your answer and deeds changed the history of this country and the history of this world."
Brekan looked back at the Sun King, who now stood tall, his face bearing a relieved expression. "In a way," Brekan replied, "I fear that's true."
Brekan summoned his wings and held Sari close. As they took flight, he couldn't help but feel a profound sense of relief mixed with the weight of responsibility. Whatever would transpire in the Sun Kingdom would be a result of the choices he and the Sun King had made this day.