He woke up with a sudden pain in his shoulder and a ringing in his ears. His stomach immediately wanted to throw up, and his hands wouldn't stop shaking. This agony he felt was enough to cloud all five senses. A flask smacked his forehead.
"Drink that, and you'll start recovering." He reached for it and gulped down whatever was inside without second thoughts. The taste didn't faze him. He laid down after exhaling. The side effects started dwindle, and he could think for a bit. As he laid down, fuzzy memories crept up. How was I unable to take him down? All he could think, and all of this anguish went back to the same thought.
I am still too weak.
As he finished this thought, he heard a burst of hardy laughter at his side. It was a while since he had heard Augustus laugh this loud before. He scowled at him. The contrasting emotions always seemed present between them.
"You're thinking something like 'I'm too weak'" Augustus finished the statement with an over-dramatic representation. After calming down, he regained his posture. Luke couldn't shake the idea that the old man was happy because he proved superior.
"You guessed it. I am weak." A heavy hand was placed on his shoulder. As he glanced at him, an image emerged that he would never forget.
"You are not weak." there was a silent pause. "Just inexperienced."
Back to square one, he knows he is missing that edge. He's been cooped up inside this area for two years. Augustus could sense his restlessness, so he had to bend the plan slightly. It is time to allow the young wolf to bear its fangs against the world.
"Luke, rest up for three moons; after that, we will finally embark on the journey." His face lit up with such excitement one would doubt he had danced with death.
"If I catch you walking before the three days, I'll make sure to break your legs next." Luke knew this was not an empty threat. Augustus left, and he went back to his thoughts. All this training, everything has led up to this moment. All the doubts, curiosity, wonder, and fear collided within him for three nights. He thought of ways to improve his Claymore abilities and mix them with the dagger stance. But then suddenly, after two hours since he drank that, the nightmare began. His sweat was the only source of hydration he received. The old man left him inside the tent to sweat and relieve the stress and damage from the past two years. He seethed and rolled in unfathomable pain. The few times he snapped and desperately tried to leave the tent, Augustus forced him back inside. By the second day, he managed to regain his lost consciousness somewhat. Laying down made his stomach and back churn. He decided to sit upright for the remaining time. He managed to sleep two hours that night. The pain slowly subsided, and before he knew it, the third night had passed. For three nights, he barely slept. He expected this to be filled with dreadful pain, but his body could recover after that, and he felt even more empowered.
The fourth day emerged, and Augustus' gamble again played off.
"Old man" Luke walked out with a certain aurora.
So the potion didn't kill him, huh.
"You feeling better?" Luke examined his arms and legs and felt a sudden rush of strength.
"Yes, much more lively than I thought I'd be after that beating." Augustus seemed less impressed by this news than Luke anticipated. He felt an urge to ask what was inside the flask, but he decided to save that question for later.
"What you just drank was given to me by your father." He looked down, "Only to be used once I see fit. All your fatigue and pain are gone, and your actual training results will begin to show."
"Well, isn't that a bit too convenient?"
"Haha, of course, you'd say that. You aren't even aware that you walked by death a few minutes ago." Luke stood there, unsure of what he should say.
"A few things must be in line for the potion to work. One, you have to be near death, and two, you have to be mentally ready to face death."
"Wait, this still makes no sense. I had no idea I was going to" He stopped as soon as the memories came crashing in. He froze, remembering the beating Augustus gave him before blacking out.
"Your subconscious was ready to face death, and I simply gave you that final push."
That sleazy old man, holding all these secrets until the last minute.
"Go for a quick run; our horses should be here in a minute." Luke forgot almost everything about this since he fought for his life a few hours ago.
After surpassing death and being tested as a guinea pig, he went for a jog. He did feel the potion take effect. He went outside the allowed area for a bit and managed to pass the thin layer of magic that protected the area. In the distance, he saw a small dust cloud rise off the small sand road. Luke stood there dumbfounded by this. Then slowly, he realized that he lived on Earth, which meant there were other humans. His eyes narrowed, his heart picked up the pace, and his hands reached over to the daggers on his side.
His eagerness was what led to his actions from now on. The cloud became more visible, and he could distinguish five horses. But as they approached, one broke from the pack and approached him rapidly. He took a stance showing he would not back down. The black horse marched forward without wavering, and they could now see each other. It was difficult seeing the man because he was covered in a cloak. But he was unarmed, and Luke was unsure what to make out of this situation. He had to decide quickly because this could lead to his premature death.
As the rider closed in at striking range, he leaped out of his horse and launched himself at him. For some unknown reason, Luke did not raise his blade at all. His reward was a sucker punch to the face. He tumbled down after the random man landed a clean hit on him. As he stopped rolling, he stood up and took a close-quarter fighting stance. The man returned the action in kind. They both went in circles eyeing each other, and they both came to the same conclusion:
He's got no openings. This is going to be tough.
The sun was slowly setting, and the other riders soon approached them. But neither of them interfered; it seems they would respect this fight. It felt as if minutes had passed without any significant action taking place. The dirt became smooth as they went around in the same position, but the two had decided to attack simultaneously without realizing it. Their fists struck at the same spot, but Luke's revived strength gave him the edge, and he was able to push him back. After realizing his fist opened up, the stranger let out a laugh, and blood poured out.
"You've gotten stronger."
That voice made Luke stop in his tracks. It was impossible, but the little hope he held out for so long was true?
"Is it you?" He was answered with a straight cross, valid on its purpose, and this one packed more weight and emotions to it.
It's him.
Luke was sent backwards again, his left cheek opened up, and blood spilled. But this was nothing compared to how he felt. Immediately stood up and charged at him. This time he decided to put his sword skills to the test. He became more fluid with his movements, and it turned into in-fighting. All types of punches were being exchanged; they slowly picked up the pace; some landed, and others were deflected. Luke decided it was time to stop this farce. He pulled a punch to the back, letting it rip right in front of him. The stranger chose to block it by crossing his arms and slightly jumping to avoid its full force.
Bad move.
The punch landed and his arms caved in as the force kept going until it hit his chest, sending him flying. Luke stood up confidently that this was enough to persuade him. But to his surprise, he stood up even after that and was ready to return the favor until Luke yelled a name.
"XANDER!" the cloaked figure stood straight and extended his arms. They both greeted each other with a firm hug.
"Took you a while, bastard."
"It's been too long, brother." he made sure not to let him go. "Before we catch up." Xander formed a fist and landed a hard-hitting punch right to his guts. Luke had no time to respond, so he took it full force. After that incident, they greeted each other and rushed to talk with Augustus. Xander gave no explanations other than to mount on the spare horse they brought. He had similar eyes, a bit more tired than he remembered. He has gone through some difficulties. But his sense of urgency was most present, and Luke didn't argue. After all, Luke always saw him as his brother. I decided to reserve these feelings of relief when the time was appropriate. He jumped on the horse, and they dashed through the dirt road. The sun was gently setting, but it lingered for a little while.
Along the way, he wondered who the other cloaked figures were. Riding alongside Xander, he asked in a composed manner.
"Who are these other fellows you travel with?" Xander turned with an annoyed look.
"You haven't seen me for two years, and that's your second question?" Luke was still focused on who the other people were, and he had his reasons for being interested in them.
"Once we meet with the old man, a lot will be revealed."
Aside from Xander, ten other riders were with him, a small number. They all had standard weapons and equipment—they were cloaked and hidden. There were no banners or marks, and they all seemed to have ridden for days. They approached the campsite, and Augustus was inside the tent. They all stationed the horses nearby and dismounted but steadily followed behind him. Luke couldn't shake the feeling they were planning something. He gently rested his hand on his hips.
"Ah, it seems the big secret has been revealed." Xander bowed, and so did the others. This was beyond what he expected him to do. Xander, the mischievous boy who helped Luke make his life miserable as they trained in the army, is now bowing to him.
"Luke, you better wipe that look off your face." Augustus pointed to the men behind him. All of them kneeled once Augustus said that, even Xander.
"IT IS A GREAT HONOR TO MEET THE KING OF KINGS FINALLY!"
They all yelled with such emotion and energy. Luke was taken aback by this and could not say anything back to them. Augustus let out a peal of slight laughter and patted his back.
"If you get embarrassed by a small group like this," he stood in front of him. "How will you react when it's thousands of people clamoring for your name." He let out a smile the second time; he had seen such a pure and genuine smile come from him. His chest felt tight, and he gripped his fist. This is what he fought so hard for. He finally has proof. He has people to lead, people that depend on him; this was the moment he fought so hard for.
"Xander."
"Yes, your majesty!"
"Who are these men to you?"
"They are undoubtedly the most loyal people in your kingdom and are all strong enough to rival me. My brothers in arms."
Luke knew he had to reward these men; he knew Xander could be trusted. He chuckled a bit at the thought that reading all those books would one day be handy.
At that moment, everything was decided for him. He pulled forth the Claymore and raised it above the men. Silencing anything around him as the metal hummed oh so gently.
"Honorable men of Aimar." The wind gently caressed them, and the sun kept watching for an instant.
"You have risked your life for years; your loyalty will not be questioned. As of now, you are the Huntsmen. As we know, the huntsmen served the King in dire circumstances, the last resource the King had. But the most lethal of them all." Luke placed the sword on only one shoulder and moved on to the next. Officially making them part of the Huntsmen group.
"Now stand before your King." They all stood synonymously.
"We are outnumbered in almost every aspect, and we have no way of retrieving the survivors that are lost." He looked around and finally saw his scenario. A king is declaring war with only eleven soldiers. But this only made his passion burn.
"BUT WE WILL NOT GIVE IN! WE SHALL FIGHT TILL ALL OF US REBUILD THE LOST KINGDOM! WE SHALL FIGHT!" Luke raised his sword towards the heavens and made his official proclamation. He will not bend to their will and will continue unto this path, regardless of the blood that must be spilled. The Huntsmen responded with howling proclamations themselves. A group of fools destined to be muddled in blood and tears.
The era of the King of Kings will not end, Luke arrogantly thought.
-()-
As the celebration ended, Augustus brought out a black and gold book. He then placed it on the table and asked what day it was. Luke was a bit confused but then remembered why it seemed familiar. It was the official manuscript of the history of the kingdom.
"On this day, December twenty-six, of the year two FA (Fall of Aimar), the Kingdom has made a sudden rebirth." everyone raised their drinks and honored this day. But many knew that what this also meant. Luke broke from the group and took a stroll. He hated approaching this spot, but it was his way of remembering and honoring the dead. Gently pouring the drink, and lay a flower on the makeshift mound.
"I'm sorry it took me forever, but I'll avenge everyone." he knew his claims were almost impossible to meet. But he had nothing else to say that would comfort them. When they needed someone, he simply vanished. How could someone like that return and proclaim himself their king? As the guilt began to gnaw at him, someone managed to sneak upon him.
"Now, look at our great King crying already?" Luke pushed him away jokingly.
"Unlike you, I have a huge burden on my shoulder." Xander rolled his eyes and handed him a spare drink he had brought along.
"We're barely of age to drink, and you're already competing with the old man in contests?"
"As he once said, "Thy's life is short" Then immediately downed a pint." they both laughed at the memories of when Augustus would drop his guard.
"How long has it been, old friend?" with this simple question, Xander's complete composure changed.
"Far too long," he lingered for a second. "Far too long, Luke." He smiled at this, glad to hear that he was still a friend rather than an obedient soldier. They both drank in silence for a while.
"Are you planning on bringing back the kingdom?" He was unsure how to answer, but he felt there was only one plausible answer. His subconscious always asked him, and now a person finally made that question into reality.
"Yes." a simple answer that carried enough emotion.
"Then you'll need an army that has never existed, a group of knights that can fight the other Lord's knights, and enough money to buy our way into anything." he then strolled to stand next to Luke.
"But as of now, you have one hell of a general and an insane group of soldiers." they both laughed.
"No great kingdom is remembered by its ending but by its accomplishments. Regardless I have the unwarranted loyalty of twelve people." Xander observed Luke as he walked forward. He knew it; Luke had the back of a leader. The words of a wise and tested man and the determination of an old warrior.
"Now, let us shake the heavens, get revenge for our people, and rebuild this entire world again." After that statement, all he could do was be filled with admiration; this was his friend, no, this was his King.
"Do I have your loyalty, old friend?"
"That should never be questioned; let's bring forth the hell they asked for."
They both heard someone call for them, and they walked out to rejoin the group.
Augustus was the one who seemed impatient about this, but he knew he had to respect Luke in front of the others. This idea pained him more than one could imagine, but he managed to speak courteously.
"Ah, there they are. Sorry to bother the reacquaintance, but we need to discuss everything tonight." Luke thought of running, but Xander simply blocked the tent's exit.
His playing soldier is pissing me off.
Luke had the chance to see everyone without a cloak for the first time. And to his surprise, most of them were around his age. He felt comfort being surrounded by his people, surprised at how comfortable he felt.
"Okay, Augustus, please teach me everything I need to know." Augustus was surprised by his sudden acceptance of this but decided to go along.
"This will take a while, but I will sum it up with perfection." he stood in front of a table, brought a chart or a map, and hung it behind him.
"Firstly, the geo-political structure of the world currently." before anything happened, Luke asked for the best writer among them. A slightly older soldier stood forth.
"Your name?"
"Artium, your majesty."
"How many years have you been with-" Luke took a second, then looked at Artium.
"WAIT!" he shouted and caught everyone off guard.
"You were with Xander and me in the army, right?"
"Yes, it seems your memory doesn't fail you. I was going to leave if you asked a stupid question." Everyone tried to choke Artium for speaking like that to him. This led to his first official decree as King.
"Alright, this is getting on my nerves. Everyone in this room will have the right to talk and address me as a brother in arms." Augustus was ready to counterclaim this, but Luke was ahead of him.
"This is my first decree. No, I will not change this. Please, enough with the over-politeness." Everyone took a knee and agreed to this.
"I'm glad you changed that rule, Luke; I can now ridicule you when you make a bad decision," Xander said gleefully.
"On second thought." everyone laughed and began to ignore him and went back to their seats. He focused back on his task.
"Artium, please be my scribe. Please do anything in meetings worth writing down for remembrance in my booklet." he handed him a rustic black book, around the size of his hand. Luke had now officially appointed another position out of convenience. Augustus will lecture him later, but he needed to teach him this, so he said nothing.
"Luke, I will keep this brief. I believe you'll learn more as you partake in this journey. But you need to know your enemies and where they are now."
Luke learned more than he thought he would. It would seem that Augustus was busy working behind the scenes. The world was divided between seven major kingdoms and of those seven five formed a close alliance. The five kingdoms dethroned his father and shattered the Kingdom of Aimar. But certain areas were warring states. Either it was a civil war, the kingdoms lost power in those regions, or they wanted to rebel against their kingdom, or everything compiled in one. In all of this, he was presented that they resided among a warring state.
"Not only that, but the economy is rather distraught. The new powers could not restabilize the economy, and many powerful trading groups have all but disappeared. Taxes and such are constantly being shifted. And the value of gold went up, alongside anything else. A single bronze coin is now worth silver."
If this was true, then-
"Exactly, Luke, the money we managed to save and have hidden is now worth triple its value."
"Wait, so our King isn't poor?" Xander blurted out, only to get slapped in the back.
"Yes, Xander, we managed to take some valuables while escaping. And yes, there will be rewards for every active scout." this brought even louder cheers than when they found out the King was still alive.
He also learned that one kingdom did not join their alliance and acted defiantly against them.
"Our only ally, well under the table, would be the kingdom of Aoki." once Augustus finished this, the other soldiers began muttering around him.
"Aoki did not send troops, supplies, or anything to the enemy." He paused, "But they did not lend aid to us either." Luke remained calm; he knew he had to endure this raging heart.
"But, after the collapse, they sheltered the majority of the remaining citizens and army of Aimar." Luke's eyes darted forward to Augustus. Everyone felt his spirit control the room. They all felt a sudden rush to jump with joy; the room came to life as soon as Luke felt it.
It seems he is beginning to unlock his presence. Augustus thought.
"Exactly, your majesty, the people of Aimar are located in Aoki."
"Then we will travel there immediately!" everyone cheered after he proclaimed.
"Yes, that is our next target; you will be reunited with your people."
"But." Luke eyed Augustus after this; he knew there was something hidden.
"You must begin to look for your court of swordsmen."
"I do not mean to interfere with this, but I am currently too weak to even stand my own against you; how can I be worthy of having a court of swordsmen? And what happened to my fathers, surely some…." Augustus' expression told Luke everything.
"They all fought and died with honor. Thanks to them, we managed to save some civilians. I'm sorry, Luke, I know you saw them as your older brothers." Luke let out a silent breath; he clasped his hands and then said.
"They have not died; their spirits will live on with the next court. I will choose them and prove my worth to them." After saying such bold proclamations Luke now carried a new weight, but the rest's admiration for him grew to new heights.
"As of now, those are our main concerns; you will be tasked with selecting the swordsmen. And, this will be kept here. Luke is deemed missing in the outside world, and his presence must be kept hidden."
After this, he began to get tired, so the meeting was cut short. He had little chance to rest for the following day; they would march to the capital of Aoki. After talking to Xander and the other Huntsmen, he decided to head to his tent.
But as he walked over, a sudden urge, an inexplicable thirst, poured over him. He turned to see Augustus' tent, and slowly crept towards it. Inside a chest, a light shuns inside it. This was not mere curiosity, something called to him. He noticed it was rather long, longer than an ordinary chest, as he stood over the chest. He reached over and quickly opened it. Nothing happened, and there was nothing inside other than a sheathed sword. He touched it and tried to pick it up, but it was too heavy. Cold sweat began to fall alongside his face.
This can't be… my father's sword?
A million questions rang throughout his head. He noticed something; the hilt was different than the sword he carried around his waist that day. If that was the case, then what or whose sword is this?
He silently stared at the sword and finally decided to unsheath it partially. But this sword, no, the blade let out an ominous feeling. A dark and yet comforting feeling. He knew this feeling before, but it didn't negate the fact it yelled danger.
This was a blade made for a king. He knew that this could expose them; this could put them all at risk. But he smiled, knowing he could finally toy with those who murdered his father. The sinister thought followed through as he reached the sheath. His hands gently touched the sheath and slowly pulled a bit of the blade. Not even a centimeter was shown till he saw the blade's color. A blade so dark it made the shadows glow around him. It released an intense aurora, and he allowed his thoughts to be transferred into this aurora. Augustus ran in and sheathed the blade while pushing him away.
"YOU FOOL!" Augustus was too upset to answer immediately; he stood silently for a few seconds. But when he looked at Augustus, he was immediately concerned, and Luke was more concerned with the blade than the angry old man.
Why is he smiling?
"Luke, did you do this on purpose?"
"I believe it is time to finally show ourselves for a little. Let them feel a sense of panic." He stood up and stared at Augustus.
"Besides, it seems my father entrusted me with that dark object." Augustus grabbed Luke by the collar.
"Whatever you felt or saw, boy, is something you are not ready for." he continued. "Do not let your emotions cloud your judgment." As that choking emotion slowly left Luke, he began to realize the severity of this and asked for forgiveness.
"We must leave at once; this location has been exposed."
"They will have felt this, Luke, and you will bear the consequences now."
After this, the soldiers immediatly began their march. Many believed their position was exposed and followed without questioning. The sword was hidden from Luke.
This was a feeling he had never felt before, and he realized that his rage still burned quietly inside his heart. But deep down, he hoped the Kings felt it; he wished they would start to panic.
The young wolf has already begun to show his fangs.
Yet, in distant lands, the forges of war have begun to churn, and the bell of war has already started to toll. Peace will never follow a leader who won through bloodshed. Forever weary, carefully controlling the shadows, they wait for the young wolf. Hopeful that this child would not follow in the footsteps of his father.
The kings who slew the lion believed their blood trail would never lead to them. And they were close to accomplishing this. Yet, they were haunted by one person who denied them this chance, and he still followed the trail of blood. He clawed his way through and ever so quietly approached them. On this day, all the kings felt a shiver run past them—a familiar feeling when they faced the King of Kings.
A short moment but they all felt it. He was still alive.