"Why do you think..." Polaris a paused looking at Antarctica.
Antarctica sighed as he toked on his tobacco pipe. "It has nothing to do with you Polaris... Dad got to King Witherheart the First and made him a deal. In return for wealth and land, all Witherheart's line had to do was keep Bel. However, the new Witherheart, had an ability, Charm. With it, he was able to seduce Bel. However, every time he'd report in, Bel would resist him. However, Bel broke about a month before your return. He told Witherheart everything, even wanting to change his gender. Witherheart's charm ability allowed him to beat Bel, break his heart and soul without the fear of losing him. They were to be married supposedly, but then you returned and stepped in. Your return overwhelmed the charm ability, but not enough to erase it. I'm sorry you had to find out this way."
Polaris let the wind gently blow past him. A single tear rolled down his cheek as left his brother. As he made is way towards Wilderness, he was stopped by Fog, who invited Polaris inside his home for a cup of coffee.
"I know you are hurting Polaris. I don't know what it is like to be in your shoes, but right now...." Fog sets down his cup and looks at his friend. "Now we you, I need you. Don't lose sight of what is before you. Our fledgling nation needs its finest hero, and most importantly, I need you to show me the ropes. I'm still very green to all of this. You may have thought that you didn't matter, but the truth is, without you.... our nation crumbles, and my life is reduced to what is was under your father. Don't give up yet, we still have much to do. Stand with me."
Polaris looked down at the ground then squeezed his clenched fist. "Fog... You're right. I CAN still be this nation's hero. Now finish your coffee, we have work to do." As Polaris stood up, the energy that had been lightly flowing around him, was now a raging storm. Was he sad? Absolutely, but nothing was going to stand in his way, not even heartbreak. Fog looked him in the eye before he could turn to leave.
"That energy must never turn into hatred or insanity, or you will lose yourself."
"I understand Fog. I won't let that happen, not as long as I have all of you by my side."
Polaris took a stroll through the growing nation. The addition of the Guardians was a massive success for the Wilderness Meritocracy. Their numbers helped bolster the ranks of the nation. Buildings seemed to erect overnight, but there was still one aspect this growing nation needed.
"You're leaving?!"
"Not permanently. I am going to find my master. The one who taught me, molded me."
"Polaris, think this through! Nobody except you knows of SB. Even you haven't had contact with him since he finished your training. Consider the possibility he may be dead."
"I am fully aware of such things. Hence why I will not be going alone. Elder Prime and White Phosphorous will be accompanying me."
White stepped forwards and knelt before everyone. "Please, have faith in me, in Elder Prime, and in Polaris to comeback. I will not fail."
Before anyone spoke, Proxima entered gear packed and ready to go. "I will be accompanying you three. Consider me their one non-negotiable request." Polaris nodded to Proxima and the group gathered their things. The nation gathered to bid them good luck.
The next week was that of hellish peril. Polaris and his party traversed across the modern kingdoms and made their way to the old world, a relic of the past. As the party didn't need to sleep, they made their journey day and night. By week's end, they reached the southern border of old Wintersbane. As they dismounted the wagon to rest a moment, White stopped Polaris for a moment.
"What now Polaris?" Asked White.
"We now must find Mt. Necrotokis. Once we arrive, we must not waste a moment. That mountain is unlike anything you have ever faced."
As the sun reached mid-day, the party pushed forwards on foot. By the third hour of mid-day, they arrived at the base of Mt. Necrotokis. Without a moment to waste, Polaris and his group began to ascend the towering monstrosity of mountain. As they climbed, gale force wind threatened to throw them off the mountain, rain and snow showered them with frigid temperatures. The party weathered the storms, braved the winds and jagged rock, pressing towards the high-section of the mountain.
As dusk broke the light away from them, Polaris and Proxima illuminated their ascent. The group was battered, violent explosions of thunder and lightning threated to blast them off of the mountain, but none stopped for even a moment. By midnight, they arrived at a strange flat portion of the mountain. An ancient set of doors towered above them.
"Well what are waiting for?" Asked White.
"To enter this place, one must show their strength while showing their ability to show restraint." Said Polaris channeling his energy into the doors. At first, nothing seemed to happen, but with a slight increase in Polaris's output, the door began to glow, creaking its seal, allowing them party inside. As they party descended into the heart of the mountain, odd robed figures seemed to be at a stand still. Crystal veins within the mountain proved light, glimmering a majestic display within the cavern tunnel walkway. They seemed to descend for a few more minutes before reaching a massive door post with the statement, "Let those who walk the path of a hero, understand all that a hero must protect and service within his own manor", inscribed in runic form above the doorway. Upon exiting the cavern walkway, the room opened up to reveal an ancient city. A massive crystal gimmered above the silent city, the air was tranquil, and the sounds of odd but sweet birds filled the air in a soft tone. This was a place hidden away from the world, untouched by many, and forgotten by time within the mountain.
Polaris led his party down into the city. Robed figures began to follow them as they walked through the quiet streets. After about five minutes, the party arrived at a clearing within the city's center. There was lush grass, flowers, fruit and a small garden. A stream quietly babbled into a pond surrounded the tree. It was a place of serenity, a place with strong spiritual essence, a place Polaris knew all too well. As Polaris and his party rounded the tree, they found a strange fellow sitting within a meditation circle. The fellow wasn't wearing a robe, nor did anything about him match the surroundings. He was wearing some bulky armor, armor that wasn't like anything the others had ever seen. As the party began to move closer to the fellow, Polaris stopped them. He signaled for them to wait at the end of the circle. As they nodded in agreement, Polaris entered the space alone. For a moment, the air seemed to stand still. However, without opening his eyes, nor a single movement, the fellow spoke.
"It took you far too long to come back and visit."
"Master, I..."
"As I told you before and now once again, I am no longer your master Polaris. You have exceeded my expectations and teachings time and time again. And yet.... I sense you are in turmoil."
"Yes... Things have changed since the last time we spoke..... Wait, forgive me mas... SB, I forgot to introduce you to..."
"Prime, Elder of the Battle-Tower Guardian Race, White Phosphorous, last of his clan, last of his kind, master of a deadly poison and Proxima Centauri, formerly known as the strongest celestial to walk the lands before you came along. Yes, I know who you all are. Please, come into the circle and sit. We have much to discuss."