The Kingdom of Kendro, a nation that had maintained its place as one of Zeroth's most influential countries for centuries. The Kingdom's groundbreaking inventions and genius minds have influenced the entire world ever since it made its debut as a high-ranking nation, defeating the once feared and dominant Empire of Memn.
After, the two nations would form the longest-lasting alliance the world of Zeroth had ever seen, starting at the end of their war centuries ago, and lasting even to the present day. But along with the longest alliance, Kendro also held the longest rivalry with another nation.
The Kingdom of Kendro versus the Empire of Zan, a tale as old as time. The Tyrant of Akal versus the Might of Io, the Nightbringers against the Daybreaks, the All-Consuming Red Wolves and the Immovable Orange Lions.
Their rivalry started almost six centuries ago. With the defeat of Baraka the Bloodborne, the Kingdom of Kendro was one of the first names the future King, Emperor, and Lich of Zan would utter in his vow of carnage throughout the world.
So as the wind brushed past Rapl's hair, he took a deep breath to ready himself. In front of him was a massive portal, one currently being cast for transportation, "You alright Sir Rapl?" A masked figure asked, his head and body were covered in black clothes, and he wore red armor with a sword sigil on his shoulder piece.
This was one out of the one thousand sword saints in the Empire. Swordsaints are warriors personally trained by Artefus or a Grand General. Known for their knowledge and skill of the blade, they are one of the strongest non-champion soldiers around Zeroth, their strength even posing a threat to lower-tier champions.
There were ten swordsaints with Rapl, they were there to protect the three senators that came with him and Artefus. But whilst waiting for the portal to function, Rapl noticed that one of the swordsaints had a certain sigil instead of her sword one. Rapl came up to her as he wondered what it meant, for he would sometimes see soldiers bearing that same sigil.
"Oh this?" The swordsaint replied, "This means I'm part of the Red Scars." Rapl's hand came to his chin as he had heard that name before. But before Rapl could ask anything more, the portal opened up, its spiraling blue haze was mesmerizing for Rapl.
From behind them, The Great Lich Artefus made his appearance, "Sorry, there were some complications with connecting to Angelica," Artefus remarked to everyone. He approached Rapl, pulling the boy's hood up as the senators followed suit.
Rapl was pretending to be a senator, he wanted no one to recognize him for he did visit the capital every once and a while when he was a kid. The news of the son of Irene and Kenjiro Tsukumo being associated with Artefus might tarnish his parent's legacy; so he wanted only Fegeko to know about him. Artefus with a hand gesture, grew two feet taller and slicked his hair back, returning it to the same style he had on that faithful evening Rapl and Artefus first met.
"Swordsaints and Senators, we are here to discuss matters with my taking of my apprentices, please conduct yourself gracefully, for we do not want another war to happen," Artefus told everyone, his voice commanding and powerful, "But," he continued, "Do not take any form of disrespect either, treat them like how why'll treat us."
Artefus took the first step into the portal as the swordsaints followed, and after a few seconds, a swordsaint returned, telling the senators and Rapl that it was safe. Rapl was the last one in, he had been living in Zan for more than a week at this point, and now he was returning to his motherland, to say goodbye to it one last time.
As Rapl entered with the senators, he observed a familiar and unfamiliar city. Angelica, the city of angels, or its more popular name, the city that stands. Getting its name from the many times it was invaded; be it the Jesians who almost took over the young nation's capital, or the angels who brought down calamities unto the city, and the Memnians during the battle to dictate the superpower of Io, even Baraka the Bloodborne, whose invasion of Angelica pushed Kendro to the edge, and up to the most recent invasion, where the Monster of Zan Boshamir tried to take over the city.
Yet still, Rapl saw the reason of its nickname as he stared at the expansive city. Even with all of the invasions, Kendro stood, "It's as beautiful as ever," Rapl remarked, feeling the warm temperature he was so used to, the warmth of Kendro.
But with a small tap by a senator, Rapl was reminded of his goal here. As he turned, he noticed a massive castle he was familiar with, the royal palace. But as he focused more, he saw many people lining the way to the castle, their eyes in utter fear, and it was fear Rapl knew well.
All was silent in the city, although not seeing the everyday people, Rapl knew they were tensed up by just feeling the aura of the Great Lich, "Good morning senators," Artefus would greet, his tone as light as he could allow, "As you know I am here to discuss matters with your King, Fegeko."
On cue, an official stepped up in front of Artefus, although his face was unchanging, Rapl could see his legs shaking, "Please come with me, Lord Lich," the official beckoned as he quickly turned and began to walk.
Artefus followed, leading the swordsaints and the senators to do the same. They were led inside the palace walls, and Rapl could only see the tops of certain buildings. But as they entered the palace itself, Rapl saw the grand hallways; its walls were made from pristine white stones, gold and orange were the main colors of the building, the national colors of Kendro.
After a while of waking, the group found themselves in front of a massive door, similar to that outside of Artefus' royal discussing room. Rapl could observe the golden ornate symbols lining the door, with the middle part being that of a sun, he knew what was behind the door, he had been through there many times before.
"His Majesty is waiting for you Lord Lich," the official remarked, presenting the door as he walked to the side; he then knocked at it, and as a response, the door began to open. Rapl observed how the senators or even the swordsaints flinched as an aura came through them.
Yet Artefus was unfazed, walking towards the door with no sense of worry. The group followed their Emperor, and there in that room, were many people, wearing robes of white and orange, they looked to be the Kendrian senators. Rapl could see the fear in their eyes as Artefus approached, leading them to bow in reverence.
"There you are, Artefus," a voice called out, sending a chill down the Zanian group's spine. Rapl's eyes widened, for he recognized this voice, but also due to the fact he regarded Artefus by his actual name.
Rapl heard Artefus scoff at what the voice said, "Put a little respect on your elders name, Fegeko." On a throne of gold was a man, his gigantic height taller than Artefus by a few feet. His long blonde hair draped down his shoulders, reaching to his stomach, and a golden crown was placed untop of it. His face was clean-shaven, but its features showed a rugged warrior. His body was massive, a long robe of white hid what Rapl knew as a very muscular figure.
And his eyes, his red, sun-like eyes stared deeply into that of Artefus' red spiral eyes. This was him, The Wall of Kendro, The Immovable, The Shield of the Battlefield, The Man who Stands, The Burning Iron Heart, The King of Kendro, Fegeko. Rapl's eyes flashed with nostalgia as he saw Fegeko again, it had been more than eight years since they last met at his parent's funeral.
"I will choose to show you respect," Fegeko stated, his voice devoid of fear, "Depending on how you will answer regarding your trespass unto Kendrian soil." As Fegeko uttered this, a Zanian senator decided to open his mouth.
"Lord Fegeko if I may, his Majesty the Lich did not come in a threatening manner," the senator exclaimed, his hands shaking but his voice strong but respectful.
Fegeko's brows rose, "Is that so?" He asked, "Then why Sylian, mayor of Dartine, told me how the Lich Artefus threatened the destruction of the city?" Fegeko remarked. But to respond, another Zanian senator came in.
"That was just an empty threat Lord Fegeko," he remarked, "His Majesty the Lich knew Kendrians would be a bit hostile towards him, so to avoid anything from happening, he only suggested it in a form of defense."
Fegeko scoffed at this answer, he knew full well it was just made up, but due to Artefus' passive actions in Dartine, he could not entirely dismiss the idea. The Lich was known for being a menacingly passive individual, his presence and words being borderline threatening, but his actions were nothing but standard. So, if someone would try to attack him, it was their fault for starting it.
"What a load of garbage," yet a voice echoed through the halls, it was the same thought Fegeko and his senators had, but the person who said these words didn't care about being inviting.
Rapl's ears opened up, it was a voice very, very familiar to him. He quickly turned away, and that action was noticed by Fegeko, who sighed an embarrassed sigh, "I do apologize for Princess Fekeo's actions," Fegeko remarked to Artefus as he turned to his left side, "Fekeo, please, we just want a civil conversation."
The aura of Fegeko shined over his surroundings, but when it was dimmed down, the senators and swordsaints noticed three thrones in front of them. In the middle, Fegeko, on his right was an empty throne, only a crown on it. But on his left, was that of a young lady, looking to be the same age as Rapl.
Her hair was a bright orange tied into a high ponytail; her eyes red like Fegeko's. Wearing the same type of clothing Fegeko was wearing; but unlike Fegeko's mighty and commanding way of sitting on the throne, she was sitting in a carefree manner, one of her legs on the throne's armrest.
This was The Princess of Kendro, Fekeo, daughter of Queen Rekeo and King Fegeko, and childhood best friend of Rapl, or to him, more like tormentor, "I forgot Fekeo was here," Rapl cursed behind his breath.
Artefus just stared at Fekeo, his eyes were threatening, "What?" She called out, about to stand up. But with a bang of his fist, Fegeko stopped her, his eyes told her his orders, "Psh, whatever."
"Yet again, I apologize for her actions, please do not take it to heart," Fegeko remarked, trying to gain his composure back. He had lost most of his advantage against Artefus, his daughter's threats now made them look like the aggressors.
Yet surprisingly, Artefus didn't mind, "That I will not." The two groups continued their discussion, with Artefus and his senators defending themselves against Fegeko and his senators. But Zan managed to prove that they did nothing wrong, all because of one reason.
The people Artefus took consented, without them outright being threatened to. And with Artefus stating that he is taking care of them well, he had won the argument. It's just that it was the first part of what Fegeko asked Artefus to do.
Fegeko was trying to get his composure back as he was pretty angry Artefus had won, but as he did, he cleared his throat, "Now then, if you'll excuse us, me, Lich Artefus, and his senators need to discuss about something private, so please leave the room," Fegeko instructed, leading to the guards, senators, and even Princess Fekeo to leave.
And being commanded by Artefus, the swordsaints also left. Rapl was beginning to get a little tensed up, he knew what was about to come, Artefus had told him. But as a thousand thoughts entered Rapl's mind, Artefus put a reassuring hand on his shoulder, "Answer with your heart, do not let Fegeko's or my words sway your answer," he remarked.
Fegeko got up from his throne, his full height was something Rapl never really got used to, "You there, at the back," Fegeko called out, his finger pointing at Rapl, "Your Rapl Tsukumo right?"
It took a few seconds for Rapl to respond, but he did, nodding his head. Fegeko beckoned the boy to follow him; Rapl walked with Fegeko as the King of Kendro approached a door at the side of the hall.
There, a small room was located, a view looking outside towards the Kingdom itself. But it was a view Rapl recognized, "We moved some things out ever since you and Fekeo stopped using this area," Fegeko remarked as he took off his crown and laid it down on a table.
Rapl chuckled as he took off his hood, "Fekeo really disliked assemblies, it shocked me that she was there in the first place," Rapl stated, his voice was low and sincere as he looked at the city, old memories flashed of him staring at it with awe with child-like curiosity.
Fegeko's face turned into a smile as he saw the boy's face again, "How long was it? Like eight years since we last saw each other," the King exclaimed, walking to be beside Rapl as he also stared at the city, "Fekeo always wanted to see you again, she always told me that you were lonely, all alone in your home, we were just too busy to visit."
At Fegeko's remark, Rapl chuckled, "Yeah I know, I bet she just wanted someone to tease" he replied, a false smile presented itself. Although Rapl was a pretty independent child, knowing how to do housework as long as he can remember, he does admit those times when it was just him and him alone in his house were truly lonely, constantly looking at the door, hoping someone still remembered him.
Fegeko stared at Rapl, seeing right through that smile of his, "You know," he began, looking back at the city, "I regretted not taking care or looking after you, I constantly told myself, 'One more year and I'll take him with me here in Angelica,' but it never came. So, when I heard you were taken by the Great Lich, I was gutted." Rapl's eyes widened at what Fegeko was saying, but his body shivered as a hand was placed on his shoulder. Fegeko stared deep into his eyes, and Rapl could see the Fegeko he knew, a man who constantly wanted to protect, "So please, let me try to make things right."