Chapter 1-3
The legends spoke of the White Solon, a chosen one imbued with the power of the Moon Goddess herself. The legends said that this hero would possess unparalleled strength and wisdom, capable of wielding the Five Keys of Destiny and restoring balance to the cosmos. The people whispered tales of the ancient prophecies, passed down through generations, foretelling the rise of the White Solon during the darkest hour. They clung to the hope that this hero would emerge soon, as time slipped away, and the threat of annihilation loomed ever closer. The world yearned for a glimmer of light amidst the suffocating darkness, a symbol of hope to rally behind in their fight against the impending doom.
The anticipation for the emergence of the White Solon was a beacon of hope, a spark of life amidst the encroaching darkness. The people yearned for this figure to rise, to breathe new life into the weary soldiers of "Light" and awaken the dormant strength within the five generals. It was a desperate plea to save their worlds from the abyss, to prevent them from descending into the void of despair.
Morgan and Hess appeared destined to mold the world in their twisted image, while they caused the fading and erasure of the people's existence. The scent of despair hung in the air, mingling with the stench of impending destruction. The weight of their impending doom pressed upon their hearts, leaving them feeling helpless, as if they were mere spectators in their own demise.
A sense of impending change loomed in the air as whispers spread through the villages of the realms. The scent of hope wafted on the wind, carrying news of Morgan's Dark army teetering on the brink of defeat.
Simultaneously, a heavy air of concern hung over the villages as they learned of the grave illness plaguing the respected Master Hess Lotti.
Word reached their ears that Master Hess Lotti sought solace near the outskirts of the Quartza sea, his weakened state driving him to find the entrance to the mythical underwater Kingdom of the king of All Living Water. The villagers harbored a glimmer of hope, as if the wind itself whispered promises of healing for Morgan's master.
Yet, amidst the anticipation, a bitter irony danced in their thoughts. For they knew that even the mighty King himself wouldn't be of sound mind to entertain such an idea. Instead, they devised a plan to capture this ragtag group and bring them to justice. The air crackled with tension as their army prepared to ensure the downfall of this madman and his protégé, Morgan. They sealed their fate - they awaited the Cross Bone Gate Prison, a place dreaded by all wizards and men. Darkness swallowed the condemned at the Cross Bone Gate Prison, never to be seen or heard from again.
As the news of their impending doom spread like wildfire across the realms, a sense of jubilation washed over the villagers. The tyrant and the very embodiment of evil itself. Their days were numbered.
As the moonlit night fell upon them, Desmond and his father Jarald, received word of the impending capture of Morgan and his master Hess. Watching in awe, they saw a majestic bird, known as a "Dragon Wing," swoop down from the starry sky near their tent. The bird dropped a silver metal flask, which carried a crucial message. The army was now in position, ready to seize Morgan and Hess.
The timing couldn't have been more perfect. Morgan's army was on the brink of collapse, with no food and no more villages to pillage. The desperation in the air was palpable as the army teetered on the edge of vanishing into the wind. Desmond and Jarald had successfully sown seeds of doubt among the ranks, and with very few prisoners left, Morgan had no choice but to accept the deal offered. He would surrender his master, Hess, to the encroaching army surrounding them.
It was a tough decision, but Morgan knew it was either that or face complete elimination. The army desired both Morgan and Hess Lotti, but for now, they would settle for capturing Hess and granting
Morgan a two-day head start before commencing the hunt. The air was thick with anticipation, and the scent of uncertainty hung in the night as they prepared for the imminent confrontation.
In Morgan's Dark Army, Jarald. Desmond's father, a role he had embraced over the last year as spies for the Army of Light. was remnants of a group known as "Dark Soldiers." They had once served under Morgan and his master, Hess Lotti, infamous figures in the world of evil and vile wizards. But now, in the blink of an eye, everything was about to change. Was it the will of the Gods of Light? They both questioned it as they sit among their enemy's inside a large chamber waiting for the outcome of their sentence.
Their captors had captured them for almost a month since that day and had confined them in a holding cell with both animal and human rats. They found themselves pinned down, unable to fight back, with their backs against the wall. Despite knowing what was about to happen, Desmond and his Da kept silent about the trap set by the Army of Light, leaving their fellow soldiers unaware and walking right into it.
The weariness of running without rest and the constant hunger took its toll on them, leaving them with nothing as the army struggled to continue functioning. Mogan, who was going through a series of losses, was greatly concerned about the declining health of his master, Hess Lotti, which appeared to worsen with each passing day. Despite our small number as traders to the Army of Darkness, we desperately wished he would trip on a rock, fall off his horse and die, but that was a fool's hope, and everyone knew it. However, over the last six months, Hess's sickness had confined him to his sickbed. Yet the Gods of Light in their great wisdom seemed to have different ideas. They discreetly shared their plans with us, on the contrary they barely gave us anything to work with other than occasionally aiding our fellow spies with fresh food, water and supplies, and providing maps to guide us in assisting other villages to escape their impending doom.
Today, as we anxiously sat amidst our adverSar'sies, hoping for their intervention, the oppressive heat of the Council of Light's chamber made sweat trickle down our brows. The room was dimly lit, casting long shadows that danced on the stone walls. The air was heavy with the scent of aged parchment and the faint aroma of incense, which mingled with the tension in the room.
The Council of Fools, as people commonly knew them, comprised twelve members. Some of them were familiar faces, known closely by Desmond and his father. However, the true power lay with King Salsern, the ruler of Living Water, who sat at the head of the council. His two daughters, Lady Gwin and her sister Katerina, were present in the crowded chamber, adding to the air of authority.
The council had a new member named Derrick. He seemed inexperienced and new to politics. His brother Nathanial, also known as Mr. Golden Eyes, and Jayden were associates to the council. Their loyalty was unquestioned. The rest of the members were unfamiliar to us. Their presence constantly reminded us of the gravity of the situation.
As we anxiously awaited their judgment, the heavy and suffocating atmosphere weighed down on our shoulders, intensifying the gravity of the moment. The Council of Light held our fate in their hands, and a glimmer of hope flickered within us, praying for their salvation from this dire predicament. The council members engaged in heated arguments for nearly two days, their voices echoing off the walls of the chamber, but the outcome seemed bleak.
Desmond and his father's would-be guards forcefully pushed them to the front of the room, causing their bodies to be battered and broken and making them wince in agony. The pain of their numerous beatings resonated through their bones, while the absence of medical care added to their suffering. The guards, devoid of empathy, spat at them and subjected them to degradation. The food they received, if any, was meager and either infested with maggots or completely burnt, making it inedible. The foul taste of the water, resembling urine, made it nearly undrinkable. Where were the Gods of Light and our supposed friends, who were meant to aid us in this desperate time, we couldn't help but question? Thus far, their presence remained unseen, save for the small creatures with crimson eyes - rats - who whispered words of encouragement, though doubts lingered as to their sincerity.
As Morgan was spotted fleeing, the army swiftly captured Master Hess, Hess Lotti, while leaving behind approximately two hundred of his soldiers. This resulted in a drastic reduction of his original force of two thousand, diminishing it to nearly one third. They stood as witnesses to the harrowing sight of his body engulfed in flames. The crackling fire consumed him, revealing his feeble form barely holding onto life, ravaged by disease. The curse had stripped away any remnants of the once feared and despised man, renowned among wizards across all realms. No longer a towering figure, but an aged and sickly individual, ninety-seven years in human reckoning, destined for the grave.
The curse, meticulously crafted, was designed to inflict suffering rather than grant release through death. As they set his body ablaze, the atmosphere was heavy with an eerie silence, broken only by the faint crackling of the flames. The acrid scent of burning flesh filled the air, mingling with the stench of decay. In that moment, it is doubtful he felt anything other than immense relief. Taking precautions, they cremated his remains, carefully collecting the ashes into separate jars. They scattered these jars across the vast expanse of the cosmos, ensuring he could never return. The only thing that remained was his soul, now trapped by the Gods of Light's will, not allowing him to move on like all souls do. The Gods of Light trapped his soul, placing it in limbo as a shade of its former self, stuck in time, frozen only to watch and not intervene. They wouldn't allow his soul the chance to move on like all souls do. All Hess could do was spend eternity in a holding cell beyond time, watching the worlds around him go on without him. Yes, he was indeed in a prison of his own making, without a chance to escape his doom.
Over the years, Morgan's cunning and manipulation complemented his partner's raw power in meticulously crafting their plan. They carefully planned a series of events, planting seeds of doubt and discord among the masses, slowly eroding their trust in the "Light" and its followers to ensure that their ascension to ultimate power would be unstoppable when the time came.
The anticipation grew within them as they envisioned the day when all the worlds and realms would bow before them. They reveled in the thought of absolute control, the intoxicating rush of dominance over all living beings. The taste of power lingered on their tongues, igniting a hunger that consumed their very souls.
But they knew that patience was the key. They had to bide their time, letting their influence seep into every corner of society. They needed to ensure that the people had no other choice but to submit to their reign. It was a delicate dance, manipulating events and individuals with precision, all while maintaining the illusion that they were merely pawns in a larger game.
The thought of the universe under their command brought a wicked smile to their faces. They relished the idea of extinguishing the "Light," banishing it to the depths of oblivion, and forcing all to worship the Shadow of Darkness. The very notion of their enemies, the so-called "pathetic followers of Light," being cast aside and silenced forever fueled their excitement.
As the days turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into months, their power grew. They were inching closer to their ultimate goal, and the anticipation was almost unbearable. The dream that had consumed them for centuries was finally within their grasp.
They knew, however, that even with their careful planning, there was still a chance of failure. Morgan's abilities were formidable, but the magnitude of their plan left no room for error. Doubts occasionally crept into their minds, but they quickly brushed them aside, their unwavering confidence bolstered by the sheer audacity of their ambitions.
In the end, they were willing to risk everything for their vision of a world under their control. They craved the adoration, the submission, and the unwavering loyalty of all who crossed their path. The taste of power had become an addiction, and they would stop at nothing to satisfy it. The time for their rise to dominance was fast approaching, and they could hardly contain their excitement.
After hours of heated debates and arguments, they meticulously decided on the new "Plan". It was clear that Hess, despite his failing body due to the curse, would not surrender without a fight. However, this was all part of the deception. The truth was quite the opposite - they actually wanted him to perish. This would buy Morgan the time he needed to work alone, searching for the five Keys of Destiny and the powerful artifacts that would make them the new Gods.
Morgan and Hess had strategized to abandon their cherished Army. By doing so, when Morgan returned to rescue his master Hess, he would simultaneously free his comrades, granting them the precious moments required for Morgan to locate the enigmatic figure known as the White Solon and the formidable Dark Prince. They would claim these two individuals, along with the keys and artifacts, for their own.
Morgan and Hess had dedicated their lives to their cause, relentlessly working day and night to bring about their escape plan. They traversed treacherous lands, infiltrated secret societies, and delved into ancient texts, leaving no stone unturned in their quest for information. Along the way, they formed alliances with rebels and outcasts, earning their trust and support in their rebellion against the do-gooder's Gods of Light. Finally, the moment had come for them to take action.
The Gods of Light, with their sharp vision, keen hearing, and heightened awareness, carefully observed the malevolent intentions of their adverSar'sies. They skillfully thwarted every calculated move, their divine influence radiating a tangible aura of protection around the Five Keys of Destiny. The seekers, Morgan and Hess, remained oblivious to the gods' presence, blinded by their own desires. To them, it appeared as if the artifacts were meant to fall into their hands, their coveted power beckoning them to rule over mankind. Their intentions were not to safeguard or preserve, but to dominate and annihilate everything that the Gods of Light and their loyal followers had created, seeking to establish a new world solely under their control.
Doubt crept into their hearts, whispering the possibility of a different purpose, a higher calling beyond their lust for power. Would they persist in their relentless pursuit, or would they discover a greater truth hidden within the shadows of their ambition? Only time would tell.
Time was running out for Morgan and Hess. Hess, in particular, was nearing the brink of collapse. His body weakened and failed under the curse that someone had placed upon him. The Dark Army, once loyal and fearsome, was on the verge of desertion, their spirits broken and hope fading.
Desperate and determined, Morgan and Hess were in search of the White Solon and the Dark Prince. Their purpose was clear - to secure their position as rulers and prevent the rise of the saviors. They understood that their only chance lay in either eliminating or corrupting them. The White Solon, a beacon of pure light, possessed the divine ability to tap into the essence of the Gods. Legends spoke of his unparalleled power, capable of healing and restoring balance to the world.
Morgan and Hess meticulously devised a plan to track him down, their hearts pounding with urgency. Their goal was clear: to either extinguish his life and eradicate the threatening "Light" of the Gods or manipulate him, transforming him into a dark puppet. The passage of time was crucial, for they understood that if the White Solon and the Dark Prince joined forces, the sheer magnitude of their combined power could dismantle their aspirations of godhood and demolish their dreams of dominion over both mankind and the divine. The mere contemplation sent shivers down their spines, imagining the merging of their abilities and alliance, as they intertwined their cause with the help of the "Gods of Light." The implications were dire, leaving no room for doubt—they simply could not allow that cataclysmic union to occur. A groan escaped Morgan's lips upon hearing Hess's agreement that it would be a catastrophe. In addition to their failure in becoming the new Gods of the all universe, the shadow realm and the Shadow of Darkness would amount to nothing more than mere shadows.
On the other hand, the Dark Prince, with his innate control overshadows and darkness, was a force to be reckoned with. However, he lacked the guidance and control necessary to fully unleash his potential. Morgan and Hess saw an opportunity to manipulate him, using his power to further their own agenda. They knew that by gaining control over the Dark Prince, they could bend shadows to their will, instilling fear and chaos throughout the realms.
Morgan, being well aware of the importance of thorough research, would dedicate countless hours to uncovering every possible detail about the White Solon and the Dark Prince. He would meticulously comb through historical records, ancient texts, and any available sources of information to construct a comprehensive profile of each individual. Morgan's exceptional intelligence and strategic thinking would enable him to identify patterns, uncover hidden connections, and analyze their weaknesses and tendencies.
Morgan would delve into their pasts, leaving no stone unturned, as he sought any information that could provide him with an advantage. He would study their family backgrounds, their upbringing, their education, and their previous actions, aiming to gain insight into their motivations and decision-making processes. Morgan's meticulous approach would involve scrutinizing their relationships, alliances, and conflicts, as well as their past strategies and tactics.
Hess leans in close, his unkempt beard brushing against Morgan's cheek. Morgan's nose wrinkles in disgust as the pungent odor of a decay and body odor wafts from him. With wheezing breaths and intermittent coughs, Hess's raspy voice fills the air with a hushed tone, the sound of gravel being dragged across the pavement.
The foul stench from Hess causes Morgan to grimace, their eyes watering slightly, yet they remain attentive as Hess whispers about a dear friend named Barns. The dimly lit candle casts shadows on their tent and faces, adding an air of secrecy to the conversation.
"Barns," Hess reveals with bitterness and intrigue in his voice, "has gained recognition as a 'Quality' man when it comes to contracts and other matters." He operates within something called the 'United States Government.' According to what I have gathered … Morgan, they are nothing but fools that fill positions inside this so-called government." The room grew heavy with the scent of old books, as the sound of pages and scrolls of many Morgan has studied and read countless times. Hess's words lingered, leaving a bitter taste in the atmosphere. As Hess speaks. Morgan can almost taste the bitterness in the air, the heaviness of disillusionment settling upon their tongue. The flickering candle on the table casts eerie shadows, dancing to the rhythm of Hess's words.
"Their ideas of freedom are just lies and double-dealing," Hess continues, his voice growing more fervent. "These ideas come from worthless old men with outdated notions from long dead Kings and Queens, unlike our own but more fashionable what our society would be like if we don't intervene."
Hess describes this group as a nefarious bunch of fools and old men, easily bought for their usefulness. Corruption runs rampant, even among the Council of Light. Hess reveals that he has several corrupt politicians in his pocket, but warns of a few troublesome figures, including the King of Living Water, Derick and Nathaniel (known as Golden Eyes), and a man named Jayden. Hess's cough interrupts his speech, but he continues to share details about Barns. Hess has entrusted the key to his private library, a treasure trove of knowledge and ancient texts that hold the answers Morgan seeks, to Barns, a renowned scholar and trusted confidant.
Hess's words hang in the air, heavy with weight, filling the room with an uncomfortable tension. As Morgan listens, their mind races, overwhelmed by the sights of dimly lit corners, the sounds of hushed whispers, and the smells of musty books and ancient artifacts that surround them in this clandestine conversation. Hess, his voice tinged with a hint of amusement, says, "You will appreciate this Barns character. Pay him well, use him. He can be found on a distant planet called Earth, far beyond our solar system."
Morgan's senses heighten as they imagine the vastness of space and the unknown world awaiting them. "My research has narrowed down ten potential locations where our White Solon and Dark Prince may live once they are born," Hess continues. "But the Oracle and the protector of the tree of genealogy of the time-lines did not provide a simple starting point. He perished like the others, consumed by the accursed the "Light." And those do-gooder's the Gods of Light taking him. I was so close, but it matters not, Morgan. Once I venture beyond, I will discover the truth and send word of my contact to aid you in your search for the boys."
He had two objectives: convince the White Solon to join forces with us, the supreme Power of Darkness, and take action if persuasion failed. Morgan's goal was to find the birthplace and time of both individuals. With this knowledge, he could influence their journeys and change their destinies to align with his and Hess' goal of becoming Gods and ruling over … all. Eliminating the "Light bringers" was an added bonus.
Morgan had heard rumors about Hess's mysterious contact and the risks involved in acquiring the Glass Stone Heart. Some said that the contact was a powerful sorcerer who dwelled in the darkest corners of the spirit realm. Others claimed that the contact was an ancient being who held the key to unlocking the secrets of the artifact. Regardless of the contact's true nature, Morgan and his master Hess knew that they had to proceed cautiously.
The prospect of dying and traversing the realms of lost souls was daunting, but the allure of immortality and shape-shifting abilities were too great to ignore. It was Morgan's job resolved to uncover the details of the payment and prepare for the perilous journey ahead as his longtime mentor and teacher would be dead and traveling among the dead and lost souls. Time was of the essence, as rumors also circulated that others were searching for the Glass Stone Heart, willing to do whatever it took to possess its power. Morgan knew that they had to act swiftly and decisively if they were to have any chance of success.
With the alluring promise of immortality and the power to mold his own physical form, Hess's offer seduced Morgan. The two of them shared an understanding that only upon crossing over to the other side would Hess learn how to harness the enigmatic Glass Stone Heart. Lingering in the air was an unsettling uncertainty, a question of whether Morgan's contact would await him, and whether he had fulfilled the required "payment" for the coveted knowledge and favor. Nevertheless, fueled by his cunning and resourcefulness, Hess remained resolute in his determination to triumph in his mission and secure a new existence, with the Glass Stone Heart serving as the key, as long as Morgan upheld his end of the bargain.
They knew that their escape would not be easy. The Gods of Light had placed numerous safeguards and powerful guardians to ensure that no soul could break free from their prison. However, Morgan and Hess had spent years honing their skills and developing their own unique abilities. They had trained tirelessly, mastering ancient techniques and harnessing forbidden knowledge that would aid them in their quest for freedom.
As the fateful day approached, Morgan and Hess could feel the weight of their responsibilities upon their shoulders. The fate of not only their own souls but also the souls of their Army rested in their hands. They knew that failure was not an option, as the consequences would be dire. But they were determined, driven by their unwavering belief in their cause and their unwavering loyalty to each other.
With everything in place and the pieces of their plan falling into position, Morgan and Hess prepared to make their move. They knew that the journey ahead would be treacherous and filled with countless obstacles, but they were ready to face whatever challenges awaited them. They were willing to risk everything for the chance to break free from their prison and rewrite their destinies.
Little did they know that their actions would have far-reaching consequences, not just for themselves, but for the very fabric of existence. The Gods of Light may have thought they had trapped Hess and his soul, but they would soon realize that they had underestimated the power of human determination and the lengths one would go to defy their will.
The stage was set, and the game was about to begin.