Inside a dark colored room, a huge circular opening is illuminated on its sides by campfires on pillars. At one end of the circumference, a throne sits between two campfires. Stylish pillars with curves surround the place as the throne backs the room.
A man clothed in black, hooded combat robes walks for a small distance, proceeding to bow to the throne. He appears to have a message for him.
"Lord Crawler." He announced. "We've finally found the location of The Dark Stone."
At this quiet moment, a head turned to the left of the throne, looking at the subject.
"I see." He gravely spoke. "When should we acquire the relic?"
At this, he gingerly stood, turning to the servant. Dressed in his clothes, he said, "I take it you've really slacked on this one... asides helping me steal the Blood Stone from Priscilla this afternoon."
"My apologies, master." The servant stuttered. "The government of Ferrum Terra aren't careless with those treasures."
Lord Crawler paused, still staring at him, his face hidden in his hood's shade. He must have been thinking hard.
He then raised his hand. "Alright." He remarked. "How about the S-Class evoker Titus promised us?"
"That I do not know more about." He answered. "We only know that he is still on his way."
Lord Crawler looked at him again, then raised his head.
"No problem." He intoned, his voice deep. "If the case remains so, I will do it myself."
At this, he lowered his head to the ground, his hand gripped in his pocket. Immediately, he pulled out what looked like The Blood Stone, staring at it.
***
Later that evening, a new scene unfolds in an exquisite building. The granite-floored library gleamed, filled with tall, oak wood bookshelves. Near a shelf, two tall, long dark-haired, handsome and fair skinned men in white robes conversed. From their low tones, the topic seemed serious.
"Baldwin." One of them spoke. "How long do we have until we catch Shadow Crawler? He already has the Blood Stone and…"
"Don't worry." He interjected. "We are not very far from that relic."
The other man relaxed. "The Governor has located Improbus Titan." Baldwin continued. "We can catch him and acquire that Amber Stone."
His friend warmly smiled. "That's lovely." He said. "Also, I hear Japheth may know a thing or two about our troubles."
"That boy." Baldwin sighed. "At least that's one important task I've seen him take on."
"Actually, he and a girl." His colleague replied. "She says she comes from a different universe without Way Stone travel. It's crazy but we can investigate, at least."
Baldwin maintained his expression, pouting at the ground, then turned to his friend. "All right, Jackie." He replied. "Let's attend to the duo."
With that, they proceeded.
***
Seated at an office matching the theme of the library, with hanging lanterns and shelves, was Baldwin. He sat across from Japheth and Priscilla, discussing with them.
"Japheth." He called. "This has to be better than your last report… or your school performance, even."
Japheth frowned softly while squinting. Priscilla eyed him from the corner.
"I tell you, Master." She turned to Baldwin. "I would love to prove it to you by bringing you to my house. I speculate you've heard of Way Stone travel but Arch City in this world hasn't really studied it."
"That is true…" The teacher cut in. "But you said you used a different portal. Maybe Aldous knows something I don't."
"That would be splendid." Priscilla beamed. "Although…" She turned solemn. "With all due respect, Master, please be more diplomatic when remarking, Japheth."
Baldwin leaned back, breathed in and faced him. "Well, can you blame me?" He motioned. "I shan't slack training him to run the Lilac Library but he can't grow subjecting himself to Arch City's… lackluster nature." He scoffed.
"Very well, then." He turned to Priscilla. "Let's explore more of this at your abode."
At this, she smiled.
***
Meanwhile, a cold evening settled among a riverine area. Atop the water body, bordered with clustered branches and earth, a medium sized oak boat carried three people, sailing down. Amidst the calm atmosphere, the boat held Fatimah, Manuel and another olive skinned girl, looking like Fatimah. They conversed on the way.
"Fiona." Manuel turned to the dark girl. "I hope you won't forget how we planned to find Titan's prison."
"Of course not." She rolled her eyes. "We must count ourselves lucky our hero here has replaced our get away rider for Effiong's rescue. Isn't that right, Fatti?"
She smirked at Fatimah who looked back at her and Manuel. Quickly, Fatimah averted.
"Whatever." She said, with a gut feeling in her stomach. "Screw this life, though."
A few seconds later, the grey fog above the trees slowly revealed a lofty, dark and gloomy castle with many deep slate rooves and forts, and the group gazed at it.
Manuel froze. "This is it, huh?" he managed. "Get ready, girls."
"Oh heck yeah, we're ready." Fatimah smirked, her eyes glistening. She then shook hands with Fiona.
***
"BOOM!"
A huge and bright explosion filled the dark room, with guards fleeing the scene. From the chaos, Fatimah dashed, wielding her tomahawk, grinning. Her eyes glistened red. She ran on top of boxes and walls, slashing her axe at the men. One was yet to slice her, then – "THWACK!" an arrow to his head. Fatimah glanced at the shooter. Manuel! He motioned to her.
"Head to the prison." He voiced. "I'll take from here."
Fatimah sped off after nodding. No time to lose.
Stopping at the steel, rusty iron door a few stairs down, a guard charged at her. She dodged, then swung at him – "CRACK!" she panted furiously. Good thing it's over for now.
Fatimah looked onward down the dark, torch lit hallway. She noticed a figure ahead of her. Between the brick walls filled with cells, a short figure stood. She gasped on seeing the chubby boy. "Effiong! He's freed!"
"Effiong?" Fatimah screamed, running towards him. During the chase, a strange feeling came. Quietness cloaked the scene. The wind slowed, a gliding and piercing sound stood out. Fatimah's eyes widened, glancing behind her. In a flash – FHWOOP! A speeding person carried her out.
An arrow behind her dashed towards Effiong.
"THWACK!"
A sudden drop followed. Fatimah panted staring at her savior. It's was Fiona, her eyes glowing green.
"Baby." She managed. They remained that way until a voice spoke.
"Looking for me."
Fatimah glanced quickly to her left. Fiona followed. It was Effiong, how the heck is he alive?
"B-but…" she stuttered. "How did you—"
"You think you're the only bad ass with tricks, Fatimah?" the boy inquired. "How about you ask my uncle?"
On this, a hooded man emerged from the shadows, standing behind Effiong. That same man from the throne. Fatimah stared. Lord Crawler!
"What the hell?!" she exclaimed. "I killed you that night!"
"You mean my clone made with The Blood Stone." He cut in. "Yes, yes. The world is just so bloody fabulous."
"How couldn't I see this from a coward?" Fiona snarled.
"I sensed you would." Effiong spoke. "I thought that spoilt friend of yours won't reveal the location of the Amber Stone to me. Heck, why'd you think you couldn't find me to save me at The Ruins of Optic?"
Pause.
"I gave myself in to Titan's guards."
Fatimah gritted her teeth. Her head spun. Her world stopped. Confusion gripped her. This little rat.
Effiong chuckled, his tone malicious. "For Leona's sake, Fatimah." He giggled. "How does it feel being so accomplished and in truth, I'm the master mind after all?" He then frowned. "You're such a coward, by the way… I mean, look at you. You thought I was only a scared boy?" Effiong stopped. "I didn't even know Shadow Crawler came to arrest me at the ruins. It just makes it much easier to gain enough power to control this city… besides…"
"…one must survive to achieve peace. What have you brought to anyone while you breathe?"
Fiona growled at this. With a powerful kick - KPOOM! - Fiona dashed towards Effiong.
Lord Crawler's eyes glistened red. Trailing black smoke, he swiftly stood affront Effiong. "KPOOM!" he charged at Fiona in the same manner.
Shortly, the world stopped for Fatimah, watching Effiong's smirk. What if he's right? She shan't trust no one but... Effiong! He's right. She's just a turd. Maybe Manuel's given up too.
Her grey eyes glistened amber from the torches, as the chaos sparked.
***
Japheth and Priscilla stood at a smooth andesite balcony attached to a tall, deep slate rook. The evening's orange sun cast a glow on them.
"I understand Master Baldwin underrating you hurt your pride but… thievery?" Priscilla motioned to Japheth. "You could've at least joined a band or something."
"No." He replied. "How much of a living can I make in a short while?"
"It's not always about time." She said, raising her hand. "It's how much value you make with it."
"And who cares about that value?" Japheth turned to her.
"Baldwin and I do…"
"Please." He stressed. "My old man's made him his puppet."
"Hm." Priscilla rubbed her chin. "Master Aldous is his older brother. You can't be surprised… but that's no excuse to be stealing. I thought scaring you with that fire rocket would put you off following me, at least."
"I've always wondered how you got that." Japheth noted.
"That's for another day." Priscilla interjected. "I don't care what Baldwin thinks... what's it going to be? To keep being a thief, or work your ass off being a librarian?"
"I've a learning problem." He muttered. "I won't have time to become an Assistant Chief Librarian."
"At least you'll be a cute tutor." Priscilla smirked. Japheth turned to her. "Did you just call me cute?"
"What? No…" she averted her gaze, embarrassed and blushing. "Bah, screw it. Let's catch up on updates about The Dark Stone."
She quickly strode into the room from the balcony as Japheth chuckled softly.
***
Baldwin and Jackson stood near a big, spruce wood door at a stone brick wall. With Jackson in iron armor and Baldwin in none, Japheth and Priscilla walked to them.
"My dear." Baldwin said. "You were supposed to be at your home with the guards."
"We left early." She waved. "Also, Japheth wants to come with Master Jackson."
"Absolutely not." Baldwin halted. "Japheth should stay home for his assignments—anything but wasting time adding to your poor performance."
"They're not from the school, Uncle." Japheth smarted. "I want to go with you. I'm not letting Master Jackson go alone, no matter what."
Jackson raised his brows. Quite the initiative, he glanced at Baldwin, who stared back.
"You must be proud of him." Jackson turned to Japheth. "I shall feel guilty bringing you along… my conscience."
"I'll be fine, Master." Japheth smiled, looking firm. "I've been training for this and yes, I do fight, you know?"
"It's not just fighting." Baldwin stepped forward. "How exactly do you plan to survive without learning the fragments of your powers?"
"I just mastered my secondary Nova Creations." Japheth beamed. "Priscilla helped me with the reading."
He turned to the girl who smiled back.
"I'm very happy for you." Baldwin relaxed. "But this is a dangerous heist for The Dark Stone… I don't think Jackie will allow this."
"Master, he's 20." Jackson tensed. "His age mates are training to be War-Chiefs at solitary rules." He faced Japheth. "Nonetheless, how do you expect to aid us in this retrieval?"
Japheth chuckled. "I was a thief." He spoke. "Swiping's my game."
Then he shook Priscilla's hand.
***
The moonlight glowed through a window. In a dark bedroom, a lantern flickered. Fatimah and Manuel—the blonde, mesomorph built lad—stood in combat gear, chatting.
"Why?" Manuel quietly sobbed. "Why so?" he clenched his fist, rigid.
Fatimah remained rooted behind him as Manuel faced her.
"I'm going to get her." He intoned. "And I don't want you coming."
Fatimah gaped. "No," she said.
"What do you mean, no?" he squinted. "I don't want you going along with us… I'm going with our other conjurers because Master Kufre is in Eagle Land." His voice tensed.
"Are you crazy?" Fatimah raised her voice. "Why tag along when conjurers like Fiona are able to face Shadow Crawler?"
"Cus she's our friend." Manuel cut in. "Upon everything I've done to protect you… even now, you don't agree. Why?"
"Because I'm an ass." Fatimah softly harked.
A short silence followed.
"I chose this life because I wanted to be useful… I did everything I was supposed to do so that I'm not alone on the streets again. I don't like myself and my life, but reading is harsh… I kept up my bad behavior to remain under his roof but now I've left a boy for my pain and lost our friend."
Her eyes reddened with tears. "I'm sorry, Manuel," she said.
He then relaxed, pacing a little toward her. "Stop crying, Fatti," he spoke firmly.
Manuel slowly stepped back on one foot. "You're not coming, Fatimah," he declared before clicking a gear like device on his belt—and POOF! he vanished. Fatimah's eyes widened, staring around.
"Manny!" she called. A voice came from the door outside, "I'll be at the castle." It spoke. It was Manny. Fatimah rushed to it.
She gasped, "Let me out!" she shouted, but Manny teleported again.
Fatimah banged on the door, despite how much it didn't budge. After some time, she glanced around the room and stopped at a leather pouch lying on a wooden cupboard. Jackpot. Fatimah rushed to it. Hope gripped the scene as she untied it and pulled out a vial of red translucent liquid. Glistening in the dark, she popped it and sniffed it. The red fumes seeped in.
Instantly, her eyes shone crimson. With a wicked grin, she rushed to the door, giving it a loud… "BANG!"
***
A heavy explosion shook the scene. Effiong stepped forward, geared with a steampunk belt on which the Amber Stone laid—spherical and yellow with a violent glow. He conjured fire balls the size of his head. They soared at knights in hordes. About two miles away, Fiona crashed to the ground, choked on her neck by Shadow Crawler. She choked hard, her face white. As his face blurred in her eyes, the world silenced. Then…
"BOOM!"
A huge ray of light blasted at Shadow Crawler. Sharply awakening, Fiona coughed, quickly facing her right. She saw who formed it.
It was Japheth! By his side, Priscilla emerged. She scanned the scene. A second later, she nudged Japheth. They then grinned at themselves, as Mirai circled them.
Someplace else, a 12 feet tall, grey skinned titan broke the ground. His fists bashed it as Baldwin fled from the spot. Manuel readied his bow then – THWIP! he shot the titan's eye. He roared loudly, waving in fury.
Effiong, from half a mile away, saw this. Immediately he threw more fire balls, duplicating in the air towards Manuel. On reaching him, he averted his gaze to the speeding flames. "This is it?" he wondered.
Suddenly – WHOOSH! – the fire blew rapidly by his sides. In response, Fatimah held up a shield. The duo recovered. Fatimah grinned. "So much for being a hero," she said as she lifted Manuel.
"Thank you." Manuel lightly hugged her. Fatimah blushed. As he released her, Manuel turned to see Baldwin and Priscilla, both frowning at Fatimah.
"Might as well just keep an eye on you for now." Baldwin's frown deepened.
On saying this, a huge roar came—the same grey titan, now running towards them.
On instinct, Fatimah glanced at him, slipped out her gauntlet and rushed ahead of the group. The beast leapt at her, and as Fatimah scowled, poised for battle, she readied her fist and swung the blow… POW! A sound impact blasted him back, tumbling for miles.
The team gaped as she turned to them. "Master Baldwin, how about your brother?" she panted.
"Something about a terrorist from Priscilla's world." he said, facing Priscilla. "Hopefully he should be able to secure your portal from The Prime Eclipse."
The red head nodded. Manuel stepped forth, "Sounds like our common enemy." he intoned, loading his bow. "We shan't let the Dark Stone into the wrong hands."
At this, he shot his arrow, piercing a nearby foe—THUD!
***
Meanwhile, down at Priscilla's basement, a pendulum swung. Side by side, in the same room, a tall, blonde, handsome and muscular man stood affront a huge steampunk portal. Inactive, he turned back, facing a fair man in dark combat gear, bound by ropes on a chair. From the blonde man's angry stare, it was clear he must have had beef with him.
"You fool," he shouted, waving his arms. "You will regret this."
"Ha-ha, on the contrary," the captain grinned. "After suffering no access to Way Stone travel, we will finally conquer worlds with all 3 stones."
The blonde glared. "He's got the Amber and Blood Stone, alright," the prisoner continued. "But trust me, Aldous… my accomplice shall lead him to a gateway entering here." He laughed. "We don't need the frame ware of the portal anymore to stabilize the one he'll make… for he…"
Pause.
"Along with Lord Crawler, shall rule this Arch City, as The Prime Eclipse."
Aldous boiled. Sweat formed on his head. Anger raged in him.
He rushed to him, gripping his collar. Raising his fist in one fell swoop—POW!—he punched the man.
***
In the dim glow of his lair, shadows twisted in every corner. A lone figure stood before The Prime Eclipse, his voice trembling but steady.
"My lord, we've found it—the location of The Dark Stone... and the portal," he paused, inhaling deeply, before continuing. "It lies beneath the forsaken ruins of the Cynthal Forest, where the earth trembles with ancient power. But there's more. We've deciphered the markings—this portal... it will merge with a gateway in Priscilla's basement."
The Prime Eclipse's eyes darkened. Without a word, he rose, his expression unreadable. "Then it begins," he murmured, leaving his servant to wonder.
Deep in his obsidian sanctum, the hooded figure beckoned his subordinate closer. Flickering shadows danced over intricate runes carved into cold stone walls. The subordinate's voice trembled, "My lord, whispers claim the Dark Stone lies within the ruined vault, and a hidden passage leads to a gateway echoing Priscilla's portal."
A slow, measured smile touched the figure's lips. "Indeed." He said. "The relic sings its secret, and destiny draws near. I am the Prime Eclipse, the ruler of the Paramount Dawn. Prepare the ritual."
Shadows murmured, entwining fate and purpose. The ancient magic surged, uniting worlds with silent, unstoppable force.
...............
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