“Did I lose?” was Venu's first thought as he awoke from a hospital bed with an aching head and pain in his leg and side. Beside him, Mika seemed to be resting.

“Are you ok?!” Sari rushed up to him feeling his head. She felt his temperature... Venu could feel nothing but gratitude towards her and Mika at this moment.

“With you two here, definitely.”

Behind them, two more figures approached Venu- a well-dressed Narika and Elera.

“Whoa!?” Mika spoke looking at the new and improved Narice and Elera. Narice was decked out in a long white coat on a well fitted shirt and black three quarter pants. Along the back he had a sheath for his sword and wore agile shoes- All of which seemed to enhance his magic aura.

Elera too, wore beautiful bracelets and an assuming blacks tights and top with some practical but stylish long boots- a light blue and white scarf brought it all complete and her long hair - now sun kissed to a golden color- made her look quite intriguing. It did seem that there were a few bags carried by Elera- probably to mix and match some outfits.

"Where are we?" Venu asked the Narice and Elera.

"Ah the inner hospital- it's located outside of the castle but inside of the walls," Narice replied, "As soon as we got back - we were informed of the battle you had..."

Venu was so awed by the couple's transformation that he forgot his pain for a moment, “Why the coat?”

“Uh,” Narika responded with an awkward sense– “It enhances magical defense supposedly… should come in handy if we come across any magicians I think.”

"I see... yeah with your powers..."

Narika looked at Venu who had lost his breath.

Narika and the others moved inward so as to make sure he was alright. Venu waved them off with a smile.

After making sure that he was alright- Narika replied, “Dang man," "what happened anyway that you got beat so badly?”

“Uh," Venu replied embarrassedly, "I made a bet,” Venu spoke, “I guess I lost…”

“Oh geez..." Narika spoke, "You seriously beat Merth one against one and then lost to one of the knights?”

“The knights are a bit stronger than i expected…” Venu spoke humbly as he layed back down looking up.

Narice looked upwards into the air intrigued with his arms crossed, "i guess so."

After a minute another figure approached them. It seemed that he'd been giving them time to reconnect.

Venu found it surprising that he'd just now noticed the presence. How long had he actually been there?

“Hello all,” Kane spoke friendly.

He first gave his attention to Narika and Elera's new appearance. Noticing Narika and Elera’s new outfits- he nodded with a smile, “Money well spent.”

Narika realized that Kane wouldn’t have been there just to say hi - It seemed like he had something on to say, and he turned his attention to Kane.

“I wanted to inform everyone that tomorrow, the queen will be able to meet with you all for dinner…”

Narice looked around at the group who all seemed in agreement, “We'll be there.”

Kane nodded with a clap, “Great!"

"Ah, If I may-” Kane walked up beside a weakened Venu and held out his hand. A glow emitted from his palm and a strange magic surrounded Venu. It seemed quite technical.

Initially everyone was unsure of what was happening and then they looked astonied as Venu's body began to completely heal itself. Firstly was the broken and bruised pieces sealing together the flesh - then the wound themselves began to heal from purple to red to pure clean skin.

As if not enough - Kane's magic began to repair the clothes that Venu was in themselves. By the end of it - Venu looked stronger than he had when they met him.

“Ah – that should facilitate things along,” Kane spoke.

Venu had just been completely healed, his body felt no pain... as he tried to get up Kane nodded, “ah- but just because everything is back in order doesn’t mean you don’t need rest.”

Venu could feel the ache in his body.

Sari chuckled.

Suddenly, Kane fell down.

“It is the extent of my magic however as I have a frail body…” he breathed heavily for a moment.

Elera and Narika had to lift him up from the ground.

“Hey!” Venu spoke and rushed towards him, “Don’t push yourself for my sake.”

“It is alright,” Kane responded and got up, “my body can take it- the pain is temporary… if I could not do this – I could not consider myself worthy of the position of lieutenant… even with this ability I consider myself to have weak magic…”

“Healing is a difficult art…” Venu responded. Kane stood up slowly. It was true that healing was difficult – most earth Aqayans simply used their powers for moving objects and farming. Even those who understood the element more had to also understand the process required to heal to properly adapt their powers. Years upon years of knowledge were required to make earth magic into healing magic.

He nodded to the nurse after he’d healed Venu.

“He will want water still and rest- repairing the holes does not counteract the loss of blood…”

He then responded to Venu, “Even still- Sardis can heal many times more than I can – with just as much skill…I would be no match for the queen.”

“If you do not mind Venu- when you get the time, I would like to talk to you…”

Venu looked at Kane curiously.

“Okay guys,” the nurse began to usher the group away. Even with Kane healing Venu – perhaps it was too much of a bombardment to Venu in this situation- after all - his condition had been life threatening until recently.

Kane nodded to the nurse and was the first to leave- the rest of the group too walked out.

Venu's weak body drifted back into unconsciousness quickly.

---

It was late at night when Venu heard footsteps. At first it paused nearby the door where a guard should have been. Afterwards the slight creeking of a door opening and closing.

Venu started to get up on his elbows and look towards the presense.

He was surprised to see the figure that stood before him.

"Kane?"

Kane put his finger to his mouth to signify Venu’s silence- it was obvious that Venu had snuck in- but why?

A nearby nurse approached

"Who's there?"

Venu watched as Kane's figure vanished from sight and then swiftly moved towards the woman. As he held up his hand - the woman immediately collapsed into Kane's arms.

Venu watched on as Kane slowly pulled the body to a chair and then walked towards him.

“She will not remember me when she awakens…”

Kane then motioned for Venu indicating that Venu follow him. Venu did his best to sense whether Kane's presense meant danger- but he could sense no danger emminating from the figure.

Kane patiently waited for Venu to rise. Venu got up and Kane handed him a satchel of his things.

After they quietly left the hospital ward together Kane looked around them to sense whether anyone could hear - an aura then encircled them.

“You surprised everyone in your battle with Alluc, Venu” Kane spoke as they swiftly walked into a secret hallway.

(this hallway leads into a secret chamber. Kane's private quarters -but also a hidden room inside of the main chamber.)

offering Venu a drink. By this time Kane had already ushered Venu into a private chamber to talk.

Venu took the drink – following Kane’s lead after Kane drank his own. Venu wondered how Kane had heard of the fight- but it was bound to happen with him being second lieutenant among the kingdom.

Venu nodded, “I honestly did not mean to do it…”

Kane smiled sadly at Venu, “I know you did not… but dark magic is dangerous…Aarock would have none of it in the kingdom if he knew about it…”

Venu’s heart thumped at the reminder- Aarock was the most powerful being in the world by far- and he knew that in an instant Aarock could slay him… would he get banished if Aarock came back to find that Venu had caused trouble? Or worse?

“So are you going to banish me?”

Kane looked puzzled at Venu for a moment, “Banish? No no no…" Kane paused a moment, "quite the opposite.”

Venu looked at Kane with confusion, “What do you mean?”

Kane replied with a smile, “Peace takes a lot of hard work- I would like to make use of your powers to help me maintain the peace amongst the realm.”

Venu looked at Kane with amazement, but followed with skepticism.

"why?"

"We have a similar background.." Kane replied, "i feel like you'd understand me better once you know my plan..."

Venu sensed that Kane was

Regardless of the reason for his kindness, there was a major flaw in the offer that Venu responded to, “If news gets out of my abilities it won’t matter.”

Kane replied, “I’ve already taken care of that little problem.”

If what he said was true, that would be a load off… while Kane seemed week – Venu couldn’t disregard what Kane had already done.

However, he didn’t trust good nature in people so easily… It was common for those that he’d met to be motivated by selfishness… Narice and the gang were a few that he’d trusted for the first time. While Venu was thinking over the intent that Kane approached with- trying to determine what response to use- it seemed Kane could sense the turbulence in Venu’s heart and interrupted his train of thought.

Kane replied, “Venu… maybe this will help you understand…”

Venu glanced toward Kane, but he was surprised to see that a transformation was taking place.

Instead of the same frail body of a man- he saw a transformation: magic wings, elven ears and hair, an Aqayan tail, and a wizard’s body.

Completely opposed to Kane’s frail body- this one exuded a powerful magic presence flowing through him. Venu was both awed and a little terrified… he seemed a being so powerful even Aarock would have trouble standing in the presence of this creature.

So many questions went through Venu’s mind. ‘Why did he show weakness after healing Venu?’ ‘What was his goal in being second to Aarock?’

“As you can see…” Kane replied, “It would be hard for some to accept me as I am...” he spoke as he changed back into the frail version of himself.

Venu wasn’t sure what to think about what he’d seen. Perhaps the most powerful creature he’d ever witnessed appeared in front of him.

“Why choose to look weak?” Venu replied. “why not choose to look like someone strong?”

Kane responded, “This way- I threaten no one- and in my position it’s best if no one feels threatened…”

Venu had another thought, “after you healed me, you really did seem to grow weak…”

“Ah that…” Kane replied- the kid was sharper than he thought- but he came up with an explanation, “I have a project I’m working on… it drains me.”

Vincent felt it rude to ask what the project was- but he wanted to know, “what project?”

“It’s a project to protect people like us…” Kane responded.

Venu could do little to dispute that.

Kane felt an attachment to this young man- he assumed that Venu didn’t have an easy life before coming to this point, maybe even something similar to himself.

“Well- if you want to help me with it- I would like you first to join the knights,” Kane responded, “it should help you learn to control your magic and train you to understand …”

“But I lost…”

“There’s no need to worry about that- you still impressed Alluc- in fact you probably impressed everyone who witnessed the battle…”

“But…”

“Don’t worry- I’ve taken care of all the details. No one will know about your dark magic- but I suggest that you try your best not to show magic in public- perhaps train your body first,” Kane spoke pointing at Venu’s thin arm – it was true- Venu had grown up with meager living standards- eating well was a luxury for someone of his background... thus his was appearance was as such…”

“What is it you want from me?”

I may be a little selfish in this endeavor, but I want to have a better world for everyone,” Kane responded, “to do so- I believe I’ll need your help…”

Venu wondered how that was selfish, but didn’t ask about the details of Kane’s plan. Instead he responded, “okay… as long as it’s a better world for everyone- I’ll help you…”

“Good…” Kane nodded and began to get up, “for now rest up… I’ll make sure that you’re in the knights.”

But Aarock know about his dark magic too… would Kane really be able to convince Aarock to let Venu join the knights? Venu had a lot to think about- at least he’d have one friend as he was training… Mika. Would they even want him?

Even still it was a late night before he went to sleep.

--

Merl sat on the throne as a new liaison approached.

The king of wizards - his current station was a sideroom meant for private meetings - his true throneroom was meant more for ceremony.

Merl evoked a strong presence. He was tall- perhaps six foot -three. he was strong- slightly older- but full of youth and power - in his prime perhaps- deemed the strongest wizard overall- he ruled with an iron fist- passing judgment and keeping other wizards in check.

Before him stood an Aqayan, but not any ordinary Aqayan- the liaison between him and the castle- Shadow.

He waved his hand to show Shadow's right to come to the throne- afterwards the guards stood to the side.

Shadow stepped forward.

"What news do you have for me... Shadow?"

"The arrival of four new powers... the fall of Merth in the West...the fall of the dark wizard in the south," Shadow replied, "Kane seems to have an interest in the group- t"

Merl's face showed intrigue - his eyes widened but otherwise - he kept a stoic face. but his wide eyes showed his slight surprise. It seemed that when

"Do tell..."

Merl listened as Shadow told all that he'd witnessed. The more he listened - the more upset he became and the more appreciative of Shadow. It seems he'd been late to capitalize on most the opportunities- whoever struck first was generally the one with the advantage and yet- he'd already missed his chance in the west- he missed a chance in the south- and the four powers that Shadow talked about seemed to have garnered the interest of the Aqayan King, the Knights, and Kane- that diplomat.

He was upset that Aarock found them first- how would he be able to show his might if Aarock only gained new allies?

It was no secret- in fact it was almost expected - Merl was going to battle against Aarock someday- it just wasn't sure when- and as for now- Merl worked as one of Aarock's warlords.

The four powers: three Aqayans- and a halfbreed girl who ruled a dragon?

It also seemed that one of the Aqayans was especially unique - without specific powers and yet able to go toe to toe with the captain of the training grounds at the young age of fourteen.

Merl had to maintain the respect of the wizards- prove his worth- or lost his grip over the nation he already ruled. His ambition had him desire to rule over the entire Gaia as chief ruler...

Even still - he was one of Aarock's most trusted warlords because of his abilities and ambition that kept him at the top.

For now- he'd keep an eye on the goings on and wait it out- the time to strike was not yet.

"Also Aarock has called a meeting of the lords..." Shadow spoke in a kneeling stance.

"So early?"

"it may have to do with the west..." the queen spoke beside of him in a whisper- like the other wizards- she supported his desires.

Merl kept his face down in thought-

"When?" he spoke to Shadow.

"Ten days from today," Shadow replied.

"Ah..." he spoke, it seemed that Aarock had something important to say then- he would have to do his best to make arrangements for the rule within the east. He would think about whether it was a good time to usurp Aarock. Things were certainlly transitory- but he would have to connect with his advisors about the matter- and perhaps ask Corvin about watching over the nation in his stead temporarily.

He maintained a stern face as he thought about the matter-

"Shadow..." he spoke,"

"Yes lord?" Shadow replied as he arose.

"How would you like to work for me?" Merl replied - he felt that this would be the best course of action to begin with. He sensed that Shadow was only working under his own lord out of duty- and that he preferred someone as himself

Shadows eyes alit,

"Yes.... but I cannot betray my oath ..." Shadow was an Aqayan- while they did have their own versions of truth and justice- he wouldn't betray what he promised to do by betraying his own guardianship- even if he didn't like to work as a guardian under the diplomat he served- he would maintain the station as per his duty.

"I can make your oath of null effect..." Merl replied.

Shadow's eyes smiled, "very well- i look forward to the day... i will help you as long as it benefits myself and doesn't go against my contract..."

---

Devon... who is currently in prison?

Tribunal... who? original Elfen chief... the Elfa who never lost... the new elfen elect - a probably four- hundred year old 'warrior' but a greedy and 'safe' leader-

--

---

The Aqayan King himself had heard about the call of warlords- in fact there were six across the map- Merth, Merl, three wizards, and himself. Unlike the other warlords- Aarock's call was simply an invitation to come and not a necessity-

Even still he considered it - but he thought he would simply send forward his lieutenant for now. He wanted less to do with the south- and that was also how he wanted the other Aqayans to percieve their relations with the kingdom. Working alongside of Aarock was out of good relations rather than necessity and voluntary not impertinent...

Nonetheless, he appreciated the benefits that came by the arrangement- they were in good standing. He was also interested in the so called Aqayans who he'd heard of- where did they come from? He would definitely do some research- he didn't want Aarock to make use of somethiing that belonged to the Aqayan race.

(war between the demons? Lardin vs. Lucifer? Who manipulates Karole? how? story of Aqayan race?)

---

In a secluded castle sits a man who was once a wizard - he's aged- using magic ages him, which is fine- he hasn't had to use magic in quite a while.

"What is it dear?" an elderly lady speaks to him- which is also fine.

"A summons from the king..." he sighed. He hopes that we can watch over the kingdom while he leaves to Darantis.

"