Chapter 49: The Five Masters

(Setting: Crystal Kingdom: Royal Center- Royal Palace)

(Scene: Baku appears in the throne room in front of the Royal Family)

[Royal Guards]: NOW PRESENTING, THE WORLD GUARDIAN, BAKU CREE!!!

[Baku Cree]: *Smiling* Hey, fam! How are y'all doin’ today?

[Nicolatrice Cree]: *Smiling* Good morning, Baku! You’re looking well today!

[Baku Cree]: Thanks, mama! I feel like I’m on top of the world right now. Perhaps that’s why I’m it’s guardian! So, how are you this fine morning?

[Nicolatrice Cree]: That’s so wonderful to hear from you! I’m doing quite excellent, myself! I’m ready for a pleasant and productive day!

[Baku Cree]: Likewise!

[Princess Savannah]: *Smiles flirtingly* …

[King Jeremiah Cree]: So Baku, now that you are the owner of the Legendary Crystal Sword: Crystallis, you understand that it is time that you begin the second part of your training, correct?

[Baku Cree]: *Confidently* Yes, my lord!

[King Jeremiah Cree]: *Smiles* So you will begin your training. In it you will learn how to use your sword in combat to defend yourself and others. You will also learn how to implement your Soul Energy and your Aventurine Crystal in combat with your sword to unlock and learn new abilities. It will be difficult… Are you ready?

[Baku Cree]: I am!

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Good, your training will begin when they arrive…

[Baku Cree]: Who arri-- … You know what… Keep that a secret. Anyways, what are all you royals going to be doing today?

[King Jeremiah Cree]: The queen and I will continue our work at dissecting the Oracle’s prophecy…

[Baku Cree]: Is he still asleep even after all this time?

[Queen Anastasia Cree]: Yes, the Oracle may still be in the process of receiving another message from the Goddess… We may have to wait just a little bit longer before we can fully grasp the complexity of your mission, Baku… I apologize for keeping you in the dark for so long, my child…

[Baku Cree]: *Smiling* No need to say sorry, your highness. You’re just doing your thing!

[Queen Anastasia Cree]: *Blushes* …

[Baku Cree]: So, my princess, what are you doing today?

[Princess Savannah]: Oh, Baku, my Baku… I will be preparing myself for the Winter Homecoming Dance, which is tomorrow evening, by the way… So don’t be late, or I’ll never forgive you…

[Baku Cree]: I wouldn’t dare displease you. Would you like flowers?

[Princess Savannah]: Oh, you should definitely…

[Baku Cree]: Alright, totally… So… I guess I should start my training then, huh? Hey, mom, why don’t you and I have tea after everything’s done?

[Nicolatrice Cree]: *Smiling* That sounds swell, Baku! I can’t wait!

[Baku Cree]: Awesome! I’ll see you guys later!

*Baku leaves the throne room and heads outside to the courtyard.

[King Jeremiah Cree]: Baku’s truly become a man now… The rate of which he’s evolved is truly astounding. He is astronomically different from when he first began his journey...

[Queen Anastasia Cree]: Indeed… It’s fascinating how much he’s changed in the past month, isn’t it Nicolatrice? Your son has completely adopted the will of the living planet as well as the role of the World Guardian.

[Nicolatrice Cree]: Yes, I am so incredibly proud of everything he’s achieved in recent time, as it is promising for not only his future, but for his goals as well! I always knew he was destined for greatness; it was just a matter of when it would begin to affect him...

(Setting: Crystal Kingdom: Royal Palace- Courtyard)

(Scene: Baku appears in the courtyard training his swordplay)

[Baku Cree]: Aaannnddd… Now, sword! … Uhh… Go, sword, go! … *Hmph* Sword Special Attack! … *Grrr* Darn it! I don’t get how to make it transform!

*Baku turns and faces his doll that is seated comfortably in a bed of flowers watching him.

[Baku Cree]: What do you think I should do? Do you know any of the secrets to unleashing my power?

*Baku’s doll unresponsively smiles back at him with its sewn in face.

[Baku Cree]: *Sigh* Yeah… I didn’t expect you to… *Thinking to himself* It is said that the crystallic tip of this blade can cut anything… but am I really expected to only attack with the tip of the sword? That just seems strange to me....

*Suddenly, Baku sensed a great amount of Soul Energy headed straight towards him at high speeds.

[Baku Cree]: Huh? WHAT THE HECK IS THAT!?

*A large spiked ball attached to a chain comes swirling straight at Baku. Luckily, he dodges it swiftly.

[Baku Cree]: *Thinking to himself* Crap, that was close! What the hell's going on here!?

*However, before he can land, a giant man carrying a massive hammer lands a huge blow on Baku sending him flying through the courtyard.

[Baku Cree]: *Shouting* AAAUUUGGGHHH!!!

*CRASH!

*Baku lands in a group of hedge bushes and decorative plants.

[Baku Cree]: Who the hell are these bastards!? You wanna fight the World Guardian, eh!? Alright, how about I give you a taste of my CRYSTAL--… Huh!?

*A woman cloaked in white carrying a large scythe appears behind Baku.

[Baku Cree]: *Freaking out* AH CRAP!

*SWIPE!!!

*She slices through the shrubbery with great power. Baku barely dodges the attack with his head.

[Baku Cree]: Now who the hell is this chick!? Ganging up on a guy is dirty tactics, let alone a surprise attack!

[???]: So, the World Guardian is just some kid? How lame...

[???]: The twerp looks pretty wimpy to me. How the hell did he get a hold legendary sword anyways?

[???]: It’s probably stolen! He sure doesn’t look above that!

[Baku Cree]: Who the hell are you callin’ a kid!? I’m fifteen years old! Also, I’m no wimp! Let me prove it to each of ya one on one!

[Prince Majorku]: There will be no need for that, Baku …

[Baku Cree]: Whoa, bro!? What’re you doing here, and who the hell are these guys!?

[Prince Majorku]: I’m going to be training with you while you learn your swords abilities… The people before you are gonna be your new masters… Baku, meet the 5 Royal Knights of the Crystal Kingdom… They are the strongest, most skilled warriors in the kingdom’s elite military members.

[Baku Cree]: What the… So, these guys are real business…

[Gilgadeese]: Allow me to introduce us to you, World Guardan Baku… I AM GILGADEESE, THE GALANT PALADIN!!! I AM THE LEADER OF THE FIVE ROYAL KNIGHTS!!!

[Baku Cree]: *Ugh* … Why the hell is he yelling?

[Daiveiv]: NOW LISTEN HERE, BOY!!! I AM DAIVEIV, THE BARBARIC BERSERKER! I AM THE STRONGEST OF THE FIVE ROYAL KNIGHTS!!!

[Baku Cree]: Are you the loudest too? You’re even worse than the other guy.

[Daiveiv]: WHAT YOU SAY!!??

[Exolute]: I am Exolute, the High Executioner!!! I AM THE LAW, JUDGE AND JURY OF THE CRYSTAL KINGDOM!!! Have you done any crimes I should now about?

[Baku Cree]: That’s a secret to you mister…

[Oredahrmus]: I-- AAMM-- OORREE--DDAAAHHRR--MMUUUSS!!!

[Baku Cree]: *Stunned* ………

[Oredahrmus]: TTHHEEYY-- CCAALL-- MMEE-- TTHHEE-- GIIIAAANNTT -- SSSOOOLLDDIIIEEERR--!!!!!!!!! III EEENNJJOOOYY --…

[Baku Cree]: O-oh okay, it’s nice to meet you, thanks! Geez, these guys are just… *Sigh* … Anyways, who are you, miss reaper?

[Iassalithe]: I am Iassalithe… I am the Head Huntress… No prey of mine ever evades me… Ever...

[Baku Cree]: I dodged you back there in the bushes pretty easily…

[Iassalithe]: … That’s because… I missed…

[Baku Cree]: Don’t try to act cool!

[Prince Majorku]: Learn to respect these guys, Baku… Like I said, they’re the best in the entire kingdom. Also, they’re gonna be training you to learn new abilities using your Aventurine Crystal in conjunction with your sword… For the next 3 months with absolutely no breaks…

[Baku Cree]: So, these are the guys who’re gonna train me, huh? Wait a minute… What the hell!? Three months straight!? Dude, I have to save the world faster than that! Plus, I have Homecoming tomorrow, too!

[Prince Majorku]: Oh, really? Well, that’s too bad…

[Baku Cree]: Seriously, there has to be a break or something in between!?

[Prince Majorku]: *Ugh* Are you that dense, Baku? We don’t need a whole three months to train you, we’re gonna cheat and crunch it down to like one day.

[Baku Cree]: Cheat?

[Prince Majorku]: Yeah, that way you won’t miss your special dance with your older sister…

[Royal Knights]: *in unison* What?

[Baku Cree]: *Embarrassed* Nothing!!!

(Setting: Crystal Kingdom: Royal Palace- Virtuareal Training Simulation Room)

(Scene: Baku, the Prince, and the Five Royal Knights appear in the training simulator)

[Prince Majorku]: You ready to get busy, Baku?

[Baku Cree]: I thought this thing can only help with Soul Energy training… But can it really recreate 3 months of training into a single day?

[Prince Majorku]: Yes, I didn’t tell you about this before because you were still a beginner, and I weren’t sure about how you would handle it on a first go around… But it is true, all you have to do is change the settings from Challenge Level mode to the Time Compressor application… Set the length of time you wish to train for relative to how long you actually want to be in there… and bam… It’s ready to start… Are you ready for your advanced lesson, Baku?

[Baku Cree]: Sounds rad! Let’s do it!

[Prince Majorku]: That confidence is going to get you places, Baku… Alright, let’s begin… *Beep Beep boop beep beep*

*A bright flash of light suddenly transports everybody to a large colosseum with multiple structures made of stone and ruins that were covered in long, thick vines. Whirling sands rolled in the air of the gladiator stadium, that itself was surrounded by miles of forest as far as the eye can see. Off in the distance, you can see high mountains and hear waterfalls crashing.

[Baku Cree]: Whoa… This is pretty cool…

[Prince Majorku]: Pay attention, Baku…

[Baku Cree]: Huh?

*Baku looks up to a group of tall pillars. The Five Royal Knights stand atop them gazing down at Baku and Majorku.

[Gilgadeese]: PREPARE YOURSELVES WORLD GUARDIAN AND ROYAL PRINCE!!! WE THE FIVE ROYAL KNIGHTS WILL BEGIN YOUR TRAINING NOW!!! A fair warning, these next three months are not going to be easy… They will be nonstop and painful, for we will not hold back… Do you understand?

[Prince Majorku]: Yes, we do…

[Baku Cree]: …

[Gilgadeese]: VERY WELL THEN!!! PRINCE MAJORKU, WE WILL RESUME YOUR TRAINING YOU SO MAY BECOME THE PERFECT WARRIOR, SO THAT ONE DAY YOU MAY LEAD US INTO BATTLE!!!

[Prince Majorku]: Okay.

[Gilgadeese]: And Baku Cree…

[Baku Cree]: Hm…?

[Royal Knights]: *in unison* WE WILL TEACH YOU THE 5 STYLES OF THE CRYSTAL SWORD’S COMBAT POWERS!!! YOU WILL LEARN THEM, MASTER THEM AND USE THEM ON YOUR JOURNEY AS THE WORLD GUARDIAN SO YOU MAY DEFEND THE LIVING PLANET IN THE NAME OF THE HOLY GODDESS!!! IT WILL NOT BE EASY, IT WILL BE A PAINFUL AND GRUESOME!!! ARE YOU READY TO BEGIN YOUR FINAL TRAINING!?

*Baku solemnly stares at his doll for a moment.

*Its stitched button eyes and sewn in smile comforts the young hero as he reminds himself of all of the people he vowed to protect as well as those who inspired him to want to become the World Guardian. His best friends Barrtio, Finn and Millia who were always there for him and provided the courage he needed to face the odds.

*All of their mischief and hijinks throughout the years, got them in and out of trouble.

*A lot of it cost Baku, and especially Lady Millia, their freedoms. The teens were forced to suddenly grow up and take responsibility for their childish actions. But they did it, because they loved and trusted each other. They will continue to, as it is now up to the World Guardian to start a new life for their sake.

*The Luke’s, who he had to leave behind in the fields and shaped him into the fifteen year old he is today, as well as gave him the many gifts that he will always treasure. They reminded him of humble beginnings, when things were simpler. But now, life is moving faster, and Baku is being forced to grow up, quicker than he thought he would need to.

*But it is what was necessary.

*He then remembered Leonidas and Mr. Yarish who opened his mind to new things and broadened his horizons. They taught him concepts that helped the teenager understand himself in more ways than one. The World Guardian realized who the type of people he wanted to protect were. The weak, and the normal.

*Master Medellon, Lady Yamabushi, and Lady Akamiko.

*They were the royals who treated Baku as very trustworthy and reliable friends, even though their lifestyles were vastly different than how he was brought up. The popular and rich high school students had lifestyles and privileges that seemed alien to the peasant, but the group proved to be more down to earth than most children they went to school with.

*Spending time with them allowed the young hero to understand the social pressures that their birthright put upon them as the future leaders of the Crystal Kingdom as they helped him through his studies and pushed him to apply himself further than any other, even though they didn’t have to. The clique had no previous relation or reason to act as such, but they still brought in the newly made noble as one of their own without question. Whether it was because he was the World Guardian, or they genuinely cared for him, they have yet to prove that trusting them was a mistake.

*Because of that Baku was eternally grateful.

*Prince Majorku whose patience and willingness to train him without hesitation or question, got the teenager to where he is now standing before the strongest in the military. The warrior helped the young hero find himself and connect with his soul. His inner being. Answering the questions he didn't know where there. Act as a mentor and teach him balance. Kept in line, without faulter. Taught him why he fights, not for himself, but for others. That's what makes a true hero. Honor, virtue and trust in others to lead you on the correct path. Baku put all of his faith in his older brother, and he knew that he could continue to.

*There was also the King who put all of his hope on a kid who undeservingly hated him but worked hard to do right by the boy who he had suddenly become the wielder of such a cruel and unusual destiny. He promised to never give up on him as long as Baku just tried his best and work hard to prove himself against those that doubt him.

*The Queen who wishes only for the safety and prosperity of the planet and believes only Baku can protect it.

*Her brilliancy has made every effort apparent that she cares for her new son, as she treats him with motherly love as if he was her own. He was blessed with royal honor and respect even though he has yet to do anything to prove himself worthy of such note and regard. Yet she still nurtured him and their relationship, preparing everything to help the young boy be comfortable with who he has become. As she knows the pain he will be sure to suffer on the planet below will be one he must take on alone not only for herself, but for everyones sake.

*The Princess, who’s shown nothing but her endless love, gratitude and gratefulness for the sacrifice and burden Baku will endure himself within his legendary position in her name.

*Savannah, whose shown Baku what becoming a hero truly entailed, but ensured to remind him to have fun and be free as he did the same for her in the position of a naturally born royal. In their short time together, they both taught themselves not to cave into social pressures and stigmas. But to live for and to be your pure unashamed self. Pulling each other out of their self doubts, being open and honest with their feelings. It was something they both needed, not only because they were afraid to admit their respective flaws.

*But because understanding that about eachother brought them closer as brother and sister. Finding someone they can confide their deepest, darkest secrets and hidden truths in without being judged by the masses was stress relieving to say the least. They vowed to share their burdens and to never let the other feel ashamed for not asking for their help. The mutual decision to figure out what each of their life goals are and how they promised to support one another against all detractors, formed and bond that neither of them thought they would conceive amongst the two adopted kin.

*And finally, his own Mother, the woman who loves him the most, his biggest fan and inspiration. The main reason Baku agreed to become the World Guardian in the first place. The only justifiable excuse to take on such a ridiculous task at such a young age. She who sacrificed her dreams, her sanity, her health and worked herself to the bone, giving up the most for the sake of him. A spoiled child who deserved none of it.

*The perfect woman who never lost hope or faith in him no matter how many mistakes he made or how many times he’s lied to her about school, his thoughts or anything else for that matter.

*Nicolatrice alone was reason enough for Baku to take on becoming the World Guardian. As she deserved not only the world, but the sun, the moons and the stars above. To live in divine comfort and never lift a finger EVER again. She and everyone else was why he must do it... So there would be no more suffering...

[Baku Cree]: *Deeply inhales* ……… BRING IT ON!!!

[Royal Knights]: THEN LET IT COMMENCE!!! THE FIVE ROYAL KNIGHTS: WORLD GUARDIAN TRAINING REGIMEN; BEGINS NOW!!!

*The five royal knights descend from the pillars they stood upon and engage Baku and the prince. They train intensely with the strongest in the kingdom and both learn advanced battle strategies so that they may become truly mighty. Majorku pushes through and beyond each and every limit and wall that holds him back until he masters all of his skills, techniques, abilities and special attacks.

*Baku trains ever more intensely than he did with his brother with lessons from the five royal knights. The exercises he undergoes in the wilderness pushes his body through his restraints and he gains the ability to move faster, jump higher and run farther than he ever would’ve imagined.

*Baku lifted weights of sizes and pounds that even Majorku has never endured. The five royal knights forced the two boys to fight eachother and workout vigorously all day and night while wearing heavy weights and training gear with very limited breaks in between.

*Then, Baku learns and masters swordplay. Each of the five royal knights show Baku how to wield the legendary sword and the different styles that come with it both offensively and defensively. Meanwhile, Majorku was told to hold up to thousands of pounds of weight above his head for hours at a time while enduring torturous attacks coming from each of the five royal knights weapons.

*If he ever dropped the weights, he would be made to start all over again. However, he never failed, for he knew that this was the type of punishing training that even Lady Yamabushi had done to herself.

*Baku trains and begins to understand the power coming from his sword so that he can use the legendary weapon with excellence and finesse. He practices striking targets only with the crystalized tip of the weapon in order to inflict extra damage to his opponents. He was told that the best way to do this was to focus his Soul Energy and that of the targets, and he continuously practiced this until he was able to do it with 100% succession. He did this for hours and hours, and if he messed up once, he would be made to go on for even more hours.

*Lastly, Baku spends many days with each of the royal knights learning and mastering each of the 5 styles of the crystal sword’s combat powers. The young hero learns how to use his Aventurine Crystal on his sword so that it can transform into different weapons in conjunction with his Soul Energy.

*Using this skill, Baku learns how to create a large hammer and must train his endurance with it by running, jumping and swinging the weapon around. He would smash mountains and boulders into pebbles and dust. Oredahrmus, the 30 foot giant that he was, challenged Baku to strike him with his hammer until he was able to topple his great size. Baku attempted this over and over again, until he finally did.

*He then transformed his sword into a ball and chain mace and had to gain control of it by whipping and whirling it about without hurting himself and aiming it toward the correct target, giant horned beast that were faster than they looked. Exolute, the hooded man cloaked in armor, forced Baku to swing the ball and chain mace all day and night until his body and arms were sore.

*When the sun rised, the World Guardian was told to swing the dangerous weapon in the opposite direction he spent training all night. This painful and tedious exercise was meant to not only build the muscle required to swing such a powerful attack with force, but so his body had the ability to control it freely and at his own will.

*Next, Baku understands how to master the battle axe and spear techniques by training intensely with the masters of it so he can pierce and cut down anything in his way. Gilgadeese, the charmingly handsome paladin and leader of the five royal knights who was mounted on a steed whose mane was golden, charged Baku fiercely until with the use of his own spear, was able to knock him of his horse. If he failed, he would get savagely stabbed and pierced.

*Simultaneously, Daiveiv, whom was a gruff and manly barbarian would relentlessly attack Baku with his large battle axe. He threatened the teenager with a life ending assault, that ensured he knew the dangerousness behind his amazing ability, and how it could accidentally harm his allies if he weren't careful. They would force Baku to learn how to quickly change between his weapons in order to defeat them with their respective weapons.

*Finally, Baku trains with the crystal scythe so he can master it by learning and understanding its range. Iassalithe, whose long white hair mystically glowed in the moonlight, taught Baku all of her dances with the scythe, and all of the deadly ways to use it as they stood at the base of a waterfall crashing before them. She told him to dance all night long until he became balanced with his movement, for she warned him that careless use of the scythe may result in the end of the wrong targets life.

*The World Guardian moved with the water, a fluid motion that allowed him to communicate with the legendary weapon similar to how he did with his Aventurine Eternia crystal. By acknowledging the amazing responsibility that comes with wielding such an artifact, he knew that he had to listen to his sword in order to control it.

*Baku masters all 5 abilities and uses them in many long battles against the Five Royal Knight’s. Sometimes at night, while camping in the forest and fighting for survival les they starve, the elite masters would surprise attack the brothers and the two would have to fight them off with their new abilities and techniques. Relying on eachothers training, to protect themselves and teaming up for combo attacks.

*For the remaining hours that they have left in the training simulator, they continued to go over what they learned throughout the three months so that they didn't forget the strategies they learned. When the time finally runs out, Baku, the prince, and the five royal knights appear in the white room together.

(Setting: Crystal Kingdom: Royal Palace- Virtuareal Training Simulation Room)

(Scene: Baku, the Prince, and the Five Royal Knights appear in the training simulator)

*A flurry of light particles returns everybody to the white room.

[Baku Cree]: *panting* … Man… That was killer… Those three months of training definitely pushed me through every last physical and mental boundary that blocked my progression prior to the Crystal Dome Games… I feel brand spankin’ new! Haha! How do you feel, Prince Majorku?

[Prince Majorku]: I feel... transformed… Partaking in this training alongside you was a great idea, Baku. Perhaps it was enough to finally deem myself worthy to lead our kingdom… I must test my new strength with a worthy adversary to be certain, however...

[Baku Cree]: Totally, it was kinda fun! Surely our Soul Energy numbers must’ve multiplied at least by 100! I’m excited to throw down with any bad guy now!

[Gilgadeese]: World Guardian, the training we did in the last three months was meant to prepare you for your adventure on the planet below. What we did was simply teach you your first primary techniques so that you may protect yourself and defend your allies.

[Exolute]: We also greatly boosted your Soul Energy along with your physical strength and speed so that you can fight and react in similar ways that you’ve might’ve seen fighters like the prince and other elites. Now you will have the ability to battle like them.

[Baku Cree]: Cool… Does that mean I’m finally as strong as Prince Majorku or Lady Yamabushi?

[Prince Majorku]: I wouldn’t say that just yet… But… You do have an edge over me, just a slight bit, especially on the account that you have being the World Guardian on your side… You’re probably blessed with some type of favor, after all...

[Baku Cree]: Haha! Awesome!

[Iassalithe]: But listen, young hero… Your training doesn’t end with us… On the planet below, you will find challengers who will be much stronger than you… Because of that, you must continue to become better than what you are now, so that you never become stale or rusty in your skills… When you arrive at the planet below, promise me that you won’t forget your lessons with us… We did it because we know what it takes for the World Guardian to forge their destiny… So please… Take care of yourself and remember where you came from…

[Baku Cree]: I will… Thank you all for your help in training me. Thank you for your service and sacrifice and… *Smiling* Keep the kingdom safe while I’m gone! I have lot’s friends here that I’m leaving behind! So, I need you guys to protect them and everybody else while I’m busy protecting the world! I promise I won’t be long!

[Gilgadeese]: Don’t worry, Baku. We will… And soon, we’ll have the prince leading us to battle and victory…

[Prince Majorku]: *Smiles* …

[Daiveiv]: GOOD LUCK, BAKU! HAVE FUN ON YOUR ADVENTURE!

[Oredahrmus]: RREEE --MMEEE --MMBB-- EEERRR TTOOO-- BBEEE-- SSAAA-- FFEEE-- , BBAAA-- KKUUU--!!! PPEEE-- OOOPPLLEEE-- AARREEE-- RROOO-- TTIIINNGG-- FFOOORR-- YYOOOUUU--!!! YYOOOUUU-- KKNNOOOWWW-- SSOOOMMEEE-- TTIIIMMEEESSS-- WWEEE-- CCAAANN-- GGEEETT-- LLOOONNEEELLYY-- AAANNDD -- …

[Baku Cree]: … Oh man, uhh, what time is it? Oh, would you look at that! I, uhh… Have to get ready for Homecoming! Sooo… I’ll be on my way, you guys! I’ll be seein’ ya!

[Prince Majorku]: Have fun, Baku!

[Baku Cree]: Thanks, bro!

*Baku leaves the training simulator in a hurry.

[Prince Majorku]: *Smiles* …

[Gilgadeese]: He’s gonna do well. Kid has unlimited potential… Perhaps there’s a way we can check in on him from time to time.

[Exolute]: Yes, nonetheless, one day he will return and tell us all about his adventure on the planet below.

[Iassalithe]: Planet Eternia is going to be in good hands… Good luck to him…