Chapter One: A Lost Friend

Percival was greeted by Galahad's smile, "Percival, Are you not going to participate? I wouldn't blame if not. Gawain and Lamorak don't seem to be interested." Percival chuckled and replied, "Nay, I shan't. I enjoy these competitions without being the only lady. I also have no wish to be on the other side of the lance." Galahad shrugged and replied, "Then may it be easing to any sore eyes you carry." Gawain entered the room and warned, "Galahad, the introductions are going to start. Make haste." Gawain opened the door for the mighty cheers to be un-muffled. Galahad smiled and thanked Gawain then left out the door. Gawain looked at Percival and asked, "Shall we attend?" His hand was pointed to the door. "Yes," She replied, "we shall." She exited the door and let Gawain follow.

The king stood up and shouted, "People of Camelot, I welcome you here! Before letting the knights of the many realms come I would like to introduce to you Sir Lamarck!" A green hawk entered the arena and waived with a smile. He took a seat and waived a little more before the crowed settled. "Sir Gawain!" Gawain entered as well and repeated Lamorak's actions. "And most of all, the leader of my round table, Sir Percival!" Percival was somewhat saddened by what the king said. "Where are you?" She asked an old friend silently. A quick flash back was in her mind:

"Where are you going?" She asked

"I…I am taking my leave. I feel that my place isn't here anymore," Her friend replied gloomily.

"What! You cannot! We need you!" Shouted Percival

"What does it matter, Percival? I am no fit to be leader of the round table. Yesterday proved that," said the sad knight.

"But-but you have led us perfectly. If you leave we'll…"

"It doesn't matter. Even though I leave I know bloody well no one will miss me, Percival," He said agrily.

"But…Lancelot…"

"That's enough," He said calmly, "I take my leave."

"You're wrong. I would, and I know she would too."

"…If she were alive to see this."

"Don't blame yourself for her death… Lancelot!"

Percival opened her eyes and shook her head. She found a smile and walked out. Her smile was warm and bright. She waived a little and tried to hide her sad feelings. Before taking a seat she looked at it reluctantly. "This chair doesn't belong to me." Gawain looked at her and encouraged, "He always said that you were worthy to have such a position." Percival hesitated but sat down eventually. The Lady of the Lake, also being the queen, stood up and announced, "Now may the contenders be introduced!" Servant of the knights one by one introduced the knight they served and the list went long.

Eventually it reached to Marine's turn. She was also Percival's maid. "Ladies and gentleman," She started, "Lords and Mistresses, Your majesties and noble knights! It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you and nine year champion of these tournaments. Sir Galahad of Camelot!" Galahad rode out and gave just as dramatic an introduction as the other knights. The people applauded loudly. Galahad raised his pearl white lance in the air and made the crowed applaud and shout louder. They calmed down and another man walked out and cleared his throat. "Dear people of Camelot. It is an honor to speak to you today and even a pleasure to introduce to you a true knight and lancer…" He turned to the rest of the lancers and added humorously, "No offence." Everything that breathed and was present laughed and let him continue, "But I must not delay any more! You of Camelot, I present to you Sir Edward Thatcher!" Edward made a entrance and was a little less dramatic. However it wasn't what he did that made the people exited.

Percival leaned forward and said, "He reminds me of Lancelot." The queen replied, "I thought the same, but Lancelot wasn't as tall as he." Edwared looked all around and could hear his breath echoing in his helmet. He raised his lance to excite the people even more. He reached his part of the line and was right by Galahad. "Welcome," He greeted, "You look like one who has much skill." Edward replied with silents for a moment but was able to say, "So you are Sir Galahad. Your not as much as anyone had said you'd be." Galahad chuckled and assured, "Oh, don't relax. I will still be quite a bit of a challenge." Edward chuckled. "Spoken like a true knight. But I had no plans of letting my guard down." The king gave a small speech and then dismissed everyone. "Gawain? Gawain, wake up," Percival urged. He stirred then asked, "What? Oh. It's over?" Percival rolled her eyes replied, "Yes, now come. We must attend the party." Gawain stretched himself and followed Percival and Lamarck.

Once they arrived they found it to be quite busy. They took their seats but the two knights looked at Percival. "Percival," Gawain called, "Your seats here." Percival looked at her seat then at the dark ash wood and crimson red chair. "O-of course," Came her words. She sat on the chair and sighed sadly. How many times did she get that wrong? She counted every time and had her answer. That was the tenth time. Which meant he was gone for ten bloody years! Percival closed her eyes and asked, "Does he plan of ever coming back?" Lamorak replied, "He was gone for so long. I don't think he wants anything to do with Camelot anymore." Percival took great offense even though the comment wasn't toward her. They had no idea why he left like she did and he especially didn't have any right to just insult Lancelot like that. This made her snarl at him and say harshly, "How could you say such a thing? He was loyal to the king and was loyal to Camelot!" Lamorak knew he angered her and said, in his defense, "Then why did you say 'was?' Surely you think the same." Percival widened her eyes and cursed her slip-of-the-tong.

She turned her head around in shame and looked around the room. Percival noticed Galahad next to Edward. She watched Galahad talk to Edward. They seemed to be engaged in a serious conversation. Galahad looked as if what he was being told was important advice. Suddenly his face dropped and looked disappointed. For all it could be it was probably bad advice. If it was advice at all. Galahad looked sadly at Percival and the other knights. Whatever he heard was going to be dreadfully bad news to them. Galahad picked himself up and said to them, "I have horrible news." Percival asked, "What's wrong?" Galahad took a deep breath and replied, "You remember when Lancelot left?" Percival nodded with a frown and suddenly turned concerned, "What is it? Is he well?" Galahad looked down and replied, "I'm not sure. Coincidently Edward just met him recently." The three knights stood up and asked, "He has?" Gawain was the first to ask the question, "Where? What does he know?" Galahad put up his hands, "Hold on. Let me start from the beginning. When he left he desided to serve the Knuckles Republic. Gawain, I'm sure you're familiar with them." Gawain nodded, "Yes, my former lady. But they are our allies. What is bad about this?" Galahad shook his head, "This isn't what is bad. Lancelot swore to serve the princess and even helped them win a war that could have made them slaves again. They are a tribal kingdom that just received their liberty after all. Anyway Lancelot helped them win but the princess was given venom and grew gravely ill. Lancelot and Edward became friends then. Lancelot tried to get the same venom to create a cure. He succeeded in getting the venom but when he came back he looked ill as well. He was sweating and had a rising temperature. He and Princess Tikal tried to convince him to stay and ensure his health, but he refused. Edward never heard from him since and neither did we. You and I both know that Lancelot doesn't care about his health. He'll fight an entire war by himself with leukemia if it was going to save Camelot." Lamorak sat back down and sighed. He was in remorse of what her told Percival Gawain looked down and put his hand on his forehead. Percival closed her eyes and sat back down with a sigh. "So he could be…?" Galahad nodded.

The king entered the room and announced to let the party begin. Speech was everywhere except among the three knights of Camelot. Speech was far from their lips after hearing the dreadful news. What were they going to do? More importantly what was Percival going to do? She was not the greatest leader there was of the round table. She rubbed her forehead and was mad enough to swear. The other knights were able to eat but she lost her appetite for any sort of food. She rose from her chair early and reached the decision to fast for the day. "Where are you going," Asked Gawain. Percival turned and replied, "I have no desire for food but rest." Lamorak nodded and said, "Have a good rest. It is going to be an exciting day tomorrow. Rise early." Percival gave a curtsy and dismissed herself. "I fear Lancelot's possible death is affecting her more than a blade," Lamorak said while scratching his head. Gawain watched Percival disappear and add to try to rid of negativity, "Perhaps she is in love." Lamorak chuckled only a little. "You and I both know she has no interest in love." Gawain chuckled and replied, "I know. I was only jesting."

Percival walked down the hall. She looked out the window and noticed the air was cold because of an open window. She closed it and then thought, "If Lancelot survived the serpent then I hope he is alright. This weather is quite cool." Whilst she was looking out the window a voice appeared behind her, "You seem troubled, Percival of the Round Table." She turned and gasped, "Sir Edward? What are you doing here?" He bowed and replied, "I meant no offense. If it pleases you I will leave." He bowed again and was about to leave but Percival stopped him, "Wait! It was rude of me to confront you like that, forgive me." He turned and replied, "There is nothing to forgive nor pardon. I was only wandering the castle walls." Percival smiled, "I hope it was relaxing." He replied, "Yes, indeed. The noise in that room is uncomfortable for me. I am glad I took time to be out of noise's reach." Percival nodded and agreed, "Indeed. I don't like too much noise either." The two were in awkward silents for a moment. "Sir Edward, I… Forgive me for asking but… what do you know of Lancelot and his whereabouts?" Edward replied, "Lancelot and I became friends a while ago. We served our lady for years to come. Until she and her people were challenged for their freedom even though they earned it. They were once slaves to a different kingdom. This also made their kingdom larger. However since the first war between the Republic and the tyrant kingdom they were cut in half and divided as two kingdoms. Lancelot also helped with this war." Percival nodded, "Yes, I can recall that." Edward nodded and went on, "Back on the latest past: Lancelot helped us with the second war. He was able to kill their ruler and give us an easy victory. However it was costly. The king had died that day and his daughter ascended the throne. She admired Lancelot for his skills. They were also rather close. Because of this he risked his life to get cure from poisoning that happened to her. I waited for him to return which he eventually did. In spite of that he looked rather ill. He was sweating like a lake and a chill as well. He seemed cold and yet he was sweating. I tried to convince him that it was best he staid but after the princess was healed he asked to be dismissed. After that I never heard from him again. Galahad has told me that you haven't heard from him either."

Percival shook her head, "No, we haven't." Edward nodded and went on, "I looked everywhere for him before I came here. I found no trace of him." Percival looked to the ground. She fixed a smiled and said, "Well, I shan't keep you any longer. I wish to rest my head and you need yours for tomorrow." He bowed and said, "Of course. Good night to you then." She curtsied and walked off. The she heard someone coming. "Ah, there you are, Sir… eh hem, Sir Edward." Edward looked at the young man and asked, "What is it, Lucien?" Percival was going to go on about her business but she couldn't help but listen on what they were saying. "Sir Edward, I was looking for you…"

Percival entered her room, exhausted. She dressed for bed and lied down to rest. Her sigh escaped her lips and couldn't stop thinking about Lancelot's safety. The two were friends and other than that he was their rightful leader. She closed her eyes, "Lancelot, I hope you are well. Please come back; I'm not sure how long I can take the pressure of Leader of the Round Table." She fell asleep and tried to not worry any more than what she was already in. But she only had a dream of him. It wasn't pain or despair. It was after he left. "Lancelot, what brings you here?" Edward asked in a smile"Edward," Lancelot said as he approached."Ha ha! It is good to see you again,friend," Edward said giving him a brotherly hug."I share the same thoughts," Lancelot replied,"I have come to serve the lord of the republic." Edward widened his eyes. "What? You are? You honor us, Sir Lancelot! This way, you are most welcome," Edwared said in great excitement. "It is just Lancelot. I am no longer a sir knight," Lancelot corrected. "Not for long, my friend. You shall be given a high place in our lord's palace." Edwared lead him through the town protected by the castle walls. "Look at what you started? Because of the victory you helped us achieve we have prospered into a strong kingdom. We are now our own nation." Lancelot smiled at the work and replied, "It isn't in my works that has given you freedom. It is the heart of you people that has freed you realm from bonds and chains." Edward patted him on the back and said, "But if it weren't for your bravery we wouldn't have achieved this heart." Lancelot chuckled and said, "Every one of your people has given me passion as well. It is 'us' who have given this freedom to your nation." Edward nodded and said, "You have greater honor than all of us. You don't seem to understand that you are an older brother to this republic. Come, our king is waiting for you." Lancelot didn't say anything else. He seemed touched by what Edward had said.

Edward and Lancelot entered the throne room. The king of the tribal kingdom turned around and was surprised by what he saw. "Sir Lancelot, what brings you here?" The princess turned as well and gasped and smiled to see Lancelot present. Lancelot pulled out his sword and knelt to the ground with his blade in both hands. "I am here to offer my services to you, my lord. I have found I am no fit to serve Camelot." King Pachacamac was amazed to see what he was receiving. This was the greatest surprise he had received. "You wish to serve me? This is of the highest honor that I accept. Arise Sir Lancelot knight of the Knuckles Republic. Lancelot stood back up and sheathed his sword. The dream faded and fast forwarded a few images then stopped when Lancelot was walking down a flight of stairs. The princess approached him with a smile, "Hello, Sir Lancelot. I was waiting to speak with you." Lancelot bowed and said, "My lady, Princess Tikal, what service can I be?" She kept her smile and put up a hand to tell him there was no need to be formal to her. "I only wished to thank you for coming to serve my father. He has talked of you and what accomplishments we can make with you nonstop. Edward has also spoke highly of thee." Lancelot chuckled and said, "They exaggerate, I'm sure." Tikal giggled and replied, "You have proven to be invaluable to our people and more of a caretaker. You are like an older brother to us. My father told me a story of you. This I'm sure he exaggerated and don't tell him a said so but I found him to be drunk. However he did say that you fought alongside my great grandfather. His father always told him that story. I can see what you mean by exaggerate." Lancelot chuckled and replied, "He must have loved that story quite a bit to remember how long it was. He wasn't even born when it happened. I still regret not being present to fight off their enslavers." Tikal was shocked. "You mean the story is true? But…pardon me, you look so young." Lancelot scratched his head and said, "I have fought many wars in the past and if it helps to remind you a few more stories I can recall being called the Shadow Hero."

Tikal gasped and asked, "That was you! I have read all of those stories. I never knew you had lived so long." Lancelot smiled and explained, "The books don't have enough words that can explain what horrors they were." Tikal smiled and admired, "You are very brave. We are very fortunate to have a knight as brave as you." Lancelot bowed, "Thank you. It is an honor to serve ones like you." He reached for her hand and kissed it softly then went on about his business. The dream then fast-forward to a woman walking toward King Pachacamac whilst he was sitting in his throne. She looked rather haughty and proud. "What is your business here?" He asked. The lady chuckled and by the looks of it she meant ill will. She pulled out a scroll that read, "By order of the king of Akavar you are to surrender back into our kingdom to where you have been rightfully won." Pachacamac laughed and replied, "Do you really think you have ownership over us? We won our freedom from you and we were, are, and always will be our own nation. You cannot take our freedom so lightly. Don't you remember what happened the last time you tried resisting us?" She scoffed back, "You were only lucky enough to have Camelot find you in plea. But not this time. This time we have our own allies. And you? You are alone. Camelot will not hear from you this time. I made sure of it." Pachacamac smiled and tilted his head towards Edward's man servant. "I would not think so."

Lancelot was in the garden with Tikal. Since there were strange attacks they took no chances. Lancelot insisted he kept her safe. She was alright with it of course. "Lancelot," Said the servant, "You have been summoned." Lancelot nodded and looked at Tikal. She followed with concern. The king continued, "So you think we are alone but even then we still have strength. We have prospered and built ourselves to be stronger. Ah, Lucien. Is he here?" Lucien nodded. Pachacamac smiled and continued, "You may have stopped us from reaching out but unfortunately you are too late. Because we didn't go to them. They came to us." Pachacamac raised both his hands and with a cocky smile. Lancelot walked into the room and asked, "You called for me?" Tikal gasped to see who it was. Lancelot looked at watched her hide behind him a bit. He looked at the woman before him and asked, "Is there something I must share concern?"

The woman widened her eyes and asked, "Sir Lancelot? Sir Lancelot! You would be coward enough to except a knight such as him? Do you really think that your heroes of old could save you from the fire that is to come? You're pathetic!" Lancelot scanned her then growled, "Shawna." She turned around and asked, "Why do you help them? There is no benefit in working with our enemy. Surely you know that." Lancelot replied softly, "It isn't benefit I am looking for." Shawna looked at him confused and upset, "Why do you persist to betray us? You know you are one of us." Lancelot shook his head, "No, not anymore. I am the property of whomever I serve." Shawna looked broken and said, "You have betrayed your people for what? You used to be loyal to our king. Loyal to our nation, our people. What do you see in these people that we don't have?" Lancelot replied, "Peace. I believe you're done here. I suggest you leave and forget what has happened today. War has no answer to what you believe, Shawna." Tikal looked at Shawna who she could feel hurt inside of. "Instead of war why can't you make peace with this nation?" She asked. Pachacamac agreed, "Yes, what is it you see that is foolish with peace with us?" Shawna glared and replied, "Your nothing but a slave! You have no right becoming allies with anyone! And you! Sir Lancelot!" She shouted in mockery, "You will pay for what you have done! This was the last chance you had to redeem yourself! But it's over! And you, Princess of the Savage Tribals! The choice is now yours to pick. I Shall give you a warning for if you dare resist! Don't make it any harder or worse for your kingdom!" Shawna threw a knife into Pachacamac and killed him instantly. Tikal screamed loud enough that if it lasted you could go deaf. She ran to her father and started to cry. Lancelot shrew a chaos spear at Shawna and only wounded her. He ran to Tikal. Lucien sprang into action and jumped after Shawna. Edward ran in and shouted, "What's wrong? What happened here?"

Tikal looked at him in tears and then planted her face in her father's chest. Lancelot knelt in front of the king and said, "Forgive me." She looked at Lancelot and ran into his arms. "Why did she do this, Lancelot? Why can't they be like you?" Lancelot picked her up and let Edward look into everything. He guided Tikal to her room. She was still crying like a banshee but without the loud screeching and wailing. "My lady?" She didn't answer. She only remained in her misery. He knelt low and stood back up. He turned around but felt something grab his hand. "Don't leave me alone," She begged, "I don't want to be alone." Lancelot nodded and replied, "As you wish."

The image disappeared and went through numerous others and then Lancelot along with Lucien and Edward were in an unfamiliar throne room. Shawna, her ruler, and two men were in front of them. "You should have joined us," The king said as if it were a tragedy. Lucien wen't into a low combat pose and Edward swung his sword side to side in circles. Lancelot scoffed, "So is that supposed to mean that you are surrendering?" Lucien and Edward chuckled. The king replied, "Not at all. Just a good bye." He and his followers attacked. Edward ran towards Shawna and locked in battle with her. Lancelot started to battle with the king. Lucien appeared next to his followers. His battle didn't last for too long. He broke the neck of one and then stabbed the other in the back, lifted him up, and injected his other chaos knife in the last ones throat with enough force to bring him to the ground. He joined Edward in his fight and Lancelot continued with his. Edward was forced back but when Shawna was about to rid of Lucien he reversed her strategy and kicked her out the window. By then Lancelot was still in dual with the king. He disarmed Lancelot but that was just a start of a trap. Lancelot let his blade fly but kicked the king into it. The sword was completely though him. The image turned into a celebration once Lancelot turned to face Edward and Lucien. Tikal smiled at Lancelot and he gave her one back. The suddenly it all turned into a destination with Tikal in a bed and sick as could be. She looked paler then she should have. Lancelot approached with a bottle but Edward wasn't anywhere to be seen. Finally it turned to Tikal kissing Lancelot good bye. This wasn't an ordinary kiss for luck. One you would see a knight would receive on the check. Percival could tell she was in love with the loyal and powerful knight. Only problem was he looked pale too. He was sweating greatly and it was winter. He gave her a weak smiled and said, "It was of the greatest and unspeakable honor to have served you my lady," He smiled. She smiled back in tears and replied, "If you feel it best then please come back. I find your presence soothing." He nodded and mounted his horse. Then Lucien showed up but suddenly there was a thumping sound.

"Percival, Percival? Are you awake?" Percival woke up and replied, "Y-yes. Yes! I am up. One moment." She scrambled to her feet and had her mind in the dream. She was in a beautiful dress again and saw Gawain and Lamarck with crossed arms and confused expressions. "Are you alright?" Gawain asked, "You never slept this long. We must make haste. The tournament is about to begin." Percival nodded and followed them in a little embarrassment. She closed her eyes and watched Lancelot ride away to an unknown location. Her eyes opened but she began to question, "Edward said that he and the princess were trying to convince him to stay. But where was Edward?"