Once upon a time, the land of Seiyo was ruled by a kind and gentle king beloved by all. The people were quick to believe in the strength of goodwill during a time that magic was still pulsing with life. Seiyo was at peace.

But the king was naive, putting too much faith in the good of man. He was too blind to see that this comfort he had created for his kingdom was to be short-lived. With the dark powers of magic increasing throughout the kingdom, warlocks and witches began wreak havoc, subjecting the people of Seiyo to their whims.

With their influence, other magical creatures that had once lived peacefully in the world gradually grew restless and chaotic in their nature. It was a time when those who possessed no magic could not safely walk the streets.

This king of gentle nature witnessed his subjects constantly under abuse and crying out in pain. He died of a broken heart after the worst had set into the kingdom. His son, having grown only knowing the dark side of the world was quick to take action upon the disarray of his kingdom. He was quick to smash the greatest offenders and issues executions for all those who had abused their abilities. The overwhelming amount of reports of crime and violence made the king decide that magic was the sole evil that intruded upon the peace of his people.

Thus all magic was outlawed and Seiyo was in peace once again. But, there is no guarantee this will last...

"Your highness! Please!" Tadase slammed shut the book he was reading and ran to conceal himself among to shelves of books that had been brutally violated by his persistent search for the book he held tightly against his chest.

Kairi halted his frantic search when he reached the library. He took a moment to look around the familiar room.

With an exasperated sigh he called once more for his master. "Prince Tadase."

"Don't call me prince!" Tadase exclaimed, jumping out of his hiding spot to confront Kairi. Though, when he realized his mistake, he jumped back behind the shelf, hoping Kairi would somehow forget the years of training he had endeared to become a trustworthy security for the future king of Seiyo.

Kairi shook his head, unamused by the prince's actions. He was reminded of the days he was a child and first learning how to tackle the demands of his position. Back then he was mercilessly taunted and teased by the young prince who was constantly causing chaos around the castle. "Your highness. Must we go through this every time?"

Tadase bowed his head to him. "I'm sorry Kairi. I don't mean to cause trouble for you."

"Apologies aren't necessary, your highness." Kairi reminded him, keeping his face expressionless as always. He turned to leave mechanically, he had been through this routine numerous times over the past ten years of service. "Come along, the king is expecting you."

Tadase reluctantly followed after Kairi as the young man lead the way through a labyrinth of hallways. After seventeen years, Tadase still found himself in new nooks and corners he had never been before. His father claims that he was once lost for days in the hallways after venturing to the roof without telling anyone. Tadase was almost envious of Kairi's fluid motions through the corridors as he continued ahead.

Kairi stopped in front of a set of double doors that Tadase recognized as the entrance to his father's private chambers. Kairi stepped to the side and opened the door for Tadase to enter.

Tadase's father was examining his reflection in the mirror after being wrapped in a multitude of fabric and gold that made him look more like a bourgeoise desperately trying to gain notice than respectable royalty. And Tadase had a sudden fear that his father was going to dress him in a similar manner for the evening.

"Why the long face, Tadase?" His father, Tsukasa, asked when he noticed his son's presence. "We're celebrating. You should be in higher spirits."

"What is the point of all this?"

Tsukasa gave him a knowing look. It was the same issue as always. "You need to choose a fiancé before your eighteenth birthday. It's proper procedure."

"Proper procedure?" Tadase mocked the phrase with a hint of acidity. It was nothing but nonsense. "There are more important things to worry about than finding a fiancé."

"What could be more important than true love?" Tsukasa asked with his usual romantic outlook on life. "Just imagine how wonderful it will be. You will be looking over all the girls in room, being your usual unimaginative self, you will have no hope in finding a girl tonight. But, suddenly, one special girl, not like any other you have ever seen before, will catch your eye, and you hers. One close dance is all it will take to send your heart all a flutter."

The maids in the room allowed small giggles to escape their lips as they envisioned their own private fantasies. Tadase, however, was disgusted by his father's description.

"I don't think a grown man, much less a king, should use the word 'flutter.'"

"Mock me if you will, but rest assured, one day you will understand what I'm talking about. Then I'll have the last laugh." Tsukasa gently laid a hand on his son's shoulder and tugged him to his side in a small embrace. "Let's hope you start understanding tonight. What do you say?"

Tadase shrugged, knowing there was no point in arguing with the man. He was like a stone wall, never able to be budged. "I say, fine. Let's just get this frivolous party over with."

"If you're going to put it down, at least call the event by its proper name." Tsukasa did a low bow to the boy. "A ball."

The vision of a king bowing, even in jest was unbelievable. And a disgrace. This was the great, fearsome leader that had set so many people to their deaths and forced the greats into hiding. Now he was playing host to an event as purposeless as a ball.

A dark figure wrapped in a dark cloak tightened his grip on his crystal ball in frustration. The very thought of ever fearing a man as pathetic as this, set his blood on fire. "Enjoy your celebration while you still can, Tsukasa."

"My lord." A goblin came up from behind him and lowered in a bow.

"Is every prepared?"

"Yes Lord Gozen."

"Perfect." He responded, focusing the image on Tadase. "Let's pay our respects to the future king, shall we?"


"If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales."

~Albert Einstein


The atmosphere was suffocating. There were too many people here in extravagant dress and lavish jewelry. Tadase didn't want to be in the middle of such an affair, but considering he was the star of the party, it would be rude to leave.

With his eighteenth birthday approaching in less than three months, everyone was pressuring him to find a wife. This was arranged by his father as a final event to announce the transition of kings. The king was to step down once his son was eighteen, and with wedding preparations on the horizon, this would be the last chance to celebrate the event before the inauguration.

Tadase saw that his father had spared no expense, the room was done in such an elaborate and elegant arrangement. The room was light by a multitude of candles that hung on the wall and illuminated from the crystal chandelier that encompassed most of the ceiling. The room was all decorated in gold and silver that covered the tables, chairs, walls, and waiters that weaved between the groups deep in conversation and the dancing partners with trays of expensive food and alcoholic drinks to keep the mood light and merry.

Among the serves was Kairi, who was keeping an eye on the prince. He job was not normally to serve in such a manner, and he resented having to endure the wishes of the upper class, most of whom had no respectability as members of the elite (much less as human beings) and were merely here to bask in their small amount of privilege.

All the girls in the room stared at the gentle prince with awe and admiration. It was no secret that he was of the handsome sort, though he wouldn't be any less appealing if he had been otherwise. Every girl tried to give her best smile when his glance came their way, and when the opportunity to dance with him came they were all determined to test their womanly wilds. While some girls put their hearts in their looks, Saaya never left anything up to chance. She adjusted her broach that held a charm that was sure to flatter her beauty. And if that didn't work, it would a perfect device to emphasize her voluptuous chest.

"Your highness." Saaya approached him with a proper cutesy. "I thank you for the invitation. It was very kind of you to think of my family."

Tadase responded with the procedural bow, trying to rack his brain as to who she was. "The pleasure was ours miss."

"Duchess." Saaya corrected him, with a sweet smile. "Saaya Yamabuki."

"I see." Tadase knew that name had strong influence not only in Seiyo, but neighboring kingdoms. "Would you care to dance."

Saaya took his extended hand and followed him to join the people in the middle of the room. The two joined the dance at the beginning of the waltz. "It is such a wonderful party your highness. I just adore these gatherings."

"They do have a certain appeal to them." Tadase tried to be kind and considerate of her and his position. "I am more concerned with the uprising in the East."

"Uprising?" Saaya showed she plainly had no knowledge of the biggest news in the kingdom. There was talk of fanatics who were sure that magic in the world was more valuable than any one man's safety. They had grown more confident lately, and were sure to cause problems if they weren't reasoned with soon.

It was sure to be Tadase's first act as king, and he had been researching for weeks the history of the kingdom and the reasons his father had in banning magic. It was too uncontrollable a source and could easily corrupt the modest of beginners. Magic wasn't something that could be taken away either. Once studied and practiced, it became one with the practitioner, until they were completely consumed by it. There was nothing good in something as unnatural as magic.

"Well, I'm sure that you will put it to rest in no time." Saaya added with a flighty tone, as though that was enough to blow off the issue.

"Is that so?" Tadase wasn't sure she was the girl that should be the future queen. He had always envisioned his wife as someone he could consult issues with, but he knew his father would expect him to give him a name tonight. And considering the other girls in the room, she was the greatest asset. Besides, marriage was a way of obtaining the throne for him, love didn't have any weight in his decision.

The candles suddenly all blew out at once. A hint of panic began to stir the crowd. Tadase released his hold on Saaya's hands and tried to make out what was happening through the darkness.

Saaya grabbed his sleeve. "What's going on?" Tadase could hear the uneasiness in her voice.

"Stay here." He told her sternly before breaking free and trying to locate his father. At the very least, he was sure he would have a joke to reassure him. The help was on strike, maybe. He so enjoyed that particular ploy.

Tadase's hope of a coincidence was shattered with the front door being violently thrown off its hinges. An eruption of maniacal laughter overshadowed the screams of the guests.

A gnome like creature appeared before him. This was a creature he had only ever seen in the pictures of his books. Tadase was haunted by the creature's grotesque body and facial expressions hidden among sprouting gray hairs around the creature's chin and brow. They were something of another world that were supposed to be extinct long ago. This one was very real though, as he attempted to wrestle Tadase to the ground. Tadase was quick to act throwing his fist against the creature's face.

He scrambled away as the creature cringed back from the sudden pain. Tadase could hear many of the creatures abusing the people in the ballroom. He made a lunge at the one he had put on the ground.

"How did you get in here?" Tadase demanded the creature, trying to keep the creature down as it violently tried to wrench away. "Answer me!"

"You have no authority over me, tiny king." The creature's voice was a harsh, scratchy tone that made Tadase press it's head harder against the ground. "I answer only to Lord Gozen."

"Lord Gozen?" Tadase the name tasted bitter on his tongue. There was something seemingly familiar and disgusting about the name. He tried to rack his brian for a memory, but nothing came to him. "Is he the leader of this operation?"

The creature didn't have to answer. Within moments the chandelier crashed to the ground and silenced the room. A figure wrapped in a cloak emerged from the wreckage walking slowly towards the throne. He took the steps one at a time, savoring every moment. Once he was settled on the top raised the staff he held and hit the throne where he stood.

"I believe this kingdom has been under poor leadership for far too long." The man announced, taking a seat at the throne. "We all came to celebrate the transition of power, and I agree that it would be best for all if there was a change. Don't you all agree?"

The laughter flooded the room once again, some kind of cue for the creatures to begin tearing the room apart. Glass began to shatter and objects clattered to the floor while panic took over the room. The cries of fear and pain powered Tadase to release the creature and move through the doors and the corridors of his mysterious castle.

It didn't take him long to navigate his route to the library. Stashed among his favorite novels was the sword he had been given when he had satisfied his teacher's standards. The decision to keep the sword in the library was made due to the fact this was where he spent most of his time. Tadase had always dreamed of engaging in battle in this room, where all those old scholars whose knowledge filled the room could witness a legend being made. It was a childish thought, but it had kept him enthusiastic in his training and studies.

He unsheathed the and examined the shine. Now was the time to put all that he had learned to good use. He tightened his hold on the hilt of his sword, until his whole hand was completely numb. He hoped the lose of feeling in his hand would cease the shaking, there was no sense facing an opponent with cowardly feelings. His hand couldn't keep steady.

Tadase cursed himself under his breath. Despite the doubt his mind held over his ability, he began to run back to the ballroom, but was stopped by the door to the library opening. He stood prepared to cut down whatever barrier stood in his path.

"Calm yourself." Tadase was startled to see his father entering the room. "There is nothing you can do."

"What do you mean nothing?!" Tadase demanded looking beyond his father to see if he had been pursued. He was alone, which meant they had some time before Gozen noticed their absence. Every moment was precious from here on out. It could be the difference between life and death.

"If we take the fight directly to him, his goblin subordinates won't be able to help and I can take him out in a one on one encounter."

Tsukasa shook his head. "It is not so simple. A man, no, a warlock like Gozen won't be out done by a single blade."

"Warlock? I thought they were all extinct." Tadase asked, trying to think of how to adjust the situation. All those studies in this very library never prepared him for a warlock. It wasn't a rational circumstance to take into consideration.

"Not extinct." Tsukasa explained calmly. "Only hiding."

"All the more reason to move quickly. I won't allow some abominable outsider to take possession of the throne." Tadase's blood boiled at the very thought.

"It's alright. This encounter was long over due." Tadase couldn't believe how calm his father was. Did the king not feel anger or resentment towards the warlock trying to overtake his kingdom? But Tadase could plainly see nothing but exhaustion on his father's face. For the first time in his life, Tadase realized his father's age, sketched on the lines across his face. An old king who was through tackling such obstacles and striking fear into the souls that encountered him.

Tadase was not one to be persuaded so easily. "There are people suffering in the ballroom. I won't allow them to continue taking advantage of my people."

"If that is your desire, then the best thing you can do for them is stay alive." Tsuakasa told his son calmly. He took Tadase by the shoulders and looked his son straight in the eye. "They are all depending on your strength as their leader. You are the sole heir to Seiyo. You are the future of this kingdom."

"If I'm the future, then I need to defeat Gozen. Or else I'm nothing but a coward."

"A brave king that is dead accomplishes nothing. A coward that's alive gives them hope. There is no chance of Gozen's defeat here." Tsukasa tightened the grip he held on his son's shoulders. Silently pleading Tadase understood his words. "If you have any chance, you must obtain the Amulet of Astraea."

"An amulet? What is a charm going to do?"

"Save your kingdom." Tsukasa told him sternly. Tadase couldn't argue with his father's confidence, but he wasn't sure how it would save anyone.

Footsteps approached the library causing the father and son to focus on the door. Tadase readied his weapon.

"Your highness!" Kairi broke into the room, out of breath from his frantic running. Tadase noticed his cut face and clothes in disarray. His glasses were broken on one lens and his usually composed manner was morphed into one of anger and determination. His eyes fell on both the king and the prince. "Thank goodness."

"Kairi." Tadase approached him, but Kairi shrugged him off.

"I had a feeling you would come here. You always do." Kairi told him with the closest hint of a humor Kairi ever allowed himself to express. "It's getting out of control. You both must leave. Now."

"It is still my responsibility." Tsukasa old Kairi with the composure only a king could express during a situation like this. "Tadase, follow Kairi to the stables and the closest village should accommodate you."

"I won't just leave you." Tadase told him with an expressed tone of authority.

"It's not a request." Tsuaksa told him, keeping his composure but revealing the strength from the days he was the most feared man in the world through his eyes. "It's an order. Do as I told you before and maybe then I'll let you try to take my throne away from me."

Kairi pulled Tadase by the arm, before there could be any further dispute. "This way."

Tadase followed Kairi through the darkened corridors he couldn't tell where he was or what direction Kairi was taking him, but he trusted Kairi's intuition better than his own. They arrived at the stables in a matter of minutes.

Kairi took the reins of Tadase's horse and readied the animal. "West would be the best direction. The accent Gozen spoken with was Eastern, so at least the West is unfamiliar territory for him. Also, avoiding the fanatics in the East would be best." Kairi finished with speed at the sacrifice for quality, but it would effect enough. He handed the reins to Tadase. "You don't have much time."

"What do you mean I don't? Come with me." Tadase told him not accepting the reins. "I need help finding this amulet my father spoke of."

Kairi shook his head. "My sister's still here. I need to find her now that I know you are safe."

Tadase stared at him in dismay. Kairi offered him a small smile he could barely muster. "Allow me this one duty as a man."

"I understand." Tadase nodded. He took no time mounting the horse and setting it's path towards the West. "I'm going to need more intense security when I'm king. You had better be here when I get back."

Kairi smiled again with a nod. "You won't get rid of me so easily."

Tadase couldn't waste any more time. Every moment was precious. Every moment he spent away was one where Gozen had the advantage. Tadase hit his thighs against the horse to set him running blindly towards West, where he had nowhere in mind to rest.

Thank you everyone who took the time to read this first chapter. This is my first fanfic, and I am hoping to improve, so I would appreciate any criticism or advice anyone is willing to give. This chapter was mostly dense, but I hope it accomplished building up to the plot. The real quest begins in the next chapter.