Well, I hope everyone is getting along well! Easter is around the corner for me, so hopefully that will come with some more time for writing, but we'll see. I want to thank Lucenthia, Kristen Verne, HRC Stanley, and soraroxas123 for reviewing. I greatly appreciate every one of you! Nothing further to add, so on we go!
Chapter 10: Rekindled Flame
(Missing You, Kingdom Hearts II)
Raelyn spent the night in troubled dreams in which he was stalked by shadowy pursuers. For what felt like an eternity, he fled from the shadows and chased after his father in the distance. Yet try as he might, he never could catch up to Turias.
When Zane roused him early in the morning, he found it a relief even though he was not well-rested. The golden sun had not yet risen when Zane had declared it time to depart, and Raelyn dressed himself in the cold shadows of the early hours. The Ancients had given him new clothes for his journey forward, as his would be a mission of stealth and hiding. As such, his LE field uniform would be of little help in laying low.
Dawnomar's assistants had crafted Raelyn with a precious new set of clothes; a fitted black shirt laced with the armory veins woven into Ancient-issued armor. Against Keyblades it would be of little help, but it was capable of turning nearly every other weapon away. His pants were a light gray, with shades of white added in. They fit Raelyn perfectly, who found them equally comfortable and durable. Black boots and gauntlets with silver designs were upon his feet and hands, and a brown cloak with a hood was draped about his shoulders.
He checked himself in the mirror to make sure it was all in order. The suit felt different from the LE combat attire he was used to sporting, but not in a bad way. It felt lighter, even though he had a feeling that it was denser.
Fully clothed, Raelyn reached beneath his mattress and pulled out one more item: a silver necklace bearing a spiky crown. He stared at it for a long moment, thinking back to what Sora would have done in the position he now found himself. "Marek's Dagger showed me secrets from the past. Please, Sora, show me what I need to see…" he whispered.
Despite his hopes, Sora's Necklace remained idle in his hand and showed no signs that it was anything beyond a mere trinket. Raelyn frowned and raised his hand in frustration to throw it against the wall, but stopped himself. Sighing in defeat, he put the chain around his neck and tucked it underneath his shirt to hide it from view.
"Sora's Necklace refuses you." said a quiet voice, causing Raelyn to look up. Zane was leaning against the doorway, his arms crossed.
"I don't understand why. Marek's Relic gave me a glimpse of its power and showed me an old memory. Why won't Sora's do the same?" Raelyn asked as he gathered his few personal belongings into a travel bag. Zane smiled slightly.
"I told you already. Each Relic requires you to show that you possess a certain aspect of its original owner. Your earlier arrogance in the wake of repeated success caused Marek's Dagger to awaken for you, as you showed the trait that Marek is most remembered for. However, Sora's Necklace requires something that you have not shown yet. Until you do, it shall be nothing more than jewelry." he explained.
Raelyn nodded and tried to put it from his mind. "I think I've got everything. Are we ready to go?" he asked, to which Zane nodded.
"We wait only upon you." the Ancient said. Raelyn slung his bag over his shoulder and followed his companion out of the room. He was sorry to be leaving the Golden City, where he felt safe from Caleb's grasp. But at the same time, the thought of Caleb sitting in his father's chair lit a fire underneath him.
He spent the entire walk to the ship following behind Zane and pondering what his future would hold. Despite his vow to Zane that he would make a stand against Caleb, Raelyn found himself deeply afraid. Through his anger, he feared Caleb and the forces at his command. Could he truly make a difference when so many of the Keyblade Wielders had turned from the principles that he was fighting for? What if the entire LE now bought Caleb's lies? Then his fight was all for nothing.
His thoughts drifted back to Sora's Necklace, and its refusal to show him anything. Sora and the Founders would undoubtedly have gone to face Caleb, no matter the consequences. They wouldn't have hesitated to do what they knew was right, even in the face of defeat. They willingly took on the creators of the universe, after all.
"Maybe my reluctance is the reason the Necklace refuses me. Perhaps it senses my wavering heart." he thought to himself.
By this time, they had reached the castle entrance and strode through the massive double doors out to the landing platform. A few Ancient ships were nearby, but the sleek and shiny black Gummi ship titled the SS Wanderer was the closest one in sight. As he and Zane approached it, he saw both Finnian and Dawnomar waiting beside it.
"The time has come." said Dawnomar upon their approach. Zane nodded resolutely, but Raelyn gave him a halfhearted shrug. Dawnomar smiled kindly at the boy and placed a calm hand on his shoulder. "You have a long road ahead of you, my boy, but do not despair. You have been forever labeled a friend to this city, and we look to your return with open arms. Now, you must go forth and assemble the forces you need to take back what was stolen from you. It shall not be easy, but the right way is rarely the easy way." he said gently.
Raelyn nodded at his words and smiled gratefully. They then both looked over at Zane and Finnian, who were speaking quietly.
"We have scouted the way forward. You shall have a safe ride into Radiant Garden, but beware. The LE is still hunting for Raelyn and will be watching you closely. Already, they suspect you of allying with the boy and they will use you to find him, if they can." Finnian was saying. Zane nodded in response.
"Did the engineers equip the ship with cloaking technology?" he asked, to which the Slayer Commander nodded.
"Yes, even the LE should not be able to detect your ship, whether it is on approach or in departure. As long as Raelyn himself remains undetected, they will not be able to sense the ship on their scanners." he replied. Dawnomar cleared his throat.
"We have also fitted the ship with home comforts and two months' worth of supplies. Fruit and seed from our land does not spoil, and shall last you a long while. We have prepared you as best we can for your journey ahead. Now the rest is up to you." he said, glancing down at Raelyn.
"I appreciate everything you have done. I only hope that I'm the right person for the job." the boy said. Finnian looked down at him with a stoic expression.
"All our hopes go with you now, Raelyn Yoric. If you cannot accomplish this, then the dark days will be upon us. Caleb is on a course that will lead to another war. Even my Kingdom Slayers will not be able to stop him if he is left unchecked. The Keyblade Wielders of the Ancients shall not be enough to stand in his way. The Slayers would be toppled in the effort." he said solemnly.
Raelyn swallowed upon hearing that, the gravity of their situation once more on his mind. Zane gestured to the ship with a firm nod. "It is time. Raelyn, get on board." he said. Raelyn nodded and gave one last grateful smile to Dawnomar and Finnian before walking up the ramp.
The three Ancients looked at one another for a moment, before Zane embraced Finnian in a brotherly hug. "Alix would be proud of you. You wear his mantle well." Zane told the younger Ancient. Finnian shrugged his shoulders.
"He would be proud of the both of us. You showed him that humanity was worth our efforts. Now you must remind yourself of that." he replied. Zane nodded and watched Finnian walk away, back to his duties. He looked over at Dawnomar, the hooded Ancient wearing a grave expression.
"Tread carefully, Zane. Our enemies are closing in around us, waiting for an opportunity to strike. Leave no blood in the water, or you may find yourself surrounded by those seeking to devour you." he advised.
"I fear them not. The fangs of Zane Alkerias are still sharp enough to rend any who try." Zane replied, unfazed. Dawnomar sighed and shook his head slightly.
"Hold your temper and your tongue in check, and do not underestimate those you work against. That is what they hope you shall do." he persisted. Not wanting to argue, Zane nodded and gave the cloaked man a respectful salute.
"Have no fear. I know my role, and it is to guide the boy rather than take up arms against Caleb myself. I will hold to my purpose." he vowed. Dawnomar nodded.
"Go then, Zane, and Godspeed to the both of you." he said, raising his hand in farewell.
Without further words, Zane strode up the ramp and pulled the lever to close it. He made his way through the small storage bay and ascended the ladder to the main level. Climbing out of the hatch, he found Raelyn lying across one of the couches in the ship's living room. Dawnomar's assistants had furnished the ship with new blankets, pillows, and other comforts that had been lacking. The living room, bathroom, and every one of the four bedrooms had been given the same treatment.
"Guess we're traveling in style, if nothing else. If we go to our deaths, then it'll be in comfort." Raelyn muttered drowsily, already settled in. Zane chuckled under his breath and walked over, touching the boy's shoulder.
"No time for lounging, Raelyn. You'll be in the co-pilot's seat beside me. We must discuss plans for when we get back to Radiant Garden." he said. Raelyn groaned and scratched his heavy eyes before getting reluctantly to his feet.
Reaching the cockpit, the two sat down and strapped themselves in. Zane flipped a number of switches and pressed a few buttons, at which point the ship roared to life. In moments, they were in the air and making for the skyscraper-sized double doors that served as the main entrance and exit for the city. As the approached, they heard a voice through the ship's radio. "Ambassador Alkerias, you are cleared for departure. The Lanes are empty before you from here to Radiant Garden. Safe travels, sir." said the Kingdom Slayer manning the gates.
The doors slowly opened before them, at which point Zane sped through them. Passing through the doors, Raelyn could feel the shift in air as if passing into another Realm. Indeed, as soon as the Lanes Between were upon them, the Golden City was gone as if it had never been there. (end Missing You)
"So what's the plan, then? March into Radiant Garden to get answers?" Raelyn asked. Zane shook his head.
"No. You must remain undetected and out of sight. Radiant Garden remains the center of LE operations in the Realm. If you make yourself known, then there will be no escape." he explained.
"If it's so dangerous, then why am I going?" said Raelyn with an irritated huff.
"Because Caleb is set to make an announcement to the people, his first public explanation for what happened with your father. You need to hear it for yourself while I delve into the Council records for information on other matters." Zane explained. Raelyn crossed his arms.
"I swear, if he spreads lies about my father, I'll…." he began, but was interrupted.
"You will swallow your anger and maintain your cover, is what you shall do. This is not the time for wrath and rage." Zane retorted firmly. Raelyn scoffed and opened his mouth to argue, but the glance he got from Zane caused him to shut it again. "I'm glad we've sorted this out. Caleb's speech will be packed with people. Keep your hood about you and blend with the crowd. Do that, and you shall be nothing more than another citizen listening to the news. By the end of the speech, I should have what I need." Zane continued.
Raelyn realized it was futile to argue with his companion and chose to sit in silence for the remainder of their flight, doing his best to recall the instincts he had gained over years of missions. He had always been good to staying undercover, but he wasn't convinced that he was ready to be in the field again. This mission would either make or break his resolve.
LATER, RADIANT GARDEN….
Raelyn and Zane had left the ship in the forest on the outskirts of the city where it would be best concealed and were nearing the city limits. Already they could hear the clamor and ruckus of a massive crowd just beyond their sight. "Here is where we part, for a little while." Zane said as they reached the edge of the forest. The city walls lay just ahead.
"So I'm attending the speech and then meeting up with you afterward?" Raelyn asked. The Ancient shook his head.
"Leave during the closing remarks and make your way back to the ship. So long as we are in the city, I cannot be seen with you. They are watching me. Wait no more than hour for me at the ship. If I am not there in that time, then leave without me." he explained. Raelyn nodded.
"Alright, but where should I go?" he asked.
"Make for Baron. There is a vast forest south of the kingdom. It is the place I chose for your permanent camp. It is secluded and well concealed." Zane replied.
Raelyn sighed and reached back, pulling his brown hood over his face. "Showtime, right?" he said nervously, not sure if he had recovered enough to hold the cover he needed. Zane nodded.
"We will meet again in two hours." he replied. With that, the Ancient ran forward and leaped high over the city walls, vanishing from sight.
Now alone, Raelyn walked forward and slipped through a hole in the wall. He immediately found himself surrounded by a bustling crowd that seemed to be making its way toward the city's main courtyard. Pushing away his fear and uncertainty, Raelyn moved into the throng of people and lost himself within it.
It took several minutes, but eventually they reached the courtyard where everyone was gathering. Much to Raelyn's fear, there were LE Agents standing guard at every entrance. He kept his face angled down, covered in his hood. As he passed by two of the Keyblade Wielders, he stooped a little toward the ground and hid from their sight. The height of the people around him hid him from view and he successfully got into the main courtyard, but already he was thinking about how he was going to get back out again.
For ten more minutes, people continued to cram into the already packed courtyard and Raelyn found himself elbow to elbow with those beside him. He kept his hood pulled tight to stop those nearby from seeing his face, and he narrowed his eyes as he saw Caleb take the stage in the center of the area. (Final Resolve, Dissidia 012)
The older man's buzzed head could be clearly seen even from a distance, and to Raelyn's fury, he had adorned himself in robes reminiscent of Turias' Grandmaster robes. A brown eye-patch covered the man's right eye, and he waved to the crowd as he approached the podium. Also to Raelyn's anger, a great number of people cheered and applauded at Caleb's entrance.
"Loyal citizens of Radiant Garden and friends of the Light's Enforcers!" he greeted in a booming voice. Many cheers responded, and Caleb smiled triumphantly. "The news has spread in the last few days about the change in leadership within our Agency. I am here to publicly address it to you, the people. Turias Yoric, our former Grandmaster, was not the clean and righteous man he wanted us to believe he was. Evidence surfaced exactly one week ago that Turias had been blackmailing officials from the Inner Worlds and denying aid to civilian settlements begging for LE assistance. Upon our investigation, we discovered that Turias' refusal to help stemmed from their treatment of his late wife many years ago. Because of an old grudge, he allowed hundreds of civilians to starve to death. This was a clear violation of the principles of our Order, and the tenets of the Grandmaster's office." Caleb explained, in a smooth voice that told Raelyn it was well-rehearsed.
As he felt his anger boiling over, he couldn't help but silently congratulate Caleb. The man truly was a master politician when he needed to be. In response to the man's words, there were many boos and shouts coming from the crowd now. Ten years of loyal uprightness from Turias had earned the people's trust and faith. Now one speech from Caleb was turning them all against him. Raelyn found himself disgusted by the people's ability to be swayed blindly, but had no time to linger on it as Caleb continued speaking.
"We received our evidence from an outside source and I personally led the investigations into it. When no doubt remained of Turias' wrongdoing, I gathered the senior Masters loyal to truth and justice and moved to arrest our Grandmaster. My hope was that he would stand trial for his actions and be given a chance to defend himself! But alas, my fears were quashed. Turias and his son Raelyn refused to be taken into custody and took up arms against us! They shed Wielder blood within the sacred halls where the Founders once trod!" he called in a tone of anger, well masked by the deceit he was feeding the crowd.
Raelyn frowned furiously. "The venom coming from your forked tongue should be convincing no one." he growled. However, the crowd erupted in roars and boos at the mention of Turias' desecration of the Founders' old home. Caleb put on a sad expression and nodded at their response.
"Your anger and surprise is also mine. Turias also had many Agents who remained loyal to him throughout this affair, and they followed his example by battling those loyal to the law within Heroes' Forge. For the first time since the Founder Age, Keyblade Wielders shed each other's blood on sacred ground. Many good men and women were lost in cutting out this cancer within our beloved institution. A good and noble Agent under my command suffered the loss of his arm, and I too paid a price for my dedication to justice!" he announced, pointing to his eye-patch.
"Eye for an eye!" someone in the crowd roared angrily, and hundreds of voices shouted in agreement. Caleb raised a hand to quiet them with a calm smile.
"Since that night, I have assumed command of the LE as Grandmaster. It is a post I neither sought nor desired, but I have taken it out of necessity. My Agents have worked tirelessly for days, and I can now tell you without a doubt that Turias Yoric died of the wounds he sustained that night. He paid for his treachery with his life." he explained. The deafening screams of joy and approval that followed from the crowd almost drove Raelyn to tears.
His father had dedicated his life to serving the people and upholding the principles left behind by Jack and Sora, often to his detriment. But Turias had been a good and upright man. Now, all because Caleb wanted power, Raelyn's father was being dragged through the mud, his legacy tainted by lies.
"Everything he did, he is blaming on my father. This will not stand." he growled.
"Yes, it is good news regarding Turias. However….." Caleb began, gathering the crowd's attention once more. "His son, Raelyn, former Field Commander of the LE, remains at large and determined to undermine us in vengeance for his father! He will not stop until I am supplanted and the LE destroyed!" he declared.
The crowd immediately began calling for Raelyn's head, causing him to look down and pull his hood farther over his face. "Moronic sheep, taking whatever he spoon-feeds you…" he growled under his breath. He had heard about all he could stomach of Caleb's lies. He pushed past the people in front of him and began slowly making his way through the crowd toward the stage.
"Something else to consider!" Caleb called from the podium, quieting the crowd once more. "The Council of Sovereigns has long worked to undermine the Keyblade Wielders out of jealousy and fear of our power! I am here to tell you that you cannot trust those Councilors who seek nothing but their own gain! While they bicker amongst themselves about how high your taxes should be, we the LE shall continue to defend your freedoms and protect you from all who would harm you! Between the Council and the LE, let us never forget who the people's true friends are! The Keyblade Wielders seek no money or recompense from you as the Council does! We seek only your friendship and your goodwill as we continue to keep the threats of darkness far from your doorstep!" he finished with a dramatic wave of his arms.
The crowd went wild with cheers for the LE and countless other screams of agreement with Caleb's words. Raelyn narrowed his eyes and had just moved close enough to get off a spell. He took aim at Caleb and raised his arm in order to summon his Keyblade.
However, a firm hand gripped his wrist to stop him from doing so. "I told you to remain undetected, and here you are about to do something more rash than anything else in your life." a voice whispered in his hear.
Raelyn looked over to see Zane beside him, a white hood over the Ancient's face. "I can't let him keep slandering my father like this. He has sat in the Grandmaster's seat for too long already." Raelyn growled. Zane shook his head.
"There shall come a day when you return to this place armed enough to take on Caleb and win the people back over, but that triumphant hour is yet a long way off. You will do nothing with this action but get yourself killed." he replied firmly.
Raelyn glared at Caleb for a long moment, who was waving at his adoring crowd, and then angrily put his hand back down. "Did you find what you were looking for?" he asked as they began pushing their way back through the throng of people. Zane nodded.
"I did, and we shall discuss it once we are away from prying eyes. For now, turn your attention to slipping away unnoticed. They have been watching closely, hoping for your arrival. You must be swift and stealthy in your retreat. I cannot go with you without drawing further attention. I shall meet you back at the ship in one hour." he replied. Raelyn nodded, and in another moment the Ancient had faded back into the crowd. (end Final Resolve)
Blending naturally with the crowd just as he had done on his way in, Raelyn passed by the LE Agents standing guard and followed the wave of chatting people back down into the lower city. However, soon he was faced with a new problem: the crowd was dispersing. They were heading to their homes, and the throng began thinning out the farther they walked.
Raelyn realized that he would be out of cover before reaching the city's edge and frantically looked for a new route. As the last group of people dispersed and he found himself alone on a wide street, he heard more Agents approaching. He looked around in a panic and quickly stepped into a side alley a mere second before no less than five Keyblade Wielders walked onto the street.
Alone in the secluded alley, Raelyn passed underneath an archway that opened into a wider hallway of sorts surrounded by stone. He had only taken a few steps forward when he heard a familiar voice behind him.
"Leaving already?" (Gate to the Rift, Dissidia 012)
Raelyn froze, recognizing the voice. He summoned his Keyblade and slowly turned around. Standing just around the corner of the archway he had passed was Lorne, casually leaning against the stone wall. His former friend wore a calm expression, though Raelyn noticed that one of his eyes was glowing bright red. "Well, since I'm not welcome, I figured I'd get out and avoid any awkward reunions." he replied, trying not to sound like he was panicking. He held his Keyblade firmly in hand, his body tensed and ready to react.
Lorne noticed this and smiled, remaining in a casual stance. "C'mon, Raelyn. I'm not here to fight." he replied and yawned into the back of his hand. Raelyn narrowed his eyes in disbelief.
"Considering you're Caleb's mutt now, I doubt that." he growled. Lorne frowned and leaned off of the wall, standing upright.
"Give me more credit than that, old friend. I'm using him, and my new position to try and hold him in check. My new powers have the means to break him without even raising my Keyblade." he replied and flexed his right arm. It was that moment that Raelyn looked down and saw the fake skeletal limb for the first time.
"Did Caleb do that to you?" he asked in disgust. Lorne sneered.
"Both you and him. The wound you gave me made them amputate my arm. To replace it, Caleb had the engineers craft this. It's so much more than my real arm ever was. It's how I knew you were here the second you entered the city." he explained. Raelyn stopped in surprise.
"How….?" he began to ask, but Lorne typed a few strokes on a keyboard built into his forearm. He then adjusted a dial on his elbow and waved his arm wide.
A number of ethereal screens appeared floating in mid-air between the two men. On each screen was Raelyn, caught in four different locations since entering the city. "You can't hide from my sight, old friend." Lorne smiled and tapped his right temple beside his glowing red eye. Raelyn shook his head a few times as he looked at the screens.
"If you knew I was here, then why didn't you tell Caleb?" he asked suspiciously. Lorne waved his arm once more and caused the screens to vanish. He flexed his fake arm for a moment and brushed the dust off of his black and dark-green field suit.
"Like I said, I haven't chosen my side yet. I'm feeling out the terrain. I disagreed with your father but I never wanted him dead. Caleb lied to me, and I can't trust him." he explained. Raelyn rolled his eyes.
"Yet you're still with him." he said coldly. Lorne shrugged his shoulders.
"I'm trying to hold the LE together from within. Someone has to, especially if you're too beat up about your dad to do anything about it." he retorted. Raelyn hissed and raised his Keyblade angrily.
"You don't get to talk about my father! It's your fault he's dead!" he said scathingly. Lorne nodded slightly.
"And that may be true. But now we can do nothing except play the hands we have been dealt. I would stand against Caleb, but will you have me?" he said, looking solemnly at his former friend.
Raelyn stared long at Lorne's face, seeing no visible sign of deceit there. But still, he found himself unable to swallow what he had been told. "Do you really think that I could stand beside you? Trust you to have my back again? You are the one who got my father killed. Without you, Caleb's plan would not have succeeded. You are a traitor in every regard, Lorne. I will never trust you again." he declared.
Lorne's face hardened upon hearing his response, and his body stiffened. "You would turn aside the one person who could help you defeat Caleb?" he asked in calm disbelief. Raelyn sneered coldly at him.
"I won't stoop to Caleb's level. Relying on a traitor and a liar is something that I won't do. If your choices were me or Caleb, then I suggest you run back to your master. From here, you're nothing more to me than a servant of my enemy." he growled.
Lorne sighed deeply, his face void of emotion. Finally, he nodded. "Very well, then. My orders are to hunt you down with the full might of the Agency. If Caleb's agenda is the only path left open to me, then your destruction at my hand will be of your own making. This is the last time we part on diplomatic terms. From here…our next meeting shall be on opposite sides of battle." he said calmly. Raelyn nodded firmly.
"On that day, you're going to lose. Next time, I'll cut off your other arm too." he growled. Lorne smiled coldly.
"I offered you my help and my loyalty, but you have spurned it out of pride. There are more important things to worry about than your father's murder. While you set your focus on petty vengeance, I shall seek to hold this Realm together. It seems as if all importance falls upon my shoulders." he replied.
"Keep telling yourself that, traitor." Raelyn spat. Lorne turned and began walking out of the alley.
"Out of respect for the friendship we once shared, you have one hour before every soul in Radiant Garden knows you are here. You shall find no welcome in any world where the LE's presence exists." he said calmly. With that, he turned the corner and was gone from sight.
Raelyn, not trusting that Lorne would wait that long, turned and sprinted out the other end of the alley. Hurrying forward as fast as he dared, he headed for the city walls.
In a matter of minutes, he had reached the forest and felt a semblance of safety. However, he knew he had no time to waste and began hiking through the long trek back to the ship. As he traveled, the conversation that had just occurred lingered in his mind.
Had Lorne's offer been genuine? Was he truly planning to work against Caleb from within the Agency? His new powers seemed formidable even though Raelyn had only caught a fleeting glimpse.
If Lorne had been telling the truth, then Raelyn had indeed slapped away a hand that could have been of great help. But after Lorne's deeds, there was no way that he could be trusted again. No matter how much Raelyn needed help, he was not going to ally himself with snakes who might stab him in the back when the need arises.
It took him roughly half an hour to hike through the forest before finally coming within sight of the ship. (end Gate to the Rift)
He hurried onboard and found Zane already inside, seated in one of the armchairs. "What took you so long?!" the Ancient said, worry evident in his gaze. Raelyn shook his head.
"I'll tell you later. Right now, we have to get out of here!" he exclaimed. Sensing the urgency, Zane nodded and hurried to the pilot's seat. Raelyn sat down beside him and braced for immediate takeoff. Zane wasted no time in getting the ship up and away. As they hit the skies, they both heard alarms suddenly sounding in the city behind them. However, they broke through into the Lanes Between before anything else could be done.
LATER, FOREST SOUTH OF BARON….
(Nox Aeterna, Final Fantasy XV)
Many miles to the north lay the old and strong kingdom of Baron, a city famous for its powerful warriors known as Dark Knights as well as its noble Dragoons. It was the native land of Cecil Harvey and Kain Highwind, the latter of whom had spawned a powerful lineage of Dragoons through his wife, Rayne Rikkison.
Despite being in another forest, Raelyn felt much more secure in this one. Baron, though still a world within Council space, had a minimal LE presence. However, it did have a Hidden Legion outpost where Council forces conducted operations from. The benefit from this arrangement was that neither the Council nor the Hidden Legion was searching for him. They were more concerned with Caleb's actions than that of a lone fugitive.
Zane had landed the ship in a large clearing that had to be entered at an angle, as a thick tree-cover shielded it from the view of the skies. Despite the large ship taking up much of the clearing, there was still a vast space left. Raelyn found it a suitable place for a long-term camp, especially since a clean river also lay in sight of it. The river not only gave him drinking water but also fresh water from which to refill the ship's water tanks for bathing. The thought of a hot shower greatly helped in putting him at ease with what would be his new home for a while.
The ship itself was going to be a suitable house of sorts. He had a fully furnished bedroom and living room, as well as a functional bathroom complete with a shower. His kitchen was stocked with enough supplies for nearly two months and he was in minimal danger of anyone stumbling upon his camp. He would definitely be living more comfortably than most fugitives.
He and Zane had spoken of the encounter with Lorne, and the Ancient had agreed with Raelyn that to trust him would be too dangerous. Zane's agreement had helped put Raelyn's doubt at ease about the situation, and now their attention had turned to the information that Zane had gone in seeking.
"I can safely tell you that there is at least one other member of the Council who remains loyal to you and your father's memory: Owen Fair. His family has always been strong friends of the Keyblade Wielders and the Rikkison family, ever since Zack and Jack traveled together centuries ago. He and I shall continue working against Caleb in the legal realm, and we will do our utmost to combat Balorin's attempts to pass the Freedom's Fall Protocol. It would be an irreversible blow to our democracy if it passes." Zane explained. Raelyn listened to all of this and nodded.
"Caleb's not going to make it any easier. The more he pushes back against the Council, the more they're going to try and do something about it. Caleb is all but daring the Council to try and move against him." he replied.
"Indeed. The days ahead shall be arduous and testing. We shall have to prove ourselves durable enough to withstand the incoming storms." Zane agreed. The Ancient then reached behind him and pulled out two folders, placing them on the coffee table in between their armchairs.
"What are these?" Raelyn asked, picking up the first one. Zane's red eyes flickered with sorrow for a brief moment.
"The so-called 'evidence' against your father. I thought it best for you to have access to it." he explained. Raelyn stopped for a moment, and then opened the document. He speedily read through the contents and shook his head in anger.
"Every single thing in here has been taken out of context. Everything that Caleb said….the overall events were true, but the agendas and conclusions are complete crap!" he said angrily. Zane nodded.
"Yes. Hundreds of people did beg your father for aid, but your father refused them because a week prior they had publicly executed two LE Agents in violation of Inter-World law. It had nothing to do with your mother. Your father also placed bribes in some of the Outer Worlds, but it was to allow food and supplies to pass into the cities who needed them. To do it legally would have taken weeks, and those medicines saved countless lives because he went around the proper channels." he explained.
"Caleb used this to destroy my father's image?! How could he do this, and where did he even get it?!" Raelyn exclaimed. Zane sighed.
"Your father was no fool. These events were well buried, and only someone of peerless skill could have dug them up. We will in time discover exactly who it was, but that time is not now." he replied. Raelyn shook his head and scratched the back of his neck. He then threw down the first folder and picked up the second one.
"And what's this one?" he asked tiredly. Zane stood up and stretched.
"That is your homework, and it is for you alone. Here is where I must leave you, my boy. I have been absent from my post in Radiant Garden too long. I shall continue to aid you as I am able, but my place is there, helping to combat Caleb's actions and Balorin's policies. That folder is your way forward." he explained.
"What do you mean?" Raelyn asked obliviously, having not even opened it yet. Zane chuckled under his breath.
"Dear boy, you must assemble your team! Prove yourself worthy of following, and you will find those willing to stand behind you! I delved through Council records and found the most suitable candidates to help you in your mission. Gather them together. That is the first stage of your journey." he said. Raelyn listened to his words and nodded, at which point the Ancient gathered his cloak around him and made for the door.
Raelyn quickly stood up and looked at the man's back. "Hey, Zane?" he called. The blue-haired man stopped and looked back at him once more.
"Yes, my boy?" he asked politely. Raelyn smiled.
"Thanks….for everything. I know how much you put on the line for me. You wouldn't have done that if you didn't see something worthwhile in me. I won't let you down." he promised. Zane smiled back at the blonde-haired boy.
"You are made of sterner stuff than you yet believe, Raelyn. In time, you shall become aware of your own strength and weaknesses. Only then will you be able to challenge your enemies. I swore to your father that I would look after you, and I shall. The time for idleness has passed. It is now time for both of us to take action." he replied. Raelyn nodded, and with that the Ancient descended the ladder and vanished from sight. (end Nox Aeterna)
Now alone in his new home, Raelyn looked around the room for a long moment and thought about the journey ahead. It was going to be the toughest thing he had ever faced, and he definitely wasn't going to be able to do it alone.
(Freedom's Fall Main Theme{Liberators, Epic Score})
With that, he sat back down on the couch and picked up the second folder. He opened the first page and found a dossier in front of him along with a short report.
The Twilight Phantom:
Vigilante operating by night in Twilight Town. Suspected Special Forces training.
In the darkness of Twilight Town's night, a young woman found herself trapped and cornered in an alley. Despite her pleas cries, five men advanced on her with no means of escape. They laughed menacingly and the first two pinned her against the wall. Despite her struggles, she could not overpower them.
Suddenly, they heard the twang of a bow and the whistle of an arrow, which connected to the man closest to the girl. It struck his shoulder and pinned him to the wall with a scream. The other four men turned and looked up to see a hooded figure clad in shadows on a rooftop above them. The figure silently drew back their bow and let loose two more arrows, each one finding their mark.
As two more men fell, the remaining two drew knives and ran forward as the hooded figure dropped to the ground and engaged them. With a flourish of their bow, they disarmed the first man and knocked him headfirst into the wall with a sickening crunch. The last man ran up from behind, only for the hooded figure to draw a long knife from their sheath and place it at his throat. The man froze in fear, staring into the dark shroud where the person's face should have been.
Unable to do anything else, he dropped his knife with a whimper and turned, running back into the night. The figure then walked over and pulled the arrow out of the first man, who fell to the ground with a groan. The girl who had been attacked was shaking in fear against the wall, but the hooded figure kindly offered her their hand.
Reaching the end of that report, Raelyn flipped the page to the second dossier.
The Outrider Commander:
Fierce leader of the Outrider militia. Responsible for countless excursions in the Outer Worlds, as well as a number of thefts from Council territories.
Within a hidden and well-fortified base, hundreds of mercenaries were training and clashing blades against one another in a crowded hangar. Hundreds more were doing the same in surrounding rooms. Their numbers were incredible for a private militia, and their prowess was legendary.
Above the hangar was a window, and a shrouded figure was watching the mercenaries train with arms folded behind their back. A voice called to him from behind, at which point he turned and walked away from the window. A circle of strong and formidable advisors were gathered around a table and made an opening for the figure as they approached. A map of the known worlds lay on the table and a heated debate had been ongoing. The arguing ceased when the shrouded figure drew a knife and stabbed into the spot on the map labeled "Radiant Garden."
The advisors then shuffled out of the room, at which point the figure walked over to a desk and picked up a long sword with ornate carvings upon it.
Raelyn sighed and flipped to the last page, perusing the last dossier.
The Seeker of Hidden Truths:
Notorious computer hacker and information gatherer. Responsible for outing the activities and world secrets of numerous governments within the Inner Worlds.
Among the skyline of what had once been Traverse Town was now a massive sprawling metropolis filled with tall skyscrapers. Traverse Town was now called Traverse City, and in the center of the place was a gruesome and formidable-looking prison that spanned several city blocks.
Within the prison were hundreds of inmates, each one responsible for unspeakable deeds. The place was guarded by Hidden Legion operatives and was home only to the worst of the worst.
Within the common area where most prisoners were held was a set of double doors that were kept locked at all times. Stationed outside of it were two Legion Operatives wielding firearms. Through the doors was a room covered in shadows and lit only by dim red lights. In the back of the room was a cell, and the inside was so dark that only the shadow of a person could be seen as they looked up in silence.
Raelyn read through the files of his three candidates a few more times until he had them all memorized and then set the folder down. He stood up from the couch and sighed, thinking about the road ahead. "It's gonna have to be one hell of a team to take this on. Hopefully, the people Zane picked out are up for the challenge." he muttered.
The Twilight Phantom, the Outrider Commander, and the Seeker of Hidden Truths. He knew where to start and where to go from here. Zane's words lingered in his mind:
"Prove yourself worthy of following, and you will find those willing to stand behind you."
And that is the end of the story's introduction. Finally, we're here. The next phase of the plot obviously is gonna be about gathering this fated team together. I can't wait to introduce them to you all, and I'm quite excited about it. As always, thanks for reading! Tune in next time to meet the mysterious Twilight Phantom!