Prologue
It's been five years since the end of the Second Eptinan Wars. Peace has reigned throughout the Continent since then. Emperor Duyere of the Junaris Empire has become a strong leader for his people after learning from his mistakes in the past. Duke Zeira of the Avalon Principality still ruled with a velvet glove and was appointed regent of the Muspel Nation by King Bastion since the only heir of the desert nation, Nana, was only seven at the untimely death of its current ruler, Duke Radcot.
Marquis Dionne still ruled his small country of mercenaries. Though his warriors' services weren't needed since the war's end, they still continued to train alongside Duke Logan's soldiers. Marquis Dionne and Duke Logan spar once in a while to settle who is the best warrior. Their spars always ended in a tie, however.
Lord Alden of the Duchy of Hibernia continues to watch the affairs of the Pharastia Kingdom but is not worried too much since he deemed Bastion to be a noble and honorable leader. The chess pieces have been reset and no one has made a move yet.
But someone is about to make the first move...
And that someone is the King of the Pharastia Kingdom, Bastion.
Bastion has ruled his kingdom justly and honorably for the past five years. He was praised as the hero who had ended the Second Eptinan Wars. He had helped his people rebuild their once proud kingdom.
Galvas was proud of Bastion just as Alugard, his deceased brother and Bastion's foster father, must have been when he was alive. His brother had taught the boy well and he was glad that he did. Bastion showed uncanny wisdom when in ruling.
The King had rebuilt the kingdom to its former glory as Galvas had dreamed that he would. The boundary between the Pharastia Kingdom and the Junaris Empire had been redrawn back to its original boundary. Emperor Duyere thought it was the least he could do for making up past mistakes.
Bastion had worked hard two years after the war before he settled down in the Royal Capital. His Ultragunner ATAC was sealed once again but this time, it stands proudly in the courtyard of the capital. It would stand as a symbol of everlasting peace between the nations of the Continent.
Peace.
A notion long since forgotten in the war has now been achieved. Peace wasn't attained by Bastion alone, however. The young King--Prince before--had the help of many friends; friends from all around the Continent.
There was Reyna, Ione, and Duke Zeira from the Avalon Principality; young Nana from the Muspel Nation; Marquis Dionne and Andrew from Dionne-Lehve; Lord Alden, Devlin, and Barlow from the Duchy of Hibernia; Claire from the Nordilain Forest; Galvas from the Pharastia Kingdom; Franco, Halak, and Sadira from the Junaris Empire; and his family: Puck, the young engineer; Milea, his 'spiritual' sister; and Kamorge...his father in spirit.
Bastion could not forget Kamorge, the one who had led him to fight for peace in the Continent. Though his real name was Alugard, Bastion will always see him as Kamorge and he would always see him as his father.
Soon after the war was ended, Bastion learned that Galvas was the brother of Alugard. He then understood why the Corps Commander was so adamant in his belief that he should return the Kingdom to its former glory.
Kamorge--no--Alugard had sacrificed himself to protect the future King of the Kingdom.
After Bastion had avenged his foster father's death, the young Prince returned to the Kingdom and assume his birthright as its rightful ruler. He thought it was the least he could do to honor Alugard's life.
And he had accomplished just that. His people were happy, his soldiers were happy; everyone was happy. He hoped that this happiness would last long for the nations were united once again.
The twenty-year-old king stood on a balcony overlooking the courtyard below him, his long green hair tied in a ponytail swaying in the mid-morning breeze. Bastion had grown slightly taller since the war, his muscles slightly larger. Hair grew over his upper lip that would soon become a mustache. He already heard some of the veteran soldiers and Galvas say that he was becoming to look like the previous King.
But he sure didn't dress the part. He wore only tunic, pants, and shoes; attire that any commoner would wear. But he had been raised as a commoner and had no taste in formal wear.
Bastion stared at the Ultragunner ATAC, the sun shining brilliantly slightly above, basking the ATAC in its radiant glow. "Are you watching, Father?" he whispered meaning Kamorge. "I wish that you were still here but I know that you're proud of me." He then heard someone approaching and turned to see who it was.
And smiled when he saw that it was his wife.
"Good morning, Bastion!" Sadira cheerfully greeted as she joined Bastion at the balcony.
"Good morning!" Bastion returned in kind. He smiled as he placed an arm around Sadira's shoulders.
It has been about two years since his marriage to the Imperial Princess. Though many of his people resented his decision to marry the daughter of their former enemy, he knew he had made the right choice. As the Ultragunner was the symbol of peace for the Continent, his marriage was a symbol of unity between Pharastia and Junaris.
"Are you sure it's alright for you to be walking around like this?" Bastion asked worriedly after a moment's pause. "I mean, in your condition and all?"
Sadira sighed as she absently rubbed her belly, which was round with child. Only a month to go before the child will be born. Their child.
"Don't you start," Sadira said tersely. "I've heard everyone say the same thing! Franco, Halak...even Duyere! And he isn't even here to see my progression!"
"I'm not surprised," Bastion replied then placed a hand on her belly. "But you do have to rest, if not for you then for the child's sake."
Sadira sighed again. "Oh, alright," she conceded. "But there's no harm in staying here with you for a while longer, is there? At least grant me some time to be with you before you leave to carry out your duties."
"Of course," Bastion said bringing Sadira closer into his embrace. Sadira, in turn, leaned her head against Bastion's chest as they both watch the citizens of the Royal Capital bustle with activity.
A month passed and the time of the birth came...
***
Franco thought he was going to be sick.
The chief advisor stood at a far corner of the royal chamber as he watched Halak at work, trying to help Sadira deliver her child. Bastion was at his wife's side, holding her hand as he whispered soothing words to her. At times, the King would wince as Sadira gripped his hand like a vice.
Seven hours had passed and still there was no sign of a child.
"I can't take this any longer!" Sadira gasped as she clutched Bastion's hand. "I'm ready to get this baby OUT!!!"
Halak shook her head. "Ready, you are not," she said. "Patient, you must be."
"Says you!" the redheaded queen exclaimed angrily through clenched teeth.
The old woman just shrugged and said, "I tell the truth. Your baby comes many hours from now." She then turned to the squeamish chief advisor. "Franco!" she called. "Bring water and more towels!"
Franco nodded and quickly exited the chamber, glad to be doing something than to hear Sadira's pained cries. As he shut the door behind him, he let out a sigh. I don't know how Bastion can be so calm in there, he thought as he took a deep breath. Now for the water and towels...
As Franco headed off to retrieve the said items, a figure entered the hallway in front of the royal couple's chamber. Corps Commander Galvas watched as Franco marched away in the opposite direction from him. "Imperials," he grunted as he took position by the doors.
He stood aloofly with his arms crossed over his chest. He wasn't quite fond of the idea of Imperials walking in the hallways of the Royal Capital. He deemed it to be an insult to the memory of the late King and to the memory of all those who had died during the attack.
He also wasn't fond of the marriage between Bastion and the Imperial Princess. He would rather had the young King marry Milea instead for the young girl was hard working and was willing to make Bastion proud of her. But Bastion only saw her as a sister, nothing more.
Galvas frowned as he remembered seeing Milea running through the palace halls, tears streaming down her cheeks. He knew that the girl was heartbroken when she found out that Bastion proposed to Sadira. He then tried to talk the young King out of the marriage but it was in vain. He could clearly see that both Bastion and Sadira love each other. After that incident, Milea was never seen again. She didn't attend the wedding or the reception. The young girl just completely vanished from sight.
Her disappearing act reminded him of the time when she disappeared from the group after they found the Ultragunner. Hibernia was the first place that came to mind to look for the young girl since it was there that she had hid before. Unfortunately, Lord Alden had not seen Milea but promised to keep an eye out for her.
What made this unusual from her first disappearance was that her ATAC was missing as well. But it would make the search for her easier since the Amphisia ATAC was only built in Hibernia. It shouldn't be too hard to find her outside of the icy country.
They were wrong.
Bastion had sent out a battalion of his soldiers led by Galvas to search for Milea. He had blamed himself for her disappearance and was now worried for her. Lord Alden and Duke Zeira had sent out a battalion each from their armies to help Bastion search for Milea as well. But she was nowhere to be found.
And after two years, she was still never seen. Bastion still prayed for her safety and Galvas still haven't given up hope of ever seeing the bright young girl again.
Galvas Derid sighed as he tried to push the painful memories aside and focus on today. His King was going to be a father today. It should be a happy event but he still couldn't shake off his feeling of resentment. That feeling grew stronger when he caught sight of the Emperor of the Junaris Empire entering the hall.
Duyere was the first to be notified of the impending birth, being the brother of Sadira. The Emperor slowed as he neared Galvas and the doors then stopped when he was just a couple of feet away from the Corps Commander. He looked at Galvas and nod his head once, acknowledging the Corps Commander's presence. Galvas glared at him in return.
Even after five years, there were still some tension between the Junaris Empire and the Pharastia Kingdom. 'Forgive and forget' was the policy Bastion preached to his people but some were not as forgiving as he is. Galvas Derid was one of those people.
Duyere shifted nervously under Galvas' glare. He knew he had been a foolish Prince five years ago, but he had learned wisdom afterwards. His sister had helped him rebuild the Empire and taught him what it means to be a strong leader. Though they had their share of fights, they had grown closer after the war. He wouldn't admit it to anyone but he was proud of her.
Yes, he thought as he shifted his gaze towards the double doors. I'm very proud of you, my sister. A soft smile escaped his lips that quickly turned into a frown of concern when he heard some screaming coming from within the room. I hope she's alright. The sound of footsteps approaching diverted his attention.
Franco noticed two figures standing by the doors as he returned with the bowl of water and the towels Halak had requested. Upon closer inspection, he smiled as he recognized the two men. "Commander Galvas! Emperor Duyere! I bid you welcome!" he greeted them then looked at Galvas. "I thought you had some business to attend to, Commander," he said.
"I wanted to check on His Majesty," Galvas returned gruffly.
Franco nodded. "I assure you, he's fine," he replied. "I will send for you when the child arrives." Galvas grunted an assent before leaving the two 'Imperials'.
Franco watched the Commander leave before turning back his attention to the Emperor. "You are here earlier than expected, Emperor Duyere," the chief advisor stated. "I had thought you would come after the child was born."
"And I would have," Duyere nodded, "but I was...worried about Sadira." He then shrugged and smiled faintly. "As her big brother, I guess I worry too much."
"That's what big brothers do," Franco agreed then remembered the items he was carrying. "If you'll excuse me, Your Highness, I must bring these items to Halak. If you would like, I could bring a chair out here for you to sit while you wait."
Duyere shook his head. "No, that's alright, Franco," he said. "I appreciate the gesture but I prefer to stand."
"Are you sure?" the chief advisor asked worriedly. "It's been seven hours since Sadira had gone into labor and there's still no sign of a baby. It may take many more hours before the baby is born."
"I see," Duyere said calmly then shook his head. "It's fine, Franco. Sitting would only make me more anxious."
"As you wish, Your Majesty." Franco ducked his head then entered the royal chamber to bring Halak her requested items.
***
Emperor Duyere had stood by the doors, occasionally wincing when he heard the usual screams. As the day progressed, however, the Emperor began to pace in the hall. During midday, Franco had joined the Emperor and they ate lunch together. But afterwards, the pacing resumed again.
Now it was twilight. The Emperor stood in front of one of the many large windows that lined the hall, watching the sun set on the horizon. It's been nearly seven hours since he arrived and yet, there was still no news about the baby's birth. But then, as the sun nearly completed its journey below the horizon...
A baby's cry broke through the stillness.
Duyere dismissed the spectacular view of the sunset as he turned around and headed towards the double doors. As he approached, someone exited the room.
"I see that you've heard," Franco stated with a smile as he saw the approaching Emperor.
"Yes," the Emperor nodded. "May I go in?"
Franco nodded. "After Halak has finished cleaning up. Now I must find Galvas and tell him the good news. Congratulations, Your Majesty! You're an uncle!" With that said, the chief advisor went to find the Corps Commander.
Duyere watched him leave then turned his attention to the doors. Come on, you old hag!, he thought impatiently. He was eager to see his-- Niece? Or nephew? In his eagerness for news, he forgot to ask Franco the most important question: Was it a boy or a girl?
Duyere was mentally berating himself for being an idiot when finally, Halak left the chamber. The old woman looked haggard but there was a huge grin on her face. "Halak!" Duyere cried as he approached the old hag. "Is it a boy or a girl?" he asked.
"A boy!" Halak exclaimed as she patted the Emperor's shoulder. "A healthy boy!"
"A nephew..." Duyere murmured. "So, I have a nephew then!"
Halak nodded as she patted Duyere's shoulder one more time before taking her leave. Duyere took that as a sign to enter the room. He squared his shoulders and took a deep breath as he pushed the huge door and entered quietly.
***
Bastion looked down fondly at his son as he slept peacefully in his mother's arms.
The newborn Prince had strands of red hair just like his mother but Bastion hoped that he had not inherited her temperament. It was enough that he had to deal with Sadira's temper tantrums at times but it would be worse if his son had those same tempers.
"Isn't he adorable?" Sadira asked softly as she slowly rocked the baby.
"Yes," Bastion agreed as he gently touched his son's face. The baby reacted by making a small sound as he shifted position. "How do you feel?" the King asked his wife.
"A bit tired," the Queen replied weakly, "but happy."
Bastion nodded then turned when he heard someone enter the room. He saw that it was his brother-in-law.
Duyere approached the couple slowly. "Congratulations, sister, brother-in-law," he greeted as he reached the foot of the bed.
"Thank you, Duyere," Bastion smiled then motioned the Emperor closer as he said, "Why don't you come and take a look at your nephew?"
Duyere nodded with a grin of his own as he approached closer. "He's sleeping," Sadira commented as her brother came closer.
The Emperor nodded then looked at the newborn in wonderment. His nephew looked so small, yet precious. It made him think of his own plans of starting a family. But most importantly, of having an heir. Some of the council members were pressing him of having an heir.
Surprisingly, the Emperor was not married yet. And he was in his mid-twenties. He would have to find a wife soon. But he did not want to marry just any girl. He saw the love between his sister and Bastion and wished to experience the same kind of love. He would wait even if it would take him fifty years. As these thoughts crossed his mind, he hadn't noticed the entrance of two more visitors.
Franco and Galvas entered the royal chamber and immediately went to the royal couple's side. Franco went to stand by the Emperor while Galvas went by Bastion without first looking at the child. The Corps Commander frowned a bit when he saw the mop of red hair. Imperials!, he thought disgustedly. I hope he doesn't grow up to look like the late Emperor!
"Galvas, what's with the frown?" Bastion asked when he noticed the Commander's foul mood.
Galvas turned a bit red from embarrassment at that comment. "Nothing," he replied. "Just thinking about some business. So, have you decided a name for the young Prince?"
And so the news was spread among the Continent about the birth of the Prince of the Pharastia Kingdom...
...Alugard.
***
Down in the Southern Alliance, the only "nation" that had not taken part in the Second Eptinan Wars and the only "nation" that was not part of the unity of the Continent, all the cities have received the news. But it wasn't very important to them since they could not profit anything from it. They only cared about one thing...
Money.
But there were some that desired more.
Power.
There was no one ruler for the Southern Alliance. After the ruling dukedom had collapsed, anarchy reigned. The six territorial governors that remained after the collapse used their resources to build, strengthen, and expand their own states. They fought ferociously with one another, hoping to establish themselves as the new ruling government of the Southern Alliance.
The leader of the Muspel Nation during the Period of the Warring Alliance, as it was called, saw an opportunity to attack the Southern Alliance and claim it for himself. Duke Radcot was an ambitious man. Not only did he attack the Southern Alliance, he also attacked the Avalon Principality.
After Muspel's first attack on their borders, the governors of the Southern Alliance agreed to a truce until the threat was taken care of. So, with that truce in place, each governor sent resources and manpower to protect against these Muspel attacks.
The Southern Alliance continued to protect their borders against Muspel while the rest of the Continent had their own struggle. Only when the Continent's struggle ended did the attacks from Muspel also cease. But the governors did not recall their troops back...yet.
Having been at war with one another and then at war with another nation, the governors had grown cautious. Only when a year passed without incident did the governors recalled their troops back into their respective provinces.
As soon as the troops were back home, some would think that the war they had pushed aside in the face of a larger threat would resume but surprisingly, it hadn't. Perhaps some were tired of the fighting but there are still others that dreamed of power.
Yukio Toryu was one of these people.
He was the leader of the province called Ryuzoku, a province of ninjas. Ryuzoku was a mountainous and wild region, a perfect place for the people to practice their deadly art of ninjutsu. In the midst of this province stood a marvelous castle with black rooftops and white walls, the capital of Ryuzoku and the place where Yukio Toryu resided.
Yukio Toryu was a very slim man with hawkish features. His expression was blank but his dark brown eyes glinted dangerously as he smirked, his white teeth slightly showing. He had an angular face framed with short black hair, smoothed back, and ending in a small ponytail.
He wore a black jacket, the sleeves ripped off, exposing toned arms that rippled as he squeezed his hand slightly. His forearms were wrapped in black leather. Somewhat loose matching trousers held by a silk black sash went with his attire. The waraji, the common footwear in this part of the Alliance, covered his feet, the straps wrapped around his calves and tied together to hold it in place. The waraji is made of tightly woven straw or fiber that made traction on slippery surfaces excellent.
"So the Pharastia Kingdom have a new prince," the man muttered as he stood in front of a huge window of his large castle, watching his soldiers perform a kata in unison down in the courtyard. He read the letter that bore the news of the birth of the prince in his hand for the third time. "How can I use this to my advantage?"
"Perhaps the prisoners will give suggestions, Toryu-sama," someone suggested from the shadows of his room. "All they talk about is having revenge against the Kingdom or some other nation."
"Perhaps," Yukio allowed. "Perhaps."
***
Lord Alden gazed out the window of his room, watching the snow gently fall to the ground. But if he could see pass the snow and the mountains and forests of Hibernia, he would be able to see Pharastia.
The birth of Prince Alugard troubled him somehow, as if the prince's name carried trouble. He understood why Bastion had named him after his father. The young King had wished to honor him. And he had no objection to that but still...
"You seem troubled, Lord Alden."
The Ice Wolf would have been caught by surprise if it had been someone else that had spoken but knew the voice belonged to Melior. He was used to her sudden appearances. He continued to gaze out the window as Melior walked towards him and stood quietly behind.
"Does it have something to do with Prince Alugard's birth?" Melior asked softly after a long moment of silence.
Lord Alden nodded his head. "Yes. I have a feeling that trouble is brewing with the birth of the Prince. But like a chess game, the trouble won't manifest itself until later."
"You think that there will be another war?" Melior asked hesitantly. She, herself, was tired of the fighting, the killing. She just wanted to live in peace and they had been living in peace for the past five years. Would that peace be shattered again by war?
"I don't know," Lord Alden replied to Melior's question. "I pray that there won't be another war. We lost a lot of people in the Second Eptinan Wars and we're still recovering from that. I hope no more blood will be shed. That is my wish." Melior nodded and they both stared at the falling snow.
Down on the table to Lord Alden's right was a chess game board and a letter. On the game board, a white pawn had been moved two spaces forward.
The first move has been made...