Disclaimer:

"Arc the Lad" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. © 1995-2002 Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Published by Working Designs under license by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. English Translation © Working Designs 2002.

Darkness Exposed

People were bustling around the community of Palenica, newly built and well structured during the reconstruction. Near the Downtown area of Seirya, commerce has begun again. Inns were restored, as well as the stores that were closed for so long. Slowly, the blue sky reappeared over the country of Seirya. Though in all other countries, dark clouds blocked the view of the sun, people of Seirya felt grateful that they could at least see clear skies above them. Landing the Silver Noah upon the Touvil Quarry a day ago, Arc and the others resided in what was left of the Sabatico Shrine. Resting for a day around the ruins, they took some time to look around Touvil before going any further. Unexpectedly, Touvil remained empty, with no people living around the area to rebuild the small village. Arc sighed, flipping over the broken loads of lumber that held the house together. He got on one knee and examined the area from a different angle. The others followed after him, looking around. No traces of Arc's mother, Polta, were found in the Sabatico Shrine. They could not understand how all this damage was not restored, while the rest of Seirya seemed perfectly renovated.

Gogen grumbled to reveal his discontent. "Bah! You would think that the Great Disaster only occurred in Touvil." Suddenly, they raised their glances as they noticed Poco and Iga running towards them from the entrance. Their faces seemed bewildered and unstable. Poco nearly collapsed on the floor, but Elc luckily grabbed him from falling. Iga stopped to catch his breath, while Tosh peered over them with curiosity and scratched his head in thought. Arc got up to meet them, "We were concerned. Where did you go this morning?"

Poco was flustered and he panicked, "Arc! Arc! Oh my! Arc!" Iga looked distressed and was unprepared to share with them what they've found out. Gogen grew impatient, and slammed his majestic cane upon Poco's little head. "Confounded little runt! Speak lest you expect us to rot in this place!"

Poco couldn't speak and only continued to mumble, thus Iga intervened for Poco's sake, before more of Gogen's grouchy morning character was revealed and taken out on Poco's head again. "We've just visited the city of Palencia. It appears we have an unexpected ruler already enthroned."

"An unexpected ruler? Who?" Elc grew deeply disturbed. Arc and Tosh walked next to Iga, as though they wanted to confirm what he just said. Poco sadly nodded to agree with Iga. Iga slowly continued, "Well…um…well, that is…"

Gogen was now more than irritated. He slammed his cane upon Iga's head this time, exclaiming, "You go there and have you not even found out who?"

Iga rubbed his head, looking slightly stunned, "Please, Gogen. A monk being hit upon the head is unheard of in the Amaidar Temple." Gogen was about to hit him again, but Tosh held unto Gogen's staff, trying to prevent him from getting even angrier. "Whoa, Whoa, my ancient friend. Now we clearly see you're not a morning person."

Gogen simply grumbled, muttering small words under his long beard. Iga continued, "His name is Clive. Apparently, he is the son of the recently assassinated king…"

"What? A son?" Tosh loudly exclaimed. Elc and the others shared the same shocked expression. Hearing this, Gogen became dead silent. Elc asked, "The king had a son? How did we not hear about him sooner? And…what was he doing while Palenica Kingdom seemed to lie in ruins for the past few months?"

"Once we heard about the news, we ran here to tell you. I regret to say, we could not gather more information." Everyone was silently thinking about all they've heard for a moment. Gogen coughed a little to get their attention, "So then…he would be your cousin, Arc. Surprising, isn't it?" They turned to Arc to see his reaction. He sighed as he returned their glances with the same confusion, "I had no idea that I had other relatives. I'm not even sure if my mother is all right…"

Poco suggested, "Perhaps, we should go meet him." Everyone seemed to agree, as they nodded and even looked at one another to get a gist of the decision being made, until Gogen slowly objected, "…No."

Elc crossed his arms and stared back at Gogen, whose eyes were hidden under his long white beard. "Why not, Gogen?" Gogen cleared his throat and walked a few feet away. "I do not like the sound of this. I advise that we go to the people of Sacred White Clan and meet a good friend of mine to find out more information."

Tosh gave him a dubious, yet at the same time, mischievous stare, "If he's an old friend, guess we could assume he's as grouchy as Gogen in the morning." Like an instinct, Gogen flung his staff at him, but Tosh was lucky to dodge it and hide behind Arc with a funny smile. "Whoa--- just suggesting, perhaps we should wait for one of us to actually wake up. Hehe."

"Hmm…who?" Poco tilted his head, pondering. Suddenly, they turned around, hearing a loud rustle coming from the Shrine. They heard Chongara running towards them from the Sabatico Shrine, screaming in the top of his lungs, "Morning it is already! Why no one wake up Chongara?" Chongara stopped in front of them and wiped the sweat that fell from his head, panting from the brief morning exercise. Arc grinned and patted Chongara's back, "You deserved the rest. You've been flying everyone around for days."

"Hahaha! Yes, Chongara like rest indeed, but missing action and information is no good to tradesmen." Arc turned towards the others, "Well then, let us follow Gogen's advice and head towards the Sacred White Clan. There, we shall meet Gogen's friend and hopefully learn more about Clive."

"Oh! That's where Kukuru is from. Do you think she could be there right now, Arc?" Poco seemed excited, but Arc did not reply and kept moving forward. The others simply followed along with Poco, who still called after Arc. Arc's eyes were deep with thought. Moving along the forest terrains, they reached a small passage that would lead to the Sacred White Clan. Arc remembered the area well. It was the intersection between Touvil and the Sacred White Clan, the place where Arc and Kukuru departed shortly after they've first met at Mount Cion. He peered around the area, finding the tree branches drooping and its leaves much duller in color than he remembered. He grew quite troubled with the mysterious arrival of Prince Clive and the disappearance of his mother. Though Arc is quite curious about what kind of person Clive could be, he hoped he wouldn't have to disappoint his friends if Clive proved to be a more worthy ruler. Fumbling through the path, some joked with one another, while others traveled with silence. Just as they were about to turn a corner, Elc noticed a body lying lifelessly before them. He rushed forward and slightly knelt down to examine the body. Finding him to be alive, he tried to shake the man awake. The man's face was barely visible with all the dirt covering the facial features. Arc and the others gathered around Elc and the man.

"Sir, Sir! Are you all right?" Elc shook the body, but the man simply whimpered and groaned. "Your majesty…Diekbeck…I'm almost there…"

They all looked at the man perplexed. Iga scratched his head, his small eyes fainting blinking, "Correct me, if I'm mistaken, but did he just mention Diekbeck?" Everyone looked back at him, while Chongara nodded in agreement, "HA! Say He did! My ears are as the giant bat, they could hear anything even through—"

"WAIT! That means, this man is..!" Chongara glared at Poco for ruining his familiar saying, as Poco rushed to Elc's side and wiped away some of the dirt upon the man's face with his coarse sleeve. When the dirt was partially away, it was apparent to everyone who this man was. Poco exclaimed, "It is! It's Roan!"

"My…It's quite bizarre to see a friend unconscious in the middle of the woods." Gogen spoke as he checked up on Roan's health. Arc directed everyone, "Let's carry him to the Sacred White Clan. We should get him healed as soon as possible." Elc nodded and pulled Roan up with the help of Poco. Soon, Elc was able to hold onto him, pulling Roan's arm over his shoulder. With determined faces, everyone walked on. Together, they steadily drew closer and closer to the Sacred White Clan, not knowing what they might find and who they might meet.

Back in the forsaken chimera lab within the Razen Pond of Millmana, large crates and empty vessels of machinery bobbed on the water. The pressure utterly tore the chimera lab inside out, for the outer structure was not able to stabilize the flow of water pouring in. Though it seemed the great flood destroyed any life that resided in the lab, several chimeras pranced around the area oblivious to the event. On the shores of the pond, Shu's body laid there, unconscious and wounded. Besides him, Shania, Gruga, and Shante were also scattered around the banks, barely hanging onto the edge. Lieza was a few feet away from them. She groaned, as she felt something warm upon her face. She coughed, and was shaken awake. Her entire body was aching from the struggle to survive through the torrent that ripped across the base. She continued to cough, feeling the water still plaguing her throat and lungs. Barely opening her eyes, she tried to reach out and sense the area with her hands. She felt her fuzzy companion besides her, whimpering and trying to get her conscious again. He licked her on the face once more, and nuzzled her with his firm nose. "Ugh…Pa-Paundit…."

Finally opening her eyes fully, she was able to clearly see around her. Nevertheless, the headache seemed to only get worse as she tried to move. She looked at Paundit, and gasped as she realized Paundit's hind leg was severely injured and still bleeding. Paundit continued to whimper, panting because of the pain. Lieza pulled herself up and drew nearer to her friend, "Paundit, this wound-" She examined other areas of his body, and was relieved to find no other serious injuries. She noticed, however, a great trail of blood behind Paundit. It was apparent that he dragged himself from where he originally was to reach her. She felt her heart tear up in anguish for her companion, and carefully hugged him. She sighed and pet his wet fur, as his body trembled from the cold. She looked around and found the others still unconscious. She was surprised that she was even able to get up at all. She whispered to Paundit, "Stay here, Paundit. I'm going to wake the others…don't worry and stay still, all right?"

Paundit seemed to understand, as he licked her hand and watched her slowly leave. Lieza limped across the muddy banks, holding onto the firm trees to not fall. Her breathing was heavy, as she was barely pulling herself towards her friends. Her legs were heavy as bricks. She collapsed next to Shu and shook him. She checked his pulse, but continued to call out his name. Shu began to regain consciousness, but as he started to truly breathe his fullest, his lungs felt tight and uncomfortable from the water. He straightened himself up and coughed, looking away. He wiped his mouth and shook his head. He heavily breathed, and moved his arms slowly. He turned back to look at Lieza, who seemed relieved that Shu was all right. She helped him up, as he tried to balance. When he examined the area, he found Gruga getting up as well. Gruga reached out to Shania and Shante. Everyone coughed, apparently having choked on water before they reached the surface. Their hair was all wet, sticking unto their faces. The damp and cold air caused their throats to tighten with all the moisture. Only Gruga and Shante held major injuries. Shante seemed to have sprained her ankle, while Gruga had a large wound on his right, which was still bleeding. Shania helped Gruga with the wound, as Shu helped Lieza bring Paundit closer to them without straining his hind leg. They all looked at one another, happy that they survived.

"We're fortune we didn't drown within the debris." Shu calmly spoke while Shania struggled to untangle her wet hair. Shante slightly mumbled, "Fortunate but at the same time…unfortunate. We lost traces of those men."

"No, we know where they are headed." Shu and Shante looked at Gruga, as he continued, "We've overheard their plans. We don't know who they are, but we are certain that they're going to hit Seirya and strike the people of Palencia."

"I guess we have lots of information to share with one another. There's a few things that I should share with you about those men in red. We must head to Seirya as soon as possible…" Shu leaned down and helped Shante, letting her lean on his shoulder. Suddenly Lieza gasped, causing all of them to stir and turn to her. "Where's Mother Claire?"

Everyone returned her their shocked expression. They looked around with caution, wondering what could have happened to the elderly lady. While they slowly searched the area, from a distance they heard a loud holler and series whistles. They turned towards the direction, seeing a group of men coming towards them. One of the men called out to them, "Is everyone all right?"

Shu spoke for the group, "We're all right. But you are..?" The men were well equipped with medical tools and they tended to their wounds immediately. The man smiled at them, "We're from Ajarl. We heard a loud rumble at the Razen Pond last night, and were planning on investigating. This morning, a kind elderly woman named Mother Claire came and told us that there was a great need for medical assistance. We don't have much, but we came with all we can." Everyone sighed with pure relief, hearing that Mother Claire was alive and well. The man looked around and saw Lieza. He walked up to her to speak.

"Hmm…Blue eyes, golden hair…Could you be Ms. Lieza?" Lieza nodded. He handed a piece of paper, "This is from Mother Claire." He then left to help the others, and others distributed medicine to Shu and Shante. Lieza walked to Paundit and opened the folded paper. As she did, a small pouch fell. The memo read:

Lieza, if you received this note, then you must have survived the flood. By using the large creatures around the pond, I was able to fly to Ajarl. I told them of you and your companions. They were more than eager to help. I've heard those bloody men speaking about meeting in the basement of the Palencia Bar. Though I wish I could provide more information to you, I'm sorry to say that I don't know what they could be planning with my skills. I'm going to hide deep within the Toyoke Woods. Someday I'm certain we will meet again… Mother Claire.

Lieza then opened the pouch and was happy to find special medicine for beasts. She smiled and gave it to Paundit, who happily consumed it. Shante limped towards her and Paundit, "Lieza, it's time that we head off now." Lieza got up, as Paundit slightly limped. Shante smiled and pet Paundit. Together, they rejoined the group and headed off to Ajarl, deciding to head to Millmana Skyport to find means to quickly reach Seirya.

Finally arriving near the Sacred White Clan, Elc let Roan down on the floor, since his arm was getting sore. Gogen was silent, seeing the people of the Sacred White Clan nearly all sitting down next to their homes. Only a few people were walking about, getting water for members of their family. Tosh shook his head in unbelief, seeing the destitute people huddled together. Poco gasped when he approached a boy and saw his entire body was marked with dark spots. Iga and Chongara stood still, uncertain of what to do for the diseased people. Arc, on the other hand, could not understand what has happened. He could not see why Touvil and the Sacred White Clan were left in such desolation, while the rest of the country richly flourished. He grew angry that the people would forget one another as the people here were left to suffer and die. Gogen stood besides Arc and nudged him with the top of his staff. Arc turned around, as Gogen gently said, "Arc, come meet my old acquaintance."

Gogen and Arc continued walking past the village. Arc peered around. Though he's never been to the Sacred White Clan before, knowing that it was Kukuru's hometown made him worried for the people. He wondered how many people knew of Kukuru and if she even knew about their condition. He glanced at the broken houses, hungry children, and resting elders of the forestry village. As they crossed the bridge at the end of the town, they reached the pale house that belonged to Spirae, Kukuru's father. Reaching the entrance, Arc looked up, hearing a pleasant melody from within the house. Gogen sighed, "Well, well, if it isn't the sound of a jesq. It's an instrument that the Sacred White Clan is quite famous for."

"There's a strange sadness to the melody…" Arc and Gogen walked in, seeing that no one was around the entrance. Gogen replied, "Yes, only an expert jesq player is able to clearly portray the emotions of the dire events that seemed to have taken place here."

When they reached a corner of the building, they saw a man sitting upon the piles of rubble looking outside the shattered glass. He held the longed stringed instrument, balanced on his shoulder and his hand pulling the strings with great composure. Gogen smirked and floated towards him, as Arc waited. Gogen cleared his throat. The man stopped and turned around. He arose from where he sat and was shocked to see the aged elder. He smiled, and hugged Gogen, who returned him the firm grip. The man began to speak, "Gogen…it's been too long since we've met."

"Seon, I knew you would be alive. I wouldn't have expected any less of a man of your stature." Gogen laughed and Seon looked up at Arc, who respectfully bowed to greet the man. Gogen drew Seon closer to Arc, as he introduced him, "Arc, this is Seon. He was the grandson of my companions among the Seven Braves. He's now the village's commanding general and close friend to Kukuru's father, Spirae."

"We've been longing to meet you. I'm glad that you survived the Great Disaster, Seon. I am Arc." Arc took out his hand to shake, which Seon gladly accepted. "Arc? Yes, we've heard much about you, of course, only through the eyes of others. Knowing that Gogen was with you, we did not believe in any of the coarse rumors..."

After the firm grip, Arc glanced at Seon's hand. He was surprised when he noticed strange dark marks upon his hand. Seon quickly hid his hand under his long sleeves of his firm robe. Gogen grew concerned and began to question, "Seon, it's odd to see the condition of the village to stay this way. What's exactly going on?"

Seon sighed and shook his head. "Gogen, it seems this place may not last too long. The Dark One's poison has affected everyone in the village. Day by day, people have been slowly dying, decaying from this incurable disease. Our chief, especially, is unable to move. We fear for his health and for the future of the people here."

"Hmph! What is that good for nothing 'Prince of Palencia' doing on his enriched throne?" Gogen grumbled with disapproval towards Clive, as Seon raised his gaze in surprise. "So you've heard. Yes, we've inquired to the recent leader but nothing was able to be done…that is…well…until…"

"Until what?" Arc inquired. The silence endured, as the crisp breeze passed through the openings of the house. Seon motioned for them to follow him. They followed him down the hall and reached Spirae's room. Standing before the door, Seon gave an uneasy look towards Arc and Gogen. In the meantime, Poco got some water from the center of the village. Elc pulled Roan up. As they helped him to recover, Roan slowly awoke from his unconscious state. Roan moaned, looking around him. His glasses weren't even upon his face properly. They all looked at him with wonder in their eyes. He stopped and opened his eyes wide, nearly jolting from where he sat. Elc and Poco defensively drew back, surprised to see his reaction. Tosh and Iga chuckled, finding their acquaintance well. Chongara gave a hearty cry, "Finally Awake!"

"Ugh…Who am I! Where am I!" Roan had a look of pure fear and panic, pointing at Elc, "…Who are you?" Tosh returned him a dubious stare and hit him upon his back, making Roan yelp. Chongara simply laughed at his reaction. Roan coughed and as he repositioned his glasses. "I-I…uh…think I can recall now…"

"Good to know you're alive, Roan." Elc helped Roan up to his feet. Roan gave them a warm smile, "Well, yes…I never thought I would see you all again…" The warm moment was a true testament of their past trials and adventures. They warmly smiled back, until he suddenly screamed in horror, causing them to all jump and return a confused stare. "AH! Arc! Where is Arc? Princess Shania and Diekbeck! They're in trouble!"

"What?" They asked simultaneously.

On the other hand, Seon began to speak towards Arc and Gogen, looking towards them with his back to Spirae's room. "Lord Spirae has been quite miserable since Kukuru-sama has left his morning…"

"Kukuru? She was here?" Arc loudly asked, as Gogen also grew alarmed. Seon answered, "Yes…"

"Why did she leave, Seon? Where would she go?" As Gogen asked, Seon looked away. He sighed and furrowed in his eyebrows. Arc also grew deeply anxious because of Seon's silence. Yet he began to slowly speak, "It seems that Prince Clive has asked her hand in marriage…and well…she…"

There was a deathly silence instilled among them. Not one spoke. Arc did not move, as though he was paralyzed. Even his breathing seemed to have stopped. As few more seconds passed by them, Gogen raised his cane to hit Seon's head, but Seon barely ducked it, "Uh! Gogen, what—!"

"And why would Kukuru want to marry the fraud prince?" Before Seon could answer, Arc bolted down the hall. Gogen called out his name, but Arc did not turn back. He ran out of the house, and ran towards the entrance of the village. As Elc and the others just finished listening to Roan's long explanation of what has happened, they saw Arc just pass them. Elc opened his mouth to call him, but Arc passed them too quickly. Tosh grew concerned and followed him immediately. "Arc! Arc, wait!"

Tosh was able to catch up to him, right before Arc crossed the forest to reach the city ofPalencia. He grabbed Arc to stop him, but Arc did not stop, still edging forward. "Arc! Arc, what's the matter with you! What's going on?"

Arc did not appear to be the same. He was not only in panic, but he looked utterly fearful. His eyes could not focus on one area, as he spoke in distress. "Sh-She wouldn't…no…Kukuru couldn't have…"

"Arc, get yourself together!" Tosh tried to shake Arc out of his shocked state, but Arc pushed Tosh away. Tosh tried to grab him again, but Arc escaped his grasp and ran deeper into the forest surrounding the Sacred White Clan. Tosh was about to chase after him, but Gogen came in the front and stopped Tosh. Tosh nearly crashed into the elder. "G-Gogen? What is going on around here!" Yet Gogen did not answer, though Tosh continued to ask him. He simply sighed, looking hopelessly saddened where Arc has disappeared.

Arc ran, and continued running. He couldn't control his breathing, and his thoughts were in disarray. In all other situation, he felt as though he could find stability. Yet at this point, he couldn't find anything to focus his thoughts on. All he could think of was Kukuru: from how they first met, from every moment they glanced at one another, to their first kiss, and even their last embrace before she left. To think that all of those memories were about to fade before his eyes, he felt as though another Great Disaster was happening within his heart. He stopped to catch his breath. He hunched over, holding his knees and heavily panting. He slowly looked up, finally arriving at the bridge to the Palencia castle. The castle loomed before him. It seemed much taller than he last saw it, and even the stones seemed to be of different color. Four large guards stood in front of the gates across the bridge.

Within the great castle walls, Kukuru sat on a royal seat of a grandiose table, staring into the distance. The great room was adorned with large candles, with deep red curtains that reflected its color with the sunlight. On the seat next to her, Clive calmly sipped wine from his glass. Clive looked at her. He steadily placed his glass down and sighed, "You've made a decision, I presume…"

Kukuru took a deep breathe and turned to look at him. He smiled, waiting for her answer. She closed her eyes and hastily said, "I will marry you."

"So it's decided. I trust you wouldn't mind when we hold the marriage?"

"…no."

"Hahaha. How about tomorrow then?" Clive sarcastically spoke. Kukuru raised an annoyed glance at him, as he simply chuckled. Kukuru looked away, as she whispered, "I don't care when you hold it…but you promised…the antidote..."

"Ah…now I see," Clive grinned, as he leaned back on his chair with poise. "I'm afraid that must wait until after the marriage." Kukuru glared at him, as he simply looked back at her without any expressions. She got up from where she sat, causing her chair to rustle and scrap the floor. "Consider this conversation never happened."

Clive sat still, watching her stomp away from the table. Kukuru was right about to pass through the door, but the doors shut before her. Kukuru stopped, pondering what caused the doors to shut so suddenly. She turned around to face Clive, having a faint suspicion where the mysterious powers came from. Clive rose him seat and gradually walked towards her. Kukuru gasped as her body seemed to move on its own. It flung towards Clive as though her arms and feet were tied to a string and he pulled her in. As she was right about to smash unto him, her body stopped with a sudden halt. Clive firmly grabbed her hand and started heading towards the back of the room. Kukuru tried to push him away, but her body was not hers to control any longer. She tried to scream, but her voice seemed to not exist. Clive opened a door that was followed by a large staircase. He dragged Kukuru besides him, heading up the stairs. She felt as though her legs were tangled up and that she would fall upon the stairs. As the stairway ended, they reached a large balcony. Clive pushed her towards the edge. She stopped before she felt her entire body fall over the edge of the balcony. Finding control over her body and voice again, she deeply inhaled. She looked down, as the balcony gave her a complete view of the bridge, entrance of the palace, and the city of Palencia. She grew angry that Clive treated her in such a way. She was about to turn around and face him, but she suddenly stopped. Her eyes grew wide, as she saw Arc crossing the bridge and reaching the entrance of the castle. Clive narrowed his eyes at her, as her face seemed to drop, watching Arc approach the guards.

Arc tried to pass the guards to open the entrance, but the guards held out their swords to stop him. He glared at them, completely not in the mood to deal with them. He moved aside to pass them, but they moved with him and stood before him. "…Stand out of my way. I've come to speak with the Prince."

The guards solemnly returned a coarse response. "Without the call of his majesty, no one is allowed to pass this point."

Kukuru felt as though time stopped around her. She could only hear his voice, arguing with the guards. She watched him, trying to push his way through. The guards only pushed him away with the sheath of their swords. She gripped the edge of the balcony, feeling her heart heavy and her throat tightening. She heavily sighed. She raised her glance to her side when she heard Clive speak, "So, is he the one, the penniless fool that attempts to take your heart?"

She did not answer him. She stood still and silent. Clive continued, "Having nothing but the claim that he was the son of the King's brother. Hmph, and now he acts as though everything is meant to fall on his lap for him…And you, standing by his side, engrossed in his pitiful state…"

"Stop it!" Kukuru sternly looked back at Clive. "You do not know him. I won't have you talking about him that way."

"Oh but I do know him and all about his past. The destined meeting…the breathtaking adventure...but you mistake it as love. Thus now it must all come to a tragic end. You cannot love him and he can't be in love with you. Destiny has played its trick once more and fancied your desire for one another, fooling both of you of a future that can never be…"

"Wh-what do you mean? What are you talking about?" Kukuru stared at him in confusion, as Clive glared towards Arc and continued, "Perhaps you don't remember when the Dark One consumed you that fateful day when the world believed the battle was over. I suppose you can't feel it pulsating in your veins even now…the essence of the Dark One in you, the seed of darkness that is buried deep inside of your soul and escaped with you when you left the Dark One's grasp. He lives in you now and has been since the days after the day of the Great Disaster. Think closely, Kukuru…surely, one from the Sacred White Clan is sensitive enough to feel his very presence. Remember the way you were moved by the Dark One's thoughts, feelings, emotions…"

Kukuru stopped, looking deeply into his eyes. Though she wanted to erase all that she's heard, she couldn't. She shook her head and grabbed her chest. The familiar pain that haunted her for the past days and weeks began to rise in her heart again. Then it dawned upon her. From the time she couldn't accept Arc's proposal, she knew deep inside there was something holding her back from him. And though she wanted to escape, she couldn't escape the pain and the visions of darkness. She always felt as though she lacked something when she met Maye and her children, as though she lost a deeper side of her. Even yesterday, she couldn't understand why she was strangely drawn to Clive, as though there was something inside that hungered for the darkness inside him. "You're lying…You're lying!"

She turned away and looked back at where Arc was. She felt the pain grow inside, the wounds from the inner war. The light and darkness waged its battle inside, fighting for her body. She held her head, distressed that she could not notice it sooner. Everything came back like lightning. Now knowing that her reach to Arc was growing farther and farther away, the darkness had an advantage over her. She couldn't find the light anymore and she wanted to give up fighting. The light seemed too far from her. Clive sneered, seeing Kukuru's grasp on her sanity slipping away. Arc slowly lost his own strength. He gave up arguing and pushing, and walked away from the entrance. He sighed, growing frustrated that he couldn't even see Clive and Kukuru. For one last time, Arc looked up and stared at the castle and its massive size. Clive drew closer to Kukuru, while he still eyed Arc with hatred. Suddenly Arc stopped, as he noticed Kukuru standing on the balcony with Clive right behind her. His eyes locked unto Kukuru's pale face in the distance. The brief moment seemed to hold them still in time. Arc drew closer, but Clive immediately grabbed Kukuru's arm. He forced her to face him, as he set his other arm around her shoulder. Arc slightly narrowed his eyes, as Kukuru simply stuttered, "C-Clive…What are you-"

He took his glasses off and stared into her eyes. Their bodies were dangerously close to one another. "Now that we've come to understand the truth…there's no need to hide our engagement…" He gave her a queer smirk. Kukuru opened her mouth to speak, but he suddenly pressed his lips against hers. Both Arc and Kukuru's eyes grew wide with complete surprise and shock. The moment seemed to captivate all of them in that one space and time. Finally grasping the reality of the situation, Kukuru tightly shut her eyes and tried to push him away but Clive only held her closer and harder to the point where she felt as though she couldn't breathe. She trembled with frustration, as she could feel his warm breath on her face and their lips locked together. Arc didn't know what to think or feel, watching them. His emotions seemed to have erupted and out of his control. Her body was stiff in his hold. Arc curled his fingers and tightly held a fist, as anger slowly brewed inside. The anger slowly changed into bitterness and resentment towards Clive. Clive began to slowly loosen his grip, as Kukuru immediately wriggled herself out of his embrace and ran back into the castle, wanting to avoid Arc's gaze. Kukuru ran down the stairs, holding her mouth and trying to erase all that she felt in the forced embrace. An irrepressible fury rose inside, as she despised herself and her predicament with the darkness only growing deeper. Her tears drew a sudden warm line down her pale face. Her deep sigh was shaky, as she tried to breathe steadily but to no avail. She began to slow down when the stairway ended. Crumbling unto the floor, she felt her excess clothes falling next to her. She cried and didn't withhold her loud sobbing; shutting her eyes to prevent any more tears from falling. She screamed and hit the floor with her fists, throwing herself at the mercy of the floor.

Clive turned back and looked at Arc in a demeaning way. Arc glared back at him, while Clive returned a malicious grin, as though he has was triumphant in a battle. The guards approached Arc, motioning for him to leave. Their eyes were locked on one another with pure rage and hatred. Arc slowly turned and walked away. Seeing Arc disappearing into the forest path, Clive's grin twisted into his usual look of poise. Deep within his heart, he despised Arc and seemed to only resent his noble character more and more. Clive closed his eyes for a moment, unburying the past a year ago. The castle's luster and shine slowly returned to the way it was before it was destroyed. Clive remembered walking into his father's private chamber, the large doors slowly opening. Clive, in his royal garments, calmly walked in. Every step he took echoed upon the marble floor. He peered over at the small stand, watching his father pour some grape wine into a golden goblet. Clive folded his arms upon his chest, looking unhappy with his father. His father slowly spoke, "Hmm. So you've arrived back from Yagos Isle. I expect you've already heard the news..."

"You mean this news of Arc? He claims to be the son of your brother and now has thrown the entire kingdom into confusion." Clive spoke with anger and bitterness in his voice. His father simply sighed, as he nervously took a sip of his wine. He looked at Clive with a concerned expression, clearly expressing his sorrow and confusion.

"Perhaps...It brings me back to the days when I was as young, when your mother was still alive." The king shook his head and chuckled, "How the years tell you of wisdom and folly. It still shocks me, Clive, about a decision I made on the day my own brother was to be enthroned king. I was a weak prince, able to be manipulated by the elders and the leaders of the Blood Okami. Why did I not see then that they simply wanted more power? And even now…" Clive noticed his father's voice shaking and his hands trembling. The King immediately put the glass down with a thud, and covered his face with one hand. The King sighed, "To see my own brother's son, as though it was destiny that I should have this chance. He…he had his eyes, Clive. I've asked countless times, 'what could I do to regain my brother's trust and forgiveness?' A royal son of the kingdom of Palencia reduced to wear the clothes I saw him wearing. Hah. If you saw his hands, you would know he worked in the fields as a child.

"…Clive…I've done wrong, a great wrong. My sins are heavy upon me and they burn in my conscience even today. If there's anything, I must set things right with Arc. For my brother's sake, I must look after Arc. This is not my place; it was the place of my brother. Now…I must set things…right-" Watching his father grow tearful, Clive grew curious of his father's past. Though he wished he could understand, he could not understand all the feelings his father felt. He never saw his father's strong façade break in such a way, until Arc has come along to the king's presence.

"Father, what are you talking about? How can you believe the words of a complete stranger? You must stay calm. You are overreacting to lies and nonsense! You've told me my uncle died many years ago from an accident..." Though the King heard his son's voice loud and clear, he shook his head. As the king disregarded Clive's word, Clive's eyes narrowed to reveal his distress. The King simply continued speaking.

"No, I will be holding a meeting with Lord Spirae of the Sacred White Clan and tell him the entire truth. Yoshua's name should not be remembered with such disgrace among the Sacred White Clan. He wanted to reform new laws and new customs…but not to please himself, Clive. He was thinking for the good of all people in Palencia. He wanted the bond with the Sacred White Clan to go deeper than what it is now…so many ambitions and charisma," the King smirked, "…and his son is just like him. Ambitions and charisma, something I was only able to obtain with blood upon my hands. I...I must do what my brother believed in. And…Clive…" the King stopped for a moment, as Clive stepped forward, "…Father…?"

"This may be hard for you to accept, my son. I'm going to try and return Arc to his proper place in the Palace under me, even if it may mean breaking the alliance with the Sacred White Clan. I'm sure, after all is explained, the alliance can be restored again. Lord Spirae is a good man, someone I could trust…"

"W-What!" Clive looked utterly shocked at his father's words. He could not see what was so urgent that they had to bring the boy to the castle. Clive could not accept it and he grew angry at his father's guilt. "He simply flashes an emblem and now you're planning on taking him in as family?" Clive was about to laugh but the King sternly looked at him. The King drew nearer to Clive, acting as his authority figure and lowering his voice.

"…Arc is your cousin, Clive."

"I have no cousin, father! And my uncle is dead--yourpast is dead! You can't change whatever has already happened! I will not bow to the feet of a commoner and expect you raise him as King!"

"Arc has characteristics that you may never have in your life, Clive. He was born to be the Crown Prince and even bears the sign of royalty. He is no commoner."

"Y-You have gone mad! I will not listen to speak such nonsense, father. The boy is clearly manipulating you and using you for power! I will stop this nuisance once and for all. I will make sure he will know how to fear the authorities above him! The impudent fool!" Clive was about to walk away, but his father's loud voice halted his exit.

"You will not do anything to Arc! Clive! Do not make the same mistakes that I have made! You must not let my sins carry down to the next generation!" Clive turned around, as his father approached him with earnest pleading in his eyes. Clive simply coldly looked at his father.

"Hmph. Well, I guess the blame is on you, father, since children take on after their parents..." The King's eyes grew wide, as he raised his hand and slapped Clive across his face. A sudden hush took place in the room. The fire grew larger, as the wood in the fireplace crumbled, letting some ember fly upwards to the chimney. Clive glared up at his father, as the King's eyes revealed the same look of anger and hurt. To Clive, Arc was becoming a nuisance and a foolish threat to his own chance to the throne. Clive growled with his golden eyes getting deeper in color because of the reflection of the fire. "The boy does not have what it takes to be King…I can prove it to you…"

"You're wrong, Clive. You are mistaken…" Clive, however, turned around. He practically forced the door open, as the servants who were guarding the doors jumped with surprise. As he was leaving, the King yelled out to him. "He knows humanity!"

Clive stopped, not facing his father. He simply listened, as his father walked out of the room. The servants immediately bowed their heads and left the scene. "Do you know what it is like to live without servants, Clive? Have you ever lived next to the hungry or the lame? Arc lived through days seeing the weak and the strong together. He knows how to approach beggars, do you? He knows how to regard the poor as well as the rich, but do you?"

"So…because I lived my life entrapped in this silver palace, you think I'm unworthy of my role as king now, do you, your majesty? All this will be meaningless, once I speak with Lord Spirae myself. He acknowledges me!"

"That won't be necessary. Lord Spirae already knew of Arc's journey, for Priestess Kukuru was with him today. She is traveling with him." Clive whirled around, the white of his eyes quite prominent. His hand was formed into a fist, as he was shaking with jealousy and anger. Knowing that Arc was receiving the favor of his father and now, even journeying with what he believed belonged to him, Clive felt rage building up within. As the King noticed Clive's unstable state, he looked at him with concern. "Clive, you are my son. If anything, of course, I acknowledge you. Yes, you are perfect to be King, but Clive, before this mistake grows to affect anymore people…we must end it here together. We must stop before the consequences get worse…"

"Father…I am not in the position to fix your mistakes. In fact, I have no intention of fixing it for you. You can't live in your past anymore…" The king's eyes grew saddened, seeing that his own son couldn't understand his heart and shame of his past sins. Clive turned around and walked away, leaving his father standing in the hall with his head down. Clive felt as though his world has failed him. He hated his father but at the same time, he knew that his father was taking the chance to do an honorable deed in his life. Clive wondered in his heart, if he had a brother, what he would have done if his brother's son would have entered the kingdom seeking his help. He considered the possibilities, wondering if he would have made the same decision. Thinking about the entire situation, made him want to admire his father and want to be like him. Yet he wished he had what the world told him belonged to him. Clive ran into his grandiose room, slamming the doors behind him. His frustration grew and he grabbed a large vase upon the stand besides his bed, throwing it against the wall. The shattered pieces flew across the room and fell on the floor. He looked shocked when he suddenly heard a strange chuckle behind the curtain in his room. He practically jumped, whirling around. "W-Who is it?"

"Do not be alarmed, my prince. It is I, Andel." The prime minister walked from the corner of the room, apparently waiting in Clive's room for some time. Clive clearly didn't feel comfortable with Andel in the room, "Prime Minister, I'm not feeling well enough to speak with you. Please leave my room now."

"Now now…Prince Clive, with all due respect, you must understand where our Majesty's words are coming from."

Knowing that Andel has been listening into their conversation, Clive grew frustrated. "You impudent---How dare you meddle in royal affairs!"

"My apologies, your highness." Andel laid his head low with respect. He slowly smirked, "You see, my prince. There are many secrets in this castle. Many untold stories and dark negotiations, as you probably heard from your father. The one that your father was involved in…is probably the darkest of all secrets hidden in this place…"

"Secret…You mean, about my father's brother…?"

"Yes, my prince." Andel did not look at Clive, but Clive walked towards him. "Tell me…tell me everything."

"Hmm, as you wish. The leaders of the Blood Okami were closer to your father, than Prince Yoshua. The Sun Okami was very faithful to both your father and Prince Yoshua, but the leaders were closer to Prince Yoshua and agreed with his principles. As the day for the prince's crowning drew closer, the Blood Okami grew precarious about the balance of power. They knew that your grandfather would choose Prince Yoshua to be the heir to the throne, for your grandfather favored the soldiers of the Sun Okami.

"One night, your father was called to your grandfather's room. He heard a loud scream and thus, opened the door to only witness the death of his father. The men were cloaked in a dark blue cape, when they escaped the room. An immediate search was done for the assassinators, with the only evidence to be a piece of emblem belonging only to the members of the Sun Okami. Your father and uncle were equally furious, seeking to know who the killers were. They investigated the matter themselves, as the doctors revealed that the king was poisoned. The soldiers found the poison in the room of the leader of the Sun Okami. The leaders of the Blood Okami put the matter in their own hands, as the men were immediately executed for treason. The rest of the Sun Okami was wiped out one by one, with evidences that they had all planned the assassination together.

"As the case settled down, the important question arose: Who was to be the next King over Palencia? Prince Yoshua had no one on his side, except few people of the Sacred White Clan. Your father, on the other hand, had the protection of the members of the Blood Okami. Finally, when it was time for the people to choose their leader, the Blood Okami devised a plan with your father to lure Prince Yoshua into a trap. Your uncle was driven out of his own kingdom, hunted down like an animal by the Blood Okami. With only a sword in his hand and his armor, he hopped from one country to another. The news of his death surrounded the entire city of Palencia. People have mourned for days, months of the tragic fall of both a king and his son. Your father was quick to get the people's favor and was soon crowned King of Palencia…"

"M-My father…he…he really…?" Clive put his head down, traumatized by the truth of the past. He was now extremely disappointed in his father. Andel simply shook his head from side to side, "And as years passed, your father was never able to sleep well. From time to time, he would weep with guilt, occasionally going to Prince Yoshua's room…"

"Why are you telling me this?" Clive stared back at Andel, who simply smiled and looked at him. "Prince Clive, you are now twenty years old. The members of the Blood Okami have been faithfully protecting your father. We know how you were intensely involved with their training, gaining their respect for you. Yet imagine what would happen, if this so-called Arc comes into this kingdom. An uneducated, poor mannered commoner being regarded as King…imagine what the entire kingdom would think. Civilians will believe anyone could be a ruler of a country."

"It seems my father's decisions have already been made. I don't know what to do to deter his plans." Clive looked away, but Andel walked in front of him. "On the contrary, my Prince, there is a way. We must prevent your father from meeting Arc anymore, and prevent him from meeting Lord Spirae of Sacred White Clan."

"How, Andel?" Andel grinned and showed him a pouch of a strange gray powder. Clive returned him a confused stare, "What is this?"

"It is a very faint form of dried dark herb. If a person consumes a portion of this powder, they will feel ill for a few days and will not be able to move. Putting some slightly in your father's food, a few days before Arc comes upon this city will surely prevent the king from seeing him." Clive violently grabbed Andel's throat and pushed him upon the wall. Andel, choking, grabbed Clive's hand tightly. Clive simply glared at his aging face, "You plan on poisoning my father and you think you can get away with it!"

"It-It will not kill him, I assure you! It will merely prevent him-Haaumph-from seeing-seing-Arc and Lord-Lord Spirae! A-Arc is using the powers of the Ark to gain—control---!" Clive loosened his grip, letting Andel gasp for air. Andel fell unto the floor, practically holding unto Clive's foot, "Please, your highness. I only mean the best for the royal family. I wouldn't have imagined going this far until it began to threaten your way to the throne!"

Clive sternly looked at him, and chuckled, "You are an interesting character, prime minister. What of this Ark and about the boy getting power?" Andel still breathed heavily to regain his strength. "Though we may prevent our majesty from reaching Arc, Arc himself can grow to be more powerful than you one day if he finds the Ark..."

"More powerful…than me?"

"Y-yes! He can use his powers against the kingdom, forcing his way to be King, even when your father changes his heart and mind about this matter! He is stealing everything away from you, my prince, stealing your father's favor, the priestess of the Sacred White Clan, and now power that should be in your hands…"

Hearing those words, Clive felt bitterness rise inside. He knew Prime Minister Andel was toying with his thoughts, but he still felt a grave jealousy towards Arc. Clive wondered why everything was coming to Arc as though he deserved it. He wondered why such power to rule was not in his own grasp. Andel slightly lifted his head, "But…there is one that is more powerful than the powers of the Ark…."

"Who is it?" Clive asked without emotions. Andel whispered, "He is the Dark One, and he will be more than willing to give you a lending hand if you can help him stand against Arc..."

Clive raised an amused expression, as he walked away from Andel. "It seems we will come to an agreement without any problems. I would like to meet this Dark One." Andel smirked, "Yes, your highness. That can be arranged, as you wish. He has been quite eager to see you for some time…"

"And I will leave this matter to your hands. Make sure, my father does not meet Arc. But…if anything is to happen to my father---"

"Yes, Yes. I understand, your highness." Andel simply held his head low. Andel immediately left the room, as Clive stared into the mirror. As though a part of his conscience was affect, he felt a strange feeling of unease and guilt rising. Yet Clive shook the feeling away and started to laugh. He looked at himself in the mirror, his handsome face seemed to have grown darker, as though his character was being reformed already. Clive opened his eyes, returning to the present at the balcony where he began to recall his past. He steadily walked back into the castle, as his spruce servant started walking up the stairs to greet him. Clive calmly put his glasses back on, "Hmm. What is it?"

"Your Majesty, there is a report that Kramer and his men has arrived back from Millmana with the machine."

"Excellent. I will meet them in the basement downstairs."

"And, um…about Kukuru-sama?" The servant raised a questioning stare at him, as Clive stopped and sneered. "Guide her to the room I've prepared…"

"And the wedding?"

"Send the word out immediately. Make sure that everyone in Seirya hears and begin the preparations. We will hold it in two days..." The servant simply nodded, as they finished the stairway. While the servant disappeared from the room, Clive held his head back and began to chuckle. His golden eyes seemed to glint a faint blue, as he uncontrollably laughed as though he has gone crazy. "Two days, Arc...Two days and another destiny unfolds…"

The sky grew darker above the castle and thundered as well. Few but long hours passed, as flyers were passed through every door in Downtown, Palencia, and the Seirya Skyport. As night fell, People began to curiously peer at the flyers. Cheers and hollers arose from the city. Just as Shu, Gruga, Shania, Lieza, Paundit and Shante arrived at the Seirya Skyport, a large crowd gathered around a large post in the center of the sky port. The party was dressed in completely different attire to avoid the suspicion from the members of the Blood Okami. Shu wore a tight black suit, and replaced his deep red scarf with a black one. Gruga wore a dark brown robe, with a black cape. He also had a large bandage across his arm, hiding his wound. Shania covered more of her skin, replacing her tan top with a blue vest and wearing a black skirt instead of her tan skirt. Lieza replaced her skirt with airy black pants that were up to her knees. Lieza replaced her white shirt with a dark yellow long sleeved top. Shante took off her deep blue dress and wore black chemise and a thin dark jacket, with longer tight black pants. Quickly avoiding the eyes of people, they swiftly exited the sky port, heading towards Downtown.

They all stood in shock at the town's sudden change and prosperity. Paundit growled, sniffing around but finding something strangely ominous about the entire country. Entering the restored inn at Downtown, they put their little belongings down upon the floor. They sat around a large round wooden table in the corner of the bar, noticing some people talking among themselves, laughing and cheering. Shante got up to get a drink, while Shu peered around, making sure he couldn't sense anyone suspicious around them. Shania and Lieza looked at the center, the candle lighting their presence. Gruga simply rested his eyes. Throughout their travel by a small airship, they were able to share all their findings and clues about the diabolical plan. Shu shared about his past with the Blood Okami, explaining their origin just as he did with Shante. Shania shared her meeting with Clive and his strange proposition about Diekbeck. Gruga shared what he, Shania, and Lieza have heard in the lab base about using the monsters to kill the people, using a dark seal to transfer energy to the Dark One. Lieza simply told them about the strange disappearance of the animals in Holn and followed them to the Chimera Research Lab, finding out they have taken Mother Claire captive. As a general understanding has been reached with one another during their long flight, they decided to change their clothing to not be apparent within the crowd. Now they sat still in the busy inn, hoping to find rooms to rest for the night and discuss their plans.

Suddenly Shante rushed towards the table, as everyone grew alarmed. They rose from their seats, as she slammed a flyer down on the table. "I can't believe it! Look at this!"

They peered at the piece of paper on the table. Lieza gasped and covered her mouth. Shu practically snatched it up and peered into it with bewilderment. Gruga opened his mouth in shock, while Shania held her head in distress. Lieza stuttered, "This…this isn't right…"

Shania quietly but fiercely spoke. "A marriage between Kukuru and Clive? And what about Arc?" Shu held his chin in thought, looking up at his friends, "This only confirms what Clive has been planning. He knows Arc will come to this…and he means to unveil his true colors to the people there…"

"I wonder how the others are taking this. I'm certain Kukuru was forced into this marriage somehow…" Gruga softly said with concern. They sighed as they returned to their seats, hoping no one would eavesdrop into their discussion. Everyone remained silent to think into the matter, until Lieza spoke. "We can't stop the wedding head-on, because we will eventually be overrun by the members of the Blood Okami, as well as the soldiers that Clive has. Still, we have one clue that Mother Claire left for us. She overheard the men saying they will meet in the basement of Palencia Bar. Perhaps, if we investigate the matter first, we may find out a way to end their scheme before it even begins."

Shania looked at her, "Perhaps we will find Diekbeck as well, if we go there." Shu closed his eyes, "Yes, but we must also find a way to reach Arc and unite our forces, and explain everything. Any ideas where he might be at this point?"

"If Clive is on the throne, then he must be nearby. Perhaps Touvil or the Sabatico Shrine? Or…" Shante suggested. Shu glanced at her, as she softly questioned, "The Sacred White Clan…?"

"Those seem to be our only possibilities. Yet…it would be most unfortunate, if he wasn't in Seirya at all." Gruga said, folding his heads on the table. Shu calmly said, "If he is nowhere to be found in Seirya, it's up to us to stop whatever Clive and his men are planning. Whether he is in this country or not, I have a feeling Clive will find a way to make Arc come…"

"…you seem to know Clive..." Shante spoke, returning a confused glance at him. He looked at her and then at everyone who was giving him the same looks. "What makes you say that, Shante?"

"The way you speak of him, of course. There's a hint of bitterness in your voice towards him…" Shante spoke, while Shania simply let her head fall to her side slightly. Gruga and Lieza continued to stare at him, waiting for a response. Shu simply grinned and sighed. "I did know him, but time and age have changed both of us..."

Everyone was silent, wondering what Shu could mean by his words. Yet, they did not want to probe into his past or force him to share something he was not comfortable sharing. They let the past settle where it was, and continued to plan for the events to follow. Shania spoke, "Well, perhaps we should split up. We can't possible handle all these in a matter of two days."

"I agree." Gruga said. He peered over at Paundit and gave a firm pat on his back, as the furry friend simply lay there, resting his head on his paws. "To avoid suspicion, we should travel differently from the way we traveled before. I will go with Shante to search for Arc."

Shante nodded to Gruga's suggestion, as Shu looked at Shania and Lieza. "Then I will go with Lieza and Shania to look into the basement." Lieza looked over at Paundit and stared at Shante and Gruga. "I actually wanted Paundit to go with you, Shante, Gruga…"

"Hmm? Why, Lieza?" Shante asked. Lieza smiled as she looked at Paundit, "I don't feel comfortable, letting Paundit see the experiments they do on chimeras and other beasts. I think it would also be less suspicious, since they already know about Paundit traveling with us."

"Lieza has a point there. Perhaps you should let Paundit travel with you." Shu suggested. Shante grinned and looked at Gruga, who seemed quite happy, as he nudged Paundit and tickled his ears, "Haha, as long as Paundit doesn't mind, it's fine with us."

Paundit raised his head and gave a subtle bark, which made Lieza giggle, "Paundit would be happy to travel with you two."

"Good. I know we need time to recover from our past battle. My body is not in its best condition as well. Let's use this night to get our strength back and head out tomorrow. We have not a moment to lose. If we're not able to stop this, we can only expect something worse than the Great Disaster…" Shu solemnly spoke, knowing that his companions fully understood the result of Clive's schemes spelled out more than a Great Disaster, but possibly the reign of the Dark One. They all returned him a determined face. The light of the candle flickered, faintly reflecting on the window besides them. And so the night carried on, as time did not stop its toil to reach daybreak. Each returning to their respective rooms, they grew anxious for the days to come. The clouds still hovered across the continents, as Seirya seemed to only see a faint portion of the sky above them. With no moon and no sun visible in any part of the world, the search for the light continued for all mankind.

To the readers/ reviewers: I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Thank you for reading and reviewing. I pray that God would continue to bless you! Next Chapter may come a little late, but please be looking forward for it. Thank you again!