Chapter 13 [Hollow World Saga]: New World, New Life
The pair of blue eyes of a familiar young man shot open. Though he did not know where he was, the warm and comfy feeling of resting his head against a pillow and laying his tired body on a comfortable bed.
Given the wooden ceiling and general vibe of the place he could guess that he had somehow ended up in a wooden cabin. The young man groaned slightly as he felt a pulsating pain inside his head, however, that initial sensation started to fade the moment he sat up straight in bed.
By his bedside a large rectangular mirror reflected back his confused self. A well defined muscular frame, broad shoulders, and no more than a thin, sleeveless white shirt and dark pants to keep him clothed. At first glance one would be forgiven for thinking of the young man as a soldier in top shape. Further his messy black hair with silver highlights and ocean blue eyes were for lack of a better word- stunning.
"My name… I am…—
He froze.
Whenever he attempted to recall his identity all that came to mind was a bright flash of light. Deep in his core a voice resonated alongside that same pain inside his head.
Then a voice echoed:
"Now watch… as this flawed world is washed away."
The blue-eyed man shook his head.
That self-righteous yet witty voice seemed familiar, but his memories were just a blurry mess right now.
Alas the youth shook his head and slowly but surely left the bed and stood up on his own two feet.
The wooden floor creaked slightly as he walked along it and out of a door on the far side of the cabin. Immediately the nameless young man was welcomed by the visage of an island-based village. The beach, the sun, the smell of seafood — it all painted the picture of a stereotypical small town from the beginning of a hero's journey.
A quick glimpse around the place was all it took for the young man to realize that the locals more than likely kept the economy of this minor settlement going thanks to the easy access to the sea.
"Well then…" the silver-haired male thought. Truth be told he was half-expecting to be somewhere more dangerous given the amnesia and defenseless state he was in.
Just ahead of him, a tall dark-skinned male with plenty of muscles gave the boy a small greeting.
"Yo you're up! Greetings young friend. Welcome to Flügelgard, home to our lovely village," the man proclaimed full of enthusiasm.
"My name is Tindalos by the way. I hope you had a good rest, Kaito," he added.
"Kaito?" the silver-haired man questioned, confused by that name.
"Well ya see… I found you adrift at sea during a fishing trip after a heavy storm," The fisherman answered.
"Kaito is a strong name that exemplifies your origin as one who came from the sea. Since I didn't know your real name… it just kinda stuck," Tindalos concluded.
"Kaito…okay," The nameless, now named Kaito, spoke in acceptance of his given name. Mostly due to not knowing who he even was.
"How long was I out? And where is this place?" he further inquiries.
"Again, you're in Flügelgard, my friend! The last Island to the northernmost of the Empire. As for how long you have been out? Can't put an exact number since yer ass was already out cold when I found you out at sea, but it has been at least a month since ya been beauty sleeping," Tindalos explained whilst casually popping his shoulder back in place.
"Then… What's the state of the world? How is the Central Empire? What about Night Raid?" Kaito asked rapidly while walking alongside the bulky fisherman.
"Easy there kiddo, and the Empire? Night Raid? That's old news. It has been what — a year or so since Lord Nox took over the Empire and thereafter had all nations disband their armies and serve under him. We call it all the "Nox Dynasty" now… it is crazy how things changed so quickly. Almost like it all happened in the snap of someone's fingers," Tindalos explained.
Kaito felt strange.
Though the world seemed peaceful — it felt hollow somehow.
"And this Nox person… why does his name bother me so much?"
Tindalos proceeded to give the boy a quick tour of the village. Along the way, general topics popped up. During such idle chatter, it was disclosed to Kaito that the Nox Dynasty had effectively put an end to all forms of traditional currency and in its spot inserted an economy where trade is king.
By the start of the afternoon, Tindalos and Kaito were sitting on the docks. The older gentleman had given the young man a fishing rod and a bucket full of a plethora of baits to help him catch some fish which he could later trade for various odds and ends.
"Nothing is biting," the young man sighed after half an hour without a single bite.
Tindalos gave the boy a big smile. "Fishing is a matter of forbearance, kiddo. In fact, one who masters the art of patience can overcome the greatest of adversities," he continued.
"How wise for a fisherman," Kaito contemplated sarcastically.
"Some of the wisest of men birth their wisdom from the sea," Tindalos retorted sassily.
By sunset, Tindalos and Kaitos agreed on taking their catches to a shop wherein they could trade for supplies and weapons.
"Alright kid, I can see it in your eyes that you're looking for answers. I think you'll find what you are looking for here, but out in the Capital you might," Tindalos announced as the two artivrd at a stand full of weapons.
Scanning the various tools on the table, something got Kaito's eyes. He saw a short sword with a blue blade and a black handle. The sword looked like it had been through hell as cracks could be seen along its length.
"Oho? You are interested in this old sword?" the weapon shop owner asked.
"It just captured my attention for some reason," Kaito answered back.
"How about this? Give me some of the fish you have and you can have the sword with two weapons free as a bonus," The owner offered whilst putting on a ridiculously forced smile.
"Now I hope you are not trying to rip off someone again, old man," Tindalos quipped.
"Me? Never, Tindalos. I'm a businessman that sales weapons and makes a good trade. It's a good deal! Promise!" The weapon shop owner messed around with the duo.
After buying the sword and a small array of supplies the pair turned in for the day. The mysterious Kaito still had a long journey ahead of himself. It took him a few days but he did manage to gather sufficient resources to afford new clothes, food for his journey, and a ticket for a trip to the core of the Nox Dynasty; the Capital.
Dawning his silver, light armor that protected his chest and abdominal region in addition to a layer of chain mail underneath his clothes, Kaito seemed ready for a war as he stepped onto the boat that would take him to the mainland. A black, hooded trench coat further added flare to his style.
"Damn kid, you almost look like that Dragon Knight fella… try not to go out like him though, don't wanna have to bury you," Tindalos commented as he saw the boy off.
"Dragon Knight huh?" Kaito pondered.
"That title is familiar… I'll find the truth… I'll find out who I truly am,"
His resolve was undeniable.
"Don't worry, Tindalos. You saved me in my time of need, gave me a home, warm food, and clothes to wear… the he least I can do is stay alive so I can return here once I know the truth behind my past."
"Fight on kiddo!"
With that — the two went their separate ways.
A journey of discovering oneself — a quest to free this world of Nox's rule and reunite the shattered pieces of the knight that once was.
Under a new guise, in a hollow world, the Dragon Knight's story begins anew.
...
Season 2 opening: Hollow World by Aimer
Memories of the Dragon Knight's adventures break apart like glass as the new journey starts before a black void appears in the sky before the Capital. This world and other worlds become a hollow imitation of their former selves.
(In this place I have to say?)
The Dragon Knight gets his armor on and carries his Balmung out with him. Alongside were his two allies, Mine and Leone.
(My memory wearing off)
A shadow creature forms and closes in facing the three warriors. The shadow then suddenly changes revealing himself to be Ichiro, awakening from his long sleep.
(I lost my name)
Kaito is lost in deep thought. He wonders about how far the road ahead will be before getting up on his feet.
(In this dark haze that you said?)
Akame looking at the sky, thinking about her brother figure, the Dragon Knight.
(I walk like a lost child)
The King of Heroes is seen walking down the streets by her lonesome before another shadow appears to challenge her..
(I lost your face)
Medea hovering in the sky with her cape spread outwards and her mana ready.
(If everything could be imaginary one) Assassins of Night Raid get ready to face the armies of Horrors and Shadow creatures. Esdeath and the remaining members of the Jaegers get ready for battle.
(Can I be resigned to losing end?)
The Angel of Death, Nox, sits on his throne smiling at those that dare to challenge him. His Servants and army join his side as he marches towards war.
(Is this where I live?)
Akame and Kurome walking down the streets with their weapons drawn as the sky begins to crumble.
(Or is this where I leave?)
A mysterious red-eyed man standing on the tallest building of the Capital seeing All the World's Evil at work before jumping down.
(Eternal flame)
Kaito opens his eyes, his aura and power becoming something far better and stronger as his eyes become like those of a dragon and shine. His mana bursts outwards, a blue flame surrounding him.
(The hollow world I see, the sorrow deeply I feel)
Ichiro draws his blade and starts to cut the endless army of Horrors. Mashiro aiding him.
(Now they're perfectly burned out)
Medea unleashing a hailstorm of her mana spells onto the Horrors and Shadows while also backing up the Servants and Assassins on the ground.
(Eternal flame just back in my hands)
The Angel of Death's Servants facing off against their enemy servants is a massive battle.
(Like a double-edged sword)
The war between light and darkness rages on within this new world.
(I don't care)
Akame and Kurome facing all the Horrors and Shadow creatures before them together.
(It's time I must go that way)
Gilgamesh has flames surround her as she draws out Ea.
(Because I got ready to break my endless days)
The Dragon Knight opens his eyes as he swings Balmung unleashing the full power onto his most powerful foe, Nox.
