Disclaimer: I do not own Maplestory in anyway.

Chapter Two: A Change in Pace

Eckhart looked around him. The world was…well not normal. The sky was purple and the ground wasn't exactly dirt or cement that he was used to. The grounds were made of clouds of many tints and shades of navy blue and violet. Eckhart looked at his outfit and sighed. He was wearing a black thief overall with black leather boots. There was also a leather gloves with a violet gem at the center, and a soft black cape. Eckhart touched his face and noticed that there was a porcelain mask. Eckhart suddenly felt a powerful breeze flow. Eckhart stood there with confusion in his eyes.

"Where am I? I must be dead; there is no other reason for this weird place to exist…"

"That is where you're wrong young child." A powerful, yet gentle female voice spoke. Eckhart looked around him and could not see the one who spoke. "Child, relax. This place is where I reside. It is perfectly safe here."

"Who and where are you?" Eckhart heard the female laughed happily.

"I'm right behind you, young child." Eckhart turned around and came face-to-face to a graceful, slender woman. She had black-blue hair and sincere blue eyes. "I'm the goddess Minerva, and this is my realm in which I fled to before Papa Pixie tried to seal me away." The goddess Minerva smiled when Eckhart looked around him again.

"So I'm not dead?" Minerva nodded. "Then why am I here?" Minerva looked away sadly.

"Someone wanted to see you. This was the only way." Minerva looked toward her left and Ezekiel materialized. Eckhart looked at it appalled. "Go on child. Speak and don't be afraid." Ezekiel opened his eyes and smiled weakly.

"Eckhart, there was one thing that I forgot to tell you. You should use the time I gave you to live life for the both of us. And remember you're destined to do a great many things."

"Ezekiel… what if I…."

"No. Eckhart you will be able to. I believe in you so don't give up. Eckhart good luck!" Ezekiel said smiling. Eckhart tried to stop him from disappearing. Minerva kept holding Eckhart back until Ezekiel disappeared completely. Eckhart fell to his knees. Minerva stood back and looked around her.

"Minerva, what should I be doing? Where should my life go from here?" Eckhart said weakly. Minerva looked down at Eckhart.

"You will understand what you need to do when the time comes. Like your friend said, you are destined to do great things. Now, you've spent too much time here so return to where you really should be." Eckhart felt himself falling from the clouds. He saw Minerva smiling gently at him. The darkness engulfed him. Eckhart woke up to the sun shining through the grey clouds.

"Mommy! He's awake!" Cygnus yelled out in relief. Empress Krystal walked in and smiled at Cygnus. Eckhart looked around the room and sighed softly. The Dark Lord appeared next to the bed and gently checked Eckhart's temperature. Eckhart looked at the Dark Lord blankly.

"Eckhart, how are you feeling?" Eckhart saw worry in the Dark Lord's eyes. Eckhart looked away. It hurts to know that Ezekiel had died for him. "Eckhart?"

"I'll be fine, Master."

"You've been asleep for a week now. We were worried if you had gotten into a coma. Krystal didn't want to leave until you woke up." The Dark Lord said softly. Empress Krystal came over.

"I didn't want to leave without thanking the savior of my daughter. So thank you for saving her." Empress Krystal said thankfully. Eckhart nodded and turned his head toward the window. Cygnus climbed onto his bed and hugged him.

"Thank you for saving me. I was very grateful." Eckhart sat looking at Cygnus. She was smiling happily. He smiled under his bandages. "I hope we meet again Mr.…."

"Eckhart is fine Princess Cygnus."

"Then Cygnus is fine for me too, Eckhart. Hope to see you again in the future. Oh and take care of yourself. Bye!" Cygnus said from the doorway. She smiled and waved before leaving with Empress Krystal. The Dark Lord escorted them out.

"Take care my friend. We'll try to keep you and the rest of the Masters informed."

"Krystal, you don't need to worry about us. We have our ways of getting information. Be careful and take care." The Dark Lord watched the group walk away.

"Father?" The Dark Lord turned to his daughter. "Jin and I have finished the task you assigned us." The Dark Lord nodded and sighed. "Father?"

"Come Syl, let us go and continue your training." The Dark Lord and Syl returned to where Jin was practicing. Eckhart on the other hand sat in his bed for so long that he couldn't stand it anymore. Eckhart got out of his bed and grabbed a new pair of clothing and his medical kit. Eckhart went to the bathroom, and locked the door. He looked in the mirror. He laughed softly at his appearance.

"I look like a mess…. No wonder they would worry about me…." Eckhart turned the shower on to steaming warm. He took the towel from the cabinet and put it on the rack before taking his cloth off. His entire upper torso was covered in bandages. Eckhart took the ones that covered his face and unwrapped it. His face was what most girls would fall for. It was considered to be handsome if anyone could ever see it that is. Eckhart disliked girls that did nothing but chase after the boy that they liked. Eckhart unwrapped the rest of the bandages and hopped into the warm water. Eckhart stood there under the warm water and felt his muscles relax. Suddenly Eckhart was leaning against the shower wall. The fact that Ezekiel had given up his life for Eckhart had finally sunk in. The water hid his tears and weaknesses. "Ezekiel, I'm sorry…." After an hour in the shower, Eckhart got out and dried himself up. He wrapped up his still raw wounds and put his cloth on. Eckhart took out all of the bandages and wrapped his face. He picked up his stuff and walked out of the bathroom. After putting away his stuff, Eckhart went toward the inner dojo – where Jin and Syl usually practiced – to see the Dark Lord teaching them a new skill. Eckhart sat down next to the wall watching them. As the Dark Lord finished teaching them. He came over to Eckhart and sat down next to him.

"Are you feeling better? I hope you're not forcing yourself." The Dark Lord sighed sadly when Eckhart didn't reply. "Eckhart what are you thinking? Sometimes, you see to be so far away from us. Jin and Syl are always worried about you."

"Master, there is no reason for them to worry about me." Silence engulfed the two of them. Eckhart spoke up again, "Master, I wanted to ask you for your permission to leave the dojo." The Dark Lord looked at Eckhart with worry.

"Why would you want to leave? Are we not good enough?"

"No that's not it Master. I merely feel that my destiny does not lie here at this dojo. That my life serves a higher purpose. Something is telling me to go and travel the world." Eckhart said with a voice that felt too old and mature for his age. The Dark Lord felt uneasy with letting Eckhart go.

"Are you absolutely sure that you wish to go? I would no longer be able to keep an eye on you. All of your well-being will be taken care of by yourself. Living the life of an adventurer is difficult; you are constantly watching your back for dangers from the wild. It's not as carefree as it is right now in the dojo." The Dark Lord explained in a way to persuade Eckhart to stay.

"Master, I need to broaden my horizons. I need to leave. Master, please let me go." Eckhart said with a strong conviction. The Dark Lord sighed and smiled.

"Eckhart, you are very stubborn. Even if I didn't give you my permission, you'd still leave. I understand you're want to travel. When I was your age, I also had the urge to travel. I don't quite agree with letting you go since you haven't learned all I could teach you." The Dark Lord said softly. He ruffled Eckhart's smooth, wet black hair. Eckhart merely fixed his hair as soon as the Dark Lord stopped. The Dark Lord laughed loudly. Jin and Syl looked over at them with confusion. The Dark Lord motioned them to continue. "Will you tell them Eckhart?"

"It is only polite to do so. And as much as I hate to admit it. I really enjoy having their company. If I know them like I do, they'll hate me for leaving without telling them." Eckhart said softly. The Dark Lord looked at Eckhart. Something was off with Eckhart. Something had changed within his soul. Suddenly Eckhart stood up and went over to Jin and Syl. The Dark Lord watched with curiosity. "Jin, Syl, spar against me. My muscles are feeling stiff." The two of them looked at each other and then at the Dark Lord.

"I'm sure Eckhart knows what he's doing so just do as he asks. I'll stop the spar if it gets too dangerous." The Dark Lord answered them as they bowed. Jin and Syl immediately started to attack Eckhart. Eckhart dodged every attack that the two of them threw at him. They were using many taijutsu moves. Jin suddenly decided to go against the orthodox and started his relentless attacks. The Dark Lord watched impressed. Eckhart always had a way on bringing out their potential. Eckhart spared with the majority of his students and those that have, has improved tremendously. After an hour of sparing, Eckhart stopped Jin and Syl. Jin was worried. Eckhart could usually spar with them for at least two hours before stopping. The Dark Lord smiled and told the three of them to go an wash up for dinner.

"Eckhart are you feeling alright? I hope you're not pushing yourself. We don't want you to get hurt anymore." Jin said worryingly. Syl nodded and grabbed onto Eckhart's arm. She clinged onto Jin's arm as well. Eckhart smirked and looked at them.

"I'm not pushing myself so you don't have to worry about me. There is something I need to tell you two." Eckhart saw them look at him confused with curiosity. "I'll get right to the point. I'm leaving the dojo." Eckhart brought his hand up to stop the two from interrupting. "You two will not come with me and will not follow me. Master still has things to teach you both. I also know that you two are candidates for the position of Dark Lord. Don't you two give up on your potentials."

"When do you leave Eckhart?" Syl asked with a hidden sadness that did not go unnoticed by Eckhart.

"Tomorrow night. I need to leave as soon as possible. If I stay any more than I have, I fear of those that would come after me." Eckhart replied with urgency.

"Who would come after you? And why now? Couldn't they come to get you ever since you've been here?" Jin exclaimed.

"Jin, it wasn't until now that they realized I existed. I can't stay in one place for too long. Master has already approved of me leaving. I ask of you both to stay by our Master's side. I fear a dark cloud will be falling upon us soon. Protect the students of this school and future generations."

"We will, Eckhart. We promise with our hearts." Jin and Syl said stimulatingly. Eckhart smiled warningly. Jin and Syl froze as Eckhart continued walking. He chuckled quietly under his breath.

"You two coming? Dinner doesn't wait for us." Jin and Syl ran after Eckhart. When they arrived in the dining hall, the Dark Lord pulled them over.

"I presume you've told them?" The Dark Lord said urgently.

"Yes. What is the matter, Master?" Eckhart answered with worry. The Dark Lord turned and motioned Eckhart to look at the table. There was a message written in blood. Eckhart went over to examine it. Eckhart stood back as the message suddenly burned away leaving the disgusting smell of burning blood. Syl covered her mouth in disgust. Eckhart turned toward the Dark Lord. "It looks like I'll have to change my plans, Master. They'll start attacking the school soon. If I want to protect this school, I must leave tonight."

"I understand, Eckhart. Please have dinner with us before you go. It is quite sudden to hear that you need to leave tonight." The Dark Lord asked. Eckhart nodded and looked at the table. His eyes looked at the table cynically. Jin noticed that Eckhart was tense with anxiety.

"Eckhart, can I talk with you alone?" Jin asked hoping that Eckhart would say yes.

"Master, Syl, please go on ahead. We'll meet up with you soon." Eckhart said and watched the two of them leave. Jin spoke up.

"Brother, why are you so tense? Who's after you? Why aren't you telling everything?" Jin said with worry. Eckhart sat down on the chair.

"I'm sorry Jin. If I tell you they might come after you." Eckhart replied dejectedly.

"I know we're not true brothers, but I really want to know more about you. When did we grow apart?"

"I'm not sure Jin. However, I do not wish to leave on bad terms with you. Beware of the Black Wings Jin. I know you don't understand what the Black Wings are, but be careful. Jin protect them alright. I won't be here anymore to protect it so I'll leave it with you."

"Eckhart, why won't you tell master about the Black Wings?" Jin exclaimed.

"Stop Jin. I have my reasons. I trust you because you're my brother. Master is needed so protect them. Please, Jin don't ask too much of me. If you keep asking, I'll leave sooner." Eckhart said sadly. Jin smiled weakly and nodded.

"We better get going. Don't want Master and Syl to eat us alive. Eckhart, we'll always be brothers right?" Jin said as they walked toward the dining hall.

"Of course, Jin. Wasn't that already determined when Master became our guardian? No matter what happens we'll always be brothers." Eckhart replied gently. Eckhart grew quiet and fell into lost thought. Jin followed Eckhart with worry. Eckhart had somehow changed since he woke up. Jin had noticed that Eckhart had become extra serious. Jin wasn't sure if Eckhart knew how intimidating of an aura he had. That wasn't there before, Jin was scared of that aura yet Eckhart hadn't changed all that much. Eckhart was merely hiding information from them. The Master talked with Jin and Syl during dinner. Eckhart remained silent and ate slowly. He wanted to savor the last few precious moments he had with them. He felt Umbra urging him to hurry. Time was running out. Eckhart decided to have an inner conversation with Umbra. "How long until enemy arrives?"

"Three hours most Eckhart. You must leave immediately after dinner. We must start your training as soon as possible. It's a good thing that you know the basics."

"Umbra, what exactly do I do as the first Night Walker?" Umbra chuckled evilly.

"That my friend is entirely up to you. I merely serve you, my master." Eckhart looked up from his food and took in their smiles. Umbra grew quiet and continued its job.

"Umbra, where will we go?" Eckhart said with a small smile. Umbra looked at him.

"Wherever your feet takes you Eckhart. I'll train you in any environment. Plus we'll search for these Black Wings and expose them."

"Personally, I believe exposing them might become an issue." Eckhart said while eating his piece.

"Eckhart, stop daydreaming! They're looking at you." Umbra yelled out. Eckhart looked up and saw their gazes. Jin and Syl were looking at Eckhart with worry. The Dark Lord continued eating slowly; however Eckhart could see his worry as well.

"I'm sorry did you say something?" Eckhart asked.

"We asked you if we'll ever see each other again." Syl replied with a tone of sadness.

"I'm sure we'll meet again. After all, we still have a long life ahead of us. Unless you plan on dying. Take care of yourselves, Master, Jin, and Syl." Eckhart stood up.

"Leaving already?" The Dark Lord asked. Eckhart looked at the Dark Lord. The Dark Lord suddenly saw Eckhart's darkening, shining eyes. "What are you…?" The Dark Lord fell unconscious. Jin and Syl ran over to him and tried to wake him up. Eckhart merely walked over to the door and opened it. Syl ran at him and tried to attack him Eckhart looked at her darkly. Syl suddenly felt weak in her legs.

"Why Eckhart?" Syl whispered as she fell asleep. Jin stood up and looked at Eckhart. Jin felt Eckhart's aura grow black.

"Eckhart, what has gotten into you?" Jin came over to Eckhart. Umbra struggled to regain control. Umbra watched as Jin came closer. Umbra kept mumbling to itself; no, no…. "Eckhart what are you doing?" Umbra suddenly decided to get into Eckhart's mind.

"Eckhart! Where are you? Come back! Please Eckhart! You're killing him! ECKHART!" Umbra yelled. Eckhart was choking Jin when he came to. Eckhart let go of Jin and walked backwards away from Jin. Jin sat on the ground gasping for air.

"Eckhart?" Jin looked up at him and saw something that brought the world around of him to a million pieces. Eckhart was crying with tears coming down his face.

"I'm sorry Jin. I have to leave right now. I'm really sorry." Eckhart got up and ran outside. The wind blew and gave Eckhart the chills. "Umbra, why? What happened? I almost killed him."

"Eckhart, you need to relax. The darkness within you has not been controlled yet. It gained control for a few moments. I'll teach you how to control it. After all, Night Walkers are meant to walk through the darkness." Jin came out and grabbed Eckhart's hand. Eckhart looked at Jin. Jin noticed the great sadness in his eyes. Eckhart removed his hand from Jin's grasp.

"Don't you follow me ever? I don't think we can see each other again until I know I can control my strength.' Eckhart summoned Umbra and told him to get his bag. Umbra looked uncertain at Eckhart, but went anyway.

"Eckhart, what was that?" Jin asked shocked beyond belief. Eckhart's eyes continued to show sadness.

"That was my spirit of darkness. My ally since I gained this power. Please don't tell the Master and Syl." Eckhart said with a sad smile.

"I don't blame you. I blame fate and destiny. You weren't in control when you put Master, and Syl to sleep. Plus you also weren't in control when you choked me. I could tell that it wasn't you so don't blame yourself." Jin smiled. "Take care of yourself Eckhart. We'll miss you dearly." Umbra came back out and dropped Eckhart's bag into his hands.

"Tell them I'm sorry. I didn't mean to." Eckhart said and he walked away, leaving Jin standing there alone.