United Sanctuary

[25.14.4999]

[4 months prior to the "Crest Mountains incident". Inside the United Sanctuary]

This was a city of incredible stature and importance in the world at large. Its buildings and landmarks showed immense technological advancements. Despite its development, its air was fresh and showed little signs of pollution. The city streets were clean and its people seemed as dignified as knights and nobles as they went about their days. This was the Capital City of the United Sanctuary.

*chatter, chatter*

A massive crowd gathers in the beautiful streets awaiting the return of their knightly order of heroes.

"Here they come!"

The knights clad in blue and white part the streets with their every step while the crowd chants and cheers for their safe return.

[A large house somewhere in the United Sanctuary Capital]

A woman with bluish green hair happily prepares breakfast while her orange-haired daughter sits around the kitchen table.

"i'm so happy that Aichi has returned safe, I can't wait to finally see him again"

"Same here, I can't believe my baby boy has been given such a bright future as a part of the Royal Paladins. I wonder if he brought back any souvenirs"

"I doubt that was his main objective while fighting mom"

[The King's palace in the capital of the United Sanctuary]

The huge gates open welcoming back the warrior from their ventures. They are greeted with cheers from the guards and allowed to rest in the barracks surrounding the palace.

Two of the warriors roam the castle halls on their way to the throne room

Aichi: "We were lucky to even survive back there. It's a miracle we're even here right now.

The blue spiky haired boy that spoke seemed gloomy

The knight standing beside him seemed larger than life, his every step echoed throughout the halls and his presence could be felt from every inch of the castle, he was a great and famed warrior of the united sanctuary, "Blaster Blade".

Blaster Blade "Hold your head high Aichi Sendou. Can't you see that that's precisely why their cheers reach our ears. We are alive and you played a large role in why we didn't suffer many more casualties. So I'll say it once more, hold up your head"

Aichi: "Y-yeah but, if we have to face that thing going forward then it's only a matter of time before…"

Blaster Blade: "Enough! Pull yourself together, we are nearing the throne room."

The blue haired boy stops babbling and quietly roams the halls behind the knight. After seeing Blaster Blade, the knights guarding the door to the king's chambers move aside and give way.

He walks in with the boy and is met by a figure sitting on a throne. This man radiated hope and humility, his presence gives comfort and warmth. Upon seeing the man both Aichi and Blaster Blade fell to their knees in reverence.

Blaster Blade: "My king, I trust that you are in good health"

"Ahmes, my old friend, my duties as king has made me inactive on the battlefield, trust that it is not my health that suffers"

Blaster Blade: "That is good to hear"

King of knights, Alfred: "I heard the report of what happened out there, the enemy was unexpected, He left you no other choice but retreat."

Blaster Blade: "Yes… we had no clue we would encounter such a dangerous enemy and simple routine mission such as this, he was by himself too which means he could be on the run from the empire."

Alfred: "I see, so you think he could be trying to escape. Seems very unlikely don't you think. I've never met him personally on the battlefield but what a legendary day that will be."

Blaster Blade: "It is an unlikely situation but it is a possibility we must look into"

Alfred: "Yes you are right blaster blade. Because of the dragon's interference you were put in a situation you weren't ready for, but you managed to play a large role in our safe retreat Aichi Sendou. It seems I was right about you."

Aichi Sendou: "I-I am undeserving of your praise your highness, it was because of blaster blade's efforts and leadership we were not killed, I simply followed his orders the best I could"

Alfred: "I see, Very well then. Your family awaits your return, take a few days and spend with them. I will send for you by the end of the week to oversee an important mission. Is that understood?"

Aichi: "Y-yes sir"

Aichi leaves the room and allows Blaster Blade and alfred to continue their conversation

Alfred: "Tell me Blaster blade, what do you think of the boy?"

Ahmes rises and removes his helmet

Ahmes: "He lacks the confidence, quick thinking and decisiveness to be a leader."

Alfred: "All very good qualities indeed but they all come with experience. The most important thing however, does he have the heart of a warrior heart?"

Ahmes flashes back to an instant on the battlefield covered in flames and Aichi bringing hurt comrades to safety.

Ahmes: "He has plenty of that, he rushed into a sea of flames to save a friend, That I cannot deny."

Alfred: "Yes… now I'm sure, He just needs time and a bit of faith from his hero, his partner…"

Ahmes's eyes widen for a moment

"...moving on, What do we do about that general from the dragon empire, he's said to be their most powerful general"

Alfred and Ahmes: "Dragonic Overlord"

[Later that day]

Aichi walks out of a fancy carriage and now stands in front of a big beautiful building. The large doors swing open and a orange haired girl run's out

"Welcome home brother!"

The girl launches herself at Aichi and hugs him. He holds her back then smiles and waves to the other woman that came from the building.

…

Shizuka Sendou: "My dear child, I am so happy you've returned home safely"

Emi Sendou: " I still can't believe you've gone and joined the Royal Paladins, It still hasn't registered for me yet to be honest"

Aichi: "haha, is it really that hard to get used to?"

Emi: "Of course it is, you were always so clumsy and shy and now you're a knight of the united sanctuary's main fighting force, the Royal Paladins. Who would've thought things would turn out like this for my cute little brother?"

Aichi: "I guess you are right it was unexpected, in fact sometimes i even think they made a mistake in recruiting me."

Emi: "Mistake or not, the look on your face when the King himself came to tell you personally, it was the happiest I've ever seen you. I could tell that the thought of meeting and fighting alongside your heroes excited you"

Shizuka: "This turn of events even changed our living situation from a struggle to a comfortable one, your father would be so proud to have seen you grow up and become the man you are today. Of course I do worry for your safety everytime you leave the city."

Aichi: "I-I'll be fine mom, I have strong allies I can rely on"

Shizuka: "I see, well then if you say so"

Aichi: "I'm tired, I'm gonna go to bed for a bit, see you guys later."

Emi and Shizuka: "Ok…"

Emi: "He seems different, do you think everything is ok mom?"

Shizuka: "I'm sure he's just tired, give your brother some time ok. "

Emi: "If you say so…"

Aichi locked the door to his room and laid on his bed, he whispered one thing to himself before passing out

"I'm such, a coward…"

[The next morning]

*knock, knock* "Wake up Aichi, breakfast is ready!"

Aichi opens the door to see his sister standing on the other side

Emi: "you finally answer, c'mon we have a long day ahead of us."

Aichi: "We do?"

Emi holds up a paper in her hand.

Emi: "There's a show happening in town today"

Aichi makes out the title with his still droopy eyes

Aichi: "The Bermuda Triangle experience?"

Emi: "Yes and we're going!"

Aichi: "We are?"

Emi: "The show will start with the amazing Blazer Idols and be anchored by the Super Idol, Ceram! She ranked top 10 in the last popularity vote, not to mention that I hear the great pearl sisters will be making an appearance! So of course we're going."

Aichi: "Of Course we are…"

[A little later that day]

The siblings now walking down the streets of their neighborhood found themselves walking in proximity with a lot of people who were all going in the same direction. They all seemed to be heading to their world renowned concert stadium for the concert that would start in two hours.

Aichi: "I guess it's true what they say, the Bermuda Triangle has the power to dictate the decisions of an entire country's movements."

Emi: "Their songs capture the hearts of the people, no doubt about that. I'm sure once you see them perform live you'll feel the same way as everyone else does."

Aichi: "I seriously doubt that, but if you say so…"

Emi: "What'd you say we get something to eat before the concert starts. Oh I know, are you down for some ice-cream?"

Aichi nodded to his sister's idea. He knew that it would be difficult to purchase anything once the concert started. The siblings set off to a nearby shop in which they seemed familiar.

Emi: "It's been a while since you came here hasn't it Aichi."

Aichi: "Yeah, no kidding"

Emi: " They have this new flavor I can't wait for you to try, I just know you'll like it."

Aichi: "Oh is that so?"

The automatic transparent door opens allowing the two to walk in. right before Aichi enters the shop however, a hooded figure walks out and stops right behind him. He hears a cold voice that sends shivers down his spine.

"Aichi Sendou, meet me near the abandoned ruins beyond the city in thirty minutes, if you don't comply with my demand, your mother will die."

Aichi quickly turns quickly to see the hooded figure was no longer standing behind him and red feathers scattered.

Emi: "Aichi, Aichi… Aichi!"

Aichi: "Huh!?"

Emi: "What got into you all of a sudden, why do you look so disoriented?"

Aichi: "go to the concert Emi, I need to do something I'll catch up to you a soon as possible"

Emi: "Wait, brother!... what about our ice-cream"

Aichi ran to an alley and made sure no one was around.

Aichi: "Come to my aid now, Barcgal"

A flash of blue light was accompanied by a mechanical dog with a sword lodged inside its mouth. He was a high beast who served in the holy nation's army.

Barcgal: "What is this, why have I been summoned here?"

Aichi: "Barcgal, I need you to go to my home and protect my mother, she may be in danger."

Barcgal: "Say what? You summoned me here because you think your mother is in danger huh. *sigh* fine, I see how it is, I'll help you out."

Aichi: "I appreciate it, thank you. I'll go neutralize the threat right now"

Barcgal: "You better"

Barcgal takes off into the direction of Aichi's home. Aichi then sets out to the location that the culprit specified.

Aichi runs as fast as he can, weaving and dodging the people in the crowd. He doesn't hesitate to leave through the western gate which was the closest to the ruins. Once outside the city the boy calls another high beast for his assistance.

Aichi: "Come to my aid, Wingal!"

Beside him appears a flash of blue light in the shape of the symbol of the royal paladins. He summoned this ally for his incredible smelling and detective senses. It was a blue dog that wore a red scarf that complemented its long burgundy mane. His ears were long and resemble wings

Aichi: "I need you to tell me if there are any traps set from here to the ruins, I'll tell you what's happening while we run!"

Wingal: "Understood"

Without hesitation Wingal did as Aichi commanded. A little while later, The boy and the dog reached their destination.

Aichi: "We're here"

Wingal, who was now fully caught up to the situation, tries intensely to detect where their foe was hiding. Aichi stood on high alert and monitored his surroundings cautiously. They could hear the trees rustle in the wind. It was a dead silence, until after a few seconds they could hear a voice.

"You ran here and it only took you 22 minutes, It seems my prediction was off by three minutes."

Aichi looked seriously at the hooded figure while Wingal snarled.

Aichi: "Who are you… what do you want?"

"...I possess powers of similar origin to you, Aichi Sendou."

Aichi's eyes widened in surprise

Hooded figure: " My powers are a tad bit more special than yours however. we predict that the state of our nation will change rather soon, and you will have great influence in that change"

Aichi: "What are you talking about, and who is this 'we' that you speak of!?"

The hooded figure slowly removes the cloak and reveals their identity. It was a tall beautiful girl with long flowing lilac hair and teal eyes. Her expressions seem cold and calculating.

"I am Misaki Tokura, and "we" are the Oracle Think Tank"

Wingal: "The oracle think tank?!"

Aichi: "You know who they are?"

Wingal: "They are a massive organization that offer many services, their main business involves predictive magic and fortune telling. They are definitely not a group to be messed with. What did you do to catch their attention?"

Cold sweats run down Aichi's face as he hears Wingal's words and turns his gaze back to Misaki. He was unable to answer Wingal's question because he did not know why he was now seemingly a target.

Aichi: " Tell me, why did you threaten my mom? Am I to assume that you are my enemy!?"

Misaki: "...yes, you are"

Wingal and Aichi instantly become on guard after hearing her cold, callus response.

Misaki: "Now die…"

Wingal: "Move!"

The girl sprints forward and pulls out a combat knife in an attempt to stab Aichi.

*swoosh*

the knife flies towards Aichi's face, he dodges and runs past her to gain distance.

Aichi: "What the-!"

Misaki quickly turns and gives chase. She is cut off however when Wingal intervenes and attacks her with a knife in his mouth.

Seeing the incoming attack, she is able to block Wingal's attack with her knife. She gets blown backwards. She composed herself and prepared her next attack.

Misaki: "A high beast, you're powerful but… are you stronger than a dark cat?"

A flash of yellow light followed by a purr suddenly comes from behind the girl. From behind her appears a black cat whose fur possesses an unnatural shine and glimmer to it and a red gemstone in its forehead.

Aichi: "{She must be a vanguard like me, I'm in serious trouble if I don't call him right now}"

Wingal and Dark cat headbutt each other but Wingal is sent flying back a bit.

Wingal then charges to stab it but the cat jumps over and lands behind him. Before Wingal can turn completely he is hit the side and sent tumbling into the dirt.

Wingal gets up and grits his teeth in preparation for an intense battle

Meanwhile…

Aichi: "{Where did she come from, was she here the entire time?}"

An elf girl with light purple hair, green eyes, purple diamond themed clothing and staff stood beside Misaki as if she appeared out of thin air and started speaking to her.

The two girls talked a bit before Lozenge Magus put her staff onto Misaki's back.

Lozenge Magus: "Try not to be so reckless and focus only on calculations dummy, you're only human after all"

Misaki's expression changed for a split second before returning to her usual demeanor.

Misaki: "I know that already"

Aichi took the time he'd been given to focus and get his mind prepared for the fight.

Aichi: [No matter how many times I call , you won't answer. Why won't you answer me, Blaster Blade!]

To Aichi this situation was now life or death, he placed his hand out in front of him and a blade immediately manifested into it

Misaki noticed the change in the boy's demeanor and gripped her combat knife firmly

Lozenge magus notices what was about to happen and takes a few step backwards

Aichi Charges at Misaki and draws his blade.

Their blades clash again and again. Aichi seemingly has the upper hand with his longer blade and is pushing Misaki back with each strike. She soon begins to effortlessly dodge his attacks better and better.

The veil of victory is slowly removed from Aichi as he realizes he is not able to keep up with her movements and is quickly put on the defensive.

Aichi's sword gets knocked away after a few of Misaki's attacks. He soon finds himself unable to dodge her kicks and punches. He is beaten down several times before he can no longer even stand up.

A bloody and battered Aichi stood still in acceptance of defeat and awaited his death

Misaki: "*pant, pant* It looks like you do know when to give up after all"

Aichi: "I-i've lost *heavy panting* ...now go ahead and finish it"

[King of knights throne room]

Three of the United Sanctuary's greatest figures are currently watching the battle unfold through a mirror

Blaster Blade: "That's enough, call her off now Amaterasu"

Blaster blade stood facing a dignified black haired woman dressed in a traditional luxurious japanese outfit with a hair ornament resembling the sun. The woman looks at Blaster Blade with a blank expression.

CEO Amaterasu: "He's too weak… He needs to grow faster, we are relying on him to help this nation in a great way going forward."

Blaster Blade: "He will be ready for whatever you think is coming. I will personally make sure of it"

Amaterasu: "And what if he is-"

Blaster Blade: "He'll be ready… now call off your vanguard"

Amaterasu: "Oh…? The great warrior of the blaster blade will personally take him under his wings. It's laughable that you think that is enough to handle the storm that is brewing"

Blaster blade decided not to argue with the woman any further

Blaster Blade: "I'll ask one more time, call her off now."

Blaster blade's hand begins to hover above his sword

Amaterasu: " Ahmes, is that a threat? I thought you would know better than that"

Blaster Blade: "It's a warning"

The man sitting atop the throne decides to step in and deal with the bickering that was occurring

King of knights, Alfred: "That's enough. I think you've seen enough of his capabilities by now Amaterasu. Let it go, Ahmes.

The tension between the two was cut with just a few words from alfred. Ahmes removes his hand from his sword and the woman averted her gaze to the floating mirror in front of her.

Amaterasu: "Return, yata no kagami"

The mirror stopped projecting images of what was happening, shrunk and turned into a necklace that the woman could wear.

Amaterasu: "While we are not sure what exactly will happen, we are certain that catastrophic events will be happening in the coming months. Our world renowned predictions have made it a certainty for us. I hope you, the Royal Paladins of the United Sanctuary, are ready."

As the woman begins to approach the door to make her exit the king begins to speak.

Alfred: You may not know exactly what will happen but do you have any ideas of who our enemies could be?"

Amaterasu: "Not yet, for all we know it could be the interference of that being that has been trying to destroy our world since its conception, or maybe just the international crime syndicate plotting something that could turn the world on its head. It's even a possibility that it is caused by those who stubbornly rebel against you, the great king Alfred."

The king did not react to amaterasu's words but Ahmes seemed to have not taken kindly to her words.

Amaterasu "If I were you, I'd also keep an eye out for the Dragon Empire and the Dark Zone. As usual if we have any information that may interest you we'll let you know." she continued as she walked through the doors and disappeared in the castle halls.

Alfred: "It's been a while since we've faced a potential national threat like this hasn't it. Not knowing when and where the threat is certainly makes us less efficient when dealing with it but at least we won't be caught off guard… Never again. Ahmes, I hope you have my back like you've always had.

Blaster blade: "Of Course my king. I'll always be by your side."

[near the west ruins]

Aichi stood bloodied, unarmed and with his arms down, he was soundly defeated.

Misaki slowly closes the distance between them as she speaks.

Misaki: "I've seen enough"

Aichi: "What- are you talking about?"

Misaki: "...I am not here to end your life Aichi Sendou, I am here merely as an informant. *smiles* I do trust that i've delivered my message clearly"

Misaki Suddenly hears a voice calling out from inside of her head. She immediately stops walking towards the boy and shifts her attention to lozenge magus.

Lozenge Magus: "we've been called back, our mission has been completed it seems"

Misaki: "I see. Very well Aichi Sendou, I do look forward to the next time we meet"

Dark cat who was fighting Wingal disappeared, leaving a wounded Wingal to mend his injury. After a few seconds of Misaki going towards the ruins, she was now completely out of sight. Lozenge magus stayed behind for a few more minutes and tended to Aichi's injuries before also leaving.

A new mysterious figure looms over the unconscious body of Aichi with no one around to protect him.

[A few hours later]

A confused Aichi woke up to find himself inside his own room.

Aichi: "? Why am I here? What happened?"

He goes downstairs to find his mother and sister minding their own business before noticing him.

Shizuka Sendou: "Oh Aichi You're up! How are you feeling?"

Aichi: "Hey mom… I'm feeling good actually"

Shizuka: "That's good to hear honey, just rest easy for a few days alright."

Aichi nodded to his mother and then turned his attention to his little sister

Aichi: "Oh Emi… I'm really sorry about missing the concert, but did you have fun?"

Emi: *sigh* "I didn't go Aichi"

Aichi: "Wait a second, why not!? You were looking forward to this for so long. Don't tell me it's because I ditched you, I promise it was for something important."

Emi: "I was going to still go, but right before I did, mom called and said your unconscious body had been brought to the house by someone from angel feather. I was worried so I came to check on you."

Shizuka: "Even though I told her you'd be ok and I'd watch over you, she chose to stay and miss her concert. Isn't a big sister's love for her brother adorable."

Emi: "M-mom don't say it like that"

Aichi: *smiles* "I'll make it up to you Emi, Thanks"

Emi looks at Aichi for the first time since he came downstairs.

Emi: "You better" *smiles*

[The next day]

Shizuka: "Oh you're going out?"

Aichi: "Yeah, there's someone I have to speak to right away "

Shizuka: "Ok, just don't get into any fights again."

Aichi: "I'll be careful, don't worry mom"

…

Aichi walked a little while before reaching the palace gates. He gazed at the gate with pure rage in his eyes until it finally opened up to let him inside. six guards had arrived beyond the gate and made a path for Aichi to walk, at the entrance to the king's palace stood the famous and powerful knight, Blaster Blade

Blaster Blade: "Aichi, you've finally come"

Aichi: "Blaster Blade, I called for you, you never answered"

Blaster Blade: "It was necessary that I did not come to your aid in that battle, I saw everything that happened, Your life was never in any real danger."

Aichi: "You saw the whole thing? So you just sat back and watched me get beaten to shit just because my life was never in danger!"

Blaster blade stood in silence for a moment

Aichi: "I thought I was supposed to be your vanguard. How could I possibly trust my so called 'allies' if they don't show up when I need them?!"

Blaster Blade: " You've faced certain death and an unwinnable battle, tell me, are you willing continue on this path having experienced those things"

Aichi: "How could I…?"

Blaster blade: "Very well then, this may be the very last time we meet"

Blaster blade turns his back to Aichi and begins to walk inside the palace. The guards begin to gather around Aichi as if to escort him outside.

Aichi: "… not like this, I'm too weak. Hear me Blaster blade! I will get strong enough to force you to answer my call"

Aichi sudden outburst shocked the guards in place and stunned Blaster Blade for a moment

Blaster Blade: *Smiles* "I see… {so you haven't given up after all}"

Blaster Blade walks inside the palace closing the door behind him and the guards escorted Aichi outside. Aichi returns to his home and spends the rest of the day helping his mother and big sister around the house.

Aichi: {Emi was still mad at me for ditching her the day before yesterday so as soon as I got up and opened my door, that was her patiently anticipating my arrival. I find it weird she wasn't beating down my door again this morning but it's a nice change. She forced me to spend the entire day with her, we went shopping, fishing, sightseeing and she even introduced me to this new concept called karaoke. It was a day well spent, I'm pretty sure she knew I needed something like this after the last few days. The day ended and I might've gotten the best sleep i've had in ages}

[The next morning]

Shizuka: "Aichi, come down here, There are some people here to see you!"

Aichi walked down the stairs fully clothed in a blue long sleeved hoodie, white T shirt, long blue pants, a black belt and high black was ready to depart and was fully aware that soldiers had arrived to escort him to the palace.

Soldier 1: "You've been summoned by the king"

Aichi: "…"

Emi arrives down stairs as soon as Aichi walked through the door

Emi: "Brother, You're leaving again?…"

Aichi: "Don't worry, I'll be back soon"

The door closes, blocking Aichi's view of his sister's saddened face. After about 15 minutes of riding in a carriage, Aichi was called outside. He had reached the gates to the king's palace.

Soldier 2: "Open up the gates, Aichi Sendou has arrived!"

The large gates begin to open up once more. A gust of wind forced him to cover his face for a moment and when he removed his hands to take a look, he was stunned by what he saw.

Aichi: "No way…"

What he saw was a sea of silver armor scattered all over the Palace's garden and walking path. There were knights everywhere talking, laughing and drinking wine together.

Soldier 1: "This is as far as we were ordered to escort you Aichi Sendou, we'll take our leave now"

Aichi: "O-ok thanks"

Aichi slowly made his way inside and cautiously looked around wondering what was happening. He is then approached by a man who has long, bright-pink hair and green eyes, and wears a violet shade of lipstick. He wears an aristocratic suit, consisting of a long red jacket, pink shirt with a red scarf at the neck, white pants, and a black belt.

The man: "Are you by chance the little blue wonder I've heard so much about?"

Aichi: "The little blue wonder?"

The man: "The name's Hiromi Myoji, It's a pleasure to finally meet you Aichi Sendou"

A yellow haired woman watched on as the two greeted each other

Aichi: "Hiromi Myoji? Wait a second I've heard of you before, you're a vanguard just like me!"

Hiromi: "That is true, except i'm not like you at all, you need a few more years of experience to be anything like me kiddo. Whatever, that's not the point of this conversation. I am simply here to meet a new comrade, we'll speak again soon I hope."

Aichi: "Yeah…"

The man walked off leaving Aichi behind. Aichi took a moment to collect his thoughts before looking around. Aichi looked over to a corner of the garden as if looking for something specific but nothing was there

Aichi: "{That's weird, I could've sworn someone was watching us. Oh wait, I forgot to ask what was happening.}"

A boisterous knight with white feathery wings resembling that of an angel and the red curved horns of a demon, clad in beautiful white and gold armor can be heard speaking in the distance

Palamedes: "I wonder what possessed Alfred to summon all of us knights here, The security of the nation is at stake with all these heavy hitters being gathered here after all. What is that king of ours even thinking?"

Hearing palamedes speak disrespectful of the king, another knight dressed in silver and blue armor and carrying two swords decides to respond.

Bedivere: "Watch your mouth Swordsman of the blaze. Choose your words carefully or risk losing the ability to speak ever again."

Palamedes: "Knight of loyalty, bedevere, Is that supposed to be a threat?"

Bedivere: "It's a warning you only get once, fool"

The two knights slowly place their hands on their respective swords and stare intensely at each other. Just as they are about to draw their weapons another swordsman decides to step between them and intervene.

Palamedes: "Demon slaying knight, Do you wish to join our duel"

Lohengrin: "Such foolish behavior shall not be tolerated, do not be foolish and disrupt this gathering for a mere battle between comrades. Never mind that now anyway, The king is about to make his entrance."

The trumpets sound

Random guard that walks out of the palace: "prepare to finally be graced with your king's presence"

The castle doors swing open and the king makes his graceful entrance followed by two of his most loyal and trusted knights, Galehaut and Blaster Blade. All of the knights present immediately bent a knee and bowed to the king of knights, Alfred, leaving only three people standing one of which included Aichi.