AN1: Yeah… this one's a bit late… whoops. I started to play a game… then watch an Anime(all 26ep)… then read a Manga, in the time I usually dedicate to writing. I blame their creators. If they weren't so good I would have already written this long before now. Of course… as soon as I get done with all those things… I have NO DESIRE whatsoever to write. I sat down and my mind zoned out like some… non writing zombie. So yeah… it's late.

I draw a lot of my inspiration from Manga, Books, and Anime so if you see them and want to comment on the fact, I would love to see that I'm not just creepy in being the only one who reads or watches that Manga/Book/Anime.

I got the idea for Cloud to have a brother from a fanfic here (Snow days), and as I formulated the story I knew HE HAD TO HAVE ONE! Of course, Aon became a lot more than simply his brother as things moved forward. Now they are REALLY close brothers… Actually the original Idea would have had them being twins… because twins would be fun to write I think. Sadly you have to put up with Aon's foxy goodness instead… don't you feel let down?

On a brighter note… you get to meet ANOTHER new character this chapter that'll be around quite often. He's someone you all know VERY well… some of you are attached to him so much it's a bit creepy. In most fanfic's I read I don't like the guy, but ehhh, maybe in my own writing I can come to appreciate his character like I do in SOME of those really good ones… and hopefully I don't screw him up… which would be worse. I could get swarmed by a bunch of angry fangirl's/guy's killed then kicked into a ditch somewhere… You can read to find out who it is o.o

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Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy… This chapter has an angry Sephiroth…(which one doesn't?)

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Reviewers: Please note that I am open to ANY FORM of review! Criticism is highly appreciated. Cookies and cake are… accepted.

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A special thanks to anyone who reviews, favorites, or follows. Seeing those numbers go up and hearing your opinions always makes me want to keep writing!

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Chapter Four

Master of Materia

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It was a castle… that's what Cloud had learned on his second day of being here; Palace's weren't quite so fort like in their design. His destination in this enormous place was 'The Lord's Office'. Sephiroth had invited one of his colleagues over for instruction and set up the meeting place as Cloud's 'work place'. He hadn't actually started any real work just yet. Sephiroth was doing most of it, and forcing him to watch each decision then explaining it into tidbit details.

He was slated to take over the majority of his lordly duties two days before his 'unveiling' to the nobles nearly a month from now. Aon had said that it was a miracle 'the silver haired idiot' had managed to put them off that long. The war hero had also sealed the Castle off from letting most anyone in. From what Cloud had been able to gather, only those that actually WORKED in the castle were allowed entrance under VERY strict orders. The reason for this was his safety, or so he'd been told.

The swishing of cloth entered his ears as one of the castle help stopped and bowed lowly to him as he walked past. It was a male Demon as far as he could tell; though he knew not the race or what his duties could possibly be. There were… too many. He wasn't supposed to acknowledge them… that's what Sephiroth had said, but he still found himself doing so every once in a while. He had been worse off than them, and it was apparently part of their job to look like they were beneath him… he thought it was stupid. As soon as he got the chance, and if it was possible, he was getting rid of that rule.

So as Cloud walked by, he inclined his head slightly to the bowed man though he couldn't be seen and continued on his way. Frankly, this place was as confusing as trying to figure out the inner workings of his brother's mind. The sheer magnitude of the task was rather frightening. So naturally, as he came to a 'T' intersection he paused. Was he even in the right wing of the castle? He could swear this was the correct path, and if it was… he had to take a right at this point. Well, the worst thing to happen would be a late arrival. A slight shudder passed down his spine at the thought…. Actually, that was probably really bad. Sephiroth didn't like… not strong enough a word… Sephiroth LOATHED tardiness.

Perhaps he should turn about and go speak to the attendant he had passed. The man would surely know the way to The Lord's Office. His blue eyed gaze turned along with his head and focused on the spot where the man had been not so long ago. The only problem was… he was gone, naturally. Running a hand up and back through his hair Cloud glanced left then right once more. He should go with his instincts here. Right it was then.

So, he continued down hallway past the tapestry's, painting's, carving's… actually, who had this many decorations in the first place? Each one seemed like it would cost a small fortune to make. He had been looking over a great deal of them for the last two days in what small bit of free time he was given. He had hardly seen his brother at all since their arrival. What was Aon doing? Where had he been going? Why wasn't he always around? It was… unnerving Cloud would admit. His brother had ALWAYS been there as far back as his memory served. He didn't even remember their mother at all. Aon had told him all about her sure, but… he couldn't even really recall her face properly. All he remembered was LONG blonde hair and… maybe the outlines of a smile as she looked down at him.

So… without Aon around, all he had was Sephiroth, and he still didn't really know the man; let alone trust him. The noble seemed strict, but concerned most of the time. Is this the place? Cloud wondered as he stopped before a HUGE door set into the wall. Yeah… it looked like the right place. A hand instinctively moved up to knock, but paused midway. That's right… this was his office so he didn't have to knock on the door.

His hand settled on the ornate bronze handle and pulled the thing open with a strong tug. The door was made from solid three inch wood. Oak he'd been told it was called. A defensive feature to the lord's office, and it had a drop bar on the backside to stop others from entering. The whole castle had doors like this one in the single and double fashion. There were also rooms set up specifically for guards to use and patrol from. Most guards weren't allowed in this section right now per Sephiroth's orders…. Cloud hadn't been told why just yet. He had asked once before though, and the response had been 'I'll tell you soon enough'. Aon had stared at the man with anger filled narrowed golden eyes.

"I'm telling you, you can't just-" the voice of his brother cut off as the door he'd been opening creaked VERY loudly.

His first step inside was under the heavy gaze of his brother and their silver haired benefactor. "Am I late?" He asked as Aon's face softened and Sephiroth's took on a harder edge. They had been arguing again… obviously. The closed door was the only thing that had kept him from hearing it out in the hallway. "You're right on time little brother; it is Lord Crescent's friend who is late." Aon replied as he put emphasis on the fact that it was Sephiroth's friend who was in the wrong.

"That's… good." Cloud said as his eyes focused on Sephiroth. He had seen the office on numerous occasions' since his initial arrival, but the place was still dauntingly huge. There was a single large desk that looked to be as long as two of him (filled with papers) and a large chair behind it. Off to his right were two couches, a chair, and a small table. To his left was another large table this one around four foot tall, and apparently was meant to be stood around… it had maps covering it. Just to the left of that table was another smaller door that lead into a miniature library that was specifically for the Castle's Lord. He was told that most of the books were brought in by the previous Lord, Tehranoa. Aon had jokingly said that the place would go unused with Cloud as the castle's Lord… that wasn't true. He would use it! ... just not often.

"My Lord, we were just discussing certain matters of great import, and I need to check something." Sephiroth said as he took a step forward then another. His destination was obvious. "Please remove your shirt."

Cloud didn't manage to catch his facial expression in time and his eyes widened at the… request? No, he wasn't ASKING for Cloud to do so, he was demanding it. "Ummm…" Cloud said as he took a step back and Sephiroth… continued forward. "Ok." He said as he dodged a bit to the right and Sephiroth continued past then pulled the door shut.

After turning around, the man's angry green eyes landed back on Aon who had taken his seat up on top of the desk; his legs dangling from the front and kicking nonchalantly. Cloud already had his long coat off and was dropping it to the clean carpet beneath him. The shirt was also easy to remove. Buttons were a simple yet effective apparatus. He had been given reign to dress as he wished, and so had copied his brother's clothing style. They seemed comfortable enough, though the laces on the front of the pants could be annoying when you REALLY had to go to the restroom. Pulling the shirt untucked he took out one arm then the next and let it fall to the floor as well. He felt… oddly naked as the only one without a shirt on.

At least he hadn't been told to drop his pants too… no wait… why would he be requested to do that? A quick blue eyed glance to the left showed Aon's face full of triumph and mirth, then back to the right and Sephiroth… were it possible, seemed only angrier. "You…" The man bit back whatever he had planned to say next, and the definite sound of crackling knuckles came from the man's clenched left hand.

"You can't get rid of me so easily, my lord Crescent," Aon said in a rather snide manner.

What is going on? Cloud questioned as his gaze moved from the fire haired Kitsune then back to the silver haired noble. Naturally, his thoughts were soon put into words. "What is going on?"

"You're…. brother, was pointing out the mark on your shoulder." The latter replied, forcing the fury from his voice.

A blush reached Cloud's face as he glanced to his right arm at the marking. The tattoo he'd somehow gotten when they had stolen alcohol from one of the more prominent inn's three years ago. "It's a tattoo."

"Basically, it's basically a tattoo," Aon chimed in while raising a hand with one finger pointing to the ceiling. Ok… it's 'basically' a tattoo then. Cloud couldn't really remember… uhh most of that day or the following one. Aon had said that he slept the entire second.

"It is not a 'Tattoo'." The silver haired noble said, and glared at the kitsune on the desk who was still smiling like he'd just won. Which meant… he probably had. "It is a pact seal."

"A what?" Cloud questioned as his face took on a confused scrunched look.

"A pact seal little brother, it means we have a pact between us. I have a similar one on my left shoulder as well." Aon said though he didn't remove his shirt. He did… Cloud had seen it on more than one occasion.

A sigh escaped Sephiroth's throat as he spoke under his breath. Cloud caught the "how could I not have noticed th-," part.

"It's not simply any pact either." Sephiroth stated as he moved to the couch then smoothly took a seat. "You're brother, has forged the 'Lord of War' pact with you."

"How… do you seal a pact? And what is a 'Lord of War'." Cloud questioned though he had a feeling that either the pact was bad, or the act itself was bad.

"You have to speak a few words, and then have physical contact." The fire haired kitsune said then leapt off the desk and moved around towards the two large windows.

"What… kind of physical contact?" Cloud… didn't really want to know…

A sly smirk spread across his brother's lips as he turned back a round to face them both. "A kiss little brother. To seal a pact you have to kiss."

Cloud's eyes blinked a few times as the word 'kiss' moved through his mind again and again. "As in…"

"Yeah, on the lips!" Aon replied then of all things laughed. "You pretty much forced yourself on me claiming you didn't want us to ever be separated." Aon replied still in good spirits. That… must be one of the reasons Aon never talked much about the night they got drunk. No, wait… if he could remember everything did that mean Aon didn't actually get drunk? His mind was going a mile a minute trying to wrap everything up into a nice, neat, and organized manner…. It wasn't working.

"So of all the pacts in existence you performed the 'Lord of War' pact?" Sephiroth decided to join back in… only confusing him more with this 'Lord of War' nonsense again. "How did you even know the incantation?"

"Well, that's a bit easier. Cloud," his brother began as he turned his golden eyed gaze from the silver haired noble and back to him. "You remember that book we stole, and I kept for a while?"

How could he possibly forget that dusty old thing? "Yes, I remember it rather well. You had your nose in it all the time till we got rid of it."

"That, was a pact book. I'll admit it. I was a bit tipsy that night… and that was the only one I could remember. Besides… 'Lord of War' sounds pretty cool." The kitsune finished with a nod.

"You were drunk, and it 'sounded pretty cool'." Sephiroth stated as his hand covered his eyes and he laughed a little… It probably wasn't a happy laugh. Something told Cloud this wasn't something the man was pleased with… it wasn't really hard to tell. Sephiroth only had a few settings. Angry, really angry, or I'm going to kill you angry. Currently he was in the middle setting, but Cloud thought it was leaning towards the last one pretty far by this point.

"Can I put my shirt back on now?" Cloud questioned, to which the Noble waved a dismissive hand. That meant yes, he had seen the gesture more than once. "So what's a 'Lord of War'?" The next question; it was the obvious one to ask at this point he figured.

"It means I'm in charge of your martial affairs, security of the city, things like that… let's say that it means I'm in charge of anything related to the military directly under your control. The only two people above me would be your advisor and you. While the pact didn't mean much when we were 'street kids' it means a LOT more now."

"That… would be an understatement." Sephiroth stated as he moved to his feet.

"So… if it's so bad, can't we just dissolve it?" Cloud questioned causing Sephiroth to glare at his brother… again.

"The only thing that can 'unseal' a pact seal is the death of one of the two parties. While it would please me greatly to…" The man stopped and sighed. "Unfortunately we cannot unseal the pact. Which means your brother takes the position by default. No one can truly argue otherwise." The jade eyed noble stated.

"Don't look so down Lord Crescent." Aon stated as his face took on a sour look. "I don't exactly like the idea much either. Well…" the fire haired kitsune smirked once more, "it'll have a few nice perks I'm sure."

"If you cannot prove you are worth the position I will FORCE you away from it in ANY way I can possible find." The man stated as he glared… more.

"So all I have to do is-" Aon was saying until he was cut off by the window behind him slamming open.

"Get down!" Lord Crescent shouted and waved Cloud to a place behind him. The air outside was filled with the beating of wings, and a huge curved blade appeared in Sephiroth's hands as he moved slowly toward the newly opened window.

Black boots, black pants, and a red long coat took shape outside as the person slowly descended on ebon wings. Papers flew about the room as Cloud's heart thumped loudly in his chest. Were they under attack by someone? Was this the reason Sephiroth had been going on and on about his safety?

A surprise attack!

"You're late, Genesis." Sephiroth stated as the sword in his hands vanished slowly into nothingness and the tension left his form.

The auburn haired Wingly merely smirked as he came to a stop on the sill of the window. A single hand rested on the wall for balance as he spoke. "Late? You can't start without me, and therefore I am right on time."

Sephiroth's face deadpanned as he stared at the man in the window and papers which had been blowing around in a flurry settled slowly to the ground. "Come inside and close the window so we can finish here, and I can get back to work." The man stated and turned around to face Cloud.

"Fine… fine." The newcomer… Genesis apparently, stated and stepped lazily from the small ledge and into the room. Who was this man really? Sephiroth had stated that one of his colleagues was coming to assist in his training, though he hadn't been told exactly what part.

"So, which of the two is it? They both look wholly unimpressive, and one of them isn't wearing a shirt." The man stated which reminded Cloud of the strangely cold feeling surrounding his torso. A quick glance down and he gritted his teeth fighting back embarrassment. It wasn't like he NEEDED the shirt, but the way the man was speaking it was like he should be embarrassed about not having one on…. thus he was embarrassed.

Aon for his part burst into a small fit of laughter and pointed his way. "The one with no shirt would be Lord Strife. You're friend was having him strip just before you came."

The auburn haired newcomer glanced to the jade eyed wingly who was grimacing… probably at the phrasing, then back to Cloud… who felt all the more naked as prying eyes looked him over more than the first time. A LOT MORE. This time, he didn't fight back the slight tinge that came to his cheeks. Rather, he walked slowly, purposefully, and in as lordly a manner as possible over to retrieve his discarded bits of clothing. "I appreciate the thought, but he's a bit too scrawny." The man remarked flippantly.

Aon was still laughing at his newfound plight - naturally.

"Now that we are all here, I can begin." Sephiroth said as he strode purposefully over to a small cabinet that Cloud noted held alcohol. Which he was too young to drink by three months! Not that anyone but Aon would actually know that. His brother wasn't TOO hard on the rules, but after their… experiences with the substance, he kept it out of Cloud's reach all together.

"Yes my friend, please tell me why I was called in from the capital on such short notice." Genesis requested as he took a small glass that Sephiroth had poured him and sloshed it around lightly in one hand.

"To put it as simply as possible; I need you to train the new Lord on Materia usage for the next month." A quick glance Aon's way and Sephiroth added something to the end. "And the Lord's adopted brother as well."

Genesis quirked an eyebrow lightly as he gazed at Cloud, who was thankfully, now fully clothed once more, though his shirt still wasn't tucked in. Standing out in the middle of everything he felt like the center of attention. From his days as a thief… he learned that he did not like to be in such a place. It usually meant you were about to be caught and should hightail it out of there ASAP. "I would think that the Lord of the Central Gate would be a sufficiently powerful Materia user already."

Aon remained silent after hitching himself back up on the desk and dangle/kicking his feet before him. His gaze was steadily held onto the new arrival as his ears twitched lightly atop his head… and his tails lashed what few papers had remained on the desk around behind him.

"He is no-" Sephiroth began, but Cloud stepped in and overrode him.

"I am not a good Materia handler, but I have been told by many that my aptitude and abilities could surpass even yours and Sephiroth's." He pushed forward as his arms crossed on his chest. "As such Sephiroth deemed it necessary to bring in a suitable tutor," Cloud continued hoping that he was right on all accounts. It would make him seem a complete fool should he get anything wrong. Call it Wingly intuition.

The auburn haired wingly smirked before finally speaking… thankfully. After the short silence he was afraid the reaction may be different. "Very well Lord Strife," Genesis said and bowed slightly. That meant they were close in station. Sadly Sephiroth hadn't told him WHO exactly the man was. Aon… his glance shifted slightly to his brother sitting behind the man who was still staring at the wingly's back contemplatively. Did that mean that the kitsune knew who the man was?

"Genesis Rhapsodos, The Phoenix of the East." Aon stated causing the wingly Noble to turn and face him for the first time since his initial entrance and room gazing. "Master of Materia, Sword Master, in the empire he is bested in Materia usage only by the War Hero Sephiroth himself."

"That has never been proven," The man stated hastily.

Aon merely smiled sinisterly as he cocked his head to the side a bit and continued to look the man dead in his eyes… or Cloud thought that's where he was looking. Genesis had his back turned to him at this point. "It seems that Lord Crescent does in fact have many powerful and influential friends."

"And you would be?" The man queried as his head moved up and down in silent observation of the fire haired kitsune.

Aon pushing himself neatly from the desk and took a slightly theatrical and elaborate bow before the high ranked nobleman. "My name, is Aonather Strife, the adopted brother of Lord Cloud Strife, and his Lord of War as we were discussing just before your rather grand entrance."

The two stared at one another for a few moments more before Sephiroth cleared his throat and drew the attention of all in attendance. "You can get to know each other later. If you would follow me to the area prepared specifically for the Lords training, then I may be able to get SOME work done today." The man stated and gestured for them to move out the door. Though he said 'if' it was, once more, one of those questions that were actually commands.

Cloud was the first out, but it wasn't long before they were all standing in the hallways and Sephiroth was closing the door. "This way," the man stated and walked to the right. The auburn haired wingly followed immediately, but Aon hung back until Cloud was beside him.

"You did rather well in there little brother. You almost had ME believing you knew who he was and why he was here." The kitsune said as Cloud noted the lashing tails behind him. His brother wasn't happy about something that much was obvious. "You should know a few things since you decided to run your mouth off. The man, other than what I have already said aloud for your benefit has a few other… quirks. The most prominent is the reason he will never best our kidnapper. He is a half breed. His father was a high ranking and rather rich wingly; while his mother is a Spirit of Fire. With the former being dead and the later no longer around, he run's his entire household from the capital. Women swoon for his temporary affection, and he has a strange rivalry with Lord Crescent. Other than that… you'll have to find out yourself. I don't know much more personally, and I didn't think today's guest would be someone of his… caliber."

"So he's a womanizer." Cloud said as he tried to register all of the information he'd taken in… and remember the direction they were going so he could get there on his own later.

"No… he probably just likes the attention he gets from everyone when he picks up and drops a new woman. I heard rumors all the way in Allovoros every once in a while."

"I see…" Cloud said as his gaze firmly planted on the two men's backs; or more specifically the two slits in their clothing around their shoulder blades. "How much longer do you think it is until Sephiroth finds out I'm… wingless." Cloud questioned in a whisper as hesitation entered his voice.

"You aren't wingless little brother, you just can't take yours out. You were supposed to have already told him that too." Aon said as a reassuring hand rested on his shoulder. "With his help you could actually manage to do it you know. Since you didn't have mother there to teach you and I'm not a wingly, you haven't managed to do it yet; simple as that. Just ask for advice, or something."

Sure… easy for him to say. He wasn't the one who had to see the strange mixture of disappointment and other emotions on the jade eyed wingly's face every time.

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While Cloud thought on the many things that had happened recently, Aon walked beside him in silence and the two wingly's chatted silently about something ahead of them. So, it was to his great surprise to note that they had arrived… and that he had NO idea where they were.

The place was large, and quite spacious. The open air all around them had something to do with that he was sure. The only thing he could tell; was that they were on one of the many open platform like edges of the castle. Off to his right sat a small table with strange Silver bangles atop it and shining stones inlaid into them.

"I can tell from here that they are quite low class." Genesis stated before making his way over and grimacing. "This feels less like 'high aptitude' and more like his first baby step."

"You will find that the majority of the work will most probably be with the fox. Lord Strife should manage rather nicely." Sephiroth stated as he took his place beside the Auburn hair noble.

"Well then, I may as well take this opportunity to say something important." Aon started and pulled Cloud's full attention and the other two's… slightly. "I cannot use Materia."

Genesis dropped the bangle he was holding then shook his head and turned around. "EVERY DEMON can use Materia fox."

"Unfortunately, I am apparently, the exception. There's a… kink, in my Mana outflow that prevents me from using Materia. I also cannot use any of my Fox Magic… while we are on the subject."

"You are becoming more useless by the moment." Sephiroth stated rather coldly.

Cloud stepped in and spoke up trying to pull the limelight off of Aon's… deficiencies in an attempt to defend him. "I can't pull out my wings!"

Aon's hand moved up to his face and he sighed then spoke lightly. "Not like that little brother."

"This is why you brought me here? For a young, inexperienced, wingless lord of the most highly attacked gate in all of Midgar, and His fox brother… a mere twin tails, that cannot use magic of any sort, and is strangely enough the Lord of War." Genesis questioned in a sardonic manner.

"Indeed," came Sephiroth's easy reply.

"You do need a lot more help than the letter suggested." Genesis stated as his arms crossed before him and he stared at Cloud and Aon once again.

"I have another friend coming over to assist in the Lord's Martial training. Since the Lord of War is quite clearly under qualified for the task, the man will have to do what he can while he is free. It is unfortunate, but he has been delayed due to… unforeseen circumstances." Sephiroth stated.

Genesis all but snorted before speaking. "You mean his puppy got him into more trouble."

"Yes, that is what I meant." Sephiroth said as he apparently thought on something. "It will be another week before they arrive." Cloud could only wonder at what… and who this 'puppy' was. "I'm going back to work; if you need me, send one of the help to fetch me, I'll be in 'The Advisors office'." The man said then walked smoothly from the area.

Genesis, without a word, waved a dismissive hand… remarkably similar to the gesture Sephiroth always seemed to use. When the silver haired wingly was gone he spoke once more, "I suppose I should start with the absolute basics then."

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AN2: If you don't like the way I portrayed Genesis I NEED TO KNOW! I'm not exactly adept at characters like his. Any pointers on flaws in his personality or actions would greatly help me in keeping the story both interesting and the characters in line with the way they should be.

I try to be as realistic as possible in certain aspects. Most people may not have noticed it, but you never SAW genesis put the glass of alcohol down in the room before leaving. That's because the chapter is from Cloud's perspective and he didn't see it nor take note of it at a later time. Such things may occur randomly… it bothered me so I had to say something about it…

Truth be told… I didn't much like this chapter. That's one of the OTHER reason's it's late in coming… the first chapter I've ever missed a deadline on… it's rather sad to think about. (At least it's a long one…)

Sadly, no Fenrir this chapter… even though they were in his usual hang out spot 'The Lords Office'. Perhaps you will learn where he was next chapter… perhaps.

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Fun Facts

Half Breeds: Most of the Demon population is made up of half breeds(1/4, 1/3, etc Half breed is just a generic label). Half breeds are looked down upon in most cases as inferior to pure bloods. The more powerful Demon of the two partners has the most to do with their offspring's traits. That isn't to say that they are weaker by any means. Unions of different species can and as in Genesis's case may result in a very powerful Demon. No matter where they go in the Demon Society, they will never leave behind that brand(not a physical one).

'Breeds': Human-Demon, Demonrace1-Demonrace2, Demon-Spirit Beast, Demon – Element Spirit. (The last one is very very rare for various important reasons).

Pacts/Seals/Covenants: These types of magic are wholly different from Materia based magic. They sound much like what their names imply and come in many MANY different forms. The one between Aon and Cloud is just one such example while Spirit Beast's and their Masters is another. These are prominent in the story and some small detail will be given when a new one is introduced. Who invented these pacts and seals? You'll find that out as well… o.o look forward to it.

The Three Offices: There are three very important offices. 'The Lords Office', "The War Room', and 'The Advisors Office'. Each is assigned to one of the three 'in charge'. The Lord has both a Lord of War and an Advisor. Power goes **Gate Lord-Advisor-Lord of War** The two below the Gate lord of course run their own parts, but that's the 'chain of command' so to speak. That's probably a little confusing… ehh. It get's explained to a degree later on.