...
...
...
...Nng?
Vox: Wh-What...? Where am I?
I woke up with my head resting on top of a hard wooden desk.
My body... feels heavy... It's pretty normal for me to zonk off in the middle of some boring class or whatever, but... What was I doing asleep here just now? This isn't a classroom I've ever been in before.
Vox: What the heck is going on?
I tried looking around the classroom.
That's the desk I fell asleep on. I can still see a line of drool I must have left there.
Vox: I'll have to clean that up later...
Hey, what's that on the desk? An orientation guide...? It's some kind of cheap-looking pamphlet. And there's something handwritten on it...
[The next semester is about to start. Starting today, this castle will be your entire world.]
Vox: What the hell? Is this someone's idea of a joke?
I set the pamphlet down and shook my head, eager to continue my investigation.
There's a monitor... The castle *was* built by my father, so I guess it's not that weird to have techie stuff in here... Something feels... off. I wonder what it is...
I shook my head and looked away, noticing another clock on the wall in the front.
Jeez, I can't believe it's already 8 o'clock. It was just after 7 when I first got here. Has it really been almost an hour since then?
But right next to the clock...
Is that... a surveillance camera? It's a dangerous world we live in. I guess he'd have these to keep weirdos from just wandering in.
The wall caught my eye next- well, not the wall, but...
Vox: What the heck?
In any normal building, that's where a window should be. But it looks as if some kind of metal plate has been bolted over it. And if I were to knock on it...
*Bang bang*
Yup, definitely metal. Thick, too. Very solid. Wait, that's not what matters here. More importantly, why are there metal plates over the windows?
Okay, let's see... so what might've happened is... I got myself so wound up, I passed out in the main hall. And then someone carried me here...? If that's true, it must mean...
This is a classroom inside the Halcyon Fold.
But then if *that's* true... That just raises more questions. This is all really strange. I mean, those metal plates covering the windows... It's like it's a prison or something. None of this makes any sense...
I should probably head back to the main hall. It's already past the meeting time. There might be other students there now.
I left the classroom.
Vox: Jeez... This hallway is kind of weird, too.
This is getting stranger by the second. I honestly have no idea what's going on... Well, for now I'll just head to the main hall...
My footsteps echoed throughout the building; my shadow danced along the walls, casting a shadow from the mixture of electrical light and the occasional torch. This castle had way too many rooms.
By the time I got back to the main hall... everyone else was already there.
Male 1: Whoa, hey! Another recruit?
Vox: Huh? then you guys are all...?
Female 1: Yeah... we're all new here. Today's supposed to be our first day of training.
Male 2: So, counting him, that makes fourteen. Seems like a good cut-off point, but I wonder if this is everyone...
Standing before me were the ultimate heroes that had been hand-picked by my father. I looked around at everyone who'd gathered there, taking in their faces one at a time. Maybe I was just imagining it, but I swear I could feel a kind of aura coming from each of them...
Vox: Um... how's it going? My name's Vox. Sorry I'm late. A bunch of stuff happened, and then all of a sudden I was just... asleep.
Male 3: Whoa, you too?
Female 2: Things just keep getting curiouser and curiouser...
Male 3: So strange... I declare beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is a strange situation!
Vox: Um... what are you talking about? I honestly have no idea what's going on right now.
Male 4: Aye, but there's something more important! Vox! Your tardiness is unacceptable! Surely you were aware that the meeting was supposed to start at 8 a.m. sharp! To be late on your first day is unspeakable! Ain't you ever been in an army before?
Female 3: What's your problem? It's not like he *wanted* to be late. He didn't have any control over it.
Female 1: Everyone just calm down! Listen, why don't we all go around and introduce ourselves?
Male 3: Really? You think it's the time for that sort of thing?
Female 3: Hm... It may be a good idea to at least get each other's names before diving into the other problems at hand. I mean, if we don't know at least that much, how are we supposed to talk to each other?
Male 5: Yeah, that's a good point.
I heard a familiar voice.
Celeste: Okay, so let's get introductions out of the way, then we can move onto whatever else. Sound good?
My sister, Celeste. I sighed at her ease with the whole situation.
I'm still totally lost, but I think it's best to just focus on getting to know each other for now. So I guess this is as good a chance as I'm gonna get. I already looked through Ardan's briefing, but... I still don't know what kind of people they actually are.
Time to find out.
I guess I'll start with my sister...
Celeste: Hi, I'm Celeste! I look forward to getting to know you!
[Celeste- Ultimate Idol]
Vox: ...Celeste, are you serious?
Celeste cocked her head to one side.
Celeste: What do you mean?
Vox: You *really* don't recognize your own brother?!
Celeste: Huh?! Voxie?! That's you?! Wow, I thought my brother would be way cooler. You're kind of a disappointment.
Yeah, there's that bratty princess attitude I know and don't love. Whatever. She *is* still my sister, even if she forgot that for awhile. Seriously, how do you forget your own sibling?!
Celeste: It's probably because I haven't seen you for half our lives. You look nothing like how you used to- although, I suppose I see a resemblance between you from the past and you from the present *now*.
Vox: Huh?
Did she just read my mind?
Celeste: Twin telepathy, remember?
Okay, don't even try to pretend that you're using twin telepathy when you completely forgot we were even siblings!
Male 4: You two? How much time're ya gonna waste? We've got bigger fish to fry!
Celeste: Oh, um, but...
Male 4: Not right now! Soldier, identify yourself for me!
But it seems like Celeste had something she wanted to say... Oh well, we'll get the chance to talk later. If all else fails, she can just send it through "twin telepathy!" Anyway, this buff guy is next. I already know who he is, at least. He's the only one that could fit THAT description. And his earlier comment about me being late...
SAW: You can call me SAW! I've been at this for years, and never in my life have I received an invitation so *filled* with promise! Let's work together to take down the Storm Queen!
[SAW- Ultimate Soldier]
So I was right. It *is* SAW. According to what I read about him in the profiles... He's the fearless one-man army who lives his life in pursuit of a bigger bounty. He's basically a flawless soldier... He's also known for the battle he won against a city-destroying super-beast. They say he respects protocol above all else, which makes sense, considering he's the Ultimate Soldier.
SAW: Anyway, you said your name was Vox, right? That's a good name, a strong name! You should thank your parents for giving you such an excellent name!
Right... except one of them's dead and the other is running this army...
SAW: And to keep that name from losing it's value, you must devote yourself to training every single day! Wars are worth putting every ounce into them! Right? Right!
This guy is... kind of annoying. But moving on, the next one is...
Ringo: Yo! Name's Ringo! What's up?
[Ringo- Ultimate Sharpshooter]
Ringo, the Ultimate Sharpshooter. So this is the guy who shoots holes through coins for a living... although, something's strange...
Ringo: Huh? What's wrong?
Vox: N-Nothing, I'm just surprised! I figured with you being the Ultimate Sharpshooter and all...
Ringo: What, were you expecting me to need two arms?
Vox: N-No! I was just expecting more of a, you know, hardcore-badass typical cowboyish type.
I mean, that's what went through my head when I read his profile...
Ringo: What!? Aw man, do I really look that shaggy to you? What a shame.
Vox: What even happened to you? I thought you had two pistols. How do you operate those with one arm?
Ringo frowned.
Ringo: Well, I had two pistols... once. It's a long story, but basically... I lost my reason. All I've got left is faith... But hey, still the best sharpshooter this world's ever seen! At least, I am when I'm sober. Or maybe I'm better when I'm drunk. Or maybe about equal?
The Sharpshooter kept mumbling to himself as Vox stood there awkwardly. Thinking it might be best to leave the man alone, Vox stepped away to introduce himself to some of the other recruits.
Who's next?
Blackfeather: 'Tis I, Blackfeather! But if you wish to call me by my nickname, "The Rosen Prince!" I would not mind.
[Blackfeather- Ultimate Swordsman]
Blackfeather: By the way, how much do you know about the world of romance and thievery?
Vox: Romance... and thievery?!
Somehow, I don't think those two quite mix.
Blackfeather: Well, in that world, I am well known and supremely well regarded as the "Daring Red Flash." I once snuck into a castle simply to leave a sinister rose at the princess' nightstand... and to rob the king of 3000 coins. The event is a thing of legend! The royal guard didn't get it of course, saying I was nothing more than a criminal. How stupid can you be!?
3000 coins?! He got away with stealing that much?!
Blackfeather: The words of such idiots mean naught to me. I am like a stolen embrace- here for a moment before I have all but vanished upon the wind! I am a warrior, serving night and day to destroy all mindless preconceptions about the world of thieves! I'm sure if you were to join me, monsieur Vox, you would comprehend it's greatness immediately. For my work is filled with deepest meaning...
Vox: What... what kind of meaning?
Blackfeather: It's about embracing our greedy desires...
I... don't know if he's the right fit for something like this... Anyway, let's move on.
Koshka: Hey! I'm Koshka! You're new, huh? 'Sup?
[Koshka- Ultimate One-Woman-Army]
Koshka... She's been obliterating people on both sides of several conflicts ever since she popped up. If she'd gotten involved against us, our own armies! She is, without a doubt, the Ultimate One-Woman-Army. The combination of her ability, appearance, and, um... catlike behavior... even had some of the boys at my old school talking. She's that well known!
Koshka: So, uh... what was your name again? Sorry, totally forgot!
Vox: It's Vox.
Koshka: Oh, right! I knew it was something like that!
Vox: No, not "something" like that. It *is* that...
Koshka: Sure, sure, got it! Let me try to commit it to memory... Vox... Vox... Vox...
She just kept repeating my name and moving her finger across the ground like she was writing something.
Vox: ...What are you doing?
Koshka: You don't know? If you can't remember someone's name, you oughta write it out a few times! Hey, by the way... how do you spell Vox?
Vox: Exactly how it sounds! V-O-X!
Koshka: Oh. I thought it was V-A-U-C-K-S or something... Anyway, nice to meet you!
Vox: S-Sure, same here...
Well, at least I know she's nice?
Joule: Eyy, nice to meet you. Name's Joule!
[Joule- Ultimate Mechanic]
Joule: Heh! It's a little crude to just introduce myself like this. Anyway, hope we get along!
Vox: Same here. Nice to meet you.
Joule: Huh? Maybe it's just my imagination, but... have we met before?
Vox: Um, I don't think so. We just met for the first time. Which is why I said "nice to meet you."
Joule: Right, heh. Good point!
Joule is known for all the crazy gadget's he's created using only salvaged materials. He's the Ultimate Mechanic. He's also got this carefree, oblivious attitude, which appeals widely to the female crowd, especially considering how young he is. In fact, looking around, I can say without doubt that he's the youngest one here. And his tinkering skills... heck, he might turn out to be better than my father!
Joule: Hey, listen up! You better remember me!
Vox: H-Huh?
Joule: I'm going to be pretty famous some day, I just know it! Hehe!
... I'm starting to piece together why those girls are so into him.
?: ...
Vox: ...
?: ...
Vox: Um... Can I ask you your name?
?: ...My name is... Sarth.
[Sarth- Ultimate ?]
Sarth: ...
She's sort of reserved, huh? Oh, but you know... her profile wasn't anywhere on my father's files. So then... I wonder what her abilities would be.
Vox: Um, so... why exactly were you enlisted into this army?
Sarth: What's that supposed to mean?
Vox: Getting an invitation here makes you some kind of "ultimate" something, right? Soooooo...
Sarth: ...What about you? It's not polite to ask me for details about myself without giving me some of your own, now is it?
Crap. I didn't expect this...
Vox: Well... if that's how it is, I suppose I'm better off not knowing.
Sarth: I suppose so.
Vox: ...
Sarth: ...
Her face is like an iron mask. If she doesn't want to tell me anything, no point in asking. Which means I move on.
Kestrel: Hi. I'm Kestrel. Charmed, I'm sure...
Huh? What's with that pessimistic attitude? I just wanted to introduce myself!
[Kestrel- Ultimate Sniper]
Although, I suppose I could understand it. She's a sniper AND a model- sort of a sexy badass. I'm sure she's met quite a few creeps who've left their impressions...
Kestrel sighed.
Kestrel: Are you just going to stand there and gawk? Well, I guess that's better than some of the reactions I've gotten.
So I was right.
Vox: No, don't worry. I won't be a creep. I was just wondering why you were being so thorny.
Kestrel: Well, now you know. Conversation over.
W-Whoa! I didn't expect her to be so brash in person! All that smiling for those photo ops... was that all fake? Huh... At any rate, it looks like she doesn't want me around, so I'd better scram!
Skye: Name's Skye. Nice to meet ya.
[Skye- Ultimate Pilot]
Skye, huh? Which means... She's the current record holder for the fighter jet world curcuit. She's earned respect, even awe, from pilots all around the world. She's the Ultimate Pilot...
Vox: Umm... Nice to meet you too.
Skye: Word.
So cool and compressed. I wonder what she thinks about when she flies...
The conversation didn't seem to be making much headway, so Vox backed away and turned to someone new.
Lance: I am Gythian Lance.
[Lance- Ultimate Protector]
Whoa, that armor must weigh a ton! You can barely see his head peeking out from the very top! From what I remember, he's known for being incredibly durable, like the Ultimate Human Meatshield. Better not say that aloud, though. Something about him just screams regal.
Lance: Hey, you.
Vox: Huh? Y-Yes!?
I snapped to attention without even realizing. Then he started to scan over every inch of my body.
Vox: Um... what are you...?
Lance: Your build is just under that of the average teenage boy... Bwahaha! What a shame! You're not at all fit to act as my sparring partner.
H-Huh? I'm *under* average?!
Flustered, I turned my back on the man as he continued to laugh heartily.
You know, I didn't think it was THAT funny...
I approached the one with wings and a tail next.
Adagio: Name's Adagio.
[Adagio- Ultimate Affluence]
Vox: Hi, uh... nice to meet you.
Adagio: ...
That's the most half-baked introduction I've ever heard. But there isn't really anything I can do about it. Even among the ultimate heroes, this one is special. Adagio... Half human, half Selketh. Some people hail him as if he's some sort of god, giving him lavish presents and piles of gold. He's here as a financial benefactor to my father's army, and even that's mostly just to get his name out there and spread word of his religion. That's everything I've learned about him from my father's files, anyway.
Adagio: I've introduced myself, right? How much longer do you intend to stand there? Go away. Your figure tires my eyes.
Ouch. That's even brattier than my sister. I wonder if he even knows what this whole ordeal is about.
Frustrated, I backed away and turned to the next person to meet and greet.
Taka: I'm Taka- Taks for short! Relax, won't ya? I know I'm going to.
[Taka- Ultimate Assassin]
Taka, also known as "Phantom Force" in the mercenary community. The stone-cold Ultimate Assassin... or so I thought he'd be. Honestly, he's so laid back it's almost scary to think he makes his living killing people.
Taka: Hey, did you hear? Apparently we're supposed to be forming an army or something. Isn't that cool? I've never been part of a team before!
Vox: Yeah, can't wait to work with you!
Taka: ...Oh. Don't get me wrong, I'm stoked for training and all, but what I do... It's meant to be done alone.
Vox: Oh. Right.
Taka: But don't take it too hard, okay? I get the feeling you and I will be REALLY good friends!
Vox: I sure hope so!
Well, he's nice. Probably the nicest one I've met all day!
Out of nowhere, Taka started laughing maniacally.
Taka: Gyahaha! Gyahahahahahaha!
Vox: Huh? Is something wrong?
Taka wiped a tear from his eye.
Taka: Oh, nothing. I was just remembering the last friend I had... A shame I was ordered to kill him, huh?
Wh-What?!
Taka: Gyahaha! I still can't get the look on his face when he died out of my mind! It's so funny!
Forget nice! This guy is a complete psycho!
Taka: Huh? Vox-vox? Where'd you go?
Phew. I think I managed to slip away unnoticed. Now all that's left is...
Lyra: Me. Pleased to meet you, I am Lyra.
[Lyra- Ultimate Mage]
The Mage had her arm outstretched to shake Vox's hand.
H-Huh?
Lyra: Oh dear, didn't mean to frighten you. I just thought, since I was the only person left for you to meet... Anyway, since that's all, I believe we can reconvene and focus on some of the larger issues now.
Vox: R-Right.
Lyra. She's supposed to be one of the best magic users of our era, able to cast healing wards and restrictive barriers. I've even heard she can teleport! For us to have such a skilled mage on our side... I bet Celeste is somewhat jealous, huh?
Lyra: I look forward to getting to know you better.
Vox: Y-Yeah, me too.
And with that, all the introductions are done. Hmm... Even though they're all "ultimate," they each have their own individual set of quirks.
Adagio: Okay, time to get down to business. This is no time to be standing around making friends like a bunch of dimwitted teenagers.
SAW: Ain't that right!
Vox: Didn't someone mention something about other problems? What exactly were those?
Celeste: Well, you see... Voxie, you said a bunch of stuff happened and then you were just asleep, right? See... the same is true for all of us.
Vox: Wait, really?!
Ringo: Just after each of us wandered into the main hall, we knocked out cold! And when we woke up, we were lying around the castle! That's what happened to you, right?
Vox: What? But that's so weird! That all of us would be knocked out just like that...
Skye: Exactly. It's got us all freaking out.
SAW: And that ain't the only thing! Ya saw how all the windows in the rooms and hallways were, right? Instead of good 'ol glass windows, they're all covered by giant metal plates! What's that all about?!
Kestrel: Plus, all my stuff's missing! Even my trusty bow...
Joule: Yeah, you're right! I haven't seen my mech anywhere, either!
SAW: And then there's the main hall right here! The front exit is entirely sealed off by some sort of contraption! I swear that wasn't there when I arrived!
Taka: What the heck?! What's it doing there?!
Kestrel: Maybe we got caught up in some kinda, like, you know... crime or something?
Blackfeather: This is far too unartistic to be considered a *true* crime!
Lyra: You think maybe someone sedated us and hauled us off and we're not actually at the Fold?
Ringo: Come on, don't think like that. Cheer up! I bet this is just some sort of recruit formality. Yeah, I'm sure that's it! So I'm just gonna take it easy for awhile.
Joule: Oh, so this is all just a surprise!
Taka: Well, if that's all it is, it's bedtime for me! I was out all last night, so I could use a bit of sleep!
I could feel the apprehension in the room begin to evaporate... But then, it began.
*Ping pang, ting tang!*
A muffled static sound played as the monitors around the room fizzled to life. A silhouette of some sort faded into view over the fizzling screen.
{Ahem! Ahem! Testing, testing! Mike check, one two! This is a test of the Fold's broadcast system!}
Huh? But that's not my dad...
The voice was high-pitched, almost like that of one of those plant-humanoid species-thingies. I couldn't really remember what to call those.
{Am I on? Can everyone hear me? Okay, well then...!}
It seemed totally out of place. It was so playful, so completely unconcerned... I couldn't help but feel a deep, unnerving dread at the sound of it. It was like hearing someone laugh at the scene of an accident.
{Ahh, to all new recruits! I would like to begin the entrance ceremony at... right now! Please make your way to the training gym at your earliest convenience. That's all. I'll be waiting!}
Kestrel: ...What. The. Hell was that just now?
Adagio: Well then, I shall excuse myself...
Kestrel: Hey! Don't just take off like that!
Ringo: See? It's like I said. It's just a formality! Man, thank god it's nothing serious. Alright, I should head out, too. Wonder what they've got planned for us now...
Taka: Damn, I was so looking forward to that nap. Oh well. Guess I can sleep tomorrow!
Koshka: Ooh! Is that a tail! Takaaaaa! Let me follow you!
Lyra: If that is all, I'll meet the rest of you there.
SAW: Alright! Let's do this!
Everyone took off for the training gym, but I was frozen where I stood. I just couldn't shake the feeling that something was desperately wrong... It seemed I wasn't the only one.
Celeste: This... this doesn't seem right.
Kestrel: Yeah, that announcement was very off-beat.
Sarth: Maybe, but just standing here could be a bad idea. Besides, aren't you guys the least bit curious to find out what's up around here?
Lance: Two steps forward, one to the side. Nothing ever gets accomplished by standing still.
I-I guess he's right. But still... I'm kinda- no, *really* nervous. But there's no choice. We must go.
Vox: They said to go to the training gym, right? Then we'd better get going.
A/N: One more piece to the prologue will be posted tomorrow. After that, however, this series will continue as weekly updates. Enjoy!