Within the next day. Fortis would train all the knights his knowledge on defensive fighting, he gained his knowledge from a book called Edenia, training of the knights.
Queen Apalla was present at the training, she wanted to give her support to king Cerveras and the other knights. She had noticed the book Fortis had.
Queen Apalla: I have not seen that book, was it in the ark, Fortis?
Fortis: Your Highness, it was not in the ark, found this book and another one in my home, a cave to be exact.
A few weeks after the king and Queen's coronation, Fortis was sleeping inside his cave located further away from the castle. He suddenly awoke when a small chest fell on him inside the chest that broke from impact, included two books Edenia: training of the knights and Forging of the Edenian blades.
Fortis: Strange, I do wonder what these are about it could be useful for the kingdom.
Fortis would read the books; it showed many pictures of different fighting styles Edenian knights would learn when they would become knights and the other book showed weapons such as the falchion and brief excerpts on them. Fortis learned a lot from them and what caught his eye was that he could create various weapons for the king. Not just weapons but various fighting styles to train not just the king but all the knights he would pick.
Fortis had found his purpose; he would master all of these fighting styles in the book. Fortis would create training dummies from the various trees and rocks around the cave to properly train himself.
Within three months, he would master all the fighting styles within the book along with reading the forging of the Edenian blades. In the book, one quote caught his attention
"The blade does not make the knight; the knight makes the blade. All of these blades have a story in Edenian history based on how well the knight and blade function as one…"
Fortis: Fascinating….
Of all the blades in the book, the blade that called to Fortis was the Edenian Battle Axe, utilized by the legendary general of Edenia, Ahura
Fortis decided to construct his own axe from the instructions, he had noticed many metals from within his cave and his book contained an element guide as well. He gathered various cores of iron, Nickel, Carbon, and various other metals to create the axe.
Fortis went deeper into the cave when he noticed a bright orange light. He then found a lava source that was located inside his home for a while now.
Fortis: No Way….
Fortis followed all the instructions and carefully used the lava and his own makeshift tools to construct his first ever axe.
Fortis then made his way to the kingdom to speak with King Cerveras about his discovery.
Normally the citizens would have to speak with Titian to enter the throne room to speak with the King and Queen, luckily, Fortis was an old friend of Titian.
Fortis (Kneeling): Titian, my friend how are you?
Titian: Doing well Fortis, how are you, I can tell you are here for your own reasons.
Fortis: I am doing well, a little injured now, (looking at his burned hands) I have discovered something amazing that the king may want to know.
Titian: Really, what is it.
Fortis then showed the books to Titian, he then discussed how he made his own axe.
Titian: My that is quite a story, Queen Apalla is with General Sifline, but King Cerveras will be most impressed.
Titian then when to the throne room to speak with King Cerveras, momentarily Titian would allow Fortis to enter.
King Cerveras: Fortis correct, Titian has shared with me some news.
Fortis (Bowing): You are correct your highness, I have found two books in my home, it's a cave further away from the kingdom. They have some vast information that may be useful to the kingdom.
King Cerveras read each book, what caught his eye were the humans.
King Cerveras: Thoses beings…. They look like the same individual Queen Apalla showed a picture of to me when I was creating the docks with the others.
Fortis: Really?
King Cerveras: Yes, that must mean there must be another kingdom filled with them.
Fortis: That does make sense….
King Cerveras: For the most part they seem to be filled with honor, or I would imagine so.
Fortis: I agree.
King Cerveras (Closing the book): Very well, you have brought some important information for me, I will notify General Thorren about this find. For now, I want you to keep practicing your skills. I will let you know more about my selected candidates so we may begin the training.
Fortis: Thank you your majesty.
King Cerveras: Before you go, I want you to have this remedy, it will heal your burns.
Queen Apalla: That was some story Fortis.
Fortis: It was your highness.
Tigra: How do we begin.
Fortis: very simple: I want you all to pick a fighting stance from the first book that you feel the most interested in.
King Cerveras and the knights would look through the training of the Edenian knights book, and it was filled with various fighting styles. It took some time but eventually all the knights made their desired picks.
King Cerveras would choose the Dambe fighting style, Sifline choose the Eagle claw fighting style, Thorren choose Xing Yi, Zebrak choose Moi Fah, Taos choose Jeet Kung Do, Tian choose San Shou, Titian choose ninjitsu, Tigra choose Zha Chuan, Tyrone choose Hapkido, and Dolly choose the Kenpo.
Fortis: Unique choices, your majesty, care to spar with me?
King Cerveras: Let us Begin.
King Cerveras would then squat in his knees, he wrapped his right arm in some old worn-out blue cape and had it to his side, he positioned his right hand to his side, and had his left hand extended and open facing it towards Fortis. Fortis would then copy his pose to easily spar with him.
King Cerveras and Fortis locked eyes, both had strong expressions of determination, Fortis used his free hand to distract King Cerveras but it failed. King Cerveras did not flinch instead he used his speed and charged at Fortis, Cerveras would use his right hand and punched Fortis to the ground.
Fortis: Well Done.
The king and Fortis sparred for an hour, during that time Fortis taught King Cerveras low kicks, high kicks, and different number of punches. King Cerveras was a worthy opponent, and his speed and agility made him a powerful opponent when in combat.
Fortis: outstanding sparring your highness. You are natural in that fighting style.
King Cerveras: and you are a worthy teacher.
Fortis (Looking at the guards): Now Thorren, your turn, I will call the rest of you all one at a time. To properly train you all, once you all have an understanding, you will spar with eachother.
Thorren would then position himself knees slightly bent, his right arm positioned forward, and his left arm bent and positioned back. Fortis would copy his exact style.
As the two dueled, King Cerveras and Queen Apalla began to chat as they took a seat away from the training arena,
Queen Apalla: That was mighty impressive King Cerveras.
King Cerveras: Thank you My Lady.
Queen Apalla (watching Thorren and Fortis Spar): Wow, Fortis knows so much on fighting styles.
King Cerveras: I agree, he would make for a wonderful knight, and the other knights could be well defended.
Queen Apalla: I see know how much you wanted to have a kingdom that is well defended, you all need to keep this kingdom well protected.
King Cerveras: Your techniques and philosophies have impacted this kingdom; it makes it a kingdom worth fighting for. You are just as important to this kingdom as I am. Together we make it a kingdom full of prosperity. (Placed his arm on Queen Apalla's shoulder) In fact you are very important to me as well.
Queen Apalla blushed by King Cerveras' words, she felt an emotion and looked back at all the times they had together. Ranging from saving Ethos, their first boat ride together where they talked to each other about their lives, and how he helped rekindle her friendship with Sifline. In the span of just a few months, Queen Apalla feels as though she has known King Cerveras for a lifetime.
Queen Apalla: you are just as important to me as well, my king.
Their moment was cut short when they noticed Thorren utilizing his wings to do a dive kick on Fortis. Fortis was knocked back while Thorren landed gracefully on the arena.
Fortis (getting back on his feet): Outstanding flightwork Thorren.
Thorren (Smirking at Sifline): What was that about my flying love.
Sifline: So, it seems you finally beat me in something.
Fortis: Come Sifline, show me what you got.
Sifline: Without delay.
Hours passed and one by one each knight learned their fighting styles. Of them the tiger twins, Tyrone and Tigra were the most agile. Both twins had incredible speed and agility almost on par with king Cerveras. Zebrak had quick speed and knew enough kicking moves when he fought Fortis one on one. Titian and Tian had great strength and strong defense when fighting Fortis. Thorren and Sifline mastered their forms well in combat and even utilized their flight abilities to fight on the air. Dolly and Taos were neither strong nor fast but they made up in defense and close range attacks.
Fortis: Great training everyone, you all should go home and get some rest. We will be training for many days to come. Once you all have mastered all my teachings, will you all become knights to this kingdom.
The king and Queen waved goodbye to their knights as they all departed for their homes, some returning to see their loved ones. Fortis would return to his cave and began to ponder which of the knights would weld the weapon that calls to them. He spent hours designing different weapons and forging all of them for the knights. Fortis would then go to sleep, to him he never liked sleep and could sleep for 4 hours and still be energized. To him, being awake and learning new things was the highlight of his day.
After several days the knights would master their fighting skills and would begin the next phase to their training, utilizing weapons.
Fortis: Based on your fighting skills and techniques, I have designed weapons for you all. However, before you can earn your weapon, you need to practice with these branches I have made. They will act as your weapon that I have chosen for you.
King Cerveras: Very well.
Fortis would then hand each of the knights different practice staffs made from wood that would act as their future weapon.
First was King Cerveras, he then used the branch and dueled with Fortis. When dueling with Fortis, he held two hands on the stick and kept fighting. Fortis saw the potential in King Cerveras to be an excellent swordsman.
The other knights followed suit after their king, Thorren was on par with King Cerveras based on how well his skills were when learning how to swordfight. Sifline and Tigra worked well having two weapons on hand, the difference was on how well Tigra utilized her training poles. Fortis could easily see how well she would utilize daggers while Sifline would work well using sickles. Tian utilized his training pole well, even utilizing the proper techniques of a staff user, perhaps Fortis could make a strong staff made from the bamboo. Zebrak had an interesting fighting style, he was able to use one pole to attack and another to block, of the weapon fighting styles Fortis read, Zebrak used an unknown fighting style that could use a spear and a shield. Titian and Tyrone were the heavy hitters in the group based on Fortis' observations, they held their practice staffs and used their strength to attack. Particularly for Tyrone he would make for an ideal mace user, he has the strength and agility to be a powerful mace user. As for Titian, he would make for an ideal Flail user, this is due to how he attacks overhead, he welds his weapon back and uses his back strength to fight. Taos snapped his pole and utilized the remains to attack with his hands. Taos was more hand to hand in combat and would not use weapons. As a compromise, Fortis would make the legendary Edenian Suntetsu, it would give him a much needed edge in combat should he be rendered vulnerable. Last was Dolly, she struggled greatly using the training poles and made a makeshift bow to attack.
The training would continue for a week as the knights trained with each other and sparred together. Fortis would forge their weapons, but made use their training poles until he felt they were ready to use the real weapons. The knights would spar together most notable were Tigra and Tyrone who were fierce in combat, honor remain within them as they would train together.
Tigra: Remember brother, make sure to stay on guard, do not get arrogant in combat, there may be opponents just as fast as me.
Tyrone: Finally, a worthy challenge, I will beat you in combat Sister!
Tigra had great hearing and was able to dodge all her brother's attacks, slowly but surely catching him off guard. Tyrone then took a deep breath and used his hearing as well and knocked his sister off guard, she fell to the ground as a result of losing her footing.
Tigra: Not bad brother.
Tyrone: Tigra I'm sorry are you alright!
Tigra: never better you showed me that you can put up a great fight,
Tyrone helped his sister up and Fortis and the others congratulated them as they bare witnessed what happened.
The training ended and the knights left the castle, Fortis stayed behind to talk with King Cerveras.
King Cerveras: This was an excellent training Fortis, have you gathered all the experience from the knights to see what weapons they will be utilizing.
Fortis: Yes, your highness, I have forged all the weapons; tomorrow we will knight them and give them their weapons.
King Cerveras: most excellent Fortis, you have done a great service to this kingdom.
Fortis: The honor is mine your highness.
King Cerveras: Go now and rest, tomorrow will be a long day.
Fortis bowed and left the castle and departed for his journey home. The kingdom felt so peaceful at this time of night as he walked through the homes and shops of the kingdom. Eventually he made it to his kingdom where he would eat a small meal, jumped in his watering hole next to the cave, and reentered it so he could get some well-deserved rest.
The next day arrived and Fortis would bring a sack filled with the weapons he forged, he made his way to the kingdom and into the throne room. There he greeted all the knights and his rulers.
King Cerveras: congratulations on you training, I am pleased to announce that your training is complete. I am extremely proud of all the hard work all of you have done, Fortis please come forth.
Fortis came forth and brought the sack with him, the knights were curious to know what is in the sack.
Fortis: I should admit, I have seen you all in action, you all make such an outstanding team and I have created weapons that each suit you all. After assigning you all each of your weapons, please wait for further instruction.
Dolly (puzzled): How would you know which weapon suits us?
Fortis: Simple they are all designed from how well you all have been in training, not to mention they were all a test.
King Cerveras: That is true, this past week was a test of your abilities, you have all proven well to be the protectors of this kingdom.
Fortis: Consider this your reward.
Fortis called each knight at a time, Thorren got the falchion a golden handle with an eagle face and a silver curved blade, sharp as well. Sifline got dual sickles black handles made from tree materials and sharp metal. Zebrak was given the metal spear with wooden handles and a brown wooden shield. Tyrone was given a golden metal mace while his twin sister was given the small yet deadly daggers chrome in color and just as sharp. Titian was given a Flail, it has a strong metal head with spikes followed by a flexible handle made of wood. Tian was given the bamboo shinai, proficient in defense as well in strength this would make a fine advantage for the panda. Dolly was given a bow and arrow; she was not the fastest but with training she could attack from long ranges and send in warnings for her fellow knights and citizens. Lastly Taos was given the pair of suntetsu, Taos could blind opponents with his feathers, with the suntetsu he could not be at a disadvantage as he could jab opponents if left vulnerable.
Fortis: I myself will wield an Axe, we shall be the strongest protectors of Eukaryona.
Tigra: Do you know who the sword will go to
Fortis: the sword is given to the king, there will be celebration tonight for all of you and the king will be given the sword as he knights all of you.
Tigra: And that is…
Fortis: The king will hold his sword and tap your shoulders; he will announce your name and all will know you are all knights.
Tian: I sure hope Mei is not to upset about this surprise.
Queen Apalla: No need to worry, all of the kingdom was notified, we made this a surprise for all of you.
Later that evening the celebration was held at the castle, there was a banquet of fish, bugs, and produce all separated in orders, it would be a big feast after the king and Queen would knight their chosen knights.
One by one each knight would be knighted and presented their weapons. The kingdom cheered as all the knights would become the protectors of Eukaryona.
The knights would all join their families, this included Zebrak who hugged Zebron.
Zebron: you did it daddy!
Zebrak: yes my son, I would not have made it this far without you.
Queen Apalla and Sifline approached Zebrak to congratulate him.
Queen Apalla: This is an emotional moment for you isn't it Zebrak?
Zebrak: yes your majesty, it truly is.
Sifline: you have come such a long way, look at you now, a knight making his lady happy.
Zebrak (reminiscing): Zebrella would be very happy, I just know we will all honor her memory together.
Antron and Freline would then see Zebron next to his dad.
Anthron: come Zebron, Jonas' mom is teaching us how to shoot arrows, it will be fun.
Zebrak: Go play with your friends Zebron, you do not have to worry about adult stuff right now.
Zebron: thanks Dad and congratulations.
Zebrak: do not go to far Zebron, listen to Mrs. Angel!
Zebron would depart with his friends Anthron and Freline where they would meet up with Jonas, Tian's Daughter Nita, and Titian's son Masaccio.
Dolly: Don't worry, Angel is great with kids. Not to mention the arrows are not made from the same material as my training bow and arrows, they are made from some material in the trees.
The adults would chat about their training and the friendship they grew from their training.
as nightfall began and the festival came to a close, King Cerveras and queen Apalla went to the balcony to see the night sky.
King Cerveras: my..Look at the night sky..
Queen Apalla was mesmerized by the stars twinkling in the sky, she was fixated on them that she didn't realize King Cerveras was talking.
King Cerveras: My Queen…
Queen Apalla: oh my bad, I was perplexed by its beauty, you were saying?
King Cerveras: nothing just asking how beautiful the night sky was.
Queen Apalla: why yes, it is.
The sky was littered with stars, the sounds from the waterfalls that surrounded the kingdom gave a soothing feeling to the both of them. They smiled at each other and hugged one another:
A being overlooked the king and queen hugging from the distance of the castle, it seems he is up to something.
Unknown figure: Fallling forrr eachhh otherrr I ssseee. Lovee ssssooooo presssciousss yet sssooo fragilleee, ittt would beee a sssshame ifff one wereee too takeee it awayyy….
