- Chapter 11: Born In Flames -
He knew that Lightning was capable, and the boy did his best to help his community. Garoth didn't doubt that the boy had it in him, but even now, after he helped protect his kingdom...
"...I-" For once the loud, gruff old man was speechless. Garoth soon clearing his throat before looking back up to Lightning. "That's a lot ta' take in-" Garoth mumbled, while Lightning could only shrug.
"It just...happened...I did what I could."
Garoth sat down, holding his face in his hands. "...Light, we coulda' lost you-"
"I was trying to do what I felt was right."
"You're a good kid, but, I don't want you goin' out there and tryin' to be some sorta' hero...not yet, you're just a boy..."
"Lady Lavender said the same thing..." Lightning mumbled under his breath before Garoth reached a hand out to ruffle Lightnin' hair before Lightning brushed off his hand with a glare. Lightning seeing the smirk on the old man's lips.
"But, it does take guts, I'll tell ya' that." He said with a small grin as Garoth placed a hand onto Lightnings shoulder while Lightning glanced over at the older man with a raised brow. "I...knew ya' had it in ya', but I didn't think you'd be chasing terrorists at 13...But, then again...ya' been through more than any 13 year old kid has ta'..."
"...So, you're not mad?"
Garoth laughed a little as he leaned back. He soon stopped himself when he seen Lightning's eyes meet his in a questioning gaze. "Wait...you're not-"
"Well, no! Lightning, I-...I'm proud of ya'. Is that what you need ta' hear, kid? You trusted your gut, you may have been scared but, you still done it. You made that choice." Garoth said to Lightning before patting the younger male's shoulder with a proud smile.
"Now, don't think that's gon' make me any softer! Ya' got that? Ya' still have trainin' in the morning!"
Lightning couldn't help but grin, his hand falling onto Garoth's while patting it. "Thanks, old man."
"Go eat, I'm sure yer' running on empty after all that!" Garoth chuckled, before pushing Lightning towards the kitchen as the old man took a seat and grabbed the local paper that he left out.
Lightning chuckled tiredly, before hearing a...knock?
Lightning went over and answered the door, before his eyes widened at the familiar face before him. "...Your...Your majesty?"
"Hello there, Lightning...I would like a word." The young king said to him before stepping back, "Come join me for tea, will you? I have much to speak on."
Lightning felt like a nervous wreck. "Uhm..."
Garoth had come out to see who was bothering them all at this hour, before the man spit out his coffee as he entered the hangar bay. Garoth had been frozen in his boots.
Lightning turning back to the king. "A-alright. Let me, get ready real quick-"
"Of course. Take your time, lad." King Regus spoke.
Lightning quickly rushed to his room to get ready. Garoth being left with the King looking his way.
"Uhh, Howdy, yer majesty.." Garoth began awkwardly, as Regus waved his hand in dismissal, "No need for formalities. You and I have met on numerous occasions. Please, call me Regus."
Garoth chuckled, "Well, then ya' should call me Garoth."
"Will do, Garoth. I am shocked. I never took you as the type to raise children."
"None'ov'em 'er mine. They just kinda...stumbled in one way or another, I just do my part."
"Hm, as you always have. I see your own bravery has reached even their minds. I hear that your son was involved with the incident at the academy? Tell me, how did you deal with it? Did you yell? Give a talking to?"
Garoth chuckled some, before shrugging, "He's a good kid. Too much trouble fer' his own good, but he's got good instincts, and he cares...I jus' couldn't be too upset. He was trying his best ta' keep himself alive, and do right by the Kingdom. I jus' wanted to keep 'im from being reckless...but, that's just how kids are. Young, and dumb." Garoth said while chuckling under his breath. "But, Lightning has more guts than anyone I've ever met in my life...he's somethin' special. He's a real good kid, he's always looked out for others first."
The King seemed to think over Garoth's words. He crossed his arms as he soon stood up and walked closer to the older man. "So, you did not see him at all until now?"
"Naw...Lightning took it upon himself ta' stay an' make sure everything was safe, an' he tried to help Lady Lavender. I knew he'd come back, and if not. I would've been after 'im ta' kick his-" Garoth caught himself from swearing. Garoth cleared his throat while looking at Regus' expression of confusion.
"Sorry 'bout that..." He apologized to Regus, the king nodding in acceptance of Garoth's apology.
"No matter...Thank you. It helped me to...think of my own-" King Regus sighed, "...discussion to have with my own child."
Garoth shrugged. "...Yer welcome?" Garoth soon paused. Garoth looked up to Regus with a confused glance. "What're ya' even talkin' about, yer highness?"
"My Daughter has been exploring the catacombs without my knowledge. She was there, along with Lightning when the infiltrator was planting the explosives..."
A lightbulb went off in the man's head.
The Aurora that Lightning had mentioned was-
"Holy shit-" He muttered under his breath. Regus looking at him with a look of confusion before the King could see that Lightning had finished getting dressed. Lightning looking nervous before he saw the two adults. "Ah...hope I didn't take too long."
King Regus walked to Lightning with a small smile. "It was no trouble, Lad. I only want to speak on recent events. Nothing too pressing, or life changing." Regus spoke to Lightning who could only nod in response before looking down at his hands.
"Follow me." The King motioned. Lightning following behind as they all soon headed towards a group of guards that would escort them towards the castle.
"It's a honor to see you again, your Majesty."
King Regus nodded before placing his hand to his shoulder.
"Come, there is much to discuss, young Sky Knight..."
It wasn't long before they had made way to the palace. The gate opening up as the King had made his trough, guiding the young man along.
King Regus led Lightning up, heading inside the grand building. Regus soon opening the doors.
"I suppose, it would be wise to...clear the air. To start." He stated softly while he and the boy sat across from each other. King Regus was sipping tea while he spoke, "I've had my people investigating. For now, the Terra's structure is still stable, and we are beginning excivation of any artifacts, or historical items left in the tombs. We plan to fill it, to circumvent any from using it as it had, yesterday."
Lightning looked up to him. Regus seeing the pained look in his eye. "But, that place was-"
"...If you are referring to my daughter, Young Squire, I am already aware that she was involved. My own daughter had confided in me after we returned...I am angered, somewhat...Mostly disappointed she, and in effect, you felt the need to lie. To hide this from me."
"...Your Majesty, I...I..."
"What?" Regus asked. His voice was not harsh, or suspicious, but more...fatherly in a sense. Almost as if he were prompting the boy to finish his statement.
"I made Aurora a promise. I related a lot to how she talked about the catacombs. Made me think of my time climbing through the pulleys and scaffolding on the docks. I didn't want to...break the trust she gave me. It didn't feel right to betray it by telling someone else when I knew she was trying her best to hide it...She confided in me. I wanted to honor that." Lightning said to the man, King Regus listening quietly before nodding his head, "You were put in an awkward situation."
"We were in a dangerous situation. She didn't recognize him, she seemed shocked to see anyone down there. I...had a bad feeling, and now...? I don't even want to think how it'd have gone if I didn't notice. It all just feels surreal, but..."
"It wasn't a mistake, was it, Lightning?" Regus asked in a gentle, understanding tone. Lightning could only nod while looking back down at the floor, his gaze cast down while Lightning took in a deep breath and then exhaled deeply, trying to relax and to think about the situation. "...The whole building...it just, came down. I could hear people screaming. The whole thing fell down in a matter of seconds, I thought I'd never get out. I...thought we were dead." Lightning stated to the king while looking over to the older male, as the two of them kept talking about what had transpired.
"...I, too, had the same thoughts. It wasn't until Aurora explained everything...how you took down the assailant, and you guided her through the tombs that I knew that what she had told me was truth." Regus told Lightning before looking back at the younger male who still looked nervous, "You...have my deepest thanks, and gratitude. Thank you for keeping Aurora safe."
"...Thank you, Your highness. But...it was no trouble." He told him. Regus nodding to him before leaning back. "Still...it was no small deed, young squire. What you did last night is to be commended...You showed bravery in the face of terror..."
Lightning sat, relaxing as best he could before hearing the King begin to speak once more.
"I would expect no less than such, from the son of Thunderyn. I knew the man well, however, he neglected to tell me he'd be a father, before his demise. I had hoped that he, nor you would ever have to know the hardships of war...The life of a sky knight, a life I too have had to lead." Regus looked off towards the window in thought.
Regus could see the confusion of his face, "Lady Lavender informed me of that revelation."
"Oh…" Lightning nodded.
"The Cyclonians for now, lie in wait. Strengthening their resolve, bolstering their forces. We don't know where they hide, what they do, or if they will attack...But, this much I do know..." He sighed deeply. The weight of his crown feeling heavy as it weighed down his neck, "We must be ready. Prepared...As best as we can, when the time comes...But, it is not for us to fear what may come, but how we respond to the situation when it arises..."
"What're you getting at, your majesty?" Lightning asked him.
Regus smiled a little before chuckling. "Lightning, what I'm getting at, is that...the time has come to test your resolve, you shall train under me. Lady Lavender and her fellow knights must return to their respective Terras. Prepare our forces for whatever lies ahead. It could be months, or years...but we must be prepared, for our foe lies in the dark. We don't know where, but...there's a danger lurking...It has been so since the day of my own birth." He spoke.
"...What...does that mean, my king?"
"I wish to make you a Sky Knight. But, I will not Knight a child. I will even allow you to forge your own team, in time. So long, as you promise to go forth to fight one day in the name of All of the Atmos. As a warrior of Atmos." Regus spoke while looking over to him.
Lightning paused for a moment while the young boy was taking in the situation. "My King...you're making me, your own Sky Knight?"
"Lady Lavender asked such. She wished not for your potential to be crushed by recent events, and with her soon absence...I agree. I shall have you trained in the ways of a Sky Knight."
"...Why me? I don't-"
Regus leaned back in his chair, resting his head upon his fist while his other arm rested across his abdomen.
"I assumed this throne when I was merely 16. My father killed by Master Anarchis' father, Master Bar'zerk.
He took my family from me in cold blood.
The people of the Atmos have suffered greatly due to their hand...and it is my wish to end the reign of terror that they've inflicted upon my kingdom for nearly four generations now. I can not have my daughter take the throne as our lands are wrought with war. The war in which has caused the suffering and starvation of our people, and the pain my people have felt in recent times. I do this...because it is not just the Sky Knights I ask to lead. I ask all people to look to you. For it is only with their own bravery and honor that we shall take our world back."
Lightning looked to the floor. He listened to Regus' words, trying his best to comprehend it. He felt the weight of everything upon his shoulders as he stood there.
He stood in a stupor as he heard his own thoughts echoing through his head, as he listened to King Regus.
'Do it...'
'Act...'
'ACT'
'SPEAK LIGHTNING-'
Lightning shot his focus back to the King. "I'll do it." Lightning told him while looking him in the eyes.
Regus smiled as he leaned back and spoke with a slight smile. "You have my respect, Lightning. Your bravery is most impressive, but now I wish for you to heed my words carefully...This...will not be easy."
Lightning's face softened as he felt Regus place a hand upon his shoulder. "I will do what I must."
"You shall be tested...but I promise to make a warrior, a Knight, of you...But, now comes time to show your strength in deed as well as word."
Lightning nodded. He seemed nervous. Lightning knew he had a duty, and a responsibility to uphold now.
"...Your first task is a simple one, I suppose...Lightning, you will need a sword." Regus explained, 'I have swordsmith's and crystalsmithson hand if-"
"I know someone. I want them to do it. They're the best crystalsmith I know." He explained to the king while Regus nodded.
"Then it will be done...I have business in my council that I must attend to. I shall leave that task to you. Come back to me once it is done. We shall speak again soon, I hope...Do not be late." King Regus said before standing, and heading off towards his duties.
Lightning was left in a daze.
He blinked before nodding to the King, "Thank you, your majesty."
Regus chuckled, "No, thank you, Lightning...Now, I ask you to go find yourself a proper sword. You will need it in the future...and the future is coming quickly, Squire."
Right…
Lightning pushed himself to his feet. Lightning bowed his head to the King as he soon left. Lightning could tell it was still early in the day.
He headed off, back to the Condor. He wanted to tell Garoth, and the others what was going on...He needed to at this point.
Everything felt on the table, and Lightning felt more anxious for tomorrow than ever. He needed to talk to someone. Anyone. He wanted to talk to someone about his worries. He wanted to let out his concerns to someone who wouldn't think any less of him.
He hoped Garoth wouldn't be upset…
His feet dragged a little against the stone bricks, walking as his mind raced and his heart pounded in his chest.
His throat felt dry, his stomach uneasy…
He found it all funny, in a paralyzing fearful way. It was all so, jarring. This new found courage to speak up, the power he felt that his words had now. All of these sensations.
Lightning was scared of the feelings. He was scared of how things were changing. He wasn't alone. He'd always have some support, and the fear he held in his mind from years previous never dissipated...They never went away. Lightning always felt anxious.
It was terrifying to think of what lay ahead.
He could feel waves of calm wash over him, before terror shoot up his spine again. A vicious cycle of ease, and fear. Lightning soon stopping by a small fountain as the boy struggled to catch his breath. He kneeled down.
Everything was scary, but…
Lightning looked up. He glanced out. Lightning seeing the condor slowly raise, before soaring off to circle the Terra…
He felt like he was dreaming, or going insane. Lightning rubbing at his eyes before realizing…it was real-
It was REAL-!
Garoth got her running!
By Aer's beard!
"OOH MY GOD! YEAH!" Lightning jumped up, his heart soaring. He could already feel the excitement from the Old man from there. "YEEEEEEE HAH! BOYS- TALLY-HO!"
'Tally-ho?!' Lighting laughed at himself as he jumped up and ran forward. He smiled brightly as he jumped up, taking off in a sprint.
Everyone being confused or entertained by the boys excitement.
Lightning was beaming. A smile ear to ear seeing the old ship fly around the Terra. Lightning seeing the confused looks, before pointing. "My friend got his ship running! It's been our for a year! Wooo!" he couldn't help but brag. The on lookers he was looking to laughing to themselves at the joy, giving the boy and his flying friend a good cheer.
Lightning couldn't help giggle to himself, running home, while looking around at the familiar sights. His fingers traced along the Terra's outer walls of the terra that he'd known all his life.
He was soon back to the hangar docks. He noticed that everyone seemed more awake, as his family were out and about.
"Morning, guys-!" Lightning greeted before looking out the door of the Condors entrance. His heart stopped as he stared at the familiar man's smiling face.
'Lightnin', did ya' see 'er?! Oh, man, kid this is better than-" Garoth stopped himself from his crude mouth yet again. "I feel like I've down a whole pot' o joe! Old girl still got it-!" Garoth knelt down to the pier, the man kissing the hull as he was nearly in tears.
"...Look' at her! Ah! Beautiful-!" He gave a happy, beaming, proud, toothy grin. Garoth was so happy.
Dena, Lockett, Merrick and Ace all coming out. "Light, you're back!" "Ya' see me and the Ole' man got 'er runnin' again?" "You missed her second-first flight, Lightning!"
"Heh, I saw you guys. Great job!" Lightning said, giving them high fives, and congratulatory remarks to the family. Dena feeling ecstatic as she grinned ear to ear. She could see the emotions welling in Lockett's face, as he was beaming as bright as the sun.
"You did good, Lock." Dena said, bumping her hip against him.
Garoth was nearly sobbing as the old man got sappy, "That's ma' boy! Oh, Lockett, ya' beautiful bastard kid!"
"What'dya even do, Lock?" Lightning asked, peering past him.
"I pulled out the corroded ass motor, and got a buddy to help me hook this old girl up with a pristine, but used, top of the line Crystal Induction turbine-"
Lightning stepped back. "No-"
"Yes."
"Who in Atmos would pull that off for you?"
"Heh, wouldn't you like to know." Lockett grinned. Garoth letting out a whistle as Lockett grinned like a mad man. "Well then, little pint, since you're back. What'd ya' talk 'bout wit' the King?"
Everyone immediately looked to Lightning.
"Ahem...I, uh..." Lightning cleared his throat. The boy holding his arm.
He looked up at the teens. He looked down at the ground before looking out to Garoth, who was tending to some of his broken welding bits, Dena and Merrick were eyeing him down.
"Speak, man, speak!"
"You spoke with King Regus? What did he say?!" Dena questioned Lightning with a piercing intensity. "Did he mention anything of the battle? I mean...Not a battle- but...Well, did he mention the academy at all?"
Lightning couldn't hide his smile, before laughing, 'It's...an even longer story. C'mon, I wanna at least tell y'all while seeing the Condor in action!" He pointed out the group.
"Alright, alright then. After you, little shite." Merrick stated as the group rushed back into the ship.
Ace ran first, hopping over the back of the passenger booth, plopping down on the seat. Dena was right behind, slipping in beside him as Merrick, Lockett, and Lightning joined.
Garoth sauntering over to the helm with a bright grin.
"Dear Lady, and Gentlemen, please remain seated fer' lift off." He spoke like a flight attendant as the Condor began moving, Garoth taking the wheel. As the group took their seats on the couch-like chairs. They turned their heads as Garoth guided her out of her docks.
Lightning felt...at peace. He felt at peace. He started to chuckle, the excitement getting to him.
Lightning looking helplessly out the window as he seen the condor take flight. After so long being stuck to the side of the Sky piers. They were free. Free to glide through the skies. The air rushing against the sides of the massive cruiser as it was hovering through the skies.
"THIS IS-! AWESOME!" Lightning celebrated. She felt shaky. The adrenaline coming back in, only it was not for survival, or anxiety…
"WOOOOOO!" Lightning was in a fit of laughter, practically laughing himself senseless.
They'd all finally made it.
They were Free.
"...We're actually...I can't believe she's flying." Lightning couldn't help but listen to the quiet buzz. The low humming of the motor, the gentle clicks of the cooling metal from the engine room, and the soft, barely audible rumbling of the engines themselves…
Garoth flew her out a little bit, staying close to Terra Atmosia. Garoth copping a smirk as he pulled the horn. The group of kids behind him getting a kick from that.
"YEAH!" Lockett pumped his arms,
"WAHOOO!" Lightning screamed in joy. His heart was racing, his veins full of the energy of life. The weight in his chest no longer felt like an elephant sat upon him. Rather, it felt as light as a cloud.
His stomach still tingled. But, for once in his recent memory, it wasn't from terror...But rather from excitement and joy.
He felt like a kid again. That rush of being happy to be home…
This would still be their home, for the years to come. Tensions were ramping up in the east, and the war would not wait forever. Lightning would soon begin his studies with King Regus.
Lightning eventually told his found family what was told to him. He could not keep his mouth shut, he laid it out. From his lineage, to Anduin's presence, and his riddles...He even spoke of meeting Aurora, why she was down there, how they became friends. Then, came the talk with King Regus, and all he had to offer Lightning. He spilled his heart and mind with reckless abandon, they all listened with their whole hearts.
He felt safe in this stubborn ship. He felt safe with the company had within it's walls. Lighting would train under King Regus in the mystic arts.
While it wasn't any time soon, Lightning could see them coming with him when he became a Squire.
Aurora began her own journey that she set herself on...She could not leave the past to die, to wither away and be lost to the confines of history, so she went off on her own mission. She would prepare the people of the Atmos. She would find ways to inspire hope, bring new people to unity. To create bonds through bravery and valor that her own family had taught her.
Days, weeks, soon months would all pass by. The year going from 1016, to 1017. Time ticking down like a clock. At times to Lightning, and his fellow Sky Knights...that ticking felt like a fuse. Lightning was uneasy, nervous even. Terrified almost. Terrified what would come to him, and his kin.
But, through his fears, and his anxiety...he was inspired to continue his path. Undaunted, and unbroken.
For the first months, Lightning had spent time helping forge his sword. He had made sketches of it in his journal. Enough good overtaking the bad, inspiring the young man to write again. To be inspired once more was a whole different thing...
His sword was crafted by an old regular of the Inn. He was an old weaponsmith on Saharr at one point, selling in the market there. The man remembered Lightning from his smaller youth. He was delighted to make him a blade. He was an artist after all.
Lightning kept his word, returning to King Regus with his sword, and forged shield in hand. Lightning going in to train with one of the bests. Lightning beginning his journey under King Regus' tutelage on his 14th birthday.
He felt...good. He felt ready in a way, though he felt his nerves threatening to unravel. He couldn't back away, or give up now. He was afraid, but Destiny was calling. He was taken under the wing of the King, and his journey to full fledge Knight hood began.
4 years. 4 quick years. They passed by him in a blur. The year had quickly become 1021, Lightning becoming a strapping young lad. 18 years old, and ready to face the world. King Regus was a far more blunt, and unforgiving teacher. If Lady Lavender was tough, he was in a new league. He learned a lot. He couldn't not.
King Regus was far more experienced. He could switch up his style on a dime. He could control any weapon he grabbed, and it became merely an extension of himself.
Lightning had grown. He became a formidable young man. King Regus was continuously ramping up the pace of the training. More and More Cyclonian battalion sighting were seen as time passed.
All of Atmos was on edge. Only Lightning and his other Knights knew of the King's plan.
Lightning's first mission as a Sky Knight, was bring together his team...and did he have just the people in mind.