11th Winter Moon, 908 – Osorekaku-machi, Great Gate Empire

With the sheer size of the Takigawa Clan, many of Hidekage's children were assigned to specific roles for governing their town. The likes of Takato and Gaku acted as the leading authorities for their father, while Kiho managed the security of Osorekaku, often by means of training the next wave of Takigawa for their ever-growing army.

Reika, meanwhile, acted as the host that maintained alliances between the noble clans who swore allegiance to them. Her duties would often extend to arranging meetings, negotiation deals, and arranging dates for visiting guests. As such, she was the most influential of the Takigawa, whether through charisma or less…complex means.

Today, she was requested to speak with a representative of a visiting party on her father's behalf, arranging their place of stay and such. This guest would be attending Lady Amano's ascension ceremony, and her father wanted their guest to be treated like royalty in their care.

"[Tch. Leave it to Father to be all nice and pleasant when it comes to important guests]" Reika the Swoobat scoffed, sipping her tea. Her servants finished setting up the table for their guest's representative, who was running late. "[Especially those who can't abide by scheduling. He's already eleven minutes late.]"

Ginka, the Manectric, sipped her own tea and glared at her sister. "[Relax, Sister. We have all the time in the world. Besides, if he doesn't show, it's his loss.]"

"[Father entrusted me to make the proper negotiations. This acquaintance of his is rather important if he intends to pull out all the luxuries like this.]"

Chougo, the Finizen, reclined in his bowl, munching on a cookie. "[You don't think someone killed the poor sap before he arrived, right?]"

Reika groaned. "[It would be something like that. How rude of them, then. Letting themselves get killed after I slaved away bossing my servants around to prepare this meal.]"

Ginka lifted her foreleg, admiring a new set of diamond jewelry she bought herself recently. "[That's what happens when you rely on the incompetence of others to abide by prior agreements. I give it another fifteen before I return home for the evening. I simply must finish touching up my mane.]"

Chougo smirked. "[Ah yes, because brushing it a thousand times doesn't do you justice.]"

She glared. "[Watch it, or you're living in that bowl for the rest of your life.]"

Chougo stuck his tongue at her.

Before Reika could tell them to shut up, the door opened. A servant stepped aside and bowed, gesturing their visitor through. The Takigawa trio straightened up and bowed their heads to the visitor.

"[Welcome, esteem guest, to Osorekaku]" Reika greeted politely…before scowling. "[You're late.]"

Their visitor, a Salandit, smirked at them. "[Terribly sorry, my dear. I overslept. I was simply enamored by your beautiful town that I lost myself to the streets at the cusps of midnight.]"

Chougo flipped around in his bowl and yawned. "[Beautiful? You must be just as crazy as us if you think the bloodstains on those buildings are beautiful.]"

Basil chuckled lightly before taking his seat. "[Well, enough preamble. I arrived per your request, and I am ready to begin the preparations.]"

Reika crossed her wings. "[Then let us proceed. As I've been informed by my father, you represent an acquaintance of his. One…Lord Terrowin, correct?]"

Basil bowed. "[That is correct. I am but a humble servant of Lord Terrowin, and I am here to make sure all is prepared for his visit. He is an important ally of your father's, and we wouldn't want any ill-will between us. Your clan can be…ruthlessly unstable, after all.]"

Reika glared. "[Do not push your luck, lizard. You are not under the same protections as your lord.]" She flashed her fangs. "[We wouldn't want any trouble, right?]"

Basil snickered. "[Of course not.]"

Ginka leaned forward. "[When will Lord Terrowin be scheduled to arrive?]"

"[He intends to arrive on the twentieth. I presume that is enough time to make preparations for him? He will require a room and service of the highest quality. Nothing too demanding for one of such great power.]"

Reika nodded. "[Yes, yes, all of his needs will be taken care of. Will there be any others in attendance?]"

"[His council will be attending to also oversee the events. I believe your father will intend to do business with them given their connections to the west.]"

"[Hmph. Well…]" Reika pulled a scroll out from her wings and lay it across the table. "[We plan to have them in our fanciest tavern near the Takigawa manor. Plenty of rooms, and we will have our own staff on standby to act as extra security. This…doesn't pose a problem, right?]"

Basil laughed. "[No, no, of course not. Absolutely splendid. Though, I do hope the journey to the capital isn't too treacherous.]"

Reika scoffed. "[Oh please, there's only one pathway into the capital, and it's guarded by us. I wouldn't call it safe, but it is dangerous for anyone we view as a trespasser. If we don't recognize you, you're mincemeat.]"

Basil smirked. "[Ruthlessly efficient, as expected.]" He laughed. "[You Takigawa certainly are something.]" He picked up his tea, swirling the drink around. "[I've always been fascinated by your clan's rather abhorrent culture. I've heard stories of open bloodshed and manipulation, all with the backings of your dear emperor. In fact, if I recall, my associates are partly the reason Emperor Amano even managed to overthrow and kill the last emperor.]"

Reika glared. "[Is there a point to your ramblings?]"

"[Oh, nothing. Nothing at all~.]" He sipped his tea, then set the cup aside. "[But it's strange. With the things I've heard about Lord Takigawa, it amazes me anyone can remain loyal to him with his cruel tendencies.]"

Chougo laughed. "[Power rules over all else. Fear keeps the weak in line. We follow Father because we enjoy the power we've amassed.]"

"[Even if it means dealing with the abuse and neglect he subjects you to?]"

"[The world's cruel, and we've been molded by it. It's made us into the deadliest clan of the empire, so a small price to pay for absolute power.]"

"…" Basil laughed bitterly. "[Absolutes. How annoying…]"

Ginka glared. "[Something wrong?]"

"[Nothing~!]" Basil stood up. "[If you don't mind, I would love a look at this tavern you intend to set my master and his council up in. You know, to make sure it's safe.]"

Reika scoffed. "[It is my duty to ensure Father's guests are treated well.]" She flapped her wings and lifted herself off the ground. "[Follow me. You won't be disappointed.]"

"[Oh, I'm sure I won't.]" Hands in pockets, Basil followed the Swoobat out the door, the servants following close behind.

Once the door closed, leaving Chougo and Ginka to themselves, the Manectric glared. "[I don't trust him.]"

Chougo picked up the tea kettle and poured it into his bowl. "[He's a weak lizard. I can tell from a glance he has zero combat experience. He's just some messenger boy for Father's friend.]"

Ginka's glare darkened. "[Chougo, that friend is a notorious crime boss, and he sent a supposedly defenseless messenger to handle preparations for his arrival. Was his arrival ever announced?]"

"…" Chougo frowned. "[Well, Kiho did just get back from the exams, and Gaku left those three idiots in charge of security detail when Makiko was running loose. Doesn't surprise me some nobody slipped through.]"

"[He took a midnight stroll through the town. That's liable to get you killed around here, ally or Takigawa.]" Ginka scratched her chin. "[There's something off about him, I know it.]"

"[What are you going to do about it?]"

"[At the moment, I'm just going to keep an eye on him. Just to be sure…]"

"[What…What the HELL HAPPENED TO MY HOUSE?!]"

Having returned home two hours ago with the surviving rookies, fifteen remaining, Kiho filed the appropriate paperwork and reports to Gaku's servants before heading on back to her villa with Hatsu and Bansyou. However, where she expected to enjoy the rest of her day with a cup of hot tea and attending to her garden, she found instead the demolished remains in its place.

As the Miltank stared emptily at her trashed home, Hatsu the Passimian knelt over some debris and picked up a discarded bottle. She gave it a quick sniff. "[Sake. Someone was drinking here last night.]"

Bansyou the Diggersby laughed. "[Man, that sucks for you, sis! Must've been done by the runts!]"

Kiho trembled over the wreckage, collapsing over her destroyed garden. She scooped a pile of dirt into her hands, staring hopelessly at the trampled flowers in their place. The dirt poured out from her hands as she trembled, her face twisted into a hideous scowl.

"[I'm going MURDER those brats!]"

Hatsu glanced indifferently at the Miltank. "[You don't even know who did this.]"

"[Once I start kicking asses, I'll narrow it down!]" She stomped the ground with such force that the earth shook. "[They think this is funny? They're going to see firsthand why they call me Kiho the Warlord! I'll crush anything that pisses me off!]"

"[Annnnnnd we've lost her]" Bansyou grumbled.

"[Pointless]" Hatsu said. "[Getting angry over nothing.]"

Kiho pointed furiously at the wreckage. "[Does this look like nothing to you?!]"

"[I sleep outside. Yes. This is nothing.]"

Kiho growled, but stopped herself and took a breath. "[Why am I even wasting my time explaining this to the minimalist of the family?]" She pointed at Bansyou. "[I'm putting you in charge of investigation. Figure out who was involved with this.]"

Bansyou saluted. "[Aye, Sister!]"

Hatsu tilted her head. "[And you…?]"

Kiho turned away, her scowl becoming even more maniacal. "[What did I just say? I'm going to start kicking asses and beat the answers out of everyone!]"

"[…Well, glad you're not taking this personally.]"

Meanwhile, Last Autumn Hideout…

Deep within the underground laboratory of Last Autumn's hideout, preparations were underway for what would be the grand turning point in their war on Virdis. Years of research followed by months and months of resource management and construction led up to this point: their magnum opus.

Cain stood over a gaping pit in the lab, overlooking the dozens of stationary statues resting below. Rows upon rows of stone, rounded figures hidden in shadow with only the faint glow of an internal light illuminating the pit in a flickering red.

The mad Hypno covered his face, unable to contain the wicked grin he was sporting. "This…This is only the beginning. I have achieved something thought up only by the literary. I have achieved beyond speculation. I have entered the realm of godhood with this. This…This is the machinations of science!"

Bridget, the Vivillon, fluttered from above and landed on Cain's shoulder. "Um, Dr. Underhill?"

"Yes, child? What is it?" he asked, unable to tear his eyes away from his creations.

Bridget pulled up a scroll she was carrying. "I just wanted to let you know about the final tests I've done with the Rainbow experiments. Tests show that the power cores have remained stable for the last five weeks and ongoing. I believe we've finally cracked the code for stabilizing the Scarlet Flame's erratic power."

Cain laughed. "And not a moment too soon."

"However, I do have concerns about sending them out onto the field so soon. While the cores are stable, it would be in our best interests to continue observations for at least—"

"If the cores are stable, the cores are stable. Next item on the agenda."

She groaned, skimming further down the report. "Well, as you've seen, two hundred of Talos Unit Model: Pawn have been completed, and construction on Prototype Talos Unit Model: Knight is halfway through completion."

Cain smirked. "The lad works fast. It's probably a good thing The Ghost didn't capture the other MacGyver, even if having two around here would've sped up production." He glared. "He is being a pain in the neck, though."

Bridget frowned. "Couldn't you have just done that whole…rewriting thing the boss did on that weirdo circus man?"

"Unfortunately, despite the power of Logos, that damnable barrier he keeps around himself can actually neutralize the energy. The only reason he's being cooperative is because of his deal with Harriet." He scowled. "It's infuriating. With him being a MacGyver, we would benefit from scanning his aura."

"Why's that?"

"His ancestor was responsible for the initial construction of the generator, thus his connection to Logos means those plans are embedded somewhere within his descendants. Even if we obtain the generator, getting it up and running again will take several lifetimes without a starting point."

Bridget frowned. "I guess that makes sense. Ah, that reminds me. He actually wanted to see you regarding the Knight's construction."

Cain smirked. "Oh? Now he's asking for my help? How bold."

Wandering through the labyrinth that was his underground laboratory, Cain entered the workshop. Immediately, he was hit with a blast of heat that ruffled his hair. It resembled a massive, metallic forge with chains hanging from the ceiling and massive furnaces embedded in the walls. A few lackies that were hired out from the Outlands had already collapsed from the intense heat.

All but one remained standing.

Cain walked up on the Pokémon, who was hidden under a tarp that concealed the massive machine being worked on. Cain produced his pendulum, extending it into an energy whip to grab the inventor's ankle.

"You wanted to see me—"

He pulled the Boltund out from hiding.

"Caractacus MacGyver?"

Bridget winced at the Boltund's appearance as he rose. She wasn't surprised by his green eyes as they seemed to be a trait shared by all MacGyver's. However, she could never get used to the rest of him. His lower jaw and his legs (save for his left foreleg) were replaced with metallic prosthetics, something she had never seen before. The first time she saw him, she nearly fainted, wondering if he was another of Cain's horrific experiments.

She was shocked to later find out the Boltund did this too himself.

Caractacus rubbed his nape and scowled at the mad doctor. "Do you mind? I've got enough on my plate as is."

Cain smirked. "You requested my presence, remember?"

"Yeah, I was hoping you could throw yourself into one of those furnaces over there. I'm starting to miss the smell of burning flesh, and your annoying carcass would serve as good kindling."

Cain laughed. "Amusing. Very amusing. Now, what was it that you really needed, MacGyver?"

Caractacus rolled his eyes and gestured to the covered machine. "I did some tests on the Knight. I need stronger bolts and parts for the joints. For the intended purposes, it won't be able to sustain heavy combat for more than…twenty or so swings. The leg joints aren't a major concern, but it would be in our best interest to fix those up, too. Also, the parts I need for the internal components will help boost the arms' swing speed by about thirty-five percent. These parts, however, aren't suited for something of this size and could potentially break under the heavy material."

"Hmm, I see. I'll be sure to provide. These concerns don't apply to the Pawns, right?"

"Those parts were better suited for their size, so there won't be any issues."

Cain's smirk grew. "Are you sure? I won't want any trickery going on should anything fall apart on my watch."

Caractacus groaned. "I'm a professional. I can assure you, everything is up to my usual standards. The components won't break, not unless you give me what I need."

"Then, they're ready for deployment?"

"Affirmative."

Cain laughed. "I knew there was something about you I liked, MacGyver. You're a good working hound who does as he's told." He grinned, a devious glint in his eye. "Also, have you reviewed my plans for Model: Rook and Model: Bishop?"

Caractacus growled. "More work. Yeah, I looked it over."

"And…?"

"And what? I don't have much say over Rook considering that falls more in line with your department."

"But it requires your expertise of mechanical parts for…biological use."

"Sick freak." He groaned. "Bishop is still under theoretical testing. I haven't been able to make a working prototype yet."

"Get a prototype up and running in two months."

"Oh sure, and I'll create an artificial sun while I'm at it." Caractacus scowled. "Are you actually trying to piss me off?"

"You should be grateful I'm even giving you two months. We plan to deploy the Pawns in the coming weeks, and we need the rest of our army operational if we want to secure Virdis for the next stage of the master's plan." Cain smirked. "After all, you wouldn't want anything bad happening to your friend. Right?"

"…" Cain groaned. "He is okay, right?"

"Alive, I'll say as much. And it'll stay that way if you do your job." Cain leaned closer, smirking down at the defiant inventor. "Got it?"

"…" Caractacus shoved the Hypno away and turned away. He rolled up his sleeves and strapped his goggles on. "One other detail about the Knight. The standard power of the Scarlet Flame won't be enough to operate it, and that power can't be sustained without a Scarlet Priest or whatever amping it up. We may need a new power source."

Cain waved it off. "The Scarlet Flame is plenty."

"Didn't you hear what I just said? Unless you can find operators who can consistently keep its power amplified, it's not going to be fighting on part with your specifications."

Cain smirked over his shoulder. "We already have a solution to that."

"…What kind of solution?"

Cain reached inside his coat and tossed him a new blueprint. "More busy work for you, MacGyver. You're smart. You'll figure it out." He waved him off, taking his leave with Bridget hanging behind.

The Vivillon fluttered onto a nearby workstation and watched Caractacus as he studied the new blueprint with a scowl. "Ce sera l'enfer à payer, docteur…" He whistled, throwing the blueprint aside.

Bridget jolted as something flew out from the workshop and hovered around Caractacus. It was a strange, ancient cube with an eye-like symbol on each of its sides.

"Alpha, scan and compose a list of materials. I've got another backlog of garbage to construct for our benevolent employer."

The cube hovered over the crumbled blueprint, emitting a brief flash over it, before flying off to the other side of the workshop. Bridget frowned, then watched as Caractacus shuffled back under the tarp to continue working.

"So, uh…" She massaged the back of her head awkwardly. "What is it that Dr. Underhill asked you to build?"

"You have eyes. Read it yourself."

She pouted. "Rude." She fluttered over to the blueprint, landing on it to flatten it out. She tilted her head, puzzled by the design. It was a spherical contraption of sorts. She examined the notes on the side, recognizing a locked hatch on the side and an antenna on top. "What…is this?"

"Read."

She rolled her eyes and continued reading the notes. The further she read along, the more confused she got. However, she was starting to grasp more of the contraption's design.

"It's a…power-syphoning cage?"

"Exactly."

"So, it's designed to steal energy from whoever's inside?"

"You would think so, but there's nothing to the design that indicates the machine itself steals energy. It's meant to contain someone with loads of energy and safely draw it out."

"But for who?"

"Beats me." Caractacus shuffled out from under the tarp and wiped his brow. "However, it requires a lot of elementium and heat-resistant metals. Whoever this thing is for, they're the key to powering the Knights. Maybe even boosting the army's power altogether."

Bridget scratched her chin. "Dr. Underhill is always thinking ahead. He is truly something."

Caractacus rolled his eyes. "He's truly piece of work, that's for sure." He lay back on his back and shuffled under the tarp. "Someone as young as you shouldn't be mixed up with these madmen."

Bridget pouted. "I'm only seventeen! And I'm only here on behalf of my grandmother! Besides, it's better than living out on the streets."

"Believe me, kid…if you still have some decency in your heart, you haven't experienced half the crap I dealt with. Living on the streets? Sounds like paradise."

Bridget groaned. This guy, I swear. So weird. "It's my business, not yours."

"Whatever. Now leave. You're giving me a headache."

She huffed and flew off. "Jerk."

Ignacia glared at the file Hobs handed her moments ago, studying the list of names on it. She lowered the file, shooting the Gumshoos an annoyed look.

"Really? This is who you have me working with?"

Hobs tinkered with his slingshots off to the side, glancing up to acknowledge her. "The Desierto Hunters Guild hires out anyone looking for a job, and I managed to find these four who agreed to a contract. They're fairly new to the game, so I wanted to give them a shot at a good payout."

"Dad, I've heard about these guys, and they're just a group of losers. Seriously, have you seen the team name they gave themselves?"

"But they're competent enough to get the job done. Even if their motives are…petty, some more than others, they can put up a fight. We don't turn away young talent."

The Flygon groaned, throwing the file down and falling back into her chair. "But why do I need to monitor them? You're the boss."

"But you're one of my highest-ranking hunters." Hobs set the slingshot aside and smiled. "And I feel it's time you took on more responsibilities for the guild. I plan to retire one of these days, and I want to make sure you're ready to lead your own team in the future. You've got the makings of greatness in you."

Ignacia groaned. "I'm not even interested in whatever Last Autumn's doing. I'm just doing this because of you."

"I trust you the most to handle this assignment. Isn't that enough?"

"…" She sighed, slapping herself. "Ugh, fine. Fine. But seriously, these losers were the best you could get?"

"Ignacia—"

"Alright, alright." She shook her head. "Still, I'm…curious."

"About…?"

"Why exactly am I targeting the Pignite? I thought Terrowin wanted all of the Dukes of Buzzard eliminated. Why are we just prioritizing this random stray they picked up?"

"…" Hobs leaned back. "That…stray is a descendant of Solberg the Scorcher, according to The Ghost's last encounter with her, and her presence is required."

"She's just some teenager. What? Is she strong or something?"

"…" Hobs breathed a sigh. "With plans shifting around recently, the Dukes are no longer our main priority. However, this is a request brought upon by Cain after reviewing the reports you've sent him during your time monitoring them. He…speculates something about the Pignite's Inherited Will. You are to capture her and bring her to Algus."

"Why Algus?"

"He didn't really explain why, only that the cold environment was…necessary, he told me."

"…" Ignacia glared. "Dad, this doesn't feel right."

"…" Hobs sighed. "This is for a better world. Some sacrifices are necessary."

"Do you actually believe that?"

"…" Hobs pulled on the brim of his hat. "Ignacia, I've seen a lot during my days. If there's a chance to end future wars in Virdis, I'm willing to put anything on the line for that future."

"…Anything, huh?"

"…"

"…" She sighed. "I'm only doing this because you want me to. That's it. I'm not exactly happy about harassing some kid, but…I trust you."

"…" Hobs sighed. "Thank you, Ignacia." He shook his head. "They should be at the meetup spot in two days. I suggest you start packing and leave by nightfall."

"Right." She stood up and marched out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

Hobs fell back into his chair, covering his face behind his hat. "…You may not show it, Ignacia, but you have a better heart than your old man."

"Master Terrowin, is it truly wise for you and your council to be attending this ceremony?"

Terrowin sat in the comforts of his den, book in hand as the fireplace crackled with flames. He tore his gaze from his book briefly to acknowledge Dalibor and his concerns. The Oranguru, ever loyal and steadfast for the organization, held up concerns regarding the Sceptile's eventual visit to Great Gate.

"I appreciate your concerns over my wellbeing, Captain, but we will be perfectly fine. Hidekage is one of my most loyal allies, and he wouldn't dare think to betray me if that's what you're concerned over."

Dalibor frowned. "It's not so much that as I'm more concerned over Riko Amano. You have chosen some of the most unstable people as your candidates for the true throne, and I can only count Melissa Penworth and Tadhg Foirbeis as the only worthwhile choices. You have no intention of giving her that power. I am merely concerned over the consequences should she decide you are above her." He glared. "Especially since you intend to gift her a portion of the Talos units once the headbands are collected from Arcania in the following weeks."

"Darby Tetrarch. Evangelina Visconti. Riko Amano. Yes, those three aren't trustworthy in the slightest, but they are dangerous in their own rights, and having them as enemies won't do me good." Terrowin glared. "Better to keep their hopes up than subject myself to more enemies than I care to deal with. I've already had my fill during my stay in New Chariot."

"So why lead them on into thinking they have an equal chance?"

"Countermeasures. I've been at this for far too long, Captain. I've tried all manner of ways to resolve this warring in Virdis, and I've exhausted every attempt. I'd say the only benefit to my failures was that I've gotten a hand at observing potential risks. Or perhaps I've simply…given up. That's why I've dedicated a portion of my years gathering worthwhile allies, those who will follow my command and execute without delay. False promises of power, returns to form, a place in the new world, and more. Any threat I see, I adjust. That's why when I first caught word of a rebellious guild of thieves hiding in the shadows years ago, I thought to stick a spy among their ranks just to keep an eye on them. Basil has proven to be faithful ally."

Dalibor glared. "He has proven in the past to be untrustworthy if his time with Itzal is anything to go off of."

"That's why I intend to bring Alban and Harriet along for good measure. Can never be too careful."

Dalibor groaned. "You're bringing those two along? In that case, you should've just led off with that."

"The point of me attending this ceremony is to fuel Lady Amano's ego. If I show interest in her talents, she'll stay loyal just long enough to complete my plans, in which I'll have already caged her should she attempt rebellion." He sighed. "My real goal is convincing Melissa Penworth. I've already planted the promise of a Virdis without war into her, and she seemed onboard with it. It's just a matter of time."

"…" Dalibor sighed. "Speaking of, regarding the topic of war, a request came in from Lord Blackwood just this morning. It would seem he wishes to launch the attack on New Chariot earlier than scheduled. Something came up that has…urged him to take immediate action."

Terrowin glared. "Peculiar. I had hoped to launch the attacks on the twenty-fifth at the same time." He sighed. "I suppose Senbo wouldn't be able to gain information on the attack in time, so…" He snapped his book shut. "Approve his request and order Dr. Underhill to prepare the supply of Talos Pawns. We might as well send our shipment to Wick while we're at it."

Dalibor saluted him. "Affirmative, sir. Who will we send to operate the units for Lord Blackwood?"

Terrowin stood up and pointed at him. "Who better than my captain?"

His eyes widened. "Sir?"

"Dalibor, if there's anyone I can trust to efficiently take on New Chariot, it would be you. Your command over our soldiers is a splendid display of genius, but those talents can only be expanded with the operation of our new soldiers." Terrowin glared. "In fact, once everything is set in motion, you shall be promoted as the Head Captain of the Talos Army."

"Me, sir? Are you sure?"

"There's no one with greater mental power than you. You could very well control the entirety of our army. Can you handle the responsibility?"

"…" Dalibor saluted him again. "I am honored, Master Terrowin."

Terrowin placed his book back on the shelf, then sighed. He touched the scarred side of his face, feeling the roots extending more and more across his skin. His fighting in New Chariot sped the mutations along further than he had hoped. He could already feel the roots beginning to form over his back. He shortened his expected lifespan significantly.

"The winds of change are upon us, Dalibor. Virdis will enter a new era, and we'll dismantle the remnants of this broken society and rebuild in the image of Elysivine. No…a better Elysivine. One ruled by an astounding force of will and rulership."

He covered his face, a soft silver glow flashing off his eyes.

"I've seen the destruction of my home, in the waking world and in my nightmares. With this new era, may I finally be able to rest in peace. And may all else rest in sweet bliss. A world…without fear."