*Flashback*
*Outside of the Landshill Knight Academy a banner had been placed welcoming new students. Parents were dropping off their children and giving them one final hug before they left. Kai’s parents were no different. With sword on his back and suitcase on his side, Chloe was hugging him while Alex stood there embarrassed for both him and Kai*
(Chloe): Goodbye, sweetie! Take good care of yourself and don’t be afraid to call me.
(Alex): Come on, Chloe. You’ve been hugging him long enough. He has to get going.
(Chloe): Shut up! My baby is leaving me!
(Kai): Mom, I’m going to come visit you for breaks and holidays.
(Chloe): I know but it’s still hard to see you go! Just promise to call me at least once a month to let me know you’re fine.
(Kai): *Sigh* Alright.
*Chloe finally let’s go of Kai with tears in her eyes and goes to stand by the car as Alex approaches him*
(Alex): I am very proud of the man you are becoming. What you’re doing is something I could never dream of doing.
(Kai): Well I had a good teacher who inspired me. Any last words of advice?
(Alex): Study hard, had fun, and don’t be afraid to stand out. Just be sure you’re standing out for all the right reasons.
(Kai): That last one’s going to be hard. During my entrance exam I saw a lot of talented people. There was even this one guy who aced the practical exam with flying colors. The scary part is he’s only 13-years-old.
(Alex): Yes, I’ve heard of him. Even so, you have something that he can never copy.
(Kai): My charming good looks?
*Alex and Kai chuckle and smile*
(Alex): Don’t kid yourself. Your burning soul. I have watched you grown over the years and no one has a soul that burns as bright as yours. Whatever happens, do not forget your ambitions, passion, determination, and most importantly that you are. . .a good man.
*Alex hugs Kai*
(Alex): Now go and burn your name into this academy and know that I love you dearly.
(Kai): I love you too, dad.
*Alex lets go of Kai and he begins to make his way into the academy. Alex and Chloe watched him fade from their sights but smiled happily, proud of the boy they had raised. It was hard for them not to see Kai as just that boy they adopted years ago and good times they had with him*
*Flackback Ends*
***
*Present Day*
*Kai looked up at Slater in his mech while Slater looked down at him with a sinister smile as he smoked a cigarette. Lyne and Skye also returned to their feet ready to fight. Silvi watched from the dugout she was in anxious to see what was going to happen next. Her eyes made contact with Slater who glared back at her and she ducked to hide herself*
(Slater): No use hiding. I know you’re down there. Sit tight I’ll kill you shortly.
(Kai): You’ll have to go through me first. I won’t let you kill Silvi and I’ll beat the fuck out of your smug ass.
(Slater): Ooooohhh~ scary. I take it you don’t approve of my slave methods? If it makes you feel any better I brought the girls fair and square from a slave trader and had every intention to treat them right. But they decided to be mischievous and bite the hand that feeds them. How ungrateful.
*Hearing enough, Kai leapt into the air toward Slater hoping to take down Slater. As he swung his blade it was stopped by Skye who used her hatchet to block the kick. Lyne could be jumping over Slater and Skye and delivered a kick to Kai’s head kicking him backwards. Kai managed to do a ground row and returned to his feet seeing Lyne and Skye ready to fight along with Slater*
(Kai): Really. You’re going to protect this guy?
(Slater): What can I say? My shock collars are very effective at creating loyalty.
*Slater then pulls out a sniper rifle and focuses on Silvi*
(Slater): Now let’s focus on your death.
*Slater fires a light bullet at Silvi but it gets blocked by Kai’s sword. Not caring, Slater fires again, again, and again but Kai blocks each bullet. However, the force from the bullets keeps pushing him back and closer to where Silvi is hiding. Before, Slater can fire off another shot, Kai strikes the ground with his sword to create a wall of fire which blocks Slater’s view. Using this to his advantage, Kai quickly picks up Silvi and throws her over his shoulder while he makes a run for it. As Kai ran through the forest he zig-zagged through the trees to throw off Slater’s shots in case he was aiming at them*
(Kai): Are they pursuing us?
(Silvi): Yes, those demihumans are catching up. Bullet!
*Kai zigs to the right and avoids the bullet as it hits a tree and then zags to the left to avoid another bullet*
(Silvi): I don’t know why you’re trying to run away. Without a car we can’t outrun them.
(Kai): I’m not trying to outrun them.
*Kai transforms his sword into a dagger and nicks a nearby tree*
(Kai): I’m trying to put some distance between us.
*Kai nicks a few more trees after so many steps and Slater’s shots eventually stopped. Before long the two are back near the waterfall. Kai runs behind a giant rock and puts Silvi down*
(Kai): Stay here and don’t come out until I say so.
(Silvi): Is that reward really worth risking your life for?
(Kai): *Smiles* . . .yes.
*Kai comes from behind the rock and transforms his dagger into an odachi sword. Once his sword was finished transforming, Lyne and Skye appeared from the forest ready to fight*
(Kai): I was hoping you two would make it out first. If I’m to stand a chance at winning this I need to take you guys down first.
(Lyne): Not happening. You’re either going to get chopped down or gunned down.
(Skye): Yeah!
*Blue auras surround the bodies of the two girls as sparks of lightning could be seen shooting from them. Kai ready his sword as blue flames covered the blade and he took a deep breath. It felt as if time stood still as the three fighters prepared to attack each other. Lyne and Skye were the first to move and then Kai. The three fighters charged at each other and leapt into the air. When they were finally within striking distance of each other they swung their weapons. While the tigers were the first to move they weren’t the first to strike. Kai swung his sword faster and struck both girls with the burning blade. The strike from the sword sent the girls flying sideways and over the waterfall. When the girls are out of sight an explosion could be heard as Kai landed on the ground and took a deep breath*
(Kai): Timed it perfectly.
*Kai then turned his attention to the forest knowing Slater was watching from a safe distance*
(Kai): Two down and one to go. I know you’re out there and getting ready to shoot. You better make sure you hit me this time. Otherwise, you’re going down. So take your best shot.
*Back in the forest, Slater tossed his dead cigarette to the ground and smirked*
(Slater): Alright you smug bastard. I’ll give you my best shot.
*Slater presses a few buttons on his console which opens a hatch. He puts his rifle into the hatch and adjusts the seat to wear he’s lying on his belly. The mechanical tiger’s mouth opens to reveal a cannon. Slate focuses on the console that shows Kai as the cannon’s target*
(Slater): So long, swordsman.
*Pressing a button on the control handles, Slater fires at Kai. The blast from the cannon releases a heavy concentration of light magic and destroys everything in it’s path on the way to Kai. Sensing the beam coming, Kai prepared to strike. Holding the odachi in front of him with both hands, Kai concentrated, and the blade became shrouded in blue flames. Kai lifted the odachi over his head*
(Kai): 300 Degrees Burning Cannon!
*Kai swung his sword downward releasing a blue slash of fire magic. The slash completely tears through Slater’s cannon and hits Slater. As soon as it hits Slater an explosion can be heard off in the distance from where Kai and Silvi were. Kai took a deep breath and returned his sword to normal before sheathing it. Silvi saw Kai’s power from behind the rock and stood there amazed at what she had seen. Never before had a seen a mercenary display this kind of power before. Why would someone this powerful act as her bodyguard*
(Kai): Alright, it’s safe to come out now.
*Silvi came from behind the rock*
(Kai): Knew I could hit him from 100 meters.
(Silvi): That was amazing. But how did you know he was 100 meters away?
(Kai): You know those nicks I was putting in the tree? I was measuring our distance. One nick was 10 meters. After the tenth one he stopped firing at us meaning his shooting distance was 100 meters. Anything outside of that he can’t hit and would be wasting bullets. So when he fired at me again I knew he had to be within a 100-meter radius. I just needed to pinpoint where he was going to take the shot*
(Silvi): You mean you calculated all of this in your head?
(Kai): Of course.
*Silvi stood there dumbfounded*
(Silvi): How?
(Kai): I’m a good mercenary. Now let’s go. We still have time to make the coronation.
*The two began to walk*
***
*Back in the forest, Slater was in the dirt with burnt marks all over his bodysuit. His mechanical tiger destroyed and shattered into pieces. He was in too much pain to move. Even if he could move he knew there was no way he could defeat Kai after that display of power. He looked up into the sky accepting his defeat and knowing that he wouldn’t be getting paid. It would costs him a fortune to fix his tiger and to replace the two slaves he lost. This was definitely going to affect his future commissions. He then heard rustling in the bushes. No doubt a local critter coming to survey all the noise it had heard. While Slater didn’t have the strength to pursue his targets he was not going to lose to a forest critter. He reached for the handgun he always tucked away in his back for emergencies and prepared to fire only to be shocked when the critter revealed itself not to be a critter at all but something far worse*
***
*The Next Day*
*In the royal cathedral of the Rushalia Palace, honored guest, nobles and common folk had gathered to witness the crowning of Marco. In the front row were Malcolm and Queen Anastasia along with a few nobles of Marco’s inner circle. Aside from them no one was excited about this ceremony. Up on the alter, the priest read out the oath of the king for all to hear as Marco knelt down on one knee before him wishing he would hurry up*
(Priest): Do you Marco accept the responsibility of being a king and swear to uphold the rulings and teachings of your previous kings?
(Marco): I swear it.
(Priest): Very well.
*The priest grabs the crown from a nearby stand. It was read with gold lining and green emeralds. For years Marco had watched that crown from afar but now it was finally within his grasps and only seconds away from being on his head*
(Priest): Then by the power bestowed on me I now announce you-
(Guard): Wahhhhhhh~!
*Before the priest could put the crown on Marco’s head, the painful cry of a guard could be heard from outside the cathedral. Soon more cries could be heard from outside and everyone took notice of them as Marco stood up angry and annoyed*
(Marco): What is all that commotion? Guards! Silence it!
*The two guards nearest to the doors prepared to make their way out. But before they could open the doors they flew open and sent the guards flying backwards. In walked Kai with Silvi behind him. In the one of the rows was an older man with slightly grey and brown hair who smiled happily*
(Kai): Hello. Sorry we’re late. There was an issue with the guest list.
(Marco): Who dares disturb my crowning ceremony!?
(Silvi): I do! Silvi Hestarory. Daughter of Rina Hestarory and Regal Rushalia. The rightful heir to the throne!
*Everyone let out audible gasp. None more than Anastasia and Marco. Silvi began to make her way to the altar followed by Kai*
(Silvi): You’re attempts to kill me were good dear brother. But my bodyguard protected me. If anyone here has any doubts about my lineage and who I say I am lying then feel free to do a blood test. You will see that I speak the truth. I have traveled far to get here and in my travels, I witnessed the misdeeds of our so-called future king. Men and women locked up because they are deemed ugly in your eyes. Corruption from nobles and abuse of power from knights who claim to protect the kingdom. All of this under the ruling and guidance of a man who claims to have the best wishes for the kingdom. You are a liar and I will not sit on the side and watch your ideals destroy this great kingdom that I love!
*Chatter could be heard throughout the room and Marco was beginning to sweat until he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He then put on a cheerful smile*
(Marco): Now, now, everyone. Let’s all remain calm. I’m sure this woman was lied to about who she was and is a making a fuss over nothing. I’m sure the blood test will reveal this and we can do it after I have been appointed king. Priest, please continue with the ceremony.
(Priest): I’m afraid not. By law the throne goes to the firstborn. If she is who she says she is then the throne belongs to her. I’m sorry, but I must suspend the crowning ceremony at this time.
*Hearing those words broke something inside of Marco who finally dropped the façade*
(Marco): I said continue the ceremony you idiot! I command you!
*Marco grabbed the priest by his collar shocking everyone. The guards came over and pulled Marco away from him*
(Guard): My prince, please calm down.
(Marco): It’s king! King, you moron!
*Marco grabs the sword from the guards and pushes him away. He then points the sword at Silvi*
(Marco): I’ve waited my whole life for this moment! I won’t let some bitch child take it away from me!
*Marco charges at Silvi intent on killing her, but Kai draws his sword and stops him. Swinging his sword upward, Kai releases blue flames which knocks the guard’s sword out of Marco’s hands. The flames land on Marco’s face as he falls backwards to the ground clutching his face and covering it with his hands*
(Marco): My face! My face!
*Anastasia and Malcolm get up from their seats to check on Marco. Some of the guards come over trying to help but Marco bats them away desperate to hide his face. Seeing the writing on the wall, the guards began to escort people out of the cathedral. Kai remained by Silvi’s side through all of this keeping a close eye on her and anyone who got close to her*
***
*A few days later*
Silvi was in a banquet hall wearing a light blue dress with her hair tied up. A blood test was done and confirmed that Silvi was in fact the daughter of Regal as well as his oldest child. Meaning she was the true heir to the throne of Rushalia. An announcement was made to the public about her true identity and while some were weary of a songstress being their new ruler they did breathe a sigh of relief that Marco wouldn’t be king. As Silvi’s blood test was getting done, an investigation into Marco’s unjust arrests and laws was made. A quick search of his room revealed everything they needed to know including records of his investigation into Silvi and plots to kill her. Before Marco could be brought in for questioning, he had already left the palace. He used Kai’s injury to get taken away by members of his inner circle. He fled the palace along with his mom and Malcolm. With Silvi’s real identity revealed she was named the princess of Rushalia and would be crown queen. However, her crowning ceremony was postponed until further notice. In the meantime, a committee was formed of nobles, common folk, and Silvi to oversee the dealings of the kingdom for the seeable future. A banquet was called for others to meet and greet the future ruler. During this time a few trustworthy nobles met with Silvi who revealed they knew who she was all along and vowed to help in anyway they could. With Silvi now in good hands, Kai slowly backed off guarding her. Before long Silvi looked up and couldn’t see him by her side anymore. She was so busy learning etiquette and history that there was no time for her to have a proper talk with him or thank him for everything he’s done. However, what she didn’t know was that Kai stuck around watching her secretly to make sure nothing bad would happen to her. At the banquet, Silvi was the center of attention as everyone wanted to meet her. It got a little overwhelming that she had to step outside for some fresh air. As she stepped away to take in the night air she was accompany by a young guard with dark skin, short black hair, and black eyes*
(Guard): Enjoying your night, milady?
(Silvi): I’m doing fine, Harper. Just needed to get some fresh air.
*SIlivi looked down into the garden below as if she were looking for someone*
(Harper): If you’re looking for Kai, I’m afraid you’re out of luck.
(Silvi): You sent him the invitation, right?
(Harper): Yes ma’am. Just as you requested, but we never heard back from him.
(Silvi): No doubt he’s out somewhere indulging in the reward he received in delivering me safely.
(Harper): Actually, he was never offered a reward.
(Silvi): What!?
(Harper): That’s not to say we didn’t attempt to give him one, but he rejected it. When we found out about you, me and my men were preparing to go and get you but then he showed up saying we would arouse suspicion. He asked me to stay here in the palace and keep an eye on Marco while he went to retrieve you. Aside from the anonymous call to Knotale, that was my interaction with him.
(Silvi): So you trusted a complete stranger to protect me?
(Harper): Not entirely. He was recommended to me by a trusted friend I met in Brister. His name is Alex Siegfried. A good man and a noble in Brister. He was the one who helped us find you. Alex told me he was someone we could trust and could handle anything that came his way. He plans on making a trip here soon. I’ll be sure to introduce you to him. I know I may be stepping out of line, but Brister is definitely a kingdom you can trust to have your back. Some of the best knights around as well.
(Silvi): Thank for your insight, Harper. Don’t ever feel afraid to speak your mind in my presence. And yes, I would definitely like to meet Alex Siegfried.
(Harper): Wonderful. He also has a son who is said to be quite dashing. Something to think about for the future maybe.
(Silvi): That’s getting a bit too far ahead. You on the other hand, I definitely know a few ladies who are dying to talk to you.
***
*From afar, Kai was watching Silvi and Harper talk through binoculars and smiled. He was up in a clock tower*
(Kai): Well looks like she’s got things under control here. Good luck, Silvi. Looking forward to the kingdom you’ll create.
*Using a rope, Kai descended the clock tower and landed on the ground safely. He made his way over to his new truck which was dark blue. As he approached the truck he saw something moving in the truck underneath the tarp. He slowly approached the truck and drew his sword prepared to strike. He was no stranger to having others sneak into his truck looking for a free ride and knew how to handle them. Kai grabbed the tarp with one hand and pulled it back to see Lyne and Skye who both screamed at getting discovered*
(Kai): You! What are you guys doing here?
(Lyne): We were searching for you.
(Kai): How’d you even find me?
(Lyne): We followed your scent from the destroyed truck by the waterfall.
(Skye): Yeah, I used my sniffer to find you.
(Kai): So you survived the waterfall. I knew I timed it perfectly.
***
*Flashback*
*When Kai fought against Lyne and Skye by the waterfall and struck them he aimed for their collars. Using his fire magic he managed to burn through them. When he swung them over the waterfall, the collars came off and exploded while they fell into the water below. They were sore from the fall but were alright and were shocked when they realized the collars were no longer on them*
*End Flashback*
***
(Lyne): Skye wanted to thank you for freeing us.
(Skye): You also wanted to thank him too Lyne.
(Kai): I’m glad I was able to help you guys. So what happened to that Slater guy?
*Lyne and Skye looked sideways with a solemn expression remembering what happened to him*
***
*Flashback*
*Slater was lying in the ground injured and burnt from Kai’s attack while breathing heavily. He crawled on the ground through the forest with determination to get back up, find Kai, and kill him in the most cruel way possible. Silvi didn’t matter anymore, all that mattered was his pride and Kai. As he crawled through the forest, he prepared to pull out his gun as he heard rustling in the bushes. When Lyne and Skye emerged from the bushes it put his mind at ease knowing that his slaves were still alive. However, he quickly noticed that they were no longer wearing their collars and put two and two together. With a new-found fear, he quickly pulled out his gun only to have it swatted away by Skye along with his hand. He screamed out in pain while looking up at the demihumans with disgust and anger before they brought their hatchets down on him to finish him off*
*End Flashback*
***
(Kai): On second thought, I don’t need to know. So what do you guys want?
(Lyne): We were wondering if we could travel with you as mercenaries?
(Skye): Yeah! We can be your partners.
(Kai): I don’t think so, I work solo.
(Lyne and Skye): Please make us mercenaries!
(Lyne): We don’t have anywhere to go.
(Skye): And we’re hungwy. You’re really going to leave a bunch of helpless girls out of the streets like this?
*Kai looked at the girls who gave him the puppy dog eyes*
(Kai): Alright let’s go. But only for a month. After that, you’re on your own.
*The two girls cheered happily and got in the truck with Kai. They then drove off with Kai wondering what he had gotten himself into with these twin tigers*
