*Flashback*
*On a bright sunny day a car pulled up to a mansion. Stepping out of the car were Alex and Chloe. A third door opened and out came Kai holding a suitcase. He stared up at the mansion with a look of awe in his eyes*
(Kai): Woah! Amazing!
(Chloe): *Giggles* See? I told you we live in a big house.
(Kai): You guys really live here!?
(Alex): Correction. We live here. As of today you are now Kaiser Seigfried. Come on, let’s go inside.
*It took two months but Alex and Chloe had finalized the adoption of Kaiser aka Kai. During that time they visited him periodically at the orphanage to play and check up on him. The more time they spent with him the more they came to love and care for him and wanted to take him home with them. In fact, Chloe tried to sneak him out one day only to get stopped by the caretakers. Kai had also opened up to them as well. He didn’t know his original parents or even where he was born. According to the caretakers he was found along the road crying as an infant by a mercenary. No parents or anybody else could be seen. The mercenary brought him to the orphanage where he’s lived since. He was brash but had a good heart. He was a rough houser, but the other kids flocked to him for safety and guidance. He was also clever and strong for his age. He could beat kids who were older than him and always got good scores on his homework and tests. As the three entered the mansion they were greeted by a middle-age dark elf with light dark skin, yellow eyes, black hair and beard. He wore a black suit and shiny black shoes*
(Light-skinned dark elf): Welcome back Master Alex and Mistress Chloe.
*The man bows his head*
(Light-skinned dark skin): I take it this is the young man you’ve been bragging about?
(Alex): Luther this is Kaiser. Kaiser this Luther.
(Luther): A pleasure to meet you, young master Kaiser. I am Luther. Allow me to take your suitcase.
*Kai gripped his suitcase while giving Luther a menacing stare. Luther just smiled at him*
(Alex): No need to be scared. Luther’s a friend of the family and head butler of the mansion. Think of him as an uncle.
(Luther): Rest assured young master, you have nothing to fear. I’m simply taking your belongings to your room.
*Sensing no hostility from Luther, Kai handed him his suitcase*
(Kai): Th-thank you. Just so you know, I know everything in that suitcase. If anything’s missing. I’m coming for you.
(Luther): I doubt you have anything that fits my size.
*Luther smirks and starts to head up the stairs. Kai then takes notice of the pool in the back and walks over to the door to see it. He smiles brightly having never seen a pool this big before with water so clear*
(Chloe): Like it? We can go for a swim later. I’ll show you my famous backstroke.
*Kai then looked to the left and saw a framed tapestry on the wall. It depicted a bunch of people battling a dragon with the last part depicting a man standing over the corpse of the dragon while holding his sword up high. Kai didn’t know why but he was drawn to the tapestry*
(Kai): What is this?
(Alex): This is the Seigfried Family’s treasure. Have you ever heard the tale of The 300 vs The Dragon.
*Kai nodded sideways*
(Alex): I figured as much. It’s an old story. Long ago the land was once terrorized by an Eclipse Dragon said to be one of the strongest Eclipses in the world. It slaughtered humans, demihumans, and elves and burnt settlements to the ground. Hearing the cries of the people, the king sent 300 of his best and strongest knights to fight the Eclipse and defeat it once and for all. The 300 knights fought the Eclipse near the mountains where it was nesting. It was a long and treacherous battle but the knights were determined to win. 250 of the knights had perished in the battle and only 50 were left. With one final push, the knights had defeated the dragon by chopping its head off. The knight who landed the killing blow was none other than their leader, Ivan Seigfried, my great great great great grandfather. Ivan and the other knights were held as heroes with Ivan earning the title of Dragonslayer. Since then, the Seigfried Family were given the title of noble and have continued to use their power and influence to protect Brister and its people.
*Kai’s stomach began to growl followed by Alex’s stomach*
(Chloe): It would appear that the men of my house are hungry. Shall we have an early lunch?
(Alex): I couldn’t agree more. Come on, son, let’s eat.
*Kai followed Alex and Chloe back to the kitchen as he looked back at the tapestry focused on the last part of Ivan holding his sword high in triumphant*
***
*Present*
*Kai and Silvi had arrived in the city of Knotale. After parking his truck in a lot, Kai and Silvi exited the vehicle*
(Silvi): Mmmmhmm, we finally made it.
(Kai): Yep. A few close calls but nothing to worry about. Alright, let’s empty our pockets and see how many credits we got.
*Silvi and Kai empty their pockets*
(Kai): Roughly 5,580 credits. Not a whole lot to work with.
(Silvi): Couldn’t you withdraw credits from your account? I always saw you at the bar spending.
(Kai): Those soldiers and mercenary got a good look at me and the license on my truck which means they know who I am. If I make a withdraw it could alert them to where we are.
(Silvi): So what do we do about food and housing?
(Kai): We make money on the streets. And I know the perfect way.
***
*A few moments later in the center of a nearby park*
(Silvi): Come one! Come all! Test your might and pick up the amazing Burndal sword!
*Silvi’s voiced managed to get the attention of on lookers as Kai held the sword for everyone to see. The gorgeous blue flames had people in the palm of his hands and he slammed the sword into the ground*
(Kai): As you can see folks this is a plain one of a kind Elfan sword. One of the finest swords to ever be crafted. No tricks whatsoever and going at a market value 490 million credits. Here are the rules: 1000 credits and you earn the chance to pull the sword out of the ground. Anyone who pulls the sword out of the ground within 30 seconds not only gets to keep the sword for themselves but they win the whole pot of credits from anyone who failed before them. But be warned, only those with a burning soul can lift it. So who once to go first?
*A burly bull demihuman stepped up confident that he could lift the sword. He put 1000 credits into a nearby jar and went to grab the sword handle. He pulled on it and the sword didn’t budge an inch. Even when he gripped the handle with two hands the sword wouldn’t budge. His 30 seconds expired and he let go. Angered by this he demanded another 30 seconds but was told to wait in line for another shot*
***
*About three hours soon passed as multiple people tried to lift the sword and each one failed. It attracted quite the audience in the park. Local tough guys, mercenaries, and others came to see if they were strong enough to lift. Some tried to lift the sword multiple times and failed each time. There were even some who accused Kai of cheating and threatened him for a refund. Of course, Kai easily dealt with them using his fists. While Kai was busy with his sword competition, Silvi also kept herself busy by playing with some of the kids and even singing a few songs, earning herself some credits on the side. Once Kai saw all the credits they had earned and looked at the line to see there were more spectators than challengers he decided to call in and told Silvi they were leaving for the day. Silvi nodded and retrieved the jar of credits while Kai easily lift his sword with one hand and placed it on his back. They soon left the park feeling hungry and went over to a local café to eat. Kai ordered spaghetti with meat sauce while Silvi ordered mild curry*
(Kai): An amazing haul as always.
(Silvi): That was amazing. I’ve performed on the streets numerous times, but I’ve never seen anyone pull in credits the way you did.
(Kai): When you’ve been out in the wild for as long as I have you pick up a few tricks.
(Silvi): So how long have you been a mercenary?
(Kai): About ten years now. Impressive feat if I say so myself. Most mercenaries barely make it to five years and those that do usually stick to one area for safety instead of travelling around like me.
(Silvi): Sounds like being a mercenary is rough. I always heard mercenaries make a lot of money.
(Kai): Some but not all. And those that do usually send it back to their loved ones or don’t live long to enjoy it. It also all depends on what jobs you’re willing to do. How much you’re willing to risk your life.
(Silvi): High risk high reward.
(Kai): Yep. If you handle low jobs and stay in one area then you’ll earn enough to get by. But if you want to make a living outside of the major kingdoms and empire then you better be ready to risk your life.
(Silvi): I see. So what’s your story? Why did you leave the safety and comforts or your kingdom and become a mercenary.
(Kai): There’s no story to tell. I’m just a guy who did something stupid and fled to avoid the consequences.
*As Kai and Silvi continued to talk, they got distracted by some commotion happening in the streets. A man wearing ragged clothing, scruffy greyish blue hair and brown eyes was being chased town by three local authority figures. The man tripped and fell down which allowed the authority figures to surround the man who tried desperately to get back up. The authority figures began to beat the man. One man kicked him while the other two took out clubs and bashed him with them. Onlookers watched in shock and horror with some mothers covering the eyes and ears of their children to protect them from the violence. Silvi who couldn’t stand it anymore, got up from her seat and ran over to them.*
(Silvi): Stop it! Stop it at once!
*Silvi managed to push her way through two of shielded the man’s body with her own.*
(Authority figure #1): Get out of the way.
(Silvi): No! This is inhumane treatment!
*Two more authority figures ran onto the scene*
(Authority figure #1): Move her out of the way and arrest that vagrant!
*The four authority figures got to work. Two of them picked up Silvi while the other two picked up and handcuffed the ragged man*
(Silvi): Let me go!
(Authority figure #2): Quiet! Or we’ll arrest you for obstruction of the law.
(Silvi): What obstruction!? What did he do?
(Authority figure #3): This man is under arrest for violating King Marco’s Beautification Law.
(Silvi): What?
(Authority figure #4): In an effort to make the kingdom more beautiful, King Marco has decreed that anyone who fails to meet his standards of beauty will lose their rights as citizens and must be locked up.
(Authority figure #1): This man does not live up to the king’s standards.
(Silvi): This is ridiculous! Marco is only a prince, he has no right to declare such a law!
(Authority figure #1): His coronation will be within a few days. Once he’s king this law will go into effect. We’re just getting a head start.
(Silvi): You cannot arrest someone just because of what they look like.
(Authority figure #1): Not according to the future king. Hmm~ you’re quite beautiful. You have nothing to worry about. But. . .I think we can fix that.
*The authority figure gets ready to take out his club which alarmed Silvi as he had a grin on his face*
(Kai): That won’t be necessary officer. Me and my sister were just about to leave. Come along, sis.
*Kai quickly pulled Silvi away and ran down the street. Once they turned the corner, Kai let of Silvi who stared at him angrily*
(Kai): What the hell were you thinking?
(Silvi): What the hell are you doing? You’re just going to let them get away with that injustice?
(Kai): Hey, my mission is to protect you. Not pick a fight with the local law.
(Silvi): But they’re wrong and you know it.
(Kai): Yes, but picking a fight with them isn’t going to change a thing. Yes, you save one guy but what about in the next towns over?
(Silvi): Wait, this is happening in the other towns?
(Kai): It’s happening everywhere within Rushalia. As much as I would like to go on a rampage and tear the place up it won’t change a thing because he will be king in a few days. If you truly want to save that man and this kingdom it all depends on us getting to the capital and you becoming the next ruler. Until then, keep your head down, do what I say, and don’t try to attract any attention. Now let’s go.
*Kai pulled Silvi in front of him and she began to walk. She was mad and frustrated over the events she just witnessed and how powerless she was to do anything. However, what Kai said was right. If Marco became king it wouldn’t matter if they beat up a few men. If she wanted to resolve this issue she would have to put herself in a position where she could make a change an that meant becoming the ruler of Rushalia. For the first time she had determination to become the next ruler of Rushalia*
***
*Later on in the day at the palace, Marco was sitting in a chair nervously biting his fingernail and tapping his foot. All of a sudden, Malcolm comes barging in and gets the attention of Marco*
(Marco): This better be good news, Malcolm.
(Malcolm): We’ve found them, your majesty. They’re in Knotale.
(Marco): Great! Contact the local authorities and have them killed for treason.
(Malcolm): Already alerted them. They should be dead shortly.
(Marco): And then no one will be able to stand in my way.
*Marco grinned menacingly*
***
*Flashback*
*Kai is now 15 years old. He’s been a member of Seigfried family for six years now and while he’s had his fair share of troubles throughout the years, they were easily outweighed by the good times he shared with Alex, Chloe, and everyone in the mansion. He enjoyed hanging out with Chloe and shopping with her. He learned a lot about history and the kingdom from Alex and would often spend his younger days in Alex’s office watching him work and do conference calls. There was even one time where he accidentally started a conference call with a bunch other nobles while Alex went to the bathroom. Even though they weren’t blood related, Kai came to love and care for Alex and Chloe like they were his real parents while Alex and Chloe loved and cherished Kai like. Blood related or not he was their son and they made sure everyone knew about it. At school, Kai had mediocre grades in basic classes, however he excelled at athletic events and even played on a few sport teams where he always stood out. He had his fair share of fights in school with other students but it would always end with him winning and started because someone was trying to bully him or he witnessed someone else being bullied. Kai had just graduated middle school and many high schools were interested in him joining their athletic program. At the kitchen table, Alex and Chloe were rummaging through the letters while Kai was pouring himself a glass of milk*
(Alex): Man, look at all these schools wanting you to join their athletic program. Swimming, soccer, football, track, basketball, the list goes on.
(Chloe): Let’s go through these and pick out the ones you like and plan a tour schedule.
(Kai): Actually, I’m not interested in any of these schools.
*This shocked Alex and Chloe as Kai approached the table*
(Alex): That’s the dumbest decision of your life, son!
(Chloe): What’s wrong sweetie? I know your grades aren’t the best, but we can get you a tutor and-
(Kai): It’s not that. I’ve given it a lot of thought, and I think I’m done with school.
(Alex): Then what do you want to do with your life?
(Kai): I want to become a knight.
*Chloe was shocked at what Kai said while Alex was confused*
(Alex): Are you serious?
(Chloe): Kaiser, this isn’t anything to joke about.
(Kai): I’m not joking. I want to become a knight. Ever since I came here I’ve been drawn to the family tapestry of Ivan. You said it yourself dad, the Siegfrieds have used their talents to help Brister. Becoming a knight will be my way to help Brister.
(Alex): Becoming a knight isn’t an easy task. They won’t just accept anyone.
(Kai): I know. Which is why I need your help to become one. Tell me what I need to do.
*Flashback Ends*
***
*Present Day*
*It was nighttime in Knotale where Kai and Silvi were sharing a room. Kai slept on the couch while Silvi slept on the bed. As the two were sleeping, Kai was stirred awake by his phone beeping. The sound annoyed him as he opened his eyes to grab the phone and see the message that was being sent*
***
*Outside of Kai and Silvi’s room, the local authorities from earlier were right outside their room. Their captain was carrying a gun. Without warning, they kicked the door open and the captain began shooting up the room. He aimed at the bed while the others charged the couch. After firing four shots and tackling the couch, they see no one is in the room*
(Authority figure #1): Where are they?
*Jumping down from the ceiling, Kai tackled the captain with the gun which got the attention of the other authority figures who pulled out their clubs. Kai pulled out his sword and charged at the second authority figure. Using his sword he lifted the authority figure off the ground and into the ceiling where he hit it back first and fell to the ground. The other three authority figures were scared. They usually fought drunkards and street punks, they’re not use to taking down trained fighters let alone mercenaries. Once Kai got within range he swung his sword horizontally releasing a small wave of fire that struck the knights and sent them flying into the wall. While Kai was handling them, the captain had slowly returned to his feet and saw Kai’s back vulnerable. Before he could grab his gun which was lying on the floor, it got kicked away by Silvi who emerged from the bathroom. As the authority figure laid eyes on Silvi, she shifted her body toward the authority figure and kicked him in the groin*
(Authority figure #1): Ohh~, me goolies!
(Silvi): That’s for earlier, dipshit.
*Silvi kicks him in the back*
(Kai): Time to go.
*Kai grabs Silvi and jumps out the window. Down below he sees a bunch of authority figures standing by to arrest them. He points his sword downward and dives the ground. Once he lands, he unleashes a wave of fire magic which pushes the everyone away and even shatters the glass windows on some of the buildings. Which the authority figures dazed, Kai and Silvi begin to run down the streets where they make it to Kai’s truck and drive off into the night*
***
*Back at the Rushulia palace, news of Kai and Silvi’s escape reaches Marco*
(Marco): They escaped again! Just what the hell are those idiots doing!? How did they even know we were coming for them?
(Malcolm): I don’t know your majesty. If they’ve escaped Rosemary that means their next stop will be the capital.
(Marco): Ready the guards! Order them to place a perimeter around the whole capital! We can’t let them get in!
(Malcolm): Sire, we can’t stretch the forces like that they’ll become suspicious.
(Marco): The coronation is in two days! What am I’m going to do?
(???): You’ll do nothing.
*A grouchy feminine voice got the attention of Marco and Malcolm who entered the room. She had curled grey hair and turquoise eyes. She wore a black nightgown under a black robe*
(Marco): Mother!
(Malcolm): Queen Anastasia! We are honored by your presence!
(Anastasia): Dispense with your pleasantries, Malcolm.
*Anastasia walks past Malcolm to see her son*
(Anastasia): You fool! How are you having so much difficulty killing one girl?
(Marco): It’s not as easy as we anticipated, mother.
(Anastasia): That girl is the only thing standing between us and the throne. I won’t have it taken away from me just because of your incompetence.
(Marco): She has a very capable mercenary guarding her.
(Anastasia): Then instead of sending incapable men after her. Send a capable hitman.
*In walks a man with blonde hair and purple eyes, He’s wearing a black bodysuit, smoking a cigarette, and has a sniper rifle strapped to his back. Behind him are two young females who are white tiger demihumans. They appear to be twins. One has long hair while the other has short hair. Both of their hairs are a mixture of white and black and blue eyes. One of the demihumans is wearing a white top with black daisy duke shorts, and black boots while the other is wearing a black top with white cargo pants and shoes that are black and white. They also had black and white tails and thick black collars around their necks*
(Anastasia): Allow me to introduce you to Slater and his tiger companions. He will take care of the business you failed to do.
(Marco): How capable is he?
*Slater quickly pulls out his rifle and fires it at Marco. The shot passes by his face and shoots the standing mirror by his closet. The glass shatters. Meanwhile, Marco gets a frantic look on his face and grabs a mirror to check his face for any damages*
(Marco): Are you insane! You could have ruined my perfect face you barbarian!
(Anastasia): Oh hush, your face is fine.
(Slater): Not to worry your majesty. I would never dream of harming the future ruler of our great kingdom. Consider the illegitimate heir to the throne dead. Come along Lyne and Skye.
*Slater walks out of the room followed by the demihumans*
Author’s Note: We continue to dive into Kai’s backstory and see the love and warmth Alex and Chloe gave him, as well as the inspiration for wanting to become a knight. In hindsight, Kai’s backstory isn’t one of tragedy, but rather of trying to find his place in his new surroundings and making everyone proud of him. We also get to Silvi come to grips with her responsibility as a princess. As a songstress, she can only save one person at a time, but as a princess soon to be queen she has the power to save everyone and that’s what Kai wants her to do. He may look heartless for abandoning that one person, but he’s looking at the big picture and doing his part to save this kingdom. As Kai and Silvi close in on the kingdom, another mercenary prepares for their arrival. How will the good mercenary fare against this adversary? Find out next week on Shadow Eye. Thanks for reading and I’ll see you next time.
