Chapter 1-2: Origins IIIThe man who stood at the door wielded a giant sword that gleamed with a metallic sheen as he stood there, his sapphire lightning eyes and striking bck hair catching the moonlight. Draped in a bck coat and a red scarf, he casually held Nathaniel in one hand, lifting him off the ground like a chicken preparing for sughter.

  "I caught this kid scking off," the man said nonchantly, raising an eyebrow at the scene. "Is he with you?"

  Just then, one of the maids rushed forward. She was dark-skinned with affectionate gray eyes, her expression a mix of anger and concern as she approached the stranger. "You idiot! You're choking the child! What if he suffocates?" she excimed in a surprisingly cute but loud voice, her fierce demeanor softening her tone.

  "Rex, Lucy. I'm just doing a little patrol," the man—Perlin Hardego—answered, shrugging off her concern like an old jacket.

  "Patrolling my ass! You almost killed the kid! That's your excuse?" Lucy shot back, hands on her hips, ready for a verbal spar.

  "Hmm, I'd love to patrol your ass sometime...," Perlin said with a cheeky grin before Lucy cut him off.

  "It was just a way to express my anger! Don't you understand anything?" she said, shooting him a gre sharp enough to cut gss.

  "Lucy, control yourself," Jamie interjected, his fatherly tone brokering peace. "I'll have you dishwashing if you keep it up."

  "That's not the issue here!" Perlin insisted, ughing lightly. "Lucy's just being violent because she's in love with me—that's all."

  "You stupid—!" Lucy began, but before she could finish her thought, Perlin wrapped his arms around her in a pyful hug, pulling her close.

  "Am I lying?" he teased, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes.

  With a quick, sharp sp to his forehead, Lucy broke free, her cheeks flushing as she stormed away, muttering under her breath.

  Perlin sighed, rolling his eyes as he turned back to Nathaniel, who'd been watching the whole scene unfold in stunned silence. Catching sight of him, Perlin cracked yet another joke, "So, Mrs. Jane is popping out more babies again, huh? I thought three was more than enough..."

  But before he could finish, Jamie's hand shot out, smacking the back of Perlin's head with surprising force. Perlin stumbled forward, nding head-first on the floor, his face a mixture of surprise and defeat.

  "Next time, think before you speak," Jamie said with a stern look, though a hint of amusement danced in his eyes as he watched Perlin struggle to regain his dignity.

  From the sidelines, Anna and Rose exchanged incredulous gnces, barely stifling their ughter at the unfolding chaos.

  "So who's the new runt anyways?" asked Perlin scratching his back from the searing pain he'd received. The two parents expined to Perlin, their voices barely a whisper as they told Perlin, immediately shocking him. His eyes widened as he eyed at Nathaniel who was going to bed, accompanied by Aurora.

  "You're actually serious? Your highness, I bid you you've got to reconsider your choice there," he said, concern echoing from his tone. "That kid is bad news."

  Jamie sighed with exasperation, "We can only convert him otherwise, the whole entire city will go into a scandal. Plus, he didn't do anything wrong, so," gazing at Perlin, his demeanor shifted into seriousness, "We've got no other point than to take him into consideration, there's nothing you can do about it."

  Jamie added more, "Plus I'm sure James will get along with him eventually."

  Perlin defeated, groaned, "I tried I guess, but don't say I didn't warn you sir," he strode past the king before whispering to him, "A problem like that runt, might cause a gactic or even worser effect." And with that, he left the room.

  Jamie brushed off the thought of Perlin's words and drifted to his room also. His hopes climbed high, begging that the scenario Perlin pictured would not go. His concern also pstered on James and Nathaniel's retionship to induce somehow.

  As, contrarily, the atmosphere in the royal pace had grown tense over the past four years. Breakfasts were often a quiet affair, with the two brothers either avoiding each other entirely or having their meals delivered by maids to prevent any awkward encounters. Special occasions were no better; even during family gatherings, they made sure to sit far enough apart that they wouldn't have to exchange a single word.

  One morning, however, things took a different turn. Both Nathaniel and James were called to the dining table, drawn by the promise of their favorite meals. "Hey, Mom, you said Lucy made pie for bre—" James began, but he was cut off.

  "I always enjoyed those fruit pies," Nathaniel interjected, excitement giving way to irritation as their eyes finally met, both boys instantly brimming with animosity.

  "What is he doing here?" they both excimed simultaneously, their voices filled with disdain.

  "Don't cause problems, you two. Just sit down and eat," Jane said firmly, trying to ease the tension.

  "Yeah, if anyone's got a problem, come to my room, and we'll hash it out," Rose added, cracking her knuckles with a determined look.

  With reluctant sighs, the two boys took their seats across from each other and began to eat in thick silence, carefully avoiding any contact.

  Finally, Nathaniel broke the silence with a sigh. "Why do you hate me?"

  James blinked, taken aback by the question. "Wow... never expected to get such a question from you. Do you need an eminent prize? How about a pay to build your own orphanage?" he responded, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

  "James! That's rude! Apologize to your brother," Jane scolded, her tone sharp.

  "Even if I did, I wouldn't mean it, and he wouldn't care," James retorted, a dismissive smirk creeping onto his face. "Speaking of which, have you decided whether to leave this pce for another family or stay here? I can smell something fishy..."

  Before he could finish, Nathaniel spped him across the face. James merely ughed it off. "They always said the dangers of the heart weren't necessary in life, but I guess you wouldn't understand."

  Standing up, he gnced at Aurora. "I'm full. I'll be heading to the vilge."

  "Will you be safe alone, Young Master?" Aurora asked, concern in her eyes.

  James smiled confidently. "I will be fine. There aren't any troublemakers around; it's not like they think they're hot stuff or anything." He shot a look at Nathaniel as he left the table, leaving an air of animosity behind him.

  Nathaniel's expression darkened as tears began to trickle down his cheeks. The family exchanged worried gnces.

  "Are you okay? Those words must have hurt," Rose and Anna asked in unison, concern etched on their faces.

  "I'll be okay. I just need some time alone," Nathaniel replied, his voice barely above a whisper as he made his way out of the pace.

  Jamie shook his head, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. "I guess Perlin's words were actually right. They're never going to see eye to eye."

  Jane nodded, a troubled look crossing her face. "I'm afraid their arguments are the least of our worries. We have visitors coming soon—the Ephnian Queen and her daughter will be here for talks. We need to ensure everyone is on their best behavior."

  "But without James and Nathaniel, no one might be able to entertain the young dy of Ephnia," Anna pointed out, her worry deepening.

  Jane looked back at the dining table, where lingering tension still hung in the air. "We'll just have to make do. For the kingdom's sake, we can't allow their rivalry to spill into our guests' visit." The urgency of their situation loomed rge, and the family braced themselves for the challenges that y ahead.

  Meanwhile, James was walking west from the pace, moving toward the vilge. He spent the day enjoying the sights and interacting with the friendly townsfolk. Suddenly, a woman grabbed his hand while he was caught up in the fun. He opened his mouth to protest, but when he turned to face her, he hesitated. The woman had the same vivid red hair and mesmerizing purple eyes as Cire.

  Meanwhile, James was walking west from the pace, moving toward the vilge. He spent the day enjoying the sights and interacting with the friendly townsfolk. Suddenly, a woman grabbed his hand while he was caught up in the fun. He opened his mouth to protest, but when he turned to face her, he hesitated. The woman had the same vivid red hair and mesmerizing purple eyes as Cire.

  "Oh, how can I assist you, ma'am?" James asked.

  "My daughter Cire went into the forest and hasn't returned. I'm starting to worry; it's been hours," she said, her voice ced with concern.

  "Cire was it? Whitestar perhaps?" he asked, resulting in the woman gasping.

  "It's actually an honor our family name is renowned by royalty," the dy said as she prepared to bow.

  However, before she could lower her head, James gripped onto her hand and helped her rise up. He patted her with reassurance and wry. "Ma'am there's no need for formalities. Cire and I are good friends. It'd be...weird."

  "Don't worry, ma'am. I'll go find her; that's a promise. Can you show me where the forest is?" he replied earnestly.

  Taken back, a gasp escapes her mouth however, she wasn't going to waste her opportunity.

  She nodded and began to lead him toward a secluded area that had an air simir to a beach. As they marched there, James asked, his interest piqued, "Perhaps you know why she went in?"

  Disagreeing she nodded, "No......I just heard from the locals that she proceeded here."

  Hearing these, a sophisticated look pstered on James' face, his mind revolting on a thought, "Cssic Cire vibes I'm sure. Trying to explore way too much."

  As they approached an entrance that both fascinated and surprised James, the woman gnced at him. "By the energy you're radiating, you must be a royal, am I right?"

  "How did you notice? Is it the gradual happiness I radiate?" James inquired.

  "No, I sensed the immense energy you possess, a great potential indeed for a king," she said with a smile.

  "Thank you! [So, if you've mastered your energy, you can also sense other people's energy levels—that's cool.]" James said with appreciation. "Alright, I'll be back, miss."

  The dy waved at him before she began to leave, trusting James whole-kindheartedly of the rescuing and checking of her daughter's status.

  The moment she left, James assured that she left before he began calcuting the odd transition. "This is no normal forest. It wasn't here every time I came here." His questions bombarded, trying best to look for the outermost piece of the puzzle.

  "Was it made by energy? If so, what did the person intend to do? Is it a trap?" he slowly thought before he threw away all the thought in a sigh.

  "Guess I'll figure out myself."

  With that, he ventured into the dark, hollow entrance of the forest.

  Inside, he found himself surrounded by tropical trees that seemed to weep, as if it were raining, yet the sky remained cloudless. Confused, James began to explore the forest until he spotted a figure in distress. She was turned away, appearing to cry.

  "Cire! I finally found you!" James called out. At the sound of her name, she turned to him and immediately hugged him, tears spilling onto his shoulder.

  "Oh, James, I was so scared...I was all alone and now I don't even know what to do—the exit just vanished!" she sobbed.

  "Shhh... it's okay; I'm here now. Let's find a way out of this pce," James reassured her.

  With their fated reunion, James began to lead them, a perilous journey as they walked to the point, Cire asked with concern of the distance they've been walking

  "So how're we gonna leave now?" Cire asked.

  "Oh...that's what i was looking for actually," James said, leaving a disappointed look on Cire's face.

  "We're hopeless...we're gonna be stuck here forever." Cire groaned. James feeling attacked, shot back, "Hey what do you mean by that!" he shouted.

  Suddenly, his ears perked up at a rustling sound above them. Cire's senses too tingled as they felt the faint presence. The two froze, as their eyes danced to their surroundings, until finally, James spotted a third person. He pointed upwards which Cire faced, and on that moment, her jaw dropped.

  The two spotted a dragon trying to conceal itself, blue lightning crackling along its body. "Got you!" James shouted.

  James' yell armed the cunning beast of being caught, which it had to organize with a different approach. Quickly with its decision making, the dragon bolted away, surprising the two, its weak essence of lightning leaving as trade marks of its way.

  "Are you crazy Ja..." before Cire could yell at James, he did the unexpected. Nonchantly, he grabbed Cire before taking her into his arms, a bride-like carry. Feeling the sensation of his hands, Cire stuttered, a burning crimson shade painting her cheeks as she felt the warmth of his.

  "Let's go, hold tight!" he said. "What're you going to....!" Before she could respond, James bolted, his speed overwhelming and surprising Cire as the passenger. "I heard that the royal family is fast but to this point!" her thoughts revered as she felt the wind whooshing into her face lightly. James' hand seemed to block the pressure exerted a way of protecting her as they pursued for the dragon.

  After a frantic chase for the dragon, the two stopped at a blocked destination. James helped Cire disembark in his arms as the two faced what seemed like a clearing with a faint light. But a massive boulder blocked their way. In front of it y a tombstone inscribed with strange, ancient symbols.

  "Damn it... so what now, Cire?" James asked, taking a deep breath.

  "Can't you see? This is simple!" Cire walked to the ancient tombstone, "We need to figure out what that tombstone says," Cire replied, striding toward it. "Hopefully, I can make sense of it..."

  Once she reached the tombstone, she strained to decipher the symbols but only ended up frustrated. "It's pointless! I don't even understand this, and if I can't, you won't have a clue either," she huffed.

  "'Who said we wouldn't even try?" James shot back, annoyance bubbling up.

  Cire averted her gaze. "Fine, go ahead and try. Let's see how crushed you feel when it doesn't work."

  James inhaled deeply and approached the tombstone. As he focused on the inscriptions, his blue eyes began to glow, causing Cire to look back in astonishment. "This tombstone belongs to Jay Combat, the first Swordmaster. The next wielder shall be his grandson, and only him," he recited, his voice steady.

  Once he finished, the glow in his eyes diminished, and the tombstone cracked, splitting in two to reveal a sword nestled within. The weapon gleamed, its shiny grey metal shining brilliantly. However, sensing something amiss, Cire, recalling what her mother had taught her, noticed a different energy pulsing from it—murderous and elusive. Despite this, James gazed longingly at the sword, drawn to it.

  "James, whatever you do, don't pick up that bde. There's something off about it," Cire warned earnestly.

  "But it's so shiny..." he replied, staring at it with a sense of longing.

  Cire attempted to physically restrain him, but James seized the sword. Suddenly, a vibrant blur engulfed them, and they found themselves trapped in a stark white room. Behind them stood a figure cloaked in a pure white hoodie, its eyes a faint glow of azure in a malevolent way.

  As they regained their bearings, the boulder blocking the exit crumbled, breaking apart into shards and clearing a path.

  [I can't have been the only one who saw that, right?] They both thought simultaneously, exchanging bewildered gnces.

  "Thanks, James... I'll head home now," Cire said, giving him a grateful wave before turning to leave the forest.

  James sighed, feeling a strange mix of emotions. "Guess it's time for me to head home too..." he muttered to himself. But just before he turned to leave, he looked up, scanning the treetops for any sign of the dragon.

  To his delight, the dragon reappeared from behind the rgest tropical tree, its blue scales shimmering with crackling lightning energy. It looked adorably pyful, giving off an irresistible charm.

  "So, I see you don't want to be alone here, huh? Want to come home with me?" James asked, crouching down to meet the creature's gaze.

  The dragon looked up thoughtfully, its lightning gently sizzling in the air around it. After a moment, it hopped onto James's shoulder, emitting a soft, agreeing chirp.

  "Now that's more like it! Let's go!" James grinned, now filled with energy. He powered up his own lightning, feeling the current surge through him.

  In the blink of an eye, he took off, disappearing with incredible speed, leaving the lush forest behind as he raced toward home, a new companion perched happily on his shoulder.

  Just a short distance away, a magnificent carriage rolled through the streets of the vilge. It was a pristine white adorned with cheerful purple stripes, reflecting the vibrant spirit of the day. Inside, Queen Ellen Rever sat gracefully beside her daughter, the future princess of the Ephnian Gaxy. With a crown shimmering in the sunlight atop her head, Ellen's beautiful blue eyes sparkled as she waved to the vilgers, her dark blue hair flowing in the gentle breeze.

  "It's wonderful here in Arkus, isn't it, Iris?" Queen Ellen asked, turning to her daughter, who was stubbornly keeping her head ducked inside the carriage.

  "It's easy for you to say, Mother," Iris huffed, rolling her eyes as she peered out the window, her frustration palpable.

  "Oh, dear Iris, don't worry. I'm sure you'll find someone to py with soon enough," the queen reassured her, a warm smile gracing her lips.

  "Do you actually think my concern is on that?" Iris pouted looking sideways. "You're always carrying me to random pces unwilling to me. It's getting boring."

  To respond, Ellen smiled, "I'm sure you'll understand why I carry you everywhere soon enough my dear." The warmth in Ellen's smile made Iris stop her periodic state.

  Iris rose her head, attempting best to avoid looking back to her mother, muttering, "So will I be pying at least?"

  "Who knows? The king has a son; you might just have a wonderful time together."

  The carriage driver, a sturdy man attuned to the regality of his passengers, called back to her, "Queen Ellen?"

  "Are we here already?" she asked, her excitement evident in her voice.

  "Yes, we are! And it seems the king is awaiting us outside the pace," the driver replied, nodding towards the pace that loomed majestically ahead.

  As the royals of Ephnia stepped out of their carriage, they gazed up at the magnificent Combat Pace, a true marvel of architecture. Towering high with its striking white and blue facade, the pace seemed to shimmer brilliantly under the sun. Elegant decorations adorned its walls, intricate carvings of mythical creatures and swirling vines giving it an enchanting charm. Grand columns supported expansive balconies that promised breathtaking views of the surrounding gardens, where vibrant flowers bloomed in every hue imaginable.

  The pace was a harmonious blend of imposing stature and delicate artistry, with banners fluttering in the warm breeze, adding a spsh of color to the serene ndscape. At its center, a towering spire reached skyward, topped with a glinting golden orb that caught the light and sparkled like a diamond, signifying the royal lineage within.

  As Queen Ellen and her daughter Iris approached the entrance, Jane and Jamie stood outside, their expressions warm and welcoming, each wearing bright smiles as they readied to greet their esteemed guests. However, Ellen paused momentarily, gncing toward the grandeur of the pace, and with a pyful grin, she quipped, "Our buildings are still bigger than yours," eliciting ughter from her companions.

  "Ha-ha, very funny, but we have even more decorations than you do," Jane replied jovially, both women chuckling together as they shared a light-hearted moment.

  Iris, however, stood apart from the ughter, a sense of isotion creeping over her as she looked away, feeling left out of the adult exchanges.

  Noticing her discontent, Jamie leaned down towards Iris. "You're bored, aren't you?" he asked with a knowing smile.

  "Isn't it obvious? What am I supposed to do here?" Iris replied, crossing her arms and pouting slightly.

  "You know, it was a wonderful thing to come here with your mom, even if she pushed you a bit," Jamie encouraged, hoping to lift her spirits. "It shows how grateful you are to be part of this."

  "If this is another toy because your youngest children haven't arrived yet, I'm not taking it," she said stubbornly.

  Jamie scratched his head, ughing nervously before his expression shifted to one of concern. "The truth is, both of them left, and I don't know where they are. They've been gone for hours, and I'm really worried."

  Iris sighed in exasperation, annoyed by the response, "Then you could've just I don't know, look for your son? What if he got kidnapped or something?"

  Suddenly, from a distance, a chorus of cheerful "hellos" echoed through the air, drawing the attention of everyone present. Before they could turn, to check who it was, a darkened aura embellished the atmosphere. It coated the area in malevolence, freezing everyone from movement.

  Jamie struggled to hold on from the exerted pressure, his instincts screaming to watch his back. With quick succession, Jamie sprinted towards the source upon uprooting his feet from the ground and chopped the nearby source of the presence.

  The figure dropped to the ground, but not before a luminous glow emanated from Queen Ellen's crown, revealing its exquisite design encrusted with a multitude of precious gems, each containing a flicker of destructive energy.

  With a commanding gesture, Ellen pointed her hand at the dark silhouette. Jane also drew upon her energy, preparing to defend her family against whatever threat loomed before them.

  "What are you all doing?!" Iris shouted, her voice ced with disappointment and anger. "You just attacked a kid!"

  A bck wind swirled around them, and to everyone's surprise, James emerged from the shadow, appearing as the dark figure. the little dragon perched on his shoulder. He shook his head and scratched it, "Damn, my head hurts now... is this the grand welcome home?"

  "What?! Are you telling me that dark presence was..." Jamie began, gncing at the dragon perched on James's shoulder, but he stopped, sensing the energy surrounding it.

  "James, where have you been?" Jane asked, her tone a mix of concern and relief. She knew her son was always truthful, and if something troubled him, he would share it.

  "Well, if you want to know, I went to the vilge and a woman asked me to help find her daughter in this forest that just appeared. Lucky for her, her daughter is a friend of mine, so I agreed to search for her. But once I entered, the exit vanished, so I kept looking for the girl. I eventually found her and, after decoding this weird tombstone we discovered, unlocked a sword that had been trapped in a rock. Then I brought this dragon back with me," James expined, excitedly gesturing to the creature.

  "Hold on, let's backtrack to that st part," Jamie interjected, his curiosity piqued. "You found a sword?"

  James beamed and pulled out the sword, waving it with pride. "It's surprisingly light, despite its size!"

  But as the bde gleamed in the sunlight, a palpable wave of darkness surged through the three royals, sending shivers down their spines, while Iris seemed unaffected. "The Sword of Eternity has returned, still cursed with chaos energy," Ellen whispered, her brow furrowing in concern.

  "The sword of what?" both kids asked in unison, puzzled.

  "James, please leave that sword here," Jane urged, her voice ced with insistence.

  With reluctance, James set the sword down in front of the gathered royals, who now had a more serious air about them. Jamie, rising from his crouched position, attempted to lighten the mood. "Well, too much royal politics for you kids; go find something fun to do."

  "I can't py with... this kid that looks like a peasant!" Iris began to protest, but James interrupted by grabbing her hand pyfully, causing her to gasp softly, a blush creeping onto her cheeks.

  "Let's py! I'm James," he offered with a warm smile. Without waiting for a response, the two darted toward a clear area, giggling as they chased each other, followed closely by the excited dragon.

  Meanwhile, the three royals gathered around the mysterious bde, inspecting it closely, their expressions growing grave. "Damn, so it is real," Jane said, rubbing her temples in frustration.

  "We're in trouble. This bde has been cursed by dark energy, and it leads to misfortune," Ellen added, her tone heavy with concern.

  "What should we do now?" Jamie asked, anxiety creeping into his voice.

  "I was considering taking it to the Vane Gaxy, but the journey there would be exhausting," Ellen replied, weighing their options carefully. "We'll have to worry about it tomorrow."

  As they gnced over at the children, now lost in fits of ughter with the baby dragon, Jamie pondered aloud, "Do you think tomorrow will be just like this?"

  Ellen gave a soft smile, but it was tinged with worry. "We'll need to check on that ter. After all, you know how Luka has been tely."

  "Iris! Let's go!" Ellen called to her daughter, eager to keep the focus on the joyous moments amid the uncertainty looming over them.

  Iris stopped running and looked at James, whose dragon had returned to his shoulder. She then sprinted back to her mother to grab her hand. As she walked back to the carriage, she waved goodbye to James, who responded with a simir gesture. James then returned to where his father and mother were inspecting the sword.

  Jamie stood, his hand shaking as he seemed to suffer a little recall of his past, "This can't be happening again...we've got to find something to do about this."

  But as he continued processing his thoughts, James' voice echoed behind him, before the darkened presence emerged yet again. Jamie rooted on the ground, this time with defiance and seriousness. He gritted his teeth, angrily.

  "Is there something wrong, Mother? Father?" James asked, approaching them.

  Turning to his son, Jamie wore a mask, falsely acting a smile on his face as he faced his son, "Off course everything's fine, just a little nostalgia."

  Slowly, Jamie shook off the unease which gripped him before looking to his son again.

  Don't you think it's a good idea to visit your sisters' room?" Jane suggested.

  He scratches his head, "Well, I don't know if they'll agree, but sure," James replied before heading inside the pace.

  Meanwhile, the couple felt a weak feeling of defeat, as they thought how they were gonna expin it to their son. Even so, if they try to hide it, he was going to find it soon enough. The couple immersed their thoughts, dissolving each other's words as they tried to fit it in together until they gave up.

  "Guess he'll have to find it out himself. He is one mind-reader sometimes, that boy." said Jane before she took Jamie's hand. Accepting the words, he let her take him like the wind, as the two entered into their pace to calm down.

  TO BE CONTINUED