Project Xion

Prologue - November 3, 15151

It was a mid-day on Xion Eden. People were about their business when shots could be heard coming from a building. After the shots were heard a General, General Greed, ran out of the building but was apprehended by one other General, General Izerman. He brought Greed to the Royal House of Justice. This is the where the Ruler, Zeta Eliander Xerxes, conducts business concerning the nation in which he rules.2

"This is the ninth day that you have been sent here." Zeta began as Greed was brought in. "What do you say about your actions?" he asked Greed.3

"Those people deserved to die! They were subject to riotous behavior. I am sure your lordship would not wish to have a riot on his hands," Greed began to say to Master Xerxes.4

"Are you for certain that these ones had tendencies of rioting?" Zeta posed the question.5

"The way they acted..."6

"The way you act may lead you to loose your position as General. If actions is what we based decisions this nation would be in chaos. Your ideals are of the past. The wrong ways set by the Derek," Zeta interrupted.7

"Those ideals was set to keep this nation alive. For all of us to survive," Greed said angrily.8

"They were set to keep the survival of the rich and destroy the weak. This is not a nation that I will stand having such an attitude. I will right the wrong and bring peace amongst all the citizens," Zeta said in response.9

"You are far to late Master. These ideals have been adopted by the citizens of Xion Eden. There is no way in changing this."10

"You do not know the ways of the Sevenktheons. There is a way. Now be gone our business is over."11

"We shall see Master. If only you knew what was in store," Greed said in a whisper as he left the Court. Zeta sat on his throne wondering what he should do of the situation. For now, he thought, it was to be let go. Rising from his chair he walks out of the court and to his residence which it was connected to. He walks down the hall and to his bedroom. Servants open the doors to let him enter. He dismisses them.12

Zeta walked in with his arms stretched out to the sides. "Darling! How are we?" he asked with compassion as he sat beside his wife Andrea.13

Andrea laid in bed. "We are alright." She motioned to the servants to leave with the infants so that the two of them can be left alone. Zeta followed them. Words could be heard exchanged but what was said Andrea couldn't hear. After they were alone Zeta's demeanor changed. "What is the matter Eli?" She said with concern in her voice.14

"I love you with all my heart," Zeta said as a tear dropped from his cheek. "This may be the last...," at just that moment screams could be heard down the hall. Andrea stood out of bed in fear but dropped to the floor. Zeta quickly picked her up and held her in his arms. "Do not worry. All will be alright." The doors then burst behind them. As the dust cleared in walked General Greed.15

"Greetings Zeta. I wish you pleasant dreams." With that all that was heard was silence.16

The next day an assembly was gathered in the city square inquiring of what they heard that night. It was then here that the announcement of a new ruler. "Greeting citizens of Xion Eden!" began Greed. "Last night was a tragic turn of events. Our grand leader, Zeta Eliander Xerxes, was killed. He was found early this morning with his wife. He will surely be mourned and missed by all. Now with this news we must all wonder who will now rule? That question is answered." A man now walks up to the platform.17

"Good Morning to all. The name is Alden Nikodaemus Mathers. I have been appointed ruler seeing that Zeta had no heirs to his throne. And so it is on this day that history will be changed," Alden says with a devilish sneer. He then turned and left the platform. After that day suppression began. The poor and week were driven out from the cities. They were harassed, killed, and spited. They then banded together and created villages for themselves. Some retaliated with unconscionable consequences leading to their deaths. Some were forced into battle. While others worked for their lives to feed the rich. These ones were the ones granted favor.18

Years passed by with relentless war and suppression. Matters become worse. Lives become unbearable. Can there be hope in the future? Will this nation see peace again? Rumors say yes. A legend of a son. The son of Xerxes.19

April 3, 153620

It all began as I was working in the field a spade in hand and toiling the soil to plant the crops for the season. "Felix! Felix!" I heard from behind me. I stood turning toward the one who was calling to me. It was a hot day so I wiped some sweat off my face where my hair stuck to my forehead. I sometimes wonder having charcoal black hair is good when it is a hot day like today.21

"Yes!? What is it brother?" I asked wondering what my brother, Zane, was rushing over to me to say. He was out scavenging for items.22

"The General is coming!" Zane breathed as he was trying to catch some more.23

"The General? General Greed? For what reason would he wish to come here?" I said out loud concerned and confused as to why a high official would have any inclination of visiting me, a peasant boy.24

"I don't know but they are just pass the bridge beyond the hill!" Zane said pointing and looking to the direction mentioned. By this time the General and his men could be seen in the distance.25

I couldn't wait for the General to arrive so I dusted myself off and began towards the General. With anticipation thoughts of reasons flowed quickly through my head. As I approached closer my heart raced faster and faster. Beads of sweat dripped down my face. As I got closer the General stopped once in the midst of myself and my brother. "Good Evening General," I said with a bow. "What is it that brings you here?"26

"Do not question me boy I am here to see your father," Greed said authoritatively, "And I wish to do so right away."27

"Forgive me sir. But my father died many years ago," I said as memories rushed back.28

"Then your mother..." the General said as if what I said about my father had no meaning.29

"She too passed away along with my father," I said interrupting the General.30

"How old are you my boy?" Greed asked in a mischievous tone of voice.31

"I am of the age of twenty," I said wondering why he would ask such a question.32

"Perfect," the General said ominously. "My dear boy the reason for our coming here is we are conscripting many to join the forces against Izerman. And we see that we came to the right place. Now! Get ready and follow."33

"I'm sorry sir. But I must stay here to take care of my brother. If I leave then there is not anyone to take care of him. Forgive me," I told the General hoping that he would take it and leave.34

"I am certain you did not hear me. It was not suggestion that I was asking of you. It is an order that you take your things and join our forces or you will pay the consequences of your actions," Greed said now with a serious and irritated tone.35

"No! I am not leaving my brother. You will just have to find another to take the place of myself. Now please I must attend to some business," I said as I turned away to leave.36

The General gave a sinister smirk and then darted towards Zane grabbing hold of him and held him by the back of the neck. "You will not need to worry about a brother if you don't have one to take care," he now said this in a tone of derangement.37

"NO!" I screamed. "Please he is all I have," I pleaded to the General. I lost my parents I didn't want to loose my brother. 38

"Then join our forces or your brother here will die for your mistake," Greed said with gruff voice.39

I laid my head in my hands. I did not want either my brother die or join any army against a nation I cared not. "Let it be so. I will join your forces, but please let my brother be," I said grudgingly whilst I stepped toward the group and turned to stand beside General Greed.40

"Excellent!" With that Greed pulled out a six inch dagger from a scabbard hidden at his side and slit Zane's throat. His body hit the ground with a horrible thud. A sound that echoed through my ears. With this sight anger enveloped my thoughts. Rage blinded my conscience. I swung my arm and the spade in my hand sliced the arm of the General cutting deep into the flesh. The General from surprise leaped back holding his injured arm. His men stepped forward toward me. Without thought and with great reflex I dashed forward towards one of the guards and stabbed him and threw him against the others. I kept attacking each guard until all four were on the ground dead. After everything I was upon the ground breathing heavily.41

I sat amongst the dead bodies. The spade was now laying beside me. My hands with palms facing up blood dripping from the tips. I grieved from the situation. I did not know what came over me. Greed stood there in awe of the power shown by me, such a young boy. He slowly stepped towards me. I turned to look at General Greed. "You killed my brother. Now you must meet the same end." I said angrily to him. With that I rose but before I knew it I was pinned to the ground with Greed standing over me.42

"If you thought that you could over come me boy you were sadly mistaken." Greed began walking towards the city. His hand caressing his arm. I was in a daze. I did not know what just had happened. I stood watching the general live with contempt. Four victories and one yet to be won. 43

I walked back to my cabin meditating on the events that had just transpired. I looked around and finally spotted what I was searching for. Grabbing it I left to go back to the bodies. I began to dig. Hours passed. The bodies began to stink being out in the heat of the sun. Once I was done digging the hole I dumped the four bodies of the guards into it. Then I filled the hole concealing the secret. Concealing the truth of what lied beneath. At that time I stood there leaning upon the shovel but I was not yet done. I looked over to my brother's body in pain. With tears cascading down my face I took him into his arms holding him never wishing to let go. I then brought the body to a private cemetery near where we lived. Only two graves so far marked this place, it was soon to become three. Again I dug a hole, this time it was for Zane. Once done filling it over he stabbed into the ground a wooden pole that marked the place of his lost brother.44

The day became night I sat alone. The flame of a candle flickered on the table casting eerie shadows upon the walls. I looked around the room as if hypnotized. All of a sudden one of the shadows moved. This catched my eye. Standing to my feet I looked to where the shadow had been. Something at this moment moved in the corner of my eye. Quickly I looked but saw nothing. I opened the door and stepped outside. The night was dark. Not a thing could be seen. Footsteps I could hear in the distance. They were coming closer. "Who's out there?" I called into the darkness.45

"Leave," replied a whisper in the wind. "You must leave."46

"Who are you?" I screamed frantically afraid of who it might be. Yet I stood there waiting for a reply.47

"I am your shadow. Your footsteps," said the man's voice who was now beside me.48

I jumped to the side looking if I could be able to see the man. But I could not. "Please show your self!"49

"Leave. You must find the truth. It is up to you. Your journey begins. Leave," the man's voice says trailing off into silence. What truth must be uncovered? Where will this journey lead to? And who is this man that hides in the shadow? Tomorrow will hopefully answer these questions.50

April 5, 153651

After awaking in the morning I wondered what my next move would be. Would I just live on alone? Leave the one who murdered my brother to keep living? Or would I go on to VanGard and pursue something that may had just been a figment of my own imagination? A decision I had to make, and soon. I stood out of bed. I felt worthless that morning. Just as if my reason for living was taken away from me. The future now oblique. Blurred, a haze. My mind was then made.52

VanGard is a business town. Anyone in Xion Eden who wished to do any business transactions or the like they were to go to VanGard. This is where I was to go. The first of many places I would suspect to visit on my journey. I then got up and began to pack for the journey. I packed light for I did not know what lied ahead. Only the bare necessities is what I brought. By the time I was ready it was about mid-afternoon. I was ready to venture on into the unknown. What lay before me? Only time will tell.53

I took my first step out of the cabin. Doing this made me feel alive. Ready and willing to take on challenges that fall before me all in the name of Zane. VanGard was a half day's walk from the village where I lived. By night fall I would arrive and take rest there. And in the morning I would be able see what the city had in store for him. Beginning to walk towards the city I walked past the site where my confrontation with Greed happened. I kept my eyes forward, keeping my steps continuing along the path and over the bridge.54

As I continued down a path rarely trodden, for the people of the village only on occasion visited the other cities, my mind wondered what was in store. What that shadow man wanted. Why he wanted me to leave. Maybe the answers would be in VanGard. But where to start? I would only have to wait until I got to the city to find out these answers.55

While walking the path I heard noises from behind. What ever it may have been I kept walking the path and ignored the noise that would distract me from my journey. Yet again and again I kept hearing these noises. They sounded like whispers at times getting closer yet too far to be audible. I still pressed on. As I kept on going, one of the whispers I heard yet did not understand it's meaning. It was spoken in a language I did not know. I stopped and turned to see what was making such noise. At this time my vision blurred and all went black. I fell to the ground.56

As I opened my eyes my vision was still blurred. What was afternoon had become darkened night. I heard voices just as he did on the path but this time louder. I still could not understand the language. I tried to sit up but was pushed back down. A woman's voice spoke something but I again did not understand what she had said so I just stayed laying down. I heard commotion going on around me then a figure stood over me and stood me up. A vile liquid was poured down my throat. My throat began to close. I gasped for air, my eyes widened and things began to appear. My sight was restored. Now on my knees and hands I begins to breath. Quickly standing to my feet and looking into the dark eyes of the man who stood before me, "What have you done to me!?"57

The man then began to speak. "You are not privy to information on why we have captured you. All it is that you are to know is that you are alive. Who we are is none of your concern. Ask no questions hear no lies." With that the man turned and left me standing. These ones were of different origin. They did not look like ones in the city or villages that I had ever seen. A tent was set so that I may take rest and continue the next day. Who were these people who captured me? What did they want? Why did they capture me? The next day, I hoped, would bring answers to these questions.58

When I awoke the next day I found myself alone. It had seemed that what happened that night was just a dream. No steps in the sand no sign of anyone ever being there with me. The tent I lay in was all that was proof that anyone else might had been there. I got up and once again packed my things. It also seems that they had given me some more supplies. Once done packing I continued down the path thinking, wondering if what had happened that night really happened. It was all confusing. What was going on. Even as I write this it is still unknown to me. But all I knew that it would be answered one day.59

By mid-morning I was at the outpost of VanGard. I stood looking over to the town. The population of it seemed to be in the six hundreds. A small yet busy town that saw many peoples come and go through it. This besides the little peasant villages was the most southern town of Xion Eden yet many travel days to come here and share in business. What business I have here I do not know. But I was hoping to find out.60

I go down into the town. The streets were filled with people walking about, going about their business. As I walked through the town a man pulled me aside. The man was of short stature. He shoves something into my hands. "Here take this," the man said to me.61

"Who are you? What is your name?" I said in a surprised tone not knowing what had happened.62

"Take this. It will help you along your journey," the man said turning and running into a back alleyway. I followed him. The alleyway ended and the man was nowhere to be seen. I looked around to see if there was any other possible way that he could have escaped, but there was none. Confused I walked out into the street and continued down it. As I walked there were many buildings that housed business of different types. As I kept walking down I came across a tavern. This would be where I would find most of the gossip in the town. I walked in and sat at a vacant table and listened to the conversations that were going on.63

"It just don't add up," a man begins to two other gentlemen. "Zeta is murdered and the next day Mathers is appointed ruler. It's just too fast! I think something went on back then," the man says wondering of the past.64

"Controversy!" said one of the other men. "This was the doing of Mathers himself. He assassinated Zeta and assumed the position," the man said in a quite loud voice.65

"Hush yourselves," said the third man to the other two who spoke before him. "If any of Mathers men hear your words he take you away. Besides he will be stopped. I've heard rumors. Rumors that Zeta had a son," the man said in a hushed tone.66

"Really!" the other two said. Afterwards their voices became inaudible. I could not hear what else they were saying. Intrigued in what the man had to say about this son of Xerxes I stood and proceeded over to their table. Standing there they grew quiet and looked to me.67

"Hello," I began. "I could not help but over hear you speaking and..."68

"Who are you?" one of the men asked.69

"My name is Felix. I come from the village of Frindley," I answered to the man.70

"You! A peasant boy!?" Said another man with confusion.71

"Please let the boy speak," said the third man. "Please sit," he said motioning me to seat myself.72

"Well as I was beginning to say I over heard you speaking and you mentioned a son of Xerxes. I came to ask if it is true. Can there really be a son of Xerxes?" I asked looking to the man. He sat there examining me with eyes squinted in deep thought. Finally he answered.73

"Yes, I did mention a little something about a son of Xerxes. Eleven years ago I worked in the city of Havenon at the Records Hall. It is here that all records of every citizen of Xion Eden are stored. It is there that I found a record of an Infant registered under the name of the Xerxes name. I was told to destroy it. Also there was financial records showing that Zeta had bought a castle in the city of Jerek in the valley of Karn. Thousands of dollars was sent to this castle and many were employed to work there. What was going on there I do not know. But this is all I know. And with that I am certain that there is a son of Xerxes and he now resides in Jerek."74

"Thank you, and how is it that i would get to the city of Jerek?" I asked standing to my feet.75

"Jerek is about a weeks travel from here. You must go north to Elmshire, from Elmshire take the western route to Atla. From Atla you may detour your way between Hanvenon and Antis to make your way to Jerek. But I warn you. Do not take the eastern route. This may be a faster way but it is dangerous through the Forbidden Forest. To save you from the horrors just head westward."76

"Again thank you," I said to the three gentlemen and I was on my way. I find my way out of the tavern with new asperation. Across the street was an Inn. Being late as it was I decided to go and take rest. I crossed the road and entered into the building. Inside it was deserted. Not a soul could be seen besides the Innkeeper. I approach him.77

"Hello there! How may I help you?" The Innkeeper says enthusiastically as if he is trying to keep awake.78

"Yes, I wish to have a room for the night if I may," I say in answer to his inquiry.79

"Of course my young lad. That'll be ten dollars please," the man said holding his hand out. I dug into my satchel and found the few coins that I had and I then handed them to the man. I didn't have much but I had enough to keep me going for a little while. "Thank you. Your room is straight down the hall." he said with a smile pointing in the direction that I should go. I nod and begin in that direction. Finding my room I settle down sitting upon the bed. I lie down and doze off to sleep. What will be in store for me tomorrow? What will I find in Jerek? My journey only begins. There are still many more questions yet to be answered.80

April 6, 153681

The next morning I sat up in bed and wondered what the day had in store for me. What challenges would befall before me today? Would my questions be answered today? Would I know more about this "shadow man" or "the son of Xerxes"? I would not know until I started my journey. One that would be long and arduous. But I knew that I would be able to keep on this path if I were to find the answers I seek.82

After wondering these things I got out of bed and got dressed into my clothes. I then departed from my room and into the hallway. From the hallway I entered the lounge. It was as empty as when I came in last night. But that was not much to say seeing how many people actually lived in this town. At that I exited the Inn and went out onto the streets. There was a small crowd gathered in front of a building. It seemed to be some sort of community center. Curious I went over to see what was going on. I join the crowd and asked an older woman what was going on.83

"A woman was murdered last night. The mayor is going to address about what had happened." The older woman told to me. Just then a short stout man then appears on a platform. 84

"Ladies and gentleman, citizens of this fine town of VanGard. Last night there has occurred an atrocity. A gang of hoodlums were on the prowl and murdered a poor young woman. For what reason? There was none. There fantasy and foolishness blinded their sense of justice. But there is nothing to fret my fine people. For we have captured these hoodlums who have done wrong. So now I say go about your day as if nothing has happened. Thank you and good day." The mayor then leaves and enters the building.85

"I don't trust him. He is part of the Sevenktheons. Most people trust them. But I know better." said the older woman. "The Sevenktheons are all based on lies. They can never be trusted. They are a controversy waiting to be uncovered. Which is probably what happened to that poor young woman. There was no gang. It was the Sevenktheons who shut her up." The older woman continues then walks off mumbling to herself. The woman was right. There was something that did not seem right with this situation. So I decided to see further to this. I went and entered the building. In the building I saw the mayor speaking with two other men who wore a superior garb. They turn to look to me. The mayor seemed to dismiss the other two and began towards me and met me where I stood.86

"Good Morning sir. Are you lost? For if you are then directions may be given at the outpost of town," the mayor said to me in a ignorant way.87

"No, I am not lost. I just wanted to know more about what had happened with the murder," I said to the mayor.88

"Forgive me but what has been done about the situation has been dealt with. So now if you please excuse me. As I said before if you need directions they can be found at the outpost of town," he said with a tone of no assurance.89

"Where are these men being detained?" I ask curiously.90

"They are not being detained! Now please leave me be. I have business I must attend to," the mayor says in a huff turning and leaving the hall into a room. I stood there confused not knowing what to do. After that had happened I returned outside and stepped out into the streets. The older woman that I had talked with before was walking down the street.91

"Excuse me 'Mam," I said to the woman as I approached her. "Would you know where I could purchase some supplies for the journey that I am not."92

"I am sorry. The market is closed and I am not up for travel. You shall just have to wait until tomorrow and then I will be able to join you," the woman said to me as if I had asked her to join me.93

"Wait...What!? Your coming with me?" I said with shock.94

"Well if you insist. But like I said we should wait till tomorrow." The older woman continues walking. "Why don't you come rest at my place then we can leave there in the morning. You may get food there also."95

"Well thank you," I said following behind her. She walks toward a small building amongst all the others. Stepping up on the few stairs she opens the door and enters. I entered behind her.96

"There is a bed upstairs. It is getting late. You go off now." I reluctantly head upstairs. Who is this woman? Why does she wish to join me in my journey? Well I am sure that tomorrow will arise new questions. Questions that may not be answered. Not until I search for those answers.97

April 7, 153698

When I awoke I was alone. Kyanna was nowhere to be found. Abandoned I began walking towards the way of Jerek. This was not going to detour my journey. I walked a few miles away from where the tents were when I was then surrounded by horseback riders. Having one unmanned they persuaded me to mount and ride with them. So I did. To where we rode to I was unsure. But the destination was clear. They had brought me to a camp into the middle of nowhere. Once there I dismounted and walked into the tent they directed me to. Inside was decorated with silver and gold. A man sat at the far end writing on a parchment. Finding that I had arrived the man looked up to me. "Please, have a seat. I wish to tell you why it is that I have brought you here. Why I have brought you here my dear Felix..."99

"How do you know my name!" I instantly shouted.100

"...is because of your skill shown in handling with the men of Greed." The man continued as if I had said nothing. Surprised at hearing his words I looked at him in wonderment. I then stand.101

"I wish to know first how you know my name and what my skill has to do with me being here."102

"I have brought you here because...103

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