The Asterism arrived in orbit of Prometheus a little sooner than we expected. As it did, our shuttle descended into the planet's atmosphere. This would be the first time I'd been home in several years. I honestly wished I could be more thrilled. After all, some of my fondest memories were on this planet.

We'd make our way to Adonis, the city of hope as it was called. Adonis was the location of the final battle of the Promethean Civil war. Grand Arbiter Fareed was slain by the leader of the resistance. Through his death, the old monarchy collapsed and the Oligarchy of Grand Arbiter Justinia and the eight royal families arose.

Even though I never lived in Adonis I'd always loved visiting. Unlike Neo Arcadia which was a supercontinent filled to the brim with metropolitan areas, Adonis and other cities on Prometheus were more spread out. Even though you did have the occasional sky-rending skyscraper there were a lot more rural areas as well. Prometheans were regarded as being more traditional like the Fafnar. The beautiful shine Neo Arcadia possessed couldn't match the rustic beauty that was home. Other than the houses the only man-made things that could be found were these large towers we'd come across.

Unlike Neo Arcadia which entirely ran on Ether, Prometheus had a secondary source of power. Looking up to the sky I noticed the clouds began to blacken while small white flashes would blink like fireworks.

"A storm is approaching," Andrew said. "That couldn't be more ominous."

"Couldn't you just make it go away?" I asked.

"Nah... I don't control storms. Just lightning, I doubt we'll be able to avoid it."

Lighting storms were common on Prometheus as the climate here was a lot warmer than the other planets, except Zoltan. What made it worse was that all lightning on Prometheus consisted of Superbolts, lightning that was one thousand times stronger than a regular bolt of lightning. We ended up having to fly lower than the Arc towers to avoid getting struck by one of them.

"Couldn't you just redirect them or something?" Seraph asked.

Andrew shook his head. "It took me a while to even get control over the Chariot much less be able to zip about everywhere. I'm not sure how I'd do against a Superbolt."

"You seemed to have it under control to me," I said.

Andrew sat back in his seat and held out his hand. Small sparks zipped across his skin as he showed it to us. "It took a while to get it that way," he said. "Honestly... The fact you can keep your power under wraps amazes me, Snow White."

"So you say," I said dismissively.

"No, he's right Lord Soran," Seraph disagreed. "Your friends had a harder time adjusting to their powers. Though they are more stable than yours."

It was interesting that she used the word "stable" like there was something wrong with me. Yet... now that I thought about it. Edwin seemed to agree at least. Or he would if he wasn't sleeping.

"What was it like then?" I asked Andrew. "Gaining the power of the Marker."

Andrew thought about it for a moment. His experiences and mine were vastly different I figured. It'd been like opening a door that I kept locked away for as long as I could remember.

"Hmm... It was pretty painful," he said as he recalled the memory. "It felt like my skin was on fire and everything in my body was about to explode. Then it all just slowed down. It was as if I'd been waiting in line forever. Don't even get me started on turning into a lightning bolt at least three times a day."

"But it was all worth it in the end," as he finished rain began to shower the shuttle on our approach to Adonis. From above a giant column of light crashed onto one of the Arc towers. Then a second a little nearby.

As a third came crashing down, it wasn't caught by any of the towers. Instead, it seemed to be coming toward us. With a flick of his wrist, Andrew managed to redirect the lighting off course so we wouldn't get fried in the process.

"Man I love doing that," he mused.

Thirty minutes later, we'd arrive in the city, which seemingly was built going up Mount Adonis. Many Arc towers protected the people below from super bolts as they stuck out like sore thumbs. Our destination was the top of Adonis where the central Promethean seat of power was located.

As we landed in the front courtyard we'd be met by a squad of Centauri Soldiers, practically an elite honor guard. Most of the soldiers wore blue power armor that covered them from head to toe. Each sported a tower shield and a heavy assault rifle that looked like it could blow holes in a Ghost if it did.

As the hatch opened we'd be greeted by the leader of the Centauri. His armor seemed the heaviest of them all and he might've been the biggest too.

"Soran Xenthos," he growled. "You've seemed to have gotten runtier since the last time I've laid eyes on you."

"Not true Captain Maximus... I bulked up a little bit."

"It's Primarch Maximus now... I was promoted since you left."

"Congrats old man. I guess this means they don't want you to retire."

Primarch Maximus chuckled, it was a bit raspy sounding on the count of his helmet but he seemed good.

As soon as Edwin and Seraph disembarked, Primarch Maximus and the other Centauri started acting weird. They all prostrated themselves before them.

"Ah..." mused Edwin who'd been the last to step out of the transport. "Isn't this familiar?"

"It is truly an honor to be in the presence of the Exalted Ones." Primarch Maximus spoke. "Forgive me for my transgression of doubting the validity of your arrival."

"There's no need for forgiveness Primarch," said Edwin. "Just bask in the glory that you are one of the few that will meet us."

There were some oos' and ahs from the crowd of soldiers who were seemingly excited at the fact that they met their exalted ones. I could even see one of them trying to restrain his comrade from jumping out of line to greet them.

"Don't let this swell your head, Edwin," scolded Seraph. "We came here on a mission."

"Come now, it's been a millennium since I had a chance to enjoy worship. Allow me at least enjoy the benefits."

It was kind of wrong that he wanted something like that, protesting it would only earn a scolding from Primarch Maximus. The fervor in which most Prometheans worshiped the Arcadians was so intense that they were probably happy at the fact they are merely entertainment.

Edwin allowed the Centauri to rise and Primarch Maximus began escorting us into the building. The grand hall was huge, even larger than that of the Atrium of Albion. On each side, there were more Centauri guards keeping watch with two Specter-class Ghosts standing at the end. Specters were the closest one was going to get to being an Eidolon. They were made to match the performance of the Animus system. The problem was that only the most skilled pilots could utilize them.

They were gonna be a great form of backup once the time came. The door they were guarding opened and out came a weary-looking old man dressed in a white monk's attire. The light of the room reflected off of his cleanly shaven head and almost blinded me. As he stroked his outrageously long beard he smiled.

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"Ah... My young pupil's son has graced us with his presence," he grumbled. He examined every member of our little party with his tired-looking eyes yet as a man who led the Promethean's faith in the Arcadians, his eyes did not shine at the sight of them. Instead, he placed his hands together, got on his knees, and prostrated himself.

"Exalted ones," he bellowed. "I humbly welcome you to Prometheus. If I may be so inclined by your infinite benevolence, may I be permitted to give my name?"

Seraph stepped up and returned the monk's greeting. But before she could speak Edwin placed a hand on her shoulder. "It would please me to hear the name of one so reverent," he spoke.

"Your kindness knows no bounds Exalted one," the monk raised his head. "I am Alexander Benedetto, Leader of the Arcadian faithful within the Prime System."

"A fine name for such an auspicious man," praised Edwin. "I am Edwin Newton Wainwright, Holder of Death and Eldest of the Trinity Brotherhood."

"Oh...," Father Benedetto shuddered. "Your benevolence knows no bounds Exalted one. This weary old man could die happily being granted such an honor."

"Please your excellency," worried Primarch Maximus. "You mustn't speak that way."

"Do not call me excellency in the presence of the Exalted ones," Father Benedetto growled. "I am most unworthy of any glorious title in their presence."

"It's fine," Edwin interrupted. "Anyone with such devotion deserves respect from those beneath them. Your prudence pleases me, but do not lower yourself in the face of us."

Father Benedetto raised his head looking at Edwin. His eyes now were alight with that joyfulness I saw in most of the faithful I've encountered. "My apologies Exalted One. I will better utilize the gift of wisdom you have bestowed upon me."

Edwin smiled and then looked to the door. "Now... We mustn't keep a lady waiting. Rise Father Benedetto, and please... You may use our names. Unlike my brother Lucian, I do not look down on those beneath us."

"As you wish Lord Wainwright..." He rose to his feet and then turned to Primarch Maximus. "My apologies Primarch... In repentance for my outburst, I shall meditate in the falls later this evening."

The Primarch didn't look too pleased, though it was possibly more at the fact that the Father would apologize to him.

"Now then... Please follow me," suggested Father Benedetto.

Our group now ventured beyond the door and inside was an even grander throne room. Seated upon the throne had been Grand Arbiter Justinia herself. If I could give a clearer image of what the grand arbiter she'd probably look like an Earthen Goddess. She wore a blue robe and golden armor that covered her most vital areas. Her golden braided locks draped over her shoulder and as she rose from the throne she picked up the Scepter of Jahad, the first Grand Arbiter of Prometheus. At her hip rested a golden shortsword, Caladbolg as the humans called it.

"Exalted ones," she boomed, "I'm sure Father Benedetto wasted no time greeting you. Allow me to officially welcome you on behalf of the Principality of Prometheus."

"We are honored," Seraph replied. "Your welcome has been most magnanimous."

"I cannot thank you enough for your words," spoke the Grand Arbiter. "Now... I see you have a couple of my rowdy Grandchildren with you. I hope they showed you a modicum of respect."

"They're a little rough around the edges. But they're fine young men," Edwin admitted

The Grand Arbiter smiled. "Even though they aren't my own, these Grandsons of mine were my pride and joy. Though it does sadden me that one of them is no longer with us."

A fact I wished she hadn't mentioned. But on her own, she was grieving as well. We were all practically raised together on Prometheus.

"We'll be sure to avenge him, Granny," said Andrew. "They won't get by without retribution."

"Indeed," agreed on the Grand Arbiter. "Now... To business. Executive Councilor Panopticon has ordered me to ascertain the information Lucian was trying to find in Necron Arcadia."

"Child's play," scoffed Edwin. "I'll start from the top."

As Edwin gave The Grand Arbiter the details of what Lucian sought, I began to check out the surroundings. There was pretty much only one way out of there so getting ambushed at this place was highly likely. The only way things could go bad is if they brought a larger force than needed.

Just in case, however, I'd been ready to call on Ninth Light. Even though we were expecting to get hit there was a chance that things wouldn't go as planned.

"So... This Arcanum Astra is what Lucian needs to ultimately win this war?" The Grand Arbiter asked. "Do we know where it is?"

Edwin turned to me for a moment as if I knew the answer. Though since I hadn't properly awakened there wasn't one I could give.

"No Grand Arbiter," Edwin answered. "To have this knowledge, Soran must awaken to his power completely. I only understand how the mechanism works."

"I see... There's nothing that can be done until that happens. Soran."

I bowed my head before speaking, "Yes Grand Arbiter."

"Once you attain this information from your awakening... You are only to share this with those you trust the most."

At first, I didn't understand. I was a direct subordinate of the Prime Council so I thought naturally they would need to know. "May I ask why?"

"In war, Information is the most valuable asset there is. It is even more valuable than the lives that you command. Executive Councilor Panopticon understands this more than even I."

"Yeah... Better keep only those you trust in the loop," Andrew agreed.

That seemed to be the consensus between all of us now. The weight on my shoulders gets heavier the deeper I get into this.

"Now I will need to send you all on your way," said the Grand Arbiter. "I will report what you've told me to the Executive Councilor-"

The ground began to violently shake as a loud boom sounded off somewhere behind us.

"What is the meaning of this!?" Yelled the Grand Arbiter.

The door burst open and a Centauri soldier came running in seemingly out of breath. "Your radiance... Adonis is... Under attack by enemy forces!

This was a little sooner than expected, but it'd be best to act surprised for now.

"What are their numbers? I asked

"Three large enemy transports... Plus some Ghosts and an Eidolon."

"An Eidolon? Does it have multiple arms?"

The soldier seemed confused, though he nodded.

"Alright... Andrew, contact Asterism and have them send us our Eidolons. We gotta get Granny Justice and Father Benedetto to safety."

Before we could mobilize, another explosion shook the palace. This time it sounded way too close for comfort. The sounds of screaming echoed through the halls with the clanking of boots following them. The enemy was already inside.

I grabbed the arm of the soldier who seemed to be on an adrenaline overload from the approaching danger. "The Eidolon... Did it engage?"

"N-No, sir... It's just floating above the Palace."

"Alright... We'll take it from here. Primarch Maximus."

"We'll do what we can to get her Radiance and his Holiness away from here," Maximus shouted.

From the door, two mercs came rushing in cackling like hyenas. Primarch Maximus charged them firing two rounds from his rifle into one and close-lining the other with his right arm. The Primarch's suit began to open up and machinery moved and rearranged itself in a fashion where it formed a helm around his head. The merc he close-lined aimed a beam pistol at the Primarch's head and fired. He was a bit too late. The beam bounced off like a rocket hitting a tank.

The Primarch aimed his rifle and fired three rounds into the merc, turning him into a stiff. "We cannot delay any further," The Primarch stated. "I trust you'll be able to handle yourselves."

Honestly, we just needed an army of Maximus, this war would be a piece of cake. "We got your back Primarch, just get out of here."

He nodded then began to lead Father Benedetto and Granny Justice through a secret passage hidden behind the throne.

More mercenaries were approaching and suddenly I wished the walking tank of a man was here with us. We could hear the mercs coming down the hall. The Centauri must've been overwhelmed by numbers otherwise we'd probably have a smoother time at this. Lucian's forces were a lot greater than I realized. Playing on hard mode aren't we?"

Andrew and I drew our weapons while Seraph cracked her knuckles. Edwin didn't seem that interested in fighting, and that was probably for the best.

Our enemies arrived armed to the teeth with beam weaponry and lesser Astras. They looked a little too enthusiastic to find us here.

"Come now... Arjun must've been pullin' our leg if he thought two kids, a woman, and an old man needed this many of us to crush." One of the mercs in the front jeered

"Yeah... They'll die screaming like their weakling comrade!"

They knew how to make a guy's blood boil. I get that they were less-than-reputable ex-convicts and mercenaries. But disrespecting the dead was on an entirely new level of a dog-crap move.

I was about to shout insults right back at them until I felt my legs suddenly tense up. Next to me, there was this intense about of Ether building up much similar to earlier today when Seraph began releasing more of her power. Only it wasn't coming from Seraph herself. Turning to my right I could see sparks jumping all over Andrew's body as he stared into the crowd of Mercenaries.

In the next instant, one of the mercenaries in the front suddenly stiffened up.

"Hey get it together jack we've got people to kill!" His buddy shouted, shoving him from behind. Even though it was a light shove the guy tumbled over and the scarier part was that his head came right off.

The mercenaries all went silent. Then fixed their gazes on Andrew who had his hand on the hilt of his sword.

Andrew was smiling though his eyes seemed seething in anger. He tilted his head looking at the mercs as if he'd been confused by something. "Huh? What's with that look? A pack of filthy rats, defying a human?"

Every word Andrew spoke oozed a bloodlust I hadn't ever heard before. "Soran... I probably won't get to kill the bastard myself. You mind if I take out my frustrations on these guys."

I swallowed the lump forming in my throat. Feeling sorry for these guys was beyond me, but pity, not so much.

"Go ahead... Cut us a path out of here."

Andrew drew Kaminari-Caliber and tossed away the sheath. He then took in a deep breath, then exhaled. Then, yellow markings began to appear all over his body. They resembled lightning bolts with three black comma-like markings appearing at certain points on his body, the mistsudomoe.

"I... The symbol of willpower and determination... vow to pave the path forward for my comrades... protecting their honor as I do... and if that vow is being trampled upon... then let my foes be crushed by my Chariot..."

"Anima Engage... Asura Rajin..."