Fate Online...

Surface- Valley of Origins Region

Empire of Night- Eternal Forest

Darren ghosted through the dense forest, his senses on edge as he left the city for the forest. Ezekial had succeeded in smuggling Jacob out of the city and he was now at the nearby Mana Well. No one had followed him and he would be gone from the city for a couple of days at least. Rumors were already circulation among the servants that Jacob and Cathrine were in the Obsidion Kingdom. Nadal would be heading there within the next couple of days. According to him, Jacob wanted to spend some time with his wife before they continued to plan the campaign of the Dark Lands.

"Why are so many of your people moving through my woods?" Analisa Silverwood asked causing Darren to freeze as he saw several Dryads and Sprites appear around him The Shadowmaster had met with the Dryad Queen twice since the city had returned to the valley. The meetings had been amicable, but her real relationship was Jacob and not him. The Dryad owed him nothing despite their mutual defense treaty of the valley, it did not assure safe passage through their territory.

"Good evening Queen Analisa, how is your evening going?" Darren asked her avoiding her question and trying to figure out what to do.

"My evening was going splendidly until I received word that several dozen outsiders were moving through my woods and were occupying the nearby Mana Well. Can you tell me why this is when Jacob and I have an understanding it belongs to my people but you all are allowed the excess as long as you stay away." Analisa stated as she drew closer.

Darren smiled at her and bowed slightly, "I apologize but it was a matter of some urgency that I cannot discuss currently. I can assure you that everything will be back to normal within a week and Jacob would appreciate your discretion and silence. You have my word the Well will remain undamaged and largely undisturbed." Darren placated her.

"You push your luck Rogue. The only reason why your head is still attached to your body is that I know you are a close friend of Jacob. So you can either explain the situation or we will remove you all from my lands." Analisa replied as her hand rested on the short sword at her hip.

Darren gritted his teeth in frustration, "Jacob had more faith in you than you ever had in him. Perhaps its time for you to show him the same faith that he showed you." Darren replied.

"Then have Jacob come here and explain the situation to me, I am sure we can come to an agreement," Analisa replied as she studied Darren.

Darren stepped closer while keeping his hands in the sight of her guards, "If you want to know why we are doing this come, alone. No one else, just you because we are willing to go to war over this." Darren told her before turning and walking away.

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Six squads of the Dawn Guard and Heart Guard were stationed outside the cave that had the Mana Resivior, temporary defenses had been created by Geomancers and both Elite units were on edge. They didn't like being in a remote area with little support with Jacob incapacitated. Analisa studied the guards and defenses frowning but remained silent as they entered the cavern and headed towards where the Well was located. Two more squads of guards were nearby and would keep the people coming for the excess liquid Mana away from this section of the cavern. "Cathrine, I have a guest that insisted on talking to Jacob. I thought you could explain the situation better then I could and she might trust your words more than mine." Darren called out.

The Banshee stood from where she had been sitting near the cot that had Jacob laying in. She looked exhausted and she probably needed to eat as well but she smiled at the Dryad Queen. "I am sorry but Jacob will not be able to explain much."

Suprise and fear were the two most prevalent emotions on her face when Analisa saw Jacob's comatose body. "What happened? How is this possible?" She asked as she moved closer and placed her hand on Jacob's forehead where it started to glow slightly. Whatever she found there caused her to flinch.

"You know we come from another world correct?' Darren asked the Dryad who nodded as she continued to study Jacob with her magical senses. 'He is currently undergoing a process to come to this world permanently If it fails, he will die. If it succeeds, we have no idea how long he will be in a coma." Darren explained as he moved to lean against the cavern wall.

"How is it possible for one of your people to come here permanently?" Analisa asked as she stood and offered a hug to Cathrine.

"Adam and Eve figured it out. As far as I am aware, Jacob is the first from my world to try." Darren replied as he watched the little motes of light from the Mana Well float up and land on Jacob before disappearing.

"The first you say? Will he be the last? Will anyone else be like this?' Nila asked as she stood back from Cathrine and studying the women. 'You need to eat and rest, if not for yourself, then for your child. Jacob would not want you exhausting yourself for him." Analisa smiled at her trying to comfort the Banshee.

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"I believe he is the first and no, I do not think he will be the last. As far as anyone else transitioning like this, no. His situation is unique as I am sure you are aware he has certain challenges to overcome if he is to come to this world permanently. The Primordial Power of Balance said to keep him in a Mana rich environment. That is why he is staying here temporarily. I will be leaving shortly too scout out some other locations, hopefully, I can find a more prudent location to hide him." Darren explained to the ancient being.

Analisa studied both Darren and Jacob before nodding her head, "I understand. You want a remote location away from everyone to protect him from the machinations of Vampire politics, smart. Dangerous, but smart. I will leave a guard in the nearby woods, they will ensure no one comes here that is not supposed too. I assume you will have no problem if they kill any more Stealthed Rogues?" Nila asked with a smile.

Darren chuckled, "No not at all. As far as I am aware of, the only other people that come here consistently are those coming for the excess liquid Mana. They will be escorted in by the guards and monitored at all times to make sure they don't come back here. Now if you will excuse me, ladies, I have some scouting to do. Cathrine if you need me for anything please send me a message through my Communication Coin or get it to Ezekial." Darren opened a Portal Scroll to the Obsidion Kingdom and stepped through.

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Real World...

North American Alliance- Greater New York Conglomerate

Black Spire- BlackRock HQ

Anthony paced back and forth in front of the monitors as he waited for them to connect. The meeting would begin shortly and everything was riding on this moment. With the world leader's assistance, they would save far more then they could without their assistance. Anthony wasn't sure he wanted these people going to Ithea though, they were some of the most ruthless and powerful people in the world, yet without them, the majority of humanity would be damned to oblivion.

"Relax Anthony, the data is sound and I am sure these people don't want to face death," Eve stated from the holographic display.

Anthony snorted, "These men and women haven't done anything for anyone else in their entire lives without some benefit for them. They are the most dangerous people on the planet and I will be exposing myself and allies to them. Everything we have been working on for the last two decades will come to light and if they do not like it, everything we have built will come crashing down. Sorry if I am not a little bit nervous."

Adam chuckled and nodded while Eve rolled her eyes. "How is Kevin doing?"

Adam smiled again in response, "The process is just over fifty percent done. So far, so good as you humans would say."

"Any indication of when he will come out of his coma? The Empire needs an Emperor." Anthony told them.

Eve gritted her teeth, "We are aware of this and we are doing everything we can. That boy...he has the worst and best luck we have ever seen. If there was a huge field with one single explosive mine in it, he would find it. On the other hand, if there was a priceless diamond, he would find it as well, it's infuriating how his luck works out." Eve responded.

Anthony smiled, "How are testing and incorporating all the expansions and addons?"

Adam sent a placating gesture towards his sister before responding, "Thirty-five percent of the data you uploaded will go live with Patch Thirteen. The remaining data will be uploaded when testing is complete or it's unlocked by Immortals. We have already started developing new content based upon everything you uploaded as well as the current content. That will take even longer to go live as well." Adam informed Anthony.

Suddenly the central monitor flickered the North American Alliance President appeared, "Anthony, are you sure you want to go through with this meeting. You can still back out if you want too, but as soon as the other join us, you are committed." The president stated.

Anthony smiled, it was sad though. "We don't have a choice Mr. President, too much is at stake."

The President studied him before nodding his head in acknowledgment, "Very well, the leaders of the European Union, Asian Alliance, Russian Federation, African States, the remains of the Middle-East Kingdoms, the Pacific Federation, and someone from the Brazil Union will all be present shortly. Remember, do not fuck me over or embarrass me. A lot of these people think your just a tech guru, but we both know your fingers are in more than just that." Anthony nodded his head as the other monitors started to come online. Anthony took a deep breath and plastered the smile on his face that had won his first multi-millionaire investors on his face.