Chapter 2

On the outskirts of a forest stood a diminutive wooden shack. Its modest interior hosted two small tables where a group of men sat in silence. A single desk occupied the wall at the far end of the room, where a taller man sat. Its spiky, crimson hair pointed toward the decrepit ceiling, while its brown eyes gazed at posters flooding the walls. Pictures of various people were printed on the paper, with numbers scribbled underneath them. The red-haired man's eyes traveled the room, observing the paint that was peeling off the walls.

The atmosphere of the room did not change. The people did not speak. They merely sat in silence, for what could have been several hours, before hearing a knock on the door. Most of the men jumped up from their chairs, while the red-haired man looked shocked, its eyes shooting toward the door. It glared warily at the entrance as the other men looked in their leader's direction, worry and confusion etched on their faces.

After only a few short moments, the door creaked open. The leader stood up, its spiky hair threatening to impale the ceiling, as it reached for its sheath. As the door swung open, they saw the Terrace king standing in the entrance.

“Who is it?” one of the men asked urgently, reaching into its pocket.

“I'll be damned,” the leader spoke quietly, glaring intently at its visitor.

“You look like you're in the market for some renovation,” Terrace said, surveying the room. “I take it it's been some time since you've had a job.”

A few men withdrew their knives, glaring warily at the visitor.

“Stand down,” the leader demanded.

“But--”

“You can relax,” Terrace assured them. “I mean you no harm. You are Wolf Venator, are you not? You lead a skilled group of bounty hunters.”

“Cut to the chase,” said Wolf. “Bounty hunters find our prey on the backs of bulletin boards. Anyone who requests our services is interested in our other business.”

“Very astute. I'll get right to the point. There's someone I need you to kill.”

“Bit unsavory for a king, isn't it?” Wolf smiled, without breaking its glare. “Hiring assassins would be a stain on your reputation. How do I know you won't kill us and keep your money?”

“Because I'm paying upfront,” Terrace said, approaching the desk.

Some of the other men reached for their knives again, but Wolf did not falter. Terrace tossed a few golden coins onto the desk. Wolf lowered its gaze, glaring at the money in surprise.

“Not too shabby.”

“And this isn't merely a contract job. You have an impressive track record; I believe you would be a useful asset to my kingdom. And with a steady flow of money, you could say goodbye to this shed.”

“You're really serious about this,” said Wolf. “Must be a big fish you're after.”

“Nobu Tempest.”

“You kidding?” Wolf asked, shocked. “That's impossible. Even we can't sneak past--”

“The Tempest Kingdom is no more,” Terrace explained. “We launched our attack earlier today. They're in ruins now.”

“Well, damn,” said Wolf. “That's hard to believe.”

“Do you accept my offer or not?”

Wolf smiled as its eyes briefly flickered down to the golden coins on its desk, before meeting Terrace's glare once again. “We'll get right on it. You won't be disappointed.”

Outside, evening crept in as the sun began to set. Nobu had entered the forest hours ago, and could finally see the light flow in from the other side. He limped forward, clutching his side and breathing heavily, before finally leaving the woods. He spotted a winding dirt path traveling the hills, feeding into a town in the distance.

I have to take my kingdom back, thought Nobu. But that's easier said than done. Even if I'm able to recruit another army, that zombie is going to be an issue. No matter how many times we destroyed it, it was able to restore itself. If I can't figure out a way to kill it for good, I'll never be able to crush them.

Just then, his stomach growled. He looked ahead, feeling slightly dizzy.

For now, I just need to get my bearings...I'll form a plan later.

He continued down the road as the sun continued to set. As time went on, the sky grew dark and the stars flickered above him. As he closed in on the buildings, he observed the street lights lining the granite roads. An assortment of stone buildings decorated the sides of the roads, the moonlight shining upon them. Nobu continued down the path, the cold air stabbing his face. He turned right onto a branching road, continuing to scan his surroundings, before his eyes eventually rested on a building with audible chatter emitting from within. A sign was perched outside, with the words “Runaway Bar” written on it.

After hearing his stomach growl again, he set off toward the building and opened the door. His ears were immediately assaulted with the enthusiastic yells of drunken commoners. Orbs of glowing lights lined the walls, beaming over the wooden floors. The townsfolk filled most of the seats at the dozen contiguous tables, so he glanced at the bar. Noticing a few empty chairs, he limped toward them, before taking a seat.

“Be right with you,” the bartender hollered from the entrance to another room, its back to Nobu as it headed toward the kitchen.

Nobu stared ahead, exhausted, tuning out the conversation from nearby patrons. However, he could only enjoy this solitude for a few moments longer, before someone sat in the chair to his left.

“Yo,” it said, sending a wave of mild annoyance through him.

Nobu glanced at it. It looked to be a man around his age, perhaps a few years older. It had long, brown hair traveling down to its chin, its narrow brown eyes brimming with energy. A carefree grin occupied its face, its left hand resting on the counter. Nobu's eyes flickered back in front of him, but it continued talking.

“Haven't seen you around here before!” it continued, its voice filled with confident enthusiasm. “You new to Arbor?”

Nobu began to feel irritated, though it was overpowered by his exhaustion.

“By the way, bud...you don't look so good. You get in a fight, or what? You gotta watch out. There's crooks and thieves everywhere.”

“Alright,” a voice rang out from the kitchen as the bartender returned. “What can I get for y--” it stopped in its tracks.

“Hmm? What's up?” the man next to Nobu asked.

“Hang on...aren't you the prince of Tempest?”

“In the flesh,” Nobu said quietly.

“You kidding me?” the man next to him asked, its mindless expression replaced with light surprise.

“What happened to you? You've seen better days, haven't you?”

“What are your specials?” Nobu asked, as his stomach growled again.

“Hmm? Oh, right! Forgive me! I've forgotten my manners, your highness. Right now our special is grilled chicken and an Arbor Salad, with freshly sliced tomatoes and our famous kale...”

“I'll take it,” said Nobu automatically.

“And would you care for a drink?”

“Anything. And quickly.”

“Right away, your highness!” it exclaimed, before retreating to the kitchen.

“Hey, come on! What about me?” The man next to him sighed, before turning back to face him. “I'm Helix, by the way. Helix Silverwind, the one and only. Good to meet you, bro.”

Nobu started to feel furious, but was too drained to express it. “I'm to be addressed as 'your highness,'” he said bitterly. “Now be quiet, commoner.”

“Damn, what's your deal?” Helix asked, unabashed. “Well, I guess you did get roughed up pretty bad, huh? So what the hell happened? You here on royal business and get mugged on the way?”

Nobu glared ahead, trying to ignore its obnoxious chatter.

“As for me, I'm just trying to keep the peace around here, you know?” Helix continued. “The mayor's got on a lot on his plate. The Floral Kingdom's trying to form an alliance with us, but I say it's bad news. Arbor's greatness comes from its independence. We're free! Besides, they're only after our technology anyway. Who's to say they won't just take it for themselves? You can't trust the royal type...”

Nobu turned to face it.

“Hmm? Oh, my bad. Didn't mean any disrespect--”

“Floral is trying to get its hands on your technology, you say?” Nobu asked. “What kind of technology?”

“Woah,” said Helix incredulously. “You never even heard of Arbor, have you? I know we stay out of the spotlight, but you're royalty...come on!”

“What kind?” Nobu repeated indignantly.

“Weapons, gadgets that produce heat and cold, communication devices—oh! And there are these gizmos that shine light in the dark, like the ones in here. One time I nearly--”

“Where is the mayor's office?” Nobu interrupted.

“What?” asked Helix. “You want our technology, too? Sorry, bud, but we're not allying with anyone. Arbor's gonna keep to ourselves.”

“Here you are!” the bartender had returned. It set down a plate with grilled chicken on top, barbeque sauce dripping off the sides and an ample salad placed beside it. It then set down a glass and a napkin with silverware next to it. “Anything else I can do for you, your highness?”

“That will be all,” said Nobu, grabbing a fork.

“And for you, Helix?”

“About time! I'll have...”

Nobu took a bite of chicken, ignoring the conversation beside him. The succulent taste poured over his tongue as he chewed, a sense of delight spreading through his entire body. He gulped it down and reached for more. He could feel his energy returning as he ate, his exhaustion becoming a memory. He sipped his drink, which he immediately recognized as Summit Wine. He winced slightly at the powerful flavor, but enjoyed it nonetheless. After setting it down, he dug his fork into a piece of lettuce.

“Hungry, huh?” asked Helix.

Nobu swallowed, before pausing briefly. “The mayor's office,” he repeated.

Helix sighed. “They got their hands full with Floral, you know? And like I said, we're not gonna cave.”

Any kingdom could be formidable with peerless technology in their hands, Nobu thought. Even Floral...they might even have a weapon capable of killing that undead beast for good. I need to unify these two before Terrace discovers their technology.

“Tempest isn't seeking an alliance,” Nobu assured it. “I have my own matters to discuss with the mayor.”

“Yeah?” Helix said. “Makes sense. You do look like you're in a bind. I'll tell you what: my brother works for the city. I'll see if I can get a hold of him tonight and set something up. We'll meet up tomorrow afternoon at...I don't know, two-ish? There's a library on the other side of town. I'll tell you what he says.”

“And where can I find a place to sleep?”

“Err...let's see. When you leave the bar, look to your right, then take a left at the end of the road. There's an inn there.”

Nobu turned back toward the counter, and continued eating. The bartender returned with another plate, handing it to Helix, before glancing at Nobu.

“Is everything to your liking?” it asked.

“Yes,” said Nobu, before reaching into his pocket. He placed two golden coins on the counter.

The bartender's eyes lit up. “My word! Thank you for your generous tip!”

Come to think of it, I have no source of income now, Nobu thought. I need to use my money sparingly...

After finishing his food and taking another gulp of wine, he stood up and headed for the exit.

“Well then, see ya tomorrow,” Helix said, sounding puzzled as Nobu left the building.

Later that night found him standing in an unfamiliar bedroom. He had located the inn, paid the woman at the front desk and wandered absentmindedly to his lodging. The modest room housed only a single bookcase, bed, and bathroom. The walls were vacant barring a single clock. Nobu's frustration returned to him as he crawled into bed. He had no choice but to sleep in his filthy, bloodstained clothes in a commoner's establishment, and his rage for the Terrace Kingdom briefly returned. However, it was immediately overtaken by his exhaustion. He closed his eyes, and quickly fell asleep.

The next day, Nobu awoke to hear the birds chirping outside. He glanced around the room, briefly confused about his surroundings, before the reality of his situation raced back to him. His anger began to build as he climbed from his bed. The pain from the previous day had mostly subsided, but he still had minor aches in his left arm. He glanced at the clock on the wall. Ten-thirty – he had never slept in this late in his life, though there was still plenty of time to spare. He left his bedroom and grabbed breakfast in the kitchen, before returning to the front lobby and heading toward the door.

“I hope everything was to your liking, your highness!” the woman behind the desk said happily. “Please know that you may return for lunch and dinner!”

Nobu ignored it, swinging open the doors, and letting the chilly air greet him. He spotted a few people walking down the road, wrapped up in their own discussions. His eyes wandered as he did, absorbing the sights of the humble town. After taking a few turns and seeing nothing of interest, he eventually spotted a small shop. Peering in through the windows, he saw a number of shelves lined with what appeared to be paintings. His curiosity piqued, he made his way into the store.

“Good morning,” a voice rang out from the counter. “Feel free to browse at your leis—oh! You're...”

“I'd like to browse in silence,” said Nobu.

“Right...Sorry, your highness.”

He began examining a shelf. His eyes wandered across a number of abstract pieces, before settling on a painting at the end of the row. He stared, surprised. The painting showed a river flowing through the center of a canyon, with water bursting skyward in the shape of serpents. They appeared to gaze toward the waterfall at the end. He recognized this – a piece called “Harmony” painted by a former king.

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He studied it for moments longer, shocked that a backwater town had managed to acquire a piece like this. He tore himself away from the painting to study more of the art. While none of the other pieces he spotted were as reputable, many of them were marvelous in their own right. They featured a wide variety of natural sights and surreal imagery.

He lost track of time while wandering throughout the store, before eventually discovering another unexpected painting. This one featured what appeared to be a tiny city, but only comparatively, as a massive beast standing behind it dwarfed the town. It appeared to be an enormous, majestic fox, with multiple layers of fur brushing against the ground beneath it, staring adoringly at the city.

“You have discerning taste, your highness!”

Nobu turned to see a bearded man walking toward him. Its voice matched the one from the counter.

“How did you get your hands on this?” Nobu asked incredulously.

“I used to be a bit of a drifter,” it explained. “Started out with nothin', but I could haggle with the best of them. Found myself trading around and before I knew it, got my hands on some wonderful art. I took to it, you see. Ended up opening my own shop.”

“This is the town of Summit,” said Nobu. “And that's its guardian deity, the Queen of the North...it's existed for centuries.”

“That it has,” the man said. “It's known as the beacon of salvation, Elysia. It looks after its city as though it were its own family. Funny critter, but it certainly keeps the peace.”

Nobu was still shocked, but then looked upward and noticed a clock on the wall. It was twelve-thirty.

“At the moment, I can't buy anything,” said Nobu. “But I look forward to securing this piece one day.”

“You'll come back, then, your highness?”

“That, or I will send someone,” said Nobu. “Hold this for me.”

“Couldn't turn down a request from the prince of Tempest himself,” the man spoke.

Nobu turned away and headed toward the exit.

“Have a wonderful day!” the man called out, as Nobu pushed open the doors and headed outside again.

He traveled the city, still ruminating on the paintings he'd seen, before eventually locating the library that Helix had told him about. He headed toward it, walking past the various townspeople. He stood in front of the entrance, the breeze blowing past. Eventually, he heard a familiar voice ring out.

“Yo!”

A rush of irritation flowed through Nobu again as he turned to face the source of the voice. Helix approached him.

“Sorry if I kept you,” said Helix. “I had to--”

“Do I have a meeting with the mayor?”

“Yep!” Helix replied. “My brother managed to pull it off. He's expecting us in a half hour, so we'll be a bit early, but that's okay.”

“Let's go,” said Nobu.

Helix started off, and Nobu followed it. They headed down the road.

“You know, the mayor's a busy man,” said Helix. “My brother said the only reason he agreed is because he didn't buy my story. I mean, I can't really blame him. Running into a prince at a bar? The prince asks some random guy to get him a meeting with the mayor? I get why he had to see it with his own eyes. It's...”

Suddenly, Nobu felt as though he was being watched. He quickly stopped walking and turned to the side. Several townsfolk were walking nearby, but there was also a group of men standing on the other side of the road. The tallest in the group was peering down at a book in its hands, its spiky red hair jetting upward.

“Hmm? Something wrong?” Helix asked.

Nobu's eyes lingered on the man in the distance for a few more seconds.

“Let's go,” he said, facing forward again.

“Sure?” Helix said. “Anyway, as I was saying...”

They continued through town for about ten minutes, before Nobu eventually spotted a road ending in front of a sizable wooden building. While it did not compare to his castle, it was easily the largest building in town.

“Behold!” said Helix. “City Hall!”

They pushed open the front doors and entered the building. The lobby was mostly vacant, except for one man sitting behind a desk.

“Good morning,” it said, before its eyes widened. “Prince--”

“We're here to see the mayor,” Nobu interrupted.

“Three o'clock appointment,” Helix added.

“Of course,” the man said nervously. “Then...we'd ask that you wait only a few minutes.”

“Send them in,” a voice called out from another room.

“Right away!” the man said. “Right this way, please...”

Nobu and Helix headed toward the door behind the desk. The man opened it for them, and they allowed themselves into the room. A middle-aged man with glasses and a black mustache sat in a chair facing them, with two other men standing to its left. One of them looked similar to Helix, but with shorter, neatly combed brown hair. The other sported slick, blonde hair and glasses.

“I'm here!” Helix announced.

The middle-aged man studied them, looking mildly surprised. “Prince Tempest, I presume,” it said. “I must say, this is a bit unexpected. But forgive me. I am Mayor Cedar.”

“I've heard of your negotiations with Floral,” said Nobu.

“Yes,” said Cedar. “That's being deliberated at the moment, but there are currently no plans to form the alliance. With Floral Kingdom, or any other.”

“This is an urgent situation,” the man who resembled Helix spoke. “We need to come up with some kind of plan.”

“Come on, Tertius,” said Helix. “You gotta have more faith in Arbor. We need our independence, you know.”

“Irresponsible as ever,” Tertius said. “Wild beasts are running rampant around town, our technology is going haywire...we should be seriously considering their offer!”

“As I've told you,” the man next to Tertius spoke. “We don't need to form an alliance. The machines just need some fine tuning. They're close to passing inspection.”

“'Close' isn't going to cut it if these monsters keep appearing.”

“Alright, that's enough,” Cedar said. “We've much to discuss, but for the time being, we will not be forming any alliances, even with Tempest. Please understand.”

“Tempest has been destroyed,” said Nobu.

The entire room fell silent for several seconds.

“Wait...what?” asked Helix, turning toward Nobu.

“I beg your pardon?” Cedar said. “Destroyed?”

“The Terrace Kingdom invaded our territory and annihilated our army using an unusual creature,” Nobu said.

“An unusual creature?”

“A zombie,” Nobu explained. “It was able to fully regenerate every time it was attacked, even when it was reduced to nothing.”

“I've never heard of such a beast,” Cedar said. “The fall of the Tempest Kingdom...this is earth-shaking news.”

“The most powerful kingdom in the world...gone,” said Tertius. “Unbelievable.”

“The Terrace Kingdom will quickly become a threat to the entire world,” said Nobu. “However reluctant, you'll need to form this alliance with Floral. Fight alongside me – with their army and your technology, we can crush them. There must be a way to defeat that creature.”

The room fell silent once again.

“With all due respect,” Cedar began. “We can't snap our fingers and form an alliance overnight, then march into a kingdom and declare war.”

“There is no choice,” Nobu said impatiently. “They will eventually come for your technology, and they won't be willing to negotiate.”

“We'll take that chance,” Cedar said. “Now then, if you'll see yourself out.”

Nobu froze, glaring at the mayor. “Do you have any idea who you're talking to? I am a Tempest.”

“And right now, you're an eyesore,” said Cedar. “Arbor will remain independent for the time being. We'll let you know when we've reached a decision. Until then, you may stay in this town until you've collected yourself. That is all.”

Nobu glared at it, anger welling up within him. Sparks began to flicker above his hand.

“Was there something you wanted to say, your highness?” Cedar asked plainly.

I need to stay in this town for food, Nobu thought. I don't even have a change of clothes. I'm completely at their mercy...

He relaxed his arm, and the sparks disappeared. “I'm going to rebuild my kingdom with or without your help. And when I do, I'll remember what supported my efforts and what stood in my way.”

“Is that a threat?” Cedar asked idly.

The tension in the air continued, as they all glared at him.

“We're done here,” said Nobu, before turning to leave.

“Good day, your highness.”

Nobu left and headed straight for the entrance doors, pushing them open. The more he thought about the exchange, the more furious he grew.

How dare he? Nobu thought. Does he think he can get away with talking to royalty like that? Once I've restored my kingdom, I'll raze this entire town to the ground.

He found it difficult to focus as he headed through town, the breeze rushing past his hair. Eventually, he found his way back to the inn, throwing open the doors.

“Welcome back, your highness!” the woman behind the front desk spoke. “There is lunch in the cafeteria if you'd like--”

Nobu ignored it, heading back to his room. He walked over to the window and stared outside, contemplating his next move. His anger began to subside as the day went on, before night time fell. After grabbing a late dinner in the cafeteria, he left the inn and sauntered across town, ignoring the frigid breeze.

Floral's army is weak, Nobu thought. They nearly suffered a defeat at the hands of petty thieves decades ago...without this town's technology, they won't be much help. But I have no choice...they might have something...there must be something they can do.

He found himself at the town's entrance, observing the sprawling plains.

But it'll take days to arrive there...days without any food...perhaps one of the residents have a cart. Let's see...where should I ask?

“Hey, hey, excuse me!”

Nobu turned around and saw a man stumbling across the road, with a bottle of ale in one of its hands.

“Hey, excuse me, sir!” it said, as it approached. “Hate to be a bother, but you got any cash on ya? I'll pay you back. I'm good for it, I just gotta get to my next payday, you know?”

“Get lost,” said Nobu.

“Hey, wait, wait!” it hollered, stumbling closer. “Anything's fine, even if it's just a few bronzes. I only got a couple, see? Here, look...” it reached into its pocket. “Let's see here...lemme see...”

Nobu glared at it.

“Aha! Here it is!” It pulled out a knife and bolted forward, lunging at Nobu.

Nobu quickly thrust his arm forward, a bolt of electricity striking the man and sending it flying back, yelling, before hitting the ground.

“Well done, well done!”

Nobu turned around. Over twenty men suddenly crawled in from the shadows, flooding the midnight streets. His eyes flickered to the right, alert, as the source of the voice revealed itself. The man with the spiky, red hair he had spotted earlier wandered in his direction, as the rest of the mob circled around him.

“The real Prince of Tempest, “ mocked Wolf. “Can I get an autograph? I'm a huge fan!”

“Move,” Nobu ordered.

“And such wonderful manners, too. Men! Kill him. Time to earn that money.”

Several men charged toward Nobu, who swung his arms, lightning jetting out and striking them. Their yells pierced the air as they were electrocuted, falling to the ground, but the remaining assassins did not falter. Nobu charged toward Wolf, swinging his arm through the timid breeze. The ringleader jumped out of the way as a stream of lightning rushed past it, but Nobu began to fire jolts in its direction as it repeatedly hopped to the side.

More men rushed against the wind, homing in on Nobu, but he blasted them away as Wolf sprinted, rapidly closing the distance. It swung its blade at Nobu, who ducked, before firing electricity at its chest. Wolf grunted as it was launched through the air, but managed to plant its feet firmly on the road. Without time for respite, it hastily strafed from side to side, narrowly sidestepping an array of lightning bolts, before leaping high into the air, landing on top of a street light. Nobu launched two electric currents from each hand, striking several pursuing hunters.

“Glad to see your spirit is still in one piece,” Wolf taunted.

“Get down,” Nobu demanded.

“Your kingdom's a thing of the past. Don't you think it's time for you to--?”

Nobu shot a burst of electricity at the base of the street light, snapping it. As it began to tilt. Wolf leaped from the top of the light, landing on the road. The creaking of the falling light was quickly replaced with the sound of shattering glass. Glancing to the side, Nobu counted seven men left, excluding the leader. As its lackeys charged toward him again, he produced a chain of lightning, before swinging it around, zapping three of them.

Four left...

They tried to charge him from all corners, but he fired two precise blasts, striking them. They fell to the ground, but Wolf was relentless. The leader headed in his direction once again, its sword held out. It hopped to its left to dodge another wave of lightning.

“I gotta admit, you don't tire quickly,” said Wolf, scratching its chin. “That Tempest magic is something for the books. It's almost a shame I have to kill you.”

“Hurry this nonsense up,” Nobu demanded angrily. “Commoner filth.”

Wolf glared at him. “As you wish.”

It lunged forward, swinging its sword. Nobu hastily retrieved his knife from his pocket, raising it and blocking the blade. With his left hand, he sent electricity coursing through Wolf, which began to yell. It jumped back a few feet, its skin and clothes mildly singed. Panting, it walked toward Nobu, glaring ominously at him. Nobu pocketed his knife, raising both his arms again, before suddenly hearing another set of footsteps from behind him.

He quickly fired another wave of lightning toward Wolf, prompting it to jump backwards, before immediately turning around. Another man had leaped toward him from behind, its knife brandished.

Where did it come from? Nobu thought, raising his arm to summon his electricity, but it had already gotten too close.

Just then, Nobu saw a blur jet by him. Two streams of blood flowed across the man's chest in the shape of an X, its eyes wide with shock, before it fell to the street. Equally surprised, Nobu turned to the left, to see Helix crouched on the road, gripping one sword in each hand. It was wearing a backpack, as well as two sheaths attached to a baldric.

“Just in time!” Helix said.

Nobu glared at it, confused, before quickly turning around to face Wolf, who had begun charging at him.

“I've never failed a hit before,” Wolf growled. “This ain't gonna be the first.”

Nobu sent an arc of electricity in its direction, prompting it to pounce to the side. Then, Helix began running so quickly, it could barely be discerned. It swung its two swords downward, as Wolf urgently raised its own, blocking the strike.

“Up awfully late, aren't we?” Wolf asked, eyes widened.

“I take it you're an assassin sent by those Terrace guys,” Helix surmised.

“Hurry and kill it!” Nobu hollered, raising his arm.

“Woah!” Helix exclaimed, looking at Nobu.

Both Helix and Wolf jumped back as a jolt of lightning soared in between them.

“Watch the aim!” Helix said, panicked.

Wolf began to frantically dash to the side, avoiding multiple lightning strikes, but Helix located it and their swords clashed again. Nobu could hear the clanging of metal as they fought. Helix swung its blades outward, throwing Wolf back.

“Shit,” the assassin muttered.

Nobu sent a current of flowing electricity in its direction. Wolf dove out of the way and rolled on the ground, as the lightning struck another street light. It quickly climbed to its feet, the street light toppling behind it. Immediately, it reached into its pocket and produced a small, black object.

“Next time, you're dead,” it threatened.

It threw the object down, which collided with the ground. Suddenly, a massive cloud of smoke spewed from it, floating into the air and obscuring it from vision.

“Hey!” Nobu yelled, running in its direction, but the town was indiscernible beyond the gray fog.

He tried to navigate the cloud as it slowly faded. When the smoke disappeared, Nobu inspected the town, littered with fallen henchmen, but there was no sign of the leader. He could feel his rage bubbling as he was met with another grim reminder of his dilemma.

That assassin was undoubtedly sent by Terrace, he thought. I've no place to return home, no plan of action, and now I'm being hunted like a common criminal. That swine is going to pay...

“He got away,” Helix observed.

“What are you doing?” Nobu asked sternly.

“About that,” said Helix. “It's Nobu, right? I've got a--”

“I'm to be addressed as 'your highness,' commoner,” Nobu echoed angrily. “I am still royalty, and I will restore my former kingdom to its rightful status.”

“Right, my bad, your former highness,” said Helix. “So, then--”

Nobu shot out his arm, his anger reaching its boiling point. A massive bolt of electricity traveled toward Helix.

“Woah!” it shouted, leaping out of the way. “Easy, easy! You trying to wake the whole town?”

Nobu was beginning to feel drained, but he did not wane. He unleashed a barrage of lightning bolts, but Helix seemed to vanish.

How is it moving this fast? Nobu thought. This is no ordinary layabout...

Elecricity began to emanate from Nobu's hands, forming a barrier that surrounded him. Helix materialized in front of him, noticing the barrier, and quickly leaped back. Suddenly, the electric field began to expand.

“Woah—hey!” Helix exclaimed, running backwards.

It darted away once again, a blur rocketing down the road before leaping to the top of a house. The barrier dissipated, but Nobu sent several more jolts in Helix's direction, driving it to jump down from the roof, landing on the street.

“Just hear me out, okay?” Helix pleaded.

Nobu glared at it, panting. “What do you want?”

“You know what's been going on with Arbor,” said Helix, gripping its swords tightly. “Our technology is malfunctioning, and more monsters are appearing on the outskirts of town. In other words, we've got more threats to deal with, and we're less prepared to deal with them.”

“What of it?” Nobu asked impatiently.

“I don't think it's a coincidence,” Helix continued. “I think somebody's been sabotaging our machines. Someone in town is colluding with Floral to kickstart this alliance. You see that guy in City Hall, who was standing next to my brother? With the glasses. His name is Victor Northtale. He's one of the scientists responsible for testing the equipment. Make sure everything's in working order, you know.”

“On with it,” Nobu ordered.

“Everything works fine, then he goes to check it, and bam. Suddenly, 'it's not quite right.' 'Needs a few tweaks.' 'Come back tomorrow.' He never tells anyone where he's going when he leaves town, either. As for the monsters, Floral's science team has plenty of them in captivity for their research. They could've easily released them outside town. Maybe it's nothing, but I don't think so. I'm telling you, Floral bribed Victor and he's been betraying us ever since. I've got a strong feeling about this.”

“That isn't my concern,” Nobu stated.

“Stop me if I'm wrong, but you're planning on going to Floral, aren't you?” Helix asked, sheathing its swords. “It's obvious. But it's a three day walk from here, and you've got assassins after you now. Even if you think you're powerful enough to deal with them all, you have to sleep sometime. You're going to need to travel with somebody strong to watch your back. Plus, you'll need to eat, and I just so happen to be the best chef this side of the Azure Sea.”

Nobu pondered this. The very thought of traveling with this insufferable commoner filled with him with dread, but it made a point. With assassins pursuing him, there was little choice.

“And I suppose you'll need my status to freely investigate Floral.”

“Yep,” said Helix. “I'm going to expose this traitor and put the town at ease again. Arbor will stay free. It'll take a lot of pressure off Tertius, too.”

Nobu paused. “Very well,” he said begrudgingly. “Let's go.”

“You got it! Oh, and this is for you.” It took its backpack off and tossed it to Nobu.

“What is this?” Nobu asked, catching it.

“Some of my brother's old clothes,” Helix explained. “He's always working nowadays, so he barely ever wears anything casual anymore.”

“You expect me to wear a commoner's hand-me-downs?” Nobu asked, repulsed.

Helix shrugged. “That's up to you.”

Nobu glared at the backpack, enraged, but he swung it over his back, shoving the thought out of his mind. They walked outside of the city gates, the cold, midnight wind rushing past them.