One Year Ago

“Only one who sits so high could see the beauty of this world. I apologize if this offends you, but I envy you, Eirini. I too wish to be able to see the beautiful world you’ve created. To see through your eyes that which can only be seen by the goddess herself. I recall the stories my great-grandmother would tell me. The emerald green grass that blanketed the lands. A majestic royal-blue sky that would be accompanied by the fluffy, white clouds. Oceans that allowed us to walk amongst a race of people, who many believed had made their home above us. Oh, how I would have loved to have seen what she saw. My favorite thing though was the book she gave me. Supposedly there’s a blank period after our Queen — Queen Elpis — left this land. I would love to learn more about it someday. The book also told of how she was the kindest person who always cared for her people and fought alongside them. Some say she even looked like you and that’s why so many were so quick to champion her as Queen. It makes me wonder…is she you? Perhaps your daughter? Or maybe it’s all just coincidence and she just happened to be born pure-hearted like you.” Tournament sighed before continuing. “I have tried time and time again to trick myself into seeing the world like you, Eirini, but alas I am but a victim of my own curiosity. Now, I only see the ugliness created by its people. That‘s why I fear I can not walk the same path as you. Where you have given everybody an equal opportunity, I have made up my mind. Only one can save Inanis, Aidia, Sollicitus, Excitatur, Spes, and Perdita. Only one can unite this land. Sadly, that one is not me. No, I feel I am just like the people I judge. But! I have found someone who can. Someone who’ll lead us all to a more beautiful life. I truly can not wait for your return, my dear.” Tournament thought as they looked out over the horizon.

“V, are you ok? You’re crying. Why is that?” A lady asked.

“Pahaha, it appears I am. Well, I promise you it’s nothing, I’m just happy is all. Happy that very, very soon this country will know peace once again.” Tournament responded.

“I get it, we’re all ready. By the way, why bring me along when I’m not from Sollicitus? Surely Watson would’ve been a much better choice, would he not?” Questioned Alba.

“Funny enough he told me to bring you. Said you’d come in handy.” Tournament answered nonchalantly.

“You’re not gonna have me seduce someone, are you? I’ve never been the ‘sexy type’ according to most men.” Alba disputed.

“Pahaha! No, no my dear nothing like that. But you must learn to love yourself more and care about others' opinions less.” Stated Tournament.

“Eh? I never said I didn’t look good, I think I look amazing!” Grumbled Alba. “By the way, why’d you bring Menos with us? Do you think that’s smart?”

“Well, that’s the other reason I brought you, my dear. You’re strong enough to handle a few brutes if necessary.” Chuckled Tournament.

Alba sighed before responding, “One last question. Why go through all of this if you already made a selection? Just seems pointless and surely I’m not the only one of us who said this to you.”

“Have you ever played chess, my dear?” Tournament asked.

“Nah, never was a fan of board games.” Responded Alba.

“Well, when it comes to chess, you have many pieces at your disposal to try and take your opponent's king. But every piece has its limitations. For instance, the pawn can only move forward — one step at a time — because that’s all they know. A rook on the other hand can go forward and backward, left and right, causing one to constantly second guess their every move. Every piece has its limitations, but all are very important in their own way, just like people are. Every person has limitations too, but each is important for a country’s growth and success.” Explained Tournament. “Now, If you don’t have any more questions, I’d like to make way for Tristis. Thanks to our friend I know a secret way in.”

The two made their way down the mountainside into the Town of Tristis. It and the people who made the town their home were even more brutal than Dolor, the worst being Judge Chaimburs. A vile man who believed rights were only for those who knew how to talk their way into them. Some twenty years ago he became the leader of Sollicitus after leading the people in an attempt to overthrow the previous leader for his abuse of power. He was known as a man who would work with many of the bandits and gangs, getting them off their charge. What the people didn’t know was that the man who led their revolt was even worse than their target. After becoming the leader of Tristis, Judge did away with all laws thereby creating a barbaric society. Within a year the crime in Sollicitus skyrocketed to an astronomical level.

“This town makes me sick…” Commented Alba as the chills ran all throughout her body. “Please, may I help her?”

“There’s no point…you’d be fighting a never-ending battle.” Responded Tournament. “Let’s make our way to the-”

Alba, going against Tournament’s words, attacked the group of men that were assaulting the women.

“FLOWER TECHNIQUE: STEM STRETCH!”

“Every woman who walks this planet is my sister and I’ll never turn my back on them. Besides with every war, there’s bound to be a few extra battles along the way.” Alba softly giggled as she looked upward. “You know, I wish we would’ve got here a few minutes earlier. Maybe then, she wouldn’t have to be scarred for life…”

“That’s why we need to hurry. Let’s go.” Said a frustrated Tournament.

The two of them continued their march towards the center of Tristis. When suddenly Alba punched a hole in a building.

“Watson…Alba…maybe you two are more alike than you are opposite. ” Grumbled Tournament as they removed their hat. “Ah, another grey hair…I’ll have a full head if I have to be around either of these two any longer.

“Fifty…two…dollars…ONLY FIFTY-TWO DOLLARS! HOW THE HELL DID TEN IDIOTS ONLY HAVE THAT MUCH MONEY ON THEM?! LIKE SERIOUSLY? MAYBE BEATING THEM UP WAS TOO HARSH BECAUSE NOW THEY’RE BROKE AND BROKEN! ” Complained Alba as she shoved the money in her pocket.

“Please quiet yourself, my dear, we’ve arrived at our destination and I’d rather not terrify them, thinking that I brought a deranged lunatic with me…” Said Tournament as they lifted their mask and rubbed their face.

Ahead of the two was a large fountain in the shape of a gavel guarded by over a hundred soldiers and the leader of Sollicitus. Before they approached, Tournament turned to Alba.

“Alba my dear, do you mind waiting atop that building.” They asked.

“Eh? Wouldn’t it be better to have me by your side? The people in this town don’t seem like they have all their screws tightened.” Challenged Alba.

“No, right up there’s actually perfect. Think about it, you’ll see an attack coming before it happens. And feel free to remove your mask by the way. I can tell that he’s here.” Responded Tournament as they looked around.

She did as they asked and concealed her mask under her cloak before sitting upon the nearest building.

“I’m guessing you’re the one they call Tournament? You’re a part of that so-called ‘Council of Emovere’ I’ve heard of from other leaders?” Questioned Judge.

“And I’m guessing you’re the man they call Judge? Quite an…interesting state you have here. Although I wonder why is it that you walk around with so many guards. Are you perhaps scared of the people revolting or scared of finding out your dirty secret?” Chuckled Tournament.

“M-my s-secret?” Stuttered Judge before clearing his throat. “What do you mean by my secret? I don’t have any secrets to hide, unlike you! Hiding your face in my presence. So disrespectful of you!”

“Yes…just like you're disrespectful to children I hear. Honestly, you make me sick, if I had control of this state, I’d have you imprisoned for life. I only have one reason I’m here though and I’ll be gone, so leave MY presence at once or else…” Ordered Tournament as they slowly approached Judge.

“Hmph, fine and, just for you, I’ll leave with only a few of my guards. To show you I’m not scared of anybody or anything!” Judge Snarked.

“Good riddance” Muttered Tournament before taking center stage at the podium. “People of Sollicitus, if I may, I would love for you all to give me a few minutes of your time. I have a very important announcement!”

“Eh? What’s up with that mask? Shut it you damn creep!” A man with a raspy voice responded.

“Yeah! Nobody cares what you gotta say unless you’re offering up some money, sonny!” Cackled a woman who’s voice signified she smoked too much.

“Matter of fact, you look rich! Enough to spread around to all of us!” Another man with a sickly voice pointed out.

“Oh, ho. Well, rich is subjective, but one could argue I have a bit more money than I really know what to do with.” Chuckled Tournament.

“Eh? You mockin’ us? You think we’re poor? I’ll have you know I am, but not for long.” Questioned the raspy man. “Screw it, let's kill this bastard!” The lady added.

“Aye! What the hell’re you doing? You know we’re not here to protect you — matter of fact we’ll let them kill you!” One of the guards yelled out.

“Oh? Is that so? Well then, I guess I have no need for you.” Glared Tournament.

They removed their gloves, then reached into their pocket and pulled out a three-colored flower. The guards began to laugh as the entire town now stormed at Tournament before being stopped in their tracks.

“EH? WHAT THE HELL IS THIS? SOME KINDA FORCE FIELD?” The sickly man shouted in frustration.

“I-I CAN’T LOVE! IT’S LIKE I DON’T HAVE CONTROL OVER MY BODY” The lady cried out loud.

“ARGHHHH! Bullets! Fire at ‘em all at once!” A man who appeared to be the leader of the guards ordered.

“Oh? You think that’ll help?” Chuckled Tournament as they motioned their hands like a conductor.

“WH-WH-WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?! WHY AM I MOVING WITHOUT ME DOING IT?” A female guard questioned as she fell to her knees.

“I-I knew you were a creep…b-but what the…WHAT ARE YOU SOME KIND OF GOD OR SOMETHING?!” Questioned another man.

“A God? No, nothing like that. I’m merely a human…something creatures like you aren’t familiar with.” Corrected Tournament. “However, unlike the gods, I won’t show mercy to those who oppose me. Now become food for Mother Earth!”

Within a few seconds, the entire crowd of over a hundred people were slowly dried up until their bodies were turned to dust — each of them screaming for forgiveness — besides one.

“You will tell everybody exactly what you saw today. And when they ask who did it, tell them this.” Ordered Tournament as they whispered in the woman’s ear.

Too afraid to make a sound, the lady hobbled off as she continuously fell down. Alba soon joined Tournament by their side.

“Do you think that was wise?” She questioned.

“Wise? Probably not. But it was good to dust off the cobwebs. Besides, no one will remember these creatures anyway.” Tournament responded. “But enough of that, we have a visitor.”

“Sh-shawki…i-is that y-you…?” Questioned Mori as tears began to fill his eyes.

“EHHHH??? Shock you??? No, I won’t shock you, you creep!” Alba spluttered as she looked back and forth at the two. “I THOUGHT YOU SAID YOU WOULDN’T USE ME FOR THINGS LIKE THIS??? OH I KNEW I SHOULDN’T TRUST YOU!”

“Pahaha, now I see why he recommended you. Oh, Watson, you're a sick, sick man.” Cackled Tournament.

“Watson…how do you…know of that name…” Questioned Mori.

“Oh, he’s a colleague of mine. And I’m assuming your name is Mori, isn’t it? Yes, yes I’m well aware of the demon that Sollicitus harbors. A very special demon indeed.” Responded Tournament as they began circling around Mori.

“Demon…yes…special…no, I’m afraid not. But Shawki…she was special…so very, very special.” Wept Mori.

“Hmm, I’m assuming this Shawki person passed away, did she? My condolences.” Consoled Tournament.

“Yes…it’s been…a little over a year..since her passing…but that’s beside the point…why are you really here?” Questioned Mori.

Tournament said nothing, instead handing Mori a box. He opened it up and inside it contained a letter and another box. Mori looked over the letter before opening the other box.

“What is this…” Mori asked.

“Whatever you want it to be, my dear. Just write down what it is you desire and it’ll come true.” Answered Tournament.

“And all I have to do…is join Tournouá Tou Menoszzzthere must be more…” Mori continued to question.

Back To The Present

“You said nothing, you just smirked. I knew from that day you were the one, the one who could set me free.” Mori thought as he nudged Watson. “Are you ready…It wouldn’t be wise…to sit here much longer…”

“Yeah, yeah I heard you the first ten times, sheesh, give me five more minutes.” Watson groaned. “OWW! WHAT THE HECK STABBED ME!”

As Watson rolled over the stem of a rose clanged onto his neck.

“Guess that’s my sign to get up then…alright, let’s go already, you idiot.” Ordered Watson. “By the way, what’s up with the kid? They still alive?”

“Yeah…somehow.” Answered Mori. “Just what are you, and how can you still be alive after sustaining such injuries? It’s also odd that I can’t sense anything from you either. It’s like you’re alive but not conscious…”

“You’ll be running your mind in circles tryna question it, you idiot.” Watson thought as he peered over at Mori. “Aye! Like you said, let’s go already. Sooner we’re done with this, the sooner we get outta here.”

At the end of Echo Path, there was a small hill where the two rested. As they walked down, the Town of Tristis became more clear. Unlike Dolor, this town was all but connected with the one exception being the home of the Chaimburs Family. As his name would suggest, Judge Chaimburs, head of the Chaimburs Family, was also the Judge of Sollicitus. After becoming the leader, he ordered the removal of the former leader’s estate and had his courthouse redesigned and separated from the rest of Tristis by a singular, long, stone bridge that was guarded by the state’s military. After the incident from a year ago, Judge decreased the protection around the state and ordered a majority of the military to defend his home.

“BLAHAHA! Seems your old man’s still scared for his life, eh? Well, he should be, the sick bastard, you know he only removed that law so he could sleep with a bunch of young ass boys and girls.” Watson grunted.

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

“Let’s just…forget about him…for now anyways…the shop’s not too far…besides it’s almost dark…I’d rather not…walk through at night.” Mori interjected as he grabbed Watson.

“Alright, alright. Worry Mori, back to overthinking everything. You keep your eyes focused on our surroundings and I’ll…I’ll smoke me one of these.” Watson said as he snatched a joint out of a lady’s hand.

“Hey, what hell — WATSON?! Oh my goodness What’re you doing here?” The flustered lady shrieked.

“Not here for you, now get outta my face idiotic whore!” Watson cackled as he and Mori headed down an alleyway.

“You know her?” Asked Mori.

“Know her? Nah, probably one of the old pieces I would bring through to the hideout.” Watson continued to laugh as he took a few puffs.

“You know…for a member of the council…you sure don’t…act the part…” Mocked Mori.

“Yeah? You’d be surprised to know I’m the most professional one of us all.” Snickered Watson.

“Speaking of…who’re you guys?” Questioned Mori.

“Eh? Whatta you mean? You know who we are.” Answered Watson.

“You know…what I mean…that one…who put me under…he said the same thing as you…flower technique…” Mori started before being cut off.

“Can it, you idiot, we’re here,” Watson interjected as they two arrived at the shop. “I wonder if the little idiot’s still mad at me?”

“GET DOWN!” Mori yelled.

“YOU PIECE OF SHIT, WATSON! DIDN’T I TELL YOU I NEVER WANTED SEE YOUR ASS BACK IN TRISTIS!” A man with a squeaky voice yelled as he fired off multiple shots.

“BLAHAHA! If it isn’t my old friend Flos! How’ve you been buddy? I see you still love playing with guns, except you still ain’t learned how to aim for shit, idiot!”

“ARGHHHH I’M NOT AN IDIOT! YOU’RE THE IDIOT, IDIOT!” Flos continued to yell.

“NO YOU’RE THE IDIOT, YOU FLOWER LOVING IDIOT!” Watson yelled back. “ESPECIALLY BECAUSE YOU SHOT AT ME AND MISSED! BLAHAHAH!”

“FLOWER TECHNIQUE: GUESS WHO? BOOM, THAT’S WHO!”

“EHHH??? HOW THE HELL DID YOU DO THAT???” AND WATCH WHERE YOU THROW THOSE BEFORE YOU BLOW MY SHOP UP YOU IDIOT!” Flos yelled even louder.

“I TOLD YOU YOU’RE THE IDIOT! WHO DOESN'T BOMB PROOF THEIR SHOP?” Watson yelled back equally as loud.

“BOMB PROOF?! NO, WHAT I NEED IS TO IDIOT PROOF MY LIFE!” Flos continued as he threw a vase.

“OHHH SO NOW WE’RE JUST THROWING ANYTHING, EH?” Watson responded as he threw his shoe.

“I’m just gonna sit over here…until both of you tire out…” Mori said as he sat up against a wall.

The two continued to throw many objects at one another for the next few hours.

“Finally you two are done…this is exactly…why I didn’t…want to come here…and yet another reason…I left that annoying group…” exasperated Mori, sighing, as he stood over the two.

“You know…this is…this is why…I brought you…you were…supposed to…warn me” Huffed an exhausted Watson.

“Thank you…for not…speaking up…now get…YOUR friend…out of my sight!” Flos complained.

“Ah come on, we’re just here to talk. I need a favor and if I remember correctly a certain red-haired idiot owes me.” Chuckled Watson as he slowly stood up.

Flos sighed before responding, “Ok…I guess I AM the bigger idiot. I knew I should’ve killed you a long time ago when I had…multiple chances. Oh and go find your shoes, no shoes no service. That simple.”

“BLAHAHAH! You and everyone else have said the same thing. Maybe I am the problem, or maybe you’re all just a bunch of idiots.” Watson continued to chuckle as he took a puff from his joint. “So, about this favor…ready to pay it back?”

The three walked into Flos’ shop Floralis Copia. The entire shop was lined with every type of flower possible along its walls and a few on a wooden stand in the center. A hanging fire pit hung in the back. To the front was a small statue of Eirini with water riding down her, That sat upon the wooden stand. On the left side of the shop was a small bonsai tree and on the right side was a metal gourd.

“So what’s in these things?” Watson asked as he shook a wooden gourd.

“I know you’re a grown child, but don’t touch stuff that isn’t yours, and DON’T shake those,” Flos interjected as he snatched the gourd from Watson.

“So…what are we…doing here, Watson?” Questioned Mori.

“Right, well, flower-loving-freak here, I figured would be able to help me with something,” Watson said as he threw his arm around Flos.

“If I do this, we’re even. Got it.” Flos demanded as he nudged Watson off of him.

“Yeah, yeah. I got it. You know I hate when idiots think they can order me around. But I’ll let you off this time.” Retorted Watson. “Now, let’s get down to business. You see, I got this kid here who’s on the brink of death. Your job is to find out which of these flowers in here would be the most connected to them.”

“Them? You mean Mori too?” Asked Flos.

“No, just them. Don’t ask. I don’t get it either, nor did I care to have it explained. You wanna find out about it, do it on your own time. Right now, I need you to work your magic and get this shit solved while I go have another smoke.” Ordered Watson. “By the way, you still got your stash in the back?”

“I see…hmm, can't believe even in these depressing times people still wanna make their lives worse by living that way.” Flos sighed, “I gave up on it a long time ago.”

“Oh brother, here we go again…Mori, have fun dealing with this one and his sad, gay stories, while I wait outside.” Motioned Watson after rummaging through Flos’ desk. “Remember idiot, get this done and we’re even.”

Watson exited the shop leaving the two of them alone.

“Hey, Mori, why are you even here, and with him of all people. I thought you said you had cut all ties to him and Sollicitus or? Questioned Flos.

“There’s no point in having this conversation just focus on them” Mori deflected as he laid Felichs down on the floor.

“That’s just like you, always secretive. Well, I’m glad you still trust me at least. That’s reassuring.” Flos smiled.

“You’re still the one person I know won’t do me wrong.” Mori smiled back as he hugged Flos. “I see you’re still shedding.”

“Well, ever since I left The Kings of Calamity, I also left that whole criminal life behind.” Commented Flos. “But at least I still know how to dress.”

Aside from Dan and Shawki, Flos was the closest friend Mori had. Flos was a few inches shorter than him, shorter than the average man in fact, but thanks to his mud-brown heels they were eye to chest with each other. Due to his love of flowers, his outfits were inspired by them, particularly roses. He wore a green skirt that reached a little past his mid-thigh, topped with an oversized striped green shirt. The thing that stood out about him most was the scar on his chest that could only be seen because his shirt was unbuttoned.

“Yeah…you still look like a walking flower.” Chuckled Mori. “By the way, that scar? It wasn’t there before. What happened?”

“We both have secrets, now just grab me that book over there.” Flos directed as he slowly saged Felichs. “Eirini, please guide this lost soul, ductu, fidem, pax (guidance, faith, peace)”

“What is this book?” Asked Mori.

“My cookbook…WHAT DO YOU THINK IT IS? IT’S MY GUIDE! MY SOLE LIGHT IN THIS LIFE! MY ONE TRUE LOVE! THE THING THAT KEEPS ME SANE IN THIS INSANE WORLD!” Shouted Flos before clearing his throat. “Ahem, anyways, I need you to do another thing for me. Bring me three to four different flowers every couple of minutes — I’d rather we get this done as quickly as possible.”

“How is this supposed to help?” Questioned Mori as he handed Flos flowers.

“I don’t know, but he sent someone to bug me about this a few other times as well. So, I figured it must be something like your eyes.” Flos answered as he removed Felichs’ shirt. “The trick to this, by the way, is to lay it on their forehead, then slowly drag it down to their heart, wave it around in a circular motion over their stomach, then back to the forehead. If a petal falls on their forehead at the beginning, they have a weak connection, if it falls on their heart they have some connection, on their stomach a really strong connection, but if it falls on their forehead at the end then that’s one. That is the strongest possible connection to the flower. Sadly none of these are falling which means they have no connection.”

“What do you mean by connection?” Mori asked.

“We humans can have connections with any living organism on this planet. We gain a deeper connection with humans with skin-to-skin contact. The same can be said with anything else that breathes. As far as what the connection is, it's like anything else in this world. I love roses, they’re my favorite flowers, but what separates them from any other flowers? Nothing really, I don’t think it’s the most beautiful, or the best smelling, but ever since I was young and first came in contact with roses I’ve always loved them. Sometimes, that connection can’t be deeply explained and is just simply a thing of ‘I love it’ and that’s what the connection is.” Flos stated as he continued trying to find the flower for Felichs. “Now how did I figure this trick out? Well, the mind and heart allow us to love so it was that easy for those two, but for the stomach it was tricky. Until I read a book that said the quickest way to someone’s heart is through their stomach and I realized that was the third and final part.”

Mori continued to hand over flower after flower until all but one remained. A sunflower.

“Well if that one doesn’t work your friend’s outta luck.” Acknowledge Flos. “You know, it’s been nice to hang out like this again. Just the two of us. I- never mind.”

“What were you gonna say?” Mori asked.

“I know how your eyes work, I’ve been around long enough after all. When they light up really bright like, you’re able to see someone’s intentions. The same way you used to light every room…before Dan and Shawki passed away…” Flos responded as a single tear rolled down his cheek.

Mori cleared his throat before responding, “What’s taking Watson so long? I should go check on him.”

“Knowing him, he probably fell asleep after getting high, especially after smoking my stash.” Grumbled Flos. “Real quick, before you go. You seem really concerned for this guy. Why is that? I haven’t seen that look on your face since…well me.”

“There’s something about this one. I guess you could say it’s a connection of sorts. Not that I want to help them by any means, but more so, I would like to see where they end up. They’re someone who's been given two routes in life and they’re somehow going down both routes.” Responded Mori.

Watson headed to the door, but almost immediately froze in his tracks.

“Flos! Take Felichs to the back!¦” Ordered Mori.

“Wh-what’s going on?” Wh-what’s happening?” Questioned Flos.

“Just do it! NOW!” Ordered Watson.

Flos picked them up and carried them to the back of his store and up a set of stairs.

“I couldn’t protect Dan and Shawki, but I will protect you, Flos.” muttered Mori.

As he readied his knife, the door to Floralis Copia came flying at him. Mori dodged the door, rolled over and immediately charged out the entrance.

“Tch…Mira…and I never…got your name…” Said Mori as he gripped his blade.

“Magna, Captain of…or I guess, now, the leader of the Echo Bandits. And our first order of business is killing the punk who killed Sonus, i.e. you!” Magna chuckled as he snapped his fingers.

Within seconds the Echo Bandits filled the rooftops surrounding the shop. Along with the House of True Terror on the ground now surrounded Mori, the total number rose from twenty to forty.

“Mira, you know…I’m not like Watson…I can actually listen…so let’s talk…” Offered Mori.

“We have nothing to talk about, Mori. You killed my partner’s boss and Watson has caused enough trouble. The way I see it, you two asked for this.” She smirked. “Speaking of that scumbag, where is he at? Hopefully somewhere dead!”

“Yeah, where the hell are you at?” Mori muttered. “You know…one versus this many…just doesn’t seem fair…”

“Oh? Aren’t you the Demon of Sollicitus? The man who killed hundreds of people? Or was it responsible for their deaths while Watson killed them all? Either way, this shouldn’t be that hard for you, right?” Magna chuckled, “But sure, maybe we can go one on one.”

Magna charged at Mori before his men’s words quelled his attack.

“H-huh? Wh-what’s going on?” An Echo Bandit Grunt shouted. “A-And do you guys s-see that! It looks my hand’s gone!”

“Aye, so is mine!”

”Mine Too!”

“Where’s my leg?!”

“I can’t feel my heart beating!” The grunts all started screaming.

“Wh-why’s it so h-hot all of a sudden?” Mira complained.

“I swear V…I told you, you couldn’t trust him.” Grumbled Fox as he sheathed his sword and tossed Watson on the floor.

“Mmm, you take care of it, buddy ima get some more sleep. Oh and don’t go too crazy though, the idiot who runs that store will start throwing stuff. Can you believe he threw a cat at me earlier? That’s gotta be animal abuse or something.” Said a clearly way-too-stoned Watson as he rolled over. “Then again you’re about to do the same thing to these idiots! BLAHAHA! Oh yeah, and be more appreciative! If it wasn’t for me it wouldn’t so be so hot right now, and you wouldn’t be able to do any cool tricks with that sword of yours other than swing it like an idiot!”

“AYE! Who the hell’re you?” Magna shouted. “And what’s wrong with my men?!”

“Oh, me? I’m just a simple passerby who happened to be colleague of this worthless one. He told me his friends were over here, so I brought ‘em back.” Responded Fox. “As far as your men, they seem to be seeing things, or I guess in this case, not seeing things.”

“Eh? Friends? Yeah right, that idiot doesn’t have friends nor should he be able to! He deserves to rot in hell for the rest of his life!” Answered an upset Mira.

“AYE! I’ll have you know I have plenty of friends, I have…and umm…WELL AT LEAST I DON’T LOOK AT STUPID AS YOU IDIOTS!” Watson shouted as he flipped her off.

“Well he is a member of the council, but sadly for him we’re not his friends either.” Added Fox “Speaking of, I was hoping my status would work here. Maybe we can come to some kind of agreement, no?”

“What? We don’t care about the law here! This is Sollicitus after all! Even if you were the Goddess herself we wouldn’t care to listen to you.” Snickered Magna. “Men attack him! Mira and I will handle the pretend demon.”

“Mori? Oh, there is another one here. Good thing you guys said something or else I would’ve killed an invitee. Thank you, honestly, I would’ve never heard the end of it. Seeing as y’all saved my ass, I’ll offer you a deal: get out of here in a quick and orderly fashion, or else I’ll be forced to spill some blood tonight.” Offered Fox as he flashed his sword.

“Th-th-that s-s-sword is huge…” Mira shouted. “Th-there’s no way h-h- could swing it effectively.”

“Oh?” Fox said before launching his sword through an Echo Bandit Grunt. “Was that effective enough? I could try again if you like. Now, I’ll offer one more time…leave now or every last one of you dies where you stand.”

“W-w-we g-gotta get out of here! NOW!” The House of True Terror Grunts shouted.

“A-agreed!” The Echo Bandits repeated.

The only two who stayed behind were Mira and Magna as they refused to back down.

“Y-your not gonna kill me! I’m entering Tournouá and nobody’s stopping me!” Protested Mira.

“Is that so? Well then, if you wanna make it to Tournouá, get out of my face…NOW!” Ordered Fox as his aura began to leak out of his body.

“I-it’s just like it w-was that day with b-boss!” Stuttered Magna. “M-mira let’s f-fall back for n-now. We’ll get 'em all at Tournouá. I promise.”

“Fine,” Mira grumbled as the two ran away.

“BLAHAHA! Puuuuuuusssyyyyyyyy! Running from little ol Foxy here. He wouldn’t harm a fly. OW!” Cackled Watson as he was kicked by Fox.

“Shut up. Let’s just get inside and…get…them.” Fox started to say.

The clouds above them began to blanket the sky, as it grew a dark grey. Heavy rain began to follow suit.

“So, it worked?” Acknowledged Fox.

“I hope you’re ready to pay me back, V, and you better pay me handsomely!” Watson smirked.

Before the three of them was Felichs, bandages hanging off their body, as they slowly dragged themself over to the others.

“So that’s what you wanted, eh Watson? I figured there was more to you than just idiocracy.” Chuckled Flos.

“What’d you say!” Yelled Watson. “I’ll kill you, you idiot!”

“Can y’all please quiet down, my head’s killing me.” Said Felichs as they slowly sat down still aching from their injuries. “What’re guys all doing here anyways? And why’s that guy got a sword sticking out of him?”

“You tell ‘em Worry Mori since apparently I’m too loud!” Answered Mori extra loud when a rock hit them. “Aye, you little dying piece of shit! Do that again and you’re gonna be carried back to V in a body bag!”

Mori lifted Felichs up, helping them inside, before retelling the past day and a half to them.

“I see, thanks m. I appreciate it. Honestly, I wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for you three.” Acknowledged Felichs.

“I would like…to talk with you…so come on…Fox and Watson…already headed back…” Ordered Mori.

“Ok. It seems your friend over there wants a word with you as well. I’ll wait outside.” Acknowledged Felichs.

As Felichs left the shop, Flos approached Mori with a bouquet of flowers.

“I’m gonna head over to Dan and Shawki’s old place to give ‘em some flowers like we used to. It seems like you have something important to handle or else I’d ask you to come with me.” Said Flos as Mori pulled him in and kissed his forehead.

“Thank you for keeping their memory alive. Once this is over I’ll be back.” Responded Mori as he exited Floralis Copia.

“Stay safe…please…” Wept Flos as he locked up his shop and headed to the graveyard.

“So, what did you wanna talk about?” Asked Felichs as the two walked down the alleyway.

“What happened…to you…?” Questioned Mori.

“The broken bones or the fact that I’m still alive?” Well, the bones are a story I’d rather not talk about and as for me still being alive…well, your guess is as good as mine.” Answered Felichs.

“So who’s Fox…to you…?” Mori questioned again. “I happened…to see you two…riding together…a few days ago…”

“To me? Your guess is as good as mine as well. Sorry, I don’t have many answers, but truth be told he helped me out once before and now he shows up here. I’m just as confused as you. Ima get my answers though — all of them.” Grumbled an annoyed Felichs, as they clenched their teeth. “You know, I actually have a question for you as well.”

“You’re wondering…why I came…Is that it…?” Mori asked as he stopped walking.

“Nah not that. You said before that me and V or Tournament or whatever that psychopath’s name is, that we were so alike. What’d you mean by that?” Questioned Felichs.

“That your aura…of yours…it’s similar to theirs…or maybe I should say…it seems to me…that the colors are similar…both of you have…a dark, black aura…but where there’s…feels evil…yours does not…it feels lost…as if it’s not your own…like someone gave you…their aura…” Answered Mori.

“Not my own? Whatta you mean? Come to think of it, I don’t even know a thing about this whole aura, but I keep hearing about it. I can feel it, I’ve felt it many times before. But I’ve never seen it.” Felichs responded.

“They say…¦only those whose true aura…has awakened can see…the aura of others…or at least…that’s what Flos says…” Mori answered as he began walking again. “Let’s go…Watson’s irritable enough…don’t wanna give him…a reason to yell…”

Felichs slowed their pace down until they were far enough away from Mori, but close enough to be able to react if he needed.

“Maybe he was right, maybe you’re all idiots. I wasn’t dead, and yet you decided to be so open, not even realizing I could hear everything.” Felichs chuckled to themself. “Those eyes of yours seem pretty damn useful, and since you don’t want ‘em there’s gotta be a way I can make them mine. Add that on top of the fact that ima figure out this damn power and none of them will be able to defeat me. Not you, Solis, Malum, and damn sure not that pink-haired son of bitch! I have to win! I got a second chance at life and I won’t screw it up! Not this time. Not when she needs me!”

“It’s a good thing I didn’t run my mouth too much it seems. I told you don’t let fall victim to the darkness and yet it seems you have. Well, if you can free me of this hell, then you can have my eyes…” Mori thought to himself as his eyes glowed brightly.

Meanwhile At The House of the Councils

Tournament held a wild pansy above them and crushed it, causing the seeds to fall in their mouth.

“I was only able to heal them momentarily. So they’ll probably pass out by the time they get back here. With that said, we now know what flower they have the strongest connection with. So after the ritual, I’ll be able to properly heal them completely. I just worry if their body can handle it in this shape.”

“Don’t worry, that one’s a fighter, they’d never let something as juvenile as pain deter them from their goals. Tournament acknowledged. “You know, I told you before that I’d restore your kingdom and now I have no other choice, because to you my friend, I’m in your debt.” Said Tournament as they took a bow.

“BWAHAHA! No need to thank me. I was already in your debt when you showed me the way. I’d say this makes us even.” Solid responded as he patted Tournament on their back.

“Either way, the Kingdom of Inanis, along with the rest of Emovere, shall be rebuilt. It was our people who built this country, but because of foolishness, it was stolen from us. Your bloodline, my bloodline…we will take back what we’re owed. AND THEN, WE’LL WIPE AWAY THESE FALSE LEADERS AND NOBLES AND REWRITE THE COUNTRY! RESTORING TO FORMER AND PROPER SELF! BECAUSE WE ARE THE TRUE RIGHTFUL OWNERS OF THIS COUNTRY!” Tournament announced.