"Deep in the forest of the land of Rahin, laid dormant an entity which was lost to time and sealed by the earth, it was known as the Lakrua! A beast of unfathomable power, this creature carried with it the end of the world." A man said.

"But the world itself was not ready to end, it would not allow anyone or anything to remember or find the Lakrua. However, like all things the world is finite, the strength of the Lakrua keeps pushing and pulling against the world."

"With nothing but its own demise the world can only sit and watch as it slowly loses the battle, some say that the Lakrua will be freed and destroy Rahin just as it did so many eons before...why do you think that we are aware of the dark situation plaguing our land." Finished the man.

The room was grand, with a large chandelier and many servants standing in the corners, in the center, a large table filled with unseen delicacies, with many sitting around the table as they spoke.

"If you truly believe that, you need to see a doctor," Countered another voice. "Or better, you need more ale. But I suppose if you believe that perhaps you should lighten on the ale." Another voice said, however, it was clear to hear the denial in this voice. "What we should focus on is the neighboring kingdom."

"Rahin has never been devastated in such a manner before, the Xuferian Empire is at its height in power, do you think any of the Five Emperors would not be a match for this fantasy creature?" Questioned another.

"Well, I believe the tale has credit, the Five Emperors have not been seen for a very long time, their last whereabouts are unknown, I believe they may have perished already, it has been centuries." Another old voice chimed in. "We may be at our height in power but we are not yet a great nation."

A gloomy atmosphere drifted in the room. "That is also true...if any warrior above master tier attacks our nation we will all perish. The Five Emperors are most likely gone from this world."

"Impossible! The Five Emperors are the greatest warriors alive!" The voices kept talking.

"Exactly as you said minister, 'during their time' they may be monsters of strength but they cannot escape the jaws of time."

"If you do not believe that danger is quickly approaching then I fear for the Xuferian Empire, we cannot sit idly by while we have no Emperors, I call on my birthright as a high noble to bring back the emperors trial!" Said the voice, the man seemed quite worked up on the idea.

"The importance of an Emperor to Rahin is significant! You should know this better than anyone Lord Claeman! Just one can shift the power of the continent and you want to have five!? Have you lost your mind?" Lord Maui spoke.

"Do not patronize me, Lord Maui! You, yourself wanted to know why the crops have been fewer and fewer each year, rivers and dams are slowly drying up, the world is losing its life, and once she dies we all follow her as the Lakrua will rip us into pieces, the moment she cannot contain him is the last moment we have!" Lord Claeman countered.

The room was silent for a few moments before an old woman at the head of the table finally spoke.

"With the numbers of our crops dwindling each year and more of the Empire losing its people to unknown diseases, I fear we may not have the luxury of believing who is more correct, the neighboring empire Tranquil has bolstered its defenses, and are being even more cautious than we are, I believe that they have already begun looking for their next lower emperors regardless of the power struggle that will follow afterward."

"I understand your want for new Emperors Lord Claeman, however, the destruction they will bring is also an issue you have to keep an eye out for."

"For with every new Emperor the kingdom has to humble itself before the Emperors as the true power at be, and their clash in the future will also devastate the land, the Xuferian Empire could vanish the moment the new Emperors look to one another in anger..." The woman finished.

"My most humble apology your majesty, I did not mean to speak out of line." Said Lord Claeman.

The woman waved her hand dismissing it.

"However you are not wrong, as much as we do not want new Emperors, they are needed." As she stood up.

"By my decree, the Emperor's Trial will be resurrected." Said the woman. "That will be all, you are all dismissed."

The woman turned and left as five servants followed suit.

The women and men around the table lowered their heads as she passed them. Once the woman had left they all started conversing again.

"I do not think this is a good idea!" Said Lord Maui.

"All of us think this is not the ideal situation to be in but her majesty is correct, if this goes on, our land will become weak and we might not have to worry about the Lakrua if the neighboring empires destroy us first." Said a noblewoman.

A silence fell on the group, the sound of glass and plates clinked as they ate.

The cold night was pressing down on two people, barely any clouds in the sky but the pressure in the air was painstakingly clear.

A frustrated sigh escaped the mouth of a man staring in anger at a large mansion in the distance.

"I want nothing more than to marry you Tyadin...I...even if it means I have to..." A delicate voice next to the man spoke.

Tyadin looked at her, his brown eyes stared into hers. He shook his head and raised his hand to caress her cheek gently as a lone tear escaped and slid down her face.

"I love you too much for that, I would rather die than let you do that." She burst into tears at his words.

Tyadin looked back to the mansion, a cold breeze blew by, the woman shivered lightly until she felt a warm arm wrap around her and pull her close, she closed her eyes and leaned her head against his chest.

"Then...what can we do?" She asked.

Tyadin smiled lightly as he kissed the top of her head. "Don't you worry darling," In the despair of the moment, she managed a weak chuckle.

"Where did you learn that phrase?" She continued.

Tyadin was silent for a few seconds before he spoke. "...Don't you worry." She slowly shook her head knowing he wasn't going to elaborate any further.

Far away from them in a small room, a small amount of moonlight was peeking through a broken-down roof.

"You can't leave yet mom...I just need more time to try and find a doctor that can help you..." A desperate voice cried out.

"Percival...you have to promise me..." The woman never got to finish as Percival cut her off.

"No...don't leave us!" He said as tears started to swell in his eyes.

"Percival...Percy, you are the elder brother...you have to protect your sister...Mera is young and beautiful, many lords will seek her if they lay their eyes upon her even once, I will leave you the responsibility of choosing whether her lover is worthy of her." The woman whispered weakly.

Percival grimaced as he turned and looked at Mera, a beautiful maiden, long black hair and soft features that would drive any man crazy with lust.

"Your father, the man who I said died is still very much alive, I-I just lied because he is a nobleman...if he knew I was pregnant with twins he would have had you both killed, his name is Volka Wright, be sure to avoid him at all costs. When I ran away I stole a large sum of money to survive." She confessed.

"Mother, why are you telling me this?" Percival asked, his chest constricted, he knew why, she knew her time was almost up. Ignoring his question she continued.

"I have coin saved up, be sure to use it wisely, there is even enough for you to enroll in a magic academy, you were always so good at magic...I regret the fact that I could not nurture it..."

"Mother..." Mera spoke up. "I will look after brother..." She said, tears threatening to cascade down her face. "He is brash and only thinks with his fists at times, I am smarter than he is so you don't have to worry, you have done plenty...you can rest now...even if it hurts...please be happy..." She said.

The sound of tears echoed in the broken-down house.

The next day at a certain magic academy two students walked down the hallway, they carried themselves with confidence, they wore black and blue uniforms and other students would part like the ocean when they walked by.

"No! Let go of me!"A female voice exclaimed as she struggled against a group of male students.

"So what if your father is a nobleman, he is what? A baron?" The last part was heavily sarcastic. "A little man playing noble, I haven't even left the academy yet and I am a Count!" The man boasted.

"Once I get out of the academy becoming a duke is all but assured." He said. "Be my woman, the benefits will be endless! You won't even need to share yourself with the lord the night of our marriage." The man said.

"I said no!" The girl said.

The Count clearly was not happy with the denial, his face contorted into anger. "The daughter of a mere baron has such insolence!" He grinned, but anyone could tell the grin on his face was one of ill intent.

"Let's just see what happens to your dear father after today." He said, a flash of fear passed over her face.

"Marvo!" The students parted like the sea at the voice as the two students walked up.

The Count turned and rolled his eyes. "What do you want Rezu?" He asked, he saw another with him.

"I see you brought little Galahad with you, too scared to be alone I presume?" Marvo mocked.

"When will your little brain learn? You cannot threaten academy students, at least not while I am here." Rezu said, Marvo scoffed. "Now scram, before your family has an ill encounter with fate."

"I normally do not care for situations such as this and I still do not, what you do is your doings but the person you are threatening is my dear cousin," Galahad spoke lazily, but there was a certain amount of venom laced in his words.

Marvo seemed to realize that he pushed his luck as far as he could and just scoffed and walked off.

The female student looked to Galahad and smiled and was about to talk. "Silence." Galahad raised his hand.

"I do not talk to disgraces. Consider this the first and last time I do anything for you." Galahad said and looked at Rezu. "I am leaving, I will see you at my castle later. The air here stinks of mistakes." The female stared at the ground, her hands gripping her dress, unable to meet Galahad's gaze.

When Galahad left, Rezu looked at the girl in contempt, he turned and spoke. "You are responsible for fixing the mess your parents and elders have created, do not squander the opportunity Galahad gave you, you now have his protection as his 'dear' cousin, I would use this to the utmost degree Atla Farrengram."

"Of course...Rezu." She said.

"It's Marquis Storm to you." He said and walked away.

"Of course..." She said.

'My cousin still cares for me...' She thought as her heart tightened, she looked up with determination and steeled her nerves.

'I won't fail you cousin.' Atla thought as she turned and walked away.

The surrounding students all shook their heads. "To think that one of the strongest fire mages in the academy can't even protect herself from the likes of Marvo, how her family name has fallen." One male student said.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"Well, what do you expect? She might be a prodigy but if she even singed his shoe we probably wouldn't hear from her again." Said another student.

Further away out on a straw wagon laid a young man with a piece of straw sticking out of his mouth casually, a light snore could be heard coming from the wagon as the young man slept.

Suddenly he woke from the wagon, coming to an abrupt halt, screaming could be heard. He opened one eye when the sun suddenly seemed to hide behind the clouds.

Realizing that it was not the clouds blocking the sun but a burly man with a big axe. "Do you need anything mister? I have neither coin nor a beautiful sister to give you...but if you wish to settle for me I would gladly oblige...you seem good enough, what are you ten inches, soft?" The young man said.

The burly man growled. "So you are one for games?" He asked.

"I like to think I am a comedian." The young man said as he was grabbed by the neck and tossed to the ground dirtying his already dirty clothes.

"Hey! I will have you know this outfit cost me three gold coins!"

"And your words will cost you your life!" Said the man as he lifted his axe.

"Stop!" Another voice called out.

The burly man turned and looked at his comrade. "What?" He asked.

"We need to know if he knows where the princess is? She should be here not these peasants." Said the other man.

The burly man looked to the young man, seeing as everyone else was cowering in fear. "Where is the Princess of the Xuferian Empire, she should have been here, yet we only see a bunch of worthless peasants." The young man shrugged.

"Firstly, I do not know where this princess is, nor do I care, secondly I am not a worthless peasant, I have two copper coins on my person, I would hardly call that worthless, thirdly my name is Don Sukishi, not 'worthless peasant'," Sukishi answered.

Silence ensued after that. "Off with his head, but first cut out his tongue, his tongue seems to have no bounds, constantly spouting rubbish like a drunken fool." The man said.

Sukishi frowned as they grabbed his hands and tied him up and put him on his knees, that's when they saw a carriage coming up, it had multiple guards and a man with golden-colored armor at the helm. The carriage finally reached them and the bandits seemed to realize that that was the Princess.

They quickly surrounded the carriage. "I take it you are the Princess of the Xuferian Empire?" The man who seemed to be the boss asked.

The man in gold armor spoke. "This is the carriage of Princess Amelia of the Xuferian Empire, you who have a death wish step forward I shall grant it for you, otherwise step aside and let us pass! I am commander Alaric of the Xuferian Empire, one of the candidates for the title of Warrior Emperor." Said the man as a heavy presence flooded the surroundings.

The princess peeked from the carriage stunning the peasants with her beauty momentarily. "Lord Alaric, what seems to be the problem? Why have we stopped?" She asked.

"Nothing your majesty, the way seems to be blocked by some larger than normal dirt, I shall clean it so that you would not feel discomfort as we pass." He said, she glanced past him and saw burly men with weapons staring at her with gazes that made her uncomfortable.

One man was on his knees tied up and staring at the sky, almost like he wasn't even paying attention. She was a beautiful princess and he did not even look at her, what an outrageous peasant! How was the sky more beautiful! The insolence!

The man smirked. "We knew of you and have already taken you into account!" Said the man as he took out a relic and aimed it at the commander and watched as the commander fell to his knees.

"This power! So overwhelming! Where did you find such an item!" The commander said as he struggled to even stand.

"That matters not! The rest of the guards here are not that powerful, with the relics' assistance they will be useless, I would like to thank you for your patronage, the princess will fetch a high price, I am sure Xuferia's greatest enemy kingdom.

The Thax Dynasty would pay a large sum for the royal blood of Xuferia." Said the man as he walked past the commander who fell further and struggled to even lift his body off the ground, he was glowing a light golden color trying to overcome the relic but to no avail.

The guards rushed the man but they were swiftly taken down by the bandits. The man came to the carriage and forced the door open.

They grabbed her by the hair and pushed her, she walked forward and tripped falling. "How dare you! I am the Princess! I can have your heads for this!" She threatened.

The men laughed. "Of course your majesty."

The commander growled. "You will be hunted by the empire, and I will be the one to hunt you down! Even to the ends of the earth!" Said the commander.

"We look forward to it." The man said as he picked the princess off of the ground and chucked her next to the young man who was still staring at the sky.

'I wonder what I will eat later?' He thought as he was slapped over the head, snapping him out of his reverie.

"Don't think I have forgotten about you!" The burly man said as he slapped Sukishi.

"I don't think your brains are capable of telling you how badly you are messing up for I am warrior, one of great power and ability! I could end your life by clicking my fingers! You can still turn around." Said Sukishi as he stared at the burly man.

"Of course and I am a king! Now let your head roll!" Said the burly man as he swung his axe.

The princess screamed as the axe hit the young man's neck and shattered numbing the burly man's hands.

"What in the...?" The burly man didn't get to finish as Don Sukishi tore the ropes tying him down.

"Well, I tried to warn you." Said Sukishi as he snapped his fingers and the burly man's head exploded.

"W-what...?" The other bandits took a step back in fear, everyone was silent. "Y-you! You're another guard of the princess aren't you!?" Asked the man.

Sukishi shook his head. "No, I am Don Sukishi! A wandering lower emperor, you, my friend have the worst of luck!" Said Sukishi as the man aimed the relic at him.

"That toy won't work on me." Said Sukishi as the pressure from the relic enveloped him, he walked forward and placed his hand on the relic in the man's hand, and crushed it.

The man fell back in fear, the commander finally stood up panting. "Since you tried to suppress me, I will return the favor." Sukishi's eyes glowed green as the ground caved in and pressure erupted onto the man forcing him face-first into the ground.

The people were stupefied at the display. Sukishi stretched as he looked to all the other bandits and raised his hand, wanting to snap his fingers but the commander's voice stopped him.

"Hold on great emperor! I beg you show mercy on the bandits! We need to take them back to the castle and have them questioned, we need to know how they knew the princess would be here." The commander spoke.

Sukishi looked at the commander unnerving him, his eyes were still glowing deep emerald green, he shrugged and his eyes stopped glowing and the pressure disappeared and the man passed out on the ground.

He stretched and walked back to the wagon and laid on the back with the straw in his mouth, he looked to the owner of the wagon. "Hey old man, this is still going to the capital right?" The old man being too scared to answer vocally just nodded.

"Hold on great emperor! Why not travel with us! You are going to the capital yes? Come with us! I am sure his majesty the king will reward you handsomely! You saved the life of the only princess!" Said the commander.

Sukishi opened one eye and stared at the commander. "Okay first off, I am not great emperor! My name is Don Sukishi! Secondly, stop being so formal, it sounds like I am your superior or something and honestly it's kind of creeping me out." Sukishi explained.

"See if I was riding both sides of the wagon I would have assumed you must be in love with me or something, I am sorry one wagon is all I am interested in! Besides you don't look like you have anything bigger than 4 inches so I pity whoever has to marry you."

Everyone stood quietly and listened to Sukishi as he finished his points. "Thirdly, I only agree to come with you if you give me some gold coins, I told these guys I was going to give them five copper coins but honestly I don't even have one copper coin, I was planning on running once I reached the capital!" He admitted casually.

The commander stood there a bit confused about what just happened, was he just rejected?

"I take it that's a yes?" He said. Sukishi nodded and got off the straw wagon.

"If it's not too much could you give them a gold coin?" He asked the commander nodded.

"Right this way." The commander said and led the man onto one of the seats on top of the carriage as the princess was helped up and guided back into the carriage.

One of the guards walked up to the peasants and gave them a gold coin, the peasants were awestruck as they have never seen a gold coin before.

When Sukishi sat atop the carriage next to the commander he glanced around and relaxed. "Great emper-" The commander started but didn't finish, Sukishi glanced at him. "Don Sukishi! What brings you to the Xuferian Empire, you seem young to be an emperor." Lord Alaric questioned.

Sukishi shrugged. "My uncle was a Great Emperor, very old, he taught me everything I know, I use a special type of magic which I will not disclose," Sukishi said. "And don't ask."

Alaric nodded. 'He seems so weak and fragile right now, but earlier, It felt like I could die by merely gazing into his eyes, he is a real emperor.' Alaric thought.

In a not-so-distant village.

"Dear! Are you sure you want to proceed with the marriage?" The woman asked.

Tyadin turned to face her. "Of course Elaine, you worry far too much."

A look of concern was on her face. "I do not want to lay with that ugly pig!" She said somewhat angrily.

Tyadin erupted into laughter. "Careful, we do not want anyone to hear you and report you to him, however, we will leave at midnight and tie our fate, we will marry in secret once we left this village, start afresh." He said, she nodded.

"I know, I just cannot help but feel unease in my heart, many have been put to death trying to avoid the law." She argued.

"And many more will be put to death but I will make sure we achieve it! Helphyre will be here two hours after sundown, he will lead us away, I have known him for many years, we are beast kin, I trust him with my life." Tyadin said.

Elaine nodded. "You said he knows of a way?" She asked.

Tyadin nodded. "He is not one to lie and play with lives, if he says he can do it I believe him, he plans on escaping with his wife, he has already done it for others, but doing it so soon will bring suspicion so he plans to leave with us, if something were to happen he would be there to fight alongside me!" Tyadin said confidently as he beat his chest, Elaine shook her head.

"I would prefer it if you were not to fight at all!"

He nodded. "That is only natural, fighting the lord's men is not a path we wish to take. His wife is carrying a child, fighting is an option that will be considered when all is lost." He finished as she lay on his chest.

In the capital city not so far away from a certain magic academy, a carriage stopped, and out came a blond, as he walked the gates opened and let him in when he entered a line of maids and butlers stood at the ready.

"Welcome home Master Galahad. Your father awaits you in his chancellery." He didn't spare them a glance and continued on his way, taking off his coat he dropped it on the maids' open arms.

He reached the third floor of the mansion and walked down the empty corridors and came across one of the maids' children, a servant in training, the kid was dusting a vase. He stood for a few seconds and continued his walk.

The child heard the approaching footsteps and immediately turned to his master. "Good evening Master Galahad."

He continued his stride and passed the child. "Oh no ahhh!"

Smash!

Galahad stopped and turned, the vase was in pieces on the floor. The kid scrambled on the floor to clean it when he realized that he was being stared at, turning blue in the face. "My apologies master, I will clean this mess up right away!"

Dropping to his knees he started picking up the sharp edges of the vase cutting himself.

Biting his lower lip to keep his mind off the pain as he vigorously picked up the broken glass. He was stopped when a hand rested on his hands.

Looking up he stared straight into Galahad's eyes, the cold look in his eyes freezing the child's soul to the core.

Galahad smiled and the cold gaze warmed. "Calm down little one, call the head maid and tell her of what happened, she will clean up this mess, go and have your hands taken care of." He said as he took out a handkerchief and gave it to the child.

One of the maids finally appeared, Galahad looked at her, the warmth gone. "Lily, clean this, I wasn't paying attention and knocked one of father's prized vases, I will inform him on my way to mother's chamber, I will replace it," Galahad said. "And take care of Rudy here, he seems to have cut his hands trying to clean."

She nodded. "Of course master." Galahad stood up and turned and left.

When he was gone she looked at Rudy angrily. "You broke one of Master Wright's prized vases!? Be thankful Master Galahad was here or...I do not know how you would survive the consequences." She scolded as she hugged him.

Galahad made his way to his father's chancellery, he knocked once and waited until he heard a voice answer.

"Come in." Opening the door he entered.

"You called for me father," Galahad answered, his father was not alone, a old business partner came to visit.

"The walls have ears, I heard you stood up for that disgrace and even offered her your protection? Explain." His father's voice was firm and unwavering.

Glancing at the old partner. 'I see, so this man tells tales as old wives do, not someone I will be doing business with in the future he has most likely stolen millions from father over the years, one with many mouths often has many pockets...that I have come to learn.' He thought.

Not one to back down Galahad stood upright. "Indeed, Atla is not the one who failed miserably at her task, her useless parents are at fault, they lost their land and power due to their stupidity, Atla is the one who salvaged what little reputation they had and is currently single-handedly prying the land and power back from the usurpers. I believe it is in our best interests to keep relations with her." Galahad answered.

"You believe, do you? Who asked you to believe, the Farrengram family has fallen and is no longer part of the business network, you will retract your protection and leave the trash alone!" He said and turned and stared at Galahad.

Blinking slowly. "With all due respect I will not, I am Galahad Wright, I do not change my mind for anyone, including you father, you are the one who ingrained this into me, Atlas is still my dear cousin, one of the greatest fire mage prodigies seen, I refuse to cut off my connection." He said. "She could reach Legend rank eventually."

His father stared at him, it was intense and quiet for a few moments until laughter broke out. "I see you are still a stubborn bastard Galahad. If not for your shrewd business mind and magic capacity, I would have had your tongue for your insolence." His father said.

Galahad nodded. "Indeed, I believe this will be the last time you try and coerce me to change my mind on these matters, you are getting old," Said Galahad as he turned to leave. "Leave the decisions to me."

He started walking and stopped. "Before I forget, I broke one of your prized vases, I felt like breaking something expensive, do not worry I will seek out another one to replace the destroyed one." With that Galahad walked out and closed the door.

His father stood there with a grin on his face, he turned to his companion. "He will lead this family to even greater heights!" He said.

His companion was speechless, he had never heard anyone talk to Lord Wright like that before.