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"I am not a kid, Jack. I know what it means to be a soldier and put my life at risk. I lost the fight, but I can't hate someone because they are stronger than me, and I definitely can't hate Luna, who was put in this situation." Billy's tone was stern and echoed authority. Jack couldn't look past it so easily, especially when the bright white bandages covering his friend's chest and remainder of an arm won't let go of his sight.
"You all came here because something happened, didn't it. Billy's right, there is no point in having a hatred in someone who is suffering more than us. She is just a child and if your guilt is what is keeping you from entering this house, then cast it aside immediately. This is about her, not you or us." Monica's emeralds also stern and clear.
"Yea, you are right." Jack hung his head, but his shoulders relaxed as well. How much of their words matched how they actually felt?
"Luna, are you okay? Do you need anything?" Stella's voice strained. It sounded like tears were about to make their appearance. Luna was the complete opposite. Her face was blank as she continued to devour the porridge placed in front of her.
"So, she only really responds to Ace? I wonder why that is," Monica questioned while joining the sisters at the table. Her eyes melted when looking at the distant child.
"It could be cause he saved her the first time they met, or he did feed her when she was hungry," Billy chimed in.
"It also could be that she understands how strong he is due to her sharp instincts." Jack joined the train of thought.
"Yea, ya could be right. He must be strong to take on Eclipse." Billy's eyes looked off to the distance. "Mr. Quinn. It really was happening right here under our noses. A citizen of this town... He did this to her—" Jack could see subtle tears forming in his eyes. It caught everyone by surprise. "It is pretty frustrating right. The kid has dark wisps. She is a kid."
Jack glanced at Monica's stomach. His own stomach turns thinking that something like that could happen to their child. The looks on the couple's faces show the same sickening dread. Jack just wants everyone to be okay. "Ummm, I don't know much about dark wisps. Is it a bad thing? Tenny just says that it takes special conditions."
"I am not sure either. I have not seen any user personally, but I have heard there are users in my kingdom. I have only heard the rumours of dark mimics," Stella announced.
"Dark magic is said to be sad magic. People who can use it, have gone through a lot." Billy continued his point. Jack felt his mouth dry up as his eyes became moister. He stared at the killer who cleaned her bowl and sat there watching the ground. Jack's head pounded. He felt his chest get warmer. Eclipse deserved his wrath. They are the reason for all of this.
Stella noticed her friend's silence. His hands twitching and eyes focused on something clearly not in the room. "What are we going to do about Ace?"
"What is going on with that guy? Is he going to be all right?" the soldier questioned.
"I don't think we need to worry about him being hurt. He could have killed everyone in there. Right Tenny?" Stella's hands and feet restlessly tapped away at any wood surface they could find. Jack knew she disliked this situation. They could have stopped Eclipse and saved Luna, but Ace was being stubborn.
"I wouldn't say that. He definitely can get hurt, but he wouldn't let himself be killed." Tenny's consistent calm and playful voice brought a strange relief to the tension, but his words confused them more.
"What do you mean?" Jack sat down with them.
"Ace did it for some reason, and if they decide to hurt him, then I don't think he will run away or fight back. He would take whatever he has to, up until he is about to die. He can't let himself die. His life is way too important."
"So then why does he do stupid things like this?" Stella raised her voice drastically. Everyone panicked a bit and all eyes fell on Luna. Was she startled? Did she feel threatened? She sat there, still emotionless, still just staring at the floor. "Jack, what does the letter say."
Jack wanted to open the letter as soon as they arrived, but the words Ace tagged the note with, haunted him. What decision could he possibly make? He wants to save his mentor. That was the only option. Why did Ace leave the decision with him? Jack lifted the letter and combed through every word quickly. He sat down with his eyes a bit distant and a weird grin on his face.
"I'm not sure how he does it. He is crazy." Jack's mumblings caught the attention of his ashen haired friend. She snatched the letter and began to read it out loud.
"I probably could have told you all this in person, but I figured a letter would look super cool and dramatic. Things didn't really go as planned, but we have won. I did things this way because I figured it would be the most peaceful way. I also know that there are other feelings involved now so I wanted to lay the foundation. The choice is up to you:
1. If you don't want to fight and we should just escape the town with Luna, then send Tenny to tell me and I will break free, and we will be on our way.
2. If you want to fight and take down Eclipse, then send Tenny to get help from home. He should be able to make it just in time. It would be important that you keep up the charade and try and get everyone to safety before taking on Eclipse. I will stay and keep an eye on them if this route you are taking.
Good luck, don't overthink, just pick one and it will all work out."
"He would make a great tactician. Do ya guys have reinforcements?"
"Yea I think I know what he is talking about. It would be cutting it close for them to make it on time."
"Hon, it isn't decided yet. Jack, what do you want to do? You aren't obligated to fight for us. I kind of just want you all to look after Luna." Monica had a valid point.
"Ace already said I am too close to this, and I think I can see why. I believe the right thing to do is to crush Eclipse for all they have done, but I just want everything to be over. Now the Empire has information about Eclipse. I am sure they can be stopped now," Stella said.
"They are right Jack. I got a little too hasty. It is my job to stop them, and ya done enough, kid."
"Yea hon, we are all proud of you."
"We can just go get Ace."
"You have to make the decision now, Jack, otherwise I won't make it in time."
All the voices felt like they were merging. They weren't pressuring him, but he felt his chest contract and his hearing muzzled. The decision is in his hands, and everyone had a point. They are adventurers. They just wanted to save Luna. That was done. Billy and his friends can catch them. Billy...they would be okay. He deserves justice and he will get it using his own power. He should be home resting though. He should be waiting for his child. His child...how could they feel safe until Eclipse is caught. What if this happens again? Jack's eyes focus on Luna. His vision becomes a little hazy. His fist clenched and his teeth mimicked the behaviour. Even if they never kidnap anyone again, the fact is that they have already done it once. They have caused pain and suffering, and they should be stopped. They carry the potential to do it all again. Billy might stop them, but he deserves his justice as well. This might be the best plan. This should be the best...
"Jack, breathe." Billy had his hand on Jack's shoulder. All eyes were on him. All eyes including the dim violet eyes of the quiet girl in the chair.
"Tenny, go get help. We are going to take down Eclipse." The confidence in Jack's voice forced a grin on the faces of everyone who shared a different opinion a moment ago. The air in the room felt crisp. Tenny was gone before anyone could blink.
***
"Are you sure you want to fight too?" Jack questioned his friend on the walk to the tavern.
"I already said yes, three times now. We all know you get stuck in your head often, but I'm pretty sure you heard me all...three...times."
"Yea, but you still haven't given a valid reason at all. We have Luna now. It is more important to keep her safe and out of battle."
"I agree with you in keeping her out, but I really want to crush those guys for taking her in the first place. She can stay safe with Billy and Monica. I don't think they will be in the battle."
"That's true, even though I am sure Billy wants to be. It is great that he will get his friends to help. Having this town's military as support is great, but back to the plan. I am not sure it is ideal. I mean, Luna still chopped off Billy's arm. I know they forgive her and look out for her, but wouldn't it still be sort of awkward?"
"I thought so at first, but Monica isn't letting Luna out of her sight."
"I figured you would have been the same way."
"I want to be, but there is so much that happened. I don't know if to address it, move pass it, I can't even say I know how to get her to talk. It's awkward and difficult, so I am taking my time. I kind of want Ace around. Speaking of the cheeky monster. He makes me feel frustratingly indebted to him. Like he takes everything to extremes. Ugh, but he did make it clear that you are in charge. I already owe you for helping, and I want to crush Eclipse, so it works out for me."
"I understand, but how sure are you? These guys are on another level. I am pretty scared."
"For the last time, and I mean last time. I am completely sure. Plus, I am stronger than you. It would look bad if I let you get beat up without even trying."
"Yea yea, you are right. You deserve to get your ass kicked just as much as me. Let's hope everything goes according to plan then."
The pair finished the conversation in perfect coordination with their arrival at the tavern. The mission was to get everyone to avoid coming out in three days, and to help sell the arrival of a convoy. The tavern seemed like the best place for starting a rumour.
"Jack! Help!" The toothless tavern owner launched at the pair. "We have run out of apples!"
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
Jack's face contorted into discontent. "Why are you so concerned about apples? Can't you get more tomorrow?"
"Jack! It's worse than that. I have to get enough apples for the royalty passing through the town. I hear they love apples! What if they take all the apples and there isn't any for Ace and Tenny. I have to make sure there is enough Jack! What if there isn't enough?"
"Wait how do you know there is a royal coming? How do you know they like apples? Should Ace and Tenny really be your concern?" Jack placed his hands on Mr. Lundred's shoulders. Jack couldn't focus on the fast-moving irises plopped in the old man's head.
"Tenny stopped by not too long ago and took all the apples. He said to stock up a lot, because royals are coming through the town, and they love apples. Jack, should I hide all the apples tomorrow and tell the royal's we didn't get any?"
"Oh, I see. It was Tenny that did this." Jack returned to disappointment. "I think we will be okay. No need to hide the apples."
"Why would you even believe Tenny? That pair looks like they are always up to something." Stella tapped her foot on the ground quite aggressively. The vein on her forehead made an appearance.
"Oh, by the way, before I forget. There was a gentleman asking about Eclipse. I know you guys were looking for the same thing. I told him about you guys, and he said he would wait. He is sitting over there."
"Why wouldn't you start with that? You have to get your priorities straight old man." Stella's voice made the old man step back.
"You obviously haven't had any of our apples," Lundred chimed back.
"You really should have just started with that. It feels like this entire thing is padding." Jack sighed.
"You should pad your face," The inn keeper snapped back.
"Wait, why did he wait here. Why didn't you send for us? Why did you think we would pass by here today?" Jack was confused about the entire exchange to be honest.
"Cause we have the best apples."
Jack felt the wisps shift in the room. Stella's hand was glowing, and her forehead vein began to look like a horn.
"I hope all your apples have worms in them!" Stella yelled back.
The old man stumbled backwards. His heart was shattered. The curse placed on him would haunt him for the rest of his life. He would never wish that on anyone. Stella has a dark side. Jack's face had visible horror spread on it. He couldn't believe this woman was his friend.
"Don't give me that look, or I'll kill you," Stella mumbled before dragging her friend from the scene they spent too long in.
The man sat there with beer in his mug and was reading something in a notepad. His face was rugged, but he didn't seem very old. He is probably a couple years older than Ace. The dark blond stubble on his face matched his messy hair falling in all directions. His glasses were framed with a thin dull metal and thinner lenses. Who could he be? Why was he looking for Eclipse? How cautious should they be?
"Mr. Lundred told us that you are looking for Eclipse?" Stella started the interrogation.
"Indeed I am. I was told you could help. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that you would have a lead, Miss Ursa de Duo. Stella is the name, right?" The thin grin on the individuals face didn't scream any intention, but it looked prideful.
"How do you know Stella? What do you want?" Jack's instincts inched him away from the table. His hand floating around the side of Stella, just in case. The thin grin changed into a large laugh.
"It is Stella! I was right! I was totally casting in the dark there. I can see you are weary. Take a seat and let me introduce myself properly. Have a drink."
"We have a lot of stuff to do. I don't think I can entertain a drink. Depending on how you know me, I am not sure you will have time for another drink either." Stella's cold stare made Jack inch further away from her as well.
"Your words are exactly what I was hoping to hear. I am a reporter. My name is William Ways. I have been looking into Eclipse, and my research has led me to discover Cartina's dark secret. Luna Ursa de Duo. It was all speculation, and I am not sure about any of it, but seeing you here, so passionate. It tells me everything might be true. Please take a seat, I really would like to know your story."
"Mr. Ways—" Jack, started while joining his friend in siting down. Two beers were brought by the apple crazed old man.
"Please, call me William."
"William, why are you looking for Eclipse?"
"Who are you?"
"My name is Jack. I am helping Stella."
"Interesting, and what have you found?"
"You are not going to get answers until you make yourself clear." Stella broke the flow.
"What do you want to know?"
"Who you really are. Why you want to know about Eclipse? What do you already know about Eclipse?" she answered.
"Goodness Miss Ursa, do you want a job as my subordinate?" The man smiled and took a sip from the mug. "I already introduced myself and I am a reporter. If you chose not to believe it, then that is on you, but I can give you the emotional backstory I always give people to open them up. I figured you guys wouldn't be interested since you are practical but here it goes.
"I used to be a mail man. I travelled a lot of the world. I saw the differences in how many citizens lived. The key word is citizens. Everyone under the Empire as a citizen, but their lives were vastly different. While delivering mail, I decided to get to learn the stories of individuals. It was shocking, as many of the citizens, did not know the vast difference in their lifestyle. It's strange. The majority of people were content. It made me question if they would feel the same way with more information. It was then and there I decided to spread information, but only the facts. It would have to be on the short comings of the Empire, but only as real events the public deserves to know. With my pen and mind, I can help bring justice for the people. I can be the strength of the common man! Ha, it sounds super ethical right. That is normally where I stop, but I can tell you have met some smooth talkers already." Their minds think back on their captured moustache.
"Yea, that expression tells me I am right. The truth is, I don't know if the Empire is wrong. I am not sure what the answers are, or if there is such a thing as fairness. I am not sure if I began writing with those ambitions or if just sold myself on the ideal to get out of bed. What I'm really after is a show. I want to see what the world does when they find out more. I want to see the answers to difference that the people themselves come up with. I want to see how they hold the empire accountable to the injustices and short comings. Would there be chaos or peace? Will there be forgiveness or change?"
William's eyes were lost in his words. His smile was truly terrifying. Jack shivered with his instincts in full affect again. Stella's eyes were sharp. Her curiosity had peaked. They met an interesting gentleman. She had enough dangerous friends, so she was sure that they wouldn't meet again, but in this moment, she was on edge.
"I have seen a lot of difference from Cartina to smaller villages. I can understand your expression Mr. Ways. We are all fighting for our beliefs in our own ways it seems. Why are you interested in Eclipse? What do you know about them?"
"Call me William. The short comings of the empire. Eclipse is not the biggest of the mercenary groups. Not by a long shot, but they are probably the most famous that does not have an affiliation with a Dark Kingdom. I can understand why the empire can't fight Dark Kingdoms, but how could they let an organisation that commits crime, live among the citizens? I figured I should cover their story."
"I am sorry to interrupt William, but what are Dark Kingdoms? I recently heard it mentioned, but I have no idea what it is." Jack had finished half of his mug while Stella was signalling for another one. William waited for Stella's eyes to meet theirs again, as if to allow her a chance to answer the question.
"Oh, I am not sure myself. I just know that they are scary places where criminals hide," Stella said in between sips of beer. Jack figured that the alcohol helped her relax after all the compounded stress. Truthfully, they should relax. They succeeded. Luna was with them, and Ace could handle himself. This was just to make the world a better place. Jack grinned to himself.
"You are a weird one. Who asks a question and then smiles to themself? Miss Ursa is right for the most part. Dark Kingdom's aren't really kingdoms, but they are small makeshift encampments that have no fixed location. You must know where one of the encampments will be for you to make use of it. Any of the encampments in a certain territory belongs to a Dark Kingdom, and they are ruled by extraordinarily powerful people called the Stray Monarchs. Right now, there are 4 of them and they have territory that expands the entire Northern Continent. The districts made on the map of Sovalan aren't just for military distribution and resource management, but it is secretly how The Empire knows which dark kingdom they are in. Left Left is for The Twilight Tyrant, Middle Left...The Chief, Middle Right...The Night Queen, and End belongs to The Shadow Warlord.
"Since the Empire uses the ledger system, and the government oversees resource distribution, then it is very hard to sell goods or services as a criminal. This is where Dark Kingdoms come in. They still don't use a currency like the Southern Continent or like the old days, but they trade valuables. I have never been to one, so I can't say I have the expertise in the differences, but everyone I ever talked to about it agrees on one thing. There is freedom in the Dark Kingdoms, but I can't see how free they are, always hiding, but to each their own."
"I understand. Would it be hard to start a Dark Kingdom?" Jack enquired. William lit a cigarette and focused on the ceiling a bit.
"Extremely difficult. I don't think Eclipse is capable of something like that right now. It would take an extremely large force, and a crazy amount of money. The reason Dark Kingdom's aren't hunted down is because the Stray Monarchs are just as strong, if not stronger than one of the 14 Generals. I mean he can hire someone that strong I guess, but that would be a lot to convince them. If that is what they are after, then I don't think it is reasonable, but it does make sense." Stella looked at Jack.
"You think that they know Ace is bluffing?" Her voice was panicked.
"Probably. Mr. Quinn has made it this far already. I have to assume he knows his stuff."
"What would he gain by taking Ace? He probably didn't have a choice looking back at it."
"Yea it was probably to gain more time. What should we do? Should we go signal for him to escape?" Jack gets up from his seat as Stella follows suit.
"We should, right? Ace could be in danger—" The two pause and sit down with embarrassed looks on their faces. Stella shakes her head and begins drinking her beer again. Jack has a small awkward chuckle. William's neck pivoted between the pair as he tried to grasp the sudden change in demeanour.
"I'm sorry to intrude, but your friend is in trouble, right? Shouldn't you go and do something?"
"We forgot who we were dealing with for a moment. I am not sure how to describe it, but I don't think anything will happen to him." Jack's tone was shy and softspoken. William wasn't sure how someone could be so embarrassed about assuming they were in danger. He was glad he met these guys. They were interesting.
"I am also sure he thought he could still get them to show up on time. I think we should assume that the plan will work and just keep in mind that we are fighting against an enemy that knows we are coming."
"I am sorry Miss Ursa, but can you clue me in. I am completely lost."
"We can if you agree to help us. If you write an announcement that royals are due to pass into this town then I am sure they will believe you. That way, we can keep an element of surprise." Jack's eyes glistened as Stella nodded along. He focused in on William's irises and contemplated if meeting this man was a work of fate.
"I'm sorry kid. I have my morals and ethics. I refuse to create something and share it with the population if it is not a truth. I may be wrong in research and opinions, but I cannot willingly publish something that I know is a lie." The last word out of his mouth came with the last wisps of smoke from his cigarette.
"That makes sense. I didn't think of that. Speaking of moral code, that reminds me of something I got to do later." Jack glanced at Stella's ashen hair.
"Well, Mr. Ways the reporter. I will tell you all we know, and you can tell us all you know, but I also know that in three days we will write you a story much grander than anything we can tell you now, so I recommend sticking around until then," the slightly tipsy ashen haired warrior stated.
The three of them sat around explaining the history and current events of the mercenary group named Eclipse. Jack and Stella were careful, not to explain their plans, in case there were listeners close by, or if William himself was a traitor. William seemed to pick up on it but decided not to pry on those matters. Afterall, he was looking for a show. A couple more beers were drunk, and cigarettes were burned before William left the pair with a malicious looking smile stretched across his face. Jack figured that he will be able to help them out one day, and it was good to help someone with their dream.
***
Jack was sitting by the torch in his room. The sound of a coarse stone being dragged across metal was interrupted by the sound of knuckles pounding on wood.
"Come in."
Stella's eyes were low, and her walk was slow. She took a seat on Jack's bed while he continued what he was doing. Stella would talk about what was bothering her if she wanted to, he didn't feel he needed to ask.
"Is Luna asleep?"
"Yea. It took her awhile, but she is asleep in the corner of the room. What are you doing?" she calmly said over the scraping sound.
"I am dulling my blade. Ace doesn't want me to kill, and I agree with him. This is something I figured I could do, so I wouldn't have to hold back as much."
"Would you mind dulling my dagger as well? If Ace says we shouldn't, then I don't want too either. In a short time, he has really gained my respect. He is doing so much for our wishes, and we put it off as easy stuff because of how he makes it seem, but it isn't. I think talking to William today made me realize what he is up against. What we are up against."
"Is that what's bothering you?"
"What do you mean?"
"Are you scared of Eclipse and fighting them after talking to William?"
"Oh no, not at all. I am just nervous for when it is over. It sounds dumb, but I really want to see what you guys are going to do after. I want to stay by everyone's side longer. It's just I am not sure what is the right thing to do. I want to give Luna everything she needs. I want to make her happy again. I am not sure, dragging her home is the answer to that either."
"Damn, that is alot to think about. I think that you shouldn't rush into it. We are not sure what Luna is really like yet. We can barely stay close to her. I think you should stick around, or at least take your time going home. Maybe, there will be a sign or something in that time." The sweat on Jack's forehead as he tried to articulate a plan put a small smile on Stella's face. She wasn't sure what to do, but everyone has already proved that she did not have to do it alone.