The town had cleaned up and was preparing to wind down for the night. With Grimm in town everyone cleaned as thoroughly as possible.

The tall warrior slowly walked past everyone, reminiscing on his previous battles. He was intrigued by Ezra the most, Nicholai was also someone to keep an eye on, and Katreena felt like a natural, yet had anger inside of her.

He approached the lower village's prison hold. Inside two of his young disciplines sat in a cell. They both noticed him immediately. Grimm turned to the man on watch, and nodded. Indicating to him to leave them in. Grimm took the chair and sat in front of the bars.

“I’m sure you felt the rumbles from the fight I just had.” Grimm said to the two.

“You were in a fight?” The pink haired boy, Mascal, asked.

“With the green haired girl. She’s rather powerful. Let’s just say if you two didn’t get the jump on her. Well, you wouldn’t be doing much jumping for the rest of your lives.” The boys tensed up. They understood their mistake.

“We….we didn't want to hurt her. It all happened so quickly. We….we were just curious.” The blue haired boy, Justil, said. They knew the action was wrong from the start.

“Your curiosity almost got a girl killed and turned into a zombie. Just what were you so curious about?” Grimm angrily asked them.

“Everytime we come to the village, you always….meet with girls. Sometimes you go into their houses with them. Like that Nimul girl. You always talk to her.” Mascal said back. Grimm sighed to himself. He covered his face in shame. His trips were mostly for important tasks needed to be completed for Benneb, but he always found himself in need of the care of a woman. He never considered how his boys would react to this. To him, this was the worst possible outcome.

“Look. I’m only going to say this once and as bluntly as possible. First, don’t ever pull some shit like that again. Second, both of you will be turning 18 soon. If you want to know what being with a woman is actually like, then I suggest you ask first before skipping a few steps. Because next time you might come across a woman who you can’t get the jump on.” Grimm said intently.

“But how are we supposed to get that chance. We only come to the village every now and then, then once we complete whatever cloudhead sends us to do we just go back to camp. We train and go on small scale missions. There’s no inbetween. I just want something else now. We want something else now.” The boy cried to his father figure. Grimm knew where their anger was coming from. “We know we fucked up. And it’s not going to happen again. But nothing is going to happen if we remain where we are, pops!”

Grimm sighed at the boy's gesture. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to hold you boys back. It’s my fault for not taking an opportunity to teach you this stuff when i had the chance. I was caught up in so much.” Grimm stands up, he opens the cell door. He then stares at the boys fiercely. “But no matter what. That doesn’t give you an excuse to do what you tried to do. Next time. Ask someone before you do something so brash.”

The boys stood up and kneeled before Grimm. Their apology was accepted, and the lesson learned.

“Oh. Also. There was a man we came across. I think he was the black knight people was talking about while we were in Foyun.” Justil said.

“Black Knight?” Grimm said, confused.

“Yeah. Apparently he destroyed a few towns. He was riding a large black horse, and was headed towards the mountain.” Grimm thought about this Black Knight.

“Did we come across him?” Grimm thought to himself.

“We didn’t try to fight him?” Mascal said.

“Good. Now help the villagers clean up. Afterwards head to bed.” Grimm said, leaving the prison hold. Mascal and Justil walked out into the village. Some of the villagers looked at them with hints of fear and distrust. So they set off to remove it, with their aid. Grimm gave them both a push, before walking

Inside the tavern. Ezra sat down with Nicholai, and they were enjoying dinner. Ezra had a balanced meal as opposed to his usual serving of just meat. Nicholai had only vegetables. They sat in the back, where Anabelle could be seated next to them.

“So. We got our asses humiliated in front of the whole village.” Nicholai said. Staring directly at his food.

‘It doesn’t matter. At the end of the day. Even if we did. It’s not like the villagers are going to come at us with hate or anything. Remember, we’re the ones who have to fight for this place.” Ezra came back to lift his friend's spirit. Nicholai didn’t respond at first. Instead he stood up.

“Let’s go fight something.”

The three move out of the village and to the nearby woods. They search around for something of their merit, but instead it found them.

A large scorpion with a golden stinger was their enemy. Ezra slashed away at it’s huge claws. He used the trees for cover, then bounced off them for more momentum. He rained down both fireballs and lightning bolts. The beast had strong armor.

Nicholai stood from afar. He moved the bark from the trees to create large wooden spikes to pierce right through the monsters armor. Yet the beast was smarter than he looked. His stinger was fast, and was used to deflect each wooden spike as it came. The scorpion noticed where they were coming from. His last attack swatted at Ezra. knocking him into a tree. Then it leapt for the sorcerer.

It’s stinger was ready to pierce right through his stomach. Nicholai didn’t wane. Instead. He threw his spear aside, and put both of his hands forward. He tried to cast his magic, yet nothing happened. The scorpion was close. Nicholai tried his technique again, and still nothing occurred. He realized his mistake. The golden stinger was almost close.

Yet, it had been repelled downward by someone. A girl. Nicholai saw Katreena come to his aid. Ezra jumped over and stabbed right through it’s skull. Killing it instantly.

“You dropped your staff.”Katreena said, turning back to look at him.

“I didn’t.” Nicholai somberly replied.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

“I saw that. What were you doing?” Ezra asked, coming to the two. Nicholai sat down and grasped his staff.

“Nothing. Just experimenting.” The sorcerer responded. “What are you doing in this forest. I thought you were back in the village.” Katreena was asked.

“Well. I got back out here when everyone started cleaning.”” Katreena answered. She sat down on the scorpion's corpse.

“Why are you always running off? First back when Dustgarde was attacked. Then as soon as your fight with Grimm is over, and now this. You make it seem like you don’t want to do anything. There’s going to be a battle soon. We need someone of your caliber.” Ezra said.

“Noone asked me if I wanted to fight.” The girl quickly came back with.

“Well whoever sent you here must have known this would happen, and sent you to lend aid. I mean look at you. Or look at what you just did.” Ezra complimented the girl. She didn’t respond. Ezra saw both of his allies down. He needed to lighten the mood up.

“Have you guys ever met a dragon?” Ezra asked.

“Not until the one attacked Dustgarde.” Nicholai answered.

“I’ve seen dragons.” Katreena answered.

“Okay, what about one that can talk?” Ezra boastfully said. Making the two look at him with confusion.

“Dragons can’t talk.” Katreena said.

“The first one i met could. And they had a lot to say. I promised to bring my friends to meet them one day, but that was before.” Ezra started to slowly calm his words. Anabelle felt him quickly feel a sense of grief. “Anyway. I met this dragon. And they taught me so much.”

“Really. That’s pretty cool. Nicholai said standing up. Ezra smiled, getting his friend back in spirits.

“Yeah. And their still alive. I’m just waiting for the day I can see them again. And I want you guys to come!” Ezra exclaimed. Nicholai and Anabelle smiled, being on board with the idea.

“Why us? Didn’t you say you had other friends?” Katreena asked.

“Yeah….they’re out on their own adventures. Waiting for the day we’ll meet again. We Dracions love to adventure.” Ezra responded. Katreena then stood up before him.

“You’re a Dracion?” Katreena asked.

“Yup! I come from a whole line of draconian warriors.”

“What’s a Dracion?” Nicholai asked.

“It’s a human born with the blood of an Elder Dragon. We have increased physical strength, mana, and senses.” Ezra explained.

“So they do exist.” Katreena said with a voice of intrigue.

“Of course we do.” Ezra boasted. “So. I want to take you guys to meet the dragon i talked too. Want to come with me?”

“I’m in.” Nicholai answered.

“Of course. I’ll follow you anywhere.” Anabelle commented. They all then looked to Katreena. She sighed at first, then gave her answer.

“I….don’t know. I’ll have to think about it.”

“That’s good enough for me.” Ezra said, he looked out to the horizon and noticed the sun was going down. Night time had approached. “But what I need right now. Is a good bed. Let’s head back and get some shuteye. Maybe the old man will have something for us in the morning.”

The team all gathered themselves and headed for the village once again. Ezra congratulated himself. He got his friends back in order. Now to keep it up, and keep them close.

Grimm walked down the upper villages lit streets. The ground shined white as the day clouds. There were very few left outside. Some older folk who preferred the quiet of the night. A few shops remained open for any late night snackers.

However there was just one place, where a man like him could get good food, and enjoy himself. Down the northern corner of the upper village, was a building. Inside was where they stored any unused cloud bikes. However. One cloudbike was never in use. Under it’s seat was a button. Opening a secret door beside it.

Down a flight of stairs. One would come to the sound of music beyond a door. Inside. Lay a festival of enjoyment. Women were strewn over tables in revealing outfits. Dancing and serving for the contempt of the village's higher ups.

Grimm was welcomed immediately. He maneuvered around the large party, and found Benneb at the best table. A seat was open next for him. He sat and watched as the most beautiful dancer in the whole village, Nimul, did her thing. Nimul was a favorite for almost everyone in the village. A young dancer who also had talents in magic. Many even tried on numerous occasions to get her a Grimm to come together as a couple. In an attempt to get them to rule Cloudwick together as the star studded lovers.

He had come not for the party and enjoyment itself, but because Benneb required his presence to speak about something, and Grimm also had a question in mind.

“Welcome. My cold friend.” Nimul came down from the table and wrapped herself around Grimm. The man was unfazed by the woman. He just sat and waited for Benneb to finish his drink.

“So. you’re going to ignore me?” Nimul asked seductively.

“Sorry babe. Gotta speak with the boss here. It's important business. I hope you understand.” Grimm responded. He then quickly gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“Aww. but I was looking forward to seeing you today. You know, Benny getting pretty old. May be time for someone else to take command of this fair village.” The dancer tried to convince Grimm on the idea.

“Sorry. My days of ruling an area covered in this much white is over. How about you get me a drink. You know how I like it.” Nimul got up to fetch his beverage. Grimm turned to Benneb, who finished his large glass. “I gotta ask you something. Why did tell that kid Nicholai everything about Culion?”

“Oh. that. I just wanted to see how he would react.” Benneb drunkily replied. “You may not remember, but there was another mage who came through dressed similar to that young man.”

“And, what does that mean?” Grimm questioned.

“It means i’m getting closer to finding out more about Culion. Somewhere in the Freelands, there is a secret village of mages called Fayspell, perhaps it was created by Culion. But something about that village reeks of him. And that young man will lead us there.”

“Hmm. Guess you had too much to drink, because you actually sound serious.” Grimm said to the small man.

“Hey! I know what I’m talking about.” Benneb replied through his drunken words. Nimul had returned with Grimm’s drink.

“Hey. Nimul. Come over here!” Benneb called for the woman.

“Sorry benny, but I only have eyes for one old man.” She replied. Making the short begin to sob. Grimm groaned at his sadness.

“Hey. Grimm. How are your boys? The ones they locked up earlier today.” Benneb questioned.

“Fine. I had my talk with them. They learned their lesson.”

“Oh. Did they now? Guessing you didn’t have any punishment for them?” Nimul asked as she rewrapped herself around Grimm.

“They’ll get it in due time. Once the battles are over I’ll deal with them.”

“How about dealing with that now?” Benneb interrupted.

“What do you mean?”

“There’s been a sighting of Serx Knights down by fernal. There’s a chance they will attack the town.” Benneb stated.

“So it’s begun. You want me to take my boys out there and drive them away.”

“Not just them. Take the red haired boy and the messenger girl. They seem strong. I’ll keep the mage kid here with me so we can do some research for the charm.”

“It’s a mission I guess. Better head to sleep then.” Grimm got up from his seat. “You coming or not?” He asked Nimul. She nodded and wrapped her arm around his, and the two left room for a night of their own merriment.

The middle of the night was quiet. Ezra was woken up out of the blue. He felt something was off in the village. Anabelle was asleep down on the floor. Nicholai was in the bed across from him.

He grabbed his sword and slowly headed out of the door. Right outside, across from the Inn, was a small shop. A man serving bowls of meat and rice. It caught his nose. He began to be drawn toward it. He thought maybe a midnight snack wouldn’t be bad.

There was already someone sitting down eating. A rather tall man, same height if not taller than Grimm, and a large black horse sleeping beside him.

“Let me get a bowl.” Ezra said sitting down.

“Late night.” The man next to him asked.

“Yeah. Me and my friends are about to go into a fight. So we’re getting some rest and waiting for what happens next.”

“Are you scared to fight enemies you don’t understand?” He asked Ezra.

“Never. If I did, then I'd never get stronger.” Ezra said as he looked over to the man. He noticed his strong black hair, the strong scar over his left eye. His skin is colored the same as Ezra’s.

“Good answer.” The man said back. He tossed some coins on the counter. “It’s on me. How about a desert?”

“I can go for one.” Ezra answered. “So it’s my turn for a question. What brings you here? This place is on the edge of the Freelands. Where do you go from here?”

The man looked to Ezra and smiled.

“Oh. i’m going treasure hunting. My mom left something for me. And i have to find it. My father wanted me to.”

“Your dad is dead?” Ezra somberly asked.

“Yeah. He died a long time ago. So I’m trying to follow in his footsteps.”

“Awesome. Maybe we’ll cross paths again some day. You look strong. I would like to duel you some day.” Ezra said. The man began laughing. He stood up from his seat, still laughing. He places some more coins on the counter to pay for the desert.

“Someday kid. Let’s meet again when everything is going to shit. Maybe i’ll get you when you’re at your best.” He began to walk away. “Come on Theo.”

The large black mare stood up. Then his eyes opened. And they were bright, shining the same as Anabelle’s. It started to follow. Ezra stared in awe as the man left the village. For less did he know. The mysterious figure, was the proclaimed Black Knight.