Michail sat in the shadows at the back of the adventurer's base, watching Theo with a concerned frown. For the past week, Theo tried to apologize to Anita, but she wouldn't listen. He tried several times to give her the Opal, but again she refused, even went as far as to throw it into a dark tunnel before stomping off. Theo had, of course, retrieved it and handed it to Max, asking him to put it under Michails name.

Eventually, Theo stopped, figuring Anita wanted to be left alone. But anytime another woman or, for that matter, any Outworlder tried to speak to him, generally about his status and discussing ways that they could also get a class. Anita would arrive in an instant to get in between them. This, too, ultimately stopped as the others got tired of being glared at.

At this moment, Theo had been talking with Baldrin when Sheela walked over ta join in. Less than a minute later, Anita showed up, interrupting a joke Theo had been telling. Although Theo kept up his friendly smile, Michail could see a coldness seeping into his eyes every time Anita did this. Most don't know, but Michail grew up beside Theo. Theo is level-tempered, but he has a fuse, and it takes considerable time for a person to light it. Once they do, they never make it back into his good graces. Anita was very quickly getting to that point.

A plate of fried cabbage, sausage, and mashed potatoes landed on the table in front of Michail. Blinking, he turned his focus back to his immediate vicinity. Tallia sat down next to him on the bench, passing a fork. So they ate in silence for several minutes before Tallia blurted out. "I don't get it, what is Anita up to? Its clear she really likes Theo so why this strange show?"

Michail chewed slowly while thinking of a response. "My guess it's something to do with her family. She is, after all, the granddaughter of a Duke. What if they have other plans for the Prince's marriage? In her mind staying at arm's length is the smarter move while at the same time keeping any possible obstacles out of the picture... I am surprised she hasn't tried separating us yet, although you can bet she will before we get to her so-called Underground Capital."

Tallia dropped her fork in surprise before turning watery eyes to Michail.

Wiping a bit of sauce from Tallia's lips, Michail leaned forward, kissing her. "Don't worry; nothing can drive us apart. In fact, I have zero intention of following Anita. If Theo decides to go, then we will find our own path. I won't be a pawn in Noble's games. I haven't forgotten what Jeffree said about the night the False King attacked. There were no guards at the palace gates, nor was the City Garrison anywhere to be found. I can only assume they were ordered to stay away that night and who else but those High Noble families have that kind of clout in the Capital?"

Michail sighed as he noticed Anita begin sneering and gesticulating at Sheela and Baldrin across the table. Theo's face had gone expressionless by this point as he began drumming his right fingers on the table. The dududu sound kept getting faster and louder the more agitated the Prince became. Tallia also began to fidget as Anita's words kept increasing in volume.

Theo finally had enough. "Anita if you do not apologize immediately we shall have to part ways here and now."

Anita stood shouting back. "No I will not it is these vile disgusting Outworlders fault that our Kingdom has fallen into ruin. These people deserve no respect from a." But what she was about to say came to a sudden and violent end as Theo calmly stood, raised a single hand before slapping her across the face.

Theo's face was stone cold as he looked down on her. "Have you forgotten who I am or more to the point what I am or for that matter Tallia or James and hundreds of others scattered around the land." Everyone watched the scene in complete silence, most looking down at their plates.

Theo continued to stare into Anita's shocked eyes as she held a hand on her cheek. "Are you unaware that except for Greg and his fifty goons all of the Outworlders were children ranging from ten at the youngest to a handful that were seventeen? My own Mother was one of the latter."

Turning to Sheela, who had tears in her eyes from what Anita had said to her. "Sheela how old were you when you arrived and please tell our future 'Duchess' how you were treated."

Sheela, whose lips began to tremble, grabbed Baldrins hand. In a quiet voice, she began. "I was eleven. The staff at the orphanage told us we were going on a field trip to see where Gregorian corporation made video games. When we got there, a man dressed in strange robes that hid his features greeted us, explaining that we were lucky because we were going to be the first to test his new V.R.pod. We were all excited. In the orphanage, we didn't have any games, only endless chores. When I walked into the strange egg thing, I was engulfed in bright light. There was a moment of searing pain. Then I appeared naked in what was the Capital of Andoon."

Agnes stepped toward the table, fists clenched. "After we arrived, soldiers surrounded us. After several hours of scrutiny from all kinds of people in colorful, rich clothing, we got split up. The King ordered the Noble houses to find us, families, to take us in. Well, they followed his orders in a sense. I took a screenshot of my new home. This was, of course, several days later when I figured out how to do that... Here let me show you."

A second later, Anita and Theo were notified Agnes wanted to share a screenshot with them. Theo opened it first while Anita only stared dumbfounded at Agnus, not even glancing at the notification. "What does this have to do with anything?"

No sooner than those words left Anita's mouth, Theo growled at her. "Take a look and you will find out." Unbeknownst to Anita, both Agnus and Theo were both staring at the house emblem on her armor.

Flinching and taking a couple of steps back, Anita clicked on the notification. Everyone watched as Anita's hands flew to her mouth in horror. She had only enough time to say "No!" before she blacked out, barely being caught by Theo before hitting the floor.

Theo took a deep breath to calm down, picked Anita up, cradling her to his chest, then turned to Agnes, who was trying hard not to lunge at the girl. "Don't forget Anita wasn't born when this happened, and since she didn't even know that you were children when you arrived, it is unlikely that she knew about this."

Agnes took a long breath and unclenched her fists before walking around the table, placing a hand on Anita's forehead. "I know. I didn't mean to get so emotional. None of what happened back then was her fault. But you're mistaken. Anita was actually born while we still lived in those cages. I remember that day very well the General was furious and took two of us to 'Play with' that day. Because the wife he hated so much didn't give him a son." Agnes brushed a lock of blonde hair from Anita's face before turning around and walking away.

Meeting everyone's eyes, most of whom looked away, Theo sighed. "Sorry for disturbing your meals please carry on." Theo turned and carried Anita up the stairs heading toward her room. Theo laid Anita on her bed, covered her up then laid himself down beside her before lifting her head onto his shoulder. Theo stared at the ceiling, lost in his thoughts for five minutes, when Anita began to stir.

Anita stiffened, then pushed her face into Theo's side and began to ball. Theo could feel his shirt soaking up her tears and snot. He wrapped both arms around the crying girl and stayed silent, only listened to her muffled cries. Thirty minutes or so later, after Anita had finally fallen to sleep, Tallia peeked inside, seeing Theo give her a questioning glance. She gave a worried nod toward Anita. Theo gave a soft smile and waved Tallia out the door.

Instead of leaving, Tallia pushed the door wider, bringing in a tray of food. As soon as the smell reached Theo, his stomach began to growl loud enough to wake Anita. Anita looked around. When her eyes met Tallia's, she ducked her head.

Tallia set the tray on the table and sat herself down next to Anita. "Well, are you done being a self-righteous noble twat? If you are, we can be friends from now on."

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Theo felt hot tears land on his hand. Anita still held in a tight grip. But he kept silent this is something Anita needs to work through herself. A moment later, a very different James walked through the open door looking embarrassed. Theo found a grin spreading on his face immediately upon seeing this version of James. "Well, well, It would seem our little crossdresser has come out of her shell at last."

There was a definite blush on her face when she shyly looked at Anita. "I was worried about Anita, but Michail said I could only enter if I stopped pretending to be what I am not... But how come none of you seem surprised?"

Theo only chuckled and left the room, patting the elf on the shoulder before shutting the door behind him.

Even Anita had a small smile on her face. "Honestly Your parents acting was bad enough but your's is simply atrocious... Cecilia, by the way, who is the lucky guy? I have been wondering that since I first saw the dress your Mother is making."

Theo leaned against the door listening to the chatter within. Letting out a deep breath, he walked back downstairs once again, sitting across from Baldrin and his team. Joined shortly by Michail, who watched Theo thoughtfully. "Why are you so certain Anita is trustworthy?"

Baldrin, Agnes, and Sheela, along with the rest of the crowd, also watched Theo waiting for his explanation. Theo looked around at the waiting crowd. "I take it saying because I believe in her won't cut it?"

Agnes narrowed her eyes before speaking. "Listen I believe she didn't know about what kind of people the Nobles are. But she is still a Barnabus why are you so certain she will take your side over theirs. Anita has known you for less than two weeks as far as I know."

Theo sighed and waved Agnes down. "First, I will tell you why I began this little show... A day after we got here, Anita received a letter from outside. I don't know what was in it. She burned it, but that's when she began getting more erratic. Something in the letter upset her. Although... This is my guess. Whatever was in the letter made it clear that her family expected something from her, she isn't in agreement with. A split in loyalties occurred, on one side, her house, and on the other me."

After taking a breath, Theo continued. "Now I know what type of people the nobles are, but I couldn't just tell her. I am a bumpkin from a swamp village who grew up with one of the enemies. That's why I came to you, Agnes, and you, Sheela. Jeffree told me once, when he was drunk, what happened to all the pretty children. In his words, Greg brought them to this world to buy the loyalties of the rich clans and Nobles. Of course, he then rambled on for over an hour about how power breeds corruption and corruption breeds evil. But that's not important right now."

"Honestly I didn't expect things to go as far as they did. I wanted Anita to know enough about the Noble's that she would start to question things on her own and use her own judgment. But that screenshot blew that plan out the window."

Michail rubbed his temples. "So this was an act you set up to sway Anita in your favor is that the gist of it?"

Theo gave Michail a disapproving look. "No Anita is already on my side I needed her to stop blindly listening to her family and use her own head. Anita is too good for that family, much like her Mother."

Michail slammed his palm down on the table. "There it is again why are you so convinced about Anita's loyalty?"

Before Theo could retort, the door banged open, and Max strolled in, stopping in the threshold. "Uh, did I miss something?" Looking through the small crowd, his eyes alighted on Theo. "Your Highness can I speak with you for a second?"

The moment he said Highness Agnes turned white. "Shit I forgot; I just questioned the Prince."

Raising his voice over the din started by the crowd, Theo shouted. "Please do not call me Highness, Prince, or give me any such title. I am no Prince; nineteen years ago, my father died. The Royal Library and seven Towers vanished along with my Mother, Michail's Father, and the rest of the Champions. As far as Andoon is concerned, it too died that night. All that we have is land stuck in a tug-of-war between the old Noble families and the Demon faction. While the rest of us try to survive the best we are able in the middle. Let's not even mention our neighbors—allied nations and supposed friends who slammed the door in our faces leaving us to rot. I am, of course, including our most beloved Emperor in this regard."

Theo lowered his voice but kept looking into everyone's eyes. "Perhaps it is time to stop looking back at our past and look toward the future. Let the old corrupted Andoon fall into history and create a new land where our children and children's children can live without fear of being locked in cages for some rich man or woman's amusement. That is the future I shall strive to achieve alongside anyone who wishes to join me."

Silence could be heard but soon clapping, then cheers erupted from both inside the hall and outside. A moment later, a warm hand held his looking down; he found Anita wearing a plain shift and leggings, not a trace of her family colors on her person. Anita smiled up at him. "I will follow you." the others must have helped Anita to get cleaned up. Although her eyes were still red and puffy, the tear streaks had all been removed.

A moment later, another soft form wrapped around his other arm. Cecilia grinned up at him before giving a chipper. "Yup me too." Soon a cacophony of me too could be heard.

A message appeared in his vision.

You have publicly denounced yourself and the Kingdom of Andoon. You have lost the title, Royal - 5 Charisma. Skill Soverighnes right has been removed.

You have created a faction, +121 members.

Name faction.

Theo was about to ask Anita to name the faction when a rip appeared in the air over the table. Everyone immediately drew back and pulled weapons. A second later, the table vanished, leaving in its place a ten-foot-tall woman of exquisite beauty. Although partially transparent, everyone could feel immense pressure from this being.

She spoke in a soft voice that nonetheless traveled to everyone, even those outside who could not understand the pressure they now felt. "My children lower thy weapons I do not seek to harm thee." She turned toward Theo. "My child I have waited long for a hero to say these words." She reached out, placing a hand on Agnes's head. "The pain that has ensued in the name of power. It hurts too much, I had nearly given up all hope of an end."

Agnes looked up at the woman in wonder. All the worry, hate, and fear she had been holding in for so long seemed to flow out of her, being replaced with hope, love, and happiness. in an awed whisper, Agnes asked. "Who are you?"

The woman smiled warmly down at Agnes then turned to face the crowd. "I am the earth beneath your feet, the sky over your head. The mountains and the sea. The forests and the swamps. I am Light, wind, darkness, and fire. I am Eluna."

Theo was the first to regain his sense. As Eluna spoke, everyone got lost in visions of the world as if from the vantage of one who sees centuries as mere hours. "You are the spirit of this world. But the stories say that you are in an eternal sleep and should you awaken the world will cease to exist as we know it."

Eluna scrunched up her nose before speaking as if to a naughty child. "Don't listen to everything those old priests pontificate. I have never shown myself before because I never had an incarnation until now." Eluna thought for a moment before adding. "Don't expect me to come whenever you call though apparently, I am breaking rules coming here Ezra is currently screaming at me to come back... Oops, I forgot to keep in character, oh wells."

Clapping her hands, Eluna grinned. "Alright, back on topic, I mostly came to give out some good news, and since this is the only faction leaning toward helping people, or at least nearby, I came to you. I, with help from the Old Ones, will be fixing this broken system. First, we will be granting a class trainer ability to a select few. This won't work for the cleric class; you will have to devote yourself to either a younger god or myself to get that one. Anyway, these class trainers will allow one to get one of five basic classes. From there, It will depend on you how it will evolve. First is Fighter; this can branch out depending on how you place your stats to things like defenders, swordmaster, etc. second is Adept; these people will be a magic class, you know, fireball ice-cone things of that sort. The third, rogue, be all sneaky and backstabby with that one and find traps if you are a dungeoneer type. Fourth, Archer, I really hope everyone here understands that one... Let's see, I already explained, acolyte... Ah, for our crafty types, there will be jobs you know like our Miners here and tailoring and so on."

Eluna took a deep breath while wiping her brow, drawing chuckles from the crowd. "I think that's all." Turning to Theo, she bobbed her head back and forth thoughtfully. Then she reached out, made a grasping motion in the air, and began swiping and tapping her fingers. The strange thing was even though she was tapping the air; people could hear the sound of clicking.

Theo's eyes went wide when Eluna suddenly grabbed the notification he had pushed aside. He watched as she filled in the faction name and who knows what else since he couldn't keep up with the speed of changing screens.

"There, all done." Eluna declared before bending down planting a kiss on Theo's forehead. They were engulfed in a flash of light, and when it dispersed, Theo stood alone, eyes glazed over.