[Issac_Zero2]

Sorry for the delay (about 3 months) but chapter 4 is finally here!

Chapter 4: Waterway Encounter

I never thought my pocket map would come so handy. I'm grateful that I didn't dispose of it. My legs felt pretty stiff so I payed for a ride on the Caravan Express, a carraige service. With my little gold to spare I spent the day riding the carraige. You know what was weird? Its weird that I kind of liked life away from the royalness and glory. I just liked living independent. If my goal to avenge my town fails, at least I'll get the chance of freedom. By the time I stopped pondering the carraige came to a stop.
I had arrived at Druagard and my legs felt relaxed once again. I was ready to explore. I looked at the amazing ships that were docked at the harbor. Without any concern what so ever I bumped into a mid 50's looking general with thick armor and a nice sword. He looked familiar some how. But he seemed to reconize me almost immediately.

"Zack? Is that really you?" he asked questionably.

I had recognized that voice. Distingtively becuase he was my dad's old comrade and army commander.

"Gregrerio? It's me Zack. Its been a while." I said firmly.

Gregrerio was like family. He'd read me bedtime stories when I was young and helped me train outside of school when I became older. He has changed slightly from my last encounter with him. He had grown a beard and looked a little slimmer but I could tell he still had the strength he had before. He still has his old gray armour and shield.

Gregrerio once lived in Araner. Araner was a major trade city and there held the strongest military army set by my father and led by Gregrerio, The Pacific Army. Araner also had great walls and countless towers to gaurd the city.

"What brings you here to Druagard?" he asked.

"I'm on my way to Shrine Island" I aswered.

"We're heading towards Saria. Contact has cut off and Araner hasn't heard from them"

"Gregrerio, Asteroth destroyed Saria. He ambused the defending army and anihalated them. Asteroth buried the town along with my dad and the townspeople."

"I'm terrbly sorry, Zack. I hope Lord Spector is ok. Don't worry I'll contact you immediately when I hear some news. I must tell my troops to head towards Horgoth to warn the other countries."

"I'm determined to get revenge, so I found Prophecy."

"I'm sure you heard of the Sword of Ages?"

"That is the weapon that I seek in order to bring peace into Royel."

"The Sword of Ages has been passed down from generations to other generations. The 5th generation, Heirvania's son, Frank Royel, used to weild this sword. The Sword rejected him, as if it had its own mind. It destroyed him from the inside and Frank fell ill. His sucessor, Lord Spector, became king at that time when he was only 10 years old. Prophecy was hired by Frank Royel to seal the Sword of Ages into the strongest natural force in Royel, Shrine Island. Who knows? By know Asteroth must be seeking that all powerful blade."

"That is why I must hurry"

"I could escort you to Shrine Island. It'll be my pleasure"

I almost jumped and bowed to thank him.

"Lets go," said Gregrerio.

I followed along quietly. His ship, the Dolphin was massively overwhelming. The size, and structure was made for traveling around the world and the Dolphin is capable of many ship battles out at sea. My first time seeing this amazed me that today's technology is capable of making such a powerful ship.

"Climb aboard, Zack. Welcome to the Dolphin. One of the most durable ships avalible in the world," said Gregrerio.

The interior was built out of steel even though the designers of the ship had cleverly hidden the metariels used by painting it with a brownish-wood color.

"This is most impressive. I have never seen such a complex ship," I had exclaimed.

"Onward! Head north," Gregrerio ordered West, the navigator of the Dolphin.

"You'd better rest up. Its gonna be a long ride," said Gregrerio.

He walked me into the Dolphin's lower deck and into the cabin. The cabin was much larger than even my room back at my dwelling. The bed felt soft and the windows were wide. I felt a little seasick for a moment as the ship was rocking awfully hard. Gregrerio ran up the staircase and up to the upper deck. I follwed him immediately.

He shouted, "What's happening!?"

West answered, "The ship is being attacked! Something is coming up from the rear!"

It was what I had predicted, the Dark Pirates, traiters of the country, Royel. Their flag was greatly visible.

I could sense great anger in Gregrerio's words, "What could they be doing here? They inhabit all the way down south. There's no reason what they could be doing in our northern waters."

I faced Gregrerio and exclaimed, "Unless, they were hired by Asteroth to get the Sword of Ages!"

Gregrerio chuckled slightly and said, "Its not that easy, especially with their wooden ships. Don't they know that Shrine Island contains stong hurricanes and large whirlpools?"

"More are coming," I said.

Three more ships emerged from the rear and it was obvious that we were surounded. I knew it would be time to prepare for battle.

"Gather up the men, and prepare for battle," was Gregrerio's exact words and he added, "Take my blade for now, Zack."

I took his blade and Gregrerio walked up to the edge of the boat and pointed to the sun, "Prepare the cannons," said Gregrerio and he looked at me straight in the eye.

"Zack, I trust you and I know you are a devoted swordsman, so got get them," as Gregrerio said that I could see a small glimspe of happiness in his eye.

In a soldier fashion, I said, "Yes sir!"

The Dolphin's crew jumped onto the Dark Pirate ships and I went along. I felt great excitment in my body, nothig I ever felt before. The fighting spirit kept me alive. Gregrerio's voice cried outloud, "Fire!"

The cannons sunk one ship. I battled on the ship with Gregrerio's crew and all I did was slash right and left. At that time I knew what I was fighting for, justice, peace, and mainly revenge. We finally defeated the navigators of the ships and the leader of the fleet, Skye fled ina cowardly fashion.

He was different though from the other villians I met. He looked like he was in pain. I chose to ignore this fact and I continued on. In just a matter of minutes all of the Dark Pirate ships had sunk thanks to Gregrerio.

We all came back onto the Dolphin and had a little toast during supper time. The steel structure made it easy for the Dolphin to cross the wirlpools surrounding Shrine Island. I couldn't believe I was finally at Shrine Island, where I will get the Sword of Seals. We docked at the small shallows around the island and I departed.

A farewell was in order so I gave Gregrerio a small hug and said my goodbyes for now. It went something like this, "I enjoyed my time seeing you again and I hope to meet you further on my journey. As for me, don't worry about me, I can take care of myself." I could've sworn a tear was going to drip out of my eye.

Gregrerio said, "Take care, remember what everybody told you, you are not alone. Your father, your hometown, your friends and everybody in Royel is right by your side. If you ever get into trouble, please take my sword. It should help you. I wish you the best of luck, Zack."

I bowed and thanked him and I ran as fast as I could. The pain was horrible, departing from people you know. This is just the beginning.

[Golden Legacy]

Awesome chapter, Isaac! I can already say that Gregrerio is going to be one of my favorite characters... and the Sword of Ages makes it SO compelling!

Beautiful plot, you're doing great! Go for it :unsure:

[Issac_Zero2]

Thanks alot GL...It means alot...

Chapter 5: Carrying the Legend

I couldn't believe it. I was finally at the legendary Temple of Seals and I have Gregrerio to thank for it. I opened the door slowly. The Temple was completely empty but looked as if it was well kept. Not a single strand of dust was there and the stained glass looked marvelous. I walked up the large steps as I awed in amzement. Opening the large stone door, I saw a massive hallway. Glaring at the paintings and the windows made me feel calm. I saw a glimpse of darkness in one window and the light blinded me for a second. I chose to ignore this fact and continued, unaware of what might happen. I slammed the door opened on the other side of the hall. The Sword of Seals was there.
The room only had one window and a gleam of light was shining on that very blade. I had a weird feeling in my body. I reached the sword slowly as I couldn't wait to hold it but a voice called out, "Get your hands of that blade!"

I was shocked and turned around to see who it was. I had finally come face to face with my most hated enemy, Asteroth. The blade almost came to my hand when I saw him. He reached for me slowly and said, "Ahh...You are Spector's son...You will die slowly in my hands. I can assure you."

We stared at each other for a while and then I finally had the courage to make the first move. The Sword of Seals was almost guiding my hand towards Asteroth. Asteroth disappeared and then reappeared right in back of me.

He taunted, "You didn't think it was gonna be that easy, were you?"

His deep voice gave me more anger and I stabbed him in his front chest.

"You are a fool to think you can actually kill me! The blade is mine, once I kill you," he taunted again.

I went in for another hit but I missed. He flew up to the roof of the Temple and was planning to throw a lightning energy ball directly at me. The Lightning Crystal absorbed the energy and the adrenaline rushed through my body. I was pumped up. The battle became more intense. Asteroth grabbed me and threw me onto the walls of the Temple. Luckily I got up okay and I went in for a counter attack. I made an uppercut on his back and he immediately countered my counter attack. I felt weak already and fell onto the marble floor. Thinking of my hometown and the fate of the country of Royel got me back up and I was ready. The insane power from the blade gave me pain and it felt as if it was ripping me from the inside out. Lightning was everywhere and I felt even more power from my anger back when I was fighting Baslord. The energy was bursting from my body and a big light blinded me from what was happening. The blade fell to the ground and as massive explosion was called upon. All the lightning...All the power. I couldn't handle it. I saw Asteroth teleporting away as I continued to float on the roof of the Temple. When it was finally over, I felt weak. I grabbed the blade and fell to the floor. It looked as if though everything shattered like glass. I laid there in the temple, unconscious.

[catastrophe]

thats great, much better than what i can do. encore mon amie!

[Issac_Zero2]

Wow...After many days of inactivity somebody replies... :P Thanks C
Here is chapter 6 and 7...7 was rushed and please ask any questions if you don't understand...And comment anything you like...Soo...here it is...

Chapter 6: Fighting Spirit

Everything was bright. Was I at heaven?, I asked myself. I awoke to find myseft in a tent. All my belongings were still at my side, including Gregrerio's sword. I still felt weak and wondered what I was doing here. I peered through the opening of the tent and saw that I was outside the now destroyed Temple of Ages.

An elegant voice then said, "I see that you are awake."

I turned back to see who it was. A female was there. I was surprised. A million questions rushed through my head. I first asked, "What am I doing here?"

She said, "Not now. You need rest. You are lucky that the Blade didn't kill you instantly. I take it that you are a member of the Royel family."

I introduced myself, "Yeah, Zack Royel. I thank you for your generosity."

She smiled brightly and said, "The name's Elizabeth"

We shook hands and I went to sleep. A while later, I awoke to see the sky turn dark. I was a bit frightened.

Elizabeth said, "Don't worry about the sky. Its always like that."

I asked her, "How do you know so much about this place?"

She replied almost as if she was glad that I asked, "My family and I have been living under the Temple. My generation and ancestors before me gaurded this Temple to protect it from Asteroth."

I was intrigued and continued to ask more questions, "Is Asteroth really that old?"

Elizabeth explained, "There is alot of things behind Asteroth. He is aproximately 300 years old and he wasn't evil at first. He's just trying to save his species but by the time he was 250 years old, he grew bitter and saw that it was too late to preserve life for the Zangas. He blamed Royel for the death's and soon almost all the Zangas were wiped out. Only a couple are living today. Asteroth then started cloning the Zangas to fight and get revenge. The darkness in him grew and he soon wanted more power. He was fused with the darkness crystal and it was never seen again. He had all the power in the world. For a while he didn't bother the other countries. Now he's starting a war that would devestate all of Royel and Trinade."

I was even more intrigued and asked, "Don't mind me asking but what happened to all the people here?"

I saw tears in her eyes and I regret ever asking that question. After a while, she finally replied, "All of them are gone. Asteroth slayed them. All of them. My generation, gone."

I felt great sorrow and we mourned the loss of her family. She sobbed and I grew silent. I then started crying too. My family, gone also. Even the whole town. Everyone I knew. Everyone I loved. I then stopped and thought, if I don't take action soon, Asteroth will soon slay the entire world.

I got up and wiped my tears. Elizabeth did the same thing. She knew what I was thinking and we got ready to set off. It seems that she was coming with me.

"How are we going to get there?" I asked

She went behind a tree and pulled a wooden raft out. She then said, "I found it during a stormy night. It just drifted here."

I asked, "But how are we supposed to travel through the whirlpools?"

"My family has kept this as a treasure," she said. She took out a blue crystal.

I gasped, "Its the Water Crystal!"

She said, "Yes, I have inherited its abilities and with it we could get through the whirlpools just fine.

I was glad that we are finally getting out of here. Then I heard a branch snap. We turned back and saw an army of Zangas behind us. This time I didn't hesitate to grab the Sword of Seals and make the first move.

Elizabeth then yelled out, "Here take this!" She threw me a metalic, shield filled with inscriptions. I grabbed it and got ready to fight once again. I wasn't worried of Elizabeth as she was doing fine against the hordes of Zangas. She just kept blasting her light energy. The Zangas were coming in fast and so was I. I slashed each one with a low stab followed up with an uppercut. I felt the energy within me but this time I could control it. I hit each Zanga with lightning. My body was speedier than I though it was. I just kept slashing but soon the Zangas surrounded me. One Zanga smacked me on my back with their axe.

I spun around, making a path for me to jump and make a lightning blow. I jumped onto the tree and stuck the Sword onto the solid ground. I gave the Sword a jolt of thunder and a massive explosion followed after that. The blow wiped out numorous Zanga troops but it seems as though more keep coming. I was getting a little tired but a cannon fired.

Then a voice called out, "You didn't think I would just leave you there, would you Zack?"

I looked far back and saw Gregrerio.

I threw Gregrerio's blade that he gave me before up in the air. He caught it and said in a joking way, "Nice to see you alive Zack."

I chuckled a little and said, "Good to see you too," as I was swinging my blade to ward off the Zangas.

He ordered his troops, "Soldiers move out"

THe unsespecting Zangas were killed by the stabs of blades...They stopped appearing and a voice cried out, "Retreat!". The army faded away. I blinked and they were gone. Gregrerio stuck his bade on the ground like sort of a pose.

"Yeah!" he smiled.

After the battle we sat down a bit. I introduced Elizabeth and explained everthing to Gregrerio.

"Hrr...Hmp...That Asteroth...Its like he's on a killing spree.

"Whatdaya say? We go together, to stop Asteroth, "Gregrerio said. "We'll all go together."

Elizabeth said softly, "Yes, that will be a great idea."

We entered the Dolphin once again and sailed off to Druagard again.


Chapter 7: Return to Nicrode

It was just the 3 of us after we left the Dolphin and bid our farewells to West. We arrived in Draguard at dawn. Gregrerio ordered his troops to go back to Araner to report that they should prepare for war. Gregrerio then got us a stay at the Mulberry Inn at Draguard. We all talked a little bit more before we went to bed.

It started by me saying, "We should return to Nicrode, to visit Prophecy and inform him that I got the Sword."

I looked around. Everyone was silent.

Gregrerio then replied, "I can't believe it. A war is emerging. Do you know how many lives are going to be lost? I never thought I would live this long for it to come to this."

He walked to the window and sat down next to it.

Elizabeth said, "It hasn't even begun and already so many lives are lost."

One thing led to another and then I said, "Think of all the things the people that lost their lives missed out on."

The room grew silent once again. Gregrerio fell asleep after an hour.

I asked Elizabeth a question, "Do you have any regrets?"

She answered immediately, "I'm only 16 so no. I try to live life to the fullest and not think of that.

I wasn't surprised by that answer becuase I could tell that she was an emotionally strong person.

"I only have one," I said. "For not getting to know my dad more. I know he wants me to obtain this Sword but I sure hope he is okay.

After hours of pointless talk I finally fell asleep. We set out the early the next morning. Gregrerio bought a carriage with a horse and we loaded all our supplies like food and medicene onto it. Nicrode was a short distance away it seemed as we got there pretty quickly. I pointed the way to Prophecy's dwelling. As soon as we arrived I got of the carriage and nodded assuring that it was Prophecy's house. I stepped inside and say Prophecy in a bed. We ran as quickly as we could to Prophecy.

I asked to see if he was okay, "Prophecy are you alright?"

He answered weakly, "Zack, its good to see your face once again.

I gave a small smile and said, "I got the Sword of Seals."

Prophecy said, "I knew you were the one."

I questionably asked as Gregrerio and Elizabeth was standing quietly, "Your dad said that you have a gift. He said you were a great swordsman. He said that for his last words..."

I was shocked and asked, "What do you mean last words? You said he was still alive!"

Prophecy said, "I'm sorry, Zack. He was seen by Asteroth. He fought bravely. Him and I fought him when he entered to find us. We did the best we could to protect you. Your father was killed by Asteroth. He was too weak to go on. The same fate is now going to happen to me.

I fell back and stood there to think for a second. I then said, "No, Prophecy, please don't go."

"Your father left you with these acessories to aid you on your journey," Prophecy said. He then pointed to the corner of the bed.

I glanced at the items. There were gloves, armlets, and armour.

"Please take them!" he ordered. I sense Asteroth's power coming towards the town.

Gregrerio and Elizabeth then said, "Please stay strong. We'll be back."

Prophecy agreed and said, "Yes, I will try."

The three of us ran outside and saw an army marching towards the town. I heard Prophecy then say, "I summon you! Faither!"

A large unicorn like animal with wings came flying down, landing right next to me.

Prophecy then came out. He said with a strong will, "Together we fight! This is Faither. Don't be shy. You can ride on her. She's all yours."

I went on top of Faither with no problem, almost as if she knew me.

Gregrerio then grumbled and said, "Another clash with Asteroth it is!"

I drew my blade out and Faither swooped into the army.

Gregrerio called out, "People of Nicrode! Your town is being attacked! Are you people just going to stand there? I order you to fight for your lives."

A crowd of people cheered. The villagers grabbed their swords and spears. They all cried out, "For our future!"

It seems that they were on our side and we all clashed with Asteroth's invading army. I swooped in towards Asteroth. He immediately saw my attack and took his fists for a direct punch towards Faither. I pulled Faither around Asteroth and slashed him on the back while doing that. Meanwhile on the ground, Gregrerio and Elizabeth attacked the hordes of enemies. The villagers attacked furiously also. Faither charged up for a lightning beam. I too did the same. We both pulled this "stunt" at the same time. The beam lifted up the ground and blew it into pieces, including the Zangas. The army wouldn't give up, it kept attacking. I went towards Asteroth to end this battle. Anger grew in my body and the rage caused my power levels to rise even higher. I leaped off Faither. The wind blew hard and I pointed my hand at Asteroth. The enery was raging from my body.
The clouds cam in fast and the sky grew dark. Lighning bursted down from the clouds. It felt as if I was controling it. In my mind I told the lightning to hit Asteroth and it did. I jumped up again to slash Asteroth.

He said, "I shall kill you like I killed your father!"

Those words angered me even more.

As I was slashing rapidly I said, "My father was more of a man and hero than you will ever be. You are nothing more than a wannabe savior of your country!"

I gave an uppercut and while I was in the air I blasted a large energy beam at him, sending me and Asteroth flying. Prophecy cried out, "Zack! Take this!"

He threw me a chain. I wondered what it was for. I kept it in my pockets and ran up a small hill. I wistled and Faither came to my call. I jumped on him and patted him on the back.

I said, "Faither! Go! What ever happens to the villagers you have to carry them back to safety."

I jumped off him and ran towards the battlefield. Asteroth, this isn't over!

I focused my energy towards the Zangas. The lightning storm raged and the winds were more furious. I ran past the Zangas and humans battling and aimed straight towards Asteroth, my main target. I couldn't find him so I called out, "Asteroth, show your face!"

He emrged out of the fog and came towards me. I drew out my blade once again and scurried towards him. He disappeared and reappeared in back of me. Asteroth charged up for an energy attack and attempted to throw it at me. Luckily, I saw his attack come in just in time and was able to block it with the shield Elizabeth gave me. I stabbed him once again. He felt no pain and immediately countered. I then stuck the sword into the ground and leaped of it. A lightning beam from my hand bursted out an a massive explosion followed. Asteroth was on the ground after that and he looked weak. A Zanga sniper archer managed to shoot me on by left arm, letting Asteroth and his army to retreat.

I became furious that Asteroth retreated and slammed my hand on the ground after battle.

Gregrerio said, "Zack, its okay. Causualties are only about a dozen villagers."

I yelled uncontrolably at Gregrerio, "No, its not okay! I let him escape. It was my one and only chance to end this madness. Its all my fault. My father depended on me and I failed."

Gregrerio slapped me back to my senses, "Zack, it wasn't your fault. You did a great job and I'm sure your dad would be more than proud."

Elizabeth came and said, "Here let me heal those wounds."

She handed me a towel. I hesitated for a second and said, "Thanks you guys."

They all smiled. I then went to see if Prophecy was okay.

Prophecy said happily but softly, "Why I never had a fight that lively."

He chuckled and said, "I have to go, Zack. I'm old now. Now's my time. You'll understand someday.

He rested on the dirt land and closed his eyes slowly.

Tears came out of everyone's eyes that say. I held his hand for a while and sat there for a while. I didn't sleep until the next day. The towns people mourned the loss of their beloved citizen, Prophecy and and gave him a proper buriel. Flowers were showered onto his grave.

Gregrerio said, "We have to go Zack."

Elizabeth also said, "I'm sure Prophecy would want us to continue on and stop Asteroth from destroying Royel.

I agreed and we packed up. We said goodbye to the townspeople and continued on, this time, to Araner, the largest city in the world and the Pacific Army. I said my farewells to Prophecy and hoped that he would live in peace in the afterlife.


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So how was it? Probaly chapter 7 was the worst chapter yet because of the horrible details...But I'll be fixing that soon...For now...Just enjoy the plot...And please tell me if something is wrong...

***SPOILER ALERT***
As some people may know...A major war is about to start in the story, The Sarian Wars. Shields will shatter and swords will break...Tragedies arise...