Walls of Lies

IN Margös, the Spirit Realm, sprawling mountains adorned the western and half the southern regions, cradling the Kingdom of Zágan, ruled by the powerful Spirits' Royal Family. The air crackled with a tension that mirrored the strained relations between the races. 

The Dragöön, a reclusive race with ties to the Spirits through an ancient marriage, dwelled in the northern mountains, a constant reminder of a fractured past. The Lè Mägus Tribe, once allies of the Spirit Royal Family, remained isolated in the east, harbouring resentment after the Great War a decade ago.

Queen Reza, the second wife of the late King Ferid, ascended the throne, plunging Zágan into chaos. The opulent Audience Chamber, usually a testament to the kingdom's grandeur, now reflected the Queen's icy demeanour. Dim torches cast flickering shadows across the red-veined marble floor, where Advisor Jun grovelled, his forehead pressed against the cold stone.

"Have you found her yet?" Queen Reza's voice echoed, laced with disdain. Her mismatched eyes, one teal and one gold, glinted with a predatory hunger. She wore a regal gown, the crimson hues mimicking the simmering anger beneath her composed facade.

Jun scrambled to his feet, his voice trembling. "Forgive my failings, Your Majesty. We're searching diligently for the Princess."

The Queen's lips, usually described as kissable, contorted into a snarl. "My patience wears thin, Advisor Jun. How long does it take to find someone with flaming red hair?"

Jun stammered apologies, his fear palpable. Before Reza could unleash another icy tirade, the chamber doors burst open, revealing Prince Makai, a stark contrast to the cowering Advisor. 

Tall and imposing, his sharp features framed by waist-length carmine hair, he exuded an aura of defiance. Dark emerald eyes, devoid of warmth, met the Queen's gaze. Without a word, he tossed a scroll at Jun, the parchment hitting the floor with a sharp snap.

"Finished analysing the reports," Makai said, his voice a dry monotone. "Read it."

Jun snatched the scroll, his hands shaking. The Prince turned to leave, but the Queen's voice stopped him. "Where do you think you're going, Makai?"

He didn't turn. "You're not the boss of me," he replied coolly, slamming the doors shut with a finality that echoed through the chamber.

Jun gulped, his gaze flitting between the slammed door and the fuming Queen. "Your Majesty…?"

Queen Reza's expression hardened. "I trust that insolent whelp less than a rogue Dragöön. But fear not, Advisor," she said, a cruel smile on her lips. With a snap of her fingers, five cloaked figures materialised from the shadows behind Jun. Their black garments concealed their forms, and masks hid their faces. Terror choked Jun as they knelt before the Queen.

"Arise," she commanded.

The leader, a broad-shouldered man with a golden mask, rose, his eyes glinting with cold obedience. "Your Majesty…these are…"

"The Silent Shadows," Reza interrupted, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "Yes, I believe you're familiar with their…services, Advisor Jun."

Jun paled further. These elite assassins were notorious for their ruthlessness. "You…you can't be serious!"

Reza's smile widened. "Oh, I am quite serious. General Tal," she addressed the masked leader, "have one of your best men follow Prince Makai discreetly. Discretion is paramount."

Tal nodded curtly. He gestured to a silver-haired youth among the Shadows, who acknowledged the order with a silent bow. Then, with a shared glance, the youth and a strawberry-blonde woman vanished into thin air.

Hundreds of miles away, on the balcony of the White Wolf Clan's opulent mansion, Suzumi, her beauty undimmed by the recent news, listened intently to a messenger kneeling before her. Beside her sat Hiira, a woman of striking contrast. Her dark skin glowed in the afternoon sun, and her midnight hair, pulled back in a high ponytail, framed a face both beautiful and intimidating. Unlike Suzumi's traditional garb, Hiira wore loose-fitting silk that hinted at the warrior beneath. A gold snake bracelet adorned her wrist, a stark contrast to the golden eagle earrings that dangled from her ears – a gift, perhaps, with a hidden story.

"Ralph is dead," Suzumi repeated softly, the weight of the news settling on her shoulders.

"Indeed, Milady," the messenger confirmed. "Despite the circumstances surrounding Lord Shinji's arrival in Islez, His Lordship requested a proper burial for the late Ralph. A true testament to Lord Shinji's character."

A flicker of pride warmed Suzumi's heart. Her brother, Shinji, had always been known for his compassion, even towards enemies. But the warmth was quickly extinguished by a fresh wave of worry. "What about Shinji and his companions? Are they alright?"

"Currently resting in their quarters, Milady. The encounter seems to have taken its toll. As per the Elders' advice, His Lordship will attend the Clan meeting upon his recovery."

Suzumi thanked the messenger, her mind already racing with strategies. Shinji's safety was paramount, but she also understood the importance of the Clan meeting. It would be a crucial opportunity to discuss the escalating tensions with the Spirits, especially with news of an army marching towards the Southern borders.

The messenger bowed before leaving, his duty complete. As the doors closed behind him, Suzumi turned to Hiira, concern on her face. "Were you aware of the situation in Islez?"

Hiira exhaled a plume of smoke from her pipe, the scent of exotic herbs filling the air. "Perhaps," she said cryptically. "At least it eliminates the need for future visits from that…disagreeable Ralph."

Before Suzumi could respond, a frantic pounding on the door shattered the tranquil atmosphere. The messenger burst back in, his face pale with urgency. "My apologies for the intrusion, Miladies! A message just arrived from our scouts stationed in Luyas. A Spirit army, vast in number, is currently marching towards the Southern borders as we speak!"

Suzumi gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. An army? This wasn't a mere border skirmish; it was a full-scale invasion. Her gaze darted to Hiira, searching for a flicker of surprise, but the woman remained stoic, her expression unreadable.

"What are your orders, Lady Hiira?" the messenger asked, his voice trembling.

Hiira removed the pipe from her lips, her eyes hardening. "Assemble the Black Ops. We need to assess the situation at the borders immediately."

The messenger bowed deeply. "Yes, Milady Hiira!" He disappeared in a flurry of motion, leaving Suzumi and Hiira alone on the balcony.

Suzumi's worry morphed into steely determination. "We need to warn Shinji. He can't be caught in the middle of a war."

Hiira tapped the ash from her pipe onto the ornate railing. "Agreed. But first, we need to understand the Spirits' motives. This sudden aggression…it doesn't make sense."

A new layer of tension settled between them, heavier than the approaching war drums. The fate of the Southern borders, and perhaps the entire realm, hung in the balance. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the land, Suzumi and Hiira, united in purpose, prepared to face the coming storm. They arrived at the mansion's front lawn, where a large army dressed all in black with their faces covered, with only their eyes visible, awaited their orders. Each of the members has a white wolf tattooed on their right arm. 

They were the Clan's Black Ops, specialised in infiltration, message courier and assassination missions.

A crisp autumn breeze rustled the leaves, blanketing the mountainside, their vibrant hues fading to warm yellows and burnt oranges. Sunlight dappled through the canopy, casting shifting patterns on the open field where Shinji stood, cigarette dangling from his lips. His sharp purple eyes scanned the surroundings, the scene's serenity belying the tension within him.

A sudden whoosh shattered the silence. Mika launched herself at him with a whirlwind of emerald fury, twin daggers glinting in the morning light. Shinji reacted instinctively, years of training etched into his muscle memory. He sidestepped her initial lunge, the air whistling past his ear as the blades slashed where he once stood.

Mika pressed the attack, a relentless storm of jabs and feints. But Shinji, despite his recent injuries, was a seasoned warrior. He weaved through her assault, his movements a calculated dance of defence. Every so often, he'd parry a strike, the clang of metal echoing through the valley.

Frustration flickered across Mika's face. Shinji had anticipated her every move, turning her own aggression against her. She unleashed a series of spinning kicks with a determined grunt, hoping to catch him off guard. But Shinji, with a knowing smirk, saw the opening he'd been waiting for.

Just as her final kick arced through the air, Shinji dropped his cigarette and lunged. He grasped her wrists mid-spin, using her momentum to send her tumbling forward. With a deft manoeuvre, he landed behind her, pinning her to the ground.

"Giving up already?" he teased, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Mika sprawled beneath him and gritted her teeth. Dirt smudged her cheek, and sweat beaded on her brow. Yet, defiance still burned in her emerald eyes.

"Never," she spat, struggling against his hold.

Shinji chuckled, the sound surprisingly warm. "There's more to combat than just brute force, Mika. Remember, agility and strategy are just as important." He released his grip, allowing her to sit up.

Mika gasped for breath, her chest heaving. Despite her frustration, a flicker of respect sparked in her gaze. Shinji may be younger than her, but his skill as a warrior was undeniable.

"You fought well," he conceded, extending his hand to help her. "Though, you telegraph your moves a bit too much."

Mika brushed off the dirt from her clothes, accepting his hand with a small smile. "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."

A loud, boisterous laugh echoed from the nearby treeline as they stood there, catching their breath. A figure emerged, ginger hair spiking wildly around his face, a wide grin plastered across his features.

"Well, well, well," boomed the White Wolf Prince, Kazuo. "Looks like I missed all the fun." He sported a red mark on his cheek, a testament to his recent encounter.

"So, how did Wallus Town fare?" Shinji inquired, his gaze unwavering.

"Seems decent enough," Kazuo shrugged. "Though, keeping a Spirit under wraps might prove… challenging."

"Understood," he said simply.

As the conversation between the two men flowed, Mika couldn't help but steal glances at Kazuo's cheek. Curiosity gnawed at her. Finally, she blurted out, "What happened to your face, Kazuo? Did you run into a tree branch on your way here?"

Kazuo snorted, his face turning a comical shade of red. "N-not exactly," he stammered. "Let's just say I encountered a group of… enthusiastic grandmothers while I was asking around."

"Enthusiastic?" Shinji snickered, clearly not believing a word.

"They were lovely ladies! And one of them…" Kazuo trailed off, his eyes darting away.

Mika pressed on, amusement bubbling within her. "One of them, what?"

Kazuo cleared his throat, puffing out his chest to regain his bravado. "One of them… accidentally swung her handbag a little too enthusiastically."

Shinji's laughter echoed through the valley, a rich baritone that surprised Mika. Kazuo, on the other hand, grumbled under his breath.

"Pervert," Shinji teased.

"I am not a pervert!" Kazuo protested, though his voice lacked conviction. "I simply appreciate the finer things in life, and beautiful women happen to fall under that category."

Mika couldn't help but chuckle. Despite their constant bickering, the two men had an undeniable camaraderie. She still had much to learn about them and about this world.

Shinji holstered his gun, the metallic click echoing in the crisp mountain air. "We need to move," he said, his voice firm. "It's dangerous to be here at night, especially in the mountains."

A week had passed since their departure from Islez. The sombre farewells to the villagers and Rinda's bone-crushing hug were fresh memories. They were on their way to the Southern Gate when suddenly, a voice boomed behind them, carrying on the wind like a howling beast. Mika and Shinji exchanged a surprised glance. 

The voice grew louder, resolving into distinct words.

"MIIIKA! SHIIIIIINJI! TAKE ME WITH YOU!"

A figure emerged from the trees, a blur of flailing limbs and a bulging backpack. It was Kazuo, the White Wolf Prince, his face flushed and a suspicious red mark blooming on his cheek. Behind him, a gaggle of angry women charged out of the woods, brandishing various gardening tools like makeshift weapons.

"Two of them! Two dates! Now they all want me dead!" Kazuo shrieked, skidding to a halt before them. "You gotta save me, Shinji!"

Shinji raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Not my problem. Let's go, Mika." he said coolly.

Kazuo's bravado faltered. "Wait! Please! I'll do anything! Name it! I'll be your loyal... uh... apprentice? Bodyguard? Chef? Just don't let them kill me!"

Shinji sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. The thought of bringing another person along, especially Kazuo, could have been better. Yet, seeing the determined women close the distance gave him pause.

Mika, however, seemed to find humour in the situation. A small smile played on her lips as she watched the drama unfold. Behind them, Kazuo, ever the optimist, launched into a horrendously off-key rendition of his favourite song.

"He's quite a character, isn't he?" Mika remarked, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Shinji grunted. "Don't let his womanising fool you, Mika. There's more to Kazuo than meets the eye." His voice softened slightly. "Beneath that… lecherous exterior lies a complex man, unpredictable and difficult to understand. Even for me, after years of knowing him."

Mika's smile faded as she recalled the night they fought Ralph in the forest. The memory of Kazuo's fierce defence of Shinji and the way his body trembled as he held her after saving her life from Ralph's attack. It was clear to her there was more to Kazuo than meets the eye. 

Lost in thought, Mika didn't notice Shinji's sudden change in demeanour. His gaze drifted to the distance, a haunted look clouding his purple eyes. A flashback hit him – the night of the full moon, his hands stained with blood. Kai's last words echoed in his mind:

"He may act recklessly, but he has a golden heart. Watch over him for me, Shinji..."

Shinji subconsciously clenched his fist.

"Shinji?" Mika's voice broke through his reverie. "Is everything alright?"

He shook his head, forcing a smile. "Yeah. I'm fine."

But Mika wasn't convinced. She could see the turmoil in his eyes. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, the ground began to tremble beneath their feet. A deafening explosion ripped through the air, sending a shockwave that rattled the trees.

"What the hell was that?" Kazuo exclaimed, his fear momentarily forgotten.

The playful banter was over. A plume of black smoke rose in the distance, staining the clear blue sky. Shinji's expression hardened.

"Looks like trouble has found us," he muttered, his voice laced with grim determination.

The once cheerful sign proclaimed "WELCOME to Wallus Town!" now lay at Kazuo's feet in splintered pieces. His hands trembled slightly as he picked it up, the shock evident on his face. Just a short while ago, he'd been scouting for threats. Now, the town in the twilight was barely recognisable. It looked like a meteor had detonated in the centre, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.

"What in the...?" Kazuo breathed his voice barely a whisper.

Shinji, ever stoic, drew his gun. "Stay alert," he ordered, his gaze sweeping the wreckage. "Eyes peeled for anything out of the ordinary."

THE trio ventured cautiously into the town. Some buildings were reduced to rubble, while others clung precariously to their former glory. A heavy, metallic tang filled the air, a sickening counterpoint to the charred remains of wood. Broken mirrors reflected the crimson horror that stained the ground. At the heart of the carnage, a macabre scene unfolded. Bodies of the townspeople lay piled high, a tragic monument to a sudden and brutal end.

Kazuo's stomach lurched, and he barely managed to suppress a gag. He spotted the familiar faces of the two old ladies amidst the carnage, a wave of grief and fury washing over him. Who, or what, could have done this?

Mika, her eyes wide with horror, was battling a rising tide of panic. Flashes of Andania, the burning city and the screams of her fallen comrades flooded her mind. Deep breaths helped her regain control, focusing on the grim reality.

"This level of destruction..." she began, her voice shaking slightly. "A single, devastating blow…" She trailed off, her words heavy with dread.

Shinji offered a curt nod, acknowledging her deduction. "We need to leave. Whatever caused this might still be around."

"But these people…" Kazuo protested, his voice thick with emotion. "Don't they deserve a proper burial?"

"If you want to stay, Kazuo, be my guest," Shinji replied coldly. "Mika, we're moving."

"You heartless—"

"Shh!" Mika hissed, cutting him off. Her hand shot to her lips, her eyes widening in alarm. "I hear something. It's coming from the…" she gestured vaguely westward.

A tense silence descended upon them. The air crackled with anticipation.

"We need to get out of here," Shinji gritted his teeth. "Now."

Seeing the urgency in Shinji's eyes, Kazuo reluctantly agreed. Precious seconds ticked by as they scrambled for the nearest exit. Suddenly, a colossal shadow loomed over them, blotting out the last rays of the setting sun.

"Evacuate!" Shinji roared.

Chaos erupted. The trio scattered, desperately trying to outrun the monstrous creature plummeting from the sky. With a bone-crushing impact, it landed amidst the ruins, the earth trembling violently. A deafening explosion followed, engulfing the area in a thick cloud of black smoke.

A vibrant emerald glow materialised through the swirling smoke, forming a protective barrier around the trio huddled on the ground. Pale and sweat-slicked, Shinji had cast the shield mere moments before the explosion.

The smoke slowly dispersed, revealing no immediate threats. Shinji slumped to his knees, gasping for breath. He wiped the sweat from his brow, his hands trembling with exertion.

"Oi, Shinji! You alright?" Kazuo called out, concern lacing his voice. He gently lowered the Spirit Girl, whom he'd instinctively shielded during the blast.

Mika scanned their surroundings, her twin blades clutched tightly in her hands. A low creaking sound cut through the tense silence emanating from the dissipating smoke cloud. The ground began to vibrate as monstrously heavy footsteps echoed closer. Each tremor shook them to the core, bringing the unseen terror closer with every thud.

Then, it emerged. A monstrous crustacean lumbered into view, easily exceeding thirty feet in length. Its eight armoured legs scraped against the ruined ground, and razor-sharp diamond claws gleamed menacingly. Two glowing red eyes fixated on the three tiny figures before it.

Kazuo stared at the monstrosity in disbelief. "What the hell is that thing?" he stammered.

Shinji's face grimmed. "Who the hell cares? Run!"

A portal shimmered open in the twilight sky, disgorging a lone figure onto the peak of a mountain overlooking a breathtaking panorama. Prince Makai of the Kingdom of Zágan, his deep emerald eyes reflecting the fading sunlight, inhaled a lungful of crisp mountain air. The warmth that kissed his skin sent a jolt through him – a sensation alien to his world.

Margös, his homeland, was a realm of perpetual damp chill, a stark contrast to this world where seasons danced and the air vibrated with life. Years had passed since his last visit. Years haunted by...

Makai slammed the brakes on his spiralling thoughts. Dwelling on the past was a luxury he couldn't afford. The target was close enough that he could almost taste her presence in the wind.

"That was a reckless move," he muttered, the memory of the portal flickering dangerously still fresh. He couldn't let his emotions cloud his judgement, not when the fate of his world hung in the balance.

Taking another deep breath, Makai steeled himself. His emerald eyes narrowed as he focused his energy, searching for a specific signature – the faint echo of a power he'd spent millennia tracking.

"Where are you hiding, little Princess?" he murmured, his voice laced with a dangerous undercurrent. The hunt was on.

THE situation in Wallus Town had devolved into a hellscape. Flames danced with gaping holes in the ground, testaments to the monstrous creature's destructive rampage. Mika and her companions huddled in a cellar, the only remaining haven in the ravaged house. 

Kazuo, his muscles straining, held the creaking door shut. The monstrous Utolips clawed at it with a fury that threatened to burst them all into oblivion.

Escape seemed impossible. Shinji's keen eye spotted the hidden cellar. Kazuo's brute strength ripped away a pillar, creating a desperate escape route just as the creature's maw snapped shut in their previously occupied space.

"What in the seven hells is that thing?!" Kazuo hissed, his voice tight with exertion. The cellar door rattled ominously, the creature's relentless assault unwavering.

"Utolips," Mika replied, catching her breath. "I've read about them – a rare species said to inhabit the mythical Oasis."

"Mythical my ass," Shinji retorted, reloading his gun. "The Oasis is real, a haven for monsters nestled in the darkest corners of Margös, the Spirit Realm. Someone must have opened a portal and brought this monstrosity with them."

"Brilliant," Kazuo drawled sarcastically, his knuckles white from gripping the cellar door. "Any ideas on how to slay this freak of nature?"

"Utolips are vulnerable to extreme heat, but nothing short of–"

Before Shinji could finish, an unsettling silence fell. The relentless assault on the door ceased. With cautious steps, Kazuo cracked open the cellar door, peering out into the ravaged street.

The Utolips was gone. Relief washed over them, and Kazuo cautiously emerged, beckoning the others to follow.

"Where did the damned thing go?" he breathed his voice a mixture of disbelief and suspicion.

"Who cares? We need to get out of here while we have the chance!"

The agreement was silent but profound; the trio sprinted towards the town's edge. They neared escape when a barrage of blue fireballs erupted from the Utolips' gaping maw. Barely dodging the inferno, they found themselves trapped at a dead end.

The Utolips loomed before them, its blue flames crackling with malevolent energy.

"Damn it all!" Kazuo swore. "We're cornered!"

Without hesitation, Mika drew her twin blades, her eyes blazing with determination. "I'll distract it. Find a way to break the wall!"

With a speed that defied human limitations, she charged towards the colossal creature, her blades glinting in the dying light as she struck its armoured hide.

Shinji knew time was of the essence. Using Chi was a last resort, a power source that exhausted him. But with Mika drawing the Utolips' attention, he had no choice. Gathering a massive amount of Chi, he focused it on the wall, his palms outstretched in a desperate escape bid. 

With a powerful surge, he unleashed a blast of pure energy, shattering the barrier that held them captive.

"Oi, Shinji!" Kazuo's voice snapped him out of concentration. The recoil from the Chi blast sent Shinji reeling, blurring his vision before he crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

Wasting no time, Kazuo scooped the unconscious Shinji onto his shoulder, his face etched with worry. "Mika, let's go!" he bellowed.

"I'm on it!" she responded, dodging the Utolips' swipe with inhuman agility and rejoining her companions.

As they raced towards the town's outskirts, the sky above them erupted in a spectacle of rumbling thunder and crackling lightning. The once-twilight sky morphed into an ominous violet, casting an eerie glow on the ravaged landscape.

Mika and Kazuo froze, the monstrous Utolips halting its pursuit simultaneously. An unfamiliar voice boomed through the air, chanting an ancient spell. A colossal fireball streaked across the heavens, aimed directly at them. Just before impact, the fireball transformed into a magnificent flame dragon, roaring as it engulfed the Utolips in a fiery inferno. The creature's shriek was cut short, replaced by an eerie silence as the dragon dissipated, leaving behind smouldering ash.

For a tense moment, they stood transfixed, the weight of the encounter pressing down on them. Mika finally broke the silence, letting out a shaky exhale. She turned to see how her companions were faring, her eyes widening in alarm at the sight before her.