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The First Chapter 

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Did her light appear somewhat red tonight? Red? Impossible. Or was that just something Yu wanted? He knew red was going to be spilled tonight, so why shouldn’t the Goddess of the night appear a little red for him? 

These were wicked thoughts. Yu knew they were. To consider the Goddess of the Elves in such a malevolent and selfish light… That was frowned upon. It was not good for the Way. 

The Way… 

Bah always said that Yu must learn to trust in the Way. But Yu never felt comfortable relying on something he couldn’t even see, something he couldn’t even touch – let alone hold or quantify. 

And yet, here he was. Staring at Eluna, the Goddess above, hoping that her grace would aid him somehow. 

Eluna was in complete shine tonight. She had finally reached her full glow. This normally signified something. Full Lune nights always held something in store. Yu was sure about that. Especially tonight. Did that count as trusting in the Way? 

Qinsu and Yu made their decision. They were going to shade a particular someone tonight. And Yu was sure that they were trusting in the Way. But the more he thought on the matter, the more it didn’t feel right. Was it because of who they were about to shade? Why did everything feel so sure when they decided to go ahead with the plan, just for it to feel like the complete wrong thing to do? 

Why was all this jazz about the Way so complicated? 

Qinsu was already gone. He and his squad had crept off towards the rear gate. It was too late to turn back now. And soon it would be time for Yu and his own squadhands to move. Was this what the Way wanted? 

The best of us will rise for the good of our people. An assassination. Was that truly the best of us rising for the good of the Elf people? 

Yu tried to retell himself those lines. Bah had taught him and Qinsu those lines when they were still only young elves. It was Bah’s reminder to his two sons to always have courage, to always do the right thing – especially for the good of all elves. But how would Yu know what was right? 

The Way was supposed to show him what was right. 

So, Yu peered up at Eluna again. The elf gave himself a second, to see if she had anything to say. 

… 

Eluna said to move forward. Well, at least he thought she said so. He felt it deep inside. Yu swiped his nose to the side with a thumb – a habit elves did when things felt right. That confidence he needed – like hearing wisdom from a daikoh. One could always respect the wisdom and experience of a daikoh. And Bah, himself, was a daihok. To get the green flag from both Bah and the Goddess, how could Yu not go ahead? 

Someone spoke up beside Yu. 

“Qinsu said he doesn’t feel right about this” Henwo, Yu’s second-in-command, mentioned. 

“He told you too, did he?” Yu raised an eyebrow – not that anyone would see it. Yu and his four squadhands were hidden in the trees. They lay near the front of Dryfox House. 

“He usually looks so sure,” Henwo continued, “but I don’t know. I had to ask.” 

“Did he tell you why?” 

Henwo shook his head. “Their squad moved off before he could say.” 

“Maybe he doesn’t believe the Twũn Family should be our target.” 

Henwo and the others dropped their glances, nodding. Yu knew exactly how they felt. He felt just the same. 

“My bah said we can’t let the Twũn rise to power again – even if we do believe in their heir. Their rise will only divide the people. We’ve finally brought peace and harmony to the people of Center. Our family is the symbol of goodness. And we must ensure the people aren’t swayed astray.” Yu felt more certain again after saying all that. Qinsu was likely telling his squad the same thing if they wavered. 

“Qinsu says we should be quelling the other families” Henwo spoke up. 

“He’s not wrong” Yu agreed. 

“They’re a much bigger problem. Shouldn’t we be moving against them?” Henwo was asking the very questions troubling Yu. The other families were a threat. But Yu also understood what they were here to do. 

“It’s best to clean the house of excess mess. Before the cleaning gets harder in the future.” 

He could feel the solemn look on their faces. 

“Especially when,” he continued, “it means cleaning up something we are attached to.” 

A light crunching sounded from around the corner. Footsteps on gravel. The patrol was finally coming around. 

Yu and the squad crouched lower, waiting for the patrol until… 

Yu let the phrase flow from his breath. 

“Lixer Pounce!” 

In a crouch, Yu leaned, his torso falling forward before, at the last moment, leaping up with a dagger stab. 

His blade slid in behind the guard’s neck. 

Henwo and another squadhand. The same move, quietly dropping the other two guards. 

Yu and his two shifted to the wall shadows. The other two – keeping watch behind – followed into the dark. 

They knew their way around Dryfox House. Warlords and their families often lodged here while traveling around Center.  

At the front door, two guards stood watch. 

A pebble skipped in front of these two, catching their attention. 

“Lixer Pounce” 

And the two guards were down. 

Qinsu, Yu, and their squads, were masters at the stealth forms of the Lixer Fist. They were the best elves for this mission. 

This would surely start war if the other warlords found out, especially with Lon – their greatest ally. But Lon was also their biggest threat if he ever found out. If. 

Yu saw his squad. Each of his elves bore a different colour, a different gear. Even Yu, himself, was fitted to look like a particular faction. He wore the colour of autumn leaves and that particular scale armour that Lon’s soldiers wore. Henwo looked like a Cor soldier, while the other squadhands like other factions. 

Confusion was the goal, rather than the obvious black attire of an assassination party. It was better to have others pointing fingers rather than making thoughtful guesses. 

Yu moved into the building. The others waiting behind. Yu scanned. Only two guards patrolling the hallway. 

Yu raised two fingers. Next, the flat of his palm. Then, a thumb pointing back to himself. Wait until I take down the two inside. That much was clear. 

Once the squad sensed it was clear, they moved in to follow. 

Given Eluna’s height in the night sky, it was getting late, but not late enough yet that their target would go to bed. So, the squad made for the dining hall. And sure enough they heard the target’s voice in discussion. 

Twũn Tem, the heir of the Twũn dynasty. 

Yu and his squad hung back. Best to wait for Qinsu and the others before anything. 

Guards were posted around the dining hall. Some at the entryways, some around Tem and whoever was his company. 

“The Twũn bloodline has gotta take back rule of Center. Then rule all the other lands of this young place.” His guest’s voice was deep and strange. Low like the hum of a giant war horn. The oddest part was the accent. It wasn’t anything Yu could ever recognize. 

“I don’t think I could ever accomplish that. The people don’t trust my family to rule over Center. And I don’t blame them. It’s why they let us be overthrown.” Twũn Tem’s voice was recognizable enough. Yu knew it well. 

“But I’m sure the people still know it, in their hearts. The Twũn are supposed to rule over Center. There just needs to be a cool-off period. From all the mess of your predecessors. But once that’s all fixed… The rightful family will be the ones to keep everybody safe.” 

This guest touched on something that gnawed at Yu. He felt it too, in the back of his mind. The rightful family… Something about hearing that… 

Yu made a slight shift to get a better view on this strange voice. Who he saw seated at the table with Tem was strange. They were abruptly tall, a long narrow torso. Their cloak was of a sort that Yu had never seen before. Enormous buttons down the center. A thick collar stood high, guarding around any neck that would be visible – not that any neck was visible. Their neck and entire head was wrapped in a firm black fabric. It was as if the guest’s entire head was bandaged for injury or ailment. But on top of that, the guest wore a plain white mask over their entire face. Only two eye holes and a thin slit in the shape of a smile below. There was no way to identify this guest. This stranger. 

“I don’t think it will be me, with the state of things here in Center.” Tem’s voice frowned. 

“The Twũn bloodline, I did say” the stranger confirmed. “Bloodline…” 

“Well, maybe.” Tem didn’t sound sure. 

“You know what that means, right?” the stranger leaned forward. 

“Ummm…” Tem hesitated for a moment. 

“It means it’s time to put your single jewels on the market. Keep that bloodline running strong” the stranger laughed. 

“Hmmm” Tem nodded. 

As odd as the stranger’s accent was, Yu could understand their humour. But he could also understand how that made Twũn Tem uncomfortable. Tem was several years younger than Yu but was still old enough to be an adult. And yet Tem was also known to be a gentle and timid young male compared to his more outspoken family. Intimacy was not exactly Tem’s sport. 

“I’m supposed to be in hiding,” Tem told. “I’m not sure I’ll have much sway in regards to marriage.” 

“Twũn Tem,” the stranger’s accent was so foreign. “You’re the rightful heir to the empire. You’re the hottest bachelor on the market right now.” 

“Yeah. But we don’t know for how long” Tem said solemnly. 

“We have many agents and watchers around the realms to ensure your bloodline survives.  Do not worry about that,” the stranger nodded firmly. “But… about the more intimate nature of such matters… Well, you’re going to have to do what a young budding male does.” 

Many agents and watchers around the realms… What realms? Who was this stranger? 

A crash sounded to the side.

One of the entry doors knocked down. Tem’s guards braced their weapons for who was coming. But soon they lowered their arms. 

A mighty shadow stood in the doorway for a moment. Then they strolled in. 

This figure was built powerfully. And they seemed to be dragging in something heavy behind them. A body – bloodied, and draped in violet and armours of the Zyur forces. Qinsu! 

Qinsu was unconscious, a wide wound slashed right through the armour of his chest. Sweet Goddess above… Was this the work of whoever dragged his body inside? 

The figure holding Qinsu was hooded in a dark long cloak, much like the strangers – so you couldn’t see any true detail. But you could tell how strong and muscular this figure was by their broad frame, clearly outlined through their coat. Too broad and muscular to be an elf. They must have been Human. 

It didn’t matter. They had Qinsu. Yu had to do something. And right away. 

Yu Lixer Pounced at the hooded figure. Surprising enough to slightly catch the figure off guard. Slightly. The hooded figure shifted, dodging Yu’s sword edge. But Yu still had the element of momentum. He side kicked the hooded figure away. Qinsu was still breathing. Good. 

Yu’s squad fell in beside him, protective around Qinsu. Their arrival was met with the appearance of Tem’s guards. An armed party of eight. The guards noted the intruders and fell in to engage them. 

The commotion caused those at the table to stand. Tem stepped a little closer to have a look. 

“Zyur Yu koh” Tem called out, now recognizing the intruder. Tem then peered down at Qinsu, sure now of who had been dragged along the floor. Tem then looked back at Yu.  

Yu noted disappointment and confusion in Tem’s expression. Sweet Goddess… Yu knew he’d have to face that expression. No preparation could soften that guilt. But there wasn’t time to sort through emotions. A guard’s spear darted right for Yu’s head. 

Yu lowered his stance into the Lixer Prowl, avoiding the strike with the level change. He grabbed the spear, then gave it a quick yank. The sudden shift in balance was all the opening Yu needed. Yu’s sword pierced straight through the guard’s gut. 

A quick scan. Yu knew his squadhands would be fine. No time to be caught in thought. They were here for one duty only. 

The elf made a dash toward Tem. Tem’s expression had not changed, the disappointment more evident. But Tem had drawn his sword. He understood the situation. 

Forgive me, Tem… 

Yu tried a series of sword strikes. Tem was able to evade and parry it all, maintaining a safe distance between him and Yu. Yu noticed Tem’s arms spread high and wide while his torso leaned low. Rapton Claw. A form focused on distance management and precision strikes. A strong practitioner could easily suppress the forward aggression of the Lixer Fist. But Yu was more Tem’s senior, and a much more seasoned fighter. And so, Yu continued his advance. 

Yu struck purposefully and carefully to gauge Tem’s timing. He didn’t want to get caught by a counter slash from the Rapton Claw. Yu gave a swift double jab of the sword. To get a true feel of Tem’s timing. 

But the awareness of the Rapton form was watchful. Tem slid out his lead foot, kicking aside Yu’s front leg. Most of Yu’s weight was on the leg. Yu lost balance for the moment. Tem’s follow-up slash swiftly flew down. Yu tried to bring his sword up for a block. Tem’s slash bit into Yu’s shoulder, Yu’s sword luckily softening the impact. Yu immediately replied and slashed Tem’s main arm as Tem tried to retreat. 

It was clear. Yu was more of the fighter here. Tem’s slash didn’t feel like a killing blow. And because of that, his escape was too slow for the forward aggression of the Lixer Fist. Tem’s Rapton style was fluid and admirable. It would have been excellent in training duels. But sadly, this wasn’t training. Ferocity was the edge that Tem needed to survive. Yu had all that and more. Both elves could already tell the outcome. 

The two took a second to assess their wounds. Tem in shock. Yu on the ready. 

The stranger who was talking with Tem before suddenly gave a nod to the hooded figure. Yu was just about to finish Tem off but noticed Tem’s attention was too much on the hooded figure behind Yu. 

And then Yu felt the shift in the air. 

Trying to turn and see, Yu wasn’t fast enough to catch the movement. The hooded figure suddenly blurred out of Yu’s peripheral vision. And then Yu heard a strike and a familiar cry. Henwo. 

Henwo’s body whipped straight to the far wall, body smashing violently on impact. The hooded figure had kicked Henwo, now clear seeing the hooded figure lower his leg. The kick was too quick and powerful to be real. Bodies were not supposed to fly 50 feet across the room after being kicked. And not that quickly. Henwo’s body zipped across in a split second. With such impact, he was surely dead. What had this hooded figure done? 

Before Yu could react, the hooded figure lowered into what looked like Lixer Prowl. Then in a blink, the figure swiped across a squadhand’s gut. Blood, flesh, and viscera spat into the air. The squadhand’s insides obliterated in an unseen strike. The movement was too quick. Much too quick. Not even a heartbeat later, the hooded figure blinked 10 feet to the other side, swiping open another squadhand’s gut. And then immediately, 15 feet to the other side, the figure’s arm swiped a squadhand’s head off. Yu’s last squadhand. The head obliterated into oblivion. 

All in one single breath, Yu saw all four of his squadhands slain at otherworldly speeds. By otherworldly power. Yu had seen people perform acts of wonder before, like an elf who could summon the wind. But the sheer speed and ferocity of this hooded figure was unimaginable. Was impossible! Nothing was supposed to be this fast or this powerful. 

The hooded figure then peered down to the side. In a flash, it stood before Qinsu. A flash later, it snatched Qinsu off the floor. 

“Qinsu koh!” Yu screamed, afraid his voice was not quick enough. 

“No!” he heard Tem call from behind. 

“Wait! Wait wait wait!” the stranger raised his hands, ordering to his hooded friend. 

A instant later, the hooded figure was standing between the stranger and Tem, Qinsu hanging from the its grasp. 

The strange spoke something to the hooded figure, who then nodded in understanding. Were they speaking Human? It sounded more different than that. 

“Please! Don’t kill him!” Yu cried out, bowing his head. It felt like there was no time to try understand what was happening. 

Tem – to their side – turned to face the two strangers, expression seemingly asking the same as Yu was begging. 

“Is this the heir of the Zyur Family?” the stranger asked Tem, pointing down at Qinsu. 

“Yes.” Tem answered worriedly “Please don’t kill him.” 

“And this must be the younger brother” the stranger jerked his head at Yu. 

Tem nodded, hands clasped together above his head in surrender. “Please” 

“Funny you wish to spare them after they just tried to pop you.” 

“Center has been a mess. Other families worry I will uprise future rebellion.” Tem kept his hands together above his head. “Please. They’re my cousins. I understand them. They were just doing their duty. Please.” 

“He stands up for you,” the stranger told Yu. “Got anything to say?” 

“Twūn Tem,” Yu faced Tem, still glancing back at Qinsu and the other stranger. “I… We…” How could he explain himself right now. They had Qinsu in hand. 

“Zyur Yu koh.” Tem spoke up. “I didn’t think I’d be facing you or Qinsu koh like this. I was always scared of Lon daikoh the most. Everyone says Fù Lon daikoh will overthrow everyone and everything. I understand if Lon daikoh put you two up to this.” 

Lon… Tem wasn’t blind to Fù Lon’s power either.  

Did Yu have the courage to tell Tem that they had decided this assassination on their own? Yu looked above to Eluna in hope, even though he was indoors. That hooded figure could end this all in a single heartbeat. “Twūn Tem, I’m sorry. But please.” 

“The Twūn Family are the true rulers of Center” the stranger spoke out to Yu. “We hope you all help to restore order in this world and get everything fixed. The Twūn are the only ones who can rightfully protect this little planet. They are the promised ones.” 

The stranger then looked down at Qinsu. Then he gave a nod to his hooded friend. 

Suddenly… 

Qinsu disappeared. 

“QINSU KOH!” Yu dropped his sword. 

“Stay calm, young elf!” the stranger ordered. “Your brother is safe.” 

But Qinsu… 

Yu looked about. There was no clue as to where Qinsu had disappeared to. The hooded figure hadn’t seemed to move at all. What happened? 

“We will need you and other strong spirits in the future” the stranger told Yu. “So, stay live and well. And keep the Twūn safe. The worlds here are still very young.” 

“Where is Qinsu koh?” Yu demanded. 

“He is safe. He is going to help us for now. Maybe he’ll return in the future, if I see he is needed here.” 

“Where is he?” Yu demanded again. 

“Don’t worry. And, I suggest you go.” 

“Where is…” 

The hooded figure shifted. The movement caused Yu to fall into fighting stance. But all the figure did was slightly raise an arm and make a shooing off motion with his hand. 

Wait. 

The hand. 

This hooded figure’s hand… Was that an ursa’s hand? Yu noticed the hooded figure’s hand was covered in fur, sharp claws point out from the tips. 

“Zyur Yu koh, please.” Tem spoke. “I think you should go.” 

“But Qins…” 

The hooded figure made the shooing off gesture again. Any movement that thing made caused panic. 

“Please, Yu koh.” Tem’s eyes were begging, hands flat together above his head. 

Yu took a step back and picked up his sword. He saw all the dead littered on the floor, especially his squad. Their insides ripped open in a violent mess, Henwo at the far wall. 

To the side of Tem, Yu realized he could see the face of the hooded figure a little better. But Yu wasn’t sure he wanted to see. The head and face was covered in fur. Confusing. But soon Yu recognized what he was looking at. It was not a person. No. That was a felix’s face looking at him from under that hood. A beast that wasn’t supposed to stand like that. A beast that wasn’t supposed to smile at him like that at all. 

All of a sudden… 

Somebody walked in between them all. A female. A serving girl, maybe. How could she have just walked in so casually? She wore the kindest smile that Yu had ever seen. That smile was not fitting of the brutality of the situation. And yet her smile still shined. The stranger and his hooded friend took a step back at her arrival. 

The female was aged and dressed in a simple gown. Yu got the impression that maybe she was the housekeeper. But there was something more. Yu knew that, deep inside, he was supposed to respect this lady. Like a fear, something inside demanded he respect her. She looked to him. 

“Go now, syan Yu” she told Yu without speaking. Wait! She did not move her lips. She spoke into his mind. Yu was sure of this. With all the impossible things already happening, Yu was not about to question how she just spoke to him. Yu already had a guess at who she could be. The spirit guarding the house. Yu knew better than to anger her. 

“Please, syan Yu. Leave” her voice sounded in his mind again. 

Yu saw her turn to the stranger and his hooded friend. Again, those two shifted backwards.