Fan Fiction ❯ The Sprit Chronicles ❯ Episode 2-A King's Ransom. Rescue Irene! ( Chapter 2 )

[BURN walks up to the audience] Now two people, the young schoolgirl Yukimara Kasumi and the mysterious boy named Cloud Seraph, have been brought together before parting ways once again when Cloud leaves with the Royal Guardsmen. Today's episode focuses on the task at hand. But we must ask: What purpose is Cloud needed by the King of Nanka for?

Episode II: A King's Ransom. Rescue Irene!

Once they had entered the castle walls, the rest of the men broke off to their own devices thus leaving only Cloud and the captain to navigate through a maze of corridors. They were dimly lit by torches so were extremely treacherous.

"I never did catch your name." Cloud stated suggestively as they came upon a great oak door. Man, if the door is this impressive I wonder what inside looks like. He thought idly before he noticed the soldier was looking at him from over his shoulder.

"My name is Crombie. I am the captain of King Trent's army. My talent is pointing."

Some humans on Gaia were born with a magic talent, some spot-on-the-wall while others were of Magician-caliber. Only a magician could assume the title of King of the World. The sages were on a whole other level entirely when it came to magic. But most of them tended to shy away from the political matters, and only intervened when absolutely neccessary.

They found King Trent pacing in front of the thrones. He was a man who had just reached middle age and judging by the patches of gray here and there in his blonde hair he was wise beyond his years. Trent had caused quite a controversy when he assumed the throne. For you see, Trent had been known as the Evil Magician for over a year until he was banished to the distant land of Hokubo. Several years later he had returned due to the fact the Storm King Aeolus was nearing death and even little children were defying him. But while in Hokubo Trent had married and had a son, though both died as a result of a plague that had swept the country. Trent had then been asked to assume the throne under two conditions: one being he never tried to take the country again and two, he must get married. So he married Sorceress Iris out of convienence and a year later, Princess Irene had been born.

"Ah sire, I have brought Seraph per your request." Crombie then bowed at the waist before turning and striding out of the room. Now Trent had oriented on Cloud and stepped towards the young fighter.

"Cloud Seraph your reputation percieves you. I implore you. I sought you out not only for your skills as a fighter but also your skills as a human being."

"I must correct you your majesty, for I have no human blood in me." Cloud cut in, keeping his tone courteous.

"Oh really. Well that explains all the strength you've displayed. Now as I was saying, when I told Master Jin of my dilemma he immediately recommended I seek out your help. This morning when Queen Iris went to go fetch Irene for her tutoring we discovered the girl missing without a trace. The only clue we have to go by is this." Trent pulled a single black rose from his cloak. It had been slightly singed at the stem and Cloud could two life forces emitting from it; one being that of a dying flower, the other was extremely faint but was obviously demonic in origin.

"Do you mind if I take a look at that your majesty?" Cloud inquired of the older man, this rose was not normal, despite its odd coloring. The king handed over the small flower, it was amazing to believe that something so small could actually be so important. Now in his hands Cloud could sense the demonic power that had been used to produce it. He recognized the energy signature faintly, but could not for the Goddesses remember from where.

"This seems vaguely familiar to me my good King Trent." Cloud then hands the dark rose back. "Now that I have sensed that power, I should be able to track it if it is within suitable range." Then fighter, emitting his trademark blue aura, as he felt out for this power. There were at least one thousand lower level demons on the planet currently, and only about a dozen that could do some damage if they cared enough. "I can't seem to sense this being's spirit power."

"He must have already departed to Nemesis. If only a trace of his power is this strong then he is probably a general or maybe even of the council. Perhaps I should go speak with Lillith or Morgan. They always know what trouble is brewing." Cloud finished with a small chuckle.

"You don't me those succubus sisters do you? They are always causing trouble, once they even tried to seduce Crombie, before he met Jewel, and get him into bed with him."

"But he is a women hater is he not?"

"That is a mystery to me, he has a young daughter, probably around twelve years of age and he seems to love her very much. As for Jewel, that is the result of a love potion."

"I see then, well I better be going I have a princess to save." Cloud then turned on his heel and strode towards the double doors, only to be sent unceremoniously to the ground by one swinging open.

A woman who looked to be in her early thirties strode in. She had platinum blond hair and sea green eyes. Judging by the forest green gown she wore and the small crown atop her head she was Queen Iris, mistress of illusion. Her eyes were actually what drew his attention as they appeared to be reading into the depths of his mind and soul.

"Ah Queen Iris, this is Cloud Seraph." Trent introduced him to his wife formally but Cloud noticed that the warmth in his voice had vanished and now a dry tone had taken its place. However, common sense explained that this was one situation that he shouldn't interfere with for doing so could have catastrophic repercussions.

"I know who he is sire, I just wonder if he can rescue Irene." She said, resentment and jealousy thickly coating her voice. Cloud realised that the rumors that this marriage possessed no emotion whatsoever were true. These two aren't even friends he thought sadly.

"I will do everything in my power to rescue Her Royal Highness." Cloud said courteously before bowing slightly, his arm was bent across his chest at a forty-five degree angle. With that done he then bowed to Trent and strode forward with a purpose. But who does that mysterious energy signature belong to?