CHAPTER II

         "Where do we begin? Chantelle asks. "I mean we have no idea where the resurrection could be taking place and we also have no money or equipment." She adds.
        "We should probably go see the King & Queen, see if they’re alright. They may have information that might be useful." Lucavi explains. "They may also be able to provide us with some equipment."
        "Alright, let’s go." they say in agreement.
        The four walk through a town full of blood, body parts and villager and goblin corpses. When they get to the castle gates, Lucavi’s parents, the King & Queen greet them.
        "Son, are you alright? What was that all about? Question Lucavi’s parents.
        "Don’t worry about it. Thanks to some new friends, we managed quite well." Lucavi explains. "I would like to introduce Britney, a controller of the Gods, and her brother Solduvius, a dark wizard. "
        Lucavi turns toward Solduvius and Britney.
        "That’s right. You never did mention where you two were from and how you knew about the goblins." he adds.
        "Well, first of all, we are from the Lustrous Forest of the Magi. A couple of days ago, our people noticed something strange about the forest so Solduvius and myself decided to check it out." Britney explicates.
        "When we returned to the village, we saw everyone slain and the goblins riding off through the forest. So without hesitation we rode after them as fast as we could and that is how we ended up here." Solduvius continues.
        "I am so sorry. It must have been hard for you to see that." the Queen replies in a comforting voice.
        "Now back to the goblins. Where did those evil beasts come from? There hasn’t been anything like that in the world for quite some time now." the King asks with questionable regard.
        "We do not know where they came from but one of them said that their master was to be resurrected." Chantelle answers.
        "You can’t mean Diablos. But Vesuvius destroyed him 300 years ago. It can’t be true." the Queen exclaims.
        "What are you all going to do? I am guessing that you are going to search for whomever is going to resurrect Diablos and destroy them right? I have a suggestion though. I think that you should search for the Elvenbane first. That way you will be prepared for anything." the Queen suggests.
        "There is a problem with that suggestion, milady. The Elvenbane has been lost after Vesuvius passed on. It has never been found, even by the best explorers." Solduvius interjects.
        "Actually, the legend of Vesuvius and the Elvenbane has been passed down the Royaume family for generations. After Vesuvius killed Diablos, evil died down significantly. Vesuvius and his allies hunted and killed the remaining threat of evil. The world became peaceful again. As his last wish, Vesuvius wanted the four Holy Elves to insert the sword into his tombstone, which is located at the top of the Dark Mountains of the north, only to be removed by someone of the Royaume bloodline. Lucavi, Chantelle, Solduvius and Britney, I suggest that you all journey and seek the Elvenbane. But be warned, the journey will not be an easy one, for you will have many hardships." the King construes.
        "Alright mother, father. I will journey for the Elvenbane and prevent Diablos from being reborn into this world."
        Lucavi turns toward his three friends and asks
        "Will you all accompany me on my journey?"
        "Of course we will. Anything to prevent another time of chaos." they reply in agreement.
        "Very well. We will provide you with whatever you need. You guys should get some rest. We will gather whatever is need for your departure tomorrow." the Queen illustrates. "Britney, Solduvius, the maids will show you to your rooms. Lucavi, Chantelle, you should also get some rest." she continues.
        That night, the king, queen and their servants worked hard preparing for their son’s journey. They brought together all the equipment they had within the castle, a good amount of food and money and a horse for each of them. Morning came and the four heroes got ready to leave.
        "Before you leave, might I suggest that you go to Draconia. I hear that they have a warrior there." the King explains.
        "Thanks. I’m sure that’ll be our first stop. Also thanks for all your help." responds Britney.
        Fully equipped and fully supplied, the four start out their journey to find the Elvenbane.
        "Where exactly is Draconia located? I myself have never been there." questions Solduvius.
        "It is to the south west, about a six day journey from here." Chantelle responds.
        Most of the journey was pretty quiet. All the four did was eat, ride, sleep and discuss strategy plans. About a two-day ride from Draconia, things started to become interesting. As they were riding they came across a bridge that leads to the other side. They watch in shock, as the other side of the bridge becomes darker than the rest of the land.
        "What is going on here?" the ladies ask in a confused tone of voice.
        "Wait a minute, remember during Vesuvius’ time. When Diablos came to the world, the Earth began to transform as the evil entered the world. I think that is what is happening here. We have got to be careful from now own." Lucavi illustrates.
        Lucavi and his friends stare at the beautiful forest transforming in a barren wasteland, right before their eyes. The once before forest, full of beautiful green trees and small animals has now become a vast plain, lifeless and dark. The sky above this wasteland has become black and filled with clouds. As they begin to cross, a huge knight, about 9 feet tall, dressed in black armor wielding a huge sword, magically appears in front of Lucavi, Chantelle, Solduvius and Britney.
        "Who dares enter the Valley of the Dark Knight." The huge knight asks in a deep and frightening tone.
        "I, Lucavi and my three friends Solduvius, Chantelle and Britney are trying to get to Draconia. Would please let us pass." Lucavi responds in a gentle and reasoning tone.
        "I am afraid that I cannot do that. If you wish to pass through here, then you will have to defeat me. If you prove yourselves against me then, and only then, will you be able to pass through here." retorts the huge and evil knight.
        "Lucavi, do you think that this is such a good idea? I mea, look at the size of this guy! Do you think we are ready to take on something like this?" Britney whispers.
        "We don’t have much of a choice. This is the only way through to Draconia." Chantelle interjects.
        "I agree. Defeating this fiend is going to be the only way to get through here. Also, we are going to have to fight a lot of evil beings on our quest to Diablos. I believe that we are going to need to work on our fighting skills." Lucavi replies in an agreeing manner.
        "Well, have you decided? Are you going to accept my challenge or back away like cowards?" the knight snarls.
        "Listen knight, you better get ready ‘cause here we come." Solduvius exclaims.
        Lucavi charges at the knight on his horse. As he gets closer, Lucavi stands up on his horse and dives at the Knight, sword in hand and ready to strike. The Knight easily dodges Lucavi’s attack and quickly strikes at him. Lucavi tries to dodge the attack but gets slightly caught by the Knight’s sword. Chantelle starts to shoot some arrows at the Knight but they simply bounce off the Knight’s powerful armor. Britney begins to chant a summon spell.
        "Controller of lightning, I command thee, arise. Unleash your power to stop this demise. Eradicate all evil, I know that’s your goal. Strike forth with fury and torture their souls." Britney chants maniacally.
        The God of Lightning, Jupiter, comes down form the sky and begins to shoot down lightning bolts at the Black Knight but the lightning bolts simply bounce off of the Knight’s armor.
        "Damn that Knight is very powerful. How are we going to defeat it?" Britney ponders.
        Then the wind begins to blow. Within the wind, Lucavi, Britney, Chantelle and Solduvius can hear a faint voice.
        "Armor. The power of two. Remove the armor and use the power of two. Lucavi, Solduvius. Remove the armor and use the power of two." howls the wind.
        "The power of two. What does that mean?" Solduvius says.
        "I think I know what it is. Chantelle, Britney. You guys keep that Knight busy. Solduvius, come with me." Lucavi commands.
        Chantelle and Britney keep attacking the Knight. Lucavi and Solduvius sneak around the back of the Knight. Lucavi sees something shining on the back of the Knight.
        "Solduvius, let me use you as a boost to get up there." Lucavi orders.
        Solduvius bends over and Lucavi runs toward him. He jumps off of Solduvius and slashes the shining object. The object shatters and the Knight’s armor is destroyed. As Lucavi comes down, he shouts.
        "Solduvius, hurry, cast a fire spell on me." Lucavi shouts.
        "Alright Lucavi. Highest of mages, I call upon thee. Lend out your wisdom and power to me. I honor, obey and love you my sire. Make Lucavi stronger with fire." Solduvius responds.
        Lucavi is surrounded with a Ring of Fire. He begins to focus and Lucavi’s sword begins to glow once again.
        "Alright Knight. Let’s see how feel after this. Combination Power Up Inferno Slash." Lucavi shouts.
        When Lucavi lands he performs his attack. It is a variation of the Dark Slash, only more powerful due to the addition of the fire. With every slash, the Knight screams in pain as the cutting of the slash is mixed with the burning of the flames. When the attack is finished and all the flames were cleared, all that was left of the Knight was his sword and a pile of ash. Lucavi picks up his sword and all of sudden, the four hear the voice of the Knight.
        "You four did well, but be warned. As we speak, the resurrection is taking place. No one knows how long it will take, but you four should hurry. Be careful because as time goes on, the world will begin to transform under the influence of Diablos. So please, hurry and stop Diablos’ resurrection before it is too late."
        "Lucavi, how did you know about the team up attack?" Solduvius asks.
        "I don’t know. I guess it is the blood of Vesuvius that runs through my veins. It allows me to know the different attacks and techniques." Lucavi replies.
        "Anyway, we should continue on to Draconia and find out all that we can." Chantelle intervenes.
        "Right, come on everyone. Let’s go." Britney adds.
        The four continue their journey to Draconia. After a couple more days of travelling, they reach the gates of the town of Draconia. They dismount from their horses and tie them up. The y enter the town and see that it is deserted, like a ghost town. They walk around and see nobody and hear nothing. As they approach the castle gates, a group of soldiers appear with their swords drawn. Two of them grab hold of Lucavi, while some others grab Britney, Solduvius and Chantelle. A man in a suit of golden armor steps forward and holds his sword at Lucavi’s neck.
        "Who are you and what are you doing in my town?" the man in the golden armor shouts. "I do not like wanders, especially troublemakers in my town." The man adds.
        The knight raises his sword, about to slice Lucavi’s neck.
 

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