“That is my victory,” King Satori declared. Placing his last black stone in an open intersection.

  King Antares studied the board, analyzing the hour-long game in mere seconds, “...and my defeat.” He sighed, accepting another loss. “One more game, please.”

  That was the tenth time he had asked for another round, and once again King Satori obliged his former master's little brother. They began clearing the board preparing for another game of Go. The previous night's events had left a difficult impression on Satori that had lingered well into the gathering later that night. It was relatively easy to discern for the King of Ichika what was the true reason of Emperor Nero’s play. The dramatization of an event that many in the north looked at with great sadness and caution was a bold move. If such a thing were done to him he was not sure how he would have reacted, which is why he found Antares’ pleasant demeanor after the play to be quite admirable. The Stygian King carried himself with poise and a cool air worthy of a royal. Even still, Satori could see the pain that clung beneath the warm smile he displayed. He would have approached him but in truth Satori had found it difficult to do so since seeing him again for the first time in years. There was much to say, much he felt responsible for. He had planned to speak to him today, working up the courage required of a king.

  However on his way to his chambers later that night, King Antares had sought him out. In the candle light of the great halls of Castle Blackrose, Satori saw the young boy he had watched grow up in front of him. He had been asked if he would have liked to play a game of Go and the Ichikan King happily accepted. What he had thought would be one game, had become several as the night dragged on until the first signs of morning announced itself on Princess Reza's naming day. Through the open windows of a private room they had commandeered, they prepared for their tenth game. Antares hoping to finally win.

  They cleared the stones in silence, just as they had played all previous nine games. Neither of them had said anything, Satori simply chose to enjoy the company of the young king. When Antares found it within himself to conversate he would happily engage. Until then he was content with the way things were. He would allow the Stygian monarch to analyze his thoughts in peace.

  With the board now cleared, Satori examined the frost created slab by Antares again, such was it well crafted and sufficiently balanced. Exile had not dulled the finer details of the young Stygians abilities. His ice constructs were the mark of a truly gifted wielder of the ancient power. The frost board resembled a true wooden Go board and its twenty six crossing lines across the length and width of the board created a landscape of six hundred and seventy-six intersections. The battle ground had been laid bare and the respective players would once again duel for territory. As Satori was the superior player, Antares was given a three stone advantage and placed his black stones at varying intersections.

  Satori folded his arms in protest, “That is the tenth time you have used that same opening.”

  Antares waved him off, “Do not interrupt my process.” He returned his focus to the board, as he placed the last of his black stones the game began anew.

  The opening exchanges followed the same pattern as the previous games. Antares elected to create several battles across the board forcing Satori to maintain multiple conflicts at the same time. The added advantage given to Antares helped solidify his positioning at key points on the board. Yet again, as in previous games, Satori slowly turned the tide, carefully consolidating territory and looking to focus on a single point. Antares sought to push back aggressively with a counter. A new change from his usual tepid approach.

  “Do you think I should marry Reza?”

  “Would my opinion influence your decision?” Satori asked curious for an answer.

  “So you do think I should.”

  He reached over and ruffled the young king's hair, “That is not what I said. I see you have not grown out of that childish attitude.” The Stygian King laughed at being caught. “What do the others think?”

  Antares rested his hands on his lap. “Guinevere hates the idea of it. Casspien wrestles between hope and what he knows to be true. And Typhon, well Typhon thinks the answer will be revealed to me once her naming ceremony takes place.”

  Of course out of all the names he had mentioned it was only Typhon who voiced his opinion. Of everyone else, Antares' Akashic Eyes revealed to him the deeper feelings and the manner in which their souls moved within them. The differing emotions were clear for him to see without dialogue.

  “What does Queen Freyja think?” Satori asked.

  Antares bore a painful smile, he would have rather preferred to believe the play had not bothered him. That such a childish and overblown display of history was only meant to entertain and nothing more. However, sitting next to her, as the death of her elder brothers by his hand was reenacted for an audience. Sitting next to her proved more difficult than he imagined it to be. He dreaded seeing her eyes when they all returned to the waiting area. But to his surprise her only concern was proving to him that she was not aware of Nero’s plan. Once again her only concern was of him, as it always was, as it always would be.

  “She wants what is good for the nine realms,” Antares moved to place a stone on the board. “But her body betrays what her heart desires.” Her smile when he lamented his feelings about Reza seared across his mind, the urge to kiss her grew at an exceptional rate.

  “I can imagine,” a white haired woman crossed Satori’s mind as well, a pensive smile took root across his face. “However, if you wish to truly know my thoughts. I think you should decline.” Satori’s long black hair blended into the shadows, revealing a candid yet spectacular face. Even in the dim light of early dawn, his hazel eyes glowed fiercely with the true color of wisdom beyond his years.

  “Are the other northern kings in agreement?” King Antares asked, his eyes never leaving the board.

  “They are not, they see it as a welcomed boon that could usher in a new age of peace.” Satori recalled the letters written between himself and the kings upon the announcement of the possible union.

  “You do not?”

  He nodded assertively.

  King Satori Sugawara was neither a jaded man nor an optimistic one. People regarded his perpetual pleasant smile as a man who was aloof or too naive for his position. His Enlightened state further pushed him into rarefied air where many sought to look at his comments as almost prophetic in nature. The power he also possessed only further painted a picture of a man blessed by the very Gods themselves . However for all that was said of him that was neither the case, Satori was simply just Satori. What that meant, none could understand for they were not him. He saw the world for what it was and loved it all the same, with all its misgivings and many blessings. Perhaps no greater misgiving than Nero Blackrose becoming the Emperor of Aurum. That was a man who's very existence brought with it instability not felt in ages. However the biggest problem was that others could not see it or better yet, chose not to for it was easier. They did not have his eyes, nor were they granted the ability to feel how mana reacted in the presence of the Emperor of Aurum. He could not hold it against them. But with the man across from him it was different, he was sure Antares could see it too, in fact even clearer than he could, with his Akashic Eyes. One set of eyes could see the world as what it was, while another for what it should be. Together they saw Nero in his entirety and for that it troubled them to no end.

  “I see it as unnecessary fuel to a growing flame.” There was no doubt in his voice.

  They played for a while in silence while Antares sought to stop the collapse of his entire western flank.

  “So does that mean Ichika will support me if I decline?” The Stygian King only barely managed to hold the line.

  A perfect opening presented itself, where Satori broke through, managing to claim Atari over several black stones. “I said I am in disagreement. Not Ichika.” He missed his home.

  “How are things in the Land of Cherry Blossoms?” Antares asked, noticing the slightest of discomforts in a man he often regarded as an older brother.

  Satori mulled over several thoughts pertaining to his realm. Chief among them the growing discontent amidst members of the Imperial Court. He did not want to trouble Antares with the happenings of his home. As the Stygian King he knew the amount of stress and strain he was under, with Prince Daimion’s failed rebellion and the conflict with Vanaheimr and now here in Talterra, Antares was being pulled in several directions. However Satori could not afford to treat Antares as a child, hiding the truth of the world from him. The man was a king, the King of the North. He needed to be aware of what had been happening outside his borders, most precisely within the realm of his people’s oldest allies. Yet Satori was unsure how to phrase his worries and concerns. For they all lead back to one man.

  Stolen story; please report.

  “Hideyoshi still continues to make a play for the throne.” Satori was impressed to see Antares commit several Atari in retaliation for the stones lost. “I have excused it for years because it goes nowhere.”

  “But now?”

  “Now he has latched on to a growing sentiment that permeates throughout Ichika, one our house has been keeping at bay for thousands of years.”

  “Why do we need the Stygians?” Antares summarized.

  “Precisely,” Satori did not hide the admiration in his voice. “Ichika has felt as though we have outgrown the need for the Stygians. Much of Aurum it seems really.”

  The growing restlessness of his Imperial Court was a situation that he had managed well throughout his reign. It was not a new phenomena, in fact it was an event his father had to deal with and his father before him. While the Imperial Court sought to break free, House Sugawara held them in place. Their relationship was often characterized as a push and pull. There was balance in it. However that balance had severely eroded over the century since Barranagan Xerxes refused the emperor’s crown much to the dismay of Ichika above all. Countless lives lost in assistance to claim the crown of Aurum only for the Stygian King to pass off the crown to the son of the mad emperor. Ichika had still not recovered from that slight, the abandonment by Iliad had left a wound that refused to heal. Among his well over one hundred siblings, it was Hideyoshi that had ceased the opportunity to trudge up old scars. Now that Iliad looked weakened with the death of Barranagan and the absence of Hyperion, it gave way for an opportunity for her biggest detractors to find confidence in their displeasure of the ancient realm.

  “I disagree naturally,” he smirked. “ Among my many children, it is one of my youngest's, Hiei–emboldened by his mother and Hideyoshi–who openly lambasts me for my partial attitude towards Iliad. That I favor the Stygian royal family more than I should.”

  A moment passed while they exchanged more duels, Antares advantage diminishing by the minute.

  “And I say they are all right,” Satori agreed. “How could I not be? I walked the nine realms with Hvare Xerxes as my friend and Crown Prince Hyperion Xerxes as my master. I was there on the day Queen Myrra gave birth to the new King of Iliad. No matter their perceived folly by outsiders and even those within Iliad, you are my family.”

  Satori found no reason to be ashamed of his biases towards House Xerxes. The ancient houses in the north were often difficult to understand for their desire to keep to themselves frequently felt quite spiteful for how long they could go without communication. They were beings that lived for over a millennia, their relationship with time differed from that with humans and often caused friction. Ichika disliked the slow nature in which Iliad operated, often going decades without responding to her pleas. They had been accustomed to it. The entire north were, but once again. People had forgotten what the Stygians were like, the way they governed, often standing unattended by those who sought their leadership. Satori understood this, but Ichika did not. They required more. Humans always required more, that was the nature of his kind.

  “It seems my home has put you in a difficult position,” The King of the Stygians bowed deeply in apology. “For that I am truly sorry, on behalf of House Xerxes.”

  “There is no need for any of that Antares, Hiei is only seventeen he does not understand. As a father I can only hope he chooses the right path I have laid for him.” Satori waved his hand dismissively, “For as long as I am King of Ichika, Iliad will always have an ally. And whether I am king or not, you will always have a big brother in me.” He placed his hand on the Stygian King’s head, both of them drawing a genuine smile. “Hvare would agree, if he ever decided to leave his castle. I hope he at least attended your crowning ceremony?”

  Antares looked away in guilt, “I have not spoken to him since my return from exile.”

  King Barranagan's passing had left the title of strongest throughout Aurum vacant. And of the many who desired or could lay claim to it, the general consensus among the nine realms was that Satori Sugawara was the natural successor to such a feat. He who was born Enlightened, as well as being one of the legendary Thirteen Sword Saints and blessed with the much coveted Inherited Treasure of the Sugawara clan. It was not an exaggeration to say the man had been highly favored with power beyond what anyone one human deserved. However, of all possible fighters that could contend–those known and unknown–it would be Crown Prince Hyperion's second pupil, Hvare Xerxes that could truly challenge the King of Ichika for that title. Thus his renown would be known and spoken about, if the man ever found it within himself to leave his castle deep in the northern mountains of Iliad. While many regarded Hvare odd for his eccentricity and his fascination with natural philosophy–most certainly his younger brother Nykolas did–Antares instead always found it quite interesting how he understood the world and the mysteries within.

  Hvare was a man Antares admired and liked. Which is why he could not bring himself to face the elder brother of the dear friend he killed all those years ago. He did not know what he could say to him, what there was to say. His responsibilities at the castle had kept him from attempting to reach out to Hvare but he had never made a serious effort to do so. The pain of the encounter was not a sensation Antares had built the courage to face.

  “That is just like him,” Satori grumbled. “You should see how many of my letters he ignores. Speaking of letters, do you know…”

  King Satori carried on a mocking tirade as he lamented his oldest friend’s lack of communication through the years. Regularly Hvare would write to him about his latest discovery or his understanding of the properties of the soul. Satori, clueless to any of the topics his friend discussed with him would spend days racking his brain while hundreds of advisors would be commanded to abandon any foolish task they dealt with. Instead helped the king formulate a worthy response. He would send back word, seasons would go by before a response returned. Only for Hvare to have moved on to an entirely different topic of conversation. This had gone on for well over two decades and Satori had yet to grow accustomed to their little game. Antares appreciated the man’s attempts to lift his spirits.

  “Perhaps a direct visit is needed,” the Stygian King smirked.

  “Perhaps, it has been some time.” He nodded.

  The King of Ichika enjoyed hearing him laugh. It reminded him of better times and easier days. He would write Hvare an angry letter when he had the time. He knew the man would not be upset at Antares and wondered why he did not see him when he returned. Hvare struggled with keeping track of time, Satori hoped that was the case and that there was nothing more to it. Nevertheless, seeing Antares in a better mood was all he wished for and received. They continued on with their game, the climatic battles drawing close. Antares’ advantage had been lost.

  “Do not worry about Hvare, you will see him again and together you will go count the rings on worms like you used to do.” Satori teased.

  “That was twenty years ago.” The Ilian King dismissed with a chuckle.

  Silence took root in the room again as their focus returned to their game at hand. The castle was beginning to stir, soon enough the new day would commence, and Reza’s naming ceremony would occur. Satori had danced around his most important question, one that he was careful to ask because he was unsure of the implications of it. He had not wanted to sour a wonderful time together after so many years. However he would not be a diligent king if he did not ask.

  “You seek to know why I want to reclaim the Grimoires?” Antares' focused on the game they played as it neared its climax.

  Satori grinned, “The thought had crossed my mind.” He too had his focus on the board. “Things are still somewhat tense.”

  Antares hesitated, if there was anyone he could tell–of everyone who asked him–be it Guinevere, Casspien, Faye or even his own mother, Lady Alena. He could tell Satori, so he did not understand why he hesitated so much. As though were he to speak it, the truth would become tangibly real. The reason Nykolas died, would become real. He did not know what to do, the burden he had carried for five years often ached across his shoulders. There was no one he thought he could confide in, to share the responsibility of what it was he needed the grimoires for. Hyperion was not here, but the man who was trained by him was, the man he had always regarded in the highest light. The man many regarded as the strongest throughout the nine realms. If not him, who could he tell? Antares' lips parted.

  “It is alright, I forget you are king now.” Satori rubbed his smooth chin, “You are entitled to your realms secrets and desires. I am only concerned because King Saturn and the south's tirade may have resonated with the northern kings.” His eyes carried an uneasy look.

  “You think so?” Antares perked up, surprised to hear the opinion.

  “I am not quite sure,” he replied. “But I suppose their belly-aching falls flat, if you do agree to marry Princess Reza. I am sure you will eventually get all the grimoires back across the centuries, it will become easier to negotiate since you do not plan to use them anyways.”

  Antares looked away, if only for a moment.

  “Why are you not agreeing with me, King Antares?” Satori sat up straight, towering over the Stygian King as he sat well past seven feet tall. “You do not plan to use the Nine Grimoires of Nyx, correct?”

  The Ilian King did not reply.

  Satori was dumbfounded. Of all the kings he knew, it was Antares who better than anyone else understood the dangers of the nine grimoires. He was a Lord of War, sworn to uphold order throughout Iliad and once upon a time throughout Aurum. It was the God-King Gilgamesh himself who decided the grimoires were too powerful to be kept together, now the man before him not only wanted to bring them close once more but use them as well. It was madness, that was all King Satori could think, an unthinkable act that Hyperion would have condemned with the greatest of swiftness. What could have possibly pushed King Antares to walk down this path?

  “This has to do with Nykolas, doesn't it?” he whispered solemnly.

  All Antares could do was lower his head, that was all the answer the King of Ichika required.

  The King of the Stygians had made him privy to an extremely dangerous and destructive ploy that would threaten the strained stability of all that stood around them. However as Satori gazed at the man across from him with his Enlightened eyes he could not bring himself to hate him in any capacity. All he could see was the weight of a terrible responsibility sitting upon the shoulders of his little brother. The crown of Iliad carried too many expectations, and with that thought Satori's mind conjured the image of Hyperion.

  “Tell me at the very least that this path you walk is because it is done to save the Stygians?” he brought his hands together as though he was praying for that answer.

  Antares finally raised his gaze as his Akashic Eyes met the eyes of an Enlightened. “I do not do this to save the Stygians,” he admitted honestly. “I do this to save all of Aurum from what the Stygians will do, if they are ever made aware of what it is I know.”

  All Things Die.

  ll Things Die". There is also a thematic reason I'm using this specific Truth as an example, because I want you to keep it in the back of your minds as it pertains to Antares, the Elders and the Stygians. But anyways don't mean to go on a tangent.

  ONLY reactive fire elemental mana.

  VERY few people, who are regarded as either geniuses or blessed can naturally discern which mana particles are best suited for offensive and defensive abilities "PERSON B". Essentially with an Enlightened they know which tool (Passive or Reactive mana particles) to use to get the best of their incantations or constructs.

  Kingspeak or in Chapter 51 when Casspien uses it to protect himself from his fathers rage. Or Chapter 59 when Xenon's cousins imbue it into their blades to cut his arm off. Lastly there is still "Inherited Treasures" that I have only mentioned once (back during the play) don't want to spoil the reveal of them I think its easily the most fun one of them all! There's still so much in store!