Temen-Ni-Gru

[KOA]

Behold the order of the Knights who follow the horseman! Great shall there power be when they grow and it will be their solemn duty to bring the world to balance so that the horseman may ride again.


The Motto of the Knights of the Apocalypse

Deep during the third winter's reign during the near of the Ragnarok a child of destiny shall be born, and with its cries they shall bring the four faces of the end, and the Knights shall be no more.


The Prophecy of the End Bringer, Chamber of Sorrow, Library of the Magi.


When our children grow up, they will show us what we've taught them, and if all we've taught them is death...


Kai Atari, Blessed Saint of Swords.

[KOA]

The sounds of thunder roared off in the deep stonework castle in the mountain side of the Horogen Peak. Lightening flashed and illuminated a few skeletal trees who watched the knight like silent sentinels. Rain slammed into every bit of earth as the the wrath of the heavens ravaged the terrain.

In this rhapsody of elemental music were two lone figures walking deep inside a chamber hall. They moved swiftly, one always looking behind them as they pushed onwards. As another flash of lightening illuminated the red tapestry carpet and the paintings in the frigid hall one of them took to the ground, falling in pain as they were pushed to far beyond their limits.

"Terry," a deep voice called in urgency, quick hands moving to lift the fallen comrade up. "We must keep moving my love, we can't not waste another precious second. It's only a matter of time before they find out!"

"Find what out?" A deep authoritative voice called out from the deep end of the hall, a tall lone figure moving into the window as lightening flashed. Blond spiked hair and glasses glared in the flash, a wicked smile upon his features. The still standing figure quickly turned to the newcomer, their trembling body obvious even in the dark. As the sky flashed yet again the two prone people were illuminated to the newcomer.

"M-M-Master Frenzy!" The taller one said alarmed. "Such an honor to see you!" the voice was filled with fear, any warmth to it long gone as they quaked in their own boots.

"Enough, Matthew." Frenzy said lifting a hand in irritation as he walked gracefully closer. "I asked you a question, answer it." He demanded, stopping twelve paces away from them.

"My wife and I were just on our way," Matthew said fumbling with his words. "to...to a mission!" he said quickly. The wife of Matthew looked up to her husband, a look of utter defeat in her eyes as she didn't even move her lips.

"Do you think me an idiot, Matthew?" The lord said with anger as he spat out the words, insulted by the trick the man Matthew was trying to pull. "You are a senior Knight, do not dare disgrace such a title with an idiot child's game like that." Frenzy lifted his hand that contained a book within it, fixing his glasses as he pushed them up his nose. He took in a deep breath and exhaled loudly, the thunder rolling as he did so. "Answer my question." His stern tone indicated that he wasn't going to break on this.

"What do you think, Master Frenzy?" Matthew hissed at him as he spoke. "We're leaving this damned fort and hiding. This prophecy has gotten out of control!" Matthew glared at the man before him ,knowing full well this man was a powerful warrior, one of the elite avatars of the horseman. "Ever since you took control of the committee you have made the council agree to ban the trials for punishing those who are in line with Prophecy. You have gone on a killing spree if somebody so much as whispers they may be pregnant, and I will not have my child born in this state of affairs!" Frenzy remained motionless as he stood before the senior knight, listening to his words as the rain drops echoed off the glass they battered against.

Matthew looked to his wife, and he smiled to her. It was over for them now that the avatar of Famine had learned their secret. With that clarity Matthew had found his spine and nerves at the sharpest point. He was a senior Knight of the Apocalypse, and he was going to be damned if he didn't prove that one last time. His wife looked up to him, and she nodded once, saying nothing. "I love you, Terry." He whispered as he drew up his double headed axe and with one last longing look to his wife, Senior Knight of the Apocalypse gave out a massive war cry as he charged.

Lightening flashed and Terry looked to her husband as he charged the weapon blade aloft at the ready. She looked out the window as the thunder roared yet again, and she could feel the life of her husband fade as a loud thud hit the red carpet. She could hear the footsteps of Master Frenzy as he walked closer to her in a slow, methodical step. She didn't bother to look at him as he stood two paces away from the other knight. "I love you, Matthew." She whispered. "May the horseman guide us to the plains so we may be together again.

Lightening flashed one last time as the thunder quaked its loudest the entire evening, only the rain drops any indication that a storm had taken place.

[KOA]

The sun shone brightly overhead as the birds soared in the air, making wild V shapes as they did so flying towards their final destination past the mountains. The air was chilling to the unprotected and the warmth of the sun seemed too far off to offer any protection as the bears crawled deep into their caverns, never to be seen unless rustled until the warmth of the spring could take hold.

All evidence that a storm raged overhead seemed distant, and the loud rolling thunder was replaced by whispers and the clashing of metal on metal as in the mountain side the Stronghold of the Apocalypse, greatest of the five fortresses, life moved unchanged from the events that took place the night before.

Hardened warriors all trained deep inside the courtyards as spears lifted to the precise orders of their masters. Other sides of the court held magi casting spells off to distant targets, other lithe fighters using throwing daggers to hit the marks before them. In the hustle and bustle of activity senior knights walked amongst the students, their instructors barking to their students the glory that awaits the diligent.

Deeply nestled inside the hive was a grand hall filled with tables as warriors, scribes, senior officers and others came and went. A group of four men walked tightly shoulder to shoulder their faces stern as they sat in unison at the table before them, squires running to fetch them food. While mages stood to leave other gutter runts would run to pick away the plates and take them to the grand kitchen where the plate would be washed and prepared again.

A long line filtered out through the hall as lesser knights waited for their turn to grab food, and as the line shifted so did they in solemn order. The buzz of the air was vibrant and it seemed nobody could turn an ear away without hearing of the folly of Matthew Franz and his wife Terry the previous night.

As the line moved a simple, slender man of no more than five feet and a a few hairs shy of a full foot moved with it, his body aching as he did so with each graceful step he took before he slammed shoulder first into the wall grunting in pain. His body was dabbed in a light leather tunic, a unique pair of stretching pants made of a silk like material covered his legs. "Damn training, I swear to god I hate this natural born agility I was given." He ran a hand through his blond hair, resting his weary blue eyes behind the soft pale eyelids as he drifted off for a bit.

A taller man walked forward neatly kicking the agile friend before him as he took his place in the moving line. His arms were like tiny tree trunks and not a portion of his body wasn't a testament to the human perfection of body building and strength. He carried himself aloofly with arms crossed against his massive chest, resting them as he moved forward before grinning to his comrade whipping his long brown hair behind him.

"Well, if maybe you didn't have a mouth the size of the ocean you could steer clear of the drill masters harsh whip. Isn't this week three in a row of the early morning drills?" The lithe warrior shrugged, grimacing in pain as he did so.

"Hey, the retarded can't help but be who they are." A voice added behind the taller man. Both warriors turned to look at the man who clearly cut in line in front of the others. He was an average sized human, no more than six feet with cool welcoming eyes that glittered in the light, a byproduct of the gold iris' he had. He was wearing heavy leather armor and a longsword was tucked neatly away at his side. His black hair was short, and spiked for added affect as he wiped his mouth around his neatly trimmed full beard that covered his mouth and triangle out towards his neck for half an inch. "By the horseman I am hungry..." He added rubbing his stomach.

Voices of anger and threats bellowed, but the lithe warrior and his taller friend both glared down those that said words, and the newcomer turned to them pulling down one eyelid as he stuck his tongue out for added drama. The line quieted as they chose not to challenge the three before them, and the trio looked to each other before smiling and laughing, moving forward as the line did so.

"Xavier," the lithe warrior stated softly, arching his back as it popped with each gentle movement and quick jerk. "As always you are the avatar of carefree wit, and I swear to god the next time we fight I'll wipe it off your face." The taller companion laughed as he turned to Xavier.

"Don't mind him, third week of early morning drills." Xavier chuckled as he shurgged his shoulders, lifting them up to show no hostility.

"It's not my fault you did the Jester's Dance to freely and it caused you to trip over the wall section. Maybe if you just opened your eyes you would be able to hit your target more, right Zacarius?" The muscular man nodded in agreement.

"I do, Xavier." He added Jovially. "Remi's only problem is that he doesn't use his eyes." The lithe warrior, Remi, only glared at the two before lifting up a single finger as he groaned moving along the shuffling line. With a loud yawn he turned to face the front of the line.

"Squires are taking extra long today." He muttered. "Storm must have rattled a lot of the fires." Xavier shrugged as his response, which was met with a thunderous clap on his back as he stumbled forwards in front of his friend Zacarius.

"All you do is shrug, Sigma." his voice was even and carefree, but it still boomed with each word he spoke. "You really need to learn to pick a side and join it. If you would just focus instead of live your carefree lifestyle..." Xavier and Remi both stood shoulder to shoulder, clapping their hands under their chins as they looked to the heavens, squeaking their voices as the finished their friend's thought.

"You'll be an Inner Circle Senior Knight like me one day!" Both men laughed wildly as Zacarius shook his head disapprovingly, a hint of a smile on his lips. Xavier looked to him before he nodded in understanding as he turned on his heel, falling backwards into the tree like girth of his friend leaning against him.

"I know, I know," He said coolly. "It's just hard to not be excited for each new thing the day brings, you know?" He said softly. Remi nodded with a wry smile as he shuffled further down the line. "Especially now that I have Victoria in my life." Both men whistled to themselves as Xavier recalled a fond memory.

"I still don't see why she fell in love with a dead beat loser like yourself." Zacarius shoved Xavier forward with a mighty hand, causing the warrior to stumble forwards into Remi, who caught him and spun him back like a childs spinning toy. Xavier returned to his relaxed position, arms across his chest as he hit Zacarius in his low move.

"Naturlaly because of the lot of us I have all the good looks." Xavier replied smuggly.

"He's got us there," Remi said waving a finger as he grabbed his plate of food walking towards a table big enough to seat them all. "Nobody can match the look of an idiot like yourself." Xavier and Zacarius both smiled as they grabbed their food. Xavier picked up a single plate as his taller friend grabbed four plates and joined him. As they sat they all said a quick prayer of thanks to the horseman before it turned into a tiny melee as each warrior smacked their food and talked with full mouths.

"You always get so many portions of food, don't you worry about getting fat?" Xavier muffled through his salad. Zacarius shrugged as he shoveled four of the eight ounce steak into his mouth chewing loudly.

"I can't eat, I'm too sore and way too disgusted." Remi said pushing the food away before collapsing into his arms for a few winks of sleep. Xavier nodded grabbing Remi's salad and adding it to his own portion as Zacarius one handed the steak onto his plate. They left him the potatoes and carrots, knowing their friend would return to it later.

"Did you guys here about what happened last night?" Xavier whispered excitedly. Remi cocked one eyelid open to show his ocean blue eyeball of interest. Zacarious just kept quiet. As a member of the inner circle he was privy to the knowledge that the council is privy to.

"You mean about Matt and his wife Terry?" Remi replied earnestly. Xavier nodded as he shoveled more salad into his mouth. "I heard they were killed by Master Frenzy himself." Xavier nodded again, taking a swig of water.

"That's what I heard. Heard they were trying to escape the wrath of the council." Zacarius coughed as he took control of the talks.

"Matthew was to be arranged for trial the next day, and instead of facing judgment, a judgment he wouldn't have been a part of the outcome of, he ran like a coward. Anything that resulted from his cowardice is just desserts as far as I am concerned." He said sternly. Xavier and Remi looked to each other before dropping their forks and rasing their heads, clapping wildly.

"Bravo! Bravo!" Xavier pipped sarcastically.

"Spoken like a true lap dog!" Remi added. Zacarius just took a deep breath as he let his stress filter out in the act.

"To serve the council is the highest honor one can achieve, and if you think that means I am a lap dog, than fine. You puppies stay out in the cold while I get to bask in the glory of the horseman's vision." Xavier picked up his steak and sniffed it.

"Ugh, smells like this animal rotted before they cooked it." He poked it a couple of times with his finger before Zacarius made a motion to grab it. "I'll eat it you oaf!" Remi just laughed before grabbing his fork, eating a few of the carrots.

"In ma opinyun, I tink dat mister friendly is on a powder skip." Remi said in large gaping guttural words. Xavier and Zacarius both looked at him with wide eyes.

"What did you say?" Xavier replied incredulously. As Remi went ot add more food to his mouth Zacarius lifted one hand to stop him from eating so he could speak clearly. Annoyed and hungry Remi whimpered before he spoke.

"I said," He glared to Zacarius. "I think that Master Frenzy is on a power trip. I mean come on, everybody is afraid to have good times because the possibly that they may crap out the end bringer. I honestly don't see any reason to fear the so called end bringer. We are all warrior born, and each one of us is worth five of any normal soldier outside these walls. So I say let the prophecy happen. We shouldn't shy away from the fight." Zacarius let him shovel his food again as he went back to his own meal.

"Well, personally me and Natalie have decided to adhere to the rules of the council's wisdom and we have been sex free and plan to stay that way until the end of this Prophecy." Xavier looked at his taller friend with a look of disgust.

"How the hell can you stay sane man?" Xavier's tone was dead serious in its curiosity.

"We take time to study and train...I've been training a lot..." he said quietly. "Oh god this sucks!" He shouted slamming his fist onto the table making the plates jump. Remi and Xavier both extended their hands out, grabbing their drinks taking a gulp before gently placing them on the table. "But it is a test of our faith, and a test I plan to pass with my wife." Remi just shook his head as Xavier spoke up.

"Well, myself and Victoria have been dutifully studying bunnies, and let me tell you I have grown fond respect for those furry little bandits..." Xavier's lips pressed into a grin as Remi and Zacarius laughed.

"And you aren't worrying about Victoria crapping out the end bringer?" Remi replied. Xavier shook his head.

"I won't change my lifestyle, but we have been very careful not to do anything rash." Xavier looked to the clock upon the eastern tower and cursed as he grabbed up his food in one big bite and began to ran down the assembly hall. "I got to meet with Victoria, see you guys later!" Xavier shouted.

"Poor boy is whipped..." Remi replied sadly returning to his arms for a pillow. Zacarius just remained quiet as he ate his food.

[KOA]

The inner courts were a bit smaller for training, only one class could be going on at anytime. These inner sanctums were reserved for the training of the Senior Knights to specialize them for whatever role was needed. Certain characteristics were sought out for each warrior, and they were assigned a mentor to make sure they received further instructions in the art of death.

During one of these training sessions a group of sixteen females were all in perfect lines, watching two of their number go at it. As they fought their grunts and exertions echoed in the walkways as council members and other warriors passed by. Xavier moved towards the second level, where he met with nobody as he stopped his quick jogging pace he turned to the edge and looked to see where his wife was.

Victoria Sigma was a slender, five foot eight woman with an amazingly toned, athletic build. Her long raven black hair went all the way to the mid of her back and her hazel eyes only accentuated her fair pale skin. She was dressed in her fighter's gi, and was up against another student of roughly the same height, her curly blond hair bouncing as the two fought savagely.

As Victoria waited patiently for her foe to strike she balanced herself on her back leg, tilting her forward leg up to her toes bouncing lightly to keep herself moving. The blond charged forward, a fierce right hook swinging wide for Victoria's head and she easily ducked the blow. But from Xavier's vantage point he could see the follow up uppercut coming for her, and he grimaced away from the sight.

The blond shouted out a triumphant cry as she sprung upwards, her fist curled tightly as she lifted upwards preparing to slam into Victoria's face. With quick precision, the forward leg lifted up and rotated slightly over the arm of uppercut, preventing it from rising any higher than her hip. Grinning like a cat she jumped back bringing her other leg forward to grip the arm in a vice as she swung like a pendulum on a clock, swinging her body mass so the blond flew outwards and into the fourth row of students.

"Match, Victoria Sigma. Trinity, what the hell was that?" The teacher shouted standing over Trinity. As the blond began to stand her master's boot slammed square into her back slamming her onto the earth. "NO, YOU GET UP WHEN I ALLOW YOU TO!" He shouted. Trinity's eyes burned holes into Victoria, who only mocked her with a twisted grin of satisfaction. "Victoria, explain why you defeated Trinity!" He shouted behind him as he began to twist his boot into Trinity's back.

"I won because weak ass moves like that won't work on me!" Victoria taunted, flashing a smile.

"Don't think yourself so high and mighty, had you been up against someone with strength," He slammed his boot into Trinity one last time before he turned to face his class. "You surely would have found the tables turned, and your carcass flying into the unknown. Lesson learned. Dismissed! Trinity, you are to aid the squires today after dinner for such a gross display of martial arts." Trinity barked her response, a single "Yes Sensei" as she got herself up.

As the class dismissed Trinity stayed to stare into the back of Victoria's head. "I swear to god you bitch, one of these days, one of these days you won't be able to block my blows, and I'll knock you the fuck out and snap your neck!" Victoria turned to Trinity with a smile, her hair slapping the blond in the face as she did so.

"Hmm, Isn't tonight Carbo night? Lots of pasta and you know how that sticks to the bowls don't you?" Victoria tossed her bag over her shoulder and lifted her thumb to the kitchens. "Why don't you actually back up those empty threats next time we fight." Trinity seethed her rage, but turned to leave, cussing the name of Victoria Sigma as she walked away.

With the court empty Xavier lifted his hands up and began to clap. Victoria took a moment to discover where it came from before she laughed looking at her husband. "How long have you waited there and watched me?"

"I have always been there watching you, and I always will watch over you." Victoria faked swooning at the words as she laughed, a genuine smile on her lips.

"Such noble words, now come my prince!" She opened her arms. "Come to my arms and take me away!" Xavier grinned as he took one step up, his heart racing as he did so to be in the embrace of his love. His heart ached to feel her touch, and when he secured his foot hold he heard a voice call out to him.

"Only a fool answers a siren's call..." Xavier slipped and his foot fell back, his body slamming chin first into the stonework as he rolled onto his back, pain etching his features as he scrambled to get up, his arms doing their best to settle behind his back as he thrusted his chest outwards.

"Master Frenzy!" Xavier shouted, not daring to look anywhere but the Avatar of Famine's cold, calculating eyes.

Frenzy Ortega was the Avatar of Famine, the lord of all that is poverty and hunger. He was the chief of research and his magic was second to none, as to be expected of an Avatar of the four Horseman. Each Avatar had to be a walking manifestation of the strength and will he represents, and to mess with an Avatar was only to invite certain death. Nobody, save another Avatar, could survive more than five minutes against the embodiment of the end times. They were rarely ever called to do work for the council, but when they were needed those times were dire, the strength of a foe that mighty.

It was rare, very rare at all for Master Frenzy to leave his tower in the western walls. It was rarer still for him to walk through the chambers of the training halls of the assembly rooms. It was unheard of for such a mighty demi-god to talk to a mere Senior Knight.

"Your mouth his held open, and it disgusts me." Frenzy snapped irritably as he lifted a single finger to raise his glasses up to his eyes. A solitary book was chained to him, held loosely in his left hand as he fixed his pearl white robes. Xavier slammed his mouth shut with force, feeling his chin burn with fire as he could feel the blood trickle from the scrape he had recently received.

"What is the honor of your presence my lord?" Xavier asked, no trace but natural curiosity hidden within his tone. Frenzy walked forward as if ignoring that Xavier was near him, not bothering to look at the senior knight as he spoke frankly.

"I have a matter of personal business that I wish for you to join me for. Tonight at eight o'clock, meet me just outside the eastern gate, and dress in heavy winter fatigues. We'll be gone for quite a while in the frigid lands." Xavier couldn't help but be shocked that he had been hand picked for a mission by Frenzy. He turned to the Lord of Famine and gave a quizzical look. "Do me a favor and don't celebrate your insane luck that I chose you until after I have left your irritable company." Xavier nodded dumbly, letting the insult wash over him as he blinked wildly.

After a few moments Victoria ran up the walkways where Frenzy had originated from and she looked irked that Xavier had stopped his jump for her. When he looked to his wife she saw the cut and her eyes turned to suspicion.

"The great Xavier Sigma does not trip for anything save a very, important shock." Xavier looked Victoria in the eyes before he shrugged.

"Master Frenzy just wants me to join him tonight." Victoria's eyes bulged as she ran up to her husband, he body leaping into his arms as she kissed him passionately. Xavier nearly fell again and dropped to one knee to support the weight of his wife.

"This is great news my love," She said, her eyes darting to the sky. "I just," She waited a moment. "I just hope it all goes well." Xavier gave her a quizzical look of concern, and she ruffled his spiked hair kissing him on the nose. "Well, come on. I'll not have my husband looking like an idiot before the Avatar of the Horseman." Xavier dismissed his concern as he picked her up, walking towards their room.

[KOA]

The sun began to set early on the western stonework of the castle that held the Senior Knights quarters. It was a vast network of apartments and complex structuring to house over twelve hundred warriors who have achieved the rank. The eastern district held all the magi, in tall towers that pierced the heavens. Off to the distance a mile away from the western barracks stood the tallest tower, the home of Master Frenzy. It was in the north where the council members and inner circle knights made their homes, and three rooms always were held vacant should the other avatars make their home at the stronghold of the end times.

Inside the dimming lit room sat Xavier, legs stretched out with his shirt off and formal winter gear pants unzipped held aloft at his hip. He looked down upon the crimson book in his hand with obsessive fascination as he turned a page licking his fingers so that he wouldn't miss a beat in his reading. A white cedar door opened and Victoria stepped out before him with nothing but a towel, a grin across her features as she looked to her husband with a look of amusement.

"How many times must you read that idiot book?" She taunted, sitting at the table where her mirror stood. She grabbed a fine brush and began to run the bristles down her black hair, waiting for her loves response. She counted each stroke, a habit she picked up for no real reason other than something to do while she brushed her hair to a gentle shine.

Xavier turned another page, ignoring his wife as his eyes skimmed the pages. Victoria turned to him tossing her brush hitting Xavier square in the face, startling him out of his seat as the book fell to the ground. "What the hell?" He shouted. Victoria merely laughed.

"It's not like you don't know how that book ends. That is the seventh time I've seen you read it." Xavier shrugged grabbing the book and fixing the bent pages before tossing it onto the full bed.

"Temen-Ni-Gru is my favorite book. I may use it to send my child to the land of dreams with one day." He looked to his wife with loving eyes as he fixed his pants and grabbed a belt getting dressed. Victoria stood and went over to a dresser pulling out a simple black shirt and winter cover jacket. She inspected them both carefully with a scrutinizes eye before she nodded placing them on the bed for her husband. Xavier continued to get dressed as he kept glancing at the sun.

"Be patient my love," Victoria walked behind Xavier wrapping her arms around his waist, resting her chin upon his shoulder as she breathed softly into his ear. "Frenzy won't be there early waiting for you. It's not like him to wait for others, but for others to wait for him. So just relax." She licked his ear and Xavier's spine shivered with delight as he quickly rotated, his hands getting inside her towel. Victoria gave him a wry smile but pushed away, letting Xavier gawk at her naked beauty.

"You are such a tease, my darling love." Victoria let her husband watch her get dressed, taking extra time to bend over with stiff legs and arch her back so her breasts hung out. Xavier's head was going crazy and she smiled seductively, her plan to get her husband's mind off the meeting working like a charm.

"I tease you because you really don't deserve me." Xavier shook his head and turned his back to her, coughing as he regained himself, laughing a little as he did so. "What's so funny my love?" she asked with a casual glance. Xavier turned back to her, a look of jocularity in his features.

"Alas, you are right. I do not deserve a woman like you." Victoria swooned at the praise, and Xavier grinned. "I deserve something better. Meh, guess I settled." Victoria's jaw dropped in mock anger, snatching up her clothes as she quickly got changed. Xavier laughed as he walked towards her holding his arms out for a hug. She lifted one hand to keep him away, and he continued to chase her, causing them both to laugh.

"Get away you moron!" She teased as she playfully pushed him away. Xavier grabbed her wrist and twisted her inwards like a dancer before he held her tightly, taking in her earthly scent before scooping her up and taking her to the bed. He gently placed her upon the sheets before he looked deep into her beautiful eyes. Victoria gazed back, her hand lifting to his cheek before they kissed for a long moment. After a moment of passion Victoria broke off the kiss, leaning back against the pillows.

"What do you think Frenzy wants anyway?" She asked curiously. Xavier sat in the bed thinking for a moment, his lips stuck in a quizzical contemplation.

"I'm really not sure, it's all very random." he replied cocking his head to the side. "I know it's not about his witch hunts. This seemed...different. Like he has a greater plan in store, but I'm just a pawn." Xavier looked out the window to the setting sun.

"What is that to mean?" Victoria asked.

"Well, just that. I'm a pawn." Victoria smiled motioning for her husband to elaborate. "Well, think about it. Does the king need to relay his orders to every individual piece? No, it's silly for him to do that. He has the bishops, the knights, and rooks to do that for him. So whatever plan the great Master Frenzy has for me, I am in the dark to. It would be a waste of his time to explain it to me unless I was being promoted." Xavier's eyes showed a spark of life.

"Do you really think an avatar would be sent to promote the likes of you my love?" Victoria said softly, hoping it wasn't to harsh. Xavier shrugged.

"I am pretty good. Maybe the council is starting to see my greatness." Victoria sighed to herself before her pulled the plug in his imaginary ego.

"My love, you are above average, sure, but great? No. You just have charisma and charm, but in the field of battle that doesn't equate to an Avatar promoting you in the middle of the night. Think darling, I know you have a brain. Please, Please, PLEASE use it." She begged. Xavier recoiled from the verbal blow, but nodded dumbly as he stood up.

"I guess..." He said defeated. "I guess I'll just remain a pawn." He sighed looking to the mirror. Victoria looked to her husband with sad eyes, and her hand drifted to his.

"You'll always be my king. No matter how small our kingdom is...or how idiotically you rule it." She smiled squeezing his palm tightly. Xavier returned the gesture of love, and smiled taking in a long breath. The grand father clock began to chime, a warning that the changing of the guard was about to begin. Xavier sighed in frustration letting out the breath in one exhale.

"Go my love, I shall wait for you." Xavier kissed her again before he finished getting ready, checking to see he had everything. "Should I stay up for you?" Xavier pondered the question looking towards the clock.

"Nah, I'd go ahead and sleep my beautiful darling. Frenzy said he would need me for quite a while." Victoria nodded turning to the lantern and striking a match, getting it ready for the fast coming night.

"Okay darling." Victoria moved herself under the covers as she looked one last time at Xavier with a lustful smile. Xavier returned the smile, winking to her as he turned to leave. "Don't disgrace the family name! I just got it and would like to be known for greatness, not stupidness!" Xavier turned to her with a stupid grin, batting his eyes.

"Only greatness follows me my love." And with that said he left the apartment. Only when his footsteps stopped echoing did Victoria snatch up Temen-Ni-Gru as she thumbed through the pages excitedly looking for the last part she had read.

"And so the hero walked into the tower that erected from the city's depths, not a trace of fear nor a lack of grace as he did so. Inside that tower was his destiny and he refused to be late to the party." She read aloud. Her eyes looked out to the fading sun. "Gods I love this stupid book..."

[KOA]

Xavier held his hands tight over his chest as he walked forward through the courtyard, the sun already set as the winter nights chill came for him. Other warriors passed by him, the lesser cretins and Squires all saluting him as he passed. Tradition dictated that he should acknowledge the lesser class, but he walked past them as he started to rub his shoulders. Clouds formed up overhead and he took a quick glance just in time to see small white flecks of snow fall from the heavens.

"Frenzy the weather man..." Xavier muttered as he looked to the eastern wall. He had no care for the eastern inhabitants, working only three times with the magi of the stronghold on a mission. Each one was eccentric, thinking them far superior to the warriors, but understanding the crude necessity for a meat shield while they wove their spells.

He recalled a time when one mission had called for a magi. A geomancer by the name of Licet had vowed to crush Xavier's skull in with rocks should he fail him in the mission, and the look of intent in his eyes proved he was willing to do it. Xavier merely brushed the man off, being a higher rank and reporting his insubordination to his superior. The bastard was promoted to Senior Knight that very evening.

He rounded a corner and walked across the grassy knoll as he looked forward. Standing out like a sore thumb was Master Frenzy, his attire unchanged as the snow seemed to fall around him, but never on him. A few flakes hit Xavier's ears, and he lifted a wool rounded cap out of his sack attached to his belt, placing the warm wool over his ears and head.

"Your late." Frenzy stated plainly. Xavier bowed low to his commanding officer and looked back up.

"My apologies, my lord. I have no excuse for tardiness." Xavier offered hoping to end the matter. Frenzy lifted up a single hand, fixing his glasses as he eyed Xavier.

"I wouldn't have wasted so much time being cuddly with your wife then." Xavier's eyes flashed with shock as he looked to him. "I expect that when an Avatar of the horseman summons a low life cretin like yourself to his side you would not hesitate for anything. This is looking poorly on you, do you understand?"

"I do, Master Frenzy." Xavier said bowing low again. "I thank you for the lesson in time management and prioritization." Frenzy was already walking away from Xavier, his steps methodical as he gazed over to the castle walls. Xavier had to jog in order to catch up, and he took long strides to be able to keep a respectful distance from the Avatar of Famine.

"I ask only one thing from you tonight, Xavier Sigma, and I already fear that it may be a task that you can't handle." Frenzy spoke with authority as he approached the large iron doors that led out to the eastern wall. "The Avatar of Famine has approached with one Senior Knight." He spoke to the doors with a clear even tone. After a moment the doors rumbled and then opened and as they did Frenzy was already on the move.

"Allow me to make up for my error earlier." Xavier begged. Frenzy let off a small smile as he looked over the forest to the eastern borders.

"This land, this entire useless planet is just the playground of the gods. Do you understand that Xavier?"

"I do my lord. It is our job as the Knights of the horseman to balance the mischievous workings of the other gods so that when they return we can end the world." Frenzy let out a snort of laughter as he walked, his steps just barely held above the snow as he started to walk out into the forest.

The leaves had long ago fallen in the autumn season, and only wire like skeletal trees crossed the tundra as the snow quickly covered the earth like a blanket. A few wild does ran off in the distance, deeper into the darkness and Xavier began to wonder if he should have brought his Lantern. His mind raced with thoughts as to why he was standing next to an Avatar of the horseman and he nearly hit a low tree branch in his deep thought.

"The motto of our order," Frenzy chuckled. "The turth of the matter is we live a feudal life. To eradicate all the good and evil in this world and bring it to a neutral state so the horseman can come to destroy it? Do you not think that is a bit counter productive to our lives?" Xavier didn't know how to answer the question, feeling like he was under some kind of microscope. He kept silent in his words, hoping that would be the correct answer. Frenzy stopped and turned to Xavier. His glasses slid down his face and his eyes peered deep into the Golden orbs of Xavier. "Well?" Xavier's mind raced frantically, but he decided to speak his mind truthfully.

"While it's true setting up the world for the apocalypse would only kill us I think that it's a job we are destined to do. I gladly serve my order and I will fight to my last breath to bring the end times to this miserable planet." Frenzy nodded approvingly as he turned walking away.

"Very good, Xavier. Your faith is strong. Just as the council has said. I have reviewed your records and while not the most impressive I am pleased to note that you do return with the least amount of failed missions. In the last two hundred and fifty six missions you went on only twelve you returned with failure. I have reviewed these failures and concluded that it is not solely your fault. You should be proud of that." Xavier beamed with pride as his mouth opened in shock to hear such praise from the Avatar of Famine. "Shut your mouth you imbecile. A little flattery and you are drooling like an untrained dog." And just like that all the joy he felt vanished as Xavier coughed awkwardly.

"I thank you for your praise, my lord." Frenzy's gaze returned to face Xavier, and the senior knight's heart nearly melted on the spot.

"Your accomplishments are not that exceptional you fool. I merely said you should be proud for yourself that an incompetent baboon like you could achieve such greatness." What an asshole! Xavier thought bitterly. "I do wonder however, how far your faith goes. Would you strike down a monster by the order of the council?" Xavier nodded once and Frenzy smiled. "And what of your friends? What if you were ordered to kill your own friends?"

"If my friends were targeted by the council than they must have done something grave and wrong. The will of council is absolute, and I will not falter off their path." Frenzy's grin widened as he turned his back, his tone slightly higher as if excited.

"Excellent, Xavier. I now have one last question..." Xavier felt a cold chill crawl down his spine as Frenzy's interrogation neared its conclusion. "What if the council ordered you to kill your wife? What if her crime was nothing more than a simple mistake? Would you strike down the woman you love for the council, Xavier?" The senior knight began to buckle as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders. This insane questioning was wearing him down, much faster than a training exercise with weighted armor. Was it a test of his faith? Or was it a test of his character? What was the right answer in a situation such as this, where either answer was wrong?

"I...I..." Xavier tried to find a way to word his answer, but he couldn't think of anything. "I do not know my lord..."Xavier said defeated. Frenzy's mouth dropped into a scowl of disappointment and he angrily looked to the forest ahead.

"How utterly useless mortals can be. Come, we have arrived." Frenzy ordered as he moved ahead of Xavier with hurried steps. Xavier stayed in one spot as he looked ahead, his mouth held open in awe as he looked towards the destination he was being led towards.

"Why the Tower of Geddon?" He said to himself following his lord.

[KOA]

The Tower of Geddon was an abandoned watch tower that overlooked the edge of the mountain pass where the grand oceans laid just on the other side. It was tantamount to suicide to ever approach from the eastern area, and as time went on the use of the tower became less and less. After a century of sentry duty as a punishment for failure the eastern tower was eventually locked up and left for the elements by the previous Avatar of Famine.

The snow picked up and continued to fall upon the land and Xavier looked at the massive structure with ponderous eyes. It was the first time he had ever been near the tower itself, and rumors of the spirits gathering in the decaying halls were exaggerated in the greeting chambers of the castle.

Frenzy lifted a single finger to the ancient wooden door, and a loud click echoed in silence. Xavier now regretted not grabbing a lantern as he stepped into the maw of darkness, his combat senses starting to tingle. Frenzy spoke a single word of power and his finger illuminated at the tip so he could see in front of him.

"Try not to get to far behind." Frenzy uttered as he stepped deeper into the tower. His foot steps echoed in the dark but his light was swallowed by the lingering blackness. Xavier took in a deep breath as he stepped forward, letting his senses guide him. He could feel something nearby him, and he inched his foot outwards to feel a chair. He kicked it aside and moved deeper in, his steps careful and light. He made a move for his sword, but remembered he left it at home.

"Xavier, I don't have time to play! Get up here!" Frenzy called from ahead. Xavier picked up his pace as he walked at a normal pace before he nearly tripped on the stairs. He found a railing and began to walk up the steps three at a time. He could see the faint glow of Frenzy's scowling face up ahead, and he seemed to float up the stairs. Xavier's body heaved as he began to run up the stairs to catch up, and just as he was about to hit the third landing a wild, high pitched wail echoed in the silence. Xavier jumped out of his boots and reached for his sword again, cursing loudly as he looked for the cause of the noise.

"Xavier, if you are done playing with ghosts than will you please join me?" Xavier felt his anger rise at Frenzy, and he shook his head back and forth thinking of how many different ways he would wish to see the Avatar of Famine die. When he reached the top flight he walked down a narrow corridor of stone before stopping at a door that Frenzy was near. He took in a deep breath and his nostrils flared in disgust as he began to cough and hack loudly as he wretched away from the door.

"By the horseman of Pestilence what the hell is that stench?" Frenzy seemed to not notice the stench, but his mind seemed transfixed on the door ahead of him. Reaching into his pocket and pulling out a baige colored handkerchief he brought to his nose to filter the air.

The cloth itself was enchanted by the mother of Victoria, given to them as a wedding present. It was designed to make it so that no foul air would ever enter their lungs, and he thanked her repeatedly in his mind for such a wondrous item.

"Open this door." Frenzy commanded. Xavier looked to the door and then to the Avatar.

"But, why don't you open it?" Xavier asked realizing his insubordination to late. "I mean...er...crap..." Frenzy's eyes widened in rage as he pointed to Xavier with a single finger.

"Because I can't open this door you ingrate! There is a magical seal that prevents me from doing it!" Xavier's eyes widened in shock. A magical property that could stop an Avatar had to have immense power.

"Such a thing exists?" Xavier once again realized his mouth spoke the words he should have thought to himself. Frenzy was beside himself with rage as he pointed to the door, grabbing Xavier by the collar and slamming him into it. Xavier took a moment to fumble for the handle, and when he found it he felt an energy shock spike him and he recoiled in pain. He lifted up his handkerchief to block the stench. Frenzy was about to attack him again, and this time Xavier damned the pain and opened the door with all his might.

The door swung open and a mist of dirt and disturbed dust lifted into the air. Frenzy pushed Xavier away as he entered the room and moved towards the fire place, a large throne perched looking at the flames. Xavier felt a wave of fear wash over him, and he suddenly recoiled in pain as the stench attacked him again. He grabbed his enchanted cloth and put it to his face moving next to frenzy.

Seated on the throne was a decrepit, old, wrinkly man who looked ready to die. He kept bobbing back and forth, his body shivering as he mumbled over and over again.

"I'll do just as you said, I'll wait here for you. I will do just as you said, I'll wait here for you." Over and over he chanted. Frenzy lifted a single finger to touch the man, but a loud pop exploded and both warriors of the Apocalypse were sent flying into the air. They slammed into the wall and Frenzy wound tightly into a ball landing in his feet before standing tall again. Xavier just fell like a sack of bricks before groaning as he returned back to his feet.

"Who is this?" Xavier asked. Frenzy didn't respond, but instead looked to the man before he cursed loudly storming out of the room.

"A fool who doesn't know how to die. Come Xavier, I have no need for this silliness tonight. I have got what I needed out of you, dismissed." Xavier felt a stab of pain in his heart.

"To open a door?" He asked loudly. "That was it? You wanted me to open a stupid door for you?" Frenzy stopped walking and in two short steps had Xavier in his hands, his throat being crushed in one hand.

"Naturally you idiot there is something far greater than the power of even an avatar. You should learn to appreciate being allowed onto my chess board you pawn, and if I waste you to open a door you better be grateful. Go home and tell nobody of what you saw tonight." Xavier strained to breath as he felt his body fly in the air.

He flailed around for something to grab and his body cried in agony as wood snapped and broke from a sudden crash. He felt his weight free fall and with a sudden thud the ground exploded in dust and debris. Woozily Xavier got back up to his feet, watching as Master Frenzy left the tower, not even bothering to look at the Senior Knight.

With a few hazy first steps he left the tower and moved for home.

[KOA]

The following morning was glowing with bright sun rays, the newly fallen snow covering the castle giving a welcome chill to the inner halls. Everyone from Paladins and Squires, Senior Knights and even the Council members themselves were bundled up and walking with haste to enter a warm portion of the castle.

Xavier sat at his desk, his elbows fixed in one spot as he looked into the dossier of his latest assignment. He flipped the pages with eagerness, his mind unable to comprehend the amount of information he was given.

The Saint of Swords is a threat to the balance of the world, and has joined forces with the Order of Saint Bartholomew. Extreme caution is advised.

That was all Xavier had to go off of. He was slowly piecing together the information one small detail at a time, sighing as he did so. The order of Bartholomew was an anathema to the Knight of the Apocalypse. They had apposed each other for quite some time and at long last it was clear that at the end of winter the order of Bartholomew would make their move. Rumors already abounded throughout the order that they had amassed thousands of dragons, making a dark pact with a Sky Dragon, the tyrannical king of the ancient race.

As for the Saint of Swords, Xavier had small child's stories to go off of. He was a man, so skilled in the blade that nobody could be his equal. He would be a man of such strong skill that he could tip the balance of a battle by his sheer will alone. Of course, that was also if pigs could fly as far as Xavier was concerned.

Yet before him was the dossier with the assignment. It was given to Xavier Sigma, and he pondered over it for over an hour from the moment he got it. At long last a break came in the way of his wife, entering the room covered in sweat from her morning training with a big grin on her face.

"I made that bitch bleed!" She jumped onto the bed with a wild look of pride on her features, and Xavier looked to her with a look of curiosity.

"You mean the one from yesterday?" Victoria nodded excitedly. "Great! On a sadder note, I got a mission. Supposed to hunt down an ally of the Order of Barf." Victoria laughed at the nickname the Knight's gave their enemy, getting up and removing her shirt.

"I got a little time to kill before my studies in magic," her eyes flashed seductively, a wry smile escaping her lips as she covered herself with one hand across her chest, taunting Xavier to come with her free finger. Xavier's blood rushed and he got up quickly, ready to go as he began to rip at his shirt. Just when he got it over his head a knock hit the door and Xavier cried in rage.

"WHAT?!?!" The door continued to remain silent except for the rapping upon the wood from the other side. Xavier growled in anger as he ripped open the door, before him a small boy still knocking now on Xavier's chest looking down the hallway. Xavier cleared his throat loudly and the kid jumped in alarm.

"M-M-M..." The kid stuttered and Xavier leaned his shoulder in the doorway.

"Sp-Sp-Spit it out cretin!" Xavier mocked the kid waiting for what he had to say. The kid took a deep breath and opened his mouth to speak. "Wait, make sure you can do this in one go!" He taunted. The kid's face flushed red and he spoke faster.

"Master Frenzy wishes you to join him in the Armory. One of the Senior Knights is pinned in a room and refuses to come out until he talks to you. Several knights have been injured in the process already."

Xavier watched the kid's mouth move with interest, letting the words sink in. "More dirty work for me huh? And who is in the room that wants to talk to me?"

The boy fumbled with his fingers before taking a deep breath. "Senior Knight Remi Or'lounge." Xavier's heart skipped as he looked to the boy who bowed and ran off. He stood paralyzed for a moment, remembering the words that Frenzy spoke about. What if you were ordered to kill your own friends? The memory rippled like a disturbed pond as his mind raced with thoughts. The interrogation, was it all for this one moment? Was Remi a doubter of the council. Was this even the will of the council, or a sick perverted trick by Frenzy? He couldn't decide nor move a muscle until he felt a slender, soft touch on his back.

Xavier turned to see his wife's eyes looking into his, and he couldn't recall ever seeing a set of eyes full of more worry than his beloved wife's at this moment. "Is everything alright my love?" Xavier didn't speak as he looked to his wife.

"I..." Xavier looked to her, half hoping that something, anything would stop this terrible nightmare that was playing out. Instead his wife just grew more worried, and her hand dropped to his.

"Go, go see what is wrong my love..." Her tone was defeated, a trace of brewing depression boiling in her sadness. Xavier looked to her and wanted to ask why she felt sad, but he pushed his thoughts aside as he ran out the door. He moved as swiftly as he could down the hall, his steps echoing as he did so. He removed his shirt as he ran, his bare chest being bitten from the cold temperatures. He paid it no mind as he ran faster and faster before turning a corner, hearing a loud commotion as armored Senior Knights marched towards the Armory.

With little care for protocol Xavier ran past them, pushing some aside to make room. Remi, what have you done? he thought desperately.

[KOA]

Xavier's steps pounded the castle grounds as he sprinted towards the central armory of the castle, and as he got ever closer he could here shouting of orders, pops of magic, and cries of pain. He moved with all haste until he found Master Frenzy, standing before the hallway to the ammunition storage room with a scowl across his face. He turned to see the Senior Knight arrive and huffed in anger.

"One would think you would dress appropriately when summoned by an Avatar. Even if you think you must make all haste to drop what you are doing it only takes half a second to put a shirt on. I know that's a number you can't even count to moron but please try to take this lesson to heart." Xavier seethed in anger as he bowed low. By the gods I hate you, Master Frenzy.

"I have been told that I was needed." Frenzy nodded, but before he could speak a voice called out at the end of the hallway. Xavier looked down the hall to see two rows of six Inner circle Knights, all arranged in total defensive positions. Arrows lined the walls, a few scorch marks from bombs, and one or two patches of blood lined the hall way. At this point it was no wonder Frenzy was taking to chance. Remi was a one man army with enough weapons to hold out for weeks.

"Xavier, is that you?" Remi asked in a worried tone.

"Yes, it is! What in the name of the Horseman are you doing you big dolt? This isn't one of your normal tricks, cause you got the inner council involved. Mind telling me what's going on?" Remi's door remained still, before another bomb was revealed. The Inner Circle Knights closed ranks and brought up huge wrought iron tower shields. Xavier tired to not laugh, already noticing the bomb had no wicker in it to light.

"I want Xavier and only Xavier to come in this room, after I talk to him, I will cooperate with whatever demands you may have. That's you Frenzy!" His voice called out to the amassed grouping. Frenzy's eyes slit into two small balls of hate. He looked at Xavier, and snorted loudly motioning the Senior Knight to go on in the room. Xavier walked towards the door and knocked on it twice. The door opened a bit wider and Xavier walked into the crowded storage room. "Here, hold this while I talk to him." He tossed the bomb upwards into the air and the left flank of the inner circle knights bolted towards the right, only causing more mass panic as they all dropped their shields. Frenzy shouted to them in anger to get their acts together and Remi laughed as he shut the door.

"Idiots, each one of them." Remi laughed softly as he turned to Xavier, seeing the stern look on his face and dropping his mood to a serious one.

"All jokes aside," Xavier said lightly. "WHAT THE HELL MAN?!?!" Remi shrugged before he pulled out a scroll with runes etched into the fabric.

"As of this moment Xavier I need you to not say a single word to me. Just be quiet, and so you are silent and let me do the talking nobody can hear this conversation." Remi folded the paper out and smoothed the edges. Xavier nodded understanding the importance of listening to the instructions. "The seven heavens, the seven layers of hell, the darkned void, the light at the nd of tunnel. The Journey of one man is the end another's. All things must come to end, and at that time the Silence of the Questioned is observed!" The paper glowed in his hand before he slammed it onto the door.

'Recognize the voice of Remi Or'Lounge as the Inquisitor, and let only the words of Xavier be heard!" The paper flashed brightly, and the spell was completed. "This is the part where I talk, and you shut up and listen!"