Project K

Chapter 0 - Prologue

The Fall of Destiny

It is a dark and stormy night, the heavy rain trying to wash away the proceedings. Violent and howling gusts of wind rage wildly. The thick forest appears completely darkened, the branches cowering amongst themselves. And above it all, the ring of thunder reigns, silencing all others. A narrow path running through the forest is barely visible in an opening.

Two figures appear. They are injured, their movements limped. One of them seems to be carrying something, and in a flash of lightning, it becomes clear that it is a cradle. They lean their backs against a stump, trying to catch their breath.

Another flash of lightning illuminates their faces. One wears a calm expression, that thinly veils some slight anxiety, while the other looks thoroughly troubled. It is clear from their faces that they have endured some kind of a terrible ordeal.

The worried man is the first to speak.

"My Lord, what do we do now? We have done all that we could and yet! And yet, the White Wolf chases us!"

His master looks at him in the half light. When he speaks, his voice is deep and calm.

"We will continue."

"But my Lord, I do not think that I can stand another encounter. They become deadlier every time we face them."

This time his master does not look at him as he responds. He looks into the distance as he speaks in that same quiet manner.

"I admit that you have a point..." he says, "but it does not excuse us from our task. The future of Illis depends on us. We cannot run away from this."

The other man seems to lose any argument he has within him.

"I understand, Master..."

In another flash of bright light, a group of figures can be seen, approaching the man and his master. The two men tense, and their eyes narrow as they take them in.

"Here they are, my Lord."

His master sighs, his eyes following the figures drawing ever closer. The rain has started to peter out. Then he looks at the other man, his back straightening, his expression hard.

"I suppose this is the end for us, then."

"What would you have me do, my Lord?"

"Pray. Pray that, somehow, our homes are protected," he draws in a breath. "And do your best."

"As you wish, sir." The man swallows. He resembles his master's stance, and shortly bows his head to him, "It has been an honour, my Lord."

The clouds start to clear, as if the skies had cried themselves out. Across the trees along the clearing, the sounds of a violent battle can be heard. There is a flash of dry lightning, and close on its heels, a roar of thunder, louder than any of the previous.

And there was silence. The forest held its breath.

Then the cries of a child pierced through the quiet, ringing and echoing through the trees.

.............................................

"A long time ago, before the age of man, our world was at peace. The perfect balance existed, a state of dynamic equilibrium. There was harmony in all spheres amongst all forces - Nature perfect in its self. In this pure age, there emerged two brothers - Lucian, the Vague, and Serrion, the Kon. They were brothers, but they differed so greatly, it was as if they had been chiseled separately by day and night. Where Lucian stood proud, Serrion knelt humble, and where Lucian was cunning, Serrion was wise.