The Dark Figure

Chapter 1

Chapter 1:
The Wandering Reaper

Albeaneia, a kingdom that is currently in a war with 3 kingdoms. Thorketilsson, Cesheagella, and Xuikithia.

Fighting the 3 would've been easier for them if the 3 were human kingdoms, but unfortunately Thorketilsson is a beastfolk kingdom, Cesheagella is an elven kingdom, and Xuikithia is a dwarven kingdom.

The king of Albeaneia, Philip Wellis sat on his throne trying to think of a much safer solution, he held a newspaper from a few months ago and beside him was a stack of newspapers that dated back to a few years or maybe a few decades ago. One thing that it all had in common was an article about different wars being stopped by an unknown creature and a dark figure. No one knows when it first appeared but they are said to approach the rulers to help them in exchange for something.

“If only we had a way to find you.” King Philip muttered. He has a feeling that they would show up soon, besides it can't be that hard to find an immortal creature that wanders around the world just to kill time.... right?

A guard ran around the castle in search of the king and burst open the door. “Your highness!” The guard panted. “What's going on?” Philip spoke. “A figure has been spotted by one of our scouts sir!” The guard replied. “What.” The king whispered to himself.

The king walked in circles across the study room. “What shall we do my Lord?” The head nurse asked. “There have been no signs of movement from the figure since it has first arrived sir. I believe it could be a spy.” The head scout reported.

The heads continued to report their findings while Philip had other things in mind. He knew that the figure was the one from the articles, he knew that they can help them win, he wanted to ask the being for help. But he wasn't stupid. If they are here then that means that they want something from them and he does not want to take the risk.

“What if it's an ally.” Someone spoke which made the king snap out of his thoughts. “You're too trusting head nurse.” The head guard commented. “I'll consider it. If my guess is correct, they could be a potential ally.” Philip answered.

2 days later

“Father have you gone insane” Philip's son Drake yelled. “You can't just go to some mountain with only a few scouts! Let me come with you.” They added. “No Drake, you're too young. I cannot risk putting you in danger.” Philip declined. “Then why are Wincent and Alex joining the war?” Drake asked. “They are experienced Drake. They know how to make their own decisions properly and you are too reckless to be put out there.” Philip explained. “Fine I'll go!” The child pouted.

Time skip

The group travelled for approximately 4 hours and they are nearing the mountain where the figure was staying at. It was nearing sunset so they tried to hurry, but luck wasn't on their side because the road was becoming too dangerous for the horses so they had to walk most of the time. The king was beginning to feel doubtful but not hopeless and asked “Are you sure this is the correct place?”. “Yes my Lord they should be close.” One of the scouts answered. “We are here my Lord, we would recommend you to stay behind so you stay safe.” Another scout spoke. “There is no need ??? we do not need any more misunderstandings, I will watch them carefully while you stay back.” Philip ordered.

The area would've been considered a normal campsite if it weren't located inside a war zone. The king did not know which he thinks is more odd than the other, a campsite in the middle of war, a teenager that looks like they are made artificially, a child with fox ears and nine tails, or the tall black creature that is like eight or nine feet tall. Philip's observation didn't last long since the tall one suddenly spoke “Who's there and state your business while you're at it.” The voice sounded gruff yet felt calming at the same time. Philip walked out of the bush he was hiding in, raised his arms and replied “We mean no harm, my-” but was cut off by the being.

“King Philip Wellis, 3rd king of Albeaneia. Well this is certainly the first time a ruler came to me personally without an army sorounding them, you are an odd one for sure. Forgive me for my ranting, my name is.... um... Void.... yeah you call me Void, although most people refer to me as the wandering reaper... not sure why though.”

The king stood there are the tall creature stopped. “So what have you come to me for? I know you are aware of what my presence means right.” The creature's calm and seemingly friendly expression quickly turned into a dark and serious one. ‘Their mood swings are definitely much worse than Zdzisława's when she was first pregnant.’ The king thought but pushed it to the back of his mind immediately after. “Yes Mr. Void, I have come here to ask for your assistance in the war.” he replied. “Is there a specific reason that you chose to ask me for help despite knowing of my terms and conditions?” Void asked.

Confused since most people who approached them usually wanted them to work for them for idiotic purposes, the tall creature waited for Philip's reply. “I have no other choice. My people are suffering and we have lost so many of our loyal soldiers and citizens, our supplies are slowly decreasing so we cannot hold our ground for much longer, it's the winter season so their attacks are less common but they are still powerful nonetheless.”

Void simply stood there and took in all of the information he was given. “I see that you care very much for your people, seeing as you even sent your eldest son's to fight in the frontlines. I will agree with working with you but it's getting dark now so if you'd like, we could talk about this in the morning. I'm sure that your scouts will understand this so why don't you let them join us as well. My syn's over there have been staring at them for a while now.” Void pointed at a tree where the teenager was looking up while the child was hanging upside down behind the one of the scouts.

“I'm so sorry my Lord they caught me when I slipped on a branch...” The scout apologized. “And I have always been wanting to have a chat with someone who has an adopted child ever since I became a dad.” Void added.  “It would be an honor.” Philip nodded.

In the morning

Philip woke up and was met with Void drinking coffee by the campfire with the sleeping child on did lap. “Good morning your majesty.” Void greeted. “Good morning to you as well Mr. Void and please refrain from calling me that. Just call me Philip.” “Of course.... Philip but can you not add "Mr" to my name because I'm not really used to it. Void is.... enough” The two sat in an awkward silence until Void started a conversation.  “So... about yesterday. Maybe we should come with you on the way back.” “Why?” “I just think that maybe I could teach your people a thing or two about defense and all. Just incase something might happen in the future.” “I guess you could try. Just don't forget that they are only humans.” “I'm aware of what I'm doing Philip, you know fun fact about me is that I was a regular human before all of... this happened, a peasant at that.”

Philip could not help but tilt his head at what the tall man just said. “Why are you telling me this?” “Hm?” “Why are you giving me all of this information?” “I don't know I just felt like sharing a bit of myself, besides it seems fair to me since I have been technically spying on your family and people for a while now and you guys know almost little to no information about me.” “Y-yeah... that seems fair...” “So when are we going to your little kingdom?” “It would be best if we wait for the others to awaken so we can chat for a little longer.” “I agree with you once again”

The two continued to chat for almost half an hour till everyone has woken up.

(Hi so this is my first story so I hope you like it. English is not my first language so I apologize for any mistakes in advance.If you have any complaints please let me know but don't be rude about it. I will most likely update like once every week or two but depending on my schedule it might take longer than you expect.)