Legend of Keys: Huntik's Adventure In Paradise

Plans Change

October 1st

It was an extremely cold snowy day, the Huntik team's met up with Master Gale at a discreet office in the capital's economic sector crackled. Master Ajax's entrance cut through the silence like a blade, his demeanor grave as he laid out the team's new mission.

"You guys will now be working alongside teams from different realms to protect the divine keys," he began, his voice carrying the weight of their duty. "However, counter to our goal of retrieving them all, our mission remains the same: retrieve the divine keys at all costs without getting caught."

Apollon's question pierced the air, seeking clarity amidst the uncertainty. "I thought we were just supposed to help locate them."

Master Ajax, reclining on a swirling, cloud-like seat, delivered his explanation with measured authority. "The mission of Huntik is to locate and capture all 12 divine keys to unveil the secrets of the Divine Tree."

Lycaon's concern echoed the unease in the room, his words a reflection of the team's shared apprehension. "Wouldn't that spark another world war? To be fair, we should have seen it coming. Helios talked about the lingering tensions between realms, which haven't faded since the last Key wars."

Master Ajax leaned forward, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. He emphasized that the mistake Leader Ueman made was distributing the 12 keys equally among the most powerful councils (governments) on Mythos. With tensions still high, the temptation to wield the keys in conflict remains, especially since the old-world realms yearn for their lost lands while the new world realm has already lost one of their keys. The specter of war looms on the horizon.

As the team prepared to depart for their next mission, the weight of their responsibilities hung heavy in the air. Each member understood the stakes, the delicate balance between success and catastrophe. With resolve in their hearts and unity in their purpose, they set out to face the challenges ahead, knowing that the fate of Paradise rested in their hands.

Helios, shivering in his cloak, say they should go and visit up with Lux and Kitsune. The meeting with Leader Ueman is about to start. They pinned this conversation, and rush to the capitol. They made it on time. Ueman tells everyone to take a seat. Everyone settles down into their chairs. 

Ueman takes a drink of some hot tea. " I will first congratulate you, young mages. You have done well destroying the stone, Golem." Amari the dog is heard barking behind the door. "Also, your dog was also a special surprise, Lycaon."

Lycaon expressed gratitude for the praise, and Ueman continued after a moment, placing the tea down. "Your 'punishment' for the destruction of the city of Victory was never truly a punishment. It has always been a mission. I only framed it that way to appease the governors."

Lux, ever direct, questioned, "Then why have you brought us here, old warlock?"

Ueman sighed, urging Lux to address him respectfully. "I understand your concerns. I know that your mages are the only ones capable of confronting the Zodiacs. I've negotiated with the other realms, and they will dispatch warrior mages and teams to support you."

Khione, maintaining her polite demeanor, questioned Ueman, "What makes you believe that we, as young mages, can defeat such high-level terrorists? We struggled last time."

Ueman's gaze bore into each of them, and he responded with conviction, "I know it's you because I've witnessed it. Each of you holds a unique power that, together, is the key to ending the Zodiacs. Apollon's formidable power, Helios' black flames, Fauna's physical prowess, Nile's magical capabilities, Flora's healing abilities, Twilight's information gathering, Khione's melodic voice, and, most importantly, Nile's intelligence. You all play pivotal roles in bringing peace to Paradise."

He then nodded towards Lux and Kitsune. "And you two are the ones to guide and foster their potential. We are all counting on each of you. Other leaders may think I'm crazy or a fool," he chuckled, "but I am determined to prove them wrong."

Ueman distributed papers and data containing all known information about the Zodiacs. "This is all the information you need. You'll soon leave for the province of Dante to train and discuss the provided intelligence." Lux, overwhelmed by the volume of information, looked to Kitsune for guidance. Kitsune suggested they focus on the Zodiacs captured in Paradise and those they plan to capture in the Water Realm.

Lux sighed, acknowledging the challenges ahead. "Well, we have our work cut out for us. There are three Zodiac members named Cancer and twins named Pisces. It seems they terrorize trade and spark rebellion all over the Water Realm."

Concerned about the threat level, Apollon inquired if these Zodiac members were more powerful than the ones they had previously faced. Lux shook his head. "I would say just as powerful, given the skill sets outlined. This means we have a lot of work cut out for all of you."

Arriving at the House of Twelve Swordsmen, Kitsune pulled Apollon aside for a private conversation, his expression grave with concern etched in his features. Sensing the weight of the moment, Apollon awaited Kitsune's words with a mix of anticipation and apprehension.

"I need to speak with you," Kitsune began, his voice low yet commanding. Apollon nodded, silently urging him to continue.

"You must confront your demons, Apollon," Kitsune asserted, his gaze unwavering. "Your unresolved trauma threatens not only you but the entire team."

Apollon's shoulders slumped slightly, a mixture of defeat and determination in his eyes. "I'm doing my best," he murmured, his voice tinged with frustration.

Kitsune braced himself against the biting wind, a shiver running down his spine. "I know more than you think," he confessed cryptically. "There's a saying among fire mages: 'When you're born into a burning house, you think the whole world is on fire.' But it's not, Apollon. It's not."

With that enigmatic declaration, Kitsune turned and strode away, leaving Apollon to contemplate his words in solitude.

Grateful for Kitsune's concern, Apollon dared to ask, "Why are you telling me this?"

"For Paradise... for my brother," Kitsune replied softly, his voice carrying the weight of a promise made long ago.

Moved by Kitsune's sincerity, Apollon vowed, "I won't let you down."

Sir Albert's satisfaction with their progress echoed through the courtyard as Lux, nursing his injuries, quipped about his resilience.

Yet, amidst the camaraderie, Flora's unease surfaced. "I'm not much of a frontline fighter," she confessed, her gaze dropping.

Sir Albert chuckled, dispelling her doubts. "Your path lies elsewhere, young witch. Focus on mastering healing techniques for the team. That's where your true strength lies."

Flora's smile returned, emboldened by Sir Albert's reassurance. "But I aspire to be more," she admitted. "I've joined the Green Aid, and I believe Magitarian will help me reach my goals."

Her teammates congratulated her, though Lux and Kitsune exchanged worried glances, silently questioning her readiness for the challenges ahead.

Twilight and Khione voiced similar concerns, their skills better suited to subtler forms of combat. Nile, already well-versed in swordsmanship, opted out of further training.

Kitsune scoffed at the notion of anyone refusing the privilege of training with the swordsmen. "We all have something to learn," he insisted, his voice echoing with conviction.

Sir Albert revealed their training assignments, pairing Flora with Salvia Hygieia and her son, Galen. Despite Salvia's stern warning, Flora's determination only seemed to grow, buoyed by Galen's infectious enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, Nile and Khione remained under Master Valerie's tutelage, eager to hone their skills further.

As the training commenced, each member of the team embraced the challenges before them, united in their pursuit of excellence and bound by the unbreakable bonds of camaraderie.