The Corruption Within Us

The Search Pt. 1

 Xornoth's Perspective-

"Oh, and Xornoth, we're going to visit The Lost Empire tomorrow. We need to inform the other empires about the crystal. And besides, their ruler has their eye on shiny, meaningful objects, maybe they know where it is." Wallis said before leaving.

Xornoth nodded and sighed, laying down on his bed.

The Next Day-

"Are you ready?" Wallis asked as Xornoth walked out of the palace and towards their carriage.

"As ready as I'll ever be." Xornoth said, shrugging.

His father smiled softly, "Alright, let's go."

They got in the carriage and Xornoth looked out the window.

"I know this may be stressful, but we'll figure it out."

"Why am I even tagging along?"

"We need to start your training for king."

Xornoth grumbled and Wallis chuckled.

"Better now than never. And this is a great experience for you. What if something bad happens when you're ruling, and you don't know how to handle it?"

Xornoth sighed.

"Listen to me, son. You've got this, I know you do. You can show great determination when you have sight of what you want in life."

Xornoth looked up at his father and slowly nodded.

They arrived in The Lost Empire and got out of the carriage.

Xornoth, who had never really ventured out of Rivendell, was surprised at how elegant The Lost Empire was.

Despite it being deep in the jungle and pretty small compared to other empires, its temples were magnificent.

"Wow." Xornoth said breathlessly and his father smiled at him.

"Follow me and stay close. The Lost Empire isn't too fond of us. Well, not fond of anyone really." Wallis whispered and Xornoth nodded, following his father to the huge red temple.

-

"The King of Rivendell, welcome." The ruler of The Lost Empire, Azar, said.

"My son is here as well. I thought it would be good experience for him to tag along." Wallis said, stepping aside to have Xornoth step up.

Azar nodded, "Yes, Joey wished to help me, but I had him go finish up building his air temple."

"Another temple? Don't you think three is enough?"

"Well, he insisted that we needed one for the air, and he wanted to prove that he could take over when he's older. So much energy, he has."

Wallis chuckled, "Yes, seems I can barely keep up with my youngest son's energy."

The air was still tense, but it seemed Wallis had broken the ice enough to ask about the crystal.

"I came here for a different reason though, I'm sorry to say." Wallis said.

"Yes, your letter said you had something important you needed to discuss."

Wallis nodded, "You see, the red crystal that incases a demon has been stolen. We cannot find it in Rivendell, and I was wondering if you have seen it, knowing how you love to collect your shiny objects." Wallis gestured to the wall of totems of undying behind Azar.

"As much as I love totems, I have not seen this red crystal. Last I've heard of it was back when you just became ruler, and you had that wizard seal it in ice. Maybe you should ask her."

Wallis sighed before nodding.

"Thank you for your time."

He turned and Xornoth followed his father out when a kid came flying into the temple.

Wallis jumped and quickly shoved his son behind him out of danger from the creature that came barreling in.

"Joey! What is the meaning of this?" Azar snapped and his son coughed before smiling.

"I finished the air temple!"

Azar sighed, "Didn't I tell you that I have an important meeting today?"

"Oh- right...sorry dad."

"Can't you remember anything?"

Joey looked embarrassed and Wallis chuckled.

"It's quite alright. Xornoth's like that sometimes."

Xornoth shot his father a look, who returned the glare.

"S-sorry." Joey said, scratching the back of his head, his face a bit red.

Xornoth felt himself blush and he smiled softly.

"It's okay. It was kind of funny." He said, shrugging.

Joey giggled and Xornoth smiled brightly.

"Would you like to see the temple?" Joey asked, holding out his hand.

"Sure!" Xornoth said, blushing as he held Joey's hand.

"Xornoth, we need to go to Crystal Cliffs now." Wallis said, putting his hand on his son's shoulder.

"But- "

Xornoth cut himself off as he saw Azar's glare.

Xornoth slowly let go of Joey's hand and stepped towards his father, who nodded.

"Let's go now."