Pure Intentions (8 O' Clock)

Chapter 2 - Flashback

Author’s note:

Hey guys! Thanks for sticking with me this far! I hope I don’t lose your support and have more of your friends read my stories too!

1: I’ve thought of typing up a pronunciation guide, since some of you might not pronounce the words as I want you all too. So here it is:

Word                  -Pronunciation

Kae Bayer         -K Bay-er

Skylar Occulo    -Sky-ler Ock-q-lo

AreyhCiké           -Ah-ray-C-K

Oxone                 -O-zone

Dore                   -Door

BhéXéon             -Bhay-zay-on

I’ve kept you long enough! Enjoy! :3

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Snow was littered all over the forest of Dore. The atmosphere seemed cold, suggesting that winter was just around the corner. Five figures laid in wait in front of a cave's entrance. Two of them masked themselves amidst the shadows of the trees while the other three took cover behind an ancient tree.

It was twenty past three now as Kae checked his wristwatch. He scanned the area and trained his eyes from place to place as if taking mental notes about his surroundings. He swept one last look over his team. All of them were completely camouflaged apart from Kae and Crash who were visible as they weren't wearing helmets.

Kae then took out a pair of binoculars and carefully observed the vicinity. He zoomed in, slowly scanning each niche and crevice within the cave. As he zoomed in further the lack of light proved it increasingly difficult for further examination. Kae switched on the infra-red sensor with the touch of a button and continued observing. In the meantime his mind reeled back to his mission briefing earlier.

Kae stopped in front of a massive door. The door was beautifully carved with the golden BhéXéon sigil placed at the heart of the door. Intricate floral patterns made from stones of every colour imaginable decorated the frame. Oddly, there were no visible knobs or handles on the door.

Sighing and straightening his clothes out, Kae knocked on the door thrice and waited patiently.

“Come in,” came the muffled reply.

The floral patterns around the door began to move towards the centre as if being worked by invisible machines. The beauty of it all was unfolded once the movement came to a complete halt. All of the stones that had once been flowers, had now come together to form the figure eight around the BhéXéon sigil.

The door swayed inward automatically on hidden hinges to reveal a massive, elegant room inside. Everything, from the ceiling to the ornate upholstery in the room, was fashioned with the colour red. Everything else was made from various different precious metals. Bright sunlight coming in through the giant windows flooded the entire room. The main focal point however, was the large round table which occupied the middle. Eight elegant throne-like chairs surrounded the entire perimeter of the table. The whole room had a very regal ambiance.

Present inside the room were two men. One of them had a large muscular built, which was clearly visible through his elegant sapphire robes. The man seemed to be the size of a normal Human even while seated. He had a hard set face, wrinkled with age, with amiable eyes and a large cotton white beard flowing till his torso. Sitting on the top of his head was a large crown, made of sapphire scales and platinum, giving off a soft white glow. 

A seemingly normal Human in graceful black robes was bent over deeply immersed in conversation with the large man. He stood up straight as soon as he felt Kae's presence and glared at him. He quickly averted his gaze as he noticed Kae looking right at him. As if to hide his embarrassment, he  ran a pale white bony hand through his long blue hair.

Kae approached the Giant sitting in the chair first and got down on all fours before he addressed him.

 “My liege.”

“Rise young elf,” replied the giant. His voice  soft and old.

Kae stood up and next addressed the Human with a sincere bow.

“Lord Phallen.”

The Human replied by giving Kae a cold stare. Ignoring him, Kae addressed the King again.

“What does my King require of me?”

“Hopefully nothing more than you can handle.” The King replied with a good natured laugh. “Alas, my presence is required somewhere else. Leviris here will brief you Kae. May God, in all His glory, keep your blade sharp my lad.” With that the King rose to his feet to fully reveal his inhuman height.

“May God enlighten every step of yours, my liege” After the polite farewell, Kae knelt and looked at the King in admiration as he slowly made his way out of the room. After the King was no longer visible, Kae got back up to his feet with a sigh and turned towards Phallen.

"What is it that you require of me my lord?” Kae dipped his head his head in respect.

“Just because the King isn’t in the room doesn’t mean you have to show any less respect around here.”  Phallen replied curtly. He had a raspy voice and over pronounced each of his words.

“My... My apologies, my lord.” With that Kae quickly bowed, embarrassed. “I meant you no disrespect.”

“Better. Now I don’t have time to correct all of your etiquette related predicaments. Listen to me carefully for I will not repeat myself. You have a mission. Your mission requires you to go and silence another one of those abominations of Magick present in the North of the forest of Dore. You will leave at three PM sharp. I believe that should be sufficient information? Or do you require me to spoon-feed the entire mission specifications to you?”

“Of... of course not my lord!”

“Very well then. I suppose, out of formality, I should ask, are there any questions?” with that Phallen began to sort out the papers that were scattered on the table.

“Just one my lord.”

“Eh? Out with it already.” 

“I do not wish to question the council’s authority, but why is my team, an assault team, being sent on such a low rank mission my lord?”

“What a paradox you are Mr. Bayer. You’re dismissed.” Phallen, clearly uninterested, replied in a condescending tone.

Kae clenched his hands into fists severely irritated. Following protocol, Kae bowed towards the man.

“May God always keep you on the straight path...” said Kae through clenched teeth and made his way to the exit.

“To hell,” he added under his breath.

“I beg your pardon?!” snapped back Phallen with venom in his voice. As he turned around, Kae was long gone.