[Legend of the Five Knights 2]- The Shadow of Justice

"Kiddo, " Mother says, glancing back at me as we drive across the countryside to visit my uncle and his family. "Feeling well?"

"I'm fine, " I say, glancing at the cows chewing on grass. Their mouths move up and down, as if savoring every single bite.

"You still mad at me for what I said about Tetsuya?" Father asks.

I lean my head against the window. A moment of silence hangs over us like a dark blanket.

"Listen, Ashi."

My eyes remain on the verdant fields of grass as my hands grasp my black rosary. Daddy had given it to me when I was born. I sit up and narrow my eyes. It looked similar to the one in the story.

"Dad. Why did you call me Ashi?"

Dad stops the car and glances back. "Why do you ask that now?"

"Also, this rosary... It's the rosary of the Angel of Darkness, our ancestor. Why were you in its possession? Dad, what's your connection with the Knight of the Shield? Why name me after the kid he wanted to have?"

Dad returns his focus to the dirt road and drives on. "No reason. Ashi was a nice name. And that rosary... it's a replica."

I narrow my eyes some more. "Really? Daddy?"

He snickers. "What? Did you have delusions of being the reborn Hanketsu?"

My face warms. "I... do not! I rather not be."

"Hmm?" he asked.

My hands clasped the rosary tighter. "I like my simple life. If I were to be the reincarnation of Hanketsu, then my life will be filled with hardship."

Father nods. "And you should. Kiddo, don't you dare dream of being a hero. Don't fall for the same illusions of grandeur that so many before you have."

"But the Knight of the Shield didn't have such illusions. All he sought was to clear his name."

His golden eyes widen a little. "You sure? Don't you think that he at least had a bit of otherworldly desires?"

"No. He was all about clearing his name. At least based on the first half." My eyes shift toward mom. "Hey, can you tell me the second half? We won't arrive at uncle Taku's home for a while."

Mother looks at him.

Dad sighs. 'Alright. Tell the kids the rest of the story that he can finally stop nagging."

"Yay!" I yell.

"Yay!" sister says.

"Not you too, " Dad says, sighing.

A smile dots my face. "How about Dad tells it this time?"

He lifts his hands from the driver's wheel momentarily. "Uh, kind of driving here."

I pout. "Come on."

"You know, you're a lot like Hideo."

I bit my mouth. "Not him. He's one of my least favorite. Well, only two that I like are Tetsuya and Setsuko."

A chuckle echoed across the car. "Really? I can barely blame you. They are the better ones out of the five. But even those two weren't without their faults... Fine. I'll tell you the story."

"Yahoo!" sister says. "Papa is going to tell us a story!"

I give him all of my undivided attention.

"Before I do. Where did you leave off?"

"They were going to visit home to see if Tekeshi had returned."

Father's eyes dim. "Right. Him." He clears his throat. "Alright... let's begin."

**Solar Note: Hope that you enjoyed reading this chapter :D!**

*Character Section*

Ashi Kuroriku- Sex: Male Age: 9 Birthday: August 15, ????

*Tetsuya*

Stalks of wheat danced around us like rolling waves never hitting shore, sending their seeds and earth-like smell into the wind to mix with the sweet smell of the nearby wildflowers. Insects of various kinds from bees to butterflies buzzed overhead, moving away from the sea of tiny multi-colored flowers to their next source of pollen.

"This place is so different from the city, " Setsuko said as her brown eyes gazed at the mountains in the distance. A cloak of green covered their bases which eventually gave way to silver peaks which reached for the heavens. Her eyes traced the river cutting through their verdant vestments and ultimately led to the valley we were in.

"It's amazing!" Nori said, his red eyes shimmering as he took in all of the nature around him.

Serrano walked close to Setsuko and smiled. "It sure is."

"It's boring is what it is, " Hideo said as he kicked up some dust. He ran on ahead and turned toward the group. "How much farther do we need to walk?"

"We're actually here, " I said, pointing at the tiny black house in front of him.

He turned once more and blinked. "Oh. Your house is more sad than I had expected."

I curled my hands into fists and grinned. "And you're as annoying as always."

Hideo raised an eyebrow. His lips quivered. "Uh, I am. Aren't I?" His eyes darted to the sheep munching away on the wildflowers in front of the house.

What bit him? He would usually say something back. Well, I barely did talk to the kid. Perhaps I misread him.

"Good, you're all here, " a voice called out. Walking out of my house alongside my brother and sister was none other than the Queen of our entire realm, Saya no Mikoto. She wore a loose fitted white blouse and a flowing flower print skirt.

"Your majesty, " we all said, bowing down.

"Tetsuya!" Teresa said, rushing over. She embraced me tightly, getting her now long black hair all over my face. "I missed you so much!"

"It's good to see you awake, " Takuya said, standing to the side. "You really worried us back there in Kyuu Seishin."

I looked down. "Sorry."

Teresa pulled away from me and patted my shoulder. "We're just glad that you're alive, Tetsu."

My face reddened. "I told you not to call me that, " I said, pouting.

Serrano who stood by his fiancee snickered.

That guy. I chuckled. It feels like deja vu, like the day that I left home and started this hellish and confusing journey. If only I could go back, go back and tell my old self to ignore the letter. I glanced down at Yuko who was as amazed as Nori to be surrounded by nature instead of concrete and steel.

Gazing at Queen Saya, I asked, "What brings you to my humble abode, your highness?"

The High Queen raised a hand to her mouth and chuckled. "Come out, Son."

A blond haired youth walked out of the house followed by several familiar faces, including some which I didn't recognized. "Hello. Nice to see all of you again, " he said, pushing his now longer bangs away from his eyes.

"Likewise, Prince Ryonoko. Akane, Maki, Zyunni, Eri, and some who I don't know, at least I don't remember meeting some of you. Uh, what are you all doing here?" I asked.

"These folk were chosen by us Dimensional Rulers to accompany you on your upcoming journey to the Abyss, " Lady Saya said with a grin. "Now divide yourselves into groups. Once you have then we'll begin our training camp."

"Training camp?" Hideo asked as his jaw dropped. "I hope that you don't mean chopping wood and all other kinds of manual labor intensive stuff."

The queen snickered. "Yeah, I do. Though that'll be for later."

"Great, " Eiichi said, sweeping his long blond hair back. "I got to get sweaty." He glanced at one of the girls in the group who stood by quietly like a soldier awaiting her commands.

"Hey, isn't that the girl who you were with during the Mahoulympics?" Hideo asked, pointing at the young woman with long black hair and bright red eyes.

Eiichi looked away. "Yeah. But I don't know why she's here."

"Now, all of you join one of the five knights!" Queen Saya said, swiping her hand through the air.

"This is going to be fun, " Kohri said, grinning as he glanced at a girl with short brown hair.

The girl smiled. "Long time no see."

Kohri smirk faded. "Yeah... how long has it been?"

That face... Kohri, what is it that you're hiding?

"I'm not sure. It feels like forever, though."

"I'll be joining you." Ryonoko walked over to Yuko and me.

"How's Yuko's cousin doing?" Yuko asked with a grin.

The prince returned the smile. "Amira is doing fine. The baby is too. It's due in a few months. Hopefully this conflict will be done when it's born."

"Yuko hopes so too."

It's nice to see Yuko smiling brightly today. Last I saw her she was in agony... never do I wish to see that again. That's why I need to get stronger. I need the power to protect those close to me.

"Tetsuya."

"Hanketsu? What's up? You sound worried."

"There's something... never mind. I'll tell you later. For now focus on your training."

"I plan to."

Something pulled against the sleeve of my shirt. Yuko's brown eyes met mine. "Are you alright?"

"Me? I'm just a little dazed is all, " I said, pushing my long white hair back. It wasn't always white. For some reason it had changed color after I came back to life. It was all thanks to Yuko and Hanketsu that I could stand there with the other knights, getting ready to train for what was to be our final battle against the creatures of the Abyss.

Now that I think about it, I still don't know what Hanketsu meant when he said that someone was in pain while I was escaping. Who was it and why would leaving cause them pain? I should ask him about it later.

*****

*Unknown*

"He's waking up, " someone called out.

"About time, " said another.

A strange darkness filled the room outside. Awaiting me were a red-haired woman and black-haired man.

The woman's long and slim fingers grasped the door of the capsule and unlocked it, raising it up slowly.

"He seems fine, " the male said, eyeing me with narrowed eyes. "But to be cautious we should keep an eye on him before he rampages again."

The female nodded. "I already prepared things. This boy shall not try to flee again."

I stumbled out of the capsule and landed in the woman's arms.

"Are you alright?" she asked. "If you're still suffering from fatigue then go to sleep."

My arms curled around her back. Holding her... felt so familiar.

"Hey, " she said, flustered.

I let go of her. "Sorry... Master Aster."

She grinned. "Good, you did manage to learn some manners during your time asleep. I have a mission for you."

I stood up straight with my arms facing the floor. "What are your orders?"

A chuckle echoed across the room. "Maybe it worked a little too well."

"Are you making fun of me?" I asked, glancing around the dark marble room. The place was filled with oval white capsules with glass doors like the one that I awoke in. Inside them were crystals of various colors.

Are they all like me? Experiments.

A hand touched my shoulder. "The others will be born to a better world. One of peace, " Aster said, her eyes glowing with passion. This war will end with us. Our king will awaken to see his vision come true-all the other dimensions shattered and the Abyss all reigning."

Our king? There's someone above these two?

"Now, for your order- I need you to infiltrate the Realm of Angels, specifically the nation of Kuroriku. We must stop their army from further encroaching on our realm. I'll tell you the rest of the details on the way."

I nodded and ran after her. The Realm of Angels, why does that place seem so familiar? My hands grasped the spherical black and purple crystal in the center of my chest. It's as if my existence is being called there.

"You alright?" Aster asked, stopping by the metal door. "Are you still pained?"

I walked forward. "I'll be fine. First comes the mission, that's why I was made, wasn't I? To serve as the weapon of the Rulers and serve as one of the Thirteen Pillars- The Guardians of the Abyss."

She nudged me forward and laughed. "Yeah!"

"Hey, don't shove me, " I said as the door slid open.

She hugged me from behind. "Sorry, but you're just so adorable!"

"Aster, " Takon said, glaring at her. "The kid's right, first comes the mission."

She nodded. "I know, I know. No need to be uptight about it."

"We don't have much time! We need to do this now or never!"

Aster's arms uncurled from me. "Yeah. Let's go, Conrad."

I glanced back at the sad Takon. What does he mean by 'we don't have much time'? Is something going to happen to them, or all of us inhabitants of Abyss? I ran on ahead and waved at Aster. "Hurry! We need to finish this mission so that our world isn't destroyed."

She chased after me and snickered. "You know, chasing after you feels as if I'm chasing a white rabbit."

I noticed that there was a bounce in my step. "A rabbit... one that lives in the rabbit hole called Abyss, " I whispered.

**Solar Note: Thanks for continuing to read this series :). So, what did you think of Conrad and his interaction with the surviving two Rulers?**

*Conrad*

[Abyss]

Aster flew me to up the seemingly never ending spiral. The oil-like water vibrated as steps echoed closer every second that passed.

"Stay back, " Aster said, pushing me back. Suddenly a black visor covered my face. "It's the enemy. I can't allow them to see your face or hurt you."

"I want to help, " I said despite staying still as asked.

She sighed as she watched the road ahead. "I guess that part of your rebellious streak remained. At least you're obedient enough to stay put."

"Look who we have here, " a voice called out. Goosebumps spread throughout my body as a brown haired man with a lion's mane for a beard approached. He was covered from head to toe in shimmering golden armor with a purple flowing cape.

King Osamu. My hands moved to my head. Wait, how did I know that was his name? If that is his name. Is it?

Accompanying the regal looking man were thousands of soldiers clad in silver armor.

"You're the king of Kuroriku, " Aster said with narrowed eyes. Shadows twirled and twisted around her with every step she took. "Takon told me about you."

"And you're Aster, one of the four 'Rulers' of this realm, " the man said, but his gaze was on me. "And who's the boy in the suit? A slave? Or better yet, a weapon?" A smile covered his face. "I would have had one too, if it weren't for my stupid future son-in-law freeing him. Though, that's not of importance. I will reclaim that which is lost, and more. Now, step aside, or you'll be crushed into dust."

A pale hand reached out toward him. "You really are a prideful mortal. That you dare call yourself an angel is an affront to your gods!" Aster cried out as the darkness spun quicker and quicker, creating a funnel.

Osamu Kuroriku snickered. "My gods? Please..." He raised his sword and shield at us. "The only deities that I worship are money and power!" He stepped forward and slashed the rock, sending Aster and me drifting back.

"Die, you demon!" Aster screamed as she floated in the oil-like water. Dark tendrils drilled holes into the rock and reached down for the evil king.

"Your darkness has grown weak, " Osamu said with a grin as he held the tendrils in his left hand. "Mine is far stronger!" A red and black laser of raw dark mana flew at us. Aster returned to the now punctured rock and ducked alongside me. We watched as the ray shattered dozens of floating islands in the distance.

"Tsk, " Aster said, glaring at him. She grabbed my arm and floated me over back to the spiral. Osamu's entrourage foolishly got in our way. Aster made sure to teach the imbicles their lesson, cutting them down into pieces with a scythe of red shadows. Osamu simply watched as we ran into a nearby cavern.

Why isn't he giving chase? Is that man so powerful that he thinks he can toy with us?

"Hey, where are we going?" I asked, glancing around the pitch black cavern. Of course, the deep darkness was nothing for us, though that man's group was sure to struggle somewhat, even if they descended from The Angel of Darkness. "They're invading our realm!"

"Worry not! The other Pillars will take care of them. Your focus should be to conquer that man's kingdom. With him here it should..." Rock dislodged overhead, sending Aster and me falling back. I spun around and heard a steady beat. It was the sound of metal boots striking the ground.

"Think that you forgot that I also control earth, " King Osamu said as he came into view. "I can crush this entire spiral island now if I want to... but I won't. I'm curious about it after hearing what happened with my future son-in-law and that rapist cousin of his along with the others. I wish to learn why they were teleported to Xeleria from here."

Aster remained silent.

He grinned as he dislodged more rocks. "I didn't expect you to answer. It took three months to prepare for this. To gather the forces necessary to take the spiral for myself."

"What do you want with it?" I asked, glaring at him.

His gloved hands ran through the black stone. "To trap you disgusting beings here, and also to control one of the dimensional gateways. That's what this is, right? One of the gateways between worlds. To possess one is like possessing a choke-point."

"You know about choke-points?" I asked, looking at him oddly.

"We angels can't stay afloat all the time, " Osamu said, waving his hand dismissively. "And in the heat of battle regaining the ability to fly is difficult without getting the proper rest or mana accumulated. Then there are times in which flight is used only as a way to escape."

Aster grinned. "I bet that your clan just isn't too keen on flying, with your power over earth and all."

I smiled. "Thanks for the tips!"

He chuckled. "No problem." Blades of rocks came at me from left and right. "You won't live to tell."

The rocks snapped and floated toward him. "Aster, allow me to handle this, " I said, putting an arm in front of her. "I too control earth and shadows after all. Plus, I am one of the Pillars- defenders of this realm!"

"It's best to just keep him at bay, " Aster said, pushing my arm down.

"Got it!" I said, closing the cavern behind us with multiple layers of earth and reshuffling it around.

"Guard from every direction, " Aster said as we ran for it. "That man can appear at any time."

I nodded and tightened the rock around us, preventing someone from breaking through it with ease.

A bright sapphire light lit the cavern the deeper we got. At the end of the cavern was a black platform with strange markings and seven six-foot tall crystals which emitted pale light.

Aster walked to the center of it as she closed her eyes. She squatted and placed both her hands against the sleek stone. Blue light replaced the white as the crystals levitated from their resting places. They danced wildly in a circle. Their speed rose higher and higher that one would've expected them to dissolve into glowing blue sand at any moment. Or at least fly off into the distance.

"What is this?" I asked, stepping into the platform.

Aster didn't answer, she was too focused on her ritual.

The blue light of the monoliths enveloped Aster and I, blinding me. No wonder Aster had her eyes closed prior.

I opened my eyes as soon as I felt a cold chill. A white substance of some kind covered the ground and it even fell from the sky. The sky, a shade of blue unlike any that I had seen. Yet, it seems so familiar. As did the snow. Especially the snow. Snow, that's the name of this stuff. But, how do I know that? There's no snow in the Abyss, so how can I possibly know about...

"Conrad, come. That man might've given chase. Though he will struggle to activate the stone, he does have a friend who can use it."

"He does?" I asked.

She nodded. "Yeah, though perhaps 'friend' wasn't the right term. According to Takon that arrogant king hates the guy."

"Who is he?" I asked, jumping down to an ice covered ledge.

"The one outsider whom we thought that we could trust, Tekeshi."

"Tekeshi...?" I asked. That name, I had heard it before. Strangely, I couldn't quite place as to where. Perhaps it was Takon or Aster who had brought it up before.

**Solar Note: What do you think of Calamity thus far?**