Preparations

Following that ‘meeting’ everyone shuffles out of that suffocating room relieved that they can finally breathe at ease again. “See you soon little brother.” The twins smile with a look that Joshua can’t quite pinpoint.

“I can’t tell if that’s just them being playful or planning something. Those two have always been something special.” Joshua stares un-enthusiastically at the twins as they head out.

“Could be worse kid, to me they seem like a pair of immature brats who just like picking on you. I bet they’ll change their tune when I’m done with you.” Draxis brashly laughs. Shaking his head at all three of their antics, Joshua makes his way to Saria and informs her of the news.

“Saria, In a few weeks I’ll be heading to the Blackwood training camp; I’ll need your help to get all my stuff ready. There are a few things that I can’t get a hold of myself.”

“As you command young master, I’ll take care of it.” Saria bows, mildly curious of her masters plans. Making their way back through all the corridors Saria raises her voice curiously. “How did you make a pillow explode?” Her voice quietens as she leans in closer. “Have you unlocked your aura?” Her eyes widen with glee.

Joshua chuckles hesitantly. “Not exactly, clearly that’s what caused the damage but I don’t have full control of it yet.” Saria beams and brings Joshua into a massive hug out of sight of prying eyes.

“I’m so proud of you young master, and I know you mother would be as well.” Saria rustles his hair as they resume walking back.

“Thank you, Saria. That means a lot.” Joshua quietly replies with a soft smile. As with the mention of his mother, a vague look of longing spreads across his face. Eventually they pass through the corridor leading to Joshua’s hallway as the two of them stop in front of his door. Assorted paintings and flora spready throughout

“If you need anything just let me know.” Saria gently bows towards the crimson haired young boy as she heads off to do Serox knows what.

“Thank you.” Joshua waves her off as he enters his room.

Finally, being alone Joshua lets out a massive groan and immediately plops down onto his bed. “Blackwood… Why couldn’t I have been sent back like three years sooner. That would have at least given me more time to prepare for that hellscape.” Joshua rambles aloud laying down on his back as he gazes at the ceiling.

“Better than regressing to when you’re already there, at least you have a few weeks to prepare.” Draxis chuckles trying to lighten the mood.

“I appreciate the mindset Draxis, but it’s more complicated than that. Father expects a lot from his children as ‘we’ have his blood running through our veins.” Sitting back up Joshua continues.

“The eldest Dialos was sent to subdue the monster outbreak at the border and as you can see my other siblings are more focused on their pet projects and wasting their time rather than on the clan itself. As for Blackwood, I just don’t know if two weeks will be enough if things play out like last time.”

“Besides that, if it wasn’t for father our family would have been splintered by now, I mean if my memories serves me right even some of the Overseers want to control the clan. They’re just too afraid of him and instead pull strings over us descendants.” Draxis patiently listens.

“It also doesn’t help with everyone being at each other’s throats. The three eldest siblings all want the patriarch’s position; I don’t think any of them understand the amount of stress and work that title holds.”

“Do you?” Draxis interjects.

“Yeah, I saw a lot while getting progressively treated worse last time around. Father even confided in me a few times before I got exiled. I don’t blame him, I doubt it was his choice. He only wants the best for all of us.” Joshua looks down sullen

“Father killed all but one of his siblings for the position, it left scars on his heart that couldn’t heal. The only one left is his older sister who lives in the neutral territories away from the clan’s drama.”

“Sounds like a normal succession battle to me.” Draxis interjects.

“Not quite, apparently because of what father had to undergo, none of us are allowed to kill each other. He changed the rules; anyone who kills their siblings are disqualified from the succession and will be punished severely; A real leader inspires respect and loyalty from those around him. He doesn’t want us to have to rule through fear.”

“But he went missing in the deadlands and after the humiliation I received from not receiving a sacred name, my siblings started treating me worse. The twins were alright I guess, at least until they had to go out to a real battle field. Something changed when they got back… I really don’t know what.” Joshua sighs.

Everyone just assumed he died due to an illness and didn’t want to bother anyone with it. I suspect it was foul play, but unless I get strong enough to intervene, I can’t do anything about it. The only thing I can remember was that Dialos told me about finding black feathers spread all throughout his campsite.”

Draxis mentally shakes his head, “That’s rough kid, but don’t sweat it. With my help you’ll get stronger in no time. Just focus on keeping the peace for now.”

Cutting Draxis off mid-sentence Joshua remarks curiously, “Why do you keep calling me kid?”

“Well, I’m like 700 years older than you so yeah, you and your entire household are like children to me.”

“Great…” groans Joshua. “Well then Mr. Crimson Dragon, care to explain more about who you are and how our clan was formed?”

“With pleasure, I’ll try to keep it short and sweet for you.” Draxis gleefully begins to telling the story.

“It started around 780 years ago; your founder Durand and my kind clashed against the divine beast of the Zephyr clan and Zarakiel. Scarring the very earth underneath your feet, creating the very mountains and deep crevasses you trek across today. Volcanic eruptions, storms shredding the skies.

There were so many casualties on both sides, that they almost wiped out all of dragon kind. Soon only a few of us remained, Me, Vivantia and Aslandra. As Durand and Zarakiel eventually faced each other in combat. In the final climax mana and aura clashing ferociously against each other threatening to undo the fabric of reality itself.

In the midst of all the chaos that had been rendered in Seteralia, a divine being descended from the heavens and stopped them before everything was rendered into ashes. It’s believed that it was the very aspect of Serox himself forcing the two clans to stop fighting one another binding them under a divine contract.

Durandal would receive the eastern lands and the islands therein and Zephyr would claim the west. Neither party were happy about the interference but they couldn’t do anything to stop him.

They simply split off from one another without a word. Thus, the Holy Order of Serox was established to act as both a broker of peace between the two clans and the surrounding territories alongside being responsible for purging demon kind. After that my knowledge of the Zephyr Clan is muddled.

Because shortly after establishing Durandal, Durand ‘passed away’ due to age old wounds, leaving me at the mercy of his descendants; but ultimately, they didn’t trust me and wanted to use my power for themselves. Eventually they grew fearful of my power and how I refused to bend my will to normal mortals. Like who do they think they are.

“How? Didn’t you say you’re primordial.” Joshua questions.

“The fighting in that war pushed me past my own limits and I was left heavily injured as a result. Hell Vivantia turned on us and allied with demon kind. I don’t even know what happened to Aslandra. We were fighting alongside each other to seal off Vivantia. Just like the three Dragon Sovereigns lost their hold over the world.”

“Do you by any chance remember where you were sealed, when I get stronger, I could probably get permission from father to investigate it quietly?” Joshua questions.

“Pitifully no, after they sealed me away somewhere they most likely lost the location as even you didn’t even know who I was. Hell I believe the Zephyrs did something similar to Zeref, because I don’t exactly sense his presence anymore either.”

Taking in all that new information Joshua pauses before promptly reacting.

“Well then, I wasn’t expecting that. I thought the Order of Serox was only established to combat the resurgence of the demon realm. That would explain the conferences held at The Holy Sepulcher that Seraphina dreaded. She never cared much for politics.” Joshua pauses as his mind flickers to an image of her fallen body. A faint red energy leaks from his mouth as he takes a deep breath. Draxis on the other hand doesn’t seem to notice.

“I honestly wonder how she is doing now; she should be fourteen right now somewhere in the neutral territories. She didn’t like talking much about her past before joining the order. Like me, she ended up in the slums until we finally started traveling all around Seteralia. Well until the order found us.” A hint of annoyance in his voice.

Joshua pauses for a moment as a question comes to mind. “Why did you start talking to me randomly back during the battle with Deimos?”

“Oh yeah that, I’m pretty sure something happened to my body and you were the closest of Durand’s blood to my location. So, I attempted to reach out to you, but that didn’t quite work out now did it.” Draxis chuckles as Joshua rolls his eyes.

“Well, I mean it wasn’t exactly a good time for that; I mean it was a battle of life and death; it’s a miracle he chose to toy around with us. On top of that, there were so many things going on in my head I couldn’t exactly differentiate who was who so I chose to ignore all of it.”

“Shouldn’t your bloodline be spared from demonic influence though through the pact with those Order of Serox people”

“Not exactly, we should have some resistance however. Unlike the saintess I wasn’t immune to the influence of demons at all. I think it had to do with me being branded by the bastard. Which sadly led me to being taken over and watching her die in my arms.” Joshua regretfully looks down.

“In the very least you’ve been given another chance. Not quite sure how, we’ll have to find someone who knows more about time and ask them about it.

“Fair enough, I guess we’ll have to find that out later won’t we though.” Joshua grumbles taking a moment to regather his thoughts as Draxis interjects. “So, we need a game plan; what do you remember about Blackwood’s training site?”

“Well, last time around I got hospitalized before I even got there, so I probably need to avoid that happening. Aside from that, the twins putting me through hell and I’m pretty sure the Commandant having it out for me, I need to avoid getting into too many altercations.”

“Well, I’ll be honest knowing you from reading some of your memories, I severely doubt you’ll avoid getting in trouble, that means you need to get started training now.” Responding in agreement, Joshua sits back up calling out for Saria. Turning around, he notices the pillows on his bed were all brand new. Joshua smiles. “Thanks Saria.”

Walking up to the door Joshua calls out for Saria. “Hey Saria, can you get me permission to use the old training grounds from the old knight commander?”

“I can check for you; I’ll be right back young master.” Saria exclaims on the other side of the door as she heads off.

“She seems to be extremely loyal to you.”

“She always was, she had been assigned to me since I was born by my mother. Well, she was before she was killed in a supposed accident. Joshua’s eyes darken as his tone shifts into something more malicious. “I believe it was inside job from someone in the clan with a vendetta against me. If I find out who took her from me, I swear…” Growling grits through his teeth.

“Calm down kid, now isn’t the time to lose your cool. If you want to protect her, get stronger!” Draxis yells out militaristically. Joshua lets out a sigh. “This may be off topic kid, but I’ve also wanted to ask you why the hell are there two military orders active?”

“If memory serves me right, the knights are from a bygone era, but father doesn’t want to dissolve them. He butted heads with most of the overseers on that matter. He’s a stickler for taking care of and honoring those who dedicated both their hearts and minds to protecting our home.”

Draxis swiftly replies. “So, he rewards loyalty and wishes to honor ‘most’ of the clan’s age-old traditions.”

“Sounds about right to me Draxis, that’s partially why I had such a hard time. I couldn’t understand why, nor did I see a use for the knighthood. But as I grew up, I understood why they did and responded the ways that they did.” Joshua rubs the back of his neck.

“So, how were you trained then, because from what I saw, you fight recklessly it couldn’t have been someone professional.” Draxis mockingly jokes.

“Yeah, that’s more due to my terrible constitution, I couldn’t keep up with my training so I inevitably was left in the dust by everyone else and by that point everyone stopped even trying to train with me.”

Joshua looks down bitterly. “Due to that, I had to supplement my training with cheap shots and deception. Not the most honorable.” Letting out a sigh he pinches his brow.” Well, that and the runes I learned from the Mercenary King herself. I don’t even want to mention what it took for me to even be able to use those damn things.”

Draxis quietly watches on as Joshua rises back to his feet. “I refuse to let any of that happen again; I must get stronger to protect those loyal to me. They all deserved so much better. Draxis teach me!” Joshua’s mind fills with resolve.

“That’s the spirit.” Draxis laughs aloud, “Hopefully that lady gets an answer soon.”

Time passes by as few hours later, as a knock on the door grabs Joshua’s attention. “Young master, Leon has given you permission to use the old training grounds in preparation for your deployment.” A feminine voice echoes through the door.

“Thank you, Saria, you’re the best” Joshua exclaims pulling the door open and embracing her once again.

“I know I am” Reciprocating his affection, she ruffles his hair with a smile. “Someone seems to be in a good mood , have you figured out what you'll doing?”

Joshua nods. “Yeah, I have a lot of work to do to get ready for my deployment.” “That and try not to have a mental breakdown in the process…”

Joshua takes hold of his bag swiftly and grabs hold of her left hand, “Come on” he exclaims. “We’re burning daylight here.” She giggles at him stealing her lines. Stepping of his room the two run into his nicer elder brother; Jeras. Joshua stop in his tracks to speak. His mind reflecting the images he had of his brother from the future.

“Hey little bro,” Jeras greets his little brother while patting his back; “You doing alright after that meeting this morning? I know father wasn’t really in a good mood.” Jeras speaks warmly.

“Yeah, I’m just a little bit nervous about blackwood, but I’m ready to face it head on.” Joshua replies with a hint of self-confidence.

“That’s the spirit: So where are you heading, would you like any assistance getting around?” Jeras shoots him a big smile.

“I’ll be fine; I got permission to train at the old training grounds the knights used to use. It’s a little run down but it’ll be fine.”

“Well then, since my little brother is finally starting to take his training seriously, I guess I have to watch.” Jeras cheekily grins.

“The more the merrier,” Saria pipes up.

As they walk down the halls, Joshua strikes up a conversation regarding Jeras’s plight. “So big bro, how goes it in the deadlands?” Joshua questions vying for information.

“It’s a bit complicated; knights and villagers have been going missing. Food has been getting scarce, as well as the monster attacks. And there have also been mysterious rumors going around about necromancy being involved.”

“Necromancy?” Joshua racks through his brain “Something about that seems familiar but I can’t quite put my finger on it. Hm”.

“Don’t sweat it little bro. I’ve got it under control; you just focus on your training so you can come help your big brother.” Jeras cheerfully dotes on him with a smile.

“Sounds like a plan.” Joshua flips his hair as he runs his left hand through it.

Eventually finishing their chat, everyone makes their way to the old training grounds. “Master Jeras, and young master Joshua” an older knight nods to the brothers.

“I had some of the squires clean up out here for your training young master. If you need anything come and find me, I’ll be out monitoring the perimeter.” The older knight beckons Joshua towards the training ground.

“So, this is a throwback. How quaint.” Joshua chuckles looking around at all the training supplies “This is definitely a relic of the past, since the training sites outside of here were made to start training monster killers rather than traditional knights. Reminds me of the Order of Serox’s training grounds that Seraphina showed me years ago.” Joshua sighs.

“I guess I should get started then” Joshua mumbles as he runs off from Saria and Jeras and begins running around the track to warm up his body.

“He’s just full of energy isn’t he.” States a worn-out Jeras.

“I’m genuinely surprised, he had just been spending his days just sitting in his room reading and honestly moping around. I was just having to force him to go outside a few weeks ago. I’m not sure what changed but I’m glad to see it, after all he kind of reminds me of you when you were his age.” Laughs Saria.

“I wouldn’t quite say that, I was always a handful for my steward; Makes me wonder what he’s doing now. I haven’t seen him in quite a few years since he retired.” Jeras sighs recollecting his past. As they get busy talking about the past, Joshua gets busy doing laps around the field. “This body needs so much work,” Joshua exhales raggedly catching his breath as he finishes another lap. Sweat pours down from his brow soaking his underclothes.

“I knew your body needed work, but this is going to take a while. You’re lucky I know a work around being inside you, I can internally affect your muscles and aura network myself while you continue your own training.”

“Draxis, that’s great and all, but what’s this breathing technique you were talking about earlier? I’m struggling to catch my breath right now.”

“Just sit down and relax for a moment. I’ll show you.” His draconic teachers voice echoes in his mind.

Joshua finally stops running, deciding to take a breather as he sits down near an old willow tree closing his eyes. soon after, Draxis directs his mind into his aura network.

“Take deep breaths Joshua, remember that feeling of aura swirling around your body.” Joshua spends a few minutes remembering the sensation from his adult body, then finally starts sensing the aura cores within his own body. Everything was overlayed on top of one another and disjointed. “What the hell is this mess; Is this why I was screwed up last time… By Serox. This isn’t fair...”

“Don’t look so down kid I’ve got a plan, just keep working on your stamina and swordsmanship. I’ll guide you in your training and we’ll fix your problem as much as we can.

“I hope so… you’re the only chance I’ve got. I didn’t realize how badly that curse has been affecting my body." Joshua sighs to himself as he saw inside himself in a way he never could before.

Eventually a couple weeks pass, as Joshua sticks by the same routine: Wake up, train, meditate, eat well, sleep, and repeat. From dawn till dusk not wasting even a minute of time. As time went on, Saria had been busy packing Joshua’s things and getting everything ready for his departure to Blackwood.

Thankfully his body has been very receptive to the training its undergone and with Draxis’s guidance, he looks like a brand-new man/teenager. Reaching a level it he could only have dreamed to have as he entered Blackwood in his previous life.

All of the life experience in training his body was finally paying off, He knew most basic sword forms and breathing routines to exponentially increase his training time. However, there were limits; He was back in a child’s body, so his growth was stunted.

Ultimately, his training time ran out and before he knew it only a day remained, and soon he had to begin his journey to Blackwood. On top of that, before he could ask any further questions; Jeras had already headed out. He ended up leaving to hopefully make some more progress on his expedition.

As Joshua swings his sword back and forth, his mind races. “Draxis” his mind rumbles. “So, what do you think so far, think I’ve made enough progress to attempt that ritual you were telling me about earlier?”

“Not quite, you’ve made great leaps and bounds but if you tried it right now your bodies aura would surely tear itself to pieces and you’d die.”

“Well, that’s just reassuring. I guess today will be my last day of freedom.” Joshua chuckles as he drops onto the training ground his hands lifted into the air.

“I wonder what hell actually awaits me this time. At least this time I should be able to stand my ground; however, the Commandant and…, he’s a different kind of monster altogether.” Joshua sweat drops just thinking about the commandant’s right-hand man. The visage of an old man with gray hair shudders through his mind.

“Just keep your mouth shut. No need to stir up unnecessary trouble.” Draxis bluntly reiterates.

“I can try Draxis, however my life is chock full of unnecessary trouble.” Joshua smiles as he stands back up chuckling, ready to head inside to clean himself up. Shortly after getting up, he makes his way back inside passing the old knight thanking him for keeping the training grounds in decent shape. “Thank you, Geofry.”

The old knight smiles at Joshua remembering the patriarch when he was a just a young lad. “Like father, like son.” He chuckles looking at the young boy’s frame remembering what he looked like when he had first started two weeks ago. “He’s just as tall as his father was now, I wonder if he’ll be a lady killer just like his old man as well.”

Eventually making it back to his quarters the sun had finally set and heads to his washrooms. Stripping himself of his armor he proceeds to take a good look at his progress not quite noticing the difference in height. Looking at himself in the mirror he visualizes both aspects of himself and admiring the muscles his lean body has developed over the past week and smiles to himself.

“I’m only just getting started.” Clenching his fist together, his neck muscles flex themselves as well. Letting out a breath of relief, he walks over and lowers himself into the hot steaming tub Saria prepared for him and finally lets his muscles and mind relax as he'd been taking cold showers all week.